On Mother’s Day weekend in 1943, Norwood paid tribute to one of its earliest World War II heroes, Rudolph Ballough, through two solemn and deeply symbolic ceremonies led by his sister, Mrs. Louis King of Philbrick Street.
At the invitation of Rear Admiral R. A. Theobald—acting under the authority of Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox—Mrs. King was selected to sponsor the launching of Sub Chaser PC‑1273 at the Quincy‑Adams Yacht Yard on May 8, 1943. The honor reflected both her brother’s sacrifice and the town’s pride in his service.
The following day, May 9th at 2 p.m., she would stand again before the community to unveil Norwood’s Honor Roll, a newly erected board on the Town Square listing the names of 1,400 servicemen. Additional names would continue to be added as more Norwood residents entered the armed forces.
Rudolph Ballough’s Service
Ballough served twelve years in the U.S. Navy and belonged to the famed MTB boat squadron that fought in the early Pacific campaigns around the Philippines. His squadron was later chronicled by W. L. White in They Were Expendable, where Ballough’s name appears alongside his Norwood address. The unit’s commander was Lieutenant Commander John D. Bulkeley, one of the war’s most celebrated PT‑boat leaders.
Ballough’s death marked Norwood’s first WWII casualty, and the twin honors bestowed upon his sister that weekend reflected the town’s enduring respect for his courage and sacrifice.
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Verne Inn Restored, Becomes Modern Funeral home-This Day in Norwood History-January 31, 1957
Public Invited To Attend Open House This Weekend Norwoods century-old Verne Inn, which once graced the town’s main thoroughfare and was later moved to Vernon Street to make way for the business blocks which sprang up on Washington Street at the turn of the century, has been completely restored along period lines and now assumes…
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Roll-Land Champions To Skate For DAV Benefit-This Day in Norwood History-December 29, 1955
On Monday, January 9, 1956, there will be a special skating program at the Roll-Land Skating Rink in Norwood. This program is being sponsored by the Disabled American Veterans and the entire proceeds of the evening will go to the DAV Chapter Ninety, Norwood. Plans for the evening will include two pairs of shoe skates…
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Town Mourns War Hero Col. George T Lee-This Day In Norwood History-October 7, 1954
Town Mourns War Hero Col. George T Lee-This Day In Norwood History-October 7, 1954
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Col George T Lee, War Ace and Pilot, Killed in Jet Crash-This Day in Norwood History-October 6, 1954
Col George T Lee, War Ace and Pilot, Killed in Jet Crash-This Day in Norwood History-October 6, 1954
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John W. Murphy Candidate For Postmaster Position-This Day In Norwood History-December 22, 1953
John W. Murphy of 203 Richland road, present assistant postmaster and a career man in the postal service, is a candidate for the Postmaster’s position in Norwood. Five others have been mentioned for the post, presently held by Fred M. Adelmann who is retiring. The others are Walter J. Dempsey, Sture Nelson, Raymond Wragg, Warren…
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Ellis Gardens-This Day In Norwood History-June 30, 1950
This ad for Ellis Gardens ran on June 30th, 1950. OWN YOUR OWN HOME THE MOST SENSATIONAL OFFER IN THE SMALL HOME-BUILDING FIELD IN ELLIS GARDENS, NORWOOD 4 and 5 ROOM RANCH TYPE HOMES $10,500 to $10,900 ALL GENERAL ELECTRIC KITCHEN COMPRISING G.E. 8 ft. Refrigerator • G.E. Dishwasher• G.E. Electric Range • G.E. Disposal•…
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Cedarcrest Housing Development-This Day In Norwood History-February 19, 1950
Joseph Stiveletta, president of Tamworth Construction, announces the starting of the new section in their Cedarcrest Development in Norwood. Plans have been completed for the erection of 70 homes in this new section. They will comprise 5 and 6-room Ranch Type homes with a variation of Cape Cod and Colonials. The 5-room homes will have…
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Dodge Route Van Delivered For New Parcel Post Route-This Day In Norwood History-February 2, 1950
The new Dodge Route-Van delivered yesterday to Thomas O’Day, 278 Railroad Avenue, Norwood, by Daniel J. Sweeney, Sales Manager for Knox-Smith, Inc., Dodge-Plymouth Dealer, is being contracted by the Post Office Department for use on a new parcel post route. Present at the time of delivery were: Myron D. Smith, President and General Manager of…
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Norwood Veteran’s Housing Project Progressing-This Day in Norwood History-January 31, 1950
ON SCHEDULE—Work is progressing according to schedule on the Norwood Veterans Housing Project off Roosevelt avenue. Thirteen cellars have already been poured and excavations have been made for a score more. Photo shows two-story structure going up with construction shacks to left. (McLean Photo) Discover more from Norwood Historical Society Subscribe to get the latest…
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John J. Murphy Will Head Legion’s Hospital Entertainment Committee-This Day in Norwood History-January 12, 1950
Commander John W. Murphy of Norwood Post 70, American Legion, last night re-appointed Past Commander John J. Murphy to head up the Legion’s program to provide entertainment for veterans confined in Veterans’ Hospitals throughout the Commonwealth. Murphy, a Marine veteran of World War II, is a member of the Executive Committee of the Norfolk County…
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