Norwood annual report 1951-1953, Part 11

Author: Norwood (Mass.)
Publication date: 1951
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 1128


USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1951-1953 > Part 11


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138


TOWN OF NORWOOD


chased on a blanket basis through the State Housing Board. This policy insures the lowest possible rates.


SUMMARY: Washington Heights, the Norwood Housing Authority Develop- ment, has been in operation for 15 months. While some private developments have been subject to critcism and complaints for construction defects, from newspapers, public officials, and homeowners, this State-authorized development for low-income veterans has been singularly free from this sort of criticism. The reason for this is that the members of the Authority have given unceasingly of their time and effort in making of this development a place to be proud of. Much credit should be given to Mr. Arthur H. Gleichauf whose term expired in July and who, in spite of the fact that he has a responsible position in New Jersey, has spent his weekends in Norwood watching the progress of the development and its inhabitants.


Prepared by: LAWRENCE J. O'BRIEN, Executive Director NHA


NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY NO. 200.1 Balance Sheet for Period Ended December 31, 1951


ASSETS


ADMINISTRATION


HI2 Administration Fund Bank Account


$32.724.34


1122


Accounts Receivable-Tenants 248.00


3200 Dwelling Vacancy Loss 50.30


4100 Management


2,922.24


4300 Utilities


1,067.10


4400 Repairs, Maintenance


1,114.34


1700


General Expenses 6,197.9I


$44.324.23


DEVELOPMENT


1111


Cash


Development Fund Bank Account


$37,138.20 634.66


11111 Cash


1400 Development Costs:


1410 Administrative


$6,114.19


1420.1 Carrying Chgs .- Int. 377.62


1420.2 Carrying Chgs .- Ins.


28.22


1430 Archit. and Engineering 33.671.04


1440 Acquisition of Site 21,758.21


1150 Site Improvement


134,674.18


1460 Structures and Equipment


601.267.12


1470 Pre-Occupancy Charges 216.80


1500 Incompleted Contracts


797,152.14 5,000.00


839,925.00


TOTAL ASSETS


$884.249.23


139


REPORT OF HOUSING AUTHORITY


LIABILITIES


ADMINISTRATION


2210 Tenants Security Deposits


$750.00


3100 Dwelling Rents


43.574.23


$44,324.23


DEVELOPMENT


2112 Contract Retentions


$3,000.00


9123 Notes Authorized


$850,000.00


Less 2121-Unissued 40,00.00


810,000.00


2132.2 Interest Earned


209.25


2400 Contract Awards


5,000.00


2630


Capital Donations


1,000.00


839.925.00


TOTAL LIABILITIES


$884,249.23


Prepared by:


KENNETH H. BERKLAND, Manager Accountant NHA


REPORT OF VETERANS' HOUSING BOARD


To the Citizens of Norwood:


The Norwood Veterans' Housing Board submits the following statement of cash receipts and disbursements covering the operation of the temporary housing project for veterans for the year ending June 30, 1951.


NORWOOD VETERANS' HOUSING BOARD


Statement of Cash Receipts and Disbursements For the year ended June 30, 1951


Cash Receipts:


Rent Income


$13,847.96 230.00


Security deposit, contra


Rent Receivable


3.00


Cash Disbursements:


Management


$1,205.68


Operating services


360.00


Dwelling utilities, water


480.00


Repair, maintenance and replacement:


Grounds


98.15


Structures


1.271.26


Plumbing and gas


321.39


Electrical


23.50


Ranges


178.15


$14,080.96


1,917.45


140


TOWN OF NORWOOD


Insurance 23.75


Rent of land


600.00


Furniture allowance, heaters


196.80


Taxes


2.479.60


Security deposit refund, contra


240.00


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


4,806.67


12,309.95


Net increase in cash for year ended June 30, 1951


$1,771.01


Cash in bank, July 1, 1950


9,562.17


Cash in bank, June 31, 1951


$11.333.18


Disposition of Cash in Bank


Due United States Government


$5569.18


Reserve for repairs and maintenance


5.768.70


Security deposits 390.00


Collection losses


(395.00)


Cash balance, June 30, 1951


$11.333.18


The amount paid in cash to the Town of Norwood was $3,756.40.


