USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1951 > Part 12
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The office personnel is functioning in a most satisfactory fashion and is well organized. Mrs. Eloise Flannigan was added to the personnel in February, and will be made a permanent employee.
General Relief of Recipients
This category did not show any appreciable increase in the number of persons of families affected.
The overall cost was slightly higher than in 1950 due to considerable illness of some recipients. It is probable that, with the increased effort in 1952 for war produciton, there may be some dislocation of workers en- gaged in civilian goods which will be reflected in additional cost this year. It can be expected, however, that the new assistance program for "Disabled Persons" will result in a transfer of some General Relief cases to that program which will reduce the cost to Wakefield of General Relief.
Aid to Dependent Children
The number of cases assisted in this category dropped from 28 at the beginning of the year to a net of 20 at the end, and the annual cost was reduced by about six thousand dollars. During the year new cases came on, and a total of 26 cases were closed for the following reasons:
Recipient obtained employment 7
Recipient re-married 3
Recipient gained sufficient resource to support family,
i.e. Children employed, etc.
9
Recipient moved out of town
4
Recipient proved no longer eligible
3
26
150
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
There has been much national publicity of abuses in this program. We wish to assure you that no question has ever risen, nor will it in the future, as to the proper handling of this type of case in Wakefield.
Old Age Assistance
As indicated in our last year's report there was a levelling off in the number of cases in this category. This was due to the fact that about 30 percent of Old Age Assistance recipients are 80 years of age, or over, and additional employment opportunity probably kept some oldsters from applying for help. The year finished with 11 cases less than were active in January 1951.
ADMINISTRATION Board Members
Appropriation
$ C90.00 690.00
Expended
Balance
None
Office Employees (All Categories) Town Funds
$ 8,500.00
Appropriation Expended
8,500.00
Balance
None
Federal Funds
$ 7,355.65
Balance on hand, January 1, 1951 Grants
9,373.94
Federal Funds Available
$ 16,729.59
Federal Funds Expended
15,740.50
Balance on hand, January 1, 1952
$ 989.09
Recapitulation
Funds Available (Town and Federal)
$ 25,229.59
Funds Expended (Town and Federal)
24,240.50
Balance
$ 989.09
GENERAL RELIEF RECIPIENTS (Town Funds Only) (Federal and State Funds are not Available in this Category) Unpaid Bills (paid in 1951)
Appropriated Expended
$ 3,865.88 3,578.67
Balance
$ 287.21
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
151
Recipients
Apropriated (initial)
$ 33,300.00
Additional appropriation (November)
2,500.00
Refunds (Cancelled checks)
505.95
Total
$ 36,305.95
Expended
36,226.48
Balance
$ 79.47
Balance (total)
$
366.68
Recapitulation Unpaid Bills and Recipients
Funds Available
$ 40,171.83
Funds Expended
39,805.15
Balance
$ 366.68
1951 Case Load Distribution Living in Wakefield with Wakefield settlement
No. of Cases
Months
Amount
Aided full time
22
264
$ 16,389.16
Aided part time
44
136
4,837.95
-
66
400
$ 21,227.11
Average cost per case per month
$ 53.07
Average cost per case per month in 1950
$ 65.07
Living in Wakefield with Settlement elsewhere
No. of Cases 6
Months
Amount
Aided
44
$ 3,543.16
Average cost per case per month
80.52
Average cost per case per month in 1950
80.84
Living in Wakefield with Unsettled Status
No. of Cases 8
66
$ 6,776.23
Average cost per case per month
102.67
Average cost per case per month in 1950
96.25
Living in Tewksbury Hospital, together with those under the care of the Division of Child Guardianship, having a Wakefield settlement
No. of Cases
Months
Amount
Tewksbury Hospital
1
10
$ 819.74
Division of Child Guardianship
2
24
975.77
3
34
$ 1,795.51
$ 52.81
$ 48.55
-
Average cost per case per month Average cost per case per month in 1950
Months
Amount
Aided
152
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Living in Other Cities and Towns with Wakefield settlement
No. of Cases
Months
Amount
Aided
11
44
$ 2,884.47
Average cost per case per month
65.55
Average cost per case per month in 1950
63.97
Recapitulation
No. of Cases
Months
Amount
Aided
94
588
$ 36,226.48
Average cost per case per month
61.61
Average cost per case per month in 1950
65.88
Average cost per case per month in 1949
57.54
Average cost per case per month in 1948
47.62
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN Recipients Town and Federal Funds Funds Available
Federal Funds on hand, January 1, 1951
$ 6,742.63
Federal Grants, 1951
13,015.72
Federal recoveries and refunds
895.33
Town appropriation
22,500.00
$ 43,153.68
Funds expended (1/1 - 12/31)
$ 36,087.64
Balance (Federal Funds)
$ 7,066.04
1951 Case Load
Cases
Children
Received
10
21
Approved
10
21
Pending
0
0
Rejected
0
0
Closed
15
34
Cases on rolls, 1/1/51
26
57
Cases on rolls, 1/1/52
21
44
Average Cost Per Case Per Month
1951
$119.19
1950
107.37
1949
109.55
1948
116.88
Apportionment of Funds
Federal Share
$13,015.72
State Share
11,926.74
Town Share
10,397.79
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
153
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE Recipients Town and Federal Funds
Federal Funds on hand, January 1, 1951
Federal Grants (14)
Federal Recoveries and Refunds
Town appropriation
7,657.11 181,000.00
$330,180.76
Funds expended (Payrolls)
$288,831.54
(Other Cities)
3,284.92
292,116.46
Balance - Federal Funds
$ 38,064.30
1951 Case Load
Received
55
Approved
48
Pending, 1/31/51
1
Rejected
3
Withdrawn
3
Closed
61
Cases on rolls, 1/1/51
352
Cases on rolls, 1/1/52
339
Average Cost Per Case Per Month
1951
$68.12
1950
69.01
1949
64.62
1948
61.60
Apportionment of Funds
Federal Share (14 months)
$130,216.91
State Share
124,618.22
Town Share
43,420.49
Average Age of Recipients
Average Age
Number
In Years
Cases on rolls, 1/1/51
352
79.0
New
49
71.9
Closed by Death
37
77.0
Cases on rolls, 1/1/52
339
73.0
Settlement Status
Number
Wakefield settled, living in Wakefield
202
Unsettled Cases living in Wakefield
56
Acknowledged Other Cities and Towns Cases living in Wakefield
Wakefield settled cases, living in Other Cities and Towns
48
$ 11,306.74 130,216.91
154
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
TOWN HOME Town Funds Only Administration - Salaries
Town Appropriation Expended
$ 3,373.97 3,373.97
None
Retirement
Town Appropriation Expended
$ 941.70
941.70
None
Other Expenses
Town Appropriation
$11,000.00
Expended
10,920.85
$ 79.15
1951 Operating Costs
Administration
$ 4,315.67
Other Expenses
10,920.85
Value of Farm Produce Grown and Used
125.00
Value of Surplus Commodities
127.00
Inventory of goods on hand, January 1, 1951
177.00
Gross cost
$ 15,665.52
Money paid by Inmates for Board
$ 842.78
Inventory of Goods on hand, 1/1/52
140.00
982.78
Net cost
$ 14,682.74
Case Load
11 Residents in home for entire year
4,015 Days
15 Residents in home for portion of year
2,253 Days
6,268 Days
Gross Cost Per Man Day
1951 $2.49
1950
1.45
1949
2.23
1948
2.53
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
155
Net Cost Per Man Day
1951
$2.34
1950
1.28
1949
1.99
1948
2.31
Number of Residents
January 1, 1951
18
January 1, 1952
19
Willard Donnell Trust Fund
To the Wakefield Trust Company, a Massachusetts Corporation, having it place of business in said Wakefield, Ten Thousand Dollars, in trust, to hold, invest and reinvest the same at its discretion, and to pay over the net income thereof to the Town of Wakefield for the use of the Public Welfare Board of said Wakefield to be expended by the said Board in its discretion, for the benefit of the poor and needy in the Town of Wakefield, and especially for the payment of hospital charges of the inhabitants of the Town of Wakefield as are themselves financially unable to pay such hospital charges. This trust shall continue for a term of nineteen years and at the expiration of that term, I direct said Trustee to transfer and pay over the said trust estate with all accumulations thereon to said Town of Wakefield, to be held by said Town and the income only to be used for the benefit of such of its inhabitants as are in need of hospital care.
This trust fund started May 2, 1935, and will expire on May 2, 1954. Balance on hand, January 1, 1951 $ 517.99 Dividends
372.82
Total Available
$ 890.81
Expended
$ 591.52
Balance on hand, January 1, 1952
Respectfully submitted, $ 299.29
J. EDWARD DULONG, Chairman
P. ELIZABETH KITCHENMAN M. LEO CONWAY PETER Y. MYHRE
WINSOR L. FINNEY, JR.
156
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Recreation Commission
The staff consisted of William D. Healey, general supervisor; Ellen M. Ashenden, assistant supervisor, who also was in charge of folk dancing and pageantry; Joan Purtell, handicraft supervisor; and assistants - Alfred S. Confalone, Margaret G. Costello, William D. Healey, Jr., Marion G. Hickey, Joseph Loughlin, Catherine C. Meskell, Mary V. Muse, Cynthia A. Petrucci, Sylvia A. Scandura, Richard J. Scanlon, Jr., and Ernest Warnock.
Areas used were: the Common, Moulton, Nasella, Hart's Hill, Maple Way, Montrose School, Walton Field, and Veterans' Field. The High School Auditorium and the Greenwood Union Church Vestry were used for the projection of sound films. The Lafayette Building was used for folk dancing and pageantry classes.
Swings, see-saws, slides, sandbox play, sound movies and story telling periods were the favorites among the tots.
The older boys preferred horseshoes and baseball, while the older girls liked softball, dodge ball, kickball, volley ball, badminton, tennis, and circle games.
Each week on every playground special contests with prize awards were held. These contests always attracted many parents. The contests were: hat contests, costume contests, doll contests, peanut hunts, special talent shows, most freckles, pet contests, blue eyes, brown eyes, etc.
Special sound movie shows, appropriate for youngsters under ten years of age, were held at the High School Auditorium on Wednesday mornings with an attendance of 800 boys and girls. The same programs were shown in the afternoons at the Greenwood Union Church Vestry with an audience of 250 boys and girls.
In the baseball leagues for boys the championship play-offs were won as follows: senior division, Moulton; junior division, Nasella; and in the Little League, the Common.
On Demonstration Day at the Common in the afternoon champion- ships were determined in the baseball leagues, softball leagues, horseshoes, volley ball, dodge ball, croquet, and checkers.
In the evening under lights at Veterans' Field the features were: the handicraft exhibit, the folk dancing and pageantry exhibit, and adult softball game, and dancing by the youngsters to musical recordings. These were witnessed by about 2500 parents and friends.
Six hundred articles were displayed by the arts and crafts classes. The special projects were: shoebutton bracelets, gimp bracelets, lapel pins, pot- holders, felt articles, and finger paintings.
With a scenic background of a show boat, members of the folk dancing classes presented a pageant entitled "Showboat." The group numbers in- cluded a tap dance, done with precision, by a group who learned to tap for the first time this summer; a gay ballet dance by a group of pre-school children, a comedy song and dance by a group of black-faced pickaninnies,
157
REPORT OF RECREATION COMMISSION
who made a big hit with the audience; a folk song and dance; and a snappy baton drill presented by a group of girls. More than 300 children enjoyed those classes during the season.
The softball league for adults was composed of 250 young men. The schedule started in May and finished in October. The West Side Social Club won the 1951 Championship.
