USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1925 > Part 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14
Granite Curbing.
Shumway Circle in front of Messrs. Tuttle and Dellinger, Granolithic. Main Street, from Franklin Street to Charles Street, Granite Curbing.
Crescent Street in front of Lincoln School inside and outside curbing reset.
Corner of Albion and Lake Streets, Granite curbing around Hamilton School.
Gould Street in front of Parochial School and Mr. Kernan's, Granothilic and Granite curbing.
Sweetser Street, from Main Street to Pleasant Street, Tar concrete.
Main Street, from Chestnut Street to Albion Street, Granolithic and Granite Curbing.
Pleasant Street, from Highland Street to Eaton Street Granite curbing.
DRAINAGE
Catch baisins and pipes were laid in the following streets to take care of the Surface Water:
Main Street
The outlet for the drainage system for Surface Water from Green- wood Bridge to Greenwood Street was reconstructed and a 20 inch out- let pipe was laid and necessary catch basins were installed.
This construction takes care to a large degree of the bad flood con- ditions which existed in the low places just north of Forest Street on Main Street, but before this condition will be entirely remedied more underground work will have to be done which means $3780 will have to be spent to make this a complete and satisfactory job.
Greenwood Street
Catch basins and outlet pipes were constructed to take care of a bad flood condition near Mr. Robinson's, Mr. Fuller's and Mr. Leach's. Wave Avenue
The surface water at the corner of Wave Avenue and Vernon Street was taken care of.
71
REPORT OF HIGHWAY ENGINEER
Nahant Street
Catch basins were installed near Mr. Young's store and near Capt. Colby's.
Spring Street
Three catch basins were rebuilt.
Prospect Street
Three catch basins were re-built and outlet pipes installed near the Boston & Maine Railroad and Mr. Pilgrim's. This was a bad flood condition.
Gould Street
Four catch basins were built and necessary outlet pipe was laid to take care of a bad condition at the corner of Emerson Street and Gould Street.
Main Street
Near Melrose line, one catch basin was installed.
GRAVEL WORK
· Aborn Street, Main Street to Pleasant Street.
Nahant Street, From town pit to Capt. Colby's.
Emerson Street, From Chestnut Street to Prospect St.
Cedar Street, From Albion Street to Gould Street.
Fairmount Avenue, From Chestnut St. to Hillside Ave. Crescent Hill:
The impassable condition of the above mentioned streets caused by mud was completely eliminated by taking out one foot or more of the loan or clay and by putting back a rock foundation and gravel.
The following streets were oiled :
Warren Avenue
Pitman Avenue
Madison Ave.
Pine Street
Cooper Street
Hanson Street
Renrick Road
Spring Street 1/2 Nahant Street 1/2
Foundry Street 1/2
Maple Street Byron Street
Emerson Street 1/2
Auburn Street Cedar Street 1/2
Grove Street Elm Street Elm Square
Cedar Court
Fairmount Ave. Travers St. Steadman Street
Jordan Avenue
Dell Avenue
Emerald Street
Oak Street 1/2
Farm Street
Wave Avenue 1/2
Lake Avenue
Spaulding Street
Bartley Street Nelly Street
Sweetser Street 1/2 Francis Avenue
Myrtle Avenue Winn Street
72
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
The following streets were tar and sanded:
Richardson Avenue
Broadway
Lake Street
Converse Street
Bellevue Road
Prospect Street Richardson Street
Church Street
Avon Street
Foster Street
Crescent St. and Court
Eaton Street
Old Salem Street
Lawrence Street
White Avenue
Lowell Street (part)
Franklin' Street
Greenwood Ave. Gould Street
Yale Avenue
Wave Avenue 1/2
Cordis Street 1/2
Vernon Street
Main Street
Fairmount Ave 1/2
Otis Street
Wharton Park
Armory Street
Emerson Street 1/2
Aborn Avenue
Cedar Street 1/2
Bennett Street
New Salem Street:
An 18 foot bituminous macadam road was constructed from the cor- ner of Lowell and Salem Streets towards Vernon Street for 5300 feet and the square at the corner of Old and New Salem Streets was con- structed under State inspection and supervision.