Twenty-two families found other living quarters during the year and a like number moved in. There are no vacancies at the present time. The life of the temporary project was again extended for one more year by the Government authorities.


Respectfully submitted,


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


Veterans' Housing Board


REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY 141


REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY


To the Citizens of Norwood:


We transmit herewith the annnal'statistical and narrative reports of the Morrill Memorial Library for the year ending December 31, 1951.


Respectfully submitted,


MAUDE A. SHATTUCK Chairman, Board of Trustees EUGENE A. NELSON MARY L. DUNN MARTIN B. CURRAN


RACHEL P. MARTIN


GEORGE H. WELLES


To the Board of Trustees:


The following is a statistical report of the Morrill Memorial Library for the year 1951, 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 1873


Terms of Use


Free for Lending; Free for Reference 3


Number of Agencies


Number of Days Open in 1951 294


Number of Hours Open each Week 69


Number of Staff 7


Population. 1950 U. S. Census


16,693


Books


Volumes Added to the Library:


Fiction by Purchase 1.545


Non-Fiction by Purchase


1.104


Fiction Gifts 84


Non-Fiction Gifts


56


2,789


Volumes Withdrawn:


Fiction


358


Non-Fiction


238


Number of Volumes at End of Year 40,848


Records


596


Records Added to the Library by Gift


106


Date of Founding


142


TOWN OF NORWOOD


Circulation


Books


Fiction


Non- Fiction 26,315


Total 65,693


Senior High School


14


76


90


Peabody School


76


129


205


Junior Department Schools


12,414


6,659


19,073


5,569


1.471


7.040


South Norwood Adult


6,449


4,753


11,202


South Norwood Junior


4.546


2,735


7,281


Hospital Adult


5.554


2,119


7.673


Hospital Junior


436


200


636


Church Deposits


3


78


81


Books, Total


74,439


44,535


118,974


Records


1.481


Pictures


333


Total Circulation


120,788


Finance


See Report of Town Accountant.


$2,098.68 returned to the Town Treasurer, of which $137.50 was from annual fees of $2.50 each from non-resident members. The balance was fines, and payment for loss or damage to books or records.


New registrations


1,117


Total, registered borrowers


7.781


Reference and book selection questions


4,077


Respectfully submitted.


EDNA PHILLIPS


Librarian


INVITATION TO IDEAS


We Go to Our Readers.


First Decade of Direct Service to South Norwood People Successfully Com- pleted.


We. Lend Music as Well as Books.


Record-lending Service Launched in February.


Trustees Exchange Thoughts.


First Meeting of the Trustees of this Region Held Here at Well-attended Panel Discussion.


Norwood Hospital Starts Having Public Library Resources Made Part of Nursing Course.


Nurses in Training and Faculty Twice Received at Library; and Librarian Speaks to Class at Hospital.


Adult Department


39,378


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REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY


We Have Something That Stands Up.


Despite Television, Increased Employment of Women in Industry, Men away in the Armed Forces-the Library Circulation Gained Over a Thousand in 1951.


We go to Our Readers: South Norwood Branch Anniversary


Mary Knowles, whom we are very fortunate in having as Branch Librarian, reports that in May the Branch held Open House, celebrating the first decade of direct service to residents of the area. On this occasion, a readiness expressed on behalf of the library to sponsor an adult group was accepted. The Covi Club (Club of Various Interests) resulted. Meeting fortnightly, the Club has presented such subjects as "Plant Clinic". "Photography". "Ballet", and "Book Reviews". The need for such a group has been shown by increasing attendance, drawn from all parts of town; the fine programs planned by the members, and the opportunity it has given them to work together for the benefit of the community.


