USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1928 > Part 21
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In making the inspection of the building the committee used the Columbia systen of rating for each room and department, and also for the location. From this study it was unanimously agreed that the loca- tion is not a suitable one for the present school, and that it is inadequate for any future enlargement of the plant. Your committee finds the building is not modern, and in some respects is obsolete.
The Superintendent of Schools recently submitted a brief summary of the conditions, going a little more into detail: "The building is sadly lacking in modern school facilities. The outstanding features being inadequate quarters for the administrative department, the princi- pal's office being small and crowded. No toilet facilities for either men or women teachers other than those used by pupils. No retiring rooms for teachers or emergency room for cases of illness. No library facili- ties worthy of mention. The school auditorium is unsafe for school entertainments, and in bad need of repair. The gymnasium is too small, with very limited opportunity for spectators, and limited locker and shower bath accommodation far removed. Lack of chemical laboratory
226
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
facilities and no real opportunity for industrial courses for either boys or girls. The manual training and domestic courses rank the poorest in the State, while the lunch room facilities are very inferior."
After visiting modern school buildings in other places and com- paring conditions with those of our own High School, which have just been described, your committee has reached the unanimous opinion that Swampscott should have high school equipment that is modern and up to date, such as is in use in our neighboring towns.
A serious objection to the present location on Greenwood avenue is the small area of the lot, which gives no opportunity for athletic sports and contests, which today are considered an important part of High School training. Without modern buildings and facilities which are provided in towns of similar size and importance to our own and without provision for out-of-door sports, it is clear that the citizens of Swampscott are not giving their boys and girls the kind of training to which they are entitled. Unfortunately no opportunity seems to offer for the immediate use of the present building and lot for school pur- poses in case it is abandoned.
The following table has been prepared to show the capacity of the present building and what would be necessary in a new High School.
Present Building
Necessary
Number of Rooms
Capacity or Size
Number of Rooms
Capacity or Size
Gymnasium
1
56 ft. by 38 ft.
1
66 ft. by 88 ft. 50
Library
1
8
1
Study Hall
0
0
2
50
Auditorium
1
430
1
600-750
Shops
1
12
2
24 each
Cooking and Sewing
1
12
2
24 each
Drawing-
Mechanical
1
12
1
30
Freehand
1
8
1
30
Science
3
20-21-27
5
2-30 : 3-24
Bookkeeping
1
28
1
35
Typewriting
1
33
2
25 eachı
Shorthand
1
36
1
30
Foreign Language
3
27-42-42
3
30 each
Mathematics
1
42
2
35 each
Social Studies --- History-Civics
1
48 2-42 : 1-38
4
35 each
Others
0
0
2
35 each
Administrative
2
2
Rest Rooms
1
3
Lunch
0
1
300 pupils
Before reaching the foregoing conclusion, careful consideration was given to the possibility of rebuilding and enlarging the present High School and also to the taking of nearby land.
Any program of reconstruction would presume sufficient area for new buildings and extensions. also for an athletic field.
As already stated the various educational branches and departments are not now adequate, modern or even in accordance with the require- ments of the statutes in some cases. It might be possible to make alterations to the front portion of the building to provide for principal's offices and teachers' rooms, but the auditorium, gymnasium, locker rooms and toilets in the present building would necessarily remain unchanged.
Assuming that a new unit or wing could be built from an economic standpoint, we find that the site is not deep enough to permit such unit without seriously affecting the light and air of the present class rooms.
2
35 each
English
3
227
COMMITTEE ON HIGH SCHOOL NEEDS
1928]
From the tabulation as to requirements of rooms it appears that it is only a matter of a short time before a new unit would be required.
Your committee has given earnest and careful thought to the possi- bility of an addition, but is unanimously opposed to this, owing to the limited space which would preclude future development. It is estimated that a new unit if it could be built would cost at least $150,000, and the original building would not even then be modern, nor would an athletic field be possible. In considering the question of an addition, your com- mittee realizes that no improvement could be made in the present auditorium, which is on the third floor, and little if any in the gymna- sium, lockers and gallery.
