Easton is on the cusp of change, but it is not entirely clear what that change is. The town is becoming more sophisticated, but at what cost? As world-class restaurants, stores, and the arts begin to flourish, will Easton become just another resort town? More simply put, should Easton become a Hamptons or Nantucket wanna-be? If so, is that a bad thing?
I am writing this column in Nantucket while looking out at Nantucket harbor. I have been taking daily walks through the historic town center. The streets are paved with cobblestones. The stores are a mixture of high-end clothing and middle-tier souvenir shops. Nantucket sweatshirts can be had for $60. Hundreds of choices for Nantucket refrigerator magnets are available.
Frankly, the downtown is more reminiscent of an historic town than an actual historic town. Dozens of old buildings, some dating to the 18th century remain standing, but now house real estate offices, restaurants, or boutique shops. The whaling museum reminds me of one of the attractions included in a mega-shopping mall to give people something to do other than shop. It’s interesting and worth a visit, but it competes with opportunities to look at multi-million-dollar yachts in the harbor.
Mind you, I’m not complaining about Nantucket, but don’t go there for the history. If you enjoy shopping and mingling with rich people, Nantucket should be on your list. The restaurants are plentiful and high quality.
The question for those of us in Talbot County, and, for that matter, the entire Eastern Shore, is whether we want to imitate the best-known east coast premier resort destinations. Easton already has started down that path. Bluepoint Hospitality has converted old, sometimes vacant storefronts into establishments that are beautiful, well-run, and expensive.
I confess to patronizing the “New Easton” and enjoying it. I am thrilled by the Prager Center for the Arts. And I’m glad that the Chesapeake Music Festival now has a home. I believe that these new establishments are good for Easton despite their representing change. They are part of a revitalization of Easton that, in my view, is good for everyone here, including those of us who are unlikely to buy anything from one of the new, premium-priced, businesses.
The remaking of Easton is part of a larger evolution of the Eastern Shore, which should be more than agriculture and beach towns. If Easton thrives because of this evolution, it means more and better jobs. It is also likely to result in better schools, improved healthcare facilities, and opportunities for growth in things like the Waterfowl Festival and other community activities to better engage us with each other.
Should there be limits on the degree to which Easton and other parts of the Eastern Shore “gentrify?” I would say yes, but I’m not sure how these limits are set. Do we want to discourage new investments and job creation?
Should Talbot County hold a special series of forums on what our future should look like? Many forums on the county’s future, of course, already happen, but perhaps something focused on the rapid changes occurring in the town of Easton might be a good idea. Among many things, such a discussion should ensure that if a future other than the current “gradual gentrification” of Easton is to be chosen, the alternative future needs to be fully understood.
I also worry about what happens to Easton if the Bluepoint Hospitality investments don’t work out. If the high-end businesses now being established fail, what will Federal Street and the rest of Easton look like? Will there be other entrepreneurs anxious to take over these businesses? I’m not sure.
What do you think? Are you worried or excited about Easton’s future?
J.E. Dean of Oxford is a retired attorney and public affairs consultant writing on politics, government, birds, and occasionally goldendoodles.
Sue Merrill says
I’m glad I live in Chestertown!
Carla Massoni says
In the 1950’s when we wanted a sophisticated outing, my mother and her friends would head to Easton…great small shops and the Tidewater for lunch.
Easton has always been Easton….it has always had a flair and attracted the well-to-do. Mr. Prager is simply the latest in line to add to the playground of the wealthy and contribute to the community projects that intrigue him. I think the real conversation needs to be – how do we care for the “whole” community. Nothing will be lost by broadening our vision – Easton is unique and will continue to be so. Education, affordable health care, creating workforce housing and providing a welcoming embrace for ALL citizens might be the new call for action. I visited what I jokingly called “Pragerville” and did the full tour. Loved the interior design throughout and was so impressed with the staff in each venue and at all levels – plus, the food was great (fabulous pies at Bonheur). I also applaud all the regulars I have known and loved for years and so appreciate everyone’s efforts to serve the public during the worst of Covid. I can’t wait to see the new “Out of the Fire” and will always go to Piazza (first and last) and shop at TradeWhims for gifts and of course plan a visit to the venerable and always “new” Academy Art Museum. For me, Nantucket has nothing on Easton…but Easton could be so much more – a model community for the entire Eastern Shore IN ALL WAYS.
Cecily Sharp-Whitehill says
J. E. Dean’s article, “Wondering about Easton’s Future,” seems more about his own fear of change than Easton’s actual change from County Seat to Cultural Seat. I grew up there (1948-1960), and have returned to Easton several times each year since then. The town offers increasingly sophisticated events and opportunities to consider not only its own future but the world’s. People attracted to enrichment are drawn there. So are those who wish the pace of change were slower — or less visible. Easton’s future seems vibrant and full of promise, even as its growth seems to some haphazard. It’s almost a given that plans for architectural and business growth by successive town commissions will be interpreted differently and even contradictorally, so outcomes year on year do, indeed, appear confusing. Change by its nature can seem confusing to some — and to others gloriously ripe for discussion, harvest, refreshment and renewal. Easton: continue to bring on the latter!
Michael Mitchell says
As of this comment on August 18, 2022 Pragerville and the 60 percent of Easton controlled by Mr. Prager seems to be in the jeopardy the Dean article speculated about. Apparently the vast majority of Mr. Prager’s wealth and income is in Beowulf, Terawulf and Bitcoin. All of these are down 80 to 90 percent since Deans article was written. The hyper expensive stores and shops, even more so than most in NYC that offer the same products, always seem empty even on weekends. RICH people have always come to Easton to escape the pretense and prices of NYC and DC. Visitors want local art, crafts, vegetables, fruit, tomatoes, corn and crabs, while wears shorts and flip flops. I wish Mr. Prager and Easton all the best but I can’t imagine how that can happen!
Michael Mitchell says
A retired DC lawyer come here to Oxford! Now that is a scourge !