USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1946 > Part 10
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58-3-0
27 Helen F. Basius
Ireland
57-0-0
31 William Edmund Bradley
Dorchester
68- - 6- 4
31 Mary A. O'Brien
Ireland
73- - 4-25
Total number of deaths: 250
Males, 132; Females, 118; Single, 53; Married, 109; Widowed, 79; Divorced, 9.
· Ages: Stillborn, 4; Under 1 year, 9; 1 to 10, 4; 11 to 20, 6;21 to 30, 8; 31 to 40, 18; 41 to 50, 14; 51 to 60, 39; 61 to 70, 44; 71 to 80, 57; 81 to 90, 41; Over 90, 6.
Residents, 119; Non Residents, 31.
Died in Braintree, 152; Died elsewhere, 98.
Diseases: Tuberculosis, 22 (4 residents, 18 non residents) ; Heart Disease, 40; Cerebral Hemorrhage, 31; Coronary Thrombosis, 28; Pneumonia, 26; Carcinoma, 25; Arterio Sclerosis, 17; Accident, 15; Pulmonary Edema, 5; Nephritis, 5; Prematurity, 5; Chronic Myocar- ditis, 5; Stillborn, 4; Coronary Embolism, 4; Tumor, 3; Uremia, 2; Epilepsy, Hodgkins Disease, General Paralysis, Erythroblastosis Fe- talis; Endocarditis, Disease of Coronary Artery, Myocardial Regurgi- tation, Suicide, Chronic Alcoholism, Dissecting Aneurysm; Atelectasis; Obstruction, and Cirrhosis of Liver, 1 each.
108
Nova Scotia
70-5-14
Philadelphia, Pa.
59-0-0
30 George E. Newcomb
30 Susannah Wicks
Glendon, Pa.
76 1-18
Dog Licenses Issued
(January 1, 1946, to December 31, 1946, Inclusive)
Total number issued-1,180
674 Males
@ $2.00
$1,348.00
89 Females
a 5.00
445.00
364 Female
(Spayed)
a 2.00
728.00
13 Kennel
@ 10.00
130.00
4 Kennel
@
25.00
100.00
2 Kennel 1
a
50.00
100.00
3 Transfer
a
.25
.75
31 Military & Naval
Free
$2,851.75
Credit by cash paid Town Treasurer
$2,621.80
Fees retained
229.95
$2,851.75
Sporting Licenses Issued
(January 1, 1946, to December 31, 1946, Inclusive)
Total number issued-1,308.
392 Res. Citizen Fishing
@
$2.00
$784.00
396 Res. Hunting
@
2.00
792.00
310 Res. Sporting
@
3.25
1,007.50
105 Res. Minor and Female
a 1.25
131.25
11 Res. Trapping
5.25
57.75
6 Res. Minor Trapping
2.25
13.50
3 Special Non-Res. Fishng
1.50
4.50
1 Non-Res. Sporting
15.25
15,25
8 Duplicate
.50
4.00
41 Res. Sporting (Over 70 yrs.)
Free
35 Military & Naval
Free
$2,809.75
Credit by cash paid Division of Fisheries & Game Fees retained
$2,503.75
306.00
$2,809.75
Respectfully submitted, ERNEST C. WOODSUM,
Town Clerk
109
С
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Department of Corporations and Taxation
DIVISION OF ACCOUNTS
Report of An Audit of the Accounts of the Town of Braintree
For the Period from July 1, 1945, to May 21, 1946
Made in Accordance with the Provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws
August 29, 1946
111
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Department of Corporations and Taxation Division of Accounts State House, Boston
Henry F. Long, Commissioner
Francis X. Lang, Director of Accounts
August 29, 1946
To the Board of Selectmen: Mr. John M. Mahar, Chairman
Braintree, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my report of an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Braintree for the period from July 1, 1945, to May 21, 1946, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws. This is in the form of a report made to me by Mr. Herman B. Dine, Assistant Director of Accounts.
Very truly yours, FRANCIS X. LANG, Director of Accounts
FXL:CFB:GEM
112
Mr. Francis X. Lang
Director of Accounts
Department of Corporations and Taxation
State House, Boston.
