USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lincoln > Town Report on Lincoln 1956-1959 > Part 52
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Elevator installed 1
Buildings moved 2
Alterations and additions 53
Fees Collected $813.00
Plumbing permits issued during 1959 : 57 Fees Collected $379.50
Wiring permits issued during 1959 : 76 Fees Collected $236.50
116
PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS
WATER COMMISSIONERS
Edward S. Taylor Donald Brown Russell P. Mahan, Chairman
During 1959 the Water Department pumped approximately 17 million more gallons than in the previous year. Sandy Pond remains at a satisfactory level and no problems of supply are anticipated. Early last spring, on the recom- mendation of the State Department of Public Health, the pond was treated to prevent the growth of algae. The cost of this work was shared with Concord, as they also draw water from the pond.
While Farrar Road was torn up for improved access to the Nike site, the older gates, valves and hydrants on the road were replaced. This work was not scheduled for 1959, but it seemed wise to have this necessary work done at a time when the Federal Government would bear part of the expense. The replacement of water mains on Tower Road, authorized at the last Town Meeting, has been post- poned. Expenses in connection with Farrar Road and Bed- ford Road improvements could not have been anticipated and they reduced the department funds to the point at which it seemed unwise to proceed with the Tower Road con- struction and possibly exceed the department budget. Since that time additional study has shown that there are other areas in the Town that should have priority on replacement of mains.
All Town owned hydrants were inspected and tested during the year. The policy of marking the date of the inspection on the hydrant has also been initiated. Im- provements in equipment included the installation of a hoist on one of the department trucks so that hydrants can be set without hiring outside equipment. The open elec- trical switch panel in the pump house has been enclosed as a safety precaution.
The Water Commissioners wish to commend the Superin- tendent and his assistant for the speedy and efficient way in which emergency situations have been met and the ex- cellent manner in which the department has been operated.
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WATER DEPARTMENT
Water Department Statistics, 1959
Pipe in use
31.5 miles
Hydrants in use
246
Stop-gates in use
290
Blow-offs in use
27
Range of pressure in mains
40-100 pounds
Total gallons pumped
118,298,000
Number of services added
12
Number of Services renewed
15
Number of services in use
1009
Number of meters in use
1007
LONG TERM CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS COMMITTEE
Richard C. B. Clark
Ernest F. Leathem
Charles P. Kindleberger, Clerk
Warren F. Flint ( for the Selectmen)
Walter F. Bogner ( for the Planning Board)
William N. Page ( for the Finance Committee)
A separate report has been prepared and distributed setting out an evaluation by the Committee of proposals for capital expenditure by various boards and committees of the Town.
CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
James DeNormandie Warren F. Flint H. Arnold MacLean, Chairman
The renovation of the Arbor Vitae Cemetery is almost complete. The grounds have been regraded and the wall on Old Lexington Road repaired. After seeding in the spring, this cemetery will be more easily maintained in the years to come. The new arborvitae hedge has taken hold well. Some regrading has been done in the New
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PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS
Cemetery. This will continue during the coming year as far as funds will permit.
There have been 16 interments in 1959.
The Commissioners, after careful consideration of cemetery rules in adjacent towns, have adopted the attached rules for which they ask formal approval at the next Town Meeting.
Rules and Regulations
Section 1. The Board of Cemetery Commissioners shall hold meetings at times and places designated by the Chairman or a majority of the Board in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth.
Section 2. The Board may hire such agents or em- ployees as it deems necessary to carry out its duties within the funds available or appropriated by the Town.
Section 3, The Board may lay out lots or other suitable sub-divisions with proper paths and drives, may do such planting and make such improvements as it con- siders necessary. All conveyances of the exclusive right of burial in any lot shall be by deed and shall be signed by at least a majority of the Board. Complete records and plans of the cemeteries shall be maintained.
Section 4. No lot shall be sold to any one not a resident of the Town of Lincoln at the time of such sale and no body shall be interred in such lot unless the de- ceased was at the time of his or her death a resident of the Town of Lincoln or was related by blood or marriage to the owner of such lot.
Section 5, No lot conveyed by the Board shall be sold or reconveyed unless and until the said lot has first been offered to the Board at the current price for similar lots. If the Board refuses to repurchase or neglects to act for a period of six months after said offer has been made to the Board, the owner may sell such lot to any resident of the Town of Lincoln.
Section 6, No interments shall be made until the Board or its agent shall have been furnished with such permits as are required by law and an order for said in-
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CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
terment from the owner or representative of the lot has been received.
Section 7, Charges for the sale of lots as well as opening a grave shall be determined from time to time by the Board and payments therefor shall be made in ad- vance at the election of the Board.
Section 8. The boundaries of each lot shall be marked by stone, cement, or other posts sunk level with the surface of the ground.
Section 9. Headstones or other markers may be erected only upon approval of the Board and after presen- tation to the Board of a sketch thereof. The grade of each lot shall be approved by the Board or its agent.
Section 10. No plantings shall be made except with the approval of the Board which nevertheless reserves the right to remove or restrict any shrubs or trees as may become objectionable either from the point of view of appearance or maintenance.
Section 11. Potted plants, baskets, or floral decorations will be removed at the discretion of the Board or its agent when they become withered or if they mar the general appearance of the cemeteries.
120
PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Paul Brooks John B. French Charles P. Kindleberger Quincy W. Wales
The Commission participated with the Planning Board and the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust in working out the arrangements for the purchase by the Town of some land belonging to Dr. Hall out of the Stabilization Fund appro- priation of $7,000 and the $1,000 appropriation to the Planning Board for options, which were voted in the 1959 regular Town Meeting. These arrangements, which fore- stalled the first major encroachment on the planned "Green Belt" in Planning for Lincoln demonstrate the im- portance, in the view of the Commission, of regular appro- priations to the Stabilization Fund.
.
The Commission obtained a budget of $300 from the Finance Committee to make a start of ascertaining owner- ship of some swamp land. A land conveyancer was hired with this money toward the end of the year, but no dis- bursements were recorded in 1959.
LINCOLN LAND CONSERVATION TRUST
Trustees
Term Expires
Sarah E. Brown, Secretary
1960
Warren F. Flint
1960
William M. Rand, Sr.
1961
Ann S. Monks
1961
James V. Lennon
1961
Charles P. Kindleberger, Treasurer
1962
William M. Preston
1962
No new land acquisitions took place in 1959, although arrangements were made for two gifts totalling eleven acres, in connection with the Town's purchase of nine acres from Dr. Thomas M. Hall of Conant Road. Receipt of these parcels awaits Town action on the Hall purchase. The negotiations, in which the Trust cooperated with the Planning Board and the Conservation Commission, suggest the value of the private body in working out flexible arrangements for preserving open land.
121
LAND TRUST
Negotiations pursued in connection with other land produced no concrete result.
The membership drive was highly successful and re- sulted in enrollment of 132 members, as compared with 92 on December 31, 1958, a gain of 43.4 percent. Expendi- tures during the year included a sum for surveying, in connection with a gift not yet transferred, offset in sub- stantial part by a special donation. An appraisal of another parcel was undertaken in connection with a nego- tiation.
The Trust cooperated with similar activities in other towns, and with Nature Conservancy. It has arranged, in cooperation with the Sudbury Valley Associates, to obtain a formal opinion on the legality of transfers to it of development rights to land without the title.
Financial Statement for 1959
Receipts
Bank Balance Dec. 31, 1958 $ 370.39
Membership dues (132 members)
1,320.00
Additional contributions 455.00
Total Receipts
$2,145.39
Expenditures
In connection with land : Surveying
$ 593.50
Appraisal
50.00
Printing, stamps, addressing, bank charge
67.55
Total Expenditures
$ 711.05
Bank Balance, December 31, 1959
1,434.34
Account Payable (Filing fee)
6.04
122
PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS
SELECTMEN'S COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC SITES
Katharine S. White ( for the Planning Board)
Elliott V. Grabill ( for the Selectmen)
Margaret Booth Marjorie Meyer Harry Healey, Jr. Alanson Sturgis, Jr. R. Langdon Wales John McHugh, Chairman
In April the Selectmen appointed the Committee, direct- ing it to make studies and recommendations on the impact of the proposed Minute Man National Historical Park. The Committee has met twice monthly since that time.