It has been suggested that a new plant, capacity 600-700, might be erected on. or in the vicinity of Phillips Park, where there would be ample space (over 15 acres) not only for a modern structure and future enlargement, but also for a splendid athletic field suitable for future base ball, tennis and other healthy out-of-door amusements, and com- petitive games.
Modern High Schools which the committee has seen are actually designed on the basis of a quadrangle, with an auditorium in the middle and on the first floor. In this way provision can be made for future enlargement of the building, and from our experience with the Phillips High School, it will be necessary to look forward for more than thirty- five years.
Fire-proof buildings with an auditorium, suitable gymnasium and departments required by modern conditions of education, would cost approximately $600.00 per pupil to construct today.
In considering a new High School the cost of the building would probably be from $350,000.00 to $400,000.00, with an additional amount of about $10,000.00 for grading and putting the field into proper condi- tion. In the opinion of your committee, this is the logical answer to the situation, and it is therefore unanimously recommended :
First: That a High School building committee be created to con- sist of the Chairman of the School Committee and four other citizens to be appointed by the moderator.
Second: That the said committee be and hereby is authorized to expend an amount not in excess of $2,000.00 for expenses to be in- curred by it.
Third: That said committee be instructed to proceed with the selection of a suitable site for a new High School building and author- ized, if it deems advisable, to employ an architect to prepare plans and estimates for a new building, and to do other work necessary to this end.
Fourth: That said committee submit to a subsequent town meet- ing, as soon as may be, a report on the proposed site, together with estimate of cost of the site and a preliminary outline of a new High School building, having a capacity of approximately 600 students, to be erected thereon, and estimates of cost thereof.
Respectfully submitted, HENRY S. BALDWIN. Chairman, PHILIP E. BESSOM,
CHESTER A. BROWN, MRS. MARION BURDETT,
H. ALLEN DURKEE,
JOHN A. HOLMES,
JOHN R. HURLBURT,
MRS. ELEANOR H. INGELFINGER,
GEORGE E. MITCHELL,
RALPH H. NUTTER, REV. JOHN VANNEVAR,
MRS. BEATRICE WADLEIGH, ARTHUR M. WYMAN,
Committee on High School Needs.
228
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Board of Appeals
During the six months ending June 6, 1928, nine petitions were heard, of which six were granted and three denied. The following is the resume of these hearings:
Date
Petitioner
Petition
Jan. 26. Garnett Leather Co.
To use the building at 80 Puritan road as a store house. Decision : Denied.
Jan. 26. Sadie M. (Hayes) Aronson
To erect an apartment house on Humphrey street opposite King's Beach. Decision: Leave to with- draw.
Feb.
13. Stanbon, Nye & Hill
To build within the set back area on Magnolia road and Forest ave- nue. Decision: Granted, petitioner to build up to 15 feet of street line on Magnolia road.
March
5. Charles M. Porter
To build within 15 feet of street line of Magnolia road. Decision: Grant- ed, main part of foundation to be 19 feet from the street line.
March 5. Olive T. Draper
To build a private garage on street line of Humphrey street, in rear of 18 Bay View drive. Decision: Granted.
April 9. Ralph O. Bennett
April 9. Percy Graham
April 23. James Santaro
May 14. Olive T. Draper
To build on line of existing houses at 18 Bay View drive. Decision: Granted, house to set back 101/2 feet at center of lot on surrender of per- mit for garage on street line of Humphrey street.
On February 22, 1928, James L. Taylor, who had been a member of the Board of Appeals since November 11, 1925, and who was also one of the original Zoning Committee, died very suddenly at his home, 42 Thomas road. Suitable resolutions upon his death were adopted and signed by the board and spread upon the records.
On February 24, William O. Titcomb was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Taylor.
At the annual Town Meeting five articles, numbered nine to thir- teen, in the Warrant, covering changes in the Zoning By-Law, were referred to the board, with the request that it present to the adjourned Town Meeting a report setting forth its opinion as to the advisability of the proposed changes. After full consideration the board submitted the following report:
Articles 9 and 10. The board's unanimous opinion is favorable to the articles as being for the best interest of the town.
