USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1955-1959 > Part 1
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MEDFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY, MA 3 1848 00201 9888
4
305 th Anniversary
Annual Report
OF THE
Town Officers
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1955
THE TRANSCRIPT PRESS, INC. DEDHAM, MASS.
6935
-
TOWN OFFICERS
Moderator
Joseph S. Kennedy
Town Clerk
Charles W. Keirstead
Treasurer
Orion Wight
Selectmen
Joseph L. Marcionette
. Term expires 1956
Joseph A. Roberts
. Term expires 1957
Herbert B. Burr Term expires 1958
Assessors
Harry E. Conway
. Term expires 1956
Carlton W. Kingsbury
. Term expires 1957
Joseph S. Kennedy
Term expires 1958
School Committee
Ralph C. Benedict . Term expires 1956
James T. Frame
. Term expires 1956
Henry R. DeForest
. Term expires 1957
Mary B. Aylward
. Term expires 1957
Leon M. Bowden Term expires 1958
*Donald I. Fifield
.Term expires 1958
Trustees of the Public Library
Anne C. Donlan . Term expires 1956
Evelyn H. Byng
. Term expires 1956
Bertha H. Jefferson
Term expires 1957
Charles F. Woodard
Term expires 1957
C. Munroe Clark . Term expires 1958
Mark Hollingsworth
Term expires 1958
Collector of Taxes
Amos C. Kingsbury
Term expires 1956
Board of Health
Clarence M. Boyce Term expires 1956
Madeleine I. Harding . Term expires 1957
A. Ritchey Stagg, M.D. Term expires 1958
Cemetery Commissioners
Kenneth R. Clark
.Term expires 1956
Joseph A. Roberts Term expires 1957
Peter Pederzini Term expires 1958
* Resigned
** Deceased
3
Water and Sewer Commissioners
Myron H. Smith
. Term expires 1956
Harry R. Leighton
. Term expires 1957
John D. Williams
Term expires 1958
Park and Planning Board
Malcolm R. Haskell
. Term expires 1956
Charles C. Cain
. Term expires 1957
Claire H. Smith
. Term expires 1958
Roger E. Hardy
Term expires 1959
Everett J. Willis
Term expires 1960
Board of Public Welfare
Lawton B. Kingsbury
Term expires 1956
Theodore B. Pederson
Term expires 1957
William S. Farmer . Term expires 1958
Tree Warden
Ellis N. Allen Term expires 1956
Constables (Terms expire 1956)
Nicholas N. Gugliotta Coleman J. Hogan John F. McCarthy
Police Officers
*Coleman J. Hogan, Chief of Police
Nicholas N. Gugliotta Robert W. Brady
George W. Kingsbury
Allan A. Kingsbury * Retired
E. Nina Iafolla John F. McCarthy Francis E. Ryan Maurice P. Bouin Harvey M. Hamilton
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY THE SELECTMEN
Superintendent of Streets Roy Owen
Foreman of Highway Department Harold C. Ryan Superintendent of Moth Work Ellis N. Allen
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Engineers of the Fire Department Edgar W. Allen, Chief Kenneth R. Clark, Assistant Chief
Field Drivers and Fence Viewers
Edgar W. Allen Henry A. Kingsbury Fred C. Chick
Inspector of Animals
Carlton S. Cheney
Pound Keeper
William S. Blanchard
Dog Officer
Coleman J. Hogan
Sealer of Weights and Measures J. Fred Whittier Measurers of Wood and Bark
Dennis H. Lucy
Edgar W. Allen
Public Weigher
Samuel Gilmore
Forest Warden Kenneth R. Clark
Constables
Francis E. Ryan
George W. Kingsbury
Keeper of the Lockup Coleman J. Hogan
Robert Brady Nicholas Gugliotta George Kingsbury
John F. McCarthy H. Arnold Ripley Francis E. Ryan
Special Police Officers
Edgar W. Allen Earl A. Beaton James H. Bachman
William S. Blanchard
Robert G. Brock Fred C. Chick
Thomas F. Clancy Kenneth R. Clark
Ercolla Iafolla Arthur V. Kennedy Amos Kingsbury George W. Kingsbury Dennis H. Lucy John W. Lynch Charles F. Mains John J. McGrath, Jr.
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Charles Garabedian George M. Hamilton Rodman C. Nowers Roy Owen Edwin Penniman Mario Pederzini Walter F. Reynolds H. Arnold Ripley Harold Ryan Ralph R. Ryan Paul F. Seeley Ralph Sproul
Cornelius Mckeown William McLin Melvin J. Thibeau John E. Varnum Francis D. Walsh Danna C. Weiker William A. Weiker J. Fred Whittier Ralph A. Williamson Earl Woodward
Town Accountant
Leslie J. Howlett Term expires 1957
Town Counsel
Joseph S. Kennedy
Veterans' Agent
Herbert B. Burr
Veterans' Director
Lawrence G. Rossi
Burial Agent
Herbert B. Burr
Board of Registrars of Voters
Thomas F. Clancy Mary I. MairEtienne . Term expires 1957
. Term expires 1956
Anne Young . Term expires 1958
Building Inspector Allison T. Carr
Acting Building Inspector
Benjamin H. Brock
Plumbing Inspector J. Roger Petrie
Acting Plumbing Inspector John T. Kreger, Sr. Wiring Inspector Joseph F. Erskine
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Acting Wiring Inspector John W. Goucher
Board of Appeals for Zoning
Orrin E. Wilkins
Term expires 1956
Mark Hollingsworth . Term expires 1957
Leon H. Ballou
. Term expires 1958
Ellen P. Crowell, Associate Member
Board of Appeals for Subdivision Control
Thomas Whiteside
Term expires 1956
Benjamin H. Brock
Term expires 1957
Henry A. Kingsbury
Term expires 1958
Eugene G. Hoell, Associate Member
Board of Appeals, Building By-Law
Charles C. Cain Norman H. Carlson Winthrop Johnson Everett J. Wills, Associate Member
Development and Industrial Commission
Frank G. Haley
Term expires 1956
Arthur L. Lewis Term expires 1956
William F. Spang
Term expires 1957
James N. White Term expires 1957
Robert Eburne Term expires 1958
Paul E. Seeley Term expires 1958
Charles H. Wood Term expires 1959
Roger Hardy Term expires 1959
Walter E. Anderson Term expires 1960
Harry E. Conway Term expires 1960
Gordon Yarlott
Term expires 1960
Director of Civil Defense
Charles H. Clougherty
Captain, Auxiliary Police William McLin
Liaison Officer, Flood Relief
William E. McCarthy
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APPOINTMENTS MADE BY BOARD OF HEALTH
Slaughtering Inspector Francis X. Maguire, V.M.D.
Board of Health Agent-Sewerage Regulation
J. Roger Petrie John T. Kreger, Sr. Allison T. Carr
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY THE MODERATOR
Finance Committee
Thomas Whiteside
Term expires 1956
Edwin J. Daniels
. Term expires 1956
William C. Blackett
Term expires 1956
George W. Ferris
Term expires 1957
John F. Bradstreet
. Term expires 1957
Rossiter R. Holt
Term expires 1957
Martin P. Craven
Term expires 1958
Robert L. Coulter
. Term expires 1958
William F. Mittendorf
. Term expires 1958
Appointment Made by Treasurer Marie M. Burke, Assistant Treasurer
Appointment Made by Collector Gwendolen K. Suereth, Deputy Collector
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In Memoriam
Albert L. Clark
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Stanley B. Swaim
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Frank E. Day
SELECTMAN
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AMOS CLARK KINGSBURY
Amos Clark Kingsbury was born in Medfield on October 13, 1897. He served with the 5th Regiment U. S. Marines in the Second Division of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. He was a Charter Member and Finance Officer of Beckwith Post #110, American Legion. Mr. Kingsbury devotedly served the Town as its Collector of Taxes for 30 years. He was a member of the Finance Committee and var- ious special committees.
His interest in the Town, its affairs, and its people en- deared him to all.
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
To the Citizens of Medfield:
The year 1955 has been a busy year for the Selectmen, reflecting the continued growth of the Town, the expansion of its facilities and development or extension of the problems and needs of its people.
The Board consisting of Joseph L. Marcionete, Joseph A. Roberts and Herbert B. Burr met and organized with Joseph L. Marcionette as chairman, Joseph A. Roberts, clerk, and Herbert B. Burr was appointed Veterans' Service agent.
The Board met regularly each Tuesday plus many special meetings and hearings.
Space does not permit us to list the improvements made under our supervision but we feel that the Town is financially and physically sound.
In conclusion, the Selectmen would like to commend the work of the heads of the several departments under the juris- diction of the Board and to thank the various heads, commit- tees and officers of the Town for their cooperation through- out the year.
JOSEPH L. MARCIONETTE, JOSEPH A. ROBERT, HERBERT B. BURR, Board of Selectmen
December 31, 1955
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DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1955
REPORT OF THE TOWN COUNSEL
January 9, 1956
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
Herewith is a brief Report of Town Counsel for the past year for inclusion in the Annual Town Report.
