USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1920 > Part 5
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No. 3. Monument Square.
We recommend that suitable parking space for automobiles be arranged on Monument Square, east of the railway arch, according to plans submitted and that traffic follow the right hand side of streets on the square under all conditions. The necessary signs should be posted to help carry out these regulations.
No. 4. Comfort Stations.
We again urge the necessity of having comfort stations centrally located. Provision should be made along this line, as it is a matter of utmost importance. This is a public convenience that should not be delayed.
No. 5. Playgrounds.
We recommend that the vacant lot, owned by the City, on Union Street adjoining the Fire Station, be cleared and put in shape, to be used as a playground for the children in that section.
No 6. Zon.ng.
We recommend that the City make a survey with the object of establishing zoning laws. The purpose of zoning is to encourage the erection of the right building in the right place. It protects the man who develops his property along proper lines, against the man who develops his property along improper lines. Rightly understood, zon- ing means the substitution of an economic, scientific, efficient com- munity programı of city building, for wasteful, inefficient, haphazard growth.
No. 7. Board of Survey.
We again recommend that the Council appoint a Board of Survey, in accordance with provisions of Chapter 190 of the acts of 1916.
The functions of a Board of Survey are to supervise the laying out and construction of new streets, so as to properly plan for future growth and development. There have been certain streets laid out in some sections of this city, which would not have been laid cut in such a way, if the Board of Survey had supervision over them.
If the city is to expand and grow in the right direction, and look out for the future home builder, a Board of Survey can and will do a great deal toward accomplishing this end.
We express our appreciation of the action of the City Council in voting to purchase the land on North Main Street for the City Hall site.
Although during the past year we have expended only a small amount of the appropriation granted, we would recommend the usual appropriation of $100.00, for the coming year.
We wish to thank the Mayor, the Council, the Public Works De- partment, and the Press, for the many courtesies they have extended to us during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH FINBERG, Chairman. EDGAR A. REMINGTON, Secretary. MILFORD E. BLISS. MRS. JOSEPHINE HAMMOND. RAYMOND M. HORTON. MRS. MARY G. MULLALY.
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POLICE DEPARTMENT
MAYOR Philip E. Brady
COMMITTEE OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON POLICE DEPARTMENT
Thomas S. Healey Walter A. Briggs George A. Sweeney
Chief of Police
Edmond H. Gingras
Lieutenant Terence E. Flanagan
Arthur F. Gaffney
Patrolman
May 9, 1900
John Bora
Patrolman
Mar. 16, 1910
William J. Sargeant
Special Officer
Mar., 1911
William J. Sargeant
Patrolman
Mar. 13, 1912
Edward E. Gobin
Police Officer and Chauffeur
April 4, 1914
Edward E. Gobin
Patrolman
Jan. 16, 1915
William D. Norwood
Patrolman
Jan. 16, 1915
Franklin McKay
Reserve Officer
June 30, 1915
Franklin Mckay
Patrolman
July 12, 1916
Louis J. Fournier
Reserve Officer
Sept. 6, 1916
Louis J. Fournier
Patrolman
April 1, 1918
Joseph McBride
Reserve Officer
April 19, 1918
Joseph McBride
Patrolman
July 20, 1918
Joseph O'Donnell
Reserve Officer
April 22, 1918
Joseph O'Donnell
Patrolman
Nov. 1, 1918
John J. Kelly
Reserve Officer
Nov. 1, 1918
John J. Kelly
Patrolman
April 1, 1919
John E. Candelet
Reserve Officer
May 26, 1919
*John E. Candelet
Reserve Officer
Jan. 17, 1920
** Lawrence E. Zilch
Reserve Officer
Dec. 29, 1919
*** Fulton W. Prest
Reserve Officer
Mar. 8, 1920
Edward Paradis
Reserve Officer
Aug. 9, 1920
Walter O'Hare
Reserve Officer
Aug. 12, 1920
Charles E. Nolin
Reserve Officer
Sept. 5, 1920
Donat J. Pion
Reserve Officer
Dec. 5, 1920
*Resigned Dec. 24, 1920.
