The cultural and societal value of history cannot be overstated. Whether it is our family histories, national or even global histories, and yes, local history, it tells us who we are, where we’ve been, and aids us as we plan our futures.
The Massachusetts Historical Commission, under whose guidance all local historical commissions are charged, provides cities and towns with directives for archiving local history. One of the single-most important aspects of work performed by local commissions is documenting a town’s historical assets. The process of collecting data and then formatting it for inclusion on the state’s commission website is no small task. It requires expertise in architecture, history, and how to navigate aged documents to extrapolate significant data in a building or site’s progression through time.
Lynn Smiledge has been engaged by the commission, and has for more than a year, been unearthing Mattapoisett’s long history as told by its old buildings and other locations. On March 29 she gave a presentation that thoroughly explained her work thus far. Smiledge discussed how architectural styles date a building while deeds, marriage certificates, and death notices can tell the hidden stories therein.
Smiledge’s work is being funded by Mattapoisett’s Community Preservation fund as supported by the town at Town Meeting. Phase One is complete; Phase Two is in process and
Phase Three is seeking Community Preservation funding. The full report and presentation is available on the town’s website.
Identification and documentation of historic resources is the foundation of community. The goal of the survey was to document representative historic resources from major themes in the development of Mattapoisett including agricultural, maritime, commercial, institutional, and an undocumented resource from an underrepresented community. The survey thoroughly documented 112 properties, which included three area forms and 75 individual resources. Additionally, five properties were recommended as eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
The inventory forms have been submitted to the Massachusetts Historical Commission where they are in the process of being scanned and placed on an easily accessible database, MACRIS. (Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System). The forms will also be available in hard copy at the Mattapoisett Public Library and on the Mattapoisett Historical Commission website.
A Historic Property Survey Plan, completed in January of 2023, identified approximately 300 high priority resources. The Historical Commission is currently moving forward with Phase Two of the survey and has contracted with Lynn Smiledge to document an additional 100 resources. The commission has applied for another CPA grant to continue with the next phase of research and documentation. A warrant article for the next phase is planned for the Spring Town meeting in May.
Smiledge has also identified Homestead Court and Barlow Cemetery as sites of historic significance. Many throughout the community are aware that the cemetery contains the remains of Revolutionary Soldiers. But the military significance of this neighborhood (Barlow Cemetery and Homestead Court situated close by one another) may not be as evident.
The residential homes were built for the benefit of WWII veterans, and the cemetery is the final resting place for local soldiers who participated in securing independence for our country.
Smiledge notes of the cemetery that while the grounds and fencing are in pretty good condition. The grave markers, headstones and such are in seriously poor condition. They need cleaning and conservation.
The cemetery was deeded in 1789 to Rochester’s Second Precinct, aka Mattapoisett.
Architectural features now documented by Smiledge are Cape Cod (1700-1840), Federal (1780-1820), Gothic Revival (1840-1880), Greek Revival (1830-1850), Italianate (1850-1880), Second Empire (1855-1885), Queen Anne (1800-1900), Shingle (1880-1900), and Colonial Revival (1880-1955). She pointed out the addresses of homes, primarily in the village area that feature specific styles.
Here’s an idea, why not take the children (or just yourself) on a walking tour uncovering the types of buildings there are in town. Who knows. Maybe one day your homes will be added to the survey.
Mattapoisett Historical Commission
By Marilou Newell