Renowned architect Harry J. Korslund, the visionary designer behind many of Norwood’s most iconic municipal and commercial landmarks, was honored posthumously last night during a meeting of the Norwood Rotary Club at Concannon’s Village.
Selectmen Chairman Martin Lydon presented a commemorative plaque celebrating Korslund’s profound architectural legacy to his widow, Mrs. Irene Korslund, before an audience of roughly 50 friends, colleagues, and fellow Rotarians.
Korslund, who passed away in late April at the age of ___, was a dedicated community leader, having maintained membership in the Norwood Rotary Club for more than 30 years and served as its past president. The plaque, signed by the Board of Selectmen and dated June 30, 1978, reads: “The memory of Harry J. Korslund lives long in the hearts of the people and the many neighborhoods of Norwood, Mass.” He is survived by his wife and two sons, Ben Korslund of Maryland and Harry Korslund Jr. of New Hampshire.
A Lasting Architectural Legacy
After graduating from the University of Minnesota and Harvard Architectural School, Korslund opened his architectural office in Norwood in 1933—a practice that evolved into Korslund, LeNormand & Quann Inc. Over a career spanning decades, his distinctive designs physically shaped the civic and commercial landscape of the town. His prominent Norwood projects included:
- The Norwood Memorial Municipal Building (Town Hall)
- The Morrill Memorial Library
- The municipal Police and Fire Department buildings
- Public schools including the Cleveland, Oldham, Prescott, and Willett schools, alongside an addition to Norwood High School
- The Norwood Theater and the Union Warren Savings Bank (housed in a converted former theater)
- Corporate and industrial facilities including the Masoneilan office building and The Foxboro Company in Foxboro.
Beyond his drafting table, Korslund was deeply invested in civic life. He served as a past president of the Norwood Chamber of Commerce, a trustee of Norwood Hospital, past chairman of the Norwood Building Committee, and a member of the Board of Appeals.
Paying tribute at the gathering, former Norwood Chamber of Commerce President Raymond Wragg captured the sentiments of the community: “He was a quiet, unassuming man. His integrity was unquestionable. His word was his bond.”
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More In Memoriam Stories
-
Obituary: Charles C. Saraca, Former Official Led Anti-Smoking Campaign-August 27, 1986
Former Norwood school committee member Charles C. Saraca, known for his pioneering anti-smoking stance and dedication to youth sports, passes away at 68.
-
Francis W. Smith, Former Town Manager and Selectman, Passes Away-July 7, 1986
Francis W. Smith died Friday at Norwood Hospital after a brief illness. He was a former town manager and selectman with a long career in industrial engineering.
-
Andrew B. Boch, 80, Automobile Dealer and Route 1 Automotive Pioneer-August 8, 1985
Andrew B. Boch, founder of Norwood’s pioneering Route 1 automotive dealerships and patriarch of a legendary New England business family, died at age 80.
-
Remembering Peter A. Wilson: Founder of Norwood’s A & B Auto School-July 4, 1984
Peter A. Wilson, a staple of Norwood business and driver education for over 30 years, passed away in 1984, leaving a legacy of community service through A & B Auto School.
-
In Memoriam: Louis Orent, 94, Founder of Orent Brothers Clothing Store-May 15, 1983
Louis Orent, a pioneering figure in New England retail and a beloved member of the Norwood community, passed away Friday in Hollywood, Florida, at the age of 94. Known widely as the “dean of New England retail clothing merchants,” Mr. Orent leaves behind a legacy defined by entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and decades of service to…
-
Norwood Selectmen Dedicate Memorial Plaque to Longtime Zoning Board Member George S. Williamson-August 8, 1979
Town officials, colleagues, and family members gathered at town hall to dedicate a memorial plaque honoring George S. Williamson’s 20-year service record on the Norwood Zoning Board of Appeals.
-
Norwood Fire Department Mourns the Loss of Deputy Chief Michael G. Benedetti, 52, Following a Long Illness-August 22, 1978
Lifelong Norwood resident and Deputy Fire Chief Michael G. Benedetti has passed away at age 52 after a long illness, leaving behind a distinguished 24-year career of fearless public service.
-
In Memoriam – Walter Blasenak
Former Norwood Town Manager, Dead At 71 Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the United Church of Norwood for Walter A. Blasenak, who was Norwood town manager for more than 14 years, from 1957 to 1971. Mr. Blasenak, 71, of 28 Nottingham Dr., died in Norwood Hospital yesterday after a long…
-
Callaghan Of Norwood, Played Major League Ball-June 24, 1975
The retired Plimpton Press employee and Norwood High alumnus held a historic major league record from a legendary 1922 highest-scoring game.
-
Harry Butters Of Norwood, Was Selectman For 37 Years-July 18, 1969
Harry B. Butters, a stalwart figure in Norfolk County politics for nearly four decades, passed away on July 17, 1969, at the Massachusetts General Hospital due to complications arising from surgery performed during the preceding month. The 71-year-old Norwood selectman’s demise marked the end of an era in local governance, as he had served an…
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.