USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1957 > Part 6
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During the year, roads were oiled in the Hart Pond, Pine Ridge and Fore Fathers Cemeteries.
The new entrance was installed at Hart Pond Cemetery with many favorable comments from the lot owners.
During the past year we had 66 interments which is an all-time high. We sold 28 lots (an all-time high). Our income was $5,064.00 and we collected $7,598.34 for our Perpetual Care Fund, raising it to $73,170.39. The sale of lots amounted to $1,180.00, making this fund total $2,881.50.
We would like to state here that as the town grows, so also must the cemetery department; and it is our estimate that within five years we will be having 100 interments per year.
We would like to thank the Board of Selectmen, the Superintendent of the Highway Department and all other town officials for their co- operation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR J. COLMER, Chairman FRANK H. HARDY ARNE R. OLSEN Cometery Commissioners.
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE CIVIL DEFENSE COMMISSION
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Town of Chelmsford, Massachusetts
We of the Civil Defense Commission want to thank the Board of Se- lectmen, the Chief of the Fire Department, the Chief of Police as well as all the members of the organized groups of Civil Defense for their splendid co-operation we have received during the year 1957.
This past year has been one of satisfaction and progress for your committee, and one which has developed into reality many interested groups in the many phases of Civil Defense.
Our communication set-up reflects what can be accomplished when a young group of people get together with a common purpose in mind; that of a hobby that can be utilized for the common good of all people in the town. They meet at regular intervals, and put to use the radio equipment in the control center in the town hall. These radio hams have drills and code classes and have trained many young people in the field of radio communications. The State organization in Tewksbury as well as the Massachusetts State Headquarters in Natick have compli- mented this group for their loyalty in the test drills that were held many times during the year.
Our Auxiliary Police have met regularly and have become well trained in Police law and first aid. They have been called to duty on several occasions and have proved that this unit is one of which our people can be proud. They conducted a drive for the purpose of buying uniforms and were encouraged by the fine response from the people of our town.
Our regular Police Department now have their own base radio trans- mitting and receiving station. This operation has proved its worth in the efficiency and speed in handling calls. It gives direct car to base communication twenty-four hours a day without the necessity of clear- ing all calls through the Lowell Police Department.
We have activated classes in disaster first aid and each week this class meets for instruction by our school nurse. These classes have, we are sure, proved interesting and instructive to all those attending.
We were successful in obtaining matching funds from the State for equipment requested by the Police and Fire Departments. We have, as a result, returned to the Town Treasury the amount of $2683.25. This means a savings to the taxpayers of this amount when we take ad- vantage of matching funds.
We hope to improve our Civil Defense organization during the com- ing year, and we are sure that we have the willingness of everyone in
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
this respect to support our programs. We sincerely hope that many more of our citizens will respond in becoming more active in one of our many activities. We know that the satisfaction you will get, will in every way reflect the fact that your time has been well spent.
BERTRAM T. NEEDHAM, Director WILLIAM EDGE, Deputy Director CHARLES KOULAS, Deputy Director
REPORT OF THE CONSTABLE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
As Constable of the Town of Chelmsford, I wish to submit the fol- lowing report:
January 31, 1957-posted six warrants for Annual Town Meeting for March 4, 1957 and March 11, 1957.
May 6, 1957-Posted six By-laws voted upon, at Annual Town Meet- ing March 11, 1957 under Article 3.
WILLIAM G. JONES,
Constable of Chelmsford.
REPORT OF THE DOG OFFICER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Town of Chelmsford
Gentlemen:
The following is a report of my services as Dog Officer from Feb. 16, 1957 to Dec. 31, 1957 inclusive.
Dogs picked up and kept six days and ten days. 80
Dogs disposed of 80
Lost dogs located and returned to owners 24
Complaints investigated and misc. calls 118
In addition to above picked up 16 dead dogs and 14 dead cats on the streets of Chelmsford.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK WOJTAS
Dog Officer.
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Board of Selectmen Town Hall Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report of the activities of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1957.
Upon comparing the records of the department over the past four years, they reveal a steady increase of service calls requested of, and furnished by the Fire Department. In some types of services the number of requests have more than doubled. The only decrease is in the number of dump fires, which has dropped sharply, and that reflects a credit to Mr. Isadore Needham the caretaker of the Town Dump, for the manner in which he has carried out his duties.
The addition of a new pumper was made to the department in November as authorized by the voters at the Annual Town Meeting in March.
Additional apparatus is needed as has been proven in the past, and will be requested for the voters' consideration at our next Annual Town Meeting.
There have been other developments of vital interest that directly affect proper fire protection in Chelmsford, one in particular that I feel should be brought to the taxpayers attention, is manpower.
Over the years Chelmsford has depended upon call firefighters for manpower in fighting fires. A call firefighter is a person who gives of his time, over and above his regular pursuit of livelihood, for the good of his community and neighbor, for which he receives a token com- pensation.
The call firefighter spends much of his leisure time training and be- coming proficient with the apparatus and equipment he is called upon to use. Firefighting methods, as everything else, are constantly chang- ing and being improved upon, making it possible for the department and its personnel to do a better job.
Whenever possible the Chief of the Fire Department must appoint as call firefighters, men who shall be available to the department at all times, or at least have a balanced roster whereby fifty percent of his manpower will be on call at all times. This can be possible only if in- dustry allows its personnel to leave their regular job to answer an alarm of fire. With the changing times, that situation has changed also.
In one fire company alone in Chelmsford last year, at least fifty per- cent of the company worked in an industry that issued an order forbid-
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
ding their personnel leaving to respond to an alarm of fire. Similar conditions exist throughout the Town, seriously impairing our man- power problem.
At one particular fire in 1957 at least twenty men were needed be- cause of the nature of the fire. In three fire companies of our total of five, with a roster of ten men to each company, only three men were available to fight fire.
This leads to but one conclusion, the urgent need for more perma- nent firefighters, not only to have while on their regular tour of duty, but to be available for emergencies while on their off duty time.
At present the department has eleven (11) permanent firefighters. A survey conducted in 1954 by the New England Fire Insurance Rating Association, at the request of the Board of Selectmen, reports that a minimum of forty-two (42) permanent firefighters shall be provided to insure a working force.
1957 was a particularly hazardous year for forest fires and during the period of May 1 - 12, a state of emergency was declared. During this period, the State of Massachusetts will reimburse the cities and towns for any expense incurred in fighting forest fires. I have sub- mitted a bill to the State in the amount of $655.30 which will help to offset the labor expense paid out in fighting brush fires which occurred during the time the emergency was declared.
The following is the Fire Department record for 1957:
Auto Accidents
10
Auto Fires
25
Building Fires 70
Dump Fires
False Alarms-Malicious
5
False Alarms-Accidental
2
Grass and Brush Fires
163
Investigations
55
Out-of-Town Aid Given
15
Out-of-Town Aid Received
6
Resuscitator Calls 13
Miscellaneous Calls
30
Permits for fires in the open issued totaled 4813.
Fees collected and deposited with the Town Treasurer for oil stor- age, L. P. gas and blasting permits totaled $69.00.
The following amounts of explosives of all classes, stored in maga- zines in the Town of Chelmsford are: Magazine No. 1, 55,400 lbs .; Magazine No. 2, 58,200 lbs .; Magazine No. 3, 3,600 lbs.
Respectfully sumitted,
ALLAN KIDDER
Fire Chief.
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
January 17, 1958
To the Citizens of Chelmsford:
BOARD OF HEALTH Oliver A. Reeves, Chairman William R. Greenwood Edmund J. Welch
HEALTH DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL Health Agent John W. Maxwell, appointed Sept. 30, 1957 Edward L. Tyler, Jr. Resigned June 7, 1957 George E. Gagnon was appointed Acting Sanitarian & Health Agent from June 10, 1957 to Sept. 30, 1957.
Clerk and Laboratory Assistant Mrs. Florence M. Dutton School Nurses Mrs. Helen M. Jewett
Returned in May, 1957 from leave of absence since January, 1956.
Mrs. Jessie M. Groves Appointed Junior School Nurse on March 25, 1957.
Mrs. Muriel M. Heroux Temporary Nurse from April 1, 1957 to May 22, 1957.
Board of Health Physicians Dr. Benjamin Blechman Dr. Raymond A. Horan
Plumbing Inspector George E. Gagnon
Animal Disposal Officer Charles G. Fuller
Slaughtering Inspector Spencer W. Chamberlin
The reports of the School Nurse, Plumbing Inspector and Animal Disposal Officer are contained elsewhere in the Annual Town Report.
Mr. Edward L. Tyler, Jr., tendered his resignation in June as Sani- tarian and Milk Inspector. Mr. George E. Gagnon was appointed and served as Acting Sanitarian and Health Agent until September 30, 1957. John W. Maxwell was appointed.
The Salk Polio Vaccination Clinics have been completed, including Booster Doses. It has been a successful project.
Flu Vaccine was made available to all Town employees. This new Influenza (a) Virus was the cause of large epidemics throughout the nation.
