USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Palmer > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Palmer, Massachusetts 1928 > Part 5
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Charles O. Murphy
William Daly
Ralph Senecal
James F. Donahue
Jeremiah F. O'Connor
George J. Flint
John E. Moran
William M. Barrett
Freeman A. Smith
James Rathbone
Frank J. Henry
Joseph A. Fountain
Alcide N. Barber
George Fournier Lawrence F. Sullivan
Frank E. Albro
Michael J. Donahue, Jr.
David Belisle John T. Sullivan
Robert A. Swain William La Plant Robert Ducy Charles D . Holden John R. Ahearn
Highland Street, Palmer Main Street, Three Rivers Ruggles Street, Three Rivers Pine Street, Palmer Fox Street, Palmer Pleasant Street, Palmer Main Street, Palmer Vaille Street, Palmer North Main Street, Palmer Central Street, Palmer Church Street, Thorndike Main Street, Thorndike Main Street, Three Rivers Bourne Street, Three Rivers Main Street, Bondsville Main Street, Bondsville Main Street, Bondsville Main Street, Bondsville Bourne Street, Three Rivers Springfield Street, Three Rivers High Street, Thorndike Commercial Street, Thorndike 44 Converse Street, Palmer South Main Street, Palmer
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Daniel A. Shea Maurice J. Moriarty Andrew B. Rathbone Frederick Brouillette Fred S. Potter Andrew C. Carroll Andrew G. Ditto Michael J. Sullivan David E. Marcy Clifford Foster George W. Motyka Stanislaw Markot Albert A. Boissy John F. Griffin William P. Donovan Daniel F. Austin August Amman George W. Authier Walter J. Baldwin David L. Bodfish John Bradlenski Louis J. Brainerd John G. Butts
Louis E. Chandler
Marshall R. Clark Peter E. Cody Henry D. Converse, Charles Cordiali Edward F. Cushman
Charles B. Doherty Emile Erikson Edwin Fisher Lou's H. Fountaine Frank M. Foley R. J. Wilder H. B. Sanborn Vernon Simmington Sidney H. Say'es
South Main Street, Bondsville High Street, Bondsville King Street, Palmer South Main Street, Palmer Grove Street, Palmer Pinney Street, Palmer North Main Street, Palmer Maple Street, Palmer Central Street, Palmer Commercial Street, Thorndike East Main Street, Three Rivers Ruggles Street, Three Rivers Main Street, Three Rivers State Street, Bondsville Main Street, Bondsville South Main Street, Bondsville Pine Street, Palmer South Main Street, Palmer Knox Street, Palmer Holbrook Street, Palmer Main Street, Palmer Highland Street, Palmer Pine Street, Palmer Squier Street, Palmer Squier Street, Palmer North Main Street, Palmer North Main Street, Palmer Main Street, Palmer Thorndike Street, Palmer Pine Street, Palmer Forest Street, Palmer Church Street, Thorndike North Main Street, Palmer Knox Street, Palmer Squier Street, Palmer Central Street, Pa'mer Central Street, Palmer Central Street, Palmer
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Reginald Kempton Carl King F. J. Jarvis
Arthur W. Holbrook William M. Gale Wm. J. Birmingham
Edward P. Brown Michael Pelczarski Frank J. Longtine Edward J. Curtin Wm. B. Kerigan Samuel Thayer Eddie Tenczar
Frank J. Salamon Stanley F. Salamon
Stanley Skrzyniarz
Albert Kolbusz Alozy Konicki Charles H. Bresette
Seymour Chabot Alphonse C. Abare Peter E. Bard
Leslie W. Cameron Charles F. Dingman Albert E. Edwards Robert E. Faulkner Wm. J. Gillis H. Stewart Redmond John C. Bauer Lyman L. Keith Ludwik Marhelewicz Wilfred Boissy
Frank J. B. Camerlin Frank M. Fleury Edmond Forte ยท Peter Frydryk Albert S. Geer
South Main Street, Palmer North Main Street Squier Street, Palmer Thorndike Street, Palmer Pleasant Street, Palmer Highland Street, Palmer Squier Street, Palmer High Street, Thorndike High Street, Thorndike Church Street, Thorndike Ware Road, Palmer Summer Street, Thorndike Main Street, Thorndike Church Street, Thorndike Hobbs Street, Thorndike High Street, Thorndike Main Street, Thorndike Church Street, Thorndike Church Street, Thorndike Main Street, Thorndike Pine Street, Palmer Converse Street, Palmer Knox Street, Palmer Grove Street, Palmer Pleasant Street, Palmer Pine Street, Palmer North Main Street, Palmer High Street, Three Rivers Maple Terrace, Three Rivers Main Street, Three Rivers Bourne Street, Three Rivers Main Street, Three Rivers Main Street, Three Rivers Kelly Street, Three Rivers Ruggles Street, Three Rivers North Street, Three Rivers High Street, Three Rivers
