Death Knell Sounded For Old Village Hall-This Day in Norwood History-July 18, 1963

OLD VILLAGE HALL — The above picture taken in 1957 shows the structure on Broadway opposite the Municipal Parking area which faces razing in the near future. An inspection conducted by the Fire Department and Building Inspector resulted in the Selectmen initiating procedures to condemn the building. Steps have been taken to ensure the safety of pedestrians against the possibility of injury by slates falling from the roof.

One of Norwood’s oldest existing frame structures, the Old Village Hall on Broadway, is in the process of being condemned and faces razing soon.

In a meeting with the Board of Selectmen Tuesday, Fire Chief Irving Dobson made a presentation of the inspection conducted with Building Inspector Henry J. Cronan. Recent pictures showing the inside of the structure to be unsound, and the poor condition of the outside, particularly the roof, where many of the slates are loose, impressed the Town Fathers who voted to take immediate action.

Emergency steps for safeguarding the safety of pedestrians have been initiated with the mechanics for condemning the building started. The building presently is used for the storage of an assortment of bales of wool and synthetic fibres ranging in weight from 400-500 pounds. Other merchandise is also stored there. Boazen Realty, Inc., was identified as the present owner. Erected by the Masons in the late 1800’s, the building constituted the heart of the Norwood shopping area in the Bigelow general store located on the first floor.

A large structure, originally it was located in the vicinity of Cottage Street next to the Common. The second floor is what gave rise to the name “Old Village Hall,” since the Town Meetings were conducted there, and this, in addition to the general store and offices on the first floor, made it the center of municipal activity. The third floor was set aside for the meetings of fraternal groups.

In 1915 the building was purchased by the late George F. Willett, who moved the structure to the present location on Broadway when the center of the town underwent a general facelifting.

Willett was then connected with Boston Piano Supply Co , a division of American Felt Co. In 1923 the NORWOOD MESSENGER office and plant moved into the building and remained there until 1942 when the editorial and advertising offices moved to the present location at 522 Washington Street. Before being moved in 1915, the building contained a post office in the same room with Mrs. Gay’s newspaper stand located on the first floor.

Letters and other mail were filed alphabetically in a vertical reel-box arrangement which rotated on a central axis. The reel box used in the post office during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s is displayed at the Norwood Historical Society Day House at 93 Day St.

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