USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynnfield > Town of Lynnfield, Essex County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, annual report 1949-1960 > Part 51
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Box 411 was removed from the Center Fire Station and re- located on Main Street at the Colonial Shopping Center.
Three house moving operations required temporary removal and re-establishment of alarm wires along the movement routes.
An unusual amount of trouble traced to old and defective equipment within the alarm system caused the system to be out of order and necessitated placing firemen on duty at the stations, during these periods, especially during and after the hurricane.
The audible horns and compressors still fail to meet the needs of the Call Firemen and has been the cause of poor attendence at many alarms. This condition must be corrected as soon as possible with a more positive alarm communication to every mem- ber of the Fire Department.
I wish to thank William T. McGonnell and his crew for their maintenance of the Fire Alarm System, especially during the difficult weather conditions.
Carl E. Davis, Chief Lynnfield Fire Department
Report of POLICE DEPARTMENT
Following is the annual report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1955.
On January 24, 1955 the resignation of Patrolman John P. Gorham was accepted with regrets. Officer Gorham accepted a job with higher remuneration.
On February 21, 1955 Casimiro Navas was appointed a reg- ular patrolman to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Patrolman John P. Gorham.
On November 14, 1955 Patrolman Norman T. Grady was appointed a Sergeant by the Board of Selectmen. This is the first Sergeant in the Police Department. Sergeant Grady topped the examination which was held at the Lynnfield Junior High School on May 7th. Sergeant Grady was appointed a regular patrolman on February 5, 1953.
On May 27, 1955 we received a new Ford Police Cruiser and the 1954 Cruiser was retained so that we might have two Cruisers and turn one in each year beginning in 1956. This was equipped with a new Link Radio two-way set, also a new revolving Blue Roof Light. This light commands much more respect than any we
have ever had before, resulting in much greater safety at accidents and the like.
During the summer, Auxiliary Chief Louis Tuck resigned and Bart Conners was appointed in his place. The Auxiliary Police have been reactivated and at the present time we have twenty active members equipped with hats, hat badges, coat badges, and whistles. A pistol team is being formed.
The Department has answered 1536 complaints requiring Police Attention as well as innumerable complaints that were settled without Police action.
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
42
The total number of arrests for the year 72 as classified.
Male
Female
Total
Assault & Battery
3
0
3
Messages Delivered 73
Breaking & Entering to
Commit Larceny
2
0
2
Disturbing the Peace
-
0
1
Motor Transfers
161
Disorderly Conduct
2
0
2
Parking Violations
224
Drunk
32
1
33
Stray Dogs & Cats Cared For
71
Driving under the Influence
8
0
8
Summons Served
119
Driving to Endanger
2
0
2
Summons Taken Out
9
Forgery
2
0
2
Use of Resuscitator
13
Indecent Assault & Battery
1
0
1
Vacant Houses Checked-Vacations
454
Stolen & Lost Property Recovered
$8, 340
1
0
1
The usual number of property damage cases have been settled without court action.
We have cooperated with the Fire Department in every way possible by forwarding all telephone calls for fires and answering all alarms.
At this time we would like to thank the various department heads and their colleagues for the cooperation extended to the Police Department through the year.
Sergeant Norman T. A. Grady
Patrolmen
Walter M. Riggs
Edwin L. Price Leon W. Cobb
Accidents
162
Ambulance Cases
130
Frank E. Martin, Jr.
Burglar Alarms Sounded
8
Committments
35
Cruiser Out of Town-Number of Hours
161
Edward W. Foley
William R. Delamater
Court Appearances
39
Respectfully submitted,
Conditions of Road Reported
21
Dead Bodies Cared For
2
Driving Licenses Suspended
26
Doors & Windows Found Open-Made Secure
225
Street Lights Reported Out
169
Light Tags Given Out Live Wires Guarded
19
Missing Persons Located
15
Motor Vehicle Violations Sent to Registry
309
Leaving Scene of Accident
Leaving Scene of Accident -
Personal Injury
3
0
3
Larceny by Check
4
0
4
Non-Support
3
0
3
Operating Without License
3
0
3
Using Without Authority -
Motor Vehicle
2
0
2
Violation of Probation
2
0
2
71
1
72
Recapitulation
1. Against Person
4
2. Against Property
10
3. Against Public Order
58
Other Activities Include:
..
