The Immortalization of Lynch Park


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Photo and Commentary by Nicole Zarkades

Lynch park, or more formally known as the David S. Lynch Memorial Park was transformed from Estate to Park in 1943. When someone hears the city of Beverly’s name , often times the first thing they think of is the ever-famous Lynch Park. During the 1960’s vandals almost destroyed the park. The rose garden was practically ruined and the Italian Monastery that once stood on the Estate was burned to the ground. At that time, the City realized the importance of the park and began to make improvements and renovations to the park. Now, the Beverly Public Works Department, The Beverly recreation Department, and the Lynch Park board of Trustees all work very hard to preserve our amazing park. Young and old, everyone knows Lynch Park. It is a well known family, adolescent and senior hangout. With such events held there as Beverly Homecoming-including the Lobster Festival and the Homecoming Fireworks, and 6 o’clock concerts on Sunday nights at the Band Shell, it has become one of the most popular and most beautiful parks on the Northshore. Forever will people remember their times and experiences at Lynch Park.

Lynch park relating to the "bigger picture" or the world itself, is in it’s historic value. In the mid 19th century, the eastern Railroad connected Boston with Beverly. The development of the town’s north shore was now open for wealthy industrialists. Rich and important people and families made their way down to Beverly to get away from the hustle and bustle of the humid and Closter phobic city of Boston to enjoy the views and experiences of the North Shore and park. As many people may know, president Taft has his summer white house at Lynch Park, "Stetson Cottage". During the summer of 1910 Taft was kicked by Marie Antoinette Evans (Widow of Robert D. Evans, owner of the estate) for the horrid and distasteful publicity the park was getting. Lynch park is not only a historic estate/park, it is a model for parks everywhere with its vast open areas, entertainment and beautiful garden.