USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Quincy > Inaugural address of the mayor, with the annual report of the officers of the city of Quincy for the year 1932 > Part 16
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To give to children the opportunity for education which comes through their play and games.
Through play and games to make adults more effective in their work.
Through the joyous activity of games to quicken the whole life of boys and girls so that they will do better work in schools.
To maintain the minimum standard of efficiency and physical adaptability essential to good citizenship and service to the com- munity.
To secure such a knowledge of games on the part of all and such general participation that neighbors may have many ways to be- come acquainted with one another.
To give through games and athletics an outlet for energy which might otherwise be spent in doing harm to the neighborhood.
Through games and athletics to make the neighborhood a better place for all-to build up a community morale.
Through games to develop the habits of team play and loyalty and make better citizens.
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CITY OF QUINCY
SPORTS
Baseball
No city in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts outside of the city of Boston has better facilities for the playing of baseball than the city of Quincy, with eight first-class regulation baseball fields, all of them under constant care of department workers, lined off, before games and furnished with bases, home plates and pitchers' rubbers. Every ward in the city has its own field and representa- tive teams. Eight hundred thirty-six permits were issued by the Board during the season besides the blanket permits given to the Junior High schools and the Playground Leagues.
Five infields were kept up to conform to big league regulations. Owing to lack of funds the Board were unable to sponsor a base- ball league this year. The Quincy Patriot Ledger, however, took over the league started by the Park Board last year with the co- operation of the members who served on the Board of Directors. A very successful season was enjoyed with play-off at the end of the season which was won by the Wollaston entry.
The Quincy Evening News sponsored the South Shore League, Chairman of the Park Board served on the Governing Board. A fast brand of baseball was played which gave thousands on the South Shore much pleasure. The Granite Trust entry won the trophy and were tendered a Victory Banquet by their associates.
All playgrounds were represented by senior and junior teams and were furnished with proper equipment. Owing to the short season, no league was organized. Inter-playground games were played with competition keen.
Football
This great American game of the rugged youth was encouraged in every way possible by the Board. Flood lights for night prac- tice were erected on seven playfields, six gridirons laid out and goal posts erected.
A six team Senior League and a seven team Junior League were organized. the Senior League having the exclusive use of Pfaff- man's Oval, and LaBrecque Park with the Juniors playing on the John J. O'Rourke and Henry L. Kincaide and playing several games at Pfaffman's Oval prior to the Senior contests.
This season was beyond all doubt the most successful since the Board sponsored this movement. Added attractions between the halves were furnished by Quincy Post No. 95 Drum Corps, Mor- rissette Post No. 294 Drum Corps, George F. Bryant, V. F. W. Fife, Bugle and Drum Corps, Taleb Grotto Patrol, St. Francis Court, Foresters of America, Old Dorchester Post No. 61 Drum Corps, Stella Del Norde Drill Team, and amplified music furnished by a local concern.
Hon. Richard B. Wigglesworth was the donor of the Senior League Trophy, which was won by the Manet A. C. of South Quincy in a play-off game with the Blessed Sacrament Lyceum team of Houghs Neck, both teams being tied in the standing at the close of the season. Junior League trophy was furnished by the Park Board.
Football Get-Together
On December 19, at the Quincy Arena, the Board sponsored a Sports' Night at which 2,000 fans and players of the football leagues gathered to witness the presentation of the trophies to the
253
REPORT OF PARK DEPARTMENT
Manet A. C. of the Senior League and Atlantic A. C. Juniors win- ners and West Quincy Maroons, runners-up in the Junior League.
A program of entertainment, music, boxing and wrestling was enjoyed.
Soccer
Quincy is very much in the limelight in soccer circles, having several teams of high-class calibre representing the city in leagues in Greater Boston.
Faxon, Merrymount Upper and Lower fields were laid out for soccer and were in constant use. The Clan McGregor team staged a cup tie game at Faxon Field which was attended by upwards of 3,000 people. The field was roped off for this game at the re- quest of the management.
