USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1964 > Part 8
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
Board of Health Physicians Dr. Benjamin Blechman Dr. John J. Barry Plumbing Inspector George E. Gagnon Permanent Intermittent Plumbing Inspector William H. Shedd Animal Disposal Officer Donald J. Bickford
Slaughter Inspector Hubert Scoble Mosquito Control Officer Donald T. Fenton
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
During the past year the incident rate of childhood diseases remained proportional with previous years except for measles which showed a sub- stantial increase in cases over last year. There were no cases of polio- myelitis which indicates that the vaccination clinics were effective. There were five tuberculosis patients hospitalized at the Middlesex County Sanatorium, these were readmissions and new cases. Last year's ex- penditures from the Quarantine and Contagious Diseases account in- dicates that the 1965 appropriation be increased by $1,000.00 to meet increased cost of hospitalization. Material has been obtained by this Board for a TB case finding clinic which will be implemented during 1965 for all the school population. The method the testing program will be based on, the Heaf principle of multiple puncture, sterneedle, is an improved device for painless, rapid and economical introdermal tuberculin testing.
116
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION
A total of 318 sub-surface sewage permits were issued during the past year. Inspection of sub-surface sewage systems continue to be the major time consuming factor. Nuisance complaints are increasing, most of these are resolved. Routine inspections of eating and drinking estab- lishments, markets, milk plants, piggeries, trailer camps, day care centers for children, mobile catering services and swimming beaches were conducted. The Board is pleased to report that the general sanita- tion of our food establishments remains commendable, and our two public beaches remained functional throughout the swimming season.
The report on Sewage and Sewage Disposal facilities was accepted by the Board of Health on July 14, 1964. Copies of the report are avail- able for public use at the following places: Center Library, North Chelmsford Library and the Board of Health Office at the Town Hall. The report proposes a regional sewage works plan to include the con- struction of large intercepting sewers along the north and south banks of the Merrimack River and the construction of a large pumping station and sewage treatment plant in Tewksbury, just east of the Lowell City line, of adequate capacity to collect and treat sewage from the Town of Chelmsford, the City of Lowell and the Town of Dracut. The report further states that the annual cost for construction and operation of the regional works is estimated to be about 20 per cent less expensive than the municipal sewage works.
MOSQUITO CONTROL PROGRAM
An early mosquito control program could not be instituted last season because of administrative difficulties. A late lavacide aerial spray was carried out with a mixture of .2 lbs. DDT in 1/2 gallon of kerosene per acre. Because of an exceptional dry season only one adulticide aerial spray was carried out in lieu of two. Material used was .5 lbs. malathion in .5 gallon of kerosene per acre. Local spot fogging was carried out in areas where aerial spraying could not be done.
SCHOOL NURSE REPORT
The school nurses play an important part in all phases of the school health program. Their duties are many and varied and they work closely with administration and personnel for a healthful and safe school year.
Three Sabin polio clinics were held during January, March and April.
Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough clinics were held in March, April and May. All classroom children in grades 1 and 6, with parental consent, were inoculated. Small pox vaccination clinics were held in May.
In October, flu serum was given by Dr. Blechman to all town em- ployees who desired this protection.
Physical examinations were conducted by the three school doctors.
The vision and hearing program was carried out by the technicians. The nurses do the follow-up work contacting parents regarding failures.
117
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
Classroom discussions and individual health lectures were given. Home visits and parent conferences were held whenever necessary.
The ever-growing school population now necessitates an increase in staff so that the established health program may continue successfully.
The cooperation of all concerned with the above program has been greatly appreciated.
HELEN M. JEWETT, R.N. MARIE WARREN, R.N. DOROTHY CLEMENTS, R.N.
REPORT OF THE TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
To the Board of Selectmen:
During 1964 your committee cleaned up most of the six acres on the southern boundary of the Thanksgiving Ground Forest that were burned in October 1963. This necessitated removing and burning almost all pines less than forty feet in height. We widened the trail that runs from the southwest to the southeast corner of the forest so that fire trucks can get through to Russell Mill Pond at the Carlisle line.
In the northern part of the forest we continued the reduction of too large and too numerous stands of dense young pines so as to create vistas and open spaces along the trails, and we all but completed the thinning out and cleaning up of the stand of large pines at the end of Janet Road.
In what we feel should be called the Mill Road Forest - the eighty- six acres just south of Mill Road - the D & B Construction Company, whose heads have been extremely cooperative, completed a very fine play- ground with an excellent cover of grass on it. This, together with a large playground parking lot, fronts on newly-opened Noble Road and is on land abutting on the forest. This playground was given to the town by the developers. At the extreme western end of Noble Road, just inside the forest, D and B have constructed a smaller parking lot for us.
By way of providing emergency access to the Mill Road Forest, your committee has begun cutting out two old woods roads, which will, of course, also serve as hiking trails.
The Thanksgiving Ground Forest is being used more and more and some people are already enjoying the Mill Road Forest. Your committee feels that the town would do well to acquire, as soon as possible, a good deal more forest land. Town forests will be very heavily used in the future and new land may be difficult to acquire.
Respectfully submitted, MARTIN K. BOVEY, Chairman EDWARD B. RUSSELL, ROBERT T. CLOUGH
118
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
RECREATION COMMISSION
Chairman - Harry J. Ayotte
Vice Chairman - Robert Ware Secretary - Stephan M. Terpak
Leslie Adams Richard Moschen Robert Armstrong
Haworth Nield Frank Greatorex Nicholas Mazzoni
PROGRAM:
The 1964 recreation program included for the first time seven new activities thus presenting a full years' program to the ctiizens. New activities were adult softball, adult par 3 golf and instruction, inclusion of special children in the playground and swimming pro- gram, adult basketball, girls figure skating, boys hockey and a tennis tournament. Activities in process at this writing include teen-age dances and outdoor skating areas.
SPRING AND SUMMER:
The boys baseball league (ages 9-12) opened the program fielding six teams. All games were played at a new field acquired by the commission on Jordan Road. Varney playground housed the junior baseball league which grew to six teams (ages 13-15) with 120 boys participating in a twelve week baseball schedule. The commission again sponsored a fifteen man team (ages 16-19) in the greater Lowell baseball league. A new adult men's softball league had six team entries, each team playing ten games at the McFarlin school field. This league promises to be an active program next season. The commission also contributed equipment to the farm system in the Little League program.
Four playgrounds were again in continuous operation from July to September averaging two hundred children participating per day. Each playground; East school, Westlands school, Janet Road and Varney playground, had two qualified supervisors instructing in both active and passive recreation. Several supervised field trips were again made to various points in the area.
A complete swimming program sanctioned by the American National Red Cross and instructed by a Certified Water Safety Instructor was enjoyed by four hundred participants. Classes for school chil- dren began at 9 A.M. continuing to 2 P.M., adults were given even- ing instructions at Crystal Lake.
Special children were integrated into the playground and swimming programs under the guidance of specially qualified instructors in an extremely successful program.
Adult golf instructions and a par 3 night league were conducted
119
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
at the Thunderbird golf course for the first time with thirty par- ticipating. The boys golf tournament was again held with sixty par- ticipants at the Thunderbird for both open and novice classes.
FALL:
A boys and girls tennis tournament was sponsored with seventy participants.
The Junior Football league (ages 12-15) fielded four teams each playing seven games at the McFarlin school playground.
WINTER:
The men's basketball league started in January with eighty adults participating at the high school gym.
Instruction in girls figure skating was started in mid January and continued to March.
A hockey clinic attracted over two hundred boys (ages 6-15) to receive instructions in the fundamentals of skating and hockey.
Acknowledgments:
The commission would like to thank all citizens, public officials and organizations who contributed their efforts and time to the success of the years recreation program.
Respectfully submitted, S. M. TERPAK
120
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
VARNEY PLAYGROUND COMMISSION and EDWARD'S BEACH
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Citizens of Chelmsford
During 1964 considerable work has been accomplished at the Varney Playground and Edward's Beach. One new tennis court was constructed and was ready for the summer playground season. The two courts were used continually all summer long and finished with a tennis tournament under the supervision of Robert Ware of the Recreation Commission. This was a very successful program. We hope to resurface the old court next year.
Again this year the Recreation Commission used the playground and beach for their eight weeks program. The program was held daily from 9-12 and 1-3 and a baseball league played their games every evening. These programs were well planned and our congratulations to the super- visors and team manager for a job well done. We look forward to work- ing with them next year.
The old bleachers that have been used at the playground for many years were torn down. We do not believe they need to be replaced at this time. If we find that the spectators at the ball games think we should have bleachers, we will try to replace them for the 1966 season. Our thanks to Mr. Greenwood and the employees of the highway department for removing the old bleachers and other help during the year.
Much new equipment and tools were purchased for both Varney Playground and Edward's Beach. Tables have been constructed for use at the beach and for the Recreation program for next year. These tables were constructed from the lumber salvaged from the old bleachers.
Beginning this year "1965" Edward's Beach will be restricted for the use of Chelmsford residents only. Between the Recreation Commission waterfront program and Edward's Beach Commission, the beach should be supervised daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. for a fine waterfront program.
The High School Junior Varsity Baseball team used the ballfield for their home games. We will have the diamond ready for them again in April if they wish to use it.
Early in the year we were saddened by the death of H. Franklin Gill who was elected to the commission in 1963. Although he had only been on the commission for a year, he had proved to be a capable business man and we all miss him as a member of the Varney Playground Com- mission and as a neighbor.
121
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
The commission also lost the services of John Dixon, who had been chairman for many years. Mr. Dixon resigned after 15 years of service. Our thanks to John for his advice and assistance during the past year. Elected to replace Mr. Gill and Mr. Dixon were Frank Delmore and George Swallow, III.
Our thanks to the Board of Selectmen, the Finance Board, the Town Accountant's office and Dr. Rivard for their helpful advice and assistance during the past year.
When the late Doctor Varney donated the land for the present Var- ney Playground, an association was formed to help in the development of the playground.
During the years of the playground formation the association raised money by various events to help financially in its completion. When the town of Chelmsford accepted the playground there was a small sum of money in the association treasury. During the past thirty years this sum with its accumulated interest grew to $469.32.
The only remaining officers of the association are Royal Shawcross and John W. Dixon. They voted to donate the money in the treasury toward the construction of a new chain link fence enclosure for the new tennis court at the playground.
The work has been completed and we are proud to say it is an ex- cellent improvement and will be appreciated by the tennis players.
We hope the town will vote sufficient funds at the Town Meeting to do a similar job for the adjoining tennis court.
We wish to thank Mr. Shawcross and Mr. Dixon for their continued interest in the Varney Playground.
Respectfully submitted,
Varney Playground Commissioners RUDOLPH T. HANSEN, Chairman GEORGE SWALLOW, III, Clerk FRANK DELMORE
122
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' SERVICES TERENCE E. O'ROURKE, Agent
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Chelmsford
Gentlemen:
During the fiscal year 1964, monetary aid was granted to 52 cases representing 111 persons.
As in the past, your Agent has assisted numerous veterans in at- taining pensions, medical care and VA hospitalization.
Your Agent has also assisted many widows and dependents of veterans in obtaining pensions and other benefits to which they were entitled.
YEAR
BUDGET
EXPENDITURES
1962
$20,000.00
$19,550.00
1963
24,000.00
19,451.02
1964
24,000.00
19,204.25
Respectfully submitted,
TERENCE E. O'ROURKE
Veterans' Agent
.
123
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
VETERANS' EMERGENCY FUND
TREASURER'S REPORT TO THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS
January 1, 1964 to December 31, 1964
Balance on Hand January 1, 1964 $3,859.68
Add-Receipts:
The Central Savings Bank, Lowell, Mass. Dividends $ 48.21
The First Federal Savings & Loan Association,
Lowell, Mass. Dividends 110.50
Total Receipts
$ 158.71
TOTAL
$4,018.39
Deduct-Disbursements:
None
Balance on Hand December 31, 1964 $4,018.39
ASSETS December 31, 1964
Town of Chelmsford-General Treasury
$ 136.38 Deposit
The Central Savings Bank, Lowell, Mass.
Book No. 128790
$1,226.76
55.25 1,282.01 Deposit in transit
First Federal Savings & 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 $4,018.39
LIABILITIES
TOTAL LIABILITIES
None
Respectfully submitted, TOWN OF CHELMSFORD VETERANS' EMERGENCY FUND by Charlotte P. DeWolf, Treasurer
124
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
CHELMSFORD INDUSTRIAL AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Members:
Gerald J. Lannon Kenneth E. Koch
Richard K. Grier James Keskula
William P. Mahoney
During the year 1964, a considerable reduction in the nember of inquiries for industrial land sites were received. The inquiries that were directed to the commission never developed beyond the information stage. An inquiry was made by the City of Lowell regarding a site for a new medical school. Information was furnished in this matter. With the re- duction of industrial zoned land and with the proximity of residential areas to the land that is zoned for industrial, inquiries are more for com- mercial enterprises rather than industry.
It is anticipated that more activity in this area for industrial sites will be made during calendar 1965 and 1966 due to the relocation of industries being vacated from the NASA laboratory site in Cambridge.
Some ninety (90) industries will be looking for new sites when the question of their vacating is fully resolved.
We hope to attract some of these industries to our industrially zoned land in the Route 3 area.
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
As Sealer of Weights and Measures, I wish to submit my report for the year 1964.
I have sealed the following:
70 gasoline meters; 29 kerosene, oil and grease pumps; 54 scales over 100 lbs. to 5,000 lbs .; 102 scales under 100 lbs .; 91 weights.
Money received from the seals, the sum of $189.60 has been turned over to the Town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted, ANTHONY C. FERREIRA
Sealer of Weights and Measures :
125
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Adams Library, Chelmsford Center
Anna Mackay Memorial, (branch) North Chelmsford
Board of Trustees: Chairman, Marjorie Scoboria, Ethel Booth, Eustace Fiske, Raymond Kroll, Howard Moore and Robert Noy.
Staff: Librarian, Edith Pickles, Assistant Librarians, Goldie Creamer, May Files, Muriel Hardy and Stella Donovan. Part time junior assistants, Emma Greenwood and Linda Webb. Part time bookkeeper, Evelyn Fox.
Adams
MacKay
Books circulated
117,041
21,009
Books added and processed for
4,374
1,404
Periodicals carried
80
44
Daily papers carried
4
Weekly papers carried
2
2
Gift books
399
Crowded conditions at Adams Library present a problem at present. However, development of the basement area is anticipated in the near future.
As has been the program for the past several years, book clubs are conducted during the summer months. Story hours and puppet shows are presented whenever possible.
The staff is always glad to cooperate with scout troops and similar groups to acquaint young people with the use of the library.
As in other town departments, Growth is the key word for your libraries.
Respectfully submitted,
EDITH M. PICKLES,
Librarian.
LIBRARY TRUSTEES
To the Board of Selectmen:
Town of Chelmsford, Massachusetts
December 31, 1964
The following is a list of the Trust Funds of the Chelmsford Libraries showing the interest earned, with- drawals and the amount of the Funds on hand December 31, 1964.
ADAMS LIBRARY
12/31/63
Interest
Deposit
Withdrew $500.00
12/31/64
Amos F. Adams
$12,637.23
$ 575.96
$12,713.19
Albert H. Davis
384.71
16.49
401.20
Mary Proctor
12,168.98
515.41
12,684.39
George Memorial
2,434.19
104.52
2,538.71
George Cemetery
1,169.89
50.21
1,220.10
Joseph E. Warren
642.02
27.56
669.58
Adams Emerson
81.16
3.46
84.62
Selina Richardson
216.48
9.29
225.77
Frances Clark
589.89
25.31
615.20
Gertrude Wright
32.74
$1,000.00
1,032.74
$30,324.55
$1,360.95
$1,000.00
$500.00
$32,185.50
MacKAY LIBRARY
Victor E. Edwards
$ 1,163.46
$ 49.97
$ 1,213.43
Clements
8,676.74
372.66
9,049.40
N. B. Edwards
1,040.96
44.69
1,085.65
Flint*
1,920.82
82.47
2,003.29
General Fund
5,239.87
225.01
5,464.88
Frederick B. Edwards
23,059.53
959.58
$ 50.77
23,968.34
$41,101.38
$1,734.38
$ 50.77
$42,784.99
TOTAL FUNDS
$71,425.93
$3,095.33
$1,000.00
$550.77
$74,970.49
Respectfully submitted,
EUSTACE B. FISKE
Treasurer of Library Trustees
126
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
* A new bequest to Adams Library during year.
127
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
BOARD OF REGISTRARS John J. Carr, Chairman
Dorothy Borrows Edward T. Brick (Died May 23, 1964)
Frank Delmore (Appointed June 1, 1964) Charlotte P. DeWolf, Ex-Officio Number of Registered
Votes Cast Votes Cast at
at Annual Town State & Presidential
Year
Voters
Elections
1964
10,543
Election 5,221 9,566
At the Town Election held March 2, 1964, 5,221 votes were cast, or approximately 53% of the registered voters of that date.
The voting strength of the six precincts as of October 2, 1964 after the Biennial Revision is as follows:
Precincts
Republicans
Democrats Independents
Total
1
1092
498
2177
3767
2
604
548
885
2037
3
213
151
610
974
4
168
208
249
625
5
296
625
242
1163
6
643
489
845
1977
Total
3016
2519
5008
10,543
The Board of Registrars holds six sessions for registration of voters, one in each precinct preceeding every election. All sessions in all pre- cincts, 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.
In Memoriam
EDWARD T. BRICK
Edward T. Brick, Chairman of the Board of Registrars for several years, long-time and popular resident of North Chelmsford, died on May 23, 1964. He had long been a political figure in the town holding member- ship on the Democratic Town Committee and active in local elections.
129
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEEDS AND BUILDING COMMITTEE
Charles D. Harrington, Chairman
Philip E. Campbell, Secretary
Henrick R. Johnson
Harold E. Clayton, Jr.
Howard E. Humphrey
Ralph A. Martin Gerald C. Tucke
During 1964, your Elementary School Needs Committee, which serves also as your school building committee, initiated construction of a junior high school on Graniteville Road, and is hopeful that this structure will be ready for occupancy in September, 1965.
The building is a solidly constructed concrete structure planned to provide all of the necessary classrooms and special rooms, gymnasium and cafeteria required for such a school.
In accordance with our announced plans of a year ago, the committee now has planned an auxiliary room to be built between the McFarlin and old junior high school on Billerica Road, and to be connected by enclosed walkways to both buildings. This structure will provide the required cafeteria space for the pupils using the two buildings as an elementary school. This is in accordance with the plans of the School Committee which is to convert these buildings for elementary school use when the new junior high school opens. The proposed building has been held to minimum detail in order to keep costs as low as possible and yet serve its purpose economically and efficiently. Our proposal for this addition will be included in the town warrant of March 1, 1965.
Continuing studies of school needs in this fast-growing town have caused the committee to revamp its schedule of school building needs. Two years ago we estimated that the town's school population would reach 8,000 in 1980. This also was the estimate of the master planner who worked for the planning board. Today we know that the 8,000 figure will be reached probably not later than 1970. This means that another twenty-four room elementary school must be started almost immediately, and the committee had planned to submit several land purchase proposals to the town at the March 1965 town meeting for action by the voters. However, it is impossible to get a state health test and approval of any land prior to April, 1965. As soon as the state report on land sites is received, your committee will ask for a special town meeting for the purpose of requesting funds for the purchase of land and preliminary plans for proposed elementary school.
At this time, it might be well to inform all of the townspeople that even with this additional twenty-four room elementary school there is no end in sight yet to school needs and will not be until the growth of the town stabilizes.
130
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
From the number of new houses being constructed each year and sub-divisions being approved, one of which at least may allow for several score two-family houses, we cannot foretell when the in-migration will end. Chelmsford still has a great deal of undeveloped land and, with modern machinery and methods, land which a few years ago was con- sidered unsuitable for dwellings now can be made acceptable within the necessary financial limitations which enter into all subdivision programs.
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.