War News Affecting Norwood Families
Five Local Servicemen Wounded in Action
Families in Norwood received difficult news this week as five servicemen were officially reported wounded in action:
- Pvt. Ralph H. Cashen — wounded in Luxembourg while serving with the 101st Infantry of General Patton’s Third Army.
- Pvt. Stanley Dallalis — wounded in Germany; awarded the Purple Heart.
- Pfc. Francis J. Petraitis — wounded in Luxembourg while serving with the 35th Infantry.
- Pfc. John P. Maleiko — wounded in Belgium during heavy fighting with the 331st Infantry.
- Seaman 1/c Andrew J. Malacaria, USNR — wounded in action in the Pacific; family notified informally by letter.
Each of these men trained locally before deployment and had been employed in Norwood industries prior to entering the service. Their families await further updates from the War and Navy Departments.
State Government Shake‑Up: Lyman Removed as Commissioner of Correction
Governor Maurice Tobin’s decision to replace Arthur T. Lyman of Westwood as Commissioner of Correction has triggered strong protest from civic groups and professional organizations. Lyman, who has served for a decade and is widely respected for his administrative reforms, was unexpectedly replaced by J. Paul Doyle, master of the Deer Island House of Correction.
The United Prison Association has called an emergency meeting to oppose the appointment, arguing that Lyman’s removal undermines stability in the correctional system. Lyman, originally appointed by Governor Ely, has been retained by multiple administrations and is well known in Norwood for his recent address to the United Church Men’s Club.
Additional state appointments announced by Governor Tobin include:
- Louis Hoffman replacing Charles F. Connors on the State Racing Commission
- Thomas A. Flaherty appointed Commissioner and Chairman of the Department of Public Utilities
- Francis X. Lang named State Comptroller, replacing Walter S. Morgan of Sharon
These changes mark a significant reshaping of state leadership early in Tobin’s term.
Local Government & Civic Affairs
James F. Murphy Enters Westwood Selectman Race
James F. Murphy of Fisher Street has formally entered the race for Selectman in Westwood. A civil engineer employed by the Commonwealth, Murphy has chaired the town finance committee and served in numerous civic roles, including auxiliary police and Boy Scout leadership.
Norwood Fire Department Equipment Delayed
The long‑awaited 85‑foot tractor‑drawn aerial ladder truck ordered by the Town of Norwood remains delayed. The manufacturer reports that 15 other emergency vehicles are ahead in the production queue, with wartime material shortages and manpower constraints slowing progress. No delivery date can yet be provided.
Coast Guardsman Albert E. Simoni at Pacific Battle Station
A photograph released this week shows Albert E. Simoni of Neponset Street manning a gun aboard a Coast Guard–manned Army supply ship in the Pacific. His vessel is part of the fleet maintaining supply lines to active combat zones. Simoni is married to the former Mary McCarthy of Worcester.
Chamber of Commerce to Host Registrar Rudolph F. King
The Norwood Chamber of Commerce will welcome Rudolph F. King, Registrar of Motor Vehicles and former Speaker of the Massachusetts House, as guest speaker at its February 6 meeting. King will address the relationship between business and government. The meeting will include an open public session following the dinner.
Bird & Son Employees Perform for Veterans
A troupe of employees from Bird & Son presented a lively musical and comedy program at the West Roxbury Veterans Hospital. The show featured impersonations, vocal performances, instrumental numbers, and dance routines. The group will next appear at Cushing General Hospital in Framingham.
Scrap Paper Drive Scheduled for February 5–7
Norwood’s first salvage campaign of 1945 will take place Monday through Wednesday. Salvage Chairman Charles F. Holman urges residents to save all forms of waste paper, including newspapers, magazines, envelopes, and packaging. Military demand for paper products has surged due to intensified fighting in Europe and the Pacific.
Collection routes will follow the established pattern, weather permitting.
Men’s Club to Host FBI Special Agent
The Men’s Club of the First Congregational Church will hold a dinner meeting on February 5 featuring Special Agent James J. Deary of the FBI. His address, “How the F.B.I. Works,” will be followed by an open question period.
Recreation Director to Meet with Selectmen
Recreation Director John Williams has requested a meeting with the Selectmen to discuss program planning and budget needs. The Board will meet with him next Wednesday.
Local Advertisements — Norwood Businesses
American Brake Shoe Co. — Norwood
Seeking foundry workers for full‑time or part‑time war production.
