Over the Bridge

Open for Business (make that pleasure…)

As we enter Spring, the ritual of opening Cape Cod Cottages begins. I keep my place open year round, but many of my neighbors are more traditional seasonal residents, closing for the winter and dusting off their cottage sometime in April or May.

This time of year calls for many needed tasks to be performed in order to be “summer ready.” For those of us brave enough to try to have a lawn on Cape Cod, fertilizing, raking and dethatching are sorely needed.  Other tasks include converting storm windows to screens, cleaning out gutters, checking for any unwanted house guests a.k.a. critters, cleaning the barbecue, and washing lawn furniture to name a few. This past weekend I performed all of the above in addition to many others. However, for me, the most dreaded of all spring chores has to be getting the outdoor shower ready.

Over the winter I completely dismantle the unit shut off the water. Easy enough. However turning the water on or off entails climbing into my ¼ cellar, a real house of horrors. I am fortunate because half of my house has a “full” basement. This houses the heating system electrical and much needed storage.

The other half has your typical Cape Cod ½ cellar, or in my case, a ¼ cellar. To gain access to the pipes I have to remove a portion of my deck (fortunately I have a removable hatch installed.) After removing the hatch there is an opening roughly 3x3 to enter into.

You cannot be claustrophobic to perform this task, as it is very tight quarters. This I can deal with reasonably. The bigger issue is wondering if there are any critters looming in the murky midst of the cellar. When I pull open the access way and try to grease myself to fit (feet first) into the opening, I often wonder what will be greeting me on the other side. I hold my breath and shimmy through the dark opening.

It takes me a minute or so to adjust to the dimness of my surroundings. I pass over the same pile of old magazines and newspapers left by the former owners, each year vowing to remove them, but yet still tentative to see what is under them. The smell of the dirt and must is strong and I think I am hearing noises. I grope to find the valves to turn the water on only to be blanketed with a large spider web. Next, I have to crawl to the far of the cellar to reach the outside faucet. Not so pleasant a journey on my knees.

After hearing the water pipes fire up, it’s time to exit the hole real quickly.  I consider it another successful season – escaping the hole without encountering any winter visitors.

I turn on the shower, but find the dial is not aligned with hot and cold. Next, onto the hotline to my plumber friend who tries in vain to make me a plumber for the next few minutes.

After finally getting everything accomplished, it’s time to take a break and remember why I bought the place – to relax.

As I am sitting in my living room, I close my eyes for a moment, relieved that the bulk of my seasonal chores are done. My relaxation is interrupted by a scratching noise coming from the living room ceiling. Do I dare venture into the attic? Maybe next season.

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Does off Cape mean off base?

I was recently talking with a business associate and our conversation turned to Cape Cod. He resided in Sandwich and his job was in sales, which took him all over Massachusetts. Over lunch, we talked about the Cape and decided we both shared a common bond in our passion for the peninsula.

Initially, our conversation was gratifying and civil. We talked about our favorite beaches, restaurants, hidden gems on the Cape and several other topics. As our discussion evolved, we gravitated toward more delicate issues regarding the Cape including the lack of good jobs, scarcity of summer workers, crime, Cape Wind, protected space, etc.I'm not sure if full time Cape residents are more resentful of the part time population, or they really believe they have a better, more informed opinion.

 As we delved deeper into more political/issue related topics, he hit me hard (and out of the blue...) He claimed I didn't have a "true" perspective on many of the issues because I did not live on the Cape full time. Furthermore, he said my views didn't really carry the same weight as a full time, year round resident.

I let him expel his points until he was done.  I asked him why my opinion held less value and weight than his. I noted that despite not being a full time Cape Codder, I spend quite a lot of time there, and not just in the summer months, but all year. I have eyes, ears and a brain, and have been keenly observant to the happenings on Cape Cod.

 Granted, I don't sleep there every night, but I also do not just spend one week a year there either. Additionally, as a property owner, I pay the same taxes he does. A thinly veiled argument could be made in that I'm getting short changed, as my taxes are equal to his, but I don't consume as many resources as he does.

Our banter continued with no resolution as to whose perspective was more in line.

