Recalling a simpler time in Newton Massachusetts Crystal Lake and Pleasant Street Historic District offers more than just scenic views. The district encompasses a streetcar suburban residential area. It developed between 1860 and 1895.
Once upon a time, this area was mostly farmland. Roswell Turner a local businessman began buying land in the 1840s. Turner extended Beacon Street and laid out Lake Avenue.
Many lots in his subdivisions were later developed by Charles Davis. Davis was a Boston-based piano merchant and real estate developer. Crystal Lake itself became a recreational spot.
The oldest houses stand on Pleasant Street. They date back to the 1850s. These Carpenter Gothic houses feature scroll-sawn vergeboard decoration. Look closely at the gables dormers and porches.
At 21 Lake Avenue stands a Bracketed Italianate house from around 1858. It exemplifies another early style. The only Second Empire house is a modest cottage at 112 Pleasant Street.
Later styles also grace the district. Notice 97 Lake Avenue. It is a Queen Anne Victorian with flared eaves and a conical tower. The house also features an elaborate porte cochere. Stick styling appears at 908 Beacon Street. A Colonial Revival home stands at 38 Lake Avenue.
David Andrews president of the Boston Bridge Works Company built this house around 1893. From here he had excellent views of Crystal Lake.
Crystal Lake itself has a rich history. It was once called Wiswall’s Pond. Later it became known as Baptist Pond. In the 1800s, it was one of three Newton lakes used for ice harvesting. To make the ice more appealing the name changed to Crystal Lake.
The lake covers 33 acres. It is considered a “great pond” under Massachusetts law. That means it is larger than 10 acres. Crystal Lake is spring-fed. It drains into the Charles River.
In 1871, the Commissioners on Inland Fisheries leased the lake. They stocked it with black bass salmon and perch. The Newton Centre Improvement Association also took an interest. They installed a seawall and gas lighting at Cronin’s Cove in 1863. In 1883, they built the embankment on Lake Avenue. Gas lighting allowed for winter night skating.
July 4th celebrations were a big deal here. People gathered on Lake Avenue for water sports band concerts and fireworks. Canoes and rowboats dotted the lake. Public swimming took place in the southern corner.
The Crystal Lake Ice House operated near Centre Street and Norwood Avenue. Ice harvesting was a major industry. George Ellis took over the business and ran it into the 1930s. Ice was packed in sawdust and delivered door-to-door.
Many houses around Crystal Lake were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Residents often commuted to Boston by train. In 1908, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that Crystal Lake was public domain.
Today Crystal Lake and Pleasant Street Historic District blends history recreation and natural beauty. Here the past and present intertwine. Take a stroll around Crystal Lake and soak in the scenery.