USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1950-1954 > Part 38
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101
ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
the town. Working in conjunction with the Randolph Veterans Council, names of all deceased veterans dying in service have been allocated this board, and all new streets shall bear the name of a Randolph son who paid the supreme sacrifice. A preliminary plan for over one hundred and fifty homes located in the vicinity of North and Oak Streets has been approved, and building is ex- pected to start as soon as weather conditions permit. Well over two hundred building permits were issued this past year, the large majority of same in various new areas. With the continued fast growth of our town every pos- sible precaution must be taken by all town officials to insure the citizens well constructed homes, in properly planned developments, with streets, public utilities and drainage that require the least possible maintenance.
Several changes are being made on the types of road, developers are to build. The Planning Board is to give to the town as a finished street, a well constructed way, easy to maintain, and yet do so on an economical basis. The Al and A2 types of road are both considered by this board as necessary. The type road each developer shall build will depend a great deal as to location, and con- necting points with other streets, this at the discretion of the board. On a lightly traveled road the A2 type would prevail, and only a secondary connecting link, the A1 type would be considered. Specifications for both roads have been altered and at present the standards of the A2 road are again being changed to a higher class of con- struction for the town's protection. Although the original rules and regulations were adequate at the time of their adoption, the board deemed it necessary to revise these to meet current needs and establish improved adminis- trative and business precedure. After considerable study the Board has what it now feels to be a complete set of Rules and Regulations, having incorporated the Mass. Dept. of Public Works Standards and Specifications into
102
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
these. Sample drawings and Typical Cross Sections of proposed roadway types as well as additional technical information, has been provided to assist subdividers in the proper submission of applications.
It is the feeling of the Board that even though a de- veloper be bonded and his roadway building program supervised, that within three years these streets need maintenance. This Board strongly urges the Highway Surveyor request, and the Townspeople allocate a much larger repair and maintenance budget to the Highway Department, to properly care for the so-many deserving old roads and to keep up the new streets that each year are being accepted. A man or department cannot be criticized for the failure of lack of properly maintaining town property unless given the financial aid needed .. With the exception of the State and the Chapter Ninety roads, all other town ways should have attention every third year.
As part of extra work given this board, they were appointed to a committee to assist certain individuals and the Board of Health in re-writing the Health rules. This committee made a detailed study of the then existing rules, and in accordance with the General Laws, Chapter 111, Section 31 as amended by Chapter 285 of the Acts of 1937, the Board of Health adopted a revised set of Rules and Regulations which have set up a much improved set of standards for the food handling, control of dis- eases, piggeries, sewage disposal, and housing standards. Particularly applicable to the Planning Board activities is the rule and also the State Law that all plot plans for a sub-division must first be approved by the Board of Health in regards to sewage disposal units, the extent of which is determined by a percolation test to establish the per- mability of the soil. The linear footage of leaching trench necessary directly affects the required lot area for the
103
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ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
proper disposal field beds. With the revised Board of Health Rules and Regulations now in force, and enforced, the citizens of Randolph have much better protection and recourse to law regarding health and living conditions.
Work on the preparation of a Master Plan of the Town of Randolph is progressing according to schedule. The necessary preliminary studies have been made, and the ground work laid for the projection of a town plan which will be of great value to all town departments as well as the Planning Board. Meetings have been held with State and Town engineers experienced in the make- up of Master Plans and invaluable advice gained and money saved by their suggestions.
Commitments have been made for obtaining aerial photographs, base maps and highway plans, and photo- graphical enlargements. These, when co-ordinated and assembled much in the manner of fitting a jig-saw puzzle together, will result in a plan of the Town with a scale of 400' (four hundred feet) to the inch. Copies of this Mas- ter Plan will then be distributed to various Town Depart- ments for posting and delineation of information particu- lar to that department or group.
The preliminary outline of the Plan should be ready sometime in July of 1954, and this plan fully completed and in the hands of the Planning Board by the end of 1954. It appears at this time that the entire work can be completed well within the limits of the amount appropri- ated at the 1953 Town Meeting. It might be interesting to note here that the Town will acquire in the process of this work, an aerial photograph of the town which two years ago would have cost in the vicinity of 15,000 dollars.
