Explore the rich history of Danvers, Massachusetts through its' twentieth-century postcard heritage.
From their introduction in the late nineteenth century, picture postcards have been a souvenir staple in every American community. These practical, yet collectable mailers promote local businesses and tourism, and celebrate historic and scenic localities.
Danvers, known as
Salem Village during the infamous 1692 witch-hunt, became an independent town in the 1750s. By the twentieth century, local boosters spotlighted the town's rich architectural heritage, local institutions, and vibrant business district by producing a variety of postcard views. Ancient saltbox houses associated with the witchcraft days, eighteenth-century gambrel-roofed dwellings that sheltered
Revolutionary War
patriots, the mansion occupied by famed poet John Greenleaf Whittier, and the
Danvers Insane Asylum
, a majestic state-operated facility, were frequent postcard subjects.
Richard B. Trask has served as archivist of the town of Danvers since 1972. His love of history has led to restoration of his seventeenth-century home, membership in an eighteenth-century militia reenactment group, and numerous appearances on television. An acknowledged expert on the interpretation of historic photography, Trask has authored six books.