This Day in Norwood History-Talk Of The Town-This Day in Norwood History-Talk Of The Town-December 31, 1897

These news items were the talk of the town on New Year’s Eve, 1897.

Norwood seems to have no very exciting issues before it in the year 1898. The great work of doing away with grade crossings and extending electric railroad connections with other towns has mostly been done. The new station question and the building of the Norfolk Southern between Norwood and Walpole are the only prospective matters of moment that occur to us just now. In the meantime it may not be too early to whisper into the ear of the average citizen that it is a moral, religious, social and political duty for him to vote “no license” at the coming Spring election.

Supper will be served in the Universalist chapel next Wednesday evening. Jan. 5, under the supervision of Mrs. C. E. Pond, chairman of the supper committee. Supper at 3.45, 15 cents. Entertainment, consisting of a talk by Mrs. Mabel Loomis Todd, at 8 o’clock, 15 cts. Tickets for supper and entertainment. 25 cts. All are invited.

The officers-elect of Neponset Lodge, No. 9, N. E. 0, P., will be installed next Thursday evening in Odd Fellows’ Hall. The affair is in the hands of five gentlemen of the order —a guarantee of an exceedingly good time.

The “Social Six” gave a pleasant and well-attended dance in Seller’s hall last Wednesday evening.

Mr. Harry M. Turner is reported better at the present writing.

A large number of Norwood Knights of Columbus went to Stoughton Thursday night.

A joint installation of the councils of Knights of Columbus in Norwood, Dedham and Hyde Park will be held in the town last named on Friday evening, Jan. 7. Officers will be installed by District Deputy Cashman.

Mrs. Mabel Loomis Todd, who will give a talk at the Universalist church next Wednesday evening, Jan. 5, on “The Cruise of the Coronet,” is well known among Woman’s Club circles, and ranks with Mrs. Alice Freeman Palmer as a speaker. A delightful evening is assured to all who come.

Rov. J. S. Tillinghast spent the Christmas holidays at his mother’s home in Tottcnville, Geater New York.

Mrs. F. A. Morrill is taking private vocal lessons of a Boston teacher.

Mrs. F. B. Loomis and daughter spent Christmas and Sunday with relatives in Brookline.

Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Lane wore in Boston for Christmas breakfast and dinner.

The skating pond of the Norfolk Central Street Railway Company at Ellis meadow, Islington, has proved a great success. The children, as well as larger persons, show their appreciation of the same by the liberal patronage they give it. The fact that it is lighted by are lamps at night adds very much to the comfort and convenience. The company now has an attendant on the pond during the afternoon and evening to see that no disorderly conduct occurs and ready to assist in the event of any accident. A refreshment stand has been erected on the grounds and an opportunity is given for persons to leave their wraps in this building if they desire. The company cleared the ice after the last snow, and propose to continue this through the winter. They also have the pond scraped each night and sprinkled with water, so that each day the ice is in as good condition as tho day previous, notwithstanding tho many skaters who use it. The arc lamps are extinguished at 10 o’clock.

The Maple Street studio is only two minutes’ walk from the electric cars by way of Nahatan Street. Go up by the stone church and the skylight may be seen from the first corner. Photographs in both dull and glossy finish, enlargements, groups, etc. Amateur work finished. Supplies will be furnished if there is a demand for them. Call and see the kind of work and get prices.

The first of a series of socials following Mr. Butler’s dancing school, was held in Conger’s Hall Wednesday evening.

New Year’s vesper service at the Universalist church next Sunday, Jan. 2, at 5 o’clock. The boy choir will repeat the Christmas music.

The Albion Quartette of Boston, composed of male voices, will give a concert in Village Hall, January 24. This quartette is in so great demand that no better date could be secured. It is considered the best quartette in Boston, part of the singers being members of the famous Ruggles Street quartette. Miss Belle Temple will be the reader of the occasion. Thus Norwood people will have an opportunity for a rare treat. Tickets, 25 cts.; reserved seats, 35 cts.

A bold piece of daylight robbery was committed in Norwood at about 8 o’clock yesterday morning. Mrs. Thomas Dower, who resides on Winter Street, had left her house for a few moments when a strange man came about and, according to the statement of Mrs. Dower’s little child, ransacked the premises and then left suddenly. He is supposed to have stolen 825 in money. Officer Creed was summoned and started out to find the thief, who is supposed to be some individual who is not altogether a stranger in these parts.

Reliance Commandery, U. O. G. 0., elected the following officers Thursday evening of last week:— N. C., Angus McKinnon; V. N. C., Mrs. Madora Brooks; W. P., Mrs. Josie Wolls; K. of R., Chas. Buttrick; F. K. of R., Herbert Tucker; Treas., Mrs. Mary Bucknain; W. H., Walter Fifield; W. I. G., Chas. Miller; W. O. G., Major Nelson; Representative to Grand Lodge, Mrs. Nelson; Alternate Mary Bucknam; Trustees, Mrs. Buck-nam, Chas. Brooks, Herbert Tucker.

The final location plans of the Norfolk Southern St. Ry. Co., were filed in the towns of Norwood, Walpole, Foxboro and Mansfield this week and the same accepted and reported filed. The company having secured the right of construction in the several towns will begin work at once.

Mr. Thomas H. Gillings is seriously ill at his home on Nichols Street.

