Norwood annual report 1948-1950, Part 54

Author: Norwood (Mass.)
Publication date: 1948
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 1054


USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1948-1950 > Part 54


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REPORT OF FISH AND GAME WARDEN


Total time spent patroling, law enforcement and answering complaints 1225 hrs. Total miles traveled in car 1646 miles


Total number of complaints 21


Total number of complaints investigated 18


Number of prosecutions resulting from complaints None


Number of hunting, fishing and sporting licenses checked 555


Total expense to Town of Norwood $98.76


One deer killed at Guild Pond and one taken at Raider's Village, Walpole, Mass. These deer both turned over to the Wrentham State School.


One hundred pounds of scratch feed used in feeding of birds. Grain furn- ished by Norwood Sportsman's Association.


Respectfully submitted,


JAMES E. BUNNEY Town Fish and Game Warden


REPORT OF DOG OFFICER


To the General Manager


Town of Norwood, Mass.


Dear Sir:


I submit herewith my report as Dog Officer for the year 1950.


Dogs licensed from April 1, 1950 to December 31, 1950 811


Stray Dogs picked up and destroyed 125


Stray Dogs picked up and returned to owners 38 Complaints answered in 1950 237


Dead Dogs picked up in 1950 17


Respectfully submitted,


GEORGE H. LYNCH,


Norwood Dog Officer


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TOWN OF NORWOOD


REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT


Mr. John B. Kennedy General Manager Norwood, Mass.


Dear Sir:


Approximately 95 cents per person is the amount of money spent to operate the Recreation Department during the year 1950. Below we have attempted to describe how we have spent this money.


The Recreation Department has completed its sixth year of operaation as a full time department. Progress of necessity has been slow, but little by little we are realizing our goal-the provision for wholesome leisure time activities for all citizens of the town of Norwood. We know the responsibility which a municipal recreation program has along this line, and more and more the community is coming to realize this and to support our efforts to realize this goal. With continued support from the community we shall be able to further our efforts in the years that lie ahead. In these times particularly when uncertainty prevails, it is most important that children and adults have the opportunity for wholesome play with its accompanying satisfactions and releases from worry and care. We are ever alert to the suggestions of the community through its individuals or its organizations as to ways in which we can improve on or add to the Recreation program. Ours is a flexible program based on the desires of its participants.


A brief description of the varied activities of the Recreation Department follows.


Friday Evening Dances


In response to many requests made to the Department, a series of dances exclusively for junior high school age boys and girls was begun in 1950, and are conducted at intervals for this group, in addition to the series of dances for high school age boys and girls which have been long a feature of the recreation program. Approximately $1000.00 was turned in to the General Fund after payment of Federal Admission Taxes.


Rifle Club


Upon resumption of the activities of the Norwood Recreation Junior Rifle Club in the fall of 1950, it was found necessary to expand the program because of the large numbers of boys between the ages of 13 and 18 who wished to avail themselves of this opportunity to learn how to handle firearms and to engage in friendly competition with others. The Club now operates on two evenings of the week, and will do so during 1951.


Girls' Modern Dancing


This has long been a popular activity in the Department's program, with over 75 girls taking part in this new art. The increasing appearance of modern dancing in television has increased the interest of girls in this activity.


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REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT


Boxing


At their appearance at the Sports Night of the American Legion last spring, the boys in the Boxing program demonstrated the fine work of this activity to the large and enthusiastic audience present. On two afternoons of the week, more than 30 boys are on hand to improve their boxing skill. Boxing is con- ducted at Swimming Pool Hall of the Civic during January and February.


Girls' Juvenile Drama


A long hoped for activity was added during the fall of 1950 when over 100 girls registered for the Juvenile Drama program which is conducted on four afternoons of the week. This program provides the opportunity for girls from age 7 through age 17 to take part in many different activities such as one act plays, pantomime, square dancing, and individual and group presentations. Additional leisure time activities for girls have long been seen as needed in the program of the Recreation Department, and this is certainly one step in the fulfillment of the need.


Basketball


The Recreation Basketball League, operated for young men beyond high school age concluded its most successful season in the spring, with 12 teams competing throughout the season. In all, more than 120 young men participated in the 1949-1950 season. Resuming in December 1950 for the 1950-1951 season, some falling off in participants has been noted because of the entry of young men into military service, but for those still taking part in the program, it has continued to be as popular as always. Predominantly now the participants are young veterans.


During 1950, leadership was provided for the first time for boys of school age for basketball at Swimming Pool Hall of the Civic after school and on Saturday mornings. Provision of leadership for the boys in this program has enabled us to make it a safer and more aattractive one for the boys taking part. Interest in basketball in Norwood is on the rise, and this program provides the opportunity for play to many young boys who are not able to compete with the more skilled boys on a more highly organized basis.


Symphony Orchestra


The year 1950 was a year of outstanding achievement for the Orchestra sponsored by the Recreation Department. Under the volunteer leadership of Professor Jean V. Dethier, the Orchestra presented five wonderful concerts in 1950, with the series reaching its climax in May with a 60 piece Orchestra per- forming at the Junior High School Auditorium for the benefit of the Norwood Hospital Women's Aid. Resuming its season in September 1950 the Orchestra gives promise of even better accomplishments, among them the joining with a community chorus of some 80 voices to give Norwood one of the best musical evenings ever presented.


Miscellaneous Activities


In addition to the above activities, the Recreation Department cooperates in the matters of coasting and skating areas when weather conditions permit. During


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1950 the Department assisted in the organization and operation of the Boats- men's Club, a newly formed group in Norwood which provides programs of interest to the boatsmen and which is sponsoring in 1951 a course in piloting under the direction of the United States Power Squadron. At various times during the year, the Department is called on by different community organiza- tions to assist in planning and carrying out recreational programs.


Summer Playgrounds


A total of 9 playgrounds were operated on a full time basis for a period of 8 weeks during 1950, with attendance averaging considerably above that of preceeding years. The advancing of the opening date of the playground season proved most popular, although the early closing date left a long period at the end of the summer when no supervision was available on the playgrounds. Plans have been made to operate the playgrounds on a full time basis for a period of 9 weeks in 1951, thus providing more adequate supervision for the children during their summer vacation period. We have also recommended assignment of a male leader to Endean Playground since attendance figures there show that the number of boys attending far outnumber the girls.


In order to reactivate interest in tennis, we have recommended the restora- tion of the position of Supervisor of Tennis.


With few exceptions the usual summer activities were conducted in connection with the playground program. Four baseball leagues were conducted for the boys. Volleyball and softball leagues were conducted for the girls. Many other games of an individual and group nature were conducted on the playgrounds, in addition to the outings, crafts work, and special affairs which have always proved most popular to the boys and girls.


A total of ten teams and more than 125 young men took part in the Senior Twilight Softball League in 1950. This League was operated on a cost sharing basis with the teams assuming the major part of the cost of running the League. The League enjoyed its most successful season since pre-World War II days, and Norwood was singularly fortunate in having a team from the League emerge as Class "A" champion of Metropolitan Boston.


Swimming Program


Curtailment of funds forced the Recreation Department to discontinue in 1950 the practice of providing lifeguards for Willet Pond with the concessionaire assuming the responisbility for protection of the waterfront at the area. In practice this systemi did not work satisfactorily since there were many times when the waterfront was not adequately covered by lifeguards. It is being recommended in 1951 that 2 lifeguards be provided by the Recreation Department and 2 by the concessionaire with the Recreation Department retaining supervision of all such personnel.


Hawes Brook Pool was open for a 12 week period during the summer season in 1950, with many thousands availing themselves of the facilities for safe and enjoyable swimming. A complete course of instruction in swimming was given at the Pool under the direction of Miss Elizabeth Corcoran, with more than 100 boys and girls participating in the various classes. Courses were given for


In Memoriam


WILLIAM R. CARLSON


1868


1950


Mr. Carlson was employed by the Town of Norwood since 1930 as custodian of the Civic Building and caretaker of the Civic grounds. During the years of his employment he served the Town to the fullest of his ability. He retired from active service on February 2, 1938. Mr. Carlson died after a short illness on December 12, 1950.


We here record the expression of our sorrow in his departure.


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REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT


beginners on up through the various skills with certificates being awarded upon successful completion of the courses. In addition to the classes, swimming meets were held with surrounding towns, and plans are underway to form a league in this area in 1951.


Conclusion


The programs described briefly above represent the efforts of the Recreation Department to provide interesting and attractive leisure time activities for the citizens of Norwood. We are hopeful of being able to go forward in our efforts to realize our goals. With the continued improvement of our facilities and our programs, we are confident that Norwood can take its rightful place as a leader in the field of Recreation as it is in so many other fields.


The encouragement and active support of the members of the Board of Selectmen in the past year have been a source of great inspiration to us in our efforts. The continued help and interest of the members of the Recreation Advisory Committee have been of immeasurable importance in enabling the Department to go forward toward the realization of its aims. We are deeply appreciative of the assistance given the Department by both groups. We also wish to express our feelings of gratitude to the other town departments and officials who have cooperated so unselfishly in helping to make our program a successful one.


Respectfully submitted,


RICHARD E. READY Superintendent of Recreation


REPORT OF NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY


MEMBERS: Judge Frank B. Coughlin, Chairman; Daniel Collins, Vice Chair- man; Arthur H. Gleichauf, Treasurer; John E. Bamber, Assistant Treasurer; Lawrence J. O'Brien, Secretary.


DEVELOPMENT: Washington Heights, the NHA 200-1 State-aided Housing development was started on Dec. 9, 1949 and scheduled for completion about Aug. 1, 1950. It contained 33 single dwellings, 12 duplex dwellings and 6 triplex dwellings-a total of 75 units. Architect was Mr. Harry J. Korslund of Norwood. Contractor was A. F. Smiley Constr. Co. of Pawtucket, R. I. Sub-contractors were as follows: Belanger & Son of Cambridge-heating, Sandy Plumbing Co. of Mattapan-plumbing, Peterson Electrical Co. of Stoughton-electrical, Hor- ton Painting Co. of Norwood-painting. Due to shortages of materials, bad weather, and other reasons the first tenants did not occupy the dwellings until Oct. 2, 1950-two months later than the scheduled completion date. The street within the Development was named Jefferson Drive.


FINANCIAL: The original estimated cost of the development was $850,000. which sum was borrowed on temporary notes from the Second National Bank of Boston. This estimate was necessarily high and the Authority is now on


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TOWN OF NORWOOD


third series notes for the amount of $815,000.00. Due to a land damage suit now pending against the Authority, this is not a definite figure in the cost of development. Permanent financing will not be until July, 1951. The cost of operating and maintaining the development will be borne through rentals and a state subsidy-if needed. The property itself is tax-free except for a 5% payment in lieu of taxes to the Town of Norwood. None of the units may be purchased for a period of 40 years by the tenants under the existing statutes.


PERSONNEL: Mr. C. Roger Pearson of Norwood was retained by the Authority as Consultant, Mr. Dennis O'Leary as counsel, Mr. Thomas Foley as Insurance Representative, Mr. Harry Farnsworth as Clerk of the Works, and Mr. Kenneth Berkland as Accountant. State Construction Adviser was Mr. Phillip Kneeland. On November 1, 1950 Mr. Lawrence J. O'Brien resigned as a member of the Authority and was appointed Executive Director of the Authority and Mr. Kenneth Berkland was appointed Manager Accountant. All of these appointments were necessary for proper functioning of an undertaking as large as this and were sanctioned and approved by the State Housing Board.


TENANT SELECTION: This was the most difficult problem which the NHA had to face, as there were over 200 applications and of this number 75 had to be selected. The State Housing Board representatives eliminated some of these for high incomes, etc. Then the members of the Authority spent many hours sifting the Applications and interviewing the applicants.


Eligibility of the applicant was based on housing need, income and veteran status. Factors considered in housing need were as follows: Eviction notices. doubling up, overcrowding, condition of dwelling in which the applicant lived, and paying of high rents on a low income. As this was a low income develop- ment, maximum admission limits were as follows: $3250.00 for a family of four or less-$3500.00 for a family of five or more. Veterans of World War II received top priority in selection. Norwood veterans were given first consideration. Veterans with dependent parents were also considered and married veterans must have at least one child. All of these factors were carefully checked and considered by the members before making any selection.


PROGRESS: On Sept. 5, 1950 selection of 75 applicants was finally completed. The first tenant entered Washington Heights on Oct. 2, 1950 and the last on Dec. 11, 1950. Dedication ceremonies were held on Dec. 9, 1950. As expected in any new building there are several things to be adjusted and some small items to be completed by the contractors. Grading will be done in the spring, and we hope that street lights will be installed shortly. On the whole, the members of the Authority feel that Washington Heights is a very well laid-out development and an asset to the Town of Norwood.


NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY


163


REPORT OFF VETERANS HOUSING BOARD


REPORT OF VETERANS' HOUSING BOARD


To the Citizens of Norwood:


The Norwood Veterans' Housing Board which operates a temporary housing project for veterans on property located off Winter Street submits the following statement of cash receipts and disbursements for the year ending June 30, 1950.


