USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1961 > Part 12
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$ 7,259,947.47
Walter S. Cooledge, Jr.)
BOARD OF
John B. Byrne, Jr.
ASSESSORS
William O. Hauser
6,798,653.19
Compiled by P. J. Waterman, Exec. Secty., Board of Assessors, Dec. 22, 1961
ASSESSORS' RECORD OF STATISTICS OF THE TOWN OF ARLINGTON FROM 1953 TO 1961 INCLUSIVE
1953
1954
1955
1956
1957
1958
1959
1960
1961
Town Appropriation and Available Funds
5,543,096.95
5,480,341.05
6,266,318.36
6,711,629.35
6,960,825.73
7,527,484.67
8,073,609.35
8,766,261.24
8,805,115.80
County Tax
148,584.12
152,415.64
173,547.77
182,588.69
209,737.10
221,642.35
231,007.52
241,413.27
280,826.06
Metro. Parks Tax
57,765.10
53,448.17
60,649.53
65,060.02
60,620.43
66,795.66
70,578.79
79,640.97
89,820.20
Metro. Sewer North
92,487.65
79,381.14
86,242.34
99,614.34
118,627.49
161,505.79
179,270.22
192,134.43
179,366.83
Metro. Water Tax
47,908.56
92,953.36
87,680.32
99,285.60
116,284.16
142,449.12
133,528.40
139,149.68
148,685.36
Boston Metro. Dist. Expense
285.49
190.33
95.16
190.33
356.87
428.24
547.19
475.82
118.96
Auditing Municipal Accts.
5,592.34
334.51
3,536.89
284.12
3,792.07
520.92
4,672.83
518.51
7,342.32
State Exam. of Retirement System
560.92
197.73
200.71
871.41 749.40
207.76 989.10
237.46 948.22
1,024.60
1,087.96
1,597.55
Tuberculosis Hospital
44,206.56
51,540.04
51,235.96
50,871.67
48,418.86
48,726.51
57,552.07
51,660.36
65,202.42
Metro. Transit Authority
162,355.21
173,066.62
137,739.28
125,434.26
174,506.23
230,050.66
313,300.57
364,329.68
415,134.28
Overlay (total appropriated)
93,409.08
98,702.95
107,299.32
139,890.61
149,786.60
147,879.96
182,508.11
178,690.12
183,302.25
Income Tax
294,497.41
318,250.84
323,511.78
298,528.33
348,394.49
320,040.75
431,548.75
435,473.52
565,537.65
Corporation Tax
221,078.49
239,338.49
221,078.49
216,513.49
230,208.49
211,948.49
207,383.49
256,238.11
303,248.49
Old Age Tax (Meals)
9,909.64
11,817.85
11,620.61
11,500.80
12,714.02
13,937.98
14,998.00
16,828.71
20,523.34
Motor Excise Tax (1961 incomplete)
340,401.04
447,005.52
543,573.75
600,079.67
651,121.35
668,430.10
697,553.43 29,904.00
678,050.63
940,507.39
Poll Tax (1961 incomplete)
28,930.00
29,200.00
29,880.00
30,028.00
30,216.00
30,128.00
27,544.00
24,984.00
Receipts & Avail. Funds
2,170,912.54
2,265,931.62
2,641,260.75
2,220,052.45
2,419,838.94
2,729,292.20
3,067,111.89
3,311,323.07
2,978,418.75
Real Estate Valuation
65,937,350.00
67,673,950.00
69,675,700.00
71,779,050.00
73,391,900.00
77,296,750.00
78,644,250.00
80,621,750.00
82,308,150.00
Personal Property Valuation
3,834,150.00
4,075,350.00
4,322,700.00
4,425,700.00
4,509,400.00
4,662,250.00
4,847,950.00
4,915,550.00
5,257,800.00
Net amount raised on
Polls & Property
4,046,690.40
3,931,587.92
4,410,373.28
5,303,124.70
5,514,137.52
5,865,306.80
6,207,820.80
6,716,016.86
7,259,947.47
Tax Rate (total)
57.60
54.40
59.20
69.20
70.40
71.20
74.00
78.20
82.60
School Tax Rate
16.18
16.59
24.92
23.06
23.79
23.94
27.11
30.04
29.91
General Tax Rate
41.42
37.81
34.28
46.14
46.61
47.26
46.89
48.16
52.69
Payers of Pers. & R.E. Taxes
9,816
10,286
10,493
10,680
11,304
11,390
11,015
12,807
13,168
Dwelling Houses (Est.)
9,197
9,414
9,568
9,762
9,943
10,153
10,274
10,424
10,514
Population: 1920 - 18,646; 1925 - 24,943; 1930 - 36,094; 1935 - 38,555; 1940 - 40,013; 1945 - 43,515; 1950 - 44,353; 1955 - 47,148; 1960 - 50,745.
Walter S. Cooledge, Jr.) John B. Byrne, Jr. William O. Hauser
ASSESSORS
Compiled by P. J. Waterman, Exec. Secty., Board of Assessors, December 22, 1961
113
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS
Smoke Inspect. Service
728.37
806.26
869.84
1,597.61
212.52
233.59
114
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Assessors record of percentages of appropriations raised by taxation in 1961 ($8,710,861.99) and voted for use of Departments, Boards, etc.
APPROPRIATED
ART.
ITEM
DEPT., BOARD, ETC. PERCENT
$
46,327.46
5
Claims or charges of Symmes Hospital Classification & Pay Plan
.54
93,750.00
6
15,640.00
7
555.00
8
360.00
9
156.00
10
164.00
11
1.30
267.00
12
236.00
13
2,652.00
16
2,300.00
21
1
Finance Committee .03
27,317.00
2
Board of Selectmen
.32
33,624.00
3
Town Manager
.39
6,504.00
4
Purchasing Agent
.08
12,168.00
5
Building Maintenance Dept.
.15
11,601.00
6
Personnel Board
.14
26,781.00
7
Town Accountant
.31
62,434.00
8
Treasurer & Collector
.72
26,827.00
9
Board of Assessors
.31
36,600.00
10
Legal
.43
26,312.00
11
Town Clerk
.31
93,605.00
12
Public Works Dept. Gen'l Admin.
1.08
82,243.00
13
Engineering
.95
29,837.00
14
Elections & Town Meeting
.35
1,200.00
15
Planning Board
.01
4,666.00
16
Board of Survey
.05
37,198.00
17
Robbins Memorial Town Hall
.44
513,703.00
18
Police Dept.
5.90
589,956.00
20
Fire Dept.
6.78
24,036.00
21
Fire & Police Signals
.28
22,868.00
22
Building, Plumbing & Gas Inspections
.27
3,666.00
23
Board of Appeals
.04
13,736.00
24
Wire Dept.
.16
5,569.00
25
Sealer of Weights & Measures
.07
67,478.00
27
Tree Warden
.78
7,459.00
28
Civilian Defense
.09
125,919.00
29
Board of Health
1.45
759.00
30
Inspector of Animals
.01
33,000.00
31
Sewer Maintenance
.39
190,520.00
32
Sanitary Division
2.19
433,719.34
33
Division of Highways
& Bridges
4.99
55,000.00
33a
Highway Capital Outlay
.64
115,456.00
34
Street Lighting
1.33
21,752.00
35
Traffic Signals
.25
471,419.00
36
Public Welfare, etc.
5.41
68,804.00
37
Veterans' Benefits
.79
3,180,980.00
38
School Dept.
36.52
238,465.00
39
Libraries
2.73
of Taxes
115
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS
APPROPRIATED
ART.
ITEM
DEPT., BOARD, ETC.
PERCENT
$ 128,692.00
40
Public Parks & Play- grounds
1.47
12,230.00
41
Warren A. Peirce Playgrounds
.14
140,000.00
42
Pensions
1.60
89,728.00
43
Contributory Retire- ment System
1.03
4,455.00
44
Memorial Day & Patriots Day
.05
4,936.00
45
Printing Town Reports
.05
173,905.00
46
Insurance
1.99
85,000.00
47
Reserve Fund
.97
9,447.00
48
Maint. of Town Houses
.09
173,986.00
49
Water Dept. Maint.
1.99
14,250.00
49a
Extension of Water Services
.16
61,421.00
50
Cemeteries
.70
552,380.00
51
Maturing Town Debt & Interest
6.34
25,000.00
22
Extension of Sewerage System
.28
25,000.00
23
Extension of Water
.28
20,000.00
24
Extension of Storm
.22
20,000.00
25
Sidewalks & Edgestones
.22
10,000.00
26
Maint. of Sidewalks
.11
25,000.00
27
Improvement of Drain- age Systems
.28
42,100.00
29
Reconstruction of Cer- tain Streets
.48
7,500.00
38
Alteration of Mill Street .08
2,000.00
39
Alteration of Jason
.02
27,218.19
41
Construction of Ways
.31
800.00
42
Easements in Land
.01
40,300.00
54
Construction of Ways
.46
50,000.00
55
Radio Broadcasting & Receiving System .57
100.00
57
Urban Renewal (Appoint-
ment of Committee) --
6,600.00
58
Sanitary Sewer - Madison Ave. .07
2,850.00
60
Storm Drain - Day Street & Dow Avenue .03
Architectural & Engi-
neering Survey .05
30,000.00
78
Alterations & Improve- ments to Robbins Library .34
375.00
81
Advertising Town By-Laws
3,800.00
82
Christmas Lighting .04
1,200.00
83
Hdqtrs. Marine Corps
League .01
50,000.00
84
Addition to Stabilization Fund .58
$8,710,861.99
Walter S. Cooledge, Jr.)
BOARD OF
John B. Byrne, Jr.
ASSESSORS
William O. Hauser
Compiled by P.J. Waterman, Exec. Secty., Board of Assessors, Dec. 22, 1961
100.00
5,000.00
77
Street
Mains
Drains
116
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Report of the Finance Committee for 1961
There was one change in personnel of the committee this year.
Precinct 7. Joseph Keefe resigned and appointed was, Eugene F. Lawler, Jr., 47 Alton St.
Organization was held and the following officers were elected;
Kermit C. Streng Chairman
T. Richard Guinan
Vice Chairman
Percival E. Richardson Secretary
William H. Farrow Exec. Secretary
Chairman Streng appointed the following Sub-Committees;
Sub Committee A; with budgets 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 11, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 35, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, and 47.
Ronald E. Higby, Chairman Philip D. Ahern T. Richard Guinan
Sub Committee B; with budgets 6, 8, 9, 13, 15, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 34, 39, 40, 41, 50 and 51.
Gilbert F. Dillon, Chairman J. Howard Hayes Robert G. Sisson
Sub Committee C; with budgets 12, 31, 32, 33, 33A, 49, also Extension Water mains, Extension Sewer mains, Ex- tension Storm Drains, and Maintenance, of same.
John R. Cotter, Chairman Edwin A. Barnard George K. Rugg Eugene F. Lawler, Jr.
Sub Committee D; with budgets 5, 17, 36, 37, 38 and 48.
George J. Remmert, Chairman William H. Dunn Charles W. Blackmon Percival E. Richardson
Sub Committee E. Policy Committee
T. Richard Guinan, Chairman Ronald E. Higby George J. Remmert John R. Cotter Gilbert F. Dillon
Personal Committee Charles W. Blackmon, Chairman Philip D. Ahern George J. Remmert
The Chairman is a member (ex Officio) of all sub committees.
REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
117
There have been 23 full committee meetings of the Finance Committee this year and fifty sub committee meetings.
Average attendance was 13.
The Finance Committee members also held the usualprecinct meetings the Thursday prior to opening of Town Meeting to acquaint the Town Meet- ing members of their precinct with the budgets and Warrant Articles.
Status of Reserve Fund budget 47 at close of 1961 is as follows:
Amount of budget 47
$85,000.00
7/31/61 From reserve to Budget 21 Fire Dept. $ 433.00
2 Selectmen 86.87
15 Planning Board 500.00
11/ 6/61
2 Selectmen 79.04
46 Workmens Compensation
3,500.00
11
36 Aid to Dep Children
3,000.00
9 Assessors 61.20
8 Treasurer 150.00
42 Non-Cont. Pensions
17,718.03
12/ 4/61
21 Fire & Police Signals
1,000.00
46 Workmens Compensation 2,900.00
12/18/61
36 Disability Asst. 2,516.70
37 Veterans Aid 5,000.00
36 Aid to Dep. Children
1,353.81
"1
46 Health Insurance1,706.81
12/28/61
33 Snow Removal 30,000.00
Total transfers $77,005.46
Balance returned to Treasury $ 7,994.54
Respectfully submitted,
Percival E. Richardson Secretary
37 Veterans Aid 7,000.00
118
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Report of the Tree Warden Superintendent of the Moth and Town House Grounds Department
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit by report as Tree Warden and Superintendent of the Moth and Town House Grounds Departments for the year ending December 31,1961.
