Schools

Dedham 'Squares' to be Topic of Dedham Historical Society Lecture

Every town has its business district “squares”, and Dedham boasts three – Dedham Square, Oakdale Square, and East Dedham Square.  How business districts developed in these particular locations will be the topic of author and local historian Robert Hanson’s lecture at the  on April 14 at 7:30 p.m.  Titled “Dedham at the Crossroads,” Hanson’s talk will take a look at the origins of Dedham Square, East Dedham Square, and Oakdale Square and give an overview of their development through the years.

According to Hanson “streets don’t normally just happen to intersect – there is usually a plan, a purpose, or at least a goal behind the meeting of roadways.”   Over the years, “Upper Dedham,” East Dedham, and Oakdale have all developed local distinctions in the character of their respective neighborhoods - and they have each come to focus on a primary commercial intersection or “square.”  Although Dedham Square has achieved a clear preeminence within that triad, Bob Hanson will review the histories of all three squares and share some personal perspectives on their local businesses – and local characters.

Hanson’s topic was chosen to compliment the current DHS exhibit “Take a Walk Through Dedham’s Historic Squares.”  In addition to his research and publications, Hanson is a past director of the Dedham Historical Society.

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Hanson’s talk will be preceded by the Society’s Annual Meeting for election of officers.

The lecture is the final in the Society’s 2010-11 series and is named in honor of the late Ben Fisher, a supporter of the DHS.

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