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Endangered Historic Resource:
The Salem Common Fence: Endangered
For residents and visitors alike, the Salem Common is a visual embodiment
of civic and community pride. The Salem Common Fence, nominated by the
Salem Common Neighborhood Association is a magnificent cast iron fence
which encircles the Common has remained the signal feature of the space
ever since it was erected in the mid-19th century.
The Salem Common itself is part of the Salem Common Historic District.
The Common’s approximately 9.5 acres of land has been central
to the civic life of Salem for four centuries. Conceived of as public
common land, including a military training ground in the 17th century,
it was also the location of the first militia muster in America. In
the 18th century, it evolved into a collective space for husbanding
domesticated animals, and a center for rope manufacture and other industries,
as well as the location of a poor house. In the beginning of the 19th
century, the site was named Washington Square. It evolved into a landscaped
park used for recreation and public events, surrounded by a mostly residential
neighborhood.
The Common was initially enclosed by a wooden fence with ornamental
gateways in the early 19th century as part of improvements spearheaded
by Elias Hasket Derby, Jr. The ornate cast iron fence which currently
graces the Common was erected in the mid-19th century.
Among the many challenges which face the Salem Common is its change
in use over time. As is typical of such an urban oasis, areas once used
for more passive activities have become sites for more active public
engagement. Playgrounds, road races, concerts, movies, festivals and
fairs, flea markets, daily jogging and fast walking were not envisioned
when this public area was laid out nor when the fence was installed.
Further, while the Common is ringed primarily by residential properties,
a number of commercial concerns also make their homes along the perimeter
and bring with them their own special needs such as creating parking
for customers.
As positive as these activities are, they sometimes have had a deleterious
impact on the magnificent cast iron fence which encircles the Common.
Vandalism, acid rain, animal waste, accidental damage, and inappropriate
restoration of the fence have placed the fence at risk.
To ensure the continued viability and safety of this extraordinary City
resource, the Salem Common Neighborhood Association recommends that
a plan be developed and that funds be allocated to restore and maintain
the fence and ensure the continuing vibrancy of this vital public space.
Among the issues which could be addressed in this plan are written and
photographic documentation of each section of the fence. Also recommended
is consultation with preservation technologists and craftspeople skilled
in the area of cast and wrought iron who could assist with the creation
of molds for future casting of various fence elements and investigation
of new technologies and materials for recreating and re-crafting missing
and or damaged members of the fence.
The Common is not endowed and is managed by several City departments.
The Salem Common Neighborhood Association has undertaken a number of
projects over the years, including the restoration of the Roger Conant
statue and a current effort to restore the playground so badly deteriorated
that it has been partially dismantled for safety. The Association and
Historic Salem believe that a comprehensive repair and maintenance plan
will help to ensure that the Common and the Common Fence are maintained
over time, and hope to work with the City to identify funding sources.
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