What the heck is Baker’s Island?

Most people are familiar with Salem’s 8.1 square miles of land but know nothing about our 10 miles of water or what exists out there. Salem maritime properties include Children’s Island, Ram Island, Cunney Island, Tinkers Island, Great Misery Island, Little Misery Island and Baker’s Island. While some of them have summer homes none are inhabited year round.

The 60 acre Baker’s Island lies 3.5 miles off shore. In addition to its one light house (visible from the Salem Willows) the island is home to 55 cottages most built in the late 1800′s to early 1900′s. The island also has a store, fire house, meeting hall (Sherman C. Burnham Hall), and gift shop known as Driftwood. Baker’s Island it’s Massachusetts’ largest residential island north of Boston.

History of Baker’s Island

During the golden age of sail, Salem was the wealthiest city in the States all because of her port but there were no major aids to navigation to help mariners past the islands and rocks outside her harbor. A conical day beacon erected in 1791 was 57 feet tall, painted red, and topped by a two-foot diameter black ball. Unfortunately this beacon was not much help at night or in the fog and after three wrecks in 1796 killing 16 men the Salem Marine Society sent a message to Congress stating they needed to replace the beacon with a lighthouse.

That much of the property and many of the lives of their fellow citizens are almost every year lost in coming into the harbour of Salem for want of proper lights to direct their course… This calamity can, in the opinion of this society be prevented only by erecting a lighthouse on the northern end of Bakers Island . . .

Congress authorized $6,000 for the establishment of twin lights on Baker’s Island which first lit up on January 3, 1798. The two towers were located on top of a two-story keeper’s house, about 40 feet apart at either end of the building with four lamps being fueled by whale oil. In the early part of the 1800′s there were some configuration changes to the light houses, one was shortened then later restored to its previous height after some confusion with Boston light. In 1926 one of the lights was removed and by 1938 the sole remaining light was electrified.

Baker's Island Light c. 1929

In addition to the light house (set on 10 acres) the remainder of the island was privately owned. In 1888 a homeopathic doctor from Salem named Nathan Morse built a hotel/spa on Baker’s Island called the Winne-Egan. It had 50 guest rooms and catered to seekers of “health, pleasure and needed rest.” In addition to island activities such as sailing, fishing and swimming, guests could play tennis, or even shoot a short round of golf on the hotel’s six-hole course. Like many of Salem’s old buildings the hotel met its demise in 1906 when an accidental fire burned it to the ground.

Baker’s Island real estate; old money, private sales and coastal views.

There is not an abundance of information available about properties on Baker’s Island. No rentals what-so-ever and according to my real estate agent “There hasn’t been a public sale (in MLS) of anything on the island since 1999 – all private sales, and at that only a few”. I examined Salem’s GIS (Geographical Information System) viewer and found most parcels of land have been owned by family’s since before 1900.

Homes on Baker’s Island

Today access to the island is limited to residents and their guests. The islands one pier is where all visitors arrive and depart. Many residents have their own boats but a water shuttle the Double Eagle, is available from Salem harbor.

a view from the pier at sunset

Final thought

I am still looking for my summer retreat. Many Salem residents visit this site, so if you have a place out on Baker’s Island contact me, I would love to learn more about what is in our own back yard. And for all my out of town readers, if I get the opportunity to go over there, walk around and shoot some photos, you can be sure to find them right here at theSalemInsider.com.

I’m not one who goes to the movies that often, in fact until recently I can only recall 3 movies I’ve seen in the theater in the past 5 years. All that changed about a year ago when I was dragged kicking and screaming to the Salem Cinema.

Like many people I became disenchanted with the movies for a variety of reasons, there hasn’t been an original idea out of Hollywood in decades, movie lengths have shortened (80 and 90 minute movies) while prices have gone through the roof. While I love cinemas with stadium seating, big comfy chairs and troths of popcorn, I refuse to pay $12 for a ticket, $8 for a popcorn and $6 for a drink. Going on a date to the movies will run about $50. That is just crazy!

Since going to Cinema Salem my outlook has changed 180 degrees. Don’t set you expectations sky high when going to here for the first time. The theaters are old style with only a few hundred seats per screen. The seats themselves are also old skool flip down seats with no drink holders and not too much room.

Now for the upside. They have three screens showing current films. The prices are quite affordable, with admission prices being $8, kids and seniors pay only $6. That is less than a matinées price at other theaters. Popcorn, drinks and candy is also inexpensive. A couple can go to the movies get a large drink and popcorn for about $20. Thats about what you would spend for two cocktails and a tip at many of Salem’s local bars.

Cinema Salem also has a little cafe on site where you can grab a coffee and see some art by local and national artists. The employees are helpful and seem happy to be there. I have also found that the people who go there tend to be more polite than those that go to the big googleplexes. Even when seeing movies with groups of younger people (teenagers) they were not rowdy or boisterous.

