USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1947-1951 > Part 36
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Zone change on the Dudley River Road from the South- bridge Finishing Co., a distance of 8,000 feet, more or less, be changed from a single family district to a heavy industry dis- trict.
The Board gave conditional approval on the following sub- divisions, to the Town of Southbridge for land on Worcester Street, known as Section A Worcester Villa; also to
Mr. Joseph Piasta for a sub-division on old Sturbridge Road.
The Planning Board recommended No Parking signs on Henry Street, from the Bibeau property running west to the last house on said street; also on Snow Street, from Worcester Street to the corner of Moon Street, then from the corner of Moon Street and Snow Street, running north on the easterly side of Moon Street to the home of Ulric Arsenault.
With regrets we accepted the resignation of Raoul Gaulin as a member of the Planning Board, due to business.
By a unanimous vote of the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board, Albert J. Bishop, a World War veteran, was appointed to fill in the unexpired term until March.
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At the present time the Planning Board is working on a master plan.
For the purpose of promoting the Health, safety, conveni- ence and general welfare of the citizens of Southbridge, the Planning Board recommends the following projects:
We recommend that the Selectmen take, by eminent do- main, a piece of land about 300 feet in length and 40 feet wide, running between Mill Street and Pleasant Street to make a street through this land to lessen the traffic congestion.
We recommend the extension of Cohasse Street from the present end to join with Morris Street, to relieve traffic from our Main Street, at rush hours, by routing auto traffic from Lebanon Park, Eastford Road area, and Hillside Park to East Main Street.
We recommend that the Main Street hills be relieved of trucks and trailers so that optional truck route signs be erected at the Globe end of Route 131, near the property of Dr. Wilfred Seguin at the point of Hamilton Street and Main Street, direct- ing trucks and trailers around Hamilton Street, and other signs be erected at the corner of Main Street, near the Church on cor- ner of Hamilton Street to direct to Route 131 at Globe Village.
We recommend that the Town Clock be appropriately il- luminated so that it may be read at night, similar to the clock in the American Optical Co. tower, the Town Clock in Webster and the City Hall clock in Worcester.
We, the present members of the Planning Board, wish at this time to thank all town officials and the citizens of the Town of Southbridge for their cooperation in helping us with our work during the year of 1950.
Respectfully submitted, FRANCIS N. BISHOP, Chairman, BERNARD L. RAIMONDO, Sec'y., ALBERT J. BISHOP, EDMUND A. RYAN, GEORGE DUQUETTE, Planning Board.
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REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS & MEASURES
To the Citizens of the Town of Southbridge:
I hereby submit the report of the Department of Weights and Measures for the year 1950.
Scales
Adjusted
Sealed Condemned
Over 10,000 lbs.
6
100-5,000 lbs.
1
80
1
Under 100 lbs.
1
192
5,000-10,000 lbs.
2
Weights
3
345
Yard Measures
13
Liquid Measures
38
Meters 1" or less
3
75
2
Vehicle Tanks
8
32
Gasoline Pumps
-
16
786
3
Trial Weights of Commodities:
Tested Correct
Over
Under
Bread
96
96
Butter
25
25
Confectionery
80
72
6
1
Flour
40
38
2
Fruits and Vegetables
25
25
Lard
10
10
Meats and Provisions
97
80
16
1
Potatoes
20
20
Peddlers' Licenses
15
Bread Markings
96
Retest Meters
5
Total Amount Collected
$421.50
Respectfully submitted, G. R. LARIVIERE, Sealer.
53
3
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
This is my report as of May 1st to Dec. 31st, 1950.
I quarantined 21 dogs, none of which turned out to have rabies. I investigated 2 cases of diseased cats, neither one seri- ous. I took the yearly census of farmers, which information I turned over to the Division of Livestock Disease Control of Boston.
I personally inspected every barn and found them in very good condition. I have done the above work to the best of my ability and I hope it has been satisfactory.
Respectfully submitted, ALCIDE FOURNIER, Inspector of Animals.
DEPARTMENT OF CIVILIAN DEFENSE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
The following is a resume of the activity of the Department of Civil Defense since organization.
Under an act of the Massachusetts Legislature of 1950, Chapter 639 was enacted and approved as of July 20, 1950. This act is to "Provide for the safety of the Commonwealth during the existence of an emergency resulting from Disaster or from Hostile Action."