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Henry A. Laviolette Stanley Ziemba Alcide Poitras Paul Rollett Melton J. Royce Jan S. Stachovecz Elmer H. Powell
Charles H. Sharratt
Michael R. Sullivan John J. Conway Benj. C. Shaw Frank Lamb Horace F. Parker John F. Shaw
Springfield Street, Three Rivers Main Street, Three Rivers High Street, Three Rivers Main Street, Three Rivers North Street, Three Rivers Main Street, Three Rivers High Street, Three Rivers Palmer Road, Bondsville State Street, Bondsville Main Street, Bondsville Main Street, Bondsville Pine Street, Bondsville Main Street, Bondsville High Street, Bondsville
ANDREW B. RATHBONE, CHARLES A. CALLAHAN, LUDWIK MARHELEWICZ,
Selectmen of Palmer
S
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Report of Selectmen
The Selectmen respectfully submit the following report :
ORGANIZATION :
The Board organized with the choice of Andrew B. Rathbone as Chairman and Ludwik Marhelewicz as Clerk.
APPOINTMENTS :
Ernest E. Hobson was appointed Town Counsel, Har- riette Paine, bookkeeper, Louis E. Chandler, burial agent, David L. Bodfish, Superintendent of Graves, M. Scott French, Chief Engineer, Fred H. Smith and Michael H. Davitt, Inspectors of Animals.
ELIMINATION OF UNDERPASSES NEAR ELECTRIC LIGHT STATION :
Following the action of the town at the last annual town meeting, whereby it voted to pay land damages which might be occasioned by the laying out of a new highway northerly of the Boston & Albany Railroad tracks to eliminate the underpasses near the electric light station, and to contribute $10,000.00 toward the construc- tion of the road, the Selectmen, with others, brought for- ward the matter, which was then pending before the County Commissioners, and a decree has been made by
135
said Board providing for the construction of the road and the elimination of the underpasses. During the summer months contract for the work was let by the Department of Public Works and construction is now in progress.
SIDEWALK AT WIRE MILL UNDERPASS:
During the year the Selectmen have given attention to the matter of providing a safe and convenient place for pedestrians at the underpass west of the Depot Vil- lage near the Wire Mill. The action of the Springfield Street Railway Company in removing electric cars from Palmer makes it unnecessary for its tracks to be longer occupied or used underneath the underpass, and this makes it possible for the roadway to be widened at that place. With the thought in mind that a widening of the roadway would permit the construction of a sidewalk along the northerly abutment wall, the Board, in con- junction with the Road Commissioners, have caused a study to be made and a plan to be drawn by the Town Engineers providing for the construction of such a walk and the widening of the roadway. The matter has been taken up with the Department of Public Works. Mr. Johnston, the District Highway Engineer, estimates that it will cost in round figures $4400.00 to widen the road- way and $1000.00 for the construction of a sidewalk. In December the proposition was submitted to the Depart- ment of Public Works that if the said department would take care of the expense of widening the roadway, the Board would recommend to the town that it pay for the expense of constructing the sidewalk. The law prevents the State from building a sidewalk along a state highway, so if this plan is to be carried through the town must build the sidewalk. The Department of Public Works replied that they would consider the matter, but on account of the retirement of the Commissioner and the appointment of a new commissioner and a new member of
136
the Board, a decision could not be given for a few weeks. Probably the decision will not be available for the town to take action at its annual meeting, but if it later appears that the State will build the roadway it is recommended that the town then take action providing for the pay- ment of the expense of constructing the sidewalk.
GIFT FOR HIGHWAY PURPOSES:
Mrs. A. D. Ellis and George W. Ellis of Monson, and Mrs. Idella Eads, formerly Miss Idella Holbrook of Pal- mer, have given to the Town a strip of land five feet in width along the southwesterly side of Woodland Street in the Depot Village, running from Rockview Street to Holbrook Street, for highway purposes. The gift of this land is duly appreciated by the people of the town.
