USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wayland > Official reports of the town of Wayland 1939-1941 > Part 7
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
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
At the request of the Board of Park Commissioners, we had a plan prepared of a proposed dam to replace the present inadequate structure at the outlet of the mill pond in Millbrook Park. The plan, as submitted to us by the engineer who pre- pared it, called for a somewhat more elaborate and expensive undertaking than we felt was either necessary or desirable, but it is hoped that it may be modified so that it may later serve as a final solution of this problem.
Respectfully submitted, GILBERT SMALL, Chairman, JAMES B. AMES, Clerk.
135
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
For the Year Ending December 31, 1939
Assault
4
Rape
1
Robbery
1
Threats
2
Begetting
1
Breaking, entering and larceny
8
Larceny
3
Malicious mischief
3
Using a motor vehicle without authority
1
Disturbing the peace
2
Driving to endanger
2
Driving while intoxicated
8
Drunkenness
20
Illegitimacy
1
Motor vehicle law violation
8
Non-support
4
Tramps
1
Truancy
4
Weapon carrying
2
Default warrant
1
Violation of probation
1
Insanity
1
79
This list includes arrests made by the State Police.
The Wayland Police served during 1939, seventy-five summonses and five warrants.
HARRY W. CRAIG, Chief of Police.
136
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS
For the Year Ending December 31, 1939
The Wayland and Cochituate companies answered a total of 131 alarms during the year 1939. Forty-five of these calls were for fires in buildings and included chimney and oil burner fires. Sixty-one alarms were for grass, woods and brush fires. The remainder were for miscellaneous causes.
The fire hazard caused by the hurricane was reduced to a minimum by the W. P. A. labor under the supervision of Federal Conservation authorities. Several thousand piles of brush were burned after snow fell, removing a very dangerous situation. Only one menacing forest fire occurred in this area and was easily handled under the mutual aid system when four fully equipped forest fire fighting units responded to a call for help.
The engineers hope to be able to add a few items to the equipment this coming year. Experience has shown that smoke masks, salvage covers, bridges for hose, and boats should be available.
The close of the year finds apparatus and equipment in good repair with the exception of the pump at the Wayland station. This pump should be, after six years of service, over- hauled and necessary repairs made.
Respectfully submitted,
THEODORE H. HARRINGTON, ERNEST H. DAMON, ALBERT J. KEACH,
Board of Fire Engineers.
137
REPORT OF THE MOTH DEPARTMENT For the Year Ending December 31, 1939
Pay Roll
D. J. Graham
$1,160.00
George Dowey
62.00
Charles Campbell
40.00
$1,262.00
Schedule of Bills
James Higgins & Son, 1 barrel of creosote $14.27
Boston Supply Co., arsenate of lead
103.11
Wayland Motors, truck for sprayer and gasoline
126.12
$243.50
Private Work, $251.50
DANIEL J. GRAHAM, Superintendent.
138
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES For the Year Ending December 31, 1939
Total Sealed
Platform scales over 5,000 lbs.
1
Platform scales under 5,000 lbs.
7
Counter scales
1
Spring balance over 100 lbs.
6
Spring balance under 100 1bs.
30
Computing scales
11
Personal Weighing (slot)
2
Avoirdupois weights
39
Liquid measures
19
Milk jars
150
Meters (one in inlet )
29
Kerosene pumps .
10
Oil pumps
22
Quantity stops on pumps
14
Vehicle tanks
3
Yard sticks
1
Condemned
Avoirdupois weights
4
Ice scales
3
Spring balance
2
Trial Weighing of Commodities
No. Tested No. Correct
Under
Over
Bread
4
4
0
0
Flour in bags
8
7
1
0
Potatoes
3
2
0
1
Total
15
13
1
1
-
Fees collected $41.57
ALBERT B. MARCHAND, Sealer.
139
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
December 31, 1939.
The Board of Health submits the following report for the year ending December 31, 1939.
