Andover, geographically one of the largest townships in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, has a long and illustrious history. Founded more than 350 years ago, Andover has played a part in several critical events in American history, including the French and Indian wars, the witchcraft hysteria of the 1690s, the American Revolution, the abolitionist movement, the Civil War, and the Industrial Revolution. It is the birthplace of the song "America," written by Samuel Francis Smith. It has been the home of such notables as Anne Bradstreet, the first poet in the New World; Salem Poor, former slave and hero of the Battle of Bunker Hill; Samuel Osgood, the first postmaster general of the United States; and Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. It is home to the Andover Village Improvement Society, the second-oldest land conservation group in America. Pres. Franklin Pierce called Andover his summer home, and countless leaders of business and government resided in Andover while students at Phillips Andover Academy, one of the most prestigious private academies in the country.
About the Author :
Using the extensive photographic archives and records of the Andover Historical Society, curator Andrew Grilz has created an entertaining and informative glimpse into Andover's past. Norma Gammon, a longtime Andover resident, former town selectman, and board member of the Andover Historical Society, contributed the foreword.
Review :
Title: Salem man's new 'Images of America' book showcases AndoverAuthor: Cindy Cantrell Publisher: The Boston Globe
Date: 2/1/2009
Andrew Grilz of Salem has long felt a special connection to the "Images of America" book series, which published a previously unknown photograph of his grandmother holding his then 3-year-old mother in the edition featuring their hometown of Newburgh, N.Y. Now he has written an "Images of America" volume of his own.
Grilz took over the project when he became curator of the Andover Historical Society two years ago. The book was published last month, about two weeks before he was laid off from his position due to reduced donations, a shrinking endowment, and subsequent budget cuts.
The most difficult part of writing the book, Grilz said, was narrowing the society's more than 15,000 images to the 216 photographs in "Images of America: Andover." The book also includes early drawings and paintings, 20th-century images of downtown, photographs of now-vanished landmarks, and historical anecdotes such as Andover's role as the birthplace of wool manufacturing.
Grilz was assisted in compiling the book by an editorial team of Andover Historical Society board members and volunteers. Norma Gammon, an Andover Historical Society board member and former selectman, contributed the foreword.
"I have a passion for history, and Andover's is particularly compelling," said Grilz, noting its 350-year history includes roles in the French and Indian wars, the 1690s witchcraft hysteria, the American Revolution, the abolitionist movement, the Civil War, and the Industrial Revolution. "It's an ongoing narrative that's never over."
For more information about "Images of America: Andover," go to www.andoverhistorical.org.
