USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1941 > Part 12
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It should be borne in mind that the cemeteries on the west side of Lake Quannapowitt are private property owned by corporations and therefore do not come under the supervision of our Board. They are three in number, all abutting on the water's edge and having many natural advantages on that account. One of them is owned principally by local people, the other two by Jewish congre- gations from out of town; the local one has a splendid chapel, where funeral ser- vices can be held when desired, and also has a commodious receiving tomb; the two Jewish cemeteries also have their chapels (one for each congregation) and their grounds are beautiful and well cared for.
Receipts from Forest Glade Cemetery and the Old Cemetery during the year ending December 31, 1941, have been as follows:
Perpetual care of lots $1,905.00
Sales of lots and graves 1,538.00
Digging graves, mowing and miscellaneous care 1,389.00
$4,832.00
An institution under the especial care of this Board is the Bath House, formerly located at the Cove end of the Old Cemetery but now in a new build- ing at the righthand end of Spaulding Street. During the past year it has been particularly well patronized, chiefly by the younger element. The large raft, has been exceedingly popular with those who can swim and desire to dive. For child- ren and young women the enlarged and improved sandy beach in front of the bath-house has been much used. Watchmen are on duty and local bathers can have their clothing cared for in lockers; persons from out of town are charged the small sum of ten cents. Cash receipts from the bath-house for use of lockers and showers during the 1941 season amounted to $85.40. Bathing on the Park beach between the boat-house and Lawrence Street is not allowed by the Commissioners nor is it encouraged at any other point on the shore of the lake. Early in the 1941
REPORT OF PARK AND CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS 175
season a high wire fence was erected around the bath-house premises in order to keep out undesirable intruders, especially at night. As usual during the past five or six years the bath-house and its beach have been in charge of David F. Ingerton, whose services as swimming instructor and general supervisor have been much appreciated and whose annual report, in detail, will be found on another page.
Besides the above described Common, parks, playgrounds, cemeteries and bath-house, the Commissioners have, as usual, cared for many triangular plots, corners, intersections and odds and ends of unused land in various sections of the town, this year 17 in number. The little plot (with cement walk through it) in front of the Congregational Church is one of these and its shrubbery, plants and flowers are familiar to all our townspeople .- The large grass plot at the junction of Prospect and Hopkins Streets, is another; this would be a good spot, sometime, for the erection of a neighborhood monument or memorial, or even shrubbery and a bed of flowers if they could be protected from depredation .- On Park Avenue, just inside the gates from West Chestnut Street, is a plot from which about four feet are to be clipped off for the widening and straightening of the roadway; this work will be done during the coming season.
On the east side of Main Street, opposite the High School building, a narrow grassed strip beside the railroad track from Bennett Street to Richardson Street comes under our care; also the lot (quite a little park in itself) between Main Street and the Junction railroad station, presented to the town several years ago by Former Selectman John J. Round .- Nearby, on the east side of the street is the Hart's Hill reservation, so called, but belonging to the Town, the State owning only the high fire-warden's tower. The level ground at the foot of the hill has been graded and seeded for grass (a W.P.A. project) and there is ample space for ball playing. This valuable piece of land, abutting on Main Street, might very properly be termed another of the town's playgrounds, for such it is likely to become in the not distant future.
These are only a few of the smaller pieces of ground listed and cared for by your Commissioners.
Everything-the Common, parks, playgrounds, Old Cemetery and all except the Forest Glade Cemetery is in charge of Arthur G. Abbott as General Superin- tendent. He has completed his seventh season in that responsible position, to the satisfaction of the Board and, we hope, of the townspeople of all nationalities and all ages. Suggestions from citizens of the town or its immediate vicinity, whenever offered, will be welcomed by the Board and Supt. Abbott, and will be given due and proper attention.
Our report this year is longer than usual-the longest since the Spring of 1937-but your Board deems it advisable for the information of the many new residents who have come to our town since that date.
Information as to the financial condition of our department-appropriations, receipts and expenditures-will be found in the annual reports of the Town Treasurer and the Town Accountant.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN T. STRINGER, Chairman, GEORGE W. ABBOTT, Secretary, JOHN. W. MacGILLIVRAY.
176
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Bath House Supervisor
Wakefield Park Board, Wakefield, Mass.
Dear Sirs:
The bath house opened for the season June 26th and closed officially August 31st, a total of 67 days.
The weather was fine and warm every day for a period of six weeks with the result that large crowds frequented the bath house daily during this long hot spell. However, the weather changed with a drop in temperature and four or five days of hard cold rain during the remaining two weeks of the season, and there were days during the last week of August that were actually cold and a decided drop in attendance resulted.
