USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1954-1956 > Part 14
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Swine
Sheep
Fowl
Dwelling Houses
Acres
of Land
Assessed
1954
Male Polls
Valuation
of Personal
Estate
Valuation
of Real
Estate
Total
Assessed
Rate per
$1,000.00
Total Taxes
Assessed
Horses
Cows
Other Neat
Cattle
..
..
511
6,216
1880
650
456,635
1,338,793
1,795,428
11.80
22,486.32
240
382
....
...
186
TOWN OF NORWOOD
..
320
6,275
Valuation
COMPARISON OF TAX RATE RECAPITULATIONS OF YEARS 1953 AND 1954
Appropriations by Taxation
1953 $2,908,292.24 96,631.63
1954 $3,255,525.59 125,317.00
Increase $347,233.35
Decrease
Appropriations from Available Funds
28,685.37
State Parks and Reservations Tax
2,346.39
5,545.99
3,199.60
State Audit of Municipal Accounts
423.36
2,836.95
2,413.59
State Examination of Retirement System
131.85
128.96
$2.89
Metropolitan Sewerage-South System
32,306.25
31,689.50
616.75
County Tax and Tuberculosis Hospital Assessment
90,395.25
105,582.31
15,187.06
Overlay
43,276.77
41,046.48
2,230.29
Gross Amount to be Raised
$3,173,803.74
$3,567,672.78
$396,718.97
$2,849.93
Estimated Income Tax
$ 115,963.32
$ 130,206.27
$ 14,242.95
Estimated Corporation Tax
206,368.05
215,268.05
8,900.00
Estimated Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
130,000.00
150,000.00
20,000.00
Poll Tax
12,498.00
12,690.00
192.00
Free Cash in Treasury to Reduce Tax Rate
114,000.00
176,000.00
62,000.00
Public Service Enterprises
725,000.00
848,000.00
123,000.00
Other Estimated Receipts and Available Funds
330,352.47
362,455.78
32,103.31
Total Estimated Receipts and Available Funds
$1,634,181.84
$1,894,620.10
$260,438.26
Net Amount to be Raised by Taxation of Property
$1,539,621.90
$1,673,052.68
Assessed Valuation 1953, $34,213,820.00 @ $45.00
$1,539,621.90
Assessed Valuation 1954, $35,748,990.00 @ $46.80
$1,673,052.68*
REPORT OF BOARD OF ASSESSORS
Includes loss of $0.05 on account of fractional divisions of tax rate.
187
188
TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1954.
Number of box alarms
294
Number of still alarms
107
Classified as follows:
27
Oil Burners
25
Automobiles
19
False alarms
315
Woods, grass, rubbish, dumps, and all others
401
Total
Property involved:
Buildings
$1,988,650.00
Contents
731,500.00
Total
$2,720,150.00
Estimated loss on buildings
$ 28,025.00
Estimated loss on contents
29,900.00
Total
$ 57,925.00
Insurance paid on buildings
$ 16,592.33
Insurance paid on contents
39,098.23
Total
$ 55,690.56
Insurance carried on buildings
$ 151,450.00
Insurance carried on contents
2,458,500.00
Total
$2,609,950.00
Number of gallons of water used
185,220
Number of feet of hose used
66,300
Number of feet of ladders used
728
Ambulance calls attended
472
Inspection of business buildings, recreation and public gathering places, gaso- line and oil storages, garages and gasoline stations were made in the usual manner.
I wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen and all Departments of the Town for their co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
ALONZO N. EARLE, Chief
Norwood Fire Department
Buildings
15
In Retirement
WILLIAM J. TRAVERS was appointed as a Call Fireman in April 1931, and served in such position until he was appointed as a Permanent Fireman in June 1938. William J. Travers served the Town of Norwood as a member of the Fire Department faithfully and conscientiously until his retirement July 4, 1954.
In Retirement
BERTRAND W. SPARROW became a member of the Call Fire Department in 1923 and served in such capacity until he was appointed a Permanent Fireman in April 1937. A few years later he was appointed departmental Mechanic. After 30 years of faithful and conscientious service, Bertrand W. Sparrow retired from the Fire Department in March 1954.
