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Annual Reports of the City Officers + Depts. 1946
ANNUAL REPORTS
AS SUBMITTED E BY THE Officers and Departments
OF THE
CITY OF ATTLEBORO
MASSACHUSETTS
AXA
SA
A112 .1694 .
c1
FOR THE YEAR 1948
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016
https://archive.org/details/reportsoftownoff1948attl
ATTLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY
a316540013024446
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE
Officers and Departments
OF THE
CITY OF ATTLEBORO
AT 974148
RO
SA
AXA
HU
0.1
110 . 1694 . SJ
FOR THE YEAR 1948
ATTLEBORO PRINT INC., ATTLEBORO, MASS.
ATT COURO PUBLIC LIBRARY JOSEPH L. SWEET MEMORIAL
but .. MRct
49 2207
ANNUAL REPORT
3
City Officers
Small numbers after office indicate how chosen
1-Appointed by Mayor 2-Elected by Council 3-Elected by Voters
Office Inspector of Animals-1 City Almoner-1 (Welfare Agent)
Assessors-1
Isaac H. Bruce
February, 1949
Patrick J. Byrnes, Chair.
February, 1950
John J. Hodge
February, 1951
City Auditor-2
Edward H. Brown
January, 1951
Joseph H. Mowry
February, 1949
Kenneth F. Blandin
January, 1950
Doris L. Austin
January, 1950
Constables-1
Hormidas Allard
February, 1949
Howard H. Caswell
February, 1949
Eli Franklin
February, 1949
Clarence E. Weeman
February, 1949
Municipal Council-3 Members at Large
James A. Freeman, President
January, 1950
Cyril K. Brennan
January, 1950
John J. Johnson
January, 1950
Gordon M. Mackinnon
January, 1950
Earl G. Pithie
January, 1950
Members by Wards
Ward 1
Willis A. Newton
January, 1950
Ward 2
Arthur Hinds
January, 1950
Ward 3
Franklin R. McKay
January, 1950
Ward 4
Bertrand O. Lambert
January, 1950
Ward 5
Herbert C. Lavigueur
January, 1950
Ward 6
Charles A. Smith
January, 1950
Guardian of Foreclosed Property-1
Henry Rotenberg
Indefinite
Dog Officer-1
Antone Dias
June, 1949
Electrical Inspector-1
William S. King
Permanent
Fence Viewer-Field Driver-1
Hartwell H. Crossman
February, 1949 Indefinite
Hayward H. Sweet
February, 1949
Joseph O. Mowry
February, 1950
Charles G. Thomae
February, 1951
William E. Sweeney, Chairman
February, 1952
Supt. of Fire Alarm-1
William S. King
Permanent
Fire Department
Joseph O. Mowry
Board of Fire Engineers-1
Incumbent
Dr. Frederick L. Briggs
Term Expires March 31, 1949
Frederick J. Franz
Permanent
Building Inspector-1 City Clerk-3 City Collector-3
4
ANNUAL REPORT
Forest Warden-1
Joseph O. Mowry
February, 1949
City Forester, Moth Superintendent-1
Health Officer-1
Dr. Fernand L. Girouard
February, 1949
Hsalth Nurse (Appointed by Health Officer)
Lois E Wilmarth Permanent
Dental Hygienist (Appointed by Health Officer) Sturdy Memorial Hospital, City Representatives on Board of Managers
Francis J. O'Neil, Mayor
February, 1949
William Marshall, ex-off.
February, 1949 February, 1949
Housing Authority
Charles C. Cain, Jr.
April, 1950
Leonard 1. Lamb
April, 1952
John E. Turner
April, 1953
Board of Licenses-1
E. Raymond Truell June, 1949
Francis P. Cronan, Chair.
June, 1951
Zelotis Wetherell June, 1953
Public Library, Trustees of-1
Leland B. Smith February, 1949
Dr. Frederick V. Murphy
February, 1949
Frank Lisher
February, 1949
Mrs. Margaret W. Conro Lydia J. Gregory
February, 1950
Edwin F. Leach, Chair
February, 1950
Raymond L. Horton, Treas.
Mrs. Winthrou Barden, Sec.
Mrs. Gertrude F. Chilson
February, 1951 February, 1951 February, 1951
Librarian (Appointed by Library Trustees) Lockup Keeper-1 Mayor Measurer of Lumber-1
Mrs. Lucille Palmer Cavender Indefinite
Peter J. Marron
February, 1949
Francis J. O'Neil
January, 1950
City Messenger-2
John B. Bowen
February, 1949
Frank L. Cushman
Permanent
Thomas G. Sadler
February, 1949
Samuel M. Stone, Chair.
Harry C. Wolfenden, Sec.
February, 1950 February, 1951
Park Supt. (Appointed by Park Commissioners) Planning Board-1
Robert W. Sharkey
Permanent
Robert W. Mawney
Walter A. Cunningham
Philip F. Leach Clifford A. Swanson
February, 1949 February, 1949 February, 1950 February, 1950 February, 1951
J. Burleigh Moulton
Rev. Frank L. Briggs, Chair. William O. Sweet
February, 1952 February, 1953
February, 1949
Plumbing Inspector (Appoint- ed by Health Inspector) Allen A. Gross
Warren P. Hofmann
February, 1949
Mrs. Mary E. Turner
Indefinite
James A. Freeman-2
February, 1950
George F. Lincoln
February, 1949
Milk Inspector (Appointed by Health Officer) Park Commissioners-1
5
ANNUAL REPORT
Police Commissioners-1
Frank J. Nerney
February, 1949
Jolin E. Turner
February, 1950
Thomas H. Brennan John W. Wolfenden
February, 1952
Peter J. Marron, Act. Chief
Indefinite
Robert W. Mawney, Supt.
February, 1951
Recreation Commissioners-1
William A. Blackburn
February, 1949
John J. Murray
February, 1950
William Liddell
February, 1950
Frank Miller
February, 1951
John W. Redding
February, 1951
Louis J. Perry
February, 1949
Mrs. Lilla Conant
February, 1950
Mrs. Eva L. Kent
February, 1951
Clayton A. MacDonald
February, 1952
Rehabilitation and Reemploy- ment Director-1
Christopher W. McNary Indefinite
Retirement Board
Edward H. Brown, Ex-Off.
Indefinite
Doris H. Austin, (Elected my members of system) March, 1949 Earl P. Cooper-1 July, 1950
Mrs. Deboralı Richardson
January, 1950
Anderson S. Briggs
January, 1950
Mrs. Alice Stobbs
January, 1950
Mrs. Olive M. Keeler
January, 1950
Victor G. Vaughan
January, 1952
Mrs. Pearl Briggs
January, 1952
William A. Nerney, Chair
January, 1952
Henry M. Crowther
January, 1952
Thomas G. Sadler, Jr.
January, 1952
Richard A. Martin
Permanent
Dorothy B. Wendell, R. N.
Permanent
Dr. Herbert G. Vaughan Permanent
Daniel O. Connell February, 1949
Soldirs' Relief and Burial Agent-2 City Solicitor-1
Arthur B. Cummings
February, 1949
Daniel A. J. Doyle
February, 1949
City Stenographer-2
Gladys Hinds William Marshall
February, 1949
Treasurer of the Capron and Deborah Starkey Funds
All ex-officio
Francis J. O'Neil, Major William Marshall, Treasurer
William A. Nerney, Chairman of School Committee
Thomas E. McCaffrey, Chair. James McBrien Kenneth Crook, Sec.
February, 1949
February, 1950 February, 1951
School Committee-3
Supt. of Schools (Appointed by School Committee) School Nurse (Appointed by School Committee) School Physician (Appointed by School Committee) Sealer of Weights and Measures-1
City Treasurer-3
January, 1950
Trust Fund Commissioners-1
February, 1951
Police Department-1 Public Works Department-1
Board of Registrars
6
ANNUAL REPORT
Board of Public Welfare-1
John J. Maynard John K. Henderson, Chair. G. William Goddard
February, 1949
February, 1950 February, 1951
Zoning Board of Appeals-1
Clarence D. Roberts
February, 1949
Lawrence B. Gilbert John D. Baer (Assoc. Members) Charles E. Judge Elmer E. Tufts, Chair.
