USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1951 > Part 3
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At Finberg, Hebronville, and Dodgeville, flagpoles were installed. A drinking fountain was installed at South Attleboro.
The activities at the Briggs Playground were handled in a most able manner by Helen Bruen, Audrey Liddell, Howard Rounseville, Howard O'Hare and Norman Meunier. Miss Bruen started each day with a reading hour for the younger children and carried on through the day with games and swimming for this age group. Howard O'Hare and Norman Meunier took care of the pro- grams for the older group. Miss Liddell and Mr. Rounseville conducted pro- grams in the South Attleboro, Hebronville, and Dodgeville playgrounds.
The season ended with a water festival for all the youngsters under the supervision of all the supervisors.
Respectfully submitted, William Liddell, Jr. - Chairman Frank Miller: Thomas Dube Walter White
26
Annual Report
REPORT OF CITY SOLICITOR 1951
To the Mayor and Municipal Council:
During the year 1951, the office of City Solicitor answered many varied legal problems confronting the various departments and the Municipal Council. This aspect of the office of City Solicitor is yearly augmenting.
There were two zoning cases tried in the Superior Court during the year 1951 , and both were disposed of" in this court. There were two tort cases involving city employees which were settled and dis- position was made under the indemnification statute which was ac- cepted by the City of Attleboro in 1948.
At the present time, the following cases are pending trial:
Ouilette v LaCroix
New Public Market, Inc. v. City of Attleboro
There are many zoning matters to be defended and prosecuted in the ensuing year. These are now listed for trial and in all prob- ability will be disposed of in the year 1952.
There is no attempt in this report to list in detail all of the work of this office for the year 1951, but I do wish to express my appreciation to the Mayor, his secretary. the department heads and the members of the Council that I have worked with during the course of the year.
Respectfully yours,
Francis M. Flaherty, City Solicitor
27
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF WIRES 1951
To His Honor, the Mayor, and Municipal Council:
City of Attleboro, Massachusetts
Dear Sirs:
I herewith submit the annual report of the Wire Inspection De- partment for the year ending December 31, 1951. During the past year, permits issued and inspections made were as follows: -
ELECTRICIANS INSPECTIONS RE-INSPECTIONS TOTAL INSP.
JANUARY
109
161
51
212
FEBRUARY
71
95
65
160
MARCH
102
134
62
196
APRIL
110
145
55
200 '
MAY
70
93
95
185
JUNE
115
138
110
248
JULY
85
93
80
173
AUGUST
100
134
120
254
SEPTEMBER
101
135
115
220
OCTOBER
130
190
110
200
NOVEMBER
121
181
108
289
DECEMBER
113
153
122
275
1,227
1,652
1,093
1,642
Again, Iwish to call the attention of the Citizens of this city to the very serious matter of overfusing of branch circuits. Fuses larger than those of the 15 ampere capacity should not be used for branch circuit pro- tection. If, after replacing a burned out fuse, they still continue to blow, a licensed electrician should be called in to correct the trouble to insure against damage to both life and property. In all instances, the electrical work should be placed in the hands of a licensed and competent electrician who is qualified to do the work.
I wish at this time to extend my sincere thanks to His Honor, the Mayor, members of the Municipal Council, Police and Fire Departments, the State Board of Examiners of Electricians and all who in any manner con- tributed to the operation of this department during the past year of 1951.
Respectfully submitted,
William S. King, Electrical Inspector City of Attleboro
28
Annual Report
REPORT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT 1951
To His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council:
Your Fire Department submit their Annual Report for the year 1951 and recommendations for the year 1952.
The Department has responded to the following alarms in 1951:
Alarms by Boxes. 65
Assembly.
2
Still Alarms
438
Total Calls.
505
CLASSIFICATION
440
Automobiles. 50
Hay Pile. .
1
Automatic Sprinklers .. 13
Hot Ashes.
1
Brush. .164
Inhalator. 6
Buildings, 43, Chimney Fires, 13
Lumber. 1
Ammonia Flue 1, Blow Torch 1
No. Fire.
19
Electrical Appliance 3, Electric
Out of City.
3
Motor 7, Electric Wires 6, Over-
Rescue Animal. 4
Rescue Person. 5
R. R. Car. 1
Broken Water pipe,. . . 10
Rope in Flag poles
8
Cord Wood.
1
Refrigerator.
2
Dumps. 25
Syphon. 4
False Alarms 19
Salvage.
6
Flushing Gas & Oil. 13
C. D. Demonstration
2
First Aid. 3
Bon Fire. 1
Fire Works.
