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 1958 > Part 4
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CONVALESCENT HOMES
The average number of recipients in nursing homes and chronic hospitals was 168. The majority receive their assistance through the Old Age Assistance program and each year the cost of such care
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continues to mount. On November 1, 1958, the Department was authorized by the State to return to the former method of paying for such care. That is, in arrears, directly to the nursing home proprietor, upon submission of a proper bill at the end of each month. This method will result in considerable savings to the department. New nursing home rates have been determined by the State to become effective January 1, 1959, which will again increase the cost to the department for the care of our elderly and sick people.
POLICE OFFICER
The full time use of the services of Detective Charles Griffin, on assignment to the Public Welfare Department, has continued to be of considerable value. Wholly apart from the financial gain to citi- zens and the department due to his efforts, the deterrent effect of his presence and zeal in performing his duties is undoubtedly beneficial to the City. The following statistics are interesting:
Non-support and neglect of family 91
Non-support of illegitimate children Uniform reciprocal enforcement of support act
8
Renditions 1
Larcenies
3
Complaints involving welfare cases issued at the Quincy District Court
35
Arrests and cases brought before Court 27
Money turned over to families for support through the efforts of the Probation Department and Detective Griffin $29,621.00
Fines turned over to families for support $ 1,800.00
INTAKE DIVISION
The total applications taken on all categories in the year 1958 was 732. Of this, 115 were rejected. There were 204 notices sent to other cities and towns, 88 notices sent from other cities and towns, 42 denials to other cities and towns, 85 denials from other cities and towns, 62 acknowledgments to other cities and towns, 71 acknowledgments to other cities and towns, 61 notices to State, 5 notices from State, 27 acknowledgments from State, 2 denials from State, 4 denials to State and 161 hospital notices, making a total of 812.
The number of visits made by the Social Service Division for the year 1958 was 4,994.
MEDICAL ADVISOR
Dr. William R. Helfrich is Medical Advisor and he consults with the staff once a week and more when necessary.
PARK DEPARTMENT
With a permanent personnel of 15 full time employees, the Park Department in 1958 maintained eight regulation baseball diamonds, 15 softball diamonds, two stadiums, one bowling green, seven beaches, tennis courts in each of the six wards, Faxon park, Merrymount park and a number of smaller parks throughout the city, in addition to several skating rinks.
Permits issued for the year included: baseball, 325; football, 35; softball, 725; soccer, 12; special events, 45; total, 1142.
Rentals of the Fore River clubhouse, also a park department facility, included: dances, 18; ban- quets, 21; meetings, nine; private parties, 22; wedding receptions, 10; dog shows, five; outings, four; total, 89.
Improvements at various facilities included the following: backstops at Forbes Hill, O'Rourke, Faxon Field No. 1 and Faxon Park. Chain link fences at O'Rourke and Pond Street; basketball courts at Squantum, Forbes Hill and LaBrecque; flood lights installed at the bowling green; grading and fill at Faxon Field No. 2, Black's Creek, Pond Street, Forbes Hill and Heron Road; two bleacher sections at Squantum; 12 picnic tables at various playgrounds; new pavillion shelter at Faxon Park; split cedar fence at Baker; cement stairs to ballfield in Faxon Park.
At the newly acquired Chapel Street facility, the building was rebuilt and painted; fence and gate were erected, and a 50-foot ramp to the water was constructed.
During the year the Board of Park Commissioners, in an effort to abate vandalism, voted to close all parks and playgrounds after dark, but the measure did not produce the desired result. Destruction of playground equipment was even greater than in the previous year.
In 1958 Patrick Connors, employee of the park department for 34 years, retired on pension after long and faithful service.
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Boys and Girls Learn About Boats
Boat Handling demonstration is watched by lifesavers to get their badges in 1958 under Quincy Recreation Commission's lifesaving program.
Q. P. L. Foto
QUINCY RECREATION COMMICCIA
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QUINCY RECREATION COMMISSION
THE RECREATION COMMISSION
The Recreation Commission operated the recreation program during 1958 with the professional director, one full-time clerk and 135 part-time or seasonal employees. Assisting this staff were 250 vol- unteers, including adults interested in a specific activity and parents, and members of the Junior Leaders Corps. Many of the junior leaders later became hired part-time workers.
