USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1955 > Part 10
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17
For the Board of Appeals,
ALFRED H. COBURN Clerk
144
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
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.
Posted six warrants, May 10, 1955 for special Town Meeting on May 18, 1955.
Posted six warrants, December 21, 1955 for special Town Meeting December 29, 1955.
WILLIAM G. JONES Constable
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS SERVICE
-
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
During the eleven months since my reappointment as Veterans' Agent I have taken 22 applications for veterans' Benefits of which 15 were approved and 7 disapproved.
As of February 1, 1955 there were 15 active cases and as of December 31, 1955 there were 19, a gain of 4. Of this number 12 cases are classed as permanent and seven will probably be closed out between now and the end of the year.
A total of $16,139.50 was paid out in Veterans' Benefits of which approximately 50% will be returned to the Town by the State Com- missioner. Under the Veterans' Benefits law he will pay back to the Town one half of all payments approved by him.
Other services provided by this department during the year were aiding veterans to fill out various forms, notarizing documents where necessary, furnishing information as to services provided by other agencies, advising as to job opportunities in the area and help- ing them get jobs.
Yours truly, GORDON P. DeWOLF Veterans' Agent
-
145
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF HONOR ROLL COMMITTEE
- -
To the Honorable Selectmen:
We would like at this time to submit our report for the year of 1955. We have had several meetings of our committee and have also met with the Selectmen and Park Department in regards to the location of our new stone monument. This stone was erected on the center common opposite the new firehouse. Dedicating cere- monies were held on the common on Memorial Day and were largely attended. The stone still shows some scars from the fire which was set on it and it is impossible to remove any more as it has got into the grain and cannot be removed.
We have not as yet taken the old honor roll down as we thought that it would be nice to leave it up during the 300th celebration. We do have in mind the making of permanent records of this honor roll. This will be done in five copies, one to the Town Clerk and one to each of the libraries along with one to the Veterans' Agent. This item would cost approximately one hundred dollars. This should be the last cost to the town for the honor roll.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE DIXON ROBERT HOOD THOMAS FIRTH
146
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Town of Chelmsford
Gentlemen:
As Sealer of Weights and Measures, I wish to submit my report for the year 1955.
In performance of my duty I have sealed:
52 Gasoline pumps and meters
36 Kerosene and grease pumps
62 Scales under 5,000 lbs.
39 Scales under 100 lbs.
48 Weights
11 Scales adjusted
Money received from seals, the sum of $160.30, has been turned over to the Town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted, ANTHONEY C. FERREIRA Sealer of Weights and Measures
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 1955:
Dogs picked up and kept 6 days 96
Dogs disposed of 96
Lost dogs located & returned to owners 26
Complaints investigated & misc. calls 87
In addition to the above, I disposed of 80 dead cats, 51 dead dogs and 18 miscellaneous dead animals picked up on the streets.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES G. FULLER Dog Officer
147
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen:
It is with great pleasure that the Cemetery Commissioners report progress in the development and caring of the cemeteries.
During the past year, the area at the entrance to Pine Ridge Ceme- tery was raised and regraded with over 2,500 yards of fill required.
The Fairview Cemetery was regraded to a rather large scale with over 1,000 yards of fill required to bring up the grade.
In the West Chelmsford Cemetery, considerable work was done on the widening and regrading of the roads and painting of the fence.
The roads were oiled in Fairview, West and Pine Ridge cemeteries.
It is the earnest hope of the Commissioners that the Heart's Pond Cemetery in South Chelmsford will be developed and beautified during the coming year.
As the town grows each year, so do the cemeteries. This growth includes the number of interments, the perpetual care interest, and sale of lots to a new high.
It also might be pointed out that the spread between receipts and expenditures is lessening year by year. In the year 1952 our total re- ceipts for the year were $3,288.10. This has grown to $6,297.34 during 1955. It also might be pointed out that in 1951 the sum of $1,265.00 was taken in for the Perpetual Care Fund, during 1955 this amount was raised to $4,200.00.
The Commissioners wish to thank the Board of Selectmen, all town officials and especially the superintendent of the Highway De- partment, Mr. Fred Greenwood, for their co-operation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
1. Frank H. Hardy, Chairman
2. Arne Olsen, Clerk
3. Arthur Colmer
148
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
-
To the citizens of Chelmsford:
Board of Health
Dr. Charles C. Farrington
Mr. Edmund J. Welch Mr. Oliver A. Reeves
Health Department Personnel Health Agent Edward L. Tyler, Jr.
Clerk and Laboratory Assistant Mrs. Florence M. Dutton
School Nurse Mrs. Helen M. Jewett
Board of Health Physicians Dr. Benjamin Blechman Dr. Raymond A. Horan
Plumbing Inspector Mr. George E. Gagnon Slaughtering Inspector Mr. Spencer W. Chamberlin
Animal Disposal Officer Mr. Charles G. Fuller Rubbish Collection Mr. Harold F. Stott, Jr., Foreman Mr. Martin H. Maguire
The reports of the School Nurse, the Plumbing Inspector and the Animal Disposal Officer are contained elsewhere in the Annual Town Report.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
In 1955 the reported communicable diseases showed that measles in the first three months was above the yearly medium. Infectious Hepatitis also was above the medium.
There was only one poliomyelitis case in 1955 which was unusual, considering the fact that Massachusetts had an epidemic. The public polio vaccination program for the school children will continue in 1956 pending the approval of the polio vaccine by the Massachusetts Polio Advisory Committee.
149
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
The following is a summary of communicable diseases reported in 1952, 1953, 1954 and 1955:
1952
1953
1954
1955
Chicken Pox
113
64
5
4
Dog Bite
25
22
41
28
Dysentery, Amebic
2
0
0
0
Encephalitis
1
0
0
0
German Measles
0
0
2
0
Hepatitis, Infectious
0
0
G
4.
Measles
143
2
15
42
Meningitis
2
1
1
0
Mononucleosis,
Infectious
0
1
0
0
Mumps
10
2
52
12
Poliomyelitis
1
0
4
1
Rabies
1
0
0
0
Scarlet Fever
2
3
3
2
Tetanus
1
0
0
0
Tuberculosis
0
1
2
1
Whooping Cough
0
0
2
4
SANITARY INSPECTIONS
Food Establishments
A summary of inspections in those establishments offering food and/or drink for public consumption is as follows:
Eating and/or drinking Establishments
65
Grocery Stores
25
Bakeries
5
School Cafeterias
20
Soft Drink Plants
2
Tercentenary Eating Establishments
Special Temporary Permits issued
10
Visits and Inspections
28
It was necessary for the Tercentenial celebration to issue Tem- porary permits for the food Establishments, to make educational and set-up visits, and inspections of the establishments.
The school cafeterias and lunch rooms were shown to be in good order. The inspections were made without notice, as all food inspections are made. The school food handlers have shown much interest in doing good sanitary work.
SEWAGE DISPOSAL
In 1955, 234 sewage system permits were issued. The greatest part of these permits were for the construction and installation of sewage systems for new homes. By the end of December 1955, 151 sewage systems had been approved.
150
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
The sewage systems are designed for the type of soil in which they are used. The rate of water seepage through the soil is de- termined by the Percolation Test. The size of the disposal field or seepage pit is then designed from the results of the percolation test.
Subdivision or multiple house lot plans must be approved by the Board of Health. Through percolation tests and field survey the proposed subdivisions are approved.
Sewage Disposal Inspections
Sewage Systems
including lot inspections for permits 326
Sewage Systems Approved 151
Subdivisions Approved, New
9
Extensions 6
Inspections 21
Other Sanitary Inspections and Visits
School Inspections 20
Bathing Beach Inspections 8
Nuisance Visits and Inspections 25
Cabins and Trailer Parks 11
Kindergartens 8
Nursing Homes 3
Board of Health Laboratory
The following are tests and sampling made in the Board of Health Laboratory in 1955:
Private Well Water Tests 21
Milk Supply Tests 289
Beach Water Tests 20
Swab Tests at food Establishments 121
Tests for Dracut Board of Health 46
A source of income for the Town is the testing done for the Dracut Board of Health and the use of the Laboratory by the Wilm- ington Board of Health.
The testing of the private well waters, is called to the attention of the citizens. The tests are at no charge to the town residents.
The tests on Community's milk supply has shown that the quality is consistantly good. Samples are taken from each processing dairy at least every 11% months.
The Beach water samples tested well within the allowable con- tamination count. The beaches were heavily used by swimmers until the latter half of the summer season.
151
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
Estimated Income for 1956
The following is the estimated income for the Board of Health for 1956:
Plumbing Inspection Fees $ 1,900
Wood Alcohol Licenses 25
Milk Licenses 60
Bottling Plant License 10
Sewage System Permits 500
Laboratory Renting & Testing 400
State Subsity for T. B. Patients
500
Miscellaneous Permits
20
Rubbish Collection
In 1955 the Rubbish Collection picked up an estimated 14,500 yards of compressed refuse. The equipment used was one 16 yd. compression truck, staffed by three men.
