USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wayland > Official reports of the town of Wayland 1948-1950 > Part 32
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Six articles pertaining to fire alarm extensions have been submitted for the next annual town meeting. Three of these articles are for the installation of fire alarm boxes in old established communities. The fourth article asks for a fire alarm box at the public bathing beach in Cochituate where the life guard can readily summons assistance from the fire department for the use of the resuscitator or the boat.
The fifth article deals with the installation of a fire alarm box at the Wayland Grammar School to work in conjunction with the newly installed sprinkler system. The purpose of this fire alarm box is that the instant that the sprinkler system is turned on, whether the cause is due to fire or mechanical injury, the Fire Department is automatically notified on the alarm system. The sixth article deals with the installation of the first circuit from the newly installed four circuit board at the Wayland Fire Station. The route of this circuit would be Millbrook Road to Plain Road and return on State Road East back to the Fire Station. This circcuit was chosen for three reasons: first there are many old existing dwellings and business establishments in this area; secondly, more new dwellings were made along this route than in any other part of Wayland, and third, this article covers the cost of a pair of wires constituting a separate circuit to the Wayland-Weston town line for mutual aid with the Weston Fire Department.
During the past few years the Board has mentioned in these yearly reports the condition of the Fire Station in Cochituate, This Building was never designed for the floor loads imposed upon it, thereby weakening its structural strength. The Board feels that the Town is taking considerable risk in continuing the use of this Building.
161
There were 434 oil storage inspections made this year, plus 159 new installations. Twenty six installations were found de- fective and permits were denied until repairs were made by the owners.
Fees collected from new oil burner installations for 1950 amounted to $79.50 which has been turned over to the Town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted,
F. CLIFTON HAYNES, Chief H. L. MacDONALD, Asst. Chief FRANK H. CARTER, Deputy Chief PARKER GROTON, Deputy Chief ERNEST H. DAMON, Engineer
Board of Fire Engineers.
REPORT OF WAYLAND WATER DEPARTMENT
To the Inhabitants of the Town of Wayland:
The Board organized with Fern A. Taylor, Chairman; Alfred C. Damon, Clerk, and Charles Potter. John Phylis was appointed Superintendent, and C. Prentiss Richardson, Assistant Superintendent.
Mr. Charles Potvin retired as Stationary Engineer after many years of faithful service. The Board wishes to express their ap- preciation for all he has done for the department.
We are happy to report the installation of a new 10 inch main along West Plain Street, an 8 inch main on Pemberton Road and on Winter Street, and a 6 inch main along Glezen Lane.
The Garage at Baldwin's Pond Pumping Station has been completed.
The Electrical power line to the Station has also been com-
162
pleted. The new pumps have been installed and will be in oper- ation upon the installation of the electrical controls.
It was voted at our July meeting to instruct the Collector to send demands on all outstanding water accounts unpaid after their due date, and a charge of thirty-five cents be made for same.
The Superintendent reports: 140 new services and 183,513,- 304 gallons of water delivered during 1950.
FERN A. TAYLOR, Chairman ALFRED C. DAMON, Clerk, CHARLES E. POTTER.
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Work performed by the Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending December 31, 1950
Scales
Sealed Not Sealed
Scales 5,000 to 10,000 lbs.
1 0
Scales 100 to 5,000 lbs.
3 2
Scales or Balances under 100 lbs.
31
0
Weights
32
0
Capacity Measures
Liquid, 1 gal. or under
13 0
Automatic Measuring Devices Meters-Inlet One Inch or Less
Gasoline
29
0
Kerosene
3
0
Oil
6
0
Grease
16
0
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD T. DAMON
163
COMMITTEE FOR VETERANS' SERVICES
In 1944 the town of Wayland appointed a committee to aid in the rehabilitation of World War II veterans, and at that time appropriated $200.00 for its use.
During these seven years, your committee has attempted to fulfill its obligations to the World War II veterans of this town by serving them in various capacities when called upon to do so. We sincerely congratulate the veterans on their ability to resume civilian life with a minimum of readjustment difficulties, and we hope that those who have sought us out individually for advice and counsel have received helpful assistance.
