HomeMy WebLinkAboutS. Molyneaux and D. Law Letter of Opposition
August 13, 2025
To the Barnstable Historical Commissioners:
We are extremely disappointed that the move of the Ebenezer Crocker Jr. house is being
contemplated. This affront, in addition to the Popolo bluff desecration facing Cotuit harbor
and Nantucket Sound should not stand. The proposal which is partially copied below
makes a number of dubious and disingenuous points.
The house at present is INDEED visible from two roads, Putnam Avenue and also Old Shore
Road. The “new” location proposed where the barn stood prior to its 2017 demolition is in
the northeast corner of the original property, down a hill and well back from the street -
could not be further away from the street.
The house is a prominent landmark in its present location. As well as easily viewed from
the two streets, it is seen from almost all aspects of Cotuit Bay and from Dead Neck &
Sampson’s Island.
The move of the house to a low lying position down in a dell - or off property entirely, as
also proposed - will have absolute effect “on the historical significance of the property”
since there will be nothing historically relevant to be seen by a passerby of historical
significance!
There is plenty more to be said, but in light of the upcoming hearing I will conclude here.
Lastly, trees may provide welcome shade, storm protection and habitat. Trees do not
usually live for many centuries, but an antique house can. And the Ebenezer Crocker Jr.
house should continue to reside on its own foundation long past time that this neighbor
with grand ideas for himself will exist.
This house is the most significant historic home in Cotuit, and perhaps in all of Barnstable.
It was the summer home of Harvard University President Lowell, and earlier the often-
acknowledged first summer home of a summer resident in Cotuit Port, and perhaps Cape
Cod.
Sincerely yours,
Sara Molyneaux and Don Law
581 and 595 Old Post Road
Cotuit Massachusetts
“The move of the structure is being proposed to create a better connection
between the owners existing home on an adjacent property and the
outdoor living space. This move will create a better visibility for The
Ebenezer Crocker Jr. house in the Town making it a more prominent
landmark. The current house location is not visible from the street. It is
located on a turn and shrouded by trees. The new location is an adjacent
grassy field of the same original property where the structure of the
original barn once stood.”
The letter further states under the heading of “Appropriateness of the
New Setting:”
“The new site is adjacent to the existing house location. The property was
originally one property and was divided at a later date into separate lots.
The move of the house will have no affect on the historical significance of
the property as it was originally a singular property. The move is wholly
appropriate as the current building location and the proposed were
originally the same property. The visibility in the field adds to the visibility
of the property as a whole.”