Reminiscent of the fairy tale gingerbread and candy house found in Hansel and Gretel, these once humble abodes are now exclusive summer homes. Originally built by Methodists who held annual retreats and meetings in the area, 500 cottages were constructed. Initially known as "Cottage City," the name changed in 1880 to Oak Bluffs.

Actually, the gingerbread homes were built in the popular architectural style of its time, Carpenter's Gothic. Painted and decorated with bright and vivid colors, wearing candy-like pillars, and plenty of ornaments and trim, they simply became known as the "Gingerbread Houses." There are still 300 homes remaining, as well as the Cottage Museum and active Tabernacle sitting in the center of the complex, which still welcomes religious functions.
Walter Pietrowicz