USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1956 > Part 6
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Arthur J. Harrington, A.B. English
Lila H. Hennessey, A.B.
Languages
Stephen W. Humphrey, Jr.,
B.S., M.Ed.
Science
Lois I. Jordan
Arithmetic
1925 Smith College
Demetra J. Koulis, B.S. Homemaking
1955 Boston University
Frances Levine, English,
1953 Lesley College
B.S.Ed., M.Ed.
Social Studies
Boston Teachers' College
C. John LoPresti, B.S.
English,
1956 Boston University
Social Studies
1955 Boston University
Eleanor J. McCarthy, B.S.
Art
Thomas D. Morse, B.S.Ed.
Social
1953 Salem Teachers' College
Russell H. Nelson,
English,
1950 Boston University
B.S.Ed., M.Ed.
Social Studies
1955 Indiana State College
1955 Tufts College
1955 Boston College Tufts College
Murray B. Gerber, B.S.Ed. Mathematics
English,
1948 Fitchburg Teachers' College
Frank Favorat, Jr., B.S.Ed. Social Studies
Physical
1955 Fordham University, Boston University
M.Ed.
Secretary
1956 Malden Business School
Studies
70
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Name Mary Nicholas, B.S.
Subjects
First Election
Education
Physical
1955
Boston University
Edna-May Paulson
Arithmetic
1926
Fitchburg Teachers'
College
Chester T. Pawlowski,
Social
1954
Boston University
B.S.Ed., M.Ed.
Studies
Signe M. Peterson
Arithmetic
1925 Salem Teachers' College
1955 Marist College
Joseph G. Provost, A.B., M.Ed.
Latin
Boston College
Marilyn G. Redmond, B.S.Ed.
Homemaking
William H. Robinson, Jr.,
Social
1955
Suffolk University
A.B., M.Ed.
Studies, English
Boston Teachers' College
Ray D. Sipola, B.M., M.M.
Music
1954
Boston University
Ethelyn F. Stoutermire,
B.S.Ed., M.Ed.
English
June Turner, A.B., M.Ed.
English,
1956
Boston University
Social Studies
Edna R. Wentzel
Librarian
1956
Paul V. Wheeler, B.S.
Science
1956
Boston University
Zynsky, John S., A.B.
Industrial Arts
1955
Tufts College
Virginia Hopkins
Secretary to
1955
Principal
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
First
Name
Grade
Election
Education
Dolbeare School
William D. Healey, A.B., M.Ed., Principal
1928
Holy Cross
Harvard University
Donald V. Shanahan, A.B.
6
1956
Boston College
Myril Sheinkopf, B.S.Ed.
5
1955
Boston University
Mary C. Healy, B.S.Ed.
4
1953
Boston University
Margaret M. Hickey, A.B., M.Ed.
3
1953
Regis College
Boston University
Iris P. Huey, B.S.Ed.
2
1948
Boston University
Rose A. Doherty, B.S.Ed.
1
1951
Salem Teachers' College
Franklin School
Robert C. Murray, B.S.Ed., M.Ed., Principal
1950
Boston University
Nat Finklestein, B.S.Ed.
6
1953
Salem Teachers' College
Joanne Levine, B.S.Ed.
5
1956
Framingham Teachers' College
Martha Fox, A.B.
5
1956 Manhattanville College
Patricia M. Lynch, A.B.
4
1952
Emmanuel College
Frances Patsourakos, B.S.Ed.,
1950
Boston University
M.Ed.
3
1955 Framingham Teachers' College
1954
Gorham Teachers' College
Boston University
Education
71
145TH ANNUAL REPORT
Name
Grade
First Election
Education
Mary Arris, B.S.
3
1953
Cornell University
Lotte Hofmann, B.S.
2
1956
Boston University
Diane Kludjian, B.S.Ed., M.Ed.
1
1950
Lowell Teachers' College Boston University
Jean M. Riley, B.S.Ed.
1
1956
Boston College
Emma L. Lane
Special Class
1943
Hyannis Teachers'
Hester A. Walker
Special Class
1924
College Salem Teachers' 'College
Greenwood School
Eliot B. Leonard, B.S.Ed., Principal
1931 Newark Teachers' College New York University
Amanda J. Stephenson
6
1926 Aroostook Teachers' College
Beatrice D. Moody, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. 6
1936
Salem Teachers' College Boston University
Jane Yeager, A.B.