After the meeting, I thought about his remarks. Can someone not have the same weight on issues and opinions if they live in a place only part time?  I'm not sure if full time Cape residents are more resentful of the part time population, or they really believe they have a better, more informed opinion.

I recently wrote about the Cape Wind project on CCT and one comment posted was:

"you probably should have read the 1,642 Blog Posts, the 213 Articles and 3,625 separate comments which have appeared on cc2day on this subject before you entered a seven-year old fray. Try the search engine the next time."

As I thought of this poster's rationale, I chuckled. I thought, gee, it's still an issue, it's still is a controversy, and it's still an opinion.

How many articles have been written on abortion? Capital punishment? Gay marriage? Gun control? These are decade old debates, but still debates. Should one not comment on these subjects because they are old?  Should they not be pursued because these old "frays" have already been commented on? Is this guy kidding?

Is ignorance bliss or do full time residents really feel a higher sense of entitlement because of their residency status? Aren't the taxes and money spent by part time residents on the Cape still important and still vital to the local economy? Isn't my dollar worth the same as theirs?

Doesn't the contractor I hired on the Cape derive a benefit from me? What about the local landscaper? The local hardware store? The local restaurants? All the local small business I patronize?

I think it's time to recognize that any contributions to the betterment of Cape Cod (whether monetary or otherwise) are of note. That people can have the same passion for the livelihood and preservation of the Cape despite their residency status. Let's look at the big picture and recognize that generally speaking, we are all on the same page. We all want for the good of the Cape. We may all take different roads to get there, but as long as we all arrive with good intentions, the greater good should and will prevail.

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Major League Baseball Puts the Squeeze Play on the Cape Cod Baseball League

My blood is boiling. The expression "are you s****ing me?" comes to mind. I am tired of the greed in this country, especially from big business. Oil companies are reaping record profits. The Enron, WorldCom, Adelphia and Tyco pilfering scandals speak for themselves. Now it appears Major League Baseball (MLB) wants their piece of the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL.)

It seems that MLB feels that the league is infringing on their trademark team names and wants shared revenue derived from the sale of merchandise bearing their names such as the Chatham "A's," Hyannis "Mets," and the Yarmouth-Dennis "Red Sox." Other teams in the league like the Falmouth Commodores have their own distinct names unrelated to Major League Baseball.

MLB wants all uniforms and related merchandise bearing any MLB name to be purchased through approved MLB vendors, ultimately so the can "reap" a whopping 11% royalty on goods sold. Currently, the CCBL uses local merchants for uniforms and merchandise production, and if agreed, the local vendors would be replaced by licensed MLB vendors.  

The rub is that MLB contributes a $100,000 grant to the league (which is primarily run by unpaid volunteers) and that would be in jeopardy if an agreement is not reached.

The CCBL has been around for decades. All of a sudden MLB wants a share of the Cape League? I guess I am getting an education on the CCBL, because I didn't know what a lucrative enterprise it was. Doesn't MLB make enough without picking the pockets of a small independent summer league? Is the incremental revenue really needed by Major League baseball?

As a side note, MLB also reaps other significant benefits from CCBL - FUTURE EMPLOYEES.

According to CCBL's website:

• Four of Top Five Draft Choices (projected by USA Today) are Cape Cod Baseball League Veterans
• 1 in 7 of all MLB players (1244) played in the CCBL
• 1 of 3 MLB players who played in college (515) played in the CCBL
• 197 CCBL players on MLB rosters in 2004
• There are over 1,000 former CCBL players in the majors today.

So providing a forum for approximately 1/3 of THEIR future players isn't enough? Wouldn't MLB WANT their teams represented? I think it's a safe assumption that everyone can make the distinction that the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox are not the Boston Red Sox.

And for those of you who will claim it's MLB's protected trademark and they are entitled to royalties derived from their name and likeness - true, but realistically hogwash. Let's be real here. It's a college summer league, similar to my son's Little League Team, the Braves.

My anger stems from the fact that the Cape League is like the Cape itself, is unique. It has a long tradition. But more so, because it is one of the few family oriented, inexpensive and fun events to attend.