NORWOOD VETERANS' HOUSING BOARD Statement of Cash Receipts and Disbursements For the year ended June 30, 1950


Cash Receipts:


Rent Income


$13,921.00


Security deposit, contra


140.00


Insurance dividend


45.55


$14,106.55


Cash Disbursements:


Repair, maintenance and replacement:


Grounds


$44.83


Structures


426.65


Painting


1,604.68


Plumbing and gas


239.57


Heaters


793.00


Ranges


83.75


Total $3,192.48


Management


1,345.49


Operating services


360.00


Dwelling utilities, water


480.00


Insurance


952.39


Rent of land


600.00


Furniture allowances, heaters


196.80


Taxes


2,358.20


Security deposit refund, contra


120.00


Payment to United States Government for year ended June 30, 1950


5,318.08


$14,923.44


Net decrease in cash for year ended June 30, 1950


816.89


Cash in bank, July 1, 1949


10,379.06


Cash in bank, June 30, 1950


$9,562.17


164


TOWN OF NORWOOD


Disposition of Cash in Bank


Due United States Government


$4,806.77


Reserve for repairs and maintenance


4,649.40


Security deposits


400.00


Collection losses


(294.00)


Cash balance June 30, 1950 $9,562.17


It will be noted that $3,635.00 was paid into the treasury of the Town of Norwood.


During the calendar year of 1950 there were 26 vacancies due largely to the opening of the dwellings built by the Norwood Housing Authority. These vacancies had been substantially filled by the end of the year.


Early in the year the Federal Housing Administration again offered the temporary properties to the Town of Norwood for its operation. On December 26, 1950 the Board of Selectmen voted to notify the Public Housing Adminis- tration that the Selectmen had voted to apply for transfer, to the Town of Norwood, of the temporary housing project.


Respectfully submitted,


FRANCIS W. SMITH, Chairman THOMAS A. RORKE JOSEPH V. NUTTALL WALTER A. BLASENAK JOSEPH LONG


Veterans' Housing Board


165


REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY


REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY


To the Citizens of Norwood:


We transmit herewith the annual statistical and narrative reports of the Morrill Memorial Library for the year ending December 31, 1950


Respectfully submitted,


MAUDE A. SHATTUCK Chairman, Board of Trustees


RACHEL P. MARTIN


EUGENE A. NELSON


GEORGE H. WELLES


MARY L. DUNN


FRANCIS J. DORAN


1950 ANNUAL STATISTICAL REPORT


Books Added


Fiction Added by Purchase


1,527


Non-Fiction by Purchase


1,155


Fiction Gifts


94


Non-Fiction Gifts


79


2,855


Books Withdrawn


Fiction


552


Non-Fiction


492


1,044


Circulation Comparison with 1949


1949


1950


Increase Decrease


Adult Department


70,230


66,572


3,658


Junior Department


15,437


17,145


1,708


Main Library Total


85,667


83,717


1,950


So. Norwood Adult


9,378


11,031


1,653


So. Norwood Junior


6,333


6,460


127


Hospital Adult


5,803


6,944


1,141


Hospital Junior


441


563


122


Schools and Playgrounds


9,695


9,112


583


Others


55


41


14


117,372


117,868


496


166


TOWN OF NORWOOD


Registration


New Registrations


1949


1950


Adult


575


607


32


Junior


192


339


147


So. Norwood


119


136


17


886


1,082


196


Registered Borrowers


1949


1950


Adult


4,854


4,891


37


Junior


1,547


1,626


79


So. Norwood


749


842


93


7,150


7,359


209


To the Board of Trustees:


The following is a statistical report of the Morrill Memorial Library for the year 1950, arranged according to the form recommended by the American Library Association:


Name of Library


Morrill Memorial Library


Town


Norwood, Massachusetts


Name of Librarian


Edna Phillips


Date of Founding


1873


Terms of Use


Free for Lending; Free for Reference


Number of Agencies


3


Number of Days Open in 1950


292 (Adult Dept. closed 5 days for repairs)


Number of Hours Open each Week


69


Number of Staff


7


Books


Volumes Added to the Library:


Fiction by Purchase


1,527


Non-Fiction by Purchase


1,155


Fiction Gifts


94


Non-Fiction Gifts


79


Number of Volumes at End of Year


38,655


Circulation


Fiction


Non- Fiction


Total


Adult Department


41,362


25,210


66,572


Junior Department


11,925


5,220


17,145


South Norwood Adult


7,650


3,381


11,031


South Norwood Junior


4,408


2,052


6,460


Hospital Adult


4,900


2,044


6,944


Hospital Junior


409


154


563


REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY


167


Balch School


1,199


467


1,666


Callahan School


2,213


570


2,783


Junior High School


0


47


47


Peabody School


46


16


62


St. Catherine's School


1,355


208


1,563


Senior High School


0


82


82


Shattuck School


800


298


1,098


Winslow-West Schools


1,431


380


1,811


Church Deposits


17


24


41


77,715


40,153


117.868


Finance


See Report of Town Accountant.


