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 1964 > Part 5
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CITY OF QUINCY
52 -
School and library cooperation was lifted to even higher heights during the year. While many local librarians are bowing their heads in disgust over poor school and library cooperation, our library has enjoyed excellent relations with the School Department. It is our duty to take the stu- dents in hand and guide them with the right book, the right answers and the right attitude towards a more fruitful life after their school years. If reading experiences can become an interesting and exciting adventure we are assured of lifetime patrons and friends of our library system.
As indicated in the accompanying statistics there was a slight drop in total circulation and an increase in the number of registered borrowers. The main part of the loss in circulation was in the juvenile books. This loss can be partly explained by the emphasis today in the earlier grades on "research" projects. More reference materials, more magazines' use, more fact books are being sought in this age of facts and figures.
Reference use had the biggest year on record. Questions asked, magazine requests, and at- tendance all showed increases. There were 3,384 telephone reference questions asked, 13,516 ques- tions asked at the reference desk and 26, 799 magazine requests. A "spot-check" three times a day revealed 29,860 patrons used the Reference Department. Reference use at all the branch libraries was substantially higher during the year.
It is the goal of the Trustees, the Librarian and the staff of the Thomas Crane Public Library to provide more than just facts but to provide a stimulus to the cultural and artistic development of this community. As Hugh Walpole so appropriately wrote:
" Art and life ought to be hurriedly remarried and brought to live together."
CIRCULATION 1964
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Books and Periodicals
Fiction
225,259
253,732
478,991
Non-fiction
185,821
127,511
313,332
Pictures
7,766
7,766
Phonorecords
23,361
23,361
Filmstrips
48
48
TOTAL
442,207
381,291
823,498
Loss for the year
10,739
10 year comparison:
1964
823,498
1954
641,802
GAIN
181,696
BOOKS ADDED TO LIBRARY IN 1964
Number of volumes, Jan. 1, 1964
123,529
72,335
195,864
Added in 1964
4,844
4,861
9,707
Withdrawn in 1964
3,615
2,139
5,754
Number of volumes, Dec. 31, 1964
124,758
75,059
199,817
Pictures, Dec. 31, 1964 .
21,103
Phonorecords, Dec. 31, 1964
4,326
REGISTERED BORROWERS
Total number of registered borrowers
29,680
12,498
42,178
ANNUAL REPORT -
53
411,080
381,243
792,323
PARK AND RECREATION BOARD-PARK DIVISION RICHARD J. KOCH, Executive Secretary
One year appointments to this unpaid Board made by the Mayor included, Charles T. Sweeny of the School Committee, J. Ernest Collins, William J. Mitchell, Miss Katherine G. McCoy and Kenneth P. Fallon, Jr. Elected by the City Council were, Gerard A. Coletta, Jr., and Richard M. Morrissey. Mr. Sweeny was elected Chairman, Mr. Fallon, Vice-Chairman and Miss McCoy, Secretary.
These Board Members have served a total number of one hundred years either on the Park Board, Recreation Commission or the three year old combined Park and Recreation Board.
The Parks Division of the Park and Recreation Department maintains administrative offices in the John F. Kennedy Health Center, and maintenance offices at Merrymount Park.
In addition to the senior clerk typist assigned to the administrative offices, in 1964 14 full- time and 16 seasonal laborers were employed to maintain the 8 regulation baseball diamonds, 19 softball and Little League baseball diamonds, 1 bowling green, tennis and basketball courts in every Ward in the city and 2 stadiums; Faxon Park, with 50 acres and Merrymount Park, with 73 acres; 9 beaches, 27 playgrounds and a number of smaller parks.
PERMITS
The Park Division office recorded an all time high in the issuance of baseball field permits for the 1964 season. During 1964, 1191 permits were issued for baseball and 317 for softball. Ten years previous, in 1954, 507 permits were issued for softball and 301 for baseball. The increase in issuing baseball permits is largely due to the increased number of Junior Baseball Leagues throughout the city.
Approximately 15,000 residents annually and actively use the athletic and recreational facili- ties provided, maintained and improved by the Park Division. It is the responsibility of the Park and Recreation Board not only to provide, maintain and improve areas for the Municipal Recreation pro- grams and School Department athletic activities, but also to provide this same public service to the many church, civic and community organizations that sponsor athletic and recreational activities throughout the city, at no cost to the municipality.
A permit is issued annually to the Quincy Council Girl Scouts for the use of Faxon Park and Fieldhouse for a Day Camp from June through August. Permits were also issued for the following other activities: parade drills, festivals, Field Days, Camporee's, Heritage Day program, track meet, Fourth of July children's programs and tennis matches.
FORE RIVER CLUBHOUSE
During 1964 the interior of the Fore River Clubhouse was painted, making it attractive and more inviting to Quincy residents who wish to rent it. This building offers the citizens of Quincy one of the largest public buildings in the city with two halls, the larger one seating 340 for banquets and 680 for assemblies, while the dance hall has a capacity of 250. A new water cooler was purchased and installed in 1964 for the convenience of people using the hall. One hundred new folding chairs were purchased to replace the broken and older type.
The number of permits issued during 1964 totaled 92 for the following purposes: 31 meetings, 24 banquets, 29 private parties and 8 weddings.
CITY OF QUINCY
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LOAN OF PORTABLE EQUIPMENT
The ever increasing Public Service rendered by the Park Division is the loan of portable equip- ment to City, School, Veteran, Fraternal and Civic organizations throughout the city for community functions. A 30% increase over the previous year was recorded in 1964 for this service.
During 1964 public address systems, bleachers, bandstands, chairs, tables, bunting and plat- forms were loaned on 78 occasions to 42 different organizations.
A third public address system was purchased in 1964 and, at times, all three have been used on the same day. A new section of aluminum bandstand was purchased in 1964, which may be inter- changed with the two aluminum sections acquired in 1963. The July 4th date is the most popular day for the use of bandstands. The four wooden and three aluminum platforms are used throughout the city on this day. A Park Division Public Address System is used for all athletic events at Veterans Memorial Field.
PICNIC AREAS
In 1964 the Park Division completed the Pageant Field Picnic Area in Merrymount Park. This picnic site offers Quincy residents a beautiful view of Quincy Bay, where a breeze may be found even on the most hot and humid day. The facilities at this location include; two softball or Little League baseball diamonds, two pavilions, new playground equipment with large and small swings, see-saws, slides and a merry-go-round, fireplaces, benches and picnic tables with a capacity of 600 persons.
The Park Division during 1964 constructed 120 new picnic tables to accommodate 1200 persons, 600 at each of its two picnic locations, Faxon Park and Pageant Field.
Quincy families are welcomed and encouraged by the Park and Recreation Board to use the above locations for family picnics. Faxon Park, within the confines of our busy city life, provides a countryside atmosphere for relaxation and enjoyment.
In 1964 permits were issued to 12 organizations for picnic and other activities at the two sites with over 4000 persons participating on these occasions.
RESTROOMS AND FIELDHOUSE
During 1964 the Park Division renovated the abandoned bandstand at Merrymount Park and in- stalled toilets and dressing room facilities. This building had been used for many years as a storage area. Park Division Personnel emptied, washed, painted and remodeled the interior into ladies and mens restrooms and a large dressing room for baseball, football or other teams using the Upper Merrymount Park. These facilities may also service the Fenno Street Recreational Area and the proposed Rest-A-While location on the Southern Artery. The total cost of remodeling, installing toilet facilities, electricity, water and partitioning was $800; the cost of constructing a completely new building of this type today would be well in excess of $8,000.
Since 1962, restroom facilities have been built or renovated at the following locations: Pageant Field, Faxon Park, O'Rourke Playground, Fore River Field and now Upper Merrymount Park.
BASKETBALL AND TENNIS COURTS
The Quincy Park Division has done extensive work in adding and improving the outdoor basket- ball and tennis facilities throughout the city.
During 1964 the Park Division installed new basketball courts at the Gridley Bryant School yard, Willard School yard and the Shea Skating Rink Parking Area on Willard Street in West Quincy.
There are now a total of 30 outdoor basketball courts in Quincy on city property. Eighteen of these courts are on Park Division property and twelve are on school property. The Park Division installs and maintains all thirty courts, while the School Department supplies the materials for the courts located on their property.
ANNUAL REPORT
55
The 30 basketball courts are located about the city as follows: Ward I, 6; Ward II, 5; Ward III, 4; Ward IV, 4; Ward V, 6; Ward VI, 5.
There are 24 outdoor tennis courts with 11 in Ward I, 8 in Ward VI, 2 in Ward V and one each in the other three wards. Of these 20 are located on park property and 4 on school property.
SKATING RINKS
With over 63 inches of snow recorded during the '63-'64 winter season and the unseasonably high temperatures in November and December of 1964, very few good natural ice skating days were recorded last year.
In 1964 three hockey rinks were constructed by Park Division Personnel for installation at the following locations: Sailor's Home Pond on Rice Road, Furnace Brook Parkway adjacent to the Fur- nace Brook School and Manet Lake in Houghs Neck. It is the hope of the Park and Recreation Board that these rinks, when installed, will attract the older boys, thus eliminating the hockey-playing at the remaining smaller rinks and allowing the younger children to enjoy them without the harassment of the hockey players.
The Park Division maintains a total of fourteen natural ice skating areas throughout the city, of which ten are floodlighted.
BEACHES
The Park Division maintains nine city beaches within their jurisdiction. Each year the Park and recreation Board purchases over 1400 tons of sand for distribution at these locations for the enjoyment of the city residents using these beaches.
A regular maintenance and clean-upis scheduled weekly during the bathing season, sometimes even more often, depending on the tides and weather conditions.
Avalon Beach and Mound Street in Quincy Point are the two largest bathing areas of the nine beaches. Others include Baker and lower Germantown Beach on Palmer Street, Rock Island and Perry Beaches in Houghs Neck, Heron Road in Adams Shore and Orchard and Nickerson Beaches in Squantum.
IMPROVEMENTS 1964
Park Division Personnel painted restrooms and coatroom at Fore River Clubhouse.
Park Division Personnel painted and repaired Personnel lounge at Merrymount Park.
Purchased and sprayed Manet Lake with weed killer to eliminate heavy growth.
Repaired and replaced fence at Kincaide Park.
Started long range program of rebuilding and repairing Faxon Park wall.
Repaired Faxon Park wall at Tree Pond adjacent to the new shopping area.
Repaired tennis court fence at Montclair.
Repaired fence enclosing O'Rourke Playground.
Repaired Fore River Clubhouse roof, $800, caused by vandalism.
Park Division Carpenters constructed hockey rinks for Sailor's Home, Furnace Brook, and Manet Lake.
Demolished building at Chapel Street which was partially burned by vandals.
CITY OF QUINCY
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Purchased 100 new folding chairs and water cooler for Fore River Clubhouse.
Purchased a new Public Address System, aluminum bandstand and generator for civic functions.
Purchased twenty new steel park benches for installation in parks throughout the city.
New Tiny Tot equipment purchased for a new Tot-Lot at O'Rourke Playground.
Three sets of new portable bleachers for installation at Kincaide Park, Cavanagh Stadium and Fore River Field.
Installed asphalt base at Kincaide Park, Cavanagh Stadium and Fore River Field to erect port- able bleachers on, making a more efficient maintenance.
Installed toilet and electrical facilities at the Merrymount Park Bandstand.
One hundred new picnic tables constructed by Park Personnel for Faxon Park picnic area, Pageant Field and each playground for summer programs.
Repaired planking on all bleachers throughout the city at a cost of $400, due to damage caused by vandals.
RECREATION DIVISION WILLIAM F. RYAN, Director of Recreation
Once again the Recreation Department, under the guidance of the Park and Recreation Board, experienced a gradual expansion of growth in activities and programs. Of note this year, was the great increase in requests received for information and details regarding programs for all ages which came from all sections of the city.
An unusually large number of applications were received for the seasonal and part-time posi- tions with the department indicating greater interest in the field of recreation within the community. A total of 103 people worked in the Summer program and 65 in the Winter program.
VOLUNTEERS APPRECIATED
Over 350 volunteers aided all the various programs throughout the year. Most of the youth in- volved in this phase of the program were members of the Junior Leaders Program and they received a junior leader badge for their services. Aguide booklet for training volunteers was developed and it helped the paid workers to make this experience worth while for the volunteer participants.
FIELD WORKERS GET EXPERIENCE
Three girls, seniors at the University of Massachusetts, majoring in Recreation Leadership, each completed eight weeks of full-time training in the department under the supervision of the Di- rector of Recreation. With their help many projects were completed and they had the experience of "on the job" training with no cost to the department.
Because of the need for more college trained recreation professionals a booklet "Careers in Recreation" was completed by Mr. Ryan, the field workers and Miss Carolyn M. Zoia, a Quincy native, currently a recreation professional in the Pittsfield Park and Recreation Department. This booklet was distributed to the guidance counselors in the schools and also to youngsters interested in seeking careers in the field of recreation.
DAY CAMP FOR RETARDED EXPANDED
Happy Acres Day Camp, an eight week program for Quincy retarded children was held for the second year at the Pageant Field area at Merrymount Park.