To build garage on street line of King street. Decision: Granted. To build garage on street line at 11 Humphrey terrace. Decision: De- nied.
To build a sunroom at 52 King street within 3 feet of street line. Decision: Granted.
229
REPORT OF BOARD OF APPEALS
1928]
Article 11. With regard to Article 11, the board's opinion is as fol- lows: Two members are opposed to any change, while three members are in favor of changing to business, excluding apartment houses and garages, except private garages for private residences, and that the use of any building thereon, except private residences, shall require a permit from the Board of Selectmen in accordance with Article 4 of the Zoning By-Laws. The board, however, is unanimously in favor of the town taking this area for a town park.
Article 12. The board is unanimously opposed.
Article 13. Four of the members are opposed and one member is in favor.
Also in the annual town Warrant under Article 16 a committee was appointed to study district one, as shown on the zoning map, with a view of zoning the territory included therein. This committee, con- sisting of the members of the Board of Appeals, with John E. Cunning- ham, Arthur Morley and Andrew B. Holmes, have studied the matter and submit their report for the consideration of the town, at the next special town meeting .*
Respectfully submitted, MAURICE YOZELL, Chairman. HENRY A. SADLER. CLARENCE E. CAHILL. GEORGE M. GLIDDEN. WILLIAM O. TITCOMB.
*This report, recommending that zone 1 be a two family residence district with the same restrictions as zone 2, was accepted by the town at a meeting held October 3, and an amendment to the Zoning By-Law covering the report will be found in the annual Warrant for 1929.
With the termination of his service on June 6, 1928, Maurice Yozell, who had been a member of the board since its inception, for the past few years as chairman, declined further service, and Charles W. Mowry was appointed in his place. All the other members, Henry A. Sadler, George M. Glidden, Clarence E. Cahill and William O. Titcomb, were reappointed. The board organized with the choice of Henry A. Sadler as chairman and Horace R. Parker, clerk.
During the six months ending December 31, seven petitions were heard, six of which were granted and one denied.
The following is the resume of these hearings:
Date June 25. Frank M. Sanderson
Petitioner
July 23. Anna W. Damsky, 9 Erie street Jacob Gilberg, 19 Erie street
Aug. 27. Gertrude Gross, 17 Erie street Gertrude Aronson, 17 Erie street
Nov.
19. Elisha B. Tinkham
Petition To erect a garage within 13 feet of the street line of Northern avenue. Decision: Granted, 12 foot set-back. To allow buildings to remain within set-back area 7 inches and 19 inches respectively. Decision: Granted.
To allow buildings to remain within set-back area 13 inches and 9 inches respectively. Decision: Granted.
To build within the set-back area on Bay View drive. Decision: On first house, to allow variation only to the existing part of the roof; to deny the second petition.
On Friday, November 23, Chairman Henry A. Sadler resigned, but as there was no business to come before the board it had not reorgan- ized up to the end of the year. On January 14, 1929, George M. Glidden was elected chairman of the board.
230
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
The experiences of the board in the past few months have led it to make a hard and fast rule that no variation of the By-Laws will be granted, merely as a justification of evasions of the law or to legalize something that has been done without regard to the rights of others. Most of these evasions of the law have come through contractors, who are building to sell, and who have no interest in the town other than what they can get out of it. The board does not intend to be used as a cat's paw in such instances in the future.
All civil engineers who are known to be interested in the laying out of property in Swampscott have been notified of the requirement of the 10 and 20 foot set-back, and that same does not allow any pro- jection of the building to come beyond a line 10 or 20 feet back from the street line, according to the zone in which the building is to be constructed.
The board has also adopted a rule that all petitioners must submit with their petition a plan, drawn to scale, showing the conditions as they actually exist as to the building; the exact size of the lot referred to in the petition; the distance from each building to the front, side and rear lines, and to any other building on the lot; also, where feasible, to indicate the distance from the front line to the nearest point of the buildings on the adjoining lots on either side.
