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SAUGUS MASSACHUSETTS
annual report
THE SAUGUS IRONWORKS RESTORATION
COMPLETE AND AUTHE RECONSTRUCTION OF AMER FIRST SUCCESSFUL IRONW WHICH OPERATED ON ? FROM ABOUT 1646 T.
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LOCAL HISTORY
Ref. 352
Saugus
v.67
1954
IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS
All Town Problems, except Schools Town Manager 2440
Still Alarms and Emergencies
Fire Department
0108
Calls for Crime and Emergencies
Police Department
1212
Assessments or Excise Tax
Assessors
2329
Building Permits
Building Superintendent
0784
Licenses and Real Estate Taxes
Town Clerk and Tax Collector
2420
Rubbish, Garbage or Health Problems
Health Department
2452
Educational and Literary Information
Public Library
0530
Welfare Assistance
Welfare Department
2551
Schools School Department and Superintendent 0775
Water, Supervisory Public Works Department 2012 Water, Emergency, week-days (except Saturdays) 2177
Water, Emergency, nights Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays 2017
Veterans' Services Director of Veterans' Benefits 258
Cemetery
Cemetery Department
2440
Saugus General Hospital
81 Chestnut Street
2700
Post Office
Lincoln Avenue, Cliftondale
0109
Selective Service
Local Board 67, Town Hall
2597
NATIONAL AND STATE OFFICIALS
Senator In Congress: Leverett Saltonstall Local Address: 603 Shawmut Bank Building, Boston
Office Address: Senate Office Building, Washington, D. C.
Senator In Congress: John F. Kennedy Home Address: 122 Bowdoin Street, Boston Office Address: Senate Office Building, Washington, D. C.
Representative In Congress: Torbert H. MacDonald
Home Address: 18 Stevens Street, Malden Office Address: House Office Building, Washington, D. C.
State Senator: Philip A. Graham Home Address: 293 Bridge Street, Hamilton Office Address: Senate Chamber, State House, Boston
Member of Governor's Council, (Representing Saugus) Arthur A. Thomson Home Address: North Andover Office Address: Council Chamber, Executive Department, State House, Boston
State Representative: Belden G. Bly, Jr. Home Address: 46 Auburn Street, Saugus Office Address: House Chamber, State House, Boston
State Representative: Fred A. Hutchinson Home Address: 36 Savory Street, Lynn Office Address: House Chamber, State House, Boston
Saugus is included in the Eighth Con- gressional District; the Third Essex Sena- torial District; the 11th Essex Representa- tive District; and the Fifth Councillor District.
COVER PICTURES
(1) Top steel men of America greet local folks after the dedication of the Saugus Iron Works. Left to right : Edward L. Ryerson, Chairman Executive Committee Inland Steel Company, Chicago, Illinois ; Roger M. Blough, Vice-Chairman of the Board, U.S. Steel Corp .; Albert Day, 88 years old, and oldest living elected Town Meeting member in the United States ; Mrs. Eileen Foster, Hostess chairman ; "Mr. Steel of America" Benjamin F. Fairless, Chairman United States Steel Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ; Governor of Massachusetts Christian A. Herter. (2) Lieutenant Governor Sumner Whittier rings the bell for the start of Old Home Week celebration. (3) Typical Saugus Iron Works scene. (4) Hurricane Carol hits Saugus. (5) New High School- construction starts.
