USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1957-1959 > Part 45
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Friday Evening Dances
Dances are conducted for young people of junior high school age each Friday evening from September through mid June at the Recreation Center. As with the dances for the older group, an orchestra is engaged to play for dancing in Social Hall, the affair beginning at 7:30 and ending at 10:00 P.M. Activities during the evening are supervised by members of the Recreation Department staff and a Police Officer is on duty at each dance. Here again, a token admission charge is made, with receipts turned over weekly to the Treasurer. With the resumption of the season in September of 1958, a marked increase in attendance was noted with crowds averaging 275 over the last three months of the year. In spite of this increase, it was still possible to conduct the dances without serious problems, and the capacity of the facilities was not taxed.
During 1958, the sum of $2,407.00 was collected in admissions to the Friday Evening Dances and Youth Center Dances, said sum having been turned in to the Treasurer to be credited to the General Fund.
Boys Activities
Supervision is provided at the gym in Swimming Pool Hall of the Recreation Center each afternoon after school and on Saturdays until Noon from early November through mid April. Boys of all ages and sizes are able to play basketball and take part in other suitable programs under supervision, with each boy attending invited to participate. Many boys not capable for various reasons of participating in more highly organized sports activities,
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
can through this more or less informal program, take part in wholesome and enjoyable competition. Attendance varies according to the schedule of outside activities, but there are never less than twenty present at a session, and often as many as fifty are present.
Symphony Orchestra
The Norwood-Norfolk County Orchestra, made up of amateur musicians from Norwood and surrounding communities has continued to flourish during 1958. Some thirty people of all ages avail themselves of the opportunity to get together once a week from September through May to play classical, semi-classical, and popular music. Mr. Raymond F. Fleck has continued to volunteer his services as Director, and the Department is most grateful to him for his fine work with the Orchestra during the past year. Once again the Orchestra presented concerts in Norwood, Canton, and Brockton.
Under Mr. Fleck's direction and under the sponsorship of the Recreation Department, the Fourth Annual Christmas Festival of Music was presented on the first Sunday in December before another capacity audience at the Junior High School Auditorium. Ten choirs from seven of Norwood's churches presented selections on the program, while all choirs joined together to form a combined choir of more than 200 voices for selections to climax the evening. The event was indeed a fitting function to usher in the Christmas season in Norwood. We are deeply grateful to the local church officials, the choir directors, the choir members, the Norwood-Norfolk County Orchestra members who also participated in the Festival, and to all others who had a part in this thrilling evening of music. The fine spirit prevailing in connection with this event reflects the good fellowship and mutual respect that exists among Norwood's various church groups.
Miscellaneous Activities
The Department was called on many times during the year for advice and information concerning many related subjects. The Department co- operated with other municipal departments in such things as coasting streets, skating areas, lighting of areas, etc. The Superintendent appeared before local organizations to tell of functions of the Department. He also continued to serve as Chairman of the Water Safety Committee of the American National Red Cross. The Department was also represented in many state- wide recreation projects and the Superintendent served in 1958 as President of the Massachusetts Recreation Association.
Conclusion
The accomplishments outlined above could not have been realized in 1958 without the continuing cooperation and assistance of the Board of Selectmen, the General Manager, the Selectmen's Recreation Advisory Com- mittee, and many other official and unofficial bodies. We are grateful for their support and encouragement. We are also most grateful to the many people who were employed in various programs of the Recreation Department during 1958 for their loyalty and fine performance of duties. Good leadership, as we have said many times, is the key to successful recreation programs.
In Memoriam
DANIEL J. COLLINS
Died: April 30, 1957 Born: March 10, 1874
Daniel J. Collins served our Town for many years as a member of the Board of Selectmen and a member of the Housing Authority. During his term of office he was ever mindful of the duties and responsibilities of his office discharging the same with unusual ability and integrity, always serving the best interests of the community.
The Town of Norwood expresses its gratitude for his outstanding and faithful public service and extends its deepest sympathy to his family.
177
REPORT OF NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY
We feel that we have had outstanding leadership.
The year 1958 saw us come a little closer to achieving our goal of providing worthwhile leisure time activities for all of Norwood's population. We by no means can stand still. With the growing young population and the increasing numbers of older people, we must continue our efforts to meet their needs. We ask for continued support in our efforts to offer good programs and improve facilities, so that all can in some way enjoy their leisure hours.
Respectfully submitted, RICHARD E. READY,
Superintendent of Recreation
REPORT OF NOWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY 1958
Meetings: First and third Wednesdays of the month in Room 24 of the Norwood Municipal Building.
Members: Chairman, Anthony F. Turinese; Vice Chairman, John E. Bamber; Treasurer, Joseph Long; Assistant Treasurer, Roger J. Connolly; State Appointee, Atty. John J. Mulvehill.
Personnel: Executive Director and Secretary, Lawrence J. O'Brien; Ac- countant, Sullivan & Schwartz; Legal Atty., Dennis P. O'Leary; Insurance, Thomas J. Foley.
The Norwood Housing Authority was formed in 1948 to administer all types of Public Housing-both State & Federal. The Authority has jurisdic- tion over a State-aided Veterans Housing Development consisting of a 75 unit project located at Roosevelt Avenue-Jefferson Drive, which was com- pleted in 1950. This project has been 100% occupied since its opening and there are still 123 active applications on file. There have been 68 move outs in 8 years of operation. No major improvements were made this year, but the Authority is planning to improve the grounds and do some work on the interiors.
In December of this year, the Town Meeting members voted to apply for Financial Assistance to erect a 50 unit State-aided Housing for the Elderly Development, through the local Housing Authority. The Authority has already chosen a site for this project, and as soon as necessary paper work has been completed, this project should be well on the way by spring of 1959.
The members of the Authority wish to take this opportunity to thank all Town Departments and Officials for their cooperation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, THE NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY ANTHONY F. TURINESE, Chairman JOHN E. BAMBER JOSEPH LONG ROGER J. CONNOLLY JOHN J. MULVEHILL
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY NORWOOD 200-1 MASS. BALANCE SHEET - DECEMBER 31, 1958
ASSETS
Appropriation Fund - Union Savings
Administration Fund-Norfolk County Trust
714.01 19,320.13
20,034.14
Tenants' Accounts Receivable
816.50
Debt Service Fund
12,470.03
Debt Service Trust Fund
1,116.50
Debt Service Trust Fund-Investment U.S. Bonds
1,000.00
14,586.53
Investments-Norwood Co-Op
13,310.51
Investments-Union Savings
13,000.00
26,310.51
Prepaid Insurance
286.76
Development Costs
800,000.00
Less-Dev. Cost Liquidation
81,000.00
719,000.00
Total Assets
$781,034.44
LIABILITIES
Tenants' Security Deposits
770.00
Bonds Authorized
800,000.00
Less-Bonds Retired
81,000.00
719,000.00
Matured Interest and Principal
15,066.78
Debt Service Reserve
17,112.67
Unamortized Bond Premium
2,116.50
Operating Reserve
18,055.46
Captial Donation
1,000.00
53,351.41
Net Income
7,913.03
Total Liabilities
$781,034.44
Readers Take Full Advantage of the Reference Room.
179
REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY
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, 1958.
Respectfully submitted, MARTIN B. CURRAN Chaiman, Board of Trustees
RACHEL P. MARTIN
GERTRUDE A. TANNEYHILL
MARY L. DUNN MARION L. BOCH
JOHN T. KENNEY
HIGHLIGHTS, 1958 AND WHAT THEY SHOW
Books Are Our Main Business
Readers borrowed 172,307 (8+ per capita), books, recordings, and pictures. The books were in 10 languages. Most popular book of the year: "Doctor Zhivago." Most surprising request: "Find me a picture of a goat's brain."
Martha C. Eaton, Assistant Librarian and Cataloger, supervised the cataloging of 3,277 books, an increase of 307; and 197 recordings. She was aided by Helen Fraser, Senior Assistant. Miss Eaton has taken final count of books missing in 1956 inventory (covering a five year period) and reports 434 books not accounted for, now recorded as lost.
Mary E. Locke, Adult Department Librarian, in charge of Reference, and others, answered 2,415 reference questions. She has compiled nine booklists and given much aid to organizations and individuals.
Books were dramatically presented to boys and girls through a summer reading club on the theme "Around the World with Books," with 70 members at the Junior Department and South Norwood Branch. Its climax was an entertainment of world-wide themes for
40 members meeting the requirements.
Twenty-four story hours-impossible now at the Main Library from lack of space-were held at the crowded Branch by Doris Allen, Branch Librarian -who also answered 920 reference questions.
National Library Week
Week-long special activities throughout the library system, culminating in an evening Book Review with coffee hour at Main Library in which trustees were prominent, was the most ambitious program the library has ever undertaken.
Art exhibits showed traditional type paintings by Mr. George V. Augusta and non-objective work by the pupils of Mr. John Levitsky, Art Supervisor, Norwood Public Schools.
