260 NORTH MAIN ST
architectural description
NRIND NRMRA, Spanish Colonial Revival
2 1/2 stories, cross shape, exterior chimneys, shed roof dormers, porte cocher entry vestibule with Palladian-inspired doorway, widely overhanging eaves, 6/6 windows
historical narrative
present owner - LANAM Club, Inc. William Wood, Jr. original owner. Themes - Architectural, Industry.
No. 260 North Main Street was given to William Wood Jr. by his father, the owner of the American Woolen Co. "Billy" Wood, as he was usually known, worked his way up through apprenticeships to become a director and vice-president of his father's company, where he was a valued advisor and manager. It was said by some that "this abounding good humor, combined with his sunny disposition, melted prejudice and smoothed out many difficult situations.". During World War I, Billy Wood was given charge of all of the American Woolen Co.'s contracts with the U.S. government, negotiating and receiving what was boldly said to be "the largest order for textiles ever placed in the world." Wood later resigned from the textile company. In 1922, he was killed in a collision of his Rolls Royce sedan. The sudden death of his eldest son was thought to be major influence behind William Wood Sr.'s suicide in 1926.
In 1922 Billy Wood's estate was worth a considerable amount - over 2 million in personal estate and nearly 200,000 in real estate. The latter included the stucco house modestly known as Orlando Cottage, valued at $50,000. The house is thought to have been built ca. 1916, at the time of Wood's marriage to Edith G. Robinson, of a prominent Kentucky family. Part of the family estate, Orlando stands adjacent to the paternal home, Arden. A dramatic contrast in styles, Orlando Cottage is built of stucco in the Spanish Revival style, Wood Sr's select deviation from the traditional Colonial Revival which flowered in Shawsheen Village. Orlando features lavish detailing that includes an unusual, green tile roof.
bibliography/references
Essex County Registry of Deeds, Lawrence and Salem (1195/231; 858/125; 765/222; 612/208; 568/117; 566/499; 566/494; 520/461; probate docket no. 143545)
Andover Historical Society vertical files, "Wood Family"
Footnotes;
Andover Townsman, 18 Aug. 1922, "Meet Death in Auto Accident", pp.1,8
inventory data
| Place: | Shawsheen Village |
| Historic District: | Individual National Register Listing |
| Address: | 260 north main st |
| Historic Name: | Orlando |
| Present Use: | private club, 1970's |
| Original Use: | residential |
| Date of Construction: | ca. 1915 |
| Source: | Andover Historical Society veritical files |
| Style/Form: | Other |
| Architect/Builder: | |
| Foundation: | |
| Wall/Trim: | stucco |
| Roof: | gable, green tile |
| Outbuildings / Secondary Structures | garage |
| Major Alterations: | |
| Condition: | |
| Moved: | |
| Demolished: | |
| Acreage: | 2.79 acres; map 53 parcel1, 60' frontage, 100' from street |
| Setting: | |
| MHC inventory number: | ANV.1033 |
| Recorded by: | W. Frontiero |
| Organization: | Andover Historical Commission |
| Date: | 8/7/80 |
other historic buildings
- on north main st
- in Individual National Register Listing
- with architectural style Other
Bancroft Hall moving
