USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1962 > Part 9
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Town Hall Middleboro Gentlemen:
The Conservation Commission was voted into the Town Government by Article 25 at the 1962 Annual Town Meeting.
The purposes of the Commission are to promote and develop our natural resources and to protect our watershed resources.
The Commission became active in September and has spent the majority of its time in organization.
Mimeographed letters have been prepared for mailing to active groups and clubs informing them of our purposes. We hope to get their participation in a conservation project.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERIC C. CORREIA Chairman
129
ANNUAL REPORT
MIDDLEBOROUGH HOUSING AUTHORITY
Board of Selectmen Town of Middleborough Middleborough, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The year 1962 was the thirteenth successful year of operation of the Veterans Project at Archer Court and the third successful year of the George A. Donner Housing for the Elderly Project at Frank, Park, and Sproat Streets. There was a turnover of 8 tenants at the Veterans Project with no loss of rent and a turnover of 4 tenants at the Elderly Project at no loss of rent.
General physical appearance of the Veterans Project, has been maintained at a high level during the past year. Outside painting of 3 buildings are completed and the next 4 buildings will be completed this year. Interior of apartments are in good condition. General phys- ical condition of the Elderly Project buildings are excellent. Spot painting where needed was done. The grounds at this project are main- tained at a very high level. The Elderly Project was named The George A. Donner Memorial in honor of the late George A. Donner who died in July. The project dedication was held on October 20, 1962 at 11:00 A. M.
The Veterans Housing Project was constructed and is operated under Chapter 200 under the General Laws of Massachusetts to provide low cost housing to Veterans of limited income. Low rents are made possible by a State subsidy, a maximum of $7,000.00 for Middleborough. Admission to the Project is restricted to Veterans or their families, whose rate of income is from $2,000. to $4,000. per year. Although once admitted, the Veteran or his family may remain until his income reaches a maximum of $4,500. per year. If he has more than 3 minor dependents he may deduct $200. for each minor dependent over three in number from his gross income which will determine how much rent he must pay.
The Housing for the Elderly was constructed and is operated under Chapter 667 under the General Laws of Massachusetts to provide low cost housing to elderly people sixty-five years of age or over who must be citizens of the United States and that a couple cannot exceed an in- come of more than $3,000. per year. An individual living alone cannot exceed an income of more than $2,400. per year. Low rents are made pos- sible by a State Subsidy of a maximum of $10,375. per year, for Middle- borough. Residents of the Town of Middleborough are given first pref- erence in admittance. The Middleborough Housing Authority voted to have inserted in the Town Warrant the following article to be voted on at the next Annual Town Meeting; To see whether the Town will ap- prove the construction of a new housing project by the Middleborough Housing Authority, namely, a housing project for elderly persons pur- suant to the provisions of Chapter 667 of Massachusetts Acts of 1954, and Acts in amendment thereof and in addition thereto, to be known as State-Aided Housing Project 667-2. At the present time the Middle-
130
ANNUAL REPORT
borough Housing Authority has 60 applications on file for apartments over and above the 40 that are filled at our present project.
The amount of rent paid at the Veterans Project, 200-1, is deter- mined by the veterans income and the size of his family, with the larger families paying slightly lower rents than the smaller families. The aver- age shelter rent for 1962 was $41.39 per unit month and the average charge for all utilities; electricity, heat, hot water, and sewage was $21.25 per unit month. The project ended the year with a surplus of $379.38.
The average shelter rent for the Housing for the Elderly Project, 667-1 was $32.93 per unit month. The average charge for all utilities; heat, gas, electricity, hot water, and sewage was $15.07 per unit month. The project ended the year with a surplus of $1,302.52.
One thousand and eight dollars was paid to the Town of Middle- borough in lieu of Taxes for the 200-1 Veterans Project. No payment is made to the Town of Middleborough in lieu of taxes for the 667-1 El- derly Project. The appending financial statement shows the excellent financial condition of both the 200-1 Veterans Project and the 667-1 Elderly Project.
Respectively submitted,
ROBERT H. AYOTTE
Executive Director
MIDDLEBORO HOUSING AUTHORITY Project 667-1 Balance Sheet, December 31, 1962 Assets
Administration Fund Investments Prepaid Insurance Development Cost Less Development Cost Liquidated
$ 1,550.31 12,000.00 1,836.81
$415,000.00 8,000.00
407,000.00
Total Assets
$422,387.12
ANNUAL REPORT 131
Liabilities and Surplus
$ 1,032.15
Accounts Payable Notes Issued
Less Notes Retired
$415,000.00 8,000.00
407,000.00
Matured Interest and Principal
319.21
Debt Service Reserve Operating Reserve
11,350.24
Surplus, December 31, 1962
1,302.52
Total Liabilities and Surplus
$422,387.12
MIDDLEBORO HOUSING AUTHORITY Project 200-1 Balance Sheet, December 31, 1962
Assets
Administration Fund
$ 1,308.50
Accounts Receivable - Tenants
311.43
Debt Service Fund
7,933.75
Debt Service Trust Fund
118.60
Investments
24,300.00
Prepaid Insurance
1,367.20
Development Cost
$280,000.00
Less Development Cost Liquidated
59,000.00
221,000.00
Total Assets
$256,339.48
Liabilities and Surplus
Accounts Payable
$ 1.93
Matured Interest and Principle
7,933.75
Tenants Security Deposits
280.00
Bonds Authorized
$280,000.00 59,000.00
Less Bonds Retired
221,000.00
Debt Service Reserve
10,278.54
Unamortized Bond Premium
3,118.60
Operating Reserve
13,347.28
Surplus, December 31, 1962
379.38
Total Liabilities and Surplus
$256,339.48
1,383.00
132
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the President and Board of Trustees,
Middleborough Public Library:
One of the difficulties to be faced in writing an annual report year after year is to find new ways to tell practically the same story. Such is not the case this year. Thoughts clamor for expression as the past forty- two years pass in panoramic review. It has seemed not more than fifteen or twenty years at most. Much has been wrought and many are the changes that have come to the Middleborough Public Library in those years. The library itself has grown from a comparatively calm and quiet place to a beehive of activity; the stacks containing the library's books, instead of being closely guarded from the public, have been thrown wide open that patrons might roam, browse and examine the books of their choice; the strict rule governing the number of books to be taken home on a library card has been relaxed so that a borrower may take as many books and magazines as he can carry (with the fervent hope on the part of the librarian that all will find their way back to the library). The book stock has grown at the rate of a thousand or two volumes each year until 80,000 books have passed through the process that makes them a part of the library. Services offered the public have grown to include the availability of phonograph records, pictures and pamphlets of all kinds. The physical appearance of the library has changed from a dimly lighted, somewhat out-dated interior to a cheerful, friendly place with modern fluorescent lighting. Mechanization overtook the library with the installation of a Gaylord charging machine. Service has been extended to include weekly bed-side visits to St. Luke's Hospital, collections of books carried to Rest Homes and Homes for the Aged. All classrooms and rural schools are provided with collections of library books. Two branch libraries have been established, one each at South Middleboro and North Middleboro. In short, our aim over the years has been to build a library that would be equal to the demands of the community.
We have had sad hours as well as glad, the glad far exceeding the sad. The library's latest loss was suffered in the death of its long-time president, Mr. Theodore N. Wood. Mr. Wood followed his father as a library trustee, becoming a member of the Board in 1911. He became chairman in 1934 and served in this capacity until his death in October, 1962.
Mr. Henry B. Burkland was appointed to fill the vacancy on the Board of Trustees. We were very happy to welcome as a member of the library staff Miss Helen E. Whitcomb, whose knowledge of books and musical background make her a valued addition to the staff.
Branch Libraries
The South Middleboro Branch Library completes its twenty-first year with Miss Rose Short serving at present as volunteer librarian.
133
ANNUAL REPORT
In September, 1962 a new branch was opened in North Middleboro in a room in the Pratt Free School made available through the cooper- ation of the Trustees of Pratt Free School and the Middleboro School Department. The Trustees redecorated the room, installed book shelves and fluorescent lighting. The Branch is sponsored by the North Middle- boro Mother's Club, volunteer librarians being provided from the mem- bership. The Branch has been a success from the start, in the three months of its existence having circulated over one thousand books. At present the Branch is open on Tuesday and Saturday afternoons from two to four and Thursday evenings from six-thirty until eight o'clock.
Work with Schools
A happy and close relationship continues to exist between the schools and library. One without the other would indeed be a much less effective institution. Certificate reading still flourishes with the award during 1962 to Grades Four through Six, of 1,031 certificates for five books read and 141 Honor Certificates representing twenty books read.
Classrooms and all rural schools have been supplied with deposits of books, especially valuable in bringing the library to bus pupils who do not have the opportunity to visit the main library.
Building Improvements
More fluorescent lighting was installed during the year, replacing the very inadequate lighting in the main lobby of the building where the catalog and charging desk are located. The great need now is to supply better lighting in the book stacks. Going from the brightly lighted lobby into the stack room is like stepping from sunlight into dusk.
A long anticipated goal was achieved when the Cranberry Library was moved from a basement room into a pleasant room on the second floor, formerly occupied by the collection owned by the Middleboro Historical Association, this having been moved to the new Historical Museum. This Cranberry Library of printed cranberry material, unique in that it is the only such library in existence, is consulted by people from all over the country and it is a source of great gratification to have it in a pleasant, easily accessible location.
A Thank You Note
Sincere appreciation is extended to the many persons who have contributed to the library in so many ways, including a gift of Christmas cookies for the staff.
Mr. Daniel McNearney donated a booth for the library's use at the Junior Chamber of Commerce Home Show in the Armory, where contact was made with many people and many new friends made for the library.
The organizations and individuals giving books as memorials have performed a worthwhile service. Few people can give buildings or en- dowments, but almost anyone can give a book, which constitutes a
134
ANNUAL REPORT
fitting tribute to the one in whose memory the book is given, and brings pleasure and profit to the entire community.
An unusually fine collection of garden and music books was pre- sented to the library by the friends of Miss Theresa Pillsbury who passed away in 1962.
The Middleboro Garden Club, especially Mrs. Paul Schubert, have been most thoughtful in supplying flowers and floral arrangements to enhance the library.
In closing my services as librarian it is difficult to express the gratitude that fills my heart. My deepest appreciation to the many who have contributed toward making these years of service ones of happiness and fulfillment: the members of the community who have shown their appreciation in countless ways, the library staff always faithful and help- ful and above all, the Board of Trustees whose helpful consideration throughout every one of the forty-two years has made library work a joy and a happy memory.
Respectfully submitted,
MERTIE E. WITBECK
Librarian
Statistics
Circulation
Main library
Adult books and magazines
41,915
Juvenile books and magazines
30,907
Phonograph records
1,537
Branches
South Middleboro
742
North Middleboro
1,019
School deposits
8,475
Rest Homes and Homes for the Aged
650
St. Luke's Hospital
364
Total circulation, 1962
85,609
Books added by purchase
1,678
Books added by gift
621
Total number of books added, 1962
2,299
Books lost and discarded (inventory)
3,212
Total number of volumes, December 31, 1962
68,427
ANNUAL REPORT 135
Phonograph records added by purchase 52 Phonograph records added by gift 3
Total records added, 1962
55
Breakage and loss
14
Total number of records, 1962
801
Magazines currently received
134
Newspapers currently received
9
Money received from fines on books and magazines
$1,182
Money received from cards for 69 non-residents @ $2.00 per year
$138
Middleboro Histories sold, 15 @ $5.00
$75
New borrowers registered, 1962 Adult Juvenile
231
233
464
Borrowers re-registered for cards, 1962
651
Number of registered borrowers, December 31, 1962
3,782
Expenditures of Endowment Funds
Receipts
Expenditures
Balance January 1, 1962
$3,089.76
Peirce Fund
3,760.60
$2,912.97
Pratt Fund
439.24
118.00
Copeland Fund
155.90
185.22
Hullahan Fund
120.00
99.00
H. O. Peirce Fund
18.76
18.76
H. C. Beals Fund
37.50
37.50
Book Sales
157.00
157.00
General Funds
1.00
18.36
Balance December 31, 1962
4,232.95
$7,779.76
$7,779.76
THOMAS WESTON
Library Treasurer
136
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE PARK DEPARTMENT 1962
To: Members of the Park Board Trustees under the will of Thomas S. Peirce Members of the Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
While the year 1962 did not bring any great changes to our play- ground, it did bring some necessary repairs and corrective measures - the drainage problem which has been damaging our playing fields has been successfully corrected, and our roads were widened and resurfaced. The repairs to our main baseball diamond were completed in the spring.
Our basic program was essentially the same. We have continued the regular swimming lessons and recreational swimming, Kiddie Korner and Field Activities, and Special Events. They were all very well at- tended, and we are greatly encouraged by the response to the swim- ming lessons. Not only has the number of children enlarged, but the attendance has been more regular.
It seems as though every year the number of people interested in tennis increases. It is regrettable that our number of tennis courts is far from adequate to accomodate them. I have always felt that learning to play tennis was very worthwhile for young people because it is one sport that they can engage in all through and beyond their school days because its requisites are simple to fulfill. It requires just one other player and no expensive equipment. Consequently we feel that con- struction of additional courts would be a sound investment and much- needed addition to our facilities.
Our staff supervisor of the skating rink, Mr. John McDonald, has directed the construction of a new skating shelter at the rink. It features a baseboard heating system which is most welcome to the youngsters.
Approximate total supervised attendance figures for the 1962 sum- mer program was over 50,000. Included in this total figure were the following:
Swimming Pool
28,583
Swimming Lessons
7,127
Swimming Lessons Registrations
659
Kiddie Korners
17,093
Fields
3,493
Buses
3,021
Equipment Check-Outs
1,343
ANNUAL REPORT 137
Financial Summary
Funds received and expended:
Town of Middleborough Peirce Estate Richards Fund
$18,648.36 3,722.00 529.91
Total 22,900.27
Swimming Pool receipts returned to the Town
$ 1,631.10
Once again I am extremely grateful to the members of the Park Board and the Peirce Trustees for their support and interest.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH A. MASI, Supt. Park Department
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
One hundred and ten replacement trees of different varieties fur- nished by the Peirce Trustees were planted in 1962. To a great extent these were used to fill in where diseased elm trees had been removed. Regular precautions against the Dutch Elm Disease were taken but the disease continues to take its toll. Stumps were removed to the extent of our appropriation but, again, many remain and will be removed as soon as possible in the spring. Brush control on country roads has improved considerably since the program of spraying started 2 years ago. The work in this department is all done with the personnel of the Highway Department.
LOUIS H. FORNEY
Tree Warden
138
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES Under the Will of Thomas S. Peirce
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Town of Middleborough, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
We respectfully submit herewith the Annual Financial Report of the Trustees under the will of Thomas S. Peirce for the year ending December 31, 1962.
The schedules as listed present the current book values of the several items making up the two funds entrusted to our care, together with a report of income and disbursements of the two accounts with statement of payments for the Use and Benefit of the Town of Middle- borough and the amount paid to the Treasurer of Middleborough Public Library.
Fund Held in Trust for the Use and Benefit of Town of Middleborough
Stocks and Bonds - Inventory value or cost
$404,097.13
Mortgages and notes
Real Estate
41,799.68 18,476.19
Cabinet at Library
100.00
Office Equipment
155.50
Savings Bank Deposit
9,500.00
Cash on hand in checking account
2,752.23
$476,880.73
INCOME ACCOUNT
Receipts
Rentals
$ 6,076.00
Dividends
16,879.50
Coupons
4,379.78
Interest
2,102.16
Interest, USA
276.00
Sundries
19.63
$ 29,733.07
Disbursements
Salaries, Trustees Janitor Clerical Hire
$ 2,350.00
999.00
550.00
Insurance
1,121.68
ANNUAL REPORT 139
Paint and Repairs Light and Heat Water
953.16
1,339.75
178.98
Taxes, Real Estate
4,392.40
Taxes, Social Security
112.27
Sundries
212.90
Net income for the year Balance on hand, January 1, 1962
$ 17,522.93
$ 5,756.84
$ 23,279.77
Paid for the Use and Benefit of the Town of Middleborough
South Middleborough Nursery, trees for town Principal and interest on Jackson Street Loan Principal and interest on Bath House loan Memorial High School, Underwood calculator, musical instruments, dictaphone, uniforms for band and cheerleaders, typewriters, business machine, tuning pianos, etc.
$ 925.00
5,100.00
5,255.00
Junior High School, bulldozing and
work on ball field
1,565.50
West Side School, Bradley sink
440.00
Park Department, payroll, seed, paint for pool, bulldozing, lumber for bleachers, etc.
4,062.88
Memorial High School shop account
254.40
Jardineres, pot holders for light poles and
filling jardineres with geraniums, etc.
505.00
Balance on hand, January 1, 1963
$ 22,042.73 $ 1,237.04
Fund Held in Trust for the Middleborough Public Library
Stocks - Inventory value or cost
Bonds - Inventory value or cost
$ 35,238.95 23,901.48 342.99
$ 59,483.42
Income
Coupons, dividends and interest
$
3,758.24 $
3,758.24
Disbursements
Paid to the Treasurer of the Middleborough
Public Library
$
3,758.24
Respectfully submitted, FREDERICK S. WESTON FLETCHER CLARK, JR. Trustees under the will of Thomas S. Peirce
Savings Bank deposit
3,934.95
$ 12,210.14
140
ANNUAL REPORT
Protection of Persons and Property
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit the fifty-third annual report and detailed statement of duties performed by the police department of the Town of Middle- borough, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1962.
Chief of Police William E. Gardiner
Deputy Chief of Police William C. Elliott
Sergeants
Benjamin J. Mackiewicz
Frank Pierce
Patrolmen
William W. Briggs (Deceased)
Douglas Marshall Richard Ray (Lv. Abs.) Harold Tower Donald Waite (Resig.) William Greene
Norman Record Joseph Quelle (Resig.) Francis Bell Raymond Guerin James Follett Peter Nyberg (Resig.)
Intermittent Patrolmen Alfred Mackiewicz
Clarence Hayward
Provisional Patrolmen George Chace Leonard Teceno
Wilfred Lavallee
Emergency Appointed Patrolmen Albert Norris (Resig.) Frank Helton
Paul Birmingham
Special Police Officers
Lloyd Banks George Wheeler Samuel Foye. Francis Crowley
Ralph Sampson Arthur Benson Irving Murphy Paul Weaver
ANNUAL REPORT 141
William Greeley Richmond Matthews Jesse Hall Ernest Crowell Joseph Ortelt Harry Hull Edward Lowe Samuel Whitehead
Thomas Ryder
Ray Delano Robert Cartmell Russell Smith Patrick McMahon John Dutra John Rebell Raymond Dutra Ernest Bigelow Charles Fitting
Custodian Daniel Maloney
Clerk James O'Brien (Resig.)
Kenneth Greene (Resig.)
Clarence Hayward
Matrons
Mary DiPalma
Vivian Mackiewicz
Honorary Police Officers Roy Pendleton
Joseph Dutra
Raymond Moffett
Constables
William E. Gardiner
John Dutra
Statistical Report of Police Department
Amount of fines imposed in Middleboro Court
$18,623.00
Bonds Posted and Forfeited to the Court
55.00
Buildings found open by police
106
Complaints investigated by police
1656
Disturbances quelled without arrest
115
Defective street lights reported
182
Arrests for the year
1180
Males arrested
1085
Females arrested
60
Juveniles summoned and probation cases
35
Non-Residents
721
Lodgers
27
Summons served
657
Arrests for other police departments
10
Overtime parking tickets issued, Warning
416
Three-way violation tickets issued for purpose of either warning, Registry action or Court action to be taken Four-way no fix violations issued
327
Motor vehicle operators stopped for minor violations and check-ups, oral warnings
236
Motor vehicles tagged for equipment and defective lights
96
42
142
ANNUAL REPORT
Motor vehicle accidents involving both personal and property damage
88
Motor vehicle accidents involving one or more cars, property damage only over $200.00 damage 61
Motor vehicle accidents involving one car or more, property damage less than $200.00
135
Bicycles registered in 1962
183
Pistol and revolver permits granted in 1962
62
Licenses to sell firearms granted
3
Value of lost and stolen property recovered
$ 7,572.40
Sales and transfers of motor vehicles reported
5305
Motor vehicle licenses revoked or suspended in Middleboro Motor vehicle licenses granted
70
Motor vehicle registrations revoked
7
Bicycle plate fees turned in to Town Treasurer
$
45.75
Permit to carry firearms fees turned in to Town Treasurer
$
124.00
Permit to sell firearms fees turned in to Town Treasurer
$ 60.00
Apeco auto-stat copies fees turned in to Town Treasurer
$ 146.00
Offenses
Male 37
Female Juvenile Total
Assault and Battery
2
0
39
Break and Enter in Nighttime and Larceny 1
0
5
6
Break and Enter in Daytime and Larceny 2
0
1
3
Capias Served
22
0
0
22
Drunkeness
151
10
8
161
Insane
3
0
0
3
Larceny
36
12
7
55
Motor Vehicle Violations
447
27
7
481
Non-Support
47
0
0
47
Operating Motor Vehicle under Influence
Intoxicating Liquors
91
2
0
93
Operating Motor Vehicle so that Lives and Safety of Public Might be Endangered
117
5
0
122
Arrests for other Departments
10
0
0
10
Accosting Person of Opposite Sex
1
0
0
1
Accessory before Fact
1
0
0
1
Adultery
1
1
0
2
A. W. O. L. (Army)
1
0
0
1
Assault with Dangerous Weapon
4
0
0
4
Contempt of Court
1
0
0
1
Contributing to Delinquency of Minor
6
1
0
7
Disturbing the Peace
29
0
0
29
Doing Business Not Having a Third Class Dealers License
1
0
0
1
Employing Minor to work on Machinery
1
0
0
1
False Statement to Officer
1
0
0
1
False Fire Alarm
2
0
0
2
Hunting Migratory Game
2
0
0
2
Hunting with Artificial Light
4
0
0
4
Illigitimate Child Act
10
0
0
10
Lewdness
7
0
0
7
Lewd and Lascivious, Speech and Behavior 6
0
0
6
Malicious Destruction of Property
10
0
0
10
120
143
ANNUAL REPORT
Neglected Children
0
0
3
3
Not Licensed to Hunt
1
0
0
1
Printing Obscene Photos
3
0
0
3
Possession of Obscene Photos
1
0
0
1
Possession of Loaded Rifle in Motor Vehicle
4
0
0
4
Possession of Harmful Drugs
1
0
0
1
Resisting Arrest
1
0
0
1
Refusing to Display License
4
0
0
4
Selling Leased Property
1
0
0
1
Stubborn Child
0
0
12
12
Sale of Contraceptives
1
0
0
1
Safety of a Minor Working on Machinery
1
0
0
1
Statutory Rape
1
0
0
1
Trespassing
9
0
0
9
Unnatural Act
1
0
0
1
Vagrancy
1
0
0
1
Violation Zoning Laws
3
0
0
3
1085
60
35
1180
Conclusion
1962 has seen many changes in the personnel of the regular patrol- men in the department. Five men having left the service to enter into other branches of police work or private industry. At the present time there are five vacancies to be filled at such time as an examination will be held by Civil Service, for the position of patrolman. These positions are now being filled by provisional appointments.
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