This Day in Norwood History-Talk Of The Town-January 1, 1904

These news items were the talk of the town on New Year’s Day 1904

The calendar season is on and the designs are as varied and beautiful as usual.

Miss Eveline Foye visited friends in Maine for several days in the early part of the week.

The little house around the corner, 140 years a barber shop, 13 Market Street, Norwood Square, Coakley’s.

Frank O’Brien had his right hand badly injured by having it caught in some machinery at the Norwood car shops last Monday.

John Coughlin of Pleasant Street, who is studying for the priesthood, in the seminary at Baltimore, is spending a short vacation at home.

The editors of the Advertiser acknowledge with thanks the gift of New Year cards from Rev. Mr. Pingree of the Congregational Church.

Those desiring to enter a physical culture class at Norwood can get information regarding terms, etc., by addressing Miss Jennie Ruth Coons, Boston.

Miss Beatrice Grover of the sixth grade of the Guild school having resigned, Miss Della Rogers, lately of the Shattnck school, is substituting in the position.

Mrs. J. F. Knotts, wife of the Methodist pastor has been ill and confined to the house, but her condition is, at the present writing, somewhat improved.

Charles W. Guy, of Quincy, former Norwood citizen, and owner of the Guy block on Vernon Street, has opened a large furniture house at 86 Canal Street, Boston.

John E. Smith of Vernon Street was one of the 500 invited at the dinner held at the Waldorf Astoria, New York, on Tuesday evening, December 22, in honor of Forefathors’ Day.

For the celebration of the annual ladies’ night of the Norwood Business Association, President Halloran has appointed James A. Hartshorn, chief usher and Dr. H. L. Steele, chief aid.

James M. Folan was the guest of the White Star line at the dinner given to its agents on board the now steamship “Republic,” formerly the Columbia, of the Dominion line, at the Hoosao Tunnel docks, Charlestown, on Wednesday last.

The meeting of the Norfolk County Temperance Union is to be held in the Methodist Church, Norwood, on Tuesday, January 14. There are to be three sessions of the meeting,—morning, afternoon and evening. Good speakers will be secured.

A small fire in the storehouse of the Norwood car shops Monday afternoon caused the calling out of the department which was ready for service in just about three minutes. The fire was extinguished without much difficulty. The damage was slight.

Dennis McCarthy of Dean Street, who was raided last summer for dealing in cider had his case settled in the District Court iu Dedham this week. It is understood that he paid a fine of $50 on a liquor nuisance charge and had his plea of guilty to a sale of liquor placed on file.

The Hiawatha bowling team was defeated by the Norwood Athletic Club in a match at Ellis’ Alleys Tuesday evening. The Athletics won the first string, coming out 3a pins ahead. The Hiawathas won the second string by 11 pins and the Athletics the third by 48 pins. Tho Hiawathas had defeated the civic team on a previous occasion.

The fire sale of the Norwood Clothing Co., which opened last Saturday, was, in its way, something new to the town and was very liberally patronized. In spite of the cold and inclement weather of last Saturday, there was a great crush of people all afternoon and evening and the doors had to be locked to keep the crowds in check and to give those within a chance to be waited on.

Frank Katzonmeier, a former resident, was visiting Norwood this week.

A number of the boarders of Mrs. Oliver McLood presented Her a handsome tablecloth as a New Year’s gift.

Miss Hattie Brooks has returned from a Brookline hospital with recovered health.

Two teams from the Norwood Athletic Club will have a bowling match at Ellis’ alleys next Tuesday evening.

Miss Edith Margesson of Mattapan, has been visiting at the house of her uncle, Charles Hougdon, in Norwood, this week.

Miss Ethel Brooks spout Christmas with relatives in Brockton and will probably take up her future residence in Lowell.

Julia, Joseph and Willie McLean, children of A. J. McLean, of Cottage Street, gave a magic lantern party to their young friends this afternoon.

The British Exiles of this vicinity will have a social and banquet this, New Year’s evening, at the People’s Cafe, Day Street, A fine program has been arranged.

Orient Lodge, A. F. & A. M., is soon to possess one of the finest pipe organs owned by any lodge in this section. It will cost about $1500 will be installed in Masonic Hall in time for the March meeting.

Secure your tickets early for the “Six Course Supper” at the Universalist church, Wednesday evening, Jan. 13, 1904. That we may do justice to our guests, it is thought best to limit the number of tickets to the seating capacity of the dining room.

The officers of Norwood Council, K. of C., of Norwood, and of Magnolia Council of Hyde Park, wire installed in Hyde Park last Tuesday evening by D. G. K. White of Brookline, and suite. The Norwood Knights were conveyed to and from Hyde Park by special electric car on the Old Colony Street railway

Clan Stewart, A. 0. S. 0., gave an enjoyable whist and dancing party on New Year’s Eve. There were eight tables and playing was kept up till after 10 o’clock. The first lady’s prize went to Mrs. Dolía Bassett and the second lady’s prize to Miss Gertrude Mears. George Bock won the first gentleman’s prize and Joseph B. Sanborn the second. Dancing followed with music by Slavin’s orchestra.

At a meeting of Branch No. 742, National Letter Carriers, held Thursday evening, the following officers wore elected for 1904: President, William J. Sullivan; Vice President, William L. Bacon; Secretary, George E. Everett; Treasurer, James J. Reardon; Sergeant at Arms, Roy F. Fairbanks. After the election the officers were installed by Past President, George E. Everett.

Town officials are expecting a good deal of bother and trouble with the Luce law in the spring election, and expect to see party politics introduced in town affairs in a manner which no decent citizen nor office-holder wishes. The town hopes for legislation which will enable it to got rid of the effect of this law in about a year and a half’s time. Citizens should be a little more careful in the future to know just what they are voting for.

Onward Lodge, No. 144, K. of P., has elected the following officers for the ensuing term: Chancellor Commander, Charles M. Thompson; Vice-Chaucellor, A. F. A. Shultz; Prelato, Charles H. Carter; M. of E , Fred R Stockford; M. of F., John M. Mutch; K. of W. & S., Kenneth McDonald; M. of W., Thoodoro Bishop; Master at Arms, Weiter J. Partridge; Inner Guard, James Balfour, Jr.; Outer Guard, James Donovan; Trustee for 8 years, Water J. Partridge; representative to Grand Lodge, Theodore Bishop.

Miss Lydia Neal of H. M. Plimpton A Co’s, was summoned to her home in Westwood last Wednesday by the death of her father. He had been ill for some time, but death came suddenly and unexpectedly last Tuesday night. Mr. Neal was a stone later by trade and was 57 years of age.

Mrs Emma Bates Harvey, sister of Governor Bates, is visiting Dr. Charlotte A. Rollins on Washington Street.

The annually recurring Ladies, Night of the Norwood Business Association and Board of Trade helps to keep the public in touch with an institution which has done and is doing a great deal of good for the town.

The town of Dedham in its summary dealing with the Norfolk and Western Street railway company has set a good example to other towns. Eternal vigilance on the part of the public is the price of good trolley car service.

The community lectures have proved a good thing for the town. Public lectures are one of the best forms of public entertainment and it is a pity the public does not appreciate them better than it usually does.

President Halloran has secured some very good speakers for the annual Ladies Night, and Board of Trade anniversary and has shown himself a person of much tact and industry as head of the association.

The Norwood Clothing Company is to be congratulated on having obtained a fair amount of insurance and on receiving so good a patronage at its fire sale. Its misfortune was so disastrous and unexpected that the young men who conduct the affairs of the company are to be commended for the courage and wisdom with which they met it.

The Norwood Historical Society ought to prove a very worthy institution and we hope to see it get into good active working order very soon.

The big encouragement which the new store of the Norwood Co-operative Association has secured must be very encouraging to its stockholders. Day Street has certainly put on a great deal of new life both as a residential and a business thoroughfare within the past five years.

Norwood has had but few if any serious set-backs in its history and everyone will hope for the same growth and prosperity in the town in the year 1904 as has been exhibited in former years of the twentieth and the nineteenth centuries.

Few realize the amount of actual hard work and anxiety displayed by school-board, superintendents, teachers and others connected with the management of the town’s system of public education. The hard work of the janitors, especially at this season, should also be commended.

There is much careless and unwise criticism of the public schools by people who do not seem to realize that some of the work is not paid for at all and some of the rest of it by people who receive by no moans princely salaries for their labors.

