USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1950 > Part 12
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Another reason for the increase was the induction into the armed forces of a number of W. W. II veterans who belonged to the reserve. The Federal Government grants a fairly liberal allotment to the de- pendents of such veterans but due to red tape did not start to pay the allotments until about three months after the men were inducted. In cases of need this department was obligated to aid the dependents. We had four of them and expect more during 1951.
Respectfully submitted,
GORDON P. DeWOLF,
Veterans' Agent
165
REPORT OF THE CHELMSFORD LIBRARY TRUSTEES
REPORT OF THE CHELMSFORD LIBRARY TRUSTEES
To the Board of Selectmen:
During the year 1950 the Chelmsford Library Trustees held thir- leen meetings. In March, the following officers and staff were elected:
Chairman Mr. E. Wayne Jenkins
Secretary Miss Marjorie B. Scoboria
Treasurer Mr. Eustace B. Fiske
Purchasing Committee (Chm.) Mr. Howard Smith Miss Ethel Booth
Miss Bertha Whitworth
Mrs. Lester Ball
Mrs. Fred Laton
Librarians
Adams Library Mrs. Lester Ball
Anna C. MacKay Memorial Library Miss Bertha Whitworth
Assistants
Adams Library Mrs. Fred Laton
Mrs. William Pickles
Anna C. Mackay Memorial Library Miss Anne Ballinger
Janitors
Adams Library Mr. Richard Hoyle
Anna C. Mackay Memorial Library Mr. Thomas Roach
.The Adams Library needed certain repairs, which were completed during the year. These were electrical work, repairs to the roof, re- pairing the plumbing and replacing the old piping, installing drains at the corners of the building, painting the trim on the outside of the building, and waterproofing the bricks. The painting, with the new lawn, made necessary by extremely dry weather, make a big improve- ment in the looks of the property.
At the Anna C. Mackay Memorial Library the work of cataloguing the books was continued. Pictures of Mr. Stewart Mackay and Miss Anna C. MacKay, gifts of Mr. and Mrs. John Greigg of Medford Hill- sides, were hung in the reading room. Plastic book covers are being used on some of the books.
During April, May, and June, Miss Janice Poland acted as assistant to the Librarian at the Adams Library.
166
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Exhibits in the Adams Library included Old Lamps, exhibited by the Chelmsford Historical Society from their collection and the col- lections of some of the members; American Indian Exhibit, by the members of Grade 3B of the McFarlin School, under the direction of Miss Florence Kelley; The Art of Book Illustration, by Miss Nora Un- win, artist, from Peterboro, New Hampshire; Exhibit of Inexpensive Books, by Mrs. Sam Pillsbury, Dracut; Articles from the South Pacific, by Mr. James Johnston; Boy Scout Exhibit, by Mr. George Linton; Indian Relics, by Mr. Fred Burtt, Lowell; Dolls, by Miss Cynthia At- wood; Christmas Exhibit, by the East Chelmsford School, arranged by Mrs. Jessie Brown and Mrs. Kathleen Coles.
One project for 1951 will be some much needed painting inside the Adams Library.
Respectfully submitted,
MARJORIE B. SCOBORIA,
Secretary.
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Chelmsford, Mass. . January 20, 1951
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen: .
I wish to submit the report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures for 1950. In the performance of my duties I have sealed or condemned as follows:
33 Scales over 100 lbs.
37 Scales under 100 lbs.
51 Gasoline Meters
12 Kerosene & Grease Meters.
2 Gasoline Pumps.
Money received from fees for same has been turned over to the Town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN P. QUINN,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
167
REPORT OF THE FIRE ENGINEERS
REPORT OF BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS
January 8, 1951
Board of Selectmen,
Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen:
We submit herewith our annual report for 1950.
The year saw many accomplishments and long strides being taken towards the eventual establishment of a closely co-ordinated depart- ment under a central head and with fire alarm systems being developed with the aim of tieing all together in the near future.
During the year we completed repairs to the Center and North fire alarm systems and, because of the national emergency, put all remaining money into new wire in order to have supplies to carry on this work while the emergency exists. The near-hurricane ate into our funds considerably, for both the Center and North systems were quite badly damaged by the wind and falling tree limbs. We also completed renovation of the Center fire alarm whistle which now is working as it was originally intended to.
We also made many repairs to the buildings-repaired and re- painted the West house, put a new floor in the Center house when termites riddled the old foundation, and made other general repairs.
The year also saw the town authorize a new fire truck for North, which was delivered on Jan. 6, 1951, and now is in service. This filled a long-felt want and gives us one heavy duty engine of modern manu- facture.
With the co-operation of the townspeople, we plan many more developments this year of 1951, including a new fire station for the Center, the appointment of a full-time chief and the tieing in of two- thirds of the fire alarm systems, leaving the remaining third for the following year. We also plan to complete repairs and repaint the South fire station.
There may be questions raised as to the necessity for spending money on the outlying stations, but we believe that they are even more
168
REPORT OF THE DOG OFFICER
important today, in view of the national emergency, than ever before and we plan to maintain them to the best that our funds will permit.
In closing, we wish to thank the Board of Selectmen and the towns- people as well for the whole-hearted co-operation given, and to hope that this will continue in the future for the good of the town.
The Board of Fire Engineers also wishes to be placed on record this year as being in whole-hearted co-operation with the Civil De- fense authorities and pledges its entire facilities in support of any movement which the Civil Defense committee may find necssary.
Very truly yours, BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS
ALLAN KIDDER
WILLIAM L. COLMER
SAMUEL A. PARKS
GILBERT H. PERHAM
CHARLES D. HARRINGTON
REPORT OF THE DOG OFFICER
January 2, 1951
To the honorable Board of Selectmen:
The following is a report of my services as Dog Officer for the year 1950:
Dogs picked up 53
Dogs disposed of 52
Dogs called for by owners 1
In addition to the above, I disposed of 47 dead dogs and 79 dead cats picked up on the streets.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES G. FULLER, Dog Officer.
169
REPORT OF MILK INSPECTOR
REPORT OF MILK INSPECTOR
January 10, 1951
To the Honorable Board of Health:
Gentlemen:
The following report is submitted for the Milk Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1950.
Store Licenses 41
Vehicle Licenses 31
Pasteurization Licenses 3
Oleomargarine Licenses
40
Total Licenses Granted 115
Samples from all dealers were collected several times during the year and were analyzed at the Howard Laboratories at Amherst, Mass., and all were above the legal standard. Several samples of water were also collected and analyzed.
Milk and pasteurization plants were inspected several times during the year and found satisfactory.
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL E. HALEY, Milk Inspector.
170
REPORT OF SLAUGHTERING INSPECTOR
REPORT OF THE SLAUGHTERING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Health
Gentlemen:
The following report is submitted for the Inspector of Slaughtering for the year ending December 31, 1950.
NUMBER INSPECTED
Cattle
35
Calves
20
Hogs
387
Sheep
16
Goats
6
Total Inspected
464
NUMBER CONFISCATED
Hogs ...... ...... 10
Total Confiscated 10
Respectfully submitted,
PATRICK H. HALEY,
Inspector of Slaughtering.
REPORT OF THE ASSISTANT SLAUGHTERING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Health Gentlemen:
The following is a report submitted for the Assistant Slaughtering Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1950:
NUMBER INSPECTED
Horses
751
NUMBER CONFISCATED
Horses
None
Respectfully submitted (Signed) SPENCER W. CHAMBERLIN, Assistant Slaughtering Inspector
171
REPORT OF PLUMBING INSPECTOR
REPORT OF PLUMBING INSPECTOR
Board of Health
Town Hall
Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen:
Following is a report of the plumbing work done for the year ending December 31, 1950.
Number of applications submitted for "Permits to do Plumbing".
Old Houses 59
New Houses
153
212
Tests
181
Inspections
212
393
Following is a list of various plumbing fixtures installed.
Water Closets
205
Lavatories
2017
Bath Tubs
161
Sinks
135
Comb. Sink & Tray
16
Double Sinks 22
2
Showers
18
Wash Trays
46
Clothes Washers
12
Dish Washers
7
Disposals
4
Drinking Fountains 3
Tankless Heaters 3
4
Traps
3
Rainleader
1
Total 849
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE E. GAGNON, Inspector of Plumbing.
Bar Sinks
Urinals
172
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH AGENT
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH AGENT
Mr. Edmund J. Welch, Chairman
Board of Health
Dear Sir:
Following is a list of diagnosed contagious diseases reported to the Board of Health for the year ending 1950.
Chicken Pox
3
Pneumonia, Lobar
1
Dog-Bite 14
Scarlet Fever
2
Whooping Cough
7
Mumps
2
Tuberculosis, Pulmonary
1
Measles
2
Diphtheria 1
Cooperation of both doctors and townspeople is requested in order that all contagious diseases may be reported promptly. Kindly notify the Board of Health of all cases of communicable disease, as soon as possible.
