Haggett's Pond, Andover
Thursday, September 6, 2012
About Haggett's Pond
For nearly ninety years Haggett’s Pond has been
a place for recreation and relaxation for people from all walks of life.
Ever since the railroad stopped running in the 1920s, the summer scene at the pond included picnickers, campers, and
cottage-goers; in fact, a popular summer attraction was Baily’s Shady Side
Grove, which included a restaurant, a lively dance hall, a bowling alley,
boating services, and other summertime attractions. In the winter, Haggett’s
Pond was alive with ice fishermen, ice skaters, ice hockey players and
enchanting horse carriage rides down the old rail trail. Unfortunately, in 1901
Shady Side Grove burned down for unknown reasons, and was never repaired.
Although over the years the style and touristy
sense of the pond has somewhat dissolved, whenever one steps onto the quiet
trails and views the beautiful shining water, there is a certain timeless magic
in the air, a feeling that is full of remembrance and renewal. Haggett’s Pond
has remained an intrinsic and exceptional element of Andover’s culture, and
will continue to serve as a place of enjoyment and ease for generations to
come.
A poem written by Mrs. Isabelle Barnes of Los Angeles, California in 1937
Mrs.
Barnes was the sister of Mrs. Grace Holt, and as a child spent much of her time
around Haggett’s Pond.
The
beauty of Killarney’s lakes,
Away across the sea,
Have
oft been sung but fairer far
Is Haggett’s Pond to me.
It
brings to me fond memories of
Happy days of yore,
When
we rowed upon its rippling waves
And danced upon its shore.
We
picnicked there in days gone by,
So happy, gay and free,
With
our sweethearts; oh, fond memories
Linger ever more with me.
For
I fancy I can see the Kilties
Coming round the bend,
And
the lads’ and lassies’ laughter
With bagpipes’ music blend.
On
the program first, was dancing,
If the young folks had their way,
The
“Reel o’ Tollochgoram” and
Then a good Strathspey,
The
“Highland Schottische” all enjoyed.
When the piper played the tune
Of “Weel may the Keel Rowe,” is
Ended all too soon.
Many
of our dear friends have long
Since gone to rest;
It
seems that God has gathered home
Just those we loved the best;
Though
absent from our hearth and home,
They’ll not forgotten be,
For
I sometimes find this heart of mine
Is nearer them than me.
Let Nations toast their Kings and Queens,
Their Lords and Ladies fine;
My toast shall be to Haggett’s Pond
And the friends of Auld Lang Syne.
Haggett's Pond Establishment
Moses
Haggett came from Ipswich to Andover in 1650, and in 1679 owned land near what
was then called Blanchard’s Pond. Haggett acquired the rights for one of the
pond’s island in 1720, and later bought up tracts of Blanchard land, at which
time he changed the name of the pond from Blanchard’s Pond to Haggett’s Pond.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)