USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1952 > Part 9
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The growth of the town has required much work of inspecting pro- posed building sites for sanitation and inspecting completed sanitary installations. Restaurants, Food Handlers, and Stores are visited, nuisances investigated and abated.
Complete Board of Health Regulations are up to date and in print. They are available at the office. The Union Health Board Law is under study and a mass Chest X-Ray survey is scheduled for February 1953.
Your board easily fulfills all the requirements of the Union Health Services as defined by the State Public Health Council, with the excep- tion of Personnel. In order to employ sufficient help to meet the personnel requirements would triple our budget, without materially improving the services.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES R. BAISLEY, M.D.
Chairman
97
REPORT OF THE RECREATION COMMITTEE
With a staff made up entirely of experienced personel, the sum- mer playgrounds enjoyed a most successful season. Full use of the Eaton School facilities for the first time enabled the operation of four well equipped play areas.
Besides four baseball leagues new interest was shown in tennis, kickball, basketball, and touch football. Instruction was given in these games and also in crafts, first aid, and swimming. The swimming, of course, is limited to our wading pools at Birch Meadow and at Wash- ington Street Park and a real municipal swimming pool would be a welcome addition to the playground facilities.
Outside basketball games with Everett and Winchester were played on the black top at the Eaton School. Play days with other towns, which include four baseball games, continue to feature, and while emphasis is on sportsmanship rather than winning, it is noteworthy that our girls and boys held their own in this outside competition.
While each playground has special days ranging from birthday parties to decathlon meets, there were several events which brought all the playgrounds together. In spite of the long weekend over 400 youngsters were in attendance at a field day on the morning of the Fourth of July to participate in games and contests sponsored by the American Legion and conducted by the Recreation Department. In midseason at Washington Park, Krazy Kolympics, a facsimile of the Olympic Games, attracted participants to the many contests from all over town. Flags of the many nations made by the youngsters in arts and crafts added color to these games. A novelty field day and Circus and Carnival brought the season to a successful finish.
Variety in activities has been the keynote this year, and is largely responsible for the continued high attendance throughout the season. For the 8 weeks the average attendance per day was approximately 961 on the four playgrounds.
The Committee wishes to thank all those who have assisted and made suggestions toward the continued betterment of the program.
Respectfully submitted,
NEWELL H. MORTON, Chairman
CARL W. PINKHAM WILLIAM E. BILLINGHAM ROBERT E. TURNER
C. SUMNER TEEL JAMES E. CALVIN HARRY R. WALKER
98
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
January 16, 1953
I submit my report as Tree Warden for the year 1952.
The department planted one hundred and forty-nine trees, ten Norway Maples and one hundred and thirty-nine Sugar Maples. Most of these trees were planted on private property adjacent to the side- walk. There are a number of advantages in this method of planting. The trees grow better, they are not likely to be broken off by cars or trucks, and they do not interfere as much with overhead wires.
Fifty trees were removed from the roadside.
The storm on Sunday, July 27th uprooted, broke-off or so badly damaged eleven of these trees that they were not safe. The other re- movals were either dead, in a dangerous condition or were removed af- ter hearings for driveway clearance, etc.
Five weeks were devoted to line clearance for the Electric Light Department. The expense for this work was paid by the Light Depart- ment.
I wish to thank all the other town departments who assisted me in the past year, particularly the Police Department and their Auxiliary for their assistance during the storm of July 27th. I also wish to thank the men of this department, especially for returning from their vaca- tions to assist in cleaning up during and after the storm.
Respectfully yours,
MAURICE H. DONEGAN Tree Warden
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Reading, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report as Inspector of Animals for the year January 1, 1952 to January 1, 1953.
During the year, 67 dogs were quarantined for biting or inflicting personal injuries. All animals have been released as of to date.
The annual inspection of livestock in the town carried on by re- quest of the Division of Livestock Disease control, showed the town to be populated with 81 neat cattle, 83 sheep, 7 goats, 68 hogs and 26 horses. No Contagious Infectious Diseases were noted during the in- spection.
