USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lincoln > Town Report on Lincoln 1951-1955 > Part 38
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55
$ 6,054.17
$35,478.54
48
TREASURER
SPECIAL ACCOUNTS
Old Bedford Road
Balance from 1953
$ 757.13
Expenditures
496.98
December 31, 1954, Balance on Deposit
$ 260.15
CEMETERY INVESTMENT FUND
Cash Account
Receipts in 1954
Proceeds of sale of Cemetery lots
$ 754.00
Interest on savings account
254.19
$1,008.19
Savings bank interest allowed to accumulate
$254.19
Safe deposit box rent
4.00
Deposited in Middlesex Institution for Savings
607.00
865.19
Cash Balance at December 31, 1954
$ 143.00
Cash on deposit
$ 143.00
Middlesex Institution for Savings
9,269.69
$9,412.69
Frederick A. Taylor, Town Treasurer
49
FINANCE
PERPETUAL CARE FUNDS
Deposited in Middlesex
Inst. for Savings
Principal
Income accumulated before 1954
1953 Care paid in 1954
1954 Income
December 31, 1954 Balance
Samuel Hartwell
$ 300.00
$ 30.56
$ -
$ 9.98
$ 340.54
Orila J. Flint
300.00
81.86
59.70
9.72
331.88
Annie A. Ray
300.00
93.08
11.87
404.95
Maria L. Thompson
500.00
175.15
60.70
18.56
633.01
John H. Pierce
500.00
78.33
59.20
15.68
534.81
George F. Harrington
100.00
7.75
3.25
111.00
Francis Flint
250.00
97.20
10.49
357.69
William W. Benjamin
500.00
210.18
46.10
20.07
684.15
Abijah Jones
300.00
17.91
9.59
327.50
Ellen F. Whitney
100.00
6.28
3.20
109.48
E. H. Rogers
250.00
19.17
8.11
277.31
Ellen T. Trask
200.00
111.64
41.40
8.16
278.40
Thomas Huddleston
200.00
10.25
-
6.35
216.60
Joa Pacewicz
400.00
47.64
40.30
12.31
419.65
Mary Susan Rice
87.27
15.21
3.09
105.57
Julia A. Bemis
300.00
10.48
9.38
319.86
Donald Gordon
300.00
135.72
-
13.16
448.88
Elizabeth G. Chapin
300.00
71.68
-
11.23
382.91
Sarah J. Browning
200.00
13.20
-
6.44
219.64
Agnes S. Brown
300.00
28.37
9.92
338.29
Lewis W. Woodworth
150.00
6.63
-
4.71
161.34
Robert B. Chapin
300.00
21.54
9.71
331.25
Gardner Moore
300.00
19.04
-
9.64
328.68
Mary James Scripture
500.00
30.47
16.02
546.49
Charles P. Farnsworth
350.00
22.88
11.25
384.13
Helen O. Storrow
2,000.00
186.29
47.60
64.62
2,203.31
Elizabeth S. Wheeler
200.00
14.92
6.48
221.40
John H. Wilkins
675.00
70.61
22.52
768.13
L.B. and A. E. Thiessen
500.00
39.98
16.31
556.29
Paul Dorian
150.00
9.66
1.82
164.48
Raymond E. Hagerty
150.00
9.66
4.82
164.48
Charles 0. Preble
100.00
4.68
3.15
107.83
George G. Tarbell
400.00
5.01
-
12.26
417.27
Eugene Sherman
200.00
-
-
200.00
Deposited in Suffolk Savings Bank
J. Waldo Smith
300.00
24 .41
-
9.38
333.82.
