USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1939 > Part 21
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26
Men were furnished to patrol Spy Pond when ice was unsafe for skating.
Clerks were furnished to finish a W. P. A. project cover- ing the installation of a new Police System covering all records pertaining to their work.
FIRE DEPARTMENT Total Wages $1,864.83
Labor was furnished to help lay cables in the Fire and Police Signal System.
Finishing painting started by W. P. A.
SANITATION Total Wages $6,997.33
Mill Brook at Mill Lane, Locke, Clark and Forest Sts .- Installing manholes, drains and watergates in connection with work done by the W. P. A., also repairs to grounds damaged by this work.
Cleaning, deepening brook located in the area called Dickson's Swamp. This project was sponsored by the local Board of Health to eliminate the breeding of mos- quitoes.
Unemployed labor was used to complete a sewer and water project started by the W. P. A. at Cedar Avenue.
Repairs were made to the sidewalls of the North Union Street Brook due to the heavy rainfall.
HIGHWAYS
Total Wages $3,796.20 Mat. & Equip. 1,347.29
Unemployed labor was used to finish miscellaneous work such as - walks, driveways, steps, grading, etc. in
395
EMERGENCY UNEMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE
connection with 1937, 1938, and 1939 streets on account of Federal Regulations which do not permit W. P. A. labor for this type of work.
Streets as follows: Andrews, Brookdale, Crosby, Dor- othy, Fayette, Hibbert, Hillsdale, Park Ave. Ext., Paul Revere Rd., Wachusetts Avenue, Fisher, Frost, Hamlet, Herbert, Hillside, Parker, Parallel, Newland Rd., Wild- wood Ave., and Winchester Rd.
In the construction of some of these streets a great quantity of loam was salvaged-unemployed labor was then used to screen same. This was later used for the perma- nent grass plots on these streets.
New black-top sidewalk was installed in front of town- owned building located at 1209 Mass. Ave. which houses various W. P. A. activities.
The work started on the driveway leading into the Robbins House last fall was finished this spring.
Painting Signs and Lines for Police Department.
Labor was furnished to assist in cleaning various streets in the town. ·
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Total Wages $366.00
Labor was furnished the local Sealer to assist him in performing his duties.
MISCELLANEOUS
Total Wages $6,706.85
Inventory of tools on the various projects at periodic intervals.
Lanterns were maintained for the safety of citizens and auto traffic in the Town on all labor outdoor projects under construction such as streets, sewer and water, side- walks, storm drains, etc.
Supervisors were appointed to see that the work was properly done and that each man or woman gave a fair day's labor for work performed.
396
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Truck driver for Town-owned truck and helpers to perform varied extra duties.
New Federal Regulations compelled the Town to fur- nish clerks to go to the Medford Area Office for payroll listings.
ABLE-BODIED WELFARE RECIPIENTS
Two hundred and twenty-eight Welfare recipients worked 5091 man-days assigned by this department to the following Park properties : Meadowbrook Park, Spy Pond Field, Warren A. Peirce Playground, Arlington Heights Playground, Menotomy Rocks Park. In addition we assigned 218 men who worked out their 1939 Poll Taxes on similar projects.
Administration Expense $3,970.00
Percentage of Unemployment Program 4.68%
WORKS PROGRESS ADMINISTRATION
This program continued through 1939 without material change in basic structure from the set-up embodied in my 1938 report. Project proposals are referred for approval to the Board of Selectmen, as Sponsors, then submitted to James M. Keane, Town Engineer, for constructive analysis involving estimates of material, equipment, specifications and personnel. Following Federal approval at W. P. A. State Headquarters and confirmation of approval by the President in Washington, specified project funds are allo- cated, the Sponsor's contribution pledge is approved and the project is ready for operation. The personnel is then completed by transfer from active projects or new assign- ments.
The number employed on local W. P. A. projects is summarized as follows :
PAYROLL:
March 1939-Highest No. of Workers 745
Sept. 1939-Lowest No. of Workers 410
Average No. of Workers 550
397
EMERGENCY UNEMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE
On December 31, 1939, the number of unassigned cer- tified applicants for W. P. A. was 173 men and 61 women. Certified applications for N. Y. A. was 22 boys and 24 girls.
An analysis of applications for W. P. A. work based on applicants' occupation in industry, furnish these percent- ages :
Labor and Inexperienced 33.13%
White Collar Workers 20.95%
Intermediate and Semi-skilled 11.31% Skilled and Professional 34.61%
The ratio of male applicants to female is approximately three to one, and the greater proportion, exclusive of labor- ers, are from the Building Trades, Automotive Industry, Salespeople and Office Workers.
W. P. A. OPERATIONS:
Federal Wages paid on Local W. P. A. proj- ects in 1939 $436,116.90
Federal paid materials furnished Town ...... 9,262.36
Contribution of Town of Arlington as Spon-
sor
164,867.78
Total $610,247.04
Percentage of cost to Town of Arlington 27%
Administration cost of Town of Arlington (consisting of salaries, telephone, typewriter rentals, stationery and supplies, auto expense and engineering) amounted to $10,- 624.02.
Percentage of cost to Town of Arlington ...... 1.74%
PROJECT SUMMARY
TOWN BUILDING AND GROUNDS :
Federal Funds ... $5,362.93
Town Funds ...... $980.81
24 Workers
398
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Public Works Yard improvement project was started in 1938 and completed this year. This project operated to physically complete a planned system of grading to facili- tate activities in the yard and included necessary drainage together with a change of water main service connecting lines to the high pressure service.
A project operated to make alterations and repairs to the Board of Public Works Office including painting.
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
Federal Funds $6,321.18 Town Funds $1,007.12
38 workers
Installation of a new police system started in 1938 has now been completed covering all records, files, and indexes and has already proved a valued contribution to the present efficiency of the Police Department and will provide a more facile medium of co-operation and contact with other sim- ilar agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the State Police.
A project to remodel the first floor of the Police Station has been started with covers converting a portion of the present Guard Room into a Record Room and a new corri- dor thus increasing the space in the rear of the main desks, installation of a new desk, change electrical fixtures and other necessary work in connection with this alteration.
FIRE DEPARTMENT :
Federal Funds $13,932.55 Town Funds $4,532.63
36 Workers
A project started during 1938 and which is still in operation for the replacement of underground cables to im- prove and accelerate the efficiency of the existing Fire and Police Signal System.
A project to provide important information for Fire and Police Signal System. This covered a survey and com- prehensive set of plans of all cable terminals and all instru- ments electrically operated on the Fire and Police Signal System.
399
EMERGENCY UNEMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE
Four projects operated at the Central Fire Station cov- ering repairs to roof, construct concrete floor in the tower over Watch Room, other repairs to building damaged by the hurricane and painting.
SANITATION :
Federal Funds ... $122,901.57 Town Funds $25,497.72 129 Workers
A project operated for relaying new water and sewer mains in the following streets: Gray, Park Ave., Brattle, Grove, Thorndike and Ravine.
Three projects were active to improve, widen, and erect masonry walls at various sections of Mill Brook for flood control purposes. One section from Forest Street to Brattle Street, one section from Forest Street to Mill Lane and one section from Wellington Park to Grove Street.
A project was initiated to relay storm drains in vari- ous streets, namely : Hillside Avenue, Claremont Avenue, Wollaston Avenue, Bartlett Avenue, Forest Street, Winter Street, Gray Street, Florence Avenue, Arlmont Street, High- land Avenue, Hillsdale Road, and Hutchinson Road. This project is still active.
A project covering the laying of a 12-inch water main in Cedar Avenue to complete the loop between Park Avenue and the 16-inch main at the standpipe at Park Circle.
GYPSY MOTH DEPARTMENT:
Federal Funds $8,273.47 Town Funds $110.00
55 Workers
Two projects were in seasonal operation for the erad- ication of Gypsy and Browntail Moth and Tent Caterpillar. This work has aided in the conservation of the trees and shrubbery.
TREE WARDEN DEPARTMENT :
Federal Funds $8,032.65
Town Funds ..... $75.05
45· Workers
400
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Two projects operated for the trimming and pruning of approximately 6100 public shade trees which were dam- aged in the hurricane of 1938.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT:
Federal Funds $2,434.27 Town Funds $100.04
6 Workers
Project started to operate in November 1938 and fin- ished June 1939, was for the purpose of statistical survey of infant mortality in Arlington from which a spot map was developed and will prove serviceable in the research branches of the Health and School Departments.
LIBRARY :
Federal Funds $10,705.36 Town Funds $1,606.66 46 Workers
A project was operated to file and index books and peri- odicals, and to renew, mend and cleanse the paper of such books and periodicals as necessary.
Two projects operated at the Main Library for paint- ing and repairing both interior and exterior of the building.
A project to make repairs to the roof damaged by the 1938 hurricane.
HIGHWAYS-Street and Sidewalk Construction
Town Funds $95,161.61
Federal Funds ... $123,619.73 263 Workers
The Street program included the construction of the following highways : Buena Vista Road, Crosby Street, Dor- othy Road, Fayette Street, Fisher Road, Frost Street, Ham- let Street, Herbert Road, Hillsdale Road, Homestead Road, Newland Road, Parallel Street, Wildwood Avenue, and Win- chester Road.
New sidewalks were constructed throughout the Town upon application by the abuttors to the Board of Survey.
401
EMERGENCY UNEMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE
CHARITIES :
Federal Funds $71,631.77 Town Funds $13,814.22 112 Workers
Household Aid Repair and Renovation of Furniture, etc. Sewing for the Needy Commissary
A project initiated for the purpose of affording assist- ance to families on recommendation of the Welfare Depart- ment, is known as the Household Aid Project. This group comprises qualified women who have been accepted by the Federal District Supervisor to assist in the housework and care of children in homes where the housewife is perma- nently or temporarily incapacitated because of ill health. These periodical visitations have been most effective in pro- moting better living conditions and well being among un- fortunate and stricken families.
Furniture and Household Goods Project operated ad- vantageously throughout the year. A varied assortment of furniture, household articles, clothing, toys, are voluntarily contributed by Arlington residents, mainly through the ef- forts of appointed solicitors. Thoroughly renovated and reconditioned by skilled workers, these articles are then distributed to needy families upon recommendation of the Board of Welfare and other recognized charitable agencies. An idea of the scope of this project can be gained from the following analysis of items handled during 1939:
Chairs
875
Tables
182
Beds
146
Mattresses
204
Curtains
520
Ice Chests
65
Truck-loads of Clothing
77
Pictures
181
Lamps
68
Rugs and Linoleum
148
402
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Cabinets
37
Baby Carriages and Strollers
65
Cutlery and Utensils
673
Buffets
17
Mirrors
45
Blankets, etc.
306
Bureaus
126
Dishes
1806
Miscellaneous Articles
663
Christmas Toys
2742
The Sewing Project operated throughout the year with an average of 56 workers making garments for needy fam- ilies. These garments are sent to a Federal Surplus Com- modities Division Warehouse for distribution to cities and towns.
Local production for 1939 :
Girls' Garments 3016
Women's Garments 14657
Boys' Garments 9364
Men's Garments
2086
Total 29123
Material used in manufacturing garments amounted to 82,717 yards of cloth. All material is purchased by the Federal government and the Town of Arlington is assessed $10.00 per worker monthly. In addition to this assessment the Town also pays the cost of all findings, supplies and trucking of material to warehouses.
The Commissary of the Federal Surplus Commodities Division was operated as a state-wide project for the dis- tribution of milk and surplus food to needy families. The Town of Arlington pays for the trucking of these com- modities as well as standing a proportionate share of the Administrative expense of the Federal office in Boston.
SCHOOLS:
Federal Funds $21,352.68 Town Funds $2,142.98
87 Workers
403
EMERGENCY UNEMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE
Projects to paint and repair the Hardy, Parmenter, Russell, Senior High, Cutter, Peirce and Crosby Schools, were operated throughout the year.
A project to construct 280 cubic yards of masonry con- crete wall on westerly side and southerly side of tennis courts at Spy Pond Field-220 feet in length-also resetting and painting 2 coats of 10 foot chain link fence on this wall.
The binding and repairing of books was carried on throughout the year, salvaging many old books which would otherwise be given to private concerns to renovate and re- bind.
A project started in 1938 for the compiling of a mod- ern set of plans of various schools was completed in 1939.
RECREATION :
Federal Funds $17,551.51 Town Funds $2,306.97 28 Workers
A project providing instruction in physical training and athletics, arts and crafts, dancing, drama, music pag- eants, field days, nature studies, etc., was continued through- out the year. The school gymnasia are utilized for these varied activities during the winter season.
A project was operated to improve various play- grounds by grading, etc., during the season for this type of work.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Public Works Records:
Federal Funds .$507.41 Town Funds $11.20
4 Workers
A project started in 1938 for the compilation of Stat- utes and Amendments of the General Court of Massachu- setts and Town By-Laws and statutory rules and regula- tions applicable to the Public Works Department was com- pleted this year.
404
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Water Department:
Federal Funds ..... $13,487.63 Town Funds $697.32
17 Workers
A project was started to relocate and make suitable maps and indexes of all the water shut-offs in the Town. When completed, this will be of immeasurable value to the water department.
Veterans' Graves:
Federal Funds $2,161.39 Town Funds $227.08
5 Workers
A project for locating and marking on maps together with a suitable index of all veterans' graves in Arlington cemeteries was operated during 1939.
Mt. Pleasant Cemetery :
Federal Funds $1,039.54 Town Funds $79.11
5 Workers
An up-to-date map of Mt. Pleasant Cemetery show- ing all graves, plots and other pertinent information was made during the year.
Roadside Beautification:
Federal Funds ..... $5,095.67 15 Workers
A state-wide project to continue the beautification work along the Concord Highway was operated during the late Spring employing a few Arlington W. P. A. workers.
National Youth Administration:
Federal Funds $10,967.95 32 Workers
The N. Y. A. continued in Arlington throughout 1939 directly under Federal supervision. The type of work con- sisted mainly of work for the Police Department maintain- ing traffic signs and lines throughout the Town.
405
EMERGENCY UNEMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE
Federal Music Project:
Town Funds $460.50
This is a state-wide Federal project for which the Town is assessed $3.00 per month for each Arlington resi- dent employed to defray the non-labor cost of operating this project.
First Aid Supplies :
Town Funds $407.63
These supplies are purchased by the Town and supplied to certified First Aid workers on the various projects in compliance with Federal regulations.
Tools and Equipment:
Town Funds $4,696.80
The Town supplied the necessary tools and equipment for the W. P. A. projects to operate efficiently. This figure includes the cost of tools and equipment, the expense of trucking from one project to another, together with the cost of rental of a storehouse to keep surplus tools and equip- ment.
Miscellaneous:
Transportation costs of the Federal Compensation Agent and the Town Supervisor of White Collar and Engi- neering projects amounted to $328.31.
My sincere appreciation is herewith expressed for the co-operation readily given to me by the members of the Honorable Board of Selectmen and all others associated with me in the administration of these departments together with the competent efforts of Mr. James M. Keane, Town Engineer, in his preparation of projects and his helpful counsel.
NEIL S. PETERS,
Executive Secretary
Local Relief Co-ordinator
406
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
OFFICE OF PARK COMMISSION
The Board of Park Commissioners respectfully sub- mits its forty-fourth annual report for the year ending December 31, 1939.
At the annual town election held Monday, March 5, 1939, Daniel M. Hooley was re-elected a member of the Board of Park Commissioners for a term of three years.
The Board organized Monday evening, March 12, 1939, with John B. Byrne as Chairman, George D. Higgins as Superintendent of Parks and Playgrounds, and Miss Ruth S. Cannell as Clerk.
The regular meetings of the Board are held on Mon- day evening of each week at seven-thirty o'clock for the purpose of considering routine matters, consulting the of- ficials of the other branches of the Town Government and special committees thereof, Chairmen of the Town Meeting Members, granting audiences to committees, organizations, delegations and citizens of Arlington whose interests are within the jurisdiction of the Board of Park Commission- ers.
The following are the net expenditures made under the direction of this Board :
Personal Services :
Superintendent
$2,007.50
Clerk
156.00
Wages
2,999.90
Police Duty
260.00
Life Guards
1,500.00
$6,923.40
Expenses :
Office Supplies
$ 10.75
Telephone
44.05
Auto Maintenance
351.08
407
PARK COMMISSIONERS
Trucking
187.50
Maintenance of Equipment
424.71
Repairing Boats
37.33
Crushed Stone, Cinders, Etc.
31.00
Trees & Shrubs
104.59
Loam & Fertilizer
325.88
Other Expenses
181.27
Capital Outlay
208.19
$1,906.35
Field House, Heights Reservoir
$1,983.00
Warren Peirce Playground Joint Account :
Expenses $ 585.02
The increasing development of Arlington presents this Board with a serious problem in an effort to provide suitable and adequate playground facilities.
This Board, as in previous years, has given every ef- fort to provide work for the unemployed men of Arlington. with the cooperation of the Arlington Works Progress Ad- ministration.
AREAS WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE PARK COMMISSION
Heights Playground (Reservoir Field)
The baseball field was graded and grassed and gener- ally taken care of during the season, which provided many of the young men of Arlington with the opportunity for playing baseball; twenty-five permits were issued by the Board to the numerous baseball teams. The younger chil- dren utilized the playgrounds in other forms of recreations.
A 20'x40' Field House was erected near the home plate of the baseball field, similar in construction to the bath house (which was erected last year), with the excep- tion of an eight-foot roof extension making a piazza which provides shelter in case of rain.
408
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Reservoir Beach
The season opened June 17, 1939 and closed September 9, 1939.
