USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1945 > Part 21
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1
To keep goats
2
To keep poultry
108
To hold rummage sales
34
To haul offal 11
Burial permits
366
Respectfully submitted, J. PHILIP BOWER Agent and Clerk.
401
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF MILK INSPECTOR
To the Board of Health, Arlington, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Milk Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1945.
Licenses Issued
For sale of milk from stores
106
For sale of milk from vehicles
43
For sale of oleomargarine
43
To manufacture ice cream and frozen desserts
6
To operate Pasteurizing Plants
2
Milk Analyses Made
Samples taken from vehicles
200
Samples taken from stores
26
Average for year:
Fat
Solids Bacteria
Grade "A"
4.35
13.19
5,633
Family
4.00
12.69
17,373
Stores
3.98
12.13
8,446
Inspections
Pasteurizing Plants
6
Dairies
3
Respectfully submitted,
J. PHILIP BOWER Milk Inspector
402
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF SLAUGHTERING INSPECTOR
To the Board of Health, Arlington, Mass.
Gentlemen:
There was no slaughtering in Arlington for the year ending December 31, 1945.
Respectfully submitted,
J. PHILIP BOWER Inspector of Slaughtering
403
REPORT OF CEMETERY DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY DEPARTMENT
Board of Selectmen Arlington, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The report of the Cemetery Commissioners is herewith submitted for the year ending December 31, 1945.
During the year 288 bodies were interred in the Town Cemeteries, which was thirty-two less than the previous year.
The remaining portion of Plot V was brought to grade, ready for seeding.
In accordance with a vote taken at the March Town Meeting, one hundred and fifty graves in Plot T were set aside for veterans of World War II. As yet no interments have been made in that section.
Valuation of Lots and Graves with Perpetual
Care
$285,895.00
Cemetery Receipts
Sale of Lots and Graves
10,033.50
Annual Care
3,383.50
Miscellaneous
1,595.00
Liners
1,650.00
Foundations
1,215.51
Opening Graves
5,320.00
Perpetual Care
12,851.00
Rentals
326.00
Income from Funds
5,533.90
RALPH S. STEVENS, Chairman SYLVESTER A. KEANEY J. EDWIN KIMBALL Cemetery Commissioners
404
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
The Planning Board submits herewith its report for the year ending December 31, 1945.
At the Annual Town Election in March Charles H. Bow- ker was re-elected as a member of the Board for a three year term. The Board organized for the year with Harold C. Knight as Chairman, Frank L. Lincoln as Vice-Chairman and Herbert M. Dutcher as Secretary. On March 21, 1945 Mr. Knight resigned as Chairman and was succeeded by Mr. Lincoln. On September 10, 1945 Mr. Lincoln resigned from the Board and at a joint meeting with the Board of Select- men on October 8, 1945, Harvey C. Abbott was chosen to fill the vacancy. Serovp P. Basmajian was elected Chairman by the Board. Mr. Lincoln's resignation was made neces- sary on account of pressure of personal business and it was with the greatest reluctance that the Board accepted his resignation.
The Board has been represented on the Advanced Pro- gramming and Budgeting Committee by Mr. Basmajian and by Mr. Bowker on the Committee for a new school site in the northern part of the Town.
The required Public Hearing was held on the proposed Amendment to the Zoning By-Law and this matter submit- ted to the March Town Meeting. The Amendment was ap- proved and was sent through the usual channels to the At- torney-General for approval. The amendment, however, has not as yet been finally approved and published.
As regards zoning changes a request was received to change the property at 91 Mystic Street from Business and General Residence to Industrial. The required procedure was followed and the March Town Meeting approved the recommendation of the Board that the change be made.
During the year 25 Board Meetings have been held, a considerable amount of this time being required for the Zoning Amendment and the Arlington Center study.
405
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
In accordance with a vote of the Town for a study of Arlington Center the Board had a map of Arlington Center prepared. Copies of this map together with a letter request- ing comments and ideas regarding a possible solution of the problems were sent to each Town Meeting member and to a few other groups it was thought might be interested. In the fall both Arlington newspapers generously contributed space for a copy of this map together with a short article explaining what was desired and again asking for sugges- tions. The Board was disappointed in receiving a very small number of replies. We have, however, proceeded with the study but in view of the uncertainty regarding the final plans for the State Rapid Transit project feel that very little actual street rearrangement work or major traffic changes can be justified at this time. It is expected, how- ever that a report of progress can be presented with certain recommendations to afford temporary relief.
The Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, together with a representative of this Board, attended the legislative hear- ing on the Rapid Transit Report and the opposition of the town was recorded through our State Representatives. The Board was opposed to the acceptance of the original plan as it felt that our interests as to the abolition of the several railway grade crossings had not been sufficiently protected and that the necessary feeder bus lines to the proposed serv- ice had also not been satisfactorily covered. This entire matter was later referred back to the Recess Committee for further study.
The Selectmen and the Planning Board were also rep- resented at hearings in Boston and Winchester on the pro- posal to form a Metropolitan Council to include Boston and a majority of the suburban cities and towns in the Greater Boston area in a more closely affiliated operating group. The meeting held at Winchester voted as an expression of opinion that the northern or Mystic Valley towns did not approve of any change which would reduce in any way the existing powers or interchange of services now enjoyed.
406
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
The Board wishes to express its appreciation for the cooperation of the Board of Selectmen and Board of Asses- sors and to the Joint Board for the assistance of the Town Engineer.
Respectfully submitted,
SEROVP P. BASMAJIAN, Chairman HERBERT M. DUTCHER, Secretary CHARLES H. BOWKER HAROLD C. KNIGHT HARVEY C. ABBOTT
407
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
The Board of Park Commissioners respectfully submits the annual report for the year ending December 31, 1945.
The Board organized on Monday March 12, 1945 with Mr. Edward D. Buckley as Chairman.
The difficulties of procuring contractors, materials and equipment have been partially overcome and the following improvements have been made :
Linwood Street Playground
This area on the shore of Spy Pond has been turned into one of the beauty spots of the town and should prove to be very popular during the hot weather when the cool breezes from the pond will be more than appreciated.
The area of approximately 93,000 square feet between Linwood Street and Pond Lane has been graded, loamed and seeded and a four foot paved walk has been constructed which connects the two streets.
A large parking area with an attractive stone wall along the water front has been provided at the foot of Pond Lane.
The continuation of Linwood Street has been started and will be completed early in the spring.
Trees
Seventy-five trees have been planted and protected with a three post wire covered guard on the following play- grounds : Waldo Road, North Union Street, Cemetery Street and Linwood Street.
Benches
Fifty-five park and twenty-nine player's benches have been constructed and set out on the various areas.
408
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Equipment
A set of six swings was installed on each of the follow- ing playgrounds: Thorndike Street, Waldo Road, North Union Street, Ethel Wellington and Florence Avenue.
See-saws were installed on the Waldo Road playground.
Fences
Wire mesh fencing has been installed as follows:
200 ft. between the railroad and the children's play area on the Thorndike street playground.
500 ft. along the brook at the Ethel Wellington playground. 1000 ft. along two sides of the Florence Avenue playground. 605 ft. along two sides of the Linwood Street playground.
A concrete post and wire cable fence has been made and set out as follows :
23 posts along the Thorndike Street playground.
38 posts in front of the grandstands at the Warren A. Pierce football field.
10 posts around the parking area at the Linwood Street playground.
10 posts along the boulevard at Meadow Brook Park.
Goal Posts
A set of steel goal posts were erected on the Warren A. Pierce football field.
Skating areas were maintained at the following loca- tions :
Waldo Road Playground North Union St. Playground Ethel Wellington Playground Florence Avenue Playground Meadow Brook Park Menotomy Rocks Park Cemetery St. Playground
409
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
Playground Program
The Park Department with the co-operation of the School Department conducted a playground program from July 2nd to August 24th, five days a week on the following playgrounds :
Thorndike Street
Cutter School
Waldo Road
Crosby School
North Union Street
Brackett School
Cemetery Street
Hardy School
Ethel Wellington
Pierce School
Florence Avenue
Spy Pond Field
This program consisted of supervised sports, games, wading and artcraft was well attended with a total of 41,408 during the 35 days.
Due to the shortage of materials the art craft work was restricted but a total of 1642 articles were made consisting of the following:
Coloring cards
Canvas pocketbooks
Sewing cards
Raffia bags
Dish towels
Raffia mats
Guest towels
Raffia pocketbooks
Pot holders
Napkin rings
Leather belts
Scrap book covers
Leather pocketbooks
Tea tiles
Reservoir Beach
The beach was open from July 2nd to August 24th with a total attendance of 16,910.
Summer Street Playground
The purchase of the three parcels as described in article 50 of the warrant for the annual town meeting for March 5, 1945 was completed and will temporarily be called the Sum- mer Street playground.
410
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Victory Gardens
The sixty-five victory gardens at Robbins Farm Play- ground proved to be as popular and productive as previous years.
Considerable progress was made in improving the lawns on the various areas and the walks at Menotomy Rocks Park were dressed with stone dust.
The Board takes this opportunity to express its thanks and appreciation to the various Boards, Town Officials and their employees for their co-operation and assistance during the year.
The areas under the direction of the Park Department are as follows :
Parks
Menotomy Rocks Meadow Brook
Monument Russell
Playgrounds
Crosby School
Waldo Rd.
Cemetery St.
Warren A. Pierce
Ethel Wellington
Thorndike St. Florence Ave.
Reservoir Beach
Linwood St.
Summer St.
North Union St.
Robbins Farm
Reservoir Field
1
Turkey Hill Lockland Delta River St. & Warren St. Delta
Dow Avenue & Appleton St. Delta Medford St. & Warren St. Delta Brattle St. & Summer St. Delta Falmouth Rd. & Crosby St. Delta Grafton St. & Mass. Ave. Delta Forest St. & Bow St. Delta Appleton St. & Paul Revere Rd.
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
411
Lowell St. & Mass. Ave. Orvis Road Old Town Hall Standpipe Thomas J. Robinson Rock
Fowles Pond Junior High West Crusher Lot
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD D. BUCKLEY, NILS G. ANDERSON, EVERETT J. HENDERSON, Board of Park Commissioners.
412
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
FOR THE YEAR 1945
Trustees
WILSON D. CLARK, Jr., Chairman FRANCIS KEEFE, Secretary EDMUND L. FROST WARREN A. SEAVEY MISS M. HELEN TEELE MRS. SARAH R. VAUGHN
Librarian MRS. LUCINDA F. SPOFFORD
Librarian Emeritus
ELIZABETH J. NEWTON
Assistants
RUTH SAMPSON, Senior Assistant and Reference Librarian
ESTHER GANNETT, Cataloguer THELMA BRICTSON MONTAGUE, Children's Librarian MARGARET Q. HEAPS, Head of Circulation IRENE CHRISTOPHER MARY CURRY *SYLVIA R. GUSTIN FRANCES MACAULAY SUZANNE MacGILLIVRAY *MARIE J. MOELLER BENSON
* Resigned
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY 413
Branch Librarians RUTH FULLER, Dallin Branch EVA M. SMITH, East Branch
Part-time Assistants JANE BOSS LILLIAN K. HERREMAN MARIANNA H. ROWE DOROTHY SEAVEY
Pages ELIZABETH BLACK VERNA BLACK
GERALDINE CASEY
ROBERT COUGHLIN JUNE DAVIDSON JOAN DITMARS HELEN DONAHUE KATHRYN FITZGIBBON ETHEL HAWKINS VIRGINIA HEALY
MARILYN KENNEY IRENE LOPEZ LESLIE McMORDIE MARY JANE MAGUIRE FLORENCE SEAVER MARTHA SHEPARD ELEANOR M. WHITE JEAN N. YOUNG
Janitors
JAMES SULLIVAN, Main Library GEORGE A. CAPES, Main Library and Dallin Branch JOHN SMITH, East Branch
Curator Robbins Print Collection MRS. KATHRYN M. ACHUFF
414
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR 1945
To the citizens of Arlington :
During the year the Robbins Library has worked toward two goals. The first has been the maintenance of service under war time conditions and the subsequent beginnings of peace time adjustments. The second has been the com- pletion of plans for post war development.
Our reduced staff, in serving the public from day to day, has achieved wonders. The Trustees are deeply grate- ful to them for the willing and effective way in which they have carried increased burdens.
Developing of plans for the future have resulted in the adoption by the Trustees in October of a "Salary and Classi- fication Schedule." This schedule sets forth the minimum and maximum salaries in stated positions, their duties and qualifications.
Plans for the future are difficult at best and under present unstable conditions it calls for foresight and tenacity to make an intelligent study of future needs. Due to lack of materials and men in 1945, much of the work on the main building which is now a necessity, will have to be done in 1946. Imperative is a major job on the roof, a change in the front door and adequate light in the stacks and main reading room.
The Post War Planning Committee has accepted a Branch Library for East Arlington as a part of the plan for 1948. There is also a need for the development of adequate library service in the Brackett School Section.
To meet the demands of 1946, the Trustees are asking for the sum of $43,376.00 for the running expenses of the
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY 415
library and $15,375.00 for capital outlay. Total amount for the year, $58,751.00.
