150 Pay Tribute to Former Postmaster Fred M. Adelmann-This Day in Norwood History-June 15, 1954

A gathering of 150 citizens and visiting postal officials assembled at the Elks Club last night to honor retired Postmaster Fred M. Adelmann. The event brought together civic leaders, clergy, and postal representatives who offered tributes recognizing his long service and contributions to Norwood.

The program was led by Most Rev. Jeremiah F. Minihan, Bishop‑Designate of the Boston Archdiocese, Clarence Weibel, Chief Post Office Inspector for New England, and Harry B. Butters of the Norwood Selectmen, each of whom spoke warmly of Mr. Adelmann’s career. The Bishop praised his civic involvement and church work as the qualities of “a truly Christian gentleman.” Mr. Weibel remarked that if all postal employees had shown the same dedication as Mr. Adelmann, “there would be no need for postal inspectors.” Mr. Butters noted that although Mr. Adelmann served a different governmental entity than the town, his service benefited Norwood as much as it did the federal government.

Albin K. Parkers, former Norwood postmaster, commended Mr. Adelmann’s career and recalled the assistance he received from him during earlier years when he served as superintendent of mails.

Other guests included James F. Brennan, postmaster of North Attleboro and state president of the Postmasters Association; John J. O’Brien, postmaster of Bridgewater and state secretary of postmasters; Paul Cleary, Grand Knight of the Norwood Knights of Columbus; and Joseph Frates, president of the Norwood Chamber of Commerce.

The invocation was delivered by Rev. Edmund Miller of the United Church, who spoke appreciatively of Mr. Adelmann’s public service. A notable moment of the evening was the reading of a letter from Mr. Adelmann’s son, Rev. Frederick J. Adelmann, S.J., of St. Louis University, sending his blessing to all in attendance.

A gift was presented to the guest of honor by the chairman on behalf of the many friends who gathered to pay tribute. Sture Nelson, Norwood’s new acting postmaster, acknowledged Mr. Adelmann’s distinguished record and extended congratulations from himself and Mrs. Nelson. John W. Murphy, assistant postmaster, served as master of ceremonies.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Norwood Messenger