Salem Willows & Juniper Point - Salem, MA

Salem, MA has more than a handful of hidden gems and one of them is Salem Willows. It is a 35 acre ocean front park operated by the Salem Park, Recreation & Community Services Department. It got its name from the European white willow trees planted in 1801 to create a relaxing area for the patients convalescing at the nearby smallpox hospital.

Along the northwest shore became known as Hospital Point. Victims of smallpox and other contagious diseases were sent here to die in isolation. In 1846 the hospital burned down.

In 1858 it became known as the summer destination of those living on the Northshore of Boston to escape the heat. In 1877 the Naumkeag Street Railway had horse-drawn trolley service between the park and downtown Salem. The park opened up in 1880 with amusement park additions. It became a great hit. The attractions brought amazing crowds. At times up to 8,000 people per day. All kinds of events took place at the park including theater, music, and fireworks. There were several hotels located in nearby Juniper Point. They wanted to make sure the park had a “wholesome” brand so there was no selling of alcohol.

One of the more popular attractions was the Brown’s Flying Horses, which was a carousel with painted horses. There was a pipe organ in the middle of it that provided the music. It closed in 1945 as the horses were sold to Macy’s department store.

The feature that brought lots of people was the fact there were lots of restaurants that became known as Restaurant Row. The restaurants were built before the amusement park in 1874. The first one was the Willow House Restaurant that included two stories and had a fabulous view of the ocean. Later in the early 1900’s several additional restaurants opened. Some were large able to seat over 150 customers, while others were small. Restaurant Row played a major role in the success of Salem Willows. Between 1952 and the early 1970’s the restaurants were destroyed by fires.

In the 1920’s visitors would come from all over to go the Willows Casino Dance Hall. It is now the location of an arcade.

Should the city of Salem consider bringing back Restaurant Row? The location is ideal and would provide a spectacular setting for locals and tourists. It is a tremendous asset for the town that has been sleeping for years.

Nearby is Juniper Point neighborhood. The homes located here were originally only used during the summer months, but a majority of them are now year round homes.