GOOD DEEDS: Celebrating Women’s History Month

By William P. O’Donnell ,Norfolk County Register of Deeds

As Women’s History Month arrives each March, it offers a chance to reflect on the strength, vision, and lasting impact of the women who have shaped our communities, country, and our lives. Recognizing these achievements is essential to understanding the nation we live in today.

I’m reminded of an afternoon last September here at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, when our Great Hall in Dedham Center filled with friends, families, and neighbors from across our 28 communities to celebrate the release of the “We Remember Our Women” booklet, the fourth volume in our Notable Land Records series. 

Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kimberley L. Driscoll delivered heartfelt keynote remarks, speaking about the importance of remembering those who came before us and acknowledging the challenges they faced in stepping into leadership roles during times when such paths were far more difficult. She emphasized how storytelling preserves these contributions and inspires new generations to lead, serve, and uplift others.

Guests received complimentary copies of the booklet and were invited to explore exhibits that brought these profiles to life. Historical storyboards, timelines, and displays showcased achievements across medicine, environmental advocacy, journalism, literature, public service, military leadership, and civic engagement. Some of the honorees attended the event in person, giving visitors the opportunity to meet the trailblazers whose stories appear in the pages of the “We Remember Our Women” booklet.

The afternoon also included meaningful moments. Marianne Peak, Superintendent of the Adams National Historical Park, led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Norwood High School Madrigals, under the direction of choir director Jennifer Hartnett, performed a beautiful musical selection that added warmth and depth to the celebration. These elements together created a setting that honored not only the stories told in the booklet but also the spirit of the event.

The We Remember Our Women booklet itself grew out of the Registry’s History Comes Alive Transcription Project, which has transcribed more than 450,000 handwritten land records dating back to 1793. With both the original legal cursive and easily readable print text now available at www.norfolkresearch.org

This edition highlights 44 women from our 28 communities, including a pioneering physician among the first in the United States, a conservationist from Canton who helped spark a national movement to protect wildlife, two female Army generals whose service exemplifies duty and leadership, a gold‑medal gymnast whose dedication inspired a generation, and an astronaut whose journey carried Norfolk County’s spirit into space. These are only a few of the many remarkable accounts that bring our local history into vivid focus.

Women’s History Month invites us to celebrate both the well-known and the quietly extraordinary, and our communities offer no shortage of examples. Across Norfolk County, the stories of women who shaped our history continue to inspire us today. In Quincy, Mary Pratt stood tall on the pitcher’s mound of the All‑American Girls Professional Baseball League, throwing a no‑hitter in 1944 and later dedicating her life to teaching and coaching, opening doors for generations of young women who followed her into athletics. Just a few towns away in Westwood, Jackie MacMullan carved out her place in a predominantly male profession of sport journalism, her work encouraged countless other women to pursue careers in media and to claim their place in the industry.

Further north, in Bellingham, Bathsheba Benedict showed how the generosity of a single individual can echo across generations. Her support helped found Benedict College in 1870, an historically Black college in South Carolina that has been providing educational opportunity for more than 150 years. In Brookline, Florida Ruffin Ridley an educator, writer, suffragist, and civil rights leader used her pen and her presence to insist upon equality and justice. Her advocacy reached far beyond her own community, and today her name graces a local school, a daily reminder of her enduring influence and pioneering spirit.

And in the Town of Norfolk, Charlotte Barrell Ware shaped the future through science and public health. At a time when foodborne illness posed a serious threat to families, she developed and taught innovative methods in dairy science at the Warelands Dairy School, setting new standards for safety and sanitation. Her unwavering commitment to improving the health of her community helped establish practices still echoed in today’s food safety measures.

Each of these stories is distinct, shaped by different talents, backgrounds, and eras. Yet together, they reveal a common thread perseverance, leadership, and service that continue to knit themselves into the fabric of our daily lives. They remind us that progress is built not by any one person alone, but by the collective impact of individuals whose courage and dedication leave a mark on their communities and on the generations that follow.

Our celebration also carries forward the spirit of Abigail Adams of Weymouth, who urged her husband future president of the United States John Adams during the Continental Congress to “Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors.” Her call resonates across our communities, to remember, to recognize, and to ensure that contributions by women are visible, valued, and preserved. It is important to recognize and be mindful of the women in our contemporary society and all they have accomplished. Let us take a moment to thank all women who have made a difference in our communities and in our own lives. Our lives would not be what they are today without all of you.

During the month of March, the Registry of Deeds will display storyboards highlighting notable women throughout history who have ties to Norfolk County. Residents interested in receiving a free copy of the “We Remember Our Women” booklet may pick one up at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located in downtown Dedham across from the gold‑domed Superior Court. To request a mailed copy, contact the Registry of Deeds by telephone at (781) 234-3305, or by email at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Thank you to all the women who have made, and continue to make, a difference in our communities, our Commonwealth, and our country.

GOOD DEEDS: Heartfelt Commitment to Public Safety

By William P. O’Donnell, Norfolk County Register of Deeds

Every February, America marks American Heart Month, a tradition that began when President Lyndon B. Johnson first proclaimed it in 1964. It remains a call to action sixty years later: learn CPR, know where the nearest automated external defibrillator (AED) is, and be ready to step in. The stakes remain sobering. More than 350,000 people suffer out‑of‑hospital cardiac arrest in the United States each year, and roughly 90% do not survive. In many cases, the difference between life and death is simply whether help arrives in time and whether someone nearby has the tools and training to act.

 

Walk through the main doors of the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds and into the Recording Hall, and you’ll notice a glass cabinet on the wall with three familiar letters: AED. We weren’t required to install automated external defibrillators back in 2010, but we did, placing units on every floor, maintaining them, and training staff to use them because minutes matter when a life hangs in the balance.

 

Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death, striking without warning and often without time to wait for professional help. An AED is a portable medical device that can recognize life‑threatening arrhythmias and deliver a shock to restore a normal heartbeat. When CPR and defibrillation begin immediately, survival improves dramatically; when they do not, survival can fall by 7–10% with each passing minute. 

As Chris Feeney of the American Heart Association testified to lawmakers in 2025, “Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death, but quick action can save lives. Sudden cardiac arrest victims need CPR and defibrillation within minutes as survival chances drop by seven to 10% each minute. Automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, which are simple and portable, can restore the heart’s normal rhythm and are life‑saving tools.”

 

That’s the purpose behind An Act requiring automatic external defibrillators in Norfolk County public buildings, filed this session as Sen Bill 1473 and House Bill 2349, sponsored by Senator Michael F. Rush and Representative Marcus Vaughn, with Representative Richard G. Wells, Jr. as a co‑sponsor. The bill would require at least one AED in each county‑owned public building and ensure a trained employee or authorized volunteer is present during business hours. The legislation, filed January 16, 2025, was heard on May 13, reported favorably by the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government on June 18, and then advanced to Senate Rules and House Ways and Means for further review.

 

This initiative has deep roots. The Registry of Deeds, in partnership with State Representative and registered nurse Denise Garlick, filed this legislation every session from 2019 until her retirement in 2024. Since then, Senator Rush in the Senate and Representative Vaughn in the House have continued the effort. Their dedication in keeping attention on this public‑health issue has been invaluable, and as similar laws advance across the Commonwealth, we remain hopeful that this bill will make it to the Governor’s desk.

 

If you want a reminder of why preparedness matters, think back to January 2023, when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed during a game. Immediate CPR and an AED helped save his life, a nationally televised example of how decisive action can change an outcome. That moment prompted renewed emphasis on CPR and AED readiness not only in professional sports, but in communities, workplaces, and public buildings nationwide.

 

There are many responsibilities that come with being your Register of Deeds, including safeguarding 14 million land records that protect the ownership of your homes and businesses. But there is one responsibility I take especially to heart: doing what we can, with our partners in state government, to ensure lifesaving tools are close at hand and that someone nearby knows how to use them. American Heart Month may have begun as a presidential proclamation, but its strength comes from neighbors, colleagues, and citizens willing to act when seconds count.

 

So, if you are looking to make a difference this heart month, contact your local state legislators and let them know you support SB1473 and HB2349.