This year the staff consisted of four regular and one relief guards, a matron and two attendants.
Swimming classes were held each morning at ten o'clock with two instructors devoting one hour and a half of instruction to beginners, intermediate and ad- vanced classes. The results of these classes were very satisfactory and we feel that we have many good swimmers in the making and that the older pupils have benefited to the extent that they will be better able to take care of themselves and others in the water.
Two afternoons each week a series of races were held and it was in this way that we were able to note the improvement of, and determine the status of our pupils from week to week as the season progressed.
This year the Park Department provided us with a new 12-foot regulation diving board with springs attached which added to the enjoyment of those able to swim to the raft, 75 yards out from shore. Many fine divers were developed this summer.
Scout tests and water sports also made up the general routine of the days, throughout the season.
The whole staff with the matron included did much in the way of keeping the interior of the bath-house clean and sanitary as the floors were washed 3 times daily with a hose-spray, also a metal foot-pan was placed on the pagoda between the girls' and boys' entrances, and each bather was obliged to step into the disinfectant solution before entering the bath house.
The matron and check-room attendant were insistent on this demand.
The shore of the lake and around the bath-house was policed thoroughly by raking and burning of debris daily by all the men of the staff.
177
REPORT OF BATH HOUSE INSTRUCTOR
Two of the guards, Welsh and Collins, built a small raft for the small young- sters, which was enjoyed and appreciated by them.
The Park Department provided me with two very capable attendants this season and there was very little stealing, in fact, the rowdy element was con- spicuous by its absence.
The police as usual co-operated with us 100 percent whenever needed.
The general conduct was excellent this summer at the bath house and we attribute this to the vigilance of Mr. Colpitts and Mr. Murphy.
The bath house was open from 9 a. m. to 8 p. m. continuously on week days and from 2 to 6 p. m. on Sundays; with the exception of real hot nights the bath house staff worked later for the benefit of working people.
I wish at this time to thank all who have helped us throughout the 1941 season for we of the staff feel that it is through your help and interest that the season was a success.
In conclusion we of the staff wish Lawrence Burns, one of our guards who has been very popular with the young folks for the past four years, success and good luck in his new field.
Mr. Burns was capable and conscientious always in his work at the bath house, and we feel sure that he cannot help but be successful in the most important work of God which he has chosen.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID F. INGERTON,
Bath House Supervisor.
Total attendance for the season
32,000
Average daily attendance
400
Maximum weekly
2,400
Number of suspensions
6
Number of minor cuts attended to
180
Number of serious cuts needing medical care
4
Number of lost children found and restored to parents
3
Swimmers needing help from guards
147
Help rendered to persons outside bath house area
6
Merit Scout tests passed
11
Pupils taught to swim
140
Persons forbidden to enter water for their own good
2
DAVID F. INGERTON,
Instructor.
178
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of the Municipal Light Board
January 2, 1942.
To the Citizens of the Town of Wakefield:
We submit for your consideration the forty-eighth annual report of the Municipal Light Board, covering the year ending December 31, 1941.
The net profit, after deducting debt retirement is $41,931.19 as compared to $33,509.85 in 1940.
The balance of our operating fund is $38,184.70 as compared to $36,231.43 in 1940.
We turned back $22,500.00 to the Town, which makes $193,611.82 to date.
Our books are being audited by T. B. Donnelly & Company, Certified Public Accountants of Boston.
The report of the manager, showing the financial condition of the Plant as of December 31, 1941 and its operations for the year, is included in this report.
Respectfully submitted,
MARCUS BEEBE, 2nd, Chairman, THEODORE EATON, Secretary, CURTIS L. SOPHER, M. D.
January 2, 1942.
To the Board of Light Commissioners,
Town of Wakefield, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :
The following is my report of the affairs and operations of the Light Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1941.
The balance sheet shows a profit of $41,931.19 for the year, and indicates that the condition of the Department is on a paying basis.
Pole lines have been erected, under joint ownership agreement with the New England Tel. and Tel. Co. in "Keeling Village" in Montrose; the DeCristo-
-
179
REPORT OF MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD
faro area at the junction of Main Street and Lowell Street; the De Vries layout of "White Circle" and Aborn Avenue extension, between Vernon Street and Pleasant Street; completion of Crosby Road and pole line changes on Meriam Street and Forest Street in development of the "Meriam Estate,"-in all these services have been to the houses as soon as they are erected.