Sir:
In accordance with your instructions, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Braintree for the period from July 1, 1945, the date of the previous examination, to May 21, 1946, and report thereon as follows:
The financial transactions as appearing on the books of the several departments receiving or disbursing money for the town or committing bills for collection were examined, checked, and verified by comparison with the reports and the records in the office of the town accountant.
The ledger accounts were analyzed, the appropriations, loan authorizations, and transfers being checked with the town clerk's records of town meeting proceedings and with the records of the finance committee. A trial balance was taken off, and a balance sheet, showing the financial condition of the town on May 21, 1946, was prepared and is appended to this report. An examination of this balance sheet indicates that the town is in very good financial condition.
The books and accounts of the town treasurer were examined and checked in detail. The receipts, as recorded, were checked with the records of the several departments collecting money for the town and with other sources from which money was paid into the treasury, while the payments were compared with the selectmen's warrants authorizing the treasurer to disburse town funds. The cash book additions were verified, and the cash balance on May 21, 1946, was proved by reconciliation of the bank balance with statements furnished by the banks of deposit, by verification of the cash and cash memo- randa in the office, and by examination of the savings bank books and securities.
The payments made for maturing debt and interest were com- pared with the amounts falling due as well as with cancelled securities on file.
The savings bank books and securities representing the trust, investment, and retirement fund investments in the custody of the town treasurer and the treasurer of the library trustees were exam- ined and listed. The income was proved, and all transactions were verified and compared with the treasurer's and the accountant's books.
The deductions from employees' salaries for federal taxes were listed and reconciled with the amount due and paid to the federal government.
The tax titles taken by the town on account of unpaid taxes and assessments were examined and the amounts added to the tax title account were compared with the collector's records. The tax titles redeemed were checked with the receipts as recorded on the treasur- er's'cash book, the disclaimers and foreclosures were verified, and the tax titles on hand were listed and reconciled with the accountant's ledger.
The records of assessments apportioned by the assessors were examined and checked. The apportionments added to taxes were verified, and the apportioned assessments not due were listed and
113
reconciled with the deferred revenue accounts in the town accountant's ledger.
The books and accounts of the tax collector were examined and checked. The taxes and assessments outstanding according to the previous examination, as well as all subsequent commitments, were audited and proved. The collections as posted on the commitment books were compared with the cash book collections and with the recorded payments to the town treasurer as shown by the treasurer's cash books. The abatements as entered on the commitment books were checked with the assessors' records of abatements granted, and the outstanding accounts were listed and reconciled with the respective ledger accounts.
The records of departmental, electric light, and water accounts were examined and checked. The reported payments to the town treasurer were compared with the treasurer's cash book, the abate- iments, disallowances, and discounts, were verified, and the outstanding accounts were listed and reconciled with the town accountant's ledger accounts.
The outstanding tax, assessment, departmental, electric light, and water accounts were verified by mailing notices to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books and records as owing money to the town, the replies received thereto indicating that the accounts, as listed, are correct.
The records of licenses and permits issued by the selectmen, the town clerk, the building inspector, and the health department were examined and the payments to the State and to the town treasurer · were verified.
The surety bonds of the various town officials required to file them for the faithful performance of their duties were examined and found to be in proper form.
The records of departmental cash collections by the sealer of weights and measures, the school and library departments, and of all other departments in which money was collected for the town, were examined and checked. The payments to the town treasurer were verified and the cash on hand in the several departments was proved by actual count.
In addition to the balance sheet referred to, there are appended to this report, tables showing a reconciliation of the treasurer's and the collector's cash, summaries of the tax, assessment, tax title, departmental, electric light, and water accounts, together with tables showing the condition and transactions of the trust, investment, and retirement funds.