The Board recommends that this field be roped off with a steel cable similar to the one used at Pfaffman's Oval. We feel it is absolutely necessary to properly conduct the games.
Swimming
One of the most enjoyable and healthful recreations for all is bathing as conducted at our bathing beaches at Tupper's Beach, Merrymount Park Beach, William Cushing Baker Park and Avalon Beach. Everything possible to insure safety to beginners with an experienced male instructor, who is assisted by those more ad- vanced acting as life guards. Swimming answers a two-fold pur- pose. Of the hygienic value little need be said, and as a protec- tion every man, woman and child should be able to swim.
Hockey
Unbounded enthusiasm greeted the Board at the start of the winter season. A nine team Senior League and a fourteen team Junior League was formed. All got away to a flying start with accommodations furnished at Comin's Rink, St. Moritz, Sailors' Home and Manet Lake. Several games were played, but a long spell of mild weather broke up the schedules and made it impossi- ble for the Park Department to furnish rinks for the games to be played.
Arrangements were made for teams who wished to stay in the Senior League to play at the Boston Arena. A modified schedule arranged and in the play-offs the Wollaston A. A. won the cham- pionship and the Kay Jewelry Trophy.
Winter Sports
When weather permitted winter sports were encouraged. To- boggans furnished at St. Moritz and the slides maintained. The unseasonable weather caused the Blue Hills Recreation Club to call off their winter carnival for the first time since their organi- zation several years ago.
The Board must admit that this activity was not a success this year, but were prepared with every facility to give service had the opportunity presented itself.
Band Concerts
This popular feature of the park's program was carried out with great success. In cooperation with the Mayor, City Council,
254
CITY OF QUINCY
Quincy Service Bureau, the Walter Smith Concerts were conducted at the new Acoustic Band Shell.
The Park Board worked to assist in every way possible to make the venture a paying one. While large gatherings were present at each concert the expense of conducting the band was so great that Mr. Smith was forced to discontinue before the series of 24 con- certs were completed. Several concerts were given by local bands. Wollaston Post 295 American Legion, Quincy National Band and Rossini's Boys' Band.
The Ward Band Concerts were not provided for in the budget this year, but we hope this will not prevail this coming year as many people will look forward to this musical treat each year in their home district.
Tennis
Quincy is, indeed, fortunate in having tennis courts located at Faxon Field, Atlantic, Bradford Street, Merrymount Park and Squantum. There are demands from Houghs Neck, South Quincy and West Quincy for courts. While we realize this is an expensive proposition, these demands should be considered at once.
Tennis championships were held at the Faxon Courts. The High School and city teams, open for male and female, were run off for cups donated by Henry M. Faxon. Tennis tournaments were held at the Squantum courts as part of the Supervised Playground program.
Track and Field
The second track and field meet sponsored by the Park Board was held at Pfaffman's Oval, Sunday, August 14, and was attended by a crowd estimated at 4,000.
Officials from the N. E. A. A. U. handled the meet, which was run off in an efficient manner. Prizes were donated by local mer- chants, citizens, city and state officials. Wollaston U. C. T. Band furnished music during the afternoon.
The team from the Massachusetts Fields' Playground won the meet and were awarded the Morrissette Post 294 Trophy.
Horse Shoe Pitching
Interest in this popular sport was encouraged on all play- grounds, each being equipped with sets. The Board cooperated with the St. Moritz Horse Shoe Pitching Club, which sponsored a championship meet. The National Horse Shoe Pitching champion was an honored guest. He gave an interesting exhibition.
Portable bleachers were furnished through the courtesy of the High School Athletic Association. The Board recommends several horse shoe pitching courts at Merrymount, where inter-city tour- naments may be held.
Archery
This is a sport that is fast gaining in favor. Several permits were issued for the use of the second field at Merrymount. With the filling in of a piece of low land near the second field this makes an ideal range, giving a natural bank in the rear of the targets.
The Quincy Chamber of Commerce are very much interested in this project and through their secretary have promised coopera- tion. The Board recommends that this section be set aside as a range and this feature be added to park activities.
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REPORT OF PARK DEPARTMENT
1
To Veteran Organizations
Recognition must be here made of the splendid cooperation ren- dered the Board by veteran organizations in this city. Their as- sistance in furnishing the color to the football contests and naming the playgrounds as recommended in last year's report.
Through their efforts Alfred N. LaBrecque and John J. O'Rourke, World War Veterans, and Henry L. Kincaide, Spanish War Veteran, were honored. Quincy Post 95 furnished the bugler for raising the colors at the Welcome G. Young ceremonies.
For the coming year there are the Elm Street, Montclair and Bradford Street Playgrounds which should be suitably named and dedicated.
The Park Board sincerely hope that the veterans of the city will continue the interest displayed in the past, in the future, helping in every way possible that young America may see the light of good citizenship and love of country that your comrades gave their lives to uphold.
Use of Unemployed "Labor"
In planning for the use of the unemployed in recreation systems, cities have thought immediately of the use of unemployed labor in the extension and improvement of areas, facilities and buildings. Unskilled labor has been successfully used in improving old areas and in grading and improving new ones. To develop the greatest opportunities for use of labor of this type it is essential that imagination and aggressive promotion effort be brought into play so that new areas can be secured through bond issues and appro- priations, through donations of individuals, through setting aside of areas by real estate sub-dividers, through the leasing or free use of vacant areas for sufficiently long periods to justify improve- ment.
Oftentimes much can be done through securing contribution of materials for the erection of such small buildings as shelter houses. Park and recreation departments have found it possible to secure special appropriations for the purchase of tools and materials nec- essary to the effective use of unemployed labor, these additional funds to be restricted to such purposes. Among some of the types of improvements made through the use of this special labor are:
Resurfacing of tennis grounds, playgrounds, etc.
Construction of new tennis courts
Construction in park areas of special facilities for such games as roque, croquet, bowling on the green
Concrete walks
Dirt roads Pipe fences
Gutters, drains and ditches
Rustic bridges
Trees felled and brush removed, replanting
Concrete water fountains
Concrete benches
Bridle paths
Grading Cinder paths
Stone walls
Earth and other filling
Concrete curbs
Construction of new and im- provement of old golf courses Building, wading and swimming pools
Culverts Earth paths
Concrete fence posts
Brick sewers
256
CITY OF QUINCY
Use of "White Collar" Unemployed
Cities generally have found that additional supervisory workers are required if this special labor is to be effectively used. They have secured such supervisors through the assignment of "white collar" workers by unemployment committees to park and recrea- tion departments, for such service as foremen.
The use of "white collar" workers is in most cities an important problem of the emergency employment committees. Some cities have been able to secure effective supplementary leadership and supervisory service through the use of individuals secured through emergency employment committees. These workers have been care- fully selected for their previous experience and natural ability for use in evening recreation centers for adults; for manning playgrounds and other outdoor areas where such areas would be otherwise closed because the regular budget for leadership covers only a short season. They can serve effectively also as activities' specialists, where they have been selected because of their pro- fessional or technical training and experience, or because of special ability arising from their own personal hobbies. They can be used effectively with arts and crafts groups, and for the conduct of music, drama and physical activities. In addition to being used successfully in existing centers and on existing grounds, they can be used in special centers opened to meet the special emergency needs of the unemployed.
In the use of unemployed individuals in these ways, it is essen- tial, of course, that provision be made for special intensive train- ing and that reasonably adequate supervision can be provided by the department through its executive or his staff.
Recommendations
Field house and locker rooms Merrymount Park. Provide com- fort stations where necessary. Fill in space on Black's Creek side of Pfaffman's Oval.
Charge small playing fees for use of Bowling Green. Complete Montclair and Dennis J. O'Neill Playgrounds. Build baseball dia- mond on second field, Merrymount. Close Mound Street Bath House. Encourage all-year-round activities on all playgrounds.
Appoint constable watchman for Band Shell during summer months. Caretakers for Bowling Green, Fore River club house, Avalon Beach comfort station, Merrymount dressing room, Squan- tum tennis club house.
Purchase one-half ton truck for general use of Park Depart- ment. Steel cable to rope off Faxon Field and the Alfred N. LaBrecque Park for soccer and football.
Purchase 1,000 portable bleachers for Fore River Field.
Purchase 2,000 portable bleachers for Pfaffman's Oval.
Purchase 6 blade lawn mower for use on bowling green.
Erect comfort stations at Pfaffman's Oval and Merrymount Lower Field.
Trade in present power lawn mower for a later type which the operator can operate by riding instead of walking as at present.
Build new backstops, furnish nets and regrade tennis courts at Fore River Field.
Repair Fore River club house, furnish living quarters for a resi- dent custodian.
Grade James S. Perkins Playground Merrymount, 3 inches loam and sow grass seed.
257
REPORT OF PARK DEPARTMENT
Permits
During the year the following number of permits were issued for the various activities, viz .:
Hockey
40
Picnics 40
Baseball
836
Boy Scout outings
6
Soccer
52
Girl Scout outings
5
Football
84
Exhibition drills
6
Band concerts
30
Concessions
18
Expenditures
The expenditures of this department may be found in the Auditor's Report.
Equipment
During the past year considerable new equipment was added to assist the workers to save time on our growing activities.
Four new lawn mowers were purchased, four more will be needed to replace the old ones now in use. The power mower is used on the large fields and the hand machines on the small parks. The one-ton truck should be good for another year, but a new one- half truck will be necessary to replace the one now in use which has been in use four years.
Vandalism
As in years past the havoc wrought by vandalism has been one of our major expenses in the spring clean-ups. Locks broken, doors kicked in, windows broken, plumbing wrecked and torn out, wire ripped off backstops, flag halyards cut, making this a need- less expenditure of money that could be used for further activities. It is hoped that in time the public can be educated to realize that to destroy city property is a move against their own pocketbooks. With all this going on it seems impossible to catch the culprits and bring them to justice.
Conclusion
The magnificent spirit of cooperation evinced by His Honor the Mayor, the City Council, the press of the city, our stenographer, the American Legion Posts, Spanish War Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Canadian Legion, Wollaston U. C. T. A., Taleb Grotto Patrol, St. Francis Court, Stella Del Norde, Police and Fire Departments, City Engineers' Department, Supervisor of Play- grounds, Playground Instructors, members of all leagues spon- sored by the Board, Park Department workers, citizens who by their generous contributions to our track and field meet and play- ground pageants, officials of the N. E. A. A. U., referees and um- pires in all leagues, and anyone who by act or deed has made our task of 1932 a pleasure. It is fitting that we should here record our appreciation and gratitude.
We are proud of our city, our citizenry, our parks and earnestly wish that this, the 44th Annual Report, shall mark another mile- stone in the upward path.
The Quincy Park Board,
WILLIAM M. TRUSSELLE, Chairman. JOSEPH ANGELO, THOMAS J. LARKIN, Secretary.
258
CITY OF QUINCY
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE THOMAS CRANE PUBLIC LIBRARY
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1932 Published by the Trustees 1933
THOMAS CRANE PUBLIC LIBRARY TRUSTEES 1932
COL. GEORGE E. ADAMS, Chairman
GEORGIANA C. LANE, Secretary REV. JAMES H. SANKEY, Treasurer MRS. MARY M. CAREY CHARLES H. JOHNSON
JOHN PRATT WHITMAN
LIBRARIAN GALEN W. HILL
STAFF
GERTRUDE F. CALLAHAN, First Assistant
MARGARET L. STEARNS, Cataloger
SARAH B. KINGMAN, Children's Librarian
MARTHA E. ROSVALL, Chief of Circulation ALINE F. BLAKE, Assistant
¡VIOLA FRANCIS, Assistant
MARGARET M. HEBERT, Assistant
DOROTHY HENRIKSON, Assistant
HELENE E. HODGKINSON, Assistant in Children's Dept.
+DOROTHY K. WHITE, Assistant
JESSIE D. WILFORD, Reference Assistant
BRANCH LIBRARIANS
MABEL S. BAXTER, Baxter Branch
A. ZAYMA CONNOLLY, Hospital Service
MARIE CORAYER, Parkway Branch MABEL E. CORIATI, General Palmer Branch MURIEL L. Cox, Montclair Branch MARION L. DAVIS, Norfolk Downs Branch M. LOUISE DINEGAN, Lakin Square Branch LAURA A. DUNCANSON, Atlantic Branch * HELEN A. EGAN, Manet Branch
CAROLYN KITTREDGE, Manet Branch PHOEBE A. LINDBERG, Temple Branch MABEL F. PORTER, Merrymount Branch FRANCES B. RAYMOND, Squantum Branch CATHERINE SAVILLE, Wollaston Branch
* Resigned. + Part time.
Janitor JOHN V. MEAD
259
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
DIRECTORY AND LIBRARY HOURS
MAIN LIBRARY, 40 Washington St. Tel. Pres. 0081. Open 9 A. M. to 9 P. M. daily except Sunday. Open Sundays (for reading only) October to May, 2-6 P. M.
BOYS AND GIRLS' HOUSE, 25 Spear St.
Open daily except Saturday and during vacation, 1.30-6 P. M. Open Saturdays and daily during vacation, 10-12 A. M., 1.30- 6 P. M.
BRANCHES:
ATLANTIC, 137 Sagamore Street, Atlantic Open every afternoon, 1-6 P. M. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings, 7-9 P. M.
BAXTER, 139 Water Street, South Quincy Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1-6, 7-9 P. M.
GENERAL PALMER, 516 Sea Street, Adams Shore Open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 1-6, 7-9 P. M.
LAKIN SQUARE BRANCH, 642 Adams Street Open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 1-6 P. M. Open Tuesday and Saturday 7-9 P. M.
MANET, Atherton Hough School, Houghs Neck Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1-6 P. M. Open Monday and Friday 7-9 P. M.
MERRYMOUNT, Merrymount School, Agawam Road Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 1.30-6 P. M. Open Monday and Friday 7-9 P. M.
MONTCLAIR, 91 Holbrook Road, Montclair Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1-6 P. M. Open Monday and Friday 7-9 P. M.
NORFOLK DOWNS, 6-8 Tyler Street. Norfolk Downs Open every afternoon, 1-6 P. M. Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 7-9 P. M.
PARKWAY BRANCH, 1248 Furnace Brook Parkway, W. Quincy Open every afternoon, 1-6 P. M. Open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 7-9 P. M.
SQUANTUM BRANCH, Squantum School, Huckins Avenue Open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 1-6 P. M.
TEMPLE, 516 Washington Street. Quincy Point Open every afternoon, 1-6 P. M. Open Monday and Friday 7-9 P. M.
WOLLASTON, 41 Beale Street, Wollaston Open daily except Saturday 1-6, 7-9 P. M. Open Saturday 9-12 A. M., 1-6, 7-9 P. M.
HOSPITAL SERVICE, Quincy City Hospital. Monday, Wednesday and Friday 2-5 P. M.
260
CITY OF QUINCY
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
To His Honor, the Mayor of the City of Quincy:
The sixty-second annual report of the Trustees of the Thomas Crane Public Library is submitted herewith.
