USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1931 > Part 17
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July : Old books from the library collection.
August : Facsmile of the Times for June 22, 1815, just after the Battle of Waterloo.
September : Austrian paper money.
October : Stereoscope pictures of old Reading.
November: Old books from library collection.
December : Old playing cards and books.
On September 22, the Librarian gave a talk to the Sophomore class at the High School on classification and reference books and use of the Library.
Some years ago a stereoscope and some Bible pictures were given the library. They were loaned at times to Sunday School teach- ers, but not until this year were they used in the library. They were so popular in the Children's Room that at the suggestion of the Child- ren's Librarian an appeal was put. in the Chronicle asking anyone who had a steroscope, which they no longer used, to give it to the library. In response the library received stereoscopes and pictures from Mr. A. P. Ives, Miss Florence King, Mrs. Edward Dewey and Miss Kenney and pictures from Miss Spinney and Mrs. Packer. Among the pic- tures were a few views of old Reading which were exhibited upstairs, and then put away to keep as they were of historical interest.
In November a large globe was added to the library equipment. It is fortunate that the surface is washable as it has been so popular that Boston became quite darkened by smutty fingers.
In December a change was made in library hours on Saturdays, keeping open from two to nine without closing for a supper hour. This will be a convenience to borrowers and tend to lessen the pressure at the busiest time of the week, on Saturday evenings.
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.
Thanks are due to Mrs. Timlin who kindly gave us another lamp- shade when one she gave us a few years ago got damaged and to all who have donated books and loaned articles for exhibition in the library.
Maintenance
A new electric clock, with large dial, has been installed. Addi- tional lights were placed for the new double stack at the north end of the room, and a signal system between the Children's room and the Main room installed.
School Reading
Reference has been made in our reports for several years relative to the extent of the co-operation of the Library personnel with the Schools. This supervised reading is most popular. On June 12, 1931, the Chairman of the Trustees gave State Certificates for reading to fifty- six pupils of the Highland School. Of this number, eight received cer- tificates for reading twenty books each.
We again thank the teachers for their assistance in furthering this co-operative work.
Budget for 1332
In accordance with the requirements of the General Laws, Chap- ter 41, Section 59, the Board of Trustees of the Reading Public Library submit the following detailed estimate for the amounts deemed neces- sary for the proper maintenance of the Public Library for the fiscal year 1932.
Fuel, Light, Water, Sewer charge $ 450.00
Printing and Supplies 150.00
Books, Periodicals, Binding, etc.
1,900.00
Maintenance and Repairs
500.00
Miscellaneous Expenditures
100.00
Total Maintenance
$ 3,100.00
Salaries
$ 4,900.00
Total Appropriation Requested $ 8,000.00
as against an appropriation in 1931 of
$ 8,000.00
The total amount requested, $8,000.00, is the same as appro- priated for the year 1931, with $100.00 added to the Salary Budget and $100.00 deducted from the Maintenance Budget.
The usage of the Library has increased about 15 per cent over 1930. The Library hours have been increased two hours per week, the Library now being open Saturday from 2 P. M. continuously. The dif- ference in the Salary Budget is to cover assistants for this increased service.
No increases in salaries are requested or contemplated.
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It is estimated that an income of at least $400.00 will be received during 1932 from the " Fine Account."
Miss Bertha L. Brown, Librarian, Miss Grace J. Abbott, Assistant Librarian, and Miss Rebecca Turner in charge of the Children's Room have rendered their usual faithful and efficient service and the Trustees desire to record herewith their appreciation of those services.
The work of the assistants was also praiseworthy.
Two vacancies in the Board of Trustees are to be filled at the Town Meeting, the terms of Mrs. Ida C. Lucas and Harry J. Barclay expiring.
ARTHUR N. MANSFIELD, Chairman
RALPH S. KENEELY, Secretary
JESSE W. MORTON, HARRY J. BARCLAY, IDA C. LUCAS, JENNIE F. WEEKS,
Adopted as the report of the Trustees.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS
To the Citizens of Reading :
We herewith submit our report on work under our jurisdiction during the year 1931 :
Valuation of Taxable Real Estate :
Buildings, excluding land
$ 11,017,325.00
Land, excluding buildings
4,020,300.00
Total
$ 15,037,625.00
Valuation of Taxable Personal Estate 1,151,824.00
Total Taxable Real and Personal Estate April 1,
1931
$ 16,189,449.00
Building increase over 1930
$ 335,850.00
Land increase over 1930
35,825.00
Total increase on Real Estate
$ 371,675.00
Decrease on Personal Estate in 1931
12,651.00
Total gain on taxable property
$ 359,024.00
Valuation of excise tax for 1931
$
937,150.00
Decrease on excise tax in 1931
$ 123,940.00
Tax on Real Estate
$ 487,219.08
Tax on Personal Estate
37,319.17
Tax on Excise
23,056.19
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Tax on Polls
6,008.00
Tax on Old Age Assistance
3,019.00
Tax on Real Estate for Moth
899 00
Tax on Real Estate for Sewer
2,457.48
Tax on Real Estate for Sidewalk
544.08
Tax on Real Estate for Curbing
118.92
Additional Polls
18.00
Additional Old Age Assistance Tax
17.00
Total commitment for 1931
$ 560,675.92
State Tax, 1931
$ 15,900.00
State Highway Tax, 1931
355.99
State Parks
224.06
Metropolitan Sewerage Tax, 1931
7,962.52
Municipal Lighting Tax, 1931
93.45
Special State Tax, Old Age Assistance
3,019.00
County Tax, 1931
26,413.07
County Tax Hospital, 1931
2,723.89
Total State and County Tax, 1931
$ 56,691.98
Total State and County Tax, 1930
49,965.76
Increase in 1931
$
6,726.22
Amount appropriated for Town Purposes
$ 639,288.00
Amount to be paid for State Taxes
56,691.98
Amount of Overlay
2,585.27
Total assessments, 1931
$ 698,565.25
Less estimated receipts $ 115,000.00
Less Excise Tax
25,000.00
Less Free Cash
25,000.00
Less 3,004 Polls at $2.00
6,008.00
Less 3,019 Old Age Assistance
3,019.00
174,027.00
Amount to be raised
$ 524,538.25
Tax rate for 1931, $32.40.
Number of persons, partnerships and corporations as- sessed April 1, 1931
2888
Number of automobiles assessed
3076
Number of separate assessments, 1931
5964
Number of polls, 1931
3013
Number of polls, 1930
2951
204
Increase in polls
62
Number of horses
68
Number of cows
153
Number of neat cattle
11
Number of swine
108
Number of dwelling houses
2438
Number of acres of land
5770
Value of Town Property
$1,429,545.00
Value of Property exempt
528,960.00
Total non-taxable property
$ 1,958,505.00
Total taxable property
16,189,449.00
Total value excise tax
937,150.00
Total value, 1931 $ 19,035,104.00
Report of the Survey of Land Under the Block System
We have now completed 79 plans which contain 3,830 separate lots. Appropriated, 1931 $ 500.00
Balance, 1930 39.13
$ 539.13
Expended
Davis & Abbott, correcting plans
$ 106.25
Davis & Abbott, 3 new plans
315.56
Davis & Abbott, 4 new plats made from
Plat 53
88.57
510.38
Balance to Revenue $ 28.75
The block system is most essential in carrying on the work of this office. There are many sections of the town yet to come under this system.
Due to the fact that all departments have been asked to curtail, we request an appropriation of $200.00 instead of the customary $500.00.
GEORGE E, HORROCKS ALVAH W. CLARK ARTHUR S. COOK
Board of Assessors.
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REPORT OF TOWN COUNSEL
To the Honorable, the Law Committee of the Town of Reading :
I submit my report as Town Counsel for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1931.
The litigation brought by William H. Killam for the assessment of damages for a taking made by the Town through his land on Mount Vernon Street for the permanent maintenance of the sewer line there- in, has been adjusted by the payment of $1250.00, which sum was re- commended by your Committee and authorized by vote of the Town. The necessary papers have been drafted and filed in Court disposing of the two pending cases.
Satisfactory settlements have been effected of the three suit; brought by Ruth Pearse, Eva M. Pearse and Benjamin E. Seft n for personal injuries and damages as a result of an alleged defect in the highway. The amount authorized by your Committee was $75.00 and the settlements have been carried out and the suits disposed of.
The suit brought by Richard M. Cutts, Jr. in 1923 for personal injuries and property damage as a result of an accident on the highway has finally been adjusted, under authority of a vote of your Committee, for the sum of $50.00.
