USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Longmeadow > Town annual reports of the officers of Longmeadow Massachusetts for the year ending 1956 > Part 12
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14
Appropriated $12,800.00 Expended $8,858.15 Balance $3,941.85
This appropriation was for draining, grading and paving Ferncroft Street and for installing sanitary sewers. All work has been completed except fine grading and seeding the tree-belts. The sanitary sewers and storm-drains were installed by Collina Broth- ers, contractors. The grading and paving were done with Town forces. Work will be finished in the Spring of 1957 and better- ments assessed.
WHITMUN ROAD IMPROVEMENT
Appropriated $18,600.00 Expended $14,160.76 Balance $4,439.24
These funds were for installing storm drainage, extending the sanitary sewer and grading and paving Whitmun Road from Maple Road to Fairway Drive. All work was completed with Town forces and betterments have been assessed against abutting owners for their share of the cost.
BLUEBERRY HILL ROAD IMPROVEMENT (Elementary School Site)
Appropriated $88,000.00 Expended $22,948.26 Balance $65,051.74
This appropriation was for installing proper storm drainage, sanitary sewers, water mains, sidewalks and grading and paving Blueberry Hill Road. The water mains have been installed and Town forces are now installing sanitary sewers. Materials for the storm drainage have been delivered and all work should be finished in time for the opening of school in September 1957.
PARKING LOTS, LONGMEADOW STREET
Appropriation $3,600.00 Expended $3,285.34 Balance $314.66
These funds were for constructing additional parking areas on Longmeadow Street to accommodate St. Mary's Church and St.
191
Andrew's church. All work was completed with Town forces. It should be noted that although parking facilities for both churches were about doubled there is still a need for more parking facilities on Longmeadow Street.
MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT, WILLIAMS STREET
Available $2,228.98 Expended $2,228.98 Balance Nil
These funds were used to fence in the parking area. All work was completed and the area was seal-coated under Tar Roads funds. This area accommodates 108 cars.
DRAIN-WILLIAMS STREET THROUGH GRASSY GUTTER ROAD TO LONGMEADOW BROOK
Available $15,517.35 Expended $18,216.36 Balance $0.99
Additional 2,700.00
Total
$18,217.35
This work was carried over from 1955. All work was com- pleted with Town forces. This was a very difficult and costly job because of depth and the high water table. Upon the completion of this work Chapter 90 funds were used to construct drainage in Williams Street to connect into this outlet. Drainage from Blue- berry Hill Road will also enter this outlet.
STREETS ACCEPTED
At the Annual Town Meeting held February 21, 1956, the Town voted to accept as public ways :
Whitmun Road from Fairway Drive southerly to Maple Road, a distance of about 1400 feet.
Ferncroft Street from Maple Road northerly a distance of about 630 feet and thence westerly to the westerly lot line, extended southerly of lot No. 104.
At a special Town meeting held June 19, 1956, the Town voted to accept Blueberry Hill Road from Bliss Road northerly a dis- tance of about 1025 feet.
CONCLUSION
This has been a very busy year for the Public Works Depart- ment. Two elementary school sites together with two years' Chapter 90 work and accelerated development in the Town have kept us very active. A disturbing element continues to be the necessity for a trunk line sewer up the Longmeadow Brook valley which we hope to be able to present to the Town for vote in 1958. This will service the eastern part of the Town.
192
Several conferences were held with State officials and two public hearings were held in Town to discuss the proposed reloca- tion of Route 5 west of Longmeadow Street.
Plans and specifications for the proposed Sewage Treatment Plant and System as voted in November, are being drawn by our Consultants, Bowe, Albertson Associates of New York. Application for Federal reimbursement and approval of the State Board of Health have been applied for. When finished plans are ready, and before construction is ordered, a public hearing will be arranged to obtain easements for construction and answer any questions of abutting owners. We hope to be able to start construction by late summer of 1957. The proposed trunk intercepting sewers lie very close to and in some cases within the right of way as proposed for the Route 5 relocation. Final plans for the highway are now being drawn for the state by consultants in their employ.
