USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1939 > Part 5
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Very truly yours, THE GAMEWELL COMPANY By Charles T. Smith, Sales Engineer
CTS/M Enc. Copy WSK
COPY
Report on Excelsior fire alarm box No. 23 from Attleboro, Mass.
The tape received with this box showed number 1-13-23. This signal was apparently caused by interference either from opening the circuit or closing of the box door, during the transmission of four rounds of the box 23.
If the outer door of this box was closed immediately after pulling the box, only one stroke would be received, and if the door was again opened, during, or immediately following, the second stroke of the third round, and then left open throughout the remainder of the signal, the tape would show 1-13-23.
There are no instructions on this box to leave the door open after pulling the alarm, and I believe it is quite likely that the person pulling the box, closed the door and then, after hearing only one blow on the horn, opened the door to pull the box again. The above is something which the old, old boxes had and which of course, has been improved since their manufacture.
Copy-WSK
F. E. WELD, Engineer, Gamewell Company.
68
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the Electrical Inspector
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Municipal Council of the City of Attle- boro.
I herewith submit my report of the activities of the Wire Inspection Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1939.
(To electricians)
Applications
Permits
Inspections
(To A. S. & E. Co.) Reinspections Total
January
126
126
168
95
263
February
90
90
120
122
242
March
142
142
189
121
310
April
127
127
169
144
313
May
70
70
93
172
265
June.
76
76
101
154
255
July
82
82
109
120
229
August
68
68
91
150
241
September
135
135
180
209
389
October
118
118
167
181
348
November
104
104
139
115
254
December
65
65
97
141
238
Total
203
1203
1623
1724
3347
During the past year of 1939, considerable work has been done through the efforts of this department in bringing up to date the older types of wiring in the residences and factories of the city.
Approximately 50 to 75 electric ranges have been installed during the past year and these installations have all helped in the matter of safer and more adequate wiring.
The work of this department has been greatly aided during the past year through the employment of a young man working under the supervision of the National Youth Administration as a clerk, his time being taken up in the issuing of permits and keeping permanent record of work done.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Maintenance of Auto.
$175.00
Other Expenses .
250.00
Typewriter
135.00
$560.00
In requesting that the sum of $135 be appropriated for a typewriter, I wish to state that the present machine has seen approximately 18 years of con- tinuous service and should be replaced this year.
At this time, I wish to thank His Honor the Mayor, the Municipal Council, members of the Fire and Police Departments and all who in any way contributed their aid toward the operation of this department during the past year of 1939.
Respectfully submitted,
William S. King, Electrical Inspector, City of Attleboro, Mass.
69
ANNUAL REPORT .
TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
Mrs. Margaret Conro
John Stevenson
Edwin F. Leach President
Miss Edith L. Claflin
Raymond M. Horton Treasurer
Mrs. Ethel H. Barden Secretary
Hayward H. Sweet
Frederick V. Murphy, M. D.
Mrs. Caroline S. Holden
70
ANNUAL REPORT
To His Honor The Mayor, and the Municipal Council,
Gentlemen:
Your Board of Trustees have held their regular meetings monthly on Tuesday evenings at 7:30.
The Librarian's report filed with you shows a complete report of operations for the year. From the treasurer's report you have a detailed account of the finan- cial operations.
Perhaps most of our difficulties are attributable to a lack of ample funds, but we feel it may be proper at this time to call attention to a few matters which are becoming vitally necessary for a proper functioning of the library work. The branches need more attention, particularly in South Attleboro where the demand is so heavy that at least two days a week should be given to this branch alone. At the present time and under the present set up we are unable to do this owing to insufficient help, or rather insufficient funds to enable us to extend the staff to a proper proportion. Our shelving area is becoming over crowded and within the very near future we shall have to provide space to care for a growing collection. At present the logical expansion would probably be to take space upstairs, which will mean some reconstruction work as well as additional help.
We wish it were possible to better satisfy the public in their demand for more books, but as this again reverts back to funds, we are trying the best we can to make what we have go as far as possible and keep a balanced collection.
To all who have made donations of books, pictures, magazines and other articles we wish to express our very sincere thanks, and to the staff who have loyally and efficiently given their best to their work we wish to publicly register our gratitude.
