Talk of the Town-April 29, 1943

The rhythm of the home front beats steadily as Norwood navigates the complexities of a nation at war. From the crack of Ray Martin’s bat at the high school opener to the sobering sight of seventeen local men answering the draft call, the town stands as a testament to civic resilience. While victory gardeners eye the soil and housewives scrub tin cans for the salvage drive, the community pauses to mourn the passing of Edith Winslow Willett, a name synonymous with Norwood’s industrial and social heritage.

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Front Page & Civic Life

The post-war future of Norwood is already on the minds of town leaders. Gordon F. Woodberry of the Public Safety Committee and Harry Korslund of the Chamber of Commerce recently met with the Selectmen to discuss a large-scale rehabilitation program. The goal is certain: ensuring immediate employment for Norwood’s returning servicemen and securing federal funds to bolster the community.

On the home front, the “Honor Roll” for our servicemen is nearing completion. Sub-committee chairmen met at the Municipal Building on Monday evening to finalize the unveiling ceremonies set for Mother’s Day, May 9. In a gesture of municipal support, the Massachusetts House of Representatives has engrossed a bill allowing Norwood town employees to receive two weeks’ pay upon entering military service.

Civic discipline remains high. Charles Holman, Chairman of the Norwood Salvage Committee, issued a stern reminder to housewives to properly prepare tin cans. The effort is paying off; a check for $33 was recently deposited in the Town Treasury for tin shipped during the winter, and over 17,000 pounds were collected in March alone. Meanwhile, Miss Maude Shattuck is calling for the return of armbands from former Report Center workers to the Information Room at the Municipal Building.

Police, Fire & Public Safety

Vandals and “hoodlums” have kept the Norwood Police busy this week. Andrew Goodwin of 147 Dean Street was ambushed by five youths near the Winslow Bridge shortly after midnight Monday; the ruffians made off with his topcoat, suit coat, and fifty cents. Mrs. Nugent of 18 Linden Street showed remarkable pluck on Tuesday night, resisting two handbag snatchers who threw her to the ground. Though she was bruised, her cries alerted neighbors, and the thieves fled empty-handed.

In the fire record, Fireman Thomas Doherty is being hailed as a hero. Late Friday afternoon, he rushed into a smoke-filled bedroom at 35 Cleveland Street to rescue Mrs. Neil Hawley, who was bedridden. Doherty carried her to safety as the blaze, originating in the attic, caused $2,000 in damage.

Additionally, Police are searching for a stolen Plymouth Sedan (Mass. Reg. 81,500) belonging to Mary Flaherty of 126 Cottage Street, taken from outside the Christian Science Church. On a lighter note, a Tremont Street resident reported four pigs lost from the back of his truck on the Norwood-Canton road—the second “lost pig” case of the week.

Community & Social Life

Norwood’s women are leading the charge in local mobilization. The Lithuanian branch of the Red Cross hit an all-time high by producing 1,000 surgical dressings in a single night. The town’s total goal is a staggering 12,000 dressings per week. Pride was also felt for Miss Rose James, who was honored as Norwood’s 5,000th blood donor at the Boylston Street center in Boston.

The Women of the Moose will hold their next meeting on May 4 at their new Washington Street headquarters. Social circles also celebrate the marriage of Miss Gertrude L. Donahue of 12 Monroe Street to Mr. George S. Reed. The couple, both employees of Kendall Mills, wed at St. Catherine’s Church with a reception at Steuben’s Vienna Room in Boston.

Sports

Ray Martin has cemented his status as the premier schoolboy hurler in the state. In a season opener that will be talked about for decades, the “Murray nonpareil” pitched a no-hit, no-run masterpiece against Needham High. Martin struck out 20 batters and personally accounted for four of Norwood’s five runs, including a 350-foot triple. Costello behind the plate and Praino at first base provided the perfect supporting cast for a 5-0 victory.

Business & Commerce

The local economy is shifting. The War Manpower Commission has placed Norwood in “Group IV,” indicating the town is fully supplied with the facilities and labor needed for any new essential war undertaking. At Winslow Bros. & Smith Co., employees like Flora M. Suriano and Edna O. Mitchell are driving a marked increase in Second War Loan Bond sales.

The Norwood Ration Board remains the center of local commerce. While meat supplies were low last weekend, relief is expected for the coming days. The Board also announced that lightweight rubber boots are now off-ration, and “Victory Gardeners” may be eligible for extra gasoline to reach their plots this summer.

Transportation & Infrastructure

War-time travel restrictions remain tight. Joseph E. Eastman of the ODT has requested that Norwood businesses schedule all employee vacations to begin and end on mid-week days (Tuesday through Thursday). For those with “C” gasoline rations, the maximum remains capped despite increases in other parts of the country.

Schools & Education

Superintendent Lincoln D. Lynch reported a break-in at the Senior High School this week, though thankfully no vandalism was found. Meanwhile, students will soon receive cards to document their school and job history, a move by the Manpower Office at 521 Washington Street to help graduates find their place in the Army or war industry.

Obituaries

The town mourns Mrs. Edith (Winslow) Willett, who passed away Monday at her home at 305 Walpole Street in her 70th year. As the wife of George F. Willett, her name is inextricably linked to the development of modern Norwood. We also record the passing of Alonzo E. Butler, who died at 279 Dean Street, and Miss Helen Kasuilimos, 29, a registered nurse who passed at Rutland State Hospital.

Military & Veterans

The draft continues to call Norwood’s sons. Seventeen men were inducted this week, including twins Richard and George Mike of South Norwood, and star athlete Albert J. Billingham.

Promotions and updates from the front:

• Laurence Harlan Blatchford has been promoted to Captain in San Antonio.
• Lt. Ralph Harvey Nutter of 64 Elm Street is now a Captain after numerous raids over Germany.
• Frank R. Allen of 446 Winter Street won his Navy “Wings of Gold” in Pensacola.
• A poignant moment: Mrs. Ernest J. Weissman received two dozen roses on Easter from her son Robert, in memory of his brother Ernest, who was killed in a flight accident six months ago.

Norwood Heritage Notes

The passing of Edith Winslow Willett serves as a bridge to the era of George F. Willett, whose vision shaped the very Municipal Building where our leaders now plan for a post-war world. The zoning hearings regarding Attilio Balboni’s request to remove gravel at 321 Dean Street remind us that even amidst global conflict, the stewardship of Norwood’s land—a tradition dating back to the days of Aaron Guild—remains a sacred civic duty.