Report of the city of Somerville 1959, Part 15

Author: Somerville (Mass.)
Publication date: 1959
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 340


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1959 > Part 15


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The matter was discussed with officials at both Westover Air Force Base, Massachusetts, headquarters of the Eighth Air Force, and Stewart Air Force Base, New York, headquarters of the Eastern Air Defense Force.


Regrettably it was found that it would be impossible to eliminate the noise over Somerville because of the sound waves of the planes flow out in a 20 or 30 mile wide dish and hit the high Somerville hills, making the noise. The planes must fly over the area because they are on patrol and not merely training.


240


ANNUAL REPORTS


An explanation of some of the factors involved was issued to the papers to help residents understand what is taking place and eliminate the natural concern when one hears the Sonic Booms.


C. METROPOLITAN DISTRICT COMMISSION DISCUSSIONS


During the year, in response to the request and complaints of residents and concern expressed by the Aldermen, as well as our own program, we have had various discussions with the Metropolitan District Commission and other state agencies on a variety of City programs.


The most gratifying result, from past discussions with these agencies and appearances before the legislative committees, has been the construction of Dilboy recreation area and the installation of new tide gates as discussed in another section of this report.


During the past year the following items were taken up with the MDC: Marsh Dust sweeping over Ten Hills; Fellsway bus stop and bus shelter; the need for avoiding any further delay in installation of the tide gates; the need for speedy im- provements at Foss Park and the advisability of discussing final park plans with local recreation and athletic officials; the need for speedy work on the Dilboy Center; the immediate need for installation of pedestrian traffic lights at Dilboy; a pedestrian passageway at Bonair Street through the Northern Artery Safe- ty Island; construction of a pedestrian overpass at Foss Park; and installation of benches along Msgr. McGrath Highway, near the Washington Street overpass for use by elderly people.


The matter of the bus stop was also taken up with the Metropolitan District Commission and a drawing submitted showing a proposed route for the bus, which would permit stop- ping at Shore Drive. This was adopted.


The Metropolitan District Commission seeded the marshes across the Mystic with swamp grass and this nuisance was greatly alleviated.


A bill, sponsored by Senators Corbett and McCann and favored by the representatives, included funds for overpasses at Dilboy and Foss Park in a capital outlay bill passed by the Legislature. The sum of $200,000.00 was allocated for Foss Park and $100,000.00 for Dilboy.


241


PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT


D. CODE ENFORCEMENT


The problem of code enforcement is often a difficult and delicate one; and we gratefully acknowledge the aid of the po- lice and law departments on the matter.


During the year, three cases of businesses operating in residential areas were carried to the courts. The courts found for the City, eliminating the non-conforming uses.


The problem of forced demolition is handled with every ef- fort made to protect the rights of abutters and property owners. Several conferences were held during the year with owners of various property on complaints.


As the result of this activity two vacant houses were de- molished by the City as definite fire hazards; and a house and a shed were demolished by the owners after receiving notifica- tion to do so from the City.


V. EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL


A. NEW EQUIPMENT


We have during the past year acquired some additional, vital equipment, which rounds out the department's require- ments.


This new equipment includes a street sweeper; truck mounted, power-operated catch basin cleaner; a 3/4 ton truck and cab with service body for Water Division emergency works; a 3/4 ton pick-up truck for the Engineering Division; an auto- matic tree stump cutter, which is a combination buzz saw and hatchet; a street liner; and two beach wagons acquired from government surplus.


Modern equipment of this type is invaluable and economi- cal in performing necessary service for our residents through- out the City.


All equipment has been winterized and October safety in- spection stickers were issued.


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ANNUAL REPORTS


B. GENERAL


We have permanent shop equipment and machinery to operate main repair shop, lubritorium, and garage shops for the various divisions.


Portable equipment includes two power rollers, two street striping machines, four compressors, two trailer pumps, two trailers, one concrete mixer, 6 power mowers, 1 material spreader, one flexible sewer cleaning machine, four generators, 10 pumps, a power roller, one 3 to 5 ton roller, portable saw, five gasoline chain saws, pipe threading machine, electric pipe cutter, band saw, and drill press, plus all types of ladders, hand tools, jacks, bars, floodlights, etc.


Rolling stock consists of the following: 17 dump trucks; 13 load packers; 12 pick-up trucks; 11 trucks with specialized service bodies; two catch basin cleaning machines; five Walter Snow Fighters; one Walter Snow Fighter with crane; four rack body trucks; five street sweeping vehicles; two tractor plows; two snow-go loaders; two Hough payloaders; two power wagons; two low boy trailers; an Ingersall Rand trailer; a tow truck; a jeep; and three station wagons.


C. PERSONNEL


Men


366


Women 23


VI. POPE AND CUMMINGS SCHOOLS


Several conferences were held during the year on the mat- ter of potential overcrowding in a few of our school buildings. In most instances the problem was solved, at least temporarily, by the transferring of one class to another school building where there were vacant rooms.


Additional conferences were held on the matter of the Pope School to consider such proposals as use of the Southern Junior High School, use of nearby elementary schools, or use of the top floor of the police station, facilities of two clubhouses, or nearby churches. All the non-school property was found en- tirely inappropriate or inadequate, or was rejected on various grounds by the State building inspector.


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PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT


The preceding year we had set up temporary partitions in the auditorium of the Pope School and had created two first class school rooms. The School Committee decided to continue use of these rooms, as well as other auxiliary rooms available in the new school and to keep the youngsters all within the Pope school.


During the summer we submitted an application to the Community Facilities Division of the Housing and Home Fi- nance Agency to study the feasibility of constructing four room additions to the Pope and Cummings Schools. The move was made in conformance with requests of the School Committee and the Board of Aldermen.


Under the grant, repayment is made only if actual con- struction is undertaken.


The entire school situation is one which requires careful study by all concerned with a view toward full utilization of the facilities available and future consolidation of facilities when new construction is undertaken. I sincerely hope that definite action will be taken on this program in the near future.


The preceding has been only a summary of the Depart- ment's many activities. We have accurate and detailed records of all department projects and programs and will be pleased to enlarge on any items you may desire. I trust this report will meet with your approval and satisfaction.


In conclusion, may I express my thanks to His Honor, the Mayor, and members of the Honorable Board of Aldermen and City Government, to the employees of this department who have so kindly co-operated at all times.


Respectfully submitted, WALTER J. MANNING,


Commissioner of Public Works


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ANNUAL REPORTS


REPORT OF THE VETERANS GRAVES REGISTRATION DEPARTMENT


February 12, 1960


To the Honorable, the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville


Gentlemen:


In submitting the 1959 Annual Report of the Graves Reg- istration Department, I wish to state that during the year 1959 the death records of Veterans of all wars who died during 1959 were recorded in the Department files whenever it was possible to obtain such records. Information was also supplied to any request in regards to deceased Veterans.


The Veteran's Memorial Cemetery at Clarendon Hill and Somerville Avenue Cemetery were suitably decorated with wreaths, also small flags were placed at individual graves on both "Memorial Day" and "Veteran's Day."


Respectfully submitted,


ROBERT R. BRADLEY,


Graves Registration Officer


EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR 1959


Personal Services $750.00


Ordinary Maintenance


$ 90.00


245


POLICE DEPARTMENT


REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT


January 1, 1960


To the Honorable, the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville


Gentlemen:


I respectfully submit herewith the Annual Report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1959.


ARRESTS


Whole Number of Arrests


3623


On Summons


1248


On Warrants .


388


Without Warrants


1987


3623


Held for Trial


3382


Delivered to Other Departments


144


Released on Waiver


97


3623


Males


3352


Females


271


3623


Foreigners


153


Non-Residents


1219


Minors


412


Drunkenness - Released


1103


POLICE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL


The personnel of the police department consists of one hundred and sixty-eight (168) permanent men, two (2) police matrons and one (1) clerk-stenographer.


During the year Lieutenants Thomas L. McGahan and Ray- mond J. Gleason were promoted to Deputy Chiefs. Lieutenants John J. Smith, Leo Gormley and James M. Kilmartin were pro- moted to Captains. Sergeants Fred A. Cammon, William F. Wills, Cornelius J. Collins, Thomas L. Hall, William F. Blake,


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ANNUAL REPORTS


James L. Smith and John T. Mahood were promoted to Lieu- tenants.


Patrolman William E. Johnson passed away, and, Patrolman Edward G. Forristall was pensioned.


RANKS IN THE DEPARTMENT ARE AS FOLLOWS


Chief


1


Deputy Chiefs


2


Captains


5


Lieutenants


10


Sergeants


3


Patrolmen


147


OFFICIAL ROSTER OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT


December 31, 1959


Chief of Police


Thomas J. O'Brien


Deputy Chiefs of Police


Thomas L. McGahan


Raymond J. Gleason


Captains


LeRoy V. Pierce Henry W. Roche John J. Smith


Leo J. Gormley James M. Kilmartin


Lieutenants


William F. Blake


Cornelius J. Collins


Joseph G. Crowley Fred A. Cammon Dennis F. Kearney


John E. Hughes William F. Wills Thomas L. Hall James L. Smith John T. Mahood


Sergeants


Thomas F. Mahoney John F. Burlingame


John F. Powers John W. Murphy


Patrolmen


James F. Holmes Patrick J. Lyons James Souza Jeremiah F. Donovan John J. Brosnahan George Spiers


Charles W. Ellis Garrett F. J. Mehigan Arthur W. Kelley George Gullage, Jr. Frederick W. McGovern Patrick F. O'Brien


247


POLICE DEPARTMENT


Jeremiah G. Sheehan George B. Phillips, Jr. Ricco Rossi John M. Dunleavey


Daniel F. Murphy John J. Clark


Walter J. MacRae


William J. Quinlan


Harold L. Coffey


John F. Heafey


Joseph F. Curran


John J. Tanner


Daniel J. O'Connell


Ernest C. Faulkner


Joseph F. Fedele


Clifford A. McQuilken


Robert J. Brady


William J. Fitzgerald George W. Crosby Edward J. Kiley


Joseph R. Estee


Francis L. Rogers


Cosmo DeVellis


Herbert H. Stokes


William J. Heafey


George W. McCauley


William F. Lynch


Frederick A. Landry


James F. Downing


Augustine W. Fitzpatrick


Allan L. Collins


James E. Hughes Howard F. Hallion


James P. Ryan


Glen B. Nicholas


Thomas F. Doody


Edward W. Kelley


Albert E. Dempsey


William J. Downey


William L. Bavin


William J. Kelley


James C. Baird


James F. Ryan


William S. McDonough


Christopher C. Cullinan


William A. Kinsley, Jr.


John J. Mahoney Thomas W. McGovern


Thomas J. Sullivan Waiter C. Barletta


John J. Donovan Francis J. Keane Allan S. Mosher


Vincent D. Hartnett


Andrew L. Dennehy


Earl S. Hemenway, Jr.


Felix J. Manfra


Edward L. Fahey


John T. Canty #2


James J. Higgins Vincent J. McDonough


John F. Burns


John C. DeLellis


Charles T. McCarthy William J. Shine


Wallace E. Foskett


Medardo A. Muzzioli


Gerald D. Bugden


John P. Dwyer


James J. Ryan, Jr.


William E. Connolley Nicholas J. Masiello John J. Bacci William C. Breen


Charles B. Winn


Daniel P. Murphy William J. Duffy


Joseph H. Nolan, Jr.


Robert A. MacDonald


William J. Butler Bernard L. Cotter John J. Doherty James R. O'Leary James F. Reardon William J. White Ralph F. DeFuria H. John Roche James P. Ledwell Michael J. DeLellis


George L. Gordon


Carmine L. Perna


Robert E. Doyle John T. Canty # 1 Harold A. MacDonald


Raymond F. Peck James J. Carroll John J. Fothergill


James C. Mearls Vincent J. Izzi John Cunha, Jr. Joseph L. Mearls Ernest A. DiNisco


Samuel J. Boike David T. McKenna


Charles W. Moran John J. Fitzgerald


Benjamin J. Callahan, Jr. Robert J. Lungo William B. Ward, Jr. Charles A. Cecere Edward J. Lepore Thomas M. Hickey Joseph J. Hurley Walter J. Donovan Henry E. Ramsdell, Jr. William A. Silk, Jr. Lester A. Caswell John H. O'Brien


John F. Donovan


Joseph M. Desmond


248


ANNUAL REPORTS


Matrons


Marcella D. Yates


Margaret M. Brussard


Clerk - Stenographer M. Gertrude Lawler


In Conclusion


I wish to thank His Honor, the Mayor, members of the Board of Aldermen, heads of various departments and all mem- bers of the police department for their loyal support, coopera- tion and assistance during the year.


Respectfully submitted,


THOMAS J. O'BRIEN, Chief of Police


249


PUBLIC LIBRARY


REPORT OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY


i 1


ORGANIZATION OF LIBRARY AND STAFF PERSONNEL December 31, 1959


BOARD OF TRUSTEES


Mrs. Mary J. Noone, President


January 1, 1961


Dr. George K. Coyne, Vice-President 1962


Rt. Rev. Msgr. Thomas F. Garrity


1960


Rev. Dr. H. Daniel Hawver


1960


Mr. Arthur G. Helmund


1961


Mr. William H. McKenna


1961


Mrs. Mary O'Hear


1962


Mr. John J. Sheehan


1960


Mrs. George J. Wyse


1962


COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATION


Mr. Arthur G. Helmund, Chairman


Mr. William H. McKenna


Mrs. George J. Wyse


The Vice-President, Dr. George K. Coyne, ex-officio


The President, Mrs. Mary J. Noone, ex-officio


COMMITTEE ON BOOKS AND CATALOGING


Mr. John J. Sheehan, Chairman Rt. Rev. Msgr. Thomas F. Garrity The Vice-President, Dr. George K. Coyne, ex-officio The President, Mrs. Mary J. Noone, ex-officio


COMMITTEE ON BUILDING AND PROPERTY


The President and the Vice-President


SECRETARY OF THE BOARD Mr. John D. Kelley, Librarian


ORGANIZATION ON LIBRARY STAFF PERSONNEL


December 31, 1959


John D. Kelley Librarian


250


ANNUAL REPORTS


PROFESSIONAL GRADED SERVICE


John T. Mackey


Assistant Librarian


Gloria F. Graham


Executive Assistant


Ruth Holmes


Reference Librarian


Anna E. Cullen


Chief Cataloger


Rita D. Adams


Supervisor of Schools and Deposits Desk Chief


Barbara C. Niles


Supervisor of Periodicals and Binding


John A. Mclnerny


Music Librarian Hospital Librarian


Kathryn Kenny Branch Librarian, East Branch


Mary M. Noonan Branch Librarian, Teele Square Branch


Ruth D. Warner


Branch Librarian, West Branch


Barbara T. O'Neill


Branch Librarian, Union Square Branch


Lillian G. Casey


Station Executive, Ten Hills Station


Joan E. Brunet


Children's Librarian, Central Library


Children's Librarian, West Branch


Children's Librarian, East Branch First Assistant


Elizabeth W. Hennigan


Katherine V. Nolan


Alice P. Morrill


A. Marion Johnian


Thelma G. Donovan


Margaret E. Ronayne


Margaret E. Durkin


11 11


Ann M. Coleman


Lois E. MacDonald


Senior Assistant


I. Marguerite Sawin


Anne M. Russell


Lillian F. Hixenbaugh


Mary F. Baker


Shirley A. McCauley


11


Mary T. Sullivan


Junior Assistant


Kathryn D. Fralick


Margaret T. Kelly


Mildred C. Murphy


Althea L. Donahue


Irene T. Herlihy


Ann Barrett


"


Agnes B. Killeen


11


"


Margaret A. Quigly


11


Edna F. O'Brien Alice E. Hennigan


UNGRADED SERVICE - Non Professional


Mary T. Tuccelli


Mary E. Sweeney


Marie P. Lawless


Angelina Errico Patricia A. Estee Beverly A. Razzaboni


11


11


Emma Merlini


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PUBLIC LIBRARY


PART TIME ATTENDANTS


Mary B. Gravelle


Anne E. Maguire


Margaret J. Jones


Jean L. Milewski


Patricia M. Bates


Ellen M. Murray


Helen E. Conley


Beverly A. O'Hare


Mary R. Conley


Kathryn E. Rogers


Charles V. Grew, Jr.


David N. Sexton


Paul M. Grew


Barbara A. Slattery


Marianne C. Hall


Priscilla J. Sotiros


John H. Kelley


Patricia A. Stackpole


Thomas B. Kelley


Jean M. Wall


Judith A. Lynch


RESIGNED DURING YEAR


Gail P. Clark


Part Time Attendant


Helen McCarthy David


Junior Assistant


Mary Lou Kelley


Part Time Attendant


Elizabeth A. Mclnerny Junior Assistant


John F. Mack, Jr.


Part Time Attendant


Margaret P. McKenna


Part Time Attendant


Patricia A. Meskell


Part Time Attendant


Myrtle Nicholson Desk Chief


Catherine M. O'Malley First Assistant


Nancy C. O'Neill Part Time Attendant


252


ANNUAL REPORTS


To the Honorable, the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville


Dear Sirs:


The Annual Report of the Board of Trustees of the Somer- ville Public Library is herewith respectfully submitted and appended thereto, and forming a part of it, the Annual Report of the Librarian, which details the growth and operation of the library for the past year.


Very respectfully,


MARY J. NOONE,


President, Board of Trustees


253


PUBLIC LIBRARY


REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN


To the Board of Trustees:


The year 1959 was the busiest in the history of the Somerville Public Library. Though statistics do not present a satisfactory picture of the services rendered by the Library, for hundreds of patrons avail themselves of our services each week using only the facilities in the library buildings. Therefore, we have no record since they did not charge any books out, never- theless, the records we possess portray to some degree the pressure under which we have labored.


The Reference Departments are answering on an average of 2,000 questions each month. 21,452 borrowers have appeared in person seeking information, which in many instances re- quired hours of research to present the correct answer. Tele- phone requests increased so tremendously it became necessary to place an additional telephone extension in the Reference Department at the Central Library - 2,714 persons sought information through this medium.


In the Circulation Department 913 more persons than a year ago registered for borrower's cards, a near all time high. Book circulation increased 27,267 over a year ago. In the Music Department 17,957 records were loaned, an increase of 4,662 and 1,090 persons used the listening booth to enjoy their favorite records.


These figures, though impressive, merely scratch the sur- face of the heavy load placed on the staff. With increases in the number of borrowers and book circulations our behind the scene activities are more burdensome with a greater number of overdue notices and book reserves, more books to process in the Catalogue Department and a strain on the Bindery De- partment to keep ahead of the wear and tear on the books.


One of our greatest difficulties, especially at the Central Library, is to accommodate the influx of students. All available chairs and tables are constantly in use from 2:15 p.m. until closing at 9:00 p.m. We could easily use several dozen more chairs and tables though we are somewhat cramped for space. With all the commotion we are happy to report we have very few discipline problems though we do suffer from the confu- sion resulting from the crowded conditions.


We were extremely disappointed that the planned partial refurbishing of the Central Library could not be undertaken


254


ANNUAL REPORTS


this year because of the limited funds in the Public Works Department Budget. Specifications were advertised for the exterior work, roof repairs and window installations but the lowest bid was some $19,000. over the appropriation. We firmly trust that sufficient additional funds will be appropriated this coming year, for now the chaotic condition of the building is not a matter of pride but of urgent necessity. It is unfor- tunate that such a beautiful building should be allowed to depreciate to this extent and, furthermore, how sad to have a young and growing population face these conditions especially at a time when civic pride should be a part of their education.


