Andover Historical Museum

06/27/2026

Who has Fourth of July photos from around Andover over the years? Let’s start a collection!!

06/26/2026

This program came from the 1985-86 season of the Kansas State Wrestling tournament. The State tournament was held at the Kansas Coliseum and organized by our very own Andover High School Athletic Director, Dale Downing. Mr. Downing played a major roll in getting the Kansas state wrestling program more established during his tenure. Although the Kansas state wrestling tournament itself dates back to 1930, most people remember the era when KSHSAA expanded classifications and started holding multiple state tournaments simultaneously. By the 1970s, and especially throughout the 1980s-90s, the Kansas Coliseum had become the iconic home of the larger-class state wrestling championships for 4a, 5a and 6a, which continued to wrestle there through 2005. These photos are just the cover and front page of the program, as it is too long to publish here. But without the influence and dedication from our very own, Mr. Downing, there may not have been such a fantastic local wrestling program. Andover even let students out of school during these tournaments, to go support their wrestlers! We were blessed to receive a large number of these programs from Mr. Downing during our History Talk earlier this month. What a great addition to our school history archives!

Also, please note the artist that designed this years program cover. It was our own Andover Art Teacher, Mr. Cost!

06/25/2026

George Washington Harrison was our first Andover resident and the first to open a General Store in Andover. He was proud to be an early resident of this city, and was commonly mentioned in the newspapers as a major participant in activities that helped build the community. He was first cousins to President Benjamin Harrison and also served as a local minister.

Although our local mail service actually started in Minneha, that station closed and moved to Andover in 1880 when it was named "Cloud" from March-June. Upon completion of the railroad the name of the postoffice was officially changed to Andover and mail service began to be received by railroad on June 1st, 1880.

06/25/2026

Nice story on the Dust Bowl from our Kansas history. Andover was a unincorporated community at the time, but no less important. Does anyone have a family story to share with Andover ties to the Dust Bowl?

Agriculture experts say the resilience of the farmers during the Dust Bowl set the foundation for the farmers to continue today.

06/24/2026

Here is a throwback to our Green Valley residents!

Throwback to the grand-opening of Green Valley in East Wichita! 🏠🌱

06/24/2026

If you lived in early America, you probably wouldn't have reached for a tube of minty toothpaste each morning. In fact, toothpaste as we know it today didn't become common until the late 1800's and early 1900s.

Many Americans cleaned their teeth using homemade powders made from ingredients such as charcoal, crushed eggshells, baking soda, salt or even pulverized oyster shells. Toothbrushes were often made with bone handles and coarse animal bristles that were far less comfortable than modern brushes.

In truth, many people rarely brushed at all. Dental care was limited and a painful toothache often ended with the tooth being pulled rather than repaired. By middle age, it wasn't uncommon for adults to be missing several teeth.

06/23/2026

Hey Andover! Can you help us identify these photos? Who, What, When, Why and Where were they taken? We dont want to archive unidentified photos. But we know there are a lot of folks out there than can help us figure out the details. All taken by the Andover Journal newspaper.

06/22/2026

Andover's first community band started in 1889. Tonight you have the opportunity to hear from our current organization and it's a wonderful group of musicians. Stop by the park this evening to witness some wonderful tunes and great community! !

It's concert day!
Join us TONIGHT at the Heritage Park Plaza for the Andover Community Band Concert!