USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1941-1945 > Part 4
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 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41
Licenses .
7,500.00
Fines.
500.00
General Government.
1,100.00
Health and Sanitation
1,500.00
Charities ..
25,000.00
Soldiers Benefits
100.00
Schools.
3,000.00
Libraries.
50.00
Public Service Enterprises .
28,000.00
Interest on Taxes and Assess- ments ..
4,500.00
Veterans Exemptions
20.74
Bill in Lieu of Taxes (City of Springfield)
950.00
147,483.54
State Parks (a) (Over Estimate 1940). 23.53
63
Amts. voted from Available funds Appr. by Comm'r.) : (a) $6,139.58 Appr'd. May 6, 1941. .
(b) 600.00 Appr'd May 13, 1941 6,739.58
6,763.11
154,246.65
$309,299.96
Number of Polls 2,566 @ $2.00 Each .
5,132.00
Value of Personal Property $1,211,500.00 @ $32.40
39,252.60
Value of Real Estate $8,176,400.00 @ $32.40.
264,915.36
$309,299.96
$309,299.96
No. of Polls committed Sept. 1, 1941-8 @ $2.00 Each.
16.00
16.00
No. of Polls committed Dec. 10, 1941-2 @ $2.00 Each.
4.00
4.00
Total amount to be raised on Polls, Personal and Real Es- tate.
$309,319.96
ADOLPHUS PROVOST, FREDERICK A. RAISON Asessors CHARLES W. HULL.
64
REPORT OF THE Highway Department
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1941
Honorable Board of Selectmen, Gentlemen :
The following is a report of the Highway Department for the year ending December 31, 1941 :
Highway Maintenance
All patching, scraping, sign repairs and guard rail re- placements and all general repair and upkeep of our dirt and gravel roads comes under this heading.
Snow Removal
All plowing and sanding of roads during 1941 was accom- plished with the use of town owned equipment at a cost of $1,688.72. This included the erection of and dismantling of snow fence at heavy drift points.
Equipment
One new International truck was purchased and equipped with a new snow plow. This makes three International trucks in good condition for use in plowing and road maintenance. One new sanding machine was purchased, making two of these machines available for quick automatic sanding at reduced labor costs.
Ash and Rubbish Removal
Five hundred dollars was appropriated for this work dur- ing 1941, which does not cover the cost of two complete col- lections during the year. It is recommended that $1,000.00 be appropriated for 1942 for two complete collections, one in the Spring and one in the Fall.
Sidewalks
Seven driveways were treated at sidewalk crossings with asphalt and 1/2" trap stone to prevent erosion.
Sidewalks on Bridge, Springfield, Rowley, Randall, Royal and Reed Streets were repaired with Colprovia.
One thousand feet of new walks were built composed of cinders and rock dust.
65
Maintenance Oiling
Streets treated, distances and method of treatment are as follows:
Barry Street
Elm Street at Post Office
.60 mile oiled and 1/2" rock finish oiled and 1/2" "
Garden Street .80 mile oiled, sanded and honed
Poplar Street
.60
Shoemaker Lane
2.65
66
Twelve side streets
3.92
New Construction
Cooley Street from Bridge Street to Walnut Street, a dis- tance of about 724 ft., was resurfaced with bituminous macad- am consisting of 10 inches of rolled gravel over which was placed 3 inches of trap rock rolled to grade and penetrated with asphalt and given a 1/4" trap rock finish. This work included the adjusting to grade of two manholes and five catch basins. This road was constructed thirty feet wide to match location of existing catch basins.
Chapter 90 Construction
Allotments to counties and towns for 1941 were made so late in the year by the Massachusetts Department of Public Works that new construction on roads was impossible.
An allotment of $8,000.00 was made for Pine Street and the contract was let for the construction of a large concrete culvert, which is at present under construction including graveling of approaches.
An allotment of $8,000.00 was made for Southwick Street widening and the contract awarded for this work during 1941. Due to cold weather this allotment will be carried over to 1942. Work to begin when weather permits.
Word has been received from the Massachusetts Depart- ment of Public Works that no new allotments will be made for Chapter 90 construction during 1942.
Sanitary Sewers
Twenty-two house connections were made to sanitary sewers during 1941.
The sanitary sewer on Howard Street running westerly from Moore Street was extended 60 feet with 8" vitrified clay pipe.
66
Roots from soft maple and poplar trees have made it necessary to clean sewers in some locations many times.
The extension of the Rowley Street sewer on Royal and Randall Streets to remedy a very serious sanitary condition is recommended for 1942.
Surface Drainage
At the corner of Elm and Main Streets sixty feet of 8" clay pipe was laid to provide an outlet for a leech basin into an existing surface drainage manhole on Main Street.
One hundred feet of vitrified clay pipe was laid at the outlet of the culvert which drains the road at the junction of Elm and Silver Streets.
Three catch basins were rebuilt to provide better drain- age in various sections.
Ninety feet of metal culvert pipe was laid at different driveways and many gutters treated with asphalt to prevent erosion.
Two hundred and fifty feet of ditch was cleaned at the outlet of the Feeding Hills Center surface drainage system.
One hundred feet of gutter was constructed and rip rap- ping placed at the culvert on lower Suffield Street.
Much trouble is caused by sand in catch basins on graveled or sand roads such as Adams and Cooper Streets.
Road Machinery Account
$1,715.79 was credited to the Road Machinery Account from various individual highway appropriations during 1941 for the use of various types of equipment. This equipment is operated with funds set up as the Road Machinery Fund.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM D. RISING,
Highway Superintendent.
67
REPORT OF W. P. A. Projects
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1941 Honorable Board of Selectmen, Gentlemen :
The following is a report of W.P.A. projects for the year ending December 31, 1941:
River Road Intercepting Sewer
This gravity sewer of which 4,384 feet and 11 manholes were constructed during 1940 was extended 475 feet on River Road to Main Street and 425 feet southerly on the westerly side of Main Street including 4 reinforced concrete manholes, completing this portion of the River Road Project May 1, 1941. 75 barrels of cement were furnished by the Federal government during 1941.
1941 Federal Labor Cost. $10,107.82
1941 Federal Material Cost 180.00
1941 Sponsor's Cost. 4,789.31
Westfield River Pressure Sewer
This pressure sewer constructed from the headchamber to the City of Springfield's Sewage Disposal Plant 3,710 ft. southwesterly and across the Westfield River was added to during 1941. Work was begun Feb. 13, 1941 on the upper section of this sewer, as the lower meadows were so flooded as to make work impossible at this time. 2,834 ft. of 10" asbestos cement pressure pipe purchased by the Federal government was laid from Main Street to the beginning of the lower meadows. Work on this project was discontinued in the meadows to begin the northerly Main Street extension of the River Road sewer classed as a non-certified emergency defense project by the W.P.A. Work was resumed at Main and Federal Streets October 16, 1941, and 530 feet of 10" pressure pipe purchased by the Federal government was laid on Main Street running northerly to the town lot opposite Reed Street, a future pumping station site. A gravity sewer line of 8" vitrified clay pipe 538 ft. long was laid in the same ditch for a future line to take care of the houses in this low area and also Main Street to Lloyd's Hill and Federal Street.
68
This sewage will be pumped into the pressure line at the pump- ing station opposite Reed Street when constructed.
Work will begin about January 2, 1942 to complete 3,471 feet of this sewer in the lower meadows south of the Westfield River.
1941 Federal Labor Cost. $10,480.54
1941 Federal Material Cost. 3,048.84
1941 Sponsor's Cost. 5,302.59
Venturi House
An appropriation of $3,000.00 was made for the con- struction of a Venturi chamber and installation of a Venturi tube and meter recorder at Bondi's Island to measure Aga- wan's sewage flow to the City of Springfield Sewage Disposal Plant. A contract for the tube and meter was let during 1941. Size and specifications now being known it is proposed to have this chamber built by contract during 1942.
Mill Street Sanitary Sewer Extension
Work on this project was suspended August 22, 1940 to transfer the working force to Bondi's Island at a time of low water the only time that work was possible there. Work was resumed on Mill Street January 21, 1941, using the balance of pipe furnished by the Federal government during 1940 for a distance of 370 ft. This gravity sewer now extends to a point 370 ft. easterly of the center line of Kensington Street. Pro- ject was completed February 20, 1941. Tarring of the gravel replaced where the sewer ditch was dug was done during June 1941, as this work cannot be done in cold weather.
1941 Federal Labor Cost. $ 2,621.02
1941 Sponsor's Cost . 653.47
Main Street Sewer
This gravity sewer was started at the last manhole of the River Road sewer April 28, 1941 and extends northerly on Main Street 2,250 ft. to past Barden Street. 344 ft. of 8" vitrified clay pipe was used at the start of this project and 1,906 ft. of asbestos cement sewer pipe for the remainder. 6" clay pipe connections were made to the street lines for all houses in this area. Seven manholes on this sewer line were constructed of concrete. These were made with circular steel forms providing a 10" wall. All materials on this pro- ject were furnished by the town. This project was completed October 16, 1941.
1941 Federal Labor Cost. $ 8,085.78
1941 Sponsor's Cost. 4,317.10
69
Sewing
This project employing 12 women was discontinued June 21, 1941, projects of this type in all but large cities being dis- continued by the Federal government. Materials for sewing were furnished by the town at the rate of $10.00 per month per woman.
1941 Federal Labor Cost. $ 5,362.25
1941 Sponsor's Cost . 2,484.41
$3,305.57 was returned to the General Fund.
Recreation
This project was discontinued April 15, 1941 due to lack of personnel to operate properly. In June 1941 all recreation projects in smaller towns were discontinued by the Federal government.
1941 Federal Labor Cost . $ 1,780.90
1941 Sponsor's Cost . 35.62
$209.89 was returned to the General Fund.
First Aid Supplies
Due to the decreased number of W.P.A. employees dur- ing 1941, $151.22 of the $200.00 appropriation was returned to the General Fund December 31, 1941. Tools
On December 31, 1941 there remained a balance of $266.27 from the appropriation of $1,000.00 for tools.
Total Federal Funds Expended on Sewer Projects 1941 . $34,524.00
Total Federal Funds Expended on Other Projects 1941 7,142.15
Total
$41,666.15
Total Town Funds Expended on Sewer Projects 1941 . $15,062.47
Total Town Funds Expended on Sewing and Recreation Projects 1941.
2,520.03
Other Town Funds Expended 1941. 2,273.55
Total . $19,856.05
Town Funds Carried Over to 1942. . $20,684.47
Town Funds Returned to General Fund Dec. 31, 1941 3,941.91 Respectfully submitted, JOHN E. MALLEY, W.P.A. Coordinator.
70
REPORT OF THE Chief of Police OF THE TOWN OF AGAWAM FOR 1941
Perley J. Hewey, Chief Roland A. Reed, Sargeant Aldege Paro, Motorcycle Officer
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Following is the annual report of the Police Department from January 1, 1941 to December 31, 1941, inclusive:
Arrests
Number of Arrests against Public Order 256
Number of Arrests against Property 12
Number of Arrests Against Persons 11
Total Number of Arrests 279
Dispositions
Total Number of Court Convictions 277
Total Number Discharged . 2
Total Amount of Fines Taken in . $2,746.00
Total Amount turned back to the Town 1,046.00
There were three fatal accidents in Agawam during the past year, and there were two hundred arrests for motor vehicle violations. The number of arrests diminished some- what from the previous year, and larcenies in the Town were exceedingly low.
