USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1954 > Part 14
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Saugus has a set of traffic rules and regu- lations that must be advertised in order to be enforced. This is called for by the statutes of the Commonwealth.
These rules and regulations have been drawn for some time and the Safety Coun- cil is now seeking to have them advertised by the Board of Selectmen.
The Safety Council is aware that many
dangerous hazards still exist and we hope that they will be eliminated as fast as possible. We also hope that citizens will con- tinue to be safety-minded and try to make Saugus a safer town in which to live.
Lewis P. Sanborn, one of the Safety Coun- cil's most valuable members found it neces- sary to resign last year and the Council deeply regrets his action. His services and contributions were commendable and he de- serves the thanks of both the Council and Town of Saugus. Charles R. Babcock has been appointed by Town Manager Walter E. Lawrence to take his place and we feel fortunate in obtaining his services.
The Safety Council wishes at this time to express its thanks to Town Manager Lawrence, Tree Warden Joseph Vatcher and Superintendent of Public Works Charles C. DeFronzo for their splendid co-operation. Respectfully submitted,
Fred L. Hawkes, Chairman
Joseph G. Fisher
Attorney Herbert P. Mason
Chief Roland E. Mansfield
Chief George B. Drew
Walter J. Elsmore
Charles R. Babcock
Saugus Safety Council
DEATH RIDES THE NEWBURYPORT TURNPIKE. In this dramatic "shot" taken by Photo- grapher Frank Bond of a fatal accident something is shown of the results of high speed and careless driving. Members of the Saugus Safety Committee, headed by Chairman Fred L. Hawkes, are constantly working to reduce the suffering and anguish caused by such fatal accidents.
107
DOG OFFICER
To the Town Manager:
It is a privilege to submit my second an- nual report as Dog Officer of the Town of Saugus. My duties, as you are aware, are performed on a part-time basis, either be- fore or after my services as a regular mem- ber of the Police Department.
Despite this shortage of time, I have dur- ing the past year received and investigated 486 complaints with reference to violations of the dog laws. I gave temporary shelter to 22 stray or homeless dogs. Of this total, 13 were turned over to the Lynn office of the Animal Rescue League; one died while under my care; four were restored to their lawful and happy owners; and four were in such pitiful condition that I found it necessary and merciful to dispose of them.
I received last year from the Board of Assessors a list of 1520 dogs owned by resi- dents of Saugus, a decrease of 73 animals from the preceding year.
Dogs licensed during 1954 are segregated as follows: 940 males at $2, $1880; 176 fe- males at $5 each, $880; 523 spayed females at $2 each, $1,046; seven kennels at $50 each, $350; four kennels at $25 each, $100; and four kennels at $10 each, $40.
This gives total receipts of $4,296.
Of this I made the following legal dis- bursements: Paid to Town Treasurer to ac- count of Town of Saugus, $330.80; paid to County Treasurer, $3,965.20. In return, the Town of Saugus received from the County Treasurer for the Public Library account the sum of $3,331.20.
Persistent work with chronic delinquents in paying their dog taxes make it possible for me to report with pleasure that it was unnecessary last year to summons any such individuals into court, although the docket was entirely cleared.
At your request, I report the following expenses of the Dog Officer's Department last year: Salary $1,000; expenses, $223.
May I respectfully suggest the following budget for 1955: Salary, $1,000; expenses, $95 ?
It would be very ungrateful not to express my sincere thanks, first to you, for your constant confidence and aid; and finally to all others who have helped me so willingly in the performance of my duties.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM F. CAHILL, Dog Officer.
108
CEMETERY DEPARTMENT
Dear Mr. Manager:
This year the cemetery department was operated by a crew consisting of the super- intendent and three permanent men. One new employee was added on May 4, making a total of four permanent men in the crew from that date.
As has been the practice for many years, several temporary men were employed dur- ing the Summer season. Of these temporary employes, one worked five months; one for three and one half months; one for two months, and two for a month each. Three others were employed for a part of two weeks.
Today it is hard to obtain men who will work on a temporary basis during the five months Summer season. All clerical work for the department is done by Mrs. Blanche Quirk, the secretary-clerk, employed in the Town Manager's office.
