Dean Emeritus Returns to Play Carillon Bells-August 26, 1964

The historic carillon bells of the Norwood Municipal Building took center stage as renowned carillonneur Dr. Kamiel LeFevere, Dean Emeritus in North America, returned to play as a guest musician at the tower. Dr. LeFevere’s appearance marked a nostalgic homecoming; he originally dedicated the bells in November 1928 and served as Norwood’s resident carillonneur until 1932, when current musician Roger Walker assumed the role.

The Origins of the Norwood Carillon

The installation of the town’s famous carillon was made possible through the vision and generosity of the late financier and philanthropist Walter Tilton, then president of the Norwood Trust (later the Norfolk County Trust).

The project’s timeline and funding details highlight a unique public-private partnership:

• Inspiration (1927): Tilton became fascinated with European carillons after reading an article in National Geographic. Following extensive research, he offered to donate $35,000 for a set of bells on the condition that the town erect a suitable structure to house them—coinciding directly with serious discussions to build the new municipal building.
• Tower Construction: The tower itself was financed through a public subscription raising roughly $27,000.
• Upgraded Bells & Elevator Access: Recognizing that a larger, finer set of bells could be purchased for $50,000 with seller installation, Tilton increased his financial support. When it became clear that the tower lacked a practical interior entrance aside from the construction elevator, Tilton contributed an additional $5,000 to construct a special staircase, an enclosed room, necessary furnishings, and piped-in heating. In total, Tilton donated $55,000 toward the bells, installation, and structural additions.
• The Carillon Committee: To oversee the initiative, Tilton established a dedicated committee that included the late Francis Foley and George Hallovan.

A Legacy of Local Philanthropy

Beyond his monumental gift to the municipal building, Walter Tilton was a prolific benefactor to the Norwood community throughout his life and through his estate:

• Norwood Hospital: Established a trust in his will to perpetually maintain specific hospital beds.
• United Church of Norwood: Donated a $28,000 pipe organ during the late 1930s to coincide with the completion of the church’s major remodeling program.

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Headline: Celebrating Norwood Municipal Building’s Historic Carillon and Benefactor Walter Tilton-August 1964

Excerpt: Dr. Kamiel LeFevere returns to play Norwood’s municipal carillon, commemorating the bells installed in 1928 through the generosity of philanthropist Walter Tilton.

Categories: Norwood History, Municipal Landmarks, Local Culture, 1964, august 26

Primary Keyword: Norwood Municipal Building carillon Walter Tilton 1964

Secondary Keyword Cluster: Dr. Kamiel LeFevere, Roger Walker, Francis Foley, George Hallovan, municipal carillon history

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Norwood Municipal Building Carillon and Philanthropist Walter Tilton-August 26, 1964

The historic carillon bells of the Norwood Municipal Building took center stage as renowned carillonneur Dr. Kamiel LeFevere, Dean Emeritus in North America, returned to play as a guest musician at the tower. Dr. LeFevere’s appearance marked a nostalgic homecoming; he originally dedicated the bells in November 1928 and served as Norwood’s resident carillonneur until 1932, when current musician Roger Walker assumed the role.

The Origins of the Norwood Carillon

The installation of the town’s famous carillon was made possible through the vision and generosity of the late financier and philanthropist Walter Tilton, then president of the Norwood Trust (later the Norfolk County Trust).

The project’s timeline and funding details highlight a unique public-private partnership:

• Inspiration (1927): Tilton became fascinated with European carillons after reading an article in National Geographic. Following extensive research, he offered to donate $35,000 for a set of bells on the condition that the town erect a suitable structure to house them—coinciding directly with serious discussions to build the new municipal building.
• Tower Construction: The tower itself was financed through a public subscription raising roughly $27,000.
• Upgraded Bells & Elevator Access: Recognizing that a larger, finer set of bells could be purchased for $50,000 with seller installation, Tilton increased his financial support. When it became clear that the tower lacked a practical interior entrance aside from the construction elevator, Tilton contributed an additional $5,000 to construct a special staircase, an enclosed room, necessary furnishings, and piped-in heating. In total, Tilton donated $55,000 toward the bells, installation, and structural additions.
• The Carillon Committee: To oversee the initiative, Tilton established a dedicated committee that included the late Francis Foley and George Hallovan.

A Legacy of Local Philanthropy

Beyond his monumental gift to the municipal building, Walter Tilton was a prolific benefactor to the Norwood community throughout his life and through his estate: