A historic gateway to Marblehead’s Old and Historic District was celebrated April 16 as local officials and members of The Cottage Gardeners of Marblehead and Swampscott marked the completion of a months-long beautification effort at the Okos triangle.
About 50 community members gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the triangular parcel surrounding the Okos building at 222 Washington St., home to the historic Okommakamesit hand-pumped fire engine dating back to the 1840s.
The transformation of this prominent corner at Washington and Middle streets represents months of planning and volunteer effort to create an inviting public garden space at what serves as a key entry point to Marblehead’s Old and Historic District.
The Cottage Gardeners allocated $1,500 to fund the project, which features a patriotic red, white and blue plant palette, new pathway, irrigation system and solar lighting. The design emphasizes low-maintenance, eco-friendly landscaping while providing a fitting display area for the historic hand tub that gives the site its name.
Rick Bartlett, an Okos member (someone who belongs to the organization associated with the historic Okommakamesit hand-pumped fire engine housed in the building), praised the group’s work during a tour of the site.
“They did a lot of work out front. It was a mess, and we got the word that they wanted to do it, and they’ve done an excellent job. And we got a place to put the tub (what they formerly called a fire truck),” said Bartlett. “When it’s on display, we bring it inside when it’s in storage, but when we can display it, it’s out on the brick.”
Meanwhile, a newly installed brick pathway allows the antique pumper to be wheeled out for public viewing during special events and celebrations throughout the year, particularly during Fourth of July festivities and local muster competitions.
Inside the historic building, visitors can explore a second-floor museum featuring photographs, ribbons, trophies and memorabilia chronicling Marblehead’s fire muster history. The museum will also be open to the public during special events throughout the year.
“We’ve got trophies from past musters. This one’s from the Brockton fair,” Bartlett said, pointing to a display case. “We have a championship flag in the cabinet from 1903. The Okos have been here since 1894.”
The beautification project coincided with other restoration work on the Okos building itself and received support from town officials, including Building Inspector Ben Lebowitz, who attended Wednesday’s ceremony.
“I would say that it is important for people to acknowledge that there are many individuals in this town who live here and work here that appreciate the town and its heritage,” said Lebowitz. “And this project was a perfect example of what can be accomplished when like minds get together to volunteer their time in effort to restore and accentuate Marblehead’s traditions.”
Landscape designer Holly Willsey-Walker, a Cottage Gardeners member, partnered with club member Karen McMahon to develop the garden design. Their plan incorporated azaleas and hydrangeas along with other plantings reflecting Marblehead’s historic character.
The project received significant community support, with Phil Somerby of Somerby Landscaping donating services, local real estate agent Lindsey Walker contributing funds for lighting, and Marblehead Garden Center providing discounted plants.
Beyond this visible downtown project, the Cottage Gardeners maintain several public spaces throughout Marblehead, including gardens at the Hooper Mansion and Seamen’s Memorial. The nonprofit, founded in 1940, includes about 65 members who meet monthly from September through June.
Colleen Connor, a Cottage Gardeners member, emphasized that the group welcomes newcomers regardless of gardening experience.
“We have an open meeting once a year, and that’s coming up in May,” Connor said. “People don’t know this. You do not have to be like a master gardener. We have way more fun. And you come and you can learn. We have, like, mini TED talks on gardening.”
The club’s activities extend beyond beautification projects to include educational programs and community service.
“We learn about the environment, we learn about recycling, we learn about seeds and beads,” Connor said. “What’s really cool is that if you are downsizing and you don’t have a garden, you can still get your hands in the dirt.”
The Cottage Gardeners will host their annual Mother’s Day Weekend Plant Sale — the club’s sole fundraiser — on Saturday, May 10, at St. Stephen’s Church, 67 Cornell Road. This year’s theme is “Rooted in Love.”
