Davenport Companies Mark 70th Anniversary; Induct New 15 Year Club Member

(SOUTH YARMOUTH, MA) – The Davenport Companies marked its 70th year in business on Cape Cod during an event in West Dennis on Thursday, September 24, 2026, that included a recap of the past seven decades and the induction of the latest member into the company’s ’15 Year Club.’

 

The South-Yarmouth-based Davenport Companies began in 1956 with a small housing development along the Bass River in West Dennis known as Wrinkle Point.

 

That modest beginning grew over the past 70 years into a multi-faceted company that includes commercial and residential real estate sales, leasing, and construction; senior living; golf course ownership; self-storage; fencing construction; investments; philanthropy and more. Nearly 20 years ago, the company expanded into the residential rental business in Florida.

 

Founded by John and Palmer Davenport, The Davenport Companies also previously owned the Red Jacket hotel group on Cape Cod and New Hampshire and were co-developers and owners of the Cape Cod Mall, among other service-related businesses. They remain one of the largest employers on Cape Cod and continue to be owned and operated by the same family.

 

During the event at The Lighthouse Inn in West Dennis, MA, the company also inducted Larry Lyford, a sales executive at the Davenport-owned Thirwood Place senior living complex in South Yarmouth, into the ’15 Year Club.’

 

That tradition began 15 years after the company was incorporated in 1956 and has been held annually. Team members with 15 years of service are recognized in a multimedia presentation capped with a dinner and watch ceremony.

 

“Our success over the past 70 years is inextricably tied to the tireless dedication and level of excellence provided by our team members across all our business lines,” said CEO DeWitt Davenport.

 

“Those team members are part of The Davenport Companies family that began in 1956 when my father and grandfather started our company along the banks of the Bass River. It was an honor to recognize Larry for his years of sales excellence at Thirwood Place.” he said.Davenport said the goal was to continue providing quality service, products, and experiences for their customers into the next decade.

 

During the ceremony, the Davenport family was presented with proclamations from the Massachusetts State Senate, Massachusetts House, and the Town of Yarmouth for their 70 years of continuous service.