USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1955 > Part 4
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I find that I do not have time to make the proper inspections required of the Building Inspector, and now with the elevators added, I can not possibly continue with the increased work in the Building Inspector's Department.
At this time, I wish to express my appreciation for the assistance and advice given me by the City Solicitor, for the cooperation of the Planning Board and Board of Appeal, also the Wire Inspector who has assisted me on numerous occasions. I wish also to thank the Deputy Chiefs and anyone who has assisted me in any way.
Respectfully submitted, Hiram R. Packard Building Inspector.
42.
Report of the Building Inspector continued
PER -
DWELLING
DWELLINGS
BUSINESS ALTERATIONS BUSINESS GARAGES MISC. RAZE BUSINESS
TOTAL
Jan.
23
5-1,872
2- 2,100
11- 87,500
1-90,000
1-1,500
3-2, 100
$185,072. 00
Feb.
33
12-
6,213
2- 1,400
12- 82,350
1-14, 000
2-1,500
2-1,000
2
$106,463. 00
March 57
19-
5,460
2- 4,927
14- 89,300
3- 6,100
2-11,000
6-3,950
7-1,205
2
136,942. 00
April
55
14-
5,690
4-10, 144
18-130,000
2- . 1,400
3-3,550
9-2, 760
5
153,544. 00
May
55
22-
7,125
5- 6,800
13- 98,000
2- 30,650
1-10,500
2- 900
9-1,650
165,625.00
( 1 Barn & Silo 10,000 )
June 63
15-
3,207
5- 5,675
11- 75,500.
6- 20,638
2-13,680
6-4, 400
15-3,500
2
142,600.00
July
46
$11 -10,386
3- 2,000
( 1 Public Gas Station 18, 000) ( 1 Child Care Building 10, 000)
August 54
18- 5,830
8-10, 750
12-125,500
1- 4,000
4-2, 800
10- 2,245
1
151,125.00
Sept.
58
24-10,337
8-14,375
11- 94,500
1- 4,500
1- 10,000
4-3,350
9- 4,625
141,687.00
Oct.
73
28- 8,993
7-11, 750
10-68,700
7- 26,800
5-3, 700
11-5,890
2
345,833.00
(1 New Church 25, 000)
(1 Gasoline Service Station 20, 000) (1 New Factory Metal & Controls 175, 000) 12-83,000
1 - 900.
6-5,850
13-4, 710
110,710.00
Nov.
56
16- 5,600
7-10,650
Deo.
21 594
6- 3,293
2- 5,854
4-26,500
4- 8,580
5-4, 775
-
$1,827,599. 00
43.
.
( 1 New Girls Club - 16, 000 ) 14- 93,500 | 2- 1,000
3-2,350
9-1, 760
2
138,996.00
-
-
--
1
49,002.00
1
( 1 Zoning Permit - 1 New Church 15, 000 )
MONTH MITS SHINGLE ALTERATIONS DWELLINGS
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE PARK DEPARTMENT 1955
To the Park Commissioners, Attleboro, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my tenth annual report as Superintendent of Capron Park covering the year 1955.
The past year was one to long remember. On June 19th the Edward L. Anderson Gardens were dedicated in a simple and dignified ceremony. The 500 rose bushes that had been put in the garden were at their best for the occasion and the other flower beds blossomed into beauty as the season advanced. The gardens were en- joyed by several thousand visitors. Mr. Anderson will long be remembered for his thoughtfulness and generosity in giving this land to Capron Park.
The ball field is in the best condition it has been in some time. The outfield which has long been the gripe of the ball players was graded and seeded. This involved excavating approximately 3, 000 yards of earth to obtain the proper grade and hauling in 1, 500 yards of loam from the city owned Woods farm. The final preparation of fertilizing - using 12 cords of dressing - liming, harrowing, grad- ing, and seeding was completed this spring. 700 pounds of grass seed were used in the seeding. Play on the field was prohibited for a ten-week period which gave the seed an excellent start. However, a dry spell in May threatened it with a total loss unless water was put on it in a hurry. Through the co-operation of Superintendent Tennant and Chief Packard we were able to get the water and apply it thus saving the grass. It was necessary to irrigate the field a total of four times during the season. Actually it should have been done several times more but because of the shortage of water and the lack of proper irrigating facilities it was impossible.
The picnic facilities were in constant use proving that they are most inadequate to meet the demands for them.
The band concerts with an improvement in the quality of the music were re- ceiving an appreciable increase in patronage as the season advanced.
The trimming of the trees damaged by the 1954 hurricane was continued as time and money allowed. This work should be completed at the earliest possible moment. The damage resulting from broken and torn branches is beginning to take its toll. Disease and rot are beginning to show. We lost 150 trees as a re- sult of Carol and as we work among the trees that are left we find that many more are torn and broken beyond repair. Trees are one of our most valuable possessions and should be given proper care.
44.
Annual Report
Report of the Park Department continued-
The work of cleaning up the Frank R. Sweet Memorial Forest continues. The entrance has been selected and some preparation for it has been made. Plans for the location of fire places and picnic tables have been made and some plantings of native bushes and plants has been completed.
Underground wiring was installed to take care of the street lights. The old white way standards were used in this project and the poles that were re- moved were used as a rail around the parking lot at the playground. A rail of oak logs was placed at a line to designate the Frank R. Sweet Memorial Forest. These logs were obtained from the State Forest at Foxboro through the co-opera- tion of Mr. William O. Sweet. The elimination of the old poles and overhead wires has made a big improvement in the appearance of the Park.
The value of water to the Park which we have been requesting for the past five years was demonstrated in the Anderson Gardens. This area was lush and beautiful while other parts of the Park which are without water were burnt and brown.
The following projects are recommended for consideration and appropriation:
1. Trimming, removing, cavity work on trees and new planting at an estimated cost of $2, 500 to be spent as listed:
Tree trimming $ 1,500. 00
Removing trees and stumps
250. 00
Cavity work 250. 00
New trees and planting
500. 00
2. Installation of irrigating facilities to be spread over a five year period. Cost at present-day figures would be approximately as follows:
Pipe, fittings, and installation $ 5,000.00
Connecting to city mains and meters 1,200.00
Drilling wells and installing pumps 4,000.00
3. Oiling roads and parking lots.
4. A definite plan for enlargement of our zoo.
5. A program of development of the grounds available at Memorial Bridge on North Main Street.
6. Construction of new bleachers.
Figures on the expenditures of the Park Department are incorporated in the report of the City Auditor and I see no need of duplicating them in this report.
45.
Annual Report
Report of the Park Department continued-
This leaves only one other memorable happening to note. Mr. S. M. Stone resigned as a member of the Park Commission after 33 years of service. I find words most inadequate to describe his loss to the city and my personal loss of his wise counsel and guidance. However there is one ray of sunshine about this - Mr. Stone will remain on the Board as an honorary member and we hope for many more years. Mr. Harry C. Wolfenden was elected Chairman to succeed Mr. Stone. Mr. Thomas G. Sadler, Jr., was elected Secretary and Mr. William O. Sweet was appointed by the Mayor as the new member of the Commission.
I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the members of the Park Commission for their co-operation and understanding. No one could be more fortunate in work- ing for such men.
My thanks to the Mayor and Municipal Council and to all the other departments of the city who have lent their assistance to the Park so willingly.
My sincere thanks to the men who have worked for me so well and loyally.
In conclusion I would like to quote the following extract from one of our Park magazines:
ETCHINGS Man Made Cities
Bert Husted
The Lord made earth and sea and sky. . . And then he made mere man. . . And altogether it was part. .. Of his Eternal plan. . . Then man thought he could do as well. .. Or maybe better still. .. By using his creative arts. . . To show he had a will. .. He since has built the cities large. . . With build- ings close and high. . . That now shut off the natural light. . . That God placed in the sky. . . In order that man may emerge. . . From his own dungeons walls .. . He has to have some open space. .. Where rain and sunshine falls ... They call these spaces city parks. . . Where God does have a hand. .. And man gets some relief from his. . . Too concentrated plan.
