USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1951-1953 > Part 55
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The usual program of baseball for boys was conducted during the day, with leagues being organized for l'ee-Wees, Midgets, Intermediates, and Juniors, the teams from the various playgrounds meeting each other in competition in their respective leagues.
Softball leagues were organized on much the same basis for girls. Competition was also provided in such other games as horseshoes, volleyball, checkers, and croquet.
Many other varied and interesting projects were carried on at the different playgrounds. It may truly be said that the children attending the playgrounds were kept busy throughout the summer.
More attention was given to arts and crafts this season, with the Supervisor of Girls' Activities spending much time in organizing and conducting this phase of the pragram. Boys and girls on the playgrounds made many items, including such things as pot-holders, napkin holders, finger rings, bracelets, scrap books,
142
TOWN OF NORWOOD
waste baskets, and many other items. A display of the items made on the play- grounds was set up in the window of Irving's Camera and Record Shop on Washington Street, with many favorable comments being received on this display ..
For the final six weeks of the playground season, a playground leader was assigned to the new Cedarcrest area on the site of the School Department land. It had been planned for the last two years to provide facilities and supervision for this area which otherwise had no play facilities for the children. Swings were erected, a sand box built, and other improvements made in the area. Attendance at the playground during the six weeks of the season showed the necessity of having supervision for the children. There were about an equal number of girls and boys attending, although only a female Playground Leader was assigned. It is being recommended that both a male and a female leader be assigned in coming seasons.
Many special events were held during the course of the season. For example, four hundred boys and girls were the guests of the Red Sox to watch them play the Chicago White Sox on July 30. Each playground had a one day outing at Nantasket Beach during the season. A few groups visited the Children's Museum in Jamaica Plain, and another group spent a day at Norumbega Park in Newton. Parents' Nights were conducted at the various playgrounds on an individual basis, with the program varying from area to area. Such events as the Playground Field Day, the Intermediates versus the Male Playground Leaders in baseball, and the Playground Girls' Softball Team versus the Female Playground Leaders were all conducted most successfully.
A complete program of Tennis Supervision and Instruction was conducted as part of the playground program. Instruction was provided during the day at the Civic courts. Many children who had taken part themselves in the program in previous years returned while many new players availed themselves of the oppor- tunity to learn the game. In addition to instruction and supervision on a day to day basis, tournaments were conducted by the Tennis Supervisor for the boys and girls in the different groups. The program this past season measured up to the high standard set in previous years, continuing as it did to interest youngsters in this most popular game.
Staff meetings were conducted weekly for the Playground Leaders, presided over by the Superintendent. Training and instruction were given at these meetings, and the opportunity presented for discussion of general and specific problems. Out of these meetings came many helpful and interesting suggestions for improving the program and facilities of the Department. At the final meeting of the year, a questionaire was prepared for the Leaders to fill out. Many of the recommen- dations made below have come directly from these questionaires.
Recommendations for Coming Season
That an effort be made to improve facilities at the playgrounds located on school sites, particularly the Winslow and Shattuck Schools.
That certain items of playground equipment such as slides and additional swings be purchased for specific areas. Such equipment has not been purchased for many years, the last addition of equipment coming as the result of a donation by the Rotary Club.
143
REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
That more playground-wide events be sponsored in coming seasons such as checker tournaments, etc.
That immediate attention be given to the situation at Fr. McAleer's Play- ground. Neither facilities nor personnel are adequate. Steps are already being taken to improve facilities. An additional male and an additional female play- ground leader should be added in 1954. The normal heavy population in that area plus the children from the new developments nearby have sorely over-taxed the present set-up.
That a male Playground Leader be assigned to the Wilson Street Playground. We have pointed out in recent years the growing necessity of this and the 1953 season proved definitely the need of assignment of a male to the area. Attendance figures for the season show this well.
That a permanent type bulletin board be erected at each playground. Such a board might be useful for other purposes during the balance of the year.
That bicycle racks be installed at certain areas. The present situation consti- fuites a danger at these certain areas, which are crowded already.
That sand boxes be placed on the playgrounds not now having them.
Swimming Program
The Recreation Department provided a complete program of swimming and swimming instruction from June 25 through Labor Day of the past summer at Hawes Brook Pool. The entire staff of personnel at the Pool are to be commended highly for having enabled the Department to post its fifth consecutive year of operation of the Pool without a serious accident. The responsibility of the Life- guards is at all times a very great one. Their expert supervision of activities at the Pool has to a large degree accounted for the continuance of our fine safety record. We wish to commend them highly for the way in which they carried out their duties this past season.
With the cooperation of the School Department, boys and girls of Norwood were registered for swimming classes during the final two weeks of the school year. Classes were then organized for the various groups according to their skills, with over five hundred boys and girls signing up for the classes. Technical difficulties delayed the opening of the Pool and the start of classes for almost a week, but those in the classes so delayed were able to return at the end of the season for further instruction. All in all, over one hundred fifty boys and girls received Recreation Department certificates and American Red Cross certificates, symbolizing successful completion of their courses. In addition, many who did not successfully complete their course benefited greatly from attendance at the classes and in future years no doubt will be competent enough to receive their certificates.
The Recreation Department is deeply grateful to the Women's Community Committee which for the second consecutive year provided two scholarships for lifeguard personnel to attend Aquatic School conducted by the American National Red Cross. The Department benefited from this by having trained swimming instructors in their program.
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
The second Annual Regional Swimming Meet was held again this year at Hawes Brook Pool with participants from six surrounding communities on hand. Swimmers from Norwood took part in several other meets during the summer months, and in all cases, the Norwood swimmers made an excellent showing. These meets do much to stimulate interest in swimming and to encourage swimmers to continue to improve their swimming ability.
Again this year, we recommend that improvements be made at Hawes Brook Pool to bring the facilities up to accepted standards of health and safety. We recommend that a system of chlorination and filtration be installed in order to assure pure clean water at all times, and in order to eliminate the necessity of closing the Pool one day each week for cleaning. In addition to a saving in labor, a considerable saving of water would be realized with only one filling per year required. Along with installation of these systems, adequate toilet, shower, and locker facilities should be provided at the Pool. The present facilities are totally inadequate and constitute an unsanitary situation.
Miscellaneous Activities
During the past year, the Recreation Department took part in many com- munity endeavors by providing leadership or facilities or both. The Department cooperated with the Public Works Department in the matter of arranging for coasting streets and skating areas when weather permitted. The Department co- operated with other departments of the Town in matters directly or indirectly related to the Recreation Department. The Recreation Department was represented in various community organizations such as the Norwood Community Council, and and American Red Cross. The Department was also represented at conferences and meetings sponsored by such organizations as the National Recreation Association, United Community Services of Boston, the Eastern Massachusetts Recreation As- sociation, and such other organizations concerned with the work of the Recreation Department.
Conclusion
For the continued support of everyone in any way connected with the Rec- reation program, we are deeply and sincerely grateful. It is only through this sup- port and through the efforts of everyone concerned that we can realize the results of which we feel justly proud for the year 1953. We know that the programs and sociation, and such other organizations concerned with the work of the Recreation lives of the citizens of Norwood more enjoyable. We want to continue to do this.
In particular we wish to express our appreciation to the General Manager, the reation program, we are deeply and sincerely grateful. It is only through this sup- port and through the efforts of everyone concerned that we can realize the results of which we feel justly proud for the year 1953. We know that the programs and of the program. We close with an expression of gratitude to the people of Norwood who by their participation and support of our programs have helped us so much in the realization of our goals.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD E. READY
Superintendent of Recreation
145
REPORT OF ANIMAL INSPECTOR
REPORT OF FISH AND GAME WARDEN
Report of the Town Fish and Game Warden for the year 1953:
Patroling time 1075 hours
Number of Complaints 7
Complaints Investigated 5
Prosecutions Resulting from complaints
None
Number of Licenses Checked 549
Number of deer killed by automobiles 2
Total number of miles traveled by car
1665
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES E. BUNNEY Town Fish and Game Warden
REPORT OF ANIMAL INSPECTOR
The Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my report as Inspector of Animals for the year 1953.
I quarantined 41 dogs for biting. All were released at the end of the required legal quarantined period and none showed any signs of Rabies at any time.
I inspected six shipinents 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: 159 cows, 5 horses, 14 heifers, 35 calves, 2 bulls, 20 sheep, 64 swine, 16 steer.
The head of one dog was taken to the Wasserman Laboratory - reported negative.
Respectfully submitted, THOMAS U. MAHONEY Inspector of Animals
REPORT OF NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY
Meetings: First and third Wednesdays in Room 24 of the Municipal Building.
Members: Chairman, Daniel Collins; Vice Chairman, John J. Mulvehill; Treas- urer, John E. Bamber; Ass't Treasurer, Roger J. Connolly; Francis J. Duncan. In May of 1953 Frank B. Coughlin resigned and at a joint meeting of the Authority and the Board of Selectinen, Francis J. Duncan was appointed to serve the remain- ing 6 months of his term.