Lewis’ Restaurant — Norwood Town Square
Offering lunches and dinners in an air‑conditioned dining room.
Dedham Institution for Savings
Promoting savings accounts as a foundation of personal financial security.
C. B. Fleming & Co. (Norwood Press)
Hiring men, women, and office workers for bookbinding and production.
Arts & Entertainment
Norwood Theatre — Current and Upcoming Attractions
The Norwood Theatre highlights a colorful lineup of mid‑winter films:
Now Through Saturday
“Rainbow Island”
A tropical adventure starring Dorothy Lamour, filled with island escapades, romance, and lighthearted comedy.
Co‑feature: “Double Exposure” with Nancy Kelly and Chester Morris.
Sunday Through Wednesday
“The Princess and the Pirate”
Bob Hope’s Technicolor comedy romp, featuring Virginia Mayo, treasure hunts, and swashbuckling mischief.
Co‑feature: “My Pal Wolf,” a family‑friendly drama starring Jill Esmond.
Coming Soon
The theatre has secured rights to several major wartime releases, including:
- Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo
- Kismet
- Here Come the Waves
- Hollywood Canteen
- Winged Victory
- For Whom the Bell Tolls
These announcements reflect the theatre’s commitment to bringing first‑run national films to Norwood despite wartime distribution challenges.
Southern Theatre — Norwood
Thursday–Friday
“Wing and a Prayer”
A wartime aviation drama starring Don Ameche and Dana Andrews.
Co‑feature: “Meet Miss Bobby Sox” with Bob Crosby and Lynn Merrick.
Saturday–Monday
“Step Lively”
A musical comedy featuring Frank Sinatra and George Murphy.
Co‑feature: “The Long Shot,” a racing drama with Marsha Hunt.
Next Week
Ann Sothern returns as Maisie in “Maisie Goes to Reno.”
Feature Spotlight — Ice Follies of 1945
The Boston Garden will soon host the Ice Follies of 1945, opening February 20.
Promotional photographs highlight performers such as the Thomas Twins and Phyllis Legg, promising a lavish skating spectacle combining music, choreography, and wartime morale‑boosting entertainment.
Daily Radio Guide
A full schedule of radio programming for WBZ, WHDH, WEEI, and WNAC includes:
- Afternoon serial dramas (Ma Perkins, Stella Dallas, Pepper Young’s Family)
- Evening variety shows featuring Bob Burns, Dinah Shore, Abbott & Costello, and Major Bowes
- News commentary from Lowell Thomas, Raymond Gram Swing, and Joseph Harsch
- Musical programs, quiz shows, and late‑night orchestras
Local & National Features
Post‑War Innovations: Plastics in the Workshop
A brief industrial note highlights the growing use of transparent plastic containers for storing nails, screws, and small hardware. These containers, expected to become common after the war, will improve inventory management and keep parts clean and visible — a small but meaningful improvement for factories and hardware stores.
Local Services — Norwood Businesses
Norwood Window Cleaning Co.
Offering residential and commercial window cleaning from its Washington Street location.
Dr. Harold Schneiderman, Chiropodist
Foot care by appointment at 681 Washington Street.
Government & Public Information
Understanding the New U.S. Postal Notes
The Post Office Department has released detailed guidance on the newly introduced 5‑cent Postal Notes, now available at first‑class post offices.
Key points include:
- Cashable anywhere in the continental U.S. (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, and territories).
- Not valid overseas — families should not send them to servicemen abroad.
- Maximum value per note: $10, but multiple notes may be purchased.
- Valid for two calendar months from the date of issue.
- Not transferable — payable only to the named recipient.
- Safer than cash, backed by the U.S. government.
- Not a replacement for money orders, which remain available.
- Lost notes may be investigated only after two months, with proper receipts.
This new system is designed to simplify small domestic payments during wartime.
Mail‑Order Offer: Spring Steel Measuring Rule
A national advertisement offers a 72‑inch flexible‑rigid steel rule for engineers, carpenters, teachers, and mechanics. The tool is marketed as durable, accurate, and suitable for a wide range of trades.
State & Regional Politics
Legislative Profile: Rudolph F. King
A biographical feature outlines the long public career of Rudolph F. King, now Registrar of Motor Vehicles and soon to speak before the Norwood Chamber of Commerce.
Highlights of his career include:
- Early service on the Millis Board of Selectmen, Board of Assessors, Finance Committee, and School Committee.
