Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Andover Historical Society’s board of directors has canceled its annual Old Time Fair, originally slated for Sunday, August 2, in Potter Place. A decision to close the Potter Place railroad station, Emons General Store, and Gordon-Lull House was made last month.

However, there are alternative plans in the works. A large map of Potter Place showing the Historical Society’s holdings along with their histories will be mounted beside the entrance to the Emons Store, and new displays in the Emons Store windows and the railroad station will be offered.

The station display — viewable from outside the building — will include a working HO-gauge model train in the station’s back room.

In East Andover, the Tucker Mountain Schoolhouse on Tucker Mountain Road will be closed for the season, but a virtual tour may be viewed at AndoverHistory.org.

In addition, the Society’s 2021 fund-raising calendar, entitled “The Historical Homes of Andover,”  will be available for purchase later in June. And the Secret Garden — originally the stone foundation of Richard and Sally Potter’s home site near the railroad station — will be available for rest and contemplation. For dining, the nearby picnic area’s tables are accessed by a new gravel walkway and surrounded by new plantings.

Weather permitting, on two Saturdays in June there will be tables outside the Gordon-Lull House with the Society’s store items and other collectibles for sale, including raffle tickets. Cash, checks, or PayPal via the buyer’s phone are accepted.

Items for sale are also available by calling Gail Richards at 498-6439 for delivery in Andover or for pickup outside the Emons Store. All will be accomplished with masks, gloves, and physical distancing. See the ad ??elsewhere in this issue of the Beacon for sales items.

Also, in support of the Society’s annual fund-raising efforts, raffle tickets are available by calling Gail at the above number, or by e-mailing Pam Cooper at Treasurer@nullAndoverHistory.org. Ten dollars for two tickets is the minimum purchase.  Please include name, phone number, address and/or e-mail. Payment may be made by mailing a check to the Andover Historical Society, PO Box 167, Andover NH 03216 or online by PayPal at AndoverHistory.org.

And a message from Gail Richards: “All of the Society’s work is accomplished by the trustees, members, and other volunteers who have been innovative in rethinking our outreach activities during the coronavirus outbreak in New Hampshire.  Many, many thanks to every one of you who have worked to keep our Historical Society viable, and our holdings visible, in this difficult time.”