Approximately 11000 square yards of Road was constructed with the necessary ditching, guard fence, and clearing bushes along the way.
The State and County each paying $9,402.00 or in other words the work cost $28,206.00.
The rest of New Salem Street to Vernon Street will be completed next year.
For a detailed account of Highway appropriations see the Town Ac- countant's Report.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM R. TOMPSON
Engineer and Supt. of Streets.
Residence Phone, Crystal 1066-W.
Town Hall Phone, Crystal 259.
Office Hours: 4:30 to 5 P. M. except Saturdays. Tuesday evenings from eight o'clock.
Greenwood Street
Nahant Street 1/2
73
SWEETSER LECTURE FUND
Sweetser Lecture Fund 1924-1925
Proceeds from Sweetser Lectures
Received from Sweetser Lecture Fund
$425.00
Received from Mr. Peterson
212.50
Received from Mr. McMaster
28.00
81 Season tickets sold at door
40.50
391 Single tickets sold at door
78.20
$784.20
Expenses for Sweetser Lectures
Lecture, Jan. 7th, Capt F. Armitage
$65.00
Lecture, Jan. 14th, Prof. N. B. Cawley
50.00
Lecture, Jan. 21st, Dr. Tehyi Hsieh
75.00
Lecture Jan. 28th, Ralph Robinson
164.42
Lecture, Feb. 4th, James J. Walsh, M. D.
100.00
Lecture, Feb. 11th, Prof. B. R. Baumgardt
100.00
Town Hall
24.00
Clerks
18.00
Advertising
89.40
Railroad Fares
14.42
Telephone and Postage Stamps
3.10
703.34
Balance
80.86
$784.20
JOHN F. WHITE J. WILLIAM O'CONNELL A. K. COMINS CHARLES J. PETERSON
FREDERICK A. SMITH
74
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Library Trustees
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LUCIUS BEEBE MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Mrs. Florence L. Bean J. Oliver Beebe
Arthur H. Boardman*
Richard Dutton, M. D.
Arthur L. Evans
Miss Elizabeth F. Ingram Winfield S. Ripley, Jr. Hervey J. Skinner Edson T. White Frank T. Woodbury, M. D.
ORGANIZATION OF TRUSTEES
Chairman Secretary Treasurer
J. Oliver Beebe Mrs. Florence L. Bean Arthur H. Boardman
BOOK COMMITTEE
Edson T. White, Chairman
Mrs. Florence L. Bean J. Oliver Beebe
Richard Dutton, M. D.
Arthur L. Evans
Miss Elizabeth F. Ingram Winfield S. Ripley, Jr. Hervey J. Skinner Frank T. Woodbury, M. D.
BRANCH COMMITTEE
Richard Dutton, M. D. Chairman Frank T. Woodbury, M. D.
Arthur L. Evans
CHILDREN'S ROOM
Miss Elizabeth F. Ingram, Chairman Mrs. Florence L. Bean Edson W. White
CIRCULATION AND PUBLICITY
Frank T. Woodbury, M. D. Chairman Richard Dutton, M. D. Edson W. White
75
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
EXECUTIVE
Hervey J. Skinner, Chairman
Mrs. Florence L. Bean
J. Oliver Beebe
FINANCE
Winfield S. Ripley, Jr. Chairman
Arthur L. Evans
Hervey J. Skinner
HOUSE
J. Oliver Beebe, Chairman
Miss Elizabeth F. Ingram *Ex-officio, as Town Treasurer.
Winfield S. Ripley, Jr.
LIBRARY PERSONNEL
Librarian Helen Frances Carleton
Children's Librarian H. Gladys Mackenzie
Head Cataloguer Louise E. Sheldon
General Assistants
Olive L. Eaton Etta F. Smith
Mrs. Katherine Madden Bertha Taylor
E. Adelaide Whittier
Part-Time Assistants
Ruth Ames Elinor Morrill Muriel Shea
Ann Hayden Norma Perkins Eunice Wall
Jean Whittet
Janitors H. T. Mitchell, Main Library D. E. Pease, Greenwood Branch
76
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE LUCIUS BEEBE MEMORIAL LIBRARY
The Trustees of the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library herewith pre- sent the Seventieth Annual Report for the calendar year, 1925.
Believing thoroughly that the Library is an important part of the educational system of the town, it has been the constant policy of the Trustees and Library staff to bring before the public the resources of the Library in every possible way. In accordance with the publicity campaign begun last year and through the generosity of the publisher, the column, "Your Public Library" has been continued in the Wake- field Daily Item, with an ever increasing diversity of interest. The book lists and the information thus given out have been the means of making many real friends for the Library, to the mutual benefit of both Library and patrons. Probably because of this publicity campaign, there has never been a time in the history of the Library when it has been in active cooperation with so many public interests as it is to-day.
There has been an increasing service to the schools of Wakefield throughout the year. Deposits have been sent to Woodville School as in other years, and from time ti time, such books as the Librarian at the High School has requested, have been sent there. In addition to this ser- vice, special shelves in the Reference Room have been reserved for the required supplementary reading of High School pupils.
Many teachers of the Public Schools were members of a Psychology Class held at the suggestion of the School Department, and the Library was able to assist by buying the books recommended and reserving a shelf for them in the Reference Room.
The Kosmos Club asked and was granted permission to display various objects of art from time to time in the glass case. The Club also held an exhibit in the balcony of copies of pencil sketches by Ken- neth Conant. The Library also cooperated with the Kosmos Club in collecting and packing books given by the townspeople for the use of the American Merchant Marine. It is interesting to note that the Kos- mos Club stood at the head of the clubs of the State in the number of books collected.
From time to time exhibits of books on special subjects have been shown in the balcony. The one held during Children's Book Week was especially good. In connection with the display, a contest for posters advertising Children's Book Week was held, thus cooperating with the Art Department of the schools. The contest which was very close, was won by Helen Salipante, with Ruth Ames second. Honorable mention
77
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
was awarded Priscilla White, Hope McCloskey and Lucia Buckle. A special prize was given to Edward Liljistrom who submitted a model in soap of a boy reclining, reading a book.
In the late summer a call was made for a loan of "vacation pictures." The response was prompt and generous with the result that an exhibition of beautiful and interesting pictures taken by Wakefield vacationists was arranged in the balcony. It proved to be worth repeating another year.
The Greenwood Branch has been growing steadily. Last year the quarters were moved to a room on the first floor and the hours of ser- vice were increased. This year more books of reference and more maga- zines have been added and not long ago a second room was opened. Dur- ing the Christmas season the rooms were gaily decorated and on one day Miss Clevenger told Christmas stories to a very appreciative group of boys and girls. Greenwood is growing very rapidly and accordingly the opportunities for service are growing too. It will be the policy of the Board to do everything possible to anticipate the needs of the Green- wood Branch.
Wakefield is so situated that many of her young men and women attend the higher institutions of learning and continue to live at home. To these students the Library offers unusual opportunities. The Re- ference Room with its quiet atmosphere and its many reference books furnishes an ideal opportunity for looking up the obscure problems and preparing the next day's lessons. Every member of the Staff is ready to assist in gathering the reference material required, the' patron has but to make his wants known. In addition to the usual reference books a constantly increasing collection of clippings and pamphlets on all sorts of subjects is being made.
The Children's Room is filled with lively boys and girls every min- ute it is open. Miss Ruth Shattuck, under whose direction the activi- ties of the Children's Room were started when the new building was opened, resigned in February. It was with real regret that the Trustees accepted her resignation for she had done excellent work. Miss H. Gladys Mackenzie, who had assisted Miss Shattuck in the Children's Room, took over the work. During the summer months her time on duty was so arranged that she could attend the course for Children's Libra- rians at Simmons College. This special training with her previous ex- perience has enabled her to carry on the work for the children with almost no break in its continuity. Story hours have been held more often this year and are as much appreciated as ever.
