USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1954 > Part 12
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A child, to be eligible for admission to Grade I, must be five years, ten months of age as of September 1st of the entering year. No pro- vision is made for examination.
To enter school, each child is required to present a birth certificate and a certificate of vaccination, or in the case of unsuccessful vaccina- tion, a statement from a doctor certifying that three attempts to vacci- nate have been made, all of which have proved to be unsuccessful.
Registration of children entering school in September is held in the different schools some time during May. Announcement of exact time is made through the READING CHRONICLE.
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APPOINTMENTS OF OTHER THAN TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS
Clerical
Audrey C. Graustein, Pearl Street School M. Phyllis Spencer, Senior High School (substitute) Sally Stembridge, Senior High School
Cafeterias
Dorothy Conti, Junior High School - Part Time Florence Harvey, Highland School - Part Time Dorothy R. Sias, Senior High School
Maintenance Department
Joseph Butler, Senior High School (Sunday night watchman) Margaret Campbell, Matron at Junior High School Erminie A. Dinan, Matron at Senior High School Vincent Serrentino, Maintenance helper and partime custodian Margaret A. Thornton, Matron at Highland School Daniel J. White, Night Custodian at the High School Elmer E. Young, Jr., Head Custodian at the High School
MEMBERS OF READING SCHOOL FACULTIES (Dates indicate year of appointment in Reading)
School Committee Office
Arthur B. Lord, Jr., AB., M.Ed. (1948)
Er Chang Ping, M.D. (1952)
Superintendent of Schools School Physician
Supervisors
Philip W. Althoff, B.P.E., M.Ed. (1927) Director of Physical Education Margaret B. Clewley, R.N. (1939) Supervisor of Health
Roderick E. Macdonald, B.S.Ed. (1937) Director of Industrial Arts Florence G. Nichols, B.S.Ed. (1929) Supervisor of Physical Education J. Douglas Oliver, A.B., M. Mus.Ed. (1948) Director of Music
Senior High School
Rudolf Sussmann, B.S.Ed. (1917)
Supervising Principal Joseph F. Fitzgerald, A.B., A.M. (1929) Administrative Asst. to Prin. Head of Math Dept. Clarissa B. Abbott, B.S.Ed. (1953) English Rachel Alden, B.S.Ed. (1954) English James M. Aldrich, A.B., A.M. (1954) Mathematics Clifford W. Baker, B.S., A.M. (1944) Mathematics and Guidance
Elizabeth A. Batchelder, B.S.Ed. (1916) Marcia J. Begum, A.B. (1954) Alton C| Bennett, A.B., M.A. (1947)
Robert Bronner, B.A., M.Ed. (1940) Gaeto J. Catalano, B.S. (1954)
Rose E. Chiesa, A.B. (1953) Stanley R. Clark, B.S.Ed. (1954)
English and Typewriting English History and Coaching Driver Education Mathematics French Science
132
French, English Latin Math. Head Football Coach English
Bookkeeping
Home Economics Steno., Type., Jun. Class Adviser
History, Head of Dept. Mathematics
English, Sophomore Class Adviser English
Carol Johnson, A.B. (1954)
Ara A. Karakashian, B.S., Ed.M. (1954) Svea W. Kling, B.B.A., M.Ed. (1940) Ernestine H. Macdonald, A.B. (1953) William T. McGrail, B.A., Ed.M. (1953)
History
James T. Murphy, B.S.Ed. (1953) Science Frederick J. Pope, B.S., Ed.M. (1922) Science, Head of Dept. John B. Pacino, B.S.,M.Ed. (1954) Gen. Bus., Con. Ed. Freshman Coach Nancy E. Peterson, B.S.Ed. (1954) Physical Ed.
Samuel Quagenti, Mus. B., Ed.M. (1954)
Music Civics Art
Geraldine F. Roy, B.S., Ed.M. (1950)
English, Head of Dept. Civics
H. Neil Soule, B.S.Ed. (1953)
Science
Arthur L. Spencer, A.B., A.M. (1938)
Latin
Head of Foreign Lang. Dept.
