Local resident and historian, Elisa Grammer culled multiple local archive collections for interesting stories and notable West Newbury residents for the Historical Commission's "Monthly Tales of Our Town" series. These stories are now collected in a book, Minute Histories of West Newbury. Join Elisa for an evening celebrating the tales of this classic New England town. 

Between much of the 19th into the 20th century, the entire West Newbury populace—grandsire to girl scout—planned, anticipated, and enjoyed an annual en masse summer’s day outing to the beach (the “great play day of the year”). In these years, the entire community eagerly worked together in committees to join excursions and host a renowned farmers’ fair—as well as a centennial extravaganza. Yet then and now at town meeting, “they all try to run it, each in a different direction.”

This event will be held at the Town Hall building, 491 Main Street, West Newbury.

This event is part of the Essex Heritage Trails & Sails event series. To learn more about the Trails & Sails event series click here.