USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1934 > Part 9
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on Haven Street from Main to High. One fire alarm pedestal and two combination fire and police pedestals were installed. One new fire alarm box was purchased in connection with this project.
In accordance with a vote of the Town a fire alarm, box No. 551, was located at the Sanford Mills.
The necessary changes of construction to new poles were made and the overhead construction is in good condition with the ex- ception of the lines on Woburn Street from Washington to Summer Ave. This must be rebuilt the coming year.
One box was knocked from the pole by an automobile and an- other has been struck and torn off three times.
During a storm on September 9, much damage was caused to cir- cuit 1 by the electric light wires falling onto the fire alarm lines. 6 house tappers, the Hose 3 tower striker and box 44 were burned out and a new box 44 was purchased as a replacement.
Rebuilding the overhead construction on Grove Street from Forest to Franklin was necessary due to the changes in the street lines.
Recommendations
That the obsolete overloaded central fire alarm station equipment be replaced with modern apparatus in a fire proof location.
That a definite plan be adopted providing for the purchase of new boxes each year, part for new locations and the remainder to replace the obsolete boxes.
That extensions be made to the underground cables each year. Although the first cost of underground is more than overhead the maintenance is very small and is a good investment.
I wish to thank those who have assisted this department and the Reading Rubber Company for the use of steam for the whistle.
Respectfully submitted,
HUGH L. EAMES, Superintendent of Fire Alarm
REPORT OF FOREST WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen : Gentlemen :
The annual report of the Forest Warden is herewith submitted for the year ending December 31, 1934.
The financial transactions of this department are embodied in the report of the Town Accountant to which I refer you for any information you may desire in that line.
The following deputies were appointed by me and approved by the State Forest Warden : John J. O'Brien, Hugh L. Eames, Central Fire
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Station and Henry M. Donegan, 11 Federal Street.
The Chevrolet truck used by this department was rebuilt this year. A water tank and chemical hose basket have been added to the machine.
I would recommend that a front end pump be added to this ma- chine so that it may be used for building fires, as well as brush fires. With this style pump, I would be in a better position to protect our town forest.
In conclusion I wish to thank all who have assisted this department during the year.
Respectfully submitted, O. O. ORDWAY, Forest Warden.
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN AND MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Reading, Mass., January, 1935. Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report as Tree Warden and Moth Superin- tendent for the year 1934.
As Tree Warden I planted fifty trees the past year. Twenty- four of these were bought in nurseries, and twenty-six were raised at the Town Farm.
The moth situation remains about the same the last few years. We have no browntail moths, but it requires about the same expenditure to keep the gypsy moths down.
Yours respectfully, HENRY M. DONEGAN, Tree Warden and Moth Superintendent.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEAL
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Gentlemen :
Three petitions for variations of the Zoning By-Law were presented to this Board during 1934, of which two were granted, one denied.
Under the law, full reports of all cases are filed with the Town Clerk, which reports are open to public inspection.
Respectfully submitted, HENRY Q. MILLETT, Chairman FRED L. NUTTER, Secretary BENJAMIN B. PIPER
Board of Appeal.
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REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen : Gentlemen :
I hereby submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1934. The building construction for the past year was as follows :
11 new one family dwellings at an estimated cost of $ 42,300
11 alterations and additions to dwellings at an estimated cost of 6,375
7,720
25 new private garages at an estimated cost of
2 new greenhouses
1 new barn
1 new bleachers
3 new henhouses
16 alterations and additions to various buildings Estimated cost of above buildings 18,740
Total estimated cost of all new and remodeled buildings
for the past year $ 75,135.
Total number of permits granted, 71.
Fees received for building permits, $125.
Respectfully submitted, A. RUSSELL BARNES, Building Inspector.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
To the Board of Health,
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1934.
Number of Permits granted 50
Number of. fixtures installed 192
Bath tubs 26
Lavatories
31
Closets
37
Sinks 35
Wash trays
39
Boilers
23
Shower 1
I have made 147 inspections.
Respectfully submitted, -
DAVID TAGGART, Inspector of Plumbing.
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REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of Reading :
There were two hundred and thirty-eight (238) contagious cases reported during the year 1934.
Chicken Pox
8
Dog Bite
9
Erysipelas
2
Lobar Pneumonia
3
Measles
159
Mumps
16
Scarlet Fever
17
Tuberculosis
16
Whooping Cough
8
Number of deaths
90
Male
37
Female
53
6 were between
90 and 95
15
"
"
80 and 90
38
70 and 80
16
60 and 70
6
"
50 and 60
3 "
40 and 50
2
30 and 40
2
"
20 and 30
1
1 and 5
1 Still Birth.
Respectfully submitted,
E. M. HALLIGAN, M. D.
CORNELIUS THIBEAULT, M. D. V.
CHRISTINE F. ATKINSON
Board of Health.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
January 19, 1935
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Reading,
Reading, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Animals in the Town of Reading from Jan. 1, 1934 to Jan. 1, 1935.
On January 1, 1935 there were approximately 480 head of neat ani- mals in the town:
104
Cattle 170
Swine-approximately 300
Sheep and Goats
10
480
The majority of barns regarding cleanliness showed a marked im- provement over last year but it was necessary to suggest some improve- ment in a few cases.
At this time all of the cattle in Reading have had at least one State and Federal Tuberculin test.
There were 32 cases of dog bites reported but none of the animals showed symptoms of rabies. However, two positive cases of rabies were reported and in one case Pasteur's treatment was administered to the persons in the family exposed to the infection. In the other case no known persons were bitten or exposed. The contact dogs in these two instances were quarantined and the outbreak controlled.
Very truly yours,
C. THIBEAULT, D. V. M.
1934 REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF WIRES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Gentlemen :
I hereby submit my report for the year of 1934.
Number of inspections 311. Complaints received and investigated 18. Wiring Condemned 3. Changes ordered made to improper or defective wiring 14. Investigations by State Examiners of Electricians requested 9.
Most of the electricians have installed their wiring in a safe and proper manner and have co-operated with the inspector, but some trouble has been caused by the failure of electricians who fail to secure a permit before starting their work.
I wish again to warn the public against the inexperienced un- licensed electricians who install wiring without notifying the inspec- tor. Also beware of the house to house salesman who has electrical apparatus for sale which may be a hazard to life or property.
I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen for their co-operation with me in my work.
Respectfully submitted, HUGH L. EAMES, Inspector of Wires
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REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Trustees of the Reading Public Library submit the following report for the year ended December 31, 1934.
Organization of the Board
The Board organized by the election of Mr. Mansfield as Chairman and Mr. Barclay as Secretary. Standing committees were appointed as follows :
On Accounts : the Board of Trustees.
On Books: Mr. Mansfield, Mrs. Lucas, Mrs. Tirrell.
On Buildings and Grounds : Messrs. Morton, Fletcher, Barclay.
On Work with children: Mrs. Lucas, Mrs. Tirrell and Mr. Fletcher.
Expenses of the Library
The condensed financial statement is as follows :
Appropriation, direct tax, 1934.
Salaries
$ 5,000.00
Maintenance
2,800.00
$ 7,800.00
Expenses
Salaries : Librarian, Assistants and Janitor
$ 4,790.15
Books and periodicals, including rebinding 1,446.37
Printing, Stationery, etc. 326.50
Fuel, Light, Water and Sewer
505.05
Repairs and furnishings
162.21
Telephone
44.34
Insurance
179.02
All other expenses
131.57
$ 7,585.21
Balance unexpended and returned to revenue :
On Salaries
209.85
On Maintenance
4.94
Total
$ 7,800.00
Receipts
Fines Collected
$ 463.22
Fee for out of town borrower
2.00
Paid to Town Treasurer
$ 465.22
Balance on Hand Des. 31, 1934.
$ 00.00
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Statistics
Volumes in the Library, December 31, 1933
18 194
Volumes bought (including duplicates and replacements)
Adult fiction
281
Adult non-fiction
164
445
Juvenile fiction
152
Juvenile non-fiction
61
213
References
11
66)
Received by Gift, Massachusetts
4
Received by Gift, United States
4
Received by Gift. Others
83
91
Total to account for
18,954
Withdrawn during year
380
Total number of volumes, Dec. 31, 1934
18,565
Circulation for home use, adult
67,903
Circulation for home use, juvenile
19,503
Total Circulation in 1934
87,406
Total Circulation in 1933
88,361
Loss in 1934
955
Largest monthly circulation, March
8,579
Smallest monthly circulation, July
5,873
New borrowers registered, adult
383
New borrowers registered, juvenile
227
Total new Borrowers Registered 610
Number of Borrowers registered during past five years
(new Borrowers and those renumbered) 5,161
Number of days the Library was open 299
Average daily circulation, adult 227
Average daily circulation, juvenile
65
Volumes deposited in school
.
