USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1951-1953 > Part 35
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67
The Library offered a series of six discussion groups on "The Maintenance of Home and Grounds". This had special reference to the interests of householders
160
TOWN OF NORWOOD
in Norwood's sixteen new housing developments. Each program had brief book comment by a library staff member.
One of Norwood's assets in atracting new industries is strong library holdings in business and industrial fields, such as our subscription to five Moody services.
Bright Future: Our Work With Youth
Forty-two classes of Public and Parochial Schools, each class accompanied by teachers, visited the library for instruction in its use. Of these, fifteen classes, from kindergarten through sixth grade, were instructed by N. Dorothy Shumaker, Junior Department Librarian, and Doris C. Allen, Young Adults' Librarian; fifteen classes from first grade through sixth from the Balch School by Mrs. Mary Knowles, Branch Librarian, at the South Norwood Branch; eight classes of the ninth grade by Miss Myer and other staff members, in the Adult Department. In a way appropriate to the age and interest of the pupils they were all told how to learn what we have, how to find it, and the rudiments of how to use it.
Doris Allen has been promoted to Young Adults' Librarian, and spoke on that phase of our work before the Women of the Moose. She is developing our collection of Adult Department books for the young person, and is making plans for special events of value to them. She and Mrs. Knowles are active in the Round Table of Librarians for Young Adults in which both serve as members of the Executive Board.
Thirty-three Junior Department Story Hours had a toal attendance of I,115 -the largest since 1948, in spite of TV. Occasional use was made of music by recordings, dramatizations, and moving pictures.
The Baseball Reading Club gave 150 boys and girls at the Junior Department and the South Norwood Branch an objective for their vacation reading of really good books. Over 1,200 books were read and reported upon; members from the Main Library and the Branch contributed $18.00 to the Jimmy Fund. They thoroughly enjoyed the club and the concluding evening with a talk by a rep- resentative from the Boston Braves.
Students of college and high school age drew heavily on the reference and readers' consultation service, Elizabeth G. Myer in charge. They received guidance both as individuals and by means of special shelves at the library; five deposits at the Henry O. Peabody School and the Senior and Junior High Schools; and in the organization of a large selection of literature on the Chamber of Commerce Essay Contest topics-used 350 times by 250 students. Sixty-nine deposits from the Junior Department were sent to the elementary grades of public and parochial schools.
In these ways, the library serves its town not only as a public but as a school library.
Talks and service in the interest of youth included Miss Shumaker's book talk to the Parent-Teacher Association Pre-School Mother's Club, Mrs. Knowles' mem- bership on the Norwood Board of the Family Society of Greater Boston, Miss Myer's talk on library resources to the faculty of the Senior High School, and before a Regional Camp Fire Group in Boston on books that help in personality building.
Presentation of the Catholic Encyclopedia by the Knights of Columbus.
Exhibit of miniature furniture made by Roy D. Cook, left; and arran_'d by Doris Allen, Young Adults' Librarian, right.
-
The Junior Department offers service to the youngest readers.
161
REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Patterns For Living: In Health and In Sickness
The library service to patients and personnel at the Norwood Hospital, in charge of Esther C. Hallet, aided by Helen Fraser, has reached the new high of 9.343. A second day of service will probably be necessary in 1953, when the New Wing of the Hospital is in final form.
Twelve nurses in training, with two instructors and a staff member, came to the Main Library for an escorted tour and a talk by Mrs. Hallet on its resources of special use to nurses.
Readers who are well but who nevertheless have problems are helped to a fuller life by library services-such as the many requiring special diets and those interested in weight control. A happier outlook on life has come to plenty of our readers through the inspiration of religious books.
Heightening Enjoyment of Music, Poetry and Art
The first full year of record-lending showed, according to Miss Myer's report, that 254 records were circulated 1,883 times.
For the first time the purchase of records as part of the library's budget established music as a town-supported service, following its initiation last year as a contribution from the Women's Community Committee.
The Pike Collection of 78 records given by Mrs. John Martin, Library Trustee, in memory of her mother, was a notable addition.
Children's recordings were added and there was a program of recorded music, with comment by Mrs. F. Bradbury Jenness, as part of a children's Story Hour.
A number of other libraries sought our advice in beginning their music- lending services.
The beauty of the library was enhanced in the redecorating of the street floor, under the color direction of Kenneth Bonney, Interior Decorator.
Many exceptionally beautiful art books were added, and Miss Phillips gave a book talk before the Norwood Literary Society on "The Arts for a Full Life".
An exhibit of handmade miniatures of antique furniture by Mr. Roy D. Cook brought much acclaim.
The library has strong, well-used collections in poetry. Among those especially responsive to it are patrons who write, and the young people of South Norwood. Poetry lovers are making use of Robert Frost's recorded readings from his own poems. These recordings, rather hard to get, have brought repeated requests for buying information.
A Public Library That Furthers Cooperation
Among the ways that Norwood people cooperate with their library are first of all in expressed interest and heartening comment. Their volunteer services and gifts include the Norwood Garden Club's arrangements of flowers and decorations; a gift from the Knights of Columbus of the Catholic Encyclopedia, in 17 volumes; bookmarks and book gifts from the Women of the Moose; chairs for the Children's Room from the Norwood Woman's Club and the Women's Community Committee; the folding of 700 annual reports by the Camp Fire Girls; the gift of 187 books by 46 organizations and individuals; and of a number of magazine subscriptions from four organizations.
162
TOWN OF NORWOOD
The meeting of minds, understanding, joint efforts in a friendly spirit, which the Librarian has encountered in her work with the members of the Board of Trustees, the Assistant Librarian, other members of the Staff, and the Custodian, bring them her deep gratitude.
Respectfully submitted,
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 - 9 p. m. Saturday 9 a. m. - 12 Noon 1 - 6 p. m. NORWOOD HOSPITAL Monday 1 - 5 p. m.
Trustees
MAUDE A. SHATTUCK, Chairman
MARTIN B. CURRAN MARY L. DUNN RACHEL P. MARTIN
EUGENE A. NELSON VERN H. RICHARDS
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, Young Adults Librarian
Building CARL B. PEARSON, Senior Building Custodian JOHN P. MALEIKO, Custodian Substitute
Substitutes
RUTH R. KING
BETTINA COTTRELL
HELEN R. FRASER
163
REPORT OF CIVILIAN DEFENSE
REPORT OF CIVILIAN DEFENSE
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
The Civil Defense Department herewith submits its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1952.
The past year has scen several changes in personnel in this department. The following is the present make-up of the Advisory Council, which consists of members of Special Staffs and the ten basic services:
Director: A. Franklin Swift, Jr.
Deputy Director: John R. Russell
Executive Officer: John B. Kennedy
Executive Secretary: Martin B. Curran Communications Service: Allyn H. Fisher
Education and Training Officer: John J. Corcoran
Engineering Officer: William Hyland Fire Service: Chief Alonzo Earle Ground Observer Corps Supervisor: Joseph V. Nuttall
Identification Officer: Thomas R. Bowler
Medical and Health Service: Charles A. Richardson
Mutual Aid and Sector Coordinator: Charles L. Donahue Plant Protection Officer: Harry F. Howard Police Service: Chief Mark Folan
Public Affairs Officer: Theodore Carwford
Rescue Service: John E. Bamber
Shelter Officer: Henry J. Cronan Technical Service: Maurice S. Baker Transportation Service: Milo R. Bacon
Utilities Service: Albert W. Thompson
Warden Service: Stephen C. Traudt
Welfare Service: Leslie Latham
The need for Civil Defense volunteers and the aims of the program were brought to hundreds of local citizens through newspaper releases and talks by the Executive Secretary. Groups addressed included the Catholic Women's Club, the Norwood Women's Club, the Covi Club, the Grange and the American Legion.
The local organization participated in three tests during the past year. Units from the Police, Fire and Medical Services were sent to the Watertown test, and the general public was involved in the Air Raid Test on May 15. Officials termed the public reaction generally very satisfactory. A Federal regional Communications test took place on November 14.
The Secretary attended meetings on Explosive Ordnance, Fire, Police and Utilities, administration and others of general interest to the local agency.
Federal financial assistance in the amount of $3084 has been allowed the town for an Air Raid Warning system. The Executive Secretary and the Municipal Light Department prepared a plan which was accepted by the Federal authorities. It is hoped that installation may start very soon.
