Long ago Waban was a dense forest. It transformed into an agricultural village. Orchards farms and nurseries flourished. The Cochituate Aqueduct a walking trail today ran through Waban.
Waban’s story is deeply intertwined with the Massachusett tribe. The village was named for Waban a Massachusett leader. He was among the first to embrace Christianity in 1646. Although he may have lived near Nonantum his people hunted and fished along the Charles River.
The arrival of the Boston & Albany Railroad in 1886 changed everything. A new train station spurred development. William Chamberlain Strong played a key role in securing the railway’s right-of-way. He named the burgeoning village Waban. He remembered Waban from his time on Nonantum Hill. The name Waban possibly means “east” in the native tongue.
Today Waban boasts a rich tapestry of history. Two elementary schools stand as testaments to its evolution. The Angier School honors Albert E Angier a World War I soldier. The Zervas School is named for Dr Frank Zervas a school principal. The Newton-Wellesley Hospital on Waban’s edge serves a large population.
Notable buildings add to Waban’s charm. The Staples-Craft-Wiswall Farmhouse now houses the Suzuki School of Newton. Waban Hall dating back to 1890 stands as a reminder of the past. The Waban Library Center a community hub opened in 1930. It’s one of only two original branches remaining in Newton. Waban Common a lovely green space was created in 2017.
Waban’s affluence is undeniable. In 2013 a Washington Post study ranked Waban among America’s wealthiest and best-educated zip codes. It held the top spot in Massachusetts. This prosperity reflects the community’s unique history and enduring charm. Waban’s story is one of transformation and enduring legacy. It’s a village that seamlessly blends its past with its present.