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Business & Tech

After 100 Years, Life's Still a Beach for Peabody Family

A look back at the origins of Peabody's Beach and how one of Rhode Island's few privately owned saltwater beaches manages to weather economic storms.

One of the most popular family beaches in Rhode Island, for many many years, has been, one of Rhode Island's last privately owned beaches, found on the north end of Sachuest Cove near the town-owned Third Beach.

The cove beaches have always attracted families with young children because it doesn't get big waves like some of the surrounding beaches. It also has the best sea glass and sea shells for treasure-hunting.

Peabody's Beach has been a family-run business for more than 100 years. According to Restcom Peabody Jr., "My Grandfather purchased (Peabody's) Beach back in 1906 from Rialty Realty of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. He used it to store his boats and fishing gear. The beach was left to my sister Betty Wessick and I in 1982 when my mother passed away. I took over the other half in 1984."

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"Our family home was right over there," said Peabody, as he pointed to the remnants of the original family house foundation which is now a  parking lot where vistors may park for $10 or $20.

An old stone chimney, which often attracts the eye of the occasional photographer, still rises from the sand dunes.

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One of the local legends passed down through generations, according to Restcom Peabody Jr., was that President Grover Cleveland once took shelter across the street at Peabody's Beach, waiting for a bad storm to pass.

Julie Peabody, Peabody Junior's daughter, confirmed this, saying, "They even rented out row boats for 25 cents."

So how is it that this family-owned beach has survived all of these years?

Julie Peabody says the family certainly has seen some challenges, but a faithful local clientele always comes through.

"Back in 2009 when the town put in the storm run off at Y4 this caused my family great heartache," said Julie Peabody. "We lost one-third of our boathouse customers. Not to mention the town taxes have doubled since we are no longer a residential property. And we are only open three months out of the year. But, we have regained our revenue in 2011 so we are very happy about that."

Peabidy noted, "Every business goes through difficult times. But we are a family business and our clients become part of our family."

For more information about visiting Peabody's Beach, .

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