Weston's Old Library
The Weston Public Library is one of the three most important town-owned buildings. With the Josiah Smith Tavern and Town Hall, it forms an ensemble of remarkable architectural quality framing the Town Green in the heart of Weston. In 1899, the town allocated $40,000 for construction of the library. Work began in November 1899 and was completed exactly one year later. The 1899 Library, now known as the Old Library, served the town for nearly a century, until 1996, when the present building was constructed. Since that time, the Old Library has been used sporadically, for town offices when Town Hall was renovated, for recreation offices and programs, and even for Halloween haunted houses, all the while awaiting a new use. The building is solidly constructed and remains remarkably unchanged.
Josiah Smith Tavern
The Josiah Smith Tavern flourished from 1757 until 1838, when the Massachusetts Legislature passed the so-called "Fifteen Gallon Law" prohibiting sales of spirits in less than 15 gallon quantities. The former tavern became a residence. In 1842 it was sold to brothers John and Marshall Jones, who owned a prosperous paint and harness-making business in the town center. John’s son Theodore painted and trimmed carriages in the barn.
Three generations of the Jones family made their home at the former Josiah Smith Tavern. In the mid-20th century, Alice and Ellen Jones willed the building and its contents to the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities (now Historic New England), which leased and then sold it to the town of Weston in 1983. Both the exterior and interior are protected with preservation restrictions lasting 500 years. These restrictions must be considered in any plan.
Three generations of the Jones family made their home at the former Josiah Smith Tavern. In the mid-20th century, Alice and Ellen Jones willed the building and its contents to the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities (now Historic New England), which leased and then sold it to the town of Weston in 1983. Both the exterior and interior are protected with preservation restrictions lasting 500 years. These restrictions must be considered in any plan.
Tavernside Park
Tavernside is a nice fenced in playground in Weston Center. It has two large wooden structures, one for older children and one for toddlers. There is a large sandbox in the center filled with toys. It is positioned under a canopy for sun protection. There are infant swings and bigger swings in addition to a small wooden car and play house. This is a great play area for any age child.
The WCCA, or Weston Community Children's Association, provides friendship, support, educational and social activities to families of infant to early elementary age children living in Weston and surrounding communities. Founded in 1981 in response to a study conducted by the Weston League of Women Voters, the WCCA is a unique organization that focuses on the needs of parents and children. The Weston Community Children’s Association sponsored the construction of Tavernside Park in 1983-84 on a budget of $17,000. The organization's attention then turned to the physical task of installing the equipment. They had some amazingly dedicated volunteers who did everything from equipment layout, to rock moving, to hand spreading the pea stone to actually installing the equipment. The WCCA continues supervision of Tavernside playground.
The WCCA, or Weston Community Children's Association, provides friendship, support, educational and social activities to families of infant to early elementary age children living in Weston and surrounding communities. Founded in 1981 in response to a study conducted by the Weston League of Women Voters, the WCCA is a unique organization that focuses on the needs of parents and children. The Weston Community Children’s Association sponsored the construction of Tavernside Park in 1983-84 on a budget of $17,000. The organization's attention then turned to the physical task of installing the equipment. They had some amazingly dedicated volunteers who did everything from equipment layout, to rock moving, to hand spreading the pea stone to actually installing the equipment. The WCCA continues supervision of Tavernside playground.