USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1951-1953 > Part 10
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6.231
1875
551
448,633
1.343.867
1,792,500
11.80
22,195.81
198
365
1872
472
518.540
1.100,016
1,618.556
11.40
19,397.79
185
-105
..
320
6.275
1
TOWN OF NORWOOD
511
6.216
1880
650
456,635
1,338,793
1,795,428
11.80
22,486.32
240
382
354
6,255.5
1
Other Neat
Estate
Assessed
Acres
COMPARISON OF TAX RATE RECAPITULATIONS OF YEARS 1950 AND 1951
1950
1951
Increase
Decrease
AAppropriations by Taxation and from Available Funds
$2.552,558.57
$2,705.043.27
$152.484.70
S
State Parks and Reservations Tax
2.794.68
3.930.36
1.135.68
State Audit of Municipal Accounts
1,445,46
2,547.77
1,102.31
State Examination of Retirement System
104.94
128.76
23.82
Metropolitan Sewerage - South System
24,751.50
40.509.61
15,758.11
County Tax and Tuberculosis Hospital Assessment
78,808.64
81.352.68
2.544.04
Overlay
12,004.47
25,587.64
13,583.17
Gross Amount to be Raised
$2.672,468.26
$2.859,100.09
$186.631.83
Estimated Income Tax
$124,073.28
$111.360.85
$12.712.43
Estimated Corporation Tax
217.029.99
170.768.05
46.261.94
Estimated Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
80.800.00
115,000.00
31,200.00
Poll Tax
11,162.00
11,720,00
558.00
Other Estimated Receipts and Available Funds
1,121,142,00
1,167.911.70
46,769.70
Total Estimated Receipts and Available Funds
$1.554,207.27
$1,576,760.60
$81,527.70
$58.974.37
Net Amount to be Raised by Taxation of Property
S1.118,260.99*
$1,282,339.491
.
Assessed Valuation 1950, $286,026,330.00 at $39.90
$1,118,260.99*
Assessed Valuation 1951, $30,677,980.00 at $41.80
$1,282.339.49+
S
*Includes gaiu of $10.42 on account fractional divisions of tax rate.
tIncludes loss of $0.07 on account fractional divisions of tax rate.
REPORT OF BOARD OF ASSESSORS
127
1
128
TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1951.
Number of box alarms 303
Number of still alarms
39
Classified as follows:
Buildings
92
Automobiles
23
False
17
Woods, dumps and others
280
Total 312
Property involved:
Buildings
$141.050.00
Contents
127.000.00
Total
$268.050.00
Estimated loss on buildings
$100,250.00
Estimated loss on contents
6,550.00
Total
$106.800.00
Insurance paid on buildings
$75.826.00
Insurance paid on contents
5.353.17
Total
$81,179.17
Instance carried on buildings
$122.700.00
Insurance carried on contents
130.000.00
Total
$252,700.00
Number of gallons of water used
1,664,715
Number of feet of hose used
54,850
Ambulance calls attended
381
Inspection of business buildings, recreation and public gathering places, gaso- live and oil storages, garages and gasoline stations were made in the usual manner.
I wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen and all departments of the Town for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
ALONZO N. EARLE. Chief of the Fire Department.
In Memoriam
THOMAS PATRICK DOHERTY was born in Medford, Massachusetts on November 5, 1909. He was appointed a member of the Permanent Force of the Norwood Fire Department May 1, 1934. He served the Town as a Fireman for seventeen years, three months and eleven days. Fireman Doherty died September 11, 1951.
In the death of Thomas Patrick Doherty the Norwood Fire Department lost one of its loyal members and the Town of Norwood a fine Public Servant.
129
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The Norwood Board of Public Welfare submits its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1951.
The Welfare Board consisting of Mr. A. Franklin Swift, Jr., Mr. Martin J. Foley and Mr. Adam R. Meissner were re-appointed by the Board of Selectmen on May 2. 1951.
At a regular meeting of the Board of Welfare on May 8, 1951 Mr. A. Franklin Swift, Jr. was elected Chairman for the ensning year.
A monthly summary of the number of active General Relief, Aid to Dependent Children. Disability Assistance cases, together with the total number of persons involved follows this report.
