83-642: The Samuel Dexter House is a historic house at 699 High Street, Dedham, Massachusetts . It was built, beginning in July 1761, by Samuel Dexter , a member of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress . Dexter purchased the property on which the house stands on March 18, 1761. The house was next door to the parsonage of the First Church and Parish in Dedham , where he grew up. The house was the childhood home of
166-405: A District Attorney , a Clerk of Courts , a Register of Deeds , a Sheriff , a County Treasurer, and a Register of Probate . County Commissioners are elected for a four-year term; two Commissioners are elected to coincide with presidential elections, and one Commissioner is elected during the midterm elections. All three Commissioners must hail from a different municipality. The District Attorney
249-494: A building with the shape of a Latin cross , and featured Gothic Revival windows. The three tiers of cells radiated out like spokes from the central guardroom. There were two hangings in the central rotunda: George C. Hersey on August 8, 1862 and James H. Costley on June 25, 1875. Inmates were housed in the jail until 1992 when the Norfolk County Correctional Center was opened in 1992. A court forced
332-642: A county seat at a town . The county was named after the English county of the same name . Two towns, Cohasset and Brookline , are exclaves . Norfolk County is included in the Boston - Cambridge - Newton , MA- NH Metropolitan Statistical Area . Norfolk County is the 24th highest-income county in the United States with a median household income of $ 107,361. It is the wealthiest county in Massachusetts. Shortly after
415-462: A female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% were non-families. 23.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.14. Dedham's population was spread out, with 22.2% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 31.1% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
498-634: A group in Dedham protesting the federal government; they set up a liberty pole , as people had before the American Revolution . It carried the words, "No Stamp Act , No Sedition Act , No Alien Bills , No Land Tax, downfall to the Tyrants of America; peace and retirement to the President; Long Live the Vice President", referring to then-President John Adams and Vice President Thomas Jefferson . Brown
581-494: A jail. On the last day of September following this order, the court accepted from Timothy Gay the gift of a parallelogram lot of land to erect the Norfolk County Jail next to his tavern. It was replaced by a new Norfolk County Jail in 1817. The two story stone building was built in 1817 and was 33' square. Part of the jail was torn down in 1851 to erect a central, octagonal portion and two wings. It resulted in
664-432: A median income of $ 51,301 versus $ 37,108 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 32,484. About 2.90% of families and 4.60% of the population were below the poverty line , including 4.40% of those under age 18 and 5.70% of those age 65 or over. As of the 2010 United States census , there were 670,850 people, 257,914 households, and 168,903 families residing in the county. The population density
747-457: A new building was constructed for the Registry across the street at 649 High Street. The Boston firm Peabody & Stearns was hired to design the current Registry of Deeds, built in 1905. The main section of the building measures 52 feet by 186 feet, is two stories high with a copper hipped roof, and is built of Indiana limestone with details made of granite from Deer Isle, Maine . According to
830-468: A number of private schools also operate within the town. Settled in 1635 by people from Roxbury and Watertown, Dedham was incorporated in 1636. It became the county seat of Norfolk County when the county was formed from parts of Suffolk County on March 26, 1793. When the Town was originally incorporated, the residents wanted to name it "Contentment." The Massachusetts General Court overruled them and named
913-422: A piece of land on their Little Common, and a new courthouse was ordered to be constructed. Construction was sluggish, however, and the delays frustrated Ames. The court was still sitting in the meetinghouse in 1794 but the new courthouse was completed in 1795. It was found to be too small, however, and the ceilings were so low as to stifle people in the courtrooms. Charles Bulfinch was hired in 1795 to design
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#1732855430173996-484: A small medallion into a granite block showing an elevation of 112.288 feet . According to the United States Census Bureau , the town has a total area of 10.6 square miles (27 km ), of which 10.4 square miles (27 km ) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.52 km ) (1.79%) is water. Dedham is made up of a number of neighborhoods: Dedham has a warm-summer humid continental climate ( Dfb under
1079-516: A standing or roll call vote , either of which can be called for by the Moderator. All Town officers are required to attend Town Meeting and multiple member bodies must send at least one representative who have all the privileges of a Member except the right to vote. If 5% of Town voters petition the Select Board within 14 days of Town Meeting, any action taken may be submitted to voters. The final result
