USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1929 > Part 10
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59,000.00 Montrose Schoolhouse 412% bonds due $6,000 in 1930 to 1938 inclusive and $5,000 Sept. 1, 1939.
$123,000.00
PERMANENT DEBT
Permanent Debt, January 1, 1929
$1,362,500.00
Paid during 1929
125,000.00
$1,237,500.00
New issues in 1929, as above
123,000.00
$1,360,500.00
The permanent debt has decreased $2,000.00 during the year 1929.
REPORT OF TOWN TREASURER
145
MATURITIES OF TOWN DEBT
Maturing in 1930
$125,500.00
1931
126,000.00
1932
125,000.00
1933
117,000.00
1934
106,500.00
1935
102,500.00 98,500.00
1937
96,500.00
1938
93,500.00
1939
92,500.00 76,000.00
1941
65,000.00 49,500.00
1942
1943
32,500.00
1944
18,000.00
1945
11,000.00
1946
10,000.00
1947
10,000.00
1948
2,000.00
1949
2,000.00
1950
1,000.00
$1,360,500.00
The debt is chargeable to the following:
Water Department
$248,000.00
Light Department
149,500.00
Metropolitan Sewer
112,000.00
Local Sewers
248,000.00
School Buildings
600,000.00
Highway
`3,000.00
$1,360,500.00
CASH ACCOUNT
On the following pages will be found the Treasurer's Cash Account.
1936
1940
146
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Dr.
Arthur H. Boardman, Treasurer.
To balance from last report, cash
$102,225.84 450,000.00
Borrowed on Temporary Notes
Board of Appeal receipts
10.00
Building inspector's receipts
366.00
Charles F. Hartshorne & Son fire loss on Woodville School
233.58
Charles F. Hartshorne & Son fire loss at Town Farm
77.94
Charles F. Hartshorne & Son fire loss at Pumping Station on Broadway of Water Department
1,763.00
Cemetery, receipts 151.00
Collector of Taxes, receipts-Moth Assessments
3,012.12
Sidewalks
3,490.03
Tax Certifications
34.00
Taxes and interest
750,871.12
Excise Taxes 30,716.78
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Burial of Indigent Soldiers and Sailors
40.00
Corporation Tax, Business
19,321.86
Public Service
2,803.25
Department of Education, English Speaking Classes
545.11
Department of Public Works, Division of High ways
5,286.10
Income Tax
98,751.93
Military Aid
180.50
National Bank Tax
1,610.29 84.00
Veterans' Exemption
142.11
State Aid
726.00
Street Railway Tax
1,097.62
Temporary Aid
2,931.25
Trust Company Tax, Sec. 1, Chap. 343, Acts 1925
3,368.94
Tuition of Children
2,331.41
Vocational Education Aid to Industrial Schools
1,129.09
Vocational Education Training, Smith-Hughes Act
130.26
Court Fines
3,619.00
Fire Department, receipts
96.63
Health Department, receipts
1,086.00
Highway Department, receipts
3.00
Library, receipts
825.08
Middlesex County, Division of Highways
5,249.86
Dog Tax, 1928
1,716.10
Moth Department, receipts
8.00
Municipal Light Plant, receipts
329,302.18
Carried Forward
$1,825,336.98
Pedlers' Licenses
147
REPORT OF TOWN TREASURER
In Account with Town of Wakefield
Cr.
By cash paid, Discount on Temporary Notes cash paid Selectmen's Warrants 1,910,950.91
$13,389.66
cash credit, Account Court Expenses
52.97
cash credit, Offset State Credits
65,131.85
cash credit, Tax Collector for Tax Title Deeds
6,037.26
Total payments Cash in Treasury
$1,995,562.65
131,168.55
$2,126,731.20
Carried forward
$2,126,731.20
148
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Dr.