6
1956
Eastern Nazarene
Lillian J. Mackenzie
5
1928
Plymouth Teachers' College
Barbara M. Scigliano, A.B.
5
1956
Emmanuel College ยท
Betty L. Brawley, B.S.Ed.
5
1955
Lowell Teachers' College
Sarah L. McConnell, B.S.Ed.
4
1952
Lowell Teachers' College
Dolores M. Rich, B.S.Ed.
4
1956
Lowell Teachers' College
Helen F. Brown
4
1947
Farmington Teachers' College
Hilda M. Hayden
3
1924
Salem Teachers' College
Patricia J. McHale, B.S.
3
1955
University of New Hampshire Fitchburg Teachers' College
Winifred Geizer
2
1928
Salem Teachers' College
Elizabeth M. Strout
2
1925
Salem Teachers' College
Hazel O. Wilder
2
1923
Salem Teachers' College
Dorothy W. Remick, B.S.Ed.
1
1952
Tufts University
Bella A. Rattray
1
1926
Perry Kindergarten Normal School Tufts University
Joanne C. Person, B.S.Ed.
1 1956
Hurd School
Richard F. Smith, B.A., M.Ed., Principal
1951
Calvin Coolidge College Boston University
Martin T. Stanton, B.S.Ed., M.Ed.
6
1952
Boston University
Margaret M. Landers
5
1930
Salem Teachers' College
Yvonne Scott, B.S.Ed.
4
1956
Salem Teachers' College
Barbara A. Daly, B.S.Ed.
4
1954
North Adams Teachers' College
Margaret A. Theroux, B.S.
3
1952
Boston University
Mary L. Sharpe, B.S.Ed.
2
1954
Boston Teachers' College
Helen M. Delaney
3
1924
72
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Name
Grade
First Election
Education
Jean L. Dumont, B.S.Ed.
2
1954 Bridgewater Teachers' College
Grace E. Widtfeldt
1
1927 Salem Teachers' College
Jeanne St. Pierre, B.S.
1
1955
Eastern Nazarene College
Lincoln School
Richard F. Smith, B.A., M.Ed., Principal
1951 Calvin Coolidge College Boston University
Catherine A. Doran
6
1926
Keene Teachers' College
Lora Ann Harris, B.S.Ed.
5
1956
Lowell Teachers' College
Shirley B. Lacasse, B.S.
5
1956
University of Massachusetts
Patricia F. FitzGerald, B.S.Ed.
4
1955
Salem Teachers' College
Rosemarie Murphy, A.B.
4
1956
Emmanuel College
Doris O. Zimmermann, B.S.M.
3
1952 Boston University
Madeline Mclaughlin, B.S.
3 & 2
1955
Lee Pfeiffer
2
1925
Emmanuel College Wheelock College, Boston University
Helena Anderson, B.S.Ed.
1
1956
Salem Teachers' College Lowell Teachers' College
Montrose School
William D. Healey, A.B., M.Ed., Principal
1928
Holy Cross, Harvard University
Sofia N. Giavis, B.S.Ed.
6
1947
Lowell Teachers' College
Evelyn Labbadia, A.B.
6 & 5
Lorraine S. Luca, B.S.Ed.
5
1954
1947 Northeastern University Framingham Teachers' College
Lona H. Adams
4 1945
Jane K. McMahon, B.S.Ed.
4
1956
Patricia A. Graham, B.S.Ed.
3
1956
Louise A. Jamgochian, B.S.Ed. 3 & 2
1956
Mary J. Lord, B.S.Ed.
2
1954
Washington Teachers' College Lowell Teachers' College North Adams Teachers' College Salem Teachers' College North Adams Teachers' College Lowell Teachers' College
Paulette C. Richards, B.S.Ed. 1 1953
Eleanor G. Burke,
Trainable
B.S.Ed.
Class
Walton School
Jules I. Philie, A.B., M.Ed.,
1941 Holy Cross College Tufts College
William J. Doherty, B.S.
6
1955
Suffolk University
Ruth E. Finlay, B.S.Ed.
5
1952 Salem Teachers' College
Caroline C. Maloney, B.S.Ed.
4
Elinor C. Pohl, B.S.Ed.
4
1955 Salem Teachers' College 1955 Bridgewater Teachers' College
Mildred A. Venesi, B.S.Ed. 3 1956 Boston College
Doreen S. Moore, B.S.Ed.
1
1954
1955 Boston Teachers' College
Principal
73
145TH ANNUAL REPORT
First
Name
Grade
Election
Education
Ann Shanahan, B.S.Ed.
3
1954
Bridgewater Teachers' College
Joan L. Holt, B.S. Ed.
2
1953
Gorham Teachers' College
Marjorie MacNeil, A.B.
1
1953
Emmanuel College
Warren School
Jules I. Philie, A.B., M.Ed., Principal
1941 Holy Cross Tufts College
Audrey Moe, A.B.
6
1956 Milwaukee-Downer College
Dorothy M. Linder
6 & 5
1946
Salem Teachers' College
Katheryn D. Carney
5
1925
Salem Teachers' College
Mary G. Sacco, B.S.Ed.
4
1954 Boston Teachers' College
Ester M. Ross, B.A.
4
1956 University of Michigan
Joan T. Howard, A.B.
3
1954 Emmanuel College
Joan Cooley, B.A.
2
1956 Rice Institute
Harriet S. Monsein, B.S.Ed.
1
1956 Salem Teachers' College
West Ward School
Jules I. Philie, A.B., M.Ed., Principal
Virginia Partridge, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. 2
1948
Lowell Teachers' College Boston University
Margaret F. Sullivan, B.S.Ed. 1
1951 Villanova College
Woodville School
Robert C. Murray, B.S.Ed., M.Ed., Principal
George E. Weldon, A.B., M.A., M.Ed. 6
1954 Boston University
Ruth G. Nelson, A.B.
5
1955 Vanderbilt University
Barbara E. Mckinley, B.S.Ed.
4
1955 Salem Teachers' College
Genevieve E. Waitt, A.B.
3
1954 Emmanuel College
Gertrude C. Flynn, B.S.Ed.
2
1955 Salem Teachers' College
Shirley C. Kaye, B.S.Ed.
1
1952 Boston University
SPECIAL TEACHERS
Ethelyn M. Cowperthwaite, Elementary B.S.Ed., M.Ed. Consultant
Martha C. Dickinson, Remedial B.S.Ed., M.Ed. Reading
Helen E. Corbet, B.S.Ed.
Supervisor
of Art, Elementary
Adelaide B. Meikle, B.S. Supervisor,
Physical Education, Elementary
1956 Farmington Teachers' College Tufts College
1951
Salem Teachers' College Boston University
1955 Massachusetts School of Art 1955 Boston University
1941 Holy Cross, Tufts College
1956 Boston University
74
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Name
Grade
First Election Education
Marilyn J. Wrisley, B.M. Supervisor,
1956 Boston University
Ruth H. Akin
Music, Elementary Home Instructor Elementary
1954 Perkins Institute for the Blind, Simmons College, Boston University
Esther Cragin, B.S.Ed. Lip Reading
Class
1954 Gorham Teachers' College
HEALTH
Sigmund J. Szydlowski, M.D., School Physician
1951 Tufts College Middlesex College
Mary A. O'Brien,
R.N., B.S., M.N.
Dorothy L. Adams, R.N. School 1951
School 1951 Columbia University Nurse Yale University School of Nursing Massachusetts Memorial Nurse Hospital School of Nursing
SUPERVISOR OF ATTENDANCE
Thomas F. Kenney
Attendance 1939 Suffolk Law School
Officer
HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA
Martha Cummings, B.S., Dietitian and Manager
1954 Simmons College
Mrs. William Dodge Cafeteria Worker
Mrs. John Gibson Cafeteria Worker Mrs. George Hamel Cafeteria Worker
Mrs. Gaston Loubris
Cafeteria Worker
Mrs. Lewis Moore
Cafeteria Worker
Mrs. Francis Ryder Cafeteria Worker
Mrs. Arthur Sederquest Cafeteria Worker
Mrs. John Vaters Cafeteria Worker
JANITORS
M. Leo Conway, Head Janitor
Charles B. Lally Joseph Sardella John J. O'Keefe Charles N. Leather
Mrs. Alice Floyd, Matron
John L. Powers, Head Janitor
Lyman E. Allen Wilfred L. Lemos
Senior High School Senior High School 10 Wilson Ave. Senior High School 254 North Ave. Senior High School 12 Birch Hill Ave. Senior High School 37 West Water St. Senior High School 11A Salem St.
