Norwood’s Thriving 1955 Business Scene Explored Through Iconic Local Establishments
⠀
Back in 1955, Norwood’s vibrant business scene was defined by a diverse and thriving array of establishments catering to every community need, highlighted by a strong automotive presence. Among the town’s prominent car dealerships was BOCH NASH, serving as the regional headquarters for Nash sales and service throughout Norfolk County, alongside OWEN MOTORS, INC., a trusted Lincoln-Mercury dealership offering new and used vehicles paired with complete automotive service.
Dining and specialty shops added flavor and convenience to local life. VEGA BAKING CO., INC. delighted residents with fine baked goods and fancy party treats, while GREEN JADE served a popular mix of Chinese and American cuisine. Personal care was well-represented by NIKKI’S “BEAUTY” SALON, offering professional hair styling, tinting, and permanents, and THE POWDER PUFF BEAUTY SALON, which proudly promoted itself as Norwood’s leading cosmetic store.
Hardware, home improvement, and real estate agencies also anchored the local economy. BOWDEN HARDWARE CO. supplied general hardware, mill supplies, Benjamin Moore paints, toys, gifts, and housewares, while NELSON SERVICE CORP. met heating and fuel needs by selling fuel oil, gas, and heating equipment. In the housing sector, SUBURBAN HOME COUNSELORS OF GREATER BOSTON, INC. stood out as one of the largest and most active real estate offices in town. Rounding out Norwood’s commercial landscape were specialized services and retailers, including NORWOOD LAB for auto radio repair, ROSSI & MARINILLI for wallpaper, paint, flooring, and ceramic tile, and FLOORLAND for asphalt rubber, linoleum, carpet, and wall coverings, capturing the spirit of a bustling mid-century New England community. (Source: Norwood Business Archives, 1955).
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More Norwood Business History
-
Norwood Plastics Firm Starts Full Operations-This Day In Norwood History-July 21, 1969,
The dawn of a new era in Norwood’s industrial landscape unfolded on July 21, 1969, as the Gamma Platics Corporation embarked on its full-scale manufacturing operations. Nestled at 370 Lenox St., this pioneering plastics firm was poised to revolutionize the industry with its custom injection molding services. At the helm of this innovative venture stood…
-
Polaroid Begins Production At Norwood Complex-July 9, 1969
In 1969, Polaroid began producing goods in their newly constructed facility on the former Forbes Estate in Norwood.
-
Polaroid Corporation Conducts Site Studies on 220-Acre Forbes Estate in Norwood and Westwood-August 8, 1967
Partnering with landscape architects Sasaki, Dawson and Demay, the Polaroid Corp. is actively surveying its 220-acre Forbes Estate in Norwood and Westwood to draft revised facility and manufacturing plans.
-
Norwood Shoe Warehouse To Be Built-July 16, 1964
As the sun rose over the quaint town of Norwood on July 16, 1964, a sense of excitement and anticipation filled the air. The residents of this charming community were abuzz with news that Consolidated Shoe Inc., a prominent manufacturer of several renowned brands, had finally reached an agreement to construct a state-of-the-art warehouse on…
-
Medical Center Plans Expected-July 10, 1964
The development of a proposed medical building on Walpole Street reached a significant milestone on July 10, 1964, as organizers announced that final preliminary plans were approximately one month from completion. ⠀ Once this rough draft is finalized, the project will be handed over to an architect—who had not yet been designated as of that…
-
James H. McManus Ice Cream Company Opens Norwood Pilot Store-July 8, 1964
In June 1964, the James H. McManus Ice Cream Company opened a new pilot location in Norwood, featuring over 40 flavors of traditional ice cream, sherbets, and water ices.
-
Sears, Roebuck to Build Store In Norwood Shopping Center-May 22, 1960
On May 22, 1960, a crowd of civic, business, and government leaders gathered beneath a bright late‑spring sky at the Norwood Shopping Center, where a ceremonial shovel of earth marked the beginning of a major new chapter in local retail life. The groundbreaking celebrated the start of construction on a 31,500‑square‑foot Sears, Roebuck and Co.…
-
Norwood’s Thriving Business Scene-August 4, 1955
A look back at Norwood in 1955 reveals a thriving local economy filled with bustling auto dealerships like Boch Nash, popular eateries like Green Jade, and trusted neighborhood hardware stores and beauty salons.
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.