USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Oakham > Town annual reports of the officials of the town of Oakham, Massachusetts 1962 > Part 1
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" Leaning Elm"
OAKHAM TOWN REPORT
BICENTENNIAL ISSUE
1962
LEANING ELM
The sketch on the cover showing the elm as it stood in 1962 was drawn by William A. Sampson.
Oakham's "leaning elm" was chosen as the subject for this year's cover sketch as it is closely connected with the observance of our bicentennial anniversary, having been a familiar landmark for nearly one hundred years, and being felled as the final event of the year.
This giant tree grew on the side of Coldbrook Road, near what was formerly the Deacon Allen residence. In 1872, when the tree was about 50 years old a tornado of considerable violence struck in the vicinity of the Allen property, destroying the barn and leaving the elm leaning over the road.
Although leaning at a precarious angle the elm survived several hurricanes, including the severe one of 1938, many ice storms, and high winds and would have lasted for many more years if it had not become infected with Dutch Elm disease.
When it was cut down and destroyed, on December 28th, it measured forty four inches in diameter at the butt and a count of the growth rings indicated that it was about 150 years old.
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE
TOWN OFFICIALS
OF THE
TOWN OF OAKHAM
Massachusetts
OA
HAM
ENNIA
00001962
000
BICENT
ERSARY
TS
OAKHAM
MASS
MASSACHUSET 1762
Year Ending December 31, 1962
Barre Gazette Barre, Mass.
To the Citizens and Friends of Oakham:
We are particularly pleased to present to you the reports of the officials of the Town of Oakham for our Bicentennial Anniversary Year, 1962.
In our opinion the Bicentennial Anniversary celebra- tion was a complete success and we would like to express our appreciation and congratulations to the Bicentennial An- niversary Celebration Committee and to all of the other com- mittees, organizations, groups and individuals who contributed so much of their time and abilities.
Although much of our time was spent in connection with the Bicentennial celebration, other affairs of the town were carried out as usual. Our Annual Reports brought us addi- tional honors, placing first in the State and second in the New England town report contests for towns in our population group.
All things considered. this has been one of the most event- ful and memorable years in our town's history and has been a year of which all of our citizens may well be proud.
Respectfully,
Walter W. Nelson John P. O'Donnell Roger H. Lonergan
Board of Selectmen
3
ANNUAL REPORTS
Town Officers for 1962
THREE YEAR TERMS
Town Clerk
DOROTHY P. DAY
Term expires 1964
Selectmen
WALTER W. NELSON
Term expires 1963
JOHN P. O'DONNELL
Term expires 1964
ROGER H. LONERGAN, Chairman and Clerk
Term expires 1965
Assessors
CHESTER M. ROOD, Chairman LUDWICK SZCZUKA
W. FRANCIS BRENNAN
Term Expires 1963
Term Expires 1964
Term Expires 1965
Board of Health and Board of Public Welfare
WALTER W. NELSON, Chairman Board of Health
Term Expires 1963
JOHN P. O'DONNELL
ROGER H. LONERGAN, Chairman Board of Public Welfare
Term Expires 1965
School Committee
WILLARD C. RUTHERFORD, Chairman Term Expires 1963 MARY H. PARSONS, Clerk
FREDERICK G. STONE
Term Expires 1964 Term Expires 1965
Library Trustees
NORMAN L. DROLET, Chairman DOROTHY V. LUPA, Clerk
FANNIE B. M. TUCKER
Term Expires 1963 Term Expires 1964 Term Expires 1965
Cemetery Committee
THEODORE F. MURPHY NELSON E. MAYO FREDERICK G. STONE, Chairman
Term Expires 1963 Term Expires 1964 Term Expires 1965
Term Expires 1964
4
ANNUAL REPORTS
Constables
WALTER E. COLE
O. HAROLD ERICKSON
LEONARD A. HARDY
ROGER H. LONERGAN
GEORGE H. PARKMAN
FREDERICK G. STONE
Term Expires 1965
Term Expires 1965
Term Expires 1965
Term Expires 1965
Term Expires 1965 Term Expires 1965
FIVE YEAR TERMS
Planning Board
RICHARD G. RILEY, Chairman RUSSELL E. CROMBIE
W. FRANCIS BRENNAN
ELOISE A. KUHNER, Assistant Clerk
CHARLES R. DEAN, Clerk
Term Expires 1963
Term Expires 1964
Term Expires 1965
Term Expires 1966
Term Expires 1967
ONE YEAR TERMS
Moderator FREDERICK H. LANE
Tax Collector MAUDE M. STONE
Treasurer JAMES BARRINGER
Auditor CHANNING M. BILLINGS
Tree Warden H. ROSCOE CRAWFORD
Fence Viewers DONALD C. AGAR
WALTER W. NELSON VERNO S. TUCKER
Measurers of Wood and Bark ALFRED B. MORSE CHARLES R. DEAN WALTER A. WOODIS
Measurers of Lumber ALFRED B. MORSE
CHARLES R. DEAN WALTER A. WOODIS
Field Drivers WILLIAM C. DERMODY STUART T. GLENDYE JOHN L. WIDING
5
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
4.8
4.3
4.6
L
'60
'61
'62
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Reports of the
Bicentennial Celebration Committee Town Clerk
Board of Selectmen Tax Collector Town Treasurer
Accounting Officer Planning Board
Regional School District Planning Committee
6
ANNUAL REPORTS
Report of the BICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Oakham celebrated its Bicentennial Anniversary by presenting a series of events, starting with the Queen of Hearts Ball and ending with the felling of our famous "leaning elm."
The Queen of Hearts Ball, sponsored by the Couples Club, was held in Memorial Hall on Saturday evening, Febru- ary tenth. The program included dancing to the music of Leo Bassett's orchestra, the selection and crowning of Miss Susan Parsons as Queen of the Ball and Miss Oakham for 1962, and a buffet lunch. The queen's attendants were Miss Gail Benoit and Miss Judith Spinney.
Judith Spinney
Gail Benoit LeRoy Spinney Miss Oakham - Susan Parsons
Crowning the Queen of the Ball
7
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
The second event of the year was the planting of the Bicentennial Oak on the Town Common under the auspices of the Board of Selectmen.
The tree is a native white oak and was taken from land owned by the O. Harold Ericksons, formerly known as the John Day place. It was planted at the north end of the Common and a large boulder was set in front of the tree. A bronze plaque commemorating the event will be installed on the boulder.
The ceremonies included an address by District Forester Howard Hurley of Spencer and recitations by pupils of the Oakham Center School. Mr. John P. Day, a former select- man for 32 years and a former State Legislator, was the guest of honor.
John Day
John O'Donnell Craig Stone
Roger Lonergan
Tree Planting Ceremony
8
ANNUAL REPORTS
On the evenings of May eighteenth and nineteenth a three act play entitled "Pair of Country Kids" was presented by the Parent-Teachers Association. The play, featuring an all Oak- ham cast, was directed by Mr. Philip Woodrow of Rutland, and was an unqualified success, receiving many favorable com- ments.
All of the proceeds of the play and of the ball were turned over to the Bicentennial Committee and were used to meet some of the expenses of other phases of the celebration.
---
. ..
Stephen Casault - Leslie Downer - Louise Smichinski - Daisy Widing Scene from "A Pair of Country Kids."
9
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Charles Casault
Charles Dean
Judy Stone
Charles Dean
Bettyanne Parsons Arthur Bealand, Jr.
Donna Longwell
Scenes from "A Pair of Country Kids."
10
ANNUAL REPORTS
Memorial Day exercises, in addition to the usual cere- monies conducted by Oakham American Legion Post No. 378. featured the unveiling and dedication of a memorial monu- ment to the men and women of Oakham who have served their country in time of war. The dedication address was deli- vered by John Robinson, a life-long resident of town.
All funds were obtained from public subscription under a drive conducted by members of the Bicentennial Committee.
William Bechan Leroy Spinney Anthony Lupa John Robinson Haven Goodwin
War Memorial Dedication
Observation of Founders' Day on June twelfth consisted of a reading of a proclamation by the state legislature, to the Center School pupils.