Respectfully yours,
Trustees of the Attleboro Public Library Joseph L. Sweet Memorial. Ethel H. Barden, Secretary.
71
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Attleboro Public Library
Elizabeth Lucile Palmer Librarian
To the Trustees of the Attleboro Public Library:
A Summary of Aims and Operations 1939
PREAMBLE
The 32nd year of the Attleboro Public Library in its present building has just passed.
From 1907 to the end of the year 1939, 3,402,679 volumes -- 71.6 miles of books-have been borrowed by residents of Attleboro and nearby communities. The book stock has increased from 10,500 to 46,798 volumes. Special collections of pictures, pamphlets and clippings have been formed and daily prove their usefulness. One hundred eighty-three magazines and ten newspapers are currently received.
To the casual glance, the building is here, the books are housed, people who want to read go to the library and get a book. That's all there is to it.
WHAT DO LIBRARIANS DO?
Public Libraries, are subject to the same fate as individuals. They suffer from misconceptions and are frequently misunderstood.
Contrary to hearsay, the work is not monotonous nor dull. One day may bring requests for pictures of sheep jumping over a fence, the type of pan used in gold prospecting, and "authentic" portrait of Bacchus, and information on who started the San Francisco Fair and why, where to buy a Skye terrier, and the distinction between the Federated Malay States, the Unfederated Malay States, and the Straits Settlements.
Nor is it "nice", "clean", "easy", work. The use of paste, glue, sandpaper, and shellac is routine mending proceedure, and each day anywhere from 500 to 2000 books, magazines, and newspapers must be handled, carried upstairs or down, shelved, or packed for sending to deposit stations and branches; a process that rivals the most strenuous setting-up exercises in the amount of footwork and bending and stretching involved.
PERSONNEL
Aside from the recording of books loaned and returned, the assistance given to borrowers in locating particular titles and the finding of answers to the myriad questions that must be answered by use of the library's resources in books or personal information, members of the library staff have specialized and technical
72
ANNUAL REPORT
duties The checking of orders, invoices, and discounts, and the keeping of statistical records for local, state, and federal reports, must be done in libraries as in business organizations. The classification and cataloging processes are highly technical, while the supervision of branches demands executive ability as well as extensive knowledge of the book collection
To promote higher standards of service and a just basis of promotion, the library trustees in December 1938 adopted a Classification Scheme of Qualifica- tions, Duties and Salaries. By this plan, based on composite schemes of other libraries and the Massachusetts Planning Board, definite requirements in educa- tion, training and personality must be met in order for an applicant to be ap- pointed to full time staff membership. The classifications are graded to provide for promotions in case of vacancies.
During the past year three part time apprentice workers and one Junior Assistant have taken special library courses at Summer Sessions at the University of New Hampshire and at Penn. State College, and have studied at Bryant College and Brown University in the effort to fit themselves for possible appointments or promotion.
USE AND COSTS
Detailed records of volumes circulated and the itemized costs of operation are appended. The following is a condensation of some of the items in the statistical summary of the year 1939.
Books, pamphlets, and magazines loaned amounted to 139,376 items, a circulation of 6.41 per capita for the city's population. In addition 2308 pictures were borrowed, a gain of 233 over 1938.
The work of the branches located at Hebronville, South Attleboro village and Washington School has increased as did the circulation of books from the Hospital Service and school deposits, but Dodgeville branch had a slight de- crease. Books loaned from the branches and deposit stations represent over 44% of the total library circulation.
693 new borrowers were registered, one third of whom were children.
Approximately 40% of the total number of books borrowed were loaned from the Children's Collection. Of the volumes borrowed by adults, 31 1/2% were non-fiction, with poetry, drama, and essays ranking highest and nearly an equal number on practical arts and technology. The fine arts, including music, came next, exceeding biography, which, incidentally, showed a considerable increase of popularity over 1938. Fewer books on travel circulated, but ap- parently current events stimulated an interest in history.
The book stock was increased by 2963 volumes, 214 of them being gifts.
Operative costs have remained fairly constant for the past five years except for some extraordinary expenses necessary for repair of the building and branches. These special expenses, however, have been met chiefly from income from in- vested funds.
Owing to the fact that budgets have been scaled down, not to meet needs, but for minimum operation requirements, many long overdue changes in ar- rangement ard routing have been foregone. Space is at a premium, and the work room was outgrown fifteen years ago.
The book collection has become increasingly inadequate to meet the needs of the city. Volumes far too worn and dirty for further service have been kept in circulation for lack of funds for replacement. Duplication of titles has of necessi- ty been so restricted that borrowers often have to wait six to eight months for
73
ANNUAL REPORT
books requested when first off the press. Titles needed by persons taking People's Institute and other study courses cannot be furnished in time nor quantity to meet class assignments.
The amount spent from city appropriation in 1939 for the purchase of books was $1,118.98. Five times this amount annually for the next five vears would only partially replace the worn out volumes for which there is constant demand, and ensure a fair supply of up-to-date material to meet the needs of the city.
A summary of things attempted and things done, of plans made, of improve- ments contemplated, must include also a recognition of intangibles. Good will (despite the fact that the book was out) courtesy and generosity are important factors as in business as in social life.
The Attleboro Public Library expresses its gratitude and appreciation for the patience and kindness and gifts which have been bestowed by the people of Attleboro. It is hoped that in these times of political stress, and chaotic national life, that the Public Library may represent to the community a place where facts and ideas and recreation may be available for public enlightment and enter- tainment, without restrictions of political, racial, or religious creed.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Lucile Palmer, Librarian.
74
ANNUAL REPORT
OPERATING COSTS
CITY OF ATTLEBORO
Receipts
Salaries. $12,983.00
Other Expenses. 5,688.32
Credit for Lost and Paid for
Books. 6.00
Total
18,677.32
221.68
Income from Investments ..
4,568.45
Income from Note Payable 1,500.00
Total.
$ 6,290.13
Disbursements
Salaries
Library and Building Staff. . $12,982.97
Unexpended Balance .03
Disbursements
Payroll.
673.23
Building Repairs. 1,790.25
Books
2,885.17
Book Repairs
301.19
Office Supplies
11.66
Lighting 100.10
Fuel. .
84.00
Fuel
456.83
Light.
1,102.19
Phone
48.11
South Attleboro.
22.41
Building
287.88
Washington.
6.10
Bindery
950.90
Printing
2.50
Dodgeville.
7.80
'Trucking
6.00
Hebronville
164.45
Equipment
10.56
South Attleboro
240.45
Interest Paid (Loan)
43.21
Washington
298.45
Safe Deposit Box Rental
22.00
Printing.
38.50
Audit 1938
100.00
Postage.
80.72
Bond Service.
50.00
Trucking
26.91
Pond for Treasurer
25.00
Carfares.
11.46
Telephone.
5.79
Incidentals.
149.83
Filing Equipment.
95.00
Office Supplies.
366.60
Postage
3.35
Equipment
344.04
Bank Service Charge
.25
Total
5,694.10
Total
6,242.52
Unexpended Balance.
.22
Unexpended Balance 47.61
$ 6,290.13
$ 5,694.32
TRUST FUNDS
Receipts Balance January 1, 1939
Checking Accounts
Attleboro Trust Co. $ 212.62
First National Bank. 9.06
Total
12,983.00
Other Expenses
Books.
1,118.98
Dodgeville
2.25
Hebronville.
2.50
75
ANNUAL REPORT
THE LIBRARY SERVES THE CITY
Service at
Material Loaned 78,881 Volumės
Central Library
Dodgeville School. 4,737 Volumes
Hebronville Community Cottage. 7,078 Volumes
South Attleboro Village
9,292 Volumes
Washington Street School.
25,935 Volumes
Sturdy Memorial Hospital
3,737 Volumes
School and Summer Camps
9,716 Volumes
Total
139,376 Volumes
Classified Report
Additions to Collection
Philosophy and Religion
1,741
Books Purchased 2749 Adult. .. 1815
Education, Economics,
Sociology . 4,304
Natural and Applied Science
5,959
Fine Arts and Music.
3,570
Literature and Language
5,004
History and Travel
5,771
Biography 3,276
Adult Fiction 57,876
Juvenile Fiction . 43,232
Current Periodicals
7,353
Pamphlets. 1,019
Books in Foreign Languages 213
Books borrowed from Other
Libraries
29
Books loaned to Other Libraries. 29
Total 139,376
Mrs. Charles Holden
Mrs. Winthrop Barden, Secretary
Dr. Frederick V. Murphy John R. Stevenson Hayward H. Sweet
Mrs. Arthur Conro
THE MEMBERS OF THE STAFF Elizabeth Lucile Palmer, Librarian Angela D. Bowen, Senior Assistant Virginia J. Cate, Junior Assistant Grace C. Freese, Senior Assistant
Dorothy I. Hannaford, Assistant Librarian
(Mrs.) Alice I. Kingman, Junior Assistant
(Mrs.) Kathleen S. MacKell, Children's Librarian Ruth Wheaton, Children's Assistant
PART TIME ASSISTANTS Bertha C. Bigney (Mrs.) Elizabeth P. Hatch
Phyllis Edwards Barbara A. McGregor Marion B. Moore
Janet Hardaway
PAGES Frank Westerberg
Daniel Bowen Howard Peach
JANITOR William P. Barrett
Books donated. 214 Juvenile 1148
3538
3538
New Titles .1965 Duplicates and Replacements .. 998
Books worn out and Withdrawn .. 736
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Edwin F. Leach, President
Raymond F. Horton, Treasurer Miss Edith Claflin
76
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Inspector of Buildings
To His Honor the Mayor and Municipal Council, Gentlemen:
Following is the report of the Inspector of Buildings for the year 1939.
During the year 313 permits were issued amounting to $233,267.00, divided as follows:
January
Garages.
( 2)
$ 550.00
Shingle
( 1)
25.00
Minor
( 1)
115.00
Alterations
( 1)
40.00 $ 730.00
February
Garages.
.( 2)
$ 450.00
Shingle
( 3)
350.00
Minor.
( 2)
380.00
Alterations.
.( 5)
2,450.00
Raze. .
.( 2)
0,000.00 $
3,630.00
March
One Family Dewllings.
( 3)
$ 9,000.00
Garages.
( 2)
500.00
Store.
( 1)
1,800.00
Shingle.
( 4)
1,130.00
Alterations
( 4)
1,525.00
$ 13,955.00
April
One Family Dwellings.
( 1)
$ 3,600.00
Two Family Dwellings
( 1)
5,000.00
Garages.
( 2)
775.00
Over Night Cabins.
( 4)
625.00
Minor.
( 4)
890.00
Shingle.
(13)
2,150.00
Alterations.
( 8)
2,690.00
$ 15,730.00
May
One Family Dwellings.
( 7)
$ 21,660.00
Garages
( 3)
700.00
Over Night Cabins.
( 1)
150.00
Minor
( 8)
717.00
Shingle.
(13)
2,635.00
Alterations.
(16)
4,170.00
Raze.
( 1)
0,000.00 $ 26,032.00
June
One Family Dwellings
( 2)
$ 10,160.00
Garages.
( 5)
810.00
Service Stations.
( 2)
3,125.00
Addition Manufacturing Plant.
( 1)
15,000.00
Minor
( 7)
1,190.00
Shingle.
( 6)
1,850.00
Alterations.
(13)
9,505.00
Raze
( 5)
0,000.00
$ 41,640.00
July
( 6)
$ 18,000.00
One Family Dwellings. Garages.
( 1)
50.00
Store.
( 1)
400.00
Shingle.
( 6)
1,250.00
Alterations
( 6)
1,700.00
$ 21,400.00
77
ANNUAL REPORT
August
One Family Dwellings
( 2)
$
7,000.00
Garages
. ( 2)
175.00
Minor.
( 4)
295.00
Shingle
( 9)
1,935.00
Alterations
( 9)
12,900.00
$ 22,305.00
September
One Family Dwellings
( 1)
$ 4,400.00
Garages
( 5)
925.00
Minor.
( 1)
5.00
Shingle.
