In my day, summer work had one purpose – money. I'm sure many of you can relate to these memories, and have your own version to share.
Year: 2026
Don’t Talk Crazy!
The Admirable Life and Times of Richard C. Lombard Richard C. Lombard, after a long and blessed life, passed away on August 4, 2026, in the presence of those whom he loved so much. He had just celebrated his 90th birthday in May and was still going strong right up until his end. Richard was… Continue reading Don’t Talk Crazy!
Killing Wolves
One of the first laws instituted by the Massachusetts Bay Colony was a bounty on wolves, and in early Ipswich, a rather disconcerting aspect of entering the Meeting House was the site of wolf heads nailed to the door. Even in 1723, wolves were so abundant and so near the meeting house, that parents would not suffer their children to go and come from worship without some grown person.
Police Open Fire at the Ipswich Mills Strike, June 10, 1913
On June 10, 1913, police fired into a crowd of protesting immigrant workers at the Ipswich hosiery mill. A young Greek woman named Nicholetta Paudelopoulou was shot in the head and killed by police.
“At Long last, Sir, Have You Left No Sense of Decency?”
On June 9, 1954, before a nationwide television audience, Joseph Welch of Waltham replied to Joseph McCarthy, "Until this moment, Senator, I think I have never really gauged your cruelty or your recklessness."
Gathering Salt Marsh Hay
Salt marsh hay is still gathered on the North Shore today. The grass was stacked on staddles to raise it above the high tides, and was hauled away on sleds over the frozen marsh in mid-winter.
350 years on Grape Island
Grape Island was once a small but thriving community, and briefly a popular summer resort. In 1941, 3000 acres of Plum Island including Grape Island were purchased by the U.S. government to establish the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.
Ipswich & the Brookfield Massacre, August 2, 1675.
In 1660, a group of Ipswich families settled in Quaboag which they renamed Brookfield. Indian attacks in 1675 resulted in its destruction.
Melanson’s Fire, August 7, 2009
The boatyard, constructed in 1954, burned in a spectacular fire, and has since been replaced by a residential building.
Hurricane Carol, August 31, 1954
The 1954 storm knocked down trees and power lines all over Ipswich. Hurricane Carol devastated the Massachusetts south coast and Rhode Island, and was responsible for 65 deaths. On September 11, Hurricane Edna hit New England with additional destruction.
Samuel Symonds, Gentleman: Complaint to Salem Court Against His Two Servants, 1661
Philip Welch and William Downing, both children, were kidnapped from Ireland in 1654, and sold to Samuel Symonds in Ipswich. After 7 years they refused to continue working on his farm and demanded their freedom. They were arrested and brought to trial.
Anne Dudley Bradstreet, the Colony’s First Published Poet
Often alone in Ipswich while her husband Simon was engaged in government, Anne Bradstreet wrote a collection of poems published in London in 1650 titled, "The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung up in America...by a Gentlewoman in these Parts."
Walking Tour of Historic Ipswich, Sunday, September 6, 2026
This tour is led by local historian Gordon Harris, who shares the stories of our historic houses and the people who lived in them. The first part of the tour focuses on the fascinating history of the Meeting House Green area, accompanied by early photos. The walk takes us past many of the town's most… Continue reading Walking Tour of Historic Ipswich, Sunday, September 6, 2026
Sketches of Ipswich by William Gordon Keyworth
Early in his artistic career, William Gordon Keyworth (1927 - 2017) lived in Ipswich and worked as an art teacher at Shore Country Day School in Beverly. During his years in Ipswich, he painted a series of sketches and watercolors of historic buildings and scenes. Their first home in Ipswich was on Meeting House Green,… Continue reading Sketches of Ipswich by William Gordon Keyworth
A Simple Badge and Gun Does Not a Copper Make
Recently I had the pleasure of meeting some retired Ipswich Police Department friends at a late summer cookout. It was a magical evening of story-telling. I was grateful we had all made it to the other side relatively unscathed, and I realized once again how fortunate I was to have been broken in by such a group of experienced and savvy cops.
Ipswich Village (Upper High St.)
This Ipswich neighborhood has historically had a close social connection with neighboring Rowley. Jewett's mill was created in the 17th Century, and historic houses still line the street.
Historic Ipswich 