USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1952 > Part 2
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Treasury Bond
62. 50
62.50
62.50
22,022.50
19,715. 99
21,830.05
2,306.51
22,022.50
"Be not weary of well doing". That admonition can furnish inspiration to us all during 1953. Let us seek Devine guidance in our efforts, to the end that our success may be assured.
BOARD OF MANAGERS, ATTLEBOROUGH HOSPITAL, INC. Operating Sturdy Memorial Hospital for the City of Attleboro
Members Ex-Officio, 1952
Victor R. Glencross
Cyril K. Brennan, Mayor
William Marshall, City Treasurer
Harold Sweet
Bertram O. Lambert,
President of Municipal Council
C. W. Cederberg, Chairman
Rathbun Willard John McIntyre
Samuel M. Stone
. 11
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE ZONING BOARD 1952
To His Honor the Mayor and the Honorable Municipal Council of the City of Attleboro:
During the calendar year 1952 the Board of Appeal held fifteen regular and seventeen special meetings. It considered twenty-seven applications and appeals, of which twenty-two were granted, in whole or in part, four were de- nied, and one is pending. Detailed statistics of the Board for the calendar year 1952 are as follows:
1950
1951
1952
Number of regular meetings
17
16
15
Number of special meetings
19
17
17
Total applications or appeals filed
45
48
27
Granted (in whole or in part)
31
35
22
Denied
13
10
4
Withdrawn (or otherwise disposed of)
0
0
0
Applications or appeals pending at end of calendar year
1
3
1
Respectfully submitted,
Elmer E. Tufts, Jr.
Chairman
Clarence D. Roberts
Member
Charles E. Judge
Member
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Annual Report
REPORT OF THE CITY COLLECTOR 1952
-
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Municipal Council:
I herewith submit the annual report of the City Collector for the year 1952.
The total amount collected and paid to William Marshall, City Treasurer, is $2, 266. 612. 83, divided as follows:
Real Estate Taxes
$1,569, 984. 22
Personal Property Taxes
128,885. 51
Poll Taxes
13,132.00
Motor Vehicle Excise
148,424. 36
Betterments
11,465. 58
Committed Interest
604. 88
Water Rates
Pipe & Labor Charges
164,830. 84 7,754.66 69. 51
Highway
Welfare
200,383. 48
School
11,027.25
Health
3,105.01
Public Property
751. 00
Fishing Permits-Orr's Pond
57.00
Water Liens added Taxes
1,411. 76
Return of Taxes Abated (Cl. 18, Ch. 59)
388. 46
Interest on Taxes and Water
2,669.36
Costs on Taxes and Water
1,667.95
Following is a list of the outstanding accounts as of December 31, 1952: -
Real Estate Taxes'
$83,473. 78
Personal Property Taxes
2,795. 89
Poll Taxes
162. 00
Motor Vehicle Excise
26,897. 14
Betterments
4,813.37
Committed Interest
100. 67
Water Rates
3,966.63
Pipe & Labor Charges
1,664.80
Highway
74. 94
Public Property
253.00
School
347. 50
Welfare
7,374. 42
Water Liens added 1952 Taxes
934. 28
$132, 858. 42
Respectfully submitted,
Doris L. Austin, City Collector
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Annual Report
REPORT OF CITY FORESTER 1952
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Municipal Council
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit the report of the Forestry Department for the year ending December 31, 1952.
The chief problem of the Forestry Department this past year has been the fight against the Dutch elm disease. We realize, of course, that this pest can never be completely eradicated, but it can be controlled. It is our duty to use every means at our disposal to save Attleboro's beautiful elms. The Superintendent of this department has received valuable help from the County, Federal, and State conferences. The cooperation of all agencies is essential in this emergency. Ninety per cent of our spraying for-the Dutch elm disease is carried on at night. A flood light and generator would make it possible to do all of this type of spraying after sunset, thus increasing the efficiency of our efforts.
The demand for trees which this department has supplied to home owners each year is greater than ever. We are glad of the continued interest in our work, but the required time, money, and labor limit us in this activity. We propose in the near future to meet this request for trees by starting a nursery in some of the unused city-owned land, preferably at the city infirmary.
