Items

• Mom and dad Nickerson

  In front of our home 29 North Belgian Road. Easter time, 1962. Pictured: Willard H. Nickerson, Alice Nickerson
• Growing up in Danvers, 1962

  It was great growing up in Woodvale! So many kids. Pictured: Debbie Nickerson (Silva), Martha Lewis, Peter Lewis
• Willard Nickerson, poet

  Dad published his books and was a local poet known to many. This is an article about his poetry writings.
• Junior high band, Downtown Danvers Parade, 1968

  Great memories of community involvement. Location: Maple Street Pictured: Deborah Nickerson (Silva), front and center with clarinet.
• Harold Forbes Nicholson family

  Location: Riverside Street Pictured: Harold Nicholson, Roger, David, Jean, Phyllis
• Battle of the Bulge : Germany

  Sally Ann refers to his daughter who later became Mrs. Nicholson. Family lived on Pine Street for 60 years.
• 1958 Championship Braves

  Pictured: Jack Whipple, Pete Anderson, Dennis Dubois, George Oullette, Tommy Pierce, Johnny Riggs, Carl Burkhart, Dickie Farley, Paul Munzing, Bobby Bolduc, Dickie McAuley, Skippy Wallace, Cliff Ambrose, Ricky Fitzgerald, Eddie Young
• 1957 Little League : Phillies

  Location: Plains Park
• 1960 Danvers All-Stars play-off East Longmeadow

  Both of these gentlemen did a tremendous amount of service for my town of Danvers. My father, George Bolduc was extremely involved in the Danvers little league. Photo was taken some time in the summer.
• Our wedding day

  The conclusion of our ceremony and the beginning of an eternal life together.
• Our wedding day: walking down the aisle

  Religion is very important to my family. Maple Street Church made our wedding day a wonderful harmonious experience.
• My mother's election as Danvers' selectman

  My mother always wore a turquoise pantsuit. She did this so often that one year a child impersonated her in the Horribles Parade. Pictured (L to R): Marjorie Watters Murray (my mother), Francis H. Murray (my father), Paula (me), Elizabeth (my sister)
• One of the Putnam Family Homesteads

  Our family homestead. John Putnam, janitor at the library salvaged wood after the 1892 library fire to build this house.
• Marjorie Watters Murray as chorus girl in Scollay Square

  Mother was a chorus girl in Scollay Square in the 1950s. "Virtue Hathaway" was her stage name. Pictured (L to R): Marjorie Watters Murray, unknown
• Marjorie Watters Murray as selectman on parade

  Marjorie Watters Murray (my mother) marching in parade as selectman (second woman). She was the first woman head of selectman. Pictured (L to R): Joe Pennimpede, Marjorie Watters Murray, Bob Francis
• Eunice Hyde Putnam Watters

  Mother to Marjorie Watters Murray, married to John Watters.
• John Watters

  Married Eunice Putnam, had machine shop which produced shoe machines.
• Putnam Family

  This photo is of my grandmother, her sisters and their parents. The Putnam family is descended from General Putnam's brother. Mary Dempsey became the matriarch of the family. Edith Brown was supposedly an angel. She was a half-sister from the father's first wife. Ella Carey was 4'10" and wore huge heels. She ran off at age 16 with an Irish man who helped build the Brooklyn Bridge and Empire State Building. Sarah Putnam, never married, never kissed. She was 5'7", beautiful and loved children. She worked at Hunt Hospital. Emiline Croft Putnam was the mother [my great grandmother]. She married at age 30 and walked to Beverly to work. John Putnam [my great grandfather] was a socialist until 1912. He was janitor at the Peabody Institute Library and credited with saving the George Peabody 10-foot oil painting when the library burned down in 1892. Florence Putnam was a half-sister. Louise Clark ran the office at Ideal Baby Shoes when Danvers was the baby shoe capital of the world. Eunice Hyde Putnam Watters was my grandmother. Her husband was 25 years her senior. She adopted my mother, Marjorie Watters Murray, the second woman selectman ever in Danvers. The Putnam girls could do anything! Pictured: (Back row) Mary Dempsey, Edith Brown, Ella Carey (Middle row) Sarah Putnam, Emiline Croft Putnam, John Putnam, Florence Putnam (Front row) Louise Clark, Eunice Hyde Putnam Watters
• Skating on the Meadows

