Danvers, Massachusetts
Encyclopedia
Danvers is a town
in Essex County
, Massachusetts
, United States
. Located on the Danvers River near the northeastern coast of Massachusetts, Danvers is most widely known for its association with the 1692 Salem witch trials
, and for its famous asylum, the Danvers State Hospital
.
tribe. Around 1630, settlers converted an existing Naumkeag trail into the Old Ipswich Road, creating a connection to the main cities of Salem and Boston. Danvers was permanently settled in 1636 as Salem Village, and eventually petitioned the Crown
for a charter as a town. According to legend, the King
, rather than signing the charter, returned it with the message "The King Unwilling." On June 9, 1757, however, the town was incorporated anyway, and the King's rebuff was defiantly given a place on the town's seal. The town was named for the Danvers Osborn family.
The historical event for which Danvers is probably most well-known is the Witch Hysteria
of 1692. The house
of one of the convicted "witches," Rebecca Nurse
, is still standing in Danvers and can be visited as a historical landmark.
and Benedict Arnold
.
The Town Hall was built in 1855 and, though it has undergone modifications and renovations several times, still stands today. In the same year, the southern portion of Danvers broke away to become the town of South Danvers, later renamed Peabody
.
In 1878, the Danvers State Hospital
opened its doors.
Originally an agricultural town, Danvers farmers developed two breeds of vegetables: the Danvers Onion (origin of the "Oniontown" nickname) and the Danvers Half-Long Carrot. This carrot was introduced by "market gardeners" in 1871. There was also a booming shoe industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with successful manufacturing companies like Ideal Baby Shoe.
and even in downtown Salem
. The explosion was heard and felt up to 45 miles (72.4 km) away; the concussion was intense. According to many witnesses, it seemed like an airplane had crashed.
At least 10 people were taken to local hospitals. No one was killed, and none of the injuries were life-threatening, according to Fire Chief Jim Tutko. Approximately 90 homes were damaged. Residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed in the blast were taken to Danvers High School, where the Red Cross
established a relief shelter. The blast occurred next to a marina, a bakery & pizza shop, and a gas station, and across the street from Eastern Propane Gas Inc.
January 2007 — In late November, the State Fire Marshal determined the explosion was not caused by an intentional act. No cause has been determined. State and Federal investigations are ongoing. Members of the US Chemical Safety Board investigating the accident have stated that this is one of the most difficult investigations the Board has ever undertaken, and that it will likely be 12 to 18 months before a final report is released by the agency.
, Danvers has a total area of 14.1 square miles (36.5 km²), of which, 13.3 square miles (34.4 km²) of it is land and 0.8 square miles (2.1 km²) of it (5.75%) is water. The Danvers River begins near the southeast corner of town, and is formed at the confluence of the Porter River, Crane River and Waters River. These rivers in turn are fed by several brooks. The Ipswich River
also flows along the town's western border. Putnamville Reservoir lies in the north end of the town. The town has several low hills, and a small town forest.
Danvers is located nearly halfway between Boston
and the New Hampshire
state border. It is bordered by Topsfield
to the north, Wenham
to the northeast, Beverly
to the east, a small portion of Salem
to the southeast, Peabody
to the south and southwest, and Middleton
to the northwest. The town center lies 4 miles north from Salem, 16 miles west of Gloucester
, 18 miles northeast of Boston, and 19 miles southeast from the nearest point in New Hampshire, at Salem
. Interstate 95
and Route 128 both pass through the town, just east of their junction in Peabody. U.S. Route 1
also passes through town, with a large junction with Interstate 95 in the northwest end of town. The main highways are also crossed by Route 35
, Route 62 and Route 114, with Routes 35 and 62 intersecting just north of the town center. The northern terminus of Route 35 is just over the Topsfield town line, where it meets Route 97
.
Several MBTA Bus
routes pass through the town, between Peabody and Beverly. There is no commuter rail service within town; the Newburyport/Rockport Line
of the MBTA Commuter Rail
passes through neighboring Salem and Beverly. Two lines of the Springfield Terminal railroad line also cross through town, merging near the town center to head north. Two runways of the Beverly Municipal Airport
cross through the town; the nearest regularly scheduled commercial flights are located at Boston's Logan International Airport
.
of 2000, there were 25,212 people, 9,555 households, and 6,564 families residing in the town. The population density
was 1898.5 PD/sqmi. There were 9,762 housing units at an average density of 735.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.72% White, 0.35% Black or African American
, 0.10% Native American, 1.11% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.22% from other races
, and 0.48% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.83% of the population.
There were 9,555 households out of which 30.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.2% were married couples
living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.3% were non-families. 26.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.11.
In the town the population was spread out with 23.2% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 86.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.2 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $58,779, and the median income for a family was $70,565. Males had a median income of $48,058 versus $33,825 for females. The per capita income
for the town was $26,852. About 1.7% of families and 2.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.0% of those under age 18 and 4.4% of those age 65 or over.
The current Board of Selectmen (May 2010) is:
The current Town Manager (September 2007) is
Danvers High School (DHS) received national (and later international) attention when use of the word "meep
" by students was forbidden, due to its disruptive use by some students (and perhaps a harassment suit). Principal Thomas Murray banned the word, and has threatened police action as well over its use in either speech or on clothing. In June 2010, Boston Globe commended the Salutatorian
speech "Operation Red Sprinkles", by DHS Salutatorian
Anisha Shenai (from the class of 2010), as one of the most e-mailed inspirational articles at Boston.com
.
. St. John's Preparatory School is a secondary school for young men, serving grades nine through twelve. The Clark School serves Pre-Kindergarten and, as of 2007, is expanding through high school. Of these four schools, St. Mary's and St. John's are religiously affiliated. St. Mary's is part of the Archdiocese of Boston and "the Prep" is a Xaverian Brothers
-sponsored school.
, which will result in a larger, unified campus located in Danvers.
New England town
The New England town is the basic unit of local government in each of the six New England states. Without a direct counterpart in most other U.S. states, New England towns are conceptually similar to civil townships in other states, but are incorporated, possessing powers like cities in other...
in Essex County
Essex County, Massachusetts
-National protected areas:* Parker River National Wildlife Refuge* Salem Maritime National Historic Site* Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site* Thacher Island National Wildlife Refuge-Demographics:...
, Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Located on the Danvers River near the northeastern coast of Massachusetts, Danvers is most widely known for its association with the 1692 Salem witch trials
Salem witch trials
The Salem witch trials were a series of hearings before county court trials to prosecute people accused of witchcraft in the counties of Essex, Suffolk, and Middlesex in colonial Massachusetts, between February 1692 and May 1693...
, and for its famous asylum, the Danvers State Hospital
Danvers State Hospital
Danvers State Hospital, also known as the State Lunatic Hospital at Danvers, The Danvers Lunatic Asylum, and The Danvers State Insane Asylum, was a psychiatric hospital located in Danvers, Massachusetts....
.
17th century
The land that is now Danvers was once controlled by the Naumkeag branch of the MassachusettMassachusett
The Massachusett are a tribe of Native Americans who lived in areas surrounding Massachusetts Bay in what is now the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in particular present-day Greater Boston; they spoke the Massachusett language...
tribe. Around 1630, settlers converted an existing Naumkeag trail into the Old Ipswich Road, creating a connection to the main cities of Salem and Boston. Danvers was permanently settled in 1636 as Salem Village, and eventually petitioned the Crown
British monarchy
The monarchy of the United Kingdom is the constitutional monarchy of the United Kingdom and its overseas territories. The present monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, has reigned since 6 February 1952. She and her immediate family undertake various official, ceremonial and representational duties...
for a charter as a town. According to legend, the King
George II of Great Britain
George II was King of Great Britain and Ireland, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg and Archtreasurer and Prince-elector of the Holy Roman Empire from 11 June 1727 until his death.George was the last British monarch born outside Great Britain. He was born and brought up in Northern Germany...