Charles S. Smith
300.00
28.26
-
9.49
337.75
Edward R. Farrar
300.00
13.33
9.06
322.39
Anne D. Pollard
300.00
13.02
-
9.06
322.08
$12,862.27
$1,782.08
$355.00
$423.89 $14,713.24
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
50
COLLECTOR OF TAXES
REPORT OF THE COLLECTOR OF TAXES
1954
Committed
Paid
Abated
Poll
$ 1,680.00 21,338.68
$ 1,426.00
Personal
260,944.56
20,460.00 251,685.42 33,957.96
$ 254.00 208.80 3,332.40
None $ 669.60 5,926.74
Excise
45,153.00
3,925.05
8,425.61
1953
Personal Balance January 1, 1954
875.28 5,574.24
470.40
24.00
404.88 1,956.84
Excise Balance January 1, 1954
$4,522.34
=
11
January 19, 1954 2,800.00
=
=
February 5, 1954 4,081.13
11,403.47
7,766.90
3,336.16
620.01
1952
Excise Balance January 1, 1954 .. . . ..
154.03
58.30
95.73
INTEREST
1954
- $ 46.23
1953
132.64
1952
225.60
Total
$404.47
WATER
Committed
1954
$28,096.04
Paid $24,651.44 733.75
Abatements & Deductions $2,568.77
Outstanding 12/31/54 $875.83 None None
1953 .. Balance, January 1, 1954
733.75
1952 .. Balance, January 1, 1954
145.75
145.75
William H. Davis, Collector of Taxes
Outstanding 12/31/1954
Real .
Real Balance January 1, 1954
3,617.40
51
-
FINANCE
ASSESSORS' REPORT
The Board of Assessors submit the following report for the year 1954:
All real estate and personal property tax abatement requests must be filed with the Board by October 1, of the year in question, accord- ing to law.
All automobile excise tax abatement requests must be filed with the Board within six months of the date of issuance of the notice of ass- essment or of the date of the sale or transfer of the vehicle, but in any event not later than January 31 of the succeeding year. 1954 Recapitulation
Town:
Total appropriations to be raised by taxation $400,256.55
Total appropriations to be taken from available funds 64,257.91 $464,574.46
State: Tax and Assessments
Estimate
Underestimate
1. State Audit $1,525.23
2. State parks & reservations
692.04
153.97
Totals $2,217.27
$153.97
2,371.24
County:
1. County tax .12,126.74
2. T. B. Hospital assessments 2,853.19
257.64
Totals $14,979.93
$257.64
15,237.57
Overlay of Current Year
Gross Amount to be raised
11,574.49 $493,637.76
Estimated Receipts and Available Funds
1. Income tax
$27,567.82
2. Corporation taxes
18,195.60
3. Motor Vehicle & Trailer Excise
30,000.00
4. Old Age Assistance
15,000.00
5. Schools
16,466.19
6. Water Department
27,606.25
7. Interest on Taxes & Assessments
2,300.00
8. State Assistance for School Construction
5,000.00
9. All Others
3,838.05
$145,973.91
52
ASSESSORS
Overestimates of previous year (available funds) a. County tax . Amount voted from available funds
325.89
64,257.91 $64,583.80
Total Estimated Receipts and Available Funds $210,557.71
Net amount to be raised by taxation on polls
and property
283,080.05
Number of polls 840 @ $2.00 Poll tax $1,680.00
Total valuation:
Personal property $444,556
Real estate $5,417,945
Personal property $21,338.69
$5,862,501
Real estate 260,061.36
Total taxes on Polls and Property $283,080.05
Number of Acres of Land Assessed 8,741
Number of Dwelling Houses Assessed 774
Tax Rate per $1000
$48
George G. Tarbell, Chairman Arthur W. Rice, Jr. G. Arnold Wiley
Board of Assessors
53
COMMISSIONERS OF TRUST FUNDS
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF TRUST FUNDS
During the year, 1954, the Commissioners of Trust Funds, to a considerable extent, deposited available cash in savings banks at the improved relatively attractive rate of 3%.
In most cases the rate of return received in the Trusts under supervision of the Commissioners averaged at between 2.65% and 2.76%, with the U.S.A. Series G Bonds paying 22% and savings banks and some corporate bond issues yielding in the neighborhood of 3%. In those cases where the bonds included U.S.A. Ser. F. bonds, a somewhat higher yield results when the year's increment in value is added to income.
