USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1961 > Part 4
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Our summer recreation period of eight weeks was very capably super- vised by our Recreation Staff of one Supervisor and three recreation leaders.
The Elm disease has struck Cushman Park and in the past two years between 50 to 75 trees have been removed. We are in the process of re- planting new trees at Cushman Park.
Little League this past year has been one of improvements. The Sconti- cut Neck field will be one of which the townspeople will be proud.
This has been the initial year of the Park Department's supervision of the West Island Town Beach, which was opened in June and closed in September. Attendance increased slightly over the past year and with addi- tional improvements we anticipate having one of the busiest beaches in the area. Access to the beach is still a major problem and will not be rectified until such time as the Town accepts Fir Street and makes direct passage from Causeway Road available.
Keeping the beach and area clean has become a burdensome task upon our work force as it was added to their present duties. We are requesting an increase in our labor force so that our parks and beaches may be prop- erly maintained. It should be noted that employees of the Park Depart- ment are the lowest paid employees in the Town. It is our firm conviction that our maintenance employees should receive no less than laborers in the Town Highway Department.
JOSEPH G. MELLO, Chairman
WEBER REGO TORRES, JR., Vice-Chairman Secretary LAWRENCE B. MAXFIELD
VETERANS' BENEFITS
A total of 60 cases received Veterans' Benefits during the year 1961. This is one case less than in 1960.
There were 40 cases receiving aid on January 1st, and 34 cases on December 31st.
The present case load is divided as follows:
World War I
7
World War II
19
Korean War
8
Dependent Parents in their homes
13
Dependent Parent in Nursing Home
1
Widows of Veterans 4
Disabled Veterans
12
Families because of illness of Veteran
3
Families because of unemployment of Veteran
1
34
Medical care only is being furnished in 8 cases. This is because the income is insufficient to cover medical needs. Medical care costs are heavy particularly in the case of dependent parents because of their ages.
The Veteran who is ill is admitted whenever possible .. to a Veterans' Administration Hospital. £ It is often necessary to assist his family while he is away.
All applications for Veterans' Benefits are forwarded to the Commissioner of Veterans' Services in Boston for his approval. Expenditures are reported to him monthly and the town is reimbursed one-half of the amount expended. This is credited to the General Fund.
WALTER J. BOROWICZ Veterans' Agent
43
34
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Police Department Personnel
At the present time the fulltime personnel consists of a chief, three sergeants, eight patrolmen, one of whom is covering the night desk as a clerk and a principal clerk.
The department has accomplished much with the additional men made possible three years ago and the better coverage has shown results. Con- stant patrol and good police work in matters of keeping places of business and homes under good surveillance prevent crimes.
Serious crimes were solved this past year, and many cases are still pending in the courts.
An application now on file with the Federal Bureau of Investigation is for the training of one of our men at the National Police Academy. Should our man be accepted, our personnel training program would progress accord- ingly.
Pay increases are sought for Regular and Intermittent men. This de- partment, at present, is about the lowest paid for its size in our Common- wealth - and most departments have paid holidays and clothing allowances.
Department Statistics
1960
1961
Total offenses
304
338
Total arrests
224
243
Fines imposed in Fairhaven cases
$1,640.00
$2,395.00
Fine money received by the town
$307.50
$2,810.60
Complaints
3,367
3,566
Reports
3,649
3,869
Stolen property reported
$14,654.42
$28,973.21
Stolen property recovered
$5,378.37
$19,682.61
Mileage covered by ambulance
3869
5024
Ambulance cases
314
384
Injury motor vehicle accidents
135
122
Non-injury motor vehicle accidents
52
39
Equipment for Personnel
As much equipment was obtained this past year as possible. The three Halligan tools are in three cars and have been used several times and have proved to be valuable equipment. Reflectorized safety belts were purchased and replaced those used for several years and which had become practically useless . Revolver cases were purchased as well as cartridge and claw cases for replacements. I tried to get revolvers and other needed equipment from Civilian Defense stock at Miles Standish but was informed by our C. D. Director there was none. If spare officers are going to be equipped - and they should be - I will need finances for that purpose.
Department Patrol Cars
The Ford Sedan provided in 1960 and continued in service through 1961 covered 58,763 miles to January 1, 1962 and has traveled 59,763 miles to date, January 19, 1962.
The two Ford Sedans provided on May 29, 1961 have covered mileages as follows: Car No. 2, 39,677 miles to January 1, 1962 and 43,673 miles to Jan- uary 19, 1962; Car No. 3, 8,739 miles to January 1, 1962 and 11,191 miles to January 19, 1962.
I request that three new cars be purchased for 1962, retaining Car No. 3, showing, at present, 11,191 miles. This additional car is necessary to provide even better service with additional manpower to give the town the type of service it needs.
The Ambulance
The ambulance delivered in September, 1954 is still giving very good service; but is needing repairs more often. The ambulance, in 1960 covered 3,869 miles; in 1961 it covered 5,024 miles, an increase of 1,155 miles.
44
Increase in Personnel Necessary
I shall need two full-time uniformed patrolmen for 1962 in order to man three cars which will give coverage in three zones. There are two zones at present. This will provide better service and more coverage. I cite the reasons as follows:
1961 Local census
1961 births
56 new houses built in 1961,
estimated average occupancy, 3
168
5,000 during summer months at summer and beach resorts
5,000
20,013
I call to your attention in connection with the above figures, the fact that experts agree, personnel of a local police department should equal one regular employee per thousand population. Thus, even with the two addi- tional men I am recommending, Fairhaven would have the 1-to-1,000 coverage only with respect to the year round population.
NORMAN D. SHURTLEFF
Chief of Police
PUBLIC WELFARE
Public Welfare in Fairhaven showed a decided increase in Aid to De- pendent Children in caseload, and expenditures and a decrease in General Relief.
Our appropriations were affected by increases in Transportation allow- ance in Old Age Assistance, effective 1/1/61, increase in rates of Rest Homes, Chronic Hospitals, Acute Hospitals and cost of drugs. The outlook for 1962 is for even higher rates.
Medical Assistance for the Aged has been in effect for more than one year. It is designed to care for only medical needs of persons 65 years of age and older, who qualify under the provisions of the new law. Consid- ered together with Old Age Assistance there was an increase of $10,000.00 in medical costs.
Disability Assistance shows a moderate increase as more hospitalization and nursing home care is required.
For information showing how Federal and State funds affect the net cost to the Town of Fairhaven, see chart which is a part of this report.
Medical Old Age Aid to Disability General Assistance Assistance Dependent Assistance Relief Children
Admin- istration Expense
Total Expended $89,129.58 $177,049.85 $71,371.43 $31,472.10 $13,649.14 $27,332.07
Relief Rolls
89,129.58
175,138.44
71.371.43
31,472.10
9,411.36
Federal Grants Received
48,925.02
96,378.46
28,808.50
11,546.40
12,890.40
State
Reimbursement 29,648.00
52,825.83
19,813.41
12,590.38
3,151.12
6,356.38
Net Cost to Town
10,556.56
25,934.15
22,749.52
7,335.32
$8,824.12
Federal
Proportion
54.8%
55%
40.4%
36.6%
47.2%
State
Proportion
33.2%
30.1%
27.7%
40.0%
23.2%
Town
Proportion
11.8%
14.8%
31.8%
23.4%
29.6%
Paid Other
Communities
1,911.41
4,237.78
Received Other Communities
9,429.90
3,538.50
Recovered
Liens
680.55
Number Cases
71
209
53
35
58
Number
Individuals
71
209
158
35
-
45
for the Aged
14,584 261
15,013
THE MILLICENT LIBRARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1961 BOOK SUPPLY AND DEMAND
Although circulation figures do not reflect the many channels that the library uses to serve its patrons, they at least prove that Fairhaven is book- minded. 115,606 books, periodicals and records were circulated during 1961, a fantastic 100 per cent increase over the figures of 1951.
Of particular interest is the upward trend in the use of the bookmobile. Mrs. Freitas issued 24,310 books and periodicals in 1961, which shows a gain of 4,809 over last year and a 61 per cent rise during the five years of oper- ation. Our bookmobile librarian has developed a service that has proved indispensable, in spite of the limited schedule of three afternoons a week. The full Thursday which she devotes to the summer population of West Island and Sconticut Neck during July and August is often busier than our most crowded day at the main library.
Registrations for library cards during the year totaled 1,929 - 1,125 adult and 804 children. 291 of the total were non-resident borrowers and 871 were new to the library. In all, 4,812 people now have cards at The Millicent Library.
We accessioned 2,119 books and withdrew 1,220, leaving a total o , 54,216 volumes in our collection as of now.
Mrs. Schmidt catalogued 2,149 books. Of the 1,523 adult books, 199 titles were put in the Teen Corner. 626 titles went into the Children's Room.
LIBRARY ACTIVITIES
National Library Week
The library celebrated National Library Week, April 17-22, with dis- plays of new books and with a puppet show for the youngsters on Saturday morning. Johnny Sisson did his famous version of "The Frog Prince" for 454 delighted little people.
Our feature for the week was the gift from the Fairhaven Institution for Savings. Their generous donation of shopping bags with the library's name on them afforded our patrons greater ease in carrying books, maga- zines and records, especially in wet weather.
Monica Dickens
Miss Dickens had originally planned to be with us during National Library Week, but her schedule did not permit her return from England before May.
On Saturday morning, May 27th, one hundred fifty literati were, privil- eged to meet Miss Dickens at a special Coffee Hour at the library. Copies of her latest book, "The Heart of London," were autographed by the author for some of the guests.
Miss Dickens posed graciously for the press with a portrait of her greatgrandfather, Charles Dickens, which Mr. Henry Rogers Benjamin pre- sented to the library, together with a check signed by the famous author. just before our guest arrived.
Photography Show
The Committee for the Annual Fairhaven Art Show arranged an eve- ning with Dr. John Moreau at the library. On Tuesday evening, July 18th, he exhibited an impressive array of photographs taken by himself. Over 100 people viewed the exhibition, which was designed to inspire other local pho- tographers to display their works at the Fairhaven Art Show in August. A background display of books on photography was provided by the library and refreshments were served by the Committee.
Summer Program for Children
The popularity of the Wednesday morning film programs has been evidenced by the large attendance since the start of the series in 1958. Before that time, the number of story hour listeners averaged 190 a week. In 1961, 300 youngsters came each week, or 2,390 throughout the summer.
During July, Walt Disney's films that teach had popular appeal: "I'm no Fool with a Bicycle," "The Elephant," "The Five Senses," "The World is Born," "Anyburg, U. S. A.," "Disneyland, U. S. A." The deluxe cartoons "Pigs is Pigs" and "Ben and Me" were added for fun.
For August it was decided to feature films from and about different
46
countries. From India came "The Fable of the Peacock;" from France came "Martin and Gaston" and "The Red Balloon;" from Russia "The Fish and the Fisherman;" and front the Walt Disney Productions, a film about South America entitled "Saludos Amigos."
Society of Architectural Historians
From August 17-20 the New Bedford area was privleged to have as guests the Society of Architectural Historians, a nation-wide organization. On Saturday morning The Millicent Library was the first stop in their visit to Fairhaven.
The building was closed to the public from 9 to 10 so that the group could gather here, inspect the building and have a brief Coffee Hour before touring some of the old homes in the town.
Mabel L. Potter Memorial Day
The Fairhaven Improvement Association dedicated a plaque in memory of Miss Potter in Cushman Park on Saturday, October the 21st. Following tlie dedication, family and friends assembled in the library, where a tea was held honoring Miss Potter, who was to us a friend, benefactor and trustee for 28 years.
