This Week in Marblehead History: 1872

Every week, Marblehead Patch digs through the Marblehead Messenger microfilm archives at to find out what was happening on this week in local history.

In 1872:

Clock Project Canceled: "The project for a clock upon the tower of the Railroad Station in this town, by which our citizens were to share the expense with the Railroad Company, for the sake of securing the great convenience, has 'gone where the woodbine twineth' as the corporation. 'While they would be glad to accommodate' do not see their way, at present, to do anything in the premises. Don't be discouraged, the project hasn't gone beyond all probabilities. Pick your flints and try again."

Emigrants Arrive: "A vessel from Nova Scotia, which arrived at this port last week, brought quite a number of sturdy emigrants, who gave the Custom House officer quite a job, and were instrumental in putting a goodly amount of specie into temporary circulation."

Firemen's Trumpet to be Awarded: "The Firemen's Trumpet, a beautiful instrument, to be given to the company receives the largest number of votes at the Catholic Fair, is on exhibition at the store of John S. Atkins on Washington Street."

Grand Dramatic Entertainment: "The John Goodwin, Jr., Post 82, G.A.R., would respectfully give notice that Grand Dramatic Entertainment will be given at Lyceum Hall this Saturday evening, April 13, on which occassion, the Moral, Domestic Prima of Rosina Meadows and the popular Irish fare of The Irish Tutor will be produced, with good music, splendid scenery, with an excellent cast."

Star of the Sea Church Fair: "A Grand Fair for the New church Star of the Sea, of Marblehead, Mass., will celebrate the opening in the New Building, on the corner of Commercial and Gregory streets, on April 29 from 7 to 12 p.m. Among the prizes are more than 12,000 feet of land, with a splendid hall, 60x40 in a very splendid condition, and situated in a most commanding location on Pleasant Street."

Cow Leases: "To Let! 2 cow leases in the Upper Division cow pasture. Enquire of Elisha T. Brown, Marblehead."

Town Departments Ready for Spring: "As soon as the frost is fairly out of the ground and settled weather comes on, both the Surveyor of Highways and the Board of Health will commence the discharge of their duties. Meantime, we would recommend a perusal of the regulations of the Board of Health, in our columns, which, as we are creditably informed, are to be enforced with, perhaps, unwanted, but nevertheless commendable, strictness. No good citizen will disregard the regulations so necessary to the health of the population and all others should be obliged to observe them."

Reward Offered: "FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD: The above reward will be paid for information which lead to the detection and conviction of the person, or persons, who set fire to the Quiner House, on Front Street, on the night of the third instant. Signed - Marblehead Selectmen: Thomas Ross, Benjamin D. Dixie, Simon Lamprell, Benjamin Wormsted, George Hatch, April 6, 1872."