During the past year, the volume and complexity of work in the Legal Department increased, as was expected. It is fair to assume that this trend will continue with the growth of the Town.
During the year, all cases tried were resolved in the Town's favor and no financial liability was sustained; in one case the Town recovered a sum of money.
During the year 1956, I expected that several pending cases against the Town will be brought forward for trial and there is some possibility that the Town may be held liable for damage in one or two of them. Accordingly, it seems wise that a sum of $500.00 be appropriated and set aside for the settlement of small cases, especially since experience shows that early settlements can often be effected at nominal figures, if payment can be made promptly. Heretofore, the legal department has not been in a position to make use of this mode of disposal of litigation, since no funds were available.
In conclusion I should like to say again that all of the De- partments with which I have worked have been most co-operative and helpful.
Respectfully submitted,
Joseph S. Kennedy, Town Counsel
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REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The report of the Superintendent of Streets for the year 1955 is hereby respectfully submitted.
The year 1955 was marked by a greatly increased amount of varied highway activities which are comprehensively sum- marized in accordance with their respective categories as follows:
BRUSH: The Highway Department has resumed the res- ponsibility of mowing and cutting roadside brush. The pur- pose of controlling the growth of brush is primarily to eliminate obscured vision of motorists, particularly at intersections and to prevent damage to vehicles due to overhang along the traveled ways. In 1955 the sum of $2500.00 was requested but only $2000.00 was appropriated which sum was insufficient to complete the work.
Based upon the experience and the insufficient appropria- tion of 1955, it will be necessary to appropriate an additional $500.00 for 1956 in order to control roadside growth.
SIDEWALKS: A new sidewalk was constructed under contract on the easterly side of North Street between Pine and Dale Sreets for a distance of 525 feet. Because the existing footpath was abandoned by the 1948 Relocation and because an installation in accordance with the new line would place the sidewalk too near the travelled way, the Selectmen retook the strip of land on which the sidewalk is now located.
The Highway Department constructed a sidewalk on the easterly side of Spring Street from Main Street to Curve Street, a distance of 2800 feet. Consideration was given to the feasibility of constructing the sidewalk back to the County relocation line. In addition to the destruction of healthy trees and the disturbance to abutting property, the primary rea- son for the selection of its present location was that to build the sidewalk on the line would have exceeded the appropria- tion of $6,300.00.
There was considerable delay and inconvenience in finish- ing the project due to both the necessary priority assigned to other additional projects and the flood. An unsuccessful at- tempt was made to incorporate an asphalt curbing which would have afforded protection to pedestrians. As a substi- tute posts and reflectors were set along the edge of the side- walk to direct traffic from interfering with pedestrian travel.
Because it appears that the number and distance of isolated sidewalks will increase it will be necessary in the future to purchase another piece of equipment suitable for plowing them.
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DRAINAGE: A large culvert on South Street near Noon Hill which was broken as well as inadequate to carry the addi- tional surface water from the Longview Development was re- placed with a 36" x 22" metal arch type culvert.
Two catch basins were installed in Pleasant Court and 150 feet of pipe were laid to connect the system to the "Oak Street" system which discharges under the railroad tracks. The cost of the drainage in and from Pleasant Court was paid under the Betterments Act.
A 36" metal culvert was placed under the tracks of the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. Co. in the vicinity of Park and Oak Streets, through an easement. Part of the work was done by a contractor and part by town help.
As a temporary expedient to the drainage problem on Frairy Street considerable building up of the road and cutting of the gutter has relieved some of the water. A leach basin was installed on Philip Street to dissipate a stand of water which interfered with the safe movement of traffic.
It is the observation of the Highway Department that many serious drainage problems exist in the Town and that as additional buildings are constructed more problems come into being without solution of the old ones. It is recommended that each year some of the existing problems be eliminated by the installation of drainage systems in accordance with en- gineering plans and practice.
CHAPTER 81. Under the Chapter 81 program by agree- ment with the District Engineer of the Department of Public Works, a plan for routine maintenance and improvement was established and substantially completed. Plans were formulated in the spring to extend surface drainage on South Street Ex- tension. Because the flood disrupted plans and delayed the work the funds were used to surface 2,000 feet of Pine Street, and 1,450 feet of Causeway Street.
MAIN STREET WIDENING: The intersections of Main and Spring Streets and Main and Park streets were improved, the approaches to the Main Street grade crossing were made safer and a widening of Main Street were accomplished as one project. The work included the installation of 359 feet of granite curbing, 250 feet of which was set in front of Baxter Park. Two catch basins were constructed and two existing catch basins were converted to manholes to provide drainage for the additional travelled way and to correct the unauthorized discharge of surface water onto the railroad property. .
A small section of sidewalk was built on the southerly side of Main Street over the extended crossing to allow for safe pedestrian travel in accordance with the Order of Altera- tion of the County Commissioners.
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Two control islands, appropriate directional and regulatory signs, and additional street lights were installed at the inter- section to promote orderly and safe direction of traffic.
The Railroad installed new flashing lights on the north- westerly corner of the track intersection and added another set above the existing one on the southwesterly corner.
THE FLOOD OF AUGUST 18 AND 19: "Hurricane Diane" which was predicted to strike the New England coast with violence veered inland from the coast of Virginia. The storm in its dissipation deposited unprecedented amounts of water along the northeast coast. The official rainfall for August 18 and 19 was 11.94 inches. The Highway Department in co- operation with the Police Department erected barricades and signs where roads were closed and stationed trucks at flooded areas to assist motorists.
The greatest amount of damage occurred on graveled roads and along the shoulders of surfaced roads. Approximate- ly 87 feet of Farm Street was washed away entirely.
The Town has received $1,580.95 from the Corps of En- gineers of the United States Army for temporary restitution of public facilities and will receive an additional $325.00 as Federal participation in the permanent repairs to Farm Street. Although the State will bear almost all of the remainder of the costs of the flood, additional defects may appear in the spring. Since the cut-off date for reimbursement was November 30, 1955, the Town will have to pay for any additional damage that appears.
EQUIPMENT: A Fordson Major Tractor and front end loader was purchased last year. The tractor has been used daily for a variety of purposes. The costs of operation and its use has made it a very efficient acquisition for the Town.
Because of the high costs of repairing the 1939 Brockway truck, it is felt that it will be more economical to replace it with a new truck. It is recommended that a small dump truck and plow be purchased to replace the Brockway.
It also is recommended that consideration be given to the purchase of another self-unloading sand spreader for sanding icy roads. With the addition of another spreader, the increased service that the public requires will be available at a reduced operational cost. One man can operate the equipment whereas three men are required with the present outmoded equipment. The new type of spreader can be operated at a speed of 15-20 miles per hour as against the slower speed of 3-5 miles per hour with the old machinery. The list of towns now employ- ing the newer and more efficient method of sanding icy roads is a long one.
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The Buckeye sand spreader which was purchased second hand in 1934, which is used for covering the roads after asphalt has been applied is no longer serviceable. Last year an ar- ticle was included in the warrant for the purchase of a new one. At that time the Highway Department was willing to as- sume the risk of its use for another season, but are certain that the same chance cannot be taken again in 1956, or the sur- facing program will be impossible to complete.
The widening which averaged fifteen feet provides adequate room for the safe parking of vehicles and at the same time allows for the free flowage of two way traffic.
The widening and improvement was done by the High- way Department with the assistance of State engineers and was financed by the State, County, and Town.
GENERAL: Medfield is primarily a residential commun- ity in character whose inhabitants are employed in Boston or other surrounding centers of business and industrial activities. The use and dependency of the automobile is too well recog- nized to restate in detail. The problem of unsafe and inade- quate highways exists at local, state, and federal levels. Legis- lators in the two categories recognize the full import of both the cost and time element involved in the solution of one of our most annoying internal problems and are taking appropri- ate action to provide the needs of their respective areas of jurisdiction.
The following excerpt is taken from Report 1336 of the House of Representatives, 84th Congress:
"There are two basic facts which are recognized and agreed upon by all concerned. First, the whole economy of the United States is directly dependent upon motor vehicle trans- portation. Secondly we are failing to keep our highway systems adequate to meet our needs and the backlog of deficiencies re- quired to be overcome has been and is constantly piling up at an alarming degree. Unless drastic steps are taken im- mediately, we will fall further and further behind and traffic jams will soon stagnate our growing economy."
Some of the above quotation can be aptly applied to Med- field's highway problems. Completion of reconstructing route highways alone will require an estimated 20 years. Increased State participation or Federal Aid would reduce the time ele- ment which in turn is now controlled by the amount that the State has available for allotment. Other roads leading to cen- ters of employment and business such as South and North Street will require future consideration for reconstruction.
The drainage problems that are resulting from the con- struction of new homes are being created faster than they are being solved. Ponding of water on public ways constitute a
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dangerous hazard that could cause serious property damage or personal injury. Stands of water are also annoying inconven- iences to motorists. The backlog of major drainage problems will continue to accumulate until appropriations are made to eliminate them.