1162-549: A turret for the building and Paul Revere was commissioned to cast a bell. When it became apparent that the Courthouse was out of date, the County Commissioners ordered a new one to be built. They originally were seeking a utilitarian building that would be fireproof and safe to store important documents. Local boosters, however, wanted a building that aligned with the town's rapidly improving self-image. The land for
1245-421: A well on Court Street, and it did not have an adequate heating system. One employee complained that it was "barren and destitute of every convenience, demanded for health, comfort and decency." In 1846, an iron fence was installed around the perimeter. The Registry was originally housed in one of the first floor rooms of the home of Eliphalet Pond, the first registrar, at 963 Washington Street in Dedham. A sign
1328-468: Is elected every four years coinciding with the midterm elections. The Clerk of Courts and Register of Deeds are elected every six years coinciding with the elections of Class I US Senators. The County Treasurer and Register of Probate are elected every six years coinciding with the elections of Class II US Senators. The Sheriff is elected every six years coinciding with the elections of Class III US Senators. There have been 21 sheriffs of Norfolk County. In
1411-400: Is the birthplace of four Presidents of the United States ( John Adams , John Quincy Adams , John F. Kennedy , and George H. W. Bush ), resulting in the moniker "County of Presidents." Following the creation of the county, Gay's Tavern was the site of a Court of General Sessions on August 25, 1794. They ordered that the committee on buildings proceed with collecting materials for building
1494-631: Is to appoint, subject to Town Meeting's confirmation, a Deputy Moderator from the elected Members. The Deputy serves in case of the Moderator's absence or disability. The current Town Moderator is Dan Driscoll. The seven members of the School Committee are elected for three-year terms and appoint a Superintendent of Schools. They also set policy for the School Department. The School Committee is currently chaired by Mayanne MacDonald Briggs, with Stephen Acosta serving as Vice Chair. The other members of
1577-549: Is to be determined by majority vote, but Town Meeting can not be overruled unless 20% of registered voters participate. Town Meeting sets its own rules and keeps a journal of proceedings. The Town Meeting may establish various ad-hoc and standing committees on which any Town Meeting Member or voter may serve. Before each Spring Annual Town Meeting, the Public Service Recognition Award is given to recognize citizens who have performed outstanding acts of service to
1660-421: Is to call together the members of the district, and they are to elect a member who will serve until the next town election. The Warrant at Town Meeting includes the articles to be voted on. Any elected or appointed board, committee, town officer, or any ten voters may place an article on the warrant. Each article to be voted on is directed by the Select Board to an appropriate board or committee to hear and provide
1743-529: The Alien and Sedition Acts . In 1818, though citizens were still taxed for the support of ministers and other "public teachers of religion", Dedham set a precedent toward the separation of church and state . Residents of the town selected a minister different than that chosen by the church members; the selection by residents was confirmed by the Supreme Judicial Court . This decision increased support for
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#17328554301731826-931: The Brookline-Boston annexation debate of 1873 . At the 2000 census there were 650,308 people, 248,827 households, and 165,967 families residing in the county. The population density was 1,628 inhabitants per square mile (629/km ). There were 255,154 housing units at an average density of 639 per square mile (247/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 89.02% White or European American , 3.18% Black or African American , 0.13% Native American , 5.50% Asian , 0.02% Pacific Islander , 0.78% from other races, and 1.37% from two or more races. 1.84%. were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 28.6% were of Irish , 13.4% Italian , 7.7% English and 5.0% descendants of colonists ancestry according to Census 2000 . 85.7% spoke English , 2.3% Chinese in any dialect, 2.0% Spanish , 1.0% Italian and 1.0% French as their first language. Of
1909-628: The Constitution of Massachusetts was adopted on October 25, 1780, a number of towns in Suffolk County , of which Dedham was then a part, elected delegates to a convention to decide upon some policy relative to the division of the county. The convention met at Gay's Tavern in Dedham on December 12, 1780, and adopted a resolution to the effect that the towns of Bellingham , Dedham , Foxborough , Franklin , Medfield , Medway , Needham , Stoughton , Stoughtonham , Walpole , and Wrentham , along with