, rather than signing the charter, returned it with the message "The King Unwilling." On June 9, 1757, however, the town was incorporated anyway, and the King's rebuff was defiantly given a place on the town's seal. The town was named for the Danvers Osborn family.
The historical event for which Danvers is probably most well-known is the Witch Hysteria
Salem witch trials
The Salem witch trials were a series of hearings before county court trials to prosecute people accused of witchcraft in the counties of Essex, Suffolk, and Middlesex in colonial Massachusetts, between February 1692 and May 1693...
of 1692. The house
Rebecca Nurse Homestead
The Rebecca Nurse Homestead is a historic colonial house on grounds located at 149 Pine Street, Danvers, Massachusetts. It is open afternoons in the warmer months for an admission fee....
of one of the convicted "witches," Rebecca Nurse
Rebecca Nurse
Rebecca Towne Nurse was executed for witchcraft by the government of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England in 1692, during the Salem witch trials. She was the wife of Francis Nurse, with several children and grandchildren, and a well-respected member of the community...
, is still standing in Danvers and can be visited as a historical landmark.
18th century
From the Battle of Lexington onward, Danvers has been represented in the Armed Forces. Noteworthy Revolutionary figures who stayed in Danvers include Royal Governor General Thomas GageThomas Gage
Thomas Gage was a British general, best known for his many years of service in North America, including his role as military commander in the early days of the American War of Independence....
and Benedict Arnold
Benedict Arnold
Benedict Arnold V was a general during the American Revolutionary War. He began the war in the Continental Army but later defected to the British Army. While a general on the American side, he obtained command of the fort at West Point, New York, and plotted to surrender it to the British forces...
.
19th century
In 1847, the railroad came to Danvers. A street railway was also installed in 1884, originally consisting of horse-drawn 69 trolleys that were later converted to electricity.The Town Hall was built in 1855 and, though it has undergone modifications and renovations several times, still stands today. In the same year, the southern portion of Danvers broke away to become the town of South Danvers, later renamed Peabody
Peabody, Massachusetts
Peabody is a city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population is about 53,000. Peabody is located in Boston's North Shore suburban area.- History :...
.
In 1878, the Danvers State Hospital
Danvers State Hospital
Danvers State Hospital, also known as the State Lunatic Hospital at Danvers, The Danvers Lunatic Asylum, and The Danvers State Insane Asylum, was a psychiatric hospital located in Danvers, Massachusetts....
opened its doors.
Originally an agricultural town, Danvers farmers developed two breeds of vegetables: the Danvers Onion (origin of the "Oniontown" nickname) and the Danvers Half-Long Carrot. This carrot was introduced by "market gardeners" in 1871. There was also a booming shoe industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with successful manufacturing companies like Ideal Baby Shoe.
Chemical plant explosion
On November 22, 2006, around 2:45 a.m., a major chemical explosion occurred at a facility housing Arnel Company (a manufacturer of industrial-use paint products) and CAI Inc. (a manufacturer of solvents and inks). The blast shook several North Shore towns—knocking homes off foundations and damaging buildings up to half a mile away. Glass windows shattered at least three miles (5 km) away, in neighboring PeabodyPeabody, Massachusetts
Peabody is a city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population is about 53,000. Peabody is located in Boston's North Shore suburban area.- History :...
and even in downtown Salem
Salem, Massachusetts
Salem is a city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 40,407 at the 2000 census. It and Lawrence are the county seats of Essex County...
. The explosion was heard and felt up to 45 miles (72.4 km) away; the concussion was intense. According to many witnesses, it seemed like an airplane had crashed.
