Rediscovering Newton: An Interpretive Architectural History, by Christy Davis chronicles the boom and bust periods of Newton's history which is directly associated with the historic fabric remaining within the Newton Main Street Historic District. Twenty-five of the structures date from the 1870s through the 1880s. There was a small resurgence in the mid-1890s as a result of the reorganization of the Santa Fe Railroad. There are at least 12 buildings that were built circa 1896. Newtonians were cautious with the new growth and maintained a steady growth from 1896 through 1910. It was during this time the funding for the Carnegie Library was obtained and the first Newton post office was built in the Renaissance Revival Style. The City Beautiful Movement also influenced the development of Newton's historic fabric as more people from all socio-economic strata had access to architect designed structures. The next two decades, 1920s -1930s, accounted for several storefront renovations and approximately 12 new buildings. - NRHP, 22 September 2003