Our program for 1957 is one of necessity. Much of the work is a carry over from unfinished special appropriations of 1956. The Blueberry Hill Road development, including proper drainage and sidewalks; reconstruction and widening of Laurel Street and extension of Maple Road east of Hazardville Road. We are also asking for appropriations to improve Colony Acres Road on a betterment basis. This work together with work from the Water and Sewer Department and our normal maintenance budget is all necessary and scheduled for completion in the coming year.
We wish to take this opportunity to express our sincere grati- tude to all the town officers, committees and town department heads and employees for their whole-hearted co-operation throughout the past year.
Respectfully submitted, DONALD A. ROBB Superintendent of Public Works
193
Report of the Water and Sewer Commissioners
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1956
TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF LONGMEADOW :
Additions to the Water, Sewer and Drainage System of the Town during the year 1956 have been as follows :
WATER SERVICES
One hundred and three new Water Services to houses were in- stalled this year making a total of 2748 services in Town. Seven- teen water services renewals have also been made: 86 new water meters have been installed, making a total of 2682 meters in use as of December 31, 1956. Twenty-eight new meters have also been installed to replace meters found economically unserviceable. Meters over twenty years of age which are found unserviceable are ordered replaced at the cost of the property owner.
WATER MAINS
Extensions of water mains have been made as follows:
By private developers at no cost to Town except inspection and testing.
Location
Type 4 inch
6 inch
8 inch 10 inch
Crestview Circle
C. A.
2,680.1'
Hopkins Place
C. A.
124.0'
Laurel Lane C. A.
830.3'
Lynnwood Drive C. A.
1,444.0'
Magnolia Circle
C. A.
710.5'
Primrose Drive
C. A.
1,229.5'
Shady Knoll Drive
C. A.
871.3'
West of No. 1388 Longmeadow St. C. A. 535.5'
Wilkin Drive
C. A.
1,406.7'
Wildwood Glen
C. A.
1,054.5'
Windsor Place
C. A.
240.0'
Woodside Drive
C. A.
1,427.0'
194
By Town Forces, all or Partial cost by abutters.
Barclay Street C. A.
373.0'
Bliss Road C. A.
473.0'
Edgemont Street C. A.
291.5'
Grassy Gutter Rd. C. A.
659.0'
Maple Terrace
C. A. 200.0'
Shaker Road
C. A.
South Avenue
C. A.
323.7'
224.0'
By Town forces for better circulation, or by Town order.
Blueberry Hill Rd. C. A.
1,073.0'
Longmeadow St.
C. A.
594.0'
Whitmun Rd.
C. A.
190.0'
424.0'
Totals
735.5' 13,196.0'
1,073.0'
2,374.0'
Total mileage added to system in 1956-3.29 miles.
Total miles of Water Mains December 31, 1956 50.86 miles.
HYDRANTS
New Fire hydrants have been installed as follows, making a total of 546 hydrants in Town December 31, 1956.
Location Number
Crestview Circle
5
Laurel Lane 2
Lynnwood Drive 4
West of No. 1388
Longmeadow St. 1
Magnolia Circle 2
Primrose Drive 3
Shady Knoll Drive 3
Wildwood Glen 3
Wilkin Drive 3
Woodside Drive
3
Barclay Street 1 Bliss Road 1
Blueberry Hill Rd. 3
Installed by Town
Edgemont Street 1
Grassy Gutter Rd. 1
Installed by Private developers at no cost to Town except test- ing and inspection.
195
Wolf Swamp Rd.
C. A.
1 Wolf Swamp Road
South Avenue
1
Total
38
Longmeadow St.
1 Replaced by Town opposite American Legion Home
All fire hydrants are inspected once each month during the winter as a precaution against their becoming frozen and to make sure that they are in readiness for fire-fighting purposes.
SEWERS
The entire Sanitary Sewer System has been cleaned during the year.
Seventy-one new sewer connections to houses were installed during 1956. Thirteen new storm-drain connections to houses were also installed and six sewer connections renewals were made.
SANITARY SEWER EXTENSIONS 1956
By private developers at no cost to Town except inspection.