During the season the girls' bath house was in charge of two matrons. The boys' bath house was under the juris- diction of the life guards. Special Police Officer Carl Land was in attendance. A new raft was erected and was greatly in demand. The area was constantly kept clean through the efforts of the employees of the Park Commissioners. Six life guards were appointed by the Park Commissioners : Frank P. Guarente, Paul M. Bartholomew, William T. Burke, James A. Coffey, Arthur G. Guarente, John C. Fred- riksen, all of whom rendered valuable service and are de- serving of the highest praise for their excellent perfor- mance of duty; there was no drowning accident at the beach. The life guards held swimming classes which af- forded many children the opportunity to learn the art of swimming.
Arlington Heights Standpipe
General maintenance; grass area surrounding the standpipe was cut and trimmed.
Turkey Hill
General maintenance, brush trimmed.
Forest and Bow Streets
General maintenance, brush cut and trees trimmed.
Appleton Street and Paul Revere Road
General maintenance, grass trimmed, etc.
Lowell Street and Massachusetts Avenue
General maintenance, grass trimmed.
Ethel Wellington Playground
General maintenance.
409
PARK COMMISSIONERS
Lockeland Delta
General maintenance, grass trimmed.
Menotomy Rocks Park
Consists of forty acres of natural park beauty and Hills Pond. Removed damaged trees caused by hurricane and distributed wood to unemployed of Arlington. Re- paired and covered road with stone dust at Eastern Avenue entrance. Built catch basin to prevent overflow to adjacent properties from Pond. General maintenance, grass trimmed etc. During the winter months the Pond affords much pleasure to many for general skating and hockey.
Russell Park
General maintenance.
Medford and Warren Streets Delta
General maintenance, grass trimmed.
Meadowbrook Park
This area has been raised approximately three feet by heavy fill removed from streets being built by the Pub- lic Works Department. Flooded during the winter months for skating; and fencing a portion for smaller children, to avoid accidents, has been taken advantage of by the chil- dren in this section.
Florence Avenue Playground
Rough-graded with the assistance of the Board of Public Works. Erection of a temporary back-stop which affords the boys in that section an opportunity to play baseball. Levelled and graded Florence Avenue side and flooded the area for skating.
Warren A. Peirce Playground
General care and maintenance; loamed, re-seeded,
410
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
trimmed, etc. The Board of Park Commissioners have joint jurisdiction with the School Committee over this play- ground.
Orvis Road
General maintenance, grass trimmed.
Warren and River Streets Delta
General maintenance, grass trimmed.
Crosby School Playground
Fenced enclosure for four tennis courts and erected stone wall. General maintenance.
Monument Park
General maintenance, grass trimmed.
Linwood Beach (Spy Pond)
General maintenance.
Fowles Pond
General maintenance.
Thorndike Street Playground
This section will afford Arlington one of its largest playgrounds. One section has been filled and graded, and a temporary back-stop has been supplied in order to afford an opportunity for the boys in that section to play ball.
Dow Avenue and Appleton Street Delta
General maintenance, grass trimmed.
411
PARK COMMISSIONERS
AREAS OWNED BY TOWN OF ARLINGTON AND CARED FOR BY PARK COMMISSION
Brattle and Summer Streets Delta
General maintenance, grass trimmed.
Junior High West (Crusher Lot)
General maintenance, brush trimmed, trees trimmed.
Falmouth Road and Crosby Street Delta
General maintenance, grass trimmed.
Thos. J. Robinson Rock (Gray Street and Endicott Road) General maintenance.
AREAS CONTROLLED BY ARLINGTON GARDEN CLUB AND CARED FOR BY PARK COMMISSION
Delta, corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Swan Place Area cared for.
Delta, adjacent to Old Town Hall Area cared for.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Board makes the following recommendations : Thorndike Street Playground
During the past year, through the cooperation of the Board of Public Works, this area has been given consider- able fill and a portion has been graded. A large area has yet to be taken care of. The Board recommends the work of filling and grading should be carried on as soon as possible, in order that the playground may be made avail- able for further developments.
412
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Linwood Street Area
The Board recommends that the foundation of the old ice houses, which are projecting from six inches to one foot above ground, be removed and the area graded, which would allow for a baseball diamond.
Cemetery Street Playground
The ground here has been rough graded and levelled for three tennis courts and the Board recommends that these courts be finished as there has been considerable de- mand for tennis courts.
Meadowbrook Park Playground
The Board recommends that this area receive the con- tinued valued cooperation of the Board of Public Works in supplying fill from new street constructions, as the Board hopes to be able in so doing to have a baseball diamond to take care of that section.
Florence Avenue Playground
This area should receive more fill, be graded and grassed. Drains installed to prevent backflow of water in- to adjacent properties. One of the last properties attained by the Park Commission, the Board feels the future devel- opment of this area will give to the town one of its largest and best playgrounds.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.