The Town of Andover enjoys a reputation for strong community identity and civic pride. In fact, many townspeople moved to Andover for its fine schools, charming village and old time spirit. That ethos feeds off of volunteerism that makes two fire departments, a rescue squad, two libraries, a thrift shop, an active Lions Club and the Andover Historical Society function and serve. The historical society's annual Old Time Fair is the product of an extended team of volunteers. Below, visitors peruse donated items for sale in front of a caboose maintained by AHS.
Another product of adult volunteerism is the Andover One Wheelers unicycling club, which performed at the Old Time Fair.
The fair is held at Potter Place, one of the town's former four railroad stops, where the historical society occupies the Potter Place station. A section of the original railroad has been saved, and rides are offered on a one cylinder work car.
For those looking for a workout, a hand car takes you back in time.
This young man enjoys an ice cream cone atop a sixty-year-old Farmall tractor.
Before donated items are live auctioned, a local high school a capella group entertains under the tent.
Local artisans cane chairs, sell jewelry and demonstrate crafts. Former Proctor teacher Jon Siegel--one of the nation's leading wood turners--made Shaker pegs for the auction.
The Andover Historical Society's Old Time Fair is a visit to another century, and it is the product of a kind of local volunteerism and small town pride that we associate with a bygone era. This young man paid his respects to
the magician of Potter Place, Richard Potter.
Students: keep sending me JPG images of your summer activities for an upcoming page! Email me at chuck@proctornet.com.
