Seniors Explore Newton

Years back…many years back, this senior had a fellow student at the Sorbonne in Paris from Newton, Massachusetts. I have lost track of Cookie…her nickname, but her hometown has always stuck with me.

Newton, approximately 7 miles west of downtown Boston, has a population right at 85,000, making it the eleventh largest city in the state. Newton is comprised of 13 “villages”, each with its own distinct character and many containing their own small downtown areas.

One of these, Chestnut Hill, is home to Boston College. Known as a regional education center, the city is also home to Andover Newton Theological School, Mount Ida College, and Pine Manor College.

Major industries in the city include publishing, computer technology, and manufacturing of precision instruments and chemicals. The city is also the birthplace of Jim’s favorite…the Fig Newton. The Boston College Eagles provide Newton with plenty of first-rate collegiate sports action, competing in NCAA’s Division I-A. By now you may have concluded that there is a lot going on in Newton.

Seniors Enjoy City Rich In Arts And Culture

Newton was settled in 1630 as part of “the newe towne”, which was renamed Cambridge in 1638. Newton was incorporated as a separate town, known as Cambridge Village, in 1688, then renamed Newtownin 1691, and finally Newton in 1766. How’s that for jumping through the hoop? It finally became a city in 1873. Interesting isn’t it how towns and cities grow into their name.

Facebook is a great link for seniors to use in planning a visit to Newton. It provides a nice overview of some of the major things to see and do.

Attractive to senior visitors and residents alike, Newton is a vibrant college community enjoying a close proximity to the Boston metropolitan area. The city is also rich in arts and culture, featuring two symphony orchestras, a large state-of-the-art public library, resident theatre groups and many artistic treasures.

 Seniors Find Mansions, Historic Places and Farmer’s Market

The Newton History Museum at the Jackson Homestead, built in 1809 as a farmhouse, served for a period of time as a stop on the Underground Railroad and is now a museum filled with paintings, manuscripts, photographs, maps and numerous historical artifacts.

The New Repertory Theatre and Newton Country Players are local theater groups, and Broadway musicals are regularly performed at the Turtle Lane Playhouse. From July through October the city hosts a popular outdoor Farmer’s Market. Senior visitors enjoy Newton’s  scenic environment and great mansions.

Be sure to check out the Echo Bridge, over the Charles River near Newton Upper Falls that is one of several sites on the National Register of Historic Places in Newton. Seniors, when you are in the Boston area, plan a stop in this fine city.  -jeb