The Chatham Conservation Foundation is indeed fortunate to own a prime location in the heart of Chatham village known by many as simply the “Mayo House”. This charming three-quarter Cape, built between 1818-1820 by Josiah Mayo, served not only as home for his family of four children and his wife Desire Harding, but also as the Post Office when he became Postmaster in 1822. Later, the ell was used as a dry goods store and finally to house official Town documents after he was selected to be Town Clerk in 1847.

The house stayed in the Mayo family until 1938 and subsequently had three owners before it was purchased by the Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank in 1974. Two years later the bank gave the house to the Conservation Foundation.

In the past few years, the Mayo House has been struck by vehicles using the bank parking lot. The last two incidents required expensive repairs and restoration, including a stone wall placed by the bank along that property line to prohibit further damage to the historic building.

Having been closed for repairs, the Mayo House was re-opened to the public in the summer of 2005 with its regular schedule of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Volunteer Coordinator, Stuart Holden, was ably assisted by dedicated volunteers Mary Jo Champlin, Kay Cima, Esther Fortner, Marie Fulcher, Jean and Paul Greenough, Dana Macdonald, Peggy Neeves, Linda Redding, Mary Lou and Bob Russell, David Simpson and Charlotte Witt.

We sincerely hope that you are interested in learning more about the Mayo House which is nearly 186 years old this year. There is a great need for new volunteers in order to continue the sharing of its quaint history with residents and visitors to Chatham.

The Mayo House is nearly 185 years old this year, and as with any antique building of it kind, is costly to maintain. The Chatham Conservation Foundation Board hopes you will consider supporting the house through a donation to the Foundation to help to defray the increased expenses of maintenance and improvements. To inquire about membership in the Foundation or to contribute to the Mayo House, please visit us at our Main Street location next door to Cape Cod Five or contact the Foundation’s office at 104 Crowell Road, Chatham 02633. Telephone 508-945-4084. /small>