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1954 ANNUAL REPORT SAUGUS MASSACHUSETTS
SAUGUS PUBLIC LIBRARY 295 Central St. Saugus, MA 01906
Table of Contents
Important Telephone Numbers
National and State Officers
Town Officials
Manager's Code of Ethics
Back Cover
Town Manager
3
Playground Commissioners 89
Board of Selectmen
6
Forestry Department 90
Town Tax Collector
7
Public Works Department 92
Town Clerk
8
Engineering Department 99
Veterans' Services 58
59
Safety Council 105
Treasurer's Department 61
Dog Officer 108
Finance Committee 62
Cemetery Department 109
Planning Board 63
64
325 Years Old 112
Public Library
65
Town Beautiful Committee 114
Law Department
68
Industrial Development 115
In Memoriam 118
Harbor Master 70
Church Directory 119
Welfare Department
71
Organizations In Saugus 128
Police Department
74
Street Directory 135
Fire Department
82
Jury List 143
Fire Alarm List
84
Town Accountant 146
Building Department 86
Sealer of Weights and Measures 88
School Department 180
Chamber of Commerce 104
Board of Assessors
Civilian Defense 110
Board of Appeals
Board of Health 69
Inside Front Cover
Inside Front Cover Inside Back Cover
that were absolutely necessary for educa- tion, public health, and public safety. In spite of these additional large burdens of cost, it is important to bear in mind that the tax rate remains less than it was in 1952 when I became your Town Manager.
We have been able to control the tax rate by normal increases in taxable prop- erties, increased receipts from the State, in- creased receipts from local fines, fees and other charges, increased receipts from the sale of lots and graves at the cemetery, an increase in water rates, a better use of town appropriations, and by better management methods.
A very successful event last year was the celebration of the 325th anniversary of the town and the dedication of the First Suc- cessful Iron Works in America. Parades, pageantry and nationally known speakers were featured on this occasion.
Citizens will also long remember two hurricanes that struck in the Fall. Consid- erable damage was done to our trees and public and private property. We antici- pate reimbursement from the State of ap- proximately $35,000 to offset a large part of this emergency cost. This money will be used as an estimated receipt and will help to control the tax rate for 1955.
For the first time in many years, the water division of the Public Works De- partment was placed on a self sustaining basis. This was made possible by doubling of the water rates, as recommended by rate structure experts from the engineer- ing firm of Fay, Spofford and Thorndike. Now citizens will pay only for water used as shown on the water bill. Approximately $3. per thousand has been eliminated from the real estate tax bill which it had been necessary to charge in order to make up for deficit operations of the water division. It should also be pointed out that the State doubled the cost of water to the Town in 1954 in order to offset its deficit.
Without going into any further detailed statements concerning the operations of the town I submit herewith some advantages of a city or Town Manager.
.
SOME ADVANTAGES OF CITY AND TOWN MANAGERS
1. A Manager, not being involved in poli- tics, gives his full time to the important job of running the city or town.
2. A city or town has a better chance of getting a man with training, know-how, experience and contacts.
3. A Manager is trained to get full value for every dollar expended and is always trying to find better methods to do every job.
4. A city or town has a better chance for continuity of service by employment of a Manager over a longer period of years. 5. An experienced city or Town Manager is better informed and knows of newest and best methods as a result of manage- ment information service, training and ex- perience.
6. A Manager with a good salary is more independent and less susceptible to out- side influences and political pressure.
7. A Manager does not have to spend money to get elected and re-elected year after year and as a result does not go into debt and become obligated to those who do business with a city or town and who contribute to political campaigns in order to win favor. Likewise local business men are not bothered with political candidates soliciting campaign funds.
8. A good Manager devoting his full time to the job is always seeking new and bet- ter methods and doing everything pos- sible to reduce costs and improve services.
9. A good Manager keeps the capital plant of the city or town in good repair. This plant consists of public buildings, schools, streets, sidewalks, water, sewer and drain- age systems, parks, playgrounds, trees, traffic islands, brooks, streams, reserva- tions, beaches, etc.
10. A good Manager is always working to establish new taxable valuations by prop- er zoning and by inducing new business and industry to locate in the city or town. 11. A good Manager is interested in and works to develop all possible physical feat- ures of a city or town such as harbors, lakes, ponds, rivers, beaches, reservations, undeveloped land, transportation systems, utilities, airports.
