USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1940-1944 > Part 8
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The Board reports therefore that it has considered all factors pertaining to such proposed change and rcommends adoption of this article.
Planning Board
By WALTER M. LAMONT, Chairman
159
Board of Appeals Report
To the Board of Selectmen:
The Board of Appeals under the Zoning By-Law of the Town of Andover has the following members: James S. Eastham, Chair- man, term expiring May 1, 1943; Roy E. Hardy, Secretary, term expiring May 1, 1941; Walter M. Lamont, term expiring May 1, 1942.
Pursuant to the amendment to the Zoning By-Law adopted by the 1940 Town Meeting, the selectmen have appointed the follow- ing associate members of the Board of Appeals, Edward P. Hall and Walter C. Tomlinson. Mr. Hall sat at one hearing of the Board as such an associate member.
During the year 1940, the fifth year of the Zoning Law, the Board heard and decided fourteen cases as follows:
Petition of William V. Emmons, decided on February 24, 1940, for a permit to convert a single family house at 121 Main Street into a four apartment house. Granted
Petition of M and W. Auto Sales, decided on February 24, 1940, to permit the operaton and maintenance of sales rooms for motor vehicles in the rear of the Musgrove Building on Post Office Avenue. Granted
Petition of Jerome W. Cross, decided on March 11, 1940, for a permit to convert his residence at 53 School Street into an eight apartment house. Granted
Petition of Robert B. Hatton, decided on April 22, 1940, for a permit to build a single family residence on a narrow lot on Stratford Road, ten feet from the south side lot line and twelve and one-half feet from the north side lot line. Granted
Petition of Edward C. Emslie, decided on May 23, 1940, for a permit to convert a one-family house at 58 High Street into a three apartment house. Granted
Petition of Jerome W. Cross and Herman H. Petzold, decided on July 15, 1940, for permission to make a slight change in the location of the boundary line between two lots on School Street. Granted
Petition of Susan Keery, decided on August 22, 1940, for a permit to convert a one-family house at 49 Elm Street into a three apartment house. Granted
160
Petition of Evelyn R. Marr, decided on August 22, 1940, for a permit to convert a residence at 11 Locke Street into a four apartment house. Granted
Petition of James D. Dailey, decided on August 23, 1940, for a permit to add a lubritorium to his gasoline filling station at the corner of Salem Street and the by- pass which was existing at the time the zoning by-law was adopted. Granted
Petition of the Lucy Hayward Shaw Estate, decided on September 17, 1940, for a permit to erect and maintain a gasoline filling station at 85 Main Street and for a vari- ance to permit the erection and maintenance of three apartment houses on said property. Denied
Petition of Herbert P. Onasch, et al, decided on Sep- tember 30, 1940, for a permit to erect and maintain a gasoline filling station at 30 North Main Street. Denied
Petition of Robert J. Jordan, decided on October 15, 1940, for a permit to build a single family residence on a narrow lot at 9 Stratford Road, twelve feet from either side lot line. Granted
Petition of Curtis J. Davideit and Ethel J. Davideit, decided on November 5, 1940, for a permit to erect a single family residence on a lot unusual in shape and topography on the easterly side of South Main Street near the by- pass. Granted
Petition of William Simeone, decided on November 25, 1940, for a permit to erect a single family residence on a narrow lot at No. 19 Stratford Road, twelve feet from either side lot line. Granted
It will be noted that only one of the above cases was under the extraordinary proceeding provided by statute for a variance or amendment of the Zoning By-Law in its application to a particu- lar situation. All of the other petitions sought the exercise of the Board's discretion under the provisions of the Zoning By-Law.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES S. EASTHAM, Chairman ROY E. HARDY, Secretary WALTER M. LAMONT
January 16, 1941
16
Report of Playground Committee
The committee of supervised play covering activities in Ando- ver's playgrounds at Central, Shawsheen and Ballardvale here- with submit its report;
The registration at the three playgrounds was 1868 while the total attendance records show that 29,197 for a period of eight weeks brought an average daily attendance of approximately 730 children.
The personnel, headed by general supervisor, Miss Margaret Davis, was practically the same as the previous year with nine old instructors and one cadet instructor.
The routine of tournaments covered generally the prescribed course of former years with many special contests. Every week on each playground there was one special program night such as Prof. Quiz, Doll, Pet, Puppet Shows, Field Day, etc. The usual trips to Canobie Lake and Berry's Pond were enjoyed. The com- mittee expresses its appreciation at this time to the Pomp's Pond Committee for sending life guards to the outing at Berry's Pond to safeguard the youngsters.
