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WILBRAHAM ANNUAL REPORT
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ANNUAL REPORT
WILBRAHAM MASSACHUSETTS
1961
The pictorial theme in this Town Report is: "The Youth of Our Town"
Should anyone ask, "Just what do the young people in our Town do?", or, "Just what does our Town offer young people in the way of supervised activities?", we can all take pride in the answer, "Just about EVERY- THING!"
A glance at the pictures in this report is intended, not as the whole story on this subject, merely as a small window. Staying within our budget of space and expense, we have attempted to demonstrate the interest and enthusiasm of our young people in the hard job of becoming responsible citizens.
ON OUR COVER: Presentation of the first diploma at our new Minnechaug Re- gional High School - June 1961. Principal Arthur W. Reynolds and John R. Lyman, Chairman of the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District, congratulating the first recipient of a diploma from this new school. Graduating student, Norma Goodrich ( Photo by H. Bogue )
INSIDE COVER: Twin jumpers of the Pioneer Valley Pony Club which received its charter from the United States Pony Club three years ago. The Club presently con- sists of forty active children, twenty horses, and they have a one-mile Hunt Course, a Stadium Jumping Course and two Riding Rings. They are all local children who meet once a week at the residence of Mrs. William H. Tippett. ( Photo by F. C. Usin)
Wilbraham Public Library Wubraham, Mass.
Table of Contents
Page
Page
Aid to Agriculture 42
Personnel Study
56
Animal Inspector 43
Pest Control 57
Appointed Town Officers 5
Planning Board
58
Assessors
43
Playgrounds
59
Auditor 130
Police Department 60
Balance Sheet 110
Radio Committee 61
Board of Health
51
School Building Committee
21
Building Inspector
46
School Committee
13
Cash Disbursements
113
School Survey
27
Civil Defense
47
Sealer of Weights and Measures
62
Committee to Study Center
46
Selectmen
7
Dog Officer 49
Slaughtering Inspector 63
Spec Pond Recreation Area 63
Summary of Appropriations 124
Electrical Inspector 50
Estimated Receipts
129
Finance Committee
95
Finance Committee Recommendations 99
Fire Department 50
Forest Warden 51
Governmental Districts
3
Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District 30
Industrial Development 52
Jury List
54
Library
55
Non Appropriation
Expenditures
128
Water Department
82
27013
Town Meeting -
January 16, 1961
65
Town Meeting -
March 11, 1961 67
Town Meeting - June 19, 1961 78
Town Treasurer
105
Tree Warden
80
Treasurer's Trust Fund 108
Veterans' Service
81
Warrant - March 10, 1962
83
Elected Town Officers 4
Surplus Revenue
130
Town Clerk
109
Town Collector
122
Governmental Districts and Representatives for the Town of Wilbraham
Second Congressional District Seventh Councillor District Worcester and Hampden Senatorial District First Hampden Representative District State Senator Paul H. Benoit, Southbridge
United States Senators
Benjamin Smith, 2nd, Gloucester Leverett Saltonstall, Dover
County Commissioners
Ralph P. Walsh, Longmeadow
Thomas F. Sullivan, Springfield William F. Stapleton, Holyoke
Henry Baush, Chairman Thomas F. Gallagher
Jane F. Sullivan
Thaddeus J. Bierowka
Edward W. Irla
Vincent T. Sullivan
Constantine Cioch
Mary A. Irla
Stanley T. Szczebak
Josephine Cioch Joseph D. Connelly
Stanley E. Kogut
Dr. Thomas Ashe
Mary B. Connelly
Earl W. Moody
John De Marco
Dr. William G. Dale
Atty. Herbert Murphy
Thomas Fitzgerald
Earl W. Decorie
Patrick J. O'Connor
Harry King
Irene Donovan
Joseph M. O'Neil
Joseph Mell
Robert D. Driscoll
Stanley J. Peczka
James Normoyle
Edward O. Felsentreger
Alphonse S. Sambor
William Prendergast
Flora C. Fitzgerald
Francis Scott-Smith
Ralph Rocheford
Walter J. Freely
Louis Smola
Edward Szustak
Republican Town Committee
Richard H. Allen Stanley Arabik
Edmund S. Lee, Chair.
Filomena M. Gilbert
Phyllis A. Gleason
Maurice H. Baitler
Evelyn M. Macdonald
Wanda Gurski
Roland H. Bennett
Charles L. Merrick
Walter G. Johnson
Arthur A. Binder George G. Canney
Douglas A. Morgan
Barbara K. Knowles
Charles E. Lenz
Robert G. Carter
Carl Nelson Leo P. Paradis
Howard B. Miller
Phyllis R. Christensen Bettylee Cizek William H. Dawson
Marjorie W. Payne Helen E. Porter Barbara M. Putnam
S. W. Randolph
Charles E. Dorey
Franklin T. Richardson
Gilbert E. Stacy
Julia Szczebak
Myrtie A. Trant
Alvin P. Trombly
1
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
Dudley N. Hartt
Mansfield W. Williams
Paul B. Cambo Harry C. Crawford, Jr.
Mary M. Arabik Anne F. Avon Maria K. Blaisdell
HONORARY ROLL J. Loring Brooks
Byron I. Musselman Earl H. Paine
Roger W. Folsom Oren K. Gilbert Edward H. Godfrey Herman G. Grandchamp
Charles H. Sheline Bruce A. Stephens Gladys K. Steup Harold F. Swetland Edwin W. Watkins
Harold K. Jones Jean R. LaCroix
Jacquelyn W. Lewis
Andrew Duzsik
Edward S. Kapinos
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
Representatives in General Court Raymond H. Beach, Wilbraham George T. Smith, E. Longmeadow Democratic Town Committee
3
Elected Town Officers AND DATE OF EXPIRATION OF TERM
Selectmen and Board of Public Welfare
Jesse L. Rice, Chair., 1962 Richard L. Danforth, 1963 Roger T. Hintze, 1964
Town Collector
Mark E. Reynolds, 1962
Town Clerk Doris G. Cochran, 1962
Town Treasurer Doris G. Cochran, 1962
Assessors Edward H. Godfrey, Chair., 1962 Harold K. Jones, 1963 Allan R. Kinney. 1964
School Committee
Matthew A. Gozdowski, Chr., '962 Alexander W. Marco, 1963 Harry J. Dabagian, 1963 Ethel M. Musselman, 1964 Margaret L. Williams, 1964
Auditor William T. Payne, 1962
Tree Warden Gordon Long, 1962
Cemetery Commissioners Weldon G. Jameson, 1962 Roland H. Bennett, 1963 John Bernet, 1964
Water Commissioners Sidney Low, Chairman, 1962 John W. Gale, 1963 Willard P. Willis, Jr., 1964
Moderator
Ernest W. Furnans, Jr., 1962
Trustees of Public Library Loni Brower, Chairman, 1963 James B. McGuire, 1964 Mary G. Ronk, 1962
Planning Board
Leo E. Kuehn, Chairman, 1963 Robert A. Edwards, 1962 Richard H. Morgan, 1964 Robert G. Carter, 1965 Bion T. Wheeler, Jr., 1966
Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District Committee
John R. Lyman, Chairman, 1962 Doris C. Bowman, 1962 Dudley N. Hartt, Jr., 1963 Harold W. Barber, 1964 (Resigned) Chester L. Thorndike, 1964 (Appointed to fill vacancy)
Pound Keeper Gardner Files, 1962 (Resigned) David E. Brehaut (Appointed to fill vacancy)
Surveyors of Lumber Walter H. Clark, 1962 Jesse L. Rice, 1962
Field Drivers Benjamin F. Griffin, 1962 Peter Presz, 1962 Leonard VonFlatern, Sr., 1962
Finance Committee
Aldo E. Alberici, Chairman, 1962
Irving J. Cordner, 1962 Earl W. Decorie, 1962
Fred T. Googins, 1962
Herman G. Grandchamp, 1962 Albert H. Howes, 1962 Albert E. Neale, 1962 Marshall Roper, 1962 Harry C. Crawford, Jr., 1962
4
Officers Appointed by Selectmen AND DATE OF EXPIRATION OF TERM
Weighers of Grain
Weldon G. Jameson, 1962 Jesse L. Rice, 1962
Measurers of Wood and Charcoal
Walter H. Clark, 1962 Edward P. Lindsay, 1962
Superintendent of Streets Herbert L. Butler, 1962
Police William Pollitt, Chief, 1962 John Chrzanowski, Patrolman, 1962 Gardner R. M. Files,
Patrolman, 1962 (Resigned) Newton E. Goewey,
Patrolman, 1962 (Appointed to fill vacancy) Stephen Lopata, Reserve, 1962 Alton M. McDonald, Reserve, 1962
Constables Robert A. Converse Robert C. Dietz
Milk Inspector Health Officer (Sanitarian) John A. Brickett, 1962
Dog Officer Animal Inspector Slaughtering Inspector Gardner R. M. Files, 1962 (Resigned) David E. Brehaut (Appointed to fill vacancy)
Secretary to Selectmen Mary L. Powers, 1962
Bookkeeper Josephine M. Pease, 1962
