During our explorations of Cape Cod, we visited the town of Brewster ( on the Cape Cod Bay side, just above the "elbow"). First settled in 1656 as the northeastern parish of the town of Harwich, it was named after Elder William Brewster, the first religious leader of Plymouth Colony. By 1693, Brewster had separated from Harwich, but did not officially incorporate until 1803. The first water-powered grist and woolen mill in the U.S., Stony Brook, was constructed here in the late 17th century, resulting in a phenomenal population growth (many of whom were rich sea captains). Because of the wealth coming into the town, many beautiful mansions were built here ( some of which have now been turned into Inns). One of the most beautiful mansions was constructed in 1888 by Albert Crosby (who had made his money in distilled alcohol, much of which was sold to the military). This 35 room home, named "Tawasentha" (from Longfellow's poem, "The Song of Hiawatha") housed one of the finest art galleries on Cape Cod. The Duke of Wales, Helen Keller, and Samuel Clemens all stayed in the Crosby Mansion. Other notables that have summered in Brewster include singer Minnie Ripton and her producer/husband Dick Rudolph, and Samuel M. Nickerson, President of the First National Bank of Chicago. Brewster is such a lovely town that we could have stayed here forever. However, we could barely afford a parking space here, let alone some of its gorgeous houses.
Welcome to the town of Brewster.
The Old Town Hall now houses the Council on Aging.
Helen Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan, spent several summers in the late 1800's in Brewster, often staying at the Crosby Mansion.
The 35 room Crosby Mansion, built in 1888 by Albert Crosby, was often visited by such notables as the Duke of Wales and 'Mark Twain' (Samuel Clemens). It is home to one of the finest collections of art on Cape Cod.
Another beautiful summer home is this one built by Samuel M. Nickerson, President of the First National Bank of Chicago.
The Stony Brook grist and woolen mill was the first water-powered mill built in the U.S.and resulted in an explosion of growth for the town.
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