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 the familiar mix of local pride, military service, civic bustle, and small‑town rhythms. New buses roll onto Washington Street. Mothers march door‑to‑door for charity despite biting winds. A new high school rises on Clapboardtree Street. And in the midst of it all, the hospital reports a record year — even as it prepares to open its long‑awaited addition.
It is a day full of movement: young men leaving for Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the Mediterranean; parish priests preparing for ordination ceremonies; barbershop singers competing in Canton; and civic groups planning dinners, card parties, and lectures. The town feels busy, earnest, and tightly knit — a community where names, streets, and institutions are woven into daily life.
Top Story of the Day
1961: A Record Year for Norwood Hospital
The Norwood Hospital announces that more people received care in 1961 than in any previous year, despite crowded conditions and limited equipment. Administrator Charles A. Richardson delivers a thoughtful report at the annual meeting of the Hospital Corporation on January 25.
He reminds the community that a hospital is not its building but its people:
“This is not the library. The library is inside.”
He adapts the metaphor to the hospital, emphasizing that the true institution is the staff — the nurses, doctors, technicians, and workers who sustain patient care.
The hospital’s major addition is nearing completion, and Richardson notes that once the new facilities open, “people helping people” will be able to flourish even more fully.
Civic, Political & Government Life
Registrar Riley Pushes to Repeal Compulsory Auto Insurance
Registrar of Motor Vehicles Clement A. Riley announces he will strongly support House Bill 2728, which would repeal Massachusetts’ compulsory auto insurance law and replace it with the Financial Responsibility Plan used in New Jersey and Ontario.
Riley argues that Massachusetts drivers — despite having one of the nation’s best safety records — pay unfairly high premiums. He cites a striking example: a man insured on the same car by the same company paid $148.24 in Massachusetts but only $38.08 after moving to New Jersey.
Home Rule Commission Reports
State Senator George A. Sullivan of Norwood announces that the Special Commission on Municipal Home Rule has completed its recommendations, including constitutional amendments that would expand local autonomy while preserving state oversight where necessary.
Town Administration & Public Records
Public Notices
The issue contains numerous legal notices, estate matters, and organizational announcements, though none specific to Norwood’s Town Clerk or court proceedings.
Public Works, Infrastructure & Utilities
New Buses on the Local Line
The Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway Company places two brand‑new buses into service on the Norwood route. One is displayed at Washington and Cottage Streets, where commuters inspect its wide windows, foam‑rubber seats, and diesel power.
Present at the unveiling:
- C. N. Sanford, Norwood Division Manager
- Town Manager Walter Blasenak
- Selectman Walter Dempsey
- Driver George Kelter
Fire Averted at Carver Corporation Plastics
A short circuit in a motor ignites a fire at the Hill Street plant, but the sprinkler system contains it until firefighters arrive. Damage is estimated at $1,500.
Schools & Education
Winslow School PTA Prepares Film Night
Parents will view color slides of student activities on February 6, with classroom visits beforehand and a bake sale to support PTA programs.
Norwood High PTA Draws Record Crowd
Principal Charles Hayden outlines curriculum improvements, a revised dress code, and a remarkably low dropout rate of 6%, compared to 22% statewide and up to 50% nationally.
Business, Commerce & Economy
Marrud, Inc. Names Three Vice Presidents
Norwood‑based Marrud, Inc., the nation’s largest operator of leased discount departments, promotes:
- Sidney Hentoff (Purchasing)
- Harvey Howard (Merchandising)
- Leonard Pearl (Subsidiaries: Marrud Candy & Marrud Stationery)
The company now operates 117 leased departments nationwide.
Hardlines Distributors Names Executive VP
Leo McCrensky of Sharon becomes executive vice president of Hardlines Distributors, Inc., which runs 75 departments in major stores.
Real Estate & Housing
Classifieds Reflect a Busy Market
Homes for sale include:
- Norwood Capes and ranches from $14,300–$22,500
- Westwood split‑levels in the mid‑$20,000s
- Foxboro ranches on large lots for $11,900–$15,500
- New apartments in Norwood for $125–$135/month
Cost of Living Snapshot
Grocery Prices
- Rump steak: $1.39/lb
- Live lobsters: 79¢/lb
- Bananas: 2 lbs for 29¢
- Campbell’s tomato soup: 9¢
- Boiled ham: 89¢/lb
Household Goods
- Aluminum combination windows: $19.95 installed
- Electric drills: $15.99
- Radiator enclosures: $8.95–$19.95
Labor & Industry
Factory Fire Prevention Emphasized
Deputy Fire Chief Irving Dobson addresses the Norwood Hospital nursing staff, stressing that smoke inhalation, not flames, is the leading cause of death in hospital fires.
Savogran Co. and Sharon Bolt & Screw Exhibit in Cleveland
Both Norwood‑area firms appear among 300 exhibitors at the Mid‑America Hardware Show.
