USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1946-1950 > Part 32
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An appropriation of $2500 was made for this work. This money was used for emergency work, such as removing dead, broken and dangerous trees. Seventeen hundred fifty dollars was used for labor while $750 was used for expenses.
We have several more large trees to be removed and more cabling to do to save our trees and much trimming to be done. The power saw was a great help and as much work could not have been accomplished without it.
I recommend $2500 be appropriated for the care of shade trees in 1950. Of this, $1750 be used for salaries and wages ; $750 for expenses.
An appropriation of $250 was made for replacement of shade trees. There were about 40 trees placed throughout the town. I recommend the same appropriation of $250 be made for the same purpose this coming year.
134
Some of our trees in town need feeding badly, which will help a lot in keeping away some of the diseases. Last year the sum of $500 was appropriated for this purpose. I recommend that $500 be appropriated for the feeding of shade trees in 1950.
The sum of $1500 was appropriated and turned over to the Tree Warden for the suppression of Poison Ivy. It was used on the school ground and the playground in South Acton and on approximately seven miles of road. It was not a thorough kill because it was the first year of use.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES J. KNIGHT, Tree Warden.
REPORT OF MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I hereby submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1949.
An appropriation of $2700 was made for moth work last year, of which the running expense was $1200 and $1500 for labor. This money was used for spraying throughout the town for pest control and a second spray for pest control and elm leaf beetle through part of the town.
I recommend that the sum of $2700 be appropriated to be used for the control and suppression of insect pests. Of this, $1500 for labor and $1200 for expenses.
The Town Sprayer is in need of overhauling. The pump needs repacking, the motor and tank need overhauling.
I recommend that $250 be appropriated for this purpose.
There is Dutch Elm Disease in most towns surrounding us and I believe we should take precautions to protect our shade trees. Therefore, I recommend that the sum of $500 be appro-
135
priated to be used for control work of the Dutch Elm Disease in accordance with Chapter 761 of the Acts of 1949.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES J. KNIGHT, Moth Superintendent.
REPORT OF TOWN NURSE
To the Board of Health
Acton, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1949.
Bedside calls
800
Pre-natal
196
Post-natal
134
Welfare
217
Night calls
18
Twenty patients were taken to Middlesex County Sana- torium for X-ray and check-up. Two patients were taken to Lakeville Sanatorium for x-ray and check-up.
Respectfully submitted,
LILLIAN F. TAYLOR, R. N.
136 ยท REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
January 6, 1950.
The Honorable Board of Selectmen :
The Board of Health of Acton herewith submits its report for the year ending December 31, 1949, together with the annual report of the Agent, Inspector of Slaughtering, Food and Drug Inspector, and the Inspector of Sanitation.
It is with sincere regret that the Board of Health accepts the resignation of Mr. Lowell Cram of West Acton, Mass. He has faithfully served the Town of Acton, and the Board of Health for the past twelve years as secretary and finance ad- visor. It was his untiring efforts which has kept the expense of Public Health at the lowest possible level. He was re- sponsible for drafting the Garbage Collection Contract for which several towns have since requested copies to aid them in their respective districts. His ability and untiring efforts will be a distinct loss to the Board and thus to the Town of Acton, especially now, when expenses have risen sharply due to the high cost of living and requirements of the State, which, in the past, did not require the strict adherence to regulations that will in the future be required. Now with the prospects of State or District control over many health problems near, added expenses instead of a cut as expected will face health officials. Mr. Cram has given freely of his time and many times his money for which he has asked nothing, therefore, we felt we could do nothing more than to respect his wishes and accept his resignation.
There were thirty-two cases of contagious diseases reported to the Board of Health during the year. This does not reflect the true picture of diseases dangerous to public health, as many cases were not reported.
Cases reported :
Chicken Pox 6
Dog Bite
9
Measles 5
T. B. 1
137
Food Poison
1
Scarlet Fever 3
Septic Sore Throat
1
Mumps
3
German Measles
3
Total
32
There were no epidemics during the year 1949. The thirty- two cases listed were distributed over the entire year, indicat- ing that isolation immediately applied prevented the spread of diseases.
The Town Dump is in excellent condition. It is well covered and attended to with care. The dry spell during the summer caused some apprehension as to a fire hazard requiring 24 hour care part of the time. Lack of water in the well at the dump made it necessary for the local Fire Department to make several trips during the summer.
The conditions of the highways in several sections of the town due to some persons disposing of rubbish from a car over an embankment along the roadside has caused some ap- prehension on the part of health officials. Investigation will continue to place definite responsibility, and action will be taken against persons violating this health code.