164
TOWN OF NORWOOD
The Board of Selectmen appointed 52 Auxiliary Policemen during the year, most of whom have received some practical training in addition to attending lectures conducted by Lt. Jankowski. Late in the year, the State Civil Defense Agency issued a standard instruction manual for Auxiliary Police which will be used in courses starting in January, 1953. A similar training manual has been issued for use in connection with the training of Auxiliary Firemen.
Emergency fire equipment was purchased and reconditioned during the past year. Two 500 gallon per minute O.C.D. pumps, one with a trailer, have been reconditioned and painted, as has the Auxiliary fire truck used during World War II. A ladder and foam equipment has been purchased for this truck.
A registration of medical personnel was conducted which provided a list of all local people in the medical and allied fields. The bulk of this work was done by the Norwood Hospital, under Medical and Health Service leader, Charles A. Richardson. Also assisting were Norwood's ten drug stores.
Radio crystals for amateur radio operators in the Communications Service were purchased and issued, thus giving Norwood a local network for emergency use.
The quarterly personnel report showed 940 people available for Civil Defense work, either by virtue of their positions, or as volunteers. This represents about 38% of the total recommended strength.
In the Spring, an attempt was made to photograph and issue Identification Cards to all Civil Defense personnel. A two-day period was set aside for this pupose but only 129 people reported as requested. Another attempt to complete this effort will be made later.
Over 3000 Air Raid Warning Instruction Cards were distributed throughout the town through use of the Norwood Tribune distribution system. Emergency Vehicle stickers were issued to 158 volunteer workers, District maps showing Wardens blocks were prepared, shelter sites were selected by the Building Inspector and an Auxiliary Police revolver team was entered in the postal matches of the New England Police Revolver League. A revolver and ammunition were purchased for this group.
Programs now in the planning stages include a Fire Equipment Dispersal Plan and a Community Blood Typing Program for 2500 local residents.
The organization's Executive Secretary, Martin B. Curran, resigned from that position on December 20 to accept a position in private industry.
Respectfully submitted,
MARTIN B. CURRAN
A. FRANKLIN SWIFT, JR.
Director
Executive Secretary
COWWI2210W ION BnBEn
Town Planning Board-SEATED: Robert Gallivan, Matthew B. Connolly, Chairman, Inez Gallazzi, Clerk STANDING: James Drummey, Rosewell A. Norton, Patrick Long
165
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
The Honorable Board of Selectmen Norwood, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
At the first meeting of the Planning Board in January, 1952, Matthew B. Connolly was elected Chairman and Robert F. Gallivan was elected Secretary. The other members of the Board are Rosewell A. Norton, Patrick Long and James J. Drummey. The Board acted upon many zoning changes and after much consider- ation, the following action was taken:
(a) The Planning Board recommended that the zoning of property southerly of East Hoyle Street be changed from Business to Manufacturing. This recommendation was upheld at the Town Meeting of February 11, 1952.
(b) The public hearing was held regarding the request for a zoning change at the corner of Dean Street and Tamworth Road which request was for a change in zoning from General Residence to Residential Business. After much deliberation, the Board voted not to make a favorable recommend- ation for the change in zoning at this location in view of the fact that the majority of the residents in that area were opposed to any change and due to the fact that it would be "spot zoning."
(c)) A public hearing was held regarding the request for a zoning change at the corner of Railroad Avenue and Central Street to within 60 feet of Washington Street from Business to Manufacturing. After considering the matter, the Board voted not to make a favorable recommendation for the change in zoning at this location as it was felt that the best interests of the town would not be served.
(d) The Planning Board recommended that the zoning of property on the Boston Providence Highway and East Cross Street be changed from General Residence to Manufacturing and Trunk Highway "B" to Manufacturing. This was to bring new industry to Norwood. This recommendation was upheld at the Town Meeting of December 11, 1952.
(e) The Planning Board recommended that the zoning of property on Nepon- set Street at the Boston Providence Highway be changed as follows: General Residence to Manufacturing, Trunk Highway "A" to Trunk High- way "B" and Trunk Highway "A" to Manufacturing. This also would enable new industry to move to Norwood. This recommendation was upheld at the Town Meeting of September 4, 1952.
(f) The Planning Board recommended that the zoning of property on Union Street at the Boston Providence Highway be changed from Trunk High- way "A" to Trunk Highway "B" and from General Residence to Manu- facturing to enable new industries to move to Norwood. This recommend- ation was uphield at the Town Meeting of December 11, 1952.
