USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1960 > Part 10
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staff and with the library patrons, she is missed greatly. Borrowers frequently tell the librarian how much Mrs. Bates helped them and how much she meant to them.
Miss Judy MacAllister, a graduate of Braintree High School in 1960, joined the staff in the summer to help with the endless and increasing clerical work of the library.
Members of the staff have attended meetings of various professional library organizations throughout the year:
Old Colony Library Club at Norwood and Plymouth At the latter meeting Mrs. Dorothy Blair was one of a panel of Children's Librarians speaking on special activities in children's departments. She described her successful summer story hours.
Massachusetts Library Association at Brookline and Northampton.
Miss Mary Valentine, Assistant Head Librarian, is a member of the Education Committee of this asso- ciation.
New England Library Association at Swampscott.
Your Head Librarian was privileged to attend the Joint Convention of the American Library Association and the Canadian Library Association at Montreal in June. She has also attended meetings of the newly form- ed Metropolitan Library Planning Council for the Bos- ton area. These meetings have discussed problems con- cerning libraries in the metropolitan areas and the effects which the Library State Aid Bill, signed into law in No- vember, will have on libraries throughout the state.
STATE AID FOR FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Chapter 760 of the Acts of 1960 of the Massachusetts Legislature is an act providing state aid to the public libraries of Massachusetts. There are two main parts to this bill :
1. a. A direct grant-in-aid to every municipality hav- ing a population of less than 2,000, a sum equivalent to the amount appropriated for public library service during the preceeding year.
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b. A direct grant-in-aid to each city or town having a population of 2,000 or over a sum not exceeding twenty- five cents for each resident therein.
2. The development of a comprehensive statewide program of regional public library service.
Part 1 is the section which directly affects each town. In order to be eligible to apply for this grant-in-aid, a town must meet certain minimum standards established by the Board of Free Public Library Commissioners. The Thayer Public Library just meets these minimum standards; therefore, it can qualify for this source of revenue. This will enable the library to improve the many areas of service which should be brought up to higher standards, since this is the main purpose of the bill.
EAST BRAINTREE BRANCH
Last year in the Town Report we discussed the neces- sity of improving the service at the East Braintree Branch. Mrs. John Canavan of the Library Trustees has spent much time investigating possible locations which might be rented to provide larger and more suitable quarters for this section of the town. Two locations which we felt might be suitable were found to be used for other purposes or too expensive. No other desirable accom- modations in a central location appear to be available. The new State Aid for library improvement could pro- vide a solution. It would seem that by use of these funds a suitable East Braintree Branch could be built without cost to the Braintree taxpayers. The Trustees have ac- cordingly prepared articles to be inserted in the warrant for the 1961 Annual Town Meeting proposing that such a program be launched this year by acquiring a site or developing plans and drawings for a building in East Braintree. This will be a big step forward and remove one of the deficiencies in our service to the town. It is to be hoped that before many years this building will become a reality.
REPAIRS AT THE MAIN LIBRARY
The new Main Library Building is now seven years old; the exterior has been conditioned; repairs were made last year in the plaster around certain windows and a start has been made in painting the interior of the building; it is our hope to be able to paint the main por- tion of the interior the coming year. Metal grills have been
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installed over four of the basement windows at the back of the building; these were constantly being broken by children playing in this area when the library was closed. This is part of a program to similarly screen all basement windows across the rear, a few each year until completed. CONCLUSION :
In the Introduction to the book, "Public Library Service", published by the American Library Association in 1956, is the following statement concerning the func- tion of a public library :
"IT IS THE FUNCTION OF AN OPEN DOOR. The public library is a way of escape from the narrow area of our individual lives into the field of the wis- dom and experience of all mankind".
Mr. Baltozer without any knowledge of the above book or statement chose for the theme which he used on our library leaflet cover an open book. He had in mind this same function of a public library.
The above book goes on to explain :
"It is the responsibility of the operating personnel not only to see that the open door shall remain open, but also that it shall be inviting."
From a layman's standpoint, the efficiency of a library is measured not always by the number of books on its shelves nor by the excellence of its cataloging system, but some- times by the stimulation gained from inside the book he finds, and the cheerful assistance he receives in finding it. Your Thayer Public Library aims for both types of ef- ficiency.
Respectfully submitted, MIRIAM HALL, Librarian
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
ROBERT E. FRAZIER, Chairman PAUL M. SWEEZEY, Clerk JOSEPH H. JUSTER, Member DEANE R. WALKER, Agent
Diphtheria Clinic: The Diphtheria Clinic this year was admirably conducted by the School Health Depart- ment in conjunction with the Braintree Board of Health and the Visiting Nurse Association. In all 1049 children received the benefits of this program.
Polio Clinics: The Board of Health and the Visiting Nurse Association and Doctors conducted a personal vol- untary Polio Clinic for all persons desiring the Salk treat- ment, whether an initial or a booster shot.
This Clinic was held Sunday, August 27, 1960 and the Board is pleased to report that 1800 people attended this Clinic.
We are pleased to report that only one case of Polio (non paralytic) was reported in Braintree during the year 1960.
The Board did make available to all Doctors in Town an up to date supply of vaccine and will maintain this policy in the future. The Board does hereby express its appreciation to the Town's people and the Finance Com- mittee for the funds made available to purchase a refrig- erator in which to keep this vaccine.
Tuberculosis Prevention, Communicable Diseases, and Health Education: The execution of the various programs connected with the above names captions have been very efficiently carried out by the Braintree Visiting Nurse Association. Braintree still continues to report a low incident of communicable diseases. Credit should also be given to the Braintree School Health Department for its active participation in the co-operative and assistance rendered to these Health Programs.
Eating and Drinking Establishments: The over-all results of the program for the inspection of eating and drinking establishments, including the Schools and Indus- trial Cafeterias indicate a steady and healthy graph of improvement. A bi-monthly test of all establishments was made and results of these tests (bacteria count) were for-
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warded to each establishment. In the event high bacteria count was recorded, an immediate re-check test was con- ducted, and steps taken to remedy questionable sources of high incident.
Milk Testing: Once each month samples of milk were taken from dealers delivering milk in Braintree. These samples were tested for butter fat, total solids, phosphates, bacteria and coli. These tests reveal that the milk being sold and delivered in Braintree maintains a consistently high level. It is pleasing to report that no milkborne disease has occurred in Braintree for quite some few years.
Any resident so desiring can review the results of these tests at the Braintree Board of Health Office.
Plumbing Inspector's Report: Under the jurisdic- tion of the Board of Health a total of 685 inspections were completed by the Plumbing Inspector. Before any inspec- tion is considered complete the work must fully meet the Plumbing Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.
Annual Disposal Report: The following is a table by months of the number of animals taken care of at the Board of Health Incinerator :
January 32 July 23
February
16 August 34
March
19 September 23
April
36 October
41
May
28 November 37
June
35 December 34
REPORT OF THE DENTAL HYGIENIST
September 9, 1959-June 24, 1960
At the opening of the school year dental examina- tions were given to all the pupils from kindergarten through the eighth grade.
The local dentists were contacted and they volun- teered their services to do the general examinations.
Following the examinations, notices went home to the parents of those children who were found in need of dental attention.
On the notice it was requested that all parents ar- range for the dental work to be done by their dentist.
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Those cards returned, requesting clinic were care- fully studied and consulted with the teachers in the schools where the child attends, also district supervisor, district principal, school nurse and if in doubt Visiting Nurse Assoc.
Other letters, telephone calls were made to parents as the occasion called for.
By determining the number of days in the school year that the dentist could work and considering the in- creased population, the condition of the teeth in each building, a working schedule was planned whereby the clinic would remain in each building a certain number of weeks during the year.
The dental hygienist precedes the dentist in each building where she organizes the schedule and prepares the clinical cases which will be done by the school clinic.
For the educational part of the program, dental post- ers were hung in all schools, also reading materials dis- tributed to pupils informing them on brushing habits at home and good dental health.
All over the town, part of January, entire month of February and part of March was utilized showing films on "Dental Health" education.
The Junior High School pupils were shown "The Gateway To Health."
The pupils in the elementary grades were shown "How And Why."
The pupils in the primary and kindergarten age lev- els were shown, "Behind The Smile."
After each showing of film, I conducted a discussion period.
The month of February was devoted to Children's Dental Health.
Through the excellent co-operation of the Art Super- visors "Dental Health" posters were made by the pupils and these were displayed in the corridors of each school.
At the Lakeside school, the pupils of Miss Osborne grade six had an outstanding exhibit on "Dental Health." This creation was on display in the main corridor of the school, so that it was viewed by all pupils parents and vis- itors to the school.
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The pupils of Miss Flaherty grade six attained 100 % dental health chart for Dental Health Week in the first week of February, the first classroom in the town.
I attended the National Centennial Convention of the Dental Society held September 13th-17th in New York City.
This meeting was most interesting and stimulating due to the Centennial as it was not only Nationally attend- ed, but also Internationally.
I obtained ideas and suggestions which I will try to utilize in the Dental program.
In October, I attended a course, "The Handicapped" held at the Mass. Hospital School For Crippled Children, Canton.
November, I attended another Educational Course in Public Speaking held at Forsyth Dental School, Boston.
I attended the Mass. Dental Convention held at the Hotel Statler Hilton, Boston, first week in May.
After the schools are closed, I will attend the Train- ing Course for Public Health Dental Hygienist held at the Forsyth Dental Infirmary for Children, Boston.
This course is sponsored by the Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health, Dental Division.
By contacting Dr. Joseph C. Muhler at Indiana Uni- versity, Indiana at the beginning of the school year, he made it possible to replenish my supply of Stannous Fluoride, gratis, to be used for the clinical cases for the entire year.
By checking the teeth of those pupils who received these treatments last year, the results are most promising.
Dr. Ludlow made it possible to continue the distri- bution of prizes to all pupils and teachers who attained 100% on the dental charts, by his contacting all local dentists for donations to be used for this purpose.
After the general examinations were completed in the Junior High School, both Dr. Allen and Dr. Klinken- berg commented how pleased they were to find good teeth, less tooth decay and the progress made each year for better dental health, due to the dental program.
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There were 34-100% dental charts this year in- cluding the Braille and Trainable classes.
Prizes were given to teachers and pupils in these classrooms.
228 Children were given a prophylactic treatment.
191 Stannous Fluoride treatments were given, to pu- pils in grades 2, 5, and 8.
In closing, I would like to thank principals, supervi- sors, teachers, nurses, secretaries and custodians for their excellent co-operation.
I wish to thank also, Mr. Proctor, Mr. Raymond and members of the Board of Health and local dentists for their valued services.
Respectfully submitted,
SABENA D. ARSENAULT, R. D. H., Dental Hygienist.
Educational Materials were received from the fol- lowing :
H. P. Hood & Sons, Inc.
State House, Dental Division
National Dairy Council
American Dental Assoc., Chicago, Ill.
Pycope Tooth Brush Co.
New England Dairy Food Council
Church and Dwight Co., Inc.
Metropolitan Life Ins. Co.
Ipana Co., New York
E. R. Squibb & Sons, New York
International Apple Assoc., Washington, D. C.
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ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
HAROLD C. PEARL, Town Engineer
The records of the Engineering Department are maintained for the purpose of furnishing technical infor- mation, data pertaining to property lines and land trans- fers.
The Engineering Department has established an in- dex and files of recorded plans, Land Court Plans, Asses- sors Plans and Planning Board Plans.
This information is accessible and in constant use by all town departments, engineers, builders, Braintree tax- payers and prospective land owners.
ASSESSORS
Building permits issued by the Building Inspector are processed by the Engineering Department as follows:
Upon completion by the builders, the town engineers physically check and sketch to scale the foundation out- line, showing its relative location on the lot. The field book with this basic data is then the authoritative record of all new buildings, additions, removals or changes re- quiring a building permit. This information is then drawn to scale on the master linen rolls and the assessors' plot plans.
One hundred and sixty four new buildings and three hundred and thirteen additions were checked and plotted.
Fourteen hundred deeds were checked against pre- vious property lines and all required changes were made on plans and records.
Duplicate plot plans from the assessors' office are also kept up to to date with the above data by the Engi- neering Department.
PLANNING BOARD
The Engineering Department checked the various lo- cations of the required stone bounds as indicated on the developers' plans. A report of numerous omitted bounds and other omissions was submitted to the Planning Board.
The grade of Cardinal Court was checked and a pro- file of Stevens Avenue was prepared.
The Braintree Zoning Map was revised.
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SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Profile of Factory Hill Driftway Wynot Road - Property line
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Surveys, grade sheets and engineering data were compiled for the Highway Department for the following projects :
Construction of Butler Road
Street lines for widening of Pond Street
Property lines of the Town Dump
Drain from Liberty Street to Livoli Avenue Central Avenue drain to Sunset Lake-1491 ft. Drain on Elm Street from Lowell Street to river Monatiquot Avenue drain
MISCELLANEOUS
Survey and layout for Little League Ball Field rear of Colbert School
Property lines for Veterans' houses
Accident location plan for the Police Department
Revision of Braintree Street Map
Revision of old plan of the Plain Street Cemetery
Surveys for street lines for property owners on the follow- ing streets :
Azel Road Cain Avenue Elliot Street Elm Knoll Road French Avenue Granite Street Judson Street Pearl Street Strathmore Road
I wish to express my appreciation to the Town Offi- cials and the personnel of my department for their co- operation which has enabled the Engineering Depart- ment to perform its varied and multiple duties.
HAROLD C. PEARL
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REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
HARRY T. SEARS Chief of Fire Department Superintendent of Fire Alarm
In 1960 out of a total of 916 calls of all descriptions, 51 resulted with a loss totaling $87,932.00 with a proper- ty valuation involved by fire of $1,269,800.00.
Fire prevention being the most effective weapon in lowering the fire loss and minimizing the physical dang- ers to our people, we have introduced the Junior Fire Marshall Program which has contributed measurably in controlling hazardous conditions in the homes. Over 3,000 homes in the Town of Braintree were inspected, cleared of any fire hazard through a questionnaire by the Junior Fire Marshall. The questionnaire was then returned to the school teacher before receiving a reward. We feel this plan along with the Fire Department Fire Prevention pro- gram is far reaching in reducing our fire losses and pro- tecting the lives of our people.
By amending the Building Code at the 1959 Town Meeting and adding the Sprinkler and Fire Detection Law, all boarding or lodging houses, hospitals, nursing homes, convalescent homes, schools, and all new busi- ness or industrial establishments having more than 3,000 square feet of floor area must be protected by a complete sprinkler system or a complete Fire Detection system.
This year we hope to amend the Building Code by adding a Fire Detection Law to protect life in dwelling houses. All New dwellings must install a complete fire detection system. The loss of life by fire is outrageous and unnecessary.
The large reduction in insurance premiums has in many cases been the prevailing reason for installing auto- matic sprinklers. Often times the annual savings is suf- ficient to pay for the sprinkler system. Regardless of the question of safety which should be the most important feature for the safety of people, sprinkler protection is an excellent investment.
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In 1960 the School Department completed the sprink- ler and automatic fire alarm program in all School Build- ings. All 2nd and 3rd class school buildings are protected by automatic fire alarm and sprinkler systems.
Mutual Aid plays a very important part in the pro- tection of life and property. We are gratefull to have au- tomatic Mutual Aid with our neighboring city and towns.
In 1961 I have recommended the installation of alum- inum siding for the Highlands Station. Some major re- pairs to the Central Station and minor repairs to the E. Braintree Station.
During the year 1960 we used 29,100 feet of 21/4 inch hose, 24,300 feet of 11/2 inch hose, 45,000 feet of booster hose, and 1,205 feet of ladders. Our engines pumped water 102 hours and 5 minutes. We answer 73 calls for building fires, 61 resuscitator calls, 357 grass, woods and dump fires. 77 calls for automobile fires, an- swered 50 false alarms, received 27 Mutual Aid calls and 144 miscellaneous calls, making a total of 916 calls in 1960.
Supervised drills and schooling in the Fire Depart- ment are carried on through out the year to keep abreast of the most advanced fire fighting techniques and equip- ment.
In 1961 I have requested Six additional Fire Fighters due to the increased property to be protected at the South Shore Plaza district. When completed approximately $30,000,000 worth of new property must be protected. To protect this additional property the 2nd engine at the Central Staion should be manned by two additional men on a shift. This will give us two engine companys answer- ing in the South Shore Plaza district. This should elimi- nate building and equipping a new fire station in this dis- trict.
Fuel oil in excess of ten gallons shall not be kept in a structure without a permit having been obtained from the head of the Fire Department. In 1960 there were 350 inspections of fuel oil burner installation. These installa- tions are increasing every year. A person, firm or corpor- ation shall not install nor alter a fuel oil burner installa- tion until a certificate of competency has been obtained from the State Fire Marshall.
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A permit is required from the head of the Fire De- partment for the installation and storage of Liquified Pe- troleum Gas System. 12 permits were issued in 1960 for such installations, 64 permits for blasting and 615 per- mits for fire in open air.
In closing I wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen and all others who have assisted the Fire De- partment in carrying out its duties.
1960 HARBOR MASTER'S REPORT
There were 65 boats of various sizes moored in our harbor. Additional space was obtained by the doubling up of some spaces by putting a log in between the mooring and tying boats to both sides; in some cases, two small boats to one side and a large one on the other, thus get- ting three boats moored at one space.
The hurricane of 1960 presented no problems; there was only one boat that dragged its mooring, but the own- er was aboard and took care of the situation. We had various craft from other towns that came to Braintree for a safe place to ride out the storm.
Yours very truly,
EARL F. CONNORS Assistant Harbor Master
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REPORT OF THE TOWN TREASURER THELMA C. HEDLUND, Town Treasurer in account with THE TOWN OF BRAINTREE
Cash Book Balance January 1, 1960 $ 2,646,460.74
Receipts from all sources, 1960 14,098,313.44
$16,744,774.18
Paid on Selectmen's Warrants, 1960
$13,435,964.77
Cash Book Balance, December 31, 1960
3,308,809.41
$16,744,774.18
(Details of Receipts and Expenditures are shown in Accountant's Report)
OUTSTANDING FUNDED DEBT, DECEMBER 31, 1960
First Sewer Loan 31/2% due 1961
$ 14,000.00
Sewer Loan 1.40% due 1961
5,000.00
Sewer Loan 1.90% due 1961 9,000.00
Sewer Loan 2.20% due 1961-1963
30,000.00
Sewer Loan 2.10% due 1961-1964
20,000.00
Sewer Loan 31/2% due 1961-1970
100,000.00
Sewer Loan 21/2% due 1961-1973
190,000.00
Sewer Loan 3.70% due 1961-1974
210,000.00
Water Main Bonds 11/4% due 1961
12,000.00
Water Construction Bonds 11/4% due 1961
3,000.00
Water Standpipe Bonds 2.10% due 1961-1969
27,000.00
Water Well Equipment Notes 3% due 1961-1962
4,000.00
Water High Lift Pump Bonds 3.20% due 1961-1962
6,000.00
Water Filtration Plant Addition Bonds 3.20% due
1961-1977
171,000.00
Water Mains & Standpipe Bonds 21/2 due 1961-1973
255,000.00
High School Addition Bonds 21/4% due 1961-1968
320,000.00
High School Addition Bonds 3.30% due 1961-1970
150,000.00
Elementary School Bonds 1.75% due 1961-1970
320,000.00
Elementary School Bonds 1.90% due 1961-1972
786,000.00
Elementary School Bonds 2.10% due 1961-1974
460,000.00
Elementary School Bonds 2.10% due 1961-1974
112,000.00
Elementary School Bonds 2.40% due 1961-1976
380,000.00
Elementary School Addition Bonds 3.20% due 1961-1967
111,000.00
Elementary School Remodeling Bonds 3.20% due 1961-1962
22,000.00
South Junior High School Bonds 2.10% due 1961-1975
850,000.00
Junior High School Bonds 3.50% due 1961-1980 2,300,000.00
Electric Light Bonds 1.75% due 1961-1972 840,000.00
Electric Light Bonds 2.80% due 1961-1978
1,350,000.00
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Electric Light Bonds 3.10% due 1961-1979
Library Bonds 2.10% due 1961-1972
2,375,000.00 120,000.00
Final Judgment Loan for School Deficiency /2.15% due 1961
25,687.50
TAX TITLES
Tax Titles Held by Town, January 1, 1960
$17,868.85
1960 Takings
11,769.45
1960 Subsequent Taxes Added to Tax Titles
12,559.66
Total
$42,197.96
Tax Titles Redeemed in 1960
$11,011.41
Tax Titles Foreclosed in 1960
2,531.06
Tax Titles Abated in 1960
5,913.24
Tax Titles Held, December 31, 1960
22,742.25
Total
$42,197.96
TRUST FUND TRANSACTIONS-1960
Principal of Fund
Dec. 31, 1960
Balance
of Income
Jan. 1, 1960
Income
Receipts
Payments
1960
of Income
Dec. 31, 1960
Stabilization Fund
$1,000.00 $
331.74
47.01
$ 378.45
Henry H. Musick Tr. 250.00
117.10
12.95
130.05
Chas. Ed. French Tr. 2,419.50
454.80
101.47
556.27
Hannah R. Hollis Tr. 100.00
9.46
3.85
13.31
N. H. Hunt Tr.
20,575.71
685.60
685.60
Geo. W. Kelley Tr.
200.00
53.62
8.95
62.57
Joseph S. Miller Tr.
123.66
59.96
6.46
66.42
Julia A. Minchin Tr.
100.00
48.47
5,23
53.70
Anna M. Penniman Tr. 500.00
19.09
18.04
16.00
21.13
Avis A. Thayer Tr.
500.00
110.85
21.55
132.40
Chas. Thayer Tr.
20,502.37
782.24
905.85
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