2
Gas Pump
1
Gain Entrance. 25
505
Hose laid 24-250 ft. 2 1/2 in. 5250 ft. 1 1/2 in. raised 3-490 ft. of ladders. Water can 337, Boosters 230, Pyrenes 36, Oxygen Tanks, 9, Foamite 4, C. O. 2 -- 1, Boat 3.
Out of City Calls to North Attleboro. .
. . 3 times
Two 2nd. Alarm fires.
FIRE LOSS-1951
Value of Buildings at risk.
$1, 049, 610. 00
Value of Contents at risk 1,164,250.00
$2,213,860. 00
Insurance on Buildings. $2,776,800. 00
Insurance on Contents.
1,670,700.00
$4,447,500. 00
29
Heated Furnace 7, and oil burners 34 TOTAL 115
Annual Report
FIRE LOSS - Cont'd.
Loss on Buildings. $12,713. 20
Loss on Contents 2,342.51
$15, 055. 71
Insurance paid on Buildings. $12, 713. 20
Insurance paid on Contents 2,342. 51
$15,055. 71
Loss not covered by Insurance.
None.
RECOMMENDATIONS
We have recommended an increase in wages for the Officers and Men, which we feel justified in doing as our wages are below the standard paid in local Industry.
If this increase can not be granted, we recommend a cost of living bonus of $1. 00 per day. We may add that in comparison with other Fire Department throughout the State we have the distinction of being under paid.
ESTIMATED EXPENSES.
Salary and Wages
Appropriated. 1951.
.$230,000. 00
Total Expended and Transferred. 228,069.90
Net Balance. 1951
1,930.10
RECOMMENDATIONS -1952
Chief.
$4,500. 00. $4,500.00
4-Deputy Chiefs.
4,,000. 00. 16,000.00
7-Captains. .
3,600. 00. 25,200.00
1- Master Mechanic 4,000.00.
4,000.00
2-Lieutenants. 3,600. 00. 7,200.00
66-Permanent Men. 3,200. 00. 211,200.00
$268,100. 00
APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT
The past year, 1951, we received delivery of a 750 Gal. Triple Combination pumping Engine. Ordered in 1950, replacing the 1918 Engine. A 1951 Tractor and Ladders replaced the 1924 Tractor, a New 600 Gal. pumping unit replaced the 500 Gal. worn out rotary pump on Engine #3. A 1951 Deputy Chief's Car was purchased. Engine #5 has been painted. A new 250 Gal. water tank replaces a leaking 160 Gal. tank on Ladder #3.
To complete our replacement program, as recommended last year, an appropriation is recommended to purchase a 750 Gal. Triple Combination Pumping Engine to replace Engine #2. This 1926 Engine is in poor condition and we are doubtful if it will last to operate until a delivery of a replacement can be made.
30
Annual Report
STATIONS
The Union Street Station must be repaired this year. In the past five years we have been advised not to spend money in unkeep as a new station was contemplated. This station was built in 1898 and the floor was never designed to carry the load of our present apparatus. Considering the valu- ation of apparatus and Fire Alarm Equipment in this station, we recommend that a cement floor replace the wood floor, new doors installed and a general upkeep repair be made.
We recommend The Twin Village Station be painted this year.
HOSE
We recommend the purchase of one thousand feet of two and one half inch hose.
APPAREL
Apparel. 81 Men at $50. 00 Each. . $4,050. 00
Apparel Account. 100.00
$4,150. 00
RECOMMENDATIONS
EXPENDED 1951
NEEDED
1952
MAINT OF EQUIPMENT
AUTOS.
$3,506. 26
$3,500. 00
STATION. Plus Radio Charge $400. 00
2,673.28.
3,400.00
HOSE
2,002. 18.
2,000.00
APPAREL
2,316.05.
4,150.00
ALL OTHERS
323. 77
300.00
$10,821. 54
$13,350. 00
OTHER EXPENSES:
LIGHT.
$
687. 50.
$ 725.00
PHONE
1,380. 27
1,300.00
WATER
141. 26
150.00
FUEL ..
3,220.25
3,500.00
OFFICE.
102. 75
100.00
OUT OF STATE CONFERENCES.
100.00
100.00
$5,632. 03
$5,875.00
NEW EQUIPMENT
750-Gallon TRIPLE COMBINATION.
$18,000. 00
REPAIRS-UNION ST. STATION. 10,000.00
REPAIRS-TWIN VILLAGE STATION 1,200.00
31
Annual Report
AMBULANCES
We are pleased to cooperate and assist the Sturdy Hospital in operating the Ambulances.