  Skating on the meadows was one of my favorite activities. Photo was taken in the winter months 1954-1955. Pictured: Don Morano, Kathryn J. Morano
• First day at Ms. Perkins' kindergarten

  It was taken by my mother on my first day of kindergarten. I have a lot of fond memories of that place. Location: Oak Street Pictured: Ms. Perkins, unknown, unknown, Kathryn J. Morano, unknown
• Workers at the foundry on Water Street

  It's a photo of my grandfather William Earl Clay (far right). It also shows an industry that no longer exists in Danvers.
• Shoemakers all

  There were lots of shoe cutters in our family. They were farmers during the summer and shoemakers during the winter.
• Grandfather William Prentiss Wilkins

  This was my grandfather on my mother's side. He was married to Sarah Chinn. Our family has been in Danvers since 1630. This photo was taken ca. 1900.
• Uncle Frank Austin Wilkins

  This was the only uncle I had on my mother's side. Photo taken ca. 1891. He was three years old. Pictured: Frank A. Wilkins
• Minstrel show, St. Mary's Hall

  Pictured: 3rd from left: Janet Devarenne 5th from left: Carol McLaughlin 6th from left: Phyllis Smith 7th from left: Dencias
• Minstrel Show, St. Mary's Hall

  Pictured (L to R): Phyllis Smith (married to Dan Burnett), Janet Devarenne, Carol McLaughlin
• The Devarenne family - Queen of the May - St. Mary's Church

  Location: 311 Maple Street Pictured (L to R): Charles "Chike" Devarenne, Janet T. Devarenne, Mary R. Devarenne
• Begin family portrait

  Great grandmother Begin - the last of four children. Eight of the children are still New Englanders
• Grandmother Aurelia Begin Batchelder (1892-1957) with grandchildren

  Barn destroyed by fire - it was my grandmother's farm - Mrs. Batchelder's Inn. The location is now Holten Garden Apartments. Pictured (L to R): Janet Wells Bennett, Nippy Wells, Paula Wells, Donald Wells, Elaine Wells, Grandmother Batchelder
• Tapleyville lineup

  Pictured (L to R): Nippy Wells, Paula Wells Hutchinson, Joyce Wallfield, Beverly Jonath, Greg Norris, Janet Wells Bennett, Kenny Poririer, Debby Poririer Barrowclough, Donald Wells
• "Outstanding Contributions to Americanism" Award

  It is a photo of my father's award, honoring his contribution to our veterans of our Armed Forces.
• Crazy lobster

  Well, it's a funny sort of curiosity, a food sculpture of a lobster designed by the owner of New Brothers Deli. This is our family business.
• Kyriakos Andrinopoulos Receives "Outstanding Contributions to Americanism" Award

  The award was presented by the American Legion. It is for a contribution to our veterans who serve in out military. "Kary" was the first foreign-born citizen to receive the honor. Pictured: Kyriakos Andrinopoulos, Joseph Thompson
• Book buddies

  Tara loves children. She now reads to her patients in the hospital.
• Silos at Danvers State Hospital

  Photo taken after the fire in February, 1944. My father was the head farmer and we lived on the grounds at Danvers State Hospital.
• Danvers State Hospital, 1944

  Barn and silos after the barn fire. I was raised on the grounds of Danvers State Hospital. My father was the head farmer.
• Family of Ethel and Elwin Jewett

  Entire Jewett family. Last picture taken with the family including my grandfather, Elwin Jewett. Location: Hampstead, New Hampshire - Bailey Shores (Sunset Lake) Pictured: (Back Row) Doug Jewett, Bruce Jewett, Martha Swindell (my mother), Elwin Jewett (my mother's father), Paul Properzio, September Jewett, Donald Lavigne, Nick Swindell, Kim Jewett, Deborah Properzio, Ethel Jewett, Amanda Carter, Sarah Lavigne, Michael Swindell, Lucy Properzio, Rebecca Lavigne, Dog "Zoe"
• My daughter, Rebecca Lavigne

  Danvers High School Falcons Marching Band, 2000-2001. It was the first time they marched in the Rose Bowl Parade. They wore temporary uniforms because the band was so large that there were not enough - more were ordered for the parade. Pictured: Rebecca Lavigne
• My Family of Honors ceremony

