USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1936 > Part 10
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As "General Receipts" cannot be used for Old Age Assistance pur- poses (except for the Federal grants as noted) the appropriation asked for annually has to include them. This appropriation figure is accepted by many citizens as a cost figure.
Keeping in mind that the age limit was reduced from 70 to 65 in September of 1936, the percentage of persons included by the age limits who are applying for Old Age Assistance constantly increases from something like 7.5% in 1931 to 14.7% in 1936.
Reduction in the required Massachusetts residence, from 20 years to 5 years out of the last 9, and extension of the allowable equity in the applicant's home property account for some of this increase. The apparent diminishing of the ability of children to assist during the past
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four or five years is a further contributing factor. More than anything else, the governmental interest in security for the aged and the various factional movements and "plans" towards that end, which have been so well publicized and so active in propaganda, have directed the attention of all persons over the age limit toward this form of assistance from public funds. Many applicants overlook the qualifications of "Need," which must clearly be shown before assistance can be granted under the Massachusetts law. Several new pieces of legislation are now be- fore the Massachusetts legislature but it is not possible to ascertain the likelihood of the enactment at this date.
The following schedules are offered; the first showing the case load by months, and the second indicating something of the constituency of persons who have been assisted.
MONTHLY CASE RECORD-1936
69 cases as of January 1st, 1936.
New Cases Cases
Closed
Reason for Closing At End Death Moved Other of Month 1
Jan.
4
1
72
Feb.
2
0
74
March
2
1
1
75
April
2
0
0
77
May
9
2
2
84
June
2
2
2
84
July
6
1
1
89
Aug.
2
2
0
2
89
Sept.
31
4
1
3
116
Oct.
..
15
1
1
0
130
Nov.
3
5
4
1
128
Dec.
9
2
1
1
135
87
21
8
12
1
Number of persons assisted during the year (not including seven cases reopened) :
Native-born
113
Naturalized ctizens
36
Total
149
Age Brackets
Men
65 to 69
11
70 to 74
12
75 to 79
20
80 to 84
9
Over 84
6
..
58
118
Women
65 to 69
18
70 to 74
28
75 to 79
23
80 to 84
19
Over 84
3
91
Total
149
The administration of Old Age Assistance is rendered more effi- cient because of the co-operation given us by all public departments, both. state and municipal. Municipalities of other states also willingly furnish any information they may have relative to birth and marriage records. The increasing interest in the welfare of our older citizens is country-wide and it is pleasant to have this interest sometimes trans- lated into information which may be of great value to some applicant who is in real need, but finds difficulty in establishing eligibility to re- ceive relief through this department.
EDWARD E. HARNDEN,
Director of Old Age Assistance.
REPORT OF SOLDIERS' RELIEF AGENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen :
December 31, 1936 Reading, Massachusetts.
I herewith submit my third annual report of the Soldiers' Relief Department for the year ending 1936.
During the past year the Soldiers' Relief Department has aided 33 families having a total of 137 persons. We have also aided 24 single veterans, making a total of 161 persons who have received aid at various times during the year.
Several cases of serious illness in veterans families during the past year increased the cost of Soldiers' Relief so that it was necessary to transfer funds from Military Aid and State Aid appropriations.
W.P.A. employment has taken from the rolls of the Soldiers' Relief Department practically all of the able-bodied veterans so that the funds of the department have been spent principally on disabled veterans and their families and veterans' widows and children.
The payment of the remaining 50% of the bonus in July eased the demands on this department somewhat. In practically every instance where I had an occasion to investigate the use made of the bonus, I found that veterans had spent it wisely. Much of it went to pay bills which were outstanding for a considerable period of time, and to pur- chase clothing and household appliances.
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I do not anticipate any lessening of the demands on the Soldiers' Relief Department for the year 1937. If the Federal Relief appropria- tion for work projects is stopped there will be an increased load on this department.
This department furnished labor to the Public Works Department, School Department and the Cemetery Department. I wish to express my appreciation to the Welfare Department for wood for Soldiers' Re- lief recipients and for the use of their truck during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, FOREST H. BRYANT,
Soldiers' Relief Agent.
REPORT OF W. P. A. SPONSORS AGENT
December 31, 1936.
Board of Selectmen,
Reading, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I herewith present my first annual report as Sponsor's Agent for the Federal Relief program in Reading. The Emergency Relief Ad- ministration closed its projects in the latter part of 1935 and the Works Progress Administration took over the uncompleted projects which were in operation at that time, and have completed many of them during the year 1936. The present rules of the W. P. A. require that towns and cities maintain a local headquarters for the purpose of supplying neces- sary data of local expenditures on relief projects and also to furnish supervision and engineering services. The local Administrative force at the present time consists of a Sponsor's Agent, Engineer and Clerk.
During the past year we have been able to operate on an average of 13 projects. A brief summary of what has been accomplished on these projects is contained in the latter part of this report. When the new Works Progress program was started, a sufficient number of pro- jects were presented to the W. P. A. to take care of at least three times the number of persons which would be allowed to work. This far-sighted policy on the part of your Board and the various other de- partments in town has allowed us to keep employed every man and woman that has been authorized. Many towns and cities have been handicapped for the lack of available approved projects. This has not been true in Reading.
At the present time we have a number of projects which are waiting to be put into operation, if and when, we have the available Federal and local appropriations. There has been no delay during the year in putting men to work on account of lack of material or lack of Federal projects. On January 1, 1936, the town was allowed 300 employees, on May 1, 1936, the quota was gradually reduced so that on July 1, 1936
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only 185 persons were allowed employment on local projects, and be- cause the town had in operation a number of desirable projects of economic value and as there were available local funds to carry on these projects in the proper manner, the government allowed us to carry a greater number of men than the established quota. I respect- fully call your attention to the employment chart appended to this re- port. The decrease which you will note in November and December was due to the laying off of employees on State projects.
In October 1936, the Welfare Department was designated as a local Certifying Agency for relief workers. Many very needy cases were certified, but unfortunately, due to lack of Federal funds, these people have not yet been put to work.
In the latter part of the year, a number of persons who had previ- ously worked on this program, but during the summer months had re- ceived private employment, applied for re-instatement. It has not been possible to put these people back to work on account of lack of Federal funds, and consequently the Welfare and Soldiers' Relief have had to support them. There is a large waiting list and if the town was al- lowed to put these people to work it would materially decrease the Welfare cost.
ANNUAL W. P. A. PLAYGROUND AND RECREATION REPORT
Season January, 1936, to December, 1936 RECREATION "That which we freely choose to do, outside of our main business of earning a living."
Adult Recreation
W. P. A. Project 65-14-7994, recreation project, officially opened Jan. 6, 1936. The following activities were offered to men and women: Gymnasium classes, basket ball leagues, tap and social dancing and a dramatic club. The activities were conducted evenings in the gymna- sium and library of the Senior High School.
Basketball
Men's basketball league played two games a week, and the women's league played once.
Men's Basketball-23 sessions. Aggregate participation 786.
Women's Basketball-19 sessions. Aggregate participation 603.
Gymnasium Class
These classes consisted of fundamental exercise, floor, mat and apparatus work. The latter part of the period was given over to Volley Ball for the men and Deck Tennis for the women.
23 sessions for men aggregate participation 345.
19 sessions for women aggregate participation 291.
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Tap and Social Dancing
Tap dancing was under the direction of Miss Marie Davies, who was kind enough to volunteer her services. This was one of the most popular activities in the adult group.
13 sessions-aggregate participation 343.
Social dancing instruction was followed by a dancing assembly where the participants had an opportunity to practice their new steps.
13 sessions-aggregate participation 726.
Dramatics
The initial pr. blem was to effect a permanent organization so a constitution with by-laws was drawn up. Officers were elected and the program began. The club presented skits and one-act plays for local churches and organizations. The club members selected the name "Dramarta" and became so known to the townspeople. A major produc- tion, a three-act play, "Reach for the Moon," was the unifying force that gave the members a sense of the importance of the club. The latter part of the season Dramarta presented four one-act plays for the bene- fit of the club members only. There were three more one-act plays pro- duced for local churches and one one-act play given at the annual meeting of the High School Alumni on June 19, 1936. Dramarta then adjourned until November of 1936.
Total participation from January, 1936, to March, 1936 (inclu- sive) :
Men 1714, women 1380-3094.
Memorial Park
The Barn at Memorial Park was open daily from 2 o'clock to 5 o'clock. Activities offered were: Deck and paddle tennis, ping pong, table and card games, and handicrafts.
Early in March outdoor sports such as tennis, golf, archery and soft ball were added to the program.
In April, 1936, the supervisor and one of the assistants attended the Third Annual Conference on Outdoor Recreation held in the Mas- sachusetts State College Building in Amherst. Many well known fig- ures in recreation spoke of the progress made in the past few years in the field of recreation. Reading activities compared favorably with. other towns of similar size and facilities.
Given under the Board of Public Works, Park Department is a complete and inclusive account of the work planned and carried out by the W. P. A. Recreation staff. The account covers activities from June to September, 1936.
The first of October, 1936, the Adult Recreation classes were re- opened. The same program, with the exception of tap dancing, was opened to the adults of Reading. At the present time the enrollment and attendance have greatly increased.
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W. P. A. PLAYGROUND REPORT
Season June 22, 1936, to September 4, 1936
Playground system consisted of 3 playgrounds and 2 baseball fields.
Average daily attendance :
Memorial Park 250
Washington Street 65
Birch Meadow 175
Washington Street Ballfield. 150
Birch Meadow Ballfield. 45
685
Program
These activities made up the program :
Active Sports
Baseball, tennis, golf, archery, volley ball, tag football, boxing, deck tennis, ping pong and soft ball.
Quiet and Individual Games
Toss games, dominoes, card games, bean bag, croquet and miscel- laneous table games.
Handicraft
Woodcraft, paper work, coloring, fancy sewing and embroidering, were the crafts offered.
Story Hour
Warm afternoons the youngsters were taken to a cool, shady spot where stories suitable for children were read.
Canning
The Home Economics room at Junior High School was open to the Recreation Canning Group.
A gala celebration marked the opening of the Reading Play- grounds. A parade with awards for the best costumes was organized at Memorial Park.
The parade with a police escort marched through the Square to Washington Street Playground. The St. Agnes' Boys' Band was in the lead. The Sons of Legion, the Girl Scouts, the Girl Scout Drum and Bugle Corps and the children in costume made a gay and colorful sight as they paraded.
The workers formed around the flagpole, then the band played "The Star Spangled Banner" as the flag was raised.
Many W. P. A. officials and town officials were present at the opening. The entertainment, furnished by a Federal Theatrical Unit, consisted of 15 vaudeville acts. Free ice cream at the end of the pro- gram completed the day for the 2000 children that attended.
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After the ceremonies at the field, a supper was served to the visit- ing and town officials at the Victory House. The after dinner program was very brief.
The outstanding summer events are as follows :
Baseball, Tennis, Golf, Archery, Handicraft and Canning.
Baseball-Community League
During June, July, August and September six teams played 3 games per week. There were 76 games played with 125 players partici- pating. These teams were composed of Reading adults of 17 years of age and over. This league not only offered Reading people a chance to play baseball but also gave the baseball fans an opportunity to see their fel- low townsmen in action. An all-Star team was selected from the league to play out-of-town teams. There were seven all-star games played- 4 out of town and 3 on the home diamond.
Junior Park League
This league was for the boys of Reading between the ages of 9 and 16. There were 64 games played in this league with 150 boys par- ticipating. These teams played 4 times per week for a period from July to September. In July and again in August 150 boys were taken to Braves' Field and to Fenway Park to see the big league players. The Selectmen of Reading furnished the transportation for the trips and the playground instructors had charge of the boys.
The season was closed by a Baseball Field Day, held at Washing- ton Street Park. The events were: Base running, fungo hitting, throw- ing for accuracy and for distance. The boys were divided into 3 differ- ent groups according to their ages.
Inter-town matches with Winchester, Playgrounds, were played. There were six games played, Reading lost 2, won 3 and tied one. Tennis
Classes in Tennis instruction were held 3 times a week. Funda- mental form strokes were taught to the beginners while the advanced players were given opportunities to improve their game.