Junior High School Junior High School Junior High School
10 Bennett St.
298 Main St. 199 North Ave.
8 Parker St., Wilmington
75
145TH ANNUAL REPORT
Mrs. Flora Rice, Matron Alfred E. Delaney Anthony M. Kard
Junior High School 1 Cumberland Rd.
Dolbeare School 36 Lake St.
Franklin School
12 Laurel St.
Joseph A. Nasella
Franklin School
18 Melvin St.
Chester I. Hopkins
Greenwood School 25 Greenwood Ave. Greenwood School 25 Curtis St.
Patrick J. Walsh
Robert E. Ellis
Hurd School 58 Forest St.
Edward Meuse
Lincoln School
2 Fitch Ct.
Paul K. Burbine
Montrose School
19 Park St.
Thomas E. Kelly
Walton School
16 Charles St.
Louis J. Colucci
West Ward School
44 Cooper St.
Thomas R. Doren
Warren School
32 Gould St.
Charles B. Root
Woodville School
1 Lake St.
MAINTENANCE WORK
John M. Hennessey
140 Nahant St.
GENERAL UTILITY
Louis J. Colucci
44 Cooper St.
THE COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM Class of Nineteen Fifty-six
WAKEFIELD HIGH SCHOOL Wakefield, Massachusetts High School Auditorium-Eight O'clock June the Eighth
SONG OF FIFTY-SIX The days have softly passed us by, Our high-school work is done. Time's massive doors are opening, Our paths diverging run.
Within these halls of friendship, we Have shared the laughing years, Our aspirations-golden-hued, Our joys, our pranks, our fears.
May, in the dusk of life fulfilled, When far these days we know, Remembrance kindle in our hearts A gentle afterglow.
Words by Doris Kathleen Williams Music by Linda Mae Swanson
Class Colors Blue and Gold
Class Motto Today We Follow; Tomorrow We Lead
76
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
PROGRAM
The Theme: America Speaks to Her People
Overture and Processional Wakefield High School Orchestra Mr. Robert D. Chandler, Director
The Flag Salute-Audience and Seniors, led by Class President, John Paul Baptist Encarnacao
The National Anthem-Senior Chorus and Audience Mr. Ray D. Sipola, Supervisor of Music Mr. Robert D. Chandler, Director of Instrumental Music
The Invocation
Anna Louise Gates, Honor Speaker
"The Lord's Prayer"
Malotte
Senior Chorus Mr. Ray D. Sipola, Conductor Elaine Christine McEvoy, Accompanist
America Speaks to Her People Through Music
Judith Morris Beebe, Salutatorian
Presentation of Academic Awards
Mr. Gerard G. Barry Principal of Wakefield High School
"They Call It America"
Grant
Senior Chorus Mr. Ray D. Sipola, Conductor Elaine Christine McEvoy, Accompanist
America Speaks to Her People Through Education Judith Ann Keller, Valedictorian
Class Song
Conducted by the poet, Doris Kathleen Williams Accompanied by the composer, Linda Mae Swanson
Remarks
Principal Gerard G. Barry
Address to the Graduates and Presentation of Diplomas Mr. Richard J. Volpe Wakefield School Committee
Recessional Wakefield High School Orchestra
Mr. Robert D. Chandler, Director
77
145TH ANNUAL REPORT
THE GRADUATES
John Andrew Anderson H Sylvia Ruth Anderson Edith Barbara Avery
Carol Janice Barker Arthur William Barnard Robert Allen Barnes
Patricia Loreen Bastardo
H Judith Morris Beebe Mary Josephine Belanger John Patrick Best, Jr. Robert Charles Bisacre Roberta Booth Jon Murray Brewer Elizabeth Ann Brophy H Beverly Ann Burbank Russell Mortimer Burbank Richard James Burns Perley Goodick Burrill Harding Mudge Bush Mary Ann Cappanelli Donald Francis Caruso Jeanne Marie Catalano Susan Clarke Chamberlin Betty Jane Cheever Charles James Classen Alfred Louis Clows John Connelly, Jr. Ross Freeman Coon, Jr.
