USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1934 > Part 11
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WELFARE WORK
Each year the amount of this work increases and we try to remedy un- desirable conditions and correct delinquents without recourse to Court pro- cedure. Our chief aim is to prevent the arrest of young people for petty offenses, and the amount of time given to this work in consulting parents, teachers and clergymen is something that the average citizen has no conception of. In this work we have the able assistance for two days each week of the local agent of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Miss Olive Mackinnon. She spares neither time or patience when in Attleboro, and this
134
ANNUAL REPORT
Department is deeply grateful for the efficient services rendered and assistance given. When no other course is left open and we are obliged to bring the delin- quent before the Court, Judge Ralph C. Estes, who is a keen student of human nature, has on numerous occasions saved the juvenile from having a Court record, by continuing the case for a period of time and placing the defendants on their honor. When the date to which the continuance was granted arrives and a good report of the conduct of the juvenile is given either by the police or Probation Officer, he will dismiss the case for lack of prosecution. In this manner there are a large number of juveniles within the jurisdiction of the Fourth District Court who have no Court records, and who could not be prevented from having them by any other means.
EQUIPMENT
The motor equipment consists of a Ford Patrol Wagon purchased in 1934, a Chrysler Sedan, three Rockne Coupes and three Indian Motorcycles.
The Chrysler Sedan is a 1929 model; it was purchased in April, 1932, for $450.00, being a second hand car. It gave good service but at the present time has covered more than sixty thousand miles, and should be replaced by a new one as the cost of upkeep from now on must necessarily be large.
The Rockne Coupes purchased in the Spring of 1933 are used as prowl cars. Being used mostly in the outlying districts where the streets are not so good, are beginning to show the effects of wear, and I believe it would be a matter of economy to replace them at the present time.
When light cars like these have covered more than forty thousand miles, they are past their usefulness for police work.
One of the motorcycles has seen five years service, and is unfit for further duty, this is a four cylinder model. The other two are Scout models, one of them must be replaced by a new one this Spring.
The other one has been recently overhauled and is in good running order, it will last for another year.
The equipment carried by the officers is of the latest design, and is in good condition. We have three riot guns for use in emergency, one of which is carried in each scout car nights.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Again I recommend the erection of a modern Police Station with assembly room, shower baths and other necessities for the accomodation of the officers. With the new station there should be ample housing facilities for the motor apparatus, and a modern Recall Gamewell System installed.
I recommend the placing of a short wave radio system in the police cars, this would increase the efficiency of the motor patrol to a great extent.
I recommend the adoption of the teletype system for communication with Police Departments both within and without the State. It is a more accurate and faster means of communication than the telephone.
CONCLUSION
I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to His Honor, Mayor, Stephen H. Foley and the members of the 1934 Municipal Council, the Justices, Clerk, Probation Officer and employees of the Fourth District Court, Chief Fred A. Clark and members of the Fire Department, City Hall employees, newspaper men, the Superior Officers and members of Police Department for their valuable assistance and hearty cooperation manifested on so many occasions during the year.
Respectfully submitted, Terence E. Flanagan, Chief of Police.
135
ANNUAL REPORT
SUPPLEMENT TO ANNUAL REPORT Arrests for 1934
Male
Female Total
Adultery
2
0
2
Assault and Attempt to.
24
0
24
Bastardy
3
0
3
Breaking, Entering and Larceny
13
0
13
City Ordinance-Violation of
13
0
13
Delinquency
19
2
21
Disorderly House-Keeping a
0
1
1
Disturbance of the Peace.
18
0
18
Dog-Keeping Unlicensed.
9
0
9
Drunkenness
149
2
151
Evading Carfare
1
0
1
Fornication
1
0
1
Gaming and Present at
3
0
3
Indecent Exposure
1
0
1
Insurance-Selling without a license
1
0
1
Labor Law-Violation of.
1
0
1
Larceny
31
3
34
Leased Property-Concealing
4
0
4
Lewd and Lascivious .
6
3
9
Liquor-Illegal Keeping of
5
1
6
Liquor-Illegal Sale of.
1
1
2
Liquor-Sale of to minor
2
0
2
Manslaughter
1
0
1
Motor Vehicle Law-Violation of.
153
3
156
Neglected Children.
7
3
10
Neglect of Children
1
0
1
Neglect to Provide
19
1
20
Parole-Violation of.
1
0
1
Probation-Violation of
11
0
11
Rape and Attempt to.
5
0
5
Revolver-Carrying without a permit.
5
0
5
School-Failing to send child to
1
0
1
Stolen Property-Receiving
2
0
2
Stubborn Child
2
1
3
Suspicious Person
4
0
4
Traps-Setting in closed season
1
0
1
Tramp
4
0
4
Trespass
2
0
2
Truant.
6
0
6
Vagrant
1
0
1
534
21
555
1
0
1
Master Electrician-Engaging as without a lic.
136
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Board of Public Welfare
January 30, 1935
To His Honor, the Mayor, and Municipal Council. Attleboro, Mass.
Gentlemen:
In compliance with the City Ordinance, the Board of Public Welfare here- with respectfully submits the annual report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1934.
The total number of individuals aided during the year was 1,968 representing 486 families or cases, at a gross expense for all divisions of $170,681.80. Against this amount there was billed to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts $38,648.65 for the care of persons having no legal settlement and $10,474.59 was charged to other cities and towns for the support of persons residing here and settled else- where. These credits of $49,123.24 bring the net direct cost of the Department for the year to $121,558.56 or $6.04 per capita, based on the 1930 Federal Census. In return for these expenditures the taxpayer received the benefit of Welfare labor under the direction of the Public Works, Park Commissioner, City Forester and repairing the Public Schools.
Recipients of aid were obliged to work one, two or three days for the relief extended to them. Most of these men were not accustomed to this kind of work, but soon adapted themselves to render what assistance they could according to the work they were obliged to perform at the City Infirmary, Public Works Department, Capron Park, Forestry and Schools.
The highest case load under Outside Relief occurred late in May when a total of 347 families or cases were receiving aid. About this time the C. W. A. had just gone out of existence and in its place was created the E. R. A. Close co- operation was maintained with the E. R. A. office with a result that the case load, which was well over the three hundred mark, was lowered about one hundred cases to a little over the two hundred mark. Persons on the Welfare Rolls who had a number of dependents were registered on the E. R. A. and soon obtained positions under this form of Federal Relief. Not all cases were dropped from our rolls because the maximum wage that one earns on the E. R. A. is $12.00, and in those cases where there were large families it was necessary to provide additional relief to supplement their budget.
During the year we were fortunate in obtaining Government food. Through the courtesy of His Honor, the Mayor, and local merchants, we were provided space for the distribution of these food commodities. A man, who is receiving Public Welfare Aid was assigned to this task, and it was possible to distribute the food without any trouble to not only those on the Welfare Rolls and E. R. A. but some unfortunate ones whose case could be considered on the border line. Below is a list of the commodities received and distributed for the year 1934.
*Beans
10 cases
Hamburg (canned)
216 cases
Blankets
213 double
Lard.
71 cases
Butter.
262 cases
Pork (salt).
309 cases
Cabbage
5 tons
Potatoes. 266 bags
Cheese
27 boxes
Rice 116 cases
Coal
967 tons
Roast Beef (canned) 526 cases
Eggs
74 cases
Veal (fresh frozen) 48 bbls.
Flour
1040 bags
Wheato 127 bags
There were also 13,596 pieces of clothing received from the E. R. A. Sewing Project which was distributed as noted above.
137
ANNUAL REPORT
During the year sixty-eight (68) boys were sent to the C. C. C. Camp. In most cases, sons of persons on the Welfare Rolls, were sent and in that way we were able to decrease the number of cases carried. Some of the boys reenlisted for a period of six months more and still others reenlisted in the Regular Army.
Throughout the summer and early fall, local industries absorbed a con- siderable number of aid recipients and on October 20th we were providing relief to 263 cases. A trend back towards relief rolls started during November and at the close of the year December 31st, cases numbered 335.
The distribution of the Government commodities can in no way lessen the amount of aid rendered those on the Welfare Rolls, but is given as additional relief.
Old Age Assistance, during the year, was burdened by the addition of fifteen cases, making a total of 95 being aided as of December 31, 1934. During the year, many applicants on being investigated were refused this form of aid through a misunderstanding of the applicant. Many persons believed that on arriving at their 70th birthday they were entitled to this form of assistance known to them as a pension, while there are certain rules and regulations prescribed by the Old Age Assistance Bureau which governs this form of aid.
Total expenditures for the City Infirmary were $7,713.95. On December 31st there were 19 inmates, 16 men and 3 women. The weekly cost to maintain each inmate was $7.80, a figure which compares well with those of other cities and towns. A number of minor improvements were made through the year with the use of Welfare labor, thus curtailing expenditures which would otherwise be necessary. It will be necessary, during the coming year, for the Public Wel- fare Department to take some action relative to the barn which has deteriorated to a hazardous condition. This building must be razed or repaired substantially.
This Department is unfortunate in that it has no accommodations for the caring of chronic illnesses, there being no facilities available at the local hospital, it being necessary to place cases of this kind in private homes, the most serious type being cared for at the City Infirmary. It is the opinion of this Board that a study should be made with a view to the establishment of adequate accommoda- tions where proper treatment may be dispensed.
A detailed statement of receipts and expenditures for the year of the Public Welfare Department is attached.
Respectfully submitted,
Charles A. Bowen, James F. Murphy, Alfred H. Patterson, Board of Public Welfare.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Salaries-Almoner, 3 clerks, 2 visitors. $ 5,849.65
Administration-Other Expenses. 2,740.00
City Infirmary
7,715.00
Mothers' Aid.
12,008.64
Outside Relief .
121,464.48
Old Age Assistance 27,055.75
Total Appropriations
$176,833.52
Total Expenditures. 170,681.80
Expended Balance. $ 6,151.72
138
ANNUAL REPORT
DETAIL OF APPROPRIATIONS Administration-Salaries
Almoner (for 10 months) $ 1,425.00
Chief Clerk.
951.12
1st Clerk.
893.11
2nd Clerk.
600.00
Visitor-1st
1,180.42
Visitor-2nd.
800.00
Total Appropriations
5,849.65
Total Expenditures.
5,579.97
Balance
269.68
Administration-Other Expenses
Appropriation
2,740.00
Expended .
2,699.12
Balance
40.88
City Infirmary
Appropriation .
5,595.00
Additional Appropriation Aug. 13, 1934.
700.00
Total Appropriation
6,295.00
Total Expenditures.
6,293.95
1.05
City Infirmary-Salaries
Supt.
900.00
Laborer
520.00
Total Appropriation
1,420.00
Total Expenditures
1,420.00
Balance 00
Mothers' Aid
Appropriation
12,000.00
Refunds March 1, 1934
5.64
Refunds October 6, 1934
3.00
Total Appropriation
12,008.64
Total Expenditures
11,001.60
Balance
1,007.04
Old Age Assistance
Appropriation
25,000.00
Additional Appr. Aug. 13, 1934.
2,000.00
Refunds-Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr., May, Aug.
55.75
Total Appropriation
27,055.75
Total Expenditures
26,322.61
Balance
733.14
139
ANNUAL REPORT
Outside Relief
Appropriation
80,000.00
Additional Appr. Aug. 13, 1934. 40,000.00
Refunds Jan., Feb., May. July, Aug., Oct., Nov., Dec. .
1,510.43
121,510.43
Transferred to City Infirmary Account in payment of 1933 bills
45.95
Total Appropriation
121,464.48
Total Expenditures.
117,364.55
Balance
4,099.93
DETAIL OF EXPENDITURES Administration-Other Expenses
Rent.
$ 420.00
Light
31.60
Phone
133.40
Office Supplies.
1,016.11
Auto Allowance
570.00
Transportation (Mothers' Aid)
4.00
Transportation (Outside Relief)
524.01
Total Expended. S 2,699.12
City Infirmary
Medical.
269.52
Food Supplies
3,763.13
Clothing
370.94
Fuel
445.00
Light.
167.25
Phone
45.24
Other House Maint. and Oper.
612.35
Hay and Grain .
149.00
Outbuildings-Maint. and Oper
203.57
Transportation.
15.00
Insurance
252.95
Total Expended
6,293.95
Mothers' Aid
Weekly Cash
10,046.33
Supplies
323.21
Medical.
289.06
Rent
340.50
Clothing
2.50
Total Expended.
11,001.60
Outside Relief
Weekly cash
344.92
Rent, Board and Care.
83,794.72
Clothing
7,222.86
Fuel.
8,697.62
Medical
11,918.13
Towns, Cities and Institutions.
4,673.30
Burials
713.00
Total Expended 117,364.55
140
ANNUAL REPORT
Old Age Assistance
Weekly Cash
24,874.73
Fuel.
61.24
Medical.
258.80
Clothing.
18.50
Towns, Cities and Institutions.
904.34
Burials .
