The Annual Crane Beach Children’s Picnic

In 1910, Richard Teller Crane, Jr. and his wife, Florence Higinbotham Crane, purchased the “Ipswich Beach Farm” property known as Castle Hill. This former saltwater farm turned gentleman’s country estate, with miles of beachfront, provided the perfect summerhouse location for this Chicago family. The Cranes, heirs to Crane Company, had two small children – Cornelius, born in 1905, and Florence, born in 1909.

As summer residents in a remote location, the Cranes did not have the opportunity to connect with many people in the Ipswich community. Since young Cornelius had a summer birthday - June 29th  - the Cranes decided to hold a “Castle Hill Picnic” celebration, to which the school children of Ipswich were invited. The first picnic was held on July 1, 1911.  Tents were set up, Beverly’s United Shoe Machinery Band provided music, the crew of the Crane yacht served as lifeguards, and children of all ages enjoyed the beach as special guests. The Crane family even provided for transportation to and from the beach. As a testament to their generosity, a fund was set up by the Crane family to keep this tradition alive to this day. Each June, at the end of the school year, all elementary- and middle-school children in the Ipswich public schools are transported to the beach for a day of fun, with lunch provided, thanks to the Cranes.

The Trustees of Reservations is fortunate to have some Crane family photo albums in its archives that highlight these early Castle Hill picnics. We share some of these here with you, and thank the Crane family for the gift of Crane Beach - for all of us to enjoy!