February, 1949
February, 1950
February, 1951
Viola O'Hare, Clerk
Indefinite
7
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the City Clerk
1949 Expenditures $5,829.16
1949 Budget 5,892.50
Attleboro, Mass., Jan 3, 1949
Hon. Francis J. O'Neil, Mayor 1 City of Attleboro, Mass.
,
Dear Mr. Mayor:
I enclose the report of the City Clerk's Department for the year 1948, show- ing that a total of $14,351.08 was taken in over the department counter for licenses, fees, dog licenses and sport licenses, for recording chattel mortgages and sale of certified copies of record. This is the highest amount ever taken in by this department and much of it is clear gain to the city. The County gets a large percentage of the dog license fees and the State Fish and Game De- partment gets the bulk of the money taken in for the sale of sporting licenses. The City gets the rest, the City Clerk of Attleboro, not retaining the service fees as is done in almost every city in the state.
The breakdown that accompanies this letter will show just how every penny was taken in and how it was re-distributed either to the City Treasurer or the State Fish and Game Department.
I would like to call to your attention the new high revenue for recording chattel mortgages, assignments, etc., which is clear gain to the City-an enor- mous increase in business in the past few years, all of which has been handled by the Clerk and one very capable assistant.
During the year the City Clerk made a visit to the Hebronville-Dodge- ville district for the sale of dog licenses and also visited the South Attleboro section, both in the evening. The City Clerk's office was also open for three evenings until 9 p. m., when the dog licensing season was on. The Clerk's office is open each Wednesday from 8:30 a. m., through 8 p. m., for con- venience of people unable to get to the office for business through the noon hour when it is open, or through the working hours of the day.
I am still advocating a separate office for the City Clerk's Department, also more room for storage of records, files, etc., and would welcome a chance to discuss these matters wtih the Mayor or members of the City Council.
Returning to figures the vital statistics of the City through December 31, 1948, showed for the year: 1185 births, 367 deaths, and 397 marriages.
Yours truly,
Kenneth F. Blandin,
City Clerk
8
ANNUAL REPORT
1948
Motor
Hackney Express
Sunday
Com. Vic. Lodging 19.50
Pool Bowling
Auc- tioneer
Sec. Hd. Junk
Jan.
2.00
23.00
Feb.
2.00
22.00
2.50
Mar.
4.00
12.00
170.00
10.00
50.00
6.00
104.00
Apr.
2.00
262.00
65.00
2.00
70.00
2.00
2.00
June
4.00
7.00
5.00
6.00
6.00
5.00
July
21.00
6.00
Aug.
2.00
8.00
6.00
Sept.
4.00
3.00
6.00
3.00
Oct.
4.00
8.00
10.00
3.00
100.00
Nov.
45.00
6,00
5.00
30.00
200.00
Dec.
10.00
1.00
48.00
Totals
79.00
400.00
265.00
133.00
120.00
23.00
461.00
DISBURSEMENTS OF CITY CLERK IN 1948 To City Treas. To City Treas. To State License Fees
January
309.65
County (Dogs) 32.60
Fish-Game 909.25
Total 2151.50
February
193.45
128.00
321.45
March
1002.85
1587.80
204.75
2795.40
April
1056.35
1834.60
1128.00
4018.95
May
523.75
240.60
526.75
1291.10
June
515.20
130.20
307.25
952.65
July
268.90
109.40
259.25
637.55
August
271.25
145.20
96.25
512.70
September
306.30
77.60
99.75
483.65
October
458,58
46.20
438.50
943.28
November
526.35
33.00
172.75
732.10
December
305.60
17.40
87.75
410.75
Totals
5738.23
4254.60
4358.25
14351.08
FISH AND GAME
LICENSES
City
State
January
356
998.25
89.00
909.25
February
45
139.25
11.25
128.00
March
99
229.50
24.75
204.75
April
639
1281.75
153.75
1128.00
May
273
595.00
68.25
526.75
June
179
351.50
44.25
307.25
July
137
293.25
34.00
259.25
August
53
109.25
13.09
96.25
September
43
110.00
10.25
99.75
October
220
492.50
54.00
438.50
November
68
189.00
16.25
172.75
December
36
96.75
9.00
87.75
Totals
2148
4886.00
527.75
4358.25
Month
Veh.
