USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wayland > Official reports of the town of Wayland 1945-1947 > Part 29
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During the month of October when woods and grasslands became so very dry and forest fires were out of control in New England, we had a member of each department out on patrol every day that their services were needed. They had orders to stop people from burning anything out in the open. This even included backyard incinerators. We feel that their services were well worthwhile, for they stopped several little fires, that might have become large ones, with the equipment that they carried in their cars.
Two miles of old iron wire were removed from the fire alarm system in Cochituate and were replaced with insulated copper wire. The old wire had rusted out to such an extent that it was not safe to expect further service from it at all times.
The emergency lighting equipment purchased a year ago proved invaluable this past year at several fires and at the scenes of accidents. It was also used one night at the Town Hall so that a meeting and two hearings could go on when there was a power failure of the utility company.
In the month of September, the State Fire Marshall's Office made it mandatory for people who engage in the installa- tion of oil burners of all types to register with the Chief of the Fire Department of their respective towns for application blanks showing their fitness and listing their equipment to conduct this sort of business. These blanks were sent to the Marshall's Office and upon approval, the applicants were issued a Certifi- cate of Competency to legally install oil burning equipment. Also, the Marshall's office demanded the enforcement of Chap- ter 148, General Laws, which calls for inspection and the issu- ing of a notice of approval to be placed near every oil drum, tank, etc. in the town, both residential and public buildings, before an oil dealer can legally fill these containers.
Shortly after this order, oil dealers began to refuse to
146
cleliver oil to customers in our town and complaints came pour- ing in from the citizens. Cold weather was already here and the matter became serious, so the Selectmen instructed the Fire Chief and the Building Inspector to get the necessary permits printed and make these inspections. Temporary permits were issued to keep the people supplied with oil until the final inspec- tion was made. As this program got started so late in the year, final reports cannot be made until the next Town Report.
The Cochituate station is in a very bad state of repair and unless other quarters are available before long, extensive repairs will have to be made. The building does not warrant the expenditure of any large amount of money, due to the age of the building and the type of construction.
Respectfully submitted, THEODORE H. HARRINGTON, F. CLIFTON HAYNES, H. L. MacDONALD, ERNEST H. DAMON, FRANK H. CARTER, Board of Fire Engineers.
147
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Work performed by the Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending December 31, 1947.
Sealed
Not Sealed
Scales
Platform, over 10.000 lbs.
1
0
Platform, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
4
3
Counter, under 100 lbs.
2
0
Spring, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
1
0
Spring, under 100 lbs.
14
0
Computing, under 100 lbs.
10
1
Person weigher (slot)
1
0
Prescription
1
0
Weights
17
0
Apothecary
12
0
Capacity Measures
Liquid Measures
7
0
Automobile Measuring Devices
Kerosene Pumps
3
1
Oil Pumps
19
0
Stops on Pumps
3
0
Gasoline Meter Systems
21
2
Vehicle Tank Meter Systems
2
0
Grease-Measuring Devices
11
Linear Measures
Yard Sticks
1
Trial Weighing of Commodities
Total No. Tested No. Correct Incorrect
Over
Bread
6
6
0
Coal (in paper bags) 1
1
0
Coke (in paper bags)
2
2
0
Ice
4
3
1
Potatoes
8
5
3
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD T. DAMON.
148
Avoirdupois
REPORT OF MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
Insect damage to the trees on town property was not as damaging this year as in the past few years although the Elm Leaf Beetles and Gypsy Moths were as numerous through the State as last year. The Fall Web Worm is increasing over the country and is very unsightly along our roadsides. It would help if people would cut off the nests of these pests while the worms are still in them and burn them. They can be controlled by spraying also.
All the streets and public grounds were sprayed once, the Elms twice and some of the Elms three times this year. Arsen- ate of lead and DDT were used this year. DDT was effective in control and does not leave much residue to mar the beauty of the trees nor is it as poisonous to animals. Most of the spraying was done at night again this year which has been more effective due to less wind and traffic.
The State and Federal agents are asking all towns in Massachusetts to appropriate more funds this year for the spraying and sanitary work on the Elms. The Dutch Elm Disease is spreading in the State, about 1,000 cases have been found. It is as near to Wayland as Framingham. It has been proven in other towns that it costs less to fight the disease and keep it out than to pay for taking down the trees after they contract the disease.
I am keeping strict watch for the Dutch Elm Disease, tak- ing samples and having them inspected by one of the State board.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES L. FULLICK, Moth Superintendent.
149
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN
The trees through the town have been pretty well cleared of dead wood and dangerous hanging limbs caused by previous wind storms. Also there was some high trimming done through- out the town.
Owing to the condition of help I could not plant any trees this year. There has been purchased over one hundred trees at the Framingham nursery to be planted. I hope to get them planted this year.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES L. FULLICK, Tree Warden.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
There were 76 plumbing permits issued in 1947 which was 31 more than in 1946.
Although the work in this department was almost doubled over the previous year, all the necessary inspections were made and the work found to be satisfactory.
The fees collected on plumbing permits amounted to $230.00 which amount was turned over to the Town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted. J. C. MASSIE. Plumbing Inspector.
150
REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR
The Building Inspection Department submits the follow- ing report for the year ending December 31, 1947.
The number of permits issued during 1947 are as follows ; Building Permits :
33 Alterations
10 Garages
64 New Houses
4 Sheds
1 Public Garage
3 Hen Houses
1 Real Estate Office
1 Greenhouse
2 Stores
1 Restaurant
Wiring Permits :
46 New Houses
42 Alterations
59 Oil Burners
3 Old Houses
7 Hot Water Heaters
1 Refrigeration
8 Ranges
1 Public Garage
1 Real Estate Office
1 Air Compressor Unit
7 Temporary Meter Services
2 Stores
The total estimated cost of new buildings and alterations was $406,100.00 which was $185,025.00 higher than the figure of $221,075.00 in 1946.
There were thirty-two new house permits issued in 1946 as against sixty-four new house permits in 1947; thirty-eight were issued in Cochituate and twenty-six in Wayland.
There were no government restrictions to retard the new house program this year, so our building program really got
151
underway. However, nails became a scarce item in October, and it slowed the building program to some extent.
Throughout the nation, November led in the number of new house permits issued, and it worked out the same way in our town-November leading with approximately $60,000.00 of new house permits.
Most of the new house permits issued were for the making of homes for individuals rather than for speculation. It is very gratifying to report that at least sixty percent of these dwellings were made stronger than the requirements of our Building Code. This action was all voluntary, either by the owner or builder.
There were many alterations and repairs on existing houses which all leads to good improvement throughout the commun- ities of the town.
In the business areas of Cochituate, four permits were issued for two stores, one public garage and one restaurant.
In the month of October, the Department of Public Safety of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts insisted upon the in- spection and the issuing of certificates for places of public assembly ; such as halls, taverns, lodge rooms, etc. These regu- lations come under the uniform enforcement of General Laws (Ter. Ed.) Chapter 143. SS 15 to 52 as amended. These regu- lations have been given to the Building Department for enforce- ment. The necessary certificates have been printed and inspec- tions have started. However, this program got started very late in the year, so a complete report cannot be made until 1948.
Fees collected from both wiring and building permits dur- ing 1947 amounted to $798.50, and have been turned over to the Town Treasurer.
The Building Department would like at this time to thank the town officials, and citizens who have helped in the affairs of this office during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, HOMER L. MacDONALD, Building Inspector.
152
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
The Board of Health submits the following report for the year ending December 31, 1947 :
The number of cesspool permits issued this year has in- creased because of the growing building program in the town. The question of sewage disposal, the board feels, must serious- ly be considered at this time. Many old residents find the con- struction of new cesspools an impossibility due to clay sub-soil and lack of adequate territory for building cesspools.
The board has inspected many places where pigs are kept and found some of these pens in poor condition. The owners of such have been notified to clean up these nuisances.
The board has asked the State Tuberculosis Test Unit to visit the town in order that each citizen may avail himself of a free chest test. Three cases of tuberculosis are reported to us which will cost the town the sum of $1,647.00 during 1948.
Numerous complaints have been received regarding the use of summer cottages as year round living quarters for families. Unless the owners take care of their sewage disposal problems immediately and put their buildings into proper living condi- tions, legal action will be taken to have the families vacate.
WALDO L. LAWRENCE, Chairman .. ERNEST H. DAMON, Clerk, CHESTER H. HOBBS.
153
REPORT OF MILK INSPECTOR
December 31. 1947.
I herewith submit my report for the year 1947.
There have been 33 licenses issued to dealers to sell milk in Wayland.
Many dairies and other establishments handling milk have been inspected and found complying with the regulations.
CHESTER H. HOBBS. Milk Inspector.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
I hereby wish to report as Animal Inspector for the year of 1947 for the Town of Wayland.
Inspected : 409 native cattle 211 interstate cattle 26 horses 180 swine 2 sheep
Quarantined 26 dogs.
Respectfully submitted. WARREN F. LAWRENCE. Animal Inspector.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
I hereby wish to report as Inspector of Slaughtering for the Town of Wayland for the year 1947.
Inspected + Carcases, all perfect.
Respectfully submitted, WARREN F. LAWRENCE. Inspector of Slaughtering.
154
REPORT OF WAYLAND DISTRICT NURSE For the Year Ending December 31, 1947
To the Citizens of Wayland :
Nursing visits, bedside care, dressings and other treatments
801
Prenatal visits
38
Postnatal visits 39
Advisory visits 47
Friendly visits
35
Social Service calls
15
Pre-school visits
28
Number of cases accompanied to hospitals
2
Conferences were held with some Social Service workers during the year.
Respectfully submitted, MARY E. McNEIL, District Nurse.
REPORT OF THE SERVICEMAN'S COMMITTEE January 1, 1947-January 1, 1948
During the past year the Committee has given information and assistance to 33 veterans on :
Education
Vocational Training
Housing
Government Loans
Medical Care Other Government Benefits
Mr. Ronald Campbell has been appointed chairman of this Committee.
EMILY W. BLAIR, Chairman, resigned.
155
REPORT OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION WORK IN WAYLAND
January 9, 1948.
The year 1948 still called for an all-out food production by farmers, as well as food conservation by homemakers. For this reason, efforts of the Extension Service during the year were largely on these factors, the production and conservation of food.
The dairymen in town were primarily interested in the Selective Breeding Association, which has for its objective the improvement of livestock. Eight farmers were enrolled in this Association. Dairymen also were interested in the production of quality roughage, labor-saving equipment and herd health.
Many poultrymen in town were assisted in their disease control problems as well as problems in feeding and manage- ment. A monthly letter was sent out to all interested poultry- men furnishing them timely information.
Commercial vegetable growers were assisted largely in a spray program for the control of insects and diseases.
Mrs. George Shepard and Mrs. Harold King served as leaders for projects of interest to homemakers. General meet- ings were held on home furnishings, home management, Child Guidance, Christmas Greens and homemade Christmas Gifts.
Ten boys' and girls' 4-H clubs were organized during the year under the leadership of Mrs. Mildred Wood, Mrs. Elmer Bigwood, Mrs. Horace Knack and Mrs. Albert W. King, Mrs. Fern Taylor, Mrs. Harvey Newton and Mrs. Leslie Reid. The Town Committee took a very active part in promoting 4-H Club Work. Three girls were outstanding in the clothing club and won blue ribbons in the County Dress Revue. These girls are Judith Richards, Mary Reid and Priscilla Cobb.
JOSEPH H. DECATUR,
Town Director.
