USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1935 > Part 9
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During the summer we had the pleasant experience of having two potential librarians do library practice work as members of the staff. In June Miss Elizabeth Savage, senior at Simmons College, was with us for two weeks. Miss
164
Marguerite Harding, who was considering taking the grad- uate course in library work at Simmons, came in July for two weeks training. Both young women did unusually fine work and proved to be excellent material for the library profession.
IN APPRECIATION
The library has been the recipient of many gifts during the past year-books, magazines, flowers and an exception- ally well executed pencil drawing of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the work of Salvatore Tenaglia of 56 Vine Street, Middleboro. The artist drew and presented this picture to the library that the young people who frequent the children's reading room might become acquainted with the architectural beauty of the Museum. We are grateful to the Middleborough Gazette for the generous space allot- ted to library matters, and to the Sachem Press for sup- plying us with bookmarks.
I would extend my gratitude to the staff for their con- scientious endeavor and willingness to meet the demands of their work, and to the Trustees for their continued co- operation.
Respectfully submitted,
MERTIE E. WITBECK,
Librarian.
STATISTICS
Circulation of books
Central library
Fiction
53,984
Philosophy
584
Religion 313
Sociology 934
165
Languages
74
Sciences
756
Useful arts
1,539
Fine arts
1,614
Literature
2,177
History
1,157
Travel
1,459
Biography
1,943
Magazines
6,553
Foreign books
85
Rental books
1,853
-
75,025
Juvenile circulation
Fiction
11,105
Non-fiction
7,332
18,437
Branch and Deposits
Bates School
219
High School
208
Purchade
128
South Middleboro
1,211
Thompsonville
93
Waterville
142
West Side
264
East Middleboro Branch
185
2,450
Total circulation for 1935
95,912
Circulation for 1934
98,681
Decrease in circulation, 1935
2,769
Number of volumes owned by library, Jan. 1, 1935
34,251
Number of volumes added by purchase 982
Number of volumes added by gift 41
Number of volumes added by binding maga- zines 22
166
Number of volumes transferred from rental collection 65
Total number of volumes added during 1935 1,110
35,361
Number of volumes lost and discarded, 1935
487
Number of volumes owned by library Dec. 31, 1935 34,874
Number of magazines subscribed 110
Number of newspapers
12
Number of borrowers, January 1, 1935
4,976
New cards issued, 1935
Adults 209
Juvenile
163
372
Number of borrowers December 31, 1935 5,358
167
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES UNDER THE WILL OF THOMAS S. PEIRCE
January 15, 1936.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Town of Middleborough, Mass.
Gentlemen :-
The regular annual report of the Trustees under the will of Thomas S. Peirce for the year ending December 31, 1935 is respectfully submitted herewith.
The inventory value of the two funds given into our care is shown by this report together with statement itemi- zing the Receipts and Disbursements and payments made for the Benefit of the Town of Middleborough.
Fund held in trust for the Use & Benefit of Town of Mid- dleborough.
Stocks,-Inventory value
$159,505.00
Bonds
33,903.75
Mortgages & Notes
158,367.56
Real Estate
130,562.07
Real Estate under foreclosure
28,803.68
Furnishings & Fixtures at Nemasket House
42.50
Cabinet at Public Library
100.00
Office Equipment
165.50
Savings Bank-Worcester
1,000.00
Cash
14,098.43
$526,548.49
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INCOME ACCOUNT
Receipts
Rentals
$5,898.57
Dividends
5,668.75
Interest
11,629.37
Sundries
75.61
$23,272.30
DISBURSEMENTS
Salaries, Trustees & Clerk
$2,679.84
Janitor
1,200.00
Insurance
1,381.84
Repairs,-Labor & Material
1,591.19
Fuel
753.08
Light
69.06
Water
269.44
Sundries
395.00
$8,338.45
Net Income for the year of 1935
$14,933.85
Balance on hand, January 1, 1935
1,865.25
$16,799.10
PAID FOR THE USE AND BENEFIT OF THE TOWN
Bates School, Manual Training
$694.04
High School, Band Uniforms
75.20
Truck purchased, Highway Dept.
298.00
Public Playground Development
11,709.26
Courthouse Const. Project
3,150.00
Welfare Department Rentals
300.00
$16,226.50
Balance on hand, January 1, 1936
$572.60
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FUND HELD IN TRUST FOR THE MIDDLE- BOROUGH PUBLIC LIBRARY
Bonds,-Inventory value
$36,755.00
Collateral note
2,000.00
Savings Bank Deposits
9,360.85
$48,115.85
Total income for the year
Interest on Bonds, Note and Bank Deposits
$1,940.00
Total Payments to the Treasurer
of Public Library 1,940.00
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR D. BENSON FREDERICK S. WESTON, FLETCHER CLARK, JR.
Trustees under the will of Thomas S. Peirce.
170
MIDDLEBORO FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT OF THE CHIEF
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I have the honor to present herewith, for your considera- tion, the fifteenth annual report of the Chief of the Mid- dleboro Fire Department, for the year ending December 31, 1935, in accordance with Section 16 of Chapter 592, Acts of 1920.
APPARATUS
The apparatus of the Department consists of the following :-
1 Maxim 1000 gallon Pumping Engine, purchased April 23, 1928.
1 Maxim 500 gallon Pumping Engine, purchased June 28, 1920.
1 Maxim City Service Ladder Truck, purchased October 11, 1915.
1 Maxim 500 gallon triple combination pumping engine, with centrifugal pump, purchased March 29, 1934.
1 Maxim 500 gallon triple combination Pumping Engine, with 200 gallon water tank, purchased March 29, 1934.
All are well supplied with ladders, 3 gallon extinguishers, and most necessary appliances for extinguishing of fires.
The combined equipment on all pieces are as follows :--- 488 feet of ladders
14 3-gallon extinguishers-Soda-acid 6 3-gallon extinguishers-Foamite
4700 feet of 21/2 inch hose
800 feet of 11/2 inch hose
1150 feet of 34 inch hose
12 21/2 inch nozzles
4 11/2 inch nozzles
7 14 inch nozzles
171
ORGANIZATION
The personnel of the Department at the close of the year is as follows:
One Call Chief
One Call Deputy Chief
One Permanent Captain
Four Call Captains
Nine Permanent Drivers
Thirty-seven Call Men and five substitute members.
A total of 58 members.
OPERATION OF THE DEPARTMENT ALARMS
Month
Box
Squad
Still
Warden
Totals
January
2
4
11
0
17
February
1
1
4
0
6
March
2
6
10
6
24
April
3
6
7
4
20
May
0
7
6
10
23
June
0
0
2
1
3
July
1
3
6
5
15
August
0
3
1
3
7
September
0
4
2
2
8
October
1
0
1
6
8
November
0
4
1
0
5
December
4
6
11
0
21
Totals
14
44
62
37
157
MILEAGE
Box
Squad
Still
Warden
Totals
Engine 1
18.4
425.1
97.3
540.8
Engine 2
18.4
18.4
172
Engine 3
18.4
35.5
54.5
339.0
447.4
Ladder 1
18.4
18.4
1025.0
EQUIPMENT USED
21/2" Hose
3/4" Hose
3 gal. Foam- Pump Py- Lung
Tanks ite
Cans rene Motor
Box
1950'
1200'
5
3
0
0
0
Squad
3900'
5400'
27
0
0
1
0
Still
300'
3450'
33
0
0
2
2
Warden
50
3450'
0
0
10
0
0
-
Totals
6200'
13,500'
65
3
10
3
2
INSPECTIONS
Property Inspections
1796
Fire Hazards found and corrected
25
Conditions still unsatisfactory
12
Oil Storage Inspections
354
Mileage covered on oil inspections
243
PERMITS
Garage-Gasoline
14
Fireworks
3
Dynamite
5
Oil Storage
354
SPARE HOSE ON HAND
21/2 inch New
1200 feet
21/2 inch Used
1200 feet
11/2 inch New
600 feet
173
The four pumpers and ladder trucks are in good operating condition. At present, the old Knox Combination Truck is kept loaded with 21/2 inch hose, with the intention of sending it to outside villages to supply the extra hose which may be needed when pond or other water supply is located at a greater distance from the fire than the regular amount carried on a pumper will reach.
It was in the year's program to paint Ladder 1, and $300.00 was appropriated for that purpose, but not being able to procure a suitable truck to carry the amount of ladders deemed necessary while ladder truck was out of commission, this was not done, which accounts for the $284.39 unexpended balance in the Fire Department appro- priation.
The new charging equipment, installed last May, is functioning one hundred percent, and in addition to being more reliable and satisfactory than the old method, it has reduced the cost of power 27% over the same period of the previous year.
The roofs have developed small leaks next to the main building which should be attended to soon, and the amount usually allocated for repairs of building in the budget has been increased.
The regular monthly property inspections have been faithfully made by those assigned to that duty, and the results obtained emphasize the value of Fire Prevention, which is now being recognized as a very important branch of the work of the Fire Department.
I again wish to commend, as well as to express my grati- tude, to the permanent men, for the continued interest in, and loyalty to, the Department, as shown by their continued voluntary attendance and offers of service at the box alarms on their time off.
174
RECOMMENDATIONS
That 1000 feet of 21/2 inch hose be purchased.
That two or more old obsolete fire alarm boxes be re- placed with modern ones.
That the Memorial High and West Side Schools be con- nected by inside stations to the nearby street boxes already installed with this in view.
This would save much valuable time in case of fire in these schools.
That one or more fire alarm boxes be installed along each of the water extensions to Fall Brook, Warrentown, and the Green.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE A. PHILBROOK,
Chief, Middleboro Fire Dept.
175
REPORT OF THE PLAYGROUND COMMITTEE
The Board of Selectmen Middleboro, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
At the meeting of the Board of Selectmen held Tuesday, March 26th, 1935, it was voted to appoint a Playground Committee to act for, and under the Board of Selectmen, in charge of the activities on the playgrounds.
The Committee appointed by you have held numerous meetings during the year planning the activities and draw- ing up regulations necessary to their proper functioning.
The following detailed report of the Supervisor of the Playgrounds and Swimming Pool shows the success of the project during the past summer.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF PLAYGROUND AND SWIMMING POOL
Activities on the Playground began on July 15th and continued until August 31st. The Red Cross Swimming Course for the men who later were guards at the pool, also began on the 15th at Loon Lake. Life Guards under the E.R.A. program of water safety, were all required to pass the Red Cross Life Saving Course, the size of our pool making it necessary to have four guards on duty whenever the pool was open.
The actual enrollment of individuals using the play- ground or pool for the four weeks, was five hundred and eighteen, distributed as follows:
Boys (under 18 years)
248
Girls 66 18
66
90
Men
141
176
30
Women
9
Guests
518
Only a few men playing on teams of the Twilight League are included on this list, as this activity was already a well organized sport, and needed no promotion. Mr. Carl Oakes as President of the League gave our Junior and Inter- mediate Leagues hearty support and we are deeply grateful for such courtesy from Mr. Oakes and the members of the league.
The gift of a splendid backstop for the Junior Diamond from the Lion's Club was a big factor in the success of the Junior League games the past season.
PLAYGROUND ACTIVITIES
A big factor in the success of all sports is play areas, and equipment to play games. Facilities for baseball naturally gave this sport first place on our program, and continued to hold an interest every day the Playground was open.
Four teams in the Junior League played a series of eight- een games, giving every boy in town a chance to get on some team. The interest was always keen and the League will be off to an early start as soon as school closes next year.
The Intermediate League for older boys and young men not playing in the Twilight League teams, played games on Saturday mornings and occasionally on Thursday even- ings. This League will be much larger and better organized for its second season, next year.
The Midgets, th'ose small lads who are our coming stars, were busy most every day and will have a special league another season. The girls used the diamond when the boys were using the pool and while no league was formed, some interesting games were played.
177
TENNIS
The matches on July Fourth gave the more expert players a chance for some good competition and were closely con- tested and the spectator interest was very fine. As soon as the Playground opened, two leagues were formed, Division A composed of a group of players with experience, organized in four teams called "The Country Club" League.
Division B composed the Club teams, the K. of C. Boy Scouts and Lakeville Sanatorium. Matches were played four evenings a week and gave over thirty men a chance for competition.
An all star team was selected to play the Brockton Y team and their victory was decisive. Next season this team will schedule more matches during the season which will start in July.
Classes for instruction for tennis were held for boys and girls, one morning each week.
Other sports such as Volleyball, group games and relays were used at various times but not as competitive events.
SWIMMING POOL ACTIVITIES
It was regretable that the pool could not have been in operation during the month of July, as this was the hottest of all our Summer period. The pool opened on August 5th and continued for three and a half weeks. The program was so arranged that when the boys and men had the pool, the playground was in use by the girls, making the best possible use of all equipment and play areas.
The Red Cross Program of Swimming as adopted and backed with excellent support by our local Chapter, was able to make much progress for the short time in operation. The Course in Life Saving brought the following results.
178
Men and boys
Senior tests 12
Junior tests 8
Girls and women
Senior tests
5
Junior tests
2
Total 33
The National Headquarters of the Red Cross have issued the Playground an affiliation certificate which will be framed and placed in the Field House next season.
The Swimming School for beginners was held every morning, three mornings for boys and three for the girls. Water games, races and fancy diving were held frequently but only as a recreational feature.
Attendance at the pool was as follows:
Girls and women 659
Men and boys 1043
Mixed (evenings) 331
Totals 2033
In spite of poor weather conditions during the last week the income from the pool was $121.75.
Mr. Dudley Bradstreet, Supervisor of Water Safety for the E.R.A. gave a splendid demonstration of water safety and swimming methods at a period of the swimming school. He praised the pool for its possibilities for teaching swimming, and the general program of administration, especially the color scheme for swimmers and the careful check up of those using the pool.
Mr. Carl Schrader, State Supervisor of Physical Educa- tion, and member of the Park Board at Belmont, feels that Middleboro has a splendid opportunity in its new develop- ment. The Park Board from Needham were much interest- ed in the new pool, and the life guards from Brockton and , Taunton who came over for a swim were profuse in their praise.
179
THE E. R. A.
Without the assistance of the E.R.A., the program at the Playground could not have been carried on. ' The sal- aries of the Supervisor, two assistant instructors and the Life Guards at the pool were paid by the E.R.A. Because of lateness in starting, funds were available for the neces- sary work of closing the pool, as well as some work in develop- ing the field near the pool for a Soccer and Volleyball space for the Junior High School In all a total of $1623.60 was contributed, the consistent co-operation of Mr. Shaw, the administrator, making it possible to get much more done than was expected.
In closing I wish to give credit to the local reporters of news, who have been so ready to tell the public about our efforts, to the staff of workers who showed their interest in the program at all times, and to the Park Board for their loyal support and confidence, in carrying along this first season's activities. Such co-operation is what Middleboro needs to build up a fine recreational program. Our pressing needs are for the financial backing of the voters, a closer relationship of schools and playground. Educationally and socially, this is bound to come.
FRANK CROZIER, Supervisor.
Submitted by the Playground Committee
MICHAEL M. BARRETT, Chairm. ARTHUR D. BENSON JAMES H. KENNEDY HARRY J. GOODALE J. STEARNS CUSHING
180
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF WELFARE AND OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
OUTSIDE RELIEF
The demands on the Welfare Department for 1935 were the largest in its history. In January the Leonard & Bar- rows factory closed and was not reopened until July. This added at least 20 families to our burden. The Federal government did not give any fuel in 1935 thereby increasing the fuel expense. There was no time during the year when we did not have a large number of employable families on our rolls. Every person possible was placed on the E.R.A. That means families of three or more. Single persons and families of only two could not be put on the E.R.A. work, except in rare instances.
Families of five to ten people required supplemental relief in addition to what they received from the E.R.A. During most of Sept. Oct. and Nov. men on the E.R.A. received but two days work per week instead of three, there- by increasing the amount of supplemental aid necessary.
With the beginning of W.P.A. on Nov. 25th. there was delay in pay. Most of the men not receiving a cent until Dec. 24th. That meant increased calls on the Welfare. The latest ruling from Washington does not allow any man to be placed on W.P.A. work unless he was receiving Wel- fare Aid before Nov. 1, 1935.
Therefore all new Welfare applications must be complete- ly aided by our department, and none from work relief.
Mr. Shaw has made a report on E.R.A. work, showing how much actual help it has been to the citizens of Mid- dleboro, and likewise how much it has saved the tax-payers in direct welfare relief.
Looking to 1936 we cannot see any reduction in welfare relief. Even with the better conditions in the shoe industry there are more unemployed people in town than ever before.
181
The cost of living is higher, and more and more people have reached the end of their resources.
MOTHERS AID
This class of relief has shown a decrease during the past year. New cases are likely to come at any time and we expect an increase from our present low of seven cases.
INFIRMARY
The same satisfactory conditions at the Infirmary, con- tinue under the able management of Mr. and Mrs. Grant. Everything is in first class shape. Last spring the old tractor that had given faithful service for many years, gave out and a new one had to be purchased. This was an un- foreseen expense that had to be provided in 1935.
For 1936 we are asking for a new piggery. The old one is practically rotted out. With the present amount of gar- bage collected we have to provide for more brood sows. At present there is no place to keep them . The piggery is our best source of farm profit, and the hogs must be properly housed.
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
Our estimate of the number of cases for 1935 was far too low. In 1934 we opened 29 cases and closed 28 cases. In 1935 we opened 47 cases and closed 21. The agitation in the papers regarding pensions has brought many people to us for Old Age Assistance. There is a bill before the State Legislature, which if passed will reduce the age limit to 65 years. This may go into effect July 1st. and such a change would increase the necessary amount for Old Age by $9000. more than we have asked for in the budget. Under this proposed law we would be reimbursed for about 34 of all aid given.
CHANGE IN PERSONEL
On March 1st. Chester L. Shaw was appointed by the Selectmen, in place of Mrs. Lelah Hathaway, who had com-
182
pleted her second three year term on the Board. Mrs. Hathaway has recently been transferred from her former district, and is now State Old Age Visitor for this town. Therefore she will again come into consultation with us in all Old Age cases.
On Nov. 1st. the W.P.A. set up an office for distribution of clothing and supplies; and appointed two clerks to do the work. Previously the food supplies were given out in our office and the clothing by Mrs. Gaudette and her as- sistants. This change was welcome as it relieved us of all care of supplies. We wish to express publicly to Mrs. Gaudette our appreciation for the four years of faithful service she has given. Her pay was nothing compared to the work done.
STATISTICS, ETC.
In the statistics which follow we have tried to give a clear comparison of the major items of 1934-1935. You will note that while our expenses have increased, our receipts and bills receivable have also increased in due proportion. As stated last year the reason for the large amount of bills receivable is that the State fiscal year for Old Age ends May 1st. and Outside Relief and Mothers Aid ends July 1st. We, therefore always show a large item as due us from those sources.
About 40% of our cases have no Middleboro settlement and we are therefore reimbursed for that amount of our total expense. There is a bill now before the legislature, which if passed would cut our receipts to 25%. We have opposed this bill at all hearings and have asked our Representative and Senator to oppose it when it comes before them.
WILLIAM G. BOYNTON LAURA B. WHITTEMORE CHESTER L. SHAW
183
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF WELFARE DEPARTMENT
1934
1935
Administration
Salary of Board
$1,333.31
$1,585.39
Salary of Physician
315.00
323.75
Printing and Postage
119.60
139.96
Other expense
126.05
$1,893.96
91.67
$2,140.77
Outside Aid
Groceries and Provisions
9,704.47
13,836.63
Board and care
4,843. 75
5,523.46
Fuel
2,966.85
4,496.18
Medical care & Medicine
2,115.13
3,874.72
Clothing
1,418.75
1,730.69
Rent
2,993.07
4,203.60
Cash
3,880.54
4,498.34
Other expenses
1,262.07
1,017.58
$29,184.63
$39,181.20
State Institutions
2,079.42
1,644.68
Other Cities and Towns
2,494.73
3,029.61
33,758.78
43,855.49
Mothers Aid
Middleboro cases
6,036.53
5,265.28
Other Cities and Towns
437.70
106.66
6,474.23
5,371.94
Infirmary
Salary Supt. & Matron
1,260.00
1,387.50
Wages employees
1,727.42
1,794.57
Groceries and Provisions
1,829.49
2,099.23
Dry Goods & Clothing
164.00
109.20
Buildings
289.42
28.19
Special Repairs
1,515.59
Fuel, Light & Water
873.46
830.73
Grain
867.34
705.28
Autos
792.51
846.60
New Tractor
679.00
Other Farm Expense
1,287.56
1,208.06
10,606.79
9,688.36
Total gross expenses for year
52,733.76
61,056.56
Less total receipts for year
22,189.37
23,449.21
Net Welfare expense
30,544.39
37,607.35
.
184
Old Age Assistance
Salary of Board
500.00
512.50
Salary Physician
135.00
138.75
Printing and Postage
79.48
124.83
Other Office expense
100.78
75.66
Aid rendered
25,091.22
31,044.50
Less receipts
10,524.16
12,521.59
Net cost of Old Age Assistance
Total net cost both Departments.
45,926.71
56,982.00
Receipts
Bills Receivable
1934
1935
1934
1935
Infirmary
1,487.20
2,045.02
61.56
48.52
4,751.89
4,107.89
Board
906.28
852.76
5.00
5.54
All other
6,244.09
6,158.45
Total Infirmary
967.84
901.28
88.50
Individuals
247.76
310.30
6,298.04
5,493.10
Cities & Towns
3,565.78
5,919.73
4,537.19
9,468.81
State Outside
4,322.26
7,226.84
2,377. 84
2,240.35
State Mothers Aid
3,275.64
3,753. 07
2,732.21
Federal Aid
22,189.37
23,449.21
Total Welfare
12,379.28
18,111.22
10,524.16
12,521.59
Total Old Age
8,047.53
10,149.47
32,713.53
35,970.80
Total both Depts.
20,426.81
28,260.69
STATISTICS.
Outside Aid
1934
1935
Families Persons
Families
Persons
Middleboro Settlement
122
480
137
495
State settlement
44
178
58
238
Other Cities or Towns
42
148
43
129
Total aided in Middleboro
208
806
238
862
Middleboro settlement living in other places
23
74
20
59
Applications rejected
2
9
Mothers Aid
Living in Middleboro
11
52
9
42
Living elsewhere
1
6
1
3
Old Age Assistance
Total cases during year
117
138
Cases at end of year
91
117
Living in other towns
7
8
Cases rejected
2
10
25,906.48
31,896.24
15,382.32
19,374.65
Produce
185
Infirmary
Middleboro settlement, Dec. 31 20
18
Boarded by other towns, Dec. 31 11
8
Total during year
39
38
Average number of inmates
27
28
Cost per inmate per week
$6.49
$4.61
Report of Doctors
House calls
195
700
Office calls
283
384
Operations
12
15
Confinements
5
8
St. Luke's Hospital
40 cost $947.30
41 cost
$2,092.45
Visits of District Nurse
539
360
Visits of Welfare Visitor
955
876
Visits to Infirmary
67
73
186
REPORT OF ASSESSORS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Middleborough, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen;
The annual report of the Board of Assessors for the year ending Dec- ember 31, 1935 is submitted herewith.
RECAPITULATION
Town Appropriations
$409,845.92
1932 Overlay
634.65
1933 Overlay
3,523.42
1934 Overlay
892.26
Overlay of Current Year
5,476.20
Deficit in 1934 Estimated Receipts
3,886.89
State Assessments
State Tax
13,680.00
Auditing Municipal Accounts Tax
92.71
Municipal Lighting Plant Tax
30.00
State Parks and Reservations
100.00
County Assessments
County Tax
16,469.10
Tuberculosis Hospital
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