It is to be hoped that early spring will see some work done on that proposed railway turnout.

There is a great deal of foolish and inexcusable drunkenness indulged in by young men in this and other towns on public holidays, such as Christmas for example. The birthday of the Saviour of the world deserves a very different sort of a celebration from that which some accord to it.

County Superintendent Sholar scorns convinced that the town will have a worthy Y. M, C. A. building in a not too distant future.

There are no immediate prospects of any new industries in town but the old industries are doing pretty well and there are comparatively few idle people and few empty tenements. Norwood’s prospects for the New Year may be said to be encouraging.

Sewerage will come in time and it will have to. In the meantime, as Monte Cristo remarks, “We must wait and hope,” and, we may add, that we must avoid the expenditure of too much money.

A benevolent-faced old gentleman, with a wart on his nose, called at the Advertiser office this week to say that he fully concurred in the statement sometimes made in this paper that it was “dangerous to swap horses while crossing a stream,” and he thought it might be well to keep the old animal in the water this Spring. “I allude” said the old gentleman, “to the present board of town officers. I think they are doing well. I allude especially to the Board of Selectmen. Improvements might be made but, on the whole, I think the board is honest, means well and is doing quite as well as new men would do. Fred Fisher is liable to err like the rest of us, but friends and enemies agree that Fred is honest and he is mighty obstinate which is a good thing, too, once in a while. Dick Oldham is one of the most accommodating and courteous office-holders we have had for a long time. The humblest man can approach him and get fair treatment. If he promises a thing he’ll try to do it if be can do so conscientiously. As for Sam Winslow, I think he is about the most uncompromisingly honest man I ever heard of in a public office. He may make mistakes but I think he’d do about what be thought was right if ho know ho was going to be kicked out of office five minutes afterwards. Of course there are some other men who might be mentioned. There are some men who would make first-class selectmen but they would have about as much show of being elected as 1 would of being appointed referee of a football game. Well, so long, wait here’s a dollar and a half. I want to begin the New Year right and keep my shot paid up to A. d. 1905.” And the benevolent old gentlemen departed with a smile on his sweet face, two yards wide.

Judging from the enthusiasm displayed by the different members and committeemen of the Norwood Business Association the tenth anniversary and eleventh annual ladies’ night of the Association next Tuesday evening will be one of the greatest, if not the greatest social events in the organization’s history. The Board of Trade has been fortunate in the past in having for its officers men of sterling quality, aggressive disposition and progressive ideas, men who when they have had duties to perform, have performed them to the satisfaction of all. The present board of officers stands fully the equal of past ones and the organization may well feel proud that the good reputation of the organization will be maintained and the high standard of its receptions and public functions sustained. The hearty cooperation of all the members of the association by their attendence at meetings, and conscientious labors as committee men, and their willingness to report the results of their labors at their meetings demonstrates the high regard that is felt for Mr. Halloran, president of the association, and his co-Iaborers, the other offices. It is generally felt that the present officers of the association are worthy of all confidence from the members.

BELATED CHRISTMAS CONCERTS.

As the Sunday before Christmas proved stormy, and as the weather in the evening was particularly so, the Sunday school concerts arranged, for that time at the Baptist and Methodist churches were postponed till the Sunday evening following, when well attended exercises suitable to the Christmas season were given.

The Baptist Sunday school concert held last Sunday evening was under the direction of Superintendent James C. Hadden and Mrs. II. D. Fisher, superintendent of the primary department. The programme included a trio by Misses Rachel Hadden, M. Edith Newton and Alice Haddon, a duet by Louise and Teddy Grant and recitations by Madeline Appleby, Emma Seeger, Marion Woods, Mamie Jordon, Gertrude Bacon, Cyril Wheeler, Carrol Nead, Ralph De-muth, Milton McLeod, Gordon Taylor and others. Remarks suitable to the occasion were made by the pastor, Rev, F. A. Heath.

Last Sunday evening the Sunday school of the Methodist church held its Christmas concert under the direction of the Superintendent, W. E. Mauger. The programme included vocal solos by Miss Edith IL Moore and F. A. Olmstead, violin solos by Mr. Morash, songs by Jennie Folkins and Frances Church ill and recitations by Bessie Lustzina, Sadie Woods, Bessie Smeltzer, Grace Folkins, EllaMay Churchill, Leonia A. Aiken, Ken, Roy Folkins, Frank Olmstead, Julia McLane, Bessie Blair and others. An address, appropriate to tho occasion, was delivered by the pastor, Rev. J. F. Knotts.

