The Norwood Press Club
Founded and Developed by James Berwick
The Norwood Press Club emerged in the early 20th century as one of Massachusetts’ most active and forward‑thinking social and athletic organizations. Its origins traced back to James Berwick, president of the Berwick & Smith Company, whose generosity and civic spirit shaped both the club and the landscape around it.
Several years before the club’s founding, Berwick purchased a swampy parcel of land near the Norwood Press. The property included a pond and uneven terrain, but he had it drained, loamed, and seeded, carefully preserving the natural hillocks, trees, and sloping banks. The result was Berwick Park, a beautifully landscaped seven‑acre recreation ground.
On this transformed land, Berwick oversaw the creation of tennis courts, a baseball diamond, an athletic track, a grandstand, and a band pavilion. A modern clubhouse—designed by his son, Walter J. Berwick—completed the vision. When the Norwood Press Club was organized, consisting of both employers and employees of the printing plant, Berwick granted them full use of the property.
The clubhouse and grounds were completed in 1907 and formally dedicated on Thanksgiving evening. Berwick described the members as “tenants at will,” but placed full responsibility for the clubhouse’s management in their hands. Initially, membership was limited to those employed at the Norwood Press, but in 1910 the club opened its doors to reputable residents of the town. Membership soon grew to 230 men and boys, along with 168 girls who formed an auxiliary group.
The club blended athletics and social life. The clubhouse featured two bowling alleys, a large upstairs hall used for dances, lectures, banquets, and—primarily—gymnasium classes under physical director Frank H. Caswell. Locker rooms and showers occupied the lower floor, while the upper level included a ladies’ parlor and recreation room.
Athletics played a major role in the club’s identity. Its baseball team became one of the strongest in its class, and the diamond was frequently used by Norwood High School and other reputable teams. The football gridiron and tennis courts were also made available to local students, giving the club a meaningful place in the town’s educational and recreational life.
Social events flourished as well. Winter dances were held twice monthly, and the girls’ auxiliary hosted a successful leap‑year party. Sunday lectures and concerts, along with summer band performances on the grounds, enriched Norwood’s cultural life.
Berwick’s gift to the town proved more significant than even he anticipated. His generosity was recognized repeatedly, including the presentation of a silver loving cup from club members. Leadership evolved over the years: Thomas A. Houllahan served as the first president, followed by Harold Beker and Berwick Maxner. At the time of this account, the presidency was held by Thomas E. McCready, with T. Donnell as vice president, Frank H. Caswell as secretary, and Walter J. Berwick as treasurer. The board of directors included Arthur Russell, Frank Colcord, Leo Marsters, Robert Mahaffy, Isaac Ellis, David Henry, Elmer Cuddy, William Phalen, and Edward Lears.
No description of the club would be complete without acknowledging Rufus M. Clark, the longtime caretaker of the clubhouse and a veteran employee of the Norwood Press, whose steady presence contributed greatly to the club’s success.
President Thomas E. McCready—born in Canton in 1886 and educated in its public schools—came to Norwood after time in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. A self‑made man who lost both parents at age four, he learned the trade of electrotype finishing at the J. S. Cushing Company and devoted much of his life to the Press Club. After serving two years as a director, he became president, during which time the club experienced renewed enthusiasm and growth.
Source: The Boston Globe
Compiled by the Norwood Historical Society, with the assistance of Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini.