USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1936 > Part 8
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A 4-H Officers' Training School was held in November. A local rally was well attended in January. The 4-H Clubs entertained the Grange on May tenth with an exhibit and program. The exhibits, in charge of Mrs. Herbert Henderson, were judged by 4-H leaders from Stoneham. Miss Marion Forbes, state club leader, was a guest. An excellent program under the direction of Mrs. Leonard Nichols, was furnished by the clubs. Six girls from Reading entered the sectional dress contest. Elsie Mason, a member of Mrs. O'Brien's club, attended Camp Middlesex. Allie Benton and Barbara Marshall were awarded the two-day trip to the State College. Eighteen girls and two boys received instruction in canning under the leadership of Mrs. Catherine Dissell. The class met at the junior high foods laboratory. The club exhibited at the home of the leader, and also sent a club exhibit of twenty-four jars to the Groton Fair where it received honorable men- tion.
Respectfully submitted,
A. F. MacDOUGALL.
94
REPORT OF PUBLICITY COMMITTEE
Reading Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
The work of the Publicity Committee for th? Town of Reading, appointed by your Board for the purpose of disseminating information with respect to the advantages of Reading as a residential community, has been to continue and develop the plan as outlined in the report of last year.
You will remember, at that time, the first edition of the promo- tional booklet had been completed. This was accomplished through the co-operation of the following organizations which underwrote the cost : American Legion, Reading Post No. 62; Knights of Columbus, Reading Council No. 1031; Mishawum Associates; Neighborhood Bet- terment Association; Northern Residents Association ; Reading Board of Trade; Reading Rotary Club and Security Lodge No. 203, I. O. O. F.
The fact that so artistic a booklet could be produced was due to the effort and work of H. Boylston Dummer of Rockport and Mrs. Charlotte C. Ware. Credit is also due to Albert N. Leman and Logan R. Dickie for the idea, plan, layout and copy; to Gordon Smith for the lettering; to art advisors Louis Babine and F. L. King; Reading W. P. A. Historical Survey No. 4159 for the information and to the Reading Chronicle Press for the printing.
The first edition of 2,000 copies was distributed to the sponsoring organizations and the first distribution of the booklet was obtained through the members of these groups.
Following this, a meeting was called of the various business men and organizations of the town, to determine the number of books that could be distributed through these various agencies. A large number of books were subscribed at this meeting and following this, a canvass was made of the town's business men to complete this survey.
As a result of this effort it seemed advisable to print a second edition of 13,000 copies. This was done and the books delivered to those who had signified their intention of subscribing. The price was just slightly above cost, a small margin being allowed to take care of any emergency costs.
At the present time there have been distributed a total of 14,609 copies for which a sufficient sum has been paid to defray the total cost of the publication of the publicity booklet, leaving on hand 491 copies which will be used by the town in further development of the idea of publicising the Town of Reading.
At the town meeting in March 1936 the sum of $300 was appro- priated for the use of the publicity committee in their work of dis- tributing this booklet and for developmental work.
The first step taken was to develop a selected list of prospects
95
and for this purpose, names were selected of persons living in communi- ties from which Reading had drawn for the most part during the past few years, and names chosen of those who were living in apartments and paying at least $50 per month in rent. This was done because it was felt that such persons would be more likely to be contemplating the purchase or construction of a home and were looking for homesites.
To this list was sent a mailing, consisting of a letter from the Selectmen, a reprint of an article by Louis Lyons which appeared in the Boston Globe and an offer to mail the booklet "An Ideal Home Town" provided they were sufficiently interested to request this booklet.
While the response was adequate it was not considered sufficient to warrant any further expenditure along this line, and therefore, no further mailings were made. The sum of $98.20 was used in this mailing, and for printing a business directory to send prospects in- quiring for specific services, which leaves a balance of $201.80 which was returned to the town since it was considered that the distribution through the merchants and the townspeople, together with the large amount of publicity obtained for this campaign in the daily press was building up the sort of publicity desired and was adequate for the pur- pose without any further stimulation.
Booklets were placed in the Boston City Club, the Chamber of Commerce, University Club, hotels and other clubs and organizations in metropolitan Boston.
It is impossible to estimate the publicity obtained in the Boston papers by and through the booklet. Almost every Boston paper gave a large amount of space to the project while the Christian Science Monitor sent out a photographer to take additional pictures of the town which were used in connection with an article on the campaign to the extent of almost an entire page. Such publicity can not be purchased and because of its position and news value is of inestimable value.
