Leslie and Esther raised three children on the farm at Nine Acre Corner:  Pauline, William and David. It was a sprawling, magical place for children with treasures inside and out to inspect and explore.  While Leslie was in Concord center running the market, Esther ran the farm with a crew of workers and the financial guidance of her Uncle Will. Still, she was very much an engaged and energetic mother. She introduced the kids to nature and kept them busy with activities at home and around Concord. She also drove them to important historic and natural sites around the state.  Esther was fascinated by photography and meticulously recorded the busy life of the children and the farm.

THE MILLDAM

Meanwhile, in the center of Concord (called the Milldam for the creek running under it) Leslie ran the L. Anderson and Son Market - “Anderson Market.” He was involved in community trade and service organizations around town such as The Rotary Club, the Masons, Musketaquid Rod and Gun.. In time, each of his three children, in very different ways, would be a part of the Milldam in the second half of the twentieth century.

Pauline, the oldest of the three, worked for the Police Department.  She was the glorious and notorious meter maid who broadcast a genuine smile as she wrote parking ticket to disgruntled citizens.  She was named Massachusetts Municipal Employee of the Year in 19__, replete with a parade down Concord’s Main Street.  Upon her death in ____, the parking meters throughout the town were festooned with yellow ribbons and balloons in her honor.

The middle child, Bill, was trained as a pilot in WWII.  When he returned home he photographed Concord from the air.  His first studio was on the Milldam above the family market on Main Street.  In 1957 he moved and transformed the business to a full service retail store and studio on Walden Street, known as Anderson Photo.  Bill was a quiet man but left an enormous statement about Concord in his photographs and in an extensive collection of Poetry.  (See Chapters Anderson Photo and also The Archer Poet)

David, the youngest, was a physically mighty man who managed the market.   Like his father, David was outgoing and often held court at the market.  His true passion was stock car racing.  “Andy” was a regular and popular figure on the racing circuit.  David and his wife Charlotte produced six daughters and one son, many of whom now run Main Streets Market and Cafe in the original site of Anderson Market..

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THE WHEELER SISTERS
BACK TO: THE ANDERSON WHEELER FAMILY

MORE ABOUT ESTHER HOWE (WHEELER) ANDERSON / THE THOREAU CONNECTION
MORE ABOUT LESLIE OSCAR ANDERSON
UNCLE WILL: WILLIAM WHEELER