This year the Ambulances have answered 433 Calls and Traveled 5, 767 miles.
FIRE PREVENTION, INSPECTIONS AND REVENUES
To prevent a fire before it starts. That is Fire Prevention. To accomplish this we have to have the cooperation of our citizens. We have conducted over six hundred inspections this year of school, factories, places of Public Assembly and oil burner installations in homes.
Revenue from issuring permits for the storage of fuel oil, blasting and fireworks amount to $146. 50 in 1951 to the City Treasurer.
RADIO
We have recommended an appropriation of $400. 00 added to our Stations Account to pay for Necessary change over charges.
CIVIL DEFENSE
We must build and improve our Department to meet Civil Defense requirements.
Our recommendations are based on these requirements and we hope financial assistance from State and Government sources will help defray recommended expenditures.
APPRECIATION
During the year, several organizations and individuals have assisted our Department in many ways.
At this time we record our appreciation and thanks to the Red Cross, and the doctors who assisted us in many ways with their kindness during fires.
As always, the Police Department has assisted us at fires and with radio, their cooperation has been excellent.
His Honor the Mayor, Cyril K. Brennan, members of the Municipal Council, our committee Fire and Police, have studied our requests for improvements and have assisted materially to keep our Department in working condition satisfactory to the Insurance Underwriters.
Attleboro Fire Department, Board of Fire Engineers,
Joseph O. Mowry, Chief Charles G. Thomae, Clerk Hayward H. Sweet.
32
Annual Report
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' BENEFITS 1951
To His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council:
I submit herewith a report for the year ending December 31, 1951:
Paid Veterans' Benefits $41,529. 90 Expended for Burials 150.00
$41,679. 90
Administration:
Salaries and Wages $ 3,250. 00
Other Expenses 522. 18
Average number of cases 55
Families helped with cash and
food vouchers- 147
Additional Veterans or families
seeking aid or information -- 159
We keep on file folders containing Photostatic Copy of all Discharges, Copies of Application, and complete proof of all Marriages, Births, Deaths, Divorces, of all members of every family helped. These folders are checked by Inspector from the Commissioner's office.
Each application for aid is made in duplicate and copy held in this office. Original is sent to Commissioner's office for approval. All cases must be approved by Commissioner before payment is made.
We assist in filling out forms required of individuals whether they are given aid or not. Mrs. Fisher, secretary of this office is a Notary Public, and when it is necessary to notarize forms, she does so without charge.
The Commissioner's Office has been very helpful in settling difficult and unusual cases.
Respectfully submitted,
Arthur B. Cummings, Veterans' Benefits Agent
33
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARM 1951
Board of Fire Engineers, Fire Department, City of Attleboro, Mass.
Dear Sirs:
I herewith submit the annual report of the Electrical Branch of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1951.
NEW BOXES INSTALLED NEW LOCATIONS
Box
423
Thacher School
James Street
3111
Bates Block
North Main St.
3112
Y. M. C. A.
North Main St.
3113
Mossberg Pressed Steel Co. ,
West St.
11
6112
London's Department Store
Emory St.
11
7112
Metals & Controls = 11
Forest St.
11
7114
11
Grinell Road
11
7121
Augat Building
Perry Ave.
11
5211
South Ave. & Hanisch St.
South Ave. & Carlon St.'
Hanisch St. & Hillcrest St.
OLD BOXES REPLACED WITH NEW TYPE
74-315-325-513
A new 1000 gallon gasoline tank was purchased and installed by the department underground at the rear of the Union St. Station. A new three wire 110/220 volt service was installed in the Fire Alarm store house and an electric dispencing pump placed in service.
New wire and cross arms were installed during the year on the lower end of North Avenue and slack wire pulled. Box 48 was moved from its old location to a new position approximately 125 feet east of the old one to take advantage of a corner street light.
New six conductor #14 R. R. Cable was installed underground on North Main Street north from Park Street to Simmons Shop. The old cable being in'poor condition and could not be relied upon. The cable from the aerial line underground to the Finberg School was also renewed, having been dam- aged considerably by lightening.
The sprinklers in the Richardson and Finberg Schools were connected to the fire alarm system on November 17th giving added protection to the school property.
34
4112
Public Works Garage Wall St.
7113
Gustin Ave.
5212
5213
Annual Report
Many poles and outside equipment were changed over during the year and numerous repairs made due to the action of violent lightning and wind storms. All outside equipment and fire alarm boxes were painted and overhauled and placed in first class condition. Two new 3-inch creosoted wood ducts were installed underground across South Main Street from the Central Fire Station.
