USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lincoln > Town Report on Lincoln 1956-1959 > Part 22
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A very interesting joint meeting was held with the Long Term Capital Requirements Committee. On the matter of renewals of water mains, the opinion was unanimous that the Department should consistently and regularly renew mains to avoid a financial burden at some future time when an extraordinary length of main might require renewing at once. Much discussion took place about the average daily gallonage which could safely be drawn from Sandy Pond without hazard- ing the supply. Fifty year records of annual precipita- tion, drawage by Lincoln and Concord, and the level of the pond were available, but no pattern was evident upon which to base a definite conclusion. Discussion also covered the question of lowering the intake in the Pond, and in- creasing the capacity of the pumping and the pipe to the reservoir. The question whether to invest more money to pump water from the pond faster, which could result in more curtailment of use in a dry period, or to save the money for searching for another source, is somewhat of a dilemma. The fact that the customers fared better last summer here than in most places influenced the Board to carry on with the same capacity for a time.
The Board is taking advantage of low water to prevent leakage from the pond at high water by building a new dam and replacing porous earth in the buttments with clay. Mrs. Sagendorph very willingly cooperated with the Board by allowing the contractor to use her driveway and land for truck access to this job.
The severest local drouth on record lowered the pond to a trifle over three feet below official high water mark. The State Department of Public Health was notified and Con- cord was limited to a daily drawage from the Pond of 200,000 gallons. Lincoln customers were allowed unlimited use of water until the reservoir was losing water daily by round
86
WATER COMMISSIONERS
the clock pumping. Rather than allow a hazardous water shortage in the reservoir, customers were notified July 19 to curtail watering to between 6 and 8 p.m. until further notice. The ban was lifted early in October.
Fixture rate billing for water was rendered in advance of the water used previous to the installation of meters. After meters were installed, because the Water Works did not then have enough surplus to skip a billing period, bills were rendered in advance on the basis of meter readings, which represented water used. Confusion arose over this system of billing, as well it could, especially in the case of changes in occupancy between billing periods. There - fore, the Water Department, having sufficient surplus this year, omitted the July billing, billed from June to Octo- ber, and now will bill regularly in October and April. This system relieves the town office personnel from a bur- den at year end as an added advantage.
Those who read the meters are frequently unable to enter the buildings, so they leave addressed printed cards on the premises for the householder to fill in and return to the Department. Customers are urgently requested to cooperate in this matter, because much time can be lost by repeat visits to read meters, and confusion may arise over bills. Those reading meters will wear an identifying badge.
The Commissioners wish to express their appreciation for the interest and efficiency displayed by the Superin- tendent and his assistant.
Water Department Statistics, January 1, 1957
Pipe in use
31.0 M.
No. of hydrants in use
239
No. of stop-gates in use
283
No. of blow-offs in use
27
Range of pressure on mains
40 - 100 1bs.
Total gallons pumped
127, 231, 800 gals. 30
No. of services renewed
12
No. of services in use 986
No. of meters in use
966
Respectfully submitted :
No. of services added
Edward S. Taylor Henry Warner Sumner Smith, Chairman
87
PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
During 1957 the elements were more considerate than in previous years. Because of the relatively open winter, we were able to complete the rebuilding and widening of Tower Road at the railroad crossing early in the spring. This was done according to specifications of the Department of Public Utilities and automatic gates were subsequently installed.
The new equipment purchased by the Town arrived in June and was put to good use. Road resurfacing was completed on Lincoln Road from Route 117 to the Wayland line, Brooks Road, Old Cambridge Turnpike, and, under Chapter 90 main- tenance, Route 126 from the Concord line south for about 3/8 of a mile. Henderson's corner was also improved with hot-top. Considerable work was done on Trapelo Road raising catch basins and manholes, preparing it for the final surfacing.
The lesser duties of the department included the usual cleaning up sand, resetting damaged cement posts, painting guard rails, clearing roadside brush and cleaning all catch basins. Several new catch basins were installed as well as drain pipes in rights of way belonging to the Town. In conjunction with the Tree and Moth Department, we sprayed elm trees along the roadsides and removed all the dead or diseased elms which had been cut down. In addition, much time was devoted caring for the two cemeteries under the supervision of the Commissioners.
Of all Departments in the Town, this one is likely to receive the most complaints. It might be proper to point out here that we do the best we can with the tools we have and we cannot be everywhere at once. Our equipment is in good order and it is the desire of the members to give the Town the best service possible.
Respectfully submitted :
Raymond F. Maher
Superintendent of Streets
88
CEMETERIES
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
During the past year many headstones and markers were repaired in two of the three Town Cemeteries, namely, the Arborvitae Cemetery, located at the corner of Trapelo and Lexington Roads, and the Old Burial Ground, located just to the rear of the Town Hall.
Another project was that of removing many old and damaged arborvitae trees in the Arborvitae Cemetery, in preparation for replantings, which, it is expected, will take place in 1958.
Aside from the above, normal work of a maintenance nature continued to be the principal activity during the year.
For report on Perpetual Care Funds and Cemetery Invest- ment Fund, see the Treasurer's Report.
Respectfully submitted :
Arnold MacLean, Chairman James DeNormandie Warren Flint
LONG TERM CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS COMMITTEE
A detailed report of the Long Term Capital Requirements Committee evaluating the proposals of the Town's boards and committees for capital expenditure and commenting upon the legal and practical limits of Town borrowing has been printed and distributed separately.
Respectfully submitted :
William M. Rand, Chairman
Charles P. Kindleberger, Clerk
Maurice E. Shank
Elliott V. Grabill, for the Selectmen Everett A. Black, for the Planning Board William N. Page, for the Finance Committee
89
PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS
REPORT OF POLICE-FIRE STATION BUILDING COMMITTEE
Your Committee signed a contract for $86,500.00 in August, 1957, with Cardarelli Construction Company of Waltham to construct a Police and Fire Station at the Lincoln and Codman Road location. Work began in early September and was ready for interior finish just four months later. £ This interval marked two prolonged ex- tremes of weather conditions, - from dust-dry to the wettest early winter in local weather records. Credit
for the expeditious work rest with Frederick H. Gagnon, the architect, of Worcester, Mass., and the skill and co- operation of the contractor. Other than about $1,000.00 spent to remove ledge at the extreme edge of the founda- tion at the front of the building, extras have been few and nominal in cost. At the time of writing, it now ap- pears that the building may be ready for use by Town Meet- ing date. Exterior grading and planting will have to await favorable conditions in April.
As far as can be foreseen, it appears your Committee will have sufficient funds to handle all costs including professional fees, services and basic equipment other than the alarm and exterior communications systems, - the latter being handled separately under contract with Hodson Fire Equipment Company. There should be sufficient balance left toward approaches and parking areas for about forty vehi- cles together with planting to screen the areas and build- ing from adjoining property.
Respectfully submitted:
Leo J. Algeo, Chief of Police Andrew J. Dougherty, Fire Chief William N. Swift Ernest Johnson
Robert H. Booth, Chairman
90
SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE 1957
The Elementary School Building Committee submits here- with its second interim report.
Preliminary plans for the construction of the new elemen- tary school on the 10.7 acre site on Lincoln Road acquired pursuant to the vote of the Town at the Special Town Meet- ing on December 18, 1956, were presented for consideration of the Town at a Special Meeting on May 6, 1957. These plans provided for a structure comprising eleven classrooms, a multi-purpose room and administrative and auxiliary spaces, and were designed so as to permit eventual construction of a further unit of nine classrooms. To finance the expense of construction, the Committee recommended that the Town appropriate the sum of $5,000 from taxation and $525,000 by borrowing, $125,000 of the latter amount to be borrowed within the normal debt limit of the Town and $400,000 out- side under the provisions of Chapter 645 of the Acts of 1948, as amended. The recommendation as to the cost of the structure was based upon a professional estimate.
Following favorable action by the Town on these recommen- dations, the Committee proceeded to develop final plans and specifications and advertised for public bids during the first weeks of August, 1957. General bids were opened on August 26, 1957, and the general contract was awarded on September 3, 1957, to the N.D.C. Construction Co., Inc., the lowest responsible bidder, for the contract price of $375,460. This amount was approximately $73,000 less than the profes- sional estimate indicated would be required for work in- cluded under the contract. Accordingly, after provision for the further cost of equipment, architects' fees and a reserve for contingencies, the Committee advised the Select- men and Treasurer that it was not then necessary that the Town borrow more than $475,000 of the total of $525, 000 authorized. Borrowing in the amount advised was accom- plished in early October.
Clearing of the site and the start of construction of the school itself began right after signing of the contract. Construction has so far proceeded on schedule. The build- ing should be enclosed by approximately February 1, 1958, and ready for occupancy August 1, 1958, the date called for in the agreement, barring as yet unforeseen delays.
91
PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS
The Committee wishes to express its appreciation for the patient and cooperative manner in which Messrs. Ander- son, Beckwith & Ilaible, the architects, have pressed their work to meet our demanding time schedule.
Respectfully submitted :
Elizabeth J. Snelling Andrew J. Dougherty
Ernest P. Neumann Gerard C. Henderson, Jr. George H. Kidder, Chairman
92
LAND CONSERVATION TRUST
LINCOLN LAND CONSERVATION TRUST Report as of December 31, 1957
The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust was organized on December 2, 1957, by the undersigned, for the purpose of maintaining the rural character of the Town by holding land in trust for the benefit of the inhabitants of Lincoln. Membership in the trust is open to all citizens of the Town on payment of annual dues of $10. The organizing trustees have been given terms which expire serially; their success- ors will be elected by vote of the members. A copy of the trust agreement has been deposited with the Clerk of the Town and is available for inspection. Further copies are available for members or prospective members through the Secretary or the treasurer.
The Trustees organized a campaign to collect money to buy the 5 plus acres of Wheeler land on Sandy Pond, which had come on the market, to prevent its use as a building site. This campaign was successful. On December 31, 1957, the Trustees were in process of concluding an agree- ment to purchase the land.
Financial Statement on December 31, 1957
Pledges of contributions (from
72 members) $10,980.00
Other members (12) 120.00
$11,100.00
Assets
Balance, Harvard Trust Co., Concord $ 8,468.40
5 shares Anaconda Copper Co. approx. 200.00
Pledges not yet due 2,365.00
$10,033.40
Expenses
Printing, paper, stamps, addressing
66.60
$11,100.00
Respectfully submitted :
Term Expires
1959
Charles P. Kindleberger, Treasurer
1959
William N. Swift, Secretary
1960
Sarah E. Brown
1960
Warren F. Flint
1961
William M. Rand, Sr.
1961
Ann S. Monks
1961
James V. Lennon
93
Education and Recreation
BEMIS FREE LECTURES
Pursuing a policy of fewer lectures in order to get even more distinguished platform personalities the Trustees have engaged such people as Mildred Capron and for March 14, 1958, the famous author and witty lecturer, Miss Emily Kimbrough.
The increasing attendance and the closing of the balcony at the Town Hall may soon force the issue of a change in location for the lectures. This has been dis- cussed before and we believe that it would require legal action before it could be arranged. The Trustees wel- come suggestions for individual lectures as well as types of programs, for such ideas in the past have often been incorporated in the program.
Respectfully submitted,
Mabel H. Todd Paul Brooks Christopher W. Hurd, Chairman
94
LIBRARY
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE LINCOLN LIBRARY
To any group of trustees or committee there comes a period when unusual problems arise at some time, and such it has been for the Lincoln Library Trustees in 1957.
First has been the necessity of selecting a Librarian to succeed Mrs. Farrar. For 27 years she has served efficiently and faithfully. Because of statute require- ments and the passing of years, her retirement at the end of November became mandatory. Mrs. Farrar has been made Librarian-Emeritus and has volunteered to help her successor, hirs. Thoma, learn the intricacies of the position without any expense to the Town. Such commendable service is un- usual and of such value to the Library and the new Librar- ian that we must never forget her outstanding service in the past, nor her very gracious help at this crucial time. A Librarian is the key person of every phase of library service and management. It is our hope and wish that our Librarian-Emeritus enjoy health and be able to aid us with her advice for years to come.
As the Town has grown, the use of the Library has in- creased. In ten years the volumes used have increased from 14,083 in 1947 to 25,404 in 1957. 756 people borrowed in 1947 and in 1957 an average of 160 books were loaned each day the Library was open. The Library was open three days, nineteen hours a week then, and now is open four days, twenty-two hours a week. Contemplated, and desirable, is that the Library be open six days. This the Trustees hope to make possible soon. But to meet this situation we be- lieve that a full time Assistant Librarian should be en- gaged. Part time assistants have been able and helpful in the past and their services have been much appreciated; but none have wished to consider full time and a career situa- tion.
In Library Trustee reports of several previous years certain handicaps to proper and reasonable services have been noted. The need of increased physical facilities are very obvious to the Trustees and to many citizens. A building addition seems to be a necessity. The Long-Term Capital Requirements Committee has recognized such and the logical answer was the decision of the Town to select a Library Addition Building Committee.
The Trustees, as ex-officio members of this committee, have contributed their ideas of the actual present and future needs of the Library so as to make it better able to
95
EDUCATION AND RECREATION
meet and anticipate the services expected for several years hence.
Better children's facilities, more room to store books, a quiet reading room, a reference room, an historical room, and several ancillary services are now needed, and are in- cluded in the plans.
The Trustees have visited other libraries and have con- tacted the personnel of the Division of Libraries of the State Department of Education, the librarians or trustees of some ten neighboring and similar towns. Our problems were presented to them and their advice asked, especially as to library policy. Without exception they were unani - mous in agreeing that our procedure is correct. They agreed that a public library is for all ages and persons and should attempt to make its services available to every- one in the community as far as possible. It is gratifying to know that other citizens are sufficiently interested in our problems to also study them.
As the Trustees realize that the increasing duties of the Chairman of the Selectmen and the Chairman of the School Committee in their particular domains make it difficult for them to give thought and participation as ex-officio members of the Library Trustees; and also because a broader repre - sentation of the townspeople might be desirable in the trustee group, an article has been placed in the Town Warrant. This is aimed to give the Trustees direction to take whatever action is necessary to alter the terms by which on March 3, 1884, the Town accepted the gift of land and building now used as the Library.
Mr. David Mann died in 1957. He was an ardent supporter of the Library and contributed much in time and effort to keep our tower clock in adjustment and repair. Each tread of the belfry stairs has his foot imprints and the Town should well remember his faithfulness to the task.
There are many friends and groups who have contributed books, exhibits and flowers to whom we are grateful.
Respectfully submitted :
Alice G. Meriam John W. Carman
Charles K. Fitts George G. Tarbell
Roland C. Mackenzie, Chairman
96
LIBRARY
LINCOLN LIBRARY
Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday three to nine p. m. Saturday, two to six p. m. Closed on legal holidays.
Statistics, 1957
Number of volumes, January 1, 1957
15,859
Number of volumes added by gift 220
Number of volumes purchased 497
Number of volumes withdrawn
920
Number of volumes, December 31, 1957
15,656
Number of borrowers, December 31, 1957
1,177
Number of days open 159
Amount of fines collected
$504.30
Circulation
Fiction
7,435
Non-Fiction
4,561
Juvenile
12,222
Periodicals
1,186
Total
25,404
97
EDUCATION AND RECREATION
List of Donors to the Library in 1957
Mrs. Archibald Adkins American Legion Post 84
Mr. Harold E. Lawson
Mrs. Robert Loring
Mrs. Lawrence B. Anderson
Mrs. John W. Lummus
Mrs. W. R. Maclaurin
Mr. Christopher Mar
Mr. Charles A. Bliss
Mr. Charles V. Briggs
Mrs. Richard S. Meriam Dr. Richard S. Morgan Mr. Ethan A. Murphy
Mrs. Secor D. Browne
Mrs. Thomas J. Carney
Miss Katherine O'Sullivan
Mrs. Edward C. Parish
Mrs. Paul Cook
Mrs. Bruce G. Daniels
Mr. Alan Donaldson
Mrs. Alfred W. Douglass
Miss Olive B. Floyd
Mr. Albert L. Fullerton
Mrs. John B. Garrison
Mrs. Norman Hapgood Mrs. Harry Healey
Mrs. Stanley Heck
Mrs. Robert S. Henderson
Mrs. Pearson Hunt
Mr. Charles P. Kindleberger Mrs. Charles S. Kubik
Mrs. George E. Peterson Mr. Alan Phillips
Mrs. Ralph J. Ruocco
Mr. Clement C. Sawtell
Mrs. Howard Snelling
Mr. George G. Tarbell
Miss Mary Taylor
Mrs. Arthur E. Thiessen
Mr. Henry DeC. Ward
98
Miss Virginia G. Armstrong Mr. Charles H. Blake
RECREATION COMMITTEE
LINCOLN RECREATION COMMITTEE
SUMMER PROGRAM
The Summer Playground enjoyed one of its most successful Seasons under the supervision of Mr. Joseph Herlihy of the Smith School Staff. We were fortunate in having Miss Helen Gradeski as Assistant in charge of the handicraft program. The junior members of the staff included Phyllis Harvey, Charlie Kindleberger and Doug Donaldson. Doug also served as Swimming Assistant.
