USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1955 > Part 13
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One of the features of the "Sectional" Play Days was the "Vehicles Parade" conducted at each of the five locations; and despite the usual problems which accompany this type of ac- tivity, a total of 375 vehicles were entered from the twenty-six playgrounds, which should give a good indication of how well this special feature was received. Prizes were awarded for the best decorated carriages, carts or scooters, bicycles, and tri- cycles, and the judges were enthusiastic in their praise of the decorative work done by the children.
Because many of our Summer Playground areas (including all athletic units except Glen Street) are located on main ar- teries, and in some instances totally surrounded by them, the Superintendent has long been concerned about the terrific po- tential of serious accidents occurring while the children travel to and from the playgrounds. Extra caution in this respect was emphasized as a primary objective for all members of the staff at the opening meeting of the season. The Superintendent had recommended the closing of Fellsway West at Foss Park during hours of playground sessions, and this recommendation was accomplished early in the Summer season through the con- tinued co-operation of Captain William McCarthy of the Metropolitan District Commission. Additionally, with the as- sistance of Safety Officer William Kelley, several dangerous hazards to the safety of the children were eliminated, and the results were most encouraging. A new low in accidents oc- curring on the playgrounds was reached this season. Only seventeen accidents in all were reported, and not one of these could be regarded as serious; i.e., involving a break or fracture - an excellent record when an aggregate participation of 165,064 children is taken into consideration.
200
ANNUAL REPORTS
NEW PROGRAMS
The Recreation Program For Trainable Retarded Children, as a result of the Commission's experimental program during the Spring months, was continued at the Forster Playground during the Summer season. Although the participation was not as extensive as had been hoped, due to illness of the children and the extreme weather conditions mentioned pre- viously, nevertheless the average daily attendance of eight children during the thirty-eight days of play indicates that con- tinued consideration should be given to this program in the future. Arrangements were made by the Superintendent for the daily delivery of milk by a local concern, and cookies were solicited from a neighborhood chain store. Following a con- ference between the Superintendent and a manufacturer of playground apparatus, a special swing and frame, adaptable to the particular type of children served through this program, was designed and installed at the Forster Playground, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. A sand box with a shade was pur- chased also, and proved very successful. During the closing days of the season a picnic for the children was held at Waverley Oaks.
About the only program which has gained momentum in various communities throughout the country in recent years that the Somerville Recreation Commission does not conduct at present is one for its Senior Citizens; i.e., persons over sixty years of age, of whom Somerville has 6,521 men and 8,241 women. This Commission has long been conscious of the need for such a program, and the fact that there is not one in opera- tion today is due largely to the matter of personnel, facilities, and the potential number of persons in the City who would participate in this type of program. In recent months the Com- mission has been conducting a survey as to the respective locations of persons in this City who are sixty years of age and over, to determine what sections of the City are most in need of such a program. A study has also been made as to what might be the best type of program to offer these Senior Citi- zens. Regardless of the extent of the program, a "must" is proper facilities. And the facilities for this type of activity are of such a nature that they must be readily accessible; i.e., not surrounded by hills or requiring the climbing of stairs; and including proper toilet facilities and separate rooms so that several activities can be conducted at the same time; and, if possible, kitchen facilities for serving hot lunches or refresh- ments. In order to start this program even as a pilot project, a building containing many of the above-mentioned character- istics will be necessary. At the present time there is a building
201
RECREATION COMMISSION
available on College Avenue in West Somerville which could not only very well be used for this purpose but for other Recre- ation purposes as well.
Since the subject of Juvenile Delinquency was developed at length in the Commission's 1953 Annual Report, mention is made now only of the fact that the Commission believes that any youth who is directed towards good will seldom turn out to be bad, and for this reason it is attempting within the limits of its resources, personnel, and facilities to provide varied pro- grams for all teen-agers. The records prove that many potential delinquents and pre-delinquents are absorbed in these pro- grams. At the same time the Commission is aware that nobody (adult, youth, or child) can be forced to participate in a Recrea- tion program, and that in many instances opportunities for good, wholesome fun have no appeal to a youth who is other- wise inclined. The Recreation Commission will continue to do its part, but it will also continue to solicit the co-operation and assistance of parents, churches, and schools in its attempts to guide Somerville's youth towards good.