Results of the campaign can hardly be expressed in figures since it is apparent that the good accomplished by this publicity will continue to be felt for several years to come. The idea implanted in many minds, of Reading as an ideal home town, will continue to bear fruit for some time to come.
There are figures available, however, that tend to show the direct results already realized, at least in part, by this campaign of publicity. The following table shows more clearly than words what has been hap- pening since this campaign first was started:
1936
1935
1934
No. permits granted by Building In- spector
124
89
71
Permits for new one-family houses
56
27
11
Value of above permits $ 257,400 $ 121,100 $ 42,300
96
Permits for alterations and addi- tions
23
11
11
Value of above permits
$ 24,855
$ 7,085 $ 6,375
Value of all other permits granted $ 23,790 $ 30,730 $ 26,460
Total value of building permits $ 306,045 $ 158,915 $ 75,135
While the values given on the Building Inspector's permits are indicative of the building taking place, the real criterion is in the ac- cessible real estate added to the assessors books and while only an esti- mate is available, as yet for the year 1937, this estimate which is ad- mittedly conservative shows an increase in real estate value of $186,780 over the year 1936, giving the town a total valuation of real estate alone of $15,750,000.
It is the hope of your committee that there is sufficient evidence to indicate that the project you desired has been carried out in the manner that has brought credit and lasting benefit to the town. There is certainly a veritable building boom in town and it is a difficult task to determine how much exactly is due to the publicity campaign and how much to the improvement in conditions and other factors beyond the control of your committee.
Your committee feels that the best interests of the town would be served by completing the distribution of the booklets and returning to the town the unexpended balance of the money appropriated. It should be realized that the town is indebted to all those who purchased the booklets for they are the ones who have borne the cost of the pro- ject. When it is considered that over 14,000 booklets have been dis- tributed at a cost to the town of less than $100, it is evident how much. is due to the aid and support of various organizations and individuals.
We wish to thank you, as well as all organizations and individuals, for the co-operation and support given this committee in its work and in relinquishing its duties to hope that this campaign has not only been of immediate but of lasting value to the Town of Reading.
Respectfully submitted, Logan R. Dickie, Chairman
H. Raymond Johnson W. F. Twombly
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF MILK AND FOOD
To the Honorable Board of Health,
Town of Reading,
Gentlemen :
The inspection of the local milk supply and its various sources has been concluded for this year and I can report to you at this time that never has it been in a better condition. For the past few years the inspection of the producing and handling of the milk has been stressed,
97
and today the results of the same are shown. With a very few excep- tions conditions are very satisfactory and I think that these few ex- ceptions will be remedied this coming year.
There were twenty-four inspections of barns and dairies made this year.
The inspections of the stores, restaurants, bakeries and road-side stands have been concluded for the year and in nearly all cases have been found satisfactory. Where conditions were found that were un- satisfactory or contrary to the regulations, they have been remedied. There were forty-two inspections made.
Respectfully submitted, CARL M. SMITH, Inspector of Milk and Food.
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Hon rable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Reading,
Gentlemen :
The following is a tabulation of all work completed in the Town of Reading for the year 1936 by this department.
Work performed from Dec. 1, 1935 to Dec. 31, 1936
Not
Adjusted
Sealed Sealed Cond.
Platform, over 5,000 lbs. ..
3
3
Platform, 100 to 5,000 1bs. ..
6
9
Counter, 100 to 5,000 1bs. ..
5
7
Counter, under 100 1bs. ....
9
20
Beam, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
1
1
Spring, 100 to 5,000 1bs.
2
5
1
Spring, under 100 1bs.
15
38
2
Computing, under 100 1bs. .
17
32
2. Weights-
Avoirdupois
90
3. Volumetric Measures-
11
Liquid Measures Dry Measures
1
4. Automatic Liquid Measuring Devices-
Gasoline Pumps
15
70
3
Stops on Pumps
21
69
5. Linear Measures-
Yard Sticks
3
-
-
-
-
Total,
94
362
4
2
98
1. Scales-
Trial Weighings and Measurements of Commodities Sold or Put Up for Sale.
Commodity
Total No. Tested
No Correct
Under
Over
Bread
32
22
2
8
Butter
14
11
1
2
Coal, paper bags
10
6
0
4
Dry Commodities
64
52
4
8
Flour
8
6
0
2
Fruits and Vegetables
16
12
2
2
Grain and Feed
6
6
Ice
6
1
1
4
Liquid Commodities
24
24
Meats and Provisions
14
10
2
2
Potatoes
24
8
10
6
-
-
-
-
Totals
218
158
22
38
Inspections made-
Paper and fibre cartons, 2.