After the purchase of First National Bank of Boston shares in the the DeCordova School Equipment Fund the law was changed to limit pur- chases to bonds and notes legal for savings banks in Massachusetts. As the First National Bank of Boston stock this year sold above the cost to this Fund, it was deemed prudent to sell the shares.
On October 29, 1954, the Middlesex Superior Court handed down a decree directing that the Charles Sumner Smith Fund with accumulations be applied toward the cost of the proposed addition to the elementary school.
The Trust Fund Commissioners accordingly reviewed the securities in this Fund and concluded to sell certain corporate bonds, which could be disposed of at a profit, rather than run the risk of a possi- ble decline in price. This was done and further sale of securities will be made as cash requirements dictate.
Respectfully submitted, Clement C. Sawtell William DeFord William T. King
. ...
54
Protection of Persons and Property
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
I herewith submit my report for the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1954.
Arrests by Lincoln Police 60
Arrests by State Police 2.8
Total number of arrests 88
Arrests were made for the following offences:
Crimes against the person:
Assault and Battery 1
Assault on Police Officer 1
Conspiracy to steal 2
Crimes against property:
Breaking and entering and larceny ·
7
Larceny
2
Using a motor vehicle without authority 1
Crimes against public order :
Delinquency .
7
Driving a motor vehicle to endanger life 12
Driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated 71
Driving after suspension of license 2
Driving without a license 7
Drunkenness 13
Failing to stop for Police Officer 1 Leaving scene of accident after
causing property damage .. 2
Motor Vehicle Laws, Violating .. 5
Neglect of Minor Child 1 Operating uninsured motor vehicle .. 5 Operating unregistered motor vehicle 5
Violations of Motor Vehicle Laws reported to Registry of Motor Vehicles
0 35
55
PROTECTION
Motor Vehicle accident report:
Accidents reported 88
Occupants injured 66
Occupants killed 2
Pedestrians injured 1
I wish to thank the Concord Police Department for their help and co-operation throughout the past year.
Since the local telephone office will be closing in the Spring, I wish to acknowledge their service to this department. Their ef- forts to serve the Police Department, and the Town of Lincoln, have taken them beyond their line of duty many times. They have given this service willingly and have done so for many years. For this service I offer them my sincere thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
Leo J. Algeo, Chief of Police
REPORT OF BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS
During the past year the department answered 66 alarms as follows: Buildings 1
Brush 37
Dump
2 Miscellaneous 26
Total property losses are estimated at $19,000.00.
The Board of Engineers would like to report that the closed cir- cuit transmitter has been completed, which will enable the town to have fire alarm boxes at a later date.
The Engineers would like to point out that due to the fine manage- ment of William Costello, the department has had to answer only two alarms at the dump .. We would also like to congratulate the people of Lincoln for being so co-operative in keeping the number of fires at a minimum.
Due to the two hurricanes last fall, quite a few wooded sections were inaccessible to the fire trucks. Therefore, the Massachusetts Division of Forestry, with the aid of federal funds, opened an esti- mated 38 miles of roads and lands.
All members of the department would like to extend their apprecia- tion to the Water Department for painting the hydrants different colors according to the size of the pipes that feed them, and marking
56
FIRE HOUSE SITE COMMITTEE
the hydrants with stakes for easier location in snow. An additional thanks to the Concord Fire Department for assisting at the Moody fire and explosion.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrew J. Dougherty, Chief William M. Dean, Clerk Frank Gordon Board of Engineers
REPORT OF FIRE HOUSE SITE COMMITTEE
Pursuant to the vote on Article 3 of the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting on October 18, 1954, the Committee as appointed by the Moderator has considered various aspects of fire protection in the Town, including future needs and limitations as suggested by projected population growth, water supply, local geography, telephone service, and insurance rates.
Since the installation of dial telephones will require a 24-hour watch for police purposes anyway, we first investigated the merits of a single central station, with a small permanent force.