ANNUAL REPORT
57
Again, a matching fund financial grant of $3,000.00 was received from the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation for the operation of this program and a reimbursement of fifty per cent of the costs of the program was returned to the city by the Special Education Division of the State Department of Education.
The Kennedy Foundation also sent the Camp Director, Robert P. Lewis and the outstanding volunteer from the 1963 program, Miss Kathleen O'Donnell, to a one week intensive training pro- gram held in the Spring at Southern Illinois University.
The camp, with 76 campers, a staff of six, and a total of 147 volunteers, received recognition from the Kennedy Foundation as one of the outstanding camps of this kind in the country. Dr. James N. Oliver of the University of Birmingham, England, a noted authority on retardation, spent two days at the camp as a consultant for the Kennedy Foundation.
FAMILY RECREATION
A national trend for better physical fitness for all ages and for families participating as a group in wholesome activities was felt by the department with a marked increase in the number of adults taking an active part in city-sponsored recreation programs.
A men's fitness recreation program was started in October evenings at Atlantic Junior High School gymnasium. A similar program for women experienced a noted increase also, in interest from women who ranged in age from 19 to 67.
More parents also took part in the instructional swimming, sailing and skiing programs which of course, are ideal activities for family recreation.
MANY SERVICES OFFERED
Following the Park and Recreation Board's goal of eventually providing recreation for all ages in all sections of the city, the department utilized the facilities and equipment of eighteen different schools, twenty-seven playgrounds, eleven beaches, the Furnace Brook Golf Club, two large parks and the Play-a-Round Miniature Golf Course.
An additional number of speaking engagements were fulfilled by Board Members and the Di- rector. More groups and organizations took advantage of the department's loaned equipment ser- vice for outings and picnics.
The Director served as a member of the Council for Aging, on the Chamber of Commerce Waterfront Development Committee and their Outing and Christmas Festival Committees, as well as with many local study groups and committees connected with recreation.
Many more individuals, clubs and interest groups were served by the consulting and referral service provided by the Recreation office and the Director.
NEED FOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
The Park and Recreation Board again placed the position of Assistant Director of Recreation in their proposed 1965 budget. The Board Members feel that because of the tremendous expansion of the recreation programs and services, that this position is vitally needed.
RECREATION DEPARTMENT SPONSORED ACTIVITIES
Active games Basketball
Ceramics
Contests
After school programs
Basketry
Checkers
Croquet
Archery
Beach Trips
Chess
Dancing
Apparatus
Blind children
Clay work
Day camp
Badminton
Boating
Copper work
Dramatics
Baseball
Bowling
Consulting Service
Exhibits
CITY OF QUINCY
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RECREATION DEPARTMENT SPONSORED ACTIVITIES
Cont.
Family recreation
Movies
Ski Carnival
Field trips Football (touch)
Mother's swim class
Softball
Music
Speaking engagements
Games
Nature recreation
Special events
Golf
Nautical Day
Stagemobile
Gymnastics
Nursing home program
Storytelling
Handicraft
Playground programs
Swimming instruction
Hiking
Parties
Talent shows
Horseshoes
Poster contest
Tennis
Kalah
Quiet games
Tournaments
Kickball
Referral service
Travelling zoo
In-service training
Retarded children
Tumbling
Junior leaders program
Sailing
Volleyball
Junior Olympics
Sandbox play
Volunteer service
Leaders training courses
Senior Citizens programs
Water ballet
Leagues
Shuffleboard
Water Carnival
Life saving course
Singing
Waterskiing
Loaned equipment service
Skating
Weight lifting
Miniature golf
Skiing instruction
Women's recreation
Men's physical fitness
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT CHARLES R. HERBERT, Commissioner
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
Work continued on the new X-Ray, Nursery and Special Care Wing at the Quincy City Hospital, by Fabrizio & Martin, Inc., of Darien, Connecticut. It is expected that the building will be completed by late Summer of 1965.
Repairs and alterations to the Municipal Garage, according to plans and specifications by Joseph A. Donahue, architect, were completed in the late Spring by Robert Cook Co.
During the year, plans were formulated for the construction of a vocational and technical school. Permission was obtained to erect the new facility on Faxon Field on Coddington Street. The firm of Caudill, Rowlett & Scott was retained as architects for the project. The estimated cost of this school is approximately $5,000,000.00. Bids for the construction will, in all probability, be sought no later than the middle of 1965.
