USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1960-1966 > Part 2
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Respectfully submitted:
HERBERT B. BURR, Chairman GEORGE A. SMITH FRANCIS H. KINGSBURY
-
REPORT OF CIVIL DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
There has been more activity in the Civil Defense Department this year than in any year since World War II. This we believe is not entirely due to the world situation but also to the increase of natural and man-made disasters, such as the airline crashes which have been in the news lately. This year we were on stand-by alert for hurricane Donna.
During the year we held two mock disasters. These were in con- junction with the disaster plan set up with the Medfield State Hospital.
E. Nina Iafolla was appointed Lieutenant in charge of the Auxiliary Police unit. We now have twenty active members who have had the standard First Aid course and have received certificates from the American Red Cross. They have also had a ten week course in Police Procedure given by top instructors from various state police agencies. These men are serving as volunteers, without pay. During the year they have served at the mock disasters, been on stand-by alert during the hurricane threat and rendered assistance at two bad fires.
Although money was appropriated for radio equipment at the Annual Town Meeting, none has yet been obtained. This is due mainly to the changing of requirements for equipment approved for federal matching funds. We hope to acquire during 1961 equipment which will serve the Civil Defense requirements and at the same time be of use to the Town for other services.
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The Town has made good use of the Surplus Property Program again this year. All Town Departments have received tools, equipment and materials from the stock pile at a small fraction of original cost.
We distributed over fifteen-hundred copies of the "Family Fallout Shelter" booklet to the residents of Medfield. Additional copies for those desiring same are available at the Town Hall.
We wish to thank all of those who have volunteered their services and time to the local Civil Defense effort. Especially those homemakers who came forward to furnish first aid skills at our mock disasters, and to the pupils of the Medfield Schools who did such a fine job as victims in these exercises. Cooperation from other Town Departments who pitched in with men and equipment not only to make our exercise a success but to learn what might be expected from them in the event of a disaster.
Respectfully submitted:
A. CHILSON BUCHANAN, Director
FRANCIS E. CHICK, Deputy Director
REPORT OF PARK AND PLANNING BOARD
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Board held regular meetings on the second and Fourth Thurs- days of each month plus several special meetings for hearings and sub-division plan approvals.
Work has continued on a complete revision of our Street Construc- tion Specifications. Members of the Board have held several discussions among themselves relative to a new Building Code.
At the Annual Town Meeting in March, the Town voted to estab- lish a new Park Commission, thereby relieving this Board of the care of the Town Parks. Prior to this, Medfield was one of the two towns in
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Massachusetts that operated under the Park and Planning Board System.
The Board has adopted a new system with respect to developers submitting plans showing only part of a large subdivision. All persons now submitting plans for subdivisions in sections must submit with the first section a scaled plan of the entire proposal with sufficient topo- graphical data so that the Board will have adequate information to evaluate the sections as they are submitted.
Additional shrubbery was planted in Baxter Square. This year the Town Parks were kept in unusually good condition due to the diligent work of Mr. Robert Kennedy, under the direction of Mr. Everett Wills. The Spade and Hoe Garden Club provided spring bulb plantings which will add much needed color to Baxter Square.
The tennis court is in need of a surface treatment. The steel posts for the nets need to be straightened.
Debris was removed from Baker's Pond by the Highway Depart- ment crew.
New sub-divisions were inspected at frequent intervals in the areas of Pine Street, Green Street, Nebo Street, Harding Street, South Street and Granite Street. All sub-division plans were reviewed from an engineering viewpoint and alterations made which, in the opinion of the Board, would enhance the development and create a better street layout for the Town.
Board members attended hearings held by the Board of Appeals and made recommendations regarding zoning variances.
Members of the Board attended several Regional Planning Board Meetings and participated in discussions regarding the scope of the Board's work. A series of joint meetings is presently being held with neighboring boards to study a proposed new location for Route 109.
Approximately 50 plans were reviewed by the Board and signed under the notation "Approval under the Subdivision Control Law not required."
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES C. CAIN, Chairman WILLIAM F. ROGERS, JR., Vice-Chm. EVERETT A. WILLS ROGER A. HARDY ERNEST L. SPENCER, Secretary
Approved by Planning Board-January 11, 1961.
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ANNUAL REPORT MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
and the people of Medfield:
I hereby submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1960.
Statistics
Circulation: Adult, 16,862; Juvenile, 11,719; Total, 28,581.
New Applicants: 335.
Book Acquisitions: Adult, 424; Juvenile, 297; Total, 721.
