USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1937 > Part 23
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The other activities on the winter program are fully reported un- der Recreation Center.
Recommendations
The leisure-time needs of this community are growing all the time. Reading needs a larger community center where boys and girls, young adults, and adults, can meet and enjoy the sociability of games, and the creation of craft work. I suggest that larger quarters, better facilities and more materials, be put at the disposal of the W. P. A. Recreation Project.
Those who have criticised the W. P. A. Recreation Project and its program, are invited to attend any and all classes and activities and to become acquainted with the personnel, the aims, and the past work of the project. Constructive criticism will be gratefully received at all times.
Co-operation
On behalf of the recreation staff, the people who participate in this program, and myself, I wish to express appreciation to the towns- people, the town boards, and officials who contributed to, or supported the project : Board of Public Works, Board of Selectmen, Sponsor's Agent, School Committee, Municipal Light Department, Town Account- ant, local W. P. A. Office, and we wish to thank all who participated in, or observed our program and special events.
This report is respectfully submitted by the Reading W. P. A. Recreation Supervisor.
Forest Glenn Cemetery
This project, sponsored by the Board of Cemetery Trustees, started during the latter part of 1936, was continued through the past year and suspended in December, 1937 for the winter months. During the year, an area of 4100 square yards was dug over to a depth of 5 1-2 feet, graded, loamed, treated and seeded. This area contains 226 four grave
343
lots. An eighteen foot macadam roadway containing 1178 square yards was completed and 252 lineal feet of 24" concrete drain pipe layed. On the western boundary a field stone wall, 321 feet in length was built.
The entire project will be completed about August 1, 1938. Upon completion there will be available for burial purposes 554 four grave lots with an approximate value of $114,000.00.
Outdoor School Projects
Senior High School Grading and Drainage Project
This is a school committee sponsored project. Under this project a complete system of drainage was installed, covering the entire school grounds area. This required the laying of 1500 lineal feet of 5" vitri- fied clay pipe and the building of 26 catch basins and 4 manholes. A con- crete curb topped with brick was built along the sides of all walks, driveways and parking areas. All conductor pipes leading from the building were connected to the new system. The retaining walls on the west and south boundarys were repointed and stones relayed where necessary. All the grass areas were reloamed, regraded and seeded with the exception of an area in the southeast corner. This will be completed in the spring. Driveways, walks and parking areas were surfaced with a permanent asphalt and pea stone material. The rear play area was regraded and surfaced with stone dust.
Lowell Street School Play Area
The play area in the rear of the Lowell Street School was entirely regraded. A concrete retaining wall was constructed around the north, east and south boundaries, averaging 4 feet in height. This area was filled with 1500 cubic yards of gravel, graded and surfaced with stone dust. A chain link fence 4 feet in height was erected around play area, eliminating the danger of children running into the street or over the retaining walls.
Chestnut Hill School
The play area at the Chestnut Hill School is in the process of re- construction. Work has been suspended for the winter months. When completed, this area will have adequate surface drainage and chain link fence protection on all sides.
Town Forest Roadway
The Town Forest Roadway project sponsored by the Board of Pub- lic Works, was completed December 28, 1937.
A gravel roadway, 20 feet in width has been built from the filtra- tion plant, across the swamp land into the Town Forest, a distance of 1,272 feet.
This roadway eliminated the fire hazard heretofore present, as it now gives the fire apparatus access directly into the Town Forest.
344
12" Water Mains
This project was sponsored by the Board of Selectmen. 2060 feet of 12" water mains were layed on Ash and Brook Streets, replacing a 6" line. The standpipe at Bear Hill now has 12" supply and 12" feed mains.
Tree Trimming Project
The above project, under the Supervision of the Tree Warden and sponsored by the Board of Selectmen, started in 1936 and continued through 1937. Trees along 45 miles of public highways have been trimmed and cleared of dead wood.
Planning Board Map Project
The above project started during the Civil Works Administration, continued under the Emergency Relief Administration and was com- pleted in July of this year under the Works Progress Administration.
Two maps were made. Map No. 1 showing street lines, lot lines, zoning lines, town boundaries and the buildings in the town. Map No. 2 showing the streets, town boundaries and 5 ft. contours over the entire town which is approximately 10 square miles in area. The working plan of Map No. 2 which was made on wall board, 12 feet in height and 8 ft. in width, was traced so that small maps could be made, then painted in colors. Each change of 20 feet in elevation is painted a different color and shows at a glance the elevation from the lowest swamp land to the highest hill. This map is now set up in the Planning Board room in the Municipal Building.
In conjunction with Map No. 2 a system of bench marks was es- tablished, tieing in with the 11 U. S. Coast and Geodetic Stations estab- lished by the Government.
These maps are of considerable value to the Planning Board in that the information contained on them enables the board to make a Master Plan of the town, assists them in planning the future development of the town, making additions to present traffic highways, making new highways, connecting secondary roads, studying the drainage prob- lem, planning new parks, rezoning, etc.
Street Survey Project
Under the supervision of the superintendent of the Board of Public Works, a field crew of engineers have surveyed 18,786 feet of streets in various parts of the town. No plans of these streets have hereto- fore been available. Plans of these streets showing street lines, location of stone bounds, intersections, distances and bearings are now on file in the office of the Board of Public Works.
345
Indexing Public Records of Reading
This project, which was sponsored by the Board of Selectmen, has been in operation since April 13, 1937. The specific purposes to be served by the project were :
"Indexing, transcribing and improving public records by arranging under orderly filing numerous detailed reports now on random sheets, etc., in files of scattered departments." "Copies of reports to be bound or card-indexed for file in Municipal Building library. Carbons sent to various boards."
The scope of the project covers the following items :
1. Copying and card-indexing vital statistics, marriages, births and deaths from 1644 to date.
2. Copying street acceptances.
3. Card index municipal laws.
4. Card index Jury list.
5. Town meeting articles cross-file from 1900.
6. Comparative financial statistics :
(a) Appropriations.
(b) Town debt.
(c) Detail of maturities.
(d) Balance sheet.
(e) Reading data.
(f) Index.
(g) Percentage.
7. Town Accountant's Records, 1926 to date.
8. Town Counsel's Opinions and Reports.
9. Selectmen's reports.
10. Public Works reports.
11. Insurance Committee reports.
12. Finance Committee reports.
13. School Committee reports.
14. Miscellaneous.
15. Master Index.
16. Town employee's payrolls.
War Veterans' Records
Authentic records of Reading men who served in the World War have been compiled and card indexes have been made, not only of the men who enlisted from and are credited to the town of Reading, but also of those veterans who now reside here. There is also a complete card index record of all Spanish-American and Civil War veterans. These cards contain information in regard to the dates of enlistment and discharge; branch of service enrolled in; wounds and decorations, if any; Army or Navy serial number; and age at enlistment.
This information is here in Reading for anyone who might be in-
346
terested in these records. Town Officers and Department heads will, in all probability, find these records valuable in determining gratuities and preference due to War Veterans.
National Youth Administration Project
This project started on April 28, 1936 and was discontinued on July 15, 1937.
Book Binding Project
During the period of January 1, 1937 to July 15, 1937, the following work was accomplished :
School books bound
2724 vols.
Library books bound
251
"
Town Clerk, (death, marriages, births records)
14
Assessors' Books 13
Other town dept. books bound
62
Sheet music reinforced and mended
2671 "
The total number of man hours worked from January 1 to July 15, 1937; 3503 hours.
Canning Project
This project sponsored by the Board of Selectmen, was started August 18, 1936 and discontinued on March 5, 1937.
From January, 1937 to March 5, 1937, the following products were canned :
Grapefruit
6707 cans
Carrots
1800
Beets
981 "
Total 9488 cans
Local Compensation Division
The following report covers injuries sustained on W. P. A. projects during 1937.
1. Injuries of a minor nature not requiring medical attention : 76 cases.
2. Injured and requiring medical attention of a physician, yet losing no time from work: 35 cases.
3. Injured and requiring medical attention of a physician, also losing time from work with compensation: 1 case.
The total amount paid to doctors in Reading for services rendered was $308.50.
Sewing Project
This project sponsored by the Board of Selectmen was discontinued on September 30, 1937. From January 1, 1937 to September 30, 1937, the following articles were made :
Boys' shirts
2139
Mens' shirts
1272
Womens' pajamas 366
347
Girls' combinations
60
Girls' pajamas
1402
Womens' dresses
750
Boys' pajamas
904
Mens' pajamas
228
Girls' dresses
3613
Sheets
62
Boys' suits
270
Womens' slips
12
Womens' and girls' bloomers
348
Girls' slips
108
Women' nightgowns
390
Arm bands
1000
Rompers
89
Boys' shorts
384
Pillow cases
4
Total, 13,731 articles.
Municipal Buildings Repair Project
Under this project sponsored by the Board of Selectmen, the fol- lowing work was done:
Junior High School
All of the corridors, shower bath rooms, restrooms, classrooms on the third floor, gymnasium and bleachers were painted.