The library building is still a source of pride and interest to our
78
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
citizens and is visited very often by people from other towns. Its ad- vantages are known to the Librarians throughout the state; in fact, Miss Whipple, who is in charge of the Training Class of the Somerville Pub- lic Library, brought her class for a visit that they might investigate for themselves. Realizing this great interest and feeling that the data con- cerning its development should be preserved, the Trustees asked Miss Eilzabeth F. Ingram who has served on the Board for many years, to prepare a booklet which should preserve the desired information. This she has done in a very able manner and the result is the Historical Sketch of which Miss Ingram, the Trustees, and the town may well be proud.
The Mother's Club has again made a gift of money to be spent for books of interest to mothers. There is now quite a collection of these books and they are in constant use.
Many friends have been generous in giving books and magazines; other friends have given flowers from time to time, a gift which is appreciated by every patron who enters the building. Special mention should be made of the very generous space given the Library by the publisher of the Daily Item, Mr. Harris Dolbeare. Is is doubtful if there is another instance in the state of such generous, friendly coopera- ton of a daily newspaper with the local library. The Trustees appreciate gratefully, also, Mr. Dolbeare's helpful interest in the historical booklet prepared by Miss Ingram. To all these friends and to many others who have shown their appreciation of the work of the Library, the Trustees extend their sincere thanks.
In June Miss H. Gertrude Lee who had been Librarian since 1909 resigned. Miss Lee had given a long and faithful service, never sparing herself in anyway in carrying on the work of the Library she did so much to build up. Such fathful, unselfish devotion is rare and the Trustees felt that they had a difficult task in selecting her successor. Many candidates were interviewed, and at last Miss Helen Frances Carleton was elected to fill the vacancy, and she took charge on July 20. Miss Carleton is a graduate of Haverhill High School and of Simmons Col- lege, class of 1914. She has had much experience in library work in the West and South and has undertaken the work here with keen inter- est. In October the Staff was increased by securing as head of the Cataloguing Department, Miss Louise E. Sheldon, formerly of the Mel- rose Public Library.
The year has brought two distinct losses in the resignations of Miss Lee and Miss Shattuck and the work has been made more difficult for the regular Staff in consequence, but every member has proved willing and eager to do her part and a little more, and the service to the public
79
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
has gone steadily on. During the interval between librarians, Miss H. Gladys Mackenzie was appointed acting-librarian. To her and to the other members of the Staff who proved themselves so loyal, the Trustees extend their thanks.
The circulation of the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library continues to increase. The report of the current year shows an increase of 13,000 or 11% over the previous year, making a total circulation of 127,191.
For the ensuing year the Trustees recommend for the Library ap- propriation, $19,600.
FLORENCE L. BEAN, Secretary.
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Members of the Board of Trustees:
In every institution there seems inevitably to come a time of many changes and re-establishment. The year 1925 was destined to produce this period for the Library. Foremost among the changes was the re- signation of Miss Lee, the Librarian, which took effect in July. Truly has her successor, who came to the Library the same month, found that works live after one. Only a high order of service could have preserved the interest, cooperation and responsiveness of the people of Wakefield which the present Librarian has found here.
Other changes included the resignation of Miss Shattuck, the Chil- dren's Librarian and First Assistant, in February. During the next two months Miss Pamelia Robbins was here as part-time assistant. In May, Miss Grace Orr assisted in the work for a short time. In July, Miss Elinor Morrill replaced Miss Helen Corbet as part-time assistant at the Greenwood Branch. During the summer months Miss Dorothy Barton (temporarily), Miss Muriel Shea, Miss Jean Whittet and Miss Eunice Wall were added to the Staff as part-time assistants. In Sep- tember, Miss Myrtle Robertson resigned to accept a position in Boston. In October Miss Louise E. Sheldon came to the Library as head of the Cataloguing Department. Since then other part-time assistants have been added,-Miss Norma Perkins, Miss Ann Hayden, Miss Mae Maroney (temporarily) and Miss Ruth Ames.