Y. M. C. A. LEAGUE WORK.

Mr. H. M. Plimpton of Norwood on behalf of the County Committee of Young Men’s Christian Associations of Norfolk County, of which he is chairman, is sending through the mails an interesting resume of the report made by County Secretary W. J. Sholar of Norwood at a recent meeting of the committee. The report of the leagues is for the months J of October and November and shows that the work has been taken up with good success. The leagues now organized are those in Bellingham. East Walpole, Highlandville, Sharon, South Natick, Milton, Avon, Medfield, Plainville and West Medway. They have a total membership of 230, a Bible class membership of 76 and have bad a total attendance during the months specified of 1143. The league in East Walpole which is the only one organized in this immediate vicinity has had five visits made by the Secretary who also teaches the Bible Class. Regular socials, Bible study and literary programmes are interspersed during the month. The report states that this league is fortunate is having the use of the Wednesday Club house for its meeting, secured through the influence of Mrs. Charles S. Bird, president of the club. A successful debate was held in October. The report says of East Walpole, “This is a fine field for our work with young men and they are cooperating finely,”

Chairman Plimpton in commenting on the work and in answer to the question, “Is it worthwhile?” says: “Tho County Committee believes with many others, that this is a Christian work that is very much needed in the villages of Norfolk county. The splendid beginning gives assurance of a completed work in the future when the leagues shall become thoroughly organized. The churches and the Kingdom of God will be richer in young men because of this work,—a work for the social, intellectual and spiritual sides of men.”

John. W. Christie of Munroe Street, has bought a farm in Hanover Mass., where he will move immediately.

Miss Bessie Smeltzer has been spending the past week with friends in Somerville.

Miss Robina Tweedy of Nahatan Street has been visiting friends in Roxbury this week.

William Shaw of Maple Street spent the Christmas holidays in Southbridge, returning home last Sunday night.

Mr. and Mrs. George H. Hill spent Christmas with Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kafuse, of Vernon Street.

Misses Mae Rafuse and Annie Davis spent the Christmas holidays in Somerville.

The Norwood High School girls Basket Ball team will play the Dedham High school girls team in Village hall Saturday afternoon.

Large front glass windows have been placed in both sides of Odd Fellows hall, thereby adding much to the warmth of the cozy interior.

The Iron “Moulders’ Union No. 323, of Foxboro and Norwood will hold its second annual ball in Village Hall, Norwood, on Friday evening, January 8, 1904. As on former occasions, music will be furnished by Flanagan’s orchestra of Marlboro.

Frank S. Ellis of Day Street has been ill and confined to the house, the result of an injury received, by falling on the ice a few days ago while on a fishing expedition, but is now able to bo out again a little.

The Norwood Tennis Club will hold an invitation dancing party at Conger Hall Saturday evening. The matrons will be, Mrs. Lewis II. Plimpton, Mrs. J. Steerns Cushing. Mrs.William T. Whedon, and Mrs. Perley Thompson.

The Young Women’s Sodality of St. Catherine’s church has elected the following officers : Prefect, Miss Mary Barrett; First Assistant Prefect, Miss Nellie Neville; Second Assistant Prefect Miss Mary Hennessey.

Fred C. Kiley will return to his studies at the State University at Orono, Me., next Monday. Mr. Kiley wears the very handsome uniform of the University as do all the students. Instruction is received daily by a regular army drillmaster.

Norwood Council K. of C. had a notable session Monday evening, when the first degree was worked on twelve canditates. “William Troy of Boston, well known at Norwood entertainments, sang the solos during the working of the degree and James J. Slavin was accompanist. The work was performed in a fine and impressive manner.

Owners of speedy nags were utilizing the fine sleighing along Washington Street from Guild Street to the Norwood Press neighborhood this week. Among horse owners exercising their steeds in this way were, Ezra Hubbard, C. B. Horgan, John Gillooly] and Frank H. Farnsworth.

