USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1948 > Part 20
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SUMMER. A baseball diamond was prepared and opened to the public this Spring. Benches for both players and spec- tators were also created.
LINWOOD. The ever increasing popularity of this Play- ground necessitated the expansion of the children's play area. Baby swings, a slide, merry-go-round and a horizontal ladder were added to the play equipment and a four foot chain link fence was erected around the area. A fireplace, picnic table and additional benches were installed to accommodate the crowds.
NORTH UNION. A six foot chain link fence was erected along the Broadway boundary of the area. Several benches and a crafts table were installed. An architect was engaged to design a combination shower room and sanitary building for this playground.
WALDO. A crafts table and a horizontal ladder were erected.
CEMETERY. A slide, merry-go-round and crafts table were installed to augment the equipment already in use at this area.
ETHEL WELLINGTON. A four foot chain link fence was erected along one side of the playground. A merry-go-round and crafts table were added to the equipment.
FLORENCE. A six foot chain link fence was erected along the Renfrew Street boundary. A merry-go-round, horizontal ladder, crafts table and several benches were also installed.
MENOTOMY ROCKS PARK. Land donated to the Town by Jackson W. Osborne at the Jason Street entrance to the park was brought to grade and seeded. Eight floodlights on three poles were erected for night illumination of the pond dur- ing ice skating season. A fireplace was erected to improve the picnic area.
RESERVOIR BEACH. The construction of a fireplace completed the picnic area. Several benches were added in order to accommodate the large crowds.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
THORNDIKE. The unfinished portion of the original playground was developed this year. The department graded, loamed and seeded approximately 94,500 square feet of land. A considerable saving to the Town was effected by using a peat loam located at the playground. A portable grandstand with a seating capacity of 350 was purchased for this area and will be erected in the Spring. This grandstand was used this Fall at Warren A. Peirce Field.
WARREN A. PEIRCE. Approximately 400 feet of seven foot chain link fence was taken down and relocated. An ad- ditional 450 feet of new fence was erected to completely en- close the area. The visitors stands were dismantled and re- erected in the end zones of the football field. A new steel portable grandstand 320 feet long, 15 rows high and con- taining 3,000 seats was erected along the west side of the field. An asphalt walk was installed at the main entrance into the field. The additional practice area obtained by these im- provements was graded, loamed and seeded. An architect was engaged to design a sanitary building for the field.
MILL POND. This area was cleared of brush and debris and then flooded for a skating area. Floodlights were installed for night illumination during the skating season.
MEADOWBROOK. Approximately three acres of swamp were cleared of bullrushes, a dam erected and the area flooded for skating. Floodlights were also erected for night skating.
Flower beds were located on several Islands to add color to the main approaches into the Town. Several new beds were added this Fall.
Baseball, Softball, Football and Field Hockey areas were marked with lime whenever a permit was issued for their use. The daily use by organized groups of our baseball and softball fields was so heavy that these areas were marked almost every day.
All improvements except the erection of chain link fences were accomplished this year by our own maintenance crew. Equipment recently purchased by the department and aug- mented by the heavy equipment of other town departments has allowed us to accomplish these improvements at minimum cost.
333
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSION
RECOMMENDATIONS
Facilities at Reservoir Beach were very heavily taxed again this year. The heavy demands are due to several causes among them being hot weather, a good program of instruction and capable supervision. The principal cause, however, for these crowds is the large number of people from other com- munities who come to the beach. Many beaches in other communities have been closed the last two years because of polluted water and as a consequence our beach has become very popular.
We are considering the possibility of restricting the beach to residents of Arlington only. Over 50% of the daily crowds are from out-of-town. If the beach is made private, this action will relieve to a very great extent the crowded conditions which are experienced especially on week-ends and will make the area much more enjoyable for our own residents.
Our indoor recreation program is hamepered greatly in its expansion by a lack of proper indoor facilities. At the present time we are using extensively our school buildings. The prob- lems faced in conducting recreation programs in these build- ings are many and our program expansion is limited in direct proportion to these problems.
A community the size of Arlington should have a Com- munity Recreation Centre where programs in all phases of recreation can be freely conducted. We need a building in which various organizations can hold their meetings, youth programs, etc., at little or no cost to them. In brief we need a building for the recreational needs of the community such as has already been established in many towns much smaller in size and population than Arlington.
Our community is now blessed with several large play- grounds as well as small children's play areas. According to present accepted recreation standards there should be at least a small children's play area within a quarter mile of every home in the community. A survey will be made of our pres- ent playground system and recommendations will be made at a later date concerning expansion if such is deemed neces- sary.
CONCLUSION
The department during the conduct of its program this year was assisted by many individuals and organizations. We are grateful to them for their support and hope that we shall be favored with their continued cooperation in the future. We
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
are also indebted to the various Town Boards, Department heads and their employees for their help and assistance.
To our permanent staff and temporary or seasonal employees we express our sincere thanks for their loyalty and con- scientious effort throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD D. BUCKLEY, Chairman, DANIEL A. PURCELL, EVERETT J. HENDERSON.
335
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
Annual Report of the Trustees of the Robbins Library for the Year 1948
Trustees WILSON D. CLARK, Jr., Chairman-Expires 1949 FRANCIS KEEFE, Secretary-Expires 1950 EDMUND L. FROST-Expires 1951 ** WARREN A. SEAVEY-Expires 1951 MARK W. BRADFORD-Expires 1949 ROSCOE O. ELLIOTT-Expires 1950 LLEWELYN B. PARSONS-Appointed to serve until next annual election
Librarian MRS. LUCINDA F. SPOFFORD
Professional Staff RUTH SAMPSON, Senior Assistant and Reference Librarian 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 SUZANNE MacGILLIVRAY ** THELMA I. SAFGREN
Full-Time Assistants ETHEL HAWKINS MARILYN KENNEY
Part-time Assistants *ANTOINETTE BRASK, Cataloguer *MARIANNA H. ROWE, Special Worker *MARCIA E. OLSEN
Part-time Workers
Six part-time workers (High School), serving on hour-time basis.
Three part-time workers (College), serving on week-time basis.
* Serving on hour-time basis.
Resigned.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR 1948
To the Citizens of Arlington :
The Trustees present the following report of the Robbins Library for the year 1948 :
During the year, extensive repairs have been made in the main building. The Junior Library and Librarian's office have been redecorated, a change has been made in the light- ing of the Catalogue Room, Reference Room, Small Reference Room, Junior Library and Stack Room.
Next year redecorating will be needed in the Reference Room, Small Reference Room, Rotunda, and Stacks; also some work at the Dallin Branch; for this the Trustees are asking for a Capital Outlay of $7,000.
The Trustees, with regret, report the resignation of Mr. Warren A. Seavey due to his removal from Arlington. In November Mr. Llewellyn B. Parsons was appointed to fill the vacancy.
There has been a decided gain in the home use of books and in the use of the building by many groups which represent Arlington civic, musical and educational interests. For details see the Librarian's report.
As has been the case for several years, the library has been understaffed by trained librarians. The Trustees have tried to help this situation by adjusting salaries to attract trained people. They have worked in cooperation with the Salary and Classification Committee in setting up standards.
An appropriation of $69,832.00 is asked for the year 1949 for current expenses.
Salaries
$48,407.00
Expenses
21,425.00
$69,832.00
W. D. CLARK, Jr., Chairman, Board of Trustees.
337
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
Report of the Librarian for the Year 1948
To the Trustees of the Robbins Library :
I herewith submit the report for the year ending December 31, 1948.
In the Public Library we have an agency which provides adults with information, ideas, and beauty which are essen- tial for a full life. We have an organ of social democracy.
The public library gathers the materials needed by the residents of its community and prepares the material. In so far as its book collection reflects the needs and interest of a particular city or town, is that collection adequate.
The public library is one of the few organizations that exists to serve its patrons and not to advance a cause or sell a product.
The American public library is a community institution. It seeks to serve all interests and all groups.
The home use of books for the year was 239,317; this was a gain of 14,025 over the year 1947.
COMPARISON OF 1947 AND 1948 CIRCULATION
Adult Juvenile Circulation Circulation
Total 1948
Loss
Gain 10,326
Main Library
133,899
35,346
169,245
East
7,480
14,406
21,886
563
Dallin
15,350
14,253
29,603
199
Schools
17,659
17,659
3,230
Hospital
924
924
105
157,653
81,664
239,317
199
14,224
Due to marriage and family responsibilities, there have been many changes in the number of library workers and staff members. Thelma Safgren resigned in October, and Marjorie Donovan in January. Several college girls have tried the work, some library trained persons who were located in this part of the country, have helped out the situation. But for the trained married women who previously were on the library staff, who can catalogue and do reference work, the library would indeed be in a plight.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
The reference work, the finding of books, the making of bibliographies and special services have increased.