The Women's Community Committee provided and arranged flowers throughout the library.
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
The South Norwood Branch, like other parts of the library, had special and carefully planned book displays. The Branch featured a neighborhood Open House with refreshments.
Youth Participates
As one feature of the rapid growth of the Junior Department (48,279 books borrowed, an increase of 4,359), N. Dorothy Shumaker, Junior Depart- ment Librarian, seeks to foster creative work in the field of cultural interests by the boys and girls themselves. On her invitation Charles Donahue, Jr., gave an entrancing Magic Show, with accordian selections by Frank Nado. Spencer Sacco and Elizabeth O'Brien gave a very appealing Puppet Show. Art work by Pupils of Mr. Levitsky, has twice been given public recognition in the Children's Room.
As a result of vigorous planning and work by the Librarian and Staff, school authorities and the Student Council, the boys and girls are demon- strating an effective effort to make the right use of library resources.
Keeping Abreast of Library Progress
Edna Phillips, Librarian and Mary E. Locke, Adult Department Librarian in charge of Reference, attended the American Library Association Conference in San Francisco. Miss Phillips also attended the Mid-Pacific Library Con- ference in Hawaii and wrote an article about it at the request of the Editor of "Bay State Librarian." On vacation, she visited public libraries and museums in Honolulu, Tokyo, and Kyoto. She and other members of the staff attended conferences of the Massachusetts Library Association, the New England Library Association (at which Miss Shumaker was a panel member of the Round Table of Children's Librarians); and numerous other library meetings. Miss Phillips is a member of several library and civic committees as are Miss Shumaker, Miss Locke and Mrs. Allen.
Help! Some Personal Questions From Patrons
"I have bursitis. What can I do that is quick, sure and not expensive?" "Will you settle a Thanksgiving Day argument with my brother-in-law. Are we, or aren't we, a democracy?"
"Something is eating the roots of my plants, I think a rat. What shall I do?"
Fifteen Years of Library Service at the Norwood Hospital
At the request of Mr. Robert Brown of the Norwood Hospital, the Library started bedside service to patients and to personnel, April 26, 1943. (On the occasion of its 15th anniversary, he comments on "this wonderful aid in the service of the sick," and "the gratitude of patients, students, and personnel.") Esther C. Pearson, Adult Department Librarian, in charge of Circulation, has been head of this service for 10 years; for five years she has been assisted by Bettina Cottrell, Substitute. During this period almost 100,000 books have been circulated from a Morrill Memorial Library hospital book collection of 2,000, supplemented by constant Main Library loans. This year 7,335 books and periodicals were lent.
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REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY
A collection of recordings, changed at a bi-monthly interval, has been started at the request of Mr. Charles Richardson, Administrator. They are played through a loud speaker, into the dining room at mealtimes.
Other Important Anniversaries
Carl B. Pearson, Senior Building Custodian, has been with the library over 20 years; Esther C. Pearson, Adult Department Librarian, in charge of Circulation, over ten years, and Doris Allen, Branch Librarian, ten years. We mark with pride and great satisfaction the long and effective service Norwood has had through the library by these three exceptional people.
Mrs. Pearson, formerly Mrs. Hallet, and Mr. Pearson were married in July, having met at the library.
Personnel
"The Minimum - Maximum Salary Scale. A Standard for Education Requirements and Salaries," first written in 1950 was completely revised, and with amendments, was adopted by the Board.
Ruth King, Substitute, was appointed to the staff as Assistant.
Dorothy C. Folan, Records Assistant, resigned to go to another position.
We are indebted to Miss Eaton's zealous work in schedule-making during a year requiring an unusual amount of it.
Music At The Library
The Music Nook in the Adult Lobby has been expanded by a new shelf, new lighting and a long bench.
A gift from the Women's Community Committee has been used to start record lending for children from the Junior Department and the South Norwood Branch. The Committee also helped beautify library grounds.
As part of a new plan for outdoor Christmas decorations directed by Mrs. John Martin, Trustee, a loud-speaker carrying sound to the street was installed for playing Christmas music. Mrs. Martin, working with Mr. George T. Mahoney, Chairman, Norwood Christmas Decorations Committee, and assisted by Messers William Jones and Carl B. Pearson, had striking candle effects as part of the library's holiday observance. Mrs. George Rodgers added a great deal by her decorations for the Adult Department.
The South Norwood Branch has had weekly concerts of background music thanks to the gift of a four-speed RCA Victor record player from the Rotary Club. The Adult and Junior Departments also use recorded back- ground music from time to time, to the pleasure of music lovers.
