USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Palmer > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Palmer, Massachusetts 1955 > Part 4
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General Highway Maint.
36,326.00
47,823.46 11,497.46*
Ilighway Equipment
11,225.00
7,638.40
3,586.60
Old Warren Rd. A
785.00
784.40
.60
Fairview St. A
4,867.01
4,623.19
243.82
Harvey St. B
1,900.00
1,892.78
7.22
High St. A
391.95
374.22
17.73
North St. C
1,641.03
1,626.02
15.01
Roosevelt St. A
1,200.00
769.15
430.85
Foster St. D
500.00
498.67
1.33
Emery St. D
500.00
470.11
29.89
Railroad Crossing C
1,000.00
1,000.00
Foundry St. A
500.00
481.00
19.00
Longview St. A
500.00
486.85
13.15
Buckland St. A
1,100.00
1,094.94
5.06
Smith St. A.
500.00
500.00
Foster St. D
500.00
498.73
1.27
Old Warren Rd. A
3,000.00
2,996.16
3.84
Bridge St. A
4,000.00
4,000.00
Fenton St. A
1,350.00
1,350.00
Diane St. A
1,400.00
1,399.50
.50
Chestnut St. A
300.00
298.60
1.40
Walnut St. A
2,000.00
277.10
1,722.90
Walnut St. A
2,500.00
198.75
2,301.25
French St. A
1,770.00
410.80
1,359.20
Maple St. A
3,350.00
464.30
2,885.70
Grove St. A
1,800.00
225.50
1,574.50
Central St. A
3,750.00
3,750.00
Front and Park Sts. C
6,450.00
6,450.00
Belchertown & Barker Sts. C
350.00
341.60
8.40
Sidewalk Maint.
1,000.00
3,040.45
2,040.45
Pleasant St. A
1,000.00
999.40
.60
Walnut St. A
400.00
392.55
7.45
Pleasant St. C
2,700.00
2,700.00
King St. A
200.00
197.72
2.28
River St. B
900.00
894.75
5.25
Bourne St. C
1,000.00
995.98
4.02
River St. B
1,000.00
995.15
4.85
No. Main St. A
2,500.00
2,499.43
.57
So. Main St. A
2,000.00
1,686.85
313.15
Shearer St. A
1,000.00
1,000.00
Pearl St. A
800.00
799.68
.32
Orchard St. A
1,000.00
996.38
3.62
Pleasant St. B
900.00
887.13
12.87
Fark St. A
600.00
597.48
2.52
Foster St. A
300.00
296.20
3.80
Spring St. D
1,200.00
1,180.18
19.82
Main St. D
2,000.00
2,000.00
-
63
Total Available
Expended
Balance
Central St. A
450.00
448.35
1.65
Palmer St. C
1,500.00
1,484.51
15.49
Squier St. A
600.00
599.90
.10
Coache St. C
1,000.00
986.48
13.52
Bourne St. C
500.00
499.94
.06
Pleasant St. C
700.00
699.82
.18
Sewer Maintenance
8,000.00
12,644.78
4,644.78*
Riverview Pkwy. A
530.00
501.92
28.08
Old County Highway A
1,250.00
1,241.73
8.27
Thorndike St. A
12,450.00
2,386.13
10,063.85
Main St. D
3,500.00
1,580.14
1,919.86
Storm Sewer - Brainerd Tract
12,500.00
12,500.00
Clearance and repair of storm drain -
Park and Breckenridge Sts. C
3,000.00
3,000.00
Oiling Roads
15,000.00
13,804.85
1,195.15
Chap. 90 Maint.
7,500.00
7,464.08
35.92
Chap. 90 C. Main St. D
28,000.00
28,000.00
Snow removal
10,000.00
10,726.29
726.29
Salaries of Welfare Board,
OAA and ADC
1,200.00
1,200.00
Support of Poor
20,000.00
17,635.43
2,364.57
OAA-Town approp.
64,291.80
64,251.99
39.81
OAA-Federal Aid
57,381.01
36,332.46
21,048.55
OAA-Federal Admin.
4,009.97
3,636.81
373.16
ADC-Town approp.
7,040.35
7,032.04
8.31
ADC-Federal Aid
9,242.78
5,206.61
4,036.17
ADC-Federal Admin.
3,061.83
1,417.98
1,643.85
DA-Town approp.
4,000.00
3,999.06
.94
DA-Federal Aid
6,804.28
4,273.76
2,530.52
DA-Federal Admin.
644.41
463.32
181.09
Veterans' Benefits
23,075.00
23,040.90
34.10
Support & maint. of schools
359,284.55 360,547.48
1,262.93*
Trade School expenses
13,934.40
13,588.15
346.25
School retirements
4,290.00
4,289.80
.20
Smith-Hughes Fund
173.30
173.30
Thorndike St. School repairs
8,565.98
367.03
8,198.95
School Lunch
16,384.70
15,407.70
977.00
School Athletic Fund
5,176.85
4,350.89
825.96
School Milk Fund
3,627.02
2,941.69
685.33
Young Mens' Library Assn.
6,000.00
6,000.00
Parks & Playgrounds
10,500.00
9,236.25
1,263.75
Civil Defense
200.00
196.07
3.93
Street lighting
19,128.00
18,926.96
201.04
General Insurance
7,500.00
7,462.68
37.32
Aluminum poles (B)
840.00
840.00
Aluminum Poles (C)
1,480.00
1,480.00
Garbage Collection
4,856.44
4,766.52
89.92
Account
64
Account
Total Available
Expended
Balance
State Census
750.00
717.18
32.82
Fire Engineers
75.00
75.00
Town Reports
1,495.20
1,495.20
Memorial Day
668.00
598.43
69.57
Wing Memorial Hospital Fund
1,000.00
998.15
1.85
Cemeteries
16,500.00
18,350.82
1,850.82*
Care of Neglected Graves
350.00
350.00
* Overdraft-Flood repairs and expenses
4
65
Balance Sheet
December 31, 1955
DR.
CR.
Cash
$467,234.55
Taxes, 1953
360.50
Taxes, 1954
465.20
Taxes, 1955
13,414.49
Tax Titles
1,168.83
Tax Possessions
951.24
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1953
232.26
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1954
153.06
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1955
12,477.65
Overlay, 1953
360.50
Overlay, 1954
465.20
Overlay, 1955
13,414.49
Overlay Reserve
52,129.15
Accounts Receivable :
Highways
12.00
Old Age Assistance
105.75
Aid to Dependent Children
1,302.17
Schools
251.25
Chapter 90 Maintenance
5,000.00
Chapter 90 Construction
21,000.00
Witholding Tax
5,841.60
County Retirement
928.52
Blue Cross and Shield
249.25
Parking Meter Fund
16,086.38
Group Insurance
21.16
Tailings account
217 17
County Tax
1,465.54
County TB Hospital Assessment
213.45
State Parks and Reservations
200.08
Dog Licenses
5.40
Sale of Land Account
26,484.00
Sale of Land of Low Value
73.44
Sale of Cemetery Lots Fund
719.00
Bequest
1,000.00
Revenue, 1956
19,000.00
Departmental Revenue
1,671.17
66
Aid to Highway Revenue
26,000.00
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Revenue
12,862.97
Tax Title Revenue - Town
2,103.85
Tax Title Revenue - District Excess and Deficiency
16.22
281,817.35
*Selectmen's Other Expenses
35.38
*Tree Department
869.82
Collector's Salary, Previous years
926.86
Highways:
* General Maintenance
11,497.46
Railroad Crossing (C)
1,000.00
Two and one-half ton truck
3,500.00
Smith Street
500.00
Bridge Street (A)
4,000.00
Fenton Street (A)
1,350.00
Walnut Street (A)
4,024.15
French Street (A)
1,359.20
Maple Street (A)
2,885.70
Grove Street (A)
1,574.50
Central Street (A)
3,750.00
Front and Park Streets (C)
6,450.00
Sidewalks:
General Maintenance
2,040.45
Pleasant Street (C)
2,700.00
Shearer Street (A)
1,000.00
Main Street (D)
2,000.00
Sewers and Culverts:
General Maintenance
4,644.78
Thorndike Street (A)
10,063.85
Main Street (D)
1,919.86
Storm Sewer - Brainerd Tract
12,500.00
Cleaning storm drain, Brainerd Tract
3,000.00
Chapter 90 Construction, Main St. (D) Snow Removal 726.29
28,000.00
Old Age Assistance, Federal Aid
21,048.55
Old Age Assistance, Federal Adminstration
373.16
Aid to Dependent Children, Federal Aid
4,036.17
Aid to Dependent Children, Federal Adm.
1,643.85
Disability Assistance, Federal Aid
2,530.52
Disability Assistance, Federal Admin.
181.09
Schools:
General Support and Maintenance 1,262.93 Smith-Hughes Fund 173.30
67
School Lunch Fund Athletic Association Fund School Milk Fund
977.00
825.96
685.33
Garbage Collection
89.92
*Cemeteries
1,850.82
$567,735.87
$567,735.87
Overdraft - Flood expenses
FRANCIS J. LYNCH Town Accountant
68
Report of License Commissioners
Licenses Granted for the Year, 1955:
All Alcoholic
Annual
Seasonal
Restaurants
4
4
Innholders
5
Clubs
7
2
Retail Package
1
1
Drug Stores (30A)
5
Malt Beverages and Wine
Annual
Seasonal
Restaurants
6
1
Common Victualer
(Including Restaurants)
48
Retail Package
2
Lodgeing Houses
2
One Day Licenses
50
Respectfully Submitted,
Board of License Commissioners
PETER E. PAPPAS, Clerk
69
Report of Chief of Police
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Palmer, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The annual police report for the year ending December 31, 1955 is submitted for your consideration.
During the year 432 complaints were prosecuted in the Dis- trict Court of Eastern Hampden against 337 males and 18 females for offenses committed within the confines of this town. Eight delinquent complaints were issued against juveniles, five fugi- tives were taken into custody, fourteen automobiles were re- covered and 255 summonses served for other deaprtments. Motor patrols covered 42,817 miles.
Palmer had one auto accident which resulted in fatality and sixty-three persons suffered injuries as a result of auto accidents.
A traffic survey of the Thorndike St. area should be con- ducted in the near future as this street will become a very heavily traveled artery with the completion of the toll road. Plans must be formulated to provide for regulation of additional traffic. The survey should also include the North Main St. area as the recent survey of this area indicates no action on traffic signals should be taken until the toll road is completed.
The disastrous flood of August 1955 proved there is urgent need of a well organized Civilian Defense Unit ready to act in emergencies. It was very gratifying to note the many community minded citizens who immediately volunteered to assist the police department and I wish to thank the various organizations and each individual for the valuable services rendered.
Plamer is fortunate in having citizens ready to respond when most needed and their services should be coordinated by a Civilian Defense Unit.
Officers William E. Holt and Theodore A. Zebrowski attended and completed the Officers Training Course at Framingham.
I wish to thank the officers of the department for their at- tentiveness to their duties and for creditably performing their assignments.
70
May I again express my appreciation to your Honorable Board for the splendid cooperation extended to members of the depart- ment and myself at all times.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES F. DONAHUE
Chief of Police
LIST OF OFFENSES PROSECUTED IN PALMER IN 1955
Crimes Against Persons:
18
Assault and Battery Rape
1
Total 19
Crimes Against Property :
Larceny and Attempt Using Motor Vehicle Without Authority
11
1
Total 12
Crimes Against Public Order:
Affray
6
Delinquency
8
Disturbing the Peace
11
Driving to Endanger
19
Driving While Intoxicated
28
Drunkness
85
Fish and Games Laws
5
Fugitives
5
Illegitimacy
1
Lewdness
1
Motor Vehicle Laws
208
Non-Support and Neglect of Family
10
Town By-Laws
1
Truancy
1
Vagrancy
5.
Violation of Probation
5
Weapons Carrying
2
Total
401
Grand
Total 432
Parking Tickets Issued
480
Dispositions:
Fined 294, Filed 32, House of Correction Suspended 25, Pro- bution 19, Committed 17, Dismissed 34, Bound Over Grand Jury 1, Turned Over to Other Departments, 9, Pending 1:
71
Report of Moth Department
Amount Appropriated
$1,800.00
Expenditures Balance
1,707.24
$92.76
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
Two Gypsy Moth infestations were: The Old Warren Road, and the Camp Mohican and Reena areas. Both were promptly sprayed with excellent results. The remainder of the town is com- paratively clean. No major infestations are expected this year.
Dutch Elm Disease
Appropriation and Transfer
$5,172.55
Expenditures
5,172.55
Aero Mist Srayer - Amount Appropriated
$2,700.00
Expenditures
2,295.00
Balance $405.00
During the past year, 31 diseased Elm Trees were disposed of. During the summer an additional 62 trees were found diseased, a decline of 19 trees from the previous year.
With the purchase of the Aero Mist Sprayer, this depart- ment feels a bit optimistic with regards to the future of the Elm Tree. From present indications there are reasons to believe the Elm Tree mortality will be cut considerably.
As in the past, a thorough spray and sanitation program shall be continued.
Respectfully submitted, STANLEY J. STRZEMIENSKI
Moth Superintendent
72
Report of Park Commissioners
To the Selectmen and Citizens of Palmer:
The Town's park and playground areas have continued to serve the needs of our people during this year and have provided recreational facilities for a steadily growing number. Our equip- ment, as well as the grounds at the various locations, has been well maintained and the replacements due to normal wear and tear have been made wherever necessary.
The loss of Burleigh Park has been severely felt. The heavy equipment of the contractors for the new Toll Highway moved into the park in the early Spring and within a few days the pool and picnic area were destroyed. No arrangements have yet been made for a new location.
A new fence has been installed at Endelson Playground at Bondsville, completing the enclosure. Plans have been made for the installation of a commemorative boulder and plaque there, but due to delays caused largely by the August flood have not been carried out. It is expected that the work will be done and suitable dedicatory ceremonies held this year.
The skating rink at Legion Field this season provided the best ice surface in several years and is being used to capacity.
Our thanks and appreciation go to our caretaker, Carmine Russo, for his faithful and efficient service, and to the other departments of our town, whose cooperation has been very helpful.
Appropriation
$10,500.00
Expenditures :
Labor and Equipment Hire
$6,596.35
Water rents and service
124.03
Lights and Power
38.30
Fence Repairs
279.50
73
New Fence (Bondsville) Repairs to Equipment Tree Removal Equipment and Supplies
542.00
160.08
140.00
1,355.99
9,236.25
Balance, December 31, 1955
1,263.75
$10,500.00
ALLEN F. DAVIS
JAMES J. KANE
LADISLAS LAVIOLETTE
STANLEY G. WILK
Park Commissioners
74
Jury List - 1955
July 1, 1955 - July 1, 1956 PRECINCT A
Parker B. Freeman Louis E. Abbate
Paul Nahabedian
Edwin Walker
Frank B. Smith
Stanley Ridz
Harry W. Stred
George W. LeBlanc
John J. Donahue, Jr.
Aylmer Giroux Harold L. Moss Constantine P. Gralinski
George J. Magoni
Morgan D. Hodskins
Dwight C. Holbrook
Gordon J. King
Herman W. Peterson
Chester A. Killmeyer
Uledge J. Yargeau
Donald H. McAdam
Arthur W. Hedman
Robert B. Bishop
Roland G. Ricci
Rene A. Couture
George H. Stone
Edward J. Hryniewicz
Richard J. McGrath
Walter J. Phaneuf
Elmer W. Sird
Louis B. Majka
Albert A. Niemczura
Rufus Miller
Ellsworth Royce
Clyde Worby
Walter Kaufman
Joseph Matera
Howard W. Marcy
John J. O'Brien George A. Sullivan
31 Brown St. 21 Maple St. Conant St. 51 Park St. Fairview St. Fairview St.
16 Grove St. 19 Knox St. 25 Knox St. Maple St. 31 Converse St. 4 Bowden St. Central St. 77 Pine St. 88 Thorndike St. Daine St. Baptist Hill St. 5 Allen St. 2 Arch St. Arnold St. Baptist Hill St. Calkins Rd. Buckland Rd. 40 Pleasant St. 33 Pearl St.
40 Converse St. 49 Converse St. 298 So. Main St. 15 Longview St. Alden St. 15 Brainerd St. Calkins Rd. 20 Church St. Knox St. Knox St. 724 No. Main St. 6 Brown St. 46 Thorndike St. 63 Park St.
75
PRECINCT B
Frederick P. Jambora
Alexander Matera
Daniel Sughrue
Lawrence A. Scyocurka
William J. Karlon
Michael Russo
Stanley Purda
Alege F. Coutu
Stanley F. Izyk
Vincent P. Kerrigan
Daniel V. Fogarty, Jr.
Edward J. Nikoden
Mieczeslaw C. Orluk
Bernard F. Cavanaugh
Charles H. Bressette
Joseph J. Papuga Aloysius J. Tyburski
26 Church St. 30 River St. Main St. High St. 14 Hobbs St. 29 Pleasant St. 33 Pleasant St. 35 River St. 135 River St. River St. Mt. Dumplin St. 209 High St. 22 Pine St. 53 Commerical St. 4 Main St. 86 High St. 19 Commerical St.
PRECINCT C
Earl McKee Joseph T. Workum Everett T. Smith Joseph Laviolette Earl V. Haley Albert F. Valentine Leopold J. Renaud Albert J. Fisher Charles F. Musgrave Stanislaw Milewski Joseph E. Phillibotte Chester J. Marhelewicz Franklin A. Gale Wilfred G. Henrichon James A. Vennert Peter P. Misiaszek
Fred F. Markot Walter J. Scovera Bernard Zisk William T. Brown Joseph S. Witkowski Joseph McCann George L. Foskit Alexander F. Sawicki Charles N. Pelczarski Leroy G. Rogers
82 Belchertown St. off Bourne St. 23 Anderson St. 26 Anderson St. 20 Pine St. Baptist Hill St. 6 Barker St. 13 Belanger St. 2 Belchertown St. 45 Belchertown St. 41 Bourne St. 93B Bourne St. 107 Springfield St. 33 Springfield St. 57 South St. 30 South St. 38 Ruggles St. 98 Palmer St. 376 Main St. 34 South St. 83 Belchertown St. 12 Anderson St. 26 Barker St. 114 Bechertown St. 39 Bourne St. Cross St ..
76
Edward Smola Louis J. Wrubel
Raymond E. Barton, Jr.
Stanley J. Strycharz
Kenneth R. Peterson
71 North St. 69 Kelley St. North St. 310 Main St. 102 Palmer St.
PRECINCT D
George W. Payne
Michael J. Donahue
Ernest P. Fauteux
Bernard Griffin
Edward J. Kos
Frank Bigda
Charles J. Kos
Stanley J. Bigda
Charles S. Bubon
Martin Kapinos
Andrew L. Soltys
Wallace B. Wile
Edward T. Pollack
5 Crawford St. 30 Crawford St. 7 Crest St. 27 Pleasant St. Thorndike St. State St. 149 High St. 50 So. Main St. 71 State St. 177 Main St. 8 Maple St. 107 Main St.
10 State St.
77
Report of the Board of Health
The Board of Health herewith submits its Annual Report for the year ending December 31, 1955:
Reportable Diseases:
Chicken Pox
13
Dog Bite
17
Mumps
2
Whooping Cough
2
Tuberculosis
1
Infectious Hepatitis
3
Undulant Fever
1
Measles
22
61
Deaths reported during the year:
Stillborn
5
0
5
Less than 1 yr.