The desk of the main library had an increase in adult cir- culation over 1947 of 11,841 books. Total increase for the year 14,025. Deposits of books have been sent to church groups, Parent Teacher groups, fire stations, Girl Scout Camp and playgrounds.
The telephone is in almost constant use.
What did we do without a regular cataloguer ?
Added 4,678 books by purchase 127 66 gift
24 66 binding 44 lost and returned
Total 4,873 added 2,433 discarded
Total
2,440 gain
The library has 80,821 books.
What of the cards to be filed, records to be made with no full time cataloguer ?
1803 books were sent to the bindery.
There have been many activities for the children. Story hours were held in the Junior Library, Dallin Branch, and East Branch.
Book Week was made a special event at the Branches and Main Library. Classes with their teachers visited the library. The children were given a chance to browse at their leisure or given a talk on the books.
Mrs. Fuller and Mrs. Montague spoke before the Camp Fire Council at the Dallin Branch. Visits were made to play- grounds during the summer.
During vacation season, the Everyland Club was again organized at the Main Library and Dallin Branch. The children gathered each week for plays, talks on books, games and an exchange of hobby ideas.
The exhibition cases have at all times held many interesting things; sea shells, scout handcraft, letters and scrap books
339
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
loaned by the International Friendship League, Easter eggs and shell craft.
The circulation of books through the schools has increased. One more deposit library has been added. We now have deposit libraries at the Peirce, Cutter, Hardy, and Brackett Schools. Each library has a deposit of 600 books, a portion being changed each month. 17,659 books were circulated through the schools, a gain of 3,230 over the year 1947. 4,373 books were sent to the schools.
Several printed lists have been prepared and proved very popular, "Help for Youth Leaders" a list designed for girl and boy scout leaders, as well as church workers, "Cooking Internationally", "Read to Understand", "Books for help, study, amusement, and inspiration".
1895 new borrowers registered and 1394 cards were sur- rendered or expired. Total number of borrowers 18,986.
Delinquent borrowers, who failed to return books on time required the sending of 4,104 pieces of mail; in return the town , received $2,713.17 in fines, and $179.88 for books lost and damaged.
The library mailed 3,293 reserve postals.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Annual meeting of the Arlington Heights Study Club was held in the Dallin Branch when Mrs. Herbert Snow, who was co-chairman with Mrs. Cyrus Dallin, in behalf of the Club, presented a collection of books by Arlington Heights authors to the library. Mrs. Herbert Mead, Mrs. Powell have since added to the collection.
Two Sunday afternoons when the library was open, for a Victory tea in honor of the workers of the Red Cross Drive and a tea and exhibit of works of art planned by the Art Com- mittee of the Woman's Club, Art exhibits of the works of the Saturday morning art classes for children and the art work done in the Schools. The gallery was also used twice for exhibits by local artists.
Staff members have attended meetings of the Charles River Club, and Mass. Library Club.
Mrs. Montague has attended all meetings of the Children's Round Table often with other members of the staff.
The Librarian received help and inspiration from the Ameri- can Library Association meeting at Atlantic City.
340
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The local press, the Arlington News, Arlington Advocate, and Press with their library publicity have shown a genuine interest and have given great assistance in making the year a successful one for the Robbins Library.
To the patrons of the library, who by their many kindnesses, helpful suggestions and with gifts of flowers and books have shown their interest, I express my appreciation.
A gift of more than passing interest was presented by Mr. George Harris, a set of seven miniature prints, fine examples of the art of illumination by the artist, Arthur Szyk.
It is with sincerity that I express my appreciation for the cooperation of my staff.
To the Trustees a thanks for their continued understanding and efforts in the attempt to solve present day library problems.
Respectfully submitted, LUCINDA F. SPOFFORD, Librarian.
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION FORM FOR UNIFORM STATISTICS
Annual Report for the year ending December 31, 1948 :
Name of Library : Robbins Library
Town : Arlington. State: Massachusetts.
Name of Librarian : Mrs. Lucinda F. Spofford.
Date of founding 1835
Population served
43,517
Assessed valuation of town
$58,686,450
Terms of use-Free for lending, Free for reference.
Agencies
Central Library 1
Branches
2
In Library Building 1
In School Building
1 Others :
School (Class-room)
18
School Library Deposit
4
Fire Stations
3
Symmes Hospital 1
Church
1
Total 27
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REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
Number days open during year (Central Library) 304
Hours open each week for lending (Central Library) 66
Hours open each week for reading (Central Library) 66
Library closed Saturdays during July and August Hours open each week 55
INCREASE
Number of volumes beginning of year
78,381
Number of volumes added during the year by pur- chase
4,678
Number of volumes added by gift
127
Number of volumes added by binding, etc.
24
Number of volumes lost and returned.
44
Number of volumes lost and withdrawn
2,433
Total number at end of year
80,821
Number of volumes of fiction lent for home use. ...
142,538
Number of volumes of non-fiction lent for home use
96,779
Total number of volumes lent for home use .. .. 239,317 (Books issued for 7 days and 4 weeks with no renewals.)
REGISTRATION
Number of registered borrowers December 31, 1948 18,986
Number of borrowers registered during 1948 1,895
Registration period, years.
3
Number of periodicals and newspapers received : Titles
274
Copies 288
Number of staff, library service (Including part-time)
12
Number of staff, Janitor service (Including part-time) Full-time
2
Part-time
1
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Appropriation by Town 1948
$54,209.00
Personal services
$35,234.00
Expenses 18,975.00
Expenditures :
Salaries-Librarians $30,081.05
Jr. Custodians
4,272.36
Total
$34,353.41
3
342
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Expenses
Books
$8,154.76
Periodicals
854.23
Bindery
2,379.84
Building and Grounds
1,210.48
Fuel
2,626.57
Light
1,266.64
Telephone
270.87
Other Expenses
2,210.23
Total
$18,973.62
Town Appropriation Spent
$53,327.03
Balance from Town Appropriation :
Salaries
$880.59
Expense
1.38
Total
$881.97
Trust Fund Balance :
January 1, 1949
$13,175.16
Income during 1948
2,627.80
Total
$15,802.96
Expended during 1948 :
Books
$386.58
Building
394.08
All others
180.72
Total
$961.38
Balance December 31, 1948 $14,841.58
Capital Outlay Appropriation. Balance Dec. 31, 1947 $10,526.55
Expended during 1948 :
Building $3,052.96
Total 3,052.96
Balance December 31, 1948 7,473.59
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REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
TOTAL COST OF MAINTENANCE 1948
Library Special Appro- Appro-
Capital
priation priation Funds
Outlay
Total
Salaries
$34,353.41 $3,462.61
$37,816.02
Books
8,154.76
$386.58
8,541.34
Periodicals
854.23
854.23
Bindery
2,379.84
2,379.84
Building,
Grounds
1,210.48
394.08 $3,052.96
4,658.52
Fuel
2,626.57
2,626.57
Light
1,266.64
1,266.64
Telephone
270.87
270.87
All Others
2,210.23
180.72
2,390.95
Total $53,327.03 $3,462.61 $961.38 $3,052.96 $60,803.98
Returned to the town received from fines, etc. $2,992.39
ROBBINS ART FUND EXPENDITURES, 1948
Prints
13.50
Salaries
$500.02
All others
21.55
Total
$535.07
344
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
ANNUAL REPORT
of the
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
of the
TOWN OF ARLINGTON
For the Year
1948
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Joseph J. Bevins Chairman
Therese N. Turner Secretary
Term Expires March, 1949
Clement J. Beaudet 2 Walnut Terrace
Joseph J. Bevins 127 Scituate Street
Therese N. Turner 130 Jason Street
Term Expires March, 1950
Francis J. Higgins 86 Marathon Street
John P. Morine 12 Frost Street
M. Norcross Stratton 11 Trowbridge Street
Term Expires March, 1951
John H. Allison 34 Webcowet Road
James W. Kidder 215 Crosby Street
Eleanor J. Strong 48 Irving Street
Regular Meeting Third Tuesday of each month, except July and August
345
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR THE YEAR 1948
To the Citizens of Arlington :
The personnel of the School Committee for 1948 was un- changed with one exception. Mrs. Eleanor J. Strong was elected in March to fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of Mrs. Katharine W. Lacey who had given eighteen years of faithful, efficient service to the Town as a member of the Committee.
