Charles Joyce Appointed New Morrill Memorial Library Director-November 8, 1962

Charles Joyce Takes Helm at Morrill Memorial Library While Town Plans Civil Defense Shelters and Honors Retiring Peabody Director Blanch Kingsbury

The new director of the Morrill Memorial Library is Charles Joyce, 33, of 3 Ripley Street, Newton Center. Mr. Joyce replaces Miss Edna Phillips, who retired in October after serving as chief librarian since 1939. Formerly the assistant librarian at the Winchester Public Library, Mr. Joyce holds a bachelor’s degree from Tufts University and a master’s degree from Simmons College. Mr. Joyce has also served as associate librarian at the Wellesley Free Library and began his career as a staff member with the Detroit Public Library.

The Friends of the Morrill Memorial Library will honor Miss Phillips at a testimonial banquet on Thursday, November 15, at the Holiday Haven. The guest speaker will be Milton Lord, director of the Boston Public Library, with a reception starting at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m.

Civil Defense Shelters & Town Administration

General Manager Walter A. Blasenak announced plans to meet with Building Inspector Henry Cronin regarding federal civil defense shelters in Norwood. According to a federal government report, three approved shelters have been designated in the area: the Norwood Arena, the vault at Plimpton Press, and the new addition at Norwood Hospital. Mr. Blasenak, acting as town civil defense director until an official appointment is made, stated he intends to coordinate a comprehensive plan with Mr. Cronin before approaching property owners.

As part of the local CD program, Mr. Blasenak will sponsor a civil defense booth at the Armory from November 15 through 17. The exhibit will be part of the Norwood Kiwanis Club’s “Show of Progress,” chaired by Dr. Neville A. Booth.

School Retirements & Local Briefs

Blanch Kingsbury Honored: Miss Blanch Kingsbury, the first director of the Henry O. Peabody School since its inception in 1942, was honored at a joint dinner meeting of the Norwood School Committee and the Peabody Board of Trustees prior to her retirement on December 1. Following the celebration, the School Committee convened at the Administration Building to discuss the 1963 budget and teacher salaries, as reported by committee clerk Miss Elizabeth V. Syverson.
Fire Department Activity: Firefighters extinguished a basement rubbish fire at the home of Michael Roche at 43 Forest Avenue caused by clothing igniting near a stove, resulting in smoke damage. Crews also responded to a motor vehicle engine fire at Walpole and Winter streets involving a car owned by Stephen Reardon of Walpole.
Hospital Gift Shop Bazaar: The Norwood Hospital Women’s Aid opened a pre-Christmas display of holiday gift suggestions at the hospital gift shop, co-chaired by Mrs. Fred W. Cass and Mrs. William Street.

Town News & Library Leadership Overview

Library & School Appointments

New Library Director: Charles Joyce (succeeding Edna Phillips)
Peabody School Retirement: Blanch Kingsbury (director since 1942)
Testimonial Banquet: Holiday Haven event honoring Edna Phillips with guest speaker Milton Lord
School Administration: Elizabeth V. Syverson, Walter A. Blasenak

Civil Defense & Community Notes

Designated Shelters: Norwood Arena, Plimpton Press vault, Norwood Hospital addition
Kiwanis Show of Progress: Armory exhibition chaired by Dr. Neville A. Booth
Emergency Responses: Forest Avenue basement fire & Walpole Street car engine fire

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger

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