Pedler's licenses, 4.
Marking of bread, 6.
Coal in paper bags, 2.
Clinical thermometers, 2.
Pedler's scales, 4.
Ice scales, 2.
Junk scales, 2.
Tests made-
Approved paper cartons, 6.
Retests of gasoline devices after sealing, 10.
From the above tabulation of work accomplished you can readily see that all of the scales, weights, and measures in town have been inspected and sealed or condemned, also from the inspections made that the conditions are very satisfactory.
Respectfully submitted, CARL M. SMITH, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
To the Board of Health,
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1936. Number of Permits granted 160
Number of Fixtures installed 603
99
Incorrect
Bath tubs 87
Lavatories
116
Closets 124
Sinks
90
Wash trays
119
Boilers 59
Showers
8
I have made 328 inspections.
Respectfully submitted, DAVID TAGGART,
Inspector of Plumbing.
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of Reading :-
There were one hundred eighteen contagious cases reported during the year 1936.
Anterior Poliomyelitis
2
Chicken Pox
16
Dog Bite 18
Measles
13
Scarlet Fever
55
Tuberculosis
8
Whooping Cough
6
Number of deaths
91
Male
45
Females
46
1 was between 90 and 100
15 were between 80 and 90
29 were between 70 and 80
19 were between 60 and 70
6 were between
50 and 60
13 were between 40 and 50
6 were between
30 and 40
2 were between
1 and 20
Respectfully submitted,
E. M. HALLIGAN, M. D.
R. B. SHEPARDSON, M. D.
C. F. ATKINSON
Board of Health
100
DOG OFFICER'S REPORT
December 31, 1936
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit my report as Dog Officer to December 31, 1936.
I have canvassed the town to see that all dogs were licensed.
Unlicensed and strayed dogs have been found and disposed of as follows :
184 have been destroyed.
11 returned to owners.
1 case was prosecuted and fined.
2 restraining orders served.
6 cases of dogs killing hens (235 hens killed).
351 complaints investigated.
26 dogs killed by autos. 20 persons bitten by dogs.
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.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
January 18, 1937
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Reading, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Animals for the year 1936.
On January 1, 1937 there were approximately 572 head of meat animals in the town.
The number of animals inspected were:
Cattle 174
Swine 386 Goats 12
There were 24 cases of dog bites reported and of this number one dog was affected with the rabies. However, there was another rabid dog in the town but he did not bite anyone. The persons bitten and those exposed to the infection were given the Pasteur treatment. All dogs known to have had contact and those suspected of having had contact with the rabid animals were quarantined.
Respectfully submitted,
BERNARD SCHIMPFKE.
101
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Trustees of the Reading Public Library submit the following report for the year ended December 31, 1936.
Organization of the Board
The Board organized for the year by the election of Mr. Barclay as Chairman and Mr. Fletcher as Secretary. Standing committees were appointed as follows :
On Accounts : The Board of Trustees.
On Books: Mrs. Tirrell, Mr. Lyons and Mrs. Hedges.
On Building and Grounds : Messrs Morton, Barclay and Fletcher.
On Work with Children: Mrs. Tirrell, Mr. Fletcher and Mrs. Hedges.
Expenses of the Library
The condensed financial statement follows :
Appropriation, direct tax, 1936.
Salaries
$ 4,800.00
Transferred from Maintenance Account (by vote of the town Nov. 30, 1936)
50.00
$ 4,850.00
Maintenance
$ 2,800.00
.
Restored from Library Special Account
22.60
Interest from Trust Funds
76.50
$ 2,899.10
Less Transferred to Salary Account
50.00
2,849.10
Expended
Salaries : Librarian, Assistants and Janitor
$ 4,850.00
Books and Periodicals, including rebinding
2,019.28
Printing, Stationery, etc.
144.78
Fuel, light, water and sewer
363.83
Repairs and furnishings
163.07
Telephone
44.64
Insurance
85.42
All other expenses
17.80
$ 7,688.82
Balance Unexpended and Returned to Revenue :
On Salaries
0.00
On Maintenance
10.28
$ 7,699.10
102
$ 7,699.10
Receipts
Fines collected (includ. one out-of-town borrower) $ 502.35
Paid to Town Treasurer 502.35
$ 0.00
Statistics 1936
Volumes in Library Dec. 31, 1936
19,460
Volumes bought :
Adult fiction
483
Adult non-fiction
461
944
Juvenile fiction
172
Juvenile non-fiction
. 64
236
Reference
50
1,230
Received by gift, Mass.
4
Received by gift, U. S.
0
Received by gift, others
47
51
Total
20,741
Withdrawn during the year
537
Total number of volumes, Dec. 31, 1936
20,204
Circulation for home use, adult
70,446
Circulation for home use, juvenile
21,064
Total circulation in 1936
91,510
Total circulation in 1935
82,160
Gain in 1936
9,350
Largest monthly circulation October
8,728
Smallest monthly circulation June
7,299
New borrowers registered, adult
354
New borrowers registered, juvenile
220
Total new borrowers registered 574
Total new borrowers registered during past years
3,141
Number of days the Library was open 303
Average daily circulation, adult
232
Average daily circulation, juvenile
69.5
Volumes deposited in schools
297
Borrowed from neighboring Libraries
24
Loaned neighboring Libraries
10
103
The circulation of books for home use showed an unexpected in- crease and this continued throughout the year but largest increase during the fall months. This year's circulation was 91,510, a consistently steady increase since 1927 when it was 34,895 with the exception of the years 1934 and 1935 when it was 87,406 and 82,160, a falling off of 955 and 5,246 from the year 1933 when it was 88,361.
This year with 9,350 volumes increase is a record circulation. After school hours the library is crowded with readers and students demand- ing help in their reference work. It is the desire of the librarian to keep the reading rooms sufficiently quiet so those beyond High School age may enjoy them also; but at times it is a little difficult to accomplish.
Under the direction of Miss Grace of the Highland School assisted by Miss Nora Carney of the library staff, the examinations for State Certificates for Reading was continued and in June at Assembly at the Highland School Mr. Fletcher, Secretary of the Board of Library Trus- tees, awarded one hundred and seventy-five, five-book certificates and thirty-five honor certificates to pupils of the fourth to eighth grades.
On Wednesday afternoons in the summer Miss Turner, Children's Librarian told stories in the Children's Room with an average attend- ance of nineteen. Miss Thelma Ralston and Miss Mildred Wheeler each gave their services telling stories for one afternoon while Miss Turner was away on her vacation.
In March during the annual drive for books for the Merchant Mar- ine ninety-five books and some magazines were brought to the library and forwarded to the Boston Headquarters.
The library was assisted by a W. P. A. binding project under Mrs. Catherine Burns which bound 329 worn books. In August a new double bookcase gave opportunity to rearrange many of the books and some of the old never-used fiction was discarded or removed to the store- room so the books are now less crowded and in better sequence than formerly.
^. "In the showcase has been exhibited old books and documents be- longing to the library, also blankets, picture-postals and photographs loaned by Miss Louise Jenkins ; picture-postals and photographs loaned by Mr. and. Mrs. Mansfield and Mrs. Bessie Stevens; a collection of bayonets and another of old powder flasks, bullet molds and flints loaned by Mr. Maurice Proctor.
The library has been given by the Reading Society of Craftsmen, a framed Japanese print "Three Ladies in the Rain" by Torii Kiyon- aga; a colored geological map of Essex County by Mr. W. P. Adden; a mounted map of the Harold Parker Forest by Mr. DeMelle Garey, and a large number of book marks with library hours on them by the Reading Co-operative and Mechanics Savings Banks.
In comparing the 1936 statistics with the "Library Standards in Outline" issued by the Division of Public Libraries we find the Read-
104
ing Library, while the library appropriation and hours of opening are less than the minimum recommended, has a per capita circulation of more than the minimum. When finances allow the library hours should be increased.
The accumulated receipts from the Horace G. Wadlin Trust Fund for the years 1934-1935-1936 amounting to $76.50 was used toward the purchase of the reference books Encyclopedia Americana.
This year the library was the recipient of a Trust Fund of $1700.00 from the Estate of Ella F. Wadlin the proceeds of which will be used for the purchase of books.
Budget for 1937
In accordance with the requirements of the General Laws, Chapter 41, Section 59 the Board of Library Trustees of the Reading Public Library submit the following detailed estimate of the amounts neces- sary for the proper maintenance of the Public Library for the fiscal year 1937.
Fuel, Light, Water and Sewer
$ 400.00
Printing and Supplies
150.00
Books, Periodicals, Binding
2,050.00
Maintenance and Repairs
200.00
Insurance 86.00
Miscellaneous Expenditures
114.00
.