The Board is working in conjunction with the School Planning and Building Committee on proposed school sites, and have at this time under consideration land in the vicinity of North Street, suitable for the construction
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
of an elementary school. This location has been selected as being central to the area. It will serve all pupils from the Braintree line, too, and including the Belcher District without transportation problems. The Board has also under consideration another tract of land in the Tower Hill District for future expansion of the Tower Hill School.
At this time the Board is considering a preliminary plan of development located in the central business area of the town, which when completed, would enhance the beauty of the town, and solve many traffic and parking problems now in the present center, and ultimately would be a large contributor to the tax revenue of the town. The Board also has had numerous meetings with individ- uals interested in industrial sites, and it is recommended here that an Industrial Commission be established to study and recommend to the Planning Board suitable and avail- able sites for industry.
To help the townspeople and developers, and to present a more organized agenda, the Planning Board wishes to state meeting nights will be every Tuesday except holidays. These meetings to be held in the G.A.R. hall, opening with executive session from eight P. M. till eight forty-five, after which time the meeting will be open to the public.
We wish at this time to extend our thanks to all departments for their co-operation and efforts, who have with their help made our job easier.
Randolph Planning Board :
EDWARD J. ROYCROFT, Chairman RANDOLPH O. BOOTHBY, Clerk CHARLES E. PREBLE FRANK A. YOUNG RAYMOND T. WALL
105
ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of The Trustees Of The Turner Free Library
TRUSTEES
Frederick E. Knebel President
Lawrence F. Shurtleff Vice-President
John L. Porter . Secretary-Treasurer*
Ralph H. Hutchinson Joseph J. Seminsi
Theodore S: Luddington
(Selectmen of Randolph, Ex-Officii)
Mrs. Sallie W. Crawford
Roland H. Marden
Carl S. Gove
Raymond L. Mason
Mrs. Mollie F. Howard Henry W. Merrill
Joseph D. Wales
Harold B. Whitehouse
Albert C. Wilde
*Elected as Secretary and Treasurer May, 1953.
To the Citizens of Randolph :
Pursuant to the provisions of Article 3 of the By-Laws of the Turner Free Library, this Report for the calendar year 1953 and being the seventy-eighth report, is sub- mitted, showing the condition of the Trust consisting of the building, library and funds together with the Reports of the Librarian and of the Treasurer, and so much of reports submitted to the Trustees by the various com- mittees as seem to be of general interest.
106
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
The Library Committee reports that the books, charts and furnishings are in good condition and that all books owned by the Library are accounted for by the Librarian.
The appropriation in the amount of $2,000 voted by the Town for 1953 was expended in its entirety for re- pairs and expenses. For the year 1954 the Trustees re- quest an appropriation of $3,000 for general repairs and expenses.
A copy of each of the following reports is herein to subjoined : Report of the Librarian, Report of the Treas- urer, showing receipts and expenditures, and the Report of the Finance Committee.
At the May meeting, Mr. Joseph D. Wales, who had held the position of Secretary and Treasurer for many years, submitted his resignation for these two positions. The Trustees greatly appreciate his fine efforts and dili- gent service and accepted his resignation with reluctance. Mr. John L. Porter was then elected as Secretary and Treasurer to fill the vacancy.
The Trustees wish to thank all persons who contrib- uted in any manner to the Library during the past year. Our appreciation is also hereby extended to Mrs. Blanche Hazard Sprague of Brockton, Mass., for the 18 books written by Mary Wilkins Freeman and 32 Annual Reports® of the American Historical Association; also to Miss Joan Gibson of North Stoughton, Mass., for 60 juvenile books.
FREDERICK E. KNEBEL,
President.
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ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE TURNER FREE LIBRARY
In compliance with the requirements of the By-Laws, I hereby submit the annual report of the treasurer of the Turner Free Library.
Balance Income Jan. 1, 1953
$2,245.44
Turner Fund
$ 784.37
R. W. Turner Fund
1,124.68
Remaining Funds
193.28
Rent
2,070.00
Fines and Collections
182.93
Sundries
41.43
Bill Paid by Town
2,000.00
6,396.69
$8,642.13
COST OF OPERATION
Books and Magazines
$ 602.04
Salaries
2,746.71
Electricity
127.52
Fuel
806.21
Printing
33.00
Insurance
85.32
Telephone
66.80
Supplies
18.05
Sundries
19.00
Repairs
775.76
Water
49.43
Investments
229.76
5,559.60
Balance Income Checking
Account Randolph Trust Co.