A well coordinated program was presented which was attractive to all age groups represented. The activities included baseball, soft ball, basketball, trampoline, ten- nis, ping pong, horseshoe pitching, handicraft, woodworking and croquet. On hot days and in the afternoons quiet games were offered. Several cook-outs were held on Fridays and a Field Day concluded the activities of the season. Four field trips were taken to Whalom Park, "Old Ironsides", the Stoneham Zoo and the Museum of Science. On Monday even- ings Alfred Davis conducted a baseball clinic for boys of junior and senior high school and college age. This was so enthusiastically accepted that it will be included next year again. .
Professional tennis instruction was provided on Monday and Wednesday mornings. This year matches for the children were scheduled with the Concord Country Club youngsters and were enjoyed immensely. It is hoped that next year more inter-town competition can be arranged.
This year our Playground Program and that of the Red Cross Swimming Classes were coordinated. We are pleased to report that an average of 185 children received swimming instruction five days a week for six weeks. This compared with last year's figure of 60 children per day per week indicates to us that this plan met favorably with the citi- zens of the Town. We are grateful to Mrs. Mary Belanger for her tireless efforts to make this program such a suc- cess .
The Tennis Sub-Committee of James Mar, William Swift and Fred Walkey did an excellent job with this program. The courts were used more than ever before and a very suc- cessful tournament was conducted after Labor Day. The Ladies Program on Tuesday mornings was well attended. Plans for next year include a Spring tournament for both adults and young people. The committee wishes to thank
99
EDUCATION AND RECREATION
the tennis enthusiasts for their assistance in keeping the courts in good order.
WINTER PROGRAM
Mr. Roland Robbins of our committee headed up this as- pect of our efforts. Enthusiasm ran high for the badmin- ton program on Thursday evenings directed by Mr. & Mrs. George Burk. It is hoped that the citizens of the Town will avail themselves of this enjoyable sport. On Satur- day afternoons "Chick" Mayo supervised basketball sessions for junior and senior high schoolers in the Smith School Gymnasium.
The committee wishes to express its appreciation to the School Committee for the use of the facilities of the Smith School without which our program would not have been such a grand success.
Respectfully submitted :
Astrid Donaldson
Sadie Sherman James Mar John Garrison
Mary Belanger John Barnaby
Roland Robbins
Ernest Johnson
Albert Avery, III, Chairman
100
DeCORDOVA MUSEUM
DE CORDOVA AND DANA MUSEUM AND PARK Report of the Board of Directors, 1957
In the year 1957, the De Cordova and Dana Museum and Park has followed much the same pattern set previously, with emphasis on the Museum with its varied exhibitions and activ- ities, and on the school with its program of classes in the arts for both adults and children. These activities are dealt with in detail in the report of the Executive Director which follows, so will not be dwelt upon here. This year has been successful with heavy attendance at all major ex- hibitions and over-subscription to almost all classes.
The Museum obtains the bulk of the funds for its opera- tion from the B Trust under the Will of Julian de Cordova. The trustees of this fund pay each year 70% of the income thus derived to the Museum, and at their discretion may pay the remaining 30%. Since the income thus derived has re- mained fairly static over the past ten years, and costs of operation have steadily risen, the Museum has found itself in the uncomfortable position of having to borrow from its reserve funds. At the suggestion of the Trustees under the will of Julian de Cordova, the Directors of the Museum petitioned the Town to request the Trustees to pay the Museum 100% of income during 1957. The trustees felt that although they understood the position of the Museum, they also had a strong responsibility as keepers of the B Trust, and wished to have a clear directive for any action they might take. The petition was presented at the special Town Meeting on May 7, 1957, and unanimously approved by the Town. The Trustees have complied with the request of the Town, the Museum's reserves are replenished, and it finds itself in a financially more secure position than for some years past.
The Directors wish at this time to thank for their ef- forts the hard working staff of the Museum, and the host of volunteers who give so generously of their time, and upon whom depends so much of the success of the activities of the Museum.
Respectfully submitted :
John Quincy Adams, president William N. Swift, vice-president A. Bradlee Emmons, treasurer Elizabeth J. Snelling, clerk Paul W. Cook, Jr. Stanley Heck George Wells
101
EDUCATION AND RECREATION
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