USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wayland > Official reports of the town of Wayland 1951-1953 > Part 31
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28 Robert F. O'Rourke, Patricia A. O'Connell at Wayland by Rev. Philip G. McGinty, Priest.
DECEMBER
19 Calvin M. Clifton, Jane O. Sargent at Boston by Rev. Samuel Tyler, Jr., Clergyman.
142
DOG LICENSES - 1953
1952 Licenses issued January - March 1953:
Type No. of Lic.
Rate
Gross Amount
20c Fees Deducted
Net Amount
3
Male
$2.00
$6.00
$.60
$5.40
1 Female,
Spayed
2.00
2.00
.20
1.80
$8.00
$.80
$7.20
1953 Licenses issued April - December 1953:
455
Male
$2.00
$910.00
$91.00
$819.00
91 Female
5.00
455.00
18.20
436.80
246 Female,
Spayed
2,00
492.00
49.20
442.80
13
Kennels
10.00
130.00
2.60
127.40
1
Kennel
25.00
25.00
.20
24.80
1 Kennel
50.00
50.00
.20
49.80
807
$2,062.00
$161.40
$1,900.60
Total for 1953:
811 Licenses
$2,070.00
$162.20
$1,907.80
143
REPORT OF THE WAYLAND FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY FOR 1953
Report of the Trustees
The year was a busy one for the Trustees. In addition to the regular monthly meetings a number of extra meetings were necessary because of changes in personnel and the construction and furnishing of the Cochituate Branch.
A change in the membership of the Board was occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Arthur H. Dudley because of pressure of business and the appointment of Mrs. George E. Earley to replace him. Mrs. Earley is a graduate of the Library School of the University of Michigan and has been branch librarian at the West Newton Library since 1947.
The resignation of Mrs. John Busser was regretfully accepted in April after her three years of conscientious effort as head librarian. We are greatly indebted to our library assistants, Mrs. Frank Bentley and Mrs. Richard F. Lincoln, for the splendid manner in which they conducted the library's affairs until such time as a new librarian could be appointed.
To succeed Mrs. Busser we selected Miss Ruth H. Scannell of Can- ton, Massachusetts, who assumed her duties the first of July. Miss Scan- nell's professional background includes, in addition to her library work, extensive teaching experience in Massachusetts, New York and California, and various research and editorial activities in the educational and pub- lishing fields. She comes to us directly from three years' connection with the Houghton Mifflin Company in Boston as co-author of literature texts now in preparation for publication. We are confident this breadth of experience qualifies her to give helpful service to the patrons of our library.
In Cochituate we were affected by the resignation, for personal rea- sons, of Mrs. Daniel Harmon after eighteen months of extremely com- petent service. We have found a worthy successor to Mrs. Harmon in the person of Mrs. Donald B. Willard, who has performed very capably during the difficult transition period. We are pleased that Mrs. Harmon is again available for substitute work in the library system.
The entire library staff has been extremely loyal and to them we extend our sincere thanks and appreciation.
HELEN C. MORGAN, Secretary Library Board of Trustees
144
Report of the Librarian
This report for 1953 will indicate continuing growth in the services and activities of the Library Department. Both in the main library and in the new Cochituate branch the increase in circulation and registration figures measures in part the maintenance of a lively interest in the Library and its contribution to the educational and reading interests of the com- munity.
Service to the Schools
Beginning in October this service was resumed, and nine different elementary and high school groups have been making regular visits to the library every two weeks, each class-member taking out books on his own card and learning how to use the library facilities for both informa- tion and pleasure. Also, loans of classroom collections have been made available periodically to eight primary and elementary teachers for teacher-use and for supplementary reading.
It is hoped that our facilities for this worth-while service can be expanded the following year, for the young people's response to library opportunities has been so immediate and so enthusiastic that their inter- ests and requests for assistance frequently outrun our present supply of materials.
It is apparent that, by co-operating with the schools in helping to stimulate and maintain an interest in reading, the library can be a useful agent in the learning program. Laying a foundation for the "library habit" encourages children and young people to look upon the library as a "friend in need," whether that need be information, or ideas, or simply the fun of reading.
Stack space for convenient arrangement of books continues to be a problem, especially in the crowded Children's Corner. An effort is being made to increase shelving space here and to provide shelving arrangement that will make the books more readily accessible. A start has been attempted with the little tots' books.
Service to Reading and Study Groups
Attempts have been made to supply the needs of various reading and study groups and to anticipate their requests for current books including those for which a special demand may have been stimulated by guest reviewers, such as Marion Rudkin and Alice Dixon Bond.
1 15
Another interesting service is frequently required by an increasing number of adult students in specialized fields of study or research. To an unusual degree for a library of this size, these demands have been met from our own resources. But, whenever necessary, assistance has been rendered through the inter-library loan system of the State Division of Library Extension. The Weston Public Library has also generously ex- tended to us the courtesy of loans to help meet these needs.
Exhibitions and Lectures
Through the generosity of individual library patrons several inter- esting exhibits have been on display. During the summer the crafts classes of Mrs. Lillian Jones supplied weekly exhibits of their work. In the fall Mr. and Mrs. Norman D. Harris lent the library a valuable collection of mounted birds together with a selection of bird books chosen for their special interest to Wayland birdlovers. An unusual exhibit of stones and minerals, including petrified wood, belonging to Miss Catherine Cochrane, together with a unique snake-skin coat (Boa) contributed by Mrs. Mary Harris, was arranged for display in December. Through the co-operation of Mrs. Mildred E. Kingsbury and the Art Department of the public schools parents had the opportunity during the fall to enjoy a display of their first-grade children's artistic interpretations of a unit on "The Family." We hope that in the coming year library patrons will continue to supply interesting exhibits for the enjoyment of our growing library com- munity.
Book Week with its theme, "Reading is Fun," was appropriately introduced on October 13 by a well attended lecture on "Science is Fun" by Mr. Norman D. Harris of the Boston Museum of Science. He was assisted by some of his lively entertaining Museum inmates. The meeting, followed by refreshments, was arranged by the Friends of the Library under the chairmanship of Mr. George Lewis.
As reported in 1952, the Francis Shaw Room continues to serve the community in many ways; civic and social groups are using it regularly. The room is always available without charge, and the librarian will be glad to reserve it for any group that notifies her of plans in advance.
Gifts and Services to the Library
Special appreciation is extended to the Friends of the Wayland Library for their popular gift of fourteen volumes of "Book House," which are kept in constant use. The Friends have furthermore generously offered their services in assisting patrons who may need transportation to the
146
Library. This service may be obtained by calling the librarian. The Friends are also planning the processing and cataloging of their gift collection of records (mentioned in last year's report) so that these records may be put into circulation early in the new year.
Equally worthy of special mention is the faithful continuation of the work of the Wayland Garden Club in contributing weekly to the home- like charm of the Library with flower arrangements and seasonal decora- tions. A further contribution by the Club during the year consisted of a gift of four books on gardens and flower arrangements. These gifts of floral decorations and of books have excited great interest and given decided pleasure throughout the year to patrons and librarians alike.
Other welcome gifts to the Library have been made by many indivi- dual donors and consist of approximately one hundred books, numerous pamphlets and magazines, bulletin board material, six books of classical records, and a two-drawer pamphlet filing case. Allen H. Morgan has continued to supply our bookmarks as his father formerly did. Each gift has made a fine contribution to the service the Library renders.
Circulation Statistics
Wayland
Cochituate Branch
Circulation
1952
1953
1952
1953*
Adult
13,476
13,732
6,867
6,064
Juvenile
6,649
7,434
4,600
4,320
20,125
21,166
11,467
10,384
New Registrations
226
343
179
210
* (Note: The Cochituate figures represent less than eleven months of the year, as no books circulated during the five weeks the library was closed for moving operations) .
RUTH H. SCANNELL,
December 31, 1953
Librarian
Report of the Assistant Librarian --- Cochituate
The year 1953 has witnessed the realization of a dream for the Cochituate Branch Library - the achievement of a goal to which the townspeople have aspired ever since the founding of the "Cochituate
147
Reading Room" as a branch of the Wayland Free Public Library. In September, 1953, the library was moved from rented quarters in a block of stores on Main Street to its own quarters, much larger, much more modern, and much more attractive, in a wing of the new Fire Station.
