USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1932 > Part 25
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Good Book week was made an excuse for newspaper publicity, exhibition of new books in the Junior Library, the beginning of the story hour season and a delightful visit from the Tower Mothers' Club.
The number of books circulated through class room libraries has increased from 6,467 in 1931 to 7,934 in 1932.
The Branch Librarians of both the East and Heights Branches report the pressing need of adequate facilities and a request for more books.
478
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
The Heights Branch had a substantial increase in circulation with the adult circulation exceeding the juvenile for the first time.
Library service at the Heights and East Arlington could be much improved, but expansion of service is not for 1933.
Loyal Branch Librarians have given of themselves generously, and they will continue to have the interest of their patrons at heart.
The special committee, appointed at the special Town Meeting, July 31, composed of Mrs. Cyrus E. Dal- lin, Chairman, Mrs. W. J. Vaughn, Secretary, Mr. J. Howard Hayes, Mr. William Gratto, Building Inspector, and Mr. William A. Muller, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, to prepare plans for a Branch Library at the Heights, after careful consideration accepted the plan prepared by Gay & Proctor.
It was felt, however, at the time of the Town Meet- ing, in March, that the time was inopportune to ask for the building and, although much needed, must wait for a donor or until the conditions in the town were more favorable.
Friends have been thoughtful of the needs of the library; 335 books have been given to the Library from the following :
Misses Janet and Leslie Allen, Mrs. Stuart Allen, Professor Arthur Andrews, Arlington Woman's Club, Mr. A. H. Brown, Mr. M. A. Brown, Dorothy Carter, Mrs. E. Dickinson, Eastman Kodak Co., Emergency Conservation Committee, E. Emerson, Mrs. J. M. Forbes, Miss Maria L. Gray, M. B. Griffin, Edward Hakesley, Mrs. Carl Han- son, Homer estate, Mrs. Jennie J. W. Howes, Jenkins Lab-
479
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
oratory, A. A. Mckinnon, Mrs. Arthur McLaurin, A. J. Mansfield, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, City of Medford, Menotomy Chapter, D. A. R., National Sculp- ture Society, R. F. Needham, N. E. Dairy and Food Coun- cil, Miss Elizabeth Newton, Judge Parmenter, Peace Foundation, Mrs. Cara Portugal, Misses Ida and Caira Robbins, Rosicrucian Fellowship, Row Peterson & Co., Smithsonian Institute, Mr. A. W. Stevens, Mrs. L. F. Stevens, Mrs. Stewart, Frank W. Tucker, U. S. George Washington Bicentennial Commission, Richard Whitney, President New York Stock Exchange.
Mrs. Esta R. Mears gave a beautiful marble bust of Apollo.
Arlington Woman's Club presented the oil painting, "Outlet of Crawford's Pond," painted by George Cope- land. This was awarded to the Art Committee by the State Federation, it being the Penny Art Prize.
All the summer and fall the Garden Club made the library a place of beauty with fresh cut flowers. A perennial garden was laid out in the rear of the library by Miss Esther Wyman. The shrubs were contributed by the members of the club. That this message of beauty was appreciated one had only to listen to the remarks about the flowers and their arrangement and hear the discussions of varieties and best methods of growth.
One of the notable events of the year was the flower show held in our Junior Library Hall.
Pictures of unusual merit have been hanging at all times during the year in our gallery.
These exhibits have been arranged by the Art Com- mittee of the Arlington Woman's Club. The exhibits
480
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
have shown the work of five Arlington people: Miss Bar- bara Sears, Miss Charlotte H. Lamson, Mrs. Ruth Sawyer Woodworth, Mr. Charles H. Richert by paintings, and our own sculptor and library trustee, Mr. Cyrus Dallin. Mr. Dallin has allowed some of his noteworthy pieces to re- main for a time. Robert C. Vose galleries loaned a well- selected group of oils.
The hall has been used for a course of lectures on In- terior decoration.
There have been meetings of Southern Middlesex Health Association, Women Peace Makers, Visiting Nurs- ing Association, Scout Leaders Training Course, Fort- nightly Club, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Stamp Club, Story Telling, Garden Club, Art Club, lectures and teas.
But for the loyal support and happy cooperation of the Staff the added work of the year 1932 could not have been accomplished without added help.
Miss Edith Whittemore, who served the Robbins Library faithfully and well for forty-two years, resigned in August.
Miss Whittemore's work was characterized by her splendid devotion to the Robbins Library and her keen interest in any persons or events that had to do with the life of the town. Her whole-hearted services are much missed.
Mrs. Ruth Fuller, who had done part-time work for more than a year, became a member of the Staff July first.
Nearly every member of the Staff has taken either technical or cultural courses during the year.
481
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
Library meetings and book discussions have been attended by as many members of the Staff and as often as they could be spared without impairment to the service.
The Librarian has spoken before Rotary, Scout lead- ers and Mothers' Clubs.
The Librarian at the completion of five years of service as head of the Robbins Library wishes to express to the Board of Trustees her thanks for their loyal sup- port and interest in any project undertaken.
The Librarian and Staff look forward with hope to an increased usefulness for the Library in 1933.
Respectfully submitted,
LUCINDA F. SPOFFORD,
Librarian.
GRAND TOTAL CIRCULATION FOR YEAR 1932 BY CLASSES
Month
Gen.
Phil.
Rel.
Soc.
Lang.
Sci
Useful Arts
Fine Arts
Lit.
Hist.
Trav.
Biog.
Non Fict.
Fict.
Total
Pict.
January
901
261
155
2,467
18
281
500
604
1,256
459
747
910
8,559
17,625
26,184
79
February
916
238
111
2,415
16
269
485
661
1,104
421
623
893
8,152
17,767
25,919
47
March
979
262
134
2,524
18
374
467
656
1,178
511
663
888
8,654
19,650
28,304
43
April
751
265
107
2,511
20
329
465
690
1,109
390
706
824
8,167
18,079
26,246
13
May
750
234
92
2,141
15
284
348
565
1,084
396
657
747
7,313
16,028
23,341
2
June
677
173
99
2,655
29
390
412
502
792
494
796
638
7,657
19,065
26,722
July
638
215
82
2,072
23
197
379
454
616
281
495
569
6,021
17,191
23,212
28
August
645
202
78
1,663
24
207
322
462
633
242
559
542
5,579
16,285
21,864
2
September ..
851
250
64
1,717
35
279
413
512
944
424
552
687
6,728
16,758
23,486
60
October
944
288
89
2,289
33
271
508
647
1,169
559
706
784
8,287
18,584
26,871
29
November ..
972
272
132
2,784
29
387
573
710
1,381
639
695
937
9,511
19,687
29,198
8
December ....
1,022
211
143
2,214
29
276
434
586
1,123
526
694
886
8,144
18,942
27,086
25
Total
..... 10,046
2,871
1,286 27,452
289
3,544
5,306
7,049
12,389
5,342
7,893
9,305 92,772 215,661
308,433
336
..
482
483
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION FORM FOR UNIFORM STATISTICS
Annual Report for year ended December 31, 1932
Name of library: Robbins Library
City: Arlington. State: Massachusetts
Name of Librarian: Mrs. Lucinda F. Spofford
Date of founding 1835
Population served
36,094
Assessed valuation of Town
$62,910,150.00
Terms of use: Free for lending
Free for Reference
Total number of agencies 3
Consisting of Central Library
1
Branches 2
Number of days open during year
(Central Library) 302
Hours open each week for lending
(Central Library) 66
Hours open each week for reading
(Central Library) 66
Increase
Number of volumes at beginning of year. 46,929
Number of volumes added during year by
purchase 4,038
Number of volumes added during year by gift or exchange 335
Number of volumes lost or withdrawn during year 1,303
Total number at end of year 49,999
484
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Use
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Number of volumes of fiction
lent for home use. .... 159,507
59,952
219,459
Total number of volumes lent for home use
213,182
95,251
308,433
Pictures circulated
336
Registration
Number of borrowers registered during year ..
2,893
Registration period, years
3
Number of periodicals and newspapers cur- rently received :
Titles
130
Copies
180
Number of publications issued during year : Book lists
0
Number of staff, library service (including part-time)
14
Number of staff, janitor service
3
485
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
Financial Statement
Receipts from :
Trust Fund Income Balance Jan. 1, 1932 .... $3,439.18
Appropriation by Town
26,000.00
Income from Trust Funds
2,889.93
$32,329.11
Expenditures
31,033.86
Trust Fund Balance, December 31, 1932.
$1,295.25
Payment for:
Salaries, library service
$15,685.41
Salaries, janitor service
1,730.25
Books and periodicals
7,122.65
Bindery
2,089.15
Fuel
1,397.12
Light
1,062.92
Building and grounds
715.94
Telephone
146.39
Other expenses
1,084.03
$31,033.86
Receipts from : Robbins Art Fund
$688.20
Expenditures :
Care of Robbins Print Collection-Salary ..
$501.00
Supplies, etc.
187.20
$688.20
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Arlington:
Your School Committee is faced with difficult prob- lems due to increased demands and reduced appropri- ations. The paramount consideration is the welfare of the children and the protection of our society and gov- ernment. The situation was admirably described by President Hoover in opening the Citizens' Conference on the Crisis in Education, which he had called together in Washington on January 5, 1933.
"Our nation faces the acute responsibility of provid- ing a right-of-way for the American child. In spite of our economic, social and governmental difficulties, our future citizens must be built up now. We may delay other problems, but we cannot delay the day-to-day care and instruction of our children.
"This Conference is unusual, in that it invites the co-operation of men of widely different points of view in the consideration of our school and tax system from the standpoint of maintaining the welfare of the children of today.
"Our governmental forces have grown unevenly and along with our astounding national development. We are now forced to make decisions on the merits of the various expenditures. But in the rigid governmental economies that are requisite everywhere we must not encroach upon the schools or reduce the opportunity of the child through the school to develop adequate citi- zenship. There is no safety for our republic without the education of our youth. That is the first charge upon all citizens and local governments.
486
487
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
"I have confidence that with adequate reduction of expenditures there can be ample amounts obtained from reasonable taxation to keep our school system intact and functioning satisfactorily. Those in charge of the schools must be willing to face conditions as they are, to cooperate in discarding all unnecessary expenditure, to analyze all procedures and to carry forward on a solid basis of economy. But the schools must be carried on.
"I wish to thank you for giving of your time and com- ing here to Washington for this meeting. I trust that out of it will come recommendations that will be of na- tional significance. Above all, may I ask that throughout your deliberations you bear in mind that the proper care and training of our children is more important than any other process that is carried on by our Government. If we are to continue to educate our children, we must keep and sustain our teachers and our schools."
Hon. Alfred E. Smith likewise says:
"Whatever may be the exigencies, one thing must not happen; there must be no curtailment of educational facilities.
"The school systems for the education of our chil- dren in every State must be kept up to 100 per cent efficiency.
"A State can afford to lose time on the construction of a road, a bridge or a building and by speeding up con- struction at a later time, possibly catch up, but education must be continuous.
"Time lost in preparing our children to take their places in the world cannot be made up. There are only certain years in which the great majority of them can attend school and during that period it is the solemn duty of every State to provide full and complete educa- tion.
488
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
"At no time in our history was there greater need for the influence of education upon our future citizens."
Your School Committee is charged with the grave responsibility of preserving the integrity of the Arling- ton school system for the youth of Arlington and to carry on an economical administration. The committee has made changes in the interest of economy and has cut expenses to the danger line and will continue to do so in keeping with the necessity for strict economy, but school committees and school authorities should be allowed to make their cuts on the basis of their experience and judgment and not on the basis of demands from outside groups and individuals who have not had the opportunity to study educational problems, nor experience in admin- istering them.
It is equally the duty of our citizens for the future of our youth and by the same token the future of Arlington and the Commonwealth to provide for our schools to the end that their high standards be not lowered and that we keep faith with the present generation. The committee believes that our citizens are unwilling to permit the elimination of any worthwhile educational opportunities.
Your attention is directed to the detailed report of the Superintendent of Schools in which the various phases of our school problems are carefully analyzed. We particularly emphasize the reduction in annual ex- penditures during the past three years in face of an in- creasing school population; the reduction of the per pupil cost, the reduced overhead for general control and super- vision, and the reduction in instructional service.
It is not wise economy to save money by postponing necessary repairs and upkeep of school buildings. The committee has kept the school property in excellent con- dition and has also succeeded in making substantial sav-
489
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
ings in this item, but care must be taken to see that sufficient funds are provided to maintain our school plant properly.
We call your attention to the urgent need for com- pleting the High School auditorium and providing for the gymnasium and connecting corridor in front with an administration unit as planned.
Temporary transfers and adjustments have made it possible to postpone the building of the proposed Pheas- ant Avenue School and additional accommodations in the Hardy district. These additional buildings, however, must be provided for in the near future. The postpone- ment of these necessary building projects may well be credited as school economy measures.
The organization of the committee has remained the same except that Mrs. Norine D. Casey was elected in March to succeed Mr. David J. Donahue, who was ap- pointed to fill the unexpired term of the late Denis A. McCarthy.
