USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1947 > Part 19
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The fourth change was notable in that it required the creation of a new zoning district, namely residence "D," which allows the construction of apartment type buildings but with slightly greater restrictions than apply in residence "C."
The Board is continuing its study of the traffic conditions in and about Arlington Center.
The Board met with representatives of the Chamber of Com- merce and the Kiwanis Club and other civic organizations con- cerning the desirability of extending the Concord Turnpike by either of two suggested through routes to a terminal near Lechmere Square, Cambridge. The Board approved in general the idea of such a route and so informed the Selectmen.
Invitations were received from the State Board of Public Works and the Metropolitan Transit Authority to hear reports of progress
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REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
on the Boston highway plan and the proposed rapid transit develop- ment. The Board sent representatives to these conferences.
During the year representatives of the board also attended a joint meeting of Planning Boards of surrounding towns at Cambridge.
The Board wishes to express its appreciation for the cooperation 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, HERBERT M. DUTCHER, SEROVP P. BASMAJIAN, CHARLES H. BOWKER, JOHN O. PARKER.
314
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSION
The Board of Park Commissioners herewith submits its report for the year ending December 31, 1947.
At the Annual Town election, held on March 3, 1947, Daniel A. Purcell was elected a member of the Board of Park Commisioners for a term of three years. The Board organized on Monday, March 10, 1947, with Everett J. Henderson as its Chairman.
SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAM
The third summer playground program, under the direction of the Park Commission, opened on June 30, 1947, and extended for an eight-week period through August 23, 1947. Prior to the begin- ning of the program a two-day training institute was held by the department for all playground leaders.
Attendance during this period of supervised play activity totaled 62,266 children for 36 days. Four days were lost due to inclement weather. This averaged 1728 children daily on the thirteen play- grounds under supervision.
The usual games and material were available to the children during the program. A special event was scheduled on each play- ground every Friday afternoon. The most popular event was the weenie roast, and because of its popularity several were held during the period. Other events included Costume Shows, Doll Shows, Pet Shows, Amateur Contests, Fishing Contests, Freckles Contests, Baby Sister Contests, Doll Carriage and Bicycle Parades, and Water Races at the North Union Street Wading Pool.
Artcraft projects were available to everyone in attendance at the playgrounds. Many useful articles, such as potholders, bracelets and belts, were made by the children. A very attractive exhibit of all articles was on exhibit at the headquarters of our local Red Cross branch for a two-week period at the end of the season. Many dolls and stuffed animals were made for the Junior Red Cross, for eventual distribution to children hospitalized in this area. Mate- rials for this work were provided by the Red Cross.
Throughout the program three baseball leagues were in opera- tion. A total of twenty-seven teams were represented. The young- sters ranged in age from 9 years to 16 years.
A baseball school was conducted at Spy Pond Field and a total of four boys from Arlington were chosen by scouts of the Boston Braves to play in an All Star game in Boston under floodlights. Arlington was the only community in New England to have such a large representation of players at the game.
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REPORT OF PARK COMMISSION
TWILIGHT ACTIVITIES
Although attendance figures have been quoted for the summer playground program, these figures do not include the large crowds in attendance at the many twilight and Sunday baseball and soft- ball games. From early May through August the playgrounds are in constant use for twilight activity. Permits for use of various town fields were granted to over fifty teams during the summer. About two-thirds of these teams were completely uniformed and equipped.
The Twilight Softball League was reactivated this year under the direction of the department. A total of eight teams played in the league, and awards were presented to the members of the champion- ship team at a softball banquet.
BEACH PROGRAM
The Heights Reservoir swimming beach was opened officially June 15, 1947, and extended through September 6, 1947. Accurate attendance figures are almost impossible, but a very conservative figure would place attendance at 7500 per week, or a total of 90,000 patrons for the program. Facilities were taxed to the maximum on week-ends during the warm weather months.
In preparation for an active program of water safety instruction, two guards attended the Red Cross Aquatic School prior to the start of the program. Tuition to this school was furnished by our local Red Cross branch, and for which we are indeed indebted.
Daily swimming instruction was furnished to all patrons, and over 1000 youngsters passed the beginners swimming tests. Two hundred sixty-eight passed the advanced tests, while eighteen qualified as junior life guards.
Large crowds watched the two swimming meets conducted at the beach. Guards had tutored many of the youngsters in the various strokes and, as a consequence, some very good times were clocked during the various races. Suitable awards were given to the win- ners of the various events.
Accidents at the beach were at a minimum, and again this year no loss of life occurred. This, in itself, is an excellent tribute to the capable work of our lifeguards and matrons. There is always the possibility of a death due to drowning, and we are thankful that none occurred during the program.
WINTER PROGRAM
The men's bowling league was organized this fall, and consists of sixteen teams bowling on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the Arlington Recreation Alleys.
316
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
As in the past year the Senior Basketball League has again been formed. Teams play on Monday and Thursday evenings at the High School gymnasium, with each team playing two games per week.
Every Friday evening at the Lowe Auditorium boys of high school age who are unable to make the varsity High School squad have the opportunity to play basketball. A league has been formed consisting of eight teams, and four games are played weekly in league competition.
Each Saturday morning, and daily during the Christmas vaca- tion, boys of junior high school age are playing basketball in the Junior High School East and High School gymnasia. Emphasis was placed initially on instruction and coordination, followed by team organization and competitive play.
Badminton enthusiasts have the opportunity to play this game at the Lowe Auditorium on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Equipment has been made available to all, and instruction in this game is on hand for those who desire it.
A new and sizable skating area was created at Fowles Pond by damming Mill Brook. A permanent hockey rink was erected at Meadowbrook Park. A portable hockey rink was constructed by departmental employees and located at Menotomy Rocks Park.
MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION
A baseball field was completed by contract work at Summer Street playground during the year. Department employees seeded the area in September and it will be ready for use in the spring. A chain link fence has been erected along Forest Street, and a back- stop 150 feet long and 16 feet high erected at the intersection of Forest and Summer Streets. A children's play area will be ready for use in the spring. An estimated 10,000 cubic yards of fill was placed in the rear of the area, near the railroad tracks, to partially fill a large depression in the outskirts of the outfield. This fill was obtained from several contractors at no cost to the Town.
Contract work at Robbins Farm has developed a large ball field on this playground. Department employees seeded the area this fall and it will be ready for playing in the spring. In addition, the department developed a children's area, and if playground equip- ment is received on schedule, the area will be ready for play activity next spring. The Robbins Homestead has been demolished by con- tract work, from which the Town received a sum of money. Since Robbins barn will, no doubt, be used by the department for a num- ber of years for maintenance and storage of equipment, department employees made extensive repairs to the building and painted it.
At Reservoir Field department employees erected a grandstand, seating approximately 350 people, for the convenience of spectators
317
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSION
at baseball games. Repairs were made to the backstop so that it is again serviceable.
At Reservoir Beach several picnic tables were erected which were very popular among the patrons of the beach. Repairs were made to the raft so that it would be serviceable, and turning boards erected for competitive swimming during the summer months. Electricity was installed in the bath house, which enabled patrons to use the bath house after supper. Changes were effected in the fencing of the area to eliminate an unnecessary gate.
At Florence Avenue playground the ball diamond was relocated this spring to facilitate ball playing.
At Menotomy Rocks Park several picnic tables were erected, with the thought in mind that this area is ideal for such activity. Shrubs were planted in several locations, which should add to the beauty of the park. A much needed drinking fountain was installed for the convenience of the many people who frequent the park, by running a water line 300 feet in from Jason Street.
At Linwood Street playground a 4-foot chain link fence was erected in the outfield of the softball area to prevent baseballs from going into Spy Pond. In addition, a backstop, salvaged from North Union Street playground, and several players benches were erected Over two hundred varied type shrubs were planted along the path at Linwood, together with additional trees.
At Thorndike Street playground a large area was brought to sub-grade by the dumping of fill obtained from Robbins Farm. A wading pool was planned for the area this year, but bids were far in excess of what they should be, so it was decided to postpone the wading pool for an indefinite period. The area around the base- ball diamond was reseeded this fall to help eliminate the dust problem at this field.
New playground equipment was installed at Waldo Road play- ground.
At North Union Street playground a grandstand with a seating capacity of approximately 350 people was erected. A 6-foot chain link fence was erected around two sides of the field, as well as a new chain link backstop 50 feet wide and approximately 21 feet high. Additional playground equipment was installed. The area around the baseball diamond was reseeded and will be ready for use in the spring.
