USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1949 > Part 8
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Two more major improvements in our thirty-two year old build- ing were made: an oil burner was installed in June; the entire inter- ior was repainted in light colors, which have caused much favorable comment; the handsome woodwork was also cleaned and waxed for the first time in many years. The general relighting, much needed, should probably be postponed until the addition is built, when the whole problem can be studied.
The "real" work of the Library (supplying people with books and information) is, as always, hard to describe, but of constant in- terest and challenge. The public library tries to serve all ages, from the pre-school child who wants picture books, to the adult who has "read everything", and not overlooking the reluctant student who must have something for a required book review. The appointment of a Reading Consultant in the schools has been reflected in demands on the Library, and the association is a profitable one. Active cooper- ation is being developed with the High School Librarian, a new pos- ition created this fall, whose work also stimulates that of the Public Library.
Displays of selected timely material in trays on the desk are popular. One noticeably increased call is for information on goods for consumers. The collection of "100 significant books" still circu- lates actively, as does "Spotlight on America", for both of which we give printed lists. Other lists mimeographed by the Library have been : "50 notable Books of 1948 chosen by the American Library Associa- tion"; "Spring Cleaning"; Families, real and imagined"; "Books to own - suggestions for graduation gifts"; "Baseball and Football"; and a Book Chat monthly from September to June. Late this year we issued a rather extensive list on elementary school education, chil- dren, parent, and teacher relationships, at the request of the Machon P. T. A.
The usual number of talks has been given by the Librarian: a major one before the Swampscott Woman's Club; one at Open House, attended by about sixty people; and one before a Girl Scout troop who wanted to learn how the Library is supported, etc. The ninth grades in Hadley and St. John's schools have been introduced to the Adult department in a total of ten lessons.
After several years of agitation, a Great Books reading and dis- cussion group has been organized. Forty persons came to the first meeting in the Jean Allan Room; attendance has fluctuated, but a nucleus has been established to last through the course. Robert L.
82
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31,
Benford and Robert O. Butcher are the volunteer leaders to whom we are indebted.
A notable gift was received from Mr. Henry S. Baldwin, who deposited the first volume of his papers on Swampscott history. These are to be kept in the Vault for consultation by qualified research workers.
Continued contributions of flower arrangements from the var- ious Garden clubs beautify the building week by week and give much pleasure.
JEAN. ALLAN ROOM
This room benefitted greatly by the repainting which made it much lighter. Though it also seemed larger the shelves were crowded, and it was a major task to eliminate the considerable amount of "dated" material.
An unusually successful Spring Book Festival was held, with a planned activity each day of the week, ending with a capacity crowd for a book quiz on a lovely Friday afternoon. Book prizes donated by the New England News Company were an unannounced feature. During that week Miss Jennie Lindquist, editor of the Horn Book, spoke to an appreciative though small group of parents at a meeting in the Jean Allan Room.
The Butterfly Reading club, a clever idea worked out by Mrs. Linden, was popular during the summer, resulting in a higher circu- lation than in the corresponding period in 1948. Story hour atten- dance through the winter months is still largely by the younger chil- dren.
Forty-three classroom collections have been sent to the schools; their delivery is still mainly due to the generosity of a busy person, none less than the Superintendent of Schools himself.
The consternation caused among librarians by the so-called "communications revolution"- the rapid development of the mass- appealing-media of recordings, films, and radio, which culminated in television is calming down. As circulation figures are compiled (the time-honored though inadequate measure of library influence) we find that the Library is still 'doing business', even a little more than in 1948 as far as adults are concerned. The larger libraries, with more staff, bigger budgets, and larger buildings, are able to adopt and use all these devices which spread ideas. There is no doubt that smaller ones, after the experimentation period, by which they can benefit, will also be able to avail themselves of some of the best of these.
Massachusetts has passed a state law to grant certificates to properly qualified workers in libraries, from whom applications are now being received.
NAMES OF DONORS OF BOOKS AND PERIODICALS TO THE LIBRARY
Albert Abbott Lennart Bjorkman Mrs. R. W. Caverly Miss Alice P. Chase Mrs. Douglas Conniers Gustavus J. Esselen Greater Lynn Chapter of B'nai B'rith Household Finance Corporation Library of Congress
1949]
TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
83
Mrs. Robert Linden B. Malcolm Martin
Massachusetts Federation of Taxpayers Associations
William E. Parsons
Mrs. Roger W. Pope
Mrs. H. C. Robbins
Miss Ruth Shattuck
Mrs. Edward Skillin, Jr.
Miss Edith N. Snow Arthur W. Turner
STATISTICS
Circulation :
Adult fiction
35,799
Adult nonfiction
18,361
Adult periodicals
5,513
59,673
Juvenile fiction
25,945
Juvenile nonfiction
4,439
Juvenile periodicals
717
31,101
Grand total
90,774
Victrola records
1,274
Books :
Books in Library Jan. 1, 1949
31,119
Books added
1,862
Books discarded
2,006
Books in Library Jan. 1, 1950
30,975
30,975
Attendance:
Adult
29,514
Juvenile
9,975
39,489
39,489
Registered borrowers :
Adult
3,130
Juvenile
871
Fine receipts turned over to the town
LIBRARY STAFF
Edith N. Snow, Librarian
Doris B. Linden, Children's Librarian
Susan Duval, Assistant
Ruth E. Pollard, Assistant
Barbara O'Neill, Library Secretary
Andrew Tennent, Janitor
Respectfully submitted.
GEORGE W. HOWE, chairman MARCIA G. SMITH, Secretary RUTH M. BARRY,
Board of Trustees
4,001
4,001
$1338.82
84
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31,
Board of Assessors
The Board of Assessors submits herewith all figures used by them in the determination of the Tax Rate and other figures of a statistical nature:
The property in the town assessed by the local assessors January 1, 1949 amounted to $25,033,155 an increase over the previous year (1948) of $522,299.
The Real Estate valuation January 1, 1949 was $23,608,841, an increase over the previous year (1948) of $507,106. The valuation of Personal Estate assessed by the local assessors January 1, 1949 was $1,424,314, an increase over the previous year (1948) of $15,193.
The Excise tax on motor vehicles and trailer for 1949 was $91,219.76 an increase of $27,506.63 over 1948.
LIABILITIES 1949
State Assessments:
Auditing Municipal Accounts $2,031.49
Charles River Basin
3,342.78
Metropolitan Parks
8,012.85
Nantasket Beach Maintenance 724.66
Boulevards
86.13
Metropolitan Water
13,533.20
State Retirement System Audit
282.14
1948 Under-estimates
1,943.21
Total State Assessments
$29,956.46
County Assessments :
County Tax
$56,096.89
Tuberculosis Hospital Assessment
16,296.56
1948 Under-estimates
6,233.99
Total County Assessments
Tax Title Foreclosure
Town Appropriations :
(a) to be raised by Taxation $1,223,866.74
(b) raised by Available Funds
79,943.63
$1,303,810.37
Overlay 1949
22,799.11
TOTAL LIABILITIES
$1,435,493.38
ASSETS 1949
Property Tax Valuation $25,033,155 at $41 per $1000 $1,026,363.05
Available Funds 79,943.63
Estimated Receipts (State Accounts)
131,651.57
Estimated Receipts (Town Accounts)
189,821.13
Poll Taxes : 3857 at $2.00
7,714.00
Total Assets
$1,435,493.38
ESTIMATED RECEIPTS (STATE)
Income Tax
$42,292.00 19,374.10
$78,627.44 300.00
85
Corporation Tax
54,320.00
12,886.25
Gas and Electric Franchise Tax
365.93
Old Age Tax (Meals)
1,287.09
1,126.20
$131,651.57
ESTIMATED RECEIPTS (TOWN)
Public Service Enterprise (Water Dept.)
