Newton Corner
Newton's first village, now known as Newton Corner, was originally settled in the 1630s as a farming Community. Throughout the 17th century, the village was known by various names such as Cambridge Village and Bacon's Corner after Daniel Bacon, a local tailor. The area continued to be little more than scattered farms, however, until traffic increased between Boston and its western outlying areas. An area of small homes and shops developed to serve farm wagons and travelers headed to Boston, and its location along this route helped to cement Newton Corner's identity as the Newton's first village. This also brought a new name to the area: Angier's Corner, taken from its popular tavern keeper, Oakes Angier.
The railroad came in 1834, and with it, the village's current name, Newton Corner. With the railroad's daily service, the village became readily accessible, creating opportunities for Newton Corner landowners and Boston businessmen. By the 1840s, a few Bostonians had built homes on Newton Corner's hillsides. The local population of tradesmen and shopkeepers also grew. The real land boom, however, occurred after the Civil War. The construction of the Newton Free Library in 1865 increased importance of the area to the south of the railroad tracks. During the next 20 years, most of the village's churches erected new buildings near the library along Centre Street and Farlow Park. Newton Corner became increasingly attractive in the 1880s. Many homes were built during this period to meet the demands of those who wanted a suburban life. After 1910, the trend in residential development changed gears; smaller houses on smaller lots. As land became scarce, the pace of development slowed dramatically. The Massachusetts Turnpike Extension brought a major change to the area's appearance in the early 1960s. Constructed along the right of way for the Boston and Albany railroad, the Turnpike Extension cut a trench through the center of the village, essentially dividing it in two and requiring the demolition of most of Newton Corner's central business district and many residences in the process. The Gateway Center high-rise was eventually built over the roadway.
Newton Corner is home to the Jackson Homestead which houses the historic museum for the City of Newton. Visitors can learn more about the history of the area, search for family histories, and even research their homes. As with all of the other villages in Newton, visitors will find many historic homes and building showcasing the architectural designs of yesteryear.
While visiting Newton Corner, be sure to stop by the Newton Corner Oriental Rug Corp. for a unique addition to your home or stop by the Spagnuolo Bakehouse for a baked treat.
