Day 5: Main Street, Waltham

Wilson's Diner to I-95

Beginning at Wilson's Diner and ending at I-95, today's two-mile stroll along US-20 takes me through the heart of Waltham, a town that was first settled in 1634 as a part of Watertown but became its own town in 1734. Not until the 1830s did the town have a center, however, when a very successful textile mill was established. The Boston Manufacturing Company, owned by Francis Cabot Lowell (for whom Lowell, Massachusetts was named) was the first in the U.S. that integrated spinning and weaving. It served as the model for other large scale textile mills that came soon after, such as those in Lowell. You can read about it here: BMC.

Boston Manufacturing Company circa 1816

The building still stands, though it has been renovated for other businesses. Waltham also was home to the Waltham Watch Company (first assembly line watch manufacturer), established in 1854, which gave the town the nickname "Watch City."

Waltham's downtown has many remaining 19th century buildings, including the Trinity Church (Trinitarian denomination) at 730 Main Street. This church is one of several along US-20, reflecting the many religious faiths that are found in this ethnically diverse city. Not only do I see along my route evidence of traditional faiths (Catholic, Episcopal), but also a Ugandan Anglican Church, a Hispanic Evangelical Congregation (Ministerio Evangelico Rios de Agua Viva), and a Baha'i Community gathering place.  Other evidence of strong ethnic communities can be seen in these local news stories: Little Kampala and Hispanic Heritage.

Once I leave the downtown, though, I begin to see fewer businesses and more houses. Until I reach the junction with I-95, I'm in a residential area. The house that marks the end of my two miles today is at 364 Weston Street. Though it's a modest dwelling (3 BR, 1.5 baths) built in 1930, it was sold for $358,000 15 years ago and is now estimated to be worth over $500,000. That should give you an idea of what housing prices are like in this area.

364 Weston Street

But now that I'm at the junction of I-95, I end my walk for today. And since I've done my two hours of guitar practice, I can trek on to Weston!