The Governor issued Executive Order No. 1 the eighth of September which requires that each municipality shall estab- lish a Department of Civil Defense and appoint a Director thereof. On Sept. 25th, the Board of Selectmen appointed the undersigned, who was duly sworn in on the sixth of October, 1950.
At a Special Town Meeting held on the 18th of December, 1950, a small sum was appropriated to carry on the work of organization, until the Annual Town Meeting in March.
A small group of citizens have generously given their time in planning an adaptable form of organization for Southbridge.
It is hoped that in February of 1951 a call for Volunteers can be issued to obtain personnel to participate in the various activities of the Defense Program.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD L. CHAPIN, Director.
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REPORT OF THE RECREATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON BAND CONCERTS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Gentlemen:
The sum of $500.00 was voted for Band Concerts. This amount was matched by the local Musician's Union. Plans were made to have nine concerts and a teen-age dance. Concerts were played by the Sons of Italy Band under the direction of Antonio Orsini. Concerts were played at the Mechanic Street School, Globe Fire Station, Swimming Pool, Dresser Street Field and Memorial Park, Elm Street. The concerts that were held at Memorial Park were the best attended.
The season's program was completed with a teen-age dance at the Town Hall with a large attendance. Ray Bouvier's Orchestra played for dancing.
I would like to thank the men who were responsible for making this program the success that it was. Antonio Orsini, the director of our concerts, for getting such a fine group of mu- sicians, Mr. Charles Normandin, chief of the A. O. Fire Depart- ment and his men for supplying the band stand, chairs and erecting of lights, and Mr. Adelard Desrosiers, Secretary of the local Musician's Union, whose ideas and suggestions made this program possible.
Respectfully submitted, LORENZO BEAUPRE, Chairman, Recreation Committee.
REPORT OF THE ALUMNI FIELD COMMITTEE
To the Chairman of the Recreation Committee Dear Sir:
Following is an annual report of activities at Alumni Field for the year 1950.
Upon completion of plans by the general Recreation Com- mittee to re-seed the football area on Dresser Street Field, this sub-committee busied themselves in trying to make ready Alumni Field for the various activities. We anticipated a very busy schedule at Alumni Field due to the fact that Dresser Street Field would have to be closed for most of the Spring and Summer months.
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The fence in the outfield was raised, repaired and braced, while on the hill behind where the old grandstand stood, the fence was removed entirely. A section of portable stands was moved from Dresser Street Field for the convenience of spec- tators. Also a 20-foot high backstop was built. A water line was brought to the field, and a drinking fountain erected in the back of the bleachers. A raised area near the third base section of the infield was lowered to the level of the rest of the infield.
Throughout the Spring and Summer the field was used by various groups. While schools were in session, the new physical education program under Lew Kyrios was carried out on this field. The Wells High School and the Cole Trade High School baseball teams held their practice sessions and their competitive games here, as did the Polish Tigers semi-pro baseball team, the American Legion baseball team, and the Catholic Parochial League. The Summer playgrounds availed themselves of this field for part of their program. At the end of the season a bene- fit softball game for the "Jimmy Fund," was held. The Lions Club held their Annual Horse Show, for the school milk fund, on Alumni Field. The schedule for Alumni Field was busy as had been anticipated.
In conclusion this sub-committee wishes to thank the vari- ous other departments of the town, and individuals who always willingly gave their time and advice. .
Respectfully submitted, JOHN LIBERA, Chairman of Alumni Field.
REPORT OF DRESSER ST. FIELD COMMITTEE
To the Chairman of the Recreation Committee Dear Sir:
The Dresser Street Field opened June 5th through Novem- ber 18th. The official opening was delayed to allow the newly seeded outfield to become established. Local landscaping author- ities supervised the project and thanks to the cooperation of the youngsters in avoiding the outfield during their play, the grass seeded in.
Bubblers were installed at each tennis court, at each dug- out, and at each side of the grandstand.
So many children availed themselves of the supervised rec- reation, that it was practically impossible to keep an accurate
56
attendance record. Daily attendance averaged at least 30 per day ... with the number of youngsters on the field at one time fluctuating from 5 to 700 ... the latter being the attendance figure at Playground Field Day, July 26. In fact, close to 2,000 boys and girls took over the field at the time of Birdie Tebbett's All Stars' afternoon autograph session.
Several of the Summer Band Concerts were held at Dresser Field to make use of the lighting and seating capacity of the field.
The tennis courts were regraded and resurfaced. Daily care (necessitating approximately 20 hours per week mainte- nance), plus enforcement of regulations concerning proper ten- nis attire, kept the courts in good playing condition throughout the Summer. A Tennis Clinic was held at 6:15 P. M. on July 26th under the professional direction of Bill Powers, Worces- ter Tennis Club Pro ... its purpose, to promote interest in ten- nis, to offer basic instruction, and to establish a Tennis School. Approximately 100 citizens attended, and attendance prizes were kindly donated by civic minded local stores. The Tennis School, with an enrollment of 50 pupils, consisted of classes held three mornings a week ... teaching beginners through ex- perienced players of all ages. Because of the late opening of the courts, only about 572 permits were issued. Tournaments were conducted during the month of August.
A broad jump pit and high jump pit were dug outside the track for field events.
A softball diamond was established behind the tennis courts, and games among boys from the ages of 7 to 15 took place almost every day ... seldom with the conventional nine . . . sometimes with as many as fifteen on a side. The local teams, not organized into leagues, used the field for twilight games at every opportunity.
In concluding my report I would like to take this oppor- tunity to thank you and the committee for the kind cooperation I received throughout the season.
Respectfully submitted, FRANK SKINYON, Chairman of Dresser Street Field.
REPORT OF SWIMMING POOL SUPERVISOR
To the Chairman of the Recreation Committee Dear Sir:
At your request, I am submitting my third annual report on the activities of the swimming pool for 1950.
57
Attendance
From July 1 to August 30, a total of 20,920 persons used the pool's facilities; 14,245 July, 6,675 August. Average daily attend- ance-343. This figure is the largest ever recorded since the pool's opening to the public.
Rescues
Too much emphasis cannot be placed on the absolute neces- sity for appointing competent, efficient and responsible life- guards to supervise water activities. Fourteen children, suffer- ing in varying degrees from cramps, exhaustion and panic, were helped to shore by the lifeguards. Many of these cases could have become fatal had it not been for the efficient supervision of the lifeguard staff.
Instruction
The Red Cross Swimming Program, under the direction of Ronald Sheriff, offered 240 children the opportunity for instruc- tion in swimming and life-saving during regular morning classes at the pool. Such formal programs, together with the daily informal instruction given by members of the staff, will do much to develop stronger and more skillful swimmers in Southbridge.
Playground "Water Day"
August 6, Southbridge playgrounds, under the direction of Lewis Kyrios, held their annual "Water Day." This event was held in the morning in order to permit other bathers to use the pool during regular hours. The enthusiasm with which chil- dren and parents responded to this event definitely emphasizes the role of the swimming pool in fulfilling a very important recreational need.
Health Care
In order to provide safe water for bathers, two methods of control over bacterial growth were used: Continuous flow of water from the second reservoir and chlorination. When these two methods are scientifically manipulated, any existing fear of pollution may be dispelled.
Adult Attendance Survey
In order to ascertain the extent to which adults made use of the facilities of the pool, a survey was conducted during the
58
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swimming season. A simple form on which the adult could sign his name and address was used to collect the necessary data. Since the task of collecting data had to be left to the bath- house attendant whose duties compelled him to remain at his post most of the time, it must be recognized that the survey is an approximation and only approaches the true adult attend- ance during 1950. The data, nevertheless, was extremely sig- nificant.
When checking the addresses of the 482 adults recorded, we found that these adults represented nearly all of the main geographical areas of our town. Furthermore, they constituted a good sampling of the total population of the town. Practically all socio-economic levels were represented. All this is highly significant in that it shows that the pool is really performing its function of being a service to everyone in the community.
Of equal, if not of greater, significance are the many fa- vorable comments made by parents and other adults during the swimming season. These people, almost in unison, expressed their acceptance and support of recent developments made at the pool while anticipating further developments that would make possible an ideal recreational area for their children and for themselves.
In conclusion, I wish to thank you and your committee for the fine cooperation we received from you during the swimming season. It is always a pleasure to work with men who are so deeply interested in promoting better recreational facilities for our town.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD DESROCHES, Swimming Pool Supervisor.
