USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1938 > Part 20
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Federal Funds Expended For Emergency Relief During 1938
W. P. A. Program Earnings only through Dec., 1938. $157,940.63 Value of Surplus Food Commodities Distributed. 15,187.21
Value of Surplus Clothing Distributed 11,935.00
Total $185,062.84
Moth Project
This project, sponsored by the Board of Selectmen, resulted in the spraying of trees along the highways, and the creosoting of nests of gypsy and browntail moths, tent caterpillars and associated insect pests over approximately 1,000 acres of woodland.
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Tree Trimming Project
Under this project, sponsored by the Board of Selectmen, trees along 39 miles of the town's highways were trimmed and cleared of dead branches.
Police Department Records Project
The Police Department records project was sponsored by the Board of Selectmen.
Having given the Department a modern up-to-date Police Station and two-way radio equipment it seemed necessary to arrange the rec- ords of the Department so that each record might be quickly and easily available, not only for the use of our Police Department but for the Police Departments of the various cities and towns as well as the State Department of Public Safety with whom it is necessary to co- operate at all times in order to obtain the best in Police protection.
In accomplishing this work we have to date corrected and brought up-to-date the following material :
1. Business and Professional Emergency Address List. 424
2. Drivers' Accident Record Cards 3129
3. Master Arrest Cards 1873
4. Individual Arrest Cards 3680
5. Cards on miscellaneous complaints filed with the Dept. 1462
6. Warrants and Capias Record Cards 987
7. Summons and Subpoena Record Cards 1432
8. Day Book Records transcribed, filed and indexed (pages)
2400
9. Accident Reports transcribed and recorded 967
We wish to take this opportunity to thank Police Chief Jeremiah Cullinane, as well as the members of the entire Police force, for their wholehearted co-operation and assistance.
Municipal Buildings Repair Project
Under this project, sponsored by the Board of Selectmen, the in- terior of the following buildings were renovated.
Town Building
Public Library Junior High School
Third floor Senior High School
Cemetery Records Project
This project, when completed, will enable the Board of Cemetery Trustees to have a complete record of every lot and grave in Laurel Hill Cemetery. A card file system of individual lots, showing the lot numbers, to whom deeded, present owner, area of lot, number of graves
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and a plan drawn to scale showing location of burials, is being pre- pared. A cross index to the master file is also being compiled. As there are over 7,000 people buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery, the vast amount of work involved in this project can well be appreciated.
Storm Water Drains
The storm water drainage system in the town was increased by 5,072 feet on the streets listed below.
Pleasant Street-669.5 feet 12 inch concrete pipe, 4 catch basins, 3 manholes, 2 curb inlets.
Elliott Street-363 feet 24 inch concrete pipe, 221.5 feet 15 inch concrete pipe, 28 feet 12 inch concrete pipe, 2 catch basins, and 2 curb inlets.
Village Street-7.5 feet 18 inch concrete pipe, 32.7 feet 12 inch pipe, 1 catch basin, 1 manhole and 1 curb inlet.
Minot Street-25 feet 6 inch V. C. pipe and 1 catch basin.
Haven Street-438.3 12 inch concrete pipe, 7 catch basins and 5 manholes.
Center Avenue-493 feet 12 inch concrete pipe, 34 feet 8 inch V. C. pipe, 6 feet 6 inch V. C. pipe, 5 catch basins, 2 manholes and 4 curb inlets.
Parker Street-292.2 feet 12 inch concrete pipe, 51 feet 10 inch con- crete pipe, 4 catch basins and 1 manhole.
Oak Street-690.8 feet 12 inch concrete pipe, 6 catch basins, 4 man- holes and 6 curb inlets.
Green Street-1,008 feet 12 inch concrete pipe, 11 catch basins, 2 manholes and 10 curb inlets.
Pinevale Avenue-711.5 feet 12 inch concrete pipe, 8 catch basins, 5 manholes and 7 curb inlets.
Toy Repair Project
Under this project, started Nov. 21, 1938, old toys and children's furniture donated by the citizens of the town are repaired and painted. Over 500 toys were turned over to the Welfare Department for distri- bution at Christmas time. This project is continuing into 1939.
Housekeeping Aides Project
The Housekeeping Aides Project, sponsored by the Board of Se- lectmen, was started on February 14, 1938, and employs nine house- keeping aides, a clerk, and a project supervisor.
The purpose of this project is to furnish free home assistance in housework and care of children in the homes of the needy where the homemaker is totally or partially incapacitated because of ill health or confinement, or in case of some temporary emergency which makes. this assistance necessary. These cases must be recommended in writ-
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ing by any doctor, Visiting Nurse, Welfare office, Old Age Assistance office, Soldiers' Relief Agent or any recognized charitable organization.
During the time this project has been running, fifty-three families in Reading have received housekeeping service, thirteen cases being for confinements, and the balance for ill health, old age and motherless homes.
Street Survey Project
This project, continued through from 1937, has resulted in the sur- vey of 14 miles of highways. No plans of these streets have heretofore been available.
Elevations for profile and cross sections were taken on 28 miles of streets. Plans of the above surveys were made by skilled draftsmen and are now on file in the office of the Board of Public Works.
This project when completed, will make available plans, profiles and cross sections of all streets in the town.
Town Forest Roadway Project
The Town Forest Roadways Project was started on August 8, 1938. Five thousand feet of cart roads have been widened to 20 feet, low places filled and knolls cut down. Retaining walls were constructed where necessary to hold fill and entire road area surfaced with gravel. On the completion of this project in the spring of 1939, the fire hazard to the 125,000 pine trees in the Forest will be lessened to a great de- gree as the fire apparatus will then be able to cover the entire area.
Reflooring of School Buildings
When completed this project, which was started on November 14, 1938, will result in the removal of all old flooring in the Senior High School and Chestnut Hill School and the relaying and treatment of new.
Demolition of John Street Barn
Under this project the building at the corner of John and Union Streets, formerly used as the Public Works Garage, has been taken down and material salvaged.
Public Buildings and Park Surveys
This project was started on November 27, 1938. The object of this project is to make surveys and plans of all town owned property, in- cluding floor plans of all buildings.
12 Inch Water Mains
This project was sponsored by the Board of Selectmen. 2,517 lin. ft. of 12 inch water mains were layed on Grove Street, starting at the corner of Franklin Street. When this project is completed, there will be two 12 inch lines to the new pumping station.
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Local Compensation Division
The following report covers injuries sustained on W. P. A. projects during 1938.
1. Injuries of a minor nature not requiring the medical attention of a physician : 74 cases.
2. Injured and requiring medical attention of a physician, yet los- ing no time from work: 23 cases.
3. Injured and requiring medical attention of a physician, also losing time from work with compensation : total of 4 cases.
This makes a grand total of 101 accident cases in the Town of Reading for the year 1938.
The total amount paid to doctors in Reading for services rendered was $185.50.
The total amount paid pharmacies in the Town of Reading for the year 1938 was $3.40.
Shade Tree Repair Project
This project sponsored by the Board of Selectmen was started on October 24, 1938. Trees damaged by the hurricane are being repaired. This includes the cutting of dead branches, bracing limbs with rods and cables, painting and filling cavities where necessary to preserve the life of tree, and the removal of trees beyond preservation.
Vital Statistics Records
This project has been in operation since July 11, 1938. The spe- cific purpose to be served by the project is, as the name indicates :
"The preparation of a new vital statistics record for the years 1644 to 1937. To be copied from book forms onto a card system. Old books are to be copied in their entirety, to enable preservation of old records which are fading and becoming torn through constant use. Completed records will be maintained currently after completion."
The project is well on the way to completion. Duplicate copies are made of the records in book form for filing both in the Clerk's office and Town Library, if desired. The card system is for the Clerk's office.
Forest Glen Cemetery
The development of Forest Glen Cemetery continued during 1938, work being started, after closing for the winter months, on March 14th. The first section of the cemetery, containing 554 four grave lots with an approximate value of $114,000.00, was completed on October 14, 1938. 6,840 sq. yards of area was graded, loamed and seeded. 425 lin. ft. of 2 inch water main was laid and 5 hydrants set. The stone mor- tared wall on the western boundary was increased by 204 lin. ft. The new project which will eventually result in the completion of the en-
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tire cemetery was started on October 17, 1938. This will necessitate the removal of 570 trees, the digging over to a depth of 6 feet, 4 acres of land, installation of adequate drainage and water mains, construc- tion of roadways, grading and loaming of entire new area and con- struction of mortared stone wall on all property lines. This new area when completed will have approximately 800 four grave lots valued at $200,000.00. The total valuation of the area developed under W. P. A. projects will be $314,000.00. The total cost to the Town for materials and equipment since the development started in November, 1936, is $14,206.40.