Joseph Lee, "The Father of the American Playground" and one of the pioneers in the Recreation Movement, in the widest scope of his vision could never have dreamed of the extent of the Recreation program in the mid-twentieth century. Over and above the normal demands on public Recreation agencies which are attempting to provide a balanced year-round Recrea- tion program for all, there are further demands today with respect to providing Recreation activities in certain directions that prior to the short space of ten years ago were unheard of. Witness the recognition being given to the needs for Recrea- tion programs for Senior Citizens, for Retarded Children, and for families residing in Veterans or Low Rental Housing Proj- ects. Already this Commission is providing in various degrees organized Recreation programs for Trainable Retarded Chil- dren and for children in the Housing Projects. As for a pro- gram for Senior Citizens, mention has been made in a previous paragraph of this report of the Commission's intentions in this respect. And to think that as recently as 1909 Somerville's entire Recreation program consisted only of a Summer Play- grounds program at City Field and Lincoln Park, and even that was under the private auspices of a group of public-spirited citizens!
But even though the local Recreation program is consider- ably removed from what it was in 1909, or even 1939, the question of how to make the public more aware of the Recrea-
202
ANNUAL REPORTS
tion opportunities available to it, as well as the Commission's problems (which are actually the community's problems), or of the loyalty, devotion, and tireless effort being expended by a capable handful, continues to be an enigma. By means of print, picture, and participants, the Superintendent has attempted to inform the public fully as to its Municipal Recreation program,
CONGRATULATIONS, SOPHIE, FROM GRANT'S
Sophie Demopoulos of the Brown Playground steps up to receive her first prize from Mr. Thompson, store manager of W. T. Grant Co. after the big 1955 Hallowe'en Masquerade Party there. Others are Caroline Morgan and Dorothy Coulter. The Grant's store annually affords its premises for our Recreation Commission parade and displays a commendable civic attitude toward the city's youth.
203
RECREATION COMMISSION
but the results have not been in proportion to the efforts ex- pended.
Work on the Commission's motion picture film, "Munic- ipal Recreation In Somerville", is still continuing, and the film has now been extended to 1450 feet, including ten new scenes. Further extension of the film will be made within the month. All who have seen it are loud in their praise of the film, and marvel at the extent of the Commission's program; but never- theless the public at large still thinks of Recreation in terms of its 1930 program, or at best is concerned with it only in its relation to themselves or theirs. Recreation will take its proper and deserved place in the community only when the people realize the recreational opportunities available to them.
PERSONNEL
Related to the extension of the program mentioned above is, of course, the problem of qualified personnel. Already in several directions it is difficult to find the proper persons with available time to fit the assignments, and the qualified part- time workers have been extended as much as possible. The same applies to the full-time personnel. In the past year two members of the full-time staff have resigned, one to accept a position in the Somerville School system, the other having moved to another state. Neither vacancy has been filled to date. All of the other members of the staff, in various degrees, are performing their duties to the satisfaction of the Super- intendent. Since our program is a continuous one throughout the year, the demands on all personnel are extensive. There is never an opportunity for a respite, and each incident of sickness or vacancy results in an already overtaxed staff carry- ing the extra load resulting from the sickness or vacancy. Per- haps some day the people of Somerville will recognize that their Recreation program is not confined to Summer Play- grounds, is not merely an athletic one, nor is it a program of Recreation just for children. When they do, perhaps they will appreciate what a conscientious corps of workers is accomplish- ing for the recreational welfare of Somerville, and realize that within our staff of present and past workers there are persons who could very well qualify for the role of a Mr. Chips in the field of Recreation.
A glance at the list of activities on the page appended to this report should be cause for reflection and study. When one considers the number of persons served by these activities, the work involved with respect to the planning, organization,
204
ANNUAL REPORTS
and conduct of the respective programs, and in arranging for facilities wherein to operate, as well as the potential for good to the community; one might better understand the multiple demands on the respective members of the full-time and part- time staffs, and why so much emphasis is placed on qualifica- tions, and also why organized Recreation takes its place along with religion and education as one of the greatest forces for good in the community. Unfortunately, unlike a physical structure which is there for all to see and touch, Recreation is an intangible, and its value to the community is present with- out the citizens themselves many times being aware of its extent.
