Five Peabody History Books To Enjoy This Weekend

Are you looking to enjoy a book in the closing days of summer while also learning about Peabody history? 

Here are five Peabody history books that you can find at the local :

1. Then & Now: Peabody -- This 2008 book by William R. Power takes a look at old photos from numerous locales in Peabody, including the square, Ye Common Land Highway (aka Main Street), Olde Boston Road (aka Washington Street) and Southwick’s Lane (aka Lowell Street). There are also old photos of West Peabody and . As you would expect from the title of the book, Power presents historic photos pictured next to new photos to show what the location looks like today. He also provides quick snippets that brings Peabody’s history alive.
   
   
2. Images of America: Peabody -- Authors Stephen J. Schier and Kenneth C. Turino  provide photos that show Peabody’s history. You also get to read about George Peabody and see pictures from his life and times, as well as Peabody’s rich architectural history, business community, churches and street scenes. 
   
   
3. Images of America: Peabody Firefighting -- Peabody’s firefighter history is highlighted in its own 2007 book by Ted Quinn. Quinn takes the reader back to fire buckets, engine houses and horses and spotlights the fires and names of Peabody’s rich firefighting history. 
   
   
4. Postcard History Series: Peabody in Vintage Postcards -- A community’s history can often be found through the postcards printed over the years. In this book, Power takes a look at the legacy of George Peabody, as well as streets, public buildings, schools and even Route 1 and the . 
   
   
5. Images of America: Diners of the North Shore -- Not specifically geared to Peabody, the city’s history has been lined with diners and restaurants. Most know about the Bel-Aire Diner (there is an old photo, a picture of a matchbook as well as an old menu in the book), but there have been other diners. Suntaug Diner on Route 1 is represented with four old photos of the inside and outside of the diner as well as an old advertisement and there are also photos of the Agawam Diner and Kurly’s Diner on Railroad Avenue.

Which history books about Peabody are your favorite? Let us know in the comment section.