Respectfully submitted, GARDINER A. LESTER, DVM Inspector of Animals
99
REPORT OF THE PLUMBING INSPECTOR
To the Board of Health
Gentlemen:
The annual report of the Plumbing Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1952 is as follows:
Number of permits issued
248
Number of fixtures installed
1,466
Oil Burner Storage - Hot Water Heaters
3
Gas Storage - Hot Water Heaters
35
Electric Storage - Hot Water Heaters
39
Hot Water Tanks
18
Tankless Heaters
74
Toilets
306
Lavatories
267
Bath Tubs
158
Sinks
183
Showers
55
Laundry Trays
43
Urinals
37
Disposals
7
Washing Machines
9
Dish Washing Machines
9
Steel Tumbler Washers
2
Dental Chair
1
Drinking Fountains
25
Refrigeration Units
2
Soda Fountain
1
Repiping
1
Vacuum line
1
Floor Drains
46
Cesspools
112
Sewer Connection
32
Respectfully submitted,
KENNETH G. SHAW
Inspector of Plumbing
100
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Board of Selectmen, Municipal Building, Reading, Mass.
Gentlemen:
Following is the report of the Reading Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1952.
Sergeant Arthur M. Curtin was retired on February 1, 1952 due to a physical disability. He was appointed a special police officer, February 1, 1931 - appointed permanently, July 24, 1941, and was appointed Sergeant, June 24, 1945. He is a veteran of World War No. 1 and is now residing in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Retired Police Officer, Timothy J. Cullinane passed away at the Win- chester Hospital, February 29, 1952. Up to the time he retired he was a member of the department for 32 years.
Chief of Police, Thomas E. Wall retired from the department March 15, 1952. He was appointed a regular patrolman January 28, 1926. Ap- pointed Sergeant, February 4, 1945. Appointed Acting Chief of Police August 24, 1946. Appointed Chief of Police, February 4, 1947. He is a veteran of the Spanish American War and World War No. 1. He is now residing in Miami, Florida.
Sergeant Thomas J. Fitzpatrick was appointed Acting Chief of Police, March 15, 1952.
Officer Paul J. Junkins retired on pension April 1, 1952 due to a physical disability. He was appointed a regular Police Officer January 30, 1947. He is a veteran of World War No. 2 and is now residing in Orlando, Florida.
Officer Earl R. Hutchinson retired on pension September 1, 1952. He was appointed a regular Police Officer October 11, 1929. He was un- able to perform the duties of a police officer due to a physical disability. He is a veteran of World War No. 1 and is now residing in California.
Retired Police Sergeant Francis E. Slack passed away suddenly, April 18, 1952. He was a veteran of World War No. 1.
Roland E. Ellis, Jr. was appointed a temporary police officer February 17, 1952 and received his permanent appointment, July 8, 1952.
Winfred A. MacDonald, William J. Webb, Jr. and John A. Bilicki were appointed permanent patrolmen, December 3, 1952. These ap- pointments were made to fill the vacancies caused by retirements.
Following are the arrests and other activities performed by the department during the year 1952.
Drunkenness Arrests 101
Automobile Violation Arrests 67
Drunken Operating Arrests
9
Arrest for Murder
1
Breaking and Entering Arrests
7
Larceny Arrests
6
101
Non-Support Arrests 5
Delinquency Arrests 3
Assault and Battery Arrests 3
Forgery by Check Arrests 2
Disturbing the Peace Arrest 1
Illegitimacy Arrests 1
Common Railer and Brawler Arrest
1
Escapee-Mental Hospital Arrest 1
Arrests on Capias and Warrants
9
General Complaints Investigated
437
Other activities and services rendered by the department:
Summons delivered for other police departments 148
Doors and Windows found open or unlocked 45
Dog and other Animals shot 11
Persons put up for the night 15
Electric Light Dept. called
40
Highway and Water Depts. called 23
Delivered messages to citizens of Town 85
Lost children found and returned home 25
Bicycles recovered 14
Military personnel picked up and turned over to authorities 4
Other services rendered - helping the sick on the street and in their homes 28
Recommendations:
It is my belief, that if the Town of Reading is to continue getting the high type of young men to apply for future appointments in the police department as has been the policy in the past, I feel that the townspeople should consider seriously the matter of increasing the salary so that the right type of men will be interested in seeking these appointments. I suggest that the salary of patrolmen be increased from $3400 to $3600 per year - Sergeants from $3700 - $4000 per year - Chief of Police from $4500 - $5000 per year. Also I feel that thought be given to the inauguration of the five day work week for the depart- ment. Practically all Towns and Cities adjacent to Reading have had the five day work week for some time.
The Town of Reading has increased tremendously in population during the past three or four years. To police the town properly, as well as rendering the services which most of the taxpayers feel they should receive, I recommend that five men be added to the personel of the department. If granted these men I will assign two of them to investigate all complaints regarding improper operation of motor vehicles throughout the town. They shall investigate all accidents and make complete reports relative to them for future reference. An officer shall be assigned to Plainclothes Duty to investigate all complaints of a serious nature. This man can call on you at your home, hear your story, and investigate your complaint. He is not as conspicuous as an officer in uniform. He will be required to make a full report on every complaint he investigates to the Chief of Police. In this way it will be possible for the complainant to ascertain what action has been taken on his complaint.
102
Two night foot patrol routes shall be set up in different sections of Town. It is my opinion that had we had these foot patrols it might have mitigated what happened if it were possible to have officers pa- trolling the outskirts of Town on foot. With the present number of men in the department this is impossible. The decision is up to you, the taxpayer, whether you want this protection or not.
The two cruising cars covered approximately 54,000 miles patrolling the Town from April 1st to December 31st. The ambulance made 263 trips during the year to various hospitals and rest homes. The depart- ment investigated approximately 128 accidents which took place with- in the confines of the Town.
Fines assessed by the court amounted to $1,101.00.
Fees for use of the ambulance and turned over to the Town Treas- urer $1,414.35.
Fees collected for registering bicycles and turned over to the Town Treasurer amounted to $144.00.
In closing this report I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen for the co-operation given me as your Acting Chief of Police. I also want to express my sincere thanks to every officer of my own department, as well as to each and every member of the Reading Police Reserve. It was largely due to their untiring efforts, coupled with those of the Mass. State Police, the Investigators working out of the District At- torney's Office, that it was possible to bring to a successful conclusion the recent murders which took place in our town.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS J. FITZPATRICK,
Acting Chief of Police
REPORT OF THE DOG OFFICER
December 31, 1952
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my report as dog officer to December 31, 1952.
I have canvassed the Town to see that all dogs have been licensed. All complaints have been investigated.
For the year ending December 31, 1952, there were 110 unlicensed dogs caught.
76 dogs were disposed of for the county.
30 dogs were reclaimed by the owners.
4 dogs were sold for the county.
Dead animals picked up off the street for the Board of Health and disposed of were, 81 cats and 49 dogs.
At this time I wish to thank the Police Department and all others who have helped me.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM H. DEWSNAP Dog Officer
103
NINETY-EIGHTH REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT OF THE FOREST WARDEN AND THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARM
January 17, 1953
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The 1952 report of the Fire Department, Forest Warden and Super- tendent of Fire Alarm is hereby submitted.
Manual Force. The permanent force consists of sixteen men in- cluding the Chief, Deputy Chief, Captain and 2 Lieutenants. There are 161/2 call firemen and a Dispatcher on call. The Auxiliary Fire Service numbers 30 men. In the latter part of the year, 16 permanent and call firemen successfully completed the American Red Cross Standard First Aid Course under the direction of a qualified instructor.
Apparatus. Ladder 1, a Seagrave 65 ft. Junior Aerial Ladder Truck; Engine 1, a 1000 gal. per min. Seagrave Pumping Engine; Engine 2, a 400 gal. per min. Seagrave Pumping Engine soon to be placed in re- serve; Engine 3, a 600 gal. per min. Seagrave Pumping Engine located at the Woburn Street Station. Engine 4, a Chevrolet forest fire truck being built at the fire station with a new chassis and the hose body and pumps from old Engine 4. The new engine when placed in service in 1953 will have greater hose capacity, a larger booster tank, a 500 gal. per min. front end pump and a 100 gal. per min. portable pump; Engine 5, a Chevrolet with a 400 gal. per min. front end pump, manned by the Auxiliary Fire Service and located at the Woburn Street Station; Engine 6, a 750 gal. per min. Seagrave Pumping Engine, placed in service in February of this year; Engines 7 and 8 are auxiliary trailer pumps; Engine 9, a one ton Chevrolet utility truck with front end pump; and a Chevrolet Sedan Chiefs Car. The pump of Engine 3 and the portable pump were completely overhauled during 1952.
Service Record. The department responded to 97 bell alarms, 8 of which were false; 284 still alarms, 1 of which was false; and 134 service calls. A total of 515, or 159 more than 1951. Included in the total calls are 160 for grass, brush, peat and dump fires, 5 of which were in the town dump on John Street, and 30 in the peat along Route 128. The fire loss for 1952 on property endangered, valued at $132,370.00 was $15,757.32 ,a decrease of $716.29 below the 1951 loss. Of this amount, $14,393.82 was covered by insurance, making the uninsured loss $1,363.50. Slight injuries were received by 19 firemen and 2 civilians. There were 21 calls out of town.
The following equipment was used: 223 booster tanks; 34,350 ft. 34 in. booster hose; 4300 ft. 11/8 in. forestry hose; 22,000 ft. 11/2 in. hose; 29,800 ft. 21/2 in. hose; engines pumped 4434 hours; 1338 ft. ladders raised including the aerial ladder raised 10 times. 31 fire extinguishers of various types were used. Several fires were investigated by local police or officers from the State Fire Marshal's Office. A fire on April 20th, west of West Street, swept over practically the same ground that
104
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the 1947 fire covered, but was controlled before it covered as much ter- ritory. It took the combined forces of the Reading Fire Department, Moth Department and assistance of 11 outside cities and towns to ex- tinguish this fire and many others in different parts of the town during the same day. Equipment was damaged or lost and some hose burned, all of which has been repaired or replaced. Due to a long line of dead end 6 inch water main on West Street, it was necessary to have one engine pump through fire hose from a hydrant at Summer Avenue and Woodbine Street to the hydrant at West and Willow Streets.
Fire Prevention. Again, lectures have been given in schools and outside organizations whenever possible, with the limited personnel available. Inspections of business property, places of public assembly and nursing homes have been made as required. 244 inspections have been made and permits issued for power oil burners and storage facili- ties for same. 21 inspections made and permits issued for range oil burner installations and storage. 37 inspections made and permits is- sued for liquified petroleum gas installations and storage. 7 inspec- tions made and permits issued for oil burning water heaters and stor- age facilities for same. 38 permits issued for blasting, 2 for storage of inflammable fluids, 1 to operate a tar kettle. Numerous inspections made of gasoline tank locations, fire hazards ,etc., as requested or on complaint. Many permits have also been issued for fires in the open air.
Fire Stations. In the Central Station, new shades were provided for the 2nd floor, the kitchen and lounging room were painted and a window sash was replaced in the lounging room. In addition, a great deal of slate had to be replaced on the roof. At the Woburn Street Station, new fleurescent lighting was installed on the apparatus room ceiling and the shower bath was installed in the basement. Other routine repairs were made to both buildings.
Fire Alarm .. Maintenance of the outside system was carried on as necessary. The new battery room in the Central Station basement was constructed and a metal clad fire door hung. The floor had to be re-cemented and racks are being built to carry the batteries which are now in the attic. Box 2212 was installed at Woburn and Temple Streets, replacing Box 23. Much overhead construction was changed to new poles. One box was badly damaged by high tension wires brought across fire alarm wires by a falling tree during a severe storm. New line was installed over Bear Hill Road and from the Summer Avenue end of Bear Hill Rd. easterly to Brook Street so that 2 additional boxes may be installed in this area.
Recommendations. That the permanent force be increased. That more new hose be purchased to replace older hose, and to increase the reserve supply. Consideration should be given soon to replace the Woburn Street Station, erected in 1874 to house a hand engine, and the placing of permanent men to give better protection to the west side of town. Several times, the Central Station apparatus has been de- layed at the railroad crossings. A 2 story addition should be con- sidered for the easterly side of the Central Fire Station to accommodate apparatus which is badly crowded and 2nd floor space for increases in the department personnel. An Emergency Stand-By Generator for the
105
Central Station, Fire Alarm, Police Station and Radio Transmitter should be purchased to guarantee these emergency services if electrical power is interrupted. The program of placing 2-way radios on the apparatus each year until complete coverage on every piece is realized, should be continued. That additional fire alarm boxes be installed to cover the numerous new housing developments. That steps be taken to eliminate numerous dead-end water mains and to increase the flow of water which is necessary for fire fighting in various locations.