On account of the present economic depression, there has been a greatly increased use of the facilities of the Library in all its departments and branches. For the year 1932 there was a circula- tion of over seven-eighths of a million books, there was a per capita circulation of twelve, which is much higher than for any previous year in the history of the Library, and there was a drop in the unit cost per volume circulated from ten to eight and one-half cents.
An analysis of the running expenses of the Library shows the cost of operation to be very low in comparison with libraries of other cities in Massachusetts.
There has been no change in any of the twelve branches but during the early part of the year the so-called Dana property im- mediately adjacent to the main Library was purchased and the building thereon made over into a Boys' and Girls' House for the use of the Children's Department. With the necessary alterations made and equipment supplied this property is now meeting satis- factorily the needs of that Department.
To commemorate the bi-centennial anniversary of the birth of Washington, an elm tree given by the Quincy Women's Club was planted on the lawn of the main library on Arbor Day with cere- monies appropriate to the occasion. During the year the Library received as a gift from Mrs. Albert Crane of Rock Acre, Stamford, Connecticut, oil portraits of Thomas Crane and of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Crane, all being the work of the artist Paul Phillips. Mrs. Crane at the same time presented a beautifully printed and bound copy of the Crane-Starkey genealogy. Acknowledgment is re- corded herewith of a valuable set of American Book Prices Cur- rent, the gift of Mr. Fred B. Rice.
The Trustees again take this opportunity to set forth the con- tinued efficiency, loyalty and zeal of the Librarian and members of the staff. They also take this occasion to thank the Mayor and City Council for their valued suport and cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE E. ADAMS, Chairman.
GEORGIANA CUSHING LANE, Secretary.
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
261
TREASURER'S CONDENSED STATEMENT-1932
Thomas Crane Endowment Fund
*Securities Dec. 31, 1931
$8,940 75
Balances in bank, Dec. 31, 1931.
239 15
Receipts, interest on invested funds
618 02
$9,797 92
Payments, mortgage interest, etc.
$702 78
Balances in bank, Dec. 31, 1932
154 39
Securities, Dec. 31, 1932
8,940 75
$9,797 92
Crane Endowment Fund
Securities and real estate, Dec. 31, 1931 .. $23,900 00
Balances in banks, Dec. 31, 1931. 710 86
Receipts, interest on invested funds. 295 00
Receipts, land damages
1,083 56
Receipts, miscellaneous
30 13
$26,019 55
Payments, equipment and repair, legal services, Boys' and Girls' House.
$1,684 30
Payments, repairs and miscellaneous .. .....
238 25
Balances in banks, Dec. 31, 1932.
197 00
Securities and real estate, Dec. 31, 1932 ..
23,900 00
$26,019 55
Ellery Channing Butler Fund
Balance in Savings Bank, Dec. 31, 1931 ..
$1,018 23
Receipts, interest on deposits. 45 56
$1,063 79
Payments, repairs and miscellaneous.
$61 85
Balance in Savings Bank, Dec. 31, 1932 ..
1,001 94
$1,063 79
Alice G. White Fund
Securities, Dec. 31, 1931
$980 25
Balance in bank, Dec. 31, 1931
7 61
Receipts, interest
51 26
$1,039 12
Payments, music books
10 09
Balance in bank, Dec. 31, 1932
980 25
Securities, Dec. 31, 1932
$48 78
$1,039 12
* For list of securities see Treasurer's report for 1931. No changes have been made in investments during 1932.
262
CITY OF QUINCY
George W. Morton Fund
Securities, Dec. 31, 1931
$1,880 50
Balance in Savings Bank, Dec. 31, 1931. ... 3,210 91
Receipts, interest 226 27
$4,317 68
Payments, insurance and miscellaneous ....
$229 33
Balances in savings bank, Dec. 31, 1932
3,207 85
Securities, Dec. 31, 1932
1,880 50
$4,317 68
Cotton Center Johnson Fund
Securities, Dec. 31, 1931.
$1,890 00
Balance in savings bank, Dec. 31, 1931.
3 50
Receipts, interest
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