PLUM ISLAND – In 1925, Gertrude W. Cutter bought land on the edge of the Great Marsh to build a house for her son, his wife and her grandson. The house has stood with the marsh as its backdrop for a century before being demolished on March 11 by its last owner, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
On Saturday, June 14, Pink House fans will gather to celebrate the iconic house’s 100th birthday. at the Pink House Art Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at PITA Hall, 8 Plum Island Blvd.
Local artists will show and sell their paintings and photographs of the Pink House, with at least 15 artists expected to take part.
Gov. Maura Healey will cut the house’s birthday cake at 3 p.m. She will be joined by state Sen. Bruce Tarr, a stalwart in the fight to save the house, and Bruce Stott, the last person to live in the Pink House. The event will also include short speeches to mark the occasion.
Organizers Sandy Tilton, a Supporters of the Pink House (STPH) board member, and artist Kathy Culbert led the planning for the birthday party. They were joined by STPH president Alison Odle, Kelly Page and other board members.
“The reaction and the eagerness of SO many in this community to participate is wonderful !!” Tilton wrote in an email. “I could not be prouder of the overwhelming support for this Centennial Celebration of our local icon, The Pink House!!!
For decades, the Pink House attracted the passions of artists and photographers, who were inspired by its simple beauty and marshland setting. Travelers often paused to capture it, while locals came to see it as a symbol of the area’s character and charm.
A prolific photographer herself, Tilton wrote that the Pink House will continue to “inspire the artist in each of us,” and serve as a reminder of how a community pulled together for what they hold dear.
“Remember, The Pink House forevermore — those who fought to save it, those who did not. This place still matters.”
The June 14 celebration is open to all and is expected to bring together people from across the region. With Gov. Healey joining the event, the day will serve as a fitting tribute to 100 years of Pink House history.
“It’s going to be a great celebration!” said Rochelle Joseph, the longtime president of the STPH. “One hundred percent of this day is for the benefit the over 50 merchants and countless artists participating – and all who will enjoy it, whether locals or tourists.”
“With over 50 establishments, including the Tourist Bureau, and countless artists involved, this region wide celebration inarguably shows that The Pink House was an integral part of this region, supporting our local economy, inspiring art, and drawing people here from all over the world,” Joseph said.
Several area businesses are planning to offer Pink House specials. Stay tuned to The Town Common for more details. ♦