Roadside brush cutting is another important part of our duties, along with the removal of dangerous limbs and decayed trees.
Respectfully submitted,
Warren P. Hofmann City Forester
14
Annual Report
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE 1952
To His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council, Attleboro, Mass.
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, 1952 is herewith sub- mitted.
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, Mass. for the Department of Public Welfare was $166, 632. 98 as against a gross expenditure for the entire year of $568, 904. 36.
A detailed statement of receipts and expenditures for the entire year is attached.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE - 1952
APPROPRIATED
321,885. 64
Plus additional appropriation
42,160. 98
Plus refunds
3,091.29
GRAND TOTAL
367,, 137. 91
Total expenditures
568,904. 36
Less Federal funds
202,582. 15
Total expenditures from city appropriation
366,322.21
BALANCE at end of the year
815. 70
SALARIES:
Appropriated
9,920.40
Plus additional appropriation
897. 40
GRAND TOTAL
10,817. 80
Total expenditures
18,262.00
Less Federal funds
7,444.20
Total expenditures from city appropriation
10,817. 80
BALANCE at end of the year
00,000.00
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Annual Report
COST OF LIVING BONUS
Appropriated (8 @ $100. 00)
800.00
Total expenditures
800.00
BALANCE at end of the year
000.00
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN:
Appropriated
29,, 265. 69
Plus additional appropriation Plus refunds
281.85
GRAND TOTAL
33,047.54
Total expenditures
55,676.66
Less Federal funds
22,629.12
Total expenditures from city appropriation
33,047.54
BALANCE at end of the year
00,000.00
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE:
Appropriated
182,850.00
Plus additional appropriation
12,728.38
Plus refunds
1,961.94
GRAND TOTAL
197,540.32
Total Expenditures
358,788. 75
Less Federal funds
161,502. 36
Total expenditures from city appropriation
197,286.39
BALANCE at end of the year
253.93
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE:
Appropriated
9,971.03
Plus additional appropriation
10,540.20
Plus refunds
190. 98
GRAND TOTAL
20,702.21
Total expenditures
31,708.68
Less Federal funds
11,006.47
Total expenditures from city appropriation
20,702.21
BALANCE at end of the year
00,000.00
PREVIOUS YEARS BILLS (1951)
Appropriated
1,673.52
Total expenditures
1,616.36
BALANCE (check returned account paid)
57. 16
OUTSIDE RELIEF:
Appropriated
74,600.00
Plus additional appropriation Plus refunds
656. 52
GRAND TOTAL
13,000.00
88,256.52
16
3,500 .. 00
Annual Report
OUTSIDE RELIEF: (continued)
Total expenditures:
Weekly cash
33,072. 25
Rent, Board & Care
19,953. 87
Clothing
1,551. 24
Fuel
1,645.85
Medicine
17,381. 02
Towns, Cities & Inst.
14,119. 34
Burials
575. 00
Total expenditures from city appropriation
88,199. 57
BALANCE at end of the year
56.95
CITY INFIRMARY:
Appropriated
10,095.00
Plus additional appropriation
1,495.00
GRAND TOTAL
11,590.00
Total expenditures:
Salaries
2,150.00
Medical
180. 98
Food Supplies
5,294.04
Clothing
174. 92
Fuel
804. 49
Light
156. 62
Phone
84. 88
Other Bldg. Maint. & Operation
622. 45
Seeds & Fertilizer
81.65
Workmen's Compensation
40. 15
New oil burner and furnace
1,495.00
Total expenditures from city appropriation
11,085.18
BALANCE at end of the year
504. 82
COST OF LIVING BONUS:
Appropriated (1 @ $100. 00)
100.00
Total expenditure
100.00
BALANCE at end of the year
000.00
ADMINISTRATION:
Appropriated
2,610.00
Total expenditures:
Janitor
269. 90
Phone
456. 39
Office Supplies
1,903.83
Auto Maintenance
253. 58
Transportation (outside relief)
343. 86
Seeking Information
101. 43
Total expenditures
3,328. 99
Less Federal funds
718. 99
Total expenditures from city appropriation
2,610.00
BALANCE at end of the year
0,000.00
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Annual Report
Total expenditures of city money . 366,322.21
Less money received:
O. A. A. State
150,461. 53
A. D. C. State
15,219.77
D. A. State
7,936.09
G. R. State
16,360. 31
G. R. and O. A. A. Cities & Towns
6,579.98
City Infirmary
1,317.00
Miscellaneous
914. 55
Total receipts
198,789. 23
Net cost to the city
166,632 .. 98
Total expenditures:
567,004.36
FEDERAL
202,582. 15
36%
State, Cities & Towns
198,789. 23
35%
City of Attleboro
166,632. 98
29%
568,904.36
100%
18
Annual Report
REPORT OF PARK DEPARTMENT 1952
To the Park Commissioners, Attleboro, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my seventh annual report as Superintendent of Capron Park for the year 1952.