166
TOWN OF NORWOOD
The most important project undertaken by the Planning Board, in our opinion, was the recommendation made to the Town Meeting Members on December 11, 1952 in which we recommended the adoption of Chapter 41 by the Town of Norwood. This chapter gives the Board of Survey powers to the Planning Board.
In promoting the adoption of this chapter 41, the Planning Board conducted a public forum to which all town meeting members were invited. The guest speaker at this forum was Angus McNeil of Wellesley who discussed the functions of a planning boad under this particular chapter.
The matter was brought to a vote at the Special Town Meeting of December 11, 1952 and the Town Meeting Members voted to adopt Chapter 41, thereby giving the powers of the Board of Survey to the Planning Board.
The Planning Board acted upon and discussed the following projects:
(a) It was recommended to the Board of Survey that Section I of their rules and regulations be amended so as to require a street to be 50' in width rather than the present 40'.
(b) Inquiry was made as to the progress being made on the codification of the Town Zoning Laws.
(c) Recommendation made that signs be erected indicating dead end streets.
(d) Inquiry as to the status of underground wiring in South Norwood.
(c) Inquiry made as to the disposition made on the report of the South Norwood Highway Committee.
(f) Recommendation made that fire hydrants be on the premises of all schools. Particular reference was made to the lack of a hydrant on the Balch School property.
(g) Recommendation made to the Board of Selectmen that action be taken to conduct a public hearing in order to establish exterior lines for the widening of Lenox Street.
(h) Recommended that action be taken to improve the existing lighting system on the northerly side of Nahatan Street from Central Street to the railroad bridge.
(i) The layout for the establishment of exterior lines for the widening of Lenox Street from Guild Street to Washington Street as submitted to the Board by the Engineering Department was approved.
(j) Clarification of the zoning laws received from the Attorney General stating that a subdivision already laid out under the old law and registered at the Registry of Deeds would not in his opinion be affected by any new change.
(k) Recommendation made to the Board of Selectmen that action be taken to relieve the hazardous traffic conditions on Maple Street.
(1) Letters requesting the renewal of the certificate of the Wiggins Airways were sent to representatives and senators of this district.
(m) Inquiry was made of the Board of Selectmen as to the status of the widening of Dean Street.
167
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
(n) Inquiry was also made of the Board of Selectmen as to the progress being made on the parking lot in the rear of the Norwood Theatre.
(o) Recommendation made to the Board of Selectmen that consideration be given to purchasing the Ellis Pond area for a recreational site which could also serve as a source of water for future industrial sites which may locate along the Hawes Brook area.
(p) Conference held with members of the South Norwood Fire Station Com- mittee for the purpose of discussing the question of the fire station in South Norwood.
(q) Recommendation made to the Board of Survey that public necessity requires the opening of Youngs Avenue between Weld Avenue and Atwood Avenue in order to alleviate the traffic congestion in that area.
(r) Conference held with School Committee regarding the recommendation for the purchase of additional land for school purposes in the Westover area. The Board went on record as recommending the purchase of not more than ten (10) acres of land in the Westover area for school purposes.
The foregoing report is intended to indicate in part the many and varied activities of the Planning Board during the year 1952.
Respectfully submitted,
MATTHEW B. CONNOLLY, Chairman ROSEWELL A. NORTON PATRICK LONG JAMES J. DRUMMEY ROBERT F. GALLIVAN, Secretary Planning Board of Norwood
REPORT OF DOG OFFICER
To the General Manager
Town of Norwood, Mass.
Dear Sir:
1 submit herewith my report as Dog Officer for the year 1952 (August 11 to December 31, 1952).
Dogs licensed from April 1, 1952 to August 10, 1952 705
Dogs licensed from August 11, 1952 to December 31, 1952 195
Stray dogs picked up and destroyed, Aug. 11, 1952 to Dec. 31, 1952 35 Stray dogs picked up and returned to owners, Aug. 11, 1952 to Dec. 31, 1952 32
Complaints answered from August 11, 1952 to December 31, 1952 176
Dead dogs picked up front August 11, 1952 to December 31, 1952 11 Calls made personally to homes of dog owners 227
Respectfully submitted,
MYER DOCTORMAN
Norwood Dog Officer
168
TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
Mr. John B. Kennedy General Manager Town of Norwood, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
The Board of Health submits the following report for the year 1952:
At the organizational meeting held January 28, 1952, Dr. Charles L. Lynch was elected chairman. Mr. John Dixon and newly-elected John J. Bayer served as members of the Board.