189
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBBLIC WELFARE
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
The Norwood Board of Public Welfare submits its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1954.
The Selectmen on May 4, 1954 appointed the following to serve as Welfare Board Members for the term of one year- Martin J. Foley, Adam R. Meissner and Richard G. Nead.
Mr. Richard G. Nead was elected to serve as Chairman of the Board at a regu- lar Welfare Board Meeting.
A monthly summary of the number of active A.D.C.D.A. and General Relief cases, showing the total number of persons aided, follows this report.
Employment conditions in Norwood held up well during 1954. The General Relief case load for the year showed no seasonal rise due to unemployment. In a few isolated cases some supplementary aid was rendered where needed, due to temporary lower wages being received.
As is evident from the summary there was but little fluctuation in the num- ber of active A.D.C. cases throughout the twelve month period.
The D.A. category case load also remained constant throughout the year.
The Federal Government through the Social Security Program renders Cash Grants to the Town as part payment of the A.D.C. and D.A. programs.
The Federal Government also renders Cash Grants to the Town for the ad- ministration of the A.D.C. and D.A. categories.
The Commonwealth of Mass. contributes towards the cost of the A.D.C. and D.A. cases. These funds are paid to the Town Treasurer and are available for the Town.
Changes were made by the State Department of Public Welfare during 1954 in all phases of Medical Care, resulting in additional administrative procedure, and restrictions as to the amount of fees which may be paid, and restrictions on the payment to doctors for services to recipients in hospitals.
This Medical Plan has shown no appreciable reduction in the cost of Medical Care and has added confusion and dissatisfaction to all concerned.
The detail of Receipts and Expenditures for the Welfare Department, is shown in the Town Clerk and Accountant's Report.
The Board of Public Welfare desires to express their appreciation to all persons, organizations and Town Officials for their Cooperation during the past year.
Respectfully Submitted: RICHARD G. NEAD MARTIN J. FOLEY ADAM R. MEISSNER
190
1954 PUBLIC WELFARE CASE LOAD
MONTH
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
GENERAL RELIEF
BOARDING
INSTITU- TIONAL
HOSPITAL
TOTAL
TOTAL
Cases
Cases
Cases
Cases
Cases
Cases
Cases
People
January
16
26
34
7
2
1
86
148
February
16
26
35
7
2
I
87
153
March
18
27
37
6
2
1
91
166
April
17
28
33
5
2
1
86
142
May
17
28
36
5
5
2
1
89
150
June
17
July
17
27
35
5
2
0
86
138
August
17
28
36
5
2
0
88
149
September
17
30
33
6
1
89
152
October
17
27
33
6
0
85
146
November
18
27
32
6
4
0
87
149
December
18
1
27
32
6
4
0
87
152
TOWN OF NORWOOD
2 2
1
89
147
28
36
2 2
2 2
191
REPORT OF BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
REPORT OF BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
The Norwood Bureau of Old Age Assistance submits its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1954.
The table below lists the number of active Old Age Assist. cases as of the first of each month. Each case represents a person.
January
173
July 172
February
173
August
170
March
174
September
170
April
174
October
172
May
170
November
175
June
171
December
177
As shown by the above table the fluctuation in the number of cases during the year was small.
The applicants for Old Age Assist. in the majority of cases now have Old Age and Survivors Insurance (Social Security Benefits). Because of this resource the cost per case of O.A.A. shows a downward trend.
In September of 1954 an increase was granted to all persons receiving Old Age and Survivors Insurance (Social Security Benefits). This increase averaged about $5.00 per person.
There were no major changes in the Old Age Assistance laws during the year of 1954.
The Medical Plan mentioned in the Board of Welfare report is also applicable to O.A.A. recipients.
Regular Cash Grants from the Federal Government are paid regularly to the Town for O.A.A. purposes.
The Federal Government also renders to the Town Cash Grants for administra- tive purposes.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts pays a proportionate part of the cost of O.A.A. These funds are paid to the Town Treasurer and are available for the Town.
The Town Clerk and Accountant's report shows the detail of receipts and ex- penditures with respect to the O.A.A. category.