Board of Health officials have spent many hours investigat- ing other districts that are connected with the Nashoba Health District to determine the advisability of entering into that unit. It has been determined from all of these investigations that no advantage would be gained by the town, as the same number of members of the local board would be necessary, the same expenses would also be necessary PLUS an additional expense of approximately four thousand dollars ($4,000.00) or $1.00 per person to be paid in advance to the District Health Union with little or no help other than on some in- spections.
Pasteurization of milk has long been necessary in this state. Regulation requiring the pasteurization of milk in Acton has been necessary only after many hours of investigation by the Board as to the advisability of its effect on the town.
4
138
At the request of many towns people the Town Dump should be open longer. The Board of Health is considering the feasability of keeping the dump open five days a week.
The citizens of Acton can look for rules and regulations for food establishments in the near future. The Board of Health has in mind only the health of its citizens, and will invoke only those laws and regulations that are absolutely necessary.
As in the past, the diphtheria clinic was held at the schools with satisfactory results. (See report of School Nurse).
DEATHS
Deaths reported 21
Died in Acton
16
Buried in Acton
10
Buried elsewhere
11
Died elsewhere
5
Respectfully submitted,
O. L. CLARK, M. D., Chairman H. LEUSHER EDWARD J. HIGGINS, Agent Board of Health, Acton, Mass.
139
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of Acton: Gentlemen :
I hereby submit my report as Inspector of Animals for the year 1949.
.
Barns visited
49
Cows
196
Bulls
10
Steers
2
Pigs
21
Sheep
19
Goats
47
Horses
12
Young Cattle
85
Dog Bites
2
Dogs quarantined
2
Rabies
0
The Department of Agriculture, through your animal inspec- tor would like to inform all cattle owners that in the preven- tion of Bangs Disease the veterinary will vaccinate, free of charge at the time of Tuberculosis test, all calves between the age of four months and breeding age.
Please report all dog bites to your Animal Inspector.
Respectfully submitted,
ARNO H. PERKINS, Inspector of Animals.
140
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
To the Board of Selectmen
Acton, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report for the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1949. Said report includes all arrests made within the town during the past year.
Arrests and prosecutions for the following offenses :
Operating without a M. V. license
11
Going through a red light
3
Speeding
49
Operating so as to endanger
9
Failing to slow at an intersection
2
Operating under the influence of liquor
3
Not displaying an inspection sticker
5
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle
5
Operating an uninsured motor vehicle
4
Improper brakes
2
No registration in possession
1
Leaving scene after causing property damage 2 1
Not passing at a safe distance
Operating after revocation of license
1
Operating after suspension of license
1
Allowing improper person to operate
1
Impeding operation of motor vehicle
1
Attaching plates illegally
1
Improper registration plates
1
Drunkenness
17
Assault and Battery
4
Collecting junk without a license
3
Larceny
3
Delinquent children
1
Carrying revolver without a license
1
Non-support 1
Disturbing peace
1
Vagrancy
3
Breaking and entering in night time 2
141
Arson 2
Threatening bodily harm 1
Escapee from Bedford Veterans' Hospital 1
Escapee from Shirley Industrial School 1
Arrested and turned over to other departments .. 2
Committed to State Hospitals 2
Motor Vehicle accident report:
Accidents reported 47
Occupants injured 27
Pedestrians injured 2
Bicyclists injured 4
Fatal accidents 1
Injured persons transported via Police emer- gency ambulance 18
There were eighteen less accidents reported and twenty- eight less persons injured this year than in 1948. Unfortu- nately however, we had one fatal accident during the past year.
Excessive Speed
Many complaints were received in regard to speeding through the villages. As a result of these complaints, many operators appeared in court while three hundred eighty-one operators were booked and warned by the police.
Thirty-eight licenses were suspended or revoked by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles for improper operation.
I recommend that a survey be made of the through streets of the town as to the average speed being used and that the streets be zoned and posted as to speed allowed.
Cruiser
The Dodge car now used by this department as a cruiser and emergency ambulance has given very good service, but as the speedometer reading is nearing the 80,000 mile mark, I recommend that a new car be purchased this year.
142
Call Acton 169 for Police
All calls, day or night, should be made by calling Acton 169. If the officer on duty is on patrol he will be notified by radio of your call. If the officer is at some other place, your call will be transferred to that number by the operator. In an emergency, simply call Emergency Acton 169 - state the nature of the emergency and your location before leaving the telephone. Never try to contact the officer direct by radio.
Your Police Department is on duty twenty-four hours a day and is always willing to serve you.