( 9)
1,510.00
Alterations.
(17)
6,595.00
Raze.
( 1)
0,000.00
$ 13,435.00
October
One Family Dwellings
( 6)
$ 23,000.00
Garages.
( 6)
2,785.00
Minor
. ( 4)
200.00
Shingle.
( 5)
575.00
Alterations.
( 4)
5,425.00
$ 31,985.00
November
One Family Dwellings
( 3)
$ 7,800.00
Garages
( 2)
275.00
Service Station
( 1)
1,000.00
Storage Plant.
( 1)
4,000 00
Minor.
. ( 4)
725.00
Shingle
( 7)
1,200.00
Store.
( 1)
300.00
Alterations
( 8)
3,595.00
$ 18,895.00
December
One Family Dwellings
$ ( 1)
800.00
Two Family Dwellings
( 2)
10,600.00
Garages
( 8)
975.00
Minor
( 2)
55.00
Greenhouse
( 1)
300.00
Shingle.
( 5)
600.00
Alterations.
( 5)
6,200.00
Raze.
( 1)
0,000.00
$ 19,530.00
For the Year 1939
One Family Dwellings
(32)
$105,420.00
Two Family Dwellings
( 3)
15,600.00
Garages
(40)
8,970.00
Minor
(37)
4,572.00
Shingle
(81)
15,210.00
Alterations
(96)
56,795.00
Stores.
( 3)
2,500.00
Over Night Cabins
( 5)
775.00
Service Stations
( 3)
4,125.00
Storage Plant.
( 1)
4,000.00
Greenhouse
( 1)
300.00
Addition Manufacturing Plant
( 1)
15,000.00
Raze Buildings
(16)
0,000.00
$233,267.00
The total number of permits issued in 1938 was 320 amounting to $278,671.00, showing a loss of 7 permits and $45,404.00.
Respectfully submitted,
FRED A. CLARK, Inspector of Buildings.
78
ANNUAL REPORT
Thomas G. Sadler, Sr.
Samuel M. Stone Chairman
Henry C. Wolfenden
Reports to the Park Commissioners
John E. Anderson Park Superintendent
To the Board of Park Commissioners, Attleboro, Mass .:
I herewith submit my fifteenth annual report as Superintendent of Parks for the year ending December 31, 1939.
The year 1939 was a year of mostly all repair work due to the hurricane in September, 1938, and a W. P. A. project started the latter part of October, 1928. Sawing the trees into logs and cord wood, and pulling and digging out over 700 stumps. In the coldest part of the winter the project was dropped to be renewed as soon as the frost left the ground. All logs for lumber and cord wood turned over to the City. Estimated value --- $$00.00.
After stumps were pulled out we had to grubhoe the balance of the roots out of the ground. This required a lot of hand labor as a lot of fallen trees were on lawns, and in order to save the grass it had to be hand labor.
In addition to the trees there was other hurricane damage to Park property. Part of the roof blew off the Casino Building, causing a leak which had to be repaired. Part of the paper blew off the shed roof. This was replaced and then the whole roof was covered with roofing paint.
Part of the wire of the Tennis Courts and posts which nad fallen were re- paired. The Baseball backstop had to be put back in postition and repaired, also the Bleachers which had to have new timbers and cross-pieces.
Before all this work was finished the W. P. A. men were taken from the Park, and if it had not been for the Welfare labor that was sent to the Park about the time the W. P. A. men left, we surely would have been severely handicapped.
I am glad to report that what was once our fine Pine Grove has been replanted with 170 Sugar Maples and in twenty years should be a fine Maple Grove. This was made possible by the splendid generosity of our Citizens in giving for this purpose, over $600.00 having been raised.
79
ANNUAL REPORT
This was expended as follows.
170 Sugar Maple Trees 14' to 16' @ $2.55
$433.50
100 Yards of Loam @ $1.25. 125.00
Use of Bulldozer 51.00
After Bulldozer got through we grubbed over the entire area before digging the 170 holes, two feet deep and four feet across. After the trees were planted, we harrowed over the whole area several times, and expect to seed it all in the spring.