I went to my first CCBL game last summer, subsequently followed by a dozen more. Approaching the gate, I had my wallet out for admission - there was none. I was given a program and line-up for each team. I was surprised. Heck, I have to pay admission to get into my son's freshman wrestling meets.

The only real solicitation for donations I experienced was a can (literally) passed around the bleachers, a 50/50 raffle, merchandise sales and a snack bar.

I never saw my children the whole game, they were involved in games of their own with a few dozen other kids they had met. The old time atmosphere and friendliness was infectious. A great game, great sportsmanship and an overall great time. And now MLB wants its piece.

So my outrage prompted me to come up with a resolution. Like they say, if you're not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Here is my proposal:

• 1. Dump all association with Major League Baseball. Nobody cares anyway.
• 2. Charge Admission. There are roughly 225 games per year including the All Star game and playoffs. If the league charged a nominal $1.50 per person admission (Still a great deal) and assuming a conservative 300 people attended per game, revenue would be $101,250.00 - making up the deficit lost from the MLB grant. I don't think charging an admission would taint the league or the experience. As a patron myself, I'd expect to pay something to help the cause. And for anyone who has been to a game, I think they'd gladly pay admission to support the prosperity of the league, and ultimately lending to its independence.
• 3. Come up with new team names, unique to the league. I bet they would sell more merchandise if the team name was Cape related (like the Brewster Whitecaps.) I bought a Y-D Red Sox cap last year. I didn't buy it because of the word "Sox' on it. I bought it because it was a CCBL cap.
• 4. To further save money, I am willing to release all consultative rights for providing new names for the affected teams. Name changes I suggest:

Chatham A's to The Chatham Coastliners

Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox to The Yarmouth-Dennis Corsairs (a Pirate operating in the Mediterranean.)

Harwich Mariners to The Harwich Harbormasters

Orleans Cardinals to The Orleans Fleet

Hyannis Mets to The Hyannis Cosmopolitans

I would encourage the CCBL to stand firm and not roll over and cede to the bullying of MLB. The league has a great following, and I know the good folks of Cape Cod would rally to replace any deficits created by the loss of any Major League grants. Despite any legal entitlements MLB does have, it's the principle of the argument. The money they will get from merchandise sales would be a pebble on the beach compared to their overall gross revenue. Conversely, the CCBL would be far more damaged by the loss of revenue, and the displacement of local businesses. MLB Commissioner Bud Selig recently reported in 2007 that "Major League Baseball has never been healthier financially." IN 2007, MLB generated a record $6.075 B-I-L-L-I-O-N in gross revenue. Hey Bud, I bought a Y-D Red Sox cap last summer. Where should I send the $1.75?

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Cape Wind - Which way should the wind blow?

I was very hesitant in reflecting about this controversial topic - a departure from my typical sunny, feel good Cape Cod subjects. But with all the upcoming meetings and debates concerning the project, I thought I'd weigh in...or not.

Before the would be blog assassins skewer me on misguided facts about this important topic, a note of disclosure; I don't know much about the project, nor do I know where I stand. Perhaps readers will lend some enlightenment to this debate.

First, I love Cape Cod - the best place on the planet. I'm confident in saying I'd do anything to preserve its essence. Secondly, I love the environment, and would like that to be preserved as well. I practice what I preach to a certain degree. I've changed all my light bulbs to energy saving ones. I don't use plastic bags anymore. I drink a lot of Dunkin Donuts coffee, and I now use a refillable travel mug instead of wasting styrofoam cups. I recycle. Nothing monumental, but I figure if everyone did the little things to start, the benefits would multiply. I may not be green yet, but a shade of olive perhaps.

Now with the proposed Wind Farm on Nantucket Sound, I find myself in a quandary. I don't know how I feel about it.

I remember traveling in Palm Springs some years ago, and coming upon a sea of wind turbines scattered across the desert. Thinking back, it really didn't bother me, but then again, it wasn't in the middle of Cape Cod.

From the little I've read, the project is scheduled for completion in 2009. It is proposed to be a 24-square-mile project five miles off the shore of the Cape with 130 wind turbines standing 400+ feet above the water. It is reported that the wind farm will enough power for ¾ of the Cape and Islands, without emitting any related pollution - pretty green and pretty impressive.  

