USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1951 > Part 2
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Our ten-year tree planting program is now in its fourth year. Ap- proximately one-hundred trees are set out each summer. Already we are beginning to see the results of this plan.
The Forestry Department wishes to thank the city officials and the citizens of Attleboro for their interest and cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
Warren P. Hofmann, City Forester
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Annual Report
REPORT OF ATTENDANCE OF COUNCILMEN AT 1951 COUNCIL MEETINGS
Present
Absent
Total
President Lambert
27
0
27
Mr. Walton
24
3
27
Mr. Smith
26
1
27
Mr. Hinds
26
1
27
Mr. Rotenberg
27
0
27
Mr. Kenny
27
0
27
Mr. Richardson
25
2
27
Mr. Lavigueur
25
1
26
Mr. McKay
25
2
27
Mr. Nottage
22
5
27
Mr. Sweet
22
5
27
Total number of meetings held in 1951:
MEETING DATES
January 2, 1951
Regular
June 19, 1951
Regular
January 16, 1951
Regular
July 3, 1951
Regular
February 6, 1951
Regular
August 7, 1951 Regular
February 14, 1951
Special
August 22, 1951 - Special
February 20, 1951
Regular
September 4,1951
March 6, 1951
Regular
Regular September 18,1951 Regular October 2, 1951
March 12, 1951
Adjourned
Regular
March 20, 1951
Regular
October 16,1951
Regular
April 3, 1951
Regular
November 6,1951
Regular
April 17, 1951
Regular
November 20, 1951
Regular
May 1, 1951
Regular
November 27, 1951 Special
May 15, 1951
Regular
December 4, 1951 Regular
June 5, 1951
Regular
December 7,1951 Special
December 18,: 1951 , Regular
Total:
Regular - 22
Adjourned- 1
Special- 4
27
27
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Annual Report
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE 1951
To His Honor the Mayor, and the Municipal Council, Attleboro, Massachusetts
Honorable Sir and Gentlemen:
In compliance with the City Ordinance, the Annual Report of the Board of Public Welfare for the fiscal year ending December 31st, 1951, is herewith submitted.
Your attention is invited to the fact that after deducting amounts received from the Federal Government and Cities, Towns and State that the net cost to the City of Attleboro, Massachusetts for the Department of Public Welfare was $146, 574. 62 as against a gross expenditure for the entire year of $519, 575. 15.
A detailed statement of receipts and expenditures for the entire year is attached.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
J. K. Henderson John J. Maynard Patrick J. Duffy
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE- 1951
APPROPRIATED
$355, 175. 20
Plus Additional appropriation 1,510. 85
Plus refunds
2,812.51
GRAND TOTAL
$359, 498. 56
Total expenditures $519,597. 89
Less Federal funds 179,769. 55
Total expenditures from city appropriation
339,828. 34
BALANCE at end of the year
$ 19,670. 22
SAL ARIES:
$ 12,825.20
Appropriated Plus additional appropriation
400. 00
GRAND TOTAL
$ 13,225.20
Total expenditures
$16,428. 12
Less Federal funds 3,202.92 $ 13,225. 20
Ttoal expenditures from city appropriation
00,000.00
BALANCE at end of the year
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Annual Report
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN:
Appropriated Plus refunds Plus transfer from General Relief
236. 70
1,800.00
GRAND TOTAL
$19,036. 70
Total Expenditures $49,804. 04
Less Federal funds 30,778. 14
Total expenditures from city appropriation
$19,025. 90
BALANCE at end of the year
10. 80
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE: Appropriated Plus refunds
$190,000. 00 1,807. 64
GRAND TOTAL
$191,807. 64
Total expenditures $333, 703. 29
Less Federal funds 141,991. 16
Total expenditures from city appropriation
$191,712. 13
BALANCE at end of the year
95. 51
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE:
Transfer from General Relief $ 3,000.00
Expenditures (one month December 1951)
2,152.78
BALANCE at end of the year
$ 952.82
PREVIOUS YEARS BILLS:
Appropriated: G. R. $1,021. 46 C. Inf. $63. 92 $ 1,085.38
Total expenditures
1,085.38
BALANCE at end of the year
0,000.00
OUTSIDE RELIEF:
Appropriated
$125,100.00 662. 57
Plus refunds
$125,762. 57
Less transfer $3, 000, 00 to D. A. $1, 800. 00 A. D. C.
4,800.00
$120,962. 57
Total expenditures:
Weekly Cash
$55,699. 71
Rent, Board and Care 13,688. 82
Clothing
1,292.59
Fuel 1,165.29
Medicine
15,583. 78
Towns, Cities and Inst. 15,141. 80
Total expenditures from city appropriation
BALANCE at end of the year
18,390.58
CITY INFIRMARY:
Appropriated $9,965. 00
9,965.00
14
$17,000.00
$102,571. 99
GRAND TOTAL
Annual Report
Total expenditures:
Salaries
$2,150. 00
Medical
245. 15
Food Supplies
5,779.29
Clothing
122.95
Fuel
550. 59
Light
139.08
Phone
88. 73
Other Bldg. Maint. & Operation
633. 10
Seeds and Fertilizer
35. 60
Total expenditures from city appropriation
BALANCE at end of the year
$9,744. 49 $ 220.51
Appropriated.
25.47
Insurance Workmen's Compensation City Infirmary Expenditure
25. 47
Balance
00. 00
ADMINISTRATION:
Appropriated
$285. 00
Total expenditures:
Janitor
$335. 00
Phone
375. 48
Office Supplies
1,456.08
Auto Maintenance
246.66
Transportation Outside Relief
159.68
Seeking Information
109.95
Purchase new car
1,399.95
Total expenditure
$4,082.33
Less Federal funds
3,797.33
Total expenditures from city appropriation
$285. 00
BALANCE at end of the year
000.00
TOTAL expenditures of City Money
Less Money received:
O. A. A. State
$134, 849. 28
A. D. C. State
17,084. 15
G. R. State
27,265. 71
G. R. Cities and Towns
10,270. 12
City Infirmary
1,719. 97
Miscellaneous
2,041. 75
Total receipts
$193,230. 98
Net cost to the city against total expenditures
146,574. 62
Total expenditures
519,575. 15
Federal
$179, 769. 55
33%
State, City and Towns
193,230. 98
38%
City of Attleboro
146,574. 62
29%
100%
$339, 805. 60
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Annual Report
REPORT OF PARK DEPARTMENT 1951
To the Board of Park Commissioners,
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my sixth annual report as Park Superintendent for the year 1951. The past year has been a year of accomplishments.
Visitors to Capron Park increased during the past year. I estimate that approximately 500, 000 people were the guests of Capron Park and Attleboro during the year. We have reached the limit of our present facilities to handle the crowds that enjoy the Park.
The fiftieth anniversary was held Labor Day and was a fitting celebra- tion to the growth of Capron Park from a wood lot to the beautiful grounds and friendly atmosphere that we are so justly proud of.
The Attleboro Museum Inc. completed the renovation of the Maraden Perry Casino and opened it to the public on October 15th. The efforts of the members of the Museum have brought to Capron Park and to Attleboro some- thing everyone can acclaim with pride.
In times like these, the need for relaxation and recreation is greater than ever and Capron Park fills this need for many thousands of people. The cost of maintaining the Park approximates one and two-tenths cents of each tax dollar and this is very low. The average cost of park maintenance in other cities of the United States is four and five tenths cents.
The lawns showed the results of our fertilizing and treatment for weeds and crab grass control. They were in better condition this summer than at any time in the past six years. This care must be continued in the years to come.
The zoo was again our big attraction. The Magoby monkeys really steal the show. These monkeys were a gift from Mrs. S. M. Stone, Jr. Our great need is for more space for our animals.
The tennis courts were busier than ever during the past year. The in- terest in tennis is very great. A petition sent to the Mayor and Council by the tennis players for new courts was referred to the Park Commissioners. This petition was answered by a request to the Mayor that money be made available to put in these new courts. Bob Cloutier again won the S. M. Stone Challenge Cup. Miss Joan Pilblad won the women's singles. Bob Cloutier and Ed Kelley combined to win the men's doubles.