180 of the above were donations which include 14 volumes of the Illustrated Encyclopedia of Gardening, donated by the Medfield Garden Club; 5 books in memoriam, 2 of them by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Luke, in memory of their parents; 2 by Mr. and Mrs. John Rhodes, in memory of Mr. Richard Johnson; and 1 by the Mt. Nebo Chapter D.A.R. in memory of Mrs. Dana B. Jefferson. A New Testament was also given by The Holy Name Society of St. Edward's Church. The remainder were individual donations.
Among the books purchased were a new large Webster's Interna- tional Dictionary; a number of books for cooperation with the schools, which included science books, history books for the history department and English Literature for the English department. There were also the yearly Book of the Month selections as well as those of Literary Guild and a few unusual books from the Antiques Book Society. For the children, books include Landmark Books from "Young Readers of America" a juvenile division of Book of the Month Club, and books from the American Heritage Jr. Library. In the last few days of the year 4 outstanding volumes of The Great Centuries of Painting were acquired.
Activities
National Library Week in the Spring was observed by an arts and crafts exhibit by members of the Hannah Adams Club, featuring books on those subjects in the library.
In September, the Medfield Garden Club together with some of the members of the Spade and Hoe Club held a most attractive exhibit in both the main room of the library and the historical room for adult displays, and in the children's room for juvenile flower arrangements. Prizes were awarded by popular acclaim.
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United Nations Week in November was observed by an appropriate display arranged by the League of Women Voters.
Vacation reading was again popular this year in the children's department during July and August. Prizes were awarded in the intermediate group (grades 4, 5 and 6) to Leslie Ballou and Gretchen Schultz, who tied for first place, Gregory Kennett and Elizabeth Larkin and in the primary group, (grades 1-3) to Billy Kennett, Libby Drake and Pamela Ludlow.
The story hour was well attended again this year by the 4-5 year olds, and was sponsored by a group of mothers who alternated in supervising the hour.
Metal shelves were added to the library this year, in the basement. These shelves will provide additional space on one side for children's books and on the other side will contain books formerly on the old stacks which must be kept for reference because of a certain value, even though they are no longer in active circulation.
Through the generosity of the Medfield Historical Society in co- operation with members of the Board of Trustees of the library, the historical room will provide a reading room for adults who wish for quiet and concentrated reading or study, which is not always available to them in the main room, particularly during the school year. This room will be open to the adult public from 6 to 8:30 P.M. each evening except Monday.
Our grateful appreciation goes to all who have served the library during the year by gifts of books, flowers or personal service, including the 2 Girl Scouts, Melissa McQuillan and Gale Franke who report faithfully each week to perform various helpful tasks assigned to them; also to members of the 4-H group who again decorated the little trees on the front of the library at Christmas, as well as to our substitutes, Mrs. Spencer, Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Duncan, whose assistance when needed is invaluable.
Respectfully submitted,
ETHEL G. HERSEY, Librarian
EDITH C. HOWLETT,
Secretary of the Board
34
Board of Trustees
Burgess P. Stanley, Chairman Charles F. Woodard
Anne C. Donlan
Edith C. Howlett, Secretary Jane Cheever Laura H. Smith
Library Staff
Ethel G. Hersey, Librarian Alice S. Ripley, Assistant Librarian Frances F. Copithorne, Children's Librarian Edwin C. Flaherty, Custodian
Library Hours
Main Room 2-8:30 P.M. Children's Room 2:30-5 P.M. Both daily except Sundays and Legal Holidays
Summer Hours
Same as above, excepting Saturdays
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
During the year 1960 we have had 130 calls classified as follows- (see list). Several of these were not necessary but they must all be investigated at once. We have had several alarms that were given to the operator incorrectly, or misinterpreted, such as, street locations by house numbers. As we have no street index, especially on long streets as Main, North, and South, serious trouble could result from situations such as this.
This is one of several reasons in my recommendations I feel the town should have a permanent Fire Chief. Also, certain other records and files can be kept as recommended in the New England Fire Insur- ance Rating Bureau's check of the town, which will all lead to a reduc- tion in the fire insurance rate on all property in the town. Other reasons are the rapid residential growth, increased inspections of
35
schools, churches and, also, oil burner and gas installations, blasting permits, rest homes and others.
My recommendations for 1961 are as follows:
A permanent Fire Chief.
A new pumping engine to replace one that is 31 years old.
Also, some fire hose to replace hose that is over 20 years of age.
I wish to thank the Townspeople for their cooperation during the past year.
EDGAR W. ALLEN
Grass
23
Dump
9
Oil Burners
5
Electric Motors
3
Grass and Brush
25
Chimneys
3
Electric Wiring
3
Automobiles
3
Automobile Accidents
2
Cat in Well
1
Woods
17
Lost Persons
2
Mutual Aid
1
Tires
1
Man Locked out of Apartment
1
Houses
3
Christian
Bennett
Patzou
Sauers Bldg. (outside fireplace)
1
Sofa and Chair
1
Standby Hurricane
1
Investigations (calls from tower, etc.)
25
Building Valuation 1960
6,628,294
New Homes in 1960
87
For 1961-Carr will not predict. He thought we might reach 100 but only got to 87. Only 1 permit so far.
36
JURY LIST - 1961
.Adams, Dwight E .- 20 Oak Street Aronson, James O .- Nebo Street Baker, Ralph A .- 39 Frairy Street Bangs, Beatrice-166 South Street Bangs, Gerald W .- 166 South Street Beard, Raymond E .- 7 Pine Street Bosselman, Clifford W .- 59 Pleasant Street
Boyce, Clarence M .- 125 South Street Carlson, Norman H .- Causeway Street Caswell, William-Cross Street Clarke, Warren G .- Robert Sproul Road Codding, Catherine F .- 48 South St. Connors, John J .- 3 East Main Street Conrick, William L .- 29 South Street Coulter, Robert L .- Winter Street Cox, Charles F .- 125 North Street Deering, Clyde O., Jr .- 428 Main Street Dewar, Everett K .- 19 Spring Street Dornig, Ruth F .- 44 Spring Street Ehnes, Philip G .- 64 North Street Fraser, John A .- Hillcrest Road Goes, Manuel, Jr .- Hospital Road Gronberg, Evelyn-Pine Street Hagman, Theresa L .- Philip Street Hamilton, Harvey M .- 2 Clark Road Handy, Merritt F., Jr .- 37 Janes Avenue Hann, Donald P .- Philip Street Hobbs, Arthur W .- 34 South Street Hull, Charles W .- 90 North Street Kenny, Charles-Main Street Kingsbury, Carlton W .- 171 South Street Lanseigne, Raymond-178 South Street McGlynn, Charles C .- 5 Remsen Avenue Munson, Hildegarde I .- 16 Pleasant Street Palumbo, Vincent A .- West Street Poli, Mary-35 Frairy Street Ricker, Henry L .- 52 Adams Street
Insurance
United Airlines
Maintenance Man Housewife (Clerk)
Clerk Barber
Foreman Retired
Builder
Landscape and Construction
Tabulating Supervisor
Housewife (Machine Operator) Farmer
Supervisor
Foreman
Checker
Electrician
Manager
Housewife (Book Binder) Fireman
Advertising Manager Truck Driver
Housewife (Salesman) Housewife (Waiter)
Civil Engineer Proprietor
Sr. Systems Analyst Woodworker
Accountant Real Estate Retired
Retired
Registry Motor Vehicles At Home
Proprietor
Housewife (Retired) Treasurer
37
Robinson, Warren L .- 4 Remsen Avenue Ryan, Harold-51 Pound Street Sabbag, Walter-583 Main Street Sloan, Thomas H., Jr .- 16 Dale Street Spender, Howard-Granite Street Suereth, Theodore G .- 7 Spring Street Toney, Leonard L .- 2 Philip Street Weiker, Raymond C .- 42 Green Street Ford, Philip N .- 435 Main Street
Interior Decorator Truck Driver Carpenter Foreman Order Correspondent Manager Retired Field Manager Retired Stationary Engineer
REPORT OF THE RECREATION COMMISSION - 1960
To the Selectmen:
During 1960 the Recreation Commission elected to make its primary goal the construction of a swimming facility and accompanying recreation area for the citizens of Medfield.
Our Commission met frequently to discuss this project. We con- sidered many sites in town and while all of them had some particular advantages, certain insurmountable objections presented themselves in each case but one. The choice which finally appeared feasible was at the location of the old Town wells located at Green and Brook Streets. The advantages were many, and led us to believe this location to be an outstanding one.
(a) The area is centrally located.
(b) There is a natural water supply.
(c) There is natural drainage.
(d) This is already Town-owned land, not earmarked for any other purpose.
(e) This is a natural site for further recreational development.
(f) There is sufficient space for off-street parking.
38
(g) The land is so located as to lend itself toward quiet enjoyment, with a minimum of nuisance to neighboring land-owners.
(h) The location offers the resources that would enable us to plan a low cost project.
N
1
T 5 STREET IP IPARK
7 INI
A
PICNIC AREA
ARKING
N 3
CHILDRENS HADING AREA
PICNIC
-
AREA
G
BROOK
BATH HOUSE AND TOILETS
APPROXIMATE
BRO
SITE OF PROPOSED POND
DRAINAGE
O
K
STREET
SWIMMING FACILITY,
RECREATION AREA.
RECREATION COMMISSION
MEDFIELD, MASS. 1960
This summer one of our meetings was attended by all departments of Medfield government in order to visualize the whole idea in its proper perspective and to investigate the possibilities of saving money
39
PROPOSED
€ E
a
through the dual use of equipment and manpower. Substantial contri- butions to our thinking were made at that meeting. It came to light through our Superintendent of Streets that valuable information and assistance would be forthcoming in a project of this type merely for the asking from two governmental agencies. Through Mr. McCarthy's interest we subsequently met with officials from these agencies.
The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forests and Parks, we learned, would do all the planning for a recreation area such as this, and the United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Con- servation Service, all the engineering. We met with representatives of both of these agencies and they have since done helpful work for us. The former have prepared drawings of the area in the form of an artist's conception of an aerial view and the latter have given us a detailed layout and have investigated the substrata in the area in three test holes that were excavated under their direction, the results of which were extremely favorable.
At a Special Town Meeting held December 5, 1960, the Town voted that the jurisdiction over this parcel of land comprising 16.48 acres be transferred to the Recreation Commission for the purposes of recrea- tional development. We propose to ask the Town for an appropriation of funds in March for the construction of the aforementioned swimming pond.
We wish to thank the various departments of Medfield government and the representatives of the U. S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, for their cooperation and advice in this our first venture.
WALTER FRANK, Chairman HOWARD V. CHRISTIAN ALTON H. HARTFORD VINCENT PALUMBO ERNEST L. SPENCER
40
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
January 10, 1961
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The following is the report of the Board of Public Welfare for the year 1960.
A total of thirty-eight Old Age Assistance Cases, three Aid to Dependent Children cases, four Disability Assistance cases and four General Relief cases were administered during the year 1960. Sixteen applications were processed. Nine applicants were found eligible and so were granted aid. Seven applicants were found ineligible and so were denied aid.
Aid rendered in all categories was as follows:
Old Age Assistance
$43,017.56
Medical Aid for the Aged
3,575.89
Aid to Dependent Children
3,859.00
Disability Assistance
4,674.54
General Relief
2,700.00
This has been a year of many changes. The Medical Care Plan, a plan which is undergoing changes continuously, is providing a control system at the local level, while giving our aged and needy adequate medical care. A program of controlled medication has been added to the Medical Care Plan this year. Our hospital costs are still of grave concern. The continued rise in the cost of this service is a problem to all but particularly to Welfare Departments for they assist the aged and ill.
In January, 1960 all who received Old Age and Survivors Insurance (Social Security) Benefits were granted an increase in their monthly award. This increase was deducted as an added resource from our recipients' standard budget.
In July an increase of five percent, a Cost of Living Adjustment, was granted.
As of October 1, 1960 a new category, to be known as Medical Assistance for the Aged, was created by our Legislators to conform vith and take advantage of an Act under the Social Security Law passed by Congress in August, 1960.
On January 1, 1961 the Transportation Allowance given to Old Age Assistance recipients will be increased from $2.50 to $4.00 per nonth. Recipients of Disability Assistance will, for the first time,
41
receive a Leisure Time Activities grant of $4.00 and a Transportation Allowance grant of $2.50 per month.
The above mentioned are major changes for the year 1960. Minor changes too numerous to mention individually have increased reports case work, recording and clerical duties.
From time to time the State Department of Public Welfare sponsors educational training courses for local, district and state per- sonnel. Such courses are informative and advantageous in the admin- istration of this program.
As administrators of local, state and federal funds we are con- cerned with the rising cost of aid and administration. It is the purpose of those directly responsible for the administration of this Welfare program that adequate service be rendered to our recipients according to State Standards, always keeping in mind the taxpayer.
Helen E. Kennedy, Senior Clerk and Doris M. Carr, Director of Public Assistance have continued to serve this Board of Public Welfare commendably. For their able assistance during the year the Board wishes to publicly thank them.
In conclusion, this Board wishes to acknowledge its appreciation for the excellent cooperation given this Board by the Town Officials Doctors and private business men and to extend publicly their thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM S. FARMER, Chairman LAWTON B. KINGSBURY, Clerk WARREN C. BOIS, Third Member
42
REPORT OF THE WATER AND SEWERAGE BOARD
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Water System is continuing its annual growth of over 10%; 81 new services were installed in 1960. The following is our estimate for 1961:
1959 Actual
1960 1961 Actual Estimate
New Services-Complete
113
67
100
New Services-Incomplete
11
14
Thousand Gals. Water Pumped
99,604
126,333
105,000
Thousand Gals. Water Rec'd. from State*
17,000
99,604
126,333
122,000
Thousand Gals. Water Sold
74,788
77,462
90,000
Thousand Gals. Supplied to State*
17,000
74,788
94,462
90,000
*A surplus of 17,000,000 gallons was inadvertantly supplied to the State Hospital in 1960 due to a metering error; this amount will be returned to the Town in 1961.
