USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1937 > Part 6
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Article 12. To see if the town will vote to accept Tid street as a public way, as laid out by the Board of Selectmen, in accordance with a plan dated March 12, 1937, made by W. W. Pratt, Town Engi- neer, and to appropriate money therefor.
Article 13. To see if the town will vote to accept Ryan place as a public way, as laid out by the Board of Selectmen, in accordance with a plan dated March 15, 1937 made by W. W. Pratt, Town Engi- neer, and to appropriate money therefor.
Article 14. To see if the town will vote to construct a surface water drain from a point opposite the junction of Franklin avenue and State road to a point located under the Boston & Maine R. R. culvert and connecting therewith and appropriate money therefor.
Article 15. To see if the town will vote to construct a surface water drain running parallel with the side line of State road from Walker road to the intersection of the present culvert at a point opposite Franklin avenue and appropriate money therefor.
Article 16. To see if the town will vote to resurface with bi- tuminous macadam a portion of Atlantic avenue extending from the Marblehead line for a distance of approximately 1000 feet and ap- propriate money therefor.
Article 17. To see if the town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into a program of permanent sidewalk con- struction utilizing whenever possible welfare workers and appro- priate money therefor or take any action relative thereto.
Article 18. To see if the town will vote to lay a sewer in Hamp- shire street, a distance of approximately 310 feet and appropriate the sum of $2400 therefor.
Article 19. To see if the town will vote to lay a water main in Longley avenue for a distance of about 1000 feet and appropriate money therefor, as petitioned for by Longley Colony Inc.
Article 20. To see if the town will construct a sewer in Long- ley avenue for a distance of about 915 feet and appropriate money for same, as petitioned for by Longley Colony Inc.
Article 21. To see if the town will vote to construct a surface water drain on Ocean avenue for a distance of about 200 feet and appropriate money therefor, as petitioned for by Longley Colony Inc.
Article 22. To see if the town will vote to construct a sewer in Ocean avenue for a distance of about 255 feet and appropriate money for the same as petitioned for by Longley Colony Inc.
Article 23. To see if the town will vote to erect and equip a new municipal office building, according to the plans of Thomas Byrd Epps, Architect, dated March 12, 1937, and appropriate money therefor.
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RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK
1937]
Article 24. To see if the town will vote to authorize the Mod- erator to appoint a committee to employ an architect, enter into contract, and do all necessary and incidental to the construction and equipment of such municipal office building, and appropriate money therefor.
Article 25. To see if the town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen, or other agency, to apply to the proper Federal Au- thorities for a grant of Federal funds to be used in connection with the construction and equipment of a new municipal office building.
Article 26. To see if the town will vote to appoint a committee to investigate the discharge or forced resignation of Lucy M. Eveleth, Librarian, by the Board of Library Trustees as petitioned for by Rose D. George et al.
Article 27. To see if the town will vote to re-zone the property appearing on Assessors' Plan, Plate 21, Lot 26, located at the north- easterly corner of Puritan road and Woodbine avenue back to its original zone of a general residence district as petitioned for by Ernest C. Hilton et al.
Article 28. To appropriate and raise by borrowing or other- wise, under any general or special law which authorizes the town to raise money by borrowing or otherwise, such sum or sums of money as may be necessary for any or all of the purposes mentioned in the foregoing articles.
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting attested copies thereof at the Town Hall, Post Offices, and in at least one public and conspicuous place in each precinct of the town, and at or in the immediate vicinity of each railroad station in the town seven days before the day appointed for said meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk at the time and place of meeting aforesaid.
Given under our hands this fifteenth day of March, A.D., 1937.
ROBERT G. BYRNE, KENNETH W. ULMAN, PHILIP E. BESSOM, Selectmen of Swampscott,
A true copy. Attest:
WAYNE ANDERSON, Constable.
RETURN ON THE WARRANT
Pursuant to the within warrant to me directed, I have notified the legal voters of Swampscott, by posting attested copies of said warrant at the Town Hall, Post Offices, at least one public and con- spicuous place in each precinct in the town, and at or in the imme- diate vicinity of each railroad station in Swampscott on Saturday, March 20, 1937, the posting of said notices being seven days before the time of said meeting.
WAYNE ANDERSON,
Constable.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, MONDAY, MARCH 29, 1937
Meeting called to order by John R. Hurlburt, Moderator. Warrant with return thereon read by the Town Clerk.
A quorum not being present and the Finance Committee not ready to report on the articles in the warrant, it was
Voted to adjourn to Tuesday evening, April 13, 1937, at 7.45 P.M. Adjourned at 7.55 P.M.
Attest: RALPH D. MERRITT,
Town Clerk.
ADJOURNED SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, TUESDAY,
APRIL 13, 1937
In accordance with the adjournment of March 29, 1937, the town meeting members assembled at the Town Hall, and were called to order by John R. Hurlburt, Moderator, the necessary quorum being present.
Voted that the reading of the records of the last meeting be omitted.
The report of the Finance Committee was read by Hamilton P. Edwards, Chairman.
Voted: Article 1. To accept the report of the Finance Commit- tee and adopt their recommendations as follows:
That action on this article be indefinitely postponed.
Voted that Articles 2 and 3 be taken up together.
Voted: Articles 2 and 3. To accept the report of the Finance Committee and adopt their recommendations as follows:
That the town build, equip, and furnish a new police station on substantially the same site of the present police station, located on Burrill street, Swampscott and that its style of architecture and general appearance be in accordance with the proposed new admin- istration building as submitted by Thomas Byrd Epps, Architect, plans dated March 12, 1937, with the recommendation that the total cost of such new station, including equipment and furnishings, future architect's plans and fees and other costs and expenses shall not exceed $25,000; and that there be raised and appropriated for this purpose the sum of $25,000 in the manner as voted under Article 28 of the warrant for the Special Town Meeting, Monday, March 29, 1937; and that a committee of five be appointed by the Moderator, and said committee be and hereby is authorized to appoint and en- gage an architect and prepare plans, estimates and specifications for the erection and equipping and furnishing of such new police station; and that said committee be and hereby is authorized to make application for a grant of Federal aid for such purpose, file with all federal and state authorities plans and other information inci- dental thereto; and to accept such grant, provided that the commit- tee determines that the amount and conditions of the grant are such that acceptance is desirable; and that said committee be and here- by is authorized to enter into contracts, and to undertake and per- form any and all acts necessary or proper to build, equip, and fur- nish such new police station on substantially the same site as the present police station; and that the Moderator shall have the author- ity at his discretion to fill any vacancy or vacancies on the said com- mittee.
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RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK
1937]
Voted: Article 4. To accept the report of the Finance Commit- tee and adopt their recommendations as amended:
That the Park Commissioners be authorized to hire temporary employees for park work during the year 1937, and that said temp- orary employees be furnished by the Welfare Department and be under the supervision of the Park Board and appropriate $1600 to cover their wages.
Voted: Article 5. To accept the report of the Finance Commit- tee and adopt their recommendations as follows:
That $500.00 be appropriated for the Park Commissioners for the hiring of trucks to remove the available surplus material from the State Road Underpass to Phillips park.
Voted: Article 6. To accept the report of the Finance Commit- tee and adopt their recommendations as follows:
That the Board of Selectmen be authorized to execute a lease for one year period with the Building Association of Joseph L. Ste- vens Post 1240, V. F. W., and appropriate the sum of $650.00 to cov- er such lease for the purpose of providing suitable quarters for the Joseph L. Stevens Post 1240, V. F. W. in accordance with General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 9.
Voted: Article 7. To accept the report of the Finance Commit- tee and adopt their recommendations as follows:
That the town authorize the Board of Selectmen to sell and con- vey the lot of land owned by the town as shown on the Assessors' plan plate number 3, lot number 13, Pine street, Swampscott on which is located a partly demolished building and to execute, ac- knowledge, and deliver a good and sufficient deed to the same, for and in behalf of the town; that the Selectmen be authorized to ad- vertise for bids for the property as is, and also incorporate in the bids that the purchaser shall at his or her expense cause the pre- sent partially destroyed building to be removed from said property within sixty days after sale has been executed.
Voted: Article 8. To accept the report of the Finance Commit- tee and adopt their recommendations as amended:
In case that the property mentioned in Article 7 in said War- rant is not so sold or conveyed as recommended in the report of the Finance Committee on Article 7 of said Warrant on or before No- vember 1, 1937, the Board of Selectmen are authorized to tear down what remains of the building standing on the same and the sum of $250 is appropriated for that purpose.