TREE DEPARTMENT
In the Spring of the year four hundred and fifty (450) trees were planted on new streets constructed by the Public Works Department and private contractors, also; in various sections of the Town when requested by private individuals.
Trees were ordered out by the Board of Selectmen for construction of streets and sidewalks at the following locations: Norcross Street (6), Lowell Street Place (3), Jason Street (1), Park Avenue (2) and River Street (1).
Public hearings were held for the removal of Town trees at #299 Massa- chusetts Avenue and #45 Trowbridge Street. Asthere were no objections the trees were removed at the expense of the petitioners.
Trees were pruned and removed by this Department for the Park, Cemetery, School and Public Works Departments, at the request of the re- spective department heads.
The Boston Edison and New England Telephone and Telegraph Companies removed the tops of fifteen (15) dead trees that had their utility wires run- ning through them. Twenty nine (29) dead trees over 24" in diameter were topped by the personnel of this Department. All of these trees were re- moved below ground level with the aid of our stump cutter. There were also many smaller trees taken out throughout the Town.
Many requests are still received at the office during the year for trim- ming trees that are growing close to houses and overhanging roofs, also; for low limbs overhanging sidewalks. A continuation of our program of raising up and trimming trees to alleviate obstruction from high delivery trucks and buses traveling along our highways was continued.
Roots of trees were trimmed or removed for sidewalk construction, at the request of the Public Works Department.
Trees were trimmed for street light clearance on Oxford, Grafton, Everett, Harlow, Foster, Adams, Allen, Wyman and Palmer Streets, at the request of the Wire Inspector.
The Department was alerted September 21, 1961, for the arrival of Hurricane Esther. Although it did not strike here with full force, damage to trees all over Town resulted from exceptionally high winds. This damage was all taken care of in due time.
Christmas trees in all sections of the Town were disposed of this year by Brush Chippers, thereby saving a considerable amount of money in extra truck hire.
119
TREE WARDEN, MOTH AND TOWN HOUSE GROUNDS
The personnel of the Department assisted the Park Department clearing skating areas when requested and also assisted the Public Works Depart- ment plowing streets and removal of snow.
The Reservoir Dump has been turned over to this Department for com- plete maintenance.
MOTH DEPARTMENT
The regular spraying schedule of this Department was carried on as usual, including a dormant spray given to Elm trees to combat the Scolytus Beetle which is the carrier of the Dutch Elm Disease. During the year twenty-one (21) samples of trees were taken, five (5) of which were on pri- vate property. When the laboratory tests were made known the property owners were notified and if their tree was diseased they were ordered to have it removed. There is no known cure for this disease outside of re- moving the trees and burning them up or burying them.
Verticillium Wilt on the Maple trees was again very prevelant this year. In recent years we have removed an increasing amount of Maple trees due to this disease and it requires constant watching. The only control possible against this disease is the disinfecting of tools to prevent spreading to healthy trees.
Infestation of Tent Caterpillars were reported in various sections of the Town and they were sprayed as soon as reported.
Japanese Beetles again this year required spraying but the infestation was not as heavy as in past years. This Beetle originates in the turf and I would advise all property owners to treat their lawns with either D.D.T. or Chlordane.
Some calls were received regarding European Earwigs. As this insect can be controlled by individuals, residents were advised as to what to use and how to control them.
All of the trees on our main streets and many side streets had to be sprayed in the early morning hours due to heavy traffic conditions during the middle of the day.
There were one thousand and forty-eight (1048) private estates sprayed at the request of property owners, who in turn made a remittance to the Town for the cost of the work. Both Housing Projects, Mount Pleasant Cemetery and all School properties were also sprayed.
Menotomy Rocks Park was sprayed again this year by Helicopter and very favorable results obtained from it.
We sprayed for the elimination of Poison Ivy at twelve (12) different locations.
Bees' Nests and Hornets' Nests were either sprayed or cut down from trees when they were called to our attention.
Many calls were received about squirrels jumping from trees on to houses. In all cases the branches were cut back to alleviate the condition.
The sand at Reservoir Beach was sprayed on two different occasions for the control of Ants.
TOWN HOUSE GROUNDS DEPARTMENT
As has been the custom in past years, the personnel of the Tree and Moth Departments maintain the grounds bordering the Town Hall and Robbins
120
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
House. These men also take care of the lawn and hedges at the Police Station and the grass areas adjoining the parking lot on Mystic Street. This year the islands on New Mystic Street were turned over to this Department for landscaping and maintenance.
