Then and Now: Silver Lake

Silver Lake was once a very popular summer retreat destination for people in Boston and surrounding areas. Vacationers came up to Silver Lake via a mass-transit train that left them near the lake. Entrepreneurs bought up large tracts of land and split them up, which were turned into summer cottages for all the tourists.

Eastern Mass Street Railway Co. organized excursions to Wilmington and soon the area was covered in small cottages. Boats were once for rent off Grove Beach and there was little in the way of proper streets or development. 

After Wilmington residents cried out about a lack of quality housing, the Silver Lake area was turned into proper residential homes. Today, Silver Lake is a local treasure for sun worshippers and fisherman alike. During the winter months, the lake, once a bustling center for ice-distribution, is now a favorite hockey spot for local children and ice-fishing for adults.