Due to the increase in the amount of work to be done by this department, it was decided that I should be in the office from 9-12 and 1-3 p.m. every day Monday through Friday.
During these office hours regular routine office business is transacted. This business includes the following duties:
Keep files on the following-Town Accountant's report to the Board of Health; Bills Paid; Miscellaneous Communications; Com- munications, Board Health;
Clinic information; Complaints; Death Certificates; Dog-Bite Information, including Vaccine Treat- ment Reports; Dumps; Food Handlers Communications; Garbage Reports and information; Homes for the Aged; Howard Laboratory Reports; Infant's Boarding Homes and Registration; Information
173
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH AGENT
regarding Hospitals and Convalescent Homes; Letters to the State Departments; Milk Reports; Miscellaneous Contagious Diseases; Nuisance Reports; Nursing Reports; Overnight Cabins; Records of Plumbing Applications and Permits; Old Board of Health Reports for References; Waltham Appointments-for T. B. Patients; Public Building Inspection; Vouchers for Bills and Weekly and Semi-Weekly Payroll Vouchers; Pasteurization of Milk Reports; Permits and Li- censes of all kinds; Data-Premature Babies; Publicity; Restaurant; Sanitation; Septic Tanks; Family Settlement Information; Sewerage Problems; Slaughtering Reports; T. B. Reports; Subsidy for T. B. Cases; Well Reports-Water Samples; Burial Reports, including affadavits for transfer of corpse, etc.
We had a Restaurant Sanitation Course given by Mr. Visnieski, state sanitarian. This was given at the Center Town Hall October 16, 17, and 18. Certificates were awarded to the establishments having good attendance, and also to those attending.
Beginning November 27, 1950, a mass X-Ray project was started, with the result that 3,822 were X-Rayed.
The Board of Health made it mandatory that all Foodhandlers in Eating Establishments be X-Rayed as of January 1, 1951.
No. Visits to T. B. patients and Contacts 102
No. Visits to Crippled Children 25
I am in hopes that we may be able to secure a refrigerator for the Board of Health, for bacteriologicals-a service to the local doctors, as well as the townspeople.
I am in hopes that people having health problems will feel free to bring them to me, as in the past.
I am very grateful for the untiring efforts and kind assistance given me by the Board of Health.
Respectfully submitted,
CHRISTINA S. PARK, R. N., Agent
174
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of the Town of Chelmsford:
The Board of Health organized for the year with Edmund J. Welch as Chairman, Dr. Charles C. Farrington as Secretary, and Oliver A. Reeves as the third Member.
The following appointments were made:
Mrs. Christina S. Park, R. N., Agent
Daniel E. Haley, Inspector of Milk.
George E. Gagnon, Inspector of Plumbing. Patrick H. Haley, Meat Inspector.
Spencer W. Chamberlin, Ass't Meat Inspector.
Dr. Raymond A. Horan, Physician to the Board.
Dr. Benjamin A. Blechman, Physician to the Board.
Due to an injury, suffered by our Agent, Mrs. Park, the Board appointed Mrs. Helen Jewett to fill this vacancy. Upon the return of Mrs. Park to her position, Mrs. Jewett was given a permanent appointment of Agent number two, but would be at the schools. Mrs. Park was designated to be at the Board of Health office in the Town Hall.
During the year much time and study has been given to the thought of Sewage in this town. An engineering firm was contacted and after much planning, the authority was asked at a Special Town Meeting for final approval of government advances, to cover the cost of the survey. This was turned down, but will reappear in the war- rant for the regular Town Meeting. It is recommended that the town take advantage of this advance from the Government.
Beaver Brook, long a source of much discussion, was cleaned out and improved. A better flow of water was created, eliminating much stench from the center of the town.
A highly successful Tuberculosis Clinic was held this year. Two units from the State were here for two weeks and those desiring x-rays, had them taken. Much credit is due to our local T. B. Com- mittee and Middlesex Health Association, for their splendid co-oper- ation in planning this survey. Many local individuals spent much time and effort, to make this clinic a complete success. Our many thanks go to them.
175
REPORT OF HONOR ROLL COMMITTEE
This Board called for bids relative to Garbage Collection for three years. After considerable thought, the contract was awarded to the McKennedy Bros. of Riverneck Rd., who has had much experience with Garbage Collection in other areas. Due to the increased costs of labor, maintenance and equipment, the Bid is in excess of the past few years.
This year we are asking money for a refrigerator, to be kept at our office so we can keep Biologicals for the doctors of the town. These Biologicals are furnished by the State, for use in combatting diseases of various types.