- More than 25 years on the Republican Town Committee.
- Election to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1936.
- Appointments to major committees, including Municipal Finance, Ways and Means, and special commissions on transportation and the New York World’s Fair.
- Service as Republican Whip, Acting Floor Leader, and ultimately Speaker of the House.
- Appointment as Registrar of Motor Vehicles by Governor Saltonstall.
King remains widely respected in Millis, Norwood, and throughout the Commonwealth.
Education & Public Lectures
Shattuck PTA to Host Dr. Willem J. Pinard — Feb. 8
The Shattuck Parent‑Teacher Association will welcome Dr. Willem J. Pinard, an internationally trained scholar, for a lecture titled “Education and Racial Strife.”
Dr. Pinard’s remarkable background includes:
- Born in South Africa to Dutch‑French parents.
- Family displaced during the Boer War; father imprisoned in Bermuda.
- Early career as a teacher and head of a “farm school” in a region transformed by a diamond discovery.
- Service in the Boer rebellion during World War I.
- University studies across South Africa, earning multiple degrees.
- Work as a playwright and co‑founder of the South African theatre movement.
- Election to the South African Legislative Assembly before breaking with the Nationalist Party.
- Move to London, where he became a protégé of David Lloyd George and earned a Ph.D. from London University.
- Rockefeller Foundation fellowship with study at Yale, Harvard, Columbia, and Chicago.
- Current faculty member at Northeastern University, teaching sociology, psychology, and education.
His lecture promises to be one of the most intellectually significant events of the season.
Household & Wartime Living
Home Appliance Care: Extending the Life of Your Electric Washer
A wartime home‑economics column advises:
- Avoid overloading the washer.
- Feed clothes evenly through the wringer.
- Investigate unusual noises promptly.
These tips help families maintain appliances during a period when replacements are scarce.
Conserve Paper — Shop Smart
A brief reminder encourages shoppers to bring reusable bags and reduce unnecessary wrapping, supporting the national paper conservation effort.
Local Retail Advertisements — Norwood Businesses
Town Square Hardware
Featuring sturdy waterproof shopping bags.
Orent’s Department Store
January clearance on fabric and leather handbags — a timely Valentine’s gift.
Norwood Trust Company
Promoting mortgage loans for homebuyers and homeowners planning improvements.
Churches & Religious Life (Norwood Only)
St. Catherine’s Church — Norwood
St. Catherine’s remains one of the largest and most active parishes in the region.
Sunday schedule includes multiple morning Masses, afternoon baptisms, and evening Benediction with prayers for servicemen and women.
The parish also prepares to host the Old Colony Council Boy Scout Sunday Service on February 11, a major regional gathering of Scouts, Scouters, and clergy.
St. George’s Church (R.C.) — Norwood
Located on St. James Avenue, St. George’s offers two Sunday morning Masses, including a High Mass at 10:30.
St. Peter’s Church (R.C.) — Norwood
St. Peter’s on St. Joseph Avenue holds two Sunday morning Masses, with the High Mass celebrated at 11:00.
St. George’s Syrian & Greek Orthodox Church — Norwood
The Orthodox community gathers for Matins at 9:45 and Divine Liturgy at 10:30, serving Norwood’s Middle Eastern families.
The United Church — Norwood
The United Church continues its full program of worship, education, and youth activities:
- Morning worship with sermon
- Nursery class during the service
- College‑age fellowship
- Young People’s Society
- Weekly choir rehearsals
- Women’s Service Guild preparing a dramatic interpretation of The Robe
First Baptist Church — Norwood
The Baptist congregation offers:
- Morning worship with sermon
- Church School
- Senior and Intermediate Christian Endeavor groups
- Evening service including a baptism
Dr. Pullen preaches on themes of judgment, faith, and perseverance.
Norwood Social Notes & Local Life
Seriously Ill — Norwood Resident
John P. Riley of Adams Street is reported seriously ill at Victoria Resthaven in Norwood.
Wintering in Florida — Norwood Connection
Mr. and Mrs. William Jette, with Mrs. Jette formerly Natalie Boyden White of Norwood, are spending the winter in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Local Pet Returned — Norwood
“Rusty,” the cocker spaniel belonging to Corporals Edward and John Murphy of Norwood, was found in Canton after being missing nearly two months. Multiple towns joined the search after a public appeal.
