Today's page--recycled from 2003--informs us of the town's most celebrated resident, Richard Potter.
The history of Andover from 1848-1977 was prominently shaped by the northern line of the Boston & Maine Railroad, which ran the width of town, past depots named Halcyon (East Andover), Andover and Potter Place. The latter village had been named for Andover’s most famous resident, Richard Potter 1783-1835, America’s first successful stage magician, internationally celebrated ventriloquist and master of the black arts.
The son of a British baronet and his African American slave, Potter’s prestidigitation with cards, money and eggs (they danced to his hornpipe) attracted the interest of New England’s scientific community and he often performed at the Columbian Museum in Boston. He arrived on stage in a carriage pulled by two ganders... He could throw knives, touch a hot iron to his tongue, walk on flames and performed the first Hindu rope trick in the United States. He stunned audiences with his ability to throw his voice. Educated in Europe, he was an elegant linguist whose ornate speech patterns thoroughly mesmerized audiences in the nation's early years. His career was remarkably successful (on one foray through Alabama he was paid almost $5000--a huge sum) and in 1813 he built a mansion on 175 acres in Andover where he raised a family and entertained many notable guests and friends.
The foundation of the house—approximately 40 by 60 feet—is easily explored today...
...lying just west of Richard and Sally Potter’s graves (which were moved to their current location to make room for the railroad).
It is altogether fitting that the Andover Historical Society is housed in the old Potter Place railroad station. Today is their annual 18th Century Fair.
