Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1952-1956, Part 4

Author: Southbridge (Mass.)
Publication date: 1952
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 1060


USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1952-1956 > Part 4


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Tennis


The Tennis Courts were made available during the first of June and there was a tremendous increase in the use of the courts even over last year. People using the courts during the day are mostly young boys and girls but in the evening they are mostly used by adults who work all day.


The third annual singles tournament was held late in the Summer using both courts for their competition. A doubles tournament was held for the first time during last summer.


Both courts were in use about 80% of the time.


Play Day


Toward the last of the Summer, Lewis Kyrios held an inter- playground track and field event for a morning on the field in which about 160 boys and girls competed.


Softball


The Recreation Committee does not allow softball to be played on baseball areas. Softball was played at Dresser Street Field this year on a temporary diamond in the area which may be called right field. Wells High girls and independent teams used the area.


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Basketball


For the first year twi-light basketball was conducted at Dresser Street Field. This program was under the supervision of Paul Duhart, and consisted of a schedule of about 40 games in the evening and about 30 games in the morning.


The morning games were for boys about 16 years at age and started about 10:00 o'clock. The evening games were played about 7:00 p. m. and many stars of this area made up the teams.


Basketball - Girls


A Girls Basketball tournament was held this Summer on Thursday evenings. Six teams competed and the schedule was played through twice. This could be developed into the be- ginning of a program of recreation which would give some consideration to girls. Most of our recreation program is for boys and men.


Football


Mary E. Wells High School football team used Dresser Street Field for all their practice and home games. Hot water was available at all times and visiting teams dressed and show- ered in clean, orderly field houses. The Wells High cheering squad used the field for cheering and maneuvering practice throughout the football season. The splendid Wells Band prac- ticed marching maneuvers two nights a week from about 6:30 to 9:00 P. M. from the start of the football schedule until the cli- max of the season.


Volleyball, ping pong, horse shoes, checkers and daily use of the basketball court was available throughout the entire Summer and showers with hot water.


The field was opened at 7:00 A. M. and closed after dark- ness every night. Dresser Field has been for many boys and girls a pleasant rendezvous all Summer long.


Maintenance and Improvement


A program of maintenance and improvement was carried out during the Summer and Fall. New cement seats and tables were built and installed on the field. A new gas heater was in- stalled in one fieldhouse this year, ultimately we will heat water and the buildings entirely by gas in order to reduce op- erating costs.


All areas of play were maintained at top condition, equip- ment, tools and operational apparatus was constructed and maintained in order so that the extensive program could be carried out.


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.


Presentation of Flags


During the Summer Mrs. Rose Shepard, Patriotic Instruc- tor for the Daughters of Union Veterans, presented two beauti- ful American flags to Dresser St. Field; one in honor of Mrs. Ma- tilda Staves, a deceased member of Union Daughters, and one to another deceased member, Mrs. William Berry. May these flags be a source of strength and inspiration as they snap in the breeze and may they fly over Dresser Field forever.


Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH DUFFY, Chairman, LEWIS KYRIOS, FREDERICK FERRON.


Band Concerts, Movies and Dancing


There were three band concerts held at Dresser Field and each of these was followed by a program of movies. Three or four dances were held on the Basketball Court on Thursday nights.


The band concerts were conducted by Anthony Orsini and played by the Southbridge Musicians' Union of which Adelard Desrosiers is Secretary.


The moving pictures were projected by Earl Davis and the music for dancing was supplied from records through a new magnificent amplifying system donated partly to the field by Louis Stevens. These 3 activities have proven quite popu- lar with the young and old and in between alike.


Respectfully submitted, JOHN E. MERRILL, Chairman FRANK P. SKINYON.


REPORT OF ALUMNI FIELD SUB-COMMITTEE


To the Chairman of Recreation Committee


Dear Sir:


Alumni Field was put into shape for baseball early in the season and throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall the field was used by various groups.


The field was used for the school program of physical edu- cation under supervision of Lewis Kyrios every day school was in session from early Spring until the schools closed for the Summer.


The Parochial Schools held their practice sessions and regular games here throughout the Summer.


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During the playground season children attending the play- ground program played many of their games on the field.


The Delle Gracia Society used it for their annual field day and the annual Lions Club Horse Show for the benefit of the school milk fund was held here. For affairs such as the last two, the baseball diamond was always roped off for the protection of the playing area.


The field was used by Mr. Kyrios for football practice and games during a grade school football tournament that lasted until about Nov. 16th.


Softball was played at Alumni Field this year by many community "pick-up" teams. While this program was being carried on there was a program of maintenance and improve- ment going on also.


The baseball diamond was maintained.


Throughout the Summer the grass was cut, the base paths trimmed and foul lines and gridiron lines were limed whenever necessary.


Respectfully submitted,


EARL WONDERLIE, Chairman, A. RAYMOND DARTT, NORMAN STAVES, Alumni Field Committee.


REPORT OF HENRY STREET SUB-COMMITTEE


Considerable improvement in construction of Henry Street Athletic Field in 1952, according to Louis E. Brunell in his re- port as Sub-Chairman.


The hill on the southerly side was cleared of trees, bould- ers and brush, also brush was cleared in extended area of the swamp. This hill or bank also supplied fill material for ex- tended areas. This construction was done by power shovel and bulldozer at a cost of $2,970.00. Truck hire for this job and for hauling gravel from Alumni Field on West Street for level- ing surface of field was done at a cost of $354.00.


Additional trucking was supplied by the Highway Depart- ment at labor cost. Rolling and grading of this surface gravel was done by the Highway Department also. Note: Alumni Field is town property and no charge was made for this gravel.


A sizeable playing area was made available for the Com- munity Softball League and other Independent teams nightly throughout the Summer.


The Public Grammar School Softball play-offs were held on this field, as were practice sessions of a Parochial baseball team, three afternoons a week.


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A quoit court was provided and so were horseshoes played by young and old


A fence at the end of Henry Street was built to protect the ball diamond and the graded area from cars and trucks.


A temporary foot bridge was built across the brook to en- able parking facilities a short distance from the field.


The graded and sloped hill on the southerly side provided sliding and skiing away from the danger of motor vehicles.


Respectfully submitted, LOUIS BRUNNELL, Chairman, ERNEST McCANN, FRANCIS ASHE.


REPORT OF SWIMMING POOL DIRECTOR


To the Chairman of the Recreation Committee


Dear Sir:


At your request, I am submitting my fifth annual report on the activities of the swimming pool for 1952.


Attendance


From June 23 to August 30, a total of 25,000 persons used the pool's facilities; 3,000, June; 15,000, July; 7,000, August. Average daily attendance-362. 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. Nine children suffering 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 Miss Helen Boucher, offered over 200 children the opportunity for instruction 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 swim- mers in Southbridge.


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Playground "Water Day"


In July, 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 and Safety


In order to provide safe water for bathers, two methods of control over bacterial growth were used: Continuous flow of town water and chlorination. When these two methods are sci- entifically manipulated, any existing fear of pollution may be dispelled.


Since the fireplaces, provided for the convenience of pic- nickers, are in almost constant use, a ten pound CO2 fire ex- tinguisher was purchased to insure against any emergency which might develop.


In conclusion, I wish to thank you and your committee for the fine cooperation we received from you during the swim- ming 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.


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REPORT OF TAX COLLECTOR


To the Citizens of Southbridge:


I wish to submit the following report as Collector of Taxes for Southbridge from January 1, to May 26, 1952.


Ambulance Department


Commitments per warrants


$ 1,479.00


Payments to Treasurer


$ 796.50


19.00


Abated Outstanding May 26, 1952


329.99


$ 1,695.53


Health Department


Outstanding January 1, 1952


$ 1,266.90


Payments to Treasurer


$ 76.20


Outstanding May 26, 1952


1,190.70


$ 1,266.90


Board of Public Welfare


Outstanding January 1, 1952


$ 1,695.53


Payments to Treasurer


$ 1,365.54


Outstanding May 26, 1952


329.99


$ 1,695.53


Taxes: Levy of 1950


Outstanding January 1, 1952


$ 1,289.93


Payments to Treasurer


$ 1,289.67


Tax Title


.26


$ 1,289.93


Taxes: Levy of 1951


Outstanding January 1, 1952


$ 33,999.93


Payments to Treasurer


$ 13,981.93


Abated


262.00


Outstanding May 26, 1952


19,756.00


$ 33,999.93


Taxes: Levy of 1952


Commitments from Assessors


$171,413.95


Payments to Treasurer


$ 11,393.51


Abated


1,650.00


Outstanding May 26, 1952


158,390.44


$171,433.95


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Refunds paid


Excise Taxes: Levy of 1950 Outstanding January 1, 1952 Payments to Treasurer Adjustment of Excise


$ 19.66


$ 19.14


.52


$ 19.66


Excise Taxes: Levy of 1951


Outstanding January 1, 1952


$ 3,451.42


Warrants from Assessors-Jan. 18


4,016.66


Warrants from Assessors-Feb. 7


48.07


Overpayment


9.37


Payment after abatement


6.69


$ 7,532.21


Payments to Treasurer


$ 6,456.38


Abated


781.47


Outstanding May 26, 1952


551.32


$ 7,789.17


Refunds paid


256.96


$ 7,532.21


Excise Taxes: Levy of 1952


$ 13,757.41


Payments to Treasurer


$ 13,232.86


Abated


334.25


Outstanding May 26, 1952


239.02


$ 13,806.13


Refunds paid


48.72


$ 13,757.41


Sewer Assessments: Levy of 1950 Outstanding Jan. 1, 1952


$ 200.10


Abatement


$


200.10


Sewer Assessments Int .: Levy of 1950 Outstanding Jan. 1, 1952 Abatement


$ 12.50


$ 12.50


. ....


20.00 $171,413.95


Sewer Assessments: Levy of 1951 Outstanding Jan. 1, 1952 $ 1,191.64


62


Payments to Treasurer Outstanding May 26, 1952


$ 991.64 200.00 $ 1,191.64


Sewer Assessments Int .: Levy of 1951


Outstanding Jan. 1, 1952


$ 51.73


Payments to Treasurer


$


43.40


Outstanding May 26, 1952


8.33


$ 51.73


Interest and Costs on Taxes


and Assessments:


Taxes of 1949


$


2.95


Taxes of 1950


96.85


Costs of Sale


6.45


Taxes of 1951


Real Estate Interest


202.23


Personal Tax Interest


15.33


Excise Tax Interest


24.18


Added Sewer Interest


11.10


$ 359.09


Grand Total Collected to May 26, 1952


$ 40,959.86


I wish to thank the townspeople and various town officials for their co-operation during the year.


Respectfully submitted,


MEDERIC DUHAMEL,


Tax Collector.


ELIZABETH M. DUHAMEL, Deputy Collector.


To the Citizens of Southbridge:


I wish to submit the following report as Collector of Taxes for Southbridge from May 26, to December 31, 1952.


Ambulance Department


Commitments per warrants


$ 1,974.50


Payments to Treasurer


$ 1,376.00


Abated


60.00


Outstanding Dec. 31, 1952


643.50


$ 2,014.50


Refunds paid


40.00


$ 1,974.50


63


Board of Public Welfare


Outstanding May 26, 1952 Payments to Treasurer Outstanding Dec. 31, 1952


$ 10,495.16


$ 8,648.67


1,846.49 $ 10,495.16


Health Department


Outstanding May 26, 1952


$ 1,309.20


Payments to Treasurer


$ 1,309.20


Highways


Outstanding May 26, 1952


$ 2,372.66


Payments to Treasurer


$ 90.00


Outstanding December 31, 1952


2,282.66


$ 2,372.66


Taxes: Levy of 1951


Outstanding May 26, 1952


$ 19,756.00


Payments to Treasurer


$ 15,942.52


Tax Title


471.80


Abatements


10.00


Outstanding December 31, 1952


3,331.68


$ 19,756.00


Taxes: Levy of 1952


Commitments per warrants


$946,045.84


Payments to Treasurer


$898,405.86


Abated


9,978.13


Tax Title


249.81


Outstanding December 31, 1952


38,533.18


$947,166.98


Refunds paid


1,121.14


$946,045.84


Excise Taxes: Levy of 1951


Outstanding May 26, 1952


$ 551.32


Payments to Treasurer


$ 161.10


Abated


390.22


$ 551.32


Excise Taxes: Levy of 1952 Outstanding May 26, 1952


$ 239.02


Commitments from Assessors


100,460.84


$100,699.86


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Payments to Treasurer Abated Outstanding December 31, 1952


$ 84,143.81 14,046.81 4,115.26


$102,305.88


Refunds paid


1,606.02


$100,699.86


Sewer Assessments: Levy of 1951 Outstanding May 26, 1952


$ 200.00


Payments to Treasurer


$ 200.00


Sewer Assessments Int .: Levy of 1951 Outstanding May 26, 1952


$


8.33


Payments to Treasurer


$


8.33


Sewer Assessments: Levy of 1952


$ 337.46


Payments to Treasurer


$ 337.46


Sewer Assessments Int .: Levy of 1952 Payments to Treasurer


$ 43.20


$ 43.20


Special Sidewalk: Levy of 1952


Warrant of December 10, 1952


$ 456.94


Payments to Treasurer


$ 456.94


Special Sewers: Levy of 1952


$ 6,234.08


Payments to Treasurer


$ 1,552.44


Abated


296.47


To be added to taxes of 1953


4,385.17


$ 6,234.08


Interest and Costs on Taxes and Assessments:


Taxes of 1951


Personal


$ 87.96


Real Estate


475.28


Excise Tax


2.79


Taxes of 1952


Poll


1.60


Personal


9.40


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Real Estate Excise Added Sewer Interest


106.89 18.50 .15


$ 702.57


Grand Total Collected in 1952


$1,769,378.10


I wish to thank the townspeople and various town officials for their co-operation during the year.


Respectfully submitted, ELIZABETH M. DUHAMEL, Tax Collector.


66


BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE


To the Citizens of the Town of Southbridge:


The Board of Public Welfare met weekly on Monday eve- nings at 7:30 p. m. throughout the year.


The relief programs under the direction of the Board of Public Welfare are: General Relief, Aid to Dependent Children, Old Age Assistance, and Disability Assistance.


GENERAL RELIEF


Assistance given to needy persons by local Boards of Public Welfare, under Chapter 117 of the General Laws. Aid may be in cash or by actual provision of the item or service.


Caseload


Cases


Persons


January


50


149


February


45


127


March


51


139


April


42


124


May


48


129


June


42


95


July


40


106


August


40


96


September


40


93


October


42


112


November


40


89


December


50


125


Expenses and Reimbursements 1952


Total Cost


$31,141.93


State Reimbursement


5,605.23


Cities and Towns Reimbursement


2,208.54


U. S. Treasury Reimbursement


24.00


Refunds


89.00


Total Reimbursements


7,926.77


Net cost to Town


23,215.16


Average net cost to Town monthly


1,934.60


Average net cost to Town monthly per person


16.82


Average number of persons aided monthly


115


We wish to express our sincerest thanks to the Mother's Club, the Southbridge Women's Democratic Club, and the va- rious persons who wish to remain anonymous, for their gener- ous donations at Christmas time. These donations brought hap- piness to 118 needy children. We also wish to express our


67


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thanks to the various organizations who helped throughout the year to provide extras to the needy children of the Community.


AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN


A public assistance program established under Chapter 118 of the General Laws, under which cash allowances are pro- vided for children who are living in a home maintained by their father, mother or other relative when death, long term illness or some other factor has deprived the child of the normal support or care of either his father or mother. Cash allowances are based upon a mandatory State Standard Budget. Under this program, cities and towns receive State and Federal Reim- bursements. Since October 1, 1952 Federal Reimbursement has been increased to $30.00 for the eligible parent; $30.00 for the first dependent child in the family; and, $21.00 for each additional dependent child, plus $4.50 per eligible person in family.


Caseload


No. of Cases


New


Closed


No. of Chil- dren


No. of grantee relative


January


25


0


0


56


19


February


24


1


1


53


20


March


24


0


0


53


20


April


28


4


0


67


24


May


28


0


0


67


24


June


28


1


1


67


24


July


30


3


1


73


26


August


30


1


1


67


27


September


27


3


6


67


24


October


25


0


2


63


23


November


23


1


3


55


23


December


25


2


0


58


23


Expenses and Reimbursements - 1952


Total Cost


$37,348.83


Federal Reimbursement


15,192.51


State Reimbursement


11,467.09


Refunds


247.95


Total Reimbursements


26,907.55


Net cost to Town


10,441.28


Average net cost to Town monthly


870.20


Average net cost to Town monthly per case


33.46


Average number of cases monthly


26


Average number of eligible parents


23


Average number of eligible children monthly


62


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OLD AGE ASSISTANCE


A program of Public Assistance, established by Chapter 118A of the General Laws, under which cash allowances are pro- vided for elderly persons (65 years of age or over and a citizen of the United States) who are in need. Cash allowances are based upon a mandatory State Standard Budget. Under this program, cities and towns receive State and Federal Reimbursements. Since October 1, 1952, the Federal Reimbursement has been in- creased to 50% of the money expended on a case in a given month which is not in excess of $55.00, plus $7.50 per month per case.


Caseload


No. of Cases


New


Closed


January


313


4


4


February


314


6


5


March


313


2


4


April


320


8


1


May


322


6


4


June


325


5


2


July


327


4


2


August


328


4


3


September


329


3


3


October


331


7


4


November


331


4


4


December


327


0


4


Expenses and Reimbursements


Total Cost


$236,239.89


Federal Reimbursement


107,527.98


State Reimbursement


88,206.99


Cities and Towns Reimbursement


2,090.40


Meal Tax


6,758.07


Refunds


1,126.85


Total Reimbursements


205,710.29


Net cost to Town


30,529.60


Average net cost to Town monthly


2,544.13


Average net cost to Town monthly per case


7.88


Average number of cases per month


323


DISABILITY ASSISTANCE


A program of public assistance established by Chapter 118D of the General Laws, under which cash allowances are provided for needy persons found to be permanently disabled and medically unemployable. In order to be eligible for as-


69


sistance under this program, a person must be 18 years of age or over. Cash allowances are based upon a mandatory State Standard Budget. Under this program, cities and towns re- ceive State and Federal reimbursements. Since October 1, 1952, the Federal Reimbursement is based on the following formula: 50% of the money expended on a case in a given month which is not in excess of $55.00, plus $7.50 per month per case.


Caseload


No. of Cases


New


Closed


January


13


0


0


February


15


2


0


March


15


0


0


April


15


0


0


May


14


0


1


June


13


0


1


July


13


2


2


August


13


1


1


September


13


0


0


October


14


1


0


November


16


2


0


December


17


1


0


Expenses and Reimbursements


Total Cost


$11,510.60


State Reimbursement


3,102.58


Federal Reimbursement


3,943.22


Refunds


54.00


Total Reimbursements


7,099.80


Net Cost to Town


4,410.80


Average net cost to Town monthly


367.57


Average net cost to Town monthly per case


26.26


Average number of cases per month


14


INFIRMARY


The Infirmary is under the direction of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Dowling.


We have averaged 13 inmates a month through the year at a cost of $13.25 a week per inmate.


