USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1962 > Part 9
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HELEN M. JEWETT, Senior School Nurse
116
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
PLUMBING INSPECTOR'S REPORT
Gentlemen:
A total of 489 applications for Permits to do Plumbing were issued to Master Plumbers, of this number 443 were for new construction and 33 for old buildings, and 13 were for Hot Water Storage Tanks.
It was necessary to make 948 inspections before they were approved. Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE E. GAGNON Plumbing Inspector
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Chelmsford:
During 1962 more work was done in the Thanksgiving Ground Forest, which presently is getting the most use of any of the areas.
A long, triangular-shaped trail, marked witth small circles of green paint, was cut from the playground at the northeast corner of the forest to the parking lot at the northwest corner on Gary Road; and thence southwesterly to the Great Rocks and on to Russell Mill Pond at the point where River Meadow Brook flows into the pond near the Carlisle line. From here the trail comes back to the playground along the shore of the pond.
Many dead and worthless trees (mostly white pines ) on the slope above the playground and the end of Janet Road, have been removed to make the main entrance to the forest more attractive.
In some spots in the northern part of the forest the heavy growth of young white pines that is coming in under the oaks has been thinned or eliminated so as to preserve vistas and open areas along the trail.
Fires are allowed only in the established fireplaces at the campsites along the pond and then only with permission from the Fire Department. Nevertheless, last spring a fire started in a brush pile by some young boys burned several hundred square feet near the pond. Fortunately the high wind that was blowing was in the direction of the pond. Had it been blowing into the forest a far larger area would undoubtedly have been burned.
East Coast Builders have made a very satisfactory parking area at the end of Janet Road and graded the adjoining playground. The seeding of the playground was done too late in the summer to get a satisfactory catch of grass so there has been considerable erosion on the slope down to the pond. To fulfill their agreement with this commit- tee, the builders will have to fill the gullies and reseed part of the area. They must also level off the Gary Road parking lot and cover that area with small pebbles.
Respectfully submitted, Town Forest Committee MARTIN BOVEY, Chairman ROBERT CLOUGH EDWARD RUSSELL
117
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
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 1962.
A total of 473 Gas Permits were issued; 436 of these Permits were issued for gas installations in new and old homes, 33 of these Permits for the installation of new gas appliances in homes, 4 of these Permits were issued for gas installations in public buildings.
The receipts of Gas Permits amounting to $2,385.00 has been turned in to the town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD E. HUMPHREY, Gas Inspector
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The following is the report for the year 1962:
Number Dog bites 109
Dogs showing physical signs of rabies 0
Dogs submitted for laboratory examination 3
Premises keeping cattle 30
Premises keeping domestic animals other than cattle 18
Cattle and young stock 431
Swine 1152
Horses
25
Sheep
28
Cattle released from interstate shipment
Permits 9
Cattle 37
Respectfully submitted,
WINSLOW E. MERRILL, V.M.D.
118
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
RECREATION COMMISSION
Harry J. Ayotte, Chairman
Haworthe Neild M. Leslie Kydd
Francis C. Dinneen
George C. Hedrick
Sally L. Delmore
Jeanne L. McAndrew
Harold Varnum
Robert W. Ware
To the Board of Selectmen
To the Citizens of Chelmsford
In its second year of official activity, the Recreation Commission instituted several new programs and expanded others during 1962.
In baseball this year the Commission started a league for boys between the ages of 9 and 12. This league was formed to take the over- load of boys who could not be absorbed by the local little league, and was directed by Mrs. Mildred Sophos with the aid of other interested parents. The Commission also sponsored a team in the Greater Lowell Baseball League, for young men between the ages of 16 and 20. This team was managed by Richard McDermott. Another league sponsored by the Commission was the Chelmsford Junior Baseball League under the direction of Haworthe Neild.
The Chelmsford Junior Football league enjoyed another successful season in which the league increased to 90 boys between the ages of 12 and 15, under the direction of Harry Ayotte.
The Swimming program had an estimated 275 children taking instructions at Baptist Pond and Crystal Lake. An adult swimming class was introduced this year with approximately 50 adults enrolled. Lessons were given by Miss JoAnn Gemma, Miss Carol Ennis and Mr. Ronald Sampson.
Supervised playground activities were initiated this past summer at the Westland School, Varney playground, Chelmsford Center School and the East Chelmsford School. Three hundred boys and girls partici- pated in the various playground activities under the direction of Mr. Herb Wexular, Mrs. Sandra Armstrong and Mrs. Minna Wexular.
The Annual Field Day was held at the Chelmsford Junior High field with 250 youngsters participating in the numerous events.
The Golf Program was continued this year under the direction of Mr. Harold Varnum.
We wish to take this opportunity to thank the School Committee and other departments of the town for their assistance. We would also like to thank several civic-minded citizens who aided us in the above- mentioned programs.
119
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
VETERANS' EMERGENCY FUND Perry T. Snow, Treasurer
TREASURER'S REPORT TO THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS January 1, 1962 to December 31, 1962
Balance on Hand January 1, 1962 Add-Receipts
$ 3,666.05
The Central Savings Bank, Lowell, Mass. Dividends $ 34.39
First Federal Savings and Loan Association
of Lowell-Dividends 107.25
Total Receipts 141.64
TOTAL
$ 3,807.69
Deduct-Disbursements
None
Balance on Hand December 31, 1962 $ 3,807.69
ASSETS December 31, 1962
Town of Chelmsford-General Treasury Deposit $ 236.38
The Central Savings Bank, Lowell, Mass.
Book No. 128790 971.31
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 $ 3,807.69
LIABILITIES December 31, 1962
None
Respectfully submitted,
TOWN OF CHELMSFORD VETERANS' EMERGENCY FUND PERRY T. SNOW January 3, 1963
120
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
CHELMSFORD INDUSTRIAL AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION - 1962
Members:
Gerald Lannan, Chairman; Arthur Haley, Vice Chairman; Albert Walker, Secretary; Forest Dupee, Kenneth Koch, Albert Badger, George Whitaker.
During the year 1962, the commission lost one of its valued members, Mr. George Whitaker, through death. Mr. Whitaker gave to the com- mission both wisdom and experience, his advice and presence will be missed greatly.
Two of the high spots of the year were the opening of the Accuracy Reytron Electronics, Inc. plant in October at our industrial complex known as the Golden Triangle, and the opening of the J. M. Fields store in November.
During 1962 your commission investigated and followed up on twelve (12) prospects from ten (10) communities expressing a desire to relocate. Your commission has received many inquiries about Chelms- ford, some from as far away as Chicago. Many were from the types of industry which we believed would not be desirable in town, such as a rendering works, a dog and cat food processing plant, etc. Your com- mission wishes to continue to seek out the type of industry we are now attracting to our town along the same line as we have at the Golden Triangle, Junction of routes 3 and 129. We are certain that the day is not too distant when more such industries will locate within the borders of our town. Alpha Construction Co., who has developed the Golden Triangle and our industrial park has purchased more industrial zoned land to expand our industrial complex.
The atmosphere in Chelmsford towards this type of industry appears very good, our financial structure is sound, our educational system is excellent. (With the Belvidere School relocating at Chelmsford and an expansion to their facilities we have added another asset to our town). Our public services are the best for miles around. We now have a branch of one of the leading banks in the area operating in town, along with other excellent banking establishments who have been with us over the years. They are ready and willing to give us their assistance and advice in our endeavor to attract and help the industrial growth of Chelmsford. Our closeness to the institutions of higher learning, our suburban at- mosphere of living, our churches of all denominations, - building and planning for the future, are the things which industry looks for when they wish to expand or build.
The atmosphere is very good, the town has far more assets than debits, your commission is ever on the alert for prospects. Your com- mission while enthusiastic in its actions, nevertheless will apply restraint where we believe the best interests of the town would not be served.
121
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
We on your commission feel from talks with business men and women that industry is not necessarily looking for give-away programs. The majority are willing to pay their fair share of the tax load. A receptive attitude by the towns people for industry to locate in town, on land already zoned for industry, in a town which has the assets stated above meets the basic requirements of most industries. Chelmsford's future looks bright and in the next few years we should come into our own, industrially.
Your commission meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Center Town Hall and welcomes all to attend.
CIVIL DEFENSE DIRECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
CUBAN CRISIS FOCUSED NEED FOR STRONG CIVIL DEFENSE
The need for strong action to improve local Civil Defense activities became very evident during the recent Cuban crisis. The realization of this fact resulted in cities and towns within the Commonwealth making advances in organization and gaining support from within the com- munities.
Local government leaders, with but few exceptions, were quick to recognize that Civil Defense was an integral segment of community management and merited support seldom forthcoming in the past.
The presence of nuclear weapons in such proximity to our shores proved to be the impetus needed to bring into sharp focus situations which were known to exist but about which little could be accomplished without a citizenry awakened and enlightened to the dangers of possible devastation from enemy shores. Apathy towards Civil Defense was dissipated in many quarters and a healthy search for knowledge regard- ing the program developed.
That these dangers are still very much apparent, although to a possible lesser degree, was stated by President John F. Kennedy when he decorated fliers for their photographic missions over Cuba. The President remarked: "The danger certainly is not past . we shall continue to live in crisis and danger certainly through this decade."
The need of strengthening and training of each individual Civil Defense organization within the Commonwealth is paramount. While the intensity of the crisis may have waned, the seed which spawned it is still just off our shores, and will remain ever dangerous though it's claws may have been somewhat clipped.
122
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
As you know, there have been three emergencies in as many years. We have been fortunate indeed, that events did not take a different turn.
"There is much to be done for our self-protection by each community. Having been reminded that we want and need all practical protection against nuclear attack, let us recognize that effective preparation takes time and effort during the quiet periods. Let's get on with this work, even when the threat fades and there is little appetite for the dismal subject of survival."
"We owe this to our country. It makes us a tougher nut to crack, and that makes war less likely."
The Cuban crisis in many respects brought to mind the necessity of a review of our past programs, and a chance to look forward to the future to adequate planning should the occasion arise. We believe our program for 1962 has shown some progress in the right direction.
1. The Civil Defense plan for public schools is being formulated by the Superintendent of Schools as a result of joint planning with the Civil Defense Director and staff, with particular emphasis on evacuation and school shelter.
2. Minor changes in the Chelmsford Operational Plan were made to bring it up to date, to enable Chelmsford to participate in matching funds.
3. The Radio Hams under the direction of Melvin deJager have participated in several state tests for communications. They have held regular monthly meetings at the C.D. communications center in the Town Hall.
4. The auxiliary police under the direction of Sgt. Basil Larkin have nearly completed their headquarters building in the rear of the Town Hall. Regular meetings are held each Monday evening, and the group has been used on many occasions for extra traffic duty.
5. A large quantity of literature has been distributed to many persons throughout the town on fallout shelters, and a number of family shelters have been constructed as a result.
6. First aid nurse technicians classes are to be reactivated in the near future, as this program was very well accepted during the last classes conducted by School Nurse Helen Jewett, R.N. and her assistants.
It is obvious that we have to plan to bring our house in order in the years to come, and your C.D. organization will welcome any suggestions from the townspeople.
We wish to thank all the town officials for the splendid cooperation we have received in the past.
B. T. NEEDHAM, Director WILLIAM EDGE, Deputy Director CHARLES KOULAS, Deputy Director
123
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Adams Library, Chelmsford Center Anna Mackay Memorial, North Chelmsford
Trustees: Chairman, Marjorie Scoboria, Ethel Booth, Eustace Fiske, Raymond Kroll, Howard Moore, Roger Welch.
Staff : Librarian: Edith M. Pickles; Assistant librarians :- Goldie Creamer, Stella Donovan, May Files, Muriel Hardy and Loreen Patton; Clerk: Evelyn Fox; Aides: Robert Germann, Linda Webb.
As each succeeding year means increased demands upon library services your library staff inaugurates such change and additions that seem advisable. Comparative circulation figures at the Adams Library are some indication of the growth of library use. 1958, circulation 39,424; five years later, 1962, circulation 83,478.
State library standards concerning increased library hours, salaries and book appropriation have been met this past year. This makes this town eligible for state aid if the town so desires.
Recently, through the efforts of the library trustees, a "Friends of the Library" group has been formed. The trustees have also published the first issue of "Your Library," a publication designed to keep the people of Chelmsford informed on library news.
124
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
The reference department is showing growth and improvement and boasts its own room at the Adams Library. This branch of library service can not readily be measured. However, the increasing number of students using this facility are evidence of the need and appreciation of this service. Summer reading clubs and occasional story hours for children are now institutions at both libraries.
Charging machines are now being installed. During this transition we have been most appreciative of those who have given volunteer help in the reprocessing of all the books. I would like to especially mention the Girl Scout troops under the leadership of Mrs. John S. Chase, Mrs. Robert Clough, Mrs. Victor B. Holder and Mrs. C. Richmond Page.
A word of thanks is also due to the many who have given books and periodicals to the libraries and to the Chelmsford Garden Club for the monthly floral arrangements in each library.
Respectfully submitted,
EDITH M. PICKLES, Librarian
LIBRARY
To the Board of Selectmen: Town of Chelmsford, Mass.
December 31, 1962
The following is a list of the Trust Funds of the Library Department showing the interest earned and the amount of the funds as of Decmber 31, 1962.
12/31/61
Interest
New Funds
Withdrawal
12/31/62
ADAMS LIBRARY
Amos F. Adams
$ 12,126.44
532.83
$ 572.67
$ 12,086.60
Albert H. Davis
354.15
14.75
368.90
Mary Proctor
11,821.01
491.24
636.37
11,675.88
George Memorial
2,248.87
90.82
2,339.69
George Cemetery
1,080.85
43.64
1,124.49
Joseph E. Warren
593.14
23.96
617.10
Adams Emerson
75.00
3.02
78.02
Selina Richardson
200.00
8.08
208.08
Frances Clark
542.99
22.63
565.62
$ 29,042.45
$1,230.97
$1,209.04
$ 29,064.38
MacKAY LIBRARY
Victor E. Edwards
$ 1,070.94
$ 44.61
$ 1,115.55
Clements
8,597.49
358.29
636.36
8,319.42
N. B. Edwards
961.74
38.82
1,000.56
Flint
1,774.56
71.68
1,846.24
General Fund
4,823.14
200.97
5,024.11
Frederick B. Edwards*
1,004.98
47,889.82
48,894.80
$ 17,227.87
$1,719.35
$ 47,889.82
$ 636.36
$ 66,200.68
*BEQUEST
TOTAL FUNDS
$ 46,270.32
$2,950.32
$ 47,889.82
$1,845.40
$ 95,265.06
Respectfully Submitted,
EUSTACE B. FISKE
125
Treasurer of Library Trustees
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
126
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
BOARD OF REGISTRARS Edward T. Brick, Chairman
Dorothy Borrows
John J. Carr
Charlotte P. DeWolf, Ex-Officio Votes Cast Votes Cast at
Number of
Registered
at Annual Town State & Presidential
Year
Voters
Election 4107
Elections
1962
8546
1962
9136
7729
At the Town Election held March 5, 1962, 4107 votes were cast, or 48% of the registered voters of that date.
The voting strength of the six precincts as of October 5, 1962 after the Biennial Revision is as follows:
Precincts
Republicans
Democrats Independents
Total
1
980
324
1633
2937
2
607
465
886
1958
3
124
73
576
773
4
162
177
250
589
5
221
56
695
972
6
619
353
935
1907
Totals
2713
1448
4975
9136
The Board of Registrars holds six sessions for registration of voters, one in each precinct preceeding every election. All sessions in all precincts, except Precinct 1, Chelmsford Center, are held from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The final day of registration, the session is always held at the Town Hall, Chelmsford Center, from 12 noon until 10 p.m. Naturalized citizens must bring their final papers in order to become registered voters.
To vote in all elections, a person must be:
1. A citizen of the United States
2. 21 years of age or more
3. A resident of Massachusetts for at least 1 year on Election Day
4. A resident of Chelmsford for at least 6 months on Election Day
5. A registered voter, qualified before the Board of Registrars and signed the official list.
Registration is permanent. Once registered as a Chelmsford voter a citizen may vote in all elections as long as he continues to maintain a residence in Chelmsford except if a voter changes his name, either by marriage or by court action, or moves to another precinct, he must register again.
A Board of Registrars, under state law, has charge of the registra- tion of voters. They prepare the annual Register of Voters divided according to Precincts and listing the voters by street address and with political party designations. This Register of Voters is used at the polls at elections.
The 3 Registrars are appointed for a 3-year term by the Selectmen on a bi-partisan basis. The Town Clerk is an ex-officio member of the Board.
127
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEEDS AND BUILDING COMMITTEE
Christy Pettee, Chairman
Philip E. Campbell, Secretary
Harold E. Clayton, Jr.
Charles D. Harrington
Howard E. Humphrey Henrick R. Johnson Gerald C. Tucke
The Elementary School Needs and Building Committee herewith presents its report to the citizens of the Town of Chelmsford for the year ending December 31, 1962.
The Committee presently has had four assignments: to attend to the final completion of the addition to the North School; to attend to the details relating to the construction of the South Row School; to attend to the planning and construction of the addition to the High School; and to prepare recommendations on the Junior High School needs.
NORTH SCHOOL ADDITION
This building is now in its second year of occupancy and has proven to be an excellent building in all respects. The guarantee period has now expired and the final papers will be processed with the School Building Assistance Commission.
SOUTH ROW SCHOOL
Construction of this building met with general delays. Consequently, its occupancy had to be postponed until about the middle of January. The final grading, loaming, and seeding of the ground will not be com- pleted until spring.
The building is an excellent one and should prove to be one of our finest elementary schools. "Open House" is planned for the citizens of the Town as soon after occupancy as is possible. The $140,000 grant received from the Federal Government under Public Law 815 for the furnishings has made possible many educational innovations.
HIGH SCHOOL ADDITION
The contract for this addition was signed last August 28, 1962 and construction started the following week. Excellent progress is being made on its construction. The Committee has every reason to believe that this building will be ready for occupancy in time for the opening of school next fall.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL NEEDS
The Committee in accordance with instructions voted at the annual town meeting has conducted a study of Junior High School needs and submits the following report:
At the outset a study of our school population and birth statistics for the past ten years was made. This study made it most evident that from the standpoint of economy, and of efficiency in school management
128
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
and education, the problem of school housing would have to be faced on all school levels - elementary, junior high school, and senior high school.
From the standpoint of present numbers in the schools and the estimated factor of new enrollment as a result of births and families moving into the town during the past ten years, it is an inescapable conclusion that our elementary schools, even with the new South Row School and the three old wooden four classroom buildings, would fall short of meeting the needs of the town by 1965.
At the same time, it is equally evident that the existing junior high, the present seventh and eighth grade set-up, would overfill the old high school and the McFarlin buildings now being used to house these grades.
Looking further ahead, it was found that by the end of 1967, the new high school with the fourteen room addition now under construction will require another addition.
From these facts we concluded that there are two courses of action open to the town.
One is to start immediately on the construction of another 24-room elementary school, which would cost in the vicinity of $1,000,000; start an addition to the old junior high school which would require in addition to classrooms an entirely new heating plant, a large gymnasium, and a large cafeteria at a cost well over another $1,000,000, and prepare for another addition to the high school which, because of the need for enlarged core facilities would cost far more than the one now under construction.
The second course of action is to build a 1200-pupil junior high school immediately, in order that it might house not only the 7th and 8th grade pupils at the outset but elementary pupils as well. This build- ing will eventually be able to house the 9th grade when the high school becomes overcrowded. In other words, it would cushion the impact of increased enrollment at all levels. The cost of such a building would be in the vicinity of $2,500,000, in our opinion.
Another alternative, which your committee did not seriously con- sider, was gradually to put the entire school system on double sessions. This, of course, would be the eventual result if housing facilities fall short of enrollment.
On the basis of the fact that during 1962 housing permits numbered only one-fifth of those in the previous year, we believe that there is a leveling off in the growth of the town. This may be permanent and it may not be. No one can tell at the moment. If this is permanent over a period of four or five years, the extra housing in the proposed junior high school will take care of the enrollment at the elementary level by leaving the old high and McFarlin schools for this age group.
The following chart indicates the seriousness of the building problem:
129
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
TOTAL SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
Grade
Past
Present
Future Projection
1952 1955 1959 1960 1961
1962
1963 1964 1965 1966 1967
1
264
273
354
424
409
545
565
590
600
620
630
2
194
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