Top This Day in Norwood History Posts-May 2026
From Prohibition‑era liquor raids to championship seasons, neighborhood histories, and lives of service, May’s most‑read stories trace Norwood’s character across more than a century. Together they reveal a town that argues, builds, mourns, celebrates, and keeps coming back to the same streets, fields, and gathering places that define our shared civic memory.
Norwood Police Conduct Four Liquor Raids in 24 Hours-This Day in Norwood History-May 25, 1924
In the thick of Prohibition, Norwood police launched a rapid series of liquor raids that shook local businesses and backroom operations alike. Can you imagine the buzz around town as word spread that both a neighborhood store and a private home had been hit in the same day?
Deceased Norwood Soldier Keith Benson Honored With Corner Memorial-This Day in Norwood History-May 29, 2012
A quiet Norwood street corner becomes a place of remembrance as the town honors Keith Benson, a fallen soldier whose name now anchors a living memorial. How does a single intersection come to hold so much grief, pride, and gratitude all at once?
Norwood Chief Makes Arrest on Night Off-This Day in Norwood History-May 22, 1969
Even off duty, Norwood’s police chief couldn’t turn off his sense of responsibility when trouble crossed his path. Does anyone remember hearing the story of a chief who stepped in on his own time and still ended up in the headlines?
Norwood High Wins Bay State League Baseball Title-This Day in Norwood History-May 29, 1957
A hard‑fought season culminated in a Bay State League title that sent Norwood High fans into early‑summer celebration. Can you picture the stands, the final out, and the way that one championship game still echoes through local baseball memories?
Predictions for the Future of Norwood Hospital-This Day in Norwood History-1963
In 1963, local leaders and medical staff looked ahead and imagined what Norwood Hospital could become — a rare moment when a community tried to forecast its own healthcare future. It’s fascinating to see which hopes came true and which ideas now feel like time capsules from another era.
Norwood News Stand Staff Photo-This Day in Norwood History-May 15, 1958
A simple staff photo at a Norwood news stand captures the faces behind the counter who kept the town supplied with papers, magazines, and gossip. Do you recognize anyone who once handed you a newspaper, a comic book, or your first sports page?
A Legacy of Service: In Memoriam of Gary M. Lee-This Day in Norwood History-April 30, 2023
This tribute traces Gary Lee’s journey from Norwood High graduate to attorney, selectman, and community leader whose life was rooted deeply in town service. It’s a portrait of a neighbor whose faith, family, and public work left a lasting imprint on Norwood’s civic life.
Compact Homes in Fine Location in Vernon Park-This Day in Norwood History-May 28, 1938
A real‑estate ad for “compact homes” in Vernon Park reveals how Norwood once marketed its growing neighborhoods to new families. What did “fine location” mean in 1938—and how many of today’s residents are still living in those very houses?
Norwood Cinemas Shuts Down for Censorship Protest-This Day in Norwood History-May 4, 1993
When Norwood Cinemas went dark in protest over film censorship, a local movie house suddenly became the stage for a First Amendment fight. Do you remember when a night at the movies turned into a town‑wide debate about what should—and shouldn’t—be shown on screen?
Hockey Testimonial Is Gala Affair Honoring Blane Maus and Tom Clifford Sr.-This Day in Norwood History-May 6, 1964
A packed testimonial dinner celebrated two pillars of Norwood hockey, turning one evening into a tribute to decades of frozen‑rink memories. How many players and families can trace their love of the game back to the men honored that night?
Lewis’ Dining Room Reopens After Wartime Renovation-This Day in Norwood History-May 18, 1945
As World War II drew to a close, Lewis’ Dining Room reopened its doors, refreshed and ready to welcome a town eager for normalcy. Can you imagine the first post‑war meals shared there, and the conversations that filled those newly renovated rooms?
Allison Mahan’s Unstoppable Season-This Day in Norwood History-May 7, 1985
Allison Mahan’s standout season on the field turned box scores into legend and inspired a new generation of Norwood athletes. Do you remember watching her play—or hearing the stories about just how “unstoppable” she really was?
🗓️ In Memoriam: Clement A. Riley—This Day in Norwood History—May 31, 1988
Norwood reflected on the remarkable life of Clement A. Riley, a civic leader whose decades of service shaped both the town and the Commonwealth.
Norwood’s Neighborhoods-This Day in Norwood History-Ongoing Series
This evolving series walks block by block through Norwood’s streets, tracing how each neighborhood grew, changed, and built its own identity. It’s the kind of project that makes you see familiar corners differently—and maybe look up your own street with fresh eyes.
Police Force Reaches Out to Town-This Day in Norwood History-May 17, 1992
In the early 1990s, Norwood’s police department made a deliberate effort to connect with residents beyond emergency calls and traffic stops. How did community policing look back then—and what parts of that outreach still shape relationships today?
Mustangs Clinch at Least a Share of BSL Title With 8–4 Win Over Natick-This Day in Norwood History-May 19, 1981
An 8–4 victory over Natick pushed the Norwood Mustangs to the brink of Bay State League glory and sent fans home buzzing. Do you remember the players, the crowd, or the feeling that the whole town was riding every pitch?
Norwood’s Art Gulla Stepping Down After Two Decades-This Day in Norwood History-May 28, 1971
After twenty years in a key role, Art Gulla’s decision to step down marked the end of an era in Norwood sports and civic life. What does it mean when a familiar figure who’s always “just been there” finally hands over the reins?
