USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1950 > Part 12
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Space alone, however, is not the entire story. Facilities available in the present high school are entirely inadequate to meet the needs of a desirable secondary school program. There is simply no room to pro-
130
vide for some of the courses noted above. The gymnasium and athletic field at the Junior High School are doing double duty to the disadvantage of both schools. Girls who wish to take Household Arts are required to walk between the two buildings and lose much of the limited time they have during the school session. The situation in the shops is very discouraging because both the Junior and Senior High School boys must use the limited facilities. Last year 30 high school boys were told that they could not take shop because there was not room for them. The present labor manpower shortage is expected to continue throughout the years of the national emergency. Definitely some provision must be made for giving fundamental training in manual skills.
As noted above, everyone recognizes the need for construction of a new high school - a need felt more than 20 years ago. The obvious problem relating to the situation is that of financing the cost of a new building at this time. The firm of Adden, Parker, Clinch & Crimp, Architects, has been retained to prepare drawings, and the pattern is reasonably well established at this time. Preiiminary estimates of the cost range between two and two and one-half million dollars., and under the present law, in force until June 1954 the town could expect to qualify for state assistance covering 34% of this sum. A definite cost estimate will be prepared before the March 1951 Town Meeting and an Article calling for authorization of a bond issue will be presented at that time. It is interesting to note the relative statistics concerning ability and ex- penditures in 1906 as compared with the situation today.
Present High School Built in 1906
Cost $92,722.97
1906
1950
Enrollment - Senior
270
569
Enrollment - Total
1166
2679
Total Population
5682
13879
1906
1950
School Budget
$ 33,975.84
$ 509,812.07
Town Budget
97,954.50
1,564,653.20
Tax Rate
20.00
43.00
Town Valuation
$ 4,818,545.00 $24,064,490.00
A proper comparison of this data must take account of the fact that the value of the dollar has been depreciated since 1906 by approxi- mately 500%, as witness the cost of 15 cents for eggs at that time and 75 cents today. It is important, also, to recognize the fact that because of the tremendous growth of labor unions the wages of construction workers have increased in greater proportion than in other fields. It is also significant to note that although the cost of the operation of schools has increased 15 times, the overall cost of government in Reading has increased 16 times.
In the apparent dilemma of high construction costs, some towns may overlook the fact that interest rates are now as low at 11/2%, where- as when building costs are low, interest rates run as high as 41/2%. In
131
Reading the history of schoolhouse construction would seem to indi- cate that "it is never the right time to build."
An obvious problem of some significance is the matter of availability of steel. No competent authority, today is prepared to say that it will or will not be available. The National Education Association is pres- ently pressing for a #2 priority on steel for schoolhouse construction. It is possible, however, that schools again this time will be classified with thumbtacks, race tracks and taverns. This is a matter, however, which will be resolved in the future and cannot affect active considera- tion of appropriation for construction. Action must be taken if Reading is going to avoid the inadequate double session, with one session meet- ing in the morning and another session meeting in the afternoon. It is interesting to note this recent statement by General Dwight Eisenhower: . . To neglect our school system would be a crime against the future. Such neglect could well be more disastrous to all our freedoms than the most formidable armed assualt on our physical defenses . . . Where our schools are concerned, no external threat can excuse negli- gence; no menace can justify a halt to progress."
For the third year it becomes my great pleasure to recognize the fine contribution of all members of the school staff for their devotion to duty and zeal in the work they perform. I continue to be impressed by the intelligent and enthusiastic interest of the parents of our chil- dren and the generous support of the Parent-Teacher Associations and citizens-at-large in Reading. I also appreciate the help and the sympa- thetic guidance of the Reading School Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR B. LORD, JR. Superintendent of Schools
CHANGES IN PERSONNEL
On Military Leave
Alton C. Bennett John R. Copithorne
History, Coach, High School Science, Junior High School
Left
Mary S. Corby
Virginia Grady
Jean Mahaney
Henry McBrien
James A. Mclaughlin Albert R. Morris, M.D.