The feature event of the whole year's celebration was the parade and Old Home Days held on July 28 and 29.
The program for the two days was as follows:
Saturday, July 28th
Parade - Starting at Fire Station, proceeding along Maple Street and Coldbrook Road.
Chicken Barbecue Drill Team Exhibition Firemen's Muster
11
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Community Supper Speaker and Commemorative Exercises Vaudeville Acts and Square Dance
Sunday, July 29th
Special Church Services Softball Game Competitive Sports Fashion Show Band Concert
Favored by perfect weather, the two day program was thoroughly enjoyed by an estimated 5,000 spectators and parti- cipants. The parade included 33 floats and seven drum corps and lasted for nearly an hour and a half.
The three judges, Mrs. Charles Connington of Barre, Ed- mund Butkiewicz of Rutland, and Axel Krussell of North Brookfield, selected the following as outstanding floats:
Decorative
Town of Hubbardston Oakham 4-H Trifilo's Market
Historical
Town of East Brookfield Town of New Braintree Oakham PTA
General
Oakham Grange Boy Scout Troop 144 Barre Boys Club
The Firemen's Muster was conducted by the Oakham Fire Department with teams from West Brookfield, Brookfield, Warren, Webster, Oakham, Paxton, Rutland and North Brook- field competing.
Completing the day Saturday were a ham and bean sup- per, an address by Representative Thomas Lawton, and vaude- ville acts with Chester Rood acting as Master of Ceremonies.
In addition to special church services, Sunday's events included a softball game between Barre and Oakham, compe- titive sports under the direction of Arthur Bealand, a fashion show presented by Mrs. Esther Rood and a band concert by the Gilbertville Brass Band.
This phase of the celebration brought many of our past residents and friends from neighboring towns in to see us and they, together with our Oakham residents, enjoyed a very pleasant weekend.
In recognition of the great amount of time and work con- tributed by the organizations and people of the town a Bicen- tennial Ball and buffet was staged on Friday, December 7th. The purpose of this affair was to give everyone a chance to sit back and enjoy themselves.
12
ANNUAL REPORTS
Oakham Queen's Float
-----.
Oakham's "Birthday Cake" Float
The charge for tickets was nominal and the planning and decorating was done by the young people of the town under the direction of Miss Mary Troy.
13
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
While the event was not a financial success it accom- plished its purpose in that all who attended had an excellent time.
The final event of the year was the felling of Oakham's famous leaning elm on Friday, December 28th. This great elm, nearly 150 years old, and leaning over the Coldbrook Road for 100 years, had been infected by Dutch Elm disease in 1961 and was scheduled to be cut down and destroyed. However permission was obtained to let the tree stand until the end of our bicentennial year.
In spite of the presence of a "squatter" from our neigh- boring town of Barre, the tree was felled with only a minor delay. The felling of the leaning elm not only marked the end of a tree that had been a landmark for many years, but it also marked the end of our Bicentennial Anniversary celebration and the end of an era in the history of Oakham.
Thanks to the cooperation of the people and organizations of town and the generosity of individuals and businessmen, both in Oakham and in our surrounding towns the whole cele- bration was carried out well within the original appropria- tion of $1,500 and although final figures are not yet available it appears that there will be a balance of about $600 left in the account when all bills are paid and all receipts are in.
Much as we would like to give recognition to those indi- viduals who made outstanding contributions to the success of the year's celebration, we realize that this would be a task far beyond our abilities. However, we would like to thank and congratulate all individuals, groups, and organizations not only from Oakham but also from our neighboring towns for their unselfish effort and the teamwork and cooperation that was evident throughout the year.
In closing we would like to express our appreciation to the people of Oakham for giving us the opportunity to serve on this Committee and to play a part in a year in the history of Oakham that will long be remembered with pride and satis- faction.
Respectfully submitted, Bicentennial Anniversary Celebration Committee
LEROY SPINNEY, Chairman JOHN ROBINSON, Treasurer HOWARD DEAN, Secretary WILLARD RUTHERFORD ROBERT WILE
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ANNUAL REPORTS
REPORT OF THE TOWN CLERK Vital Records of 1962 Birth 1961 - Late Return
December
6-Ronald Edward Longvall, son of Robert Clifford and Donna Maria (Chestna) Longvall.