** Resigned Nov. 24, 1920.
Resigned Nov. 30, 1920.
ANNUAL REPORT
63
64
ANNUAL REPORT
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Municipal Council:
I have the honor to submit herewith the annual report of the work of the Police Department for the year ending Dec. 31, 1920 with recom- mendations and estimate of requirements for 1921.
Equipment
The Police Department is well motorized, equipment consisting of Cadillac Patrol and Ambulance, Cadillac Touring Car, two Harley- Davidson motorcycles, one with sidecar. One motorcycle has been in constant use since its purchase on Washington Street in South Attle- boro and vicinity. Good work has been accomplished in preventing unnecessary and excessive speed of motor vehicles. The other is as- signed to the officer from headquarters for the investigation of com- plaints. Both machines have given excellent service.
What was formerly the Fourth District Court Room has been par- titioned off and that part facing the south will be used as a Locker Room by the patrolmen, leaving the other half for use as a voting booth as formerly. Six new and larger lockers measuring 18"x72"x72" have been ordered from the Narragansett Machine Company and will be set up within the next two weeks. The ones now in use are eighteen inches in depth and are not satisfactory.
Recommendations
When the Traffic Rules went in effect it became necessary to have an officer to direct the traffic on Park street near Bank Street and Railroad Avenue. We were obliged to take one of the night patrolmen for this duty which now makes it necessary for one man to patrol two routes. I would recommend the appointment of two additional patrolmen, one for night duty, the other to direct traffic during the daytime at junction of Park, Union and Pleasant Streets. The present arrangements for the care of motor vehicles with which this department has to do are most unsatisfactory. The cars are lo- cated too far from the police station, causing considerable delay in responding to calls for either the patrol ambulance or touring car. The department should have a permanent driver whose duty it would be to drive them when necessary, keeping them clean and in running order. This would allow the day man at the station to give more time to the investigation of cases and complaints which are increasing as our city grows larger. Should these recommendations meet with your approval it will require the appointment of two additional patrol- men and a chauffeur.
I further recommend the purchase of a motorcycle to be used in the Hebronville and Dodgeville district.
For the maintenance of the police department during 1921 the sum of $32,700.00 is recommended.
In conclusion I desire to thank His Honor, the Mayor, and Muni- cipal Council, the Justice, Clerk and Probation Officer of the Fourth District Court for the advice and co-operation given the Police Depart- ment in the past.
Respectfully submitted,
EDMOND H. GINGRAS, Chief of Police.
65
ANNUAL REPORT
SUPPLEMENT TO ANNUAL REPORT Arrests during 1920
Male. Female. Total
Assault and battery.
11
2
13
Assault with dangerous weapon.
1
0
1
Assault to commit rape.
1
0
1
Abandonment of family.
4
0
4
Auto Law, Violation of. .
98
0
98
Auto, Sale of, Failing to notify.
1
0
1
Blackjack, Carrying
1
0
1
Breaking, entering and larceny
1
0
1
City Ordinance, Violation of ..
11
0
11
Common gaming house, Keeping
3
0
3
Cruelty to animals.
6
0
6
Dangerous weapon, armed with when arrested
1
0
1
Delinquent Child
23
0
23
Disturbance of the peace.
5
1
6
Drunkenness
54
0
54
Escaped prisoner
1
0
1
False measure, Giving
1
0
1
Fireworks Law, Violation of.
1
0
1
Firearms, Possessing, Violation of Alien Act.
2
0
2
Gaming Nuisance, Maintaining.
1
0
1
Habitual Absentee
1
0
1
Impersonating officer
1
0
1
Indecent Exposure
2
0
2
Idle and Disorderly
1
0
1
Larceny
14
1
15
Larceny from a Common Carrier.
2
0
2
Larceny in a building.
7
1
8
Lewdness
0
2
2
Liquor Law, Violation of.
5
0
5
Lords Day, Hunting on.
1
0
1
Manslaughter
3
0
3
Miscarriage, Attempt to procure.
1
0
1
Neglected Children
6
16
22
Neglect of Children.
1
0
1
Neglect to send child to School.
1
0
1
Neglect to provide.
11
0
11
Nuisance, Maintaining a.
1
0
1
Obtaining money under false pretense.
0
1 0
1
Operation, Performing illegal.
1
0
1
Operating Auto for hire without City License.
4
0
4
Property, Receiving
1
0
1
Peddling without a license.
2
0
2
Probation, Violation of.
5
0
5
Pure Food Law, Violation of.
3
0
3
Rape
1
0
1
Rape, Statutory
1
0
1
Runaway Girl
0
1
1
Adultery
2
1 0
3
Bastardy
9
9
.
1
Obstructing Milk Inspector.
1
66
ANNUAL REPORT
Male Female
Total
Revolver, Carrying without permit.
2
0
2
Stubborn Child
0
1
1
Tramp
5
0
5
Trespass on Railroad.
3
0
3
Trespass, Allowing cattle to.
2
0
2
Unnatural Act, Committing.
1
0
1
Vagrancy
3
0
3
Wayward Child
0
3
3
331
30
361
Respectfully submitted,
EDMOND H. GINGRAS, Chief of Police.
Honorable Philip E. Brady, Mayor,
Attleboro, Mass.
Dear Sir:
Following is an estimate of expenses for the maintenance of the Police Department for 1921:
Regular Payroll
$24,070.00
Vacations and days off ..
3,510.00
Lockup keeper and care of Lockup
200.00
Extra Police services.
350 00
Sickness and disability
150.00
Rent of Police Station.
1,080.00
Phone, water and light.
300.00
Insurance and maintenance of autos.
1,600.00
Office and Station, Painting and repairs.
400.00
Court Fees
450.00
Maintenance of Motorcycles
240.00
Police and Traffic Equipment.
150.00
Incidentals
200.00
-$32,700.00
Respectfully submitted,
EDMOND H. GINGRAS, Chief of Police.
67
ANNUAL REPORT
DOG OFFICER
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Municipal Council:
I herewith submit my first annual report as Dog Officer for the year ending Dec. 31, 1920. As the Statutes require me to make a re- turn on the warrant as Dog Officer stating the number of dogs killed, the number of prosecutions and whether all dogs are licensed in my jurisdiction according to Chapter 102 of the Revised Laws; such has been my custom for the past five years.
In view of the fact that numerous overdrafts have been prevalent for the past few years, it seems fitting that I should submit to your Honor and the Municipal Council a more detailed report concerning the duties of my office.
In the past year I have been called to investigate 175 complaints concerning the nuisance and damage caused by dogs. I also had a list of 196 names given me by the City Clerk of delinquent dog licenses, many of which I had to make several calls before I could locate the owner or keeper. I have also killed 64 dogs, owners unknown, the past year within my jurisdiction.
As my duties call me to all parts of the City from the St. Jean Plat to Briggs Corner in the extremity, it is quite evident that my travel expense with my own auto is an important factor.
It seems to me that the Statutes bear me out in the inadequacy of your appropriation, inasmuch as they require a City of 25,000 popula- tion to pay the Dog Officer a regular patrolman's salary. I merely mention this act in connection with my recent overdraw.
Respectfully submitted,
WINFIELD E. DUNHAM, Dog Officer.
68
ANNUAL REPORT
PUBLIC LIBRARY
January 13, 1921.
To His Honor, the Mayor, and Municipal Council:
The Library year of 1920 in accord with the times was indeed a re-adjustment year with the process still incomplete. Several changes and additions in the Library's staff, combined with the many difficul- ties arising from the constantly mounting costs of all Library products contributed to the re-adjustment movement. These difficulties, how- ever, are working themselves out under the efficient managership of our Librarian, Mrs. Spofford, in cooperation with her faithful staff so that the continued growth of the Library's helpfulness to the commu- nity during the coming year is looked forward to with confidence.
