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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James Sweeney, Bernard Cooper, Ralph Nixon Top 3 In 14th Annual Science Fair-This Day in Norwood History-April 4, 1963
James Sweeney, son of Mr. and Mrs Edward J. Sweeney of 33 Bellevue Avenue, was named first prize winner at the fourteenth annual Norwood High School Science Fair last week for his exhibit on Computer Logic. The junior science student will now be eligible for entrance into the state-wide competition at the Massachusetts State Science…
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Carrabino NHS Diamond Leader-This Day In Norwood History-April 4, 1963
William (Bill) Carrabino, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Carrabino of 52 Saunders road, will captain this year’s Norwood High baseball entry in the Bay State Baseball League. Bill will again be patrolling left field for the locals as he did last year. He is a left-hander all the way and possesses one of the…
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First Residents Move Into Windsor Gardens-This Day in Norwood History-February 7, 1963
Windsor Gardens, the new multi-million dollar garden apartment development in Norwood, welcomed the first residents on January 29. Mr. and Mrs. David P. McQuire, who recently moved from London, occupy a terrace apartment in one of six buildings presently under construction on the 53-acre site. The McQuires were attracted by not only the secluded country…
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George Willett, 91, Helped Develop Town of Norwood-This Day In Norwood History-April 14, 1962
NORWOOD, Apr. 13 — George F. Willett, 91, one of the most distinguished citizens of Norwood for more than half a century, died today. A native of Walpole, Mr. Willett moved to Norwood in 1893 and provided not only the financial backing but the direction in re-shaping the community. A member of The Country Club,…
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New Nahatan Drug Store Stresses Quality, Savings-This Day in Norwood History-April 12, 1962
A giant three-day grand-opening sale is now in progress at the new Nahatan Drug Store at the Star Market Shopping Center in Norwood. Low prices and high quality are the policy of this new Walgreen Agency Store, and shoppers can make selections and compare value at their leisure, from more than 40 varied departments, all…
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Sparks Discount Store in Norwood Scheduled for Opening Next Month-This Day in Norwood History-February 15, 1962
Sparks Discount Department Store, which is moving into the former Nortronics plant at Route 1 and Neponset street in Norwood, is almost finished being redecorated into a modem, full-line department store, and should be ready for the grand opening sometime this March, according to George Sparks, president of the Sparks chain. “Sparkie” the Sparks Department…
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Norwood Nuggets Chase 10th Straight Win-This Day in Norwood History-February 2, 1961
Norwood High’s victorious Golden Nuggets are urged by many of their faithful followers to beware of those Milton ‘Whiz Kids’ who may be “up” for an upset try Saturday night at the Boston Arena as our boys go after their tenth consecutive victory of the season. Norwood defeated Milton 2-0 in their first meeting and…
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Norwood Ice Team Doesn’t Need Nickel-This Day In Norwood History-February 29, 1960
“No more nickles for me,” buckled coach Jack Monbouquette of the Norwood High hockey team. “If I get two. I change them for a dime. If I have one, swap it for five pennies. I don’t want to see another nickel.” The Norwood coach isn’t averse to money. He wants to forget how Norwood…
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Residents Ask For Swimming Pool at Fr. McAleer Playground-This Day In Norwood History-March 13, 1959
A dozen residents appeared before the Selectmen Tuesday evening and may have set the machinery in motion which will produce the end result of one swimming pool at the Fr. McAleer Playground. Mrs. Mary Dempsey, 4-1 Florence ave., acting as spokesman for the group presented the Board with a petition containing more than 900 names…
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Dedication Ceremony Frederick A. Cleveland Elementary School-This Day in Norwood History-February 1, 1959
DEDICATION – Frederick A. Cleveland School Korslund, LeNormand & Quann, Inc. — Architects Poorvu Construction Co., Inc., Wellesley Hills — General Contractor Dr. Frederick A. Cleveland, (1865 – 1945) for whom we dedicate this school today was a noted author and economist of national and international fame as well as an outstanding engineer, philosopher, builder…
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