Penniman, Edward, House and Barn
S of Eastham at Fort Hill and Governor Prence Rds., Eastham, MAThe art of whaling originated on Cape Cod, and the art and business reached their peak in the mid-19th century. Like most whaling captains, Penniman operated out of New Bedford, being in charge of several vessels during his long lifetime. He chose to retire in Eastham and built this house in 1867. Penniman undertook whaling voyages to both southern and Arctic latitudes, being absent for some 4 years at times.
Penniman was born in 1831, one of 11 children. He went to sea at eleven. His fourth whaling voyage took place in 1860 in the Minerva After retirement, Penniman undertook a business venture in Chicago, lost money, and returned to whaling for a time. On one South Atlantic trip, gone 3 years, he came back with 4200 bbls. of oil, one of the largest hauls ever to port at New Bedford. His wife, Betsey Knowles Penniman, accompanied her husband on some trips-- (his wife was born in the house directly across the street from the Penniman House). His seventh and last voyage was 1881-1884 in the Jacob A. Howland, a three-years voyage to the Arctic.
Penniman was a typical whaling captain Records show that he never lost a vessel in his command. He died in 1913, and his son, Eugene, carried on the work for a short time.
The real significance of the house lies in three factors: The unique appearance of the house (plans were said to have been brought back from France by Penniman, personally), the fact that this is the only whaling captain's house in Eastham, and it is the only one inside the Seashore boundaries.
Restoration of the interior will depend on public interest and the availability of funds. Much victorian furniture (some of it from this house) is stored at the Seashore. The interior of the house is very plain with the exception of the captain's den, a red-flocked wallpaper, and a fancy quilt-trim room which will require much money and time to restore..
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.