REPORT OF THE HENRY ST. FIELD COMMITTEE
"To the Chairman of the Recreation Committee
Dear Sir:
Having acquired Henry Street Field for a playing area and not having any funds to develop it was quite a problem for our committee. It had to be cleared, levelled and raked, and plans had to be made for a layout of a diamond. Only through the
59
generosity of the Highway Department and three of their men who volunteered to operate the graders was this able to be done. To Claude Tucker, president of the Community Softball League and his men for their assistance in preparing this proj- ect. Due to the fact that this work was done evenings it was a slow procedure. A vote of thanks to the Ciesla Bros., for do- nating their bulldozer and an operator for a period of three days at no cost to the town.
The Community Softball League officially opened their season here July 17th and played through the middle of September.
Countless number of children, as well as grownups, enjoyed the activities which took place on this field.
The committee sincerely hopes to improve the facilities so as to give these people more and better use of Henry Street Field.
In closing I wish to thank all who participated in making it a successful season.
Respectfully submitted, TOM MONACO, Chairman Henry Street Field Committee.
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF JACOB EDWARDS MEMORIAL LIBRARY
TRUSTEES
For the Edwards Bequest Gertrude W. Smith, Chairman W. Wesley Crawford John O. Martin Jacob K. Edwards
For the Town
Oswald J. Laliberte Edward Sheehan Dr. Nerio W. Pioppi
LIBRARY HOURS
Open 1951
Monday to Friday-10:00 a. m. to 9:00 p. m. Saturday -10:00 a. m. to 6:00 p. m.
Closed 1951
January 1
New Year's Day
February 22
Washington's Birthday
May 30 Memorial Day
July 4 Independence Day
September 3 Labor Day
October 12
Columbus Day
November 12 Armistice Day
November 22
Thanksgiving Day
December 25
Christmas Day
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Trustees of the Jacob Edwards Memorial Library:
In 1950 as in past years, the librarian and her staff have ap- preciated the friendliness and cooperation of the Board of Trustees and the many users of the library.
In spite of a busy year, 1950 circulation statistics show a decrease of a little over 8% over last year's record. This, ap- parently, is a fairly universal trend and may be attributed, at least in part, to the greatly increased number of television sets in homes. Both adult and children's books show a decrease, with adult fiction showing the largest decline, a 9.4% decrease over last year's figures. The reading of adult non-fiction de- creased 8.9% and children's books 8.2%. The circulation of chil- dren's books is still higher than at any time except last year when it reached an all-time high with an increase of 3,273 over
61
1948 figures. It is interesting to note that the reading of books on religion shows a very substantial gain (26.6%) over last year's figures, which had shown an equally substantial gain over 1948. The following chart may be of interest in indicating current trends in reading:
1947
1948
1949
1950
General Works
109
130
149
177
Philosophy
557
605
724
570
Religion
385
341
481
609
Social Science
908
1,173
1,245
1,207
Language
110
169
236
225
Science
558
553
567
590
Useful Arts
2,062
1,939
2,417
2,257
Fine Arts and Recreation
1,934
2,131
2,380
2,229
Literature
2,213
1,920
2,098
1,716
History
1,270
1,325
1,200
1,147
Travel
1,660
1,592
1,555
1,524
Biography
2,647
2,350
2,846
2,804
Current Periodicals
3,119
3,331
3,600
3,127
Pamphlets
118
103
129
141
Total Adult non-Fiction
17,680
17,660
19,627
18,323
Fiction
45,969
43,900
44,132
39,948
Foreign Books
686
799
768
499
Adult Total
64,335
62,359
64,527
58,770
Children's Books and Magazines
27,106
29,548
33,818
31,030
Pictures
77
110
74
46
Grand Total
91,441
92,019
98,419
89,846
Several innovations were tried during the year at Jacob Edwards Memorial Library. In the Spring, the Trustees spon- sored a series of four movie programs which were shown Sat- urday mornings in the old newspaper room in the basement of the library, the American Optical Company lent its equipment, and Mr. V. Earle Davis gave generously of his time to bring, set up, and run the projector. Chairs were borrowed from the Cen- tral Baptist Church. Although two showings of each program were given, more children than could be accommodated in the limited space wanted to attend. The seating capacity for the room is about seventy-five.
Four short movies were shown at the final meeting of the Cowboy Reading Club in August. At this showing, Mr. Romeo Cantara donated his time to run the projector. Seventy-five children joined the reading club and attended the story hour, reading a total of 258 books. These activities were in charge of Claire LaForce, children's librarian and Marcia Small, Sum- mer assistant.
