Wellesley
Massachusetts
Town Of Wellesley
History:
More than 350 years ago, when a handful of men first settled the area around the Charles River that is now known as Wellesley, they were so delighted with their new town that they named it "Contentment." Although the name has changed over the centuries, the feeling of pride and satisfaction on the part of the residents toward their home still remains strong. For many residents, this feeling of community was best summed up in the 1981 Centennial Celebration, a year-long discovery of Wellesley which brought a new sense of awareness of its history, a new enjoyment of its present, and a renewed commitment to its future.
Through a history book, two multi-media shows, a time capsule, a historical play starring current elected officials as Wellesley's founding fathers, town-wide parties and birthday cakes, and skits for schools and summer camps, Wellesley spent a year learning about its past.
It learned that in the 1630s, after negotiations with Indian Chiefs Nehoiden and Maugus (whose names are still seen in town today), the first nineteen hardy pioneers paid five pounds of currency and three pounds of corn for the land which would become Wellesley. At the time, it made up part of a larger town, named Dedham. The land was good and within 75 years enough families were living in a section of Dedham so that a new town split off, named Needham. The western part of this new town, the part which was to become Wellesley, was called West Needham, and spent most of the 18th and 19th centuries as a small, quiet farming town. Men from West Needham joined their neighbors to fight and die at the beginning of the Revolutionary War at Concord on April 18, 1775, and at Gettysburg less than a century later.
In the 1820s farmers drove their produce to Faneuil Hall Market in Boston, and returned home to the popular clubs of the day: the "Newton, Needham and Natick Society for Apprehending Horse Thieves," and the Temperance Society. Then, in the 1830s, the railroad came to town, bringing Boston businessmen and the most modern way of life, forever changing the face of the quiet town.
One of the businessmen attracted to this pretty, restful place was Henry Durant, who in 1875 startled the countryside by founding Wellesley College, a college for women which has become one of the most respected colleges in the country, on its beautiful lakeside campus. He named the college to honor his next-door neighbor, Horatio Hollis Hunnewell, a wealthy businessman and town benefactor whose mansion was named "Wellesley" in commemoration of his wife, whose maiden name was Welles.
By 1880 the pace of life in town was quickening. Suddenly modern life was descending from all sides. There was the first newspaper, bank and telephone, with new churches and homes. Most importantly, the sense of identity which "West Needham" had always felt began to assert itself. Under the leadership of men like Durant and Hunnewell, joining together with the sharp town politician Joseph Fiske, Wellesley residents organized themselves and pushed for separation from Needham.
There was intrigue and frenzy, with a heated meeting at the town hall (which doubled as the poor farm and which later became the Wellesley Country Club), but finally the men of Wellesley triumphed and on April 6, 1881 the Massachusetts legislature christened the new town of Wellesley, which took its name as a tribute to benefactor Hunnewell.
Progress continued to come rapidly, and within a decade the most modern conveniences had replaced the kerosene lanterns, the puddled paths overgrown with grass, and the cattle and grocers' wagons which had filled the streets. The town fathers, with money, political experience and community spirit behind them, decided that Wellesley should develop as a carefully planned and lovingly nurtured new town. Whatever was best, that was what Wellesley would have. Before the turn of the century there were: railroad stations designed by H.H. Richardson and Frederick Law Olmsted, America's greatest landscape architect; the first golf course in Massachusetts; a pioneering water system; commissioners to lay out park lands; Town Improvement Societies; town playgrounds; trolley cars; excellent schools; carefully planned neighborhoods; and, most important, a sense of optimism and pride.
Through the foresight of town fathers who in 1914 made Wellesley the first town in America to adopt zoning laws, Wellesley grew into a beautiful town. By the 1920s it was recognized as one of the leading suburbs of Boston, becoming a center for shopping when Filene's department store opened its first branch.
