The Stevens Coolidge Estate and Gardens Revisited for 2014

Within the past few days, I've noticed a lot of people are finding my past post on the historic Stevens-Coolidge Place in No. Andover, Massachusetts. See that post HERE. I believe the word has finally gotten out about this beautiful estate (house is not open for touring) and fabulous grounds with the most cared for plants.

The house and gardens are 35 minutes from me, and I frequently go by it, on my way to other places or make it a special trip. For those trying to find more information, I suggest you see their website. Please enjoy the flowers, and photos taken last weekend. I'll be going again very soon to see the iris, peony, and orange poppy plants bursting with color. Later in the season, their very popular cutting garden will be open, and I'll make my own bouquets there.

NOTE: The entire garden layout has changed, Because of COVID, I now need to make a reservation. So, I have two late May reservations and look forward to what they have done. Because I love orange poppies, I hope to see a field of them. I don't know about the house, but since this was originally posted, the house has been opened for tours, I've been inside several times and posted about it with photos.

Below are photos taken on May 30, 2014.

 The first and only one, taken almost a week before the others.

    

Memorial Hall Library, Andover, Massachusetts -- History and Genealogy Room

I was very anxious to get back to this library, the Memorial Hall Library in Andover, since it's been about 15 years, and I was curious about their genealogy collection now. The library has a large addition but managed to keep very little of the original library structure, which I was sad to see.

The main reference desk, with the original clock.

This is the genealogy room for the public. (Above and two photos below.)

I learned that the special collection is now in a closed-off area, but because I was able to explain to the Librarian what I was doing, he was very happy to show me the room and explain what they had.

Jay Leno is from Andover, Massachusetts. If I remember correctly, this is a signed the book.

A little bit of old.

Parking meters are in the rear of the thebuilding, and even with the lot, finding a space could be difficult. The Library is on a main street at a major intersection.

From the Library site is the Abbott Genealogies collection.
"Andover genealogist Charlotte Helen Abbott wrote these unpublished genealogies. Earlier versions of some genealogies were published in the Andover Townsman, the local newspaper. They generally cover older Andover families through the late 19th century. Miss Abbott's genealogies are subjective and rich with anecdotes, but list few sources. Kay O’Neil, with the cooperation of the Andover Historical Society, worked to digitize the typescript manuscript. Originals are also held at Memorial Hall Library."

UPDATE: 1/24/18  I found a few webpages for this library with plenty of information about Andover. Check them out!  

Historical Newspaper Collection

Digital Collections and Links

Huntress Buried in Lowell, Massachusetts -- Tombstone Tuesday

Everett J. Huntress

1852  --  1898

Laurana R. Huntress

1825  --  1900

They are buried in the Lowell Cemetery, Lowell, Massachusetts.

(Unable to determine their relationship from Lowell records.)

37,000 Flags for Memorial Day in Boston

Fortunately, I heard about the flags on the evening news and knew I had to make a trip to Boston to see them first hand. The Boston Common is huge, and after walking quite a bit, I finally asked several people if they had seen the flags, they hadn't. Soon, I did, and what a sight. A moving sight, and I hope you get an idea from the pictures below. 

Memorial Day isn't just another holiday.

This garden of 37,000 flags was planted in memory of every fallen Massachusetts service member from the Revolutionary War to the present. These flags will be on display through Memorial Day weekend for your observance and reflection. Please remember and honor the ultimate sacrifices of our local heroes.

For more information about the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund, please visit www.massmilitaryheroes.org

Each flag represents a fallen service member; please respect the display.

Spalding Family, Lowell, Massachusetts -- Tombstone Tuesday

William B. Spalding

October 21, 1844 - March 9, 1912

Benefactor of Lowell General Hospital and Lowell Humane Society.

Mary E. Spalding, His Wife

March 27, 1835 - April 10, 1929

Benefactress of the Faith Home for Children and The Children's Home.

Wilcox and Coburn, Lowell, Massachusetts -- Tombstone Tuesday

Lowell Cemetery, Lowell, Massachusetts

(Front and Back)

William B. Wilcox

July 23, 1857

Feb. 20, 1920

Ida M. wife of

William B. Wilcox

Mar. 17, 1856

Bertha W. Coburn Foss

1879 - 1943

Frederick W. Coburn

1873 - 1918

Charles E. Foss

1873 - 1928

Shirley Coburn Wilson

1911 - 1981

Daughter of

F. W. and B. W. Coburn

Anne Whipple Coburn

wife of

C. B. Coburn

1917 - 1991

 Charles B. Coburn

son of

F. W. and B. C. Coburn

1912 - 1993