Nantucket, with its rich maritime history, is not only famous for its stunning scenery but also for its unique architectural traditions. Many of the island’s historic homes feature distinctive elements that reflect both the practical needs and cultural heritage of the past. Let’s take a look at some of these timeless features, including the mortgage button, central chimneys, transom lights, and more, that have shaped Nantucket’s architectural charm.

The Mortgage Button: A Tradition of Ownership

One of the most interesting traditions in Nantucket homes is the mortgage button. This custom dates back to the mid-1600s and symbolizes the moment a homeowner paid off their mortgage. At that time, many families in Nantucket took out loans to finance their homes and businesses, particularly during the booming whaling industry.

To mark the mortgage’s payoff, homeowners would drill a small hole in the staircase railing or newel post, place the mortgage inside (often burned to ashes), and seal the hole with a button. These buttons were commonly made from whalebone and sometimes scrimshawed with the homeowner’s initials and the date. The button not only concealed the hole but also served as a sign that the home was mortgage-free and clear of liens.

Central Chimneys: The Heart of the Home

Another key feature of many Nantucket homes is the central chimney. These large chimneys were often located in the center of the house and served as the focal point for heat, cooking, and family gatherings. In the cold New England winters, a central hearth would heat multiple rooms of the home, and the chimney became a place where families would gather around the fire to cook meals, stay warm, and socialize.

Some homes featured walk-in fireplaces, which were large enough for people to step inside. These spacious fireplaces were essential for cooking and could accommodate large pots or cauldrons for stews, bread, or roasted meats. Though rare today, these walk-in fireplaces are a true symbol of Nantucket’s early way of life.

Transom Lights: Bringing Light and Air to the Home

Transom lights are small windows placed above and/or around doors, and they can be found in many historic Nantucket homes. These windows were originally added for both practical and aesthetic reasons. They allowed more natural light to enter homes, particularly in darker hallways or stairwells.

Before electricity, maximizing daylight was essential for safety and comfort. In addition to letting in light, transoms could be opened to improve air circulation, especially in the hot summer months. In some cases, transom windows also helped homeowners keep an eye on the safety of their home, such as checking for signs of fire. These windows often featured beautiful glass designs or elegant wooden framing, adding charm and character to the home’s entryway.

Beam Construction: Crafting with Wood

Many historic Nantucket homes are built using post-and-beam construction, which involves joining large wooden beams without the use of nails. This method, known as mortise-and-tenon construction, relies on wooden pegs and joints to hold the structure together. The exposed beams not only provide strength to the home but also add a distinctive, rustic beauty.

In many homes, these beams were hand-hewn, showcasing the skill of early artisans. Depending on the style of the home, these beams might be left natural or painted white, contributing to the design of the home—whether it be in a simple Shaker style or a more decorative Colonial look.

Stairways: Front and Rear

In Nantucket’s historic homes, staircases are an important feature that can show off both beauty and function. The front stairway often served as a grand entrance, with sweeping stairs, ornate railings, and decorative balusters that made a statement. These stairs were designed to impress visitors and reflect the status of the family.

Rear stairways, on the other hand, were much more utilitarian. These staircases were used for access to kitchens, service areas, or upper floors and were typically used by household staff. While these stairs might lack the grandeur of front stairways, they were essential for the everyday functioning of the home, often located near kitchens or mudrooms for easy access to the work areas of the house.

Scuttles and Widow’s Walks: Practical and Protective Features

Many Nantucket homes have scuttles, small openings in the roof used for ventilation, especially in homes with attics. Scuttles allowed warm air to escape in the summer and made it easier to maintain the roof or clean the chimney.
Widow’s walks—raised platforms on the roof—were another important feature. They were used for a variety of purposes, such as observing traffic in the harbor, checking for fires, or even serving as a place for astronomers to study the stars. They also provided a way for homeowners to access the roof in case of a chimney fire, allowing them to pour sand on the roof to put out the flames.

The historic homes of Nantucket are filled with unique architectural features that reflect the island’s rich history and maritime culture. From the mortgage button, symbolizing the end of a loan, to the central chimney, which was the heart of the home, each element tells a story of early life on the island. Whether it’s the natural beauty of exposed beams or the practicality of scuttles and widow’s walks, these features continue to add charm and character to Nantucket’s homes, keeping the island’s history alive for future generations to enjoy.