We Go Out To The Town
Miss Shumaker represented the library on a Speaking Caravan of town officials to the schools on ways that town departments aided "Clean-up, Paint-up, Fix-up Week." Miss Phillips spoke to four local groups on her trip to Asia, and its significance to readers. She and Miss Locke spoke on library resources and use at Senior High School. Miss Locke spoke on reference books at a Workshop planned by the Old Colony Library Club, and on her trip to the North West before a library gathering for children. Mrs. Pearson twice spoke on her trip to Europe, in the interest of library staff and patrons.
182
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Library Expansion - Why Needed
Better Parking Facilities-Library growth increases pressures for space. Circulation, 1948, 106,929; 1958, 172, 307.
More Direct Access To Street would be time-saving for all. Essential for the frail or the disabled. Publicity value of street windows would be great.
Growing Town, Growing Schools, Growing Industries all need library services to keep pace with them.
A Room for Young Adults-Our youth need it and it would relieve a crowded Reference Room.
Better Facilities for Children-Present layout poor for supervision and for story hours.
Crowding. Now at Capacity: Many bookshelves; cataloging room; South Norwood Branch; adult charging desk and book processing area.
Bookmobile, Garage, Book-Loading Station-For service to outlying parts of town, schools, and industries. A "branch on wheels" is more flexible, and less expensive than adding branches.
Auditorium With Exhibit Space-Children's Room now doubling as an auditorium, not available during library hours.
Committee Rooms With Kitchenette-None at present. Expanded library quarters will serve a fundamental need in a growing town and in the fullest use of the library. The Board of Trustees has already been making provision for it in architectural drawings by Mr. Harry J. Koslund, in fact-finding work by the Librarian, including a "Survey of the Morrill Memorial Library in Relation to the Town."
Mrs. Otis T. Swain, a former trustee, has presented her annual check to be spent on a book in memory of her late husband - a deeply appreciated continuation of her long civic service.
The Brotherhood of Protective Order of Elks presented a "History of the Elks."
Mrs. Pearson gave the Children's Room a beautiful model of Columbus' Flagship, made by her father, the late Mr. Roy D. Cook.
Miss Phillips brought the staff a flower painting from Hong Kong.
This year has been one of an ever-deepening bond with the Board of Trustees, and with fellow-workers.
Respectfully submitted,
EDNA PHILLIPS, Librarian
Masaka Hara, Exchange Student, Norwood High School, Member of Morrill Memorial Library; and Edna Phillips, Librarian, meet in Tokyo. In the background is the Hotel Imperial, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. In the left foreground is a Japanese stone lantern.
184
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Finance
SEE REPORT OF TOWN ACCOUNTANT
$3,646.64 was returned to the Town Treasurer, of which $160.00 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
1,939
Total, registered borrowers
10,825
Reference and book selection questions
3,788
Registration Comparison
New Registrations
1957
1958
Increase
Decrease
Adult
1085
1060
25
Junior
546
656
110
South Norwood
204
223
19
1835
1939
104
Registered Borrowers
Adult
6460
6885
425
Junior
2417
2630
213
South Norwood
1305
1310
5
10182
10825
643
Circulation Comparison
1957
1958
Increase
Decrease 85
Adult Department
86720
86635
Junior Department
37022
41354
4332
Main Library Totals
123742
127989
4247
South Norwood Adult
9957
10533
576
South Norwood Junior
14760
13710
1050
Hospital Adult
6988
6795
193
Hospital Junior
453
540
87
Schools
6898
6925
27
Others
-
Record Comparison
1957
1958
Increase Decrease
Adult Department
4760
5236
476
162798
166492
3694
Respectfully submitted,
EDNA PHILLIPS,
Librarian
Friends Dance in the yard of Mr. and Mrs. Albert C. Worrell to the tune of Library Recordings.
185
REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY
LIBRARY. HOURS
ADULT DEPARTMENT
Monday - Friday : 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
JUNIOR DEPARTMENT
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
SOUTH NORWOOD BRANCH
Tuesday and Thursday: 12:15 -5:30 and 6:30 -9 p.m. Wednesday: 9.12 a.m. and 1.6 p.m. Saturday: 9-12 a.m. and 1-5:30 p.m.
NORWOOD HOSPITAL
Monday: 1.5 p.m.
