Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1952, Part 4

Author: Wakefield, Massachusetts
Publication date: 1952
Publisher: Town of Wakefield
Number of Pages: 296


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1952 > Part 4


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The engineering department has worked this year with an average of about three men for the entire year (there have been at times as many as five men and as few as two). The work load carried by this department has been very heavy. It is recommended that we have at least four men and it would be preferable to have five men to give the people the service they should have especially where all engineering is now done by the town.


The absence of an engineering department in past years has resulted in a tremendous back-load of necessary engineering work which is essential to the efficient operation of the Department of Public Works.


It is expected in the future, as in the past year, that the engineering department will be in a position to furnish all engineering required in the Public Works Department, except in special cases involving intricate de- sign when it might be advisable to secure the services of a consultant as mentioned in last year's report.


MOTH AND TREE DIVISION


During the year we removed forty-eight trees. Twelve of these trees were killed by gas, nineteen had Dutch Elm Disease and others were dead or in a dangerous condition.


There has been no increase in Gypsy Moths and Tent Caterpillars but Japanese Beetles are increasing in many areas.


In an effort to combat Dutch Elm Disease we trimmed many of our elms and sprayed by helicopter.


We planted one hundred and forty-eight trees on new and various streets throughout the town. These trees were grown in our nursery.


We would like the co-operation of all property owners with dying or freshly cut elm wood to destroy this wood or put it under cover.


41


141ST ANNUAL REPORT


PARK AND CEMETERY DIVISION


The maintenance of the parks and playgrounds was accomplished under a considerable handicap in 1952. A great part of our work during the summer months is grass cutting, which demands efficient equipment in good mechanical condition. Our present mower is in its sixth year of steady service and, being worn out, was constantly breaking down. Con- sequently, our cutting program was always behind schedule, which also had its effect on other phases of our work. Again there is a request for the purchase of a new mower for 1953.


Two additional baseball diamonds were constructed last year, one at the Moulton Playground and one at the Mapleway in Greenwood. Both were in great demand by the Little League of Wakefield. Bleachers were borrowed from the School Department and erected at these new diamonds for the benefit of townspeople interested in this organization.


During the month of August, the beach area at the north end of Lake Quannapowitt was opened for swimming and recreation under the supervi- sion of the Recreation Department. Although there was no money spe- cifically allotted for the maintenance of the area, the Park Division man- aged to keep the beach relatively clean and attractive. There is great need for a comfort station on this plot so that some of the unpleasant con- ditions of the past may be corrected.


The Hall Park Committee had several meetings during the year. Mr. Seth Kelsey of Boxford, Massachusetts, submitted a plan for the park that has been accepted. A full report of the committee will be found in- cluded in this year's annual town report.


Wakefield has again lost several elms on the Common. Plantings of other trees have been made so that eventually the area will be as attrac- tive as it has been in the past.


The Bath House had an average year. Attendance was good until the last week of August when interest waned. Some difficulty was had in ob- taining qualified Life Guards, but a full staff was on duty when the beach opened. The Red Cross swimming instruction was popular, several hun- dred children taking advantage of this opportunity. During the season, there were no drownings or any other serious accidents.


The weeds in Lake Quannapowitt were less troublesome than in 1951. The water was good until August, when an application of copper sulphate was found to be necessary.


The Floral Way on Church Street had better care in 1952, $500.00 being allocated for this maintenance. The general improvement in the appear- ance of this area showed the effort was worthwhile.


The Park Division has endeavored to cooperate with all organizations using the parks and playgrounds. The various baseball leagues, the West Side Social Club, the Hartshorne Association, and the Garden Club have all benefited by this cooperation.


The entrance to Forest Glade Cemetery received extensive repairs on the main avenue. The shoulders of this drive had been in poor condition for a number of years. These sections were excavated, filled in with stone and gravel and finally two inches of hot top was rolled in place. It was found necessary to construct a new catch basin and connect it with the drainage system of the cemetery.


42


TOWN OF WAKEFIELD


It was also necessary to install 200 feet of lateral drain. 8-inch tile pipe was laid in stone and connected with the trunk drain constructed by a P. W. A. project in 1936.


The cemetery has received the benefit of several thousand cubic yards of earth fill that was surplus on other municipal projects. Advantage of these opportunities is eventually going to save Wakefield a good deal of expense.


The following is a summary of work other than regular maintenance:


1. Sale of lots


2 - 3 Grave


3 - 4 Grave


1 - 8 Grave


2. Sale of graves


Single graves sold 40


Single graves, children 9


3. Interments


Infants and children


11


Veterans


1 No charge


Welfare


2 No charge


Adults


70


84


Total


4. Foundations for monuments installed 25


.


WATER DIVISION


1952


WATER CONSTRUCTION


Harding Road, 480 feet 6-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from No. 87 Nahant Street southerly to Wilson Road.


Wilson Road, 200 feet 6-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from Hard- ing Road westerly to dead end.


Lee Street, 330 feet 6-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from Pine Street easterly to High Street.


Thorndike Road, 425 feet 6-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from Low- ell Street southerly to dead end.


WATER EXTENSIONS


Vale View Road, 174 feet 6-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from dead end northwesterly to new dead end near Baker property.


Stark Avenue, 175 feet 1-inch copper tubing, from point opposite No. 29 Stark Avenue easterly to dead end.


Butler Avenue, 778 feet 8-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from dead end near No. 116 to dead end at Butler property.


43


141ST ANNUAL REPORT


Ledgewood Road, 235 feet 6-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from dead end westerly to new dead end.


Jordan Avenue, 255 feet 6-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from dead end near No. 14 to new dead end near Warren School.


Eunice Circle, 92 feet 8-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from dead end on Eunice Circle northerly to new dead end on Eunice Circle.


WATER RECONSTRUCTION


Vine Street, 360 feet 6-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from Spring Street northerly to dead end.


Cordis Street, 966 feet 8-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from No. 30 Cordis Street westerly to Main Street.


Myrtle Avenue, 1375 feet 8-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from Greenwood Street southerly to Cooper Street.


Spring Street, 1305 feet 8-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from Greenwood Street westerly to No. 84 Spring Street.


Cooper Street, 340 feet 8-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from Main Street westerly to 68 feet west of Grove Street.


Cooper Street, 252 feet 6-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from end of 8-inch pipe on Cooper Street westerly to Lassell Street.


Lassell Street, 26 feet 6-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from Cooper Street northerly 26 feet.


Grafton Street, 310 feet 6-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from Main Street easterly to Howard Street.


Pitman Avenue, 687 feet 8-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from Greenwood Avenue easterly to No. 32 Pitman Avenue.


Greenwood Avenue, 2430 feet 8-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from Main Street westerly; then northeasterly to Madison Avenue.


Madison Avenue, 835 feet 8-inch cast iron cement lined pipe, from Pit- man Avenue northerly to Warren Avenue.


HYDRANTS BROKEN


Main Street, corner Cordis Street.


Bartley Street, opposite Nelly Street.


Main Street, corner Charles Street.


HYDRANTS REPLACED


Hydrant on Cordis Street, opposite Hurd School.


Hydrant on Spring Street, opposite Vine Street.


Hydrant opposite No. 20 Salem Street.


Old hydrant removed from No. 12 Myrtle Avenue and new hydrant installed at No. 22 Myrtle Avenue.


Old hydrant on Cooper Street, 40 feet West of Grove Street, removed and installed 15 feet East of Grove Street.


Hydrant at Greenwood Avenue corner Francis Avenue.


Hydrant opposite No. 14 Jordan Avenue.


44


TOWN OF WAKEFIELD


NEW HYDRANTS


Harding Road, corner Wilson Road.


Spring Street, opposite No. 76.


Myrtle Avenue, 50 feet north of Cooper Street.


Butler Avenue, opposite No. 86.


Lee Street, corner High Street.


Ledgewood Road, opposite house of Mills.


Greenwood Avenue, between No. 18 and No. 22.


Madison Avenue, corner Pitman Avenue.


SERVICES


New services 148


Services relaid during year


87


Number of feet of pipe laid on public land


3,117


Number of feet of pipe laid on private land


5,542


Number of feet of pipe relaid on private land 1,765


Number of feet of pipe relaid on public land


2,811


Distribution System:


Extended during the year - 3,144 feet - 6" and 8" C. I. cement lined pipe and 1" copper tubing.


Total miles pipe now in use - 68.08.


Number of hydrants added - 8.


Range of pressure on mains - 26 pounds to 115 pounds.


Number of service taps now in use - 5,389.


Percent of active services metered - 99%.


MAIN BREAKS 1952


Date


Occurred


Water On


Size


Location


Cause


January


11


3:00 A. M.


5:10 P. M. Sunday


8" C. I. 2" Steel


Opposite No. 100 Pleasant St. Fairmount Avenue corner Hillside Avenue


January


14


2:00 P. M.


2" Steel


Hillside Avenue corner


January


16


8:00 A. M.


16" C. I.


January


28


3:15 P. M.


Water on 6:00 P. M.


6" C. I.


Opposite No. 155 Broadway Overlake Road near No. 15


January


31


3:00 P. M.


Did not have to shut off


6" C. I.


May


5


1:15 P. M.


5:30 P. M.


Forrester Road


August


7


2:00 P. M.


3:00 P. M.


8" C. I. 2" Steel


Opposite No. 6 Highland Street


September


5


8:00 A. M.


Water on


12" C. I.


Lake Street near No. 28


September


11


7:00 A. M.


Water on


12" C. I.


Lake Street near No. 28


Joint leak


November


1


5:30 P. M.


Water off


8" C. I.


Opposite No. 30 Cordis Street


8:00 P. M.


Water on


10:30 P. M.


Cracked pipe Broken pipe at valve - old age valve - old age Joint leak Broken by digger


141ST


ANNUAL


Main settled Old age Joint leak


REPORT


Leak at gate and joint leak


January


13


1:00 P. M.


45


46


TOWN OF WAKEFIELD


1952


PUMPING RECORDS AND RAINFALL


Month


Crystal Lake


Driven Wells


Bay State


Wells


Rainfall


January


21,715,000


12,932,400


2,395,870


4.03


February


19,770,000


11,194,700


2,228,400


3.41


March


21,615,000


14,753,900


2,409,830


3.38


April


21,255,000


13,946,800


2,266,900


3.87


May


21,570,000


14,915,800


2,282,020


3.63


June


27,640,000


12,561,000


2,221,510


2.32


July


40,970,000


10,588,300


2,013,860


6.04


August


24,970,000


11,819,200


2,271,320


1.85


September


23,315,000


12,687,600


2,531,520


1.27


October


22,960,000


12,987,700


2,718,820


1.75


November


24,250,000


11,792,200


2,202,750


2.28


December


24,755,000


12,115,600


2,305,560


3.47


294,785,000


152,295,200


27,848,360


37.30


Total pumped 1952


474,928,560 Gallons


Average Daily Consumption, 1952


1,297,619 Gallons


Average Daily Per Capita, 1952


66.0 Gallons


1951


PUMPING RECORDS AND RAINFALL


Month


Crystal Lake


Driven Wells


Bay State


Wells


Rainfall


January


13,960,000


12,409,400


3,230,950


3.16


February


14,950,000


11,912,700


1,125,540


3.55


March


20,900,000


10,767,500


673,540


3.75


April


18,785,000


11,138,300


2,099,630


2.11


May


22,815,000


11,665,500


2,103,880


4.73


June


21,990,000


11,286,800


2,070,410


3.57


July


26,800,000


11,478,100


2,210,970


3.05


August


24,700,000


9,749,500


2,171,260


3.58


September


22,640,000


11,203,900


2,200,650


2.29


October


22,935,000


9,098,200


2,289,160


4.63


November


20,335,000


11,526,100


2,307,130


6.08


December


21,175,000


12,380,200


2,376,430


3.96


251,985,000


134,616,200


24,859,550


44.46


Total pumped 1951


Average Daily Consumption, 1951


Average Daily Per Capita, 1951


411,460,750 Gallons


1,127,289 Gallons


57.4 Gallons


47


141ST ANNUAL REPORT


1952 Receipts


1952 Expenditures


Water Rates


$140,516.23


Maintenance


$ 95,741.20


Hydrant Rental


2,230.00


Superintendent


2,458.56


Turn Ons


27.00


Clerks


6,812.00


Summons


177.20


*Collector, Paymaster


184.56


Services


10,836.84


Bonds Retired


32,000.00


Construction


4,804.84


Interest


4,446.25


Maintenance


515.91


Refunds


22.68


Pension


2,779.40


$159,108.02


$144,444.65


Credit Balance


$ 14,663.37


$159,108.02


$159,108.02


SEWER DIVISION


CONSTRUCTION


Eight-inch sewers were installed in:


Forrester Road from Station 8 + 50 westerly 862 feet to Drury Lane.


