USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1936 > Part 9
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In conclusion, I wish to extend my sincere thanks to our Tree Warden for the valuable assistance rendered in allowing us to trim trees through which Fire Alarm wires pass, to the New England Telephone & Telegraph Company and to the Braintree Electric Light Department for their co-operation and assistance rendered.
Respectfully submitted,
FRED A. TENNEY
Superintendent of Fire Alarm.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Police Department
OF THE
TOWN OF BRAINTREE
FROM
December 31, '35 to December 31, '36
BR
OF
1
NMOI
..
MA
MASSAC
1640
HUSETIS
114
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
January 1, 1937.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report of the Braintree Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1936.
Whole Number of Arrests
457
Male
442
Female
15
Residents
271
Non-Residents
186
No. 1
CRIMES AGAINST PERSON 19
Offenses
Male
2 0 ON Female
Residents
2 1 2 0 ONEN Non-Residents
--
17
2
14
5
19
No. 2 CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY
39
Breaking and Entering
20
0
14
6
20
Concealing Leased Property
1
0
1
0
1
Evading Fare
1
0
0
1
1
Larceny
7
0
4
3
7
Larceny Auto
1
0
1
0
1
Malicious Mischief
5
0
3
2
5
Receiving Stolen Goods
0
1
0
1
1
Trespass
2
0
1
1
2
Using M. V. without authority
1
0
0
1
1
38
1
24
15
39
Total
Assault and Battery
10
10
12
Assault - Dang. Weapon
1
0
1
Rape and Attempt
5
0
3
5.
Threats
1
0
1
1
-
115
No. 3
CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER, Etc.
Offenses
Male
0 0 1 AOHO Female
0 4 9 AO· Residents
2 7 ON Non-Residents 0
Total
4
Drunkenness
270
4
177
97
274
Illegitimacy
5
0
3
2
5
Lewdness
1
0
1
0
1
Neglect, Desertion, Non-Sup.
11
0
6
5
11
Non-payment Wages
1
0
1
0
1
Op. M. V. to Endanger
4
0
3
1.
4
Op. M. V. under Influence
16
0
2
14
16
Stubborness
0
1
1
0
1
Tramps, Vagrants
2
0
0
2
2
Truancy
1
0
1
0
1
Poss. Burg. Tools
3
0
0
3
3
Default - Viol. Probation
14
1
7
8
15
Health Laws, Viol.
4
4
8
0
8
Profanity
2
1
1
2
3
V. M. V. Laws
32
0
9
23
32
387
12
233
166
399
RECAPITULATION
No. 1.
Against Person
19
No. 2.
Against Property
39
No. 3.
Against Public Order
399
Total Arrests
457
COMPLAINTS, ETC.
Accidents - Minor 98 Serious
75
Fatal
4
Ambulance Trips
172
Buildings Found Open
95
Cat complaints
176
Dog complaints
596
Drunk releases
182
Fire Alarms answered
86
Holes in streets reported
121
Insane cases-Male Residents
8
-Female Residents
4
Lanterns put out
72
Lodging given
15
Messages delivered
240
Miscellaneous complaints
1921
Missing Persons-Male Residents
63
-Female Residents
29
-Male Non-Residents
12
-Female Non-Residents
1
Delinquency
11
11
Disturbing Peace
6
7
Dog Keeping, Unlic.
4
116
Stolen cars - Braintree 5 7
Stolen cars recovered
Street Lights reported out
64 5
Sudden Deaths-Male Residents
-Female Resident -Male Non-Residents
1 2
Sunday Permits to labor
59.
Wagon Trips
97
Subpoenas Served-Braintree
-For Out of Town 31
10
Summonses Served-Braintree 67
For Out of Town 108.
Code: Auto Accidents :
Minor: Accident in which Property Damage only is incurred. Serious: Accident in which Personal Injury, however slight, is. sustained.
Fatal: Accident in which dealth results.
Code: Insane, Missing Persons and Sudden Deaths:
MR - Male Resident.
FR - Female Resident.
FNR-Female Non-Resident.
MNR-Male Non-Resident.
For the year 1937 I have recommended the purchase of a new. Ambulance. Our present Ambulance is a 1931 model Ford, and since its purchase has been used in over 850 cases.
I have also recommended the purchase of a new motorcycle to. replace our 1931 model machine.
At this time I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the Honor -. able Board of Selectmen, The Finance Committee, and to all others; who have shown a spirit of co-operation toward my department.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. HEANEY-
Chief of Police.
117
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
December 19, 1936.