A total of over 600 trees (at Capron Park, the Common and Angell Park) were trimmed, most of them the second time, by the W. P. A. men.
Two years ago the so called Blackington Park along with a beautiful Memorial Bridge was turned over to the Park Department to maintain and care for. As yet we have not received any funds for the upkeep of this Park. I recommend that an appropriation of $100.00 be spent there so as to at least loam and seed the area that should have been seeded at the time the Bridge was built.
As usual the three cornered piece at Hebronville was planted and taken care of by this department, and we received some fine compliments for the fine flower display shown there.
The Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks display, sponsored by the American Legion and made possible by donation from the good people of Attleboro was better patronized and more people attended the Sports and Fireworks than ever before.
Our ballfield was in steady demand all season. During the height of the season as many as twleve games a week were played on the field, after the baseball season was over Coach Tozier and his High School football players took over and used the field to the last week in November. After the High School football players got through, we seeded 200 pounds of Grass Seed on the field also roped off the whole field to keep autos and people off the field until next May.
As the Roadways in the Park are in a deplorable condition, I recommend that the W. P. A. administration of the City find out what happened to the Park Roadway Project, that was applied for July 22, 1938.
Our four Tennis Courts were in steady demand from early morning until dark. I might add, that we need new covering for the Courts and new diamond mesh fence around same.
The Playground was as popular as ever. After the commissioners voted money from the Capron Fund for Playground equipment we had better apparatus than we had before the hurricane. We erected twelve new ball bearing swings, six children swings, new sand boxes, two new sixteen foot wave slides, and new parts for the Merry Whirl. Horse shoe courts had to be shifted and fenced on both ends in order to safeguard the children and the newly planted trees in the grove.
The Swimming or Wading pool was the same popular place as it has been in the past. The supervisors served the children efficiently and well. I want to thank the Playground Supervisors for the careful way they handled the children at the Park, guarding them from getting hurt and very careful about their condi- tion before entering the Pool for the protection of all the children.
I recommend that an additional amount of $500.00 be appropriated to finish the work already started around the Wolfenden fountain and the County Street side of the Park. If this is done, Mr. Wolfenden has promised to fix the fountain and curbing and install special spray fountains that will use the same water over and over again to make the front of the Park more attractive.
I want to thank the Park Commissioners for their help and cooperation at all times, the Chief of Police and Officers for the way they handled parking and traffic on all occasions that their help was needed at the park.
Respectfully submitted, J. E. Anderson, Park Superintendent. February 2, 1940
80
ANNUAL REPORT
CAPRON PLAYGROUND REPORT-1939
Attendance-Estimated
Boys -- A. M.
3235
Girls-A. M. 1849
Boys-P. M.
5710
Girls-P. M. 5320
8945
7169
Boys pool-A. M.
498
Girls pool-A. M.
660
Boys pool-P. M.
1885
Girls pool-P. M. 2805
2383
3465
Activities
Senior boys baseball league-14-15 year class-Cardinals of the Bliss School section, Bees of the East Side, Hebronville, Rangers of County Square.
Final Standing --- Bees
Cardinals
2
3
Rangers.
2
3
Hebron
2
4
Junior boys baseball league -- 12-13 year class-South Attleboro Red Sox, Mohawks of Sanford School, Hebronville, Dartmouth of the Bliss School section and the Farmers district.
Final Standing-Hebronville
Won 4
Lost
Mohawks
3
1
Dartmouth
2
2
Red Sox.
1
3
Farmers
0
4
Swimming campaign -- 172 boys and girls were taught to swim, and a big percentage of them won their Red Cross Beginners Buttons. Classes were held twice a week.
Girls activities-Tennis, paddle tennis, volley ball, swimming, quiet games, checkers, Chinese checkers, tiddley winks, parcheesi, handicraft, leather work, reed and raphia, crocheting, knitting, weenie roasts.
Note-Very little handicraft is possible as the park provides no material and the parents do not wish to pay for the materials.
Boys activities-Tennis, paddle tennis, horseshoes, volley ball, handball, swimming, baseball, softball, football punting and passing, track and field sports, quiet games, playground ball, soccer football, tether ball, quoiis.
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