USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wayland > Official reports of the town of Wayland 1951-1953 > Part 19
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 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38
159
The training program calls for monthly meetings, including lectures and practical work and training films. Those interested may participate in weekly pistol training at the range in the Town Hall. Only those officers who qualify on the range will receive revolver permits. Two auxiliary police pistol teams are now competing regularly and with a considerable degree of success in matches sponsored by the New England Police Revolver League.
Police Manuals and notebooks have been issued to the police trainees and all officers, when they are commissioned, will receive badges, arm- bands, whistles and billies. Police operations will be conducted from the auxiliary police office already constructed next to the pistol range and from another headquarters in Precinct 2.
MEDICAL AND HEALTH
Wayland, under present plans, is to share a large scale first aid station (not yet established) with neighboring towns. Our medical and health division has selected locations within the town for additional local emergency stations, at least one in each precinct. If the Commonwealth should, in the future, allocate first aid equipment to us, we will be pre- pared to meet the requirements for care and storage of the same.
In addition, our files contain the names of persons trained in first aid or nursing and of all doctors within the town. These persons could be mobilized on short notice. The Red Cross is planning a first aid training program for civil defense workers.
BLOOD PROGRAM
An atomic attack would create an urgent demand for whole blood on a scale not even approached in any previous war. For his own pro- tection everyone should carry a card on his person at all times showing his blood type. In August 1952, under the sponsorship of this office, mass blood typing of 459 townspeople was carried on during two afternoons and evenings. An index is maintained of all these persons, classified by type. To this file will be added the blood type data presently maintained by the Red Cross.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Recruitment and training of auxiliary firemen has necessarily been deferred to permit the Fire Department to build a new fire house and acquire two new fire engines. Upon completion of these projects it is hoped that the department can be expanded to include an auxiliary force sufficiently trained either to aid other communities or to stand by while
160
the regular force is called to such aid. The danger of fires of secondary origin is one of the principal hazards of the atom bomb. Every resident should survey his house to eliminate fire hazards and be prepared to extinguish incipient fires quickly and without outside help.
CIVILIAN WAR AID DIVISION
This department is charged with a variety of duties primarily con- cerned with emergency feeding and housing, not only our own people but also many refugees whom we may be required to accommodate.
A fairly complete survey of the housing facilities of the town has been made, including statistics on the number of rooms and baths in each house surveyed and an indication of the number of persons of each sex who could, if necessary, be accommodated. The survey was extended to barns and other outbuildings which might be pressed into service and it is believed that we know about how many additional persons can be temporarily housed if the need should arise.
Likewise this division has contacted all commercial food establish- ments and they have been found to be adequate to feed the numbers of persons that we are equipped to house. Our retailers normally maintain about a two-weeks stock of food on hand based upon normal consumption. Perishables, of course, would be used up rapidly, although the town is fortunate in having several local dairy farms which could furnish milk on a rationed basis to everyone. Residents should maintain at all times an emergency stock of canned foods sufficient to supply the family for several days.
The warden section of Civilian War Aid has yet to be organized. The town will be divided into convenient districts and a warden appointed to act as local leader in time of disaster. This warden will be directly responsible for the housing of refugees in his district, and for liaison with the Report Center.
CIVILIAN DEFENSE IN THE SCHOOLS
Liaison has been established between the Civil Defense organization and the school authorities who have received all material suggested by state and federal civil defense officials for school purposes. The excellent train- ing film for younger people, "Duck and Cover," has been made available for showing to all grades in the schools.
TRANSPORTATION AND EVACUATION
A survey has been completed of trucks registered in Wayland. The data thus obtained are under study and the leaders of this department
161
contemplate the organization of a small emergency transportation corps whose members, recruited from this list, will go into action in accordance with a prearranged plan in case of disaster. Additional transportation will be mobilized as needed. This group will be prepared to transport personnel and equipment within the town and also to go to the aid of other areas if called upon.
PLANS FOR 1953
Continuation, especially of the police training program, and building of those departments which are behind the others will highlight activities for the year 1953. We will purchase essential additional equipment, especially mobile radios, field telephones, and wire to supplement the radio network, and alarm boxes to sound the RED ALERT and the ALL CLEAR, possibly an electric generating plant of sufficient capacity to operate the fire alarm air horn and furnish emergency lighting to town hall offices. Billies and belts will be needed for the police. The Warden Department must be greatly expanded to include a warden for every district.
In 1952 we spent only about $1,900 of our allotted $2,500. For the year 1953 we have every reason to believe that our activities can be conducted adequately on an equally modest budget.
Respectfully submitted,
W. R. HULBERT, Director.
BENJAMIN BEALE, Assistant to the Director.
REPORT OF PLUMBING INSPECTOR
During 1952, there were two hundred and six Plumbing Permits issued for which Nine Hundred and Fifty-three Dollars was collected and turned over to the Town Treasurer. All jobs were inspected and passed.
At this time I recommend that the Town of Wayland adopt the State Examiners of Plumbers Code in the near future.
Respectfully submitted,
TIMOTHY J. DALY
162
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
There has been no appreciable change in our Old Age Assistance case load since the first of the year but, as it has not risen over ninety during the whole year, our average for 1952 is much lower than the average for 1951. Costs have not decreased much due, in part, to an increase in the State minimums which went into effect January 1, 1952, and in part to a high incidence of rest home cases. The federal reimbursement was increased on October 1, 1952 which will lower the net cost to the town.
There has been an increase in the Aid to Dependent Children cases for the year, our highest being 18 cases with 44 children. This caused an increase in the total cost of maintenance, of course, but the federal share for this category was also increased on October 1, 1952 which will help to keep the net costs down.
We have been able to reduce the General Relief case load quite appreciably during the year. Most of the cases on this category are chronic and some have been judged eligible for the new form of aid, Disability Assistance. Costs have remained about the same as last year due partly to heavier medical expenses.
Disability Assistance is available for people who are permanently dis- abled through sickness or accident and who are in need. The eligibility for this form of aid is determined by a State Medical Board. We have been able to transfer five of our former General Relief cases to this form of aid and two new cases were also judged to be eligible. Because of the nature of the cases, medical expenses may prove high but as there is a 75% reimbursement to the town, divided between the State and Federal governments, the final cost to the town should be fairly low.
We will continue to distribute Welfare Funds in the way which seems best for the interests of the taxpayer.
Respectfully submitted,
RONALD H. WOOD, Chairman J. SIDNEY STONE, CARLISLE D. SCOTLAND, Clerk.
163
WELFARE STATISTICS
1950
1951
1952
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
Case Load Jan. 1
100
98
86
Case Load Dec. 31
95
87
86
Average Monthly Case Load
96.1
93.9
83.3
Total Gross Expenditures
$487,050.46
$88,663.13
$87,481.12
Aver. Monthly Cost per Case
$75.49
$78.69
$87.52
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
Case Load Jan. 1
17 cases 62 persons
16
cases, 58
persons
15
cases, 55
persons
Case Load Dec. 31
16
58
15
55
17
58
Average Monthly Case Load
16.2 " 60.06 "
15.0
53.6
16.5
€.
58.8
Total Gross Expenditures
$25,493.29
$22,624.16
$28,543.06
Aver. Monthly Cost
per Case
$131.14
$125.69
$144.16
164
GENERAL RELIEF Case Load Jan. 1
24 cases 52
persons
20
cases, 20
persons 21
cases, 27
persons
Case Load Dec. 31
20
33
20
26
=
13
19
Aver. Monthly Case Load
24.1 " 49.6
21.0
31.0
19.6
"
28.7
Total Gross Expenditures
$18,975.53
$14,607.13
$14,558.48
Aver. Monthly Cost per Case
$65.35
$57.96
$61.90
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE **
Case Load Jan. 1
2
Case Load Dec. 31
7
Aver. Monthly Case Load
4.4
Total Gross Expenditures
$5,420.93
Average Monthly Cost
per Case
$102.67
=
** New Category of Relief Started Jan. 1, 1952
165
REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR
· The Building Inspection Department submits the following report for the year ending December 31, 1952:
The number of permits issued during 1952 are as follows:
Building Permits
31 Alterations
140 New Houses
14 Garages
4 Storage Sheds
1 Tool Shed
1 Fire Station
Wiring Permits
42 Alterations
141 New Houses
15 Hot Water Heaters
7 Ranges
38 Oil Burners
1 Fire Station
1 Signal System
4 Electric Dryers
1 Filling Station
1 Air Conditioning Unit
1 Store
1 Temporary Service
1 Electric Sign
The total estimated cost of new buildings and alterations was $1,203,150.00. There were 140 homes built this year which was 15 less than last year's record of 155. One contributing factor in this year's lower amount of new houses was that very little interior land was developed in 1952 as compared to 1950 and 1951. A list of comparisons to show the development of new homes in the past two years are shown below.