During the year, many inspections were made throughout the town, and routine visits were made to local stores and restaurants. Conditions, in most cases were found to be satisfactory.
We wish to thank at this time the other town officials and our appointees, for their cooperation in the past year.
Respectfully submitted
EDMUND J. WELCH, Chairman, OLIVER A. REEVES DR. CHARLES C. FARRINGTON
REPORT OF THE HONOR ROLL COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
We wish to make our annual report of the activities of the coul- mittee during the past year.
The Honor Roll was repainted and a bed of flowers was planted ; all of which was completed before Memorial Day. The grounds were kept in good condition throughout the year.
Names which were inadvertently omitted previously were added.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT C. SPAULDING CLARENCE H. DANE HAROLD A. LINSTAD GEORGE A. PARKHURST J. IRA SPAULDING
176
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
1
The planning board has held twenty meetings during the past year. Four meetings were with the board of Selectmen, one with the board of Health, one jointly with the Selectmen and Water Com- missioners of both the Centre and North, plus four public hearings held on land subdivision applications.
The board recommended and the town adopted a change in the zoning by-laws to allow detached garages to be built in the side yards of dwellings.
New subdivision regulations have been adopted under Sec. 81-L of Chapter 41 of the General Laws as follows, "The word subdivision means the division of a lot, tract or parcel of land into two or more lots, sites or other divisions of land for the purpose of sale or build- ing development in such a manner as to require provision for a way, public or private, to furnish access to one or more of such lots and shall include re-subdivisions. No person shall make a subdivision of any lot, tract or parcel of land within the town or proceed with the platting, improvement or sale of lots in a subdivision without first submitting to the Planning Board for approval. a record plat of such subdivision."
Copies of the subdivision regulations may be obtained from the board by persons considering sub-dividing land.
Inquiries have been received concerning more business areas in several precincts. As a result the board has already advertised a public hearing relative to possible extension of the Vinal Square dis- trict, and if it appears to be in the town's interest, to develop new business areas, we are willing to advertise for hearings in other sec- tions of the town.
After many months of consideration a committee consisting of members of the Appeal Board and the Planning Board have compiled an entirely new set of building laws which the town has voted to ac- cept in place of the old building laws. The Attorney General has approved the same and they now have become law. Copies may be obtained from the Board.
177
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS
It is with regret that we announce the resignation of the Chair- man of the Board, Mr. Howard D. Smith, who has served as a member since the board was first organized in 1937. He also served as Chair- man of a large citizens committee that investigated for two years and recommended that the town have a Planning Board. This public and civic minded citizen, whose unselfish service and wise counsel can never be replaced, will be greatly missed by the townspeople.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN L. DUSSEAULT, ARNOLD C. PERHAM,
Chairman.
Secretary.
1
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen:
The Board of Appeals acted on twenty three appeals in the year 1950.
Fifteen variations were granted, five denied, two withdrawn and one defaulted.
Respectfully submitted,
CLIFFORD M. BABSON JR.
EDWARD N. WHELAN
FREDERICK BURNE CLIFFORD HARTLEY WILLIAM MOCHRIE EVERETT T. REED
Board of Appeals.
178
REPORT OF THE VARNEY PLAYGROUND COMMISSION
REPORT OF THE VARNEY PLAYGROUND COMMISSION
To the Honorable Board of Selectman and the Citizens of the Town of Chelmsford:
The Varney Playground Commission submits its annual report as follows:
The operating and maintenance expense of the Varney Play- ground and Edwards Memorial Beach has been held to the lowest possible figure consistent with providing reasonable facilities.
The installation by the Town highway department of additional curbing to overcome the damage done by highway wash has brought this condition to a near solution. The granting of an amount of money similar to that granted in the last few years should see this project nearly completed.
The settlement of the foundations of the beautiful granite arch and stairs has caused some damage, and if protective repairs are not soon made will result in the complete disintegration of the arch itself and the possible injury to the public. The sooner these repairs can be made, the lower the cost will be.
The selectmen brought to our attention the availability of money from the Emma Gay Varney Playground fund. After careful consid- eration the commission, together with the selectmen, have taken bids and awarded a contract to surface one of the tennis courts at the Varney Playground with bituminous concrete, thus restoring the court to a usable condition which will require a minimum of upkeep cost. If the public demand for the use of this court warrants, consideration will be made of securing other funds with which to surface or build other courts. The assistance of the players and the public is asked to help prevent wanton destruction of tapes, nets, etc. It is destruc- tion of this type that has made it impossible to provide tennis facil- ities in the past years.
