North Andover Historical Society
Spring Newsletter 2019
Our Mission: Seek, Save and Share North Andover history!
Tales from the Archive: Wilson’s Corner The busy intersection in North Andover where Route 114 crosses Route 125 and Andover Street is known to most for the location of Merrimack College, or perhaps Bertucci’s restaurant (the former Thompson’s restaurant). The building in the center background of this photo is home today to the Circle Insurance Firm (471 Andover Street). The building on the right is long gone — this was the ancestral farm of the Wilson family. Joseph Wilson (16431718) was in town by 1670 when he married Mary Lovejoy. Mary died 10 days after giving birth to a son, so Joseph remarried 10 months later in 1678 to Sarah Lord. Approximately 20 years later Sarah, and their daughter Sarah Jr. ,would be swept up in the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Both women confessed to accusations although neither were brought to trial. Not long after this episode, at a Town Meeting in 1701 it was voted that a school house be erected at the “parting of the ways” by Joseph Wilson’s farm. This was in response to a state law which required every town of 100 families or more to have a school. This intersection has been a cross roads since the 17th century. The Wilson property passed down through son John, to grandson John, to his son Joshua, a deacon in the North Parish Church. In addition to the farm, Joshua had property in Wilton NH; it appears to have been a quarry, as his probate lists him as a “gravel farmer”. By 1850 the property had been in Wilson hands for nearly 200 years. Joshua’s son Isaac was a very wealthy man, the town Land Valuation for that year notes his dwelling house was worth $2000, and he held 278 acres valued over $8000, with stocks and loan interests of $3000—a modern equivalent of a millionaire. Isaac had two sons, his youngest son Henry died of consumption in 1863, which meant the farm went in its entirety to eldest son Abiel Wilson (1828—1899). Along with the farm, Abiel inherited a reputation of having large sums of money stashed in his house. A local newspaper report from 1881 described a man plagued by frequent break-ins, culminating with a fatal home invasion. Two Phillips Academy students, 21 year old twins, were shot at when they roused Wilson in the early morning hours. Luther Foster escaped, but his brother Arthur was killed. A sensational trial followed, and the homestead drew “large crowds” of curiosity seekers for months afterwards. Abiel was a bachelor, and upon his death he became the last Wilson to own the farm. It passed hands for several decades and in the later 20th century the farmhouse was finally pulled down and the remaining land attached was developed into commercial property. [Continued on page 3]
The North Andover Historical Society Established 1913
Headquarters: 153 Academy Road North Andover , MA 01845 Contact us: Phone: (978) 686-4035 director.nahistory@gmail.com archives.nahistory@gmail.com collections.nahistory@gmail.com textilearts.nahistory@gmail.com
Visit us: northandoverhistoricalsociety.org
Staff Executive Director: Carol Majahad Curator of Research and Archive Materials: Inga Larson Collections Manager: Jan Williams Textile Arts: Kathy Hibour
Board of Directors Officers President: Stan Limpert Vice President: Joe LaGrasse Secretary: Christian McVey Treasurer: Kathy Stevens
Directors Chris Allen Marion Donahue Susan Haltmaier Diane Huster Kara Kaufman Mark Svendsen Ashley Vaillancourt James Worden
North Andover Historical Society
New Members
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/nahistory
Spring 2019
In Memoriam Millie Matasso (1942—2018) Millie was a creative and popular English teacher in the North Andover public schools for 36 years. She was also an accomplished and passionate photographer Nancy Varnum (1950—2018) Nancy was an avid outdoorswoman and a talented artist. She was a member of several local art societies and frequently exhibited her works. Marie Dow (1931—2018) Marie was an active community member, serving on many local Boards including the Garden Club, Ladies of the Merrimack and Women of Northern Essex. Dale Milnes (1924—2019) Dale was the son of Thomas Milnes, both born in North Andover, Thomas was a Captain of the North Andover Police Department and decorated veteran of WWI. The small triangle of land on Court Street adjacent to the Old Burial Ground is dedicated in Thomas’ honor. The Society extends our deepest condolences to all the families and friends. —————————Additions to Our Collections The North Andover Historical Society is grateful to the following people whose gifts have expanded and enhanced our collections in several areas:
Susan Montgomery Ken & Maria Rea Darrell Britton Kathy Stevens Salem Thrift Shop Lawrence Public Library Mark Bohrer —————————
Thank you to our Corporate Partners
North Andover Historical Society
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/nahistory
The Society hosted several schools and grade levels during our Fall 2018 season. We always look forward to our thank you notes from the children.