Besides working with the Covi Club, the Branch Librarian finds that one of the most rewarding experiences of the year was the chance to serve two residents opening small shops in South Norwood. The techniques of buying and merchan- dising recommended in library books have played a large part, they feel, in the success of these new stores.


Thirty-nine story hours for neighborhood children brought a total attendance of 447.


Adult Services


Elizabeth G. Myer, Reference Librarian and Readers Consultant, finds the level of reading high in Norwood, as well as the proportion of non-fiction used. (37%). She reports 4,077 reference and readers advisory questions answered. A close-up of a few may help one see them:


A reader found a British war medal. It was identified for him, and he was aided in finding a way to make contact with the owner.


From February until April some 200 high school pupils annually work on Cham- ber of Commerce essays. They fill every chair, every corner, and use every item of carefully selected material. This is one instance of our continual service to students and teachers.


Beginning with the ninth grade, boys and girls have access to adult books. We place great importance on the transition age; and we note with satisfaction the mature way most of them use this opportunity. \ "Young Adult Alcove" is estab- lished of books especially interesting to them. It is in charge of Doris Allen, Assistant, who knows and cares for the young people and their books.


Miss Myer's recommendations for reference books and pamphlets have notably strengthened the library's holdings. She has also carried forward the organization of the Information File, now in its 12th year.


The effective and friendly work at the Circulation Desk under the leadership of Esther C. Hallet, Circulation Librarian, has a value beyond its own field, as it is a point. more than any other. from whence readers are oriented to other parts of the library; and from which an enormous amount of non-professional work is directed by Mrs. Hallet. and carried out by high school pages.


114


TOWN OF NORWOOD


Library Publications


Lists of book additions are issued for distribution, monthly by the Adult Department: quarterly by the Jimior Department and every two months by the South Norwood Branch.


Three lists of Recordings have been issued by the Record-Lending Service.


1 Lenten Booklist for adult use was compiled and distributed.


Two articles about the library and its services appeared in the LIBRARY JOURNAL.


"Books That Inspire: A Reading List for Boys and Girls"; and a list for mothers. of suggested children's books for the home library, were issued by the Junior Department.


Our annual report took the form of a folder, "How Your Library is Used, in Relation to Town Characteristics that Influence Reading Habits". It was issued for distribution in town, but was also widely requested from other parts of the country.


We Lend Records, and Further the Enjoyment of Some Other Arts


Record-Lending began in February. By means of the gifts from the Women's Community Committee, a sum of three hundred dollars and a Webster-Chicago Record-Player, we were able to inaugurate this popular, new service. thus joining the ranks of other leading public libraries that engage in some phase of andio- visnal service.


There was an instant response to the availability of records of all speeds for home use. Use of the record player in all parts of the library has provided back - ground music. Mimeographed rules and lists of records added, with a complete card catalog describing the holdings, accompanied the new activity.


An article by the Reference Librarian (who is in charge of the Record-Lending Service). "Record-lending Begins at Norwood", appeared in the LIBRARY JOURNAL. for September 1, 1951. and elicited further inquiries from librarians in different parts of the country. Data on methods found practicable in Norwood have been supplied in answer.


The cumulative effect is strong of artistic exhibits of books with bulletin board background. The beauty of arrangement and thought-provoking topics add greatly to non-fiction's appeal. This is in charge of Mrs. Allen.


Hospitality was given the Art Committee of the Norwood Woman's Chib in a week's exhibit of art objects of merit made by club members.


The Literature Committee of the Norwood Woman's Club, the North Shore Library Club, the Norwood Garden Club and the Library Staff invited the Librarian to speak on "Books on the Arts, Including Poetry".


Starting the Reading Habit in Formative Years-


As reported by N. Dorothy Shumaker, Junior Department Librarian. Results reflect her initiative and her productive work.


The Rainbow Trait Reading Club at the Junior Department and the South Norwood Branch was the summer plan which encouraged the reading of various


At the Norwood Hospital. Miss Edna Phillips, Librarian, speaks to student nurses on "Reading as Therapy." At her right is Mrs. Thacher Hallet, in charge of the Library's Hospital Service; and at her left, Mrs. Barbara Nye. Instructor in Nursing Arts.


Elisabeth G. Meyer, Reference Librarian and Readers' Consultant, hands record to first borrower, Mrs. Edward H. Peterson, President of the Women's Community Committee, which financed the record collection. At right, Mrs. Hugo B. C. Riemer and Mrs. John Martin, members of the Committee. Mrs. Martin is also a library trustee.


SOUTH N


Exhibits of local industries are shown in the window of the South Norwood Branch Library. Charles DiMarzo, a library patron, shows them to his daughter, Marie.


145


REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY


types of literature as the members followed the rainbow to the pot of gold. Mem- bers and their friends shared book treasure by contributing $10.00 for a CARE Book Fund Package to the Netherlands.


Instruction at the Library to elementary grade pupils, public and parochial, 2,300 books sent to the schools, book talks at the schools, "certificates of honor" presented to all class rooms (grades 2-9) having 100 per cent pupil registration at the library, helped boys and girls get acquainted with good books and other library resources.


A Junior Music Hour under the leadership of Mrs. F. Bradbury Jenness was held for seventh graders. More music programs are being planned for younger children. These programs are made possible through the generosity of the Women's Community Committee in giving $20.00 for the purchase of records for children, and through the loan of records by borrowers.


Junior Department circulation was the highest since 1943.


Trustees' Regional Meeting


On the invitation of the Massachusetts Library Association's Planning Board, the Norwood Board of Library Trustees led its region in arranging a panel dis- cussion on "The Trustees' Part in a Progressive Library". Board members and head librarians from twelve communities were invited, with excellent results. This initial meeting will be followed by others in the region.


Books Help Recovery at the Hospital


Under the leadership of Mrs. Hallet, assisted by Mrs. Helen Fraser, the use of books at hospital mounts-802 more this year than last.


The Norwood Hospital is to be congratulated on being the first of which we know to integrate instruction in public library resources in its curriculum for nurses in training. Twice groups of student nurses with their instructor came to the library for a talk on its resources, by Mrs. Hallet. Miss Phillips spoke to the class at the hospital on "Reading as Therapy".


At a Panel Discussion of the Institutional Libraries Group during the New England Library Association Conference at Swampscott, a patient served by on library during five hospitalizations was asked to describe our service. This talk was so interesting it was published in the Norwood papers.


Vital Services Behind the Scenes


In addition to the Librarian's hook selection for purchase, staff members in charge of special areas make recommendations to her. For this purpose use is made of all the best book evaluating tools, and reviews. As much home reading as possible is done and trustees and other readers are consulted not infrequently.


Inventory of all books was taken, which is done once every five years. With all staff members taking part, and pages assisting, Martha C. Eaton, Assistant Librarian and Cataloger, supervised and helped carry through the project with her usual executive ability. With a total book collection of 40,848. an annual circulation of 118,974 and books lent from four circulation centers, an average of less than 100 books were missing per year, with a five year total of 495. Some are sure to turn up later so no books are to be recorded as lost until 1953.


146


TOWN OF NORWOOD


In charge of Miss Eaton, 2,789 books and 106 phonograph records were cataloged. The latter has proved a very interesting study both from the cataloging and musical angle, necessitating much planning and inspection of procedures else- where used.


The plan in use here of having statistical, business and secretarial work centered in the Records Librarian is most satisfactory, thanks to the unusual competence of Shirley Day Patterson.


Carl B. Pearson, Building Custodian, is not only in charge of the building, and branch rooms, but his knowledge of all maintenance matters is invaluable including special work such as painting indoors and out; complete redoing of the branch floors and walls, repair of dry wells, and the installation of a work center near the circulation desk.


