Upon the invitation of the Board of Selectmen, George F. Willett and his attorney, John V. Moran, conferred with the Selectmen Tuesday night, relative to a plan which the Board has been considering for the acquisition of the so-called Public Garden area of Highland Cemetery for burial purposes.
Mr. Willett told the board that he has planned for many years to make that area a Memorial Park and that it has seemed very desirable from the viewpoint of many Norwood residents to adhere to that plan.
He stated that the so-called parade ground could be adapted to Park Development, making a peaceful and beautiful area for Cemetery purposes.
“Land is cheap” Mr. Willett said, “and we should use it to the best advantage.” He told the Board that his plans included the erection of an outdoor shell of an amphitheatre similar to that erected on the Boston Esplanade where sacred concerts and Memorial concerts could be held. He showed plans for a grandstand in the rear of the high school which would seat 4000 people. This area, he contended, would fit in as a continuance of the cemetery program. Parking space for both projects would be supplementary.
No study has ever been made of the possibilities of this project, he said.
He referred to a recent request of Hebrew residents for section of the cemetery set aside for their use. This request and its granting would fit in with the program, he asserted.
Mr Willett considered it very essential that space be retained at the cemetery for a memorial park.
He showed the board complete plans of a layout of the proposed park which he said would stand as a memorial to those people who have contributed so much to the town.
He stated that he hoped before any action was taken there would be full opportunity for a presentation of all the facts relative to the park to the townspeople.
(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)