USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1945 > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6
Services other than the loaning of books:
Reference and information services given in person, by letter, and by telephone. Compilation and classification of picture collection for school and industrial use. Information service on purchase of ency- clopedias and sets for home use. Preparation of bibliographies on special subjects for individuals and organizations. Arrangement of exhibits and displays
1. in observance of holidays
2. to tie up with local and national news events
3. to call attention to special groups or types of books Provision of special news and documentary services:
Such as: Facts-on-File (a weekly index of practically everything of news importance)
News Map of the Week (traces events on world maps)
Foreign Policy Bulletin and Reports
U. S. Government Bulletins and State Reports
31
ANNUAL REPORT
What is the cost of library service?
From the City of Attleboro Trust Funds
Disbursements:
Salaries
Library Staff
15,034.89
Building Staff
1,765.00
Books and Bindery
4,855.78
927.86
Maintenance (Fuel, light, phone, etc.)
2,701.97
168.52
Supplies and Equipment
375.55
3.44
Branches
21.00
Hebronville
109.56
South Attleboro
(Lincoln)
202.05
Tiffany
99.55
Washington
155.50
Building repairs
00.00
4,410.12
Total
$25,299.85
$5,530.94
Needs and Plans
The most immediate need is for increased space for book stacks and work room. The present quarters not only prevent proper housing of book collection but the total lack of properly planned work space results in ever-increasing delay in locating material, in the processing of new books, and considerable (and justifiable) vexation on the part of the public. The provision of additional stack space, and some re- modeling for efficient work handling are must items to eliminate waste of time, energy, and damaged book stock. A tentative plan with pre- liminary sketches has been prepared, and is in the hands of the City Planning Board.
Heating and Lighting
An extensive overhauling of the heating plant was undertaken in the summer of 1945. By means of careful tracing of pipe lines, more equable heating of the building has resulted, and also a saving in fuel. Units planned to get better circulation of heat and to eliminate damp- ness in the Children's Room have not yet been received. Lighting is still a problem as the present fixtures in the main reading rooms, and in the Children's Room are totally inadequate.
Improvement and extension of services.
War time conditions have not permitted any extension of library service. Some progress has been made, however, in the substitution of improved techniques for time-worn processes and regulations. There is need for more intensive study of methods and for up-to-date de- velopments in the handling of informational material.
1. Micro-filming of local newspapers for future preservation of records.
2. Provision for storage and use of maps, charts, atlases, and pictures of folio size.
3. Phonograph record collections and record player for use chief- ly in connection with work with children.
Book collection
Each year more and more volumes become worn out, and in the case of technical and scientific books, definitely obsolete. The poor grade of paper used during the war years has made salvage by re- binding impossible. Hence the book stock is becoming depleted at a greater rate than it can be maintained. Increasing appropriation for books is needed and gifts of books are most welcome.
attistore Public 3-ph L. Sweet 90, MA Astiebars, Mass.
32
ANNUAL REPORT
Gifts
Despite the various campaigns for books for service men, many people have generously presented books to the library.
A special children's gift collection which for many years has pro- vided for some of the most outstanding books for boys and girls, was used this year for books for the youngest readers.
A former resident of Attleboro has contributed to the joy of chil- dren now and for many years to come by a gift which was used to purchase display cases for the doll collection given to the library from the estate of Florence H. Sweet.
The Staff
Shortage of trained personnel has been a major problem. The problem may be alleviated by a salary budget which could compete with positions in business and industry. High school girls and former staff members have made it possible to clear some of the routine tasks and meet desk schedules, but vitally important work on the book col- lection and planning for better branch service has been too long de- layed. A study of qualifications and duties is advisable for better clas- sifications of positions and an effort should be made to bring training and personnel standards in line with the requirements for Certification by the Massachusetts Library Association.
What next?
Although recognizing its obligation to keep the community better informed of the services available, the Attleboro Public Library invites, and urges, people to investigate more closely, for themselves, its book stock and picture files and catalogs.
Tomorrow will demand more and more of individuals in the way of knowledge. The library can furnish some of the tools, as well as provide much of refreshment and recreation for the heart and mind.
Lucile Palmer Cavender Librarian
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Edwin F. Leach, President
Mrs. William Gregory
Mrs. Charles Holden
Frank Licher
Dr. Frederick V. Murphy
THE STAFF
Lucile P. Cavender, Librarian
Dorothy I. Hannaford,
Louise F. Chandler,
Assistant Librarian and
Cataloger
Phyllis Edwards, Staff Secretary
Janet Hardaway,
Children's Librarian
Alice I. Kingman, Senior Assistant
PART-TIME ASSISTANTS AND PAGES
Bertha C. Bigney
Barbara Cotten
Jean Faulkner Madeline Governo Edna Guillette Joanne Hall
Jean Hayward Betty Pierce
Dorothy Robinson
Jean Walker
Muriel Whittemore
JANITOR John L. Barrett
Mrs. Winthrop Barden, Secretary Raymond F. Horton, Treasurer Mrs. Lewis Chilson
Mrs. Arthur Conro
Senior Assistant
Barbara Gavin, Junior Assistant
33
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the Federal Relief Agent
1945 Expenditures
$2,194.30
1946 Budget $1,115.00
Employees 1945 1
Employees 1946
1
January 7, 1946
To his Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council:
I hereby submit a complete report of the year's activities as the Federal Relief Agent of the Mayor's Office.
This office, through the cooperation of the Draft Board, has main- tained a complete list of all the service men and women in the service of their country.
This list has helped the newspapers from time to time to publish a complete list of all the men and women in the service in the form of an Honor Roll.
It has kept an accurate report of all the casualties: died in service, missing in action, Prisoners of War, and also all those discharged from the service.
This office had charge of arranging, in alphabetical order, all the names that are on our Honor Roll.
We have supervised the compiling of names, ordering and dis- tribution of all the plaques that were given every man and women in the service.
In regards to the Christmas boxes, this office has acknowledged the receipt of about 1,500 letters of thanks from the boys and girls all over the world; some humourous and all right from the heart.
In assisting the chairman of the War Chest Hospitalization Com- mittee, we have packed one hundred or more boxes to be sent to the local boys and girls who have returned from overseas and were in different hospitals throughout this country.
This office has supervised the Hot Lunch and Penny Milk Pro- grams which are arranged on a Federal basis, as planned from Wash- ington, in conjunction with the State Community School Lunch Pro- gram, F.D.A. in Public Schools, Department of Education-Department of Public Welfare.
The extent of this program here is indicated by the total of 66,317 hot lunches that have been served, and the total of 314,910 bottles of milk which have been sold to the school children. Two schools lead the list with over ninety percent of the children participating.
There have been 28 school tours made this year by your agent: each tour taking in every school.
This program, being of major importance, has, according to the school records, helped in the building of stronger teeth and bodies and also helped reduce absentees from school.
34
ANNUAL REPORT
This office has distributed food received from the Surplus Com- modities to the schools serving hot lunches, namely potatoes, carrots, powdered eggs, canned beans and onions. Below is an accurate record of all the schools partaking in said program.
Average of Penny Milk for 1944-45
School
Enrol. 441
No. Taking milk daily 345
Percentage
Bliss School
78%
Briggs Corner
74
71
97%
Farmers
94
65
69%
Finberg
174
57
33%
Lincoln
218
108
50%
Pleasant
56
42
86%
Richardson
480
242
50%
Tiffany
215
143
67%
Washington
239
141
59%
Willett
425
214
50%
High School
735
412
56%
Trade School
40
37
93%
Holy Ghost
38
34
90%
St. Joseph
180
115
64%
Total
3409
2026
59%
I would like to express my appreciation to the Mayor, to the Police Department for assisting in delivering the plaques, to Mr. Forbes for his co-operation on the penny milk and hot lunches for the schools, and to all who in any way helped us in our work.
Sincerely,
Felix A. Desmarais, Agent.
-
35
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Servicemen's Center
1945 Expenditures $6,068.76
1946 Budget Employees 1945 2
$6,662.00
Employees 1946 2
In August of 1942, when it was announced that a military camp would be opened at Norton, Mayor McIntyre called together a group of citizens representing the civic organizations, to see what could be done to prepare for the influx of soldiers from the camp.