In closing, I wish to call attention to the fine work being done by Patrolman Collins and to thank all the officers of this department who co-operated with me in carrying out the duties of the Police Department during the past year. I also wish to express my thanks to the Board of Selectmen for their co-operation during the past year and to the local telephone operators for their prompt and efficient handling of our emer- gency calls and to the personnel of the Concord Police Depart- ment for their radio broadcasts. To all others who in any way assisted us, we are grateful.
Respectfully submitted,
MICHAEL FOLEY, Chief of Police.
143
REPORT OF THE ACTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Ralph W. Piper, Acting Chairman
Murray Brown De
Carl A. Christofferson
Arthur F. Davis
Eugene L. Hall
Arthur W. Whitcomb
Wendell F. Davis
Florence A. Merriam
Gertrude P. Tuttle
The last three members hold office by election. The others are Corporate members.
Librarians
Katherine Kinsley Mary Lothrop Evelyn Reed
West Acton Branch Memorial Library South Acton Branch
Janitor
Robert E. Frost
The State Certificate party was held in May and 64 Honor Certificates were presented to 43 children, with Virginia New- ton leading the list with a score of 5, which meant she re- ported on 100 books. There were 48 second and third grade children who were given Honorable Mention as being promising readers. The entertainment was provided by Har- low M. Russell of Chelsea, whose moving pictures pleased us all. We are indebted to him and to his assistants who came free of charge for the sake of the children.
We thank The Reverend and Mrs. David Thompson for their fine work with the children in the Story Hours. They also make no charge. The Clubs and Churches of all three precincts have contributed space and refreshments for these occasions. Also, gratitude goes out to Mr. Sidney Laffin for giving us
144
special rates on bus service, in order to let the children attend regularly.
New shelves have been built in, in the Children's Room, which release much-needed space in the main Stack Room. Most of the Juvenile books have been re-arranged by subject, such as Sports, Indians, Scouting, etc., so that the children may find what they want more readily.
In the main Stack Room, six fluorescent lights have been installed which illuminate the galleries and hitherto dark spots. Also, one light has been placed over the stairway on the street side of the building.
Accession-Number of volumes in Library, January 1,
1949 20,593
Increase by purchase
262
Increase by gift
687
Withdrawn from circulation
765
Number of volumes in Library, January 1, 1950
20,877
Circulation-Number of days Library was open
104
Number of volumes circulated
20,239
Largest daily circulation December 21
539
Smallest daily circulation October 12
57
Daily average
194.6
The circulation shows a gain over the previous year
2,912
This splits up as follows
Fiction-13,228 Juvenile-5,146 Non-Fiction-1,865
The Library acknowledges with gratitude, gifts from the following :
BOOKS
Acton Girl Scouts, 38; Acton Grange No. 259, 1; Robert M. Bowen, 3; Mrs. Waldo Braman, 20; Mrs. F. G. Buhrig, 1; Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Coles, 2; Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 5; Concord Free Public Library, 250; Mrs. Lily M. Davis, 25; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Deane, 5; Mrs. Laura Forbes, 26; Dr. and
145
Mrs. W. W. Forbes, 26; Gerald Gaebel, 17; Mr. Walter Guinon, 1; Mr. and Mrs. Maynard Harris, 15; Mrs. Belle Libby Hinck- ley, 8; Mrs. Arvilla Hobart, 9; Mr. and Mrs. Frank LaCivita, 62; Miss Ethel Lincoln, 1; Mr. and Mrs. M. R. Locke, 28; Edith McMillan, 1; Maralen Moody, 1; Mrs. Mildred Pope Moore, 115; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Motley, 8; Mr. and Mrs. S. J. Olsen, 6; Mrs. Beatrice Parsons, 1; Curtis Petersen, 4; Miss Elizabeth Reed, 1; Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Shores, 6; Mr. and Mrs. Stin- son, 2; U. S. Steel Corporation, 1; E. H. Washburn, 3; Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Woodbine, 10; Mrs. Joyce Woodhead, 4.
MAGAZINES
Edith McMillan, Walter B. Stevens, E. H. Washburn.
FINANCIAL RECEIPTS
Fines
$171.05
Miscellaneous
10.95
Sale of books
13.95
$195.95
MARY LOTHROP, Librarian.
REPORT OF WORKMENS' COMPENSATION AGENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
There were three accidents reported to me during the past year. All were settled to the satisfaction of all concerned.
Please report all accidents promptly to your compensation Agent.
HOWARD L. JONES, Workmen's Compensation Agent.
1949 ANNUAL REPORT of the School Department For the Year Ending December Thirty-first
RA
0
1735.
"ACTON.
