What is was. . . What it is now!
Writer Barbara Bunn is back with more unique places around Andover
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Today’s History Buzz is another visit to a site for a now and then story.
Do you recognize where these pictures were taken?
Have you had the opportunity to visit The Indian Ridge Playground located on Cuba Street? Did you know that this playground is the site of three school buildings from 1851-1958?
The first schoolhouse was built at 3 Cuba Street. It was one room and was built in 1829 as part of the Abbott Village School District and it served the district until 1851.
When this schoolhouse at 3 Cuba Street was no longer needed, it — along with the privy and stove — were auctioned off for $203 and the land was sold to Jacob Chickering, a well-known house builder in Andover.
As the population of this area grew, there was an obvious need for a larger school. The Village District voted a sum of $2000 for the land and a two-room school which was built on this land at 25 Cuba Street in 1851. This new school served the district until 1861.
The child labor laws in Massachusetts changed in 1861and required all children under the age of 14 to attend school. This law saw an increase in many more students in a short period of time which meant the need for more space. The Village District felt that a new classroom was needed to help with the overcrowding conditions. They appropriated $700 to build a one room school for the primary students.
In 1866 the district school system was abolished, and the Andover municipal school system was established. The school on this site was officially named ABBOTT VILLAGE SCHOOL in 1881-1882.
In 1892 a new brick four room school was built to replace these two schools. The two schools were sold at auctions. The Andover Townsman reported that:
June 29, 1894 – The old Abbott Village schoolhouse buildings were auctioned off by Rogers last Saturday afternoon. The large one was bought for $36 and was bought by the Henderson Brothers who will use it as a carpenter’s shop. The small one was knocked off to Andrew Thompson for $84 and he will convert it into a dwelling. (who moved it across the street to #28 Cuba Street; picture is circa 1895-1900 from ACHC Collection)
John Henderson moved the 1851 schoolhouse to Red Spring Rd. for a carpenter workshop.
August 1, 1894, AT – A part of the old Abbott Village schoolhouse it seems, is now the Red Spring Pavilion, where a dance is advertised for every Friday evening, with music by the Lowell orchestra.
The new school building was named the Indian Ridge School in 1896 after the nearby newly acquired Indian Ridge Reservation.
In 1952 this school district was incorporated into the new West Elementary School District and the Indian Ridge School was closed. The residents of the neighborhood petitioned the town to raze the building and to build a playground for the children of the area. The building was razed in April 1958.
The following description of the current playground comes from the publication Macaroni KID Contributing Writer, Meghan Murphy June 15, 2021.
This playground was rebuilt in 2020 and now includes a woodland themed climbing apparatus, a wooden tepee like themed climbing apparatus, a wooden tepee like structure with acorn shaped stools situated nearby, and a double decker spinning globe. There is also a two-person swing, basketball area with three hoops and four-square court, and a paved walking track around the park marked with footprints of various local animals.
It is important to note that there is also a War Memorial on this site, which was dedicated on Memorial Day 1947, to the men of Abbott Village who gave their lives during World War II.
It reads:
INDIAN RIDGE COMMUNITY
IN MEMORY OF THOSE WHO DIED WITH HONOR IN WORLD WAR II
JULIUS CIESLIK – CHARLES L. VALENTINE, JR. – JOHN GUTHRIE – JOHN C. WHITE – ALBERT V. WINWARD
This site is more than a playground for the local neighborhood. The land holds a piece of history of the young and the brave citizens of Andover.
Even if you’re not familiar with Andover, many communities have stories about old school buildings. Share your story with us! Land leave a comment. We’d love to hear from you.
~Barbara
What a great story. Thank you, Barbara
I didn't know about the playground. I have heard about the World War 2 memorial, though.
Great story, Barbara!
As I sit hear in Texas, but a week removed from my 28 year stay in Andover, I remain hopelessly hooked on learning more about the town I've left behind!