At the meeting of the Norwood Literary Club held last Monday evening at the home of Mrs. Edson D. Smith, the subject of the quotations was, “ Childhood Memories.” Miss Abbie Spear as club listener, gave an interesting account of club doings for the past year. The subject of “Timepieces, ancient and modern,” was taken up, Mrs. Herbert M. Plimpton discussing the history of clocks, and Mrs. George F. Willett the history of watches. Mrs, W. F. Tilton read an original story of her own composition.

Tiot lodge I. O. O. F., elected the following officers at its meeting last Wednesday evening : — N. G., Norman J. Stone : V. G., Ezra L. Hubbard; Recording Secretary, Winslow Faunce; Financial Secretary, Joseph Squires; Treasurer, Frank W. Talbot : Custodian, Gordon Drake; Trustee for three years, James A. Hartshorn. Installation will be held Wednesday evening, January 13. This is [Mr. Stone’s second election as noble grand, he having served the lodge in that capacity some six or seven years ago. ln a large lodge like Tiot, and according to Odd Fellowship, a re-election as noble grand even with so long a period intervening is a rather unusual thing, and speaks much for the esteem and confidence in which Mr. Stone is held by his brother Odd Fellows.

The genial Joseph Curran, clerk at the Norwood Furniture Company, had a happy New Year through the birth of a bouncing baby boy. The happy father will recover in time.

A Norwood businessman recently took in what appeared to be a bogus check for $2.99. Later investigation showed it” to be genuine.

Frank H. Farnsworth’s celebrated pacer, “Black Beauty” drove all other horses before it on the Washington Street speedway this week and had some lively brushes with Ernest Ellis’s nag.

RECEPTION TO SUPERINTENDENT BARR.

A notable and very enjoyable gathering was held last Wednesday evening at the palatial home of Capt. J. Stearns Cushing, Saunders Road, the occasion being a reception tended by Oapt. Cushing to Oliver J. Barr, in honor of the latter’s completion of twenty-five years of service in the former’s employ. Mr. Barr who is the superintendent of J. S. Cushing & Co.’s department of the Norwood Press, was one of the first men employed by Capt. Cushing when Ho began business a quarter of a century ago, and has been his faithful employee and friend over since. The reception was held from 7.30 to 9 p. m., and was followed by a program of vocal and instrumental music followed by a collation.

Vocal solos were rendered by Robert L. Van Buskirk, of Allston, and Ernest H. Wright, of Boston. The collation was served in the banquet hall of the Cushing residence. Oapt. and Mrs. Cushing, assisted Mr. and Mrs. Barr in receiving. The house was very prettily decorated with roses, carnations, and other choice cut flowers. Guests were present from Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Allston and other places. The ushers were Charles E. Stewart, Lawrence W. Huso and Dana H. Fisher. Music was furnished for the occasion by the Norwood band. The guests, personally selected by Mr. Barr, included a good many of the most prominent people in town and representatives of all the leading manufacturing plants of the town, as well as many old friends of Mr. and Mrs. Btu-r in Norwood, and other places. There were between 150 and 200 people present. The affair was a very good illustration of the kindly and loyal feeling which exists and has always existed between Mr. Cushing and his employees, and the number of old time friends of the craft present, also testified to the kindly relations which employees entertain for Mr. Barr.

OTIS CHICKERING.

Otis Chickering, father of Herbert S. and Hattie L. Chickering of this town, died in St. Vincent’s hospital New York city, early in the present week, of pneumonia. He had been ill only a very few days. He was a native of Dover, Mass, and was a civil engineer by profession. He had laid out a number of noted race tracks and was an expert in this line of work. He was an earnest, aggressive, ambitious man and continued the activities of his life up to the very last. He was 74 years of age. His son brought the remains to Norwood for interment and funeral services were held at the home of 11. 8. Chickenng, Wednesday afternoon. A quartette furnished music. Services were conducted by Rev. Frank Arthur Heath of the Baptist church. The remains were placed in the receiving tomb at Highland Cemetery.

BUSINESS ASSOCIATION LADIES, NIGHT.