HOLLIS FIELD
The Hollis Field was kept in good condition all season. Base- ball diamond and Football field were kept in excellent condition. Basketball court was erected. New tennis court was wired. There is great need of more seating capacity. Football crowds are getting larger every year.
WATSON PARK
Tennis courts were put in good condition early in Spring and Diamond was raked and rolled.
ADAMS STREET PLAYGROUNDS
This plaground was kept in good condition all year. The at- tendance was the largest in recent years. The tennis court will be put in playing condition in the spring.
FRENCH'S COMMON
The season just passed was a busy one on the Common, Base- ball being the main sport. Tennis courts were busy till November 1. Basketball court was erected and was used till late in November. Soccer Football was also played. The field was kept in good condi -. tion for all these sports.
HOLLINGSWORTH PARK
This park was opened for the first time with instructors. A new- chain link backstop was erected. Diamond was kept in good condi- tion. This park should grow every year in attendance.
ORGANIZED PLAY
Organized play had another successful season. Games of all kinds were contested between the different parks. The attendance is increasing every season.
The youngsters were taken to Boston to see a big league game again.
The biggest hit of the year as far as the youngsters and a lot of the older folks was the clown show put on by the WPA players. This was something different and made a big hit with young and old.
When this show was put on the WPA project had expired, but Miss Diauto stayed through with the youngsters and put the show on. The park board appreciates this very much. We also thank the board of selectmen for their co-operation in different matters, also High -. way and Departments.
ROBERT B. TAYLOR, Chairman HARRY F. VINTON Jr., Treasurer RAYMOND ANDERSON
118
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
January 4, 1937.
To th Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Braintree : Gentlemen:
The following is the report of the Animal Inspector of the Town of Braintree:
Premises inspected on annual inspection
50
Cows
101
Bulls
2
Young cattle
8
Goats
10
Swine 2785
Barns inspected after tubercular reactors
1
Dog bite cases investigated
90
Dogs quarantined
46
Dogs released
44
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER J. MATTIE, Inspector of Animals.
REPORT OF BUILDING INSPECTOR
January 2, 1937.
Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Braintree,
Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit the report of the Building Department for the year 1936:
PERMITS ISSUED AS FOLLOWS:
Dwellings
58 $260,950.00
Garages
47
10,450.00
Alterations & repairs
80
29,650.00
Poultry houses
7
535.00
Stores
4
18,000.00
Office buildings
2
350.00
Razing
5
410.00
Damage by fire
4
2,850.00
Service Stations
2
2,125.00
Garden House
1
75.00
Storage building
1
3,500.00
Greenhouse
1
50.00
Roadside Stand
1
200.00
Factory addition
1.
1,200.00
Moving buildings
2
150.00
Estimated Value of Permits
$330,495.00
Fees received for Permits
$ 471.00
Total Permits Issued
216
Respectfully submitted, JOHN A. RYAN ALFRED H. HOLBROOK
Building Inspectors.
119
REPORT OF TOWN ENGINEER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith respectfully submit the seventh annual report of the Engineering Department for the year ending December 31, 1936.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Lines, grades and plans have been furnished for the following: CURBING - WPA
Adams St .- south side-from Arnold St. to Middle St.
Allen St .- south side-from Shaw St. 500' east.
Central Ave .- south side-from Tremont St. to Franklin St. Clark St .- north side-from Washington St. to Wyman Rd. Hobart Ave .-- north side-from Washington St. to Tremont St. Hunt Ave .- south side-from Jersey Ave. to Middle St. Morrison Rd .- both sides-from Adams St. to Drinkwater Ave, Pond St .- south side-from No. 20 to Noah Torrey School. Shaw St .- east side-from South's Store to Hayward St.
Washington St .- west side-from Quincy Line to Holmes St.
SIDEWALKS - WPA
Elm St .- from Elmlawn Rd. to Bower Rd.
West St .- south side-from Tremont St. to Franklin St.
ROAD CONSTRUCTION WPA
Crawford Rd .- from Crawford St. to Pearl St.
Highland Ave .- from Jefferson St. to Washington St.
Jefferson St .- from Washington St. to Highland Ave. Sheppard Ave .- from No. 60 to Shaw St.
Washington St .- from Quincy Line to Fairfield St.
West St .- from Walnut St. to. Ellsmore Terrace.
Weston Ave .- from Washington St. to Tremont St.
DRAINS - WPA
Crawford Road-640 feet.
Weston Avenue-1040 feet.
WATER DEPARTMENT
Plan of water main on Grove Street from Cran's Garage 478" west and estimate of ledge.
Plan of water main on Grove Street from Columbian St. 1630' east and estimate of ledge.
Plan of water main on Weston Avenue.
Lines and grades to road from dike to West St. and road from dike .33' south to present road.
Lo ating and grades for catch basin on King Hill Road.
PARK DEPARTMENT
HOLLIS FIELD Layout of baseball diamond. Layout of football field.
WATSON PARK
Survey and grading plan of baseball field. Layout of baseball diamond.
Survey and plan for proposed skating rink ..
120
POLICE DEPARTMENT Survey and accident plan Franklin Street and Thayer Place.
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Survey and plan for development Penniman School.
Lines and grades for curbing at Hollis School and Noah Torrey School - WPA.
ASSESSORS
All deeds and subdivisions have been checked and made on all plans accordingly.
One hundred thirty-five new buildings and additions have been located and plotted on plans.
Ten buildings removed from plans.
ELECTRIC LIGHT DEPARTMENT
One hundred seventy poles staked out to be set.
PLANNING BOARD
Survey and plans of intersection of Washington Street and Franklin Street - Quincy Avenue and Commercial Street.
GENERAL
Lines and grades were given to property owners on accepted streets upon request.
We have had numerous requests for house numbers and have given them our prompt attention.
Surveys and plans for drain . easements have been made for Faulkner Place and off Crawford Road.
Stone bounds have been reset as follows: Washington Street-4, West Street-1, Holmes Street-1.
Survey and plan of addition to gravel pit and one stone bound set.
Quincy Avenue curb line staked from Quincy Line to Oakland Road.
Plan for relocation of town bound and bound set.
Survey and grades-Mt. Vernon Street at, Ellsworth Street and Washington Street at Tremont Street.
All plans for WPA projects have been made by this department. New percincts mapped out and plans made.
Made survey and prepared plans for the following: Weston Ave- nue from Washington Street to Tremont Street - Weston Avenue from Tremont Srteet to Norton Street-Jefferson Street from Wash- ington Street to Highland Avenue-Highland Avenue from Jefferson Street to Washington Street.
I wish at this time to extend my appreciation for the co-opera- tion I have received from the Selectmen and all Town Departments.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. DRINKWATER
Town Engineer.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
School Department
: . OF THE
TOWN OF BRAINTREE
FROM
December 31, '35 to December 31, '36
F. BR
MOI
TREE
1640
STT
122
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Mr. Henry D. Higgins, Chairman, 490 Washington St., Braintree.
Mrs. Alida N. Stevens, Recording Secretary, 75 Tremont St., South Braintree.
Mr. Howard B. Blewett, 363 Tremont St., Braintree.
Mr. Archie T. Morrison, 525 Liberty St., East Braintree.
Mrs. Harriet B. W. Kimball, 137 Shaw St., East Braintree.
Mr. Harold R. Quimby, 170 Tremont St., South Branitree.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Town Hall South Braintree. Office Telephone, Braintree 0782. Office Hours on School Days 8:00 to 9:00 A. M.
SECRETARY
Miss Edna E. Woodsum. Office Hours: Eight to twelve, one to five, on days when Schools are in session.
MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE
Second Monday evening of each month at eight o'clock in the Town House, Washington St., South Braintree.
123
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
January 2, 1937.
To the Citizens of the Town of Braintree:
During the year just passed, through Federal aid, curbings have been placed along the driveways at the Noah Torrey Schools, and winter weather halted similar work at the Hollis School, where it is about half done. It is, hoped that this year may see the work com- pleted, and curbings on other school grounds as well, particularly at the Lincoln 'and Penniman Schools. It now seems quite likely that the Project for clearing, filling, grading and placing of curbings about the Penniman School may be approved and undertaken. It is hoped that the fill may be secured from the cut to be made when the Union Street underpass work is undertaken. This will make it possi- ble to have an excellent playground at the Penniman School. Sewer connection is also in this Project, which will probably start with the coming of Spring.
Attention should be called to the extensive use made of our school buildings after regular school hours by 4-H Clubs, Conserva- tory, of Music activities, Parent-Teachers' Associations, and other organizations and activities of the Recreational Project, sponsored by the Selectmen, and now functioning. This extensive use of school buildings is desirable, but the fact must not be lost sight of, that this inevitably leads to an increase in the School Department's operating and maintenance costs, which must be met if school property is to be kept in the condition that it should be.
The School Department this past year installed sprinkler systems in the basements of the Jonas Perkins, Monatiquot and Pond schools, which are wooden buildings; installed an electric clock, phone and fire alarm system in the Jonas Perkins School, and improved condi- tions at the South West School. by taking the best parts of the port- ables at the Watson and Monatiquot schools, together with those at the South West, and erecting a new portable, which is a great im- provement, but still far from what should be provided. The best possible was done, however, that could be done. A great improve- ment was made in the Hollis School during the last summer vacation by the installation in the boys' toilet of new porcelain stall urinals. It is hoped that year after year this may be done in other buildings until all buildings are thus equipped.
This Department's Budget, as requested for the year 1937, has been made up on the basis of restoration of salaries, which we feel should be restored, and the Budget is $205.00 less than that asked for in 1936.
The reports of the Department which follow merit your attention.
HENRY D. HIGGINS, Chairman ALIDA N. STEVENS, Recording Secretary HOWARD B. BLEWETT ARCHIE T. MORRISON HARRIET B. W. KIMBALL HAROLD R. QUIMBY
School Committee.
124
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
January 2, 1937.
To the School Committee:
I present herewith, as Superintendent of Schools, my sixteenth annual report.
During the year just passed many vacancies occurred. Mr. Lewis, instructor in Instrumental Music, and Mr. Eldridge, principal of the North District, each passed away most suddenly, and their many friends were much shocked. In addition to these vacancies there were two resignations occuring in the High School, ten in the grade schools, one as secretary in the Superintendent's office, which with the necessity of appointing one additional teacher in the High School, and the granting of a year's leave of absence to a grade school teacher created a situation requiring the appointment of seventeen persons new to our system during the year of 1936. Except for our Cadet System this might have been a serious handicap. However, there are actually in the regular class rooms of our grade schools but two grade school teachers who are new to our system.
With the opening of schools in September a new system was in- augurated of providing for the possible admission of under-aged chil- dren. Dr. E. A. Lincoln had submitted to him the names of under- aged children applying for admission, but no child more than five months under-aged was eligible for examination. Forty-two children were examined for admission to the Kindergarten, and twenty-five were admitted. For admission to Grade 1 twenty-one were examined and eight were admitted. This method is far more satisfactory than that previously pursued, and few, if any, of the under-aged children who were admitted to school have thus far shown an inability to satis- factorily do the school wrok.
Another new regulation of the Department is to the effect that no child may enter the Public Schools for the first time after October first, except by special vote of the School Committee. This action has been made necessary by delav on the part of some to enter their children in schools for so long a time that it has been quite unfair to the children, and to the teacher, because the class has progressed to such. anextent that a child entering is often hopelessly handicapped and unable to catch up with the class, even with such special atten- tion as it may be possible to give him. This is most discouraging to the child, and in most all cases can be avoided by earlier attention being given to the question and arriving at a decision. For admission the birth and vaccination certificates are necessary.
For the second year the School Dental Clinic conducted by the Board of Health, and organized and supervised by the Superintendent of Schools, has done a great deal of work to improve the conditions of the teeth of first, second, third and fourth grade children in the schools. A total of 2365 operations were performed, and the dis- tribution was 337 cleanings, 1698 fillings, and 330 extractions. The net cost to the Town was $1,208.00 for this work. The dentist's chair and other equipment, is moved from building to building and remains in each building until the work which is to be done is com- pleted.
Through the efforts of Mr. Ernest J. Janssen, Chairman of the Health Committee of the Braintree Parent-Council, thirty-four chil- dren had their tonsils removed. This work was accomplished with the co-operation of the Weymouth Hospital, physicians, the School
125
Department, the Towns' visiting nurses, and everyone, in fact, who could in any way assist did so. There are many well authenticated cases of wonderful improvement in the school work, and the general health of children after such operations have been performed. There are many in need of such an operation, and the local Rotary Club has actively interested itself in this question, and as a result it is to be hoped that an even larger number may benefit from such an op- eration next summer. The individual's health is of first importance, and I feel that fully as much attention is being given to health by our schools as is being given by any school department. Our school physicians, our school nurse, our instructors of physical education, in fact, the entire personnel of the department, are alert to questions of health and physical fitness. The report of our physical directors, which is to be found later in the report of the school department, is particularly interesting, because of the explanation of the so-called "Physical Fitness Tests" which were started for the first time in our schools last Fall. After even so short a time many benefits may be now observed.
The late Frederick W. J. Lewis, instructor of Instrumental Music in our schools, instituted what is called the Conservatory of Music, and was granted the use of school buildings for its activities, which consisted not only of instruction on all wind and stringed instru- mets, including the piano, but also instructions in elocution ad dane- ing. The work of the Conservatory of Music has been most success- fully continued by Mr. Lewis' successor, Mr. Arthur P. Hauck, and classes have proved so popular, that instead of having this work con- ductd on Saturday mornings only, it has been found necessary to have some of the classes meet after school on school days in addition to the Saturday morning work. I feel that it is due Mr. Hauck that the public should know that no financial return is received by him for this Conservatory of Music work.
