USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynnfield > Town of Lynnfield, Essex County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, annual report 1941-1948 > Part 31
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WHEREAS, George W. Peavey gave to his Community many years of faithful service and
WHEREAS, His example of living has been a beacon to all with whom he has come in contact and
WHEREAS, This Board of Selectmen of the Town of Lynnfield with utmost reverence and deep affection honors him, so therefore with respect to his memory be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Lynn- field fully resalize the loss they have sustained from the separation, a loss of loyalty, honesty, service and affection beyond words they may use to express, and be it further
RESOLVED, That this resolution be inscribed upon the records of the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Lynnfield and as a token of our common grief a copy thereof be sent to his wife.
1
42
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
REPORT OF TOWN COUNSEL
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Lynnfield, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
During the year of 1945 this department, in addition to the cus- tomary advisory work for the several municipal departments and of- ficers, appeared before the Appellate Tax Board, the Superior Court, and before the County Commissioners on several matters.
Several cases involving the Welfare and Old Age Assistance De- partments, involving the recoupment of funds previously advanced by the Town were successfully handled.
With reference to my previous annual report regarding the mod- ernization of records of assessment and taxation, the departments in- volved have proceeded with this work and much progress has been obtained. With the further mechanical aids provided for by the Town Meeting, it will not be long before our records will compare fav- orably with any municipality in the Commonwealth, if the work con- tinues as planned.
The work on the old tax titles by the Town Treasurer has been productive of results, and this work should be continued by a proper budget, so that the situation as it previously existed could never occur again.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH W. CASSIDY, Town Counsel
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and
The Citizens of the Town of Lynnfield:
I hereby submit my report of the activities of the Police Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1945.
The number of arrests totaled sixty-four as classified:
Assault
1
Larceny
2
Using motor vehicle without authority 2
Juvenile delinquency 3 ..
Driving motor vehicle to endanger 3
Driving motor vehicle under the influence 4 Drunkenness (Male) 9
Drunkenness (Female) 1
Motor Vehicle Violations 22
Vagrants 3
43
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
Night Walker
1
Non-Support
1
Trespass
1
Disturbing the Peace
2
Accosting
1
Abortion
2
Cruelty to Animals
1
Suspicious Person
1
Disorderly Conduct
1
Hit and Run Driver
1
Neglect of Minor Children
2
Total 64
During the year the Department has received 532 miscellaneous complaints. Stolen property recovered totaled $5,179.00 Motor Vehicle violations handled through the Registry, 246.
Ambulance Cases 93
Summons served for other departments
32
Door found open, made secure 76
Lost and missing persons located 13
Commitments 6
Automobile accidents investigated 29
Condition of streets reported
11
Stray dogs and animals cared for
60
Street lights reported out
139
Live wires down guarded by police
3
Messages delivered
38
Motor vehicle transfers
82
Driving licenses suspended
8
Automobile registrations revoked 4
In addition to the above, we have answered all fire alarms and answered two requests for the resuscitator. We have settled several cases of malicious damage by children out of court to the satisfaction of all concerned. As in former years we have enjoyed the support and co-operation of all the Department heads and I take this opportunity to express my gratitude.
Respectfully submitted, .
EVERETT S. WEBSTER, Chief.
44
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
REPORT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and
The Citizens of Lynnfield: -
Herewith I respectfully submit my annual report of the Fire De- partment for the year ending December 31, 1945. The Department responded to a total of 86 alarms.
12 Building fires
44 Forest, Brush, grass fires
3 Auto, Truck fires
2 Oil burner fires
9 False alarms
11 Needless alarms
3 Dump fires
2 Emergency calls
We stretched 8500 feet of 21/2-inch hose, 4000 feet of 11/2-inch hose, 3200 feet of 1-inch hose, 1500 feet of booster line hose, raised 270 feet of ladders, used 50 gallons of soda and acid chemicals, 20 pump tanks.
The total insured building loss was about $18,000, the contents loss insured and uninsured was approximately $4500.