Florence R. Popp Violet Rockney Helen Sault Arthur D. Simonds, Jr. Leander Smith R. Ellen White
Grade 5, Eaton School Grade 4, Highland School Household Arts, Jr. High School Custodian, Pearl St. School Grade 6, Pearl St. School School Physician Grade 1, Pearl St. School English, Music, Jr. High School English, Latin, Jr. High School Principal, Pearl St. School Custodian, Jr. High School Matron, High School
132
Appointed
Justin L. Anderson, M.D. Charles R. Baisley, M.D. Edward M. Halligan, M.D. High School
School Physician School Physician School Physician
Edward W. Roewer Junior High School
Spanish, English, Coach
Mary B. Bailey
Mathematics
Elizabeth Beckett
Edward Carriger
Louise Eldridge
Alice Welch
Eaton School
Grades 3 and 4
Lorraine Pulson Bernard Huntley
Grade 5
Pearl Street School
Wellington A. Brewster
Principal
Elizabeth Kerrigan
Grade 4
Margaret Sawyer
Grade 2
Edward W. Smith
Grade 5
Nellie Laetsch
Cafeteria
Lowell Street School
Carol Berry Grade 3
MEMBERS OF READING SCHOOL FACULTIES
(Dates indicate year of appointment in Reading)
School Committee Offices
Arthru B. Lord, Jr., A.B., M.Ed. (1948)
Superintendent of Schools
Justin L. Anderson, M.D., (1950)
School Physician
Charles R. Baisley, M.D. (1950)
School Physician
Edward M. Halligan, M.D. (1950)
School Physician
Supervisors
Philip W. Althoff, B.P.E., M.Ed. (1927)
Dir. of Physical Education
Margaret B. Clewley, R.N. (1939)
Supervisor of Health
Florence G. Nichols, B.S.Ed. (1929)
Physical Ed. Supervisor
Arthur E. Willey, Boston Conservatory of Music (1948) Dir. of Music
Senior High School
Rudolf Sussman, B.S.Ed. (1917) Luke Halpin, B.A., M.A. (1922) Royal S. Adams, B.S. (1943) Aline L. Archambault, A.B. (1948) Clifford Baker, B.S., M.A. (1944) Elizabeth A. Batchelder, B.S.Ed. (1916)
Elsie I. Bishop, B.A., B.L.S. (1943) Robert Bronner, B.S.Ed., M.S.Ed. (1940) Virginia Cox, A.B., A.M. (1945)
Supervising Principal Asst. Prin., Math., Guidance Science, Faculty Mgr. English
Math., Guidance English Librarian
History, Guidance, Golf English, Sophomore Adviser
English, Music Science English, Latin, French Household Arts
133
Joseph A. Crowley, A.B. (1946)
Alberta F. Drury, Salem Normal (1917) Joseph F. Fitzgerald, A.B., A.M. (1929)
Alice H. Franzen, B.S.Ed. (1947) William E. Hanlon, A.B., M.Ed. (1945) Svea W. Kling, B.B.A., M.Ed. (1940) J. Douglas Oliver, A.B. (1948) Frederick J. Pope, B.S., M.Ed. (1922) Edward W. Roewer, A.B. (1950) Geraldine F. Roy, B.S., M.Ed. (1950) Mary E. Shay, B.A., M.A. (1943) Arthur L. Spencer, A.B., A.M. (1938)
Marion B. Wadsworth, A.B., A.M. (1943) Katherine A. White, A.B. (1947) Philip A. Wogan, B.S.Ed. (1949) Helen R. Zimmerman, B.A., M.S., Ph.D. (1936)
Math., Coach Bookkeeping, Cons. Econ. Math., Head of Dept., Jr. Class Adviser Stenography, Typewriting History, Head of Dept. Steno., Type., Head of Dept. Music Physics, Chem., Head of Dept. Spanish, English, Coach Art
English, Head of Dept. Latin, English, Dramatics French History
Biology, Math. Biology
Junior High School
Robert F. Perry, B.S. (1935)
Mary B. Bailey, B.S. (1950)
Harriet S. Beattie, B.S.Ed. (1937)
Elizabeth Beckett, A.B. (1950)
Stanley E. Butcher, A.B. (1949) Edward A. Carriger, B.A., M.A. (1950)
Ethelyn M. Cowperthwaite, B.S. (1945)
Marian D. Day, Bates College (1925)
Louise J. Eldridge, B.A., M.A. (1950)
Clementina Frasca, B.S.Ed. (1947) Walter E. Hawkes, B.S., M.A. (1933) Hazel W. Hunt, B.A. (1949)
Helen R. Knight, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1946) Roderick E. Macdonald, B.S.Ed. (1937) John B. Pacino, B.S., M.Ed. (1945)
Anna M. Reck, B.A. (1928) Dorothy B. Rice, A.B. (1949)
Paul B. Roberts, B.S., M.Ed. (1949)
Neil C. Robinson, B.S., M.Ed. (1936) Grace M. Thomas, B.S.Ed. (1947)
Margaret Tyacke, Boston University (1926)
Frederick C. Wales, B.S.Ed. (1942)
Alice A. Welch, B.S. (1950)
Edward A. Wicas, (B.S. (1949)
Albert H. Woodward, A.B., M.Ed. (1940)
Supervising Principal Mathematics Art English, Music Social Studies Science
English, Head of Dept. Science, Guidance English, Latin, French English Physical Ed., Hygiene Social Studies
English Shop, Head of Dept. Bus. Training, Social Studies Asst. Coach
Mathematics Mathematics Shop
Social Studies, Head of Dept. Household Arts, Head of Dept. Physical Ed., Hygiene Shop
Household Arts
Social Studies
Math., Head of Dept.
Highland School
Elizabeth Graham, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1941) Edythe M. McQuaide, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1940) Dorothy L. Burgess, Leslie Normal (1926) Catherine M. Chipman, Lowell State T.C. (1944) Grade 2
Dorothy L. Cronin, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1933)
Supervising Principal Asst. Prin., Grade 6 Grade 3
Grade 2
134
Jessie L. Goddard, Bridgewater S.T.C. (1950) Carolyn C. Grace, North Adams Normal (1919) Olive L. Joney, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1946) Dorothy Leslie, B.A. (1948)
Constance B. Loud, B.S.Ed. (1948)
Florence Potter, Plymouth Normal School (1926) John M. Shaw, B.S.Ed. (1949) Mary Slattery, B.S.Ed. (1949)
Grades 3 and 4 Grade 5 Grade 4 Grade 1 Grades 5 and 6 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 1
Pearl Street School
Wellington A. Brewster, A.B., M.Ed. (1947)
Mary W. Moore, B.S.Ed. (1941)
Supervising Principal Asst. Prin., Grade 5 Grade 1
Jean F. Bickford, B.S.Ed. (1948)
Elizabeth G. Cavanaugh, B.S.Ed. (1949)
Grade 6
Velma E. Curtin, Perry Kindergarten (1927)
Grade 2
Malcolm B. Evans, B.S.Ed. (1950)
Grade 6
Pauline S. Gilman, Keene Normal School (1947)
Grade 2
A. Josephine Guild, B.S.Ed. (1944)
Grade 1
Frances Haskins, Aroostook State T.C. (1943)
Grade 3
Barbara Hill, B.S.Ed., M.Ed., (1949)
Remedial Reading, All Schools
Grades 3 and 4
Elizabeth Kerrigan, B.S.Ed. (1950) Beth MacGregor, B.S.Ed. (1943)
Grade 1
Margaret Sawyer, B.S. (1950)
Grade 2
Edward W. Smith, B.S. (1950)
Grade 5
Helen D. Stockwell, Salem Normal (1930)
Grade 4
Marialice Stratton, B.S. (1948)
Grade 3
Joshua Eaton School
Carleton F. Rose, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1949)
Supervising Principal
Clara A. Anderson, B.S.Ed. (1944)
Grade 3
Mary L. Brogan, B.S.Ed. (1949)
