May 3, 1909—This town had been in a trance for about 235 years before it woke up to the fact that it was of age and had a right to its independence. That was in 1871 and the following year the inhabitants of that portion of South Dedham known as Norwood were given permission by the legislature to set up housekeeping for themselves as the town of Norwood.
Norwood Neighborhoods Exhibits Sources and Acknowledgements
The Swedeville Walking tour (courtesy of George Curtis) Acknowledgements: The Norwood Historical Society would like to give a special thank you to several people, who without their knowledge, help and … Continue reading Norwood Neighborhoods Exhibits Sources and Acknowledgements
Swedeville: Välkommen! Tervetuloa!
The Plimpton Press is one of the businesses attracted to Norwood. A map of Swedeville. When Norwood was established in 1872, it was largely an agricultural village. Town planners who … Continue reading Swedeville: Välkommen! Tervetuloa!
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
Melville Avenue – A Place Called Home
The Wiik house soon after it was built. (Courtesy of Barbara Wiik Brierley) Grandfather Frank Neimi with grandson Richard Wiik. (Courtesy of Barbara Wiik Brierley) Melville Avenue is a dead … Continue reading Melville Avenue – A Place Called Home
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
Development of the Swedeville Area
1888 Bird's Eye view map of the Chapel Street area. No houses had yet been constructed. Plans on file at the Norfolk County Deeds office in Dedham showing the layout … Continue reading Development of the Swedeville Area
This Day In Norwood History-December 18, 1942-FATHER OF 26 CHILDREN LEADS ALL OTHERS AT NORWOOD, TOWN OF LARGE FAMILIES
Highest Birth Rate in State, 32.3 Per 1000, Crowds Schools of Community and Makes Brood of 10 or A Dozen Not at All Unusual FIFTEEN NATIONALITIES AT BALCH SCHOOL, NORWOOD … Continue reading This Day In Norwood History-December 18, 1942-FATHER OF 26 CHILDREN LEADS ALL OTHERS AT NORWOOD, TOWN OF LARGE FAMILIES