During the Fall, Winter and Spring, 17 schools and the Fore River Club were used in the indoor program, January through April and mid-October to the end of the year. This program was for boys and girls of elementary school age.
Ten school gymnasiums were open for two-hour periods Saturdays for boys of both junior high and elementary school age.
Indoor centers with basketball courts were used for three intermural type basketball leagues, for elementary, junior high and high school boys. An all-city tournament for the three leagues was held in April with trophies for winning teams.
A two-afternoon-a-week program for elementary school age girls was added at the Lincoln school; and a basement room in the Quincy school was opened in the Fall for boys.
The Furnace Brook School was used for the third year for a program for trainable handicapped children, 90 percent of whom are mentally retarded. The program was held for three hours Saturdays and daily for eight weeks during the summer.
A new ski program, December to March, was set up for junior high and high school boys and girls, both as an indoor and outdoor activity at Central Junior and the Furnace Brook Golf Club. At the end of the season a ski carnival was held at the club.
Late in the year a new badminton program was established for youth beyond high school age and " for adults at the Broad Meadows Junior High school auditorium.
During the year the Commission continued the Senior Citizens Program for persons 65 years old and over. Over 900 different individuals took advantage of various activities and services. These in- cluded trips to the Ice Capades, Hobby Show, Red Sox ball games, Cinerama, Brockton Fair and Flower Show. The Commission issued identification cards obtained from the Council for the Aging. These ad- mitted holders to various events either free or at reduced prices. Visits were made to nursing and rest homes to provide entertainment.
The Summer Program was conducted on various playgrounds, 10 beaches, Black's Creek and the Chapel Street property. In addition, specialty programs were conducted to the Blue Hills and Faxon park, with supervised archery, golf and tennis. Three boys' baseball leagues, two boys' basketball leagues and two girls' softball leagues were conducted, with competition between playgrounds, district playoffs and playground championships. The program also included such passive games as checkers, Kalah, chess and horseshoes.
Special events during the summer playground season included dancing, doll carriage parades, carni- vals and story telling, two performances by the Boston Children's Stagemobile, South Shore Junior Olympics with five other communities participating, and two parents' nights at each playground.
Ten beaches were operated during the summer for eight weeks in the water safety program, with qualified instructors. Swimming, from beginning classes to senior life saving, was taught. The season ended with the annual water carnival at Wollaston Beach.
The annual eight-week boating and sailing program, using 17 small boats, included instruction in rowing, basic seamanship, safety and sailing. The Chapel Street property was utilized during the last two weeks of the season. During the Spring a new sailing program for girls of high school age was held.
Quincy participated in the Youth Fitness Program sponsored by the Boston Traveler and the Massachusetts Recreation Commission. The Nautical Day program included events at Black's Creek, a swimming meet at Wollaston Beach and a water show presented by the Tommy Bartlett Water Ski troup and Mercury Jumping Boats, with an estimated 10,000 spectators.
The 1958 activities resulted in considerable progress in the Commissioner's quest for a year-round program for all age groups. Quincy's pioneering program for trainable handicapped children contin- ued to attract favorable attention from outside the city.
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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' SERVICES
The gradual upward trend in the costs of veterans' benefits and services continued throughout the year 1958. The strikes in two Quincy industries and the Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway com- pany were reflected in the expenditures. Another factor in the upward trend of veterans' benefits was the 8.6 percent cost of living increase, effective March 1, 1958, set by the State Department of Veterans' Services.
During the year 4704 persons sought advice, assistance or counsel from the Department. These requests covered such fields as pensions, compensation, hospitalization, education, G. I. training, G. I. loans, tax abatements, burials, monuments and cost of graves. As usual, the department underwrote the cost of patriotic holidays in the city, including costs of musical organizations, flags, transportation, re- freshments, wreaths and the like.
The department has actively participated on the Mayor's Korean War Memorial Committee and the additions to the World War Two Memorial at the Mount Wollaston Cemetery.
Many hundreds of requests are received for services not directly connected with Veterans' Affairs, but due to the fact that those requesting services are Veterans or their dependents, these services are extended by the office.
The appointment of an Assistant Director on August 1, 1958 enabled the department to expand its services and to better utilize federal, state and private industry benefits. The utilization of other social security programs has reduced the cost of Veterans' Benefits to $160,000.
Compilation of the World War II deaths from all causes were 264, Korean War 41, plus 5 deaths after the emergency was declared over. During the year of 1958, a total of 105 Quincy Veterans died, broken down as follows: Spanish War - 3, WW I - 70, WW II - 32.
A total of 214 grave markers were placed in Mount Wollaston Cemetery, Christ Cemetery, Hall Place Cemetery and St. Mary's Cemetery, of which 55 were to replace old and broken Civil War markers, the balance for new and old World War I and World War II burials. The government has not designed a marker as yet for the Korean War.
THOMAS CRANE PUBLIC LIBRARY
The highlight of 1958 for the library was the growth and development of bookmobile service, in- augurated in December 1957. The enthusiastic reception of this type of library service far exceeded the expectations of the Trustees. So great was the demand for service that additional stops had to be added to the schedule. The total number of books circulated by the bookmobile in its first year of operation was 147,958.
Although there has been some criticism of the bookmobile service, the overwhelming favorable comments from many parents indicate that their own reading interests have broadened and that their children look forward to the arrival of the bookmobile.
The summer reading programs, the Bookworm Clubs at the various branches, the Drama, His- tory, Debating Clubs and Junior Book Reviewers have continued to serve the interests of children of all ages.
In common with many libraries throughout the country, the Thomas Crane Public Library finds 1958 its busiest year since the Depression.
All branch libraries are very busy. With the exception of the Snug Harbor Branch Library, new and larger quarters are needed in all sections of the city. The further growth and development of the public library system in this city must come through large, modern, well-stocked branch libraries with an adequate staff to render efficient service. The need is great and cannot be too highly stressed.
The library must keep pace with an expanding population, especially with the demands on its resources made by increased school enrollment and the specialized educational programs now in effect in Quincy schools.
The facts must be faced and action must come soon.
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Circulation 1958
Books and Periodicals
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Fiction
237,402
223,474
460,876
Non-fiction
163,597
112,357
275,954
Pictures
8,833
Phonograph Records
20,870
Films
1,147
Total
767,680
Gain over 1957
89,502
10 year comparison 1958
767,680
1948
516,421
Gain in 10 year period
251,259
Books in Library
Number of volumes, January 1, 1958
177,549
Added in 1958
12,449
Withdrawn in 1958
12,800
Number of volumes, December 31, 1958
177,198
BOARD OF MANAGERS OF HISTORICAL PLACES
The Presidents' Adams Birthplaces opened to the public from April 19, to November 1, were visited during that period by more than 5000 persons from 48 states including the country's newest states, Alaska and Hawaii, and 23 foreign countries.
Educationally, these salt-box "cottages", because of their historical significance and architectural merit are becoming of greater importance each year. In 1958, more than 1,000 children from various schools and organizations gained an intimate knowledge of the Adams Family and these historical properties so closely associated with American Colonial Solidarity and the establishment of American Independence, by their visit.
In 1958, the City in order to further protect this unique historical site from developments which would be detrimental in their preservation, purchased the McCausland property which adjoined the Craig property purchased in 1957, for the sum of $21,400. These properties containing 16,120 square feet of land, once a part of the Adams Farm, will be landscaped and beautified during the spring of 1959.
The activities of the City Historian increased greatly during the year. A summary of the activities included: 12 inspection tours during the winter and summer of the Adams' Birthplaces; the super- vision of the necessary work to be done at the birthplaces for opening for the public; 35 conducted tours of the city for special guests and students; 85 tours of the Presidents' Adams Crypt in the First Parish Church; 10 tours of the John Winthrop Jr., Iron Furnace; 35 lectures on the history and the develop- ment of Quincy to various groups and organizations, and the completion of the revision of Historic Quincy, which was ready for distribution in March. Copies of Historic Quincy have been distributed throughout the United States and many foreign countries.
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL DEFENSE
The Department of Civil Defense continued to function smoothly and effectively during 1958 under the supervision of an unpaid director, James D. Asher. In March, Walter Brown was appointed deputy director.