Licenses Granted
Alcohol
Permits Issued 10
Conducting undertaking establishment 1
Building cesspools 9
Keeping swine 2 Keeping goats 1
The Board has investigated many complaints during the year, and all were taken care of.
The Board has two cases of T. B. which require hospital care; this is the reason that we have an unpaid bill this year. The town voted to transfer the sum of $400.00 to our Depart- ment which did not take care of all our bills.
The children entering school received the Anti-Toxin test for the prevention of diphtheria recommended by the State Board of Health.
The State Board of Health recommend that all dogs in the Town of Wayland be given the Anti-Rabie vaccine to prevent the dogs from getting the rabies.
The board feels that the different clinics held in the schools this year were a great help to the school children, and hope they will continue with them.
The State recommends a pre-school clinic to be held once a month for the purpose to examine all children.
The Board would like to call the attention of the towns- people who use the Town Dumps, if they would be kind enough to throw their rubbish over the banking instead of throwing it on top of the ground, as this would eliminate a bad spectacle to people passing through the Town.
WALDO L. LAWRENCE, Chairman, ERNEST H. DAMON, Clerk, JOHN J. LINNEHAN, Board of Health.
140
REPORT OF THE MILK INSPECTOR
January 1, 1940.
I herewith submit my report for 1939.
There have been seventeen licenses issued to dealers to sell milk in the Town of Wayland.
List of licenses issued :
Whiting Milk Co.
$ .50
H. P. Hood & Sons
.50
Deerfoot Farms
.50
J. H. Clark
.50
Cedar Hill Farm
.50
D. J. Johnson
.50
Valley Farm
.50
First National Stores
.50
Benson's Store
.50
First National Stores
.50
A. & P. Co.
.50
L. R. Gerald
.50
Hiram Nisbet
.50
Dorothy E. Kohler
.50
L. Collins
.50
Mrs. Kenrick
.50
A. E. Peck
.50
Total
$8.50
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. LINNEHAN, Milk Inspector.
141
REPORT OF WAYLAND DISTRICT NURSE
To the President and Members of the
Wayland District Nursing Association :
I hereby submit my nineteenth annual report for the year ending December 31, 1939.
Cases carried
21
Cases opened
311
Nursing visits
993
Deliveries attended
6
Prenatal visits
39
Advisory visits
94
Friendly visits
61
Patients accompanied to hospital 9
Several social service visits have been made during the course of the year.
Respectfully submitted, MARY E. McNEIL, Wayland District Nurse.
142
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
January 1, 1940.
I herewith submit my report as Animal Inspector for the Town of Wayland for the year 1939.
Number of Cows Inspected 374
Number of Young Stock Inspected 94
Number of Swine Inspected 629
Number of Goats Inspected
48
Number of Dogs Quarantined
14
Respectfully submitted, WARREN F. LAWRENCE, Inspector of Animals.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
January 1, 1940
I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Slaughtering for the Town of Wayland for the year 1939.
Inspected thirty-six carcasses and found them perfect.
Respectfully submitted,
WARREN F. LAWRENCE, Inspector of Slaughtering.
143
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
After the expenses incurred during the months of January and February and the first week of March, 1939, there were the following balances :
Highways and Bridges $4,295.60
Highways Oiling
3,907.49
Sidewalks 300.00
Railings
282.88
Snow Removal
501.27
Garage Maintenance
29.45
Special appropriations for
Connecticut Path
$3,000.00
Highways and Bridges
500.00
Snow Removal 500.00
Reserve Fund
Oiling
$1,500.00
Garage Maintenance
200.00
Snow Removal 321.69
Many outlying roads were badly in need of filling. These were graded, rolled and graveled. It is to be regretted they could not have been oil treated.
All fences along highways were repaired and painted.
All oil roads were treated as far as the appropriation would allow.