At least 10 people were taken to local hospitals. No one was killed, and none of the injuries were life-threatening, according to Fire Chief Jim Tutko. Approximately 90 homes were damaged. Residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed in the blast were taken to Danvers High School, where the Red Cross
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross , also known as the American National Red Cross, is a volunteer-led, humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief and education inside the United States. It is the designated U.S...
established a relief shelter. The blast occurred next to a marina, a bakery & pizza shop, and a gas station, and across the street from Eastern Propane Gas Inc.
January 2007 — In late November, the State Fire Marshal determined the explosion was not caused by an intentional act. No cause has been determined. State and Federal investigations are ongoing. Members of the US Chemical Safety Board investigating the accident have stated that this is one of the most difficult investigations the Board has ever undertaken, and that it will likely be 12 to 18 months before a final report is released by the agency.
Other current events
In 2002, Danvers celebrated its 250th anniversary with special events throughout the year.Geography and transportation
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, Danvers has a total area of 14.1 square miles (36.5 km²), of which, 13.3 square miles (34.4 km²) of it is land and 0.8 square miles (2.1 km²) of it (5.75%) is water. The Danvers River begins near the southeast corner of town, and is formed at the confluence of the Porter River, Crane River and Waters River. These rivers in turn are fed by several brooks. The Ipswich River
Ipswich River
Ipswich River is a small river in northeastern Massachusetts, USA. It is long, and its watershed is approximately , with an estimated population in the area of 160,000 people. - Geography :...
also flows along the town's western border. Putnamville Reservoir lies in the north end of the town. The town has several low hills, and a small town forest.
Danvers is located nearly halfway between Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
and the New Hampshire
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state was named after the southern English county of Hampshire. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Canadian...
state border. It is bordered by Topsfield
Topsfield, Massachusetts
Topsfield is a town in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 6,085 at the 2010 census.Part of the town comprises the census-designated place of Topsfield.-Colonial period:...
to the north, Wenham
Wenham, Massachusetts
Wenham is a town in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 4,875 at the 2010 census.The Town of Wenham was originally settled in 1635 and has retained much of its unique historic character and tranquil rural scenery...
to the northeast, Beverly
Beverly, Massachusetts
Beverly is a city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 39,343 on , which differs by no more than several hundred from the 39,862 obtained in the 2000 census. A resort, residential and manufacturing community on the North Shore, Beverly includes Beverly Farms and Prides...
to the east, a small portion of Salem
Salem, Massachusetts
Salem is a city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 40,407 at the 2000 census. It and Lawrence are the county seats of Essex County...
to the southeast, Peabody
Peabody, Massachusetts
Peabody is a city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population is about 53,000. Peabody is located in Boston's North Shore suburban area.- History :...
to the south and southwest, and Middleton
Middleton, Massachusetts
Middleton is a town in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 8,987 at the 2010 census.- History :Middleton was first settled in 1659 and was officially incorporated in 1728. Prior to 1728 it was considered a part of Salem, and contains territory previously within the...
to the northwest. The town center lies 4 miles north from Salem, 16 miles west of Gloucester
Gloucester, Massachusetts
Gloucester is a city on Cape Ann in Essex County, Massachusetts, in the United States. It is part of Massachusetts' North Shore. The population was 28,789 at the 2010 U.S. Census...
, 18 miles northeast of Boston, and 19 miles southeast from the nearest point in New Hampshire, at Salem
Salem, New Hampshire
Salem is a town in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 28,776 at the 2010 census. Salem is a marketing and distributing center north of Boston, with a major amusement attraction, Canobie Lake Park, and a large shopping mall, the Mall at Rockingham Park.- History :The...