No. of Licenses
Value of
Licenses
Fees
Fees
May
27.00
10.00
50.00
9
ANNUAL REPORT
Amuse-
Theaters
Gas
Signs Marriage
Cert. Copies
Re- cording 90.00
.85
218.25
19.75
8.00
2.00
2.00
20.00
14.70
89.25
182.20
41.50
108.00
29.50
82.00
38.00
21.30
146.00
10.60
832.90
53.25
10.00
63.00
19.00
60.00
21.20
138.55
.20
746.20
22.25
8.00
15.50
23.00
58.00
17.60
168.75
11.00
435.10
112.00
10.00
3.50
2.00
114.00
32.40
151.95
.30
459.15
23.00
8.00
2.00
40.00
22.60
101.00
1.70
225.30
18.00
8.00
2.00
64.00
19.40
116.50
2.5
246.45
29.00
10.00
1.00
2.00
52.00
18.90
159.95
.80
289.65
19.00
8.00
1.00
1.00
54.00
27.90
153.03
10.85
399.78
38.00
8.00
1.00
1.00
42.00
22.60
108.00
.50
507.10
18.00
10.00
1.00
1.00
34.00
23.60
148.00
.40
295.00
411.75
204.00
127.00
133.00
612.00
257.60
1570.98
39.75
4837.08
DOG LICENSES
No. of Licenses
Value of Licenses
City Fees
County Fees
January
12
35.00
2.40
32.60
February
(none issued in February)
March
726
1733.00
145.20
1587.80
April
782
1991.00
156.40
1834.60
May
102
261.00
20.40
240.60
June
59
142.00
11.80
130.20
July
48
119.00
9.60
109.40
August
59
157.00
11.80
145.20
September
32
84.00
6.40
77.60
October
24
51.00
4.80
46.20
November
15
36.00
3.00
33.00
December
8
19.00
1.60
17.40
Totals
1867
4628.00
373.40
4,254.60
Miscel.
Totals
ments
Ammun.
18.00
8.00
5.50
36.00
15.40
10
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF ATTENDANCE OF COUNCILMEN AT 1948 COUNCIL MEETINGS
Present
Absent
Tot.
President Freeman
29
1 30
Mr. Newton
28
2 30
Mr. Smith
29
1 30
Mr. Hinds
27
3
30
Mr. Johnhon
25
5
30
Mr. McKay
24
6
30
Mr. Lambert
30
0
30
Mr. Lavigueur
30
0
30
Mr. Pithie
28
2
30
Mr. Brennan
25
5
30
Mr. Macinnon
27
3
30
Total number of meetings held
30
MEETING DATES-1948
January 6th
January 12th-Special
January 20th
February 3rd
February 9th-Special
February 20th
March 2nd
March 16th
March 18th-Special
April 6th
April 20th
April 30th-Special
May 4th
May 18th
June Ist
June 15th
July 6th
July 13th-Adjourned
August 3rd
August 10th-Special
September 7th
September 21st
October 5th
October 19th
November 2nd
November 16th
December 7th
December 13th-Special
December 21st
December 27th-Special
11
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Fire Department
1948 Expenditures $236,899.77
1949 Budget 222,695.75
To His Honor the Mayor Francis J. O'Neil and the Municipal Council:
Your Fire Department submit their Annual Report for the year 1948 and Recommendations for the year 1949.
Your Chief and Deputy Chiefs of Department have always been firm believers in Fire Prevention, as well as the Board of Engineers. This year ends our first year under Fire Prevention Inspection and we are pleased to state it has been a success.
The Board of Fire Engineers wish again to call to your attention the age of the apparatus in the Department.
