Two Indians Cherish Costly Relics As Norwood Raises Fund For Them-December 3, 1938

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

Norwood Centenarian Mary Ferioli Celebrates 100th Birthday at The Ellis Nursing Center-October 8, 1982

Mary Ferioli celebrates her 100th birthday surrounded by family at The Ellis Nursing Center, reflecting on a century marked by immigration, hard work at Norwood Hospital, and deep community ties.
Twice Postponed: Couple Exchanges Wedding Vows in Unusual Norwood Hospital Setting-September 28, 1981

After the groom is hospitalized with a bleeding ulcer, Wayne Gauthier and Marie Lumnah tie the knot in an unusual ceremony inside Norwood Hospital’s Plimpton Hall.
Italian University Students Lucia Rovigo and Marcello Mascellaro Bring Touch of Home to Norwood Host Families-August 10, 1981

Italian university students Lucia Rovigo and Marcello Mascellaro are spending a month in Norwood as guests of local families through the Interstudy program.
Norwood Resident Finds Warm Bed After Months of Searching-August 5, 1981

Following months of hardship after his rooming house closed, 58-year-old Norwood resident James Poles found a warm bed thanks to longtime friend Elliott Webber, who welcomed him to his Rockhill Street home.
Norwood Greenhouse Resident to Relocate to Quincy-July 02, 1981

In the summer of 1981, a Norwood veteran struggling with housing instability turned a local greenhouse into a makeshift home before the community rallied to find him a more dignified living situation.
Project Hire on Davis Avenue Offers Comprehensive Diagnostic Vocational Evaluation-October 22, 1980

Supervised by director Edward L. Pflueger, Norwood’s Project Hire diagnostic center has expanded rapidly, helping hundreds of individuals and students find the right career paths through comprehensive vocational evaluations.
The Master Navigator of Local Commerce-This Day in Norwood History-June 28, 1980

An 80-year-old former union pioneer and Edison engineer commands the Norwood Chamber, working a grueling 40-hour week.
Norwood Marathon Partners and Local Runners Tackle the New York Marathon-October 23, 1979

Norwood residents Richard A. Wine and Dr. Stephen P. Pannes finished the New York Marathon together, highlighting teamwork, the city’s incredible crowd support, and local runner Leo E. Immonen’s strong performance.
Gertrude’s Pastry Shop Owner Bernie Osborne Wins State Award for Maine Maple Pastry and Cherishes Small-Town Family Business-August 19, 1979

Bernie Osborne, owner of Gertrude’s Pastry Shop in Norwood Center, won top honors at the Massachusetts Retail Bakers Association contest with his signature Maine Maple pastry judged by Julia Child.
Harold “Skip” Rideout Expands Marine Construction Business in Southport, Maine-August 13, 1979

Norwood High graduate Harold “Skip” Rideout expanded his marine construction business in Southport, Maine, by purchasing a 42-foot towboat and a 60-foot barge.