Community Corner

This Week in History: 1963

Here's a look at some of the stories that were making headlines on this week in 1963.

Every week, Marblehead Patch digs through the Marblehead Messenger microfilm archives atAbbot Public Library to find out what was happening on this week in local history.

In 1963:

7 Flee Fire on Pleasant Street: "Seven people, including an 88-year-old man and his 59-year-old daughter, both of whom were assisted to the street over an aerial ladder, were forced to flee into eight-below zero temperatures; a Swampscott firefighers was overcome by smoke and three Marblehead firemen were hurt shortly after 6 a.m. Monday as fire of undetermined origin raced through a four-story wooden apartment house on Pleasant Street."

Find out what's happening in Marbleheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Town to Take Devereux Beach Property: "The town of Marblehead will begin legal proceedings to take the Usher Property at Devereux Beach next week. The Board of Playground Commissioners will have a few days to formally sign a contract initiating eminent domain procedures."

$140,000 Skating Rink and Green Street Rezoning Lead Warrant: "The Town Warrant for the 1963 Town Meeting was officially closed to entries last night and a few articles of controversial nature stick out. The petition of William H. Haskell and others to see if the town will erect a mechanically refrigerated skating rink on land now owned by the Health Department in the Green Street dump area promises plenty of discussion. Another issue which has already caused plenty of argument and may call more is the petition of residents in the Beacon, Green Street area that a portion of that land be made single residence under the zoning code - it is now unrestricted."

Find out what's happening in Marbleheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Civil War G.A.R. Memorial to Be Restored: "A movement has been started to restore the sacred, revered and historical Old Town Hall and the many relics in it. The second floor will be cleaned and set up as it was and will be maintained as a museum for the Civil War relics. the Board of Selectmen have agreed to include in this year's warrant a sum of money to make a beginning in this effort. There will also be an article in the warrant asking for special power to aid in the completion of the plan."

Do you know anyone who was a town resident in 1963? Do you recognize any of these names or moments? Let us know in the comments section below.


 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here