At Cemetery Street playground the entrance to the play area was redesigned by relocating the path, placing benches along the path, and relocating a row of shrubbery. Pin oak trees were also planted near the benches to further beautify the area. A 4-foot chain link fence was erected along one boundary to replace an old wooden fence that constantly needed repairs.
At Ethel Wellington playground additional benches were in- stalled and new trees planted.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
At Warren A. Pierce Field the department reseeded the football field in the spring. An area in the vicinity of the score board was landscaped and seeded to further beautify the area. The grand- stands were inspected and unserviceable boards replaced. In Sep- tember the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety approved the condition of the stands as being very satisfactory.
Nineteen trees and two hundred fifty assorted shrubs were planted in the various areas this year. Flower plots were main- tained at Menotomy Rocks Park, and the Deltas located on Jason Street, Medford Street and Broadway. Because of the many favor- able comments concerning the large flower bed at Jason Street Delta, it has been decided to create large beds at well traveled en- trances to Arlington. Large beds of tulips have consequently been planted at Medford Street and Broadway, and seasonal flowers will be planted in these beds next summer.
Playground equipment has been difficult to obtain due to a short- age of steel. However, enough equipment has been ordered to bring all playgrounds up to the required standards by next summer if shipments are received as promised. Equipment installed on playgrounds this year is itemized below.
Waldo Road-Merry-Go-Round, Horseshoe Courts.
North Union Street-Merry-Go-Round, Jungle Jim, Horseshoe Courts, Basketball Goal.
Menotomy Rocks Park-Drinking Fountain.
Through the summer baseball diamonds were marked with lime daily so that the twilight leagues always had a well marked field on which to play.
Football fields were located at North Union Street and Thorn- dike Street playgrounds, goal posts erected, and the gridirons marked with lime when needed.
The department was responsible for the maintenance and im- provement of the following areas during this past year.
PARKS
Menotomy Rocks Meadowbrok
Monument Russell
PLAYGROUNDS
Crosby
Waldo Road
Cemetery Street
Warren A. Pierce
Thorndike Street
Ethel Wellington
Florence Avenue
Reservoir Beach
Linwood Street
Summer Street
North Union Street
Robbins Farm
Reservoir Field
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REPORT OF PARK COMMISSION
OTHER AREAS
Turkey Hill Lockeland Delta
River Street and Warren Street Delta
Dow Avenue and Appleton Street Delta Medford Street and Warren Street Delta Brattle Street and Summer Street Delta Falmouth Road and Crosby Street Delta Grafton Street and Mass. Avenue Delta Forest Street and Bow Street Delta
Appleton Street and Paul Revere Road Delta
Lowell Street and Mass. Avenue
Orvis Road Old Town Hall
Standpipe Thomas J. Robinson Rock Fowles Pond Junior High West Crusher Lot
GENERAL
The grandstand at Warren A. Pierce Field has a seating capacity of only 2800. This is far from adequate. High School football games last year, at all major schools, drew a conservative average of 8000 spectators. Our High School football team has played Class "A" football since this class was organized. If they are to remain in such major competition, provisions should be made for increasing the seating capacity of the field. When our local fans refuse to attend games in Arlington because they cannot obtain a seat we have a very unhealthy situation. An additional 5000 seats should be purchased and erected as soon as possible to bring our stands up-to-date.
There will be a very definite need for play area in or adjacent to precinct 9, Morningside district. Land should be acquired for this purpose now, while land is available.
The Heights area at the present time is without an adequate gymnasium. The Junior High West gymnasium is too small and at times proves very dangerous because of the small quarters for safe play. A gymnasium should be erected in this area so that the recreation needs of both young and old can be more adequately supplied. It will also relieve the other two gymnasia located at the High School and Junior High East, which are in constant demand.
The Board wishes to express its grateful appreciation to the various boards, Town officials, their employees, and members of the Park Department for their splendid cooperation and assistance during the year.
320
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
To those organizations who so kindly donated awards or trophies to the winners of various sports contests, we extend our deepest gratitude.
We sincerely thank the many organizations, groups, and the townspeople in general for the interest they have evidenced in the growth of the department, and for their active participation in our various recreation programs.
Respectfully submitted,
EVERETT J. HENDERSON, EDWARD D. BUCKLEY, DANIEL A. PURCELL, Board of Park Commissioners.
321
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY FOR THE YEAR 1947
Trustees
WILSON D. CLARK, Jr., Chairman-Expires 1949 FRANCIS KEEFE, Secretary-Expires 1950 EDMUND L. FROST-Expires 1948 WARREN A. SEAVEY-Expires 1948 *MISS M. HELEN TEELE- Expires 1949 ** MRS. SARAH R. VAUGHN-Expires 1950
MARK W. BRADFORD-To fill unexpired term 1949 ROSCOE O. ELLIOTT-To fill unexpired term 1950
Librarian MRS. LUCINDA F. SPOFFORD
Professional Staff
RUTH SAMPSON, Senior Assistant and Reference Librarian ** ESTHER GANNETT, Cataloguer MARY J. MURDOCK, Assistant Cataloguer THELMA BRICTSON MONTAGUE, Children's Librarian RUTH FULLER, Branch Librarian (Dallin) EVA M. SMITH, Branch Librarian (East) MARJORIE C. DONOVAN HELEN HOVANESIAN, Sept., 1947 SUZANNE MacGILLIVRAY THELMA I. SAFGREN, Oct., 1947
Part-time Assistants
*ANTOINETTE BRASK, Cataloguer ** MARGARET Q. HEAPS, Circulation *MARIANNA H. ROWE, Special Worker *ROWENA GRAY ETHEL HAWKINS *MARILYN KENNEY *MARCIA E. OLSEN
Part-time Workers
Six part-time workers (High School), serving on hour-time basis.
* Serving on hour-time basis
** Resigned
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Custodians
HERBERT F. FREEMAN, Main Library GEORGE A. CAPES, Main Library and Dallin Branch JAMES PALMERILLO, East Branch
Curator Robbins Print Collection
MRS. KATHRYN M. ACHUFF
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
For the Year 1947
To the citizens of Arlington:
The Trustees present the following report of the Robbins Library for the year 1947.
This year has seen an increase in the use of the library as shown by a circulation of 225,392 books. The report of the librarian shows that the present day diversions have not taken the place of a good book; that more and more people seek the use of the library for information and education as well as for recreation.
At this time the Trustees express their appreciation for gifts made the library in 1947. These include a gift of $15,000 from the estate of Mrs. Emma L. Sprague-"The income to be used for the general purposes of the library." In addition, we have received contributions of books and magazines from Arlington people.
During the year, the Trustees accepted, with regrets, the resig- nations of Miss M. Helen Teele and Mrs. Sarah R. Vaughn from the board.
In 1922 Miss Teele became a member of the Board of Trustees, a long, faithful service for nearly twenty-five years. She was always particularly interested and very helpful in the problems of the library personnel and the uses of the Robbins Art Fund.
Mrs. Vaughn became a member in 1938. For years Mrs. Vaughn was a member of the Arlington Heights Study Club, which for a long time was tireless in bringing about the building of the Dallin Branch Library. At the time the branch was built, she served on the Building Committee and later became a board member. Not long after her resignation, the board was saddened by her death.
Both Miss Teele and Mrs. Vaughn played a unique and con- structive part in all the library plans.
During the year, much needed repairs have been made to the building. The outside woodwork at the Dallin Branch and Main
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REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
Library has been painted. Work on the roof at the Main Library is nearly completed. A change in the present lighting system is planned for the near future.
We are asking for a capital outlay of $3,000 to repair the in- side of the building.
For several years the library has been understaffed by trained personnel. To meet the acute shortage of librarians, to attract trained librarians and make adjustments on our present staff, we are asking for a salary budget of $40,040.00 and $18,975.00 for expenses-a total of $59,015.00.
We are grateful to the staff for their faithful service and coop- erative spirit.
Respectfully submitted,
WILSON D. CLARK, Jr., Chairman.
December 31, 1947.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN FOR THE YEAR 1947
To the Trustees of the Robbins Library:
I herewith submit the report of the Library for the year ending December 31, 1947.
The year 1947 has been a period of growth, progress and of splendid opportunity for library work of a very interesting type; that of helping those who want to be helped.
Never have we had more interested and serious-minded people come to use the library. The only measure we have for all the personal work is that very inadequate measure, the number of books circulated. There has been a gain at the main desk- 8,355 books, a total gain of 12,979 books.
