USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Milford > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Milford, Massachusetts 1934 > Part 6
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Mary's School; James Burns, Jeanne-Marie Lancisi, Leo Cates, fourth grade, Spruce St. School.
PUBLICITY
Early in 1934, the A. L. A. formulated a nation-wide plan for the progressive development of American libraries. Over forty states in the Union appointed planning committees. Massachusetts deemed it best, in its plan for state-wide publicity, to focus the atten- tion of the communities on the services their libraries were rendering, through the co-operation of the local newspapers. Since October, our library has had four special exhibits, and three of the publicity articles ap- pearing in the Daily News were written by Miss Mary O. Sumner, and the fourth one by the assistant librari- an. Governor Ely "designated and set apart the week beginning the twenty-first day of October and end- ing the twenty-seventh day of October, as Free Pub- lic Library Week". So far as known this is the first library week ever designated by proclamation of the Governor of the State. The local library extended an invitation to the townspeople to visit the library. Hal- lowe'en decorations were prominent, and on the table was a large collection of books and pamphlets, show- ing a cross-section of the resources of the library. Our noted Book House formed the center of the display.
In November, Children's Book Week was observed with an exhibition of the standard and the newer juvenile books. Many clever posters, all carrying out the idea of the official slogan, "Ride the Book Trail to Knowledge", were made by Miss Carter.
In December a Hobby exhibit was arranged by Miss Carter. Books of different hobbies were grouped to- gether, with signs carrying symbols of the type of book. Hobbies represented were sewing, drawing, carpentry, nursing, cooking, travel, antiques, science, games, sports, stamps, Indian craft, fishing, architec- ture, birds, and gardening, with a miniature garden;
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illustrating. The Christmas exhibit was in charge of the assistant librarian, Mrs. Hunter. Posters appro- priate to the season were displayed; wreaths were hung, the manger scene was shown, and a beautifully decorated tree was lighted. Books of Christmas stor- ies and poems were arranged on the desk. The Book House and the miniature garden received winter dec- orations. The children who read the travel trip gath- ered at the library, on Friday afternoon, as noted else- where. The self-service box was also placed in the library, by the local chairman of the Health Seals, during the week.
NOTES
The Book House, mentioned in the report last year, has been popular. In May it went to Swampscott, to the annual meeting of the State Federation of Women's Clubs. It represented the Library Service Department of which the Librarian has been chairman for three years. It spent a week in the Merriam Library, at Framingham, and received favorable notice there. It was used at two meetings of the Quinshipaug Wo- man's Club. It had its picture taken by Norman Morse and printed in the Worcester Telegram, with a de- scriptive article.
Two sets of Italian, Polish and Armenian books were borrowed from the Division of Public Libraries. The circulation of these books shows that they are ap- preciated.
1
The Inter-Loan Library privilege has been used more more than ever this year. This service is a great benefit to patrons of small libraries, particularly those taking special study courses.
Many old catalogues of libraries were found when the shelves were re-arranged. They had no local val- ue, so the librarian wrote to twenty-two libraries, ask- ing if the catalogues would be of any value to them.
Natick, Holyoke, Provincetown, Fall River, Leomin-
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ster, Newton, Quincy, Newburyport, Brattleboro, Ver- mont, and Manchester, New Hampshire, were glad to have the old catalogues. The other libraries reported that they had sufficient copies on hand.
A picture collection has been started. In time, when properly mounted, it will be valuable for reference work and for circulation. The pictures are clipped from papers and magazines, and include projects, ani- mals, ships, buildings, authors, prominent people and anything suitable for scrap books for children's hos- pitals.
During Hobby Week, a poster partially filled with stamps was displayed. The blank part was labeled "Who will fill this?" Several patrons have donated stamps and been given recognition on the poster. It is hoped to interest the children in stamp collecting, which has such an educational value.
A bulletin board was made by covering the end of a stack with burlap. Items of interest in the book world and the moving picture world are displayed.
The State Theatre sends to the Library several cop- ies of Milford Movie News. Whenever possible, books relating to pictures are placed on exhibition for the use of the public.
In March, Mrs. Ruth MacQuarrie of the Division of Public Libraries, assisted in the re-arrangement of the juvenile books. She discarded many books that were too shabby to circulate or were too out of date for use. At her suggestion two hundred dollars were spent for replacements and new books. She started the C. W. A. workers on a shelf list of the books in the juvenile department. Much valuable work could have been accomplished by these workers if plans had been formulated in advance, but it was all indefinite as to numbers of workers and length of time for work. As it was, many lists were made and many books cleaned and repaired.