The town of Swampscott has adopted Zoning By-Laws, all por- tions of the town now being covered in that regard. The function of the Board of Appeals is not to set aside any provision of this By-Law at will, as seems to be a popular conception of the latitude of the board, but to give relief to owners of property where it can be shown that undue hardship exists. It will be well, therefore, for prospective build- ers to see to it that their engineers keep them well within the law or, if this is impossible, that the board be consulted before any work is done.
The board recommends that the Board of Appeals be authorized to have a revision of the By-Laws published in pamphlet form, and that a new map, showing the additions to and changes in the present By-Law, be published with the same.
The board further feels that there is not sufficient co-operation in the matter of enforcement of the Zoning By-Law to give the town the fullest benefit. Without enforcement no law is of any value. The board recommends that the Board of Selectmen take such steps as are necessary to see that the Zoning By-Law is enforced.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE M. GLIDDEN, Chairman. CLARENCE E. CAHILL, WILLIAM O. TITCOMB, CHARLES W. MOWRY,
Board of Appeals.
231
REPORT OF PLANNING COMMITTEE
1928]
Planning Committee
At the special meeting of April 26th, under Article 7, a committee, consisting of Dr. Howard K. Glidden, Chairman of the Board of Select- men, Egbert H. Ballard, Guy N. Chamberlin, Robert B. Hegarty and Ernest M. Folger were appointed to study the advisability of instituting a Planning Board under Chapter 41, Section 70, of the General Laws.
The board has had a conference with Edward T. Hartman, Con- sultant to Planning Boards, Division of Housing and Town Planning, and has interviewed many familiar with this work in other towns. It is not prepared, however, to make a completed report or recommenda- tion at the present time, and recommends that the committee be con- tinued and given opportunity for further study of the matter, especially in view of the fact that if the U. S. census of 1930 should show that Swampscott has a population of more than 10,000 it would be necessary under the State law for the town to establish such a board.
Respectfully submitted,
HOWARD K. GLIDDEN, Chairman. EGBERT H. BALLARD, GUY N. CHAMBERLIN, ERNEST M. FOLGER, ROBERT B. HEGARTY,
Planning Committee.
233
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Purchasing Committee
On the recommendation of the Finance Committee at the annual Town Meeting, a committee of five, consisting of Dr. Howard K. Glid- den. Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, William E. Plummer, Frank S. Newton, Edwin W. Tibbetts and George H. Gray, were appointed as a committee to study the subject of the purchase of supplies.
This committee hel'd several meetings, discussing the matter from all angles, and found that the material purchases for a year, including everything for all departments, amounted to a little over $68,000. Of this, $17,000 was in the school department and a similar amount in the water department. In the highway department $12.000, leaving only $20.000 to be distributed among all the other departments of the town. Of this $68.000. much of it was for material purchased by contract, all purchases of $500 or over being made in this manner. Purchases for the schools are very largely technical. covering text books and school supplies.
After a thorough study of the subject, the committee has arrived at the decision that. at the present time, the creation of the office of purchasing agent would be inadvisable, inasmuch as the saving that might be made on some minor items would be more than offset by the cost of establishing and maintaining a central purchasing agency.
There are only two features concerning which the committee would make any recommendations. The first is the purchase of gasoline, on which we recommend that the Board of Selectmen study and bring about an equalization of the prices paid for this commodity. The second is the purchase of hay and grain, which we recommend be taken up with the Surveyor of Highways by the Board of Selectmen.
Respectfully submitted,
HOWARD K. GLIDDEN. Chairman. GEO. H. GRAY, FRANK S. NEWTON, WILLIAM E. PLUMMER, EDWIN W. TIBBETTS,
Committee on Purchasing.
233
REPORT OF STABLE COMMITTEE
1928]
Stable Committee
At the adjourned annual Town Meeting, the Board of Selectmen, Surveyor of Highways and Building Inspector were authorized to secure plans and specifications for the construction of a building suitable for the needs of the Surveyor of Highways, and the sum of $10,000.00 was appropriated for the purpose from the Excess and Deficiency Fund.