R. Langdon Wales was elected chairman and served with selfless enthusiasm until October when newly added outside responsibilities forced him to relinquish the post and John McHugh was named as his successor.
The purposes of the Committee were soon stated in a report to the Selectmen:
To define the problems created for the town by the establishment of the Park;
To determine the effect of the Park on residents and businesses now located in the area;
To provide the Selectmen with a basis for negotiating with government agencies favorable arrangements for the Town ;
To provide the Selectmen and other boards a factual basis for defining town policies in relation to the Park;
To recommend for consideration by boards and agencies courses of action to protect the interests and welfare of Lincoln;
To provide a source of information for the citizens of Lincoln on the potential effects of the Park on the Town ;
To provide a means for the collection and reporting of the opinions of the citizens of Lincoln about the Park.
123
HISTORIC SITES COMMITTEE
In addition to operating within these objectives, the Committee has established a working relationship with the National Park Service, based on high trust and regard. Our future success in assuring a mutually beneficial Park development, we feel, will depend on strengthening these ties.
The announcement of the Park proposal in December was greeted locally with surprise, which was perhaps well expressed by the lady who exclaimed: "My heavens, a National Park .... with bears and all?" Without bears, the Park bill was passed and signed into law in September. Soon thereafter, the Selectmen appointed Katharine White as Lincoln's representative on the Advisory Commission of the Secretary of the Interior, a board authorized in the bill. Mrs. White will serve in a foremost liaison capaci- ty between the Town and the Park Service.
In late summer and early fall, the Committee invited Park area residents to attend a series of four neighbor- hood meetings at the Hartwell Farm and there to discuss freely their feelings, opinions, and concerns. From these expressions came a heightened awareness of immediate prob- lems. To counter the fears of homeowners in the uncer- tain real estate situation existing in the area, the Select- men, at the suggestion of the Committee, requested and re- ceived a statement setting forth Park Service willingness to acquire homes as well as vacant land when these proper- ties are offered for sale and as soon as funds are made available. The absence of these funds in the 1961 budget has resulted in the Committee urging the officers of the town to strongly request a supplementary appropriation.
The Committee is now studying the financial impact of the Park, analyzing present assessments on property, schooling costs of children in the area, and the value of other Town services provided.
Other Lincoln boards and agencies have been urged to consider the Park and its possible effect on their areas of responsibility. We look forward to working more closely with these groups, with the people of the Park area, and with the Park Service.
Our knowledge of Park Service policies and accomplish- ments has been increased by visits to other National Parks and to Park Service offices in Philadelphia and Washington.
124
PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS
It should be hastily added that these trips were in- dividually financed, the Committee prudently restricting its expenditures to envelopes and postage stamps.
Park Service planning is now in its primary stages. Although boundaries are being plotted, visitor access and routeing are not yet determined nor are detailed plans for historical restoration and reconstruction yet drawn. The Park has no timetable. One can only guess when the last resident will choose to sell and the Park will become a reality. Until that time, the Town will have obliga- tions and interests in the area, especially toward its residents, to assure them of a Park development which will be orderly and not an intrusion in their lives.
Lincoln cannot assume a passive attitude towards the Park. The magnitude of this project deserves our con- tinued interest. Park Service representatives have al- ready spoken of the unique response to the Park which Lincoln has shown. Only through careful planning and wise action can Lincoln help to shape a Park development which will be beneficial to its residents and to the count- less visitors who, through future generations, will strain to hear the distant roll of drums and the crack of muskets while stoically ignoring the whine of passing jets and an occasional rocket.
125
LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE
TOWN LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE
Albert Brooks
Elizabeth Doherty
Richard J. Eaton Mabel H. Todd
David L. Garrison, Chairman
The Landscape Committee was organized in May. Various areas of the Town were studied in a dozen meetings thereafter, and plans were made for planting in the spring of 1960. The recently-widened section of Bedford Road received particular attention, and as a stop-gap measure in September and October, 20 trees and shrubs were trans- planted from Pierce Park to the edges of the widened right- of -way. Additional shade tree plantings are contemplated early this spring. Plantings are likewise planned for the Fire-Police Station, Pierce Park, the Farnsworth cor- ner, and elsewhere.
The Committee hopes to mobilize the cooperation of citizens in maintaining the beauty of Town roadsides and other properties. We are glad to be notified of areas that need attention, or to receive constructive suggestions for Town beautification. We would also like to know of usable small trees that any citizen may wish to donate for community use. Finally, we stand ready to help by ad- vice (or possibly more substantial measures) if citizens encounter landscape problems along their own public front- age.
126
PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS
LINCOLN SCHOOL BUILDING NEEDS COMMITTEE
(Hartwell School Addition)
Andrew J. Dougherty
Helen B. Gilfoy
Eugene D. Mellish
Gerard C. Henderson ) Co-Chairmen
William N. Swift )
The Lincoln School Building Needs Committee submits herewith its second interim report. Pursuant to the authority granted to it under the vote taken under Article 17 at the annual town meeting held on March 16th, 1959, the Committee authorized its architect, Hoover & Hill Associates, to prepare final plans for the two additions to the Hartwell School. These plans were submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Assistance Commission, which gave its approval to the project on April 28th, 1959. Thereafter, on June 25th, 1959, the Emergency Finance Board of the Commonwealth authorized the town to borrow $240,000 to finance the project in accordance with Chapter 649 of the Acts of 1948.
During the summer, advertisements for sub bids and general bids were made and the bids were opened in August, 1959. The low general bidder was Valentino J. Tocci d/b/a John Tocci & Sons, and a contract in the usual form was executed as of September 1st, 1959, providing for the construction of the two units at a cost of $166,305. Shortly after Labor Day ground was broken and construction started. It has continued since that date and the entire project will be completed well ahead of the opening of the fall term in 1960, when the additional classrooms will actually be put into use.
During the year the Committee has met frequently with the School Committee, with the School Committee's Long Range Committee and with the Selectmen. Several of these meetings have been concerned with the drainage problem of the entire site and the Committee is cooperating with the School Committee and the Selectmen on a proposal to pro- vide adequate drainage from the Hartwell School site to Lincoln Road. At the request of the School Committee the Committee has also authorized the installation of a two way sound system for the new additions. The School Com- mittee proposes to install such a system in the Hartwell
127
SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
School itself.
The Committee wishes to record its appreciation for the cooperation it has been given throughout the year by the School Administration, especially by Superintendent John B. Davis, who has had to deal with many problems not of his own making.
HARTWELL SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
Elizabeth J. Snelling Andrew J. Dougherty Gerard C. Henderson, Jr. Ernest P. Neumann
George H. Kidder, Chairman
The Hartwell School Building Committee reports that it expects that by the time this report reaches the Town it will have made final certification of the cost of the building to the State School Building Assistance Commission. This certification has been delayed pending completion of one final item of work, namely the correction of the drain- age under the main entrance canopy. The contract for this work was arranged sometime ago, but the instruction to start work was withheld until it could be clearly de- termined that there would be no conflict with or duplica- tion of work planned by the committee building the addition to the Hartwell School.
The committee anticipates that after completion of the corrected work on the main entrance drainage, there will be a small balance of funds to be returned to the Town, although the exact amount of this can not be known until the final bill for the corrective work has been sub- mitted and paid.
During the year 1959 the committee had the necessary work done to provide additional parking for approximately twenty cars, had a number of trees which failed to survive the winter of 1958-1959 removed, had additional fixtures hung in the multi-purpose room, and had the drainage from the main entrance canopy roof corrected.
128
Schools, Library and Recreation
TRUSTEES OF THE LINCOLN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Alice G. Meriam Roland C. Mackenzie
Edwin M. Cole, Chairman
Morley M. John A. Bradlee Emmons John A. Carley
Early in 1959 - 75th year of the Lincoln Public Library - the first addition to the original building was completed. After a two-month closing for renovation and rearrangement, the Library reopened on February 2, doubled in size, attractively furnished, inviting and convenient to use.
Library activity accelerated immediately and was sustained throughout the year. A separate report by the Librarian, immediately following this report, includes the impressive figures on membership and book use for this eleven-month library year.
The Town's interest has extended beyond reading to in- clude a remarkable amount of volunteer help in the Library and many generous gifts by individuals and town organiza- tions. Neither the book selection and facilities nor the service would be what they are without these gifts and this faithful volunteer help. The Trustees are most apprecia- tive of the widespread support and interest in the Library.
Following final additions to interior furnishings in May, the Trustees invited the townspeople to an Open House on June 13, and were helped in their planning and enter- taining by the Library Advisory Committee. For the many children present there was a program featuring a talk by Munro Leaf, a magic show by Richard Rice, and folk songs by Robert Loud.
Highlight of the occasion was the official opening of the Tarbell and DeNormandie rooms.
The Tarbell Room, gift of Mr. and Mrs. George G. Tarbell, provides an attractive, well-lighted study and reading room for the town's young adults.
The DeNormandie Room, given in memory of Dr. and Mrs. Robert L. DeNormandie by their children and friends, pro- vides Lincoln adults with a beautiful and restful room
129
LIBRARY
for browsing or quiet reading.
Both rooms, part of the original Library building, were completely redecorated and appropriately furnished through the generosity of the donors. The attractive new children's room was furnished in part by the gift of the friends of William Wilson and the gift by Mrs. Stanley Heck in memory of Stephen Teabo. These gifts greatly increase the use and enjoyment of the Library.
Under the advice of the Town Treasurer and Town Counsel, the Trustees have taken the necessary steps to consolidate the many small Library trust funds into a Library Memorial Fund. Any future gifts or bequests can be applied to this Fund. Bookplates designed and given by Mr. Henry B. Kane are available to place in books given in memory of individuals. Gifts or bequests given for specific purposes will be kept separate from the consoli- dated Fund.
With the completion of the Library building the Trustees have given attention to necessary alteration and beautification of the Library lot. A path was put in to the new entrance from Bedford Road, and the old cement walk to the original entrance removed. Considerable
pruning of trees and bushes was done. An overall plot
plan, including provision for a parking area, has been ob- tained so that further improvements can be made systemati- cally as shrubs and funds become available. The Town officials have been requested to make Library Lane a one- way street and to bring it into more usable condition.
Cooperation with the schools has continued. Books on the summer reading lists were taken out of the general collection and shelved separately. Throughout the year the librarians have worked with teachers and students to obtain and reserve books needed for school projects.
The Library Advisory Committee, formed in 1958, has organized as a "Friends of the Library" group. Mrs. Henry Warner, as their representative, attended a state- wide meeting of "Friends of the Library" in Boston during the spring. The Trustees are appreciative of their sup- port and their launching of Library events of interest to the Town.
In April, Mr. John Carley took office as the first elected Library Trustee.
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SCHOOLS, LIBRARY AND RECREATION
The Library staff was increased to three full-time workers in May when Mrs. Howard Kent joined the staff as an assistant librarian. In October Mrs. Donald P. Donaldson was appointed assistant to the librarian to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mrs. Curtis Chapin
At a special Town Meeting December 14, the town voted $5,500 to be used to start a program of reconditioning the exterior walls and roof of the original Library building.
The Library ended the year with a Christmas carol program on the Library terrace. A guild of bell ringers performed, thanks to the generosity of Mrs. Maryalice Thoma, Librarian. The children's choir of the First Parish sang carols and led the singing of the townspeople who assembled despite the rain.
At the end of the year the Trustees turned over the following amounts to the Town :
$800 from 1959 operating budget $700 from building fund for library addition $885.65 from fines on overdue books
The report of the Librarian follows. A statement of Library Trust Funds will be found under Statistical Inform- ation elsewhere in the Town Report.
LIBRARIAN
Maryalice Thoma
This has been an extremely successful year for the Lincoln Library, our first year in the new building. Our circulation for the eleven months we were open was 35,991, or an increase of 5,579 over 1958. On the basis of a full year this means we circulated twelve books per inhabitant of Lincoln. The average circulation according to the latest figures of the United States Office of Education is 4.6 books per capita. We have avid readers in Lincoln!
We added 238 new members in 1959, bringing our total number of members to 1,710, which is really not an accurate count because many families have one card representing three or four people actually borrowing books.
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