Respectfully submitted, Robert W. Sharkey, Jr. Superintendent
46.
Annual Report
REPORT OF ATTLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY 1955
To Honorable, Cyril K. Brennan, Mayor and Councillors, of the City of Attleboro:
Gentlemen,
Enclosed herewith is the annual report of the Librarian of the Attleboro Public Library, Joseph L. Sweet Memorial.
Your trustees have held their regular monthly meetings and in general supervised the Library activities.
With deep appreciation we wish to take note of the gifts of 850 books, many hundreds of magazines, the donations of subscriptions to specialized publications, pictorial material and music bequests. This is the generous spirit of our com- munity.
At times our service has not been what the community deserves. We lack space and an adequate staff. Added reference work required from the schools , together with the Branch service which we are desperately trying to maintain have over taxed our facilities. 19% of the adult circulation serves the Manu- facturing needs of the city and exclusive of childrens circulation, technical and serious subjects exceed the fictional.
For several years we have had plans for remodeling the building, which was built in 1907 to accomodate 25, 000 volumes. Today we have nearly 75, 000, besides a large collection of newspapers, pictures and music material. In the coming year we hope to be able to add some space at the rear of the building to add to the stack space and look ahead to 1957, our 50th anniversary when an adequate remodelling may take place.
We wish to take this opportunity to publicly express our deep appreciation to all of our staff who have served so unselfishly and competently and cheerfully met their many problems.
Respectfully submitted.
Trustees of the Attleboro Public Librar Joseph L. Sweet Memorial
Ethel H. Barden, Secretary
47.
Annual Report
Public Library Report-continued
To the Trustees of the Attleboro Public Library
Herewith is submitted a summary of the year 1955. The year of 1955 closes with a book stock of 74, 769 volumes for the Attleboro Public Library. Of these, 3159 were added during the year; 1435 were new titles added to the adult depart- ment. 421 were new to the children's room. But new titles are only part of the picture. A library must also provide for duplicates and replacements. These amounted to 1303 volumes, about evenly divided between the adult and children's collection.
The matter of replacements calls attention to the fact that books wear out normally with use, or meet with unfortunate accidents, caused by puppies, babies, and hurricanes. Certain types, notably technical and business publications, be- come obsolete with the development of new processes and/or theories. Limitations of space and the amount of useless handling entailed, make it necessary to dispose of tattered or outdated volumes. In 1955, 2244 books were discarded, for these various reasons, from the library collection. The paper was sold as waste and the money returned to the city ($8. 88).
On the more positive side, the Attleboro Library was unusually favored during 1955 with gifts. In addition to many hundreds of magazines, the donation of sub- scriptions to religious and specialized publications, subscriptions to the hospital library service, pictorial material and music bequests, 850 books were received as gifts.
It is a pleasure to herewith again acknowledge this community generosity. The donors may be assured that their thoughtfulness adds greatly to the service which the local library provides.
Each year brings increased demands for improved or expanded library ser- vice. As noted in previous reports, the school programs stress the search for facts beyond the text books, with the result that the reference use of the library by the junior high group has increased tremendously. The library, of course, heartily welcomes the visits of school classes (one such class had a six week course of instruction in the use of the children's department(. The group visits give the library an opportunity not only to make known services, and to get ac- quainted with the teachers and chilren, but to give instruction in the personal use of reference tools and the card catalog -- instruction which is of considerable assistance in helping with later as well as present lesson assignments.
However -- the handicaps of insufficient staff to handle such groups presents very real problems.
The limitations of staff are also particularly noticable in the operation of branches. At times it has been necessary to curtail branch service because of lack of personnel. The branches are staffed by regular staff members detailed, with a part-time assistant, from their regular duties. At best, this leaves the main library understaffed: a serious matter especially at noon hour, when work- ers from nearby factories depend upon this time for their library needs.
48.
