Present Owner: Trustees of Phillips Academy
Themes: architectural; community development
Historic name Ruby A. Carter House - Phillips Academy - "Smith House"
57 Highland corner of Salem St. Also listed as 24 Salem Street during the early Carter ownership.

This property once belonged to William Griffin and his homestead was located at 46 Salem St. It was inherited by Betsy Town who married Ezra Hammond. Betsy’s sons were heirs and William Hammond later sold this corner lot to Francis Richardson on Oct. 14, 1863. In the Griffin's will, there was placed a restriction on the property as to its “use and occupation” that the land could be used for. Highland Road was once referred to as the Old road to North Andover and began on South Main Street traveled past the Case Gage and continued across Salem St. It was also referenced as Back Street.

Willie Richardson sold the property of 22,440 square feet to Ruby Carter, of Lowell, MA for $250 on April 22, 1879, The deed included the Griffin restriction and use of the property without interference from Ruby's husband George H. Carter. A few weeks later on May 7, 1879 a new deed was created on the property through William G. Hammond, removing the Griffin restriction.

Ruby A. (Munroe) Carter was born July 16, 1829 in Millbury, MA daughter of Charles & Mary C. (Corbett) Munroe. Ruby married in Lowell, MA on Sept. 2, 1856 to George Hopkins Carter, Merchant, b. 1833 in Barnett, VT son of John & Susan (Hopkins) Carter. George was listed as a machinist when married and he worked for the Middlesex Mills in Lowell then 10 years at the Washington Mill (Old Bay State Mill) in Lawrence. They resided in Lowell, MA at the time she purchased the property in Andover. George’s health took him from the mills to retail grocery business in North Billerica and West Concord, MA. Ruby & George had two daughters, Mary Ella b. June 10, 1857 and Ruby Isabelle b. May 26,1860 both born in Lowell.

Ruby Carter had the French Empire style house built on this corner and a similar two family house built at 34 Salem Street. The home contains 16 rooms and 13 bedrooms. In the 1880 Census the Carter family is living in Andover, George age 45, Ruby 46, Mary E. 22, a teacher and Ruby I. age 20. They have three student boarders; Elmer Thompson 18 from MO, John Perry 18 from MA and William B. Colt 17 from Conn. and a Sarah Whitney, age 33, is also boarding living with them.

Their daughter Ruby died the following year in Aug. 13, 1881 at age 21y 2m. Ruby was a graduate of Abbot Academy. George’s heart disease forced his retirement spending a quiet life at home. George died on Feb. 4, 1898 at age 64. Mary graduated from Lowell High School, Salem Teachers College & Michogan Univ. Elected teacher in Andover in 1880, first at Abbott Village (Indian Ridge School) in the Primary grades and then South Center (John Dove School) in 1886-1889. Mary then taught at Brewster Academy in Tilton, NH. and on eyear 1896-97 at Punchard High School. Ruby and daughter Mary C. are living in Wolfboro, NH during the 1900 Census. Ruby continued to be listed in the Andover directories in 1897 – 1913 with Student Rooms at 24 Salem St. In 1910 living on Highland Rd. with George & Amanda Frost?

Ruby A. Carter died on May 25, 1914 and the property was inherited by her daughter Mary E. Carter through Probate on June 22, 1914. Ruby’s obituary includes the following: …”with the exception of two short periods her house has ever since been open to Academy roomers and for a time to boarders. Many who have studied here in the past thirty five years will recall her kindness and the wise and efficient management of her house. She was optimistic in spirit and showed rare courage industry and foresight, the several houses which she built are testimony to her business ability. Mrs. Carter gave a scholarship to Phillips Academy for the benefit of worthy students…for many years she was connected with the Seminary Church but in 1911 removed her relationship to the Free Church.” The family is interred in Spring Grove Cemetery.

Mary E. Carter continued to hold the three properties as rental income. The 1920 Andover Valuation lists: House, 24 Salem St. & Highland $4800, House 34-36 Salem St. $3500, House 28-30 Salem St. $5500, ¾ acre cor. Salem St. & Highland Rd. $3000 = $16,800. In 1923 Mary had her property surveyed and sold off the apartment building at 28-30 Salem Street.

Mary E. Carter sold the property to the Trustees of Phillips Academy on December 19, 1928 but resided here 69 years until her death on Aug. 25, 1947 at age 90. Mary is interred at Spring Grove Cemetery with her parents, sister and grandparents, Charles & Mary C. Munroe.

The house continues to be used as student dormitory and faculty housing during the Phillips Academy ownership.