Frederick C. Wales, B.S.E. (1942)
Shop
Mary E. White, A.B., M.Ed. (1954)
Math. Freshman Class Adviser
Philip A. Wogan, B.S.Ed., Ed.M. (1949)
Biology
Helen R. Zimmerman, B.A., M.S., Ph.D. (1936)
Biology
Junior High School
Robert F. Perry, B.S. (1935)
Albert H. Woodward, A.B., Ed.M. (1940)
Supervising Principal Asst. Prin., Mathematics Industrial Arts
Ray C. Austin, B.S. (1951)
Harriett S. Beattie, B.S.Ed. (1937)
Art
Elizabeth B. Beckett, A.B. (1950) Gilbert F. Bulley, B.Ed. (1953)
English, Music Math., Social Studies, Bus. Tr.
Social Studies
Stanley E. Butcher, A.B. (1949) John R. Copithorne, B.A., M.Ed. (1946)
Science Industrial Arts
Arthur T. Cram, Jr., B.Ed. (1954)
Elisabeth A. Dagdigian, A.B. (1953)
Eng., Latin, Social Studies Latin, French and English Mathematics
Thomas J. Ganley, B.S. (1953) Marie M. Hagman, B.M. (1954)
Music
Walter E. Hawkes, B.S., Ed.M. (1953) F. Shirley Hughes, B.S. (1953)
Household Arts
Hazel W. Hunt, B.A. (1949)
Social Studies
Helen R. Knight, B.S.E., Ed.M. (1946) Dorothy B. Rice, A.B. (1949)
English, Social Studies Mathematics
TenBroeck Cornell, B.A., M.A. (1954) Virginia Cox, A.B., A.M. (1945) Joseph A. Crowley, A.B., Ed.M. (1946) Jane Cutcliffe, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1952) Alberta F. Drury, Salem Normal (1917) Eleanor B. Foster, B.A., B.S. (1954) Alice H. Franzen, B.S.E. (1947) William E. Hanlon, A.B., Ed.M. (1945) Elizabeth G. Hardy, B.A. (1954) Jennie Hilton, B.S. (1954)
Dir. of Guidance, All Schools Sten., Type., Head of Dept. Librarian
Neil C. Robinson, B.S., Ed.M. (1936)
Mary E. Shay, B.A., M.A. (1943)
Carolyn J. Snow, A.B. (1954)
Louise J. Eldridge, B.A., M.A. (1950)
Physical Education
133
Anna K. Roewer, B.S.Ed. (1952) Ernest G. Spence, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1951) Clementina Sudak, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1951) Marilyn Thomas, B.S. (1954) Margaret E. Tyacke, Boston U. (1926) Alice A. Welch, B.S. (1950)
Mathematics Science English Physical Education English Household Arts
Joshua Eaton School
Eleanor M. Skahill, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1943) Supervising Principal
Doris S. Forbes, Plymouth T. C. (1947) Asst. Principal and Grade 5
Grade 3
Clara A. Anderson, B.S.Ed. (1944) Ann Baker, Conn. S.T.C. (1954) Robert W. Brown, B.S. (1954) Lorraine Domingue, B.S.E. (1952)
Grade 2
Grade 5
Grace L. Gifford, Wheelock (1943)
Grade 1
Viola M. Guarino, B.A. (1953)
Grade 1
Glennalee W. Hein, Perry Normal (1952)
Grade 1
Esther Kempton, B.Ed., M.Ed. (1946)
Grade 4
Helena A. Markham, Framingham T.C. (1934)
Grade 3
Alberta R. Mathieson, Salem T.C. (1924) John F. Morabito, B.S. (1954) Helen B. Morgan, Lowell Normal (1953) Patricia Reiman, B.S. (1953)
Grade 1
Irene R. Royea, Aroostook C. Normal (1928)
Grade 2
Martha E. Ryder, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1949)
Ilene N. Sadowski, B.S.Ed. (1953)
Patricia A. Thorburn, A.A., B.S.Ed. (1952)
Creative Workshop Grade 4 Grade 4
Prospect Street School
Constance B. Loud, B.S.Ed. (1948)
Bldg. Prin. and Grade 6
Dorothy E. Corindia, A.B. (1952)
Grade 6
E. Lorraine Pulson, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1948) Beatrice Stasinopulos, B.S.Ed. (1952)
Grade 5
Highland School
R. Hilda Gaffney, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1941)
Jean W. Bennett, Salem T. C. (1953)
Jean W. Bennett, Salem T.C. (1953)
Supervising Principal Grade 5 Grade 5 (at JHS) Grade 3
Dorothy L. Burgess, Lesley School (1926) Carl E. Burri, A.A., B.S.Ed.
