Dan Antion

Waltham and Newton

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When I was searching for “historic train stations near me” Google provided me with a map of several. I clicked on the ones close to my route to Burlington, Massachusetts (MA) and copied the address of four. I sent the addresses to myself in an email. Then, once in my car (not moving), I could open the email, click on an address and have my GPS take me there. Easy peasy.

Except…

Google highlighted a very old railroad depot in Newton, MA but neglected to point out a historic railroad district in the same town that I think has several historic railroad buildings. Opportunity lost but not forever. I’ll be back in Newton later this year.

The depot, presumably a freight depot, seems to be in an odd place. First off, it’s on a hill. Train stations are usually on level ground. Second, it’s next to a rather large church that was built in 1870. I looked for some information, but I didn’t come up with much.

Today’s gallery includes a few photos of that depot, as well as some interesting doors in and around Newton and Waltham, MA. I might be done with doors from this trip, but I might have a few leftovers. I’ll have to see if I get out to gather new doors before next Thursday. If you’re doing the math and are thinking, Worcester, Newton, Waltham—where’s the fourth train station? It was Bedford Depot, which is now a park. I checked and I was there in October 2019.

Heading up this hill, I spied what I guessed was the depot. It seems out of place.
It has the appearance of a freight depot rather than a passenger terminal
That looks like a loading dock to me
An entrance for people, but it doesn’t seem like it is for passengers
From the northwest. I’m still not sure where the trains would go
View of the depot from the parking lot of the church
Church sign
Mary Immaculate of Lourdes church. Sorry for the crazy angle. The streets are very narrow
Main entrance of Mary Immaculate of Lourdes churc
This building is next to the church.
I’m not sure if the building on the left is a parish house or rectory but the two buildings seem related
This building is at the bottom of the hill. It simply says, Building 3
Directly across from the depot. Multiple entrances suggest apartments
I think these are apartments,
This house has a flag, so it’s in.

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113 comments

    • Much like your comment on your post, I came away with more questions than answers on this one. I would assume that the church wouldn’t have had a huge parking lot in the 19th century, so maybe the tracks ran perpendicular to the depot, but the land on the left (as you’re looking up the hill) wouldn’t be conducive to running rails. I had considered that they moved the depot, but if a town has a railroad historic district, why wouldn’t they move it there? Plus, it’s a stone building, so it’s unlikely they moved it. I do think the house across from it is related. In any case, I like it.

      Your post is quite interesting. Again, we wish we knew more. I hope you’re having a great week.

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply

    • Hi Robbie. Thanks for stopping by. The church did have an imposing feel to it. The streets were narrow with no place to park. The church’s lot was ringed with No Parking signs, so I was limited to taking photos from the car. Those columns were massive. If I return to check out the other railroad stations, maybe I’ll be able to find out more about this one.

      Liked by 1 person

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    • The parking lot for the church is fairly level. I suppose they wouldn’t have needed that much room in the 1870’s. Maybe the tracks ran parallel to the street in front of the church and the depot was off on a siding. I hope I can find out more when I return to Newton to see the other stations.

      I like the houses you have today, especially the center photo.

      Liked by 1 person

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  14. Beautiful photos and doors, Dan! I like the freight depot images. Very interesting how the building angles on a hill.
    That house next to the church…what and amazing capture; the sun was just right to give your photo a spectacular effect! Great work.
    And thanks for traveling to capture this history. It’s nice to see the buildings are in use.

    Liked by 2 people

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    • Thanks Suzette. It’s always good to see these old buildings still standing and being maintained. I hope to learn more about its history, but for now, I enjoy having seen it. I was happy to find the church and that other building on the same corner. One stop and a gallery full of doors.

      Speaking of churches, you found one of the most interesting ones of all.

      Liked by 1 person

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      • And a beautifully captured gallery indeed. Thank you, Dan.
        Thank you. Beavais Cathedral is certainly interesting, including its history and its struggles. Yet, it still stands today with a 900 year old World record still intact.