Senior High School
Six classrooms, gymnasium, entire basement including the cafeteria were painted. All the floors were sanded and retreated. New treads and landings and one new classroom floor were~layed. Stand Pipe
All the old paint was removed from the standpipe and top painted. This work was later finished by the Board of Public Works.
Federal Funds Expended for Emergency Relief During 1937
W. P. A. Program earnings only through Dec., 1937 $ 89,992.52
Value of surplus Food Commodities distributed 15,366.30
Value of surplus clothing distributed 23,681.13
$129,039.95
I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen for their co-operation and advice. Other Town Boards, under whose sponsorship projects have operated, have at all times been helpful and co-operative. An itemized account of expenditures of funds appropriated for W. P. A. materials will be found in another part of the Town Report.
Respectfully submitted, ARTHUR MICHELINI, Sponsor's Agent.
348
Mens' shorts
330
REPORT OF SOLDIERS' RELIEF AGENT
December 31, 1937
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Reading, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :
Mr. Forest H. Bryant, who held the office of Soldiers' Relief Agent for the past four years, passed away on October 19th, 1937. Mr. Charles W. H. Smith was appointed to fill the vacancy on November 20th, 1937.
During the past year the Soldiers' Relief Department has aided 29 families having a total of 116 persons. We have also aided 24 single cases making a total of 140 persons who have received aid at various times during the year.
W. P. A. employment has taken from the rolls of the Soldiers' Relief Department many of the able-bodied veterans so that the funds of the department have been largely spent on disabled veterans, their families and veterans' widows and children. However, the closing and temporary shut-down of some W. P. A. projects caused a larger de- mand on the department's funds than of the previous year.
The general unemployment situation would seem to show that the demand on the department for the coming year would be greater than that of the past year.
The department has furnished labor to the other town departments wherever possible. An appreciation for the co-operation of the Welfare Department wherever it has been possible, is duly acknowledge.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES W. H. SMITH, Soldiers' Relief Agent.
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN AND MOTH SUPT. FOR 1937
Reading, Mass. December 31, 1937
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report as Tree Warden and Moth Superinten- dent for the year 1937.
I have planted one hundred and fifty trees on the roadside in the past year. Most of these trees were raised at the Town Farm, and we will be able to get this year's supply at the farm.
The gypsy moths have increased during the past year, and we will need a lot more spraying in 1938, but with the amount requested we will be able to handle the situation.
Yours respectfully, HENRY M. DONEGAN, Tree Warden and Moth Supt.
349
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Reading, Mass.
Gentlemen :
The following is a tabulation of all work completed by me in the Town of Reading in 1937 for this department.
Work performed from Jan. 1, 1937 to Dec. 31, 1937.
Adjusted
Sealed Condemned
I. Scales:
Platform, over 10,000 1bs.
2
3
Platform, 100 to 5,000 1bs.
6
9
Counter, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
1
2
Counter, under 100 lbs.
4
21
Spring, 100 to 5,000 1bs.
3
4
3
Spring, under 100 1bs.
16
27
1
Computing, under 100 1bs.
18
33
1
Personal weighing
2
II. Weights:
Avoirdupois
112
III. Volumetric Measures:
Liquid Measures
5
Dry Measures
4
IV. Automatic Liquid Measuring Devices:
Gasoline Pumps
18
84
2
Oil Pumps
2
2
V. Linear Measures:
Yard Sticks
12
Total
70
320
7
Trial Weighings and Measurements of Commodities Sold or Put Up For Sale
No. Tested No. Correct No. Under No. Over
Bread
24
14
2
8
Butter
16
14
1
1
Coal in Paper Bags
10
9
1
Dry Commodities
38
30
2
6
Flour
4
2
1
1
Fruits and Vegetables
42
26
4
12
Grain and Feed
5
5
Ice
4
1
1
2
Meats and Provisions
10
8
1
1
153
109
12
32
. .
350
Summary of Inspections
Paper Cartons 4
Pedler's Licenses
2
Coal in Paper Bags 10
Pedler's Scales
2
Ice Scales
3
Junk Scales
2
Retest of Gasoline Pumps
4
Respectfully submitted,
CARL M. SMITH,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF MILK AND FOOD
To the Honorable Board of Health
Town of Reading, Mass.
Gentlemen :
The inspection of the supply of milk for the Town of Reading for the year 1937 was greatly advanced this year when the members of this board voted to have bacteriological tests made of the milk. It now gives us a very close check on the quality of the milk that is being sold in town.