146
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Personnel: Executive Director & Secretary (ex-officio), Lawrence J. O'Brien; Manager Accountant, Arnold S. Donovan (appointed in June to succeed Kenneth H. Berkland, resigned); Legal Representative-Attorney, Dennis P. O'Leary; In- surance Representative, Thomas J. Foley.
At present the Norwood Housing Authority has jurisdiction over Washington Heights, a 75 unit State-aided Veterans Housing Development, erected in 1950 under Chapter 200 of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Housing Laws. The Authority made application for 50 additional units under Chapter 550 with the intention of erecting single family homes for the growing families in the present development who need larger accomodations and to take care of the 115 applica- tions for housing which are now on file. The application was turned down by the Town Meeting Representatives at a Special Meeting in April.
In April bids were asked for and received for a 40 week rubbish collection. The contract was awarded to the low bidder, Timothy J. Coughlin.
In August bids were asked for and received on the Exterior Painting of the buildings. The contract was awarded to the low bidder, Horton Painting Co.
In November bids were asked for and received on the Service and Maintenance of Heating and Hot Water equipment. Two previous bids had been rejected by the State Housing Board as too high. The bid was finally acceptable and contract was awarded to the Norwood Sheet Metal Works.
In July the books and records of the Authority were examined by the Office of the State Auditor. Copies of the Auditors Report were mailed to the Board of Selectmen.
The members of the Norwood Housing Authority take this opportunity to express regret at the resignation of former Chairman Frank B. Coughlin, who served so long and so well as a member during the early and troublesome years. Also to Kenneth H. Berkland who did such an excellent job of keeping the books and financial records in order, during his service as Manager Accountant.
Prepared by: LAWRENCE J. OBRIEN Norwood Housing Authority
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts - State Housing Board OPERATING STATEMENT For Period Ending December 31, 1953 PROJECT NO. 200.1 --- NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY
Current Quarter 10-1-53 to 12-31-53
Cumulative-Fiscal Year to Date 4-1-53 to 12-31-53
Actual Amt. Budget 225 225
Classification Budget Pum Actual Amt.
Number of Unit Months 675 675
INCOME
9,024.50 9,225.00 3100 Dwelling Rent Schedule
27,675.00 40.46 27,315.50
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REPORT OF HOUSING AUTHORITY
3200 Less: Dwelling Vacancy Loss
69.00
Dwelling Rent Income ... 27,606.00
40.46
27,315.50
14,675.00
3,737.00
7100
Commonwealth Contribution 11,212.00 21.07
14,675.00
23,699.50
12,939.00
TOTAL INCOME
38,818.00 62.22
41,990.50
EXPENSE
1,469.85
1,093.00
4100
Management Expenses
3,282.00
5.10
3,505.82
95.00
182.00
4200
Operating Services
547.00
0.56
380.00
411.87
425.00
4300
Utilities
1,275.00
1.50
1,018.74
1,763.46
1,000.00
4400
Repairs, Maint. & Repl.
2,500.00
4.83
3,264.09
284.00
305.00
4711
Insurance Expense
916.00
1.42
963.00
46.00
4730
Collection Losses
138.00
451.23
460.00
4740
Payments in Lieu of Taxes
1,380.00
1.07
1,334.57
1,125.00
1,125.00
4790
Provision for oper. Reserve
3,375.00
5.00
3,375.00
633.80
633.00
4794
Prov. for Debt Service Res.
1,899.00
2.81
1,901.41
7,431.00
7,410.00
5100
Debt Service Req.
22,232.00
32.90
22,212.25
13,664.61
12,680.00
TOTAL EXPENSE
37,544.00
56.22
37,954.88
10,034.89
259.00
SURPLUS (Deficit)
1,274.00
4,035.62
Prepared By:
Approved By:
ARNOLD S. DONOVAN
JOHN E. BAMBER
Manager Accountant
Treasurer
NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY No. 200.1 BALANCE SHEET December 31, 1953
ASSETS
Cash
1111
Development Fund
5,165.99
II11A
Development Fund
634.66
1112
Administration Fund
37,986.67
43,787.32
Accounts Receivable
1122
Tenants
589.92
1500
Incompleted Contracts
190.00
1500A
Incompleted Contracts
750.00
1,529.92
Fixed Assets
1151 Debt Service Fund
6,405.09
1170 Investments
2,000.00
1181 Debt Service Trust Fund
429.00
2323
Bonds Retired
13,000.00
4100 Management
3,505.82
4200 Operating Services
380.00
4300 Dwelling Utilities
1,018.74
9,024.50
23.00 9,202.00
148
TOWN OF NORWOOD
4400
Repairs, Replacements & Maintenance
3,264.09
4711
Insurance
963.00
4740
Payments in Lieu of Taxes 1,334.57
4790
Provision for Operating Reserve
3,375.00
4794 Provision for Debt Service Reserve
1,901.41
5100 Debt Service Expense
22,212.25
1400
Development Costs
800,000.00
859,788.97
TOTAL ASSETS
905,106.21
LIABILITIES & CAPITAL.