The Bureau of O.A.A. wishes to thank all persons, organizations and Town Officials for their co-operation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted:
RICHARD G. NEAD MARTIN J. FOLEY ADAM R. MEISSNER
192
TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Mr. John B. Kennedy General Manager Norwood, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Kennedy,
The following is a report of the activities of the Recreation Department for the year 1954, the sixth such report submitted by the present superintendent of Recreation and the tenth such report since the Recreation Department has operated on a full-time basis.
The tenth anniversary year of the Recreation Department may be said to have been another most successful year in every respect. With each passing year we come a little closer to our goal of providing wholesome recreational activities for citizens of Norwood in all age groups.
The description of activities which follows will give some indication of how we are accomplishing this goal and how we propose to come even closer to it in future years.
Summer Playgrounds
Playgrounds this past season operated from Monday, June 28, through Thurs- day, August 26, a total of nine weeks. Playgrounds were open daily Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to Noon, and from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. during this entire period. The season of 1954 saw more rainy weather than usual, but in spite of this factor, attendance still continued to rise and activities were conducted successfully. Play- grounds were operated at Endean, Elliot Park, Wilson Street, Father McAleer's, Bond Street, and the Recreation Center, all Recreation Department areas. In addi- tion, playgrounds were operated at the following School Department areas: High School, Callahan, Shattuck, Winslow, and Cedarcrest. At the Cedarcrest and Bond Street Playgrounds there was only a female Playground Leader, at the Recreation Center there was only a male Leader, while at all other areas there were both male and female Leaders on duty at all times.
A one-day Playground Leaders Training Institute was held on the Friday prior to the opening of the season, the Institute being held at the Recreation Center. Personnel from the Recreation Departments of Dedham and Walpole also attended, the latter group attending for the first time. The Superintendent of Recreation headed up a session on the Conduct of Playgrounds. Instruction in Social Recrea- tion and in Arts and Crafts was provided by members of the staff of Community Recreation Service of Boston, and instruction in First Aid was provided by Mr. Joseph McAuliffe of the Norwood Fire Department. This Institute proved to be most helpful to the personnel attending, and, at the same time, provided the op- portunity for personnel to get acquainted.
We are most fortunate in again having an excellent staff of playground per- sonnel. The success of the program this year was due to their efforts. As we have emphasized many times in the past, leadership is by far the most important factor in a good recreation programn. Norwood has an outstanding group from which to
In Memoriam emoriam
REVEREND WILLIAM F. ENGLISH
Reverend William F. English served for many years as a member of the old Playground Advisory Committee. He was one of the ardent supporters of the program; and, in 1945, was most influential in establish- ing the full-time Recreation Department. He continued as a most valuable member of the Recreation Advisory Committee until his untimely death on July 22, 1954.
The contribution of Reverend English to the Recreation program of the Town of Norwood was great. We shall miss his council and support. We are grateful for his help to the program through his many years of service on the Recreation Advisory Committee.
193
REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
select their personnel. Our staff this past season is to be commended for their fine work.
Attendance figures showed an increase of 5,223 over those for 1953. Eight of the playgrounds reported increases in attendance over 1953, while only three re- ported decreases, and those were small ones in each case. Considering that a total of five days were lost because of rain, the increased attendance is more significant still.
Under the direction of the Supervisor of Boys' Activities and the nine male Playground Leaders, a complete program of athletics and other activities was of- fered to boys attending the playgrounds. Baseball leagues were conducted for the various age groups on the playgrounds, with more than 100 games being played in the different leagues. In addition, the boys took part in such games as volleyball, soccer, basketball, horseshoes, softball, and other games which proved interesting to them.
A complete program of activities for girls was operated under the direction of the Supervisor of Girls' Activities and the ten female Playground Leaders. Soft- ball leagues were conducted for the different age groups as with the boys in base- ball, and, in addition, the girls took part in volleyball, basketball, tennis, and many other such appropriate activities.
As is usually the case, the Arts and Crafts program proved of interest to both the boys and girls attending the playgrounds. Under the direction of the Super- visor of Girls' Activities, a well-balanced program of projects was set up and carried out during the season. Many attractive and useful articles were made by the chil- dren, and, best of all, many happy hours were spent at the playground, working on the various projects.