Inter-town matches with Winchester playgrounds, were played. There were six matches played in this sport. Winchester took 3 of the 6 matches and Reading boys were able to tie the last three matches. Golf
Golf has become a very popular sport on the playground at Me- morial Park. A 9-hole golf course was installed by one of the recreation staff who also formed classes in golf instruction. There were two tourna- ments played in golf during the season.
Archery
The sport is as popular with the girls as with the boys. It does not involve large muscles but rather calls for a definite skill which can be obtained by careful practice. High School boys and girls formed groups for practice. There were several shoots held to determine form
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and highest score. One of the recreation instructors constructed 3 new targets of rice straw which saved the town about $30.00.
Handcraft
This includes jig-saw, painting, coloring, plain and fancy sewing and embroidering. There was also a large enrollment in the paper work class. Samples of sewing, jig-saw, embroidering, painting, paper work, and canning were sent to Boston to be displayed with other articles which had been made on W. P. A. Recreation projects throughout the State.
Canning
Preserving-fruits and vegetables and making jellies.
Seven hours each week were set aside to can fruits and vegetables. This was done in co-operation with the 4-H club. There were 16 en- rolled in this work which was done at the Junior High School in the Home Economics room. There were 369 jars of fruits, vegetables, jellies and jams preserved at the school. Six boys and girls of the group canned 135 jars at their homes. This made a total of 504 jars. The vegetables included rhubarb, carrots, beans, beets, peas, tomatoes, string and sheil beans; the fruits were plums, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, cur- rants, peaches, grapes, crabapples, apples, and 8 jars of mustard pickle.
Samples of the canners' work were included in the exhibition which was displayed at the Park Square Building, Boston. The exhi- bition held at M. P. on closing day also included a canning display. Prizes were awarded to first and second year canners for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.
Special Event Days
Each Wednesday afternoon was set aside as a Special Event Day. The activities conducted on these days were : Pet Show, Checker Tourn- ament, Ping Pong Tourney, Track Meet, Doll Show, Tennis Matches and awarding of Junior Patrol Badges.
Patrol Leaders
Boys and girls who showed definite signs of leadership were given a chance to develop their ability as a Junior Patrol member. Patrol leaders were chosen to serve for two-week periods. Their duties were: To care for equipment, to watch over the little tots, to assist staff work- ers when necessary, to raise and lower the flag at the beginning and ending of the day, to assist the younger children across Salem Street.
In August the annual Playground Tournaments were started. The tourneys included tennis, golf, ping pong, archery, for both juniors and seniors, checkers, toss games, and contests in handcraft and jig-saw. There were 17 loving cups awarded to the winners on Sept. 4, 1936, the cloing day of the season.
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Fall Season September 5 to November 1
This schedule offered the activities that were popular during the spring season. The Barn at Memorial Park was open daily from 2 o'clock until 9 o'clock. Soft ball was the most popular outdoor sport with tennis a close second. Ping pong was the chief indoor sport.
After school opened in September, post-school playgrounds were started at the Highland School and at Junior High School. The activi- ties included games suitable for the boys and girls at the respective playgrounds.
For some time the recreation staff had wanted to have a party for the children of Reading. We decided that Hallowe'en would be the best time. The boys and girls made many pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns, cats and witches to be used as decorations. Both the staff and the chil- dren decorated the Barn, which was very suitable for the party. Some of the older boys went to the woods for leaves and others gathered corn- stalks. Black and orange balloons were also used in the decorating scheme.
The party started with a ghost walk. Chains clanked, ghosts moaned and wailed, as the youngsters crawled through, over and under various obstacles. One of the staff, dressed as a witch, told fortunes. The children then went up-stairs to eat apples on strings, to bob for apples and play traditional Hallowe'en games.
There were 182 boys and girls in this group. When they had played games and enjoyed themselves for two hours, the refreshments were served. How the donuts, cheese and cider did disappear! Many parents accompanied their children and appreciated the fun that all had.
Then the Junior and Senior High School students came. They also went through the Ghost Walk, played games and bobbed for apples. Then social dancing was enjoyed. The music for the dance was supplied by Norman Larrabee, who also furnishes the music for the adult social dancing. There were 205 participants in this group. This makes a grand total attendance of one night of 387. These boys and girls were also given donuts, cider and cheese.