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
Communicable Diseases Reported
1954
1955
1956
1957
Chicken Pox
5
4
21
8
Cat Bite
0
0
0
1
Dog Bite
41
28
44
56
Dysentery, Amebic
0
0
0
0
Encephalitis
0
0
0
0
German Measles
2
0
1
2
Hepatitis, Infectious
0
4
1
1
Measles
15
42
3
0
Meningitis
1
0
0
1
Mononucleosis, Infectious
0
0
0
0
Mumps
52
12
2
7
Poliomyelitis
4
1
0
0
Rabies
0
0
0
0
Scarlet Fever
3
2
12
2
Tetanus
0
0
0
0
Tuberculosis
2
1
5
2
Whooping Cough
2
4
0
0
Sanitary Inspections
Food Establisments:
A summary of Inspections in those Establishments offering food and/or drink for public consumption is as follows:
Eating and/or Drinking Establishments
66
Grocery Stores
28
Bakeries
3
School Cafeterias
12
Soft Drink Plants
2
The conditions of these places were very good, with the exception of a few which are now meeting with the sanitary code. Inspections are made without previous notification. School Cafeterias and lunch rooms have been found in excellent condition and conducted in a sanitary manner. Chest X-Rays are required for all Food Handlers.
Sewage Disposal
Subdivisions, or multiple house lot plans, must be approved by the Board of Health. Subsurface drainage and sewage disposal and the re- quirements are accomplished by a field survey and percolation tests averaging one (1) test per every half acre before authorization for a Subdivision. All sewage disposal systems must be approved by the Board of Health before the Building Permits are issued by the Build- ing Inspector.
Sewage Disposal Inspections
Sewage Systems including Lot Inspections 149
Sewage Systems Approved 100
New Subdivisions Approved 3
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
Other Sanitary Inspections
School Inspections 14
Bathing Beach Inspections 4
Nuisance Visits and Inspections 52
Cabin and Trailer Park 5
Kindergartens 2
Board of Health Laboratory
The following are the samplings and tests made in the Board of Health Laboratory for 1957.
Well Water Tests
22
Beach Water Tests 4
Milk Standard Plate Counts 328
Tests for private well water may be obtained without charge to Town Residents. The result of tests on the milk supply for Chelmsford is consistently good. Phosphatase test for proper pasteurization, coli- form and bacteria counts are made at least six times during the year.
Bathing Beaches were heavily used and water samples were within the allowable contamination count.
Garbage Collections
The Garbage Collection Contract was awarded in 1956 through 1959 to the McKennedy Brothers. The Board of Health is certain that the superior work done by the McKennedy Brothers will be continued.
Mosquito Control Program
The Mosquito Control Program is set up under the Moth Depart- ment Budget. The effectiveness of this program has been proven by the almost elimination of the mosquito nuisance, and Encephalitis.
Estimated Income for 1958
The following is the estimated income for 1958:
Plumbing Inspector's Fees
$2500
Wood Alcohol Licenses 25
Milk Licenses
60
Bottling Plant Licenses 20
Sewage Permits 400
Laboratory and Laboratory Equipment Rental
200
State Subsidy for TB Patients 800
Miscellaneous Permits 25
In Conclusion
The Board of Health hopes to have served well the citizens of Chelmsford in 1957. The past, present and future success of any Health Program has, and will be due to the cooperation and support of the townspeople.
Respectfully submitted, OLIVER A. REEVES, Chairman WILLIAM R. GREENWOOD EDMUND J. WELCH
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE ANIMAL DISPOSAL OFFICER
January 31, 1958
To the Board of Health
Town of Chelmsford
The following is a report of my services as Animal Disposal Officer for the year 1957:
Dead Animals picked up off the streets 163
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES G. FULLER, Animal Disposal Officer.
REPORT OF THE PLUMBING INSPECTOR
Board of Health
Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen:
Following is my report as Plumbing Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1957.
A total of 266 applications for permits to do plumbing were issued to licensed Master Plumbers, of this number 176 were for new con- struction and 90 for old buildings. It was necessary to make 205 tests and 524 inspections before they were approved.
The list of plumbing fixtures installed follows:
Sewer Repairs
6
Bath Tubs
194
Lavatories 280
Water-closets 316
Showers
62
Kitchen Sinks
231
Laundry Trays
18
Clothes Washer Outlets
120
Dish Washers
12
Hot Water Tanks
77
Tankless Water Heaters
57
Urinals
37
Drinking Fountains
31
Traps (Grease)
4
Floor Drains
74
Roof Drains
50
Service Sinks
12
Sump Pump Outlet
1
Sink Disposals
3
TOTAL
1585
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE E. GAGNON Inspector of Plumbing.
