🇺🇸 Norwood in 1945: A Community at the Crossroads of Peace
By the Norwood Historical Society
Commemorating the lives, legacies, and local spirit of August 31, 1945, as captured in the Norwood Free Press.
🕊️ A Town Welcomes Peace—and Its Heroes
The war was ending, and Norwood was ready to celebrate. The streets buzzed with anticipation for Boston’s Victory Parade, where 25,000 veterans and military personnel would march in triumph. Norwood’s own Post #70 of the American Legion, led by Commander Henry H. Hochheim, prepared to join the procession, accompanied by their band and colors.
Among the returning heroes was James M. Costello, S.M. 2/c, home after 19 months in the Pacific. Decorated with six battle stars—including Leyte and Okinawa—Costello’s story was one of many that filled local homes with pride and relief. His brothers Robert, Thomas, and Vincent were still serving across the globe, a reminder that peace was arriving in stages.
✈️ Tragedy in Transition: Lt. Keeler’s Final Flight
Even as peace dawned, sorrow lingered. First Lt. Carleton H. Keeler, a 21-year-old bomber pilot, was killed when his plane crashed en route from Iowa to Washington. His mother, Ella Keeler of Washington Street, received the devastating telegram just days after being told her son was missing. The wreckage was found near Tollgate, Oregon. Lt. Keeler’s story was a solemn reminder that the war’s toll extended beyond the battlefield.
🚒 A New Era in Public Safety
Norwood’s fire department welcomed its newest guardian: a gleaming 85-foot aerial ladder truck, shipped from Wisconsin and parked proudly behind the fire station. Voters had approved the $19,000 purchase in 1942, and after years of wartime delays, the truck finally arrived.
It featured:
- A seven-man cab
- 200 feet of wooden ladders
- A hydraulic hoist
- A ladder pipe for elevated water streams
The truck replaced a 28-year-old predecessor and symbolized the town’s investment in modern safety.
🚨 Mischief and Mayhem: Six False Alarms in One Night
Not all excitement was noble. On Wednesday night, Norwood’s fire department responded to six false alarms—four within 26 minutes. One witness saw a woman leap from a car, pull a box, and speed away. The new ladder truck didn’t budge, but the incident underscored the challenges of maintaining order in a town adjusting to peacetime.
🧑🏭 Postwar Industry and Opportunity
With the war’s end, local businesses were hiring:
- Bird & Son, Inc. in East Walpole
- Plymouth Rubber Co. in Canton
- Bendix Aviation Corp. in Norwood (seeking machinists, tool designers, and draftsmen)
The classifieds brimmed with optimism: “Excellent Future – Top Pay – New Plant – Local Industry.”
🏦 Rationing and Economic Transition
Norwood was named a “key board” in the new Massachusetts rationing system, serving Westwood, Dedham, Medfield, Walpole, and Foxboro. The local War Price and Rationing Board vowed to resist inflation and protect tenants from unjust rent hikes.
William E. Hale of the OPA declared:
“We must all unite to resist any pressures for higher prices—especially on clothing and food.”
🛍️ Everyday Life in 1945
- Good school shoes at Boston Shoe Store
- Rhode Island Red Pullets for sale
- Mason jars: 49¢ per dozen
- Jar rings: 2¢ per dozen
- Waste baskets: 19¢
- Lunch room manager wanted at Lewis Boarding House
- Mortgage rates as low as 4%
And for just 25¢, you could buy the Norwood Messenger Victory Souvenir Edition, featuring the town’s honor roll and war biographies.
🎾 Recreation and Resilience
Miss Mary Cullinane, Playground Supervisor, announced extended summer programs: tennis, roller skating, dances, and chess. Miss Helen Dolaher oversaw evening tennis sessions. These activities offered joy and structure as families adjusted to postwar life.
📰 A Community in Print
The Norwood Free Press declared:
“The integrity of its newspaper is the outstanding civic asset of a community.”
Indeed, this edition captured a town in transition—mourning its losses, welcoming its heroes, modernizing its infrastructure, and preparing for a future shaped by peace.
Thanks for sharing Page 2 of the August 31, 1945 edition of the Norwood Free Press. This page adds vibrant details to the postwar portrait of Norfolk County—community service, military life, entertainment, and everyday shopping. Here’s a continuation of the commemorative article, integrating these new insights:
🛍️ Thrift, Generosity, and Community Spirit
The Women’s Community Committee announced the reopening of the Norwood Thrift Shop on September 5. For over 20 years, this secondhand store at 516 Washington Street had turned donated clothing, furniture, toys, and books into funding for local services.
Managed by Mrs. W.W. Everett and guided by Mrs. Louis Sieracki and Mrs. Walter Tilton, the shop was a testament to Norwood’s civic generosity. Even without summer collections, residents continued to donate, ensuring “many fine values” awaited shoppers.
⚓ Life at Sea: USS Yolo and the “Mother Ship” of Okinawa
Norwood’s James Petrillo, Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class, served aboard the USS Yolo—a floating barracks and supply ship that supported 905 landing craft during the Pacific campaign.
At Okinawa, the Yolo:
- Issued 477 tons of fresh food
- Supplied 1.28 million gallons of water
- Delivered 195,642 gallons of fuel
- Served over 27,000 meals, including fresh pies and cakes
The ship went to battle stations 257 times but escaped unscathed. As one sailor put it, “The anchor to America’s supply lines.”
🗳️ Civic Duty: Walpole’s Election Officers
The Walpole Board of Selectmen reappointed dozens of election officials across three precincts. Names like Chester Gove, William Geary, and H.J. Whitcomb reflected the town’s commitment to democratic process and civic continuity—even as the nation transitioned from war to peace.
🎭 Entertainment in Full Swing
Norwood and Walpole theaters offered a dazzling lineup:
- Murder, He Says with Fred MacMurray and Marjorie Main
- Out of This World starring Eddie Bracken and Veronica Lake
- Dillinger—a “shock-by-shock biography”
- The Keys of the Kingdom and Ten Cents a Dance at the Elite Theatre
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs—a Walt Disney classic
- The Laff Show at the Guild Theatre, featuring Charlie Chaplin, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, and Danny Kaye
Special matinees, youth-only showings, and adult-only evenings made moviegoing a tailored experience for all ages.
🛒 Shopping in 1945: Prices and Promotions
At Hood’s Friendly Self-Service Food Store, Labor Day specials included:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Native Gravenstein Apples | 25¢ for several lbs |
| Carrots (2 bunches) | 15¢ |
| Celery (Pascal) | 27¢ |
| Cottage Cheese (12 oz) | 18¢ |
| Vermont Cheddar Cheese (lb) | 38¢ |
| Sharp Cheese Food | 53¢ |
| Evaporated Milk (2 cans) | 19¢ |
| Del Monte Diced Carrots (16 oz) | 14¢ |
| Sliced Beets (16 oz) | 12¢ |
At Sherwood’s, back-to-school fashion included:
- Carole King junior dresses (sizes 9–15): $12.93
- “Strictly South American” styles with embroidered sashes and shirred skirts
🌟 Civic Leadership and Philanthropy
Mrs. James H. Perkins of Westwood helped organize the opening dinner for the Greater Boston United War Fund’s Special Gifts Division. Held at the Copley Plaza, the event marked a return to formal dress and featured Harvard astronomer Dr. Harlow Shapley.
Thanks for sharing Page 3 of the August 31, 1945 edition of the Norwood Free Press. This page offers a rich mosaic of spiritual life, back-to-school fashion, local commerce, and quirky anecdotes. Here’s how it fits into the commemorative article:
⛪ Faith and Fellowship: A County at Worship
Churches across Norfolk County were preparing for a reflective Sunday. Services spanned denominations and towns, offering spiritual grounding in a time of transition.
Highlights:
- United Church of Norwood: Special services for those in the Armed Forces.
- First Parish Church (Westwood): Rev. Albert Dieffenbach of Boston to preach on Sept. 2.
- St. Mary’s Church (East Walpole): Masses at 7:15, 8:30, and 11:00 a.m.
- First Baptist Church (Sharon): “The People’s Church” with youth fellowship and community service.
- Emmanuel Lutheran Church: Swedish-language sermon on “Thankfulness.”
- Greek Orthodox Church (Atwood Ave) and St. George’s R.C. Church: Services in multiple languages, reflecting the county’s cultural diversity.
The listings reveal a deeply rooted religious community, with churches serving as both spiritual and social anchors.
👗 Back-to-School Style: Fashion in Wartime Recovery
Orent’s Fashion Shop and other retailers showcased fall fashion for students and young professionals:
| Item | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| All-Wool Sweaters | Slip-ons and cardigans, sizes 34–40 | $4.95–$8.84 |
| Skirts | Plaids, checks, solids, sizes 24–32 | $3.95–$8.95 |
| Sport Jackets | All-wool, sizes 12–18 | $12.95–$13.95 |
| Dresses | Rayon flannel, sizes 9–20 | $7.95–$9.95 |
| Raincoats | Black, tan, red, sizes 12–20 | $8.95–$19.95 |
| Boys’ Pea Coats | Navy style, fully lined | $12.95–$14.95 |
| Corduroy Knickers | Hockmeyer quality, sizes 6–12 | $2.98–$3.98 |
These prices reflect a postwar economy where quality and durability were prized, and fashion was both practical and aspirational.
