Discover: Train station

Location: Old Colony Railroad Station

About the Location

Location: Railroad Station - 80 Mechanic Street
Date Constructed: 1881-1883
Original Purpose: Old Colony Railroad Station
Architects: H. H. Richardson, Frederick law Olmsted
Notable people involved in construction: Frederick Lothrop Ames (commissioned the station)

This train station was commissioned in 1881 by Frederick Lothrop Ames, along with the iconic Ames Gate Lodge both at the same time, from the legendary architect H. H. Richardson. The surrounding landscaping was done by Frederick Law Olmsted. This landscape itself is a longstanding part of this location's history, with sycamore trees standing tall outside. The station itself opened in 1883 and ran until November 1959. In 1969 the building was bought by the Ames family and given to the Easton Historical Society.

What is it used for now?

The station, now under the ownership of the Easton Historical Society Museum, was turned into a museum, and thus a place to keep a record of Easton's history. A lot of work was done to restore the Station over the years, collecting photos and documents along the way. Nowadays, the museum is open to visitors, and hosts tours of the station, along with walking tours. The Easton Historical Society has their collection of historical resources available for research at the museum.

Audio Tour:

History is right around the corner!

Just nearby you can find Shovel shop Pond, and the Governor Oliver Ames Estate Community park.

☎ 508-238-7774

Easton Historical Society and Museum
PO Box 3
80 Mechanic Street
North Easton, MA 02356

Hello! June closes with a beautiful weekend of sun and warm, summer temperatures. This weekend would be terrific for sunning on the beach, working in the yard, cooking out, or taking in a ball game.

Sixty-five years ago that is exactly what was going on at Frothingham Park. In the summer of 1957, someone took a photo of a baseball game being played at Frothingham. The photo is taken from the hill near the Sheridan Street gate, and overlooks the outfield towards home plate. Though the photo is printed in black and white, one can easily see why playing ball at Frothingham Park is such a special experience! The field is well manicured, the basepaths smooth, the infield and outfield grass short and sturdy. Dozens of people are watching from the concrete stands. Others find the shade of the beautiful trees is the best place to watch from. Since the trees are well leafed out, I think this might be a summer game, perhaps our beloved Easton Huskies. How many of us have trekked to the Park to watch the Huskies, or our Oliver Ames High School teams, or Little League teams play? Even better, how many of us played in any of those games? With its beautiful baseball field, shade trees, natural beauty, and welcoming water fountain, Frothingham Park has no equal when it comes to a great place for sports. Today the Park is still a wonderful place to play in, or watch a baseball game. This photo, taken from approximately the same location as the 1957 photo, looks over that same green outfield towards the area of home plate. The field itself, aptly named for the late Robert "Buddy" Wooster who took such great care of the field, the park, and played games there, is as nicely kept as ever. The trees have matured since that 1957 photo was taken, providing even more beauty and shade. Driving by one can still catch a good ballgame, and certainly catch memories of heroics of years past. Does anyone remember Ken MacAfee hitting a ball onto Sheridan Street, over the iron fence? That must have been a truly Ruthian blast! Today the Park provides a safe playspace for young people, basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts, a track and paths for walking. A new pavilion adds a nice piece to an already inviting area. How many people packed a picnic lunch and escaped to the shady places at the Park to escape the summer heat? The Park is many things to many people, and a true treasure to our town since its establishment in 1930 as a gift from Mrs. Mary Ames Frothingham in memory of her late husband, Congressman Louis A. Frothingham. By the way, Mr. Frothingham was an excellent athlete and one of the best baseball players ever at Harvard. During the Great Depression, the Park was an anchor for so many. During this past pandemic, the Park once again proved its importance to so many people as a place to play, a place to relax, and a center of our community. Until next week, stay well,
Frank