USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1950 > Part 24
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3,465.00
Foundations 1,173.20
Opening Graves
5,949.00
Miscellaneous
2,062.00
Perpetual Care
9,671.00
Income from Funds
7,028.52
Respectfully submitted,
WATHEN B. HENDERSON ARTHUR R. KIMBALL
RALPH S. STEVENS Board of Cemetery Commissioners.
327
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
Report of the Planning Board
The Planning Board submits herewith its report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1950.
At the town election of March, 1950, Mr. Harvey C. Abbott and Mr. John O. Parker were re-elected for three year terms. The mem- bership of the Board, therefore, remained the same as during 1949. Mr. Abbott was elected Chairman and Mr. Herbert M. Dutcher Secretary. Mr. Abbott resigned as Chairman on September 12th on account of personal business and was succeeded by Mr. Parker.
The Planning Board continues its representation on the Advanced Programming and Budgeting Committee.
During the year public hearings have been held on the following Zoning By-Law Amendments or Zoning changes, all of which have been inserted in the warrant for the annual Town Meeting.
Article #58-An amendment applying to the location of private garages which was not previously covered in sufficient detail. Adopted.
Article #59-An amendment' in three parts, the first change being to provide a more definite wording relative to the set-back requirements for houses, including garages, in the residence A & B districts. This change also clarified the situation with respect to separation distances between buildings in the A, B, C, districts.
The second portion provided for a required parking space in Residence C districts. The third portion also provided for a required parking space for the Residence D district. The entire Article was adopted.
Article #61-This change covered land on Garden Street near Mystic Street from a Residence B to an Industrial district. The owners desired to have this change made so that this land would have the same classification as abutting land and in order that repairs could be made to non-conforming build- ings. Adopted by the Town Meeting.
The Planning Board presented its report on the Arlington Center Traffic Study to the Annual Town Meeting. This report was unani- mously approved in principle by the Town Meeting and was referred to the Joint Board for necessary action by the County Commissioners. The Commissioners held a public hearing on the plan at the Arlington Town Hall during September. At the time of the writing of this report no decision by the Commissioners has been announced.
The Planning Board has conducted several neighborhood studies for the purpose of ascertaining the most desirable use for available land in the Town.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
The Board remains a member of the State Federation of Planning Boards and has maintained its contact with the State Planning Board.
Regular meetings of the Board have been held throughout the year.
The Planing Board wishes to express its appreciation to all of the other Town Boards and Department Heads who have rendered assistance to it during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN O. PARKER HERBERT M. DUTCHER HARVEY C. ABBOTT ROBERT E. MAHONEY CHARLES J. DALEY, JR.
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329
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSION
Report of the Park Commission
The Board of Park Commissioners herewith submits its report for the year ending December 31, 1950.
At the Annual Town Election held on March 6, 1950, Franklin W. Hurd was elected a member of the Board for a term of three years. We gratefully acknowledge at this time the faithful service on this Board of Daniel A. Purcell who, having served a term of three years, chose to resign his office.
The acquisition of land and building at 33 Ryder Street, pursuant to the directive of our Annual Town Meeting to so acquire, has proved very beneficial by consolidating the administration and operation of our maintenance and recreation program.
RECREATION
The highlight of a series of recreation programs for both young and old this year was our Children's Parade held on August 10, 1950. Ap- proximately one thousand children participated in a parade from Rob- bins Library to Spy Pond Field, with each playground represented by youngsters dressed in costume depicting a theme for each playground. Over three thousand spectators witnessed a series of specialty and field events conducted at Spy Pond Field. Free ice cream donated by local merchants climaxed a wonderful day for the youth of our community.
In addition to a seven weeks playground program on thirteen areas, this department conducted the following activities:
A restricted Beach Program at Reservoir Beach including daily swim- ming instruction and two Swim Meets; twenty-two teams in three baseball leagues; an eighteen team Adult Softball League, a 6- team Girls Softball League; two 8-team Men's Bowling Leagues; two 8-team Girls High School Bowling Leagues; Junior and Senior High Tennis classes; a 10-team High School Basketball League; an 8-team Adult Basketball League; a Men's Weekly Gym Class; an Adult Badminton Program; a series of four Outdoor Band Concerts; Square Dancing on a weekly basis in season; a series of Golf Instruction Classes for Adults and supervised Ice Skating Areas illuminated for night activity.
A program of Crafts at the Woodworking Shop of the Junior High West was instituted during the summer as a part of the newly formed Summer Institute. We are greatly indebted to the School Department for making available the shop facilities at this school for this program, and to the staff of the Summer Institute for its assistance and guidance in the conduct of this activity. This program has been continued during the winter months three afternoons per week.
MAINTENANCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF AREAS
All outdoor areas were maintained for individuals and organizations throughout the year. This includes the daily marking of football, base- ball, softball and field hockey areas and the use of picnic areas, as re- quired. Flower plots were maintained throughout the Town, stressing as to location strategic entrances to the Town.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
The availability of fill from street construction, and the purchase of loam from the Arlington Housing Authority at less than one-half the cost of this material on the open market, assisted immeasurably as far as cost is concerned in the completion of Medford Street Playground and portions of Summer and Thorndike Street Playgrounds. Approxi- mately four acres of land were brought to grade, loamed and seeded. It is interesting to note here that this development was effected exclu- sively by the use of municipal equipment and labor.
Equipment for children, such as swings, slides, jungle gyms and merry-go-rounds, was installed in areas under our jurisdiction and in playgrounds adjacent to school buildings ,so as to further develop areas in the Town devoted to play activity by our youth.
On June 29, 1950, this Board accepted as completed a Locker and Sanitary Building at North Union Street Playground. This building has proven a desirable asset to this playground through its operation for the above purpose this year. The grounds surrounding this building was beautified this fall.
CONCLUSION
Our development this year would not have been possible without the active support and continuous co-operation of the various Town boards, department heads, their employees and members of this department and to them we express our grateful appreciation.
Our sincere thanks is also extended to those individuals and organi- zations who so kindly donated awards, trophies, and other assistance in the conduct of our recreation program.
Respectfully submitted,
Everett J. Henderson Edward D. Buckley Franklin W. Hurd
Board of Park Commissioners
331
REPORT OF THE PERSONAL BOARD
Annual Report of the Personnel Board
Honorable Board of Selectmen Robbins Memorial Town Hall Arlington, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The Personnel Board herewith respectfully submits its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1950.
This report covers the first full year of operation of the Personnel Board. During the past year the Board has met twenty five times. Regular scheduled meetings of the Board are held on the first and third Mondays at the Personnel Board office in the Robbins House. During the past year sixty five employees or employee groups met for hearings before the Board on problems relating to their wages and grade status or other personnel matters. Over one hundred requests for reallocations, classifications or salary changes have been considered by the Board. The Personnel Board recognizes some need for salary adjustments, particularly in the administrative and supervisory level. Some inequalities were found to exist in the grade classifications. The Board is recommending certain changes in grade where the evidence and investigations justify such action.
The Board has established a complete file system containing personal record blanks and data for all employees in the town of Arlington except school teachers. A file is maintained for each employee. Job analyses have been made and job descriptions have been written and are on file for all classified groups and positions. The Secretary of the Board has had many conferences with Civil Service officials and town department heads for the purpose of discussing personnel problems. All Civil Service matters, including reallocations, reclassifications, changes of salary and complaints now clear through the Personnel office. Three studies have been inaugurated by the Personnel Board and are under way, a study of over time practices, vacation and sick leave practices. After these studies have been completed, a report with recommendations will be made at a future Town Meeting.
A new revised printed schedule of salary grades and salaries will be presented at the 1951 Town Meeting in March, containing the recom- mendations which will be made by the Personnel Board and by the special committee to study a bonus plan for town employees.
It is interesting to note that many officials from other communities have come to Arlington for the purpose of studying our personnel setup, many of whom came upon recommendation of well know person- nel experts who have become acquainted with the Arlington Plan.
The Board wishes to express its thanks and appreciation to Department Heads for their cooperation during the first year of operation and to all officials and boards for their adherence to the plan as adopted by the Town Meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES J. FLYNN ARTHUR J. MANSFIELD M. NORCROSS STRATTON, Chairman
332
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT -1
Annual Report of the Trustees of the Robbins Library for the Year 1950
Trustees
WILSON D. CLARK, JR., Chairman-Expires 1952 FRANCIS KEEFE, Secretary-Expires 1953 MARK W. BRADFORD-Expires 1952 ROSCOE O. ELLIOTT-Expires 1953 ** EDMUND L. FROST-Expires 1951 LLEWELLYN B. PARSONS-Expires 1951 MRS. E. WARREN HEAPS, JR.,-Expires 1951
Librarian
MRS. LUCINDA F. SPOFFORD
Professional Staff
RUTH SAMPSON, Assistant Librarian MARY J. MURDOCK, Reference Librarian ELIZABETH PHELAN, Children's Librarian RUTH FULLER, Branch Librarian (Dallin) SUZANNE MacGILLIVRAY MOLLOY, In Charge (East) ** HELEN HOVANESIAN PAHIGIAN SHIRLEY HESSION ** JACQUELINE MILLER HARRIET TAYLOR HELEN WHITEMAN
Full-Time Assistants JOAN ABBOTT MURIEL G. CHANDLER ANNE DECAMP ELIZABETH EPSTEIN ** ETHEL HAWKINS MARILYN KENNEY
Part-Time Assistants
*ANTOINETTE BRASK, Cataloguer *MARIANNE H. ROWE, Special Worker *EVA N. SMITH
Custodians GEORGE A. CAPES EDWARD CATERINO HERBERT FREEMAN
Part-Time Workers
Seven part-time workers (High School), serving on hour-time basis. One part-time worker (College), serving on hour-time basis. *Serving on hour-time basis.
** Resigned.
333
TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR 1950
To the Citizens of Arlington:
Robbins Library, in the year 1950, has continued to render as full and complete library service as its appropriation would permit. We have been unable to build the staff to its full complement due mainly to the shortage of trained workers available to us.
However, the fact that we have been able to render efficient library service under the circumstances has been due to the effort of the Libra- rian and to the loyalty of her Staff. The Trustees publicly express appreciation.
The year of 1950 completes the final full year of Mrs. Lucinda F. Spofford's tenure of office as Librarian because of the retirement act in effect in Arlington.
Mrs. Spofford came to Robbins Library January 2, 1928. The years that have followed, twenty-three of them, have been full of problems but her training and experience have been valuable assets in solving them. It is the experience of the present Board, and no doubt of previous ones, that she has maintained an active interest in library progress, modern methods developed in a changing world, and has kept the Board informed of new trends and methods in library activities. Mrs. Spofford is responsible in a large measure for the continued growth of Robbins Library, which has kept pace with the development of the Town and the citizens using its services. It is with sincere regret that her retire- ment is mandatory but the Board feels that when the Library closes on February 8, 1951, she will at best know that her accomplishments are very much appreciated.
During the summer months the Board spent considerable time in- terviewing men and women who desired the position of Librarian upon Mrs. Spofford's retirement.
Miss Judith E. Stromdahl, for the past four years Librarian at the Weston, Massachusetts, Public Library, was unanimously selected and she accepted the position to commence her duties on February 9, 1951. Her educational background, practical experience in library work and outside activities that relate thereto, convinced the Board that she will be eminently fitted to carry on the work and traditions of Robbins Library.
Miss M. Helen Teele was a Trustee of the library for nearly twenty- five years until her retirement in 1947. In her will she left a bequest to the Library amounting to $1,000.00 without restrictions. The Trustees voted to use the income for general library purposes.
Under the Will of Miss Ida Robbins the Robbins Art Fund was in- creased by $27,119.88, a partial payment of the legacy of $30,000.00, the income from the fund to be used in connection with the print collection.
This collection has given the present Board much concern. The in- come from the bequests, amounting to about $1,800.00 annually, can only be used for the care of the collection and to acquire additional prints. Over past years part of the income has been allowed to accumulate. The Trustees after considerable consideration decided that a survey should be made by some person with knowledge and training in this field. In our research for an authority Mr. Evan Turner was recom-
334
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
mended. He was employed and spent a number of months examining, classifying and filing. He presented the Trustees with a detailed report of his study.
