If it’s Sunday morning, then you’ll usually find Leo and me at Paul’s Bean and Bagel in the Sandwich Village. But this is after we do our miles. Walking in our historic Town Center is a delight that I never tire of and never take for granted.
Historic preservation has deep roots in Sandwich. Our original historic district inlcuded only the immediate town center and was one of the first historic districts in the United States. In Massachusetts I believe the Beacan Hill Historic District in Boston was first, Nantucket was second, and I’m proud to say that Sandwich was third. This all occurred in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s.
During the Cape’s first growth spurt in the 1960’s a unique historic preservation concept was formed. A belief that the approaches and areas surrounding an historic site or building are important in preserving the ambiance of that historic site or building. And that this really didn’t recognize town borders. That a regional approach was necessary to preserve our unique architecture and towns. Cape Cod residents at that time became acutely aware of the responsibilty of preserving historic features of some of the oldest communities in America. (Sandwich the oldest town on Cape Cod was founded in 1637.) This lead to the formation of the Old King’s Highway District, which ran from the Cape Cod Canal in Bourne to Provincetown and encompassed every town along Route 6-A. It was the largest and most complex Historic District in the United States.
If you think that this was excessive. When you’re visiting Cape Cod, compare growth and development along Route 6-A to the north with that of Route 28 to the south. Residents in the northern part of Cape Cod observed the southern growth pattern and had no desire to repeat it.
By the way, a big thank you to the ever patient planning consultant, Philip B. Herr, a MIT professor and pioneer planner who helped design the initial district. I’ve lost touch with him, but he should be remembered for his efforts.
So please come to Sandwich and visit our Town Center and enjoy the historic ambiance. The Bean and Bagel is a great place for a cup of coffee and bowl of chili. There are always local newspapers to read. If you see a couple at the corner window table passionately debating an article, it might just be me and Leo!