  Picture of all my family together. Location: Danvers High School (L to R): Rebecca Lavigne, Donald Lavigne, Sarah Lavigne
• Family of Frank and Priscilla Swindell

  The Swindell Family over many generations. This photo is important because it records the Swindell Family lineage. Pictured: (Back row) Paul Tufts, Susan (Swindell) Tufts, Michael Swindell, Kevin Swindell, Martha (Jewette, Teague) Swindell (Row 2): David Tufts, Frank Swindell, Amanda Teague, Peter Sullivan, Sarah Teague (Row 3): Nicholas Swindell, Priscilla Swindell, Cheryl (Swindell, Mason) Sullivan-with Jake Sullivan (Row 4): Chrissy Mason, Linda Tufts, Corrie Mason
• Bicentennial horribles parade, 1976

  Martha (Jewette, Teague) Swindell made the costumes for her daughters for the annual Horribles Parade in the Highlands
• Bicentennial bonfire at Plains Park, 1976

  Michael Swindell and Sarah Teague helped in transporting pallets for the bonfire and building it.
• Purina Chow - grain factory

  Three views of the building. Just a unique architectural specimen. Paul Meinerth painted from these photos as well and displayed them at the Liberty Tree Mall.
• Cullen Fuels

  Same building; different views. It is an important part of Danvers history. Coal burning, trains, etc. Paintings were done of these too.
• Christmas in Danvers Square

  "Downtown Danvers 50 Years Ago"
• Danvers kids

  The group I grew up with. The only park I remember. Location: Plains Park
• Building a clubhouse

  We called this "The Wing Club" and this photo shows how it was built and how it was used. Brothers built this during World War II from a barn taken down at Proctor Farm.
• Overview of 1948 Liberty Street

  Across the street from my house - open space where we used to play. There was a small creek, meadow and cows. Ready to play a baseball game. Location: Liberty Street Pictured (L to R): Dick Stone, John Toomey, Don Rickards, Barry Ubanski, Stan Statoway, Harold Stone
• John Toomey family (1988)

  Family photo taken before my family members married and moved out. Pictured: Michael Toomey, Beth Toomey (Cope), Patricia G. (Morris) Toomey, Patricia (Tricia) M. Toomey, Shawn Toomey, John Toomey (front and center)
• Sylvester family photo

  My maternal family in 1897 - seven children shown of twelve. Where: Peabody Farm across from Century House Road Family history: These people influenced the way I lived. Joseph Sylvester came to Peabody and had twelve children, mostly girls, so not many known because their names were changed. The farm was still run by Joe Sylvester until 2000. We recently had a family reunion with over 200 people.
• Wedding of John and Patricia (Morris) Toomey

  This was the beginning of my life together with John. When it was time to buy a house, he refused to get out of the car except for Danvers. I had a wonderful life in the Danvers community and volunteered in many town activities. Location: St. James Church, Haverhill Pictured: Patricia Morris Toomey, John Toomey
• Sunday walk

  Our family took Sunday walks here until 1980. Location: Tapleyville, near the railroad tracks. Pictured (L to R): Steve Hawkes, Walter Hawkes (brothers), Timothy Hawkes (Dad)
• Grampy Hawkes' farm

  Grampy Tim's farm - path to Tapley School and Methodist Church (background). Current site of Hawkes Manor. Pictured (L to R): Charles C. Dame, Jr., Glenn Wesley Hawkes
• B&M Railroad fireman and engineer

  B&M Railroad Fireman and Engineer Engineer: Timothy Hawkes ; Fireman: unknown
• My babydoll Cynthia (9 months)

  Cynthia driving woody station wagon. Location: 6 Rice Street Baby: Cynthia May Hawkes (Meehan) Mother: Stella Veinotte Hawkes
• Genocide survivor (Rwanda)

  Valentine was rescued after 43 days under bodies in the genocide at Rwanda in 1994. She was adopted by my brother and is now a member of the family.
• Grammy Hawkes

  Location: 6 Rice Street, Danvers Back Row: Douglas Cogswell, Lillian Ives Hawkes, Lillian May Hawkes (Wilson) Front Row: Judy Hawkes (Flachbart), Bobby Hawkes, Cynthia Hawkes Meehan, Glenn Wesley Hawkes.
• Eclipse of the sun

