This Day In Norwood History-August 26, 1964-Local Carillon Installed As Town Hall Was Erected

On Friday evening, Dr. Kamiel LeFevere, Dean Emeritus in North America will play as guest carillonneur at the Norwood Municipal Building Tower. Dr. LeFevere dedicated the bells in November, 1928, and was regular carillonneur in Norwood until 1932, when the present musician, Roger Walker, took over the duties.

The carillon was installed in Norwood through the efforts of the late philanthropist and financier, Walter Tilton who donated a total of $55,000 for purchase and installation, as well as for certain construction work.

The tower which houses the carillon bells, was paid for by a public subscription of some $27,0000 with the bells being installed on completion by Tilton, then president of the Norwood Trust, now the Norfolk County Trust.

The “Carillon Committee” established by Tilton included the late Francis Foley and George Hallovan.

It was in 1927 that an article in National Geographic on carillons in Europe interested Tilton to the extent that, after making further studies, he offered to donate $35,000 for a set of bells if a suitable structure were erected to house them.

It was at this time that the present Municipal Building was being seriously considered. Later, it was discovered that a finer and larger set of carillon bells might be purchased for $50,000 with installation-by the seller. “

Following the installation, Tilton noted that the only satisfactory entrance to the tower was via the special elevator used in construction. He then made a contribution of $5,000 for the installation of a special staircase, room and necessary furniture. Heating was piped into the tower at this time.

Other philanthropic accomplishments of Tilton were at the Norwood Hospital where certain beds are maintained by a trust left in his will. During the late 1930’s, he donated a $28,000 organ to the United Church of Norwood to be installed at the completion of the remodeling program there.