USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1945-1949 > Part 23
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45
Respectfully submitted,
ROY E. HARDY, Chairman, J. EVERETT COLLINS, HOWELL F. SHEPARD, Board of Selectmen.
ARTHUR W. COLE, Welfare Agent.
102
-
Report of Trustees of Spring Grove Cemetery
The Trustees of Spring Grove Cemetery submit their annual report for the year ending December 31st, 1947. :
There were 56 interments during the year, and 12 new lots were sold.
The income from perpetual care funds amounted to $2,015.75. Monies received from perpetual care funds, foun- dations, sale of lots, annual care etc. amounted to $7,384.36 out of an expended appropriation of $14,064.20. The sum of $381.34 was returned to the Town as an unexpended balance.
595 feet of new curbing has been installed to replace the old curbing.
The trees and shrubbery have been trimmed and some un- sightly trees removed.
Electricity has been installed in the office and tool house adding a great convenience and necessity.
A great amount of work has been necessary to repair storm damage to roads. The gradual building of good roads should be started from time to time.
The Trustees are asking under a special article the ap- propriation of $500.00 for a snow plow to fit the new truck. The one now in use is not adequate for cemetery work, it was purchased during the war, second hand. We intend to sell the old plow to help purchase the new one providing it. is so voted.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK R. PETTY, Chairman, FREDERICK E. CHEEVER, Secretary, CLIFFORD E. MARSHALL, MALCOLM E. LUNDGREN, ALBERT E. CURTIS.
103
Office of Veterans' Service
The fourth annual report of the Office of Veterans' Serv- ice presents a date of an historical nature and one which brings to a definite time limit some Veteran Benefits. Presi- dent Truman signed Senate Joint Resolution No. 123, the Wiley Resolution, declaring the termination of war as of July 25, 1947. By setting this date, deadlines on certain vet- eran legislation are : up to July 25, 1957, to apply for a G.I. loan on a home or business; up to July 25, 1949, to collect the so-called "9-20" unemployment pay; and up to July 25, 1956, to complete education or training, which must be ini- tiated prior to July 25, 1951. A few benefits extend from twenty-five to forty years. Some benefits are of life time duration, but many will terminate in ten years unless Con- gress passes new laws favoring veterans.
Last March an effort was made to try to do something about housing. A survey was conducted and 1,125 question- naires were sent to all veterans whose current addresses were then on file at this office. Only 246 sent in replies. After research and screening, these were reduced to 91 in- volving real hardship. This group was contacted and offered an opportunity to apply for an apartment in the Town- owned Shaw House or for a lot of land on the Town-owned plot at the junction of High Street and Burnham Road. The Shaw questionnaire brought back 38 replies and 22 replies were returned relative to the lots. Two separate drawings were held and now four veterans and their families are re- siding in the Shaw House and eleven other veterans have started development of the lots on the above mentioned site. Our efforts did not even scratch the surface of the per- plexing housing problem, yet it was a step in the right direction.
The demands on direct financial assistance from this office have not been too great this year. Twenty applications for
104
Veteran Benefits (formerly Soldiers' Relief) were received and eleven were granted. The cashing of Terminal Leave Bonds and the increase in pensions and subsistences were factors tending to keep this category of veteran aid low. The expiration of unemployment benefits for many veterans and a spotty employment situation may increase future ap- plications. It is interesting to note that applications for education are increasing while those for on-the-job training have decreased rapidly, due chiefly to lack of available open- ings in the various trades.
The office files now hold 1,916 veterans' folders containing brief histories and pertinent facts relative to their service. These files cover the following groups : World War II, 1,647 (living 1,586-deceased 61) ; World War I, 233 (living 152 -deceased 81) ; British War Veterans 14; Merchant Marine 2; Peacetime ex-servicemen 4; Philippine veterans 2; and Spanish War Veterans 14.
To date, seven applications have been filed on the final dis- position of our honored war dead in overseas cemeteries. In four cases the survivors have elected to have the remains returned to the United States for reburial. Three families desire final resting places in permanent American ceme- teries in foreign lands.
During the year, 3,166 office visits were made covering 59 phases of veteran rehabilitation.
Our sincere thanks go forth to all the veterans' organ- izations, the American Red Cross, Andover Service Men's Fund Association, and to all other individuals and groups whose cooperation with this office is deeply appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
ROY E. HARDY, Chairman J. EVERETT COLLINS HOWELL F. SHEPARD Board of Selectmen
FRANCIS P. MARKEY, Veterans' Service Agent.