FACILITIES
With improved lighting facilities, installation of a new heating system, and other improvements in the quarters at the rear of 50 Bow Street, increased use of this building is now being made by the various Recreation groups. Present uses include weekly sessions of the Adult Arts And Crafts Club; work sessions, rehearsals, and committee meetings of Girls' and Boys' Club groups; and extensive use by the Arts And Crafts personnel in preparation for their programs. After the first of the year the Chess Club will also meet in this building.
Through the co-operation of the Progress Society Building Association on Somerville Avenue, the Recreation Commission now has the use of the Association's quarters for weekly ses- sions of one of its Arts And Crafts Clubs and for a new Girls' Club group. Additionally, it is expected that afternoon and possibly evening programs will be conducted in the new Healey School building on Meacham Street beginning early in 1956. The other two new school buildings will provide facilities for Recreation use in various degrees when completed.
Within the past month, work has been started at Foss Park to bring about desired recreational improvements at this area, and if the preliminary plans become a reality, this will be an- other step forward in the accomplishment of the Commission's efforts for improved recreational facilities, as the preliminary plans are almost in toto the recommendations of the Superin- tendent of Recreation.
Concerted and repeated efforts in every direction have been made during the past eight months to locate one of the proposed new artificial Ice Skating Rinks, which are to be con-
205
RECREATION COMMISSION
structed by the Metropolitan District Commission within the next year, either in Somerville or in the vicinity of Somerville.
Continued efforts will be made to improve existing facili- ties wherever possible and to initiate the establishment of new areas. As a result of the Commission's previous recommenda- tions it is expected that there will be a new playground estab- lished in 1956 on the site of the old Highland Railroad Station on Lexington Avenue opposite the end of Hancock Street.
Within the past year the Superintendent has made several attempts to obtain authorization for use by the Recreation Commission, at no cost to the City, of the State Armory on Highland Avenue, but without success.
Somerville is perhaps the only city of its size throughout the country that does not have some type of public building devoted exclusively to the conduct of its Recreation programs, and there is a long-felt need for such a building. In fact, the Recreation Commission has been urging over a period of years now that this City acquire such a building.
Despite the reputed excellence of the Recreation Commis- sion's program, it is handicapped in many respects by the extent and condition of its facilities. Improvement and ex- pansion of Recreation facilities will not only result in a more successful Recreation program, but also in more extensive use of these facilities for Recreation purposes by the citizens of Somerville during periods when they are not being used by participants in the Commission's programs.
If the people of Somerville as a whole would realize not only the extent of the recreational opportunities available to them throughout the year but also what is needed for their own recreational welfare, they would regard whatever the Recrea- tion Commission is doing to bring about expansion and devel- opment of Recreation facilities as their own concern, and would take a more active interest in helping to bring about the ac- complishment of improved facilities which are immediately necessary to the continued success of the Commission's pro- grams.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Recreation Commission respectfully submits herewith a series of recommendations for further improvement of Rec- reation facilities in Somerville, in consideration of present
206
ANNUAL REPORTS
needs and looking to the future of the Recreation Service :-
1) Completion of the Conway Playground, includ- ing raising the fence on the Park Street side, establishing a new diamond with backstop on the Bleachery Court side, repairing benches, providing bleachers, and hot-topping the area adjacent to the present spray pool.
2) Complete resurfacing of Shaw Playground. In its present state it is of limited value, and the Commission is constantly receiving complaints as to its undesirable condition.
3) Removal of the unused swing frames not only at Shaw, but also at Woods Playground, and the utilization of these areas for other purposes.
4) Planting of trees at a number of play areas - especially those established during the past several years - including Florence St., Houley, Hoyt-Sullivan, North St., Stone Place, and Woodstock St. The heat of the past Summer was especially felt at these areas.
5) The general repair of benches at all parks.
6) Establishment of spray pools at both the Hoyt- Sullivan Playground on Central Street and the Stone Place Playground located in the rear of the Police Station. This would not only have recreational benefits for both of these areas but would also eliminate the safety hazards and other problems resulting from the present use of hydrant sprays at both of these units.
7) Establishment of a multi-use area at Hoyt- Sullivan Playground.
8) Completion within the year of the present area at Lincoln Park, on the site of the lighted bas- ketball courts. A multi-use area here, similar to the one at Trum Field, will result in many recreational benefits.
9) Establishment of a multi-use area at Glen Street Playground, in the neighborhood of Palmer Avenue.
207
RECREATION COMMISSION
10) On all areas where ice skating is authorized, some inexpensive form of lighting so that these areas may be used more extensively in the early hours of the evening.