In spite of the many changes and resulting necessary readjustments, the year has brought growth and expansion as a comparison of the statistics with those of 1924 show. To those interested in averages it
80
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
is worthy of note that the average circulation per day has increased from 317.4 to 351.7 volumes at the Main Library and from 118.7 to 137 volumes at the Branch, and that 788 books were reserved by postal in contrast to 494 in 1924.
To prepare for this increase in service 43 more periodicals have been taken, 25 of which are additions to the collection at Greenwood Branch. A pamphlet collection has been started and its constantly in- creasing number now totals 710. Among the notable increases in the reference collection are the following three sets:
The new Larned history for ready reference A valuable historical set of twelve volumes. Monroe's Encyclopedia of education
The best encyclopedia of education, in English. National Educational Association's proceedings
The annual proceedings volumes for the last five years.
A valuable library contact with all the people of Wakefield which has been especially appreciated, has been possible through the generous and thoughtful cooperation of the Wakefield Daily Item. In order to bring to the attention of those interested in notices of the new material received, the local mailing list for the monthly BULLETIN issued by the Library is being constantly increased.
It will always be the policy of the Library to serve the people and interests of Wakefield in every way possible, and the Library is always glad to receive requests for special material from its patrons. Should it not be possible always to purchase the material, it frequently can be borrowed in these cases.
Additional shelves have been placed in the Reference Room at the Main Library to supply more space for the increased number of peri- odicals; a speaker's table has been added to the furnishings of the Audience Room.
A new charging desk and enlarged catalogue case have been added at the Greenwood Branch to provide for the increase in books and service; a telephone extension for library use has been arranged through the co- operation of the Superintendent of Schools and the Principal of the Greenwood School, thus increasing library facilities for the Greenwood patrons. In connection with the Greenwood library expansion, August, 1925, marked the completion of the year since the removal of the library quarters from the basement to the first floor of the Greenwood School. The month's circulation in August, 1925, showed a gain of 444 volumes or a growth of 41.8% over August, 1924.
81
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
The trumpeters sang carols on the steps of the Library on Christ- mas Eve; this is a custom the library is glad to have continued.
An effort is being made to secure a complete file of the Town Re- cords of Wakefield from 1856, the date when the citizens of South Read- ing (now Wakefield) appointed a committee "to take such steps as were necessary towards the establishment of the Town Library"-quoted from Miss Ingram's Historical Sketch. For the years 1868-1875 the records are still lacking.
The Librarian is glad to take this opportunity to express her ap- preciation of the constant encouragement, advice and support of the Trustees, the loyalty and cooperation of her Staff and the cordial wel- come of the people of Wakefield.
Respectfully submitted,
Helen Frances Carleton, Librarian.
TABLE I. FINANCIAL STATISTICS, 1925 Receipts
Town appropriation
$17,500.00
Dog tax
1,201.34
Income from Trust Funds :
Junius Beebe Fund :
$803.76
Marcus Beebe Fund :
402.97
Decius Beebe Fund :
242.14
Frederic Beebe Fund :
333.72
Alice B. Carpenter Fund :
42.74
J. G. Aborn Library Fund :
71.90
Mary H. Pratt Library Fund :
9.09
M. W. Gove Library Fund :
22.75
Frederic Beebe Library Fund :
50.63
Cyrus Gilbert Beebe Library Fund :
85.00
Flint Memorial Library Fund :
42.50
Dr. F. P. Hurd Library Fund :
106.25
Cyrus Wakefield Library Fund:
21.25
Franklin Poole Library Fund:
21.25
2,255.95
$20,957.29
82
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Expenditures
Books:
New:
$,4651.26
Replacements and duplicates :
993.73
Periodicals and newspapers :
539.92
Binding :
1,201.67
$7,386.58
Salaries :
Library service :
$7,822.94
Janitor service :
1,582.46
9,405.40
Printing:
546.22
Express :
31.75
Telephone :
64.46
Repairs :
113.71
Light:
655.65
Heat:
.652.19
Water:
23.40
Postage, supplies and miscellaneous:
1,958.40
Total:
$20,837.76
Unexpended balance :
119.53
Library receipts, 1925, returned to Town:
$636.71
TABLE II.