Groups of interested parents in different sections of the town again made the carnivals on the playgrounds successful and their cooperation is deeply appreciated as it is only through funds raised in this manner that various pieces of apparatus may be purchased.
The committee expresses thanks to the voters for the $500.00 appropriated for rest rooms at the Ballardvale playground. The building has proven a decided benefit, not only to the beautifying of the grounds but in filling a most needed sanitary requirement.
It is a pleasure to again report that genuine cooperation and willing spirit shown through-out the season by our supervisor and her co-workers have had no small part in making the season a most successful and enjoyable one for all.
Respectfully submitted,
STAFFORD A. LINDSAY, Chairman
162
Report of Selective Service Board
LOCAL BOARD NO. 3 .... Town Hall, Andover, Mass.
Representing Andover, Boxford and North Andover
On registration day, October 16, 1940, all men between the ages of 21 and 36 were recorded, 1182 from Andover, 851 from North Andover and 72 from Boxford-a total of 2105-later increased by additions and transfers to 2186.
Our District number three, as its share of the first 800,000 to be called by June 1941, must furnish approximately 89 men in addition to the 179 men from this district already serving in the various branches of the armed forces. Since registration day ap- proximately 24 men have enlisted of their own accord, and in- cluding the fourth draft call of February 18th, the selective service has sent 35 men, eleven of whom were volunteers. This leaves about thirty more that will be required to make up our quota of 89 men.
The Board classifies its men in accordance with their order number and by February 18th will have classified between 600 and 700 men, which may perhaps be enough to fill its quota of 89.
All men sent are from Class 1A, who have been judged available and have passed the physical examination.
The Board takes this opportunity to thank the Town of Ando- ver for its patriotic generosity in providing a comfortable and attractive office in the second story of the Andover Town Hall. There all the citizens of Andover, Boxford and North Andover will be welcome and may obtain such information and help as is at our disposal.
Respectfully submitted,
SAMUEL F. ROCKWELL, Chairman
163
Report of Recreational Activities Committee
To the Board of Selectmen:
Last year you voted to appropriate $250 to maintain skating areas during the cold weather under the direction of the Commit- tee for Coordinated Recreation. After careful deliberation the Committee decided to confine its activities to an artificial area on the Paddle Tennis Court. This location was selected because it is small and easily controlled and because the appropriation was in- adequate to allow for snow removal on the ponds.
The Tennis Court was inclosed with a board retaining wall and was well banked with soil. Flooding was done only after the frost had reached a depth of fifteen inches and when the temperature was below twenty degrees. Naturally we were dependent upon the weather. Frequent rains and warm days have prevented continu- ous skating but the Committee is satisfied with the results.
The Committee sincerely believes that the Town of Andover wants skating facilities for the young people.
The Committee believes that an appropriation of, at least $800 is needed to give satisfactory results. An artificial area could be maintained and ponds could be scraped after snow storms.
The Committee believes that the Board of Public Works is the only agency equipped to supervise this project.
Therefore this Committee recommends that the town appropri- ate the sum of $800 and authorize the Board of Public Works to supervise and maintain skating areas in cold weather and that this be a permanent part of the regular budget under Parks and Playgrounds.
Respectfully submitted,
BLANCHE B. WALEN, Chairman
164
Board of Retirement Report
To the Board of Selectmen Andover, Mass.
GENTLEMEN :
The Town of Andover Board of Retirement herewith submit the following report for the year 1940:
Balance, Jan. 1, 1940: $ 3569.10
Receipts, Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 1940:
Deductions, Group I $5700.71
Deductions, Group II 2167.69
$ 7868.40
Interest, 1940, on bonds
1439.50
Interest, 1940, Savings Banks 64.83
Appropriation, 1940
12044.00
Redemption of Bonds
4259.50
Transfer of deductions from other city 576.66
26252.89
Total Receipts :
$29821.99
Expenditures, Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 1940:
Pension Payments : Group I
$6073.77
Group II 1073.88
$ 7147.65 20767.30
Investments
Office Expenses :
Salary, Clerk, Mary Loosigian $350.00
Stationery, Postage and
Printing 107.50
457.50
Total Expenditures : $28372.45
Balance, December 31, 1940: $1449.54
165
A schedule of membership for the year 1940 follows:
January 1, 1940: Active Members 98
Enrolled during 1940
9
107
Retirements during 1940
1
Total Active Members, December 31, 1940
106
January 1, 1940: Pensioners 10
1
11
Deaths of Pensioners
2
Total Pensioners, December 31, 1940
9
Total Membership, December 31, 1940, including Beneficiaries 115
The cost of the securities held as of December 31, 1940 was $47297.50 and the market value as of the same date was $48257.50.
The amortized or investment value of the securities as set up by true actuarial practices was $45178.61.
The average yield to maturity on the securities held as of December 31, 1940 was 4.02%. Under the Act the members of the System are entitled to 3% interest on their deposits.
The securities were bought after due deliberation and each investment was considered carefully.
$13200.00 is the amount required to add to the fund by town appropriation for the year 1941.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY COLLINS, Chairman GEORGE H. WINSLOW, Secretary EDMOND E. HAMMOND Board of Retirement
Retirements during 1940
-
166
Board of Public Welfare
The Board of Public Welfare submits the following report for the year 1940:
Although business conditions were much improved during the year 1940, there was a great deal of hospitalization, which kept our welfare expenses on a level with the previous year.
Old Age Assistance has remained at practically the same figure for 1940 as for 1939, but a slight increase is expected during the year to come. On January 1, 1940, there were 177 cases receiving Old Age Assistance and the year ended with 170 cases-the aver- age for the year being 175. We received 52 applications for assist- ance, of which 33 were approved and 19 rejected. Forty of our cases were closed by death or other reasons, and we ended the year with 95 women and 75 men on the Old Age Assistance rolls.
The amount of aid to veterans under Soldiers' Relief showed an upward trend, and will probably continue to rise as our veter- ans grow older. We have aided 21 veterans and their families during the year at a cost of $4211.11.
Each year there has been an increase in Aid to Dependent Children, 18 families or a total of 50 children having been aided during the year 1940.
Twenty boys from needy families have been sent to C.C.C. camps this year.
The W.P.A. Sewing Project is still in operation at the Town House and a new project has just been drawn up for its continua- tion.
At the present time there are about 75 persons actively engaged in W.P.A. work within the town.
During 1940, the value of commodities distributed in Andover was $11,548.77. In addition to this allotment of food, there was a distribution of clothing, sheets and blankets having a value of $5,926.40. The combined value of both food and clothing for the year 1940 was $17,475.17.
The following W.P.A. projects were in progress during the year, under the supervision of George R. Abbott, Moth Superintendent, and were for Moth and Insect Control.
167
The duration of the project was from January 2nd to May 7th and employed an average of nineteen men.
The work was done in woodlands, one hundred to two hundred feet from the town roadways and included the following ways:
Off Andover Street, Dascomb Road, Osgood Street, Blanchard Street, Bellevue Road, Brown Street, Lovejoy Road, Greenwood Road, High Plain Road, Beacon Street, North Street, Chandler Road, Brundrett Avenue, River Road, Haggetts Pond Road, Woodhill Road, Bailey Road, Pleasant Street, Rocky Hill Road.
Under the supervision of the Board of Public Works, the follow- ing W.P.A. projects were undertaken:
Work Project No.
Location
Description
Ave. No. of Men Employed
17812
Farm to Market Gravelling and Widening
40
*16600
Town
Cutting Back corners 50
+20966
Town
Water Main Installation
45
Į21408
Town
Sewer Installation
30
21708
Town
Engineering Survey
6
*Fluctuates
+ Completed
#Suspended
We wish at this time to thank all organizations and private citizens, who have cooperated with our board, especially at Thanksgiving and during the Christmas season, to bring cheer to needy families.
Respectfully submitted,
HOWELL F. SHEPARD, Chairman J. EVERETT COLLINS ROY E. HARDY
Board of Public Welfare
ARTHUR W. COLE, Agent
168
ANDOVER TOWN INFIRMARY
Number of inmates January 1, 1940
10
Number admitted during the year 5
Number discharged 4
Number of deaths
1
Number between one and ten years of age ()
Number between ten and twenty years of age ()
Number between twenty and thirty years of age 2
Number between thirty and forty years of age
1
Number between forty and fifty years of age
1
· Number between fifty and sixty years of age 1
Number between sixty and seventy years of age 3
Number between seventy and eighty years of age 5
Number between eighty and ninety years of age 2
Number of inmates January 1, 1941
10
The Town Infirmary has carried on the work of caring for our townspeople who are in need of a home, as usual, there having been fifteen provided for during 1940.
One of the rooms from the convalescent home has been added to the infirmary section for use of a lady who needs constant nursing care.
The other three rooms of the Convalescent Home are occupied and have been enjoyed by patients and doctors alike.
The sum of seventeen hundred and seventy-eight ($1778.00) dollars has been turned over to the town from these three rooms as well as four hundred and ten ($410.00) dollars from infirmary patients who are able to pay.
Respectfully submitted,
BERTHA W. THORNTON, Matron
169
Fire Department
January 1, 1941
To the Board of Selectmen,
Town of Andover
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit the report of the Fire Department from January 1, 1940 to January 1, 1941.
During this time the department has answered 95 bell, 104 still and 3 false alarms.
Value of buildings where fires have occurred $74,850.00; loss on same $15,830.00 mostly covered by insurance.
We have laid 6450 feet 21/2 inch, 1400 feet 11/2 inch and 4550 feet 1 inch hose.
The equipment consists of one pump, hose and chemical, year 1914, one pump, hose, and booster, year 1928, one pump, hose and booster, year 1937, one ladder truck, year 1923, one forest fire truck, year 1923, one forest fire truck, year 1940, one ambu- lance year, 1926, one ambulance, year 1937.
We have 7500 feet 21/2 inch, 2700 feet 11/2 inch and 4050 feet inch hose.
During this time the ambulance has answered 489 calls to take sick or injured persons to hospitals or homes.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES F. EMERSON, Chief Fire Department
170
Police Department
To the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Andover:
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit the report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1940.
Miscellaneous complaints received and investigated
345
Ambulance calls covered by Police
6
Summons served for out of town Police
27
Automobiles stolen in Andover
6
Automobiles recovered in Andover
4
Automobiles recovered out of town
1
Automobiles reported stolen by out of town police
15
Bicycles stolen
7
Bicycles recovered
10
Breaks in camps and dwellings
19
Doors found open and secured
24
Lost children returned to parents
2
Dogs killed by automobiles
22
Live wires down and guarded
3
Streets lights reported out
242
Fires covered by Police
27
Dogs lost and returned to owners
32
Persons notified for out of town Police
5
Suicides reported and investigated
1
Cattle lost and returned to owners
6
Dead bodies cared for by Police
1
Lights put in dangerous places
4
False alarm of fire
2
Tramps put up for the night
9
Runaway boys returned to parents
2
Dwelling houses inspected while owners away
15
Persons bitten by dogs
4
Hens stolen 16
Animal inspector and Board of Health notified regarding dog bites 4
Articles found and returned to owners
11
171
Ducks killed by dogs
Stolen property reported valued at
Stolen property recovered valued at
Number of arrests
Manslaughter
Assault
6
Breaking and entering
9
Larceny
2
Operating motor vehicle to endanger life
22
Larceny of automobiles
3
Delinquency
8
Operating motor vehicle while intoxicated
29
Drunkenness
63
Motor vehicle law violation (minor)
48
Neglect of family (non support)
5
Vagrants
3
Receiving stolen property
1
Default warrant
1
Non payment of wages
1
Burning without a permit
2
Unlicensed dogs
2
Exposing person
1
Concealing leased property
1
Evading train fares
3
Peddling without a license
1
Running away from training school
1
Insane
1
Sentenced to Bridgewater
Committed to County Jail
16
Committed to State Hospital for insane
1
Held for Grand Jury
2
Released by probation officer
52
Placed on probation
15
Dismissed
3
Suspended sentences to House of Correction
4
Appealed to Superior Court
13
Placed on file
7
Fines paid in District Court
$3,025.00
Fines paid in Superior Court
$320.00
Not guilty Superior Court
2
172
6 $3,013.95 $1,422.50 212
Appealed to Superior Court Suspended Sentence Sentenced to Concord
13 4 1
POLICE DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT
1 1939 Plymouth Sedan
1 1940 Plymouth Sedan
3 Police Radios
2 Bullet Proof Vests
1 Camera
2 Gas Guns
2 Gas Clubs
12 Gas Shells
14 Revolvers
2 22-Cal. Target Pistols
2 Riot Guns
12 Riot Clubs
3 Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
SAFETY SIGNS INSTALLED ON THE FOLLOWING STREETS 2 signs installed on Dascomb Road
4 signs installed on Lowell Street
1 sign installed on Andover Street
2 signs installed on Jenkins Road
1 sign installed on Shawsheen Road
2 signs installed on Main Street
1 sign installed on Essex Street
8 signs repaired and reset
2,305 feet of crosswalks and safety traffic lines painted.
The year of 1940 has showed an improvement in the number of accidents that has occurred in Andover over 1939. We had two fatal accidents, and 106 property damage, and minor in- juries.
The reason for this, I believe, is the way the motorcycle officers have patrolled the roads, booking all operators that were travel- ing at a dangerous speed.
436 cards were sent into the registrar of motor vehicles at Boston for action by him. Some persons received warnings, others received suspension of their licenses. All this has had its effect in making the town safer to live in.
At this time I would like to bring to the attention of the board,
173
the need of more light at night, in both the Shawsheen and Ando- ver Squares. Both these squares are poorly lighted and we have nearly had several accidents due to this poor lighting condition. I recommend that some new lights be added in both squares for safety sake, both the the pedestrians and motorists.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE A. DANE, Chief
174
Board of Health Nurse and Agent
To the Board of Health:
As Board of Health Nurse and Agent it is again my pleasure to submit the following annual report to the Board of Health and townspeople of Andover.
1940
1939
1938
Septic Sore Throat
1
0
0
Dog Bite
50
49
58
Tuberculosis
7
3
3
Scarlet Fever
9
15
60
Chicken Pox
15
47
28
Whooping Cough
81
39
4
Diphtheria
1
1
Measles
52
306
6
Mumps
51
45
22
Anterio Poliomyelitis
()
()
0
Epidemic Cerebro Spinal Meningitis
()
0
()
Gonorrhea
2
7
10
Syphilis
10
14
1
German Measles
2
1
1
Lobar Pneumonia
3
2
3
Dysentery Bacillary
1
0)
()
U'ndulant Fever
1
()
Typhoid Fever
0)
()
()
Forms of Eye Infections Reportable
0
1
285
530
197
DEATHS . FROM CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
1940
1939
1938
Scarlet Fever
0
()
()
Diphtheria
()
1
()
Measles
()
0)
0)
Lobar Pneumonia
3
1
Tuberculosis
7
2
()
4
6
?
175
Again Andover is fortunate in connection with Diphtheria cases and it would seem that Andover is being benefited by the work in past years by the Board of Health along lines of prevention.
In accordance with the National Defense Program under the Selective Service Act, many men, including volunteers, draftees, and National Guardsmen are entering the service of their country for one year. X-rays, among other things, are being taken of the lungs of these men. It is expected that the Board of Health will be informed of all those rejected and sent home because of Tubercu- losis and the Health Board will take all necessary precautions and pains to contact, examine and supervise such reported cases.
Along this line may I say that a reclassification of reported Tuberculosis cases was held this year, with the following results. Reported cases listed were 69. The number of cases removed was 28. The number of cases to be reclassified was 41. The number at Sanatoria or other Hospitals was 7. The number of local X-rays available for review was 34. The number on the active list was 19; the inactive list, 14; and under contact observation, 1. On the strength of this record the State Department of Health deemed it unnecessary to hold a clinic in Andover for reported cases of Tuberculosis during the past year. The members of the Board of Health were gratified to receive this information in a letter which thanked them for their cooperation after this checkup by the State Board of Health.
It is mandatory that all dogs known to have bitten persons shall be quarantined for a period of at least fourteen days for observation. It is incumbent upon all persons as well as physicians to report cases of dog-bite to the Board of Health no matter how slight the lesion may be. Do not allow any dog to be disposed of until it has been under observation by the proper authorities for at least fourteen days. Fifty cases of dog bite were reported to the Board of Health this year. As a dog clinic was held at which many dogs were inoculated with Anti-Rabic Vaccine, there was much less cause to worry when it was reported that a dog had bitten a person. The Board of Health is now considering the advisability of holding another such clinic during this coming year. So, again I repeat, please follow instructions on dog-bite cases to assist your fellow townspeople as well as your Board of Health.
Measles was a common disease that was prevalent last year throughout the State and Andover did not escape it. Over a course
176
of experience in past years your Board of Health realizes that Measles will return at more or less regular and frequent intervals and that is why all cases must be properly isolated in an effort to prevent the spread of this disease. Measles may be a very serious disease in the case of young children and mothers who have chil- dren sick with the Measles should see to it that their children have the best of medical and nursing care. I am happy to report that there were no deaths from Measles in Andover during the past year although there were several cases where there were severe complications.
Andover, like many other communities throughout the State and Nation, was the victim of a swiftly descending Influenza epidemic. It came very suddenly and seems to be going out in quick manner also. The majority of the cases ran a temperature of from 101 to 102 degrees for about forty-eight to seventy-two hours. If the patient rested in bed for another like period of hours, he suffered no ill effects in most cases. No deaths have resulted from Influenza directly, up to the writing of this report.
Andover has had very few cases of Bacillary Dysentery for the past number of years, but there was one case reported this year. In compiling the history of this case, it was found that the patient had been brought here for treatment and that no more cases originated from this one.
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