USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1946 > Part 23
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416
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Planning Board recommended to the March 1946 Town Meeting that the vote relative to Article No. 54 of the 1945 Annual Town Meeting be rescinded and it was so voted. The Board then recommended that the Town Meeting accept a revised amendment to the Zoning By-Law which was basi- cally the same as that which had been accepted by the Town in 1945 with the exception of less restrictive regula- tions for the rebuilding of non-conforming buildings dam- aged by fire. This amendment was accepted by unanimous vote of the Town Meeting and approved in due course by the Attorney General. The amended By-Law as finally ap- proved included three changes on the Zoning Map as fol- lows : An area in the Belton Street section was changed from a business zone to a residence zone. Two areas on Mass- achusetts Avenue, one located between Churchill Avenue and Newman Way and the other between Bates Road and Tufts Street were changed from the business zone to the Residence C zone.
At the special Town Meeting of December 2, 1946 the Board reported on two requests for zoning changes. The first concerned on area of land in the vicinity of Massachu- setts and Highland Avenues where it was requested that the area be changed from Residence B to Residence C dis- trict. The Board recommended favorable action and it was so voted. The second concerned an area of land on Pleasant Street between Irving Street and Oak Knoll where it was requested that the area be changed from Residence A to Residence C district. In this case the Board recommended 'that no change be made and outlined its reasons for this action. The special Town Meeting did not, however, follow the recommendation of the Board and after considerable discussion it was voted to lay this article on the table until the next Annual Town Meeting. As a consequence, the Board gave considerable study to the matter of recommend- ing the creation of an additional district permitting the con- struction of apartment houses but with greater restrictions than embodied in the Residence C district. This proposed addition will be presented to the next Annual Town Meeting.
417
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
The matter of Veteran's Housing was considered by the Board, as a result of the recommendation of the committee on Veterans' Housing to the effect that the Zoning By-Law be amended to permit the erection of multiple type housing and of a permanent nature. A public meeting was held by the Board October 15, 1946 on this subject. As a result of this meeting the Board expressed their opinion to the Board of Selectmen that no change in the Zoning By-Law should be made for this purpose and stated its reasons for such opinion.
As a result of the study being made by this Board of the traffic conditions in and about Arlington Center the Board felt that the area known as the Pierce and Winn property should be acquired by the Town as soon as possible. An article to this effect was inserted in the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting in March at the request of the Plan- ning Board. The recommendation of this Board was unani- mously approved by the Town Meeting.
The Board wishes to express its appreciation for the co- operation of the Board of Selectmen and Board of Assessors and to the Joint Board for the assistance of the Town Engineer.
Respectfully submitted, HARVEY C. ABBOTT, Chairman CHARLES H. BOWKER, Secretary HERBERT M. DUTCHER / SEROVP P. BASMAJIAN JOHN O. PARKER
418
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSION
The Annual Report of the Board of Park Commissioners for the year ending December 31, 1946, is submitted here- with, in compliance with Section 3 of Article 3 of the By- Laws of the Town.
The Board organized on Monday, March 4, 1946, with Everett J. Henderson as Chairman.
Daniel J. McFadden was appointed by the Board to the position of Superintendent of the Department, and assumed his duties on June 20th, 1946.
SUMMER PROGRAM
For the second year the Park Department had full con- trol of the Summer Playground Program. The program ex- tended through an eight week period from July 1, 1946, to August 24, 1946, five days per week.
Total attendance during this period was 42,759 for 32 days. Eight days were lost due to inclement weather. Daily attendance averaged 1,336. Fourteen playgrounds were in operation throughout this period.
In addition to the normal playground activities, special events were scheduled on each playground. These events proved very popular and included picnic lunches, weenie roasts, costume shows, doll and doll carriage contests, ama- teur shows, story telling, trips to the Children's Concerts at the Esplanade in Boston, and athletic contests.
A baseball school attracted over 2,000 children at Spy Pond Field on July 29th, 1946. Star members of the Boston Braves conducted the school.
Two baseball leagues were in operation throughout the program. In addition, a baseball and track decathalon, in which all playgrounds participated, was held at the end of the program for girls as well as for boys. Prizes were awarded in the form of a small ribbon to those who exxcelled in each event.
419
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSION
The Artcraft program proved very successful and popu- lar. Due to the shortage of materials the program was not as varied as it would be in normal years. Co-operation with the Junior Red Cross enabled the children to participate in a nation wide program of making dolls and other articles for destitute children in war ravaged foreign lands.
The following articles were made by the children during the Summer Program.
125 Pot Holders
60 Tarloten Kleenex Cases
96 Felt Pins with Sequins
132 Coloring Cards
69 Horses Heads (Stuffed)
50 Donkeys (Stuffed)
24 Gimp Bracelets 7 Blocks
75 Embroidered Dish Towels
73 Felt Belts
35 Felt Pen Wipers
850 Sewing Cards
48 Dolls (Stuffed)
110 Plastic Link Bracelets
A sample display of the above work was on exhibit for a week in the window of the local Red Cross Center.
The following playgrounds were in operation during the Summer Program.
Brackett School
High School
Cemetery Street
Linwood Street
Crosby School
North Union Street
Cutter School Pierce School
Ethel Wellington Spy Pond
Florence Avenue
Thorndike Street
Hardy School
Waldo Road
HEIGHTS RESERVOIR BEACH
The Heights Reservoir Swimming Beach was opened July Ist, 1946 and extended through September 4th, 1946. Total attendance approximated 64,600. This is an increase of 47,690 over the preceding year. Attendance on a good day averaged 1500 people.
Daily instructions were given by the Guards in all phases of Water Safety. A two week period at the end of the
420
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
program was devoted to a Learn-to-Swim program, spon- sored by the Water Safety Department of the American Red Cross. During this period 238 youngsters passed swim- ming tests and 14 qualified as Junior Lifeguards.
The Lifeguards and Matrons at the beach did a magni- ficent job handling the patrons; the fact that no loss of life or serious accident occurred at the beach this year is an example of their capable and efficient work.
Over 1000 people watched 100 local youngsters, ranging in ages from 10 to 18, particpate in the Swim Meet held on August 30, 1946. Suitable prizes were awarded the winners of each event. Various added attractions in addition to the swimming contests combined to make this event a great suc- cess. We are especially indebted to Alex Houston of the Boston Red Cross for his splendid co-operation and spec- tacular Water Show.
WINTER PROGRAM
Skating areas have been created by the department in the following areas in addition to the natural areas located in the Town.
North Union Street
Meadowbrook
Crosby School
Robbins Farm
Waldo Road Florence Avenue
Ethel Wellington
Summer Street
A hockey rink has also been erected at Cemetery Street Playground which has been made available to all residents of the Town.
An eight team Basket Ball League was formed from all sections of the Town and competition officially began on December 2, 1946. It is hoped that next year at least two leagues will be in operation during the Winter months. In addition a Basket Ball School was held during the Xmas holiday season for boys of Junior High and High School age.
421
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSION
MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION
A portion of the Summer Street Playground was sub- graded, partially loamed, and seeded during the year. Addi- tional work is planned for this area in the Spring of 1947, so that the ball playing area will be completed.
Construction of a stone retaining wall at the North Union Street Playground is in progress, and will be com- pleted by early Spring.
Construction in general has been delayed or postponed due to the scarcity of materials, and the high cost of both materials and labor.
During the year sixty-six (66) trees were planted on the various playgrounds. Of these sixteen (16) were re- placements for those trees which had died because of dam- age inflicted upon them. Suitable guards were erected around all trees.
A total of thirty-one (31) park and two (2) players benches were constructed and installed throughout the va- rious areas.
A Score Board was donated and erected at Warren A. Pierce Field at no cost to the Town. Shrubs were planted in the vicinity of the Score Board to improve the general ap- pearance of the area.
Shrubs, furnished by the Honor Roll Committee, were also planted by the Department around the Honor Roll at Monument Park.
The following playground equipment was installed in the designated areas during the year.
Cemetery Street-Jungle Jim Ethel Wellington-See Saws, Slide
Florence Avenue-See Saws, Slide Linwood Street-See Saws, Slide
No. Union Street-Drinking Fountain, Football Goal Posts
1
422
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Robbins Farm-Horseshoe Pits
Thorndike Street-See Saws, Slide, Drinking Fountain, Football Goal Posts
Waldo Road-See Saws, Slide, Jungle Jim, Drinking Fountain
Because of the unusual Fall weather the department was able to reseed a great many lawns. The baseball diamond at Florence Avenue was reseeded, in anticipation of moving the diamond to a different location in the Spring.
The department was responsible for the maintenance and improvement of the following areas during this past year.
PARKS
Menotomy Rocks
Monument
Meadowbrook
Russell
PLAYGROUNDS
Crosby School
Reservoir Field
Cemetery Street
Waldo'Road
Thorndike Street
Warren A. Pierce
Florence Avenue
Ethel Wellington
Linwood Street
Reservoir Beach
North Union Street
Summer Street
Robbins Farm
OTHER AREAS
Turkey Hill Lockeland 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. Avenue Delta Forest St. & Bow St. Delta Appleton St. & Paul Revere Rd. Lowell St. & Mass. Avenue Orvis Road
423
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSION
Old Town Hall Standpipe Thomas J. Robinson Rock Fowles Pond Junior High West Crusher Lot
GENERAL COMMENTS
The tendency of this day and age is definitely toward a greater amount of leisure for the individual. Provision for the proper and wholesome use of this leisure time must occupy an important place in the program of Municipal Gov- ernment. It is the duty of this department to provide the Town with a complete year around program to take care of existing recreational needs.
Although a complete recreational program is our objec- tive, this cannot be accomplished in the short space of a year or two. Because of many and various factors, our program must be built slowly. Our aim is to add to our program each year several new phases of recreation so that we will eventually gain our objective.
The main weakness today in the recreation scheme of the Town is a lack of adequate indoor facilities. As time goes on we hope to be able to provide these, but in the mean- time we must necessarily depend on the School Department for indoor facilities. They have been most co-operative and have assisted us in every way.
Program supervision is the most important factor in a successful recreation program. As our program develops we must of necessity ask for additional part time supervision to insure the success of each added phase of recreation.
CONCLUSION
The Board wishes to express its grateful appreciation to the various Boards, Town Officials, their employees, and the members of the Park Department for their excellent co- operation and assistance during the year.
424
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
The Board also desires to acknowledge the co-operative spirit shown by other agencies in the community which are engaged in social recreational activities. The nature of a community recreational program makes it essential that the several factors involved in leisure time and character build- ing programs work in harmony.
To those organizations and individuals who in any way assisted the Department throughout the year, we extend our deepest gratitude.
Respectfully submitted,
EVERETT J. HENDERSON, EDWARD D. BUCKLEY, NILS G. ANDERSON, Board of Park Commissioners.
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
425
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY For The Year 1946
Trustees WILSON D. CLARK, Jr., Chairman-Expires 1949 FRANCIS KEEFE, Secretary-Expires 1947 EDMUND L. FROST-Expires 1948 WARREN A. SEAVEY-Expires 1948 MISS M. HELEN TEELE-Expires 1949 MRS. SARAH R. VAUGHN-Expires 1947
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 *MARY P. BRINE *IRENE CHRISTOPHER *MARY CURRY MARJORIE C. DONOVAN *FRANCES MACAULAY SUZANNE MacGILLIVRAY MARY J. MURDOCK
Branch Librarians RUTH FULLER, Dallin Branch EVA M. SMITH, East Branch
* Resigned
** Deceased July 17, 1946
426
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Part-time Assistants *JANE BOSS ANTOINETTE BRASK, Cataloguer REBECCA DEGITZ MARGARET Q. HEAPS, Circulation JEAN LOHRFINK, Story Teller *HOPE McMAHON MARIANNA H. ROWE, Special Worker Part-time Workers ROBERT COUGHLIN JOAN DITMARS FRANCES FLYNN
ETHEL HAWKINS MARILYN KENNEY JEAN M. KILEY FLORENCE SEAVER ANNE SILVA JAYNE WALLWORTH
Janitors HERBERT F. FREEMAN, Main Library *** JAMES SULLIVAN, Main Library GEORGE A. CAPES, Main Library and Dallin Branch JOHN SMITH, East Branch Curator Robbins Print Collection MRS. KATHRYN M. ACHUFF
** Retired July, 1946
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES For The Year 1946
To the citizens of Arlington:
The annual report of the Trustees of the Robbins Library for 1946 is herewith submitted.
1946 has been a year full of adjustments. The effects of the war, a peace time world filled with turmoil and doubts are written in the library records.
427
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
It is a record for the Robbins Library of added work ac- complished with a still much depleted staff, as noted in the annual report of the Librarian.
The same situation as to high cost of materials and lack of men to do work prevails as it did in 1945. Therefore only the very necessary work has been done on the building.
The door for the main building has long ago been ordered. A move was made for the installation of new lights in the reading room and stacks. Auxiliary lighting, required by law, has been installed in the Main Library and Dallin Branch halls. Reconvertion was made from coal to oil at the Main Library.
