Dunseith Gardens also includes a small parcel at the southeast corner of Route 6 and North Street, across the street from Salty. The Community Bulletin Board here is managed by the Mattapoisett Lions Club. Banners also may be displayed next to the Community Bulletin Board, with the prior permission of MLT.
Dunseith Gardens was willed to MLT in 1988 by the estate of Henry Dunseith. The property was the site of Mr. Dunseith’s home, adjacent gift shop, and the landmark icon now known as Salty the Seahorse. The home and gift shop were razed because the buildings had deteriorated to such a degree that rehabilitation was impossible. We honor Henry Dunseith for this generous gift to MLT.
When Salty the Seahorse was restored and dedicated in the year 2000, the Selectman noted that “Henry loved this piece of property. He wanted it to stay as it was.” Selectman said that Mr. Dunseith could not envision the site housing a fast food restaurant, gas station or other business, even though the location at the busiest intersection in Mattapoisett is superb. MLT’s ownership will allow Dunseith Gardens to remain undeveloped in perpetuity.
According to the museum, in the early 1950s, a gift shop owner named Henry Dunseith had an idea on how to make his business stand out on the busy roadway of Route 6. He enlisted the help of a friend named Theodore D. Tetrault to build an eight-foot seahorse on his property. Soon after, they constructed a much larger seahorse, standing at 38 feet, made out of fiberglass and chicken wire. Since the '50s, the gigantic seahorse has remained.
I am happy to say i had the honor of knowing Ted the orginal builder as he was my neighbor growing up and like family to ours. Talented artist and great person who we miss! Thanks Uncle Ted as i called him for giving us this icon in Mattapoisett.
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guideline.