“The growth of any town or city is largely dependent on the character and expansive abilities of its industries and the character of the labor which these industries employ. Intelligent and educated labor is ambitious; it is made of the stuff that builds and creates; it enlarges its capabilities and forges to the front.”       Charles M. Thompson

By the early 1900s Norwood had come to be thought of as the “printing center of the United States.” Not only did they have two large printing companies and a small printing firm, but there was also a tannery that supplied leather for book covers, a company that made printing ink for newspapers, and a company that manufactured cloth for book covers.

The Norwood Business Association (pre-cursor to the Norwood Chamber of Commerce) believed Norwood was an excellent place to establish a new company. The railroad lines made commuting to Boston or to nearby towns easy, and provided a convenient way for companies to move their products. Fresh air and a bucolic lifestyle would be beneficial to employees and there was plenty of undeveloped land to build new homes and businesses upon. Plus, the town had excellent schools and churches, and offered a robust social life. The citizens and businesses of Norwood welcomed the idea of attracting new businesses to Norwood.

Click the links below to learn more:

How to Grow a Town –>

The Norwood Press –>

Plimpton Press: Book Making in its Entirety –>

Lock-Outs, Walk-Outs & Strikes –>

But What About the Women? –>

Holliston Mills: Wraps it up! –>

Extra! Extra! The Norwood Messenger –>

George H. Morrill Company –>

Norwood Baseball History

Norwood Baseball History

georgenhs Apr 20, 2026 0 min read

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The Naming of Norwood: A Story with More Questions Than Answers

The Naming of Norwood: A Story with More Questions Than Answers

georgenhs Apr 8, 2026 5 min read

Where did our wonderful town get its name? The question of how Norwood received its name has intrigued residents for more than 150 years. It is one of those local … Continue reading The Naming of Norwood: A Story with…

Mother-Daughter Duo Opens Accessible Rental-This Day In Norwood History-March 30, 2025

Mother-Daughter Duo Opens Accessible Rental-This Day In Norwood History-March 30, 2025

georgenhs Mar 29, 2026 4 min read

This mother-daughter duo runs a joyful, disability-friendly short-term rental​Travel presented challenges for those with disabilities, especially when searching for accommodations that met their needs.​Mother and daughter Dara and Paige Adams … Continue reading Mother-Daughter Duo Opens Accessible Rental-This Day In…

In Memory of Timothy J. McDonough (February 21, 1965 – March 12, 2026)

In Memory of Timothy J. McDonough (February 21, 1965 – March 12, 2026)

georgenhs Mar 12, 2026 9 min read

A Life of Service, Community, and Unwavering Norwood Pride On March 12, 2026, the Town of Norwood lost one of its most dedicated public servants and most beloved neighbors with … Continue reading In Memory of Timothy J. McDonough (February…

Day Street

Day Street

georgenhs Feb 1, 2026 3 min read

Day Street is one of Norwood’s richest historic corridors, home to some of the town’s most architecturally significant and culturally meaningful properties. Each house tells a different chapter of Norwood’s … Continue reading Day Street


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