USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1952 > Part 3
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Horton Field was one of the more popular diamonds for the Little League, this field being kept in good condition. During this period the bleachers were re- paired to insure safety.
Garnet Ousley Field at Hebronville and Dodgeville Field were used for baseball during the season, and the field at Hebronville was dedicated and named as above with exercises appropriate for the occasion.
South Attleboro's season started in May with a field day for Lincoln and Washington School pupils. This was very successful and propably will be an annual affair. The Little League used this field during the summer months.
Finberg Park was in process of changes due to the fact that it was necessary to make two diamonds to accommodate the younger players.
Briggs Playground opened on schedule under the direction of Sandra Remieres, Howard Rounseville and Howard O'Hare with regular classes in swim- ming. Also, Miss Remieres conducted daily classes in crafts and reading for the younger groups.
The season ended with the usual water carnival at which time the usual prizes were awarded and refreshments were served.
The maintenance laborers were in charge of Oscar Munroe who received many favorable comments on the excellent condition of all fields.
Respectfully submitted,
William Liddell, Jr. , Chairman ,Frank Miller
Thomas Dube Walter White
28
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF WIRES 1952
To His Honor, the Mayor and Municipal Council:
City of Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Dear Sirs:
I herewith submit the annual report of the Wire Inspection Department for the year ending December 31, 1952. During the past year, permits issued and inspections made were as follows: -
1320 permits were issued to electricians and contractors for both new work, additional work and alterations.
1150 permits were issued to the Attleboro Steam and Electric Company granting permission to connect new installations and re-connections.
2110 inspections and re-inspections were made during the year. Numerous inspections were made at the request of the Fire Department in conjunction with fires of questionable electrical origin.
The greatest hazard to be found in the above inspections has been in cases of home owners and amateur electricians doing their own work without license, permit or supervision. In many instances, the work done has been the the direct cause of human injury and property damage and really constitutes a problem of serious nature. Cases of this type are continually being brought to the attention of the public thru the daily press and many other means but ap- parently to no avail. Only those who are properly trained in the electrical field such as licensed electricians should be employed to perform electrical work and installations. These men have been proved capable by having been ex- amined by the State Board of Examiners of Electricians as to their qualifica- tions. The examinations are rigid and men taking them must know their busi- ness.
At this time, I wish to extend my sincere thanks to His Honor, the Mayor, members of the Municipal Council, Police and Fire Departments and all who in any manner contributed by their assistance to the operation of this department during the past year of 1952.
Respectfully submitted,
William S. King, Electrical Inspector
29
Annual Report
REPORT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT 1952
To His Honor the Mayor and Municipal Council:
Your Fire Department submit their Annual Report for the year 1952 and Recommendations for ;the year 1953.
The Department has responded to the following alarms in 1952.
Alarm by Boxes
82
Assembly .
11
Still Alarms.
580
Total calls 673
CLASSIFICATION
Automobiles
34
Gain entrance
25
Awning
2
Inhalator
2
Automatic sprinkler
17
Gas Leak
1
Brush
322
Lumber
5
Broken water pipe
3
No fire
25
Buildings
78
Oil burner
28
Catch basin
1
Overheated furnace
2
Chimney
7
Out of City
5
Christmas lights
1
Rescue animals
2
Dump
36
Rescue persons
2
Electric appliance
5
Rope in flag pole
12
Electric motor
4
Refrigerator
7
Electric wires
5
Police emergency
2
False
11
Salvage
2
Fence
2
Sawdust
1
First aid
1
Syphon
6
Flushing gasolene
13
Tar kettle
1
Flooding pond
2
Parade
1
Total 673
Hose laid 34350 ft. 2 1/2 in. 14500 ft. 1 1/2 in. raised 3995 ft. of ladders.
Water cans 1167. Boosters 477. Pyrenes 19. Oxygen tanks 4.
Foamite 6. Co 2. 9. Boat 3. Loss of life 1.
Out of City to No. Attleboro 3. Norton 1. Seekonk 1.
Report of Ambulance Service for Sturdy Memorial Hospital.
Calls answered with two men 574. Hours of service 484 hrs. 31 min. Miles traveled 6027. Oxygen used 38 times.
30
Annual Report
FIRE LOSS 1952.
Value of Buildings at risk
Value of Contents at risk
$2,349, 540. 00 2,578,800.00
$4,928, 340. 00
Insurance on Buildings
$2,474, 650. 00
,
Insurance on Contents
2,609,600.00
$5,084, 250. 00
Loss on Buildings
$ 27,078.39
Loss on Contents
27,773.55
$ 54,851.94
Insurance paid on Buildings
$ 26,943. 33
Insurance paid on Contents
27,198. 55
$ 54,141. 88
Loss not covered by Insurance $ 710. 06
RECOMMENDATIONS
Salary and Wages
Chief
4,500. 00
4,500.00
Deputy Chiefs
4,000.00
16,000.00
Captains
3,600.00
32,400. 00
Mechanic
3,600.00
3,600.00
Permanent men
3,200.00
211,200.00
$267,700. 00
MAINTENANCE OF EQUIPMENT
Expended 1952
Needed 1953
Autos
4,401, 32
3,500.00
Stations
3,446.36
3,000.00
Hose
1,, 460 .49
3,590.00
Apparel
2,325.08
4,250.00
All Other
474. 84
400.00
$ 12, 108. 29
$14, 740. 00
OTHER EXPENSE
Expended 1952
Needed 1953
Light
$ 765. 04
$ 800.00
Phone
1,159.49
875.00
Water
142.90
150.00
Fuel
3,263. 26
3,500.00
Office
92. 30
100.00
$ 5,422.99
$ 5,425.00
Out of State Conference
$ 50.00
$ 100.00
31
Annual Report
NEW EQUIPMENT
750 gal. Triple combination Pumping Engine $16,000.00 Hose. 1, 000 ft. 2 1/2 in. 1, 000 ft. 1 1/2 in. 500 ft. booster
REPAIRS
Painting Twin Village Station
600.00
APPARATUS
The past year we had the transmission of Engine 4, a 1926 Ahrens-Fox Engine, break down. A new transmission has been ordered and replacement should be made before the end of the month.
We recommend an appropriation to purchase a 750 Gal. Triple Combination Pumping Engine to replace Engine 2. This 1926 Engine is in poor condition and can be expected to break down at any time.
STATIONS
Plans and specification are being prepared for the combining of the South Main street and Union Street stations which we will submit for approval at an early date.
We are requesting an appropriation to paint Twin Village Station.
HOSE
We recommend the purchase of one thousand feet of two and one half inch hose, one thousand feet of one and one half inch hose and five hundred feet of booster hose.
APPAREL
We recommend an appropriation of fifty dollars, which pays only part of the expense for necessary apparel, for all members.
We also recommend an appropriation to purchase twelve rubber coats and two helmets.
FIRE PREVENTION, INSPECTIONS AND REVENUE
We have conducted inspections of Schools, Rest homes, Factories, Places of Public Assembly and oil burner installations and have received co-operation when changes were requested to prevent fire and loss of life.
Revenue from issuing permits amounts to $138. 00 to the City Treasurer.
RADIO
Our Main Station is located at Fire Alarm Headquarters. A remote con- trol set located at Central Station and a mobile unit at So. Attleboro Station until such time wires are installed for a remote control set at this Station.
32
Annual Report
APPRECIATION
We wish at this time to express our appreciation to all who aided and assisted us in the past year.
As always the Police Department has co-operated and assisted us in per - formance of duties.
We thank His Honor the Mayor Cyril K. Brennan, Members of the Muni- cipal Council and the Police and Fire Committee for granting our requests to improve the Department for the protection of our Public.
ATTLEBORO FIRE DEPARTMENT BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS
Joseph O. Mowry, Chief
Charles G. Thomae, Chairman
John W. Wolfenden, Clerk
Hayward H. Sweet
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS 1952
To His Honor the Mayor and Municipal Council:
I herewith submit the annual report of the Acting Building Inspector for the year 1952.
The total number of permits issued 389 The total estimated value $1, 216, 445. 00 The total amount to City Treasurer for permits $1, 279. 00
Recommended Appropriation for 1953. Salary $1, 200. 00
APPRECIATION
At this time I wish to express my appreciation for the assistance and advise given me by the City Solicitor, the co-operation of the Planning Board and Board of Appeal, also the Wire Inspector who has assisted me on numerous occasions.
Respectfully submitted, Joseph O. Mowry Acting Building Inspector
33
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS (continued)
Dwelling Month Permits Shingle Alterations
Dwellingc Alterations
Business
Garages.
Misc.
Raze
Total
Jan.
17
3- 745
1- 350
9-55,500
2- 2,500
0-
0-
2- 650
0
59,745
Feb.
19
2-
350
3-2,500
6-44,000
5-14,500
0 -
0 -
2-1, 050
1
72,400
Mar.
27
8-2,695
4-3, 700
9-71,000
1 - 6,000
1-4,000
2-1,300
2- 375
0
89,070
Apr.
54
23-7,235
5-2,975
16-110,000
1-17,000
2-42,000
4-3,350
2- 87.5
1
183,435
May
46
17-5,667
9-7,975
11-91,000
3- 7,500
0 -
6-3, 750
0-
0
115,892
June
38
12-5,285
6-3,850
11-70,000
1- 7,000
3-27,000
3-3,550
2-
580
0
117,265
July
26
9-4,130
7-6,200
6-48,000
3-14,800
1-45,000
0 -
0-
2
118,130
Aug.
40
17-5,165
7-5,540
7-42,000
2-10,500
0-
4-2,500
3- 800
0
66,505
Sept.
43
11-2,035
6-5,200
8-46,000
2-130,000
1-16,000
13-8,800
1 - 600
1 208,635
Oct.
35
3-4,270
2-2,080
6-40,000
5- 20,600 0-
5-2,950
3-1,200
1
71,100
Nov.
24
3-1,078
8-3,050
8-45,000
1 - 600
0-
3-2,600
0-
1
52,328
Dec.
20
5-1,440
4-6,100
5-34,000
5 - 20,400 0-
0 -
0-
1
61,940
TOTALS
389
123-40,095
62-49,520
102-696,500 31-251, 400 8-134, 000 40-28,800 17-6,130
8
216,445
Annual Report
34
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARM 1952
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, 1952.
Some of the major changes made in our system were the installation of red marker or designating lights on Boxes 9-34-51-511. This entailed the use of a number of feet of underground cable thru out the center.
On May 5th, the installation of Radio Station KCC 341-46. 18 M. C. was completed thereby placing all our Fire Department Stations and mobile units on its own band. The main transmitter is located in the Fire Alarm office on Union Street.
A new set of batteries was installed on the No. 12 circuit.
Three new private boxes were installed and connected to sprinklers and fire detector devices in the following locations:
Box No. 9112 Attleboro Printing & Embossing Co., Dunham St.
11 1311 Holiday Inn, Washington St., So. Attleboro
11 5111 Plastic Development Co., Mechanic St.
Six old type boxes were replaced with new ones.
During the year many poles were renewed by the Utility Companies which made it necessary for us to change over a considerable amount of our outside equipment. Considerable tree trimming was done on most of the cir- cuits, requiring a lot of time. Boxes and equipment were overhauled and painted . A total of 416 service calls were made to the various plants having box connections. Inspections made by Fire Underwriters are included in these calls.
We were called upon numerous times to render assistance to the towns of Norton and Valley Falls in regard to Fire Alarm maintenance troubles.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Under the above heading, I again refer to our report of 1949 on page 49 of the Annual Reports of the City of Attleboro and urge that these same rec- omendations be given early consideration.
35
Annual Report
Recommendations-(cont'd)
The present fire alarm circuits are up to the limit of their safe carry- ing capacity and additional circuits should be built and new equipment installed to properly take care of the added circuits. If some of this work is not done in the near future, at least a small amount each year, a time will come when it will have to be done all at once and the total cost will be tremendous.
The building in which the Fire Alarm equipment is housed is sadly in need of repair. The value of this equipment runs into thousands of dollars and most certainly should have some protection.
In conclusion, 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 1952 have assisted and co- operated with us in the opearation of this department.
Respectfully submitted,
William S. King, Superintendent of Fire Alarm, Electrical Branch, Attleboro Fire Department
36
Annual Report
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN'S BENEFITS
1952
To His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council:
I submit herewith a report for the year ending December 31, 1952.
Paid Veterans' Benefits $50,566:66
Refunds (included in above) 868. 21
Administration:
Salaries and Wages
3,250.00
Other Expenses
495. 00
No Burials this year
Average number of cases 70
Families helped with cash and food vouchers 320
Calls from Veterans or their families seeking information 300
There was also the usual calls by phone and personal calls to the Commissioner's Office approx. 300
There has been an increase in the number of cases and in the amount of money expended during 1952.
There is a strong possibility that more aid will be required in 1953.
We are especially concerned over the number of serious cases. These unusual and emergency cases cannot be foreseen, and they have to be given immediate attention. Whenever possible, we try to have cases transferred to V. A. Hospi- tal.
We have discontinued aid to maturnity cases except in very rare instances.