Lincoln is now Class "D" for fire insurance rating purposes. qualify for Class "C" would be prohibitive in expense, but both re- quire all dwellings more than 3 miles from a station to bear a 30% to 100% jump in rates. A single station would leave too many dwell- ings beyond the 3-mile limit and also might well involve serious delay at the railroad crossing of equipment answering a call.
To
Our opinion is that the present two-station set-up with "call" firemen is the most feasible system for Lincoln for many years to come, assuming that an adequate force of "call" firemen will continue to be available. Accordingly, we believe that the Town should acquire an adequate site for a fire-house in the northerly half of the Town. £ We consider that this site should be located on Bedford Road, somewhere between the Town House and North Great Road. An informal
public hearing, which all residents of Bedford Road were invited to attend, was held on February 9, in order to discuss the sites which we consider more or less suitable based on actual inspection on the ground. We have concluded that the so-called Tracey lot near the southwest corner of Bedford Road and Cambridge Turnpike, previously recommended to the Town by several Boards concerned in the matter, is the most suitable location for the second fire-station and should be acquired by the Town. An appropriate article has been inserted in
57
PROTECTION
the Warrant for the forthcoming Annual Town Meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Russell L. Haden, Jr., Chairman
S. Leonard Arnold
Andrew J. Dougherty
Richard J. Eaton Henry M. Morgan
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
The following animals have been inspected:
Cows, 2 years and over 224
Heifers, 1-2 years
82
Heifers, under 1 year 49
Bulls
6
Steers
9
Horses
38
Sheep
42
Swine
. . 1,127
Found the animals to be under the rules and regulations of the Division of Livestock Disease Control.
Have supplied the Division of Livestock with a list of the owners and the number and kinds on the premises.
Fourteen dog bites were reported. These dogs were placed in quarantine for fourteen days and were then released, as they showed no signs of rabies.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrew J. Dougherty Inspector of Animals
58
TREE WARDEN
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN
The first spray applied to public shade trees was a dormant spray to elms for control of the Elm Bark Beetle, carrier of Dutch Elm Disease.
The second spray was started the second week in May, continuing until the middle of June. This spray is for control of Gypsy Moth and other leaf eating insects.
Roadside brush cutting was continued this year during the remain- der of June and July. Poison Ivy control spraying was done during the hot weather of July and August, again with favorable results.
After the survey of elm trees in Lincoln this year, it was found that a total of forty-nine individual trees were infected with Dutch Elm Disease. Some of these trees were in clumps of from three to ten and were awarded to the lowest bidder for removal as twenty-nine units. All of these trees have been removed at public expense.
As a result of the two hurricanes, tree damage in Lincoln was very severe. A total of nearly three hundred public trees were destroyed, or damaged so badly that they had to be removed. As work progresses on damaged trees, it may be found that more are in a weakened condition and should also be removed.
This year Lincoln is included within the area of the 1955 aerial spray program conducted by the State. A map of Lincoln showing locations of dairy farms, poultry farms, water supplies, greenhouses, hospitals, etc., has been forwarded to the State and as this program progresses these places will be notified as to any special attention needed.
At this time I again wish to thank all employees of the other Town Departments for their co-operation and help throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted, Daniel A. MacInnis, Jr. Tree Warden
59
PROTECTION
CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY
During the past year one of the main objectives of this Agency has been the recruiting and training of an Auxiliary Police force. This force is now composed of forty members and is available to the Chief of Police for emergency work.
A recent development at the State level is the inclusion of Lin- coln in the so-called Evacuation Zone. Heretofore, we have been designated as a "reception" town for receiving and treating evacuees in case of a disaster. The extension of the evacuation zone to in- clude Lincoln is based on the ever increasing power of atomic weapons and the consequent expansion of the area subject to severe devastation. The State feels that mass evacuation is now justified because of bet- ter warning systems and an increase in warning time.
It becomes readily apparent that such a mass movement presents a multitude of problems. The degree of success necessarily depends on thoroughness of planning and the co-operation of the whole population as to plans and procedures. In conformity with this new plan the Lincoln Civil Defense Agency is now working on evacuation plans which it hopes will accomplish the mission with the least amount of confus- ion if the need ever arises to put them into effect.