The Trustees welcome bequests of money or books and hope that generous testators may remember the Library. It is from such sources only that they can make purchases of important books, music and unusual equipment which give value and prestige to the Robbins Library.
As a matter of interest to the citizens of Arlington the Trustees have listed the present trust funds of the Library with explanatory notes at the end of the report.
In closing, the Trustees record the death on July 17, 1946 of Miss Elizabeth J. Newton, Librarian for 52 years. Miss Newton served the library those many years with an undivided devotion.
Appreciation for service generously given is extended to the Librarian and her staff.
Respectfully submitted,
WILSON D. CLARK, Jr. Chairman
December 31, 1946
428
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN For The Year 1946
To the Trustees of the Robbins Library :
I herewith submit the report of the Library for the year ending December 31, 1946.
In this world which has grown so small though modern scientific knowledge books are more imortant than ever. Never before was the need for the understanding among nations greater. Our own library can help in the process by having plenty of books that represent the varying shades of opinion and factual books which will help to settle the perplexing problems of today. Books are alone not enough. Therefore it has been the aim of the Library to draw to- gether all of the community groups-cultural, social and educational.
There has not been an age level that has not used the library, those wise in use of books and those who come for the first time.
Instruction has been given in the use of the library to fifth and sixth grade pupils, to Junior High pupils and spe- cial groups interested in knowing the library and how to use it. Talks have been given on books, book exhibits have been prepared for Woman's Club, for instructors giving courses to Den Mothers, for the Park Department, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Flower Arrangement classes and for Parent- Teacher Lectures.
Like the church and the school, the public library is an integral and essential part of the community. It is affected by social elements as unemployment, and such civic factors as town planning or recreation. At the present with em- phasis on vocations, help for the returned veterans with their school or rehabilitation problems, added thought has been given to book buying and planned cooperation with all agencies. Library growth is the result of a series of cause and effect of action and reaction.
429
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
To achieve this end the work at the Library in 1946 has been directed. Increased help has been given to stu- dents. There has been more borrowing of books from other libraries, more checking of materials both in books and periodicals, a greater use of books of non-fiction.
The schedule of the uses of the Library Hall testifies to the accomplishment of the Library effort to unit all in- terests.
HOW MANY AND WHERE THE BOOKS WERE USED - 1946
Circulation
Main Library
Adult 113,703
38,844
152,547
East
7,733
13,128
20,861
Dallin
13,164
15,153
28,317
Schools
9,776
9,776
Hospital
812
812
Total 1946
135,412
76,901
212,313
SOME OF THE EXTRAS
Books sent to schools :
Class rooms
1,485
Deposit at Peirce School 600
2,085
Books sent to Fire Stations
400
Books sent to Churches on deposit
240
Books sent to Clubs, etc. for exhibition purposes
250
Books sent to Branches through inter-loan
12,184
Books loaned through inter-library loan
77
Books borrowed through inter-library loan.
40
Books sent to hospital
208
Foreign books borrowed-In Armenian, French,
Italian and Swedish languages
110
How many pamphlets added 140
Entertained Charles River Library Club, fall of 1946.
1968 patients were visited by the Hospital Librarian during her 48 visits at the Symmes Hospital.
Juvenile
Total
430
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Reserve notices were sent to borrowers, to the number of 2,904 as well as numberless telephone calls notifying persons of books and materials waiting for them.
Books and magazines have been and are being collected, packed and sent to the hospitals.
Work and time that might be saved was used in sending 3,660 overdue notices. It is to the borrower's interest to return books when due. The library received $2,240.89 from fines in 1946.