The Street lighting underground construction from Green Street on Main Street to the Melrose line is approximately 98% completed. All the ornamental pedestals are in place and will be ready for connecting into the street lighting circuit by the end of January, so that the town will have a continuous "White- way" from Melrose to the corner of Main Street and Lowell Street.
When and if the Office of Production Management can release sufficient wire to accomplish the work, that part of commercial circuit No. 1 on Main Street from Bennett Street to the Melrose line can be completed. All ducts for services have been carried into the houses from the bases of the ornamental poles as the work on the bases progressed.
The Department assumed the cost of the Christmas decorative lighting as in previous years.
The gas mains have been extended in some of the new developments and services placed in Wolcott Street, Willow Street, Meriam Street, Walden Road and Crosby Road.
Considerable work on the West side has been done in investigation of oider cast iron gas mains for possible joint leakage.
A survey for the location and identification of all gas valves has been made and a plot of the result is in progress, showing measurement for location, so that in an emergency the truck repair crew will have positive location for the valve controlling the area.
It is recommended that the three phase power line serving the Foundry Street area and now largely overhead wire, be replaced with three conductor cable now on hand and underground through existing duct lines.
That the connection between the Substation and the outlet pole at Vernon Street and Water Street be enlarged to take care of the increasing load on Com- merical Circuit No. 2 serving the "North Ward."
That Commercial Circuit No. 5 be placed underground with larger cable through existing duct lines and additional underground duct be constructed from "Harvard Square" through Gould Street to outlet at Cedar Street.
Acting upon instruction from the Federal Power Commission relative to air raid precaution to utility property this Department has protected the trans- formers at the Substation by placing a high wall of sand bags around them.
Arrangements have been made for control of street lights for "Blackout" when so ordered by higher authority and a scheme for handling accidents to Gas and Electric lines and services has been proposed.
180
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
During the year an attempt was made to analyze the load and capacities of the various electrical commercial circuits and transformers locations, with a view to changes in wire and transformers sizes and locations, but on account of the open winter season, and outdoor work called for, no results have at present been determined.
Our veteran meter reader, W. F. (Frank) Wright, probably better known to more people of the town than any other employee of the Department, went on retirement in December. He has been a faithful and conscientious worker since 1911. One other employee, has been taken in Military Service of the United States. Ralph Turner, a valued member of the operating crew of the Substation.
Anticipating that this will be the last report of the writer, I wish to thank the Commissioners for their forebearance and patience and for continuing me in the position of manager since June 1922.
Respectfully submitted,
S. H. BROOKS,
Manager.
181
REPORT OF MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD
MUNICIPAL LIGHT DEPARTMENT
BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1941
ASSETS
PLANT INVESTMENT
Gas Department (Schedule A)
$355,461.85
Electric Department (Schedule B)
381,089.93
General Equipment (Schedule C)
21,529.05
Unfinished Construction
338.68
Total
$758,419.51
CURRENT ASSETS
Operation Fund
$38,184.70
Depreciation Fund
47,552.70
Office Fund
400.00
Special Deposits
52,031.86
Accounts Receivable
20,575.89
Materials and Supplies
34,630.74
Total
$193,375.89
PREPAID ACCOUNTS
Insurance
$519.42
Interest
63.75
Total
$583.17
DEFERRED CHARGES
1,057.07
TOTAL ASSETS
$953,435.64
182
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1941
LIABILITIES AND SURPLUS
BONDS PAYABLE
$20,000.00
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Consumers Deposits
$52,031.86
Matured Interest
1,956.02
Total
$53,987.88
ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Interest on Bonds
$317.20
APPROPRIATED SURPLUS
Loans Repayment
$453,300.00
Appropriation for Construction Repayment 51,632.86
Total SURPLUS (Schedule D)
$504,932.86
374,197.70
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SURPLUS
$953,435.64
183
REPORT OF MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENSE
GAS DEPARTMENT
INCOME FROM SALE OF GAS
Regular Meters
$99,650.39
Prepay Meters
1,898.38
Municipal Meters