16
Annual Report
For the first time in twenty-eight years the twilight league games were not played at Capron Park. Despite this the field was the scene of many interesting games. The Little Leaguers played at night and the Elks league during the day. The baseball outfield should be graded and seeded. We have recommended this in conjunction with the construction of new tennis courts.
The playground for the past summer was in charge of Miss Ruth Henderson and Norman Whyte. Attendance was high and another supervisor is recom- mended for next summer.
The band concerts were well attended and the band, with Jimmy Sullivan as m. c. , did an excellent job. The vocalists were Miss Lillian Poirier and Jimmy Sullivan and they were enthusiastically applauded.
Angell Park, Memorial Bridge, the Common and the other small areas under the supervision of the Park Department received their usual attention and care.
As is the case everywhere the cost of operating in 1951 showed an in- crease. This increased cost has not stopped but shows every indication of continuing during 1952. Our expenditures for 1951 totalled $31, 241. 23 of which $21, 074. 90 was spent for salary and wages and $10, 166. 33 for Other Expenses. This is broken down as follows:
Capron
Labor
Expense
Total
Capron Park
$12,409. 90
$6,394. 55
$18, 804. 45
Zoo
4,658.00
2,393.39
7,051. 39
Angell Park
788. 00
406. 48
1,194. 48
Common
1,915. 00
587. 75
2,502. 75
Memorial Bridge
643.00
201. 76
844. 76
Squares
661.00
182. 40
843. 40
$21,074. 90
$10, 166. 33
$31,241. 23
I realize that an increase in the cost of operating a department means an increase in taxes. It is our aim to obtain a dollar's worth of value for every dollar of the taxpayers money that we spend. The men and I take a great deal of pride in our department and we aim to maintain a better than average standard. We are working all the time to increase the beauty of the Park and to keep it clean and friendly. There are a number of things we need and I am listing them with an estimate of the costs.
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Annual Report
We would be interested in hearing what the public thinks of these recom- mendations. Naturally, public opinion is our guide and measuring stick and we sincerely solicit the opinion of the people of Attleboro on the fol- lowing improvements.
1. Regrading and seeding the outfield of the ball field. 1
2. Construction of two new tennis courts
a. Land for these tennis courts is available as the city owns land adjacent to the right field of the ball diamond.
b. The material excavated from the ball field can be used as fill for the tennis courts.
c. Loam, subsoil, and fence for the courts would have to be bought.
d. Park department employees would handle the labor using some of the heavy equipment owned by the Public Works Dept.
e. Some loam would be available from city-owned land in So. Attleboro.
Estimated Cost for these two projects --- $5, 500. 00.
3. Purchase of the Hinds property as a war memorial.
The City has no war memorial for either World War I or World War II Veterans. If this property should be purchased it would be developed as a picnic area with tables and fireplaces and walks through the grounds. The undesirable brush would be removed and plantings made of shrubs and evergreens. Main- tenance costs once this work is completed would not exceed $1, 000 per year.
Total estimated cost for land and development --- $25, 000.
4. Erection of New Animal Yards.
Our yards are now too congested for the safety of the animals. Yards spread over a larger area will give the public a better opportunity to watch the animals. The purchase of the Hinds property would make this project possible.
5. Purchase of playground equipment for Memorial Bridge and Angell Park. Cost estimated at $2, 500.
6. Enlarge the greenhouse.
Many plants that now have to be purchased would be grown from seed.
Total estimated cost at $1, 200.
7. Planting of specimen shrubs along Elmwood Avenue.
a. This would eliminate considerable maintenance costs.
b. This project would create considerable interest to many people.
Estimated cost -- $1, 500
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Annual Report
8. Reconstruct the wading pool.
a. The present pool is cracking and leaking.
b. It looks very shabby even when freshly painted.
c. It has had almost forty years of use.
Estimated cost at $4, 000
9. Replace the Grandstand.
a. The present grandstand is a wooden structure over twenty years old.
1b. The State Safety Commission is condemning wooden struc- tures and demanding their replacement with steel and con- crete.
