USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1946 > Part 8
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District
Make
Type Capacity
Age
West
Brockway
Pumper
250 g.p.m.
26 years
West
Chandler
Brush fire
25
"
Center
Brockway
Hose wagon
23
East Maxim
Pumper
500 g.p.m.
21
North
Maxim
Pumper
500 g.p.m.
15 "
South
Maxim
Pumper
250 g.p.m. 12
Center Maxim
Pumper
500 g.p.m. 11
"
It would seem from a study of the above information that the time is coming, if not already here, when some money must be spent on new equipment. Such expenditures have a direct bearing on the tax rate and especially so if they are large in any one year. It is certainly much easier to set aside a nominal sum of money each year than to have to appropriate large amounts in any one year. This brings about the suggestion that a sinking fund be established in this town for the sole purpose of purchasing new equipment at definite times and the Board of Engineers recommends that some such procedure be adopted.
The Board of Engineers at this time regrets having to record the resignation of Theodore W. Reed. During his term of office he has served faithfully and has been at all times conscientious in the discharge of his duties as a member of the Board.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. DIXON, EDWARD HOYT, THEODORE W. REED.
115
REPORT OF THE ADAMS LIBRARY LIBRARIAN
REPORT OF THE ADAMS LIBRARY LIBRARIAN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Circulation for 1946:
Fiction
12,191
Non-fiction
2,601
Magazines 587
15,379
Books sent to East Chelmsford 510
Books sent to West Chelmsford 726
New borrowers 103
New books 574
Books borrowed from the Div. of Public
Libraries, Boston
20
· Nine of the new books added during the year were gifts. They were given by Mrs. F. A. P. Fiske, Mrs. Thomas Dunn, Miss Hilda Grieve of Chelmsford, England, Rev. Charles W. Henry, Mrs. A. G. Scoboria, and the State of Massachusetts.
In October a deposit of books was made at the High School for the use of students. It is planned to make a deposit in the near fu- ture at the home of Mrs. Frederick Burne in West Chelmsford. Mrs. Burne has kindly offered her services as librarian. It is hoped that this will give better service to the residents of that section of the town.
You will notice that we have added 574 new books. All connected with the library wish that the number might have been greater but, at the present time, the cost of books is very high and there is also difficulty in obtaining books even when there is sufficient money to pay for them.
Respectfully submitted,
ETHEL M. WRIGHT, Librarian.
116
REPORT OF ADAMS LIBRARY TREASURER
REPORT OF ADAMS LIBRARY TREASURER
1946
Jan. 1 Balance in checking account (Union National Bank $ 52.54
Received from Library Fines 142.59
History of Chelmsford * 24.70
Damaged Books 4.50
George Cemetery Fund 10.20
Chelmsford Garden Club 10.00
Chelmsford Historical Society 4.00
Withdrawn from Lowell Institution for Savings (Int.)
260.00
Credit on Bank Charge adjustments .67
509.20
1946 Paid Town Treasurer: Library Fines $142.59
: History of Chelmsford 24.70
: Damaged books
4.50
" Chester A. Flavell, Cemetery Care
10.20
" Edward Carlson: Carry books, W. Chelmsford
20.00
Otis T. Brown: Carrying books, S. Chelmsford Postage
.20
" Remington Rand: catalogue cards 6.60
" Old Corner Book Store
26.11
H. R. Hunting Co .- Books 106.06
" E. B. Adams-Magazine account 4.00
H. D. Macdonald Coal Co. 142.50
Ethel M. Wright, Andover Conference 2.25
Bank Charges: Union National Bank 2.30
" Middlesex County National Bank (20 checks) 2.00
495.76
Dec. 31 Balance on hand: Thrift Account
Middlesex County National Bank
13.44
TOTALS .$509.20 $509.20
* NOTE-8 histories of Chelmsford sold @ 3.00 Post and exchange to England .70
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES W. HENRY, Treasurer
1.75
117
REPORT OF THE ADAMS LIBRARY TRUSTEES
REPORT OF THE ADAMS LIBRARY TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees of the Adams Library organized in March, 1946, with the following officers: Chairman, Mr. Edward B. Russell; Secretary, Miss Marjorie B. Scoboria; Treasurer, Rev. Charles W. Henry; Book and Magazine Committee, Mrs. Lewis Johnson, Mrs. Walter Martel, Mr. E. Wayne Jenkins; Committee to Approve Bills, Mr. Edward B. Russell, Rev. Charles Henry, Mr. E. Wayne Jenkins. Miss Ethel Wright was elected Librarian; Mrs. George Peterson, Assistant Librarian; Mrs. Andrew Peterson, As- sistant Librarian in charge of children's work. Ms. Lester Ball filled Mrs. Andrew Peterson's position when Mrs. Peterson resigned. Mrs. Walter Martel presented her resignation from the Board in Novem- ber when she went to make her home in California.
In January a new ceiling was put in the stack room. It is ex- pected that this will result in a saving of fuel, as it has eliminated the drafts around the Librarian's desk. The seats of the reading room chairs have been repaired. Future plans include a change in the heating plant, which is antiquated and inefficient.
In May, 1946, Mrs. Edward Norton completed nine months of children's work on Saturday afternoons. Between September, 1945, and May, 1946, thirty classes of story telling and craft work were held. The children enjoyed making favors and posters for all the holidays.
In September the High School was added to the list of schools receiving deposit of books from the Adams Library. Mr. Earl Watt kindly offered to carry the books free of charge.
During the year the Trustees sent Miss Wright as a representa- tive from Chelmsford to a regional meeting for the discussion of library problems. She also attended the Library Institute at Sim- mons College in July. These meetings proved to be very helpful · in keeping our library up to date.
In November the Board was notified that a bequest of $10,000- had been left to the Chelmsford Public Library by the late Thomas Proctor, the amount to be used as a memorial to him. A large portrait of Mr. Proctor, left to the Library at an earlier date, may be seen in the Historical Society room on the second floor of the Adams Library.
MARJORIE B. SCOBORIA,
Secretary.
118
NORTH CHELMSFORD LIBRARY CORPORATION
NORTH CHELMSFORD LIBRARY CORPORATION TREASURER'S REPORT
RECEIPTS
EXPENDITURES
Balance on hand Jan. 1,
Librarian's Salary $ 356.00
1946 $ 169.66 Assistant Librarian
96.27
Town Appropriation
1200.00 Janitor 70.00
Books
543.11
Magazines
29.75
Fuel
51.39
Electric Light 19.30
Binding Books
25.39
Chester Flavell (labor)
11.00
Derby Co. (clock repair) ...
9.80
Bank Service Charge
5.20
Miscellaneous
38.52
$1255.73
Balance on hand
113.93
1369.66
$1369.66
Respectfully submitted,
NELLIE L. SHAWCROSS, Treasurer.
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
To the Board of Selectmen
Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The Cemetery Commissioners wish to submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1946:
The Cemeteries, with the exception of one, have been kept up to their usual par. No attempts were made at large improvements in any one Cemetery, due to the high cost of materials and shortage of labor.
We wish to call the attention of lot owners to their Cemetery Deed which reads that "care of the lot is at their own expense".
Our thanks are extended to the lot owners for their interest and the superintendents for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
BAYARD C. DEAN WILLIAM BELLWOOD ARTHUR W. HOUSE Cemetery Commissioners
119
REPORT OF CHELMSFORD PLANNING BOARD
ANNUAL REPORT OF CHELMSFORD PLANNING BOARD
The Board has held monthly meetings during the past year. Several persons have appeared before the Board with preliminary plans of proposed land sub-divisions asking for information and sug- gestions relative to requirements for building lots and proposed new streets.
Two plans for land sub-divisions were accepted as all the prelim- inary requirements had been complied with by the owners. An- other sub-division which had been accepted in part, was given ap- proval of most of the remainder of the plan. Many requests and discussions of the application of the zoning and building laws were analyzed and interpreted by the Board.
Persons contemplating the purchase of homes or building lots have frequently interviewed the board members regarding the pro- tection of property value which they might expect from their zoning laws and the enforcement by the Building Inspector and the Board of Appeals.
Now that war is over there should be more building materials available for construction of homes and business places and the Board would be glad to hear suggestions and constructive criticism for the general welfare and growth of the town.
It is much easier to prevent detrimental conditions than to eliminate them after they appear.
The housing situation is one of the foremost questions in the nation today, and so let us see what opportunity there is for build- ing in the Town of Chelmsford in relation to our zoning law. A single residence can be built anywhere in the town, and two-family houses, also group houses consisting of not more than four attached family houses in the general residence districts. There are plenty of house lots available, but building material is hard to obtain, how- ever, this is not the real cause of the present housing situation in this country,-the cause is rather due to the excessive cost of even a small cottage, and the burden of the carrying charge over a long period of years is so great that relatively few can assume it, and so it would seem that until there is some radical reduction in this cost, the housing situation will remain acute as regards permanent homes.
The Board of Appeals has an important part in the application of the zoning law,-they have to do with variations and exceptions to this law, and thus make it more elastic. Some of the great func- tions of a zoning law are the added protection it gives to property values, and to conserving the public health, safety, convenience and welfare of the people. These functions are basic guides for all Boards of Appeal, what is best for the community as a whole, as contrasted with a variation to an individual which may be of great injury to a neighborhood. Zoning may be said to be an agreement by the citizens of a town, or city, to forego certain individual priv-
120
REPORT OF CHELMSFORD PLANNING BOARD
ileges for the good of the community as a whole. Boards of Ap- peal have little to do as regards the construction of local housing, the building of an apartment house comes before them, also the question of converting a large single residence into a two apartment one, but they are not concerned at all in regard to the building of single residences anywhere in the town, nor with multiple resi- dences up to four family attached houses in the general residence district.
Some emergency legislation as regards the housing situation was passed by the last legislature, and one change gives to local Boards of Appeal more authority as regards variations, but these variations are only for the duration of the present emergency, and part of the new law under Chapter 372 of the present year reads as follows :-
"Within six months after the termination of the present emer- gency all such buildings and structures which do not comply with the provisions of all such statutes, ordinances, by-laws and reg- ulations, shall be destroyed or removed, or remodelled in such a way as to comply with all such statutes, ordinances, by-laws and regulations, and any sub-division or use of land which does not so comply shall be unlawful and shall be discontinued."
It would seem well for a Board of Appeals to keep this sec- tion of the emergency law in mind when granting unusual variations, for either the town or individuals must meet the great expense to finally comply with the above requirement.
Respectfully submitted,
ARNOLD C. PERHAM, HOWARD D. SMITH,
Secretary. Chairman.
REPORT OF BUILDING INSPECTOR
47 Washington St., North Chelmsford, Mass. January 14, 1947.
Board of Selectmen. Chelmsford, Mass. Gentlemen:
I wish to submit the following report of the building depart- ment.
In the year 1946, 107 Permits were issued for New Buildings and General Repairs. 39 of these were for new homes.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR J. GAUTHIER, Building Inspector.
121
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I wish to submit the report of Sealer of Weights and Measures for 1946. In the performance of my duties I have sealed or condemned as follows:
6 Platform Scales over 10,000 lbs.
59 Platform Scales 5,000 to 10,000 lbs.
4 Counter Scales 100 lbs. or over
4 Counter Scales under 100 lbs.
6 Beam Scales 100 lbs. or over
1 Beam Scale under 100 lbs.
1 Spring Scale 100 lbs. or over
28 Spring Scales under 100 lbs.
1 Computing Scale 100 lbs. or over
21 Computing Scales under 100 lbs.
3 Personal Weighing Scales
2 Prescription Scales
73 Avoirdupois Weights
33 Apothecary Weights
27 Metric Weights
14 Liquid Measures-1 gal. or under
58 Gasoline Measuring Pumps
11 Oil Measuring Pumps
8 Grease Measuring Pumps
2 Yard Sticks
Money received from fees for same has been turned into the Town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted,
John B. EMERSON Sealer of Weights and Measures
REPORT OF THE MILK INSPECTOR
To the Board of Health.
The following is the Milk Inspector's report for the year ending December 31, 1946.
Twenty five vehicle licenses and thirty-five store licenses were granted for the sale of milk. Three pasteurizing licenses and sixteen oleomargarine licenses were granted.
Samples from all milk deliveries were collected several times during the year and were analyzed at the Howard Laboratories of Amherst, Mass.
Several samples of water were also collected and analyzed.
Milk Plants and Dairy Farms have also been inspected and found satisfactory.
Respectfully submitted,
Daniel E. HALEY, Milk Inspector.
122
REPORT OF SINKING FUND COMMISSIONERS
REPORT OF SINKING FUND COMMISSIONERS INSURANCE SINKING FUND
Book No.
78370 Central Savings Bank, Lowell, Mass. $ 4,512.89
99250 City Institution for Savings, Lowell,
Mass. 11,917.58
105588 Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank, Lowell,
Mass. 7,982.20
131298 Lowell Institution for Savings, Lowell, Mass. 3,136.74
16610 Merrimack River Savings Bank, Lowell, Mass.
3,727.05
63051 Merrimack River Savings Bank, Lowell, Mass. 4,527.58
Series F United States War Savings Bonds Serial Nos. V 190,707 F, V 190,708, M 818,905, M 840,093, M 840,094, M 840,095, M 840,096 Present redemption value
$ 35,804.04
Total
$ 47,114.04
$ 11,310.00
Respectfully submitted, JAMES F. LEAHEY, Chairman, FRITZ H. PEARSON, Secretary, WALTER PERHAM, Treasurer. Sinking Fund Commissioners.
REPORT OF CONSTABLE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
As Constable for the town of Chelmsford I wish to submit the following report:
Posting of warrants in the six precincts for town election and town meeting.
Posting of warrants in the six precincts for two special town meetings.
Posting of warrants in the six precincts for State election.
Posting of two warrants for the East Chelmsford Water Depart- ment.
Drawing and serving notices to twenty-seven jurors.
Respectfully submitted,
Lawrence W. CHUTE, Constable of Chelmsford.
123
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
Chelmsford, Mass., December 31, 1946.
Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen:
This department functions under the orders, rules and regula- tions of the Division of Livestock-Disease Control of the State Department of Agriculture.
A complete inspection of all neat cattle, sheep, goats and swine was ordered in mid-December, to be completed by February first. This inspection also calls for the status of each herd regarding State supervision for the eradication of tuberculosis, calfhood vac- cination, for Bangs disease and mastitus control program.
This year no cattle have reacted to the tuberculin test.
Twenty-four head of cattle were shipped into town from other states and Canada on permits issued by the state authorities. All were released by your inspector, after identification by the proper test charts and tags.
Twenty-eight dogs were quarantined for the usual two weeks observation period, after which they were released as no rabies de- veloped.
While Massachusetts is practically free from rabies at present, the disease is quite prevalent in some states to the westward. It is reported in New York state and moving eastward through infection of dogs and foxes.
Dog owners are urgently requested to kill no dog which has bitten a person until advice has been given by your inspector as to proper procedure.
All reports and requests for information have been reported to the State Department as required.
Respectfully submitted,
ARNOLD C. PERHAM, Inspector.
124
MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
REPORT OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE 1946
Food Production was of the utmost importance during 1946 and the main effort of the Extension Service was along this line. Through meetings, radio, farm and home visits, county bulletin, news re- leases and calls in person and by telephone at the office, assistance was given to as many people as possible.
Fruit growers this year were interested especially in knowing more about frost damage and its preservation and the latest ma- terials to use in spraying to overcome insects and diseases. Be- cause of the wet season, there was a severe infestation of scab and growers required all the assistance possible to produce a good qual- ity crop. Twilight meetings of interest to local growers were held in various parts of the county. Information was sent out to local papers and through town libraries as well as over the radio to help all those interested in home gardens.
Three projects were emphasized to assist those interested in poultry-namely, Better Use of Ranges; Brooding and Rearing; Disease Control and Sanitation.
Of interest to dairymen, the Selective Breeding Association and the Herd Improvement Association were developed and expanded during the year.
Because of the many food shortages experienced during the year, homemakers were given assistance to help them in problems in feeding their families the right foods essential to health despite the shortages. Demonstrations and illustrated talks were given on: When Meat is Scarce; Sugar-Saving Desserts; Use of Available Foods; Oil-Sparing Salad Dressings. Homemakers were interested in clothing renovation and Short Cuts and Speed Tricks in clothing construction. Food preservation was the main project followed dur- ing the summer to assist homemakers in the best procedure to in- sure satisfaction in home canning and preparation of foods for freezing.
There were three 4-H clubs, two clothing clubs led by Mary Mul- cahy and a clothing-knitting club led by Mrs. Richard Monahan. Mary Mulcahy was a junior counselor at 4-H Camp and attended the Service Club Institute in Amherst. Estelle Gervais was secretary of the Lowell 4-H Service Club and did some splendid work as an individual clothing club member. Pearl Koulas was an active mem- ber of the Advisory Board of the Service Club.
Respectfully submitted,
PERLEY W. KIMBALL.
125
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen:
The Highway Department has endeavored to treat and maintain our roads and hold the foundation in the best possible condition, requiring a constant maintenance program with treatments of Bituminous Materials. Surface drainage was placed in various locations and gravel roads maintained.
The streets treated this year were as follows:
Name
Lin Ft. Name
Lin. Ft.
Amherst St.
491 Main St.
1,500
Ash St.
250 Marshall St. 1,500
Aspen St.
764 Mill Road 3,250
Beaulieu St.
450
Mt. Pleasant St.
500
Broulette St.
430
Oak-Knoll St.
400
Carlisle St.
3,100
Parkhurst Rd.
1,000
Cemetery Rd.
200
Park Road
700
Clancy St.
580
Proctor Rd.
4,200
Clinton Ave.
.1,000
Putnam Ave.
435
Coolidge St.
650
Putnam Ave. East
750
Crosby Lane
580
Quigley Ave. 761
Dalton Road
1,500
Robin Hill Rd.
4,000
Delwood Terrace
840
School St.
2,500
Dunstan St.
650
Smith Ave.
.3,750
Edson St.
481
Stedman St.
.4,150
First St.
1,400
Stearns St.
645
Fletcher St.
1,500
Turnpike Rd.
4,420
Grandview St.
2,280
Third St.
800
Hall Road'
400
Tobin St.
395
Harding St.
800
Tuttle St. 950
Harvard St.
480
Varney Ave. 300
High St.
7,300
Westford St. 4,900
Ideal St.
500
Wightman St.
440
Jorden St.
800 Worthen St.
3,870
Linwood Ave.
450 Westland Ave. 1,250
Locke Rd.
5,016 York Ave. 495
NEW STREETS ACCEPTED:
Varney Ave., Ash St., Elliott .St., Ext. of Linwood Ave., Ext. of Woodlawn Ave. These streets were graded, graveled and treated.
STREETS GRAVELED:
Parker Rd., Pine Hill Road, Park Road, Tobin Ave.
126
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
CHAPTER 90 MAINTENANCE:
Boston Road 3550
Concord Road 8120
Old Westford Rd. 8800
CHAPTER 90 CONSTRUCTION:
Work was started on the elimination of the curve known as Dead- man's Curve on Boston Road. Excavation was completed and the base course of stone placed and penetrated and sealed. The roadway at this point was widened from 20 ft. road to 45 ft.
DRAINAGE AND CULVERTS:
Graniteville Road-Old stone cross culvert replaced with 56 ft., 24 in. CCM pipe.
Westford Street-24 ft., 12 in. CCM. 9 ft., 12 in. CCS. 2 Catch Basins.
Ideal Street-(Connect to present drainage at Dalton Road west of Woodlawn Ave.) 300 ft., 10 in. CCS. 2 Catch Basins.
Park Road-Replace stone culvert with 36 ft., 12 in CCM.
Perham Street-18 ft., 10 in., CCS pipe. Extend outlet to brook.
Boston Road-40 ft., 12 in. CCS. 2 Catch Basins.
All catch basins were cleaned spring and fall to insure proper drainage.
Cutting brush was done throughout town on curves and dangerous intersections as well as straightaways. As many roads as possible brush was cut back to property lines.
Mill Road was widened. Turnpike to Billerica Road.
SIDEWALKS:
A continuation of the sidewalk program started last year was carried out with sidewalks of bituminous concrete being constructed at the various locations, approved and selected by the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Main Street-Westford town line north 375 ft.
Middlesex Street-Left side Lowell City line to Highlaind Ave. Church Street-Right side Princeton Street to Middlesex Street. North Road-Right side Town Hall to Crosby Lane .
MISCELLANEOUS:
Groton Road and Main Street intersection was widened to allow Eastern Mass. Buses to turn at this point thus allowing extension of bus service to this junction.
127
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Traffic survey was made in conjunction with Police Department and signs governing conditions such as "Slow," "Dangerous Inter- section," "Thickly Settled," "Stop" etc. were erected throughout the town.
May I at this time extend to the Honorable Board of Selectmen, the members of the other departments my sincere thanks and appreci- ation for their co-operation during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
TIMOTHY F. O'SULLIVAN, Supt. of Streets.
REPORT OF THE FOREST WARDEN
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of Chelmsford.
Greetings :-
During 1946, 152 calls for fire were answered by the Forest Warden and 40 other fires were extinguished by various units of the Fire Department, making a total of nearly 200 fires altogether, which amounts to more than the usual average.
On account of a certain few mercenary minded persons in the town, it was necessary to maintain night patrols for one week in the Spring and again in the Fall. In spite of this added expense of the department about $25 was returned to the Town.
As in previous years excellent cooperation was given by the Police and Fire Departments.
This being my last report as Forest Warden I wish to thank those persons and Officials for services rendered at critical times. Last year and every previous year disastrous fires have been averted by the narrowest of margins in many instances.
I am retiring as Forest Warden with considerable satisfaction in knowing that during my eleven years connection with the De- partment no major fire has occurred.
Respectfully yours,
H. M. STURTEVANT, Forest Warden.
128
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH AGENT
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH AGENT
Mr. Brendan M. Borrows, Chairman, -
Board of Health.
" .: Following is a list of diagnosed contagious diseases as re- ported by the doctors and recorded for the year 1946.
Chickenpox 7
Pneumonia, lobar
2
Mumps
Dogbite 15
16
Scarlet. Fever
1
13
Whooping Cough Diphtheria 1 Paratyphoid 1
Cooperation of both the doctors and townspeople is asked for in order that all contagious diseases may be reported promptly.
I met with the Chelmsford Tuberculosis Committee and plans were discussed for Tuberculosis prevention and health education.
Number X-rayed at Waltham 28
Number transported to Waltham 15
In March a Diphtheria clinic was held.
Number of school children immunized 76
Number pre-school children immunized 14
In December of this year booster doses of serum were given to many of the school children and another diphtheria immunization clinic was held at the same time. (Final statistics are not in as this report goes to press.)
The Board of Health has worked hard to build up this diph- theria immunity program and it is hoped that people will continue to take advantage of these clinics in order to prevent a serious out- break of diphtheria.
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