This year the house and barn were given a coat of paint, broken windows replaced, and repairs were made on boiler.


We wish to express our thanks to the Women's Club for providing the men's smoking room with an exhaust fan and for the many other articles donated throughout the year; the


70


West Street School, Girl Scouts, and the various organizations who donated gifts to the inmates, and also to the United Youth Fellowship who painted the men's smoking-room last spring. Respectfully submitted, OVIDE DESROSIERS, Chairman, HERMAS LIPPE, Clerk, MARIE E. LARIVIERE, Third Mem.


71


REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF JACOB EDWARDS MEMORIAL LIBRARY


TRUSTEES


For the Edwards Bequest


W. Wesley Crawford


Ellsworth D. Mitchell


Jacob K. Edwards John O. Martin


For the Town


Oswald J. Laliberte Edward P. Sheehan Dr. Nerio W. Pioppi, Chairman


1


LIBRARY HOURS


Open 1953:


Monday to Friday - 10:00 a. m. to 9:00 p. m. Saturday -- 10:00 a. m. to 6:00 p. m.


Closed 1953:


January 1 New Year's Day


February 23


Washington's Birthday


May 30 Memorial Day


July 4 Independence Day


September 7


Labor Day


October 12 Columbus Day


November 11


Armistice Day


November 26


Thanksgiving Day


December 25


Christmas Day


REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN


To the Trustees of the Jacob Edwards Memorial Library:


The public library is the place in each community where all citizens, regardless of class or creed or economic status, have equal opportunity and equal treatment. During 1952 the people of Southbridge (and our neighbors holding non-resident cards) could make their book selection from 36,500 volumes, an increase of 1,635 books over last year's collection. From this extensive book stock each reader is free to find that book which his intellectual attainments enable him to enjoy.


Considering the competition of television, campaign ora- tory, and preoccupation with war news, the library's circulation of books held up remarkably, totalling 82,221 volumes. For 1952 the library records a decrease in the number of adult fic- tion books read, and a decided increase in the number of adult


72


non-fiction books read, with Science, Religion, and the Arts showing the strongest increase.


The soaring cost of books and other library materials is a grave problem. In 1940 the average cost of books purchased for the library was $1.51 per volume; in 1946 the average cost was $1.74; and by 1951 it had risen to $2.21. The increased cost of books is paralleled in magazines, newspapers, pam- phlets, and document costs. Inflated prices are also reflected in the cost of library supplies and materials, and the increased bindery costs.


Modern educational methods stress the use of the library's reference facilities. The Reference Room is far too small both for space for patrons and shelves for reference books. Many old- er editions of books and valuable historical and genealogocial files must be kept in lower stacks inconvenient for ready use. The growing collection of reference books and the increased demand for reference services has taxed our reference de- partment to the utmost.


Few people realize the extent of the library's list of maga- zines. There are eighty-four magazines on the 1951 subscrip- tion list in addition to the seven gift titles. Adult periodicals have a brisk circulation while the children's magazines are "read to pieces."


The library also subscribers to the Reader's Guide to Peri- odical Literature, an index to most of these magazines and an invaluable reference tool. Back files of magazines so indexed are kept for five years. The storage problem and the ex- pense of binding make it impossible to keep magazines in- definitely.


The Division of Library Extension of the Massachusetts Department of Education was compelled by lack of funds to discontinue its services to libraries for several months during the past year. This resulted in a slow-down of our interlibrary loan service, since this Boston agency is the chief clearing- house in book-borrowing for this state. It meant, too, difficulty for the library in securing fresh collections of foreign language books.


Again we thank our friends who have generously donated books. We wish to mention in particular the check from the Pilsudski Polish-American Club of Southbridge for the pur- chase of books of special interest to the people of Polish na- tionality or descent. The library now has for the first time a small permanent collection of Polish language books for its readers.


The Memorial Book Plan by which friends place appro- priate books in the library in memory of departed persons was increasingly used. A memorial bookplate is placed in these books as a dedication.




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