In 1637, the town of Salem granted a half acre of land on the neck to build a house as well as five acres of land on the forest side for planting. This land was granted to George Wright in exchange for providing a ferry between Butt Point, Salem and Darby Fort in Marblehead.

This would place the ferry points at the bottom of Turner Street and Naugus Point in Marblehead, which was where Fort Darby (establshed in 1629), was located. For a number of years, there was a wooded lane leading to the ferry where people and horses would be transported to Marblehead for a toll.

In 1649, when Marblehead incorporated as a town and separated from Salem, the right to appoint ferrymen and lease the ferry was retained by Salem. The money generated from the Marblehead and Beverly ferries was dedicated to the support of the grammar school master.

The ferry to Marblehead continued into the 18^th century amid some controversies about costs and its availability during low tide. With few exceptions, such as a smallpox outbreak in Marblehead in 1730, the ferry continued, and was utilized on a regular basis through the Revolutionary War period. With improved roads leading to Marblehead, as well as regular coach runs, the ferry lost customers and was eventually abandoned by 1785.

In 1668, Captain John Turner, a wealthy merchant captain, had a large house built on land not far from the ferry landing. This began the development of the way leading to the ferry that would subsequently be called Turner’s Lane and, eventually, Turner Street. The Turner House would be expanded, updated, remodeled and renovated. It would also gain world-wide fame as The House of the Seven Gables. Before its later fame, however, it was an elegant home befitting a very wealthy merchant.

As the population expanded and more houses were built, this street became home to a number of people of more modest means. Their houses were not mansions but utilitarian dwellings for seamen and trades people working the docks and waterfront of Salem. One of those newer dwellings erected in the late 18^th century was #37.

Jesse Kenney, a tanner, bought this house lot in 1791. Records indicate that a half house was built here in 1793, the same year Jessie married. Over the next few years, he completed the house and had his tanning business in the backyard with a tanning house suitable for up to 30 vats for tanning. At this time in Salem, tanning leather was a lucrative profession. By the early 1790s, there were eight tanneries in a number of places in Salem, mostly in the eastern section. It would still be a few years before the tanneries moved to the Blubber Hollow area, (Boston and Grove streets) and were no longer in residential areas.

Unfortunately, in 1801, Jessie Kenney suffered an accident that resulted in a leg being amputated. No longer able to afford his house or run the business, he sold both to Nathaniel Andrew, even though $800 was raised by subscription to assist him after his accident.

It appears that Andrew continued the tannery at least for a few years. By 1851, the building that was a tannery had been converted into a blinds factory. Usually this business also tended to provide sashes and doors.

In the mid 19^th century, this area was somewhat commercialized with a
number of businesses nearby on Derby Street while a gum copal factory was next door at 35 Turner. The gum copal business was owned by Jonathan Whipple, who also had a small wharf at the end of the street.

By the 1880s, we see no mention of a business on the property at #37. The City Directories list a number of people living here and working elsewhere. The majority of these residents were trades people who worked in a number of occupations ranging from mariner, engineer, carpenter, to boiler maker, last maker and musician. 

For almost 200 years, this house was a residence for the people of Salem. In 1965, the house became vacant and remained that way until 1968, when the building underwent extensive renovation. Where in the past the house was oriented to the south with its two side entrances, now the wall that fronted Turner Street was re-designed to include a doorway and large picture windows.

In 1968, Mrs. Spencer’s candy company, Ye Olde Pepper Companie, opened here. This company, with its vintage recipes for Salem Gibraltars, quickly became a popular stop for tourists and locals. Ye Olde Pepper Companie remained here until 1971, when it moved around the corner onto Derby Street.

From 1972 to 1979, The 1776 House was here as pictured in the postcard above. This was an interesting store that sold Salem souvenirs, postcards, candy and antiques such as the ship’s figurehead that adorned the building as seen in the photo. I recall shopping in this store. It was a good place to shop if you couldn’t think of a present. There was always something interesting or unusual. Perhaps some readers recall this store?

The 1776 House closed, but the store continued to sell antiques for a few years. By the 1990s, the building had been converted to four apartments (one commercial and three residential). The store was opened again in the late 1990s as one of Salem’s ubiquitous witchcraft stores selling a variety of witchcraft related items. 

Most recently, the storefront is currently the Office of Richard Griffin Architect, who has done a number of buildings and renovations on the North Shore. The distinctive sign over the door that reads East India Silk Company refers to the import business the Griffins operate. This small business continues the Salem Maritime tradition of importing fine silk products from India and points east.