a ad 
ITH each succeeding summer scores of 
Americans find pleasure in the pleasing com- 
bination of country and ocean surroundings afforded 
along the North Shore. To many it is their first 
residence alongside the sea and there is a vague but com- 
forting sense of enjoyment in the experience of living 
close to the ocean. 
The waves have a soothing effect on the jaded busi- 
ness man in search of rest; they have an appealing force 
to the tourist who enjoys Nature in all her glory. The 
ocean when it is calm lends itself to complete enjoyment 
of one’s surroundings. When the waves are lashed into 
fury during the storm they inspire an awe of majesty. 
The average inland American who has never seen 
the ocean has no real idea of the force of its waves. He 
reads about the storm, of boats being carried away and 
bulwarks stove in. But he does not realize the steam 
hammer blows that may be struck by mere water. 
Autoists along the North Shore know the havoc that 
was wrought two years ago with the Marblehead cause- 
way boulevard. ‘This road, which connects the mainland 
with Marblehead Neck, where are situated the Eastern 
and Corinthian yacht clubs 
and many fine summer resi- 
dences, was nearly ruined by 
the tremendous force of heavy 
seas crashing into it. Heavy 
boulders, some many  hun- 
dred pounds in weight had 
been hurled onto the road 
making it impassable for traf- 
fic. During the big storms in 
the winter the waves broke 
with terrific force against the 
narrow strip of land and 
completely submerged parts of 
the road. Motorists enjoy a 
well-oiled thoroughfare to 
this place now, however, and 
this fact makes the Marble- 
head shore all the more invit- 
ing to the summer visitor. 
“The Fury of the Waves” 
inland 
A ROCKPORT SCENE 
ENS aie eS oe Ere 
‘ 
In the same vicinity is another of the ‘water freaks” 
called the Churn, where the waves strike the cliffs on the 
easterly side of Marblehead Neck and, as the name im- 
plies, crash and rise in a foamy mist above the steep 
crag. During a severe storm the fury of the waves in this 
particular spot presents an unequalled picture. 
All along the rugged coast of the North Shore are 
found similar instances of the wonderful power of the 
waves. From Nahant to Cape Ann the ocean is king, 
especially during the summer months. On the Cape is 
found the most rugged part of the whole coast, where in 
many places the waterfront along Gloucester and Rock- 
port rises into sheer cliffs and rocky eminences. The 
breakwater, in Rockport harbor, which is about half fin- 
ished, has lessened the spectacular force of the ocean dur- 
ing storms along that part of the coast, although during 
rough weather the water soars above the breakwater like 
some mighty leviathan. 
Various attempts have been made to devise motors 
to develop power from the force of the waves. The 
amount of energy wasted through their lack of success 
is beyond estimate. If the power of the sea could be used 
it would drive the machinery 
of an unlimited number of 
plants. 
Another and sterner as- 
pect of the waves is demon- 
strated in the care with which 
mariners avoid certain parts 
of the coast of Massachu- 
setts. One of the most dan- 
gerous parts of the whole 
coast is found on the North 
Shore between Fresh Water 
Cove, Gloucester and Mag- 
nolia. Rafe’s Chasm, the 
fury of which in a storm 
nearly equals that of The 
Churn at Marblehead Neck, 
is situated there. Nearby is 
the famous reef of Norman’s 
Woe, pictured in Longfel- 