LOCATED AT CENTRAL STATION
Engine 1-750 gal. triple combination purchased 1918
Engine 3-500 gal. triple combination purchased 1939
Ladder 3-City service truck. purchased 1924
Supply-Ford pickup purchased 1941
Chief-Chrysler sedan purchased 1942
Deputy-Hudson sedan purchased 1946
UNION STREET STATION
Engine 2-750 gal. triple combination purchased 1926
Ladder 1-85 ft. aerial truck purchased 1945
SOUTH ATTLEBORO STATION
Engine 5-500 gal. triple combination purchased 1932
Ladder 2-65 ft. junior aerial truck purchased 1944
TWIN VILLAGE STATION
Engine 4-750 gal. triple combination purchased 1926
now out of service, waiting for a new motor
The Department has responded to the following alarms in 1948: Alarms by boxes 52
Assembly 3 Still Alarms 410 Total 465
12
ANNUAL REPORT
CLASSIFICATION
Automobiles
33
Bridge
4
Broken water pipe
1
Brush
149
Buildings
54
Chimney
11
Dump
27
Electric Appliance
6
Electric Motor
2
Electric Wires
4
Electric Pole
1
False
12
Fence
1
Flooding Pond
1
Flushing, Gasoline and Oil
10
Gain Entrance
19
Hay Stack
1
Lumber
5
No. Fire
24
Oil Burner
26
Out of City
6
Fireworks Display
1
Over-heated Furnace
2
Plane Crash
1
Railroad Ties.
1
Remove Icicles
5
Rescue Animal
2
Rescue Person
2
Resuscitator
22
Rope in Flag Pole
12
Sawdust
2
Sprinklers
8
Syphon
10 Total 465
Hose laid 16,950 ft. of 21/2 in., 3,000 ft. of 11/2 in, raised 2,113 ft. ladders. Water cans 410, Booster 159, Pyrenes 25, Foam 3, Oxygen tanks 24, C. O. 2-1, Boat-1.
Assistance was given to North Attleboro 2, Norton 2, Seekonk 1 and Mansfield 1.
FIRE LOSS-1948
Value of Buildings at risk
$1,466,150.00 1,851,900.00
Value of Contents at risk
$3,318.050.00
Insurance on Buildings
1,475,700.00
Insurance on Contents
1846,200.00
3,321,900.00
Loss on Buildings
13,420.88
Loss on Contents
15,206.46
28,627.34
Insurance paid on Buildings
13,095.88
Insurance paid on Contents. ........... 15,046.46
28,142.34
Loss not covered by Insurance. .........
485.00
13
ANNUAL REPORT
RECOMMENDATIONS
Salary and Wages
We have recommended an increase in wages for the Officers and men.
The Chief and four Deputies devote all of their time to the Department and do not have any other work outside of the Department. They are on call at all times and do not come in for much overtime. Because of the overtime and the responsibility of the position they should receive added compensation the same as any executive.
Apparatus and Equipment
One 750 gallon triple combination.
As may be noted on the first page of our report we have listed the dates and age of our apparatus. We again recommend the purchase of a new pump- ing unit.
One 500 gallon pump plus 500 gallon water tank, 50 gallon liquid foam tank and equipment for handling gasoline fires, such as a trailer tank truck on fire on our highways, autos on fire in a parking area where a hundred cars could burn. This is a recommendation that should not be ignored as we would be unable to handle the above described fires without the proper equipment.
One-way radio be purchased and installed on a piece of apparatus in South Attleboro.
The purchase of one thousand feet of two and one half inch hose.
We are in accord with the recommendations of the Superintendent of Fire Alarms, which has our approval, be accepted.
Station Recommendations
We suggest that a new Central Fire Station be built to house all the ap- paratus in the South Main Street and Union Street Fire Stations. Also with this suggestion, a Fire Alarm Building as part of the Station, but separated by a fire wall.
Our opinion is that a careful study of this situation be made by a Com- mittee appointed by the Mayor and that this Committee shall have as members the Board of Fire Engineers, the Superintendent of Fire Alarms and any others that the Mayor may name.
Both Union Street and South Main Street Stations are in need of repairs that will have to be made within another year and possibly before.
We would suggest that such a Committee bring in figures for cost of land. building and Fire Alarm Equipment, by September 1, 1949.
