Edna Phillips, Librarian Emeritus of Morrill Memorial Library, Dies at 78-November 4, 1968

Remembering the Life and Legacy of Norwood’s Beloved Librarian

Miss Edna Phillips, 78, of 5 Walters Road, librarian emeritus of the Morrill Memorial Library, died Saturday night at Maple Grove Manor. She had been seriously ill for about six months.

Miss Phillips retired in 1962 after 23 years of service at Norwood Library, but continued to maintain an active interest in it. Only 10 days before her death, she visited the library. Born in Newark, N.J., Miss Phillips attended several art schools after graduating from high school. She became a librarian apprentice in Madison, N.J., and without ever graduating from college passed a New Jersey state civil service examination for which only library school graduates were supposed to be eligible.

At the beginning of World War I, she was librarian at the Edgewater, N.J., public library. Leaving that post, she went overseas to become the only Norwood woman serving with the 12th Ambulance Co. of Bay City, Mich., on the French front. At the end of the war she returned to library work. From 1923 to 1932 she was supervisor of work with racial groups in the Massachusetts Department of Public Libraries.

Miss Phillips came to Norwood in 1939 to become librarian in Gloucester. Here she organized a branch library in South Norwood and one at Norwood hospital.

Edna Phillips Obituary & Career Highlights

Professional Service

Role: Librarian Emeritus of Morrill Memorial Library
Tenure: 23 years of service in Norwood, retiring in 1962
Key Contributions: Organized South Norwood branch library and Norwood Hospital branch

Wartime & State Work

World War I: Served overseas with the 12th Ambulance Co. of Bay City on the French front
State Department: Supervisor of work with racial groups in the Massachusetts Department of Public Libraries (1923-1932)

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

More In Memoriam Stories

Last Tribute Paid To Dr. Frederick Albert Cleveland-This Day in Norwood History-February 1, 1947

One of Norwood’s most distinguished citizens, Dr. Frederick Albert Cleveland, P.H.B., P.H.D., passed away at 2:10 o’clock Saturday morning at the Norwood Hospital. He was in his 81st year. Friends and townsmen appreciative of Dr. Cleveland’s work in this community paid tribute to his memory at services held Monday afternoon at 3 o’clock at the…
Leighton S. Thompson Norwood High School Superintendent Dies After Brief Illness-This Day In Norwood History-March 11, 1946

Leighton S. Thompson, 57, of 75 Day St., principal of the Norwood High School and a trustee of the Morrill Memorial Library, died today at the Norwood Hospital following brief illness. Prior to his present post, which he held for the past 10 years, Thompson had been principal of the Foxboro, Swampscott, Methuen and Gardner…
In Memoriam-Jerome A Pendergast-May 15, 1933

May 15, 1933- Jerome A Pendergast, 28-year-old son of Town Clerk and Mrs. James E. Fendergast of 30 Pleasant St, died this morning at his home…
Norwood Police Chief Harry W. Swift Passes Away at Age 45-September 24, 1921

Norwood businesses close and hundreds mourn as police chiefs from across the region gather for the funeral of late Police Chief Harry W. Swift.
Prominent Norwood Resident T.A. Houllahan Drowns in Scituate-This Day In Norwood History- July 14, 1912

his Day In Norwood History- July 14, 1912-Prominent Norwood Resident T.A. Houllahan Drowns in Scituate
Sarah Morse Everett, Oldest Native Resident of Norwood, Turns 90-This Day In Norwood History-May 18, 1912

MRS WILLARD EVERETT, 90. Norwood Woman is Oldest Native Resident of the Town. Mrs Willard Everett, the oldest native-born resident of Norwood, celebrated her 90th birthday yesterday at her home, 143 Walpole St. A remarkable milestone was observed yesterday at 143 Walpole Street, where Mrs. Willard Everett, Norwood’s oldest native‑born resident, celebrated her 90th birthday.…
Dr. Francis M. Cragin, Dead-This Day In Norwood History-June 6, 1911

Prominent Resident of Norwood Found Dead Sitting in a Chair In His Office. Dr. Francis M. Cragin was found dead sitting in his chair in his office this morning. He had been ill for several days, but was able to be around. Last night on retiring he complained of not feeling well, but refused to…
Obituary-Charles E. Pond-This Day In Norwood History-September 13, 1901

Town Treasurer Charles E. Pond, one of the most universally popular in town, died at his home on Nahatan Street, at 8.45 o’clock last Tuesday morning. The cause of death was anosmia. He bad been in failing health for nearly a year past but had not taken to his bed until a few weeks ago.…
Richard Oldham-In Memoriam-March 10, 1899

Richard Oldham, an old resident and one who had long held the respect of friends and neighbors, died on last Tuesday evening of a clot of blood on the brain. He had been in failing health for a year past. He had been an honest industrious man and had reared a large family which proved…