Grade 1
Eileen R. Cummings, B.S.Ed. (1945)
Grade 1
Doris S. Forbes, Plymouth Teachers College (1947)
Grade 5
R. Hilda Gaffney, B.S.Ed. (1941)
Grade 6
Grace L. Gifford, Wheelock Kindergarten (1943)
Grade 1
Jane Gross, B.S.Ed. (1950)
Grade 2
Bernard Huntley, B.S.Ed. (1949)
Grade 5
Esther Kempton, B.S.Ed. (1946)
Grade 4
Helena A. Markham, Framingham T.C. (1934)
Grade 3
Alberta R. Mathieson, Salem T.C. (1924)
Grade 2
Helen B. Morgan, Lowell T.C. (1949) Jacqueline A. Nickles, B.S.Ed. (1949)
Grade 3
Lorraine Pulson, B.S.Ed. (1947)
Grades 3 and 4
Gloria B. Rosenthal, B.S.Ed. (1949)
Grade 3
Irene R. Royea, Aroostook Normal School (1928)
Grade 2
Martha E. Ryder, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1949)
Special Class Grade 6
Eleanor M. Skahill, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1943) Lowell Street School
Nellie P. Beaton, Hyannis T.C. (1920)
Principal and Grade 4
Carol Berry, B.S. (1950)
Grade 3
Ruth Hanford, B.S.Ed. (1949)
Grade 2
Marion Weagle, B.S.Ed. (1946)
Grade 1
135
Grade 1
Ann M. Howe, Framingham T.C. (1947)
Grade 4
READING HIGH SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
Class of 1950 June 14, 1950
PROGRAM
PROCESSIONAL MARCH High School Band
RAISING OF FLAG and PLAYING OF COLORS
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Led by Class President, Joseph F. Fraumeni, Jr. STAR SPANGLED BANNER Key-Smith
Audience, Senior Class, and Band
PRAYER-Dr. Hubert C. Mathews
SALUTATORY "Balance" James Warren Killam III
TORCH ORATION
Joseph F. Fraumeni, Jr., Class President
ESSAY
"Most Likely to Succeed" Carolyn Joy Snow, Class Honors
ESSAY
"Beyond the Revolutions" Donald Goodwin Davis, Jr., Faculty Honors
ESSAY
"Seize the Opportunity" Lee H. Miller, Faculty Honors
ESSAY
"Will Total Diplomacy Work?" Benjamin F. Sands, Jr., Class Honors
VALEDICTORY "Vita Brevis, Humanitas Longa" Nancy Glover
CONFERRING SCHOLASTIC HONORS Rudolf Sussmann, Headmaster
CERTIFICATION OF CLASS
ACCEPTANCE OF CERTIFICATION OF GRADUATES Arthur B. Lord, Jr., Superintendent of Schools
CONFERRING DIPLOMAS
Alexander P. Glover, Chairman of School Board
AMERICA Audience, Senior Class, and Band
Smith-Carey
BENEDICTION-Dr. Hubert C. Mathews
RECESSIONAL MARCH
High School Band
136
CANDIDATES FOR DIPLOMAS
Catherine Theresa Aglio Colin D. Albee
Norma H. Dickinson
Alice Mary Donegan
Barbara Edith Anderson
Robert J. Doucette
Meridythe Lou Armitage
Lewis F. Dresser
Robert Warren Arnold
Anne L. Dube
Elisabeth Ann Babcock
Elizabeth Marie Elwell
Gerard W. Babcock
Leroy George Estey
Paul Francis Bacigalupo
Janet Palmer Farnsworth
Bruce Alan Barmby
George H. Farr
Theresa Ann Barrett
Francis J. Fino, Jr.
June Elaine Batchelder
Thelma Fitzgerald
Donald R. Bella Gordon F. Berridge, Jr.
Robert E. Forsberg
David K. Berry
Joseph F. Fraumeni, Jr.
Doris Anne Berry
Eleanor Ann Fulton
Marjorie Ann Billingham
Charles John Gallant
Donald Blier
Norma Evelyn Gardiner
Robert Joseph Bouchard
David Lee Gardner
Barbara Ann Brown
Selden M. Gerade
Peter Joseph Burbine
Theodore R. Gifford
Channing Buurns
Harry Gordon Gillis, Jr.
