USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1940 > Part 3
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Tuberculosis, which was quite prevalent in the years past has taken a noticeable drop, also in the cost to the Town. We feel that our work in the past years has accomplished its goal. The clinics which were held proved most successful. We were able to get hold of this disease in the early stages, and to care
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
for the cases that needed hospital attention, and a closer check on those of not so serious a nature. We received wonderful cooperation from the State and County Officials, and above all from the individuals themselves. It is our hope that the patients will keep a constant check on themselves.
Of the cases confined this year the Town will receive ap- proximately $625.00 in State subsidy.
It is our hope that the parents will have their children im- munized against Diptheria. Annual clinics are held in coop- eration with the school authorities, and as they have proven most successful through the nation we ask you to safeguard your children.
The Well Child Clinic under the direction of Dr. Collins and Miss Muriel Riley have been of great benefit to the pre- school children and a material help to the mothers.
We feel that sewage conditions in the Town are serious. and we refer you to the report of the Board of Health of 1938.
May we thank all those who helped us in any way in making :he performance of our duty a pleasure.
Respectively submitted, PAUL M. JODOIN, Chairman LAWRENCE M. KING FRANK L. COLLINS, M. D.
Board of Health.
48
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Sanitary Agent's Report
To the Ipswich Board of Health:
Gentlemen :
I submit the following report for the year ending De- cember 31. 1940.
Complaints received and investigated 121
Contagious disease cards posted
1
Notices to abate nuisances
15
Cesspoll and Vault licenses
2
Tallow and soap grease licenses
4
License to keep pigs
2
License to collect garbage
1
License to sell oleomargarine
6
Licenses to manufacture ice cream
4
Pasteurizing licenses issued
3
Milk producers licenses issued
16
Methyl Alcohol licenses issued
11
Dairies inspected 16
Slaughtering inspections
1
Overnight camp inspections
14
Overnight camp licenses issued 7
EBEN B. MOULTON.
Agent, Board of Health
49
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Milk Inspector 1940
To the Ipswich Board of Health:
Gentlemen :
I submit the following report for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1940.
Number of licenses issued to milk dealers 50
Number of samples of milk tested for butter fat 148
Number of samples of milk tested for total solids 124
Number of samples of milk tested for bacteria
108
Number of samples of milk tested for sediment 114
Number of times plants inspected
28
EBEN B. MOULTON,
Milk Inspector
Report of Child Hygiene
Total number of babies present
216
Number of babies attending for the first time 56
Number of physical examinations given
216
Number of defects found
146
Number advised to see own M. D. 29
Follow-up home visits 36
FRANK L. COLLINS, M. D., Director MURIEL E. RILEY. Reg. Nurse
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Inspector of Animals
Board of Health,
Ipswich, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my report for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1940.
Number of Cattle in the Town 877
Number of Cattle brought in from out of State 209
Number of Dogs restrained
19
Respectfully,
G. LORING WOODBURY,
Inspector of Animals.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Superintendent of Streets
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
I submit herewith the annual report of the Highway De- partment for 1940:
Fifty-nine streets were scraped and molded throughout the year. Thirty streets were graveled and patched with gravel where needed. Argilla Road causeway, Labor-in-Vain Road, Little Neck Road and Town Farm Road were washed out with the high tides so that it was necessary to use about four thousand yards of gravel to fill the washouts. Boxford Road, Cherry Street, Gravelly Brook Road, Green's Point Road and Ryan Avenue were five other streets where considerable gravel was applied.
Five new catch basins were built, four on Green Street and one on Tansy Lane, and thirteen catch basins were repaired. Practically all of the old dangerous catch basins with wooden covers have now been eliminated. Four old stone culverts were replaced with corrugated pipe. The sludge was cleaned from most of the catch basins two times this year and some of them were cleaned three times. It was necessary to repair several of the drains where they had become clogged and to repair several culverts as needed.
Fifty-eight streets were patched using approximately four hundred fifty-three tons of cold patch. Thirty-eight streets were oiled or tarred on some sections, and sections of thirty-one streets were treated with calcium chloride. Four streets were
52
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
shaped up with the Roller. Ten side walks were repaired with cement and gravel. Sections of three fences were repaired. Two bridges were planked temporarily. Twelve streets were marked out with traffic lines. One hundred ten street signs were repaired, painted, and erected as needed. Eighteen traffic signs were repaired when damaged. Guard rails were repaired on ten streets. Fifteen streets were widened to improve drainage and traffic conditions. The brush was cut in sections of two streets to improve traffic conditions and lessen the drifting of snow. Curbing was changed and reset on two streets. Dur- ing the high tides a section of the wall on East Street was un- dermined and had to be rebuilt.
The streets in the center of the town were swept three times a week in the summer, and once or twice a week during other parts of the year, as needed. The Motor Broom that we rented the first week in May proved very satisfactory al- though it was quite late in the season for spring cleaning. As the old rotary horse drawn sweeper is about thirty years old and hard to get parts for, I recommend that the Town buy a Motor Sweeper.
The Chapter 90 allocation for Linebrook Road, Lakeman's Lane and Fellows Road was used for oiling, installing side drains and repairing guard rail.
On Lakeman's Lane and Fellows Road 4922 gallons of T-5 tar were used with a sand cover. The area tarred was ap- proximately 15840 square yards. These two roads should be in very good condition for two or three years unless disturbed by bad frost reactions.
Sections of Linebrook Road were treated with R, C-2 asphalt and covered with pea stone, providing a four or five year wearing surface. There were 660 feet of side drains laid at Garrett's Hill where a bad water condition has existed in the past.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
At Bull Brook 190 feet of guard rail were replaced with wire cable and cement posts, and the guard rail was painted to improve the appearance and to preserve the materials.
The Chapter 500 balance was used for widening, drainage, and oiling on Labor-in-Vain Road, improving conditions there a great deal.
About four-fifths of the road was widened from two to four feet on each side, allowing two cars to pass safely. A side drain was installed near the Hill Estate, where a bad surface water condition has always existed. There were 4306 gallons of T-3 and T-5 and No. 65 asphalt used to cover approximately 8976 square yards with a sand cover.
I would recommend that the town consider the Chapter 90 construction on Topsfield Road and Chapter 90 Mainten- ance on Linebrook Road and Topsfield Road.
The condition of Labor-in-Vain Bridge is getting very serious as the sills are decaying more each year, making it almost impossible to hold planks on the floor with spikes. The abut- ments are also getting weaker each year.
The Willowdale Bridge wooden girders have decayed so that they are settling out of line, on the bottom, and the tops of them have lost their life beyond repairs. These bridges are unsafe for the heavy fire apparatus, and both have been posted for three ton loads.
East Street Causeway is causing more concern each year as traffic is continually increasing. High tides cover most of it making it impractical to oil or tar. The solution would be to straighten dangerous curves and to raise it high enough so that tides would not destroy an oil surface.
Central and High Street surfaces are very good after the 1939 treatment except where the old car tracks are. When it rains pedestrians are splashed by the water which rus down be-
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
tween the tracks. A project to improve this condition would be well worthwhile.
STREETS OILED - 1940
Street
Length
Width
Sq. Yds.
Gal.
Broadway
1047'
27'
3141
1063
Brownville Avenue
800
26
2311
582
Brownville Extension
994
24
2650
1015
Brown Square
390
22 Part
953
250
Boxford Road
1320
18 Part 2640
1020
Burleigh Avenue
552
27
1656
499
County Street
2281
22
5576
1220
Candlewood Road
2244
18 Part 4488
1870
Fairview Avenue
931
24
2483
599
Farley Avenue
584
23 Part 1492
294
Heartbreak Road
1980
16 Part 3520
1370
High Street
2300
35 Part 8944
2498
Highland Avenue
456
13
659
384
Labor-in-Vain Road
4488
18
8976
4306
Lafayette Road
886
26
2559
682
Liber' y Street
942
22
2303
223
Linden Street
478
22
1168
489
Locust Street
884
18
1768
575
Mineral Street
1375
22
3361
792
Mt. Pleasant Street
1321
27
.3963
802
Perley Avenue South
681
22
1665
555
Prescott Road
245
24
653
189
Putnam Road
538
21
1255
329
South Main (one way)
638
21 Part 1418
500
Spring Street
1547
20
3438
742
Short Street
283
40
1258
250
Summer Street
1458
20
3240
880
Tansy Lane
400
16
711
12-
Topsfield Road
2376
20 Part 5280
1262
Town Farm Road
1291
18 Part 2582
660
Ipswich Public Library Ipswich, Massachusetts IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
55
Street
Length
Width
Sq. Yds.
Gal.
Turkey Shore Road
2110
20
4689
1691
Waldingfield Road
1980
20 Part 4400
1845
Ward Street
382
20
849
100
Wayne Avenue
474
24
1264
331
Hovey Street
252
20
560
280
Mill Road
136
22 Part
332
100
Little Neck Road
125
24 Part
333
120
Linebrook Road
483
18 Part
964
482
STREETS WHERE CALCIUM CHLORIDE WAS USED
Blaisdell Avenue
Newmarch Street - Sec. Newbury Road - Sec.
Boxford Road - Sec.
Brown Street
Old Right Road - Sec.
Beach Way
Old England Road - Sec. Paradise Road - Sec.
Cottage Street
Cleveland Avenue
East Street - Sec.
Eagle Hill Road
Perley Avenue North - Sec.
Fifth Street
Rocky Hill Road - Sec.
First Street
Ryan Avenue - Sec.
Fourth Street
River Court
Grant Court
Second Street
Lowney's Lane
Sixth Street
Maple Avenue
Town Farm Road - Sec.
Masconomett Park Road - Sec.
Damon Avenue - Sec.
Mile Lane - Sec.
Miles Maintained by the State
8.49
Miles Maintained by the Town
61.54
Total Miles Macadam Miles Oiled
70.03
12.83
31.73
Miles Gravel or Dirt
25.47
Total 70.03
Peatfield Street Pine Swamp Road - Sec.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
TABULATION OF TIME EQUIPMENT WORKED, 1940
Equipment
Total Miles
Total Hours
Total Gals. Gas
Total Qts. Oil
Truck No. 1
10117
2193
1687
91
Truck No. 2
Old & New
10298
2242
1255
48
Grader, Rome
4061
838
1662
49
Roller
132
227
23
Tractor, Cletrac
296
475
15
Tractor, Fordson
209
313
25
Mixer
188
63
8
Equipment
Plow
Other
Equipment
Plow
Snow
Hours
Snow
Other Hours
Truck No. 1
110
2082
Tractor. Cletrac 194
102
Truck No. 2
93
2149
Tractor, Fordson 16
193
Grader, Rome
37
801
Roller
132
Mixer
188
INVENTORY, DECEMBER 31, 1940
No.
Amount
1 Cart, two horse
$ 25.00
1 Cart, watering
25.00
1 Drag, stone
15.00
1 Forge & Anvil
30.00
Fence, snow 7000 feet
800.00
1 Grader, Whier
100.00
1 Grader, Rome
3000.00
2 Hones, Road
150.00
1 Kettle, Tar
25.00
1 Loader, Gravel
400.00
2 Machines, Road
100.00
1 Mixer, Cement
200.00
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
2 Plows, Road
25.00
5 Plows, Blade, Snow 600.00
1 Plow, V-Shaped Tractor
800.00
1 Plow, V-Shaped Truck
100.00
1 Plow, Sidewalk, Tractor
100.00
6 Plows, Sidewalk
375.00
1 Roller, Stone, two horse
25.00
1 Roller, Gasoline
2500.00
1 Sweeper, two horse
50.00
6. Screens, gravel
30.00
1 Shovel, Scoop, Tractor
20.00
1 Tractor, Cletrac
250.00
1 Tractor, Fordson
75.00
2 Trucks, Dump
1600.00
1 Truck, Pickup
300.00
1 Wagon Oil
25.00
1 Machine, Sanding
75.00
1 Street Marker
175.00
1 Derrick, Hand
100.00
$14,255.00
Other Tools & Supplies
3,504.14
$17,759.14
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS E. WOOD,
Superintendent of Streets
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of the Board of Public Welfare
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
Your Board of Public Welfare is submitting herewith its annual report for the year ending December 31st, 1940.
Budget
At the beginning of any year, it is difficult to determine how large an appropriation will be required to carry on the work of this department during the succeeding twelve months. The best that can be done is to offer an estimate based upon the expenditures of the previous year and the probability of the year to come. If developments are as expected, the estimate will be fairly accurate, otherwise, the estimate may be over or under, as the case may be.
Temporary Aid
Temporary Aid covers all phases of relief, cther than Old Age Assistance and Aid to Dependent Children.
Today, despite the National Defense Program, the relief load is not far below the depression level. State and local agencies are taking care of almost as many individuals today as in 1939. Despite the Social Security Act, the United States has not evolved a satisfactory system for caring for the victims of the insecurity inherent in our machine age.
Even yet, there are many persons who refuse to face the facts of a changed world. Accustomed to a day when every American could find a job if he were reasonably diligent and
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
efficient, 'hey maintain that there are enough jobs if men really wanted to work. Jobs, there doubtless are, but they are few, except for the trained and skilled worker. Inexperience and lack of vocational training, has handicapped many young persons, who, in normal times would have had little difficulty in obtaining work. Many workers, though physically fit, have lost much of 'he skill which enables them to bid successfully for a position. Others are victims of the prejudice which bars middle-aged men from new jobs, regardless of their ability.
The resultant condition is that we have many individuals seeking relief who are unemployable, and who will remain so. Another sore spot is the apparent indifference of a good many children toward acknowledging any obligation to their parents.
Old Age Assistance
Old Age Assistance increased our Budget in 1940 approx- imately three thousand dollars, and will increase our 1941 Budget approximately the same amount.
This assistance is granted to a certain group who are in need of relief. It is not a pension. Among other requirements, a person must be in need of assistance in order to be eligible for Old Age Assistance. The Federal Government and Com- monwealth contribute to this form of aid, but the State's share ha- to be raised in our Tax Levy, for which we are reimbursed in November of the same year.
Recipients being aided January 1, 1940 99
Applications received during the year
43
Total cases handled during year 142
Approved by the Bureau
34
Not approved by the Bureau for the following reasons:
Children able to support
4
Exces : Bank Savings 1
Lack of required residence in state 1
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Failure to live up to property requirement 1 1
Lack of definite proof of age
Disqualified by insurance rules 1
9
133
Discontinued by the Bureau during the year for the follow- ing reasons:
Death 11
Moved out of town 4
Withdrew voluntarily because of right of town to collect from estates for aid rendered 1
16
Total cases as of December 31, 1940 117
Aid to Dependent Children
Formerly called Mother's Aid, this division shows a de- crease of approximately $600.00 over the year 1939. The Federal Government and the Commonwealth both contribute to this form of aid, much the same as in Old Age Assistance. Recipients being aided Jan. 1, 1940 13
Applications received during year 2
15
Cases closed during 1940 . 3
Cases on hand Dec. 31, 1940 12
Other Cities and Towns
We have many cases in other cities and towns for whom we are responsible, just as much as though they resided here. These are cases which are Ipswich settled, even though residing
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
out of town, and we must pay the bills. In looking over the expenditures for the past year, you will note an increase of ap- proximately $1300.00 - something over which we have no control. Similarly we have cases residing here, but who have settlements elsewhere, and we are reimbursed by the place of settlement.
