This Week in Marblehead History: 1978

Every week, Marblehead Patch digs through the Marblehead Messenger archives at to find some of the stories that were making headlines on this week in Marblehead history.

In April of 1978:

Christensen: 'No nonsense Government is What's Needed': "Police Patrolman Harry C. Christensen believes the town of Marblehead needs to return to its tradition of 'no-nonsense government' and he's making a bid for the Board of Selectmen in an attempt to do something about it. Christensen, 53, of 143 Elm St., joined the field of seven other selectmen's candidates about a month ago because he saw a need to return the running of the town to the residents. 'We find ourselves enveloped in times that try men's souls,' Christensen said. 'Our elected officials have not only lost sight of these traditions but also their responsibilities to the people of Marblehead.'" 

Seven Candidates Left in Superintendent Search: "Six more names have been trimmed from the list of candidates for the position of superintendent of schools job and the school committee will begin public interviews with the seven remaining applicants on Thursday, April 30. Local administrators who applied for the job include Gerry-Coffin Principal Terrence Boylan, Assistant Superintendent Carlton Chamberlain and Glover-Eveleth Principal Henry Dembowski."

Town Expenses to Boost Tax Rate a Minimum $6: "Marblehead taxpayers can anticipate a tax increase of $6 at best, and at worst $8 per $1,000 within the coming year. The increases would hike the current rate of $63 up to somewhere between $69 and $71. Finance Committee Chairman James Hourihan said there won't be much money left over from last year to off-set the tax rate.

Selectmen's Sound System a Hit: "The Board of Selectmen shelled out around $400last week and got a public address system that would make the Rolling Stones proud. Each board member has his or her chrome microphone and stand and the tangle of wires and speakers attests to the sophistication of the system. Tom Jordan, the man behind the move to wire the board for sound, took it upon himself to scout out various sound systems before settling on the one the board faced last week."

Were you a town resident in 1978? Do you remember any of these names, locations or events? Let us know in the comments section.