. Interstate 95
Interstate 95 in Massachusetts
Interstate 95 is the main highway on the East Coast of the United States, paralleling the Atlantic Ocean from Florida to Maine. The Massachusetts portion of the highway enters from the state of Rhode Island in Attleboro and travels in a northeasterly direction to the junction with Route 128 in...
and Route 128 both pass through the town, just east of their junction in Peabody. U.S. Route 1
U.S. Route 1
U.S. Route 1 is a major north–south U.S. Highway that serves the East Coast of the United States. It runs 2,377 miles from Fort Kent, Maine at the Canadian border south to Key West, Florida. U.S. 1 generally parallels Interstate 95, though it is significantly farther west between...
also passes through town, with a large junction with Interstate 95 in the northwest end of town. The main highways are also crossed by Route 35
Massachusetts Route 35
Route 35 is a Massachusetts State Route running through the towns of Danvers and Peabody in northeastern Massachusetts.-Route description:Route 35 begins at Route 114 in Peabody, as that route turns left off the right-of-way towards Route 128 and the Northshore Mall. After passing Bishop Fenwick...
, Route 62 and Route 114, with Routes 35 and 62 intersecting just north of the town center. The northern terminus of Route 35 is just over the Topsfield town line, where it meets Route 97
Massachusetts Route 97
Route 97 is a south–north highway in Essex County in northeastern Massachusetts. It connects the cities of Beverly and Haverhill before continuing into Salem, New Hampshire as New Hampshire Route 97.-Route description:...
.
Several MBTA Bus
MBTA Bus
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority operates a large number of bus lines in the greater Boston area. Some routes are for transport within the city; others bring passengers from surrounding areas to stops on the rail lines of the MBTA.The MBTA also operates bus rapid transit service; see...
routes pass through the town, between Peabody and Beverly. There is no commuter rail service within town; the Newburyport/Rockport Line
Newburyport/Rockport Line
The Newburyport/Rockport Line is a branch of the MBTA Commuter Rail system, running northeast from downtown Boston, Massachusetts towards Cape Ann and the Merrimack Valley, serving the North Shore. The first leg serves Chelsea, Lynn, Swampscott, Salem, and Beverly. From there, a northern branch of...
of the MBTA Commuter Rail
MBTA Commuter Rail
The MBTA Commuter Rail serves as the regional rail arm of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, in the United States. It is operated under contract by the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company a joint partnership of Veolia Transportation, Bombardier Transportation and Alternate...
passes through neighboring Salem and Beverly. Two lines of the Springfield Terminal railroad line also cross through town, merging near the town center to head north. Two runways of the Beverly Municipal Airport
Beverly Municipal Airport
Beverly Municipal Airport is a public-use airport located three miles northwest of the central business district of Beverly, a city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States...
cross through the town; the nearest regularly scheduled commercial flights are located at Boston's Logan International Airport
Logan International Airport
General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport is located in the East Boston neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts . It covers , has six runways, and employs an estimated 16,000 people. It is the 19th busiest airport in the United States.Boston serves as a focus city for JetBlue Airways...
.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 25,212 people, 9,555 households, and 6,564 families residing in the town. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1898.5 PD/sqmi. There were 9,762 housing units at an average density of 735.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.72% White, 0.35% Black or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.10% Native American, 1.11% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.22% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.48% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.83% of the population.
There were 9,555 households out of which 30.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.2% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.3% were non-families. 26.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.11.
In the town the population was spread out with 23.2% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 86.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.2 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $58,779, and the median income for a family was $70,565. Males had a median income of $48,058 versus $33,825 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the town was $26,852. About 1.7% of families and 2.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.0% of those under age 18 and 4.4% of those age 65 or over.