Year
New Houses
Estimated Costs
1950
141
$ 754,500.00
1951
155
875,000.00
1952
140
1,203,150.00
166
NEW HOUSE DEVELOPMENT BY PRECINCT
Year
Cochituate
Wayland
1950
30
111
1951
62
93
1952
40
100
A large percentage of the houses built this year, as in former years, were made for individual requirements rather than for specula- tion. There were more costlier homes built this year, as has been shown in the estimated cost column. Good workmanship prevailed on these houses and the code requirements were followed except in one case on an alteration. The contractor refused to comply with good building practice so a court case was brought against him by the home owner, with a favorable verdict to the owner.
Four buildings were found this year that were deemed a menace to life and limb, and also a fire hazard. Three of these buildings were as follows: a large barn; a storage shed; and a small store. All of which had outlived their usefulness, and were in a bad state of repair. These three buildings were torn down on a voluntary basis without condemning procedures which was a commendable gesture on the part of the owners. The fourth building, which was a former camp, was torn down and a house was built on its site.
There were 254 wiring permits issued this year which was 23 less than the previous year.
Forty-one cases of zoning variations were prepared and brought to the Zoning Board of Appeals for decision. There were ten cases more than the previous year.
Fees collected from both wiring and building permits during 1952 amounted to $2,202.00 and have been turned over to the Town Treasurer.
The Building Department would like 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.
167
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
The development of the new areas at Lakeview and North Ceme- teries have been carried on as rapidly as the limited time remaining from the care of the existing cemeteries would permit; and the first section of the extension will be opened in the spring. At the North Cemetery the hedge of evergreens required in the deed for the land has been set. About 160 arbor-vitae trees were required and we have others for replacement if necessary.
One long felt need has been supplied by the erection of a sub- stantial cinder block toolhouse at the North Cemetery, well located and of ample size. This was built at an expense of $1,222.00; $1,000 given by the Town, the remainder taken from the James Maynard Parmenter fund for perpetual care and improvement. It will now be possible to safely keep tools and supplies there over night or longer if necessary.
It is hoped that funds will be provided this year to resurface the entrance roads to both of these cemeteries with hot top. This would be an investment that would in coming years, save money for the town. In the past two years the sloping entrance to the North Cemetery has been washed far down the street a half dozen times by heavy rains, necessitating much labor to repair; and piecemeal repairs at Lakeview have proved but temporary stop gaps.
Following the opening of several tombs at the South Cemetery and the looting of one by roving groups of boys, all tombs were closed and the fastenings welded to guard against any further violation.
Five perpetual care gifts have been received this year, amounting to $640.00; all for lots in Lakeview Cemetery as follows:
$100.00 bequest of S. B. Homer Whitney to establish the S. B. H. Whitney fund, for the care of Lot 17, Sec. C.
$40.00 given by Myrtie M. Nelson to establish the Nelson fund for the care of grave No. 8 Lot 97, Sec. C.
$200.00 given by Henry M. Kelley as an addition to the Jones Kelley fund for the care of lots 99 and 100, Sec. C.
$150.00 given by Hazel B. Taylor to establish the Harold Taylor fund for the care of Lot 104, Sec. C.
$150.00 given by Howard Garfield to establish the William Gar- field fund for the care of Lot 37, Sec. B.
168
Seven lots and three single graves have been sold; two lots in the North Cemetery, two in the Center and three lots and three single graves in Lakeview for which we received $385.00. Quite a list of applicants are awaiting the opening of the new section next summer.
Foundations were built for six monuments at a cost of $139.00.
One hundred and thirty nine lot owners paid for the yearly care of their lots, the sum of $597.00.
The year 1952 has been widely marked as more than normally healthful and the record of the town follows this trend. In spite of the considerable increase in the population, only 39 burials have been made in the town's cemeteries this year as compared with 42 last year and 47 the year before.