$ 3,000.00
Salaries
$ 5,120.00
Total Appropriations Requested
$ 8,120.00
as against an appropriation of 1936 of
7,600.00
and in 1935 of
7,600.00
An income of $450.00 is estimated from the Fine Account for 1937.
Two vacancies on the Board of Trustees are to be filed at the annual town meeting, the terms of Jesse W. Morton and Warren L. Fletcher expiring.
The Trustees acknowledge the faithful services of Librarian Miss Bertha L. Brown, Assistant Librarian Miss Grace J. Abbott and Miss Rebecca Turner and all the Assistants.
JESSE W. MORTON
HARRY J. BARCLAY, Chairman
WARREN L. FLETCHER, Secretary HELEN PARKER TIRRELL
LOUIS M. LYONS
ISABELLE G. HEDGES
Adopted as the report of the Trustees.
105
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CEMETERY TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR 1936
The reports of the Superintendent of Cemeteries, Mr. William P. Pierpont, which cover 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. Frank L. Edgerley and Mr. Fred L. Nutter ex- pire in March 1937. It is hoped that they will consent to serve again.
In reviewing the work of the year, we are impressed by the con- tinued improvement in the condition of both cemeteries. One of the most gratifynig things is the steady increase in the number of old lots placed under perpetual care in Laurel Hill Cemetery, which provides income to keep these lots in good condition at all times. It is our hope that other owners of lots will consider this important feature, so that the improvement of the cemetery will continue. We are also impressed with the improvement shown in the general appearance of the cemetery by loaming and seeding the gravel paths, which in time will have the appearance of a green lawn with stepping stones. The new dump truck purchased this season has been of great assistance and given more efficient service, so that we feel that this expenditure was well justified.
We would call attention to the W. P. A. Project in Forest Glen Cemetery, which was started on November 13th, under which it is planned to dig over the land south of the Main Entrance at Pearl street, including two areas of 2,620 square yards to a depth of five feet below finished grade; building two avenues, one running east and west and the other north and south, and the laying of a water main. When this section is completed it is the intention to extend the pro- ject to the hill, where land will by set aside for the burial of War Veterans. In the future this project will 'also include further exten- sion to the west boundary and then directly north to complete land that has been filled in, so that this work, with the section already de- veloped, will complete approximately one-half of the cemetery.
Under the efficient management of the Superintendent, the trees and shrubbery have been kept in excellent condition, and we feel that both cemeteries have reached a very high standard.
Respectfully, submitted,
PHILIP H. TIRRELL, Chairman. WINTHROP D. PARKER CLARENCE C. WHITE, Secretary. FRANK LEE EDGERLEY FRED L. NUTTER HAROLD F. DAVIS Board of Cemetery Trustees.
106
LAUREL HILL CEMETERY REPORT 1936
To the Board of Cemetery Trustees,
Town of Reading, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit to you my ninth annual report of Laurel Hill Cemetery.
The grass cutting started April 24th and ended October 16th. Per- petual care lots were fertilized in the spring. Hedges and shrubs were trimmed, trees pruned and all dead wood removed. Leaves were raked in the fall and everything done that goes with the upkeep of the ceme- tery.
This cemetery is closed as far as any further extension. All re- maining land has been laid out into lots and at the rate they are selling, will be sold out in two or three years. We have on hand at this time, thirty, two-grave lots; sixteen four-grave lots; five six-grave lots ; and seven eight-grave lots. All lots sold include perpetual care. This year we sold thirteen lots and four single graves.
It is gratifying to note that each season shows a steady increase in the number of old lots placed under perpetual care. The cost is now figured on a basis whereby sufficient funds are being deposited to keep the lots in good condition at all times. Perpetual care is the one im- portant feature that should be considered by owners of lots under an- nual or without care. A lot may be taken care of for a few years, but when the family becomes scattered, the heirs have but little interest and the lot will eventually come into a state of neglect, unless some provision under perpetual care is made. Nine old lots and one single grave were placed under perpetual care and one lot had an additional amount added, this season. I wish to thank all those who have put perpetual care on their lots and look forward to the time when practi- cally the entire cemetery will receive equal and satisfactory attention.
There were seventy-seven interments during the year. Twenty- three monument and thirty-two marker foundations were built. Eighty- six sunken graves were repaired and nineteen winter graves seeded in the spring. Twenty-three lots were reloamed and seeded. In earlier days, several lots in the cemetery were enclosed with an iron fence, but as time went on, they deteriorated and were removed. We removed one this year, thus leaving only one in the entire cemetery.
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