The passing of Herbert Moseley Plimpton marked the close of one of Norwood’s most distinguished industrial chapters. Founder of The Plimpton Press and Holliston Mills, Plimpton’s life embodied the ideals of craftsmanship, civic generosity, and faith that shaped Norwood’s rise as a center of printing and enterprise.
Born in Walpole on May 13, 1853, Plimpton attended Williston Academy before entering the book‑binding trade. His vision and perfectionism transformed a modest bindery into one of New England’s premier printing houses. The story of The Plimpton Press reads like a saga of American enterprise—built on precision, integrity, and enduring standards of excellence.
He married Frances Winslow of Norwood in 1889, and together they became pillars of the town’s civic and spiritual life. After her passing, Plimpton retired to Miami Beach, Florida, where he continued his lifelong love of the sea aboard his yacht Sunset. He died there on April 22, 1942, following a series of illnesses.
Industrial and Civic Legacy
Plimpton’s influence extended far beyond his pressrooms. He founded and led The Plimpton Press, established Holliston Mills, and served as President and Treasurer of both. His leadership roles included Director of The Norwood Trust Company, The Norwood Gas Company, and President and Trustee of Norwood Hospital. He also served as Vice President of the Board of Trustees of Wheaton College, which honored him with a Doctor of Humanities degree.
Faith and Philanthropy
For 58 years, Plimpton was a devoted member of The First Congregational Church of Norwood, serving as Church Clerk for three decades. His generosity funded major improvements, including Pingree Hall (1924), its later enlargement, and the addition of Sunday School rooms, choir space, and a kitchen in 1929. His gifts enabled the church to sustain a pioneering program of religious education for Norwood’s youth—unique in its scope and spirit.
A Life of Generosity
Plimpton’s charities were extensive and quiet. He belonged to The Country Club of Brookline and several yacht clubs, spending his later years navigating Florida waters aboard Sunset. His memorial service was held at Philbrick Funeral Parlors, Miami Beach, with a Norwood service planned for June at the First Congregational Church.
Herbert M. Plimpton’s legacy endures in the institutions he built, the faith he strengthened, and the civic ideals he embodied.
More In Memoriam Stories
-
First Congregational Church of Norwood Celebrates 175th Anniversary-This Day in Norwood History-October 23, 1911
First Congregational Church of Norwood Celebrates 175th Anniversary This Day in Norwood History-October 23, 1911
-
Norwood Residents Desire New Highway-This Day in Norwood History-September 25, 1911
Residents of Norwood Are Called For Action. Alteration of Two Railroad Bridges Part of Plan Proposed. Two warrants for town meetings to be held in Norwood this week are posted—one … Continue reading Norwood Residents Desire New Highway-This Day in Norwood History-September 25, 1911
-
Norwood Schools To Open Sept 6 With Large Increase in Pupils and Many Changes-This Day in Norwood History- August 21, 1911
Many Changes Made in Norwood Teaching Force Supt of Schools Austin H. Frittz has announced that the schools of Norwood will open for the fall term Wednesday, Sept 6. It … Continue reading Norwood Schools To Open Sept 6 With Large Increase in Pupils and Many Changes-This Day in Norwood History- August 21, 1911
-
Dr. Francis M. Cragin, Dead-This Day In Norwood History-June 6, 1911
Prominent Resident of Norwood Found Dead Sitting in a Chair In His Office. Dr. Francis M. Cragin was found dead sitting in his chair in his office this morning. He … Continue reading Dr. Francis M. Cragin, Dead-This Day In Norwood History-June 6, 1911
-
Graves Decorated By George K. Bird G.A.R. Post 169-This Day in Norwood History-May 31, 1911
This Day in Norwood History-May 31, 1911-Graves Decorated By George K. Bird G.A.R. Post 169 “With beautiful and impressive exercises the comrades of George K. Bird post 169, William Foreman commander, assisted by the J. of V., the boys’ brigade, and the W. R. C., and accompanied by the Norwood brass band, marched to the…
-
Norwood Civic Association is To Have a Fine Ball Field-This Day In Norwood History-May 27, 1911
May 27, 1911—The Norwood Civic Association is to have one of the best baseball diamonds in Norfolk county. Extensive plans are being made for the grading of the land around … Continue reading Norwood Civic Association is To Have a Fine Ball Field-This Day In Norwood History-May 27, 1911
-
Reunion of Five Wellington Brothers, All Civil War Veterans-This Day In Norwood History-May 15, 1911
A reunion was held last week at the home of Theodore F. Welllngton of Norwood, to which much interest was attached. The accompanying picture taken shows five brothers, all of whom served in the civil war and all members of the Grand Army of the Republic. There was another brother who …
-
Club of Norwood School Children Going to Clean Up Town-This Day In Norwood History-April 11, 1911
To Give Practical Demonstration of Its Work Thursday. NORWOOD. April 11 — The Clean-Up club of Norwood school children is to give a practical demonstration of its work on a … Continue reading Club of Norwood School Children Going to Clean Up Town-This Day In Norwood History-April 11, 1911
-
Norwood Considers New Charter and Town Hall at Dual Town Meetings-This Day In Norwood History-April 3, 1911
Two town meetings were convened this evening in Everett Hall, with residents gathering to debate both annual appropriations and a proposal for a new town charter that could reshape Norwood’s … Continue reading Norwood Considers New Charter and Town Hall at Dual Town Meetings-This Day In Norwood History-April 3, 1911
-
How the Town of Norwood Raised Its Valuation-This Day In Norwood History-March 29, 1911
Equalization of valuations in the town of Norwood, which had been confronted by an alarming situation in 1900 because of its tax rate of $25.60 — the highest rate in … Continue reading How the Town of Norwood Raised Its Valuation-This Day In Norwood History-March 29, 1911
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.