USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1961 > Part 9
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
The West Chelmsford Cemetery summer house was repaired, painted and roof shingled, this being a gift of the Roby Fund.
Sections were regraded in the Hart Pond, Pine Ridge and West cemeteries. Fences repaired and general maintenance work completed in all cemeteries.
Water lines in Riverside Cemetery collapsed during the past year and will have to be completely replaced during 1962.
The Commissioners are distressed by the amount of vandalism which is occurring in the cemeteries. Monuments have been tipped over on several occasions. Monuments have been broken and some have been painted. Vehicles driving over lots have caused considerable damage, and we would like to mention that any one caught damaging the cemeteries in any way will be prosecuted.
114
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
SALE OF LOTS
INTERMENTS
Pine Ridge
41
Pine Ridge
43
Hart Pond
2
Hart Pond
15
West
2
West
9
Fairview
6
Fairview
4
Forefather's
4
Total
51
Riverside
2
-
Total
77
A total of $4,000.00 was transferred from the Perpetual Care Fund to the Town General Fund to offset the cemetery budget.
Respectfully submitted,
Cemetery Commissioners, FRANK H. HARDY, Chairman ARTHUR J. COLMER
ARNE R. OLSEN
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Anthony C. Ferreira (Civil Service)
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
As Sealer of Weights and Measures, I wish to submit the following report.
In performing my duties for the year Nineteen Hundred and Sixty One I have sealed:
66 Scales under 100 lbs.
56 Scales over 100 lbs to 5,000 lbs.
81 Gasoline Meters
19 Grease and Oil Pumps
73 Weights
The money I received, the sum of $185.30 has been turned over to the Town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted, ANTHONY C. FERREIRA, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
115
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
PLANNING BOARD
Bradford O. Emerson, Chairman
Claude J. Harvey, Clerk George R. Dupee Louis L. Anthony
Harold J. Pearson
Myles J. Hogan
Thomas A. St. Germain
This year, more than ever before, the Planning Board played a major role in the carrying out of Town affairs.
A rush of activity was stirred by the coming of the Annual Town Meeting. Two petitions for re-zoning on Chelmsford Street, one on Gorham Street and one off Central Square were received by the Board, requiring public hearings and subsequent recommendations. Another attempt to adopt an acre house lot by-law and its apparent certainty of passage brought a tremendous flow of preliminary plans from land owners and sub-dividers to the attention of the Board. The tightening of sub-division regulations was accomplished early in the year and then late in the year replaced with an entirely new and even more compelling set of regulations.
An article sponsored by the League of Women Voters and endorsed by the Planning Board calling for procurement of a "Master Plan of the Town" was approved. This study will include Base Maps, Land Use, Economic Base, Neighborhood Analysis, Population Study and Map, Recreation and Conservation, School Requirements, Other Public Facil- ities, Parking and Traffic Circulation, Public Utilities, Capital Budget Program, Sub-division Regulation and Revised Zoning By-law. After a series of interviews with prospective planning consultants, the Board engaged the firm of Economic Development Associates of Boston to prepare the "Master Plan."
The adoption of the acre lot by-law is expected to drastically reduce the rate of sub-divisions and building, but this will not be the case for at least another year because of the large number of lots which had already been approved.
Our Board has also been a participating member of the Greater Lowell Area Planning Committee and will recommend at the 1962 Annual Town Meeting that Chelmsford citizens vote to make their Town an official member.
116
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
TREE DEPARTMENT Myles J. Hogan
To the Citizens of Chelmsford:
One hundred trees were planted this year to replace those which were removed. These trees were planted in the older sections of town that would not receive the benefits of the Tree Planting Ordinance. Trees planted within the past few years were checked, and conditions remedied when needed.
All sub-dividers were contacted and reminded of the requirements expected of them in regard to tree planting. Co-operation was 100% and the results will soon be noticed.
The need of removals and ever increasing requests were met to the best of our financial ability. Construction of several sub-divisions along the vicinity of Boston and Mill Roads, made necessary the removal of a number of trees. This work had to be done in order to make power available for newcomers. All tree removals that were allowed, not to the town's benefit, will be replaced by the Utility Co.
My thanks again to the Police and Fire departments for prompt reporting of incidents needing the attention of this department.
MOTH DEPARTMENT
Insecticide control this year consisted of a new material which has given even better results at no additional cost. Areas sprayed prior to rainfall, not having sufficient time to dry had to be re-sprayed.
Spot spraying of elms and trees considered valuable were given special attention.
As in the past, liquid fertilizers were combined with insecticide and used to stimulate newly planted trees.
MOSQUITO CONTROL
Considering the size of the town, control this year was good. The work pattern was similar to that of last year, the knowledge and ex- perience of the past allowed us the opportunity to apply control to little known breeding areas, well in advance of the adult mosquito.
Aerial spray was applied at intervals for adult mosquito, and hy- draulic and dusting equipment were used where extreme caution was necessary.
All spraying by air was made known to the public well in advance.
DUTCH ELM DEPARTMENT
Particular attention is given elms in regard to spraying. In spite of this, prompt removal, and other precautions, the disease still exists and continues to be our biggest conservation problem.
117
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
At least two hundred elms were either removed or topped this year in all sections of town.
I wish to thank the custodian of the down dump for his prompt burning of this wood in accordance with the Dept. of Natural Resources.
POISON IVY
The tremendous growth of the town makes it impossible to com- pletely control this weed with current funds allocated to this depart- ment. Consequently, the poison ivy on property other than town ways must remain a personal problem.
Any technical knowledge this department can give that will aid the individual will be gladly given upon request.
Respectfully submitted,
MYLES J. HOGAN, Tree Warden.
DOG OFFICER Frank Wojtas
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Town of Chelmsford
The following is a report of my services as Dog Officer for the year 1961.
Dogs sold to individuals 61
Dogs sent to Medical School
9
Injured or sick dogs disposed of
11
Total dogs picked up
81
Lost dogs located and returned to owners
26
Complaints and miscellaneous calls investigated
133
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK WOJTAS,
Dog Officer.
VETERANS' SERVICES Terence E. O'Rourke, Agent
Budget Expenditures
1959
$16,305.00
$ 9,585.00
1960
15,100.00
12,044.00
1961
16,700.00 14,959.00
During the year 1961 monetary aid was granted to 30 cases repre- senting 83 persons.
This department during the past year, has assisted numerous veterans seeking information and assistance concerning personal problems.
Your Agent continues to work in close co-operation with the Veterans Administration, assisting in aiding veterans in need of hospitalization or medical care, and also those eligible to receive pensions.
118
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
BUILDING INSPECTOR William A. Anderson
Board of Selectmen Town of Chelmsford Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen :
The year 1961 has been a very active year for the Building In- spector's Dept.
My predecessor, Joseph Demers, who served until May 1, 1961, and myself, issued the following permits:
Total Value
Dwellings
497 @ $15.00 = $7,455.00
$ 8,946,000.00
Remodeling
34
5.00 =
170.00
17,000.00
Attached Garages
34 @
7.00 =
238.00
40,800.00
Unattached Garages
15 @
5.00 =
75.00
12,000.00
Additions
26
@
7.00 =
182.00
150,000.00
Industrial Bldgs. 4 @ $10.00 per 1,000 sq. ft. =
143.00
143.00
Churches
1 @ $1.00 per $1,000 val. =
100.00
400,000.00
Gas. Station
4 @ $1.00 per $1,000 val. =
60.00
120,000.00
Apartments
3 @ $1.00 per $1,000 val. =
130.00
220,000.00
Stores
1 @ $1.00 per $1,000 val. =
28.40
30,000.00
Additions to Stores 2 @ $1.00 per $1,000 val. =
63.00
63,000.00
Others
26
= 157.00
25,000.00
Total 647
$8,801.40
$10,078,800.00
Salary
$ 500.00
Insp. Fees
4,807.50
Expenses
203.65
Total
$5,511.15
Respectfully Submitted,
WILLIAM A. ANDERSON,
Building Inspector.
119
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
William R. Greenwood, Chairman Edward L. Tyler, Jr. Oliver A. Reeves
HEALTH DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL
HEALTH AGENT Sanitarian and Milk Inspector Peter J. Saulis, R.S. - Appointed February 6, 1961
Senior Clerk and Laboratory Assistant Mrs. Florence M. Dutton
School Nurses Mrs. Helen M. Jewett, Senior School Nurse Mrs. Jessie M. Groves - Resigned October 25, 1961
Mrs. Marie C. Warren - Appointed November 6, 1961
Board of Health Physicians Dr. Benjamin Blechman Dr. John J. Barry
Plumbing Inspector George E. Gagnon
Permanent Intermittent Plumbing Inspector William H. Shedd - Appointed March 7, 1961
Animal Disposal Officer John Carruthers
Slaughter Inspector Hubert Scoble
DISEASES
The Communicable Disease records show little change over the previous year, except for a slight increase in C-Salmonella infections. There was one case of infectious hepatitis and the usual seasonal com- municable diseases, such as measles, chicken pox, and mumps. At this time there is one patient hospitalized at the Middlesex County Sanatorium with tuberculosis.
GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION
During the past twelve months a total of 399 Permits for sub-surface sewage systems were issued by this Department. There were 458 final inspections made on newly installed sewage disposal systems. Numerous nuisance complaints were investigated by the Health Agent and the
120
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
Board of Health. These complaints are increasing in proportion to popu- lation increase. Bacteriological analysis of water samples, (potable and bathing areas), milk and restaurant utensils performed routinely. Normal routine inspections of milk pasteurization plants, restaurants, trailer camps, nursery schools and grade schools were made.
SCHOOL NURSES' REPORT
A full School Nurse Program has been carried on during the year in addition to physical examinations, vision and hearing testing, diphtheria clinics and smallpox vaccinations: Abnormalities observed during physical examinations or vision and hearing testing are followed up by the Nurses and recommendations are made to the families. Many home calls had to be made and the growth in population has greatly increased the nursing load.
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Whooping cough Clinics were held in March, April and May. A Smallpox Vaccination Clinic was held in May for all pre-school children. In October Flu Serum was given to all Town Em- ployees who wanted the protection.
Special appointments are made for children at various clinics, such as the Crippled Children's Clinic, Heart Clinic and the Eye and Ear Clinics. Every assistance is given to the parents to help them recognize and correct the defect. The Nurses work closely with all personnel in- volved and are ready to help both children and parents who must attend these Clinics.
Estimated Income for 1962
Plumbing Inspector's Fees
$6,500.00
Wood Alcohol Licenses
25.00
Milk Licenses 80.00
Sewage Permits
2,500.00
State Subsidy for T. B. Patients
500.00
Trailer License Fees
2,200.00
Misc. Licenses and Permits
30.00
PLUMBING INSPECTOR'S REPORT
A total of 657 applications for Permits to do Plumbing were issued to Master Plumbers. Of this number 574 were for new construction and 57 old buildings, 13 were for Hot Water Storage Tanks. It was necessary to make 1205 inspections before they were approved.
121
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
Martin K. Bovey, Chairman
Edward B. Russell
Robert T. Clough
To the Citizens of Chelmsford:
With the near completion of the large development called Chelmsford Farms Estates the use of our Thanksgiving Ground Forest has steadily increased. By and large the many persons - young and old - who use the forest appreciate its beauties and are considerate of the rights of others.
At the 1961 annual meeting the Town accepted from East Coast Builders a small parcel of land at the northwest corner of the forest (on Gary Road) which will be opened in the spring as a parking lot for persons using the forest.
To compensate the Town for a surveying error a deal was made with East Coast Builders and approved by the Town which will result in a playground being added to the forest at its northeast corner. (Janet Road)
The Town also voted to accept three gifts as additions to the Thanks- giving Ground Forest: from Edward and Mildred Russell eleven acres which extends the forest along Russell Mill Pond to the Carlisle Line; from Martin Bovey six acres which extends the forest south of the great rocks formerly right on the forest boundary; and from East Coast Builders four and seven-tenth acres which extends the forest still further to the south. The size of the forest is now forty-five acres.
With Boy and Girl Scout labor and other voluntary assistance three campsites and a long loop trail have been built in the Thanksgiving Ground Forest.
During the year D & B Builders began a development on the south side of Mill Road which will abut our 85 acre forest on two sides. At a special meeting the Town voted to abandon a right of way to the forest through the new development on condition that D & B do the following things: Deliver to the Town in finished condition a 40,000 square foot parking lot and playground adjoining the forest on its north side and construct at their expense another parking area further west and just inside the forest, and grant a twelve foot easement to permit access to the forest on its east side.
122
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
GAS INSPECTION DEPARTMENT Richard E. Humphrey, Gas Inspector
To the Board of Selectmen
To the Citizens of Chelmsford
Gentlemen:
As Gas Inspector for the town of Chelmsford, I hereby submit my report for the year of 1961.
A total of 231 Gas Permits were issued; 218 of these Permits were for Gas Installations in new homes, 13 of these Permits for the installa- tion of new gas Appliances in homes.
The receipts of Gas Permits amounting to $1,155.00 has been turned in to the town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted, RICHARD E. HUMPHREY Gas Inspector
RECREATION COMMISSION
W. Parker George, Jr., Chairman
Harry J. Ayotte
Sallie L. Delmore
M. Leslie Kydd Jeanne L. McAndrew
Francis C. Dinneen Harold Farnum
George C. Hedrick Robert W. Ware
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Recreation Commission met and organized partial programs in this first year of official activity as a duly constituted town committee. A much more complete program is being planned for the coming years following this initial program.
Swimming lessons were given at both Crystal Lake and Baptist Pond with over 200 taking advantage of the classes. A brief girls' softball program was held and a pair of baseball groups played under the Com- mission's direction. The Commission also gave some aid to the two exist- ing programs of baseball for youth. An extremely successful Field Day was held with both boys and girls participating. A golf program was held with several youngsters taking advantage of the opportunity to learn the fundamentals. Harry Ayotte, Vice Chairman, along with Nor- man and Richard Raby directed a full scale football program in the Commission's most successful venture. It is the hope of the Commission that all of the activities of the past year may be enlarged and some new phases of the program added.
We wish to take this opportunity to thank the School Committee for the use of their facilities and also acknowledge the assistance given the Commission by the Fire Department, Police Department and Highway Department. Several interested citizens also aided the programs and for this the Commission is deeply appreciative.
123
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
VETERANS' EMERGENCY FUND Perry T. Snow, Treasurer TREASURER'S REPORT TO THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS January 1, 1961 to December 31, 1961
Balance on Hand January 1, 1961 $ 3,537.34
Add-Receipts :
The Central Savings Bank, Lowell, Mass. Dividends $ 27.96
First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Lowell-Dividends 100.75
Total Receipts 128.71
TOTAL
$ 3,666.05
Deduct-Disbursements None
Balance on Hand December 31, 1961 $ 3,666.05
ASSETS December 31, 1961
Town of Chelmsford-General Treasury
Deposit
$ 236.38
The Central Savings Bank, Lowell, Mass.
Book No. 128790 $ 777.67 52.00
Deposit in Transit
$ 829.67
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 $ 3,666.05
LIABILITIES December 31, 1961
None
Respectfully submitted,
TOWN OF CHELMSFORD VETERANS' EMERGENCY FUND
PERRY T. SNOW
124
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
CHELMSFORD INDUSTRIAL AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION - 1961
Members:
Forest Dupee, Chairman; Gerald Lannon, Vice Chairman; Arthur Haley, Albert E. Walker, Kenneth Koch and George Whitaker.
During the year 1961, the Industrial and Development Commission expanded its activities in an effort to secure clean, light and desirable industry to meet our Town's employment and economic needs.
A budget of $3,500.00 was requested and approved by the Town Meeting, to be used in furthering the Town's Industrial growth.
The commission again engaged Mr. William G. Hazeltine of Belmont to serve as part time consultant to assist the commission in its activities.
A progressive step to advertise the Town's industrial potential was taken in January when the commission's catalog of favorable land sites were distributed to local Real Estate agents and brokers for the first time. This information was also distributed to Boston Real Estate Brokers and to leading railroad companies and to the State of Massachu- setts Department of Commerce and all Utility Power companies.
The year 1961 saw industrial growth in the Billerica Road section of Town, known as Alpha Industrial Park, with the addition of a new build- ing as well as additions to previously established buildings. As a result the Town now has four (4) industries flourishing in this area with ample room for additional growth. The land in this area has been purchased by an industrial developer for further expansion.
Another new industry, the LeClair Company, a printing concern, moved into North Chelmsford in the property formerly known as the Chrysler Building.
In addition this year saw the establishment of a bowling enterprise, a Howard Johnson's Restaurant, to which will be added a motel, and two (2) additional shopping areas; the completion of Route 3 and the opening of Route 495, all of which adds to our present assets to attract industry. The development of these major highways in relation to our Town greatly enhances this Town's potential towards attracting industry.
Your commission actively searched out companies who through one way or another indicated a desire to establish their manufacturing facilities in a new location. Our follow up indicates that out of a potential of 22 concerns only approximately one third actually relocated. From the above it is obvious, that many exploratory hours are spent with these clients, to no avail.
Some of these have cooperated with the commission and have answered our follow up letter requesting information as to why Chelms- ford was passed up.
Analysis of these replies indicates a problem beyond control of this commission: (1.) available existing buildings at low rental cost, in neigh- boring cities and towns; (2.) high cost per acre of land in Chelmsford.
These replies indicate that one of the best attractions in an industrial
125
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
area is the available space at low rental cost or a city or town willing to provide same through private capital.
Roadside signs for Routes 3 and 495, advertising town potential, have been completed and are in the process of being erected. Our first is now prominently displayed on Route 3.
The commission regrets the decision, due to business pressure, necessitating Arthur Worthley, Jr., a member of this commission for six (6) years, in not accepting reappointment for another term.
Mr. George Whitaker and Mr. Kenneth Koch were appointed in 1961 to serve on this commission. Both bring to your commission a wealth of experience with industry and its expansion.
Your commission members wish to remind all taxpayers of this Town that cooperation of all is necessary to attract industry. Each citizen is a member of this commission, who in their various capacities in in- dustry can and should assist this commission in selling our Town. There is no central clearing house where a commission can go to obtain names of companies contemplating moving. If you hear in any way of any such moves your commission will be glad to follow up these leads.
To the several citizens who have so notified us in the past we thank you for this information and cooperation.
The commission meets the fourth Thursday each month at the Center Town Hall and welcomes all to attend these meetings.
CIVIL DEFENSE
Bertram T. Needham, Director
William W. Edge, Asst. Director Charles S. Koulas, Asst. Director To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The year 1961 has been one of activity in Civil Defense in the Town of Chelmsford. The Auxiliary Police have had a very active year; they have been called for traffic duty for the weekly band concerts, and work on the new highways. This year after many hours of hard work, the re- habilitation of their new headquarters in the rear of the Town Hall has become a reality. This building has a fine pistol range, a large meeting room, a kitchen and storage space. The entire work has been accom- plished by the men themselves. Special mention must be made to their leader, Sgt. Basil Larkin, who gave a great deal of time and hard work along with his men.
The radio hams were, as usual, active all year. These hams came to the assistance of the director during the hurricane warnings. They were used by the Highway Department and the Tree Warden with their mobile transmitters. During the period when communications in town failed, the hams were in touch with the department heads. Special credit goes to Mr. Melvin deJager, the Radio Officer and his assistant, Mr. Robert Wallace, who cooperated in every way with your director and staff.
Our School Nurse, Mrs. Helen Jewett, R.N. was active all year long. She attended classes given by the State and Federal Civil Defense groups
1
126
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
several times during the year. She organized a first aid station and ambulance service during the hurricane warnings, and with her group was ready for emergency first aid.
Meetings were held all year long on the third Thursday in the month at the Central Fire Station. Many plans for 1962 have been put into shape. We hope that more of our citizens will come to our meetings. We want your help and welcome everyone.
We wish to thank the Board of Selectmen, the Chiefs of the Fire and Police Departments for their splendid cooperation during the year.
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS Winslow E. Merrill, V.M.D.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Chelmsford
Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The following is the report for the year 1961:
Number of dog bites 92
Number of dogs showing physical signs of rabies 0
Number of dogs submitted for laboratory examination 0
Number of premises keeping cattle 33
Number of premises keeping domestic animals other than cattle 12
Number of cattle and young stock
545
Number of swine
1564
Number of horses
40
Number of sheep
20
Number of cattle released from interstate shipment
Permits
12
Cattle 36
NOTICE
A. ALL CATTLE IMPORTED FOR BREEDING OR DAIRY PUR- POSES MUST BE:
TUBERCULIN TESTED WITHIN 12 MONTHS
BLOOD TESTED WITHIN 30 DAYS
OFFICIAL CALFHOOD VACCINATES
B. ALL CATTLE PURCHASED WITHIN THE COMMONWEALTH (other than for immediate slaughter)
1. MUST HAVE BEEN TESTED FOR BRUCELLOSIS WITHIN 30 DAYS.
or
2. ORIGINATE DIRECTLY FROM A CERTIFIED BRUCELLOSIS-FREE HERD
or
3. OFFICIALLY VACCINATED IF UNDER 30 MONTHS OF AGE.
Respectfully submitted, WINSLOW E. MERRILL, V.M.D.,
Inspector of Animals.
6
BOARD OF REGISTRARS Edward T. Brick, Chairman
Dorothy Borrows
John J. Carr
Charlotte P. DeWolf, Ex-Officio
Votes Cast at
Year
Number of Registered
Votes Cast at Annual Town
State & Presidential
Voters
Election
Elections
1940
4410
2740
4007
1950
4930
1923
3811
1960
8225
4949
7810
Six Assistant Registrars set out January 2, 1961 to list the inhab- itants 20 years of age and older. When they had completed their work they had listed 10,244 persons.
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.