The “Split” and along Walpole Street

Postcard of the Methodist Church at the intersection of Washington and Walpole Streets Church on split. This church was built in 1900 and was the original home of the Methodist … Continue reading The “Split” and along Walpole Street

Development of the Guild Square Area

1831 Map of South Dedham In 1872, when Norwood was established, the Guild Square area had been settled with homes and businesses for well over a hundred years, although much … Continue reading Development of the Guild Square Area

Oolah Avenue to St. James Avenue

Oolah Avenue Named after the Abdallahs – “Oolah” is Syrian for Nicholas. Over the years, this street has been the home to waves of immigrants – Irish, Polish, Lithuanian, Italian, … Continue reading Oolah Avenue to St. James Avenue

Points of Interest: Main Streets and Interesting Places In Swedeville

Four family building on Savin Avenue. (photo LLKearney)             The house lots in Swedeville, when originally sold, were empty lots, ready to have a house constructed.  What kind of house, … Continue reading Points of Interest: Main Streets and Interesting Places In Swedeville

Chapel Court – Finnish Hall

Chapel Court lot plans showing names of lot owners (Norfolk County Deeds) By the early 1900s, the Finns began arriving in a steady stream and settling in Norwood. In February … Continue reading Chapel Court – Finnish Hall

Savin Avenue: The Neighborhood Expands

Looking down Savin Avenue towards Chapel Street. (photo LLKearney) In May of 1899, Melville Smith bought approximately eight acres from Clara Robbins, the widow of John Robbins, and within a … Continue reading Savin Avenue: The Neighborhood Expands

Chapel Street: A Main Road with a Long History

Looking down Chapel Street toward Walpole Street. Chapel Street is a road that had been part of the landscape of South Dedham years before it became a part of Swedeville. … Continue reading Chapel Street: A Main Road with a Long History

The People Who Settled Swedeville

A view down Cedar Street. (photo by LLKearney)             Initially, Swedeville appears to have been a multi-ethnic neighborhood; composed of German, Irish, Lithuanian, New England/Canadian, as well as families from … Continue reading The People Who Settled Swedeville

75 Day Street – The Joseph & Hannah (Rhoades) Day House

The Joseph Day house, circa 1990 (Source: MACRIS database) Joseph Day had Tyler Thayer build this Italianate style house in 1855 for him and his family. The house can be … Continue reading 75 Day Street – The Joseph & Hannah (Rhoades) Day House

32 Cottage Street – The Bigelow/Rhoads House

The Bigelow/Rhoads house circa 1990 (Source: MACRIS database) Erwin A. Bigelow bought this house lot from his father, L Waldo Bigelow in 1873. This was a portion of Waldo’s original … Continue reading 32 Cottage Street – The Bigelow/Rhoads House