John Robertson House / Tartans and Tweeds / Penn Cove Gallery / Ye Kitchen Shop
Address: 5 Northwest Front Street
Date of Construction: 1864
Modifications made in: c. 1990
Original use: Residence
2006 use: Commercial
Public accessibility: Yes, limited
History: John Robertson built this structure in 1864 as a grist mill and house. There is some question as to whether the building was actually used as a grist mill. Robertson was an early entrepreneur and public official who played an active role in the development of Coupeville. This building was used as a residence for many years. The porch was added during the later nineteenth century while the building was rented to Captain Lloyd. Sarah Wanamaker purchased the house in 1905 and it remained in the Wanamaker family until 1969. The building is currently being used as a commercial structure. Changes have been made to the interior, but the exterior remains basically intact. New dormers added to north façade c. 1990.
Description: Saltbox Commercial Building. Wood frame set on post and block foundation; rectangle with shed roof addition on east façade; 3 bays wide; 1 1/2-stories; clapboard siding; asphalt-shingled gable roof; exterior end chimney on east façade.
