USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1937 > Part 9
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The above exhibit was held during Book Week in November, when also were displayed many new books for adults and young people. A feature which interested
143
both young and old was a miniature stage upon which was shown a scene from Cinderella.
Attractive bookmarks made by a member of the staff were distributed to the children during Book Week.
The library has received publicity through a news- paper column in the Middleboro Gazette, "What's New at the Public Library," and book talks given by the Librarian before several groups.
The Librarian attended the national convention of the American Library Association held in New York City in June, and with members of the staff has attended con- ferences in Boston, Brockton, West Bridgewater, Cohasset, Springfield and Swampscott.
New Rules
Because the reserve list had grown to such over- whelming proportions that new books were kept off the shelves in some cases for over a year, the trustees voted at their annual meeting in March to adopt the following rules :
1. Beginning March 15, 1937, no reservations will be accepted for FICTION which has been in the library less than four months. Non-fiction may be reserved as heretofore. All reservations made before March 15th will be filled.
2. Reservations must be made upon postal cards provided at the library. The charge for the card is two cents, payable when the book is reserved. (This is not a charge for the book or the service, merely the cost of the card.)
3. Books reserved will not be held after the time specified on the notice.
4. Books for which inquiry is made by tele- phone and which are in the library at the time the message is received will be held until closing time of the same day. This applies to all books, including new fiction.
144
5. Books for which there is a waiting list may not be renewed.
These rules are made for the purpose of making new fiction more generally available.
Almost a year has passed since the adoption of these rules and in practice they have worked out very satis- factorily to the mutual benefit of the staff and the public. The new rules meet the approbation of the public because borrowers are pleased to find more new books available on the shelves.
Appreciation
The library is greatly indebted to those firms and merchants who supply us with bookmarks through an advertising agency. These bookmarks are greatly ap- preciated by our borrowers and by the library as well, for they save many a turned-down page and damaged book.
Thanks are due to the following for gifts of books : Rev. Adolph Rossbach for books on religion; the Select- men of Weymouth for a set of the History of Weymouth; Mr. Benjamin W. Shaw for the set "Progress of the Nations"; Mr. Melvin Ward for several volumes in French, and to the Literary Department of the Cabot Club and the Middleboro Garden Club.
To the staff the librarian wishes to express her appreciation of their friendly and willing co-operation, and to the Board of Trustees her gratitude for their constructive and unfailing interest in all that concerns the library and aids it in serving the community more effectually.
Respectfully submitted,
MERTIE E. WITBECK, Librarian.
Statistics
Circulation of Books
Central Library Adults
Fiction
46,390
. . Philosophy 445
Religion 385
145
Sociology
1,058
Languages
56
Science
640
Useful Arts
1,538
Fine Arts
1,514
Literature
2,207
History
1,017
Travel
1,590
Biography
1,663
Magazines
7,975
Foreign Books
117
Rental
1,558
68,153
Juvenile Circulation
Fiction
11,125
Non-fiction
7,150
18,275
Branch and Deposits
Bates School
309
Thompsonville School
135
Union Street School
123
Waterville School
219
West Side School
616
East Middleboro Branch
46
1,448
Total circulation for 1937
87,876
Circulation for 1936
92,008
Decrease in circulation, 1937
4,132
Number of volumes owned by library, January 1, 1937
35,731
Number of volumes added by purchase. 1,082
82
Number of volumes added by binding magazines
13
Number of volumes transferred from rental
collection 47
Total number of volumes added during 1937
1,224
36,955
Number of volumes lost and discarded, 1937
809
Number of volumes owned by library December 31, 1937
36,146
Number of magazines subscribed, including gifts.
106
Number of newspapers
12
Number of borrowers, January 1, 1937
5,427
Number of volumes added by gift
146
New cards issued, 1937 Adults
349
Juvenile 144
493
Number of borrows, December 31, 1937
5,920
REPORT OF TREASURER FOR THE YEAR 1937
Peirce Trustees
$2,028.36
Check Refund
2.00
Book Sales
97.89
Rentals
97.71
Balance Jan. 1, 1937
740.45
$2,966.41
Peirce Fund Payments
Books
1,931.43
Balance on hand Dec. 31, 1937 1,034.98
$2,966.41
Special Fund Receipts
Sale of Books and Rentals
68.55
Interest, Central New Jersey
50.00
Interest, Baltimore & Ohio R. R.
25.00
Interest, Savings Account, Midd. Trust Co.
19.06
Interest, H. O. Peirce Fund
12.50
Interest, H. C. Beals Fund
25.00
Interest, N. Y. Central
50.00
Balance Jan. 1, 1937
286.37
$ 536.48
Special Fund Payments
Books, Periodicals, Newspapers
246.26
Middleboro Trust Co.
5.40
Expenses, A. L. A. Convention
35.00
Book Binding
102.05
Balance Dec. 31, 1937
147.77
$ 536.48
Respectfully submitted, THOMAS H. KELLY, Treasurer.
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MARIA L. H. PIERCE LUXURY FUND
December 29, 1937.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
My dear Mr. Goodale :
As Custodian of the Maria H. L. Pierce Luxury Fund, I herewith submit my report for the year 1937.
We close the year with a slightly reduced number of inmates owing to the death of several who have been failing for some time. On the other hand, we have added two new boarders from out of town.
As usual, two daily and two Sunday papers, as well as the Middleboro Gazette, have been provided from the Luxury Fund. These, together with books and maga- zines from friends, have provided ample reading matter for all at the Home.
Each month a little wholesome candy was distrib- uted to all. Elderly people seem to crave sweets as much as children do. At Easter potted plants were on the tables, and baskets of candy eggs were at each place.
The Ministers of the town have again been kind enough to conduct religious services with music on one Sunday of each month except for the summer months when, on account of the great heat, services were dis- continued.
We had the usual tree and gathering at Christmas, when useful gifts with candy were distributed to each one.
On the whole, the year has gone smoothly and hap- pily for all.
Respectfully submitted,
LAURA B. WHITTEMORE, Custodian.
148
REPORT OF THE PLAYGROUND COMMITTEE
January 12, 1938.
Middleboro, Massachusetts,
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
The Playground Committee wish to submit their report for the year 1937. Increased activities on both the playground and at the pool have caused a much greater attendance of children and adults than in previous years. Questions of administration and supervision have been settled by this Committee as they have arisen.
For details of the work accomplished we are sub- mitting as a part of this report the reports of the super- visors of the pool and playground.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR D. BENSON, Chairman, HARRY G. GOODALE, JAMES H. KENNEDY, JAMES F. SHURTLEFF, J. STEARNS CUSHING, Clerk.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF PLAYGROUNDS To Members of the Park Board, Gentlemen :
This report covers the ten-week period when the Playground and Swimming Pool activities were in action for the summer months. The weather man was partic- ularly kind to us and gave us much sunshine and very little rain that interfered with the program of activities. While the supervisor of the pool has submitted his excel- lent report of its activities, I wish to call your attention to the fact that it is the combined reports of field and pool that make a composite picture of our splendid
149
recreational adventure. Whenever mention of pool activ- ties are mentioned in this report, it is only to show the close relationship of the two.
Attendance for playground during July 6,481
August. 6,305
Totals 12,786
Pool attendance during the ten weeks 6,197
Total for both .. 18,983
A gain of 2,378 over last season.
The daily program consisted of baseball, tennis, music, horse-shoes, tetherball, and free play (swings, etc.) for individuals and groups.
Baseball again took the lead in interest, and never has Middleboro seen so much baseball in any one season. A local Twilight League, two All Star teams in outside leagues, and eight teams for boys, four in the Inter- mediate and four in the Junior League, gave everybody a chance to play on some team, and provided plenty of enjoyment for the spectators. The Intermediate League finished up with two teams tie, and in the play-off the Tigers (last year champs), were defeated by the Cubs.
Tennis held its place as usual, although the increased interest in car riding as a form of recreation, cut into the active participation by the younger generation of players. Next season this sport is due for greater activity than in years past. Paddle tennis, a new sport for boys and girls, is now forging to the front on all city playgrounds, and if local interest develops, a gold medal tournament will be organized next season.
Horse-shoe pitching steadily increased in interest, as did tetherball, while the new swings and teeter board was in constant demand by young and old.
Special events were planned for each week, some weeks in events for swimming and other weeks for field events. The opening event, of course, was the July 4th program arranged by a special committee, and this has become the firing gun for many happy days for everybody during the summer months. Baseball, tennis, track events, and swimming pool activities take place on that day, with plenty of prizes for the winners. Next in line
150
comes the baseball trip for boys to Boston, with the local merchants showing their generosity by financing the busses to carry 150 or more lads to see big league base- ball at its best.
The girls enjoyed several weinie roasts at the Play- ground and a beach party at Sandwich, where beach games and an ocean swim were enjoyed. The Bird Club went on a field trip to Barnstable, and the boys enjoyed three swimming meets with outside competition. The water carnival and pageant close out a season that has been very satisfying, the cooperation of the Park Board and the words of commendation from interested towns- folk, indicating that our efforts have met with the ap- proval of those who are seeking an outlet for their recreation in sports, either as a spectator or performer. Looking backward with satisfaction, we also look forward with anticipation to next year, with the hope for greater enjoyment for all in leisure time recreation.
In closing I wish to give credit to all who have worked to make the program a success. The W. P. A. Project staff for their painstaking instruction in sports and care of play spaces, where sports were enjoyed; the cooperation of the Supervisor of the Pool and his staff of efficient workers; the Park Board for their support of activities, and to the various organizations using the fields, for their consideration of the whole program, rather than their own individual interests. This spirit of cooperative effort is the mainspring that moves us for- ward, and we have already gone so far forward that we must not go back. May 1938 be the best of them all.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK CROZIER, Supervisor of Playground.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF THE SWIMMING POOL
To the Members of the Park Board, Gentlemen :
The pool closed with a most successful season. It was not only successful from the attendance point of view, but also from the activity side. A small swimming
151
team was developed, and three meets were held with Cathedral Camp and two with Taunton. Although the team did not come out on top, it is a good foundation for one next year. Besides the swimming team, there was a water carnival and water pageant. The people showed great interest in these events, for the estimated attend- ance at these events was about 1700. From the records below it is seen that people are becoming to be more interested in the pool, and more than ever are enjoying the use of it.
Attendance Records
Boys
Girls 813
Mixed
665
4,719
Total Attendance 6,197
Total Cash $328.81
The total attendance is more than half again as large as that of last year, and more than triple that of the first year of operation. This, in itself, is an indication that the pool is a very worthwhile activity for the people of the town.
A vacuum cleaner was purchased for cleaning the sediment from the bottom of the pool. This proved to be a great improvement in the condition of the water. It was cleaned regularly twice a week, and the water stayed much cleaner than it did during the last two years. I wish to thank the Pierce Trustees for purchasing the piece of equipment, which is a great advance in the cleanliness of the pool.
The guards, James Keegan, Raymond Tripp, and Weldon Thomas, did a very fine job. They were reliable, and could be depended upon to do anything they were asked to do. I would recommend them for another year.
Recommendations
For counter work next year I would like to recom- mend Mason Ryder. He did much volunteer work this year, and I found him to be very capable of the work. Through his experience this year I know he would be a good one for next season.
During the last week of operation the two afternoon periods were mixed, making it possible for anyone to go in whenever he wished. This scheme seemed to work very well. Usually the 2-4 period was small in attend-
152
ance when it was either boys or girls at that period. When this period was changed to mixed, the attendance rapidly grew, and was as popular as the 4-6 period, which was mixed throughout the year. I would recommend the following schedule for next year :
9-11-Swimming instruction (no general swim).
11-1-Life saving.
2-4-Mixed bathing, children and young people.
4-6-Mixed bathing.
6:30-8:30-Mixed, adults and working people.
This seems to be the most satisfactory schedule thus far.
There is one improvement in filling the pool that could be made without much cost, and this is a four-inch pipe from the hydrant on Jackson Street to the shallow end of the pool. This would do away with laying two lines of hose from the hydrant, and in filling the pool would save much water. When the hose is used, there is so much leakage through the joints and through the hose itself, that there is a great waste of water. Also, if this pipe could be run into the shallow end of the pool, and an adjustable gate put on, a constant flow of water could be had into the pool, which is needed with the present load in the pool. The well does not supply a sufficient amount of water to keep it up to the overflow level, which is necessary to carry away the surface scum.
There is also another addition which would improve the looks of the pool greatly, namely, a few trees planted around the edge of the walk. For the Labor Day pageant some pine trees were put up `around the edge, and many remarked afterwards how much it added to the looks of the pool.
In closing, I would like to thank the members of the Park Board and the Pierce Trustees for their fine co- operation and help, not only this season, but the two previous seasons. The above contribute greatly to the success of the season, and this one has been a most suc- cessful one.
Respectfully submitted
ALLAN WHITBECK, Supervisor of the Swimming Pool.
153
REPORT OF W.P.A. ACTING CO-ORDINATOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
The Federal and State governments spent about $140,000 this year for W. P. A. labor and materials, at a cost to the Town and the Peirce Trustees of $39,494.71, giving a total value of $180,000. The W. P. A. General Fund, assembled by transfer of relief labor appropria- tions made in 1935, is now practically exhausted, and new funds will be necessary for the coming year.
This year marked the suspension of State-sponsored projects such as the Traffic Census, Roadside Beautifica- tion and Farm-to-Market Roads. These have furnished a large amount of employment at negligible cost to the Town.
Under the Housework Projects an average of two workers have assisted in the care of relief families in time of need.
The School Records Project has put the Department records in more accessible form, such as card indexes and summaries. This will be a great convenience to the Department. The Vital Statistics work, now completed, was of a similar nature.
Grading, landscaping, building walks, curbs and parking spaces at the Courthouse was a valuable im- provement.
The Ball Field was completed as far as available funds would allow. The unfinished rear of the field, while not at all objectionable, offers an opportunity for occasional future work.
The Wood-cutting Project was completed, furnish- ing wood to the Town Infirmary at small cost. This type of work is no longer eligible.
The Moth Control Project was most useful in fur- nishing work which could be done in mid-winter, and at the same time was beneficial to the Town. Several times as much work would not entirely eliminate the pests. However, winter work is such a problem that the value should not be underestimated.
154
The Recreation Project operated throughout the year, supervising the activities at the Playground and Pool. Much of this would otherwise have been a direct expense to the Town, and the incidental activities have resulted in a greater interest in Sports.
The Shade Tree Sanitation Project was completed. This work relieved many dangerous conditions and im- proved our shade trees.
The Sewing Project has been very useful in furnish- ing employment to members of families with no able- bodied male worker. While the cost to the Town has been considerably increased, it still seems good economy to continue.
One Sidewalk Project was finished and another be- gun. Four miles of walk was built. This work has a greater measure of popular approval than any other. The cost to the Town, while considerable, seems more than justified by the results.
The Farm-to-Market Roads Project passed from State to Town control and expense. Much gravel was placed on outlying roads, completing Cedar Street and starting Rocky Meadow Street, and much more work is contemplated.
The Commissary employed two men and distributed about $15,000 worth of commodities to the needy, at small cost to the Town.
The Underground Electric Projects constituted per- haps our most permanent contribution to the improve- ment of the Town. When completed, with the removal of existing overhead wires, the electric service of the Town will be much less at the mercy of the elements. Since almost all local W. P. A. funds have come more or less directly from the Gas and Electric Department, this would seem to be a most fitting use, despite the high cost per man-month.
The accompanying table of expenditures is referred to for details of project costs, and for the cost per man- month. The total of 1,990 man-months (averaging 165 persons) and the total costs give a good idea of the scope of the local W. P. A. work.
155
Locations of major work were as follows :
Sidewalks Completed
Street
Sides
From To
Alden
both
Throughout
Center Ave.
S
Station
Cambridge St.
Center
N
Lovell St.
Crowell St.
Coombs
S&E
Throughout
Everett
E
Frank St.
Keith St.
Forest
E
Frank St.
Clara St.
Frank
S
Oak St.
Forest St.
High
N
Throughout
Montello
N
Throughout
North
S
North Main St.
Pearl St.
Oak
W
Arch St.
North St.
Pearl
N&W
Throughout
Pearl
E
High St.
Shoe Shop
Pearl
E
Peirce St.
North St.
School
E
Reland St.
End
Southwick
N
Throughout
Underground Electric-Unfinished
Center Street from Oak to Everett Streets (with branches on Oak), Wareham Street from Plant to Clif- ford Street.
Respectfully submitted,
RUSSELL A. TRUFANT, Acting Co-ordinator.
TABLE OF W. P. A. EXPENDITURES FOR 1937
1937 Projects
Estimated Federal Employment Man-mths.
Total
Drafts on Town WPA Gen. Fund Per Man .- mo. Source
Aid from Other Funds State & Fed'l Estimated Total Per .Per Man-mo. Man-mo.
Comments
Traffic Census
10
0.00
0.00
S & F
NF $2,123.50
N.F
NF
Stopped
Roadside Beautification
230
0.00
0.00
S & F
$9.20
$9.20
Stopped
Housework and Relief
24
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Continuing
Ooutside, State Projects
100
0.00
0.00
S & F
NF
NF
NF
Abt. Stopped
School Records
46
$21.10
$0.46
School
15.00
0.33
0.79
Continuing
Vital Statistics
4
27.40
6.85
Peirce
285.00
71.25
78.10
Completed
Courthouse Grading
27
100.42
3.72
Peirce
1,258.98
46.63
50.35
Completed
Baseball Field
80
87.50
1.09
Peirce
659.97
82.49
83.58
Completed
Wood Cutting
21
14.70
0.70
Welf.
89.00
4.23
4.93
Stopped
Gypsy Moth Control
190
477.86
2.51
0.00
0.00
2.51
Continuing
·Recreation (inc. Pool)
84
251.92
3.00
T & PT
876.44
10.42
13.42
Continuing
Shade Tree Sanitation
24
114.07
4.75
0.00
0.00
4.75
Completed
Sewing
210
929.95
4.43
4,000.00
19.05
23.48
Aid Cut
Sidewalks (2 Projects)
440
6,663.27
15.13
0.00
0.00
15.13
Continuing
' Farm-to-Market Roads
280
1,548.45
5.53
S & F
2,903.35
10.35
15.88
Continuing
Commissary
24
486.81
20.25
Fed'l
15,000.00
625.00
645.25
Continuing
Underground Electric (2)
196
2,167.49
11.05
Gas & E
22,024.67
112.37
123.42
Continuing
(Town Overhead Cost)
1,394.71
.70
0.00
0.00
.70
Continuing
Entire 1937 Program
1,990
$14,285.65
$7.18
49,235.91
$24.74
$31.92
Average Employment, 165 persons. Federal payroll, approximately $117,000.00.
Total cost of work, approximately $180,000.00, to which the Town departments, WPA General Fund and Peirce Trustees contributed $39,494.71.
Analysis of Aid from Other Funds:
State and Federal. $24,026.85
Town Departments 22,628.42
Peirce Trustees
2,580.64
Abbreviations : S & F-State and Federal Gov'ts. . NF signifies "no figures available". T & PT-Town, and Peirce Trustees. Estimated value of W P A in reduction of
156
Fed'l
Total
157
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF WELFARE AND BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Outside Relief
This part of Welfare work is divided into two classes, employable and unemployable. All new cases are presented to the Selectmen for their approval.
The unemployable cases average about 96 persons who are unable to work, and who are aided for long periods of time. This type of aid costs about $15.00 per person per month, or a total of $18,000.00 per year. About 60% of this amount is reimbursed by the State or other places.
Employable cases are those in which there are one or more persons able to work. In some cases the man is actually working but the income is so small that it does not provide the necessities for a large family, and we have to supply milk to guard against undernourished children or supplement the earnings in some other way.
In other cases there is no work, and aid must be given until work is secured. In this type of case the man works for the aid he receives at the Infirmary, or at any other work we may have for him. The number of cases that we have depends directly on work conditions in town and varies greatly from week to week. During 1937 the average cost per person per month has been $4.20 or a little over $13,000 for the whole year. About 45% of this amount is reimbursed by the State or other places.
Every case is thoroughly investigated, and each person is questioned every week, as to any earnings, and the aid given varies accordingly. Statements as to earn- ings are checked with employers.
Statistics issued by the State Department of Public Welfare for September, 1937, (the last report) give the following per capita, cost for outside relief : Middleboro, $6.17; Plymouth County, $6.91; State of Massachusetts, $7.91.
158
Aid to Dependent Children
We have now completed one full year under this new law, and our cases have increased from 14 to 22. Prob- ably there will be further increases until the total reaches about 30 cases. These cases are under State and Federal supervision, and the town is reimbused for about 60% of the total cost.
Infirmary
Mr. and Mrs. Grant are giving excellent care to the inmates at the Infirmary. During the past year we have had as many as four persons sick abed at one time. The unusual amount of sickness has made so much extra work that it has been necessary to hire an extra woman for the last six months.
The new garage has been built and the piggery com- pleted. The other buildings are all in good condition. It will be necessary to repair the piazza of the Home. It is a minor repair and will not need a special appropria- tion.
Work on collection of rubbish has increased so that it takes our truck and man for five days every second week. We need both the truck and man all the time to do the regular farm work, and we recommend that the Health Department furnish their own man and truck for this work.
The income in 1937 was over $6,700, or more than the total general expenses.
Old Age Assistance
This type of Welfare work is gradually increasing and probably will do so for three or four years. At this time we have 300 cases, and anticipate about a 10% increase in 1938.
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