Dec. 31, 1953
3,082.53
$8,642.13 Respectfully submitted, JOHN L. PORTER, Treasurer.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS. ف-
INVESTMENTS
R. W. TURNER FUND
95 Shares First National Bank
50 Shares Home Insurance Co.
50 Shares Chase National Bank
67 Shares Chemical Bank & Trust Co.
23 Shares Western Massachusetts Companies
25 Shares Commonwealth Edison Co.
13 Shares Randolph Cooperative Bank
20 Shares Standard Oil Co. of New Jersey
15 Shares N. E. Tel. & Tel. Co.
40 Shares California Packing Co.
14 Shares Consolidated Edison Co.
1 Share 1000 Bond Ohio Power 1968
TURNER FUND
10 Shares American Tel. & Tel. Co.
10 Shares Consolidated Edison Co.
66 Shares Union Pacific Railroad Co.
11 Shares First National Bank
25 Shares Boston Edison
25 Shares Chase National Bank
31 Shares National City Bank
36 Shares E. I. DuPont DeNemours Co.
32 Shares Great American Insurance
REMAINING FUNDS
41 Shares First National Bank
10 Shares American Tel. & Tel. Co.
12 Shares Commonwealth Edison Co.
To the Trustees of the Turner Free Library :
I have the honor to submit the annual report of the Librarian for the year ending December 31, 1953.
109
ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
Library hours are Monday, Wednesday and Satur- day afternoon from 2:00 to 4:30; every evening from 7:00 to 9:00, except Sundays and holidays. During July and August we are open evenings only.
Number of books loaned-8,568.
Fiction, 4,378; Juvenile, 2,291; General, 1,899.
Magazines loaned, 160.
Registration-New, 318; Renewals, 160.
Two hundred ninety-one (291) books have been purchased and many gifts received from the following:
Mrs. Blanch Hazard Sprague
Miss Joan Gibson
Mrs. Sunderland
Mrs. Carl Gove
Mrs. Lind.
Mrs. Alberta Komich and Mrs. Helen Morrison told the stories at the four sessions of the Children's Story Hour.
There was an average attendance of 21 children.
Book Week-November 16-21-was observed by having a display of books (old and new) in the window of Lyon's Card Shop.
On November 21, there was a Children's Story Hour with an attendance of 105.
Mrs. Alberta Komich was the story teller. At vaca- tion time we were fortunate to have Miss Nellie Desmond with us.
The Librarian thanks all those who have donated books and who have helped in any way. Also, Miss Massie for her interest and the Trustees for their advice.
EUNICE B. MARTIN, Librarian.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS. -
To the Trustees of the Turner Free Library :
Your Finance Committee has audited the accounts of the Treasurer for the year 1953 and found them to be correct. All receipts have been accounted for, and vouch- ers approved for all payments.
We have examined the securities representing in- vestment of funds and find them to be as represented.
The investment portfolio has not been greatly changed this year except for slight additions in shares of : First National Bank, Chemical Bank & Trust, National City Bank, Great American Insurance, and Western Mass. Companies, as a result of stock dividends.
Respectfully submitted,
i
RAYMOND L. MASON, Chairman.
1
111
ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEENTH 'ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Civil Defense Agency
January 21, 1954
To the Board of Selectmen
Randolph, Massachusetts :
In this third annual report of the Civil Defense Agen- cy it is to be noted that the Legislature has extended the Civil Defense Act (Chapter 639 of the Acts of 1950) in- definitely as amended by Chapter 491 of the Acts of 1953 effective June 16, 1953, as follows :
"Section 22: This act or any part hereof shall become inoperative by the adoption of a joint resolu- tion to that effect by the House and Senate acting concurrently."
In his first State of the Union message, delivered February 2, 1953, to the United States Senate and House of Representatives in joint session, President Dwight D. Eisenhower declared civil defense preparedness becomes sheer necessity if the cold war is to be won. He said fur- ther .: "Because the building of a completely impenetrable defense against attack is still not possible, total defensive strength must include civil defense preparedness."
The need for an active civil defense organization is still a predominant factor in our town affairs. During the past year our initial First Aid class under the able leader- ship of Miss Jeanne Ethel Norris was held in the Ran- dolph High School.
The course started the evening of February 16, 1953 and consisted of a thorough indoctrination in various phases of first aid procedures with a test at the conclu-
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
sion of each phase. The time element was two hours one evening each week for twelve weeks.