11) Increased lighting facilities on the multi-use area at Trum Field.
12) Heightening of the fence on the Cedar Street side of Trum Field, and the extension of the overhanging backstop on the same side.
13 Replacing the metal storage place at the Al- bion Street Playground with a new one similar to the one at Conway Playground.
14) The advisability of providing in certain areas the controlled type of bubbler which is also more sanitary than the present type. (This should eliminate the constant flow of water and the resultant abuses, as well as the drainage problems involved in some cases.)
15) Development for play purposes of the area lo- cated on Lexington Avenue opposite the end of Hancock Street, formerly the site of the Highland Railroad Station.
16) Joint co-operation between the Public Works Department and the Recreation Commission to bring about authority from the George Dilboy Post for the development as a playground of the previously offered part of the area in the rear of the Post quarters now used for parking.
17) Inasmuch as the responsibility for the develop- ment for play purposes of any available land in a State Housing Project belongs to the commu- nity in which it is located, it is recommended that the area adjacent to the parking lot at the Mystic Avenue Housing Project be developed for such purposes.
18) Establishment of a multi-use area at the Woods Playground, on the site of the present basket- ball area. (It has been recommended recently that this particular site be named after a World War II hero, Lawrence J. Gatto.)
208
ANNUAL REPORTS
19) Scraping of all gymnasium floors and proper repainting of them in a manner best suited to accomplish their intended purpose.
20) Re-flooring of the combined Gymnasium and Auditorium at the Northeastern Junior High School.
In closing, the Commission gratefully acknowledges the co-operation during 1955 of His Honor The Mayor; the Board of Aldermen; the Department of Public Works, including the Engineering, Public Buildings, and Electrical Divisions; the Fire and Police Departments; and the Metropolitan District Commission; and acknowledges especially the co-operation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Masters of the Senior High and Junior High Schools, and the Supervising Principals and Teachers of the Elementary Schools.
Acknowledgment is made also to the various churches and members of the clergy, and to Veteran, Service, and Social organizations of the City for their co-operation during the past year.
Appended to this Report is the Financial Summary for the year 1955 and a list of Activities Under The Recreation Com-' mission.
Respectfully submitted by
THE RECREATION COMMISSION, BY REV. N. PROPERZI, Chairman
209
RECREATION COMMISSION
City of Somerville, Recreation Commission FINANCIAL SUMMARY, 1955
ANNUAL APPROPRIATION (March 23)
$89,388.63
TRANSFERS TO PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT (Oct. 20) .
1,000.00
$88,388.63
TRANSFER TO AUDITOR'S PENSION ACCOUNT (Dec. 13)
600.00
$87,788.63
EXPENDITURES:
Salaries and Wages
$77,264.04
Athletic Supplies
2,154.96
Playground Supplies, Paraphernalia, etc. ..
1,667.48
Other Recreation Supplies
1,956.97
Printing, Planographing, etc.
253.06
Rental of Equipment, Trucks, Buses, etc. ..
138.06
Music Scores, Records, etc.
21.43
Office Supplies
381.77
Telephone
503.48
Postage, Parcel Post, and Express
198.78
Repairs
307.86
Photographic Services and Supplies
246.83
Special Services
40.10
Maintenance of Vehicles
541.31
Automobile Allowance
350.00
Books and Pamphlets for Workers' Profes- sional Improvement
16.95
Carfares for Itinerant & Volunteer Workers
51.02
Other Personal Disbursements
16.74
Convention Expenses
41.50
Special Items:
Portable Chairs
699.07
Basketball Sets
242.00
Swing Sets and Accessories
207.36
Electric Typewriter
395.00
All Other
81.60
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
$87,777.37
$87,777.37
UNEXPENDED BALANCE
$ 11.26
ACTIVITIES UNDER THE CITY OF SOMERVILLE RECREATION COMMISSION - 1955
Recreation Activity
No. of Units
28
Saturday Playgrounds ....
16
Age Group Under 16 Under 11
Location
Season
July-Aug. Sept .- Dec. Mar .- June Jan .- Mar.
Saturday Indoor Centers
9
·
.
.....
Boys' Clubs
6
11-19
School Bldgs.
Sept .- June
Girls' Clubs
6
11-18
School Bldgs.
Sept .- June
Chess Club
1
11-19
Public Bldg.