Brewster Road from Forrester Road southwesterly 1331 feet to Pleas- ant Street Extension.


Pleasant Street Extension from Brewster Road southerly 316 feet to a dead end.


Flanders Lane from Hancock Road easterly 128 feet to a dead end.


Overlake Road from Prospect Street southerly 645 feet to a dead end.


Fourth Street from Montrose trunk sewer northeasterly 377 feet to Preston Street.


CONNECTIONS


Number of connections made during the year, 124.


Number of connections made to date, 3001.


HIGHWAY DIVISION


1951


General Maintenance


Patching


$ 11,280.31


Street Cleaning


2,762.73


Rubbish Collection and Dump


22,246.74


Repairs to sidewalks and guardrails


3,105.35


Street Signs


1,949.86


Traffic lines


1,398.46


Cleaning catchbasins


3,650.42


Miscellaneous


1,105.73


Pensions


6,968.36


Holidays and vacations


5,479.26


48


TOWN OF WAKEFIELD


Drainage


7,502.18


Surface treatment


29,263.78


Snow and ice


31,175.87


$127,889.05


Patching


The Cost:


Labor


Material


$ 5,483.54 5,796.77


$ 11,280.31


Street Cleaning


The Cost:


Labor


1,871.33


$


Material


891.40 $ 2,762.73


Street cleaning includes the cleaning of streets in the spring prior to surface treatment and the business section four times a week.


Rubbish Collection and Dump


The Cost:


Labor


Material


$ 20,949.48


1,297.26


$ 22,246.74 Rubbish collections are made from homes every two weeks, also from all public buildings. One man is on duty at the dump six days a week and once a week a bulldozer is used to keep the dump clean and accessible.


Repairs to Sidewalks and Guardrails


The Cost:


Labor


Material


$ 2,343.00 762.35 $ 3,105.35


This item is for the repair to damaged sidewalks, removing curb, in- stalling corners and entrances to new homes; also the painting and repair- ing of guardrails.


REBUILDING SIDEWALKS


Balance January 1, 1952 Expended


$ 9,757.60 9,757.60


This work having been done by a contractor Appropriation 1952


$ 5,000.00


Expended :


Material


$ 14.00


Paid to contractor


2,720.52


$ 2,734.52


Balance


$ 2,265.48


49


141ST ANNUAL REPORT


STREET CONSTRUCTION


1951 Appropriation


Expended


$ 12,966.58 8,943.30


Balance $ 4,023.28 Most of this work was done by contract and completes the work on Swansea Road, Outlook Road, Lassell Street and Vine Street.


CHAPTER 90 MAINTENANCE


Appropriation by Town


$ 2,000.00 1,000.00


Appropriation by County


Appropriation by State 4,000.00 $ 7,000.00


The following streets were resurfaced under this appropriation :


Main Street (Lowell to Salem)


5,767 feet


Water Street 1,750 feet


New Salem Street


1,030 feet


(See finish under Surface Treatment)


CHAPTER 90 MAIN STREET


Appropriation by Town


$ 11,000.00


Appropriation by County


11,000.00


Appropriation by State


22,000.00


$ 44,000.00


Expended :


Labor


$ 104.10


Paid to Contractor


$ 36,235.44


$ 36,339.54


Balance


$ 7,660.46 The work on Main Street started 750 feet north of Forest Street, ending approximately 2500 feet. Part of the above balance is reserved for final payment to the Contractor.


Street Signs:


The cost:


Labor


1,161.14 $


Material


788.72 $ 1,949.86


This item includes the erection of new signs for street direction and traffic control and the painting of existing signs (all types).


Traffic Lines


The cost:


Labor


$ 34.41 Material 1,364.05 $ 1,398.46 This item includes all cross walks, center lines, bus stops, taxi stands, stop lines, all parking spaces, and restricted curb markings. All traffic


50


TOWN OF WAKEFIELD


lines and markings are made to conform with State Highway specifications. This work was done under contract.