Top employers
According to the Town's 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top ten employers in the city are:| # | Employer | # of Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Osram Sylvania Osram Sylvania Osram Sylvania Inc. is the North American operation of lighting manufacturer Osram GmbH, which is owned by Siemens AG. It was established in January 1993, with the acquisition of GTE’s Sylvania lighting division by Osram GmbH.... |
900 |
| 2 | Beverly Hospital | 350 |
| 3 | North Shore Community College North Shore Community College North Shore Community College is a two-year community college in Danvers and Lynn Massachusetts. It offers associate degrees as well as a transfer program for students to earn credits for transfer to other colleges... |
318 |
| 4 | Crowne Plaza Crowne Plaza Crowne Plaza is a chain of full service, upscale hotels catering to business travelers and to the meetings and conventions market. It forms part of the InterContinental Hotels Group family of brands, which include InterContinental and Holiday Inn and operates in 52 countries, usually located in... Boston North Shore |
300 |
| 5 | Fishery Products International | 300 |
| 6 | VNA Care Network & Hospice | 275 |
| 7 | The Home Depot The Home Depot The Home Depot is an American retailer of home improvement and construction products and services.The Home Depot operates 2,248 big-box format stores across the United States , Canada , Mexico and China, with a 12-store chain... |
260 |
| 8 | Hospice of the North Shore | 211 |
| 9 | Lowe's Lowe's Lowe's Companies, Inc. is a U.S.-based chain of retail home improvement and appliance stores. Founded in 1946 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, the chain now serves more than 14 million customers a week in its 1,710 stores in the United States and 20 in Canada. Expansion into Canada began in... |
210 |
| 10 | Medtronic Medtronic Medtronic, Inc. , based in suburban Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the world's largest medical technology company and is a Fortune 500 company.- History :... Vascular |
210 |
Government
Danvers has a representative town meeting, five selectmen, and a town manager.The current Board of Selectmen (May 2010) is:
- Michael W. Powers - Chairman
- Keith G. Lucy
- William H. Clark Jr.
- Gardner S. Trask III
- Daniel C. Bennett
The current Town Manager (September 2007) is
Public safety
Danvers has full time police and fire departments. The Danvers Police Department was accredited in 1986. Danvers was the 1st municipal agency within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to become nationally accredited.- Danvers Police Department (Official Town site)
- Danvers Police Department (Benevolent association site)
Public schools
Danvers has five elementary schools, each serving Pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade. Grades six through eight attend the recently renovated Holten-Richmond Middle School, and grades nine through twelve attend Danvers High School.- Danvers Public schools
- Great Oak Elementary
- Highlands Elementary
- Riverside Elementary
- Ivan G. Smith Elementary
- Willis E. Thorpe Elementary
- Holten Richmond Middle School
- Danvers High School
Danvers High School (DHS) received national (and later international) attention when use of the word "meep
Beaker (Muppet)
Beaker is a Muppet character from The Muppet Show. He is the shy, long-suffering assistant of Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, and is likewise named for a piece of laboratory equipment, although his shape more closely resembles an Erlenmeyer flask....
" by students was forbidden, due to its disruptive use by some students (and perhaps a harassment suit). Principal Thomas Murray banned the word, and has threatened police action as well over its use in either speech or on clothing. In June 2010, Boston Globe commended the Salutatorian
Salutatorian
Salutatorian is an academic title given, in the United States and Canada, to the second highest graduate of the entire graduating class of a specific discipline. Only the valedictorian is ranked higher. This honor is traditionally based on grade point average and number of credits taken, but...
speech "Operation Red Sprinkles", by DHS Salutatorian
Salutatorian
Salutatorian is an academic title given, in the United States and Canada, to the second highest graduate of the entire graduating class of a specific discipline. Only the valedictorian is ranked higher. This honor is traditionally based on grade point average and number of credits taken, but...
Anisha Shenai (from the class of 2010), as one of the most e-mailed inspirational articles at Boston.com
Boston.com
Boston.com is a regional website that offers news and information about Boston, Massachusetts and its surroundings. It claims to be one of the most visited regional websites in the United States....
.
Private schools
Danvers is also home to four private schools. St. Mary of the Annunciation School is a private school that serves Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade. Plumfield Academy is a small private school for grades one through eight with a philosophy of education based on that of Charlotte MasonCharlotte Mason
Charlotte Maria Shaw Mason was a British educator who invested her life in improving the quality of children's education. Her ideas led to a method used by some homeschoolers.-Biography:...