Estimated cost at - $5, 000
It is not to be expected that these improvements will be accomplished in a year or two but they represent the hopes of the Commissioners and the Superintendent for the future development of Capron Park.
The cooperation and assistance we have received from other departments of the City have been of invaluable worth and I would like to express my grati- tude to Russell Tennant, Superintendent of Public Works and to his men, to Police Chief, Peter Marron and his officers, to the Fire Chief, Joseph Mowry and the firemen, and to Bill King and Harold Wellman of the Electrical Branch. This cooperation between departments often goes unmentioned but it saves the City 'considerable money in the course of a year.
My sincere thanks-not only for myself, but for the people of Attleboro, to the Park Commissioners, Messrs. Stone, Wolfenden and Sadler for the many things they do for the Park that are unknown to the citizens of the City. Attleboro is indeed fortunate to have men such as these to give so generously of their time and energy.
Respectfully yours,
Robert W. Sharkey, Jr. Superintendent. 1
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Annual Report
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT 1951
Honorable Cyril K. Brennan, Mayor and Members of the Municipal Council
Gentlemen:
A detailed report of the work accomplished by the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1951 is herewith submitted.
During the year the department was manned by a Chief, a Lieutenant, an Inspector, four Sergeants, twenty-four Patrolmen and three Reserve Patrolmen. A Police Matron was employed when circumstances required it. Also on the payroll are a Junior Building Custodian and seven retired Police Officers.
Equipment used by the department and on hand at the present time is:
1. One 1950 Ford sedan (used by the Chief)
2. Two 1950 Ford coaches (cruisers)
3. Two 1951 Ford coaches (cruisers)
4. Two 1948 Harley Davidson motorcycles
5. One 1949 Harley Davidson motorcycle
6. Radio receiver-transmitter KCA-887 in the station and 5 receiver- transmitter sets, one in each cruiser.
7. One police ambulance used in emergencies when the municipal ambulance is unavailable
In the course of the year, this department made 396 arrests for vari- ous offenses, mostly misde.neanors. There were 316 summonses answered for motor vehicle violations. Serious motor vehicle accidents which were investigated by this department totalled 245 in which there were 190 injuries requiring hospital or medical attention. Three fatalities marred the safety program for the year, two local residents and one out-of-town operator be- ing killed by these mishaps. There were 293 other accidents reported but, in most cases, only small property damage was involved.
The Registrar of Motor Vehicles suspended or revoked the licenses of 140 local people during the year either on complaint of this department or as a result of infractions in some other community. Most licenses were reinstated by the registrar shortly afterwards. About 750 warnings were given to motorists, who were detected by our traffic officers, for minor motor vehicle infractions.
In addition to the arrests made by this department, the officers made 4002 miscellaneous investigations. Quite a few of these complaints were needless but those that required attention were adjusted satisfactorily, in most cases, by the officers investigating. Most of the more serious
20
Annual Report
crimes were followed by quick arrests and successful prosecutions. There was a marked increase in juvenile delinquency over a year ago. Many of these cases were handled without court arraignment, as conferences among the child, his parents and police officials usually guided the delinquent from further trouble.
Parking facilities throughout the shopping areas present quite a pro- blem yet, especially during the holiday seasons. However, with the park- ing meters and several municipal parking areas this problem has been alleviated to some extent. The Department maintains four cruisers during the daytime, one around the center and one in the south end. The Inspector uses his car for investigations while the fourth car is used sparingly for school traffic details. During the early evening and throughout the night until 8 A. M. , three cruisers are operated, two in the up-town area and one in South Attleboro. For the most part, two men are used in each cruiser. They patrol the entire city constantly, checking traffic, making investiga- tions, and checking business and commercial establishments in the outside areas. Watchmen from 10 factories make phone calls to the station hourly during the night.
In February, one member of this department attended the State Police Training School at Framingham for a three-weeks course in police proce- dure and methods. Consequently, monthly meetings were held at the sta- tion where discussions and lectures were supervised by the Sergeants of the department. All members and several outsiders attended these meetings.