This Day in Norwood History-May 3, Many Years
This multi‑year roundup gathers moments from different May 3rds—big and small—that together sketch a cross‑section of Norwood life. It’s like flipping through a time‑lapse calendar, watching the same date light up in different decades.
This Day in Norwood History-May 12, 1965
A young Richie Hebner takes center stage in this snapshot of Norwood’s baseball past, long before his name became widely known. How often does a local box score quietly hint at a much bigger career to come?
MSHCA Hall Calls for Clifford-This Day in Norwood History-May 10, 2013
When the Massachusetts State Hockey Coaches Association Hall of Fame came calling for Clifford, it was as much a Norwood story as a personal honor. This piece traces how years of dedication behind the bench turned into a legacy worthy of the hall.
Talk of the Town: May 11, 1964-This Day in Norwood History-May 11, 1964
“Talk of the Town” captures the everyday buzz of 1964 Norwood—small notices, local characters, and the kind of news that never makes the big papers. Do you recognize the rhythms of your own life in these little items from another era?
Norwood Airport Aerial View, Then and Now (1953)-This Day in Norwood History-1953
An aerial photograph from 1953 shows Norwood Airport surrounded by open land, long before later development filled in the gaps. It’s a striking before‑and‑after that invites you to imagine the roar of early planes over fields that look almost rural.
From moonshine raids to ballfield triumphs, corner memorials, and changing streetscapes, these top posts show how Norwood’s past is never just “back then”—it’s woven into the places we still walk, drive, and gather today. As you explore these stories, you’re not just reading history; you’re reconnecting with the people and moments that continue to shape the town’s identity, one day—and one memory—at a time.
Top Stories of 2026
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Top Posts-April 2026
Top This Day in Norwood History Posts-April 2026 April brought a remarkable mix of Norwood stories to the forefront—historic milestones, neighborhood memories, architectural treasures, and snapshots of everyday life that continue to resonate with readers. These were the most‑read features of the month, each offering a unique window into the town’s past and the people…
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In Memory of Timothy J. McDonough (February 21, 1965 – March 12, 2026)
A Life of Service, Community, and Unwavering Norwood Pride On March 12, 2026, the Town of Norwood lost one of its most dedicated public servants and most beloved neighbors with the passing of Timothy J. McDonough, who died peacefully at home surrounded by his son Patrick, future daughter‑in‑law Melissa, and his loyal companion Bailey. Tim…
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Mother-Daughter Duo Opens Accessible Rental-This Day In Norwood History-March 30, 2025
This mother-daughter duo runs a joyful, disability-friendly short-term rentalTravel presented challenges for those with disabilities, especially when searching for accommodations that met their needs.Mother and daughter Dara and Paige Adams opened their Norwood-based rental, the house of id, in 2023. Paige had been diagnosed with circulatory and connective tissue disorders that affected her mobility. While…
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From Gilded Age Roots to Modern Restoration: The Story of Oakview Mansion
Set high on a rise along Walpole Street, Oakview Mansion stands as a monument to Norwood’s industrial prosperity and architectural elegance. Originally built in 1868 for tanning heir Francis Olney Winslow, this Second Empire landmark later served as the “Executive Mansion” for Massachusetts Governor Frank Allen. From hosting world-renowned figures like Sergei Rachmaninoff and Calvin…
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In Memoriam-John J. Carroll
John J. Carroll 1928-2023 Born to Irish immigrant parents in Boston, John J. Carroll graduated with a civil engineering degree from Northeastern University in 1950. After serving in the United States Army from 1950-1952, he went to work for the town of Lexington as a civil engineer. In 1958, he became Superintendent of Public Works…
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A Drive Through Norwood Center on Easter Morning, April 17, 2022
We hope you enjoy this video of a short drive in and around Norwood Center on Easter morning, April 17, 2022. Happy Easter! Discover more from Norwood Historical Society Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email. Type your email… Subscribe
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Happy Birthday Norwood Massachusetts!
By George Curtis, Norwood Historical Society On a warm summer day in 1872, the people of South Dedham gathered with a sense of anticipation that had been building for decades. Their community, once a quiet parish on the outskirts of Dedham, had grown into a bustling village with its own industries, churches, schools, and traditions.…
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William Brooks New Norwood Police Chief-This Day In Norwood History-February 1, 2012
William Brooks III, a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience from the Norwood, Westwood, and Wellesley police departments, has been announced as the new Chief of the Norwood Police Department. This appointment follows the impending retirement of Chief Bartley King in April, as announced by General Manager John Carroll in a statement presented at…
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Events Dust Off The Life And Art Of Once-Renowned Photographer F. Holland Day-This Day In Norwood History-April 6, 1997
NORWOOD – Once an internationally known art photographer, F. Holland Day has fallen into obscurity since his death in 1933. Although it is difficult to imagine that Day, a photographer who in 1898 dressed up like Jesus and staged crucifixion scenes over several weeks in the countryside between Norwood and Walpole, could soon be forgotten.…
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Teenager Wins School Board Seat-This Day In Norwood History-April 5, 1983
When 18-year-old Timothy McDonough decided to run for a School Committee seat in Norwood, he was a little doubtful about his chances. But he made up his mind that with a lot of hard work and some help from his family and friends, he could win. The hard work paid off. When the vote was…
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