Book Week
Imitation is surely the sincerest form of flattery. The library, inspired by the Orlando Public Library in Florida, who combined books and fashions in an appealing way, decided to make up its own theme for Book Week witlı a Fairhaven version of "It's Stylish to Read." The Cellar Shop cooperated by arranging four windows in the Art and Music Room with current fashions and filled our exhibit case with some lovely jewelry and pocket books. The displays remained throughout the week.
During the Open House on Friday afternoon, November 17th, Anna Margaret Gardner, a library assistant, modeled many different outfits sup- plied by the Cellar Shop. Judging by attendance, this particular program attracted more people than any other we have had.
Mrs. Schmidt and the Librarian visited all the schools during the week, and on Saturday morning 289 children came to see the special film we offered for the occasion.
Cataloging Course
For ten weeks, starting in September, the Librarian conducted a course for librarians actively employed in public libraries in communities of not more than 10,000 under the sponsorship of the Massachusetts Library Aid Association and the Massachusetts Division of Library Extension.
On Tuesday evenings during this period the Hyannis Public Library played host to enrollees from the Cape area. On Thursday evenings the same course was given at The Millicent Library for librarians from the remainder of the Southeast section.
Miss Catherine McCarthy and Miss Alice Cahill, of the Division of Library Extension, presented 41 certificates to those who successfully com- pleted the course.
Other Significant Events
The New Belford Public Library took the initiative in extending re- ciprocal borrowing privileges to Fairhaven residents. On presentation of a Millicent Library card, a Fairhavenite will be issued a New Bedford card free of charge.
As stated in our by-laws, the Fairhaven library has always permitted free library service to any borrower, regardless of address.
We are most appreciative of Mr. Healey's willingness to make the in- terchange of materials easier between the two communities.
The Board of Trustees formally adopted a Classification and Pay Plan drawn up in 1960 which will allow for automatic increases to staff members until they reach maximum on the pay scale. The receipt of the first State grant-in-aid money in 1961 and the anticipation of this additional appropriation each year will be most helpful in carrying out the proposed salary plan without burdening the Town in any way.
The Dorothy Canfield Fisher Library Award of $5,000 is given annually to a small library for the purchase of books. The Millicent Library was one of two libraries selected in Massachusetts to be eligible for consideration. However, from the 76 libraries from all parts of the country that were judged, the Yuma, Arizona, library was selected as the recipient in the end.
47
GIFTS
Some very fine portraits of members of the Rogers family were given us by Mr. Henry Rogers Benjamin. A well executed pastel of Mr. Rogers, an oil painting of Mr. Roger's mother and a full length photograph of Millicent Rogers have been hung in the Art and Music Room. The sketch and check signed by Charles Dickens are framed and hang in the Reading Room.
Another important acquisition was an autographed photograph of Presi- dent Kennedy, which we have added to our collection of presidential auto- graphs.
Miss Margaret Noland presented the library with many beautiful vases, a rather rare edition of a book of nautical instruction, and a large and interesting collection of books, envelopes and curios of the Civil War.
During the year books were donated to The Millicent Library by the following: Mrs. Otto F. A. Arnold, Mrs. August Belmont, Mrs. Thomas B. Card, Miss Eleanor R. Cheney, Mrs. Edith T. Coe, Mrs. John B. De Graw, Earl J. Dias, Commander Edward I. Farley, the Estate of Percy I. Fletcher, Robert J. Gallagher, Anna Margaret Gardner. New Bedford Chapter of Ha- dassah, Mrs. Adelbert L. Hawes, Mrs. Thordis Lovstad, Representative William Q. Maclean, Jr., Mrs. Evelyn McNeil, Miss Margaret Noland, John C. Plezia, Mrs. Alfred L. Poisson, Francis Roberts, Jr., Mrs. Lillian P. Schmidt, Mrs. Rose E. Servais. Charles Stiles, Mrs. Obed Swift, and Mrs. John B. Tillson.
Mr. Benjamin brought some books from his library with him and pre- sented them to The Millicent Library at the Trustee's Meeting in June. They included autographed copies of some of Helen Keller's works, of Theodore Roosevelt, and also a New Bedford and Fairhaven Signal Book of 1842.
STAFF
This appeared to be the year to give and take courses of instruction in library techniques. The Librarian attended a five-month course in Audio- Visual Aids in Education; and Mrs. Schmidt, Mrs. Freitas and the Librarian attended a five-week workshop on Young Adults and the Public Library held at the Brockton Public Library in the spring.
All members of the staff attended meetings of the Massachusetts Library Association, the New England Library Association, the Old Dartmouth Li- brary Club, and the Cape Cod Library Club.
Mr. Healey, Librarian of the New Bedford Library, and the Librarian were chosen to be co-chairmen of the Southeast Regional Advisory Council, which will aid in setting up a state regional library program in the south- east area of Massachusetts. The chairmen have attended numerous meetings of the Advisory Council Coordinating Committee, whose members are con- posed of chairmen from the Northeast, Metropolitan Boston. Central and Western sections of the state. where similar regional systems will be built up.
We were regretful at losing Mrs. Alice Rapp, who resigned from her part-time position at the Library to become Librarian of the Junior High School.
NEW EQUIPMENT
It is with great pleasure that we announce the installation of a new boiler. The burner that was purchased last year has been transferred to its new environs and the library is now not only comfortable. but safe as well.
Owing to Miss Potter's generosity, the library was able to purchase a 16mm. sound projector and screen. This equipment, which is most needed during the summer months for the children, will be a stimulus for planning future adult programs throughout the year.
CONCLUSION
It is our opinion that one of the important roles of a library is to pro- vide reading material of an educational nature, as well as those works which afford the public easy and pleasurable reading. As Mark Van Doren says in "Liberal Education," "Books even at their literary best are only half of the liberal tradition. Without wisdom in the other half, which we label mathematics and science, they tend to become ... 'empty and romantic.'"
48
Preoccupation with circulation can probably place the librarian 111 danger of neglecting the role of educator. However gratifying we may find the increased circulation, we must try always to steer a careful middle course and to provide our patrons with works which will increase their knowledge, as well as offer enjoyment and relaxation. Always we shall seek to offer the "something for everybody" kind of collection which we feel best serves the needs of the community.
Respectfully submitted,
RITA E. STEELE Librarian
FINANCIAL STATEMENT Report of the Treasurer for the year ended December 31, 1961
December 31, 1960. Balance on Hand
$ 53.81
Receipts for 1961
Town of Fairhaven
$ 26,984.40
State Aid
3,011.00
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
(Trust Fund)
3,000.00
Fairhaven Water Company
4,800.00
Miscellaneous
1,569.90
39,365.30
Heating System
3,755.00
Total
$43,174.11
Payments
Salaries - Library Staff
$ 20,973.80
Salaries
Janitor
3,423.08
Social Security
744.97
Books
7,135.97
Periodicals
845.55
Book Binding
42.40
Library of Congress Cards
270.99
Telephone
253.44
Gas and Electricity
842.01
Fuel
1,352.65
Insurance
106.50
Water
24.87
Annual Report
99.00
School Bus
90.00
Library and Office Supplies
1,878.39
New Equipment
322.79
Repairs to Equipment
111.10
Building Maintenance
319.24
Bookmobile Maintenance
407.41
New Heating Unit
3,755.00
$42,999.16
December 31, 1961, Balance o11 Hand
$ 174.95
Investments
1,600 shares of Fairhaven Water Company
$100,000.00
Endowment with Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Signed) GEORGE A. GREENE, Treasurer
Examined and approved January 12, 1962 STATISCAL REPORT
THE MILLICENT LIBRARY, FAIRHAVEN, MASS.