To Arthur H. Boardman, Treasurer
Brought Forward $1,825,336.98
Park Department, receipts for destruction of Old Bath House 128.82
Police Department, receipts 1.20
Poor Department, receipts 10,694.02
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aiding mothers
848.68
Redemption Tax Title Deeds, interest and releases
2,505.29
Refunds-
Highway Department from Commonwealth of Massachu- setts, Gasoline Tax 62.92
Albion Street 25.14
Water Department from Commonwealth of Massachu- setts
1.50
Lucius Beebe Memorial Library, cash advanced
50.00
From the H. W. Wilson Co.
1.50
Municipal Light Plant from Commonwealth of Mass- achusetts
178.41
Police Department from Wakefield Ball Room and Boat- house
19.78
Poor Department from Massachusetts General Hospital
3.30
Special Appropriation from William C. Carver, et al
8,000.00
School Department, cash advanced From Bruce Publishing Co.
3.00
Water Department, cash advanced
25.00
School Department, receipts
15,773.11
Sealer of Weights and Measures, receipts
222.93
Selectmen's receipts-Various licenses
1,147.50
Sewer receipts
14,100.89
Sewer receipts, connections
4,622.14
Sewer receipts, sewer maintenance
62.49
Surplus War Bonus Funds, interest on deposit
395.55
Teachers' Retirement Fund Assessments
8,690.34
Town Hall, receipts
321.00
Trust Funds, receipts
1,356.23
Wakefield Expansion Board for Advertising and Publicity Pur- poses 250.00
Wakefield Trust Co .-
Interest on Collector's balance
130.29
Interest on Treasurer's balance
1,995.02
Carried forward
$1,897,003.03
50.00
REPORT OF TOWN TREASURER
149
In Account with Town of Wakefield
Cr.
Brought Forward
$2,126,731.20
Carried forward
$2,126,731.20
150
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Dr.
To Arthur H. Boardman, Treasurer
Brought Forward $1,897,003.03
Three-fourths of the income from the Junius Beebe Trust for the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library 1,148.29
Ninety per cent of the income from Marcus Beebe Trust 798.84
Ninety per cent of the income from Decius Beebe Trust 615.26 Ninety per cent of the income from Frederick Beebe Trust 338.68
Ninety per cent of the income from Alice Beebe Carpenter Trust 42.74
Ninety per cent of the income from Charles S. Beebe Trust 51.30
Ninety per cent of the income from George O. Carpenter Trust 51.30
Ninety per cent of the income from Eleanor H. Beebe Trust 254.74
Ninety per cent of the income from Sylenda B. Stearns Trust 102.09
Ninety per cent of the income from Katherine E. Beebe Trust 159.74
Water Department, receipts
99,938.25
Water Department, house rents
290.00
Water Department, Water Construction Account
235.00
Water Department, Water Maintenance Account
1,403.67
Sale of Sewer 412% bonds
64,000.00
Sale of Montrose School 412% bonds
59,000.00
Premium on above bonds
1,129.14
Interest on above bonds 169.13
$2,126,731.20
REPORT OF TOWN TREASURER
151
In Account with Town of Wakefield
Cr.
Brought Forward
$2,126,731.20
$2,126,731.20
152
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
FINAL STATEMENT
During the year 1930, the following time loans will fall due and are to be included in the tax levy of 1930.
