57 CENTRAL ST
architectural description
NRDIS NRMRA
Style: Georgian
Other features: 2 fireplaces; house may be early - possibly first period - NB - roof pitch & asymmetrical fenestration.
historical narrative
Present owner: Wright, Charles & Cynthia (1971)
Original owner: (?) John Abbot (1648 - 1721)
Themes: Aboriginal, Agricultural;, Architectural, Community development, Exploration/settlement
Historical Significance: Built by son of George Abbot, probably John, a deputy to General Court. (John Lovejoy Abbot not its builder as his dates (1757 - 1837) too recent.) Original kitchen said to be "Oldest Room in Andover" - original pine panelling. Located on George Abbot grant. Between here and garrison house, Joseph Abbot was killed by Indians and another brother, 13 year old Timothy taken captive.
House has been restored several times, and probably moved more than once. John Abbot probably joined his farm to brother George (#59) during Revolutionary War. The two houses were separated again 1926 - 1927, during restorations by owner, Mary Byers Smith. She hired architect Eleanor Raymont to plan separation. Moved North to new foundation, attached to part of barn, which was converted into living room. Old beams, feather-edge pine panelling, H and L hand-wrought hinges were all perserved.
Mary Byers Smith sold 1945 to William T. Rich, Jr.
Barbara and J. Edson Andrews were owners in 1950s.
See alswo 57 & 59 Central Street, these buildings weave a tangled history together. ??? 1991
bibliography/references
June 1990 Andover Preservation Award
Dorman, Moses: "Map of Andover", 1830
Abbot, Abiel and Ephraim: Abbot Geneology
Goldsmith, Bessie: "Historic Homes of Andover, Mass.", 1946
Smith, Mary Byers: "Two Houses from One, The house of Mary Byers Smith in Andover, Mass.", House Beautiful; Sept. 1928, pg. 241 - 245, 310 - 312; Oct 1928, pg. 383 - 387
inventory data
| Place: | Andover Center |
| Historic District: | Not Applicable |
| Address: | 57 central st |
| Historic Name: | John Lovejoy Abbot House |
| Present Use: | residence |
| Original Use: | |
| Date of Construction: | 1678 |
| Source: | B. Goldsmith: Historical Houses of Andover |
| Style/Form: | Other |
| Architect/Builder: | 1926 changes: Eleanor Raymond |
| Foundation: | Brick/stone (1946) |
| Wall/Trim: | clapboards |
| Roof: | |
| Outbuildings / Secondary Structures | |
| Major Alterations: | addition (1967) |
| Condition: | |
| Moved: | 1927, separated from 59 Central Street |
| Demolished: | |
| Acreage: | 1.84 acres; Approx. frontage: 100' |
| Setting: | |
| MHC inventory number: | ANV.114 |
| Recorded by: | Stack/Mofford |
| Organization: | Andover Historical Commission |
| Date: | 1975 - 1977 |
other historic buildings
- on central st
- in Not Applicable
- with architectural style Other
Bancroft Hall moving