For the cooperation extended by the various town officials during the progress of the audit, I wish, on behalf of my assistants and for myself, to express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted, HERMAN B. DINE Assistant Director of Accounts
114
1
TOWN OF BRAINTREE Balance Sheet-May 21, 1946 GENERAL ACCOUNTS
Assets
Cash and Securities:
General
$681,273,56
Petty:
Water Department $200.00
Electric Light Department 200.00
400.00
Library Treasurer
3,590.87
Electric Light Guarantees,
5,426.85
$690,691.28
Accounts Receivable :
Taxes:
Levy of 1945:
Poll
$ 12.00
Personal Property
225.26
Real Estate
15,753.13
$ 15,990.39
Levy of 1946:
Poll
750.00
16,740.39
Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes:
Levy of 1945
$ 70.48
Levy of 1946
4,372.77
4,443.25
Special Assessments:
Sewer:
Levy of 1945
$ 414.77
Sewer House Connections:
Unapportioned
1,421.35
Levy of 1945
145.66
Street:
Unapportioned
2,442.13
Committed Interest:
Levy of 1945
144.23
4,568.14
Tax Titles
2,390.10
Tax Possessions
45,276.61
47,666.71
Departmental:
Police Ambulance
$ 65.00
Health
1,828.13
Temporary Aid
132.00
Aid to Dependent Children
6,426.28
Old Age Assistance
22,976.50
Veterans' Benefits
1,433.35
Electric Light
15,501.06
Water Rates and Services
32,861.26
21,097.75
{
Special Deposit
115
High School Addition Water
$240,000.00 225,000.00
465,000.00
Loans Authorized:
Sewer Construction from Postwar Rehabilitation Fund
125,000.00
Underestimates 1945:
State Assessments
$156.14
County Tax
1,992.91
2,149.05
Overlay Deficits:
Levy of 1941
$ 4.00
Levy of 1942
6.00
Levy of 1943
4.00
Levy of 1944
6.00
Levy of 1946
3,790.00
3,810.00
Revenue 1946:
Appropriations Voted
$1,485,743.32
County Hospital.
Assessment Paid
10,782.70
$1,496,526.02
Deduct:
Appropriations of Available
Funds $ 247,000.85
Poll Taxes Committed 12,752.00
Estimated Receipts
Collected to Date
121,541.15
381,294.00
1,115,232.02
Water Receipts To Be Collected
63,308.14
$2,608,069.05
Liabilities and Reserves
Reserve for Petty Cash Advances ...
$400.00
Pay-roll Deductions:
Purchase of War Bonds
$460.69
Federal Withholding Taxes 5,472.87
5,933.56
Proceeds of Dog Licenses-Due County
1,000.80
Tailings-Unclaimed Checks
3,250.33
Collections in Advance of Commitment:
Sewer Assessments 1946
31.00
Sewer House Connections 1946
19.00
Committed Interest 1946
5.43
55.43
Reserve for Police Ambulance
81.00
Sale of Real Estate Fund
12,225.00
Library Trust Fund Income.
3,590.87
Premium on Water Loan
11.25
Guarantee Deposits:
Electric Light Customers $ 4,906.30
Electric Light Interest 520.55
5,426.85
116
Overestimates, 1945:
State Assessments
586.54
Federal Grants:
Aid to Dependent Children: Administration
$159.83
Old Age Assistance: Administration Assistance
508.29
58.70
Sewer Receipts Reserved for Appropriation:
Electric Light Department:
Maintenance and Operation.
$ 51,053.45
Depreciation
354,004.55
Construction
237,656.38
Unexpended Balances
Loans Authorized-Unissued
465,000.00
Overlay Reserved for Abatement of Taxes: Levy of 1945
10,635.96
Revenue Reserved Until Collected:
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax
$ 4,443.25
Special Assessment
4,512.71
Tax Title
47,666.71
Departmental
32,861.26
Electric Light
15,501.06
Water
21,097.75
126,082.74
Surplus Revenue
196,528.09
$2,608,069.05
.
