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.

Norwood Trial Lawyer John J. C. Herlihy Named Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers-September 29, 1973

Norwood Trial Lawyer John J. C. Herlihy Named Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers-September 29, 1973

georgenhs Sep 22, 2026 4 min read

Norwood trial lawyer John J. C. Herlihy is named a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, reflecting on a career of landmark precedents and courtroom dedication.

Norwood High Football Opens Bay State League Play with 29-13 Victory Over Milton-September 28, 1981

Norwood High Football Opens Bay State League Play with 29-13 Victory Over Milton-September 28, 1981

georgenhs Sep 21, 2026 3 min read

Defending Super Bowl champs Norwood High open their Bay State League football season with a hard-fought 29-13 victory over Milton behind strong ground performances.

Dean Street Elderly Housing Project Refiled Under Chapter 40B as Board Seeks Attorney General Zoning Ruling-August 23, 1977

Dean Street Elderly Housing Project Refiled Under Chapter 40B as Board Seeks Attorney General Zoning Ruling-August 23, 1977

georgenhs Aug 20, 2026 5 min read

Developer Richard Vazza refiles his $2 million Dean Street elderly housing complex under Massachusetts Chapter 40B anti-snob zoning laws. The Norwood Appeals Board seeks an emergency ruling from the state attorney general to clarify conflicting zoning use variance powers.

Norwood Scrapbook-August 3

Norwood Scrapbook-August 3

georgenhs Aug 3, 2026 14 min read

A comprehensive daily compilation of historical news from Norwood, Massachusetts on August 3. Featuring stories of town planning, public safety efforts, regional transportation, local achievements, and community concert traditions.

Traffic Concerns Stall Zoning Board Hearing on Proposed Caldor Shopping Center on Route 1-July 30, 1980

Traffic Concerns Stall Zoning Board Hearing on Proposed Caldor Shopping Center on Route 1-July 30, 1980

georgenhs Jul 30, 2026 3 min read

A zoning board hearing for the proposed $3 million Caldor shopping center on Route 1 was continued to August 19 as developers Bronson & Hutensky worked to finalize safe traffic access through Park Place Industrial Park.


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