The traffic in some sections of the town has been unusually heavy this year owing to the heavy construction work on the cut and cover aqueduct. Two hundred dollars was received from the American Concrete and Steel Pipe Company for wear on West Plain Street. The Highway Department oiled East Plain Street with this money.
Extra trucks needed for snow and highway purposes were hired from townspeople.
144
Under Chapter 90, the State, County and Town each ap- propriated $2,000.00. This money was spent in the following ways : All waterways and catch basins were cleaned, brush on the roadsides was cut, wooden posts were replaced by concrete and cable fences, and a top coat of asphalt and peastone was put on Sudbury Road and Commonwealth Road.
Respectfully submitted, JAMES FERGUSON, Surveyor of Highways.
145
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE For the Year 1939
WELFARE CASES
The following is a summary of the number of cases aided during the year 1939.
Wayland Settled 45 cases Settled Elsewhere 40 cases
Jan. 1, 1939 Dec. 31, 1939
Cases
39
45
People
115
132
Chronic Cases
23
25
Temporary Aid Cases
16
20
Wayland Settled People
49
42
Other Town People
24
35
State People
42
55
The case load this year has varied considerable from month to month. The first part of the year the load was very heavy and then towards the Spring work opened up on the aqueduct and the case load dropped off considerable. However, the majority of cases are chronic which need constant aid. Then the latter part of the year work on the aqueduct was light and the W. P. A. men were forced to take time off and our case load became very heavy.
Bills from other towns for Wayland settled cases and medical and hospital expenses have been heavy but which is something we have little control of.
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
The following is a summary of the number of cases "Aid to Dependent Children" during the current year.
Cases January 1, 1939 1
Open during year 2
Total cases 3
146
Closed during year 0 Balance December 31, 1939 3
It is possible that we may open up three new cases during 1940.
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
Following is a summary of cases aided in Wayland during 1939.
Cases January 1, 1939 66
Opened during year 16
Total cases 82
Cases closed during year 13
Cases December 31, 1939
69
Wayland Settled cases 55
Unsettled cases 27
The Welfare Board has tried to carry on the investigations in the best manner possible and to handle each case according to the individual circumstances. We have been criticized at times by recipients who believe because of newspaper articles, that all Old Age recipients should receive the maximum amount. This is a misunderstanding and each case is considered on the basis of need and individual circumstances. Moreover the State is now insisting on a more thorough investigation endeavoring to place more responsibility on the children.
Surprising as it may seem the Social Security and Old Age Security will have little effect in Wayland as there are very few people in Wayland who are so employed to come under these laws. We may expect for the next year or two that the num- ber of cases will increase a little.
A detailed account of receipts and expenditures will be found in the Report of the Town Accountant.
J. W. SEAVEY, Clerk.
147
REPORT OF THE SOLDIERS' RELIEF AGENT
To the Board of Selectmen :
Herewith is my annual report of the Soldiers' Relief De- partment and the Disbursement of Soldiers' Benefits.
Seventeen family cases representing eighty-nine persons were granted relief from time to time during the year.
A great many Veterans were able to find private employ- ment with the Construction Companies laying pipe through our town, while others employed on W. P. A. Projects made it un- necessary for them to seek additional aid.
During the year I found it necessary to confine eight Veterans to Veteran Hospitals in this State.
The Disbursements of this fund will be found in the Town Accountant's detailed report.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK A. BURKE, Soldiers' Relief Agent.
148
REPORT OF THE WORK OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE IN WAYLAND
For the Year Ending December 31, 1939
The following is a report of the work of the Middlesex County Extension Service in the town of Wayland during the year 1939 :
Agricultural work in Wayland this year was done largely with the market gardeners and poultrymen. Many farmers re- quested assistance with their various market garden crops, es- pecially as to production, soil requirements and marketing. Twelve poultrymen were assisted personally with their problems, especially pertaining to disease control. In the Cochituate area many farmers have become infested with a very serious poultry disease that threatens to make poultry raising impractical, unless control measures are found advisable.
Cochituate homemakers have been very active in Extension work the past year, having taken the following projects: The re-upholstery of furniture, refinishing of furniture and chair reseating. Cochituate and Wayland combined to take the con- sumer buying of foods and clothing and the meetings on food preservation. At the program planning meeting of the town committee for the women's work in Extension, Mrs. Leslie B. Reid of Wayland and Mrs. Fred Gelinas were chosen to act as co-chairmen. Mrs. T. B. Costelloe. and Mrs. F. H. Benedict were the other committee members present at this planning meeting in August.
Mrs. Joseph H. Decatur has served as chairman of the 4-H Club town committee with the committee being made up of the following members: Mrs. Mabel Draper, Mrs. Leslie Reid, Miss Florence Reid, Mrs. Charles Harrington, Miss Virginia Robbins, Miss Barbara Reid. Cochituate : Miss Emily Dixon, Mrs. Arthur Marston, Mrs. Carl Palmer, Mrs. Raymond Board- man, Mrs. Marguerite Kneeland, Mrs. Thelma Pollock, Miss
149
Theresa Gladu and Mr. Ferne Taylor. The total enrollment in the town for the various clubs has been 107. The Boys' work was carried on by Mr. Ferne Taylor, who acted as the leader of the conservation club. A poultry club of eleven boys was organized under the leadership of Mrs. Thelma Pollock. There was also a garden club led by Miss Theresa Gladu. Four clubs completed projects in June and an exhibit was held under the auspices of the P. T. A., at which time Professor George L. Farley of Amherst was guest speaker. Canning clubs were carried on during the summer in both Wayland and Cochituate and Florence Reid offered her services as a leader to Lincoln girls. Outstanding work was done by Barbara and Florence Reid the latter being one of two girls to represent the county at the Singer Sewing Machine Contest at Brockton. Mrs. Decatur and Mrs. Reid served as officers of the South Middlesex County Leaders' Organization.
JOSEPH DECATUR.
150
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
School Committee
AND THE
Superintendent of Schools
OF THE
TOWN OF WAYLAND
For the Year Ending December 31, 1939
SCHOOL DIRECTORY
School Committee
Dorothy C. Stone Dorothy S. Damon
Cornelius J. Maguire
Term expires 1940
Term expires 1941
Term expires 1942
Organization
Dorothy C. Stone, Chairman
Dorothy S. Damon, Secretary
Frank H. Benedict, Superintendent
Ernest E. Sparks, M. D., School Physician
Mrs. Mary E. McNeil, School Nurse
Mrs. Mary E. McNeil, Supervisor of Attendance
School Calendar
1940
Schools close February 16
Recess of one week
Schools open February 26
Schools close April 12
Recess of one week
Schools open April 22
Elementary Schools close June 12
High School Graduation, June 14
Senior Reception-To be announced
High School closes June 21 Summer Vacation
Schools open September 4 Schools close December 20 Holidays
March 22, May 30, November 11, November 28 and 29 1941 Schools open January 6
152
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The Committee wishes to call particular attention to the renovations made in the Cochituate School building last sum- mer. New plumbing, including new fixtures, was installed in the lavatories in the basement and in the two lavatories on the second floor. A 6" pipe was laid from the street main into the building to take care of the increased water-load. A ventilating fan was installed in the basement lavatories. Changes and re- placements in the heating and ventilating system of the building were carried out as required by the State Building Inspector. Because of these changes, we are now permitted to use a room in the basement for a class room. This room will be ready for the use of pupils after the school vacation in February, and it will help to relieve overcrowding in the lower grades.
Changes similar to those carried out in the Cochituate building must be made in the Wayland Center building. The proposed changes include new lavatories in the basement, with new plumbing, new fixtures, and a ventilating system. A 6" pipe, from the street main into the building, has been installed already, so that the present water supply will easily take care of the increased water-load. A new floor and certain other minor changes are needed to put the basement in good condition. The stairway on the north side of the building has settled badly, and must be put in proper position and reinforced. Worn stair treads are to be replaced. The State Building Inspector requires new doors at the foot of the basement stairs and on the second floor, as a protection against smoke in case of fire.