:
Town of Acton, Massachusetts Murphy & Snyder, Maynard, Massachusetts
2
ORGANIZATION
School Committee
Mr. Ernest Simpson, Chairman Term expires 1950
Mrs. Hazel P. Vose, Secretary Term expires 1950
Mr. Donald Severance Term expires 1951
Mrs. Gertrude Tuttle Term expires 1951
Mr. Charles Sturdivant Term expires 1952
Mrs. G. Howard Reed Term expires 1952
Meetings of the School Committee
Regular meetings of the school committee are held the sec- ond Monday of each month in the high school at 7:30 p. m. Exceptions may be made especially during the summer months.
Superintendent Whitman Pearson Office-High School Building, Telephone 110
School Physician
Paul P. Gates, M. D. Telephone 412
School Nurse Mrs. Simon D. Taylor, R. N. Telephone 33-22
Attendance Officer Louis Leveroni ... Telephone 110
High School, Telephone 110 Custodian Louis Leveroni Center School, Telephone 86 Custodian Walter Williams South School, Telephone 445 Custodian Kenneth Harvey West School, Telephone 105 Custodian Ernest Banks
3
School Calendar 1950-1951
January 3, 1950, Reopening of schools February 20-24, Winter Recess April 17-21, Spring Recess May 30, Memorial Day June 9, Graduation, Elementary Schools close. June 16, High School closes
September 6, Reopening of High School September 11, Reopening of Elementary Schools October 12, Columbus Day November 23, 24, Thanksgiving Recess
December 22 to January 1, 1951, Christmas Holidays February 19-23, Winter Recess April 16-20, Spring Recess May 30, Memorial Day June 8, Graduation, Elementary Schools close June 15, High School closes
No School Signal - All Schools All Day 7:00 a. m., Fire Whistle - 2-2-2-2 7:00-8:00 a. m., WBZ, WEEI, WLLH
4
REPORT OF ACTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE
We present our report for the year 1949 along with that of the Superintendent of Schools which has been approved by your School Committee.
In March of this year we welcomed our newly elected mem- ber, Mr. Charles Sturdivant, and Mrs. G. Howard Reed, re- elected for a third successive term.
School Facilities :- Your School Committee is of the opinion that considerable thought must be given by you the people of Acton to the immediate needs of the Acton School System. Our town, like many others, is having "growing pains." Our present facilities are fast becoming inadequate. (See Report of Survey Committee)
Town Warrant :- Articles presented in the Town Warrant regarding your schools should be given considerable thought by you who are interested in the future of the Acton School System and the welfare of your children.
Custodians :- We are of the opinion that the people of Acton should be pleased with the fine job Mr. Leveroni has done with our High School building in keeping it in such good condition throughout the year. Our thanks to the Custodians of the Ele- mentary Schools, Messrs. Banks, Harvey and Williams, for the fine work they have done in redecorating their respective build- ings at a very low cost. (Accomplished from funds within our school budget).
Recreation and Sports :- The School Committee generally is aware of the inadequacy of our present recreational and ath- letic facilities and, unfortunately we are not properly staffed and equipped to meet the needs we know exist. We hope to im- prove in this department as time goes on.
I would take this opportunity to thank the members of the School Committee for the excellent cooperation they have given me as Chairman of the Board and trust that my succes- sor to the Chair will find the pleasure I have enjoyed as your Chairman.
Respectfully submitted,
ERNEST SIMPSON,
Chairman : Acton School Committee.
5
Received - To Credit of Schools
State Aid for Transportation $2,997.50
State Aid for Public Schools (Chapter 70) 23,962.73
Tuition and transportation-State Wards 261.50
Tuition, City of Boston Wards 244.76
Tuition, Town of Boxborough 3,215.85
Tuition, Town of Westford
278.20
State Aid for Vocational Education
149.74
Miscellaneous collections at High School
(personal telephone calls, lost books, etc.)
100.21
Tuition-Mildred Weymouth 62.00
$31,272.49
Net Cost of Operation
Appropriated 1949
$93,000.00
Unexpended balance
786.07
Expended
$92,213 93
Received to credit of schools (as above) $31,272.49
Net cost of operation and vocational tuition $60,941.44
Less: Cost of new equipment $754.34
Net cost of vocational tuition .. 305.00
$1,059.34
Net cost of operation $59,882.10
Expended for Operation in 1949
Elem.