Registration


Adult


Junior Department


South Norwood


Total


Number of borrowers Registering in 1950:


607


339


136


1082


Number of Registered Borrowers:


4,891


1626


842


7359


Respectfully submitted,


EDNA PHILLIPS Librarian


HOW YOUR LIBRARY IS USED IN RELATION TO TOWN CHARACTERISTICS THAT INFLUENCE READING HABITS. A COMPARISON WITH OTHER MASSACHUSETTS TOWNS OF LIKE SIZE.


Local Factors with Bearing on the Use of a Library


Norwood is a progressive town, generous to its library, and it is primarily industrial.


There is no college or private school in town.


There is no public or parochial school near the main library.


Most books are lent for four weeks. This gives reader-satisfaction, but it does not make for quick turn-over of books. Libraries having the usual short loans with renewal privileges find that a factor in circulation count.


168


TOWN OF NORWOOD


Reference Services and Special Events in the Adult Field


Elizabeth Gallup Myer came to the position of Reference Librarian and Readers' Consultant in the latter part of March, bringing superior training and experience. This ended a long staff vacancy, during which we were greatly helped by our very competent substitutes. With the aid of other staff members, Miss Myer has already carried forward the organization of our reference service and strengthened our book collection in that field.


From April 1, when she started the exact recording of questions, to December 30, 2,554 reference questions, and 1,595 book selection questions have been met.


Through the generosity of the Women's Community Committee a Record- Lending Service will start in February. It is the culmination of definite need and interest in this phase of audio-visual service. Miss Myer, who is in charge of it, and Miss Eaton, in charge of its cataloging, are both musically trained. The cataloging of the records is in itself a new and interesting project; and like other features of the service, required study and observation of record-lending service at other libraries. Records have been purchased for all playing speeds.


Typical of reference and book selection services to high schools has been the choosing of twelve groups of books, comprising several hundred titles-all requiring careful book selection methods.


Mimeographed lists of new books, issued every month-not usual at such frequent intevals in libraries of our size-are much used.


Eight book talks have been given by several members of the staff.


Another way books are introduced to readers is in lively and beautiful book exhibits and bulletin board displays which Doris Allen, Assistant, arranges in the Lobby, and Mrs. Knowles at the South Norwood Branch.


Staff members have compiled subject booklists on "Lenten Reading"; "Ameri- can Indian Culture"; and on "Picture Books for Adults Learning English". They have arranged weekly displays of books having television program interest; and a Family Bookshelf for parents and teachers.


A Young Adult Alcove in the Adult Department is meeting a real need, under the capable and gracious direction of Mrs. Allen.


Hospital Service


Under the effective and understanding care of our Circulation Librarian, Esther C. Hallet, aided by Helen Fraser, Substitute, weekly service at the Norwood Hospital continues to grow. When started in 1943, the circulation was 1,191. This year it was 7,507-a gain of 1,260 over last year. More important still is the higher reading levels noted, fewer missing books, and sustained interest and support of all the hospital staff.


Increased interest in hospital library service in the Commonwealth has brought back into activity the Institutional Libraries Group, of which Mrs. Hallet is Vice-President. It is an affiliate of the Massachusetts Library Association.


Neighborhood Service, South Norwood


During summer repairs at the Main Library, the South Norwood Branch had a full week of twelve-hour-a-day service for five days, and but slightly less


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REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY


than that on Saturday. Enthusiastic use, at this and other times, and the aid of many South Norwood readers in bringing flowers, exhibits-such as the loan of paintings by Mr. George Augusta-and the preparation of posters, all point toward the coming need of increased hours at the branch. The South Norwood Parent-Teacher Association and the South Norwood Retail Merchants Associa- tion show active interest in furthering book service.


348 reference questions were answered by obtaining the books from Main Library. 2,400 books came on rotating loan.


41 story hours were held with a total attendence of 610.




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