West Beach, Beverly, Massachusetts facts for kids
West Beach is a beautiful sandy beach in Beverly, Massachusetts, on the North Shore. It stretches for about 1.13 miles along the coast. You can find it in the area called Beverly Farms, right off West Street. This beach is part of a longer sandy area that goes from a rocky spot near Lees crossing all the way to Prides Crossing. While the beach is open all year, some parts become private during the summer.
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How West Beach Works
West Beach is looked after by a group of local volunteers. These volunteers are chosen by the beach's members each year. During most of the year, from fall to spring, anyone can visit the beach.
Summer Access to West Beach
When summer arrives, West Beach becomes a private area. To enter the beach and park your car during these busy months, you need a special pass and a parking sticker. These passes and stickers are mainly for people who live in Beverly Farms and Prides Crossing. By getting a pass, they become members of the group that manages the beach.
People who live outside Beverly Farms and Prides Crossing can also ask for a special "subscriber" pass and sticker. However, there isn't much parking available, so there's often a waiting list for these subscriber parking stickers.
West Beach's History
West Beach has a long and interesting past! The group that manages the beach has been officially recognized since April 21, 1852. This recognition came from the Massachusetts State House of Representatives.
Early Days of the Beach
The land where West Beach is located was first given to a person named John West in 1666. Later, Mr. West left the land to the people living in Beverly Farms and Prides Crossing. This meant the beach could be used by the community for different activities.
What the Beach Was Used For
The rules for West Beach explain how it was meant to be used. People could gather things like driftwood and seaweed. They could also use the beach for boating and swimming, just like people had done for many years before. The rules also mention making the beach a nicer place and offering swimming lessons or safety courses for members.
Famous Visitors and Events
West Beach is also known for its history of fun events and famous visitors:
- For over 100 years, the beach has been the site of the annual Fourth of July fireworks display for the Farms-Prides area.
- The well-known author, John Updike, who lived nearby, often visited West Beach.
- Another famous writer, Nathaniel Hawthorne, from Salem, Massachusetts, also visited West Beach. His son wrote about these visits.
- In the mid-1800s, an artist named Fitz Henry Lane painted a beautiful picture of West Beach. This painting was later sold for a lot of money at an art auction in 1997!