Very respectfully submitted, WILLIAM W. MOXHAM Chief of Fire Department
REPORT OF BUILDING INSPECTOR
December 31, 1945
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Lynnfield
Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
During the year 1945 the following permits were granted:
7 New Dwellings
5 Private Garages
11 Sheds, Poultry Houses, etc.
11 Alterations and Additions
20 Repairs
7 Demolition Permits
Fees amounting to $121.50 were collected which I have paid to the Town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY A. HASKELL
Building Inspector
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS & MEASURES 45
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Lynnfield Center, Dec. 11, 1945
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The following articles were sealed the year of 1945:
Platform Scales
7
Beam Scales
2
Spring Scales 9
Computing Scales
4
Slot-Weighing Scales
1
Liquid Measures
21
Gas Pump Meters
29
Oil Measuring Pumps
3
Counter Scales
1
Fees collected $23.04.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE A. WESTOVER Sealer of Weights and Measures
REPORT OF BOARD OF APPEALS FOR THE TOWN OF LYNNFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS December 31, 1945
To the Board of Selectmen,
Lynnfield, Mass.
Gentlemen:
We are pleased to submit our annual report for the period begin- ning January 1, 1945 and ending December 31, 1945. '
During the past year no appeals have been presented to this Board from decisions of the Building Inspector under either the Building or Zoning Laws.
No other cases were presented to this Board, and no expenses have been incurred during this year.
Respectfully submitted, LOUIS B. TUCK, Chairman
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF MOTH DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen: Gentlemen:
The past years work was carried along the same lines as in previ- ous years. Woodlands were looked over for Gypsy Moth infestations and partly creosoted. The centre part of the town is extremely good,
46
-
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
but the south part has one large infestation which comprises wood- land on Walnut, Salem and the turnpike. This infestation is being creosoted. There were no Brown Tail moth webs found last year. The Fall web worm was very heavy last Fall. Tent caterpillars were also very heavy throughout the town. The Elm Leaf Beetle remains the same as last year, heavy on private property.
All of this work is carried on under the supervision of the State Department of Conservation. The State contributed $452.40 in supplies to the Town during the past year.
I hope that a larger appropriation will be made so that the above infestation may be properly taken care of during the coming year.
Respectfully submitted,
LYMAN H. TWISS
Superintendent
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN
To the Citizens of the Town of Lynnfield:
At the last Annual Town Meeting an appropriation was made for the care of shade trees. This was used to take down dead and danger- ous trees, also to trim up trees where there were dangerous limbs. Some cavity work was done on trees that were very bad. There is still a large amount of such work to be done which is slow and costly.
The street trees, as a whole, look very good, but I hope the appro- priation will be much larger so that more work can be done along these lines, and that a similar appropriation will be made to purchase and plant trees along the highways.
Respectfully submitted, LYMAN H. TWISS
Tree Warden
REPORT OF HEALTH OFFICER
January 28, 1946
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I hereby submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1945. Chicken Pox 7
Dog Bite 10
German Measles
.Gonorrhea 3.
Measles
11
Mumps .... 34 :
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS 47
Scarlet Fever 2
Syphillis 2
Typhoid Fever 1
Tuberculosis
3
Whooping Cough
16
Summary of Report
ยท Number of complaints 40
School Permits 225
Verbal Notices 10
Inspections Made
45
Letters Written
30
Telephone Calls
200
Wells Examined
3
Cesspools Examined 16
Surgical Cases
2
Number of Professional Calls
Office Calls 206
House Calls 184
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE S. ROBINSON, M. D., D. O.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Lynnfield, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
The Highway roster has been comparatively small this past year but several projects have been accomplished.
Pillings Pond Road approximately Two Thousand feet was laid out, graded and one coat of tar applied.
Douglass Road approximately Six Hundred Feet was graded and tarred.
Numerous streets throughout the Town were re-surfaced.
Considerable more time and money was spent on Snow and Ice Removal this past year than previous years.
A new D-4 Caterpillar Tractor and Plow voted to be purchased at the March Town Meeting was delivered January 12, 1946.
A building to house the Highway Department Equipment is sorely needed.