        Liked by 1 person

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  25. Beautiful collection, Dan. In the 1980s my family and I lived in an old stone cottage in Ossining, NY. Seeing your photos brought back memories of the little creatures that would squirm inside. 😊

    Liked by 2 people

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  26. The train depot seems odd, but all the better for visiting. I was glad to have the slide show because it helped me see more of that depot; I loved the brick work around the windows, and also the sort-of-diamond-shaped windows above the doors on the side. I wonder if you’ll ever know where the trains were. I’d agree that the building next to the church goes with it; I hope they can maintain both — they are quite a twosome!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • I think these are both keepers. The depot seems to be well maintained, even if not well documented. I hope to return to see the other stations. Maybe there will be more information there. The details are quite interesting, and it looks like someone was very interested in preserving it.

      Liked by 1 person

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    • I don’t see how it could be a railroad depot, Frank. I hope to find more information about it later this year. I do like it, though and I’m convinced that little house goes with it.

      Like

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  29. Even though the building is odd to have been a depot, it is one beautiful structure. I love the stonework. The columns at the church entrance are pretty awesome. Those arched windows are more than a little handsome.

    The building next door does seem like a parish house…they compliment each other. And the way the sun is shining on it, well it looks like it’s straight from the hand of God! 🤗

    The first building that you think may be apartments, it looks to me like a really nice duplex. Another attractive building.

    These are all nicely maintained which adds to their beauty and charm.
    Ginger

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Hi Ginger. You echo my thoughts on the house, church and depot. The duplex across the street is huge. I’m not sure about the structure behind it. I wanted to start honking my horn to get someone to come out and explain this mysterious corner.

      The sun on the parish house did make for an interesting image.

      I hope this has been a nice week for you.

      Like

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  31. Hi Dan – I enjoy seeing these … but I note your thought about the Depot not being moved … so look forward to seeing and learning more – cheers Hilary

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Thanks Hilary. We don’t have many stone buildings here. It’s possible the depot was there before the trains, but why build it on a hill. Even horses wouldn’t like that. I do hope to find out more later this year.

      Liked by 1 person

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      • There always a story there somewhere–I hope you find this one.

        Yes, I actually went back to photograph the third house after I discovered their were all designed by the same architect–initially I only took pictures of the twins. It still seems very odd to me.

        Liked by 1 person

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      • The fact that WordPress is an unending frustration makes it at least as bad. I appreciate your empathy, Dan. I know I can still make a book of it when I’m ready, but the exposure to a completely different group of readers was the point of me doing it. Oh well — onward.

        Liked by 1 person

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  35. Well, there goes your surprise gift, Dan…🙄 WP is getting stranger and stranger.
    That depot is beautiful. I wonder if the house across the street housed whoever managed the depot? I don’t know but I don’t think I’d mind living there…until Gwen mentioned about the little creatures squirming inside!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Haha – I had the same reaction to Gwen’s comment, Lois. I’m sure the two buildings go together, I just wish I knew why.

      I kept seeing that banner when I was proofing this post. I Was worried that people would think I was trying to monetize Thursday Doors – that is so not me. And I have a paid plan, there isn’t supposed to be any advertising. If I see that ad again, it’s time for a screenshot and a WTH (you know) message to the happiness engineers.

      Liked by 1 person

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    • My only clue is that when I searched for depots, this turned up. It certainly looks more like a freight terminal of sorts, but whether what was coming and going was on a rail or a wagon, I don’t know why you’d build it on a hill. I think the building across the street belongs with the depot. I hope to figure out how.

      Liked by 1 person

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  45. Brilliant! I love that arched door of the depot so much, as well as the small house next to it and those tall columns of the church. To many more happy door expeditions! (And yes, I have noticed that petition to buy you the plan and chuckled. I’d much rather buy you a door.)

    I could lie and say that I went to our train station especially for Thursday Doors but that came as an afterthought. It all came together very well, as you will see. https://manjameximexcessive6.wordpress.com/2023/03/09/thursday-doors-9-3-23-capalbio-train-station/#Capalbio#trainstation#Tuscany

    Liked by 1 person

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    • I’m guessing it was some sort of depot at some point in the past. I hope to have a chance to learn more about it later this year.

      I like that “beach home” you shared. That’s beautiful.

      Liked by 1 person

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    • I like the stone buildings, Brenda. We don’t see many of those. I’m guessing that building goes with the church. In any case, I do like it. You have very nice doors and a great story to share today.

      Like

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  54. I can understand your wondering about the freight depot. And why is it next to a church? It is a beautiful stone building. The pillars on the church almost mask the door. Finally, a house with a flag should definitely be in. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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