Respectfully submitted,
ERNEST W. SCHLEICHER RALPH H. YETTON WARREN D. VALENTINE
REPORT OF THE ANIMAL INSPECTOR
I herewith submit my report as Animal Inspector for the year 1952 for the Town of Wayland.
595 Native Cows 133 Young Stock 22 Bulls 54 Sheep 305 Swine
23 Horses
2 Mules
3 Steers
9 Goats
183 Interstate Cattle
25 Dogs Quarantined
Respectfully submitted,
WARREN F. LAWRENCE Inspector of Animals
169
1952 REPORT OF THE WORK OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE IN WAYLAND
The Middlesex County Extension Service is an organization main- tained by the County in cooperation with the University of Massachusetts and the U. S. D. A., to serve the citizens of the town in the field of agriculture and home economics. The work is carried on under the guidance of the town director who is assisted by the chairman in homemaking and boys and girls 4-H Club work.
The County office makes farm and home visits to help when requested, and, in addition, carries on organized projects County-wide, under the guidance of farmers' and homemakers' service on County Committees.
Radio service is maintained weekly on WBZ; monthly on WHDH, and five days a week during the summer on WKOX. A monthly bulletin with a circulation of 5,000, is maintained, and timely notices of interest to dairymen, fruit growers, market gardeners, poultrymen, and commercial florists are sent to anyone on request.
Some of the special activities of local interest follow. Dairymen were primarily interested in cooperating in the New England-wide Green Pastures Program, the Dairy Herd Improvement Association, Owner Sampler work, and Selective Breeding.
The Extension Poultry Program in 1952, was keyed to help poultry- men and turkey growers to improve the efficiency of their operations, maintain flock health, and take better advantage of their marketing oppor- tunities. Efforts were made to provide breeders with information which might help them to hold their prominent place in the industry and routine service was provided in all phases of poultry and turkey farming.
A spray service is maintained by radio to all fruit growers as well as market gardeners. Fruit growers also follow closely the weekly twilight ideetings held during the growing season to keep abreast of production and marketing problems. There has been an increased demand from home owners for information on vegetables, flower gardens, and lawns.
Wayland continues an active interest in Extension programs with Mrs. Frederick Walther representing the center section, and Mrs. Fred Gelinas and Mrs. Harold King representing Cochituate on the Women's Advisory Council. Demonstrations include "Effective Windows," "New Ideas in Food Preparation," and "New Laundry Products." The "Christ- mas Everywhere" program was presented and discussion meetings were
170
held on "Managing the Family Income." Slip-cover making and chair seating classes were held, as well as furniture refinishing.
Coat making leadership classes were attended in Cochituate, and classes taught by Mrs. Kay Tobin, and Mrs. Grace Irwin.
Mrs. W. C. Wolff, Mrs. E. J. O'Neill, Mrs. Edward Coe, Mrs. Harold King, Mrs. Helen Wadland and Mrs. Fred Gelinas attended leadership classes in Textile Painting and taught local groups.
Seventy boys and girls were enrolled in 4-H activities in garden, poultry, livestock, horse, handicraft, tractor maintenance, clothing, and food preparation. These clubs were under the leadership of John Arnold, Elmer Bigwood, Mrs. Archibald Cox, Mrs. Lawrence Hollis, Mary Reid, Marjorie Sisson, George Small, and Louise Taylor. Eleven girls took part in the activities of County Girls' Day in Lexington. Two Club members attended Camp Middlesex. Carol Deverell won two Firsts on her poultry at the County 4-H Fair.
The 4-H Committee of Cochituate sponsored a well-attended Talent Show with twenty numbers on the program. The purpose was to acquaint local people with 4-H and to earn money for 4-H Activities.
JOSEPH DECATUR
REPORT OF THE MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
The Moth Superintendent is pleased to report that the Gypsy Moth Spray Program has been successful in control work throughout the Town. The trees on all existing streets and roadways, including new develop- ments, have been sprayed and examined. All private contract spraying has been completed satisfactorily.
In the past year, a number of Elm Trees have been removed and destroyed due to the Dutch Elm Disease. To date the serious threat of this disease to our Elms has been curbed to a certain extent and with continued work, we should be able to lessen this threat.
