USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1953 > Part 9
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The list of various plumbing fixtures installed is as follows:
Water Closets
206
Lavatories
203
Bathtubs
160
Showers
14
Kitchen Sinks
104
Combination Sink Tray
22
Double Sinks
35
Sinks (other)
6
Laundry Trays
35
Clothes Washers
33
Dish Washers
10
Disposals
6
Hot Water Heaters
52
Urinals
3
Drinking Fountains
3
Soda Fountains
1
Dental Chairs
3
Cooling Tables
2
Outlets
10
Traps (Grease etc.)
3
Total
....... 911
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE E. GAGNON,
Plumbing Inspector.
131
REPORT OF THE ANIMAL INSPECTOR
REPORT OF ANIMAL INSPECTOR
Board of Selectmen :-
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report of Animals from March 30 to De- cember 31, 1953.
The annual inspection of all dairy cattle, sheep, swine, goats and horses has been completed and the list totals 533 cows, 157 heifers over one year. 185 heifers under one year, 19 steers, 33 bulls, 27 sheep, 19 goats, 495 swine and 69 horses in 91 stables.
The outbreak of Viscular Exanthema has been brought under control. A new law requiring a permit and the cooking of all garbage at 212ºF for thirty minutes goes into effect January 1, 1954. A copy of this new law has been posted in the Town Hall by your inspector.
Three cattle were shipped in from other states accompanied by the proper health certificates and all were released on identification.
Forty-four dog bite cases were reported and investigated: forty- two were quarantined and later released as no rabies developed. The others were not quarantined.
I wish at this time to express my appreciation to the physicians, police and health officials for their fine cooperation in reporting the dog bite cases over the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY F. PARKHURST, Animal Inspector.
REPORT OF THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT
Board of Selectmen
Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I wish to submit the following report of the Building Department.
In the year 1953, 306 Permits were issued for new buildings and general repairs.
New Dwellings-188 Estimated Value $ 1.465,933 Alterations-118 Estimated Value $ 84,032
Business Establishments-7 Estimated Value $ 135,700
Estimated Total Value
3 8 . $ 1,685,665 Respectfully submitted.
RALPH R. COLE,
Building Inspector.
132 REPORT OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
REPORT OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
The Middlesex County Extension Service is a publicly supported, educational institution to serve all the towns of the county in agri- culture and home economics. In agriculture the work is developed county-wide under the direction of county councils made up of lead- ing farmers in each of the main commodities as vegetables, fruit, poultry, dairying, livestock, and commercial flowers. A County Bulletin is mailed monthly to all cooperating farmers and timely in- formation sent to anyone on request.
4-H Club Work is developed under a town committee and leaders, and the home economics work is available through a town director, organized groups, or direct requests. Your town director furnishes counsel to the Extension Office on the needs of the towns, services desired, or leadership needed.
Information and assistance were made available on the planning and operation of a poultry farm or enterprise covering the subjects of poultry housing and equipment,, ventilation and litter management, brooding and rearing, marketing, and management for egg production.
Specialized information on turkey and poultry health was made available through the 1953 Middlesex Flock Health Program. Walter F. Lewis and Vinson Reid were on the 1953 Extension Poultry Advi- sory Committee. Mr. Lewis served as secretary and T. W. Zabierek served as treasurer of the Middlesex County Poultry Association. Chelmsford members of the 1953 Middlesex Flock Health Program in- cluded poultrymen Arthur W. Howard, Walter Lewis, Romeo V. Noel, John Parkinson, and Philip St. Germain, and turkey grower, Mein- dert Schultz.
The Middlesex County Extension Service renders many services to the dairymen in this area. There are, in the county, herd testing facilities which include complete herd records, pasture, hay and silage production programs which aim at producing more and better rough- age at a lower cost, and a soil testing laboratory where a complete analysis can be run to determine needed soil nutrients. Also, on ap- plication for membership, any dairyman has access to one of the best bull studs in the northeast for use in his own herd through the arti- ficial breeding program.
Dairy leaders who have helped with the projects locally as well as county-wide have been Mr. Walter Lewis and Mr. Ted W. Emerson.
REPORT OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE 133
Fruit growers within the town have been very active in the county- wide projects. In addition to making farm visits within the town, in- formation was obtained to assict in the general spray service that has been sent out to all growers. Shuhany Orchards, Albert Lupien, and Arthur Englund have assisted in the general fruit work.
The Chelmsford Garden Club has been very cooperative through- out the year and furnished an all-day program of interest to many garden clubs throughout the county. Mrs. Arthur Gibbs and Mrs. Arthur Bennett were among the leaders of the club helping with the program. It was greatly appreciated by others interested in home gardening and landscaping.
