School Committee Member Francis X. Sheehan Jr. Secures Superintendent Support to Bring Annual Holiday Program into Local Classrooms
NORWOOD – Bringing holiday cheer to children in need, school committee member Francis X. Sheehan Jr. secured formal approval from Superintendent Philip O. Coakley to introduce the United States Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots drive into Norwood public schools.
Mr. Sheehan, who has been personally involved in organizing the annual holiday campaign since its inception a decade prior, noted that the Marines have encountered increasing community resistance and mounting demands in urban centers. To support the initiative locally, school children will be invited to bring usable toys to their schools during a designated one-day collection drive in December, after which Marine Corps personnel will retrieve the items to distribute as Christmas gifts to needy children in Boston. Describing the humanitarian effort, Sheehan remarked, “I’ve personally seen kids who get these toys… it’s tremendous.”
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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Parade Officials Reject Peace Signs-May 24, 1972
The Norwood Peace Coalition requested permission to march in the town’s Memorial Day parade carrying signs that listed civilian deaths in all U.S. wars. The parade committee, led by parade marshal Edward Deasy (a Disabled American Veterans commander), denied the request. Reasons for the Denial Peace Coalition’s Position Coalition members Louis Shannon and Robert Corliss…

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John Abdallah Dies In Parade At Norwood-November 11, 1968
John Abdallah Dies In Parade At Norwood This Day In Norwood History-November 11, 1968

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Mod Theme For Norwood Church Fair-May 25, 1968
On May 25, 1968, excitement was building across Norwood as Grace Episcopal Church prepared for its second annual spring fair—an event that had quickly become one of the town’s most colorful and spirited community gatherings. That year’s theme, “Here’s Mod in Your Eye,” captured the playful, fashion‑forward energy of the late 1960s, promising a day…

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Santa Claus Stops By Cub Scouts’ Party-December 23, 1964
St. Catherine’s Cub Scouts, Pack 49, held their annual Christmas Party Sunday night in the auditorium. The evening began with the flag ceremony conducted by the boys of Den 14, Mrs. Squillaci-oti, Den Mother, after which the awards were given out. Next a lovely tableau, depicting the Nativity Scene, was also presented by the Cubs…

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Snow Squalls Put Damper On Annual Easter Parade-April 6, 1961
Norwood’s 1961 Easter parade started out under sunny skies but ended in a swirling snowstorm shortly after noon that sent the Easter paraders scurrying for the protection of their homes and placed a damper on plans for the day’s observance. Easter Sunday dawned bright and clear and worshippers attending early morning Masses at the Catholic…

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Santa Lands in Helicopter-December 24, 1949
RIDING IN STYLE—Old Santa Claus made an early visit to Norwood on Saturday morning, landing to the Civic field from a helicopter. He first circled the town square several times and waved to the 1500 children who were on hand ot the Norwood Theatre for the Eagles’ party. After landing at the Civic, Santa rode…

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Santa To Arrive Here Via Helicopter For Eagle Party-This Day In Norwood History-December 16, 1948
NORTH POLE, Dec. 16 — Santa Claus will arrive in Norwood this Saturday afternoon at approximately 1 pm when his helicopter will descend from the sky and land on the Civic field, Santa Claus Workshop headquarters announced this morning. The helicopter will leave here sometime today and will stop in Connecticut at a helicopter headquarters…

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75th Anniversary Parade Seen by 20,000 in Norwood-This Day In Norwood History-November 1, 1947
75th Anniversary Parade Seen by 20,000 in Norwood This Day In Norwood History-November 1, 1947

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