LECTURES

ROOTS IN OUR HISTORY– THE 2010 NEWTON HISTORY SERIES Suburban Destiny: Wauwinet, Dairy or Subdivision? In 1903, according to the Boston Daily Globe, dairy farms were among “the most profitable agricultural pursuits in Massachusetts.” Wauwinet Dairy, said to be the largest dairy in Massachusetts at that time, was located on the newly laid-out Commonwealth Avenue in the middle of Newton. The proprietor, George Ellis, whose house still stands at the corner of Ellis Road and Commonwealth Avenue, established the farm in 1895 on land that was appreciating in real estate value. The parallel history of planning and construction of Commonwealth Avenue and establishment of Wauwinet Dairy is a curious study of assumptions and choices made, and questions asked in hindsight about the value and best use of land. This lecture will be given by Susan Abele, Curator of Manuscripts and Photographs for Historic Newton. At the Newton Free Library, Homer Street, Newton. Free. Thursday, April 29, 7 pm