Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
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33 SEPTEMBER 2018 NORTHSHOREMAG.COM PHOTOGRAPH BY FAWN DEVINEY Mark Lyons moved to Topsfield nearly 25 years ago and he doesn't regret a mo- ment. e combination of natural beauty, deep history, and strong community, he says, makes Topsfield an ideal hometown. "e people are very engaged," says Lyons, chairman of the town's Board of Selectmen. "I find them to be a compassionate and caring community." Topsfield may be best known as the home of the country's oldest agricultural fair, which takes place over a nearly two-week span each fall. Nearly half a million people flock to town during those days, to eat fried dough, gawk at giant pumpkins, and watch livestock demonstrations. But even when the Ferris wheels and farm animals are sent home, the town remains a charming, relaxing place for visitors and residents alike. Both Route 1 and Interstate 95 run through the town, but the moment you exit the highway, the bustle is replaced with tree-lined roads and bucolic properties that make traffic feel like a distant memory. First settled in 1635, Topsfield has been connected to many of the major events in Massachusetts' early history. ree women from the town were among those hanged as witches during the Salem witch hysteria of the late 17th century. When the British marched on Lexington and Concord in 1776, a Topsfield commander galloped off to join the fight. Today, the historical character is evident in local properties like the Parson Capen house, an outstanding example of late-1600s American architecture, and the Gould Barn, a carefully restored structure from 1710 that today hosts community meetings, weddings, and other events. Tucked away on a side street, a plaque marks the former homestead of the Smith family, whose descendant Joseph Smith founded the Mormon church. e town has also been notable for its sense D A T E O F S E T T L E M E N T 1635 D A T E O F I N C O R P O R A T I O N 1650 A R E A 12.8 square miles P O P U L A T I O N 6,434 Z I P C O D E 01983 M E D I A N H O U S E H O L D I N C O M E $ 128,283 Proctor Elementary School, Steward Elementary School, Masconomet Regional Middle School, Masconomet Regional High School Olympic runner Abbey D'Agostino, actress Donna Murphy, lawyer and businessman Bradley Palmer S C H O O L S N O T A B L E R E S I D E N T S THE DETAILS / F A C E S + P L A C E S / of community from the very beginning. As colonists from nearby Ipswich started moving west into Topsfield, they were greeted by Indian chief Masconomet and were surprised to Valley View Farmstead Cheeses