A book contest open to all children from fourth grade through the eighth, brought many children to the library the
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week preceding and the week of Book Week. Sixty-three chil- dren entered the contest, the object of which was to identify book characters and the books in which they appeared. Nancy Hughes, a seventh grader at Charlton Street School, answered eleven questions out of eighteen correctly and received a copy of The Second St. Nicholas Anthology, edited by H. S. Commag- er as prize. Theodore Malisori, a sixth grader at Eastford Road School, had eight correct answers, which was the best record for the boys, and received a copy of Abraham Lincoln, Friend of the People, by Clara Judson.
Through the cooperation of Mr. Robert McCarn, superin- tendent of schools, all classes, fourth grade through eighth in the public schools, visited the library during Book Week in November. The classes were told a little about use and arrange- ment of books in the library and were given opportunity to see and handle about one hundred and fifty new books. The libra- rian and staff feel that this was very worthwhile, and they ap- preciate the cooperation of Mr. McCarn and the teachers.
In conjunction with Book Week, the library instituted a moratorium on all fines during that week. A few long overdue books were retrieved and it was also felt that many people who had never heard of Book Week and its purpose were at least made aware of its existence.
Although 5,475 registered borrowers represent less than one-third of the population of Southbridge, many people take advantage of some of the library facilities without registering to borrow books. Reference books, magazines, and newspa- pers may be consulted at any time for information as well as for purely recreational reading. Many contestants working on various radio and newspaper contests used the library during the year. There were 557 new borrowers, people who had never had library cards in Southbridge before, who registered in 1950, 298 of whom were children. Fifty-four non-residents paid a fee of one dollar in order to borrow books from the library.
In 1950 the taxpayers of Southbridge paid eighty-two cents per capita for their public library. It might be of interest to the taxpayers to note that this is three cents more per capita than it was two years ago in 1948. At that time, 1948, the Chester L. Corbin Public Library in Webster received one dollar and thirty cents per capita as compared with the Southbridge rate of seventy-nine cents. There is, perhaps, little advantage in pointing out that this is far below even the pre-war standard of $1.25 set up by the American Library Association for ade- quate library service to a town of 17,000 population, but there might be interest in knowing just what the taxpayers receive for their eighty-two cents.
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They have the privilege of borrowing or consulting in the library 35,471 books on almost every conceivable subject from the creation of the world to the possible destruction of it in an atomic bomb attack. They have access to expensive reference tools that few homes can afford, such as The Dictionary of American Biography in twenty-one volumes, The Encyclopedia Britannica and five other sets of general encyclopedias, atlases, biographical dictionaries, educational and other directories. The best of the current books are available, technical books, books of travel, biographies, and novels, if not in large enough quantities, all that eighty-two cents will buy. Practically any book except current fiction not in the library may be borrowed through inter-library loan. Poole's Index and Reader's Guide to Periodicals which index magazines from 1802 to date may be consulted. Because of limited storage space periodicals indexed in Reader's Guide are kept for only five years. Hundreds of pamphlets and over 1300 mounted pictures are available.
The argument may be advanced, "Why pay more when all this can be had for eighty-two cents?" The answer is obvious. Everyone knows that eighty-two cents will not buy as much next year as it bought last year. A good book collection must grow. And because of the generosity and fore-sightedness of certain former citizens who set up trust funds, the people of Southbridge received thirty-two and one-half cents more per capita in 1950 to supplement expenses of running the library. The library has been fortunate in acquiring the services of lo- cal people, who, because their homes are in Southbridge, are willing to serve for much less than a qualified outsider would demand.
Jacob Edwards Memorial Library is a public library of which the Town of Southbridge should be proud. It is the hope of the retiring librarian that the library will continue to grow and that this pride may be justified in the future.
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Statistical Record
Library-Jacob Edwards Memorial Library
Date of founding
1871
Population served
17,561
Days open during year
306
Hours open each week
63
Number of volumes January 1, 1950
33,950
Number of volumes added
1,461
New
1,374)
Replaced 875
Including 287 books by gift and transfer from rental collection
Number of volumes discarded and lost 940
Number of volumes December 31, 1950 34,471
Number of registered borrowers 5,475
Number of volumes lent for home use 89,846
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