DEFERRED REVENUE ACCOUNTS
Apportioned Assessments Not Due:
Sewer
$30,121.36
Sewer House Connections
19,862.38
$49,983.74
Apportioned Sewer Assessment Revenue:
Due in 1946
$ 6,025.57
1947
5,349.02
1948
4,611.59
1949
4,549.59
1950
4,495.59
1951
3,789.00
1952
445.00
1953
296.00
1954
296.00
1955
264.00
$30,121.36
Apportioned Sewer House Connection Revenues :
Due in 1946
$ 3,507.38
1947
3,132.00
1948
2,749.00
1949
2,496.00
1950
2,307.00
117
726.82
805.41
642,714.38 1,133,014.02
1951
2,122.00
1952
1,376.00
1953
1,033.00
1954
768.00
1955
372.00
19,862.38
$49,983.74
DEBT ACCOUNTS
Net Funded or Fixed Debt.
$392,000.00
$392,000.00
Sewerage Loans
$365,000.00
Water Loans
27,000.00
$392,000.00
TRUST AND INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS
Trust and Investment Funds, Cash and Securities:
In Custody of Town Treasurer. $417,893.48 ..
In Custody of Treasurer of Library
Trustees
13,693.41
$431,586.89
In Custody of Town Treasurer:
Charles E. French School Fund $ 2,468.12
Ann Maria Penniman School Fund 505.00
Avis A. Thayer School Fund. 515.92
James W. Colbert School Fund.
27,491.96
Nathaniel H. Hunt Library Fund. 24,376.99
Charles Thayer Fund 20,543.43
George W. Kelley Cemetery Fund 202.02
Hannah R. Hollis Cemetery Fund. 102.03
Julia A. Minchin Cemetery Fund. 105.11
Joseph S. Miller Cemetery Fund. 129.98
Charles C. Hill Cemetery Fund. 105.12
Henry H. Musick Cemetery Fund.
259.72
Postwar Rehabilitation Funds:
Hollingsworth Bequest $ 51,088.08
General 250,000.00
301,088.08
Stabilization · Fund
40,000.00
$417,893.48
In custody of Treasurer of Library Trustees:
Foundation Fund $ 11,020.91
Caleb Stetson Library Fund. 2,500.00
Rachel R. Thayer Library Fund. 172.50
13,693.41
$431,586.89
118
RETIREMENT SYSTEM ACCOUNTS Municipal Contributory Retirement System Funds,
Cash and Securities :
In Custody of Town Treasurer
$176,874.59
$176,874.59
Annuity Savings Fund.
$ 88,364.82
Pension Accumulation Fund.
80,658.21
Annuity Reserve Fund.
5,140.42
Expense Fund
323.81
Military Service Fund.
1,539.23
Undistributed Income
848.10
$176,874.59
119
Report of the Braintree School Fund
In accordance with the, advice of the State Auditors, this fund is not treated as a trust fund of the Town, but is administered by the Trustees of Braintree School Fund, an incorporated body; and, following a vote of the Town, the income is used for scholarships awarded to graduates of the Braintree High School to be applied toward first year's expenses in pursuing higher education.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNT
Real Estate (Assessed Value)
$3,650.00
Quincy Savings Bank
1,022.50
Weymouth Savings Bank
1,000.00
Braintree Savings Bank
2,270.65
Randolph Savings Bank
600.00
$8,543.15
INCOME ACCOUNT
Receipts :
Balance on Hand January 1, 1946.
$ 603.45
Rents
300.00
Interest on Bank Deposits
105.01
$1,008.46
Payments :
Fidelity Bond
$ 8.00
Insurance
17.08
Scholarships
225.00
Real Estate Taxes
132.86
382.94
Balance on Hand December 31, 1946
$ 625.52
Scholarships were awarded in 1946 to the following graduates of the Braintree High School:
Edward John Reardon Jean Harriet Morgan
Patricia Ann Powers
TRUSTEES OF BRAINTREE SCHOOL FUND
Arthur L. Hale, President Morrill R. Allen, Treasurer Joseph H. Bramble, Clerk
H. Irving Charnock Ralph B. Woodsum Carroll D. Welch
Charles G. Jordan
1
120
Annual Report
OF THE
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
OF THE
Town of Braintree
FROM
December 31, 1945, to December 31, 1946
121
Report of the School Department
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
G. RALPH YOUNG, Chairman
68 Cedarcliffe Road, East Braintree
HOWARD B. BLEWETT, Recording Secretary 188 Hollingsworth Avenue, South Braintree ARCHIE T. MORRISON 555 Liberty Street, South Braintree
SOPHIE G. BLUNT 259 Washington Street, Braintree
ELMER G. DERBY
2 Wildwood Avenue, Braintree
HERBERT O. BOARDMAN 99 Storrs Avenue, Braintree
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS RALPH W. PROCTOR
10 Tremont Street, South Braintree . Office Tel. Bra. 0782 Office Hours on School Days, 3:00 to 4:00 P.M.
SECRETARIES
EDNA E. WOODSUM IRENE F. PIGGOTT Office Hours: 8:00 to 12:00, 1:00 to 4:00 on days when schools are in session
MEETING OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Second Monday evening of each month, except July and August, at seven thirty o'clock in the School Committee offices.
122
Report of the School Committee
-
January 13, 1947
TO THE CITIZENS OF BRAINTREE:
Any report of the School Committee is and properly should be a report of progress. During the year 1946, the practices of proven worth have been continued and wherever possible, extended and amplified. For a detailed report of the Department, we direct your attention to the Superintendent's report which follows.
Our maintenance program, which was started three years ago, has been continued and we have been able to accomplish a consider- able amount of both inside and outside painting and repair work and have commenced a program of improved lighting and have continued making necessary plumbing replacements and adjustments.
It is hoped that the voters of the Town will approve our request for $30,000, which amount has been given us during the past two years with which to continue building and maintenance improve- ments. It is also our hope that funds will be available in order to make some very necessary improvements in our school grounds, in addition to providing a reasonably safe playground for the children. The savings in repair, caused by dust and replacement of broken windows, will be an appreciable amount.
Changes have been made in the school office building, so that we now have an additional room for staff meetings, teachers and super- visors, meetings for special work and study, and to house a library for the use of all teachers and supervisors.
During the past year, we have selected Mr. Ralph W. Proctor, former Superintendent of Schools in Auburn, Maine, as our new superintendent. He was selected after a careful study of more than thirty applicants. Since taking up his duties, he has had and earned whole-hearted support of the Committee, his teaching staff, super- visors and all employees of the School Department. We urge the citizens of the Town to make his acquaintance at the earliest possible time and will appreciate your cooperation.
In closing, we wish to present our sincere expression of thanks to two people, who have served the citizens of Braintree faithfully for a number of years: Mrs. Alida N. Stevens, a member and Record- ing Secretary of the School Committee for twenty-seven years, and Mr. C. Edward Fisher, for twenty-five years our conscientious and faithful Superintendent.
Respectfully submitted,
G. RALPH YOUNG, Chairman HOWARD B. BLEWETT, Recording Secretary ARCHIE T. MORRISON SOPHIE G. BLUNT ELMER G. DERBY HERBERT O. BOARDMAN
123
Report of the Superintendent of Schools
To the Braintree School Committee:
A. Introduction:
This, my first report as Superintendent of Braintree Schools, for the period from April 15 to December 31, 1946, includes sum- maries of the work for the entire year of 1946.
My sincere appreciation is extended to my predecessor, Mr. Fisher, Members of the School Committee, teaching staff, town offi- cials, and citizens who have shown unfailing courtesy and cooperation in assisting the new Superintendent to orient himself quickly. Only by virtue of this help has it been possible to undertake several projects shortly after the re-opening of school in September.
Nineteen teachers had to be secured during the summer. This proved to be a difficult undertaking because of the rather late start on this work, coupled with the present teacher shortage in all fields. However, the teachers brought into Braintree this year have proven to be successful, fitting nicely into our school system.
Much repair work was done in our schools this summer. At the end of a three-year program, given the continuation of the present Maintenance Budget, all school buildings should be in good physical condition and attractively decorated. The programs for improving grounds, and classroom lighting, are planned over a longer period of time, but should be completed by 1951. Because of the importance and need for improvement of grounds at the Watson School immedi- ately, a special appropriation for this project is requested in 1947.
B. Progress in 1946:
1. Strengthening of Guidance Program at Braintree High School and extension to grades seven and eight. Mr. G. Vinton Jones was appointed Head of Guidance Department. Volunteer teachers at the High School assist in counselling, which includes: (a) regular checks on progress, (b) discussion of election of subjects, (c) followup of failures and low marks, (d) personal and health guidance, (e) a stan- dardized test program to discover and evaluate aptitudes and abil- ities.
It is hoped to expand this department by the addition of two full-time workers in the seventh and eighth grades.
2. Federal Lunch Program: To secure a balanced lunch at noon for every child, the Federal Government through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts subsidizes school lunchrooms. Braintree High School adopted this program in May 1946; the program met with immediate response there, sale of the full lunch increasing 100%. Most of the P.T.A.'s have voted to sponsor the program which will start January 6th, 1947 in the Elementary Schools. To assist in securing the necessary equipment, Federal Funds in the amount of $3000 have been allocated for our use. The town is asked to supply a special appropriation of the same amount to improve the physical and sanitary facilities in these lunchrooms.
3. Braintree High School Plans for Addition have been revised by the new Building Committee; the Special Town Meeting in Sep- tember, 1946, approved application to F.W.A. for funds to prepare
124
working plans. The sum of $11,500 has been granted for this pur- pose. It is hoped that conditions in the building trades will make it possible to proceed with this project in the near future. It has been needed for years; the town has not built a school for 16 years (except the two-room Colbert) and is facing the necessity of planning to relieve overcrowded Elementary School conditions in the East and North Districts within the next few years, as will be evident from the table below:
School Buildings
Total Capacity Enrollment-1946
Braintree High School
750
*947-overcrowded
No. District: Hollis
320
*356-overcrowded
Monatiquot
280
272
Penniman
400
356
East Dist .:
Lincoln
390
331
Watson
325
*337-overcrowded
Perkins
280
232
So. District: Noah Torrey Grammar
280
149
Noah Torrey Primary
240
207
Colbert
60
35
Highlands
375
267
4. Athletics: It is the belief of the administration that all boys and girls who wish to participate in athletics from grade seven through twelve should have the benefit of doing so, and the oppor- tunity of playing with others of their own age and ability. Ele- mentary School playgrounds are not well graded for these activities, nor are the present High School facilities adequate.
As a start, in the one sport in which High School facilities are adequate, one hundred boys were organized into four football groups at the High School, each group playing a full season schedule. Expenses for transportation, equipment, etc. are heavy and must be met by gate receipts. To enable the school to continue to finance such a program, the seating capacity of the football field must be increased by the addition of temporary bleachers until such time as a permanent stadium can be erected.
5. Teaching Procedures: Many teachers' meetings, demonstra- tions by visiting experts, discussions with parents and civic groups have been held for the purpose of sensitizing both teachers and public to the need for reorganizing teaching procedures and courses of study through extension in the Braintree Public Schools of modern prac- tices.
The Elementary School Teachers have been concerned with "Reorganization to Meet Pupil Needs," and demonstrations of "Learning Rate" and "Small Group Instruction." Committees of teachers in each subject have been appointed to work out a complete revision of the Course of Study.
In Braintree High School, the Program of Studies will be com- pletely revised. The Program for 1947-48 will offer a completely new arrangement characterized by a new approach to the organiza- tion of courses in English. That Department has already completed the revision and set up its new program in an unusually capable manner which indicates the highest standards of professional interest and ability. Other departments are at present at work on revisions.
6. One very important department was added this year-the Industrial Arts. This has been needed for a long time, especially by the non-academic boy. Because of lack of space in the High School the department was started in the basement of the Hollis School to which forty Freshmen boys go in the afternoon for work in Auto
125
Mechanics, Electricity, and Sheet Metal. Other shops should be added from year to year. The Superintendent considers it essential that these boys who have started as Freshmen, and those others to follow them have the opportunity to continue in this work throughout their High School course. Additional facilities to make this possible must be added each year. In no other way can we discharge our obligation to provide a democratic High School with opportunities available for each boy or girl to develop his special talents-whatever they may be.
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