Photo by Hyacinth Brauner
For generations, even before there was a Wellesley, townspeople have known the name Hunnewell.
Many are aware Horatio Hollis Hunnewell donated the land and funds for what is now Town Hall. Others attended Hunnewell School. Newcomers driving down Route 16 toward South Natick have noticed and wondered about a magnificent white lakeside house, without being aware that the town itself is named after the historic building. (Finished by Hunnewell in 1852, Wellesley, was named after the family of his wife, Isabella Welles-Hunnewell. Later, the residents of West Needham successfully petitioned to change the name of their town to Wellesley, to honor their benefactor.)