Ballardvale, Massachusetts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ballardvale
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| Nickname(s):
BallardVale or Ballard Vale
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 Ballardvale, Massachusetts
Location in Massachusetts
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| Country | United States |
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Essex |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern) |
| Zip Code |
01810
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Ballardvale is a small village located in the town of Andover, Massachusetts. It's part of Essex County in the United States. This historic village grew up in the 1800s around factories that used the power of the Shawsheen River. Today, Ballardvale is known for its old buildings and its interesting past as a manufacturing center.
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A Look Back: Ballardvale's History
In the 1700s, the Ballard family came to this area. They built mills that used the river's water power to grind grain and cut wood. Because of them, the area became known as Ballard's Vale, which later changed to Ballardvale.
In 1836, two men, John and William Marland, started the Ballardvale Manufacturing Company. This company was very important! It made the first wool fabric (called "worsted") and the first wool flannel ever produced in America.
Over time, more factories were built. People in Ballardvale also made shoes, carriages, train parts, and pottery. But the village became most famous for its soft, white flannel fabric. These white flannels even won awards at big exhibitions like the Columbian and Louisiana Purchase expositions!
By 1848, Ballardvale was a busy place. It had two large mills, a company store, a school, a train station, and many homes. New streets were made, and more houses were built for the growing number of workers.
Manufacturing was the heart of Ballardvale for many years. However, by the mid-1900s, most factories, especially fabric mills, started to move out of New England. This changed the village, but its history lives on.
The Shawsheen River: A Lifeline
The Shawsheen River has always been super important to Ballardvale. In the early days, its flowing water powered all the mills. The Ballardvale Millpond and the dam on Andover Street are still key spots in the area.
At the start of the 1900s, the Shawsheen River became a popular place for fun outings. People would paddle canoes or take rides on a motor yacht called the William Ballard. Even today, the river is a favorite for canoeists. You can easily get into the river near the dam.
Today, the Shawsheen River Reservation follows the river from the village towards central Andover. The Andover Village Improvement Society (A.V.I.S.) owns and takes care of this area. It helps protect nature and gives people a peaceful place to walk and enjoy the outdoors. The Shawsheen River is home to many animals, including geese, swans, and different kinds of fish.
Old Buildings: Historic Architecture
Ballardvale has many beautiful examples of 19th-century architecture. You can see different styles like Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, and Queen Anne style Victorian homes. Some of these old houses were for the mill workers, and others were grander homes for the mill owners.
Ballardvale is officially a "Historic District." This means there are special rules about changing properties in the area. These rules help protect the village's unique historical look.
Getting Around: Transportation
Trains have always been a big part of Ballardvale's story. A train line runs north and south right through the village. Local and long-distance trains started running here on July 3, 1848.
The original train station was quite large. In 1881, part of it was moved and turned into a different building. This part still stands today at 174 Andover Street! The rest of the station was taken down around 1950.
Today, the "Ballardvale" stop is part of the commuter rail system run by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). This means people can still take trains from Ballardvale to other towns. Freight trains also regularly pass through the village. There's a train crossing with gates where Andover and Tewksbury Streets meet.
Interstate 93, a major highway, also goes through Ballardvale. There's an exit at Dascomb Road that serves the village directly. This exit also connects to Andover and Tewksbury.
Other Cool Village Spots
Even though it's part of Andover, Ballardvale feels like its own small community. It has many local resources.
Along Andover Street, you'll find a U.S. Post Office, a fire station, a pizza place, and other shops.
The village is home to two churches. The historic St. Joseph's Church on High Vale Street was built in 1881. It's still open for Sunday Mass. Ballardvale United Church, on Clark Road, was formed in 1955 when two smaller churches joined together.
The Ballardvale Green is a small park where Andover Street and Center Street meet. Across from it is a large playground, a favorite spot for kids for many years.
Around the corner on Clark Road is the Burns Reservation. This 5-acre (20,000 m2) area of woods and wetlands is also owned and cared for by the Andover Village Improvement Society (A.V.I.S.). It's a great place to explore nature.
The original Union Congregational Church building is still standing, even though it has been damaged by fires over the years. In the 1970s, it was used as a paint and hardware store. After another fire, it was rebuilt and is now a home.