Wilson’s Corner, continued… There are still some people in town that refer to this intersection as “Wilson’s Corner” or (more rarely) “Witches’ Corner” which is likely a reference to Sarah Wilson and her daughter. Historian Sarah Bailey wrote that notable ‘spectre’ haunts were Pomp’s Pond, the by-ways of Den Rock and the roads by the Shawsheen—the last two being either part of (at one time) or adjacent to the Wilson farm. This may account for the name sticking for centuries.
Thank you to all our interns! We were delighted to have the assistance of recent graduate Martina Rethman (pictured below) who helped us in several areas. Her flexibility to work on different things, with a quick eye and hard work were much appreciated. Ben Curtis of Clark School has been a regular visitor for several months now. He started on a work study program last year and has continued to volunteer on his own. We are grateful for his commitment and patience to undertake a variety of tasks.
This semester Elizabeth Bombard, a senior at Merrimack College, is here working in our archives as part of an internship for academic credit. Elizabeth is looking into the Home Front during World War I in North Andover by studying personal diaries, local society minutes (such as the Grange and Red Cross), town records and other sources. She is creating an index to her findings and the data is helping her write a paper about it.
Spring 2019
————-
Changes Coming in 2020
It is with much regret that the NAHS Board accepts the announcement from Carol Majahad that she will retire from the position of Executive Director effective January 1st, 2020. Carol has led the Society for over 30 years through many changes in historical interpretation, educational opportunities, community affiliation, and successful building restoration projects. We have relied on her guidance, management, and most of all her passion for history, especially North Andover’s. Generations of school children have visited Johnson Cottage and learned their local history through Carol’s efforts. Butter making is a memory that will last a lifetime. We are very pleased, however, that Carol has agreed to transition to a part time position, working on the expansion and consolidation of all our educational programs in coordination with our Textile Arts educator, Kathy Hirbour. The Board has laid the groundwork for a Transition and Search Committee for our next Director.
While we could never truly replace Carol, we are hopeful and excited about the future. These changes will usher in a time of growth and opportunity for the Society and we look forward to the jour-
ney.
Nonprofit Org U. S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 144 LAWRENCE, MA 01842
North Andover Historical Society 153 Academy Road North Andover, MA 01845
Current Occupant, Or
North Andover Historical Society
www.northandoverhistoricalsociety.org
Spring 2019
Calendar 2019 ~ for a full list of events throughout the year please visit our website ~ * May 19, Sheep Shearing—Visit our tent and say hello! * Annual meeting — date TBA * June 1 11—3, First 17th Century Saturday of the season at the Parson Barnard House * June 9 11—2, Our Annual Gala held at Rolling Ridge Conference Center (see insert for details) Research Fees
Our Library & Archive is available to the public by advance appointment. Please email archives.nahistory@gmail.com or telephone (978) 686-4035. Members receive discounts on fees. Research can be done in person, or a member of staff can undertake research by request. Ask about our Research Pass, an alternative to membership which allows access for up to a year. See our website for more information.
Fees for access to our unique and extensive collections help support the professional staff that maintain and curate the papers, photographs and other items in our care. It also helps pay for suitable storage and environmental control.
Hours and Tours The Society is open to the public Tuesday through Friday 10 am – 3 pm. The gift shop is available during public hours. The Parson Barnard house is open June through October, the first Saturday of every month from 11am—3pm. To schedule a tour of the Parson Barnard House please contact director.nahistory@gmail.com. Tours of Johnson Cottage & Parson Barnard House: $5— $7 always Free to members