From time to time during the year, the playgrounds took part in special events. For the boys there was a Horseshoe Tournament, a Field Day, an All-Star Baseball Game, and other such interesting features. For the girls there were Doll Shows, Pet Shows, an All-Star Game, and many other programs of special interest for the girls.
Each playground made one trip to Nantasket Beach for an all-day outing. Several playgrounds visited either the Children's Museum or Franklin Park. All playgrounds attended the Boston Red Sox-Detroit Tigers game at Fenway Park as the guests of the Red Sox management. Such special events as these stimulated interest in the playground program and gave children the opportunity to take part in an interesting and enjoyable excursion at the same time.
Under the direction of the Supervisor of Tennis, a complete program of supervision and instruction was offered at the Recreation Center courts. Partici- pation in the tennis program this past season was almost double that of previous seasons. Many of those who had taken part in the program in previous seasons returned to participate and, in addition, many new boys and girls availed them- selves of the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the game of tennis, and to take part in the various tournaments and other activities conducted.
Once a week during the playground season, a staff meeting of all playground personnel was held at the Recreation Center. This provided the opportunity for
194
TOWN OF NORWOOD
the Superintendent to continue training of the personnel, while, at the same time, enabling the Leaders to bring up various problems for discussion. This past sea- son, for the first time, part of the conduct of the staff meeting was turned over directly to the Leaders, with two Leaders each week being responsible for introduc- ing one or two new activities which might be used by the other Leaders at their playgrounds. This proved to be very interesting and worthwhile for the Leaders.
From our own observations, and from the comments and suggestions of the Playground Leaders, we offer the following recommendations. Some of these have been stated before and are as important now as when first brought out.
1. That an effort be made to improve facilities at the playgrounds located at the Shattuck and Winslow Schools.
2. That certain items of playground equipment, such as swings, slides, etc., be acquired and erected at certain playground locations. Certain areas are lacking in the proper amount of such equipment.
3. That immediate attention be given to improving the physical layout at Father McAleer Playground. We have recommended this in past years and repeat the recommendation with emphasis this season. The small area which is available for use and the large crowds of boys and girls attending the playground constitute a dangerous situation.
4. That a male Leader be assigned to Cedarcrest Playground next season.
5. That sand boxes be constructed and installed at those areas not now having them. These are particularly good for the very young children attending play- ground.
6. That facilities be developed and supervision be provided in the Ellis Gar- dens area of town. At present, there is no suitable area within a reasonable dis- tance of the homes in the area, with the result that children must play in the streets.
7. That supervision be provided in 1955 at the newly developed area off Pleasant Street. At present, there is no suitable play area within a reasonable distance of the homes in that vicinity.
Junior Twilight Baseball League
On two evenings of the week, the Junior Twilight Baseball League was operated for boys up through 18 years of age. The Superintendent supervised this activity directly, with umpires paid by the Recreation Department actually running games. Nine teams took part in the League this past season, the largest number to date, and a total of 72 games were played during the season. A total in excess of 100 boys participated in this program.
Recreation Softball League
Again in 1954, the Superintendent served as Softball Commissioner for the local area for the Amateur Softball Association of America. This involved pro- viding supervision and organization for the local Recreation Softball League throughout the season. Eight teams competed in the League in 1954, playing a total of 84 games from early June through early September. The League enjoyed a most successful season from every point of view.
195
REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Swimming Program
Hawes Brook Pool opened for public swimming June 24, and remained open until September 10. With the opening of local schools delayed one week this year, the Pool was kept open to provide safe swimming for the children. We point with pride to another season of supervision at Hawes Brook Pool without a serious accident. This excellent record of safety is due directly to the outstanding work of the personnel at the Pool. We commend our staff of Lifeguards most highly for their efforts this past season.
Again in 1954 we registered children for swimming classes through the co- operation of the School Department. Registration was held during the last two weeks of school. A total of 794 boys and girls were assigned to the various classes held throughout the summer. Classes were held for a two-week period, three sets of classes being held each morning until Noon, when the Pool was opened to general-public swimming. Approximately twenty-five per cent of this enrollment successfully completed their courses and were granted Recreation Department and American Red Cross certificates. Those not successfully completing their courses still benefitted greatly from the instruction received.