Robert Michael Cooney Jane Phyllis Cooper Carol Ann Corosa Donald Paul Crosscup Jane Isabel Cullen Carolyn Mae Cunha Joan Marie Cunha Lynne Paul Cunningham
Thomas E. Curley, Jr. Arthur Thomas D'Alelio Ruth Marie D'Alelio Diane June Dalton Geraldine Louise Damery Barbara Frances Damon Gertrude Locklin Day Patricia Elizabeth DeCecca Dawn Dolores DeFelice
Frances Mary DelRossi John Anthony DelRossi John Ernest Vincent Devine
Lawrence Arthur Dingle
Elaine Lucile Doane
John Francis Donegan
Gail Elaine Downey
David Ronald Drew Joan Lorraine Drinkwater Jean Louise DuBois James R. Dufault
Alton Edward Dunn
Peter Harold Duston
Martha Eaton John Paul Baptist Encarnacao
Jacqueline Marie English
Paul Francis Feeney
Virginia Marie Feeney
Margaret Louise Ferris Doris Patricia Fields David Blackburn Fite Sally Elinor Flagg
Ronetta Jean Foglietta
Robert W. Foster
Carol Irene Fritz
Donald Barton Fritz
Nancy Fuller
H Anna Louise Gates Barbara Geer Marlene Louise Gillespie Judith Ann Gillis Katherine Jean Glendenning Sandra Lee Goldsmith James Edward Good, Jr. David Evans Gourley Donald Lee Grafton Jane Dorothy Gregson John Gerald Haggerty Norman Dolliver Hall, Jr. William Henry Hall Carl Herman Hanson Kirk Linton Hanson Sandra Louise Harnden Harold Arthur Hawkes Harold Robert Hawkes Kenneth Arthur Hayes James Edward Heavey Robert Joseph Heavey Peter Wayne Hemingway H Anne Louise Hennessy Richard Thomas Heslin
78
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Jane Forsythe Hibbard June Allen Hibbard Franklin Donald Horrigan John Frederick Howell James Robert Hurton Walter Thomas Hynes, Jr. Michael Anthony Iwanowicz Nancy Loretta Jackson David Larry Johnson Jerremy Lee Johnson
Norman Helmar Johnson
Thomas Gerald Johnston Carolyn Ann Jonas Shirley Ruth Junkins Jascha Kassels
H Judith Ann Keller Jane Beatrice Kelley H Robert Arthur Kiley Richard Gleason Kinder
Samuel McGuire King, Jr. Russell Paull Kumph, Jr.
Ralph Donald Lazzaro Delbert Arthur LeFave Priscilla Ellen Lefavour Ruth Edith Leone Robert George Lincoln H Ralph William Lowry Jean Kathleen Luciano Wendy Lee MacCaughey Carole Ann MacDonald Jeanette Ann MacDonald Janet MacKay Roger Gerald Maloney Jeanette Ann Malonson Janice Ruth Marchant Judith Ann Mayhew Lorraine Ann Mederios Beverly Anne Melanson Carol Ann Melanson Carol Marie Melanson Carol Virginia Melanson Roger Gordon Menges Ronald Francis Meuse Ruth Elizabeth Meuse Julia Anne Miller Wesley Lance Millett Philip Anthony Minichiello Leo Francis Monahan Carol Ann Montgomery June Frances Moran
Joseph Allen Morrison Janice Naomi Moss
Robert Crocker Murray Patricia Ann Muse Robert William McCarthy Elizabeth Ruth McCauley Elaine Christine McEvoy Donna Irene Mckinnon Ernest Byron Mclellan, Jr.
