USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1951-1955 > Part 13
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Parcel 4. Containing 4.6 acres belonging to Jose- phine E. Sebastian is bounded Northerly by land of War- ner 550.81 feet, Easterly by Charter Road 80 feet, South- easterly by land of James W. Baker et ux 410 feet, South- erly by Massachusetts Avenue 405.86 feet and Westerly by land of Josephine E. Sebastian 315 feet.
Parcel 5. Said parcel belongs to Josephine E. Se- bastian and is bounded Northerly by land of Harry F. Warner 210 feet, Easterly by other land of said Sebastian 315 feet, Southerly by Massachusetts Avenue 156 feet, Westerly by other land of said Sebastian 194.5 feet and Scutherly again by other land of said Sebastian 63 feet, containing 0.9 of an acre.
and to determine whether the money shall be raised by taxation or by appropriation of available funds in the treas- ury or take any action in relation thereto.
56
Voted Unanimously: That the Board of Selectmen be instructed to acquire by purchase or by eminent domain pro- ceedings or by both methods, all of the following described parcels of land for public use, including in such use the erec- tion of public buildings as shall be voted by the Town and a combined auditorium and gymnasium offered by the Trus- tees of the Blanchard Foundation in a letter dated March 8, 1952, and addressed to The Selectmen and The School Building Committee, which reads 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 Gymna- sium, 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 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 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 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 Audi- torium."
Should the citizens of the Town care to accept our offer, and will take necessary steps to consummate their part, we will gladly fulfill our obligation hereunder at any time between July 1, 1952 and December 31, 1952.
to wit:
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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, Westerly 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 Sebastion 410 feet.
Parcel 4. Containing 4.6 acres belonging to Joseph- ine E. Sebastian is bounded Northerly by land of Warner 550.81 feet, Easterly by Charter Road 80 feet, South- easterly by land of James W. Baker et ux 410 feet, Southerly by Massachusetts Avenue 405.86 feet and Westerly by land of Josephine E. Sebastian 315 feet.
Parcel 5. Said parcel belongs to Josephine E. Se- bastian and is bounded Northerly by land of Harry F. Warner 210 feet, Easterly by other land of said Sebastian 315 feet, Southerly by Massachusetts Avenue 156 feet, Westerly by other land of said Sebastian 194.5 feet and Southerly again by other land of said Sebastian 63 feet, containing 0.9 of an acre.
and that the sum of $15,000.00 be raised and appropriated for this purpose.
Voted: That the proceedings under this warrant be temporarily recessed and that we take up and dispose of the warrant called for 8:30 P.M., following which we will
58
return to consideration of the warrant with which we were originally concerned.
Article 2. To see if the Town will appoint a committee to make further investigation as to the location of an ele- mentary school, its size, cost and the desirability of purchas- ing land for its erection, and raise and appropriate a sum of money for the use of said committee or take any action thereon.
Voted: That Article 2 be laid on the table and that we take up consideration of Article 4.
Votea: To take Article 2 off the table
Voted: To pass over the article.
Article 3. To see what action the town desires to take in relation to the location of the Elementary School Build- ing as now provided for, or take any action thereon.
Voted: That the Elementary School Building now pro- vided for be located adjacent to or integrated with the pres- ent High School building, on land east of Charter Road now owned or to be acquired by the Town.
Article 4. To see if the town will appoint an Elemen- tary School Building Committee with full power to bind the Town in all manner of contracts and agreements neces- sary for the construction, equipment and furnishing of the Elementary School provided for by the Town at the Annual Town Meeting of March 10, 1952 or any other different Elementary School, or take any action in relation thereto.
Voted Unanimously: That the Moderator, the chair- man of the Finance Committee, and the Chairman of the School Committee, acting as an appointing committee, be authorized to appoint and to fill vacancies on an Elementary School Building Committee of seven members with full powers to bind the town in all manner of contracts and agree- ments necessary for the construction, equipment and furn- ishing of an Elementary School provided for by the town at the Town Meeting of March 10, 1952, and that this com-
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mittee report to the town clerk by May 31, 1952. Commit- tee appointed : Edward J. Bursaw, Leo C. Cunningham, Dana B. Hinckley, Porter G. Jenks, Ormal Laffin, Marion C. Reed and Walter B. Stevens.
Article 5. To see if the Town will vote to create with another town or other towns a regional school district plan- ning board.
Voted: To pass over the article.
Article 6. To see if the Town will vote to instruct the Moderator to appoint three members of an unpaid board to be known as a regional school district planning board of which one of said three members shall be a member of the Acton School Committee and to raise and appropriate the sum of five hundred dollars ($500) for the use of said board.
Voted: That the Town create a special committee to be known as the Regional School District Planning Committee, as provided for in Sections 14, 14A, and 14B of Chapter 71, General Laws now or as subsequently amended, to consist of three members, including one member of the School Committee, to be appointed by the Moderator, to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Selectmen and to raise and appropriate $500 for expenses. Committee appointed : Robert M. Stow, Thomas Motley 2nd, and Leonard A. Godfrey, Jr.
Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to accept a gift of $500 from the estate of Murray Brown to the Acton Memorial Library and to authorize the Trustees of said Library to expend said sum for the purchase of reference books, or act anything thereon.
Voted: To accept a gift of $500 from the estate of Murray Brown to the Acton Memorial Library and that
60
the Trustees of said Library be authorized to expend said sum for the purchase of reference books.
Meeting adjourned at 10:30 P.M.
Number of voters checked 335.
At true copy. Attest: HARLAN E. TUTTLE,
Town Clerk
The following recommendations of the Finance Com- mittee pertain to the applicable articles considered at the Town Meeting on May 19, 1952 at 8:00 P.M .:
Article 1
This article provides for acquiring approximately ' twenty-four (24) acres of land west of Charter Road, on which would be placed the Blanchard Auditorium and Gymnasium and such other buildings as the Town may wish. This Article does not provide for accepting the Blanchard offer which cannot be accomplished until after June 30, 1952.
It is important that title to this land be acquired promptly and we recommend that the sum of $15,000 be raised by taxation for the purchase of all parcels described.
Article 2
The Finance Committee does not favor the expenditure of any money under this Article. It is our opinion that the expenditure of further time and money by another com- mittee for the purposes stated is unnecessary.
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A previous committee has presented recommendations and the Town has voted money for an eight-room building. The location and appointment of a Building Committee are provided for in other articles to be considered.
Article 3
No recommendation by the Finance Committee is necessary.
Article 4
The Finance Committee favors the immediate appoint- ment of an Elementary School Building Committee for the purpose of undertaking the responsibilities related to the construction of the elementary school provided for at the Annual Meeting on March 10, 1952.
Article 5
The Finance Committee believes it improper to take favorable action under this Article inasmuch as the last previous formal action by the Town was opposed to such a move.
It is our opinion that the proper opportunity for the Town to express its intentions is available under Article 6.
Article 6
It is recommended that a Regional School District Planning Committee be appointed and that the sum of $500 be transferred from surplus revenue for its use.
Article 7
It is recommended that this gift be accepted.
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ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, MAY 19, 1952, 8:30 P.M.
Article 1. To see if the town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $15,000.00 for the purpose of acquiring by purchase or by right of eminent domain all or a portion of the following described parcel of land for school purposes including the erection thereon of the school building pro- vided for under Article 7 of the Acton town meeting of March 10, 1952.
Land sometimes referred to as the Kelley Home- stead, beginning at the northwestern corner of Massa- chusetts Avenue and Main Street thence northerly along Main Street, to the estate of George Todd, thence west- erly on a line bounded by the properties of George Todd, John F. Coughlin, and William C. Kazokas to Charter Road, thence southerly along Charter Road to land owned by the Town of Acton, thence along town land easterly and then southerly to Massachusetts Avenue thence to the point of beginning, and containing about Thirty Acres of land more or less.
and to determine whether the money shall be provided for by taxation, by appropriation from available funds in the treasury, or take any action in relation thereto. (Inserted in warrant on petition bearing not less than one hundred (100) signatures.)
Voted: That the Board of Selectmen be instructed to acquire forthwith by purchase or by eminent domain pro- ceedings all of the following described parcel of land for school purposes.
Land sometimes referred to as the Kelley Home- stead, beginning at a stone bound at the northeasterly corner of land owned by the Town of Acton, thence north- erly along said Kelley land to a stake at land now or formerly of George Todd, said stake being located at
63
a point westerly 200 feet more or less from the westerly line of Main Street, thence westerly on a line bounded by the properties of George Todd, John F. Coughlin, and William C. Kazokas to Charter Road, thence southerly along Charter Road to the land owned by the Town of Acton, thence easterly along said town land to the point of beginning, and containing about Twenty Acres of land more or less.
and that the sum of $15,000.00 be transferred from Surplus Revenue for this purpose.
Voted: To take a hand vote.
Tellers appointed and sworn by the Moderator
Walter A. Stevens
Frederick A. Harris
Wm. Henry Soar
Theron A. Lowden
H. Stuart MacGregor Robert M. Stow
Total Vote Cast 288
Yes
274
No
14
Meeting adjourned at 10:00 P.M.
A true copy. Attest : HARLAN E. TUTTLE,
Town Clerk
The following recommendations of the Finance Com- mittee pertain to the applicable articles considered at the Town Meeting on May 19, 1952, at 8:30 P.M .:
Article 1
If the Town desires to locate the new elementary school generally easterly and adjacent to the present High School and believes the acquisition of this land to be desirable from the viewpoint of the future welfare of the Town, the Finance Committee recommends the appropriation of $15,000 from the Surplus Revenue Fund for this program. The Finance Com mittee does not favor the purchase of buildings now on this property.
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ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, JULY 28, 1952
Article 1. To see if the Town will vote to accept the gift of the Blanchard Foundation which reads as follows:
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 con- struction of 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, upon 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 Massa- chusetts Avenue, and on the East by Charter Road, as both streets are now laid out; that no other building or build- ings 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 build- ing 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. or act anything thereon.
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Voted Unanimously: To accept with thanks the gift of the Blanchard Foundation.
Article 2. To see if the Town will vote to appoint a committee of seven members to act as the Auditorium and Gymnasium Building Committee, instruct said committee to report to the Town at a Special Town Meeting as to the size ยท and cost of said Auditorium and Gymnasium and to transfer the sum of $5,000.00 from the Surplus Revenue Account for use of said committee or act anything thereon.
Voted: That a committee of seven members namely :
Porter G. Jenks Marion C. Reed Ormal S. Laffin Edward J. Bursaw Leo C. Cunningham
Dana B. Hinckley Walter B. Stevens
act as the Auditorium and Gymnasium Building Committee and instruct said Committee to report to the Town at a Special Town Meeting as to the size and cost of said Audi- torium and Gymnasium and to transfer the sum of $5,000.00 from the Surplus Revenue Account for use of said committee.
July 23, 1952
To the Selectmen of the Town of
Acton, Massachusetts
Since it may be advantageous to the Town of Acton that the contracts for the new elementary school building and the auditorium be let at the same time, we waive the condition in our offer of financial aid in the construction of the auditorium which required that the Town start construc- tion of a new school building integrated with, or adjacent
66
to, the present high school, prior to the acceptance of our offer.
Very truly yours,
WEBSTER S. BLANCHARD HAZEL G. BLANCHARD ARTHUR F. BLANCHARD
Trustees of The Blanchard Foundation.
Finance Committee
Town of Acton
Town Hall
Acton, Massachusetts July 21, 1952
Massachusetts School Building Assistance Commission 88 Broad Street
Boston, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
A special town meeting has been called in Acton on Mon- day, July 28, 1952, at 8 P.M. for the purpose of acting on the acceptance of a gift of $150,000 from the Blanchard Foundation for the purpose of "aiding in the construction of 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 gift must be accepted between July 1, 1952 and December 31, 1952, and is valid only "upon the start of construction by the Town of a new school building integrated with, or adjacent to, the present high school."
This matter is being referred to the attention of the School Building Assistance Commission in order to deter- mine the extent to which state assistance can be given toward the construction of the proposed Auditorium and Gymnasium. Attached herewith is a copy of the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting, which contains the complete offer to the Town respecting the gift. It is expected that
67
if such an essential structure can be added to and integrated with our other school facilities, that it will be placed under the jurisdiction of the School Committee and will be available for our rapidly expanding school needs.
As a result of discussions and studies during the past three years, it now appears as though the requirements of the Town in respect to its school system and organization are nearing realization. Staff members of the School Build- ing Assistance Commission are familiar with the Develop- ments which have taken place and have recently reviewed the plans for the new $300,000 Elementary School Building, which was approved by the voters in March, 1952. In addi- tion to approving funds for this new Elementary School, the town voted for the appointment of a Regional School Build- ing Study Committee, which would explore the opportuni- ties for constructing High School facilities in cooperation with any neighboring communities.
Although the problem in relation to high school require- ments cannot be resolved at least until this new Committee has made its study and report, indications appear favorable that the towns of Acton, Boxboro, and Littleton can co- ordinate their needs in such a manner as to be eligible for State assistance. There is also considerable reason for be- lieving that any new regional high school facility which might result from the forthcoming discussions with the towns of Boxboro and Littleton might well be located on the 25-acre plot of land which is now being acquired for the proposed Auditorium and Gymnasium.
A new High School will be imperative within approxi- mately five years, and it is hoped that the proposed Audi- torium and Gymnasium can be constructed of sufficient size to accomodate the athletic needs of this new High School. Preliminary estimates by the architect (S. W. Haynes and Associates) indicate that a new auditorium-gymnasium with a basketball court, 50' x 84', and capacity of seating 400 people, would cost approimately $298,000. It is therefore evident that assistance by the State to the extent of 49 per cent would, combined with the money which the Town
68
of Acton must appropriate, namely $150,000, defray the total expense of a structure sufficiently large to meet the needs of either a regional or a local high school. If State assistance were to be granted in the amount of 35 per cent of the total cost of a new building, the Town could construct, based on appropriating its $150,000 gift, a structure, the total cost of which would be approximately $230,000, which also might be sufficiently large to be satisfactory to the Com- mission for State Assistance.
Because of the present commitments totalling over $300,- 000 for an elementary school and required land, and the inevitable obligations which it must assume in approxi- mately five years for a new high school facility, it is not be- lieved prudent to obligate the Town for additional expense in connection with the proposed new Auditorium and Gym- nasium. Consequently, it is hoped that the Commission will be willing to indicate the basis on which State assist- ance can be granted to the Town of Acton toward the con- struction of the proposed new building.
This communication is being directed to your atten- tion by the Finance Committee of the Town of Acton by unanimous vote of its members at its meeting held on July 14, 1952. Your favorable consideration of this subject will be greatly appreciated, both by the Committee and by the residents of the Town.
Respectfully yours,
JOHN M. WHITTIER, Clerk, Finance Committee
Voted: To adjourn at 8:25 P.M.
A true copy. Attest : HARLAN E. TUTTLE,
Town Clerk
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ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, DECEMBER 1, 1952
Article 1. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $150 from Tree Department Wages to Tree Depart- ment Expense, or act anything thereon.
Voted Unanimously: To transfer the sum of $150 from Tree Department Wages to Tree Department Expense.
Article 2. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $1,100 from Board of Health Expenses to Board of Health Salaries, or act anything thereon.
Voted Unanimously: To transfer the sum of $1,100 from Board of Health Expenses to Board of Health Salaries.
Article 3. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $600 from General Relief to Disability Allowance, or act anything thereon.
Voted Unanimously: To transfer the sum of $600 from General Relief to Disability Allowance.
Article 4. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $1,600 from such surplus accounts in the School Bud- get to such deficit accounts in the School Budget as the School Committee may vote, or act anything thereon.
Voted Unanimously: To transfer the sum of $1,600 from such surplus accounts in the School Budget to such deficit accounts in the School Budget as the School Com- mittee may vote.
Article 5. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $100 from Article 26 of the March 10, 1952 annual meeting, covering the purchase of an Air Compressor, to the Buildings and Grounds appropriation for repairs to West Acton Fire House doors, or act anything thereon.
Voted Unanimously : To transfer the sum of $100 from Article 26 of the March 10, 1952 annual meeting, covering the purchase of an Air Compressor, to the Buildings and Grounds appropriation for repairs to West Acton Fire House doors.
Voted to adjourn at 8:10 P.M.
Thirty-two present.
A true copy. Attest: HARLAN E. TUTTLE,
Town Clerk
TO
TOWN ELECTION, MARCH 3, 1952
Pct. 1 Pct. 2 Pct. 3 Total
Whole number of ballots cast .. 223
233
318 774
MODERATOR, one year
Albert P. Durkee
206
195
288
689
Scattered
1
1
1
3
Blanks
16
37
29
82
TOWN CLERK, one year
Harlan E. Tuttle
209
217
301
727
Blanks
14
16
17
47
SELECTMAN, three years
George S. Braman
211
205
283
699
Scattered
1
1
2
Blanks
12
27
34
73
ASSESSOR, three years
Carl C. Flint
198
218
293
709
Blanks
25
15
25
65
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE, three years
A. Perry Marble
211
202
285
698
Blanks
12
31
33
76
TREASURER, one year
William Henry Soar
207
208
289
704
Blanks
16
25
29
70
COLLECTOR OF TAXES, one year
Ethel A. Davis
201
207
295
703
Scattered
1
1
Blanks
22
25
23
70
71
SCHOOL COMMITTEE, three years
Leonard A. Godfrey, Jr.
144
127
182
453
Marion C. Reed
108
129
177
414
Wilson D. Sked
150
143
168
461
Scattered
1
1
Blanks
44
67
108
219
SCHOOL COMMITTEE, one year
Leo C. Cunningham
103
137
184
424
H. Calvin Gaebel
107
88
107
302
Blanks
13
8
27
48
CONSTABLES, one year
Edward J. Collins, Jr.
198
201
282
681
Michael Foley
193
210
288
691
T. Frederick S. Kennedy
195
194
280
669
Ivar Peterson
210
199
276
685
Scattered
2
2
Blanks
96
126
146
368
CEMETERY COMMISSIONER, three years
Howard F. Jones
206
210
283
699
Blanks
17
23
35
75
BOARD OF HEALTH, three years
O. Lawrence Clark
202
195
275
672
Blanks
21
36
41
98
Scattered
2
2
4
TRUSTEE OF MEMORIAL LIBRARY, three years
Frederick T. Heyliger
154
132
107
393
Katherine M. Kinsley
63
95
206
364
Blanks
6
6
5
17
TREE WARDEN, one year
Franklin H. Charter
209
210
298
717
Scattered
1
1
Blanks
13
23
20
56
72
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION HELD NOVEMBER 4, 1952
R. Republican D. Democratic
S. L. Socialist Labor
P. Pro. Peace Progressive P. Prohibition
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