National Register of Historic Places listings in Weston, Massachusetts facts for kids
Weston, Massachusetts, is a town with a rich history! It's home to 15 special places listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list is like a national scrapbook of important buildings, areas, and sites that tell stories about America's past. When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its historical or architectural importance. Let's explore some of these cool spots in Weston!
Historic Homes in Weston
Weston has several old houses that are important parts of its history. These homes often show us how people lived long ago and what kind of architecture was popular.
Abel Allen House
The Abel Allen House, built a long time ago, is located at 1 Chestnut Street. It was added to the National Register in 1978. This house is a great example of early American homes in the area.
Golden Ball Tavern
The Golden Ball Tavern, at 662 Boston Post Road, is a very famous spot. It was listed in 1972. This building wasn't just a house; it was a tavern, a place where travelers could stop for food, drinks, and a place to sleep. Imagine people traveling by horse and carriage stopping here centuries ago!
Harrington House
Another interesting home is the Harrington House, found at 555 Wellesley Street. It joined the list in 1976. Like many old homes, it gives us clues about the families who lived there and how the town grew over time.
Isaac Hobbs House
The Isaac Hobbs House, at 87 North Avenue, was added to the Register in 1982. Each of these houses has its own unique story and architectural style, showing different periods of Weston's past.
Edward Peirce House-Henderson House
The Edward Peirce House, also known as the Henderson House of Northeastern University, is located at 99 Westcliff Road. It became a historic place in 1997. This house is now part of a university, showing how old buildings can find new purposes.
Samuel Train House
The Samuel Train House, at 342 Winter Street, was listed in 1976. It's another example of the many historic homes that dot the landscape of Weston.
Rev. Samuel Woodward House
Finally, the Rev. Samuel Woodward House, at 19 Concord Road, was added in 1976. These houses help us understand the early settlers and important figures in Weston's history.
Historic Districts of Weston
Besides individual houses, Weston also has several "historic districts." These are areas or neighborhoods where many buildings together create a special historical feeling. They often show how a community developed over time.
Boston Post Road Historic District
The Boston Post Road Historic District covers both sides of the Boston Post Road, from Plain Road to Stony Brook. It was recognized in 1983. The Boston Post Road itself is a very old route that connected major cities like Boston and New York in early American history. This district includes many buildings that were part of this important road.
Case's Corner Historic District
The Case's Corner Historic District includes parts of School, Wellesley, Newton, and Ash Streets. It was listed in 2002. This area likely has a collection of buildings that show the history of a specific neighborhood or crossroads in Weston.
Glen Road Historic District
The Glen Road Historic District, covering addresses from 233 to 317 Glen Road, became historic in 2006. It's another example of a neighborhood that has kept its historical character.
Kendal Green Historic District
The Kendal Green Historic District includes North Avenue, Church Street, Viles Street, and Brook Road. It was added to the list in 2000. Historic districts like Kendal Green help protect the unique look and feel of older parts of town.
Silver Hill Historic District
The Silver Hill Historic District includes Silver Hill Road, Westland Road, and Merriam Street. It was recognized in 2004. These districts are important because they preserve the overall historical environment, not just one building.
Wellington Farm Historic District
The Wellington Farm Historic District, at 487–500 Wellesley Street, was listed in 1988. This district might include old farm buildings or homes that were part of a historic farm.
Other Notable Historic Places
Weston also has historic places that aren't just houses or neighborhoods. These include important infrastructure projects that shaped the region.
Charles River Reservation Parkways
The Charles River Reservation Parkways are a large historic district that extends beyond Weston into other towns like Cambridge, Newton, Waltham, Watertown, and Boston. It was listed in 2006. These parkways are scenic roads and parks along the Charles River, designed for recreation and enjoying nature. They show how people in the past thought about connecting cities with green spaces.
Weston Aqueduct Linear District
The Weston Aqueduct Linear District is a long historic area that follows the Weston Aqueduct. This aqueduct is a system built to carry water from the Sudbury Reservoir to the Weston Reservoir. It stretches through Southborough, Framingham, and Wayland, as well as Weston. It was added to the list in 1990. This aqueduct is an amazing example of early engineering that provided clean water to cities.
These 15 historic places in Weston, Massachusetts, help us remember and appreciate the town's long and interesting past. They are like open-air museums, telling stories of how people lived, worked, and built communities over many years.
