In 1858, 35 acres of waterfront on Salem Neck were designated as a public park. The park was named Salem Willows because of the white willow trees that were planted in that area in 1801. These trees were initially used to provide shade to smallpox patients receiving treatment at a hospital for contagious diseases located near Hospital Point. After the hospital closed, the trees and waterfront became a popular escape from the city’s summer heat for both locals and tourists.
In the 1870s, a group of restaurants began opening along the north shore of the Willows. This area eventually became known as Restaurant Row and was famous for its "shore dinners". A few of the enduring establishments on Restaurant Row were the Chase House, Swenbeck’s, and Ebsen’s, all of which served seafood and offered breathtaking views of the ocean.
A pavilion in stick style was built in 1874. The structure included a dance hall, dining hall, bowling alley, and skating rink. E.W. Hobbs started their business as a concession stand in the Pavilion building, where they sold popcorn, ice cream, and saltwater taffy. In 1897, they moved next door to the carousel building, where they still operate. This area of Fort Avenue, filled with amusements and eateries, became known as "the line."
Salem Willows Park grew steadily as a popular destination, with the Naumkeag Street Railway offering frequent horse-drawn trolley rides from Salem's downtown. During the first summer, the Salem Evening News reported that the Willows attracted as many as 5,000-10,000 visitors in a single day. Barges and excursion boats also brought visitors from nearby coastal towns to the Salem Willows pier. This success led to the construction of an amusement park on an adjacent lot, which opened in June 1880.
The Boston Globe wrote, “At This Charming Resort, About a Mile and a Half from Salem Proper, workmen are busy preparing the buildings and grounds. The Naumkeag street railway, through its energetic president, A. C. Goodell, esq., has supplemented the city's efforts by adding many valuable features. The famous Siege of Paris building now occupies the grounds, and is being rapidly transformed into a first-class theatre, capable of holding 5000 people. The stage will be 60 by 40 feet; scenery is being painted by a competent artist; the dressing-rooms will be commodious, and every accessory provided for the benefit of the actors and the comfort of the audience. A brilliant spectacular piece has been prepared expressly for the summer season, and will probably receive its initial representation here. The drama will call for the entire resources of the new theatre and the services of a large company. When completed this house will equal in all respects most of our metropolitan theatres. The other attractions at the Willows will be numerous during the summer and varied in character. The pavilion dining will seat 220 guests, and the dancing-hall is spacious. There are ample facilities for boating and bathing, and amusements for the young folks are provided. A large gallery for shooting and bowling. From the verandah of the pavilion the view is delightful, embracing Manchester-by-the-Sea, the Beverly shore, Cape Ann, and the islands in the harbor, with the headland of Marblehead and its old fort. Visitors at the Willows are always sure of cool breezes and refreshing shade. About 100 cottages are occupied by families during the summer months of the year.”
In 1924, the Charleshurst Ballroom was opened on the line by Charles Schribman. This nightspot attracted big bands from around the country and was one of the social centers of the North Shore. Duke Ellington was just one of the famous jazz performers to play there. That same year, the Juniper Point Inn opened to cater to guests of the Willows. The inn's 150-seat dining room regularly served seafood dinners and chowder, which were staples of the Willows.
After nearly eighty years in operation, the restaurants on Restaurant Row started closing in the 1940s. On July 15, 1952, a fire destroyed Chase House. Although the restaurant was reconstructed, it was just one in a series of fires and storms that ultimately ended Restaurant Row.
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Digitized Archives
Salem Willows Photographs and Ephemera
Restaurant Row Menus
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