The Auxiliary Fire Department was reorganized in April under the direction of Deputy Chief Joseph Walsh, liaison officer, of the Quincy Fire Department, with John E. Schmock as auxiliary chief. The auxiliary firemen served 17421/2 hours of duty at fire stations, fires, first aid classes and parades; and an additional 3731/2 hours on special events, including drills, for 2116 total man-hours.
Quincy Civil Defense participated in the CCX Alert of Sector 1B at Stoughton, January 23; and also in the state-wide clothing drive for Freedom, Inc., on May 23. The Communication Division,
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headed by Laurence H. Mattie, contributed 560 man-hours. Mobile units participated in parades on July Fourth, Armistice Day and Christmas.
The Auxiliary Police rendered 5442 man-hours of service, including regular Friday night traffic duty, Christmas traffic duty, parades, meetings and tests.
The Rescue Group, sponsored by the Wollaston United Commercial Travelers, contributed 537 man-hours, with 436 miles logged on the rescue truck and 894 on the rescue amphibious ducks. In March, David Hemingway was appointed chief of rescue service. On May 6 the group participated in the CD day alert, reporting to headquarters in Natick.
In October Deputy Chief Robert Denneen and District Chief Vernon Whitman volunteered their time to drive to Quincy from the Army Ordinance Depot, Toledo, Ohio, two amphibious ducks pro- cured by the City. The Ground Observer Corps, with 62 active members, contributed 4873 man-hours service. In January Supervisor Walter F. Brown was elected president of the Southeastern Massachusetts GOC Supervisors Association. On Nov. 14 the post was notified that as of January 31, 1959, the GOC would be de-activated, thus ending a long period of faithful service by a group of patriotic Quincy citizens.
THE QUINCY HOUSING AUTHORITY
The Quincy Housing Authority at the close of 1958 was managing 36 Chapter 372 permanent units; 400 Chapter 200 permanent units; and 180 federally-aided low rent permanent units, all of which were fully occupied. Under construction were 45 units for senior citizens under Chapter 667-1.
WESTACRES
Located in West Quincy, adjacent to the newly completed Southeast Expressway, this development consists of nine buildings composed of four units each and are of frame construction of colonial design. Each unit consists of two bedrooms, living room, kitchen and bath with full cellars. Tenants furnish their own heat and utilities. Rents are $60.50 per month. The development was completed in 1948 at a total cost of $399,864.15.
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Ground is broken for a new 45-unit housing project for the elderly; will cost close to hali million dollars; comple. tion expected in summe1 of 1959. Left to right Mayor Amelio Della Chiesa; Louis A. George Chairman, Quincy Hous. ing Authority; John E Maloney, Chairman State Housing Board; J1 Girard White, Director Q.H.A .; Daniel B. Reid General Contractor; Mi- chael and John D'Orsi Architects.
Q. P. L. Foto
Operating expenses were kept at a minimum during 1958 since it was not certain what the fate of the development was to be. Collection loss was nil. Since 1948 the Authority has paid to the City of Quincy as surplus from operations a total of $136,500.49, which includes $12,000 forwarded the City in 1958. There is an additional sum of approximately $8,000 to be paid in January 1959.
During 1958 eight tenants vacated Westacres, all of whom purchased new homes. Rent collections are excellent.
The possibility of converting Westacres to a senior citizens' project was under consideration at the close of the year.
SNUG HARBOR
This Chapter 200, State-aided development, located in the Germantown section of Quincy, is com- posed of one hundred buildings, each consisting of four units, and is of frame construction. There are 220 two-bedroom units, 160 three-bedroom units and 20 four bedroom units. Each unit has a living room, kitchen, bath and full cellar with individual steam heating plants. The development was completed in 1950 at a total cost of $4,250,000.00 and has since remained 100% occupied.
Eligibility for admission to Snug Harbor is based primarily on income and need for housing. The maximum income limit for admission for a family consisting of one minor child is $3950 per year with a continued occupancy limit of $4400 per year. 18% is the basis for determining rent. The maximum income limit for admission for a family consisting of two children is $4150 per year with continued oc- cupancy set at $4600 per year. 16% of income is the basis for determining rent. A large family, consist- ing of three or more minor children, pays 14% of income for rent. The maximum income limit for admission is $4350 per year with continued occupancy limits set at $4800. An additional deduction of $100 for each minor child in excess of three is made in determining rent and net income. Tenants purchase their own fuel, gas and electricity.