Additionally, estimates predict upwards of 1,000 jobs could be "generated" by the construction of the project. The project has also been blessed by the Audubon Society and the Army Corps of Engineers. Proponents feel that this is a step in developing alternative fuel sources and maybe (again in a small way) lessening our dependence on foreign oil. O.K. so far so good.

As to every story, there are two sides. Opponents to the project first cite the obvious. The view. Despite my allegiance to the saving the environment, the thought of looking over the horizon and seeing these futuristic monstrosities emerging from the ocean is unsettling. The Cape is a special, unique place. I think what if President Kennedy did not protect the National Seashore? Only the privileged few would be enjoying their waterfront estates, no doubt arising from the unfettered development that would occur, resulting in the public's depravation of this natural treasure.  

Tourism is and always will be the mainstay of the Cape economy. Of the $14 billion+ Massachusetts tourism industry, I'd guess the Cape contributes to a significant portion of the overall dollars. Opponents feel the turbines would have an adverse effect on tourism. And like the National Seashore, coastal waters, including Nantucket Sound were designated an ocean sanctuary.

Other concerns relate to the fishing industry and losing more fishing waters, including the shoals in the Sound designated for wind farm construction.  Bird migration, beach damage, shipping and navigation are also considerations.

But from what I've read or heard, the mother of the argument is profits. Opponents claim this is not about providing a clean source of new energy, but rather padding the pockets of the developers. If the location is such a controversial issue, why not move it out further, out of site, and all would be happy? Perhaps it would not be as profitable to move it to another less desirable spot. I've seen developers ruin land all over Massachusetts - with no respect for preserving anything but their bank account and their Hummers.

I imagine the question remains; is the benefit of the project worth the impact? Is gaining 75% of the Cape's energy worth all of the potential and other unknown pitfalls? Will the developers reap far more than the general public? Will the gain offset altering the Cape landscape forever?

I'm still on the fence, Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound is a special unique place. Finding cleaner, cheaper energy alternatives is critical. I want the best of both worlds. I want the Cape to be preserved in its natural state to the degree it can. People have told me that you can't stop progress. And over time, I guess that is true. But this is a big one, and I don't quite know the answer. I only hope that the decision made is in the best interest of the public, and further, Cape Cod.

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Crowes Pasture - A Hidden Gem in Dennis

Crowes Pasture is a beach area only accessible by four wheel drive located in Dennis. The area is known as Quivet Neck/Crowes Pasture and is a 138-acre town owned beach, acquired by the Town of Dennis several years ago. It consists of freshwater ponds, Quivet Creek and Cape Cod Bay in the northeast region of Dennis.

Crowes Pasture encompasses a few miles of pristine beach, salt marshes and dunes. Because of the rather difficult accessibility, I was not surprised at the lack of people there.  The road leading into the area was an adventure in itself, narrow and very bumpy. But once one traversed the rough terrain, the end result was well worth the trip.

Wanting to learn more about this area, I found a study conducted by the Mass. Environmental Review Team (ERT) on this area which comments on the Wildlife Habitat of Crowes Point:

"Most of the coastal forest woodland on Quivet Neck occurs as dense thickets with occasional mature oaks. These thickets are ideal habitat for shrubland birds such as rufussided towhee, brown thrasher, gray catbirds, common yellowthroats, Carolina wrens and song sparrows.  Coastal thickets are also important stopover habitats for migratory songbirds in both the spring and summer as well as the hawks that hunt them during migration. Mature oaks provide acorns used by a variety of species, including deer, squirrels, chipmunks, white-footed mice and voles. These habitats are also used by cottontail rabbits, black racers, box turtles, redback salamanders raccoons, skunks, foxes, weasels and coyotes. Grasslands and very early successional stages of forest provide habitat for common grassland species as well as species that utilize both open habitats and forest edges. These include meadow voles, goldfinches, field and chipping sparrows, prairie warblers, Great horned owls, red-tailed hawks, kestrels, garter snakes, green snakes, box turtles and Fowler's toads. Bats, swallows, dragonflies and butterflies will forage over and in these habitats and woodcocks may use them for their mating displays. It is possible that some of these habitats-especially Crowes Pasture-might be used by less common species, such as northern harriers, grasshopper sparrows, meadowlarks and hognose snakes. Wet meadows and wet depressions (possible vernal pools) in these habitats could potentially support spotted turtles and Eastern spadefoot toads, two state-listed species."

