Marblehead, Massachusetts

Marblehead is an incredible town to photograph as it displays a dramatic coastline. Homes snuggle to capture an ocean view, old historical homes and buildings crowd the narrow streets, and the roads are nothing but curvy.

It’s common knowledge when potential buyers look for a community to live in when they have children is the quality of the school system. Always wonder how the quality of a school system is measured. In May of 1747, a school for poor children of Marblehead was created by a donation of Robert Hooper, Jr. When a boy reached the age of 11 or 12 he was sent to sea. This was to help support the family. What a difference it is today with boys 11 or 12 are home watching television, playing video games, or in some cases involved in a sport.

History of Marblehead, Massachusetts

By 1767 there were several public schools, but they were all in terrible condition. The wealthier families used private teachers. No different today as many parents send their kids to private schools. The town decided to create three new schools. This is where it gets interesting…children were expected to be able to read before being given access to the schools. The children of parents who were poor and could not read could not attend the schools.

During the year 1837, a major financial crisis hit, and businesses were closed throughout the town. There were three grammar schools in town, North, Centre, and South. The town voted to create a High School with separate sections for boys and girls.

A major storm hit the Grand Banks of Newfoundland.

Marblehead lost 10 boats and 65 men and boys. The ripple effect was major as it created 43 widows and 155 fatherless children.

Life is hard and fragile. Marblehead children and schools have faced years and years of challenges. It has not been easy. The current situation the Marblehead schools and students are facing will go down in the history books. It will be a test to see how once again the town and its people will be forced to make some difficult decisions. This point in time will test the school administration and teachers to adapt. It will be interesting to see how the image will play a role in these important changes that are necessary. The decisions that are made moving forward will result in potential buyers’ concept of the quality of the schools.