1992-574: The Democratic Party in recent presential elections. From 1996 to 2024, Dedham's voting patterns have leaned heavily Democratic, with the party consistently winning the majority of votes. In the 2024 presidential election , Democrat Kamala Harris secured 63.27% of the vote, making a slight decrease from the 67.81% that Democrat Joe Biden received in 2020. In the 1980 election , the Republican Ronald Reagan notably received 46.81% of
2075-452: The Finance and Warrant Committee . Members who move from the district or are removed by redistricting may serve until the next Town Election; however, any member who moves out of the Town immediately ceases to be a Member. In case of a vacancy, the remaining term is to be filled at the next town election. If no election is to take place within 120 days of the vacancy, then the district chairman
2158-447: The Köppen climate classification system), with high humidity and precipitation year-round. As of the census of 2000, there were 23,464 people, 8,654 households, and 6,144 families residing in the town. The population density was 2,244.6 inhabitants per square mile (866.6/km ). There were 8,908 housing units at an average density of 852.2 per square mile (329.0/km ). The racial makeup of
2241-593: The Middlesex County towns of Holliston , Hopkinton , Natick , and Sherborn ought to be formed into a new county with Medfield as the shiretown. The Great and General Court did not look favorably upon the resolution, however, and no new county was then created. Norfolk County, Massachusetts was created on March 26, 1793, by legislation signed by Governor John Hancock . Most of the towns were originally part of Suffolk County, Massachusetts . The towns of Dorchester and Roxbury were part of Norfolk County when it
2324-546: The Norfolk County Courthouse . Dedham is sometimes called the "mother of towns" because 14 present-day communities were included within its original broad borders. Dedham is governed by a representative town meeting , a select board which appoints the town manager , and various other boards and committees. The town is served by the MBTA commuter rail and bus service. The Dedham Public Schools operates seven schools, and
2407-482: The U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 444 square miles (1,150 km ), of which 396 square miles (1,030 km ) is land and 48 square miles (120 km ) (11%) is water. It is the third-smallest county in Massachusetts by total area. The county is not completely contiguous ; the towns of Brookline and Cohasset are each part of Norfolk County but are separated from the majority of Norfolk County (and each other) by either water or other counties. At
2490-591: The disestablishment of the Congregational churches . The local Endicott Estate burned to the ground in 1904 after the local volunteer fire department, responding to three separate fires burning simultaneously, reached the Endicott fire last. By the time they arrived, only ashes remained. It is said that the estate's owner, Henry Bradford Endicott (also founder of the Endicott Johnson Corporation ) took
2573-407: The 248,827 households 31.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.20% were married couples living together, 9.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.30% were non-families. 26.80% of households were one person and 10.80% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.14. The age distribution was 23.40% under
Samuel Dexter House - Misplaced Pages Continue
2656-408: The 257,914 households, 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.0% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 34.5% were non-families, and 27.6% of households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.15. The median age was 40.7 years. The median income for a household in
2739-454: The Board of Health are responsible for the formulation and enforcement of rules and regulations affecting the environment and the public health. Currently the board is chaired by Bernadette Chriokas. Leanne Jasset serves as Vice Chair, and Emma Reidy serves as a member. The Board of Library Trustees has five members, each of whom serves three-year terms, and has care of the Town's public library at
2822-523: The Board, they have all of the powers and duties which are given to housing authorities under the constitution and laws of the Commonwealth. The current chair is Donna M. Brown Rego and Margaret Matthews serves as the Assistant Chair & State Appointee. Skye Kessler serves as Treasurer, John B. Kane as Assistant Treasurer, and John Wagner as a member. Dedham has shown a consistent trend of support for
2905-720: The Endicott Branch and Main Branch . The Board develops policies to dictate how the library functions and operates. The Board is responsible for the library's buildings, including library hours and building use outside of regular operating hours. The Board also reviews the Director's budget request, makes recommendations, and officially adopts the operating budget. The current chair is Tom Turner, with Brian Keaney serving as Vice Chair. Crystal Power serves as Clerk. Annette Raphel and Rita Chapdelaine also serve as members. The five elected members of
