Newtonville
Newtonville developed as a suburban Community during the ltter half of the 19th century. The village developed along the railroad connecting Boston to the Western world. As with other villages in the area, the rural placement and setting attracted businessmen and shopowners from Boston who wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. With daily commuter trains rain to Boston, Newtonville was a very appealing location. Prior to the suburbanization of the area, many small farms could be found; the well-watered land was perfect for agriculture. In 1859, the first high school in Newton was built in Newtonville which sparked an interest in the area.
In 1896, the Masonic Building was constructed as a meeting place for members of the Masonic Order. It is a massive 4-story Renassaince styly building on the corner of Walnut Street and Newtonville Avenue. Today, it is still used on the upper floors for Masonic Lodge meetings; the lower floor are used as retail and office spaces. The Newtonville Christian Science Church also meets and has its Reading Room in the Masonic Building. (The Church sold its former building in 2004 to be turned into apartments and that building is now known as the Oxford House.)
Newtonville has many shops and restaurants to cater to the needs of its residents and visitors. Whether it is stopping by the Busy B Café for a quick lunch or checking out some rare coins at the Colony Coin Company, there is always something to do in Newtonville.
