This past Wednesday, Historical Society and the Andover Senior Center hosted the pilot of a new program. High Tea & History is an afternoon of tea, stories, and reminisces focused on a recently published Andover Story. Our first High Tea & History focused on the September 2nd article, “Dancing in Shawsheen begat a ballroom for 
Andover.” Bernice Haggerty entertained participants with her memories of the Crystal Ballroom in the years before World War II. Others shared their memories of the Ballroom after the War, through the early 1950s. Over 50 people came to the inaugural tea, overwhelming the Center’s new Four Seasons Room. The program was moved to the much larger cafeteria to accommodate everyone. Thank you to Karen Payne-Taylor and the rest of the Senior Center staff for hosting such a delightful tea!
The next High Tea & History will be Wednesday, October 20th, 2:00-3:30 pm at the Senior Center. The story we will discuss will be “Serios Grove and fun on the river in Ballardvale.” Many folks in town remember the Miami Boat House and the Serio family. Registration to future High Tea & History events will be limited to 25 people, so please call the Senior Center to register early if you’d like to attend (978) 623-8321.
Also, if you enjoy the Andover Stories series, head on over to the Senior Center Thursday, September 23rd. Historical Society volunteer and author Joan Patrakis will talk about her upcoming Andover Story: “Scamps, Scoundrels and Other Misguided Individuals.” Don’t miss what is sure to be a surprising talk!
