Knox‑Smith Dealership Sold to St. Catherine’s Parish for School Expansion

In April 1957, one of Norwood’s most recognizable commercial landmarks changed hands in a transaction that reflected both the town’s postwar growth and the Catholic parish’s expanding educational mission. The Knox‑Smith Inc. Dodge‑Plymouth dealership, located on Washington Street, was purchased by St. Catherine of Siena Parish for $95,000 to provide additional space for its parochial school. The property included roughly 24,000 square feet of land, encompassing the showroom, service garages, and paved lots that bordered the church rectory to the west and the school grounds to the rear.

St. Catherine’s Parish: A Growing Center of Faith and Education

Founded in 1890, St. Catherine’s had long been a cornerstone of Norwood’s Irish‑Catholic community. Its origins trace back to the mid‑1840s, when Catholic families settled in what was then South Dedham, drawn by industrial jobs and the promise of a new life. The parish’s first church was built on Washington Street, and by the mid‑20th century, the congregation had grown to thousands of members.

Under the leadership of pastors such as Rev. John T. Troy and later Rev. Stephen Donohoe, St. Catherine’s expanded its facilities to meet the needs of a booming postwar population. The parochial school, staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph, had become one of the largest in the region, serving families from across Norwood and neighboring towns. By the 1950s, additional classrooms and parking were urgently needed, prompting the parish to acquire adjoining properties.

Knox‑Smith: A Mid‑Century Automotive Landmark

The Knox‑Smith dealership had been a fixture of Norwood’s automotive corridor since the 1930s, representing Dodge and Plymouth vehicles during the golden age of American car culture. Its two‑story brick building, with large glass display windows and bold signage, embodied the optimism of the era—when sleek new models lined Washington Street and local families came to admire the latest designs.

The business was known for its dependable service and civic involvement. Like many Norwood enterprises, Knox‑Smith contributed to the town’s identity as a self‑contained suburban center, where industry, commerce, and community life intertwined.

A Transition Reflecting Norwood’s Changing Landscape

The sale of the Knox‑Smith property to St. Catherine’s marked a symbolic shift in Norwood’s mid‑century development—from the industrial and automotive growth of the early 20th century to the educational and residential expansion that defined the postwar years. The dealership’s land, once devoted to cars and commerce, became part of the parish’s mission to educate and serve the next generation.

Today, the site remains closely tied to St. Catherine’s campus, a reminder of how Norwood’s civic and spiritual institutions have evolved together—each chapter building on the legacy of faith, enterprise, and community that continues to define the town.

(All articles were originally published in the Norwood Messenger unless otherwise noted)