Andover Stories
Katie Gohn Andover Historical Society
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Since the founding of the nation, Andover residents have welcomed presidents from George Washington to George W. Bush into this little corner of the world. Whether it was for a single meal or for years of education, Andover boasts an impressive history of presidential presence.
Washington came through Andover on Nov. 5, 1789, on his tour of the eastern states following his inauguration. In his diary from that year, he writes that he enjoyed breakfast at the Abbot Inn on Elm Street. While at the inn, the president bestowed a kiss on the cheek of Priscilla Abbott, innkeeper Isaac Abbott's daughter, who handily repaired the president's riding glove. During his visit, Washington toured the newly founded Phillips Academy and attended a reception hosted by Judge and Madame Phillips. Impressed by his visit, he recommended that his nephew, George Corbin Washington, attend.
On July 1, 1833, President Andrew Jackson came to Andover on his way to Cambridge to receive an Honorary Degree of Laws from Harvard College. Aware that he was unpopular among New Englanders, President Jackson and Vice President Martin Van Buren sought to make a successful tour of the North. They were welcomed at the Andover town line by the ringing of bells and the firing of artillery. Although in frail health, the president spent the night at the Mansion House at Phillips Academy. In the morning, he gallantly addressed students and citizens from horseback.
Years later, President Franklin Pierce found a second home in Andover, known as the "Summer White House." His wife's sister lived here, and the president and his wife visited frequently. Andover was also the site of a heartbreaking event in the then-president-elect's life. While traveling on a train between Boston and New Hampshire two months before his inauguration as the 14th president, one of the train axels broke, sending Pierce's car into an embankment near Frye Village. The accident killed his 12-year-old son, Benjamin Pierce, causing the president and his wife extreme grief.
Phillips Academy hosted numerous presidents throughout its long history. Former President Theodore Roosevelt attended his son Archibald's 1913 commencement from the academy. That same year, former President William H. Taft was an honored guest and speaker at the academy's Founders' Day celebrations. In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge addressed students, faculty and residents in honor of the school's 150th anniversary.
Massachusetts native John F. Kennedy was no stranger to Andover, as it was one of his many senatorial campaign stops. In 1959, Senator Kennedy attended a reception in front of Memorial Auditorium, where Joseph Sullivan of the Andover Democratic Committee prophetically introduced Kennedy as the future president of the United States.
Before he became commander-in-chief, President George H.W. Bush spent five years studying at Phillips Academy. As president, he returned to Andover in 1989 to honor the 200-year anniversary of President Washington's visit. On this visit, the president praised the academy for giving him numerous life skills that served him well as president.
On May 11, 1996, during Andover's 350th Anniversary celebration year, Andover again welcomed Mr. Bush. That evening, he attended an anniversary banquet at Merrimack College, one of the many spectacular events of the anniversary celebration.
George W. Bush followed in his father's footsteps, attending Phillips Academy from 1962 to 1964. He played for the Academy's baseball team and led a charge of school spirit as the head cheerleader during his senior year.
Presidential presence in Andover is well documented and well remembered, and repeated visits from U.S. Presidents can be viewed as testaments to Andover's cordial hospitality, exceptional educational institutions and rich history.
Andover Stories are appearing each week as preview to the celebration of the Andover Historical Society's 100th anniversary in 2011.
