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.
Funeral of Ex-Chief of Police Warren E. Rhoads of Norwood Is Largely Attended-This Day in Norwood History- September 30, 1912
MASONS IN CHARGE. Norwood's First Police Cheif, Warren Ellis Rhoads. NORWOOD, Sept 29—The funeral of Warren Ellis Rhoads, court officer of the District Court of Northern Norfolk, took place this … Continue reading Funeral of Ex-Chief of Police Warren E. Rhoads of Norwood Is Largely Attended-This Day in Norwood History- September 30, 1912
Warren E. Rhoads Dead at 73-This Day in Norwood History-September 26, 1912
Court Officer of Norfolk County and Had Been Tyler of a Masonic Lodge for 47 Years. Warren E. Rhoads, one of the best-known citizens of Norwood, and widely known throughout … Continue reading Warren E. Rhoads Dead at 73-This Day in Norwood History-September 26, 1912
Lewis Day Passes Away-This Day In Norwood History-March 3, 1910
Norwood Man Was Formerly a Leather Merchant in Boston—Retired 12 Years Ago. Lewis Day (Colorized by the Norwood Historical Society) Lewis Day, one of the most respected citizens of Norwood, … Continue reading Lewis Day Passes Away-This Day In Norwood History-March 3, 1910
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.
Erwin A. Bigelow Dead-This Day in Norwood History-October 13, 1907
Erwin A. Bigelow Dead-This Day in Norwood History-October 13, 1907
New Eight-Room Schoolhouse, Fire Station, Ordered-This Day In Norwood History-November 2, 1905
New Eight-Room Schoolhouse, Fire Station, Ordered This Day In Norwood History-November 2, 1905
William J. Wallace Expires at Nantasket-This Day in Norwood History- August 7, 1903
This Day in Norwood History- August 7, 1903-William J. Wallace Expires at Nantasket
William J. Wallace Expires at Nantasket-This Day in Norwood History-August 7, 1903
DIES ON OUTING. William J. Wallace.Postmaster at Norwood, Appointed in President Cleveland's First Term Postmaster William J. Wallace of Norwood dropped dead at the Rockland house. Nantasket, shortly after 3 … Continue reading William J. Wallace Expires at Nantasket-This Day in Norwood History-August 7, 1903