Voted: Article 9. To accept the report of the Finance Commit- tee and adopt their recommendations as follows:
That the town authorize the Moth Superintendent to sell or dis- pose of an obsolete spraying machine owned by that department.
Voted: Article 10. To accept the report of the Finance Commit- tee and adopt their recommendations as follows:
That the town authorize the Moth Superintendent to use the whole depth of the building which he now partially uses, that the sum of $750.00 be appropriated for the necessary changes; namely to cement a floor over the entire area, remove present and build new partition, addition of new windows where necessary and the addition of necessary water and toilet facilities.
Voted: Article 11. To accept the report of the Finance Commit- tee and adopt their recommendations as follows:
That the town accept that part of Fairview avenue as a public way as laid out by the Board of Selectmen in accordance with a plan dated March 12, 1937, made by W. W. Pratt, Town Engineer, and that the sum of $400.00 be appropriated for materials to be used for the
THAMPS BIM LIPRERY
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
necessary street work, which should be done wherever possible by men furnished by the Welfare Department under the supervision of the Surveyor of Highways; this work to be done after the necessary waivers or releases are obtained.
Voted: Article 12. That Article 12 be laid on the table.
Voted: Article 13. That Article 13 be laid on the table.
Voted: Article 14. That Article 14 be laid on the table.
Voted: Article 15. That Article 15 be laid on the table.
Voted: Article 16. To accept the report of the Finance Commit- tee and adopt their recommendations as amended:
That the sum of $2,000.00 be appropriated to go with money from the county and state for the resurfacing of Atlantic avenue from the Marblehead line for a distance of about 1,000 feet.
Voted: Article 17. To accept the report of the Finance Commit- tee and adopt their recommendations as amended:
That the town vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to en- ter into a program of permanent sidewalk construction under the Continuous Sidewalk Act, utilizing wherever possible men furnished by the Welfare Department under the supervision of the Surveyor of Highways and that the sum of $5,000.00 be transferred from the account of "Highway Others" to the account of "permanent side- walk construction" therefor.
Voted: Article 18. That Article 18 be laid on the table.
Voted: Article 19. To accept the report of the Finance Commit- tee and adopt their recommendations as follows:
That action on this article be indefinitely postponed.
Voted: Article 20. To accept the report of the Finance Commit- tee and adopt their recommendations as follows:
That action on this article be indefinitely postponed.
Voted: Article 21. To accept the report of the Finance Commit- tee and adopt their recommendations as follows:
That the town construct a surface water drain on Ocean avenue for a distance of about 200 feet and appropriate $300.00 for mate- rials, work to be done by the Highway Department.
Voted: Article 22. That Article 22 be laid on the table.
Voted: Article 23. To accept the report of the Finance Commit- tee and adopt their recommendations as follows:
That action on this article be indefinitely postponed.
Voted: Article 24. To accept the report of the Finance Commit- tee and adopt their recommendations as follows:
That action on this article be indefinitely postponed.
Voted: Article 25. To accept the report of the Finance Commit- tee and adopt their recommendations as follows:
That action on this article be indefinitely postponed.
Voted: Article 26. That Article 26 be laid on the table.
Voted: Article 27. That Article 27 be laid on the table.
Voted: Article 28. To accept the report of the Finance Commit- tee and adopt their recommendations as amended:
For the purpose of erecting, equipping, and furnishing a new police station on substantially the same site of the present police station on Burrill street, Swampscott, as related in Articles 2 and 3 of the warrant for the Special Town Meeting, March 29, 1937, and relating to the raising and appropriating of $25,000 for this purpose, as specified in the vote on said Articles 2 and 3, that the sum of $6,000 be appropriated from the tax levy; and that the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen be and hereby is authorized to borrow a sum not to exceed $19,000 and to issue bonds or notes of the town therefor, said bonds or notes to be issued payable in ac- cordance with the provisions of Massachusetts Acts of 1935, Chapter
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RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK
1937]
404, in case-the proper Federal authorities have approved a grant therefor of Federal money, but otherwise in accordance with Massa- chusetts General Laws, Chapter 44, and amendments thereof, and additions thereto, and any other act or acts relating to borrowing for such purpose, the whole loan to be paid in such period as may be fixed by the Emergency Finance Board in case of such approval of grant, or if no approval, in not more than 20 years from the date of the issue of the first bond or note, or at such earlier period as may be determined by the treasurer with the approval of the Select- men. All moneys received from the Federal Government under any act authorizing the grant of money to towns for this purpose shall be applied to meet the cost of building and originally equipping and furnishing said police station, or to payment of the loan herein au- thorized, or the money to be borrowed to be reduced by the amount of the grant received and applied to the cost of the project, or in any or all of said ways. (Unanimous.)