John Peter Cail Barbara Ann Callahan
Charles E. Godfrey
Mary V. Carney
Conrad Warren Grant
David C. Carpenter, Jr.
Edwin B. Greenyer
Earle E. Carter
Gerald Richard Griffin
Barbara Ann Cassely
Nancy Haines Jacob Barker Ham, Jr.
Wilmon B. Chipman
William Frank Hamel
George David Hanna
Donald Baker Hanson
Donald Clark Harris
Nancy Anne Hathaway
Marilyn Estelle Hayes Robert S. Hegarty
Ralph Arthur Heselton
Leslie Anne Higgins
Robert Blake Hulsman Samuel N. Hunt Genevieve Beverly Jehu
Gertrude Ann Jefferson
Claire E. Johnson
Nathalie Elizabeth Johnson
Robert W. Jones
Dorothy E. Jordan Barbara Elayne Kelch
Roger J. D'Entremont Dermot John Desmond Eileen Juliette Desmond Wilfred Eaton Dewey
Joseph Vincent Kennedy, Jr.
James Warren Killam III .
Virginia Farris Kimball
James A. Knox, Jr.
137
Richard M. Cleary Elliot H. Cole Frank J. Collins Benjamin L. Conron Jeanne Edwina Cooke Pauline Marion Crosby George M. Crouse, Jr. Arline Cryts Barbara Catherine Cullinane James Joseph Dagdigian Arthur L. David, Jr.
Donald Goodwin Davis, Jr. Nancy Jean Davis Warren M. Dean, Jr. Donald R. Decker Joseph I. Deferrari Barry Eugene Dennis
Nancy Glover
Marjory Irene Caulk
John Edward Flynn
Joanne Lane Rita J. Lehman Alice Katherine Leonard Aldana Ruth Livingston Patricia Ann Lothrop Eleanora Theresa Lucci Janice Lumb Thomas W. Lyle
Allison Waido Phinney, Jr. Janet Marilyn Raymond
Pauline Ann Richardson
Richard A. Roberts
Francis W. Rose
Marilyn Joan Ross
Petrina Margaret Russo
William Edward MacBrien
Barbara R. MacLean
Thomas Joseph Madden, Jr.
Barbara Pauline Magliozzi
Alan Frank Martin
Charles Matthews
Loretta M. Maynard
Mary Patricia Maxwell
Alma Elizabeth Sellars
Rosalind Elaine Silva
Joan Bernice Silverio
Albion E. Metcalf
Alma Elizabeth Skinner
Blair Metcalf
Robert Mckay Smith
Wilson Aaron Smith, Jr.
Christine Lenore Meuse
Carolyn Joy Snow
Jean E. Meuse
George Warren Sprague, Jr.
Shirley Louise Meuse
Robert D. Standley
John P. Miller
Pauline H. Stephan
Lee H. Miller
Richard J. Surette
Ethel B. Milley
Jean Ann Tonks
Roy P. Morin
Selma Marie Tonseth
George Myron Morris II
Clayton A. Tracy, Jr.
Catherine M. Turenne
Jane Morse
Mary Lou Turner
William Thomas Murphy, Jr.
Linda E. Van Horn
Philip Shepard Nichols, Jr.
Richard D. Nickerson
Robert Dean Norwood
Elaine Helene Vorrilas
Francis Charles O'Brien, Jr.
Richard Gordon Walker
William E. O'Brien
Shirley M. Washburn Virginia Mira Webb Ruth Ann Wheeler
Robert E. Owen Priscilla Ann Parker
Richard Lee Whelpley
Marjorie Joan Peck
Ernest Charles Wood, Jr.
David Edward Pelletier
Lawrence H. Woods
Lois Marjorie Yuill
John Calvin Penney Alice Marie Penno
Robert James Peterson
Fairlee Sanborn Benjamin F. Sands, Jr.
Robert V. Savage, Jr.
Diane Frances Scanlon
Walda Ann Scanlon
Ruth Ann Schultz Lawrence F. Schumaker, Jr. Robert B. Selfridge
Robert Joseph McNulty
Joseph Martin Meier
Barbara I. Meuse
Robert William Morrow, Jr.
Roger W. Vansaw Paul Foster Vincent
Phyllis Mae O'Donnell
Carole Anne Orben
Jean K. Whitten
138
BOARD OF CEMETERY TRUSTEES
Fred L. Nutter, Chairman
Term expires 1952
1953
David E. Hersee, Secretary
M. Russell Meikle William P. Pierpont Edouard N. Dube
1951
Ernest E. Brown
1951
Superintendent HAROLD F. DAVIS
Office Room 16, Municipal Building
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
To the Board of Cemetery Trustees,
Town of Reading, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The Superintendent's Report on the operation of the two Town Cem- eteries, Laurel Hill and Forest Glen, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1950, and the Department's 213th year of operation, (first burial Dec. 9, 1737), is herewith submitted.
Our records show 92 interments for the year, seventeen less than in 1949.
The statistics for the calendar year of 1950 are as follows:
Laurel Hill Forest Glen Total
Interments
46
34
80
Cremation Interments
10
2
12
Foundations:
Monuments
4
19
23
Markers
23
7
30
Graves repaired
42
2
44
Winter Graves repaired
5
2
7
Cement Crypts used
21
11
32
Cement Vaults used
25
23
48
Lots sold:
5 Grave
0
1
1
4 Grave
0
2
2
3 Grave
0
2
2
2 Grave
0
19
19
1 Grave
0
1
1
Single Graves
0
2
2
Veteran Graves, gratis
0
2
2
139
1953
1952
Fourteen old lots in Laurel Hill Cemetery had perpetual care put on them during 1950.
With the assistance of the Tree Department personnel, the tree sur- gery program, inaugurated in 1947, was carried on. One Willow was re- moved and 44 large shade trees trimmed and pruned.
VANDALISM at Laurel Hill made its appearance three times dur- ing the year. A large monument was displaced from its base; a water hydrant was plugged; shingles were torn from the roof of the Service Building and a privet hedge damaged. In the two latter instances, those guilty were apprehended, and restitution made to the Town for dam- ages. At Forest Glen, on the night of Oct. 3rd., an automobile was driven over 80 lots, causing deep rutting in the turf. Apprehension was made and the case is now before the Grand Jury.
Development at Forest Glen was carried on. A section of roadway was brought up to subgrade with gravel and an additional area was prepared for lotting in the 2 grave section.
At Laurel Hill the entrance opposite Charles Street was permanent- ly closed to vehicular traffic by the placing of edgestone, construction of a tree lawn, raising and black topping the sidewalk, and the construc- tion of a granite masonry wall on the Cemetery boundary. Two flights of concrete steps were built to provide pedestrian entrance at this point.
At this time appreciation is expressed to the other Departments of the Town for their cooperation.
The financial statement will appear in the report of the Town Accountant.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD F. DAVIS
Superintendent
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CEMETERY TRUSTEES
The Report of the Superintendent as submitted by him is hereby approved by the Board of Cemetery Trustees and constitutes its Report to the Town.
FRED L. NUTTER, Chairman DAVID E. HERSEE, Secretary EDOUARD N. DUBE WILLIAM P. PIERPONT M. RUSSELL MEIKLE ERNEST E. BROWN
Board of Cemetery Trustees
140
DIRECTOR OF VETERANS' SERVICES
February 6, 1951
Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Reading, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
As your Director of Veterans' Services, I submit the report for 1950.
The work in this department is versatile and of importance. We have neither means nor desire to make this department a bureaucracy of records and files.
There is a demand for advice and proper reference in obtaining bene- fits from local, state and federal agencies for veterans and their de- pendents.
We make no attempt to keep a list of those who make use of our service nor of the number. We make an all-out effort to assist all who apply to us for help and advice regardless of hour or day.
The work of the department demands constant study and research to keep up to date on matters relating to veterans and their dependents.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES W. H. SMITH, Director
AGENT FOR VETERANS' BENEFITS
February 6, 1951
Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Reading, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
As your Agent of Veterans' Benefits, I submit my report for the year 1950.