The committee considered the needs of the Highway Department and secured plans embodying the ideas collected, but on submitting the same to reputable builders found that the cost would be approximately $17,000.00. At a special Town Meeting held May 10th it, therefore, requested an additional appropriation of $7.000.00. This additional amount was rejected by a vote of 52 to 65, and on the recommendation of the Finance Committee, the committee was directed to give further consideration to the subject and to report at the next annual Town Meeting.
This it has done, and recommends that the sum of $20,000 be ap- propriated for the building of a stable according to the plans now in the possession of the committee, and that the Board of Selectmen, Sur- veyor of Highways and Building Inspector be authorized to erect this building on the property owned by the town on Paradise road.
Respectfully submitted,
HOWARD K. GLIDDEN, Chairman. R. WYER GREENE, DANIEL F. KNOWLTON, MICHAEL J. RYAN, HARRY E. HARDY,
Stable Committee.
234
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Jury List Town of Swampscott-1929
In accordance with Section 9 of Chapter 234 of the General Laws, the following jury list is published in the annual town report:
Allen, G. Edwin
351 Essex st.
Manager
Ash, Charles G.
56 Greenwood ave.
Salesman
Bailey, J. Brinton
76 Redington st.
Dealer
Baker, John M.
32 Hampden st.
Engineer
Bartol, Harold H.
48 Beach ave.
Clerk
Bassett, Herbert F.
12 Banks circle
Clerk
Bean, Everett G.
44 Elmwood road 1 Nason road
Merchant Manager
Bergin, William P.
448 Humphrey st.
Mechanic
Biggers, James M.
80 Middlesex ave.
Salesman
Bishop, Earl P.
21 Shaw road
Engineer
Blackford, J. Hervey M.
36 Maple ave. 20 Norfolk ave.
Florist
Booma, Scott C.
100 Stetson ave.
Shoe Operator
Bourke, Aimee H.
12 Ocean View rd.
Stockkeeper
Bresnahan, Maurice T.
48 Humphrey st.
Banking
Brown, Chester A.
19 Middlesex ave.
Architect
Burgess, Charles V.
15 Boynton st.
Architect
Burk, Michael F.
187 Burrill st.
Architect
Burrill, Charles W.
34 Maple ave.
Civil Engineer
Burrill, Walter E.
99 Redington st.
Real Estate
Butler, Frank A.
163 Redington st.
Inspector
Cahill, Clarence E.
8 Palmer ave.
Accountant
Cary, Ralph H.
33 Norfolk ave.
Salesman
Caverly, Robert W.
25 Fuller ave.
Manufacturer
Chatman, William
20 Ocean ave.
Retired
Coleman. Lewis A.
6 Minerva st.
Millwright Engineer
Conner, Clarence H.
48 Banks road
Salesman
Conrad, Kenneth L.
99 Stetson ave. 14 Shaw road
Salesman
Critcherson, Guy H.
30 Beach ave.
Bookkeeper
Crocker, Louis N.
142 Norfolk ave.
Shoe Cutter
Curtis, Ralph
24 Bristol ave. 6 Maple ave.
General Electric
Delano, Clarence B.
10 Stone court
Retired
Dinan, Henry J.
208 Humphrey st.
Shoe Retailer
Doughty, Charles S.
57 Buena Vista
Salesman
Doughty, Harold W.
22 Crescent st.
Heel Manufacturer
Duffett, George Duren, Charles M.
53 Beach ave.
Salesman Manufacturer
Durkee, Harold A.
2 Essex ter.
20 Grant rd.
Manufacturer
Durland, J. Harris Ellis, A. Leroy Enholm, Albert
11 Banks road
Electrical Engineer
Falkins, Chester L.
10 Elmwood rd.
Chauffeur Shipper
Finch, Clarence M.
22 Thomas road Estabrook road
Mechanical Engineer
Foster, George W. Fox, John C.
15 Mapledale place
Water worker
Felch, Harry O.
42 Rock ave.
7 Fuller ave.
Real Estate Investments
Condon, Everett E.
35 Grant road
Salesman
Corrow, Thomas
Electrical contractor
Danforth, Arthur H.
