Sandwich
Overview
- Beaches - Points
of Interest - Schools - Chamber
of Commerce - Sandwich Lodging
Overview
 Over several hundred years,
Sandwich has evolved into a classic New England town with gracious old
homes, antique stores and museums clustered together in its central
historic district. Even the town hall, built in 1834, is still in use.
Lacking a deep-water harbor, Sandwich never developed
like many Cape towns into a whaling or shipping port. But the town's
relative proximity to Boston did make it very accessible to
industrialization. Named after an
English seaport, the town's moniker better designates a type of glass
manufactured here.
Originally created by the
Sandwich Glass Company, Sandwich glass is a vividly colored type, prized
by collectors. The company made pressed as well as blown, cut, etched
and enameled glass. Examples of all these styles are on display at the
Sandwich Glass Museum. Various
examples also reside above
the doorways of many town homes. The oldest glassworks in America,
Pairpoint Crystal (est.1837), is also open to the public on Route 6A in
nearby Sagamore.
Other historical sites in town
center include the Dexter Grist Mill, built in 1654 and restored
in 1961. Fresh mill-ground corn is usually for sale in season. Also
close by is the Yesteryears Doll and Miniature Museum. It houses antique
dolls from Germany, France, China and other countries. The museum also
has a collector's shop. Of special interest to children
is the Thornton W. Burgess Museum. It was founded to honor the famous
Sandwich author whose storybook characters included Peter Cottontail and
Mother West Wind.
One mile from the center of town
is Sandwich's largest and best-known attraction, Heritage Plantation.
The museum houses a number of diverse collections including 35 antique
automobiles from before World War II, antique firearms, military
miniatures, and Currier & Ives prints. In May, the grounds blossom
into a sea of flowering rhododendrons that are an attraction unto
themselves.
To explore the town's true
natural beauty, take the Sandwich
Boardwalk, which crosses a creek and
marsh through low dunes to Town Neck Beach. Other local beaches include
Spring Hill and East Sandwich Beach. Nearby Shawme-Crowell State Forest
offers clean, comfortable campsites and RV facilities on a
first-come-first-serve basis.
Beaches
Points
of Interest
- Thornton W. Burgess Museum
- This museum, dedicated to the Sandwich-born author of the
children's literary classic 'Peter Rabbit and the Briar Patch,'
features memorabilia of his life and legacy. There is also a gift
shop on the premises. Located on Water Street.
- Heritage Plantation -
An extensive representation of early Cape Cod life, there are
exhibits here to please all ages. Many of them decorate the
meticulously manicured grounds including a 1912 carousel, an 1800s
windmill that still grinds corn and a stone-built Shaker Round Barn
housing Gary Cooper's 1931 Duesenburg. Nature trails and a picnic
area also accent the property. Other exhibits include a collection
of 34 pre-WWII automobiles; and military museum with war miniatures,
period firearms and replica flags. Located on the corner of Pine and
Grove Streets.
- Hoxie House - This
landmark is the oldest home in Sandwich and has been restored to its
17th Century appearance. Built in 1675 for Rev. John Smith, it still
uses 20 percent of the original timber structure. Located on Water
Street off Route 130.
- Sandwich Glass Museum -
Showcasing glass from around the world, this collection includes
over 6,000 examples of 19th Century Boston and Sandwich Glass
Company glassware. Everything from vintage jars to vases to blown
glass are represented here. The building's windows themselves are
also decorative examples and give off kaleidoscope colors on bright
days. Located on Main Street in Town Hall Square.
- Yesteryears Doll Museum
- The First Parish Meetinghouse houses this international collection
of children's dolls. The structure, built in 1638, also features a
collector's gift shop offering antique dollhouses, toys and
miniatures. Located on the corner of Main and River Streets.
- Green Briar Nature Center
& Jam Kitchen - This conservation center offers nature
trails and natural history exhibits, The old-fashioned kitchen still
produces jams, jellies and relishes using traditional 19th Century
methods. Located on Discovery Hill Road at Route 6A.
- Shawme-Crowell State
Forest - 280 campsites dot this wooded park featuring a variety of
trees and wildlife. Sites are available on a first-come-first-serve
basis. Most include picnic tables, grills and all have nearby bathroom
facilities. Open in the summertime. Winter self-contained units are
allowed. Located on Route 130.
Schools
- Forestdale Elementary School
151 Route 130, Sandwich
- H.T. Wing Elementary School
Route 130, Sandwich
- Oak Ridge Elementary School
Quaker Meetinghouse Road, Sandwich
- Sandwich High School
Quaker Meetinghouse Road, Sandwich
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