Annual Report
Public Library Report-continued
In cases of illness, or other emergencies, there is simply no one to go to the branches. This is resented, naturally, by the branch clientel, who feel that their sectional libraries should not continually play the country cousin to the better staffed, better stocked, main library.
At the main library, the staff shortages are reflected in the lapse of time , between the request for new titles, the ordering of books, and the date -- some- times months later -- when the book is finally ready for circulation. Granted that the process of adding books cannot exactly follow assembly line practice, the delays in processing caused by lack of available workers, results in quite justi- fiable irritation to library patrons. Even such routine duties as the shelving of books, the filing of the hundreds of pictures and periodicals consulted or returned from circulation each day, demand regular attention, not the hit or miss "stabs" of workers who must perforce divide their part-time hours between the circulation desk, the children's room, preparation tasks and branch assignments.
To be sure, a library is basically a collection of books, yet a collection un- classified and uncatalogued, and without personnel to assist in its use would be al- most useless for the needs of a community where students and how-to-do-it fans, technicians, musicians, businessmen, and just plain Mr. and Mrs. John Doe and children, want, and pay taxes for Service.
Service presupposes intelligent, trained personnel. Such service as Attleboro expects cannot be provided for wages below the minimum for unskilled labor. Re- placement of professional personnel continues to be impossible under the prevail- ing low salary scales.
Those who consider the public library as a matter of minor community fringe benefits, may not realize that during the past year books on manufacturing proces- ses, jewelry and tool design, business, science, technology, and economics con- stituted over 19% of the total items circulated to adults. These 7869 volumes, of course, represent only the books borrowed from the library in these categories. No record is kept of the number of periodicals checked, references consulted, pamphlets, government documents and business service reports, maps, clipping, and pictures examined at the library.
The growing use of such business services as the Moody Investment Manuals, directories of Manufacturers, Prentice Hall's Labor and Personnel Guide, and the Industrial Arts Index is quite definitely justifying their share of the book budget.
Incidentally, the amount spent for the purchase of books and the rebinding of selected titles for greater use, accounts for about 44% of the operating budget (salaries excluded). Although binding cost has risen greatly (another increase went into effect in November ) the amount estimated for bindery has not been in- creased. This is due in part to increased vigilance in the matter of evaluating the permanent worth of books needing repair, and also the recent practice of using plastic protective covers on all new fiction. Since the use of these covers, new books are found to survive at least double the amount of circulation. Formerly new titles of fiction (not as well bound as other books) were in a state of collapse
49.
Annual Report
Public Library Report continued-
after circulating about a dozen times. The cost of these covers, which can be used over again, is far less than the current rebinding charge. It is planned to experiment with a heavy duty type of cover for children's books the coming year.
In terms of a summary of the year's library activities, departmental reports stress some gains, some losses -- Washington branch is an example where a change of school grading to multiple classes of grades I - IV, made a tremendous change in the type of collection necessary and the number of books circulated. While some former pupils drift back for school reference work, actually only 4th graders have acquired the reading skill necessary to read with enjoyment, and in quantity, hence Washington Branch which formerly ranked highest in circulation, now is out- ranked by all others.
At South Attleboro Village Branch, on the other hand, which was lagging so badly in interest and circulation in 1950 that serious consideration was given to its closing, there has been a steady increase in both interest and circulation. The location is good, but the disadvantage of steep stairs prevent many adults from using the library except via messenger, and the problems of supervision are con- siderable. It is hoped that some arrangement may be made to remodel quarters on the first floor.
*
Hebronville and Tiffany continue to flourish, with hearty cooperation of the prinicipals of the respective schools who arrange schedules for all of the pupils to visit the libraries by classes.
Tiffany, opened in a school basement room in 1948, needs fresh paint. At Hebronville the expanded quarters have been more than justified, but age and weather have taken their toll, and the building will require major repairs in 1956. None but minor repairs are being considered for the main library however, in view of the proposed addition of stack space. The Attleboro Library, planned fifty years ago, has long since outgrown the plans, far sighted though they were, in terms of both book stock and services demanded.
