History of Norton

Norton was originally part of the Taunton North Purchase and at one point included the areas now known as Mansfield and Easton. As an increasing number of families settled in the area of what is now Norton, the residents developed a desire to form their own distinct town, and in 1709 the area became known as the North Precinct of Taunton.

In 1711 Norton was officially incorporated under that name, and shortly thereafter the town built its first church on the Norton Common. Later on, Mansfield and Easton were formed from the north and east sections of Norton, which gradually transitioned from a rural agricultural community into a town of small mills, industries, and businesses.

A woman who committed her life to the advancement of education for women, Eliza Baylies Chapin Wheaton founded Wheaton Seminary in 1834. The seminary became a women’s college in 1912. Operating as a private, coeducational liberal-arts college since 1987, Wheaton is located in the center of town and resembles a traditional New England common. www.wheatoncollege.edu

The construction of I-95 and I-495 in the ’60s and ’70s, respectively, positioned Norton for further growth. The town now boasts one of the fastest-growing populations in the region.

It is also home to the Arnold Palmer-designed PGA TPC Club of Boston Golf Course and the Massachusetts Golf Association’s Headquarters, Museum, and Hall of Fame.

Town of Norton

The Town of Norton is run by a five-member Board of Selectmen, whose members are elected by the voters of the town on a staggered basis to three-year terms. There is an election held every year, with two members being elected each time, except for a year when one person is elected.

Norton employs a professional Town Manager who has full administrative authority and carries out the decisions made by the Board of Selectmen. This Board of Selectmen is the chief policy-making body for the municipal government, except on school matters. www.nortonma.org

Town Hall

70 East Main Street
Norton, MA 02766

Public Schools

The town of Norton is served by a public-school system that consists of three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. www.nortonma.org/schools

• Administrative Offices
  508-285-0100
• L.G. Nourse Elementary
  38 Plain Street
  508-285-0110
• J.C. Solmonese Elementary
  315 West Main Street
  508-285-0120
• H.A. Yelle Elementary
  64 West Main Street
  508-285-0190
• Norton Middle School
  70 East Main Street
  508-285-0140
• Norton High School
  70 East Main Street
  508-285-0140

Real Estate

Norton offers all the housing opportunities that Foxborough and Mansfield offer, including traditional New England neighborhoods, 1890s Victorians, stately Colonials, single-family homes, four-bedroom custom homes, and Cape Cod cottages. There are also many locations for seniors, including assisted-living facilities.

Norton is home to Wheaton College, which hosts 1,550 students when school is in session. This makes Norton the quintessential college town.

The town also has a big-time sports feel about it when the TPC of Boston hosts the Deutsche Bank Championship tournament.

Transportation

Norton, too, is at the crossroads of I-95 and I-495 and enjoys a spot on the map near thriving metropolitan areas. The Town of Norton is located at Routes 140 and 123, which allow easy access to the Route 106 and Route 1.

In Tri-Town, commuter rail, bus service, and international air travel are available at your convenience. The “T” commuter-rail service arrives and departs from Mansfield Station on a regular basis dozens of times a day and conveniently connects with Boston and Providence. The same track is part of Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor and has daily runs to Boston, Providence, New York City, and Washington, D.C.

Long-distance travel is available through Boston’s Logan International Airport with direct flights to the U.S. and overseas. T.F. Green State Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island, offers connecting and direct flights to major destinations.

Telephone Numbers

• Amtrak — 800-872-7245
• Logan International Airport — 800-235-6426
• T.F. Green State Airport — 401-737-4000
• Greyhound/Bonanza - 888-415-2566
  www.greyhound.com
  Look Up: Foxboro, MA 02035
  Pick-Up/Drop Off:
  PCI Courier, Inc.
  31 Middlesex Road
  Mansfield, MA 02048
• MBTA Commuter Rail — 617-222-3200
  www.mbta.com, go to Commuter Rails, Attleboro/Stoughton Lines
• Mansfield Municipal Airport — 508-339-3624
• Foxfield Taxi – 508-543-2828

Places of Worship

Diverse choices remain today through both traditional and modern congregations meeting in both old and new houses of worship. Many residents in this area of New England are descendants of the first settlers who arrived more than 250 years ago seeking a place to practice the religion of their choice.

Community Groups and Organizations

Is there a better place than a civic group to meet and interact while also helping the Norton community? We don’t think so! Offerings in Norton include the Norton Women of Today and the Norton Lions Club.