Set high on a rise along Walpole Street, Oakview Mansion stands as a monument to Norwood’s industrial prosperity and architectural elegance. Originally built in 1868 for tanning heir Francis Olney Winslow, this Second Empire landmark later served as the "Executive Mansion" for Massachusetts Governor Frank Allen. From hosting world-renowned figures like Sergei Rachmaninoff and Calvin Coolidge to its transition into a religious retreat known as "The Cenacle," Oakview’s story is a rich tapestry of Gilded Age wealth, political influence, and dedicated modern-day restoration
Brenner’s Children’s Shop Closes After 50 Years-February 1, 2023
(Brenner's Facebook page) After fifty years of serving the local community, Brenner's Children's Shop, located at 694 Washington St has officially closed its doors for good. Owners Aron and Martha … Continue reading Brenner’s Children’s Shop Closes After 50 Years-February 1, 2023
1000 Year Storm Hits Norwood, Massive Flooding, Hospital Evacuated-June 28, 2020
A historic "back building" thunderstorm on June 28, 2020, dropped over four inches of rain on Norwood in ninety minutes, causing catastrophic flooding that completely knocked out power at Norwood Hospital and forced an emergency evacuation.
Norwood Sport Center
Frank Sherwood opened the Norwood Sport Center on October 3, 1940. Modeled after the "Belgian Building" featured in the 1939 World's Fair, it cost $50,000 to build, a sizable sum at the end of the Great Depression. According to their website the Norwood Sport Center was the first building built as a candlepin bowling alley rather than being converted from some other use.
Flood Revives Push For New Police Station-August 9, 1998
Despite previous failures, new vote likely in Norwood Dean Raymond, identification specialist with the Norwood Police Department, looked over ruins of the station’s roil call room on June 14. About … Continue reading Flood Revives Push For New Police Station-August 9, 1998
Babel’s- Pinch Me… This Can’t Be a Paint Store! (1996)
The transformation of Babel’s from a small wallpaper store in the 1950’s to the full-service, full-scale decorating center it is today accelerated dramatically over the past four years. In the … Continue reading Babel’s- Pinch Me… This Can’t Be a Paint Store! (1996)
End of the Line For Kline’s Department Store-November 14, 1994
NORWOOD - The racks in Kline’s basement children’s clothing section were bare. Beneath the knotty pine wall panels in the men’s department, bargain hunters strolled along the thin carpets and … Continue reading End of the Line For Kline’s Department Store-November 14, 1994
Butters Family Sells Pharmacy-July 20, 1990
1973 South Norwood Pharmacy Ad A significant chapter in the history of South Norwood business and family legacy came to an end on July 20, 1990. The Butters family pharmacy, … Continue reading Butters Family Sells Pharmacy-July 20, 1990
Work to Start on New USA Today Plant-July 26, 1986
The summer of 1986 was a time of great change and innovation in the world of journalism. On this day, July 26th, The Patriot Ledger reported that Gannett Co. Inc. … Continue reading Work to Start on New USA Today Plant-July 26, 1986
Kline’s Department Store Marks Ten Years in Downtown Norwood-July 11, 1983
Kline's Department Store Celebrates a Decade in Norwood On July 11, 1983, Kline’s Department Store marked a significant milestone, celebrating ten successful years of operation in downtown Norwood. ⠀ When … Continue reading Kline’s Department Store Marks Ten Years in Downtown Norwood-July 11, 1983