Finnish Association Defends Its Mission in Norwood Tax Case-This Day In Norwood History-April 19, 1935

After six days of testimony before the Massachusetts State Tax Appeal Board, the case of the Finnish Workingmen’s Association “Into” of Norwood was taken under advisement on April 18, 1935. The organization, founded by Finnish immigrants as a cultural and mutual‑aid society, was fighting to retain its tax‑exempt status on its hall and grounds, valued at $7,700, after the Norwood Board of Assessors sought to impose an annual property tax of roughly $200.

Allegations of Political Activity

Town counsel Judge James A. Halloran argued that the association no longer qualified as a charitable or benevolent organization. He claimed that its activities had become political, citing pamphlets and posters found in the hall that carried slogans such as “Workers of the World, Unite!” and the hammer‑and‑sickle emblem. Halloran asserted that these materials demonstrated an effort to “stir up class hatred” and “teach the young to overcome this Government,” contending that the group was “masquerading” as a charitable institution while promoting subversive ideas.

Local journalist Vincent H. Carolan testified that he had seen a bust of Lenin, portraits of the Russian revolutionary, and placards bearing red flags displayed inside the association’s building.

Defense of Cultural Purpose

Representing the Finnish Workingmen’s Association, attorney S. Roy Remar rejected the accusations. He argued that the presence of literature sympathetic to labor movements did not prove the organization was spreading revolutionary propaganda. Books by Leo Tolstoy and Eugene Debs, he noted, could be found in any public library. Remar emphasized that the association remained a non‑profit cultural and educational group, offering lectures, social gatherings, and community support for Norwood’s Finnish residents.

Broader Context

The dispute reflected the tensions of the Great Depression era, when immigrant and labor organizations were often scrutinized for alleged radicalism. Norwood’s Finnish community, many of whom worked in local factories and mills, had established “Into” decades earlier to preserve their language, traditions, and cooperative spirit.

The Tax Appeal Board’s decision would determine whether the association could continue operating under its long‑standing exemption—a ruling watched closely by civic leaders and immigrant groups across Massachusetts concerned about the balance between cultural expression and political suspicion.