Norwood Youth & Recreation
High School Keglers Improve
Norwood high school students continue to pack the Sport Center for weekly bowling.
Highlights include:
- Harold LeBlanc scoring a strong 260 total
- Barbara Woodberry and Shirley Cushman tying for top girls’ scores
- The “Bare Foot Boys and Girls” team showing steady improvement
Norwood Recreation Program
A full slate of supervised activities is offered weekly:
- Handicrafts
- Dramatics
- Basketball
- Physical education
- Roller skating
- Boxing
- Dancing
Participation so far this season totals 5,759, reflecting strong community engagement.
Norwood Military & Service News
Norwood Servicemen Wounded
(Already included in Page 1 section — not repeated here.)
Norwood Marine Brothers Reunited
Pfc. Gerard Tohosky, recently home after two years in the South Pacific, reunited with his brother Robert, Coxswain 3/C, at their family home on Nahatan Street.
Two other brothers — Francis (AAF) and Richard (Navy) — also serve overseas.
Norwood Airman Awarded Wings
Flight Officer Peter P. Gaigal Jr. of Tremont Street has earned his bombardier wings after completing advanced training in New Mexico.
A Norwood High graduate (Class of 1940), Gaigal previously qualified as an aerial gunner.
Norwood Business & Employment
Norwood Co‑Operative Bank
A major advertisement encourages residents to consult the bank’s “Ways and Means Committee” for home financing, repairs, and remodeling.
The bank emphasizes individualized mortgage planning and more than fifty years of community service.
Callahan’s — Norwood Furniture Co.
Promoting Serta mattresses with a focus on comfort and durability.
Located at 720–722 Washington Street.
Hood’s Food Store — Norwood
Featuring weekly specials on produce, canned goods, and dairy.
Open late on Fridays and Saturdays.
Esson’s Department Store — Norwood
Offering men’s and boys’ pants, workwear, and dress trousers at wartime‑conscious prices.
Boston Shoe Store — South Norwood
Advertising fur‑plush earmuffs and a full line of rubber footwear.
Norwood Trust Company
Promoting mortgage loans and financial planning for homebuyers and homeowners.
Norwood Businesses in Classifieds
Several Norwood firms appear in the business directory:
- Norwood Sheet Metal Works
- Bob’s Bicycle Shop
- D. Nuzzo & Son (masons)
- John H. Mosses (oil heating service)
- Central Taxi Co.
- Norwood Taxi Co.
- Murphy’s News Store (records)
- Albert E. Fisher (real estate & carpentry)
- Forrest Paving Co.
These listings reflect the breadth of local trades active during wartime.
Norwood Churches — Additional Notices
St. Catherine’s Boy Scout Sunday
Norwood will host the Old Colony Council’s Catholic Boy Scout Sunday on February 11.
Scouts from more than twenty surrounding towns are expected to attend.
Monsignor Joseph Walsh will deliver the welcome address, and Rev. Daniel Donovan will preach on Scouting’s values.
Norwood Retail & Valentine’s Day Promotions
Baker Jewelry — Norwood
A Valentine’s Day advertisement encourages gifts such as lockets, compacts, rings, billfolds, crosses, and pearls.
Weekly payment plans available.
Simoni’s Flower House — Norwood
Promoting flowers as expressions of sympathy and affection.
Located on the Boston–Providence Highway.
Norwood Community Life & Local Notes
New Cadet Nurses from Norwood
Two young women from Norwood have entered wartime nursing service:
- Miss Florence Hughes of Norwood Street has begun training at Faulkner Hospital, Jamaica Plain.
- Miss Martha Quimby of Pine Road has left for three years of Cadet Nurse training at Bridgeport Hospital, Connecticut.
Their service reflects the continuing contribution of Norwood families to the wartime medical effort.
Norwood Resident Returns from Overseas
T/Sgt. A. J. Carleton Rafuse — East Walpole / Norwood Connection
Technical Sergeant Carleton Rafuse, whose father resides on East Street in East Walpole, returned home after 20 months overseas.
His service included:
- Paratroop missions in the invasions of Sicily and Italy
- Flying a C‑47 through anti‑aircraft fire on D‑Day
- Participation in the Holland airborne operation
He has earned the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Good Conduct Medal, and a Presidential Unit Citation.
After leave, he will report to Atlantic City for reassignment.
Norwood Social Notes
Mrs. Brock Trapnell — Norwood
Mrs. Brock Trapnell of Washington Street advertises her specialty tea sandwiches for local gatherings, a familiar offering in Norwood’s social circles.