  Our family watching an eclipse at 6 Rice Street, Danvers. Pictured (L to R): Lillian Ives Hawkes, Bobby Hawkes, Dorothy Ives, Twinnie Hoyt
• Grampy - horse and wagon

  Location: Rice Street Pictured (L to R): Greight Goodale, Timothy Hawkes
• Students - St. John's Normal College - circa 1891

  Beaver Brook Farm - at side gate on Summer Street - became St. John's Normal College in 1891. Stones on gate reflect the large variety of stones used in the buildings. Oldest photo at St. John's Prep.
• St. John's Prep : brother and student

  Standing in front of Administration Building. Top of arch (not visible) - 1880 when building was built.
• Early auto at St. John's Prep with brothers and students

  Taken at Danvers St. John's Prep - Outside Conservatory Notice the running board which has a pump on it that might be for putting air in the tires. Pictured: Two brothers and two students
• 1951 Danvers Little League All-Star team

  I was on the team.
• School Street Variety Store

  I lived across the street for 22 years.
• Myself with marching snare in Meggan Duggan Parade

  Tim Jordan in band with marching snare drum, having a good time in uniform.
• Certificate of recognition for 8th graders who marched with DHS Band in Rose Bowl Parade

  Given to Tim Jordan after marching in the Rose Bowl Parade with the High School Band. Recognizes achievement.
• Wonder Girl

  My daughter, Elizabeth was about five years old and loved watching Wonder Woman on TV, so she just had to put together a costume and run around fighting injustice with her magic rope and bracelet. She posed in front of the door to her 17th century house in Old Salem Village (Danvers). Pictured: Elizabeth Trask
• Dad with Pontiac

  House pictured (across from 16 Appleton) - now torn down and replaced.
• Town manager and library director at library function promoting addition

  Photo taken during the 1970s at the Peabody Institute Library, 15 Sylvan Street, Danvers
• Peabody Institute Library, Danvers

  Photo was taken in the 1970s before the 1980s underground addition.
• Panorama : Danvers State Hospital

  Photo taken in the late1990s.
• Kirkbride Building, Danvers State Hospital

  Main building at the State Hospital. Photo was taken in the late 1990s. John Alzipedi of the Mass. State Film Office donated this photo to the Peabody Institute Library, Danvers
• Grey Gables : nursing school at Danvers State Hospital

  Building demolished in the 2000s. Photo taken in the late 1990s. John Alziapedi, Mass State Film Office, donated photos to the Peabody Institute Library, Danvers.
• My family and myself going off to church

  A Sunday tradition - going to church. Couldn't wait to get home and change into play clothes. Pictured (L to R): Fred Jordan, Matylda Jordan, Steve Jordan, Ed Jordan, Jamie Jordan
• My grandparents on their wedding day : the Roaring Twenties

  The history of my family is not forgotten. Note the style of clothes and the flowers. Photo taken in Salem during the early 1920s. Pictured: Groom: Walter Jordan; Bride: Stella (Opolski) Jordan; Bridesmaids: Sophie Opolski, Della Chase, Groomsmen: unknown
• My parents, dressed for a night on the town

  My parents went out together and had fun socializing and dancing. They still have these clothes. Photo was taken on a Saturday night in the 1970s. Pictured (L to R): Fred Jordan, Matylda Jordan
• Nelson Person (Band Photo)

  Popular band from Danvers. Music played on Kiss 108 and college radio. Hit song "Runta Runta." Band played at Grovers in Beverly and at The Rat, The Channel and The Balcony in Boston. Also played in New York City. Auditioned for major record labels. Almost made "the big time." Pictured (L to R): Rick Davis, Paul Gareri, Danny Paradis, Vini Contreas
• The Trend, 1981 (studio photo)

  Band changes name to "Sparky Lane." Popular band, played locally at Grovers and The Rat.
• Paul Gareri (studio photo)

  Paul Gareri, best guitarist to come out of Danvers, Still playing today with F-Troop at the Blues Jam at the Franco-American Club in Beverly, MA and the Torpedos playing at the Franco and other local spots. (as of 6/26/2010)
• The great oak tree at Great Oak School

