Japanese Bride Happy in New Norwood Home-November 3, 1956

Military Police Veteran and Bride Begin New Chapter in Norwood

Black and white image of a smiling man in military uniform, identified as Sergeant William Yakus, who is noted for marrying a Japanese girl.

A postwar romance that began across the globe in Japan has culminated in a new life in Norwood for former Army Military Police Sergeant William Yakus, 38, and his bride, Sachle Koyama, 25. Detailed in a feature by staff writer E.V. McLean, the couple has settled into an attractive bungalow on Alandale Parkway, surrounded by family and welcoming neighbors.

Sergeant Yakus, who completed a distinguished 20-year career in the United States Army, purchased the Alandale Parkway home in February 1955 in anticipation of his bride’s arrival. Following his discharge in New York after being stationed in Korea and taking numerous trips back to Japan to woo his future wife, Yakus easily secured civilian employment as a correctional officer at the newly established State Correctional Institution at Walpole.

The couple’s wedding celebrations spanned two continents and traditions:

Civil Ceremony: Performed according to Japanese custom at the American Consulate in Yokohama on January 17.
Religious Ceremony: Held at a Catholic Chapel in Yokohama on February 26.

The Yakus Family Home & Community Welcome

Adapting to American Life

English Studies: Having previously studied English at a VFW-operated school in Japan, Mrs. Yakus has enrolled in Norwood public school evening classes to master fluent writing and speech.
Cultural Touches: Dozens of authentic art objects, statues, tables, and dishes brought from Japan grace the Alandale Parkway bungalow, alongside traditional clothing worn on special occasions.

Warm Neighborhood Reception

Upon their arrival, the couple received a royal welcome from Norwood relatives—including William’s mother and sister residing in **South Norwood**—and local friends. Over **50 guests** attended a miscellaneous bridal shower held in her honor, where attendees were thoroughly charmed by Mrs. Yakus’s gracious manner.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger

Norwood Cat “Ginger” Saved After Car Accident-August 30, 1997

An elderly Norwood woman’s cat, Ginger, survives a car accident and costly leg surgery thanks to a mix-up by two neighbors, the Neponset Valley Humane Society, and community kindness.
Michael and Margaret Malacaria: Finding Rewards in Retirement Through Dedicated Community Service-September 24, 1996

Retired Norwood residents Michael and Margaret Malacaria dedicate their post-work years to tireless community volunteering, earning recognition as RSVP Volunteers of the Year.
Protected: Granite Street Couple Share Accounts of Alleged Extraterrestrial Encounters-October 23, 1993

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Norwood Woman Continues to Care with Program’s Help-July 19, 1993

/In the quaint town of Norwood, Massachusetts, a remarkable story of compassion and dedication has unfolded over the past twelve years. Marie Jaras, a widow in her mid-sixties, has been providing a foster home for Ormond Kingsbury, an elderly man who had been her boss at the Plympton Press. The arrangement began informally, with Kingsbury…
Breaking the Silence on Brittle Bone Disorder-This Day in Norwood History-June 28, 1991

A Norwood family’s national custody battle over a rare bone disorder inspires a new library support group to protect innocent parents.
General Hospital Stars Ian Buchanan and Finola Hughes Draw Big Crowd at Norwood Junior High-October 19, 1987

Soap Opera Stars Draw 200 Fans to Norwood Junior High-October 19, 1987 Nearly 200 devoted fans packed the auditorium at Norwood Junior High School yesterday, shelling out $12 in advance or $15 at the door for a chance to meet television stars Ian Buchanan and Finola Hughes, best known for playing the beloved characters Duke…
Former Norwood Resident Robert Iantosca Named Winemaker at Sonoma County’s Gloria Ferrer Winery-August 19, 1987

Robert Iantosca, formerly of Norwood, has been named winemaker at Sonoma County’s renowned Gloria Ferrer Winery, bringing hands-on expertise and innovative sparkling wine techniques.
Eighty-Year-Old Volunteer Gertrude “Gertie” Erickson Celebrated as a Beloved Institution at Norwood Hospital-August 22, 1985

Known as the whistling cashier, 80-year-old Gertrude Erickson is celebrated for her 13 years of dedicated volunteer service at Norwood Hospital’s coffee shop.
Young Norwood Mechanic Builds Custom MG-Jeep Hybrid-October 18, 1982

The Birth of a Bright Yellow Hybrid-October 18, 1982 Motorists traveling around Norwood have likely caught sight of an unusual, eye-catching vehicle cruising local streets. From a distance, the bright yellow automobile resembles a chubby old-time roadster, though it rides much higher on its wheels. A closer inspection, however, reveals a mechanical chimera: a custom…
Norwood Honors Retiring Senior Custodian M. Joseph Fitzgerald and Dedicates Prescott School Auditorium in Memory of His Late Son-October 14, 1982

Retiring after 32 years as a school custodian, M. Joseph Fitzgerald is celebrated by Norwood parents and teachers with a plaque and the touching dedication of the Prescott School auditorium to his late son.