The sums of $20,531.70 was expended for salaries and wages and $3,517.88 for the ex- pense of the department. Of this total cost
of $24,049.50, the Town Meeting appro- priated $19,854.10; $6 was committed from 1953; and $4,421.70 was transferred at the Annual Town Meeting from interest re- ceived on Perpetual Care Funds. On Decem- ber 31, there was $232.20 returned to the town as unexpended funds.
Total receipts for the year was as fol- lows: Sale of Lots $2,630; Care of Lots $1,130.75; Interment Fees $6,030; Founda- tions $853.47 and interest on Perpetual Care Fund $4,563.51, making a total of $15,207.73 for 1954.
There were 134 burials last year.
Again, as last year, I wish to point out the urgent need for additional space for new graves. At this time may I thank the Superintendent of Public Works and his men, and the Superintendent of Forestry and Parks and his men for their assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
ALFRED W. POWERS, Superintendent.
LOW AND SWAMPY LAND AT THE REAR OF RIVERSIDE CEMETERY is shown in this pic- ture of the typical terrain which would have to be filled were the town's present cemetery to be filled for burial use.
109
CIVILIAN DEFENSE
To the Town Manager:
I herewith present the second annual re- port of the Department of Civilian Defense.
I am proud to report on the activities and program, together with progress made. Al- though it has been trying and often disap- pointing to find that the cooperation of every department in the Town of Saugus is not available, good progress has been made. Possibly this lack of co-operation is due to the fact that everyone is not fully aware of the Civil Defense Act, Chapter 639, of the Acts of 1950, as amended by Chapter 434, 460, 486, 531, 547 and 580 of the Acts of 1951.
Briefly, they state: "Section 20. It shall be the duty of the members of, and of each and every officer, agent and employe of every political subdivision of this Common- wealth and of each member of all other governmental bodies, agencies, and authori- ties of any nature whatsoever fully to co- operate with the Director of Civil Defense in all matters affecting Civil Defense." The above is a portion of Section 20.
Civil Defense is here to stay. With the United States in a state of emergency and each State also automatically in a state of emergency, it behooves every person in the town of Saugus to aid and assist in every way possible.
For a resume, of advance during this past year, I call your attention to the following:
1. A complete three-way Radio communi- cation system has been added to the existing radio system. This means that all public safety departments no longer have to wait for a given unit to return to headquarters, or rely on a telephone call. They are now able to reach any unit, anywhere, and at anytime. This is an advantage proven many times during the past year, particularly dur- ing the two hurricanes, Carol and Edna, and also on our 325th anniversary celebra- tion, where communication was vital to in- sure complete control.
This system was purchased under the Civilian Defense Act, matching fund sec- tion, and meant a savings to the town of Saugus of slightly over $3,000. The Federal Government paid half of the cost. This
equipment belongs to the town of Saugus and is available and is used for our everyday business.
2. A complete public warning system is in the process of being purchased and in- stalled in the same manner.
3. Due to the razing of the Town Farm property, last Fall it became necessary to have facilities to house our civilian defense equipment, Fire Auxiliary kit, the Ground Observation Corps tower, and several other units that were in operation in the buildings at the time. To date, no suitable housing is available for all groups, although progress is being made.
4. Plans for complete evacuation are un- der way should we ever be required to per- form this function. As soon as plans are completed, instructions will be given to the citizens of Saugus and it is sincerely hoped that they will be followed.
The Police Auxiliary unit under the com- mand of Auxiliary Police Captain Clarence Howard is training in police procedure and law under Captain Fred Forni of the Police Department semi-monthly. This is a require- ment of the Police Auxiliary. Our officers are sworn in as special police officers in order to carry out their duties when they are required. All members are strictly volun- teers and receive no remuneration for their services.
Training in small arms is carried on regu- larly with two pistol teams in the unit. They have entered competition successfully.
The following assignments during the past year are very interesting:
Police Auxiliary
Judo training is being given by one of the men and Joseph McDonald, a former instructor in the Marine Corps. The classes are very well received. First Aid and ad- vanced First Aid has been taught and most members are holders of both certificates.
Over 100 man hours of duty was per- formed, patrolling and protecting homes during flood conditions at the end of Emory Street.
They also performed traffic and parade duty during the Memorial Day celebration, Fourth of July celebration in cooperation with the regular police department, spon- sorship of the Soap Box Derby, and traffic
110
duty at the Fishing Derby.