Town Counsel Peter G. Ellis, 1962
Pest Control Officer Gordon R. Long, 1962
Fire Chief Forest Warden Ralph E. Tupper. 1962
School Dentist Dr. George H. Nieske, 1962
Board of Appeals Pearl R. Kinney, 1962
Albert L. Martin, 1963 (Resigned) Harry R. Jeffrey, 1963 (Appointed to fill vacancy)
Ralph E. Keyes, Assoc. Mem., 1963 Harrison F. Lyman, Jr., 1964 (Resigned) W. Edwin Watkins, Chair., 1964 (Appointed to fill vacancy)
Veterans Agent George A. Dusenberry, Jr., 1962
Sealer of Weights and Measures Charles L. Merrick, 1962
Registrars of Voters Doris G. Cochran, 1962 (Ex Officio) Leonard F. VonFlatern, Sr., 1964 William Sullivan, Jr., 1962 Henry P. Baush, 1963
Playground Commissioners Robert J. Driscoll, Chair., 1962 Bruce Crawford, 1962 John J. Ferri, 1962 (Resigned)
Board of Fire Commissioners Wesley G. Chapman, Chair., 1962 Ettore L. Pederzani, 1962 Rudolph L. Shults, 1962
Radio Advisory Committee Herbert Butler, 1962 Roger T. Hintze (Ex Officio) William Pollitt, 1962 Harland H. Rogers, 1962 Ralph E. Tupper, 1962
Park Commissioner Carlton R. Reid, 1962
5
Civil Defense Personnel
Roger T. Hintze, Director Lincoln A. Dexter, Deputy Director Walter R. Howe, Deputy Director Harland H. Rogers, Deputy Dir.
Insurance Review Committee Howard S. Bush, 1962 Bruce Stephens, 1962 Gerald N. Hakes, 1962 Bert Mount, Chairman, 1962 Leland W. Shaw, 1962
Building Inspector
Anthony G. Mascaro. 1962 Thomas W. Farnham, Asst., 1962
Center Study Committee
Harry C. Crawford, Jr., Chr., 1962
Herol Harrington, 1962
Robert G. Carter, 1962 William H. Shortell, 1962
James Brady McGuire, 1962
Anne Hartt, 1962
William Sullivan, Jr., 1962
Dorothy B. Sigsbee, 1962
Bert Mount, 1962
Arthur I. McDonald, 1962 Charles I. Bowman, 1962
Industrial Development Committee
Arthur A. Binder, Chairman, 1962 Bert Mount, 1962
Leo Paradis, 1962 Clyde F. Barlow. 1962
Roland L. Sirois, 1962
Larry D. Lewis, 1962
Beatrice L. Becker, 1962
Barbara M. Putnam, 1962 Donald F. Bready, 1962
Personnel Study Committee Earl W. Decorie, 1962 Albert E. Neale, 1962 Herman G. Grandchamp, 1962 John Bemben, 1962 Robert E. Simpson, Chair., 1962 Darrell S. Ames, 1962 History Committee Henry I. Edson, 1962 Raymond F. Gurney, 1962 Harry R. Jeffrey, 1962 Ralph M. Kilcourse. 1962 John J. Lyons. 1962 Charles L. Merrick, Chair., 1962
Electrical Inspector William E. Fitzgerald, 1962
School Building Committee
Mrs. Byron I. Musselman, 1962 Irving H. Agard, 1962 Allan A. Campbell, 1962 Michael F. X. Gigliotti, Chr., 1962 Fred T. Googins, 1962 Dorrance T. Green, 1962
Angelo C. Pessolano, 1962 Robert P. Whittier. 1962
Bi-Centennial Celebration Committee
J. Loring Brooks, 1962 Richard L. Danforth, 1962 Raymond F. Gurney, 1962 Harry R. Jeffrey, 1962 John J. Lyons, 1962 Charles L. Merrick, 1962
Irving J. Cordner, 1962
Henry I. Edson, 1962
Roger T. Hintze, 1962
Ralph M. Kilcourse, 1962
Albert L. Martin, 1962
Carl Nelson, 1962 Jesse L. Rice, Chairman, 1962
Fence Viewers Gordon W. Holdridge, 1962 Harry R. Jeffrey, 1962 (Resigned) Harry R. Whyte, 1962
Welfare Director Helen C. Boden, 1962
School Survey Committee Dorrance T. Green, Chair., 1962 Fred T. Googins, 1962 Ethel M. Musselman, 1962 Doris C. Bowman, 1962 Allan A. Campbell, 1962 Andrew G. Duzsik, 1962 Edwin M. Osgood, 1962
Town Report Committee
Warren I. Fillmore, Chair., 1962 Burton W. Hall, 1962 Chester L. Thorndike, Jr., 1962 Mrs. Eugene H. McGinty, 1962 (Resigned) Richard C. Stevens, 1962 (Appointed to fill vacancy)
6
Selectmen's Report
Once again we bring to your attention the phenomenal growth which is still taking place in Wilbraham. The trend is upward in every conceivable phase of town government, and although this is a healthy condition, it also means that our taxes are like- wise going to be higher. However, under economical and efficient management we hope to keep our unit cost down and not be extravagant in our decisions in rendering the various services which are so demanding on a growing community.
