Norwood Proposes New Civic Building as Veterans Memorial

A historical meeting scene depicting five men in formal attire sitting around a table in a wooden office. They appear engaged in discussion, with a map of Norwood Civic Field and various documents spread out before them.

At Tuesday night’s meeting of the Norwood Board of Selectmen, a proposal was introduced to construct a new civic building as a memorial to veterans of the present war. The idea, first raised by Selectman H. William Anderson, would invite representatives from the Servicemen’s Fund Committee, local veterans’ organizations, the Playground Advisory Committee, and other town officials to collaborate on a plan. Anderson emphasized that the time had come to act on this “long‑felt public want.”

He envisioned a structure that would serve both as a veterans’ memorial and community center, complete with swimming pool, bowling alleys, and recreation facilities for youth. Anderson suggested that much of the funding could come from public subscription, supplemented by town free cash or war bonds.

Selectman Harry Butters noted that the American Legion Post, currently housed in the Civic Building, had considered expanding its quarters. He stressed the need for suitable accommodations for all veterans’ groups, including those formed after the war, but opposed combining veterans’ facilities and recreation under one roof.

Chairman Charles F. Holman and Selectman Sture Nelson agreed that the matter required careful study before presenting a plan to the public. Nelson reminded the board that the Municipal Building, completed in 1928, had been debated for four years before construction began.

Anderson added that the Servicemen’s Fund Committee had not yet adopted a definite plan but might support a memorial building at Civic Field. Holman and Selectman Michael Curran emphasized that any new structure must provide space not only for organized veterans’ groups but also for unaffiliated veterans.

The motion was withdrawn, and the board agreed to revisit the proposal in two weeks, with a suggestion that the Finance Commission join future discussions.

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