Magnolia, Massachusetts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Magnolia
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Aerial view of Magnolia village in 2016
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 Magnolia, Massachusetts
Location in Massachusetts
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| Country | United States |
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Gloucester, Massachusetts |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern) |
| Zip Code |
01930
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Magnolia is a small village located in Gloucester. It's part of Essex County, Massachusetts, in the United States. You can find it right on the border with the town of Manchester-by-the-Sea.
A cool spot called Surf Park sits right on the town line. This two-acre area offers amazing views of Kettle Cove. Magnolia has its own library, places to eat, and shops. It also has a beach called Gray Beach, which is part of the Coolidge Reservation. The Union Congregational Church is located here, as is the famous Hammond Castle. The village also has a Women's Community Club that has been active for over 60 years.
History of Magnolia Village
After the Civil War, many people from Boston started spending their summers in Magnolia. It became a popular vacation spot. For example, a well-known minister and writer named Rev. James Freeman Clarke bought land in Magnolia in 1879.
He built a house called "Septingle" that had seven fireplaces. It was built on a cliff overlooking the rocky shore and a curving beach. Clarke often walked on the beach to relax or sat on his porch while writing his many books. He enjoyed the beautiful nature, seeing red lilies and wild roses, green bushes, and hearing gulls and the ocean waves. The center of Magnolia was a short walk away, and trains made it easy to get to Boston. He and his family enjoyed their summers here in the 1880s.
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At the start of the 1900s, Magnolia was very famous as a vacation destination. The Oceanside Hotel and Casino, before it burned down, attracted many famous people. Musicians like John Philip Sousa and actress Lucille Ball were known to vacation in Magnolia.
During the Victorian era, many rich business people built large mansions along Shore Road. These homes needed many workers. New immigrants to Massachusetts often worked as servants, cooks, housekeepers, gardeners, and clerks. They worked in fancy stores from New York City, London, Paris, and Palm Beach that lined Lexington Avenue. Some of these workers saved their money and opened their own local businesses, like the Magnolia Hand Laundry on Field Road.
Exploring Historical Sites
Magnolia is home to Hammond Castle, a unique and historic building. You can learn more about its history and what it offers by visiting its official website.
- Learn more about Hammond Castle