The baseball diamond and beach facilities have had their usual busy season and it is estimated that some ten or fifteen thousand people have made use of the properties in the course of the season. It is only because of the most capable attendant that the bath house, beach, and the adjacent area has been so well managed and main- tained.
179
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
The commission would like to be able to make a start this year to provide some playground equipment for the use of small children. This equipment, slides, swings, teeters, etc., could be installed in the vicinity of the beach. Cooperation of individuals or organizations in this or any other project will be welcomed by the commission.
Once more the commission would like to bring out the fact that these properties are used by more people than any other recreation facility in town. The increasing costs of operation and upkeep can be materially reduced if the public will assist the attendant by making use of the refuse receptacles, and help prevent deliberate destruction caused by poorly disciplined children and adults.
Respectfully submitted,
CLIFFORD HARTLEY, Chairman JOHN W. DIXON LESTER H. ADAMS Varney Playground Commission.
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONER
To the Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen:
The Park Commissioners submit their report as follows:
The care of the parks this year was divided up with Archie Vondal having the North and West precincts and Harold Eriksen and William Johnson having the South, Westlands and Center precincts.
We have carried on the care and upkeep of the public parks much the same as in past years. The money appropriated for our depart- ment has been wholly used for that purpose.
At this time we wish to thank the townspeople and police for their help and cooperation with us in carrying on the work which was placed in our hands by vote of the town and hope that the work has been carried on according to their wishes.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD ERIKSEN, Chairman WILLIAM JOHNSON ARCHIE VONDAL
180
REPORT OF ADAMS LIBRARY LIBRARIAN
REPORT OF THE ADAMS LIBRARY LIBRARIAN
To the Board of Selectmen:
The work at the Adams Library has been carried on as usual with only minor changes in an effort to improve the service.
Of the new books added during 1950, 24 were donated. The donors were Mr. and Mrs. Josiah E. Marshall, Mrs. Edward Tebeau, Mr. Henry Quinn, Mr. Lester W. Ball, Mrs. Fred D. Laton, Miss B. A. Parkhurst and Mr. Earl J. Watt who has given magazines also. The United States Government, the Chrysler Corporation and the Indiana Histo- rical Society have each contributed a book.
Book week in November was observed by a display of new books for young people and children.
The local newspapers, The Lowell Sun and the Chelmsford News- weekly have given fine cooperation in publishing the lists of new books which have been bought at intervals during the past year.
The service to other sections of the town is in operation as it was last year. The McFarlin School has made more use of the Adams Library than formerly, which seems a step in the right direction.
The public has shown much interest in the monthly exhibits which have been exceptionally good.
There has been an increase in circulation over 1949, in spite of many counter attractions. The statistics for 1950 follow:
Fiction
15,412
Non-Fiction 4,128
Magazines 1,882
Total 21,422
New Books
668
New Borrowers
210
In closing, I thank the Trustees and all others who have co- operated with us during 1950.
Respectfully submitted,
ADELAIDE W. BALL, Librarian.
January 1951
181
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Chelmsford, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
The Cemetery Commission wish to submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1950.
The general condition of the cemeteries was very good although we have had two very dry spells the last two years.
We had to curtail our work in the cemeteries due to lack of funds as we were cut in our appropriation about six hundred dollars ($600.)
There were forty-three (43) burials in the six cemeteries of the town as follows:
Pine Ridge 17
3
Forefathers
Hart Pond 4
9
Riverside
6
Fairview
West Chelmsford
4
43
Lots sold 6, Amount sale of lots
245.00
Income Perpetual Care Funds
709.00
Amount Care of lots 1,215.31
There will be several articles inserted in the warrant for the annual Town Meeting to be voted on by the towns people.
Respectfully submitted,
ARNE R. OLSEN, FRANK H. HARDY, ARTHUR W. HOUSE,
Cemetery Commissioners
1
182
REPORT OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
REPORT OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
Much of the organized programs conducted by the Middlesex County Extension Service are planned on a county basis, with these programs available to every town in the County. Organized projects such as mastitis or Green Pastures for dairymen, flock health for the poultrymen, clothing and food for the homemakers or the various 4-H Club programs for boys and girls, are brought to the individual farmers or homemakers in a general way through the County Bulletin, radio, newspaper publicity, meetings or through corres- pondence and farnı and home visits. In addition to this general work of the Extension Service, work in each town is developed under the guidance of the town director and the local groups interested in agriculture, homemaking and Boys' and Girls' 4-H Club work.
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