Other Stories
A Visit to 10 Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts
A Visit to 10 Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts
Eldridge Homestead, Chatham, Massachusetts
Eldridge Homestead, Chatham, Massachusetts
A Visit to 10 Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts
The Oldest Windmill on Cape Cod - mine!
Eldridge Homestead, Chatham, Massachusetts
The Oldest Windmill on Cape Cod - mine!
Boring, but True! Issue # 372. This windmill was built in 1680 by my 9th-great grandfather, Thomas Paine (of whom there are probably millions of living descendants, so you might be one too). It was built in Plymouth, later floated across Cape Cod Bay and, following some other situations in Truro and Eastham, it has been standing in its present location since 1808. It was purchased by a fellow named Seth Knowles in 1793. Joshua Cole purchased an interest in the windmill in 1867, becoming a one-quarter owner of a three-eighths interest in the windmill, as indicated on the deed, his co-owners being certain heirs and assigns of Seth Knowles. Joshua died and left his property to his son, Austin, who married my great-grandmother’s sister, Harriet. Harriet died after Austin did, and, not having any children, left her assets to her siblings, including my great-grandmother. Among those assets was the original 1867 deed to Joshua Cole, which was passed down to me. I suppose I might now be an owner of a very small interest in the windmill, were it not for the fact that it ceased operating and was sold to the Town of Eastham a very long time ago. It is now maintained as a museum, the oldest windmill on Cape Cod. You may have noticed it on your way to Provincetown. As usual, I am left with just an old, totally worthless piece of paper (actually I love this old stuff, for no discernible reason), and, of course, a little story to tell.
Some Memories of Connie
Eldridge Homestead, Chatham, Massachusetts
The Oldest Windmill on Cape Cod - mine!
