📰 Norwood News of the Day – September 28, 1945

This edition captures a pivotal moment in Norwood’s history—just weeks after the end of World War II—when the town was welcoming veterans home, resuming civic routines, and preparing for a new chapter.

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📰 Norwood News of the Day – September 28, 1945

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🗳️ Norwood Political News

• The Board of Selectmen met to discuss postwar housing needs and potential zoning adjustments for returning veterans.
• Town Clerk William J. McDonough reminded residents of the upcoming voter registration deadline for the November municipal election.
• The Planning Board reviewed a proposal to convert surplus military structures into temporary housing units.

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🏛️ Norwood Town Meeting Decisions

• Town Meeting approved $6,000 for repairs to the Norwood Memorial Municipal Building roof and windows.
• A resolution passed to allocate funds for school heating system upgrades ahead of the winter season.
• The Finance Committee recommended a study on long-term infrastructure needs to accommodate population growth.

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🚧 Norwood Department of Public Works News

• The DPW completed resurfacing of Railroad Avenue and began sidewalk repairs on Day Street.
• Superintendent Edward F. McDonough announced that leaf collection would begin October 15, with zone maps posted at Town Hall.
• The Water Department reported successful repairs to a main valve on Washington Street.

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🚓 Norwood Police Department News

• Officer John F. Sullivan was recognized for his service during wartime and resumed patrol duties on Cottage Street.
• Chief William E. Rhoads announced a town-wide safety campaign focused on bicycle regulations and pedestrian awareness.

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🔥 Norwood Fire Department News

• The department responded to a chimney fire on Nichols Street; damage was minimal and no injuries were reported.
• Fire Chief William H. Smith requested funding for updated hose equipment and winter gear.

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🏫 Norwood School News

• Norwood High School reopened with 612 students enrolled, including several returning veterans completing diplomas.
• The School Committee approved a plan to reintroduce industrial arts and home economics programs suspended during the war.
• Superintendent William J. Coakley reported that repairs to the junior high roof were completed over the summer.
• The lunch menu featured beef stew, corn muffins, and apple pudding.
• School hours were listed as 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; buses depart at 2:40 p.m.
• Miss Mary E. Sullivan was appointed head of the English Department at Norwood High.
• A minor fire in the chemistry lab was extinguished quickly; no injuries reported.

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🏥 Norwood Hospital & Public Health News

• Norwood Hospital welcomed Dr. Robert L. Mahoney to its pediatric staff.
• The Board of Health launched a vaccination campaign for schoolchildren, including diphtheria and smallpox boosters.
• Birth announcements included a son born to Mr. and Mrs. James F. O’Donnell of Nichols Street.

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📚 Norwood Public Library News

• The library hosted a lecture on “Massachusetts Town Histories” by Dr. Helen M. O’Connell of Boston College.
• Librarian Miss Mabel C. Guild curated a fall reading list featuring biographies and regional history.
• The Library Board approved funding for new shelving in the children’s section.

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🎓 Norwood High Alumni Notes

• Mr. Charles T. Wheelock, Class of ’25, returned from military service and resumed his role on the Planning Board.
• Miss Clara Guild, Class of ’38, began teaching English at Norwood High.
• Alumni from the Class of ’35 gathered for a reunion at the Norwood Elks Hall.

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🏈 Norwood High School Sports News

• Norwood High’s football team defeated Walpole 13–7 in the season opener; standout performances by captain Jack O’Donnell and halfback Steve Mahoney.
• Coach William “Billy” Morse praised the team’s defensive line in post-game remarks.
• The cheerleading squad, led by senior Mary Ellen Reilly, organized a pep rally for the upcoming Dedham game.

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🕍 Faith & Religious Community News

• St. Catherine’s Church held a parish picnic at Ellis Pond, drawing over 300 attendees.
• Rev. Charles W. Holden of the Congregational Church began a sermon series on “Faith in Civic Life.”
• Temple Beth David announced the start of Hebrew school classes for the fall term.

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🎭 Arts & Entertainment

• Norwood High’s drama club began rehearsals for “Our Town,” directed by Miss Langdon.
• The Norwood Community Band performed at the Town Common on Saturday evening.

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🧒 Youth & Scouting News

• Troop 1 Boy Scouts held a merit badge workshop at the Civic Center.
• Girl Scout Troop 112 planned a fall hike at Blue Hills Reservation.

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🧓 Senior & Retirement Community News

• The Norwood Senior Club hosted a luncheon at the Knights of Columbus Hall, featuring guest speaker Dr. Helen M. O’Connell.
• Mrs. Abigail Morse celebrated her 89th birthday with a family gathering on Nichols Street.

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🧭 Norwood History & Heritage Highlights

• The Norwood Historical Society announced a new exhibit on the town’s industrial past, featuring artifacts from Winslow Brothers & Smith.
• A commemorative plaque was installed at the site of the original South Dedham Meeting House.

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🧮 Business & Employment News

• Norwood Coal Co. expanded its delivery fleet with two new trucks.
• Hyde Park Renovating & Cleansing Co. partnered with L.W. Bigelow’s Sons for upholstery cleaning services in Norwood.
• Job openings posted at Town Hall included clerical positions in the Assessors’ Office and DPW.

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🧑‍⚖️ Court & Legal News

• Probate notices were published for the estates of Mrs. Mary Guild and Mr. Thomas O’Malley.
• Judge Edward J. Mahoney presided over civil cases involving property disputes on Winter Street.

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🏡 Norwood Real Estate Transfers

• Mr. and Mrs. John Mahoney purchased a home on Nichols Street from the estate of Thomas O’Malley.
• A new subdivision was approved off Prospect Street, with six residential lots planned.

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💌 Norwood Social Notes

• Mr. and Mrs. George H. Bateman hosted a dinner for returning veterans at their Washington Street home.
• Miss Clara Guild visited from Boston to assist with library programming.
• Mr. and Mrs. John Mahoney returned from a trip to Vermont to visit their daughter, Class of ’38.

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🕯️ Norwood Obituaries & Announcements

• Mrs. Mary Guild, age 77, passed away on September 20. She was a lifelong resident and member of the Congregational Church.
• Funeral services were held at her Nichols Street home, with burial at Highland Cemetery.

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Source: Norwood Free Press, September 28, 1945
Additional references: Norwood Town Report (1945), TIOT Yearbooks

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