It is hoped that the Golden Anniversary which will fall on November 11, 1957 may be celebrated by making available to the city of Attleboro a remodeled build- ing, adequate for modern needs,
The staff is eager to help plan for better service, and each of us believes that a library must be a living, functioning institution with the community, the trustees, and the staff ever alert to seek improvement of technique, to being financially pru- dent and to conserve that which is fine in the records of deeds and dreams of all races of all times.
Respectfully submitted, Lucile P. Cavender Librarian
50.
Annual Report
Public Library Report continued-
COST OF OPERATIONS - 1955
City Appropriation 1955 Salaries:
Receipts
Disbursements
Library Staff Building Staff
3,000.00
3,000. 00
Books, Bindery, Microfilm (Attleboro Suns)
8,506.79
8,470. 44
Maintenance (Fuel, light, phone)
2,125. 00
2,346.08
Building Repairs
3,100.00
2,655.77
Supplies and Equipment
1,950.00
2,265. 01
Branches:
Hebronville
275.00
232. 11
South Attleboro Village
250.00
234. 00
Tiffany
125.00
94. 25
Washington
300.00
341. 50
Other Operating Costs
560. 00
552. 63
$51,991. 79
$51, 991. 79
Disbursements from Special Trust Funds in custody of Trustees-3, 767. 31 Total Operating Costs $55,759. 10
ADDITIONS TO COLLECTION
BOOKS
Adult
Juvenile
BOOKS
Adult Juvenile
By Type:
Religion & Philosophy
91
10
Sociology, Education, Gov. 189
69
Total
3,159
Sciences, Pure & Applied
191
182
Pamphlets
1,728
History, Travel, Biography370
135
Pictures and post cards
6,017
Fiction
608
616
Phono records
78
Others
208
30
Sheet music
86
Total
2,089 1,070
Estimated number of pictures January 1, 1956
179,186
USE OF COLLECTION
BOOKS LOANED
Adult
Juvenile
BOOKS LOANED BY TYPE Adult Juvenile
Religion & Philosophy
1,070
609
Branches:
Sociology, Education, Gov.
1,276
3,722
Hebronville
560
14,934
Science, Pure & Applied
3,359
7,418
So. Attle. Village
2,461
8,982
Literature, Music, Art
5,053
2,866
Tiffany
211
15,546
History, Travel, Biography 3, 962
Washington
861
9,414
Fiction
18,090 55,211
Hospital
3,355
425
Others
7,263
4,957
40,073
82,559
Total
122,632
40, 073 83, 599 122,632
By Purchase
1,301
1,008
By Gift
788
62
2,089
1,070
Literature, Music, Art
432 28
Central
32,625
33,258
7,776
$31, 800. 00
$31, 800. 00
51.
Annual Report
Library Report-Use of Collection continued -
Central Adult Fiction 42%
Maps 131
Central Adult Non-Fiction
58%
Pictures 4,988
Phone records 284
THE TRUSTEES
Edwin F. Leach, President Mrs. Winthrop Barden, Secretary Raymond F. Horton, Treasurer
Mrs. Lewis Chilson
Mrs. Arthur Conro
Mrs. William Gregory
Frederick V. Murphy, Jr.
George Nerney Leland H. Smith
THE STAFF
Lucile P. Cavender, Librarian
Bertha C. Bigney, Junior Assistant
Susan Carr, Junior Assistant
Edna Guillette, Children's Librarian
Phyllis Thomsen, Loan & Stack Sup'r.
SPECIAL PART TIME ASSISTANTS AND PAGES As of November 1955
Frances Boeker
Amy Palmer
Virginia Bonner
Dorothy Robinson
Harriet Dworshak
Elinor Scott
Suzanne Gagner
Nancy Scott
Diane Greany Priscilla Hutchinson
Eleanor Stewart
Patricia Ward
Patricia McIntyre
Janet Whitfield
Kathleen MacKell
Patricia Whiting
Mary Lou Newton
Bruce Robinson
BUILDING CUSTODIAN
Herman P. Isele
Alice I. Kingman, Senior Assistant
Marion B. Moore, Senior Assistant
Dorothy I. Hannaford, Assistant Librarian and Cataloger
Alice M. Hoyle, Junior Assistant
52.
