This Day in Norwood History-Talk Of The Town-March 7, 1902

These news items were the talk of the town on March 7, 1902

The next lecture before the Norwood Literary Chib by Prof. JVin. G. Ward will occur next Monday night in Library hall. Mr. Ward’s subject will be Tennyson’S “Idylls of the King.” This ought to be the best lecture of the course. It is the last but one and on a popular subject by a popular author.

In the illness of Mrs. E. P. Moreland and her absence from her post as organist at the Congregational church, last Sunday, Mrs. Bentley of Walpole filled the position most acceptably.
Miss Persia M. Sibley has resigned her position in the seventh grade, Everett school, to take a position in the Melrose schools at a largely increased salary.

The storm of last Friday night was one of the worst rainfalls the town has seen in a long time Great damage was inflicted at Winslow’s tannery and work stopped for a time. The bridge at Hawes’ Brook in the Morse neighborhood was practically washed away and traffic between East Walpole and Norwood impeded most of the day Saturday. At one time it looked as if electric car travel would have to be suspended between Norwood, Islington, and Dedham. The cars passed through literal rivers of water. Norwood streets suffered severely and Superintendent Hartshorne had gangs of men and teams busy all day Sunday. Great damage was done on Cottage and Vernon streets and the storm swept the gravel on Nichols Street away to a depth of two feet. Cellars were Hooded and great damage done to walks and drives. The storm will cost the town several thousand dollars.

H. M. Plimpton & Co. have posted notices in all parts of their book establishment forbidding any and all employees to cross the railroad tracks while going to or from work. Any violation of this rule is to result in the discharge of the offender.

Officer Creed saw an individual pick up a pocketbook on Washington Street Tuesday evening. Seeing the oilicer the man turned the pocketbook over to him. It was found to contain $35 and a card with the name of the owner, Mrs. J. B. Sanborn, to whom it was returned.

Elmer Smith of Vernon Street has recovered from his recent attack of measles.

Eben F. Gay, who has been in a Boston hospital seven weeks, under treatment for appendicitis, has returned home and is improving slowly.

Dr. F. W. Dodge was in town Monday and Tuesday.

Thomas O’Leary, who has been a motorman on the Old Colony Street railway for six years past, has resigned his position.

The Norwood, Canton A Sharon Street railway began running cars again last Monday after a two weeks’ tie-up.

John J. Slavin is seriously ill with pneumonia at his home on Plimpton Avenue.

The bridge at the foot of Morse’s Hill was washed away last Friday night and it took several days to repair it. During Saturday and Sunday street railway passengers were transferred by barge to and from the East Walpole terminus. The bridge is now in practically good condition and tradie is resumed.

Mrs, E. K. Angier left Norwood this week to visit friends in New York City. She will remain until after Easter.

Don’t Sweat. Take your watch to S. D. Dean and have it properly repaired.

There was a pleasant gathering at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bent on Guild Street, last Monday evening, to celebrate the birthday of Mr. Waiter Wildes, Mrs. Bent’s brother. About thirty friends and neighbors were present. There were several instrumental selections by the Misses Gehman and Hartshorn and Mr. Howe, besides good singing by the company. Ice cream and cake were served. The company dispersed about 11 o’clock, after wishing Mr. Wildes many happy returns of the day.

The next mooting of the Woman’s Club will be in the form of a social in Odd Fellows’ hall, March 18th, in charge of the Household Science department.

Horace A. Spear of Walpole has returned from a six weeks’ trip in the West and South, in the course of which he visited New Orleans, Arizona, Mexico, California, Colorado and other places. His daughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Abbott Lawrence of Norwood, are hastening home from Tucson, Ariz., on account of the serious illness of their ‘ little daughter.

C. H. Howard of Boston is now associated with the Thus. E. Clary company as life insurance agent. Mr. Howard has had twenty years’ experience in insurance work and is regarded as one of the best life insurance men in the State.

