Arden (Andover, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Arden
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Andover, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Built | 1845 |
| Architect | Chickering, Jacob |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| MPS | Town of Andover MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 82004812 |
| Added to NRHP | June 10, 1982 |
Arden is a historic and beautiful estate located at 276 N. Main Street in Andover, Massachusetts. This grand house was once the home of two very important business owners from Andover. These were John Dove and William Madison Wood. They were famous for their work in the textile industry, especially with wool and flax mills.
Contents
A Look Back: Arden's Story
From Old House to Grand Estate
Before Arden was built, an even older house stood on this spot. It was called the Josiah Barnard House. This house was built around 1678. People in 1829 thought it was one of the nicest homes around.
However, in 1846, the old house was taken down. This made way for the construction of Arden.
John Dove's Vision
Arden was built for John Dove. He was an immigrant from Scotland. John Dove and his partner, Peter Smith, started the very first flax mill in Andover. A flax mill turns flax plants into thread and fabric.
The person who built Arden was Jacob Chickering. He was a well-known builder in the area. Some people think he might have gotten design ideas from Theodore Voelkers. John Dove's family owned the Arden estate until 1891.
William Wood's Legacy
In 1891, William Wood bought the house. He became a very important figure in the textile world. William Wood went on to create the American Woolen Company. This was a huge company that made woolen fabrics.
He also helped develop a planned community nearby. This community was called Shawsheen Village. It was built for the workers of his company. Today, the Arden estate is still owned by William Wood's family.
In 1982, Arden was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site.
What Arden Looks Like
Arden is a large house, about two and a half stories tall. It is made of wood. The house is famous for its fancy decorations. These decorations are in a style called Gothic Revival.
You can see these detailed decorations on the gable ends of the roof. These are the triangular parts of the wall under the roof. They have special carved wood called bargeboard molding. The porches of the house are also very decorative. They are held up by groups of fancy columns.
The house also has a very elaborate porte cochere. This is a covered entrance. It allows people to drive their carriages or cars right up to the door. This way, they can get in and out without getting wet in the rain.
