Explore Andover Stories | Shawsheen village

Andover Stories

Since 2010, volunteers from throughout the community have researched and written Andover Stories for the Andover Townsman.

To date over 60 people have contributed stories from pre-European settlement through the 20th century.

In 2013, we published the first 52 Andover Stories in book form, available for purchase through the Lawrence Eagle Tribune.
Use this page to explore Andover's history by clicking on a date on the time line, or exploring different themes and topics.

Where will your curiosity take you?

The National Register

08/06/2016

Andover is fortunate to have forty individual structures and sites listed on the National Register as historically significant. The town also has seven National Register Historic Districts of which one, Ballardvale, has also been designated a local historic district by a 1995 Town Meeting vote. In total, over 900 structures are now included on the Andover Building Survey list. Through the efforts of the Kennedy and Johnson administrations, the National Historic Preservation Act was created by

Dancing in Shawsheen Village

07/09/2016

Although dances had been held in Andover at "The Grove" on Pole Hill and other places, Shawsheen Village became the center of entertainment in the 20th century. In addition to housing and an aesthetically pleasing work environment, William Wood, its founder, provided his upper and middle management with planned recreation. While the Balmoral tennis courts and playing fields found many revelers, the dance floors at the cafeteria and the Balmoral Spa were the sparkling jewels of Shawsheen Village.

Poor Wagon Shop & the Underground Railroad

Andover Poor Wagon Shop Underground Railroad stop

10/24/2015

It started as a simple blacksmith shop, became a highly successful wagon factory, served as a stop on the Underground Railroad, and was eventually turned into a millionaire's playhouse. It's known as the Poor Wagon Shop, and also as the Casino. Built in 1833, it still stands today on the grounds of Arden, the Wood family estate on Main Street. The building began its long history in an area then called Frye Village, where Routes 28 and 133 meet today. In 1833 William Poor, a descendant of one of

Postcard of Shawsheen Village, c.1920, AHS #2011.027.1

Andover Shawsheen Village William Wood river

10/24/2015

More stories to come about this postcard! Questions? Please call 978-475-2236 while we're updating the Andover Stories Blog.

Andover soccer team once hoisted national cup

05/20/2010

As avid sports fans, people of New England have embraced their professional teams throughout the years. Within this long tradition of sports enthusiasm, a little known team from Andover made its way into the hearts of New Englanders more than 80 years ago. They were the Shawsheen Indians - and they became national champs in soccer. During the 1920s, soccer clubs and leagues played a prominent role in American sports, financed mainly by company owners. The team from the American Woolen Co.,

Andover Stories

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The National Register

Dancing in Shawsheen Village

Poor Wagon Shop & the Underground Railroad

Postcard of Shawsheen Village, c.1920, AHS #2011.027.1

Andover soccer team once hoisted national cup

Pompey Lovejoy

Poor Wagon Shop & the Underground Railroad

Cato Freeman