The annual redetermination of incomes and family composition, completed in July 1958, reflected one hundred seventy nine increases in rent and twenty four decreases in rent, with an average increase of $4.99 per month. The average rent for December was $48.51.
In December, 1958 $14,400.00 was forwarded the City of Quincy as payment in lieu of taxes.
During the year the Authority executed contracts to reshingle 32 clapboard houses and to install 700 aluminum combination doors, and the work was completed.
RIVERVIEW
Riverview, a Public Housing Administration, Federally-aided low rent housing development, Mass- 20-1, adjoins the Snug Harbor development and borders on Fore River and Rock Island Cove. This development was completed in 1952 and has remained 100% occupied since the date of initial occu- pancy on June 25, 1952.
There are forty-five buildings of four units each totalling one hundred eighty units. There are four- teen one-bedroom units, twelve of which are occupied by senior citizens in accordance with a policy established some time ago by the Authority and more recently, by the Public Housing Administration; ninety two bedroom units, 62 three bedroom units and fourteen four-bedroom units. Steam and hot water are supplied from a central heating plant. All utilities and refrigeration are furnished by the Authority.
Rents are determined in accordance with income and size of family, approximately 21% of net income. Although preference is given veteran families, Riverview is not essentially a veterans' develop- ment. As of the date of this report there are sixty six veterans, six servicemen and one hundred eight non-veteran families occupying the development.
In 1958 the admission and continued occupancy limits were raised to meet the higher economy of our locality. The new limits are as follows: one or two persons $3500 for admission with a continued oc- cupancy limit of $4375; three or four persons $3700 admission and $4625 continued occupancy; five or six persons $4000 admission and $5000 continued occupancy; seven or more (a new category) $4300 admission and $5375 continued occupancy. An exemption of $100 is allowed for each minor child in determining eligibility.
The annual redetermination of rents and incomes completed in December reflected ninety five
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increases and twenty three decreases with an average increase of $7.00. The average rent is $51.10 per month. During 1958 thirty tenants vacated the development.
The 1958-59 Operating Budget provided for the third and final installation of one hundred seventy nine aluminum combination doors, which completed the three year cycle. Painting the forty-five houses two coats each was completed in 1958 at a cost of $657 per house. Authority employed personnel was used. Corrective hot topping and lawn repair was accomplished as well as construction of a new park- ing area.
Within a two month period the books of the Authority were audited by Federal auditors; purchas- ing policy audited by P.H.A. Regional Office and Engineering inspection made of the physical condition of the development.
For the fiscal year 1 July, 1957 to 30 June, 1958 the sum of $7,342.82 was forwarded the City as payment in lieu of taxes.
HOUSING FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
After many delays and changes insisted upon by the State Housing Board, the Authority was able to approve the Architect's final plans and specifications in January 1958. On March 4, 1958 the State Housing Board approved the plans and specifications and authorized the Authority to advertise for bids. Bids were advertised on March 24, 1958 with sub-bids being opened on 15 April and General Bids on 22 April. Because the bids were excessive, the lowest being $549,000, the Authority, with the approval of the State Housing Board voted to reject the bids and to have the Architect effect as many economies as possible to reduce the cost of the development.
Bids were readvertised on May 19, 1958 with sub-bids being opened on June 2 and General bids on June 9, 1958. The lowest bidder, Fred J. Findlen & Sons bid $457,000 with Reid Construction Co. as second low bidder with a figure of $479,000. However, because Findlen had also bid on certain sub- trades, a controversy arose among sub-contractors and the second low bidder who claimed Findlen had violated bidding laws. After many time-consuming conferences with the State Housing Board, Commis- sioner of Labor and Industries and others, the matter was finally resolved with the award being made to the second low bidder. The contract was approved by the State Housing Board on 22 July, 1958 with a completion date set at 30 January, 1959. Ground breaking exercises were held on August 8, 1958.
As the result of the increased development cost, it was necessary to sell a second series of Authority notes in the amount of $535,000. Bids were opened at the State Housing Board on September 25, 1958 with the award being made to the Second Bank-State Street Trust, agent for the Guaranty Trust Co.
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