Author: Jack

1888 – Water Line

Below are shots of the city’s records of the water line installation for 57 Grove Hill Ave. Measurements were taken from trees, one of which still stands. The lead pipe was replaced with copper in 2020. The diagram has a May 7th, 1888 date. Perhaps the house waited for water until then?

This diagram probably has the most accurate measurements of the houses outside dimensions!

https://kurtlewinhouse.priorfamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/1888-water-line-install-diagram.jpg

1874 Map

I’ve had this map in basement for years, but was always very disorienting to me.  Now it comes together. The lower western shore of Pearl Lake is Lakeview Ave.    The lower fifth of Pearl Lake is City Hall.  Lowell Ave (or something very close to it) is Murray St.    Crystal Lake is also known as Babtist Pond.  There is a competing (much smaller) Crystal Lake in Cold Spring Park.  Current dirt road Blake St is a major artery.  No comm Ave.  

Grove Hill Ave (if it existing would be in the lower right of the white space below “Sixth Ward, City of Newton”.

Thanks to a friend, here is an overlay of this map to current Newton: