The Spring 2018 issue of The Weston Historical Society Bulletin (PDF) is devoted to the history of the Central Massachusetts Railroad and the coming Mass Central Rail Trail. Included is a special section "Treasures of the Trail," a guide that includes Weston and part of Wayland. You can also find a checklist of the treasures (PDF).
"Treasures of the Trail" was largely written by Rail Trail Advisory Committee member Paul Penfield Jr. (right), a retired M.I.T. engineering professor. This detailed guide reflects not only his interest in history and how things work, but also his enthusiasm in conveying that knowledge to rail trail users. Weston Historical Commission chair Phyllis Halpern (left) worked with Paul, as did Wayland Historical Commission member R. Richard "Rick" Conard.
Paul Penfield Jr. (center) leads a walk on the future rail trail in October 2017.
Weston Historical Society's Spring Lecture
Designing Weston: The Olmsted Legacy
Thursday, April 6, 2018
A slide lecture by Alan Banks
with
Pam Fox
Weston Public Library Community Room
7:15 pm Refreshments
7:30 pm Lecture
All are welcome.
In celebration of Frederick Law Olmsted’s 196th birthday on April 26, Alan Banks, Supervisory Park Ranger at the Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site in Brookline will discuss the life and work of Olmsted and his successors. Beginning in 1857 with the design for Central Park in New York City, Olmsted, his sons, and his successor firm created designs for more than 6,000 landscapes across North America, including many in Boston and Weston. As part of the program, Weston historian Pamela Fox will speak on estates in Weston designed by the Olmsted firm.
Olmsted Brothers, successor firm to Frederick Law Olmsted (left) designed the Italian Garden at the Hubbard estate, 80 Orchard Avenue (below.) (Images from Olmsted National Historic Site, NPS)
