USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1935 > Part 8
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Repairs and Furnishings 242.99
Telephone
44.59
Insurance
89.66
All Other Expense
63.45
.
$ 7,590.45
Balance Unexpended and Returned to Revenue :
On Salaries
$ 3.22
On Maintance
6.33
$ 7,600.00
Receipts
Fines collected (includ. one fee for out-of-town borrower) $ 427.07
Paid to Town Treasurer 427.07
Balance on Hand December 31, 1935
0.00
92 .
Statistics
Volumes in the Library Dec. 31, 1934
18,565
Volumes Bought :
Adult Fiction
404
Adult Non-Fiction
378
782
Juvenile Fiction
168
Juvenile Non-Fiction
95
263
Reference
19
1064
Received by gift, Mass.
6
Received by gift, U. S.
1
Received by gift, Others
30
Total
19,666
Withdrawn During the Year
206
Total Num. of Vols., Dec. 31, 1935
19,460
Circulation for home use, adult 63,444
Circulation for home use, juvenile
18,716
Total circulation in 1935
82,160
Total circulation in 1934
87,406
Loss in 1935
5,246
Largest monthly circulation, March
6,20
Smallest monthly circulation, June
4,602
New borrowers registered, adult
234
New borrowers registered, juvenile
223
Total new borrowers registered
557
Total borrowers registered during past five years
3898
Number of days the library was open
303
Average daily circulation, adult
209
Average daily circulation, juvenile
62
Volumes deposited in schools
311
Borrowed from Division of Pub. Libraries in neighboring Libraries 52
Loaned to neighboring libraries 13
The circulation of books for home use in 1935 was 5246 less than in 1934, the loss being slightly greater on the adults circulation than in that of the juveniles. 1064 volumes were purchased this year as compared with 669 in 1934.
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The fact that the circulation of the library is less than last year is somewhat offset by the following quotation from an issue of the Lib- rary Mailbag sent out by the Division of Public Libraries last Spring. "Don't worry if your circulation figures decrease. The whole state circulation for 1934 dropped 1 1-2 million, but was still 7 millions over the 1930 circulation." The circulation of the Reading Library for 1934 was about the same as that for 1932 and 20877 more than that of 1930.
Mrs. Ida C. Lucas, a trustee, died on November 19, 1935; she had faithfully served on the board for eleven years, having been elected in 1924. The Board, the Librarian and assistants will miss greatly the counsel and always helpful and friendly service rendered by Mrs. Lucas during her long term. She always had the interest of the library foremost and was especially interested in the children. She had charge of the State Certificate reading and with the help of one of the library assistants one afternoon a week examined all the children who had read the required books. Last June 80 certificates were given out, seven honor certificates to those who had read twenty books; seventy-three to those who had read five books. Mrs. Tirrell of the Board of Trustees awarded the certificates at assembly at the Highland School.
For some years there has not been any story hour conducted by the library, but in the summer of 1935 on eight Wednesday afternoons in July and August, stories were told in the children's room. Mrs. Lucas told the stories on two afternoons, Miss Turner the Children's Librarian on two; Miss Carney, one of the library assistants, on two and Miss Holden and Miss Hartshorn kindly gave their services the remaining two afternoons. The groups of children varied from ten to forty with an average attendance of twenty-two. The stories were so much en- joyed that they will be continued another summer. Miss Turner has been taking a course in story telling, so will be able to carry it on without help except at the time of her vacation. The children's room has had new lights installed which add to its attractiveness and a low table with six kindergarten chairs have been added for the littlest ones.
The library had the services of an E.R.A. worker or some over half of the year. She rebound, repaired and mended torn pages in one thou- sand and sixty-six books. As a result a much smaller number of books had to be discarded than in previous years. A very trying experience occurred in the winter when some of the magazines on the reading tables were badly mutilated and reference books were found torn and pictures missing. Other libraries had the same trouble and following the example of the Milton library, an exhibit was placed in the show
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case of some of the worst samples of useless mutilation. Cards giving an extract from the Laws of Massachusetts telling the penalty of fine or imprisonment for such acts were posted conspicuously about the reading room. A strict watch was kept on suspects and no more trouble occurred.
Exhibits were displayed in the showcase this year of old valen- tines ; old tax warrants; a model aeroplane left in the library hoping the owner would claim. it; linoleum blocks and bookplates printed from them; photographs of old Reading; inlay boxes; modern samp- lers . and figurines; Christmas cards and bas-reliefs of Madonna and Child. Thanks are due members of the Society of Reading Craftsmen for four of these exhibits.
At a joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and the Trustees of the Public Library held Friday evening, Dec. 20, 1935, Mrs. Isabel G. Hedges was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mrs. Lucas, until the next town election.
The annual appeal for books for the Merchants Marine brought small response; but twelve books and two years of the National Geo- graphic Magazine and one year of the Illustrated London News were collected and sent in.
November 25th was the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of Andrew Carnegie. The Reading Chronicle printed an article sent the library from the Carnegie Corporation about libraries, their prog- ress in the last hundred years and Carnegie's donations. The library also received, in common with all libraries, a portrait of Carnegie which is hung in the reading room.
Budget for 1936
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 estimates of the amounts necessary for the proper maintenance of the Public Library for the fiscal year 1936.
Fuel, Light, Water, etc. $ 425.00
Printing and Supplies
175.00
Books, Periodicals, Binding, etc.
1,800.00
Maintenance and Repairs
200.00
Miscellaneous 100.00
Insurance 100.00
$ 2,800.00
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Brought forward
$ 2,800.00 Salaries
4,800.00
Total Appropriations requested
$ 7,600.00 as against an appropriation in 1935 of 7,600.00
and in 1934 of 7,800.00
The total amount requested is the same as the appropriation in 1935 and $200.00 less than the 1934 appropriation.
An income of $400 is estimated from the "Fine Account" for 1936.
Three vacancies on the Board of Trustees are to be filled at the annual town meeting; the terms of Mrs. Helen P. Tirrell, Mrs. Isabel G. Hedges expire and also the term of Louis M. Lyons.
The trustees acknowledge the faithful services of Librarian Miss Bertha L. Brown; Assistant Librarian, Miss Grace J. Abbott and Miss Rebecca Turner and also all the assistants.
Respectfully submitted, Trustees of Public Library. HARRY J. BARCLAY, Chairman
WARREN L. FLETCHER, Secretry ISABELLE G. HEDGES HELEN PARKER TIRRELL
LOUIS M. LYONS
JESSE W. MORTON
Adopted as the report of the Trustees.
REPORT OF BURIAL AGENT
Reading, Mass. December 31, 1935.
The Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Reading, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report as Burial Agent for indigent soldiers, sailors and their dependents.
During the year 1935, one application has been received for the State burial allowance. This being for the widow of a Civil War vet- eran. This application was approved by the Commissioner of State Aid and Pensions.
Respectfully submitted, ALFRED E. GOODWIN, Burial Agent.
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REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Reading, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Animals from April 3, 1935 to January 1, 1936.
On January 1, 1936, there were approximately 601 head of neat ani- mals in the town.
The number of animals inspected were :
Cattle 166
Swine 418
Goats 16
Sheep 1
In a few cases it was necessary to suggest some improvement re- garding cleanliness and ventilation.
There were 27 cases of dog bites reported. Of this number only one animal was affected with the rabies. The persons bitten and those exposed to infection were given the Pasteur treatment. All dogs known to have had contact and those suspected of having had contact with the rabid animal were quarantined.
Respectfully submitted,
BERNARD SCHIMPFKE
REPORT OF DOG OFFICER
To the Board of Selectmen, Reading, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit my report as Dog Officer to December 31, 1935.
I have canvassed the town to see that all dogs were licensed.
Unlicensed and stray dogs have been found and disposed of as fol- lows :
176 have been destroyed.
6 returned to owners.
2 cases were prosecuted and fined.
3 cases of dogs killing hens, (14 hens killed).
29 persons bitten by dogs. 1 case of rabies investigated.
287 complaints investigated. 18 dogs killed by autos.
At this time I wish to thank the Police Department and the Court for their assistance to me.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES H. MELENDY, Dog Officer.
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REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD 1935-36
At the beginning of the year the Board organized with Mr. Watts as chairman and Mr. White as secretary. In December it became necessary for Mr. Watts to resign the chairmanship, and Mr. White was elected chairman, and Mr. Winthrop Parker, secretary. Meetings have been held regularly Friday evenings throughout the year.
The principal efforts of the Board have centered in the further development of the Town Map. Mr. Laurence Parker, acting under the direction of the Board, has supervised the project. Under his direc- tion four surveying parties have been gathering data during most of the year for the contour map, and as the new year starts, about three- quarters of the town has been covered and the contours plotted upon the map. From time to time this project has been reviewed and check- ed by officials of the Federal Government, and received both their in- terest and approval. It is hoped to have this work completed by July. Copies of the street map, completed early in the year, have been furnish- ed to various town departments including the Selectmen, Fire Depart- ment, Building Inspector and School Department.
The Board has also been interested in and has done considerable work upon the following subjects: prospective periodic joint meetings of the various Town Boards, for the purpose of more efficient co-opera- tion and to prevent duplication of effort; highway by-pass to relieve the center of the Town from through traffic; modified town meeting; dumps and garbage disposal; the location and zoning of Route 128, the so-called "Circumferential Highway," particularly as related to the Town; and the preparation of a revised zoning by-law for the Town.
The by-pass and Route 128 are, so far as Reading is concerned, closely related to each other and to the matter of elimination of grade crossings. Pursuant to an invitation sent out by the Reading Planning Board, representatives from several towns traversed by Route 128 met in Reading, and at a subsequent meeting, formed a permanent organi- zation known as the "Circumferential Highway Committee," the object of which is to determine the most advantageous location and the proper zoning of this highway.
The by-pass has been given much study, preliminary plots and esti- mates have been made, and the information turned over to the State Department of Public Works.
Representatives of the Board have attended various hearings of the local Board of Appeals, and also gatherings of the State Federation of Planning Boards. The Board has also, from time to time, co-operat- ed with the local Board of Public Works in relation to street layouts presented to that Board for approval. This is a phase of the work
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which will become of increasing importance and value to the Town as the map project approaches completion.
In September of 1935 the map project, the object of which is to de- velop an "Official Map," had reached such a stage that the Board deem- ed it advisable to seek expert advice upon its further development. Ac- cordingly, in October, Prof. Frederick J. Adams, Assistant Professor of City Planning at M. I. T., was retained by the Board as Consultant on planning and zoning.
Prof. Adams' preliminary report follows :
"In accordance with the arrangement outlined in your letter of October 21st, 1935, I have completed the preliminary study of plann- ing and zoning for the Town of Reading.
"The excellent map of the town prepared by your Board during the past year was used as a basis for studies of existing land uses and assessed land values. The former indicates uses of buildings and pro- perty for such purposes as residence, business, and industry. A dif- ferentiation is made between buildings used for one and more than one family houses, as well as those used for shops, garages, roadside stands, etc. The land value map gives the assessed value per sq. ft. ranging from one cent to one dollar. These two maps, together with the present zoning map, indicate graphically the lack of co-ordination between existing property uses, zoned property uses, and the assessed value of the various individual properties.
"These maps, together with the topographical map now in prepara- tion, provides the essential basic data for a comprehensive plan on which to base the desired re-zoning of the town. Such a plan would include proposals for the logical future development of the residential, business and industrial areas. Before any attempt is made to modify existing zoning lines, the classifications of land for its most desirable use should be worked out, together with proposals for the major and minor street system.
"Important considerations that would affect the master plan would be the control of development along North and South Main Street (Route 28), the co-ordination with it of the proposed circumferential highway (Route 128), and the suggested by-pass from Stoneham and Wakefield through the eastern section of the town.
"Reading is in a fortunate situation with regard to its growth, as it has to date escaped almost all the misfortunes of speculative land development. This characteristic blight suffered by most towns within a radius of fifteen miles of Boston has cost those communities great ex- penditures of tax funds for the provision of water supply, sewerage, street maintenance, etc., in improperly developed subdivisions.
"There is every evidence that, attracted by the amenities of the town, its economical administration, the low cost of public services, and its accessibility from Boston, a large influx of residents is inevitable
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in the near future. This growth of population will only be of benefit to the town, if the resulting land development is carefully controlled by sound and comprehensive planning.
"Two courses are open. Under the powers of the Zoning Enabling Act passed by the Legislature in 1933, a zoning ordinance could be drawn in which the control of subdivisions might be provided for to a beneficial extent. Such an ordinance 'would empower the town to im- pose restrictions 'for the purpose of lessening congestion in the streets, securing safety from fire, panic and other dangers, providing adequate light and air, preventing overcrowding of land, avoiding undue con- centration of population, facilitating adequate provision of transporta- tion, water, sewerages, schools, parks, and other public requirements, and increasing the amenities of the town.'
"However, a bill is now before the Legislature (House Bill No. 218) that has been reported out of committee, providing for an improved method of municipal planning. This bill, if passed, will permit towns to combine the powers of the Board of Survey with the Planning Board, thus providing the latter with even greater powers of subdivision con- trol. Whatever form such control takes, it would be of small value without the guide of a master plan which would indicate to the Planning Board the logical lines upon which the town should develop in the most efficient and economical manner.
"It would be unfortunate if these studies made on the initiative of the Town Planning Board of Reading were not utilized to their utmost by becoming the basis for a comprehensive scheme for planning and zoning. There is no reason why such a program should not be car- ried out during the present year, if funds for the purpose are made available."
The report of this Board would be incomplete without a gracious acknowledgment of the generous co-operation it has received from the other Boards of the Town. This has been especially welcome, because from the nature of the Act creating them, all Planning Boards assume powers critical of other Town Boards. This criticism is, of course, as- sumed to be impersonal and academic, and it has been the constant endeavor of your own Board to keep such criticism or suggestions it has made strictly impersonal. We believe that almost without excep- tion they have been so received. A further satisfaction in the work of the Board has been the cordial relations and co-operation maintained with the officials of our neighboring towns, with several of whom meetings have been held to common advantage.
The work of all Town Officials has been made peculiarly difficult by the exigencies of the depression, and that of the Planning Board has been no exception. On the other hand, it is only fair to say that had it not been for the trained workers made available by the alphabetical agencies of the Government, it would have been many years before the
100
Town would have had available the data it now has in concrete form and available for constructive purposes. The men assigned to the major Planning Board project, the so-called Map Project, have carried on faithfully and loyally under most disheartening circumstances. Now, upon the verge of completion, their work will, if utilized to its full pos- sibilities, become a most valuable asset of the Town. To these men particularly the Board wishes to express its gratitude and appreciation for work well done.
With the completion of the contour map it is the intention of the Board, if the Town approves, to carry on the work as outlined in Prof. Adam's report. It seems obvious that such recommendations as he makes will, in the long run, result in an orderly and uniform develop- ment of the Town with a minimum of waste and extravagance. It is the belief of the Planning Board that such methods consistently fol- lowed, will not only save money for the taxpayers, but will result in a steady increase in population, made up of the most desirable types of people.
Respectfully submitted, PHILIP R. WHITE, Chairman Planning Board.
REPORT OF CUSTODIAN OF SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' GRAVES
Reading, Massachusetts January 1, 1936
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Reading.
Gentlemen :
I herewith respectfully submit my report as Custodian of Soldiers' and Sailors' Graves for the year ending December 31, 1935.
The following veterans have answered the final roll-call during the year :
Laurel Hill Cemetery,
Civil War :
November 29, 1935, Edwin A. Cutter.
World War :
December 15, 1935, Lawrence H. Buck.
Forest Glen Cemetery,
World War:
March 30, 1935, Edgar Norman Hunt.
Sixteen sunken graves repaired and a part of a lot. One new lawn mower was purchased and the man who works on the graves had to be laid off September 20th for lack of funds.
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There is need of more repairs during the year which cannot be done on the $400.00 now appropriated. If the department restores the wage cuts it will be necessary to have $600.00 as formerly. I strongly recommend to your Honorable Board that the sum of $600.00 be appro- priated for the proper care of Veterans' Graves.
I presume it would be of interest to the citizens of Reading to know that there are buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery 353 Veterans of all Wars, and that there are 4 Veterans buried in Forest Glen Cemetery. One hundred and nineteen of these graves have perpetual care.