Accounts Payable
2111 Development
1,550.45
2117
Withholding Tax
29.80
2400
Contract Awards
190.00
2400A
Contract Awards
750.00
2,520.25
Accrued Liabilities
2137
Accrued Pilot
2,132.44
2,132.44
Undistributed Credits
2140 Matured Interest & Principal
13,926.94
2210
Tenants Security Deposit
750.00
14,676.94
Fixed Liabilities
2321 Bonds Issued and Outstanding
800,000.00
800,000.00
Reserves
2136
Insurance
3,345.00
2540
Development Cost Liquidation
13,000.00
2550
Debt Service Reserve
4,436.62
2551
Unamortized Bond Premium
2,429.00
2570
Reduction of Annual Contribution
5,325.00
2590 Operating Reserve
14,250.46
2630 Capital Donations
1,000.00
3100
Dwelling Rents
27,315.50
7100
Commonwealth Annual Contribution
14,675.00
85,776.58
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL
905,106.21
Prepared By:
Approved By: JOHN E. BAMBER
ARNOLD S. DONOVAN
Manager Accountant
Treasurer
REPORT OF VETERANS' HOUSING
149
REPORT OF VETERANS' HOUSING BOARD
To the Citizens of Norwood:
The Norwood Veterans' Housing Board, which operates the temporary housing project for World War II veterans located off Winter Street, is pleased to submit the following statement of cash receipts and disbursements for the year ending June 30, 1953.
Statement of Cash Receipts and Disbursements For the Year Ended June 30, 1953
Cash Receipts:
Rent Income
$14,011.50
Security Deposits, contra
90.00
Total Cash Received
$14,101.50
Cash Disbursements:
Repair, maintenance and replacement:
Grounds
$ 58.65
Structures
1,291.32
Plumbing and gas
636.81
Painting
921.10
Electrical
9.75
Ranges
109.00
$3,026.63
Management
1,435.92
Operating Services
360.00
Dwelling Utilities, water
480.00
Insurance
952.85
Rent of Land
600.00
Furniture allowance, heaters
196.80
Taxes
2,616.17
Security deposit refund, contra
40.00
Payment to United States Government for year ended June 30, 1952
5,543.74
Net decrease in cash for the year ended June 30, 1953
(1,150.61)
Cash in bank, July 1, 1952
11,479.07
$15,252.11
Cash in bank, June 30, 1953
$10,328.46
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
Disposition of Cash Balance
Due United States Government
$4,354.46
Reserve for repairs and maintenance 6,542.50
Security Deposits 400.00
Collection Losses
(671.50)
Rent Receivable
(165.00)
Rent Adjustment
(132.00)
Cash Balance, June 30, 1953
$10,328.46
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
151
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, 1953.
Respectfully submitted,
MAUDE A. SHATTUCK Chairman, Board of Trustees
RACHEL P. MARTIN MARY L. DUNN
MARTIN B. CURRAN
VERN H. RICHARDS EUGENE A. NELSON
To the Board of Trustees:
The following is statistical report of the Morrill Memorial Library for the year 1953, 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 1953 291
Number of Hours Open each Week 69
Number of Staff 7
Population, Norwood 1950 U. S. Census
16,693
Books
Volumes Added to the Library:
Fiction by Purchase 1.433
Non-Fiction by Purchase 1,223
Fiction Gifts 57
Non-Fiction Gifts 49
Volumes Withdrawn:
Fiction
752
Non-Fiction
381
1133
2,762
Number of Volumes at End of Year
44.138
Records
Records Added to the Library by Purchase 66
Records Add to the Library by Gift 3
-
Records Withdrawn
3
Total Number of Records
at End of Year
349
69
152
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Circulation
Books:
Fiction 39,920
Non-Fiction 29,978 39
Total 69,898
Adult Department
Peabody School
56
95
Junior Department
13,686
6,886
20,572
Schools
6,667
2,296
8,963
South Norwood Adult
5,206
4,104
9,310
South Norwood Junior
4,920
2,940
7,860
Hospital Adult
6,130
1,931
8,061
Hospital Junior
542
187
729
Church & P.T.A. Deposits
159
223
382
Books, Total
77,286
48,584
125,870
Records
2,586
Pictures
602
129,058
Finance
SEE REPORT OF TOWN ACCOUNTANT
$2,519.90 returned to the Town Treasurer. of which $155.00 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
1,190
Total, registered borrowers
8,359
Reference and book selection questions
3,360
Respectfully submitted,
EDNA PHILLIPS
Librarian
In 1953 the Library has met many issues of importance.