In reviewing a few statistics - the number of homes in exist- ence in 1950 of 1,083 compared to the homes in existence at the end of 1960, namely, 2,089 would confirm our previous state- ments that we are growing at the rate of approximately 100 new homes per year. At the same time let's consider the number of children in attendance at school for these same years and we learn that in 1950 we had 549 children, compared to 1,650 in 1960. In other words, as the homes doubled during this decade the school population tripled.
If we consider the mileage of accepted streets during this same period of time, we will find that we have accepted fifteen miles of new roads in various developments throughout the town. If we take this mileage and divide by 100', we soon realize that we have an exposure of around 1,600 new homes without accepting another new street. This is exclusive of homes that could be built along streets that we accepted more than ten years ago.
In Memoriam
JAMES L. MARCHESE CARL NELSON
HARLAND H. ROGERS, SR.
GEORGE ALDEN SAFFORD
7
Town Government METHOD OF ELECTION AND APPOINTMENT CHART
VOTERS OF THE TOWN OF WILBRAHAM
BOARD OF SELECTMEN AND PUBLIC WELFARE
8
STATUTORY OFFICERS
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY
COMMITTEES AND SPECIAL STUDY GROUPS
OFFICERS UNDER THE BY-LAWS *
1. Field Drivers
1. Accountont
1. Building Inspector and
1. Bi-Centenniol Committee
2. Boord of Assessors
2. Bookkeeper
Plumbing Inspector
2. Center Planning Study Group
3. Fence Viewers
2. Boord of Appeols
3. Finonce Committee
3. Cemetery Commissioners
2. Measurers of Wood & Chorcoal
4. Pork Commissioner
3. Civil Defense Authority
4. Industrial Development Committee
5. Planning Boord 4. Moderotor
5. Registro of Voters
4. Dog Officer ond
5. In suronce Review Committee
6. Regionol School District Committee
6. Secretary to Selectmen
6. Personnel Study Committee
7. School Committee
7. Ployground Commissioners
8. Town Clerk
5. Fire Commissioners Fire Chief
9. School Building Committee
Forest Worden
10. School Survey Committee
11. Tree Worden
Auxiliary Members
12. Town Report Committee
12. Trustees of Public Librory
13. Woter Commissioners
7. Inspector of Wires
8. Pest Control Officer
9. Police Chief and Constobles ond Auxiliory Members
* Including Board of Selectmen and Public Welfare
- Elected at Town Meeting In Elected by Ballot at Town Elections
10. Seoler of Weights & Meosures
11. School Dentist
Appointments made by Selectmen
(Each Section Alphabetized)
4. Surveyors of Lumber
8. Town Counsel
8. Rodio Advisory Committee
9. Town Collector
5. Weighers of Grain
9. Veterons Agent
10. Welfare Director
10. Town Treasurer
11. Town History Committee
6. Health Officer and Milk Inspector
3. Pound Keeper
7. Superintendent of Streets
Animal Inspector & Sloughtering Inspector
I. Auditor
Therefore, we would like to point out that during the next five years it has been estimated by reliable forecasters that the growth will be about the same as the previous ten years, and if this is true, we will have close to 3,000 homes by 1965 with a popula- tion of very near 11,000 and with our school population increas- ing to more than 2,500 children. These statistics are not given with any idea of alarming you of the additional cost for the next few years because up until this time we have handled our expan- sion program in a very conservative and well planned program. This is one reason why the Stabilization Fund for this year has been substantially increased to give us sufficient money to meet these capital outlays when they are needed.