We assist in filling out forms required by individuals whether they are given aid or not. Mrs. Fisher, Secretray at this office, is a Notary Public, and when it is necessary to notarize forms, she does so without charge.
The Commissioner's Office, Boston, has been very helpful in helping us to settle difficult and unusual cases.
Respectfully submitted,
Arthur B. Cummings
Veteran's Benefits Agent
37
Annual Report
REPORT OF ATTLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY 1952
Honorable Cyril K. Brennan, Mayor of the City of Attleboro and Members of the City Council
Gentlemen:
Your Trustees have had their regular monthly meetings and considered with grave concern the many problems which confront the organization and opera- tion of the Library.
Originally the Library was built to house about 30, 000 volumes but in this original space we are now operating with over 70, 000 volumes. This doub- ling of material, which by the way does not include pamphlet and newspaper mat- erial together with one of the finest picture collections in this area, gives you a fair picture of the crowded conditions under which the Library is operating at this time. All sorts of considerations have been given to the problem of getting more space at the least cost. The most feasible one as regards costs would be to con- vert the hall into operation space, although a new wing would, from the standpoint of more convenient operation, be the better plan.
Your Trustees realize the inadequacy of its service to the outlying dis- tricts, in that Briggs Corner, Pleasant St., and West St. , areas are not properly serviced. Also that the Branches in the districts which are served are not prop- erly housed and therefore not rendering the proper service. With this in mind your board has investigated the advantages which might be obtained from a Book- mobile, giving better service where we have branches and including such areas which are not served. It almost seems certain that soon this matter will com- pel action.
Referring back to our space problem, the consideration of filming some of the records, newspapers and pamphlets which must be kept on file, has been given much consideration and is a matter which we will have to pursue with great earnestness, perhaps in cooperation with other city departments.
The statistical record of operations has been given by the Librarian, Mrs. Lucile Cavender, which gives you a good idea of the amount of use the Library receives from the community and the amount of work required from a much underpaid staff. Libraries today are used to a great extent by students, manufacturers and research workers and have become a necessity in the cultur- al and industrial development of all communities.
With this thought in mind, your Trustees wish to pay tribute to our staff of loyal workers, who despite the handicap of an inadequate staff and salaries not comparable with business and schools, have unselfishly given so much for the service of the community.
Respectfully submitted, Trustees of the Attleboro Public Library Joseph L. Sweet Memorial , Ethel H. Barden, Secretary
38
Annual Report
To the Trustees of the Attleboro Public Library:
It is my responsibility as well as privilege to present to you my 25th annual report, the 45th year of the library in this building.
As quarter century periods are conventional divisions of time for summarizing, this annual statement of operation will be concerned primarily with the hopes, the aims, and some measure of accomplishment of the Attle- boro Public Library during the past years. Statistical details have been pre- sented at the monthly meetings held by the Trustees, and an annual statistical summary and charts are appended to this report.
The Attleboro Public Library was established, as were all public libra .- ries, for the cultural enrichment of the community. In early days a town li- brary was considered "good" if it were housed in a handsome building, had a substantial collection of literary classics and reference works, and was staffed by genteel ladies of literary tastes, with perhaps a liking for children-( as long as they were very, very quiet). The book selection, of course, was done chiefly by book committees.
That the Attleboro Public Library has developed considerably from the . early basic pattern has been due to the wisdom of the city officials in appointing as trustees men and women of varying interests, and alert to the potentialities of the library in terms of changing social and economic and recreational condi- tions.
Since 1928 the world has seen a major economic collapse, a world war, social and political changes of revolutionary import and the development of recreational facilities that many Cassandras felt spelt doom to such presum- ably, inert or at least recessive, institutions as Public Libraries.
Specifically, what happened in the Attleboro Public Library? A graph of circulation shows a high peak of books read during the '30's - no work, might as well read, and besides it was warm in the library.
In 1939 with the beginning of the war, there was a sudden drop which kept right on descending until it reached the low point of only 29, 000 adult books circulated in 1943. Then the curve went up again, sharply, until 1949- -the advent of Television. Down again, but not so sharply; the overall picture for 1952 shows a gain over the previous year.
This of course is in terms of books loaned for home use. The pattern changes completely when one considers what books and the use of books and other printed material in the library building (and buildings for the branch use must not be forgotten).
Twenty-five years ago new, popular fiction accounted for much of the high circulation. People came to the library for a fresh supply each week and sometimes were more than a bit sniffy unless the printing ink was still a bit
39
Annual Report
damp. Encyclopedias were never marred by use, and the telephone rang chief- ly for a reserve for the latest light love or who-done-it.