Capron Park as a popular place for visitors has again surpassed all previous years. We estimate that over 250, 000 visited our park during the past year. They come with their lunch baskets, blankets, chairs, tables and cots and spend the day. Most of the people that come to the Park are very co-operative and considerate of others and their co-operation makes our work a pleasure. However there are al- ways a few who consider no one but themselves and they are responsible for the discomfit of many.
The drought each year, with a receding water table, is causing untold trouble to our trees and shrubs, This condition is affecting all of New England and there is a necessity for considerable thought and planning to restore and save water. The loss of shrubs, plants and grass which need water to survive is costly. It is my humble opinion that the necessity for compounding water to prevent the runoff is imperative and becomes more so every day. Attleboro is only one of a thousand places so affected.
The animals of the Zoo are the center of attraction at Capron Park. During 1952 we had a few additions to the zoo, namely, raccoons, mandarin ducks, aoudads or barberry sheep, and pigeons. We were very unfortunate in that we lost our baby bison at birth. The animals are not only interesting but they also have an educa- tional value. The TV rating of Zoo Parade on Sundays is my further reference. I have requested money in my budget to purchase more new animals for the Zoo.
I believe that the portion of the tax money which is spent in Capron Park probably reaps the greatest appreciation. I further believe that the taxpayers would be loud in their protests should Capron Park be allowed to retrogress through lack of money for its upkeep. I would like very much to present this problem to the people through the medium of the press and radio and determine what is the popu- lar opinion.
Each year I figure out a budget that is my estimation of what it will cost to operate the department. This figure is first cut by you as Park Commissioners then further cut at City Hall. I am then faced with the problem of figuring ways and means of accomplishing the work that is necessary and still keeping within the budget figure. Our operation costs figure approximately eighty cents of the tax dollar. This is very much lower than the average on a nation-wide comparison. I would like to see the question put to the voters at the next municipal election as to whether they would favor $1. 00 of their tax money spent at the Park. This would have given us $40, 700 in 1952 an increase of $7, 000 over what we were
19
Annual Report
alloted. Think of what this would have meant to Capron Park. If we knew that we would receive this amount each year, then the improvements we wish to make could be outlined and planned for.
My recommendations for the future development of the Park have been previ- ously presented to you with an estimated cost. I do not believe that these estimates will vary too much at this time as prices seem to have reached a nation safety peak.
I earnestly request that you give this matter serious thought. It would be an inovation for Attleboro but it is in operation in many cities throughout the country.
My budget money for 1952 was spent in the following manner:
Labor
Other Expenses
Capron Park
$14,717. 11
$6,418. 21
Zoo
5,975.87
2,245. 83
Common
1,868.53
432. 80
Angell Park
587. 60
293. 43
Memorial Bridge
894. 63
337. 63
Memorial Squares
420. 80
116. 80
$21,464. 54
$9,844. 70
The total figure in the Other Expenses account includes the $400 which was allowed for gasoline for the department. There was a balance of $10. 46 left in our Salaries account and $. 30 left in Other Expenses.
