USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1937 > Part 8
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23
The trustees at the end of the year requested the selectmen to replace the cement-block walk from the Woburn st. entrance to the Main st. entrance, and to plant shrubbery along the front of the library. Assurance was given of both these improvements in the Spring. Painting, much needed, both inside and out, is promised on a W. P. A. project and the trustees are given to understand that it should ma- terialize before Spring.
During the Summer the board lost its chairman, when Harry J.
90
Barclay removed from Reading. His service on the board had been continuous since 1928. He was elected secretary in 1932 and chair- man in 1934. He was always conscientious in his service of the library, and as chairman considerate and co-operative in his relations with members of the board and of the library staff. In the Autumn, Louis M. Lyons was elected chairman, and to complete Mr. Barclay's term. A. Imrie Dixon of the High School history department was elected by joint action of the board of selectmen and the library trustees.
The report of the librarian follows : To the Trustees :
Expenses of the Library, 1937
Appropriation :
Salaries
$ 5,120.00
Maintenance
3,000.00
Expended
Salaries, I ibrarian, assistants, janitor
$ 5,117.75
Fuel, light, water, sewer
363.34
Printing and supplies
176.77
Books, periodicals and binding
2,148.43
Maintenance and repairs
179.33
Insurance
85.00
Miscellaneous
45.39
$ 8,116.01
Balance unexpended and returned to revenue :
On salaries
$ 2.25
On maintenance
1.74
$ 8,120.00
Receipts
Fines collected
$ 456.58
Two fees for out-of-town borrowers
4.00
$ 460.58
Paid to Town Treasurer
$ 460.58
Balance Dec. 31, 1937
$ 0.00
Statistics, 1937
Volumes in the Library, Dec. 31, 1936
20,204
Volumes bought :
Adult fiction
444
Adult non-fiction
417
Juvenile fiction
260
Juvenile non-fiction
111
861
371
$ 8,120.00
91
14
Reference Books
1,247
Received by gift
56
Total
$ 21,507
Withdrawn during the year
512
Total number of volumes Dec. 31, 1937
20,995
Circulation for home use, adult
71446
Circulation for home use, juvenile
21476
Total circulation in 1937
92,922
Total circulation in 1936
91,510
Gain in 1937
1,412
New borrowers registered, adult
366
New borrowers registered, juvenile
237
Total new borrowers 603
Total borrowers registered during past five years (incl. active borrowers registered) Number of days the library was open 303
3547
Average daily circulation, adult 236
Average daily circulation, juvenile
71
Volumes deposited in schools 238
The circulation of books for home use was slightly larger for 1937 than for 1936, being 8.6 per capita. The Division of Public Libraries puts 7 per capita as. an average circulation. As the appropriation for the support of the library and the hours it is open are less than what the Division recommends, this seems a good record. The use of the library cannot so easily be measured; the people reading the current magazines, the High School pupils crowding in after school for help in their lessons, the children in their room downstairs who like their "lib'ry lady" so well the circulation falls off when she is on vacation-these increase with each passing year. The use of the library certainly keeps pace with the growth of the town.
In June seventy-nine certificates for reading five books and twelve honor certificates for reading twenty books from the state reading list were awarded by Miss Turner, Children's Librarian at assembly at the Highland School. In the fall it was decided not to continue this work as Miss Carney, the assistant who had done the major part of examining the children was leaving and the Children's Librarian was too busy with her regular work to undertake this extra task.
In July and August Miss Turner had a story-hour on Wednesday af- ternoons. The average attendance was twenty-five children whose eager attention showed how much they enjoyed the stories.
During the year there was exhibited in the showcase, old adver- tising cards of 1880 loaned by Miss Marjorie Kenney, picture postals of
92
the Canadian Rockies loaned by Mrs. Arthur Mansfield, a fine collection of butterflies loaned by Mr. Norman Macmann and Mr. Maurice Reic- hardt, dolls of foreign countries loaned by Mrs. Constance Roberts, be- sides old books and photographs belonging to the library. Mr. Mac- mann also exhibited a live praying mantis which had been set him from Connecticut. The praying mantis is a southern insect seldom seen so far north as Connecticut.
The annual drive for books for the Merchant Marine brought thirty- two books and some magazines which were forwarded to Boston Head- quarters.
In the fall the Librarian gave a talk on the use of the library at the Junior High School to the pupils in the 9th grade. She also gave the same talk with added details on the location of the books to five groups of sophomores from the Senior High School, at the library on five mornings in October and November. The extra time given for this instruction was repaid by an increased ability of the pupils to find books and reference material for themselves.
Respectfully submitted,
BERTHA L. BROWN
Librarian.
Following is the estimate for the library expenditure in 1938: Salaries of three librarians, the janitor, and part time as- sistance
$ 5195*
Maintenance
Fuel, light, water, sewer 375
Printing and supplies 200
Books, magazines and binding
2050
Repairs and maintenance
200
Insurance
85
Miscellaneous
90
Total
$ 8195
The $75 addition in the salary item over the 1937 budget figure is to cover the cost of hourly assistance to keep the library open an additional hour a day. The maintenance budget totals the same as in 1937.
LOUIS M. LYONS, Chairman
WARREN L. FLETCHER, Secretary
HELEN P. TIRRELL ISABEL G. HEDGES
C. NELSON BISHOP A. IMRIE DIXON
Board of Library Trustees
93
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEAL
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :--- Gentlemen :
Nine petitions for variation of the application of the Zoning By- Law were presented to the Board of Appeal during 1931, of which four were granted, five denied. Full particulars of all these cases are on file with the Town Clerk and are open to the inspection of the public.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY Q. MILLETT, Chairman FRED L. NUTTER, Secretary BENJAMIN B. PIPER
Board of Appeal
MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE IN AGRICULTURE AND HOME ECONOMICS
The following is the report of the work of the Middlesex County Ex- tension Service in the town of Reading for the year, 1937.
Most of the agricultural work in the town of Reading this past year has been conducted by the poultrymen. Many farm visits have been made upon request to assist in disease control and general poultry man- agement. General information has been sent out to forty-five different poultrymen. Co-operation has been rendered the Reading Poultry As- sociation and part taken in their various poultry meetings.
Spray service warnings were mailed to local fruit and vegetable growers. Of general interest is the fact that motion pictures were taken of Mr. W. S. Hopkins, Jr.'s, tomato packing methods. This film is to be shown by the State College throughout Massachusetts.
Five groups in Reading enrolled in the project on Garment Finishes ; three groups in Coats; two groups in Food Buying. A leader training school was held in Reading for this latter project, also for Music and Folk Dancing. There were four groups enrolled in Silk and Wool Dresses, who also attended the leader school for this project. A large number took part in the Annual Homemakers' Day and attended the Music and Folk Dancing Festival, which was given at the Reading Com- munity Club. The Christmas Kit project was also given in Reading.
In boys' and girls' 4-H club work, Reading had a very successful year with }'rs. Alice Henderson serving as chairman of the town 4-H Club committee. Committee members and local leaders were: Mrs. Roger Gale, Mrs. Elmer Batchelder, Mrs. George Abbott and Mrs. Charles Park.
There were twenty-five girls enrolled in five clothing clubs, and twenty-five boys enrolled in garden and conservation clubs. These clubs
94
were under the leadership of the following: Clothing, Mrs. Harry U. Camp, Mrs. John O'Brien, Mrs. James C. Gray, Mrs. Fred Manter, Mrs. Frank Tanner, and Mrs. Leonard Nichols; Garden, E. A. Lucas and Rob- ert Larrabee; and Conservation, George Burns.
An officers' training school was held with generous assistance offer- ed by the Reading local leaders. A mid-year rally was conducted by the Club Agents assisted by local leaders and club members. The final ex- hibit was held at Legion Hall with town chairman, Mrs. Henderson and local leaders in charge of the very excellent exhibit and program. At- tendance was good.
Dorothy Bailey was awarded the two-day trip to Amherst for her excellent record in the clothing project. Harriet Camp, Evelyn McLeod, Allie Benton, Elsie Mason and Marion Gray attended Camp Middlesex at the State College, Amherst, Mrs. John O'Brien attended leaders' camp. A. F. MacDOUGALL, Director.
REPORT OF TOWN FOREST
Board of Selectmen
Reading, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
A very little has been done in the Town Forest this past year 1937 owing to the fact that there was not enough land to plant on.
At our last March Town Meeting it was voted to take a parcel of land, about twelve and half acres, but it was too late to plant any trees that year.
With this additional tract of land it is going to make a wonderful improvement for our Town Forest. We have ordered twelve thousand more trees to add to our Town Forest this year.
We kept a watchman all through the summer months to watch for fires, cut weavels off the trees, and clean out water holes. No doubt, he saved the forest from having bad fires, and the money that was paid for this service was well spent.
The forest has put on the largest growth this year since it has been planted.
Finances
Our financial expenditures are all embodied in the report of the Town Accountant to which we would refer you for any information that you may desire in that line.
Respectfully yours,
ORVILLE O. ORDWAY, Chairman LELAND W. KINGMAN
HENRY M. DONEGAN The Town Forest Committee
95
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of Reading :-
There were one hundred ninety contagious diseases reported during the year 1937.
Anterior Poliomyelitis 5
Chicken Pox
27
Dog Bite 27
Lobar Pneumonia
3
Measles
72
Mumps
2
Tuberculosis
10
Paratyphoid B
3
Scarlet Fever
30
Whooping Cough
97
Male
39
Female
58
34 were between
80 and 90
24 were between 70 and 80
21 were between 60 and 70
8 were between
50 and 60
3 were between
40 and 50
2 were between
30 and 40
3 were between
20 and 30
2 were between
1 and 20
Respectfully submitted,
E. M. HALLIGAN, M. D.
R. B. SHEPARDSON, M. D.
C. F. ATKINSON
Board of Health
DOG OFFICER'S REPORT
December 31, 1937.
The Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit my report as Dog Officer to Decemeber 31, 1937.
I have canvassed the town to see that all dogs were licensed and unlicensed and stray dogs have been found and disposed of as follows : 226 have been destroyed and 21 have been returned to owners.
I have received 427 complaints regarding dog damage, etc., and have investigated the same. One complaint was taken to court and a fine imposed on the dog owner.
96
11
Number of deaths
There have been five cases of dogs killing hens, the number of hens killed was 67. I have disposed of 32 dogs which were killed by automo- biles.
At this time I wish to thank the Police Department and District Court for assistance rendered to me in the disposition of my duties.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES H. MELENDY
Dog Officer
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Reading, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Animals for the year 1937.
On January 1, 1938, there were approximately 465 head of neat ani- mals in the town.
The number of animals inspected were: cattle 187, swine 262, goats 16.
There were 52 cases of dog bites reported, and three cases of dogs affected with the Rabies. All dogs known to have had contact with and all dogs known to have been suspected of having contact with rabid animals were quarantined.
Respectfully submitted,
BERNARD SCHIMPFKE
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
To the Board of Health,
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1937.
Number of Permits granted 137
Number of fixtures installed 647
Bath tubs 81
Lavatories
128
Closets 131
Sinks
111
Wash trays
118
Boilers
72
Showers
6
I have made 241 inspections.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID TAGGART Inspector of Plumbing.
97
REPORT OF BUILDING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Gentlemen :
I hereby submit my report for the year 1937.
The building construction for the past year was as follows : 59 new one family dwellings at an estimated cost of ........ $ 243,225
30 alterations and additions to dwellings at an estimated cost of 27,300
19 new private garages at an estimated cost of 5,105
1 new municipal garage and office building
3 new gasoline service stations
1 new storehouse
1 new greenhouse
1 toolhouse
4 new henhouses
11 alterations and additions to various buildings
Estimated cost of above building construction 66,144
Total estimated cost of all new and remodelled buildings for the past year $ 341,774
Total number of permits granted 130.
Fees received for building permits $397.50.
Respectfully submitted, A. RUSSELL BARNES
Building Inspector.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF WIRES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Reading, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my first annual report as Inspector of Wires for the Town of Reading for the term ending December 31, 1937.
New houses wired, 70; old houses wired, 4; additional tenements, 9; repairs and alterations, 177; filling stations, 4; henhouses, 4; garages (private), 1 ; garages (public), 2; greenhouses, 4; beauty parlors, 1; gaso- line pumps, 17; ranges, 66; waterheaters, 17; oil burners, 90; motors (commercial), 23; ice cream chests, 3; incubators, 1; signs, 9; sign flashers, 1; heat regulators, 7; blowers for heaters, 3; coal stokers, 2; bell transformers, 2; soda fountains, 1; electric kitchens, 1; lightning repairs, 1; fire repairs, 1; repairs after explosion, 1. Total Permits Is- sued 522. Re-Inspections 375. Total Number Inspections 897.
98
Wiring condemned, 6; notices to State Examiners, 5; prosecutions in court, 1; working without license, 3; working without permit, 11; notices to correct faulty work, 33; complaints received and investigated, 12.
I wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen for their co- operation during the past year and all others who have assisted in any way. I also wish to thank those townspeople who called to my atten- tion the doubtful conditions they found that might be injurious to life or property so that they could be investigated, and I hope that this no- tification will continue, as, by so doing, the electric wiring in Reading can be made as safe as is possible.
It will be noted that there has been a very substantial increase in the number of permits issued as well as the total number of inspections made throughout the year.
I have had several violations throughout the year but only one had to be prosecuted in Woburn court where a fine of $10.00 was imposed for wiring without a license and permit. All others were handled by the State Examiners of Electricians and myself in a very satisfactory man- ner to all.
Respectfully submitted,
ALBERT C. MAXWELL, Inspector of Wires.
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit the annual report of the Police Department of Town of Reading for the year ending December 31, 1937.
Arrests for the year 1937-263.
Males 257, females 6; residents 144; non residents 119; adults 242; minors 21; American born 223; foreign 40.
Causes of Arrests
Assault and Battery, 4; Larceny, 3; Warrants for out-of-town of- ficers, 13; Insane, 2; Drunkenness, 114; Operating under the influence of liquor, 17; Operating after revocation of license, 5; Operating after expiration of license, 3; Driving so as to endanger, 7; Other auto viola- tions, 31; Breaking and entering, 12; Illegitimacy, 3; Non-support, 10; Capias, 3; Non-payment of wages, 4; Stubborn child, 1; Runaway, 1; Habitual truant, 1; Manslaughter, 1; Failure to restrain dog, 2; Hit and run, 1; Adultery, 1; Fornication, 1; Lewd person, 2; Indecent exposure, 2; Accosting, 1; Gambling on the Lord's Day and being present at same, 6; Drug addict, 1; Disturbing the peace, 6; Mis-appropriation of auto, 1; Assault with a dangerous weapon, 1; Violation of building laws, 1; vio- lation of the laws pertaining to electric wiring, 1; Operating an un- licensed and uninsured automobile, 3.
99
Disposition of Cases in Court
Fined, 58; Filed, 32; Released, 83; Continued, 22; Turned over to out-town officers, 18; Discharged, 8; Held for Grand Jury, 1; Proba- tion, 3; Dismissed for lack of prosecution, 2; Complaint refused, 1; De- faulted, 1; Restitution, 2; Judication, 1; Turned over to State Dept. of Public Welfare, 1; House of Correction, 11; House of Correction sus- pended, 14; Danvers State Hospital, 3; Middlesex County Training School, 1; Sherburn, 1.
Amount of Fines Imposed by Court
28 at $5.00 each, $140.00; 6 at $10.00 each, $60.00; 2 at $20.00 each, $40.00; 4 at $25.00 each, $100.00; 11 at $35.00 each, $385.00; 3 at $50.00 each, $150.00; 3 at $100.00 each, $300.00.
Miscellaneous
Cases investigated, 546; automobile accidents, 135 ; guarding payrolls, 52; put ups, 66; buildings found open and secured, 96; dogs shot by of- ficers, 9; cats shot by officers, 1; special messages delivered after hours, 71; children lost and found and turned over to parents, 12; windows found open and secured, 17; wires found and reported, 12; street lights out and reported, 111; old people found straying away from home picked up and returned to their homes, 7; fires reported by officers, 5; defective streets and sidewalks, 8; summons delivered, 136; dead bodies taken care of, 3; property reported stolen, $4,714.75; property recovered, $3,809.85 ; persons injured in accidents taken to doctors, 56; persons in- jured in accidents taken to hospitals, 34; fatal accidents, 3; ambulance made the following runs to hospitals : New England Sanatarium, 1; Win- chester, 40; Mass. General, 16; Mass. Memorial, 15; Choate Memorial, 43; Private Hospitals in Reading, 13; Private Hospitals in Boston, 3; Malden City, 1; Melrose Hospital, 4; Carney Hospital, 17; Danvers State Hospital, 2; Saint Elizabeth Hospital, 2; Osteopathic Hospital, 2; Baker Memorial, 4; Deaconess, 1; Peter Bent Brigham, 1; U. S. Naval, 3; Faulkner, 1; Newton City, 1; Huntington Memorial, 2; Lynn City, 1; Peabody, 1; Lawrence General, 3; Cambridge City, 1; Trumble Hospital, 1; Palmer Memorial, 3; New England Baptist, 1; Fort Banks, 1; From street to homes, 4; Edgerley and Bessom's Mortuary, 1; covering 5,730 miles. Cruising car starts out at 8 p. m., puts up at 5 a. m. going all night to all parts of the town with radio in car. Teletype at station so that desk man can contact car in two minutes.
Conclusion
At this time I wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen, the Judges of our District Court, the Clerks of our Court, our local Press, and all others who assisted in promoting the welfare of this department, also the members of this department for what they have done.
Respectfully submitted,
JEREMIAH CULLINANE,
Chief of Police.
100
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen :
The 1937 report of the Chief of the Fire Department is herewith submitted.
Manual Force
The manual force of the Department consists of 9 permanent men, including the Chief, and 23 call men.
Apparatus
At the Central Fire Station are located a 1937 Packard sedan for the use of the Chief; Engine 1, a 1,000 gallon per minute Seagrave pumping engine with a 100 gallon booster tank, which was purchased in 1934; Engine 3, a 600 gallon per minute Seagrave pump with an 85 gal- lon booster tank, which was purchased in 1929; Engine 4, a 1932 Chev- rolet used for brush fires, which carries a 100 gallon per minute por- table pump, an 85 gallon booster tank and 3,000 feet of 1 1-2 inch hose; Ladder 1, a Robinson ladder truck purchased in 1916. This truck car- ries 342 feet of ladders, a 40 gallon chemical tank, first aid and rescue equipment. This apparatus has outlived its usefulness and the ladders are unsafe. The 60 foot extension ladder has been removed and a borrowed 55 foot ladder is in its place. Engine 2 is located in the Wo- burn street station. This is a Seagrave 400 gallon per minute pumping engine with a 65 gallon booster tank, purchased in 1926.
Changes During Year
The running card of Engine 2 has been changed and this engine does not go to cover the central station on any boxes, but remains in the west side station on the boxes it does not respond to. A telephone has been placed in this station. 2 call men were added to the force. One call man resigned.
Instruction
Regular department drills have been held during the summer. Four men have been graduated from the fire school in Arlington and four have taken the advanced course. The Deputy Chief attended the in- structors' classes at Weymouth.
Inspections and Permits
Permits have been issued for the storage of 34,685 gallons of fuel oil in connection with 92 power heater burners, 2 water heaters, 71 range burners and 610 gallons stored for retail. There are now recorded a total of 2,402 burners of which 1,438 are range and 964 heater burners.
2 blasting, 15 alcohol, 6 fireworks permits have been issued also 1 for the removal of underground gasoline tanks.
101
Business and manufacturing establishments, schools and public buildings have been inspected.
Fire Record
The department has responded to 241 still and 66 bell alarms, a to- tal of 307.
Value of property endangered
$174,932.00
Insurance on same
110,000.00
Loss
8,287.09
Insurance Paid
7,360.09
Uninsured Loss
927.00
Miles apparatus
traveled
8,266.1
Feet of Hose laid, 2 1-2 inch
8,800
1 1-2 inch
20,700
1 inch
4,250
3-4 inch
4,400
Feet of Ladders Raised
543
Booster tanks used
72
3-gallon soda and acid extinguishers
39
3-gallon foam extinguishers
4
1 quart carbon-tetrachloride extinguishers
3
Carbon-dioxide extinguishers
12
Hours engines pumped
34 1-2
Calls for inhalator
3
Salvage covers spread
8
Recommendations
I recommend the replacement of Ladder 1 as this piece of apparatus is over 21 years old, is in need of repairs, and the ladders are showing dry rot. It was necessary to remove the 60-foot ladder, which is 30 years old, and borrow a 55 foot ladder from another department. As this truck is a very important piece of equipment and is depended on for rescue work, it should be replaced at once with a modern "Junior" Aerial Truck with a booster tank.
Conclusion
In conclusion I wish to thank the Honorable Board for its co-opera- tion, the members of the department for the faithful performance of their duty, other town departments for services rendered, and em- ployees of the telephone company for the prompt and efficient trans- mission of emergency calls to this department.
Respectfully submitted,
HUGH L. EAMES, Chief of the Fire Department.
102
REPORT OF THE FOREST FIRE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen :
The annual report of the Forest Fire Warden is herewith submitted.
The department has responded to 156 grass and brush fires which is four more than last year. The greater number of these were of careless or inalicious origin.
Respectfully submitted,
HUGH L. EAMES, Forest Fire Warden.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARM
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report for the year of 1937.
Four boxes were added to the system this year, a new modern trans- mitter was purchased and one tape register take-up reel installed to replace one which was beyond repair.
Conduits have been laid and box pedestal bases set to allow the ex- tension of the underground cables on Woburn street from Sanborn to Pratt and allow the removal of the overhead fire alarm wires and police cables on Washington street from Ash to High and on High street from Washington to Woburn, when cables are drawn in the coming year.
Many box numbers have been changed this year to place them in rotation. All boxes with numbers beginning with three are located on North Main street or west of Main. All boxes with first numbers be- ginning with six are now located in the northwest section of the town.
Much of the overhead construction will have to be changed to new poles, and some cross arms replaced.
I recommend that the underground cables be extended on Main street from Washington to south of the railroad crossing, and on Wo- burn from Sanborn street to Pratt. Also I wish to call your attention to the need of more boxes to provide reasonable protection to all parts of the town. I wish to thank the board for its co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.