Voted to dissolve.
Dissolved at 10.05 P.M. Attest:
RALPH D. MERRITT, Town Clerk.
POLICE STATION COMMITTEE
April 16, 1937
Notice received on the above date of the appointment of the fol- lowing committee for the purpose of erecting the new police station as authorized at the Special Town Meeting held on April 13, 1937, said appointments being made by the Moderator:
E. H. Ballard, 22 Farragut road, Temporary Chairman.
Richard P. Breed, 106 Bradlee avenue.
Charles F. Lovejoy, 88 Phillips avenue. John R. Nagle, 3 Upland road.
Harold A. Osborne, 15 Bradlee avenue. Attest: RALPH D. MERRITT, Town Clerk.
ANDREW B. HOLMES RESIGNS
April 1, 1937 Resignation of Andrew B. Holmes from the Finance Committee, received on the above date, same to take effect at once. Attest: RALPH D. MERRITT, Town Clerk.
VACANCY FILLED
April 8 1937
Notice received on the above date of the appointment of Robert B. Hegarty, 350 Essex street, Swampscott, as a Finance Committee member from Precinct 1, to fill the vacancy caused by the resigna- tion of Andrew B. Holmes, said appointment being made by the Moderator.
Attest: RALPH D. MERRITT, Town Clerk.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
TRIBUTE TO PROFESSOR THOMSON
BEFORE THE ADJOURNED SPECIAL TOWN MEETING OF APRIL 13 CONVENED, THE FLOOR WAS TURNED OVER TO HENRY S. BALDWIN, WHO OFFERED THE FOLLOWING TRI- BUTE AND RESOLUTION WHICH WAS UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE TOWN OF SWAMPSCOTT AND IT WAS ALSO VOTED THAT IT BE SPREAD UPON THE RECORDS AND A COPY SENT TO MRS. ELIHU THOMSON.
TRIBUTE AND RESOLUTIONS IN MEMORY OF ELIHU THOMSON
Submitted by Henry S. Baldwin
Mr. Moderator and Town Meeting Members:
Before taking up the business of the warrant it is fitting that we, the Town Meeting Members of Swampscott in town meeting assembled, pause for a moment of meditation and that we give ex- pression of our esteem and respect for an honored fellow citizen, recently taken from our midst.
March thirteenth, Nineteen Hundred and Thirty-Seven, will be remembered as the date of the death of Elihu Thomson.
Ripe in years, rich in honors, he has gone to his rest.
For nearly half a century, his dwelling place was in Swampscott. Here he lived in the bosom of a devoted family, surrounded by the beauties of nature he loved so well. He was a kindly and modest neighbor, a good citizen, ever interested in the welfare of his home town by the side of the sea.
He was so approachable and human in the largeness of his na- ture, that we regarded him as a friend rather than the world-re- nowned scientist and pioneer in the electrical industry.
The tablet erected in St. Paul's Cathedral, London, to the mem- ory of Sir Christopher Wren, bears these words: "Lector si monu- mentum requiris circumspice."-Reader, if thou seekest his monu- ment look around.
The same words may well be applied to Elihu Thomson. His works can be seen on every hand.
His early manhood was devoted to the instruction of youth, but even then, as in later years, he exhibited the rare ability to apply abstract science to the practical problems of industry and human existence.
His great achievements and inventions, in every field of art and science, are of such broad scope that it would be presumptuous here to attempt, even briefly, to enumerate them. They will stand forever on a bright page in the records of the Hall of Fame to be read by this and future generations.
Degrees, unsought, came to him from Universities and Schools of Learning.
Medals of honor and decorations, unsought, were bestowed on him by monarchs and the great scientific bodies of the world.
Industry was proud to recognize the part he played in its ac- tivities and successes.