307
Borrowed from neighboring libraries-26 volumes
Loaned to neighboring libraries-14 volumes
The circulation of books for home use in 1934 was 955 less than in 1933. The loss of circulation was in the children's room, the circula- tion in the adult department being 1380 more than in 1933. The loss of
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circulation came the first of the year, September to December showing an increase over the same months the year before. Circulation of books for home use is always affected in some degree by the amount of money spent on books so the fact that increased expense for insurance and other maintenance items took about $500.00 from the amount usually spent on books and 669 volumes were purchased as compared with 967 in 1933 would explain the smaller circulation. The reference work and use of the reading rooms was as great as in any previous year. The life of many of the older books was lengthened and their outward ap- pearance improved by the services of an expert E. R. A. worker who rebound and repaired 1873 volumes during the year. Through the help supplied by the E. R. A. the library has also been painted inside and out and the furniture refinished.
The library was helped by the E. R. A. in the labor of typing old town records which have been bound for reference use for those inter- ested in early town history. There are six volumes of these typed rec- ords :
"Records of the Town of Reading 1638-1812 in 2 vol."
"Early land grants and town bounds 1638-1802."
"Records of the first parish of Reading, Mass., April 1722- - January 1854 2 vol."
"Church records of the old Town of Reading and of the first parish of Reading and South Reading 1648-1846."
During the year there has been exhibited in the showcase "Dolls of America" loaned by Miss Littlefield; Picture postcards of California loaned by Mrs. Mansfield; Indian moccasins, gloves and necklace loan- ed by Miss Mona Mitchell; stamps from the Reading Stamp Club; old glass from Mrs. Ainsworth; woodcarving, jewelry, homespuns, scarf by the Reading Craftsmen Society; carved wood, bears, boxes and so on by Miss Carrie Blake; old poll tax warrant of 1727 and other old papers from Mr. Hugh Eames; also old books belonging to the library.
There was also an exhibit of posters in the Children's Room. The prize-winning and honorable mention posters made by Reading pupils of the third to sixth grade for the "Be Kind to Animals Week" contest conducted by the Mass S. P. C. A. were shown there in March.
For the annual appeal for the Merchant Marine 123 books were collected and forwarded to Boston.
On June 8th at the assembly at the Highland School the State Cer- tificates for outside reading were presented by Mrs. Tirrell of the Board of Library Trustees. Twenty-two pupils received one five-book certi- ficate; twelve got two; one received three; three got four five-book certificates with an honor certificate. Two pupils received six five- book certificates and an honor certificate. The examination of these pupils during the year to find if they have really read their books, which requires quite a good deal of time and patience, was in charge of
108
Mrs. Lucas another of the Library Trustees.
It was with great surprise and genuine regret that the Board re- ceived the following letter from the Chairman :
107 Woburn St. Reading, Mass. October 22, 1934
Trustees of the Reading Public Library, Reading, Mass. My dear fellow Trustees :
As I shall be absent from Reading for several months beginning early in November, I deem it expedient to resign as a trustee of the Reading Public Library, effective October 25th, 1934.
It is with regret that I sever a congenial service continuous since March, 1912, and as Chairman since Mr. Wadlin's death in November, 1925.
I feel that the high standard set by Mr. Wadlin has been main- tained and that Reading has a Library worthy of the town. With best wishes for the continued progress of the Library, I am
Yours most sincerely,
Arthur N. Mansfield
Mr. Mansfield was a zealous worker. He strove valiantly and suc- ceeded in maintaining the high standard established by Mr. Wadļin. His work for the Library was a labor of love and when he retired from the Board of Trustees the town lost a conscientious public servant.
An income of about $460.00 is estimated from the "Fine Account" for 1935.
At a joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and the Trustees of the Public Library held Friday evening, November 16, 1934, Mr. Louis M. Lyons was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Mansfield. On November 26, 1934 Harry J. Barclay was elected Chairman and Warren I. Fletcher Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
The Trustees wish to express their appreciation of the manner in which the Librarian and staff have conducted the affairs of the Library during the past year.
Three vacancies in the Board of Trustees are to be filled at the annual Town Meeting; the three year term of Harry J. Barclay and Ida C. Lucas expiring and the unexpired one year term of Louis M. Lyons.
Budget for 1935
In accordance with the requirements of the General Laws, Chapter 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 1935.