The hurricanes Carol and Edna, which caused so much damage everywhere, did not leave Saugus unscathed and resulted in heavy street and tree damage. Saugus was without light and power for several days.
All members of the Police Auxiliary ef- fectively protected and patrolled the town and not a break or dangerous condition occurred. Over 300 man hours were per- formed by the Auxiliary during these two emergencies.
Over 200 man hours were performed for the Town of Saugus during the 325th an- niversary celebration. Traffic control at all entrances to the town was assigned to regular police officers.
The Fire Auxiliary is under the command of Auxiliary Chief Gordon Jameson. Al- though the forest fire gravity last year was low, the Fire Auxiliary was available at all times. Many large areas were burned over at the request of Fire Chief George B. Drew to eliminate the hazard that dry weather always creates. Many citizens requested this service, which was performed at no cost.
One of the most important duties per- formed during the floods and hurricanes was the pumping out of streets under water by the use of Civilian Defense equipment, pumping out cellars, and lighting the Emory Street area.
The portable generator was used very effectively to furnish light and power for both the Police and Fire Departments to enable communications to be kept in opera- tion. This is a very important function of any public safety department that must be kept in operation. This service was in operation continuously for over 48 hours during each hurricane manned by members of the Fire Auxiliary.
The Communication Unit is headed by Communication Officer Andrew J. Donovan, and it comprises 35 radio amateurs in Saugus. It was very effective during 1954, particularly during the hurricanes. Radio cars, with an Auxiliary Police officer, or a regular officer operated by the members, patrolled all areas of Saugus and were in constant touch with police headquarters, where an amateur radio unit was set up and operated by the members. This setup en- abled police headquarters to control all areas. This was in addition to our regular communication system.
During the 325th anniversary celebration, the radio units were indispensable and as- sisted the complete Parade course.
First Aid units were set up under the able direction of Fireman Harold Atkinson. These units consisted of station wagons, radio equipped, and were placed at strategic loca- tions and manned by First Aid personnel and a radio amateur. Constant contact was maintained with Police and Fire Depart- ments.
Many opportunities have been presented during 1954 to show the advantage of having a Civilian Defense unit and all have been fulfilled very satisfactorily, causing very fav- orable comments from many persons.
Our Ground Observer Corps, with Chief Observer Eugene Kneprath in charge, has a total of 128 active observers. Since the removal of our previous observation post at the Town Farm Mansion, by tearing down of the building, the Observation Post has been and is in operation on the roof of the Police Station. Access to the tower is through the Police Station and court room. Many of our observers are from out of town, such as Boston, East Boston, Chelsea, Mal- den, Everett, Melrose, Medford, Wakefield, Stoneham, Swampscott and Peabody.
We require a total of 200 people to prop- erly maintain the 24 hour watch demanded for the efficient operation of this post. Pro- gress is being made towards this goal.
The Air Raid Warden service, under the direction of Raymond P. Clark, is progress- ing but a great deal of work is required to have a suitable group for this work, with the new planning of complete evacuation of Saugus with the advent of the "H" bomb. Full details will be furnished all residents during this year.
May I extend sincere thanks and appreci- ation to the many volunteers who have joined in this great undertaking? I also wish to thank you for your understanding, and Fire Chief George Drew, Police Chief Roland E. Mansfield, Building Superintend- ent Thomas H. Wagner, Jr., Superintendent of Public Works Charles C. DeFronzo and others who have assisted in many ways so that the Department of Civilian Defense might function and be of benefit to the town of Saugus.
Respectfully submitted: Director of Civilian Defense ROY L. SMITH
111
325 YEARS OLD
Proud as a hen calling home her chicks, Mother Saugus donned her colonial gown last Fall and staged an Old Home Week program celebrating her 325th birthday.
One of the oldest settled communities on the North American Continent, its two-day program attracted nation-wide attention. It brought favorable publicity by all media, press, magazine, television, and radio, con- servatively valued at $250,000.
For several days, this New England town, settled in 1629, furnished front-page "copy" for such internationally known newspapers as the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Washington Times-Her- ald, New York Herald Tribune, St. Louis Post Dispatch, and the Christian Science Monitor.
It was all good advertising, too. It told the "story" of the founding of the Saugus of the past and mingled with it good adver- tising for the Saugus of the future.
Pictures of handsomely decorated floats and gaily costumed and stunning girls in all the periods of American history of which Saugus has been a part for 325 years re- placed the customary publicity of political quarreling and negative petty bickering.