Those attending were:
Mayor McIntyre
Frank Nolan, of the War Chest
Francis O'Neil, Elks
Wilder Moore, Chamber of Commerce
Mrs. Dorothy Worman, Attleboro Canteen, composed of those taking both Civilian Defense and Red Cross
Max Markman, of Legion, director of Recreational Activities Abe. Edelstein, Rotary Arthur Hazlett, Y.M.C.A.
Mrs. William A. Blackburn, U.S.O.
William Nerney, citizen chosen to be the president.
From this group officers were chosen as follows:
William Nerney, Chairman
Wilder Moore, Vice Chairman
Francis O'Neil, Treasurer
Mrs. Blackburn, Secretary
Mrs. Blackburn was put in charge of the building and Mrs. Wor- man as Co-Chairman in charge of Canteen.
Mayor McIntyre through the County Commissioners and Sheriff obtained a building from the county farm at Briggs Corner for $1. The men of the State Guard and city employees divided the building, brought it up to the Common and reassembled it.
Superintendent John Anderson did a fine job in making the grounds attractive. The matter of furnishings was the next problem. The members of the B'Nai Brith offered to furnish the place. Their gift was accepted.
On March 13, 1943 we were ready and several officers of the camp attended our official opening.
The Servicemen's Center proved from the beginning a very pop- ular place with the soldiers. They were able to write letters, play games, read, talk and eat. Everything was free from cigarettes to shaving equipment and shoe polish.
The War Chest (after the Beano Games stopped) stepped in to help out on the finances; giving us $1250 a year, which took care of heating, lighting, telephone and janitor service, and such groceries we had to buy.
36
ANNUAL REPORT
In April of 1944, Mrs. Worman resigned, as she was leaving to make her home in Provincetown. Mrs. Bessie Brown of Civilian De- fense took over, with Mrs. Harriet Woodworth in charge of the Red Cross Girls of the Canteen. The food, pies, cakes, cookies, sandwiches and other good things to eat, were donated by Church classes from the Methodist, Baptist, Congregational, both Swedish churches, and the Advent Church. Also some very civic minded ladies from South Attleboro, Mansfield, and Attleboro.
Bruce and Lindstrom was most generous in supplying the coffee we used. Also the Emblem Club in supplying canned milk. In January 1945, Mayor McIntyre, having finished his terms in office, Mayor O'Neil took over, and appointed Felix Desmarais as Treasurer.
The girls behind the lunch bar did a fine job in keeping the boys well fed. The entertainment end of the building, under the direction of Mrs. Blackburn was well taken care of by clubs that had been formed, namely; the Fisepa Girls, Junior War Service Volunteers, Gilbert Perry Auxiliary, American Legion Aux., Daughters of Isabella, Womans' Relief Corp., Jewish Sisterhood, and the World War No. 2 Mothers Club. Mrs. Louise Fitton of the last named club being House Mother. On March of 1945 we were shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Ma Fitton as she was affectionately known by thousands of boys visiting us.
Mrs. Minnie White was appointed as House Mother, in Ma Fitton's place. These Clubs sent two or four Junior Hostesses also a Senior Hostess every week night, on duty from 7-11:30. On Sundays, the Post, Legion, Fisepa, and J.W.S.V. had hostesses on duty from 9 A. M. to 11:30 P. M. working in 4 hour shifts. These girls certainly deserve a lot of credit for their patience and loyalty and many a boy who came in discouraged and lonely went out feeling better for having visited with us.
When the Wars ended in May and August; our visitors became less as boys were being sent home instead of overseas. Some 45,000 names are in our guest books from all parts of the world, also some nice letters from boys who had landed overseas, telling us what the Hut had done for them.
On December 30, 1945 we closed the Hut with heavy hearts. Our job was done. Since, the Hut has been moved from the Common, but it will always remain a wonderful memory to those of us who put our time there.
