Isn’t it amazing that Wayland, Massachusetts, started as part of Sudbury back in 1638? Wayland offers a blend of history and modern living. Let’s explore what makes Wayland special.
Wayland officially became its own town in 1780. Before that, it was the eastern part of Sudbury. The split happened because the folks here had more wealth. They felt they were paying too much in taxes for the services they received.
Interestingly, Wayland got its name from Dr. Francis Wayland in 1835. He was the president of Brown University. He was also a big supporter of temperance and abolition. Judge Edward Mellen suggested the name. Both men believed in public libraries. They even donated money to start Wayland’s public library.
Did you realize that Wayland’s Public Library played a crucial role in library history? When there were questions about using taxes for a library, Reverend John Burt Wight took it to the state. This led to an 1851 law. It allowed free public libraries in Massachusetts. This makes Wayland Public Library one of the first free public libraries. The current building dates back to 1900.
Wayland was home to some notable figures in the 1800s. Reverend Edmund Sears, a minister, wrote the famous carol “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear.” Lydia Maria Child, an abolitionist and author, also lived here.
Wayland’s geography is quite scenic. It has about 15.9 square miles of land. About 0.7 square miles is water. Wayland borders several towns including Lincoln, Sudbury, and Weston.
In 1954, Wayland faced some Red Scare issues. An elementary school teacher was fired because she had been a member of the Communist Party.
Even Boston Duck Tours helped Wayland once. In 2010, heavy rains flooded Pelham Island. The Duck Tours vehicles were used to transport people in and out of the area.
Wayland is known for its excellent schools. The town operates several public schools. These include elementary, middle, and high schools.
Several famous people have called Wayland home. Tom Hamilton from Aerosmith and Tom Scholz from Boston are musicians. Amar Bose, the founder of Bose Corporation, also lived here. Athletes like Ted Williams also lived in Wayland.
Wayland is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. There are golf courses, a town beach on Lake Cochituate, and many conservation areas. You can also find spots for fishing and hiking.
Wayland truly offers a blend of small-town charm. It combines a rich history with modern amenities. This makes it a special place in Massachusetts.