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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Planning Board Has Done Excellent Work-This Day In Norwood History-May 19, 1923
Norwood’s Planning Board Unveils an Ambitious Vision for a “Town Beautiful” In the spring of 1923, Norwood residents were invited to look toward the future with the release of the most comprehensive Planning Board report the town had ever produced. The document celebrated more than a decade of civic improvement and laid out an ambitious…
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Funeral Services For Henry W. Dean-This Day In Norwood History-January 14, 1923
NORWOOD, Jan 15—The funeral of Henry W. Dean was held at his late home on Dean st, yesterday afternoon. Rev Robert Wood Coe officiated at the services and interment was in Highland Cemetery. Mr. Dean had been a lifelong resident of the town. He died at his home Friday morning of double pneumonia. Dean st…
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Funeral of Ex-Chief of Police Warren E. Rhoads of Norwood Is Largely Attended-This Day in Norwood History- September 30, 1912
MASONS IN CHARGE. NORWOOD, Sept 29—The funeral of Warren Ellis Rhoads, court officer of the District Court of Northern Norfolk, took place this afternoon at the First Universalist Church, in charge of Orient Lodge, A. F. and A. M., of which he was Tyler 46 years. Orient Lodge, A. F. and A. M.; Tiot Lodge…
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Lewis Day Passes Away-This Day In Norwood History-March 3, 1910
Norwood Man Was Formerly a Leather Merchant in Boston—Retired 12 Years Ago. Lewis Day, one of the most respected citizens of Norwood, formerly a Boston leather merchant, died early this evening at his home on Day st, at the age of 74 years and 11 months. He had been practically an invalid for three years…
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Free Mortuary Chapel Erected by Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Day in a Norwood Cemetery To Be Consecrated Tomorrow-This Day In Norwood History-May 29, 1903
May 29, 1903—Tomorrow morning there will be formally consecrated in Highland Cemetery the mortuary chapel of St Gabriel the Archangel, erected to their parents by Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Day.
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St Gabriel’s Chapel To Be Consecrated Tomorrow-This Day In Norwood History-May 29, 1903
Highland Cemetery prepares to welcome its very first mortuary chapel. A magnificent gift from Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Day, the newly built Chapel of St. Gabriel the Archangel stands ready for its formal consecration as a beautifully crafted, non-sectarian haven open to all families across the community
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