Clifton, Massachusetts facts for kids
Clifton was once a special area located between the towns of Swampscott and Marblehead in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was known as a stop for street cars. Today, Clifton Avenue is a reminder of this historic place.
Contents
The Story of Clifton: A Resort Idea
Clifton got its name from a hotel owner named Benjamin Ware. He wanted to create a beautiful resort area there. Ware built a famous hotel called "Clifton House." Many people thought it was one of the best places to stay in the whole county.
A Village That Never Was
In 1884, Benjamin Ware had a big idea. He tried to make Clifton and the nearby coastal areas of Marblehead into a new town called "Clifton Village." However, the group in charge of creating new towns, the Committee on Towns, said no to his plan. So, Clifton never officially became its own village. Even today, people living in the area don't think of it as a formal village.
Important Moments and Places
Clifton was home to some interesting events and places over the years.
The Clifton Conference
In 1908, an important meeting called the Clifton Conference took place in Clifton. This conference was held at the home of William N. Hartshorn. The discussions at this meeting were about how to improve education for African Americans.
The Old Railroad Station
In the 1920s, a train station for the Boston & Maine Railroad was located in Clifton. You can still see where the station used to be from Clifton Avenue. The old train tracks are now a popular bike path. This path stretches from the Swampscott station in the south all the way to Salem in the north.
Clifton Today: Neighborhoods and Community Groups
Even though Clifton isn't a formal village, the name is sometimes used to describe the beautiful oceanfront areas of Marblehead. These areas include places like Greystone, Clifton Heights, and Rockaway.
Many local groups work to keep these neighborhoods nice. The Clifton Improvement Association and the Clifton Heights Improvement Association are two important groups. They do a lot to help preserve and improve the community.
Notable Person
- William Newton Hartshorn: A well-known Baptist leader who spent his summers in the Clifton area.
