MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Yellowed and dilapidated historical images of the town’s men in blue — some dating to the 1800s — have been professionally restored, duplicated and framed.
Now, the Manchester-by-the-Sea Police Department is poised to formally present the newly refined photographs, the results of a project funded by the Community Preservation Committee to restore the dated photographs.
Images are of grouped and posed Manchester Police officers, downtown Manchester and at least one of a police officer striding his classic police motorcycle.
Those working on the project included police Chief Todd Fitzgerald and Sgt. Stephen Louf Jr., who had a collection of historical photographs and documents.
The photo project pays homage to generations of the town’s police officers, Louf said.
“I think that this project is a fitting memorial to those who served this community in years past,” he said. “It’s a great way to encapsulate our department’s rich history for new generations to see.”
The work to restore and frame the images was conducted by Nor’east Frameworks, 40 Beach St.
“The photos highlight officers from the past,” Fitzgerald said. “The photos are part of the town’s history.”
In total, 17 pieces are to be displayed in the police station lobby and conference room.
“These historic photos will be on display in the Police Department lobby soon for the public to view,” Fitzgerald said. “I encourage residents to come in anytime to see them.”
After the framed photos are hung, the Police Department plans to share additional details, including when the public may view the images.
The project, which cost about $3,000, is noteworthy, Fitzgerald said.
He praised Community Preservation Committee Co-Chair Jack Burke for his work on the initiative.
Comparable work will eventually be done for the Manchester-by-the-Sea Fire Department, Fire Chief James “Jake” McNeilly said.
“We have a similar project to basically maintain the historic photos and categorize them so they can be displayed,” he said. “We hope within the next six months or so it will be completed.”
It’s important to preserve the history of town departments and police and fire efforts that have been made through the years, McNeilly said.
“It gives us a historic view of where we were, where we are now and where we’ll be headed.”
Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.