In the Attic – Child's Winter Ensemble

A favorite museum item of mine is the child’s winter cape in the “Four Seasons of Fun” exhibit. It is amazing to think of the skill that went into sewing this piece – all so that a toddler could go out in the cold and snow! ~ BHS Docent, 1799 Cobb House Museum

Child’s Winter Ensemble from the 1800’s from the BHS permanent collection show a wool cape with handmade lace and tiny embroidered detail; a hat with earmuffs made of black velvet, gray wool trim and a button on top; and a muff and mittens for keeping hands warm. These came from the Captain Foster house on Main St., Brewster.

Photo courtesy of Diane and Stephen Jones

The Eddy sisters; Mary-Louise, Jean, and Ruth from the mid-1920’s, enjoying the Cape Cod wintertime in much the same way as their Brewster forebears must have in the previous century!

In the Attic – Ice Skates

In the Brewster at Play gallery exhibit are two pairs of ice skates. It’s fun to imagine Brewster children of yesteryear enjoying ice skating on the many frozen ponds. Probably while parents were ice fishing or harvesting ice nearby. ~ BHS Docent, 1799 Cobb House Museum

By 1866, ice skating became so popular that it was considered the “national winter exercise.” People of all ages could enjoy ice skating for the cost of a pair of skates, which was as low as 35c.

Gift of Mrs. Olive Doyle

This pair are late 18th or early 20th century. These were found in the Harris - Black House (currently located at Windmill Village), probably made by a member of the family as they owned and operated a forge. They are made of iron, wood and leather.

As we prepare for the 2020 Brewster holidays, we thought you would like to see how you might have fulfilled your festive planning days during a long ago December. 

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In the Attic – Antique Yoke

It has been my privilege and pleasure to occasionally show visitors around the Harris-Black house. My favorite part of the tour is helping people realize what life was like for the families that lived in the house in the late 18th to early 20th century. If there is one artifact that makes that point most strongly it would have to be the yoke. The idea of having to carry water for everything that water is needed for makes a powerful impression. ~ BHS Docent, 1795 Harris-Black House Museum

1795 Harris-Black House

John Harris, a “seafaring man",” and wife Sarah paid five pounds eight shillings for three acres of woodland and built this sixteen foot square house. They had six children. To our knowledge, of the many small early houses believed to have existed throughout the Cape, only one has survived. First used as a homestead dwelling, as it passed down through generations it was later used as a cranberry storeroom and a small forge. The house was eventually moved to its present location and restored by John MacKenzie. The BHS maintains it as part of the Windmill Village.

Click here to view our video tour of the historic Harris-Black House!

In the Attic – 1880s Brewster Map

One of my favorite pieces is the old map of Brewster on the second floor.  As a docent, I found that people were fascinated to see exactly where they were in relation to the entire town, and the Cobb name on the map.  I did too!! ~ BHS Docent, Cobb House Museum

Map of Brewster, MA c. 1860s shows original property owners names of the period, rather than addresses. The railroad came through in 1865 connecting Harwich and Brewster. The tracks intersected with Main Street just east of Crosby Lane. It is part of the Brewster Historical Society research room at the Cobb House Museum. Research queries are handled by volunteers in the order they are received. Supervised research will be by appointment only.

In the Attic - Sea Captain's Medicine Chest

One of my favorite artifacts in the Cobb House is the sea captain’s personal medicine chest.  I admire the design and function, but most of all, the fine workmanship of the impressive mahogany chest.  A bonus is the chest also contains 3 original items: epsom salts, hartshorn,  and turkey rhubarb, named for the route taken from China before its journey to America.  Another remarkable item on exhibit at the Cobb House Museum!
~ BHS Docent

This elegant mahogany chest belonged to Capt. William Freeman of Brewster (1820 – 1911).  It may have been for personal use only; however, early ship’s captains administered medical advice. His medicine chest included a book with symptoms that refer to numbered bottles and the strength of dosages. The donor of this chest was the last surviving child of Capt. Freeman. She was born when he was seventy and passed away in 1976.
~ Bequest of Phebe Freeman Focht

William Freeman commanded ships Maine, Undaunted, Kingfisher, Monsoon, Mogul, Ocean King, and Jabez Howes. On the 1874 passage of the Mogul from Liverpool to San Francisco the cargo of coal took fire by spontaneous combustion on July 26. After two weeks they abandoned ship and took to three life boats with 27 men. After 12 days they all reached the Marquesas 2100 miles away. Rescued by a small sloop they were transported to Nukahioa and then by schooner to Tahiti. After four months they were returned to San Francisco.