I wish to state at this time for the benefit of those who do not know, that all accidents of Agawam residents that take place anywhere outside of Agawam, as well as in town, are charged up to the Town of Agawam, which affects the Insurance rates of the town.
PERLEY J. HEWEY,
Chief of Police.
71
1941 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE AND THE HAMPDEN COUNTY IMPROVEMENT LEAGUE
TOWN OF AGAWAM
Agricultural Work
The aricultural educational projects are conducted on a county-wide basis with commodity groups rather than town or community units. However, all local dairymen, poultry- men, vegetable, fruit, and commercial potato and tobacco growers are kept informed, are invited to special or district meetings, and are visited by the County Agent in connection with their problems. The work of the past year has included the following projects: pasture and hayland improvement; soil conservation and testing; livestock management and dis- ease control; plant pest and rodent control; the grading and marketing of farm produce; farm financing and record keep- ing; woodlot management; the construction and remodeling of barns, poultry houses, and storages; land drainage; home gardens and grounds improvement; and general economic information.
One hundred and fifty-five farmers of Agawam were en- eolled in the national agricultural conservation program this year.
Home Bureau Work
During the past year there were seven separate and dis- tinct Home Bureau projects carried on in Agawam under the direction of fifteen local leaders. There were 145 different women participating in these various projects and 18 meetings and demonstrations were held.
The flower arrangement project was particularly popular as well as the Christmas Gift Kit, Home Management, and Home Grounds. The Feeding Hills Group in garment Finishes made an excellent showing by winning the second prize at the County-Wide Summary Day exhibit.
72
4-H Club Work
There were ten different projects carried on by 189 boys and girls in the 18 different 4-H clubs organized in the town during the year. These clubs were led by twenty-four people who held 201 meetings and demonstrations. Clubs included Canning, Gardening, Dairy, Room Improvement, Poultry, Baby Beef, Conservation, and Handicraft.
The Agents with the Leaders made 180 home visits dur- ing the year. Many of the Club members took special honors in various contests held in the County and throughout the State.
Financial Statement
1941 Appropriation
*Expended in 1941
$100.00 99.71
Balance available for 1942. .29
Appropriation recommended for 1942. $150.00
*Expenses incurred for carrying out the work as reported herewith by the following local citizens who served without pay as leaders in the various projects and were paid directly to them by check from the County Treasurer's office.
Home Bureau Leaders : Mrs. W. C. Bodurtha, Mrs. Frank Draghetti, Mrs. E. R. Hall, Miss Lora T. Smith, Mrs. E. H. Torrey, Supplies for Bread- making Demonstration .
4-H Club Leaders: Albert Christopher, Alan, Loren, Maurice, and Wayne Clark, Louis Draghetti, Mary Gravel, Ruth A. Grout, Norman Jenks, Guy Mercadante, Mrs. Marion A. Pond, Mrs. W. R. Walker, Alvin R. Kellogg, Jr., Mrs. Frank Ehrhardt, Shirley Ahern, Ruth Grout, electricity for Feeding Hills 4-H Club House. 85.00
$ 14.71
$ 99.71
Respectfully submitted,
TRUSTEES FOR COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE
L. B. BOSTON, Clerk.
73
REPORT OF THE Forestry Department
During the past year many dead trees were removed from the highways.
We are pleased to report that almost every elm tree on town property was sprayed this past year, many of which were sprayed for the first time in many years.
During the past year the United Electric Light Com- pany trimmed their lines throughout the town. While in this town they gave much help to our department in removing dead and dangerous trees which were a menace to both the town and to their power lines.
We are also pleased to report that during the past 3 years no one has ever been injured while connected with the Forestry department.
We hope that in the near future we may be able to re- place some of the trees that have been removed during the past few years and that we may be able to help make our town more attractive.
Trees beautify a town and we should do all that is possible to develop and preserve their beauty.
Respectfully submitted, DANIEL DI DONATO, Tree Warden.
74
ANNUAL REPORT OF Agawam Library Trustees FOR YEAR OF 1941
The Library Trustees for the Town of Agawam submit the following report.
On account of ill health Mrs. Ida Bernatchez will be un- able to run for re-election at the polls this year. We are sorry to lose her after working faithfully for years as Librarian and Library Trustee in North Agawam.
The libraries have all been in need of more shelf room for some time. We are glad to be able to say that additional shelves have been placed in each of the three libraries.
Gifts of old books and magazines have been sent out for use in Army Camps, in Girls' Camps, in Old People's Homes and by the Salvation Army. In this way shelf space is made for the newer books.
Both the Feeding Hills and Agawam Libraries have found a continued interest in the State Reading Lists. These are carefully prepared so as to encourage the reading of better books by children. Many five Book Certificates have been given to school pupils and several children have received 20 Book Certificates. Three Feeding Hills children (Virginia Wrisley, Donald Edwards and William Kaskaski) have re- ceived certificates for reading 60 books each.
Although many new borrowers have registered at the libraries, our total circulation has decreased. This condition is due to the large amount of work being done under the Pre- paredness Program of our country.
Agawam Library has received gifts of three new magazines during the past year. They are:
Parents Teachers' Magazine-
from Parent Teachers Organization
American Legion Auxiliary Magazine --
from American Legion Auxiliary
Red Cross Magazine-
from American Red Cross Organization.
We urge our readers to use more widely our fine magazines which meet the interests of all.
Again we thank the readers for their fine co-operation.
75
Figures for Libraries
Agawam
Circulation .
16,236
Books owned
9,197
Borrowers.
1,125
Feeding Hills
Circulation.
11,070
Books owned
6,700
Borrowers.
554
North Agawam
Circulation.
10,323
Books owned
4,426
Borrowers.
397
Respectfully submitted,
ANNA H. RUDMAN,
EVA S. KERR,
IDA BERNATCHEZ.
Trustees.
76
REPORT OF Sealers of Weights and Measures
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The following is the report of work performed for the year ending December 31, 1941:
Con- Not Adjusted Sealed demned Sealed
Platform Scales-5,000 to 10,000
1
1
Platform Scales-100 to 5,000. .
11
10
0
1
Counter Scales under 100.
2
11
Beams-100 to 5,000
2
Beams under 100.
Spring-100 or over
7
Spring under 100. .
18
37
Computing under 100.
12
25
1
Person Weighing (Slot)
4
Avoirdupois Weights.
78
No. 3 Volumetric Measure.
3
35
Liquid Measuring Device
36
Gasoline.
42
Kerosene Pumps
6
Oil Pumps.
35
Grease Measuring Device
22
Linear Measure .
2
Cloth Measuring Device
3
Totals
47
356
0
2
Trial Weighings on Measurement of Commodities Sold or Put Up for Sale
Total No. Tested
Number Correct
Incorrect
Under
Over
Beans
11
2
9
Bread .
22
17
3
2
Dry Commodities.
40
25
1
14
Flour .
14
10
4
0
Fruit and Vegetables. .
8
0
1
7
Grain and Feed .
9
8
0
1
77
Hay
3
1
2
0
Lard
6
6
0
0
Meats and Provisions.
32
25
7
0
Potatoes.
52
3
41
8
Butter .
33
24
5
4
Coal in Transit
3
2
0
1
Totals
233
123
73
37
Sealing Fees $53.44
Total No. Tested
Correct
Incorrect
Retest on Peddlers' Scales.
9
9
Retest on Ice Scales.
6
6
Retest on Proper Markings
29
21
8
Reinspection of Gas Pumps.
.
6
6
Totals.
50
42
8
I wish to thank the merchants for their cooperation in the past year, and hope they will continue the good work on short weights. These have been cut down to about 25%.
Respectfully submitted, FRANK DRAGHETTI, Sealer.
78
REPORT OF The Town Nurse
JANUARY 1, 1941-DECEMBER 31, 1941
Total number of Nursing Calls 1,299
Total number of Dressings. 189
Total number of General Cares, Baths, etc. 394
Total number of Mothers and Babies . 30
Total number of Prenatals. 22
Total number of Temperature, pulse, etc. 362
Total number of Miscellaneous Calls. 108
Total number of Well Babies. 65
Total number of contagious Diseases 129
Total Calls .
1,299
Contagious Diseases
Number of Mumps.
146
Number of German Measles 30
Number of Regular Measles 61
Number of Whooping cough 47
Number of Scarlet Fever . 87
Well Baby Clinic Attendance
North Agawam. 50
Springfield St. School
72
Total 122
The well baby clinics are held every other Tuesday at Springfield Street School and in the Library at North Agawam School from 2:15-4 P.M. All pre-school children and babies are welcome.
Total number of initial visits for the Welfare Depart- ment.
31
There will be a Diptheria Immunization clinic held sometime in May of 1942. All babies from six months and over are welcome.
79
Appointments made for patients to go to Out- Patient Department at Massacuhsetts General Hospi tal at Boston. .
2
Appointments made for Tonsils .
24 Patients taken to Westfield T.B. Out-Patient. 18
Appointments for patients to go to Mercy and Wesson Prenatal Clinic .. . 21
Patients sent to Springfield Hospital Clinics 2
Appointments for Emergency X-ray at Springfield Hospital Out-Patient . 4
Number of patients taken to doctor and dentist offices . 12
I would like to thank all town officers and townspeople for their splendid cooperation and loyal support to me through- out the year.
Respectfully submitted,
CLARA H. WILLIAMS, R.N.
Town Nurse.
80
REPORT OF THE Gypsy Moth Control
To the Selectmen:
During the year of 1942 the egg clusters proved to have diminished greatly in some areas while new infestations were found in others.
The results were about the same as last year in woodland areas while a decrease was noted along the highways.
Of the 655 clusters painted approximately 455 were painted in areas off the highways.
A scarcity of trained scouters now exists and trained climbers are practically impossible only on days when they are not working at other businesses or in other lines of work.
47 locations are infested lightly or fairly heavy-2 having been located in woodland that yielded 227 alone in two areas.
The appropriation should be the same as last year but the time is coming when we must try to get assistance from the government if local help is not available.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES KIRBY.
81
Articles in Warrant
FOR TOWN MEETING February 7, 1942
Article 1. To choose two or more Fence Viewers, and ยท two or more Field Drivers.
Article 2. To hear and act upon the reports of the Town Officers.
Article 3. To see what method the Town will adopt for the support of Public Welfare for the ensuing year.
Article 4. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money for the proper observance of Memorial Day, and pro- vide for its expenditure.
Article 5. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money for the payment of a proper charge of an Insurance Company for acting as surety on the official bond of its officers.
Article 6. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money for Liability Insurance of its employees.
Article 7. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money for employment of a District Nurse.
Article 8. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money for enforcement of the Dog Law.
Article 9. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of $150.00 to be expended in the Town of Agawam by the Hampden County Trustees for Aid to Agriculture in accord- ance with the provisions of the laws of the Commonwealth.
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen to borrow money from time to time, in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1942 and to issue a note or notes therefore, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 44 of the General Laws.
82
Article 11. To see if the Town will reappropriate from the Town Treasury the following balances of 1941 appropriations: Sewer Land Takings $ 145.00
Tax Title Foreclosure 1,068.65
Article 12. To see if the Town will authorize the sale of a piece of property standing in the name of the Town, situated on the westerly corner of Letendre and North Streets, approx- imately 40 feet by 400 feet, and under what conditions.
Article 13. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of $500. as a Defense Fund.
Article 14. To hear and act on any report which may be made by the Committee on Building By-Laws.
Article 15. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of $1,000. from the Road Machinery Account to Highway Equipment Account.
Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a certain sum of money for Water Construction, and authorize the issuance of bonds not to exceed $10,000.
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.