Features Memorial Window Restoration and Landscaping Updates

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Ongoing refurbishing work at the historic town hall, which includes the extensive rebuilding of the north window in Memorial Hall, is progressing smoothly and is slated for completion before cold weather sets in, according to Town Manager John P. Mogan. The most visible change for passersby in recent days has been the removal of two overgrown evergreens that partially obscured the tower archway, which observers felt interfered with displaying one of Norwood’s premier architectural gems to best advantage. The removed trees were relocated to beautify the intersection of Winter Street and Prospect Street.

According to Finance Commissioner George T. Mahoney, who is assisting the manager, the large areas left vacant by the trees on either side of the walkway will be planted with flowers tomorrow to complement the existing 40-foot long garden and the two 10-foot circular gardens at the entrance. The broader town hall improvement project—fully covered by the $18,000 budgeted this year—includes interior painting in Memorial Hall, roof repairs, tower waterproofing, and a general cleanup around the 50-year-old stone building.

The centerpiece and most dramatic part of the project involves restoring the prominent mullioned limestone window opposite the front doorway. Fifty years of wind-blown rains whipping off Washington Street severely rusted the iron frames and waterlogged the interior during storms, while paint applied years earlier to reduce sun glare left the panes looking dingy. Charles J. Connick Associates of Boston, renowned designers of stained glass and monumental windows, submitted a translucent design featuring a mellow pinkish-brown color scheme centered around a circular stained-glass town seal.

While John P. Mogan has not yet formally commissioned the window and continues seeking alternative proposals given the highly specialized nature of the glass work, officials intend for the restored north window to serve as a lasting memorial to town officials with extensive service records, complementing the building’s dedication to military servicemen and women of the world wars. Selectmen placed the name of the late Selectman Charles L. Rich—who passed away a year ago tomorrow after serving 27 years on the board of selectmen—at the top of the list of veteran town officials to be memorialized in the dedication.

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

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