David Mason Little

David Mason Little was born into a prominent Swampscott family, studied naval architecture at MIT, and later settled in Salem (like his artist brother Philip Little), where he opened a boat-building business. His true passion, however, combined photography and sailing, exemplified by his 1883 photo book Instantaneous Marine Studies, now considered an early classic of its kind. 

Civil service was important to Little: he served on the Salem School Committee and Board of Aldermen, and in 1899, he ran successfully for the city’s mayoral seat. His sole term as mayor has been described as “clean if not inspiring.” Little managed to significantly reduce the city’s bonded debt and tax rate and oversaw extensive street paving.

However, Little lost his bid for reelection to John “Silk Hat” Hurley, who mobilized Salem’s growing working-class population, marking the end of upper-class dominance in the mayor’s office.

David Little did not stay idle for long. He remained active in public service, serving as the last Collector of Customs for Salem and Beverly (1903–1913) and at the Charlestown Navy Yard during World War I. He died in 1923.

He is buried on Violet Path, Lot #1612.