. St. John's Preparatory School is a secondary school for young men, serving grades nine through twelve. The Clark School serves Pre-Kindergarten and, as of 2007, is expanding through high school. Of these four schools, St. Mary's and St. John's are religiously affiliated. St. Mary's is part of the Archdiocese of Boston and "the Prep" is a Xaverian Brothers
Xaverian Brothers
The Xaverian Brothers or Congregation of St. Francis Xavier are a religious order founded by Theodore James Ryken in Bruges, Belgium in 1839 and named after Saint Francis Xavier...
-sponsored school.
Technical, vocational, & agricultural schools
In addition to the public and private schools, Danvers hosts the Essex Agricultural & Technical High School, an independent, state funded, day school serving grades 9 through 12. Essex Agricultural & Technical High School is currently in the process of merging with the North Shore Vocational School, currently located in MiddletonMiddleton, Massachusetts
Middleton is a town in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 8,987 at the 2010 census.- History :Middleton was first settled in 1659 and was officially incorporated in 1728. Prior to 1728 it was considered a part of Salem, and contains territory previously within the...
, which will result in a larger, unified campus located in Danvers.
Points of interest
- Danvers State HospitalDanvers State HospitalDanvers State Hospital, also known as the State Lunatic Hospital at Danvers, The Danvers Lunatic Asylum, and The Danvers State Insane Asylum, was a psychiatric hospital located in Danvers, Massachusetts....
- Derby Summer HouseDerby Summer HouseThe Derby Summer House, also known as the McIntire Tea-house, is a summer house designed in 1793 by architect Samuel McIntire, now located on the grounds of the Glen Magna Farms, Danvers, Massachusetts...
, on the grounds of the Glen Magna FarmsGlen Magna FarmsGlen Magna Farms is a historic country estate located at the end of Ingersoll Street, Danvers, Massachusetts. It is currently owned by the Danvers Historical Society and open daily. An admission donation is suggested... - Endicott Park
- Endicott Pear TreeEndicott Pear TreeThe Endicott Pear Tree, also known as the Endecott Pear, is a European Pear treelocated in Danvers, Essex County, Massachusetts...
– perhaps the oldest living fruit tree in America - Glen Magna FarmsGlen Magna FarmsGlen Magna Farms is a historic country estate located at the end of Ingersoll Street, Danvers, Massachusetts. It is currently owned by the Danvers Historical Society and open daily. An admission donation is suggested...
- Judge Samuel Holten HouseJudge Samuel Holten HouseThe Judge Samuel Holten House is a historic house located at 171 Holten Street, Danvers, Massachusetts. It is currently owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution, and open by appointment....
- Rebecca Nurse HomesteadRebecca Nurse HomesteadThe Rebecca Nurse Homestead is a historic colonial house on grounds located at 149 Pine Street, Danvers, Massachusetts. It is open afternoons in the warmer months for an admission fee....
- General Israel Putnam House
External links
- Foster, Gideon. 1795 Map of Danvers.
- Proctor, John W.. 1832 Map of Danvers . This is a very interesting map showing all the mills and mill streams and names of prominent rural home owners. Click on map for very large image.
- Beers D G. 1872 Altas of Essex County. Map of Danvers - Plate 101 . Published 1872.
- Walker, George H. 1884 Atlas of Essex County. Map of Danvers - Plates 46, 47. Published 1884. Unfortunately plates 57,58,60 of Danvers Center, Danversport, and East Danvers are missing from the Atlas at the Essex Registry of Deeds in Salem.
- Richards, L J. 1897 Altas of Salem , including Marblehead, Peabody, and Danvers. Danvers are plates 23,24,25,26,27. 23 Town of Danvers. - 24 Danvers Plains. - 25 Tapleyville and Danvers Plains. - 26 Danvers Center and Tapleyville. - 27 Danversport. Published 1897.
- USGS. Historic USGS Maps - Danvers - 7.5 Minute Series 1944, 1949. 15 Minute Series - 1893.
