The Evolution of Main Street, U.S.A.
The types of
businesses along Main Street have changed dramatically over the past 150 years.
This is a story that is shared by many small towns across the United States. As
transportation, technology, industry, fashion, and tastes change, so Main Street,
U.S.A. changes as well. In this exhibit, we follow the evolution of Main
Street, Andover, from frontier outpost through its designation as a separate
town. We continue through the industrial revolution to the boom years of the
early 20th century. We’ll see how tastes changed in the 1950s and
60s and explore how the urban renewal movement could have impacted the character
of the town forever. We end with a look forward and ask ourselves what Andover
might become in the future.
MAIN STREET ANDOVER 1855
 In the mid-19th century, Andover, along with most of the United
States, was still very much a farming community. Large, productive farms
existed a short distance from downtown on Elm Street. That part of Andover was far
more residential than it is today. Even in that part of town, crops were grown in
the back yard to put on the table and few items were store-bought. General
stores and provisioners provided a broad variety of materials from tools to food
to fabric, all under one roof. Butchers traveled the town in carts, carving
sides of meat to order in front of the customers' houses, and the ice man followed
along selling ice to cool the meat and keep it fresh. As you’ll see here, the
19th century was filled with many changes. The town grew and downtown Andover began to lose its residential character to become the more
familiar commercial district we see today.
 MAIN
STREET ANDOVER 1900
The turn of the 20th century saw another wave of significant changes
to Main Street. Modern conveniences such as electricity, the telephone, the
trolley, and later the automobile had a profound impact on the everyday lives of
Andoverites. Main Street itself was eventually paved, first in granite
cobblestones, and later with asphalt. Trolley rails ran down the middle of the
street carrying workers to and from Lawrence and Boston. The trolley allowed
people to shop further from home and travel both to and from Andover for
recreation and entertainment.Refrigeration and canned goods expanded menu
options and allowed families to reduce the frequency of visits to market for
fresh food. Druggist shops and pharmacies with soda counters seemed to spring
up at almost every intersection. As the new century dawned, stables began to
give way to automobile garages.
 MAIN STREET ANDOVER 1950
Through all the changes,
downtown Andover remained a thriving
business center that filled residents' needs.
For the younger residents, the soda fountain and
drugstore counter was a focal point for youth
culture across America. Andover was no
different. Main Street in the 1950s continued to
provide all the necessities, from hardware and
groceries to fabric and toys, from comic books
and magazines to beauty supplies and gasoline for
autos. Andoverites developed friendly relationships
with their local shop owners and remained loyal to
these downtown businesses.
 MAIN
STREET ANDOVER TODAY
Main Street today is
home to a collection of upscale boutiques, exciting art galleries, trendy
salons, and regional and national banks sitting side by side with local
businesses that have served the community for generations. Even though
long-time residents often bemoan the demise of the downtown hardware and
department stores, Main Street remains a vibrant and diverse collection of
shops, services, and professional offices all in the business of serving the needs of
the citizens of Andover.
NEXT: The Andover that Never Was |
