USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1962-1964 > Part 22
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Delinquent Child - Breaking and Entering Nightime
1
Delinquent Child - Driving without a License.
2
Delinquent Child - Habitual School Offender.
1
Delinquent Child - Larceny .
7
Delinquent Child - Malicious Destruction of Property . 8
Delinquent Child - Operating an Uninspected Motor Vehicle . 1
1
Delinquent Child - Disturbance at School
1
Towing Uninsured Motor Vehicle.
Delinquent Child - Assault and Battery.
1
Labor on the Lord's Day
120
228th ANNUAL REPORT OF
Delinquent Child - Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle 2
Delinquent Child - Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle 2
Delinquent Child - Operating so as to Endanger . 2
Delinquent Child - Possession of Burglarious Tools
1
Delinquent Child - Red Light
1
Delinquent Child - Speeding
7
Delinquent Child - Stubborn Child
1
Delinquent Child - Towing Unregistered Motor Vehicle .
1
Delinquent Child - Trespassing
Delinquent Child - Using Motor Vehicle without Authority
5
576
MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT REPORT
1962
1963
Total number of Accidents covered by the Department
121
156
Number of Occupants Injured
29
74
Number of Occupants Killed.
1
0
Number of Pedestrians Injured .
2
7
Bicyclists Injured.
3
0
MISCELLANEOUS STATISTICS
Bicycles Registered
173
Complaints Received and Investigated
213
Cruiser Ambulance Trips to Acton Medical Center.
13
Cruiser Ambulance Trips to Emerson Hospital
103
Cruiser Trips to Metropolitan State Hospital
9
Defective Equipment tickets .
39
Doors found unlocked in buildings and places of business
37
Electric Wires down and Reported to Edison.
14
Emergencies Answered.
139
Fire Alarms Answered .
113
Motorists Assisted by Patrol
66
Motor Vehicles checked by Night Patrol .
167
Nightime Parking Tickets
93
Parking Tickets .
32
Property Check, Slips left at Request of Owners
1,131
Prowlers Reported ..
9
Summonses sent out for service
210
Summonses Served ..
336
Telephone Calls - Incoming
5,805
Telephone Calls - Outgoing
Telephone Calls - received re. "No School'
200
Times Resuscitator was used .
22
Total number of Arrests made
47
Traffic Lights out and Reported to Department of Public Works
33
There were 906 Motor Vehicles checked by the Department of Traffic or Motor Vehicle violations for which operators received verbal warnings, sum- monses to appear in court or had the violation reported to the Registrar for action.
FATALS
One Pedestrian Fatal in 1963
251
Street Lights out, Reported to Edison.
3,868
3
121
THE TOWN OF ACTON
CRUISERS
I have recommended to the Board of Selectmen, that both cruisers be traded in 1964.
RADAR
At the annual Town Meeting, we will have an article to purchase a Radar Unit. This is a very essential unit to control speed in your town.
The accident rate for 1963 increased over 1962 by approximately 15%. This is a sharp increase in a one year span.
Our Automobile Insurance rates in Acton are one of the lowest in the state. If we are to stay in this low range area, we must keep our accident rate down. A Radar Unit is the best piece of equipment to control speed. When speed is controlled, the accident rate will be lower.
POLICE STATION
In 1963, the town purchased the land to build a Police Station. An article will be entered on the 1964 Annual Town Warrant for money to build a station.
In closing, I would like to thank all the members of my department who worked with me in carrying out the duties of the Police Department during the year and to the Board of Selectmen and all others who assisted us in any way, I am grateful.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD J. COLLINS, JR. Chief of Police
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC CEREMONIES AND CELEBRATIONS COMMITTEE
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Committee has worked to improve the observance of patriotic holi- days and to promote interest in the proud history of our town.
The highlights of our activities are as follows:
ORGANIZATION OF THE ACTON MINUTEMEN AND FIRST MUSTER Saturday, February 9, 1963
The Public Ceremonies and Celebrations Committee in looking forward to the Two Hundredth Anniversary of The Fight at The Old North Bridge, ap- proved the suggestion of the Chairman that the Acton Minutemen be reac- tivated.
The First Muster was held at The Acton-Boxborough Regional High School Auditorium on Saturday, February 9, 1963 with an enthusiastic crowd of over four hundred attending. Relics of 1775 were on display guarded by Acton Explorers. Kettles, loaned by The Acton Memorial Library, which had been used to cook food for the Acton Minutemen as they fought at The Old North Bridge and along the road toward Boston, were displayed on stage.
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228th ANNUAL REPORT OF
Members of the Acton Minutemen of 1925 who participated in the One Hun- dred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the Fight at The Old North Bridge were present and were introduced. Mr. Frank Weatherby, resplendent in colonial attire sat on stage at an authentic early american table and served as Muster Master, registering with a quill pen all those who volunteered for the new Acton Minutemen. Chairman of Selectmen, Mr. Arthur Lee read a proclama- tion calling for the organization of the Acton Minutemen. Mr. Ray Shamel, chairman of the Public Ceremonies & Celebrations Committee, gave an en- thusiastic address recalling Acton's significant role in the American Revolu- tion and announcing the reactivation of the Acton Minutemen. Mr. Clark McElvein explained the organizational plans and announced the next Acton Minuteman Muster. The audience was then thrilled with the wonderful and stirring music of The Lynn Village Drum Band.
Following the Muster the Lynn Village Drum Band and their wives, Dr. Francis McDonald, the Selectmen, the Steering Committee, and other honored guests were entertained at The Acton Woman's Club where a surprise birth- day cake in the form of a large colonial. drum, made by Mrs. R. A. Shamel, was presented to the Lynn Village Drum Band in celebration of their second anniversary.
FIRST PERMANENT LIGHTING OF THE ISAAC DAVIS MONUMENT 6:45 P.M. - April 18, 1963
A ceremony before a large crowd of Actonians preceeded the first per- manent illumination of the Captain Isaac Davis Monument which was erected in 1851 and contains the bodies of Captain Isaac Davis, Abner Hosmer and James Hayward, - Acton Minutemen who were killed on the first day of The American Revolution.
The speakers for the occasion were Mr. Richmond Miller of the Public Ceremonies and Celebrations Committee, Mr. Charles MacPherson, Chair- man of the Board of Selectmen, and Captain Alfred S. Cleaves U.S.N.R. Deputy Chief of Staff for Naval Reserve First Naval District.
As the monument was illuminated, there was a hearty round of applause from the crowd. A cannon salute fired by The Sixth Massachusetts Contin- entals of Northampton, with their Revolutionary War era cannon. Then the Stars and Stripes were raised to the top of the Captain Isaac Davis Monument as Philip Morrison sang The Star Spangled Banner.
The Acton Minutemen were represented by Mr. Luke Gardiner, Chief Musician, and by drummer Francis Davis and fifer Jacqueline Cowley. Mrs. Robert Hunt represented Acton's Captain Isaac Davis Chapter of the D.A.R. The lighting ceremonies were coordinated by Raymond Shamel.
THE CAPTAIN ISAAC DAVIS BALL April 18, 1963 - ABRHS Auditorium
This First Captain Isaac Davis Ball, sponsored by the Acton Lions Club and The Public Ceremonies & Celebrations Committee was a gala pre- Patriots Day social event. The Sixth Massachusetts Continentals of Northampton provided an Early American drill performance at the inter- mission. Proceeds of the Ball were donated to The Acton Lions Club Ed- ucational Fund, providing money for two scholarships and for the ABRHS Science Fair.
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THE TOWN OF ACTON
REENACTMENT OF THE DR. PRESCOTT-JOHN ROBBINS RIDE
1:00 A.M. - April 19, 1963
This second reenactment of the Dr. Prescott-John Robbins Ride followed the early morning time schedule of the original messengers. Miss Beverly Abbt, portraying Dr. Prescott arrived at Minuteman Captain Robbin's home- site on Old Concord Road at 1:00 A.M. bringing the first alarm to Acton: "Captain Robbins, Captain Robbins, the Regulars are coming! Young John Robbins, son of Captain Joseph Robbins, as portrayed by Stephen Smalley, then quickly mounted and galloped off to take the alarm to the Captain Isaac Davis home on Hayward Road and on to the Captain Simon Hunt Home, Acton's famous Liberty Tree House. The present owner Marguerite White served delicious refreshments and hot coffee to the entire crowd that ob- served and followed the reenactment of this historic Acton ride.
PATRIOTS DAY PROGRAM April 19, 1963
6:00 A.M. At The Capt. Isaac Davis Home, Hayward Road
Acton's celebration of Patriots Day centers around the retracing of The Line of March of The Acton Minutemen of 1775 who under the command of Captain Isaac Davis, left the Davis homesite on April 19th, 1775 at 6:45 A.M. and marched to the Muster Field at Concord near the Old North Bridge. Here Captain Isaac Davis's immortal words, "I haven't a man that is afraid to go", resulted in the placing of The Acton Minutemen at the head of the line which met the British at The Old North Bridge and returned their fire with "the shot heard 'round the world" in the first successful organized military resistance to the British Arms, and the beginning of The American Revolution.
Highlights of the 6:00 A.M. Program were martial music by The Acton- Boxborough Regional High School Band, Mr. Constantine Limberakis direct- ing, cannon fire by The Sixth Mass. Continentals, and retracing of the line of march of The Acton Minutemen to the Old North Bridge to the music of "The White Cockade" by fifers Giles Lowden & Richard Sawdo and drummer David Lowden and The ABRHS Band. At the Concord Muster Field the marchers had refreshments and were then escorted by the ABRHS Band to the Concord Ceremonies at The Old North Bridge.
Friday - 2:00 P.M. to 5:30 P.M., Acton Open House with the following exhibits: The Town Hall - The Isaac Davis Plow exhibited by the D.A.R. The Town Hall Historic Objects of the Revolution exhibited by The Acton Historical Society, Mrs. Albert Wunderly in charge. The Memorial Library- Historical Objects of the Civil War exhibited by The Acton Historical Society, . Mr. Richmond Miller in charge. The Acton Woman's Club - Antiques of Early Acton displayed by the owners, Mrs. Albert Jenks in charge.
MEMORIAL DAY 1963
In the week prior to Memorial Day, the Committee purchased and dis- tributed to all of the Acton Cemeteries geraniums and flags for all veterans graves through the very kind efforts of the Acton Cemetery Department and its Superintendent, Fred S. Kennedy. The members of the Acton Cemetery Department and the Town Highway Department were both very cooperative and helpful in the preparation of the cemeteries and the route of the parade.
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228th ANNUAL REPORT OF
The parade formed in Acton Center at 8:00 a.m. with the following groups in the line of March: Following the Marshal and His Aides, the Colors and the Color Guard, The Selectmen and Elected Town Officials, the Sergeant-at-Arms and the Wreath Bearers, consisting of Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Brownies, The Edwards-Quimby Post American Legion and Auxiliary, Veterans of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard, The Acton-Boxborough Regional High School Band under the direction of Mr. Constantine Limberakis, The Acton Minutemen, The Acton Fire De- partment, the Girl Scouts, the Brownies, the Cub Scouts, and the Boy Scouts. At the services in front of the Town Hall Rev. Justin J. Hartman offered prayer, and wreaths were placed on the respective monuments in honor of all the deceased veterans of all of Acton of all wars. The Parade proceeded to the Woodlawn Cemetery where similar services were held with the Rev. Dean Starr offering prayers.
From Woodlawn Cemetery the parade was transported in buses to South Acton for the next segment of the Parade. The Parade re-formed in the South Acton Shopping Center parking lot and marched along Main Street to Quimby Square.
In Quimby Square a wreath was placed in honor of Private Howard L. Quimby who was the first soldier from Acton to give his life in World War I. Also a floral spray was cast upon the waters in honor of all Navy and Marine Veterans who have given the supreme sacrifice. The Parade proceeded to the South Acton Fire House for a coffee break which was served to all the marchers by the Junior Guild of the South Acton Congregational Church under the chairmanship of its president Mrs. Alberta Knight.
Once more the parade was transported by buses to the Mt. Hope Ceme- tery where a wreath was placed in honor of all veterans who are buried there, and the prayer was offered by Rev. J. Gary Campbell. The Parade then marched to Edwards Square.
In Edwards Square the parade formed around the Mead Triangle. A wreath was placed in honor of Pvt. Sidney Edwards, and the prayer was offered by Rev. Father Charles B. Kearns. At exactly noon the Explorer Scouts posted the colors to the top of the mast, and Taps were played followed by the singing of the National Anthem lead by Mr. Philip Morrison. The ceremony was concluded with the benediction given by Rev. William Keech. From noon until 12:20 p.m. Mrs. Philip Morrison played the chimes of the West Acton Baptist Church.
The entire program attendance was estimated at 5,000.
FLAG DAY June 14, 1963 At The Captain Isaac Davis Monument - 7:00 P.M.
Highlight of Program
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION by R. A. Shamel. READING OF THE FLAG DAY PROCLAMATION by Richmond Miller. PRESENTATION OF AN AMERICAN FLAG by Clark McElvein to Officer Norman Roche, one of Ac- ton's decorated veterans, in appreciation of his services to our Country and as Marshall of the Memorial Day Parade. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Dr. Francis McDonald, Concord Citizen of the Year 1963. HISTORY OF THE ISAAC DAVIS TRAIL MARCH AND OF THE SCROLL AWARDS by Mrs. Robert Hunt. PRINCIPAL ADDRESS by Dr. Richard Walden Hale, Jr.
125
THE TOWN OF ACTON
distinguished Archivist of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. PRESENTA- TION OF AWARDS to original group of Boy Scouts of Troop 1 who under the leadership of Scoutmaster Ivan Wold, were first in recent times to march over the Isaac Davis Trail on Patriots Day. AWARD OF ISAAC DAVIS TRAIL SCROLL by Mr. Charles MacPherson and by Mrs. Robert Hunt to Charles Randriamasimanana, exchange student from Madagascar. AWARDS OF SCROLLS TO THE ACTON MINUTEMEN by Mrs. Robert Hunt. AWARD OF SCROLL TO MISS KRISTINA KNIPPEL representing all other who marched over the trail. SERVICE AWARDS FOR ASSISTANCE IN PUBLIC CEREMONIES AND CELEBRATIONS by Mr. Raymond Shamel.
PRESIDENT JOHN FITZGERALD KENNEDY MEMORIAL SERVICE OLD NORTH BRIDGE November 25, 1963 - 12 O'clock Noon
The Acton Public Ceremonies & Celebrations Committee on invitation received through Dr. Francis McDonald cooperated with the Concord In- dependent Battery in arranging a solemn and impressive memorial service at 12 o'clock noon at the Old North Bridge. Acton's Selectmen, The Acton Minutemen, all Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and their affiliated organizations, the veterans organizations, and as many others as could be appropriately contacted in the short time available, were invited to attend. The Ceremony took place simultaneously with the funeral services being held in Washington for the slain President. The twenty one gun salute, fired at three minute intervals, was proceeded by a moment of silent prayer and concluded by "taps" played by Albert Christiansen. The 100% participation of The Acton Minutemen led by Col. Walter Johnson as a memorable and impressive part of the ceremony. Chairman of Selectmen, Mr. Charles MacPherson actively participated in the firing of the twenty one gun salute. Almost all Acton Boy Scout and Girl Scout Organizations were represented as was the Edwards- Quimby Post of The American Legion. Mrs. Robert Hunt represented Ac- ton's Captain Isaac Davis Chapter of the D.A.R. Major General Otis Whitney and Dr. Francis McDonald were among the distinguished participants. The Public Ceremonies and Celebrations Committee was represented by Chair- man Raymond Shamel and by Mr. Clark McElvein who also represented the U.S. Naval Reserve.
It was the fourth occasion on which these cannon had fired a salute for a slain President, (Lincoln, Garfield, Mckinley, and Kennedy) and was indeed an impressive memorial service and a tribute long to be remember by all who attended.
CONCLUSION
The Committee is most appreciative of the enthusiastic support which has again in '63 led to record breaking attendance at Acton's Public Cere- monies and Celebrations. We are indeed grateful for the outpouring of co- operation and goodwill from the many many individuals and organizations that willingly and generously gave their time and effort in assuming the re- sponsibility for the projects both large and small yet each of great impor- tance to the smooth and successful operation of a Public Ceremony or Celebration. To illustrate, as but one example, the Patriots Day Band Breakfast involved the organization of a sizeable task force, planning a menu, arranging for physical facilities, buying needed food and supplies, critical timing, cooking, serving, cleaning up afterwards, and writing a report which includes accounting for expenses and making recommendations for better operations on the following year. A big job, and yet like so many others, it was completed and the willing workers were gone before any
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228th ANNUAL REPORT OF
official "thank you" could be brought to them, or even all of the helpers identified. When one considers the many projects, like the special plantings (Acton Garden Club), the receptions and refreshments (Acton Women's Club), the innumerable services of The Boy Scouts and Explorers, the planting of hundreds of geraniums and placing of flags (Acton Cemetery Commission), serving of the Memorial Day Marchers (South Acton Congregational Church Junior Guild) to mention only a few, one can understand our pride in the wonderful, cooperative, and public spirited people of our town, and our deep appreciation which is certainly echoed by all who enjoyed our Acton Pro- grams.
We specifically want to thank for their wholehearted cooperation, our Selectmen, Mr. Charles MacPherson, Mr. Arthur Lee, and Mr. Lawrence Donnelly, The Public Schools, Mr. Limberakis and the wonderful ABRHS Band, and the Acton Police and Fire Departments and The Acton Cemetery Commission. The Acton Highway Department has done a splendid job in having our streets and public lawns in perfect order for every Public Celebration.
The Committee is appreciative of the cooperation received from all media of news dissemination in giving generous advance publicity and excellent reporting in both words and pictures, which now has become part of Acton's history and has spread the knowledge of Acton's historic impor- tance and patriotic enthusiasm over a wide area. Our thanks to Mr. Earle Tuttle, Publisher; Mr. Frederick Capone, Editor of The Beacon; Mr. Jason Korell, Editor of The Concord Free Press; Mr. Rudolph Currier, Editor of The Acton Enterprise; and to all of their able reporters and photographers, and to Mrs. Robert Wylie, Columnist, and to Mr. Ira Kaiser, free-lance photographer for all of their assistance.
The Committee is pleased to disclose that Acton's Public Ceremonies and Celebrations have been noticed by The Freedom Foundation which is headed by Admiral Arleigh Burke, ex-President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and other notable Americans. We have been advised that The Freedom Founda- tion is considering Acton, among many others, for a Freedom Foundation Award! To be even a candidate for this great honor is in itself an honor which reflects the quality and quantity of the cooperation for which the Committee is indeed grateful.
The Public Ceremonies and Celebrations Committee was sorry to lose a most capable member, Mr. Richmond Miller, Jr. who was transferred to California in August. Mr. Miller's place has been aptly filled by Mr. Carl Hedin.
Plans for '64 include greater cooperation with surrounding towns and improved programs.
Respectfully submitted,
Acton's Public Ceremonies and Celebrations Committee
LOWELL CRAM RUSSELL HAYWARD, Secretary CARL HEDIN CLARK McELVEIN PERCY WOOD RAYMOND SHAMEL, Chairman
127
THE TOWN OF ACTON
REPORT OF THE RECREATION COMMISSION
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Recreation Commission was very pleased with the support given it by the town last year in its attempt to acquire and equip the new tennis courts at the Blanchard Auditorium site. These courts were received with great en- thusiasm by the townspeople, and the courses of instruction initiated last year for children were over-subscribed and greatly enjoyed by all who partici- pated. It is our intention to make these instructional periods available again this year, and we hope to continue them as long as they are merited.
Considerable attention was given to improving what few recreational areas the town has during the past year, and the following were accomplished through the splendid co-operation of Allen Nelson and the Street Department. New drinking fountains were installed at the three existing playgrounds of a permanent pedestal type, and the grounds of Gardiner Field in West Acton, and Goward Field in Acton Center were improved by grading and re-seeding. Both of these areas should be greatly improved this coming season, and although improvements on the baseball diamond at Jones Field were only be- gun, it is hoped to continue this project this year so that it will eventually be restored to its former condition.
Because of unfavorable weather conditions, the ice skating area on Charter Road has not been utilized to the extent that we had hoped and planned that it might be. The Commission is currently attempting to improve this program by acquiring the use of additional areas for ice skating in other sec- tions of town, in hopes that more skaters, both young and old, may be better served in the coming seasons.
The members of the Commission feel that too much time is being spent by the members administrating the various programs introduced for the use of the townspeople and their children. Now that the participating towns are being asked to take over the water safety program at Lake Walden, with the addition of tennis instruction in the summer program, the playground pro- graming, and other recreational activities that we would like to see made available in our town, we feel that the time has come when Acton should have a full time recreational director during the summer months, and are asking for funds this year to establish such a position.
The time is fast approaching when Acton must have additional recrea- tional lands, and a solution for our lack of a water facility for swimming purposes must be found.
By appointing a recreational director to oversee and expand our present programs under the direction of the Commission, the members of the Recre- ation Commission will be able to spend much needed time developing long range plans and solving some of our pressing needs.
We thank the various departments within the town who have given us the needed co-operation during the past year, and especially the voters who have supported our efforts.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM J. PHILLIPS GLADYS K. MASON CHARLES W. PAPPAS EDWARD W. FLANNERY
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228th ANNUAL REPORT OF
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Honorable Board of Selectmen Town Hall Acton, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year 1963:
Total number of devices inspected and sealed, 206. Sealing fees collected, $156.40.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE K. HAYWARD Sealer of Weights and Measures
REPORT OF THE STREET LIGHT COMMITTEE
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
We herewith submit our report for the year 1963.
On December 31, 1963 there were 444 Street Lights in the Town as against 364 when this committee was formed in 1960.
Throughout the year, new lights have been installed in needed locations and in some cases, existing lights have been replaced by higher lumen lamps to provide added safety.
We subscribe to the policy adopted with the formation of the committee that new street lights will be installed only at street intersections, dangerous curves and locations designated hazardous by the Fire Chief, Police Chief or this committee.
Our suggested budget for 1964 includes a 3% increase of the 1963 street light bill. This 3% figure should not be exceeded unless it is necessary to provide lighting in a new mercantile or industrial development.
We extend to the Board of Selectmen our sincere appreciation for their cooperation during the year 1963.
Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH F. BUSHELL BYRD D. GOSS LESLIE F. PARKE
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I hereby submit a report of the activities of the Highway Department of the Town of Acton for the year 1963.
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