Location
Type
8"
Arlington Road
V. C.
1,054.0'
Laurel Lane
C. A.
729.5'
Wildwood Glen
C. A.
700.0'
Windsor Place
C. A.
291.0'
By Town, betterment basis where ordered.
Barclay Street
C. A.
261.2'
Ferncroft Street
C. A.
478.0'
Franklin Terrace
C. A.
264.3'
Shaker Road
C. A.
1,700.0'
Tedford Drive
C. A.
381.0'
Whitmun Road
C. A.
418.0'
Totals
6,277.0'
Total mileage added to system in 1956-1.19 miles.
Total mileage of Sanitary Sewers, December 31, 1956-35.79.
196
DRAINS
New drains have been installed as follows : By private developers, at no cost to Town, except inspection and testing.
Location Type
8" 10"
12"
15"
18" 21" 24"
Arlington Rd. V. C.
1,144.3'
Laurel Lane C. A
800.7'
Primrose Dr. Conc.
354.5' 1,289.8'
Ridge Rd. Conc.
84.0'
Ridge Rd. V. C.
70.0'
Shady Knoll Dr. V. C.
731.0'
Wildwood Glen V. C.
860.0'
Wilkin Dr. C. A.
139.5'
806.0'
304.5'
Constructed by Town with Chapter 90 Funds, 25% Town,
Converse St. Conc.
559.5'
318.5' 362.8'
Williams St. V.C.
371.6'
490.4' 400.3'
Williams St. Conc.
448.8'
30.8' 474.7' 268.1' 499.5
By Town, Betterments assessed where ordered.
Englewood Rd. V. C.
190.0'
Ferncroft St. C. A.
408.5'
Franklin Rd. C. A.
145.7'
Franklin Ter. C. A.
496.1'
Grassy Gutter V. C.
75.0'
46.7'
375.5' 1,124.5
Rd.
Whitmun Rd.
C. A.
726.5'
Totals
139.5' 7,772.0' 1,154.0' 2,174.0' 758.5' 1,275.3' 1,124.5'
197
Total Mileage added to system in 1956-2.73 miles.
Total miles of Storm Drains, December 31, 1956-48.33 miles.
SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS
SANITARY SEWER, SHAKER ROAD
Appropriated $12,000.00 Expended $11,328.62 Balance $671.38
These funds were allocated for construction of an 8 inch San. itary Sewer in Shaker Road from Leetewood Drive, easterly about 1700 feet. All work was completed by Collina Brothers, contractors, and betterments have been assessed to abutting owners. We would like to extend this sewer about 700 feet easterly in 1957.
AUXILIARY SANITARY SEWER SIPHON, LONGMEADOW STREET, NEVINS AVENUE TO BARRINGTON ROAD
Appropriated $7,700.00 Expended $4,026.96 Balance $3,673.04
This construction is scheduled for early 1957. All expendi- tures to date are for materials only.
BLISS ROAD AUXILIARY WATER MAIN
Appropriated $26,000.00 Expended $10,814.35 Balance $15,185.65
This appropriation was for augmenting the Bliss Road Water main between Longmeadow Street and Burbank Road. Expendi- tures to date are for materials only. This work is scheduled for construction in 1957.
CONSULTANT FEES FOR SOUTHERLY TRUNK SEWER UP LONGMEADOW BROOK
Appropriated $8,500.00 Expended $2,865.40 Balance $5,634.60
Our consultants, Bowe, Albertson Associates of New York are depending upon data from field surveys by our engineering de- partment to finish plans and specifications for this trunk sewer. We anticipate having all those plans and specifications ready in 1957. In 1956 there were 103 water connections to new houses in Longmeadow and only 71 sanitary sewer connections. In other words, 30% of the new homes built could not enter sanitary sewers. Most of these houses could be sewered by gravity into this pro- posed trunk line sewer.
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AND SYSTEM
Appropriation $30,000.00 Expended Nil Balance $30,000.00
These funds were appropriated November 27, 1956 at a Special
198
Town Meeting. Our engineers are now busy obtaining field infor- mation for our Consultants, Bowe, Albertson & Associates. Finished plans and specifications are now being made for the system. Soil investigations have been advertised for bid in the area of the pro- posed plant. All plans and specifications must be approved by the Massachusetts State Department of Public Health before construc- tion contracts can be advertised for bid. All formal applications for government reimbursement and State approval have been made to the proper authorities. At this writing the feeling of the Commis- sioners is to advertise the entire project in one general contract.
Before any work is ordered easements for construction will be obtained from abutting owners. Public hearings for all abutters will be arranged as soon as plans are available in our office.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Lack of sanitary sewers to serve the eastern part of Town con- tinues to be a disturbing element in Town. We hope to have finish- ed plans and specifications ready this year for the proposed con- struction of a trunk line sewer up the Longmeadow Brook valley. This proposal can then be brought before the Town for vote late in 1957 or at the regular meeting in 1958.
Plans and specifications for the Sewage Treatment Plant and System as voted in November, 1956 are now being readied by our Consultants, Bowe, Albertson and Associates. All preliminary ap- plications for federal reimbursement and State approval have been made to the proper authorities. It will be our policy to continue to keep the Townspeople, and more especially all abutting owners, well informed in advance of our progress on this most important project. Public hearings will be held for the procuring of ease- ments and rights of way before any construction will be put to bid.
Our program for 1957 asks for your approval of the extension of the Shaker Road sanitary sewer on a betterment basis, the pur- chase of a portable air compressor and the purchase of three radio units for water department emergency personnel. We feel that all requests are necessary and important.
It is our recommendation that you approve our budget as re- quested together with normal Water and Sewer Department re- quests.
We wish to thank all our Town employees and all elected and appointed Town officials for their sincere efforts and the splendid co-operation which have combined to make our past year a very progressive one.
BOARD OF WATER AND SEWER COMMISSIONERS CHARLES E. STRYKER, Chairman ALEXANDER J. GUFFANTI HERBERT N. PORTER
199
Report of Park Commissioners
TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE TOWN OF LONGMEADOW :
RECREATION
The year of 1956 was a very active and successful one. The attendance at all Playground Areas increased, especially in the younger age brackets, which necessitated closer supervision and more planned programs.
Although we had an exceptionally cool summer, the attend- ance at the Swimming Pool was only slightly lower, and we gradu- ated more new swimmers than in the previous year. It is becoming very evident that our Pool Program is improving the swimming ability of our young people to the extent that Longmeadow won most of the awards at the Springfield Newspapers Regional Swim- ming Meet. Landscaping and reseeding has greatly improved the appearance of the Pool, and we shall endeavor to continue this im- provement and to eventually make this area more beautiful. A new Badminton Court and a double Shuffleboard Court will be ready for play during the 1957 season.
Our Saturday morning winter Basketball Program is increas- ing to the extent that we are hoping to negotiate with the High School for the use of their gymnasium in order that this active group may be accommodated. Mr. Eastman and Mrs. Keating should be credited for the success of their highly popular Basket- ball Program. This is one of our most popular activities, and now requires additional facilities.
Movies at the Community House are being continued with two afternoon shows from November through April, and a number in the evening for the Teenagers.
We are most fortunate in having Everett Eastman as Director of Recreation. His programming and selection of personnel has made our entire schedule a happy one. Vern Cox and his most capable staff at the Swimming Pool are responsible for the out- standing accomplishments attained by our boys and girls. Credit should be given to Mr. Freme for the success of his teaching pro- gram at the Tennis Courts. The Park Board recognizes that event- ually additional Tennis Courts will have to be provided.
COMMUNITY HOUSE
The Community House is in almost constant use. When not needed for Town Meetings and Voting, various local groups, organ- izations and classes have met in the building for their social activ-
200
ities and projects, with movies provided for the children on Satur- day afternoons and on alternate Saturday evenings for the Teen- agers during the winter season. The large Parking Lot located adjacent to the building has proved a great convenience. The offices of the Park Superintendent and that of the Recreation Director are now located here.
Each year certain improvements and repairs are scheduled in order to keep this building in excellent condition, and the staff endeavor to do all in their power to make this a pleasant and effi- cient meeting place for our local groups and organizations.
PARKS
Our Superintendent of Parks, Mr. William G. Baer and his men have had a busy year maintaining and improving the Parks and Recreational Areas. At the Bliss Road playground two base- ball diamonds have been changed over in order to assist the Little League in meeting their need for additional play areas. At Green- wood Park improvements have been made to again assist the Little League in their Baseball Program. The Swimming Pool Area has been completely graded and seeded and improved drainage pro- vided at the pool entrance. New trees have been planted on the Green to replace the old elms removed because of the Dutch Elm disease. Our Playground Areas have been sprayed several times for mosquitoes and other insects in order to insure maximum en- joyment on the part of those using these areas.
The Park Board wishes to take this opportunity to thank the School Department, the Police Department and the Streets and Engineering Department for their helpful co-operation and assist- ance during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
STANLEY L. KING, Chairman SHELDON B. BROOKS, Secretary FORREST C. TYSON ROYCE W. ROBARGE MELVIN L. COBURN
201
Report of Board of Public Welfare
TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF LONGMEADOW :
As indicated by the condensed financial report below, the net cost to the town for the operation of this department was $7,559.02. This involved financial aid to thirty-nine persons. Of these, thirty- four cases came under the classification of Old Age Assistance. Three received Disability Assistance and there were two General Relief cases. There was only one month during the year when we were not called upon for hospitalization. Seven persons received this service. In addition, eleven have received Nursing Home care. It was found necessary to use the Town Ambulance four times during the year.
The death, in December, of our former Welfare Worker, Mrs. Alice Hinkson, is keenly felt by everyone connected with this de- partment. Her kindness in the administration of her work was extraordinary, and many persons were made happier by her cap- able and thoughtful attentions.
PAYMENTS
General Relief
$682.89
Old Age Assistance
26,713.50
Disability Assistance
3,779.13
Administration
2,105.08
Total Payments
$33,280.60
REIMBURSEMENTS
General Relief
none
Old Age Assistance
$10,276.02
from Federal Gov.
Old Age Assistance
11,512.18
from Massachusetts
Disability Assistance
867.00
from Federal Gov.
Disability Assistance
1,835.07
from Massachusetts
Refunds
177.55
Administration
1,053.76
1
1
Total Reimbursement $25,721.58 Net cost to the Town $7,559.02
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT H. AVERY, Chairman ETHEL M. DAWES ROBERT B. ATKINSON 202
Small Town Praised
By ALICE S. HINKSON Longmeadow, Massachusetts
Reprinted by Permission of the Christian Science Monitor
When I sniff the sweet fragrance of the honey locust tree in our back yard and the fresh tang of newly mowed grass, I wonder how I could have lived so long and complacently in the city ?
Galaxy of roses and the perfume of the mock orange shrubs and the lilacs nearby all make for seasonal delight. The city was never like this! And the bird bath is not large enough to contain the feathered friends that want to splash around in the cool water and then preen themselves in the thick branches of the nearby bushes.
The "prelude to morning" song of the birds awakens me early-and at evening, there is almost always the goodnight trill of the thrush. Yet, I once thought that city life was utterly satis- fying.
Formerly, when I would hear of a friend moving into the suburbs, I'd remark, "Oh, no, not for us. We prefer quick access to our jobs, the stores, the frequent buses, the excellent waste- disposal system, ad infinitum." Then came the time.
A black-shuttered, 100-year-old house came to our attention and we fell under its charm. Several beautiful maples shaded the front of the house and it had so much else to invite us that we moved in. We have never been sorry. Only five miles from the city, our suburb is strictly residential and provides everything which one needs for truly comfortable living.
We have an especially well-administered town government (how we look forward to the democratic town meetings), care- fully zoned property, excellent schools, civic pride, community enthusiasm, unusual street and tree-care service, excellent swim- ming pool, playgrounds, and grand neighbors to make for ideal suburban living.
How could we have lived in the city so long? Every day we are more satisfied to have become part of this little town.
203
Report of the Tree Warden
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :
I submit the Annual Report of the Tree Warden for 1956.