Sincerely, Mrs. William A. Blackburn Chairman of Servicemen's Center
37
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Veterans' Rehabilitation and Reemployment Committee
1945 Expenditures
$6,263.36
1946 Budget $6,662.00
Employees 1945 2
Employees 1946 3
March 28, 1946
To His Honor, the Mayor and the Honorable Municipal Council:
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit the annual report of the Veterans Service Center of the Veterans Rehabilitation and Reemployment Committee for the year ending Dec. 31, 1945.
In February of this year the Service Center removed from the City Hall to the present headquarters in the basement of the Bronson Building, No. 1 County Street and thus give the necessary space for proper service.
During the year of 1945 the Service Center rendered 9,445 different services. The high point was reached Oct. 31st, 1945 when 118 people called at the Service Center for service or information.
In May of this year we were authorized to record discharges and service papers and from this date to Dec. 31st, 1945, 1,469 discharges were recorded.
The AMERICAN JEWEL CORPORATION generously presented the Veterans Service Center with photostatic equipment and all the necessary supplies. This made it possible for us to make 3,692 photo- static copies of discharges and service papers in the last six months of the year.
From the time that the Center was first opened we have served without question the veterans in the surrounding towns because their communities had not organized to give the returning veteran the nec- essary service and assistance, but in the latter part of 1945 we found that the out-of-city veteran asking for assistance and photostatic work, had reached such a figure that it was consuming a considerable amount of city funds. Upon taking this matter up with His Honor, the Mayor, and acting upon his advice, a fee of fifty cents, beginning Dec. 1st, was charged for all out-of-city photostatic work. From that time to Jan. 1st, 1946, forty copies were made for the out-of-city vet- erans for which a fee was charged totaling $20.00.
The vital statistics in our office are now housed in sheet-metal filing cabinets which does not give protection from fire. Due to the value of these records, both at present and in the future, proper fire- proof containers should be installed immediately.
I cannot submit this report without expressing my sincere thanks to the clerk of the Center, who, at great personal sacrifice and without compensation, worked many hundreds of hours so that our veterans might receive the proper service, and also all of the City, State and Federal organizations who co-operated with us 100 per cent.
Respectfully submitted,
Christopher W. McNary, Director.
38
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Soldiers' Relief Agent
1945 Expenditures $21,626.86
1946 Budget $26,170.00
Employees 1945 2
Employees 1946 2
To His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council:
I submit herewith report for the year ending December 31, 1945.
Soldiers' Benefits Paid by the City $19,706.86
State will reimburse the City $3,391.00
Refunds Received 232.24
3,623.24
Net Cost to the City
16,083.62
Administration:
Salary and Wages
$1,550.00
Emergency Compensation
100.00
Other Expenses
270.41
1,920.41
Families helped by orders for food, fuel, etc.
228
Applications for War Allowance, allowed
74
rejected 16
Investigations made by Soldiers' Relief agent
67
Consultations with Commissioners' Office, by personal
calls and by phone 110
Number of callers at Soldiers' Relief Office seeking aid or information, approximately 3000
During the year 1945 which saw the end of World War No. 2, the number of applications for War Allowance was considerably less than previous year. This also means that reimbursements to the City will also be reduced.
In the meantime, the number of applications for Soldiers' Relief has increased and will probably continue to increase during the next few years. This is a condition that will require most careful considera- tion.
Respectfully submitted,
Arthur B. Cummings, Soldiers' Relief Agent
39
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Dept. of Public Welfare
1945 Expenditure 1946 Budget $182,301.17 9 Employees 1945 Employees 1946 8
$168,493.19
January 15, 1946
To His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council, Attleboro, Mass.
Gentlemen:
In compliance with the City Ordinance, the Annual Report of the Board of Public Welfare for the fiscal year ending December 31st, 1945, is herewith submitted.
Your attention is called to the fact that after deducting amounts received from Cities, Towns, and State that the net cost to the City of Attleboro, Mass., for the Department of Public Welfare was $67,678.22.
A detailed statement of receipts and expenditures for the entire year is attached.
