USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1956 > Part 23
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Complaints registered with me are as follows:
Dogs impounded 405
Unlicensed dogs impounded and delivered to owners 67
Licensed dogs returned via telephone 152
Licensed dogs delivered by car 24
Unlicensed dogs impounded and turned over to the Animal Rescue League when owner could not be located 300
Dogs destroyed at pound 17
Dog owners contacted on Warrant 1245
Dogs caused to be licensed 1140
Dogs licensed 2085
Complaints received at my office and investigated 31
Complaints registered with me to remove dead or mutilated animals from highways are as follows:
Dogs 73 Starlings 10
Cats 202
Pheasants 3
Skunks
17 Rats 12
Squirrels
70 Rabbits
Pigeons
41 Turtle
1
At this time, I wish to express my thanks to you and the Board of Selectmen for the advice and assistance given me in the settlement of the many controversies arising between the Dog Owners and the complainants.
I also wish to thank Police Chief Ryan and his department
for the splendid cooperation given me through the year.
I also wish to thank Town Clerk, Mr. Golden, and his staff for their cooperation.
In conclusion, I gratefully acknowledge the prompt attention given by the Dog Owners of Arlington to the licensing of their dogs this year.
Respectfully submitted,
SAMUEL F. FEMIA Dog Officer, Town of Arlington
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 311
Report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures
January 20, 1957
Mr. Edward C. Monahan
Town Manager
Town Hall
Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I respectfully submit the Annual Report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending December 31, 1956.
SCALES
Adjusted
Sealed Condemned
Platform or Beam over 100 1bs.
1
18
0
Under 100 1bs.
9
205
5
Prescription or Apothecary
0
14
0
Personal Weighing
5
29
3
WEIGHTS
Avoirdupois
0
88
0
Apothecary
0
177
0
Capacity Measures
0
45
7
AUTOMATIC MEASURING DEVICE
12
82
2
Oil Meters
1
8
0
MISCELLANEOUS
0
7
0
Yard Sticks
0
1
0
Taxi Meters
27
576
17
TRIAL WEIGHINGS AND INSPECTIONS
Number Tested
Correct
Under
Over
Meats & Provisions
1585
1529
25
31
Bread
192
190
0
2
Fruits & Vegetables
1876
1731
42
103
Coffee
99
99
0
0
Confectionery
155
155
0
0
Lard
36
36
0
0
Cheese
76
75
1
0
Fish
71
71
0
0
Butter
142
142
0
0
Sugar
40
40
0
0
Flour
38
38
0
0
Grass Seed
16
16
0
0
Dry Commodities
46
42
0
4
Oil Deliveries
36
36
0
0
Gas Meters
46
46
0
0
Pedler Licenses
24
24
Totals
4458
4269
71
146
This Department has turned into the Town Treasurer the sum of $226.05 which was collected as sealing fees. During the past year the hired trucks used in the delivery of loam and for the removal of snow have been measured by the Sealer.
Respectfully submitted, JAMES J. DOLAN Sealer of Weights and Measures
Gasoline Meters
312
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Report of the Cemetery Department
January 14, 1957
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager
Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
The report of the Cemetery Commissioners for the year end- ing December 31, 1956 is hereby submitted.
The Board organized with Mr. Arthur R. Kimball as Chair- man, Mrs. Claire M. Murray, Clerk, and Mr. Edward C. Preston in Charge of Grounds.
There were 348 interments in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, none in the Pleasant Street Cemetery.
1956 brought changes to the Board. On March 19th, Mr. Monahan appointed Mr. John R. Keefe, Cemetery Commissioner to fill a vacancy caused by the retirement of Mr. Nils Anderson. On October 18th, Mr. Ralph L. LaValle was appointed by Mr. Monahan to fill a vacancy on the Board caused by the resignation of Mr. Arthur R. Kimball who moved to Burlington, Massachusetts.
The work of developing the land west of Mill Brook was continued through the year. One section containing 432 graves was plotted by the Engineering Department.
A four foot Chain Link fence was erected along Mill Brook from the cemetery bridge to Summer Street Boulevard, a dis- tance of 800 ft.
A two car garage of concrete block was built at the rear of Chapel in 1956, to take the place of an old wooden structure that was wrecked by the hurricane.