I wish to thank the other departments of the City for their co-opeartion and assistance during the past year. Without this co-operation many of the things we did could not have been done. Thanks - Chief Mowry, Chief Marron, Superintendent King, Superintendent Tennant and Superintendent Hofmann and thanks to your men.
My thanks to the Mayor and Municipal Council for their understanding of the problems that just seem to happen.
To the men of my department I cannot say "thanks" enough. I am most fortunate to have working for me and for the citizens of Attleboro men who give so much more than a day's work.
Messrs. Stone, Wolfenden and Sadler - my thanks for your wise counsel and assistance. The time you take from your busy lives, and the many things you do to make Capron Park a better place for the people of Attleboro is only repaid by the sense of satisfaction you obtain from so doing. Calvin Coolidge expressed this better than I can do when he said, "You receive praise for what you give, not what you receive. "
Respectfully yours,
Robert W. Sharkey Superintendent
20
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT 1952
Honorable Cyril K. Brennan, Mayor and Members of the Municipal Council
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit the report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1952.
For the most part, the department was operated by a Chief, 1 Lieu- tenant, 1 Inspector, 5 Sergeants, 23 Patrolmen, 6 Reserve or Temporary patrol- men and 1 Custodian. A Police Matron was called several times during the year to care for female prisoners.
The department has the following equipment which was in use during the year:
1. One 1950 Ford Sedan used by the Chief.
2. Four 1952 Ford Tudors used as cruisers.
3. Two 1948 Harley Davidson motorcycles.
4. One 1949 Harley Davidson motorcycle.
5. One radio receiver-transmitter, KCA-887, in the station and 5 receiver-transmitter mobile units, one in each cruiser.
6. One patrol wagon used for traffic work.
7. One police ambulance used in emergencies when the municipal ambulance usually used in unavailable.
During the past year, this department made 442 arrests for various crimes, most of which were misdemeanors. There were 290 summonses answered by violators of the motor vehicle laws. Serious automobile accidents investigated by this department totaled 245 in which there were 211 injuries re- quiring hospital or medical treatment. The safety program was marred by 2 fatal accidents, one in an automobile accident and one caused by injuries received in a motor cycle mishap. There were 305 other minor accidents reported to this department most of which involved only minor property damage.
Besides the arrests made by this department, officers investigated 5065 miscellaneous complaints. Many of these were of a needless or trivial nature, but those that required attention were adjusted satisfactorily in most cases. Many juvenile investigations were handled without court action as con- ferences were held in the police station between officers and the parties involved.
The Municipal Council created a new post in the Police Department on October 28, 1952, that of Parking Meter Supervisor. This I believe will go into effect the first of the year 1953.
21
Annual Report
Parking has eased somewhat by the creation of two private parking areas but the parking conditions still constitute quite a problem. To alleviate this problem I recommend that 25-30 spaces be reserved in each parking lot on lower Sanford St. and North Main St. for shoppers. These spaces should not be used by any individual for more than three hours.
It has been shown that it is much more economical for the City to buy all new cruisers each year instead of holding some over for use in the second year. At the same time the efficiency of the equipment is greatly improved. In view of this fact I recommend that funds be appropriated to cover the cost of all new cars for 1953.
A Finger-print and Photography laboratory has been set up under the supervision of Patrolman Robert McCracken. A permanent file is maintained and as a result of this work several crimes have been solved which probably would not have been if this new feature were non-existent.
During the year several classes were held in the guard room under the supervision of Sergts. Raymond Gazzola and John Hardt. Instruction of police procedure, criminal law, motor vehicle law and other phases of police work were undertaken. General discussion followed these meetings.
Each year the State Police Training School sponsors a 4 week course for general instruction to police officers throughout the state. This course is practi- cally the same one which is given to members of the State Police before their appointments and covers every angle of police work. I recommend that it be com- pulsory for each newly appointed officer in this department to attend this school at city expense.