Respectfully submitted,
MINOT H. CARTER Superintendent of Streets
48
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
REPORT OF SCHOOL BUILDING STUDY Jan. 7th, 1946
Jesse B. Davis, Consultant
THE PRESENT BUILDING SITUATION
For some years the attention of the Town has been called to the existing unsatisfactory school building situation. The school at South Lynnfield is a constant menace to the lives of the pupils should a fire ever happen in that building. According to modern laws for safety nearly everything is wrong, and emphasizes the need for a new build- ing providing not only safety, but opportunities for improving the teaching conditions at the same time.
The elementary school at the Center is at least a little better than the South building as one half of it is of fairly modern construction if not wholly fireproof. Conditions are badly crowded classrooms, no facilities for growth, health education and physical training, practical arts, or for aiding those needing remedial attention. The two base- ment rooms in this building should not be used as classrooms as they do not meet the standards for light and health.
GROWTH OF ENROLLMENT
From the records of school enrollment it is plain that Lynnfield has enjoyed a very steady and healthy growth during the past twenty- five years. There have been no decided losses or increases from year to year as was evident in so many towns during the depression. School enrollment is a very accurate index of population growth in a town. Beginning with 181 elementary pupils twenty-five years ago, a high point of enrollment of 354 pupils was reached in 1943 which is an in- crease of about 95 percent. If this should continue for another twenty- five years the enrollment would approach 700 pupils. In ten years we should expect around 500 pupils to be enrolled as is shown by the following graph.
49
REPORT OF SCHOOL BUILDING STUDY
Growth of Elementary School Enrollment
No.1
550
525 500
-
Increase in 10 yrs.
475
43 Per Cent.
450
425
Estimated
400
375
350
Enrollment on Basis of same rate of Growth
325
300
275
250
225
200
-
-
-
-
-
1 -
1 -
1956
1957
1958
1959
1960
1934
1935
1936
1937
1938
1939
1940
1941
1942
1943
1944
1945
1946
1947
1948.
1949
1950
1951
1952
1953
1954
1955
Any building program should be planned to meet the needs of at least the next ten or more years. A forward looking, long term plan is always wise. With the present trend of population away from the crowded cities toward the more desirable surburban locations, Lynn- field is destined to grow. The better class of people is attracted to a community that provides good schools, good churches, and a commun- ity life that is evidenced by recreational facilities. This is the opportune time for Lynnfield to correct the unsatisfactory conditions now exist- ing and at the same time build definitely for a progressive future.
THE FIRST STEP AT SOUTH LYNNFIELD
As stated before the worst building condition is now found at the South school and, therefore, should be the first to be improved. Before considering the details of the requirements of a new building, a proper site should be selected and secured.
The present location of the South school is in some ways conven- ient to approach from different directions, but as time goes on this intersection so near to route 128 will become increasingly dangerous for small children, and traffic noises will interfere with the best school work. Also at-this site there does not appear to be available sufficient land of the proper area and shape for the purpose.
In determining a site for the South school we must envision a future building capable of housing around 300 pupils. We must con- sider that this school will become a center for youth and adults as well as for the children of the community. A good athletic field and playground is essential. :
50
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
Therefore, it is recommended that a new site be selected for a new South Lynnfield school, that this site contain not less than 5 acres, with a frontage on the street of at least 300 ft. This would provide space for a building which may be added onto from time to time as future growth may require. It will also provide areas for playgrounds for kindergarten and primary children, for the older elementary pupils, and for youth and adult recreation in the community. The lot suggested by Superintendent Whittier located on the south side of Salem street should be given serious consideration. The frontage of about 450 feet and an area of about 6 acres is ideal.
REQUIREMENTS OF A SOUTH SCHOOL BUILDING
This building should be planned as a permanent housing for grades one through six. Grades 7 and 8 will have to be housed in this building until a central Junior-Senior high school can be built to pro- vide those pupils with the household arts for girls and the mechanic arts for boys that they should have. In the meantime a new South School building should provide the following facilities:
Schedule of Rooms
6 Standard Classrooms equipped for hand work and modern teaching methods.
1 Kindergarten with essential accessories.
1 Administrative suite.
1 Health clinic.
1 Teachers' room with toilet.
1 Remedial classroom.
1 Small auditorium and recreation room for play and light physical training.
1 Cafeteria.
Heating plant, storage rooms, toilets for boys and girls, drinking fountains, provision for wraps. No basement other than heating plant.
Many details such as dimensions of rooms, wardrobes, bookcases and other built in equipment should be worked out with the architect as plans are being developed. Such a building and grounds would pro- vide through its auditorium and recreation areas a splendid commun- ity center.
THE CENTER SCHOOL
The Center School building is a poorly planned structure, one half an old type wooden building with a brick addition, affording no real protection in case of fire. There are only six classrooms on the first floor. As stated before the two rooms in the basement should not be used for class purposes. There are now 250 pupils in this school making it practically impossible to provide proper grading of the pupils or to provide satisfactory teaching conditions. This situation should be re-
51
REPORT OF SCHOOL BUILDING STUDY
lieved as soon as possible. Before suggesting a solution of this problem we should study the high school trends and needs of the community.
THE HIGH SCHOOL PROBLEM
It has been the custom for Lynnfield to send its pupils of high school grades to Wakefield High School. The tuition costs have been increased to a very high rate per pupil. It is also evident that Wake- field is not over anxious to receive them. At the best these pupils are denied many of the privileges and advantages that they would ex- perience in their own local high school. Also the Town of Lynnfield is losing much by not training their own boys and girls for that local loyalty and responsibility of citizenship that is possible in their own school. These handicaps to Lynnfield youth should be removed as soon as it may be feasible.
HIGH SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
Without a local high school some pupils finishing the eighth grade do not continue their education beyond the compulsory school age because of the inconvenience and lack of incentive. Also some parents will prefer to send their children to private schools rather than sub- mit them to the sacrifices of commuting to another town.
The diagram below illustrates the growth of high school enroll- ment in Lynnfield during the past ten years, with a projected dotted line continuing the same rate of increase for the next ten years.
Growth of High School Enrollment
200
190
180
Increase in 10 yrs. 34 For cent.
170
About 170 Fupils in next decade
160
150
140
130
120
110
100
90
1936 1937
1938
1939
1940
1941
1942
1943
1944
1945
1946
1947
1948
1949
1950
1951
1952
1953
1954
1955 1956
52
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
To prophesy an enrollment of about 170 in high school grades in the next decade is a very conservative estimate as the rate of increase appears to grow with the years.
A JUNIOR-SENIOR OR SIX YEAR HIGH SCHOOL
Experience has proved that the most economical administration of secondary education in the small community, is found in the six- year organization including grades seven through twelve. At the present time there are now enrolled 209 pupils in these grades. This number will approach 300 pupils within the next ten years. Therefore, it is wise to plan now just how this situation can best be met.
The following recommendations are made for serious consideration by the Committee:
1. That a six-year high school organization be approved as the future development of the Lynnfield school system.
2. That steps be taken now to plan what the complete building program should be, and then to erect as soon as feasible the first unit of such a plan.
3. That the present unsatisfactory Center . School building should eventually be replaced by a modern structure.
4. That the complete building program at the Center should in- clude an elementary school, a memorial Auditorium-Gymnasium, and a six-year High School.
PROPOSED BUILDING PROGRAM AT THE CENTER
The school site now owned by the Town at the Center is most sat- isfactory from every standpoint. The athletic field, already laid out, is ample for both school and community uses. The adjoining area, known as the Perry property, affords ample space for the development of the recommended building program. In locating a site for a school building the first consideration is the suitability of the land for build- ing purposes, and its area for future development. Next in importance is its availability or location with respect to the school population. For children in the elementary or primary grades the school should be lo- cated as near the homes of the children as possible. However, for the alder pupils in the junior-senior high school, the location of the building with respect to the homes of the pupils is not of the same im- portance. Transportation of pupils will be necessary anyhow, where- ever the building is placed. In a town the size of Lynnfield the differ- ence between one location or another as to time or distance covered by transportation would be negligible. Again the important thing is the desirability of the site itself. Therefore, it is recommended that the site known as the Blood Athletic Field and the Perry property be ap- proved as the location of future school building development at the Center.
53
OF SCHOOL BUILDING STUDY
REPORT
RECOMMENDED PROCEDURE
There are two ways in which this building program can be ap- proached. Build first the elementary school unit, second the auditor- ium-gymnasium, and third the six-year high-school unit. Or, start with the high-school unit and follow with the auditorium and ele- mentary school units. If it could be made certain that the entire plant would be constructed within a reasonable period of time, it would make but little difference which unit was built first. Experience in many other towns proves that, regardless of the good intentions of the planning committee, if an old unsatisfactory building is allowed to remain standing and used until a second unit is built to take its place, it may not be done for many years.
To build a satisfactory elementary school unit and to use it tem- porarily for a junior high school would not be satisfactory as it would not readily provide the special rooms and equipment desired without unnecessary cost. On the other hand the secondary school unit could not house elementary classes in its standard classrooms even for a very short period of time without serious handicap. The most econom- ical plan would be to leave the elementary grades, 1 to 6, in the old building until the new elementary unit is completed. The crux of the matter is to make certain that the elementary unit is built soon and that the old building is removed. The diagram presented here is for the purpose of making clear the descriptions of the several units which follow.
Diagram of Building Plan
1
2
3
4
5
54
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
1. Junior-Senior High School Unit
2. Cafeteria-Library-Study Hall
3. Auditorium-Gymnasium
4. Health Clinic - Office of Superintendent
5. Elementary School Unit
I. A JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL.
It is recommended that at the Center as a first unit (1) of a com- plete plan shall be a junior-senior high-school building. This building should include the following rooms essential to the housing of a junior- senior program of studies.
5 Standard Classrooms
1 Science Laboratory
1 Library and studyroom
1 Domestic Science and Art suite
1 General Shop and mechanical drawing room
1 Administrative suite
Teachers' room, toilets, lockers, etc.
A heating plant would be located with respect to the entire plan.
These features would be supplemented by the special facilities of the Auditorium-Gymnasium section. A connecting structure (2) be- tween the high school and the auditorium could include a cafeteria that might also serve as a library and study hall.
II. THE AUDITORIUM-GYMNASIUM
This memorial building (3) should be planned to serve both the school and the community. Its main features would include the fol- lowing :
1. A combination auditorium and gymnasium.
2. A large stage at one side of the main or playing floor. This stage will also serve to seat spectators at games and exhibitions on the floor.
3. On the opposite side of the floor from the stage would be a bank of permanent seats for spectators.
4. Below this bank of spectators' seats would be storage space for chairs to seat the floor for large audiences, town meetings, graduation programs, etc.
5. Below the stage would be the locker and shower rooms for boys and for girls. These would also be used as dressing rooms for those taking part in plays, concerts, etc., produced on the stage.
6. At the entrance to the auditorium would be public toilets, a check room and a ticket office.
55
REPORT OF SCHOOL BUILDING STUDY
III. A NEW CENTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
The third and final step in completing this forward looking build- ing program is a new elementary school unit (5) to replace the present outmoded building. This structure would be located on the opposite side of the auditorium from the high-school unit to balance the archi- tectural design. It also separates the elementary pupils from the older high-school pupils, but also permits them to enjoy the opportunities of the gymnasium, cafeteria, etc., without interference.
The minimum requirements of this elementary school unit would include the following:
6 standard classrooms
1 kindergarten
1 remedial classroom
1 principal's office
1 teachers' room
Boys' and girls' toilets
Drinking fountains, storage rooms, book rooms, etc.
These are the absolute essentials. Two extra classrooms might well be provided for expansion, as new buildings and improved educational offerings always result in greatly increased enrollments.
The connecting link (4) between the auditorium and the elemen- tary school corresponding to the cafeteria on the other side would in- clude the health clinic and the office of the superintendent of schools and the school committee.
This completes the description of a progressive and forward look- ing building. The unit type of plan is presented so that construction can proceed in accordance with the financial ability of the Town.
CONCLUSION AND SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
After a survey of the present school buildings and the needs of the town of Lynnfield, it is evident that three units of the proposed program ought to be built now. These are a new South School, a Junior-Senior High School, and a Memorial School and Community Auditorium- Gymnasium. How near the Town can come to this accomplishment is a problem of finance rather than of educational need.
A summary of the recommendations in this report follows:
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