First July 4th Program Hailed As Big Success-This Day in Norwood History-July 10, 1947

Hundreds Of Children Feted At Playgrounds – Adults Pitch In

Norwood celebrated a milestone in civic spirit on the Fourth of July in 1947, as the town held its first organized program dedicated specifically to the entertainment of its youth. According to reports from the time, the celebration was considered a “tremendous success” by the hundreds of enthusiastic youngsters, the volunteer workers, and the townspeople who observed the festivities. ⠀

The celebration was born from an innovative idea proposed by General Manager Edward C. Monahan during a meeting of the Norwood Retail Board. Seeking to provide the children of the community with a structured and enjoyable Fourth of July, Monahan provided the initial vision that soon captured the town’s imagination. The financial spark for the project ignited when John Regun and Joseph Frates, also members of the Retail Board, approached Monahan with a donation of $140, accompanied by a pledge that more funds would be forthcoming. ⠀

Once the public became aware that a fund was being established to provide a real program for the children, the response was overwhelming. Numerous storekeepers encouraged their own customers to contribute to the fund, and many other individuals inquired how they could personally assist. The enthusiasm for the program grew so spontaneous and widespread that the MESSENGER was requested to handle the publicity and financial contributions. Ultimately, a sum of a little less than $800 was received and promptly recorded by the newspaper. ⠀

The festivities began with a Block Dance in front of the Post Office on the night before the Fourth of July, setting a celebratory tone that continued throughout the holiday. The program centered on the town’s seven largest playgrounds, where youngsters engaged in a variety of games with prizes, while noise-makers were distributed to everyone. A highlight for the children was the distribution of over 5,000 pieces of free ice cream across these locations. While the program was primarily designed for the children, it did not prevent the older residents of Norwood from enjoying all of the scheduled activities. ⠀

The success of the day was bolstered by the dedicated volunteer workers who managed the activities at the various playgrounds. The effectiveness of the same program was even felt by the Fire Department, which reported that there was not a single false alarm during the usually hazardous holiday. Following the event, Edward C. Monahan expressed optimism for the future of the initiative, stating, “This is only the beginning,” and predicting that the program would continue to improve in subsequent years on a volunteer basis.

Among the many prize winners were:

FATHER MacALEER’S

David and Donald Pike. Pen Chrome Flash Light, Arthur Gearty, Paul Sullivan and Bobby Bunker, Binoculars: Mary Noon, Compact: Bruce Boardman, Pen Flashlight. Nancy McCarthy Paint Set and Pen and Pencil Set. Dick Bunker, Roller Skates, Mary Thornton and Eleanor Carducci, Pencil Case; Gerard Praino, Ring Toss, Pauline Thomas, Toy Baby Dog, Mary Thornton, Pen and Pencil Set; Dick Bunker, Camera; Eddie Wenstrom and Donald Field, Mail Box Bank; Janet McLeod and Nancy McCarthy, Wallets. Bruce Boardman Erector Set and Pitch Em Set; Nancy McCarthy. Pencil Case, Gerard Praino, Puzzle* Marilyn Swift, Doll, Bruce Boardman Sky Ringer

HIGH SCHOOL

Ken Sykes, Binoculars. Mary Crowley, Compact, Paul Reardbn. Flashlight. Agnes – Puopolo. Pen and Pencil Set. Peewee Hall, Roller Skates: Martha Crowley Pencil Case; B. Waite, Ring Toss. Paula Kugel. Ann Marie Jones. Toy Baby Dogs; Lillian McNeil. Pen and Pencil Set; Richard Jihson, Camera, Philip Doucette and Robert Smith, Mail Box ‘Bank, Ken Hulstrom, Wallet; Richard Saumsiegel, Jimmy Flood, Erector Set, and Pitch Em Set; Peggy O’Donnell, Pencil Case: M. McGowan, Puzzle; Carol Sherwood, Doll; James Hayes. Garry Barry, Skj’ Ringers; A. Puopolo, Beach Ball, Ray Hall, Ted McGowan, Flashlights.

CIVIC

Eddie Hines, Binoculars; Barbara Scanlon, Compact, Robert Set, Catherine O’Toole, Pen and Rogan, Flashlight; M. Foley, Paint Pencil Set; Domenic Renzi, Roller Skates; .Barbara Pungitore, Pencil Case; Philip Hayes; Mail Box Bank; Peter Dixon, Flashlight; Sally Scanlon, Toy Baby Dog. Lorraine Boyden, Pen and Pencil Set; Tom’ Nugent, Camera; Bobby Murphy, Wallet; Peter and Paul Folan. Erector and Pitch Em Set, Gail Conroy. Pencil Case; Robert Gran-ey. Puzzle; R. Martin, Doll, D. Warnke, D. Folan. Ring Toss; Kevin Dixon, Flashlight.

BALCH

John Foley, Binoculars; Mildred White, Compact; Anthony Montisano, Flashlight, D. Assim, Paint Set; Rita De Geralamo, Pencil Set; Vincent Lee, Roller Skates, Barbara Foley, Pencil Case: Anthony Lorusso, Ring Toss; Jackie Howard, Toy Baby Dog, Mary McNally, Pen and Pencil Set, Patsy Puopolo and Richard Bowles, Mail Box Bank; Stanley Sienkiewicz, Wallet: Edwin McMann, Rocco Perinachia Erector Set and Pitch Em Set Dorothy Strayinski, Pencil Case: Frank Michienzi, Puzzle, Joan Yelapi, Doll,

CALLAHAN

John Ryan, Binoculars. Patty Donahue, Compact, Frank Salmon, Flashlight, Nancy Abely, Paint Set, Ann Richards. Pen and Pencil Set; Thomas Alty, Roller Skates: Eleanor Mondor, Pencil Case; Garrett Sheehan, Ring Toss, Christie Caswell, Toy Baby Dog; Alma McLean Pen and Pencil Set, Roy Rasmussen. Camera; John Corish. Dennis McCarthy. Mail Box Bank: Joseph Lydon. Wallet. Arthur Donovan. Erector Set and Pitch Em Set. Marian Masce, Pencil Set: James Handrahan. Puzzle: Mary Mac-Isaac. Doll. Jackie Connolly Francis McCarthy. Sky Ringer Lois Corish, Baach Ball. Robert Haddad Paul Seery, Flashlight. Ralph Haddad. Erector Set and Pitch Em Set

WINSLOW

Billy Hart, Binoculars; Brenda Skeans, Toy Dog. Joan Erickson, Compact, Billy Thompson, Flashlight Barbara Johnson,y Paint Set Kenny Hart, Roller Skates: Marilyn Johnson, Pencil Case; Thomas Gordon. Ring Toss, Carol Brann Toy Baby Dog Marjorie Croxby. Pen and Pencil Set. Charles Sparrow. Camera; Bob Bowler and Bobby Quinn. Mail Box Bank, Billy Thompson and Arthur Rehnstrom, Erector Set and Pitch Em Set, Elaine Johnson. Pencil Case Charles Weisul. Puzzle: John Eppich and Jimmy Phelan. Sky Ringer; Antoinette Troilo. Beach Ball* B Sundquist, J. Kallstrom, Flashlight.

(All articles were originally published in the Norwood Messenger unless otherwise noted)