If you have a four wheel drive vehicle and are looking for some adventure, Crowes Pasture is located in East Dennis off of South Street. Follow the dirt road (about 2½ miles round trip) and enjoy this unspoiled treasure.

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Cape Cod Towns and Villages – Where did you say you were from???

Cape Cod has a fragrance all it own, characteristic, delightful, hard to describe. It is composed of the salt tang of the sea, the odor of the marshland, the redolence of the pines on hot summer afternoons, the scent of sweet fern and bayberry, and the sweetness of many flowers. -W.J. Wainwright

I had a conversation with a person some years ago who told me he was moving to the Cape. Naturally, I asked him what part. His reply was "Scituate."

Many have debated where the Cape starts, but most can agree where it ends. Clearly, the guy I spoke with was about 50 miles short of being in the ballpark. However, the vast majority of people agree to some consensus that the Cape starts once you cross over the Sagamore or Bourne Bridges (although the neighboring towns can easily blame the Cape Cod Canal for their alleged exclusion...)

Many "off Capers" seem to be confused by the assortment of names for the Cape Cod area, and with much reason. First, there is geographic area. Upper Cape, Mid Cape, Lower Cape Outer Cape etc. Then which town, then perhaps which village. I did some research of the towns and villages of Cape Cod and found I was equally in the dark, having never heard of many.

Cape Cod is comprised of fifteen towns, making up the County of Barnstable. Of these towns, there are several "villages" that comprise the town. I think it is the uniqueness of each village that lends to the charm and character of Cape Cod.

Some "villages" have grown in prominence, and their village name is more familiar than the actual town. For example, if someone says they are from Hyannis, there is usually no question as to the location. Conversely, if someone said they were from Barnstable, you'd have to wonder which part.

But what if someone said they were from Hog's Back? Chimquist? Scorton? Hatchville? Pochet? Point Gammon? Factory Village? Barleyneck?

So, in case you didn't know, here are the TOWNS of Cape Cod, with the villages of each town. My source was a very old book, and I wonder if all of these villages are still in name as of today?

BARNSTABLE inc. 1638. Villages: Centerville, Cotuit, Craigville, Cummaquid, Grand Island, Hyannis, Hyannisport, Marstons Mills, Newtown, Osterville, Sandy Neck, Satuit, S. Hyannis, W. Barnstable, Wianno.

BOURNE  inc. 1884. (Originally part of Sandwich) - Villages: Bournedale, Buzzards Bay, Cataumet, Gray Gables (summer home of President Grover Cleveland) Head of the Bay, Monument Beach, Pocasset, Sagmore, Sagamore Beach, Highlands.

BREWSTER inc. 1803. Villages: Brewster Station, E. Brewster, N. Brewster, S. Brewster, W. Brewster, Factory Village.

CHATHAM inc. 1712. Villages: Chathamport, Mill Pond Bluff, Monomoy Island, Neck, N. Chatham, Old Harbor, S. Chatham, W. Chatham.

DENNIS inc. 1793. (Originally part of Yarmouth) Villages: Dennisport, E. Dennis, N. Dennis, Searsville, S. Dennis, South Village, W. Dennis.

EASTHAM inc. 1651. (Originally named Nawsett) Villages: Eastham Center, Great Pond, Long Pond, Nauset, N. Eastham, S. Eastham.

FALMOUTH inc. 1694. Villages: Ashumet Pond, Chapaquoit, Davisville, East End, E. Falmouth, Falmouth Heights, Fresh Pond, Hatchville, Meganset, Manauhaunt, N. Falmouth, Quissett, Teaticket, Waquoit, W. Falmouth, Woods Hole.