A new drain was installed in the pool located on the Town House Grounds and it was given two coats of Turquoise Blue Silasheen Paint.
New shrubbery was planted on the banking in the rear of the Indian to replace shrubbery that was damaged or had died.
The Patriot's Day celebration again attracted large crowds of adults and children which necessitated the men of the Department to rope off the en- trance to the Town Hall and police the grounds.
A watchman was employed during the summer months to patrol the grounds every evening as well as all day Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. He also checked the Robbins Library doors and windows on weekends.
The regular maintenance of the grounds was attended to as usual. The lawns were all top dressed, seeded and fertilized.
Snow removal from the front platform of the Town Hall, the walks through the grounds, also the parking area in the rear of the building and at the rear of the Robbins House was taken care of as usual. These areas were also sanded when needed.
In conclusion, I wish to gratefully acknowledge the co-operation given me by you and your staff, the personnel of this Department and all other Departments of the Town.
Respectfully submitted,
George M. Dolan Tree Warden and Superintendent of Moth and Town House Grounds Departments
121
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSION
Annual Report of the Park Commission
January 11, 1962
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
The Board of Park Commissioners herewith submits its Annual Report for the year ending December 31, 1961.
Frank J. Hughes resigned as Park Commissioner after serving one term of three years. John W. Walsh, 3d of 9 Cheviot Road, Arlington, was appointed by the Town Manager, and approved by the Board of Selectmen, to serve a three year term which will expire on December 22, 1963. The Board organized on Monday, January 23, 1961, with all members present and elected Edward D. Buckley as chairman.
MAINTENANCE
Warren A. Peirce Field:
Regraded and reseeded middle of gridiron.
Demolished old tool house at west end of field and reseeded area.
Painted east and west grandstands which seats approximately 3,500 persons.
Replaced twenty-five seat and floor boards in grandstand.
Installed time clock on basketball courts which turns lights on at 7:00 P.M. and off at 10:00 P.M. - cost $50.00. This eliminated a paid em- ployee having to do this.
Installed 140 feet of 1-1/4 rail pipe on chain link fence to support fabric which had been damaged by automobiles backing into fence.
Cemetery Street:
Replaced broken water main and drain to wading pool; also resurfaced concrete surface.
Parallel Street:
Painted 1,400 running feet of chain link fence.
Installed three Saddle Mates; a horse, a donkey, and a swan, which the children enjoyed tremendously.
Menotomy Rocks Park:
Installed new electric switch for night skating.
Resurfaced roadway from Jason Street to Spring Street.
Removed fifteen diseased trees.
122
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Crusher Lot:
Repaved 110 feet of asphalt walk from the Junior High West to Gray Street; also repaired several pot holes; estimated cost $150.00.
North Union Street:
Installed four permanent players benches.
Installed new roof drain and repaired roof of locker building, this has to be done annually.
Replaced new locks on all of the doors.
Hardy School:
Replaced two basketball backstops which were destroyed by automobiles backing into them; estimated cost $150.00.
Replaced a 16 foot galvanized slide; estimated cost $250.00.
Spy Pond Field'
Installed. granite stairwell at northeast entrance to field from Lombard Road; this was necessary because of constant washouts from railroad tracks. Labor was $300.00; no cost for materials which had been dis- carded by the Public Works Department.
Meadow Brook Park:
Installed three new electric light poles; old poles had rotted away.
Floodlights were erected for night skating.
100 ton of fill was dumped in old water hole and then graded to eliminate danger spots during winter skating and to make it safer for small children.
Robbins Farm:
Erected a fieldstone wall 2' x 30' at the end of Mt Vernon Street.
Loamed and seeded an area 40' x 50' which had eroded and was a menace to abutter's property.
Resodded washouts at both ends of retaining wall which held up baseball backstop.
Reservoir Field:
Installed six permanent baseball players benches.
Erected 40 feet of portable grandstand for Little League games.
Twenty floodlights were replaced for the fourth straight year.
Reservoir Beach:
Reseeded beach area.
Planted six Willow and six London Plane trees to replace dead trees.
Installed three new locks in bathhouse doors.
123
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSION
Dumped 1,000 tons of sand and graded beach area.
To prevent pollution, we emptied 100 lbs of H.T.H. into swimming area every day during swimming season; cost $2,300.00.