Following are the amounts received by the Board of Cemetery Commissioners :
Sale of Lots and Graves
$12,444.00
Annual Care 2,248.50
Foundations
2,957.30
Opening Graves
9,125.00
Miscellaneous
3,158.50
Perpetual Care
16,099.50
Income from Funds
10,176.68
Respectfully submitted,
WATHEN B. HENDERSON JOHN R. KEEFE RALPH L. LaVALLE Board of Cemetery Commissioners
313
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS
Report of the Inspector of Buildings
January 8, 1957
Mr. Edward C. Monahan
Town Manager
Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit Annual Report of the inspection of Build- ing, Plumbing and Gas for the year ending December 31, 1956.
Three Hundred Eighty-nine (389)
building permits were
issued, classified as follows:
Move Dwelling 1
$ 2,500
Complete 1-Fam. Dwelling
1
7,500
1-Family Dwelling
158
1,656,500
2-Family Dwelling
6
92,000
9-Apt. Dwelling
1
56,000
Filling Station
3
47,300
Buildings
3
110,000
Additions & Alterations
116
383,725
Signs
32
15,349
Awning
1
900
Reroof Dwellings
22
9,255
Demolish Buildings
30
6,650
Garages
10
13,677
Temporary Tent
1
300
Greenhouse
3
2,800
Relocate Dwelling
1
10,000
Total
389
$2,414,456
389 Building Permits issued
Fees Collected
$1,306.06
798 Plumbing Permits issued
Fees Collected
1,325.50
693 Gas Permits issued
Fees Collected
350.50
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES C. MCCABE Inspector of Buildings
Annual Report of Inspector of Animals
January 9, 1957
To: Town Manager
Subject: Annual Report of Inspector of Animals
1. A total of 135 animals in Arlington were examined and quarantined for biting persons during the past year.
2. There were no cases of rabies in Arlington in 1956.
3. The Inspector of Animals wishes to express his apprecia- tion to the Police Department and the Board of Health for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN J. MURPHY, JR,, D.V. M.
314
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Annual Report of the Department of Civil Defense
January 10,1957
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
In accordance with the By-Laws of the Town, I submit here- with the Seventh Annual Report of the Department of Civil Defense.
Training and planning in Civil Defense functions reached a record this year. Two hundred and seventeen persons received certificates in Standard First Aid, sponsored jointly by Civil De- fense and Red Cross. Twenty-four certificates were awarded for advanced work and eighteen persons were certified for instructors. Graduates included Explorer Scouts, Girl Scouts, Auxiliary Police, Traffic Supervisors and Junior Women's Club. Thirty-Two certi- ficates were awarded in the Home Nursing.
Radio Courses: Electronic experts enrolled in Civil Defense instructed volunteers in communications. Graduates received Third Class Radio Licenses. The graduates will operate Civil Defense Radios when needed.
Bomb Disposal: Sixty Civil Defense volunteers received cer- tificates upon completion of a bomb disposal course sponsored by the United States Army and Civil Defense.
Auxiliary Fire Dept: Eleven volunteers were accepted into the Auxiliary Fire Dept. All were trained in fire-fighting duties.
Warden Services: Wardens received training in Traffic Con- trol by class-room instruction and also received actual experience in the streets throughout the town.
Women's Activities: A new phase of Civil Defense was in- augurated during the year at the request of State Civil Defense. A Deputy Director was appointed to recruit and train volunteers in all phases of Civil Defense. During the year the Deputy Director and her staff contributed greatly to our effort.
Surplus Property : Surplus property acquired through the co-operation of the Vocational Director of the School Department saved our town a large sum of money enabled us to stockpile dis- aster items. Two water pumps were acquired and serviced and stockpiled. Vocational students at the Senior High School aided Civil Defense during the year by servicing the water pumps and converting ten radios for Civil Defense use. The radios were also surplus property. Students also made repairs to a truck acquired for Civil Defense use. Hundreds of dollars were saved by this means.
During the latter part of the year, the Federal Government released Surplus Property directly to Civil Defense. This release of Surplus Property will save the town thousands of dollars in purchasing for many departments and will enable Civil Defense to stockpile for emergencies.
315
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL DEFENSE
Matching Funds: The Matching Funds Program again al- lowed the town to save by making purchases through Civil De- fense. The School, Fire, and Fire and Police Signal Departments joined with Civil Defense in effecting the savings.
March 17 Blizzard: The blizzard of March 17 enabled Civil Defense again to show its effectiveness during emergencies. Auxi- liary Policemen and Firemen, Ham Operators and Red Cross were quickly mobilized and readied for any eventuality. Red Cross can- teen services augmented with Civil Defense personnel fed Civil Defense volunteers, police, fire and town employees.
Civil Defense supplied cots and blankets to Fire Stations to accommodate the additional forces called for emergency duties. Cots and blankets were also supplied to merchants unable to leave their places of business. Cots and blankets were also set up in the Police Station for stranded motorists. In the A.M. hours the day following, Civil Defense forces were disbanded when it was decided the emergency was over.
Red Cross: Red Cross and Civil Defense now have set up joint committees. Both will work as a single unit instead of work- ing independently, but cooperatively as formerly. Responsibilities to each other are now clearly defined relative to Welfare Services. As a result of this joining, a Mobile Red Cross Kitchen has been stored in Arlington ready for immediate use. The Red Cross ambulance and canteen service is also available for Civil Defense, either manned by Red Cross or Civil Defense volunteers. All training programs for Welfare Services will be jointly sponsored by Red Cross and Civil Defense.
Civil Defense Week: The finest cooperative program of the year was introduced during the week of September 9 to 15. Schools and churches, town departments, merchants and Civil Defense volunteers assisted in a production of Civil Defense preparedness. Publications were distributed all over town. Evacuation drills were held in all schools. Window displays were set up. Demonstrations were given by Wardens, Auxiliary Police and Firemen, Regular Fire forces, radio Hams, Red Cross Mass Feeding, Welfare Ser- vices and First-Aid teams.
Over 100 vehicles filled with Civil Defense volunteers convoyed from the Municipal Parking Area to Concord, Mass. which has been designated as a dispersal area for Civil Defense in wartime disaster.
The exercise was termed a complete success by the Mass. Civil Defense Agency.
It is not possible to enumerate all accomplishments or activi- ties. To all of our worthy volunteers, may we express our grateful appreciation for without their assistance Civil Defense would be valueless. We are especially indebited to the Police and Fire De- partments, School Dept., Board of Public Welfare, the Town Manager and Board of Selectmen for their assistance throughout the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
PHILIP A. SWEENEY, Director
316
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Annual Report of the Park Commission
January 9, 1957
Mr. Edward C. Monahan
Town Manager
Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Monahan:
The Board of Park Commissioners herewith submits its An- nual Report for the year ending December 31, 1956.
Mr. Francis A. Coughlin resigned from the Board of Park Commissioners on May 1, 1956 and J. Fred McGann was appointed May 14, 1956 to fill the unexpired term.
MAINTENANCE:
Warren A. Peirce Field: A little League baseball field was laid out with a chain link backstop and players benches erected. This area will also be used for girls softball.
An area for field hockey was also laid out to be used by high schools girls.
A multi-use area of 20,000 sq. ft. was developed and will have two basketball courts or two tennis courts to be used at alternate times.
A tackling dummy was erected.
Installed 250 feet of two inch plastic pipe to replace old water line at baseball field.
Painted one-third of Safway grandstand and replaced with two inch planks to support stand.
Thorndike Field: Painted 1,080 sq. ft. of chain link fence.
Linwood Street: Painted 8,100 sq. ft. of chain link fence; painted 30 'x 18' chain link backstop; painted two Little League dugouts and repaired broken cement walls and floor; installed two picnic tables.
Spy Pond Field: Repaired screens, steps, clapboards, hand- rails and painted the girls' shelter with two coats of paint. Laid out a new baseball diamond, erected a new chain link backstop 50' x 18', and installed players benches.
Crosby School: £ Painted the play apparatus, painted 2,100 sq. ft. of chain link fence, replaced 150 feet of 14 ft. chain link fence destroyed by snow storm in March. This fence surrounds tennis court. Multi-use area developed for basketball, 85' x 45'.
North Union Street: Painted 50' x 18' chain link backstop. Painted 8,340 sq. ft. of chain link fence.
Summer Street: Multi-use area developed for basketball, 85' x 50'.
Florence Avenue: Multi-use area developed for basketball, 85' x 45'.
Pheasant Avenue: Erected 250 feet of 6 ft. chain link fence.
Reservoir Beach: Painted 7,860, sq. ft. of chain link fence.
317
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSION
RECREATION :
Thirty-five days of skating was enjoyed at Hills Pond and Meadowbrook Park; North Union Street, Parallel Street and Robbins Farm wading pools. Lighted areas at Hills Pond and. Meadowbrook provided night skating until 10:00 P.M. Nine hun- dred used these supervised areas daily, which were divided half for hockey and half for skating, enforced by police officers.
Sixteen adults bowling teams bowled two evenings a week for twenty weeks and climaxed the season with 125 bowlers at- tending a banquet at Fresh Pond Grille where individual and team prizes were awarded.
Sixteen adult softball teams played three rounds with an elimination series at the end of season to determine the Town championship. There was a total of 195 games played with 75 of these gaines played under floodlights at Reservoir Field. Final banquet was held at American Legion Hall with 135 in attendance with individual prizes awarded to players on championship teams.
Adult badminton was held every Tuesday evening from Octo- ber through March with 320 players participating, or an average of sixteen playing each evening. This program was conducted at Lowe Auditorium.
A golf clinic was conducted three evenings a week for six weeks at the Junior High East with John Thoren, golf pro from Myopia Country Club, instructing. 115 golf enthusiasts register- ed for this program.
Health exercise class for women was conducted on Wednesday evenings at the high school gymnasium.
Volley ball for men was held at the Junior High West on Wednesday evenings with an average attendance of eighteen.
Four teams participated in the Adult Basketball League play- ing two rounds and a round robin series at the end of season to determine the championship.
The High School Basketball League is composed of eleven teams, playing twice around. Elimination series played at end of season and trophies awarded winning teamns. There are 165 high school boys registered in this league. The teams play Tuesday and Friday evenings at the Junior High West and Thursday evenings at Lowe Auditorium.
Ballroom dancing was held for junior high school students on alternate Wednesday afternoons at Junior High East and West gymnasiums. 140 students registered for this program.
A fifth and sixth grade school activity program for girls consisting of arts and crafts, games and trips of interest was held Saturday mornings at the Dallin, Thompson and high school gymnasiums, and the Peirce and Bishop playrooms. Average at- tendance was 150 at these weekly sessions.
The Little League program coordinated by this department consisted of three separate leagues, playing twice weekly. This program is for boys 8-12 years. Each team plays fifteen games. 180 boys are registered in the Arlington Little League program.
318
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Tennis instruction was provided for junior high and high school girls at Spy Pond Field three afternoons a week during the spring, summer and fall seasons.
Archery program was conducted from early spring until late fall at Spy Pond Field.
Horseback riding lessons were conducted for junior high and high school girls in the spring and fall at Connor's Riding Stables in West Medford. Junior high boys were included in the fall season.
Reservoir Beach opened up June 21, 1956 for supervised instruction and bathing. Due to the closing of Lake Walden and Sandy Beach, the daily attendance was 350 and two Sundays averaged 600 bathers. Beach closed September 8, 1956.
Touch football was conducted at the Florence Avenue and Thorndike Street playgrounds. This program proved very popular. 22 boys from Hardy School and 28 from Dallin School participat- ed. Three games were played.
A profitable eight week summer program was provided for Arlington children at 16 supervised areas. The season commenced on June 25 and continued until August 12. A variety of games, arts and crafts, sports, playground baseball, softball leagues, and special events were enjoyed by some 1,200 youngsters. A tour of Boston was enjoyed by 100 youngsters. Approximately 500 boys and girls were guests of the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. The fifth annual weenie roast, sponsored by the Arlington Lodge of Elks, was held at Menotomy Rocks Park. 1,700 hot dogs, rolls, Cocoa Cola and Beech Nut gum were distributed to the youngsters.
The highlight of the summer playground season was the annual field day parade and field events held at Warren A. Peirce Field. An overwhelming number of youngsters took part in this yearly event, with a large number of onlookers present to view the festivities, sponsored by the Boys' Club Associates. The dis- tribution of ice cream, through the courtesy of David Buttrick Company, and the awarding of prizes climaxed a most successful and beneficial summer.
An extremely popular and active organization is the Arling- ton Golden Age Club which is open to any Arlington resident sixty-five years of age or older. 350 members are registered in. the organization which meets the first and third Thursday of the month at Robbins Junior Library. Many trips have been enjoyed by the Golden Agers this year. Several times during the summer groups of thirty were guests of the Boston Red Sox management; a group went to Danvers to enjoy a picnic with members of the Danvers Golden Age Club.
The game room, which is used exclusively by club members for social card playing and the sewing group, is located in the Old Town Hall. The sewing group meets weekly to make cloth- ing which is distributed to worthy organizations. This year the clothing was distributed locally through the Welfare Department. All materials used by the sewing group have been donated by friends and organizations.
The Board of Park Commissioners in its long range planning recommends that an artificial skating rink and swimming pool be built. Arlington has long been noted for its hockey teams and the
319
REPORT OF THE WIRE DEPARTMENT
large groups skating at Hills Pond and Meadowbrook Park warrants this necessary recreational area. The Town also lacks proper swimming facilities to protect our youngsters.