High School
$22,500.00 7,000.00
Montrose School
Woodville School
3,500.00
Greenwood School
9,500.00
Franklin School
9,000.00
Metropolitan Sewer
7,000.00
Extension of Sewer
23,000.00
Highway
1,000.00
$82,500.00
Water Loan
$12,000.00
Extension Water Mains Loan
3,000.00
Water Loan, Acts of 1922
5,000.00
Water Departmental Equipment Loan
2,000.00
Water Loan
8,000.00
All included in Water Department Appropriation
Light Plant (paid from receipts of plant)
$30,000.00
$13,000.00
$125,500.00
153
REPORT OF TOWN TREASURER
There will also be required the following amounts to meet our interest payments :
High School
$11,775.00
Montrose School
3,015.00
Woodville School
1,271.25
Franklin School
3,400.00
Greenwood School
5,450.63
Metropolitan Sewer
3,920.00
Extension of Sewer
10,016.25
Highway
106.25
Temporary Loans (estimated)
13,045.62
$52,000.00
Water Loans (included in Water Department Appropriation)
$7,120.00
Extension of Water Mains (included in Water Department Appropriation)
400.00
Water Loan Acts of 1922 (included in Water De- partment Appropriation)
1,813.75
Water Departmental Equipment (included in
Water Department Appropriation
240.00
$9,573.75
Light Plant (paid from receipts of plant)
6,037.50
$67,611.25
The borrowing capacity of the town, on temporary notes in anticipa- tion of 1929 revenue, was $902,311.01, as determined by the State Director of Accounts. Of this amount the town borrowed the sum of $450,000.00 and of this latter amount $300,000.00 has been paid, leaving $150,000.00 to be paid in 1930.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR H. BOARDMAN,
Treasurer.
154
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Chief of Fire Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :-
I herewith submit my Annual Report of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1929, with the total alarms together with their losses on same as near as possible to obtain.
APPARATUS
There are at the present time 8 pieces of apparatus in this department.
One Triple Combination purchased from the Seagrave .Co., and put in service July, 1924. This machine is equipped with a 750 gallon centrifugal type pump; 1200 ft. 21/2-inch hose; 80 gallon water tank, 200 ft. 34-inch hose; ladders, stretcher, two types of cellar pipes and various other equipment.
One Double-bank 75 ft. Aerial Truck purchased from the Seagrave Co., Inc. and put in service December, 1928. Is equipped with Watergun with 3-inch hose attached to Aerial ladder; carries 379 ft. of ladders; 80 gallon water tank, 200 ft. 34-inch hose, stretcher, life net, oxygen tank for resusci- tation work, high tension wire tongs, 75 gallon water pump, and much other equipment. This machine has proved its efficiency many times during the year.
One Pierce Arrow Squad wagon put in service 1926, carrying one 1100 gallon capacity water gun mounted, together with much other equipment, making this piece of apparatus efficient for the many uses called for.
One White Combination put in service 1920. Carries 1000 ft. of 212- inch hose, 250 ft. 3/4-inch hose, 35 gallon chemical tank, salvage covers and various other equipment.
One Pierce Arrow Combination put in service May, 1927. This piece of apparatus was built for a reserve piece to replace such other pieces of apparatus of its type as may be out of service from various causes and has proven its value a number of times during the year. Is equipped with 1000 ft. of 21/2-inch hose, 52 gallon water tank, 200 ft. 34-inch hose, water pump and various other equipment.
REPORT OF CHIEF OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
155
One Triple Combination at the Greenwood Station purchased from the Seagrave Co., Inc. and put in service July, 1929. Is equipped with ladders, 600 gallon pump, 1200 ft. 21/2-inch hose, 200 ft. 34-inch hose, 80 gallon water tank, salvage covers, cellar pipe, and various other equipment necessary for Fire Department work.
One Buick Chief's car purchased in 1924 which has proved to be a valuable asset to the equipment of the department. This machine was replaced in 1929 for a 1930 model of same make.
There is in reserve one Amoskeag Steam Fire Engine which was put in service in 1907.
The Department records show that there were a total of 328 alarms received during the year and are divided as follows: 244 Still Alarms and 84 Box Alarms.
Estimate of Property endangered
$760,825.00
Loss on same
84,765.03
Insurance on same
852,170.00
Insurance paid on same
82,873.03
Transit Value 8,225.00
Transit Loss
500.00
CONCLUSION
In closing this report I wish to return my sincere thanks to the Honorable Board of Selectmen for the interest manifested by them in all matters per- taining to this department during the past year.
To Mr. Leander M. Clark for the hearty co-operation given by him as Committee on Fire Department during the year.
To the various other Town Departments who have rendered valuable assistance to this department during the past year.
My thanks are also due to the Officers and Members of the Fire De- partment for the prompt and faithful discharge of their duties.
To the Department Physician, Dr. Curtis L. Sopher for his valuable aid to members injured in their discharge of duty.
Respectfully submitted,
FRED D. GRAHAM,
Chief of Department.
156
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Inspector of Wires
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my Annual Report as Inspector of Wires in com- pliance with the vote of the Town, 1922.
There was a total of 715 inspections made. All defects found were made to conform with the National Code.
Respectfully submitted,
CHIEF F. D. GRAHAM,
Wire Inspector.
Report of Forest Warden
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
During the year 1929 there was a total of 168 woods and grass fires.
Respectfully submitted,
CHIEF F. D. GRAHAM,
Forest Warden.
%
THE SEVENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
LUCIUS BEEBE MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Town of Wakefield, Massachusetts
For the Year Ending DECEMBER 31, 1929
THE
LUCIUS" BEEBE MEMORIAL LIBRARY: WAKEFIELD MASSACHUSETTS
1644
1868
WAKE
MASS. KEFIELD
159
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
Winfield S. Ripley Mrs. Bertha Round Hervey J. Skinner
Edson W. 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 W. White, Chairman
Mrs. Florence L. Bean J. Oliver Beebe Richard Dutton, M. D.
Arthur L. Evans
Winfield S. Ripley Mrs. Bertha Round Hervey J. Skinner Frank T. Woodbury, M. D.
BRANCH COMMITTEE
Richard Dutton, M. D., Chairman
Mrs. Bertha Round Frank T. Woodbury, M. D.
CHILDREN'S ROOM Mrs. Florence L. Bean, Chairman
Mrs. Bertha Round
Edson W. White
CIRCULATION AND PUBLICITY Frank T. Woodbury, M. D.
Richard Dutton, M. D.
Edson W. White
EXECUTIVE
Hervey J. Skinner, Chairman
Mrs. Florence L. Bean J. Oliver Beebe
*Ex-officio, as Town Treasurer.
160
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
FINANCE Winfield S. Ripley, Chairman
Arthur L. Evans
Hervey J. Skinner
HOUSE J. Oliver Beebe, Chairman
Mrs. Florence L. Bean
Winfield S. Ripley
LIBRARY PERSONNEL
Librarian Helen Frances Carleton
Children's Librarian H. Gladys Mackenzie
Head Cataloguer Louise E. Sheldon
Branch Librarian
Clara G. Wilson
General Assistants
Mrs. Katherine Madden *Miss Josephine Converse
Bertha Taylor Elberta H. Roper
Part-Time Assistants
Olive L. Eaton
Etta F. Smith
Junior Part-Time Assistants
Eleanor Alden Phyllis Cann Katherine Doucette
Dorothy Flanagan Edward Liljestrom Julia Scammon
Helen Whittet
Janitors H. T. Mitchell, Main Library Michael Neary, Greenwood Branch
*Resigned, July 1, 1929.
161
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
Report of Library Trustees
The Trustees of the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library herewith present the seventy-fourth annual report for the calendar year, 1929.
For several years succeeding the entrance into the present library build- ing, the Trustees reported each year various ways in which the library ac- tivities were expanding and new gifts and new enterprises which were of outstanding interest.
It seems this year to be an opportune time to survey the library ac- tivities as a whole and to try to point out in what the library as a center of community interest consists.
In the adult department of the Main Library, the work may be divided roughly into two sections, one relating to works of fiction, the other to books of non-fiction. The former needs very little advertising so far as the library is concerned; the open stacks and publisher's notices are ample.