STREET CONSTRUCTION
Streets which were accepted in late 1963 and early 1964 were constructed by contract. They were divided into two groups, and contract awards were as follows:
On April 28, 1964, a contract for the construction of Amsterdam Avenue, Bersani Circle, Ellis Street, London Avenue and Peterson Road was signed with John J. Botti Co., Inc., of Dorchester. The final cost on this contract was $24,694.53.
The second contract for street construction was awarded to Powhatan, Inc., of Quincy, on July 20, 1964. This contract included the construction of Essex Street, Spence Avenue and Unity Street
ANNUAL REPORT
59
and the widening and reconstruction of Palmer Street from Forbush Avenue a distance of about five hundred fifty feet southeasterly. The contract was completed at a cost of $56,496.23.
CHAPTER 90 CONSTRUCTION
The contracts for the Widening of Granite and School Streets and for the Resurfacing and/or Reconstruction of Center Street, Copeland Street, Dorchester Street, Quincy Avenue, Washington Street and Willard Street, which were awarded by the State to the Old Colony Construction Company of Quincy in 1963, were completed July 1, 1965.
No additional Chapter 90 projects were scheduled for construction during 1964.
CURBING
Only one small contract was awarded for curbing work during 1964. F & D Contracting Company installed approximately five hundred feet of granite curb with curb corners and performed all inci- dental work on East Squantum Street on the easterly side from Essex Street southerly. The City of Quincy furnished the curb and curb corners to the contractor on this project. The total amount of the contract was $1,644.50.
SIDEWALKS
Some sidewalk construction and reconstruction work was done by City forces. However, since the personnel has been decreasing annually with no replacements, it is difficult to attempt construc- tion projects; therefore, a contract for sidewalk work was let to Old Colony Construction Company of Quincy on October 9, 1964, amounting to $17,699.40. Since it was late in the year when the con- tract was awarded, the contract was not completed and was closed out when $15,422.40 had been expended. The sidewalks not completed will be included in the 1965 Work Program.
STREET RESURFACING
The City of Quincy awarded a contract for Street Resurfacing to Old Colony Construction Co., of Quincy on April 27, 1965. All resurfacing work listed on the 1964 Work Program was included in the contract. The work was completed in July and amounted to $39,098.76.
The report of the City Engineer contains a complete list of streets which were constructed or resurfaced, and of the streets on which curb or sidewalk work was done.
PARKING AREA CONSTRUCTION
Powhatan Transportation, Inc., completed the construction of the extension of the Ross Park- ing Area. This Parking Area has been named the Walter Della Chiesa Parking Area in honor of Mayor Della Chiesa's son who was killed in the service of the United States. The construction cost of this parking facility was $57,086.05.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
A contract for permanent repair of service trenches was awarded to Powhatan, Inc., on May 11, 1964. The contract was written to cover trenches for the Highway, Sewer and Water Divisions of the Public Works Department. The Highway portion of the contract was completed at a cost of $5,008.05.
Cleaning, repairing and flushing storm sewers was done by Highway personnel. Additional work on the rebuilding of walls in Furnace Brook was done. The usual work of street and sidewalk repair, renewal of sections of granolithic walks, street sweeping, and the cutting of curb and installation of curb corners for driveway openings was done by City crews. Repair and painting of City fences was done by the Highway Department.
Also, construction, painting, placing and filling sand boxes and barrels, plowing snow, sanding and snow removal work was done by Highway men assisted by employees of the Sewer Department. Sidewalks are plowed by Forestry personnel.
- - CITY OF QUINCY
60
SANITARY
Garbage was collected by Holbrook Livestock Farm, Inc., under the existing contract which expired December 31, 1964. A new contract was awarded on October 28, 1964, for the next three years to the same contractor who was low bidder. The new contract price is $173, 760.00 per year, which is $14,010.00 higher annually than the preceding contract.
Refuse and trash were collected by Marinucci Bros. & Co. under the existing contract. Waste disposal still continues to be a serious problem with the City. Bids were opened in January for dis- posal by composting, but after much discussion, the bids were abandoned. The City is still seeking a method of disposal, the most recent was to haul refuse out of the City. Work of this nature would have to be advertised for bid. This will be done early in 1965.
The Sanitary Division pumped 104 cesspools during the year.
DIVISION OF ENGINEERING HENRY F. NILSEN, City Engineer
Engineering services have been rendered and information furnished to most every city depart- ment and official and to many organizations and citizens. Following is a general breakdown of these services and schedules of public works activities.
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