Public works officials have reported a troubling and marked increase in vandalism at the town-owned Highland Cemetery.
Malicious Damage and Upended Headstones
Public Works Superintendent Paul E. Wollenhaupt informed the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday night that the cemetery has experienced a surge in “increased malicious damage.”
Detailing the extent of the destruction, a written report dated September 21 submitted by Assistant Superintendent Joseph M. Welch revealed that vandals recently destroyed eight vigil lights and damaged 11 water faucets at the grounds. Furthermore, Wollenhaupt noted that public works crews have been forced to right as many as 14 overturned gravestones each week.
While the department had initially refrained from filing formal police reports regarding the upended headstones, local law enforcement has now been formally requested to increase patrols around the cemetery. However, Wollenhaupt pointed out that closing the cemetery at night is not currently feasible, as gating the property would hinder police access during patrols.
Additional Municipal Business
In other town business during the meeting, officials reported that Norwood received a payment of $7,491.32 from the town of Walpole to cover costs associated with the Walpole sewer line connection along Sumner Street.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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A Town Shrouded in Grief for a Fallen Son-This Day in Norwood History-June 28, 1968
A devastating sacrifice hits home as Norwood unites to receive the body of Marine Lance Cpl. Richard Murphy, son of the town’s Police Chief.
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No Dedication Ceremonies for New Cemetery Garage-August 12, 1967
Citing a lack of public interest, Norwood officials led by Walter J. Dempsey voted to skip dedication ceremonies for the new $47,000 fieldstone cemetery garage.
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Obituary: Francis C. Foley, Former Norwood Town Counsel and Moderator-September 2, 1965
Francis C. Foley, 58, a prominent legal and civic figure in Norwood residing at 16 Shattuck Park Road, passed away yesterday at Norwood Hospital following a long illness. Distinguished Civic and Legal Career Mr. Foley dedicated decades of public service to the Town of Norwood, notably serving concurrently as town counsel and town moderator for…
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Jack P. Welch, Local Newsman, Dies Suddenly-July 28, 1955
John P. (Jack) Welch, owner of Welch’s Newsstand in Norwood for over 40 years, passed away at Barnstable Hospital at age 80.
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Town Mourns War Hero Col. George T Lee-October 7, 1954
Town Mourns War Hero Col. George T Lee-This Day In Norwood History-October 7, 1954
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Special Meeting Backs Willett On Cemetery Study-December 22, 1949
Citizens attending the Special Town Meeting held in Memorial Hall Monday unanimously approved 12 of the 13 articles on the special warrant and ratified a substitute .motion submitted by George F. Willett which called for the appointment by the moderator of a committee of seven citizens to make a further study of the cemetery situation…
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Ask Hebrew Section At Cemetery-This Day In Norwood History-October 8, 1948
The Board of Selectmen have been requested to consider allocating on an informal basis an appropriate part of Highland Cemetery for the burial of Hebrew citizens of the town. A group of citizens represented by Rochard Gottlieb, Otis Cooper, Dr. Louis Danovltch and Louis Orent told the Selectmen that while parts of the town cemetery…
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Three Local World War II Heroes Returned Home to Norwood for Final Military Honors-July 31, 1948
Fallen WWII servicemen Cpl. John E. Curran, Cpl. Joseph A. Selukas, and S/Sgt. Edward C. Erker were returned from England to Norwood for full military honors and burial.
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Norwood 25 Years Ahead Of Dedham In Master Planning-This Day in Norwood History-January 22, 1948
But Many Phases Of Shurcliff Report Never Carried Out Here The neighboring town of Dedham has received the spotlight of publicity since the appearance, four weeks ago, of an Attractive 100-page booklet, profusely illustrated with diagrams, maps, statistical charts, and an artists pictures of Dedham’s future. This is a master plan prepared by the firm…
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Land Available For Expansion Of Highland Cemetery-This Day in Norwood History-January 13, 1948
George F. Willett has called the attention of the Selectmen to the availability of 16 acres of land near Highland Cemetery which he owns and suggests it may be purchased by the town for cemetery expansion. Last spring the attention of the Board was called to the fact that before many years the purchase of…
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