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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Norwood’s Shea Man in Hurry; Runs on Skates, Scores Often-March 20, 1967
Norwood High’s Tom Shea will never win a skating ribbon. – He’s never played in a midget or peewee hockey program and the way he skates seems to bear it out Coach Don Wheeler and the players refer to Shea (5-10, 170), a junior wing playing alongside Dick Graham and Pete Oberlander, as the “road…
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Gerard Miller Signs Up With US Marine Corps-This Day in Norwood History-April 28, 1965
Three area youths, Gerald F. Miller, 18, of 115 Hillside Avenue, Norwood, Ronald F. Brobst, 18, of 30 Myrtle Street, Dedham, and Brian M. McLean, 17, of 42 Gordan Acres, Wrentham, formerly of Norwood, enlisted last week in the United States Marine Corps, according to the Norwood Marine Recruiter Sgt. Duncan B. Macdonald. Gerald, son…
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‘Skip’ Lockwood To Stay With Majors-This Day in Norwood History-April 14, 1965
Claude (Skip) Lockwood of Norwood has been kept by the Kansas City Athletics on the Major League roster for the coming year: Lockwood thus joins a select group of Norwood athletes who have played in the major leagues. Others who have played on major league teams were Ray Martin, Charlie Bowles, and Marty Callaghan. Callaghan…
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Bishop to Help Former Parish Mark 75th Year in Norwood-April 13, 1965
Rev. Jeremiah F. Minihan, former pastor, will join with priests of the parish in a Mass of Concelebration when St. Catherine of Siena Church. Norwood, observes its 75th anniversary later this month. The observance will last from Apr. 20, when a jubilee ball will be held at Rolland, through May 2d, when a tour of…
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Second Line Puts Norwood in Final-March 12, 1965
By JIM DUNLAP For three hockey tourney games Norwood had looked like just another club. They won, but somehow they never really impressed. All season Walpole coach Charley Onto had been claiming his second line one of the finest in the state, but going into Thursday night’s semi-final round game with Arlington, the second line…
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Plimpton Press Acquired By McCallsThis Day in Norwood History-April 15, 1964
The McCall Corporation announced over the weekend that it has acquired two companies, Plimpton Press and Jersey City Printing Company for $14,000,000 in cash. Plimpton Press, which was established in 1882, is one of the oldest, largest and best-integrated manufacturers of books in the United States The company, which specializes in textbooks, maintains its headquarters…
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Murdered Norwood Woman Found With Stocking Around Neck-April 13, 1964
Mystery Cloaks Woman’s Death NORWOOD A 62-year-old woman was found dead in her bed this morning, a nylon stocking wrapped around her neck. Police said the fully clad body of Mrs. Goldie Fine was discovered about 8 a.m. in her home at 16 Lewis av., South Norwood. Medical Examiner Dr, Joseph King performed an autopsy…
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Police Department Set To Move To New Headquarters-This Day in Norwood History-April 8, 1964
Barring an unforeseen delay, the Norwood Police Department will move into the new station tomorrow morning. The task of hooking up the intricate wiring system for the call boxes and teletype and the radio installation are about completed and final testing of the systems will clear the way for occupancy of the building tomorrow morning.…
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Hockey Players Tell Why They Wanted The Championship-This Day in Norwood History-February 20, 1964
Sports writer Frank Wall asked the members of the Norwood High School hockey team why they wanted to win the Bay State League crowd. Here are, their answers: CAP. JACK BAYER — “I wanted to win it for our coaches and also for Mr. Tom Clifford whom most of our team played for in his…
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Norwood Nine Bombs Boston Trade 12-2 in Exhibition-This Day in Norwood History-April 11, 1963
The Norwood High School baseball team racked up its second straight exhibition victory by clouting Boston Trade, 12-2, on Monday at Balch Field In Norwood. Coach Johnny Poce gave ace pitcher Skip Loper a good pre-season workout as he allowed him to go the full seven innings. Loper was never in any serious trouble as…
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