Prides Crossing facts for kids
Prides Crossing is a neighborhood in the city of Beverly, Massachusetts. It is located in the North Shore region, which is a beautiful coastal area. To its east is Beverly Farms, and to its west are the Beverly Cove areas. It's a place known for its history and grand homes.
History of Prides Crossing
The name "Prides Crossing" comes from a man named John Pride. He was given land in this area way back in 1636.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, many very wealthy business owners built huge, fancy houses here. They used these homes as summer "cottages," even though they were more like mansions!
One famous resident was Henry Clay Frick. He made a lot of money in the steel industry. He built a large home called "Eagle Rock" near the ocean. Another important person was Edward Carelton Swift. He owned one of the biggest meat packing companies in the United States. His mansion, "Swiftmoor," was on Paine Avenue.
Eleonora "Eleo" Sears also lived here. She was a well-known athlete and socialite. She was famous for her tennis skills and unique style. Her home is still standing where Paine Avenue meets West Beach.
Many wealthy residents would travel to Prides Crossing in their own private railroad cars. They would get off at the Prides Crossing station right on Hale Street. Some, like Henry Clay Frick, even had their own private train tracks! The train service to this station stopped in 2020. The old station building is now used for businesses.
Famous People From Prides Crossing
Many interesting and famous people have lived in Prides Crossing over the years. Here are a few of them:
- Henry Clay Frick: A very successful businessman who made his fortune in steel.
- Alice Roosevelt Longworth: A writer and socialite. She was the daughter of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt.
- Norman Prince: He helped start a famous group of fighter pilots called the Lafayette Escadrille during World War I.
- Richard D. Sears: A talented tennis player.
- Edwin C. Swift: An industrialist who owned a large meat packing company.