Florence Avenue:
Installed two players benches, one picnic table, and one park bench.
An asphalt apron 20' x 20' x 18' of six inch transite drain pipe was in- stalled around the drinking fountain to correct unsightly condition caused by children playing with fountain.
General Maintenance:
We repaired 84 chair swings and 60 regular swing seats and replaced worn chains; marked Warren A. Peirce gridiron for freshmen, junior var- sity, junior high school and varsity football games; marked Linwood Street, Junior High West and Warren A. Peirce hockey fields for school contests; marked baseball fields for Little League, C.Y.O., Cub Scouts, A.Y.A., Hoboes, Cardinals, Legion and high school games. The following areas were flooded for skating: Meadow Brook Park, North Union, Waldo Road, Parallel Street, Robbins Farm, and Ethel Wellington tennis courts. Hills Pond, our most popular skating area, was sprayed occasionally and all areas were cleared of snow when necessary.
RECREATION
Skating areas were maintained by the department at Meadow Brook Park and Hills Pond with floodlights operated during the evening hours when ice was available. Small areas were maintained for skating by flooding and spraying at North Union Street, Waldo Road, Parallel Street, Robbins Farm and Ethel Wellington tennis courts. A total of 22 skating days were record- ed, somewhat less than the 52 skating days in 1960; this was due to heavy snowstorms.
Our golf clinic was held for the eleventh year which started on January 3, 1961 and extended for six weeks. John Thoren, golf pro at Myopia Country Club located in Hamilton, Massachusetts, conducted the course at the Junior High East. There were three one-hour classes on Tuesday evening and three classes on Wednesday evening; 135 registered for the course.
16 teams competed in the 12th annual bowling league season. Two leagues of eight teams each competed on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for a period of twenty-two weeks. A banquet was held in Legion Hall at the end of the season when team and individual awards were presented the winners. Over $900.00 in awards were presented with no expense to the Town of Arlington.
The High School Basketball League organized with eight teams and played on Tuesday and Friday evenings at the Junior High West. Only boys in high school, and not representing a school team, were eligible for this league. Two rounds of play were scheduled and the first four teams entered an elimination tournament to determine the championship. The winners were awarded small trophies by the department.
The Adult Basketball League had eight teams which played on Wednes- day evenings for a ten week period at the Junior High West. This program gave young men between the ages of 18 and 25 an opportunity to get some exercise. There were four games each night and the league played one round and the first four teams played an elimination series to determine the champion of the Town. Any adult may join this supervised program.
124
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Pee Wee Hockey League was organized for the fourth successive year with 125 sixth, seventh and eighth grade boys registering. The league was formed into eight teams of 13 boys each. Games were played every Satur- day from 7:00 to 9:30 A.M. at the M.D.C. Rink on Route 2. The season opened December 3 and ended March 18. This was a popular program and exceptionally successful. Inter-city games were played with Melrose, Cam- bridge, Wakefield, Medford, Saugus and Stoneham.
Badminton classes were held for adults every Tuesday evening in the new gym at the high school.
62 boys and girls registered at the Junior High West and 48 at the Junior High East to learn ballroom dancing. These youngsters were taught the basic dance steps and proper etiquette. A fee of $2.00 for ten lessons was charged. A the final lesson, prizes were awarded and refreshments served.
Arts and Crafts classes for 5th and 6th grade girls were held on Satur- day mornings from November 3 through March 18 at the Hardy, Thompson, Dallin, Locke, Cutter and Peirce schools. This prgram included the teach- ing of folk dances, quiet games, story telling, making of holiday gifts, and as a special event a skating party at the M.D.C .. Rink.
The Golden Age Club continued to be a popular and active organization. This group met the first and third Thursday of every month, except during July and August, at Robbins Junior Library. Many trips were planned for their enjoyment; they were the guests of the Red Sox at several ball games, they attended the Flower Show and the Ice Capades, and took a trip to Old Sturbridge Village and Canobie Lake.
One of our most successful programs was the Town Softball League which consisted of twenty teams. Two leagues were organized, one Class A and one Class B. Each league played two rounds of play, then the first four teams played a 2 out of 3 series in an elimination series to determine the league champion. Both league winners then played a series of 2 out of 3 games to determine the Town champion. A banquet was held at Legion Hall on October 28, 1961. Town officials were invited and awards presented the winners with no banquest expense to the town.
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