Newlyweds Mr. and Mrs. Carl Pruett received an unexpected addition to their wedding party outside St. Catherine’s Church on Saturday morning when they were greeted on the church steps by an uninvited—though warmly welcomed—guest.
Massachusetts Governor John A. Volpe, the Republican incumbent candidate for governor, happened to be in Norwood conducting a nonpolitical stumping tour to support the annual Norwood Dollar Days celebration.
From Campaign Stumping to Wedding Congratulations
Governor Volpe began his tour from the Washington Street campaign headquarters of State Senator John Quinlan (R-Dover). Immersed in his routine of shaking hands and greeting local residents, the Governor serendipitously arrived at the church just as the wedding party emerged into the autumn air.
Recognizing a memorable campaign photo opportunity, Governor Volpe walked right over, kissed the radiant bride, congratulated the groom on his fine taste, and introduced himself: “Hello, I’m Governor Volpe.”
Whirlwind Tour of Washington Street
Following the chance encounter on the church steps, the Governor resumed his march down Norwood’s main commercial district, posing for souvenir photographs with local residents and merchants.
After spending forty minutes touring three blocks, visiting 18 shops, and shaking several hundred hands amidst peak noonday shopping traffic, Governor Volpe climbed back into his black limousine bearing official license plate S1 and wheeled out of town.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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Norwood Voters to Test Computerized Punch-Card Ballots in State Primary Election-September 12, 1980
Norwood voters will use a new computerized punch-card ballot system provided by Factory Mutual Engineering Company for the upcoming state primary election.
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Town Officials Warn of Disastrous Cuts from Proposed Proposition 2 1/2-August 20, 1980
Facing a potential $3 million budget shortfall, Norwood town officials are mobilizing an educational campaign to warn residents about the severe municipal cuts threatened by Proposition 2 1/2.
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Former Registrar A. Franklin Swift Seeks Reappointment Following Conflict-of-Interest Challenge-October 12, 1978
Former registrar A. Franklin Swift asks selectmen for reappointment after clearing multiple town committee roles following a state law challenge raised by Town Meeting member Kenneth C. Ball.
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League of Women Voters Urges High Turnout for School Committee Recall Election-August 30, 1978
The League of Women Voters calls on Norwood residents to vote in Tuesday’s historic school committee recall election, the first in 30 years.
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State Rep Gregory W. Sullivan Faces Democratic Primary Election Challenge-August 21, 1978
Incumbent State Rep. Gregory W. Sullivan faces a Democratic primary challenge from political newcomer William J. McCarthy in the newly formed 12th Norfolk District covering Norwood and Westwood.
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Citizens’ Group Keeps Recall Threat “On Hold” Awaiting Action on Civic Center Replacement-September 9, 1977
Opposition leaders Ambrose J. Kelly and Jeannette M. Troiano state that a recall petition drive against Norwood selectmen remains an active option if replacement Civic Center plans stall.
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Charles Strumski Retains Norwood Conservation Seat-August 17, 1977
Despite being denied reappointment by the town manager, veteran official Charles Strumski continues to serve the Norwood Conservation Commission.
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Talk of Political “Machine” Scared Voters as Independent Veteran Walter Dempsey Outpaces Challengers-October 8, 1976
Accusations of a localized political machine and municipal cronyism drive Norwood voters to choose veteran independent Walter J. Dempsey over newcomer Angelo at the polls.
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Walter J. Dempsey Scores Resounding Comeback Victory in Special Selectman Election While Overseas-October 6, 1976
Walter J. Dempsey stages a stunning political comeback, winning a special Board of Selectmen election by a landslide while vacationing in London.
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Personalities May Rule Norwood Vote-September 3, 1976
With a dozen candidates vying for a single vacant seat on the Board of Selectmen left open by the death of Charles L. Rich, the upcoming October 5 special election is shaping up to be a contest driven heavily by personalities rather than a single unifying platform. Notably, more than half of the 12 hopefuls…
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