🧃 Produce and Provisions
At Mike’s and Bazzy Produce, fresh fruits and vegetables were abundant:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Native Tomatoes (2 lbs) | 25¢ |
| Cucumbers | 5¢ each |
| Corn (dozen) | 39¢ |
| Oranges, Peaches, Squash | Market price |
These prices, modest even for the time, reflect a community still rooted in local agriculture and seasonal eating.
🧼 Household Tips and Local Services
- A column on electric washer maintenance advised against overloading and encouraged prompt service calls for strange noises.
- Brown Refrigeration Co. announced its opening, offering Frigidaire sales and service.
- Dr. Harold Schneiderman, chiropodist, advertised appointments at 681 Washington Street.
🤯 Oddities and Anecdotes
One of the most bizarre stories came from overseas:
Pfc. Raymond A. Beall of Frederick, MD, stationed with the 26th Infantry Division in Czechoslovakia, reportedly ate razor blades to win bets—earning $860 and consuming 78 blades in one day.
“It’s just like eating fish bones,” he said. “They dissolve in your stomach.
This surreal anecdote, printed without irony, reflects the strange bravado and coping mechanisms of soldiers in wartime.
🛟 Heroism at Home: A Life Saved in Bird Park
In a dramatic rescue, 5-year-old Maureen Gorman of Norwood owes her life to the quick action of Mrs. John J. Burke of East Walpole. While visiting Bird Park, Maureen fell face-down into a shallow pool and lost consciousness. Mrs. Burke, fully clothed, dove in and administered artificial respiration for 45 minutes until firemen arrived with an inhalator.
Fireman Walter Hartig and Captain Curtis Boyden confirmed the child had no pulse on arrival. Her survival was credited entirely to Mrs. Burke’s courage and persistence—a local act of heroism that mirrored the bravery of soldiers abroad.
🪖 Veterans Return, Families Reunite
The page is filled with stories of servicemen returning from Europe and the Pacific:
- Coleman F. Conroy, MM2/c, returned after 19 months in the Pacific, decorated with multiple campaign medals.
- Lt. Edward Powers, USNR, visited family in Norwood and Franklin with his wife and children.
- Lt. George B. Burnett Jr., USNR, completed a 150,000-mile flying odyssey across three theaters of war.
- Sgt. John L. Howard of Canton, wounded twice in France, was awarded the Bronze and Silver Stars.
- Pfc. Frederick J. Buckley Jr. of Norwood earned five battle stars and the Silver Star for extinguishing a fire in an ammunition truck in France.
These stories reflect the emotional reunions and quiet valor that defined the postwar moment.
🧑⚕️ Local Accidents and Public Safety
- Edward Clark, a Bird & Son worker, suffered a fractured leg in a mill accident.
- John L. Walsh of East Walpole died in a car crash while vacationing in Calais, Maine.
- Lloyd Simmons and Herbert Brennan were released from Norwood Hospital after injuries sustained on V-J night.
🛍️ Commerce and Craftsmanship
- Norwood Glass Co. offered full-time service for auto glass, mirrors, and furniture tops.
- Bristol Shops promoted certified reupholstery with flexible steel construction and five-year guarantees.
- The Alice Shop sold wallets from $1.00 and desk pen sets for college students at $1.25.
- Boston Shoe Store advertised “Good School Shoes” with Walkover exclusivity.
🗳️ Civic Updates
- The Norwood Women’s Club scheduled its executive board meeting for September 4.
- The Walpole Catholic Woman’s Club planned its annual charity bridge and whist party.
- Draft boards across Massachusetts announced Saturday closures beginning September 1.
📰 Local News Highlights
- Struck by Car: Julian A. Gill of Lewis Avenue sustained minor injuries after being hit at Washington and Dean Streets.
- Three-Car Collision: A pickup truck and two cars collided at Washington Street and Sturtevant Avenue. No injuries reported.
- Sudden Death: Stanley Vasiliauskas, 59, collapsed and died while walking home from work. Funeral services were scheduled at Warabow Funeral Home.
- Water Shortage Near Pool: Test wells in the Hawes Brook area failed to yield water. Town advised to use municipal supply for the pool.
- Westwood Garden Club Flower Show: Scheduled for September 8 with the theme “A Week-End in Westwood.”
🇺🇸 Military & Veterans
- Pfc. Harold R. Parlee Returns: Westwood native returned from Germany after serving with Patton’s Third Army and the Ninth Army.
- Commander Joseph P. Costello: Named navigator of the newly commissioned U.S.S. Macon. Previously served aboard the Augusta during the Normandy invasion.
🛍️ Classifieds & Business Listings
- For Sale:
- Kitchen range with oil burner
- English coach baby carriage and ivory wicker bassinet
- H.B. Smith house heating boiler
- Wanted:
- Used sewing machines and vacuum cleaners
- Experienced knitters and learners (Draper Bros. Co.)