The following paragraphs outline briefly some of our accom- plishments during the past year.
Highways
During 1961 we reconstructed Faculty Street and also resur- faced Springfield Street, from Main Street to Stony Hill Road. These expenditures were outside of the limits provided for under our Chapter 81 and Chapter 90 programs. These improvements have long been needed and the compliments received indicate to us that more roads should be considered along these lines. We are, therefore, recommending for 1962 the resurfacing of two sections of Main Street, as described in Articles 35 and 36. We realize that this expenditure is at the full expense of the Town, but the Chapter 81 and Chapter 90 formulas do not permit us to rebuild these roads because the allocation of funds by the State are not sufficient to replace these roads as they wear out. We feel that this method of reconditioning our roads will protect our original investment and reduce the maintenance cost in the years ahead to permit us to build more roads out of these two Chapters.
In regard to road acceptances, we have many articles in this year's warrant which we hope you will consider favorably. All these roads have been viewed by your Board of Selectmen and Planning Board and in our joint opinion they are much better than many of the roads in the past. Some roads that were peti- tioned for acceptance were rejected because they were not up to standard. The work that is now being done under the direction of your Planning Board on these various subdivisions has im- proved materially over the past few years and we feel if the stand-
9
ards are maintained, there will be less expense to the Town in maintenance in the future.
Drainage
We have many problems concerning drainage. During the past year we corrected a few of the most serious and have developed surface drainage systems that can be extended when needed in the future. We also have under consideration several others for the coming year which are included in our Miscellaneous High- way Account budget. We feel that handling the drainage prob- lems that exist throughout the Town is best administered by taking care of whatever we can from this account when the money is available.
Sidewalks
We would like to say a few words at this time concerning snow removal from sidewalks. In Article 23 of the 1955 Annual Town Meeting, it was voted that we accept a By Law requiring people who have sidewalks in front of their houses to remove the snow subject to a penalty for violating this By-Law of a fine not to exceed $20.00. Because our sidewalks are so close to the street, the Highway Department in plowing the street must some' times push the snow over onto the sidewalk. The Selectmen have ruled that in these instances where the town has put snow on the sidewalk, it is the town's responsibility to remove it.
This reminder is made at this time because we feel many towns- people do not know of the action taken by your Selectmen and unless they have positive proof that the snow was placed on the sidewalk by the town, then they are obligated to shovel their own sidewalk.
Committees
Personnel Study Committee - This committee was appointed by your Selectmen at the request of the Finance Committee to establish job classifications within each department and they likewise made a recommendation for minimum and maximum salaries for such departments. We are very grateful to the mem- bers of this committee for the fine job which they have done and for such a complete survey which has been needed for so many years. This will be the first year in which we attempted to use such a program and we feel that positive steps have been in the
10
right direction so that future determinations concerning job clas- sifications and salaries can be more easily administered.