2988-601: The Parks & Recreation Commission. Section 3-10 of the Town Charter states that the goal of the commission is to promote physical education, play, recreation, sport and other programs for people of all ages. The commission is currently chaired by Lisa Farnham, with Jon Briggs serving as Vice Chair. Lisa Moran, Chuck Dello Iacono, and Ryan O'Toole are also members. There are five elected Commissioners of Trust Funds who manage and control all funds left, given, bequeathed, or devised to
3071-542: The Planning Board make studies and prepare plans concerning the resources, possibilities, and needs of the town. It also prepares the Master Plan. Currently the board is chaired by Michael A. Podolski, Esq., with Jessica Porter serving as Vice Chair. James E. O'Brien IV serves as Clerk. John Bethoney and James F. McGrail, Esq. are also members. Andrew Pepoli serves as an unelected Associate. There are five elected members of
3154-710: The Secretary of the Treasury Samuel Dexter . Dexter hosted Governor Thomas Hutchinson at the house in 1771. The building was remodeled in 1901 following the design of J. Harleston Parker , using Colonial revival elements. The Samuel Dexter House is a contributing property to the Dedham Village Historic District , added to the National Register of Historic Places in September 2006. The home
3237-421: The age of 18, 7.00% from 18 to 24, 31.60% from 25 to 44, 23.50% from 45 to 64, and 14.40% 65 or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.60 males. The median household income was $ 63,432 and the median family income was $ 77,847 (these figures had risen to $ 77,294 and $ 95,243 respectively as of a 2007 estimate ). Males had
3320-408: The burning of the homestead as a divine command to rebuild (which he did). The rebuilt Endicott Estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places . The estate and surrounding grounds are open to the public, upholding Henry's stepdaughter Katherine's wish to use the house and property for "educational, civic, social and recreational purposes." In 1921, the historic Sacco and Vanzetti trial
3403-552: The census-designated locations and villages were included as cities or towns. Data is from the 2007–2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. *congregations **adherents The county has offices in Dedham Square. It runs the Norfolk County Correctional Center , the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, and the Norfolk County Courthouse . All eligible voters of Norfolk County vote for three County Commissioners ,
Samuel Dexter House - Misplaced Pages Continue
3486-520: The center paved with brick. On the eastern side were the offices of the Country Treasurer and the Clerk of Courts. On the western side were the Registry of Deeds and Probate Court. The courtroom was upstairs and featured an arched ceiling. The high sheriff had a desk in the room. From the outside it was an attractive building, but it was not a comfortable place to work. The only water was provided by
3569-411: The century. Norfolk County, Massachusetts Norfolk County ( / ˈ n ɔːr f ə k / NOR -fək ) is located in the U.S. state of Massachusetts . At the 2020 census , the population was 725,981. Its county seat is Dedham . It is the fourth most populous county in the United States whose county seat is neither a city nor a borough, and it is the second most populous county that has
3652-566: The closure after 13 inmates escaped in 1989. There were at least 27 break outs during the prison's history. The current Norfolk County Correctional Center is located on the median of Route 128 in Dedham. The facility has 502 beds and opened in 1992. After the creation of the county, the Court of Common Pleas and the Court of General Sessions of the Peace first met in Dedham's meetinghouse . Nathaniel Ames
3735-419: The committee are Chris Polito, Leah Flynn Gallant, Laurie Twomey, Joshua Langmead, and William (Bill) Walsh. The three elected members of the Board of Assessors serve three-year terms and annually make a fair cash valuation of all property within the town. The current chair is Michael T. Polito. Richard J. Schoenfeld serves as Vice Chair and George Panagopoulos serves as Secretary. The three elected members of
3818-490: The community. Currently Town Meeting consists of 273 members, or representatives, with each of the seven districts, or precincts, electing 39. Thirteen are elected from each precinct each year and serve a three-year term. Each precinct elects from its own members a chairman, vice chairman, and secretary. To be eligible, candidates must have 10 registered voters from their precinct sign nomination papers. Town Meeting Representatives can not serve on any other elected board or on
3901-404: The county seat and home to Norfolk County 's courts. On the left of the tree are agricultural instruments, and on the right is a factory, showing Dedham's history first as a town of farmers and then as one with a number of mills and factories, particularly along Mother Brook . Below the tree is a banner with the word "Contentment", the name of the original plantation. The town flag is red with
3984-425: The county was $ 81,027 and the median family income was $ 101,870. Males had a median income of $ 68,070 versus $ 51,870 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 42,371. About 4.1% of families and 6.2% of the population were below the poverty line , including 6.3% of those under age 18 and 6.9% of those age 65 or over. The ranking of unincorporated communities that are included on the list are reflective if
