Auburndale, Massachusetts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Auburndale
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Village
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Auburndale Library
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 Auburndale, Massachusetts
Location in Greater Boston area
Auburndale, Massachusetts
Location in Massachusetts
Auburndale, Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Middlesex |
| City | Newton |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
02466
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| Area code(s) | 617 and 857 |
Auburndale is a charming village located in the city of Newton, in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It's one of thirteen villages that make up Newton. You can find it on the western side of Newton, right where two big highways, I-90 and I-95, meet.
The Massachusetts Turnpike (which is part of I-90) actually cuts right through the middle of Auburndale! This village is surrounded by other Newton villages like West Newton, Waban, and Newton Lower Falls. It also borders the city of Waltham and the beautiful Charles River.
Auburndale is home to Williams and Burr elementary schools, and Lasell College. In Auburndale Square, you'll find the Plummer Memorial Library, which is now run by the Auburndale Community Library. There's also the Turtle Lane Playhouse and many small local businesses.
Contents
History of Auburndale
The first major settler in the Auburndale area was William Robinson. He built his home way back in 1678 on what is now Freeman Street. The oldest house still standing in Auburndale was built by William Robinson in 1730. You can find it at 473 Auburn Street.
Auburndale was once known as Auburndale-on-the-Charles. It was famous for Norumbega Park, a fun amusement park that closed in 1963. This park had rides, a zoo, and even boating on the Charles River. A very popular big band music hall called the Totem Pole Ballroom was also part of Norumbega Park. It closed in 1964. Today, this area has over 80 acres of protected land, perfect for enjoying nature and accessing the Charles River.
Getting Around Auburndale
Auburndale is split into two parts by the Massachusetts Turnpike. This highway connects the village to other parts of Newton and to downtown Boston. The village is also right next to where I-90 and I-95 cross paths.
There are several ways to get around Auburndale and to nearby towns using public transportation:
- The MBTA Green Line's D Branch light rail line has two stations in Auburndale: Woodland and Riverside. Riverside is the very last stop on this line.
- Both Woodland and Riverside stations offer bus connections. Woodland station is served by MWRTA bus routes 1 and 8. Riverside connects to MBTA bus route 558.
- The MBTA Commuter Rail's Framingham/Worcester Line also serves Auburndale at the Auburndale station. This station is right next to the Massachusetts Turnpike.
- MBTA bus routes 505 and 558 stop at the commuter rail station. These buses offer express service directly to downtown Boston.
Historic Places in Auburndale
Auburndale is home to many buildings and places that are important to history. Nineteen of these places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are recognized for their historical value.
Some of these historic sites include:
- The Auburndale Congregational Church-United Parish of Auburndale
- The Plummer Memorial Library
- The Whittemore's Tavern, which is the oldest house in Auburndale.
- The Lasell Neighborhood Historic District, which includes Lasell College.
Auburndale Historic District
In 2005, a special area called the Auburndale Historic District was created. This district includes about 275 properties and covers two of the National Register Historic Districts. It helps protect the historic look and feel of the neighborhood.
Places to Visit in Auburndale
Auburndale has several interesting spots to check out:
- Auburndale Cove Park & Playground, located on West Pine Street.
- Norumbega Park Conservation Area, which is great for enjoying nature.
- Turtle Lane Playhouse, a local theater at 283 Melrose Street.
- Woodland Golf Club.
- Charles River Canoe and Kayak Company, where you can rent boats to explore the Charles River.
Images for kids
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Auburndale Library
