The letter was published by the Cape Codder on Sept 25, 2020.
To the Editor:
I’m recalling, as I walked Coast Guard Beach in the “off season”, I would feel a sense of gratitude for those who had the vision and the stamina to protect this coastline. I now, am walking in the footsteps of the brave Coastguard of old and the words of Henry Beston are just as true today.
It may be a leap to our little Rock Harbor, but this is not about size. Eastham Rock Harbor offers that “sense of place”.
In 1644, seven families settled in this area. “Using Plimouth’s shallop and longboat, the work parties would shuttle across Cape Cod Bay to Rock Harbor transporting building materials, equipment, and furnishings” (1)
In the 1700’s and early 1800’s, Rock Harbor was an important port, a packet landing for vessels from Plymouth and Boston,as well as Salem , Maine, and the Canadian Maritime provinces.(2)
Eastham Rock Harbor is a special place. Though small, it gives us this history. Pleasure boats have replaced longboats. Rich marsh life, tidal flats. and the Rock for which the Harbor is named are here. This is a place for walking, sitting and reflecting. It is “as it was”. It offers an unspoiled vista which becomes rarer. It is “Old Cape Cod”
We must resist placing structures which intrude upon this “sense of place”. I find the plan for the harbormaster’s new office not suited for Rock Harbor.
- “Where Sea and History Meet” Orleans Bicentennial” 1997
- Nomination form National Register of Historic Places 10/2000
Gail Hoffman
Eastham