The softball players in the above league assumed the financial obli- gations of the league such as cost of balls, bats, gloves, umpires, bases, and scorers.
Our Little League in baseball for boys 12 years of age and under got under way with a total of 20 teams, totalling 300 players.
In 1952, fraternal organizations, clubs, churches, and industrial groups in Wakefield will sponsor 12 uniformed Little League teams. This will cost the town merely for management, balls, bats, catchers outfits, and head guards. Each team will have a farm team giving us 24 baseball teams from this age group.
In spite of the fact that between 1100-1200 boys and girls each day availed themselves of the playgrounds, not more than a half dozen minor injuries were reported.
Some planning for the future must be done in regards to lavatory facilities on the various playgrounds, no playground now has such facilitics. Also, these buildings could be used for storing equipment overnight.
Such a building would necessitate a man on the premises during the day. The same man could care for the upkeep of the entire play area.
With systematic planning of one or two buildings a year, in a short time all play areas would have this essential service, and the playgrounds would be in much better conditions.
DR. PHILIP L. MCAULIFFE, Chairman JEAN K. HUPPRICH, Secretary-Treasurer LEO V. WALSH
EUGENE J. SULLIVAN JOHN W. MOCCIA EDNA M. PAULSON RICHARD J. SCANLON
158
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Board of Public Works
December 31, 1952
To the Honorable Board of Public Works Wakefield, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
In accordance with Chapter 4, Section 1 of the By-Laws of the Town of Wakefield, I submit herewith the annual report covering the activities of the Public Works Department for the year 1951.
The consolidation of the Highway Department, the Moth and Trec Department, the Park and Cemetery Department and the Water and Sewer Department has proved most advantageous. Clerical and outside personnel were eligible to perform work pertaining to any of the various departments.
The advantage of this system is that when one division has a heavy work load, help is available from one or more of the other divisions which is decidedly advantageous and economical.
Every division now .has one supervisor and presently the Highway Supervisor acts in a general capacity, particularly in connection with the allocation of equipment and men. I believe it is quite obvious that there are many advantages in this type of operation which in time should develop into a smooth working organization.
Rapid growth has continued again this year in Wakefield and is rc- flected in the large volume of work that this department has been called upon to perform.
For your information I am submitting reports of the various divisions of the Public Works Department which are as follows:
ENGINEERING DIVISION
In accordance with the Legislative Act creating the Board of Public Works an Engineering Department has been formed this year.
This division has furnished all job engineering for the construction of Kceling, Shetland and Swansea Roads which were done under contract, also for Outlook Road and Vine and Lassell Streets which are being con- structed with town labor and equipment. Work by the Town was not started until late in August when funds became available, and could not be finished this year. However, the construction should be completed in the spring of 1952.
This department has furnished engineering services for the construc- tion of sewers in Flanders Lane, Beebe Lane, Drury Lane, Hancock Road, Forrester Road, Lowell Street, Overlake Road, Fourth Street and Morrison Road. The sewers in these streets are still in the process of construction and will be completed sometime in 1952. This work was likewisc delayed in starting due to funds not being available until late in August.
This department also has furnished engineering services for drainage work in Crystal Lake Park, Montrose Avenue, Forest Street and several miscellaneous projects.
159
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
In general the engincers have been called upon to make extensive studies of drainage, sewer and street work which is being considered for the budget in 1952. This work has involved surveys and design, including details of construction, so that fairly accurate esitmates could be made of costs for budgetary purposes, and so the interested parties would know what their assessments might be.
On all street work it is planned to have hearings during the carly months of 1952 for all interested parties so they may be present, and bc advised as to details of street construction including costs.
It is contemplated in the future that, in general, the Engineering Dc- partment will furnish all engineering required in the Public Works De- partment, except in special cases involving intricate design when it might be advisable to employ the services of consultants.