Cash Grants for Aid to Dependent Children from the Federal Government were received throughout the year, based on a proportionate amount of the regular Cash Allowance given to recipients. Federal Cash Grants were received by the Town for Administration purposes to help defray the cost of this expense.
The State of Massachusetts also shares in the cost of regular Aid to Dependent Children assistance payments and these funds are paid to the Town Treasurer at varions intervals.
As of November 1, 1951 a new category of Assistance became effective to be known as Disability AAssistance. This aid covers those persons permanently and totally disabled in such a manner to prevent them from engaging in a useful occupation within their competence.
In this category the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Federal Govern- ment make a financial contribution to the Town on a proportionate basis.
Employment conditions in the Norwood area were such as not to reflect to any great extent on the number of cases aided.
The closing of Winslow Bros, and Smith Co. showed very little effect on the Welfare caseload.
During 1951 Medical Costs of all types continued to increase, and this expense is one which is difficult to estimate.
Good low-cost rentals is a problem still and because of this shortage the Depart- ment continues to board some children in other homes. while the search for a home for the entire family is found.
The Town Clerk and Accountant's report shows in detail the receipts and expenditures of the Welfare Department.
The Welfare Board desires to express their appreciation to all persons, organizations, and Town Officials for their co-operation during the current year.
Respectfully submitted,
ALONZO F. SWIFT, JR., Chairman MARTIN J. FOLEY ADAM R. MEISSNER
Norwood Board of Public Welfare
130
1951 PUBLIC WELFARE CASE LOAD
Month
Aid to Dependent Children
General Relief
Boarding
Disability Assistance
Institutional
Hospital
Total
Cases
Cases
Cases
Cases
Cases
Cases
Cases
People
January
16
37
23
2
0
78
179
February
15
37
23
2
0
77
143
March
15
36
23
2
0
76
137
April
16
37
24
3
0
80
132
May
13
39
23
3
0 000 0) 0
75
121
June
12
38
22
July
14
40
21
August
15
42
21
0
80
134
September
16
12
21
0
81
134
October
17
39
21
1
80
126
November
16
34
12
18
0
82
129
December
16
37
11
18
()
84
129
.
78
130
77
128
TOWN OF NORWOOD
131
REPORT OF BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
REPORT OF BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
The Norwood Bureau of Old Age Assistance submits herewith its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1951.
The table below lists the number of Old Age Assistance cases active at the end of each month during 1951. Each case represents a person:
January 181
July 179
February
180
August 179
March
179
September 176
April
180
October
174
May
183
November 175
June
184
December
173
During 1951 there were no basic changes made in the Old Age Assistance Law and the method of administration continued as in the past. Increases in budget allowances were made, due to the rising cost of living.
The Federal Government continues to share in the cost of the regular assistance payments to recipients, and these payments are received at intervals throughout the year.
Cash Grants are also received from the Federal Government to help defray the administrative costs of the Old Age Assistance Bureau.
Part payment of the costs of the regular assistance payments are made to the Town Treasurer by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts throughout the year on a percentage basis.
There continues to be some transfer cases from other communities due in some part to the new developments in the Town. However this should be on the decline from this point on.
The Town Clerk and Accountant's report listed elsewhere in this report gives a detailed list of receipts and eexpenditures with regard to Old Age Assistance.
Respectfully submitted.
ALONZO F. SWIFT, JR., Chairman MARTIN J. FOLEY ADAM R. MEISSNER
Norwood Bureau of Old Age Assistance
132
TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Mr. John B. Kennedy General Manager Norwood, Mass.
Dear Sir:
The year 1951 was marked by the continued success of the programs of the Recreation Department. With a slight increase in the amount of money available, additions to the program and expansion of activities already underway were possible. In such a manner we were able to continue progress toward our goal of providing wholesome leisure time activities for all citizens of Norwood. It is our sincere hope that in the years that lie ahead we may be able to continue to make progress toward that goal. The growing acceptance of municipal recreation pro- grams in all communities is everywhere in evidence, and we are happy to say that it is as true here in Norwood.
The following is a summary of the various programs carried on throughout the year by the Recreation Department.
Youth Center
After much discussion amongst members of the Recreation Advisory Commit- tee concerning the question of recreation programs for high school age young people in Norwood, arrangements were made late in 1951 with the cooperation of the School Department for conferences with the Executive Board of the Student Council at the Senior High School. As a result of these meetings, and with the complete cooperation of the members of the Board, the Norwood Yonth Center came into being on December 8, 1951, and from the outstanding success which was enjoyed, it would seem that this is the program which we have been searching for for this age group. In addition to a dance in Social Hall, Swimming Pool Hall has been converted into a game room with a snack bar, game tables, a juke box, ping-pong tables and other features. The Youth Center is conducted exclusively for the high school age group on Saturday evenings and it is earnestly hoped that it will continue to be as well attended as the first three sessions have been.
Rifle Club
The Norwood Recreation Junior Rifle Club has continued operation through the 1951 season with an advanced group and a beginners group. the former group meeting on Monday evenings and the latter group meeting on Wednesday evenings. both meeting at the range at the Municipal Building. Mr. George J. Oelschlagel, III, has continued to provide expert supervision of this activity with the result that interest and participation has kept at a high level. At present approximately 50 boys are enrolled in the Club. Instruction in use and care of the rifle is given, competition both within and outside the Club is engaged in, and in general the boys make maximum use of the facilities available on the two nights of the week. Three teams are entered in the National Rifle Association postal matches, and the Club is a member of the newly formed Tiot Rifle League, which is made up of local groups interested in marksmanship.
133
REPORT OF RSECREATION DEPARTMENT
Senior Basketball
Although slightly less young men participated in the Recreation Basketball in the 1950-1951 season because of the military situation, there were still in excess of 100 young adults who availed themselves of this opportunity for supervised physical exercise and competition. The season concluded in March 1951, and the 1951-1952 season began during the first week of December 1951. It was a pleasant surprise to find attendance increased over that of last year, with more teams participating than during the previous season. The League is now conducted on two evenings of the week at the court at the Senior High School.
Friday Evening Dances
During the major part of 1951 the Friday Evening Dances were conducted for boys and girls of junior high school age. Attendance on Friday evenings by the high school age group declined to the point where dances for that group were dis- continued temporarily, but this situation is now being taken care of by the Youth Center. Attendance at the Dances for the juniors has increased tremendoush to the point where attendance now averages between 175 and 200 each Friday evening at Social Hall of the Civic. These dances for the junior group are run between the hours of 7:30 and 10:00 P. M. and their value seems demonstrated by the numbers in attendance. . An orchestra is engaged each week to play for dancing and three members of the Recreation Department staff are on hand each week to provide supervision.
Junior Basketball
On each afternoon of the week and on Saturday mornings from the middle of November through the middle of April, boys of all ages are able to play basketball under supervision in Swimming Pool Hall of the Civic. Proper supervision of this activity is necessary in order to insure that each boy who comes to the basketball court has a chance to play and in order to guarantee the safety of the boys partici- pating in the program. This program is an informal one, with competition existing only on a day to day basis. For the most part, the boys taking part in this program are those who are unable to win a place on their respective school teams but who nevertheless are interested in playing basketball. Attendance at the sessions is high. with never less than 25 boys and many times in excess of 50 participating during the course of a session.
Halloween Parties
Halloween parties were conducted in 1951 for boys and girls at the Senior High School and for the junior high school age young people of both the Junior High School and St. Catherine's School. Three separate parties were run in all, and again this year, the parties were considered most successful.
Girls' Drama
The program of Drama for girls continued through May of 1951 and then was resumed shortly after the girls returned to school in September 1951. With an early start in the 1951 season it was possible to interest a larger group of girls in the activity. The Drama groups met on four afternoons of the week, the senior group on two days, and the junior group on two afternoons. In November of 1951 an Open House was held for parents and friends of the girls in the program where the girls demonstrated the type of activities in which they engage.
134
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Mrs. Virginia Bergeron has continued to provide supervision of this program and has donc exceptionally fine work. The increased and enthusiastic participation on the part of the girls seems to demonstrate the value of the program. This pro- gram is a partial answer to our efforts to expand the activities for girls in the Recreation Department.
Swimming Program
In 1951 the Recreation Department provided two lifeguards throughout the summer season at Willett Pond and the Concessionaire provided additional life- guards on weekends and holidays when the beach was heavily populated. While far from being the ideal situation, it is felt that the Town discharged its responsi- bilities adequately in providing waterfront protection for the people visiting the area. It is still felt however that four lifeguards should be employed to assure adequate coverage of the Pond at all times.
