Norwood’s long‑awaited celebration for its returning soldiers and sailors began to take shape on the evening of April 16, 1919, when the executive committee of the town’s Home‑Coming Celebration convened in the Norwood Civic Association rooms. With more than 600 Norwood men having served in the World War, town leaders expected that most would be home in time for the festivities.
The celebration was scheduled for June 17 at Berwick Park, after the Norwood Elks graciously agreed to postpone their own carnival day to June 28. The program promised a full day of civic pride and community spirit: a grand parade of soldiers, sailors, and Marines; athletic events; public addresses; dancing; a banquet honoring the servicemen; fireworks; and additional patriotic features.
The town appropriated $2,000 to support the event, reflecting the community’s commitment to honoring its veterans. The executive committee included many of Norwood’s most prominent civic leaders: Henry Crosby, chairman; John J. Coakley, secretary; Harold W. Gay, treasurer; Hon. W. Cameron Forbes; the Board of Selectmen—Frank G. Allen, Walter F. Tilton, Oliver J. Barr, Patrick J. Lydon, and Thomas B. Mulvehill—along with the chairmen of the various subcommittees.
Chairman Crosby appointed an extensive roster of subcommittees to manage every aspect of the celebration:
Grounds Committee
F. M. Douglass (chairman), Michael J. Ahearns, Arthur L. Bateman, Victor Carlson, Harry Church, Carl Clem, James Hocking, Mrs. Charles Hollings, Mrs. A. C. Morrow, Mrs. George F. Willett, Miss Maude Shattuck, Mrs. Charles Briggs, Mrs. F. Norton.
Dinner & Refreshments Committee
E. P. Gilliland (chairman), Daniel E. Callahan, James Flaherty, H. F. Walker, Carroll Woods, William J. Sullivan, B. Tumavicus, Marion A. Edwards, Mrs. John Ward, Mrs. William Huntoon, Mrs. Malinda Everett, Mrs. Catherine Reardon, Mrs. Nellie Babcock, Mrs. Magnus Thompson, Mrs. M. J. Ahearn, Mrs. L. H. Beaver, Miss Frieda Foreman, Mrs. John C. Lane, Mrs. Thomas H. O’Toole, Mrs. Agnes Bernier, Mrs. Edward Baker, Mrs. T. Lothrop.
Advertising Committee
A. N. Ambrose (chairman), W. T. Whedon, Eugene Endicott, Charles T. Wheelock, Walter Massey, Eugene Rice, Charles E. Smith.
Sports & Entertainment Committee
Frank W. Coombs (chairman), Joseph Conley, Dr. J. P. Donovan, Martin Lydon, Dennis Ryan, Charles J. Rich, James S. Cox.
Parade Committee
Capt. George L. Fowler, Chester M. Capen, George W. Nowman, Joseph Probert, Brainard Rowe, Victor Storm.
Fireworks Committee
John E. Folan (chairman), Arthur Coolidge, Frank Flood, Theodore Grant, Kasimir Weisul, Walter Partridge, Joseph Schuster.
Decorations Committee
James A. Hartshorn (chairman), John P. Curran, Peter Fisher, John A. Farren, Ernest Grant, William D. Huntoon, Eugene Murphy, Albin K. Parker, Miss Mary E. Murphy, Mrs. Abbie V. Murphy.
Music & Dancing Committee
James H. Butler (chairman), Fred M. Adelmann, C. E. Cook, Joseph F. McManus, Daniel F. Slattery, Miss B. A. Smith, Miss Bessie Cushing, Francis J. Foley.
Employment Committee
H. P. Guillo (chairman), C. M. Callahan, Austin H. Fittz, W. P. Hammersley, A. C. Morrow, H. M. Plimpton, George H. Smith, H. H. Miller.
The scope of the planning reflected the town’s deep pride in its servicemen and its determination to welcome them home with the honor they deserved.
Source: Boston Globe, April 16, 1919
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