The Library's usefulness during 1920 as measured by the circula- tion of its books, has been the greatest in its history. The increased figures pertaining to the Dodgeville, Hebronville and High School branches, combined with those of the children's room are especially pleasing.
The accompanying copy of Mrs. Spofford's annual report as Libra- rian is well worth your careful reading, and we are sure you will be surprised and pleased at the truly large work the Library is doing. Furthermore its accomplishments reach all parts of our city and all types of its citizens.
In considering our budget for 1921, we have endeavored to be as reasonable as possible, but necessary salary increases and the con- tinued high costs of the many books and supplies required by the Library, make an increase over the 1920 figures essential to the Library's welfare. The total sum, however, asked for of $11,600 com- pares very favorably with the expenditures of other Libraries of our classification in the State.
The three Trust funds over which the Trustees have jurisdiction are in the following condition-
The Daniel H. Smith fund of $5,000 has been kept intact, the in- come alone being expended for the purchase of books.
The Letitia H. Allen and The Organ Recital funds from which no expenditures have been made total $623.59 and $66.17 respectively.
Respectfully submitted,
Joseph L. Sweet, Chairman
Leonard I. Lamb,
Thomas E. McCaffrey,
Elizabeth J. Wilmarth,
Eleanor S. Carpenter,
Edith L. Claflin, Charles S. Holden,
Mark E Rowe, Raymond M. Horton,
Trustees of the Attleboro Public Library.
69
ANNUAL REPORT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Term expires, 1921
Raymond Horton, Miss Elizabeth Wilmarth, Miss Edith Claflin
Joseph L. Sweet,
Term expires, 1922 Leonard I. Lamb, Thomas E. McCaffrey
Term expires, 1923
Dr. Charles S. Holden, Mrs. Eleanor S. Carpenter, Mark E. Rowe
Officers Joseph L. Sweet, President. Leonard I. Lamb, Secretary. Dr. Charles S. Holden, Treasurer.
Administration Committee
President, Leonard I. Lamb, Miss Edith Claflin
Building and Property Committee President, Thomas McCaffrey, Raymond Horton
Book Committee
President, Mark E. Rowe, Leonard I. Lamb, Eleanor S. Carpenter, Edith Claflin.
ATTLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Central Building North Main Street
Hours-Week days, 10 A. M. to 9 P. M.
The Reading room is open Sundays and holidays, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and July 4, from 3 to 9 P. M. Children's room-School days, 12:30 to 6 P. M. Wednesdays and Saturdays, 6 to 8 P. M.
Branches. High School-School year, 8 A. M. to 2 P. M. Hebronville School-School year, Thursdays, 4 to 9 P. M. Dodgeville Neighborhood House-Mondays, 3 to 9 P. M.
Staff
(Mrs.) Lucinda Field Spofford, Librarian Laura Monnier, Senior assistant. Alice Wetherell, Junior assistant. Margaret Brewer, High School Librarian Ruth Fales, Children's work.
Attendants on Part Time Work
Gertrude Fears. Marie Rowe Ruth Middleton
Ellen Bowen Gertrude Page Georgia Fuller
Catherine Parker
70
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Trustees of the Attleboro Public Library:
I have the honor to submit the annual report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1920.
Judging by the library records of the year 1920, we have made some progress toward reaching all classes of the community. Our books, at least, are leading a useful life. The circulation figures show what would be nearly an average demand of four times a year for every book in the Library's whole collection.
The Library has endeavored to carry forward the general plan of emphasizing its primary work, that of distributing books and en- deavoring to render more effective service, by establishing close rela- tions with the public. As it is a welfare organization that belongs to the whole community, emphasis has been placed on the human side of the work.
The variety of questions asked in person, by telephone, and by mail, make it clear that the Library performs a somewhat individual- ized service.
How Much is the Library Used?
The growth in use of the Library is shown by the following table which gives the total circulation of books and magazines for the past ten years :
1911
54,461
1912
58,188
1913
58,573
1914
65,392
1915
71,425
1916
67,197
1917
66,428
1918
68,167
1919
82,197
1920
88.272
The total circulation for the year has amounted to 88,272, an in- crease of 6075 over the figures for the previous year. The largest issue was for the month of December when the circulation amounted to 11,067, the largest monthly circulation in the history of the Library. The smallest issue was for August, during which the circulation came to 4585. The largest issue for a single day was on Dec. 11, 630. The average daily circulation amounted to 293.
1,101 new borrowers have registered.
What the People Read
The choice of books in a public library is an interesting indication of what people are thinking about. By comparing the increase in the use of different kinds of books, one may judge what changes are tak- ing place in popular tastes and habits of thoughts.
Below is a table showing the number of books borrowed in the main classes during the year ending Dec. 31, 1920.
71
ANNUAL REPORT
Central-Library
Adult
Juv.
General works
1,994
552
16
24
6
3
426
Religion
264
174
19
10
7
51
525
Sociology
919
3,780
78
301
277
812
6,167
Philology
114
4
3
24
145
Science
583
660
66
33
83
131
1,556
Useful arts
1,315
513
66
80
88
19
2,081
Fine arts
1,506
511
14
29
57
10
2,127
Literature
1,761
1.186
307
105
196
249
3,804
History
829
562
21
16
146
60
1,634
Travel
902
781
272
38
90
100
2,183
Biography
763
781
493
34
97
38
2,206
Fiction
38,967
14,808
1,457
1,097
4,770
1,733
62,826
Total
.50,319
24,319
2,816
1,771
5,841
3,206
88,272
Picture circulation, 2,152.
This has been compared with the numbers borrowed in each class in the years 1919 and 1916.
It is interesting to note in comparing the number borrowed in each class in the year 1919, that the classes that have not gained are general works, religion, and history, and comparing the number in each class in the year 1916, four years ago, religion is the only class that has not increased.
There has been marked interest in volumes dealing with spirit- ualism, science, sociology and the useful arts. Travel has again be- come as popular as it was before the war.
When the Library has been unable to meet the requests for parti- cular books, it has frequently borrowed on the terms of inter-library loan from other libraries.
Music is another art served by the Library. Although the collec- tion of music scores and books about music is small, it is one that is much used and appreciated. More money spent on the collection would get many new friends for the Library.
Size and Growth
The total number of books added was 1,761, including 1.135 by pur- chase, 93 by binding periodicals and 533 by way of gift; 846 were re- placed, 822 were withdrawn, making the net increase 939-and the recorded number of volumes now in the Library is 22,967.
Because of the advance in the price of books themselves, the Library has been obliged to be content with a fewer number of titles, and had it not been for the gift of a large number of books for the Childrens room from Mrs. Harold Sweet, and music books, Spanish books, popular fiction, and magazines from Miss Elizabeth Wilmarth, Mrs. Theresa Hollis, Miss Hattie Whitman, Mrs. Raymond Horton, Mrs. Samuel Einstein, and Mrs. Thomas Carpenter, the Library would have found it very difficult to supply the increasing demands.
Children's Work and School Use
Circulation 1920 31,146
Circulation 1919 28,066
Gain 3,080
. H. S.
Dodgeville
Hebronville
Grade
Schools
Total
2,592
Philosophy
402
11
3
1
72
ANNUAL REPORT
There never was a time when it was so essential that our children should acquire a love for reading and a habit of reading the best books.
Aside from the enjoyment, it is necessary that children should acquire the reading habit in order to enable them to keep pace with the present day demands upon them. We are able to report a very material increase in the number of books circulated among the chil- dren. It is now necessary to have two assistants in the room on busy afternoons. A special effort has been made to form a stronger tie between the work of the Children's room and the schools. These two departments are so closely allied that mutual cooperation of teachers and librarians is essential for the best development of children.
