The Governor Prence

                   The Governor Prence

 

It is like going back in history. This area of Cape Cod seemingly forgotten and unchanged for what seems an eternity. It was in the sixities that John Kennedy made the tip of the Cape a national park and rules were applied differently. The towns of Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro and Provincetown were included in this park.

I grew up vacationing in South Wellfleet and even at that time the place had a feeling of always having been the same. Srcub pines and vegetation so thick it was impassable. You could have the feelings of the first settlers, the Indians , tracking deer through trails made by the animals themselves. There is a peace here. A time tunnel , uninterrupted, no malls , no parking garages or strip malls, at least only a few. Dunes so tall as to see sailing ships headed for home ports on the horizon.

The ocean side beaches large, constantly receiving massive waves and brushing them back to sea. Treasures from all times past, washing ashore at differing intervals to be discovered.  Fishermen seen after dark surf casting for bass and absolutely at peace with the roll of the waves and great bright moon to light the way. Sunsets so stunning as to make an artist’s heart explode in their breast. Sun setting and rising into and from the sea itself. Fog horns heard in intervals to warn of impending danger.

Wellfleet and Provincetown were the home to the fishing fleets. Their bay sides welcoming after gales and nor easters. A trip to Wellfleet especially, is like being alive in the 1800’s. Provincetown more commercial but a trip to Race Point is like watching the first wave to ever roll ashore, undiluted and undisturbed.

High on a hill overlooking all of this beauty and mystery was a motel built in the thirties I believe. It was given the name The Governor Prence. Thomas Prence was a founder of the colony and elected governor around 1630 and this place named after him.

My father had managed to get a contract to remodel all of the bathrooms before the tourist season began and we were at the task of stripping wallpaper, removing cracked and broken tile and repairing all back to new. New fixtures to replace the old, fresh paint applied all to welcome our oncoming guests, the restaurant and offices to receive the very same treatment. We managed to get this all done in time and pleased the owners.

A month or so into the season we were invited to dinner by the motel owners and of course accepted. The meal was wonderful and as we were finishing, the entertainment for the night arrived. Dressed in colorful Jamaican garb, sleeves all puffy and frills to the shirts. They started the show and we were amazed, for they played upon oil drums . The sound so elegant and magical. Music so varied bringing smiles to all present. This was known as the Esso Steel band. I do not know if they still exist but if they do and you have the chance , pay a visit and I am sure you will be as pleased as we were.