Talk Of The Town-July 6, 1889

Front Page & Civic Life

The flash light at 10:15 p.m. on Blue Hill [Modern Milton/Canton border] every night is attracting great attention across the municipality. It is being attempted for the strictly scientific purpose of giving exact time as an ongoing experiment. Any local citizen desiring to set his timepieces exactly can watch the heights, for at just 10:15 the flash takes place.

A petition is actively being circulated by municipal residents asking the High School Building Committee to erect a building two stories high for the new High School structure.

Last Sunday, old Sol made a monumental record as far as humidity is concerned, and the way he heaped on the scorching heat made one sweat simply to think of it. It was one of those oppressive days that the oldest inhabitant had to scratch his head to recall the equal, and even then the memory alone induced perspiration. A day like this occasionally would not be bad, but for a steady diet, townspeople prefer a little frigidity mixed in to even things up. So, old Sol, please serve up the next dose on ice.

The undersigned Selectmen of the Town of Norwood hereby make and publish the following mandatory Rule and Regulation for the passage of the vehicles hereinafter mentioned in and through the Streets and Public Ways of said Town. In accordance with Section 15 of Chapter 53 of the Public Statutes, deeming the same necessary for the public safety and convenience, it is hereby ordered that all bicycles, tricycles, and other vehicles of a similar nature, moved by foot power, passing in or through the public streets and ways of the Town, keep within the part of the way usually travelled by teams and keep off from the sidewalks thereof, under penalty for violation of this order of a fine not exceeding twenty dollars. The order is signed by George H. Morse, Frank A. Fales, and Tyler Thayer, Selectmen of Norwood, under the date of June 29, 1889.

Hon. Warren E. Locke was summoned last Saturday afternoon from his corporate office in Boston to Young’s Hotel, where a large number of his railroad friends and associates awaited him to extend their congratulations on his new appointment as bank commissioner, and to offer their formal regrets that their long business friendship, extending in many cases over twenty-five years, is to be interrupted. Mr. Locke began his prominent railroad career as the eastern agent of the Wabash Railroad years ago, and has been officially connected with leading lines since that time from nearly the same spot on Washington Street [Modern Washington St, Norwood]. In commenting on the celebration, the Sunday Globe noted that a pretty gold-headed walking-stick and a silver-handled umbrella were presented to the new bank commissioner.

Police, Fire & Public Safety

Dennis Cronin was brought before Justice Lane last Saturday night, charged with criminally assaulting William Leary. Cronin was found guilty and fined five dollars and costs, amounting to a total of $13.83. This substantial sum was promptly paid by a friend. Justice Lane remarked that in such volatile cases it was customary to place the parties under bonds to keep the peace, but stated that if Mr. Cronin would promise to live peaceably with all men for six months he would omit that part of the judicial sentence. Cronin gave his solemn promise and departed the court.

Though the total number of Fourth of July casualties throughout the country will aggregate about as usual, Norwood, for all her fire, bangs, and holiday celebration, had but one case that was serious enough to necessitate the attention of a physician. On Thursday afternoon, Dr. Fogg was called to attend the little daughter of Mr. Thomas Heffern, who had been struck in the abdomen by a flying piece of a cartridge or a bullet—it was hardly known which. The projectile caused a painful abrasion of the skin, but did not make a deep wound. The entire affair was purely accidental, and the specific person who caused the discharge remains unknown.

Some East Walpole young men seemed to be in immediate danger of getting severely hurt at 1:40 o’clock Friday morning near Winslow’s Station [Modern Winslows Crossing/End of Chapel St]. After some posturing, the rowdy parties decided to settle their personal differences at some future, unspecified time.

