Michael J. Vieira PhD - A Brief History of Wareham: The Gateway to Cape Cod

Published by The History Press

Charleston, SC 29403

www.historypress.net

Copyright 2014 by Michael J. Vieira

All rights reserved

Front cover: Images courtesy of the Wareham Free Library collection.

First published 2014

e-book edition 2014

ISBN 978.1.62585.014.0

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Vieira, Michael J.

A brief history of Wareham, Massachusetts : gateway to the Cape / Michael J. Vieira, PhD ; introduction by Angela M. Dunham.

pages cm

Includes bibliographical references and index.

print edition ISBN 978-1-62619-480-9

1. Wareham (Mass.)--History. I. Title.

F74.W28V54 2014

974.482--dc23

2014014396

Notice: The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. It is offered without guarantee on the part of the author or The History Press. The author and The History Press disclaim all liability in connection with the use of this book.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form whatsoever without prior written permission from the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

To Audrey: Thanks for making history with me since 1973.

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Although Ive often driven through Wareham, spent some time in the neighborhood (mostly at Tobey Hospital) when I was camp director of Cachalot Scout Reservation and did some shopping and dining in the town, I never really appreciated the history and people until now.

Thanks to Angela M. Dunham for her tour of the Wareham Historical Society sites and for agreeing to write the introduction to this book. I also appreciate the encouragement and support of Claire Smith, coordinator of the Wareham Summer of Celebration, and her committee.

Although there have been some excellent histories of Wareham, it took some searching to verify the old and add the new. The archives in the Stone Room at the Wareham Free Library were invaluable. The staff members were welcoming, and the original documents, especially photographs and postcards that youll find in the text from that collection, really assisted in making the past come alive.

The nameless folks who have scanned and/or transcribed documents so that they are available via the Internet also deserve appreciation. Although the papers and files of the library were tremendous resources, the ability to access original materials from centuries past in the middle of the night online made this work less burdensome and, I hope, more valuable because of its primary sources.

Its important to give credit to the work done by Raymond A. Rider, Lynda Ames, Dr. James Rufus Lincoln and my Facebook friends who are part of the Wareham, Massachusetts: The Greatest Town on Earth group. Noble Warren Everetts History of Wareham, the online resources provided by Richard Griffith, the publications from the 200th and 250th anniversary celebrations and the Images of America: Wareham book by Susan Pizzolato and Ames all provided a great deal of information and support.

None of this would have been possible without the encouragement and support of J. North Conway. Jack has been a great person to write with, and his generosity in recommending me to author this book is truly impressive. He also connected me with Tris Coburn, who now serves as my literary agent, and with whom I hope to continue to work on future books and projects.

A writer needs the support of his family and friends, and I have been blessed with an amazing wife, Audrey, and wonderful kids, Anne and her husband, Al, and Jon and his friend Taylor. Theyve put up with my hours upstairs at the keyboard, and Audrey came along on more than one road trip to explore areas of Wareham and Onset. I also cannot imagine working on a project like this without having outstanding, long-term friends with whom I can relieve the stress. You know who you are, and you know youve become family. I appreciate it.

Thanks also go to Tabitha Dulla, commissioning editor; Julia Turner, project editor; and Dani McGrath, Northeast sales representative, from The History Press. They and their team have provided the resources needed to make this book a reality. I hope you enjoy it and learn a little more about the Gateway to the Cape. I know that I did.

MICHAEL J. VIEIRA, PHD

INTRODUCTION

FROM THE CHAIR OF THE WAREHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Wareham has a remarkably rich history, which the Wareham Historical Society proudly works to preserve and promote.

The Wareham Historical Society, which is a private organization and not run by town government, owns five buildings.

The Fearing Tavern, where town business was discussed and planned, was also a stagecoach stop. The Captain John Kendrick Maritime Museum honors a man who explored the Oregon Territory and was the first to start trade with Japan. His second in command, Captain Gray, was the first to sail the American flag around the world.

The Wareham Historical Societys three other buildings are the Methodist Meetinghouse (circa 1835), the Great Neck Schoolhouse (circa 1825) and the Great Neck Union Chapel (circa 1880). These buildings are open on weekends during the summer and by appointment.

Warehams history starts with Native Americans harvesting shellfish from our beautiful shores and native cranberries from our land. Our town seal has the words Nepinnae Kekit, which means Summer Home.

Colonial settlement began with the Agawam Purchase, which is documented in The Proprietors Book, dating back to 1685. Resilient colonists endured hardships and used our plentiful natural resources to survive and thrive. Cotton, iron and gristmills provided employment in a melting-pot community.

Shipbuilding was a thriving business bringing skilled craftsmen and investors to Warehams waterfront. Saltworks also sprang up along our shores, contributing to Warehams early beginnings. The cranberry industry grew after the decline of the local iron industry, and it remains an important part of our community today.

The beautiful village of Onset has historically been a source of community pride. Travelers discovered our scenic shores in the early 1800s, when Onset became a nationally known retreat, and its shores attract many tourists each summer.

Wareham has been a community of hardworking people of many nationalities adapting to the changing times. Family names on local buildings and landmarks are a reminder of those who worked to improve the quality of life in our community.

It is important to preserve our historic homes and landmarks because they are what make our communitys identity unique. They are what give our cities and towns character and charm, setting us apart from the rest. These places commemorate our proud heritage of strength and perseverance.

ANGELA M. DUNHAM

Wareham Historical Commission Chair

Wareham Historical Society President

THE SUMMER HOME

As the sun rose, it sparkled on the water, which seemed to go on forever. The native peoples undoubtedly found peace here on the shore of their summer home, or nepinnae kekit. The men fished, the boys searched for shellfish and the girls and women smoked yesterdays fish and prepared tonights meal. A cool wind blew softly through the pines, and for thousands of years, all was well.

For what most historians estimate as more than ten thousand years, the Wampanoagsor People of the First Light, also sometimes known as People of the Dawnlived in the region that is now better known as southeastern New England. Their nation spanned from Wessagusset, now known as Weymouth, to Pokanocket, which is now Bristol and Warren, Rhode Island. Their lands included all of what are today Cape Cod and the islands of Natocket and Noepe, better known as Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket.