USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lincoln > Town Report on Lincoln 1951-1955 > Part 40
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1909
1910
HT. OF WATER
IN FEET
1915
1920
BOTTOM LINCOLN INTAKE
CONCORD INTAKE
1930
YEARS
1935
LINCOLN, MASS.
SANDY POND
PLOT SHOWING HEIGHT OF WATER
1950
1955
+1
+2
12
11
0
9
8
7
6
9
+
3
2
-
TbA
M
0 OF FLASH BOARD D
ELEV.
1925
1940
1945
PUBLIC WORKS
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
The hurricanes Carol and Edna caused radical changes in the highway program for 1954. The Tree Warden, assisted by the Highway and Water Department employees, worked many hours clearing the streets for traffic, clearing the power lines and cleaning up the brush.
Prior to the hurricanes, a mile of South Great Road was surfaced with asphalt and stone under Chapter 90 maintenance. Five miles of Town roads were treated with asphalt and sand.
The usual maintenance program of clearing streets, catch basins, culverts, street signs, fences, etc., has been continued.
The Highway Department built a large parking lot at the Charles Sumner Smith school and a fence for the protection of the Town Dump on North Great Road.
On many of our roads there is need of shoulder construction, storm drainage and the elimination of banks that tend to limit visibility.
Equipment is in fair condition but replacement of the older equipment should be made in a planned program of renewal.
Respectfully submitted,
Clifford H. Bradley, Superintendent
INSPECTORS OF BUILDING, PLUMBING AND WIRING
Building permits issued during 1954:
New residential buildings 61
New non-residential buildings 20
Alterations and additions 29
Fees Collected $357.00
Plumbing permits issued during 1954 89
Fees Collected
$164.00
Wiring permits issued during 1954 113
Fees Collected
$135.00
TTalter Bergquist, Building Inspector William M. Dean, Wiring Inspector Daniel J. Murphy, Plumbing Inspector
79
PUBLIC WORKS
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS FOR THE YEAR 1954
During the past year work on the cemetery grounds has been confined largely to regular maintenance with the main exception of the added work caused by the two hurricanes.
Currently a study is being made in the interest of major improve- ments and long range planning. Matters being studied are:
1. Drainage and soil improvements
2. Improvement of roads, including marking and naming
3. Acquisition of additional land
4. Use of interest on Perpetual Care Funds
5. Rules and Regulations
The constant enlargement and use of the Lincoln Cemetery on Lexing- ton Road makes necessary some rules and regulations. Their purpose is to create an attractive appearance and an orderly development of the cemetery, to make known the policies of the Commissioners, and to keep the maintenance and expenses of upkeep as reasonable as possible. The Commissioners will be glad to discuss any of these matters with those who may have questions or suggestions. These rules and regula- tions are as follows :
1. Lots are for sale only to residents of Lincoln.
2. Lots are sold with the understanding that they may be graded immediately at the buyer's expense under the direction and approval of the Board.
3. Cost of lots is figured at 50¢ per square foot.
4. Owners are encouraged to place Perpetual Care on their lots. The minimum amount currently is $150, but a sum amounting to approximately $1.00 per square foot of space is suggested for most lots. However this sum earns such a small amount of interest yearly in the Savings Bank that it seems wise to hold the interest for whatever period of years is necessary to have sufficient money to regrade or make major improvements to the lot.
5. All planting, work and the setting of monuments in the cemetery must be under the direction of the Board.
For Report on Cemetery Funds for Perpetual Care, see Statistical section.
Burials:
January 22, 1954 February 9, 1954 March 24, 1954 March 30, 1954
Elizabeth Ann Penketh Ada Peterson Nelson Warren Kendell Blodgett, 2nd Leoina Butcher
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May 3, 1954 May 15, 1954 May 18, 1954 May 31, 1954 June 9, 1954 June 14, 1954 June 15, 1954 June 21, 1954 July 10, 1954 August 11, 1954 August 28, 1954 September 23, 1954 October 20, 1954 November 9, 1954 December 4, 1954 December 12, 1954 December 27, 1954
CEMETERY
Christina Brown Crozier
Chester Sherman
Jean Patricia (Kelly) Davis
Alice M. Davis
Ernest H. MacFarland
Edward H. Rogers
Patrick J. Neary
Henry Eldridge Warner
Ira Forbes DeVeau
Thomas John Clarke
Baby Bockoven Sadie Sautter
John Axel East
Alessandro J. Miele
Stella E. Hunter
William Clark Burns
James William Woodworth
Respectfully submitted,
George E. Cunningham Robert D. Donaldson
Arnold MacLean
Cemetery Commissioners
81
PUBLIC WORKS
REPORT OF THE LINCOLN-SUDBURY REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
In March of 1954 the citizens of Sudbury and Lincoln approved the for tion of a Regional School District by so marking their ballots on electi day. At that time the moderators of the two towns were instructed to appoint three members each to serve on a Regional School Committee. It
is not appropriate here to analyze in detail the intensive program pursu by this Committee during the past ten months. Much of this has been re ported in special town meetings and in the brochure mailed to the voters last November. The outline which follows is a progress report to advis you of the current status of the high school building program.
Early in April the Committee met in Sudbury, mapped out a careful time schedule, and began the arduous task of providing a high school by September of 1956. A Site Committee was chosen to decide on the best location for the building. Mrs. Everett Sherman, Mr. William Swift, and Mr. Alan McClennen represented Lincoln on this Committee. A Buildir. Committee was appointed to study other school buildings and to help with the layout of the physical plant itself. Mrs. James Jagger, Mr. Richard Fleck and Mr. James Lennon represented Lincoln on this Committee. Dr. Herold Hunt of the Harvard School of Education was asked to be Educa- tional Consultant. After interviewing numerous applicants, the firm of Anderson and Beckwith was chosen to be the architects for the new build- ing.
Of the many locations considered by the Site Committee the one chosen is a 72 acre tract of land located at the intersection of Concord and Lincoln Roads in Sudbury. The land was taken by eminent domain during the summer. A final settlement regarding price has not yet been reached. Negotiations with the present owners of the property are being handled for the Committee by its legal counsel, the firm of Ropes, Gray, Best, Coolidge and Rugg.
Before planning the building, careful study was given to the educa- tional program. Joint meetings were held with the School Committees of the two towns. At this point Mr. Douglas Roberts, the Lincoln Superin- tendent of Schools, and Dr. Rex Souder, the Sudbury-Wayland Superintendent of Schools, were engaged as Educational Consultants, and served the Com- mittee thereafter on either a full time or part time basis.
Originally it was intended that the school should accommodate 500 pupils, but study of current enrollments indicated that such a building would soon be outgrown. The building outlined in detail in the brochure published in November is the result of long hours of debate and discussion at innumerable meetings with the architects, the educational consultants, and the State Building Assistance Commissioner. It will accommodate 650 pupils and will cost approximately $1,500,000, of which the State of Massachusetts will pay about 45%. The preliminary plans for the building were approved by the State School Building Assistance Commissioner on
82
S t
ap te
ter but the
Dece iss
pare
res th it
REPORT OF THE LINCOLN-SUDBURY REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
December 8, 1954. The State Emergency Finance Board approved the bond issue on December 27. Final plans and specifications are now being pre- pared.
Several applicants for the position of superintendent have been in- terviewed. A call has been issued to the outstanding man of the group, but as yet there is nothing definite to report. The Committee regards the selection of a competent superintendent as one of its most important responsibilities. Rather than engage the best of a group of applicants, the Committee has carefully considered and determined the qualifications it expects its superintendent to present, and intends to proceed in the quest of such an individual until he is found. It is hoped that an appointment can be made in the very near future so that the new superin- tendent can assist in the detail planning of the building.
Early in December the program as outlined in the brochure was pre- sented to each town in special town meetings. It was most encouraging to the Committee to have both towns vote unanimously in favor of the school.
Every effort is being made now to complete the final plans and speci- fications so that they may be sent out for bids in the early spring. It is expected that ground will be broken in April. The building must be ready for occupancy in September of 1956. With careful planning and concentrated effort, we fully expect to reach that goal.
The Committee is aware of the concern on the part of some parents of children who will be enrolled in the first classes to attend the Regional High School as to whether the educational program can be sufficiently well organized and administered during the first years to insure that they can qualify for college or a business career. With the support of the towns, this Committee is confident that this can be done. It is our belief and recommendation that the initial teaching and administrative staff, which will be relatively small, should be selected from highly qualified and experienced personnel, capable of organizing and launching a predetermined educational program without the breaking-in period that sometimes attends a new undertaking.
Respectfully submitted,
Luther M. Child Robert S. Childs Victor A. Lutnicki
William A. Wilson John G. Woods Malcolm L. Donaldson, Chairman -
REGIONAL
URY
ns- n.
NTOON17
S
SCHOOL DISTRICT
1954
83
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE FOR THE FIRST ADDITION TO THE CHARLES SUMNER SMITH SCHOOL
The addition has been completed and a full report made to the State School Building Assistance Commission. Expenditures in the amount of $401,335.92 have been approved as a basis for reimbursement from the Commonwealth. It is expected that 2.7.27% or approximately $109,444.31 will be paid to the Town in twenty equal installments which correspond to the years over which the bond issue runs.
Respectfully submitted,
Elliott V. Grabill Andrew J. Dougherty Elizabeth J. Snelling, Clerk James DeNormandie, Chairman
REPORT OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
The vote passed under Article 19 of the warrant for the annual Town Meeting on March 1, 1954 authorized the moderator to appoint a committee to study and recommend relative to the needs of the Town for an addition to the elementary school.
After careful and thorough study carried on with the complete co-operation of the Superintendent and the School Committee, and with the advice of the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee, the com- mittee recommended to the Town the construction of an addition to the elementary school to consist primarily of four classrooms.
At a special meeting on October 18, 1954, the Town accepted the committee's recommendation and authorized the appropriation of $142,550.00 for the construction of the addition. This sum, added to the $7,450.00 which the committee had already received to carry on its work and complete its studies, totaled $150,000.00. The vote of the Town also authorized the committee originally appointed by the moderator to contract for the construction of the school and to com- plete the job.
At the same Town Meeting, action was taken which has made it possible for the moneys held in the Charles Sumner Smith trust, totaling approximately $100,000.00, to be applied toward the cost of the construction of the addition. The meeting also voted unanimous- ly to name the elementary school the Charles Sumner Smith School.
Requests for bids were issued shortly after the Town Meeting, a contract was signed late in the fall, and work was started.
84
SCHOOL LAND COMMITTEE
Work has progressed in a favorable manner, and there is every reason for hoping that the building will be completed in ample time for occupancy this September.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth J. Snelling Andrew J. Dougherty Stanley Heck Ernest P. Neumann Elliott V. Grabill, Chairman
REPORT OF SCHOOL LAND COMMITTEE
The committee, under authorization previously granted by the Town Meeting, has carefully considered the question of providing additional ways in the form of footpaths to the elementary school. £
The problem has proved complicated, but the committee hopes to present specific recommendations at the next Town Meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth J. Snelling Andrew J. Dougherty Stanley Heck Elliott V. Grabill
85
Education and Recreation
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
Carved in the stone of the walls of the library of one of our great cities are the words "Founded through the munificence and public spirit of citizens." This truly applies to our Lincoln Library - but particularly the continuance of our library and its increasing usefulness and enrichment has been made possible by the private gen- erosity of many friends and by the willingness of the citizens to give public support.
We, who have been intrusted with the details of the library manage- ment and policies, are very conscious of our responsibilities and are especially grateful to the many friends who have helped.
Our planning for the future of the Lincoln Library is positive. With a knowledge of much that is to happen to our Town, we are aware that much must be done to parallel the metamorphosis of ours from a small country town library to a much larger suburban one. Our library must grow in proportion. It means more opportunity for educational and reading recreation, and in turn that means more physi- cal expansion. At the present time our greatest need is for more room for the children. We have stressed this in previous reports and are now in the process of having plans and specifications prepared for a Children's Department. There are several possibilities under consideration and each must be judged as to utility and cost. Soon, we hope to present a plan for enlargement of facilities that will be acceptable.
Lincoln had a birthday party in 1954; in 2004 some one of our children will wish to know how we celebrated. Mrs. Farrar has col- Lected pictures, news clippings, etc., and filed them away in scrap- books so that the information will be there for them. This preserva- tion of historical records is of value and is a continuance of an old custom.
1954 expenditures were less than appropriations, and 1955 recommen- dations are but a very little more. Last year large accumulations of interest from trust funds were used; no such surpluses are available this year and so only the yearly income can be used.
86
LIBRARY TRUSTEES
This report of the Trustees would not be complete without acknowl- edgement for their faithful, praiseworthy work during the year to Mrs. Farrar and her assistants, and also to the many contributors and friends who have been so generous and whose names are listed below with the Librarian's reports. Especially are we grateful to Mr. Mann for his care of the clock and Mrs. Thiessen for the many books in memory of Laurie.
Mrs. Anna Bean's death meant the loss of one of the Library's old and best friends.
The Librarian's report follows.
Alice G. Meriam
John W. Carman George G. Tarbell John O. Wilson Roland C. Mackenzie
Trustees
List of donors to Library in 1954
Mrs. Lawrence B. Anderson
Miss Virginia Armstrong
Mrs. Stuart Avery
Mr. Ethan A. Murphy
Miss Elizabeth Bigelow Mr. Charles H. Blake Mr. Secor D. Browne Mrs. Bradford Cannon
Miss Hazel H. Newton Mr. Daniel Parish Mr. Robert T. Pellandini
Mrs. Thomas J. Carney
Mrs. Robert M. Pierce
Mrs. William M. Preston
Father Edmund Ronan
Mr. Harry Russ Mrs. Clement C. Sawtell
Mrs. Robert 0. Schlaifer
Mrs. Sumner Smith
Mrs. Howard Snelling
Mrs. Frank Stewart
Mrs. Arthur E. Thiessen
Mr. Richard N. Thomas
Mrs. William T. King
Mrs. Quincy W. Wales
Mrs. Henry Warner
Mrs. Leonard Larrabee Friends of Mrs. S. Forest Martin in her memory
Mass. Heart Association
Mrs. Richard S. Meriam
Mrs. Cyrus Murphy
Miss Nancy Neumann
Mrs. James DeNormandie Miss Anne Donaldson Mrs. Albert England Mrs. Richard C. Fleck
Mrs. Warren F. Flint Miss Olive B. Floyd
Mrs. Norman W. Fradd Mr. Albert L. Fullerton Mrs. Norman Hapgood Mrs. Stanley Heck Mr. Henry B. Kane
Mr. John Wilkins
87
EDUCATION AND RECREATION
THE LINCOLN LIBRARY Lincoln, Massachusetts
Library Statistics -- 1954
Number of volumes January 1, 1954
15,669
Number of volumes added by gift 146
Number of volumes purchased 529
Number of volumes withdrawn
700
Number of volumes December 31, 1954
15,644
Number of borrowers
934
Number of days open
150
Amount of fines collected
$329.50
Circulation
Fiction
6253
Non-fiction
3568
Juvenile
9661
Periodicals
1163
Total
20,645
The library is open on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from three to nine P. M.
BEMIS FREE LECTURES
Your Bemis Lecture Trustees are very appreciative of the interest shown by the good attendance and would also like to compliment the young people on their continued good behavior.
The Town is by now familiar with the Trustees problem of a limited budget and the policy of endeavoring to maintain the same standard of lectures by a reduction in their number.
As always, suggestions for lectures from interested citizens will be gratefully received.
Respectfully submitted, Christopher W. Hurd, Chairman Mabel H. Todd Leonard C. Larrabee
88
MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
REPORT OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE FOR LINCOLN
The Middlesex County Extension Service is a publicly supported, educational institution to serve all the towns of the county in agri- culture and home economics. In agriculture the work is developed county-wide under the direction of county councils made up of leading farmers in each of the main commodities as vegetables, fruit, poultry, dairying, livestock, and commercial flowers. A county bulletin is mailed monthly to all co-operating farmers, and timely information is furnished by circular letter, by radio, by telephone and by personal interview, and particular information is sent to those who request it.
Home owners use our service. Constantin Pertzoff is a leading fruit grower; Everett Sherman, a leading vegetable grower.
There was an Agricultural 4-H Club in the Town of Lincoln under the leadership of Almon Huff. Even though there was only one club, the club members have been most active. Carleton Huff won the County trophy in sheep at the Middlesex County Fair. David Donaldson has been a member of the Poultry Judging Team and also took many honors at the County Fair. There was a Horse Club under the leadership of Mrs. Peter Helburn.
Information and assistance was made available to all dairy and live- stock producers in this area. Farm visits, circular letters, radio talks and local meetings were all employed as means of assisting the local farmers to better understand and keep abreast of the many changes in agricultural techniques.
The official dairy cow testing program in the area is directly sup- ervised by the Livestock Agent and includes the service of complete record keeping on the production and feeding of dairy cows. A11 farmers in the area have available the services of the Artificial Breeding Program through the local Association, and a soil testing laboratory is maintained to serve all farmers or landowners who desire a soil analysis to determine the fertility of their soil.
Mr. Hans Van Leer is vice-president of the County Selective Breed- ing Association , and treasurer and a member of the Board of Super- visors of the County Soil Conservation District. Mr. James DeNormandie is president of the County Selective Breeding Association and is a member of the Dairy Advisory Committee, and is very active in livestock activities along with Mr. Warren Flint.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert D. Donaldson, Town Director
89
BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Bicentennial Parade
Parade Scene - Lincoln Centre
BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
-
"Winklehawk" Presented by Lincoln Players Author Mrs. David F. Rogers
1954
N.1746.AS.A.
-F
-
Formal Program
Hon. Christian A. Herter Governor
John O. Wilson Chairman
William M. Rand Representative Federal Administration
George G. Tarbell Town Representative
27
Memorial Tree Planting
ARST PARISH MEETING-HOUSE 1147
Float Parade
Fire Works
American Legion
EDUCATION AND RECREATION
BICENTENNIAL COMMITTEE
For the 200th Anniversary of the incorporation of Lincoln as a town, the Bicentennial Committee arranged a program to recognize the historical occasion and to provide a chance for Lincoln residents to celebrate the Town's birthday.
The celebration was divided into two phases: the first, in April, included a formal observance on the anniversary date, April 23; the second, over the Fourth of July weekend, was devoted to recreational activities. The program of events in Table 1 is reprinted from the Bicentennial Celebration booklet published at the time. All activi- ties took place as scheduled except for the foreworks which were post- poned until the following evening because of rain.
A publicity subcommittee prepared three publications during the year - The Lincoln Calendar, an engagement calendar illustrated with photographs of the Lincoln community; a Bicentennial Celebration book- let containing a summary of the Town's history, illustrated with photographs and documents of historical interest; and a 24-page specia' supplement to "The Colonial" newspaper which, in a collection of feat- ure articles and news items describes in journalistic style highlights of the social and cultural history of Lincoln through two centuries. The Colonial supplement also describes the April anniversary activities and contains the text of the remarks made by the principal speakers.
The co-operation and assistance of all town organizations as well as the thirteen Bicentennial subcommittees made possible an anniversary observance which the committee feels was in keeping with the occasion.
The authorization for and initial activities of the Committee were described in the 1953 town report. The town appropriated a total of $6,000 for the 200th anniversary celebration - $2,500 at the annual town meeting in March, 1953, and $3,500 at the annual town meeting in March, 1954. A summary of expenditures and receipts is contained in Table 2.
Table 1
Program
April Events
Sunday, April 18 2:00 P.M. Opening of special exhibit, including items of local historical interest, and tea at deCordova Museum.
Friday, April 23
8:00 P.M. Official observance of the Town's in- corporation, April 23, 1754. School Auditorium. Speakers: George G.
94
BICENTENNIAL COMMITTEE
Tarbell, William M. Rand, His Excellency Governor Christian A. Herter.
9:00 P.M. Intermission and informal reception 9:15 P.M. "The Winklehawk" - an original one-act play by Harriet Rogers concerning events in Lincoln on April 19, 1775, presented by the Lincoln Players.
Saturday, April 24 11:00 A.M. Arbor Day observance - Tree planting ceremony in Pierce Park.
12:30 to 3:30 P.M. Tour of old houses.
2:30 to £ Tea to welcome former residents at 4:30 P.M. Town House.
8:00 to Birthday Ball. School Auditorium. 12:00 P.M. Grand March, 8:30 P. M.
Sunday, April 25
A. M. Anniversary observance by churches at morning services.
July Events
Saturday, July 3
Morning
Horse show.
Afternoon Tennis exhibition, sports, competitions and other events.
Evening
Square dance.
Monday, July 5
Morning Parade and field activities.
Noon Picnic.
Afternoon Baseball and other sports.
Evening Band concert and fireworks.
Table 2
Summary of Expenditures and Receipts
Total appropriations for 200th anniversary
$6,000.00
Gross Expenditures -
Publications :
The Lincoln Calendar
$1,125.99
Bicentennial Celebration booklet
750.00
" The Winklehawk" play 428.65
Tea for former residents
149.16
Tour of old houses
143.00
Birthday Ball
922.02
July 4th (including fireworks)
2,169.20
Other
230.69
5,918.71
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EDUCATION AND RECREATION
Total expenditures (brought forward) $5,918.71 Cash Receipts Returned to Town Treasurer -
Calendar Sales - 81 @ $1.00 $814.00
Booklet Sales - 415 @ $0.50 207.50
Birthday Ball - admissions 559 @ $1.00 559.00
$1,580.50
Net cost to Town
$4,338.21
Unexpended Appropriation
$81.29
Lincoln Bicentennial Committee Edith B. Farrar
Warren F. Flint E. Donlon Rooney Alice W. Smith
Frederick H. Greene, Jr.
LINCOLN RECREATION COMMITTEE
The program of the Summer Playground was similar to that of pre- vious years. The activities for both boys and girls consisted of basketball, croquet, horseshoe pitching, baseball, tennis, softball, pingpong and gymnastics under the direction of Albert Reed and Dana Murphy.
An enjoyable and educational handicraft program, under the direc- tion of Mrs. Joan Warren, was presented for the girls and younger boys.
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