Gables Settlement Now and Then
by Anna Ruane
“As inheritors of the legacy of Caroline Emmerton and the Settlement House Movement, we aim to provide meaningful support for new immigrants, challenge misleading narratives that limit their opportunities, and empower them to write their own pages in our ongoing American story.”
– A portion of The House of the Seven Gables’ Mission Statement
Inspired by Jane Addams’ Hull House, one of America’s earliest Settlement houses, preservationist and philanthropist Caroline Emmerton purchased the Seaman’s Bethel and the Turner-Ingersoll mansion in 1908; both of which were located at the end of Turner Street in Salem, Massachusetts. Aware that Nathaniel Hawthorne was inspired by the Turner-Ingersoll mansion in his visits to his cousin Susannah Ingersoll, Emmerton restored the Turner-Ingersoll mansion to Hawthorne’s fictional descriptions of the mansion. Profits from the museum went towards Settlement programs, intended to provide resources to immigrants. Emmerton held early Settlement courses in the Seaman’s Bethel which was relocated from its original position at the south side of the Turner-Ingersoll mansion to the opposite side of the mansion in 1914 to position it closer to Derby Street. After its move, the building was renamed to Turner Hall and expanded, with additional classrooms and a gymnasium added to the structure. In 1966, Turner Hall was demolished to ensure the safety of the Turner-Ingersoll mansion from potential fire damage. Today, only the Seaman’s Bethel bell remains on site. Visitors to the House of the Seven Gables can visit the Seaman’s Bethel bell in our seaside gardens.
Turner Hall
Salem, Massachusetts. C. Post-1914.
The above image features Turner Hall after its relocation in 1914. Originally intended to provide sailors with a church and meeting location, Caroline Emmerton purchased the Seaman’s Bethel in 1908. The building housed the earliest Settlement courses held by the House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association. The building would be relocated in 1914 and renamed to Turner Hall. Turner Hall would be known to generations of settlement members as a location to gather and socialize. In addition to holding classes, the structure was also used for dances, theatrical and musical performances, and club meetings.
Girls’ Gables Basketball Team
Turner Hall, C. Early 1900s.
The earliest Settlement classes included gymnastics classes and crafting courses. The girls’ basketball team can be seen sitting on some of the gymnastics balance beams.
Settlement Dances at Turner Hall
Salem, Massachusetts, C. 1930s.
The two images above feature dance classes held at Turner Hall in the 1930s. These classes offered instruction in foxtrot, waltz, and tango. Throughout the decades, social dances were also held in the building.
Dancers in traditional Polish dress during Polish Festival
Turner and Derby St. Salem. C. 1970s.
Social dances at The House of the Seven Gables extended outside of courses and programs at Turner Hall. The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association saw many festivals and celebrations occurring in the Derby Street neighborhood, often centering around traditional dances and festivals of Salem’s early immigrant communities. The two images above are examples of one such event, the Polish Festival, which was originally held at Turner and Derby Street.
Early Settlement Crafting Courses
C. 1910.
Many of the Gables’ earliest Settlement classes offered to children provided instruction in various crafts. Students in the courses would learn knitting, sewing, and woodworking, among other projects.
Elizabeth McIntire with Settlement crafting class
C. 1958.
Elizabeth McIntire was a director at The House of the Seven Gables from 1930 to 1965. She taught many crafting courses including woodworking and sewing.
Sewing Exhibit
Turner Hall, C. 1959.
The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association would create annual exhibits of projects made in the crafting and woodworking courses for the Board of Directors.
Adult Craft Class during Treasure Hunt
House of the Seven Gables Parlor, Undated.
Advertisement for House of the Seven Gables Settlement Registration Event
C. 1930.
In addition to providing classes for children, the Gables Settlement Association also provided classes to adults. Members of the Settlement Association could select between dance classes, craft classes, English classes, and enrollment in clubs.
Fusion Fest at The Gables
The House of the Seven Gables’ lawn, 2024. Photo by Paige Besse.
Today, the Gables Settlement Association continues Caroline Emmerton’s vision and provides free ESL courses and citizenship courses for members of the local immigrant community. Individuals interesting in learning more about our present day settlement association can visit 7gables.org/settlement-classes