Grade 6 (at JHs)
Ruth B. Carroll, Gorham T.C. (1954)
Grade 6 (at JHS)
Catherine M. Chipman, Lowell T.C. (1944)
Grade 2
Dorothy L. Cronin, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1933) Ann Cullen, B.S.Ed. (1953) Nellie P. Greene, B.S. (1953)
Grade 2 Grade 3
Regina Iannazzi, A.B. (1954)
Grade 4
James M. Leonard, A.A., B.S.Ed. (1954)
Grade 5
Dorothy Leslie, B.A. (1948)
Grade 1
Anna R. Martin, N. Adams T.C. (1954) Marion H. O'Connell, B.S.Ed. (1954)
Grade 1
Grade 4
134
Grade 6 (at JHS) Grade 5
Paula R. Kates, A.B. (1954)
Grade 2
Grade 4
Grade 3
Grade 6
Grade 2
Janet V. Priestley, B.S.Ed. (1952) Marion Weagle, B.S.E. (1946)
Grade 3 Grade 1
Lowell Street School
Stella M. Salva, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1951) Dorothy Conron, B.S.Ed. (1953)
Jessie L. Goddard, Bridgewater T.C. Edith Whittum, Gorham T.C. (1954)
Grade 3 (Permanent Sub) Grade 4
Pearl Street School
Philip F. Lucey, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1953)
Supervising Principal
Mary W. Moore, B.S.Ed. (1941)
Asst. Prin. and Grade 6 Grade 1
A. Josephine Berry, B.S.Ed. (1944)
Grade 2
Frances Haskins, Arcostook State T.C. (1943)
Grade 4
Rita M. Hewitt, Lowell T.C. (1954) Barbara Hill, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1949) Ann Howe, Framingham T.C. (1947)
Remedial Reading-All Schools
Grade 4
Margaret B. Jacobus, B.S.Ed. (1953)
Grade 2
Elizabeth J. Kerrigan, A.B. (1950)
Grade 5
Dennis F. Murphy, B.S.Ed. (1953)
Grade 6
William E. O'Keefe, B.S.Ed. (1954)
Grade 6
Phyllis H. Parks, A.B. (1954)
Grade 3
Dorothy R. Payzant, Emerson College (1953)
Grade 1
Dorothy L. Soar, Salem Normal (1951)
Grade 1
Helen D. Stockwell, Salem Normal (1930)
Grade 5
Marialice Stratton, B. S. (1948)
Grade 3
Jean Bickford, B.S. (1948)
Grade 2 - On leave of absence
SCHOOL SECRETARIES AND CLERKS
High School
Myrtle W. Tilton, Secretary Jean S. Underhill, Clerk
Junior High School
Elizabeth A. Brush, School Secretary
Joshua Eaton School
Dorothy L. Wardrope, School Secretary
Highland School
Clarice D. Hynes, School Secretary
Pearl Street School
Audrey L. Graustein, School Secretary
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Bldg. Prin. and Grade 1 Grade 2
Velma E. Curtin, Perry Kindergarten (1927)
Grade 2
SCHOOL CUSTODIANS AND MATRONS
High School
Elmer E. Young, Head Custodian
William J. Broussard, Custodian
Joseph J. Butler, Sunday night watchman
Erminie A. Dinan, Matron
Catherine M. Miller, Matron
Daniel J. White, Night Watchman and Custodian
W. Ray Yorks, Custodian
Junior High School
Fred B. Riessle, Head Custodian
Fred B. Gibson
Andrew J. Lomax Margaret Campbell, Matron
Joshua Eaton School
Stuart R. Nichols, Head Custodian Henry R. Gromyko
Highland School
Daniel J. Buckley, Head Custodian George Rees Margaret A. Thornton, Matron
Pearl Street School
Edward F. Harrison, Head Custodian Roy L. Brogan
Lowell Street School
William A. Lloyd
Prospect Street School .