Katharine Lee Bates, a town resident and Wellesley College professor who in 1893 wrote "America the Beautiful," was perhaps the first person to bring the name of her home town to international attention when her song became popular among soldiers during World War I. Other Wellesley residents have throughout the years continued her example of devotion to town and country, in their own fields and their own way.
Recent News
Town Of Wellesley News - MBTA Spring Service Schedules
MBTA Spring Service Schedules The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has announced minor changes in some service schedules this spring. The changes affect bus, subway, commuter rail, and ferry service and will go into effect…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley -Spring CPR And Water Safety Classes
The Wellesley Police Department is hosting CPR & Water Safety classes this spring, in partnership with the American Red Cross. Classes are planned for Tuesday, April 25 and Thursday, April 27. Participants must be at least 16 years old. …
Read More »Unofficial Results for Annual Town Election March 7, 2023
The UNOFFICIAL Results for the March 7, 2023 Annual Town Election are available online. The unofficial results include all ballots by voters either in-person at the polls or by mail received by 8:00 PM on Election Day. The results do not include…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley News - Household Hazards Program on March 8, 2023
Household Hazards Program on March 8 Protect yourself and your family from common household hazards. On Wednesday, March 8 at 5:00 p.m. the Health Department and the Fire Department are hosting an in-person household safety program in the…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley News : MBTA Service Changes in March
MBTA riders can expect service changes to subway lines in Boston during the month of March. During the weekends of March 4-5 and March 25-26, the Red Line will undergo some changes as a new digital signal system is installed. Shuttle buses will…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley News - Happy 112th Birthday Herlda Senhouse!
Happy 112th Birthday Herlda Senhouse! Wellesley's oldest resident, Herlda Senhouse, celebrated her 112th birthday on Tuesday, February 28. More than 50 family members and friends threw a surprise birthday party for her. Some of the attendees flew…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley News : Register Now! Opt-in Energy Code Webinar is March 8
Click Here to View the Information About Town Of Wellesley News : Register Now! Opt-in Energy Code Webinar is March…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley News Vote By Mail Application Deadline Is February 28, 2023
The deadline to submit an application to Vote by Mail in Wellesley's Annual Election is Tuesday, February 28. Applications must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. Online applications may be emailed to [email protected]. Paper…
Read More »Spring 2023 Traffic Box Artists Wanted
More artists are needed to paint Wellesley traffic signal boxes this spring! To help make our community even more colorful and enhance the visual experience for Town residents and visitors, the Wellesley Public Art Committee (PAC) is working with…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley : Check out these programs Week of February 27, 2023
Do you know what "The Body Scan Practice" is? Via ZOOM Mindfulness Practice with Neil Motenko Monday, February 27th 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. The body scan lies at the core of mindfulness practices. In the next session of Mindfulness Practice…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley News : Design Review Board Vacancies
Serve on the Design Review Board (DRB) and help make design recommendations for signage and other projects in Wellesley. Working with the Wellesley Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals, the DRB helps ensure that signs and projects…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley News : Register to Vote!