H Anne Elizabeth McLennan Dianne McLeod Geraldine Edna McMahon Margaret Mary McWhinnie Janice Ann Nelson
Bryan Noble Carol Ann Nutile
Thomas Gerald O'Donnell Edith Luise Oswald Christina Paige John Elwin Paiva
Ida Palermo
Neil Arthur Palmer
Ruth Florence Palmer
Lawrence Ignatius Palumbo Mary Ann Passamonte Donald James Percy Guillaume Leopold Piedboeuf Germain Joseph Pierce Sandra Amy Pierce Robert Lewis Pote, Jr. Bradford Herman Pottle Helen Marie Raffael
H John Davison Rattray Anthony John Rauseo Jane Warburton Rawstron Judith Ellen Reed Eleanor Florence Ring Robert Rosswell Rizza Diane Robinson John Charles Robinson
* Joseph Hyman Rosenfarb Judith Ann Rugg Richard Bradley Ruthfield Carol Ann Ryan Charles Francis Ryder Deanna May Santoro Joan Patricia Sharpe Judith Emily Sherman Mildred Roberta Sherman Anna Mae Siggens
79
145TH ANNUAL REPORT
Catherine Marie Smith Ernest Frank Spicer, Jr. Judith Anne Spiers Barbara Gail Stikeman Patricia Helena Stockbridge John Sanborn Strong, Jr. Sandra Frances Studley Paul Joseph Suprenant Philip Alan Surette H Linda Mae Swanson Carol Ann Tasker Michael John Tecce, Jr. Ellen Louise Wall
Francis Joseph Walsh, Jr. Barbara Mae Warren Shirley Barbara Waselchuck H Janet Webster Richard Lincoln Wells
H Alan Raymond Wentzel Richard Dumont Whitney Carolyn Ruby Whitten Henry Charles Wilder David Allen Williams Doris Kathleen Williams Marilyn Joyce Willwerth Robert Charles Zelck
*Left to join Armed Forces H Honor pupil
80
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Library Trustees
TRUSTEES OF THE LUCIUS BEEBE MEMORIAL LIBRARY Phillips C. Davis, Chairman Mrs. Miriam G. Needham, Secretary
Mrs. Ruth Akin Walter C. Hickey Edward E. Lynch *Albert W. Rockwood
John J. Round, Jr. Hervey J. Skinner Frank A. Tredinnick, Jr. Miss Gladys Watkins
LIBRARIAN Asbury W. Schley ASSISTANT LIBRARIAN AND CATALOGUER H. Gladys Mackenzie YOUTH LIBRARIAN Thomas McGuiggan CHILDREN'S LIBRARIAN Violet Reed
GREENWOOD LIBRARIAN
Evelyn B. Henderson, until October
Enid L. Schmuch
MONTROSE LIBRARIAN Alice S. Waterworth
CIRCULATION LIBRARIAN
Clara Wilson until September
Evelyn B. Henderson
ASSISTANTS
Jerremy Johnson Enid L. Schmuch Thomasina Gerbrands
Edith Stewart Barbara Stikeman
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Edna R. Wentzel, until August
Florence H. Larson
PART TIME ASSISTANTS
Frances Merrey
Grace W. Eaton Henry Costello BUILDING CUSTODIAL SUPERVISOR Carl H. Brown JANITOR (Greenwood Branch) Chester I. Hopkins
* Term Expired
81
145TH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE LIBRARY TRUSTEES
The Trustees of The Lucius Beebe Memorial Library herewith submit the one hundred and first Annual Report.
After many changes at the library the trustees are glad to note, that as the year ends conditions at the library have become more stabilized. Early in the year the first change affected the board when Mr. Albert W. Rock- wood retired as Trustee after serving twenty-three years, from 1933-56. To fill this vacancy Mr. Frank A. Tredinnick, Jr. was elected in March to serve as Trustee for three years.
The many changes in library personnel have each in their own way been a loss to the library, but the retirement of Miss Clara Wilson has made a distinct gap in the staff. Through the years her personal as well as pro- fessional interest was unlimited service to the library and the community. With sincere regret the Trustees accepted the resignation of the Head Librarian, Mr. Asbury W. Schley, who left on November first to accept a position in West Hartford, Connecticut. During the four years Mr. Schley was in Wakefield the library grew in facilities and service under his di- rection.
The position of Head Librarian has been filled by the appointment of Miss D. Marjorie Taylor. As Miss Taylor assumes the position on Janu- ary 1, 1957 she will bring to the library considerable professional experi- ence and several years of administrative knowledge from libraries in Eng- land and Gloucester, Massachusetts.
