What once served as a welcome to steamships carrying passengers from Boston and beyond, now stands as a restored version of what Gloucester residents call, “The Soul of the City”. The Magnolia Pier dates back as far as the 1800’s and, despite several rebuilds, has remained a central destination within the city. With camera in hand, photographer Michael Prince makes the board-walked trek each day to document the thrilling free falls of residents, both young and old. “It’s a rite of passage here, a generational thing. Older people still talk about their days of jumping.” 

After three storms slammed into the coastline in 2018, the beloved landmark laid in wait of demolition. However, after raising over $900,000 in a grassroots effort to fund a new build, the unveiling of the town’s restored Magnolia Pier graced residents with its long-awaited presence, just a few months ago. “The kids are just going nuts.”

Prince’s images not only capture the elation of youth in a way that feels viscerally heartening, they also convey the joy of community and the connective power of the Magnolia Pier. His eye for upside-down moments and ecstatic expressions, beautifully capture the pride of the jump and the heart of the jumpers.

“I still jump to this day. The kids will call me to tell me that they are headed down there.

For more images from Prince’s lively collection, head to his website. You won’t make it through without a smile.