Hawes Brook Pool enjoyed its third season of operation, a season which may be termed the most successful to date. Many thousands of young people and adults made use of the facilities at the Pool during the Il week season that it was open to the public.
With the cooperation of the Norwood School Department, the Recreation Department publicized the instructional program of the Recreation Department in swimming and was able to register youngsters before school closed for the classes held during the summer months. Under the most competent supervision of Miss Elizabeth Corcoran and her staff of Lifeguards at Hawes Brook Pool, between 250 and 300 boys and girls attended the classes which were held during the first six weeks of the season. Certificates were issued those completing the various courses by the Department and by the American Red Cross. Much good was done in these swimming classes both in terms of teaching swimming techniques and water safety, which is the all important factor in water activities. The_instructional pro- gram which has been established at the Pool is one of which we can be justly proud, and it is one which compares most favorably with those of other communities.
During the summer season, several swimming meets were conducted with the surrounding towns of Dedham. Canton, Needham, Walpole, and East Walpole. These meets provided interesting competition for the boys and girls and spurred them on to improve their techniques. Late in the season a team was taken to a meet held in Boston for the Metropolitan Boston arca, and the boys' group finished in fourth position in competition with many communities which have had the benefit of programs of many years duration. Success such as this served to remind us of the position of prominence which Norwood once occupied in the field of Swimming.
Summer Playgrounds
The 1951 playground season extended for a 9 week period from June 25, 1951 through August 24, 1951. The early part of the season, which actually began on the Monday following the final day of school, attracted many children into the play- ground program who might otherwise not have come in. Previously the Depart- ment had let a week lapse before opening the playgrounds for the season. The nine week season which was introduced in 1951 also proved most successful. The Department was thereby able to give better service during the summer vacation to
135
REPORT OF RSECREATION DEPARTMENT
the children. Ideally the season would be extended to a 10 week season to provide supervision of the children's play during the entire period that they are out of school, but such an expansion at this time would require too great an increase. It is in the plans of the Department for the future to request extension of the season for a 10 week season.
Again the Summer Playground program proved most successful and popular, although inclement weather did reduce the overall attendance slightly. Rainy weather presented many problems in the carrying out of programs. For example, the playgrounds were unable to take their annual trip to Braves Field because of rain and inability to reschedule the trip on a suitable date. In spite of this unfav- orable weather however, the usual programs of the Department were conducted with the same enthusiastic participation, by the hundreds of children in attendance at the various playgrounds.
The Recreation Leaders employed in the 1951 season are to be congratulated for the fine cooperation which they gave in making that season again a successful one. We are hopeful of being able to keep with us those persons whom we have trained in their positions, and who have done such fine work for the Department.
Symphony Orchestra
During 1951 the Norwood-Norfolk County Orchestra enjoyed by far its mnost interesting and most successful season to date. The group met regularly each week in Memorial Hall of the Municipal Building for rehearsals and played several concerts during the year. Climax of the season was the concert given at the Norwood Junior High School on the evening of February 25, 1951 when the Orchestra joined with a chorus of 80 voices to present a program of fine music to a capacity audience. The sum of $1.000.00 was turned over to the Norwood Hospital from the proceeds of this concert. Professor Jean V. Dethier and all members of the Orchestra and Chorus are to be congratulated for the outstanding work they have done in music during 1951.
Miscellaneous Activities
In addition to the previously described programs and activities, the Recreation Department is called on from time to time during the year to cooperate in the organization of and carrying out of recreational activities in the Town. The Department cooperated with other Town departments in arranging for coasting and skating facilities during the brief periods when weather permitted such activities. The Superintendent participated in various activities in the community such as the Community Council, Red Cross, etc., and also took part in local, state, and national recreational conferences and meetings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we should like to extend our sincere thanks to the members of the Recreation Advisory Committee, to the members of the Board of Selectmen, to the General Manager, and to all other Departments in the Town who have aided immeasurably in planning and carrying out the aims of the Department in. 1951. We are grateful too to the citizens of Norwood who have helped us so
136
TOWN OF NORWOOD
much in many ways, and for their suggestions and constructive criticisms through- out the year which have made our work more interesting and which have enabled us to do a better job.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD E. READY Superintende : if Recreation
REPORT OF THE ANIMAL INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my report as Inspector of Animals for the year 1951.
