Marblehead Forever - 100 Years Ago

Marblehead Forever will be about Marblehead, her history and stories of some of my Marblehead ancestors. I am a genealogist, historian, researcher, first time author and first time blogger. Born and raised in Marblehead my Marblehead roots go back nine generations to the 1600's. Even with his connection, I must admit I cannot be considered a real "Header" as my father was an out -of -towner.Although I would love to voice my opinion on current town politics and happenings, I will bite my tongue and let others speak of these issues.

I am an avid reader of the Marblehead Messenger from its inception in 1872 to the present. I prefer to remember Marblehead as it was when I was growing up in the '50's and 60's and to picture in my mind how my ancestors lived. When I come to town and drive down the narrow streets I don't see Starbucks, the Village Plaza, torn down historic buidings and empty storefronts. Rather I see the train depot, Hutchies's Chips, Miller Ford,Brown's Florist, The Toy Store, Damon Tuckers, the Gulf Station in Market Square, and my Aunt Sadie's Candy Store. One point I would like to make right out of the starting gate, there is no such place as "Old Town". Marblehead has a downtown, uptown and Clifton (anything past Tent's corner.) Oh, wait, where has Tent's Corner gone. It is where the Marblehead Savings Bank is now across from the New High School.That is as far as we were allowed to ride our bikes back in the day.
So , enjoy your time travel through Marblehead's history and I hope you enjoy reading about some of my ancestors and Marblehead's founding fathers and the comings and goings of the town throughout time.

It is very true that history repeats itself. Some of the same issues of today were also present in past times and it is interesting to see how problems were  addressed and solved in the days of old. In reading the Marblehead Messenger of May 5, 1911, one hundred years ago, the topic was the same as it is in today's paper, a new school. In 1911 they were discussing whether to build a new High School and today it is what to do with the Glover School. The High School in 1911 was on Pleasant Street which later became the Marblehead Armory, the American Legion Building  and of course later turned into condos.  In a letter to the editor by Mr. Theodore P. Day of Gregory Street he wrote:

"The sentiment of the town is 'that the time is ripe for the erection of a new High School building,' that the present building is unsuitable, needs no argument.  It is inadequate to the meet the demands of the class work. There is no hall in which to assemble the entire school. It is improperly heated, poorly ventilated and unsanitary."

"The standard of the Marblehead High School has been gradually raised, till today a student receiving a certificate of graduation, signed by its principal will be admitted to most of our colleges. this speaks volumes for the system and should be heartily commended by the citizens, by giving them proper facilities for their work, as well as comforts and conveniences for our children. With most of them it completes their education, while others go on to higher education."

"The matter of site ordinarily figures largely in the expense of such a move, but Marblehead is fortunate in possessing one of the most beautiful sites that could be desired for such an important building, a spot that owing to its elevation insures the best light and ventilation for all time. I refer to the "Workhouse Rocks." There are many reasons other than that of expense which makes it a most desirable location for a High School building. First, it is on the street car line. This is a decided advantage in stormy weather.  Again, the nature of it surface makes it ideal from an educational stand point, given it has a natural park effect. Advantage could be taken of this by planting shrubs, winding the walks around the ledges, etc., making it one of the most attractive spots in our beautiful  old town, and finally it has plenty of land on the north side for an athletic field, which is the most attractive and desirable feature in an up to date high school. One of the town's best asset is its public schools. Marblehead is rapidly changing its character, for the first time in the history of the high school more boys than girls will graduate this year. Let the agitation go on as merit demands, and 1912 will give us one of our greatest needs, a good new High School building."

Mr. Day got his point across and the new High School was built in 1912 and served it's purpose for over ninety years.

My final comment, "The permanent stairs to the new YMCA were installed during this week in 1911." One hundred years later, the building is demolished. No further comment.