156
ROAD COMMISSIONERS' REPORT FOR 1947
The Road Commissioners are asking for considerably more money for 1948. With the increased cost of materials, labor, and maintenance of trucks and equipment, the proposed budget of $30,000 will not take care of any more roads than $20,000 would have three years ago.
All of the Road Commissioners are taxpayers and are ever mindful of the increasing tax rate in our town, but many of our roads are in bad condition and should be improved.
The appropriation of money for Chapter 90 roads looks like good business for the town, and we hope the practice will be continued. You will note in the Highway Superintendent's report that we spent a lot of money for oil. Our board feels that this is a wise use of money and hopes to use more oil next year. It is regretable that we have had to spend so much money this winter on snow removal. Our roads have been as well cared for as any town in this vicinity-well plowed and well sanded. We believe this is what the people of the town want.
The Board of Road Commissioners has been in operation for three years; it is a new board, a new job for all who have served on it. The construction and repairing of roads, the clearing of snow, and all work is under the direction of the Highway Superintendent. The Board acts in an advisory capa- city on what roads need repair, the purchase of equipment, and care of dumps, and regulates the pay of the men who work on the roads, and approves payment of all bills.
Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH H. DECATUR, ALVIN B. NEAL, WILLIAM J. SCOTLAND.
157
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
The general Highway appropriation was used for regular maintenance work, upkeep of the Department and oiling.
An additional 2.000 ft. of Stone Bridge Road was surfaced and approximately 43.000 gallons of bituminous materials were used for surface treating other town roads.
Under Chapter 90 Maintenance, 7,000 gallons of bitumin- ous materials were used for road mixes on a section of Com- monwealth Road East and on two sections of Concord Road.
The 1946 contract for Chapter 90 Construction was com- pleted in the spring of 1947. This did not specify a final pav- ing. The 1947 contract will be completed in the spring of 1948. This contract called for completion of drainage and grading to the intersection of Route 27. The balance of the appropriation under this contract, combined with the 1948 appropriation, will complete the construction of Old Connecticut Path from the Framingham line to Cochituate Road.
New equipment purchased this year consisted of a Farmall Model M Tractor and a small two wheel Gravely Tractor.
Respectfully submitted, ALBERT E. POTVIN. Highway Surveyor.
158
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
The past year has seen an increase in gross expenditures in all three categories, Old Age Assistance, Aid to Dependent Children, and General Relief.
As forecast last year, the number of cases of Old Age Assistance has continued to increase, and the case load at the end of the year is just under one hundred. The increased cost of living has caused an increase in the state budget figures, and the gross expenditures have substantially increased. The result is that a substantial increase in the gross appropriation is neces- sary. It seems inevitable that the 'load as to case and total expenditures will continue to increase. Aid to dependent children has also increased and sufficient funds were available only with aid by the Finance Committee from the Reserve Fund. The case load in this category is unpredictable. The gross load of general relief has also increased, partly because of the increased cost of living, and in spite of the fact that employment continues at high levels and only rarely is relief needed by any one who can be classed as employable and then usually is due to ill health or some other unusual need.
The Board has continued to use every effort to insure that expenditures are as low as is consistent with the giving of required and needed assistance.
