A full week of civic debate, community celebrations, school activities, and neighborhood happenings fills this late‑May edition of Norwood’s local news. From legislative concerns affecting the town’s finances to the opening of new businesses, from church events to school performances, the town continues to show its characteristic blend of civic engagement and community spirit. Residents gather for spring festivities, prepare for Memorial Day observances, and support local organizations in a season marked by activity and anticipation.
Town Government & Civic Affairs
A recent review of proposed state legislation affecting Municipal Light Departments indicates that Norwood’s tax rate could rise by $1.60 if the bill becomes law. Under the proposal, the town would receive approximately $18,000 from the Light Department, a significant reduction from the roughly $68,000 turned over in 1940. After subtracting about $17,000 in administrative expenses properly charged to the department, the town would face an annual loss of around $33,000. Town officials plan to participate in the next legislative hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
The Norwood Selectmen have approved a renewal of a revolver license for James T. Flaherty of Cottage Street for target practice and protection, and another for Colin W. Stard of Winslow Avenue for similar purposes. In other business, the Board granted the Norwood Bowling Lanes on Route 1 a license to operate eight new alleys in a planned addition. The approval includes a stipulation that the license will be revoked if the alleys are not operational by October 1. The decision followed a visit from Judge Frank Coughlin and Mr. Sullivan, who explained that the license was needed before financing could proceed.
The town of Winchester has requested information on Norwood’s methods for managing school traffic. The inquiry will be answered by Superintendent of Schools Lincoln D. Lynch, who will provide details on local safety practices.
The Norwood State Employment Service, located at 524 Washington Street, reports that 768 area residents registered for defense-related work during the recent one‑month drive. Of these, 80 possess skills applicable to defense industries. Statewide, more than 63,000 workers registered, with over 10,000 having relevant training or experience.
Police & Public Safety
A collision occurred Monday morning at the junction of Route 1 and Pleasant Street, involving a truck operated by William Slaney of Oolah Avenue, South Norwood, and a motorcycle driven by Winslow Kelsey of South Bristol, Maine. Kelsey sustained minor injuries. Police are reviewing the circumstances of the accident.
A United States Navy Grumman Amphibian made a forced landing at the Norwood Airport on Monday due to a burned piston. The aircraft, en route from Washington to Squantum, was met by Navy repair crews who completed the necessary overhaul.
Schools & Youth
The new South Norwood Branch of the Morrill Memorial Library, located opposite the Balch School, is already proving popular. On its second day of operation, the branch was filled with about fifteen schoolchildren exploring books and displays. Branch librarian Minnie Greig reports that fifteen adults registered for new library cards on opening day, indicating that many residents are using library services for the first time. More than thirty children also took home cards for parental signatures. The branch is open from 12:45 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8:45 p.m.
The Shattuck School fifth grade, under teacher Miss Rogers, traveled to Boston last Saturday, visiting the Custom House Tower, the Old and New State House, the Public Garden, the Common, and the Museum of Natural History. The trip offered students a firsthand look at historic and cultural landmarks.
The Shattuck Parent‑Teacher Association will hold its annual meeting and election of officers next Tuesday evening in the Junior High School auditorium. The nominating committee will present a full slate of officers, and the evening will include entertainment by teachers and students.
Several Norwood High School seniors contributed to the success of the recent Senior Prom, serving on committees for decorations, tickets, publicity, orchestra arrangements, ushering, invitations, checking, and refreshments. Their efforts created a memorable event for the Class of 1941.
Business & Industry
The new First National Super Market, located at the corner of Cottage Street and Central Street, opened yesterday to enthusiastic shoppers. Designed as an attractive addition to the Town Square, the modern structure triples the size of the former building and offers 6,600 square feet of market space on the first floor, with an equal area in the basement for storage. Architect Harry Korslund designed the building, which features extensive display windows, glass block accents, and modern interior finishes. Parking for 35 cars is available behind the store, extending to Nahatan Street.
Workers at the American Brake Shoe & Foundry Co. have returned to work following a two‑week strike. A new contract, expected to be signed yesterday, provides a six‑cent hourly wage increase, time‑and‑a‑half pay for overtime beyond eight hours (with one departmental exception), continued vacation benefits, and recognition of major holidays including New Year’s, Christmas, Labor Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, and the Fourth of July.
Company G of the National Guard will travel from Camp Edwards to participate in Norwood’s Memorial Day observance. Selectmen approved $30 for bus transportation to ensure the unit’s timely arrival. The company will provide a ten‑man firing squad and thirty to forty men in dress uniform for the parade.
Chester Byrne has been appointed manager of the W. T. Grant Company store in Norwood, succeeding Austin Wentworth, who has transferred to the Newport, Rhode Island location. Byrne, a graduate of Wesleyan University, brings fourteen years of experience with the company.
Clubs, Churches & Organizations
The Norwood Council of the Knights of Columbus will hold its annual Communion Breakfast this Sunday following the seven o’clock Mass at St. Catherine’s Church. The breakfast will take place in the Junior High School. Speakers include Rt. Rev. Monsignor Joseph C. Walsh, District Deputy Joseph Francis, State Deputy Walter G. Powers, and Gerald Coughlin, head of the English Department at English High School. Committee members include William B. Ahern, John T. Folan, William Barry, William Hyland, Coleman J. Foley, and Paul B. Curran.
The Norwood Welfare Board has elected Eileen J. Folan as its new chairman. Other board members include Marion Brennan and John A. Abdallah, both recently reappointed. Folan succeeds Francis J. Doran, who was not reappointed this year.
The Norwood Woman’s Club met at the home of Mrs. Harry J. Korslund to plan next year’s programs. The club voted to participate in the Fourth of July parade sponsored by the American Legion.