In conclusion, the Highway Department wishes to express its thanks to the Town Counsel who worked continuously with the Department throughout the year on a variety of prob- lems, to Mr. Charles Cain, the State Engineers, the Police De- partment, other Town departments and the people, all of whom contributed immeasurably to the Highway program during 1955.
Respectfully submitted, ROY OWEN, Superintendent of Streets.
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20.
FORDSON DIESEL TRACTOR MEDFIELD HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS ON BUILDING LAWS
Jan. 7, 1956
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
We are hereby submitting our report of the Appeal Board to the Building Laws for the year 1955.
During the year there was one petition presented to the Board for a variance of which the Board acted upon.
Respectfully submitted, Charles C. Cain Norman H. Carlson Winthrop B. Johnson Everett Wills Appeal Board to the Building Laws
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS ON ZONING
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Medfield:
Gentlemen:
The Medfield Board of Appeals on Zoning organized for 1955 as follows: Mark Hollingsworth, Chairman; Leon H. Ballou, Jr., Clerk; Orrin E. Wilkins, Member and Mrs. Ellen Crowell, Associate Member.
During the year the Board conducted several public hear- ings on petitions of townspeople and property owners in the community; and in each instance discharged its duties in the best interest of the petitioners and townspeople as a whole.
Due consideration was given to each case with the pur- pose of having the decision follow the intent and purposes of the Town-by-Laws.
Respectfully submitted, Mark Hollingsworth, Chairman Leon H. Ballou, Jr., Clerk Orrin E. Wilkins
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
We hereby respectfully submit our Report of the Board of Health for the year ending December 31, 1955.
We have issued licenses to dealers selling, buying or trans- porting Methyl Alcohol or Wood Alcohol, so-called, or any prep- aration other than Shellac or Varnish.
The garbage collection contract was renewed and collections were made twice a week during the summer months and once a week during the winter months.
The Medfield School Dental Clinic is under the supervision of the Board of Health and all children in the elementary build- ings were examined. Treatment has been started on all children desiring work done at the Clinic.
There are two patients at Norfolk County Hospital for Tu- berculosis, and one at the Rutland State Sanitarium.
Allison T. Carr was appointed an agent of the Board of Health, upon the resignation of J. Roger Petrie.
The following contagious diseases were reported:
Dog Bite 5
Measles
158
Mumps 6
Non-paralytic Poliomyelitis
3
Pulmonary tuberculosis 5
Chicken-pox
10
During the year several complaints were taken care of.
Respectfully submitted,
A. Ritchey Stagg, M.D., Chairman Clarence Boyce Madeleine Harding
Board of Health
January 10, 1956
REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
January 14, 1956
Gentlemen:
The following is my second annual report for the year ending December 31, 1955.
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New Homes
68
Garages
7
Additions
17
Remodels
13
Work Shops
1
Lumber Sheds
1
Kennels
1
Summer Houses
1
Demolitions
2
Garage & Breezeway
1
Septic Tanks and Cesspools
32
I completed 344 inspections during the year and 21 in- spections on cesspools & septic tanks after taking this work over from Mr. Petrie on October 1.
The local builders have been very cooperative, and with one exception the outside builders were equally cooperative.
Through the cooperation of the appeal board the one ex- ception was settled to the satisfaction of all concerned.
Through 1955 we have had an increase of 18 homes over 1954 and I look for a much larger increase for the year 1956.
I wish to thank the following for their fine cooperation during the year. The town officials: the other inspectors: the board of appeals and Marie Burke who is a great help both to me and other inspectors as well.
Respectfully submitted,
Allison T. Carr, Sr. Building Inspector
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The Cemetery Commissioners respectfully submit our report of the Cemetery Department for the year ending De. cember 31, 1955.
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The program of new development has progressed with 225 of the 476 graves of Section F properly graded and seeded. The additional 251 graves will be conditioned as they are required.
Plans are being formulated to raise the charges for an- nual care from $3.00 to $5.00 and to charge directly to the Lot owner costs for all work beyond the general upkeep of the lot. This work to include raising of sunken graves and work deemed necessary to maintain the standard of the Cemetery.
We request the sum of $5,500 to be raised and appropriated together with the sale of lots fund for the maintainance of Vine Lake Cemetery.
Respectfully submitted,
PETER PEDERZANI, KENNETH R. CLARK, JOSEPH A. ROBERTS, Cemetery Commissioners
REPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
During the past year the Commission has been involved in a continuous effort to contact and interest certain business enterprises, (clean, free from noise and wholesome) to estab- lish their activities in our Town.
To date we have not met with any great success, but our efforts may prove very valuable in the future development of our community.
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