Vincent Serrentino, part time. Balance of time at all other schools
CAFETERIAS
Senior High School
Evelyn Mullen, Manager Obeline Arsenault May C. Campbell
Ida H. Johnson Dorothy R. Sias
W. S. Parker Junior High School
Elsiemae Collins, Manager Flora MacPhail Eva E. Noble Dorothy Conti, Part Time
Highland School
Evelyn M. Davis, Manager Florence Harvey, Part Time
Pearl Street School Irene Cook, Manager Nellie Laetsch Mary Bacigalupo, Part Time
Joshun Eaton School Edith J. French, Manager Anna Roscoe Elizabeth Miller
136
READING HIGH SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
Class of 1954 June 9, 1954
PROCESSIONAL MARCH High School Band
RAISING OF FLAG and PLAYING OF COLORS
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Led by Class President, William Edward Cutcliffe
STAR SPANGLED BANNER
Key-Smith
Audience, Senior Class, and Band
PRAYER
Rev. William Gunter
SALUTATORY "Our High School Diploma" Kenneth Thomas McKie
TORCH ORATION William Edward Cutcliffe
ESSAY-"Meeting the Challenge"
Marilyn Frances Beck, Class Honors
ESSAY-"Organizations for Youth"
Stanley Fielding Maxwell, Jr., Faculty Honors
ESSAY-"The Duties of a Good Citizen"
Robert John Callahan, Class Honors
ESSAY-"In Times of Misgiving" Herbert Louis Scheiner, Jr., Faculty Honors
VALEDICTORY "Thank You" Karen Metcalf
CONFERRING SCHOLASTIC HONORS Rudolph Sussmann, Headmaster
CONFERRING DIPLOMAS
Philip R. White, Chairman of School Board
AMERICA Audience, Senior Class, and Band
Rev. William Gunter
BENEDICTION
RECESSIONAL MARCH
High School Band
137
CANDIDATES FOR DIPLOMAS
Coralie Jean Abell M. Joy Aiesi
Robert Anthony Almeida
Lois Anne D'Entremont
Terrence Joseph Desmond
Robert Kendall Dodge
Matthew John Andrews
Robert Wilfred Doiron Donald Custis Dolben
Barbara Ann Aylward
William Francis Banfield
Margaret Rose Donegan
Leigh Buchanan Bangs
James Patrick Donnelly, Jr.
Bernard Mark Barron
Michael Alan Donnelly
Lois Hall Bartosch
Bruce Batting
Rita Ann Bazso
Frederic Allen Bearse
Marilyn Frances Beck
Elizabeth Lawrence Bellows
Patricia Elaine Evans
Sally Anne Fitzpatrick
Gudrun Charlotte Flater
Marguerite Elizabeth Frasco Arthur William Fraumeni
George Gardner Frost
William Francis Gallagher
Richard Arthur Gallant
Barbara Jean Gaw
William Stephen Geary Barbara Elizabeth Gerrior
Helen Gill
Claire Frances Gonzalo
Howard Robert Goodwin
Ruth Allison Campbell
Irene Ruth Carleton
Paul Arthur Carlson
Barbara Ann Cavanaugh
Ann Christensen Anne Colburn
Harold E. Comeau
Edwin David Healy
Richard Walter Coombs
Jean Carole Corindia
William John Crawford, Jr.
Glenna Frances Creamer Mary Jane Crock
Nancy Ann Henry Jeri Lee Hull Eleanor M. Jarvis Judith Aloyse Jellison
Clyde Arthur Johnson
Thelma Madeline Croswell William Edward Cutcliffe Ella Mary Daley Muriel Frances Davis
David Wayne Johnson Geraldine Ann Johnson Marcia Ann Johnson Melvyn Earle Jones
Helen Louise Eisenhaur Kenneth Wayne Elden Robert David Ellis Robert Edward Ellis
Mary Louise Bennett James Gregory Blake Barbara Louise Blanchard
John Edward Boudreau
Janice Ethel Boutwell
John Joseph Brandon
Joan Marie Breugelman Beverly Rae Brown
Marilyn Brown
Marilyn Joan Brown
Evelyn Burhoe
Joan Edith Butler
Mary Cail
Robert John Callahan
Blanche Edna Gosselin
Mary Frances Greene
Nancy Louise Hall
David Ernest Harlow Norma Lee Harris
David Burns Harrison
Vera Jean Harvey
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Alice May Amirault Eleanor Anderson
Jane Hallett deBrigard
Jane Grey Decatur
Joel Quentin Estey
Carol Jean Joyce Patricia Ann Keane Dorothy Ann Kennedy William B. Knowles Sandra Jean Lane Linda Long Norma Irene MacGrath Alexis Elizabeth Mackay Daniel Stanton MacLean, Jr. Neil Donald MacPherson Jane Adelaide Madden Marilyn Claire Marshall Priscilla Ann Marshall Daniel Matthews
Stanley Fielding Maxwell, Jr. Wendell Francis McIntire Carolyn Joyce McKeague Kenneth Thomas McKie Phyllis Lindsay McKie Joan Margaret McManus Fred Wylder Merritt, Jr. Karen Metcalf Christine Moberger
Robert William Noseworthy Robert W. Nowell E. Michael O'Brien Maureen Elizabeth O'Brien John F. O'Donnell, Jr. Sandra Eileene O'Dowd Joanne E. Oldenbrook Alan Keith Oliver Janice Ellen Olson George Allen Peach Arlene Ann Penno Gerald Louis Peters Louane Irene Pierce
Barron Pigon Clara Mae Pitman
Janet Rose Poore Judith Nancy Popp Billie Lydia Porter David Roy Pulson Janice Ann Ranlett Richard Louis Redmond
Barbara Evelyn Richardson Janice Elaine Richardson
William G. Richardson, Jr. Charles Edward Riley Kenneth H. Roberts
Marilyn Joyce Rogers
Nancy Jean Rogers Patricia E. Rooney
Hugh A. Ross, Jr. Herbert Louis Scheiner, Jr.
Harriet Jacqueline Selfridge
Joan Barbara Silva
Lawrence James Skinner
Robert Joseph Smith
Ronald A. Smith
Barbara May Snow Beverly Snyder Lois Ann Stevenson
Carole Ann Moxcey
Agnes Louise Myhre
Nancy Rheel Stewart
Richard Joseph Stosez
Anne Theresa Surette Gerald J. Surette
Joan Mary Sweatt
Gerald E. Sweetland
William M. Talbot
Irene Catherine Turilli
Donald Allen Upton
Gretchen Vedder Rose Camella Anne Venuti
Dorothy E. Walkup
James Michael Wall
Edward Allen Webb
Virginia Anne White Natalie Ruth Zanni
139
87th Annual Report of the BOARD OF TRUSTEES and LIBRARIAN READING PUBLIC LIBRARY
Library Trustees
SYDNEY M. HODSON, Chairman NEIL C. ROBINSON, Secretary C. NELSON BISHOP
H. IRENE LATHAM KATHERINE C. PIERCE ROBERT E. STEWART
Expenditures
1952
1953
1954
Salaries
$ 11,970.00
$ 11,835.00
$ 12,846.00
Maintenance
5,927.00
5,923.00
7,041.00
Per Cent
1.4
1.3
1.3
The increase in circulation this year was 66% larger than last year's, indicating, perhaps that reading continues to supplant televiewing as a leisure time activity. The effect of this increase is reflected in the need to purchase, repair and rebind more books and to employ more part time workers.
The board regretted the resignation of Mr. William Tonks who served as trustee more than ten years, having been chairman since 1945. His efforts and leadership during the planning and execution of the library addition were significant and rewarding.
Mr. Kenneth Brown was elected in March. He was a promising ad- dition to the board but due to an unfortunate illness he was unable to serve. The board learned with deep regret of his untimely death.
Mr. Robert E. Stewart was appointed to fill the vacancy on the board and Mrs. Herbert Merrill was appointed to full time Children's Librarian.
Two maps of old Reading surrounded with sketches of houses of the period were executed by Mr. Elmer Rising and mounted in the panels over the fireplaces in the reading room by Mr. DeMelle Garey. They add materially to the decor of this attractive room.
It is gratifying to have the library facilities used more often by dis- cussion groups.
The staff and custodian have served with great credit to themselves, as testified by numerous compliments concerning their pleasant and efficient service.
140
SUMMARY OF THE LIBRARIAN'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES
Success of this year is attested by an increase in circulation of more than 4000 and about 900 new borrowers. Improvements in the Children's Room - such as new book shelves, rearrangement of materials and the appointment of a full time librarian - have made this part of the library service more effective. Children are requesting more books on science and biography. In fact, the general demand for non-fiction has led to the purchase of more of this type than of fiction. Greater use of references fostered the decision to purchase encyclopedias, using interest from the trust funds.
Gifts this year have included books of poems by former Reading residents Dr. Marion F. Ham and Walter Gerritson; bulbs planted by the Girl Scouts of Troop 22; flowers and plants for the reading room - for all of which we are grateful. We particularly appreciate the memo- rial books presented in memory of trustee, Kenneth L. Brown, whose death saddened the entire staff.
We are very gratified with the other memorial books contributed by relatives, friends and organizations. These were presented in memory of the late: Arthur W. Bancroft, Leon G. Bent, Robert M. Brown, Mary E. Burhoe, Ralph R. Gibson, Robert Gibson, Richard E. Loring, Everett Page, Lester Riley, Ralph W. Smith and Dr. Charles R. Wakeling.
Our exhibits have included such things as books and pamphlets of Reading, England presented by that city; handwork from the adult edu- cation classes sponsored by the YMCA; material from the Parker Tavern.
Submitted, with appreciation for the cooperation of the library staff and the Board of Library Trustees.
ANNA R. TURNER, Head Librarian
Statistical Report
Books Purchased
1953
1954
Adult
948
1249
Juvenile
427
509
Gifts
148
122
Withdrawn
59
196
Net Total
34,003
35,551
Circulation
Adult
60,849
63,192
Juvenile
29,819
30,543
Misc.
3,776
5,595
Total
94,444
99,330
New borrowers
867
894
Fines received
1,238
$1,333
NOTE: see the Accountant's Report for a breakdown of library ex- penses and a statement on trust funds.
141
RECREATION PROGRAM
Increased attendance continues to be the feature of the summer Recreation Program. Activities this year have been varied, to appeal to all age groups. Something has been doing from 9 A. M. to 8 P. M., from Monday to Friday, over an eight week period, plus special programs every Saturday morning. Feature events include movies, play days with Winchester and Woburn, beach trips, dances, cookouts, plays by Boston Children's Theatre Group, Fourth of July Carnival, and the final week of championship contests with awards, culminating in the Carni- val the final night at Birch Meadow.
In spite of uniformed Little and Pony Leagues, enthusiasm for games between playgrounds, in a more informal atmosphere, continued as usual, although the program lent its support to the uniformed groups.
Arts and crafts was a major part of the program, and could easily be expanded to meet the demand, if further facilities were provided.
With several hundred youngsters in daily attendance at our four playgrounds showing a yearly increase in numbers, there can be no doubt of the great need for a recreation program in Reading. The only question is whether the program is extensive enough to include all those who would participate if further facilities, equipment, and personnel were provided. This, of course, would require more money and your Recreation Committee is unanimous in the opinion that the program should be enlarged to meet the needs. Thought is being given to the advisability of a year-round program. Consideration should be given to the possibility of other playgrounds, to keep pace with the growing population. This would necessitate the development of ad- ditional areas.
Your Committee feels more strongly than ever that a swimming pool is necessary to meet a need, and would, fittingly, round out the program.
We wish to thank those who helped to make the program a suc- cess, especially the Reading Chronicle, which has given extensive cov- erage to all events.