CHARLES L. LYNCH, M.D., Chairman JOHN J. BAYER JOHN P. DIXON
REPORT OF THE HEALTH AGENT
The following is the report of the Health Agent, Bartley J. King:
The Massachusetts State Planning Board introduced a bill to the 1952 Legis- lature with the support of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. This bill eventually became known as Chapter 134 of the Acts of 1952. It is "an act requiring the approval of the Board of Health before a Planning Board may approve a plat."
The Act was introduced because of the unsanitary conditions found at innum- erable real estate subdivisions throughout the state. Many of the subdivisions having been approved without due regard to the methods of securing a suitable water supply, a suitable method of sewage disposal, or proper drainage throughout the subdivision.
At some of these housing developments the area used for the disposal of sewage had been found to be unsuited because of swampy or high ground water conditions. Due to the nature of the soil in some localities and the inadequate drainage conditions, the sewage could not be disposed by local disposal means.
The Norwood Board of Health was pleased to see the enactment of Chapter 134 of the Acts of 1952 because it gave the Board of Health an opportunity to view the plans and area of land to be developed, the Board formerly received many complaints throughout the town because of poor planning and supervision in the developments.
It is the duty of the Board of Health to order the abatement of nuisances created by the unsanitary conditions in the housing developments. Under Section 122 of Chapter I11, of the General Laws, the Board of Health is obligated to order the owner or agent of the property to abate the nuisance, but by the time the condition had become a menace to public health, the ownership of the property had passed from the developer to an unsuspecting purchaser.
BOARD OF HEALTH FOR 1952: John J. Bayer, Dr. Charles L. Lynch, Chairman, John P. Dixon, Bartley J. King, Health Agent
BOARD OF HEALTH STAFF
STANDING: John J. Bayer, Board Member; Leonard E. Curran, Milk Inspector; John P. Dixon, Board Member: Dr. Timothy J. Curtin, School Dentist; Bartley J. King, Health Agent; Patricia M. Cashen, R.N., School Nurse. SEATED: Mrs. Margaret Curran, Dental Clinic Assistant; Mary Mckeown, R.N., Public Health Nurse; Nora P. Hayes, Clerk; Anne Sund- gren, R.N., Public Health Nurse; Mrs. Frances Kearns, School Nurse; Miss Mary A. Costello, R.N., Public Health Nurse.
169
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
Under the law the Board had no alternative, in many cases, but had to take action against the new owner of the property in order to protect the public health.
With the enactment of the law the Board of Health has more responsibility in municipal planning for the preservation of the public health. Under this chapter the Board approved the layouts of twelve (12) new developments in 1952.
The Plumbing Rules and Regulations were revised by the Board in July and were printed for general distribution.
The Board nominated Edward T. Desmond, Inspector of Slaughtering for the Town of Norwood and his nomination was approved by the Department of Public Health. Mr. Desmond was appointed Inspector of Slaughtering on September 3, 1952.
The Board of Health had nineteen patients hospitalized at the Norfolk County Hospital and one at Rutland State Hospital for the treatment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis.
The Town of Norwood has experienced great difficulty in the past in the matter of garbage collections. A new contract for the removal of garbage was signed and became effective in January, 1952. The successful bidder, Nisby Brothers, of Rockland, Massachusetts have done an exceptional job in their first year in Norwood. Because of their excellent work and co-operation in the Sanitation Department the Board has been able to devote more time to other important matters of public health.
The Norwood Rotary Club presented a new General Electric x-ray machine to the Board of Health's School Dental Clinic on November 1, 1952. The machine was purchased from the proceeds of the Rotary Club's auction which is held each year for the benefit of some local charity or civic improvement.
The officials and members of the Norwood Rotary Club were commended for their efforts in behalf of the children of Norwood by the Norwood Board of Health when the machine was presented to the Dental Clinic. The new x-ray machine has been a great help to Dr. Curtin in his work of protecting the health of the children who attend the Clinic, which is one of first full time municipally sponsored Dental Clinics established in Massachusetts.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.