Norwood in the 1920's

From the June 4, 1924 Courier & Freeman:

Norwood, June 4: Memorial Day exercises were held here on Friday forenoon. The children of the High School followed by the Civil War veterans, the Woman's Relief Corps and the American Legion marched to the park where the exercises were held, after which they went to the different cemeteries where they decorated the graves of the deceased soldiers. Dinner was served in the G.A.R. Hall by the Woman's Relief Corps.

From the Watertown Daily Times:

75 Years Ago

June 28, 1925: The mishap of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus train at Norwood Sunday recalls the famous wreck of the Barnum & Bailey circus train only a few miles from that spot Aug. 22, 1889. By a coincidence the circus in each case was bound for Montreal. The accident in 1889 occurred at Clark's crossing between Potsdam and Norwood. Although no human lives were lost, the pileup was the worst in the history of what is now the St. Lawrence division.

July 31, 1925: While the majority of residents of that community are probably unaware of the fact, the present year marks the 50th anniversary of the adoption by the corporation of the name Norwood, and the passage of the necessary legislation to make legal the change of the place from Potsdam Junction.

The name of Baldwin was first suggested, that name being chosen to honor one of the pioneer residents of the community who did much for its development. A resolution was adopted that the name of the railroad depot and post office be changed to Baldwin. The necessary papers were drawn and forwarded to Albany. It was found, however, that there was already one post office of Baldwin in New York state, and the papers were returned.

Jan. 7, 1926: The Norwood Volunteer Fire Department on Thursday evening, Jan. 14, at 7 will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the department. The department is proud of the fact that it has as an active member, one of the oldest firemen in the state, Rollin D. Reed, who joined as a charter member, the Defiance Fire Company on Jan. 8, 1876, and he has continued as an active fireman ever since. At the time Mr. Reed joined, there were two departments in Norwood. One was called The Defiance Fire Company No. 1, which was organized Jan. 8, 1876, and the other was called the Rescue Fire Company No. 2, organized Jan. 6, 1876.

From the Friday, November 11, 1927 Potsdam Herald:

Dr. C. O. Sumner and family left Saturday for Syracuse, where they expect to make their future home. The Sumner family for many years have been identified with all the best interests of the community. During the flu epidemic in 1918 Dr. Sumner worked untiringly and it was due to his able and ceaseless efforts that the situation was handled with such skill and few fatalities. All feel this was the beginning of his physical breakdown. As an appreciation of his faithful service as a physician here the past 35 years, St. Lawrence Lodge of Perfection, What Cheer Lodge F. & A.M., and Lyra Chapter O.E.S., each presented the doctor with a gift of twenty-five dollars. Besides these gifts the business and professional men made him a good-will gift of two hundred and seventy dollars-Norwood News.

From the Tuesday, March 22, 1927 edition of the Canton Commercial Advertiser:

 Several residents of this section, who fell to the plea of "Blind Man Taylor" and set $1.25 for four knit ties sent out on approval, will not feel so well about it since a denunciation reached here from the better business bureau of St. Louis, where the tie salesman lives.

The better business bureau reported that "Blind Man Taylor" is Ernest Howell and his condition is not so unfortunate as his soulful letter indicates. He is connected with a knitting mill which is claimed to be owned by Jacob Karchmer.

The success of the venture has led other manufacturers to enter the game. One blind man has just signed a contract for 20 percent of the profits, it was said-Norwood News.

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