Births - 1962
March
7-Michael Joseph Boucher, son of Emile Omer and Estelle Mary (L'Heureux) Boucher.
June
11-Joyce Lyn Mascroft, daughter of Alpheus S., Jr. and Shir- ley Mae (Smith) Mascroft.
July
17-Jeffrey Alan Young, son of Ralph T. and Hazel M. (O'Don- nell) Young.
September
5-Joanne Marie Wells, daughter of George Franklin and Patricia Evelyn (Bucci) Wells.
Marriages - 1962
April
7-Gilbert Andrew Shepard, Oakham, and Betty Ann Hope, Brookfield.
28-Leslie Richard LaCount, Oakham, and Ann Marie Lackey. Jefferson (Holden).
July
7-Kent Bradford Forsberg, Worcester, and Vivian Janet Crawford, Oakham.
September
8-Thomas E. Zysk, Oakham, and Betty Ann Ringgard. Worcester.
Deaths
January
Y M
D
13-Arthur Michael Crawford, Oakham
3
9
March
8-Peter Paul Joseph Morris, Oakham May
64
11
15
28-Everett P. Bond, Worcester
61
6
8
15
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
June
13-Edward Sanford Crawford, Oakham 81 7 27
Non-Residents Buried in Town
Date of Death
Y
M
D
January
18-Margaret Arnold
87
10
4
June
2-Alice L. (Dwelly) Keown
76
9
2
8-Henry B. Poole
81
3
1
July 1-Ellen M. Balcom
88
5
23
Dog Licenses
51 Males at $2.00
$102.00
19 Females at $5.00 38 Spayed Females at $2.00
95.00
76.00
108
$273.00
Fees retained, $.25 each
27.00
Net Return
$246.00
The dog year begins on April 1, and ends on the follow- ing March 31. Since the law does not require that a bill or notice be sent, the responsibility rests with dog owners, or keepers, to remember to license their dogs by April first each year. Licenses are usually available by March 20. Each year more licensing is done by mail, which saves time and travel. Checks should be made out to the Town of Oakham.
Under the provisions of a law approved in January, 1962, a dog owner need only show the clerk the spaying certificate to qualify for the two-dollar fee. Previously he was required to file it with the clerk.
The metal tags, given with the license, to be attached to the dog's collar or harness, are evidence of licensing, and also help in identifying the owners of stray dogs. Persons having a stray dog on their premises, should report that fact, within forty-eight hours after its arrival, to the police or dog officer, who will endeavor to return the lost animal to its owner.
Sporting Licenses
37 Fishing at $4.25
$157.25
46 Hunting at $4.25
195.50
40 Sporting at $7.25
290.00
13 Minor Fishing at $2.25
29.25
12 Female Fishing at $3.25 39.00
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ANNUAL REPORTS
1 Non-Resident Hunting at $15.25
15.25
3 Duplicate at $.50 1.50
7 Sporting and Trapping - free .00
159
$727.75
Fees retained, $.25 each, except duplicate and free 37.25
Net return $690.50
3 Deer Stamps at $1.10 $ 3.30
Fees retained at $.10 each
.30
Net Return
$ 3.00
Total net return to the Division of Fisheries and Game
$693.50
1963 licenses are yellow: prices are the same as last year.
Two laws passed in 1962 relate to hunting. The first, approved March 5, makes it mandatory for hunters, during the deer season, to wear at least 200 square inches of daylight fluorescent red or orange clothing or material on head, chest, and back, or on chest and back. The effectiveness of these colors was proved during the past deer season, when for the first time in many years, not one accident occured in the state which could be attributed to a hunter's being mistaken for game, or being in the line of fire of another hunter. While the law now applies to deer hunters only, sportsmen are advised to wear the safety colors at all times while hunting. The other law, approved May 11, permits hunting on legal holidays.
Twelve hunting licenses were issued to minors during 1962. All persons between the ages of 15 and 18 must have the written consent of parents or guardians to obtain a license. Minors between the ages of 12 and 15 cannot have a license, but may hunt if accompanied by a licensed adult, provided that a single bag limit shall be observed, and only one firearm possessed by the two. Only one minor per adult is permitted.
Aliens may obtain a permit to hunt or possess firearms by writing to The Director, Division of Fisheries and Game, 73 Tremont Street, Boston 8, Mass.
The following free publications are available from the Division of Fisheries and Game, Field Headquarters, Westboro. Mass., c/o I. and E. Section:
A guide to stocked trout waters in Massachusetts
A guide to Massachusetts hunting areas.
MASSACHUSETTS WILDLIFE, the official bi-monthly magazine of the Division.
Filed
In accordance with the Uniform Commercial Code, 23 Fin- ancing and 3 Termination Statements.
17
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
ACTION TAKEN AT TOWN MEETINGS DURING 1962
Annual Town Meeting March 5
Votes on election of officers and on routine articles have been omitted. For appropriations not included, see the department reports and the statement of accounts prepared by the accounting officer.
IT WAS VOTED:
Article 1
That the annual reports be accepted as printed, and that a rising vote of thanks be given to those responsible for the reports.
Article 6, under which amount are "raised and appropriated or appropriated from available funds in the treasury to pay salaries, expenses, and outlays of the several town depart- ments for the ensuing year." Action on three of the items follows:
The motion listing amounts to be raised and appropriated for Health and Sanitation, included $700 as the amount recommended for the town dump. An amendment that the $700 be struck out was revised to "reduce the amount from $700 to $200". The amendment as revised was approved, 36 to 18, so the total amount voted for Health and Sanitation was $310.
Because of uncertainty regarding the voice vote on the amount to be raised and appropriated for Streets and Highways, which included Snow Removal and Sanding, and Street Lights, the moderator called for a show of hands. 39 were in favor; 15 were opposed, so $9,000 was the amount approved for the two items.
$2,500 for the Stabilization Fund was recommended un- der the motion on Recreation and Unclassified. An amendment was made that the amount be raised to $4,000. The vote on the amendment by show of hands indicated that 52 were in favor, 5 opposed. So the total amount voted for Recreation and Unclassified was $5,728.41.
Article 8
That the sum of $1,100 be raised and appropriated to meet the town's share of the cost of Chapter 81 Highway Maintenance, and that, in addition, the treasurer be auth- orized to borrow the sum of $12,100 to meet the state's share of the cost of the work, giving the note, or notes of the town therefor, these notes to be paid from the
18
ANNUAL REPORTS
reimbursements to be received from the state upon com- pletion of the work.
Article 9
That the sum of $2,000 be raised and appropriated to mee' the town's share of the cost of Chapter 90 Maintenance, and that, in addition, the sum of $4,000 be appropriated from available funds in the treasury to meet the state's and county's share of the cost of the work, reimburse- ments to be restored, upon their receipt, to surplus reve- nue.
Article 10
The motion was made that Article 10 be tabled, and that a special town meeting be held at a future date to discuss this article, the vote to be taken by written ballot.
The reason - "As it now stands at the time of this meeting, we property owners have been notified by legal notification from the Worcester County Commissioners that they are taking by eminent domain proceedings pro- perty along this so-called New Braintree Road, and on into our so-called Maple Street. If the road is built ac- cording to the plans registered under this legal decree No. 2035, dated June 1, 1961, it might result in considerable property damages that will have to be paid by the town of Oakham. This is so stated in this legal notification.
In addition to the above, there are several other legal questions that should be resolved before any further action is taken."
After much discussion preparation was made to have the vote taken by written ballot. The moderator an- nounced that a two-thirds vote was required to table an article. William C. Dermody and Percy F. Wilbur were appointed to act as ballot clerks. The result of the voting was 36 in favor, 40 opposed.
The motion was then made that the sum of $3,000 be raised and appropriated to meet the town's share of the cost of Chapter 90 Highway Construction, and that, in addition, the sum of $9,000 be appropriated from avail- able funds in the treasury to meet the state's and coun- ty's share of the cost of the work, reimbursements to be restored, upon their receipt, to surplus revenue, and that these funds be used for improvements to New Braintree Road.
