Marblehead Magicians Gridiron Club to Honor the Late William “Esso” Haines

The Marblehead Magicians Gridiron Club will honor the late William “Esso” Haines by naming the access road to the Marblehead High School Field House in his memory prior to Friday night’s home varsity football game against the Salem High Witches.

“The naming of the road is a tremendous way to keep Esso’s memory alive and for the people of Marblehead to remember him by,” said Magicians Gridiron Club President Evan Harris. “Not only did Esso help the town’s football program, he helped many of the town’s student athletes through the organizing of numerous scholarships. His accomplishments and loyality to the town’s youth will be forever remembered.”

Esso, who passed away at the age of 83 on July 8, 2013, was a native Marbleheader. He matriculated through the Marblehead school system, graduating from MHS in 1948. While at Marblehead High he played football and baseball prior to graduating and pursuing a professional baseball umpiring career. After returning to Marblehead, Esso embarked on a long career in the food industry, working at The Marblehead Supermarket and The Century House in Danvers.

However, Esso’s greatest love, besides his wife Nancy and their family, was sports, particularly Marblehead sports. A highly respected high school football official and baseball umpire for over 32 years, Esso was a key member of the Magicians Gridiron Club and its formation in 1982.  For over 30 years Esso was the driving force behind the club and its many non-profit projects.

“He did it all,” said Harris, a former MHS football captain in the late 1970’s. “He was always looking to make things happen. He wanted what was best for his community and its residents, especially the student-athletes. He and his wife Nancy spent thousands of hours volunteering their time to club projects that would benefit others in a highly positive way. He is surely missed, but will never be forgotten. He was truly one-of-a-kind.”                         

The above observations by T. Chapman Roundy were echoed by Marblehead Athletic Director Mark Tarmey in his comments that follow:

2. Weather Watch: 

• Sunrise: 6:26 a.m.
• High tide: 10:46 a.m.
• Low tide: 4:50 p.m.
• Sunset: 6:47 p.m.

3. School Notes:

On Wednesday, Sept. 18, students at the high school will get out at noon.

4: Academic Notes: 

The following local high school students were awarded the 2013 Saint Michael's College Book Award for Academic Achievement with a Social Conscience:

Sophie Naughton of Marblehead, a student at Marblehead High School.

Adler Smith of Marblehead, a student at Marblehead High School.

The award recognizes students who demonstrate a commitment to leadership in volunteer service and academic achievement. Saint Michael's, located in Burlington, Vermont, one of America's top 10 college towns, was founded on the belief that serving others is part of its Catholic tradition, and through the award seeks to honor those who demonstrate the true spirit of volunteerism.

 5. Town Notes: