Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1944, Part 8

Author:
Publication date: 1944
Publisher: The town
Number of Pages: 228


USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1944 > Part 8


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In Anticipation of Revenue 1944


$200,000.00


State Tax and Assessments 1944


50,104.11


County Tax 1944


31,268.94


Pay-roll Deductions:


Purchase of War Bonds $


663.07


Federal Withholding Taxes


2,069.10


Proceeds of Dog Licenses-Due County


802.60


Tailings-Unclaimed Checks


2,870.78


Recoveries and Reimbursements : Aid to Dependent Children


$


133.33


Old Age Assistance


2,630.68


Sale of Real Estate Fund


Trust Funds Income :


Ann Maria Penniman School Fund $


3.71


Avis A. Thayer School Fund


4.64


James W. Colbert School Fund


1,571.77


Library Funds


4,121.43


Charles Thayer Fund


347.65


Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds


5.32


Guarantee Deposits :


Electric Light Customers $


3,712.93


Electric Light Interest


471.04


4,183.97


Federal Grants :


Aid to Dependent Children:


Administration


49.18


Aid


1,066.45


Old Age Assistance :


Administration


296.12


Assistance


4,375.79


Sewer Receipts Reserved for Appropriation


Electric Light Department :


Maintenance


$ 87,260.19


Depreciation


263,669.37


Construction


125,610.00


Unexpended Appropriation Balances


Loans Authorized-Unissued


270,000.00


Reserve Fund-Overlay Surplus


2,704.25


Overlays Reserved for Abatement of Taxes: Levy of 1943 $ 14,525.61


20,390.86


34,916.47


- 92 -


. .


6,054.52


-


5,787.54 5,459.13


476,539.56 518,477.84


Levy of 1944


2,732.17


2,764.01 12,319.00


Revenue Reserved Until Collected :


Motor Vehicle Excise Tax


$ 7,338.55


Special Assessment


18,462.98


Tax Title 116,395.88


Departmental


41,866.33


Aid to Highways


2,000.00


Electric Light


3,207.89


Water


19,403.93


Revenue 1944


Surplus Revenue


208,675.56 19,088 54 212,619.26


$2,067,368.25


DEFERRED REVENUE ACCOUNTS


ASSETS


Apportioned Assessments Not Due:


Sewer


$37,042.96


Sewer House Connections


15,886.00


$ 52,928.96


LIABILITIES AND RESERVES


Apportioned Sewer Assessment Revenue:


Due in 1945


$ 8,347.51


Due in 1946


6,098.46


Due in 1947


5,379.46


Due in 1948


4,558.03


Due in 1949


4,469.03


Due in 1950


4,415.03


Due in 1951


3,626 44


Due in 1952


149.00


$ 37,042.96


Apportioned Sewer House Connections Revenue :


Due in 1945


$ 2,803.00


Due in 1946


2,793.00


Due in 1947


2,455.00


Due in 1948


2,077.00


Due in 1949


1,819.00


Due in 1950


1,625.00


Due in 1951


1,409.00


Due in 1952


624.00


Due in 1953


281.00


15,886 00


$ 52,928.96


DEBT ACCOUNTS ASSETS


Net Funded or Fixed Debt


$432,000.00


LIABILITIES AND RESERVES


Police and Fire Station Loan


$ 7,000.00


New Fire Station Loan


7,000.00


Sewerage Loans


410,000.00


School Loan


8,000.00


$432,000.00


$432,000.00


- 93 -


TRUST AND INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS


ASSETS


Trust and Investment Funds, Cash and Securities :


$223,899.23


In Custody of Town Treasurer ... In Custody of Treasurer of Library Trustees


13,693.41


$237,592.64


LIABILITIES AND RESERVES


In Custody of Town Treasurer:


Charles E. French School Fund


$ 2,419.50


Ann Maria Penniman School Fund 500.00


Avis A. Thayer School Fund 500.00


James W. Colbert School Fund


25,000.00


Nathaniel H. Hunt Library Fund


24,276.99


Charles Thayer Fund 20,329.06


George W. Kelley Cemetery Fund


200.02


Hannah R. Hollis Cemetery Fund


100.00


Julia A. Minchin Cemetery Fund


100.00


Joseph S. Miller Cemetery Fund


123.66


Charles C. Hill Cemetery Fund .


100.00


Henry H. Musick Cemetery Fund


250.00


Post-War Rehabilitation Funds


150,000.00


$223,899.23


In Custody of Treasurer of Library Trustees:


Foundation Fund


$ 11,020.91


Calob Stetson Library Fund


2,500.00


Rachel R. Thayer Library Fund


172.50


13,693.41


$237,592.64


RETIREMENT SYSTEM ACCOUNTS


ASSETS


Municipal Contributory Retirement System Funds- Cash and Securities :


In Custody of Town Treasurer


$134,309.81


$134,309.81


LIABILITIES AND RESERVES


Annuity Savings Fund


$ 67,557.81


Pension Accumulation Fund


61,760.40


Annuity Reserve Fund


3,109.40


Expense Fund .


308.11


Military Service Fund


521.31


Undistributed Income


1,052.78


...


.


$134,309.81


-- 94 -


Annual Report of the Park Department


Town Hall, South Braintree, Massachusetts


To the Honorable Board of Selcetmen :


Gentlemen :


FRENCH'S COMMON: The Common was kept in good condition all year. A Jungle Jim was erected. Bleachers and seats were repaired and painted. Fifty yards of loam was used for re-surfacing.


HOLLINGSWORTH PARK: This Park was kept in good condition and the bleachers painted and repaired.


HOLLIS FIELD: While no major High School football games were played on this field during the year because of anticipated construction of same, the field was used by the younger children for baseball, etc. The steel frames supporting the play swings were moved to a shadier and safer loca- tion in the northwest section of the playing area.


PENNIMAN SCHOOL AREA: Every effort was made this past year to stimulate interest and increased attendance in this area. The backstop was repaired and repainted.


WATSON PARK: A change of location was made this year from Watson Park to the Park Department's new property at lower Edgehill Road. A recognized beach was started. Both adults and children numbering 300 to 500 used the beach every day. More beach land will be reclaimed this year (1945).


ADAMS STREET PLAYGROUND: This playground was the center of attraction for the children who reside in this area.


ORGANIZED PLAY: Organized play and recreational activities con- tinued on all playing areas during the vacation period under careful and competent instructors. All games were enjoycd. Tennis, softball, shuffle board etc. Various tournaments and contests were carried out.


ROBERT TAYLOR GEORGE SHORTLE CHARLES ABELL Park Commissioners


--- 95 -


Report of the Highway Department


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


Gentlemen:


All work allocated to the Highway Department at our last Annual Town Meeting has been completed.


The most discussed article, the Braintree Public Dump, has been clarified to the satisfaction of all concerned. We do not anticipate any further cockroach trouble provided ample funds are raised to properly maintain the dump.


Maintenance work was carried on throughout the summer months with about twenty miles of streets being treated. Labor is still at a very low ebb, making it very difficult to give all matters concerning the Highway Department prompt and efficient action as we have always endeavored to do in the past.


Due to the shortage of labor we have been delayed in making rub- bish collections in Precincts 4-5-6. However, the taxpayers in these precincts have been very considerate and patient for which we are very appreciative. We hope to give these people better service as soon as conditions permit.


The equipment of the department is steadily growing obsolete and when new equipment is available we will be confronted with purchasing several new pieces of equipment to bring the department up-to-date.


The new construction allocated to the department at our Annual Meeting has been completed namely:


Streets-Atlas Road, Highland Avenue Drain-Howard Street


For expenditures by the Highway Department for 1944 I refer you to the Highway account under the Town Accountant's report


In conclusion, I wish to thank the Selectmen and all employees of the department for their sincere effort and loyalty.


JOHN Q. WENTWORTH, Superintendent of Highway Department.


- 96 -


REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES


OF THE


THAYER PUBLIC LIBRARY


OF THE


Town of Braintree 1


FROM


December 31, 1943 to December 31, 1944


- 97 -


Report of the Trustees of the Thayer Public Library


Braintree, Massachusetts, January 18, 1945


To the Citizens of Braintree :


The Board of Trustees of the Thayer Public Library recommend for your careful reading the admirable and comprehensive report submitted by Miss Miriam Hall, our acting Librarian. It well may serve as our annual report.


Miss Hall's report presents a clear picture of our library activities for the year 1944, stresses the efforts our staff is making in presenting the library to the people of Braintree, calls attention to the difficulties of administration of our Juvenile Department because of changing personnel, and finally brings convincingly to our attention our two major library problems that should be a matter of concern to every citizen of Braintree.


Especially would the Board stress the urgency of requiring for our staff positions special library training and establishing for these positions a salary schedule which will fix an adequate minimum, provide for an annual increment of increase, and a maximum salary that will attract competently trained department heads and specialists. It should be clearly understood that this recommendation would not exclude from our service our present library assistants who without specialized college training, have acquired their administrative experience through years of faithful service in our library and its branches.


The fact remains that Braintree is one of the very few towns of the Commonwealth in our classification that does not conform to the certificate standards that are approved and urged upon our libraries by the Massachu. setts Library and the American Library Association. These standards require that a Children's Librarian, a Department Head, or a Branch Librarian shall be a graduate of a recognized college or an approved library school, with at least two years of administrative experience.


Next September Miss Miriam Edson, who has faithfully served our East Braintree Branch and the Thayer Public Library for sixteen years, is leaving us in order to complete her preparation in the University of Chicago Library School. She has already earned a college degree.


This is the time to make a start. We should insist that her position be filled by a librarian that has met the requirements of the Massachusetts Library Association. The same standards should be insisted upon when we make the important selection in the near future of a Children's Librarain.


The Board of Trustees is gratified by the increased interest our citizens are showing in the construction of a new Public Library which will be a real community center for the Town of Braintree. It strongly approves of the recommendation made by the members of our Municipal Lighting Board that the $50,000 that they are turning over for the use of the Town of Braintree this year be allocated to a library building fund to be used when the con- struction of a new library is authorized by the vote of the Town as a post- war building project.


The Board notes with satisfaction that at its meeting on January 11, the Braintree Rotary Club unanimously indorsed this recommendation and author- ized the President to appoint a committee to draw up an article for insertion in the Town Warrant in order that this recommendation might have the favorable consideration of our Town Meeting members at their March meeting.


- 98


.


The Board of Trustees in conjunction with the three citizens, appointed by the Moderator at our last Town Meeting, has been making a careful study of library sites, is sponsoring a survey of library conditions in the Town of Braintree directed by the Library Advisor of the Commonwealth, Miss E. Louise Jones and her Assistant Miss Catherine Yerxa, and will be prepared to submit definite recommendations at the next Town Meeting.


Respectfully submitted,


STACY B. SOUTHWORTH, Chairman JOHN W. HARDING MORRILL R. ALLEN MABEL S. ROGERS CLARA G. WETHERBEE


Trustees of Thayer Public Library


To the Board of Trustees of the Thayer Publie Library :


The library activities for the year 1944 have been influenced to a great extent by the continuance of war conditions; not only in the number and character of books loaned, and the quality of books published, but also in the personnel of the library staff. It is only natural that the work accom- plished by the library be affected by national and community affairs, for these are the controlling factors in the interests and problems of the local public which forms the clientele of each of the library's units.


If one takes only the figures in this report as the gauge of the library's accomplishments and usefulness, it would appear that we had made no progress in the year. Analyzed, however, with their possible causes and meanings these figures present a picture of the enlarged place the library occupies in the town and what lies ahead for it to accomplish in the future.


NUMBER OF BOOKS LOANED


Seventy-two hundred and three of the citizens of Braintree have taken advantage of the library facilities; this being an increase in the number of registered borrowers of two hundred twenty-one. They have borrowed books and magazines to the number of one hundred thirty-five thousand three hundred eighty-seven. This figure represents 216 volumes less than the year 1943. Since the beginning of the war our library like libraries all over the country, has experienced decreases in the number of books circulated. Our loss this year is very small when compared to losses of other years; last year's loss being 3843. I believe this shows that we have perhaps reached the bottom of our decline, and will begin to turn upward in the new year. The main library has already turned the corner for there we have had an increase in use of 3493 volumes circulated; the Braintree Highlands branch has also shown some increase. The three branches located in sections of the town at a distance from the main library play an important part in the use of the book collection. Their combined circulation is equal to more than half the total library circulation.


Main Library


60,402


Braintree


29,998


East Braintree 27,822


Braintree Highlands


17,165


Another interesting point is the fact that there is a difference of only seven in the number of adult books used in 1944 and 1943. The loss of 209


- 99 - -


in the use of children's books may be explained partly by a difference in the number of books borrowed by teachers for their classroom collections.


97,351 Juvenile 38,036 Adult


CHARACTER OF BOOKS LOANED


The moods of the reading publie are reflected not only in the number of books borrowed, but also in the type of books borrowed. Fiction has had a slight increase over non-fiction in 1944. While non-fiction may show a more serious minded public, fiction does not have an important therapeutic value. In these days of stress and tragie news there is definite need for some form of escape and relaxation, and many of our citizens have found this outlet in the reading of a good story, "not a war story. ''


The reading of magazines and literature ocenpies first place among the non-fiction classes. Interest in plays has shown considerable increase. More money to spend on seeing current play productions, has created an interest in reading other plays; or if one has not had the time to see a certain attraction, he may at least read it.


Men and boys are still attracted by the numerous personal narrative accounts of various campaigns and battles, as well as the reports of news- paper correspondents. Books on the different branches of the service are still popular; marines; naval air forces; seabces; and the army.


The continued shortage of labor in the fields of craftsmanship has caused an increase in the use of "how to do it"' books by the layman. Books on painting and papering ,upholstery, woodworking, interior decorating, etc. have shown big gains. People are also looking ahead to the day when they may build their new homes and borrow books on house plans.


The seriousness of the paper shortage has been noticed particularly this year in the books which have been published. Not only is the paper used a much cheaper grade, but the print used is finer and the lines condensed in order to get more material on a page, sometimes making reading more difficult. Publishers' stocks are smaller, so that often only a few weeks after a title is published, it is impossible to obtain it in a book store. This makes for delays in getting the new books before the readers. There have also been fewer good titles from which to select, especially in the field of fiction. It is often impossible to replace old titles which have worn out, for after two or three years these titles are out of print and are not reprinted. Despite these difficulties we have added 1,850 volumes to our book stock this year, thus bringing the total collection to 39,556 volumes. 31,982 of these are adult and 7,574 juvenile titles.


BRINGING THE LIBRARY TO THE PEOPLE


In the old days, it was the custom forthe librarian to sit and wait for the public to come to her doors, but of late years, the librarian has gone outside her walls to tell the publie of her books.


At the beginning of 1944 the library started a series of displays in a location outside of the library building which would attract passersby, and bring some of our books to their attention. Through the courtesy of Mr. John J. Alves we have had the use of the windows of the former Pratt and Sims store on Washington Street near Braintree Square. Under the direction of Mrs. Louise Cocroft of the library staff, these window displays have proved their worth for we have had many favorable comments from borrowers, and many requests for the books advertised. We have even had new borrowers as a result of these displays.


100 -


They have been changed fourteen times during the year and varied topics have been used as: Magazines; Gardens; China and America during (hinese book week; Plays and poetry; Books on vocations for the graduate; Vacation books: Fix it; Teaching aides; Cooperatives; Children's books.


Another way of bringing the library to the people is through the use of the newspapers. Each week we send to the Braintree Observer and the Quincy Ledger an article telling of books of interest or of some happening in the library. These are written by members of the library staff, and very often borrowers refer to some book the title of which they have read in the paper. At this time we wish to express our appreciation to the editors of the Brain- tree Observer and the Quincy Ledger for their courtesy in printing these articles with such regularity. We realize that space in these days is valuable.


We have compiled bibliographies on special subjects for individuals and organizations. When the Well Child Clinic used the Highlands Branch Library building to hold its clinic in the spring, we arranged an exhibit of books for mothers ou Child Care and Nutrition. At the exhibit of Hooked Rugs in June, we had a display with reading lists of our books on that subject. In the f'all we were asked by the Co-Workers of the First Congregational Church to arrange a display of recent books, both for children and adults.


As a further means of making the library facilities available, the main library has been kept open during the noon hour each day. The main library is now open sixty-one hours a week and we expect to increase the hours of the branches as soon as we have sufficient staff members to make this possible.


LIBRARY PERSONNEL


The Juvenile department of our library has suffered considerably by several changes in personnel. Mrs. Ramberg who came to us the first of the year left in May when her husband in the armed forces was transferred. We were very glad to welcome back temporarily Mrs. Doris Blackburn who was formerly Children's librarian. In October Miss Margaret Nolte, who had had much experience in non-library work with children, came to take Mrs. Black- ·burn's place. Her stay was short, however, for in November she left to go to Alaska to be married. At present Mrs. Dorothy Schnebelin, a former teacher and graduate of the University of Missouri is filling the vacancy temporarily. I feel that as soon as conditions permit it is of great importance that we should find a person trained in library techniques and with some experience in work with children. This is a most important phase of the library's work, and with the right person in the position our work with boys and girls including work with the schools and teachers can be brought up to a high level.


In the adult department, the personnel has remained the same with the exception of Miss Mary Hope Coburn who was engaged as a general assistant to fill in during vacations. She is now continuing as a full time assistant. Miss Miriam Edson who has been the branch librarian at East Braintree for many years, was awarded the degree of Bachelor of Arts from Boson University this spring, after several years of part time study.


I am grateful to each one of the staff for the spirit of helpfulness and loyalty which they have shown during a year that has seen so many changes. Many variations in schedules have been necessitated, and the staff members have accepted those without complaint. The coming of inexperienced help bas taken the time of regular staff members for training, and this has cut in on the time for their regular duties.


101


From time to time throughout the year we have received gifts of books from various individuals. I should like to acknowledge gifts from the follow: ing people: Mrs. Raymond Palmer, Miss Bessie Ring, Miss Janet Crowe, Mrs. Vesta Marstin, Mr. Ralph W. Maglathlin and Mr. and Mrs. John T. Trefry. The latter gift was presented in memory of Gilbert L. Barstow killed in action in France.


Another gift to be acknowledged is the Christmas wreath in the ehlidren's room which Mrs. George Killam and her children made from greens and presented .to us. For the last two years these wreaths have added greatly to the attractive appearance of the children's room at Christmas time.


Two major problems demand our immediate attention:


FIRST, the establishment of a plan of staff positions with appropriate educational and professional requirements; each position carrying with it adequate minimum and maximum salaries.


SECOND, larger modern building facilities so that our fine book collec- tion may be made more easily and completely accessible to the public.


I wish to express my dcep appreciation to the Board of Trustees for their support and helpful advice which they have given me during the year,. and for their active interest in library problems.


Respectfully submitted, MIRIAM HALL, Acting Librarian


January 8, 1945.


FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THAYER PUBLIC LIBRARY For the year ended December 30, 1944


RECEIPTS


Cash on deposit, January 1, 1944


$ 3,640.82


Income from Foundation Fund


231.85


Income from Caleb Stetson Fund


50.00


Income from Rachel R. Thayer Fund 2.58


Income from Nathaniel H. Hunt Trust


735.87


$ 4,661.12


EXPENDITURES


Purchase of Books and Binding $ 533.85


Rent Safe Deposit Box


6.00


Building and Grounds Maintenance and Repairs


171.53


Supplies and Telephone 7.35:57 24.19


Cash on Deposit, December 30, 1944


3,925.55


$ 4,661.12


- 102 -


FUNDS AND ASSETS OF THE TRUSTEES OF THAYER PUBLIC LIBRARY


December 30, 1944


(Bldg maintenance) main library


FOUNDATION FUND


Deposit Abington Savings Bank


$ 1,000.00


Deposit Braintree Savings Bank


5,500.00


Deposit Hingham Inst. for Savings


1,000.00


Deposit Quincy Savings Bank


1,000.00


Deposit Weymouth Savings Bank


2,520.91


CALEB STETSON FUND (Books)


$11,020.91


Deposit Braintree Savings Bank


$ 1,500.00


Deposit Quincy Savings Bank


1,000.00


$ 2,500.00


RACHEL R. THAYER FUND (Books)


Deposit Home Savings Bank, Boston


$ 172.50


$ 2208.56 1716.99


Foundation Fund Balance Hunt Fund "1


- 103 -


Report of the Soldiers' Relief Department


Soldiers' Benefits


Office Expense


Amount Appropriated $25,000.00 200.00


Amount Amount


Expended Unexpended $24,666.32 179.49 $333.68 20.51


The appropriation for the year 1944 included aid to recipients, Mili- tary Aid, State Aid, War Allowances and Burials. Of the amount ex- pended, $680 was spent for Military Aid, one half of which will be re- imbursed by the State; $360 was spent for State Aid, which will be re- imbursed in full; and $1,309.50 for World War II Allowances, which will also be reimbursed in full by the State. In other words, the State will reimburse the Town of Braintree to the amount of $2,009.50, on or before November 10, 1945. This plus $333.68 makes a total saving to the Town of $2,343.18.


The World War Allowances has grown much larger this year owing to the fact that married men with families are being called into the Service. This War Allowance is granted until the allotment for the wife and family comes through and in some cases continued where the allotment is insufficient.


There has been no money expended for Burials in the year 1944.


This department is not only maintained for the purpose of granting aid to veterans and their families who are in need but it is also being called upon to help fill out allotment papers and many other forms with which the families of the men in the Service need assistance or advice.


The Braintree Veterans' Rehabilitation Committee has been formed with approximately thirty business men giving their time with R. Stanley McConnell as Chairman and Sydney West as Executive Sec- retàry, for the purpose of getting the discharged veteran off on the right foot without any delay or run around and to find him a job so that he can again start out in civilian life. This entails considerable work and with more and more men being discharged, extra help is needed in the office to perform this work quickly and satisfactorily.


What this year will bring in the matter of expense is something which is hard to determine, but it will undoubtedly be greater than last year as the casualties of this war begin to affect those who have sons, husbands and fathers in the Service.




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