Cleaning Catchbasins


The cost: Labor Material


$ 3,508.18 142.24


$ 3,650.42


Miscellaneous


The cost: Labor and Material $ 1,105.73 $ 1,105.73


Drainage-Maintenance


The cost: Labor Material


$ 5,598.46 1,903.72 $ 7.502.18


Miscellaneous drainage was provided for in the following streets:


Montrose Avenue Broadway and Sylvan Avenue


Prospect Street Church Street Salem Street Morrison Road West


Brook Street


Renwick Road


Elm Street


Oak Street


Surface Treatment


The cost:


Labor


Material


$ 6,254.23 23,009.55


$ 29,263.78


Thirty seven streets were given a treatment of mixed-in-place finish, consisting of an average of 57.5 lbs. per square yard of 1/2" crushed stone; 12.5 lbs. per square yard of $/8" crushed stone and .06 gallon per square yard of asphalt. One street treated with a seal coat 42.2 lbs. of 5/8" stone per square yard and 0.46 gallon per square yard of asphalt; one street of hot top, a total of 8.25 miles.


Snow and Ice


The Cost: Material Rental


$ 9,392.17 7,430.13


Labor


14,353.57


$ 31,175.87


51


141ST ANNUAL REPORT


DRAINAGE - New Construction


Appropriation 1948, Madison Avenue-Bennett Street Balance January 1, 1952 Expended : Labor Material Rental


$ 28,000.00 27,986.50


$ 740.28 2,053.87 238.00


$ 3,032.15


Balance Appropriation 1951 Balance January 1, 1952 Expended : Labor Material


$ 24,954.35


$ 10,775.00


4,506.63


$


1,543.09 540.34 $ 2,083.43


Balance


$ 2,423.20


Cleaning out brooks Oak and Nahant Streets; also includes purchase of pipe and metal culvert for Foundry Street Brook.


SIDEWALKS - New


Appropriation 1951 Balance January 1, 1952


7,021.68


Expended : Rental Paid to contractor


$ 17.50


7,004.18


$ 7,021.68


Appropriation 1952 Expended


$ 8,500.00


8,500.00


Cement concrete sidewalks, aprons, landings and grass plots, and granite curbing were constructed by private contractor on the following streets:


96 Water Street


32 Lawrence Street


130 Chestnut Street


33 Emerson Street 86 Cedar Street


20-28 34-36 Lafayette Street


36-38 Church Street 2-12 Green Street 220-224-234-246-250-252-254 Albion Street 30 Morrison Road 8 Oak Street


52


TOWN OF WAKEFIELD


In conclusion I wish to express my deep appreciation for the co-opera- tion and assistance extended to me in the performance of my duties by the elected and appointed officials of the town. I particularly appreciate the co-operation and assistance of the employees and the division super- intendents of the Public Works Department.


Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH H. DeFOE, Director Public Works Department


53


141ST ANNUAL REPORT


Report of School Committee


ORGANIZATION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE 1952


Mrs. Mary Louise Tredinnick, Chairman 129 Pleasant Street


Term expires 1954


Michael F. Collins, Secretary 39 Fairmount Avenue


Term expires 1955


Walter C. Hickey, Treasurer


Term expires 1953


25 Gould Street Herbert D. Hancock 3 Marion Road


Term expires 1954


Frederick W. Bliss


Term expires 1955


5 Curve Street


Lane W. Fuller 28 Morrison ยท Avenue


Term expires 1953


SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS


John B. Hendershot


74 Chestnut Street


ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS


R. Edgar Fisher 24 Summit Avenue


SECRETARY TO THE SUPERINTENDENT


Pauline E. Meads 24 Richardson Avenue


SECRETARY


Lora E. Harris


53 Prospect St.


CLERK


Eleanor M. Cardillo


97 Nahant Street


REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE


The Wakefield School Committee opens its report of the year 1952 with the historic action of the Annual Town Meeting in voting to erect south of the present high school, a new senior high school. Completion of the new high school will free the present high school building for use as a junior high school, thus relieving crowded conditions in all elemen- tary buildings. This progressive action of the Town, the result of years of work by numbers of enlightened citizens, is a significant step in the town's history. It is an investment in youth which should bring rich divi- dends to the town and to the country for years to come.