We recommend again that the apparatus floor in South Attleboro Station be covered with Cement, as present floor is badly in need of repairs. The second floor of the South Attleboro Station, including bedrooms, is in bad condition and needs a heavy linoleum covering, otherwise a new floor will have to be laid very soon.
ESTIMATED EXPENSES Salary and Wages
Appropriated-1948
$198,222.04
EXPENDED __ 1948 197,181.68
BALANCE-1948
$1,040.36
14
ANNUAL REPORT
RECOMMENDATIONS-1949
Chief-$4,500.00
$4,500.00
4 Deputies-$4,000.00
16,000.00
9 Captains-$3,500.00
31,500.00
1 Mechanic-$3,500.00 3,500.00
54 Men-Full Pay-$3,000
162,000.00
12 Men-Not Full Pay
34,655.38
$252,155.38
Chief
$3,300.00
4 Deputies
11,200.00
9 Captains
23,400.00
1 Mechanic
2,600.00
$40,500.00
52 full paid men at $2,503.90
$130,202.84
Audette-February 29
59 days at $6.50
$383.50
306 days at 6.86
2,099.16
$2,482.16
Barton-February 29
59 days at
6.50
383.50
306 days at
6.86
2,099.16
$2,482.16
Deavellar-April 11
100 days at
6.50
650.00
265 days at
6.86
1,817.90
2,467.90
Kirby-April 11
100 days at
6.50
650.00
265 days at
6.86
1,817.90
2,467.90
Proulx-April 11
100 days at 6.50
650.00
265 days at
6.86
1,817.90
2,467.90
Lovejoy-April 18
107 days at
6.50
695.50
258 days at
6.86
1,769.88
$2,465.38
15
ANNUAL REPORT
Long- May 9
128 days at
6.50
832.00
237 days at
6.86
1,625.82
2,457.82
Green-May 16
135 days at
6.50
877.50
230 days at
6.86
1,577.80
2.455.30
Doucette-October 31
120 days at
6.10
732.00
183 days at
6.50
1,189.50
62 days at
6.86
425.32
2,346.82
Hayden-November 28
147 days at
6.10
896.70
184 days at
6.50
1,196.00
34 days at
6.86
233.24
2,325.94
Officers' pay roll
$40,500.00
52 full paid men
130,202.84
Audette
2,482.16
Barton
2,482.16
Deavellar
2,467.90
Kirby
2,467.90
Proulx
2,467.90
Lovejoy
2.465.38
Long
2,457.82
Green
2,455.30
Doucette
2,346.82
Hayden
2,325.94
195.122.12
Plus 2 men short
4,600.20
$199,722.32
Total amount of pay roll
2 men's pay: 181 days at $6.10
$1,104.10
184 days at 6.50
1,196.00
$2,300.10 for each man or $4,600.20
16
ANNUAL REPORT
RECOMMENDATIONS-1949 Maintenance of Equipment
Appro. 1948
Expended 1948
Needed 1949
Auto
$6,800.00
$6,653.33
$7,000.00
Stations
3,000.00
3,000.00
3,500.00
Hose
2,000.00
1,969.90
1,450.00
Apparel
1,625.00
1,668.37
3,200.00
All Other
25.00
158.40
200.00
$13,450.00
$13,450.00
$15,350.00
Apparel account-64 men at $50.00 each.
Hose account-1,000 ft, 21/2 in. at $1.45 a foot. All other, includes doctor bills, etc.
RECOMMENDATIONS-1949 Other Expense
Appro. 1948
Expended 1948
Needed 1949
Light
$600.00
$738.31
$740.00
Phone
500.00
490.29
600.00
Water
150.00
150.98
175.00
Fuel
3,785.00
3,686.00
3,800.00
Office
100.00
69.42
150.00
Conference Expense
275.00
275.00
350.00
$5,410.00
$5,410.00
$5,815.00
RECOMMENDATIONS-1949
Salary and Wages
$252,155.38
Maintenance of Equipment
15,350.00
Other Expenses
5,815.00
Triple Combination, 750 Gallon Pump
15,000.00
Tank Truck, 500 Gallon Pump
15,000.00
Two-Way Radio
650.00
$303,970.38
Appreciation
During the year several organiations and individuals have assisted our Department in many ways.
