Walter J. Dempsey Memorial Bandstand Dedication Ceremony-This Day In Norwood History-October 2, 1993

October 2, 1993 was the date selected for the dedication ceremony of the Walter J. Dempsey Memorial Bandstand on the Town Common. Walter was a member of the Board of Selectmen for over 35 years and was instrumental in obtaining funds for the Town’s road, water and sewer systems, its electric plant and its public building. He personally negotiated the acquisition of the Ellis Pond and Endean Pond conservation areas and championed the
construction of parks and playgrounds throughout the Town.

Festivities were planned from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Former Selectman Joseph F. Curran was again called upon to
be Master of Ceremonies.

Walter J. Dempsey
Memorial Bandstand

DEDICATION CEREMONY

Saturday, October 2, 1993

11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
TOWN COMMON

NORWOOD, MASSACHUSETTS

Presented by
The Walter J. Dempsey Memorial Bandstand Committee

PROGRAM

WALTER J.. DEMPSEY
Born in Norwood, MA. November 19, 1915, died November 2, 1988.

Husband of Eleanor (Carlson) and father of Peter and Robert. Grandfather of Kimberly, Kristen, Jamie, Kate and Patrick.

Public Service As a member of the Board of Selectmen for over 35 years, Walter Dempsey was instrumental in obtaining funds for the Town’s road, water and sewer systems, its electric plant and its public buildings.

He personally negotiated the acquisition of the Ellis Pond and Endean Pond conservation areas and championed the construction of parks and playgrounds throughout the town. He also worked effectively to attract business to the community and to build a stable tax base.

Personal– In his Rolls Royce, Walter chauffeured over 500 brides to their weddings and he personally handed out thousands of balloons to youngsters at parades and events such as today’s dedication of the Bandstand.

Walter Dempsey grew up with an appreciation for band music. His father had played in the Ross Carberry Town Band in Ireland. When Walter was young, he became familiar with the band music that his father played on the family gramophone.

Later, Walter’s enthusiasm for band music led him to champion the Norwood High School music program, the local concert programs and the carillon concerts. On one occasion, he traveled with the High School Band to Europe and he also traveled with the band on trips within this country. At one time, he used his Rolls Royce to chauffeur famous conductor, Arthur Fiedler, to Norwood to make a guest appearance. The summer concert programs at the Town Hall were among his favorite events because they combined music with social interaction that brought the community together.

Each new civic improvement brings a new opportunity to connect the past to the present in ways to bring greater meaning to the future. By dedicating this bandstand to the memory of Walter Dempsey’s service to our community, we are helping to preserve the asset of his example in a way that encourages community participation and takes advantage of and enhances the joy of music.

The following is a list of those who volunteered their services to build the bandstand:

COMMITTEE MEMBERS