Norwood Resident Finds Warm Bed After Months of Searching-August 5, 1981

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The sweltering summer heat that had been plaguing the residents of Norwood, Massachusetts, seemed to have finally subsided on August 5, 1981. However, for James Poles, a 58-year-old resident of Norwood, the struggle was far from over. Having lost his former residence, a South Norwood rooming house, in May due to alleged safety violations, Poles had been searching for a new place to call home ever since.

The ordeal began when Poles’ former residence was shut down, leaving him with no choice but to seek alternative accommodations. In an attempt to find a temporary solution, he was offered a room in Quincy, which unfortunately fell through due to financial constraints. With no other options available, Poles resorted to living in a greenhouse on Wilson Street.

Norwood Greenhouse Resident to Relocate to Quincy-July 02, 1981

The greenhouse, although providing some shelter from the elements, was far from being a comfortable abode. Poles had to make do with a wooden bench covered by a sheet of plastic, a foam pad, and two wool blankets to keep warm. The drafty conditions made it difficult for him to get a good night’s sleep, and he often found himself shivering in the cold through the quiet, lonely nights.

The generous offer included access to the kitchen, living room, color TV, washing machine, and other everyday amenities that made a house feel like a home.

Poles was overjoyed when he moved into Webber’s home on July 26. He finally had a warm bed to sleep in and a comfortable place to call his own. In an interview with The Patriot Ledger, Poles expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards Webber, saying, “I’ve got a nice bedroom… It’s quite different from sleeping on a wooden bench covered by a sheet of plastic, a foam pad, and two wool blankets in the middle of a drafty greenhouse.”

Despite finding a new place to stay, Poles’ struggles were far from over. He had been offered many jobs but was unable to take them due to his fading health and the constant threat of losing his vital Social Security benefits. Poles suffers from various ailments, including asthma, polio, cataracts, and an equilibrium problem, which have left him weighing only 98 pounds and facing daily physical hurdles.

To make matters worse, Poles has not been able to work for 12 years and has had to rely solely on his monthly $380 disability checks for his entire income. However, despite these overwhelming challenges, Poles remains optimistic and deeply grateful for the unwavering support he has received from friends like Bill Gooley, the proprietor of Norwood Plaza Mobil on Walpole Street.

Gooley, who has been a “perfect friend” to Poles throughout his hardships, had helped him in his search for lodgings and even allowed him to use the gas station’s bathroom facilities while living in the greenhouse. Poles’ remarkable story stands as a lasting testament to the kindness and generosity of friends and neighbors who can make all the difference in someone’s life during their darkest hours.

As Poles settles into his new home and looks toward the future, he is profoundly thankful for the opportunity to start anew. With the steadfast support of friends like Webber and Gooley, he hopes to overcome his physical challenges and lead a much more comfortable life. The inspiring journey of James Poles serves as a gentle reminder that even in the toughest of times, there is always hope for a better tomorrow, and community bonds remain strong in Norwood.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger