USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1947 > Part 8
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TRANSITION YEAR: -
The year 1947 was marked by transition. Miss Char- lotte Haskins, who served Plymouth faithfully as libra- rian for 17 years, resigned to go to the Keene, N. H. Li- brary in May. Miss Margaret Osmond also resigned in May to go to California for a summer position.
Miss Hazel M. White, formerly an assistant at the Needham Public Library, was appointed Cataloger and joined our staff Sept. 15th. She brings to her new posi- tion a background of teaching experience, wartime ex- perience in Washington, and training at Simmons Col- lege, School of Library Science. She is proving a valuable addition to the staff.
READING TRENDS
The use of libraries reflects the times. The increased circulation of adult non-fiction books, by 798, is gratify- ing, in spite of a drop in the overall circulation.
Even in the choice of fiction, serious issues are the trend-social problems and historical settings-as evi- denced in the long reserve lists for books like "Gentle- man's Agreement" and "House Divided".
Personal narratives of war experiences, biographies, and books on current world conditions lead the non-fic- tion, with frequent requests for material on home repairs, architecture, auto repair, vocations- practical information leading to betterment of one's self, career or property.
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"BOOKS ALIVE"
Regular weeding out of old books and of soiled or damaged copies is as important as the careful selection of new books, suited to community needs.
Inadequate storage space necessitates regular weeding out of old magazines. Storage preference is given those listed in Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature. Stor- age space has reached a critical stage. A typed list of magazines to which the library subscribes has been pre- pared for the use of readers.
EXTENSIONS AND SCHOOL COOPERATION.
The school art department through the cooperation of Mrs. Margaret Brown is preparing a set of poster-size catalog cards for our instruction of classes of students in the Use of the Library, a major project planned for after February vacation.
The library continues to send deposits of books to the schools at the request of teachers. Books for high school panel discussions are set aside for use at the library. The public library and the high school library, through the cooperation of Mr. Arthur Pyle, exchanged lists of mag- azines to which each subscribes, to avoid unnecessary duplication and to supplement where needed. Certain basic reference magazines naturally are needed by both libraries.
It is hoped that in the near future a book-deposit serv- ice, similar to that extended to teachers, may be avail- able to the firemen, Boys' Club, and other community groups desiring it.
YOUNG PEOPLE'S COLLECTION
Excellent use has been made of the new collection of Young People's books, kept on the right rear table in the Reading Room, and selected especially for Teen-Age tastes-about young people, careers, and excellent biog- raphies of today's leaders, as a transition from the books of the Junior Room to those of the Adult Department.
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PROFESSIONAL CONTACTS
The library benefits from staff attendance at pro- fessional meetings and reading professional journals, where practices and trends are discussed, enabling smaller libraries to pace themselves with larger.
The librarian and staffs of the main and branch libra- ries shared their Christmas this year by sending a C.A.R.E. package to a Dutch librarian.
As a further means of keeping up with library ad- vancement, the library subscribes now to the Library Journal and Publishers' Weekly. Miss Lucas joined the Round Table of Children's Librarians, and Miss White is a new member of the Group of Classifiers and Cata- logers. Miss Jordan served as chairman of the Chau- tauqua County (N. Y.) Book Cooperative, treasurer of the Boston Institutional Libraries Group and auditor of the Old Colony Library Club.
STAFF WELFARE AND IN-SERVICE TRAINING
Staff meetings have been held regularly since mid- September, to encourage initiative, discussion and to ac- quaint staff members with current library policy. This serves as an efficiency measure, enabling one to take over temporarily the work of another during vacations, illness etc.
Substantial salary-increases have been recommended for assistants for 1948 to bring the library's classification into line with similar job-classifications in the commun- ity and to help stabilize the staff.
Early in 1947 the basement staff-room was freshly painted and improved with cheery curtains and furnish- ings.
In September, the 5-day week schedule went into ef- fect. The staff continues to work 40 hours per week, or 8 hours per day, but now enjoys a full day off as most business firms and libraries do, in place of the former split days.
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The staff notices special non-fiction reading interests, so that as new books along those lines are added, we notify individuals and clubs interested. Some already notified have expressed appreciation of this service.
POLICIES AND RECORDS
In the absence of a staff manual or a file of active pro- cedures, Miss Jordan has consulted with the staff, estab- lished policies and recorded procedures on recurring problems and processes. Eventually this material will become a staff manual.
A streamlined method of keeping financial records was recommended. A new efficient system recently adopted will save hours of time. Mr. Walder Engstrom, new treasurer, Mr. Frank Bartlett, auditor, Miss Jordan and Miss Pratt have telescoped and simplified bookkeeping, both in the checking account and at the library.
A new looseleaf Register of Borrowers replaces the old handwritten register, reducing errors; and book cards and their pockets are also typed instead of handwritten. Favorable comments have been made on their improved appearance, and on the elimination of the forbidding "Rules and Regulations" from the front inside cover of books. It is hoped that a simple artistic bookplate will be secured in 1948.
Miss Carolyn Pratt, in charge of statistics, also ably supervised the Adult Fiction inventory taken in the sum- mer, and keeps the registration file up to date.
DISPLAYS AND EXHIBITS
Through displays we acquaint readers with library resources. Mrs. Lucy Rae, Circulation Assistant, is in charge of presenting the library's books appealingly, tying up the collection with community interests and news of the day.
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We were privileged to show the work of local artists during National Art Week. Mr. David Crawley, Rev. George Parker of Carver, and Mr. Ben Resnick and Mr. Dexter Brooks all contributed displays during the year.
Plans are afoot to exhibit the work of Plymouth cam- era and art students.
BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE LIBRARY
The circulation of books at the desk, the most obvious work done in libraries, is only one of a library's many activities. Much time-consuming thought and human ef- fort go on "behind the scenes" before a book is even ready to reach the circulation desk: discriminating book selection; ordering; verifying bills; classifying and cata- loging; ordering printed catalog cards; the physical prep- aration of the books from stamping and pasting, to stylusing and shellacing.
Compiling records of books circulated, cash received and spent, books withdrawn or replaced-filing these records-and numerous other processes take time and planning.
1475 books were added to the library in 1947. Miss Hazel White has had charge of classifying and cataloging the adult, and Miss Ann Lucas handles the Junior books.
Reference work, too, does not show up in the circula- tion statistics, yet it serves one of the most important functions of a public library-providing information and the means of continuing one's education informally.
FRIENDS AND GIFTS
The library was pleased to receive as gifts:
1. 184 books including a collection known as the Edward Bass Campbell Memorial; another memorial for Rev. Alfred Hussey, from the Elizabeth Lombard Club; and another for Miss Mary C. Hubbell, from her cousins Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Skirm. These form a "living mem- orial" which benefits others.
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2. Books from 27 individuals and the Plymouth Jewish Men's Club.
3. Colorful geraniums from Mrs. William S. Kyle; beau- tiful bouquets from Mrs. Charles Robbins; holiday greens from the Plymouth Garden Club; a metal flower holder and artistic blossoms from Miss Margaret Kyle; wasp-nests for the Junior Room from Mr. Bernard Ward; beautiful birch logs for the fireplace from Mr. Winthrop Bates of Duxbury.
4. Blueprints for a work-cabinet, drawn and generously given to the library by Mr. Oliver R. Johnson, architect and library-designer of Jamestown, N. Y., while he and Mrs. Johnson visited Miss Jordan last summer. The cab- inet and work shelves, to be built just outside the librar- ian's office, will replace the present table crowded be- tween two stacks.
THE LIBRARY AND THE COMMUNITY
The librarian attended an open meeting last summer at which the purpose of the proposed survey of Plym- outh was explained. She reported to the president of the Board the privilege which the library has, as a town department, of submitting to the survey engineers the outstanding needs for the library's growth, together with estimated costs. This is a real opportunity to fit the li- brary's future expansion-needs into the pattern of in- telligent, long-range community-planning.
The library is an attractive one-especially its reading room-but its bookstacks and storage space are already overcrowded and steps must be taken soon to relieve this condition.
A Program Calendar was placed on the bulletin board in the fall to inform people of community programs and to help reduce conflicting meetings. Club secretaries or program chairmen were invited through the newspaper column to enter the name of their organization, its time and place of meeting, on the appropriate date. The library also offered to prepare small collections of books on the topic of the meetings, on request.
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Readers are welcome to make suggestions of books for purchase. Community-wide suggestions enable us to serve community-wide reading interests.
PUBLICITY
Creating an appetite for its wares is one of the functions of the modern public library, if it is to succeed in its goal of serving every reader in the community. The Old Colony Memorial Press, in according "good coverage" to our activities and in publishing our lists of recent books, serves the reading public and the library, alike. We ap- preciate the cooperation of the editor and his staff.
JUNIOR ACTIVITIES
Miss Ann E. Lucas, Children's Librarian, reports that the Brotherhood of Nations was the theme of the 1947 Vacation Reading Club. Books of travel, history, geog- raphy and fiction about different countries, their people and their customs, emphasizing their similarities rather than their differences, were read and reported on.
During National Book Week in November, the new books were on display in their bright jackets and Miss Margaret Kyle delighted the children with stories.
In common with other libraries, this library now holds more frequent story hours, with Miss Lucas or local leaders of young people as volunteer story-tellers. Mrs. Sarah Doten and Mrs. Lucy Rae have kindly conducted several.
281 Junior Books were added in 1947 as against 220 withdrawn due to their condition. Some of them must be replaced, because of their permanent value and in- terest.
LORING LIBRARY BRANCH
Mrs. Minnie B. Figmic, Loring Branch Librarian, feels that the most tangible worth of the branch to its com- munity is its contribution to the lives of the children and young people who make regular and devoted use of its books. The children of the Hedge School, grades 1 - 6,
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come to get their cards as soon as they learn to print their names. Since many would not be able to get to the Main Library until entering Junior High School, it is at Loring Branch that they develop the reading habit dur- ing those impressionable years.
In November Mrs. Figmic visited the Hedge School to address the students at assembly, and to invite them to enjoy the new books and story hours planned for their pleasure during Book Week.
147 children and 6 adults enjoyed the December Story Hour at Loring, with Miss Kyle as story-teller.
Mrs. Margaret Bates handles the statistics at Loring. Her duties and the cataloging will be greatly facilitated by the purchase of a typewriter in 1948.
PLANNING AHEAD.
Immediate needs, such as adequate lighting and new shelving in the Reading Room, will be met in the near future.
The great and urgent need is for added stack room for . new books. Even the basement Book Room, where some of the older standard, but less-used books have been placed in Active Storage, is overcrowded. A wing or enlargement of the library building is essential if the library is to maintain its standards.
A WORD OF THANKS
The librarian expresses appreciation to all who con- tribute towards the goal of a forward-moving library: the Board of Directors, members of the staff of the main and branch libraries, Mr. Vickery, Mrs. Cora Grady, the Selectmen and the Finance Committee who granted us additional necessary funds for fuel and staff additions last fall, and our Plymouth public, who, as taxpayers and as readers, support our program.
Respectfully submitted,
BARBARA A. JORDAN, Librarian.
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REPORT OF THE HARBOR MASTER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen:
The usual amount of alewives was stocked at Mano- met Stream. Eel River and Town Brook was stocked by the State.
A total of 10,225,000 pounds of fish was landed in Plymouth during 1947.
Last summer was busy season for yachting. Yachts from Maine to Florida visited Plymouth during the season.
Dories reported missing 68
Missing dories recovered 54
Respectfully submitted,
ELMER P. BOUTIN, Harbor Master.
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN'S DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
During 1947 all street trees were sprayed for Elm Beetle, and they were sprayed as a protective measure against Dutch Elm disease. At present, we haven't any trees that are affected.
Trimming of shade trees was carried out, as usual:
We have planned a great deal of tree plantings this year.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN A. KENNEDY
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REPORT OF GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTH DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Browntail moths nests were cut and burned throughout the entire town, also on Saquish and the Gurnet: the state sprayed Saquish and the Gurnet this year with great success.
The Gypsy moths were not as bad as other years. The state figured that around 900 acres were infested.
The Fall Webworm and the Tent Caterpillar were not as bad as other years.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN A. KENNEDY
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON INLAND FISHERIES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen:
This was one of the most successful years in obtaining fish for stocking purposes as we were able to get both white and yellow perch.
We were also fortunate in getting permission to re- move fish from Little South Pond, the State Department of Conservation doing the work.
The number taken was 2914, consisting of 609 small mouth bass, 1,024 white perch 9 to 13 inches in length, 71 yellow perch 8 to 14 inches and 1210 hornpout 6 to 10 inches in length, and all without cost to the town. These fish were distributed among Plymouth ponds.
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Your Committee has been promised more white perch for the year 1948 and it requests that the sum of three hundred dollars be appropriated.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK L. BAILEY, Chairman GEORGE L. GOODING HOWARD M. MORTON
REPORT OF THE TOWN ENGINEER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
No major construction project was carried out by the Town during 1947.
A survey and layout plan was made for Margerie St., easterly from Oak St., and this layout was accepted by the Town at the annual town meeting in March.
Main St. Extension was re-numbered from Leyden St. to Water St. and a plan of this is on file at the Town Clerk's office.
A survey and plan was made for Avery Road off Nook Road, and also for an alteration at the corner of Mt. Pleasant and South Sts.
Much time was spent on engineering work in connec- tion with leased land at the Town Wharf and also with the damaged Water St. sea wall.
Miscellaneous engineering work was done for the Board of Assessors, the School Department, and the Park Department.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD CHASE, Town Engineer.
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPART- MENT FOR THE YEAR 1947
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen: :
The high degree of efficiency is still maintained as will be seen by the report.
The department answered 518 calls; box alarms 134; still alarms 348; radio alarms 36.
BUILDINGS
There are still needed repairs at the Central Station, namely the pointing of the rear brick walls and chim- ney. The remodel of outer office and some of the sleep- ing rooms.
FIRE ALARM
As in the past reports the fire alarm should be re- newed at Central Station, switch board and repeater.
The outside lines are in good condition but should be extended South from Cliff Street to junction of Warren Avenue.
RADIO
Radio F. M. sets are all in good condition and proved of immense value, not only to this department, but to the Forest Fire Department as well.
APPARATUS
All apparatus is in good condition, including Engine No. 5 which was remodeled this last year.
REPAIR DEPARTMENT
This department as stated in past reports is of great value to both the regular and the Forest Fire Depart- ment, all work of both being taken care of.
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ORGANIZATION
Fire Commissioner, John J. Magee
Fire Chief, Everett B. Wood
Deputy Chief, Clifton B. Hatton
Chaplain, Reverend Ernest Pugh
Fire Dept. Surgeon, Dr. Harold H. Hamilton
4 Permanent Captains
2. Call Captains
3 Call Lieutenants
16 Permanent Men
40 Call Men
On May 1st of this year a call company was established at Manomet, with a complement of ten men.
One man deceased, Mr. Alston Tripp of the Manomet Company, who passed away December 4th, 1947.
REPORT OF FIRE DUTY
Miles traveled 3,025
False Alarms 12
Rescue Boat 3
E. & J. Resuscitator 3
Feet of hose laid
6,250-2-1/2"
14,685-11/2"
29,150- 3/4"
1,550-11/8"
Water from booster hose tanks 60,000 gallons 1,608 feet of ladder used.
Out of town Calls 4.
Made inspections on power oil burners, storage for kitchen burners, gasoline storage tanks and filling sta- tions, Old Age and welfare Homes; and all places of business where inflammables are kept, stored or sold: in- spections made 1318.
Assessed value of buildings $119,400.00
Value of contents 27,500.00
$146,900.00
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Insurance on buildings ..
$111,570.00
Insurance on contents
.... 22,400.00
$133,970.00
Loss on buildings
..............
$ 9,013.78
Loss on contents
2,840.00
$ 11,853.78
Insurance paid on buildings
....
$ 3,158.38
Insurance paid on contents ... ....
2,300.00
$ 5,458.38
JOHN J. MAGEE, Fire Commissioner.
REPORT OF FOREST FIRE WARDEN FOR THE YEAR 1947
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit report for the year 1947.
FIRES
During the year we reported to the State 56 fires, of these the largest being sixty acres, the average being one-half acre. We had an extremely dry season through- out the year, causing your warden to open up the Town Forest Tower in the Month of October for about one week. We had air patrol for three days by courtesy of the First Service Command.
The department laid 7,250 feet of 3/4" hose; 7,925 feet lof 11/2" hose; 3,300 feet 11/8" hose. Water from booster tanks 43,335 gallons. Miles traveled 1,192.
EVERETT B. WOOD,
Forest Fire Warden.
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REPORT OF THE TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
A great deal of work was done this year in the town forest. The iron work on the tower had to be scraped and painted as it was rusted very badly.
Fire lanes were plowed.
A large amount of young pines were trimmed and brush burned.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN A. KENNEDY.
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The following is the report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1947:
Number of arrests for the year 1947:
Males
548
Females
52
Total 600
Amount of fines imposed $5,625.00
Property recovered 21,260.02
Respectfully submitted,
RUSSELL P. DEARBORN, Chief of Police
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF RETIREMENT
To the Citizens of the Town of Plymouth:
The Board of Retirement presents herewith its elev- enth report covering the activities and condition of the Contributory Retirement System for the year 1947.
Pamphlets on the revised law on retirement systems were published this year by the Mass. Association of Cont. Retirement Boards and distributed among the members. Any who have not received one, may obtain a copy at the Town Accountant's office.
We lost by death during the year two of our pension- ers, Abbott A. Raymond and Frederick W. Paty, and one of our active members, Alston C. Tripp.
Under 1947 legislation new employees, earning less than $200 a year, are ineligible for membership but are covered in case of accidental death or disability.
I. MEMBERSHIP
1. Active Membership Dec. 31, 1946
157
Enrolled during 1947
40
Transfers from Inactive Membership
2
199
Deaths
1
Withdrawals
19
Retirements
3
Transfers to Inactive
Membership
3
26
Total Active Membership, Dec. 31, 1947 173
2.
Inactive Membership, Dec. 31, 1946 33
Retirements
3
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Transfers from Active Membership
3
39
Deaths
2
Withdrawals
5
Transfers to Active Membership
2
9
Total Inactive Membership, Dec. 31, 1947 ** 30
This total includes all retired members
3. Beneficiaries from Accidental Deaths 3
II. RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES
Balance, Dec. 31, 1946
$92,704.18
1. Receipts:
Appropriation March 1947
$28,122.36
Deductions from members' salaries and wages
16,491.02
Income from interest
2,892.36
Profit from sale of stock
73.40
Increase by adjustment
in securities:
For 1946
1,402.04
For 1947
60.83
49,042.01
$141,746.19
2. Expenditures:
Annuities
$1,023.82
Pensions
19,144.92
Accidental death benefits
3,378.28
Refunds to former members
1,487.75
Clerical services
676.00
Stationery, printing, postage
61.00
Travel and dues
33.00
Rent of deposit box
9.00
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Decrease by adjustment in securities:
For 1946
244.81
For 1947
1,046.94
27,105.52
Balance, Dec. 31, 1947 $114,640.67
III. BALANCE SHEET
1. Assets:
Plymouth National Bank
$6,873.65
Plymouth Savings Bank 5,144.30
Plymouth Five Cents Savings Bank
3,979.65
First National Bank of Boston stock
2,450.00
National Shawmut Bank stock
2,400.00
Brockton National Bank stock
3,840.00
National Rockland Bank
of Boston stock
2,900.00
U. S. Treasury bonds, 27/8%
1,045.83
U. S. Treasury bonds, Series G
34,000.00
City of Boston bonds
2,506.22
Chesapeake &
Ohio Rwy. bonds
1,048.22
Northern Pacific Rwy. bonds
3,866.67
Louisville & Nashville
2,192.50
Rwy. bonds N. Y. Central &
Hudson River Rwy. bonds
3,199.53
Reading Co. Rwy. bonds
5,093.50
Great Northern Rwy. bonds
3,033.18
N. Y., Chicago &
St. Louis Rwy bonds 5,114.96
Virginian Rwy. bonds 2,188.17
American Tel. & Tel. Co.
bonds of '86 2,017.00
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American Tel. & Tel. Co. -
bonds of '82 2,013.31
American Tel. & Tel. Co.
bonds of '80 2,025.65
Pacific Tel. & Tel. Co. bonds
2,025.00
New Eng. Tel. & Tel. Co. bonds
2,060.00
Pacific Gas & Elec. Co.
bonds of '70 2,026.59
Pacific Gas & Elec. Co.
bonds of '71
2,100.08
Public Service Co.
of N. H. bonds
2,161.05
Southern California Edison
bonds
2,033.02
Northern Indiana Public
Service bonds
3,222.62
Montana Power Co. bonds
2,079.97
$114,640.67
2. Liabilities:
Annuity Savings Fund
$74,424.11
Annuity Reserve Fund
10,575.13
Military Service Fund
1,893.13
Pension Fund
27,186.72
Expense Fund
561.58
$114,640.67
Respectfully submitted,
RUSSELL P. DEARBORN, Chairman
CORA B. GRADY, Secretary HERBERT K. BARTLETT Contributory Retirement System Board of Retirement, Plymouth.
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
The Board of Public Welfare presents herewith its Annual Report for the year 1947.
The members of the Board of Public Welfare on Jan- uary 1, 1947 were Gordon S. McCosh, Chairman, Harold G. Roberts, and Andrew Rae, Jr.
At the Annual Town Election held on March 1, 1947, Gordon S. McCosh was re-elected a member of the Board of Public Welfare for three years.
At the organization meeting of the Board, following the Town Election and held on March 6, 1947, Gord. n S. McCosh was again elected Chairman of the Board, Albert A. Saunders elected the Board Secretary and appointed Supervisor of the Department of Public Wel- fare, Edmund J. Priestley was appointed Supervisor of the Bureau of Old Age Assistance and Aid to Dependent Children.
The Board of Public Welfare as Directors of the Plym- outh Town Infirmary appointed Russell L. Dickson, for the 41st time, the Superintendent of the Town Infirmary and Sarah A. Dickson as Matron.
The year 1947 presented a steadily increasing demand for Public Assistance. 177 cases were granted "outside" assistance during the year representing 682 persons, 129 applications were accepted for assistance and an addi- tional 102 persons were interviewed and referred to other Private or Public Agencies or were denied Public Assistance for various reasons. 106 cases were closed during the year and 32 of these cases re-applied again during the year.
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