Town annual reports of Medfield 1955-1959, Part 1

Author: Medfield (Mass.)
Publication date: 1955
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 882


USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1955-1959 > Part 1


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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49


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


4


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.


5


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


6


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


7


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


8


In Memoriam


Albert L. Clark


FINANCE COMMITTEE


Stanley B. Swaim


FINANCE COMMITTEE


Frank E. Day


SELECTMAN


9


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.


10


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


11


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


14


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.


15


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.


16


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.


17


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


18


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.


19


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


21


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.


22


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.


23


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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