As a result of the election on November 6, the votors approved a ref- erendum giving this police department a five-day week, a factor which pre- vails extensively throughout the Commonwealth. This system is effective January 1, 1952 and five new men have been appointed to maintain the usual coverage.
In concluding, I wish to thank the Mayor and Council for their full cooperation and consideration shown this department during the year. I also want to express my appreciation for the cooperation given by the State Police and members of the motor vehicle registry department as well as departments of all adjacent towns. I am indeed grateful for the assistance shown me by the Justices and all others associated with the Fourth District Court. I also wish to compliment the Special Police organization for their keen interest and help to this department at various times during the past year.
-
Respectfully submitted,
Peter J. Marron
Chief of Police.
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Annual Report
ARRESTS MADE BY THIS DEPARTMENT FOR 1951
CRIME
MALE
FEMALE
TOTAL
Abandonment of family
1
1
Assault and Battery
18
1
19
Assault on Police Officer
1
1
Assault with a dangerous weapon
1
1
Assault with intent to commit rape
1
1
Breaking and Entering and Larceny
12
12
Contributing to deliquency of minor
10
10
Default warrant issuance
1
1
Delinquent child
27
1
28
Disturbance of the peace
4
4
Drunkenness
99
4
103
Fail to provide light and power for tenant
3
3
Fugitive from justice
2
2
Getting woman with child
2
2
Having in possession obscene pictures
1
1
Hunting without a license
2
2
Indecent exposure
1
1
Keeping a gaming house
1
1
Larceny
19
19
Larceny of automobile
1
1
L & L in speech and behavior
17
17
Malicious damage to property
1
1
Neglect to provide
17
17
Operating a motor vehicle negligently
47
1
48
Operating a motor vehicle under influence
34
2
36
Perjury
1
1
Present at gaming
7
7
Rape
4
4
Receiving stolen property
2
2
Resisting arrest (common law)
1
1
Setting up and promoting lottery
1
1
Tramp
4
4
Trespassing
2
2
Unatural act
12
12
Uttering threats
3
3
Violation, City Ordinance
1
1
Violation of probation
23
1
24
Violation of weekly payment law
1
1
TOTAL
385
11
396
1
1
Fail to register as selling agent
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Annual Report
MOTOR VEHICLE VIOLATIONS FOR WHICH SUMMONSES WERE ISSUED - 1951
VIOLATION
MALE FEMALE TOTAL
Allowing person to interfere w/ operation of a m. v.
2
2
Attaching plates assigned to another motor vehicle
1
1
Fail to keep to the right of a travelled way
1
1
Fail to slow at an intersection
2
2
Fail to stop on signal of a police officer
1
1
Fail to stop for a school bus picking up or discharging passengers
1
1
Leaving the scene after causing property damage
10
1
11
Operating motor vehicle after revocation of license
1
1
Operating motor vehicle without a license
26
2
28
Operating a motor vehicle without registration in possession
4
4
Operating a motor vehicle without a safety sticker
3
1
4
Operating a motor vehicle with improper brakes
1
1
Operating an uninsured motor vehicle
4
1
5
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle
4
1
5
Operating a motor vehicle at unreasonable rate of speed
219
6 225
Passing where the view is obstructed
2
2
Passing a red light
8
8
Passing a "stop sign" without stopping
12
12
Taking a motor vehicle without consent of the owner
2
2
TOTAL === 304
12 316
The State Police from the Wrentham barracks also made 15 arrests on out-of-state operators for various motor vehicle violations. Most of these violations occurred on Route 1 in South Attleboro.
