So many great memories, notes, and sketches were added to the “Wall of Memories” displayed at the Community Dinner in The Andover Community Hub on Saturday, February 23. Thank you to all 80 friends and neighbors who came. As a group, we were able to prove that an event such as this is doable, and we will be planning more community gatherings, at the Hub, and around town, in the future.
We started our memory tour from the west, on a hill special to many of us. We had three weddings and an engagement at Winslow State Park and at the top of Kearsarge Mountain. Moving east, fun at the Old Time Fair in Potter place was recognized, as well as Sunday mornings at the Immaculate Conception Church, and a shout-out to the Andover Historical Society. Also: “Many lovely dinners with family and friends at the old Potter Place Inn”.
Anyone who grew up in town knows how much fun it is jumping off the trestle bridge and swinging from the ropes off Bridge Road into the Blackwater. Watch out for the giant snapping turtle! There’s a “cowabunga!” from the top of Proctor’s ski jump, and let’s celebrate two new members of the Andover community who bought a home on Bridge Road recently! The Fourth of July celebration, parade, and fireworks dominate the center of town. 14 Poplar Street was the first home of a resident on July 8, 1985, and a horse barn has appeared somewhere between JJ’s and AEMS. Past the Hub and the 4/11 split, an array of walking trails surrounds Hopkins Pond out to Elbow Pond. Elbo-Edge (since 1922) sits at the top of Elbow Pond where many remember their dogs jumping off the dock into the chilly water after a tennis ball. Seasoned citizens know of the waterfalls off Elbow Pond Road, and those daring enough have ice-climbed them in the winter months as well.
Working our way to Highland Lake, we pass the old Schoolhouse from 1798 at the corner of Old College Road and Maple Street. Some (certainly not all) have seen some “really big fish” on the northern parts of the lake. For me, the Channel is the best kept fishing secret in the area (psst… in front of the dam). Of course, Chaffee Park has an unlimited amount of memories from catching frogs, picking off leeches, and swimming with friends and family. A few might remember putting pennies on the train tracks and watching the trail roll through.
Past the Northern Rail Trail, where many ride their bikes, and the East Andover Grange, where we note open mics, families of all ages hold the Bachelder Library close to their hearts. To the far East of town, we’ll finish with a sighting of a “Big Bear” near the power lines on Tucker Mountain Road, and the delicious maple syrup those trees help make.
It was so much fun to see folks of all ages take part in this activity while enjoying food and conversation. I look forward to doing more events like this in the future with the help of The Andover Community Hub and other town organizations. Please remember if you are in the market for real estate to contact me for help! -Ty Morris