The January 1971 fire at Norwood’s Junior High School was a major attraction. Hundreds of people braved freezing cold temperatures to stand in ankle-deep snow to watch the blaze, so it’s no surprise that the article about the fire is one of the most popular on our list. it was the largest local fire seen in Norwood in decades, according to Deputy Fire Chief Leo Coughlin.

To accommodate the 750 displaced students, Superintendent of Schools, Philip O. Coakley, was forced to begin double sessions at the Junior High North, which had opened the previous year.

An investigation showed that the cause was arson, with fires started in at least 3 different places on the second and third floors. The cost of the damage was estimated at close to $2 million.

Appeals Board Postpones Decision On Norwood Golf Course Proposal-July 26, 1973

Appeals Board Postpones Decision On Norwood Golf Course Proposal-July 26, 1973

georgenhs Jul 26, 2026 3 min read

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.

St. Catherine of Siena Church Completes Historic Organ Restoration-July 26, 1977

St. Catherine of Siena Church Completes Historic Organ Restoration-July 26, 1977

georgenhs Jul 25, 2026 5 min read

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 Voters To Act On 12‑Article Warrant-July 25, 1967

georgenhs Jul 25, 2026 4 min read

Norwood residents debated parking, schools, cemetery expansion, and land transfers at a 1967 town meeting.

On This Day In Norwood History

On This Day In Norwood History

georgenhs Jul 16, 2026 0 min read

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Norwood Hospital Expansion Likely to Target Civic Center Site-July 13, 1976

Norwood Hospital Expansion Likely to Target Civic Center Site-July 13, 1976

georgenhs Jul 12, 2026 2 min read

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.


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