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, … Continue reading Norwood’s Portuguese Immigrants
The Ethnic Groups that Called South Norwood Home
South Norwood was a multi-ethnic neighborhood. Immigrants from Syria, Poland, Lithuania, and Italy first settled here; followed later by people from Portugal, Brazil, Egypt, and Ecuador. Like the residents of … Continue reading The Ethnic Groups that Called South Norwood Home
Maps of South Norwood
Looking at maps of the area helps to illustrate how South Norwood grew. Two 1876 Maps show house lots on the (Upper South Norwood) end of Washington Street beyond the … Continue reading Maps of South Norwood
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
The Winslow School and Beyond
A section of the 1876 map of Winslow Park which also show some of the Winslow homes. From the corner of Cedar Street down to Walpole Street is not actually … Continue reading The Winslow School and Beyond
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!
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