Chilton M. Hastings
Thomas E. Ganley
Casimiro Navas
Intermittent Patrolmen
William E. Foley Chief of Police
TELEPHONE COMPANY BUILDING (WITH NEW ADDITION) - CARTER ROAD
43
27
.... ......
Property Damage
Report of BUILDING DEPARTMENT
Again our town has exceeded all other years on record for the number of permits issued, the number of new dwelling units and for dollar value of building. Of the 228 new dwellings 94 were for Realty Construction and Engineering, Inc. This leaves 134 other new dwellings which figure is more indicative of the constant increase in home building in Lynnfield.
The larger projects in other new buildings include the new Summer Street School and the new Elks' Clubhouse on Bay State Road.
The large increase in building activity has necessitated the enlarging of the facilities in Town Hall. The new office in Room 9 houses the Department of Building Inspections including the Plumbing and Wiring as well as the Building Inspector.
Office Hours for the Building and Plumbing Inspectors are 9-10 A. M. Monday through Friday.
PERMITS ISSUED IN 1955 ARE
228 New Dwellings
$3, 107,260
21 Other new buildings
650, 600
122 Alterations and repairs
218, 525
TOTAL
$3, 976, 385
Over 1100 inspections have been made. All fees have been collected and turned over to the Town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted,
Howard S. Armerding Inspector of Buildings
PLUMBING INSPECTORS REPORT
Plumbing Permits Issued 371
Total fixtures installed 2282
Inspections made 976
Several violations were found by the inspector and with the cooperation of the owners were corrected.
CESSPOOL INSPECTORS REPORT
Cesspool permits issued 328
Inspections made 722
During the year 37 over flowing cesspools and septic tanks creating a health menace were reported to the Board of Health. They were corrected by the owners under the direction of the inspector.
Respectfully submitted,
Edward Harney, Jr. Inspector
Report of TREE WARDEN
The Tree Department during 1955 continued the planting program designed to provide present and future beauty and state- liness to the highways of the Town. A total of 100 young Maples were planted along property lines bordering on the streets. In some instances these trees were replacements for trees damaged beyond reclamation by the costly hurricanes of 1954. Others were planted at the request of property holders.
The repair and widening of Salem Street resulted in the nec- essary removal of seven sizeable trees, but the general beauty of the street was maintained.
A most satisfactory result has been achieved in carrying for- ward the Poison Ivy elimination program for Lynnfield. The pro- gress of this major undertaking has been noticeable to the extent that the department has received considerable favorable comment.
The effort toward virtual elimination of this vine pest will be continued throughout 1956.
It is the desire of the Tree Warden and members of the depart- ment to express appreciation to fellow department officials, and citizens of the Town of Lynnfield, for their sincere co-operation and assistance in the many problems confronting the department during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
Donald F. Newhall, TREE WARDEN Delbert Porter Hugh Robinson
Department Personnel
44
Report of MOTH DEPARTMENT
A program of aerial spraying for Gypsy Moth infestation resulted in 100 percent elimination in the usually infested area comprising the Sagamore Golf course and the adjacent wood- lands. Systematic inspections should enable the department to keep this section free of infestation in the future.
In 1955 there were fewer evidences of the Tent Caterpillar than is usually the case in Lynnfield. However, the Birch Leaf Miner continued to present a definite menace to the birch trees in the Town.
An increase was registered in the incidence of Dutch Elm disease during 1955. A total of 45 infected trees were cut down and destroyed. Many of these trees were already dead. A further
Elm loss resulted on Main Street at the Shopping Center where projected expansion of the Center forced removal of the giant tree near the driveway entrance.
The new Mist Blower provided by the Town Meeting of March 1955 has been a great source of satisfaction to the department and has considerably expedited the necessary spraying program within the Town.
