The MURAL of "VINTAGE DENNIS PORT"
MURAL of "VINTAGE DENNIS PORT"
by Hans de Castellane
This is the the third mural I have done on the block in partnership with the Dennis Port Revitalization Committee. The original concept of this project was to paint one large scene of the Downtown block portraying the bustling strip of shops and restaurants in its former glory.
However, once I began to dig deeper into the idea, sifted through thousands of vintage postcards, pictures and the archives of the Dennis Historical Society, I quickly realized that there wasn't just one "snapshot" that would work. In fact, there are many variations of Dennis Port over the last hundred years that I wanted to capture. The mural concept began to evolve into what has become a 100 foot long (albeit concrete) postcard like the ones you used to see, where a town or city is spelled out with fun, touristy vignettes within each letter. I remember loving these as a kid actually.
Here are a few postcard examples I came across:
Press:
Cape Cod Times Article from 7.17.17
New Mural To Adorn Downtown Dennis Port Cape Cod Times July 17, 2017 
Cape Cod Times Continued Coverage & Photo Essay December 4, 2017
The Wall:
Laying out the letters with some High School students this Summer: 
Then things begin to take shape...
I tried to pick the images that best told the story of Dennis Port's rich past.
People have helped me with the research by sending letters and emails with old photos and their tales of Dennis Port. Some people have stopped by the park to tell me their stories in person, from a first kiss at the Barn of Fun, to camping at Grindell's, to Pop selling Chicken Pot Pies. Two guys even came by and proudly pulled up their sleeves to show off their "Dennis Port" themed tattoos.
Volunteers:
I have had an awesome group of volunteers come and help paint the mural along the way; including a few friends, other business owners on the block, and a great group of students. 
The Weather:
With any outdoor project on Cape Cod, the weather tends to be a factor, as do the shorter days. I sometimes even set up a pop up tent, with tarps, lights, music, all my supplies, and of course, a space heater. It is actually quite cozy as long as the wind cooperates. 
From the roof of Buckies: 
The Design:
D
- 1920's scenes including Ginn's Bazaar, all these buildings sadly burned down in 1931.
E
- 28 West of Downtown inluding Benny's, Crowell's Millworks, and the gas station that is now Jack's 28.
N
- The N's are joined with perspective scenes of the block in a few different periods, with many of the iconic businesses that existed here through the years as well as some cool vintage cars!
I
- Depot Street with the old schoolhouse and church that both burned down as well as the old Post Office at the split to Pleasant Street.
S
- Swan Lake Cemetery appears on the bottom where many of Dennis' well known residents are buried. Swan River winds its way up from there through marshes to West Dennis Beach.
The wall ironically juts out about 8 feet after the word DENNIS, and then continues through the park to the back lot. The remaining P - O - R - T are on that section of wall, thus "splitting" the town's name, thus perpetuating the ongoing heated debate of whether D E N N I S...P O R T is one word or two.
P
- This will include Grindell's and other campgrounds as well as the quaint cottages on Old Wharf Rd.
O
- Beautiful beaches on Nantucket Sound with the signature jetties and Sunfish sailboats.
R
- Fun and games! A montage of Seaview Playland and the Barn of Fun, with mini golf, pinball, and even the old lady fortune teller.
T
- The wharf at the end of Sea Street that was destroyed in a hurricane, this will be the oldest scene. It will include a few three masted schooners like the one I painted for the sign that welcomes you as you enter the the village of Dennis Port. 
Supporters of the project:
We recieved a generous grant from the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod as well as many private donations but we still need your support to meet our GoFundMe goal.
The names of the donors will be represented on the wall itself.
Gifts For Donors:
Donations over $100 will receive a T shirt with a color image of the DENNIS PORT mural.
Donations above $400 will receive a signed, limited edition, Giclee print of the completed mural.
Businesses who donate can also have their logo included (For more info please call or email).
This block has come a long way since I first opened
de Castellane Gallery here in 2012. It has been so great to watch Dennis Port flourish again. Every bit helps, so please consider making a donation of any amount to show your love for Dennis Port, old and new.
Thanks for your time and support!
For more info on this, and the previous mural projects, visit the DPRC Facebook page or their Website