STATISTICS OF SERVICE AND RESOURCES, 1925
SERVICE
Circulation
Main Library, volumes issued, Adult Department: Juvenile Department :
63,410
43,167
(Includes 1041 issued for school use)
106,557
Greenwood Branch, volumes issued :
20,614
Total circulation, 1925
127,191
$20,957.29
83
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
Registration
Borrowers registered :
Main Library
Greenwood Total
December 31, 1924:
5567
8.56
6423
Expirations in 1925:
1077
146
1223
-4490
-710
-5200
New borrowers, registered 1925:
800
180
980
Borrowers registered December 31, 1925
5290
890
6180
RESOURCES
Material
Volumes belonging to Library Jan. 1, 1925
25,052
Additions in 1925:
Main: By purchase, new titles
2211
585
replacements and duplicates Gifts
89
2885
Greenwood: By purchase, new titles
505
replacements and duplicates Gifts
13
580
Total additions :
3465
Volumes withdrawn :
Main Library :
1025
Greenwood:
121
Volumes lost :
Main Library:
59
Greenwood:
16
Total withdrawals
1221
Net additions :
2,244
Volumes belonging to Library, Dec. 31, 1925 Pamphlets
27,296
710
Grand Total
28,006
62
84
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Donors
In addition to those who have, in previous years, given money, books and magazines, and in addition to anonymous gifts received, men- tion is here made of gifts and loans from the following during the year 1925:
Academy of Political Science, Columbia University
Mrs. Stella Hadden Alexander
Isidor Berg
Boni & Liveright
Mrs. Edwin Bonney
Bourdon Studio
Buttenheim-Dix Publishing Corporation
Calvert Publishing Corporation
1 G. Campbell
Mrs. Alice B. Carpenter
Rev. Cooper-Ellis
Mrs. Elvira C. Cosman
S. W. Costello
A. B. Cruikshank
D. A. R. Faneuil Hall Chapter
Harris Dolbeare
Mrs. F. L. Edson
Ford Motor Co.
A Friend of World Peace
Mrs. J. R. Green
Mrs. Allan R. Greenleaf
Miss Alice Haskell
Mrs. Geneva Heath
Charles Hodgdon
Hope Publishing Co.
Mrs. Luther Howe Mrs. M. P. Howlett O. D. Howlett Peter Johnson C. Albert Jones
Knights of Columbus Mr. Knowles Kosmos Club Miss Esther Lofstrom George McCaffrey Manhattan Single Tax Club Mrs. Fred T. Morrill Mrs. Hilda Morrill Mother's Club
١
85
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
Harold Orne Manual Peterson Miss Alice M. Pike
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of Friends. G. P. Putnam Sons W. S. Ripley, Jr.
E. H. Sheldon
H. J. Skinner
Mrs. F. J. Smith
Mrs. Orvil Smith
Dr. C. L. Sopher
P. M. Stearns
Mrs. S. Stearns
Robert Thomas
Charles N. Winship
Wakefield Daily Item
Wakefield High School
Wakefield High School Parent Teachers' Association
Women's Missionary Union of Congregational Church Dr. T. F. Woodbury
G. W. Woodworth
TABLE III.
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION FORM FOR UNIFORM STATISTICS
1925, ANNUAL REPORT
Population of Wakefield
15,611
Terms of use of Library, Free
Agencies: Main Library, One Branch
Days open during the year, Main Library
343
Days open during the year, Branch
150
Hours open each week for lending, Main Library
66
Hours open each week for reading, Main Library
70
Hours open each week for lending, Branch
9
Hours open each week for reading, Branch
9
Number of volumes at beginning of year
25,052
Number of volumes added by purchase
3,363
Number of volumes added by gift
102
Total number of volumes withdrawn during year
1,221
86
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Total number of volumes at end of year
27,296
Pamphlets
710
Number of volumes loaned for home use
127,191
Number of borrowers registered during year
980
Total number of registered borrowers
6180
Registration period
5 years
Number of newspapers (one gift) currently received
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.