The depression years brought a greater use of all the library resources: not only solace reading, but for practical how-to-do it, and honest to goodness study. Business firms found some of the answers to problems that involved statistics, trade information and formulas.
The war years took away the men and the women were too busy to read as formerly. The practical arts held prominence although books and maps on far away places were in great demand, and there was an increased interest in books on religion and philosophy.
After the war, men who had had access to the excellent camp libraries began coming back and telling us that we ought to do this and that. They also began studying on veteran's education grants and they came to the library to study - "too much racket at home".
The technical and university students, the changing school curricula, and the realization by more and more firms that information and illustration ( the library picture collection of approximately 164, 000 items) were available by a telephone call, have made demands not only on the book collection but on the staff.
As stated in the 1935 Annual Report, the book collection and the staff are inseparable in any consideration of a library's usefulness. Intelligent, alert, and trained personnel to provide for the selection, classification, and arrange- ment of the collection and to assist in its use, is essential to a library.
During the years particular attention has been given to staff building as equal to or even exceeding in importance, collection building. Apprentice workers have qualified for full staff membership by attending summer school, taking extension and correspondence courses, and by private study. Various in-service training sessions have been conducted, all with the purpose of stimulating better understanding of the functions of a library, its realtions to the community, and to the basic responsibilities and enjoyment of library work. Appointments have been made, not for uniformity of background, but for the particular contributions that individuals of different background and experience and temperament can bring to an institution, particularly one founded upon and used by persons of varying cultures and races and interests.
Nc statistics are kept of requests for information by telephone, the number of consultations on the choice of material nor the amount of assistance given readers who prefer to consult the books, magazines, maps, pictures, etc. in the building rather than take material home. Consequently it is impossible to figure accomplishment in terms of work load, aggregate sales, or trial balances. The only measurement is in terms of satisfied customers, and also the dissatisfied who spur us to mend our ways.
40
Annual Report
In concrete terms there have been building improvements, redecoration of main library and branches, and added equipment. The 1953 budget makes specific requests for rescuing the dilapidated buildings at Washington and Hebronville.
The book collection now stands at 70, 256 volumes. Continual weeding is carried on to eliminate obsolete items and worn out copies. Recently plans have been worked out to secure wider staff participation in the selection of books lest the collection be'typed" by the tastes, interests (or heaven forbid!) prejudices of the librarian.
One of the prime axioms of good public library service is that the service is a community service. The community gives as well as receives.
While at times budgetary shortages have seemed disastrous, there has been a steady upgrade in municipal appropriations. The salary question is per- haps the most pertinent - the library salaries have lagged far, far behind local pay rates in business, industry, and in the schools where comparable prepara- tion is rewarded 50%, 75% and 100% higher.
The library and therefore the community has been the fortunate recipent of gifts; money, books, and magazines, equipment, flowers and services, and many, many kindnesses. Through the years these gifts have become part of the fibre of the stock and service which the library staff makes available.
A service of particular note is that of the Board of Trustees, who give of their time and thoughts, and experience, and patience.
It is this gift in particular that has made the past twenty-five years, despite exasperations, a most rewarding experience.
Thank you.
Lucile P. Cavender Librarian
41
Annual Report
ATTLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Additions to Collection
1952
Adult
Juvenile
By Purchase
1,525
1,921
By Gift
494
33
Total Volumes
2,019
1,954
Adult
Juvenile
By type:
Religion and Philosophy
74
17
Sociology, Education, Government
123
136
Sciences, Pure and Applied
190
135
Literature, Music, Art
435
82
History, Travel, Biography
315
282
Fiction
689
1,272
Others
193
30
Total Volumes
2,019
1,954
Use of Collection
Adult
Juvenile
Books Loaned:
Central
35,298
29,492
Branches:
Hebronville
950
11,998
South Attleboro
1,532
4,394
Central Adult Fiction
47%
Tiffany
530
15,783
Washington
1,248
9,705
Central Adult Non-Fiction 53%
Hospital
2,914
580
Total volumes
42,472
71,952
Books Loaned by Type:
Adult
Juvenile
Religion and Philosophy
964
634
Sociology, Education, Government
1,333
3,206
Science, Pure and Applied
3,290
5,327
Literature, Music, Art
5,305
2,168
History, Travel, Biography
4,127
5,705
Fiction
20,788
51,495
Others
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