MOTH AND TREE DIVISION
During the year, we removed eighty trecs in the town. Some of these trees were dead; others were in a dangerous condition; and fifty-one had the Dutch Elm Disease.
We planted one hundred and sixty trees on new and various streets throughout the town which were grown in our nursery.
Gypsy Moth and Tent Caterpillars were the same as other years in the areas covered.
In an effort to combat Dutch Elm Disease, two hundred Elms werc sprayed by Helicopter.
We trimmed the Elm trees on the Park and Common of all dead wood. I would like the cooperation of property owners with Elm trees, to destroy or put under cover all cut or dead Elm wood, as the carrier of Dutch Elm Disease hibernates in dead and dying Elm wood.
Spraying for poison ivy was done on most of our roadsides.
PARK AND CEMETERY DIVISION
The year 1951 was a year of heavy grass cutting. Frequent and drenching rains kept the grass in a vigorous growing condition the whole season. This fact increased our maintenance problem to a point where it demanded more than its usual proportion of our time. For 1952 we have requested a power mower of greater capacity, which, if granted, will help substantially in solving our mowing problem. The mower will replace onc that has seen over five years of steady service.
In the spring of last year, considerable additional planting was done on the Floral Way. Approximately $850.00 was spent for flowering shrubs and evergreens to increase the general planting of the area. Funds for these shrubs came from private donations and the Park Division did the planting. In a few years the Floral Way should be a great asset to Wake- field, particularly if the Old Burying Ground could be maintained the way it should be. Funds for this purpose have been included for 1952.
160
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
It has always been my opinion that the fullest co-operation should be given organizations using Park and Playground facilities, also the Recreation Committee with its summer programs, and various clubs that sponsor and conduct activities that directly benefit the town. This we have attempted to do, turning over the grounds in the best possible condition, and after the program is completed, cleaning up so the areas will have their usual neat appearance.
The Park and Common lost several Elms during the year, due to the ravages of the Dutch Elm disease. Moulton Playground had two Elms die, victims of the same disease. The future of the remaining trees is highly debatable, for no sure way has been found to stop the progress of the wilt once it has infected an area.
With the above in mind, a replanting program was started on the Park and Common, one which will ultimately replace the Elms with trees that are at the present relatively disease free, such as Augustine Ascending Elm, (if they are available) Maple, Oaks and Beeches. Mr. McWhinnie of the Moth & Tree Division has been helpful in planning and carrying out this program.
The Bath House had a very successful year. Attendance was very good, although toward the end of this season interest lagged, a condition typical of previous years. This is the sixth consecutive year that there has been no drowning or other serious accident. The condition of the water was excellent, frequent tests for pollution being made by the State Department of Health. The luxuriant growth of weeds was an ever present problem which I hope will eventually be solved. As in the past years, the bath house staff co-operated with the local Red Cross Chapter in giving swim- ming instructions. Attendance of this phase of the program was excellent also.
Forest Glade Cemetery had further growth in 1951. During the year, an area of approximately 8,250 square feet was graded and seeded. This is the continuance of our policy of offering for sale only fully developed areas for lots and graves. Through this program, we are steadily adding to our selection of choice areas. In addition, we were fortunate in receiv- ing between four and five thousand cubic yards of surplus fill from other municipal construction projects. This is an ideal situation, for many thousands of yards of fill are still necessary for the future development of the cemetery.
In addition to the above, 450 feet of 5 foot chain link fencing was crected on the boundary of the cemetery and land privately owned on Keeling Road. This was necessary to prevent the indiscriminate walking of children and others over developed burial lots. A future fencing pro- gram should be carried out as land is developed so that ultimately the cemtery will be the secluded spot it should be.
The following is a summary of our years work:
1. Surfacing: (drives)
4,335 square yards treated with asphalt and stone.
161
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
2. Foundations:
51 installed.
3. Interments:
Infants and stillborns
8
Veterans in Patriotic lots
4 no charge
Welfare
4 no charge
Regular interments
72
-
88
4. Sale of lots and graves ::
Single graves sold-adults
71
Single graves sold-children
3
Lots sold:
Two 3 Graves
Two
4 Graves
One
6 Graves
One
10 Graves
One
12 Graves
WATER DIVISION
1951
WATER CONSTRUCTION
Thistledale Road, 540 feet 6-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from Vernon Street easterly to deadend.
Penfield Circle, 642 feet 6-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, southerly from Lowell Street.
Woodville Circle, 195 feet 6-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, north- westerly from Farm Street to deadend.
WATER EXTENSIONS
Harwick Road, 675 feet 6-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, deadends of Harwick Road and Shetland Road tied together.
Hillcrest Road, 565 feet 8-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, deadends of two streets tied together.
Woodbriar Road, 409 feet 8-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, deadends of two streets tied together.
WATER RECONSTRUCTION
Pleasant Street, 915 feet 12-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from Salem Street northerly to Wave Avenue.
Lawrence Street, 1403 feet 8-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from Main Street to Vernon Street.
Wave Avenue, 1509 feet 8-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from Main Street to Vernon Street.
162
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Sweetser Street, 800 feet 8-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from Main Street to Pleasant Street.
Pleasant Street, 480 feet 8-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from Sweetser Street to Cordis Street.
All of the above work was done with town forces and equipment.
HYDRANTS BROKEN
Water Street, corner Columbia Road.
HYDRANTS REPLACED
Hydrant near No. 523 Lowell Street.
Hydrant near West Side Auto Body, Foundry Street.
Bennett Street, 2nd from Main Street.
NEW HYDRANTS
North Avenue at Municipal Light Plant.
Wave Avenue corner Wave Terrace.
Lawrence Street opposite No. 34.
Wave Avenue opposite No. 11.
Keeling Road corner Harwick Road.
Penfield Circle opposite house of Russell.
Woodbriar Road opposite Robin Road.
Hillcrest Road opposite No. 28.
Meriam Street corner Forest Street.
Pierce Avenue.
Eunice Circle.
SERVICES
New services
161
Services relaid during year
44
Number of feet of pipe laid on public land
5,514
Number of feet of pipe laid on private land
3,220
Number of feet of pipe relaid on private land
1,547
Number of feet of pipe relaid on public land
880
Distribution System:
Extended during the year-3,026 feet-6" and 8" C. I. cement lined pipe.
Total miles pipe now in use-67.51.
Number of hydrants added-11.
Range of pressure on mains-26 pounds to 115 pounds.
Number of service taps now in use-5,241.
Percent of active services metered-99%.
MAIN BREAKS 1951
Date
Occurred
Water On
Size
Location
Cause
April
13
2:30 P. M.
5:45 P.M.
6" C. I.
Salem St. opp. No. 195
April
17
10:50 A. M.
4:15 P. M.
6" C. I.
Salem St. opp. No. 202
May
4
2:10 P.M.
7:30 P. M.
August
9
5:40 A. M.
4:55 P. M.
6" Cement 6" Cement
Lowell St. opp. Montrose School Madison Ave. cor. Francis Ave. Main St. opp. Armory St.
Old age Old age Joint leak
August
13 Did not have
to shut off.
2" Galvan- ized
Greenwood St. opp. No. 72
Rust hole
October
2 Did not have to shut off.
Joint leak
November
7 11:45 A. M.
Spring St. opp. No. 82
December
24
7:00 A. M.
Opp. Filter House, Broadway
December
22
10:00 A.M.
6:00 P.M.
to
Lowered water main, Montrose Ave. under brook opp. Ledgewood Rd.
December 27
10:00 A.M.
5:00 P.M.
6" C. I. gate joint 6" Cement 16" C. I. 12" C. I. reduced 4" C. I. 12" C. I. reduced 4" C. I.
to
Lowered water main, Montrose Ave. under brook opp. Ledgewood Rd.
Pipe broken by sewer contractor Pipe broken by sewer contractor
September 17 Did not have
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