Our History
Explore the rich history of our inn and its owners over the years.
Special thanks to David W. Dunlap for his thorough and passionate research about the history of this iconic building, which is generously referenced below. Read the full history of our inn and visit his project, Building Provincetown 2020, for more exquisite writing about the history of Provincetown.
Isaac & Matilda Collins
Owners, 1876-1901
Isaac and Matilda Collins were one of the earliest known owners of the house located at 174 Commercial Street. Isaac was a prominent shipbuilder and spar maker and possible source of many of the nautical antiques and finishes that still exist in the house today.
Ballast stone wall
By the early 1900s, a prominent stone wall was erected around the perimeter of the inn. Described by David W. Dunlap as an “architectural masterpiece,” this unique stone wall is made up of ballast stones from old cargo ships and a popular feature on Commercial Street. Read more at Building Provincetown 2020.
Clara Watson / Watson Apartments
Owner, 1931-1941
Longtime teacher Clara Louise (Smith) Watson purchased the property in 1931 with her husband Eugene W. Watson (a Mayflower descendant) and ran it as the Watson Apartments until 1941. Clara was a member of many local organizations, including the Provincetown’s School Committee and Provincetown Art Association.
House shown here in 1928.
Joseph & Elsie Ferreira / Casa Vistosa
Owner, 1942-1960
Originally from São Miguel, the Ferreira’s ownership was described by Dunlap as a “golden era in the property’s history.” The apartments were named Casa Vistosa, or “house with a view,” as seen in this ad from 1955.
Casa Vistosa - 1949
1931 | 1946
Casa Vistosa - 1953
“Joe The Barber” Ferreira
While formally known as the Mayflower Barber Shop, everyone referred to it by his name — Joe The Barber. Ferreira’s barber shop was a beloved staple of the community. “It’s a good place to loaf, and a good place to talk about people,” Joe said.
No stranger to controversy, Joe also made the news by hiring Joye J. Montgomery, the first “lady barber” in town history, as was reported by the Advocate in 1952.
Richard White / White Wind Inn
Owner, 1968-1973
By 1964 (and a few owners later), the building was dubbed the “White Wind Inn” or the “White Winds”. In 1968, it was purchased by Richard White who was described by the innkeeper Leonard Paoletti as a “major [player] in the development of Provincetown as a major gay tourist resort.”
Ad seen here from 1976 when Sandra Rich was proprietor.
Sandra Rich / White Wind Inn
Owner, 1973-1998
For the next quarter-century, the White Wind was presided over by Sandra Rich, one of pioneering women innkeepers who “filled their rooms with lesbians from all walks of life,” as Karen Christel Krahulik wrote in Provincetown: From Pilgrim Landing to Gay Resort.
Room rate sheet from 1985 courtesy of L. Isaacson.
The Gazebo
The immediately recognizable structure on the corner of Commercial and Winthrop was constructed in 1977 and has been home to over a dozen small businesses over the years. (Read about the many retail shops and art galleries that got their start here.)
Since 2019, the gazebo is known as the Reynolds Gallery featuring stunning paintings by long-time Provincetown resident, Peg Reynolds. Peg thinks of it as “the people’s gallery,” a place where anyone can gather and enjoy art without any pretense. Peg’s work is also prominently featured inside the inn above the front staircase.
Rob Tosner & Michael Valenti / White Wind Inn
Owners, 1998-2020
Michael Valenti and Rob Tosner were hugely influential in creating the legacy of warmth and hospitality that the White Wind Inn is so well known for today. Their 22-season span brought about many themed parties, festive decorations, and significant improvements to the inn.
The most notable improvements include the creation of the Great Room with space for Michael’s grand piano which has hosted countless house concerts and cabarets, as well as adding on the popular Bonaventure room (now called Armstrong) named after Rob’s brother, who introduced Rob to Provincetown, and was known as Brother Bonaventure.
Pictured here is a performance from the 2016 Provincetown CabaretFest.
This golden cherub was one of many that adorned the inside of the White Wind, seen here lovingly hung over the very popular front porch.
The trumpet bell seen here inspired the design for the Brasswood’s logo.
Left: Neighbor and artist Peg Reynolds shown here touching up the beautiful White Wind Inn sign in 2019.
Right: Long-time owner Michael Valenti in 2019 decorating the roof of the porch for one of many impressive, eye-catching displays that the White Wind had a reputation for creating during the holidays.
Tom Westmoreland & Brian Calhoon / Brasswood Inn
Owners, 2020–present
In April 2020, Brian Calhoon and Tom Westmoreland purchased the White Wind Inn at the height of the pandemic — and still love it! In January of 2021, they rebranded to the Brasswood Inn. Read the Brasswood story.