Norwood Rallies to Aid Peter and Mary Augustine, Last Local Members of the Micmac Tribe, After Fire Destroys Home
Following a devastating fire in September that destroyed their Winter Street home, Peter Augustine (66) and his sister, Mary Augustine (53)—the last two surviving members of the once-powerful Micmac tribe in the region—are facing an uncertain future while temporarily sheltered by neighbors.
Despite severe financial distress and losing nearly all their worldly possessions, the brother and sister obstinately clung to two priceless, centuries-old tribal relics:
- The Ancient Silver Crown: Authenticated by Frederick P. Orchard, assistant curator of archeology at the Peabody Museum of Harvard University, the crown has already drawn a $2,000 purchase offer on behalf of Harvard.
- The 300-Year-Old Brass Crucifix: Passed down through generations as a sacred heirloom.
Bound by centuries-old tribal tradition, the Augustines are forbidden from selling the relics for financial gain, though gifting them remains permissible. Despite Harvard’s lucrative offer and their destitute circumstances, they refuse to part with the heirlooms.
Townspeople Launch Housing Drive Led by Mrs. S. Charles Phillips
Stirred by their plight, a community-wide fundraising campaign has been organized under the leadership of Mrs. S. Charles Phillips of 13 Howard Street to raise approximately $1,500 to secure a new home for the brother and sister, who have lived in Norwood for nearly 50 years.
For years, “Pete” has been a familiar, beloved fixture among Norwood High School sports fans, faithfully traveling with athletic teams decked out in full traditional regalia. Until forced into retirement eight years ago, Augustine worked for the town’s electric light department, receiving a modest pension of $7 per week. Townspeople are now stepping forward to ensure that a cherished local fixture and his sister receive the community support they deserve.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Boston Globe
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Norwood Cat “Ginger” Saved After Car Accident-August 30, 1997
An elderly Norwood woman’s cat, Ginger, survives a car accident and costly leg surgery thanks to a mix-up by two neighbors, the Neponset Valley Humane Society, and community kindness.

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Michael and Margaret Malacaria: Finding Rewards in Retirement Through Dedicated Community Service-September 24, 1996
Retired Norwood residents Michael and Margaret Malacaria dedicate their post-work years to tireless community volunteering, earning recognition as RSVP Volunteers of the Year.

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Protected: Granite Street Couple Share Accounts of Alleged Extraterrestrial Encounters-October 23, 1993
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

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Norwood Woman Continues to Care with Program’s Help-July 19, 1993
/In the quaint town of Norwood, Massachusetts, a remarkable story of compassion and dedication has unfolded over the past twelve years. Marie Jaras, a widow in her mid-sixties, has been providing a foster home for Ormond Kingsbury, an elderly man who had been her boss at the Plympton Press. The arrangement began informally, with Kingsbury…

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General Hospital Stars Ian Buchanan and Finola Hughes Draw Big Crowd at Norwood Junior High-October 19, 1987
Soap Opera Stars Draw 200 Fans to Norwood Junior High-October 19, 1987 Nearly 200 devoted fans packed the auditorium at Norwood Junior High School yesterday, shelling out $12 in advance or $15 at the door for a chance to meet television stars Ian Buchanan and Finola Hughes, best known for playing the beloved characters Duke…

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Former Norwood Resident Robert Iantosca Named Winemaker at Sonoma County’s Gloria Ferrer Winery-August 19, 1987
Robert Iantosca, formerly of Norwood, has been named winemaker at Sonoma County’s renowned Gloria Ferrer Winery, bringing hands-on expertise and innovative sparkling wine techniques.

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Eighty-Year-Old Volunteer Gertrude “Gertie” Erickson Celebrated as a Beloved Institution at Norwood Hospital-August 22, 1985
Known as the whistling cashier, 80-year-old Gertrude Erickson is celebrated for her 13 years of dedicated volunteer service at Norwood Hospital’s coffee shop.

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Young Norwood Mechanic Builds Custom MG-Jeep Hybrid-October 18, 1982
The Birth of a Bright Yellow Hybrid-October 18, 1982 Motorists traveling around Norwood have likely caught sight of an unusual, eye-catching vehicle cruising local streets. From a distance, the bright yellow automobile resembles a chubby old-time roadster, though it rides much higher on its wheels. A closer inspection, however, reveals a mechanical chimera: a custom…

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Norwood Honors Retiring Senior Custodian M. Joseph Fitzgerald and Dedicates Prescott School Auditorium in Memory of His Late Son-October 14, 1982
Retiring after 32 years as a school custodian, M. Joseph Fitzgerald is celebrated by Norwood parents and teachers with a plaque and the touching dedication of the Prescott School auditorium to his late son.

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