351.53
Minimum Bills
263.18
Total
$102,163.48
DEDUCT OPERATING EXPENSE
Gas Purchased
$48,929.11
Distribution
15,886.22
Commercial
5,634.34
New Business
230.64
General
8,591.80
Depreciation
14,129.65
Total
$93,401.76
OPERATING INCOME
$8,761.72
ADD-OTHER INCOME
Merchandise and Jobbing
$39.73
Interest on Bank Balances
337.16
$376.89
GROSS INCOME
$9,138.61
DEDUCT-OTHER EXPENSE
Interest on Bonds
$281.25
Interest on Consumers Deposits
766.23
Bad Debts
105.89
$1,153.37
NET INCOME TO SURPLUS (Schedule D)
$7,985.24
184
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENSE
ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT
INCOME FROM SALE OF ELECTRICITY
Commercial Lighting
$181,897.92
Commercial Power
40,087.41
Municipal Power
9,021.37
Municipal Lighting
2,237.54
Street Lighting
21,835.44
Minimum Bills
291.82
Total
$255,371.50
DEDUCT OPERATING EXPENSE
Energy Purchased
$112,432.92
Distribution
33,399.07
Utilization
1
6,562.94
Commercial
9,309.69
New Business
879.85
General
10,019.53
Depreciation
38,291.00
Total
$210,895.00
OPERATING INCOME
$44,476.50
ADD-OTHER INCOME
Merchanidse and Jobbing
$6.02
Interest on Bank Balances
505.74
$511.76
GROSS INCOME
$44,988.26
DEDUCT-OTHER EXPENSES
Interest on Bonds
$704.79
Interest on Consumers' Deposits
1,149.35
Bad Debts
188.17
$2,042.31
NET INCOME TO SURPLUS (Schedule D)
$42,945.95
185
REPORT OF MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD
PLANT INVESTMENT
GAS DEPARTMENT-SCHEDULE A
Land
$6,591.75
Structures
24,116.93
Boiler Plant
1,422.53
Engines
1,981.49
Miscellaneous Equipment
1,742.75
Street Mains
251,925.14
Services
31,096.60
Meters
28,644.68
Meter Installations
7,939.98
Total per Balance Sheet
$355,461.85
ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT-SCHEDULE B
Land
$213.57
Structures
13,213.63
Substation Equipment
31,728.40
Poles, Fixtures and Overhead Equipment
58,466.07
Underground Conduits
130,051.47
Underground Conductors
59,618.56
Meters
16,414.93
Meter Installations
9,006.41
Transformers
22,352.66
Transformer Installations
2,573.16
Street Lighting Equipment
37,451.07
Total per Balance Sheet
$381,089.93
GENERAL EQUIPMENT-SCHEDULE C
Office Furniture and Equipment
$3,393.57
Automobiles
3,232.12
Laboratory Equipment
1,349.52
Miscellaneous Equipment
13,553.84
Total per Balance Sheet
$21,529.05
1
186
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
SURPLUS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1941
SCHEDULE D
CREDITS
Balance, January 1, 1941
$354,985.19
Profit from Electric Operations
42,945.95
Profit from Gas Operations
7,985.24
Total Credits
$405,916.38
DEBITS
Bonds Retired
$9,000.00
Property Abandoned
218.68
Cash-Returned to the Town
22,500.00
Total Debits
$31,718.68
Surplus, December 31, 1941 per Balance Sheet
$374,197.70
COST OF GAS
Cost at the Plant
$48,929.11
Cost per M. C. F.
. 616
Average selling price per M.C.F.
1.387
Average cost delivered per M.C.F.
1.311
Total Gas Purchased-cubic feet
79,394,522
Total Gas Sold-cubic feet
73,678,000
COST OF ELECTRICITY
Cost on Switchboard
$112,432.92
Cost per K.W.H.
.0132
Average selling price-per K.W.H.
. 0323
Average cost delivered per K.W.H.
.0278
Total Electricity Purchased-K.W.Hrs.
8,540,647
Total Electricity Sold-K.W.Hrs.
7,894,774
187
REPORT OF MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD
Fire Alarm, Police Signals and Traffic Lights
These services have functioned in a satisfactory manner during the year.
Four new fire alarm boxes have been put in commission. One on North Ave- nue at Willow Street, one on Pleasant Street at the corner of Salem Street and the existing box moved so that there are now boxes at Emerald Street and Otis Street at Pleasant Street.
A renewal of police box 41 has been made and the old box will be renumbered and put in commission elsewhere.
The traffic lights at Main and Water Streets have operated without trouble but the control box at Oak and Main Streets has given some trouble during the year, and it is recommended that a new control box be considered for this loca- tion. This control box is one of the first put in use some ten years ago and the parts are wearing out, so that an almost complete renewal would be necessary to bring the controls back to efficient condition.
S. H. BROOKS,
Superintendent of Fire Alarm.
188
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
32nd Annual Report of the Wakefield Water and Sewerage Board
The calendar year ending December 31st, 1941 presented problems which engaged the full attention of the Board and Superintendent repeatedly, calling for most careful study and action. Our citizens generally are aware that utmost care must be given by any and all municipal officers wherever they may be, to the end that pure water for domestic use must be available in sufficient quantity to meet the demand.