Respectfully submitted,
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
J. K. Henderson John J. Maynard
George W. Goddard
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
Total appropriation
Less transfer
169,377.67
Plus refunds
681.05
Plus Chapter No. 58
1,061.64
171,120.36
Total expenditures
247,823.15
Less Federal
78,697.29
Total expenditures from City appropriation
169,125.86
Balance at end of year
1,994.50
SALARIES:
. Appropriated
6,347.67
Plus transfer from Outside Relief
500.00
6,847.67
EXPENDITURES
9,709.18
Less Federal 2,865.45
Total expenditures from City appropriation
6,843.73
Balance
3.94
$171,877.67 2,500.00
40
ANNUAL REPORT
OUTSIDE RELIEF:
Appropriated Plus refunds Plus Chapter No. 58
34,595.00
151.10
1,033.87
Less transfer
5,200.00
30,579.97
EXPENDITURES :
Weekly cash
22,534.23
Rent, Board & Care
1,179.32
Clothing 69.43
Fuel
151.52
Medical
2,829.17
Cities, Towns & Institutions
3,521.38
Burials
272.00
Total expenditures from City appropriation 30,557.05
Balance 22.92
ADMINISTRATION:
Appropriated
1,260.00
Plus transfer
200.00
1,460.00
EXPENDITURES :
Janitor
262.35
Phone
215.35
Office Supplies 664.31
Auto Maintenance
141.98
Transportation Outside-relief
75.86
Seeking Information
65.82
Total expenditures from City appropriation
1,425.67
Balance 34.33
CHAPTER NO. 58
1,061.64
Expenditures :
Outside Relief
1,033.87
City Infirmary
27.77
Total expenditures 1,061.64
Balance
00.00
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN:
Appropriated
18,000.00
Plus transfer from Outside Relief
2,000.00
Plus refunds
54.25
20,054.25
EXPENDITURES:
Cash
25,060.25
Less Federal 5,013.68
Total expenditures from City appropriation 20,046.57
Balance 7.68
35,779.97
41
ANNUAL REPORT
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE: Appropriated Plus refunds
105,000.00
475.70
105,475.70
EXPENDITURES :
Cash
175,306.40 70,818.16
Less Federal
Total expenditures from City appropriation
104,488.24
Balance 987.46
CITY INFIRMARY:
Appropriated
6,675.00
Chapter No. 58
27.77
6,702.77
EXPENDITURES:
Matron, salary
894.94
Labor, hired man
150.00
Medical
132.94
Food Supplies
2,610.15
Clothing
36.66
Fuel
709.26
Light
74.62
Phone
45.91
Other House Maint. & Operation
809.29
Outbuilding Maint. & Operation
146.39
Seed & Fertilizer
108.94
Hay & Grain
45.50
Total expenditures from City appropriation 5,764.60
Balance
938.17
Total receipts for 1945
101,447.64
Collected :
Old Age Assistance
84,790.52
Aid to Dependent Children
8,126.54
General Relief
7,686.70
City Infirmary
843.88
101,447.64
Amount of money spent from City appropriation $168,125.86 less re- imbursement from Cities, Towns and State of 101,447.64 leaves a net figure for the cost of all forms of aid by the Department of Public Welfare of $67,678.22 as against a gross expenditure for the entire Department of $247,823.15.
