Updated: May 8, 2003

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A Little History

Linden Park was the attraction that got many of us together in our youth and it seemed only fitting that the park be the meeting place to further socialize and enjoy each others company. This past June it was great to meet at the brand new Linden School in Linden Park, which opened about 30 days prior to our meeting. We were treated royally and those that attended thoroughly enjoyed the school and the meeting.

• JOHN NOFTLE, who originated the idea, has been the main cog in the wheel and has been elected PRESIDENT again and again.
• ANN MADIGAN, our Vice President, was also elected Chairman of the Hall of Fame Committee.
• ROBERT SULLIVAN, assisted by his wife Lucille, is still doing an excellent job as Treasurer.
• PHYLLIS HARRINGTON, was elected secretary and she continues to do an excellent job.
• NORMAN LANG, our computer expert, continues to give us tremendous assistance in computerizing the list of names and has spent many hours working at this task. He has recovered nicely from major surgery and is now hard at work compiling the new list that numbers over 650 names.
• Other members of committees include: BILL DEMPSEY; EMILY FEENER; FRANK GRADY; LINCOLN HARRINGTON (Ex Vice President ); ROGER MELANSON ( Ex Hall of Fame Chairman); DONALD TWOMBLY and RALPH VERNET.

There are many persons that contribute to the effort and I apologize if I missed naming anyone for their contributions. The hundreds of letters and emails that we received, have indicated, that the consensus is the Linwood Seniors is a great idea. I might add at this time, it would be nice if more people would offer to join the committees, as some of our real steady workers are forced, for health reasons, to reduce their efforts. We owe a debt of gratitude to these persons and wish them well.

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Mrs. Florence Fitzgerald (shown in the photo) was awarded the first Honorable Mention Group award for the year 2000 for her outstanding achievements during her lifetime. She passed away in 1976, after living in Linden almost 50 years. She has too many accomplishments to list them all here and most of us remember her for the many activities during the Linden Improvement Association’s 4th of July celebration. Her children: Gerald, James, Jean Smith and Ursula Matthes, received commemorative plaques during that reunion.

The new Linden School has been completed and is in full operation and we enjoyed our reunion inside the new school in June. The picture of the new school is an architect’s drawing.

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This is a picture at the old schools closing celebration, which was attended by Bill Dempsey, (ex-Principal of this Linden School), Ann Madigan and Roger Melanson, among many others.

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This picture shows John Noftle and Roger Melanson at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the new Linden School.

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The group picture was taken during a special breakfast set up to present Bill Dempsey with his 1999 Hall of Fame award, as he could not be present at that reunion. Front row: Theresa Dempsey, Emily Feener, Frank Grady, Roger Melanson. Back row: Don Twombly, Bill Dempsey, John Noftle, Al Ruelle, and Ann Madigan.

Bill Dempsey has created a book that is entitled, "Linden in the 30’s and 40’s, Our Memories, Linwood Seniors." He relates his many memories during his childhood days in this book and he hopes that this book will eventually include many things such as: area maps from that era; illustrative photos; stories of neighbors who made a difference; special memories pertinent to the street (s) on which one lived; information about area schools, churches, clubs, theaters, stores, recreation spots, etc., and legends that have been passed down through the years. We hope that while reading his book you will take the time to jot down on a piece of paper, that you should have handy before starting to read, some of your own memories, that could be shared with everyone. I intend to try to write a few lines myself, while reading the many interesting memories that Bill offers to us. Please help us in this endeavor, as we think it would be wonderful for our children and grand children to read and be aware of the wonderful things that went on in Linden and Maplewood that created our wonderful heritage. As Bill has said many times, Linden was and is a wonderful place to grow up in.

He is selling this book for $7 each. If you need help remembering, send for the book, otherwise, send some pictures and memories to:
Bill Dempsey
29 Lynde St.
Malden, Ma. 02148.

Bill reminded me that he is also looking for current photos, as well as the good old days photos. He promises to return all photos after making copies. He hopes to double or triple the volume of this book by the next reunion. Please do your share. Bill’s email address is: [email protected]

Remember to mark your calendar and we hope that you will be at the next reunion on Friday June 28, 2002, at the Linden School in the A.M., then the luncheon at Anthony’s Restaurant on Canal Street in Malden at l:00 P.M. We hope the cost will be the same as this year, at $16.00 each, or $30.00 per couple. A letter to update the details of the reunion of 2002 and other news of the Linwood Seniors should be mailed out in April.
We are still looking for more names and more information concerning Linwood Seniors or persons that should be included in this group. We are trying to keep track of those deceased, as well as those still alive and kicking.

Contacts

We plan to have an updated members list, with email addresses, available at the next reunion. We want to include as many e-mail addresses on this list so please send your email addresses to Roger Melanson at [email protected] or to Norman Lang at [email protected] as soon as possible! Please note several changes in email addresses. Remember, email addresses can be any combination of capitals or small letters.
Also, please pass the word to any of your old friends (or persons over 60 that qualify) about the Linwood Seniors and have them get in touch with us at: