USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1951-1955 > Part 12
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March 8, 1952, West Acton, Massachusetts
To the Selectmen and The School Building Committee of The Town of Acton, Massachusetts
To further the general welfare of the Town of Acton, and to benefit all its citizens, we would sincerely appreciate the opportunity of contributing to the Town a sum, not to exceed $150,000.00, for the purpose of aiding in the construc- tion cf a combined Auditorium and Gymnasium, both for the use of the school system, and to serve, as well, any needs of the citizens for a community building. This offer is to be effective on and after July 1, 1952, and is contingent upon its acceptance prior to December 31, 1952, and valid only, uron the start of construction by the Town of a new school building integrated with, or adjacent to, the present High School.
The sole conditions we wish to attach to this are: That such an Auditorium be erected on land to be purchased and owned by the Town, bounded on the South by Massachusetts
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Avenue, and on the East by Charter Road, as both streets are now laid out; that no other building or buildings be erected between such Auditorium and Massachusetts Avenue; that the Architects for this building be S. W. Haynes and Associates of Fitchburg, Massachusetts; that the building be built of bricks of equal quality to those used in the present High School; and that the building be named "The Blanchard Auditorium".
Should the citizens of the Town care to accept our offer, and will take the necessary steps to consummate their part, we will gladly fulfill our obligation hereunder at any time between July 1, 1952 and December 31, 1952.
Very truly yours,
ARTHUR F. BLANCHARD
WEBSTER S. BLANCHARD HAZEL G. BLANCHARD
Trustees of The Blanchard Foundation
Voted Unanimously : The following resolution: The people of Acton, assembled on March 10, 1952 for their Annual Meeting, have learned with deep interest and appreciation of your kindly and generous offer.
It is indeed inspiring to know that among us, humble friends and neighbors, dwell those who give so bountifully toward the benefit and welfare of all our citizens.
We intend to exert our efforts toward the early com- pletion of Blanchard Auditorium in order that it may be a living daily inspiration to all of us, and serve as a special reminder to our youth of the opportunities available under our American way of life.
Voted: To instruct the town clerk to send two copies of the above Resolution to The Blanchard Foundation.
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March 22, 1952
To The Blanchard Foundation
West Acton, Mass.
In accordance with the instructions voted at the annual town meeting March 10, 1952.
I herewith transmit to you copies of the following Reso- lution.
Voted Unanimously: The following resolution
The people of Acton, assembled on March 10, 1952 for their Annual Meeting, have learned with deep interest and appreciation of your kindly and generous offer.
It is indeed inspiring to know that among us, humble friends and neighbors, dwell those who give so bountifully toward the benefit and welfare of all our citizens.
We intend to exert our efforts toward the early comple- tion of Blanchard Auditorium in order that it may be a living daily inspiration to all of us, and serve as a special reminder to our youth of the opportunities available under our American way of life.
Voted: To instruct the town clerk to send two copies of the above Resolution to The Blanchard Foundation.
Respectfully yours,
HARLAN E. TUTTLE,
Town Clerk
Article 8. (School Building Committee) To see if the town will vote to provide that the committee appointed under Article 37 of the warrant for the town meeting held March 13, 1950, with two additional members to be appointed by the moderator, be designated a school building committee with full authority to enter into all contracts and agree- ments necessary to construct, equip and furnish the elemen- tary school building.
Motion: It is moved that a committee of seven mem- bers, consisting of Medville Clark, Philip Newell, Lowell
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Cram, Ormal Laffin, Alden Flagg, Jr., Carl Christofferson, and one member to be elected by the School Committee from among its members, shall be appointed by the Moderator who shall fill any subsequent vacancies, to be designated as the Elementary School Building Committee with full author- ity to enter into all contracts and agreements necessary to construct, equip and furnish the elementary school building and complete necessary grading.
Moderator ruled the motion illegal.
Above motion by John M. Whittier.
Motion: Under Article 8 this meeting will accept as a legal motion Mr. Whittier's original motion relative to the appointment of seven members of a new committee, as named, by the Moderator.
O. E. KIENOW Witness Carl A. Schontag'
Moderator ruled the motion illegal.
Voted: To pass over the Article.
Article 9. (School Building Committee) To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,000.00 or any other sum, to be expended under the direction of the Special School Building Committee, for employing a competent person or persons for the sole purpose of draw- ing plans, specifications and estimated costs for enlargements or additions to the Acton Center School, the South Acton School, and the West Acton School, said enlargements or additions to become a part of each school. (Inserted in war- rant on petition bearing twelve (12) signatures.)
Voted: To pass over the Article.
Article 10. (School Building Committee) To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,000.00, or any other sum, to be expended under the direc- tion of the Special School Building Committee, for employ- ing a competent person or persons for the sole purpose of
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drawing plans, specifications and estimated costs for en- largements or additions to the present Acton High School, said enlargements or additions to become a part of the High School itself. (Inserted in warrant on petition bearing twelve (12) signatures.)
Voted: To pass over the Article.
Article 11. (Vocational Tuition) To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,000.00 for the payment of vocational tuition and transportation accord- ing to the provisions of Chapter 74 of the General Laws, or take any action thereon.
Voted: To raise and appropriate the sum of $2,000.00 for the payment of vocational tuition and transportation ac- cording to the provisions of Chapter 74 of the General Laws ..
Article 12. (School) To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $500.00 for the conduct of physical education and athletics by the School Department, according to the provisions of Chapter 71 of the General Laws, or take any action thereon.
Voted: To raise and appropriate the sum of $500.00 for the conduct of physical education and athletics by the School Department, according to the provisions of Chapter 71 of the General Laws.
Article 13. (School) To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,000.00 for the conduct of physical education and athletics by the School Depart- ment, according to the provisions of Chapter 658 of the Acts of 1950, or act anything thereon. (Inserted in warrant on petition bearing thirteen (13) signatures.)
Voted : To pass over the Article.
Article 14. (School Lunch) To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $200.00 to continue the special School Lunch account, according to the provisions
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of Chapter 417 of the Acts of 1950, or take any action thereon.
Voted: To raise and appropriate the sum of $200.00 to continue the special School Lunch Account, according to the provisions of Chapter 417 of the Acts of 1950.
Article 15. (Machinery Fund) To see if the town will vote to transfer the sum of $2,500.00 from the Machinery Fund to the Machinery Account, or act anything thereon.
Voted: To transfer the sum of $2,500.00 from the „Machinery Fund to the Machinery Account.
Article 16. (Trees) To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $250.00 for the Tree Depart- ment for the replacement of shade trees, or act anything thereon.
Voted: To raise and appropriate the sum of $250.00 for the Tree Department for the replacement of shade trees.
Article 17. (Construction, Main Street) To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $4,500.00 for new construction of Main Street from the Carlisle line to the State Road in North Acton; said money to be used in conjunction with $4,500.00 to be allotted by the County and $9,000.00 to be allotted by the State, or act anything thereon.
Voted : To raise and appropriate the sum of $3,000.00 for new construction of Main Street from the Carlisle line to the State Road in North Acton; said money to be used in conjunction with $3,000.00 to be allotted by the County and $6,000.00 to be allotted by the State.
Article 18. (Police Cruiser) To see if the town will vote to appropriate from the Surplus Revenue Account, the sum of $500.00, or any other sum, for the purchase of a new cruiser for the Police Department, and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to trade-in or sell the old cruiser, or act anything thereon.
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Voted: To appropriate from the Surplus Revenue Ac- count the sum of $500.00 for the purchase of a new cruiser for the Police Department and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to trade-in or sell the old cruiser.
Article 19. (Snow Fence) To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $200.00 for the purchase of snow fence, or act anything thereon.
Voted: To raise and appropriate the sum of $200.00 for the purchase of snow fence.
Article 20. (Poison Ivy) To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,000.00, or any other sum, for the Tree Department for the eradication of poison ivy on the highways, streets and school grounds, or act any- thing thereon.
Voted: To raise and appropriate the sum of $1,000.00 for the Tree Department for the eradication of poison ivy on the highways, streets and school grounds.
Article 21. (Dutch Elm Disease) To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,000.00 for the control of Dutch Elm Disease in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 761 of the Acts of 1949, or act any- thing thereon.
Voted: To raise and appropriate the sum of $1,000.00 for the control of Dutch Elm Disease in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 761 of the Acts of 1949.
Article 22. (Town Forest) To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $250.00 for the cutting of fire lanes and other work in the Town Forest, or act anything thereon.
Voted: To raise and appropriate the sum of $250.00 for the cutting of fire lanes and other work in the Town Forest.
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Article 23. (Motion Picture Projector) To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $500.00 to purchase a 16 m.m. sound motion picture projector and screen to be kept in the custody of the school authorities and to be available for the use of the School, Fire and other Town Departments and local Civil Defense, Veterans, Church, Scout, and other civic organizations, or take any action thereon.
Voted: To raise and appropriate the sum of $500.00 to purchase a 16 m.m. sound motion picture projector and screen to be kept in the custody of the school authorities . and to be available for the use of the School, Fire and other Town Departments and local Civil Defense, Veterans, Church, Scout, and other civic organizations.
Article 24. (Fire Alarm System) To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $300.00 for the purchase of batteries for the fire alarm system, or act any- thing thereon.
Voted: To raise and appropriate the sum of $300.00 for the purchase of batteries for the fire alarm system.
Article 25. (Highways) To see if the town will vote to appropriate from the Surplus Revenue Account the amount of the State's and County's allotments for highways, under Chapters 81 and 90; provided that the reimbursements be credited back to the Surplus Revenue Account, or act any- thing thereon.
Voted: To transfer from the Surplus Revenue Account the sum of $26,675.00 provided that the reimbursement be credited back to the Surplus Revenue Account. This sum to be made up as follows :
Chapter 81 Maintenance State $15,675.00
Chapter 90 Maintenance State 1,000.00
Chapter 90 Maintenance County 1,000.00
New Construction State 6,000.00
New Construction County 3,000.00
$26,675.00
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Article 26. (Fire Alarm) To see if the town will vote to appropriate from the Surplus Revenue Account, the sum of $550.00, or some other sum, for the purchase of an air compressor for operating the fire alarm signal at the South Acton Fire House, or act anything thereon.
Voted: To appropriate from the Surplus Revenue Ac- count, the sum of $550.00 for the purchase of an air com- pressor for operating the fire alarm signal at the South Acton Fire House.
Article 27. (Fire Alarm System) To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,500.00, or any other sum, for the extension of the Fire Alarm System from the West Acton Fire House to Massachusetts Avenue; along Massachusetts Avenue to Wright Terrace; then back along Massachusetts Avenue to Arlington Street; along Arl- ington Street to Summer Street; along Summer Street to Willow Street; along Willow Street to Central Street; along Central Street to Massachusetts Avenue and then back to the Fire House; also from the corner of High Street and Main Street, South Acton, along Main Street to Pine Street and then back along Main Street to High Street; install six or more fire alarm boxes, or act anything thereon.
Voted : To raise and appropriate the sum of $2,500.00 for the extension of the Fire Alarm System from the West Acton Fire House to Massachusetts Avenue; along Massachusetts Avenue to Wright Terrace; then back along Massachusetts Avenue to Arlington Street; along Arlington Street to Sum- mer Street; along Summer Street to Willow Street; along Willow Street to Central Street; along Central Street to Massachusetts Avenue and then back to the Fire House; also from the corner of High Street and Main Street, South Acton, along Main Street to Pine Street and then back along Main Street to High Street; install six of more fire alarm boxes.
Article 28. (Fire Hose) To see if the town will vote to appropriate from the Surplus Revenue Account, the sum
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of $1,750.00, or some other sum, for the purchase of 1000 feet of 21/2 inch fire hose, or act anything thereon.
Voted: To appropriate from the Surplus Revenue Ac- count the sum of $1,750.00 for the purchase of 1000 feet of 21/2 inch fire hose.
Article 29. (Laurel Court) To see if the town will vote to accept as a town way, the laying out by the Board of Selectmen, of a road in South Acton, extending in an easterly direction from Piper Road, a distance of approxi- mately 450 feet by land of Harrington, Firth, Lane, Rankin, Williams, and others, a plan of which is filed in the office of the town clerk; said way to be named Laurel Court, and to raise and appropriate the sum of $400.00 for surfacing the same, or act anything thereon.
Voted: To accept as a town way, the laying out by the Board of Selectmen, of a road in South Acton, extending in an easterly direction from Piper Road, a distance of approxi- mately 450 feet by land of Harrington, Firth, Lane, Rankin, Williams, and others, a plan of which is filed in the office of the town clerk; said way to be named Laurel Court.
Voted: To raise and appropriate the sum of $400.00 for surfacing the above said way Laurel Court.
Article 30. (Cemetery Dept.) To see if the town will vote to appropriate from the Surplus Revenue Account the sum of $550.00, or any other sum, for the purchase of an electric generating set, trimmer, and a power mower for the Cemetery Department, or act anything thereon.
Voted: To appropriate from the Surplus Revenue Ac- count the sum of $550.00 for the purchase of an electric gener- ating set, trimmer, and a power mower for the Cemetery Department.
Article 31. (Lowering Device) To see if the town will vote to appropriate from the Surplus Revenue Account, the
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sum of $500.00, or any other sum, for the purchase of a Lowering Device and Grass Set for the Cemetery Depart- ment, or act anything thereon.
Voted: To appropriate from the Surplus Revenue Ac- count the sum of $500.00 for the purchase of a Lowering Device and Grass Set for the Cemetery Department.
Article 32. (Cemetery Land) To see if the town of Acton will authorize the Selectmen thereof to convey by suitable deed to Fred L. Robbins and George W. Larrabee of said Acton, and their heirs and assignees, a right of way for the purpose of passing and repassing, upon such terms and conditions for the enjoyment thereof as the Selectmen may determine, through Woodlawn Cemetery, as shown on a plan on file in the office of the Town Clerk. Such con- veyance of the aforesaid right of way to be in partial con- sideration of the grant by said Fred L. Robbins and Chester B. Robbins of a parcel of land to the town of Acton, free and clear of any right of way, and without any reservation therein in favor of said Fred L. Robbins and George W. Larrabee to to be purchased from Fred L. Robbins and Chester B. Robbins by the town for the purpose of adding and extending said Cemetery, or to take any action relating thereto.
Voted : To authorize the Selectmen thereof to convey by suitable deed to Fred L. Robbins and George W. Larrabee of said Acton and their heirs and assignees, a right of way for the purpose of passing and repassing, upon such terms and conditions for the enjoyment thereof as the Selectmen may determine, through Woodlawn Cemetery, as shown on a plan on file in the office of the Town Clerk. Such con- veyance of the aforesaid right of way to be in partial con- sideration of the grant by said Fred L. Robbins and Chester B. Robbins of a parcel of land to the town of Acton, free and clear cf any right of way, and without any reservation therein in favor of said Fred L. Robbins and George W. Larrabee to be purchased from Fred L. Robbins and Chester B. Robbins by the town for the purpose of adding and extending said Cemetery.
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Article 33. (Plumbing Code) To see if the town will vote to adopt a modified plumbing code as suggested by the Acton Board of Health and so inserted by the Board in the weekly newspaper "The Beacon" week of October 31, 1951, or act anything thereon and incorporate same into the Town By-Laws. (Inserted in warrant on petition bearing twelve (12) signatures.)
Voted: To pass over the Article.
Article 34 (Insurance) To see what action the town wishes to take in regard to insuring Town Buildings and to see what sums of money shall be raised and appropriated, or act anything thereon. (Inserted by the town building insurance committee.)
Voted: To raise and appropriate the sum of $3,000.00 for the insuring of all town buildings.
Article 35. (Power Mower) To see if the town will vote to appropriate from the Surplus Revenue Account, the sum of $300.00 for the purchase of a power mower for the town common and authorize the Board of Selectmen to trade in or sell the old one, or act anything thereon.
Voted: To appropriate $300.00 from the Surplus Rev- enue Account for the purchase of a power mower for the town common and authorize the Board of Selectmen to trade in or sell the old one.
Article 36. (Insurance) To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $750.00 to pay the cost of effecting insurance providing indemnity for or protection to any officer or employee of the Town against loss by reason of his liability to pay damages to others for bodily injuries, including death at any time resulting therefrom, or for damage to property caused by operation, within the scope of his official duties or employment of motor or other vehicles owned by the Town as provided by the provisions of General Laws (Ter. Ed.) Chapter 40, Section 5, Subsection 1, as amended, or act anything thereon.
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Voted: To raise and appropriate the sum of $750.00 to pay the cost of effecting insurance providing indemnity for or protection to any officer or employee of the Town' against loss by reason of his liability to pay damages to others for bodily injuries, including death at any time re- sulting therefrom, or for damage to property, caused by operation, within the scope of his official duties or employ- ment of motor or other vehicles owned by the Town as pro- vided by the provisions of General Laws (Ter. Ed.) Chapter 40, Section 5, Subsection 1, as amended.
Article 37. (Radio for Emergency Truck) To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $550.00, or some other sum, for the purchase of a two-way radio to be installed in the Emergency truck, or act anything thereon.
Voted: To raise and appropriate the sum of $550.00 for the purchase of a two-way radio to be installed in the Emergency truck.
Article 38. (Traffic Signs) To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,000.00 for the pur- chase and erection of traffic zone speed signs for Central Street from Main Street, South Acton to the Acton-Boxboro line, or act anything thereon.
Voted: To raise and appropriate the sum of $1,000.00 for the purchase and erection of traffic zone speed signs for Central Street from Main Street, South Acton to the Acton-Boxboro line.
Article 39. (Dangerous Buildings) To see if the town will vote to accept the provisions of Sections 1, 2, and 3 of Chapter 139 of the General Laws relative to disposal of burnt or dangerous buildings, or act anything thereon.
Voted: To accept the provisions of Sections 1, 2, and 3 of Chapter 139 of the General Laws relative to disposal of burnt or dangerous buildings.
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Article 40. (Reserve Fund) To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $6,000.00 as a Re- serve Fund, or act anything thereon.
Voted: To raise and approriate the sum of $3,000.00 and transfer from the Surplus Revenue Account the sum of $3,000.00 to be be used as a Reserve Fund.
Voted : To adjourn at 11:35 P.M.
Number of Voters present 458.
A true copy : Attest : HARLAN E. TUTTLE,
Town Clerk
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ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, MAY 19, 1952, 8:00 P.M.
Article 1. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) or any other sum for the purpose of acquiring by purchase or by eminent domain or by both methods, all or any of the following des- cribed parcels of land for public use including in such use the erection of public buildings as shall be voted by the town and a combined auditorium and gymnasium upon the accep- tance of the offer of the Trustees of the Blanchard Founda- tion reading as follows :
To further the general welfare of the Town of Acton, and to benefit all its citizens, we would sincerely appre- ciate the opportunity of contributing to the Town a sum, not to exceed $150.000.00, for the purpose of aiding in the construction of a combined Auditorium and Gymnas- ium, both for the use of the school system, and to serve, as well, any needs of the citizens for a community build- ing. This offer is to be effective on and after July 1, 1952, and is contingent upon its acceptance prior to December 31, 1952, and valid only, upon the start of construction by the Town of a new school building inte- grated with, or adjacent to, the present High School.
The sole conditions we wish to attach to this are: That such an Auditorium be erected on land to be pur- chased and owned by the Town, bounded on the South by Massachusetts Avenue, and on the East by Charter Road, as both streets are now laid out; that no other building or buildings be erected between such Auditorium and Massa- chusetts Avenue; that the Architects for this building be S. W. Haynes and Associates of Fitchburg, Massachu- setts; that the building be built of bricks of equal quality to those used in the present High School; and that the building be named "The Blanchard Auditorium."
Should the citizens of the Town care to accept our offer, and will take the necessary steps to consummate their part, we will gladly fulfill our obligation hereunder
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at any time between July 1, 1952 and December 31, 1952. to wit:
Parcel 1. Containing 16.7 acres belonging to Harry F. Warner is bounded Northerly by land of Helen A. Knowlton et al 324 feet, Northerly by land of Heirs of Grace Hall and William C. Kazokas et ux 688.7 feet, Easterly by said Kazokas land 364 feet, Northerly again by said Kazokas land 65 feet, Easterly by Charter Road 522 feet, Southerly by land of Josephine E. Sebastian 760.8 feet and Westerly by land of Warner 490 feet, West- erly by land of Helen A. Knowlton et al 406.3 feet.
Parcel 2. Containing 0.7 of an acre belonging to William C. Kazokas and Jennie A. Kazokas is bounded Northerly by said Kazokas land 102 feet, Easterly by Charter Road 384 feet, Southerly by land of Warner 65 feet and Westerly by land of Warner 364 feet.
Parcel 3. Containing 1.2 acres belonging to James W. Baker and Marian B. Baker is bounded Easterly by Charter Road 400 feet, Southerly by Massachusetts Avenue 270 feet, Northwesterly by land of Josephine Sebastian 410 feet.
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