Redd’s Pond Marblehead, MA

Between 1684-1692 it was a very cruel period of time to live in Essex County Massachusetts because of the insane belief some women were actually witches. We must say how ridiculous this must to have been, but it was a real fear for many.  During that time there was a woman, who lived in Marblehead, named Wilmot Redd. She was an older woman, the wife of a fisherman. Rumors spread about her so called supernatural powers. They called her “Mammy Red” . She was considered a witch, and had been known to afflict those whom she disliked in various ways. 

In May 1692, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Wilmot Redd, who was charged with “having committed sundry acts of witch craft on the bodies of Mary Walcot and Marcy Lewis, and others of Salem Village, to their great hurt”.   Executed at Gallows Hill, Salem, on 22d of Sept.

Today in a section of Marblehead is pond named after her called Redd’s Pond. It is a very active pond that entertains the radio controlled small sailboats for races. In the winter when the ice is thick enough you will find people ice skating and playing ice hockey.

We often wonder just how many people in town that use the pond or simply walk by it know the horrible acts of that were committed to so many women such as Wilmot Redd. Our guess it is not even brought up in the pubic schools.