The petition brought by Anna Goldberg, the owner of property on Main Street, Reading Square, against the Board of Assessors ap- pealing from the decision and determination of the Board in refusing to abate the real estate tax assessed for 1930, has been tried before the State Board of Tax Appeals. On the second day of the trial, the peti- tioner voluntarily withdrew her petition and the final entry disposing of the proceedings was duly made a matter of record by the Board of Tax Appeals.
All of the above cases were referred to in my report for the year ending December 31, 1930.
There is still pending against the Town the suit brought by Mildred J. Gray for $1,000.00 for damages to property at 17 Kingston Street as a result of certain alleged blasting operations conducted by the Town in constructing a drain through the claimant's property. Act- ing under authority of your Committee, a further attempt has been made to compromise this suit, but without success. The suit of Ida C. Smith to recover $4,000.00 as a result of personal injuries from an allez- ed defect on Pleasant Street, and the suit by Jennie Peters of Boston against the Town to recover $200.00 for damages to an automobile as a result of an alleged defect in the highway, are also still pending.
The recent suit brought against the Town by George D. Dinkel for damages to his personal property by water which the claimant con- tends came into his cellar from Salem Street which at the time was
206
under construction, has been settled for the sum of $75.00 by authority of your Committee and by vote of the Town.
A Bill in Equity has been brought in the Middlesex Superior Court against the Town of Reading and A. Russell Barnes, Inspector of Buildings by Moses Hagopian, seeking to have the vote of the Town, passed on March 3, 1930, amending the Zoning By-law by changing the area on South Main Street, between Percy Avenue and Summer Ave- nue, from a business to a residence district, declared inval'd and of no effect. It is the petitioner's contention that when the land was purchased by him, the same was located in a business district and by reason of the modification of the Zoning Law applying to this area, his property is of little or no value. The necessary pleadings in behalf of the Town have been duly filed in Court and the case stands on the Court docket awaiting further action.
Proceedings have been brought by Edward Cohen against the Board of Assessors before the State Board of Tax Appeals, appealing from the decision of the Board in refusing to abate the real estate tax assessed for 1931. The property of the petitioner is located on the Northerly side of Haven Street and consists of a lot of land with a one story brick business building having four stores therein. A preliminary hearing has been held and pleadings have been drafted and filed in be- 'half of the Board and the case will be heard on its merits when reached for trial.
There are seventeen claims for damages pending against the Town which have not been made the subject of suit, all of which have been reported to your Committee, but no definite action has been authorized with reference to settlement.
In the performance of the duties of my office, it has been neces- sary for me to devote considerable time to the preparation of docu- ments and legal instruments; consultations, attending hearings of the various Boards, rulings and opinions relative to Town matters.
I have attended during the year various hearings at the State House, among which may be mentioned the hearings with reference to the issuance of the certificates of necessity by the Department of Pub- lic Utilities for the operation in the Town of Motor Vehicles for Carri- age of Passengers for Hire; also hearing before the State Board of Public Works for the approval of the regulation prohibiting the opera- tion of commercial motor vehicles on Summer Avenue; and hearings relative to proposed legislation of the compulsory insurance law.
In connection with the activities of the Board of Public Works, I drafted, under instruction from the Board, a bill for the legislature modifying the Reading Sewerage Act of 1909 so as to allow the Board of Public Works to fix the sewer rates, attended the several hearings before the Committee and assisted in securing the passage of the law which is Chapter 85 of the Acts of 1931. I have examined and approved
207
the contracts for the erection of the pumping station and the equip- ment installed therein. Also, I attended to the legal details of acquiring sixteen parcels of land from various owners for the development of the water supply. Under the supervision of the Board of Public Works, the first street was laid out under the Betterment Act, which necessi- tated the drafting of new forms of reports, layouts and orders of tak- ing. The usual routine matters of the Board of Public Works re- lating to sewers, drains, new street layouts and the construction of granolithic sidewalks under the Betterment Act have required my services.
I have drafted and approved the execution of the contracts and the form of bond for the Municipal Light Department for the under- ground conduits and splicing lead covered cables.
Acting under authority from the School Committee, I attended to the legal phases of the acquisition by the Town of two parcels of land for the proposed athletic field adjoining the Junior High School and have examined and approved the contracts for the development of the same.
Respectfully submitted, SAMUEL H. DAVIS Town Counsel .
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CEMETERY TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR 1931
The reports of the Superintendent of Cemeteries, Mr. William P. Pierpont, which cover in detail the work of the Department and approved by the Trustees, are appended.