TRUSTEES
Martin B. Curran, Chairman
Vern H. Richards* Rachel P. Martin John T. Kenney **
Gertrude A. Tanneyhill
Marion L. Boch Mary L. Dunn
STAFF
Librarian and Secretary of the Board Edna Phillips
Martha C. Eaton, Assistant Librarian and Cataloger
N. Dorothy Shumaker, Junior Department Librarian
Mary E. Locke, Adult Department Librarian, in charge of Reference
Esther C. Pearson, Adult Department Librarian, in charge of Circulation
Doris C. Allen, Branch Librarian
Helen R. Fraser, Senior Assistant
Dorothy C. Folan, Records Assistant*
Evelyn Bicknell, Records Assistant* * Ruth King, Assistant
Carol I. Girling, Assistant
BUILDING
Carl B. Pearson, Senior Building Custodian
John M. Wraga, Custodian Substitute
SUBSTITUTES
Bettina Cottrell Doris M. Connolly
*Resigned ** From September 16th
Shirley Patterson Irene Olson
*** From November 18th
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
The Planning Board organized on Monday, January 27, 1958. Present were Messrs. Albert P. Nelson, Frederick F. Brown and newly elected John Mogan, Francis P. Foley and J. Edward Bamber. Elected as Chairman was Mr. Frederick F. Brown and Mr. J. Edward Bamber as Clerk. Miss Mary V. Riley was re-appointed to continue as secretary.
Conferences
Jan. 27 Request from residents of Fulton Street to meet with Planning Board with regard to storm drainage problems. Problem was discussed and it was voted to meet with residents on February 3, 1958.
Letter received from Board of Selectmen with reference to layout of road between Edgehill Road and Westview Drive.
Feb. 3 Residents of Fulton Street presented problem. Taken under advise- ment and letter sent to General Manager with copies to Board of Health and Town Counsel stating that the Planning Board was unwilling to release bond until satisfied that all required conditions had been met.
Feb. 20 Planning Board requested Engineering Department satisfy the Plan- ning Board of all modifications deemed advisable so that the Planning Board will notify the developer by letter.
Policy of the Planning Board added new requirement that all utility and profile plans contain space for notes, changes and addenda with date and authority.
Mar. 10 Met with General Manager Blasenak with reference to speed up progress in acceptance of new streets.
Mar. 31 Discussed proposed rezoning of Route 1.
Apr. 14 Planning Board held a combined meeting with Industrial Com- mittee, General Manager, Town Engineer, and Assessors concerning the proposed zoning changes along Route 1.
May 5 Met with property owners on Route 1 with regard to zoning changes. Miss Mary V. Riley resigned as Secretary.
May 12 Miss Maureen G. Riley appointed Secretary.
May 27 Discussed duties and responsibilities of Planning Board with stu- dents of Junior High School.
June 9 Met with residents of Jacobsen Drive with reference to drainage problem.
July 14 Met with Mr. Phillips of Norwood Properties, Inc. with reference to completion of Dorset Street.
Met with Mr. Frank Simoni with regard to Garden Parkway.
Oct. 8 Mr. Mansen met with Planning Board regarding lot layouts on Northplain Street.
187
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
Oct. 15 Met with Board of Selectmen with regard to new ammendment to General Laws clarifying the fact that the release of bonds for sub- division lies with the Planning Board.
Met with Town Counsel regarding new ammendment and 45 day reply when subdivider requests release of bonds.
Oct. 27 Received letter from Moderator requesting a member to represent Planning Board on new Capital Outlay Committee. Mr. John Mogan was elected as Planning Board representative.
Dec. 1 Met with Leo Wolf in connection with his Westover Estates, section 2B.
Dec. 15 Discussed Chapter 626 concerning at least 24 hour notice of Plan- ning Board meetings to be sent to Town Clerk after January 6, 1959.
Met with Mr. Andrew Boch and Attorney Francis Foley as to pos- sible subdivision of present lot of land now occupied with two residences.
Public Hearings
Mar. 17 Glendale Road Extension-Layout from Edgehill Road about 240 ft. to Westview Drive. Planning Board voted to approve layout.
May 26 Zoning changes on Route 1-Hearing on twenty four changes along Route 1, most changes due to widening of road as proposed by Planning Board.
Sept. 11 1. Petition for zoning change by Mr. Frank R. Simoni of his land between Walpole Street and Wilson Street from SR-1 to Business.
2. Petition of Mr. Albert Nelson to change land off Lane Drive now used as residential-change from Manufacturing to General Residence.
3. Petition of Mr. Emery Forrest to change land in rear of Munroe- Langstroth Co. and southerly of Arena land from General Residence to Manufacturing.
4. Petition of Thomas J. Foley and Francis Foley to change land easterly of Route 1 (97 acres) from General Residence to Manufacturing.
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