Properly, the celebration was timed to follow the dedication of the First Iron Works in America. Such dignitaries as Benjamin Fairless, president and board chairman of United States Steel; Edward Ryerson, president of Inland Iron and Steel; Governor Christian A. Herter and Senator Leverett Saltonstall joined the pilgrimage of the nation's great and near- great to the site on the banks of the Saugus River where the sturdy Puritans had cre- ated the first blast furnace in America more than 300 years ago.
Here-where her forefathers had lived- an aging lady with the steel of her ances- tors in her soul had created by her vision and leadership a reconstructed First Iron Works made possible by financial grants of more than $1,500,000 to the First Iron Works Association headed by Sanger T. Attwill.
All the concentrated virtues of Saugus encompassing its entire 325 years-were wrapped up on that misty morning last Fall in Miss M. Louise Hawkes, whose dreams and toil had made possible this new "Cradle of American Industry" and proved anew that it is "impossible to estimate the impact of one sincerely dedicated soul."
The giants of American industry and political power paid their tribute to the past and left in the custody of the citizens of Saugus this national shrine, which should attract thousands of tourists annually; and on the following two days the Saugus of 1954 saluted the Saugus of 1629 against the backdrop of 325 years of American history.
More than 50,000 people thronged its streets to see the finest parade ever staged in the Greater Lynn area. Starry-eyed youngsters peered in amazement as the scores of lovely floats depicting patriotic
scenes or containing beautifully gowned and equally starry-eyed young women wended their way over the town's streets.
The nation's crack military units strutted proudly behind some of the top musical aggregations of the armed services, vet- erans' posts, drill teams, and High School bands. Lending a touch of realistic contact with the Saugus settled by the Puritans 325 years before, a band of Algonquin Indians from Old Town, Me., authentically dressed and fascinatingly grave, strode in the pro- cession of the White Fathers whose ances- tors had taken away their ancient hunting grounds in the initial step to create the Saugus of this mid-century year of the atomic era.
There were scores of other events. The Saugus of 1954, paying its belated tribute to the Saugus of 1629, also inclined its ear to the Saugus of 2000 by dedicating the cor- nerstone of its new $2,200,000 Senior High School to be opened this Fall on a 24-acre plot off the Newburyport Turnpike.
Parades, dedications, fireworks, suppers, dinners, family reunions, all in harmony with the spirit of Old Home Week, brought back to this New England community hun- dreds of former residents who were startled at the changes for the better accomplished in the past few years.
It didn't just happen. It required hun- dreds of hours of dogged and unpaid work by volunteer committees. It was public spirited citizenship at its best, because not only were they unthanked, but they re- ceived the gratuitous abuse of poison pen scribblers who personally contributed noth- ing to the success of the celebration and tried unsuccessfully to turn a complete suc- cess into another typical Saugus "smear."
Those who braved the villification of those whose only complaint, in simple truth, was that the "wrong people" planned and staged the celebration, contributed something, how- ever, of which even they may be dimly aware.
They proved that there are people in Saugus who "care." There are people who are sincere, honorable, and decent; who love their town, and who will labor unceas- ingly to make it a better and finer place in which to live and to raise their children.
They are the hope of Saugus! How piti- ful that they could not be swelled into a mighty host who would gladly submerge their own puny identities and trivial self- pride and also place their shoulder to the wheel. To the end that Saugus, the Saugus of which we are all a part, might dynami- cally, fearlessly, and courageously face its problems.
By enjoying the thrill that goes with making a civic contribution and not bleat- ing futilly at progress and attempting to halt the great future of the community with pens dipped in the vitriol of hate and jeal- ousy, they would find the intense satisfac- tion resulting from community co-operation.
Such a Saugus would be unbeatable! Is its fulfillment impossible ?
.
Representative Views of 325th Anniversary Celebration; and cornerstone laying of New High School.
113
TOWN BEAUTIFUL COMMITTEE
To the Town Manager:
Last year was marked by accomplishments of the Town Beautiful Committee. Clean-Up, and Paint-Up Week was a great success. Superintendent Charles C. DeFronzo as- signed special trucks to pick up extra large loads of debris gathered for disposal by property owners. The Parent-Teacher As- sociations distributed 2300 pamphlets to school children, and Boy Scouts were en- listed to pass out window stickers calling attention to the event.