Statistics
Old Age Assistance
1946
1947
Cases January 1
79
86
Cases December 31
86
98
Average Monthly Case Load
85.6
92
Aver. Gross Expense per case per month $50.77
$55.85
Total Gross Expenditures
$52,179.20
$61,654.11
Medical, Hospital, etc. in above $4,129.54 $4,419.63
Total Net Cost after Reimbursement
$1,717.70
$8,893.33
General Relief
Cases January 1
11
11
Cases December 31
12
23
Average Monthly Case Load
11.1
13.8
Aver. Gross Expense per case per month $54.56
$58.20
Total Gross Expenditures
$7.257.61
$9,636.98
Medical, Hospital, etc. in above
$405.02
$465.59
Total Net Cost after Reimbursement
$2,108.55
$6,255.90
159
Aid to Dependent Children
1946
1947
Cases January 1
5
6
Cases December 31
6
7
Average Monthly Case Load
5.5
7.6
Average Gross Expense per case per month
$75.73
$114.49
Total Gross Expenditures
$4.998.22
$10,441.55
Medical, Hospital. etc. in above
$317.87
$1.157.00
Total Net Cost after Reimbursement
$2.246.89
$5.153.12
Comparative Statement of Expenditures and Reimbursements
Old Age Assistance
1946
1947
Gross Expenditures
$52.179.20
$61.654.11
Reimbursements
50.461.50
52.760.78
Net Cost to Town
$1.717.70
$8.893.33
General Relief
Gross Expenditures
$7.257.61
$9.636.98
Reimbursements
5.149.06
3.381.08
Net Cost to Town
$2.108.55
$6.255.90
Aid to Dependent Children Gross Expenditures Reimbursements
$4.998.22
$10,441.55
2,751.33
5,288.43
Net Cost to Town
$2.246.89
$5,153.12
Administrative Expense
Gross Expenditures
$4.103.27
$4,305.36
Reimbursements
758.25
1,242.75
Net Cost to Town
$3,345.02
$3.062.61
Summary
Gross Expenditures
$68.538.30
$86,038.00
Reimbursements
59,120.14
62,673.04
Net Cost of Welfare to Town
$9.418.16
$23,364.96
160
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
School Committee
AND THE
Superintendent of Schools
OF THE
TOWN OF WAYLAND
For the Year Ending December 31, 1947
SCHOOL ORGANIZATION, 1947-1948
School Committee
HARVEY C. NEWTON, Chairman ALLAN R. FINLAY CORNELIUS J. MAGUIRE
Term expires 1949 Term expires 1950 Term expires 1948
Secretary and Superintendent of Schools
OWEN B. KIERNAN Office, Center School, Wayland Tel. Wayland 294
School Physician DAVID R. COREY, M.D. Tel. Natick 2725
School Dentist
REID A. RAWDING, D.M.D.
Tel. Waltham 5-2430
School Nurse
MARY E. McNEIL Tel. Wayland 47
Attendance Officer
MARY E. McNEIL Tel. Wayland 47
GEORGE F. DICKEY ARTHUR L. BITTLE FRANK J. KANE
Custodians
High School Center School Cochituate School
162
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The School Committee herewith transmits to the citizens of Wayland its annual report for the year 1947. School Com- mittee policy and the activities of the public schools are pre- sented in detail in the reports of the Superintendent and sub- ordinate officers. We urge that sufficient time be taken to carefully read these educational reports. In particular, the phases of the report dealing with enrollment conditions and the proposed building program should be given immediate atten- tion. In a separately published report certain recommendations have already been placed before the citizens by the nine mem- ber School Building Committee. It is hoped that appropriate action will be taken at the Annual Town Meeting in March.
The Committee appreciates the cordial reception extended by the various town organizations to the staff of the School Department at the hearings and public meetings at which the proposed building program was discussed. Such cooperation will lead ultimately to the realization of our objective in con- structing, equipping, and operating the best obtainable school buildings.
Respectfully submitted, HARVEY C. NEWTON. ALLAN R. FINLAY. CORNELIUS J. MAGUIRE, School Committee.
163
SCHOOL CALENDAR, 1948
Schools open January 5
Winter Vacation-Week of February 22
Holiday-March 26
Spring Vacation-Week of April 18
Holiday-May 31 Elementary Schools close June 11
High School closes June 18 Schools open September 8
Holiday-October 12 Holiday-October 29
Holiday-November 11
Holiday-November 25, 26
Christmas Vacation-December 22 - January 2
SCHOOL ENTRANCE
Any child who is five years and eight months of age on September first of the current school year may be admitted to the first grade, but in every case the admission of a child under six shall be dependent upon the fitness of the child to profit by the work of the school, such fitness to be determined by the superintendent. Pupils under the age of seven years who have not previously attended school shall not be permitted to enter later than thirty days after the opening of school in September except by special permission of the superintendent. Certificates of birth and vaccination shall be required at the time of entrance.