Good Deeds: State Of The Registry

By William P. O’Donnell

Norfolk County Register of Deeds

 

This year marked another chapter of progress and resilience for the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. We were proud to release our fourth volume of Notable Land Records, titled “We Remember Our Women,” honoring the extraordinary contributions of women throughout Norfolk County’s history. The release of this booklet was commemorated with a special open house featuring keynote speaker Lieutenant Governor Kimberly Driscoll, who spoke about the importance of preserving and celebrating women’s stories. The fourth edition of Notable Land Records highlights trailblazing women who shaped Norfolk County, from early advocates for education and civic engagement to modern leaders in public service and the arts. It features stories from all 28 communities in the county.

Good Deeds: State Of The Registry

2025 also brought a significant legal victory for the Registry of Deeds. On October 1, 2025, the Norfolk Superior Court entered a Judgment and Order in favor of Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell, reaffirming an earlier ruling from June 28, 2024. These decisions struck down unlawful actions by the Norfolk County Commissioners—Joseph P. Shea of Quincy, Peter H. Collins of Milton, and Richard R. Staiti of Canton—and County Director John J. Cronin, who violated Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 64D, Sections 11 and 12 by interfering with Registry operations and misappropriating funds designated for Registry use.

The court win above for the Norfolk Registry of Deeds follows up a separate court decision on February 14, 2025 by the highest state court in Massachusetts in favor of Register O’Donnell and the Norfolk Registry of Deeds. The seven member Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that Norfolk County Director John J. Cronin and the Norfolk County Commissioners unlawfully interfered in Registry operations. Furthermore, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that the Norfolk County Register of Deeds is the authorized official of the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds not County Director John J. Cronin nor the three County Commissioners.

These litigations were prosecuted by Register O’Donnell on his own. Thus is did not cost the taxpayers monies when Register O’Donnell did this in a pro se capacity. Unlike the Norfolk County Commissioners who have spent in excess of six figures in a calendar year on legal fees.

This year also marked an important moment of statewide collaboration among Registries of Deeds and legislators. Plymouth County Register of Deeds John Buckley and Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell submitted testimony in support of House Bill 3971, sponsored by Representative Dennis C. Gallagher of Bridgewater, legislation that would establish a study on the feasibility of placing registries of deeds for county government that have not been abolished under the oversight of the secretary of the commonwealth. This testimony was delivered before the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, emphasizing the need for consistent standards, transparency, and a necessary check on bureaucratic overreach across the Commonwealth’s registries.

 

This Bill, House Bill 3971, was filed in part because of actions taken by the Norfolk County General Government led by the 3 County Commissioners have been found to be illegal by Massachusetts state courts. Also there have been a number of unsound management and fiscal decisions by Norfolk County General Government that has lacked transparency, common sense and accountability. A study as proposed in this bill has come about due to the lack of collaboration with the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds by the three elected Norfolk County Commissioners and their staff bureaucrat County Director John J. Cronin.

I greatly appreciate the voices and efforts of so many attorneys, real estate brokers, assessors, engineers, trade organizations, and concerned citizens, who spoke out against poor County decision-making. After more than a decade of maintaining a dedicated Registry Disaster Recovery Office in Dedham, the three elected Norfolk County Commissioners—Joseph P. Shea of Quincy, Peter H. Collins of Milton, and Richard R. Staiti of Canton—along with County Director John J. Cronin, unilaterally closed the Registry’s disaster recovery site and attempted to relocate it to Walpole without consulting the Registry and without securing an occupancy permit from the Town of Walpole. This failure left Norfolk County residents without a functioning disaster recovery office for the first time in 15 years. The lack of compliance with accessibility and permitting requirements not only violates basic standards but also jeopardizes the security of land records that protect homeownership and property rights. In an era of cybersecurity threats and scams, this decision is unacceptable and underscores the urgent need for sound management and accountability in County operations.

The Registry of Deeds is the principal office for real property records in Norfolk County. The Registry receives and records hundreds of thousands of documents annually. It houses more than 14 million land documents dating back to 1793. These land documents and the integrated Registry indexes to these land documents, are available to the public for on-line research at www.norfolkdeeds.org. The Registry is a primary and indispensable resource for title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipal officials, homeowners, title examiners, real estate attorneys, genealogists, and others with a need for land record information.

The Registry operates under my supervision and management as the elected Register. I have held the position since 2002. In continuous operation dating back to President George Washington’s administration, the Registry’s mission has remained the same: to maintain and provide for accurate, reliable, and accessible land records to all residents and businesses of Norfolk County. The modernization initiatives implemented during my administration have created a sound business operation oriented toward quality customer service at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.

