USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1953 > Part 7
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Date
Expenses
Population*
Per Capita Cost
1949
$1316.00
4000
$0.33
1950
1666.00
4236
0.39
1951
1297.00
4609
0.28
1953
1494.00
5352
0.28
* Population figures obtained from school depart- ment figures of the number of children in grades one thru twelve.
Board of Selectmen HERBERT B. HOLLIS, Chairman
JOHN W. MAHAR, Clerk
FRED A. TENNEY
The Board of Selectmen met regularly during 1953 on the first, second and fourth Monday of each month except during the summer months and in addition held many special meetings either to accommodate the public or to meet emergency situations. Space does not permit a detailed account of the many activities of the Board at those meetings; such details rest in a complete record of those meetings which is regularly kept as a public record by the Board of Selectmen.
All of the departments in any way under the control of the Selectmen conducted normal operations within their budget appropriations for the year except on a few minor and unforseen charges.
As in prior years the Selectmen's activities resolve in large measure around matters pertaining to Highway ad- ministration, construction and control, including traffic regulations, many matters referred to them by the Police Department and matters coming before them sitting in their capacity as a Licensing Board.
82
Connected with the general problems of the Highway Department, The Board has given much attention to the completion of streets in development sub-divisions. In several cases, by claims or legal action against the develop- ers' surety bond, the required construction work has been obtained. There are still pending two law actions, auth- orized by the Selectmen, to recover on such bonds where the work has not been satisfactorily completed.
There have been many modifications by amendment to our Traffic Rules in an effort to satisfy that portion of the public abutting on certain streets without unduly im- peding the flow of necessary business traffic. Improve- ments on these Traffic Rules at various points in the Town are almost constantly under study. While the Board does not control traffic regulations on our State Highways, we have, on receipt of complaints from a neighborhood abut- ting on a State Highway, used our influence, so far as possible, with the State Department of Public Works to obtain proper traffic regulations at those points.
The Selectmen, at the suggestion of and in cooperation with the Merchants Associations, have arranged, through the Highway Department, to post at strategic intersec- tions in the Town DIRECTIONAL SIGNS which have been found to be of substantial assistance to travelers on our highways.
The work as a Licensing Board continues to be one of our most important functions. We intend to require high standards from our Alcoholic Beverages licenses both with reference to cleanliness and appearance of their es- tablishments and also with respect to firm adherence to the law controlling that business. Before issuing renewal licenses all licensees were required to meet high standards of inspection. There were only three hearings on alleged violations of the Liquor Control Act. In one case there was a finding of "NOT GUILTY." In the two cases, on a "GUILTY" finding, disciplinary action was taken. In connection with this function, while we do not believe that "Juvenile Delinquency" in Braintree is at a high level, there are instances in which juveniles may be affected by liquor purchased from our licensees without our knowl- edge, or, as we believe more likely, at agencies outside of the Town. In either case it would be of great assist- ance to our Licensing Board and Enforcement Agencies if parents, interested in the welfare of their children, would report to us any known violations.
83
The Selectmen take pride in the fact that on their invitation the townspeople attended an impressive and dignified "THANKSGIVING" ceremony on the occasion of the "KOREAN ARMISTICE".
The Selectmen acknowledge with thanks the cooper- ation of all Town departments with whom we have been in contact and solicit suggestions from the public as to any measures we might take for the improvement of the Town.
Board of Public Welfare
FRED A. TENNEY, Chairman
HERBERT B. HOLLIS, Clerk HARRISON T. SMILEY
H. J. GAFFNEY, Agent
There are several categories of assistance under the Board of Public Welfare, namely: Old Age Assistance, Aid to Dependent Children, Disability Assistance and General Relief. The requirements for expenditures de- creased in 1953 in all categories except in the new pro- gram of Disability Assistance. As a result of those lower expenditures we are pleased that we are in a position to return to the Town $75,000.00 Federal Grants money for use to reduce the total town appropriation for 1954. We also have the Town Infirmary. The State Department of Public Welfare is the State Agency responsible to the Fed- eral Government under the Social Security Act. Statutes
SEXPENDED
WELFARE- TEMPORARY AID 1938 -1953
120000
180
100000
150
80000
120
NUMBER OF CASES
60000
90
40000
60
20000
AMOUNT EXPENDED
-
30
NUMBER OF CASES
0
O
38
39
40
4|
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
YEAR
84
NAMOUNT
are set up to cover all categories. Need has to be estab- iished in every case and the grants are given in accordance with a budgetary system to fit the circumstances under which the recipients are living. Each year there are changes in the laws which have to be adhered to. In ad- dition to the laws, the State Agency also issues rules and regulations under which we operate. Higher rates have been established for hospitals, doctors and visiting nurse visits.
Old Age Assistance: Chapter 801 of the Acts of 1951 stipulates assistance shall be at not less than the following rates : in the case of an individual living outside a family group, not less than $75.00 monthly; in the case of any other person, not less than $55.00 monthly. In addition there is an item known as "Leisure Time Activities" of $4.00 per month. Any available resources are deducted. Recoveries under the recently established lien law amount- ed to $4,302.24. The grants to the recipients amounted to $265,446.66, most of which is reimbursed by the Fed- eral and State Governments. The Town's liability was $39,128.29. In addition to these grants, on the basis of settlement laws, we paid other cities and towns $5,261.43 and billed them $8,517.18.
Aid to Dependent Children: The purpose of this pro- gram is to provide assistance for children in need. It is
AMOUNT EXPENDED
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN 1940-1953
50000
50
40000
1
40
1
30000
NUMBER OF CASES
30
20000
20
NUMBER OF CASES
10000
AMOUNT EXPENDED
10
O
O
40
4
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
, 52
53
YEAR
85
given to families of widows; in cases of divorces and legal separations ; where the parent is physically incapacitated ; has deserted, or is incarcerated. The physically incap- pacitated parent is included in the family budget and re- ceives full medical costs. The expenditures are partici- pated in by the Federal, State and Local Governments. The total expended was $37,722.50 of which the Town's share was $8,820.63.
Disability Assistance: This is the only category in which there was an increase in either the caseload or the expenditures, both of which increased. It is a new pro- gram, becoming effective on November 1, 1951, aiding persons totally and permanently disabled. The medical determination is made by a medical review team working under the State Agency. In 1953 the cases increased from 11 to 17 and the expenditures from $6,112,41 to $11,- 441.64, for grants to recipients and medical. The Com- monwealth reimburses 75 per cent of the expenditures which includes the Federal participation. The local share amounted to $2,860.41. We recovered $283.31 on a Grant of Lien.
General Relief: Cases not eligible for other types of assistance are cared for under this category. Several of the cases we were assisting have been approved for the new program of Disability Assistance and are now receiving such aid. We had very few cases of straight unemploy- ment; most of these cases were aided for only short periods of time. We continued to have the cases of broken homes, desertion of the parents and neglect of the parent to sup- port. Many of such cases are referred to us by the Courts. We have to assume the hospital and medical charges on "medically indigent" cases. There was an expenditure of $8,460.67 for aid by the Town itself. Under the settle- ment laws there are charges of $10,340.30 by the State and other cities and towns for assistance rendered to chil- dren, families, hospitals and clinics throughout the Com- monwealth on Braintree settled cases making a total ex- penditure of $18,800.97. Our records show receiving 80 notices on the basis of the settlement laws, from the State and other Cities and Towns, covering assistance rendered to welfare cases and in the various hospitals.
Continued eligibility is determined in all cases by periodic revisits to the homes, and reinvestigations.
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OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
280000
AMOUNT EXPENDED
IN DOLLARS
480
200000
400
NUMBER OF CASES
160000
320
120000
240
AMOUNT EXPENDED
80000
160
NUMBER OF CASES
40000
80
0
0
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
YEAR
Town Infirmary: The Infirmary affords us a place to admit persons or families falling into distress for any reason, Many times we have had to allow evicted families in there, and other circumstances have warranted other families being admitted. The principal purpose of the Infirmary is to house homeless persons and those with an infirmity or disability preventing them from earning a livelihood. All inmates must be capable of taking care of themselves. At the beginning of the year there were nine inmates, most of the year eight, and the end of the year, seven. A superintendent and a matron operate this In- firmary. The net expenditure for general operating costs for 1953 was $5,447.98. There was also an expenditure of $3,322.75 for painting the exterior of the building, other general repairs inside and on the outside, and for exten- sive alterations and repairs performed at the direction of the State Department of Public Safety. The Town has been reimbursed during the year $550.00 from inmates from Social Security and pension money, and an evicted family for shelter. We had two unsettled cases in the Infirmary part of the year for which the State reimbursed $414.60 and $63.50 respectively, making a total of $478.10.
87
1940-1953
560
240000
Thayer Public Library STACY B. SOUTHWORTH, Chairman
Mabel S. Rogers, Sec.
Clara G. Wetherbee
Gordon W. Bryant Ralph B. Woodsum
The Trustees of the Thayer Public Library present for your consideration the report of the Librarian which fol- iows:
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
MIRIAM HALL, Librarian Braintree, Mass.
January 1 launches a New Year, and this is tradi- tionally a time for making resolutions and thinking of the future. However, at the moment, the year just ended seems far more important to the library department than the one ahead and it presents the necessity for reviewing past years' dreams in the light of actual accomplishments.
November 3, 1953 will be remembered as an im- portant date in the history of the Thayer Public Library for on that date the long awaited new Library building was dedicated in the presence of Congressman Wiggles- worth, Governor Herter and other state and town of- ficials. The one note common to the remarks of all the speakers on that afternoon was the importance of the public library to the American democratic system, and to the education of our citizens. Selectman Hollis said that 'As long as free public libraries exist in America, will America be free of all who wish to destroy our way of life"; Milton E. Lord, director of the Boston Public Library called the library "a weapon of democracy"; Philip J. McNiff President of the Massachusetts Library Association, added that the "Library will help to educate the young and old of the community, aid them in their search for truth, add to their enjoyment of life and carry the torch of freedom in our society today"; and Governor Herter spoke of the library as an integrated part of the educational system and an essential in the education you are striving to give your children."
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NEW LIBRARY
--
OPEN HOUSE
The tablet chosen by the American Legion as a gift to the library carried out this note of American freedom and democracy still further.
It was especially fitting that "The American's Creed" be placed on the wall of the reading room for young adults, as a permanent reminder of allegiance to their country.
This was truly a day for the Townspeople; their library was being dedicated; their Governor and guests commended their foresight. Students from all the second- ary schools in Braintree had a part in the proceedings; they helped with the ushering and guiding at the Open House; and furnished the music which made such an out-
90
standing contribution to the program. Friends sent beauti- ful floral arrangements and plants which gave a festive air to the building. Young and old, came to the Open House during the afternoon and evening, and it was thrill- ing to the Library Staff to hear their comments. After weeks of hard work on the part of the Building Commit- iee, it is gratifying to know that the citizens are truly pleased and have accepted the library as something of which they are justly proud. Just one remark shows this feeling "This is the best thing which has happened to the Town of Braintree in years." At Christmas, a borrower, after seeing the building for the first time, showed his real appreciation when he said "The citizens of Braintree couldn't have a better Christmas present than this."
In speaking of the children's department, Mrs. Blair, the children's librarian, says "The most important thing I have noticed is the appreciation of the children for their new room, they really like it and they take good care of it. They like the colored windows, especially the one of Joan of Arc as evidenced by their demand for the stories about her." Since the opening of the new building, the children have been coming in droves; they have been bringing their fathers and mothers to see their own library ; they have a real pride in showing off their room. During November and December there was a daily circulation averaging 300 books, in the children's department alone.
"The colors are so soft and restful." "What beauti- ful draperies!" "What an unusual design and so fitting for a building of this type." These are the most frequent comments made by borrowers and visitors both women and men, when first stepping into the main rooms. The li- brary staff is to be congratulated on their taste in the choice of colors and designs, for it was the staff who made these decisions. They are most grateful to Mr. George Moore, until recently a resident of Braintree Highlands and an interior decorator at R. H. White Co. He was most generous with his time and suggestions and the samples which he brought for the staff to consider. The draperies do indeed give an informal homelike atmosphere and without them the rooms would seem bare.
One of the most noticeable improvements as far as the adults and young people are concerned is the greater ease with which they can find books for themselves. Once they have found out the arrangement of the types of books, a borrower can look in the catalog, note the number and
91
YOUNG ADULT'S CORNER IN REFERENCE ROOM
then locate the book on the shelf without asking assistance from a staff member. This leaves the staff free to spend more time and thought in finding the answers to serious reference questions.
Miss Handy, the Young Adult's Librarian, has noted with especial interest that the young people are truly acquiring the library habit. The same students come in day after day, and they find the arrangement of the refer- ence books in the same alcove with their recreational reading very satisfactory. It is almost as easy for them to use the Readers' Guide and the Essay Index as it is for them to say the alphabet. The number of students using the reference room for study is increasing daily, for they find that there is plenty of space to sit down and tables to write on. It is not unusual for a student to use 20-30 back copies of magazines after using the Readers' Guide in the course of writing a source theme; or a senior topic on all aspects of some subject such as Italy will send the non-fiction circulation up to over 250 in a single day. Now that the school and college catalogs and vocational guid- ance pamphlets are within reach of the borrower, rather
92
than tucked in a corner where only the staff could get at them, their use has also increased.
The young people have shown so far a fine spirit of courtesy and appreciativeness. In a time when many communities are troubled with the difficult challenge of delinquency, it has been gratifying to serve young people mature enough to make intelligent use of their advantages, When young people make remarks such as "I hate to leave the library, it is so beautiful," one feels it is worthwhile to have an attractive and artistic place which will help to bring a sense of beauty into their lives.
With the opening of the new library, we are in a position to offer additional services to the people of Brain- tree. For those interested in local history research, we now have a Microfilm machine for the purpose of reading the films of the old Braintree Observers. We shall con- tinue to have microfilmed each year a few of the bound volumes of the Observers until we have a complete file on microfilm from the earliest papers to date.
The Music Room has caused great interest among those who have visited the library. When will the records be ready to circulate ? Do you have the Nutcracker Suite ; do you have the complete opera "Carmen"? How long shall we be able to keep records? Just as soon as the staff is through with the end of the year records and re- ports which have to be written, we shall work on the or- ganizing and processing of the record collection. We have already purchased thirty-two records and we hope to be able to add to the collection during the year until we have an adequate library of both recorded music and non-musical recordings such as poetry and plays. A few of the titles which the library now owns will interest the townspeople :
Carmen-Complete opera, l'opera comique de Paris Mozart-Six sonatas for piano and violin Bach cantata No. 131-Robert Shaw chorale South Pacific-with original Broadway cast Beethoven Symphony No. 5 in C minor-Toscanini Tchaikovsky-Selections from the Nutcracker suite Shakespeare's Macbeth complete; Old Vic theatre Charles Laughton Readings from the Bible
and for children- Bemelman's Madeline
.93
LOOKING INTO CHILDREN'S LIBRARIAN'S WORK ROOM FROM DESK
Songs from When we were very young; Peter Rabbit.
For use throughout the building there is a Bogen Record Player, which can be used for group listening in the chil- dren's room or in the auditorium. At Christmas time it was very pleasant to hear throughout the reading rooms the soft music of Christmas carols playing from the Music Room. It did not seem to disturb the borrowers, rather it was much appreciated. As soon as the Music Room itself is equipped with shelving for the records and music books, it will be open on certain afternoons a week when people may go and listen to records of their own choosing without disturbing others, on the player with earphones.
The opening of the New Main Library Building is the most important accomplishment of the year 1953, and we want to stress the fact that this building is open
94
to all the citizens of the town, no matter in what part of the town they reside. We hope that everyone will find some way to come to visit his library during the coming year. Yet, the three branches play an important part in the work of the library. There are many borrowers who have no means of getting to the central library, and it is the duty of the Library Board, and the Librarian and Staff to provide adequate quarters and book stock in lo- calities where they will be most accessible to the greatest number of people. If, sometimes, it may seem that the branches do not get what new equipment and books they need, it is mainly for lack of funds, not for lack of interest and desire on the part of those who administer the library system. If there were more money available it would be possible to provide extra space which is badly needed in the Braintree and East Braintree Branches, more com- fortable and convenient furnishings for East Braintree, (this branch is almost unbearably hot in the summer time) and more books for all.
It is with a great deal of satisfaction that we report unexpected improvements in the Highlands Branch. Since the establishment of the Highlands station of the Fire De- partment in the rear of the Library Building 23 years ago, the growth of this locality has made larger quarters neces- sary. Plans were made for a new and separate building ; however, as an economy measure the present building was enlarged to provide the needed space for the Fire Depart- ment and at the same time provide extra space for the Branch Library. The Highlands now has an attractive branch library with more shelf space; storage space, and rest rooms for the librarians, as well as an arrangement easier to supervise. During the construction work, it was necessary to move the branch, and the Library is grateful to the School Department for the use of the Cafeteria in the Highlands School during the summer months; when school opened in the fall the construction was not finished, so it was necessary to have the books packed and stored in the school until late October. As far as the children were concerned, the location of the library at the Play- ground was a convenience, and we shall investigate the possibilities of sending collections of books to this Play- ground another summer and in this way continue to reach children who live too far to come to the branch.
In thinking of the future, our responsibilities do not end with the completion of the new building. Rather do
95
they increase and we are confronted with a great chal- lenge. We cannot live up to the praises of the dedication speakers without increasing our service to the citizens of Braintree, and we cannot do this without increasing our funds so that we can purchase more books to meet the increasing variety of demands. A fine building is a mere shell unless it has contents to match. The Librarian and each one of the staff will accept the challenge and do her utmost to see that the interest in the library continue and that the circulation continue to increase by trying to satisfy the requests of each borrower. Normally December is a quiet month at the library with Christmas and New Year preparations keeping borrowers busy, with no time for reading. This year, however, December was a more active month than November and the circulation at the Main Library was 3728 or 32 per cent more than December 1952. This shows a constant trend of increase in the use of the library, since the new building was opened.
The library has many friends and in addition to gifts already mentioned elsewhere, we should like especially to acknowledge the following :
John Bracket for the pictures used in this report; also for a set of 22 pictures showing the various stages in the growth of the building.
Mr. Edward Dowd for a tea set of eight place settings for use in the staff room or kitchenette.
Mrs. Harriet Aiken, an 85 year old borrower, for a philodendron plant for the reading room.
The Braintree Garden Club for $100.00 for the pur- chase of garden books.
The Librarian could not rightfully complete this re- port without expressing her personal appreciation to
1. £ The citizens of the town of Braintree for their gen- erosity in making available to the library borrowers and the staff a building spacious, practical and beautiful.
2. The Building Committe and the Trustees for their vision and counsel and the hours of time and energy they have given towards making this dream a reality.
3. The architect and the contractor for their conscient- ious efforts on the project and their co-operation and willingness to take suggestions.
96
4. The movers for their courtesy and skill without which the strenuous task of moving the library would have been more of a burden.
5. And finally but not least her eternal gratitude to a loyal and understanding staff for efficiency in carry- ing out their regular duties; for cheerfulness and pa- tience in assuming extra tasks; and for their thought- fulness and consideration of the librarian thus making less complex the many problems of the past year.
STATISTICS OF LIBRARY 1953
Circulation
Main Library
152.109
+3698
Braintree
24,360
-2406
East Braintree
26,562
-2380
Highlands
16,851
-3677
Total Circulation
219,882
-4765 -2%
Adult
99,765
- -10199
Juvenile
#120,117
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