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-
Fuel, Light, Water, Sewer charge
$ 523.00
Printing and Supplies
280.00
Books, Periodicals, Binding, etc. 2,100.00
Insurance
180.00
Maintenance and Repairs
75.00
Miscellaneous Expenditures
142.00
$3,300.00
Salaries
$5,000.00
Total Appropriation Requested $8,300.00
as against an appropriation in 1934 of $7,800.00
The total amount requested is $500.00 more than the appropriation for 1934 and $900.00 more than the 1933 and $200.00 less than the 1932 appropriation. This budget includes an item of Fire Insurance of $89.66 which previously was not included as it was in the general blanket fund of the town.
HARRY J. BARCLAY, Chairman
WARREN L. FLETCHER, Secretary JESSE W. MORTON IDA C. LUCAS
HELEN P. TIRRELL
LOUIS M. LYONS
Adopted as the Report of the Trustees.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CEMETERY TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR 1934
The reports of the Superintendent of Cemeteries, Mr.' William P. Pierpont, which cover in detail the work of the Department, and ap- proved by the Trustees, are appended.
There have been no changes on the Board during the year. Mr. Philip H. Tirrell and Mr. Clarence C. White have served as Chairman and Secretary respectively.
The terms of Mr. Winthrop D. Parker and Mr. Clarence C. White expire in March 1935. It is expected that they will consent to serve again.
In reviewing the work it is very gratifying to note that there has been a marked improvement in the condition of the Cemeteries, not- withstanding the limited amount of money at the disposal of the De- partment. Several lots were reloamed and seeded and a large number of sunken graves repaired. The condition of the avenues and paths are showing a marked improvement each year. Several trees were trim- med and all dead wood removed. Shrubs and ivy have been placed
110
along the fence at the north boundary and a hedge set out on land bordering the shop and tool house, adding to the general attractiveness of the Cemetery. Under the efficient management of the Superinten- dent, a high standard has been maintained at all times.
Most respectfully,
PHILIP H. TIRRELL, Chairman
CLARENCE C. WHITE, Secretary, FRANK LEE EDGERLEY
HAROLD F. DAVIS
FRED L. NUTTER
WINTHROP D. PARKER
Board of Cemetery Trustees.
LAUREL HILL CEMETERY REPORT 1934
To The Board of Cemetery Trustees,
Town of Reading, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit to you my seventh annual report since I was appointed Superintendent of Cemeteries.
In conjunction with the regular maintenance and upkeep of the grounds, I have continued to follow a line of general improvement.
The Old Cemetery at Lowell Street continues to show improve- ment each year. A man, through the Welfare Department, keeps it mowed, raked and cleaned up throughout the season. Two hundred slabs were reset by the Cemetery Department.
An Ibolium privet hedge was set out on land bordering the shop and tool house, a distance of one hundred and eighty feet. Flowering shrubs and ivy were planted along the fence at the north boundary, a distance of two hundred and ten feet, which in a year or two will add much to the beauty of this section. Through the co-operation of Mr. J. F. Twombly and the Cemetery Board, ninety feet of Chain Link Fence was erected between the Twombly Estate and the Cemetery.
There were seventy interments during the year. Six lots and eight single graves were sold. One single grave was used by the Welfare Department. Eight old lots were placed under perpetual care and four lots had additional amounts added. Fifty-seven monument and marker foundations were built. Sixteen four grave lots and ten single graves were laid out and numbered.
Twenty-four lots were reloamed and seeded and one hundred and seventy-five sunken graves were repaired. Several stones were cleaned, some granite curbing was reset and shrubs were trimmed, besides other general repair work. Twenty-seven winter graves were seeded in the spring.
Seven hundred cement markers were made and three hundred and eighty numbers and lots were set. One hundred stepping stones were
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made and one hundred and sixty were set in paths. Ten trees were cut down this winter. Thirty trees were trimmed and all dead wood removed. Approximately nine thousand square yards of avenues and paths had a third coat of Tarvia this year.
Under the C. W. A. and the E. R. A. Departments, the following work was done: The shop and tool house were painted two coats and the Cemetery truck also had two coats. The Avenue and Path signs were painted and lettered, the iron fence and gates at Lowell and High- land Streets were painted, and also the tomb doors. Ten single graves were dug over, all ledge and rock removed, and made ready for sale. The lawn at the Lowell Street Entrance was enlarged and resodded.
This covers in detail the work in Laurel Hill Cemetery this past season.