A total of 310 Underwriter and service calls to the various factories connected to the system have been made during the past year and the re- quired tests made in conjunction.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Under the above heading, I would refer to our report of 1949 on page 49 of the Annual Reports of the City of Attleboro and urge that these same recommendations be serious consideration in the new future.
The present fire alarm circuits are reaching their limit of safe carrying capacity and should be split up in two or more extra circuits. This entails added line construction and cable work, also new switch- board and battery facilities. This must be done eventually to keep step with the expanded growth of the city. This work may be accomplished with less expense by doing a little each year in place of waiting until it would all have to be done at once under a far greater expenditure.
In concluding this report, I wish to thank Chief Joseph O. Mowry, the Board of Fire Engineers, the officers and men of both the Police and Fire Departments, the City Forester and all who in the past year of 1951 have assisted and co-operated with us in the successful operation of this department.
Respectfully submitted, William S. King Superintendent of Fire Alarm, Electrical Branch, Attleboro Fire Department. ,
35
Annual Report
REPORT OF ATTLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY 1951
To His Honor the Mayor, Mr. Cyril K. Brennan and the Council of the City of Attleboro,
Gentlemen:
Your Trustees are pleased to be able to report to you a most productive year in the activities of the Library.
The Library now has a book stock of 68, 183 volumes, 162 peri- odicals, 10 Newspapers, and 163, 263 (approx) pictures available for the recreational and educational needs of the community. The total circula- tion amounted to 110, 176 showing a gain of 3774 volumes. It is interest- ing to note that non-fiction accounted for 50. 5% of the total circulation, a compliment to the educational value of the library as well as to our citizenship. Few communities of our size can surpass this average.
From the main Library, five branches are operated including a much appreciated service to our Hospital. Much thought and selection is given to this part of the work in order to meet the needs of the locations which is being served.
The Children's department has been given attention, both in the se- lection of books and artistic displays interpretting the meanings of his- torical, biblical and current events.
Repairs are of course always with us. The ceilings in the left and right wings of the building complained of their long use which necessitated a major job of repair and painting. The construction of most of the Bran- ches are such that constant repairs are n essary in order to keep them functioning.
Most of us think of the library as a place to get books. The increased cost of the ordinary books and the always high price of technical books puts a great strain on our book fund and we regret that this fund is inadequate to meet the needs of the community.
The success of any operation is in its staff. The loyalty and com- petence of our present staff is of a most superior quality. We wish to express to them our sincere gratitude, and hope with them that compara- ble compensation will be forthcoming.
The time cannot be much further extended for the provision of more space, if the library is to meet the growing needs of the community.
Respectfully submitted, Trustees of the Attleboro Public Library, Joseph L. Sweet Memorial. Ethel H. Barden, Secretary.
36
Annual Report
To the Board of Library Trustees:
Seventy-five years ago on October 4, 1876, a small group of librarians met at the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia and organized the American Library Association. Justin Winsor, the distinguished historian and bibliographer was chosen president. The 75 years of pro- fessional association have developed standards of librarianship in tech- niques, in scholarship, in organization: all with the goal of better com- munity service.
Just twenty years after, the founding of the American Library Associ- ation, the Attleboro Public Library appointed its first trained librarian, Miss Letitia Allen. The town report for 1896 comments "we feel sure that as the public becomes better acquainted with the new order of things, the use of the library in an educational way will be greatly increased. "
In 1951, American libraries are observing the 75th anniversary of this professional association, not by encomiums on the past, but by urging Americans to think about their heritage in terms of its contemporary ap- plication, "The Heritage of the U. S. A. in times of crisis. "
As a part of this heritage, the Attleboro Library serves the educa- tional and recreational needs of the community. By its organization, its administration and its principles of book selection, the library is one of the chief exponents of the idea that free minds made a free people.
The library now has a book stock of 68, 183 volumes, 162 periodicals, 10 newspapers, and 163, 263 (approx. ) pictures available for the recreational and educational needs of the community.
The total circulation from all agencies was 44, 630 books and maga- zines loaned to adults; 65, 546 were loaned to children, a total of 110, 176, a gain of 3774 volumes. Non-fiction accounted for 50. 5% of the total cir- culation with gains in the use of philosophy, the social sciences, language, and natural science and fine arts (including music. ) The circulation of adult fiction dropped 15. 8%. There was an increase in the number of pic- tures circulated (5501 circulated), and also in the use of pamphlets (1171 circulated. )
The number of new borrowers has also increased at the central li - brary as well as at the branches; there were 480 new adults, and 265 chil- dren registered during 1951 at the main library.
