USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1956-1960 > Part 22
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There has been added to the Perpetual Care Account and in Special Funds, the past year, in new and additional accounts, the sum of $5,837.88; this means that from these three ac- counts, the department has received and turned over to the Treasury the sum of $9,381.93.
We have submitted four articles for the Annual Town Meeting for March 10, 1958. One of the articles deals with the purchasing of 29 acres of land adjoining Mt. Hope Cemetery, West Acton, Mass .; as there is not much more land left in the present cemetery, we feel that now is the time to purchase this land, that is now available to the Town. Two of the articles deal with the authorization to transfer money to repurchase cemetery lots. One deals with the acceptance of a legacy and we recommend the approval of all the articles.
Respectfully submitted,
RAY L. HARRIS HOWARD F. JONES HARRY E. HOLT Cemetery Commissioners.
167
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my report for the year 1957. The Department removed a number of diseased or structurally weak trees along the Town ways.
Forty new trees were planted this year.
The Department received a new truck in August. This piece of equipment works very well and should serve the Town for many years.
Respectfully submitted, FRANKLIN H. CHARTER, Tree Warden.
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE GOODNOW FUND For the Year Ending December 31, 1957
INVESTMENTS
Charlestown Savings Bank $465.54
Concord Co-operative Bank Shares 3,000.00
$3,465.54
RECEIPTS
Cash on hand January 1, 1957
$58.96
Charlestown Savings Bank 14.54
Concord Co-operative Bank
95.64
$169.14
EXPENDITURES
Treasurer of the Evangelical Church in Acton $129.14
Town of Acton for perpetual care of Goodnow Lot in Woodlawn Ceme- tery 40.00
$169.14
THELMA L. BOATMAN, ROY H. LINSCOTT, Trustees of Goodnow Fund.
168
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE ELIZABETH WHITE FUND For the Year Ending December 31, 1957
The Trustees of this fund have signed orders to the Town Treasurer totaling eleven hundred dollars ($1,100.00).
Respectfully submitted,
HELEN B. WOOD, HAZEL P. VOSE, THELMA M. BLOOD, Trustees of Elizabeth White Fund.
ANNUAL REPORT OF RECREATION COMMISSION
January 7, 1958
In September the first Town Recreation Commission was appointed by the Selectmen, consisting of representatives from each part of the Town. An informal survey of present recreational facilities was made, in order to determine where our first emphasis should be placed. At the moment, our purpose is two-fold: to maintain and improve Town proper- ties now available for recreation to citizens of Acton, and to acquire additional properties suitable for future develop- ment. With suitable areas at our disposal, we hope eventu- ally to provide facilities for swimming, playground activities, and general outdoor recreation. The Commission feels strongly that careful long-range planning is necessary in the field of recreation in view of the rapid expansion of the Town and our present dearth of facilities. We hope for the Townspeople's loyal support, suggestions, and recom- mendations.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERICK T. HEYLIGER, Chairman NICHOLAS ALBANESE EARL F. HAYWARD, JR. MARGARET J. LUNDBERG PATIENCE H. MacPHERSON
January 13, 1958
169
TOWN OF ACTON BUILDING COMMITTEE
During the past year your Building Committee has been extremely active. Presently under construction, as a result of the Town's affirmative action in Town Meetings, are the West Acton Firehouse on Central Street and a twenty-room elementary school on Charter Road. The firehouse will be completed this spring, and the school in slightly more than a year.
The Building Committee would like to suggest that the procedure for appropriating money on future construction projects be changed. In almost all cases in the past, the actual construction cost of the building has exceeded the original estimates necessitating the committee to go back to the Town for additional money. We would suggest that at the time the Town authorizes the committee to hire an architect, sufficient money be appropriated to pay all fees necessary for the Town to receive the completed working plans of the proposed construction. The committee could then put these plans out for bid and upon receipt of the bid would go to the Town Meeting knowing the exact amount of money necessary to complete the job. If the Town Meet- ing approves the construction, enough cash should be in- cluded in the appropriation to pay the contractor's requisition for at least three months. This would enable the Town to pay the contractor while the bond issue was being arranged.
We wish to thank all the departments and personnel of the Town for their cooperation in the past year.
December 17, 1957
JAMES KINSLEY KENNETH JEWELL LLOYD PRIEST NORMAN McINTOSH
170
REPORT OF THE ARCHIVES COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
During the past year the Archives Committee has further investigated the possible improvements in the organization and preservation of the Town records and historical material.
It is now thought that the Town should engage in a pro- gram of microfilming all old records of importance. Talks with a representative of an experienced firm show that this is entirely feasible and that the project could be accomplished for a total expenditure of approximately $1,500. An article has been inserted in the Town Warrant seeking authorization for the necessary funds. The sum of $500 voted last year has been held in abeyance as it was found that the necessary work could be accomplished more economically if performed at one time.
The Committee notes with gratification that improvement has been made by members of the staff of the Town Clerk's office in the orderly rearrangement and maintenance of ma- terial in the Town vaults.
The Town has access to many pictures and documents of historical value and local interest which could be put on public display if adequate space were available. It is sug- gested that thought be given by the citizens to the planning of proper facilities for this purpose.
The Committee again wishes to stress the urgent need for more storage space and fireproof facilities to accommodate the constantly increasing volume of records of the various Town departments.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERICK KENNEDY, Chairman DONALD FELT JOYCE WOODHEAD
171
APRIL 19th, 1957 PRESENTATION OF CAPTAIN ISAAC DAVIS' SWORD
On the morning of April 19th, 1957 at the Old North Bridge at Concord, Mass., with the monument in the back- ground which commemorates the Battle of April 19th, 1775, with members of the Clergy, Honored Guests, Military Units and citizens from several nearby towns, Mr. Robert D. Parks, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen of Concord, Mass., pre- sented Capt. Isaac Davis' Sword, to Mr. Charles D. MacPher- son, Chairman of Selectmen of Acton, Mass.
Capt. Isaac Davis Sword was purchased from a member of the Davis family by the Town of Concord and it has been on display at the Concord Library for a great many years. At the Annual Town Meeting of 1957 the citizens of the Town of Concord, Mass., voted to return the Sword to Acton. It is now on display in its case in the room to the left as you enter the Acton Memorial Library, Acton, Mass.
Below are the remarks made by Mr. Robert D. Parks and Mr. Charles D. MacPherson at Concord, Mass., April 19th, 1957 which is symbolic of the friendship which exists be- tween the two towns.
172
173
THE ARCHIVES COMMITTEE
April 19th 1957 Presentation of Capt. Isaac Davis' Sword by Robert D. Parks, Chairman of Board of Selectmen
Reverend Members of the Clergy, honored guests, fellow citizens, it is my privilege, in behalf of the Town of Concord, to welcome you to this commemoration of one of America's most historic moments. Each year we gather here on April 19th to honor those who fired the first shot in the struggle for those freedoms and blessings which you and I enjoy today. Each year the deep significance of this first battle for freedom becomes more and more apparent as we study the world in which we live.
Each year April 19th serves as a vital reminder that we must continually rededicate ourselves to the preservation of those freedoms which are America's most priceless heritage. These freedoms cannot be taken for granted. They must be won again and again - every day of our lives. If we relax our vigilance, they can be lost overnight. If we yield to the false ideas abroad in the world today the fertile seed of liberty planted in this hallowed ground and the battle which took place here will have been in vain. It is our real respon- sibility to forever guard these principles which have given America its position of world leadership in these troubled times. We must prove ourselves equal to this leadership. With God's good guidance may we face squarely the challenge which is yours and mine.
May we ever be mindful of all which America offers us but sometimes we fail to fully appreciate. May we as strong men and women using the tools of friendship and understanding toward those who would be our friends make in our own way our personal contribution toward making this old world a better place in which to live. Symbolic of such friendship which can bind men, towns, and nations together in a common purpose is the sword of Capt. Issac Davis, a neighbor from Acton, who joined the Minutemen here at this bridge in that battle 182 years ago.
On the Concord Independent Battery's cannon is the fol- lowing inscription: "The Legislature of Massachusetts con-
174
secrate the names of Major John Buttrick and Captain Isaac Davis, whose valour and example excited their fellow- citizens to a successful resistance of a superior number of British troops at Concord Bridge the 19th of April, 1775, which was the beginning of a contest in arms that ended in American Independence." May his sword always be such a symbol of the good will and respect between two neighbors, who have learned to work and live together, over the years, in the finest traditions of Democracy in action. Therefore, it is a real honor for me at this time, in accordance with the unanimous wish of the citizens of Concord, to present this sword to the Town of Acton.
Remarks Delivered By Charles D. MacPherson April 19, 1957 At The Concord Bridge On The Occasion Of The Return Of Captain Isaac Davis' Sword To Acton.
I wish to express to the citizens of Concord the thanks and appreciation of the townspeople of Acton for the gift of Captain Isaac Davis' sword.
This courteous, generous and neighborly act had a pre- cedent in 1885, when the stepping stone on which Captain Davis reputedly fell, was presented to Acton to be incorpor- ated in the Acton monument, at whose dedication in 1851, Daniel Webster said:
"In the scene at Concord Bridge, Isaac Davis stands out in bold relief. He was the first American officer who sealed his devotion to the cause of liberty with his own blood."
Historical accounts tell us that in the fight at the Bridge, the Acton men occupied the post of greatest danger. The British volleys that killed Abner Hosmer, drummer, and Luther Blanchard, fifer, both Actonians, must have abruptly silenced the strains of the "White Cockade" to which the advancing column marched.
Yet for all the minutemen and militia present who shared with Concord the danger of this first organized attack on the troops of George the Third, there is glory and honor enough to go around.
Acton has always stood in a particularly close relationship to Concord. As one of her "daughter towns," she was known as the "West Village" until set off as a separate township in 1735. There is evidence to show that a plan for the defense of Concord, storehouse for military supplies, had been mu-
175
tually worked out; the Concord, Acton, Lincoln, Bedford and Carlisle companies had held a field day for training in Acton at which the Rev. William Emerson had preached.
Acton men have stood shoulder to shoulder with Concord men in subsequent wars. Dr. Johnson defined a neighbor as "partaking of the same nature and therefore entitled to good offices."
Today's action by Concord keeps alive this historic tradi- tion of neighborliness.
I thank you.
176
FIRST REPORT OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
January 13, 1958
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Industrial Development Committee was appointed by the Selectmen in accordance with the vote under Article 47 of the 1957 warrant. The Committee has met regularly and has spent considerable time discussing with our estab- lished industry, and with Town boards and officials, matters affecting the location and development of industry in Acton. It is the responsibility of the Industrial Development Com- mittee to study and report to the Selectmen whether special efforts should be made to encourage the location of industry here, rather than to engage in a program to attact industry without preliminary study.
To determine whether the attraction of industry to Acton is advisable, it should be asked what benefits would be de- rived from such efforts. Acton does not presently have an unemployment problem nor are local business and profes- sional interests suffering from a lack of customers or clients. Those present at your Committee's public meeting on November 14, 1957 indicated by their comments that their primary interest in locating more industry in Acton would be the presumed tax benefits. All of this tends to support the view that industrial development in Acton should be pro- moted only if as a consequence the tax rate can be reduced or its rate of growth lessened without impairing the char- acter of the community.
Our investigations have been two-fold in character: (1) to determine what effect present industry has had on Acton; (2) to review those factors which might be expected to induce industry to locate within this area. It is believed that Acton attracted existing industry primarily by having ample available low-priced land, by having relatively low taxes at the time, and by being centrally located from a distribution standpoint. These few points were mentioned most frequently by the companies contacted as reasons for locating in Acton. Other community assets seem to be available labor, ample utility services, and adequate high- ways. However, practically all industries moving into Acton have had problems in getting water to their property and likewise have experienced difficulties concerning drainage.
177
These companies do not appear to have caused the growth in Town population, nor do they predominantly employ Acton residents. The cost and profit of these industries to Acton has not yet been fully evaluated. It is known, however, that approximately one-eighth of Acton's taxable valuation is industrial land and buildings and other related taxable pro- perty.
All local industry has expressed a warm feeling for the Town and ·a desire to engage in no activity which would be harmful to the community. The large majority do not feel that additional industry in Acton would adversely affect them and they have expressed no requirement for additional services from the Town.
Your Industrial Development Committee intends to con- tinue further study which should lead to other specific recom- mendations for the future. Three points appear to be worthy of immediate consideration :
1) Whether or not Acton actively seeks new industry, it seems that an Industrial Code should be adopted. This code, which could incorporate such points as minimum acreage, set-backs, landscaping and architectural re- quirements, and specific acceptable types of industry, would act as protection for existing industry and present residents as much as for new industry and new residents.
2) An immediate and intensive effort to attract new in- dustry to Acton has been suggested. It is believed, however, that more comprehensive planning for our Town should be a prerequisite. Help in accomplishing this is available through the medium of the Urban Planning Assistance Program, Section 701, Title VII, Federal Housing Act of 1954, as administered by the Massachu- setts Department of Commerce, Division of Planning. Initial steps should be taken to investigate the potential value to Acton of Title VII aid. These steps require no Town appropriations whatsoever. Title VII planning, carried out by professional consultants and financed partly by the Federal Government, could include land use studies, tax base analyses, municipal fiscal forecasts and other problems affecting the future character of the Town. Acton's growth has reached a point at which major decisions in many areas including industrial development must be based on long-range thinking if the desirability of Acton is to be retained for future generations.
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3) In the meantime, the Industrial Development Committee feels that its services should be made available to those desiring information relating to the location of new industry in Acton.
FREDERICK H. BUBIER PAUL H. LESURE ELLEN D. LOTHROP RICHARD J. O'NEIL JOHN M. WHITTIER STEPHEN E. LORD, Chairman
179
REPORT OF ACTON SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
ORGANIZATION
Acton School Committee
Mr. George E. Neagle, Chairman Term Expires 1958
Mr. Thomas E. Wetherbee, Secretary Term Expires 1959
Mr. Lloyd E. Williamson Term Expires 1958
Mrs. Evelyn N. MacLean Term Expires 1959
Mrs. Elizabeth H. Boardman Term Expires 1960
Mr. Edmond J. McNiff Term Expires 1960
Meetings of the School Committee
Regular meetings are held the second Monday of each month in the Julia L. McCarthy Primary School at 7:30 P. M.
Tel.
Superintendent of Schools, William L. O'Connell 3-7738
School Physician, Paul P. Gates, M.D. 3-5671
School Nurse, Miss Barbara Clemence 3-7738
School Secretaries, Miss Wilma Erkkinen 1 3-7738
Mrs. Priscilla Felt
Mrs. Ida VonIderstein
3-4181
Attendance Officer, Mr. Louis Leveroni 3-4181
Principals :
Acton-Boxborough Regional High School,
Raymond J. Grey
3-7738
Julia L. McCarthy Primary School,
Mrs. Margaret H. Barrett 3-4982
Acton Elementary School, Mrs. Carolyn T. Douglas 3-4181
Acton Elementary School, Mrs. Carolyn T. Douglas 3-4181
180
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Reopening of All Schools, January 6, 1958
Winter Recess, February 24 - 28
Spring Recess, April 21 - 25
Memorial Day, May 30
Close of Acton Public Schools, Grades 1 - 6, June 13
Close of School, Grades 7 and 8, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, June 13
Graduation, June 13
Close of School, Grades 9 - 12, Acton - Boxborough Regional High School, June 20
Summer Recess
Teachers' Meetings, September 2
Reopening of Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, Grades 7 - 12, September 3, 1958
Reopening of Acton Public Schools, Grades 1 - 6, September 4 Visiting Day (Convention or Workshop), October 24
Columbus Day, October 12
Veterans' Day, November 11
Thanksgiving Recess, Noon November 26, 27, 28
Christmas Holidays, December 24, 1958 to January 2, 1959
Reopening of All Schools, January 5, 1959
Winter Recess, February 23 - 27
Spring Recess, April 20 - 24
Close of Acton Public Schools, Grades 1 - 6, June 12
Close of School, Grades 7 and 8, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, June 12
Graduation, June 12
Close of School, Grades 9 - 12, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, June 19
NO SCHOOL SIGNAL
1-1-1-1 7:15 A. M. No School Acton Public Schools - Grades 1 - 6
2-2-2- 2 7:00 A. M. No School All Schools All Day
181
ACTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT 1957
The School Committee respectfully submits this report for the year 1957.
For the first time in many years all Acton school children are housed in buildings of the School Department. With the opening of the Regional School, it has been possible to not only give up all rented space, but also to close the Center and West Schools. The closing of these schools, which were without facilities for present day teaching methods and which had worn out or inadequate heating, lighting and plumbing, has long been the aim of this committee.
It has been possible, also, with centralized housing, to offer hot lunches to all students.
The sixth grade this year is housed in the Regional School, and the same plan will be followed in 1958 - 1959. The fifth grade fills the South School. Grades one through four are in the Julia L. McCarthy School and the old High School. During the past summer the conversion of the High School science laboratory and practical arts shop made new rooms for three more classes.
The opening of the new Elementary School, planned for 1958, will bring all pupils into buildings equipped with modern teaching aids and facilities to make going to school a most pleasant and profitable experience.
This year a Curriculum Guide for grades one through six was put into effect. Written entirely by members of the Acton School Department - teachers and principals - this guide is designed to be used in conjunction with the State curriculum, and to give every child a complete and coordinated course of study.
The School Committee is proud of the Curriculum Guide and wishes to thank its authors and others of the School Department for their cooperation and effort throughout the
182
year. At the same time they wish to thank all the boards and committees of the Town for their interest and aid so willingly given.
ACTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE GEORGE E. NEAGLE, Chairman THOMAS E. WETHERBEE, Secretary MRS. ELIZABETH H. BOARDMAN MRS. EVELYN N. MacLEAN EDMOND J. McNIFF LLOYD E. WILLIAMSON
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee and Citizens of Acton:
Herewith is presented my fourth report as Superintendent of Schools for Acton:
School Finances 1957
Received - To the Credit of Schools
State Aid for Transportation $1,445.20
State Aid for Public Schools 65,579.01
Federal Aid
4,962.48
Education of Handicapped
2,812.50
Tuition - Commonwealth of Massacusetts
1,649.54
Tuition and Transportation - Town of Westford 504.00
Miscellaneous 201.06
$77,153.79
Net Cost of Operation
Appropriated, March, 1957:
Regional School District $155,781.36
Acton Public Schools 183,816.00
-$339,597.36
Total Amount Expended from Appropriations
Regional School District $152,703.21
Acton Public Schools 179,778.31
-$332,481.52
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Received to Credit of Schools ..
77,153.79
NET AMOUNT FROM LOCAL TAXES Less: Cost of New Equipment (Capital Outlay)
$255,327.73
1,617.74
NET COST OF OPERATION FROM 1957 LOCAL TAXES
$253,709.99
Expended for Operation in 1957
High
Elementary
Total
Instruction
$120,181.86
$127,698.42
$247,880.28
Books and Supplies
5,189.74
5,260.59
10,450.33
Plant Operation
13,896.26
23,001.70
36,897.96
Plant Maintenance
152.46
3,293.44
3,445.90
Auxiliary Agencies
1,304.64
12,123.54
13,428.18
Transportation
14,992.82
14,992.82
General Control
6,477.55
6,550.14
13,027.69
Contingencies
55.81
400.00
455.81
Gross Cost of Operation
$162,251.14
$178,327.83 $340,578.97
Gross Cost per high school pupil (411)* $394.77
Gross Cost per elementary school pupil (740)
$240.98
Gross Cost per pupil (1,151)
$295.90
Gross Cost of Operation (as above)
$162,251.14
$178,327.83
$340,578.97
Less Receipts
35,000.00
42,153.79
77,153.79
Net Cost of Operation
$127,251.14
$136,174.04
$263,425.18
Net Cost per high school pupil (411)
$309.61
Net Cost per elementary school pupil (740)
$184.02
Net Cost per pupil (1,151) * Does not include Boxborough students
$228.87
It should be noted that State Aid for 1957 was the same as the amount received in 1956, according to Chapter 559, Sections 4 and 5, which states that "reimbursements due on October 15, 1957 on account of General Laws, Chapter 70 will be the same as the November 20, 1956 distribution." Consequently, the net cost per pupil figures are not the lowest possible amounts. The balance of 1957 State Aid will be paid in March, 1958.
184
1958 SCHOOL BUDGETS
Total appropriation recommended by Acton School Committee $223,770.00
Net amount requested by Acton-Box- borough Regional District School Committee 191,452.00
$415,222.00
Estimate of School Aid and other State or Federal reimbursement $100,500.00
Estimate of other non-tax receipts for school support 1,500.00
Total non-local tax receipts for school support $102,000.00
Amount to be raised by local taxation
for support of schools $313,222.00
Estimated Receipts for 1958
STATE AND FEDERAL AID
General School Fund (Acton Public
Schools and Acton students in Re-
gional High School
$79,000.00
Balance due from 1957 State Aid 11,500.00
$90,500.00
Federal Aid
5,000.00
Transportation
2,000.00
Education of Handicapped
3,000.00
TOTAL STATE AND FEDERAL AID
$100,500.00
TUITION
Town of Westford $500.00
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
$1,000.00
TOTAL TUITION PAYMENTS
$1,500.00
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ACTON PUBLIC SHCOOLS Proposed Budget for 1958 January 1 - December 31, 1958
Salaries
Present Faculty
$156,975.00
Additional Needs - two teachers 3,280.00
Secretary
1,320.00
Substitutes
1,500.00
Summer Programs
500.00
Miscellaneous
500.00
Total Salaries $164,075.00
Books and Supplies
Acton Elementary School
$6,525.00
Julia L. McCarthy Primary School
2,250.00
Total Books and Supplies $8,775.00
Operation of Plants
Custodians
$10,400.00
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