The Board has endeavored to conduct the town's business with promptness and economy. All the depart- ments of the town have co-operated in the administra- tion of the town's affairs for the year 1928.
ANDREW B. RATHBONE, CHARLES A. CALLAHAN LUDWIK MARHELEWICZ
Board of Selectmen.
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Report of Planning Board
Jan. 12, 1929
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Planning Board again recommends that the town be zoned, and that in connection with zoning steps be taken toward a properly developed plan to guide the town in its growth.
Those of us who own homes resent a store or shop in the front yard of our next door neighbor. Yet this is happening constantly and will continue to occur until we adopt zoning. We speak of residential streets or residential districts in Palmer, as a matter of fact, there aren't any and can't be any until we are protected by zoning ordinances.
Of further importance for Palmer is an airport. The rapid development of the airplane will soon make neces- sary a landing field for every town of any importance, and naturally there will be a considerable advantage accruing to those towns which first provide suitable fields. Palmer, because of it location and commercial importance, is now and will probably remain on a main air route. Several locations have been suggested. We recommend the appointment of a committee to investigate sites.
Last year we called attention to the haphazard de- velopment of the Holbrook and Pine Streets Section in the Depot Village. With proper planning the large tract lying northerly of this section will have great residential
138
value. If the present go-as-you-please plan is continued this section will become a liability to the town.
Another thing of vital importance is a winter sports place for the kiddies-a place which is not only safe to use but which is safe of access. This MUST be provided eventually. The longer it is put off, the more it will cost us.
Again we would emphasize that the object of zoning is to promote the health, safety, convenience, and welfare of the inhabitants, lessen fire hazard, and serve the in- terest of all by directing growth upon a carefully de- veloped plan protected by law. The saving to a single property owner may easily exceed the entire cost of zon- ing to the town.
H. M. HOWE, Chairman M. WM. HOLDEN, Clerk
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Report of License Commissioners
The Board of License Commissioners met and organ- ized March 27, 1928, electing same officers and agreeing to charge same fees for licenses as in the year of 1927.
The following number of licenses were granted :
Sunday
66
Common Victualers
33
Inn Holders
Lodging House
5
Third Class
2
MICHAEL J. SULLIVAN (Chairman) NEIL McDONALD (Clerk) OSCAR BRESSETTE
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Report of Young Men's Library Association
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN Year Ending December 31, 1928
To the members of the Young Men's Library Association:
I herewith submit my eighteenth annual report as Librarian of your Association.
CIRCULATION
The total circulation for the year was 71,254, divided as follows :- Main Library, 37,580; Three Rivers Branch, 15,805; Thorndike Branch, 6,560; Bondsville Branch, 11,309.
The increase over that of last year is 1,567. This year's circulation is the largest in the history of the library. A year ago the 1927 circulation-69,687-was the largest ever. This constant yearly increase, which has occurred since 1911, with, I think, one exception, tells its own story about the use made of the library by the people of the town. This increase is more remark- able now than several years ago for two reasons :- (1) Then the circulation had not reached anywhere near the maximum circulation possible. (We are now approach-
141
ing that figure.) (2) Then there were not so many side attractions-radio, auto, movies. (People were forced to secure their information, entertainment, and recrea- tion from the printed page.)
Some may wonder at the statement that a 70,000 circulation is near the maximum in a town of 11,000 peo- ple. Remember that, with our large sprinkling of non- English-speaking-and-reading-population - about one out of every four-we fall into the class of about an 8,000 town for library-circulation expectations.
State Reading Plan
This plan has been in operation in the schools for four years. The first school year 3,213 books were read and 224 certificates issued, the second, 800 certificates were issued, out of an enrollment of 998 pupils in the grades where the plan is operative.
In the school year of 1927-28, out of an enrollment of 1,007 pupils, 976 pupils-96.92%-received certificates. At the close of this school year in June, 1929, practically 100% will secure certificates.
State library officials state that the work done in the 1927-1928 year was the best in the entire state. L
History
The first concerted movement towards founding a public library in Palmer was made about 1815. The Palmer Social Library was established. Most of the pro- minent men in town took shares. Women, apparently, were not allowed membership. The entrance fee was one dollar; dues were the same. The books were kept in the Town House at the Old Center. Books were taken
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out four times a year. The library did not last long. In 1825, the books were sold at auction.
In about 1841, $30 was raised by subscription, which, with State Aid, enabled the Depot Village to purchase about 100 volumes; another such library was established in the Mason District. These libraries functioned for nine or ten years. Desuetude set in.
In 1861, a stock concern, shares $5 each, known as the Quabaug Library Association, was started with about 150 books. Dr. Holbrook, the librarian, entered the Civil War later in this year. The books were placed in the post office where they remained several years, were then boxed, and later were turned over to the Young Men's Library.
After the close of the Civil War, on February 4, 1867, the Palmer Public Library Association was formed. The library was kept in several different stores and was well patronized for some five years. Members failed to pay their dues ; books wore out; the library ceased opera- tions in 1872.
From 1870 to 1878, Wood and Allen, druggists, oper- ated a circulating library of some 600 books, with a cir- culation of about 2,500 volumes per year.
After some sixty-five years of experiment, a library to care for the entire town and to furnish books suitable to age and taste of all classes of readers was formed on December 2, 1878, known as the Young Men's Library Association, and incorporated under the laws of the State. $715 was raised by subscription to purchase books. The library was open to the public on February 8, 1879, in a vacant store in French's block on Central Street. With money and books contributed, about 922 volumes were available on the opening day. The library has since been supported by yearly appropriations of the town. When
143
Memorial Hall was built by the town, the quarters now used were provided.
From that humble beginning fifty years ago has grown our present institution. We little appreciate the trials and tribulations that fell to the lot of those who made the early starts. We do not properly value their vision and perseverance. Their aspirations were noble. even though failure overtook them. They were pioneers ; they blazed the trail. All honor to them!
STATISTICS
The following Statistics are given:
Circulation
Main Library
37,580
Three Rivers Branch
15,805
Thorndike Branch
6,560
Bondsville Branch
11,309
Total
71,254
Last Year
69,687
Increase
1,567
Books
Books on hand, January 1, 1928 18,866
Purchased during the year 730
Received by Gift 4
Books on hand, January 1, 1929
19,600
Respectfully submitted,
CLIFTON H. HOBSON,
Librarian.
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TREASURER'S REPORT
YOUNG MEN'S LIBRARY ASSN. 1928
Receipts
Balance January 1, 1928
$
3.85
Received from Town of Palmer
4,600.00
Received from Fines
145.00
$4,748.85
Disbursements
Salaries
$2,569.92
Books and Magazines
1,554.48
Supplies, Light and Telephone
208.55
Fuel
336.45
Trucking
53.90
Repairs
12.93
Miscellaneous
3.00
$4,739.23
Balance December 31, 1928
9.62
$4,748.85
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK S. KEITH,
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Town Warrant
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
County of Hampden, ss. Town of Palmer
To either of the Constables of the Town of Palmer, in said County,
GREETING:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to notify and warn all the in- habitants of the Town of Palmer, qualified to vote in elections of town officers, to meet at several polling places in said Palmer, designated by the Selectmen, to wit: In Precinct A, at Holbrook Hall in the Holbrook Build- ing on Main Street in the Depot Village; in Precinct B, at Recreation Building (room on the street floor) on Commercial Street in Thorndike; in Precinct C, at Cercle Canadien Hall on East Main Street in Three Rivers; and in Precinct D, at Boston Duck Company's Hall on Main Street, in Bondsville, on Monday, the fourth day of Febru- ary, A. D. 1929, at six o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to give in their votes on one ballot to precinct offi- cers of the several voting precincts of said town, for the following town officers, to wit: Three Selectmen, a Town Treasurer, a Collector of Taxes, three Auditors, five Con- stables, three License Commissioners, and a Tree War- den, all for the term of one year ; one Road Commissioner,
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one member of the Board of Health, one Assessor, one member of the Board of Public Welfare, one Cemetery Commissioner, two members of the School Committee, and two members of the Planning Board, all for the term of three years; one member of the School Committee for the term of one year (to fill vacancy).
The polls will be open at six o'clock in the forenoon and will be closed at three-thirty o'clock in the afternoon.
And you are further hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of said Palmer, qualified to vote in town affairs, to meet at the Town House at Four Corners, in said Palmer, on Monday, the eleventh day of February, A. D. 1929, at seven o'clock in the evening, then and there to act on the following articles, viz:
Article 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
Article 2. To choose all other usual town officers.
Article 3. To act on the reports of the town officers.
Article 4. To raise money and make appropriations to defray expenses of the town for the ensuing year.
Article 5. To see if the town will authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow during the ensuing financial year, in anticipation of the revenue of said year, such sums of money as may be necessary for current expenses of the town, but not ex- ceeding in the aggregate the amount permitted by law, giving the note or notes of the town therefor, payable within one year from the date thereof, all debts incurred under authority of this vote to be paid from revenue of the said financial year.
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Article 6. To hear an act on the reports of com- mittees.
Article 7. To choose committees and give them in- structions.
Article 8. To determine the manner and state the terms and conditions of collecting the taxes for the ensu- ing year, and fix the compensation of the collector of taxes.
Article 9. To see if the town wil raise and appro- priate money to convey pupils to and from public schools, and instruct the school committee as to the manner of letting the contract for such conveyance.
Article 10. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate money for the Young Men's Library Association, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 11. To see if the town will vote to raise the money for the observance of Memorial Day.
Article 12. To see what action the town will take in respect to lighting the streets and whether it will authorize the selectmen to make contract therefor, and raise and appropriate money for the same.
Article 13. To see what action the town will take in reference to the planting and preservation of shade trees.
Article 14. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate money for the improvement of cemeteries.
Article 15. To see if the town will appropriate money for the suppression of gypsy, brown-tail and satin moths and elm tree beetles, and other insect pests.
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Article 16. To see what action the town will take relative to suits and claims now pending against the town.
Article 17. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate money for the insurance and maintenance of the auto fire trucks for the ensuing year, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 18. To see if the town will appropriate such sum of money as may be necessary to defray the cost of rent, janitor service and maintenance of the town offices in the Holbrook Building.
Article 19. To see if the town will vote to sprinkle or spread upon its public ways, or parts thereof, water or any liquid or material suitable for laying or prevent- ing dust and preserving the surface of such ways and for sanitary purposes, the cost thereof to be assessed upon abutting estates, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 20. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1000.00 to help defray the cost of maintaining the District Nurse.
Article 21. To see if the town will vote to maintain police in the several villages, authorize the selectmen to make rules and regulations for the government of all the police officers of the town, and raise and appropriate money for the same.
Article 22. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate money to meet the town's share of the cost to the County of Hampden for providing adequate hospital care for consumptives under the provisions of Chapter 111 of the General Laws.
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Article 23. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate the sum of $500.00, or any sum, to be expended within the town under the direction of the Trustees for County Aid to Agriculture, for the promotion of boys' and girls' work in agriculture, home making and country life in the town, including agricultural demonstration work on land owned by the town, or owned by any resident of the town, in accordance with the provisions of Section 45 of Chapter 128 of the General Laws.
Article 24. To see if the town will appropriate money under the authority of Section 22 of Chapter 115 of the General Laws for the care of graves of persons who served in the Army, Navy or Marine Corps of the United States in time of war or insurrection and were honorably discharged from such service.
Article 25. To see if the town will appropriate money, to be expended in the discretion and under the direction of the selectmen, for the repair and maintenance of the clock in the Universalist Church tower in the Depot Village, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 26. To see what action the town will take in relation to sewers.
Article 27. To see what action the town will take in regard to sidewalks and curbing.
Article 28. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate any sum of money to be paid to the Wing Mem- orial Hospital Association for the charitable purposes of said association in this town, or for the care and support in said hospital of persons wholly or in part unable to support or care for themselves, or take any action rela- tive thereto.
150
Article 29. To see what action the town will take relative to the care and preservation of the plot of land at Shearer's Corner upon which the General Knox Marker is located and the care and preservation of the Memorial Approach to the High School.
Article 30. To see if the town will vote to instruct the Selectmen to have the heads of all town departments submit an annual itemized account of business transacted throughout the year to appear in the annual town report.
Article 31. To see if the town will make a ruling whereby two-thirds of the members of the finance com- mittee will be required to constitute a quorum at all meet- ings of that committee called for the purpose of trans- ferring town money and that said ruling remain in force or effect until changed by the voters at any future meet- ing.
Article 32. To see if the town will instruct its Board of Selectmen to appoint a committee of two from each precinct respectively to investigate into the advisability of allotting or proportioning all money received from the taxes to each precinct according to the proportion of taxes paid by each precinct after having taken from the total the sum required for general expenses of which no divi- sion can be made. Also that if said committee find above advisable that they find proportion paid by each precinct and make a recommendation at the next annual town meeting and that the sum of twenty-five dollars be allot- ted for their use if needed for clerical work.
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