12. A good Manager is interested in a strong organizational set-up with direct lines of authority and efficient operation of all departments with all employees properly classified and paid according to an equitable compensation plan with a minimum and maximum salary schedule with intermediate steps and promotion based on merit.
4
13. A good Manager purchases and main- tains good public works equipment. Every city or town can afford to purchase and should have the following equipment- large road grader, 10 ton 3 wheel roller, 10 ton tandem roller, a mobile street clean- er, a three-quarter yard diesel shovel, a one-half yard rubber tired combination shovel and back-hoe trench digger, a large bulldozer, a rubber tired front end loader and 2 or more 4 wheel drive combination trucks and snow fighters equipped with plows and sander, several small utility trucks. This equipment in most cases will last several years and pay for itself many times over as against contract or rental of equipment.
14. A good Manager can save his city or town thousands of dollars by operating a town gravel pit and refilling as he ex- cavates with refuse material collected from homes and business establishments.
15. Good Managers have found that col- lection of rubbish and garbage by contract is usually much cheaper than by city and town employees. Eliminates purchase and maintenance of expensive equipment by city or town and allows a contractor to select men who are younger, better physi- cally qualified, and faster in making col- lections.
16. Good Managers try to reclaim land for new taxable values by filling in low marsh areas and removal of gravel and ledge on main arteries. Also encourage
private owners of land to do likewise.
17. Good Managers organize public safety councils and work to protect lives and property by sponsoring safety programs in the schools and among adults and at the same time introduce many new safety features such as traffic islands, signs, and better street lighting.
18. Good Managers are interested in pro- moting community spirit and civic pride by good public celebrations on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christ- mas and the New Year holidays along with other anniversary celebrations and special events.
19. Good Managers organize Town Beau- tiful Committees and Clean-up, Paint-up,
Fix-up campaigns to improve and beautify a community.
20. Good Managers save money and get many improvements by Federal, State and County aid such as:
1. Chapter 90 Road Construction and maintenance-State and County aid. and State Aid.
2. Federal Secondary roads-Federal and State Aid.
3. Chapter 81, Waterways for brooks and streams, dredging. Federal and State Aid.
4. School Building Construction As- sistance from State.
5. Civilian Defense aid from Federal and State Governments.
21. Good Managers operate many city or town functions on a self-sustaining basis to reduce tax-rates, such as:
Water rates that will bring in enough income to pay full cost of operation of the water department.
Cemetery lot sales and other fees large enough to pay for full costs of cemetery operation.
Except in emergencies and hardship cases, city or town ambulances should be for hire at fees that will return revenue to offset costs of ambulance and salaries of two to three police officers who are called from other regular duty.
Various city or town publications such as poll lists, maps, copies of laws and ordi- nances, zoning laws and building codes, should be sold at cost and allow for wider distribution.
I have prepared this list as a result of long experience in municipal government. All of these advantages have played an im- portant part in the orderly conduct of our Saugus government during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER E. LAWRENCE,
Town Manager.
5
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
To the Citizens of Saugus:
The Board of Selectmen, in their capacity as the highest elected executive officers of the town, have held 30 meetings during the past year-at which all citizens have had the opportunity to appear and enjoy free expression of opinion and ample discussion before decisions were made. The press has always been welcome to record and publish the results of these sessions.
The matters for consideration are multi- tudinous and frequently complex. It has been the unvarying practice of your present board to carefully analyze all problems and situations to the end that according to their best judgment the best interests of all our citizens are served.
Last year was most eventful. Our Town was enriched in many ways. The dedication of the Restoration of the First Iron Works in America, coupled with the highly in- teresting and enjoyable 325th Anniversary Celebration, from which the Town derived untold volumes of publicity throughout the nation, resulted in lasting value.
Aggressive action and ingenuity on the part of our Town Manager, with the co- operation of the Board of Selectmen, has accounted for many improvements in our capital plant and services. Our support has
never been lacking for plans and projects that are sound and beneficial to the citizens of Saugus.
We have not been without hazards of a most serious and consequential nature. The Spring floods that caused such havoc all over town posed many serious challenges to our resources, both physical and financial. A similar set of circumstances was created by the hurricanes of last Fall.
Your Board of Selectmen worked untir- ingly, early and late, with all agencies, to overcome the effects of these catastrophies and plan preventative action. These efforts are becoming fruitful and will continue to be fulfilled through the enlistment of every available source of technical and financial assistance.
Each member of the Board of Selectmen is a long-time resident of Saugus, and has a sincere interest in our town. We appreci- ate the opportunity for service and trust we may continue to enjoy your confidence.
Respectfully submitted,
J. LOWELL GODING, JR., Chairman JOHN J. BUCCHIERE FRANK EVANS, JR.
ALBION R. RICE
DAVID J. LUCEY
Board of Selectmen.
SAUGUS TOWN FATHERS - THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN pose in the courtroom of the Police Station which is now used as their office. Elected bi-ennially, they elect the Town Manager, serve as a licensing board, appoint various town boards, and serve as advisors to the Town Manager, who under the present system of government is the administrative head of most town departments. The present Board of Selectmen, in this picture of Police Photographer Joseph Taatjes, are, left to right, David J. Lucey, ,Albion R. Rice, John J. Buc- chiere, Chairman J. Lowell Goding, Jr., and Frank Evans, Jr.
6
REPORT OF THE TOWN COLLECTOR FOR THE YEAR 1954
1954
Balances Tax Titles Dec. 31, 1954
Real Estate Taxes
$1,243,196.02
$1,131,883.92 99,070.75
Abatements $47,899.64 193.11
Refunds
$8,579.34
$364.34
$71,627.46
Personal Property Taxes
102,212.60
141.00
3,089.74
Sewer Rentals
495.50
318.80
176.70
Apportioned Sewer
969.34
916.08
17.60
35.66
Com. Int. on Sewers
246.15
222.36
4.99
18.80
Apport. Sidewalk
48.66
25.53
23.13
Com. Int. on Sidewalk
15.56
8.16
7.40
Water Liens Added to Taxes
2,654.41
2,120.11
15.45
518.85
Poll Taxes
11,318.00
9,224.00
2,048.00
48.00
Sewer Rentals
9,651.20
7,608.41
2.042.79
Water
123,078.84
86,758.68
312.09
5.00
36,013.07
Excise Taxes
142,260.12
111,297.33
6,323.72
1,235.87
25,874.94
Ambulance Fees
1,365.50
943.80
79.50
342.20
Veterans Benefits Re-imbursements
5,927.89
4,719.12
20.00
1,188.77
Public Welfare
3,367.61
3,313.61
54.00
Old Age Assistance-State
77,379.59
77,379.59
00.00
Old Age Assistance-State
6,236.84
6,236.84
00.00
Old Age Assistance, Cities and Towns
6,149.35
5,588.53
560.82
Aid to Dependent Children
10,743.04
7,227.27
3,515.77
Disability Assist .- Admin.
168.75
168.75
00.00
Disability Assist .- Aid
5,897.73
5,897.73
00.00
Totals
$1,753,382.70
$1,560,929.37
$56,914.10
$9,963.21
$364.34
$145,138.10
Tax Collector's Fees Collected:
Trailer Fees
$ 1,032.00
Water Lien Releases
24.00
Tax Certificates
871.00
Paid to Town Treasurer
$ 1,927.00
Signed :
RUTH E. STEVENS
Town Collector
Commitments
Collections
2.00
TOWN CLERK
To the Town Manager:
I hereby submit my report as collector of Town Clerk's fees for 1954:
Marriage Intentions $400.00
Mortgages
1,632.00
Discharges of Mortgages
66.00
Business Certificates
31.00
Gasoline Registrations
22.50
Certified Copies
34.00
Miscellaneous
45.50
Paid to the Town Treasurer $2,231.00
Respectfully submitted: RUTH E. STEVENS Town Clerk
To the Town Manager:
I hereby submit my report on dog licenses collected during 1954:
940 Males at $2 $1,880.00
176 Females at $5
880.00
523 Spayed Females at $2
1,046.00
4 Kennels at $10
40.00
4 Kennels at $25
100.00
7 Kennels at $50
350.00
1,654 Total Collected $4,296.00
Fees Paid to the Town Treasurer 330.80
Paid to Treasurer of Essex County $3,965.20
Respectfully submitted : RUTH E. STEVENS Town Clerk
To the Town Manager:
I hereby submit my report as collector of license fees for 1954:
Liquor
$14,772.00
Entertainment
764.00
Victualer
380.00
Juke Box
1,500.00
Junk
20.00
Auctioneer
8.00
Gasoline
2.00
Firearms
5.00
Driving Range
10.00
Auto Dealer First Class
60.00
Auto Dealer Second Class
100.00
Auto Dealer Third Class
20.00
Pool and Bowling
28.00
Taxi
6.00
Scrap Iron
2.00
Second Hand Furniture Dealer 5.00
Paid to the Town Treasurer
$17,682.00
Respectfully submitted : RUTH E. STEVENS Collector of License Fees.
To the Town Manager:
I hereby submit my report on hunting and fishing licenses issued during 1954: 291 Resident Citizens Fishing at $3.25 $945.75
248 Resident Citizens Hunting at $3.25 806.00
88 Resident Citizens Sporting at $5.25 462.00
49 Resident Citizen Minor Fishing at $1.25 61.25
46 Resident Citizen Female Fishing at $2.25 103.50
4 Resident Minor Trapping at $2.25 9.00
1 Resident Citizen Trapping at $7.75 7.75
1 Non-Resident Fishing at $2.75
2.75
7 Duplicate Licenses at $.50
3.50
17 Resident Citizen Sporting (Free)
13 Resident Citizen Military (Free)
765 Total Collected
$2,401.50
Fees Paid to the Town Treasurer 182.00
Paid to Division of Fisheries
and Game $2.219.50
Respectfully submitted: RUTH E. STEVENS Town Clerk
8
TOWN CLERK'S RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS AND ELECTIONS
1954 SPECIAL ELECTION
January 11, 1954
SELECTMEN - TO FILL VACANCY
Board of Selectmen
Earl H. Dwyer
4
9
7
13
12
33
12
6
18
32
146
*J. Lowell Goding
160
67
40
69
36
50
51
72
83
39
667
Stanley J. Piwowarski
40
45
83
40
24
39
56
44
27
171
596
Myron D. Donoghue
2
8
1
2
3
2
2
20
Blanks
2
0
1
1
1
0
2
0
3
2
12
Total
206
121
133
131
73
123
123
125
133
246
1414
A true record:
Attest:
RUTH E. STEVENS,
Town Clerk
Feb. 15, 1954
March 2, 1954
Mrs. Ruth E. Stevens
Town Clerk
Saugus, Mass.
Dear Mrs. Stevens:
The elected Town Meeting Members of Precinct Ten met in the Town Clerk's Office, Feb. 15, 1954 at 7:30 P. M. for the purpose of electing a member to fill an ex- isting vacancy.
There were 4 members present, consti- tuting a quorum.
Stanley Piwowarski was elected Chair- man.
Frank J. McDermott was elected secre- tary.
The following resident of Precinct Ten receiving 3 votes was elected to fill the vacancy.
George Robinson
Signed:
STANLEY W. PIWOWARSKI, Chairman. FRANK J. MCDERMOTT,
Secretary.
I hereby accept the office of Town Meet- ing Member of Precinct Ten.
GEORGE E. ROBINSON
I, Richard K. Smith, resign as Town Meeting Member, having moved from the Precinct from which I was elected.