Our being able to provide instruction for such a large number of children is due to our having on our staff last year four qualified Red Cross Water Safety Instructors. Again in 1954 the Norwood Women's Community Committee provided two scholarships (worth $45 each) for personnel to attend Aquatic School. These two persons, in addition to the two already on the staff who had attended in pre- vious years through the same scholarship, gave us four well qualified instructors and four well equipped Lifeguards. We are deeply grateful to the Norwood Wo- men's Community Committee for their generosity in providing these scholarships.
The Recreation Department sponsored again this year a Regional Swim Meet, with more than 250 boys and girls from Norwood and surrounding towns partici- pating in 1954. This affair served to stimulate interest in swimming in general and provided an opportunity for boys and girls to try out in competition the skills they had acquired during the year. Under the supervision of the Pool personnel, certain boys and girls also took part in other swimming meets from time to time throughout the year.
Our number one recommendation concerning the Pool is for the erection of adequate toilet, locker, and water purification facilities. We have recommended this every year since the Pool has been open. The present facilities are totally in- adequate and, as a matter of fact, during the latter part of this past season, the Board of Health threatened to close the Pool because of the unsanitary conditions there resulting directly from the inadequacy of facilities. This situation must be remedied.
Picnic Kits
For the first time this year, the Recreation Department made available picnic kits to local organizations holding outings or picnics. Various items of equipment, games, etc., that help make such an affair more enjoyable were available on loan from the Department. Some seven organizations made use of this service in 1954.
196
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Rifle Club
The Norwood Recreation Junior Rifle Club has continued to be a most popular activity for boys in the 14-18 age group. Under the skilled supervision of Mr. Paul Cronan, instruction is given in marksmanship and competition is conducted on a team basis and on an individual basis from September through May at the range at the Municipal Building. There is an Advanced Group and a Beginners Group, each meeting one evening a week at the range under Mr. Cronan's supervision. During 1954 there were upwards of 60 boys taking part in the activities of the Rifle Club.
Recreation Basketball League
Young men beyond high school age have the opportunity to compete in the Recreation Basketball League conducted on two evenings of the week at the Senior High School from December through mid-March. The year just passed saw one of the most successful seasons in the League for several years, with participation and competition being at an all-time high. The Recreation Department provides supervision in the form of game officials, and takes care of all equipment and rental expenses. This activity provides the chance for much needed physical exercise for this age group, while at the same time providing healthy competition under super- vision. Three games are played each Monday and Wednesday of the week, the games drawing many interested spectators.
Youth Center
We have continued to operate the Youth Center program for high-school-age young people on each Saturday evening, except during July and August, with great success. That the young people have continued to support the program by their attendance and participation seems clear proof of the value of the program to the high-school-age group in Norwood. The Recreation Department provides super- vision, music, and needed game supplies for the program, making only a token charge for admission. The young people themselves assist in the running of the Saturday evening socials, and many of the activities have come about as a result of their suggestions and efforts. The Saturday evening program ordinarily consists of dancing, games, and access to the small refreshment counter.
Boys' Activities
From mid-November, or about the time of the onset of bad weather, until about the first of April each year, supervision is provided at the gym located in Swimming Pool Hall of the Recreation Center each afternoon after school, and on Saturday mornings. Boys of all ages flock to the gym in their free time, taking part in the supervised program provided there. The most popular activity is basketball, with many of Norwood's basketball players learning their fundamentals in this program in their early years. Attendance is always good, there sometimes being as many 'as 75 boys in the gym during one session, proving the popularity of the program.
Halloween Parties
Again in 1954 the Recreation Department conducted three major Halloween parties in Norwood. The Senior High School was the scene of a party for the stu-
197
REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
dents at that school, with the students themselves doing much of the work con- nected with the party, for which they are to be complimented. At Social Hall of the Recreation Center there was a party for Ninth Graders, and at the Junior High School Auditorium there was a party for all Seventh and Eighth Graders of Nor- wood. Supervision at the various parties was provided by members of the Recrea- tion Department who volunteered their services for the evening, and we must again express our appreciation to them for helping in this way. Norwood's low incidence of Halloween trouble is a good indication of the value of the parties.
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