HARWICH inc. 1694. Villages: Harwich Center, E. Harwich, W. Harwich, S. Harwich, N. Harwich, Pleasant Lake, Harwichport.

MASHPEE inc. 1669. Villages: Aquashenet, Chimquist, E. Mashpee, Mashpee, S. Mashpee, Wakeby.

ORLEANS inc. 1797. Villages: Barleyneck, East Orleans, Namequoit, Namskaket, N. Orleans, Orleans Center, Pochet, Portnomequot, Rock Harbor, S. Orleans, Tonset, W. Orleans.

PROVINCETOWN inc. 1727 (originally called Precinct of Cape Cod.) Villages: Could not find any...?

SANDWICH inc. 1638. Villages: E. Sandwich, Farmersville, Forestdale, Greenville, Plowed Neck, Sand Hill, Santuit Village, Scorton, S. Sandwich, Spectacle Pond, Spring Hill, Wakeby.

TRURO inc. 1709. Villages: Truro, Castle Village, Corn Hill, Dyer's Hollow, Harding's Hollow, Head Pamet, Higgins' Hollow, High Head, Hog's Back, Longnook, Neck, N. Truro, Pond Village, S. Truro, Truro Center, Truro Station, Whitmanville.

WELLFLEET inc. 1763. Villages: Briar Lane, Great Beach Hill, Great Island, Griffin Island, Lieutenant Island, Money Hill, Pamet Point, Pucker Town, S. Wellfleet, Spring Valley, Indian Neck.

YARMOUTH  inc. 1639. Villages: Bass River, Camp Station, Hockanum, Middletown, Pond Village, Point Gammon, S. Yarmouth, Weir Village, W. Yarmouth, Yarmouth Farms, Yarmouthport.  

Regardless of where you live or vacation, just tell them you went to Cape Cod, they'll know where you are talking about.  

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The Cape Cod Rail Trail...Get Out and Ride

This past summer, my wife and I experienced the Cape Cod Rail Trail for the first time. One trip was all it took to get us hooked. Having previously cycled primarily on main roads, it was quite a more pleasurable effort, not having to constantly look over our shoulders for oncoming cars.

The trail is a ten foot wide, 22 mile paved trail that runs along the remains of the rail beds of the Old Colony Rail Road. It begins in Dennis and runs through to Wellfleet, ending at the National Seashore Area in Wellfleet. The trail will bring you via Harwich, Brewster, Orleans and Eastham, with a 3.5 mile detour (should you opt this route) that will bring you to Chatham.  

The trail was a great idea, and a creative resurrection from what became an obsolete railroad. However, this was not always the case. The Old Colony Railroad was once a vital link that connected the Cape to the "rest of the world." Prior to the railroad, horse and buggy or boat was the only real access to Cape Cod, particularly the outer Cape.

Originally, the train route ran from Boston to Sandwich, but over time, several extensions eventually offered travelers transportation to as far as Provincetown. As Cape tourism flourished, so did the use of the railroad, bringing vacationers from all origins to the Cape in a faster, and more comfortable manner.

With the advent of the automobile and construction of the two bridges, traveling by train eventually became secondary to the more convenient automobile, and train use waned. In the 1960's, all train use was abandoned. In the 70's, the State purchased the rights to the tracks and began constructing the trail for recreational use. Over time and just recently, major improvements have been made such as the construction of two bicycle bridges that eliminated riding with on road traffic. In all, there are 30 + miles of off road riding to enjoy.

For the novice rider, it is an easy trip, with little hills and again, no traffic. While the day we traveled was fairly busy on the trail, it is so vast that we never felt encumbered by other riders, and we went at our own pace. Additionally, we noticed the trail was occupied with the hardcore rider to families with children on tricycles, and it accommodated all seamlessly.

When riding on the trail, we loved the peace of the ride itself, and not having to compete with noisy traffic was a pleasant change. I found our ride much more pleasant with the serenity of the trail. We passed cranberry bogs, salt marshes, ponds and marshland, and country stores, all while traveling the majority of the time through pine woods.