The Literary Club met last Monday evening with Mr. and Mrs. C. T. Wheelock. Quotations were appropriate to the Christmas season. The topic of “Good Roads” was discussed, Mrs. F. O. Winslow giving a paper on the history of road building. Mr. Willett followed on the theory of good roads, and Mr. Halstead concluded the first hour with a discussion of improved methods in transportation and communication. After refreshments Miss Hill conducted the second hour on Science and Art. Mr. Berwick gave a paper on the typography of book-making, and Mr. Howard on color in photography. All the parts were very enjoyable.

Barney Cahill, a carpenter employed by F. M. Douglass, fell off a staging on Thursday morning, while at work in Readville, badly injuring his bands. It is feared that he may also have received internal injuries, though his condition seems comfortable at present.

Mr. James Berwick and family spent Christmas day with friends out of town.

While Mr. George W. Cushing was assisting at some Christmas festivities at the home of his brother, Mr. J. S. Cushing, last Saturday afternoon, the cotton on his Santa Claus costume caught fire. In hastily pulling off the burning garment Mr. Cushing’s hands were severely burned. Ho is rapidly recovering from his injuries, which, though severe, were not dangerous.

The A. O. H. elected the following officers at the meeting last Tuesday evening:—President, Wm. J. Sullivan; Vico President, J. M. Fitzgerald; Rec. Sec., John P. Crowley; Fin. Sec., Frank P. Flood; Sergeant-at-Arms, James Slavin; Doorkeeper, John Koehan. The usual standing committees were elected. The installation of officers will take place on the second Sunday in January. The society has a good deal of hard work before it this year in connection with the annual national convention of the order which is to be held in Boston next June.

Hair cutting in all styles at Coakley’s.

Boys’ all wool sweaters, 75 cts. apiece. Norwood Clothing Co.

CLOSING OUT SALE of lemonade and toilet sets, hand lamps and fancy lamps, Chimneys, goblets, tumblers and glassware in general, tinware, furniture, etc. A few things having been left over from Christmas, they will bo closed out immediately. Come in now. Mrs. H. B. Baker.

All wool kersey overcoats, $7.50, at Norwood Clothing Co.

L. W. Bigelow’s Sons have marked down toys and fancy holiday goods to about one-half the usual price. They prefer to take a loss rather than carry the goods until another season. A good opportunity to makes nice gift at a small cost.

Christmas is over, but there are some good bargains left in the clothing and gents’ furnishing lines at Alden, the clothier’s, next to Post Office.

Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Pratt of New Haven spent Christmas with relatives in town, Mrs. Pratt remaining for the week.

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Moore and daughter were at E. H. Morrill’s over Christinas.

The several branches of the Morrill family had a Christmas dinner Saturday at Geo. H. Morrill, Jr.’s, and a Christmas tree in the afternoon at E. J. Shattuck’s.

A hearing was given on Tuesday before a justice of the supreme court as to the responsibility of the New England railroad to carry out the decree of the railroad commissioners to build :. station at the foot of Day Street. J. C. Lane, Esq., presented the case, and now the matter goes before the supreme bench for decision, and it is hoped for the good of all concerned that a speedy decision will be reached.

The Business Association and Board of Trade will hold its regular monthly meeting in Odd Fellows’ Hall next Tuesday evening. The directors have laid out an evening of business which promises to be very interesting and to bring up discussion. The following are the topics: Banking facilities, Postal savings banks, Town hall, Town affairs in general and town meeting, Ladies’ night, Free postal delivery, Annual town fair, Insurance rates, Reports of commissioners on taxation. Supper will be served at 0.45 o’clock and the business will follow.

We have received from Mr. M. J. Keating, press representative of Keith’s theatre, Boston, an illustrated and descriptive article about the biograph, the wonderful motion-picture device that has been attracting so much attention the past year. Mr. Keating writes that a week or so ago a Norwood lady called on him for information about the biograph, which he was at that time unable to supply, and as he has lost her address, he takes this moans of reaching her. If the lady will call at the office of this paper she can secure the article which Mr. Keating enclosed.

Rev. Fr. Stephen S. O’Brien of St. Philip’s church, Boston, passed away this week and funeral services will be held tomorrow, Fr. O’Brien was a brother of Maurice J, O’Brien, formerly superintendent of schools in this place, and was well-known in Norwood, having preached here several times. He was 30 years of age and had only been in the priesthood some four years. Rev. Fr. Troy was among those who attended the funeral.

Mrs. Emmeline F. Colburn, wife of F. E. Colburn, an old and esteemed resident, passed away on Christmas morning of Bright’s disease. Deceased was born in New Hampshire, but removed to West Dedham in infancy. She had been married to Mr. Colburn for 46 years and had been a resident of Norwood for nearly 40 years. She was a woman of quiet tastes and strong domestic virtues. The simple nobility of her life as wife, mother, neighbor and friend were known to all and she will be deeply missed by those with whom her life had been associated. She had lived in the house where she died for 38 years, She leaves two daughters, Mrs. W. F. Tilton and Miss Alice Colburn. Funeral services were held last Tuesday afternoon from the family residence on Nichols Street, and were conducted by Rev. W. B. Eddy. The age of the diseased was 68 years.

James J. Lanuary, a veteran of the late war and father of Lieut. Thomas Lannary of the Boston fire department, died at his home on Nahatan Street December 25. He was about 65 years of age. Requiem High Mass was sung for the deceased at St. Catherine’s church, Monday morning. Interment was at Mt. Benedict Cemetery West Roxbury.

(Originally published in the Norwood Advertiser and Review)