200.00
Transportation
5.00
Total Expended
26,322.61
DETAIL OF APPROPRIATIONS MADE IN 1934 IN PAYMENT OF 1933 BILLS
Outside Relief
Appropriation Aug. 13, 1934. $ 142.01
Expended
141.72
Balance .29
City Infirmary
Appropriation Dec. 10, 1934. $ 45.95
Transferred from Outside Relief-Exp. Account. 45.95
Balance .00
BILLS RECEIVABLE
Committed 1934-
Cities and Towns
$ 10,474.59
State
38,648.65
Total $ 49,123.24
Collected from-
Cities and Towns $ 8,395.48
State
35,078.12
Total. $ 43,473.60
Additional Receipts from State and Cities and Towns
for Bills Committed in Previous Years. $ 6,297.93
Outstanding Bills December 31, 1935. 5,649.64
Total Number of Cases in 1934. . . 486 Individuals 1968
CAUSES OF DEPENDENCY
Unemployment 309
Insufficient Income. . 43
Desertion-Non-support .
3
Widows 19
Old Age 96
2
Cripples
2
Blind .
1
2
Chronic Illness
9
Sickness
.
486
Insanity
141
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Park Commissioners
To the Board of Park Commissioners,
Gentlemen:
As Superintendent of the Park Department, I herewith submit my tenth annual report for the year ending December 31, 1934.
The most of our effort in 1934 was permanent construction work on the new six acre plot in the center of the Park. There, our two trucks, with the help of E. R. A. labor, carted 2100 yds. of peat, 1600 yds. of subsoil, stone, and gravel, and 4000 yds. of loam. About three fourths of this area is finished, having been seeded and planted. The rock garden with flag-stone walks and the lily-pool are also completed. Flag-stone walks and steps are used in connecting the circular walk in the garden for protecting and holding the walks in shape ap- proaching the level garden from the wooded slope. All the flag-stones for the walks and pool were carted from Connecticut, a distance of 65 miles each round trip. The rocks used in the rock garden came from woods and pastures around Attleboro.
Our two trucks have been in constant use on this project for the last three years and in that time have carted over 17,000 yds of materials; and it has been tough going every load in that field. The Ford truck gave out this fall beyond repair and I had to hire an outside truck to take its place. The Chevrolet truck was purchased three years ago for $300.00 is working, but it cost $280.00 in repair bills to keep it going in 1934, and I would recommend purchasing an- other second-hand truck rather than spend any more on repair on this one, if more break-downs occur.
The bleachers need repairing and a coat of paint, and the backstop needs new wire this Spring.
The animal house needs repairing and painting in order to have animals there this Summer.
The band-stand, bathing-house, and Casino Building and Shelter House, also need a coat of paint.
The 3-8" water pipe in the shelter building toilets are filled with rust and need renewing, after being in there 22 years.
The swimming pool was well patronized by the children during the warm weather. The pool was given a coat of cement paint, making the pool more sanitary and easier to keep clean.
We need more tennis courts to take care of all that wish to play, but every court added means so much upkeep as it costs $60.00 per season to care for one court.
The ball-games were well attended this past summer and I think this sport has given the Park many friends that otherwise would hardly know that we had a Park in Attleboro.
We are going to have plenty of work in the spring to finish grading, planting, and seeding the new plot in the park and the common, after E. R. A. project of stone wall and granolithic walks are completed.
As Superintendent, I wish to thank the Park Commissioners for their co- operation and support at all times, also, the playground supervisors for their interest in the health and welfare of the children using the park playgrounds.
Respectfully submitted,
J. E. Anderson,
Park Superintendent.
142
ANNUAL REPORT
CAPRON PARK PLAYGROUND REPORT-1934
Mr. S. M. Stone:
Due to the changed conditions of the last year, and the short season, the program of activities at Capron Park Playground has been somewhat altered from previous years. No free material for handicrafts has been supplied by the Park, nor have the children been able to pay for much material to work with. These facts have therefore limited the amount of time given to handicraft and allowed more attention to be given to games and pastimes of active participa- tion, and permitted more time for supervision of the Hunton Pool.
Always a popular spot, the Hunton Pool was particularly so during the past season, due to the excessive heat. An extra supervised period for both boys and girls was given, besides being in use all the afternoon. It may be mentioned here that at no time have children been allowed in the pool alone, a supervisor always being in charge. Also, each child is closely inspected before being allowed to enter the water, both as to cleanliness and to health, none being permitted to go who were found to have any sores, or disease of any kind. Mr. Anderson and his sopr of workers also cooperated splendidly at all times, keeping the water clean and the bathhouses well scrubbed and sanitary. They deserve special credit for working either late at night or early in the morning so that the children need not be deprived of their pleasure during the day.
A series of fourteen lessons in swimming was held for beginners averaging thirty children in each class. At the end of the season, one hundred and three of these passed the regular American Red Cross Swimmers Test. The attendance figures for the pool follows, Boys-3217, Girls-4603, while the playground attendance for boys was 10,285, girls 7770. The predominance of girls using the pool may be explained by the fact that they had the early hours of the afternoon, from two to three o'clock, the boys having to take the late period from three to four.
There were two baseball leagues composed of nine teams, one of the former for the thirteen-fourteen year old players, and the other one for the fifteen-sixteen year group. The teams comprised boys from all sections of the city, one even for the first time coming up from South Attleboro. Others came from Hebronville, Horton Field section, Finberg Park section, and Hayward Field section. A schedule of thirty-six games was played, the winners being the Cubs and the Cardinals. At the end of the Summer, through the kindness of the Park Com- missioners and the Interstate Company, these teams were taken to Boston to see a big league game. Also at the end of the regular scheduled games, a series was played with the North Attleboro playground seniors.
It is becoming impossible to grant the time desired by both children and adults for the tennis courts. It has been the custom not to sign children up after five, leaving the time then for the people who work, but in the increased leisure among the adults, the younger players are being crowded out. The popularity of the game would seem to call for additional courts, as eight hundred and forty- three persons signed up for one hour period during the six weeks season. A beginners class for children was held twice a week on court four in the mornings. The following tournaments were carried on during the season, boys senior and junior singles, boys doubles, girls singles, senior horseshoes, junior horseshoes, and paddle tennis for both boys and girls.
Through the kindness of Mr. Harry Wolfenden a quantity of yarn and rug material was given to the children for use of the playground. Some excellent sweaters were soon finished, also some small rugs and chair mats. Some leather- craft was completed, and some embroidery. A new art which proved very popular was biock printing. Many of the children cut and printed personal Christmas cards, designs for bridge tallies, and book plates.
Grateful acknowledgment is made to the Attleboro Public Library for their gifts of books and magazines.
143
ANNUAL REPORT
One of the first questions the children ask at the opening of the season, is if the weekly weenie roasts are to be held. These are held Thursday noon in the grove, and with the before mentioned leisure time of adults increasing, are becoming more and more a family picnic.
The baskets for basketball were moved to the grove where many exciting games were played. The high school boys tossed footballs around all Summer, keeping in condition for the Fall season. Volley ball too, proved popular. The lower activity games were supplemented by the gifts of puzzles and games of checkers.
At the close of the season a field day was held, with a program running the full day. Over twelve hundred enjoyed a day of track events, races, weenie roast, candy scramble, and water events in the pool. The final event was a magical entertainment.
The supervisors wish to extend their thanks to the Park Commission, and Mr. Anderson for their help and cooperation during the past season.
Respectfully submitted,
Miss Alma Hillman, Girls Supervisor J. Ray Cooney, Supervisor.
Recommendations
1. The addition of a shower bath and a toilet in each side of the bath house.
2. Both houses to be painted white inside.
3. Two more tennis courts.
4. Fireplace to be built in grove for weenie roasts.
5. Provision made for handicraft materials.
144
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Attleboro Public Library
February 6, 1935
To
Hon. Frank R. Sweet, Mayor and Council of the City of Attleboro:
The Trustees of the Attleborough Public Library, Joseph L. Sweet Memorial, submit herewith their annual report for the year 1934 and enclose a copy of the Librarian's report.
Your trustees have held regular meetings on the first Tuesday evening of each month during the year, except during the months of July and August.
This year has been rather full of major changes and improvements, chief of which is probably the installation of a new heating system, to which a good deal of study was given and which we feel is most complete and satisfactory. The cost of the installation was made partly from a special appropriation from the city and the balance taken from the Library's invested funds.
Practically the whole inside of the Library has been redecorated the cost of which was borne by grants from PWA and ERA. The book collection has been readjusted to a more serviceable position for both borrowers and workers.
Of momentous importance to the Library and the people of Attleboro, was a gift received from Yale University, consisting of about four hundred volumes of material in all branches of literature which was sorely needed in our library. This gift was in honor of Mrs. Amelia Daggett Sheffield. Directly from Mrs. Sheffield herself we received a number of unbound copies of the history of Attle- boro. Books, magazines and musical literature were also received from many sources and to all of whom the Library is most grateful.
The staff has rendered most efficient and gracious service under most trying conditions during the many readjustments and repair periods and the Trustees wish to record their sincere appreciation of their interest and loyalty.
The past year has shown a successful advance in all its branches particularly in building up its technical books which had gradually lagged behind the up-to- date publications. This was necessarily reflected in a loss in other departments, but was greatly needed. The public demand is of course for more books and while perhaps it would be impossible to satisfy the demand we do hope that we may in the coming year come nearer to a more adequate supply.
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