Space limitations prevent the inclusion of full departmental and branch reports. However, digests of the reports are as follows: Work with Children:
The Children's room, aside from its function of supplying books for boys and girls and their parents, coordinates all the work with young- sters in the branches and through school contacts.
37
Annual Report
Work with Children: (Cont'd)
There is a developing use of the library by teachers who are urged to make their own selection of collections for classroom use. An increasing number of classes are coming to the library for intro- duction to the collection and instruction in the use of library tools, such as the basic reference books and the card catalog. The spring and fall book festivals have had outstanding displays, and the 50th anniversary observance of the Beatrix Potter books delighted grown- ups as well as children by a scene of the Peter Rabbit family at home under an old fir tree. A successful experiment with cardboard and cloth figures depicted the Holy Family and the journey of the Wise Men, as the Christmas theme.
It is with regret that the library accepted the resignation of E. Lu- cille Paquette as Children's Librarian. Matrimony, however, has always been an occupational hazard of children's librarians; with our best wishes go appreciation of the good sense, skill, and good humor that Miss Paquette brought to her work.
Jean Withers, a member of the staff for several years, with special training at the summer sessions at Pennsylvania State College, has been promoted to the position of Children's Librarian. Alice Hoyle, who special field is work with the schools, and with the teen-age group, will continue as co-worker.
Washington Branch:
At Washington Branch, Dorothy Robinson and Edna Guillette have also made efforts to develop the interest of teen-age readers.
For the younger grades, class visits to the library have been arranged, and a vacation reading club conducted.
The branch picture collection has had increasing use this year, and ad- ditions have been made to the collection, particularly in the field of United States history, travel and holiday material.
A long overdue paint job was attended to, through the cooperation of the school department which supplied the labor. The outside of the building is bright and gay; the shabby condition of the interior cries for a simi- lar face lifting.
Tiffany Branch:
The circulation is almost wholly juvenile at Tiffany. The new veteran's housing development in the vicinity will bring a much larger population group, and plans are being made to give publicity to the fact that the branch is not a class-room project, but is equipped to serve adult mem- bers of the community as well. Edna Guillette is librarian, assisted by Alice Kingman.
38
Annual Report
South Attleboro Village Library:
The location, in the Legion Hall, appears to be unsuitable for maxi- mum use. The steep stairs make it difficult for the neighboring adults to use, and the juvenile population is not sufficient to warrant the expense of up-keep. It is hoped that more satisfactory arrange- ments for real service may be made in 1952.
Hebronville Branch Library:
This branch is a good potential. The school cooperation is excellent, and reading interests for boys and girls have been stimulated by class visits to the library and by librarian visits to the class rooms, as well as by frequent changes of displays, and new collections of books and pictures. The building and grounds, however, are poor advertisements for any civic function. Some slight remodeling of an adjoining unused room would relieve the cramped reading room and eliminate the crowding of groups of children in front of one book case. The ramshackle fence which partially surrounds the property should be replaced, and something could be done with paint and sim- ple planting, to relieve the desolate appearance.
The branch librarian, Helen Claflin, feels that the branch might well serve as examples of civic neatness and responsibility, as well as service. The collection numbers about 1500 books, the circula- tion for 1951 was 11, 423, from a registration of 303 borrowers.
With some attention to the physical set-up, the branch may attract more adults in the community.
Sturdy Hospital:
Library service to the hospital has continued to provide diversion for patients and to circulate books to hospital personnel. Marion Moore, the hospital librarian, reports that from the book stock of 600 volumes (500 for adults, 100 for children's reading) 2581 - volumes were loaned, while from the magazine subscriptions so generously provided by local firms and individuals, there was a circulation of 1061.
Books for the hospital collection are selected chiefly from the an- notated lists of the Hospital Book Guide and by personal recommenda- tions of staff members.
The Main Library:
Visitors to the main library building have rejoiced in new look pro- vided by the continuance of the painting project begun two years ago.
39
Annual Report
The Main Library-Cont'd.
No attempt was made to reproduce the highly decorative borders of the original ornamentation, but care was taken to select pleasing col- ors which would lighten the walls, yet avoid an institutional flatness. All wall spaces on the main floor have been redecorated (Some for the first time since the building was opened in 1907, ) as well as the children's room, and portions of lower stack and storage space. It is hoped that the main entrance, hallway, and the lecture hall may be taken care of in 1952.
Another item for consideration is the heating system which is most unsatisfactory either in terms of comfort or economy in use of fuel. Some way is urgently needed to provide heat in the children's room where there is a perpetual chill, without making the rooms on the main floor almost unbearably hot.
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