Every building has its story. The history of the stone and cement tells tales of years past—but not forgotten. Two of the most historically significant and well-frequented spots in town are Robbins Library and Town Hall, located next to each other in Arlington Center. Robbins Library Robbins Library was first built in 1807 in what was then West Cambridge. In 1835, a doctor by the name of Ebenezer Learned left $100 in his will to establish a juvenile section of the library. Learned's donation made it possible for Robbins to become the first continuous and free children's library in the nation…

The Capitol Theatre, 204 Massachusetts Ave., is Arlington's eldest cinema. The theatre first opened its door all the way back in November of 1925. Movies back then were at the height of the silent film era, just a few years before “talkies” began to take over. Popular films that could have been up at the Capitol during this time include: Battleship Potemkin, Chaplin's The Gold Rush and The Phantom of the Opera. The theatre was built by the Locatelli family, who were also responsible for the Ball Square Theatre and Central Theatre, both in Somerville. Originally, the cinema housed some 1,600 …

The Highland Hose House 1007 Massachusetts Ave., was erected in 1928. The uniqueness of this fire station is due to innovative architect, George Ernest Robinson, who designed all three major fire stations in Arlington. Beginning with the Central Fire Station in 1926, he used a revolutionary new design credited as the first octagonal fire station in the country—now a regular design for fire stations. The importance of the octagonal design stems from the fact that up to six engines can get in and out at the same time. The iconic tall tower that tops the Highland Hose House was constructed to …

Arlington's early economic industry was based around the saw mill, and no mill was more productive than Charles Schwamb's water-powered lumber mill located on 17 Mill Lane. Today, Schwamb Mill is recognized as the oldest continuously operating mill in the country. The first mill built on this site was in 1650. The mill as it's known today was erected in 1861 and given it's name when brothers Charles and Frederick purchased the property in 1864. The primary function of the saw mill during the Schwamb's control was to create piano casing for the burgeoning Boston piano industry. Later, the …

The Calvary Church, United Methodist, located at 300 Massachusetts Ave., is one of Arlington's eldest and most developed spiritual communities. To examine how the Calvary Church was created, let's first take a look back at how Methodist practices were founded in the area. Methodism, a movement of Protestant Christianity, traces its roots to John and Charles Welsey, two evangelical revivalists brothers out of Epworth, North Lincolnshire, England between 1729-1735. The Welseys preached a methodical approach to bible study and Christian living which included regular fasting and avoiding …

The Jason Russell House, located on 1048 Massachusetts Ave., was built in 1740 by farmer Jason Russell for his new bride, Elizabeth Winship. Originally, the house was a small, two-room abode made from the oak trees that grew on Russell's property. A decade later, Russell added two more rooms and a set of five windows across the top. This is the house that stands today, a relic of life from over 270 years ago. Today, the Jason Russell House is managed by the Arlington Historical Society who welcome visitors weekly on Saturday and Sunday from 1–4 p.m during the months between mid-April and …

Prince Hall Cemetery—or The Prince Hall Mystic Cemetery—and the conjoined Masonic Lodge—Prince Hall—were founded at the inception of our country. Prince Hall himself was a black man originally from Barbados who fled with his native father and white mother to Massachusetts to avoid persecution. Hall quickly got involved in the word of God and became a popular Methodist Minister around Boston. Hall was a staunch abolitionist who worked to free those enslaved during the founding of our country. Hall primarily worked within the channels of freemasonry, education and the military to quell the …

The Menotomy Minuteman Historical Trail is a chance to have a walk or bike ride through Arlington's past. This 10-mile stretch of asphalt begins at Alewife Station in Cambridge and goes all the way through South Road in Bedford. Along the trail there are many attractions to perk the interest of any history buff. Here is a rundown of some key stops: Jefferson Cutter Houses/Cyrus E. Dallin Museum – Beginning at the 1 Whitteemore Park, a homage to one of Arlington's most prominent sculptors kicks off our journey. Whittemore Marker – A plaque that tells the story of Samuel Whittemore, an Officer …