It can readily be seen how valuable this added analysis has been, when I report to you that two cases of mastitis were discovered at an early stage and immediate steps taken to trace and eliminate the same before any damage was done. This alone paid for the added expense.
The inspections of all local dairies were also made as usual and con- ditions found to be very satisfactory ..
Ninety-nine samples were taken and analyzed for their total so ids, butter fat and bacteria contents. In most all of the cases the results were satisfactory and I am in hopes that with this inauguration of the bacteria tests that in the future the results will be still better.
There were fifty-four licenses issued to dealers and stores for the sale of milk and twelve licenses for the sale of oleo-margarine.
The inspection of the local restaurants, bakeries and roadside stands were conducted as usual and with but three exceptions found satisfac- tory. In the above cases mentioned conditions were remedied so that they finally passed inspection.
Respectfully - submitted,
CARL M. SMITH,
Inspector of Milk and Food.
351
REPORT OF CUSTODIAN OF SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' GRAVES
Reading, Mass., Dec, 31, 1937.
The Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Town of Reading, Massachusetts
I respectfully submit my report as Custodian of Soldiers and Sailors graves for the year ending December 31, 1937.
The following veterans have answered the final roll call during the year :
Spanish American War : George A. Gardner, Laurel Hill Cemetery, Feb. 5, 1937.
World War :
Dr. Ernest D. Richmond, Laurel Hill Cemetery, Jan. 6, 1937.
George A. Gardner, Laurel Hill Cemetery, Feb. 5, 1937.
Harold W. Batchelder, Laurel Hill Cemetery, Sept. 12, 1937. Forest H. Bryant, Forest Glen Cemetery, Oct. 23, 1937.
There were twelve graves and four lots repaired at a cost of $149.50.
Care of all veterans lots in Laurel Hill Cemetery and Forest Glen Cemetery $450.50.
I find after careful inspection of the veterans graves in both ceme- teries that they are very well cared for and are all in good condition.
Respectfully yours, HARRY A. TURNER, Custodian of Soldiers' and Sailors Graves. Town of Reading
352
INDEX
Page 257
Balance Sheet
312
Receipts
258
Payments
263
Appropriations
268
Appropriation Accounts
278
Town Debt
307
Invested Funds
309
Animal Inspector's Report
97
Assessors
318
Births Registered
61
Births Registered for Previous Years
66
Board of Appeal
94
Board of Assessors
318
Board of Health
96
Board of Public Welfare
323
Director of Old Age Assistance Report
332
Welfare Superintendent's Report
325
Board of Public Works
195
Executive Office
250
Highway Department
218
Park Department
236
Sewer Department
241
Superintendent's Report
199
Water Department
200
Building Inspector's Report
98
Cemetery Trustees
253
Forest Glen Cemetery
255
Laurel Hill Cemetery
254
Chief of Fire Department
101
Chief of Police
99
Collector of Taxes
315
Custodian of Soldiers and Sailors' Graves
352
Deaths Registered
75
Dogs Licensed
60
Dog Officer's Report
96
Elections : Town
14
Electric Light Commissioners
105
Auditor's Report
144
Manager's Report
106
Officers
106
Fire Alarm Card
Back Page
Fire Alarm Superintendent's Report 103
Fire Chief's Report 101
Forest Warden's Report 103
History of Reading 102
Inspector of Animals
97
Inspector of Building's Report
98
Inspector of Milk and Food
351
Inspector of Plumbing
97
Accountant's Report
INDEX
Page 98
Inspector of Wires
List of Jurors
11
Marriages Registered
67
Milk and Food Inspector's Report
351
Middlesex County Extension Service Report 94
Municipal Light Board Report 105
Notice to Parents, Housewives, Physicians and Midwives 58
Old Age Assistance Director's Report
332
Planning Board 251
Plumbing Inspector's Report
97
Police Chief's Report
99
Public Library Report
89
Public Works Report
195
School Committee
165
Administrative Officers
166
Age-Grade Table
190
Budget
172
Change in Personnel
174
Commencement Exercises
191
High School Graduates
192
No School Signals
167
Receipts Not From Tax Levy
170
School Committee's Report
169
School Schedule
168
Superintendent's Report
178
Teachers in Service, Dec. 31, 1937
175
Sealer of Weights and Measures
350
Selectmen's Report
80
Soldiers' Relief Agent Report
349
Sporting Licenses
59
Statistics
10
Superintendent of Fire Alarm
103
Tax Collector's Report
315
Town Counsel's Report
86
Town Election
14
Town Forest Committee
95
Town Meetings
16
Annual
16
Special: March 30
42
Special : Nov. 15
47
Special: Dec. 6
56
Town Officers
3 10
Town of Reading, History
10
Treasurer's Report
321
Tree Warden's Report
349
W. P. A. Sponsor's Agent Report 336
Welfare Superintendent's Report 325
Wire Inspector's Report 98
Town of Reading, Statistics
TOWN OF READING FIRE ALARM BOXES (March 1, 1938)