School Grounds Projects
Work on the school grounds was started in the spring of 1938 and continued until December, when project was suspended for the winter months.
At the Junior High School a new driveway 20 feet wide and 200 feet in length, surfaced with a permanent pea stone and asphalt mate- rial was constructed.
At the Highland School a complete system of drainage was in- stalled covering the entire grounds area. This required the laying of 1,815 lineal feet of 5 inch vitrified clay pipe, 268 feet of 12 inch con- crete pipe, and the construction of 28 catch basins and 8 manholes. All conductor pipes leading from the buildings were connected to the new system. A mortared stone retaining wall along the entire length of the southern boundary was constructed. The entrance on Deering Street was widened considerably and new concrete retaining walls con- structed. The entire play area was regraded and surfaced with stone dust. A concrete curb, topped with brick was constructed along the sides of all walks, driveways and parking areas. Driveways, walks and parking areas were regraded and surfaced with a permanent pea stone and asphalt material. The grading, loaming and seeding of grass areas will be done in the spring.
At Chestnut Hill School, a drainage system was installed and the entire play area regraded and surfaced with stone dust. A mortared stone retaining wall was constructed on the west boundary and a chain link fence erected.
Hurricane
On September 22nd, the day following the hurricane, permission was immediately obtained from W. P. A. headquarters to use as many men as needed to clear the streets of the Town of fallen trees. Sev- enty men were put to work at once. Too much credit cannot be given these men for the manner in which they tackled the emergency. Crews were kept working day and night until all streets were passable and dangerously leaning trees removed. During the three days following
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the hurricane, 92 telephone calls were received at the local W. P. A. office from citizens for aid, and each call was taken care of on the day received. Logs from the fallen trees were taken to the Town Farm where they were sawed and split for Welfare distribution. Two hundred and forty-two cords of wood were distributed to needy citizens.
Annual Report of W. P. A. Recreation, 1938
I herewith submit the annual report of the W. P. A. Recreation for the year 1938.
January, 1938, found the W. P. A. Recreation program organized and offering physical and cultural opportunities to both children and adults of Reading.
Adult Program
The Reading School Committee graciously gave the use of the Senior High School facilities to the recreation project. The physical activities offered were: basketball, gymnasium, and active games. Dra- matics and navigation made up the cultural side of the program. These activities were carried on until April.
Basketball
A league of four teams was formed. Nine games were played with non-local teams.
Yearly participation 592
Gymnasium
This activity was carried on for the ladies. Natural, fundamental, and reducing exercises were held. A game period followed the gym class.
Yearly participation 536
Navigation
This "hobby" class was started during the fall and extended until April. The class started with compass work, finding the Error, Dead Reckoning problems, Mercator Sailings, Meridian altitudes of Sun and Stars, Ex-Meridian altitude of Sun and Stars, longitude by Sun and Stars, Marc St. Hillaire Method, Sumner line methods, and Amplitudes, and Azimuths were all worked out by the group.
Yearly participation 502
Dramatics
Dramarta, the name selected by the adult drama club, met in the library and auditorium for rehearsals. Thirty-one public presentations
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were given during the season with 4,763 in audience. Dramarta visited the Cambridge W. P. A. drama group, attended a performance of "Amphityron 38" at the Colonial Theatre, and gave a surprise birthday party for a club member. In the fall, meetings were resumed in Room 19 of the Town Building.
Yearly participation 1,491
Volley Ball
When the adult activities were resumed in October, it was decided to offer Volley Ball as a substitute for basketball. We felt that basket- ball was too strenuous for the majority. A league consisting of four teams was organized. The teams represent: Memorial Park, Birch Meadow, Highway, and the Independents.
Yearly participation 306
Community Baseball League
The annual season for the Community Baseball League was offi- cially opened on May 9, 1938, with six teams. Community League teams represented Rubber Shop, Bear Hill Tigers, Mudville, Board of Trade, Firecracker Alley, and Whiskey Hollow. J. Warren Killam, Carl C. Goodridge, and Newell H. Morton, Selectmen, officiated at the flag raising. Chairman Killam pitched the first ball to Mr. Goodridge while Mr. Morton donned the catcher's outfit. Play in this league con- tinued until mid September.
Yearly participation 2,825
Soft Ball
A call to form a Soft Ball League was issued in July, 1938. The response was quick and favorable. A six team league was organized with the N. B. A., Firemen, Post Office, Memorial Park, Indians, and Greenhouse Gang playing. This league played regular scheduled games until the last of September.
Yearly participation 1,503
Crafts
The lack of adequate room at the Reading Recreation Center made it practically impossible to interest the adults in Crafts. However, when the recreation project opened the Craft Room at 8 Woburn Street, the adults responded in a satisfactory manner. Classes were started in hand-hammered metal craft, wrought iron, leather tooling, synthetic resins, woodworking, furniture re-finishing, and cane seating.
Yearly participation 3,589
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Game Room
The young adults were interested in ping pong and matches with. teams from surrounding towns were arranged. Tourneys were played and champions crowned. Cribbage, checkers, and card games also be- came popular with this group.
Yearly participation 6,070
Children's Program
A well organized and popular program embracing both physical activities and crafts was carried on at the Reading Recreation Center until spring. When the weather permitted, the Barn at Memorial Park was reopened. Baseball practice was started at Washington Street Park and at Memorial Park.
The reopening of Memorial Park offered an opportunity for tennis, archery, paddle tennis, croquet, and other games. Crafts and dancing were carried on in the Barn.
Playground Season: June-September
The playground system consisted of Washington Street Park, Birch Meadow, Memorial Park, and the Junior High Field.
Washington Street Park
The lay-out of this park is such that only an athletic program can be successfully carried on. Here all Community Baseball League and Playground League games were played. The Community Baseball League is reported under Adult Program.
Junior Playground League
This league gave boys 15 and under an opportunity to play in an organized league. Four teams in this circuit represented the four play- ground areas : Mudville (Washington Street Park), Junior High, Birch Meadow, and Memorial Park. Twenty-four league games were played with 216 boys as regular members of the league. From these teams an All-Star team was picked to play out of town games. At the end of the ball season the annual Baseball Field Day was held at Wash. ington Street Park. There were eight events with two age divisions. This Field Day will be covered under Special Events.
Yearly participation 4,493
Tennis
The courts were re-surfaced and play was not started until late in the season.
Yearly participation. 112 under 16-154 over 16
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Birch Meadow
The new wading pool was a boon to the youngsters during the sul- try days. Arrangements were made to keep the pool open on Sundays during the peak of the season. Yearly participation 2,755
Tennis
This was the favorite sport of this area. The courts were seldom empty and were patronized by the adults as well as the children. Yearly participation. 1,552 under 16-1,774 over 16 Soft Ball
The Recreation Soft Ball League is detailed under the Adult Pro- gram.
Playground Apparatus
The swings, see-saws, and merry-go-round were constantly in use throughout the summer.
Yearly participation 1,663
Junior High Field
An instructor was detailed for baseball practice each morning. An occasional Community League, or Soft Ball League game was played here when it was necessary to keep up the schedule. Yearly participation 245
Memorial Park
Here is the ideal setting for recreation purposes. Tennis courts, a Field House, and space for outdoor activities lend themselves for the formation of a well balanced program. Creative, cultural, and physical activities were carried on in the Barn and on the grounds at Memorial Park.
Crafts
The upper floor of the Barn made an attractive and roomy craft shop. Here several crafts could be carried on at the same time. Leather tooling, woodwork, bead craft, and paper work were taught as well as sewing, knitting, and crocheting. Yearly participation 2,698
Dancing
Folk dancing classes were held twice each week. Such dances as the Virginia Reel, polkas, waltzes, and national folk dances were taught. Yearly participation 609
A Sport Dance was held early in the season and the response was so favorable that it was decided to hold one each week. It was un-
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usual to sense the old atmosphere of the Barn and to see the ultra new dances like the Big Apple, the Shag, and the Yam being done. Yearly participation 2,085
Games
Paddle tennis, ping pong, deck tennis, checkers, and cribbage were continued in the summer program because of the interest displayed in them. Croquet, singing games, and mass games were added to the usual playground games.
Yearly participation 4,961
Tennis
Teams were organized and several matches were played with our old rival, the Winchester Playgrounds. The Reading boys and girls showed themselves to good advantage both on the home courts and away. Tourneys were held and class instruction was given at regular scheduled periods.
Yearly participation 787 under 16-979 over 16
Archery
This sport grows in popularity each year. Competition is keen while the muscle exertion is small. Several shoots were held and a Junior Archery Club formed.
Yearly participation 378
Playground Apparatus
The swing yard appealed to youngsters of all ages. The children love to climb, to slide, swing, and teeter. All these are possible in the swing yard. An instructor was on duty at all times that the yard was open.
Yearly participation 3,913
Junior Drama
The boys and girls were rehearsed in skits, plays, and pantomimes and presented shows for their parents. Two special shows were held in July and August and will be reported under Special Events.
Yearly participation 476
Special Events
The first special event of the season was a Fourth of July Field Day, held under the sponsorship of the Board of Public Works at the Washington Street Park. Events were divided into Midget, Junior, and Senior events. James Putnam, Nelson Bates, John Cullinane, and Evelie Irving officiated.
A Pet Show came next on the special program. July 6th found the Barn and grounds at Memorial Park overrun with animals of all
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sizes, colors, and shapes. There were dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, ducks, ducklings, kittens, and puppies. The spectators, animals, and owners all had an enjoyable afternoon.
The Junior Drama Club presented a Show on July 12th., in the Barn. Tableaux, sketches, dances, songs, and the Fun Club band were on the program. Mickey Mouse, Big Game Hunting, and Safety Pic- tures were shown.
Such exceptional work had been done in the craft groups that a Craft Exhibition was the next on the special program. The Barn was set up for a display room and all branches of crafts taught on the program were exhibited. Friends and parents visited during the after- noon and early evening.
Track and Field events then claimed the limelight. Dashes, jumps, stunts, and novelty races were the order of the day. Boys and girls from six to sixteen participated.
The entire week of August 22nd to 27th was proclaimed by the Se- lectmen as "Visit a Playground Week." The idea of this week was to focus the attention of the community on the work being carried on and accomplished by the W. P. A. recreation project. During this week the only extra program activity was an Amateur Show produced by the Junior Drama Club. More than 200 adults were in the audi- ence and from their applause they certainly enjoyed themselves.
A gala Field Day was held on September 2, 1938, at Memorial Park. Prizes were donated by E. H. Emerson, Willis' Drug Store, Eugene's Shoe Store, Adams Co., Harris Gift Shop, Rockport Fish Market, Tots and Teens Shop, Quality Market, M. F. Charles, G. H. Atkinson Co., First National Stores, Syd's Auto Supply Co., and Fran- cis Bros. At the completion of the Field Day, the annual playground contests and tournaments winners were awarded their prizes and tro- phies. The extra treat supplied by the Reading Rotary Club-free ice cream-climaxed a busy, happy day.
The final special event was a Demonstration and Play, presented in Shepardson Hall. The Junior Drama Club and Dramarta enter- tained. The boys and girls gave folk dance demonstrations and Safety Plays. A craft display was laid out in the lobby of the auditorium.
Yearly participation
10,968
Contests and Tourneys
The 1938 Champions :
Junior Ping Pong
Steve Doucette
Beginners' Tennis
Ernie Hubbard
Deck Tennis Singles
Steve Doucette
Checkers
Ernie Hubbard
Senior Ping Pong
Arthur Justice
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Contests and Tourneys Girls' Ping Pong Croquet Bowling
Marion Gray Steve Doucette Tom Thornton
Baseball Field Day Winners
E. Martin, R. Dill, A. Colford, J. Oliver, G. Fennelly, J. Hamilton, F. Beaudoin, and N. Lloyd.
Playground Baseball League Winners
Fred Keefe, Herbert White, John Kelley, John Griffin, John Storti, Thomas Hay, Alex Clapperton, Richard Hubbard, Joe Dunn, Ernie Hubbard, and John Crooker.
Patrol Leaders
No playground is complete without its corps of young helpers. The following boys and girls served on the Playground Patrol: Ruth Bar- rett, Jim Doran, Donny Clapperton, Dick Treat, June Doran, Steve Doucette, Kathleen Griffin, and Ralph Nickerson.
Additional Personnel
The extensive program carried on throughout the summer season would not have been possible without the additional help of the staff supplied by the Board of Public Works and the Board of Selectmen. The additional personnel co-operated and worked hand in hand with the recreation staff. Many thanks to John Cullinane, Dick Haselton, Bob Lougee, John Creiger, and Isabelle McSheehy.
Co-operation
On behalf of the recreation staff, the program participants, and myself, I wish to express appreciation to the following: the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Public Works, Sponsor's Agent, local W. P. A. office staff, School Committee, Superintendent of Schools, Municipal Light Department, Town Accountant, and The Reading Chronicle.
This report is respectfully submitted,
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