104 



commoners (except a narrow strip on the northeastern 

 end which was attached to the Higginson farm) , and was 

 leased to various individuals — after the vote of 1714, it 

 came into possession of the town and was used as a pas- 

 ture with the neck, after the discontinuance of the fisheries 

 until 1824, when it was transferred to the Poor Farm. 

 In 1863, it was ceded to the United States government 

 for coast defences. 



In 1870, the Secretary of War permitted the Trustees 

 of the Plummer Farm School for boys to establish their 

 institution there, and the city conveyed to the same parties 

 w^hatever interest it might have in the premises. 



This institution was founded by Miss Caroline Plummer 

 of Salem, who died May 15, 1854, and is intended for the 

 instruction, employment, and reformation of juvenile of- 

 fenders in the city of Salem. The residue of her estate, 

 after the payment of other bequests and debts, was appro- 

 priated to this purpose. Sum received, $25,462.23; the 

 Trustees are appointed by the mayor and aldermen, and 

 are incorporated by an act of the legislature, passed May 

 21, 1855. First meeting of the Trustees was held Nov. 

 26, 1855, when by-laws were adopted and officers elected. 

 The present building was finished for occupancy May 20, 

 1870. The city government appropriated $8,000 for this 

 object. Charles A. Johnson was appointed the superin- 

 tendent, and now holds the office. First boy was admitted 

 Sept. 1, 1870 — the present number is thirty. The pres- 

 ent amount of invested funds is $50,000. 



The traditional site of Clifford's tavern was on the left 

 of the road just after passing the causeway. The Town 

 Eecords (vol. for 1659-1680, page 306) inform us that 

 "at a meeting of the selectmen, Nov. 25, 1679, the select- 

 men consent unto and approve of Serg* Jno. Clifibrd to 

 keepe a victualling house att Winter Island." 