During the years 1944, 1945, and 1946, when the veterans were returning home, we spent $40.07 to notify them of the services available. Inasmuch as we have not found it necessary to expend any money since, there is a balance of $159.93 remain- ing in the appropriation.
We, of the committee, are appreciative of the opportunity to serve in this capacity and shall carry on as in the past, until such time that the necessity of such a committee no longer exists, or the impact of world conditions makes a change desirable.
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE FOR VETERANS' SERVICES
RONALD S. CAMPBELL, Chairman
J. PENTEADO BILL
J. REED MORSS
J. WARREN OLMSTED
J. OTIS POST, Jr.
CARLISLE D. SCOTLAND
FREDERICK G. WHITESIDE
164
REPORT OF WAYLAND FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
For the Year 1950
The year has been an interesting one for the Wayland Library with the staff at the main branch now consisting of Mrs. John Busser as librarian; Mrs. Frank Bentley, assistant librarian; Mrs. Fred Wheeler, substitute; and Shirley Bentley, page.
At the annual town meeting in March, Mrs. Charles T. Mor- gan and Mr. J. Sidney Stone were re-elected as trustees, the other trustees being Mrs. Robert M. Morgan, Mr. Hugh F. Colliton, Jr., Mr. George G. Bogren and Mr. Arthur H. Dudley.
There has been considerable interest during the year in the sign outside of the library informing the public that Wayland had the first public library in Massachusetts and the second in the United States. For the benefit of the newer residents we would inform them that this library was established in the year 1848. Many groups of tourists have stopped and visited the library as a result of this sign, the farthest being from Texas while another group was from Montana.
Under the chairmanship of Mr. Francis E. Devlin, the Friends of the Wayland Library have had an active year with a number of interesting evening programs available to its members. The Friends also sponsored the showing of educational films which were held on alternate Saturday mornings and attracted approximately 100 children. These programs were so successful that they will be repeated this year during the months of January, February and March.
During the Children's Book Week, Mr. and Mrs. Cronan of Boston were again our guests. The story hour which is held for the fourth graders of the Center and Cochituate Schools has be- come traditional and as usual the children were charmed with the stories which Mr. and Mrs. Cronan told. The Book Week also exhibited a wonderful display of book covers and posters made by the pupils of the Center School under the direction of their art instructor, Miss Peaslee.
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During the year we have had attractive exhibits of articles lent by Mr. and Mrs. Donald Neelon.
Another exhibit which attracted considerable attention was that of the handiwork done by the town's 4-H Clubs.
The Garden Club under the direction of Mrs. Charles S. Pot- ter has supplied flowers twice a week during the summer as well as Christmas decorations. The arrangements of these flowers have been beautifully done and are much appreciated by the library's patrons.
Another activity was that of instructing the Girl Scouts in bookbinding.
As usual we have had classes from the primary schools visit the library under the supervision of their teachers. The children were made acquainted with what services the library has to offer and were given bookmarks and registration cards.
The circulation in the town has been very satisfactory in comparison with other libraries throughout the country. While there is reason to believe that television has had some effect upon circulation, it has not become a serious competitor in this com- munity. The increase in registration has been very gratifying and for the first eight months of the year averaged nine a month and during the last four months it has averaged 22 new members a month.
We have used the Massachusetts Division of Public Libraries as a source of inter-loan material as well as the libraries in Weston, Somerville, Waltham and Brookline.
On December 1, Mrs. Katherine Damon resigned as assistant at the Cochituate Library. Her temporary appointment as assist- ant followed Mrs. Gertrude Bishop's retirement in 1949 and the trustees are deeply appreciative of the service which Mrs. Damon has rendered so faithfully. Mrs. James D. Abbott of Medfield has been appointed branch librarian. Her training has been such that she will devote a considerable portion of her time in working with the children of Cochituate and will encourage the library habit among them. Following an analysis which was made by the Massachusetts Division of Public Libraries, a complete over- hauling is being made of the Cochituate brancch. The quarters are being renovated and a number of soiled and damaged books
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have been withdrawn. These are to be replaced with new books and it is the hope of the trustees that these changes will encour- age the people of Cochituate to more actively make use of the branch's facilities. It is also hoped that more people from Co- chituate will use the facilities of the main library.
Circulation Statistics
To Dec.
Wayland
1949
1950
Cochituate
1949. 1950
Adult fiction
7918
7691 (estimate
5049
2970
13
Adult non-fiction
4509
4694 until Dec. 31)
458>
406
Juvenile
4347
4613
1451
1076
Loans to Cochituate
207
288
16,981
17,286
6958
4452
37
New Registrations 147
The relations between the library patrons, trustees and staff are indeed pleasant. It is hoped that the benefits of the library services may be increased to reach the many new residents of Wayland and Cochituate.
Respectfully submitted,
DORIS BUSSER, Librarian.
REPORT OF THE WAYLAND PLANNING BOARD FOR 1950
The work of the Planning Board has been so heavy and comprehensive that the Board feels its annual report should be elaborated upon so as to inform the town of all the activities that have been considered and acted upon. In order to complete this work in satisfactory form, the Planning Board plans to have a separate printed report which will be delivered to the towns- people prior to the Annual Town Meeting in March, 1951.
GERALD B. LISCOMBE, Chairman JOSEPH M. KELLY, Clerk B. ALLEN BENJAMIN CARL T. EMERY LEO F. McKENNEY FRANK S. TARR
167
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
The Board of Health submits the following report for year ending December 31, 1950.
The Board registered eighty-three complaints during the year and all were promptly investigated, and the necessary action taken.
These complaints were listed under seventeen different head- ings indicating how diverse the problems are. They deal with things that are really of public health significance, such as over- flowing cesspool, or vermin and with things of no great conse- quence, as for example, bad odors.
Although many complaints are not of great public health significance, still the attention devoted to their investigation is worthwhile in terms of good public relations.
The Board issued the following permits:
To construct cesspool 145
To maintain undertaker establishment 1
To manufacture ice cream 1
To sell Methyl Alcohol 12
Day Camp Permit
1
There were one hundred forty one cases of communicable diseases reported :
Chicken Pox
56
Dog Bites
10
Measles 37
Mumps
3
Scarlet Fever
14
Tetanus
1
Whooping Cough
13
Tuberculosis
2
Polio 4
There were twenty three buildings condemned due to the fact that they were unfit for habitation.
Recommendations :
The Board of Health and the town should give serious
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thought to forming a health union as provided in legislation adopted in 1948. This makes possible the combining of towns, the appointment of a Board of Health with represen- tation from each community, which serves as a policy making board, and the employment by them of a director of health. Ten years after the passage of the Act, if any community has not joined a unit with a minimum of thirty five thousand population, the State Department of Public Health may compel it to join such a union. Federal subsidies are pro- viding forty cents per capita that will be granted to unions that comply with such minimum standards.
The Board reports the expenditures for the year were in- creased over the previous year chiefly due to the unexpected hospital cases for which the town will be reimbursed.
Respectfully submitted,
WALDO L. LAWRENCE, Chairman NORMAN G. FAIR, Clerk THOMAS F. LINNEHAN
REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF TRUST FUNDS
During the past year no changes in investments have been made. It has not been deemed desirable to change investments heretofore made.
The only new funds received have been receipts for Cemetery Perpetual Care, which receipts have been deposited in approved savings banks.
All information relating to income and expenditures and the investments of the fund will be found in the Report of the Town Treasurer.
JOHN W. LEAVITT, Chairman J. REED MORSS J. SIDNEY STONE
169
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
The two heavy rain and wind storms, that we had this year caused quite a lot of damage to the trees.
There were fifteen trees that had to be taken down, several had to be topped, and numerous hanging branches removed. There was some high trimming done. Fifty-six trees pruned, and several smaller ones taken care of.
There was 116 maple trees planted, 58 along Concord Road, Wayland and 58 on different streets in Cochituate.
There should be new trees planted every year, because a good many of the trees are old and decaying, and will have to be taken down on account of being dangerous.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES L. FULLICK, Tree Warden.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
I wish to submit my report as Animal Inspector for the Town of Wayland for the year 1950.
Inspected : 618 Cows
190 Heifers
24 Bulls
375 Pigs
35 Horses
2 Mules
11 Goats
1 Sheep
218 Interstate Cattle
Quarantined 18 Dogs
Respectfully submitted, WARREN F. LAWRENCE
170
REPORT OF THE PARK DEPARTMENT
The year 1950, was the busiest in the history of this depart- ment. The acquisition of the Lake Cochituate recreation area plus playground additions at Riverview were greatly responsible for the department's expanded program.