Friendly Things You Did For Your Library


The Women's Community Committee gifts are recorded elsewhere.


The Norwood Messenger and the Norwood Tribune are indispensable friends in their constant presentation of library news.


The Norwood Garden Club's flower arrangements at Christmas and other times were a joy.


Mrs. Otis D. Swain, a former trustee, has again presented the library with books in memory of her husband.


The Women of the Moose repeated their civic-spirited gift of children's books and hand-made bookmarks.


Forty-nine men and women have most acceptably presented the library and branch with 140 books, many magazines and flowers.


The Massachusetts Division of Public Libraries is one of the library's special friends in its consultation services, its publications, and ts book loans-not the least valuable being books in foreign languages lent to the South Norwood Branch.


A gift from the Norwood Woman's Club is being used for flowers in wintertime, at the charging desks.


The .Junior Department received an African witch doctor's mask from Mrs. Clarence Earle, and a filmstrip projector from Mr. John Morrison.


We and the Town


All ninth grade pupils in public and parochial schools have been received in small groups, each with a faculty member, for instruction in the use of the Adult Department resources.


Four classes per week in Adult Civic Education, of the Norwood Public Schools have been held at the library. Rooms were used weekly by First Aid classes, American Red Cross, Camp Fire Girls; and fortnightly by the Covi Club at the South Norwood Branch; and on special occasions by Cub Pack 64, Winslow School Parent-Teacher Association, and the Executive Board of the Norwood Woman's Club, as well as its Literature Committee.


The Norwood Community Council through its Education Committee, of which the Librarian was a member and later, Acting Chairman, arranged and held a


147


REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY


Forum on "New Industry for Norwood" at the library. She also serves as a member of the Council's Executive Board. Her serving as Town Meeting Member helps bring out added ways the library can aid its community.


A letter from the Library has gone to each serviceman and woman having a library membership.


A series of book talks was given by the staff at the Senior and the Junior High Schools. The Reference Librarian spoke before the Women's Community Com- mittee; and she is a member of the Norwood-Norfolk County Orchestra. The Junior Department Librarian spoke before the Parent-Teacher Association Pre- School Mothers' Club. She is a member of the Board of the Norwood Woman's Club.


We and the Profession


The Librarian took part in a Panel Discussion at the American Library Association's Chicago Conference; and was asked to serve as Consultant on small libraries. She was on the Advisory Committee of a week's Institute held by Sim- mons College School of Library Science, and attended the Institute. She is Chairman, Massachusetts Library Association's Public Relations Committee; and - member, Public Relations Committee, New England Library Association; member, Planning Committee, Human Relations Institute, at which she was a panel member for a book discussion.


Mary Knowles was awarded her State Certificate of Librarianship on the basis of examination. She serves as Secretary-Treasurer of the Round Table of Librarians for Young Adults; and together with Mrs. Allen, on their Executive Board.


A Library Board


Whose policy favors progress, whose work is esteemed by other communities as well as their own --


A Library Staff


Who pace themselves with the best professional work of the day ---


Who take part in civic life-


Help make their library a spring, not a pond; and a happy environment for their librarian.


EDNA PHILLIPS, Librarian


LIBRARY HOURS


ADULT DEPARTMENT


Monday - Friday 9 a. m. - 9 p. m. Saturday 9 a. m. - 6 p. m.


JUNIOR DEPARTMENT


Monday - Friday 12:30 - 6 p. m. Saturday 9 a. m. - 6 p. m. SOUTH NORWOOD BRANCH


Tuesday and Thursday 12:30 - 5:30 p. m. 6:30 p. m. - 9 p. m.


Saturday 9 a. m. - 12 Noon 1 - 6 p. m.


NORWOOD HOSPITAL Monday 1 - 5 p. m.


