USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Palmer > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Palmer, Massachusetts 1951 > Part 4
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Report of Chief of Police
Palmer, Massachusetts
January 9, 1952
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Palmer, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
I submit for your consideration the annual report of the Palmer Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1951.
492 complaints were prosecuted in the District Court of Eastern Hampden for offenses committed within the confines of the Town of Palmer. These complaints were against 409 males and eleven females. Nine juvenile complaints were also issued.
I regret to report that Palmer had two fatal auto accidents in 1951. One of these victims was a pedestrian who was killed while crossing the heavily travelled Park St.
Traffic signals were installed by the Department of Public Works of Mass. at Park and Central Sts. shortly after this fatality. The new lights afford proper protection for the pedestrian while crossing Park St. but it is my belief that a so-called "stop and go" light would do a much better job at regulating the vehicle traffic at this point as well as affording the protection now enjoyed by pedestrians. It is possible we may experience such a change in the near future with the cooperation of the Depart- ment of Public Works.
Traffic signals were also installed at the junction of Rtes. 20 and 181 in the Shearer Corner area. This installation is solving the problem of controlling the traffic, both vehicular and pedes- trian, and is especially protective to the children who traverse North Main St. en route to school. These lights as well as the lights at Central and Park Sts. were installed at no cost to the town and through the cooperation of the Mass. Department of Public Works.
Our new two way radio communication system has been in operation for the past few months. It is an excellent system, our cars can be contacted in any area of the town and it has resulted in increased coverage throughout the town especially during the
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early morning hours by our cars. It is possible to contact our cars immediately, thereby saving time and effort in dispatching officers where needed. It is a valuable asset and in an emergency has proven its worth.
There has been but one change in the personnel of the department. William E. Holt was appointed a regular patrolman on August 1, 1951. He has performed his duties very creditably.
Palmer played host to the Western Massachusetts Music Festival May 12, 1951 and over eighty bands and musical units from surrounding towns came to Palmer. The department re- ceived many favorable compliments for the manner in which the festival crowd and traffic was handled. The fact that the day passed without a single accident reflects credit upon the officers, the intermittent and special officers as well as the various organ- izations which so kindly assisted the department.
I recommend the town accept the provisions of the statutes which will provide for a five day week for the officers. This will of course necessitate expense and we will need three additional officers to provide the proper protection for the town. Most com- munities have accepted the five day week for the police officers and I urge the citizens of Palmer to accept it for our officers as there does not seem to be any good reason why our officers should not have working conditions equal to other departments.
I wish to acknowledge with thanks the gift of two traffic boxes which the department received from the Palmer Lions Club. The boxes were used to advantage during the holidays and afford the officers protection from the elements.
I desire to express my thanks to your honorable board for the splendid cooperation given me at all times. No police official could ever expect to receive any greater assistance than has been extended to the members of the department as well as to myself and it has been deeply appreciated.
To the members of the department, the intermittent officers and especially to the special officers I wish to express my appre- ciation for the manner in which assignments have been carried out. The special police did splendid work on many occasions during the year especially at the Music Festival and during emergencies. Palmer is fortunate in having such public spirited citizens, those of us in the regular service appreciate their interest in the department.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES F. DONAHUE
Chief of Police.
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LIST OF OFFENSES PROSECUTED IN PALMER IN 1951:
Crimes Against Persons :
Assault and Battery Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
13
1
Total
14
Crimes Against Property :
Breaking and entering and Larceny
1
Larceny and Attempt at Larceny
12
Malicious Mischief 1
Using Motor Vehicle Without Authority
2
Total
16
Crimes Against Public Order :
Contributing to Delinquency
1
Disturbing the Peace
4
Driving a Motor Vehicle to Endanger Lives
21
Driving Under the Influence of Liquor 39
Drunkenness
100
Fire Laws
2
Fish and Game Laws
3
Fugitives 5
Illegitimacy
4
Impersonating a Police Officer
1
Indecent Exposure
1
Liquor Laws
1
Leaving Scene of Accident after Property Damage
9
Operating after Revocation of License
5
Operating without Inspection Sticker
20
Operating with Improper Equipment
2
Operating without being Duly Licensed
11
Operating without Proper Registration
2
Operating at Greater Than Reasonable Speed
66
Refusing to Stop for a Police Officer
2
Road Laws
67
Stop Signs and Traffic Violations
54
Neglect of Family
9
Vagrancy
14
Violation of Probation
10
Total 462
Parking Tickets Issued
1029
Delinquency 9
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Recapitulation :
Crimes Against Persons
14
Crimes Against Property
16
Crimes Against Public Order
462
Grand Total
492
Dispositions :
Fined
336
Turned Over to Other Departments
14
Probation
30
Appealed
6
Filed
37
Bound Over to Grand Jury
1
Committed to House of Correction
29
House of Correction Suspended
12
Dismissed
26
Continued
1
Total 492
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Report of Moth Department
.
Amount Appropriated
1500.00
Expenditures 1489.50
Balance 10.50
Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The constant scouting and spray program we have used leaves the Gypsy Moth a minor problem. Infestations are few and no foliage stripping is anticipated.
SUPPRESSION AND CONTROL OF ELM DISEASE Amount Appropriated 1500.00 1476.50
Expenditures Balance 23.50
Many communities like our own have faced this question: Must we lose our historic American Elms to the dreaded Dutch Elm Disease? This question leaves the individual property owner openly concerned and grief stricken at the thought of losing even one of their trees. Yet the threat of the disease leaves every one of our Elm Trees at the mercy of its Creator.
In dollars and cents the real-estate value of the trees is well recognized. One can only pity the New England cities and towns that face the possibility of their loss, not only in their historic beauty but also in depreciated land values. What every individual must do is paint a mental picture in mind and foresee the potential barrenness and desolation of their once beautifully lined streets and commons, their own yards and fields. This thought of potential destruction without doubt will cause a sick- ening feeling.
In answering the question, Will we lose our Elms? It is "yes" if we lack the interest in their maintenance and have a defeatist frame of mind. It is "no" if we give our precious heritage the care and attention which they so well warrant.
A spray program designed to prevent feeding by the Elm Bark Beetle, the carrier of the disease which causes defoliation and results in weakened trees. A sanitation program of pruning dead wood, removal of dead and diseased trees will definitely cut down our alarming rate of dying trees.
It's cheaper to save them than to cut them down. .
Respectfully submitted, STANLEY J. STRZEMIENSKI Moth Superintendent
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Report of Park Commissioners
To the Selectmen and Citizens of Palmer:
The Park Commissioners present herewith their annual re- port for the year 1951:
During the year the Town's parks, playgrounds and mem- orial plots have been maintained in excellent condition and have provided recreation for a continually increasing number of our townspeople. The bathing pool at Burleigh Park has been nearly doubled in size and the picnic area there has also been expanded. The storage house at Legion Field has been completed and has proved to be a very practical addition to our facilities and equip- ment. Playground equipment is in use on each of the villages as well as at Eager Field.
The willing cooperation of the town departments, local or- ganizations, business firms and individual citizens who helped to make a success of the Music Festival last Spring is fully appre- ciated and the Commissioners express their thanks for it.
Appropriations and Transfers
$8,800.00
Expenditures
Labor (direct)
$5,513.20
Truck hire (direct)
247.75
Outside Labor (grading filling, spraying, tree removal)
1,224.72
Equipment, supplies & repairs
1,157.16
Lights and water
51.00
Storage Building, balance
605.82
8,799.65
Balance
.35
Respectfully submitted,
ALLEN F. DAVIS
JAMES J. KANE STANLEY G. WILK
LADISLAS LAVIOLETTE
Park Commissioners
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Report of Forest Fire Warden
December 31, 1951
ยท To the Board of Selectmen
Town of Palmer, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I submit my report of the Forest Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1951.
During this year our Forest Fire Department responded to alarms for 22 forest, brush and/or grass fires, four of which were for fires either at or caused by fires at the Town Dump.
Our worst fire this year occurred May 5 between Nipmuck Street and the Boston Road and required assistance by The Mon- son Fire Department, the boys of Monson Academy, the Bonds- ville Fire Department, State Conservation Trucks and equipment of the Palmer Fire Department. This fire was the most serious fire since 1947.
In the Fall of this year only two calls were received by this Department for brush or grass fires. This undoubtedly is a re- cord in the history of the Town.
I would like again to impress upon our citizens that Permits for Outside Fires are required at any and all times of the year.
Many of our citizens now realize that Radio Broadcasts are made during the fire seasons of weather conditions and fire con- ditions and days when the Fire Warden may issue permits, by local radio stations. This, too, has helped in bringing to the at- tention of our citizens the hazard of outside fires and the neces- sity of securing a permit for outside fires. This program is car- ried on by the State Department of Conservation in cooperation with local Radio Stations.
The condition of our equipment is good, due in large to the interest taken by Deputy Wardens and members of our crew in keeping the equipment in proper condition.
Respectfully submitted,
VICTOR M. FRENCH
Forest Warden
77
Report of Young Men's Library Association
Circulation for 1951:
Main Library, Palmer
21,789
Branch Library, Bondsville
8,876
Branch Library, Three Rivers
5,090
Branch Library, Thorndike
3,741
Total
39,496
Number of Volumes owned:
. Adult Fiction
8,380
Adult Non-fiction
5,470
Juvenile Fiction
1,663
Juvenile Non-fiction
899
Reference
818
Total
17,230
During the year the Library has added 711 new books, re- bound and repaired 1204, and discarded 331 wornout or obsolete copies. A continuing effort is being made to improve the quality of the reading and reference material on our shelves and to keep all the Library facilities up to date, and to improve our service to the public. The number of registered borrowers shows a sub- stantial increase for the year and the attendance at the reading and reference rooms has also increased.
The Library has received gifts of 53 volumes during the year, as well as a large collection given by Mrs. Clifton H. Hob- son. Many of these are already in circulation and others are in process of being catalogued. To the donors, the Library expresses its sincere thanks and appreciation.
Receipts
Balance, Jan. 1, 1951 $ .92
Income from Invested Funds
1,973.83
Appropriation, Town of Palmer
6,000.00
Fines and miscellaneous
324.28
$8,299.03
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Disbursements
Salaries and Services
$5,657.66
Books and Magazines
1,258.30
Fuel
828.11
Light and Telephone
174.98
Supplies, printing, and miscellaneous
379.28
$8,298.33
Balance, Jan. 1, 1952 .70
$8,299.03
Respectfully submitted,
ALLEN F. DAVIS
Treasurer and Librarian
Audited and Approved, Jan. 14, 1952
STANLEY W. WISNEWSKI
Auditor
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Report of the Tree Warden for 1951
Amount Appropriated
$2200.00
Amount Spent
$2197.70
Balance $2.30
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
During the year 1951 we had two ice storms during the winter months that did considerable damage by breaking tops of trees and breaking limbs off which had to be cleared up in all four villages.
In the Spring we planted 20 trees mostly in places where trees had been removed on streets where new houses had been built. We took down 17 trees which were dead or dangerous and raised low limbs on streets where they were obstructing the view for traffic.
We opened up the trees on Park Street and at Shearer's Corner for a better view of the new traffic lights.
The rest of our work was the trimming of maple, oak and ash trees and any emergency calls that came in.
The maple oak and ash trees in the town are in quite good condition. The appropriation is sufficient to keep these in good shape.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER H. CAMBO
Tree Warden
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School Committee 1952-1953
GARRETT P. T. CAVANAUGH, Chairman DAVITT M. ROONEY, Secretary
DAVITT M. ROONEY
Term expires 1952
STANLEY J. GILL
Term expires 1953
PAUL HEINE, JR. Term expires 1953
GARRETT P. T. CAVANAUGH Term expires 1954
STANLEY W. WISNEWSKI
Term expires 1954
Regular meetings of the School Committee are held at 7 p. m. on the Tuesday before the last Friday of each school month.
All bills must be in the hands of the Superintendent on the Monday before the above date.
Superintendent of Schools, Donald F. McCaffrey.
Office Hours: 8 a. m. to 12 m., 1 to 4 p. m.
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CALENDAR
Winter Term:
Begins January 2, 1952; ends February 22, 1952 Spring Term:
Begins March 3, 1952; ends April 25, 1952
Summer Term:
Grades
Begins May 5, 1952; ends June 13, 1952
High
Begins May 5, 1952; ends June 27, 1952
Fall Term:
Begins September 3, 1952; ends December 19, 1952
Winter Term:
Begins December 29, 1952; ends February 20, 1953 Spring Term: Begins March 2, 1953; ends April 24, 1953 Summer Term:
Grades
Begins May 4, 1953; ends June 12, 1953
High Begins May 4, 1953; ends June 26, 1953
VACATIONS
Winter:
February 23, 1952, to March 2, 1952
Spring:
April 26, 1952, to May 4, 1952
Summer:
Grades
June 14, 1952, to September 2, 1952 High
June 28, 1952, to September 2, 1952 Fall :
December 20, 1952, to December 28, 1952 Winter:
February 21, 1953, to March 1, 1953
Spring:
April 25, 1953, to May 3, 1953 Summer: Grades June 13, 1953, to September 8, 1953 High
June 27, 1953 to September 8, 1953
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Annual School Report
To the School Committee of the Town of Palmer:
It is with great pleasure that I submit my first and the fifty- ninth annual school report of the town.
Personnel Changes.
Within the past year, the resignations of Mr. Jeremiah Mil- lane, shop teacher; Miss Margaret Sullivan, principal of the Bonds- ville School; and Miss Lulu Austin were accepted. The resign- ations of Miss Sullivan and Miss Austin were accepted with re- luctance, since both served the community faithfully and well for many years.
Mr. Donald Smalley, a graduate of Fitchburg Teachers' Col- lege, was elected to replace Mr. Millane in the high school; and Mr. John Culver, a graduate of St. Anselm's College, was elected to fill an elementary position in Grade 6 at the Quabaug School.
Testing Program.
Achievement tests were given to all elementary pupils at the end of the school year. Results were tabulated and will be used as a basis for a cumulative permanent record card, for high school guidance purposes, and especially for more effective work with individuals and in class instruction. Tests were administered in the high school to Juniors and will be used to give helpful guid- ance in selecting courses and assistance in making vocational choices.
Curriculum Changes.
Test results showed strength in arithmetic, generally speak- ing. Tests indicated that revisions were necessary in reading and English. As a result, a revised curriculum in English, complete with new textbooks, is now being used in Grades 4 through 8 in all elementary schools. In addition, new texts in basic reading will be used in Grades 1 through 8 this year. Revisions in arith- metic and history will be studied during the year for possible change in another year.
Sound films are being used to augment the curriculum in both the elementary and high schools. Two new sound projectors were purchased, and a new tape recorder was purchased to enable teachers to do more effective work in oral English and foreign languages in the high school.
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Salary Schedule.
The salary schedule for teachers was revised to maintain a position comparable to other towns of similar size and valuation and to meet a state minimum law of $2,300. The new schedule is as follows:
Bachelor's Degree or
No Degree
20 Years' Experience
Master's Degree
Minimum
$2,300
$2,500
$2,700
Maximum
$3,300
$3,500
$3,700
Repairs and Replacements.
The following work was completed this year: New lighting was installed at the Thorndike, Three Rivers, and Quabaug Schools.
Oil was removed from the floors at the Thorndike and Bonds- ville Schools, and a program of sealing and waxing floors was started. It is expected that all classrooms will receive similar treatment in the future.
Roof repairs were completed at the High, Thorndike Street, and Park Street Schools.
A new asphalt tile floor was laid in the high school cafeteria, and the gymnasium and auditorium floors in the high school were refinished during the summer.
Enrollments.
Birth rate figures indicate that sharp increases in the num- ber of children entering Grade 1 will hit Palmer Schools begin- ing next fall and will remain at a high level for some time to. come. Birth figures are listed below with the year said births will enter school.
Entering September, Year of
1951
1952
1953
1954
1955
1956
Number of Births
186
261
298
302
270
330
It is difficult, at this time, to determine whether the increase will be absorbed by public or parochial schools or whether the distribution of increase will favor one village over another; but, in any case, children will be entering our schools in ever-increas- ing numbers; and added personnel, equipment, and supplies will be needed to meet their educational requirements.
Budget.
The school budget for 1952, as voted by the School Commit- . tee, represents a total increase of $17,488 over last year. A care- ful analysis of this increase shows that there is an increase of $10,203 for Palmer Public School pupils and that the largest item represented in this increase is designated for salaries of school personnel.
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An increase of $2,615, which has no bearing whatsoever upon public day pupils, is marked for Retirements.
