Earlier this week, we helped to celebrate children’s author Beverly Cleary’s centennial in style.  And since that was so much fun, how about we keep on celebrating centennials?

Like Peabody’s own centennial, taking place this year!  (Cue the fanfare.  Cue the confetti.)

Actually, if we’re all being honest with each other, it’s the 100th anniversary of Peabody’s incorporation as a city.  The area on which we–and the Library–now live was originally within the boundaries of Salem when it was founded in 1626.  In 1752, the land was incorporated into Danvers, and known to locals as the “South Parish”, after a Church that stood in what is now Peabody Square.  Because of this, when what is now Peabody first decided to go it on their own in 1855, the area was known as South Danvers.

According to editorials in local papers, it was apparently quite a struggle to get the mail delivered properly to South Danvers.  The postman kept delivering them to Danvers proper, and making the newly minted South Danversians rather miffed.  Partially as a result of this, South Danvers was renamed Peabody, after the great and generous George Peabody, in 1868.

Having finally settled on a name that made everyone happy, Peabody continued to grow and thrive, particularly thanks to the above- and below-ground rivers providing hydraulic power to run the numerous leather factories, tanneries, and, apparently, marble-making factories.  The potential for jobs was enormous, and, as a result, Peabody began to attract laborers from all over the world, and, particularly, from Ireland, Russia, and the Ottoman Empire.  One historical account actually notes that the area known as Walnut Street was so densely populated with Turkish immigrants that street signs and other notices were written in both Ottoman Turkish and English.

Thus, by 1916, things were going so well that Peabody became a city…a fact that brings us to the festivities going on in this year (check out the link for more details about said events!).  In honor of Peabody’s 100 years of Citydom, there will be a whole manner of celebrations, from a Food Truck Party to a Parade, and you are welcomed to be a part of it!

And, to get you started properly, why not stop by the Main Library and check out the sparkly book display featuring a number of books by and about Peabody’s finest–from the life of famed astronomer and mathematician Nathaniel Bowditch, author of The American Practical Navigator to CEO Jack Welch, to our newest favorite local author, Larry Theriault, whose delightful children’s book, 14 Steps Away came out last summer.  This display is a microcosm of Peabody’s past and present on the page, and is sure to get your centennial celebrations started off on the right foot.  If you were looking for reasons to brag about your hometown, or about your favorite library (ahem), then stop by, and have a look at our display!  Also, for those looking to delve even deeper into Peabody’s History, check out our Archives, and the sensational online exhibits featuring highlights from Peabody’s history, as well as from the Peabody Institute’s illustrious past.

As this Very Special year unfolds, we here at the Library will be highlighting some of the people and events that have made Peabody great and memorable, so check back here for updates!  In the meantime, I’ll be stocking up on the confetti…