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READING ROOM
The reading room has received regularly the follow- ing publications. (Those marked * were donated).
*Boston Post *Boston Herald
* American Issue
*Christian Leader
*Pathfinder
*Labor
*Zion's Herald
* Milford Movie News
*New England Poultry- man
*National Tribune
Bi-Monthly *Red Cross Courier
Quarterly
*Bell Telephone
*Theosophical Quarterly
Monthly
American Boy
American Girl
American Home
American Review
*Columbia Cosmopolitan
Country Life
Current History
*Bulletins of :
N. E. Conservatory of Music
Massachusetts Society of Mental Hygiene
Museum of Fine Arts Worcester Art Museum *Celotex News Child Life
Daily
*Christian Science Moni- tor
Weekly
*N. Y. Herald Tribune Books
New York Times Book Re- view
Saturday Evening Post
Library Journal
Time
Literary Digest
* Antioch News
*Christian Science Jour- nal
Antiques Boy's Life
* Depenable Highways *DuPont Magazine * Express Messenger Forum Good Houskeeping *Granite Cutter's Journal
Harper's *How to Sell Hygeia
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*International Engineers
*International Student
*Journal of Calendar Re- form
* Journeyman Barber Ladies' Home Journal
* Living Tissue
McCall's
* Modelmaker
*Motion Pictures
*National Republic
*National Humane Re- view
National Geographic
Nature
North American Review
*Ocean Ferry
Open Road
Outlook
*Our Dumb Animals
Pictorial Review
Popular Mechanics
Popular Science
*Quarry Workers' Jour- nal
*Rayon Review Reader's Digest Reader's Guide
Radio News Review of Reviews
*Rosicrucian Digest
Scientific American Scribner's
*Seven Seas
*Specialty Salesman
St. Nicholas
*The Elks
Travel
*Traveler's Standard
*Tycos
*U. S. Recruiting News .
Woman's Home Compan- ior
*Worcester County Farm- er
*Word Study
* Wilson Bulletin
MASSACHUSETTS ART CLUB
The following exhibits were received from the Mas- sachusetts Art Club : Ideals of American Art; Con- temporary American Portraits Painters; New England Birds, 11; Pictures by Russian Artists; Modern Mas- terpieces of British Art; Canadian Rockies; Contem- porary American Sculpture; Phil May; Wanderings in Italy; Dolls; German, Italian and Japanese Photo- graphs; Silks of Japan; Currier and Ives; Dickens; Gateways and doorways of Charleston, S. C .; Our Friend, the Dog, 11; Persia.
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RECAPITULATIONS OF STATISTICS
Number of days library was open
303
Circulation for 1933
81,427
Circulation for 1934
74,711
Loss in 1934
6,716
Largest daily circulation, October 15
573
Smallest daily circulation, February 20
15
Average daily circulation
246.5
Average circulation per capita
5
Notices sent delinquents
369
Patrons registered
870
Total registration
2,920
Visitors to reading room, 1933
10,301
Visitors to reading room, 1934
7,945
Loss
2,356
Collected for fines, paid Town Treasurer
$144.64
Number of books per catalogue, 1933
24,394
Books added during year
328
By purchase, 258; by gift, 70
Number of books per catalogue, 1934
24,722
Respectfully submitted,
ETHELWYN BLAKE,
Librarian.
Report of Chief of Police.
To the Board of Selectmen of Milford, Mass. :
Gentlemen: I have the honor to submit a report of the duties performed by the Police Department, for the year ending December 31, 1934.
Total arrests
265
Males
255
Females
9
.Juvenile
1
Guilty
221
Not guilty
14
Discharged
14
Filed
58
1
Fined
57
Held for Grand Jury
10
Committed to House of Correction
50
Committed to State Farm
15
Placed on probation
15
Committed to Lyman School
1
Insane Commitments
9
Appealed
7
Carrying firearms
1
Bastardy
2
Drunkenness
136
:
Destroying property
4
Failing to send children to school
2
Larceny
15
1
Murder
1
1
-
:
126
Non-support 5
Operating under influence of liquor 11
Operating to endanger 4
1
Keeping liquor 4
Molesting females
1
Leaving scene of accident
2
ยท Suspended sentence
34
Forgery
3
Violating Town By-Law
4
Receiving stolen property
1
Stubborn child
1
Unlicensed dogs
23
Aiding out-of-town police
44
Accidents investigated
123
Red light calls answered
411
1
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. MOLONEY,
Chief of Police.
Report of the Park Commissioners.
To the Citizens of the Town of Milford :
We hereby submit our annual report for the year ending December 31, 1934.
During 1934 this Department furnished employment for 35 employees, citizens of Milford, at full time and part time.
During 1934 saw the completion of three new ten- nis courts, and a handsome new comfort station. We are pleased to note there has been no material dam- age to the comfort station whatsoever.
The Athletic Field has been all re-surfaced. Mak- ing one of the best in this section of the State, and it has also been further improved by having two new dug-outs placed in it.
We have a project now pending before the Select- men, and Administrator, for the curbing of upper Con- gress Street, also Walnut Street and curbing and gut- tering of all walks, and new walks throughout the Town Park.
We wish to again, at this time, call the attention of the Citizens of Milford, to the deplorable condition of the Honor Roll, on Draper Park, also to the fact that there is $3,293.99 remaining in the Surplus War Bonus Fund, and we maintain that this money for ma- terial and with E.R.A. labor should be put to work on a lasting and fitting memorial to be erected on Draper Park.
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Calzone Park has been all re-loamed, and grassed, new shrubs set all around Calzone and Draper Parks. This scheme improves the parks.
PLAYGROUNDS AND RECREATION
The Town of Milford maintains three playgrounds .. This Board feels that an additional playground should be added in the Hoboken district. There are many children in that section of the Town to be taken care of in playgrounds during the summer months, and not be forced to go either to the Park or Plains play- grounds. The playground could be equipped and maintained during the summer months for about $400.00. The attendance at the playgrounds are on the increase.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE M. FITZPATRICK, Chairman, PATRICK CARROLL, SIMON P. HICKEY.
Report of the Planning Board.
To the Citizens of the Town of Milford:
The Planning Board presents its first annual report, to- gether with a report of its activity for the year ending De. cember 31st, 1934.
The Planning Board for the year 1934 consisted of Hen- ry D. Barbadoro, Chairman, Walter F. Jackson, Secretary, and Leo P. Furcinitti.
In view of the fact that this is the first report ever made to the Citizens of the Town by the Planning Board, we feel that it is proper at this time to give a brief history of the Board.
The Planning Board was first organized in 1922 under statutory mandate, consisting of three members, but remained inactive until 1933. Beginning with September, 1933, your present board met frequently, and finally took action to see that the Citizens of the Town were made aware of the many problems wherein the Planning Board could be of assistance. Together with the Zoning Committee appointed at the last an- nual town meeting, they have held frequent meetings, and have finally drawn up plans for zoning and restrictions areas which will be submitted by the Committee at the next annual town meeting in March of 1935.
However, aside from the work that has been done in that one sphere of action, we wish to call the attention of the Citi- zens of the Town of Milford to the many uses and practical means that a Planning Board, functioning properly, can con- summate. It should act as a co-operating power, welding to- gether the Park Department, the Highway Department, and the Welfare Department, and with the co-operation of these three departments, it can present a unified plan of progressive action which will tend to increase the aesthetic value of the
Town, together with the practical work. In view of the fact that the E. R. A. Department has a number of men at its disposition, we wish to urge the beautification of our parks, the betterment of sidewalks, and the taking over by the Town of a number of streets which are at the present time private ways.
We also want to call to the attention of the citizens the great necessity of a survey of the Town. At the present time, there is no recognized plan of the Town of Milford, and in this way a large number of bounds of real estate which are now in confusion could be definitely established.
We feel that in co-ordinating all this work, and co-opera- ting with the departments named, the Planning Board has a useful function and that in future it takes its place among the important boards of the Town of Milford.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY D. BARBADORO, Chairman, WALTER F. JACKSON, Secretary, LEO P. FURCINITTI.
Report of the Sewer Commission.
To the Citizens of Milford :
The Sewer Commission submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1934. A detailed statement of income and disbursements for the year is presented by the Town Accountant and is, there- fore, not repeated in this report.
There was no new construction undertaken during. the year; all efforts of this Commission in this con- nection were expended in an endeavor to prepare plans for an addition to the treatment works.
On account of requirements of the State Depart- ment of Health, relative to necessity for additional treatment works, as set forth at various times during the past few years and particularly in a letter to the Board of Selectmen, dated December 18, 1933, this Commission instructed its Engineer, Mr. F. A. Bar- bour, of Boston, to report on additional treatment works. This report was made August 8, 1934, and has been the basis on which this Commission has attempt- ed to meet the State Health Department requirements.
Application has been made for F.E.R.A. assistance in construction of the new works, but approval of the project has not been received. It is hoped that this assistance will be provided and your Commission is continuing its efforts to get favorable action and ac- ceptance of the project. Your Commission feel that additional treatment works are necessary and that the
130
Town should take such action as may be necessary to insure construction being completed at an early date.
Twelve additional house connections to the sewers were made during the year, making a total of 1818.
Respectfully submitted,
-
ALFRED F. MARTIN, FRED L. ROBERTI, ERNEST E. O'BRIEN, Sewer Commissioners.
Report of the Inspector of Wires.
Milford, Mass., January 1, 1935. To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
I can report for the year 1934, that new building has been at a rather low point and electrical work of that class correspondingly affected.
There has been, however, a good volume of addi- tions and changes, largely for the installation of oil burners and refrigeration equipment and for electric signs and electrically lighted signs.
The return of traffic in alcoholic beverages has also made necessary rewiring a number of stores and res- taurants.
I have continued to advocate to all, in consideration of any changes or additions, the use of approved ma- terial and appliances, installed by qualified electri- cians. I have also encouraged both electricians and property owners to consult in regard to any troubles or problems they may have.
The very pleasant and profitable co-operation with the Chief of the Fire Department, in matters of mu- tual interest, has continued.
In spite of the conditions of the past few years, the lines and equipment of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Co. and the Milford Electric Light and Power Co. have been maintained in fine condition.
The re-equipping of the Temple Shoe Shop and the construction of the High School addition will start the new year with quite a volume of electrical work.
Respectfully submitted,
FRED M. DANIELS, Inspector of Wires.
Report of Scaler of Weights and Measures.
Milford, January 1, 1935,
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending December 31, 1934. All places of business in the Town of Milford were visited by me after notifying by public notice, as the Law re- quires, that all scales, measures, pumps, etc., would be sealed, without fees, if brought to my office.
SCALES, MEASURES, ETC., SEALED
adj. seal. cond.
Platform Scales, over 5,000
2
6
1
Platform Scales, under 5,000
31
61
5
Counter Scales
.14
40
4
Beam Scales
6
20
4
Spring Scales
18
79
9
Computing Scales
20
46
4
Slot Personal Weighing Scales
4
12
2
Weights
9
504
52
Automatic Gas and Oil Pumps
29
98
4
Wet Measures
99
10
Yard Sticks
32
18.
Oil Jars
438
19
Vehicle Tanks
4
Office Calls for Sealing
160
Outside Calls for Sealing
210
Sealing Fees
$153.74
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Paid Town Treasurer, Benjamin J. Clancey $153.74 Licenses for Hawkers and Peddlers 240.00
State Licenses issued from this Office 22
Thanking the Honorable Board of Selectmen and the Public, for the assistance given me during my term as Sealer of Weights and Measures,
I am, respectfully, DANIEL M. O'BRIEN, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
Report of Inspector of Animals.
January 16, 1935.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
During this year's annual inspection, I examined 265 head of cattle, 201 pigs, 8 goats and 2 sheep, and found all in a satisfactory condition.
This Town is 100% clean, as regards tuberculosis and the State Board pronounces the Commonwealth a "modified accredited area".
The State and Federal officers are now interesting themselves in the eradication of Contagious Abortion (or Bang disease), and Mastitis; and a plan is now under way for the consummation of their efforts.
I have to report an unusually large number of dog bites this year, but none were of a serious nature. Un- der the new dog laws, just put into effect, this condi- tion should soon be appreciably lessened.
Respectfully submitted,
DR. B. F. HARTMAN,
Inspector of Animals.
Town Solicitor's Report.
During the year ending December 31, 1934, the Town settled out of Court nine claims for personal injuries or property damage. One case arising out of accident on Main Street, in 1929, was reached for trial in the Worcester Superior Court and as it was impossble to compromise, in view of the large amount demanded by the claimant, it was tried out to a Jury. The Town won that case.
There are now ten suits in the Superior Court against the Town, waiting to be reached for trial, on account of alleged accidents on sidewalks or high- ways. The oldest of these arose in 1931. Four claims have been presented upon which suit has not been brought.
There is a petition pending against the County for land damages in connection with the Cedar Street con- struction for 1933. The Town, under its agreement with the County, is responsible for whatever damages are awarded, and, therefore, the Town Solicitor is obliged to handle the defense of the action.
The project of widening the northwest corner of Spruce and School Streets, in order that the angular corner might be eliminated and a cement sidewalk made on the north side of Spruce Street to the Stacy School and the Town Park, was one of the first E.R.A. projects applied for by the Selectmen. They felt that this should be done before any permanent structure
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should be built on the land, and thus keep the land damages as small as possible. A portion of the va- cant land was thus taken, and the owner of the land claimed damages, but the matter has been settled out of Court.
All of the above settlements, including witness fees, medical examinations, etc., have been kept within the regular appropriation for "Damages to Persons and Property".
Instalment payments have been made by the insur- ance company, which bonded the contractor who con- structed West Street, in 1931, reducing the amount due the Town to $550.00. But on May 29, 1934, the insurance company became insolvent, therefore, what- ever amount the Town may be reimbursed in the fu- fure will depend upon such dividend out of the com- pany assets as may later be declared.
During the year 1934, 418 descriptions of property to be taken for unpaid taxes, were prepared at the request of the Tax Collector, as against 569 in 1933. Only 43 titles, however, were actually taken, as against 145 in 1933. Thus 375 taxpayers made an adjustment with the Collector after the notice contain- ing the description was served and before the taking. Further comparison shows that there were 151 less notices of taking prepared in 1934 than in 1933, and 102 fewer titles actually taken.
As has been before stated, the property owner does not lose the beneficial interest by a taking, as liberal provision is provided by which the taking may be released. The Town Treasurer's record will show the number thus redeemed, the Solicitor being obliged to
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prepare the releases in each case. In fact, the Town has been obliged to register its title to only one parcel of all those that have been taken, and that was the Walker quarry land.
One appeal from an application for an abatement for real estate taxes from the Board of Assessors was defended in the State Board of Tax Appeals, but be- fore hearing, the applicant withdrew his appeal and the case was disposed of satisfactorily to the Town.
When requested by the Police or other Departments, the Solicitor has appeared in Court, before the Emer- gency Finance Board, E.R.A. Administrator, and the Public Works Administration, and has furnished ad- vice and given numerous opinions to all the Town De- partments.
As pointed out in the Selectmen's Report, the con- tinuation of the Federal program for the relief of un- employment required much detailed work and con- sumed much of the time of the Town Solicitor. . The application for the High School grant having been allowed, applications for new projects from the pro- posed Public Works program, in 1935, are being pre- pared. A list of these projects may be found in the Selectmen's Report. After these appropriations be- come available, as now seems likely, these applica- tions will have to be pursued in order to secure favor- able consideration, and State and local approval se- cured.
With the increase of governmental activity of these times, both State and Federal, the volume of work in this Department is constantly increasing. In addition to the preparation of the defense of law cases brought
138
against the Town and trying them in Court when necessary, the preparing of descriptions, takings and releases in tax cases, and attending to the regular routine matters, the Town Solicitor is obliged to take an active part in the preparation, discussion and con- sideration of all government projects and represent the Town in every instance where the Town is con- cerned, and when called upon by any Department.
I, therefore, wish to take this opportunity of thank- ing the Departments for their co-operation during the year and for their assistance in solving the many prob- lems which have arisen.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM A. MURRAY, Town Solicitor.
ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT
MILFORD MASSACHUSETTS
SCHOOL YEAR 1933-1934 FISCAL YEAR 1934
Approved at a meeting of the School Committee held January 24, 1935, as the report of the School Committee.
MABEL AGNES KENNEY
1896-1934
In the following resolutions, the Milford Teachers' Association has honored itself in honor- ing Mabel Kenney :-
Whereas, God in His infinite wisdom, has seen fit to remove from our midst, our esteemed co-worker, Mabel Agnes Kenney, and, whereas, we deem it fit- ting to pay tribute to the memory of a friend and teacher of merit, therefore be it, "Resolved: That in her passing the Milford Teachers' Association has lost a faithful member, the School department a conscientious teacher of high ideals, the community at large a valued citizen, and the children an instructor of ster- ling worth and high character, whose very presence among them was an in- spiration to tread the paths which lead to purity of living, nobility of character, and strength to perform life's duties faithfully and conscientiously.
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