The following quotation is taken from President James Conant of Harvard University : "I believe our system of pub- lic education in this country is one of the unique features of the society we have developed on this continent. If the lead- ing citizens of this country would spend a tenth of the time and effort on the vital problems of public education that they spend on hospitals or the discussion of foreign policy, I cannot help believing the future of this democracy would be more secure. For how our system of public education operates will affect not only the attitudes of our citizens, our future voters, but also the whole complex fabric of human relations in the days ahead."
An editorial from the Boston Globe of January 11, 1949, entitled "Schools in Need" states: "The necessity for more schoolhouses and extension of those now operating has become one of the headaches for those who watch over the finances of municipalities large or small."
Arlington is no exception since an addition to the Hardy School, which has been talked about for the past ten years, has now become a necessity. With every available room in use, including two classrooms set up in the basement, the building is occupied to its capacity of over six hundred pupils. There are four kindergartens and three rooms of each grade from the first through the fourth. This reflects the increase in school enrollment due to the number of homes built in that area the past three years. The committee will have plans and specifications to present to the annual town meeting. The Building Committee for the sorely-needed addition to the Junior High West will make their report at the same time.
The School Committee was empowered by a special town meeting of December 27, 1948, to look into the advisability of securing a school site in the Appleton Street area to relieve the crowded conditions of the Locke and Brackett Schools.
We have been given assurance that the new Morningside school will be ready for occupancy in January, 1950.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
In addition, many of the buildings will require a larger out- lay for repairs that have been postponed for the past seven years because of war conditions.
There was no increase in the amount of state aid to schools received during 1948. It is expected that the amount will be increased in 1949. The amount received in 1948 was $55,- 623.00 and in 1949 it is anticipated to amount to $164,297.00.
We point with pride to accomplishments completed during the year. These include the auto shop at the Senior High School, and the additional seating at the Warren A. Peirce Field. The auto shop compares favorably with any in the State and is a distinct addition to our Vocational School. A field house including sanitaries is our present need to complete our athletic field.
For further information regarding the operation of your School Department, we respectfully refer you to the report of the Superintendent of Schools.
We pay tribute to five of our teachers who retired in 1948:
Herman Gammons, principal at the Senior High School for twenty-eight years.
Bessie A. Conway, teacher in various schools of the town for forty-three years.
Martha H. Schaedel, junior high school teacher and Super- visor of Americanization for thirty years.
Edith F. Grant, elementary school teacher for twenty-two years.
Mary E. Hilton, junior high school teacher for nineteen years.
The Committee expresses its gratitude to all of them for their long period of faithful service, for their loyalty and for their valuable contributions to the educational system of Arlington. They have made a distinct contribution to the school system and a lasting impression on many of our citi- zens who were their pupils. We wish them many years of healthful retirement.
We express our appreciation to the school officials, teachers and employees for their loyal support. We thank the Town officials, members of boards and departments and the citizens of the Town for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
(Signed) JOSEPH J. BEVINS, Chairman.
January, 1949.
347
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS FOR THE YEAR 1948
To the School Committee of Arlington,
Ladies and Gentlemen :
It is my privilege to submit for your consideration the fol- lowing report of the schools for the year 1948. I am including in my report excerpts from the annual reports submitted to me by various principals and supervisors.
State Aid to Schools :
The enactment of Chapter 643 of the Acts of 1948 marks the first major advance of the principle of State aid in Mas- sachusetts since 1919. State assistance has also been pro- vided for the construction or enlargement of school buildings during the next three years. The Legislature has therefore accepted the principle of increased State aid for schools, and the way is open now to seek really adequate State 'funds. There is a growing realization that schools require markedly in- creased support, and that this greater cost demands a broader base of taxation, as increases cannot be met solely by local tax- ation.
Elementary School Enrollments :
In 1947, for the first time in twelve years, an increase not directly attributable to the new kindergarten classes was felt; and this growth became more marked in 1948. The opening of kindergartens in 1944 raised the elementary school enroll- ments by 400. Kindergartens then marked the trend, increas- ing by 130 pupils in 1946, and by another 98 pupils in 1947. This naturally followed through into the other elementary grades ; and 1948 found the total elementary enrollment swol- len to 3437 pupils, an increase of 271 since 1945, at the rate of 55 in 1946, 143 in 1947, and 73 in 1948. It should also be noted that since 1943 the total enrollment in the elementary schools has increased by 596. The next ten years will see sharp increases as more children are entering our schools, and more youths are staying in school longer.
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