School Survey Committee - At the request of the School Committee we appointed a new School Survey Committee. From all indications, they pointed out to us that the town is growing faster than we anticipated. Based on their current figures we should plan for our needs at this time. The committee has pre- pared a report covering their program for the coming year. We would also like to call your attention to the possibility of having a Special Town Meeting sometime later on in the year when the question concerning our school problems will be brought to your attention.
Center Survey Committee - Your Selectmen appointed this committee to study the problems of the further development of the Center of Wilbraham and they, likewise, have submitted a progress report for your consideration. This committee will have something more definite to present to the townspeople at a future town meeting when a complete outline of their proposals will be presented for your approval.
Town Report Committee - This committee has done an out- standing job as evidenced by the selection of the Wilbraham Town Report for the year 1960 as winning first prize in towns of comparable size within the Commonwealth. We wish at this time to extend our congratulations to this committee for their out- standing service and we hope our present report will meet with similar success.
Board of Public Welfare
Due to the retirement of our Welfare Director, Miss Helen C. Boden, sometime before the end of this coming year, it was sug- gested that we investigate the possibility of entering a Welfare District with East Longmeadow for the purpose of setting up a more economical basis for the administration of this program. We have had several meetings with the State Welfare Agents, one with the Finance Committee, and we feel that this is the best solution for our Town at this time. We, therefore, under Article 12, hope you will approve the creation of this Welfare District with East Longmeadow, which will be completed sometime before the end of this year. For your information a similar article has already been accepted by the citizens of East Longmeadow at a Special Town Meeting last December.
11
Board of Health
The Selectmen wish to call to your attention two serious prob- lems; namely, those that we have at the dump and in connection with the collection of garbage.
These are services that are now rendered to you on the most economical basis that we can manage and if each and every citizen will follow the rules and regulations concerning each problem it will be greatly appreciated. If you fail to co-operate we have no alternative but to hire additional help to regulate such services, which, in turn, will add to your costs. If you will kindly adhere to the rules and regulations as posted at the dump, we will have no problem, but if people continue to throw garbage in the dump, then it will be necessary for us to have continual supervision to eliminate this unsightly and unhealthy condition.
In regard to the garbage collection - please refrain from put- ting tin cans, broken glass and dead animals in the garbage con- tainer for the collector to carry away. We are hiring this service at a very reasonable cost and we would like to keep the garbage collector happy with good clean garbage.
Street Lights
Our street light program is far from adequate for such a fast growing community. We have fallen behind due to the accept- ance of so many streets. This year we are requesting additional funds to improve the lighting in many trouble spots about town. Good lighting eliminates accidents and protects personal property. At our present rate of expansion in this department, it will be a great many years before our program will be considered adequate.
In closing we wish to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to all town employees, boards and committees for their diligent effort and real service to the Town. Without their efforts our task could not be accomplished. As indicated to you many times, our growth is rapid and we must progress conserva- tively. Only in this way can we face the future with any confi- dence.
JESSE L. RICE, Chairman RICHARD L. DANFORTH ROGER T. HINTZE
12
Report of the Wilbraham School Committee
The State of Massachusetts, through the provisions of Chapter 71 of the General Laws, has delegated to the local school com- mittee the responsibility and authority for operating the public schools in this community. It is not by accident that the determina- tion of what constitutes an educationally desirable and financially feasible school system has been assigned to locally elected citizens, but rather by design that this all important function of organized society - the education of its youth and the continuation of the national heritage - has been given to the voters.
The history of every great civilization has taught us that to grow, prosper, and survive, a nation must provide for the educa- tion of all of its youth. Our American system of government is founded on the principle that the citizenry must and can wisely govern themselves. The most effective way to guarantee an intel- ligent and selective voter is to insure good education by entrusting to the citizens, through their elected representatives, the manager ment and operation of the schools.
A school committee member is elected for a term of three years; sufficient time to familiarize himself with the complexities and details of the work, while still providing the citizens with an opportunity to effect an orderly change of representation if they so desire. The terms of office of school committee members over- lap, so that there is always an experienced majority with con- tinuity of purpose and objectives, and an opportunity for steady progress towards desirable long range goals. The members con- stitute a committee for the purpose of transacting business and voting policies only when meeting as an official group. A school committee member represents the total school population, and, in the final analysis, is responsible to the state for the educational program. This, then, is the challenge and the responsibility of school committee membership.
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