Jeff Shaw

The Story of Chatham Village Croutons

by Jeff Shaw

“…the pungent aroma of baking bread, with a hint of garlic, will continue to waft through the air,” noted a SouthCoastToday article from 1997. The article covered the then-recent sale of Cape Cod based-Chatham Village Croutons to Lancaster Colony Corp., an Ohio firm. Fortunately, the then-company’s food division, Marzetti Foods, did not uproot the Wareham site and those delicious smells continue to waft through the salty Cape Cod air, albeit slightly off-Cape, all these years later.

I tracked down the above mentioned article because I did not know the back story of Chatham Village Croutons – and it was bothering me. I also had some suspicions. Was using the map of Cape Cod image and town name on the packaging just shameless marketing by some evil conglomerate, or was there a grain of sandy truth to the crouton’s local origins?

As it turns out, the latter. Phew. The year was 1980, but the food was not croutons, it was potato chips. As it also turns out, the founders of Cape Cod Potato Chips also created Chatham Village Croutons! Two favorite foods for so many.

Those founders – Stephen and Lynn Bernard, both Chatham residents, operated a small, 800-square foot sandwich shop in Hyannis. The potato chips came first, so successful an experiment, that Bernards eventually sold the potato chip company to Anheuser-Busch to get the financial backing needed to go national with the product. (Talk about the phrase, “and as they say, the rest is history!”)

As the crouton story goes, Bernard sold croutons made from the leftover bread at the sub shop. This so-called second experiment evolved into a business selling packaged croutons under the brand name Chatham Village Market. The crouton company slowly grabbed a larger share of the national market every year that the Bernards moved the operation from their sandwich shop to its current Wareham site. The company is now branded as Chatham Village Foods.

As mentioned earlier, the crouton company has been owned by Marzetti Foods for the last twenty-five years. And yes, the same Marzetti brands known for their salad dressings and dips.

The croutons continue to do well in a multimillion dollar industry. Bernard once quipped, “You laugh at croutons making money, but just think how many salads there are between restaurants and homes.”

He was right, I have a healthy dozen or so Chatham Village Croutons in my salad right now. You can’t miss with the Caesar flavored croutons.

March 8, 2023

Lesser Known Walking Trails of Chatham

by Mike Shaw

The view of Mill Pond from the new Overlook Trail. Photo credit: Mike Shaw.

During a recent weekend in Chatham, I explored two walking trails which may be slightly off the beaten path but equally deserving of a visit for a leisurely stroll.

The sign of the Sylvan Gardens path.
Photo credit: Mike Shaw

The first walking trail is Sylvan Gardens Conservation Area. Sylvan Gardens was privately owned until 2004, when the town purchased the land with a conservation restriction. The trail entrance is located just off Old Main Street and directly behind the Chatham Cut Restaurant on Route 28. Handicap parking is available. The path itself is ADA accessible for approximately 850 feet. While cycling is not allowed on the trail, you may park your bike at the bike rack stationed at the trail entrance. The largest loop along the trail is Black Pond Loop, running approximately 1 mile and providing picturesque views of Black Pond. Keep your eyes open for two white swans which are a permanent feature of the pond year-round. There are several other smaller trails – including Azalea Trail, Bog Trail, and Holly Loop – which cover shorter distances.

Mamou’s Bench at Sylvan Gardens. Photo credit: Mike Shaw.

As you walk along the trail, you’ll notice a number of benches which have been dedicated to the memory of deceased locals. For arguably the best view, walk in the direction of Black Pond. When you can’t walk any further – unless you wish to fall down the hill and into the pond – turn left and walk up a small hill to find “Mamou’s Bench,” with the following inscription: “From the Sloan Family in memory of Chantal O’Hennin Sloan overlooking a place that she loved and knew well.” Mamou’s Bench offers a beautiful view of the pond and a sense of peace which is likely what kept bringing Mamou back to this spot.

A pair of swans making the rounds in Black Pond.
Photo credit: Mike Shaw.

The second walking trail is Mill Pond Overlook Trail. The trail is located off Stage Harbor Road and directly behind the Atwood House, home to the Chatham Historical Society. The town opened the trail to the public earlier this summer.

The Mill Pond Overlook Trail sign at the Atwood Museum. Photo credit: Mike Shaw.

The trail entrance can be found to the left of the Atwood Museum, adjacent to a grey cottage with a sign which reads “Nickerson North Beach Camp.” The trail covers approximately 1/2 a mile and includes one partially paved loop, allowing walkers the choice of starting their walk uphill or downhill. When you arrive at the end of the loop – regardless of direction taken – you’ll be treated to an expansive view of Mill Pond as well as some waterfront homes in the distance.

The path to Mill Pond passes private homes en route to the water. Photo credit: Mike Shaw.

If you wish to enjoy this view for a bit longer, one bench is perfectly situated to afford you some extra time. The bench is dedicated in memory of Evelyn Burckhart (1945-2022), with the following inscription: “Dedicated staff member and friend of Chatham Conservation Foundation, Inc.”