The following list shows the Park Department holdings and the work that was done this year and the work proposed for 1951.
I. Riverview Playground -
As voted by the Town at the last Town meeting, the parcel of land adjoining the present playground was pur- chased, this purchase included a small wooden dwelling. This building was scheduled for complete removal im- mediately after acquisition, but upon a request from the Riverview Circle Improvement Association, the building was left intact.
The Riverview Association will repair this building, install toilet facilities and maintain it at no cost to the Town.
The repaired building will always remain the property of the town and will be used as a civic building for the people plus a place for playground children during inclement weather.
The playground itself was finally leveled off and 850 cubic yards of loam was hauled to this location. This loam became available when the new road to the Lake Cochituate Recreation Area was built.
On the lower end of Riverview and on the bank of the Sudbury river, the Park Department acquired, by a vote of the town, two additional parcels of land including a non- habitable wooden shack on each piece.
These buildings were removed completely by members of the Riverview Circle Improvement Association. Once again this work was done at no cost to the town and all sal- vageable materials were hauled to the building at the River- view Playground, to be used in making repairs, etc.
171
The 1951 program for this playground calls for the spreading of the existing loam and the seeding of it early this spring.
The Wayland Park Department wishes to thank the Riverview Circle Improvement Association for their willing- ness to assist us whenever we are in need of help.
2. Whittier Memorial -
This triangular shaped park was mowed weekly, and the program for 1951 is: planting some evergreens plus additional planting as recommended to us by the Wayland Garden Club.
3. Lake Cochituate Recreation Area -
Immediately upon acquiring the property, as voted at the last town meeting this department had the land surveyed and granite stone bounds installed in their proper places.
The new road that will provide an entrance from West Plain Street was laid out and the contract for doing the work was let.
At the beach itself, a temporary small building was built to house chemical toilets.
The entire area was cleaned of all debris and put in shape for the coming swimming and picnicing season.
Steel and cork floats were purchased and put in place to serve as boundaries for the swimmers.
Working with the Wayland Chapter of the Red Cross a certified instructor was on duty every morning to give lessons to those interested. The instructor was hired and paid for by the Red Cross.
The Park Department, through the town counsel, ob- tained a lease for the Town, for the use of the shore line of the Lake that abutts the park land. This lease was granted for a period of twenty-five years.
The 1951 program for this area is:
a. Oil new road, plus its control.
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b. Close off old road but allow room and give permission to our Fire and Police departments to use road for emer- gencies only.
c. Establish permanent toilets in one dwelling included in original taking, also provide if possible, drinking water, wash place, play area for children, picnic tables, safe and sane parking for all types of vehicles.
d. Police protection and regulations for controling area against undesirables.
In closing this portion of our report, we wish to thank our police officers who helped in maintaining our temporary but rigid regulations.
4. Wayland Greens -
This Area was mowed weekly and after a great deal of persuading the children who used this area for a play- ground, moved their activities to the Town Field. Upon investigating, the 75 ft. flagpole in the Center was found to be in need of emergency repairs. This repair work was done by a reputable concern and the pole can be considered as good as new.
The 1951 program calls for adequate fertilizing and continued mowing and the land along the brook may be cleaned. This work will be done in conjunction with other work planned by the Wayland Garden Club.
5. Cochituate Ball Field -
The infield portion of the baseball field was rebuilt with 150 yards of loam hauled from our stock-pile located at the rear of the High School. Skimpy spots were also re- loamed and seeded.
A public hearing was held by the Department for an expression of opinion as to the use of a part of the field for softball. After the hearing, at which no serious objections were raised, the department created a softball diamond and its use was constant during the season.
During the season two carnivals were held at this field but the use of any part of the field that was being used for athletics was forbidden.
173
The 1951 Program for this field will be controlled by the requisitions made by athletic and civic groups, but in any case the entire area will be fertilized and mowed.
6. High School Field -
A brand new baseball diamond was built by the Park Department, this being necessary because the additions to the High School encroached onto the old field. The old back- stop was relocated behind the new baseball diamond, the old diamond was then converted into a softball diamond and was used by the High School.