1
3
4
1 to 5 yrs.
1
0
1
10 to 20 yrs.
0
0
0
20 to 30 yrs.
1
1
2
30 to 40 yrs.
0
1
1
40 to 50 yrs.
7
5
12
50 to 60 yrs.
8
2
10
60 to 70 yrs.
13
13
26
70 to 80 yrs.
15
22
37
80 to 90 yrs.
9
5
14
90 to 95 yrs.
2
0
2
62
52
114
Licenses issued:
Denatured alcohol
$ 1.00
Ice Cream
35.00
Camps and Cabins
1.00
Funeral Directors
7.00
Slaughtering
1.00
Kindergarten
1.50
Pasteurization
30.00
Male
Female
Total
78
Bottling
40.00
Milk and Oleo
59.50
TOTAL RECEIPTS
$176.00
Total appropriations for year
$9,500.00
Reimbursement - flood expenses
1,679.73
Total available
11,179.73
Expended
9669.38
Balance
$1,510.35
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD J. HUNT, M. D.
WILLIAM J. BERNAT
JAMES J. KANE
..
BOARD OF HEALTH
Report of Inspector of Animals
Palmer, Mass. December 31, 1955
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Town of Palmer
Gentlemen:
All inspections ordered by the Division of Livestock Disease Control have been completed and the requirements of Section 19, Chapter 129, of the General Laws of Massachusetts have been compiled with, and reports filed with the Director at 41 Tremont Street, Boston.
There were one shipment of cattle received in town from other states. These animals were identified and released per order of the Director.
There also were 51 visits made to examine and quarantine dogs known to have bitten persons. None showed symptoms of Rabies and were released after 14 days.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE S. GAY
Inspector of Animals
79
Veteran's Service Center
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Palmer, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The veteran population of the town at the end of the year reached a total of 2,117 of which 49 were listed as discharged or separated during the past year. There were 1,211 personal con- tacts at the office and 492 telephone calls relative to various benefits and claims of veterans and their eligible dependents. Compensation and Pension claims were filed by 10 persons, 8 of these having been awarded by the Veterans Administration re- presenting an additional income to these recipients of $4,690 during the year. Records disclose that there are 240 discharged veterans of this town credited with Korean Service. The termi- nation date for Korean Service was January 31, 1955. All persons entering service after that date are classified as peacetime servicemen and not entitled to many of the war time benefits as provided for by Congress under the G. I. Bill. A total of 452 veterans are buried in our local cemeteries, 9 of these having died during the past year. Other services listed by the Veterans' Service Center were as follows:
620 Photostats
74 Bonus applications
72 Insurance applications
62 Disability verifications
84 Letters for veterans
50 Discharges recorded
42 Out Patient requests
32 Education applications
18 Hospitalization requests
368 Miscellaneous other services
Under provisions of Chapter 115 G. L. of Mass., as amended, 55 cases of needy and eligible veterans and their dependents were
80
handled involving a total of 193 persons. Emergency Flood Re- lief was also granted to 11 veterans and their dependents.
Appropriation
$23,075.00
State reimbursements received
Town's share of cost Balance unexpended
$ 7,028.56 16,012.34 34.10
$23,075.00
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD J. SALAMON
Veterans' Agent
Report of Forest Fire Warden
Report of the Forest Warden for the Year ending December 31, 1955:
To the Board of Selectmen
Town of Palmer, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Forest Warden of the Town of Palmer for the year ending December 31, 1955.
This department answered a total of 20 calls this past year. Some of these fires were the result of construction of the new Toll Highway. It is interesting to note again this year the few fires occuring this past Fall.
The equipment of the department is in good condition with the exception of the mobile radio in the Forest Fire Truck which should be replaced. This is an old set nearly 12 years old and not nearly as efficient as the modern radios manufactured today.
Again I would like to impress upon our people that permits are necessary at all times for outside fires. They may be obtained by calling the Forest Warden.
