54 MORTON ST
architectural description
Hip roof; added lean-to; right 1/2 of house may be earlier
historical narrative
Themes: Agricultural, architectural, commerce, community development, education
Known as "Chocolate Hall" and "The Commons" (dormitory for theological students)
Originally stood corner of Main & Phillips Street - moved 1880 1/2 mile to present location by Francis Williamson to make way for erection of Tucker House. Built before 1791 by Judge Phillips as a store, managed by Jacob Abbot, 1791-1897. In 1818, after second academy burned, Phillips Academy classes held here several months. It was known as "Chocolate Hall"- also "The Commons" and theologues lived here - called "old farmhouse" in Records.
Line of barns, sheds & stables stretched along Phillips Street; 20 cows were kept to supply students - area called "Sunset Garden". Issac Farley, boarding house steward, occupied it before and to 1844; followed by son J.A. Farley.
Deacon Holbrook Chandler [1820-1886] had been overseer at Amoskeeg Mills 15 years. 1869, returned to Andover, appointed "execution officer" of Treasurer of Phillips Academy and for 7 years, "school farmer" was superintendent of grounds & bldgs. Francis Williamson was resident when house moved to Morton Street.
Nellie Williamson [owner in 1913] sold to Harold Rutter Jr. 1953 and Rutter restored. Dr. Mary Harris and writer Elizabeth Stuart Phelps occupied rented rooms in house - 1843. Miss Phelps put iron spike in oak beams to hang her favorite pink oxalis. Pull-door bell now in use at Andover Historical Society's entrance came from front door of this house.
Williamson taxed with house, barn and shed [Real estate valuation 1900].
Owners:
Finberg Supply Co.
Harold & Dorothea Rutter (1972)
May 3, 1995, awarded Certificate of Appreciation at Historic Preservation Awards for faithful restoration to the main house.
bibliography/references
Andover Historical society files
Phillips Bulletin, July 1915, p. 9,14
Fuess, Claude. An Old New England School - History of Phillips Academy
Carter, Emily. "Main Street in 1850" - Andover Townsman, Jan. 23, 1934
Fuess, Claude. Andover: Symbol of New England, 1959, p. 341-342
inventory data
| Place: | Andover Center |
| Historic District: | Not Applicable |
| Address: | 54 morton st |
| Historic Name: | Phillips, Judge Samuel Store |
| Present Use: | residence & apartments |
| Original Use: | store, residence, schoolrooms |
| Date of Construction: | before 1791 |
| Source: | AHS/Style/njs and P.A. records |
| Style/Form: | Georgian |
| Architect/Builder: | |
| Foundation: | flagstone |
| Wall/Trim: | clapboards |
| Roof: | |
| Outbuildings / Secondary Structures | modern garage |
| Major Alterations: | into restored apartments 1940's, 1953/54 |
| Condition: | |
| Moved: | 1880 |
| Demolished: | |
| Acreage: | 23,362 sq. ft.; approximate frontage 85' |
| Setting: | |
| MHC inventory number: | ANV.381 |
| Recorded by: | Stack/Mofford |
| Organization: | Andover Historical Commission |
| Date: | 1975-77 |
other historic buildings
- on morton st
- in Not Applicable
- with architectural style Georgian
Post Office Building