O. B. Carter of Franklin has taken possession of the Warren Bird clothing store.

Miss Abbie J. Spear, accompanied by Miss Louise Birch of Boston, is attending millinery openings in New York.

Trains were badly delayed and the Canton road again tied up by the snowstorm of last Wednesday. The storm did not, however, cause so much trouble as was at Hist feared.

The heartfelt sympathy of many friends will go out to Mr. and Mrs. James IL Weeks in their deep and unexpected bereavement in the death of their little daughter, Gladys Gertrude Weeks, which occurred yesterday morning. The little girl was born in Cambridge on January 5, 1891. She was a bright and interesting child, a pupil of the Guild school, and had shown a deep interest in religion. As she was the only child of fond parents the loss falls heavily. She attended school last Friday, only a week ago, and death came suddenly. The cause of death is supposed to have been typhoid fever. Funeral services will be held from the family residence, Vernon and Nichols Streets, Saturday afternoon, at 2.30.

Austin E. Pratt is able to be out again after several days confinement to the house with malaria.

James M. Folan declares that having accomplished the main objects for which he has been striving during the past few years, he is now ready to retire from politics- He wishes the public to understand that he means exactly what he says in regard to this matter.

The death of Mrs. Sarah Ford, wite oi Thomas Ford, which occurred on Friday of last week, removes a much-respected member of the town’s old and earliest Irish families. She was a kindly; much beloved woman, the mother of live daughters, four of whom survive her and three of whom are married to well-known residents of this town. her unmarried daughter. Hannah, made her home with her aged parents. Mrs. Ford was a devout Catholic and had the respect and veneration of old friends and neighbors. Funeral services were held from St Catherine’s church on Monday last.

It will be noticed that the vote for school committee as published in our account of town meeting differs from the vote announced Monday night. In the transfer of the tabulation of the women’s vote an error was made on the transfer sheet, which caused the moderator to announce the vote wrongly. The correct vote is given in our report of the meeting.
Henry A. Rogers is quite seriously ill.

At the “Harlequin Social” last evening in the Congregational church, vocal solos were given by Miss Pritchard of the High school, with selections by the Walpole Glee Club, and other enjoyable exercises.

At the meeting of Neponset Lodge, N. E. O. V., last evening, one candidate was initiated and visitors from Earnest Lodge, of Walpole were entertained. After the routine work Emil L. Fetting, in a very felicitous speech, presented Mr. Nettie M. Tucker with a Past Warden’s jewel, to the latter’s great surprise. The degree staff has accepted an invitation to confer the initiatory degree for Earnest Lodge on March 18th.

Julius A. A. Griebel confines seriously ill.

Thu Educational department of the Woman’s Club will hold its next meeting at the High school building March 10, at 3 p.m, .Subject: “Motor Control.”

Baptist church, March 13th, turkey supper, and entertainment. Come one, come all. Tickets 25 cents.

Mr. Perley B. Thompson started for the city of Mexico this morning. During his absence his prescription department will be conducted by Mr. J. II. Hart of Lynn, a gentleman with twenty-live years drug experience.

The evening whist club was royally entertained last Thursday night by Mr. and Mrs. G. 11. Morrill, Jr., who gave a gala occasion prior to their trip to California, on which they purpose to start next Tuesday.

The Norwood, Canton Ar Sharon Street railway showed considerable promptness in opening up its road after Wednesday’s storm.

LADIES’ -NIGHT.

The ninth annual ladies’ night of the Board of Trade will be observed next Tuesday night. The association is fortunate in securing as speakers Hon. Rufus A. Soule, president of the Massachusetts senate. Rev. Stephen H. Roblin, D. D., of Boston, andHon. John C. Burke of Lowell. Miss Elsa Helndl of Boston is the vocalist, and Colburn’s Orchestra will play during the banquet and later for dancing. President Fales and the invited guests hold a reception in the Masonic ball at 11.45 o’clock. The banquet will be served in the Village hall at 7.30 sharp by Caterer Seiler of Boston, and dancing will follow, from 10 to 12 o’clock, in Village Hall. The committees have labored hard to make this the best ladies’ night ever given by the organization, and it is assured that the occasion will be complete in every particular.