High Total (Grs. 7-12) (Grs. 1-6) (Grs. 1-12) $43,626.08 $28,659.16 $72.285.24
Salaries
Fuel
1,247.91
1,519.22
2,767.13
Books and Supplies
2,461.53
1,245.13
3.706.66
Transportation
3,646.00
3,625.00
7,271.00
Power, Repairs, Miscellaneous
2,999.14
1,704.73
4,703.87
Libraries
20.95
20.95
Health
125.00
125.00 250.00
$54,126.61 $36,878.24 $91,004.85 Less Receipts (Except $149.74 State
Totals
Aid for Vocational Tuition $17,073.28 $14,049.47 $31,122.75
Net Cost of Operation
$37,053.33 $22,828.77 $59,882.10
6
Average number of pupils
229
334
563
Average yearly cost per pupil to near est dollar
$161.00
$68.00
$106.00
Additional non-operating expenses:
New equipment
$754.34
Vocational tuition
454.74
Total non-operating expenses
$1,209.08
Total operating expenses
$91,004.85
Total Expended
$92,213.93
Proposed Budget for 1950
Salaries and Wages $81,920.00
General Expenses (fuel, books and supplies, trans- portation, vocational tuition, power, repairs, outlay, health, libraries, and miscellaneous) .. 21,150.00
Total
$103,070.00
Age
0-1
1-2
2-3
3-4
4-5
5-6
6-7
7-8
8-9
9-10 10-11 11-12 12-13 13-14 14-15 15-16 16-17 17-18 18-19 19-20
1955
1954
1953
1952
1951
1950
1949
Pre- School
61
74
80
81
47
63
Pre-School Total
406
Grade
9
63
4
76
TT
11
44
6
61
III
11
32
3
46
IV
15
40
13
1
2
71
V
7
29
5
41
VI
8
26
4
1
39
Grade School Total
334
VII
10
20
6
1
39
VIII
1
11
26
5
2
14
IX
8
25
6
1
40
X
14
16
4
1
35
XI
1
11
21
8
41
XII
12
16
1
1
30
1
1
XIII
-
High School Total
229
61
74
80
81
47
63
9
74
59
53
50
50
43
37
41
46
35
38
25
2
1
969
Totals
7
8
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee and Citizens of Acton, Massachusetts :
Herewith is presented my second annual report as Superin- tendent of Schools for Acton.
This report is intended to reflect the accomplishments and activities of the Acton School Department for the year 1949, and to bring to the attention of the townspeople the important educational problems which can be solved only with the aid of an informed citizenry. As our society becomes more complex, and adjustment to the situation becomes a more involved pro- cess, the burden on the schools increases so that popular under- standing, interest, and support are of vital importance.
A well-prepared faculty, alert to the needs of today's youth, is by far the most important element of any school system, and so the teaching staff will be the first subject considered by the report.
TEACHING STAFF
Effective education requires good teachers more than any . other element, and for the school year 1949-50 Acton has a well-qualified faculty, although nine members represent re- placements for teachers who were on the staff at this time last year. As pointed out in the 1948 report, this continuing teacher turnover of 33% constitutes a tremendous difficulty for the school authorities to overcome, because it results in a continuing unsettled relationship between teachers and stud- ents. Usually new teachers, especially when they are inex- perienced, require some time to develop an effective class room situation, and of course as in business there is a loss of effi- ciency while the new employees are becoming adjusted to new working conditions, policies, and personalities. Acton's un- settled personnel situation is caused primarily by the proximi- ty of many communities with higher salary schedules, but the new state aid policy, which helps communities of under 5000 population by contributing nearly a thousand dollars per teacher, should help to overcome this condition. As an example
9
of what has happened in the past, one woman teacher had con- tract offers from Needham, Concord, and Lowell last June, and finally accepted the latter city's offer at an increase of sev- eral hundred dollars. While the level of faculty salaries will go higher as a result of the state aid law and the continuing shortage of experienced teachers, for the first time in Massa- chusetts, small towns are in a fairly good competitive position.
IN-SERVICE TRAINING
Teaching like other professions is advancing constantly with new and more effective techniques embracing audio-visual aids, improved testing mechanisms, increased attention to in- dividual differences, better records, buildings and equipment designed along functional lines, and emphasis on life adjust- ment programs.
Under the sponsorship of Lowell Teachers College which acted on the recommendation of the Merrimack Valley Super- intendent's Association, all day conferences were held during the spring and fall for teachers of each grade from one to six, and these were especially valuable for acquainting primary and elementary instructors and principals with the latest de- velopments in their fields.
Proximity to some of the nation's finest schools of Educa- tion is a great advantage for the Acton faculty, and among the teachers who have been doing graduate work during the past year are the following:
Name
Field
Institution
Ralph Stetson
Driver Training
Northeastern University
Carl Bowman
Zoology
Boston University
Carl Bowman
Botany
Boston University
Albert Koch
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