4067-439: The county's formation, Hingham and Hull were to be part of it, but joined Plymouth County instead, leaving Cohasset as the initial exclave of Norfolk County and an enclave of Plymouth County. Brookline became the second exclave of Norfolk County in 1873 when the neighboring town of West Roxbury was annexed by Boston (thus leaving Norfolk County to join Suffolk County ) and Brookline refused to be annexed by Boston after
4150-415: The courthouse, across the street from the existing one, was purchased from Frances Ames for $ 1,200. Ames later refused to sell the lot to the east at an asking price of $ 400, however. Masonic ceremonies, bell ringing and cannon fire accompanied the laying of the cornerstone on July 4, 1825. In 1827, the old courthouse was sold at public auction. The new building was designed by Solomon Willard and
4233-403: The day-to-day affairs of the Town. They issue licenses and can investigate the affairs and the conduct of any town agency. The Elected Town Clerk serves a three-year term and works full-time for the Town. The Clerk is "the keeper of vital statistics of the town and the custodian of the town seal and all public records, administer[s] the oaths of office to all town officers... [and is] the clerk of
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#17328554301734316-500: The document. The Selectmen consolidated them into six articles for Town Meeting's consideration, and five were presented to the Meeting in 2013. Voters approved four of them in 2014. A version of the sixth and final proposal was adopted at the Spring 2014 Annual Town Meeting. According to Dedham's charter, the "administration of all the fiscal, prudential, and municipal affairs of the town, with
4399-467: The first taxpayer-funded public school , "the seed of American education." Its first schoolmaster, Rev. Ralph Wheelock , a Clare College graduate, was paid 20 pounds annually to instruct the youth of the community. Descendants of these students would become presidents of Dartmouth College , Yale University , and Harvard University . The first man-made canal in North America, Mother Brook ,
4482-854: The floor of Town Meeting. The executive branch of the Town Government is "headed" by a Select Board. The Board has five members who are elected for three-year terms and serve as the chief policy-making body for the town. They appoint a Town Manager, who runs the day-to-day affairs of the Town. They also appoint constables, registrars of voters and other election officers, the board of appeals, conservation commission, historic district commission, and members of several other multiple member boards. Dennis J. Teehan Jr. serves as chair, with Erin Boles Welsh serving as Vice Chair. James A. MacDonald and Dimitria Sullivan also serve as members. Select board members set policy for all departments below it, but are not involved in
4565-399: The foundation whereof is ever lasting love." They also agreed that "we shall by all means labor to keep off from us all such as are contrary minded, and receive only such unto us as may be probably of one heart with us, [and such] as that we either know or may well and truly be informed to walk in a peaceable conversation with all meekness of spirit, [this] for the edification of each other in
4648-516: The government thereof, shall be vested in a legislative branch, to consist of a representative town meeting ." Town Meeting is to consist of no less than 270 members, but not more than necessary to achieve an equal number coming from each precinct. There are currently seven districts, but could be as few as six or as many as nine, with lines drawn by the Select Board and the Registrars of Voters every ten years. Votes are by voice unless members call for
4731-493: The house. The house also contained all but two books of records from the Suffolk County Registry of Deeds. They had been removed from Boston to protect them during the military occupation of the capital. Dedham, Massachusetts Dedham ( / ˈ d ɛ d ə m / DED -əm ) is a town in, and the county seat of, Norfolk County, Massachusetts , United States. Located on Boston 's southwestern border,
4814-431: The inadequate services provided, namely schools and churches. They also said that, if they were simply to be made a precinct instead of a separate town, that they would suffer political reprisals. Dedham agreed that the services were inadequate and did not oppose the separation, but did try to reduce the amount of land the separatists were seeking. Dedham also asked for a delay of one year. The General Court agreed with
4897-525: The knowledge and faith of the Lord Jesus…" The covenant also stipulated that if differences were to arise between townsmen, they would seek arbitration for resolution and each would pay his fair share for the common good. Dedham is home to the Fairbanks House , the oldest surviving timber-frame house in the United States, scientifically dated to 1637. On January 1, 1643, by unanimous vote, Dedham authorized