The Trustees feel that there are many people who would enjoy biography, essays, poetry, popularly written science books and other non-fiction, if they were once brought to their attention. To that end the librarian and her staff have worked out many methods of advertising these books.
For instance, a table in the lobby marked, "Recent Additions," is kept filled with the non-fiction which has been mentioned in the column "Your Public Library," which appears in the Daily Item each week through the courtesy of the publisher, Mr. Harris M. Dolbeare.
From time to time suggestive lists of books are issued and these are placed on the Delivery Desk where the reader has easy access to them.
Again on the Delivery Desk there is a book rest with the caption, "Have you read this?" An interesting non-fiction book is placed there each morning and it is not an unusual occurrence for this book to go into circulation at once. Sometimes it is necessary to fill the rest several times in one day.
Under this heading of non-fiction advertising, might be mentioned the work done for various study groups, such as the small clubs, a group of teachers, or the High School Debating Clubs. At once when one of these groups appeals to the Library for material on a particular subject, all the information the Library can supply is placed on shelves in the Reference Room and marked "Reserved," which means that the books are to be used there only, so that all members of the group have an equal chance and the ma- terial is easily available to everyone.
162
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Under this heading of non-fiction would come, also, the reference work done for college students and the many, many calls for information of all kinds which come to the staff each day.
Often a request for a particular book is made and it is always purchased if practicable. Sometimes such a book is too technical to be of general interest and in such a case every effort is made to borrow the book from some other library.
These activities which have been mentioned are not new, and are only a few of the methods employed in acquainting the people with the resources of the library which are at their command.
Before leaving this subject, however, one more activity should be men- tioned. For several years past the pupils of the eighth grade have come to the library to be instructed in its use. As a result, the younger public is thoroughly at home in the open stacks and in the use of the catalogue. It has been very gratifying to watch the results of this instruction.
The Children's Room is always busy. If any person doubts its use, he should visit it some day after school is out. The children arrive promptly. Any change of books, any notice on the bulletin board, any new picture is observed at once. They feel that it is their room. During the summer it was closed for two weeks while painters were at work, and the alacrity with which the children returned to its use when it was again open was quite a revelation even to those who thought they realized how much delight it gave its young patrons.
At the Greenwood Branch there have been a few changes during the year, but only those demanded by its increased use. More shelves in the Reading Room, more tables for the children, a bulletin board and a new book truck have been added. It is no small triumph to make two school rooms seem homelike and hospitable, but that is just what has happened at Green- wood. This atmosphere has been brought about by Miss Clara Wilson, who is in charge of the Branch. She has used the simplest means such as growing plants, a few pictures or seasonal decorations with pleasing effect. A glass case in which scenes from various story books are staged in miniature is watched constantly by grownups as well as the little folks for whom it is arranged. It is evident that the Greenwood Branch is making itself an important part of the community.
Two rooms in the Main Library, the Children's Room and the Reference Room, were redecorated during the summer when the loss of their use would be felt least. New wall and table display cases for the balcony have been purchased and will be used for various exhibits.
For some time the Trustees have felt that the library should have a bookplate, particularly for those books purchased from the income of special funds. With this in mind they conferred with Mrs. Louise Ames Norman, the daughter of a former Trustee and herself a designer of note, who sub- mitted two drawings. From one of these a bookplate was made which will be used hereafter in all books of a permanent nature.
163
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
At a Town Meeting in April, 1868, Mr. Lilley Eaton, Chairman of the Board of Library Trustees, presented its report and moved "that in view of Lucius Beebe, Esquire's having presented to the Town $500 for purposes of the library, that the thanks of the Town be presented to Mr. Beebe for his generous gift, and that the Public Library be hereafter known as the Beebe Public Library of Wakefield." This motion was carried.
As the years have gone on, however, the name has varied in current use, sometimes being given as Beebe Town Library, sometimes as Beebe Memorial Library.