105
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, Chairman, term expiring May 1, 1949; Roy E. Hardy, Secretary, term expiring May 1, 1950; Edward P. Hall, term expiring May 1, 1948; and two associate mem- bers, Leon A. Field and Walter C. Tomlinson, terms expir- ing May 1, 1948.
During the year 1947, the twelfth year of the Zoning Law, the Board heard and decided twenty cases, denying three and granting seventeen.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES S. EASTHAM, Chairman ROY E. HARDY, Secretary EDWARD P. HALL
106
Report of Planning Board and Board of Survey
The following Public Hearings and several subsequent meetings were held by the Planning Board during the year 1947 :
January 10, on petition of Alderbrook Estates for ap- proval of a subdivision plan of land off South Main Street. Plan for subdivision was approved.
January 24, on petition of Timothy and Randall Hurley for purpose of extending business district northerly on Main Street beyond Lewis Street. The Board disapproved pro- posed amendment to the Zoning By-Law extending the busi- ness district at this point.
February 14, on petition of H. Axelrod concerning sub- division plan of Hidden Acres, off Hidden Road. Subdivi- sion plan was approved.
May 23, on petition of Vincent A. McQuade et Alii relat- ing to a proposed amendment of the Zoning By-Law by designating as an educational district two large parcels of land adjacent to Haverhill Street and Elm Street. Fore- going was recommended and approved.
July 11, on petition of Mr. Charles Sawyer relative to subdivision of area and a proposed way between Torr and Central Streets.
Also, on petition of Mr. Fred Doyle relative to subdivision of area and a proposed way off Chandler Road. The two foregoing subdivision plans approved and recommenda- tions made for acceptance of proposed ways.
October 31, on petition of Clyde M. Goldthwaite and others on Alderbrook Road so-called, for approval of a plan for purpose of opening for public use a proposed way as shown thereon. Recommendation made for acceptance of this proposed way.
Also, on petition of M. I. Stone and others for approval
107
of a plan for purpose of opening for public use a proposed way (now known as Dale Street) and shown thereon.
The foregoing was approved and recommendation made for acceptance and both petitioners were instructed to bring final plans before the Board for signing.
November 6, on petition of Mr. James I. Black concerning a subdivision plan in Sweeney Court off North Main Street. This plan was considered and referred to the Board of Ap- peals since it was found that one of the three lots concerned contained less than the required 8500 square feet.
Respectfully submitted,
SIDNEY P. WHITE, Chairman WALTER C. TOMLINSON, Secretary LEON A. FIELD FREDERICK E. CHEEVER KIRK R. BATCHELLER
EDWARD R. LAWSON, Clerk.
108
Report of Committee on Recreation
The Andover Recreational Committee, now conducting a yearly program of summer and winter activities, submits a report for the year 1947.
PLAYGROUNDS Attendance Records
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Ballardvale
2,100
4,300
3,000
Central
2,600
4,800
1,500
Indian Ridge
2,350
2,150
Shawsheen
1,500
2,000
260
West Center
1,000
875
9,550
14,235
4,760
The personnel consisted of Benjamin Dimlich, Super- visor ; James P. Doherty, Assistant Supervisor ; and 4 male and 6 female instructors. The usual program was carried on with games, tournaments, special shows and activities, handicraft work, etc. The baseball league brought real enjoyment to several boys and also younger veterans and the games were closely contested and well played. The total recorded participation shows an attendance record of 2,800 during the summer evenings and a play-off series of 5 games was held in August attracting hundreds of towns- people to the playstead to witness a fine exhibition of base- ball. This feature filled in a much needed evening activity in our schedule and we plan to elaborate on it for the com- ing year. League games are played four nights every week during July and August.
Probably one of the events which brought the most satisfaction to us as committeemen were the dances held at the Andover Guild and at Memorial Auditorium. The average attendance was 250 and on many evenings up to 400 of our teen age boys and girls enjoyed dancing under
109
strict supervision. The almost negligible destruction on Hallowe'en night was in a great way due to the dancing program and party held. Parties and dances for our young folks on a regular schedule during the entire year are the means of checking child delinquency, by providing clean, wholesome entertainment. At these tender years, our youth is invited to attend dances held strictly for them and this tends to keep them away from the dance halls where no supervision is provided. We are greatly indebted to the Andover Guild for the use of the building, lights, janitor service, etc., in conducting these dances.
The playground equipment in many cases is getting worn out or has become obsolete and it is our plan to start to re- place various apparatus as rapidly as we can.