15 Buena Vista Hardware Dealer
Salesman
Blaney, Harold C.
Bell, Frank M.
1928]
JURY LIST
235
Goodwin, George E.
Graham, Earl H.
Griffin, Hulbert C.
Manufacturer
Halvorson, Hawthorne P.
42 Rockland st.
Manager
Dealer
Hayes, William E.
722 Humphrey st. 71 Millett road 36 Aspen road 6 Greenwood ave.
Accountant Auto Dealer
Holden, Horace G.
Manager
Hutchinson, Frank C.
15 Norfolk ave.
Shoeworker
Hutchinson, Harry G.
66 Redington st.
Painter
Ingalls, Granville
40 Burrill st.
Broker
Johnson, Frank E.
18 Andrew road
Retired
Kitfield, Edward H.
121 Elmwood road
Civil Engineer
Knowles, Mahlon G.
255 Burrill st.
Instructor
Knowlton, Daniel F.
22 Elmwood road 1 Bond st.
Salesman
Lewis, Weston K.
Linden, Fred E.
Chemist
Lofmark, Walter
Garage
MacLean, Malcom F.
Maddock, James R.
Manchester, William D.
17 Greenwood ter.
Civil Engineer
Marsh, Frank M.
42 Essex ave.
Salesman
Mayor, William A.
9 Phillips circle
Electrical Engineer
McCarty, James E.
McKennon, Frederick A.
Melzard, Ralph
Melzard, Warren P.
37 Norfolk ave.
Real Estate
Merchant, John T.
29 Blaney st.
Manager
Monroe, John M.
4 Banks ter.
Foreman
Morrison, Frank E.
28 Bay View ave.
Contractor
Pevear, Selwyn R.
9 Bradlee ave.
Salesman
Place, George J.
55 Berkshire st.
C. P. A.
Poor, George T.
1 Hawthorne road
Clerk
Ray, Walter M.
49 Beach ave.
Merchant
Rideout, George F.
19 Maple ave.
Salesman
Scheuren, John H.
9 Aycliffe road
Mechanic
Sprague, Charles F.
44 Atlantic ave.
Manufacturer
Sprague, Lowell E.
10 Orchard road
Salesman
Thomas, Harry B.
Trafton, Fred A.
Ulman, Julius A.
Clerk
Underwood, Louis E.
52 Burrill st.
Electrical Engineer Dealer
Van Blacom, Frank H.
Warnock, Philip B.
Webber, John W.
131 Walker road
Equipment Engineer
Woodbury, Wilbur L.
1 Ellis ter.
Salesman
Young, Edmund, Jr.
22 Stetson ave.
Clerk
Young, Howard R.
9 Orient court
Merchant
Hastings, Abner H.
60 Beach ave. 8 Sheridan road 29 Jessie st.
Cost Estimator
Clerk
Broker
22 Woodbine ave. 9 Hillcrest circle 523 Humphrey st.
20 Elmwood road 4 Farragut road
Salesman
Sales Agent
Radio
Insurance
Electrician
134 Elmwood road 47 Beach ave. 65 Salem st.
Salesman
Lewis, Gardner L.
106 Rockland st. 10 Berkshire st. 40 Middlesex ave.
Manufacturer
Superintendent
23 Bay View Drive 2 Orchard ter.
Chemist
Hebbart, Carl P.
236
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
In Memoriam
JAMES LEWIS TAYLOR Sitting Member of Board of Appeals Appointed June 6, 1924 Died February 22, 1928
CHARLES WESLEY HOBBS Sitting Member of School Committee Elected February 21, 1927 Died July 27, 1928
WILLIAM EDWARD CARTER
Selectman Feb. 15, 1916, to Feb. 19, 1919; Feb. 16, 1920, to Feb. 20, 1922 Died August 31, 1928
OSCAR GEORGE POOR
Sewer Commissioner, March 19, 1900, to March 17, 1906 Assessor March 18, 1907, to Feb. 20, 1922 Died January 4, 1929
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SMITH
Selectman March 12, 1870, to March 11, 1871 Died January 19, 1929
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