On Tuesday morning, the new milk delivery wagon belonging to Mr. George Bateman was reduced to a complete wreck. Mr. Bateman had recently received the vehicle from the maker and was reportedly as proud of his wagon as he was of his straight goods. While traveling, a large limb from an overhanging elm tree on Arlington Street [Modern Arlington St, Norwood] caught the top of the vehicle. The horse panicked and started on a frantic run, and in less than a twinkling, the new wagon looked as if it had been struck by a cyclone. While the driver was thoroughly discouraged by the disaster, the cream on the milk never lost its freshness. Mr. Bateman intends to formally ask the Selectmen to abate the tree nuisance and settle the structural damages to his cart.

Community & Social Life

Mrs. Chas. Rich and her family are currently staying at Cohasset for a seasonal retreat.

Mr. Will Bigelow spent the 4th of July holiday visiting in Norwood.

Mrs. Lewis Currier’s sister is visiting her at her home this week.

Mrs. McManus is staying at Nantasket Beach for a week-long vacation.

J. H. Williams spent a portion of his annual vacation traveling to North Adams.

G. H. Morrill, Jr. and his family spent last Sunday relaxing at the beach.

Nearly every single seat in the traveling circus tent was taken on Wednesday evening by local spectators.

Did the impromptu fish-horn band successfully serenade you during the rowdy night before the fourth?

Miss Leonora Van Buskirk will start next Monday on a journey to Nova Scotia.

Mr. Joe Woods has gone to his home in the state of Maine for a week’s vacation and familial visit.

Mr. Orin Leach went to his home in northern Vermont on Wednesday to spend a week visiting.

Mrs. Nickerson returned to town last week, and is gladly welcomed back to her accustomed place by her many local friends.

The friends of Mr. Timothy McLaughlin raised a charitable collection of about forty dollars for his benefit last Saturday night.

Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Fulton started early Monday morning, traveling in company with Mrs. E. C. Gross of Canton, bound for Folly Village, Nova Scotia.

Mr. F. N. Cottle, who was a highly successful music teacher in our public schools until last year, is now visiting town from Chicago alongside his family.

Mr. H. L. Hayford has manufactured and put up some very fine awnings for Mr. Geo. S. Winslow, and currently holds business orders for a number of others around town.

Miss Mary Coburn has improved so much under Dr. Gould’s medical treatment that she was able last Monday morning to start for Onset Bay for a week’s change of air.

Mr. H. Montgomery returned from his travels in Europe in time to celebrate the holiday on Thursday evening. He looks remarkably well and likes English life, but speaks in anything but flattering terms of the English barber.

The highly anticipated Lawn Party to be given by the East Walpole ladies will take place next Thursday evening if pleasant; if stormy, it will be held the first pleasant evening following. The Norwood Band will be in attendance, and the assistance of a full moon is expected to draw a massive crowd.

Mrs. Will Ellis, née Lilia Dean, is visiting here from Akron, Ohio. This marks her first return to town since her wedding, which took place four years ago.

Mrs. and Miss Cragin left town on Wednesday for Deering, New Hampshire for a visit to relatives and friends. Miss Cragin will return today, while her mother will remain in the North for a couple of months.

Mr. H. W. Barrett and family have departed for their summer house on Lake [blank]. We will not try to give the exact name of the body of water this time, as Mr. Barrett has not yet fully decided on the correct way of spelling it.

Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Morrill and Miss Sarah Morrill will spend the month of August at the Maplewood in Bethlehem, New Hampshire. Miss Edith Winslow will visit them for a week during their seasonal stay.

Messrs. Grant, Dearborn, and Scherer displayed some very fine fireworks on Chapel Street [Modern Chapel St, Norwood] Thursday evening. The most elaborate holiday display of bunting and flags noticed in the neighborhood was at the house of J. F. Dearborn.

Miss Martha Parker starts next Monday to attend the Teachers’ Convention at the White Mountains. Miss Annie Smith and Miss Ethel Littlefield will also be present during the convention proceedings, as well as Miss Emma Fisher.

The highly anticipated tennis games on the afternoon of the fourth were spoiled by heavy rain; however, the morning hours were thoroughly utilized. Two club members, Miss Gay and Miss Hartshorne, played a competitive match at 5:00 a.m. on a wager, and of course won, as ladies always do.

