Nonantum
Named for an Indian word meaning "rejoicing", Nonantum is often referred to as Silver Lake, for the lake that once stood in the village and has since been almost completely filled in; Tin Horn, for the large horn used to call workers to the mills; and the North Village. Settlers first came to Nonantum in the early 1700s and the village was established as a farming Community. By the end of the 18th century, industry had found its way to Nonantum in the form of cotton mills. The village prospered as a producer of cotton, woolens, and rope for the next 150 years. Brick factories were built along the shore of Silver lake and a large industrial development took shape, however, the outlying areas of the village remained unscathed from the introduction if industry, keeping their scenic beauty. Today, much of the industry that gave Nonantum its successful beginnings is gone but the buildings remain, having been adapted for modern use. Many of the residents of Nonantum today are of Italian decent and their influence can be seen in the many restaurants found in the village.
To meet the housing needs of the factory workers from the industrial boom, many small houses were built rather close together near the factories. These homes were built in close proximity to the mills allowing the workers to be close to work, making this village different from the suburban feel of the other villages of Newton. One of the original buildings from the industrial beginnings of the village can be found at 320 Nevada Street, the Silver Lake Cordage Co. Building. The buildings attention to architectural detail has landed it as a Newton Landmark Preservation Site and the Silver Lake Cordage Co. building can be found on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitors to Nonantum can take a walking tour of the village, seeing many of the old buildings and houses erected during the industrial boom. Visitors can also possibly find a hidden treasure to take home from the Antique Shop or a piece of art from the Silver Lake Gallery. And of course, while in Nonantum, be sure to dine at one of their authentic Italian restaurants, such as Maria Di Napoli Ristorante.
