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

Rescued by Neighbor: Norwood Woman Survives 5-Day Ordeal-July 9, 1979

Discover the heroic story of Jim Rossetsky, an orderly at Norwood Hospital, who discovered his 65-year-old neighbor injured in her bedroom after she had been trapped for five days.
Civic and Social: Couple Recall Half Century of Service to Norwood-September 30, 1978

MIT-trained engineer William Hyland and Smith College alumna Gladys Hyland reflect on nearly 50 years of civic leadership, engineering triumphs, and community service in Norwood.
Ann Josephson Honored as Kiwanis ‘Citizen of the Year’ for 15 Years of Community Service-September 25, 1978

Ann Josephson receives the Norwood Kiwanis Club “Citizen of the Year” award for 15 years of volunteer service in mental health and community support programs.
Charlie Joseph, Beloved “Charlie Bananas,” Returns to South Norwood with His Produce Truck-October 11, 1976

After being forced out of his longtime spot by neighborhood disputes, South Norwood produce vendor Charlie Joseph (“Charlie Bananas”) sets up on a private Dean Street lot to keep selling.
Norwood Beekeeper Howard C. Ayer Shares Two Decades of Expertise-August 13, 1976

Reflecting on 20 years of beekeeping at his Winslow Avenue home, Harvard electronics specialist Howard C. Ayer discussed the rewards of apiculture, honey production, and pollination alongside his wife Helen.
Barbering Ain’t What It Used To Be-September 22, 1975

Celebrating 50 years in South Norwood, barber Sal Antonico reflects on changing hairstyles, his musical passions, and a lifetime of serving loyal local customers.
Transcendental Meditation Becomes a Way of Life for Norwood Art Teacher Margot Kager-September 19, 1975

Norwood art teacher Margot Kager embraces transcendental meditation after training in Switzerland, sharing the practice locally as the area center prepares to relocate to Walpole.
Volunteer-Led Social Center on Railroad Avenue Offers a Lifeline for Former Mental Patients and Isolated Residents-October 26, 1974

Spearheaded by Polly O’Neil and the Norfolk Mental Health Association, a grassroots social center on Railroad Avenue provides a welcoming space for former mental patients and isolated residents.
Toying With Balloons No Big Puff To Him-September 17, 1974

Norwood resident Thomas J. Danaher directs Air Force scientific balloon operations at Hanscom Field, advancing stratospheric research and ozone pollution monitoring.
Norwood Trial Lawyer John J. C. Herlihy Named Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers-September 29, 1973

Norwood trial lawyer John J. C. Herlihy is named a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, reflecting on a career of landmark precedents and courtroom dedication.