In conclusion I want to express my hearty thanks to the Mayor and Coun- cil for their cooperation shown this department for the year just ended. I also wish to thank the State Polcie, Registry of Motor Vehicles and its employees, members of adjacent police departments, members of the Judiciary, particularly of the Fourth District Court, and members of the Special Police organization for their great assistance during the year.
Respectfully submitted, Peter J. Marron, Chief of Police
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Annual Report
NUMBER OF ARRESTS AND NATURE OF OFFENSES
OFFENSE
MALE
FEMALE
Accosting a female
1
Assault and battery
23
Assault with a dangerous weapon
2
Assault with intent to rape
1
Assault on a police officer
1
Breaking, enterng and larceny
6
City Ordinances, violation of
13
1
Conspiracy to register bets
2
Delinquency
21
1
Disturbance of the peace
13
Drunkenness
107
2
Family, abandonment of
1
Fornication
1
1
Fluids, storing inflammable
1
Getting woman with child
2
Junk, collecting without a license
2
Larceny
36
Larceny of Automobile
1
Larceny by fraudulent check
2
Lewd and lascivious person
6
1
Lewd and lascivious cohabitation
1
1
Lottery tickets, possession of
1
Lottery, setting up and promoting
2
Malicious damage to property
2
Motor vehicle, using without consent of owner
1
Neglet of family
35
Obstructing justice
1
Operating a motor vehicle negligently to endanger
41
1
Operating a motor vehicle under influence of liquor
30
Polygamy
1
Premises, allowing to be used for gaming
1
Property, concealing leased
2
1
Property, conveying-Chap. 266-880
1
Property, receiving stolen
9
Probation, violation of
30
2
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Annual Report
OFFENSE
MALE
FEMALE
Rape
1
Rat, constituting a harborage
1
Recognizance, violation of terms of
1
Registering bets on speed of a horse
3
Show, participating in an immoral
3
2
Show, preparing an immoral
1
Stubbornness
3
1
Swine, keeping without a permit from Health Dept.
1
Tramp
3
Trespassing
1
Truant, habitual
3
True name law, violation of
1
Unnatural act
2
Uttering threats
3
Vagrancy
1
426
16
SUMMONSES FOR VIOLATIONS OF MOTOR VEHICLE LAWS
OFFENSE
MALE
FEMALE
Allowing improper person to operate a motor vehicle
3
Attaching plates to a motor vehicle not assigned to it
2
Causing a motorvehicle to make unnecessary noise
1
Failure to have motor vehicle inspected
7
Failure to keep right of the travelled way
20
Failure to slow at an intersection
2
Failure to stop on signal of a police officer
4
Failure to stop for a red light
10
Failure to stop for a "stop sign"
3
Failure to stop for a school bus which is stopped
2
Leaving scene of accident after causing property damage Operating a motor vehicle after revocation of license
1
Operating a motor vehicle after revocation of insurance
1
Operating a motor vehicle after revocation of registration
1
Operating a motor vehicle after suspension of license
5
Operating a motor vehicle with improper brakes
1
Operating a motor vehicle with improper lights
1
Operating a motor vehicle with registration plate obstructed
1
Operating a motor vehicle wrong way on one-way street
1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license
32
Operating a motor vehicle without registration in possession
4
Operating a motor vehicle at unreasonable rate of speed
143
6
Operating an uninsured motor vehicle 8
8
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Annual Report
SUMMONSES FOR VIOLATIONS OF MOTOR VEHICLE LAWS
OFFENSE
MALE
FEMALE
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle
11
Parking a motor vehicle overtime (violation of city ordinance)
8
1
Passing a motor vehicle in a "No Passing" zone
2
Passing a motor vehicle on the right
1
283
7
NUMBER AND NATURE OF SERIOUS AUOTMOBILE ACCIDENTS 1952
NATURE OF ACCIDENT
NUMBER
Auto vs auto
132
Auto vs. bicycle
15
Auto vs. bus
1
Auto vs. electric wire
1
Auto vs. fence
2
Auto vs. house
1
Auto vs. Hydrant
3
Auto vs losing control
3
Auto vs. motor cycle
1
Auto vs. passenger
2
Auto vs. pedestrian
31
Auto vs, pole
22
Auto vs. skid
2
Auto vs. stonewall
1
Auto vs. tip over
3
Auto vs. traffic light
1
Auto vs. tree
11 (Fatal)
Auto vs. truck
2
Auto vs. water shut-off
1
Motor cycle vs. tip over
1 (Fatal)
Trailer truck vs. pole
1
NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES MONTHLY-1952
Accidents
Injuries
January
23
11
February
20
11
March
13
12
April
19
14
May
16
21
June
16
18
2 Fatals
July
12
8
August
27
26
September
25
31
October
21
12
November
23
21
December
30
26
-25-
Annual Report
Number of Accidents and Injuries monthly-1952 - (continued)
The foregoing accidents are those which were investigated by police officers of this department; besides these there were 305 other accidents which were re- ported at the station which for the most part involved two automobiles and in which there was no or slight property damage.