Respectfully submitted,
Donald F. Newhall, Superintendent Delbert E. Porter Hugh Robinson
Report of WIRE INSPECTOR
The year 1955 saw 486 electrical permits issued in the Town. We had one fire due to defective wiring which was investigated by this department. This was wiring that had been installed in a home prior to the appointment of the town wiring inspector. Fortunately, the damage proved slight and there were no personal injuries involved.
Again the Holiday Season has gone and with no tragic results due to carelessness or electrical negligence. This is a record of which the Town may indeed be proud.
If you have any electrical problems or contemplate any ad- ditional wiring in your home, kindly contact your wiring inspector.
Hours - 5 to 6 PM - Weekdays and 8 to 9 PM - Monday evenings Saturdays - By appointment Phone: Lynnfield Centre 4-3128 Applications for the issuance of permits and wiring may be obtained in the Clerk's office Monday through Friday, inclusive, between the hours of 8:30 and 4:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
James V. Thompson Wiring Inspector
Report of SEALER OF WEIGHTS MEASURES
The following items were inspected and sealed:
Platform Scales
1
Counter Scales
27
Weights 10
Gas Pumps
30
The Annual inspection was completed in October. Spot checks were made at various intervals through-out the year, both
on the weighing and measuring devices and upon packaged com- modities. Variances from legal standards were minor and cor- rections were made to bring all equipment up to standard. All packaged commodities were found to be correct.
Respectfully submitted,
Gustav H. Koch Sealer of Weights and Measures
45
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ì
. . . ... .......
Report of BOARD OF HEALTH
Members: Dr. George S. Robinson, Chairman Harold D. Aldrich, Clerk Manton P. Spear
Appointments made March 1, 1955
Health Officer
Inspector of Animals
Inspector of Milk
Inspector of Slaughtering
Plumbing Inspector
Additional Plumbing Inspector
Herman H. Hammer (deceased)
Special Agents: Burial permits
Cesspool permits
Harry W. Higgins Edward Harney, Jr.
Licenses issued in 1955:
Bottling of carbonated &
non-alcoholic beverages
2
fee
$ 10.00
Kindergartens
3
fee
1,00
Manufacturing of Ice Cream
1
fee
5.00
Storage & Sale of Menthyl alcohol
7
fee
1,00
Sub-divisions Approved:
"Norris Orchard"
"Vasile Property"
April 4, 1955 October 31, 1955
Robin Road Ext.
December 19, 1955
One new nursing home was approved at 858 Lynnfield Street.
REPORT OF MILK INSPECTOR
Licenses issued for 1955:
Sale of Oleomargerine
4
fee
$ 1.00
Store Milk Sales
12
fee
1.00
Milk Dealers Permit
20
fee
.50
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS AND SLAUGHTERING
Dog bites reported and dogs quarantined 32 Farm Inspection of Animals 10 Animal Inspection of non-commercial stock 35
Attention is again called to our people that all dog bites should be reported to the Police immediately in order that all attacking dogs may be restrained and kept under observation.
All persons desiring to raise Pigs must first make application to and obtain a permit from the Board of Health.
Slaughtering of Animals must be done under the supervision of the Inspector of Animals.
Gustav H. Koch
HEALTH OFFICER
The following is my report for the year ending December 31, 1955.
The Board of Health has been reorganized this year as a sepa- rate town department. It has three elective members and three agents.
In April 242 first and second grade children were innoculated with Salk Polio Vaccine by the Board of Health in cooperation with the National Polio Foundation which furnished the vaccine. The program was quickly and efficiently carried out thanks to the close cooperation of school officials and teachers, and to the assistance of Mrs. Lucy Lindquist, R. N., her committee which set up the program, and to Dr. Kenneth Sinish.
Communicable diseases reported this year were:
Chicken Pox
97
German Measles
4
Infectious Jaundice
1
Measles
27
Mumps
55
Polio
Non-paralytic 10
Paralytic
3
Salmonella
2
Scarlet Fever
9
Scarletina
1
With the rapid growth of the town there has been a decided increase in the functions of the Board of Health with more com- plaints made resulting in the necessity of more inspections.
Respectfully submitted,
George S. Robinson, M. D. Health Officer
46
"LITTLE RESIDENCE" - MAIN STREET
Dr. George S. Robinson
Gustav H. Koch
Gustav H. Koch
Gustav H. Koch
Edward Harney, Jr.
Report of DOG OFFICER
DOGS LICENSED IN 1955
368 Males
@
2.00
$ 736.00
82 Females
@
5.00
410.00
260 Spayed Females
@ 2.00
520.00
4 Kennels
10.00
40.00
1 Kennel
@ 25.00
25.00
715 Licenses
$1,731.00
Adjustment
4.20
Fees deducted
143.00
Paid to county
$1,592.20
LYNNFIELD'S ANCIENT FIRE ENGINE
Report of CIVIL DEFENSE DIRECTOR
The major services of the Civil Defense Organization to Lynnfield devolved upon two vital units of the defense overall organization in 1955.
On three occasions the Operations Communication Unit, under direction of Chairman Richard W. Doremus, was called upon to insure contact within the town of the protective services of the community.
The Civil Defense Auxiliary Fire Department has been in continual alert status and, under direction of Chairman Sanborn A. Caldwell, has reached a high degree of efficiency. This unit has proved an invaluable asset in its capacity and preparedness when called into action by the Lynnfield Fire Department.
Equipment for the various units is being obtained with maxi- mum service and economy in mind. The auxiliary Fire, Police and Rescue units have been provided with rain gear. Equipment requests are wherever possible based on the premise of a fifty percent cost participation by the Federal Civil Defense Admini- stration.
Since the Civil Defense Director took office in August of 1955 a major change in executive personnel has been the ap- pointment of Barton Conners as Chief of the Auxiliary Police Department.
Through the cooperation of Police Chief William E. Foley
the auxiliary police unit is receiving regular instruction and training under direction of Officer Chilton M Hastings.
While all Civil Defense units are functioning under interested and efficient sectional chiefs, there remains definite need for additional voluntary personnel. It has been the policy of the Director to assign, where possible, volunteers to roles that bear relationship to the individuals civilian background and experi- ence.
Veritably every community faces a depressing problem of public lethargy toward Civil Defense. For the average citizen the possible onset of Atomic war has assumed something of a "Boogie Man" aspect. Your director is deeply concerned with this problem as it exists in our own area. However, community emergencies and disasters are not remote from us. They are as near as the flooding rivers of New England or the horror of a Coconut Grove holocaust.
With this in mind, the Civil Defense organization of Lynn- field is ready to serve at a moments notice. Its capacity is un- limited when combined with a community willingness to serve.
Respectfully submitted, Howard C. Johnson Lynnfield Civil Defense Director
47
1
$1,735.20
Report of ROAD COMMISSIONER
The year 1955 marked the largest single year of home con- struction in the history of Lynnfield, afact which reflected also in a record increase in population for the town. Integrated with this unparalleled expansion of the town was the addition of sev- eral miles of new roads to Lynnfield's ever-expanding highway system.
It would be appropriate, at this time, toplace in the report, some statistics covering the expansion of Lynnfield's road system. In 1943 the road mileage for the entire town was 21. 14 miles. By 1952 mileage had increased to 32. 22 miles, slightly more than 1] miles for the nine year period. Within the next three years, including 1955, mileage rose to 43.31, an increase that ex- ceeded the construction record of the previous nine years.
Some idea of the extent of highway increase may be gathered from the fact that the Glen Meadows section alone will add more than two miles of high maintenance to the workload of the de- partment.
By direction of the Town Meeting of March 1955, a record construction year began for the Lynnfield Highway Department.