Item 68-Spraying Trees.
Spraying of Elms and all other Trees has been done by the City Tree Expert Company by mist blower and hydraulic spray.
Item 69-Gypsy Moth and Jap Beetle Control.
We have found no moth egg clusters in our hunt for them, and the Jap Beetle has not been too much in evidence; spots where found were sprayed with good results.
Item 70-Planting Trees.
Seventy-two trees were planted during the Spring and Fall seasons, including Sugar Maples, Crimson King Red, Thornless Locust, Ash White and some Rock Maples.
Item 71-Trimming and Removal.
A large number of trees were trimmed on thirty-eight streets, low hanging branches and dead wood removed; quite a number of trees were taken down, some in the way of new driveways and others heaving sidewalks.
Item 72-Fertilizing.
A large number of trees have been fed, including the new trees planted last year and those planted this year and several older trees needing attention.
Item 74-Dutch Elm Disease Control.
The Elm Trees here are a constant problem. We have gone through the same program as in previous years, such as mist blow- ing and hydraulic spray, which work was done three times by the City Tree Expert Company. We have taken down and destroyed forty-six trees; most of which had to be hauled to the dump and burned. Quite a number of very large and old Elms are marked td come down in 1957. Therefore I am asking for a larger Budget to cover this work.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM G. BAER
Tree Warden and Moth Superintendent
204
Annual Report
of the
School Committee of the
Town of Longmeadow Massachusetts
For the Year Ending December 31st 1956
205
SCHOOL OFFICIALS
MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
JAMES GREENWOOD, Chairman C. OMA TURNER
HENRY FRISBIE JANE R. PUFFER
JAMES P. SCOBIE, (Resigned Oct. 1956) QUENTIN REYNOLDS, (Elected Oct. 1956)
Expiration of Term
February 1957
February 1957
February 1958
February 1959
February 1959
February 1957
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS HOWARD G. HERRSCHAFT
DOROTHY E. ARNOLD, SECRETARY
OFFICE-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL-TEL. LO 7-3351
MARIAN K. MARTIN, School Nurse
OFFICE-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL-TEL. LO 7-3351 HARRY L. ROBERTS, M. D., School Physician GEORGE A. YARSLEY, Jr., Attendance Officer
BUILDING CUSTODIANS
Robert J. Burgess
Center School
Gennare Deniele
Center School
Carmine Dilapa
Converse Street School
Leodore A. Provost
Converse Street School
Morris Abraham
Norway Street School
Joseph Jaksa
Nicholas Chiusano Jan Jesionek
Wolf Swamp Road School Junior High School Junior High School
Frank J. Krupa
Senior High School
Harry O'Neil
Senior High School
George Sherwood
Charles F. St. Lawrence
Senior High School Superintendent of Buildings
206
TO THE CITIZENS OF LONGMEADOW :
A report of the School Committee this year is a story of growth. As you know, through votes of Town Meeting, the High School was opened for the first time in September of 1955 with grades 10, 11, and 12, and in September of 1956 operated as a four grade high school. This was according to plan and according to schedule. The unprecedented enrollments in the High School, however, require immediate study for an enlargement of the building. This is con- cluded after the projection of our present enrollment figures which show that in September of 1957 the school will be operating sub- stantially in excess of its capacity. Already some areas in the school that were designed for specific purposes, such as student activity room, the cafeteria and music room are now being used for class- room purposes. Present crowded conditions at the Senior High School, together with anticipated enrollments bring us right up sharply with the fact that an addition must be made to the High School. This is not a new thought as it has been stated by the School Committee and other committees that the High School would have to be enlarged. It is fact, however, that to have the enlarge- ment ready for occupation by September 1, 1958 is earlier than ex- pected, but only by one or two years. It is for this reason that the School Committee has asked for an appointment of a Building Committee to make specific recommendations for this addition. It is sincerely believed that the core facilities for the High School, in- cluding gymnasium, heating plant, auditorium, kitchen, home eco- nomics rooms, shop and administrative space are adequate. The present over-all capacity of the High School is 500. Provision should be made for total capacity of 800.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.