Name of Library - The Millicent Library
Librarian - Rita E. Steele
Town - Fairhaven, Massachusetts
Date of Founding - 1893
Population server (1960 census)
14,339
Assessed valuation of town (1960)
$16,383,120
Term of use - Free for lending and reference
Total number of agencies
10
Consisting of -
Central Library
3 Stations (Bookmobile, King's Daughter's Home, Our Lady's Haven) 6 Schools, 106 classroom collections
49
Number of days open during year (Central Library)
303
Hours open each week for lending
63
Hours open each week for reading
BOOK STOCK
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Volumes at beginning of year
41,395
11,922
53,317
Volumes added
1,518
601
2,119
Volumes lost or withdrawn
783
437
1,220
Total volumes at end of year
42,130
12,086
54,216
Periodicals currently received
135
Publications issued
Annual report, monthly list of books
USE
Adult
Juvenile 44,878
Total
Total volumes loaned
Circulation per
capita
8
Circulation per registered borrower
24
REGISTRATION
Borrowers registered during year
1,125
804
1,929
Total of registered borrowers
2,937
1,875
4,812
Percent registered borrowers of population served
35%
BOARD OF TRUSTEES, 1961 Officers
President
Lord Fairhaven Earl J. Dias
Treasurer
George A. Greene
Secretary
Rita E. Steele
TRUSTEES
Everett S. Allen
George A. Greene
Henry Rogers Benjamin
Arthur R. Knox
Eldred E. Besse
James B. Lanagan
James B. Buckley
Raymond McK. Mitchell
Mrs. Orrin G. Carpenter
*Miss Mabel L. Potter
Mrs. Hugh B. Darden, Jr.
Mrs. F. A. Silveira, Jr.
Earl J. Dias
William Tallman
Lord Fairhaven
Mrs. Alfred P. Wilbor
STANDING COMMITTEE 1961-1962
BOOK COMMITTEE
Lord Fairhaven, Chairman
Mrs. Darden
*Miss Potter Mrs. Silveira
Mr. Dias
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Mr. Greene, Chairman
Mr. Benjamin
Mr. Lanagan
Mr. Buckley HOUSE COMMITTEE
Mr. Besse, Chairman Mr. Allen
Mrs. Carpenter Mr. Tallman
Mrs. Wilbor
Officers and Committees appointed biennially. * Died, April 1961.
LIBRARY STAFF
Rita E. Steele
Lillian Schmidt
Librarian Assist. Librarian and Cataloger Extension Librarian
Helen Freitas
Ruth Barnes
Secretary
Agnes F. Hewitt Assistant in Charge of Periodicals and Binding
Antone Da Luz, Jr.
PART-TIME WORKERS Building Custodian
Anna M. Gardner
Evelyn McNeil
50
Mr. Knox Mr. Mitchell
Vice-President
70,728
115,606
63
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
March 11, 1961
Meeting called to order by Moderator, Joseph A. Saladino at 1:00 P. M. The following Town Meeting Members were present:
Precinct 1 54
Precinct 2 52
Precinct 3 53
Precinct 4 53
Precinct 5 43
Precinct 6 33
At Large
24
Total 312
National Anthem was played
Invocation was given by Rev. Timothy Cogan, Priest in charge, Church of the Good Shepherd, No. Fairhaven.
Victor O. B. Slater moved for a moment of silence for those who have served us in the past but have now passed away.
Voted.
Town Clerk, Michael J. O'Leary, read the constable's return of service and moved to dispense with the reading of the warrant.
Voted.
James B. Lanagan, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, moved that all appropriations be placed in the 1961 Tax Levy unless otherwise specified.
Article 1. MEASURERS OF WOOD AND BARK
Voted: to instruct the Selectmen to appoint the measurers of wood and bark.
Article 2. TOWN REPORT
Voted: to accept the annual report of the Town Officers.
Article 3. TOWN CHARGES
Mr. Lanagan moved the following appropriations:
Item 3. Public Assist. Administration
$15,160.00
4. Public Welfare
20,000.00
5. Aid to Dependent Children
25,113.00
6. Old Age Assistance
77,700.00
Ga. Medical Aid to the Aged
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