Five years ago today, “This Day In Norwood History” was born. With the world in lockdown during the pandemic, I searched for a way to share Norwood’s rich history and came up with the idea of posting daily stories from our town’s past.
My hope was that people would enjoy these snapshots of Norwood’s history as much as I did, and that the series would generate enough interest to keep going throughout the Pandemic.
The response has been beyond anything I could have imagined.
Over the past five years, our website has welcomed over 725,000 visitors, and the “This Day In Norwood history” series has now grown to include more than 3,000 articles.
We have also run several other popular online series, including Laurie Kearney’s series on Norwood’s neighborhoods, Linda Rau’s series on Norwood’s Town Square, and the Wonderful Women of Norwood series, compiled by Karen DeNapoli, Linda Rau, and Laurie Kearney.
Interest in Norwood’s history is at an all-time high, and to keep sharing it and expand the programs we offer, we could use your support.
Please consider becoming a member of the Norwood Historical Society (Massachusetts), making a donation, donating items to our collection, or volunteering at events and programs held at the historic F. Holland Day House. There’s so much more history to uncover and share, but we need your continued help to make it happen. You can find a link to our membership page below if you’re interested.
Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement throughout this series. And thank you for sharing photos, adding details, and providing context in private messages and comments. You can continue to support us by engaging with our articles by liking, commenting on, and sharing our posts on social media.
Thanks again,
George Curtis, President
Norwood Historical Society
Dean Street Elderly Housing Project Refiled Under Chapter 40B as Board Seeks Attorney General Zoning Ruling-August 23, 1977
Developer Richard Vazza refiles his $2 million Dean Street elderly housing complex under Massachusetts Chapter 40B anti-snob zoning laws. The Norwood Appeals Board seeks an emergency ruling from the state attorney general to clarify conflicting zoning use variance powers.
Norwood Scrapbook-August 3
A comprehensive daily compilation of historical news from Norwood, Massachusetts on August 3. Featuring stories of town planning, public safety efforts, regional transportation, local achievements, and community concert traditions.
Traffic Concerns Stall Zoning Board Hearing on Proposed Caldor Shopping Center on Route 1-July 30, 1980
A zoning board hearing for the proposed $3 million Caldor shopping center on Route 1 was continued to August 19 as developers Bronson & Hutensky worked to finalize safe traffic access through Park Place Industrial Park.
Library Throws Book at Woman in Norwood-July 27, 1984
Susan Andrews became the first person arrested in Norwood for failing to return overdue books to the Morrill Memorial Library.
Appeals Board Postpones Decision On Norwood Golf Course Proposal-July 26, 1973
The Norwood appeals board postponed a decision on developer Frank R. Simoni’s proposed 97-acre golf course near Access Road, requesting a certified site plan.
In Memoriam: Walter J. “Wally” Hughes Jr. (1947 – July 25, 2026)
Opening Tribute The Norwood community joins the Hughes family in mourning the unexpected passing of Walter J. “Wally” Hughes Jr. on July 25, 2026, at the age of 79. For … Continue reading In Memoriam: Walter J. “Wally” Hughes Jr.…
St. Catherine of Siena Church Completes Historic Organ Restoration-July 26, 1977
Parishioners and teenagers at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Norwood successfully restored an 1874 Simmonds pipe organ through a cooperative community effort.
Norwood Voters To Act On 12‑Article Warrant-July 25, 1967
Norwood residents debated parking, schools, cemetery expansion, and land transfers at a 1967 town meeting.
In Memoriam: Principal John P. Piccirilli
Principal John P. Piccirilli guided Norwood High School through decades of academic, cultural, and structural change. His steady leadership, compassion, and commitment to students shaped the lives of thousands. We honor his remarkable legacy and service to the Norwood community.
Norwood Hospital Expansion Likely to Target Civic Center Site-July 13, 1976
The expansion aims to address the critical need for increased bed capacity, support services, and advanced medical units, as outlined by consulting firm Medicus Planning, Inc.
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.