Dr. and Mrs. Sidney A. Weston — Norwood
Dr. and Mrs. Weston of Brook Road are attending the International Congregational Church Conference in Cleveland.
Miss Yvonne Letourneau — Norwood
Miss Letourneau of Billings Street has returned to Endicott Junior College after a six‑week break.
Norwood Military News
Pfc. Francis J. Petraitis — Wounded in Action
Pfc. Francis J. Petraitis, age 20, of 742 Pleasant Street, was wounded in Luxembourg on January 4 while serving with the 35th Infantry of the Third Army.
- Graduate of Norwood High School, Class of 1943
- Former employee of Kendall Mills
- Recently transferred from anti‑aircraft duty to infantry
His parents have been notified by the War Department.
Seaman 1/c Andrew J. Malacaria — Wounded
Seaman First Class Andrew J. Malacaria, USNR, of 1360 Washington Street, has been wounded in action.
His parents learned of the injury through a letter from their son, who reported being slightly wounded on October 21.
A brother, John, serves in the Army Air Forces.
Pfc. John P. Maleiko — Wounded in Belgium
Pfc. John P. Maleiko, age 19, of 37 Dean Street, was wounded in Belgium on January 10 while serving with the 331st Infantry.
- Entered service in October 1943
- Trained at Fort Meade
- Overseas since April 1944
- Former employee of Hayes & Wall Garage
- Attended Norwood schools
His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Victor Mills, have been notified.
Norwood Business & Employment
Sansone Motors — Norwood
Seeking used cars of any make or year, offering high prices.
Located at 106 Broadway.
Singer Repair Shop — Norwood/Walpole
Offering service and parts for sewing machines and vacuum cleaners, with Norwood contact numbers.
Hartshorn’s Market — Norwood
Featuring Heinz condensed soups and weekly grocery specials at 615 Washington Street.
Stevens Delicatessen — Norwood
Promoting Heinz soups and deli items at 651 Washington Street.
C & W Food Mart — Norwood
Offering Heinz soups and local grocery staples on Nahatan Street.
Humphrey’s Market — Norwood
Another Norwood grocer advertising Heinz specials, located at 625 Washington Street.
Norwood Clothing & Retail
Nasher Manufacturing Co. — Stoughton (Norwood Customer Base)
A factory salesroom advertising discounted overcoats, suits, and trousers.
Although located in Stoughton, the ad is directed at Norwood residents and appears regularly in Norwood papers.
Fred C. Browne Ford — Walpole (Serving Norwood)
Advertising fair‑price car purchases and wartime‑compliant transactions.
Many Norwood residents used Browne Ford as their nearest dealership.
Norwood Business Directory
Joseph S. Crowley — Attorney‑at‑Law
193 Walpole Street, Norwood.
Norwood Sheet Metal Works
8 Vernon Street — radiator repair and metal work.
Bob’s Bicycle Shop — Norwood
Sales and repairs, open evenings.
D. Nuzzo & Son — Norwood
Brick and stone masons, fireplaces, chimneys, plastering, grading.
John H. Mosses — Norwood
Oil heating service with 21 years’ experience.
Albert E. Fisher — Norwood
Carpenter, builder, and real estate services.
Forrest Paving Co. — Norwood
Driveways and parking areas surfaced with hot mix or Durfee mix.
Central Taxi Co. — Norwood
24‑hour service from downtown Washington Street.
Jack’s Taxi & Travel Bureau — Norwood
Limousines for weddings and funerals.
Norwood Taxi Co. — Guild Square
Local and long‑distance service.
Flaherty’s Men’s Shop — Norwood
Tuxedo and morning‑coat rentals.
Symoni’s Flower House — Norwood
Floral arrangements for all occasions.
Ernest May Funeral Service — Norwood
Nichols Street.
Norwood On This Day-Friday, February 2, 1945
War News Affecting Norwood Families Five Local Servicemen Wounded in Action Families in Norwood received difficult news this week as five servicemen were officially reported wounded in action: Each of these men trained locally before deployment and had been employed…
Norwood On This Day-Thursday, February 1, 1962
A cold Thursday settles over Norwood and its neighboring towns, the kind of sharp New England winter day that makes the steam rise from chimneys and the sidewalks crunch underfoot. The front page of the Norfolk County Free Press carries…