One of the most serious situations confronting our own Board was the steady fall in the level of Crystal Lake due to the extreme drought existing throughout the year, rainfall in the watershed being away below normal. For several years we have studied the ways and means of overcoming such trouble should it de- velop and we found the solution in addition to our driven well installation in land purchased by the Town last Spring located off Nahant Street adjoining the original site of driven well supply and we are testing other locations to definitely ascertain whether further supply may be obtained. Our Town is growing, as may be noted in the erection of houses in all sections of it.
As the population increases there must necessarily be increase in water supply and equipment for delivery of water to the consumers. As an example of this it may be noted in the Superintendents report showing that in 1941 there were 149 new services laid, coupled to over 8,000 feet of new mains laid on public and pri- vate land. The pumping records as shown in the report of the Superintendent in- dicate an increase of nearly 30,000,000 gallons in 1941 as compared with 1940.
Another public utility under our care is that of Sewer construction and main- tenance. Our Board is in constant touch with the Board of Health and close study of Sewerage disposal is always afforded by the two Boards. Here again we have to seriously consider the relation of increasing population to sewer construc- tion and service. Every possible care must issue to prevent possible pollution of our water supply both Crystal Lake and Driven Wells and plans must be made and studied to the end that the Sewer system be extended from time to time to meet the needs of our people. Our present system is in fine condition. To return to our Water supply. The steady ebbing of Crystal Lake level has exposed wide spaces of open shore all around the Lake and Superintendent Merrill with his staff have taken advantage of conditions by applying a grand cleanup of the en- tire shore resulting in the best condition in over thirty years. All refuse was piled and burned.
Replacing old cement lined pipe mains with new cast iron pipe will be con- tinued as fast as possible until these old original mains are disposed of after over fifty years of service. All above-ground buildings and equipment are in first class condition. We urge that all our people carefully note the report of the Superin-
189
REPORT OF WATER AND SEWERAGE BOARD
tendent as it carries detailed information covering Department operations during the past year.
Receipts
Expenditures
Water Rates
$77,308.35
Maintenance
$60,469.64
Hydrant Rental
9,350.00
Bonds Retired
22,576.23
Services
3,888.57
Interest
3,972.50
Construction
1,873.87
Commissioners' Salaries 300.00
Turn Ons
51.00
Water Rate Refunds
25.00
Summons
172.80
All Other
129.59
$87,343.37
Credit Balance
5,430.81
$92,774.18
$92,774.18
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM B. STANTIAL,
SIDNEY F. ADAMS, GEORGE O. SHELDON.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
To the Water and Sewerage Board:
I respectfully submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1941:
WATER MAIN CONSTRUCTION
Crosby Road, from Oak Street northerly 242 feet of 6 inch cast iron pipe.
Aborn Avenue, from dead end opposite house of J. W. Gates, westerly to Pleasant Street, 677 feet of 8 inch cast iron pipe.
Lowell Street, from dead end near Walton Lane, easterly to Vernon Street, 2475 feet of 8 inch cast iron pipe.
Keeling Road, from dead end northerly to Shetland Road, 260 feet of 6 inch cast iron pipe.
Shetland Road, from Keeling Road easterly and northerly, 318 feet of 6 inch cast iron pipe.
White Circle, from Vernon Street westerly to dead end, 629 feet of 6 inch cast iron pipe.
190
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Juniper Avenue, from Vernon Street westerly to dead end, 350 feet of 11/4 inch galvanized pipe. This is a summer service laid on top of ground.
Pine Hill Circle, from dead end westerly and southerly to dead end, 138 feet of 6 inch cast iron pipe.
Forest Road, from dead end southerly to dead end, 95 feet of 2 inch galvanized wrought iron pipe.
Middlesex Street, from Nahant Street northerly to opposite house of DeCecca, 177 feet of 11/4 inch galvanizved wrought iron pipe.
Ware Street, from dead end southerly to dead end, 60 feet of 114 inch gal- vanized wrought iron pipe.
NEW HYRDANTS
Aborn Avenue, corner Court Street, 5 inch Corey hydrant.
Lowell Street, opposite No. 97, 5 inch Corey hydrant.
Keeling Road, corner Lowell Street, 5 inch Corey hydrant.
Keeling Road, opposite Shetland Road, 5 inch Corey hydrant.
White Circle, 314 feet west of Vernon Street, 5 inch Corey hydrant.
HYDRANT BROKEN BY AUTOMOBILE
Valley Street, near Number 20.
SERVICES
New Services laid this year
149
Services relaid during the year 61
Number of feet of pipe laid on public land
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