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Andover MA

Taverns: House of Entertainment

Taverns: House of Entertainment

As summer comes to an end, so do the outdoor festivals. Summer brings with it parades, holidays like Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day, lazy days at the beach, and cherished moments on the patio with friends. It's a season that includes sipping a glass of

Post Road Connections

Post Road Connections

Early roads expanded upon Native American paths, accommodating both walking and horseback travel while gracefully maneuvering around obstacles. Enhancing and upkeeping these roads held immense significance for the town's wellbeing and trade. Unlike today, where the federal or state government funds road repairs, back then, the responsibility rested

The end of the 17th century and an era

The end of the 17th century and an era

The end of the Horseshoe Tavern For more than 12 years, the Horseshoe had proudly held its official license, a legacy that transitioned when William passed away in 1698 at the age of 61. At the time of his passing, William was held in high regard within the community, holding

Smallpox and the Salem Witch Trials come to the Horseshoe Tavern

Smallpox and the Salem Witch Trials come to the Horseshoe Tavern

When we left William Chandler and the Horseshoe Tavern in 1689, he had just renewed the license for his tavern and found himself at the center of the first murder in town, unknowingly serving the murderer, which led to the re-establishment of the town curfew. Unfortunately, things did not improve

17th C Rum, Trade, and Infrastructure

17th C Rum, Trade, and Infrastructure

It's truly fascinating to think about the extent of international trade that occurred during the 17th century, even in a town like Andover. This frontier town rapidly emerged as a thriving hub of trade with the West Indies. However, along with this trade and growth, there was an

Part 2 - The Horseshoe is in Trouble

Part 2 - The Horseshoe is in Trouble

In this episode, we'll explore the years of turbulence before and after the licensing of the Horseshoe in 1686. Alcoholism, ethnic biases, tensions over land distribution policy, the King Philip's War, and Andover's first murder led to divisions among the population. At the center

Chandler's Tavern - Part 1

Chandler's Tavern - Part 1

In 1658, an intriguing chapter began in the life of William Chandler, the son of a humble immigrant and future tavern owner. At the age of 22, he became a landowner in Andover, and not only that, but he also worked as a skilled brickmaker. During this time, he found