Here’s some old news from the Andover, East Andover, West Andover, Potter Place, and Cilleyville “gossip” columns of the Franklin Journal Transcript, selected by Heather Makechnie.
March 7, 1964
Richard Powers, Jr., of Potter Place, had the misfortune to dislocate his shoulder while skiing at King Ridge last week, and Sandra Nelson of Andover broke her ankle while skiing in Vermont.
Showing this week at the Regal Theatre, alongside Walt Disney’s Son of Flubber, are a triple feature set of shows: Joy Ride, Hot Girl, and Speed Crazy.
March 14, 1964
At Town Meeting last week, in the midst of a snowstorm, the Andover voters decided to sell the Andover Town Hall – the one dated 1822. If the two were turned right side up, however, it would be 1872. And they also voted to purchase the railroad property in East Andover.
Andover was one of the few towns to lower its budget this year. The present appropriation is $45,096.76 compared to last year’s $46,079.01.
A total of 334 voters were present and elected the following officers: John Whitcomb, Clerk; Harry Emerson, three years, and Ralph Chaffee, one year, Selectman; Victor E. Phelps, Treasurer; John Whitcomb, Tax Collector; John Jurta, Road Agent; Lawrence C. Rising, Amy Corkum, and Lorna Johnson, Library Trustees; Ralph Chaffee, Trustee of Trust Funds. Paul Fenton was elected Moderator and Marie Rising, Clerk.
March 21, 1964
Congratulations go to Mr. and Mrs. George Finnie on the birth of a daughter at Franklin Hospital last week. The Finnies live in the former Charles Putney Home.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Cloutier and family of Franklin have moved into their trailer on the Flaghole Road.
The flu has hit the school and parents are asked to keep the children at home if they’re coming down with it so it won’t spread any further.
March 28, 1964
Andover Arts Class Ready For First Showing of its Work: Back last September, a group of Andover and East Andover folks started a series of art classes under the direction of Miss Betty Jean Bassett. They’ve been meeting regularly every Wednesday night since … and now they’re ready for the first public exhibit of their work.
“None of them has ever had any experience in Art,” Miss Bassett said this week, “though they’ve been interested. The results of their efforts since September are amazing.”
In subject matter, the drawings and paintings are mostly of local scenes, including the East Andover church, the Proctor church, the Cilleyville covered bridge, and other local scenes. Exhibitors include Grace Chaffee, Florence Thompson, Clara Kidder, Gertrude Brouthers, Myla Morse, Mrs. Robert Wilson, Marsha Condon, Harold Kidder, Lee Stevens, Ronald Bigelo, David Jewett, Miss Barbara Jewett, Miss Janet Stafford, Rufus Stacey, Nellie Mariani, and Mrs. Lee Locke.
Mr. and Mrs. Herbert L. Young celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary Saturday, March 23, 1964 from 7 to 10 PM in the East Andover Library. Over 150 relatives and friends attended this celebration, and numerous greetings and gifts were received. Mr. Young was Road Agent in the town for several years, later entering the poultry business. He is presently retired.
The National Spelling Bee finals for this region will be held at the Elks Home in Franklin this Saturday. Miss Martha Burney of the fifth-grade and Irene Stacey of the eighth-grade are the two from Andover schools who will compete.