A formal opening was delayed by many things, among them the arrival of the new furniture for both the adult and juvenile sections of the room. Nevertheless, the library was christened by the children on Saturday morning, October 24th, with the beginning of a series of "story hours" conducted on alternate Saturday mornings by Mrs. John T. Howard of Wayland, and a new resident of the town, and a former children's librarian at the Cleveland Public Library in Ohio. A generous allotment of money for new books made the reopening of the library a success for the adults, and the gratifying increase in circulation ever since October 24th, plus 75 new registrations since then, show that the townspeople are making use of the library facilities in ever-increasing numbers.
The children account for the greater number of the 210 new "bor- rowers" registered during 1953, and working with them is the most satis- fying and rewarding part of library experience. In December they began coming from the Cochituate School in regular classroom groups, accom- panied by their teachers, and I have tried to keep abreast of their needs by bringing books from the main library for them. They take a genuine civic pride in their new library, and cooperate in trying to keep it clean and attractive. The Cochituate Garden Club has helped immensely in this respect by keeping us supplied with beautiful and seasonal arrange- ments. We have also had the loan of exhibits for our showcase in the corridor leading into the building.
As a further illustration of the interest of the townspeople, we have had colorful new book markers presented to us by Mr. George Lewis of the Lewis Real Estate Agency in Cochituate, which have the new library hours printed on them. Since we are now open on Tuesday afternoons and Wednesday evenings, which was not the case last year, this has been a real help in acquainting people with the library schedule.
As in the past, the Girl Scouts of Cochituate have given much free time in assisting the librarian, thereby helping to earn their badges, and making several tasks easier for me. It has been hard work to succeed the extremely capable former librarian, Mrs. Daniel Harmon, who resigned April 15th, but with the help and cheerful cooperation of the library patrons, it has been a truly rewarding experience.
December 31, 1953
SHIRLEY M. WILLARD
148
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD FOR THE YEAR 1953
Several major programs were carried out by the Planning Board during 1953. Of primary importance was the preparation of recommenda- tions to the Town, with regard to changes in residence zoning, which were voted on favorably at the Special Town Meeting, November 30. Other programs included working with developers and other Boards and De- partments to prepare subdivision plans which would be acceptable to the Town, of which six were approved by the Board; revision of the Planning Board's subdivision regulations; work of individual Planning Board mem- bers on various subcommittees appointed by the Town; and finally, planning ahead for the orderly future growth of the Town.
In planning for the future of Wayland following the recent revision of the residential zoning by-laws, the Planning Board will propose the adoption of a new zoning by-law which will be suitable for neighborhood- type shopping centers. We also are working on a long-range program to prepare suitable recommendations to the Town with regard to the advisability of extending our present limited commercial zone area and for a course of action in obtaining suitable companies to locate in such areas. We are also planning to bring our present zoning by-law up to date, pro- viding suitable regulations which will insure that future business develop- ment will be consistent with the desirable characteristics of the Town. The Planning Board will also continue the study of land use in the Town and prepare recommendations for Town action regarding acquisition of substandard lots and land for other future Town purposes.
As seems to be usual, the composition of the Planning Board changed during the year due to the resignations of Thayer Rudd and Frank S. Tarr. L. William Bertelsen III and Edward F. Thorburn were appointed by the Selectmen to replace them. The Planning Board particularly misses the guidance of its former chairman, Mr. Tarr and the experience of Thayer Rudd, although the members replacing them have performed an excellent job in helping to keep the Planning Board programs under way.
The Planning Board has found itself under considerable pressure in approving subdivisions, layouts for road betterments, and other matters of an engineering nature. The Board has used the services, on a moderate basis, of Everett M. Brooks, Engineers, for engineering assistance and retained as a consultant Mr. John T. Blackwell of Lexington to advise on matters related to neighborhood business zoning. The Planning Board
149
feels that the time has come for the Town to establish the position of Town Engincer to provide engineering assistance on a regular basis not only to the Planning Board but to the other boards and departments, particularly to the Highway Department and to the Board of Health.
Matters of particular interest to the Town which have been con- sidered by the Planning Board during the year are outlined below:
Subdivisions
Six subdivisions have been approved this year providing 251 new lots. This rate of development was considered excessive and was a primary reason that the Planning Board felt it imperative to increase the residential zoning requirements. Additional subdivisions were discussed with the Planning Board in a preliminary manner, but have not yet been filed for approval, although some are expected in the near future.
Residence Zoning
The Town approved at the Special Town Meeting, November 30, 1953. a general increase in our residential zoning by-law. The Planning Board's Report and Recommendations on these zoning changes are attached and made a part of this annual report to the Town.
Business and Commercial Zoning
Now that our residential zoning seems to be in order, the Planning Board wishes to proceed on revising the various business zoning-by-laws to make them more applicable to the current and future needs of Wayland. Specifically, a by-law is needed which will provide for a neighborhood- business zone which will allow only certain retail activities, provide mini- mum yard set backs and parking areas, provide restrictions regarding advertising display signs, etc. The intent of this by-law will be to allow certain retail establishments to be built at neighborhood shopping centers without detracting from the appearance and value of the surrounding residential areas. It was because no such by-law existed that the Planning Board recommended passing over the articles in the warrant last March which provided for changing an area at Old Connecticut Path and Stone's Bridge Road from residential zoning to business zoning. More restrictive provisions are similarly needed in our present Business Zone by-law. While this by-law should permit a broader range of business activity than the Neighborhood Business Zone, set-back and parking requirements should be established and types of display signs regulated.
The Planning Board feels that there may be considerable merit in a plan to attract suitable industry to locate in Wayland, as such industry
150
could represent substantial tax revenue to the Town without imposing undue hardship with regard to increasing of the Town's services. It does feel that the Town should be very careful, however, in selecting particular industries and areas for their location. We, therefore, have a long-range program under way to study this entire problem and to prepare recommen- dations to the Town. As a part of this plan, the extension of the limited commercial zone now adjacent to Sudbury on the State Road West, easterly toward the center of Wayland along the state road and railroad tracks seems to be desirable. This change in zoning coupled with a new provi- sion in our by-laws, also to be proposed, which will prohibit construction of residential dwellings in business and limited commercial zones, will keep this area available for future commercial development, if such a plan proves to be advantageous to the Town. Further studies will be directed at finding a means for locating and encouraging suitable specific industries to establish themselves in Wayland.
Planning Board Regulations and Subdivision Control Laws
A completely new set of regulations for subdivisions was adopted by the Board on June 8, 1953. These regulations clarify the procedures which must be followed by subdividors in preparing plans for Planning Board approval and increase the requirements of subdivision improve- ments which should further reduce future costs to the Town after these roads are accepted by the Town. Specifically, an improved road surface is required which should reflect lower future maintenance costs. A fire alarm system is also required, eliminating the need for the Town to make these installations.
A new law was passed by the State Legislature and made effective in October this year which clarifies certain points in the law with regard to the Planning Board's authority and responsibilities. This law should make the work of the Planning Board more effective in the future with regard to subdivision control.
Subcommittees
Individual members of the Planning Board have served during the year on the following committees appointed by Town meeting: School Site Committee, a Committee to study the acquisition of land for park purposes and other Town purposes, a Committee to study the water system and advisability of installing water meters, a Committee to study drainage problems in Town, a Committee to study existing by-laws, and a Com- mittee on Health Union.
151
Toll Road
The Planning Board made every effort to obtain information from the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority regarding proposed routes of the Toll Road. We were unable to obtain any information regarding such proposed routes prior to public announcement in the newspapers. Follow- ing these announcements, however, we were shown plans of study lines so announced by the Turnpike Authority which we could locate on the Town Atlas. These plans were used by the Assessors and the Toll Road Com- mittee in determining possible effects of the Toll Road on the Town. We have extended our offer to the Turnpike Authority to work with the Planning Board on specific engineering details regarding road layout, although they have not as yet discussed these details with us.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERICK G. PERRY, JR. KATHARINE HODGES MARY N. BALDWIN L. WILLIAM BERTELSEN, III GEORGE F. BOWERS, JR. EDWARD F. THORBURN
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS SERVICES
This department operates under the provisions of Chapter 115, as amended, of the General Laws of Massachusetts. Honorably discharged veterans of all wars including the Korean conflict and their dependents, if in need, may receive financial assistance.