Respectfully submitted, HARRY A. TURNER,
Custodian of Soldiers and Sailors Graves. Town of Reading, Massachusetts.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CEMETERY TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR 1936
The reports of the Superintendent of Cemeteries, Mr. William P. Pierpont, which covers the work in detail 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. Philip H. Tirrell and Mr. Harold F. Davis expire in March 1936. It is hoped that they will consent to serve again.
In reviewing the work of the year it is quite evident that there has been a satisfactory improvement in the condition of both Ceme- teries, although the amount of money at the disposal of the Depart- ment has been limited. The program of road and avenue improve- ment, which has been in progress for the past six years, is completed and they are now in first class shape. The trees and shrubbery have been trimmed, all dead wood removed, and are in excellent condition, adding much to the general attractiveness of the Cemeteries. Under the efficient management of the Superintendent, the Cemeteries are reaching a very high standard.
Respectfully submitted, PHILIP H. TIRRELL, Chairman CLARENCE C. WHITE, Secretary FRANK LEE EDGERLEY FRED L. NUTTER WINTHROP D. PARKER
HAROLD F. DAVIS Board of Cemetery Trustees.
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LAUREL HILL CEMETERY REPORT 1935
To the Board of Cemetery Trustees,
Town of Reading, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit to you a summary of the work accomplished in Laurel Hill Cemetery this past year.
The general routine of cemetery work has been carefully followed and some improvements made.
During the year several men through the Welfare and Soldiers' Relief Departments have cared for the Old Cemetery, mowed old lots, raked leaves and shoveled snow. They also sheathed and painted the inside of the shop three coats, making a big improvement.
A section of the land purchased from the Clapp Estate has been laid out into lots, twelve four and thirty-four two grave lots, thus end- ing all development in this Cemetery.
There were seventy-nine interments during the year. Thirty-two monument and marker foundations were built, eighty-nine sunken graves repaired and twenty-eight winter graves seeded in the spring. Twenty lots had minor repairs ; sodding bankings, resetting monuments and reseeding. It is my intention to loam and seed all gravel paths and several were done this year. Four hundred and fifty cement markers were made and one hundred and fifty set. Two hundred and fifty step- ping stones were made and placed in paths. Several hundred corner markers and stepping stones were reset. Nine lots were reloamed and seeded. All dead wood was trimmed from trees throughout the Ceme- tery. All hedges and shrubs were kept trimmed during the summer.
Thirteen lots and fifteen single graves were sold this year. Three old lots were placed under perpetual care and six lots had additional amounts added. In recent years there has been a large increase in placing perpetual care on old lots, indicating that many people are giv- ing more consideration to the permanent care of their lots.
Three Bronze Tablets were set on granite posts, one each at the Lowell, Main and Highland street entrances.
Approximately nine thousand square yards of avenues had a coat of retread and a honing process, which should keep them in good con- dition for several years.
Over a period of six years we have been carrying on a line of per- manent improvement in Laurel Hill Cemetery. El.n, Laurel, Cypress and a part of Walnut Avenues have been macadamized approximately 3,666 square yards. All other avenues have had four coats of tarvia. Fourteen catch basins have been built and 871 feet of corrugated drain pipe laid. 2,222 feet of Chain Link Fence was installed along the north and west boundaries and two sections of wall built, 438 feet at the
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Federal Street section and 86 feet on the land adjoining the shop. Land was dug over and rock removed for eighty-four single graves and nineteen lots. Hedges, ivy and numerous shrubs were planted in different sections of the Cemetery. With the exception of new gates at the entrances; the two on Main Street haven't any and the one on Lowell Street is in bad condition; Laurel Hill is on a high standard with other Cemeteries.
I recommend the purchase of a new truck next year, as our present one is seven years old and the repairs are numerous and costly. We have heavy trucking and keep our Cemeteries plowed out for funerals in the winter and we should have a truck we can depend on. The one we have is always breaking down when most needed.
This covers in detail the work in Laurel Hill in 1935 and also the permanent improvements in recent years. The financial statement will appear in the report of the Town Accountant.
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