  Michael Ortins (4 years old) is standing beneath the Great Oak tree just prior to it being cut down. Michael attended Great Oak School.
• Don Pelletier, selectman, signing important document

  Dad, in his capacity as Danvers Selectman, was signing an important document for the town and we were "witnessing" at the dining room table. Pictured (L to R): Susan Pelletier, Donald Pelletier, Jeffrey Pelletier
• Pelletier Homestead

  My family homestead - father lived his whole life in this house and raised a family of eight children. Mother remained in the house until 1999 after Dad died.
• Christmas raffle drawing

  Memory of my father in his role as Selectman. Christmas raffle drawing at downtown department store, Nessan's.
• Quilt by Linda Kilroy of Danvers

  I made this quilt from a pattern found at the Lowell Quilt Museum. I have made hand-made quilts for each of my two sons and four nephews. They will get them as wedding presents. Pictured: Linda Kilroy
• Training Field and Upton Tavern

  Notes: Ingersoll/Centre Streets Mrs. Weeks' house where she taught kindergarten on the porch. -Elm trees shaded the road from First Church to Turnpike
• Gen. Gage House

  "The Lindens" or "The Gen. Gage House" Location: Corner of Collins and Sylvan Streets looking towards Liberty Tree Mall. Alden W. Rider's great great grandfather, Joseph Rider owned this house in the late 1800s-early 1900s. A fine old mansion, it was taken down piece by piece about 1934 and re-erected in Washington, D.C. where it now stands (2011). During the Revolutionary War, it served as General Gage's headquarters for a time. A great loss to one of Danvers' great historic buildings but at least townsfolk can glimpse it in our nation's capital.
• The Wadsworth House

  This house was built for the Rev. Dr. Benjamin Wadsworth, Pastor of the First Congregational Church in 1784. The house was erected for him on land donated to him by the parish for a parsonage after the home of Rev. Samuel Parris was regarded as no longer fit for occupancy.
• Stars of yesteryear

  Paul was a catcher for the Mets. Charlene was a drum major for the Chuting Stars Drum and Bugle Corps who were undefeated that year! Note: Tree in rear grew to 42 feet tall and was cut down in 2009. Neighborhood: Southwick Pictured: Charlene Kronk, Paul Kronk
• Guess who's in a wedding!

  Pictured: Betty and Chuck Kronk Note: Tree on right grew to 42 feet tall and was cut down in 2009.
• Start of Kronk's Appliance Repair

  Chuck & Betty Kronk opened Kronk's Appliance Repair. Dad serviced appliances while Mom worked on the books. This was our first truck. Everyone knew Dad! Pictured: (L to R) Betty Kronk, Paul Kronk, Charlene Kronk
• Dressing room for library auditorium

  Upstairs dressing room for old auditorium in Danvers Peabody Institute Library. Space is now the office of the Technical Services department.
• Library auditorium

  Danvers Peabody Institute Library Auditorium before the 1980 renovation that divided it into two floors.
• Delivery notice postcard

  Pictured: Old Ipswich Road Sent by M.M.S. to Charles Sherman, Damariscotta, Maine
• Premarriage photo

  Pictured (L to R): Pauline Burns, Lawrence Littlefield Meinerth Premarriage photo. Their first home was at Lindall Hill. They moved to 5 Gould Street in 1948.
• Jahna's Confirmation day at Calvary Church

  Pictured (L to R): Rev. Oscar Swenson, Paul Meinerth, Jahna Meinerth, Episcopal Massachusetts Bishop
• The World's best grandfather

  Location: 6 Rice Street Pictured: (L to R): Paul Meinerth, Tim Hawkes
• Backyard fun at grandma's

  Location: 6 Rice Street Pictured (L to R): Paul Meinerth, 6; Tom Brown, 4
• WWII enlisted for duty

  Enlisted and going off to the army for mechanics duty training. Location unknown.
• Backyard from heaven

  Wartime dog "Blackout" posing with Aunt Alice after our first winter snow.
• Aunt Doris, early teens

  179 Locust Street was a beautiful backdrop for photos, the wild acreage of Danvers. After her dad "Si" Wells died, Aunt Doris and her husband Bill lived on at 179 Locust Street. Her son, Kevin Mulligan now resides in the family home. Pictured: Doris Wells Mulligan