A wall at City Hall will be getting a bit of a makeover, thanks to an unusual gift from former Essex County District Attorney Jonathon Blodgett.
Blodgett said that when he decided not to run for a sixth term last January, he called Peabody Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt, Jr. and told him he had something to give to the City of Peabody which had given so much to him and his family.
Blodgett appeared at Thursday night’s City Council meeting to present the gift – a rare map of Essex County by Chicago-based mapmaker A. T. Goodspeed.
He said the map had been given to him by a very good friend when he was sworn in as district attorney in 2002. It hung in his office until he retired.
“If you take a look at the map, it’s a replica. There are a couple of smaller ones but I believe this is one of the larger versions,” said Blodgett, a lifelong resident of Peabody.
He said there were multiple reasons why he wanted to give the map to the city in thanks for what the city has done for him.
“The historical significance is when you look at it up close, Peabody, at that time when it was done, was South Danvers. It’s called a bird’s eye map. There are no streets, just little lines that indicate topography hills and family names, names like Felton, and the areas and streets.
“The areas of the map were designated by families where they lived. So I felt there was no better place to have this than to give it to the mayor and to the council to thank all of you, the people in this city that raised me and in turn, allowed me to raise my family here.”
Blodgett said he is honored to be the only Peabody resident to have served as Essex district attorney and noted he had a very satisfying career, thanks “to the people, not just the people here on the city council and the people you represent that have been so good to me.
“This is my gift to the city and the mayor and thank you very much,” Blodgett said.
Blodgett received a standing ovation from the council and a loud round of applause.
Bettencourt thanked Blodgett for “this very valuable gift,” adding the map will be displayed on the wall next to the Frank Wiggin memorial plaque.
“It fits perfectly in that location,” Bettencourt said. “We had thought about putting it in one of the libraries or maybe even the children’s museum but felt it deserved to be here with the history of our city in our chamber.”
Bettencourt proceeded to praise Blodgett, saying he’s had a “great career, not only as Essex County DA, but as a local attorney. He helped numerous boards and commissions and gave of his time and volunteered in so many countless ways. He always found time to help the city and left his mark in so many ways… he served the city and our county with distinction and honor and did some amazing work.”
Bettencourt then presented a framed vintage photo of City Hall as thanks for Blodgett’s contributions and service to the city. The inscription reads, “Peabody thanks you for your many years of service.”
Blodgett joked that he’s only been retired for a month and “almost forgot to mention my wife, Judy. That would have been the biggest faux pas of my career. Thank you for letting me come back up and correct my mistake.”
