In Camp at Lynnfield

It’s Also History: Tales & Tidbits from Alan’s Archives

It's Also History

Alan Foulds is a local historian who has written several historically related articles in addition to his book, “Boston’s Ballparks & Arenas.” He is a major contributor to the writing of “At Wood End.” Mr. Foulds is also Reading’s Town Moderator.

As the Civil War raged across the country, one North Shore town became part of the great recruitment. The crossroads village of South Lynnfield, with its train station, access to Suntaug Lake, and plenty of flat open fields, was the site of the Eastern Massachusetts recruitment center. The tiny town saw an influx of people, raising the temporary population to heights only recently surpassed. Hear about the two summers in the early 1860s when Lynnfield was transformed into the epicenter of Massachusetts military activity.