Norwood Memorial Municipal Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Norwood Memorial Municipal Building
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Norwood Memorial Municipal Building
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 566 Washington Street Norwood, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1927 |
| Architect | Upham, William G.; Miner, Edward, et al. |
| Architectural style | Late Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 96001086 |
| Added to NRHP | October 10, 1996 |
The Norwood Memorial Municipal Building, also known as the Norwood Town Hall, is a very important and historic building in Norwood, Massachusetts, United States. It's where the local government of Norwood works and makes decisions for the town. It's a place where people can go for town services and meetings.
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The Norwood Town Hall
This beautiful building was constructed between 1927 and 1928. It was built in a style called Late Gothic Revival. This means it looks a bit like old European churches or castles, with tall windows and detailed stonework. The building is made from a special type of stone called Weymouth seamed-face granite.
A Building with a Story
Many visitors often think the Norwood Town Hall looks like a church, or that it used to be one. But it has always been a town hall! Even though it has amazing stained-glass windows, they don't show saints like in a church. Instead, these windows tell stories about local history and important people from Norwood. One of the people featured in the windows is a local hero named Aaron Guild.
Who Was Aaron Guild?
You might see the name "Guild" on streets and buildings around Norwood. It's pronounced with a long i sound, like the word "beguiled." Aaron Guild was a very important person in Norwood's history, especially during the American Revolutionary War.
The Aaron Guild Memorial Stone
To understand why Aaron Guild is so special, you can look at the Aaron Guild Memorial Stone. This stone was put up in 1903 and stands outside the Norwood public library. It has an inscription that explains his brave actions:
- NEAR THIS SPOT
- CAPT. AARON GUILD
- ON APRIL 19, 1775
- LEFT PLOW IN FURROW, OXEN STANDING
- AND DEPARTING FOR LEXINGTON
- ARRIVED IN TIME TO FIRE UPON
- THE RETREATING BRITISH.
This means that when the American Revolution started, Aaron Guild was working in his field. He immediately left his farm, with his oxen still standing, and rushed to join the fight against the British soldiers. His quick action helped the American cause. Aaron Guild and his oxen are even shown on the official town seal of Norwood!
The Amazing Carillon Tower
The Norwood Memorial Municipal Building has a very special feature: a tall tower with a 50-bell carillon. A carillon is a musical instrument made of many bells that are played together, usually with a keyboard. This carillon is called the Walter F. Tilton Memorial Carillon. It's one of only nine carillons in all of Massachusetts, and it's the seventh-largest in the entire United States! Imagine the beautiful music those bells can make.
A Historic Landmark
Because of its unique architecture, historical importance, and special features like the carillon, the Norwood Memorial Municipal Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. This means it's recognized as a place that is important to the history of the United States and should be preserved.
Images for kids
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The Norwood Memorial Municipal Building, also known as the town hall.
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The church-like auditorium inside Norwood town hall.
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An image of Aaron Guild on the outside of the town hall.
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The Aaron Guild Memorial Stone, explaining his heroic actions.
