It's a well-known fact that Andover is the home of "America." History books tell us its most famous citizen was the celebrated author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. Washington ate here. Garrison spoke here. But many intriguing Andover stories never made it into the books.
Did you know the United Nations considered locating its headquarters in Andover? In 1946 selectmen bid for the contract, offering the world organization a sparsely-settled area adjacent to Harold Parker State Forest. A UN delegation visited the proposed site, which apparently lacked cosmopolitan appeal.
Are you aware that a townwide effort saved the lives of America's fighting men in World War I? Residents participated in a unique nation-wide program by saving peach and other fruit pits, as well as a variety of nutshells. When burned, the scraps produced a special carbon essential in the manufacture of gas masks. Men, women and girls were employed here in the production of the masks at Tyer Rubber Company.
A professional soccer team and an all-girl marching band made headlines over the years. The Shawsheen Indians created a sensation when they became national champions in 1925 and won the coveted National Cup. In 1940 Punchard High School introduced the All-Girls Marching Band which was quickly dubbed "the Pride of Punchard" and all of Andover. Known for its precision marching and complicated formations, the band was the first of its kind in New England and is believed to be the first all-girl marching group in the nation.
The elements wreaked havoc in the early years. Earthquakes were noted from 1638 through the 1700s. The greatest shock occurred in 1755, prompting an increase in church membership. In 1780 the darkest day in history was experienced when black clouds covered the entire eastern seaboard and turned noontime into midnight. A late November snowstorm in 1785 produced a remarkable scene on the common. It was reported that strong winds during the night had blown the snow into gigantic snowballs. In 1833 a meteor shower fell "as thickly as snowflakes," bombarding the town and terrifying the faint-hearted. The Lawrence American/Andover Advertiser reported "old women of both sexes predicted a speedy end to the world."
Fourth of July observances have long been a favorite tradition here, but early celebrations were more boisterous than they are today. By the 1850s, midnight bonfires and pre-dawn horribles parades were customary and sparked all-night celebrations. Fishhorns, firecrackers and cannon were not only noisy, they produced numerous complaints. Accidents from the explosives were common. A unique event added to the festivities in 1891 was a horse race down Main Street.
In 1923, when an airplane was still a rare sight, residents saw an unfolding spectacle in the skies over Andover. A small plane repeatedly circled the area, forming a series of letters in white smoke. The mile-high letters spelled out the words "Lucky Strike," advertising the popular brand of cigarettes. It was the first time a skywriter was seen over Andover and it marked the first time one had ever visited New England.
In 1993 the Edaville Railroad made an unusual run through Andover on Interstate 495. The incredible event was watched by thousands of residents who lined the overpasses or joined travelers stopped along the highway. Forty antique trucks transported the colorful historic train from South Carver, Mass. to Portland, Maine. State police on motorcycles escorted the massive convoy, traveling at a speed of 30 mph. The sight caused a sensation along its three-state journey.