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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 Highway Department for the year 1957.
A total of 107,593 gallons of asphalt were used on various town roads with an additional 12,580 gallons on Chapter 90 roads. A total of 7,268 yards of gravel were used.
New streets accepted this year are as follows: Bowl Road Aberdeen Road
Rutledge Avenue Orchard Lane
The above streets were graveled and oiled with two applications of asphalt.
Considerable time was spent on drainage and graveling streets:
Crooked Spring Road-Approximately 3700 ft. scarified, wid- ened, graveled with 1612 yards of gravel, two applications of asphalt, 16 feet 18" pipe installed.
Brick Kiln Road-Total length of street, approximately 5131 feet scarified, widened, graveled with 1979 yards of gravel, two applications of asphalt. 40 feet 12" pipe, 35 feet 10" pipe installed, two catch basins built.
Oak Street-Widened, graveled with 3821/2 yards of gravel, two applications of asphalt.
Richardson Road-1000 feet widened, scarified, graveled, two applications of asphalt.
Parkhurst Road-300 feet graveled, two applications of asphalt, 100 feet 10" pipe, 1 catch basin built. Stone seepage bed built for drainage.
Maple Avenue-Total length graveled with 345 yards of gravel, two applications of asphalt. 650 feet 10" pipe installed, 6 catch basins built.
Fletcher Street-Graveled, two applications of asphalt. 429 feet 10" pipe installed, two catch basins built.
Graniteville Road-1542 feet 10" pipe installed, 6 catch basins built. Graveled with 151.75 tons crushed gravel, two appli- cations of asphalt.
Washington Street-Approximately 300 feet widened, scarified, graveled, two applications of asphalt.
Wilson Lane-Graveled, two applications of asphalt.
Lillian Avenue-Widened, graveled, two applications of asphalt. Moonbeam Avenue-Graveled, two applications of asphalt.
Eclipse Avenue-Graveled, two applications of asphalt.
Old Middlesex Turnpike-Scarified, graveled, two applications of asphalt.
Church Street-Graveled, two applications of asphalt.
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
Dalton Road-1400 feet armor coat.
Westford Street-2800 feet armor coat.
Turnpike Road-2200 feet honed.
John Street-Graveled, two applications of asphalt.
Park Road-Portion of street graveled, two applications of asphalt.
Dunstable Road-1400 feet mix-in-place. 50 feet 10" pipe in- stalled, two catch basins built.
Bradford Road-120 feet 10" pipe installed, two catch basins built.
Worthen Street-Congregational Church project: 600 feet 12" pipe installed. One manhole and one catch basin built.
North Road-294 feet 10" pipe installed from Orchard Lane to Davis Road.
Groton Road-162 feet 10" pipe installed. One catch basin built. Northgate Road-171 feet 10" pipe installed to pick up drainage from Hemlock Drive.
Acton Road-24 feet 18" pipe installed.
Cushing Place-Pipe Arch 22" x 36" twenty feet long installed. Hildreth Street-Widened, graveled, two applications of asphalt.
The following streets were oiled:
Linwood Street
Sunset Avenue
Erlin Road
Hilltop Terrace
Starlight Avenue
Plum Street
Rainbow Avenue
Grove Street
High Street
Woodbine Street
Woodlawn Avenue
McFarlin School Grounds
Ideal Street
Clear Street
Sudway Avenue
Delwood Road
Pine Hill Road
Bridge Street
Hornbeam Hill Road
Davis Road
Priscilla Avenue
Leon Street
Joyce Street
Smith Street Fern Street
Marion Street
Westland Avenue
Mountview Road
Seneca Avenue
Pleasant Street
Francis Street
Golden Cove Road
Juniper Street
Wilson Street
Cortez Street
Douglas Road
New Fletcher Street
Ledge Road
Wood Street
Deborah Terrace
Stevens Street
Jensen Avenue
Sylvan Avenue
Adams Street
Sidewalks:
Sidewalks were built on Billerica Road on school side and also on Groton Road.
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
Chapter 90, Maintenance:
Riverneck Road: 2800 feet mix-in-place. Armor coat from Bil- lerica Road to Carlisle Street.
Chapter 90, Construction :
Billerica Road: This work was let out to contract, the bid being awarded to George Brox Paving Company. Work was done under state supervision.
Turnpike Road: Extension of road built from Turnpike Road to Billerica Road. Fifty feet 12" pipe installed, one catch basin built. Guard Rail installed. Road graveled, two applications of asphalt applied. Hot top berm built on both approaches.
New equipment bought for the department this year are as follows: One Austin-Western Grader.
One Waste Collection Truck.
One Power Sweeper Broom.
The usual patching, brush cutting and cleaning of basins was done.
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, Superintendent of Streets.
REPORT OF THE NORTH CHELMSFORD FIRE HOUSE BUILDING COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Grading, painting and minor construction work on the North Chelms- ford Firehouse was completed early in 1957.
The building has been occupied by the Fire Department since De- cember 10, 1956.
Open house was held in October of 1957 and the building is com- pletely finished.
The Building Committee of Bernard F. McGovern, Chairman; Roger P. Welch, Secretary; Richard B. Carr; John J. Dunigan, Fire Chief Allan Kidder; Vinson C. Reid and Harry L. Shedd, Jr. wish to express their appreciation to all who helped bring this project to a successful completion.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT WELCH,
Secretary :
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE CHELMSFORD INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
During 1957, the Chelmsford Industrial Development Commission completed the preparation of an attractive brochure which provides all the information regarding the Town which would be of interest to any industrial company or business firm seeking a location for a new plant. This pamphlet has been distributed to about 300 manufacturers of electronic equipment with the hope that it may induce one or more of them to consider establishing at least part of their operations in our town. Additional copies are available for real estate brokers and others who may receive requests for information regarding possible indus- trial sites.
In addition to acting as a clearing house for various inquiries from business men seeking new plant locations, the Commission has been instrumental, largely through the efforts of its former chairman, Mr. Thaddeus Zabierek, in finding a site for a small industrial firm which has now built a machine shop with 4000 square feet of floor space in the South section of Town. Members of the Commission also helped the owner of this business to resolve various problems which arose during the course of construction of the new plant. Currently the Commission is planning a comprehensive survey of the areas in Town which have been zoned for industrial use so that all details regarding this land, such as acreage, present ownership, approximate value, and similar information will be readily available.
Unfortunately, Mr. Thaddeus Zabierek, who has been one of the most active and effective members of the Commission since its estab- lishment, found it necessary, because of the pressure of other business, to resign from the Commission toward the end of 1957. The Commis- sion will miss Mr. Zabierek's valuable assistance and extends to him, on behalf of all the citizens of the Town, sincere thanks and apprecia- tion for his conscientious efforts to bring new industry to Chelmsford.
CHELMSFORD INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Leslie H. Adams Claude J. Harvey William R. Kiernan, Jr. Raymond T. Osborn Carl A. E. Peterson Arthur B. Worthley, Jr.
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE CHELMSFORD LIBRARY TRUSTEES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Meetings of the Library Trustees were held monthly during 1957 at the Adams and Mackay Libraries.
Howard D. Smith, who had served as a Trustee for the past nine years, did not seek re-election in 1957. Mr. Smith, a veteran of many years in public service in Chelmsford, had been a very capable and sincere member of the Board. It was with deep regret that his fellow Trustees received the news of his decision to retire from public office.
The post vacated by Mr. Smith was filled at the annual election by Mr. Alfred H. Coburn, former Town Accountant. Mr. Coburn is well versed in town affairs and will prove a welcomed addition to the Board.
Officers and Personnel for 1957 were elected and appointed as follows:
Chairman: Marjorie B. Scoboria
Secretary: Roger P. Welch
Treasurer: Eustace B. Fiske
Purchasing Committee: Miss Ethel Booth, Raymond S. Kroll, Alfred H. Coburn, Mrs. Lester Ball, Mrs. Edith Pickles and Miss Bertha Whitworth.
Adams Library:
Librarian: Mrs. Lester Ball
Assistants: Mrs. Edith Pickles, Miss May Files.
Clerks: Miss Judith Kroll, Miss Linda Brown, Miss Dorothy Fogg.
Cleaning Woman: Miss Alexandrine Ducharme
Janitor: Thomas Roach
MacKay Library:
Librarian: Miss Bertha Whitworth
Clerk: Miss Sylvia Ostman and Miss Ellen Robinson
Janitor: Thomas Roach.
A donation of books was received from the estates of Daniel E. Haley and Charles J. Davis.
Renovation of the basement at the Adams Library was completed during the year and adequate facilities are now available for groups using George Hall.
The exterior of the MacKay Library was painted and minor repairs were made in conjunction with this project.
The Massachusetts Library Association will inaugurate the Re- gional Bookmobile service for Chelmsford early in 1958. Stops will be
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
made at the East and Westlands Schools. The easy availability of li- brary privileges will be appreciated by residents of these areas.
A weekly program for children was conducted at the Adams Library under the supervision of Mrs. Benner. The program was well received and will be continued.
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