Untitled Document

Simple Beginnings

For just about as long as there has been a town, there have been associations of its citizens coming together to pursue and promote shared interests. 50 years ago, an association was formed that continues to grow and thrive today, the Harwich Historical Society. This year, 2003, is a special year for the society, and marks an important milestone in the organization’s history. It is a proud achievement to mark this passage of time, admire what has been done and accomplished, and to know that the future holds abundant potential for the Harwich Historical Society.

The simple beginnings of the society were reported on the front page of the Central Cape Press, March 19, 1953, under a column announcing in bold-faced type “Harwich Historical Society Enrolls 28 Charter Members.”

"Mrs. Leslie V. Nickerson of Harwich Port was elected president of the newly organized Harwich Historical Society at their meeting March 16 in the Recreation building. Elected to serve with Mrs. Nickerson was Mrs. Wilbur Crowell, first vice president; Mrs. J. Howard Doane, second vice president, and Miss Lina. A. Mayo, secretary.

Other officers are auditor, Mrs. Amy Davis; custodian, Mrs. A. Preston Doane, Jr.; research chairman John H. Paine; program chairman, Alfred Hunt; landmark chairman, Winslow B. Sawyer; and hospitality chairman, Mrs. Asahel E. Drake.

Mrs. Drake, temporary chairman, presided at the meeting. By-laws were presented by the committee, Mrs. Lyman. F. Mears, Mrs. Nickerson, and Mrs. Eugene Nickerson, and accepted.

Objectives of the society are the collection, ownership and preservation of articles of historical interest, providing a suitable place to house such articles, and the marking of places of historic interest in the town of Harwich.

Twenty-eight charter members who registered at the Monday night meeting were Mr. & Mrs. Asahel J. Drake, Miss Mary D. Hentz, Mrs. Arthur M. Nichols, Mrs. Mears, Mrs. George W. Maxwell, Mrs. Eva. A. Bassett, Mrs. Leslie Nickerson, Mrs. Alice C. Morris, Mrs. Minnie Ellis Dunbar, Mr.& Mrs. Eugene F. Nickerson, Miss Mayo, Mrs. Ralph H. Snow, Mrs. Ralph F. Gorham, Miss Ida. M. Taylor, Mrs. Amy B. Davis, Mrs. Caroline T. Crosby, Mrs. George F. Tripp, Ethelle M. Condon, Annie L. Chase, Mr. Paine, Winslow B. Sawyer, William J. Abbott, Howard C. Cahoon, Alfred L. Hunt, James Baldwin, and Earle Bassett.”