Governor John A. Volpe Surprises Newlyweds and Greets Shoppers During Norwood Dollar Days Visit-October 17, 1966

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