Recently, the Committee received the following letter from the State Building Inspector :
"About one year ago the writer spoke to the members of the School Committee regarding necessary changes to be made at the Wayland Center Grammar School and the Cochituate School. During the past summer these changes have been sub- stantially completed at the Cochituate School.
It is my understanding that the Committee will arrange to complete the changes at the Wayland Center Grammar School during the current year. The Committee's architect, Mr. Crimp, has incorporated the proposed changes in plans and specifica- tions which will be approved by this department. In addition to the work shown on the architect's plans, the Committee is
153
requested to arrange for correction of the present faulty opera- tion of class room vents."
The Committee has incorporated these changes in an article to be presented at the Annual Town Meeting. As these changes involve the health and safety of the pupils, the Committee asks for the same splendid support of this article as it has had in the past.
Overcrowded school rooms still present a serious problem. In the Cochituate building the number registered is about the same as last year ; 290 as compared to 292. The lower grades still suffer most because of crowded rooms, but this crowding will soon be relieved by the opening of the new class room. The increase in school population, as predicted, has been found in the Center School. Last year there were 248 pupils in this building ; the number has now increased to 261. No other room is available for a class room in this building. If the enrollment continues to increase, the problem of seating the new pupils will be a difficult one.
The large enrollment at the High School has already shown the need for more rooms and a larger teaching staff. It can be expected that in the next few years the number of pupils in the High School will increase, not only because of a larger enroll- ment in the grade schools, but also due to the recent state legis- lation making attendance compulsory until 16 years of age.
Because of the increased number of students, Miss Foster has been obliged to give up her duties of managing the Teachers' Lodge, and helping in the High School lunch-room, in order to (levote more time to teaching. This year, the need for another teacher has been met in part by the services of Mr. Hurley, who volunteered to teach without pay in order to gain experience.
The High School building has become a community center. Various groups of townspeople have been permitted the use of the building when it was not needed for school activities. These include the Parent Teacher Association, the Red Cross for a course in first aid, the Middlesex County Extension Service, and the Boy Scouts. A group under the leadership of Mr. Tarr has been using the gymnasium for basketball practice. Per- mission has also been given to some of the 4-H groups to use the Center School building for their meetings.
DOROTHY C. STONE, CORNELIUS J. MAGUIRE, DOROTHY S. DAMON.
154
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Salaries
Mary Kerr
$1,530.00
Eleanor Partridge
1,305.00
Evelyn L. Martin
1,122.00
Doris Currier
1,305.00
Edith Lindsey
1,050.00
Marjorie M. Lareau
1,082.63
Jane Noel Campbell
1,305.00
Ethelyn Morrill
1,305.00
Sulo A. Kempainen
1,467.50
Leroy K. Houghton, Jr.