February 1, 2023

“Hot” Concept: The Après Sea Lodge

by Jeff Shaw

One of two curling lanes at the Pelham House in Dennis Port. Photo credit: Pelham House.

For the third straight year, I’ve dedicated a winter post to snowsports. As you may have noticed, I like to ski. Sadly, Cape Cod is a desert when it comes to downhill skiing. No worries, a short-ish drive west will take you to the slopes.

While plenty of winter wonderlands can be found on Cape Cod, particularly during the holiday weeks of December, a hot new-ish concept (and perfect pun) can be found in Dennis Port: an oceanfront Après Sea [Ski] Lodge! (The aforementioned perfect pun.)

Last February, The Pelham House in Dennis Port, launched “Cape Cod’s only curling and cozy winter dining destination.” The oceanfront Après Sea Lodge features curling, food and drink, live music with a ski village vibe.

The fireplace behind the curling lane surrounded by Christmas Trees creates a winter village vibe at the Pelham House. Photo credit: Brad Joyal.

That’s right, the ocean giving the mountains a serious challenge for the much sought-after winter village experience. While the program is aimed at attracting visitors to boost off-season business, the après sea scene is a hot ticket with locals.

The public access to curling lanes provides an opportunity to make new friends and try a new activity. The $50 price tag includes curling, but more practically acts as a dining credit, extending the evening.

Whether curling or dining, live music can be enjoyed from 6-9pm each Friday and Saturday. Currently, reservations are only available through January, though ongoing popularity might force an extension.

Either way, be sure to catch the Après Sea Lodge, the next winter wave on Cape Cod!

A Culture of Homes with Names

By Jeff Shaw

‘They’ are everywhere on Cape Cod. In every town, can be spotted in every neighborhood, heck, probably on your street! I’m not talking people, nor houses, not cars, or lawns, but signs noting a home’s name.

A column written by John Whelan in a July 2022 edition of the Cape Cod Chronicle traced the somewhat remarkably lasting impact of naming homes on Cape Cod. While Whelan’s article covered the origins of the Chatham Sign Shop, just raising the topic made it hard to ignore the obvious; that a lot of houses — at least in my neighborhood, but probably yours, too – has a name!

Now sure, Cape Cod is both vacation and second home country, so it is common for second home owners to have a little fun with their prized vacation properties. A sign with a name or phrase is on the low-end of the flair scale. And for rental properties, a sign with a house’s name does make it easier for first-time guests to locate, at least in the daylight and before GPS. I suppose such signs could be helpful in finding your rental in dense cottage communities.

“The naming of houses, which has become quite popular, was important for the business. People want a design that is both handsome and distinctive,” wrote Whelan.

Home signs don’t just serve as identifying markers, but also as works of art. As Whelan observed in the Chatham Sign Shop gallery, “Sign design and names vary considerably, with many easily passing as works of art.”

I agree. Many of these home signs are an absolute delight to stumble across. Many names are simple. Others whimsical. Lots are punny. Some could pass as free advertisements. Most colorful. All creative.

So next time you’re cruising your neighborhood, make sure to see the sign(s)! (Queue Ace of Base…)

Simple

In Memoriam

Whimsical

Punny

Advertisement?!

December 9, 2022

Hidden Harbor View in Harwich

The view from Alex B. Haas Memorial Park, Harwich. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

by Jeff Shaw

“Ocean views.” “Waterfront location.” “Private dock.” “Deeded rights to Sandy beach.” “Easy access to Gray’s beach.” These vivid descriptions, used predominantly in real estate listings, illustrate the fabulousness that is Cape Cod, i.e., the water. Indeed, a large sandy, peninsula surrounded by water (Cape Cod Bay, Atlantic Ocean and Nantucket Sound and Buzzards Bay), plus a mindboggling 300+ inland fresh water ponds, adds up to one special place.

Yet, because so much of Cape Cod – beaches, marshes, forests, ponds – are protected (and they should be), there are less shoreline attractions than other coastal communities. On the flipside, the lack of shoreline development/attractions, is also what makes Cape Cod one special place.

The memorial rock inscribed with a lovely poetic tribute. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

With so many of us drawn to the water, finding a secluded place on Cape Cod can seem few and far between. Fear not.

While not a traditional park, the Alex B. Haas Memorial Park in Harwich is a wonderful spot. First, it honors those “crossing the bar,” with an unobstructed view of Saquatucket Harbor, a beautiful resting place.

Surrounded by green shrubbery, the Alex B. Haas Memorial Park is hidden in plain sight.
Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Second, it is located in an active harbor, so the loading and unloading of boats is some of the best free entertainment you will find on Cape Cod.

Three, it is located between the popular Dockside Cafe and the iconic Brax Landing, two restaurants pumping delicious smells into the air.

A seated view from Alex B. Haas Memorial Park, Harwich. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Now sure, no one is bringing family and friends to meet up at this park. The park is barely the size of a Ford F-150 – with the tailgate closed. Yet, it is a somewhat hidden sanctuary in a lively place.

Haas Memorial Park is for your quiet time. Watch, listen, meditate, read, paint, do what inspires. It’s an awe-inspiring view.

November 1, 2022