Marblehead to replace missing Indian village sign

MARBLEHEAD – Marblehead is bringing back a vanished reminder of its 300th anniversary.In 1930, in observance of the town’s tercentenary year, large iron signs were erected at Fort Sewall, Old Burial Hill, Agnes Surriage Well on Orne Street and the Indian village that formerly stood on Ocean Avenue.The signs stood on seven-foot poles and were about 3-by-4-feet in size. Each one was solid iron, weighing 165-200 pounds, with wording on both sides.The Indian village sign promoted Ocean Avenue houselots as the site of "one of the largest Indian villages in Essex County, which was owned by Nipmuc Sachem Wenepoykin.However, the sign commemorating the Indian village went missing sometime in the early Sixties and has never been found.When members of the Historical Commission discussed the disappearance at their last meeting William Conly theorized that a nearby homeowner might have removed it out of disgust with tourists digging up back yards looking for arrowheads. "I would think it would enhance the value of the properties today," he said.Commission Chairman Chris Johnston said he has been in contact with a restoration expert named Robert Birre, who offered to recreate an aluminum sign on an aluminum pole. The sign alone was estimated at $2,500 and the commission authorized Johnston to arrange for the replacement sign at a cost of no more than $5,000. Selectmen also approved the expense.