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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In Memoriam-Charles “Nubby” Donnell-April 1, 1947
April 1, 1947-Charles Donnell Succumbs At 61 Whole Town Mourns Death Of Popular Police Officer Charles R. “Nubby’ Donnell passed away Tuesday after noon at the Norwood Hospital The bitter news, anxiously dreaded since last Friday morning when he was stricken with a serious illness, passed around town with the speed of a Presidential death…
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Last Tribute Paid To Dr. Frederick Albert Cleveland-This Day in Norwood History-February 1, 1947
One of Norwood’s most distinguished citizens, Dr. Frederick Albert Cleveland, P.H.B., P.H.D., passed away at 2:10 o’clock Saturday morning at the Norwood Hospital. He was in his 81st year. Friends and townsmen appreciative of Dr. Cleveland’s work in this community paid tribute to his memory at services held Monday afternoon at 3 o’clock at the…
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Norwood’s Col Lee Flies 252d Mission to Set New Record-This Day In Norwood History-April 28, 1945
NORWOOD, April 28—Lt Col George T. Lee, 25, son of Mrs. Mary J. Lee of 26 Rock st., this town, recently flew his 252d mission to set a new 1st Tactical Air Force record. Commanding officer of “Lee’s Invaders” and a veteran P-47 Thunderbolt pilot he has earned an enviable reputation in several theaters of…
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Teen Age Flyers-This Day In Norwood History-April 8, 1945
Norwood HIGH is believed to be the first in the East, and perhaps in the country, where every student in the aeronautics class, if his parents consent, has actual flight instruction as a part of his aeronautics course, without cost. Under an arrangement with Wiggins Airways, Inc., students go to the airport two at a…
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Fine Time For Pig To Disappear, Says Local Owner-This Day In Norwood History-April 17, 1943
One hundred and forty pounds of pork — on the hoof— is on the loose somewhere in the woods of Norwood. Now in this day of meat shortages and ration points that’s a lot of fresh shoulder and sausage meat running around unattached and no one knows it better than John Labisser of 535 Walpole…
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Norwood’s Blind Carillonneur Uses Skilled Fingers For War-This Day In Norwood History-April 16, 1943
NEW WAR WORKER Roger Walker Makes Good As Fore River Machinist Norwood’s carillonneur has gone to war. Roger Walker, 44, totally blind since birth, has at last realized an ambition motivated by the nation’s declaration of war on the Axis and is today making good as an outside machinist at the Bethlahm-Hingham shipyard, where he…
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Pvt Eugene McDonough First Casualty in North Africa-This Day in Norwood History-April 16, 1943
A Solemn High Requiem Maas will be celebrated at St. Catherine’s Church tomorrow morning at nine o’clock for M. Eugene McDonough, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael McDonough of 607 Nahatan Street, Norwood, who was killed in action in North Africa on March 23rd. Mr. and Mrs. McDonough were informed by a telegram from the…
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Playground Entrance Gate Designed As Fr. McAleer Memorial-This Day in Norwood History-April 25, 1941
Gordon Woodberry Designs Entrance Distinguished For Beauty and Simplicity Showing selectmen plans for a beautiful entrance to the Father McAleer playground, the special Father McAleer memorial committee expressed the hope on Tuesday night that the dedication of the memorial might be possible by May 26th. That date would have been the thirteenth anniversary of the…
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St. Catherine’s Church Celebrates 50th Anniversary-This Day In Norwood History-April 29, 1940
NORWOOD April 28—St. Catherine’s Catholic Church today celebrated its 50th anniversary with a solemn high mass of thanksgiving. Assisting were Rev. George P. O Conor, pastor of St. Mary’s Church, Dedham, the mother parish: Rev. Daniel O’Connor of East Walpole, a former pastor of St. Catherine’s; Rev. Michael Owens of Quincy, Rev. John Coughlin of…
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Lewis’ Restaurant Ultimate In Norwood Dining History-This Day in Norwood History-February 9, 1940
On February 20th the ultimate in Norwood’s dining history will be reached. It is the date of the opening: of the new Lewis restaurant and grill nearing completion at the corner of Cottage and Central streets.’ It will mark the fifth milepost in Norwood’s gastronomic history. It is but a stone’s throw from the new…
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