Members must apply to L. W. Bigelow’s Sons for tickets not later than tomorrow (Saturday) night; after that those who are not members can be supplied with tickets if they will apply at once, as tickets will be allotted in the order of application. Membersand their guests are requested to be at Masonic Hall promptly at 11.45 on Tuesday night, as the exercises will be carried through promptly on time. Tickets covering banquet and all the exercises of the evening only $1.00 each.

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Well, it’s over.

It was a pretty good vote, too.

Now, gentlemen, try and keep win-tempers till the November election.

A big vote came io early.

Now let’s try and talk about something else.

We had some such weather in the spring of 1891, but most of us have forgotten it.

It looks now as if the Prince would return to Germany with very pleasant impressions of the “land of the free and the home ol the brave.”

March certainly came tn like a lamb, and a pretty wet lamb it soon proved to be.

Give Norwood’s present school management a fair chance. This advice is as good and just now as it was before last Monday.

The weather furnished about the only license argument advanced around this way. There is such a thing as too much water.

A Boston professor thinks that people ought to live to be 150 years old. He would probably expect them to spend most of that time in Boston.

The Democratic party seems bent upon swallowing the whole anti-imperialist pro gramme. How would Winslow and Tillman do for a presidential ticket?

It is fair to presume that South Carolina isn’t altogether proud of Ben Tillman.

James A. Halloran is an able and fearless moderator.

The annual trouble is now officially turned over to the Committee of Fifteen.

Moderator Halloran tried to make the Committee of Fifteen a little more representative than usual.

People could hardly blame the street superintendent for the condition of the streets last Sunday. Water time we had, to be sure.

European newspapers may make a great deal out of Prince Henry’s visit that is not at all consistent with the facts or probabilities. America loves to honor distinguished guests and that is about all there is suggestive in the affair. Americans are honestly hospitable, and there is no string attached to their hospitality.

Moderator Halloran believes in a secret ballot, which is what the Australian voting system stands for.

English periodicals betray a perfectly American obtuseness in persistently misunderstanding what Rudyard Kipling meant in the “Islanders.” Both countries seem a little slow in perceiving the exact point in refined satire.

posted on weddings tell us that this must be almost as bad as rehearsing a marriage ceremony. But some, alas, know little either of marriage ceremonies or coronations.
There is a widespread difference of opinion as to the causes and the future results of last Monday’s affair. Let us gracefully accept the changes that have occurred and wish success to the new administration.

The new order of things is fortunate in having as its chief representative so good a man as Charles T. Wheelock. He proved his ability to command the respect and confidence of all classes of people, and his honesty and integrity are not questioned by any one.

Edgar L. Bigelow fell a victim to the animosities engendered in a hot political campaign. Mr. Bigelow has made a very efficient and painstaking town clerk. His opponent, John F. Kiley, who appealed as a candidate for office for practically the first lime, showed great popularity with the masses, especially with a young men’s element. Mr. Kiley is a thoroughly honest man and a good fellow in all respects, and great numbers of friends will wish him success in his new position.

Frank H. Farnsworth gained a little insight into practical politics with this year’s experience. He demonstrated the right of a young man to take partin public affairs, and will probably not lose his interest because of defeat in his first essay. It is a good thing for young men to take an interest in public affairs, and the interest young men have shown this year augurs well for the future political conditions of this growing town.

The result in the contest for members of the school board was hardly a surprise. There seems to be a general feeling that too frequent overturns in school matters are undesirable.
Harold W. Gay received defeat philosophically. His vote was a good one.

Chicot the jester met the conspirators returning from the palace. “We have slain the king,” said the conspirators. “So I supposed,” said Chicot. “Who is your leader?” “Oh,” said one of the conspirators, “we have no leader. In fact we are all leaders.” “So I supposed,” remarked Chicot.