Work has nevertheless gone forward. Circulation and the number of registered borrowers both have gained.
The close of the year, thanks in no small measure to a fine and united staff, finds the Library in sound condition.
FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR-
A decade completed of book service to patients and personnel at the Norwood Hospital.
A Minimum-Maximum Salary Scale adopted following much work and study.
A Panel Discussion offered for high school pupils on "Achieving College on Moderate Means."
SICK OR WELL, THE LIBRARY SERVES YOU
(McLean Photo)
FATHERS AS WELL AS MOTHERS BRING THEIR CHILDREN TO THE JUNIOR DEPARTMENT
Patrolman Frank Walsh of the Norwood Police Department helps Carolyn and Frankie choose a good book.
(McLean Photo)
153
REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Adult Department charging desk remodeled to give quick exit and entrance and more space.
An Art Association of Norwood started as a result of the Library's idea and initial work.
Following a request from the Finance Commission for a report on major projects needed in the next five years, a plan was presented by the Librarian for the con- sideration of the Board of Library Trustees. It includes an addition at sidewalk level, a new Adult Circulation and Reading Unit; patios for garden reading rooms; facilities to house and service a bookmobile; beautification of town land adjoining library property; provision for car parking on library grounds; and a ground floor Junior Department.
ADULT DEPARTMENT
Reference and Readers' Consultation Service
of which Elizabeth G. Myer was in charge until her resignation in August to accept another position, included preparing many carefully selected shelves of books; the compiling of typed booklists for school and other use; and of the mimeographed list, "Business Information Service." She and others answered 1,685 reference and 1,675 book selection questions. Miss Myer's scholarly attainments and gracious service to readers have added to the Library's friends.
Circulation
of which Esther C. Hallet is in charge, has gained.
Despite a staff shortage, all ninth grade pupils were instructed in the use of adult facilities.
The catalog case has been refinished including metal pulls; a time clock installed in the front porch for illumination until eleven p. m .; and an exhaust fan placed in the Lobby.
Talks and Discussion Groups
Edna Phillips, Librarian, gave several talks, including one on "The Public Library as a Channel for Constructive Action" before the American University Women's Association, Boston Branch; led several discussion groups, including this Library's panel for young adults on the four ways of achieving college on limited funds. This panel was arranged by Doris Allen, Young Adults' Librarian. Accounts of this were requested for two library publications. and the Christian Science Monitor. An annotated booklist compiled by Miss Phillips on the culture of the American Indian was published in the quarterly, "Inward Light." Martha C. Eaton, Assistant Librarian and Cataloger, took part in a panel on "Cataloging Phonograph Records" at the Brockton meeting of the Old Colony Library Club. Shirley Patterson, Records Librarian, spoke to the Women of the Moose on the Library's business and statistical records, on the occasion of their annual book gift to the Junior Department.
Among the many and constant ways library resources are linked with world
154
TOWN OF NORWOOD
affairs was a library-wide exhibit on UNESCO, highlighting those of its features of special interest to Norwood readers.
Music and the Arts
Record-Lending, of which Miss Myer was in charge, is not only firmly estab- lished as a needed town service but occasional background music in the Lobby has also been enjoyed. The visual arts, too, are prominent in library life-as in the exhibit of Korean Art lent by Dr. Robert Davis; the exhibit of "Art from Many Lands" presented by the Art Committee of the Norwood Woman's Club. This Committee has generously given the Library the art treasure, "Portrait of the Old West." "Gardens of China" Osvald Siren, was bought with the Whedon Fund: Malraux's "Voices of Silence" with the Morse Fund. The Library was glad to welcome a delegation from the New England Region of the Syrian Orthodox Youth Organization who came to present books of religious interest.
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