We sincerely appreciate the cooperation and the support of the various Town boards and committees who have assisted us during the year in providing for the education of the youth of Arlington.
Respectfully submitted for the School Committee,
M. NORCROSS STRATTON, Chairman.
January, 1933.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS FOR THE YEAR 1932
To the Honorable School Committee and Citizens of Arlington :
The following report is respectfully submitted for your consideration. It is largely a study of economy, for that has been our major problem.
The year has been one of unusual features. On the one hand, there have been growth and expansion, on the other curtailment and recession. The problems of finan- cial adjustment have been important, and these in turn have necessitated changes in accommodations and ar- rangement of classes, abandonment or restriction of cer- tain activities, and planning for still further economies.
I. Organization
The system consists of eight elementary schools, grades one to six; three intermediate or junior high schools, grades seven to nine; one junior high industrial arts school; and one senior high school, grades ten to twelve.
The total membership in November, 1932, was 6,500, divided as follows:
Elementary schools 3,580
Junior High schools 1,480
Junior and Senior High School Industrial Arts Classes 104
Senior High school 1,336
490
491
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
This is the largest enrolment in the history of the town. It would have been distinctly larger, possibly 6,800, if the School Committee had not (1) discontinued the sub-primary classes in 1931 and (2) raised the mini- mum entering age in two successive steps, 1931 and 1932, from 5 years by October 1st to 5 years, 6 months. In 1921-22 the school membership was 3,435, a little over one-half of the present number.
The total number of supervisors, principals, and teachers at present is 274. In 1921-22, it was 158. The increase in school membership has been 89.2%, in teach- ing force, 73.4%. It is interesting to note that if the ratio of teachers and pupils were the same now as in 1921-22, we should have a teaching force of over 300, instead of the present number, 274. The average teach- ing load of regular class room teachers has been increased since 1921-22 as follows:
Senior high school, from 19.9 to 23. Elementary schools, from 27.2 to 28.7.
(Our junior high schools were not reported sepa- rately in 1921-22, but the teacher load has increased since 1929 from 20.7 to 23. pupils per teacher.
The several schools in town (units of administra- tion) are large enough for economical administration, that is, the overhead maintenance and operating costs and incidental expenses constitute a low per capita cost, while the distribution of pupils and adjustment of work can be effectively carried out. The two smallest units, Parmenter and Junior High Industrial Schools, are sim- ply organized and do not represent extravagant units. On account of location, character of work, and lack of room in other buildings, they cannot be discontinued.
492
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
School
No. of princi-
No. of regular teachers
Member- ship
No. of pupils per Nov.,1932 teacher
No. of janitors & helpers
Senior High
1
571/2 *
1,336
23
5
Junior High Center
1
15
361
24
1 1/2
Junior High East ....
1
24
496
20.6
2
Junior High West ..
1
25
615
24.6
3
Jr. High Industrial
1
4
78
19.5
1/2
Brackett
1
12
375
31
2
Crosby
1
17
484
28
2
Cutter
1
181/2
528
28.5
2
Hardy
1
20
610
30.5
2
Locke
1
16
458
28.6
2
Parmenter
1
214
28.5
2
Peirce
1
18
509
28
1
Russell
1
12 1/2
374
30
1
Special Classes
5
62
12.5
13
252
6,500
25.7
26
* Including time given to teaching by four supervisors.
The evening school has been more generously patronized during the last two years than ever before. Enrolment for the season 1931-32, as noted in last year's report, rose to over 500. This fall the total enrolment was over 900. The shrinkage naturally was much greater, but the attendance since the opening date, Octo- ber 17, has been larger than a year ago. The chief rea- son for this is the desire of young people to fit themselves better for employment.
Maintenance of school property is efficiently cared for by one supervisor, five men and day laborers as re- quired. The cost of this service during the past few years has been as follows:
Year
Expenditures
% of Value of School Property
Value of School Property (not in- cluding equipment) as reported by Board of Assessors
1929
$36,001.51
1.7%
$2,058,000
1930
35,954.09
1.7%
2,108,900
1931
28,460.93
1.3%
2,112,500
1932
28,538.27
1.2%
2,454,600
cipals
493
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The cost for the past year represents, therefore, a very substantial reduction in this item, especially in view of the fact that two new buildings have been added dur- ing the past year.
General control is now vested in the superintendent, assisted by the clerical force of four persons. The ex- penditures for 1932 were $18,858.79. Two years ago a business manager and five clerks assisted the superin- tendent and the expenditures totalled $23,643.05.
