Paul Ellis' tavern, situated on the Norfolk and Bristol Turnpike between Boston to Providence (now Washington st), brought stagecoach passengers and their drivers to his door and tap room regularly. A large hook on a post in front of the tavern allowed drivers to throw their reigns over easily when they arrived and also became an easy place to hang mail or other articles without needing to stop, saving the drivers time. Soon, drivers started calling the tavern "The Hook" and before long the nickname was applied to the area around Norwood's present Town Square. This article goes into more detail about the history of the Tavern and mentions some of the events that occurred there, including a gruesome murder/suicide (which will be the subject of an article on this page a few days from now) and a visit from a US President. The structure was known by many names over the years, including "Ellis' Tavern", "Hartshorn's Tavern", "The South Dedham Inn", "Norwood House" and "The Norwood Hotel". The Tavern was moved on #thisdayinnorwoodhistory in 1913 to the intersection of Nahatan st and Broadway, approximately where Santander Bank is today. The construction of the George T Lee Bridge and the extension of Nahatan st under the railroad tracks wouldn't happen until 1935, over 20 years later.
Norwood Civic Association Will Open Today-This Day In Norwood History-February 20, 1911
Will Occupy Plant Provided by George F. Willett The set of buildings generously provided by George F. Willett for the Norwood Civic association will be opened tomorrow for the use … Continue reading Norwood Civic Association Will Open Today-This Day In Norwood History-February 20, 1911
This Day In Norwood History-May 4, 1909-Norwood Growth Making Records
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 Growth Making Records-This Day In Norwood History-May 3, 1909
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.
Business Association of Norwood Celebrates Tenth Anniversary and Ladies’ Night.-This Day in Norwood History-January 5, 1904
Event a Most Notable Social Success. Business Association of Norwood Celebrates Tenth Anniversary and Ladies’ Night NORWOOD, Jan 6—The celebration of its 10th anniversary and ladies’ night by the Norwood … Continue reading Business Association of Norwood Celebrates Tenth Anniversary and Ladies’ Night.-This Day in Norwood History-January 5, 1904
Origin of Norwood Names-Norwood Square, Guild Corner-July 3, 1903
This is the first article in a new series, "Origin of Norwood Names", where we will attempt to determine the story behind the naming of different places, buildings, and streets in Norwood. If you know the origin of a name in Norwood, please send us the information at george@norwoodhistoricalsociety.org.
New Methodist Episcopal Church Dedicated-This Day in Norwood History-September 9, 1901
DEDICATION AT NORWOOD. Formal Exercises at New Methodist Episcopal Church, Norwood, Attended by Large Congregation. The new building of the Methodist Episcopal church was formally dedicated yesterday afternoon. The interior … Continue reading New Methodist Episcopal Church Dedicated-This Day in Norwood History-September 9, 1901
The New Railroad Station-This Day In Norwood History-July 26, 1897
Directors of the New England Railroad inspected sites in town alongside local prominent leaders like Edmund J Shattuck, George F Willett, and Charles T Wheelock, sparking local debate over whether to move the Norwood Central Station west and place a depot at Nahatan Street or stick to consolidating stations at Day Street.
Ben Franklin’s Press Exhibited at Norwood’s Gala Day-This Day in Norwood History-June 22, 1895
Norwood's Flag Day celebration was held on June 17th for many years, and was a major event. In 1895, the proceedings included a "A Grand Parade of G.A.R. Post No. 169, Fire Department, N.H.S. Battalion, School Children in Barges, Leading Industries, Handsomely Decorated Carriages, etc., Sport at Prospect Park, Grand Concert." The highlight of the parade was a printing press once belonging to Benjamin Franklin, exhibited in action by James Berwick and John Olson of the Norwood Press.