Newton is one of the largest populated suburban cities in Massachusetts, with approximately eighty five thousand people. It is around seven to ten miles west of Boston depending on what part of Newton you were going. Newton is divided up into north side and south side, this started in the 1900s when Newton started to expand. In the mid 1900s two high schools were created, Newton North and Newton South. Depending on what part of town you lived on you went to one of the two. After living in the Newton community for a couple of years it seemed as though everyone knew each other especially if engaged in local activities. Its very surprising how people can go about their busy lives for years and not knowing the history that lies right around you.…show more content… John was born in West Medford, Massachusetts in 1907 and was one of ten children. When he was just eleven years old he began to have the passion for running, he ran his first race at a park in Boston. His older brother Jim was also running the hundred yard dash and he beat John with a prize of maple sugar candy (Johnson 4). John then attended Arlington High School where he ran track and cross country. Since he ran such a good time of around four minutes in the mile he received a scholarship to Boston University. John had no money, so when he wasnt focused on his studies or running, he worked in South Boston at a power…show more content… Also education for women was a big deal so the idea of women competing in physical activities against guys in marathons did not take place. It wasn't until 1966 when Bobbi Gibb made a stand and decided to train everyday and commit herself to competing in the marathon. It was said at that time that any female doing any physical activity of running, from anywhere more than a mile and a half a day was potentially deadly (New York Times by Katz