In all cases having a legal settlement in Wayland which are approved by the Commissioner of Veterans Services, a fifty per cent reimbursement is sent to the Town by the Commonwealth. If not approved by the Com- missioner, all monies expended for Veterans' benefits must be raised by local taxation. The amount expended during 1953 appears in the report of the Town Accountant.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN W. LEAVITT, Veterans' Agent
152
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
The overabundant rainfall through the spring and the fall added greatly to the labor of caring for the cemeteries, both in the need for more frequent mowing, and in the much greater number of sunken graves requiring grading up and reseeding.
Development work on the new areas at the North Cemetery and Lakeview has been continued as time allowed, and now both lots are in good condition of tilth and fertility.
The first section of the Lakeview addition, perhaps one-fourth of its area, was opened this summer offering about 110 lots. Five of these have been sold and two more are reserved by request.
The eastern half of this tract, as well as the entire new area at the North Cemetery, are entirely bare of trees, and would be made more attractive by the proper planting of trees, and occasional flowering shrubs.
We hope that funds may be made available in the coming year to rebuild and "hot top" the entrance road at Lakeview from the gate to the tomb, and for two slopes on other roads that wash badly in every heavy rain, and require frequent repair. This would prove through the years to be a measure of economy.
Five Perpetual Care Funds have been given this year, as follows:
January 13, the "Helen M. Joslyn Fund" for the perpetual care of lot 92, Sec. C Lakeview $150.00
April 24, the "Charles E. Lucier Fund" for the perpetual care of Lot 27, Sec. D Lakeview 150.00
May 26, the "Elbridge Carter Fund" given by Alfred A. Carter for the perpetual care of Lot 14, Sec. D Lakeview .. 150.00
December 1, the "Hattie Alice Allen Fund" for the per- petual care of lots 8 and 10, North Cemetery 150.00
December 7, the "Clark-Tyrrell Fund" given by Kenneth E. Clark for the perpetual care of lot 3, Sec. G Lakeview 100.00
Thirteen lots have been sold. ten in Lakeview, two in the North and one in the South Cemeteries.
Forty-nine interments have been made in the town's three cemeteries; thirty-eight in Lakeview, ten in the North, and one in the South Ceme- teries.
153
One Hundred Nineteen lot owners have paid $507.00 for the yearly care of their lots.
Foundations have been prepared on eleven lots for which $180.00 has been received.
WARREN D. VALENTINE ERNEST SCHLEICHER RALPH YETTON Cemetery Commissioners
REPORT OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF TRUST FUNDS
During the year 1953 several U. S. Series "G" bonds matured. The proceeds were invested, after careful consideration of the fluctuating state of the prevailing interest rates, in bonds yielding a somewhat larger return. In accordance with prior establishment of a reserve for such pur- pose, premiums are charged to such reserve fund and all investments are carried at par. The increasing size of savings bank dividends have been of some assistance in enlarging the return from invested funds. The limita- tions of the authority to invest outside the statutory limitations give the Commissioners little flexibility and a very meager opportunity to increase yields.
We call all citizens' attention to the fact that a legacy for some Town purpose is a form of charitable bequest which is worthy of consideration and which seems to have been overlooked in recent years.
J. WARREN OLMSTED J. REED MORSS, Chairman J. SIDNEY STONE, Secretary
154
REPORT OF THE ROAD COMMISSIONERS
The appropriation for new equipment this year was used to purchase three automatic sand spreaders and a power-driven street sweeper. For 1954, we recommend that the 1948 International Dump Truck be turned in for a new one.
Due to the growth of the Town, it will be necessary, in the near future, to provide room for additional equipment. At this time, the Highway Garage is inadequate to properly house our present equipment. We also feel that additional appropriation is needed to surface some of our gravel roads and to build sidewalks.
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