Looking for information about Bill & Andy's in Chelmsford, MA
#1
Looking for information about Bill & Andy's in Chelmsford, MA
Hi all! I recently became interested in the history of my bicycle, which is labeled as a Raleigh Triumph but is 10-speed with a sport touring geometry. There's a decal on the down tube that announces that it's from Bill & Andy's, 30 Chelmsford, Chelmsford, MA, which is about 20 miles away. There's not a lot of information about Bill & Andy's online -- I see a record of sale of the building in 2004, a mention of a Bill & Andy's toy store, a mention of a Bill & Andy's Shell station, and a couple of mentions in a couple of obituaries. These few mentions point to a colorful story, but it seems that this ended somewhat pre-internet. So I am posting to ask:
- Does anyone remember Bill & Andy's? Were they a gas station, a toy store, a bicycle shop, all of the above?
- Who were Bill and Andy?
- Is there anyone still around that I could ask about my bicycle? (I've posted in Classic & Vintage about it. Check out my gallery for images.)
#2
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Hi, I live in Chelmsford. I never knew it as Bill & Andy's but that address, 30 Chelmsford St, was a bike shop for many years, Chelmsford Cyclery. They went out of business just before the pandemic bike boom. The building is now pool supplies on one side and ski & snowboard on the other. The back, which faces the Bruce Freeman trail, probably still says Chelmsford Cyclery. This photo is from about a year ago.
That's all I know, I never went inside. By reputation, the owner was a total jerk.
That's all I know, I never went inside. By reputation, the owner was a total jerk.
#3
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Hi, I live in Chelmsford. I never knew it as Bill & Andy's but that address, 30 Chelmsford St, was a bike shop for many years, Chelmsford Cyclery. They went out of business just before the pandemic bike boom. The building is now pool supplies on one side and ski & snowboard on the other. The back, which faces the Bruce Freeman trail, probably still says Chelmsford Cyclery. This photo is from about a year ago.
That's all I know, I never went inside. By reputation, the owner was a total jerk.
That's all I know, I never went inside. By reputation, the owner was a total jerk.
#4
Thanks for the info! Interesting that the cyclery logo is still up there. I presume you haven't been around since 2003 -- or have you, and Bill & Andy's is still before that time?
#5
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Join Date: Dec 2021
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I've been here since 2001. I suppose the change from B&A to CC is that sale in 2004 you found.
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#6
Senior Member
My wife grew up in Chelmsford I still have her Dad’s old Raleigh Marathon and her Raleigh 30 MTB is still in the family. Both proudly sport the Bill and Andy’s stickers.
Interesting note about Chelmsford Cyclery , they were one of the few businesses on the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail to elect to NOT have direct access TO the Bruce Freeman rail trail.
Interesting note about Chelmsford Cyclery , they were one of the few businesses on the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail to elect to NOT have direct access TO the Bruce Freeman rail trail.
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#8
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Yes, Bill & Andy's was there thoughout my childhood. Im a 70s / 80s kid so Bill and Andys was my go to for Star Wars merchandise. I used to buy all the figures there. So, predominantly a toy store, but they may have had bikes in the front section, that wouldnt have surprised me. I just used to focus on the toys in the rear of the store...