$55,168.40
Motor Vehicle Trailer Excise
65,000.00
Licenses and Permits
1,924.50
Court Fines
17.50
State Health Reimbursements
16.00
Dog Licenses from County
407.66
Sewer Revenue
5,360.88
Sidewalk Revenue
1,974.41
General Government
327.55
Protection of Life and Property
782.73
Health Receipts
652.21
Charities
49,630.73
Veterans' Services
720.90
School Receipts
2,664.27
Library Receipts
1,289.16
Park Receipts
414.60
Town Hall Rent
270.00
Sale of Property and Claims
1,593.64
Interest
1,605.99
$189,821.13
TABLE OF AGGREGATES
Number of Persons, Partnerships and Corporations Assessed on Property
3707
Number of Polls Assessed
3857
Value of Land
$6,810,146.00
Value of Buildings
16,798,695.00
Value of Assessed Real Estate
$23,608,841.00
Value of Stock in Trade
78,055.00
Value of Machinery (Poles and Wires) .. 264,268.00
Value of Live Stock
125.00
All Other Tangible Personal Property
1,081,866.00
1,424,314.00
Tax Rate per $1000
41.00
Number of Horses Assessed
2
Number of Fowl
25
Number of Acres
1675
Number of Dwelling Houses
2857
TAXES FOR STATE, COUNTY AND TOWN PURPOSES
On Personal Estate
$58,396.87
On Real Estate
967,966.18
On Polls
7,714.00
TOTAL TAXES ASSESSED
$1,034,077.05
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK E. MORRISON, JOHN A. HOLMES, ERNEST MANCHIN,
Board of Assessors.
1949]
BOARD OF ASSESSORS
86
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31,
The Planning Board
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
The Board held more than the usual number of meetings during the year of 1949, in large part due to the hearings required on ac- count of subdivisions both original and redevelopment.
Several properties, containing old houses placed in complete nonconformity with present zoning requirements, have been given subdivision approval by the Board in order to legalize prospective transfers of all or part of the holdings.
The Board has been able to assist developers through preliminary hearings to work out their subdivision problems, and suggests that such hearings be requested in cases where there is doubt as to per- missible procedure. Building has been active during the year in the Forest Ave. section ; also on the large estates (now subdivided) along the ocean front; and in the Phillips Beach area. In general these homes are of a type which will add materially to the value and attrac- tiveness of the Town. In earlier days when no lot areas were pres- cribed for the districts in the Town there was a tendency to over- crowd; now with minimum areas, set backs, and sidelines specified owners have shown a desire for lots in excess of the minimum on the realization that they are a desirable asset.
In our 1948 report the Board recommended a comprehensive study of the school requirements; since that time we have co-operated with the committee appointed for the purpose by holding several joint meetings, and employing an independent Architect to make a preliminary survey.
The Board is having the zoning map reprinted embodying chan- ges up to the end of 1949. The text of the by-law could not be re- issued as correct until certain minor errors ocurring in the last year's warrant are legally eliminated.
The Board is pleased with the high level of building activity, and feels that this is in part due to the revised zoning by-law now in effect. For the first time there have been appearing numbers of new houses of unique construction, it is the hope of the Board that such houses will be designed and located so as to fit harmoniously into the surroundings.
Respectfully submitted,
THE PLANNING BOARD
Ralph L. Williams, Chairman James R. Maddock, Secretary Gordon L. Brown Harold M. King Alexander B. Way, Jr.
87
BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
1949]
Bureau of Old Age Assistance
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
The Bureau of Old Age Assistance submits herewith its report for the year 1949.
The 1949 session of the Massachusetts Legislature passed sev- eral new laws affecting the operation of this department, the most important of which were as follows;
Chapter 486. (Effective September 29, 1949) increases the amount of cash surrender value which a recipient of Old Age Assistance may retain in life insurance, from $500.00 to $1,000.00 without executing an assignment.
Chapter 662. (Effective October 28, 1949) provides that applicants and recipients of Old Age Assistance may retain bank deposits or other liquidable assets not exceeding $500.00 in the case of an in- dividual recipient and joint deposits of other assets not exceeding $1,000.00 in the case of husband and wife. This represents an in- crease of $200.00 in allowable assets for an individual or $400.00 in the case of a husband and wife.
Chapter 796. (Effective December 1, 1949) provides for an addit- ional item in the Old Age Budget to be known as "Leisure Time Ac- tivities" for all recipients of Old Age Assistance at the rate of $4.00 per month. The law further provides that all cities and towns making payments under this law shall be reimbursed in full by the Common- wealth. This chapter makes it necessary for this department to ex- pend approximately $6500.00 additionally per year, as the reimburse- ment when received is not available for use of this department. Chap- ter 766. (Effective November 25, 1949) increases the rate for hospital care for recipients in all categories of assistance from $8.00 to $10.00 per diem.
We again wish to express our appreciation of the splendid co- operation we have received from the Swampscott Community Service Inc. and to Miss Sylvia Chesley, the visiting nurse and her assistant Mrs. Barker who made 928 calls during 1949 to recipients in all cata- gories of assistance. Chief Francis P. Wall and the members of his department have provided their usual prompt and courteous service in moving patients to and from Hospitals, Convalescent Homes and State Institutions.
SUMMARY OF CASES
1948
1949
Total Receiving Assistance
217
192
Total Receiving Aid in Other Cities and Towns
31
24
Number of Cases Receiving Aid Dec. 31, 1949
166
160
Cases Closed
38
30
New Applications
55
31
New Applications Withdrawn
2
3
Cases Accepted
51
26
Cases Rejected
2
2
The following is a summary of the financial operations of our department for the year 1949.
EXPENDITURES
For Assistance
From Town Appropriation $66,815.31
From Federal Funds 37,440.79
88
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31,
For Salaries and Wages From Town Appropriation 4,551.87
From Federal Funds 1,227.33
For Administration
From Federal Funds
322.85
Total Expenditures $110,358.15
REIMBURSEMENTS
For Assistance
State Department $39,729.90*
Other Cities and Towns 1,828.11*
Individuals 25.00*
Federal Government 46,355.07
For Salaries and Administration
Federal Government 2,473.68
Total Reimbursements $90,411.76
Net Cost to Swampscott for 1949 $19,946.39
* (Not available for use of this department)
Balance on Hand from Federal Funds, Dec. 31, 1949 .... $20,781.37
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER L. RANGER,
FRED M. SEATON, DONALD REDFERN, Bureau of Old Age Assistance.
Board of Public Welfare
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
The Board of Public Welfare submits herewith its report for the year 1949.
The past year has seen a steady climb in the number of persons requiring aid from this department. Temporary unemployment, in- sufficient income from part time work and temporary aid while awaiting unemployment compensation, account for many of the new applications received during the year.
SUMMARY OF PERSONS AIDED
1948
1949
Total Individuals Receiving Aid Locally
41
76
Total Cases Receiving Aid in Other Cities and Towns
12
23
Total Individuals Aided Locally in December
17
32
New Applications Accepted
27
57
Cases Closed
24
45
EXPENDITURES FROM TOWN APPROPRIATION
Salaries and Wages
$3,115.53 116.80
Office Administration
Relief by Town
Groceries $1,188.48
89
BOARD OF APPEALS
1949]
Fuel
243.65
Medical
2,286.90
Institutional Care
1,804.33
Cash
6,079.87
Burials
150.00
Board
5,685.51
Clothing
32.47
Other Cities and Towns
8,337.13
$25,808.34
Total Expenditures $29,040.67
REIMBURSEMENT TO TOWN
Other Cities and Towns
$4,171.13
Individuals
7.58
State Department, Temporary Aid
1,625.48
Total Reimbursement $5,804.19*
Net Cost to Town for 1949
$23,236.48
* (Not available for use of this department)
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER L. RANGER,
FRED M. SEATON, DONALD REDFERN, Board of Public Welfare.
Board of Appeals
Hon. Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen :-
The Board of Appeals herewith submits its report for the year 1949.
During the year there were thirty five cases heard before the Board of Appeals.
In addition there was also an Appeal from a decision by the Board of Appeals, heard before the Massachusetts Emergency Hous- ing Commission in which case the Board of Appeals finding was sus- tained.
The two outstanding cases heard before the Board of Appeals during the year were those of the Swampscott Housing Authority for permission to erect multi-family dwellings, usually known as the Veterans' Housing Project, and the appeal of the Atlantic Pro- perties Incorporated for permission to erect a theatre in Swamp- scott.
Respectfully submitted,
C. GLOVER BOWES EUSTIS B. GRIMES T. PAUL CORCORAN
Board of Appeals
90
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31,
Aid to Dependent Children
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
The Department of Aid to Dependent Children submits the fol- lowing report for the year 1949.
SUMMARY OF CASES AIDED
1948
1949
Total Families Aided
Children in Families Aided
Total Families Aided
Children in Families Aided
January
6
11
8
17
February
7
12
8
17
March
7
12
8
17
April
8
16
9
20
May
8
16
8
18
June
9
18
9
19
July
9
18
9
20
August
8
17
9
20
September
7
15
9
20
October
7
15
9
20
November
9
19
9
20
December
9
19
8
19
The following is a summary of the operations of the department for the past year.
EXPENDITURES
For Assistance
From Town Appropriation $10,069.41
From Federal Funds
1,286.79
Total Expenditures
$11,356.20
REIMBURSEMENTS
For Assistance
From State Department $3,549.69*
From Federal Government 3,184.93
Total Reimbursements
$6,734.62
Net Cost to Swampscott for 1949 $4,621.58
* (Not available for use of this department)
Balance on Hand from Federal Funds, Dec, 31, 1949 .... $2,835.13
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER L. RANGER, FRED M. SEATON, DONALD REDFERN, Bureau of Aid to Dependent Children.
91
BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
1949]
Board of Park Commissioners
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
We wish to thank the many citizens for their continued confi- dence in the activities of the department.
At the expiration of his term of office, Mr. John Homan chose to retire after having served continuously since 1929. Through his leadership, sound judgment, and continued progressive policies of past commissioners this department has been able to go forward.
We were pleased to welcome Mr. Roland C. Booma, local sports- man, and business man, to the Board and we believe that this initia- tive and energy will be well appreciated.
We appreciate the cooperation of the Highway Department, Water and Sewer Board, School Department, Cemetery Department, Police, Fire, and Health Departments and the Custodians, as well as the many civic minded business men of the Town who have given us continued support in our many activities.
PHILLIPS PARK
A sizeable portion of the new baseball field was completed and has allowed more playing space both for the girls and boys.
Adult softball was carried on with an eight team league under the direction of Mr. Louis Bufalino, a former Cornell athlete. This league was carried out to the end of its schedule, making possible recreation for young adults.
A dry summer and the curtailment of water use by the M.D.C., taxed the ingenuity of the department and the supply from the ar- tesian well to keep the grass growing.
Again this season, we cooperated with the town of Marblehead School department in loaning our bleachers and through the efforts of the Highway department and the many Marblehead departments, additional seating space was made for the annual classic. We agree to the statement made from Marblehead,"-I hope in future years that both towns may see more seats to their stadium so moving bleach- ers will not be necessary. It is not conducive to prolonging the life of any portable bleacher to keep moving them around, although it may be beneficial to the spectator, it is not to the stands"
ABBOTT PARK
This Board wishes to go on record as being in disfavor of taking Abbott Park for the erection of a school, believing that with further study a plan may be made for the new school and still maintain the playground. It is admitted that the field is limited to the amount of activity that may be carried on, but, it is better than none and there does not seem to be any other spot that can replace this area as a playground. We, also, believe that by the same token of a grow- ing school population, there should be adequate space with it.
JACKSON PARK
The erection of the new cage type back stop has been one of a controversial nature. With the probable construction of a hockey rink and the clearing out of the underbrush behind the old backstop, it is very likely that it can be used to more advantage at one of the other parks.
92
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31,
Boundary posts were erected on the Greenway and a better ap- proach bull-dozed to the site of the Rink.
The annual greater Lynn Camp Fire Council Day Camp was again carried on for five weeks of the summer and its good can only be measured by the happiness of the little girls at their activities.
We wish to congratulate the Swampscott High School on its vic- tory of league and State Champions of baseball, whose home games were carried on at this field.
The tennis courts continue to be very popular to the. citizens of Swampscott, as well as many "out-of-towners".
RECREATION PROJECT
The recreational program was very popular and due mainly to the fine leadership of Mr. Keith Jordan and his group of leaders, Mr. Charles Gallagher of Merrimac College, Mr. Kenneth Sewall of Dart- mouth College, and Mr. Stephen Howe of Harvard University. These men did a splendid job which is evident by the following report from Mr. Jordan:
SWAMPSCOTT SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAM
For boys ages 6 through 16 At 3 parks: Jackson, Abbott, and Phillips Parks Program opened on Wednesday, June 29th and closed Tuesday P.M. August 30th (nine weeks).
Program: Baseball-Junior league-6 teams. Senior league 4 teams
Softball-Midget League-4 teams
Track and Field events Tag Football-Junior and Senior Leagues. Tennis Volleyball
Fundamentals and skills were taught the boys in all the sport activities listed above.
Leagues were then formed for interplayground competitions and many contests with teams from Nahant, Danvers, Marblehead, Revere, and Lynn were played.
Senior and Junior Baseball titles were won by Jackson Park, Midget Baseball won by Phillips Park and Track (juniors) won by Abbott Park.
This program was carried on six days weekly with an average of 55 boys at Phillips Park, 48 at Abbott Park and 43 at Jackson Park. At the end of the season prizes were given to the boys showing pro- ficiency by the Upper Swampscott Improvement Association. We hope that in future years this program may be extended to include girls and young adults.
MOTH WORK
Dutch Elm Disease-At the time of this writing the disease has spread to 166 towns in all of the 12 mainland counties of the Com- monwealth, involving 2,564 trees in 1949 and a total of 5503 trees since 1941. This town had two cases on private land in 1947 and through this past season, we have had no additional cases. We are merely stating this as a matter of record and not boastfully, for there has been no permanent check, once the disease gets going. We have sprayed all elms with D.D.T., arsenate of lead, contact material, and
93
SUPERINTENDENT OF CEMETERY
1949]
early applications of dormant oil. Our weakness has been in the lack of man power to do the requested pruning of dead wood.
Japanese Beetles-have caused a lot of trouble and there has been a definite inroad and increase. We used CHLORDANE, BENZ- ENE HEXA CHLORIDE, PYRETHRUM, ROTENONE, and as a last resort MILKY SPORE DISEASE towards their control and a definite check should be noted next season.
Canker Worms-A short but insistent batch of canker worms gave trouble which resulted from too much faith having been put in D.D.T. spraying. A resultant spray was the combination PYRE- THRUMROTENONE.
Other insect pests were Red Spider, Spruce Mite, Pine Leaf Scale, Sawflies, Hag Moth, Fall Web Worm, Peach Tree Borer, Birch Borer, EUONYMUS SCALE, and the numerous apple pests.
SHADE TREE WORK
The two men involved in this work carried on a very heavy schedule of tree removal, due mainly to new home construction and requests by citizens for tree removal. Dangerous trees were removed without a public hearing, but all others required a hearing and three cases went before the Board of Selectmen. As the year ends, we are still far behind in fulfilling requests for trimming and pruning and have definitely ascertained that an additional man is needed not alone for the manual part of the job but for the safety of life and property.
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