KG around the cape summer 2021 - Flipbook - Page 56
A ROUND CA PE COD
Brewster
Known as Cape Cod’s “Sea Captains’ Town,” Brewster
was originally settled in 1656 as part of Harwich, before
separating in 1693 and officially incorporating in 1803.
Named in honor of William Brewster, a Mayflower
passenger who became the senior elder and religious
leader at Plymouth Colony, this quaint and wooded town
soon emerged as a hub of early industry when the land
near Stony Brook, which had been purchased from the
Wampanoag, became the site of a water-powered grist mill.
Colonial-era commerce was driven by the mill, which was
used to grind local corn, and also served as a fulling mill for
homespun woolen cloth. This thriving district eventually
became known as Factory Village, the center of the town’s
economy, with a tannery, a cobbler’s shop, carding and
cotton mills and a dry goods store.
Spring is eagerly welcomed with the annual Brewster in
Bloom event, a three-day celebration of art and culture. Held
on a weekend in late April or early May, the town-sponsored
affair includes self-guided tours of art and crafts galleries, a
5K race, live music, and a festive parade down Route 6A.
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