Respectfully submitted
Dec. 31, 1945
W. D. CLARK, Jr. Chairman
416
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
FOR THE YEAR 1945
To the Trustees of the Robbins Library:
I herewith submit the report of the Library for the year ending December 31, 1945.
The sharp decline in reading has stopped and an upturn has started.
The Main Library desk made a good gain in the circu- lation of books for home use. The East Branch also showed an upward trend. Not to be deluded by numbers of books circulated, we wish to remember that "The measurement of the success which a library attains is, in the final analysis, the degree to which it fulfills its function as an institution for the acquisition, organization, diffusion, and utilization of knowledge and by which it contributes to the recreational, educational, informational, and inspirational needs of its community."
HOW MANY BOOKS WERE USED ?- 1945
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Main Library
107,995
39,389
147,384
Dallin Branch
14,600
15,186
29,786
East Branch
7,990
13,637
21,627
Schools (Deposits)
11,506
11,506
Hospital
969
969
131,554
79,718
211,272
This is an increase over 1944 with a decided increase in adult non-fiction.
417
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
WHAT OF THE BOOK STOCK?
Books added:
Adult (by accession) 2,542
Juvenile (by accession) 1,507
4,049
Books added by purchase.
3,948
Books added by gifts and binding
100
Books lost and returned, etc. 21
4,069
Books withdrawn:
Adult
456
Juvenile
692
1,148
1945-Gain in book stock
2,921
Total books, December 31, 1945
72,292
Approximate number of pamphlets
Bound Material
Books
1,649
Periodicals
18
Newspapers
2
1,669
This was 397 less than in 1944.
HOW DID WE SPEND OUR MONEY?
Library appropriation
$40,260.00
Salaries
24,676.50
Books
5,906.42
Periodicals
713.39
Bindery
1,716.56
418
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Fuel
1,184.79
Light
982.81
Building and Grounds
719.22
Telephone
223.42
Other Expenses
1,398.66
1945-Spent from Library appropriation ... $37,521.77
1945 Spent from Funds:
Books
$23.86
Other expenses
22.87
$46.73
1945 Spent from Special Compensation 1
(Salaries)
$3,569.90
WHAT DID WE TURN BACK TO THE TOWN?
Salary account (Town Appropriation) $1,983.50
All others account 754.73
Received from fines, sale of waste paper, lost books, etc. $2,295.10
Mrs. Margaret Heaps as Head of Circulation presented a very thoughtful report of her department. Emphasis has been stressed on publicity, in its various aspects. Each month saw a special exhibit put in place-posters, lists and something pertinent to the time; "Lenten reading," "Gar- dening," "Clean up, paint up, fix up your home." "Spring Book Creations" to draw attention to the new books being reviewed by Mrs. Robertine Rice at the Sunday Tea given by the Arlington Woman's Club Literature and Drama Com- mittee in the library.
During the summer months the small reading room was turned into "Ye Olde Librarie Book Shoppe" where three groups of books were featured "Biography," "Travel" and "Fiction" (fifty years of best sellers). The circulation
419
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
figures for summer vacation books showed a perceptible gain.
With the war over, in September "Plan your own home" proved the most popular.
WHERE DOES THE TIME GO?
New borrowers registered 1,509
Changes of address reported 384
Lost cards reported and new ones issued 889
The last two processes involved 3,978 corrections in the files.
Reserve postals mailed for requested books 2,283
Overdue notices sent to delinquent borrowers 3,654
More than 7,000 pieces of mail came to the ref- erence desk.
The acquisition of 4,069 books and the discarding of 1,148 involves a surprising amount of research and detail.
Cataloguer, Miss Esther Gannett reports, "a division of the classification in 700, books of flower arrangement, weav- ing, knitting and poster making," a revision of the card cat- alogue at East Branch and a partial revision at Dallin `ranch.
Inventory was taken in Branches and Junior Library.
10,841 card were filed in the card catalogue.
The Reference Librarian, Miss Ruth Sampson reports 54 reference books added to the reference collection.
The calendar of "coming events" which was again started this fall, after postals were sent out to a large num- ber of organizations, has proven fairly successful. To date 67 notices have been listed on the bulletin board. A file of the 178 organizations and clubs in Arlington is kept up to date through the papers and information from the clubs,
420
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
themselves. This information has proven of much help to many organizations wishing a complete list of clubs and societies.
The library has a file of 191 college catalogues, which are of inestimable value in doing guidance work.
Inter-library loan is of great help in that it answers the unusual question for the borrower and saves the purchase of a little used book. We borrowed 57 books from our neigh- boring libraries and 120 books in foreign languages from the Division of Public Libraries. We had 16 requests for books we were unable to borrow. Our library loaned 38 to other libraries.