The Trustees have had many conferences with the Personnel Board endeavoring to benefit the library staff. The working hours and vacation periods have been adjusted to meet the prevailing library standards. The Trustees are continuing their efforts to secure a classification for Super- visor of Adult Services, for it is felt that a professional librarian should be in charge of Reference and Reader's Advisor Service. A vacancy in this department is a handicap to the best library service for the town.
The steadily growing number of registered borrowers and the increased yearly circulation, now 246,705 indicates the library has been a busy place during 1956. The Catalogue Department has prepared 3,562 new books and the reference questions answered have totaled over 4,500. The circula- tion of 16,474 pictures have filled the requests from classrooms and indi- viduals. To meet the constant use of the record collection new records have been added each month. These have been purchased with the pur- pose of building a good basic record library, and at the same time fill the borrowers' requisitions. At present a more complete re-cataloging of the record collection is being made. In order to furnish listening privileges for patrons a Music Room should be provided to fulfill this public desire.
At the branches the children predominate as interested readers and the circulation continues to increase. At Greenwood the crowded condi- tions are most evident. At Montrose whole families seem aware of their
82
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
library. During the fall eight well-attended story hours were held there. Opportunities for service in these growing communities seem almost un- limited.
As much of the children's and youth work is allied with the school in- terests, so the growth of the school attendance is equally reflected at the library. In keeping with this, the very crowded conditions in our Youth Room were somewhat relieved last fall when the Junior High School opened its own library. We do, however, continue to send book deposits to the Junior High School. In the spring seventh and eighth grade classes came to the Youth Room for instruction in the use of the library. New rules for the Youth Room were adopted and printed for distribution.
The Children's Librarian has visited the grammar schools three times during the year. Under her direction book deposits were sent to each ele- mentary grade. In addition 47 special collections were loaned at the re- quest of teachers. The deposits were changed three times with a total cir- culation of 19,176. During the summer book collections were sent and stor- ies were told to the Scout and Brownie Day Camps. Thirty-three pre- school story hours have been held with an average attendance of 50, while the attendance at the 28 story hours for grade school averaged 62. With the purchase of a new projector and the enrollment in the Massachusetts Film Co-operative, a new moving picture program has been initiated. The attendance has been so overwhelming that the weekly program has had to be limited to pupils from one school at a time. Even so, seating space has been taxed.
As a summer project, 534 children participated in a baseball game. At weekly meetings outstanding books were reviewed and prizes awarded to the children in each group who had read the greatest number of books. Donations received from the Red Sox Organization and the Rotary Club, and the co-operation of the Wakefield Daily Item sports writer brought this program to a most successful conclusion.
A part time assistant in the Children's Room has meant a great deal to the librarian and the public in extra services rendered. In the near future a permanent assistant in this department must be inaugurated.
The library has made it possible for many club groups to use the lec- ture hall as a convenient meeting place. The Great Books program has completed its first year with good attendance under able direction and has now begun its second year of book discussion. It is hoped that the library can further develop its public relations with the formation of a "Friends of the Library" group. Foundations for this organization have already been made.
Picture displays and books of current interest have been exhibited monthly throughout the library. The festive Christmas decorations were enhanced by the gift of wreaths from Mr. and Mrs. Albert W. Rockwood in memory of Junius Beebe. The attractive floral arrangements of the Wakefield Garden Club and the many gifts of books and magazines have shown the kindness of many people.
83
145TH ANNUAL REPORT
During the spring, emergency repairs for flood damage at the Mont- rose Branch and leaks at the main library rapidly depleted the mainte- nance funds. It is vital that waterproofing and permanent repairs and upkeep shall be provided before more costly damage is done.
PHILLIPS C. DAVIS, Chairman MIRIAM G. NEEDHAM, Secretary RUTH H. AKIN
WALTER C. HICKEY
EDWARD E. LYNCH
JOHN J. ROUND, JR.
HERVEY J. SKINNER
FRANK A. TREDINNICK
GLADYS WATKINS
FINANCIAL STATISTICS - 1956
INCOME
Library Funds held by Wakefield Trust Company
Original Fund
Book Value
Income
Junius Beebe Trust Fund
$ 23,030.00
$ 33,083.60
$ 1,702.34
Decius Beebe Trust Fund
14,000.00
15,779.10
1,099.40
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