Norwood Musicians’ Union Notes 50th Anniversary-This Day in Norwood History-June 15, 1954

Local 343, American Federation of Musicians, held its 50th Anniversary celebration Tuesday night at the Norwood Elks Club, bringing together members, guests, and representatives from neighboring locals for an evening of dinner, entertainment, and dancing. A total of one hundred and thirty‑five members and guests attended the event.

Greetings and a large bouquet were received from President Petrillo.

Among the guests of Local 343 were Exalted Ruler Uturka and Mrs. Uturka of the Norwood Lodge of Elks, Ed Wisniewski, chairman of the Elks House Committee, Bill Guile of Workmen’s Hall and Mrs. Guile. Also present were President Jones of Local 138 Brockton, Secretary Curtis of Local 138, President and Mrs. Nardueci of Local 319, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lee of the Wings Club, and Mr. and Mrs. Cierri of Shady Nook. President Doyle of the CLU, Norwood, conveyed his organization’s well wishes. Past President John Reynolds and Mrs. Reynolds, along with Past Secretary McManus, expressed their pleasure at attending.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a life membership to Carmine D. Mazzola by Secretary Neyland, recognizing his many successful years as band director of Local 343 and other bands in Norwood and Boston. The article noted that he had recently been honored as “guest conductor” of the Farm and Trade School Band during a concert at Faneuil Hall, Boston.

The committee in charge of the event was headed by President Patnaude, Vice President L. Bedard, Jr., and Secretary‑Treasurer Neyland, assisted by the Board of Directors.

Sixteen new members were obligated by President Patnaude during the dinner and were introduced to the membership. Honorary members present included Helen Neyland, Bill Lucey, Carl Smith, Art Hauck, M. McManus, J. Reynolds, and L. T. Lee, Jr., who had recently returned from duty with the Navy in the Pacific and was welcomed back into the organization.

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