Norwood annual report 1951-1953, Part 55

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


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,


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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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