Parson Capen House dates to the 1600s.
First settled in 1635, Topsfield has been connected to many of the major events in Massachusetts’ early history. Three 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.
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The town has also been notable for its sense 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 discover that he spoke English, says Norm Isler, longtime president of the Topsfield Historical Society. Even as settlers in many regions experienced conflict with the natives they encountered, the residents of Topsfield enjoyed friendly relations with the Agawam tribe.
And the note of friendliness and cooperation on which the town started has endured.
Today, the heart of Topsfield is the town common, a quaint green surrounded by historical buildings, the Congregational church, the public library, and the town hall. The town hall is nearing the end of extensive renovations intended to modernize the building—barely updated since 1873—while maintaining its traditional character and beauty. The work includes the restoration of a large public hall to be used by community groups and events.
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“It was a really beautiful, large space used for dances and meetings and events that had been broken up into office cubicles,” Lyons says. “We’re recapturing that space.”
Residents are engaged in town meetings and civic activities, Isler says, and the historical society’s annual strawberry festival celebrated its 50th year this summer. Town volunteers and donations were integral in the restoration of Gould Barn. And over the last 14 years, the society’s John Kimball, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Program, funded by a bequest from a former town moderator, has awarded more than $270,000 to 78 local students.
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“It’s gratifying and very heartwarming to participate in something like that,” Isler says.
The sense of community and rich history of the town are complemented by the area’s abundant natural beauty. Rolling hills, a remnant of the glaciers that once retreated through the region, and vast wooded areas give Topsfield a distinctive natural character.
The adjacent properties at Willowdale State Forest and Bradley Palmer State Park offer roughly 50 miles of trails, providing opportunities for hikers, mountain bikers, and cross-country skiers to explore extensively. The diverse ecosystem gives visitors a chance to glimpse deer, beavers, owls, and songbirds.
The Mass Audubon Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary combines natural preservation with education. Twelve miles of trails meander through meadows, wetlands, and forest; the Rockery Trail features a grotto and arches constructed from boulders in 1905. The vacation camps let young people delve even further into the wonders of the local environment. For Lyons, these factors come together to create a place he is happy to call home. “I consider it to be the best decision my wife and I ever made,” he says.