I recommend a coat of retread and a honing process to make a finished surface and protect the previous work on the Avenues done last year. When this work is completed it will eliminate a large amount of work that has to be done in other years.
The financial statement will appear in the report of the Town Ac- countant.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM P. PIERPONT, Superintendent ..
FOREST GLEN CEMETERY REPORT 1934
To The Board of Cemetery Trustees,
Town of Reading, Mass.
Gentlemen :
The regular maintenance was kept up during the year, but no new development carried on. The mowing started the first of May and continued until the middle of October. Lots were fertilized in the spring and shrubs were watered and cared for during the season. All lots, bounds and numbers throughout the Cemetery were raised, and many other things were done that go with the upkeep of the Cemetery.
Through the co-operation of the E. R. A. and the Cemetery De- partment a great many boulders were removed from the section next to be developed, and a large portion of the land was levelled off by the E. R. A. men.
Three hundred and nine loads of filling were hauled to this section by the Cemetery Department this year. I recommend getting a large amount of filling next year to complete the work as soon as possible, and eventually to loam and seed it down and lay out into lots, which will improve the looks of the whole Cemetery.
We have sold one lot this year, had three interments and repaired. one sunken grave.
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It has been suggested that the World War Memorial be erected on the Legion Plot. With the elevation and beautiful background, it would make an ideal location and would add much to the appearance of the Cemetery.
The financial statement will appear in the report of the Town Ac- countant.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM P. PIERPONT,
Superintendent.
REPORT OF CUSTODIAN OF SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' GRAVES
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Reading.
During the year 1934 the following work was performed in Laurel Hill Cemetery. Sixteen sunken veteran graves were repaired, the north half of a lot and a banking were repaired, and stones were straightened on a lot. Quite a few more graves should have been repaired, but could not because of the lack of funds.
The man had to be laid off Sept. 13, but grass was mowed until October 20, so there should be enough funds to keep him employed until the middle of October. The Soldier's Monument in Laurel Hill Cemetery should be cleaned and waterproofed to preserve it. A new mower will have to be purchased in 1935 for this Veteran work.
A great deal more is needed to be done than can be with the amount of $400.00. I find that after talking with the Superintendent of Cemeteries the least amount needed for this work is $600.00 minimum.
The following Veterans were interred during 1934.
Civil War :-
William H. Moore, Co. G., 1st Maine Cavalry, Sept. 30. Laure] Hill Cemetery.
Spanish American War :-
George F. Dow, Surgeon Major, 6th Mass. Vol. Inf., Dec. 12. Laurel Hill Cemetery.
World War :-
Edwin F. Kendall, Nov. 23. Forest Glenn Cemetery.
Edward P. Polley, Apr. 30, Forest Glenn Cemetery.
Respectfully yours, HARRY A. TURNER, Custodian of Soldiers' and Sailors' Graves. .
113
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the citizens of Reading :
The Board of Public Welfare submits its report for year ending Dec. 31, 1934.
The Board organized on March 9, as follows :
Myrtle L. Leman, Chairman.
Otto G. Scholz, Secretary.
Harriett L. Rooney.
The Administrative force was appointed as follows :
Edward E. Harnden, Superintendent; Helen A. Brown and Mary F. Daniel, visitors ; Annie E. Patrick, visitor for Old Age Assistance.
After the C. W. A. discontinued a project for clerical work in the Welfare office, the Board appointed Sterling W. Powell as bookkeeper and to keep the necessary records for F. E. R. A. commodities. Later compulsory investigation of all E. R. A. employees not on Welfare necessitated the employment of another visitor. Mrs. Gladys Lane was employed for this work. She also did secretarial work in the office.
The Board is grateful for the patience and painstaking work of all the administrative force. The year has been a difficult one. There have been many unexpected demands on time and energy, but the Board has been able to depend on the workers at all times. The visi- tors made about 2000 calls aside from many hours spent in the office, meeting people who came for food or fuel orders, or for clothing.
At the regular Friday evening meetings, the Board interviewed 740 persons. Contact with other town departments and with outside char- ities were made outside of the hours of regular sessions. The various town departments have been most co-operative in the use of welfare labor, for which this department extends its thanks.
Early in the year the Board purchased a second-hand truck to collect donations from the townspeople and to transport allotments of Federal food and clothing.
The Federal fuel was a great saving on the Welfare bill. In all, 581 tons of coal were distributed to non-welfare cases as well as those on relief.
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