An independent nonprofit 501c3 history center.
Funded by the generosity of people like you.
Shawsheen Life: A Place to Play
The Andover Townsman reported that 1500 people attended the opening of the Balmoral Spa and Pharmacy on May 27th, 1921. They were welcomed by William M Wood who sat at a table near the entrance. Refreshments of ice cream, soda and punch were served and music was provided by the American Woolen Company Orchestra.
The ground floor of the building contained the spa, offices were on the second floor and a meeting hall on the third floor.
Outside, a boat landing on the Shawsheen River allowed for boat rentals, a terrace held tables with bright umbrellas, and dancing was held on an outdoor dance floor. Bookings could be made for games of tennis on the courts behind the Spa.
During the winter dances were held at the cafeteria building, opened 1922, on Haverhill Street. It provided food service to the employees of the new mill during the day, and an entertainment space at night. A balcony at the end of the hall held a projection booth allowing movies to be shown. The basement contained a bakery and a 6-lane bowling alley.
The Balmoral Field was constructed with a quarter mile cinder track, grandstand and facilities for soccer and baseball. Field days for the local American Woolen Company mills were held here and well as the village’s 4th July field day. A wall around the pitch enabled flooding in the winter creating an ice rink.
In the summer, Hussey’s Pond provided a swimming area. Improvements had been made to the pond adding steps and a cement floor to the swimming area and building three bath houses.
A bowling green was laid out for the English game of bowls, next to this 9-hole putting green was installed. An 18-hole golf course was constructed in 1923.
The Balmoral Field was constructed with a quarter mile cinder track, grandstand and facilities for soccer and baseball. Field days for the local American Woolen Company mills were held here and well as the village’s 4th July field day. A wall around the pitch enabled flooding in the winter creating an ice rink.
In the summer, Hussey’s Pond provided a swimming area. Improvements had been made to the pond adding steps and a cement floor to the swimming area and building three bath houses.
A bowling green was laid out for the English game of bowls, next to this 9-hole putting green was installed. An 18-hole golf course was constructed in 1923.
Preserving the pastEducating for the future
Connecting with our community
Preserving the past
Educating for the future
Connecting with our community
Andover Center for History & Culture
97 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
978-475-2236
Andover Center for History & Culture
97 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
978-475-2236
The History Center is funded by individual, foundation, and corporate donations and receives no Town of Andover funding.
Show your commitment to Andover's history by donating today.
The History Center is funded by individual, foundation, and corporate donations and receives no Town of Andover funding.
Show your commitment to Andover's history by donating today.
Show your commitment to Andover's history by donating today.
