School Field Lights Switch is On – July 16, 1981

The summer of 1981 was a time of great change for the town of Norwood, Massachusetts. The once-thriving Civic Recreation Center had been torn down to make way for the expansion project of Norwood Hospital, leaving behind a vacant lot and a sense of uncertainty among the community. However, amidst this transformation, two dedicated individuals, Athletic Director Arthur Gulla and high school football coach John Doherty, saw an opportunity to bring light and excitement to the town’s youth.

The idea of installing outdoor lights at Murray Field, located on the grounds of Norwood High School, had been a long-standing dream for Gulla and Doherty. They envisioned a space where students could gather, play sports, and enjoy the thrill of night games under the stars. The two men were determined to make this vision a reality, and they set out to convince the school committee to approve their proposal.

The meeting between Gulla, Doherty, and the school committee was a pivotal moment in the history of Norwood’s athletic programs. The committee members, including Margery H. McKenna, Judith Berkowitz, and Chairman William F. Pudsey, were initially hesitant about the idea of installing lights at Murray Field. Their concerns centered around the estimated cost of the project, which they believed would be too high for the school department to bear.

However, Gulla and Doherty were prepared to address these concerns head-on. They presented a plan that would see the outdoor lights moved from the former Civic Recreation Center site to Murray Field, with receipts from night football games and fundraising efforts with the Norwood Elks and Jaycees covering the estimated cost of $25,000. The two men also assured the committee that much of the civic’s lighting equipment could be salvaged, potentially reducing the overall cost to around $15,000.

The school committee was impressed by Gulla and Doherty’s dedication and their willingness to take on the responsibility of raising funds for the project. After a lengthy discussion, they voted 4-3 in favor of the proposal, paving the way for the installation of outdoor lights at Murray Field.

The approval of the plan marked a significant milestone in the history of Norwood High School’s athletic programs. The school football team was set to play under the lights on Friday, September 18, against Boston College High School in a non-league game. This match would be a historic moment for the town, as it would mark the first time that night games had been played at Murray Field.

The installation of outdoor lights at Murray Field also opened up new possibilities for other sports teams and community groups to use the facility. While some committee members expressed concerns about the potential increased maintenance costs associated with more frequent use of the field, Gulla and Doherty were confident that they could mitigate these expenses through careful planning and management.

The approval of the plan was not without its challenges, however. The school committee’s decision to support the proposal came after a two-hour executive session with representatives from the Maintenance-Craftsmen Association, who were negotiating a new contract for the maintenance staff. Chairman Pudsey indicated that negotiations would likely be wrapped up at the next meeting on July 29.

The installation of outdoor lights at Murray Field was a testament to the dedication and perseverance of Gulla and Doherty. Their tireless efforts had paid off, and they had secured a major victory for the town’s youth. As the school football team prepared to take to the field under the lights, the community came together to celebrate this momentous occasion.

The impact of the outdoor lights on Murray Field would be felt for years to come. The facility would become a hub of activity, hosting night games and events that brought the community together. Gulla and Doherty’s vision had been realized, and their legacy would live on through the countless students who benefited from the installation of these lights.

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