The historic photographs in this book offer early views of Peabody, Massachusetts, the vibrant manufacturing town once called the "Leather Capital of the World." The farms and industries of Peabody's past present an illuminating contrast when coupled with images from today, highlighting the vast changes that have occurred throughout the community's history. William R. Power is president of the Peabody Historical Society and Museum, chairman of the Peabody Historical Commission, and is the author of many historical volumes.
Comparing our present to our past is how we understand our history. Arcadia's Then & Now series makes such local comparisons available. Books in this series offer a special view of American life by placing historical images side by side with contemporary photographs.