Oct .- May
9-16
Parks & Plgds.
Sept .- Dec.
Afternoon Supervised Athletics
.......
Baseball "Clinic" for Boys
1
9-16
Parks & Plgds.
Oct .- May
Arts and Crafts Club
1
5
8-15
School Bldgs.
Oct .- May
Community Theatre
1
Adult
School Bldg.
Sept .- May
Youth Theatre
............
Children's Theatre
3
8-12
School Bldgs.
Sept .- May
Story-Telling Program
.......
.....
Community Recreation Chorus .. .......
1
Adult
School Bldg.
Oct .- May
Junior Recreation Chorus
12-18
School Bldg.
"Fisical Fitness" Clubs (Boys)
3
12-16
School Bldgs.
Model Aircraft Clubs
3
10-16
School Bldgs.
Oct .- Apr.
Bicycle Club
1
11-16
Out-of-doors
Sept .- June
Gymnasium Activities for Men
1
Adult
School Bldg.
Oct .- Apr.
Gymnasium Activities for Women
1
Adult
School Bldg.
Oct .- Apr.
.... Leagues for Boys:
Basketball
15 teams
12-19
School Bldgs.
Dec .- Apr.
Twilight Basketball (Outdoor)
6 teams
16-20
School Grounds
May-July
Leagues for Men:
8 teams
Adult
School Bldgs.
Nov .- Mar.
Basketball
...
16 teams
Adult
Public Alleys
Sept .- Apr.
Softball
16 teams
Adult
Parks & Plgds.
Apr .- Sept.
Twilight Basketball (Outdoor)
8 teams
Adult
Playground
May-July
Program for "Shut-Ins"
1
Under 14
Somerville Hospital
Year-round
.
·
.
.......
.
12-15
School Bldg.
Sept .- May
1
Under 11
Public Library
Jan .- Apr.
Oct .- Dec.
Oct-May
......
.......
...
...
......
........
..
Bowling
........
..
...
4
... ...
Adult
School Bldg.
Apr .- June June
ANNUAL REPORTS
210
Summer Playgrounds
Plgds. & School Grounds Plgds. & School Grounds
Under 11
School Bldgs.
.... ........
........
......
........
..
Arts and Crafts Clubs (Boy-Girl)
......
Oct .- Apr.
211
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
January 5, 1956
To the Honorable the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville
Gentlemen:
We respectfully submit the following, which is a summary of the work of the department for the year 1955 as the Seventy-eighth Annual Report of the Board of Health.
RECORD OF LICENSES AND PERMITS ISSUED
SLAUGHTER POULTRY - Four applications for a permit to slaughter poultry under the provisions of Section 139A of Chapter 679 of the General Laws were received. All were granted.
MELT AND RENDER - Three licenses to carry on the business of melting and rendering were granted.
COLLECT GREASE - Thirteen applications for a permit to collect grease were received and all were granted.
MASSAGE - Fourteen persons were licensed to practice massage.
BOTTLING CARBONATED BEVERAGES - Five licenses. to engage in the business of bottling carbonated beverages, soda waters and mineral spring water were granted. A fee of twenty dollars is charged for each license, ten of which is paid to the Commonwealth.
CONVALESCENT HOMES - In accordance with Sections 71 to 73 of Chapter 111 of the General Laws, ten applications for licenses to operate Convalescent or Nursing Homes or
212
ANNUAL REPORTS
-
Boarding Homes for the Aged were approved and forwarded to the State Department of Public Health for licensure.
MORTALITY
There were 789 deaths and 21 stillbirths during the year, as specified in the following tables:
Deaths at the Central Hospital
64
Deaths at the Somerville Hospital
199
Deaths at the Home for Aged Poor (Highland Ave.)
37
Deaths at Other Institutions
106
DEATHS BY AGES
Male
Female
Total
Under one year
......
11
10
21
One to five years
3
0
3
Five to ten years
0
0
0
Ten to fifteen years
0
0
0
Fifteen to twenty years
0
2
2
Twenty to thirty years
0
1
1
Thirty to forty years
3
5
8
Forty to fifty years
19
13
32
Fifty to sixty years
64
28
92
Sixty to seventy years
84
71
155
Seventy to eighty years
127
144
271
Eighty to ninety years
60
109
169
Over ninety
7
28
35
Totals
378
411
789
.. .
213
Totals
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