Today on History Buzz, Doug Cooper tell the story of a violent incident in Andover’s fairly recent history. On September 29, 1964, Irvin Hilton, as gas station operator, was killed at this Texaco gas station on Route 125. Doug weaves the story through Andover and beyond, all the way to a connection with the Boston Strangler.
Gail and I with our 3rd grader, Becky and our 1st grader, Ben moved up the "old Boston Road"(Haverhill St / Jenkins Rd and ultimately Boston Street) from North Reading to Jenkins Corners, March 1976. Their school was the wonderful old, castle like, Bancroft School. If they walked, and for those closer to 125, they were designated as walkers, they all had to cross 125! Salem street was diverted some years ago, when lights were added but the road, now a long driveway, originally came out in front of Sie's gas station, and by the way, there was no stop light. Sie saw the kids coming and went out to meet and help them cross. I think I've heard that he would actually stop cars. There was bittersweet sadness when Sie finally retired, truly a neighborhood icon. By the way, our two had attended the wonderful Batchelder school in North Reading.
I live off of Salem Street, about a mile from the now closed again gas station. My family was living here during the time of the robbery, and we knew Sie when he was the owner and had our car serviced.
Andover writer Susan Kelly wrote the definitive book on Albert DeSalvo, the killings, and George Nassar. See The Boston Stranglers (Pinnacle, 2013) available on Amazon for the detailed, gripping truth.
Mark T. Rumson
Very interesting story. Thanks for writing and sharing.
Gail and I with our 3rd grader, Becky and our 1st grader, Ben moved up the "old Boston Road"(Haverhill St / Jenkins Rd and ultimately Boston Street) from North Reading to Jenkins Corners, March 1976. Their school was the wonderful old, castle like, Bancroft School. If they walked, and for those closer to 125, they were designated as walkers, they all had to cross 125! Salem street was diverted some years ago, when lights were added but the road, now a long driveway, originally came out in front of Sie's gas station, and by the way, there was no stop light. Sie saw the kids coming and went out to meet and help them cross. I think I've heard that he would actually stop cars. There was bittersweet sadness when Sie finally retired, truly a neighborhood icon. By the way, our two had attended the wonderful Batchelder school in North Reading.
PS Great article, Doug.
Oh my goodness! Rarely does a piece of history turn into a true crime thriller. Sad, but justice prevailed.
A well written story.
I live off of Salem Street, about a mile from the now closed again gas station. My family was living here during the time of the robbery, and we knew Sie when he was the owner and had our car serviced.
Andover writer Susan Kelly wrote the definitive book on Albert DeSalvo, the killings, and George Nassar. See The Boston Stranglers (Pinnacle, 2013) available on Amazon for the detailed, gripping truth.