The Registry of Deeds Customer Service and Copy Center continues to provide residents and businesses with quality service. These requests included the filing of Homesteads, accessing deeds, verifying recorded property documents, and assisting those in need of obtaining a mortgage discharge notice. Customers can contact the Customer Service and Copy Center at 781-461-6101, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30AM to 4:30PM. Folks in need of services from our Customer Service Center can also come by the Registry of Deeds Building located at 649 High Street in downtown Dedham across from the gold domed Norfolk Superior Court.

In calendar year 2025, the Registry collected approximately $ 59.4 million in revenue. Out of that money, more than $ 53.1 million was apportioned to the Commonwealth, and more than $6.3 million was disbursed to Norfolk County in the form of deeds excise taxes, recording fees, and surcharges. There was $5,343,975 collected pursuant to the Community Preservation Act (CPA).

The Norfolk Registry of Deeds was the first registry in Massachusetts to electronically record registered land documents in the Land Court section of the Registry of Deeds in 2017. Electronic recording was crucial to remaining operational during the coronavirus pandemic. This year saw a record number of electronic recording filers, approximately 2,993. Nearly eighty percent of document volume is recorded electronically by these users.

In 2025, we shelved Registry of Deeds Book 42824. At the end of 2025, we were processing the documents for Book 42863. For the sake of security and redundancy, we store our documents in three different ways: hard copy, electronically, and on microfiche. There is a state law mandating that recorded documents be microfilmed.

The internet library of images, accessible to the public through the Registry of Deeds’ online research system at norfolkdeeds.org, continues to expand. Today, all documents dating back to the first ones recorded in 1793 are available for viewing. This digital collection also consists of more than 450,000 handwritten documents recorded between 1793 and 1900 that were transcribed and are available to the public for viewing and research.

Our website includes a genealogy page and a section highlighting land records of notable people, including United States Presidents, military heroes, noted authors, and leaders in their fields of education, environment, and law. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds also has a Genealogy Research and Resource Center where patrons can come in to use our free databases such as Ancestry.com, and American Ancestors.

The Registry’s website, www.norfolkdeeds.org, routinely updates the public on such news as real estate statistics, answers to frequently asked questions, along with detailing of our consumer programs. Additionally, a monthly column for various Norfolk County newspapers and their online websites is written. We also distribute a weekly information release to alert residents of the latest happenings as well as to remind them of our consumer services. If you are interested in receiving a Registry newsletter please sign up on the Registry’s website.

The Registry’s free Consumer Anti Property Fraud Notification Service allows any county resident to opt in to this free notification service and be alerted when any land document – fraudulent or otherwise – is recorded against their name. Over 4,500 Norfolk County residents have signed up for this free service. For more information, please see our website at: www.norfolkdeeds.org.

In 2025 we continued our partnerships with, among others, Interfaith Social Services of Quincy, Father Bill’s & MainSpring of Quincy, the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System Voluntary Service Program, Needham Community Council, Circle of Hope in Needham, United Parish’s Thrifty Threads, St. Vincent de Paul in Plainville, St. Francis House in Boston, Suits and Smiles in Jamaica Plain, InnerCity Weightlifting, New Life Furniture Bank of Massachusetts in Walpole, The Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity of Boston, and Mass Hire South West. The mission of “Suits for Success” is to collect donations of suitable clothing to be distributed to individuals and nonprofit organizations who are in need of appropriate attire and clothing.         

Our Annual Holiday Food Drive continues to support food pantries in Norfolk County. On our website, there is a list of Norfolk County food pantries, as our local food pantries have a need for donations throughout the year. It was a privilege to partner up with the United States Marine Corps on our 18th Annual Christmas Toys for Tots campaign at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. Thank you to all of the residents and staff who helped make these programs a success.

It is a privilege for me and my fine Staff to serve each and every one of you. Be well and healthy in this new year.

GOOD DEEDS: Why We Give

By William P. O’Donnell, Norfolk County Register of Deeds

As we prepare our holiday gatherings and frantically search for the perfect gift or dish to serve, we are faced with endless choices. Will it be turkey or ham?  Mashed or sweet potatoes? Should I get someone a bike or a video game? The options are endless. It can be a tough choice, but what if that choice was between feeding your family or keeping your home, giving presents or staying warm?