4980-645: The mid-1800s, Jonathan H. Cobb was the clerk of courts. Like the rest of Massachusetts, Norfolk County is a Democratic stronghold. The last time it voted for a Republican presidential candidate was in 1984 , during Ronald Reagan 's landslide victory in which he carried every state except Minnesota and the district of Washington, D.C. Note: West Roxbury (annexed to Boston 1874), Roxbury (annexed to Boston 1868), Dorchester (founded 1630, annexed to Boston 1870), Hyde Park (incorporated 1868 from Dorchester, Milton, and Dedham, annexed to Boston 1912), and Hingham and Hull were originally part of Norfolk County when
5063-538: The original motion at Town Meeting. All articles expending funds are directed to the Finance Committee; articles dealing with planning and zoning to the Planning Board; articles relating to by-laws to the By-Law Committee. The Finance Committee recommendation has the force of the original motion on all articles except those related to zoning. The Planning Board makes the original motion for those. The chairmen of
SECTION 60
#17328554301735146-485: The petitioners, however, and created the new town of Needham with the original boundaries requested. Those who remained in Dedham still held rights to the unallotted lands in Needham, however, and any decrease in taxes would be offset by a decrease in expenditures. There may have also been some satisfaction in separating themselves from those on the other side of the 1704 power struggle . In November 1798, David Brown led
5229-530: The population was 25,364 at the 2020 census . First settled by English colonists in 1635 and incorporated in 1636, Dedham established the first public school in America in 1643. Dedham is home to the Fairbanks House , the oldest surviving timber-frame house in the United States. On January 1, 1643, by unanimous vote, Dedham authorized the first taxpayer-funded public school , "the seed of American education." The first man-made canal in North America, Mother Brook ,
5312-584: The poverty line, including 3.9% of those under age 18 and 6.5% of those age 65 or over. The town's seal was originally designed by a member of the Dedham Historical Society. In the center is a crest containing the Old Avery Oak . When the tree was finally felled, the gavel used by the Moderator at Town Meeting was carved out of it. Above the tree are the scales of justice, representing Dedham as
5395-706: The seal prominent and in the center. In the lower left corner is part of the Avery Oak , and in the lower right is part of the Fairbanks House . It hangs in the select board 's chambers at town hall and in the Great Hall of the Massachusetts State House . A charter adopted in 1998 lays out the basic structure of the Town government, although it has been amended occasionally over the years. A seven-member Charter Advisory Committee, appointed in 2012, recommended six substantial changes and numerous minor changes be made to
5478-530: The several districts elect from amongst themselves a chairman. This Chairman of the chairmen hosts what is officially known as the District Chairmen's Warrant Review Meeting, but is much more commonly referred to as Mini Town Meeting. The "Mini", first held in 1978, is generally a week or two before the actual Town Meeting. The purpose of the Mini is to air out several of the contentious issues before bringing them to
5561-504: The site of the former Town Hall at 26 Bryant Street. Dedham is located at 42°14′40″N 71°9′55″W / 42.24444°N 71.16528°W / 42.24444; -71.16528 (42.244609, −71.165531). On the northwest it is bordered by Needham , on the southwest by Westwood , and on the southeast by Canton . On the northeastern corner of High Street and Court Street, the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey placed
5644-568: The town after Dedham, Essex in England, where some of the original inhabitants were born. The boundaries of the town at the time stretched to the Rhode Island border. At the first public meeting on August 15, 1636, eighteen men signed the town covenant. They swore that they would "in the fear and reverence of our Almighty God, mutually and severally promise amongst ourselves and each to profess and practice one truth according to that most perfect rule,
5727-563: The town meeting." In the role as clerk of town meeting, he notifies the public and members of the Town Meeting and keeps a verbatim record of proceedings. The current Town Clerk is Paul Munchbach. Town Meetings are presided over by the Town Moderator, but he has no vote unless all the Members present and voting are equally divided. At the first Town Meeting following the annual town election, he
5810-407: The town was 94.51% White , 1.54% Black or African American , 0.16% Native American , 1.87% Asian , 0.04% Pacific Islander , 0.80% from other races , and 1.08% from two or more races. 2.42% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 8,654 households, of which 30.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them. 56.3% were married couples living together, 11.1% had
5893-575: The town, and distribute the income in accordance with the terms of the respective trusts. The commission's Chair is Emily Reynolds, with Nicole P Munchbach serving as Vice Chair and Salvatore A Spada as Clerk. Robert Desmond and Dan Jon Oneil Jr. are also members. There are five members of the Housing Authority Board. Four are elected by the Town and one is appointed by the Commonwealth Commissioner of Community Affairs. As members of