Last May' achievement tests for all grades, two to eight inclus- ive, were conducted and the results all tabulated. These tests, almost without exception, verify the teacher's judgment of pupil's work and ability. The great problem which has to be met, and overcome as much as possible, is the wide variation of abilities in a class. When a teacher faces a class of forty-two second grade children with abilities ranging from those of a child five years old to those of a child nine years eight months old, it is a most discouraging problem. This, and similar situations, confront our teachers, and necessitates dividing the class into two or three groups, and sometimes even four. This, of course, slows up the work, and makes it difficult to cover in a satisfactory manner the years work, but it is about the only way to do in a school system where the building has but one room of a given grade. In larger schools where there are three or four rooms of the same grade opportunity is presented for effective grouping of children in accordance with their abilities, thus securing a room of children with more nearly uniform abilities. Under our conditions teachers are to be complimented for securing the creditable results which are obtained. It is done by individual attention as far as possible. and making use of the services of our cadet teachers in each building.
In the last three of four years many school systems have ev- perienced a reduction in their enrollments, and now for the first time we find it in our schools, but it is so small as to be practically a negligible quantity. Last year the total membership in our schools at the end of the first month of school was 3802, and this present year of 1936-1937 our total membership at the end of the first month was 3777. However, as may be seen from an examination of the
126
High School Principal's Report an increased enrollment is found in our High School, and is quite likely to be a fact each year for a num- ber of years in the future. I sincerely hope that before long the Town of Braintree may again become actively engaged in providing increased school accommodations, especially for our High School stu- dents. It is badly needed now.
In closing, I would call your attention to the reports following, and express my appreciation to the members of the School Commit- tee, and to all my associates in the Department for consideration shown, and the creation of an atmosphere of energetic co-operative effort. Thank you.
Respectfully submitted,
C. EDWARD FISHER.
REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
December 31, 1936.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher,
Superintendent of Schools,
Braintree, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir:
Herewith is submitted my annual report for the high school.
Figures on membership for the last school year to date are as follows:
1935 - 1936
Total Membership Average Membership 879.44
945
Percentage of Attendance 94.86
REGISTRATION
1936-1937
Boys
Girls
Total
Boys
Girls
Total
Post Graduates
7
13
20
11
20
31
Seniors
82
107
189
80
83
163
Juniors
92
133
225
107
119
226
Sophomores
120
136
256
107
145
252
Freshmen
130
146
276
130
137
267
431
535
966
435
504
939
The above figures represent a total increase of 27 over the cor- responding figures of the previous year. However, due to a smaller Post Graduate group the undergraduate registration is 38 more than last year.
This increase made necessary the addition to our faculty of one teacher, Miss Marion Simpson, in the Commercial Department. In
addition to this, changes occurred as follows: 'Mr. U. Chester Ulmann replaced Mr. Hawes as a teacher of German and Spanish, Mr. Wil-
(corresponding date) 1935 -- 1936
127
liam Erwin replaced Mr. Scott as a teacher of Civics, and Mr. Arthur P. Hauck has filled the vacancy as instructor of instrumental music in the high school and grades caused by the sudden death of Mr. Frederick W. Lewis.
No additional subjects have been added to the curriculum al- though both vocal and instrumental music courses have been extended somewhat. Also, in the work of Physical Education considerable more attention has been given to health problems and to corrective exercises in strengthening weak spots in the physical makeup of those students who have been found, on examination, to be below normal. More details of this work will be found in the separate re- ports of the instructors of Physical Education.
The excellent record of our many students in the various col- leges speak of the good work being done in the different departments of the school and bear out the belief that our teachers have made every effort to counteract the evils of our two platoon system by seeing to it that no pupil is forced to suffer unduly because of such a system.
Extra curricula activities generally recognized as necessary as well as worthwhile educational adjuncts, undoubtedly warrant some consideration in this report. Among such might be mentioned the work of the Wampatuck, which has again received recognition through the award of the trophy as the best all-round magazine published by any school belonging to the Southeastern Massachusetts League of School Publications for the school year 1935-1936. For the past two years the Wampatuck has included as its final issue of the year, a Year Book, for the senior class and has turned out very creditable books. The generous support in the way of advertising has enabled us to give the students the benefit of a cost price, half that obtained by most schools for their Year Books.
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