Our case load for the year varied from month to month, but averaged 26 for the year, 8 of which were single cases-widows; the others vary- ing from couples to families and orphans.
Medical expenses increased during the year and the last 6 months brought on unemployment conditions.
The unsettled condition of National affairs leaves us guessing as to what 1951 will be. Costs are rising and the taking of our men into the Armed Forces again makes us think our load will be increased in 1951.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES W. H. SMITH
Agent
141
REPORT OF CUSTODIAN OF SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' GRAVES
To the Board of Selectmen
Town of Reading, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Custodian of Soldiers' and Sailors' Graves for the year ending December 31, 1950. This report is predicated upon the requirements of Sec. 22, Chapter 115 of the General Laws of Massachusetts, and Clause 12, Chapter 144 of the Acts of 1947.
Where Veterans of the armed services have served in more than one war or insurrection, the following listing gives the Veteran credit for only one:
Veterans
Credited Service
41
Revolutionary War
12
War of 1812
2
Mexican War
291
Civil War
1
Indian War
22
Spanish American War
82
World War I
19
Mass. State Guard Service in W. W. I
19
World War II
Total
489
Appropriation for 1950
$1,000.00
Pay Roll
$ 743.60
Repairs on Veteran graves
10.00
Care of Laurel Hill Veteran Plot
46.40
Care of Forest Glen Veteran Plot
200.00
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
I would recommend that this appropriation be increased to $1,200.00 in 1951. Funds have been insufficient to take care of the necessary work since the Town has adopted the new wage scale.
There were seven Veterans interred during 1950, as follows:
World War I
Russell W. Davis, Lot No. 722, Laurel Hill Cemetery, died June 20, 1950, buried July 5, 1950.
World War I and World War II
Clarence W. Baker, Lot No. 112, Forest Glen Cemetery, died May 15, 1950, buried May 18, 1950.
142
World War II
William R. Florence, Lot No. 1, Forest Glen Cemetery, died June 28, 1950, buried July 3, 1950.
Frederick D. Sawyer, Grave No. 40, Vet. Plot, Forest Glen Cemetery, died July 2, 1950, buried July 5, 1950.
Arthur L. Campbell, Lot No. 487, Forest Glen Cemetery, died Aug. 24, 1950, buried Aug. 26, 1950.
Henry P. Collins, Grave No. 38, Vet. Plot, Forest Cemetery, died Sept. 5, 1950, buried Sept. 8, 1950.
State Guard
James Winthrop Sias, Lot No. 1189, Laurel Hill Cemetery, died May 18, 1950, buried May 20, 1950.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD F. DAVIS
Custodian of Soldiers' and Sailors' Graves
L
REPORT OF DUTCH ELM DISEASE COMMITTEE
Board of Selectmen
Reading, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The report of the Dutch Elm Disease Committee is not as encourag- ing as a year ago.
Thirty-four samples of twigs were taken from thirty-four elm trees and sent to Dr. Malcolm A. Mckenzie, University of Massachusetts, Am- herst, Massachusetts. The report showed that twenty-two trees were in- fested with Dutch Elm Disease. These trees were promptly removed by Maurice Donegan, Tree Warden and destroyed. Mr. Dongan is always on the alert and when he notices an elm tree that doesn't look healthy, samples are immediately sent to Amherst. We are very fortunate that many of these samples did not show Dutch Elm Disease.
Respectfully submitted,
J. F. SAWYER, Secretary
Dutch Elm Disease Committee
143
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
. To the Citizens of Reading:
I submit my report as Tree Warden for the year 1950.
The dormant spraying remains about the same from year to year .. The Department planted one hundred and fifty-four young trees. Most of these trees were Sugar Maples as they show less loss from di- sease and insects.
Twelve weeks were devoted to line clearance for the Electric Light Department. The Light Department pays all the expense of this work.
Forty trees were removed from the roadside. Many of these trees died during the summer. According to the Shade Tree Laboratory at the University of Massachusetts, we have had a shortage of rainfall for the past eleven years. This accounts for the death of many trees as well as the large increase in the amount of dead wood in all trees, especially street trees.
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