I wish again to thank your honorable board for the fine co- operation you have always given me in this department.
Respectfully submitted, VICTOR M. FRENCH
Forest Warden
81
Report of Young Men's Library Association
Circulation for 1955:
Main Library, Palmer
17,336
Branch Library, Bondsville 4,953
Branch Library, Three Rivers
2,625
Branch Library, Thorndike
2,232
27,156
Number of Volumes Owned:
Adult Fiction
8,198
Adult Non-Fiction
5,830
Juvenile Fiction
1,689
Juvenile Non-Fiction
1,015
Reference
786
17,518
During the year the Library has continued to serve the needs of the community and has offered to the townspeople an up-to-date selection of the best publications. We note that the use of the Library facilities by our younger citizens is steadily increasing and that a growing number of our high school students are making use of the reference works and the reading rooms.
The shelves have been cleared of many worn-out or obsolete books, while 1,272 volumes have been rebound or repaired and re- turned to service.
The branch at Thorndike was closed last Fall after the death of our Branch Librarian, Mrs. Sophie Jorczak. Arrangements are now being made for a new location in Thorndike and it is expected that our branch in that village will soon be in operation again ..
During the Spring of this year the Library conducted an Art Show, exhibiting the work of 53 local artists. The first affair of its kind to be sponsored here on a town-wide basis, it was highly successful and was attended by more than a thousand people. Details of the show and much of the work involved were taken care of by a special committee of local people interested in oil-or water-color painting, and the Library Trustees express their
82
thanks to those people whose efforts made the show such a success. Arrangements are now being made to hold a similar exhibition in the late Spring of 1956.
We urge the townspeople to ask for any book they may wish to read. If we do not have it, we can get it, either by loan from a larger library or by purchase if warranted. Books in foreign languages may also be borrowed through our connections with other libraries.
Treasurers' Report for the year ending December 31, 1955.
RECEIPTS
Balance, Palmer National Bank, Jan. 1, 1955
$9.70
Income from Invested Funds
2,486.99
Town of Palmer, appropriation
6,000.00
Fines collected
220.48
Miscellaneous (books sold, etc.
105.80
$8,822.97
DISBURSEMENTS
Books and Magazines
$1,409.69
Salaries, services and rentals
5,725.44
Lighting
129.58
Telephone service
90.26
Fuel
753.49
Supplies and Printing
208.39
Insurance Premiums
103.34
Repairs and Maintenance
147.56
Social Security Taxes
82.78
Miscellaneous
46.05
Balance, December 31, 1955
126.39
$8,822.97
Respectfully submitted, 4
ALLEN F. DAVIS, Treasurer
Examined and Approved, January 16, 1956,
STANLEY W. WISNEWSKI, Auditor
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Report of the Tree Warden for 1955
Amount appropriated Amount Spent Amount flood refund
$2,200.00
3,919.82
850.00
The year of 1955 produced eleven days of unusual weather conditions, mainly severe high winds, that caused a great amount of damage by breakage of limbs and split trees, and felling up-rooted and leaning trees.
These storms occured mostly on weekends between Fridays and Sundays. We had three bad thunder storms that caused some damage by wind and lighting.
We also had the severe flood of August. This caused a large amount of tree damage by undermining trees on streets that were washed out and along brook banks and river banks near roads and bridges. These trees were either felled or leaning so badly that they had to be removed. The department also had the usual number of trees to remove that had died or were a danger to public safety or public property.
A number of trees were trimmed of dead limbs and dangerous stubs, and low limbs were removed on streets and country roads. The department planted twenty trees in various places in the four villages to replace trees that were removed or where new homes were built and no trees existed.
The department had many calls to remove limbs that had grown to near television antennae or were damaging roofs and houses.
The tree department wishes to express its thanks to the town Highway Department and The Worcester County Electric Co. for their help and co-operation during the many storms of the past year.
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It is the belief of the Tree Department that a tree planting program should be set up within the next three years, and the department will draw up such a program to be presented to the Selectmen and the finance committee within the next year.
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