The following table of books circulated is here presented.
COMPARISON OF 1946 AND 1947 CIRCULATION
Main Library
1947
Gain
Loss
Adult
122,058
8,355
Juvenile
36,861
1,983
Dallin Branch
Adult
14,898
1,734
Juvenile
14,904
249
East Branch
Adult
7,606
127
Juvenile
13,717
589
Schools
14,429
4,653
Hospital
819
7
Total
225,292
15,338
2,359
Total gain
12,979
Adult circulation
145,381
Juvenile circulation
79,911
225,292
Circulation of books is for first issue only. Books are issued for seven days and four weeks. During the war years, it was dis- covered that much time was consumed by the renewal of books on the telephone and in person; therefore, this practice has been discontinued.
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REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
The demands for professional help, both in the Adult Depart- ment and the Junior Department, have at times been unassisted due to an inadequate staff. Perhaps the most effective way to remedy this is that planned by the Trustees, as they have realized that librarians should not lag behind teachers and other profes- sional workers, in salary as well as in educational qualifications.
WHAT DID THE LIBRARIANS DO IN 1947?
Catalogued 4,787 books.
Withdrew 1,435 books.
Sent 1,385 books to bindery.
Registered 1,802 new borrowers.
Reserved 2,950 books for our patrons.
Loaned 59 books through inter-library loan.
Borrowed 62 books through inter-library loan.
Mailed 3,806 letters and postals for overdue books.
Deposited 223 books at the hospital.
Books sent to branches-11,975.
Loaned 28 books to Camp Fire Group for use in summer day camp.
Girl Scouts used 92 books at Camp Menotomy.
The Fire Stations received deposits of 500 books.
Church groups used 260 books.
Books sent to clubs for exhibition purpose-150.
Foreign books borrowed-130-in six different languages. Sent to schools:
Class rooms-736.
Deposits-Cutter, Peirce and Brackett Schools-4,343.
Children took home 14,429 books from the school collection.
Visited 1,764 patients during 51 calls at Symmes Hospital.
Prepared club programs.
Gave reference service.
To catch the public eye, arranged exhibits.
Wrote book notes.
Prepared weekly lists for local paper.
Taught classes "How to use the library."
Gave talks on books.
Sent 225,392 books into the homes of Arlington people.
Organized summer clubs for children.
Held 35 Story Hours at Main Library and Dallin Branch-total attendance-1,491 children.
Hall used 245 times by 26 different groups and organizations.
Maintained a pamphlet file of recent material.
Checked and opened 8,720 pieces of mail.
1,103 books loaned on vacation privilege.
Planned programs and exhibits.
Gave advice on books and book selection.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
The Robbins Library has added 4,680 new books during the year or 390 books per month. With a withdrawal of 1,435 for the year, it has been very difficult to keep up with the work, as the library has been without a cataloguer since April 1, 1947.
The book purchases include a wide range of subjects with some duplicates, which are shared by the borrowers at the main library and two branches.
For 1948 we will need a larger book appropriation, due to the increased cost of books. The spending of the book appropriation calls for a study of book requests, knowledge of the community, present book resources and the use of all available book selection helps.
Several positions on the professional staff have not been filled during the year.
In March the resignation of Miss Esther Gannett was received. Miss Gannett had been on the staff of the library for twenty years, a loyal, scholarly, experienced and painstaking librarian. For sev- eral years she had held the position of Head Cataloguer.
Mrs. Margaret Heaps gave up work in her capacity as part- time supervisory work early in the year.
But for the willingness and ability of Miss Sampson, now Ref- erence Librarian, to take over part of the work in the catalogue room and the able help of Miss Murdock, who was made Assistant Cataloguer, in July, new books would have been slow to reach the public.
To Mrs. Ruth Fuller and Miss Eva Smith, both Branch Libra- rians, who have carried on their part of their work without too much supervision much credit is due.
Mrs. Thelma Montague, Children's Librarian, has conducted story hours during the spring and winter seasons, visited schools, held a very successful club called the "Everyland Club" during the summer months, arranged exhibits for the Junior Library, entertained and given instruction to classes from various schools, selected books for classroom libraries, and deposits which are in the Brackett, Cutter and Pierce Schools. These deposits now number 4,343 books.
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