For some people their options are much more sobering ones, as the oncoming holidays bring on stress and anxiety. Fuel bills, unexpected medical expenses and higher food and housing costs lead to such thoughts as, “How do I keep a roof over my family’s head and still put food on the table?” For these families, the holiday season takes on a whole different meaning.

GOOD DEEDS: Why We Give

The issue of hunger in Massachusetts is literally a call to action. The latest information available from Project Bread indicates that more than 22,400 people contacted Project Bread for food assistance last year. The statistics driving these calls are truly daunting. 37% of households in Massachusetts are considered food insecure. Furthermore, 43% of children in the state are also considered food insecure. The increasing cost of housing and food are likely factors that contribute to the rising rates of food insecurity. 

Let us be mindful during this holiday season that while Norfolk County may be a destination place to live and work there are people who reside here that need our help. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Annual Holiday Food Drive is underway, ending December 18th, and our 18th Annual Toys for Tots Drive runs now until December 9th.

Donations of nonperishable food or unwrapped toys can be brought directly to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds building located at 649 High Street in Dedham and placed in the respective bins in the main lobby. Suggested donations for food include canned goods, breakfast cereals, pasta, spaghetti sauce, toiletries, and paper products.

If you can't get to the Registry of Deeds building to drop off food, you can check the Registry website at https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/norfolk-county-food-pantry-locations for a pantry location in your community. For a list of Toys for Tots drop-off locations, visit the Marine Corps Reserve website here: https://www.toysfortots.org/find-your-local-chapter

Working together, we can truly make a huge difference this holiday season. By supporting each other and taking a moment to think of those in need, we can help individuals and families who may be struggling with food insecurity or the pressure to deliver on holiday promises, because no one should go hungry or have to choose between keeping warm and keeping the holiday spirit.

GOOD DEEDS: Honoring Our Local Veterans

By William P. O’Donnell

Norfolk County Register of Deeds

As Veterans Day approaches, let us take time to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. From the earliest days of our nation to the present, veterans have stood in defense of our freedoms, often at great personal cost. Here in Norfolk County, we are fortunate to have a rich history of military service, stories of courage, commitment, and community that deserve to be remembered.

GOOD DEEDS: Honoring Our Local Veterans

Throughout the 28 communities that make up Norfolk County, individuals have answered the call to serve in every major conflict. Some returned home to build lives and families, while others made the ultimate sacrifice. Each story is a thread in the fabric of our shared history. In our Notable Land Records booklet “We Remember Our Veterans” we highlight the lives of local heroes who served with distinction.

Among them are:

2nd Lieutenant Alton Wood of Braintree led a patrol in WWI and was mortally wounded while ensuring his men’s safety. He received the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery in “No Man’s Land.” Wood grew up at 8 Washington Place and graduated from Braintree High School in 1907. Braintree proclaimed May 4, 2018, as “2nd Lieutenant Alton Wood Day.”

Colonel George T. Lee of Norwood flew 258 combat missions in WWII and became the youngest colonel in the Air Corps. He later served in the Berlin Airlift and was honored with the British Distinguished Flying Cross. His missions were captured on film and are now preserved by the Norwood Historical Society. Norwood dedicated the Nahatan Street Bridge in his memory.

Corporal Tony Andreotti of Canton served in Korea and later became Canton’s Veterans Agent for over two decades. He helped establish the Veterans Memorial Park and the Veterans Department Honor Guard in Canton. Known for his personal dedication, Mr. Andreotti assisted hundreds of veterans and families. He created a lasting legacy of remembrance in his community.

Sergeant John T. Carota of Milton was a Marine and Milton High graduate who served three tours in Vietnam. He was mortally wounded in 1967 during Operation Swift in the Que Son Valley. His commanding officer called him “the best of the best of Marines.” Today, his legacy lives on at Carota Square in Milton.

General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. of Quincy served in Iraq and Afghanistan and rose to become Commandant of the Marine Corps. He was appointed Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, serving under Presidents Obama and Trump. Known as “Fighting Joe,” he earned respect across the military for his leadership and integrity. He retired in 2019 after more than four decades of service.

Veterans Day is also a time to recognize the contributions of women who have served. Their roles have evolved over time, but their impact has always been significant.

