Norwood is poised to take an active and exciting role in the nationwide celebration of National Air Mail Week, to be held May 13–21, with events culminating in the town’s first official air‑mail flight. The local program is being organized under a newly formed committee chaired by Miss Anna R. Ellis, Norwood’s postmaster—and notably, the first woman ever to serve as postmaster in Norwood’s history.
Miss Ellis, a respected civic leader and longtime advocate for modernizing postal services, is guiding Norwood’s participation in what is expected to be one of the most memorable public celebrations of the year.
A National Celebration With Three Goals
The nationwide Air Mail Week program has three major objectives:
- To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Post Office Department’s inauguration of Air Mail Service on May 15, 1918.
- To educate the public about the progress, dependability, safety, and value of air mail.
- To increase the use of air mail, thereby boosting revenue and enabling further expansion of the service.
Norwood’s participation will highlight all three aims, with special emphasis on public education and community involvement.
A Special Norwood Cachet
A special cachet—designed to advertise Norwood—will be stamped on all air‑mail letters throughout the week upon request at the Post Office. This commemorative marking will become a collectible piece of postal history, especially as it coincides with Norwood’s first air‑mail flight.
An example envelope featuring the cachet (printed in red) will be displayed throughout the week.
Norwood’s First Air‑Mail Flight – May 19
The highlight of the celebration will be a special air‑mail pick‑up flight on May 19, piloted by Joseph Garside, who has been appointed Norwood’s official air‑mail pilot. Garside will fly the mail from the Norwood Airport to East Boston Airport following a public program at the airfield.
This flight will be recorded as a historic first for the town.
Local Executive Committee
The local Air Mail Week executive committee is headed by:
- Miss Anna R. Ellis, Chairman
- F. M. Adelmann, Vice Chairman
- John R. Russell, Treasurer
Honorary Committee
- William C. Kendrick, Town Manager
- Sture Nelson, Chairman, Board of Selectmen
- Walter F. Tilton, President, Norwood Trust Co.
Working Committees
Publicity Committee
- Louis Orent, Chairman
- W. W. Everett
- Caroline Harrison
- A. K. Parker
- Stanley Garrett
- F. W. Adelmann
- Anna R. Ellis
Education Committee
- Lincoln D. Lynch, Chairman
- Leighton S. Thompson
- Mrs. W. C. Harbour
- Charles Hayden
- Mrs. Ethel A. Cooke
- Morrill Seaman
Civic & Fraternal Committee
- Arthur B. Rodgers, Chairman
- Mrs. J. H. Butler Jr.
- Eugene Nelson
- James H. Butler Jr.
- F. A. Hayes
- Mrs. Edward Bullard
Business & Professional Committee
- Charles V. Britton, Chairman
- Arthur Allen
- John W. Regan
- Mrs. F. A. Fales
- Eugene Connolly
- Francis A. Foley
Air Mail Pick‑Up Schedules & Services
- Post Office Employees
- Joseph Garside
- Henry Kent
A Historic Moment for Norwood
Under the leadership of Miss Anna R. Ellis, Norwood’s Air Mail Week celebration promises to be one of the most ambitious civic undertakings in years. With educational programs, community involvement, and the town’s first air‑mail flight, Norwood will take its place in the national spotlight.
Miss Ellis—already recognized as one of the Wonderful Women of Norwood—continues to shape the town’s history through her service, vision, and dedication to public progress.
Norwood Free Press
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