Historic Dedham Mass

The History of the Descendants of John Dwight, Of Dedham, Mass by Benjamin Woodbridge Dwight, first published in 1874, is a rare manuscript, the original residing in one of the great libraries of the world. This book is a reproduction of that original, which has been scanned and cleaned by state-of-the-art publishing tools for better readability and enhanced appreciation. Restoration Editors' mission is to bring long out of print manuscripts back to life. Some smudges, annotations or unclear text may still exist, due to permanent damage to the original work. We believe the literary significance of the text justifies offering this reproduction, allowing a new generation to appreciate it.

Incorporated in 1636, Dedham is located about ten miles west of Boston. It originally included sixteen separate towns and extended as far as the Rhode Island border. In later years, Dedham became seat of the Norfolk County. The town has many interesting features, such as the Charles River, on which many beautiful homes and mansions are located and which acts as a center for recreational activity, and Mother Brook, in the early days used by many industries for its waterpower. Most of the images used in Dedham have never before been published. They show the homes, businesses, and portraits of some of the most illustrious citizens, as well as the more modest individuals who have made an impact on the town. They include rare photographs related to the military, unusual events, and the unique everyday life of Dedham and its citizens from the earliest days of photography. Also among them are photographs by Fred Holland Day, considered one of the fathers of modern photography.

This New England community has made national headlines for the notorious Sacco and Vanzetti trial; it has hosted Presidents Washington, Jackson and Lincoln, among other leaders; and it played a formative role in the establishment of the Animal Rescue League. In popular culture, Dedham made its mark as the setting for several notable films and works of fiction. Author James L. Parr gives a fresh take on Dedham's famous moments and also weaves in lesser-known stories of its heritage and traditions. This town has accumulated some eccentricities, from the legendary apparitions that haunted the cemetery for most of October 1887 to the still-active, two-centuries-old Society in Dedham for Apprehending Horse Thieves. Explore the intricate microcosm of American history that belongs to this charming New England town.