The growth of the town-additional number of stops (575) and additional mileage-since the establishment of the rubbish collection in 1953, has necessitated the use of the truck to full capacity. Caused by breakdowns of the truck and heavy loads during cleanout periods, the rubbish collections, at times have been later than scheduled. This was unavoidable in as much as there is only one rubbish truck and no money was appropriated for overtime labor.
January 1, 1955 to December 31, 1955 Weekly Collection
52 Weeks 3.5 Loads per day average
Total 14,500 yards compressed
Town Dump
The Board of Health, in 1955 continued to raise the level of the dump. This was done by burning the rubbish and compacting by the bulldozer. The raised areas were then covered by sand. This method will lengthen the period that the dump can be used and has lower expenses of upkeep.
Also part of the dump maintenance includes the lower rear area which is set aside for the dumping of brush, tree limbs and trunks.
In Conclusion
The Board of Health hopes to have served well the citizens of Chelmsford in 1955. The success of any present, or future health program is due in part, to the cooperation and support of the towns- people.
152
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
The Board wishes to thank the Town Officials for their assistance throughout the past year.
Respectfully submitted, DR. CHARLES C. FARRINGTON, Chairman EDMUND J. WELCH OLIVER. A. REEVES
REPORT OF THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Chelmsford
Gentlemen:
I wish to submit the following report of the Building Department.
In the year 1955, 359 Permits were issued for new buildings and general repairs.
New Dwellings-222 Estimated Value $2,310,400
Alterations-137
Estimated Value. 193,620
Business Establishments Estimated. Value 47,000
Estimated Total Value $2,551.020
Respectfully submitted, RALPH R. COLE Building Inspector
153
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE PLUMBING INSPECTOR
Board of Health
Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen:
Following is my report as Plumbing Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1955.
A total of 296 "Applications For Permits To Do Plumbing" were issued to licensed master plumbers. Of this number 204 were for new construction and 42 for old buildings. It was necessary to make 236 tests and 626 inspections before they were approved.
The list of plumbing fixtures installed follows:
Bathtubs
213
Lavatories 298
Water Closets 312
Showers 12
Kitchen Sinks
163
Sink & Trays Comb.
37
Double Sinks
54
Service Sinks
06
Sinks, Veg., Meat, Etc.
07
Laundry Trays
48
Clothes Washer Outlets
62
Dental Chairs
02
Dish Washers
06
Hot Water Tanks
106
Tankless Water Heaters
63
Urinals
25
Drinking Fountains
01
Bubblers
24
Traps (Grease)
07
Floor Drains
04
Roof Drains
02
Total. 1445
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE E. GAGNON
Inspector of Plumbing
154
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The following is a report of the work accomplished by the High- way Department for the year 1955.
A total of 108,163 gallons of asphalt were used on various town roads (construction and maintenance) with an additional 18,795 gallons for Chapter 90, Maintenance. A total of 22,091 yards of gravel were used.
Considerable time was spent on the construction of newly accepted streets, some of which required drainage. The following newly accepted streets were graveled and oiled with two applications of asphalt.
Allen Street
Bradford Road
Linwood Street
Rainbow Avenue
Brian Road
Carolyn Avenue
Eugenie Terrace
Roosevelt Street
Northgate Road
Birch Street
Miland Avenue
St. Nicholas Ave.
Edgelawn Avenue
Housatonic Avenue
Woodlawn Avenue
Pleasant Avenue
Warren Avenue, Ext.
Pearson Street
McFarlin Road
Pleasant Street-Graveled, one application of oil.
Old Middlesex Turnpike-Graveled, one application of oil.
Construction and Drainage:
Westford Street-This street was completely rebuilt from Pine Hill Road for a distance of 3,960 feet. The shovel was used to dig down to hard pan and was refilled with 7,982 yards of gravel, widened to 30' and oiled with two applications of asphalt. 1924' of 12" pipe installed, 11 catch basins built.
Wotton Road-This street was graveled with 479 yards of gravel and built up at the approach to railroad crossing. Two applica- tions of oil applied. Guard rail installed.
Proctor Road-This street was widened, graveled with 2,436 yards of gravel and oiled. Work started from the Carlisle line
to Park Road, a distance of 5280 feet.
Fletcher Street-Widened, graveled, two applications of oil. Twiss Road-Widened, graveled with 807 yards of gravel, two
155
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
applications of oil.
