Cornerstone in Place For New Hospital Wing-This Day in Norwood History-July 20, 1961

LAY CORNERSTONE—Fred A. Carlson, left, chairman of the board of trustees, and Robert Brown, director of public relations for the Norwood Hospital, share honors laying the cornerstone for the new three-million-dollar addition to the. hospital. (E. McLean)

Another milestone for Norwood Hospital’s building program was reached last Thursday when the cornerstone for the new 100-bed wing was laid during ceremonies at the corner of Washington and Winter Streets.

The event marked a giant step forward in the construction of sorely needed facilities, Including enlarged Emergency, Outpatient, Maternity, Surgical, Pediatric, and X-ray departments designed for the care of 5000 or more patients yearly.

Fred A Carlson, president of the Norwood Hospital Board of Trustees, presided and. welcomed the guests, explaining the significance of the ceremony and expressing appreciation to all who had in any way made the monumental undertaking become a reality. Robert Brown, director of public relations, was the speaker for the program and he gave an interesting talk outlining the history of Norwood Hospital from the period when it consisted of just three wooden buildings of a residential type, to the present day with the modern brick structure and a three-million-dollar addition under construction.

Mr. Brown also emphasized a point which he considers most important in the policy of every hospital. It is that he sincerely urges the continuation of a manifestation of friendly, personal concern for each patient, a therapy which can do so much in aiding the patient’s confidence in the hospital and in speeding his recovery.

Telegrams of congratulation were read by Harry Boyce, secretary of the Board of Trustees, which were received from Governor John A. Volpe, Dr. A. Daniel Rubenstein, director of hospital facilities of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and Secretary Abraham Ribicoff of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Mr. Carlson and Mr. Brown placed the cornerstone box in position and laid the first towels of cement.

The following members of the Board of Trustees were present: Harold Young, John J. Coakley, Thomas J. Foley, John_R. Russell, Eli Chamberlain, Philip S. Cushing, Mrs. Herbert Fowler, Louis Orent, Arthur P. Allen, William Hyland and Fred A. Carlson, all of Norwood; Corodon S. Fuller, Percival Crocker, Harry P. Boyce, Harlow Chandler, Benjamin H. Bristol, Mrs. Fred Rogers, all of Foxboro, and Axel H. Anderson of East Walpole.

Refreshments , were served in the Hospital cafeteria following the program

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