Original owner - George L. Abbott.

Themes - Architectural, Commerce, Community Development and Education.
This property was owned by Henry W. Abbott in 1852 on the new street from the Universalist Society Meetinghouse to Joseph Richardson's land. Henry sold the parcel to Jacob Chickering, House-wright, for $400. on Jan. 2, 1852. Chickering sells the lot back to Henry W. Abbott on Oct. 28, 1853 for $550. Henry then sells to George L. Abbott that day for $412.50. There is no mention of buildings on the lot.

The house was most likely built by George L. Abbott for his home. Abbott was a contractor and carpenter who did many houses and public buildings in Andover. Began as Abbott & Clement (Moses Clement) then about 1867 became Abbott & Jenkins. (William S. Jenkins) They built many depots for the Boston and Maine Railroad, also Memorial Hall Library, The Chapel and Brechin Hall of Andover Theological Seminary were built by Abbott and Jenkins. George L. Abbott is also the carpenter of record of the South Church building in 1861. George Lewis Abbott was b. on Oct. 27, 1821. Married Sarah M. Stevens, b. 1821 - d. Feb. 9, 1851. married a second time to Mary A> Abbott b. 1822 - d. Oct. 30, 1880. George died on May 24, 1889 age 67.

This house is said to be earliest to be fully equipped with bathrooms and furnace heat in the early 1850's. In plan and detail (brackets and window moldings) this house closely resembles #116 Main St. which was built by Abbott's partner, Wm. S. Jenkins for his home. Abbott & Clement, earlier partnership built the first dormitory of Abbot Academy (Carpenter, Jane, "Abbott and Miss Bailey & Abbott in the Early Days," 1959, p. 212). Three of Abbott's daughters attended this academy.

John Alden, a scientist of international reputation, lived here in early 1900's, presumably until his death in 1916. He was a trustee of Abbott Academy and often advised on that school's buildings and grounds. As early as 1904, he took small piece of radium to show students.