Talk Of The Town-May 26, 1966

On May 25, 1966, Norwood officials announced that the town’s long‑planned Teenage Drop‑In Center—a supervised recreational space for local youth—was on track to open by early fall, following Town Meeting approval and months of study by a joint committee of civic leaders, educators, and volunteers.

The proposal, guided through Town Meeting by Selectman Martin J. Lydon, called for transforming the second floor of the former fire station across from the municipal building into a dedicated teen center. Remodeling work was expected to begin by mid‑summer, funded by a $10,000 appropriation that had passed despite opposition from the Finance Commission and several Town Meeting members who preferred to reserve the funds for a more expansive recreation program.

Women’s Community Committee Takes the Lead

A major force behind the project was the Women’s Community Committee, whose president, Mrs. Doris Dauksis, served on the study committee. She explained that the group had already set aside $3,000 to ensure permanent adult supervision, a key element in the center’s design.

Mrs. Dauksis noted that the committee had also received a donation of a record player for the center and was actively soliciting additional contributions. The goal, she said, was to create a safe, welcoming environment where teens could gather, socialize, and eventually take on many of the center’s responsibilities themselves.

School Committee Nears Decision on New Principal

Meanwhile, the Norwood School Committee announced it had completed its first round of interviews for a new Norwood High School principal, a position soon to be vacated by Charles Hayden.

Board Chairman Francis X. Sheehan reported that 18 candidates—from both inside and outside the district—had been interviewed. A number of others had been screened out for various reasons. The committee planned to narrow the list to six or seven finalists, then conduct school visits to observe their leadership styles and professional accomplishments.

A final decision was expected by July 1.

Town Vehicles to Adopt Standardized Colors

General Manager Walter Blasenek announced a new color‑coding system for municipal vehicles:

• Department of Public Works vehicles would be painted orange
• Light Department vehicles would be painted yellow

Blasenek explained that these colors were widely recommended by state and local authorities because they made vehicles more visible “against any background,” improving safety and identification.

New Warehouse Proposed on Everett Street

Blasenek also revealed that a large, unnamed firm was considering construction of a 105,000‑square‑foot warehouse on Everett Street. The two‑and‑a‑half‑acre structure would include approximately 15,000 square feet of office space.

One of the company’s primary concerns was water pressure, which would need to be sufficient to support a fire‑prevention sprinkler system. Blasenek said early indications suggested the area’s pressure “might be easily adequate” to meet the firm’s needs. A final decision was expected soon.

Women’s Community Committee Continues Beautification Efforts

As part of its annual “Clean‑Up, Fix‑Up, Paint‑Up” campaign, the Women’s Community Committee donated shrubbery for the front of the historic Day House, marking the first stage of a planned grounds restoration project overseen by Harry Fraser, chairman of the Norwood Conservation Commission.

Campaign chair Mrs. Richard Wentrom said the goal was to “contribute materially to the general attractiveness of the entire community.”

A Day of Heat, Crowds, and Sudden Loss

The first true heat wave of 1966 arrived early, pushing temperatures into the high 90s across the South Shore and sending thousands of residents scrambling to beaches, ponds, and parks. But the sudden burst of summer weather brought tragedy with it. On May 25, 1966, Norwood awoke to the heartbreaking news.

Drowning at Buckmaster Pond

In Westwood, Gerald Graham, of 43 Margaret Street, Norwood, had been swimming with friends when he suddenly disappeared beneath the surface. His companions immediately alerted the Westwood Fire Department, which issued an urgent call for assistance.

Within minutes, more than a score of skin divers converged on the pond. Among them was Henry Nylan of Needham, who located and recovered Graham’s body from 25 feet of water after a half‑hour search.

Graham was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh G. Graham, and his death cast a pall over Norwood, where he was known as a member of the senior class preparing for graduation.

In Other News: Norwood Death Ruled Suicide

In Dedham, Judge Cox ruled that the April 13 strangulation death of Mrs. Goldie Fine, of Lewis Avenue, Norwood, was a suicide. After hearing testimony from 15 witnesses, the judge found no evidence of homicide or negligence.

Murdered Norwood Woman Found With Stocking Around Neck-This Day In Norwood History-April 13, 1964