Among the women are:

Deborah Sampson of Sharon disguised herself as a man to fight in the Revolutionary War. She served with distinction and was honorably discharged. Sampson treated her own wounds to avoid discovery and later petitioned for equal pay. Her legacy endures as one of the few known women to serve in combat during the Revolution.

Minnie Goodnow of Brookline was a nurse and author, served in France during WWI with the Second Harvard Unit. She documented wartime medical care and wrote extensively on nursing education and rehabilitation. Her works include The Auxiliary War Nurse and Compound Fractures in the War. Goodnow later settled in Brookline and passed away in 1952.

Mary Jeanette Murray of Cohasset served in the Marine Corps during WWII and later became a respected state legislator. She was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1976 and served until 2001. Murray was active in veterans’ causes and more than 40 civic organizations. She passed away in 2006, leaving a lasting mark on her town and state.

Colonel Mary C. Quinn of Weymouth served in Korea and Vietnam, including during the Tet Offensive. She was Chief Nurse of the 71st Evacuation Hospital, where her compound was struck by rocket fire eight times. Quinn later served at Fort Devens and in Germany, retiring in 1986. She helped establish Weymouth’s Korean War and nursing memorials.

These individuals and many others represent the best of Norfolk County. Their stories are not only about military service, but about resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to our communities and our country.

Copies of We Remember Our Veterans and We Remember Our Women are available at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds building in Dedham or can be downloaded online at www.norfolkdeeds.org.

This Veterans Day, as a community let us take a moment to honor all who served and continue to serve in the armed forces. Attend a local ceremony, share a veteran’s story, or take a moment of silence to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy because of their service. Let us ensure that the legacy of our local veterans, men and women alike, lives on for generations to come.

Good Deeds: We remember our Women - Sep 10

GOOD DEEDS: "We Remember Our Women"

By William P. O'Donnell

Norfolk County Register of Deeds

Good Deeds: We remember our Women - Sep 10

Many Americans may never fully appreciate the strength, vision, and lasting impact of the women who have shaped our country, our communities, and our lives. Some of these individuals exhibited perseverance, others bold leadership, and still others through a lifetime of dedication, intellect, courage, and love. We all have women in our lives who were impactful and make each of us who we are today. On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds will honor the impact and importance of women in our society with an open house and the release of "We Remember Our Women," the fourth volume in the Registry's Notable Land Records series.

The event will take place from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Registry's Great Hall at 649 High Street in Dedham Center and is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served, and guests will receive copies of the notable land record publication "We Remember Our Women." Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kimberley L. Driscoll will deliver keynote remarks, adding a powerful voice to an afternoon dedicated to honoring the women of Norfolk County.

The creation of the "We Remember Our Women" booklet was made possible by the Registry's History Comes Alive Transcription Project, which has transcribed over 450,000 handwritten land records dating back to 1793. These records now allow users to see the legal cursive script and clearly readable print text, which can more easily reveal the land histories of early Norfolk County residents. This repository of land records is available to the public both at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds and online from the comfort of home via our website at www.norfolkdeeds.org.

This edition of Notable Land Records pays tribute to 44 women from the 28 communities of Norfolk County whose lives and work have left a lasting mark on society. Their stories span medicine, environmental advocacy, journalism, literature, and military service. Among those featured are the second female doctor in the United States, a conservationist from Canton, two female Army Generals, a gold medalist gymnast, and an astronaut who recently returned from space. All living women featured in the booklet have been invited to attend the event, offering guests a rare opportunity to meet and celebrate these trailblazers in person.

The article also includes a few interesting facts that help bring these stories to life. One woman from Norwood helped shape national civil rights policy through decades of advocacy and leadership. Another, from Randolph, broke barriers in broadcast journalism, becoming a trusted voice in homes across the country. A trailblazer from Canton helped launch a conservation movement that changed how Americans protect wildlife. In Quincy, one woman's legacy continues to influence the world of film and stage. These are just a few of the many inspiring stories found in the pages of "We Remember Our Women."

Abigail Adams, the second First Lady of the United States, was born in Norfolk County in 1744 in Weymouth. In 1764 she married John Adams. She was President Adams's closest confidant and took an active role in politics and what was happening in the country. Abigail Adams wrote to her husband John during the Continental Congress debate in Philadelphia, "I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors." This event carries forward her message, recognizing those whose contributions continue to shape life in our communities and beyond.

