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 Originally known as Setucket, Harwich was named after the English seaport and was called “Happy-go-lucky Harwich” by Queen Elizabeth during the late 16th century. It comprises seven villages: Harwich, East Harwich, Harwich Port, North Harwich, Pleasant Lake and South and West Harwich. The town, bordered by Brewster on the north, was once known as South Parish. In the late 1660s, Gershom Hall built his residence in South Harwich and is thus generally considered to be one of the towns first settlers. It was, however, not until 1694 that Harwich was incorporated as a town comprising North and South Parishes. The town of Brewster, then known as North Parish, emancipated itself in 1803 to be free of its less affluent neighbors who worked cranberry bogs rather than the high seas leaving the residual South Parish to become the Harwich we know today. Although Harwich had its own share of sea captains—and one reckoning rendered in a Harwich Historical Commission publication —Harwich Men of the Sea—puts the number at 124. But, the town was more renowned for its religious discord than its maritime feats. Harwich comprised religious denominations and splinter sects, each contending for a larger share of available souls. Theological battles involved Congregationalists, Baptists, New Lighters, Come Outers and Standpatters (Come Outers, when entranced, walked on fences and spoke in tongues, so the legend goes). Once a whaling port, Harwich went on to pioneer the cranberry industry in 1846 and it was in this small town that the first commercial cranberry bogs in the nation were established. Harwich is still a leading grower of cranberries because of its ideal soil conditions and extended growing season. The cranberry is now Massachusetts’ leading agricultural product. In the autumn, the cranberry bogs are truly a glorious sight to behold, their majestic red fruit juxtaposing beautifully against autumn’s clear blue skies. The fruit is celebrated each year in September at Harwich’s Cranberry Festival, which includes a classic car show, parade, fireworks and carnival. Most people are unaware that local boy Caleb Chase co-founded Chase & Sanborn coffee in 1878. This fact became more widely known in 1993 when local volunteer historian Patricia Ellis Buck realized—and widely publicized—the fact that the founders’ likenesses (i.e., Messrs. Chase’s and Sanborn’s) had been switched on the coffee package labels. While no one is quite certain how long this slight had been endured, it was promptly corrected. Harwich is also renowned for its five beautiful harbors and, of these, three—Wynchmere, Saquatucket and Allen—are man made. The first of these three has often been named the Cape’s most beautiful and picturesque harbor. Aside from town’s fine beaches, visitors can shop along its “major” thoroughfares, Routes 28 and 39, visit the town historical society museum or take in town band concerts in Brooks Park Tuesdays at 7:30 during the summer (July and August). There is also a passenger ferry which sails from Harwich Port town dock to Nantucket daily. Main Beaches: The Harwich coast is, basically, one long beach punctuated here and there by harbors Sand Pond,
Great Western Road near Depot Street, North Harwich (fresh water) Harwich Historical Society, Books Academy Museum, Main and Parallel Streets. Contains Native American artifacts, antiques, dolls, toys, maps and cranberry industry exhibits, bound copies of the Harwich Independent (1872-1958), publisher of vital records 1654-1850. America’s first school of navigation convened in the pillared Greek Revival building in 1844. On the grounds is also a powder house used to store gunpowder during the American Revolution and a restored 1872 outhouse. Open Summers. Brooks Free Library, Main Street. Contains, among others, a large private collection of John Rogers, “the people’s sculptor.” Open year round. Cranberry Bogs, along Bank Street. Can be observed all year. |