Civilian Conservation Corps
The department enrolled eleven young men between the ages of seventeen and twenty-three years in the Civilian Con- servation Corps. We, of course, give preference in the selection of these young men to families who were receiving aid either through this department, or through the Soldier's Relief De- partment.
Comments
Your Board of Public Welfare feels that under very trying conditions, it has rendered intelligent, efficient, and economical service. Regardless of who applies for aid, the case is investi- gated thoroughly, and a complete record is kept on file of each case investigated. The information is accurate and correct . in every detail, containing a complete history of each family from birth up to the present time.
Recipients are required to work in return for aid given. In this way, the various Town Departments have received many hundreds of hours work, without any cost to them.
We wish to thank the Town Departments for their many courtesies and cooperation, especially the W P A Co-ordinator, Brainard C. Wallace, and the Town Clerk, Edward S. Cogs- well, for their interest and kind consideration shown this De- partment.
We regret very much the loss of our Agent, Miss Bessie F. Dawson, who has been in Town Service a good many years. Miss Dawson, without a doubt, was one of the most efficient
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
and capable welfare workers in the Commonwealth, and her untimely passing leaves a gap which will never be filled com- pletely.
Mr. Walter F. Poole, a member of the Board for the past thirteen years, also resigned during the year. A kindly and conscientious official, his services will be sorely missed.
Town Infirmary
The Town Infirmary, as requested by the voters at the Annual Town Meeting, was closed in July, and the cattle and equipment sold at public auction. The inmates, of whom there were four, are now being cared for, at a net cost of $11.00 per month, not individually, but for the entire group, an almost unbelievable reduction over the cost in previous years. Ap- proximately $1300.00 was realized from the sale.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE R. HOVEY, Chairman WALTER E. CALLAHAN NELSON W. PASCOE
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Federal Surplus Commodities Division
-
To the Board of Public Welfare:
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report for this department for the year ending December 31st, 1940. At the commencement of the year our case load was 369 cases representing 1488 persons. During the past year this has steadily increased and at the end of this year we have 435 cases representing 1721 persons. During the year this department has disbursed more than 182 tons of food and over 7000 articles of clothing. Following is a list of food and clothing given out by this department:
CLOTHING
Bloomers (Girls)
252
Pajamas (Childrens)
510
Blouses ( (Womens)
30
Pajamas (Womens) 42
Blankets (Full Size)
204
Pajamas (Mens) 67
Blankets (Baby)
27
Panties (Womens)
174
Dresses ( (Womens)
605
Shirts (Mens)
300
Dresses (Girls)
1339
Shirts (Boys)
186
Dungarees (Mens)
915
Slips (Womens and
Dungarees (Boys)
334
Girls) 1125
Jackets (Miens)
6
Shorts (Mens and Boys) 198
Nightgowns (Womens)
126
Smocks (Womens)
6
Nightgowns (Girls)
139
Skirts (Womens)
30
Nightshirts (Mens)
22
Sheets (Full Size) 345
Pants (Mens)
132
Union Suits (Mens and
Pants (Boys)
65
Boys) 98
Layettes
30
Suits (Boys) 61
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
FOOD
Apples
34,409 lbs. Grape Fruit
15,895 lbs.
Beans .
7,500 1bs.
Hams (Smoked) 5,547 lbs.
Butter
5,971 1bs. Lard
16,868 1bs.
Bacon
9,861 lbs. Mackeral
4,070 1bs.
Beets
1,756 lbs.
Oranges
13,710 lbs.
Corn Meal
5,000 1bs.
Prunes
15,950 1bs.
Cereal (Wheat)
5,488 1bs.
Pears
6,493 lbs.
Cabbage
20,010 1bs.
Pork (Salt)
2,145 1bs.
Cheese
2,663 lbs.
Potatoes (White) 37,785 lbs.
Carrots
11,889 1bs.
Peaches
1,284 1bs.
Eggs
21,690 doz.
Rice
6,800 lbs.
