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

Winter Street (Walpole St to Lothrop Rich Park)

First Congregational Church (photo LLKearney) First Congregational Church. Originally was the site of the impressive house of Edmund Shattuck and his wife Emma Morrill Shattuck who was the daughter of … Continue reading Winter Street (Walpole St to Lothrop Rich Park)

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

Growth and Development of South Norwood

Washington Street today looking South. Until 1872, Norwood was parish of Dedham. Originally, Dedham was a huge land grant that stretched westerly to the Wellesley/Natick area, easterly to Norwood/Walpole and … Continue reading Growth and Development of South Norwood

South Norwood: A Bustling Multi-Ethnic Neighborhood

1887 photograph of South Norwood, labeled "Morse Village" the Guild School is visable on the left of the picture. (from Picturesque Norwood) South Norwood was a largely undeveloped area when … Continue reading South Norwood: A Bustling Multi-Ethnic Neighborhood

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

Cedar Street: A New Neighborhood is Established

View looking down Cedar Street today. (photo LLKearney) In 1888, George Winslow & George Peterson laid out Cedar Street, Quincy Avenue, and the lower portion of Savin Avenue, creating 38 … Continue reading Cedar Street: A New Neighborhood is Established

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