NO-SCHOOL SIGNAL
WBZ, WNAC, WEEI, and WKOX will broadcast the no-school announcement between 7:00 and 8:00 A. M. In addition two blasts will be sounded on the fire alarm in Way- land and five blasts in Cochituate at 7: 30 A. M. . It shall be the policy of the School Department, however, to order the no- school signal only in the most severe weather conditions or when the transportation system is disrupted. At other times parents are expected to use their own judgment in sending children to school. On ordinary rainy or snowy days, the no- school signal will not be given.
164
FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT FOR THE YEAR 1947
Regular Appropriation Transfers
$102,890.00 1,630.85
Total Appropriation
$104,520.85
Expenditures
104,474.85
Unexpended Balance $46.00
Summary of Receipts
General School Fund, Part I $5,350.00
Tuition and Transportation of
State Wards
1,299.17
Transportation
3,270.00
Rental of Buildings
36.00
Miscellaneous
23.80
Total Receipts
$9,978.97
Summary of Receipts and Expenditures
Expenditures
Receipts
$104,474.85 9,978.97
Net Cost of Department to the Town
$94,495.88
Expenditures
General Control
Superintendent's Salary
$ 3,299.64
Other Expenses
1,950.00
Instruction
Teachers' Salaries
68,329.75
Textbooks
2,827.94
Supplies
2,345.21
Operation
Janitors' Salaries
6,315.00
Fuel
2,800.00
Miscellaneous
3,063.97
165
Buildings and Equipment Maintenance and Outlay
3,120.55
Other Agencies
Transportation
8,395.00
Health
1,612.18
Libraries
300.00
Sundries
115.61
Total Expenditures
$104,474.85
Teachers' Salaries-1947
Allen, David J.
$ 3,400.00
Bates, Phyllis B.
2,090.00
Campbell, Jane Noel
2,180.00
Currier, Doris G.
2,190.00
*Doherty, Nathalie F.
1,160.75
Draper, Mabel S.
2,380.00
Dziejma, Peter M.
2,130.00
** Esty, Mabel
238.00
** Ferguson, Ellen B.
55.00
Foster, Janie C.
2,390.00
Gately, Eva M.
2,065.00
*Gearin, Russell F.
1,320.00
Gladu, Francis R.
2,528.50
*Hasenfus, Clement J.
525.00
*Herlihy, William Francis
960.00
** Jenner, Mrs. Arthur
6.00
Kelley, M. Rita
2,275.00
Kerr, Mary
2,380.00
*Kerrigan, Marjorie
18.00
Kerrigan, Ruth R.
1,940.00
Lindsay, Edith M.
1,800.00
McDonnell, Mary E.
1,840.00
Merrithew, Maude E.
2,565.00
Morrill, Ethelyn M.
2,180.00
Morrill, Radcliffe
4,480.00
*Murray, Michael J.
1,597.50
Nathanson, Joseph P.
2,700.00
O'Neil, Mary E.
2,340.00
Paget, Elizabeth A.
1,930.50
Peaslee, Marguerite E.
996.00
*Radford, Pauline N.
400.00
** Raymond, Elizabeth C.
355.00
Salmon, Catherine T.
2,040.00
166
*Schaus, Lucibel Taylor
900.00
** Schleicher, Ernest W.
90.00
*Shohl, Florence C.
800.00
Simpson, Alice Marion
2,565.00
Sisson, Marjorie P.
1,940.00
** Stiles, Margaret
18.00
Tallant, Mildred
6.00
Wastcoat, Mary A.
7.00
18.00
** Tighe, Lawrence Winston, Louise E.
2,190.00
** Wright, Zelia
30.50
$68,329.75
* Part of school year
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