Samples of the remaining suspects have been taken and sent to Amherst for culture.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN E. NELSON Moth Superintendent
171
ANNUAL REPORT OF WAYLAND PARK DEPARTMENT, 1952
The Board of Park Commissioners sets forth below its report for the year 1952.
1 Riverview Playground
Further improvements in the quarters allocated to the Riverview Improvement Association were made during the past year by the mem- bers of the Association, such improvements having been approved by the Park Commissioners. The playing field was maintained during the season by the Park Department. Plans for somewhat enlarging the recreational facilities of the playground are in the Park Department's 1953 Program.
2. Whittier Memorial
Customary care of this Memorial was given during the season. The Department is considering a change in the curbing to improve its appearance and facilitate the mowing and care of the grass.
3. Lake Cochituate Recreation Area
The Beach House was altered and renovated to provide proper dressing and other facilities for the inhabitants of the Town who use the beach. Mr. William Gray, Jr., Director of Athletics at the Boston Y. M. C. A. was engaged as Beach Supervisor for the bathing season, which commenced on June twenty-second and ended on September seventh. Adequate life-guard protection, under his direction, was pro- vided. A Matron was employed to be at the Beach House during the hours the beach was opened during the season. A system of identifica- tion control was established to insure that the beach facilities be used only by inhabitants of the town and their guests. The Beach, in general, was improved by the removal of certain trees and levelling and grading, thereby extending the actual area of the beach.
According to daily reports of the life-guards, submitted by the Beach Supervisor to the Board, the attendance at the beach totalled 28,967. Of this total, 28,393 represented attendance by the towns- people; 574 by guests of the townspeople. The department instituted a program of voluntary contributions, which produced the sum of $1,088.75 - this amount has been turned over to the Town Treasurer.
The Department would like to take this opportunity to thank those who, by their contributions, furthered the department's progress toward
172
its goal of making every provision for the enjoyment and safety of those using the beach.
Of the three houses on the property, other than the Beach House, the Park Department has demolished the house south of the Beach House. Of the remaining two houses the Park Department has per- mitted the Boy Scouts of America, Troop No. 1, Wayland, to occupy the most easterly dwelling, on their agreement to rehabilitate it. It is anticipated that in the coming season, the other remaining house will be demolished, with the Boy Scouts using any salvageable materials. The Park Department proposes to continue its efforts to make this area more enjoyable for the citizens of Wayland during the 1953 season.
4. Wayland Greens
In this area, through the generous co-operation of the Wayland Garden Club in not only supplying plants and shrubs, but also generally assisting the Park Department the members aranged to have an additional portion of the easterly side of the Brook skirting the Greens landscaped. It is the hope of the Park Department to continue to beautify this area.
5. Cochituate Ball Field
In addition to the usual care, a survey was made in this area by a Civil Engineer to determine accurately certain boundaries to permit eventual installation of a suitable fence from the easterly end of the Tenni's Court along Bradford Street. The lighting system in this area recently installed by Mr. Howard Phillips, has been offered to the Town for purchase. As of this date, negotiations have not proceeded sufficiently far enough to enable the department to formulate a policy to recommend to the Town and to the Finance Committee.
6. Wayland High School
The use of the Wayland High School Field and the Cochituate Ball Field by the Little League was enthusiastically endorsed by the department. The department contributed certain equipment to further this activity.
7. Heater pieces, Bus Shelter, Mill Pond and Dudley Pond Area
These areas were mowed, fertilized and cared for by the Park Department. The Department hopes to continue its program to improve these areas.
8. Arts and Crafts
In addition to the recreational activities pursued on Park Depart- ment Property as set forth above, the department also supported with
173
enthusiasm and financial assistance the Arts and Crafts Program which was conducted in the High School during the Summer season.
The Commissioners wish to express their sincere thanks to the secretary of the Board and their employee, Mr. Stephen McEnroy for their unflagging devotion to duty during the year 1952, and further, would like to thank the officials and the many citizens of the Town who assisted and cooperated with the Department in its activities.
FRANK S. TARR, Chairman NATHANIEL HAMLEN, Clerk THOMAS F. MURRAY
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
I submit my report for the year 1952 as Sealer of Weights and Measures.
Number of places visited 41.
14 Gasoline Filling Stations
11 Markets and Grocery Stores
1 Hay and Grain Store
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.