Refreshments and decorations were furnished by the following :
Board of Selectmen.
Board of Public Works.
Sponsors' Agent.
Recreation Staff.
Winter Season Starting November 1, 1936
The adult classes started with the following activities making up the program: Gymnastics, basketball, dramatics, games and social dan- cing. The class schedule is as follows :
Monday-7-8, Women's Gym.
8-8.30, Deck Tennis.
8.30-10, Basketball.
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Tuesday-7.30-10.30, Men's Basketball.
7.30-10.30, Dramatics.
Wednesday-Same as Monday.
Thursday-Same as Tuesday.
Friday-7.30-11, Social Dancing.
These classes are for people 16 years of age and over who are not attending school in Reading. As a special concession the High School Seniors are admitted to the Social Dancing class.
Women's Basketball group invite the women and girls of the vari- ous churches to enter a Church basketball league.
Men's Basketball league has been formed and games are played twice a week.
The Social Dancing Assembly is open to those who wish to learn to dance or to perfect their steps.
Dramatics, the dramatic club, is also open for membership. New members must be voted into the club.
Reading Game and Craft Room
Last winter the recreation staff and the children who attended the activities at the Barn, suffered from the cold. On Dec. 15, 1936, the Recreation Project moved into new quarters at 180 Haven Street. The building is accessible to all and is open from 1 o'clock until 9 o'clock daily except Saturday, when it is open from 9 A. M. to 9 P. M.
The handcraft schedule is as follows :
Leather tooling-Tuesday and Thursday from 7-9 and Saturday from 6 to 9. There is a charge made for the tooling calf, but the tools may be used free of charge.
Paper Craft-Classes are held every afternoon.
Block print cutting-Monday and Wednesday from 4-5 and Friday from 4-6.
Sewing-Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 3-5.
There are two ping pong tables available at all times. The town has purchased many table games which are always ready for the children " to use.
The average daily attendance from Dec. 15, 1936, to Dec. 31, 1936, has been 150 boys and girls.
In closing this report, the supervisor, and the entire recreation staff wish to thank the town officials who have co-operated and supplied materials and equipment for this project. We also invite the people of Reading to attend and participate in our activities.
Historical Survey
This project, which was sponsored by the Board of Selectmen, has been in operation since the start of the C. W. A. Its function was the collection and tabulation of town records and important historical data. The principal topics covered by this project are as follows :
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1. Classification and arranging all articles in town warrants of regu- lar and special town meetings for past 20 years and making a card index of the same. This has already proved of considerable value to the town.
2. Compilation of and copies of all special state laws accepted by the town since its organization.
3. Compilation of and copies of all special state laws which the town may accept.
4. A revision of the "By-laws of Reading" since their last ap- proval in 1917. The by-laws of twenty or more towns were com- pared and a new set written and approved by the Assistant Attorney General of the State.
5. Transcription of vital statistics of Reading since its incorporation, including indices of marriages, births and deaths. Of these, "marriages" and practically half of "births" have been completed. These old rec- ords are fast becoming illegible because of fading ink.
6. A study of the comparative wage scales, equipment and costs of Fire Departments in other towns comparable to the size of Read- ing.
7. A similar study in relation to the Police Department.
8. An exhaustive study of the Quannapowitt Lake Basin, a tract of low, swampy land lying between Reading and Wakefield. This tract presents difficult drainage and sanitary problems and several legislative acts have dealt with the problem. The study contains a complete history of these acts and matters pertinent thereto.
9. A detailed study of the Limited Town Meeting form of Gov- ernment-a complete list of towns have accepted this form of govern- ment and their experience in reference thereto.
10. The automobile accidents of the town were studied and "spot" . maps for the last four years were made showing locations where fatal accidents, personal injury or property damage accidents occurred.
11. A detailed study of "Municipal Ash Collection" with costs, meth- ods and experience of towns comparable to Reading.
12. A survey of billboards and out-door advertising signs in Read- ing-the laws in relation thereto. This study resulted in the accep- tance of a regulative act.
13. Comparative studies over a period of ten years:
a. Expenditures for Charities and Aids
b. Expenditure for Soldiers' Benefits
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