The relation between this expense and the whole budget has changed from 3.3% in 1930 to 2.5% in 1932.
II. Accommodations
For several years prior to 1932 the congestion in cer- tain schools grew steadily worse. In 1931 a number of undesirable basement rooms were used in elementary schools. The Heights section was such that the majority of classes attending the Cutter School were on half time. The Junior High School West was becoming overcrowded. The Senior High School was running its classes on part time. The whole situation has been adequately relieved by :
1. Discontinuing sub-primary classes, 1931.
2. Raising minimum age for admission to grade I, 1931 and 1932.
3. Reorganization of grading plan in elementary schools and consequent consolidation of classes, 1932.
4. Erection of fourteen-room school building on Eastern Avenue, the Brackett School, occupied in March, 1932. (This provided for children living south of Gray Street and Oakland Avenue, and entirely relieved congestion in the Cutter and Locke Schools.)
494
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
5. Erection of new twenty-six-room addition for the Senior High School.
6. Change in boundary lines between the Junior High School West and Junior High School Center, whereby approximately one hundred students were transferred from the former to the latter school.
The wisdom of these measures of relief is self- evident. Results have been strikingly helpful. More- over, the provision of additional elementary school build- ings has been postponed through the first three measures. Had they not been taken, all the elementary schools would now be overcrowded and the proposed Pheasant Avenue School and additional rooms in the Hardy dis- trict would have been most urgently needed a year ago. As it is, these projects may safely be deferred for another year.
The changes noted above have occasioned numerous readjustments in furnishings, class assignments, promo- tion plans, teachers' programs, time schedules, duties of principals and supervisors and administrative details. They have created hundreds of special problems for solu- tion by the School Committee and employees of the de- partment; but one by one they have been met and suc- cessfully solved. Reorganization has been effected quietly and without confusion, and is contributing much to the economy and efficiency of our schools.
New Buildings and Grading
High School Addition. The first part of the addition was sufficiently completed in the late fall of 1931 to be put into use on January 5, 1932. It contains eleven class rooms, two locker and shower rooms, an auditorium and a large lunch room. The auditorium was provided with slightly over one thousand movable chairs in time for
495
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
June graduation. The lunch room was completely fur- nished during the summer vacation (1932), utilizing what was already in use in the old lunch room and adding other necessary equipment. We have now a com- plete and ample modern kitchen, convenient serving counters, and tables with swinging stools sufficient to seat nearly five hundred students at once. Excellent food is furnished at cost under direction of the supervisor of household arts. Conditions are unusually good, and the patronage is very satisfactory.
The second part of the addition, containing fifteen class rooms above the basement, was completed and fur- nished in time for the fall term (1932). Here are two cooking rooms, two for sewing, one double room for chorus work. Two basement rooms have been fitted up as stock and work rooms for the maintenance depart- ment. . The whole addition is otherwise used by the com- mercial department of the school.
The structure is fireproof throughout, has an oil heating system and ventilating-heating units in each class room. During the past summer the old and new buildings were connected with a fireproof passageway with level corridors on the several floor levels, built under direction of the School Committee. Some desirable changes have also been made in the old building, such as enlarging the small drawing room, moving the print- ing shop to larger, lighter quarters, and removing tem- porary partitions in three class rooms.
Grateful recognition is due the Board of Selectmen, who served as building committee, for their untiring in- terest and attention to the many problems arising during the process of building.
The architect for all the above work was George Ernest Robinson, of Boston. The builders were The
496
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Arlington Construction Co. and John W. Duff, Inc. Appropriations were for the first part, Scheme A, $277,000; for the second part, Scheme B, $130,000; for connecting passageway, $18,000; for additional equip- ment, $16,707.20.
John Q. A. Brackett School, Eastern Avenue. This new elementary school building was first occupied on February 29 and dedicated on March 4, 1932. It con- tains fourteen class rooms, auditorium, large play rooms, office, waiting room, clinic, and teachers' rest room, be- side the usual sanitaries, stock rooms and closets. It is heated by oil, with heat and ventilation automatically controlled. The building, though plain, is attractive, especially inside. The auditorium is unusually pleasant. Part of the play rooms on the ground floor can be easily converted into regular class rooms. The lawns and play- ground are ample and provide a fine setting for the build- ing. Very careful and thoughtful attention was given by the building committee to the designing, construction, and equipment of the building to make it complete and satisfactory in every respect. It was designed by Fay, Spofford & Thorndike, architects, and built by Thomas O'Connor & Co. The appropriation was $225,000.
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