Register to vote in Wellesley's Annual Election, taking place on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. The last day to register or change your voter registration is Saturday, February 25 at 5:00 p.m. Voters can register online or in-person at the Town Clerk's…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley COA Programs Week of February 20, 2023 And registration
March/April Registration Begins: Wednesday, February 22nd at 9:00 AM Wellesley residents Thursday, February 23rd at 9:00 AM Non-Wellesley residents PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR OFFICE IS CLOSED ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH FOR PRESIDENTS' DAY How…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley News : Vote By Mail Ballots
Vote by Mail ballots for the 2023 Annual Town Election have been mailed. Voters who requested a mailed ballot should watch for these envelopes in the next few days. If you would still like to request a mailed ballot, please complete and return…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley News : Wellesley Police Launch New UAV Program
The Wellesley Police Department has launched a new Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or 'drone' program. This video outlines what a UAV is and how it will be used by the Wellesley Police Department. Click Here to View the More Information About Town…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley COA Highlights - February 13, 2023
In The Upcoming Week...... for February 16th There is still space available for our February programming! To learn more, please check out our newsletter here. You can sign-up for remaining February programs, online, over the phone (781) 235-3961…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley - Listeria Update from the Health Department
The Health Department is asking residents to check food labels after some products sold in Massachusetts are being recalled due to possible Listeria concerns. The items were sold under the Fresh Creative Cuisine label in stores and vending…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley News - Take the WPS Strategic Planning Survey
Take the WPS Strategic Planning Survey Take part in the Wellesley Public Schools strategic planning process. Share your thoughts by completing a survey that will help WPS chart a course for the future. All residents are invited to…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley News : PACT Act Workshop for Veterans on February 9, 2023
Local Veterans can learn about the PACT Act at a workshop on Thursday, February 9. The PACT (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics) Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley News - Pay Tax Bills Online
Pay Tax Bills Online Real estate and personal property tax bills for the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2023 are due on Wednesday, February 1. Residents are strongly encouraged to pay bills online. Go to the Town of Wellesley website and…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley : School Committee Newsletter January 24, 2023
-The Committee approved the WHS and WMS Programs of Studies for the 2023-24 school year. -Ms. Mahr presented the 2nd Quarterly Financial Report for FY23. -The Committee discussed and asked questions regarding the Recommended FY24 Budget.…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley News - Winter Walk to School Day is February 1, 2023
Winter Walk to School Day is February 1 Don your boots, coat, and a warm hat for Wellesley’s Winter Walk & Roll to School event on Wednesday, February 1! It’s fun, invigorating and celebrates the benefits of staying active…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley News : First EV In Service For WPD
Wellesley Police Department is debuting its first all Electric Vehicle (EV) in service to the community. The new police cruiser is a big step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A generous donation from a resident provided funding for…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley News : Deadline To Pay Tax Bills Is February 1
Real estate and personal property tax bills for the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2023 are due on Wednesday, February 1. Residents are strongly encouraged to pay bills online. The online payment system is available through the Town website. Many…
Read More »Coffee and Conversation Series on Wetlands on January 31 and February 14, 2023
What's the difference between a marsh, swamp, or a vernal pool? Learn about Wellesley's wetlands at a new coffee and conversation series. Join the Town Wetlands Administrator and staff on Tuesday, January 31, and February 14 from 9:00 a.m. to…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley News - Candidates for Town Wide Office
Candidates for Town Wide Office Wellesley's Annual Election is Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Meet the candidates running for a town wide Board or Committee position. Click here for More…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley News : Make a Dinner Date for January 31
Join the Health Department for an important discussion about dinner! Mealtime may be the only time that families reconnect, recharge, and share stories. On Tuesday, January 31 at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Anne Fishel will host a virtual presentation on Why…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley News : Welcome VSO TJ Tedeschi
Wellesley’s new Deputy Veterans Services Officer (VSO) brings extensive military experience to his municipal government role. The Town recently hired retired Marine Corps Major TJ Tedeschi, a career officer who spent 21-years on active…
Read More »Pull Papers for Town Wide Office by January 13, 2023
Want to run for a town wide office in Wellesley? The deadline to obtain nomination papers is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 13. Interested candidates must be Wellesley residents, and for some offices, must also be registered voters. Papers are…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley - Home Heating And Cooling Webinar
Save money on home heating and cooling with government incentives and expert advice. Join the Climate Action Committee, Wellesley Municipal Light Plant, and Sustainable Wellesley on Wednesday, January 18 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for a virtual…
Read More »Town Of Wellesley News : Meet Wellesley's New Director of Senior Services
Wellesley has a new Director of Senior Services to begin the new year. Deb Greenwood is settling into her new role at the Council on Aging (COA) and brings many years of experience working in Human Services to her job, including directing…
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