“Filled with History and Tradition” is the motto of Beverly Farms. This area is an oceanfront community. Now, let’s explore Beverly Farms Park.
Beverly Farms Park may not be as old as the tradition-filled Beverly Farms. The area of Beverly Farms is known for its rich history. It was originally settled around 1630.
Imagine wealthy residents from major cities building summer cottages here. They came from Boston, Philadelphia, and New York City. These estates rivaled those in Newport. Sadly, only a few mansions remain today.
Beverly Farms was once almost its own town. In 1887, it petitioned to become one. However, a bribery scandal led to the rejection of the incorporation.
By the mid-20th century, Beverly Farms felt like a secluded small town. It was culturally connected to Prides Crossing. Working-class neighborhoods also appeared around the town. As of 2020, most residents worked in white-collar jobs.
Did you know that Beverly Hills, California got its name from Beverly Farms? President Taft often vacationed here. In 1907, the California city was named in its honor.
Beverly Farms boasts three historic churches. St. John’s Episcopal Church features an altarpiece by Hildreth Meiere. North Shore Baptist Community Church and St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church also serve the community. William Ralph Emerson designed St. Margaret’s.
The Beverly Farms community comes alive in the summer. West Beach is a major attraction. Residents and former residents can get beach permits. Non-residents face a long waiting list for access.
Each year on the Fourth of July, the community hosts a big celebration. Fundraisers support dances, events for kids, and softball games. Fireworks light up West Beach. The “Horribles” parade is a local tradition.
Many notable people have called Beverly Farms home. Henry Adams was an American historian. Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. served as a Supreme Court justice. John Updike was a celebrated novelist.
The Trustees of Reservations protects places like Beverly Farms Park. They aim to share Massachusetts’ scenic, historic, and ecological treasures.
The early days of Beverly Farms involved five planters. They were Conant, Balch, Trask, Woodberry, and Palfrey. They settled Naumkeag and Agawam. William Woodberry built the first house in Beverly Farms around 1630.
In 1671, Roger Conant wanted the area named Budleigh. This was after Budleigh, England. However, the name Beverly Farms stuck. Natives call it “the Faaahms”.
The railroad split Beverly Farms in half. On one side are private roads and large estates. The other side contains family homes. The Beverly Farms Train Station helped develop the area. It brought wealthy Bostonians.
Beverly Farms did not have a trolley system. They wanted to keep out unwanted visitors. The streetcar tracks stopped just before Beverly Farms.
Originally, Beverly Farms was mostly Yankees. Over time, other groups moved in. Many residents were Irish and Italian. Beverly Farms became known for its fertile soil. Farms grew hay, corn, and potatoes.
West Street was the main business street. The Beverly Farms Public Library once stood there. The Beverly Farms Telephone Exchange was also on West Street. Operators would connect calls manually.
Beverly Farms once had its own schools. The West Farms School was built in 1802. It served as a grammar school and then a high school. A new brick school was built in 1902.
The old firehouse was built in 1889. It housed a steam fire engine and horses. Today, a modern firehouse stands in its place.
West Beach has a rich history. The West Beach Corporation was chartered in 1852. Bathhouses lined the beachfront until 1910. The Grand Pavilion was built in 1911 but burned down in 1948.
Although Beverly Farms failed to secede from Beverly, it remained self-sufficient. It has retained its beauty and charm. Beverly Farms Park stands as a testament to this enduring appeal.