The second place you may have to portage on a trip down stream through Andover is Red Rocks Dam, where the river squeezes between the buildings occupied by Redman Card Clothing on the left and one of Dundee Parks many old mill buildings in what was once known as Abbott Village.
   At the turn of the century this dam was maintained by the Andover Canoe Club and the Ballards (of Vale fame) to keep an open water course up to Pomp's Pond and the'Vale.
   Most of the dam has been removed now,but it is probably still best for inexperienced and/or those who prefer to stay dry, to take out just above the rocks on the right bank and bring the canoe down over them to where you can easily put in again below the "dam".
   Above,a fearless SWEAT member shoots the white water on an October 30th 1999 trip.This was done when the water was very low and slow moving.This is definitely a place where knowledge and experience are a must, decisions must be made according to depth and flow of the river.
   Below is an Andover Canoe Club map c.1915, of part of the river between Essex St. and Andover St. This double postcard was found by Liz Tenterelli while doing research on the river at the Andover Historical Society.Wish we had a picture of the "Wm Ballard"
   "The new motor yacht "Wm. Ballard" of the Ballard line is built in a very unique manner, resting almost wholly on the surface of the river, requiring but ten inches of water when all of the thirty passengers allowed are on board. The propeller is in a tunnel entirely above the bottom, enabling the yacht to sail amongst the shallow brooks and lily ponds, where the flora and fauna are seen at their best.This excursion has been likened to that of the Oklawaha River of Florida, and is one of the natural beauty spots of our Commonwealth."
   "The Andover Canoe Club livery canoes are built to a special design which is both safe and fast, being particularly adapted to our beautiful stream. These Kennebec canoes may be rented at fifty cents for five hours any time except Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 and holidays when triple rate is charged. The Club maintains a canal to Pomp's Pond where canoeists enjoy their basket suppers, fishing, and sailing. For the timid, we have an absolutely safe row boat."