This field houses all the physical education programs of the High School plus use by civic groups for all types of out- door activities such as lawn parties, Boy Scout games, etc.
A new drinking fountain with additional places for hose attachments was supplied and installed for the first time on this field.
The 1951 program calls for continued upkeep as in the past, but at this time we feel certain that no additions will be made this year, unless it be of an emergency nature.
7. Bus Shelter, Wayland Center -
The shelter received minor repairs and was painted inside and out.
The B. & M. bus lines used the land adjacent to the shelter for a parking space but at the request of this depart- ment, the buses re-located their stop to the opposite side of the street. The request to them was made because of the quagmire they created next to the shelter. Permission was granted to the Wayland Garden Club to install window boxes, one on each side of the shelter.
The 1951 program for this shelter will be comparable to the one just ended, except that here again some additional plantings will be made in conjunction with the Wayland Garden Club programs.
8. Honor Rolls -
Both Honor Rolls were painted again this year as they had been every year since their installation. The evergreens
174
around the area were trimmed and the entire site was kept clean and mowed. For 1951 the department will repeat their program and shall hold a joint meeting with the two Vet- eran's organizations to consider the advisability of preparing new name plates of the members of the Armed Forces now in the services of our country.
9. Heater Piece, E. Plain St. & Comm. Rd., Cochituate -
At the request of the Cochituate Garden Club, permis- sion was granted to allow them to purchase and install shrubbery, flag-pole, quartz stone marker and a bronze tablet. The area was dedicated in memory of the men who gave their lives during World War II. The shrubbery was given to the town by the Garden Club, the remaining items were also given to the town and the donors wish to remain anonymous.
Our program for 1951 is to maintain this small park and to keep it as beautiful as it was when it was given to the town.
10. Heater Piece, Concord Road, Wayland -
Our chief aim since we acquired this piece of land was to remove, a little each year, the trees that fell or had leaned to a dangerous angle during the hurricanes and strong winds that we experienced the past ten or twelve years. Many of the fallen trees were removed this year and the Department feels that at the expiration of the 1951 season more trees and debris will have been removed as part of the cleaning program.
11. Heater Piece, Plain Road, Wayland -
This park has been under our jurisdiction for only a year and during this period we were able to remove all the fallen trees, stumps and debris. For 1951 all that can be done at this location is to keep it clean of debris, plus what pruning to the trees that is necessary.
12. Dudley Beach -
Since the town has acquired the Lake Cochituate area for a swimming place this department has transferred all its facilities including its life-guards to the new beach. The Park Department will endeavor to keep this area clean as a
175
park but will not provide safety measures as it had done in the past. Any person or persons using this beach will be doing so at their own risk.
13. Mill Pond -
The Department realizes the potentialities of this area as it is one of the town's natural beauty spots. Our program calls for the gradual clearing of the area.
14. Tennis Courts, Wayland and Cochituate -
Both courts were resurfaced and put to good use, but the Department wishes to ask its users to stop using shoes with heels because it costs the town a great deal of money to put the surface back in presentable shape. The two courts will again be put in playing condition for the 1951 season.
15. Town Flags, Wayland Center and Cochituate Ball Field -
The Flag is flown on each holiday and commemorative occasions.
In closing our report we wish to thank the officials and peoples of our town who aided us in working our 1950 season successfully.
NATHANIEL HAMLEN FRANK S. TARR THOMAS F. MURRAY Wayland Park Department.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
For the year 1950, 149 plumbing permits were issued.
There were 136 at $5.00 each $ 680.00
12 at $3.00 each 36.00
1 at $2.00 2.00
Total of
$ 718.00
The above has been turned over to the Town Treasurer.
J. C. MASSIE
176
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
The Cemetery Commissioners present the following report for 1950.
We have received and transmitted to the Treasurer seven perpetual care gifts as follows :
April 26 The Thomas R. Shay Fund of $150.00 given by Birdie L. Johnson for the perpetual care of Lot 61, Section G, Lakeview Cemetery.
April 26 The French-Williams Fund of $400.00 given from the estate of Ernest Williams of Holliston for the per- petual care of Lot 10, Section B, Lot 22, Section F, Lake- view Cemetery.
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