The moderator placed in the hands of the building committee which presented the plans the task of overseeing this project: Earl L. Bears, Chairman, James W. Anthony, George B. Fay, Willard N. Bain, Lane W. Fuller, Michael F. Collins, Loren Hutchins, Mrs. Edna Wentzel, John B. Hendershot.


The year closes with the Mary E. Walton and the Harris M. Dolbeare Schools well advanced in construction. Occupancy of these buildings is expected in September 1953.


-


54


TOWN OF WAKEFIELD


For the first time in twenty years, the Town begins to catch up with its needs in school buildings. Registration continues to mount. As of December 31, 1952, 266 more pupils are enrolled in our schools, an increase of 8.4%, making an enrollment of 3441.


With this heavy registration, pupils have had to be transferred out of their home districts to schools where they might be accommodated. Double sessions for grades 4, 5, and 6 have been established at the Hurd and War- ren Schools. The Woodville School continues to house 7th and 8th grades. These factors, together with traffic hazards, have brought about heavy demands for transportation. This transportation burden will continue until all three new schools are in use.


During the year, the State increased the minimum salary for teachers to $2500. A cost of living 3% increase was voted by the School Committee for all personnel except the superintendent.


Upon recommendation of the Contributory Retirement Board, the School Committee adopted a policy that all personnel other than teachers present a health certificate before initial employment.


Throughout the year, constant effort has been made, in cooperation with the Police Department and various organizations to correct traffic hazards near schools and to prevent the passing of school buses by care- less drivers.


The School Committee has requested the Board of Public Works to include in its budget sufficient funds to provide sidewalks adjacent to all schools where no proper sidewalk exists.


Due to continuing teacher shortages, the School Committee again voted to suspend its rule which would permit the marriage of a woman teacher to constitute a resignation.


Beginning in September, through the generosity of the Trustees of the Beebe Memorial Library, space in the Montrose Branch Library has been used as a first grade classroom.


A change in the school entrance age of children was voted in October and publicly announced. As of September 1953 the entrance age will be 5 years and 8 months plus children 5 years and 6 months and 5 years and 7 months who have passed an entrance test. As of September 1954 the en- trance age will be 5 years and 8 months with no testing.


New Health Rules and Regulations were published according to latest State requirements.


In December the Town of Lynnfield gave notification that as of Sep- tember 1953 it would care for its high school freshmen at the new Lynn- field Junior High School.


Tuition rates of $281.36 for high school pupils and $169.47 for elemen- tary pupils were established according to the prescribed state formula.


In spite of crowded conditions, achievement tests show elementary school work in reading and spelling to be high above normal, and work in science and geography to be normal.


Changes in the clerical personnel of the school offices have occurred. Eleanor Cardillo was appointed to a vacancy in the superintendent's office, and Serena Murley and Rose Pyburn were appointed to the high school office.


Mr. Gerard G. Barry, head of the department of social studies at the


55


141ST ANNUAL REPORT


high school was appointed sub-master of the high school, succeeding Arthur A. Fulton, retired.


Bernice Hendrickson, 1908-1952, Blanche Meserve, 1917-1952, and Mary E. C. Geagan, 1907-1952, of the elementary schools, and Donald White, 1918-1952, of the high school, retired this year.


These veteran teachers, cherished by the department for their gifted and loyal service, and by their pupils for their guidance and inspiration, have written a memorable chapter in Wakefield education.


The resignation of William P. Lynch, custodian, because of illness, was received with genuine regret. Charles L. Rice was appointed to fill this vacancy.


Building maintenance continues to be given careful attention. Ex- tensive painting, a new roof for the Montrose School, and complete light- ing for the Warren and Lincoln Schools were major projects.


A Creative Workshop in connection with our special class was organ- ized in September.


The organization of the School Committee continues the same: Mrs. Mary Louise Tredinnick, chairman; Michael F. Collins, secretary; Walter C. Hickey, treasurer. Lane W. Fuller is school representative on the Town Civil Defense Committee, and Michael F. Collins represents the schools on the V. F. W. Safety Council. Mr. Collins addressed the graduating class and presented the diplomas.


The Town of Wakefield has taken a courageous, confident step toward a bright future for its young people in its vote to erect a new high school. Such a vote is a statement of faith in America.




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