Restoration of Salem's Iconic Cast-Iron Fence

Photo: Courtesy of Salem, Mass. Prior to the restoration work, part of the historic Salem Common fence was missing sections and damaged in other places.

A second round of restoration to the historic and iconic cast-iron fence on the Salem Common is expected to be completed this June, according to city officials.

“It is exciting to see this second phase of restoration coming to completion and the largest gap of missing fence being replaced,” said Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll in a statement. “This important piece of Salem history merits on-going support and I look forward to seeing the remainder of this beautiful fence restored.”

Twenty-two sections of fence are being restored, and protective bollards will be installed in one of the park entrances.

Altogether, the first two phases of restoration create a contiguous section of restored fence along Washington Square West, stretching from the Hawthorne Hotel past the Witch Museum.

The current restoration project also involves the replacement of seven missing sections of fence along the southeast corner of the Common, near the basketball court. A number of these sections had been pulled over several years ago by National Guard horses during the annual commemoration and re-enactment of the First Muster.

The City was able to undertake this phase of work with the support of Community Preservation Act funds, $100,000, and a $62,000 grant from the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund, through the Massachusetts Historical Commission, Secretary of the Commonwealth, William Francis Galvin, Chairman. Capital improvement funds were also provided by the City. A third phase of restoration is planned to begin in the fall, utilizing recently approved Community Preservation Act funds in the amount of $60,000.

Both phases of work have been completed by DeAngelis Iron Work, out of South Easton, under the supervision of CBI Consulting Inc.

The first phase of restoration work was completed in October 2013 and included the restoration of 20 sections of fence, including the three gated entrances along Washington Square South and repairs to the granite pillars. The historic bollards were also restored at five park entrances.