Seniors Check Out Waban

Waban is one of the thirteen villages of Newton, Massachusetts, a suburban city that seniors will find approximately seven miles from downtown Boston.

Waban was named for Waban, the first Massachusetts Indian converted to Christianity, in 1646. Although Waban lived in Nonantum, a hill in the northeasternmost part of Newton, the area around the present village of Waban was a favored hunting ground.

Established in 1889, the Waban Improvement Society, comprised all who live and/or work in Waban, promotes any activity intended to improve Waban and fosters a sense of community.

Seniors Hear Of Annual Progressive Dinner

 Waban has a small commercial center along Beacon Street surrounding the MBTA Green Line station. The transit-oriented village primarily contains locally-owned businesses serving the surrounding neighborhood. While the village is closely related to Newton, Waban is  considered the “Cultural Capital” of Middlesex County.

The Waban Improvement Society’s Annual Progressive Dinner is one of the  most popular and cherished new traditions. Everyone is treated to an evening of new and renewed friendships, the warm hospitality of neighbors, delicious cuisine and delightful conversation in one another’s homes.

 Seniors Enjoy Waban’s Celebrations

Waban Village Day is another big celebration for all the locals. Village Day is a traditional Spring celebration on closed- off streets in Waban Square.  Waban Lights and Tree Lighting is a celebration of the holiday season. Residents gather for hot chocolate, a sing- a -long and a tree lighting.

An additional tradition is annual mulching where residents spread city supplied mulch around Waban Square. Village pride is part of the culture of Waban. The physical appearance of Waban Square today is little different from what it was half a century ago.

For its size, Waban is loaded with beautiful homes, a thriving downtown, and parks. The Frederick H. Henshaw home still stands in its magnificent setting and senior visitors enjoy taking photos of this awesome structure. Lake Waban invites visitors to settle in and enjoy a stroll or a picnic on its shores.

Waban culture is displayed on streets signs honoring the first settlers in Waban: Wamesit, Annawan, Nehoiden, Elliot and Locke.

So seniors, set your GPS for Waban and enjoy the variety of amenities this village has to offer. -jeb