Annual Report
TREASURER'S REPORT 1955
Honorable Cyril K. Brennan, Mayor Members of the Municipal Council:
I herewith submit the Annual Report of the finances of the City of Attleboro for the year ending 1955.
It was with regret that I accepted the resignation of Mrs. Marguerite R Warren, Chief Bookkeeper and former City Treasurer, who left to join the School Department.
Very truly yours,
Edward J. Healey City Treasurer
TREASURER'S ANNUAL REPORT as of December 31, 1955
CASH ON HAND --- December 31, 1955
$258,483. 02
RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR OF 1955
TAXES
Current Year
Real Estate
1,764,495. 22
Personal
132,948.05
Poll
12,716.00
Motor Vehicle Excise
217,495. 23
Previous Years
Real Estate
71,445. 90
Personal
1,914. 44
Poll
98.00
Motor Vehicle Excise
18,110. 05
From State
Corporation
184,005. 17
Income Tax
96,573.98
For Schools
122,737. 48
School Aid Project
11,975.49
Meal Tax
7,940. 32
Snow Removal 30.00
Reimbursement for loss on taxes
57.35
From Tax Titles
On Tax Title
5,233.68
Interest on Tax Titles
233. 46
Redemption Deeds
54.50
Recording Deeds 40. 00
TOTAL FROM TAXES
$2,648,104. 32
53
-
Annual Report
Treasurer's Report continued- SALE OF TAX POSSESSIONS
Taxes on Tax Possessions
1,155.00 25. 75 1,180.75
LICENSES, PERMITS AND FEES
Licenses-Trailers
4,452. 00
Dogs
3,771. 20
Liquor
15,250.00
All Others
2,139.10
25,612. 30
Permits- Marriage
420.00
All Others
2,493.00
2,913.00
Fees 3,442.61
TOTAL FROM LICENSES, PERMITS AND FEES 31,967. 91
FINES AND FORFEITS
Court Fines Parking Meter Fines
475.18
339. 37
TOTAL FROM FINES AND FORFEITS
814. 55
GRANTS AND GIFTS
Housing Authority
16,642.08
School-Vocational
10,590. 14
Transportation
13,295. 39
English
2,152.00
Smith Hughes-
George Barden
186.00
26,223.53
Welfare-O. A. A.
149,556.70
A. D. C.
28,964.08
D. A.
12,245. 38
190,766. 16
TOTAL FROM GRANTS AND GIFTS
233,641. 77
PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISES
Water
221,818. 26
Pipe and Labor
22,070.57
243,888. 83
SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS
Sewer Curbing
7,958.32
Sidewalk
6,411. 06
15,810. 49
DEPARTMENTS
HEALTH
From State
2,369. 21
All Others
1,457. 91
3,827.12
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
272. 50
272.50
54.
1,441.11
Annual Report
Treasurer's Report continued-
WELFARE
Reimbursements for General Relief
Cities and Towns
State
6,469. 75 18,340. 61
Reimbursements for A. D. C.
Cities and Towns
State
22,291. 64
Reimbursements for O. A. A.
Cities and Towns
2,082.06
State
148,269. 13
Reimbursements for D. A.
State
10,514.40
207,967.58
EDUCATION
Tuition
4,663.90
Rent from Public Property
394. 00
Rent from Schools
405. 00
Sale of Books and Supplies
213.59
Sale of Bus Tickets
4,598. 25
All Others
891. 96
11,166.70
SOLDIERS BENEFITS
From State
31,525.53
31,525.53
LIBRARY
Fines and Rentals
1,228.06
All Others
74.11
1,302.17
SCHOOL LUNCH
School Lunch
92,812.68
From State
40,527. 22
133,339. 90
SCHOOL ATHLETICS
5,942.76
5,942.76
INTEREST
On Taxes
2,167.67
On Water
322. 20
On Betterments
29. 89
On Committed Interest
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