59 CENTRAL ST
architectural description
NRDIS NRMRA
Style: Gergorian
Other features: Basement bedroom 7-8'; unique window treatment above entrance; lattice work entrance later added.
historical narrative
Present owner: Cross, Jerome & Ethel (1961)
Original owner: George Abbot (son of George, the emigrant), part of homestead of George Abbot, settled Andover, ca. 1678
Themes: Aboriginal, Architectural, Community development, Exploration/settlement
Historical significance: Built near George Abbot's garrison house, near place where Joseph Abbot was killed and brother Timothy captured by Indians. House built by another of 'George, the emigrant's' many sons. Was probably connected to #57 during the Revolutionary War years. Mary Byers Smith was living here when she decided to have #57 and #59 separared again. Architect Eleanor Raymond drew the plans for the rather unusual request, and #57 was moved off. The ell on #59 had been added previously, 1911, by Nathaniel Bartlett, owner. In 1935, Mrs. Bartlett moved in and ell was taken off to knoll (now at #65 Central Strreet). She was descendant of Solomon Higgins, whose other sister had married John Lovejoy Abbot.
She sold to Dr. D. Ernest Merrill. Later belonged (in 1950s) to Alice Dodge.
House retains many original and interesting features. Front room is pine - pannelled; interior gable overhang on façade; inside shutters have a space left at the top for observation or defense - a feature remaining from the days of the Indian raids at Andover and emphasizing the house's close connection to the father's garrison house near-by, (the awareness of danger, military preparedness)
bibliography/references
National Register of Historic Places
1830 "Map of Andover", Dorman
Andover Historical Society files
Abbot, Rev. Abiel & Rev. Ephraim; "Geneological Register of the Descendents of George Abbot of Andover", Boston, 1947
Goldsmith, Bessie; "Historic Houses of Andover, Mass". 1946
Smith, Mary Byers; "Two Houses from One, House of Mary Byers Smith in Andover, Mass."; "House Beautiful"; Spt. 1928, pg. 241 - 145, 310 - 312 / Oct. 1928, pg. 383 - 387.
1992 Andover Preservation Award
inventory data
| Place: | Andover Center |
| Historic District: | Central Street NRH District |
| Address: | 59 central st |
| Historic Name: | Higgins, Solomon - Abbot, George House |
| Present Use: | residence |
| Original Use: | residence |
| Date of Construction: | 1734 |
| Source: | B Goldsmith - Historical Homes |
| Style/Form: | Other |
| Architect/Builder: | Eleanor Raymond - 1926 Renovations |
| Foundation: | |
| Wall/Trim: | clapboards |
| Roof: | |
| Outbuildings / Secondary Structures | modern garage |
| Major Alterations: | yes (1926) |
| Condition: | |
| Moved: | |
| Demolished: | |
| Acreage: | 1.03 acres; Lot size: 38,750 sq. ft.; approx. frontage: 118' |
| Setting: | |
| MHC inventory number: | ANV.115 |
| Recorded by: | Stack/Mofford |
| Organization: | Andover Historical Commission |
| Date: | 1975 - 1977 |
other historic buildings
- on central st
- in Central Street NRH District
- with architectural style Other
18 Carisbrooke Street