SERIOUS ACCIDENTS -- 1951
No. of Accidents
Injuries
Fatals
Auto vs. Ambulance
1
1
Auto vs. Auto
121
99
Auto vs. Bicycle
12
8
Auto vs. Bus
1
Auto vs. Curbing
1
Auto vs. Fence
3
1
Auto vs. Gas Tank
1
Auto vs. House
1
Auto vs. Hydrant
3
Auto vs. Losing control
1
2
Auto vs. Motor Cycle
1
2
Auto vs. Passenger
8
9
Auto vs. Pedestrian
38
33
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Annual Report
SERIOUS ACCICENTS(Cont'd. )
No. of Accidents
Injuries
Fatals
Auto vs. Pole
16
12
2
Auto vs. Railroad Bridge
4
3
Auto vs. Sled
1
1
Auto vs. Stone Wall
1
Auto vs. Street light
2
Auto vs. Taxi
1
Auto vs. Tip over
5
3
1
Auto vs. Traffic Sign
5
2
Auto vs. Tree
4
2
Auto vs. Truck
11
10
Bus, vs. Passengers
1
1
Bus vs. Truck
1
Motor Cycle vs. Embankment
1
1
245
190
3
SERIOUS ACCIDENTS (by months)
MONTH
1951 ACCIDENTS
INJURIES
FATALS
JANUARY
17
13
FEBRUARY
14
14
MARCH
24
14
APRIL
23
15
MAY
22
10
1
JUNE
22
30
JULY
14
16
AUGUST
15
14
2
SEPTEMBER
17
13
OCTOBER
27
20
NOVEMBER
21
11
DECEMBER
29
20
245
190
3
Besides the accidents shown above in which there was serious property damage or serious injury there were 293 other accidents reported to this station in which there was minor property damage or very minor injury. In all of these cases, reports were filed at the station by the drivers concerned. It is disparaging to note the fact that there were three fatals during the year, 2 local residents, and one out of town driver.
ACTION BY THE REGISTRAR OF MOTOR VEHICLES
The Registrar took action on violations of Attleboro residents both for their operation locally and out of town. As a result of complaints to the Registrar, 55 residents had their licenses suspended or revoked;
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Annual Report
Action by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, Cont'd.
many local residents lost their rights temporarily as a result of out of town violations.
Summary:
Summonses issued on application of this department- 316
Registry action on complaint of this department- 55
Warnings given for minor infractions :: 739 I
Registry action on complaint of other departments- 1 (Either license suspension or revocation) 85 1
I Registrations suspended- 14
Suspension of the right to operate in this state 53 1
Licenses reinstated by the Registrar-
0
95
It is mandatory to revoke the license for a year of operators convicted of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intox- icating liquor. This department made 36 such convictions during the year; most violations were made by out of town or out of state operators.
Forty-eight operators lost their driving rights as a result of con- victions of operating a motor vehicle negligently so they might endanger the lives and safety of the public. The terms of these suspensions or revocations are discretionary with the Registrar.
The recapitulation shows that over 25% of those convicted for vio- lations of the motor vehicle laws were for serious offences.
INSPECTOR'S DIVISION
(As reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation)
OFFENCE
Number of actual offenses
Number of offenses cleared by arrest
BURGLARY
192
158
LARCENY (under $50)
185
119
LARCENY (over $50)
20
14
RAPE
4
4
AUTO THEFT
7
4
PERMITS ISSUED BY THE CHIEF - 1951
The Chief of Police issued the following permits and turned over the following amounts to the City Treasurer for the year 1951.
Revolver or pistol permits- 250 -$125. 00
Bicycles registered- 378 94. 50
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Annual Report
GOODS RECOVERED
During the year, goods and monies in the amount of $38,050. 19, were reported stolen or misappropriated. Of this total the value of $24, 703. 51 was recovered and returned to their owners. Besides the above, many articles of various values were found by this department or were brought to the station by persons finding them and returned to their rightful owners. Money was also brought into the station by fraternal organizations or athletic clubs during the year for safe-keeping. In several cases where goods had been stolen, arrests were made but there was no restitution.
RECREATION COMMISSIONERS 1951
To His Honor the Mayor and the Honorable Municipal Council:
During the year 1951, all of the athletic fields in charge of the com- mission were maintained in good playing condition, and the ordinary work of the department was carried on.
Hayward Field was given special attention in preparation for the Twilight League games which were played there for the first time in many years. Later in the season the grandstand was painted with two coats of the most durable paint obtainable; also, the removal of the hill obstructing the view of the park from North Avenue was started -- thus making it possible for a playground to be anticipated.
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