The beauty of Marshfield is found not only in its splendid landscapesand dramatic ocean vistas, but in its people, opportunities and naturalresources as well. A town of great diversity, Marshfield reflects a deepcommunity spirit and pride. Its relaxed, unhurried, genteel atmospherebegan drawing settlers as early as 1628 when Edward Winslow, one of thesigners of the Mayflower Compact moved there from Plymouth. Two centurieslater, the great statesman and orator Daniel Webster found Marshfield a"haven" where he could hunt, farm and fish and put the demandsof a hectic political life aside.

Because the landscape is so varied, it has enabled a wide range of industrialendeavors and businesses to flourish over the years, and it has encourageda diversity of lifestyles that compliment its natural history. The town'sbeauty is preserved in its 20 miles of rivers and streams, ponds, marsh,dunes, hills and five mile stretch of beach. On a clear day, an observerstanding atop a hill overlooking the sparkling blue Atlantic Ocean cansee the buildings of Provincetown 26 miles away at the tip of Cape Cod.

Through its traditional New England Town Meeting form of government,Marshfield has restricted its growth by virtually eliminating new apartmentand condominium construction. The town has also purchased acres of landto be held in conservation, a visionary action reflecting sensitivity inmaintaining the ecological balance and in controlling future growth. Recreationalactivities are important in Marshfield, which boasts miles of trails setaside exclusively for horseback riding, as well as two 18-hole golf courses(one private and one public), ball fields, tennis courts, and a youth center.Beaches, quaint harbors and ponds invite swimming, boating and fishing.

Education and cultural events are sources of pride and commitment forMarshfield residents. Four elementary schools, two middle schools and onehigh school serve the needs of children, and school officials work closelywith the community to keep citizens informed of new programs, curriculumchanges and to seek input on innovative educational ideas. Students areencouraged to take advantage of special programs offered by the town, includingone which enables them to acquire a lobster fishing license and work commerciallyduring the summer months.

A 50,000 volume library opened in a new facility in 1984offers informationprograms, lectures, children's' story hour, recording facilities and amicrocomputer for public use. WATD-FM, a popular regional radio station,also broadcasts from Marshfield. During the Thirties, adventurous aviatorscarved out a grass landing strip, which has developed into one of the bestgeneral airports in Southeastern Massachusetts. Services include completemaintenance, full flight training facilities, sightseeing flights and charterflights to more than 500 airports in the Northeast.