The Trustees believing that the name should be fixed, in May of this year brought the matter before the Town Meeting with the result that the official name is now "The Lucius Beebe Memorial Library."
To the generous friends of the library who have given books, magazines and flowers, to the Mother's Club which continued its practice of giving $10.00 to be spent for books of interest to mothers, and to Mr. Harris Dol- beare, who has given such generous space in the Wakefield Daily Item, the Trustees extend their sincere thanks.
All the members of the regular staff are members of the Massachusetts Library Club, three are members of the American Library Association. Miss Carleton is also a member of the Book Review Club which is composed of librarians of Greater Boston who meet weekly at the State House to discuss the latest books. This has proved of real aid in the selection of the books to be added to the library.
In addition to these stimulating affiliations, some of the staff have taken courses which have been helpful in their work.
The Trustees extend their thanks to all members of the staff for their ready co-operation in all the affairs of the library.
For the year 1929 the circulation is as follows:
School deposits
5,831
Greenwood 45,001
Main Library 135,552
making a total of 186,384.
After a careful consideration of the budget, the Trustees believe that the same efficiency and service can be maintained for 1930 without increasing the appropriation and therefore recommend the same sum as in 1929, $22,500.
FLORENCE L. BEAN,
Secretary.
164
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Trustees of the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library:
From the statistics of 1929 the following facts are to be seen:
3,600 books is the average number of books given out weekly as loans to the people of Wakefield. 1,230 is the largest number for any one day.
The total number of books loaned during the year, 186,384, means an average of 11 books for each man, woman and child in Wakefield, according to the estimated population of the Town.
Twenty-three pictures from the Library have been lent to schools, clubs, and individuals during the year.
Many Wakefield children secured Library books in their own school rooms. Three times during the year Library books were sent to 25 class rooms, a total of 1,438 books for the children at school. These services were in addition to the collections for children in the Children's Room and in the juvenile collection at Greenwood Branch Library.
At this Branch Library, the children secure immediate library attention, as the Library is housed in the school building. Entire classes have visited the Branch to see displays or collections. A talk on children's books was given by Miss Wilson, the Branch Librarian, to the pupils of the eighth grades, in November. In June, the best examples of art work of the children during the year were displayed in the Branch Library.
All the school children in the four grades below the High School have come to the Library to learn about the various tools-keys to the use of the Library's resources.
Answering questions for information of all kinds, supplying material for various subjects, are library services which cannot be directly checked by statistics. In this connection, all the resources of the Library may be com- mandeered: 42,000 books, 3000 pamphlets, and the 10,000 pictures are all available for the Library's patrons. In addition, an inter-library loan sys- tem provides helps-between libraries in and around Boston; and the State Division of Public Libraries is generous to us in loans of foreign books.
Library exhibits have been popular at the Main Library and at the Branch. Examples of our print collection, photographs of the art treasures in the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum and reproductions of some of the famous Madonnas are some of the additions to the pictures which have been on display this year.
165
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
At the Greenwood Branch, the original displays made by Miss Wilson elicited much praise. The special exhibits for Spring, for the opening of school, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day and the Santa Claus Workshop, were especially admired. Many displays of Library pictures have been hung in the Reading Room, and a collection suggestive for a child's own library was exhibited on the tables before Christmas. Loans for exhibits have been made by Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Galloway, and Mrs. Hall.
Mr. Cronan, who has been telling stories this fall to the school children, told Christmas stories at the Library on Saturday morning, December 21. Miss Wilson read the story of "The other wise man," at Greenwood, showing colored slides.
Books on flowers and gardening form one of the Library's special col- lections. The valuable picture plates issued by the Smithsonian Institution are now a part of this collection. During the year many additions have been made to the picture collection. For use and value at the time of the Ter- centenary, the Library's collection of town histories has been increased. A small autograph collection of books has been started at the Library.
During the summer the children's room and the reference room were redecorated. New exhibit cases have been secured and more steel shelving obtained.
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