5976-465: The vote, marking a significant challenge to the Democrats during that period. Prior to that, Dedham displayed a more competitive political landscape, with Republicans achieving over 50% of the vote in several elections, such as 1956 (61.84%) and 1948 (63.17%). The mid-20th century was characterized by a stronger Republican presence, with the party frequently outperforming Democrats in the early decades of
6059-425: Was 1,693.6 inhabitants per square mile (653.9/km ). There were 270,359 housing units at an average density of 682.5 per square mile (263.5/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 82.3% white, 8.6% Asian, 5.7% black or African American, 0.2% American Indian, 1.3% from other races, and 1.9% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 3.3% of the population. The largest ancestry groups were: Of
6142-404: Was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.0 males. The median income for a household in the town was $ 61,699, and the median income for a family was $ 72,330. Males had a median income of $ 46,216 versus $ 35,682 for females. The per capita income for the town was $ 28,199. About 3.2% of families and 4.6% of the population were below
6225-529: Was arrested in Andover but because he could not afford the $ 4,000 bail, he was taken to Salem for trial. Brown was tried in June 1799. Although he wanted to plead guilty, Justice Samuel Chase urged him to name those who had helped him or subscribed to his writings in exchange for freedom. Brown refused, was fined $ 480, and sentenced to eighteen months in prison. It was the most severe sentence up to then imposed under
6308-497: Was chosen as the clerk of both and they met for the first time on September 23. When the court met on January 7, 1794, it was so cold in the building, which lacked any sort of heating, that they moved to the Woodward Tavern across the street. The Anglican Church in town had also offered their building, but it was in such a state of disrepair that the offer was not accepted. The First Church and Parish in Dedham then offered
6391-559: Was created but, as Boston annexed each town, they became part of Suffolk County again, leaving Brookline separated from the rest of Norfolk County. Hingham and Hull were originally part of the Norfolk County legislation but petitioned to remain in Suffolk County and in June 1793 their removal to Norfolk County was repealed, making Cohasset an exclave . In 1803, they were moved into Plymouth County, Massachusetts . Norfolk County
6474-528: Was created in Dedham in 1639. The town took an active part in the American Revolution and was home to the Dedham Liberty Pole in the late 18th century. When a split occurred at the First Church and Parish in Dedham , the resulting lawsuit became known as The Dedham Case , an important landmark in the separation of church and state . In 1921, the historic Sacco and Vanzetti trial was held in
6557-669: Was created in Dedham in 1639. It linked the Charles River to the Neponset River . Although both are slow-moving rivers, they are at different elevations. The difference in elevation made the canal's current swift enough to power several local mills. Just 15 months after asking for their own church , 40 men living on the north side of the Charles River suddenly asked the General Court to separate them from Dedham. Their petition cited
6640-405: Was dedicated on February 20, 1827. It was a basic rectangular granite-walled structure, 48' by 98' and two stories tall, with Greek-temple porticoes at either end. Each 10' portico was supported by four Doric pillars. A bell made by Paul Revere was moved from the old courthouse to the new north portico, where it was tolled to announce court sessions. The interior had a hall running through
6723-436: Was held in the Norfolk County Courthouse . Dedham Pottery is a cherished class of antiques, characterized by a distinctive crackle glaze, blue-and-white color scheme, and a frequent motif of rabbits and other animals. Dedham is sometimes called the "mother of towns" because 14 present-day communities were included within its original broad borders. In March 2023, Dedham dedicated a 84,000 square-foot public safety complex on
6806-412: Was nailed to a tree out front informing the public of its location. It then moved to the original Norfolk County Courthouse and remained there for about three decades. When the new Norfolk County Courthouse was built in 1827, the middle office on the west side of the lower level was used by the Registry. When the population of the county grew and the number of real estate transactions increased apace,
6889-402: Was the site of the funeral of Faith Huntington , who had been living there, on November 28, 1775. The house served as the headquarters of General George Washington for a night following the evacuation of Boston . Washington paid £9.18.7 for use of the home on April 4 to 5, 1776. Dexter had retired to Connecticut by this point, but his fellow Governor's Councilor Joshua Henshaw was living at
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