An amendment was offered and accepted that the due process of law under Chapter 41, Section 81, I, Gen- eral Laws be followed. The section provides that plans for building roads be referred to the Planning Board.
19
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
The original motion with the amendment that the matter be referred to the Planning Board for a report to be made within 45 days, was approved.
Article 11
That the sum of $1,000 be appropriated from the Overlay Surplus for the purposes of a Reserve Fund.
Article 12
That the sum of $2,000 be transferred from the Highway Machinery Fund to the Highway Machinery Account.
Article 13
That the Board of Assessors be authorized and instructed to appropriate the sum of $8,000 from available funds in the treasury for the purpose of reducing the tax rate for the current year.
Article 14
That the following trust funds be accepted:
The trust fund of $100 received from Mrs. Joseph Perey for perpetual care of Lot No. 87 in Pine Grove Cemetery.
The trust fund of $100 received from Mrs. Herman Dean for perpetual care of Lot No. 77 in South Ceme- tery.
The trust fund of $100 received from Mr. Frank Davis for perpetual care of Lot No. 80 in Pine Grove Cemetery.
Article 15
That the report of the Oakham Bicentennial Committee, as printed on page 33 of the Annual Reports for 1961, be accepted as a report of progress, and that the com- mittee be continued for another year.
Article 16
That the town accept from Howard S. Dean a certain par- cel of land on North Brookfield Road, adjacent to and southerly of the South Cemetery and shown on plan en- titled "Plan of Land located in Oakham, Mass., to be con- veyed to the Town of Oakham by Howard S. Dean, R.H. Lonergan, C.E., March 3, 1962", this land to be used for cemetery purposes. It was also voted that Mr. Dean be given a rising vote of thanks for his generosity, and also that he be granted, free of charge, his choice of one family lot within this parcel.
Articles 17 and 18
That the combined report of the Oakham School Study Committee and the Oakham Regional School District Planning Committee, as printed on page 34 of the Annual Reports for 1961, be accepted as a report of progress, and that the committees be continued for another year.
20
ANNUAL REPORTS
Article 19
That the 900 gallon International Fire Tanker offered to the town by the Fire Department be accepted, and that the members of the Fire Department be given a vote of thanks for the time and effort that they have given to construct this valuable piece of equipment for the town. A round of applause followed the vote.
Except as stated, votes were unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 11 P.M.
60 voters, 20.3% of the 295 registered, cast ballots in the election of town officers. 78 voters, 26.4% of those regis- tered attended the business meeting.
Total amount to be raised and appropriated-$124,037.53, which is $9,011.50 more than was voted at the annual meeting of 1961.
Special Town Meeting - November 16, 1962
IT WAS VOTED:
Article 1
That the sum of $2,500 be transferred from the Highway Machinery Fund to the Highway Machinery Account.
Article 2
That the sum of $800 be transferred from the Public Assistance and Administration Account to the Veterans' Services Account.
Article 3
That the sum of $1,500 be appropriated from Bicentennial Anniversary receipts for use to defray the costs of the bicentennial celebration.
All votes were unanimous. Ten voters were present.
DOROTHY P. DAY, Clerk
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
21
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Appointments
Chief of Police Fire Warden
Civil Defense Director
Dog Officer
Wire Inspector
Sealer of Weights and Measures
Moth Superintendent
Inspector of Animals
Inspector of Slaughtering
Superintendent of Streets
Burial Agent
Custodian of Town Hall
Town Counsel
Walter E. Cole Elwin H. Whitman Wesley H. Dwelly Waclaw Smichinski LeRoy C. Spinney Frederick H. Stone H. Roscoe Crawford Henry W. Stone, Jr. Henry W. Stone, Jr. Harold E. Gray Frederick H. Stone Charles Casault Ralph W. Igoe Arthur L. Beaudette Eugene Connolly
Accounting Officer
Police Officers
Norman Drolet
Walter W. Nelson
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