There have been no changes on the Board for the year. Mr. Philip H. Tirrell and Mr. Clarence C. White have served as Chairman and Secretary respectively.
The terms of Mr. Clarence C. White and Mr. Winthrop D. Par- ker expire in March 1932, and it is hoped that they will be candidates for re-election.
In reviewing the work of the year the Board finds that much real progress has been made and that the condition of both Cemeteries has been permanently improved.
Most respectfully, PHILLIP H TIRRELL, Chairman, CLARENCE C. WHITE, Secretary FRED L. NUTTER WINTHROP D. PARKER HAROLD F. DAVIS FRANK LEE EDGERLEY
Board of Cemetery Trustees.
208
LAUREL HILL CEMETERY REPORT 1931
To The Board of Cemetery Trustees,
Town of Reading, Mass.
Gentlemen :
Subject to your requirement and my usual custom, I herewith submit my fourth annual report of work performed in Laurel Hill Cemetery this past year.
In conjunction with the regular maintenance and up-keep of the grounds, we have continued to follow a line of permanent improvement, as far as the funds allotted from the Reserve Fund to the Department would allow.
During the past year 20,781 square feet of macadam surface has been added to the Cemetery; Elm and Oak Avenues from the Lowell Street entrance to the north intersecion of Locust Avenue, making a continuous stretch of macadam from Lowell Street to the south gate on Main Street, Locust Avenue from the south intersection of Elm Avenue to the top of the hill, Laurel Avenue from Cross Avenue to Pine Avenue; making a great improvement and the expense of up- keep will be a very small item for many years.
Through the co-operation of the School Committee, the Old South M. E. Church and the Cemetery Board a chain link fence has been built between these properties, which adds very much to this sec- tion.
Several unemployed men, through the Welfare Department, dug over eighty single graves, removing all ledge, rock and boulders, mak- ing ready for loam and seeding down.
The section of the Clapp land, set aside for lots, has been loam- ed and seeded and made ready to be marked into lots this next year.
There were eighty-nine interments during the year and eight lots and seven single graves sold. Sixty-five monuments and marker founda- tions have been built, six hundred cement boundary markers made, five hundred stepping stones placed in the paths and ninety-one sunken graves repaired. Eleven old lots have been reloamed and reseeded Twelve old lots have had perpetual care placed on them.
I would recommend for next year that Tarvia be put on all the remaining dirt avenues, a continuation of the chain link fence to com- plete the west boundary, and also rebuild two catch basins in the Main Street section. The Department is very much in need of a snow plow, as the old road scraper used for several years to keep the avenues open in winter for funerals is practically useless.
The financial statement will appear in the report of the Town Accountant.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM P. PIERPONT Superintendent.
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FOREST GLEN CEMETERY REPORT, 1931
To The Board of Cemetery Trustees,
Town of Reading, Mass.
Gentlemen :
The regular maintenance work has been kept up during the year, fertilizing lots, mowing grass, watering and work in general.
We have purchased and planted shrubs at each entrance, laid out in beds on each side of the avenue, which beautifies the entrances to a great extent.
A seal coat has been put on the macadam avenue, which will keep it in good condition for a great many years.
We also purchased one hundred feet of drain pipe, which I would recommend be laid this next year.
A bronze tablet has been placed at each entrance, naming the Cemetery and the year purchased.
The land west of the avenue at Forest Glen Road is gradually being filled in and in a few years will be graded and laid cut into lots.
We have sold two lots in Forest Glen this year.
The section of the Cemetery now developed is in very good con- dition and further development is not proposed for the coming year.
The financial statement will appear in the report of the Town Accountant.
Respectfully submitted, . . WILLIAM P. PIERPONT Superintendent.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Feb. 1, 1932
Reading, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
May I submit herewith my report of Inspector of Animals in the Town of Reading, Mass., for the year 1931.
Subsequent to notice of the appointment of Inspector of Animals, a tour of inspection of all premises wherein sheep, swine, and cattle were kept within the town limits, and of the animals kept thereon, was conducted.
It is noticeable that owners of cattle herds are applying for State and Federal supervision in increased numbers. At present sixty per cent of the cattle owned in the town are under these regulations and I recommend the practice highly. Pure milk supply is insured by healthy cattle.
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The swine mterests are growing, possibly encouraged by the insurance offered by vaccination against hog cholera. One vaccination makes the animal immune for its lifetime.
