Remembering the Northern Railroad’s Glory Days

Fifty Years Ago in Andover: July 1965

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. July 1, 1965 Miss Julia Marie Rising, daughter of Mr and Mrs Lawrence Rising of East Andover, and Robert Murray Simms, son of Mr and Mrs W Russell Simms […]

Historical Society Exhibit Features Northern Railroad Photos

A railroad once ran through it – through the town of Andover, that is. Extending from Boscawen to Lebanon, the rail line was constructed in 1847 by the Northern Railroad, and later became part of the Boston and Maine Railroad’s Northern Line. Now the Northern Rail Trail, the old rail bed offers recreational opportunities for […]

The Roads of Andover: Last Street

Before leaving the area of the Andover/Franklin town line, I’d like to write about Last Street. For most of its existence, this road was unnamed, and there was only one house on it. Ralph Chaffee, in his 1974 book East Andover and Its People, tells of the historical significance of this particular house. It is a […]

Tucker Mountain Schoolhouse Opens for 2015 Season

The Tucker Mountain one-room schoolhouse will be open for visitors on Sunday, June 14, from 1 to 3 PM. This is the first of five monthly Open House events sponsored by the Andover Historical Society. The second Sunday of each month, through October, is the designated open house date. Visits may also be arranged by calling Pat […]

Historical Society Offers New Brochure, Announces Programs and Projects

This May issue of The Andover Beacon will contain a new full-color brochure published by the Andover Historical Society (AHS) and describing its holdings: five properties, a parcel of land, and two railroad cars. The booklet was designed by AHS volunteer and summer visitor Linda Grant and printed with funds from an anonymous donor. AHS President Pat […]

Route 11 Took Three Paths Around Hogback: The Third Path

My previous article told of the Northern Railroad’s arrival in 1847, and how the trains jeopardized the lives of the Brook Road travelers. Action was begun in 1903 to relocate a section of the road away from the railroad tracks. This move eliminated two of the dangerous crossings, giving the road travelers a safer route […]