At this time we record our appreciation and thanks to the Red Cross, Box 9 Club and the doctors who have assisted us with their kindness during fires.
As always the Police Department has assisted us in many ways at fires and with the Radio, their cooperation has been excellent.
His Honor the Mayor Francis J. O'Neil, members of the Municipal Council, our Committee Fire and Police, have studied our requests for im- provements and have assisted materially to keep our Department in working condition satisfactory to the Insurance Underwriters.
ATTLEBORO FIRE DEPARTMENT, Board of Fire Engineers Chief Joseph O. Mowry Chairman William E. Sweeney Clerk Charles G. Thomae Hayward H. Sweet
17
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Public Library
1948 Expenditure $37,020.81
1949 Budget 38,866.50
March 8, 1949
To the Mayor and Council of the City of Attleboro:
Gentlemen:
The past year 1948 shows a record period with a circulation of 108,726. To the industrial, educational and recreational activities of the community, the library has been of great service.
The building was built to shelve and process 25,000 books. Today we have 63,280 volumes, a large picture, music and reference record collection. We must of course find more space somewhere and this is a problem which your Trustees are endeavoring to solve without placing too great a burden on the city's financial structure.
Enclosed is the librarian's report which gives in interesting detail the various activities of the library.
The Trustees feel proud of, and grateful to the Librarian Mrs. Lucile Cavender and her staff not only for a job well done but also for the spirit with which they have done it.
To our many friends we wish to express our sincere appreciation for the many gifts which have come to us. 1948 has been a record year in human re- lations also, which perhaps is the greater achievement.
Respectfully submitted, Trustees of the Attleboro Public Library,
Joseph L. Sweet Memorial Ethel F. Barden, Secretary.
January 10, 1949
To the Board of Trustees of the Attleboro Public Library:
Gentlemen:
That the Library has been an active institution in 1948 is amply attested by the circulation records. A total of 108,726 books and 5,613 pictures were loaned from the main library and the several agencies, Hebronville, Lincoln, Tiffany, and Washington branches and Sturdy Hospital service. While this is a gain of 4,823 books and 2,117 pictures over 1947, the actual volume gain is given added significance by checking the spots of increase.
The work with boys and girls has been increasing yearly, but Mrs. Ban- dilli, the Children's Librarian, reports that 1948 was the most active of the twenty years, with a gain of over 5,000 books over the previous high of 1939. Changing school curricula have brought closer school-library relationships, and this phase of the work has been considerably expanded by Mrs. Hoyle, special assistant in the Children's Room. The branch libraries, located as they are in, or near school buildings have a predominately junior patronage.
18
ANNUAL REPORT
In the adult field, the outstanding item of interest is the almost phenominal shift of reading interest from novels to broader recreational and vocational fields. In 1929, non-fiction represented 18.9% of the books loaned to adults; in 1948 45% of the adult books borrowed were non-fiction. While the useful arts, the technology, and the how-to-fix books account for slightly over 10% of the adult circulation for the past twenty years, only during the war years 1939,'40, '41, '42, '43, did they exceed the number of books borrowed in the fine arts classification. It is becoming increasingly evident that books and pictures in design, decoration, sculpture, gold and silversmithing are accepted tools of Attleboro industry.
An incidental note on library patrons shows that new library registrants and those who re-registered expired cards for the year 1948 totals 445 men and 488 women.
The library collection now contains 63,260 books. The housing, the care of, the classification and cataloging, and the assistance in use of such a collection demands trained and experienced personnel.
The library staff is cognizant of the need of technical training and con- tinuous self-education. Two assistants attended Pennsylvania State College for the summer session, and another is about to complete an extension course of college grade in cataloging methods. The staff was also represented at the sessions of an institute conducted by the Professional Staff Association of the Boston Public Library, on "Interpreting the Library Through Good Public Relations."
A shortage of full time personnel prevents systematic in-service training, though a beginning has been made in the field of periodicals, and by the practice of rotating tasks so that each junior assistant will have the benefit of work assignments with those of senior grade. .
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