We thank the Town Manager, Edward C. Monahan, all Town departments and officials for their active cooperation, and the employees of the department for their loyalty and diligence.
EDWARD D. BUCKLEY, Chairman FRANK J. HUGHES J. FRED McGANN
Report of the Wire Department
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager
January 14, 1957
Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my Annual Report as Inspector of Wires for the year ending December 31, 1956.
Permits issued 1941
Fees collected $ 970.50
Poles replaced 215
STREET LIGHTING
The street lighting in service December 31, 1956 was as follows:
800 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 1550
1000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 183
2500 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 47
4000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 72
6000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 374
10000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps
87
15000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps
2
15000 Lumen Mercury Lamps
68
STREET LIGHTING ORDERED
15000 Lumen Mercury Lamps
86
10000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 1
4000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 46
2500 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 1
1000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 1585
STREET LIGHTING REPLACED
15000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps
9
10000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 58
6000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 3
2500 Lumen Incandescent Lamps
13
1000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps
7
800 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 1561
I wish to express my thanks to you and the various departments of the Town for the cooperation and courtesy extended to me during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
R. L. REID Inspector of Wires
320
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Report of the Supervisor of Maintenance
January 17, 1957
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager
Town of Arlington, Mass.
Dear Mr. Monahan:
I herewith submit my report as Supervisor of Maintenance and Custodians for the year ending December 31, 1956.
Specifications for various types of repairs and replacements to the various buildings for contract work including fuel, etc. were prepared by this Department and submitted to the Purchasing Agent to obtain competitive bids. After bids were awarded this Depart- ment supervised and inspected all work and materials as the work progressed.
The following are some of the various types of projects com- pleted by the Building Maintenance Department and Contractors during the past year.
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Over 400 work orders were issued and the work completed to make repairs and replacements to furniture, general building repairs, plumbing, heating and electrical system, etc.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL EAST
Installed 40 Fluorescent light fixtures in corridors, basement locker area and office.
Painted the entire exterior of the building and the second floor classroom area, including two stairways from the basement level to the second floor, offices and clinic room.
Completed the replacement of room thermostats and mixing dampers in the unit heaters in the basement area.
Installed new electrical branch circuits from the panel in the Boiler Room to the Auditorium and from the panel in the basement corridor to the Manual Training Room.
Installed a new refrigerator in the Cafeteria.
Replaced worn drains in the Boys' Sanitaries on the first and second floors.
Installed masonite shields on all Auditorium windows to protect the window drapes from the sun.
All pupils furniture was checked and repairs and replacements made where needed.
321
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MAINTENANCE
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL INDUSTRIAL ARTS
Installed 57 Fluorescent light fixtures in classrooms #1-2-3-5-6 and 12.
Replaced two long copper valleys on the roof and made other general repairs to the roof.
Refinished the Adult Education Office and Toilet Room, Clinic Room and Toilet Room, Principals' Office, Boys' and Girls' Sanitaries and Room #12.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL WEST
Installed 21 Fluorescent light fixtures in Room #1 and the Music Room.
Repointed and waterproofed the exterior walls on the front sec- tion of the Gymnasium.
Replaced damaged section of the interior front wall of the Gymnasium.
Installed additional radiation in the office and Room #28.
Replaced worn heating units in four vent stacks and changed the entire piping to same from the boiler room to the roof.
Painted all metal ventilators and ducts on the roof area and painted all exterior doors.
A section of the grounds at the lower front section of the building was graded, loamed and seeded to provide a grass play area for various athletic events. A chain link fance was also installed around this area for protection.
PEIRCE SCHOOL
Repointed and waterproofed the east and northeast exterior walls.
Replaced damaged plaster in classrooms # 14-15-16-17-18-24-25 and the Girls' Sanitary 2nd floor.
The Building Maintenance Department painted classrooms #14- 15-24-25-18-23-26, Girls' Sanitaries on the first and second floor, Boys' Sanitary in the basement, part of basement corridor and the entire Auditorium including stage and entrances.
The playground areas at the rear and end of the building were regraded and reconditioned; this was accomplished by a Committee appointed by the Moderator. Plans and Specifications were prepared for this Committee by an engineer and bids were obtained, and the work was completed under the supervision of this Committee and the engineer. The work done in these areas has greatly improved the appearance of the surroundings of the building. This Committee is to be complimented for the time and effort they put into this project.
322
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
HARDY SCHOOL
Installed entire new ceiling in the Fan and Fresh Air Rooms.
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