Revenue
Water Sold
$34,365
$36,755 7,668
$42,000
Service Materials and Labor
10,065
7,300
$44,430
$44,423
$49,300
Departmental Expense
Water Pumped
$ 4,324
$ 6,877
$ 5,300
Distribution System Expense
16,753
16,632
15,600
New Services and Meters
9,656
7,405
10,400
$30,733
$30,914
$31,300
Debt Service
Evans Pumping Station
5,902
5,808
4,722
Second Well and Pump
448
4,832
4,604
Water Main Extensions
4,515
3,143
2,105
$41,598
$44,697
$42,731
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We request an appropriation of $31,300, which includes costs for service materials and labor from which we estimate a reimbursement of $7,300.
The second well and pump went into service in August, and has been operating in a satisfactory manner since that time. Peak loads in the late summer could not have been met without this additional pumping capacity.
For the Sewer Department we request an appropriation of $3,450 which includes $750 for a manhole on the main trunk line near Frairy Street and an amount of $300 for additional gravel in the No. 3 sewer bed.
Respectfully yours,
JOHN D. WILLIAMS MYRON H. SMITH HARRY R. LEIGHTON
44
ANNUAL REPORT
of the
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
and
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1960
-
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Jeanne A. Bibby Chairman
James T. Frame Vice-Chairman
Leon M. Bowden
Walter Frank Recording Secretary
Alton H. Hartford Financial Secretary
Term expires 1963
Term expires 1962
Term expires 1961
Term expires 1963
Term expires 1962
Superintendent of Schools
Thomas A. Blake Office-Medfield High School Residence-Nebo Street, Medfield
FLeetwood 9-8811 FLeetwood 9-6979
Principal of the High School
Charles F. Mains Office -- Medfield High School Residence-14 Lawrence Circle
FLeetwood 9-8811 Fleetwood 9-4927
Elementary School Principal
Maude S. Washburn Office-Memorial School Residence-326 Common Street, Walpole
FLeetwood 9-4352 MOntrose 8-1195
School Secretaries
Virginia D. Kerr, 2 Robinson Road
FLeetwood 9-6315
Mary Shugrue, West Street
Fleetwood 9-6038
Minna Davis, Harding Street
Fleetwood 9-6205
School Physician A. Ritchie Stagg, M.D., 25 Pleasant Street
FLeetwood 9-6005
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School Nurse Mrs. Madeleine Harding, R.N., North Street
FLeetwood 9-6142
Custodians
Walter F. Reynolds, 4 Curve Street (Head Custodian)
Fleetwood 9-6223
John B. Gattoni, 13 Summer Street
Fleetwood 9-6365
John Grover, 25 Frairy Street
FLeetwood 9-4536
Ercole Iafolla, 34 Frairy Street
FLeetwood 9-4386
School Calendar
Second Term:
January 4 through February 19
Third Term:
February 29 through April 14
Fourth Term:
April 25 through June 22
First Term: September 7 through December 23
Holidays
April 15-Good Friday
May 30-Memorial Day
October 12-Columbus Day
October 28-Teachers' Convention
November 11-Veterans Day
November 24, 25-Thanksgiving
No-School Signals
Junior-Senior High School:
Fire alarm at 6:45 A.M. Elementary School:
Fire alarm at 7:00 A.M.
Notice will also be broadcast over radio stations WBZ, WHDH, and WKOX.
48
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Medfield:
The School Committee suggests that you read the reports of the Superintendent and other supervisory personnel, as they will indicate the accomplishments of the past year. This has been a difficult year, space-wise, as we have added many new students to our already cramped classes. We have endeavored to keep our educational stan- dards high in spite of overcrowded conditions with the aim in view of being able to expand our program with the opening of the new school in September.
Mr. James Frame is serving as our representative on the School Building Committee, as well as Mr. Blake, as Superintendent.
The Committee extends its thanks to all members of the town who have been so helpful and understanding during 1960.
Respectfully submitted,
JEANNE A. BIBBY, Chairman
JAMES T. FRAME, JR., Vice Chairman LEON M. BOWDEN WALTER FRANK ALTON H. HARTFORD
49
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Chairman and Members of the Medfield School Committee:
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