There are still numerous cases of rabies reported, although at present cases are few. It is urgent that all dog owners read the symp- toms of the disease which are printed on the back of every dog license. Beware of the dog with his mouth open and a strange look in his eye. Beware of the dog with a strange bark, and never put your hands into a dog's mouth. Don't pat a strange dog. Whenever possible, vaccinate your dog as a preventive measure. These few precautions will help greatly.
Respectfully submitted, CALVERT H. PLAYDON
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1931. The building construction for the past year was as follows : 1 New apartment house at an estimated cost of $ 40,000.00 51 „ one family dwellings at an estimated cost of 270,450.00
34 Alterations and additions to dwellings at an estimated cost of 21,995.00
44 New private garages at an estimated cost of
12,225.00
1 New greenhouse
1 New boilerhouse
4 New roadside stands
1 New auto repair shop
5 New henhouses
1 New building for coke storage
18 Alterations and additions to various buildings Estimated cost of the above buildings 22,890.00
Total estimated cost of all new and remodelled buildings for the past year $ 367,560.00 Total number of permits granted 161
Fees received for building permits since the new building law went into effect Sept. 12, 1931 and to Dec. 31, 1931 $124.00.
Respectfully submitted,
A. RUSSELL BARNES, Building Inspector.
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REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
To the Board of Health: Gentlemen :-
I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1931.
Number of permits granted 119
Number of fixtures installed 640
Bath tubs 117
Boilers
77
Closets
119
Drinking fountains
1
Lavatories
112
Sinks
102
Showers
8
Wash trays
104
I have made 276 plumbing inspections.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID TAGGART
Inspector of Plumbing.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF WIRES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit my report for the year 1931.
Number of inspections 497. Six electricians were reported to the State Examiners of Electricians for installing defective work and as a result one electrician's license was revoked. Nine complaints were received and investigated.
In general the electricians have installed their work in a manner to conform with all rules for safety.
The new Town by-laws will be a great aid to the inspector.
A notice was printed in the Reading Chronicle warning the public against unsafe types of so called instantaneous and immersion water heaters. Many of these have been offered for sale and advertised in the Boston papers and are a menace to persons using them.
I wish to thank all who have assisted me in my work.
Respectfully submitted,
HUGH L. EAMES,
Inspector of Wires.
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REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF MILK AND FOOD
To the Board of Health Town of Reading Gentlemen :-
The inspection of the milk supply for the Town of Reading for the year 1931 has varied very little from that of former years. It has consisted in the licensing of all dealers and stores selling milk in the town and in the enforcement of both the state and town regulations.
Last year the board passed the regulations that all milk sold in the town must be either pasteurized or from cows that had passed the tuberculin test. Naturally it took considerable time to comply with this regulation, but for several months now all the milk sold in the town has been either pasteurized or from cows that have been tested and passed. This has surely been a great step forward in the protection of health. There has also been a great improvement in the sanitary conditions of several of the local dairies.
The yearly average of the fat and total-solids content for the entire milk supply has been higher than it was for last year.
There are 13 dealers and 25 stores licensed to sell milk this year.
The office of Inspector of Food is a newly created one, made necessary by the adoption by the Board of Health of new regulations governing the storage, sale and sanitary conditions under which food is stored, sold and prepared.
It was first necessary to notify all persons concerned of the adop- tion of these rules and to supply them with copies of the same that they might acquaint themselves with the particular regulations that applied to their business. This has been done and sufficient time was given them to remedy any conditions that might be contrary to the regu- lations.
I am glad to report that in all cases where it was found necessary to make changes to comply with the new regulations that I had fine cooperation and the existing conditions were rapidly remedied.
Several complaints were investigated and when an infringement of the regulations was found to exist and it was called to the attention of the proprietor it was immediately made right.
I can report at this time that the sanitary conditions under which food is stored, prepared and sold in this town are being main- tained in a very satisfactory manner.
CARL M. SMITH,
Inspector of Milk and Food.
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REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Board of Selectmen
Town of Reading
Gentlemen :-
The close of the year 1931 finds all of the scales, weights and measures in use in the town tested and sealed or labeled for repairs. There was an unusual number of the latter this year, due to the fact that it was almost impossible to get any co-operation from the scale and gasoline pump companies, as they had cut down their maintenance expenses by reducing their forces. This condition must be remedied this year by adopting drastic means.
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