112 Woburn and Sanborn
41 Village and Green
113 Woburn and Bancroft Ave.
114 Mt. Vernon, Chute and School
115 Woburn and High
12 Central Fire Station
121 Main opp. Pleasant
1212 Main and Haven 122 Haven and Linden
123 Haven and High
124 Green and Ash
13 Main and Washington
14 Hill Crest Road and Oak
141 Hill Crest Road and Howard
15 So. Main and Minot
152 Summer and Penn. Aves.
16 So. Main and South
17 Summer Ave. and Walnut
18 Minot and Center Ave.
19 Walnut and Curtis
21 Lincoln and Fulton
211 Prescott and Arlington
2112 C. H. Bangs Co. Pres. St. Pvt.
212 Prescott and Sunnyside Ave.
213 Pratt and Fairview Ave.
214 Prescott and Perkins Ave.
217 West and Howard
219 County Road
55
Reading Rubber Mills
221 Union St. School (Private)
224 High School (Private)
56 Ash and Avon
*57 Summer Ave., east of Main
*59 Hopkins, east of Main
61 Lowell and Salem
232 Junior High School
611 Home for Aged Women (Pvt)
612 Locust and Bancroft Ave.
242 Summer Ave. and Woodbine
25 Prospect and King
62 Lowell, east of Linden
622 Middlesex and Bancroft Aves.
262 Berkeley and Freemont
27 Summer Ave. and Prescott
28 West and County Road
63
Hanscom Avenue
29 West and King
*632
Winthrop Ave., & Hartshorn
64 Lowell and Grand
641 Lowell Street School
642 Vine and Vale Road
65
Lowell and Grove
34 No. Main and Ridge Rd.
35 No. Main and Forest
*655 Lowell Street Bridge
352 Forest east of Colburn Rd.
67 Grove and Forest
353 Van Norden Road
68 Grove and Franklin
*355 Forest near Hulburt Rd.
*681 Grove beyond Franklin
36 N. Main, N. of LaFayette Rd.
69 Franklin and Van Norden Rd.
73 Spare box
38 No. Main and Franklin
382 Franklin west of Main
39 No. Main and Mill
*391
Sanborn's Lane, off Mill
*82 No. Read. State Sanatorium
*10 Town Forest, off Grove St.
SPECIAL SIGNALS
2 Recall
4 Followed by box, 3rd Alarm.
Calls Eng. 1 from Wakefield
3 Followed by box, 2nd alarm
4 Police call
7 W. P. A. Signal
Telephone, Central Fire Station
Reading 0430
*Transmitter boxes, sounded only from Central Fire Station
412 Boston Stove Foundry
414 Green and Beech
42 Haven and John
422 Eaton and Pleasant
43 Salem and John
44 Salem and Pearl
442 Pierce and Orange
45 Salem and Belmont
452 Salem and Libby Ave.
453 Libby Avenue
46 Charles and Pearl
*461 Pearl and Wakefield
47 Charles and Haverhill
*471 Charles and Wakefield
*472 Haverhill and Wakefield
48 Bay State Road
481 Salem and Line Rd.
*482 Torre St. and Harvest Rd.
*483 Haverhill and Rivers Rd.
*485 Rifle Range, Rivers Rd.
49 Haverhill and Franklin
*491 Franklin and Pearl
*52 Chapin Ave.
53 So. Main and Knollwood Rd.
54 Ash and Cross
227 Prospect St. School
228 Chestnut Hill School
23 Woburn and Temple
233 Summer Ave. and Temple
24 Mineral and Hancock
614 Auburn and Chestnut Rd.
*615 Bancroft Ave. and Tower Rd.
252 Long View Road
26 Eng. 2 Station, Woburn St.
623 School and Dudley
6231 Highland School (Private)
625 Middlesex Ave. and High
291 West and Longwood Road
292 West beyond Longwood Rd.
31 No. Main and Charles
32 No. Main and Locust
653 Lowell and Dustin
37 N. Main and Pearl, So. Hose 3
*8 Out of Town
22 No School Signal
3-3 Boy Scout Call
*81 Call to Wakefield
*392 Mill and Short
551 Sanford Mills (Private)
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