148


TOWN OF NORWOOD


TRUSTEES MAUDE A. SHATTUCK, Chairman MARY L. DUNN RACHEL P. MARTIN


MARTIN B. CURRAN


EUGENE A. NELSON GEORGE H. WELLES


STAFF


EDNA PHILLIPS, Librarian, and Secretary of the Board


MARTHA C. EATON, Assistant Librarian and Cataloger


ELIZABETH G. MYER, Reference Librarian and Readers' Consultant N. DOROTHY SHUMAKER, Junior Department Librarian


ESTHER C. HALLET, Circulation Librarian


MARY KNOWLES, Branch Librarian


SHIRLEY DAY PATTERSON, Records Librarian


DORIS C. ALLEN, Assistant


BUILDING CARL B. PEARSON, Senior Building Custodian


SUBSTITUTES


RUTH R. KING BI TTINA COTTRELL HELEN R. FRASER


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 1951.


Dogs licensed from April 1, 1951 to Dec. 31, 1951 810


Stray dogs picked up and destroyed 127


Stray dogs picked up and returned to owners 47


Complaints answered in 1951 261


Dead dogs picked up from April 1 to Jan. 1, 1951 14


Respectfully submitted,


GEORGE H. LYNCH, Norwood Dog Owcer


149


REPORT OF CIVILIAN DEFENSE


REPORT OF CIVILIAN DEFENSE


Honorable Board of Selectmen:


Gentlemen:


The Norwood Office of Civil Defense submits the following report of its activi- ties:


- 1950 -


In the absence of a previous report the following information is offered:


On July 20, 1950, the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts authorized and directed each city and town to establish a local organization for Civil Defense. In accordance with this law, on August 15, 1950, the Board of Selectmen appointed Gordon F. Woodberry as Director with responsibility for the organization, administration and operation of the Norwood Office of Civil Defense.


The Director, together with an Executive Committee appointed by him, held many meetings to determine the plans and policies of the new town department. A recruiting plan was carried out which produced many volunteers for the various services provided by Civil Defense. Division Chiefs were appointed who are respon- sible for the activities in their specialized fields.


- 1951 -


In February, Norwood Civil Defense was placed on a Full-time basis with the appointment of Martin B. Curran to the position of Executive Secretary. This appointment was deemed necessary by the Executive Committee to insure continu- ity in the department which was difficult to achieve with a completely volunteer organization.


Ani organization chart was prepared and accepted which showed graphically the relationships and differences of function which exist between the Operating Divisions. With their responsibilities clearly before them, the heads of the various Divisions made the necessary appointments of subordinate personnel and prelimin- ary planning meetings were held by many. In all cases the recommendation of the Federal Civil Defense Administration that full use of existing facilities and per- sonnel be made was followed.


Certain material signs of Civil Defense activity then began to appear, such as the booklet, "Protection From The Atom Bomb", which was mailed, together with a volunteer enrollment blank, to all the homes in Norwood. Subsequently more of these booklets were distributed through the cooperation of the public and parochial schools to all school children.


On July 17, Mr. A. Franklin Swift, Jr., was appointed Director to replace Mr. Woodberry, whose resignation was made necessary by the pressure of business. Mr. Swift had been serving as Chief of the Civilian War Aid Division until his appointment as Director and his achievement in this Division had prompted Mr. Woodberry to recommend him for the position of Director.


Realizing the need of a warning system for the populace, the sirens which were purchased during World War II were reconditioned and their operation tested. The three sirens on the roof of the fire station are remotely controlled by a


150


TOWN OF NORWOOD


switch and timing device at the police station, the installation of which was done by the Light Department. Until recently the test warnings sent out by the State Police have been received on the police teletype machine, but the recent acquisi- tion of a special short-wave radio receiver now makes Norwood a part of the state-wide warning system. These warnings will be sent ont when intelligence is received that unidentified or cuemy aircraft are approaching our shores. This information comes from radar locations and the Ground Observer Corps, a unit of which operates in Norwood under the supervision of Joseph V. Nuttall. The Norwood Corps has taken part in several exercises conducted by the Army Air Force.




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