USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1945-1949 > Part 32
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General Relief costs have risen quite rapidly during the year, and as there is no contribution from the Federal Government for this form of aid, we will have to appropriate more funds.
There are many bills before the Legislature this year for changes in the Old Age Assistance law. One change that is ad- vocated is to allow non-citizens this form of relief. If this should become a law, we would probably have an additional fifteen or twenty cases. If the age limit is reduced from sixty-five to sixty, we do not dare estimate the number of cases that would be eligible. The cost would be tremendous, because at the present time, the Federal Government will not contribute toward cases under sixty-five years of age. Massachusetts is now the fourth most liberal state in the country in this form of aid-California, Colorado and Washington being the only other states more liberal.
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We wish to take this opportunity to thank all private citizens and organizations who have been of assistance to our board.
Respectfully submitted,
ROY E. HARDY, Chairman, J. EVERETT COLLINS HOWELL F. SHEPARD
Board of Selectmen
ARTHUR W. COLE, Welfare Agent.
112
Report of Trustees of Spring Grove Cemetery
The Trustees of Spring Grove Cemetery submit their annual report for the year 1948.
There were eighty-four interments during the year. Twenty- two new lots were sold.
The income from perpetual care funds amounted to $2087.95. Monies received from annual care, sale of lots, foundations, interments, etc. amounted to $2887.20. An unexpended balance of $40.72 was returned to the Town. These amounts total $5015 .- 87. The cemetery appropriation for 1948 was $15382.00.
Five hundred seventy-nine feet of curbing was installed, some new, some to replace old curbing.
Trees and shrubbery have been pruned and trimmed.
The continual washing out of roads has been a problem for a long time and it is the considered opinion of the Trustees that a permanent hard road into the cemetery through the East side and out the West side would be both an economical and a prac- tical improvement.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK R. PETTY, Chairman FREDERICK E. CHEEVER, Secretary ALBERT E. CURTIS MALCOLM E. LUNDGREN CLIFFORD E. MARSHALL
113
Office of Veterans' Service
The Office of Veterans' Service herewith submits the fifth an- nual report on veterans' affairs and rehabilitation.
HOUSING: The veteran settlement at the junction of High Street and Burnham Road, consisting of thirteen lots, has de- veloped rapidly during the year. Thirty-four veterans either held deeds for a short time or had options on a lot, but the high cost of building prevented most of them from carrying out their plans. Today we still have three unclaimed lots. Seven veterans have completed their homes or are in the process of so doing and we expect the six others to start building in the Spring.
The initial step in local housing was taken by the Board of Selectmen and this office in May, 1947, with the acquisition of the above lots and the remodeling of the Shaw Property on Main Street where four veterans and their families now live.
By vote of a special town meeting in May, 1948, a Housing Authority was created under Section 26K of the General Law 121 with power to apply for an allocation of houses under Chapter 200 of the Massachusetts General Laws. On December 27, 1948, by vote of another special town meeting, the Housing Authority was given permission to proceed with a plan to erect multiple housing units on a plot of land between Morton and Chestnut Streets. These buildings will provide homes for about fifty veter- ans' families. All matters pertaining to this new project will be assumed entirely by the Housing Authority.
EMPLOYMENT: During the last three months of the year, calls for work by veterans increased while job opportunities decreased. As the year ended, layoffs in the textile industry, generally, seemed to indicate that employment in this field will be spotty for some time. Many veterans have exhausted their G.I. Read- justment Allowance benefit and unless jobs can be found, we fore- see added calls for Veteran Benefits during the early part of 1949.
HOSPITALIZATION : One hundred seventy-nine cases for medical care or hospitalization were received including 48 general medical cases, 53 dental care, and 78 hospitalization or out-patient cases. In most instances, either State or Veteran Administration hos-
114
pitals were utilized. At the present time, we have six World War I and five World War II veterans in government hospitals. Five of these will remain there permanently.
RETURNED SOLDIER DEAD: Nine bodies of our honored dead were returned from overseas by the wish of the next of kin for re- burial locally. During the past twelve months, one Andover boy died in service. Two World War I and four World War II veterans also passed away.
VETERAN REHABILITATION : Cases involving paper work reached a total of 2,189 and financial assistance through Veterans' Benefits was granted to 19 veterans.
Special commendation goes forth to the Home Service Division of Andover Chapter, American Red Cross, and to the Andover Servicemen's Fund Association for the ever ready cooperation extended to this office; to the American Legion Post No. 8; and especially to Post No. 2128 V.F.W. for their splendid assistance and attention in meeting the bodies of our returned dead and providing for the military funerals, and to all individuals who have in any way helped us in our Veteran Rehabilitation.
With optimism, we look to the coming year in the hope that our unemployed veterans will find new jobs and in the knowledge that some of our veterans will be offered suitable living quarters within a few months.
Respectfully submitted,
ROY E. HARDY, Chairman, Board of Selectmen J. EVERETT COLLINS HOWELL F. SHEPARD
Francis P. Markey, Director
Office of Veterans' Services
115
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, 1951; and two associate members, Leon A. Field and Walter C. Tomlinson, terms expiring May 1, 1949.
During the year 1948, the thirteenth year of the Zoning By- Law, the Board heard and decided ten cases as follows:
Petition of Cornelius A. Wood, decided on January 8, 1948, for permission to convert a single residence owned by him on North Main Street into a four-apartment house. Granted.
Petition of James H. Buss and Mary E. Buss, decided on Janu- ary 15, for permission to change the barn on the west side of Lin- coln Street near Shawsheen Road into a residence at its present location. Denied.
Petition of Lydia Shiebler, decided on January 15, for permis- sion to subdivide property owned by her on the easterly side of Maple Avenue, on which two houses are located. Granted.
Petition of Kate M. Salisbury, for permission to convert a dwelling owned by her containing nineteen rooms and five bath- rooms, located on southwesterly side of Bartlet Street, into an apartment house containing not more than five apartments. Denied. This decision appealed and upheld by State Authority.
Petition of Sebastiano Magnano, decided on March 5, for per- mission to build a machine shop in the rear yard of his property at 21 Corbett Street. Denied.
Petition of Ruth K. Wilkinson, decided on July 9, for permis- sion to increase the number of apartments in the house owned by her at 5-7 Locke Street from five to seven. Denied.
Petition of Tom Leone, decided on July 28, for permission to subdivide the property owned by him on the southwest corner of Walnut and Maple Avenues, there being three houses located on the property, numbered respectively 92-94 and 96 Maple Avenue and 7 Walnut Avenue. Granted.
116
Petition of Elsa T. Guild, decided on October 7, for permission to convert a two-family duplex residence owned by her at 35 Balmoral Street into a four-apartment house. Granted.
Petition of Steve P. Christie and Ethel E. Christie, decided on November 15, for permission to convert a two-family house owned by them at 13-15 High Street into a six-apartment house. Granted (for four-apartment house only).
Petition of Norman P. Charles and Esther D. Charles, decided on December 6, for permission to convert the house owned by them at 74 Salem Street into a four-apartment house. Denied.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES S. EASTHAM, Chairman ROY E. HARDY, Secretary EDWARD P. HALL
117
Report of Planning Board and Board of Survey
The following Public Hearings were held by the Planning Board during the year 1948:
January 30-Subdivision plan of eight lots, corner of Highland Road and Chestnut Street petitioned by Phillips Academy, approved.
July 23-Subdivision plan of six lots on North Main Street known as Castle Heights petitioned by Paul R. Goldman, ad- journed to July 30 and approved on latter date.
September 10-Subdivisions and opening for public use the following: Proposed way to be known as Marwood Road off Lowell Street near Shawsheen Village and petitioned by C. P. Woodworth, approved. Subdivision of land and proposed way to be known as West Knoll off South Main Street petitioned by Rose E. Bullock; approved. Subdivision of land and proposed way to be known as Shipman Road off Elm Street, east of Cheever Circle, petitioned by Fred E. Cheever, approved.
October 1-Subdivision of land and opening for public use a proposed way to be known as Westwind Road off Elm Street, petitioned by Mrs. Lilla A. Burton, approved.
October 15-Extension of parcel of land for subdivision and way as Westwind Road petitioned by Mrs. Lilla A. Burton, approved.
November 5-Subdivision of land and opening for public use a proposed way designated as a continuation of Virginia Road off High Plain Road petitioned by Carl Stevens, approved.
December 17-Changes or amendments to the Zoning By-Law particularly pertaining to an area bordering Morton Street near the junction of Morton and Chestnut Streets, approved.
Respectfully submitted,
SIDNEY P. WHITE, Chairman WALTER C. TOMLINSON, Secretary LEON A. FIELD FREDERICK E. CHEEVER KIRK R. BATCHELLER
EDWARD R. LAWSON, Clerk
118
Report of Recreation Committee
The Andover Recreational Committee submits its report for the year 1948.
PLAYGROUNDS
Attendance Records
Ballardvale
5,400
Central
8,670
Indian Ridge
3,300
Shawsheen
1,800
West Center
1,530
Total
20,700
The playground personnel consisted of Benjamin Dimlich, Supervisor; James P. Doherty, Assistant Supervisor and 2 male and 8 female instructors. The usual program was carried out and several special activities were conducted at each playground including doll shows, boxing, hat shows, etc. In addition, the sec- ond playground picnic since the war was held at Canobie Lake Park; an outing enjoyed by 225 of our young people.
The twilight baseball league, operating for the fourth season, produced some excellent baseball enjoyed both by the players and the many townspeople who came as spectators.
The Committee is again pleased to report on the success of a series of 19 dances held at the Andover Guild throughout the season. The average attendance at these dances was about 200 and they provided many enjoyable evenings of well supervised entertainment for our teen age group. Appreciation is hereby expressed to the Andover Guild for the use of the building and services in conducting these dances.
A start was made on replacing and repairing some of the worn playground equipment and some new apparatus was added. Several additional items of equipment are planned for 1949.
The Committee reports with regret that Mr. Benjamin Dimlich tendered his resignation as Playground Supervisor at the close of the season. Mr. Dimlich has been active in playground work for a
119
period of 10 years and has contributed greatly to the success of our playground activity.
SWIMMING-POMP'S AND HUSSEY'S PONDS
Swimming activities were carried on at Pomp's and Hussey's Ponds under the supervision of Donald D. Dunn assisted by 6 male life guards and one matron. The season extended over a period of 59 days and the overall attendance was over 30,000.
Two of the life guards were privileged to attend the National Aquatic School at South Hanson, Massachusetts and returned well equipped to perform their duties as life guards and as capable instructors for those who visited our beaches throughout the season.
There were three aquatic demonstrations given during the sea- son, well attended by our townspeople.
Life saving classes were held three times a week and swimming classes for beginners and intermediates twice weekly.
Many improvements were made at Pomp's Pond during the past year including a new flight of steps to the beach, additional life saving and safety equipment and telephone and electric services.
The Committee has fully realized the need for providing suit- able bathing facilities for our citizens and will continue to improve both the beach and the equipment as rapidly as possible.
SKATING
While the snow removal problem made the provision of a skating surface difficult during the 1947-48 season, lack of freezing weather was the real deterrent this past season.
An enlarged area has been prepared at the Central Playground, flood lights have been provided and it is felt that facilities at that location are much improved.
As a result of a request from residents in the Carter's Corner area, the Committee was able to obtain the use of some property in that section, which after some preparation provided a fair sized skating area.
At Ballardvale, as previously, a section of the playground was prepared for flooding when conditions permitted.
120
Again the residents in the Shawsheen area had the use of excellent skating facilities. Thanks to the fine generosity of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart School the residents of the town were permitted the use of their fine skating surface.
The Committee sincerely appreciates this fine expression of friendliness on the part of the school.
CONCLUSION
There is an expressed desire on the part of our citizens that our ยท recreational program be expanded. Improved skating areas, soft- ball fields, an adequate playground area and baseball diamond in Shawsheen are among the projects that the Committee has under consideration in order that suitable recreational areas be provided for the enjoyment of our youths and adults as well.
Within the limits of our appropriation the committee as in the past will endeavor to provide the best possible recreational pro- gram and facilities.
Respectfully submitted,
STAFFORD A. LINDSAY, Chairman FRANK L. CAVERLY, Secretary ALAN F. DUNLOP EDWARD J. LEFEBVRE GEORGE A. STANLEY, JR.
121
Water and Sewerage Investigation REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE
January, 1949
THE WATER SYSTEM
There were no extensions of large water mains during 1948. The 20-inch intake at the Pumping Station was completed, and in spite of certain difficulties experienced when first put into operation, this larger intake promises to permit the pumping of larger volumes of water at lower cost. There seem to be no large scale water improvements sufficiently urgent to warrant recom- mendations by your committee for the coming town warrant.
However, although the new pumping equipment at the High Pressure Pumping Station makes pumping into that system more convenient and more economical, this improvement alone is only a very small part of the work on the High Service System which must be undertaken in the not too far distant future. As set forth in our Report of 1945, both feed and distribution pipes in this system are much too small, and we shall soon need a larger high pressure reservoir, as well as more reservoir capacity for the low pressure system.
General studies of the possible leakage and loss of revenue in the Water System indicate that as a whole, the system is in rea- sonably good condition as compared to similar systems in towns of comparable size and water consumption. At a future date, the Town might well provide the system with master meters and install more separating valves in the distribution lines, but it is doubtful at present high prices if such expenditure is justified.
THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM
Although the Town spent considerable sums of money during 1948 on sewer extensions, none of this was devoted to extensions or improvements of the main distribution and collecting lines. In our 1945 Report, we spoke of the future need for main sewers to provide for Ballardvale and for Main Street beyond the general vicinity of Orchard Street. These extensions will be needed soon, particularly if the Ballardvale section continues to develop. It is
122
entirely feasible to construct a sewer to take care of all sewage in the center of this section, with the limit on Dascomb Road near Lovejoy Road, which would operate by gravity and discharge into the present 15-inch sewer near Red Spring Road and Central Street. The length of the main sewer would be about 8,560 feet, and the cost, without rights of way, would be in the vicinity of $75,000.
Your committee recommends that a definite plan be set up for assessing costs of new sewers on abutters.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD V. FRENCH SIDNEY P. WHITE JOSEPH A. MCCARTHY Committee
123
Andover Town Infirmary
December 31, 1948
Board of Selectmen, Andover, Mass.
GENTLEMEN :
The annual report of the Town Infirmary is given below :
During the year 14 persons have been housed at the Infirmary, many of whom have been here for a number of years. One, a young boy, was given temporary shelter until he was taken in charge by the State Welfare Board. One elderly woman stayed only one day and was then taken to Tewksbury. One man was removed to Miss O'Donnell's in Ballardvale for nursing care. Two persons left as they were able to take care of themselves. Three who were admitted during the year are still with us.
In September, Mrs. Beatrice Keating, who has worked here for a number of years, left to be married, and Mrs. Roland Weeks, who had been doing part of the work, took over the cooking, and nursing jobs. Although this isn't considered a nursing home in the strict sense of the word, we have one old man who needs constant care, and three others who need considerable help, although in general they can take care of themselves. This makes the work come on the matron and Mrs. Weeks, so we have had to hire more outside help. One of the women here does more than her share of the work and we are most grateful to her for her help.
In the past month the Selectmen have been here and were shown what repairs seemed necessary. The ice storms of last winter were very hard on the house and water seeped in, in several places, leaving bad streaks on the wall paper in the front of the house. Several of the floors need refinishing. It was suggested to the Selectmen that the barn connected with the Infirmary be sold to a veteran who might need it and could make it over into a house. This may be brought up at town meeting.
We wish to express out thanks to Mrs. F. L. Brigham, the No- vember Club, the Abbot Academy Christian Association and The King's Daughters, who remembered us so generously at Easter and Christmas.
124
Number of Inmates January 1, 1948 7
Number admitted during year 7
Number discharged during year
5
Number between 60 and 70 years of age
2
Number between 70 and 80 years of age
3
Number between 80 and 90 years of age 4
Number of inmates January 1, 1949
9
Respectfully submitted,
MARY C. EDMANDS, Matron
125
Fire Department
Andover, Mass., February 7, 1949
To the Board of Selectmen, Andover, Mass.
GENTLEMEN :
I have the honor to submit my eighth annual report as Chief of the Andover Fire Department.
During the year 1948 the department answered the following alarms: 70 bell; 163 still; total 233.
Assessed value of buildings where fires occurred was $885,775. Loss in buildings where fires occurred was $21,701.
Ambulance calls for the year totaled 551, of which 429 were answered by the Cadillac Ambulance, 16 by the Henney Am- bulance, 95 by the Ford car, 9 by the Chief's car, 1 by Deputy Cole's car and 1 by Lt. Spark's car.
Oil burners and tanks inspected 470.
Respectfully submitted,
C. EDWARD BUCHAN, Chief
126
Police Department
Board of Selectmen,
Andover, Massachusetts
GENTLEMEN :
I hereby submit my report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1948.
Miscellaneous Complaints received and investigated 390
Summons served for out of town police 79
Automobiles stolen in Andover 2
Automobiles recovered in Andover
12
Bicycles stolen in Andover
6
Bicycles recovered in Andover
9
Breaks in Camps and Dwellings
12
Doors in Busines District found open and secured
107
Lost children returned to parents
8
Runaway children returned to parents or institutions
7
Dogs killed by automobiles, taken care of
32
Dogs gassed by Police 17
Streets lights reported out to Lawrence Gas Company 350
Dogs lost and returned to owners 27
Number of persons bitten by dogs 22
22
Dead bodies cared for by Police
5
Suicides reported and investigated by police
3
Persons notified for out of town Police
27
Tramps put up for night in lock-up
3
Dwelling houses inspected while owners away
101
Articles found and returned to owners
15
Summons served on local complaints in Andover
17
Fires discovered by Police
2
Missing persons reported, located and returned 12
Highway condition reported to B.P.W. 3
Water leaks in streets reported to B.P.W. 8
Tree Department notified of limbs and trees down in streets 5
Persons taken to Danvers State Hospital 3
127
Board of Health and Animal Inspector notified on dog bites Cattle lost and returned to owners
3
Persons taken to hospital by Police in cruiser
3
Hens killed by dogs, investigated by Police 178
Burglar alarms set off and investigated by Police 11
Bell alarms of fire covered by Police 59
Autos ordered towed to garage
11
Arrests made for out of town Police
7
Breaks in business establishments
10
Attempted breaks found by Police
4
Boats missing from ponds
2
Animals killed by dogs
3
Booking cards sent to Registry of Motor Vehicles for Violation of Auto Laws 316
ARRESTS AND CHARGES
Operating under influence of liquor
13
Operating without a license
13
Operating to endanger
8
Speeding
32
Operating after revocation of license
2
Operating unregistered and uninsured auto
2
Operating after suspension of license
2
Leaving scene of accident
1
Unlawful use of automobile
1
Assault and Battery
4
Assault and Robbery
1
Assault with intent to murder
1
Neglect of Family
3
Non Support
2
Desertion of Minor Child
1
Larceny and Attempt
10
Larceny of Automobile
4
Breaking and Entering and Larceny
23
Concealing Leased Property
1
Selling Mortgaged Property
1
Vagrancy
3
Drunkenness
79
Delinquent Children
6
Default Warrant
5
Failure to pay wages
2
128
Committed to Danvers
Unnatural Act Violation of Probation Refusing to Stop for Officer Assault on Officer
3
1
1
2
1
DISPOSITION OF CASES
Convicted in District Court
145
On File
18
Released by Probation Officer
47
Turned over to Army Authorities
1
Dismissed
3
' Turned over to Out of Town Police
13
Default
1
228
Sentenced to H of C
16
Sentenced to State Prison
2
Sentenced to Bridgewater
4
Sentenced to Shirley
2
Fines Paid in District Court
$1905.00
Fine Paid in Superior Court
$20.00
New underground wires were installed at Chestnut and Main Streets to service the traffic lights. Eight (8) new safety signs were installed, and twenty-five (25) were repainted and reset.
Thirty (30) gallons of White Paint was used to mark off town streets and the metered area.
Parking conditions especially in the business sections have been greatly relieved since Meters were installed. The Meters have aided pedestrian traffic, as double parking has been eliminated on Main Street which was a hazard to both young and old.
I recommend that the Town retain the Parking Meters as they have aided in eliminating the dangerous traffic condition created by Angle, Overtime and Double Parking.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE A. DANE, Chief of Police
129
228*
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 1948.
1948
1947
1946
Diphtheria
0
0
1
Trichinosis
0
0
0
Encelphalitis O.F.
1
0
0
Dog Bite
30
33
39
Tuberculosis
7
6
4
Scarlet Fever
3
11
31
Chicken Pox
22
128
86
Whooping Cough
43
17
24
Measles
61
2
191
Mumps
12
4
6
Syphilis
2
1
5
German Measles
0
4
20
Lobar Pneumonia
0
3
2
Meningitis O.F.
1
0
0
Typhoid Fever
0
0
1
Anterior Poliomyelitis
1
2
0
Dysentery
0
1
0
183
212
410
DEATHS FROM CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
1948
1947
1946
Lobar Pneumonia
1
2
0
Tuberculosis
1
3
1
Bacillary Dysentery
0
1
0
2
6
1
In 1949 Andover will continue to hold free clinics. Among these will be the Toxoid Clinic for children entering school, the Baby Clinic and the Anti-Rabic Clinic for dogs.
Respectfully submitted,
LOTTA M. JOHNSON, R.N.
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