646.00
Joseph A. Daniels
350.00
Virginia A. Robbins
1,131.00
Mabel S. Draper
1,305.00
Elizabeth Smith
1,305.00
Dorothy Sleeper
682.50
Dorothy M. Falvey
332.50
Gertrude Macdonald
1,305.00
Doris Litchfield
1,100.00
Ellen D. Ferguson
36.00
Ernest W. Schleicher
360.00
Marguerite E. Peaslee
668.00
Mabel Hammond
20.00
Edwina Lareau
146.00
Eleanor Dudley
12.00
David J. Allen
2.700.00
A. Marion Simpson
1,530.00
Maude E. Merrithew
1,530.00
Mildred A. Henderson
1,530.00
Francis R. Gladu
1,800.00
Margaret C. Robbins
1,260.00
Eugene G. Paré
1,102.50
Janie C. Foster
1,485.00
Genevieve Connors
902.50
Patricia Benedict
44.00
Helen F. Sullivan
20.00
Frank H. Benedict
1,750.00
Mary E. McNeil
100.00
Mary E. McNeil
540.00
$37,165.13
155
TRANSPORTATION
William H. Morrissey
$5,087.44
George N. Sherman
1,121.00
Everett Bigwood
456.00
Helen Carter Wheeler
380.00
$7,044.44
SALARIES-CUSTODIANS OF BUILDINGS
Thomas Metcalf
$1,080.00
Frederick H. Perry
1,135.00
George F. Dickey
1,200.00
$3,415.00
General Control
General Control
$
166.79
Books
916.22
Supplies
1,543.43
Repairs-Replacements, Upkeep
1,718.30
Miscellaneous of Operation
909.60
Miscellaneous
347.48
Fuel
2,129.47
Office of Principals
46.50
Health
152.57
New Equipment
751.98
Building Alterations
348.18
Grounds
10.64
Physical Education
198.55
Library
66.71
$9,306.42
Total Expenditures
$56,930.99
Comparison of Assets and Expenditures
Town Grant
$56,100.00
Income from Dog Licenses
332.42
By Transfer of Funds
500.00
$56,932.42
Total Expenditures
$56,930.99
Balance
$1.43
156
Special Grants and Expenditures SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Town Grant
$135.00
Ernest E. Sparks, M. D.
$135.00
PENMANSHIP ACCOUNT
Income of Donation Fund
$6.26
Expended for Penmanship Prizes
$6.26
DENTAL SERVICE
Town Grant
$350.00
Professional Services
$270.00
Supplies, etc.
80.00
$350.00
Income to the Town not available for the 1939 School Expenses
Cash Collected, Toll Calls and Machines
$12.45
From the Commonwealth-
General School Fund, Part 1
4,885.00
Tuition and Transportation of State Wards
550.10
$5,447.55
157
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Wayland School Committee :
According to custom the annual report of the School De- partment is presented. The brief historical sketch and the notes pointing to the future deal with subjects you are thoroughly cognizant of but need to be on record and are recorded in the hope that they may serve in some measure to give information to the citizens that will be helpful in gaining an understanding of school administrative activities and needs.
The educational business of the town has been carried on much as during past years. You will observe through examina- tion of Principal Allen's report that the students enrolled in the field of commercial activities is large; also that the number completing the college preparatory course is very small. It is reasonable to suggest that a study be made for the purpose of making considerable changes in the offerings of the high school to the students. Some of the smaller high schools have reduced the offerings in Latin to two years and to two or three years in French. Many colleges do not require language units in excess of those offered by two year courses in Latin and French or other foreign languages. A reduction in language units is not according to my desires but according to that which is becoming a general practice in the small and medium sized high schools. Changes in offerings in a high school program are governed by an effort to provide suitable lines of study that will accommodate the greater number of the students. Physical and Social scien- ces seem to be more desirable offerings than higher mathematics and foreign languages in schools that must choose between the two schools of thought in arranging high school courses.
The three buildings now have telephone service.
Through the interest of one of our citizens and through the wisdom of our Finance Board funds were transferred to our account so that we might purchase some excellent used much needed school furnishings. Auditorium chairs, necessary stu-
158
dent desks, class room chairs, tables, lockers, slate boards, office desks and chairs, and mirrors have enriched our furnishings most gratifyingly at a very moderate expense. We appreciate the opportunity to buy these furnishings at a great saving over new furnishings, promising little if any longer service in the schools.
HEALTH
The physical changes brought about through renovating the Cochituate School basement, the filter bed, and the drainage system have brought safety, comfort, and satisfaction to all who are citizens of the Cochituate school and should be a great re- lief to parents of the children. The contemplated renovation of the Wayland Center basement with some other work at the building that demands attention for building preservation will bring much satisfaction. It is sincerely hoped that this project, unless it be too great a tax burden for the current year, may come through and stand completed by September.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.