📰 Norwood News of the Day – September 26, 1941

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🗳️ Norwood Political News

• Selectmen approved additional funding for Civil Defense coordination.
• Town Clerk reported increased voter registration ahead of November elections.

🏛️ Norwood Town Meeting Decisions

• Voted to allocate $2,500 for school heating system upgrades.
• Approved petition to extend water service to homes near Chapel Street.
• Town Meeting accepted departmental reports from the Board of Health and Highway Department.

🚧 Department of Public Works News

• DPW completed sidewalk repairs on Nahatan Street and began grading on Prospect Avenue.
• Drainage improvements underway near Railroad Avenue to prevent seasonal flooding.

🚓 Police Department News

• Officers assisted in blackout drill coordination with Civil Defense.
• Police responded to a minor traffic incident near Norwood High School.
• Chief reported successful enforcement of new parking regulations downtown.

🔥 Fire Department News

• Fire Department conducted hose training behind Town Hall.
• New extinguishers installed in municipal buildings and schools.
• Responded to chimney fire on Guild Street; no injuries reported.

🏫 School News

• Norwood High opened fall term with 202 students, per TIOT yearbook.
• Superintendent emphasized wartime curriculum in science and civics.
• School Committee discussed installation of new heating units at the Everett Street schoolhouse.

🤝 Civic Group & Club News

• Norwood Women’s Club hosted Red Cross sewing drive at Town Hall.
• Rotary Club announced lecture on wartime rationing and local preparedness.
• Norwood Garden Club held fall flower show featuring local arrangements.

🛡️ Fraternal Organizations

• Knights of Columbus held officer installation ceremony at their hall.
• Odd Fellows Lodge planned fall charity supper for October 5.

🇺🇸 Veterans & Military Service News

• Local servicemen featured in honor roll display at Town Square.
• War Bond drive surpassed $35,000 goal, led by American Legion volunteers.
• VFW announced plans for Armistice Day observance.

🎓 Norwood High Alumni Notes

• Lt. Robert Mahoney (Class of 1936) stationed in North Africa.
• Helen O’Brien (Class of 1939) joined WAVES, training in Maryland.
• Charles Reardon (Class of 1933) promoted to assistant manager at Norwood Trust Co.

🏈 Norwood High School Sports News

• Football team defeated Dedham 20–7 in season opener.
• Coach praised teamwork and defensive effort from senior players.
• TIOT yearbook previewed upcoming matchups with Walpole and Milton.

🕍 Faith & Religious Community News

• St. Catherine’s announced Harvest Mass for October 4.
• Methodist Church launched youth Bible study series and choir rehearsals.
• Baptist Church held special service for Civil Defense volunteers.

🎭 Arts & Entertainment

• Norwood Players to perform “Arsenic and Old Lace” at Civic Auditorium.
• Local band scheduled for Saturday dance at Norwood Armory.
• Public Library hosted exhibit of wartime posters and patriotic art.

🛍️ 💵 What Things Cost in Norwood

Groceries

• First National Stores: Canned tomatoes – $0.15 per can (Fall special)
• A&P: Coffee – $0.31 per pound (Victory blend)
• Norwood Market: Apples – $0.25 per peck (Harvest crop)

Clothing

• Norwood Department Store: Men’s wool coats – $7.95 (Autumn sale)
• The Hub: Women’s dresses – $3.49 (Back-to-school promotion)
• Harding’s Millinery: Felt hats – $0.85 (New arrivals)

Hardware

• Norwood Hardware Co.: Coal shovels – $0.89 (Winter prep)
• J.C. Higgins: Flashlights – $1.10 (Civil Defense approved)

Services

• Norwood Cleaners: Suit cleaning – $0.75 (Same-day service)
• Town Taxi: Local rides – $0.25 flat rate
• Blake Chimney Sweep: $0.50 per flue (Seasonal prep)

Jobs

• Norwood Manufacturing Co.: Hiring stitchers for wartime production (Apply in person)

🧒 Youth & Scouting News

• Boy Scout Troop 3 held overnight hike at Ellis Pond.
• Girl Scouts organized scrap metal collection for war effort.
• Boys’ Brigade held drill at Town Hall; new recruits welcomed.

🧓 Senior & Retirement Community News

• Mrs. Lydia Farnsworth celebrated 80th birthday with family gathering.
• Senior Club hosted fall luncheon at Norwood Armory.

🧭 History & Heritage Highlights

• Historical Society marked 25th anniversary of Norwood’s incorporation.
• TIOT yearbook featured retrospective on early town founders and schoolhouses.

🧮 Business & Employment News

• Norwood Bakery expanded hours to meet wartime demand.
• Local garage added tire repair service due to rubber rationing.
• Norwood Trust Co. announced promotion of two junior clerks.

🧑‍⚖️ Court & Legal News

• Probate Court listed estate of Margaret Reardon for October hearing.
• Civil case settled regarding property line dispute on Vernon Street.

🏡 Real Estate Transfers

• Property sold on Nichols Street to Mr. and Mrs. Harold Greene.
• Zoning board approved variance for duplex construction near Winter Street.

💌 Social Notes

• Mr. and Mrs. George Talbot returned from Cape Cod holiday.
• Engagement announced: Miss Clara Blake to Mr. Edward Morse.
• Anniversary celebrated: Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Guild marked 25 years.

🕯️ Obituaries & Announcements

• Mr. James Callahan, age 84, passed away; funeral held at St. Catherine’s.
• Birth: Son born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Dwyer of Nichols Street.
• Civic tribute paid to Mrs. Ellen McCarthy for decades of volunteer service.

Source: Norwood Free Press, September 26, 1941
Additional references: Norwood Town Report (1941), TIOT Yearbooks

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Compiled by the Norwood Historical Society, with the assistance of Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini.