USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1961 > Part 8
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6,773.38
408.81
Disability Assistance
2,924.13
2,800.91
World War II Memorial Fund
ERNEST MANCHIN, Chairman PHILIP H. STAFFORD, Secretary
DAVID F. DOHERTY
CLEMENT KENNEDY
BENJAMIN GOLDBERG RICHARD B. JOHNSON
JOHN R. COOPER
The eleventh annual report of the Trustees follows:
Two regular meetings of the Trustees were held at the New Ocean House as guests of Colonel Clement Kennedy. At the annual meeting Ernest Manchim was elected Chairman and Philip H. Stafford was elected Secretary. The eleventh annual scholarship was awarded to Judith H. Thompson who registered at Bates College. The amount of the scholarship was $350.00.
The total of the scholarships awarded to date is $3200.00. A contribution was received during the year from the Swampscott High School Class of 1941 in memory of their classmates: Wilfred H. LeMay, Donald J. Wilcox and Blaine Kehoe. Another contribution was received from the Swampscott Bank Building Trust.
The balance in the Fund as of December 31, 1961 follows: Salem Five Cents Savings Bank $ 5,470.40
Salem Savings Bank 6,455.26
Provident Institution for Savings
118.92
Total Balance $12,044.58
The Swampscott World War II Memorial Fund welcomes gifts and bequests. It is suggested that those contemplating gifts or bequests, confer with any of the Trustees of the Fund. Contributions made to this Fund are deductible by their donors in computing their taxable net income.
87
Town of Swampscott
Department of Civil Defense
FORREST E. MASON, JR., Director
The interest, in Civil Defense, during the past several months has increasec tremendously. This, of course, came about after President Kennedy's speech re- garding the need of protection against "radio-active fall-out" in the home and public buildings.
This office had many calls from the townspeople regarding literature or fall-out shelters, their construction, and the equipment that would be required to survive for a period of at least three weeks. Literature containing this information. was sent to all townspeople requesting same.
At the request of many organizations within the town, movies were shown about fall-out and discussion periods held. I therefore feel that townspeople have been given the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the facts about radio-active fall-out and the manner in which to protect themselves.
I might add, that at the time of this report, the firm of Whitman & Howard, Inc., Waltham, Mass., is making a survey of all public and privately owned buildings that are of proper construction and capable of holding at least fifty people. After this survey is completed and the buildings selected, the Federal Government will stock them with canned food and water according to the number of people that can be given shelter.
I am fully aware that Civil Defense is strictly a personal matter but if we all have a planned action, whether it be for a natural or national disaster, the chance of survival is that much greater.
A few simple steps for family civil defense are as follows:
1. Know your Air-Raid Alert Signals and what to do if they sound.
2. Have at least one member of your family take a Red Cross First Aid Course.
3. Prepare a room or area in your cellar that will afford you the most protection.
4. Have at least twenty-one (21) days supplies of canned goods and water stored for each member of your family.
5. Have a planned civil defense action with your family so that each person. will know what to do in case of any emergencies that might happen.
It is with great pride that I say, "The Swampscott Civil Defense organization is ready to serve our Town."
Through the tireless efforts of the men in the Auxiliary Fire, Auxiliary Police, Rescue Squad, and Communication Department, our equipment is in A-1 condition. As I have said before, all the personnel are volunteers and deserve the highest praise for their willingness to devote so much time to Civil Defense. During the past year, two ten-thousand-watt generators have been rebuilt by these men and
88
1961 Annual Report
are now part of equipment. Along with the up-keep of our equipment and participating in drills in their respective departments, these men have also found time to paint the interior of our headquarters, 23 New Ocean Street.
I am very grateful to all members of Swampscott Civil Defense and their families for all that they have done to make this organization a success.
I am also grateful to the Board of Selectmen, to the Chief of the Fire De- partment, to the Chief of the Police Department, and to all Town Departments who have done so much to help the Swampscott Civil Defense during the year.
Transportation Study Committee
HOWELL E. ESTEY, O.D., Chairman EDWARD K. HEMPEL, Secretary
EDWIN D. CROWLEY SAMUEL FREEDMAN
NELSON J. DARLING, JR. DAVID H. SMITH
This Committee was appointed by the Board of Selectmen in 1956 and has een actively working on the town's transportation problems since that time. By nanimous vote at the last Town Meeting this Committee was appointed to epresent the Town in matters covering transportation as it affects our community nd in addition was charged with considering the possibility of using the abandoned padbed of the Marblehead Branch of the Boston & Maine Railroad for public ansportation purposes.
During the period when the Committee was making every effort to have pas- enger service continued on the Marblehead Branch it became apparent that, the roblems of this Branch were only a small part of the overall problem of mass ansportation serving the Commonwealth.
Largely as a result of the efforts of our Committee and other similar Com- ittees, the Massachusetts Transportation Commission has been authorized by gislative action to study the mass transportation problems of the Commonwealth id to present an over-all plan. One hundred and forty-four communities are cluded in the four areas under study. Ours is the North Shore area. Serving on le Community Council of this Commission are Representative George Thomson, hairman of the Board of Selectmen; John Milo, Chairman of the Planning pard; and the Chairman of this Committee. This Commission is taking action to eserve continued passenger service on the Boston and Maine Railroad, and will deavor to make a contribution to the over-all transportation plan for the mmunity.
This Committee has reviewed the possibility of using the abandoned roadbed the Marblehead Branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad for mass transporta- n. No public necessity for substituting another form of mass transportation ong this branch has become apparent and as this appears to be the only question thin the scope of this committee's review, the committee makes no recommenda- In with regard to the abandoned roadbed.
89
T'own of Swampscott
Personnel Board
M. STANLEY METZ, Chairman
JOHN G. MCLEARN, Clerk FREDERICK C. BURK
FREDERICK N. BALSOR ROBERT L. YASI
In accordance with Section 8, Article 9, the Personnel Board herewith sub- mits its third annual report to the Board of Selectmen and to the citizens of the . Town of Swampscott.
During the past year, the Personnel Board met with every Board and every employee who requested a meeting. A report on these interviews will be made to the Annual Town Meeting.
The Welfare Department submitted to the Personnel Board a new State Wel- fare Plan and Law, the adoption of which, by the Town is mandatory. After con- sulting the Town Counsel, the Personnel Board voted unanimously that the Welfare personnel shall be dropped from the Wage Scale and Job Classification Plan of the Town of Swampscott. They will be retained in all other categories of the Plan except wages.
The Personnel Board has met with many of the part time employees as authorized by the last Town Meeting.
During the past year the Personnel Board has exchanged information with many of our neighboring cities and towns. This exchange has been mutually beneficial.
An article creating a uniform sick leave plan for all employees will be sub- mitted to the 1962 Town Meeting. This article was formulated after it was dis- cussed at meetings with the Board of Selectmen and other Boards, and after a copy of the proposed plan was sent to each department stating that any comments or suggestions from various Boards, department heads, or employees would be welcome.
Conservation Commission
OTTO W. FRIEDMAN, Chairman MRS. CHESTER E. BOND, Secretary
MRS. CARLYLE H. HOLT THEODORE C. COOKE DOUGLAS F. ALLEN JOHN F. MILO
ROBERT L. YASI
At the last Town Meeting under Article 22, the Town voted to create a Con- servation Commission. This was established, and with the appointments by the Honorable Board of Selectmen of members to the Commission, it became a reality.
Regular meetings were held. Projects were discussed and future plans were made to protect the natural open-spaces around Town. Programs for the protection of wildlife, wooded areas, wetlands and beaches, are only a part of the Conserva-
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1961 Annual Report
tion Commission's concern, as well as the creation of recreational areas and pre- serving what little green belt is left in Town. We feel to do otherwise would be defeating the purpose of conservation as a whole and unless we do the job right, we will end up in having an "asphalt jungle." We have also alerted the Board of Selectmen as to the Congressional Law regarding the disposal of waste oil polut- ing our beaches caused by the cleaning out of bunkers in the outer harbor. We have indeed been fortunate to get the advice and help from the Massachusetts Associa- tion of Conservation Commissions, Department of Natural Resources, Massachu- setts Federation of Garden Clubs, Board of Selectmen, the Planning Board, the De- partment of Public Works and the Police Department. We have conferred with the League of Women Voters and hope to encourage the talents and cooperation of the Audubon Society and Improvement Associations for any help we can exchange among ourselves to further the success of a good Conservation Commission.
We are considering the possibility of establishing a nature center to help our youth appreciate the study of natural outdoor beauty and the value of conservation.
Town Counsel
RICHARD COUGHLIN, Town Counsel
The Annual Report of the Law Department is submitted herewith:
The greater part of the functions of the Law Department during the year 1961 were those designated by action at the Annual Town Meeting. This was apart from the rendering of opinions, assistance and guidance to the various departments.
The principal assignments that devolved upon the Law Department included eminent domain proceedings for land takings for educational, recreational, and, playground purposes adjacent to the Hadley School, a municipal incinerator in the Foster Dam area, and the shore property adjacent to Ocean Avenue for purposes of bathing, swimming, recreation, etc. for the Inhabitants of the Town. This, of course, involved a great deal of title search, appropriate legal notices, real estate. appraisals, and customary technical legal detailed work.
The Law Department attended to claims for injury to persons and property and in cases in which suit has been instituted or is pending, appropriate appear- ances and pleadings have been provided. One serious personal injury involving a serious hospitalized fracture by a woman of advanced years was disposed of and one other minor injury claim was settled.
A constant flow of work involving written and verbal advice and assistance. to the various departments, boards, and committees such as the Planning Board and the Board of Appeals makes impossible a digested cataloging. Full attendance to this rather complex requirement is essential to properly carrying out the role: of Town Counsel.
91
Town of Swampscott
Sealer of Weights and Measures
GEORGE A. HOLT, Sealer
As your Town Sealer it is my duty to assist consumers to receive full value for money paid. It is self evident that when consumers are educated to look for zero balance on the scales with no load, my seals of approval prominently displayed, proper labeling practices, etc., they themselves are enabled to avoid financially expensive pit falls.
This report covers from January 1, 1961 to December 31, 1961.
Adjusted
Sealed
Not Sealed
Condemned
Scales
3
373
6
4
Weights and Measures
3
179
4
6
Gasoline and Tank Meters
4
114
10
0
Miscellaneous
2
6
0
0
TRIAL RE-WEIGHINGS
Tested
Correct
1620
1334
Under 24
Over 262
There were 1728 Inspections and 332 Tests made after Scales, Measures and Tanks were sealed, including all Transient Pedlars coming into the Town.
Watch for the ELECTRONIC Fueling System in the dispensing of Gasoline Diesel Oil and other Petroleum Products. It will soon be here in Swampscott.
One recommendation whereby the Town can acquire more revenue and tha: is to have installed METERS in our Taxis.
The Planning Board
JOHN F. MILO, Chairman JAMES R. MADDOCK, Secretary
ALEXANDER B. WAY, JR. GLENN W. BARTRAM
RALPH L. WILLIAMS
The Board had a normal year with sixteen meetings advertised, as required by law, by posting in the Administration Building. All meetings were public anc open to those wishing to consult the Board.
There were twenty-five final plans, plus numerous tentative plans presented which the Board studied and took appropriate action thereon ; some of those actec on favorably by the Board were the following: changes to allow, "Hawthorne by the Sea" to increase its size; allow a "Bowling Alley" to be constructed on lanc in the rear of Gibbs Oil Station, at Vinnin Square; allow the increase in size o: advertising signs to 120 square feet, in special cases where a sign of this size would not be objectionable; land at 352 Humphrey Street was approved for the erection of a duplicate dwelling, to house in part two dental offices; there ha. since been erected on this site a very attractive building which is a marked addition to the area. A covenant was made with the developer of "Paradise Park," lanc
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1961 Annual Report
of Paradise Road, to adhere to the same conditions as accepted by the previous owner of the property.
The Board was represented at a "Hearing in the State House"; at the North Shore Industrial Exposition in Salem; at the Planning Boards Region 5A meeting in Saugus; at the Mass. Federation of Planning Boards meetings as follows: Spring Meeting, Worcester, May 12 and 13; Seminar Meeting on "Subdivision Control," Worcester, November 2; Fall Meeting in Dedham, Motel 128, November 4.
Inspector of Wires
FRED D. SARGENT, Inspector of Wires
I herewith submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1961. The report covers the period from January 1, 1961 to December 31, 1961, and consists of permits issued for 296 Residential and 44 Commercial installations classified as follows:
Standard lighting and receptacle outlets
3566
Fixed kitchen appliances (Ranges, Water Heaters,
Disposals, Washers and Dryers)
228
Oil and Gas Burners
224
Electric Service changes
125
Unclassified permits:
Signs
4
Air Conditioners
10
Space heaters
15
Repairs
39
Others
61
Temporary Installations
33
162
4305
Amount of Permit Fees Collected
$565.50
Inspections of Residential Installations
658
Inspections of Commercial Installations
59
The requirement of the Massachuetts State Code have been complied with in each of the above intallations.
93
Town of Swampscott
Public Library Trustees
GEORGE W. HOWE, Chairman ANDREW R. LINSCOTT RUTH M. BARRY, Secretary EDITH N. SNOW, Librarian
Figures alone cannot describe a library's work. That citizens of Swampscot read 7.5 volumes from the Library in 1961 - 1.2 more than the Massachusett average - or that children borrowed 36 volumes each, and adults 14, convey little. That over 100,000 books were borrowed, returned and replaced on the shelves for the next user - some after detours for mending or rebinding - 0 that more than 57,000 people entered the building may be more graphic. Resource were increased by the addition of nearly 2,600 volumes, making the total book available 40,372. Of these 22 per cent were in the Children's Room (the nationa standard recommended is 20 to 25 per cent). About 80 periodicals were subscriber to; phonograph records for loan number 531.
Unfortunately no count has been kept of the growing amount of 'reference (questions for information). They have grown in both quantity and complexit so that they challenge the organization of materials and the library worker's educa tion and current awareness. However, some concrete changes in organization and operation may be reported - all such changes being made with the hope of im proving services to the patron: Most striking was the adoption of the 4 week lending period with no renewals. 'Permanent' registration was instituted in th Children's Room with the idea that it may sometime be fitted to the Adult Depart ment as well. The completion of bookcases in the cataloging room improve( 'work flow'; they also allow space for books needed frequently, but which ten( to disappear from open shelves. A small mimeograph for catalog cards was finall- located late in the year; it works well.
Special pieces of constructive work accomplished by various members of the staff included: arranging and listing of local history vertical file and slides; re cataloging and reclassifying (for simplicity) of Shakespeare and World War materials; a leaflet of information for new borrowers in each department; mimeo graphed lists of recreational reading for each grade. A list on Africa, timed ti appear when Unesco met in Boston, was printed and distributed rather widely.
In place of a Children's Summer Reading Club 5 film programs were paid fo by the Blanche E. Doyle Fund. Attendance was 332, ranging from 12 to 140. Mrs Frederick Gardner has continued her generous, regular volunteering to tell storie every two weeks all year. National Library Week was observed by an exhibit o paintings by local people, able directed by Mrs. Robert Byrne.
A growing satisfaction has been the more purposeful use of the reference room in the evenings by high school and college students. It is evidently a fa more studious atmosphere than in many towns which still report a 'disturbingl. social' aspect.
Appreciation goes to the many friends of the Library who have supplied interesting and valuable exhibits for the lobby cases. Many gifts of useful book have also been received, both as memorials and otherwise, not all of them processed
94
1961 Annual Report
yet. Chief among them should be mentioned A. Hall Stiles, Jr., Edwin M. Gerould, Mrs. Fred N. Kimball, the estate of Mr. and Mrs. Harry C. Robbins, the Merrill Estate. An unusual group of books on Japanese art was received in memory of Miss Marjorie K. Hussey, a Museum worker in that field, from her family. Other donors appear on the list posted in the Library.
This year we have asked the Massachusetts Library Commissioners for state funds available to us as a free public library in the Commonwealth. The amount, if received, could be as much as $3,323.50. This money will be used for general library purposes. We have submitted an article for the 1962 Annual Town Warrant to provide that the money received may be held by the Town Treasurer for pur- poses of the public library.
We note with interest the continuing development of public school libraries in Swampscott. A full-time librarian was engaged for the high school library in 1949; a full-time librarian for the junior high school in 1960. We are informed that the 1962 school budget provides for a full-time librarian in the Hadley Ele- mentary School. The libraries in the high school and junior high school have grown annually and their book collections are now substantial. The expansion of school libraries, a national trend, has not curtailed the use of the public library. We do not expect that it will The Library continues to grow in the number of books purchased for children and used by them. Our facilities for school use are good. No matter how complete the library service in the schools becomes, the public library will continue to meet many demands for reference, recreational and vacation reading by students of all ages, as well as from out-of-school youth.
We feel our professionally-trained personnel are underpaid, and we have ap- peared before the Personnel Board for two years asking for adjustments to make heir salaries more in line with salaries paid similar professional people in the chool department and in other first class libraries in the State.
Dog Officer
JOHN J. MATTERA, Dog Officer
I respectfully submit my annual report of Dog Officer:
615 Dog Licenses
12 (3 Kennels)
627 Total Dogs Licensed
459 Complaints Received
105 Stray Dogs Picked Up -- Disposed Of
75 Miscellaneous Calls
639 Total Calls Received
All complaints were acted on and worked out to a mutual agreement with the arties concerned.
I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen and all others for their co-operation uring the year.
95
Town of Swampscott
School Department
SCHOOL COMMITTEE, 1961
GEORGE A. CHADWELL, Chairman Term Expires 1963 96 Stetson Ave.
CHARLES F. BUCKLAND, Vice-Chairman
Term Expires 1963 46 Lewis Rd.
WALTER H. FORBES
Term Expires 1962 28 Greenwood Ter.
THEODORE C. SARGENT
Term Expires 1962 9 Clarke Rd
JACOB SHACTMAN
Term Expires 1964 89 Gale Rd.
Regular meeting, second Thursday of each month. Public is welcome.
ROBERT D. FORREST Superintendent of Schools Acting Superintendent of Schools
PHILIP A. JENKINS
The office of the Superintendent of Schools, located at 24 Redington Street, is open every week-day from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
SCHOOL PRINCIPALS
John I. McLaughlin, High School LYnn 2-2574
Keith L. Jordan, Alice Shaw Junior High School LYnn 2-7540
Jane T. Rogers, Stanley School LYnn 2-1954
Esther K. Heikel, Machon School
LYnn 2-5730
J. Richard Bath, Hadley School
LYnn 3-7973
Madelaine M. Murphy, Clarke School
LYnn 8-2659
To the Citizens of Swampscott Ladies and Gentlemen:
The major problem facing the School Committee in 1962 is a housing prob- dem in the High School. The opening of a new junior high school in 1959 gave only a temporary relief to our secondary school problem. This year the Town Meeting appropriated $2000 to have a survey made of the High School physical plant to see what could be done to gain needed classroom space.
The 1962 Town Meeting members will be asked to vote on an article asking the town to appropriate money for additional classrooms. The town must choose between, on the one hand, asking the School Committee to cut back its educational program to fit the present building and, on the other, supporting present day edu- cational progress by providing the necessary rooms to maintain and improve our scholastic standards. This is the choice that must be made in 1962.
Our facilities at the Machon School are not equal to the facilities at the Clarke, Hadley, or Stanley schools, and the Machon Study Committee is going to ask the Town Meeting members to approve an addition to give the Machon chil- dren the same advantages that the other children in our town have. Every con -: sideration should be given to this project.
The School Committee approved the recommendation of the Salary Study Committee, and we now have the Swampscott Professional Advancement Plan, which includes both incentive pay and a sound basic schedule that will hold good
96
1961 Annual Report
teachers in our system and attract good teachers as vacancies arise. Our Pro- fessional Advancement Plan is probably the first of its kind in the country, and we look forward to its successful operation through the cooperation of the teachers and administration.
The report of the Acting Superintendent spells out in some detail these and other matters that are and have been our concern. We therefore direct your atten- tion to the pages that follow.
We feel that we can provide the best educational program within the town's ability to pay if we can also provide necessary enlargements and improvements of our physical plant.
Thus, though 1961 gave us many reasons for satisfaction, it left us also with far-reaching questions. To these, with the help of the citizens of Swampscott, we must seek immediate and complete answers.
GEORGE A. CHADWELL, Chairman CHARLES F. BUCKLAND THEODORE C. SARGENT WALTER H. FORBES JACOB SHACTMAN
To the Members of the School Committee
Gentlemen:
In the absence of Dr. Robert D. Forrest, Superintendent of Schools, it is my privilege as Acting Superintendent to submit the following report on the year 1961 in the Public Schools of Swampscott.
I shall start, so to speak, in the middle of things.
July Brought Heavy Problems
The month of July, as I am sure you vividly recall, cut like a sharp blade across the life of our schools, dividing the year into distinct halves and also, in effect, severing one era from another.
It was on the third of July that the Swampscott community was saddened by the death of James H. Dunn, principal of the High School. He was the great, good, and genial friend of many hundreds of pupils and teachers, of men and women generally. He infused the tasks of education, to which he was devoted, with his own personal warmth, sound judgment, and faith in people. To many of us, he was Swampscott High School.
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