I quarantined 35 dogs for biting. All were released at the end of the required legal quarantine period and none showed any signs of rabies at any time. The head of one dog was taken to the Wasserman Laboratory on suspicion of rabies; the examination proved negative.
I inspected six shipments of cattle from out-of-state for dairy purposes.
I made the annual inspection of livestock required by the Massachusetts Division of Livestock Disease Control and it revealed the following; 145 cows, 7 horses, 22 heifers. 44 calves, 6 bulls, 1 goat, 106 swine, 8 beef cattle, and 19 sheep.
Respectfully submitted.
THOMAS U. MAHONEY
Inspector of Animals
REPORT OF FISH AND GAME WARDEN
Total patroling time
1,034 hours
Total miles in car 1.678 miles
Total number of Complaints
Complaints investigated 8
Number of prosecutions
None
Number of licenses checked 520
Total expense to Town $100.68
One dog owner notified of dog driving deer and dog was restrained.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES E. BUNNEY
137
REPORT OF HOUSING AUTHORITY
REPORT OF NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY
MEETINGS: First and third Wednesdays of the month in Room 24 of the Norwood Municipal Building.
MEMBERS: Chairman Judge Frank B. Coughlin, Vice Chanman Daniel Col- lins, Treasurer John E. Bamber, Ass't Treasurer Roger J. Connelly, John J. Mulve- hill, Roger J. Connolly was elected in January, 1951, For a five year term. John J. Mulvehill was appointed by Gov. Paul A. Dever for a five year term to succeed Arthur H. Gleichauf whose term expired in July, 1951.
PERSONNEL: Executive Director and Secretary (Ex-oflicio)-Lawrence J. O'Brien: Manager-Accountant-Kenneth H. Berkland; Insurance Representative- Thomas J. Foley; Counsel-Dennis O'Leary.
DEVELOPMENT: Grading and seeding at Washington Heights was begum in July, 1951, and despite the late start, lawns came up very well. Most of the defects in construction were taken care of by the Contractor. Twelve of the tenants reported water in their cellars after every major storin. To remedy this the Norwood Housing Authority installed 12 back-water valves, which relieved the situation considerably. The Authority has taken legal action against the General Contractor, A. F. Smiley of Pawtucket, R. I., because of improper grading and drainage in certain areas of the development. Work is still under the supervision of Mr. Harry J. Korslund, Architect.
MANAGEMENT: Rents are based on the tenant's earnings and number of dependents. Tenants with two children or less pay 18 per cent of their neet earnings for rental. Tenants with more than two children pay 14 per cent of their net earn- ings. Rents are revised every six months. Six tenants have moved out in the past year and have been replaced from our waiting list of 94 veterans in need of adequate housing. Average rent per unit monthly is about $40.00. Arrearages in rent are less than one-half of one per cent.
MAINTENANCE: Responsibility for upkeep of buildings and maintenance of equipment lies with the Authority. In August, 1951, bids were received from the Sears Roebuck & Co. of Norwood, the Norwood Hardware, and Harry Fraser of Norwood on 6 lawnmowers and 6 garden hoses for the care of grounds. The pur- chase was made from Sears Roebuck & So. for $199.14, the lowest bid received. In October, 1951, bids were received from Folan Plumbing & Heating Co., Buckley Burner Service, and the Lydon & Haase Co. all of Norwood on cleaning and main- tenance of hot water and heating equipment. A (1) year contract was awarded to the Lydon & Haase Co. for $1,125.00-the lowest bidder. In November, 1951, bids were received from Tom Walsh. Albert Whitmore, and Timothy Coughlin all of Norwood for Rubbish Removal. A (1) year contract was awarded to Timothy Coughlin for $570.00-the loweest bidder. All purchases and contract awards must receive the prior approval of the Chairman of the State Housing Board. Periodic inspections are made by the Authority at Washington Heights to make certain that tenants are taking the proper care of their dwellings.
FINANCIAL: Five (5) per cent of rentals annually are paid to the Town of Norwood in lieu of taxes. This year the amount was $1,559.00. Insurance is pur-
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