Each department head strives to be constantly on the lookout for new avenues of service and new opportunities for co-operation.
The Junior Library under the direction of Mrs. Thelma Montague does a work for the community whose value it is difficult to over-estimate. In the words of one librarian "Young people read everything, know a surprising amount about everything-and yet depend so much on us for help and guidance."
The parents also seek advice; what to buy, where to buy, what should my boy read, first grade, fourth grade ? or have you anything on how to make a shack? All this comes to a children's librarian.
During the year all fifth and sixth grades of the town visited their nearest library and received instruction in how to use the books and the library.
Classes from Junior High Center and other schools have visited the Junior Library for special assignments and book talks.
The teachers of the Elementary schools and Junior High Industrial Arts were welcome guests at a tea to open Good Book Week.
421
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
Both Mrs. Ruth Fuller, Branch Librarian at the Dallin Branch and Mrs. Thelma Montague, Children's Librarian have kept their exhibition cases filled with interesting ex- hibits. This has meant the help of their patrons, both adults and young people. Special mention should be given Mrs. Edwin Tarbox who has several times filled the cases with her interesting hobbies and has also given talks to the children, Mrs. Michael Kolodziej for her exhibits of Easter eggs and Christmas ornaments, Mr. Henry A. Jenks, Pres. of the Arlington Stamp Club for his continued interest in bringing frames of unusual stamps.
During the summer Miss Adela Balch talked to the children on her hobby, that of collecting shells. She placed two unusual exhibits in the Junior Library during the sum- mer.
Summer clubs were conducted in the Junior Library and at the Dallin Branch.
Story Hours were attended by 2,292 children.
Use of the halls of the library numbers 345. Many of the civic organizations of the town have made use of the Robbins Library. Some have held their regular meetings and other occasional meetings. A list follows:
Girl Scouts Boy Scouts War Parents D. A. R. Junior Woman's Club American Veterans of World War II Americanization Classes
Community Chest Philharmonic Society
Red Cross, Arlington Planning Council Social Service League Heights Study Club Pre-School P. T. A.
422
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Garden Club Cutter Hill Association Story Hours
Book Reviews and endless committee meetings
The Art Committee of the Woman's Club, Mrs. Torsten H. Reenstierna, Chairman has been most helpful in the plan- ning of exhibits in the gallery.
At Christmas time we enjoyed two beautiful pictures loaned by the Art Museum.
The hall and gallery were used for a week to show the art work in the schools.
BUILDING CHANGES
To make our art collection more accessible and give needed room in the stacks shelving has been added to the upstairs room. One can now sit at a table with the art books in comfort and enjoy them.
Added shelves have also been placed at the back of the stack room.
In planning for the future of the library new tech- niques must be used to attract people to the library. Pro- visions must be made for their use, by the addition of the necessary materials and trained personnel to use them. The devices for visual education should be provided, more music books and recorded music with the equipment necessary for its enjoyment.
An outside reading room for the summer months could be provided at not too great a cost.
STAFF
Along with many other libraries the lack of experienc- ed help and the training of new and inexperienced help has made the maintaining of the library standards very difficult. The positions of two trained librarians, vacant last year, have not been filled.
423
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
Miss Irene Christopher, a graduate of Boston Univer- sity and Simmons College Library School, 1945, joined the staff in July.
There have been two resignations on our regular staff this year-Mrs. Marie Moeller Benson and Mrs. Sylvia R. Gustin, both made necessary by war.
All this has necessitated the employment of a number of part-time assistants and part-time workers who have claimed much attention. Instruction has taken many hours of valuable time. This has been a test of the patience and resourcefulness of the staff.
The greater part of the instruction has fallen to Mrs. Margaret Heaps, Head of Circulation.
To become a really competent library assistant requires all of the virtues, tact and much knowledge particularly of the book stock of the library and the community served.
Arlington people have brought to the library, through- out the year, books, games and magazines for soldiers and sailors. Quantities of these materials have been distributed through various agencies.
Personal acknowledgement has been given to those per- sons and organizations who have given gifts to the library but there is a wish to express again in print an appreciation for the many gifts of books, flowers, maps, pictures and pamphlets which have been received by the library. They have been accepted as an indication of friendly interest and sympathy in the work of the library.
Special mention is made of the beautiful flag and stan- dard given by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
An unusual number have given books in memory of those who have passed on. What more beautiful memorial could be given, a book or books, a gift of money to carry on a special interest enjoyed by loved ones.
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