USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Athol > Town annual report, town of Athol, Massachusetts 1935 > Part 3
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(Article 47 was inserted in the warrant on petition of 470 registered voters of the Town of Athol, as certified by the Registrars of Voters, filed in the Town Clerk's of- fice on January 19, 1935.)
Article 48. Voted: That grading and repairing School Street from South Street to Park Avenue, or any portion thereof, be accepted as an E. R. A., State or Gov- ernment Project.
Article 49. Voted: That this article be passed over. Article 50. Voted: That this article be passed over. Article 51. Voted: That this article be passed over. Meeting adjourned.
WALTER E. FARNUM, Town Clerk.
46
Special Town Meeting, September 23, 1935 TOWN WARRANT
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Worcester, ss.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Athol, in the County of Worcester, Greeting:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are directed to notify the inhabitants of the Town of Athol, qualified to vote in elections and Town Affairs, to meet at the Memorial Building in said Athol, on Monday, the twenty-third day of September, 1935, at seven o'clock in the evening, then and there to act on the following articles:
Article 1. To see if the Town will vote to appropri- ate a sum of money from the Overlay Reserve fund for Old Age Assistance, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 2. To see if the Town will vote to appropri- ate a sum of money for Public Welfare, Soldiers Relief and the Town's share of the cost of W. P. A. Projects and authorize the Treasurer with the approval of the Select- men to borrow money under authority of and in accord- ance with the provisions of Chapter 188 Acts of 1935 and Chapter 49 Acts of 1933, as amended by Chapter 300 Acts of 1935, or take any action in relation thereto.
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Article 3. To see if the Town will vote to appropri- ate a sum of money for the purchase of fire apparatus to replace Hose No. 4 and authorize the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen to borrow under the provisions of Chapter 49 Acts of 1933 as amended by Chapter 300 Acts of 1935 and Chapter 44, Section 7, General Laws.
Article 4. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Water Commissioners to purchase the Mann Farm so-called in the Town of Phillipston for the protection of its water shed, appropriate money therefor from Water Available Surplus, or act in relation thereto.
Article 5. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the purpose of building a central filtration plant and do all other necessary con- struction as per plan submitted by Tighe & Bond, con- sulting engineers and entitled Plan No. 4, Water Supply Purification of the Athol Water Supply, and authorize the Selectmen to make application to the Federal Govern- ment for a grant of money under the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1935 for said purpose, and to accept such grant, and to authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow such sums as may be necessary to meet any appropriation made, or to take any action relative thereto.
Article 6. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of Twenty-Two Dollars and Thirty-Three Cents ($22.33) from Sewer Available Surplus for interest on per- manent loans or act in relation thereto.
Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the purpose of construct- ing a highway bridge across Millers River on Crescent Street and authorize the Selectmen to make application
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to the Federal Government for a grant of money under the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1935 for said purpose, and to accept such grant, and to authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow such sums as may be necessary to meet any appropriation made, or to take any action relative thereto.
Article 8. To see if the Town will vote to accept the location of Coolidge Parkway as laid out by the Selectmen, appropriate any sum of money for land damage therefor or act in relation thereto.
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to accept Sec- tions 21 to 25 inclusive of Chapter 136 of the General Laws' relative to certain sports and games permitted on the Lord's Day.
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to sell and convey to John J. Mackay for a sum not less than One Hundred ($100.) Dollars a certain tract of land adjoining his residence at 1279 Main Street on the southerly side thereof, the same being that portion of the Old Town Hall property lying between his residence and the driveway leading from Main Street to the rear of his property or act in relation thereto.
Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to discon- tinue the whole or any part of Bearsden Road between the home of Richard Comerford and the Gulf Road or act in relation thereto.
Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to grant the use of Memorial and Liberty Halls, including kitchen utensils, tables, chairs, etc., to the Athol High School Alumni Association without charge, one day each year for the purpose of holding the Annual Reunion of said Athol High School Alumni Association or act in relation thereto.
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Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen to bor- row money to meet any appropriation made under any of the articles of this warrant under any law authorizing the borrowing for said purpose.
Advisory Committee Meeting will be held in Advisory Committee Room, Memorial Building Monday evening, September 16, 1935 at seven-thirty o'clock.