One of the traveling “wheelmen” from a neighboring town thought his bicycle, a large Columbia model, was permanently spoiled Thursday morning when he was run into at the public concert. Fortunately, Mr. Pattison, an agent of the Pope Manufacturing Company who chanced to be standing near, sprang the bent wheel back into shape.

On the Fourth of July, the Everetts baseball club, along with a few invited guests—among whom was a reporter of the Advertiser and Review—drove over to East Walpole in Ellis’s barge to play a game with the ball team of that place. When they arrived, they discovered that a telegram had been sent to Norwood intending to postpone the game to today; by some mishap, the message was delayed. A local pickup nine was hastily gotten together and the game was started. No sooner had Pitcher Geary begun to get warmed up to his work than it began to pour rain. The entire party would have been wet through to the skin but for the kindness of Mr. Michael Toomey, who threw open his barn near the “diamond” to afford them timely shelter.

Dr. L. H. Plimpton and wife, along with Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Lane, will start early next week for the White Mountains, where they will remain for a two-week vacation. Dr. Peterson of the Boston City Hospital will temporarily occupy Dr. Plimpton’s residence and have charge of his local patients during his absence.

Mr. Archie Tisdale sails for Europe to join his uncle, Lawrence Barrett, the famous actor, to pass the summer months. Mr. Tisdale has recently graduated from St. Mark’s Episcopal Seminary in Southboro, Massachusetts with the highest honors, receiving the prestigious “Founders’ Medal,” which is only awarded when a pupil has held the lead in his classes for four successive years. He was also the valedictorian of his class, and his valedictory address has been most highly commented on. He has already taken his entrance examinations for Harvard and enters the university in the fall without a single condition. His friends have good reason to feel proud of him, as well as his uncle, who has generously taken upon himself the education of this brilliant nephew.

Religious Services & Church News

Rev. Mr. Nickerson will preach tomorrow morning on the spiritual theme, “The Law and the Better Hope.” There will be no evening service at the chapel.

The Advisory Board of the Universalist Church [Modern Day 522 Washington St] met at the residence of the pastor last Monday night. Among the other official actions taken, it was voted to close the church on Sunday evenings during the month of July, and also to cancel both morning and evening services during the first two Sundays in August.

Obituaries

Died on July 4th, Mrs. Joseph Richards, at the advanced age of 85 years. This worthy woman was a native of Needham, but since the decease of her husband three years ago, she has lived with her daughter, Mrs. M. M. Perry, who, with her family, has devoted much time and care to this aged relative. Mrs. Richards had been very helpless since last December. The funeral will take place this afternoon at 2 o’clock from her late home on Cottage Street [Modern Cottage St, Norwood].

Sports

On Wednesday afternoon, the painters from the railroad car-shop touched up the boiler makers on the ball field in a very handy manner. Fay and Slavin formed the starting battery for the painters, and to them was mainly due the success of their side. Cavanagh and Foley served as the battery for the boiler makers. The victors boastingly say that they did not half try, while the losers are reportedly going into rigorous training for the return game. The final score stood at 19 to 7.

Business & Commerce

Draper’s Foundry is completely shut down for one week to accommodate seasonal operations.

The local tanneries have been taking stock this week and making their usual annual mechanical repairs.

Outdoor furniture for immediate seasonal use is the latest specialty displayed at Paine’s Furniture Warerooms, located at 48 Canal Street in Boston [Modern Canal St, Boston]. Included in the extensive collection is every conceivable article for the piazza and lawn.

An advertisement proclaims that Eddy’s Refrigerators are the best, having stood the test of time.

Transportation

The new steam hammer was completely stalled at the local car shop on Wednesday.

Mr. E. L. Fetting is happily again able to attend to his mechanical duties at the railroad car shop following his recovery.

Norwood Heritage Notes

Mr. Wm. Foreman moved into his brand new house on Washington Street on Saturday. Subsequently, Mr. Robert McIntyre has moved into the tenement house lately vacated by Mr. Wm. Foreman.