Newton Main Street has compiled a book with pictures and stories from downtown Newton’s long ago past, and is selling the book as a fundraiser. Local Newton Historian Larry Hurto, who is also the Chair of Newton’s Historic Preservation Commission and a member of the Newton Main Street Design Committee, wrote the stories featured in the book. Hurto says the stories go back into the 1850’s era, with a story about a stagecoach company adding Newton to its route. In addition to the stories, Hurto says the pictures of Newton’s downtown many years ago are a big hit.

“That’s a big part of the draw for the publication I think. People like to look at what they are reading about. Of course the architectural outlook of Newton’s downtown has changed dramatically.”

Newton’s entire downtown district was added to the National Register of Historical Places in 2014,  because of the “Mid-Century Modern Construction” that took place in the late 1950’s. The book “Newton Main Street’s Stories from Downtown” was published by George Riggs, and can be purchased for $20, with all purchases helping fund projects and programs in downtown Newton. The book is available at Forbes Office Equipment in Newton, or at the Newton Main Street Online Store here. Learn more about the book from author Larry Hurto on today’s Let’s Talk Newton.