And you are hereby directed to serve this warrant by posting up attested copies hereof, in each of the Post Of- fices of said Town, seven days at least before the time of holding said meeting and by publishing a like copy in one or more of the newspapers published in said town two days at least before the time for holding said meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant with your doings thereon, unto the Town Clerk, at the time and place of meeting as aforesaid.
Given under our hands, this twelfth day of Septem- ber, in the year one thousand nine hundred and thirty- five.
GEORGE W. GRANT, WARREN C. KARNER, HOWARD W. COOKE, Selectmen of Athol.
RETURN OF CONSTABLE HERBERT S. GODDARD IN REGULAR FORM
PROCEEDINGS
Article 1 Voted: That the sum of $8,000.00 be and hereby is appropriated for Old Age Assistance, the same to be transferred from Overlay Reserve.
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Article 2. Voted: By 295 votes in the affirmative and 22 votes in the negative, that the Treasurer, with the ap- proval of the Selectmen, be and hereby is authorized to borrow, under authority of and in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 188 of the Acts of 1935 as amended, the sum of $21,000.00 and to issue bonds or notes of the town therefor, said bonds or notes to be paid in not more than ten years or at such times as may be directed by the Emergency Finance Board named in Chapter 49 of the Acts of 1933.
The proceeds of the loan are hereby appropriated for Public Welfare $5,000.00, Soldiers' Relief $1,000.00, and for the Town's share of W. P. A. Projects $15,000.00; and to borrow under the provisions of Chapter 49, Acts of 1933 as amended by Chapter 300, Acts of 1935 the further sum of $5,000.00, but in no event a sum in excess of the tax titles taken or held by the town, and to issue a note or notes of the Town therefor, all in accordance with the provisions of said Chapter 49 as amended. The sum of $5,000.00 from the proceeds of the loan is hereby appro- priated for Public Welfare.
A motion, previously voted on, that the vote on the motion under Article 2 be taken by ballot, was voted in the negative.
Article 3. Voted: That this article be passed over.
Article 4. Voted: That this article be passed over.
Article 5. Voted: By 290 votes in the affirmative and 53 votes in the negative, that for the purpose of building a central filtration plant and do all other necessary con- struction as per plan submitted by Tighe & Bond, consult- ing engineers and entitled Plan No. 4, Water Supply Puri- fication of the Athol Water Supply, in cooperation with
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the Federal Government under the National Industrial Recovery Act or the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1935, there be raised and appropriated the sum of $95,- 000.00 and the Treasurer, with the approval of the Select- men, be and hereby is authorized to borrow the sum of $57,000.00 and to issue bonds or notes of the Town there- for, under authority of and in accordance with the provi- sions of Chapter 404 of the Acts of 1935 and the Federal Act applicable thereto, said bonds or notes to be payable in not more than twenty years or at such term and maxi- mum rate of interest as may be fixed by the Emeregncy Finance Board.
All money received from the Federal Government on account of this project shall be applied to meet the cost of said project, or, in case the amount of loan authorized is in excess of the Town's share of the cost, it shall be ap- plied to the loan herein authorized to the extent of such excess.
The Selectmen are hereby authorized to file an appli- cation with the Federal Government for a grant of money under the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1935 for the above purpose and to accept such grant subject to ap- plicable Federal Regulations.
A motion, previously voted on, to recommit to a com- mittee consisting of Abner F. Towne, George W. Grant and E. Warren Tyler, who shall report at a future meet- ing, was defeated by a vote of 254 in the negative and 143 in the affirmative.
Article 6. Voted: That the Town appropriate the sum of $22.33 from Sewer Available Surplus for interest on permanent loans.
Article 7. It was MOVED: That for the purpose of constructing a Highway Bridge across Millers River on
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Crescent Street in cooperation with the Federal Govern- ment under the National Industrial Recovery Act or the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1935, there be raised and appropriated the sum of $36,000.00, and the treasurer, with the approval of the selectmen, be and hereby is authorized to borrow the sum of $21,000.00 and to issue bonds or notes of the town therefor, under au- thority of and in accordance with the provisions of Chap- ter 404 of the Acts of 1935 and the Federal Act applicable thereto, said bonds or notes to be payable in not more than twenty years or at such term and maximum rate of interest as may be fixed by the Emergency Finance Board.
All money received from the Federal Government on account of this project shall be applied to meet the cost of said project, or, in case the amount of loan authorized is in excess of the town's share of the cost, it shall be ap- plied to the loan herein authorized to the extent of such excess.
The selectmen are hereby authorized to file an appli- cation with the Federal Government for a grant of money under the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1935 for the above purpose and to accept such grant subject to applicable Federal regulations.
This motion was REJECTED by a tie vote, a two- thirds vote being required to carry the motion.
Article 8. Voted: That the Town accept the location of Coolidge Parkway as laid out by the Selectmen, and ap- propriate the sum of $350.00 for land damage, same to be taken from the Athol & Orange Transportation Area Available Surplus.
Article 9. Voted: That the Town accept Sections 21 to 25 inclusive of Chapter 136 of the General Laws rela- tive to certain sports and games permitted on the Lord's Day.
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Article 10. Voted: As amended, that the Town sell and convey to John J. Mackay for a sum not less than $100.00 a certain tract of land adjoining his residence at 1279 Main Street on the southerly side thereof, the same being that portion of the Old Town Hall Property lying between his residence and the driveway leading from Main Street to the rear of his property; that the Select- men and Town Treasurer be and hereby are authorized to execute and deliver in behalf of the Town a deed of said land.
. The amendment, previously voted, is the final clause of the motion as amended and voted.
Article 11. Voted: That this article be passed over.
Article 12. Voted: That the Town grant the use of Memorial and Liberty Halls, including kitchen utensils, tables, chairs, etc., to the Athol High School Alumni As- sociation without charge, one day each year for the pur- pose of holding the Annual Reunion of said Athol High School Alumni Association.
Article 13. Voted: By 26 votes in the affirmative and no votes in the negative, that the Town authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money to meet any appropriation made under any of the articles of this warrant under any law authorizing the borrowing for said purpose.
Meeting adjourned.
WALTER E. FARNUM, Town Clerk.
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Report of the Library Trustees
The trustees of the Athol Public Library present the report of the Librarian for the year 1935.
We wish to express our commendation and appre- ciation of the work of the Library Service Association un- der the direction of Mrs. Waldo Haven, President, and Mrs. Frederick Lee, Treasurer, who arranged a series of twelve evening talks on Current Events by Miss Marion Armstrong and afternoon lectures by various speakers. The proceeds of these meetings are given to the Library for the purchase of books We wish particularly to thank Miss Armstrong who has given much time in the prepara- tion of her talks.
These meetings have not only been of educational val- ue but have made the public library-minded and aroused interest in the work of this town department.
This service and the contribution of many books by townspeople have been of inestimable help to the Library hampered by a necessarily limited appropriation.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK E. WEAVER,
Chairman ARLINE H. BOND, Clerk DAVID FINDLAY ROBERT DEXTER PAULINE ALLISON JANETTA MCGREGOR
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Report of the Librarian
To the Trustees of the Athol Public Library:
It is gratifying to report that in 1935 there has been an increase in the number of books added to the library. It is the first time for several years that the number add- ed, exceeded the number discarded. This is due to a slight increase in the appropriation, to the many who have giv- en books, and to the Library Service Association. This Association has been described in the Report of the Li- brary Trustees, but it seems only fitting that the librarian should also express her sincere appreciation for the work that the Association has done in aiding the library. Many children's books have been replaced and some expensive and valuable books of non-fiction purchased by the Asso- ciation. "History of the Pilgrims and Puritans" by Jos- eph Dillaway Sawyer is one of the titles, a work that is a great addition to any library.
Although there has been a slight decrease in the adult circulation, we are glad to report that the type of books read has been more worth while. In the two de- partments, Adult and Juvenile, there were over 8,000 more books of non-fiction taken out this year than in 1934. There was a notable increase in the circulation of Useful Arts, Fine Arts, Literature and Science.
For the first time in a number of years there has been an increase of children's books loaned. This may be ex- plained by the fact that a large number of popular books were given to this department by boys and girls who were through reading their own books and wanted to share
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them with others. We hope that this practice of giving will continue and that instead of putting books in the at- tic where they are forgotten, they will be brought to the library for other boys and girls to enjoy.
This year 596 State certificates were given to chil- dren who read recommended books on the State Reading List. This may also be a reason for the increased inter- est in children's reading.
The future of a public library depends a good deal upon its work with children. We feel that we cannot ade- quately take care of their needs and demands in the crowded section now set aside for them. It is to be hoped that in the near future some arrangement can be made whereby they may have a room for themselves.
Mrs. Allison still continues her faithful occupation of Story Lady. The large attendance every Saturday morn- ing is sufficient proof that her talent is appreciated.
Besides small book collections in several of the school rooms and at the Town Farm, we have had de- posits at the Warwick Transient Camp and the Athol C. C. C. We have also given these camps some of our dis- carded books and magazines.
Miss Grace Pitts continues to allow us space in her store for our books for the convenience of the people up- town, and Miss Mary Goodell generously gives her ser- vices one afternoon a week acting as librarian.
This summer Miss Grace Upham again took a six weeks' summer course in library work at Syracuse Uni- versity. This proved beneficial to her and to the library.
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It is impossible to purchase all of the books that are asked for, but when non-fiction is called for and it is not in this library we try to borrow it. This year we bor- rowed more than 80. Most of these books came from the Massachusetts State Library, but a few were from public libraries. This Inter-Library Loan system is a great help to the smaller libraries, which cannot afford to buy some of the expensive books or those which are wanted by only a few.
There is not enough space to mention all of those who have so kindly given 526 books to the library this year, but each gift was appreciated. We do wish, how- ever, to thank the Athol Daily News for the publicity it has given the library and also those organizations and individuals who have made the Library Service Associa- tion possible.
Respectfully submitted,
GLADYS C. GREENE, Librarian.
STATISTICS, 1935
Circulation :
Adult
54,678
Juvenile
24,041
Total 78,719
7
Circulation per capita
Number of days open during the year
303
58
Number of hours open during the week
60 Number of volumes in library at the beginning of 1935 15,870
Number of volumes added by purchase 933
Number of volumes added by gift 526
Number of volumes bought for library by the Library Service Association 65
Number of volumes withdrawn 759
Total number of volumes at the end of the year
16,635
Number of new borrowers registered
456
Total number of borrowers
6,752
CIRCULATION BY CLASSES
Adult
Juvenile
General Works
47
General Works
16
Philosophy
363
Bible Stories
24
Religion
179
Fairy Tales
1105
Sociology
648
Grammar
4
Grammar
85
Science
496
Science
395
Useful Arts
379
Useful Arts
768
Fine Arts
245
Fine Arts
746
Literature
393
Literature
976
History
52C
History
497
Travel
537
Travel
1188
Biography
568
Biography
958
Magazines
77
Magazines
2452
Pictures
1
Pictures
43
Fiction
19676
Pamphlets
55
Foreign Books
285
Total
24041
Fiction
44993
Total
54678
Grand Total 78,719
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Foreign Circulation
Greek
Yiddish
5
Italian
146
23
Lithuanian
54
French
57
Deposit Stations
Schools
107
Warwick Transient
Town Farm
77
Camp 384
Miss Pitts' Store
2117
Athol CCC
100
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Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Athol, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I have the honor to submit the Annual Report of the Department of Weights and Measures for the year 1935.
Work Performed during the year 1935
A
S
NS
C
Platform Scales
2 10
(Capacity over 5000)
Platform Scales
8
91
2
(Capacity under 5000)
Counter Scales
8
85
2
Beam Scales
1
10
Spring Scales
6
63
5
Computing Scales
4 60
1
1
Personal Weighing Scales
21
Prescription Scales
7
Avordupois Weights
581
1
Apothecary Weights
134
Metric Weights
87
Vehicle Tanks
2
Liquid Measures
137
6
Gasoline Pumps
2
74
10
2
Gasoline Meters
2
Kerosene Pumps
28
Oil Measuring Pumps
19
122
Molasses Measuring Pumps
9
Quantity Stops
231
Yard Sticks
23
50 1737
13
17
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No fees are charged for work done at this office on advertised days. Fees charged for work done outside of this office and turned over to the Town Treasurer as fol- lows for the year ending Dec 31, 1935 $174.96.
Inspections
Times
Stores
162
Liquid Commodities (remeasured gals.)
73
Dry Commodities (remeasured)
197
Food Packages (remeasured)
11
Peddlers' Scales
2
Ice Scales
7
Junk Scales
3
Oil Jars
2
Berry Baskets
1
Retests of Gasoline Devices
21
Peddlers' Licenses
5
Markings of Bread
6
Cord Wood Remeasured (Cords)
206
All complaints of insufficient weight or measure re- ceived at this office will be considered confidential and promptly investigated
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM D. MELLEN Sealer of Weights and Measures.
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Report of Local Moth Superintendent
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Athol.
I hereby submit my annual report for the year 1935. Began scouting Gipsy Moths October 21st with five men, two of them veterans. We were a little later in starting than usual as the foliage was very thick on the trees quite late this year. Egg clusters were not as plentiful as last year, but were more difficult to get at. Many of them were on very tall trees and near the top of the tree. It was necessary to climb the larger ones to get the egg clusters.
We were out fifty and one-half days and destroyed 145,036 egg clusters-only half of what we found in 1934. We put out 2,000 pounds of lead in spraying. Most of the roadsides were sprayed. Most of the roads were freer from moths than in 1934. I think spraying helped, but is quite expensive.
Respectfully submitted,
M L. GERHARD, Local Moth Superintendent
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Report of Fire Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of the Town of Athol.
We respectfully submit the report of the Athol Fire Department for the year 1935.
During the year we have responded to a total of 310 alarms as follows: 21 box; 11 emergency; 1 false; 7 out- of-town; 37 grass or brush.
The balance were mostly chimney fires or small par- tition fires caused by defective chimneys.
Total value of property endangered by fire was $587,- 300.00. Insurance carried on same being $528,300. While the loss reported to the Department was $16,242.
Engines
The apparatus of the department consists of the fol- lowing pieces:
One 750 gallon pump and hose car purchased in 1923.
One 600 gallon pump and hose cart purchased in 1928.
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Both engines are equipped with booster pumps and are Seagrave make.
Combination Hose Cars
One Brockway truck, with 40-gallon chemical tank, which was bought in 1919. It carries 1000 ft. 21/2 inch hose and 200 feet of 3/4 inch hose.
Also a truck which we have used for brush fires and upon which is mounted a 40 gallon chemical tank. The body and tank were built on a second-hand Pierce Arrow chassis. At present we are using it as a hose wagon for a substitute for the old No. 4 Seagrave Combination pur- chased in 1913 and discarded in 1935.
Ladder Trucks
One City Service Seagrave Ladder Truck carrying about 260 feet of ladders, purchased in 1921.
One Peter Pirsh horse drawn ladder truck more than 20 years old but still in good condition. There are no horses to be had for drawing this piece of apparatus, and a tractor should be bought in order that this ladder truck might be used in case of accident to the other truck. It could also be put into service if needed at a large fire.
Other Apparatus
At South Athol there is a chemical tank installed on an old Ford chassis. Both were purchased in 1914. We do not think this is adequate protection for South Athol, as there is much valuable property located there.
One Chief's car purchased second-hand in 1935 and used quite often at small fires instead of the heavier ap- paratus. It is a Nash seven-passenger type.
,
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Repairs to Apparatus
Engines No. 1 and 3, and Hose No. 2 have been re- painted during the year.
Employees
The personnel of the department consists of 50 em- ployees ranking as follows:
Chief, 2 Deputies, 5 Captains, 5 Lieuts .; 5 Clerks; Supt. of Fire Alarm; 4 Permanent Drivers. The remain- der are members of various hose and ladder companies.
Fire Stations
There are three fire stations, one known as Station No. 1 at 206 Exchange street, Station No. 2 at 7 Pleasant street and a small station at South Athol.
Station No. 1 has been remodelled during the year through an E.R.A. project. This cost the town $2100 and the government about $2300.
The partitions were all removed making one large room on the ground floor for apparatus, and two large overhead doors were installed making it much easier in driving out and backing in the apparatus.
The front stairway was taken out and a spiral stair- way was erected in the rear of the room. A new wiring job was done throughout, and new lighting fixtures were used on the ground floor. All wires leading to the sta- tion are underground, which makes the fire alarm sys- tem a more positive force in the department.
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A new cement floor was laid and two new walks. One sidewalk in front of the station, and one on the south side leading to the police station.
The walls were all painted and the station is one of which the Town can feel justly proud.
Another small project was used for beautifying the grounds at Station 2 on the east side of the station. £
A small park was built with trees and shrubbery planted, and the ground grassed over. This project cost the town about $100 and the government about $200.
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