Mr. Frank Borsa, Superintendent Ready, Recreation Department, and John F. Reynolds met with the Selectmen and discussed application of Mr. Borsa, on behalf of his son, for a permit to conduct a Record Hop at the Norwood Armory.
Mr. Borsa said the surrounding towns have record hop, conducted by a disc jockey and they do not have any trouble.
Chairman Butters advised him that the Selectmen were not anxious to bring that type of on entertainment to Norwood and previously had denied such a request.
Mr. Reynolds stated that he was opposed to record hops, knowing what happens where record hops are held, and in 1944 the School Committee took action barring records and “tin can” music from the school buildings. He stated there was no incentive for the children to learn instruments or even follow music and the disc jockeys are behind this, advertising over the radio every day, telling where the record hops are to be held. He further stated that the Recreation Department has live music at its dances and the town has been complimented for keeping away from the record hops. Mr. Reynolds also referred to the undesirable element following the record hops and to the fact that they keep four or five musicians out of work wherever they are held.
Superintendent Ready slated that the Recreation Department has purposely stayed away from record hops for the reasons outlined by Mr. Reynolds. He felt that the undesirable element is attracted from every community.
Mr. Borsa objected to the stand taken by Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Ready and the Chairman advised him that Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Ready are interested in youth and it was not unfair to try and put them on a commercial basis. He further stated that it is not a question of the local boys or residents but undesirable juveniles that record hops bring to the town.
Following discussion, on motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the applicants be denied.
March 8, 1958 – Norwood Messenger