Principal divisions of Lincoln Civil Defense as presently estab- lished are: Civilian War Aid (feeding, housing, registration), Medical, Transportation, Communications and Police. Under the direction of the Grange a long felt need has been met through the organization of a mobile feeding unit, the main purpose of which is to take care of workers who may be called out on duty for a long period of time.
In addition to annual operating expenses, we are this year asking for funds to replace our radio transmitting and receiving set which has unfortunately outworn its usefulness. Not only will this be used in the event of a major disaster but will also supplement the over all communication equipment of the Town when and if natural or other disasters occur.
It is with regret that your director accepts the resignation of Mr. and Mrs. Harland B. Newton, who have so ably administered Civilian War Aid during the past five years.
Respectfully submitted, Eveleth R. Todd Local Director of Civil Defense
60
Health and Welfare
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
At the first meeting of the Board of Health, held in March, 1954, Mrs. Bradford Cannon was elected secretary and member of the Nursing Committee, and Dr. Gordon Donaldson, Chairman. Mrs. Marion Ober was appointed agent; Mr. William Davis, burial agent; Mr. Andrew Dougherty, inspector of animals; and Dr. Alden Russell, inspector of slaughtering. Mr. Leslie Willard continued as our sanitation offi- cer and advisor.
During the year the following licenses were granted: overnight camps, 1; slaughtering of poultry, 2; piggeries, 3; sale of alcohol, 6; sale of oleomargarine, 6; garbage transportation, 3; message, 2; and sub-division of land, 6. 181 dogs were presented at the dog clinic in May for inoculation against rabies. Presumably, the re- maining dogs in town were inoculated by private veterinarians.
The following diseases, as required by State law, were reported: measles, 2; chicken pox, 59; scarlet fever, 1; mumps, 194; dog bite, 14; pulmonary tuberculosis, 2.
We continue to be extremely fortunate in having a top flight pedia- trician to direct the Well Child Clinic. Dr. John Davies has served in this capacity since the opening of the Well Child Clinic seventeen years ago. This is a pre-school clinic open to all with a minimum charge made for preventative inoculations. 23 babies were examined, 51 repeaters seen, and 69 pre-kindergarten children were checked during the year.
Dr. David Farrell continues as our dentist. During the past year the clinic was conducted by appointment for two half days each week. The Board of Health has continued its interest in following develop- ments in the use of fluorine in drinking water as a preventative against dental caries. No action has been taken on this matter as yet.
The garbage collection service, as organized this year with Mr. Joseph Cotoni as town collector, has been generally successful. At the present time there are 224 subscribers to this collection service, and any interested in being included should apply to the Town House. The Town of Lincoln acts only as financial intermediary in this mat- ter, and the service is self-supporting. In as much as many fami- lies have animals and facilities for garbage disposal, it seems un- fair to throw this expense into the general town tax budget.
HEALTH AND WELFARE
During the past year much of the effort of the Board has been directed toward controlling the subdivision of various land areas. According to a 1953 State Law, the Board of Health is required to supervise each subdivision of land, with reference to drainage and sewer disposal. This detail has taken much of our time and is be- coming a most important function. With the future in mind, we have considered each subdivision with care, and have been most concerned about developments in low lands and in areas of ledge. We have found it necessary to be particularly strict, and when any doubt has arisen professional sanitary engineers have been hired at the developer's expense . Permits have been granted only after joint meetings with the Planning and Water Boards.
In view of the rapid development of land in town, the Board is now interested in a study of the area abutting Sandy Pond, our only supply of water. It is hoped that the Town might obtain these areas in the future, and protect Sandy Pond as a suitable water supply in the face of an expanding population.