Cinema Salem, going beyond your average theater

In addition to being a great option for a night out, Cinema Salem is a community friendly business. They often do “mom & baby shows” where the lights are up a bit and the sound is not at ear shattering levels. This past October they did a Horror Movie fest featuring classic films like Psycho, cult films like A Clockwork Orange and even a late night Rocky Horror Picture Show. Coming up in February and March they are hosting the Salem Film Fest 2008, a celebration of film and music.

What I find exceptional about Cinema Salem is their giving back to the community. Each month a portion of each ticket sold goes to a Salem grant totaling up to $1000.

CinemaSalem Grants are awarded monthly to deserving and innovative non-profit organizations. We’re interested in honoring and supporting groups that are making a difference in the world, and who are effective at communicating their vision and mission. If your organization is interested in applying, please pick up an application form in the theater lobby, or simply click here!

For more information about Cinema Salem grants see the community page on their website.

Like most theaters you can find show times and puchase tickets online through their website.

Seating: C
Sight and Sound: C+
Ticket Price: A
Concession Price: A
Overall: B

Well, after much anticipation and a huge flame war on one of Salem’s message boards, Salem Wine Imports is now open.

Now we at TheSalemInsider.com are not oneologists but we do like a good glass of wine now and again. Thankfully the owner of Salem Wine Imports was available to help guide us through the store. Wines are arranged by region and nicley displayed around the shop.

A special bonus for any wine n00b is the eight bottle draught system in the rear room. A nitrous system keeps the wine fresh so you can sample a variety of bottles before you buy. This is a great feature and I can for see many wine tastings in the future.

In a time when so many other businesses are moving or closing their doors its great to see a new and somewhat unique shop open up in Salem. We wish them success.

Tucked away on the corner of Crombie and Norman, Hong Kong King a hidden gem.

While they have no dining space to speak of, if you are looking for decent Chinese delivery or take-out Hong Kong King is the place for you.  Fast service and reasonable prices have made this a favorite for the downtown neighborhoods.

There are many familiar favorites, seasonal specialties are also available. Combos and dinner specials on the menu offer generous portions that are sure to fill you up (and then some) while being gentle on your wallet. The Salem Insiders suggest the steamed or pan fried dumplings (they are both great) and if you like your Chinese food with a little spice, make sure you ask for the hot mustard.

If you are a local you must have Hong Kong Kings take out menu in your kitchen drawer.  For tourists looking to eat in your hotel or B&B you will not be disapointed.

Delivery Time: B
Food: B
Overall: B

There are a few dining bargains to be found in Salem if you keep your eyes open. The historic Hawthorne Hotel named for famous Salem resident and author Nathaniel Hawthorne, is home to two different restaurants; we checked out the Two Dinners for $26.00 special at the Tavern.

The Tavern feels like a true tavern (go figure). On the first floor inside the hotel just off the left side of the lobby (it’s handicapped-accessible) you’ll find a nice-sized room with light wood walls and plenty of windows to watch life go by on the Common. In the cold weather months you can sit on one of the couches by the fire, or in the summer you can watch the game on one of their plasma screens. Also of note: many of the seats are plush wing back chairs while the majority of seating is made up of oversized wooden chairs. It really is a comfy inviting atmosphere.

After we were seated the waitress took our drink order, we got a couple of draught beers. I was disappointed to receive a little 10 oz glass for $4.50- I had expected at least a pint. Dinner starts off with a mixed greens salad and fresh rolls. Next came your choice of three different entrees, I got the Fusilli Toscana while my partner in crime opted for the Filet of Sole Florentine. Both were delicious. After dinner you are treated to the chef’s choice of dessert, which for us was a moist white cake with butter cream frosting topped with raspberry sauce. All that was capped off with a good old fashioned cup of coffee.

All portions (except for the beer) were good sized while not going overboard, and everything was to our liking. We felt the 2 dinner special was well worth the $26.00. Keep in mind the menu changes every month and this special is only served Sunday through Wednesday. Also do yourself a favor and walk across the street to McSwiggins (now The Old Spot) for a beer if you really want one.

Since this is in one of Salem’s large hotels it is an easy find for many out-of-towners, and a hidden treasure for the locals.

Drinks: C
Food: B
Atmosphere: B
Overall Rating: B

Often touted as the best breakfast in town, Red’s is housed inside the Old London Tea House, which was around during the Revolutionary war (but don’t worry the coffee was made 20 minutes ago). This is the place to be for breakfast.

On the weekends Red’s quick-moving line is out the door but you’re seated before you know it. Service is prompt, friendly, and efficient and food magically appears in no time. Everything on the menu is reasonably priced and the atmosphere is family-friendly for locals and tourists alike. Portions are decent sized, except for the pancakes which are huge. Be wary of getting a full stack unless you are a professional competitive eater (Salem insiders always get 2 not the whole stack).

Weekdays its a localpalooza of Salem residents. From 5AM the smell of breakfast wafts though the air and brings residents in to chat about the days events while having their “usual”. If ever there is a big time politician in Salem you will find them at Reds for a photo op and a cup of Joe.

Parking is limited although there is plenty of on-street and lot spaces within a short walk. Don’t sleep in too late, Red’s closes at 1pm on Sunday and 3pm every other day.

Portions: A
Service: A
Overall: A