RICHARD K .SMITH Prec. 8.
Feb. 23, 1954
Mrs. Ruth Stevens Town Clerk
Saugus, Massachusetts Dear Mrs. Stevens:
It is with sincere regret that I am ten- dering my resignation as a town meeting member in precinct 9 due to ill health.
I have waited until now to make this decision, hoping I would be in better health. Very truly yours, KENNETH A. LARKIN
A true copy. Attest:
RUTH E. STEVENS, Town Clerk.
TOWN OF SAUGUS Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex, ss.
To the Constable of the Town of Saugus, Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Saugus, qualified to vote in Town Affairs, to assemble in the Town Hall, on Monday, March 15, 1954 at eight o'clock P. M. to hear and act on the following articles, viz:
Article 1. To hear and act on reports of Committees.
Article 2. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1954, and to issue a note or
9
notes therefor, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year, in accordance with Section 17 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws, or to see what action the Town will take in the matter.
Article 3. To see what sums of money the Town will raise and appropriate for Town Charges for the year 1954.
Article 4. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate $70,949.72 from surplus revenue or the Excess and Deficiency account, to offset the overlay deficit, or to see what action the Town will take in the matter.
Article 5. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $21,872.31 for the care, maintenance and repair of the Essex County Tuberculosis Hospital, or to see what action the Town will take in the matter.
Article 6. To see if the Town will vote to rezone for business purposes the balance of the so-called Town Farm site on the west- erly side of the Newburyport Turnpike, so that portion now lying within the 500 feet from the Turnpike on the westerly side will be zoned for light industrial purposes in conformity with previous zoning and the balance of the area to be zoned for business purposes, or to see what action the Town will take in the matter.
Article 7. To see if the Town will vote that the receipts of money from the sale of the Town Farm lands, so called, situated west of the Newburyport Turnpike, shall be set aside in a special fund, none of which should be spent or allocated for any purpose whatever, until the so-called shopping cen- ter is built and approved by the Town Manager, or to see what action the Town will take in the matter, agreeable to the petition of the Board of Selectmen.
Article 8. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,000.00 for the purpose of maintaining during the ensuing year, the mosquito control works as estimated and certified to by the State Reclamation Board in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 112, Acts of 1931, or to see what action the Town will take in the matter.
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to authorize and appropriate the sum of $10,000.00 for the purpose of continuing the cleaning and widening of Oaklandvale Brook, so called, and rebuilding of culverts;
according to the recommendations of Fay, Spofford & Thorndike, Inc., Engineers, in report dated Dec. 15, 1952; or to see what action the Town will take in the matter, agreeable to the petition of Andrew P. Sorenson and others.
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds the sum of $111,000.00 for the purpose of installing sanitary sewers on Lincoln Ave. to include that part of Lincoln Ave. from Washington Square to the approximate location of Atlantic Ave., in accordance with the plans set forth by Fay, Spofford & Thorndike, Engs., dated 1938, or to see what action the Town will take in the matter, agreeable to the pe- tition of Charles R. Keeler and others.
Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,040.00 to pay for the cost of construction of the rip rap wall by the Old Ballard Street bridge on the Chapter 90 construction of this street, or to see what action the Town will take in the matter.
Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $100 to compen- sate Chief Roland Mansfield for legal ex- penses, agreeable to the petition of the Board of Selectmen, or to see what action the Town will take in the matter.
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $10,000 for maintenance of existing concrete and bi- tuminous sidewalks, for completion of side- walks started in 1953 and for such other sidewalks as the appropriation may allow for new construction, or to see what action the Town will take in the matter.
Article 14. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from the Excess and Deficiency Account-"Free Cash"-the sum of $7500 for the installation of granite curbing and cement sidewalks on Essex Street to be done in conjunction with the Chapter 90 project for the construction of Essex Street from Cliftondale Square toward the Turnpike, or to see what action the Town will take in the matter.
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