Respectfully submitted,
Ellen DeN. Cannon Warren Flint Gordon Donaldson, M.D., Chairman
REPORT OF THE NURSING COMMITTEE
It has been the feeling of the Board of Health, the Nursing Com- mittee, and Mrs. Ober, that this committee could and should be more active than in the past. Due to elections and retirements, the personnel of the committee is entirely new. It was decided to have Louise McClennen supervisor of the School Health Unit, assisting Mrs. Ober in every way possible. Regular monthly meetings will be held every third Friday, which is directly following the Well Child Con- ference held every third Thursday.
The work of our Community Nurse, who has served the Town for 222 years, continues to be almost entirely devoted to the Schools, the Dental Clinic and the Well Child Conference.
Miss Frances Browning served the Town during Mrs. Ober's vacation in August.
1954 SUMMARY
Number of calls 1,210
Medical
369
Surgical
78
Pre-Natal
24
62
NURSING COMMITTEE
Post-Natal 29
Social Service 105
Child Welfare .278
Board of Health 109
Well Child Conference & Dental Clinic 169
Out of Town 49
Number of patients moved away 2
Number of patients moved to hospitals or
nursing homes 3
Number of regular patients as of 12/31/54 10
Number of new patients
4
Number of patients died
6
TOTAL FEES COLLECTED 1954
Nursing calls $128.00
Dental clinic 1228.75
Well Child Conference 20.75
$1377.50
Dog Clinic
85.50
Total $1163.00
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Donaldson Louise McClennen, Secretary
Ellen Cannon, Chairman
63
HEALTH AND WELFARE
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AGENT
The public assistance program rests on the recognition by the community as a whole of its responsibility for individual members of the community. This recognition of responsibility is expressed in laws which are the basis of the program and which define the function of the agencies involved.
The case load in Old Age Assistance is the same as at the close of the year 1953. During the year four cases were closed and four were added. There are now 36 cases receiving assistance. Increase in cost is due to extra hospital care and medical expenses.
Old Age Assistance:
Gross Cost $37,309.18
Receipts :
Balance from 1953 $ 3,060.28
Federal Government 13,374.70
Commonwealth of Mass. 17,301.63
Commonwealth of Mass. Meals
Tax . 1,012.07
Other Cities & Towns
220.70 34,969.48
Cost to the Town of Lincoln
2,339.70
$37,309.18
No assistance has been granted in 1954 in the Aid to Dependent Children or Aid to Disabled Categories.
Public Welfare:
Aid granted $1,350.82
Respectfully submitted,
M. Elizabeth Causer, Agent
64
MOSQUITO CONTROL COMMITTEE
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON MOSQUITO CONTROL
At the annual town meeting on March 1, 1954, by a motion passed under Article 16 of the warrant, the Moderator was directed to appoint a committee to report at the next town meeting, regular or special, rela- tive to mosquito control. For various causes, the report has been de- layed until now. The undersigned, being the committee appointed, have attempted to determine what courses might be pursued by the town, what the costs would be, and what advantages and disadvantages may be cited for each course.
The committee emphasizes, at the outset, that mosquito control is to be looked on as a continuing operation carried on year after year, even if the administrative arrangements are altered from time to time. This does not mean that the cost and the coverage or methods of attack are permanently determined at the beginning.
There are three positive courses, one of which the town might adopt: A. Revive our one-town district under the State Reclamation Board. B. Go it alone.
C. Join the East Middlesex Mosquito Control District.
Discussion of these courses
A. We used this procedure in 1946. It was then the only feasible course of action. Its only real advantage is that we would be completely independent of other towns in the management and financing of our project and could do a slower job than under Alternative C.
There appears to be certain clear disadvantages to a one-town dis- trict. We would have to find our own labor and superintendence. The finding of labor is only a partial disadvantage since some town labor could be used effectively. We see no evidence that such use of labor would yield a financial advantage over Alternative C. Superintendence is more serious. There is no doubt of the competency of available
personnel to carry out any needed operations. £ The real lack would be specialized, professional planning of the work. We doubt whether any Commissioners appointed for the town would have either the time or the special knowledge to do this planning and management on a volunteer basis.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.