Motif Number 1 facts for kids
Motif Number 1 is a famous red fishing shack in Rockport, Massachusetts. It sits right on Bradley Wharf in the town's harbor. This building is so well-known that many people call it "the most often-painted building in America."
The original shack was built a long time ago in 1884. Sadly, a huge snowstorm called the Blizzard of 1978 destroyed it in 1978. But don't worry! An exact copy of the shack was built in the same year, so its famous look lives on.
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Why Motif Number 1 is Special
A Favorite for Artists
When the original shack was built in 1884, Rockport was becoming a popular place for both fishermen and artists. Painters loved the shack because of its perfect location and how the light hit it. It also became a symbol of the fishing life in New England.
How It Got Its Name
A painter named Lester Hornby (who lived from 1882 to 1956) is thought to be the first person to call the shack "Motif Number 1." He probably gave it this name because it was the most popular thing for artists in the town to paint. The name stuck, and everyone started using it. Other famous painters like Aldro Hibbard and Harry Aiken Vincent, who came to Rockport in 1917, also featured it in their artwork.
A Studio and a Monument
In the 1930s, another artist named John Buckley used the shack as his art studio. He later sold it to the town of Rockport in 1945. The town bought it to honor the people from Rockport who had served in the military.
Keeping Its Iconic Look
The town knows how important Motif Number 1 is. They work hard to keep it looking just right. They even use a special red paint that looks old and weathered, even when it's new. They also make sure there are no power lines, traffic signs, or advertisements around the shack. This helps keep its classic, timeless appearance for everyone to enjoy.
