The Blanchard House Blog

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Hi everyone! First, let me wish everyone a late Happy Independence Day! For my second post for photo of the week, I have decided to talk about one of the well known sites in Andover, Pomps Pond.

Pomps Pond is located off of Abbot Street.   Like most ponds in Andover, it was probably formed by the melting glaciers that once covered New England.  Pomp’s Pond was named after Pompey Lovejoy, a slave who lived in a cabin on the shore.  He was the former slave of Captain William Lovejoy, who owned the pond in the 18th century.  In 1920, Pomp’s Pond was used as the site for Camp Andover, and in 1923, it was converted into a public beach at the cost of $931.06. The following year, a gift of $2,000 was donated to build a bathhouse and create further improvements to the beach. Pomp’s Pond soon turned into a summertime hot spot.

Today, Pomp’s Pond is still a popular place to go in the summertime. Activities offered at Pomp’s Pond include swimming, walking, and canoeing. Pomp’s Pond is a great place to just relax and enjoy the summer!

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The first day of Spring is just a few days ahead, so you’re ready to go swimming…right? Oh well, at least you can enjoy this photo of Pomps Pond in the meantime.

Pomps Pond, and probably all of the ponds in Andover, were most likely formed by melting glaciers in the Ice Age. The pond was originally named “Ballard’s Pond” after a famous Andover family.

The same shore pictured here was surveyed by Pompey Lovejoy 250 years ago. The pond  took his name and dropped the apostrophe, leaving us with Pomps Pond. It became a public beach in 1923, when $931.06 was used to clear the shores and hire two lifeguards. It was a huge success. A year later, $2000 was granted to build a bath house. The beach was expanded, the parking lot fit more cars; Pomps Pond was turning into the Andover hot spot.

The pond now offers a variety of community activities. Kids and adults can take swimming lessons. Boats are available to rent, so visitors can kayak and canoe. There are even sailing opportunities. So when the warm weather rolls around, head over to Pomps Pond.

Thank you again, Andover Stories:  http://www.andovertownsman.com/townspeople/x1625118817/Andover-Stories-Pomps-Pond-remains-public-beach