In the budget for 1951 we are asking for funds to start a collection of records. There have been requests for this service and reports from other libraries indicate this to be a valuable addition. Also funds have been requested to acquire microfilming equipment, which will permit filming of local newspapers, magazines, and many other records that a library is expected to keep on file.
The report of the Librarian contains detailed information regarding the activities and general condition of the Library.
Respectfully submitted, WILSON D. CLARK, JR., Chairman, Board of Trustees
335
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
Report of the Librarian for the Year 1950
To the Trustees of the Robbins Library:
I herewith submit the report of the year ending December 31, 1950:
As has been the case for some time the Library shows an increase in the services of the Library given to the people of Arlington. The Library circulated 262,357 books during the year 1950, an increase of 6,390 over the year 1949. The largest gain was at the East Branch, Dallin Branch second, and the school circulation, third.
COMPARING CIRCULATION 1949-1950
1950
Loss
Gain
Main Library:
Adult
138,335
7,894
Juvenile
34,621
3,484
Total
172,956
11,378
Dallin Branch:
Adult
19,596
1,054
Juvenile
13,398
157
Total
32,994
1,211
East Branch:
Adult
20,583
11,637
Juvenile
19,172
4,304
Total
39,755
15,941
School, Juvenile
15,491
1,185
Hospital, Adult
711
569
Total
262,357
11,947
18,337
Circulation total
262,357
Adult
179,225
Juvenile
83,132
Total Gain 1950
6,390
WORK WITH JUNIORS
Circulation of children's books for the year in all places was 83,132, a gain of 2,162 over the year 1949.
Where was the gain and where was the loss?
Dallin Branch
gain
157
East Branch
gain
4,304
School
gain
1,185
Junior Library
loss
3,484
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
It is very evident that children as well as adults like their own special place. They all enjoy coming to the 'big library' but do like the Branches near home and enjoy their own school libraries. Miss Phelan has made some interesting comments on the juvenile work. "Several new groups of children have been attracted to the Library through a successful Everyland Club, a series of Picture Book Story Hours, and special book exhibits. Through the opening of two additional school libraries many more children have become library conscious. Parents have been reached as a result of several invitations to lecture to various groups. Associations have been formed with the teachers through the School Libraries, book reports and classroom libraries; a tea for the teachers was arranged during Book Week and helped greatly in further- ing relationships with the schools. It has been a year filled with activities and programs which will prove their value as time passes.
"Work with the schools has played an important role in the year's work. Books sent to 26 classrooms total 909, and the circulation of these books was 2,685. Two additional School Libraries were opened, at the Bishop School in May and at the Hardy School in September; there are now five School Libraries having a total book deposit of 3,172 books. The circulation of these books at the School Libraries totaled 13,256. The total school circulation including the classroom deposits and the School Libraries was 15,941, a gain of 1,185 for the year. Young Librarians were selected at each of the schools, and these 40 boys and girls have been instructed in Library procedures. Each month a meeting is held with these children at each school, and further in- formation about library work is disclosed. This fall, when the School Libraries were opened, several classes in some of the schools had their library periods when the Children's Librarian was there to explain the library rules to them. Opening the School Libraries in this way had a double advantage because the comprehension of the Young Librarians was put to an actual test, and it was a grand opportunity to meet many children for the first time. Special exhibits have been prepared for the School Libraries. Other school activities include instruction in the preparation of a pamphlet file at the Parmenter School. The elementary school children sent their book reports to the Junior Library to be checked for their reading certificates; a total of 319 certificates were issued during the year.
Many activities and exhibits were planned at the Junior Library throughout the year. The first exhibit of the year was prepared by the 5th grade children at the Parmenter School, and consisted of six small stages depicting scenes from various books. In May, Spring Book Fes- tival was celebrated with special book exhibits. The Everyland Club with its Indian theme attracted 372 children to its 9 club meetings held at the Junior Library during the summer months. The series of Picture Book Story Hours interested many parents who brought their young children to the six programs. The attendance was 126; 80 were children and 46 adults. The regular Story Hour has always been popular and well attended. During the past year, 28 Story Hours were held at the East Branch and were attended by 1,101 children. At the Junior Library 29 Story Hours were attended by 861 boys and girls, a total attendance of 1,962. The programs have been varied by using the record player; during the Christmas holidays, carols were played at the Junior Library. Many fine records have been purchased through the year; there are now 5 albums and 10 single records, some of which are long playing. The children have enjoyed listening to the recordings of
337
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
their old favorites, Cinderella, Treasure Island, Pinocchio, Peter Pan and others.
"This fall a group of Girl Scouts have been working for their Read- er's Badge. They have been given assignments and library projects. Each day during Book Week two of the girls helped in the Junior Li- brary during the busy afternoons. Book Week exhibits were prepared as usual and classes were invited to the Library.
"In the past year changes have occurred in children's reading in- terests which reflect various influences. The demand for cowboy stories certainly was greater this year than last, and this Fall there was an abundance of cowboy books for all ages. Indian stories were also popular with girls as well as boys. Older boys have been interested in science fiction and enjoy stories about rocket ships and other planets.
"The movie productions of Cinderella and Treasure Island caused requests for these books from children incapable of comprehending the vocabulary. A television broadcast of Tale of Two Cities had the same result. However, on the whole, it seems that the effect of television has been detrimental, and has disturbed the reading habits. The children follow their favorite programs which take first place before reading and studying. Unfortunately some boys and girls no longer have time for leisure reading, and seem to use the library only when a book report is due. This coming year the challenge to reading will be even greater and will require a different approach to attract children from the glamour of television.
"Another trend in the past year has been an interest in world events reflected in requests for books on Russia and Korea, both non-fiction and fiction. Children have asked for stories about other foreign coun- tries as well, China, particularly. These requests have been readily filled because of the well balanced collection which has always been the tradition of the Junior Library."
HOURS OF THE LIBRARY BRANCHES
Library borrowers are making use of the Library nearest them. The Branches show increased use. Questions come to the Main Library by telephone and requests to the Branch Library and books are sent by mes- senger each day, or as soon as available. Changes have been made in the Library hours. Both Branches are open on Saturday mornings. The hours at the East Branch have been doubled since the removal of the Branch to its new location. Both are now open every afternoon, two evenings a week and Saturday all day.
EAST BRANCH
In early March the East Branch was moved from the Crosby School basement where it was established in 1917 to a store at 175A Massachusetts Avenue. This has been justified and will, I am sure, lead to more and renewed efforts on the part of the people of East Arlington for better library facilities that are much needed. For further comments on the work at the Branch I quote from the report of Mrs. Suzanne MacGillivray Molloy who has had charge of the Branch for the greater part of 1949 and all of 1950. "Nineteen fifty marked a very interesting and eventful year for the East Branch and for the read-
338
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
ing populace at that end of the town. From the kind words and ap- preciation of its patrons the bright new Library set in a store has rewarded all efforts and money involved.
"Circulation figures, Story Hour attendance, Registration, and Inter- change took on new highs and proved the moving of the Library to its new location to be a most successful endeavor". "Although previous to the time the Library moved to its new home the Branch was open only 3 afternoons and 1 evening a week, the total circulation for the year was 39,755 which was a total gain of 15,941 over the previous year. As a result of its new and favorable location it is quite apparent that more adults have been reached inasmuch as a gain of 11.637 appears in the adult circulation alone. The children's circulation showed a gain of 4,304. It is quite apparent also that the general appeal has not died down in any way when viewing the figures for November alone which were 4,272, the largest month's circulation during the whole year."
Registration figures as well, show a gain over those of last year. A total of 613 new borrowers registered for the year as compared with 235 last year. Many of these people commented on how they were unable to get up to the Main Library, and how the new Branch is so very con- venient for them. This figure does not include the many people who have brought out their old cards for renewal in view of the fact that now they will be able to do a 'lot of reading.'
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