Stories From The Trails History Hike: Pole Hill
Sunday, Sept 12, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
After two great hikes earlier this summer that were attended by a total of more than 80 hikers, The Historical Society and the Andover Trails Committee are teaming up one final time this year to deliver the third in a free 3-part series.
Postcard of the Shawsheen River from the Society's collection
Jane Cairns from the Historical Society will share colorful stories tied to Pole Hill and the surrounding area. This hike consists of relatively easy walking and will take about 2 hours. Meet at the bottom of Pole Hill Drive, where it meets Tewksbury Street in Andover. Ample parking is available on Pole Hill Drive (please be considerate of driveways and private property when parking).
Here’s a sneak preview of what you’ll see and hear about on the hike: Up river from the Ballardvale Dam was “the Shawsheen Grove” – a popular tourist destination in the later years of the 19th century, where visitors could picnic, dance under the stars, swim, or paddle rented boats and canoes on the river. The Boston and Maine Railroad promoted day excursions from Boston, but by 1893, the crowds began to be large and unruly. A deadly “duel” at the Grove in August 1900, and the sensational murder trial that followed, threatened to put an end to the merry-making, but the 20th century brought new attractions including the dance hall “Parker’s on the Shawsheen” and the Serio family’s “Miami Boathouse.”
Want to learn more? Hit the trails this Sunday to find out!