- Services:
- Sewing machine and vacuum cleaner repairs
- Free radio inspection and repair
- Mortgage funds available from Norfolk County Trust Co.
- Car appraisals and purchases by Fred C. Browne
🧒 Back-to-School Fashion
Peter’s in Norwood advertised:
- Sweaters, skirts, socks, dresses, and slips for girls aged 2 to 14
- Prices ranged from 19¢ to $13.95
🏡 Social Notes & Travel
- Numerous families vacationing in New England spots like Martha’s Vineyard, Chatham, and Lake Winnepesaukee.
- Birth announcements for Judy Ann Clark and Edmund Arthur Warren Jr.
- Injuries reported: Bill McGoldrick hospitalized after a fall.
📞 Public Service & Editorials
- New England Telephone & Telegraph Co.: Acknowledged service delays due to wartime shortages but emphasized their commitment to courtesy and customer care.
- Victory Editorial: A patriotic tribute to the armed forces and a call for global peace and unity.
🇺🇸 Military & Veterans
- Lt. Comdr. Francis A. Massey Jr. Promoted: The 26-year-old Norwood native, a veteran of multiple WWII campaigns, was promoted while serving in the Pacific.
🧒 Youth & Camp Life
- Camp Kiwanis Season Ends: 40 girls from Norwood, Walpole, and Canton attended the Greater Boston Camp Fire Girls camp. Activities included swimming, boating, archery, dramatics, and international-themed events.
- Candle Ceremony for Peace: Campers floated candles on Lake Maquan in a symbolic gesture for global unity post-V-J Day.
- Local Attendees Named: Dozens of girls from the region were listed as campers or counselors, highlighting community involvement.
📊 Youth Participation Dashboard — August 1945
🏕️ Camp Kiwanis Attendance
| Town | Number of Campers | Notable Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Norwood | 26+ | Swimming, dramatics, crafts, boating |
| Walpole | 10+ | Canoeing, archery, puppet shows |
| Canton | 6+ | Nature study, international culture events |
| Other Areas | ~460 | Represented 21 nationalities |
| Total | 500+ | Full-season campers at Kiwanis |
Note: Additional 600+ girls participated in local Day Camps across Norwood, Walpole, Malden, Arlington, and Milton.
🌍 Cultural Diversity at Camp
Campers traced ancestry to:
- 🇦🇲 Armenia
- 🇩🇪 Germany
- 🇮🇹 Italy
- 🇷🇺 Russia
- 🇬🇷 Greece
- 🇸🇪 Sweden
- 🇵🇱 Poland
- 🇬🇧 England
- 🇨🇦 Canada
- 🇳🇴 Norway
- …and 10+ other nations
Theme of the Summer: “Hi, Neighbor” — fostering international friendship and post-war peace.
🏊♀️ Aquatic Achievements
| Skill Level | Number of Girls |
|---|---|
| Beginners | 85 |
| Intermediates | 68 |
| Swimmers | 38 |
| Advanced Swimmers | 20 |
| First-Time Swimmers | 140 |
| Red Cross Life Savers | 45 |
| Boating/Canoeing Certified | 129 |
🎭 Camp Highlights
- V-J Day Thanksgiving Service
- “Pirates of Penzance” performance
- Candle Ceremony for Peace
- “Hi, Britannia” Week
- Gypsy Day celebration
🧑🏫 Local Leadership
- Mary F. Hubbard (Norwood): Staff Assistant at Camp Kiwanis Post Office
- Ann Coakley & Barbara Bouchard (Norwood): Swimming counselors
- Anne Shaw (Walpole): Swimming counselor
Would you like this dashboard formatted for print or digital display? I can also cross-reference it with other 1945 issues to show seasonal trends or expand it into a commemorative youth feature.
🛍️ Back-to-School & Retail Ads
- Boston Shoe Store: Promoted durable school shoes at 1044 Washington St.
- Nesson’s Department Store: Offered boys’ shirts, gym outfits, school bags, and socks.
- Baker’s Clothing & Jewelry: Encouraged early Christmas shopping for servicemen overseas with layaway options.
🧑🤝🧑 Social Notes
- Joseph & Ernest Law Anniversary: Celebrated 25 years of marriage with a reception at the United Church in Norwood.
- Clan Stewart Meeting: Scheduled for September 6 at the Cushman residence on Walpole Street.
🧠 Civic & Economic Planning
- Fall Employment Conference: Scheduled for September 18–20 in Boston. Topics included post-war employment, federal tax plans, trade expansion, and consumer advocacy.
- Speakers included economists, government officials, and business leaders.
- Norwood’s Howard H. Dana served on the organizing committee.
🧰 Home & Garden
Fall Lawn Care Tips: Ads promoted Agrico fertilizer and Woodruff lawn seed for optimal fall planting.
By the Norwood Historical Society, created with the assistance of Microsoft Copilot