This Week in Marblehead History: 1965

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

In 1965:

Zappala Denied License, Selectmen Vote 5-0: "In what proved to be a surprisingly quiet session, the Marblehead Board of Selectmen last night voted to deny the application of John R. Zappala, 25 Park Ave., Wakefield, for an all alcoholic beverage and common victualer's license to be used at 151 Front Street. Zappala sought to operate the proposed restaurant in conjunction with The Ship on route One, Lynnfield, of which he is sole owner and manager."

Rockmere Land Could Go By Eminent Domain: "Town selectman "Chet" Sawtelle was scheduled to take plans of the controversial Rockmere property to Police Lt. Dick Fullerton today. According to Sawtelle, "The Selectmen and the Finance Committee agree that local voters should have  chance to decide if the town should take this property be eminent domain for park and recreation facilities."

Ice Skater Warned by Local Police: "An unidentified skater was recently saved from drowning after breaking through the surface of unsafe ice in a colal pond. Police Chief George Girard then issued a public warning that "currently all local ponds are considered unsafe for skating. The skater was allegedly pulled from the icy waters by nearby hockey players."

New Members Welcomed by Women's Club: "The Marblehead Women's Club welcomed three new members at their meeting recently. They are: Mrs. Robert Blair, Mrs. Edwin Clark and Mrs. Robert W. Osgood. Mrs. Emerson F. Brown, membership chairman, introduced new members to Mrs. Howard M. Knight, president, who welcomed them into the club."

Sale at Marblehead Supermarket: An advertisement for Marblehead Supermarket recommended that local residents "start the new year with fresh fruits, vegetables and salads from our bountiful supply and amazing selection." 

• Smoked Shoulders, 29 cents per pound
• Bacon, 49 cents per pound
• Yacht Club Tomatoes, 2 large cans, 39 cents
• Monarc Cucumber Stix, 39 cents per jar
• Cott's Ginger Ale, 6 full quarts, $1
• Tuna, 25 cents per can

Marblehead Widow Leaves $60,000 Estate: "A Marblehead widow, Mrs. Goldie C. Cohen, who died in early December, left an estate valued at about $60,000, according to letters of administration allowed on her estate by Judge John V. Phelan, in Salem Probate Court. She left three children, Ms. Marion Gordon of Marblehead; Ms. Phyllis Winer of Longmeadow; and Sumner Cohen of 370 Forest Ave., Swampscott.The son was appointed administrator of the estate.

St. Michael's Thrift Shop Re-Opens: The Thrift Shop, operated by St. Catherine's Guild, of St. Michael's Episcopal Church, reopened this week at 70 Washington Street. Mrs. Emerson A. Graves is the president; Mrs. Elmer A. Harlow, secretary; and Mrs. Franklin P. Swain, treasurer.

Were you a Marblehead resident in 1965? Do you recognize any of these names or events? Let us know in the comments section.