A century ago, Mabel Carter changed history on Nantucket Island. She purchased a piece of land for just $2,500. Her monthly mortgage payment was only $7. Today, that land holds Windsor Cottage at 58 Prospect Street. It is believed to be Nantucket’s oldest summer home owned by a Black family. This year, the cottage celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Carter Stewart still owns the property today. He is Mabel’s great-grandson. The cottage remains a family treasure. It stands as a powerful symbol of Black homeownership and resilience. For 100 years, it has provided a peaceful retreat. It has also served as a safe haven for Black visitors to the island.
The Story Behind Mabel Carter’s Bold Purchase
Mabel Carter first arrived on Nantucket in 1925. She worked for a wealthy family from Pennsylvania. They spent their summers on the island. Mabel quickly fell in love with the place. The fresh air, the ocean views, and the quiet streets captured her heart.
She did not just dream of staying. She took action. Mabel and her husband John bought land. John worked as a postman in Philadelphia. Together, they built a small cottage. It became their escape from the busy city. They would spend summers there for many years. It was a brave move for a Black family in that era.
A Century of Family Memories at Windsor Cottage
Stewart has visited Nantucket since he was a child. He has watched the island change over the decades. The shops, the crowds, and the buildings have evolved. But one thing remains the same. Windsor Cottage still offers calm and peace.
“There’s a serenity at our house,” Stewart shared. “There’s just a sense of place and familiarity since I’ve been coming for so long. And just sitting on the front porch and watching the sunset, even though the island has changed, that part hasn’t.”
That porch has seen generations of Carter family members. It has hosted laughter, meals, and quiet moments. The cottage is more than a building. It is a living memory bank.
A Safe Haven for Black Visitors and Students
Windsor Cottage served a greater purpose over the years. It operated as a bed and breakfast for Black tourists. Many Black visitors faced discrimination on the island. They were turned away from white-owned establishments. Windsor Cottage offered them a safe place to stay.
The home also became a community space. Black college students found refuge there. Summer visitors who felt unwelcome elsewhere gathered at the cottage. It was a place of belonging. Mabel’s vision created a sanctuary. Her home became a beacon of hospitality and inclusion.
Celebrating 100 Years with a Grand Reunion
Stewart is planning a special anniversary celebration. The event will take place in August. He invited everyone who has stayed at the cottage since 1982. He even reached out to people he hasn’t spoken with in years.
“I sent out a general invite to everybody who had ever stayed there to come back,” Stewart said. “It was fun to reconnect with them. Some are living in California, some are in England, some are all over.”
The celebration includes a dinner at the Nantucket Historical Association on August 8th. The following day, there will be a ceremony at the Historic Coloured Cemetery. That is where his family is buried. It is a fitting way to honor his ancestors.
The Cottage’s Legacy of Black Homeownership on Nantucket
Windsor Cottage stands out in Nantucket’s history. Black homeownership on the island was rare in 1926. Mabel Carter’s purchase broke barriers. It paved the way for future generations. Today, the cottage is a proud symbol of that legacy.
The home is a testament to hard work and determination. Mabel and John built something lasting. They created a legacy that has survived 100 years. Their story inspires others to pursue their dreams. It shows what is possible with vision and courage.
The Importance of Preserving Black History
Stories like Mabel Carter’s matter. They remind us of the struggles and triumphs of Black families. They show the importance of owning land and building wealth. They highlight the power of community and family.
Stewart’s dedication to the cottage keeps that history alive. He has maintained the property with love and care. His invitation to past guests is a beautiful gesture. It connects the past with the present. It ensures that Mabel’s legacy continues for another 100 years.
A Timeless Gift for Future Generations
Windsor Cottage is more than a house. It is a gift to the future. It teaches us about courage, resilience, and family. It shows that one person’s dream can impact generations. Mabel Carter’s vision has stood the test of time.
As the cottage celebrates its centennial, we honor her memory. We celebrate the joy it brought to so many. We look forward to the memories yet to be made. The story of Windsor Cottage is a story of hope. It is a story that will inspire for years to come.