The projects of interest to homemakers have been Food Selection, Family Life, and Beginners' Sewing. Three groups participated in the programs on "Christmas Everywhere."
4-H Club Work in Chelmsford in 1953 featured clubs in gardening, dairy, soil conservation, clothing, foods, hostess, and girls' craft. Joseph Gravelle attended State Club Week at the University, a week of training in junior leadership.
County medals for Club work were won by Raymond Eno for dairy work, and Philip St. Germain for his agricultural record. Lor- raine Eno won the Middlesex County Farm Bureau Cup for dairy work, and Anthony Alcorn won the Palm Grain Cup for dairy work. The spring exhibit was held in conjunction with the P.T.A. and was well attended.
Mrs. Philip St. Germain was the 4-H Town Chairman. Those leading groups were Mrs. Walter Lewis, Mrs. Raymond Eno, Mrs. Christy Pettee, Mrs. Carl Johnson, Mr. Carl Clark. Miss Barbara Enright from the Lowell Electric Company furnished leadership for Foods Club Work. Others assisting with the program were Miss Pearl Koulas, Mrs. Arthur Gibbs, and Mr. E. Carl Parmenter. 4-H Club members attended Camp Middlesex in Ashby and exhibited at the Middlesex County 4-H Fair in Groton.
Respectfully submitted,
PERLEY W. KIMBALL,
Town Director.
134
REPORT OF THE MEAT INSPECTOR
REPORT OF THE MEAT INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Health
Town of Chelmsford
Gentlemen:
The following report is submitted to you for the Inspection of Slaughtering for the year ending December 31, 1953:
NUMBER INSPECTED
Cattle
10
Calves
5
Hogs
11
Sheep
2
Horses
99
Total Animals Inspected
127
Respectfully submitted,
SPENCER W. CHAMBERLIN,
Meat Inspector.
REPORT OF THE DOG OFFICER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The following is a report of my services as Dog Officer for the year 1953:
Dogs picked up and kept 6 days 67
Dogs disposed of 67
Lost dogs located and returned to owners
15
Complaints investigated & misc. calls 74
In addition to the above, I disposed of 88 dead cats, 34 dead dogs, and 16 miscellaneous dead animals picked up on the streets. Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES G. FULLER,
Dog Officer.
135
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY DEPARTMENT
It is with pleasure that we, your Commissioners, can report again the progress that has taken place in the Six Cemeteries.
Since the re-location of the lots in Pine Ridge Cemetery, consid- erable work has been done to improve the general appearance, shrubs were set out at the end of the new single grave section, greatly im- proving this layout.
A catch-drain to take care of surface water, which was installed, will drain away water which formerly settled in the low side.
After scraping the roadways, they were oiled with two coats and sanded making the avenues much more satisfactory for citizens re- quiring the use of them.
For several years the Commissioners have been concerned with a real hazard existing in Pine Ridge Cemetery. The lone pine tree in the center of the Cemetery has developed a serious rot in the trunk. Since this tree is a land-mark, it is regretable that it must be taken down before any serious accident occurs.
The Commissioners have learned the cost on taking this tree down, but would like the approval of the citizens regarding this cost.
Considerable work was done to improve the Fairview Cemetery on Main St. North Chelmsford.
Fourteen maple trees were set out to complete the row of trees along the wall, and replacing two inside the Cemetery proper.
A complete re-mapping of the two sections just inside the wall on each side of the center entrance was accomplished. This will be a single grave section along the wall on your left, the rest of this section will be uniform lots laid out in rows with a path on each side of the row.
In this layout the monuments will all be uniform in location. Also the Town will receive considerable more income from this uni- form layout.
Considerable work is planned to paint the fence in West Chelms- ford Cemetery, as it has long been in need of attention, also the sum- mer house at the entrance is in need of repairs and painting.
South Chelmsford Cemetery needs a re-check of the lots and lay- out, which should be done to enable more permanent records to be made and checked to correspond with the maps.
The income from sale of lots and Perpetual Care is showing a great improvement, which was Four Thousand One Hundred and Seventy Five Dollars, on Perpetual Care, which is an increase of One Thousand Three Hundred and Sixty Four Dollars over last year. Your
136
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY DEPARTMENT
Commissioners and the Town Treasurer are making every effort to increase the Perpetual Care funds. This effort will in time make your Cemeteries much more self supporting.
At the Forefathers Cemetery there has been erected a sign of the Cemetery, on the Littleton Road side of the Cemetery, which is made from slate and hangs on an arm from a post, and which was approved by the Historical Society.
With the help of you, our citizens, to see that we get what equip- ment is needed, your Commissioners and Superintendent will go forward with the Cemeteries in our town.
Your Commissioners and Superintendent wish to express our thanks to the Board of Selectmen and all other Town officials and Departments again for their splendid cooperation given us during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR J. COLMER, Chairman FRANK H. HARDY, Clerk ARNE R. OLSEN
Commissioners.
137
REPORT OF SECRETARY OF VETERANS' COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE VETERANS EMERGENCY FUND COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen: Town of Chelmsford
Gentlemen:
The Veterans Emergency Fund Committee wish to submit their annual report to you and to the townspeople of Chelmsford.
The year 1953 brought one application for assistance to the atten- tion of the committee. The Veterans' Benefits Agent, Mr. Gordon P. DeWolf, informed the Committee of the needs of an applicant and after investigation and consideration, the majority of the Committee members voted to assist the applicant. Substantial assistance in the form of material grants were given to the applicant. Information later received from the family who benefited revealed that the feeling of discouragement and hopelessness against staggering difficulties had been replaced with new found courage and the knowledge that the future months would be brighter in many respects. This is the aim and objective of your Emergency Fund Committee; to aid those who have met with hardship and misfortune.
The financial condition of the Fund may be found elsewhere in the Town Report. The past year has brought income to the fund from dividends and interest; thus increasing the principal and may in the future be the source of encouragement to other applicants who may need assistance.
The committee by precincts is listed once again and applicants desiring assistance should contact their precinct representative:
Center
George Archer
North Joseph Sadowski
West Perry T. Snow
East Edward G. Krasnecki
South
George Waite
Westlands Alfred H. Coburn
Respectfully submitted,
ALFRED H. COBURN,
Secretary.
138
REPORT OF DEPT. OF VETERANS' SERVICE
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' SERVICE
To the Board of Selectmen
During 1953 the Veterans' Agent investigated twenty new appli- cations for Veterans' benefits which were approved by the State in- vestigator. There were four more applications where the settlement was found to belong to other towns or cities.
A total of 31 cases were aided to the amount of $11,782.00, an increase of five cases and $1,672.00 over 1952. The case load in Jan- uary 1953 was ten and in December 1953 was seventeen.
Medical bills amounted to 40% of total expenditures. This is due to the fact that most of the applicants are in the upper age brackets and in poor health. The average age is fifty four.
Three recipients died during the year and one acquired a settle- ment in another town and the case was transferred to that town. Ten cases were temporary lasting from one to six months.
Yours truly,
GORDON P. DeWOLF,
Veterans' Agent.
139
REPORT OF TREASURER OF VETERANS' FUND
VETERANS' EMERGENCY FUND
TREASURER'S REPORT TO THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS
January 1, 1953 to December 31, 1953
Balance on Hand January 1, 1953 $ 3,162.48 Add-Receipts:
The Central Savings Bank, Lowell, Mass .-
Dividends 12.64
First Federal Savings and Loan Association
of Lowell-Dividends
78.00
Total Receipts $ 90.64
Total
3,253.12
$
Deduct-Disbursements
Veterans' Assistance 200.00
Balance on Hand December 31, 1953
$
3,053.12
ASSETS
Town of Chelmsford-General Treasury:
Deposit $ 47,50
The Central Savings Bank, Lowell, Mass.
Book No. 128780 405.62
First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Lowell,
Formerly Middlesex Co-operative Bank,, Lowell, Mass .:
10 Paid-up Shares, Certificate No. 3025 ...
$ 2,000.00
3 Matured Shares, Certificate No. 2380
600.00
2,600.00 $
TOTAL ASSETS
3,053.12 $
Respectfully submitted TOWN OF CHELMSFORD VETERANS' EMERGENCY FUND By PERRY T. SNOW,
Treasurer.
140
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
At the 1953 March elections a new member was added to the Planning Board in the person of George R. Dupee, replacing Clifford M. Babson who did not seek re-election.
During the balance of the calendar year the Board held sixteen meetings, eleven sub-division hearings, and one zoning hearing. At which we approved ten new subdivisions, twelve portions of larger subdivisions, approved nine plans for lots on accepted streets, and dis- approved three lots on accepted streets. We disapproved two sub- divisions after heated controversy at public hearings. The Board approved but one street re-location.
At the annual Town Meeting we recommended, and got approval from the people that the land on both sides of Chelmsford St. at the Lowell line be changed from single residence area to business area and the Town so voted. Since that time a large super-market and a candy manufacturing concern have neared completion of new build- ings on this land. This is certain to affect the taxpayers in a beneficial monetary way.
A map of all the precincts and streets in town has been obtained at a much lower figure than was quoted before Town Meeting so that a substantial amount is to be turned back into the Town treasury from our budget allowance. This master plan shows not only the residential and business areas but shows all new subdivisions and streets that are still "on paper" rather than in actual form.
Many hours have been spent on the present by-laws in an attempt to bring them up to date. Some of the major recommendations we are asking for at Town Meeting are regulations on auto trailers being used as residences, larger lot areas and frontages, stricter con- trol of loam stripping, more stringent definitions of lot sizes in gen- eral residential areas, and setback rules for roadside stands and gas stations.
The Commonwealth of Mass. passed new legislation this year whereby every lot that is to be registered at the Registry of Deeds must be approved by the Planning Board. This means a tremendous increase in activity and meetings of the Board. At the same time it will increase the secretary's paper work to a point that we are recommending that the secretary be paid a yearly salary consistent with the work required by the job.
141
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS
At this point the Board would like to thank our secretary Mr. Arnold C. Perham who is resigning from the Board after fifty con- secutive years spent in public office in Chelmsford. It will be im- possible to find a man to replace him who will know the laws that govern the actions of a Planning Board. The Town owes this man a great debt for the many weary hours that have been spent search- ing titles, searching for abutters to new subdivisions so that he could notify them by mail as to the public hearings, the many letters that he has had to write through the years, the constant stream of calls at his door for advice or the stamping of plans for a subdivider. All these years at all these jobs at not a penny cost to the Town of Chelms- ford. We repeat that the Townspeople can never repay him his services. Respectfully submitted,
JOHN L. DUSSEAULT, Chairman ARNOLD C. PERHAM, Secretary GEORGE S. ARCHER HAROLD E. CLAYTON, Jr. GEORGE R. DUPEE HAROLD J. PEARSON
CHELMSFORD PLANNING BOARD Town of Chelmsford, 1953-1954
-
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Town of Chelmsford
Gentlemen:
The Board of Appeals acted on twenty-eight requests for variances in the Town Zoning and Building Laws during the year 1953. Twenty- one applications were granted; three were denied and four were withdrawn.
Respectfully submitted, CLIFFORD HARTLEY EDWARD V. WHALEN
FREDERICK BURNE HAROLD M. TUCKE, Sr. FRANK J. McMAHON KENDRICK W. PHILLIPS
GEORGE T. STEWART Members of the Board of Appeals EVERETT T. REED WILLIAM B. MOCHRIE Alternates of the Board of Appeals
142
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I hereby respectfuly submit my report of the Police Department and Roster for the Year ending December 31, 1953.
CHIEF OF POLICE Ralph J. Hulslander
SERGEANT
Raymond E. Harmon
April 1, 1953 to December 31, 1953 PATROLMEN
Allan H. Adams Winslow P. George Basil J. Larkin
Lawrence W. Chute
Raymond E. Harmon from January 1, 1953 to March 31, 1953 INTERMITTENT PATROLMEN
Leo A. Boucher Edward F. Miner Arthur F. Smith
Leslie Adams, Jr. Richard F. Campbell George W. Marinel
John B. Wrigley
James W. Birtwell from February 27, 1953 to December 31, 1953.
Robert F. McAndrew from October 10, 1953 to December 31, 1953.
Walter W. Edwards, Jr. from October 10, 1953 to December 31, 1953.
INTERMITTENT POLICEWOMAN Christina N. Park SPECIAL POLICE FOR OTHER ACTIVITIES
Leslie Adams, Sr.
William Warley William F. Connor
John Carruthers
George R. Dixon
Robert F. McAndrew from January 1, 1953 to October 9, 1953
ARRESTS-1953 CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS
Warrants for Begetting
3
Warrants from Lowell Police
3
Warrants-Assault and Battery
10
Warrants-Non Support
5
Kidnapping
2
Armed Robbery
6
Begetting of Child
1
-
Total 30
143
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY
Malicious Damage to Property
1
B & E Larcey (N.T.)
1
Arson
1
Larceny
4
Total
7
CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER
Truant
2
A. W. O. L.
2
Drunkenness
29
Driving Under Influence
12
Insane
2
Escapee
2
Motor Vehicle Violations
21
Capias Lowell Police
2
Capias Reading Police
1
73
Total Arrests 110
DISPOSITION OF ARRESTS-1953
Returned-Sacred Heart School
2
Released
11
House of Correction
7
Fined
39
Not Guilty
8
Committed to Jail-15 to 20 years
3
Probation
6
Filed
3
Dismissed
1
Warrants-Non Support
2
Returned to Bedford Hospital
1
Continued
8
Returned to Provost Marshall
1
Worcester State Hospital
2
Returned to Concord Reformatory
1
Returned to Naval Shore Patrol
1
Returned to Out of Town Police
14
Total Dispositions 110
144
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the splendid co- operation given my department during the year by the Board of Se- lectmen, Town Officials, and the people of the town.
