General Information

The Underwood Elementary School has a rich and lengthy history dating back to the 18^thcentury. Located on Vernon Street, the original school was a wood frame building that faced Farlow Park and opened in 1874 (pictures of the first Underwood can be seen in the corridor outside the library). With distinctive architecture and wonderful exterior details, the school building that we currently inhabit was built in 1924 and renovated in 1979. The Newton Public School Committee report describes Underwood as, “A more beautiful, convenient and at the same time economical school-house it is believed is not possessed by the Town, than the building at the corner of Vernon and Eldridge Streets, which was designed by the architect Mr. George F. Meacham of the same village.” This enduring school was “one of five Newton grammar schools built in this time period in response to the significant increase in post-WW I home construction.”

Both the original and current schools were named after Newton resident Adin B. Underwood who had a distinguished military career serving for the Northern army in the Civil War. In 1863, Colonel Underwood was badly wounded in the assault on Lookout Mountain in Tennessee while leading the 33^rd Massachusetts Regiment. As a result of his bravery Colonel Underwood was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. Following the end of the war, General Underwood served the city of Newton as moderator of Town Meeting in 1873, he raised funds for the construction of the Newton Free Library, served on the Newton School Committee from 1871 – 1872, and finally was the chairman of the Newton School Committee from 1872 – 1873. General Underwood lived on the side of Farlow Park where the original old Muzzey farm had once been. It is an honor to have General Underwood’s legacy continue through the naming of our school.

In its 137 year history the Underwood school has been home to countless students and families. One of the more famous students is actor Matt Damon and the renowned educator, Howard Gardner (author of the Multiple Intelligence Theory) was a former Underwood teacher. In addition, many families have been associated with Underwood for generations as several current parents were once former Underwood students