The Women’s Community Committee held its annual meeting at “The Ship” on the Plimpton Estate, followed by a party honoring Thrift Shop volunteers. Chairman Mrs. Chester Foster presided, and new officers were elected, including Mrs. Arthur S. Hartwell as chairman. More than 125 guests attended the celebration.
The Scoble Lodge hosted a May Party for children at Eagle Hall on Day Street, featuring games, prizes, and refreshments. Committee members included Mrs. Bertha Tinkham, Mrs. Marian Urkhardt, and Mrs. Eleanor Kehoe.
The United Church will present H.M.S. Pinafore this evening, performed by the Junior Choir under the direction of G. Townsend Coward. Soloists include Russell Finbow, James Hartshorn, Edwin Guise, William Chapman, Jack Vaughn, Elinor Constantine, Phyllis Small, and Marion Hartshorn.
The First Baptist Church will observe Memorial Day at both morning and evening services. Dr. Marinus James will preach on themes honoring American service members, and a bugler will play “Taps.” The church will also host the annual Odd Fellows Memorial Service on June 1 and Children’s Day on June 8.
The First Parish of Westwood will hold its Memorial Sunday service with a sermon by Rev. John H. Taylor titled “Our Goodly Heritage.” Music will be provided by Mrs. Gordon Mitchell, and the Y.P.R.U. will meet in the evening.
The Order of the Eastern Star honored Mrs. Louella Farmer and Mrs. Edith Crocker with new state‑level appointments during ceremonies at the Worcester Auditorium. Several Norwood members attended the event.
Social & Personal Notes
Mrs. Titus Rasimovich of 24 St. John Street announces the marriage of her daughter Stephen Pavilonis to Adam Benkavitch of 3 Hartford Street. The ceremony took place at St. George’s Lithuanian Church on May 5, performed by Rev. Stephen Kneizis. The couple will reside at the Hartford Street address.
Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Feaver of Washington Street have returned from a trip to Toronto and Burlington, Ontario, where they visited Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sutton. Mrs. Sutton, formerly Mrs. Lily Lohan, once served as a nurse at Norwood Hospital.
Mr. William O’Neil and his son William Jr. of Nantucket visited Mr. and Mrs. Patrick O’Neil of Vernon Street last week.
Mrs. Richard Pike of 199 Walpole Street will soon depart for Maryland for an extended visit.
Miss Shirley Engel of Walpole Street served as an usher at the Senior Class Play of the Mary Brooks Secretarial School.
Miss Olive M. Hullett, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert K. Hullett of Westmoreland, N.H., married William S. Walsh, son of Mr. and Mrs. James H. Walsh of 2 Park Street, in a pastel‑themed ceremony at the Grace Episcopal Church. A reception followed at the Verne Inn.
Births
Recent births at Norwood Hospital include:
- A girl to Mr. and Mrs. Alphonse Cherella of 525 Washington Street, East Walpole
- A boy to Mr. and Mrs. John Ruane of 99 Leonard Street, Canton
- A boy to Mr. and Mrs. Durward Parks of 87 Hartford Street, Westwood
- A girl to Mr. and Mrs. Tarmo Mackie of 26 Chapel Court, Norwood
- A girl to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sankey of 1120 Washington Street, Norwood
- A girl to Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Utorka of 239 Winter Street, Norwood
- A boy to Mr. and Mrs. George Smith of 80 Main Street, Sharon
- A boy to Mr. and Mrs. William Sawkiewicz of 10 Hartford Street, Norwood
Marriage Intentions
Marriage intentions filed at the Town Clerk’s Office include:
- Thomas A. Thornton of 94 Casey Street, Norwood, and Anne G. Morrison of 14 Harvard Street, Boston
- Alfred De Maryo of 22 Cedar Street, Norwood, and Josephine Mirabele of 250 Metropolitan Avenue, Boston
- Felix S. Utorka of 40 St. Paul Avenue, Norwood, and Gladys H. Kwiatkowski of 34 St. Joseph Avenue, Norwood
- Bruno F. Caruso of 324 Lenox Street, Norwood, and Genevieve J. Christopher of 58 Gould Street, Dedham
- James B. Lynch of Main Street, Norfolk, and Kathleen E. Sheehan of 38 Winter Street, Norwood
- Lawrence M. Lindblom of 116 Berwick Place, Norwood, and Evelyn F. Carlson of 67 Shore Street, Falmouth
- Edward C. Letourneau of 19 Prospect Street, Stoughton, and Helen M. Hawkins of 66 Casey Street, Norwood
Sports
The Norwood Twilight Baseball League opened its season last night with two games: the Mikados vs. the Clovers at the Civic Field, and South Norwood vs. the Dark Horses at the Callahan Field. Seven teams will compete in the first half of the season, which includes forty‑two scheduled games. The complete schedule appears elsewhere on the page.
Advertisements & Notices
Local real estate listings include several single‑family and multi‑family homes in Norwood and East Walpole, with prices ranging from $3,700 to $6,600. Interested buyers are directed to contact the Norwood Trust Co. and ask for Mr. Bullard.
The Norwood Theatre announces upcoming features including “The Great Lie” starring Bette Davis, George Brent, and Mary Astor, along with the companion film “Knockout” starring Arthur Kennedy. Later in the week, the theatre will present “Penny Serenade” with Irene Dunne and Cary Grant. The theatre will also host its annual Cooking School on Thursday, May 29, with an Estate All‑Electric Range as the major door prize.
Closing Line
As Norwood moves toward Memorial Day, the week’s events reflect a community deeply engaged in civic life, rich in tradition, and united in its commitment to neighbors, families, and shared purpose.
Text and images may have been created, edited, colorized, or digitally restored using AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini. All content is reviewed for accuracy and historical integrity before publication by the Norwood Historical Society
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