Flour (White)
51,083 lbs.
Raisins
19,525 1bs.
Flour (Graham) 29,781 1bs.
Tomatoes
11,202 1bs.
Canned Peaches (12 1b. can)
18 cans
Canned Grape Fruit Juice
144 cans
W. P. Nursery School
Total value of clothing disbursements $ 6,543.30
Total value of food disbursements
25,602.32
$32,145.62
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK H. GIRARD,
Supervisor
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Agent's W. P. A. Report
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen;
Gentlemen;
I herewith submit my report as Sponsor's W. P. A. Agent for the year ending December 31, 1940.
The Insect Control Project which was carried over from last year was completed this spring. This project carried on under the direct supervision of Mr. Caverly, Moth Superinten- dent, has accomplished a great deal of good in the removal, destruction of gypsy moth and other injurious leaf feeding in- sects throughout the town.
The Green Crab Removal Project calling for the destruc- tion of the green crab on our clam flats was also completed this spring and excellent results were obtained. Hundreds of bush- els of egg bearing and other green crabs were caught and destroyed. There can be little doubt that this project has been the means of exterminating this menace to the shell fish in- dustry. The work carried on under this project was under the guidance and supervision of the Bureau of Marine Fisheries and they report that they are quite pleased with the results and feel that a great deal of good has been accomplished. They are watching the results of this project and are still experimenting with ways and means of exterminating this pest should it appear again.
The Shade Tree Census Project has been completed and this gives a complete and detailed description of the kind, size, and condition of each public shade tree in the Town of Ipswich. Maps have been prepared showing the exact location of each tree with the size and kind of tree noted. A card index system has been prepared giving a great deal of detailed description
66
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
about each tree. This completed project should be very valuable to the Tree Warden and will give him a great deal of inform- ation about the public shade trees which he otherwise would not be able to have without this project operated with Federal Funds.
A Street Survey Project was started and had to be sus- pended due to the fact that the proper personnel could not be obtained to operate the project in the proper manner. Some ex- cellent work was accomplished during the time this project was in operation and has been a valuable source of information to some of the town departments. It is my hope that some time in the future, means will be found to reopen and complete this project due to the fact that much information valuable to the town and its town departments can be obtained, and many val- uable maps and descriptions can be prepared that would give the Superintendent of Streets information which has been needed in his department for a long time.
I am quite pleased, at this time, to report the completion of the Linebrook Road Water Extension Project. This project constructed underground, does not stand out like many other construction projects, but is one of the best and the most out- standing projects carried out in this town under Federal Relief Funds: This project will furnish the residents of the Linebrook District of the town with a continuous water supply system, adequate fire protection, and will be the means of a substantial reduction in fire insurance rates resulting in a saving of many dollars to property owners in this district. The hydrants installed as part of this project were located under the direction of the Chief of the Fire Department so that the property owners would be able to effect this saving. This particular type of proj- ect has very little maintenance cost attached to it and down through a period of years will produce quite a sizable amount of revenue which will offset the amount of money spent by the Town of Ipswich for materials. Situated in a part of the town that is very desirable for real estate development it should go a long way; as an inducement to new building.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Water Extensions have also been constructed on Topsfield Road, Damon Avenue., Vermette Court, Riley Street, Prescott Road, Putnam Road and one is now being constructed on Fel- lows Road. The water pressure from the hydrants on Agawam Heights has always been low due to the size of the old pipe and this would work as a detriment to the fire department in case of a severe fire in this part of the town. This new extension of a larger size, tied up with the main on Washington Street, will increase this pressure considerably and eliminate this dangerous condition.
The new water extension being constructed on Fellows Road will tie up the water line from the Proctor Estate to the Candlewood Road line, making a continuous loop of the water supply system in this part of the town. As it is now, a serious break in the line would deprive people in this part of the town with water and fire service during the time a break was being re- paired. With the construction of this line this condition will be eliminated and water can be sent through one main or the other in case of a break in either of these lines.
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