The Union Square Branch in its first year of operation in its new location has certainly fulfilled all expectations. Book circulations and registered borrowers have more than doubled. The West Branch is sadly in need of repair, the furniture is falling apart, window shades in deplorable condition and the lighting facilities so poor it is necessary to keep a flashlight on hand to read the titles of books on the lower shelves.


The adoption of the new salary scale two years ago plus the $200. general salary increase to all city employees has stemmed the rapid staff turnover we have been experiencing. Our only regret is that we are not in a financial position to induce college graduates to join our staff because of the more lucrative inducements of the teaching profession. We have and have had some excellent prospects who have served as part time attendants during their high school and college careers, with definite interest in the library profession, leave upon graduation because we cannot match the statewide teaching salaries. It is sad that a Junior High School Librarian, with less hours of work and with no night schedule assignments, can start at a salary higher than any of our department heads with years of experience.


Our library public relations program originated in 1953 and is designed to acquaint the public with the availability of library services and the ease with which patrons may use them con- tinues its effectiveness. Under the able direction of Mr. John T. Mackey, Assistant Librarian, a panel consisting of himself and three department heads have addressed over sixty civic, fraternal, religious and parent-teacher associations on the edu- cational and recreational value of the library to our community. Each week annotated lists of new books are published in the Somerville Journal Press, supplemented periodically with fea- ture articles on a wide variety of subject fields, plus stories stressing the services of the library are published in the Somer-


255


PUBLIC LIBRARY


ville edition of the Boston American and the Somerville Journal Press. Miss Gloria Graham each month cleverly and artistically prepared lists of new books, phonograph records and special lists on varied subject areas for distribution at all library locations.


The request for the services of the Hospital Librarian is increasing to the extent that it is almost impossible to meet the demand. In addition to two weekly rounds of the Central and Somerville Hospitals, and services to most of the Rest Homes in the city we are receiving innumerable calls from shut-ins. A station wagon would be of invaluable assistance in this department as now we, out of necessity, depend upon the generosity of our staff members for the use of their personal automobiles to cover the city. In the past week we have re- ceived a call pleading with us to service the Capen Street Housing Project for the Aged from elderly people who cannot undertake the long trek to the Teele Square Branch Library. With our limited resources we are attempting to fulfil the re- quests for this service.


The cooperation which we have received from the School Department this year has been outstanding and to our mutual benefit. Several meetings attended by Miss Holmes of the Reference Department and Miss Adams of our School Depart- ment, Mr. George Hickey, High School Librarian and the three Junior High School Librarians to discuss their various problems have brought the responsibilities of the Public Library and the School Libraries into better focus. The old humbug of term papers assigned to pupils in various subject areas without our knowledge has been corrected. Previously, students were served on a first come, first served basis with the result that all ma- terials on certain subjects were in circulation and therefore, not available for the late comers. Now, with advance advise- ment, information on the needed subjects is held in reserve for use in the library buildings and made available for all.


An important innovation suggested by Mr. Francis X. Rooney, Head of the High School English Department was adopted. Regularly scheduled classes for all members of the college courses of the High School were held at the Central Library. The various procedures and services of the library were described with special emphasis on cataloging procedures and the use of the card catalogue, the various services offered by the Reference Department, and an explanation of the book and phonograph record borrowing privileges. Upon the con- clusion of the course a guided tour of the library was conducted to emphasize the location of our various facilities.


256


ANNUAL REPORTS


Again we are indebted to Mr. Charles Kelley of the Recre- ation Department for his cooperation in sponsoring a joint story hour at the Central Junior Library every Friday afternoon con- ducted by Mr. Walter Flaherty. We also were fortunate to have Miss Paula Galligani, a Somerville resident and a student at Boston College School of Education, volunteer her services as a story teller at the Teele Square Branch each Friday. Miss Galligani has undertaken this project as part of her teacher practice experience, a requirement of the college.




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