“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 –>

Officers to Begin Patrols on Bicycles in Norwood-This Day In Norwood History-June 3, 1993

Officers to Begin Patrols on Bicycles in Norwood-This Day In Norwood History-June 3, 1993

georgenhs Jun 1, 2026 3 min read

A political turnaround and a tie-breaking vote officially put Norwood Police on wheels. Despite sharp skepticism from some town leaders who joked about “bicycles built for two,” Chief George DiBlasi’s innovative mountain bike patrol was approved to bring a fresh,…

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Top Posts-May 2026

georgenhs Jun 1, 2026 9 min read

Top This Day in Norwood History Posts-May 2026 From Prohibition‑era liquor raids to championship seasons, neighborhood histories, and lives of service, May’s most‑read stories trace Norwood’s character across more than … Continue reading Top Posts-May 2026

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Top Posts-April 2026

georgenhs Apr 30, 2026 10 min read

Top This Day in Norwood History Posts-April 2026 April brought a remarkable mix of Norwood stories to the forefront—historic milestones, neighborhood memories, architectural treasures, and snapshots of everyday life that … Continue reading Top Posts-April 2026

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…


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