On Thursday of last week occurred the thirty-third anniversary of the town of Norwood. The movement for the formation of a new town was started in the latter part of 1871, when there had arisen a widespread dissatisfaction among the people of South Dedham, at the treatment which that village was receiving from the mother town, especially in the defeat at a special town meeting of a proposition to establish a high school here. In consequence of this feeling a petition was sent to the legislature signed by about six-sevenths of the voters, asking for the division of the town and the incorporation of South Dedham as a separate town. To the late J. Warren Talbot more than any other man belongs the credit for the inception and success of this movement. Subsequently a public meeting was held to select a name for the proposed town. Several were suggested but a ballot resulted in the choice of Norwood. The following account of the hearing before the legislative committee and also the reports of the celebration and first town meeting are taken from the daily papers of that time.
“NORWOOD.”
“This is the fanciful name which the inhabitants of the southerly part of Dedham wish to have given by the legislature to a new town to include that portion of Dedham and a small slice of Walpole. The petitioners appeared before the committee on towns yesterday. Their case was presented by J. Warren Talbot and John C. Park, Esq. Mr. Talbot gave the following facts: The population of Dedham is from 6000 to 7,000. Of this number, the new town will take 1,800, 465 of whom pay a poll tax, to which will be added 25 polls from the town of Walpole. The new town will have 315 votes, of which 271 have petitioned to be set off. The proposed town will have an area of 10 2-3 square miles or 6,800 acres, embracing two and a part of a third school district, while the whole area of Dedham is about 30 square miles. The total valuation of the old town, including bank stock, is $6,215,009. Of the proposed town including the property to be taken from Walpole $1,350, 000. The rate of taxation in Dedham is $14 on #l,000; town debt $25,000. After giving the above statistics, Mr. Talbot proceeded to set forth tire disadvantages under which the petitioners at present labor, and the benefits which would accrue from a separation. Some of the population of the proposed town are obliged to travel seven miles to attend town meeting and all on an average of four miles. The village of South Dedham is four miles from the center and the two sections have very little business intimacy. The character of the industries of the two sections are distinct. The center wants a steam fire engine which South Dedham does not want to help pay for, inasmuch as the citizens cannot derive any benefit from it. It costs more to go from South Dedham to Dedham, than it does to go to Boston. The cost of educating the children of South Dedham who attend the high school in Dedham is about $100 per annum more than it is, to send them to Boston or Franklin. In point of valuation the new town will take rank as the 100th in the state.”
A bill in accordance with the petition was reported by the committees, passed by both branches of the legislature and was signed by Gov. William B. Washburn, February 23, 1872.
The Celebration
The Citizens of Norwood, on Wednesday evening, had a jollification over the formation of their new town. A large number of invited guests were present, among them being Governor Washburn, Senator Wakefield and Dr. S. T. Talbot of Boston. Thex were received at the residence of Lewis Day. Esq., where a collation was served and afterward went to Village hall, where the citizens were assembled. The hall was handsomely decorated. At the head the word “Norwood’’ was inscribed, on the front of the balcony opposite, was the motto, “Peace and Prosperity,” and on either side “Liberty sustained by Law,” and “Economy, Responsibility.” The exercises were conducted by Hon. John C. Park. Music was furnished by the Norwood Brass Band and the Norwood Choral Union. A speech was made by Gov. Washburn, in which he called the attention of the citizens to the wisdom of economy, public education and good personal character. Mr. Addison Boyden then made a speech and presented the town with a set of ballot boxes. Remarks were made by Henry Chase Esq. of Lynn and Senator Wakefield. The meeting then dissolved with the best wishes on every side for the prosperity of the new town.”
A warrant for a town meeting to be held March 11, 1872 was issued by Willard Gay. Previous to that date a citizens’ caucus was held at which, nominations for town officers were made and the candidates there named were elected at the town meeting.
“The new town of Norwood, which has recently been set off from Dedham and Walpole, held its first town meeting yesterday afternoon. The meeting was called to order at 2 o’clock by Willard Gay, Esq., who read the warrant. George Lovis was then elected moderator. Francis Tinker was chosen Town Clerk, after which the meeting having been organized, it was opened with prayer by Rev. Bromley. The following resolutions were passed:
Whereas, The desire of a portion of the citizens of Dedham to be set off and incorporated as a new town has been accomplished, it is due to the committee having charge of the subject before the legislature to recognize their valuable services. it is therefore,
Resolved, that the citizens of Norwood assembled, hereby tender to Messrs. J. W. Talbot, Hon. John C. Park and Caleb Ellis, committee, their grateful acknowledgement and high appreciation of their efforts in procuring the act of incorporation and assure them of the deep regard entertained for them by their fellow citizens.
Resolved, That this preamble and resolution be entered upon the records of the town.
On motion of J. W. Talbot Esq., it was voted that the Board of Selectmen and Assessors be separate boards composed of different individuals, Carried 146 to 67. The balloting for town officers was then commenced, the following were chosen: Selectmen and Overseers of the Poor, Samuel E. Pond, J. Edward Everett, Willard Gay. Assessors, Tyler Thayer, Caleb Ellis, George H. Morse. School committee, Hon. John C. Park, three years ; F. O. Winslow, two years; Rev. E. A. Wyman, one year. Town Treasurer, L. Waldo Bigelow; Constables, Capt. Charles W. Strout and James Engles.
A resolution thanking the citizens of Dedham and Walpole for the assistance which they had given in the organization of Norwood was introduced and passed unanimously and a copy ordered to be sent to the officers of the above mentioned towns. After the appointment of the minor town officers the meeting adjourned.
Norwood has a population of 1800, with 340 polls, is 10 square miles, is situated on the line of the Boston, Hartford and Erie railroad and is provided with three depots. The next town meeting will lie held in the early part of April.”
(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)