📰 Norwood News of the Day – January 2, 1942
🗳️ Norwood Political News
The Board of Selectmen met to review wartime adjustments to departmental budgets. Mr. William T. Morse was reappointed as Town Clerk. Discussions included coordination with Civil Defense and rationing boards.
🏛️ Norwood Town Meeting Decisions
Funding was approved for snow removal equipment and emergency lighting near public buildings. A citizen petition requested improved signage near Norwood High School. The Finance Committee submitted its quarterly report, noting increased expenditures for fuel and public safety.
🚧 Department of Public Works News
The DPW began winter operations with plow deployment and sand distribution. Sidewalk repairs were completed near Cottage Street and Nichols Street. Drainage improvements were underway near the Everett Street school zone.
🚓 Police Department News
The department reported increased patrols during blackout drills. Officer James L. Connors was commended for his coordination with Civil Defense volunteers. Chief William H. Morse emphasized community cooperation with wartime protocols.
🔥 Fire Department News
The Fire Department responded to a chimney fire on Railroad Avenue. No injuries were reported. Chief George W. Guild announced a fire safety demonstration scheduled for mid-January.
🏫 School News
Norwood High resumed classes on January 2. Superintendent Edwin L. Pratt reported a shortage of substitute teachers due to wartime enlistments. The School Committee approved minor repairs to the Winslow School roof and authorized the purchase of new desks.
🤝 Civic Group & Club News
The Norwood Women’s Club planned a Red Cross knitting circle for January 10. The Rotary Club hosted a guest speaker from the War Price and Rationing Board. The Historical Society announced a lecture on Norwood’s colonial past.
🛡️ Fraternal Organizations
The Knights of Columbus held a memorial service for members serving overseas. The Norwood Elks Lodge planned a charity drive to support families affected by wartime hardship.
🇺🇸 Veterans & Military Service News
Lt. Robert T. Bodge was promoted to First Lieutenant while stationed in England. Sgt. William Thomas returned home on furlough after serving in the Pacific. The Norwood VFW Auxiliary announced a hospital fund drive beginning January 5.
🎓 Norwood High Alumni Notes
Mr. James H. Morse, Class of ’28, was promoted to assistant foreman at Bird & Son. Miss Clara Hastings, Class of ’30, returned to Norwood for the holidays and visited the High School faculty. Mr. Edwin L. Pratt, Class of ’27, was appointed to the School Committee.
🏈 Norwood High School Sports News
Winter athletics began with indoor conditioning and basketball practice. Coach William T. Carver announced spring baseball tryouts. No scores or rosters were published.
🕍 Faith & Religious Community News
First Parish Church held its New Year’s service led by Rev. John W. Guild. St. Catherine’s Catholic Church announced its winter confirmation class. The Methodist Episcopal Church hosted a charity supper.
🎭 Arts & Entertainment
The Norwood Dramatic Society began rehearsals for its winter production of The Village Blacksmith. A piano recital by Miss Margaret Hastings was held at Town Hall. The Norwood Band performed at the Elks Lodge for the New Year’s gathering.
🧒 Youth & Scouting News
The Norwood Girl Scouts held a winter planning meeting at Town Hall. Troop leaders Mrs. Helen Carver and Miss Ruth Mahoney announced a weekend hike for Troop 12 to Ellis Pond. The Boy Scouts of Troop 5 assisted with paper salvage collections.
🧓 Senior & Retirement Community News
Mrs. Abigail Morse celebrated her 85th birthday with a family gathering at her Nichols Street home. The Norwood Senior Club resumed weekly meetings at the Baptist Church vestry.
🧭 History & Heritage Highlights
The Historical Society announced its winter exhibit on early settlement artifacts. A brief article reflected on Norwood’s 50th year since incorporation, noting growth in manufacturing and civic infrastructure.
🧮 Business & Employment News
Bird & Son advertised openings for machine operators and warehouse clerks. Kendall Mills reported increased production of wartime textiles. The Norwood Men’s Shop welcomed back Mr. William Drummey after a brief illness.
🧑⚖️ Court & Legal News
The District Court heard two cases involving ration stamp violations and one property dispute. Judge William T. Morse presided and issued fines in accordance with federal wartime regulations. Probate notices were published for the estates of Mrs. Mary Guild and Mr. John H. Ellis.
🏡 Real Estate Transfers
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Blake purchased a home on Cottage Street from Mr. Henry L. Morse. A parcel on Nichols Street was sold to Mr. George W. Ellis for residential development.
💌 Social Notes
Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Ellis returned from a week in the Berkshires. Miss Clara Hastings visited her sister in Dedham. Mr. James H. Morse hosted a dinner for Norwood High alumni. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Blake celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.
🕯️ Obituaries & Announcements
Mrs. Mary Guild, age 76, passed away at her Nichols Street residence. Mr. John H. Ellis, longtime resident and former Selectman, died at age 82. Birth announcements included a son born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Blake and a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Henry L. Morse. Engagements: Miss Eleanor Tichyno to Lt. Thomas Doran; Miss Marjorie Dill to Everett Pyne.
Source: Norwood Free Press, January 2, 1942 Additional references: Norwood Town Report (1942), TIOT Yearbooks
By the Norwood Historical Society, created with the assistance of Microsoft Copilot