If you've never considered yourself a cyclist, the Cape Cod Rail Trail may perhaps make you become one. I could not think of a better place to exercise, have fun, and enjoy some great Cape Cod scenery. Get out and ride next spring.

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Cape Cod Capes

One of the most popular styles on the Cape, originated in New England, called the "Cape Cod" style. The "Cape" style originated in this area around the 17^th century. It is said the style originated with the colonists who came from England to New England. According to This Old House Online, 17th-century settlers "drew on a shipwright's skills to build a tight house that was almost a ship upon land, able to withstand the fiercest Nor'easter."

These settlers used their knowledge from England as the loose model for the Cape style house. They incorporated such characteristics as a formal parlor and small foyer entranceway. These homes were economical to build and were suited to ensure protection for its inhabitants, especially along the coast with its famed winter storms.

The Cape house was usually a story and a half high, designed small in scale and low to the ground. A steep pitched roof and gables on the ends of the house were typical. The exterior was clad in either clapboard or shingle, or both. Often, (again in the Yankee tradition,) homeowners would put more expensive clapboards on the front of the house, and shingle the sides and rear of the house. They'd let them weather to a natural silver color (again, perhaps to save money on paint...) The windows on a Cape were double hung and had several different multi-pane conventions. Real working shutters were also another usual fixture and an extra precaution against New England storms. 

There were three general types of Cape styles which can easily be identified by looking at the front of the house. A "Full Cape" had two windows on each side of the front door. The "¾ Cape" had two windows on one side of the door and only one on the other side. The "Half Cape" only had two windows on one side of the door. As families grew, they would add on to the original house, and perhaps convert a half Cape into a full Cape.

The front door was one of the most decorative highlights of this simple house, A six paneled door was common. Traditional Capes usually had a side door, opening to the side yard, and was less formal and used more often than the front entrance. Generally, there were no front porches on a true Cape, and many would have a millstone for a front step. 

Cape roofs were different and distinctive, and generally incorporated one of three styles: The plain cottage roof, the gambrel roof (the arch broken up in the middle of a two-story house) and the salt-box roof where the roof slants down almost to the ground on the rear side.

The trick of the Cape house was that it appeared to look larger that it actually was. Upon entering the front, you'd find yourself in a small hall/entranceway. Immediately in front of you would be a steep set of stairs. A central fireplace would run through the center of the house, and often had multiple fireplaces in several upstairs rooms. This feature was typical in a Cape, and was intended to help heat the entire house during the New England winter.  Upstairs rooms were often small. The bedrooms were primarily paneled in pine and throughout the house, wood floors were the norm. 

Overall, the Cape style house embodied the true nature of Yankee thrift and practicality. Early Yankees would build a small economical house and add on as their family grew. Most likely they figured why build more than you need? It seems the early builders considered several variables when designing a house. With the exterior, they considered the climate and how to protect themselves from it. From the central fireplace to working shutters, it seems they did what they had to do to survive. Despite countless modifications over the years, the "Cape Cod" still remains a popular home style.

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Cape Cod Birds (and Squirrels)...Cheep Entertainment

I installed two bird feeders in a tree in my backyard, and also erected an elaborate bird house custom built by my father. Upon the initial days of my foray into "birding" (as I am told that is the appropriate term) I noticed I wasn't necessarily birding, but "squirreling." Two squirrels were very clever in finding way to access my precious bird seed. Over the course of the next two weeks, I became obsessed with this unwanted and unwelcome invasion. I would be out on errands, pull into the driveway and see a squirrel literally suspended in mid air, hanging upside down, accessing the feeder by sheer determination. I would make record time to run to the feeder to scare them off...only to see them return five to ten minutes later.

While watching television or reading the newspaper, I would find myself getting up and running to the back door to perform my squirrel rounds to ensure they were not around...most times they were. My wife grew a bit concerned with my obsession and determination to be squirrel free.   

A visit to the local bird store offered several solutions including baffles and feeders that closed when the weight of the squirrel was placed upon it. I opted for the latter, and it seemed to do the trick. It was quite entertaining watching the squirrels trying to crack the code to the feeder - unsuccessfully, but not from lack of effort.  