Transportation & Travel
Military Maneuvers Affect Local Families
Several Norwood‑area servicemen depart for extended training or deployment, including:
- Morton F. Balduf of Walpole — to Alaska for Exercise Great Bear
- Michael W. Berteletti of Canton — to Puerto Rico for amphibious training
- Richard D. Sheehan of Canton — aboard USS Taconic for a Mediterranean cruise
Crime, Accidents & Public Safety
Break‑In on Route 1
The Bay State Gasoline Station near the Nahatan Street overpass is robbed of $213.12 after a rear window is smashed.
Car Crash on Washington Street
John Dunn of Dedham is hospitalized after striking a stone wall near 414 Washington Street.
Military & Veterans
Ordination at St. Catherine’s
Bishop Jeremiah F. Minihan will ordain eight members of the St. John’s Seminary Class of 1962 at St. Catherine’s Church on February 2.
National Pilgrimage to Europe
Bishop Minihan is named spiritual director of the Sixth National Pilgrimage to Ireland, Rome, and Lourdes, departing July 27 aboard the SS America.
Weather & Seasonal Notes
The paper does not list temperatures, but the Mothers’ March volunteers are described as braving “biting cold,” suggesting a sharp winter afternoon.
Library
Canton Art Association Hosts E. Richard Freniere
The Canton Public Library will host the artist for a demonstration in casein painting on February 2.
Cultural Life
Barbershop Competition in Canton
New Bedford’s Harpoon Harmonizers win first place in the Section Eight chorus contest.
The Firesiders of Fall River win the novice quartet division.
Films & Theater
Local theaters feature:
- The Hustler
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s
- Errand Boy
- World of Suzie Wong
- One‑Eyed Jacks
Social Life & Community
Mothers’ March Raises Over $2,600
Despite freezing weather, Norwood mothers and teenagers raise a remarkable total for charity.
Mrs. Thomas Martin of Douglas Avenue collects $168 on her own.
LCBA Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Branch 1424 of the Ladies’ Catholic Benevolent Association holds its anniversary banquet at Holiday Haven.
Cooking Party at Junior High
The Norwood Messenger and Norwood Gas Company sponsor a free cooking party featuring a Hamilton gas dryer as the top prize.
Domestic Life
Recipes demonstrated at the cooking party include:
- Cottage timbales
- Coffee layer cake with mocha frosting
- Broiled lamb chops
- Raspberry ribbon pie
Advertisements of the Day
A sampling of the era’s commercial voice:
- “Play it safe with insured cash” — Norwood Co‑operative Bank
- “Don’t settle for drops when you need gallons!” — Walton Humidifiers
- “Serving as we would be served” — May Funeral Service
- “You can’t humidify with toys!” — Ace Appliance
- “Try bowling — it’s the new modern way to stay slim” — Hi‑Way Bowlaway
Health & Medicine
February Is Heart Month
Columnist “Fran” Doran urges generosity toward heart‑disease research, calling it “the leading killer among Americans.”
Mail & Communication
No postal notices appear in this issue.
Agriculture & Food Supply
No local farm reports appear.
Births, Deaths & Personal Milestones
Births
- Victoria Hartshorn, born January 30 in Concord
- Caroline Anne Jordan, born January 22 in Jamaica Plain
Weddings
- Carole Mary Curran and Donald Alexius Meis, married at St. Catherine’s
- Engagements announced for Frances Jean Seeberger and Peter J. Rakauskas, Jr., and for Joan Therese Yalapi and Ronald Paul Haley
Deaths
- John W. Ferland, of Walnut Avenue, Norwood
Neighborhood & Social News
- Mrs. A. C. Anderson hosts a bridge party to benefit Norwood Hospital.
- The Trinity Alliance plans a Valentine‑themed card party on February 7.
- The Norwood‑Westwood Chapter of Hadassah meets February 5 at Everett Avenue.
Technology & Modern Conveniences
New Westinghouse Laundromat
Macchi Brothers advertise the 1962 Laundromat with:
- Weighing door
- Multi‑speed washing
- Automatic lint ejector
- Two deep rinses
Price: $209.95
Immigration & Naturalization
No items in this issue.
Crafts, Hobbies & Clubs
- Canton Art Association continues its popular classes with Claude Croney.
- Youth bowling leagues thrive at Hollywood Lanes and Hi‑Way Bowlaway.
Human‑Interest Stories
A 90‑Year‑Old Bowler Still Rolling
George W. Hambrook of Sharon turns 90 tomorrow and continues to bowl 7–8 strings every Monday night, averaging over 85.
Holidays & Seasonal Customs
Valentine’s Day preparations appear in card‑party announcements and themed prizes.
Regional, National & International News with Local Impact
Cold‑War Military Training
Local servicemen participate in U.S.–Canadian winter maneuvers in Alaska and large‑scale amphibious exercises in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
About This Article: Portions of this article were prepared with AI tools, including Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini. All final content was reviewed and approved by the author, George Curtis.
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…
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