The Portuguese began arriving in Massachusetts in the late 1800s, many coming from fishing villages in the Azores. They created Portuguese communities in Boston and Cambridge. In the late 1950s, Portuguese immigrants began settling in South Norwood, many finding homes in some of the triple-deckers in the area, but most arrived in the early 1970s. By 1980 there were over 100 Portuguese people living in South Norwood, most coming from small farming communities in Minho a region in Northern Portugal. Apparently, they were welcomed at St. George Roman Catholic Church on St. James Street, as in the 1980s Portuguese hymnals could be found in the pews. Over the years they opened The Portuguese Club on Washington Street, which serves as their social center. In the 1980s they considered taking on the old Lithuanian Hall on St. George Street as their social club, but neighbors had concerns as the social club had a liquor license and they worried that might bring a bad element to the street.
South Norwood’s Portuguese community was a group of hard workers, some took on second jobs. Their hard work paid off, as many Portuguese bought homes here within a few short years of their arrival. Some of these homes had been neglected for many years, and the new Portuguese owners fixed them up, which helped to revitalize the neighborhood. Many first-generation Norwood Portuguese children recall their parents’ efforts to teach them their culture –either by teaching the language at home, or learning about traditional foods and celebrations, some families sent their children to visit family and friends back in Portugal in the summers. Also in the early 1980s, the Balch School offered classes in Portuguese so Portuguese children would not forget their native language. In South Norwood, many Portuguese people stepped up and organized programs to help new arrivals, one couple, Mario & Maria Rodrigues helped new Portuguese arrivals find housing, and employment and learn to speak English.
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Conservation Commission Reaches Flood Control Agreement with Park Place Developer-August 17, 1977
Reaching a compromise under the Wetlands Protection Act, Norwood’s conservation commission approved flood control plans for the Park Place industrial park on Route 1.
Norwood Elks Wins National Award for Americanism-August 17, 1982
The Norwood Lodge of Elks captured second place nationally and first in Massachusetts for its 1981-82 Americanism program, featuring Flag Day events, school art projects, and patriotic billboards.
Three Teenagers Honored Nationally for Rescuing 85-Year-Old Woman from Burning Neponset Street Home-August 17, 1982
National Fire Protection Association awards were presented to John Siderwicz, Todd Maxon, and Brendan King for saving 85-year-old Laura Taylor from a fire at 633 Neponset St.
Hospital Study Committee Recommends Four Alternate Sites for Recreation Complex-August 17, 1976
If Norwood Hospital expands onto the Civic Center site, a study committee recommended four alternate locations for a new recreation complex, prioritizing an Olympic pool and comprehensive athletic facilities.
Zoning Board of Appeals Set to Review Norwood Hospital Expansion Plans Following Purchase Agreement-August 17, 1979
Building Inspector John E. Grover confirmed that Norwood Hospital must secure zoning board special permits for its Civic Center expansion as officials prepare for an August 23 groundbreaking.
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