On July 10, 1968, residents of Norwood and surrounding towns prepared for a visit from former Alabama Governor George C. Wallace, who was scheduled to bring his presidential campaign to the region the following day.
As part of his effort to secure the 61,238 signatures required to place his name on the state election ballot, Wallace planned a series of appearances across four area towns. His itinerary for July 11 included a 9:30 a.m. speech at the Italian American Citizens Club on 21 Allen Lane in Dedham, followed by an 11:30 a.m. address at Workman’s Hall on 99 1/2 Wilson Street in Norwood. In the afternoon, the candidate was scheduled to speak at the Italian American Hall on Stone Street in Walpole at 2:00 p.m., concluding his tour at the Stoughton Town Hall on 10 Pearl Street.
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While political activity drew attention to the area, Norwood also contended with local emergencies and crimes. Early on the morning of July 10, 1968, a fire broke out at 104 Casey Street, causing significant damage to a garage and two 1962 model cars belonging to James Kelley and Robert Donovan. Fire officials estimated the total loss at $4,500, with investigators suggesting the blaze was likely ignited by a short circuit in the wiring of one of the vehicles. The alarm was raised at 4:33 a.m. by a neighbor who reported smelling burning rubber and hearing a tire explode; the fire was fully extinguished by 5:49 a.m. with no injuries reported.
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In separate criminal investigations, Norwood police looked into a residential break-in reported on July 9, 1968, at the home of Nicholas Valavanis at 137 Ridgewood Drive. Entry was gained through a broken rear cellar window, and items reported missing included two portable television sets, a radio, and an undetermined quantity of silverware. Meanwhile, in Walpole, police investigated a series of break-ins at the LanMarc Building on Route 1, where entry was made through a rear door of the Town and Country Health Club. Desk drawers were found open at the Foxboro Co. and Northeast Food Services, though authorities had not yet determined if any property was stolen.
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The day also featured historical updates regarding a former Wellesley College graduate who had served as president of the institution before resigning in 1966 to head Lady Doak College in India. As the first Westerner to lead the missionary-founded college, which served 600 women, she completed a one-year service term and returned to Tyringham, Massachusetts, having previously returned to Wellesley College on April 25 to speak at an honors convocation regarding Indian education.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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