There is a $5,670 increase in Trade School Expenses. This in- crease is due to two factors :- 1) An increase in the number of pupils attending the Trade School and 2) the fact that state statute now makes it mandatory for towns to pay transportation costs of day pupils attending Springfield Trade School. The fact that transportation costs are being paid is also a factor in the in- creasing number wishing to attend Trade School. The School Committee has absolutely no control over this expenditure, and indications are that this could well become a very sizable ex- pense item in years to come. It should be pointed out, however, that the state does reimburse the town for one-half of the amount expended for tuition and transportation for pupils accepted at the Trade School.
Adult Civic Education is $1,000 less this year due to de- creased enrollments.
It is the intent of the School Department that every effort will be made to operate the schools as efficiently and economi- cally as possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, may I take the opportunity to express my sin- cere appreciation to the School Committee, a loyal and helpful staff, cooperative parents and friends, community organizations, businessmen, and all others who have been instrumental in the success of the school program.
Respectfully submitted,
DONALD F. McCAFFREY . Superintendent of Schools
January 3, 1952.
Statement-December 31, 1951
Appropriation
Expended
Balance
General Expenses
$12,000.00
$12,196.20
-$196.20
Expenses of Instruction
188,083.00
188,072.90
10.10
Expenses of Operating
39,100.00
38,752.86
347.14
Repairs
14,250.00
14,246.99
3.01
Auxiliary Agencies
31,800.00
31,793.39
6.61
Furniture and Furnishings
1,000.00
998.24
1.76
Adult Civic Education
1,500.00
1,490.58
9.42
Trade School Expenses
5,885.00
5,883.31
1.69
$293,618.00
$293,434.47
$183.53
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Town Warrant
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
County of Hampden 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 inhabitants of the Town of Palmer, qualified to vote in elections of town officers, to meet at the several polling places in said Palmer, designated by the selectmen, to wit: In Precinct A, in the High School Gym- nasium on Converse Street in the Depot Village; in Precinct B, at the Thorndike Grammar School in Thorndike; in Precinct C, at the Three Rivers Grammar School in Three Rivers, and in Pre- cinct D, at the Bondsville Grammar School in Bondsville, on Mon- day, the fourth day of February, A. D. 1952, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to give in their votes on one ballot to the town, for the following officers, 3 Selectmen, 5 Constables, 3 License Commissioners, Town Treasurer, Collector of Taxes, 3 Auditors, Tree Warden, all for the term of one year; 1 Assessor, 1 Member of the Board of Health, 1 Member of the Board of Public Welfare, 1 Cemetery Commissioner, 1 Member of the School Committee, all for the term of three years; and 1 Member of the Planning Board for the term of five years.
The polls will be open at ten o'clock in the forenoon and will be closed at eight o'clock in the evening.
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 Mon- day, the eleventh day of February, A. D. 1952, 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.
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Article 4. To raise money and make appropriations to de- fray the expenses of the town for the ensuing year.
Article 5. To see if the town will vote to fix the salary and compensation of all elective officers of the town as provided by Section 108 of Chapter 41, General Laws, as amended, viz: Town Clerk, Town Treasurer, Collector of Taxes, 3 Selectmen, 3 As- sessors, 3 Members of the Board of Public Welfare, 3 Auditors, 3 Members of the Board of Health and Tree Warden and raise and appropriate a sum of money therefor.
Article 6. To hear and act on reports of committees.
Article 7. To choose committees and give them instructions.
Article 8. To determine the manner and state the terms and conditions of collecting taxes for the ensuing year, and fix the compensation of the collector of taxes.
Article 9. To see if the town will raise and appropriate 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 appropriate 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 and appro- priate 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 select- men to make contract therefor, and raise and appropriate money for the same.
Article 13. To see what action the town will take relative to suits and claims now pending against the town.
Article 14. To see if the town will raise and appropriate money for the care and improvement of cemeteries.
Article 15. To see if the town will raise and appropriate money for the suppression of the gypsy, browntail and satin moths, tent caterpillars, oriental hag moth and elm leaf beetles, and other insect pests.
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Article 16. To see if the town will raise and appropriate money for the suppression and control of dutch elm disease.
Article 17. To see if the town will raise and appropriate such sums 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 18. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $1,000.00 or any other sum to help defray the cost of maintaining the District Nurse.
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