The old board did not fare so badly. Fred L. Fisher and Richard E. Oldham were both re-elected by good majorities.

We are rather surprised that so good and popular a man as George H. Bateman and one with so long an experience in public affairs was not elected. The rage for change and the great number of candidates in the field accounts for his defeat.

Richard E. Oldham developed the old time old board strength in his big majority. Messrs. Fisher and Oldham wore a contented smile all day Monday. You can always smile when you aie suie of! anything.

The barge across the raging Neponset went by land. Next year the electric road people may use a ferry boat.

Mr. George F. Willett is very much interested in bringing before the town a proposition that “for the ensuing year no board, committee or town official shall be a party to any contract for supplies or materials for the town, to which any member of said board or committee, or said town official shall be a patty or in any way directly or indirectly interested ” The matter is likely to come before the adjourned meeting in April and is pretty certain to create a good deal of discussion. Its general tenor will probably meet with public approval.

ORGANIZATION OF SCHOOL BOARD.

Clifford B. Sanborn, Chairman. Mary J. Alden, Secretary.

SUB-COMMITTEES

Finance, Accounts and Claims — Mr. Sanborn, Mr. Smith, Mr. Fales

Teachers and Instruction—M r.Sanborn Mr. Jewett, Mrs. Alden.

Textbooks and Supplies—Mr.Sanbmn, Mr. Smith, Mrs. Alden.

Janitors, Schoolhouses and Grounds— Mr. Smith, Mr. Jewett.

Fuel and Heating Apparatus — Mr. Jewett, Mr. Fales.

Music,Drawing, Penmanship aud School Attendance— Mr. Jewett, Mrs. Winslow.

Sewing, Physical and Manual Training —Mr. Sanborn, Mrs. Alden.

LOCAL COMMITTEES.

High—Mr. Sanborn, Mr. Smith, Mrs. Alden.

Everett—Mr. Jewett, Mr. Fales, Mrs. Winslow.

Guild — Mr. Smith, Mr. Jewett, Mr. Fales.

North—Mr. Jewett, Mr. Fales.

East—Mr. Sanborn, Mrs. Alden.

Balch—Mr Jewett, Mrs. Winslow.

West—Mr. Smith, Mrs. Winslow,

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WEE BIRDS WHISPER

That the valentine season is past.

That anonymous letters continue thick.

That neither side appears to holG a monopoly in this sort of thing.

That the fun being all over we can now return to business.

That the male sex will continue to control in politics.

Thal Harold E. Fales is a rising power in Norwood politics.

That the Canton road should put on a steamship line.

Thal the most satisfactory town meeting result was the magnificent vote for No License.

That the town appears to be headed right in a good many things.

That Peter MacOueen was not as fiery as usual.

That perhaps Russian snows have i cooled him.

That some important changes in the, committee of fifteen may have been for the best.

That Moderator Halloran’s course was j generally commended.

That the one thing he needs to cultivate is rapidity.

That good nature is the thing which should now be studied by tictor and vanquished.

Thal post-mot Lem rejoicing would look better it malice were omitted.

That Mr. Kiley makes his debut in politics under favorable circumstances.

That Mr. Samuel Winslow is the man we are looking at.

That Mr. Oldham’s conservatism as a “new man” helped to give him his majority.

That Harold Gay’s vole was large enough to be really comphmentaiy.

That Officer Schuster is a very uncompromising peace officer.

That Officer Creed and Edgar Roby found things pretty nearly unanimous.

Thar the various “classes” mid “elements” were never so mixed in a town election.

That George F. Willett seems to be a rising power in Norwood’s town affairs.

That Frank Allen ran well for a new man.

That one of the best results is that about everyone was made to take an interest in politics.

That critics will be less unfriendly when the course of the Woman’s Club is belter understood.

That both men and women have much to learn, and the New England town meeting is the greatest of all popular educators.

(Originally published in the Norwood Advertiser and Review)