The tenth anniversary and ladies’ night of the Norwood Business Association and Board of Trade will be held in Village Hall on Tuesday evening, January 5. The following prominent guests and speakers are promised: Hon. Herbert Parker of Worcester, Attorney general of Massachusetts, Hon. Henry F. Hollis of Concord N. H., recent Democratic candidate for governor of the Granite State Cant. J. Stearns Cushing of Norwood, first active president of the Association Vocal numbers will be rendered by Miss Clara Sexton of Boston with Mrs. A. Julian Rowan accompanist. Supper will be served at 7.15 sharp, followed by addresses and vocal music. These exercises will be followed by dancing which will be continued till 1 a. m.

Fight Will Be Bitter.

Those who will persist in closing their cars against the continual recommendation of Dr. King’s New Discovery for Consumption, will have a long and bitter fight with their troubles, if not ended earlier by fatal termination. Road what T. R. Boal, of Beal, Miss, has to say: “Last fall my wife had every symptom of consumption. She took Dr. King’s Now Discovery after everything else had failed Improvement came at once and four bottles entirely cured her.” Guaranteed by Adolphus Holton, Druggist. Price 50c, and $1.00. Trial bottles free.

RECEIVED A TERRIBLE SENTENCE.

George Nichols of Philadelphia, whose real name is said to be Albert Steiner, and who is accused of burglarising Dr. Norton’s house in Norwood last summer, received a terrible sentence in the Norfolk Superior Criminal Court last Tuesday afternoon. He was born in Germany and is now sixty years old. He was sentenced Tuesday to twenty-five years at hard labor in the penitentiary as an habitual criminal. As he now has at least ten years t- serve on a former sentence be will be 95 years old when released if he lives till that time. Of course a pardon from the governor may at some time or other intervene and shorten this sentence. He is said to have a very bad criminal record and to have served time in the State prisons of New Jersey and Rhode Island.

UNCLAIMED LETTERS.

Unclaimed letters for the week ending Dec. 20, 1903.

Mrs. S. Anderson, Washington St.

Mrs. Louisa O. Fisher, Box 4.

Mrs. E. B. Turner, 54 Magill Rd.

Mr. Arthur Fuller.

Mr. Littlefield, Piano Dealer.

Mr. W. H. Parker.
White Bros., Atlantic avenue.

F. A. FALES,
Postmaster.

CHARITY WAS PERHAPS UNDESERVED.

Doubt has been thrown on the worthiness of both the cases of distress recently relieved by the Norwood police. Nearly everyone feels a little kindly and disposed to help the suffering and distressed at the holiday season and it seems too bad that this charitable feeling should be abused in the interest of the unworthy. At Thanksgiving time, or a little after a Providence man fell down in the streets of Norwood and claimed to be dying of starvation. His hunger was relieved, Officer Creed taking him to his own home and he was given a considerable sum of money. He was then sent to his home in Providence. Word comes back from there that the man is doubtless a fraud and it is not thought that he was in anything like a starving condition.

Since that time another case of alleged distress, also that of a Providence man, has had doubts thrown on its worthiness. A week or two ago a man was put off the electric cars as he claimed and was taken in charge by the police. A local physician who attended him, found the man to be evidently afflicted with some intestinal trouble and that he had undergone an operation for appendicitis as a surgeon’s scar upon his body showed. He gave the man a number of morphine hypodermic treatments, but this seemed to afford no permanent relief. The man had a watcher at the lock-up who gave him morphine tablets at intervals through the night and the doctor thinks the man must have taken enough morphine to kill a horse. Yet, after all this treatment, the man’s intense pain did not seem to be relieved. The man paid his own fare to Providence next morning and went to a Providence hospital. Since his return the Norwood physician has received a letter from the Providence hospital which makes him wonder what the matter was with the man who had such intense pain. He thinks his insensibility to opiates may indicate that the man is a morphine fiend or in some way addicted to narcotics. The letter from the hospital reads as follows:—

Dr., 325 Washington Street, Norwood, Mass.,

Dear Doctor:—

I must apologize to you for not having acknowledged and answered your favor of the 22nd in regard to Mr. Silverman but it was mislaid in my desk and overlooked until now.

We have met Mr. Silverman before and on his entrance we examined him carefully and from our knowledge of the case did not consider his case a case for admission and discharged him after having given him a simple sedative.

Yours truly,

John N. Peters,

Superintendent.

(Originally published in the Norwood Advertiser and Review)