REGISTRY ACTION
For the most part, the Registrar took action on complaints of this department for flagrant violations involving motor vehicles. Some action was taken as a result of convictions in court of serious automobile violations, either man- datory by law or at the discretion of the Registry department.
License Suspensions
110
License Revocations
25
Registrations Suspended
8
Registrations Revoked
1
Right to operate suspended (out of state) - 20
Right to operate suspended (Mass. operators) - 17
NO FIX TICKETS ISSUED BY THIS DEPARTMENT-1952
No fix tickets which were returnable to the Clerk of Court were issued when parking tags were not returned to the station as required by law under Chap- ter 90, Section 20A, as amended.
TAGS ISSUED
MALE
FEMALE
January
39
February
51
5
March
16
7
April
12
4
May
8
June
2
July
5
August
4
September
9
October
21
November
17
December
14
-26-
Annual Report
APPOINTMENTS
Six temporary appointments Were made during the year as follows:
Raymond O Castro
Howard M. Cruff Jr
Effective January 1, 1952 11 July 25, 1952
Albert A Fyie
January 1, 1952(Returned to Armed Forces)
William H Mendler
=
January 1, 1952
Arthur R. LaPierre
=
January 1, 1952
Armand W Pelletier
January 1, 1952
PROMOTIONS
One patro man was appointed sergeant as follows:
James T Dovle Effective January 7, 1952 Five reserve patrolmen as follows were appointed patrolmen during the year two of whom are now in the Armed Forces:
Allatı Drown Effective January 7, 1952 (In: service) Curtis W. Leonard Jr 11 January 7, 1952 (In service)
Russell A. Duga-
January 7, 1952
John J. Lee 11 January 7, 1952
Richard H LaPierre = January 7, 1952
PENSIONS
The following offic: I as retired on pension during the year:
Paul P. Morrison Effective May 11, 1952
DEATHS
The following retired officer died during the year.
Pau. P. Morrison
June 17, 1952
PERMITS ISSUED BY THE CHIEF
The Chel bt Police issued the following permits and turned over to the City Treasurer these amounts
Rewo wer or pistol permit - 254
$127.00
Bicycles registered 437 109. 25
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Annual Report
During the year money and goods totalling in value about $31, 412. 00 was reported stolen or lost. Of this total over 70% was recovered by this department or by departments nearby. Besides the above many articles were brought to the station by honest citizens, such as keys, jewelry, bill-folds, auto plates and others; these, in so far as possible, were returned to their rightful owners.
RECREATION COMMISSIONERS 1952
To His Honor the Mayor and the Honorable Municipal Council
During the year 1952, all of the athletic fields in charge of the commission were maintained in good playing condition, and the ordinary work of the department was carried on.
Hayward Field was kept in excellent condition despite the lack of rain during the summer season, and was used continously afternoon and evening throughout the baseball season. The roof on the grandstand was repaired and re-covered also work was done on the lower part of the structure. The football field was kept in condition for the High School games and a new announcing stand was built for use at the Thanksgiving game. The new playground equipment at the front of the field was used to good advantage by the children of that district, and promises to be one of the best, due to the shade trees on the grounds.
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