HOW DID WE SPEND THE MONEY? AMOUNT AVAILABLE 1946
Library Appropriation :
Salaries-Librarians $23,854.00
Library Appropriation :
Salaries-Janitors 4,112.00 $27,966.00
Special Appropriation - Salaries ..... $3,900.00
Special Appropriation - Salaries
(Bonus) ... 2,483.32 6,383.32
Library Appropriations Total for Salaries $34,349.32
From Funds-Salaries 496.79
Total Amount for Salaries $34,846.11
Expenditures : ·
Salaries
Library Appropriations-
Librarians
$23,854.00
Janitors 3,762.26 $27,616.26
Funds-Salaries 496.79
Special Appropriation-Salaries
2,398.43
Special Appropriation-Salaries (Bonus) 2,483.32
Total for Salaries $32,994.80
Balance $1,851.31
Library Appropriation-Expenses ... $15,050.00
From Funds
837.66 $15,887.66
431
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
Expenses :
Books
$6,937.53
Periodicals
686.42
Bindery
1,329.09
Fuel
1,152.18
Light
972.08
Building and Grounds
Library Appropriation $934.52
Funds
820.00
1,754.52
Telephone
229.79
All Others
Library Appropriation $1,679.90
Funds
17.66
1,697.56
Total Expenses Balance $1,128.49
$14,759.17
Capital Outlay Appropriation $14,400.00
Expended during 1946 $363.00
Balance $14,036.55
Reconversion January 1, 1946
$1,079.19
Expended during 1946 $713.00
Balance
$366.19
TOTAL EXPENDITURES ALL SOURCES
Salaries :
Town Appropriation and Funds $32,994.80
Expenses :
Town Appropriation and Funds $14,759.17 $47,753.97
Capital Outlay
363.45
Reconversion
713.00
Total Spent in 1946 $48,830.42
432
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
RETURNED TO TOWN ALL ACCOUNTS
Town Appropriation Salary Account $349.74
Special Appropriation 1,501.57 $1,851.31
Expenses
1,128.49
Fines and Other Receipts
2,499.85
Total Returned to Town
$5,479.65
WHAT OF THE BOOK STOCK?
December 31, 1946
Volumes at Main Library and Branches
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Main Library
52,596
15,674
68,270
Dallin Branch
1,271
2,905
4,176
East Branch
609
1,960
2,569
54,476
20,539
75,015
Volumes in Library January 1, 1946
72,292
Volumes added by purchase.
4,515
Volumes added by gift
60
Volumes added by binding, etc.
24
Volumes returned by lost and returned
46
4,645
76,937
Volumes withdrawn
1,922
Volumes December 31, 1946 ..
75,015
1946 Gain in book stock.
2,723
The summer club for Juniors, called the Everyland Club, had the following membership: Main Library 130
Dallin 52
Plays, reading and games were enjoyed by the groups as they gathered together one morning a week during the summer vacation.
433
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
Story Hour held during the fall and winter season add zest and inspire more reading.
Story Hours
Attendance
Main Library
22
1,167
Dallin
20
448
East Branch
5
285
Total attendance 1,900
Arranged for the enjoyment of the children throughout the year have been many exhibits appropriate to the season -Easter eggs, Camp Fire handwork, seashells, buttons, stamps and dolls.'
Christmas is always a happy time with special decora- tions and lots of new books in the Junior Library and the · Branches.
Aside from the exhibits already mentioned, the gallery has at all times had exhibits that were of merit both locally and aesthetically. For the most part they were made pos- sible by Mrs. Torsten H. Reenstierna, Chairman of the Art Committee of the Woman's Club. The schools had the use of the gallery and hall for a week. From time to time ex- hibits of prints from the Robbins Print collection have been arranged by the curator of the collection, Mrs. Achuff.
GIFTS
Although previous acknowledgement has been made for books, magazines, pamphlets and maps as received from publishers and organizations also people either living in the town or who have lived here at some time, we wish again to express appreciation for their gifts.
Two gifts that will be of pleasure to the patrons of the library from time to time as they are exhibited, were re- ceived this year. Mrs. Chester N. Greenough presented a box filled with interesting valentines. As Mrs. Greenough lived in Arlington as a girl, many of the valentines were re- ceived from local people. A group of figurines by Preston
434
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Baston has been added to our now very attractive collection. Mr. Baston is kind enough to say that all the work of find- ing authentic costumes for the figures was done in the Rob- bins Library.
A word of appreciation is given to those who have loaned exhibits, the members of the Garden Club for beautiful flowers, teachers and principals for cooperation, or news- papers for publicity, to those who are friends of the library and have consciously or unconsciously helped to spread the feeling of good will and to make known the mission of the written word.
OUR NEEDS
We still need money and more money for books. Techni- cal books are in great demand and they are expensive. A music library, scores of operas, and a library of records would be of great use. We are a town of some size and we have many people who are much interested in music.
A victrola and a moving picture machine would add greatly to our equipment.
Our newspapers should as soon as possible be micro- filmed. They are among the most valuable records and are deteriorating rapidly. A special sum should be appropriated to take care of this item.
The East Branch still has many things to be desired. Meanwhile two bookcases have been altered and make the room more attractive. During the year a committee should be appointed to look into a site for a branch. Plans for a building should also be drawn. We have a real need in the east end of the town for a Branch Library.
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