The public regarded him as its benefactor as his multitude of mechanical and electrical devices brought comfort and convenience into every household in the land.
His close friends, and especially the young people, treasure the memory of his happy disposition and his sincere wish to make them happy also by explaining and demonstrating the beauties of science.
He was a prolific and interesting writer on a wide range of sub-
-
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RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK
1937]
jects. He delighted in making studies along untrodden paths. Many papers covering original observations, were presented by Elihu Thomson before professional societies and scientific bodies through- out the world.
He was repeatedly chosen to preside at national and interna- tional gatherings of scientists in this country and abroad.
He was an easy and interesting speaker, as might be expected of one who had devoted his early life to teaching. He possessed the true instinct of the teacher and always endeavored to make subjects clear and understandable to those who sought enlightenment.
Like other great men he was an incessant worker, not only in the business of the great electrical company of which he was a founder, but also in correlated fields of astronomy, chemistry, photography, music, painting, and many others. The latter might be termed his avocations or hobbies.
So great was his modesty that he would disclaim credit for his remarkable achievements, saying that he was only doing the things that he liked to do and for which he had been given the talent to do. He used his talents well and the words of Holy Writ, "Well done thou good and faithful servant . would apply aptly to Elihu Thomson.
He was patriotic and sent three sons to serve in the Army in the World War. Stuart, the eldest, gave his life for his country. Elihu Thomson, in those dark days, placed his vast store of scientific knowledge and experience at the disposal of the government. Many important devices for the army and navy were developed and built under his supervision. Here in Swampscott he served faithfully on the Liberty Loan Committee, so important to the success of our arms.
His civic contributions, owing to his modesty, were never broad- cast. From personal knowledge, as Selectman of the Town for a number of years, I can testify to his deep interest and concern in matters relating to the welfare of Swampscott. His gift of land for the Public Library, service on the Library Committee and active participation in Town Meeting, when he felt that some mistake might be made for want of advice and counsel that he was qualified to give, are well known to me. Whenever I found it necessary to call on him for support of a worthy cause, his response was prompt and generous.
In his long span of life he traveled widely in his own and for- eign lands. His circle of friends numbered many of the most famous scientists, philosophers, educators, and industrialists of his time.
For years he was a member of the corporation of the Massachu- setts Institute of Technology, and as an undergraduate I, together with many students, looked upon Elihu Thomson as an example of what a scientific man should be. Later, for a number of years he was Acting President of the Institute, a position he held with distinction. He truly exemplified the motto of the Institute-Mens et Manus. Mind and hand.
For more than thirty-five years it was my privilege to call Elihu Thomson my friend. During this period I was associated with him often as an engineer of the General Electric Company, and as Se- lectman of Swampscott.
Elihu Thomson was ever an inspiration and help to all who sought his advice or assistance especially in scientific and engineer- ing matters. His sympathies were universal.
Words are feeble means to express our admiration of his life, but here in this gathering of representatives of the people of Swamp-
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
scott, his neighbors, we may well pay homage to the memory of this great man.
With these brief words of tribute, I should like to offer the following resolutions:
WHEREAS: ELIHU THOMSON, our fellow-citizen, has been taken from us under the providence of God, this tribute and resolu- tions have been adopted by the Town Meeting Members of the Town of Swampscott in town meeting assembled:
WHEREAS: In the death of Elihu Thomson, the town, the na- tion, and the world have suffered the loss of a leader and pioneer in electrical science and industry:
WHEREAS: Mankind has been benefited by the inventions of Elihu Thomson that have made life better and pleasanter:
WHEREAS: He gave freely of his time and means to promote the education of youth:
WHEREAS: He had a high sense of civic responsibility and served his town and country faithfully:
WHEREAS: His modesty was a living example of greatness and broadness of mind:
WHEREAS: He loved his fellow man and was ever ready with a helping hand:
RESOLVED: That the world is better because Elihu Thomson lived:
RESOLVED: In his death mankind has suffered an irreparable loss:
RESOLVED: His work will live after him:
RESOLVED: That a copy of this tribute and these resolutions be sent to Mrs. Elihu Thomson and that they be spread on the records of the Town of Swampscott.
LEO J. COUGHLIN RESIGNS
May 17, 1937.
Resignation of Leo J. Coughlin from the School Committee re- ceived on the above date, same to take effect at once.
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