The Cape is comprised of several types of bird categories and species. Most are familiar with either the backyard birds or the shore birds. I am told that the Cape is home to over 260+ different species during various migration periods.

Peter Trull, a field naturalist with the Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown, states, "one of the most exciting times to watch backyard birds on Cape Cod is during their spring migration. They are in their breeding plumage, the weather is pleasantly warm, and the birds often move through in 'waves,' providing great looks at a number of species, including warblers, sparrows, bluebirds, chick-a-dees, and finches."

So I had my feeders squirrel free, my field guide in my lap and waited. Eventually the birds did come. Over time, my backyard became quite a popular feeding site for various types of birds.

There were more than I could track or identify, but I had American Crows, Common Grackles, Mourning Doves, Red-winged Blackbirds, Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Northern Bobwhites, Nuthatches, American Goldfinches, American Robins, Sparrows, Male and Female Cardinals, Red-Winged Blackbirds, Blue Jays and a Downy Woodpecker.

I found watching their feeding habits and mannerisms quite interesting as well as entertaining.  With the onset of winter, I am sure I will not see as many of my new friends, but I will continue to keep the feeder full for those few brave souls who will be around to endure the long Cape Cod winter.

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Joseph C. Lincoln...The essence of Old Cape Cod.

Joseph Lincoln was born in Brewster in 1870. He was the son of a Sea Captain who died when he was just ten months old. He grew up on the Cape and spent his summers exploring the sand dunes, inlets, kettle ponds and cranberry bogs all over Cape Cod.

Throughout his travels on the Cape, he got acquainted with many of the Cape's local inhabitants, such as the fishermen, the lighthouse keepers, postmasters, general store owners and sea captains.

This upbringing greatly influenced the characters in his novels. Lincoln began writing short stories for newspapers and magazines. These stories were set around Cape Cod surroundings, and eventually were printed in The Saturday Evening Post. His first novel, Cap'n Eri, brought Lincoln immediate fame and notoriety. His novels were written and published throughout the early 1900's. Over time he wrote over forty novels, roughly one a year.

Some of his critics have said his stories wax poetic, his characters seemingly repetitious, yet Lincoln's stories capture a bygone era in a manner that leaves his readers in a state of good humored, good natured well being.

His stories instantly transport you to Cape Cod in the 1800's, where seafaring was a way of life. Where the small villages were the center of the universe for the Cape's inhabitants. His descriptions of the salt marshes, scrub pines, poplar trees, the roaring surf, as well as the sights and smells of the Cape bring you back to a simpler place in time. To Lincoln, the smell of the salt meadows, the bayberry and pungent pines were intoxicating to him. The "the mighty surge and thunder of the surf along the shore" were part of his very existence.

Lincoln's character development was masterful. But it came easy to him. He wrote about the people he grew up with and experienced on the Cape. Each of his characters and the humor they possessed all were native to Cape Cod.

Lincoln said:

"In writing of a Cape Cod town or village, although I purposely refrain from describing it as any one town in particular, I have tried conscientiously to give the characteristics of Cape Cod towns I am acquainted with. The promontories and inlets and hills and marshes in 'my' Cape Cod may not be found where I have located them, but I have tried very hard to make them like those which are on the real Cape. I have endeavored always to be true to type, and in writing of the old deep-sea captain, the coasting skipper, the longshoreman or the people of the Cape villages, I have done my best to portray each as I have seen and known specimens of his or her kind."

A poem he wrote called "Winter Nights at Home" gives you a sense of his truly unique Cape perspective:

"A stretch of hill and valley, swathed thick in robes of white,
The buildings blots of blackness, the windows gems of light,
A moon, now clear, now hidden, as in its headlong race
The north wind drags the cloud wrack in tatters o'er its face; 

Mailed twigs that click and clatter upon the tossing tree,
And, like a giant's chanting, the deep voice of the sea
As 'mid the stranded ice cakes the bursting breakers foam-
The old familiar picture- a winter night at home."

In his own words, "I like the Cape marshes with their different greens and the cranberry bogs with their lavender shades. There is a serenity of life there and a friendliness that is nurtured by the peaceful surroundings. I love Cape Cod." Me too.

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