Several unsightly situations were taken care of by Superintendent of Buildings Thomas H. Wagner, Jr. Last Spring, 32 rose bushes were replaced by more virile stock, to bring the total to 96 bushes planted on the Monument Square green, as well as 18 Evergreens. These were donated and planted under the direction of Mrs. Albert Futter, president of the Saugus Garden Club, and her associates.
Saugus District Commissioner Burke Bradbury of the Boy Scouts and Mrs. Anstrice Carter Kellogg School Art Super- visor, created pictures and window posters which carried the theme of Clean-Up week.
The committee took an active part in the Saugus Fourth of July celebration. Placing banners and other decorations on all public buildings in honor of the town's 325th an- niversary was another accomplishment of the year.
In October a fishing derby at Third Lake in Golden Hills was held under the commit- tee's sponsorship with over 400 children present.
The most outstanding function of the year sponsored jointly by the Town Beauti- ful Committee and the Saugus Chamber of Commerce was a Christmas program. The president of the Chamber of Commerce, Dr.
I. Lawrence Halpert, and Andrew J. Boynton were co-chairmen of the event. A fund of $200 was raised through gifts of kind- hearted citizens for the benefit of the chil- dren. Those helping to collect the contribu- tions were Harry T. Nish, Henry Smith, William Ordway and Mrs. Joseph W. Gerniglia, president of the Mid-Town Im- provement Association.
A helicopter was hired and the machine encircled and landed in areas in East Saugus, Lynnhurst and North Saugus, Golden Hills, and Anna Parker Playground in Cliftondale, finally landing on the roof of the Public Works Department Building.
Richard Paulson, substituting for Santa Claus, was escorted by a detail of police headed by Sergeant Ernest A. Dunham to the Town Hall, where candy and toys were distributed to over 1,000 children.
Mrs. Eileen M. Foster, president of the American Legion Auxiliary, and a group from her organization, awarded 18 prizes to the best decorated homes, stores and greenhouses. A group of Carollers, led by Miss Elaine G. Grillo, Saugus school mu- sical supervisor, entertained at East Saugus, Cliftondale, and Saugus Centre, accom- panied by the Saugus High School Band, directed by Jerome Mitchell.
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In Saugus Centre, the organ of the First Congregational Church was connected with an amplifying system, enabling Russell Mc- Neely, organist, to give a 20-minute Christ- mas carol broadcast. The Rev. Chesley H. Laite, pastor, was the announcer, and Miss Ethel Mae MacNeil was the soloist.
Respectfully submitted,
ANDREW J. BOYNTON, Chairman JOSEPH W. GERNIGLIA
Town Beautiful Committee.
114
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
To The Town Manager:
The Saugus Industrial Development Com- mission was created through the initiative of the Town Manager and the co-operation of Representative Belden G. Bly, Jr., the Board of Selectmen, and Town Meeting members. Saugus became the first Massa- chusetts municipality to create an official Industrial Commission. For a short period the commission was headed by Thomas D. Morse, whose untimely death sorrowed all of his friends and associates.
Frank Evans, 3rd, was appointed by Town Manager Walter E. Lawrence to fill the vacancy.
The act which authorized cities and towns to establish commissions to promote busi- ness and industry was the thought of the Town Manager, and introduced into the Legislature by Representative Bly. It was adopted without opposition.
Under its terms, a city or town which ac- cepts the Law may establish a develop- ment and industrial commission for the promotion and development of the indust- rial resources of the particular community.
The commission is authorized to conduct research into industrial conditions and seek to co-ordinate the activities of unoffi- cial bodies organized for such purposes, and may advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts and pamphlets which in its judgment will further this purpose.
The Saugus Industrial Commission named under this Act with the complete co-opera- tion of the Town Manager, the Board of Assessors, Town Treasurer, Building and Engineering Departments has taken many steps which have aided this program.
The commission was appointed by the Town Manager. It consists of the following citizens: Ashton F. Davis, Chairman; Paul F. Corson, Joseph W. Gerniglia, Joseph B. Stazinski, and Fiori Sacco.
Tax title land has been located on as- sessors' maps. These maps will be used to expedite the sale of land which is of slight or no value to the town tax-wise. Some of this land may be reclassified for business or industry and thereby bring in greater tax income.
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