1953 was a very busy year for the Police Department, as we have had many arrests, accidents, and detailed investigations which lead to the solving of many crimes.
The town is growing very rapidly and is placing a very heavy burden on our force, however we shall continue to serve the commu- nity to the best of our ability for its protection and safety as always.
Customary Hallowe'en parties were held in 1953 throughout the sections of the Town with the cooperation of the many local organiza- tions, and at this time I wish to thank everyone who helped to make these parties so successful.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH J. HULSLANDER,
Chief of Police.
115
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of Chelmsford:
At the first meeting of the Park Commissioners in the Spring of 1953, we organized in the following manner. William W. Edge was elected Chairman, Bradford O. Emerson,, Clerk and Russell Green- wood the third member.
It has been our object to maintain and improve where possible the Parks throughout the town in which we and our fellow citizens take a great deal of pride.
In the Center section, two deceased Evergreen trees were removed and replaced with Flowering Crab trees. Additional shrubbery was set on the North Common. A Spruce tree was placed in the West section, Maple trees were planted at the Worthen Street park and at the South section. In the Westlands the cannon was painted and in all sections fertilizer was used and a large quantity of loam used to fill in holes and rough spots.
At the request of the Board of Selectmen, we undertook the task of relandscaping and maintaining the lawns at the North and Center Town Halls. Both lawns were reseeded and shrubbery was set out.
We extend our sincere thanks to our employees, Superintendent Morton Pickard and Harold Eriksen for their faithful service 'and cooperation throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM W. EDGE BRADFORD O. EMERSON RUSSELL GREENWOOD
146
REPORT OF THE SINKING FUND COMMISSIONERS
REPORT OF THE SINKING FUND COMMISSIONERS
FOR THE YEAR 1953
AS OF JANUARY 1, 1954 FUNDS AVAILABLE ARE AS FOLLOWS: Bank Book No.
78370 Central Savings Bank, Lowell
$ 5,356.70
99250 City Institution for Savings, Lowell 1,290.87
105588 Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank, Lowell 6,866.91
131298 Lowell Institution for Savings, Lowell
3,543.52
63051 Merrimack River Savings Bank, Lowell 5,152.82
16610 Merrimack River Savings Bank, Lowell 4,241.74
Total Savings Deposits $ 26,452.56 Series F United States Savings Bonds Serial Num-
bers V190707F; V190708F; M818905F; M840093F;
M84009F; M840095F M840096F. Present Redemp- tion Value $ 13,710.00
TOTAL FUND $ 40,162.56
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL E. WALKER
EDWARD T. BRICK
SIDNEY C. PERHAM, Treasurer
Sinking Fund Commissioners
Town of . Chelmsford, Mass.
Reported January 26, 1954.
REPORT OF THE CONSTABLE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen :
As Constable of the Town of Chelmsford, I wish to submit the following report:
Posting of six Warrants on January 17, 1953 for Special Town Meeting of February 24, 1953.
Posting of six Warrants on January 30. 1953 for Election and Annual Town Meeting of March 2, 1953 and March 9, 1953.
Posting of six Warrants on March 19, 1953 for Special Town Meeting of March 26, 1953.
Posting of six Warrants on May 12, 1953 for Special Town Meet- ing of May 19, 1953.
Posting of six Warrants on June 8, 1953, for Special Town Meeting on June 16, 1953.
ROBERT F. McANDREW
Constable of Chelmsford
117
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY DEP. RTMENT
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
The following is a report of work accomplished by the Highway Department for the year 1953:
A total of 77,541 gallons of asphalt was used on various town roads (maintenance and construction. )
Under Construction, the following work was accomplished:
Pine Hill Road-Entire length graveled, penetrated, sealed.
Brentwood Road- Graveled, penetrated, sealed. Ninety feet of 12" pipe installed.
Pleasant Street-Graveled, penetrated, sealed.
Warren Ave., Ext .- Graveled, penetrated, sealed.
Harold Street-Graveled, penetrated, sealed.
Montview Road-Portion of street graveled. penetrated.
Wesley Street-Graveled, penetrated.
Plymouth Street-Graveled, penetrated, sealed.
Frank Street-Graveled, penetrated, sealed. 1 asphalt coated pipe installed. One catch basin built.
Clarke Ave .- Graveled, penetrated, sealed.
Swain Road -- 2000' relocated, widened to a 40' width, exca- vated and graveled.
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