SWIMMING-POMP'S and HUSSEY'S PONDS
The personnel consisted of Donald D. Dunn, supervisor, and head life guard, Warren Deyermond, assisted by 5 male guards and one female matron. Mr. Dunn and Mr. Deyer- mond attended the Red Cross Aquatic School for two weeks in June and were abble to pass to their co-workers the most up to the minute life saving and swimming methods. The at- tendance totaled 40,000 for the season and the extremely hot, dry summer brought an average of 800 to the beach daily. Clearance of underbrush enabled families to spend the day and hold picnics and the supervisor conducted a refresh- ment concession for the convenience of those bringing lunches. The town now owns the land adjacent to the pond and future plans call for a development of a picnic center for social events during the summer. One old bath house was razed and the other renovated to give adequate dress- ing facilities and showers for both men and women. Much of the repair work was done by the personnel between the hours of duty and they also carried on their waterfront work in a very efficient manner, as we have passed another season without any serious accidents.
SKATING
This year has been a trying one for those entrusted with keeping the skating areas free of snow. The Central Play-
110
stead was flooded and afforded an excellent spot for skating as did the skating area in Ballardvale. The residents of the southern part of town near Foster's Pond petitioned for a flooded area and steps have been taken to locate a suitable spot which may be flooded. The parents feel the hazard of treacherous ice on Foster's Pond is a danger they would like to eliminate. The Shawsheen area appears to have been blessed with the best skating facilities in this territory. The Brothers of the Sacred Heart School have given the use of their excellent skating field, which is lighted at night, to the use of all citizens not only of Andover but surrounding towns. This is a very fine gesture of friendliness and our committee sincerely appreciates their generosity. We hope to have a similar skating area near the Central Schools sometime in the near future.
CONCLUSION
As we watch our recreational program expand to meet the ever increasing desire of our citizens for outdoor re- laxation and play, we might begin to look to the future with some definite plans. The acquisition of lands surrounding our present facilities is the first and most important move. The development of skating areas, softball fields, possibly tennis courts, and the hope of a baseball diamond in Shaw- sheen are phases of our work with which we hope to make some progress the next year or two. We feel that recreation is not only enjoyment for our youth but for our adults as well and it is with this thought in mind that we are now planning for the days ahead.
Our sincere thanks go forth to The Cross Coal Company for transportation to Pomp's Pond.
We have tried to give Andover as complete a recreational program as our appropriation would allow and we hope to steadily improve on the accomplishments thus far attained.
Respectfully submitted,
STAFFORD A. LINDSAY, Chairman
111
Water and Sewerage Investigation REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE
January, 1948
THE WATER SYSTEM
No extensions of large water mains were made in 1947. The new 16" main from the Haggetts Pond Pumping Sta- tion to the Town was in service throughout the year and made it possible to pump and deliver all the water needed during periods of maximum consumption in hot summer weather.
The vote at the Annual Town Meeting in March 1947 ask- ing the Committee to investigate the possible leakage and loss of revenue in the Water System was given some study. This requires the compiling of figures and some testing which the great press of work on the Water Department made it impossible to complete. This will be done as soon as conditions permit.
The High Pressure pumping equipment at Bancroft Road needs general renewal and at the request of the Board of Public Works recommendations were obtained from Weston and Sampson which we approve and which are in accord with our earlier recommendations. The Board will ask for the appropriation needed to do the work now necessary.
THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM
The two additions to the Sewerage System voted at the last Town Meeting have been completed. The installations on Pine and Elm Streets serve a large number of houses, and will remove the nuisance formerly resulting from sep- tic tanks in the neighborhood. The connection of the sewers on Fletcher, Binney and Shepley Streets to the main system will materially improve the conditions in the Shawsheen River. The total cost of this work was about $25,100.
112
No large extensions for Water or Sewers will be needed in 1948, which is fortunate in view of very high costs and scarcity of some materials. Considerable other work will be needed, however, in the coming years, the urgency of which will depend on future growth.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD V. FRENCH SIDNEY P. WHITE JOSEPH A. MCCARTHY
Committee
113
Andover Town Infirmary
Board of Selectmen, Andover, Mass.
GENTLEMEN :
The annual report of the Town Infirmary is given here- with :
During the year we have cared for ten persons, several of whom have been here for a number of years. One of these was a temporary boarder, one was removed to the Coles Nursing Home, and one to the Crockett Sanitarium in North Andover, as they needed nursing care.
As the Infirmary was conducted as a Nursing Home dur- ing part of Mr. and Mrs. Thornton's stay here, we have had several calls during the year from persons who wished that kind of care, or who wished to pay board here, but as we have not the facilities, nor help, to conduct a regular nurs- ing home, these requests had to be refused.
In May the soft coal heater, which had been the source of heat in the winter for many years, gave out, and at a special town meeting in June, it was voted to install an oil burner. Two units were needed to heat this house of 25 rooms, ramps, and passageways, but we have enjoyed the even warmth during the cold weather, and the cleanliness, due to lack of soft coal dust. The gas stoves in the kitchen also had outlived their usefulness, so were replaced in Sep- tember by a restaurant type of gas stove, called the Gar- land, and recommended by the Lawrence Gas Company.
Mrs. Frank Brigham, the November Club, Abbot Acad- emy Christian Association and The King's Daughters re- membered us at Easter and Christmas, and several visitors came here during the year. But it is a source of wonder to some of our guests that we have such a pleasant place in which to live, and more of the townspeople should come down and see what has been done and what we are trying to do to make the town infirmary a real home, and not sim- ply an institution.
Mr. and Mrs. Thornton did a wonderful job in keeping
114
the place up; Miss Ivarson continued and we have tried to carry on the good work.
Miss Eva Ivarson, who had worked here as nurse for a number of years, and who was matron for a year and three months, wished to leave to do private nursing, so the Select- men appointed Mrs. Mary C. Edmands as matron, and she is assisted by her son-in-law, Roland Weeks, who does the man's work about the place.
Number of inmates January 1, 1947
7
Number admitted during year
3
Number discharged during year a
3
Number between 60 and 70 years of age 3
Number between 70 and 80 years of age
2
Number between 80 and 90 years of age
2
Number of inmates January 1, 1948
7
Respectfully submitted,
MARY C. EDMANDS, Matron
115
Report of Fire Department
Andover, Mass., February 2, 1948
To the Board of Selectmen, Andover, Massachusetts Gentlemen :
I have the honor to submit my seventh annual report as Chief of the Andover Fire Department.
During the year 1947 the department answered the fol- lowing alarms : 68 bell; 235 still; total 303.
-
The total valuation of buildings where fires occurred : $467,785.00.
Losses incurred totaled : $16,697.49.
Hose was laid as follows : 21,340 feet of 21/2" hose, 13,400 feet of 11/2" hose, 8,800 feet of forestry hose, 38,150 feet of 34" or booster hose; total hose laid 81,780 feet; feet of ladders raised 469.
Ambulance calls for the year totaled 442, of which 20 were answered by the Chief's car, 26 by the Ford car, 3 by Deputy Cole's car and 3 by Lt. Spark's car.
Oil burners and tanks inspected 433.
The Chief's car voted by the Town Meeting arrived and was put in service in June.
Respectfully submitted,
C. EDWARD BUCHAN, Chief
116
Police Department
Andover, Mass., December 31, 1947
To the Board of Selectmen, Andover, Massachusetts:
GENTLEMEN :
I hereby submit my report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1947.
Miscellaneous complaints received and investigated 444
Summons served for out of town Police
57
Automobiles stolen in Andover 2
Automobiles recovered in Andover 2
Bicycles stolen in Andover
4
Bicycles recovered in Andover
6
Breaks in Camps and Dwellings
13
Doors in business district found open and secured 22
5
Runaway children returned to parents or institutions
2
Dogs killed by automobiles taken care of
17
Dogs gassed by Police
6
Dogs lost and returned to owners
28
Number of persons bitten by dogs 11
Board of Health and Animal Inspector notified on dog bites 12
Cattle lost and returned to owners
6
Dead bodies cared for by Police
1
Suicides reported and investigated by Police
1
Persons notified for out of town Police
17
Lights put in dangerous places
3
Tramps put up for night in lock-up
2
Dwelling houses inspected while owners away 38
Articles found and returned to owners 9
Summons served on local complaints in Andover 8
Fires discovered and reported by Police
3
117
Lost children returned to parents
Street lights reported out to Lawrence Gas Co. 241
Fires put out by Police
Missing persons reported and located and returned 2 Automobile tires recovered previously stolen 1 Water leaks in streets reported by Police to B. of P.W. 5 Tree Dept. notified of limbs and trees down in streets 5 Persons taken to Danvers State Hospital by Police 3
Persons taken to Hospital by Police in Cruisers 2 Hens killed by dogs, investigated by Police 59
False alarms of fire investigated by Police 3
Burglar alarms set off and investigated by Police Railroad accident investigated by Police Bell alarms of fire covered by Police
1
15
ARRESTS AND CHARGES
Assault
1
Robbery and assault
1
Operating under influence of liquor
12
Neglect of family
11
Operating without a license
6
Operating to endanger
6
Unregistered and uninsured automobile
1
Leaving scene of accident
1 27
Delinquent children
11
Vagrancy
1
Drunkenness
72
Lewdness
3
Illegitimate child
1
Default warrant .
1
Re using to stop for an Officer
1
Allowing improper person to operate
1
Building without a permit
Abandonment of a child
1 1 2
Unnatural act
1
Arson
3
Breaking and entering and larceny
3
Fraud and forgery
1
Larceny and attempt
1
118
1
Kidnapping
10
Speeding
2
Larceny of automobile Trespass
4 1
Total
175
Convicted in District Court
175
Superior Court
1
Fines paid in District Court
$1,460.00 16
Sentenced to H. of C.
Sentenced to Lyman School
Sentenced to Shirley School
2
Probation
Sentenced to Bridgewater
1
Held for G.J.
3
Dismissed 1
Fourteen new safety signs have been installed this year, and twenty have been repainted, and reset.
I recommend at this time that some new lights be put in the Shawsheen Square, and the Andover Square. We have had several near accidents in both squares during the year, because of automobile drivers not being able to see the pe- destrians. I recommend at this time that something be done in both these locations to make it safer for all that have to cross these squares. I am very sure that we are bound to have a bad accident, and we could have a fatal accident be- cause of this poor lighting.
I also want to report that owing to the shortage of mate- rial it was impossible to get the cables replaced for the Traffic Lights at Chestnut and Main Street this year, but I have been promised better results in the near future, and hope to have them installed soon.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE A. DANE, Chief of Police!
119
8 1 7
On File
Board of Health Nurse and Agent
To the Board of Health and Townspeople of Andover:
I herewith submit a brief report as Board of Health Nurse and Agent for the Town of Andover for the year 1947:
1947
1946
1945
Diphtheria
0
1
0
Trichinosis
0
0
1
Dog Bite
33
39
45
Tuberculosis
6
4
4
Scarlet Fever
11
31
24
Chicken Pox
128
86
186
Whooping Cough
17
24
26
Measles
2
191
31
Mumps
4
6
26
Syphilis
1
5
4
German Measles
4
20
2
Lobar Pneumonia
3
2
1
Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis
0
0
3
Gonorrhea
0
0
0
Typhoid
0
1
1
Malaria
0
0
0
Anterior Poliomyelitis
2
0
0
Dysentery
1
0
0
Total
212
410
354
DEATHS FROM CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
1947
1946
1945
Lobar Pneumonia
2
0
2
Tuberculosis
3
1
3
Bacillary Dysentery
1
0
0
Total
6
1
5
120
In 1948, Andover will continue to hold free clinics. Among these will be the Toxoid Clinic for children entering school, the very successful Baby Clinic, and the Anti-Rabic Clinic for dogs.
Respectfully submitted, LOTTA M. JOHNSON, R.N.
121
Report of Building Inspector
Board of Selectmen, Andover, Mass .:
GENTLEMEN :
During 1947 there were as listed below one hundred and twenty-five (125) permits for New Buildings with an esti- mated cost of $689,450 and seventy-six (76) permits of additions and alterations with an estimated cost of $100,150. These permits being classified as follows :-
Dwellings
70
Storage
2
Garages
32
Tool Sheds
3
Hen Houses
4
Road Stand
1
Fence
1
Transmitter Bldg.
1
Factory
2
Laundry
1
School
1
Camps
2
Canoe House
1
Grand Stand
1
Green House
1
Cement Mixer
1
Barn
1
Tearing Down Bldg.
2
Additions and Alterations
76
203
I have made three hundred and eighty-two (382) inspec- tions and have traveled four thousand and twenty-six (4026) miles in so doing.
In carrying out my work I have brought one builder into Court for violation of the Town By-Laws and secured a con- viction for this offense.
122
This department has collected and turned into the Town Treasurer two hundred and fifty-eight dollars ($258) for permits and license fees.
Respectfully yours,
RALPH W. COLEMAN, Building Inspector
123
Report of Wire Inspector
Andover, Mass., Jan. 17, 1948
Board of Selectmen, Andover, Massachusetts:
GENTLEMEN :
I hereby submit my report for wire inspections for the year 1947.
Number of inspections 445
Amount collected and turned over to the Treas- urer, Town of Andover $222.50
Respectfully submitted,
WM. J. YOUNG, Inspector of Wires
124
Milk Inspector's Report
December 30, 1947
GENTLEMEN :
I hereby submit a report of the activities of the Office of Milk Inspector for the past quarter. In brief, the following have been accomplished :
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.