Twenty-six persons registered for this class and six members satisfactorily completed the course, and re- ceived certificates.
The membership of the American Legion were of great assistance in securing permission from property owners and custodians of buildings for their use as "shel- ter" in an emergency caused by enemy attack. The Wey- mouth Light and Power Company approved the use of their light poles, for posting the metal "shelter" signs, which were placed thereon. Accordingly, twenty-three signs were strategically located by May 6, 1953.
Our signal alarm system is sixty percent completed.
During this past year the radio communications sys- tem has been organized on an efficient basis. The net- work is in need of many more amateur radio operators, who have their own station set-up. However, under the direction of Mr. Ernest J. Evans, and Mr. George R. Carroll, together with the able assistance of Mr. Joseph F. Brewster of the Randolph Fire Department, commend- able progress has been made, and weekly communication drills are held in conjunction with the Sector No. 5 net.
The Auxiliary Firemen of the Civil Defense Agency have been supplied with ten pairs of Firemen's boots; ten Firemen's helmets, and ten black fleece lined rubber coats, for emergency use, at a cost of $399.50. At least this is a start in the right direction.
On October 23, 1953, five cases and one carton of medical supplies, together with 54 litters, were received for equipping our first aid stations. These supplies are properly stored, where they will be available in time of emergency need.
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ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEENTH 'ANNUAL REPORT
At the present time there are 398 members in the Civil Defense organization, and 92 members in the Ground Observation Corps. These men and women have all taken the oath as required by Section 18, Chapter 639, Acts of 1950.
The Ground Observation Post has been operating on a twenty-four hour basis since July 14, 1952. Recently, two of its members were awarded Merit Badges with credit for 8,750 hours service each; one other member for 500 hours, and one for 250 hours. This department for defense is considered of great importance by higher authority, and the need for constant observation and re- port of all planes passing over our station cannot have too much emphasis at this time.
One group of girls from Holbrook under the direc- tion of Mrs. Alma T. Aldrich have not missed a week since November 1952, at which time, they spend an afternoon observing and reporting all planes to our filter station at Manchester, New Hampshire. Their faithfulness to this. duty is commendable.
Every person in Randolph becomes subject to the accidents of war, should an enemy attack strike our neighborhood. For the benefit of all of us the following are cited as Three Purposes of Civil Defense :
1-To save lives, by minimizing the effects of attack: on civilian population.
2-To deal with emergency conditions immediately following attack
3-To keep production going at a level, which will enable us to defend ourselves, and fight back.
Note: Four-fifths of all destruction in World War II. by aid raids, was due to fire.
RALPH E. MacLEOD.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
Report of The Highway Supervisor
To the Citizens of the Town of Randolph :
The Highway Department completed one of the heaviest programs in the history of the Town of Randolph in the year 1953. Starting early in the Spring with sweep- ing, patching, hauling gravel, repairing and replacing street signs, and sidewalk repairs ; work of cleaning brooks, drainage lines, catch-basins, building sidewalks and new drainage systems continued through the Summer and Fall.
Following are the streets that received surface treat- ment during the year: Highland Avenue, Woodlawn Street, Norfolk Road, Martin Terrace, Fairview Avenue, Waldo Street, Fairmount Street, Russ Street, Curran Ter- race, Vine Street, Gold Street, Lafayette Street, Old Street, Forrest Street, Saratoga Street, Bennington Street and Jane Street. Gravel highways were graded and treated with calcium chloride as a dust layer.
CHAPTER 90 MAINTENANCE
Work completed under Chapter 90 Maintenance con- sisted of basins cleaned, streets swept, brush and grass cut, patching, repairing shoulders and regrading and re- surfacing with bituminous concrete a section of Union Street.
CHAPTER 90 CONSTRUCTION
Construction of another section of Warren Street between the railroad crossing and Silver Street was com- pleted under the Chapter 90 Construction program. The widenening and resurfacing work in this section has done much to make safer driving conditions.
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ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEENTH 'ANNUAL REPORT
NORTH MAIN STREET SIDEWALK
The Highway Dept. completed and paved a section of sidewalk between Pauline Street and Hills Street elim- inating a hazard to children in the north end of the town walking to the Devine and Pauline Schools.
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
Drainage systems completed by the Highway Dept. were Lafayette Street, Grove Street, Old and Forrest Streets, Fowler Street, Stacy-Waldo Streets, and Himoor Circle. The system on Cedar Drive could not be com- pleted this year due to abnormal ledge conditions. The system on the north end of Old Street was completed by Contract. The small amount of work remaining on the Vesey Road-Beverly Circle-Charlotte Lane system will be completed by the Contractor as soon as weather permits.
ENGINEERING
The money expended on engineering during 1953 has been of great value to the town. A good start has been made in relieving some of the worst drainage conditions in the town. Studies have been made for future drainage projects. Plans and construction of all new developments have been checked. This work should be continued.
NEW PROJECTS
Drainage construction should continue until that problem is eliminated. Sidewalks should be constructed in all hazardous areas. Extension of the work of widening and reconstructing Warren Street has been approved by the State and County authorities and work should start early in the Spring.
SNOW AND ICE
During the year 1953 we carted snow away after 5 storms. Plowing was completed during 5 storms, sanding
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
srteets and sidewalks during 8 storms. A great amount of sanding was necessary due to freezing rain and cold weather. All sand used was treated with salt to cut road- way ice and prevent freezing in stock-pile. The salt is a great help in maintaining the roads for safe winter driving.
LIST OF STORMS IN 1953 AND TYPE OF WORK DONE
Date
Plowing
Sanding
Carting
Depth
Jan.
1
No
Yes
No
21/2"
Jan.
7 & 8
Yes
Yes
Yes
111%"
Jan. 21
Yes
Yes
Yes
41%"
Jan. 30
No
Yes
No
21/2"
Feb.
3
Yes
Yes
Yes
5"
Feb.
8
Yes
Yes
Yes
5"
Feb. 12
Yes
Yes
Yes
6"
Feb. 15
No
Yes
No
2"
Total .
39"
I wish to thank the Town officials and citizens for the fine cooperation given to the Highway Department dur- ing the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN A. FREDERICKSON, Highway Surveyor.
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ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Tree Warden and Moth Superintendent
To Honorable Board of Selectmen
and Citizens of Randolph:
I herewith submit my report as Tree Warden and Moth Superintendent for the year of 1953.
The regular program of repairing storm damage, trimming and removal of dead and dangerous trees was carried on during the year. As this work is spread over seventy-five miles of road, it limits the amount of work to any one street.
The never ceasing work of eliminating bushes which, because of view obstruction constitutes a dangerous menace to car drivers, has been carried on this year.
The Dutch Elm Disease is increasing each year. There is no doubt but what this disease is here to stay. We are making every effort to keep it a minimum. Our only means of control right now is to keep the remaining Elms as healthy as possible by constant care in pruning and spraying. A great deal of extra work was necessary be- cause of the number of storms and high winds during the year 1953.
Forty-two dead trees were removed during the year and a great many pruned. These trees were replaced where possible with new ones.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, through its In- sect Pest Control Department has notified this department that our liability for Gypsy Moth work for the coming year is $3,330.00 and have recommended that this de-
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
partment ask for an appropriation of $3,330.00 to be ex- pended solely for control against those insects specified in Section 11 as public misances.
At this time I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen, various Town Departments, and Citizens of Randolph for their splendid co-operation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH J. HART, Tree Warden and Moth Superintendent.
119
ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEENTH 'ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Police Department
To the Board of Selectmen
Randolph, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit report of the work done by the Police Department of the Town of Randolph, for the year ending December 31, 1953 :
Calls answered and investigations made
9947
Summons served
235
Arrests
192
Arraignments in Court
173
Held for the Grand Jury
4
Pending in District Court
21
Pending in Superior Court
8
Found guilty in District Court
108
Dismissed for want of Prosecution
21
Appealed to Superior Court
1
Found guilty in Superior Court
22
Acquitted
8
Filed
71
Probation
18
Fined
24
Released
7
Committed to State Prison
6
Committed to Youth Service Board
4
Committed to State Hospitals
8
Stolen Property Recovered
$20,105.19
Put up for the night
2
Notices Posted 108
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
Doors and windows found open by the Police Department 234
Net returns paid to Town Treasurer from fines over and above expenses of prosecution 345.55
Fines taken in by District and Superior Courts $479.00
Total number of warnings on Motor Violations 649
Total number of suspensions of licenses 82
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