Respectfully submitted,
NEWELL H. MORTON, Chairman LAWRENCE DREW REV. JOSEPH GIUNTA
CARL PINKHAM
G. SUMNER TEEL ROBERT TURNER DOMINICK ZANNI, JR.
142
1954 REPORT OF THE WORK OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE IN READING
The Middlesex County Extension Service is a publicly supported, educational institution to serve all the towns of the county in agriculture and home economics. In agriculture the work is developed county-wide under the direction of county councils made up of leading farmers in each of the main commodities as vegetables, fruit, poultry, dairying, livestock, and commercial flowers. A county bulletin is mailed monthly to all cooperating farmers, and timely information is furnished by circu- lar letter, by radio, by telephone and by personal interview, and particu- lar information is sent to those who request it.
Information and assistance was made available to all dairy and livestock producers in this area. Farm visits, circular letters, radio talks and local meetings were all employed as means of assisting the local farmers to better understand and keep abreast of the many changes in agricultural techniques.
The official dairy cow testing program in the area is directly super- vised by the Livestock Agent and includes the service of complete rec- ord keeping on the production and feeding of dairy cows. All farmers in the area have available the services of the Artificial Breeding Program through the local Association, and a soil testing laboratory is main- tained to serve all farmers or landowners who desire a soil anlysis to determine the fertility of their soil.
Service was extended through the Extension Poultry Program in three primary areas: the poultry flock, its care and improvement, breed- ing, feeding, health, and merchandising, pricing, and consumer infor- mation; and the farmer, his farm and family, and agriculture, business management, youth work, and assistance to organizations. Members of the Poultry Advisory Committee are as follows: Arthur Wardwell, Park St., Eric V. Larson, 361 Lowell st., and Wm. Johnson, 468 West St. The Extension Service cooperated with the Middlesex County Poultry Association and the Minuteman Turkey Association in holding meetings for everyone interested.
Miss Lois Connor was Town Chairman. There were 61 girls and 18 boys carrying on Club projects. Some of the most outstanding exhibits at County Achievement Day came from Reading, Ruth Campbell being County winner and receiving an Excellent award in the State Contest. She was also State Clothing Achievement winner and received a trip to National Club Congress in Chicago. Four girls attended the 4-H Teen Tour in Boston. The Town Committee of Reading has been very active in acting as host to the Eastern Section Leaders. Priscilla Harrison, a member of the Service Club, was in charge of the Eastern Section Lead- ers' Banquet during the year. The Reading Lions Club furnished $25 in prizes for the Agricultural Clubs.
Mrs. Ernest Durb, a Club leader, is Secretary of the Eastern Section 4-H leaders. Wendell Nelson was Chairman of the Sheep Show at the 4-H County Fair. Miss Lois Connor is a member of the Camping Com- mittee. Mrs. Walter Connor received a fifteen-year pin for service as a
143
Club leader, and Mrs. John O'Brien received a pin for twenty years ser- vice at the State Leaders' Recognition Day. Club members also exhibited at the Grange Fair, the County Fair, the Horticultural Hall Show, and the Boston Poulty Show.
Home Demonstration Agents are ready to solve problems in home- making: foods, nutrition, canning, freezing, clothing, home furnishings and management, family life, family and community recreation. A monthly letter is sent to all who request it. Mrs. Ralph Buck and Mrs. Walter Rowell have served as active members of the Advisory Council. Program of work has included "Decorating with Pictures", with one lead- er participating; Slip cover construction, in two sections of town; and furniture refinishing. A training school for lampshade making in Read- ing attracted five leaders from Reading to teach these lessons.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER S. HOPKINS, JR.
Town Director
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of Reading:
Your Board of Health has exercised its usual duties during the past year with but two significant things to report.
First: a change was made in the Garbage Collection by the employ- ment of a new contractor. It is a welcome relief to be able to report that his services continue to be very satisfactory, judging from the few complaints which we receive.
Second: your Board of Health coordinated the fine work of the State Health Department, the National Polio Foundation, the School Health Department, the P.T.A. and many hardworking volunteers in doing Reading's part in the Polio Vaccine Field Trials. 1955 will prove whether this work was of value.
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