Turnpike Road -- Portion of street widened, graveled with 1321 yards of gravel.
Parker Road-This street widened and graveled from Concord Road to Fay Street, 1080 yards of gravel used.
Carlisle Street -- Widened, graveled with 6631/2 yards of gravel. Ledge Road-Widened, graveled with 807 yards of gravel, two applications of oil.
Hunt Road-Widened, graveled with 775 yards of gravel. Jordan Road-Widened, graveled, two applications of oil.
Emerson Avenue-Widened, graveled and olled.
Sleeper Street-Widened, graveled, two applications of oil. Harding Street-Widened, graveled, two applications of oil. Field Street-Widened, graveled, two applications of oil. Tadmuck Road-Scarified, two applications of oil.
Old Stage Road-Scarified, widened, oiled. Tuttle Road-Widened, oiled. Mill Road-Honed. Davis Road-Honed. Locke Road-Honed.
Smith Street-Honed. Adams Avenue-Honed.
Linwood Street-Portion of street honed. Graniteville Road -- Honed. Woodlawn Avenue-600 ft. of 8" pipe installed.
Boston Road-200' of 12" pipe installed, 1 catch basin built. Stedman Street-1 catch basin built. Byam Road-220' of 8" pipe installed, 1 catch basin built. Oak Knoll Road-Old culvert replaced with 21" reinforced con- crete pipe.
Twiss Road Bridge-Replaced with new planks and new cement headers built.
Other streets treated with bituminous materials are as follows:
Bridge Street
Waverly Avenue School Street Main Street Clear Street James Street John Street
Elm Street
Cushing Place Robin Hill Road
Hilltop Terrace.
Crosby Lane
Larkin Street
Warren Avenue
156
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
Chapter 90, Maintenance:
Boston Road
800' Mix-in-place
Middlesex Street 600' Mix-in-place
Acton Road 3000' Mix-in-place
Groton Road 2400' Mix-in-place
Old Westford Road 10700' Mix-in-place
A power sweeper broom was hired from spring to the first of the year and all streets were swept.
Considerable time was spent on cleaning catch basins, patching roads and cutting brush.
At this time I would like to thank the townspeople for their kind consideration and co-operation and the Police Department for notify- ing the department of dangerous conditions on the roads during the winter months.
Respectfully submitted,
Frederick R. Greenwood
Supt. of Streets
157
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
by J. T. Brown, Director
The County Extension Service is a part of the Land Grant College System and is associated with the University of Massachusetts and the United States Department of Agriculture. Other phases of this system include the Experiment Stations, the Regulatory Control Services and Resident Instruction.
The Extension Service is under the direction of the Board of Trustees and the Middlesex County Commissioners. The objective of the Extension Service is to bring to the residents of Middlesex County the results of research, enabling producers and consumers to put into practice efficient production and utilization practices. The effects of this program result in lower unit cost and a savings for the consuming public.
The three departments of the County Extension Service are Agri- cultural, Home Economics and 4-H Club Work.
In the Agricultural Department, formal programs are conducted in poultry, turkey, dairy, general livestock, fruit, vegetables, flowers, forestry, home gardening and landscape care. The agricultural program is conducted on a regional basis with many towns participating in the numerous meetings and other events. In the past, greater em- phasis has been placed on production problems and in assisting farmers to use efficient methods that they might compete with other areas.
A surplus of agricultural products makes it necessary for agricul- tural agents to do more in the marketing of these crops. In the future, more attention will be given to better market facilities, more efficient distribution and maintenance of high quality. This will require ex- panding the services to producers, wholesalers, jobbers, retailers and consumers.
The Home Economics Department program is designed to help the busy homemaker in her search for information regarding problems of home and family life. Subjects covered are foods and nutrition, clothing, home furnishing and management, family economics, child development and recreation. A Women's Advisory Council helps select
158
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
and promote programs in the different towns. Meetings are held in local communities, or on a regional or county-wide basis depending on the subject.
4-H clubs offer opportunities to young people to learn more about all phases of Agriculture and Home Economics. In 1955, there were 4-H clubs in 46 towns of Middlesex County with an enrollment of over 2400 members. The success of 4-H club work depends entirely on the 206 volunteer local leaders who freely give many hours teaching the projects carried on by the clubs. The excellent work done by these youngsters was exhibited at the 4-H Achievement day in May and the Middlesex County 4-H Fair in August. A 4-H camp at Ashby is operated for weeks each summer and provides nature study, crafts, swimming and healthful living for the 4-H'ers of Middlesex County. The Extension Service is especially proud of the five 4-H'ers of Middlesex County who became state winners in Citizenship, Health, Home Improvement, Rural Arts, and Recreation and National Poultry Winner.
New programs of the Extension Service broaden the scope of the work. Special emphasis on marketing and consumer information, urban problems, farm and home counseling and public affairs are being undertaken in the year ahead.
The brevity of this report requires generalization. The motto of the Extension Service, "To Help Those Who Help Themselves", ex- presses the primary goal of this organization.
STATISTICAL RECORD OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
November 1954 - October 1955
Agr.
Home
4-H Club
Total
No. of days Worked in Each Depart- ment
1042
468
1167
2677
No. of Farm and Home Visits Made in Furtherance of Work
3257
233
2194
5684
No. of Office Interviews
1519
89
923
2531
No. of Telephone Calls
4374
867
2357
7598
No. of Educational News Articles Written
377
179
346
902
No. of Broadcasts Made or Prepared Radio
191
3
26
220
Television
17
20
37
159
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
No. of Bulletins Distributed
8029
3547
11,754
23,330
No. of Circular Letters
300
22
149
471
No. of Copies Distributed
103,776
18,364
15,621
137,761
Program Planning and Leader Train --
ing Meetings
Number
53
53
45
151
Attendance
571
735
919
2225
Council and Other Committee Meet-
ings
Number
87
15
29
131
Attendance
935
231
801
1967
All Other Meetings Held or Partici-
pated In
Number
306
88
526
920
Atendance
9499
1883
15,675
27,057
Meetings Held or Conducted by Local
Leaders
Number
13
211
2967
3191
Attendance
1313
1150
24,595
27,058
No. of Leaders and Committeemen
Assisting
100
384
603
1087
In addition, 60,000 copies of the MIDDLESEX COUNTY BULLETIN were distributed.
160
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE ANIMAL INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Chelmsford, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
The following is the report for the year 1955 as Inspector of Animals.
Number of dog bites reported 36
Number of dogs showing physical signs of rabies 0
Number of dogs submitted to laboratory examination 0 Number of premises keeping domestic animals 62
Number of cattle 775
Number of swine
720
Number of horses 32
Number of sheep 27
Number of cows released from interstate shipment 9
Vesicular Exanthemia (VE) Regulations Modified
The U. S. Department of Agriculture has announced that after July 1, 1956, swine that have been fed raw garbage at any time, and swine products derived from them will not be permitted to move interstate except for special processing. In some cases the value of hogs is re- duced as much as 50 percent by special processing. These modified regulations have been brought about by the satisfactory equipment for cooking garbage now available.
Dairyman's Interest
In order that a dairyman may not have the experience of purchasing an improper addition to his herd, he should insist that his dealer or seller give him a health chart on delivery, or contact the Division of Livestock Disease Control-41 Tremont St .- Boston 8, Mass. for approval. The state is now doing all calfhood vaccination and all calves must be vaccinated between the ages of 4 through 8 months. Reduced funds, state and federal, has curtailed for the present only, the work of blood testing in Massachusetts. The sentiment in the state is for a law, Bangs free by 1960
Respectfully,
W. E. MERRIL VMD
161
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE VETERANS EMERGENCY FUND COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Chelmsford
Gentlemen:
The members of the Veterans' Emergency Fund Committee wish to submit their annual report to you and to the townspeople of Chelms- ford.
The year 1955 was a most quiet one for the committee. One request for assistance to a veteran was received and unlike other requests in the past, the most recent one was for a loan to be repaid within a few months.
The members voted to approve the loan but shortly thereafter the veteran was able to make his own financial arrangements, thus no payments were made from the fund for assistance.
The Treasurer of the Committee has reported a substantial amount of money received as interest on funds invested. Thus the principal has been allowed to increase during 1955.
The committee members once again are listed by precincts and any veterans desiring financial assistance should consult their precinct rep- resentative.
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
162
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
VETERANS' EMERGENCY FUND TREASURER'S REPORT TO THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS
January 1, 1955 to December 31, 1955
Balance on Hand January 1, 1955 $ 3,142.24
Add-Receipts
The Central Savings Bank, Lowell, Mass .-
Dividends
13.71
First Federal Savings and Loan Association
78.00
of Lowell-Dividends
Total Receipts 91.71
TOTAL
3,233.95
Deduct-Disbursements
None
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.