The number of books on the shelves of the room is very impor- tant. No circulation responds more quickly to an increase in stock, than that of the Children's room. Where the number of users of such a room is great it is difficult for the supply to keep up with the de- mand. Discipline, the quality of the reading, the development of a real interest in books, is more easily possible when there are plenty of books to draw from.
We have appreciated the support of Mr. Fales, the Superintendent of Schools, and the teachers.
The usual school libraries have been sent with a circulation of 3,206, an increase of 1,026 over the previous year. One of the needs of the coming year will be to add to the collection new titles and du- plicate copies.
The hours in the Children's room have been changed so that the room is open continuously from 12:30 o'clock, where formerly it was opened a short time to accommodate the pupils at the Sanford School at noon and then closed to reopen again at 3 o'clock. These hours enable the Bank Street School pupils to visit the Library before return- ing home.
Since September, Miss Ruth Fales has been in charge of the Chil- dren's room, and through her efforts the work has gained new impetus.
She reports in part :
The reference work has covered a wide field, including such sub- jects as the Pilgrim Tercentenary, History and customs of Japan, Tem- perance, Indian Legends and folklore, Natural Science, Mechanical books and Holiday material.
There is a fine cooperation with the teachers and 200 books have been drawn this fall on teacher's cards from the Children's room alone.
Reading lists have been made for various grades and the response of the young people to the efforts of teachers and librarian for the reading of better books is most noticeable.
The call for fairy stories and easy readers is still insistent, while the need of more histories is keenly felt.
Through the gift of Mr. J. L. Sweet, new book cases are being installed in the Children's room, which will add one third more to the shelving space, and relieve the congested shelves.
Two new indirect lights have been added, which increased immeas- urably the usefulness as well as attractiveness of the room.
BRANCHES Dodgeville Branch
The Dodgeville Branch reports a circulation of 1,771. This, when the Branch was closed during February and a part of March on account of the severe weather is very much worth while. October and Novem- ber show a decided increase, November being the largest month with a circulation of 406 against 282 for November 1919.
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73
ANNUAL REPORT
Since the opening of the Branch at the beginning of the School year Miss Ruth Fales has been in charge of the work.
The most notable change in the aspect of the work is the growth of adult patronage, both in circulation and room use. There has been a much larger output of non-fiction among the older readers, and through the children we are able to reach their parents with books in French.
The magazines, presented by the Dodgeville Neighborhood Asso- ciation have been of much greater service, this year. The articles on household helps have been especially appreciated.
Each week, there have been requests for books from Central, in- cluding such requests as "Books on aeroplanes," "Engraving for be- ginners," and "How to make things," books by standard authors, such as Dickens, Dumas, and Tolstoi. To have one such reader is to feel that his influence will spread in the community.
A deposit of books has been sent every two weeks to the Dodge- ville School since the term began, and through the assistance of the teachers, many more of the children have been reached with good reading.
Here is felt the need for more money for books.
Hebronville Branch
As last year the Branch is under the care of Miss Jennie Pierce and has the enthusiastic support of Miss Martha J. Roberts. A circu- lation of 5,841 books from a collection where there are so few to select from, that only one book is allowed to a person is most gratifying.
Under the direction of Miss Roberts, the children of the Hebron- ville School collected money and paid the yearly subscription to twen- ty magazines.
Here the opportunity is large for the best and most effective li- brary work, but here again we feel the lack of adequate funds.
High School Branch
Circulation
2,816
Attendance 8,325
In the fall of 1919, the School Committee agreed with the Public Library Trustees. to employ jointly a member of the Library staff as a High School Librarian. Due to the scarcity of library workers, and our inability to pay enough to attract people to Attleboro, it was not until May 1920, that we were able to secure Miss Margaret Brewer, a graduate of Simmons College Library School, who had been doing work in the War Department Air Service Library, Washington, D. C.
This cooperative arrangement is one of the best plans of the sev- eral in practice. For, it gives the closest connection and official recog- nition between the great store of books in the Public Library, and the great body of citizens, pupils and teachers, in the school.
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