There are a number of points throughout the year that recognize the impact and importance of women in our society. Women's History Month is celebrated during the month of March. Women's Equality Day takes place on August 26 commemorating the 1920 adoption of the 19^th amendment to the United States Constitution which prohibits the states and federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex.

It is important to recognize and be mindful of the women in our contemporary society and all they have accomplished. Let us take a moment to thank all women who have made a difference in our communities and in our own lives. Our lives, our communities and our country would not be what they are today without all of you. So come down to the Registry of Deeds in Dedham Center on Wednesday, September 10th to celebrate and give thanks.

Good Deeds: A Taste of History (video)

As the 'dog days of summer' approach, many of us seek a refreshing escape from the heat and summer doldrums. And more often than not, our thoughts turn to that quintessential warm-weather treat: ice cream. While many of us fondly remember childhood trips for a cone, few names evoke nostalgic Americana quite like Howard Johnson’s, an iconic brand that got its start right here in Norfolk County.

For decades, Howard Johnson's was more than just a restaurant chain; it was a roadside icon, a beacon for travelers, known for its distinctive orange roofs and, perhaps most famously, its 28 flavors of ice cream. What began in 1925 with Howard Deering Johnson selling ice cream from a small soda shop in Wollaston, a section of Quincy would turn in to the largest restaurant chain in the United States. 

He enhanced ice cream quality by using a recipe that doubled butterfat, used only natural flavorings, and used hand-cranked makers to churn the chilled cream. By 1928 the ice cream was grossing $240,000 in sales in the store and at nearby beaches. The very last Howard Johnson's restaurant, located in Lake George, New York, closed its doors in 2022, marking the end of a nearly century-long era.

Click the link to watch the Good Deeds: History Comes Alive segment on Howard Johnson on our website here: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/news-event/announcements/good-deeds-history-comes-alive-howard-johnsons

But even as a national giant receded into history, the spirit of local ice cream establishments has continued to thrive, particularly here in Norfolk County. These are the places that have stood the test of time.

The Bubbling Brook on 1652 High Street in Westwood opened in 1951 by original owners Hazel and Vival Ingraham who purchased the property from H.P. Hood & Sons Inc. (Deed recorded in book 2520, page 353).  Ed and Gloria Cortas owned and operated the ice cream shop from 1988 to 1991 and since 2003. In 2005, their daughter Marie Adams became a joint owner.

Charlotte Yourell and her sister opened JJ's Dairy Hut in 1956 at 140 Chief Justice Cushing Highway in Cohasset. Their venture began after Kimball's ice cream store, a local favorite, closed the previous year. In 1977, Frank Loiacono purchased JJ's from the sisters, though Charlotte Yourell continued to work at the ice cream shop. The ownership changed hands again in 1989 when Lilly Sestito, who had started working at JJ's at just 13 years old, bought the business (lease recorded in book 4074, page 411). Both Frank Loiacono and Charlotte Yourell continued their dedication to JJ's, working there and training the next generation of “JJ's scoopers.”

In 1963, business partners John Wallace and John O’Faherty purchased a former Sunoco Gas station on 635 Adams Street in Quincy (Deed recorded in book 4074, page 509). That same year the owners transformed the location into an ice cream stand naming it Dairy Freeze. Both owners continued to play a part in the business for over 37 years.

Crescent Ridge started when founder Malby Perrish purchased farmland at 355 Bay Road in Sharon from Edith and Evelyn McBride (deed recorded in book 1957, page 593). The farm has been family-owned and operated since, originally delivering fresh milk in classic glass bottles. It wasn't until 1968 that the first Crescent Ridge Dairy Bar opened, using surplus milk to craft their now award-winning homemade ice cream. Generations of the Parrish family have continued the tradition.

The story of Black Cow Ice Cream, a seasonal ice cream shop at 1397 Main Street in Millis, began in 1997. Walter Walsh established the business, two years after he purchased Marcy's Seafood & Ice Cream in 1995 (deed recorded in book 11076, page 651). Today, his daughter, Charlotte Walsh, operates the family-run shop.

These local establishments represent more than just a cool treat on a hot day. They are deeply rooted in our communities and remind us that while some things change, the simple joy of an ice cream cone on a warm day is timeless.