The Newton Centre Tree Club, forerunner of the Newton Centre Improvement Association, was Newtons first improvement society and possibly the earliest in Massachusetts. It was organized by Town Clerk Marshall Rice, Luther Paul, and James F. C. Hyde, who later became Newtons first mayor.

In September 1852, they issued a call to the citizens of Newton Centre and vicinity who were "fond of cooling shade in sultry days," inviting them to form an association for the purpose of improving and beautifying the village roads and commons. Of particular concern was the Newton Centre Green, formerly the training field, which was in very poor condition.

In choosing to form an association, they were also aware that by acting together they would be able to command more attention for their projects than they could as individuals and they began to work on the common and plant trees along the roadways. Although the Tree Club lasted less than three years, it was a model for future organizations.

In 1869-70, Rice and Hyde and others in the First School District (Newton Centre) formed a new committee with a broader mandate to look after a wide range of village interests and called it the Prudential Committee of the First School District. Their concerns for "sewerage, gas, water, police, railroad facilities and the development of those natural advantages, which need only judicious and concerted attention to make this the favorite Village of the Town for residences," reflected the aspirations of the emerging suburban community.

In September 1879, citizens of Newton Centre came together again, this time forming the Newton Centre Rural Club, and recording their activities in the original Tree Club record book. At a meeting in March of the following year, Mr. Hyde gave an account of the early Tree Club, describing "how members labored in setting out trees along the roadsides, many of which are now standing and are large trees."

Two months later, without mentioning the change, the group began to call themselves the Newton Centre Improvement Association. Under its aegis, the Common again received attention, and an embankment and walkway were built along the shore of Crystal Lake where skating, swimming and Fourth of July festivities were held. A major accomplishment in the 1890s was the acquisition and development of the Newton Centre Playground, which was laid out by the nations foremost landscape architect, Fredrick Law Olmsted.

The playground remains generally intact today, although a portion was taken for school construction in the 1950s. Despite development and changes in the area, the park remains as a testimonial to the foresight and perseverance of the Newton Centre Improvement Association.

The collection includes the papers of the Newton Centre Tree Club 1853-1859, the papers of the Prudential Committee of the First School District 1869-70, and the papers of the Newton Centre Improvement Association 1878-1926.

No. of Boxes: 3 ms boxes
Finding Aid: Yes. Index to bound volumes.
References: Abele, Rowe