Norwood Celebrates 150th Birthday Bash In Grand Style

NORWOOD, MA - More than 300 people came out on Wednesday, Feb. 23 to celebrate Norwood’s 150th birthday at a banquet at the Four Points by Sheraton Norwood.

Guest speakers including Congressman Stephen Lynch spoke of Norwood’s rich history and future promise as they recalled what the town, known as “the crown jewel of the Commonwealth,” has meant to them. From its succession from Dedham to the worldwide impact of Norwood’s Moderna facility in producing its COVID-19 vaccine, Norwood has asserted its independent spirit and community connection.

At the start of the ceremony, the guests paused to remember two community leaders who died during the past year: Assistant Town Manager Bernie Cooper and Selectman David Hajjar. Cooper served the town for nearly five decades. Although Hajjar was in his first term as a selectman, he will be most remembered for his roles on the Personnel Board, the Finance Commission, and Impact Norwood.

Co-host Tim McDonough, the current town assessor and former selectman, reflected how Norwood was – and still is – a town shaped by the contributions of immigrants.

“It has always been a welcoming community for everyone,” he said. "Whether it’s South Norwood or Swedeville or Dublin or any of the different historical communities, we all came together, and we have for many years. I could never have been prouder to be born here, raised here and be here for my second celebration of the town’s history.”

The Norwood Colonial Boys, who are celebrating their 70th anniversary year, presented the colors as they played their fifes and drums.

Dr. Patricia Fanning, who recently published a book on Norwood’s history, recounted how the town of immigrants triumphed over “a World War, a deadly epidemic and a red scare” as it celebrated its 50th anniversary – an eerie parallel to today’s circumstances. By mid-century, it overcame the Great Depression and a second Communist threat.

Norwood then became a suburb, fueled by industry, housing and the modern transportation system.

“As the 20th century came to a close, families arrived from Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas, bringing with them a new energy and a new perspective,” Fanning continued.

She laughed as Norwood most recently became known for the Moderna vaccine and the world's largest pot infused brownie.

Lynch noted that Norwood and Walpole almost were removed from his congressional district 10 years ago but were restored thanks to the advocacy of Selectman Helen Abdallah Donohue and Walpole’s Council on Aging Director Joanne Damish.

“Norwood is a shining example of what’s best about America,” he said. “There are moments in a town’s history that truly define it and, I think, expose its character.”

He pointed to examples of “Norwood stepping up” to help others over the course of his two decades representing the town. Lynch called the police and firefighters “absolutely heroic” during the pandemic. He also cited the flooding of Norwood Hospital and the recent groundbreaking for the new state-of-the-art facility to “reflect the care and the decency of the people of Norwood in treating those who need medical care.”

Lynch read a congressional proclamation recognizing the 150th anniversary of the town as he wished the town a happy birthday.

“Pardon my language, but isn’t this a hell of a night,” said Tom Maloney, chair of the Board of Selectman as well as the Norwood 150th Steering Committee. “After two years of masks and separations and lockdowns and everything else? This is a great way to begin the post-pandemic period.”

State Sen. Mike Rush presented a resolution from himself and state Rep. John Rogers, who lives in Norwood and read a poem he wrote inspired by Norwood.

“When you come here, there’s a feeling of pride in community that is unique,” Rush said. “When somebody asks me about Norwood, the only way for me to describe it is that it’s an all-American town.”

“Our celebration comes at a unique time in our history as we slowly exit a global pandemic,” said General Manager Tony Mazzucco, noting “it will come to define this era in Norwood’s history.”

He recalled how residents sewed masks by hand and how school cafeterias fed entire families in need.

Mazzucco spoke of Norwood’s future as “a young, vibrant town” where future Olympians train and a vaccine produced here at Moderna’s Norwood campus has saved countless lives.

“Community is what sets us apart in Norwood,” he said. “And for us as a community to have gone through so much, to have changed so much, going from a little farm town to a little mill town to this small town that competes on the world stage is quite an amazing feat.”

A series of videos captured highlights of different memories and town departments, leaders and activities to close the evening.

A video of the ceremony can be seen here courtesy of NCM.