42
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Inspector of Buildings
1945 Expenditures 1946 Budget Employees 1945 Employees 1946
$517.00
$760.00
1
1
To His Honor the Mayor and Municipal Council:
Gentlemen:
Following is the report of the Inspector of Buildings for the year 1945. During the year 292 permits were issued, amounting to $936,684.00 divided as follows:
January 1945
Warehouse
(1)
$20,000.00
Addition to Warehouse
(1)
4,000.00
Alterations
(2)
450.00
$24,450.00
February
Shingle
(1)
$ 200.00
Minor
(1)
50.00
Alterations & Additions
(1)
3,000.00
$3,250.00
March
Alterations & Additions
(8) $ 5,375.00
Shingle
(17)
3,600.00
Minor
(2)
775.00
Raze
(1)
000.00
9,750.00
April
Alterations & Additions
(7)
€A 3,479.00
Shingle
(10)
1,745.00
Minor
(7)
1,218.00
Raze
(2)
000.00
Move
(1)
000.00
$6,442.00
May
Alterations & Additions
(8)
$ 2,640.00
Storage
(1)
1,500.00
Garage
(1)
200.00
Shingle
(14)
2,970.00
Minor
(1)
25.00
Raze
(2)
00.00
$7,335.00
June
One Family Dwellings
(2) $
9,800.00
Garages
(4)
5,700.00
Work
Shop
(1)
2,500.00
Additions & Alterations
(10)
29,540.00
Shingle
(8)
1,250.00
Minor
(4)
350.00
Raze
(1)
000.00
$49,095.00
43
ANNUAL REPORT
July
One Family Dwelling
(1)
$ 3,000.00
Additions & Alterations
(11)
4,985.00
Minor
(6)
1,750.00
Shingle
(9)
3,230.00
Raze
(1)
000.00
$12,965.00
August
One Family Dwelling
(1) $ 1,200.00
Mfg. Plant
(1)
71,000.00
Garage
(1)
150.00
Minor
(5)
2,825.00
Additions & Alterations
(10)
21,090.00
Shingle
(11)
2,776.00
Raze
(2)
000.00
$99,041.00
September
Mfg. Plant
(1)
$200,000.00
One Family Dwellings
(5)
21,500.00
Storage
(1)
6,000.00
Barn
(1)
4,000.00
Service Station
(1)
1,200.00
Garages
(2)
200.00
Minor
(3)
700.00
Shingle
(7)
1,161.00
Additions & Alterations
(18)
42,273.00
$277,034.00
October
Mfg. Plant
(1) $25,000.00
One Family Dwellings
(2)
11,000.00
Garages
(5)
1,950.00
Minor
(2)
135.00
Shingle
(10)
3,175.00
Additions & Alterations
(11)
20,600.00
Raze
(2)
000.00
November
One Family Dwellings
(3)
$11,500.00
Service Station
(1)
2,100.00
Storage
(1)
2,500.00
Minor
(4)
750.00
Shingle
(9)
2,356.00
Additions
Alterations
(7)
104,420.00
Raze
(1)
000.00
$123,626.00
December
One Family Dwelling
(1)
$ 5,500.00
Mfg. Plants
(2)
211,500.00
Laundry
(1)
38,000.00
Garage
(1)
300.00
Storage
(1)
3,000.00
Additions & Alterations
(7)
2,000.00
Shingle
(4)
1,536.00
The total number of permits issued in 1944 was 177 amounting to $107,798.00 making a gain in 1945 of 115 permits and $828,886.00. Of the total $936,684.00, permits were granted for the erection, alteration, and additions to Mfg. Plants, and for other business amounting to $793,423.00.
Respectfully yours, Fred A. Clark Inspector of Buildings.
$61,860.00
44
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of License Commissioners
1945 Expenditures 1946 Budget Employees 1945 Employees 1946
$790.00
$800.00
3
3
January 5, 1946
The Honorable Mayor and Municipal Council City Hall, Attleboro, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
Enclosed is our report of all licenses, and revenue received by the License Board for the year 1945.
Very truly yours,
Frank P. Cronan, Chairman.
January 5, 1946
Revenue received for alcoholic beverages licenses $9,245.00
Revenue received for common victualler licenses 65.00
Revenue received for lodging house licenses 36.00
Total revenue received $9,346.00
Total number of alcoholic beverage licenses for the year 1945 26
Total number of common victualler licenses for the year 1945 26
Total number of lodging house licenses for the year 1945 18
Individual licenses fee for each individual class as follows:
All Alcoholic Beverages
Innholder
$450.00
Class A Restaurant 500.00
Class B Restaurant 450.00
Tavern 300.00
Package Goods
450.00
Fraternal Clubs
250.00
All Other Clubs
Wines and Malt Beverages
Innholder
Restaurant
300.00
Package Goods
200.00
Fee for Seasonal Licenses
Club 100.00
27 One-Day Licenses at $5.00 each
26 Common Victuallers Licenses at $2.50 each
18 Lodging House Licenses at $2.00 each
Frank P. Cronan, Chairman
.
15
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Public Works Dept.
1945 Expenditures $237,871.43
1946 Budget and Unexpended balances $242,380.06
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.