Conclusion. In conclusion I wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen for co-operation received throughout the year, the members of our department and the Auxiliary Fire Service for efficient perform- ance of duty and faithful service, the Red Cross Motor Service and Can- teen and other agencies for response to fires and assistance, and other town departments and citizens who have aided this department in any way.
Respectfully submitted,
HUGH L. EAMES
Chief of the Fire Department, Forest Warden, and Supt. of Fire Alarm
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report for the year 1952.
The building construction for the past year was as follows:
129 New one family dwellings at an estimated cost of $1,198,300.00
41 Alterations and additions to dwellings at a cost of 41,446.00
7 Alterations and additions to business properties at an cost of
13,900.00
27 New Private garages at an estimated cost of
17,700.00
4 Signs
780.00
3 Business Buildings
33,500.00
1 Senior High School
1,987,000.00
1 Church
7,000.00
1 Greenhouse
2,500.00
5 Raze Buildings
000.00
Total estimated cost of all new and remodeled build- ings for the past year $3,302,126.00
Total number of permits 219
Fees were received in the amount of $799.50. These have been turned over to the Town Treasurer and receipts received for same.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD B. CURRELL Inspector of Buildings
106
85th Annual Report
of the
Board of Trustees
and
Librarian
READING PUBLIC LIBRARY
85TH REPORT OF THE BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
The library's attractive, comfortable and well-lighted reading room continues to delight the many citizens who take advantage of this cultural center, while the new stack room and office continue to pro- vide for more efficient library service. We are fortunate, also, to have this plant in the hands of an excellent library staff.
We regret the loss by resignation of two conscientious associates: trustee Mrs. Henderson, and Children's Librarian Miss Appleton. The former's vacancy was filled by appointing Mrs. Earle O. Latham, and the latter position was filled by Miss Genevieve Crovo.
During the year town meetings voted to accept trust funds for the library in the names of Edward Appleton, Arthur Mansfield and How- ard Torrey (in memory of his father Charles Torrey). These bequests are deeply appreciated and show an awareness that the library signifi- cantly contributes to community enlightenment.
Although we are grateful to those who offer gifts to the library, it is impossible to find room for all of them. We were, however, able and happy to accept from the late David Goodale (through his daughter Esther) a beautiful grandfather clock.
We are in accord with many of the drives for funds but we have taken a position against the practice of allowing organizations to place collection containers in the library.
Broadening the cultural scope of the library is one of our aims. To this end we have surveyed the possibilities of fostering programs of serious music and lectures or discussions, but have found scant response from the public. Suggestions for filling such needs (if they exist) are most welcome. Relative to the use of the exhibit room, we have approached the Reading Society of Craftsmen for loans of articles and have received a gratifying response.
Your trustees have broadened their contacts in two respects this year. In keeping with the American Library Association and hun- dreds of libraries throughout the nation, we adopted a Bill of Rights as our basic policy relative to the literature acquired. Further, we have joined the newly formed Massachusetts Library Trustees Associa- tion whose purpose is to promote closer relations between libraries and aid in the improvement of library services.
Other members of this board wish to give special recognition to Mr. William J. Tonks for his vast amount of work in guiding the process of remodeling the library, and to his leadership during the years he served as chairman.
SIDNEY M. HODSON, Chairman NEIL C. ROBINSON, Secretary C. NELSON BISHOP KATHERINE C. PIERCE IRENE H. LATHAM WILLIAM J. TONKS
108
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES
We have a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment at the close of 1952. The staff has been very cooperative and helpful in keeping the library schedule running smoothly.
Circulation gained satisfactorily during the first half year but fell sharply after the local murder and continued during the usual slump attending the Christmas season. Children's Room circulation showed a large gain each month, ending with a total of over 27,000 compared with over 22,000 in 1951. There is definitely a need for more assistance in this room, despite the excellent work of Miss Crovo and a part time assistant.
Books to be mended accumulated rapidly last spring. A book of fiction lasts about one year, when the back usually has to be reinforced. Keeping up with book repairs, other than those which are sent to the bindery, requires a larger allowance for part-time workers.
A total of $295 in interest from trust funds has accumulated since 1949. It would be advisable to use this money for the purchase of two sets of encyclopedias.
Inventory of our books continues, but it is slow work while the library remains open to serve the public. The trustees might deem it wise to close the library sometime in the future so that this work can be done more satisfactorily.
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