⠀
Norwood was abuzz with excitement on a sweltering summer day in July 1986. For Jean M. Taylor, a devoted mother of three, a routine trip for a lottery ticket would prove to be a life-changing turning point that secured her family’s financial future.
Jean M. Taylor, a forty-three-year-old resident of 11 Monroe St., had been living a humble life with her husband and three children. On Saturday, July 26, 1986, she made her way to Pam’s Market in Norwood to purchase a ticket for the Massachusetts Megabucks drawing. Choosing her numbers completely at random—1-7-9-18-24-26—she struck gold when the combination emerged as a winner. The massive state jackpot had reached an astonishing $4,775,533, with seven lucky winners ultimately sharing the grand prize. As one of the co-winners, Jean M. Taylor secured a staggering $682,219, to be distributed over twenty years in annual payments of $34,110.
Collecting her first check at State Lottery headquarters in Braintree, Jean M. Taylor welcomed the sudden windfall with immense relief and excitement. The timing proved nothing short of miraculous, as her daughter’s college tuition payment was due on August 1, providing immediate funds to support her child’s higher education. While sharing the winner’s circle with six other fortunate ticket-holders across the Commonwealth, Jean M. Taylor‘s remarkable story captivated local residents and served as a joyful reminder of the unexpected turns of fortune in everyday life.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
-
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.
-
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.
-
Italian University Students Lucia Rovigo and Marcello Mascellaro Bring Touch of Home to Norwood Host Families-August 10, 1981
Italian university students Lucia Rovigo and Marcello Mascellaro are spending a month in Norwood as guests of local families through the Interstudy program.
-
Norwood Resident Finds Warm Bed After Months of Searching-August 5, 1981
Following months of hardship after his rooming house closed, 58-year-old Norwood resident James Poles found a warm bed thanks to longtime friend Elliott Webber, who welcomed him to his Rockhill Street home.
-
Norwood Greenhouse Resident to Relocate to Quincy-July 02, 1981
In the summer of 1981, a Norwood veteran struggling with housing instability turned a local greenhouse into a makeshift home before the community rallied to find him a more dignified living situation.
-
The Master Navigator of Local Commerce-This Day in Norwood History-June 28, 1980
An 80-year-old former union pioneer and Edison engineer commands the Norwood Chamber, working a grueling 40-hour week.
-
Gertrude’s Pastry Shop Owner Bernie Osborne Wins State Award for Maine Maple Pastry and Cherishes Small-Town Family Business-August 19, 1979
Bernie Osborne, owner of Gertrude’s Pastry Shop in Norwood Center, won top honors at the Massachusetts Retail Bakers Association contest with his signature Maine Maple pastry judged by Julia Child.
-
Harold “Skip” Rideout Expands Marine Construction Business in Southport, Maine-August 13, 1979
Norwood High graduate Harold “Skip” Rideout expanded his marine construction business in Southport, Maine, by purchasing a 42-foot towboat and a 60-foot barge.
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.