Recent Events and Features: April 2019 - Weston Historical Society

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).

Phyllis Halpern and Paul Penfield — "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 leads walk — Paul Penfield Jr. (center) leads a walk on the future rail trail in October 2017.

"The Cambridge School of Weston"

Thursday April 25, 2019

Lecture by Sherrill Bounnell

Assistant to the Head of School

Weston Public Library Community Room

7:15 Refreshments

7:30 Lecture

All are welcome.

The history of the Cambridge School of Weston goes back to 1886, when it was founded in Cambridge as a traditional college preparatory school for girls. In 1931, the school was essentially re-founded as a distinctly different institution, an upper school in Weston that embraced the Progressive Education Movement — and one of the few coeducational private schools in New England. Students and teachers worked together to construct the first buildings and develop facilities including tennis courts and an athletic field.

Sherrill Bounnell is now in her 18th year at the Cambridge School of Weston. Her illustrated talk will trace the evolution of this unique institution in its more than 80 years in Weston.

Clearing trees — Cambridge School students helping to clear trees on the site

Students help with building construction — Cambridge School students construct school buildings