Nikole Babb
nbabb@cherryroad.com
The City of Andover unveiled in February they had planned a new festival in centered around the city’s history. HeritageFest, which is themed after a late 1890’s train robbery, will be held at The Heritage.
As the City of Andover is rapidly expanding due to fast-moving commercial buildings and an influx of residents, they are left quenching for Andover’s history. The city is well-known for their quality schools and community feel but many have voiced they want more history worked into the city’s events and brand. Enter HeritageFest.
What began as an idea two years ago in a city committee has turned into a unique city festival. When the committee was tasked to create a history-based festival, they were determined to center it around the train robbery that happened in 1898.
According to the book, An Error in Timing by Robert Collins, it was July 16, 1898 when the robbery took place. Andover’s residents were busy spending time at the original Methodist Church enjoying an ice cream social as they discussed the hot topic of the Spanish-American War. During this time, the train depot was preparing for the nightly train arrive around 9:55pm. Two men came into the depot to purchase a ticket to Augusta, then drew their weapons on the agent, demanding he give them all the money.
The agent handed over $45 in cash and $50 in checks before they boarded the next train out of town. Inside the train, the robbers forced the express messenger guard to open the safe and empty the money, from which they gained $500. While this was happening, the engineer escaped and ran to the church to alert the locals. A small number of citizens were armed and bravely went to the depot alongside unarmed citizens.
As they approached the depot, one man noticed the robbers fleeing the scene and shot at their horse to stop them. The robbers, later identified as Samuel Smith and Tom Wynn, were tracked down and taken into custody. During the altercation, a 38-year-old man called William Belford was injured and later died.
Smith was convicted of first-degree murder for shooting Mr. Belford and was sentenced to death by hanging. Wynn was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20 years. That’s a big event for such a small town back then. Passenger service to Andover ended in 1960 and the depot was abandoned.
HeritageFest is set to be celebrated on Saturday, May 17 from 11am-4pm at The Heritage, located at 360 S Heritage Way. The day will be filled with train-themed fun such as an Ice cream social provided by Cuppa Yo, themed food from Livingston’s Café, adult beverages from Social Tap, old-Time vintage photos provided by Miss Purdy, a nostalgic candy and merch shop, activities for children, and live Music provided by The Haymakers and Diamond W. Wranglers. The festival is free for all to attend.
“Andover has a rich history and we’re thrilled to introduce an event that celebrates our community’s story while bringing people together for a fun-filled day,” said Beth Green, Special Events Coordinator. “We hope this event becomes a new tradition for families, friends, and visitors to enjoy year after year.”
The day before the festival on Friday, May 16, an Andover historian panel will sit to answer questions regarding Andover’s history. The panel will be available starting at 5pm at the Andover Public Library located at 1511 E Central Ave. Among the panel is local resident and Andover Historical Museum volunteer Wayne Duggan. Duggan is William Belford’s great-nephew and remembers Belford’s sister, his great aunt, fondly.
More information on HeritageFest can be found on the city’s website at https://www.andoverks.gov/932/13001/HeritageFest.