Portions of Robin, Nottingham and Longbow Roads were re- built and surfaced with Type 1 bituminous concrete. Lookout Terr., Dunstan Road and Bishop Lane were rebuilt and a stone seal surface applied. A storm drain extending 540 feet was in- stalled on Lowell Street, a portion of this street was rebuilt, and stone seal surfaced for a distance of 4200 feet.
Further road improvement included application of stone seal on Parsons Avenue, Hart Road, Maiden Lane and on Walnut Street, from Mansfield Corner to the Saugus line and on Salem Street, from Mansfield Corner toward Wakefield.
A Sand seal was applied on Lincoln Avenue, Howard Avenue and Arlington Street. A surface of Type 1 bituminous concrete was laid on a portion of Thomas Road and on Williams Road.
Driveway culverts on Gilson's Brook were enlarged and a catch basin and 100 feet of pipe installed at Bay State Road and Pine Street.
A persistent drainage problem on Chestnut Street was eased through replacement of three old stone culverts and the establish- ing of a definite water flow line on the Ernest Bonah property. This was made possible by the granting of a drain easement to the town by Mr. Bonah. A second drain easement, granted by the Sherwood Forest Trust, made possible installation of a catch basin on Summer Street, opposite the Rich property.
Under Chapter 90 funds, Salem Street was rebuilt from Sum- mer Street to the Route 1 intersection. A new sidewalk was also built along this stretch of roadway.
The snow removal problem was of minor consequence for the town during the winter of 1954-55. However, icy roads more than taxed the facilities of the highway department over this period. With the added mileage in the town, the addition of a new sand spreader is imperative to maintaining safe conditions on the highways during the winter period.
At this time the major problem confronting the department is the condition of the older access streets to the town. These streets, namely: Essex, Chestnut, Lowell and Walnut are in im- mediate need of attention. Provision forrepair of these highways is being made in the 1956 budget of the department.
The cleanup period last Spring confronted the department with many spot repair jobs, due to an abnormal incidence of frost heave. This situation prevailed throughout the New England area, with Highway departments in the sector reporting a record total in this type road distrubance during 1956.
Respectfully submitted,
James C. Fletcher ROAD COMMISSIONER
Report of VETERANS' SERVICE DIRECTOR
I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1955.
This department started the year off with four permanent cases of Veterans benefits same as the year 1954, and during 1955 six emergency cases were taken care of for the duration of one week to three months.
The usual requests from veterans in regards to their rights
and privileges were advised and helped in the usual manner.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank the various depart- ments and town officials for their cooperation with this office.
Respectfully submitted, Burton B. Cogswell Veterans' Agent Veterans' Service Director.
48
Report of PARK & CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
The Park and Cemetery Department turned back to the Town for the year 1955 $1, 546. 50, representing revenue derived from internments, care of lots, sale of lots, etc., and $600. 00 for the establishment of perpetual care.
Basketball nets have been installed and some repairs made to the tennis courts at Suntaug Park.
Work has not yet commenced on the playground area in Glen Meadows which was given to the Town by Realty Construction due to the fact that the development is not yet completed. We intend to begin developing the playground this year. This will entail about 25, 000 yards of fill; also the removal of trees in the center of the area will be necessary. It will also be neces- sary to install drains when the fill is put in.
It is our desire to install a ball diamond and playground equipment in this area, the latter for the use of small children.
This year the lower end of Forest Hills Cemetery will be graded and seeded for additional lots, thereby completing the main section of the cemetery.
The past year saw the retirement of Arthur W. Bryant, who
has been a member of the Park & Cemetery Department for the last 40 years. Mr. Bryant has rendered to the Town many years of faithful and conscientious service.
Respectfully submitted,
James V. Thompson, Sec'y. of the Board Chester R. Melanson, Member of the Board
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE IN CEMETERY
Report of BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
The entire Assistance Program, which includes General Re- lief, Old Age Assistance, Aid to Dependent Children, and As- sistance to Persons Who are Disabled, is governed by rules and regulations established by the State and Federal Governments.
GENERAL RELIEF: Costs have been far less this year than last. Medical and Hospitalization has been somewhat higher, while cash grants and food orders are less. It has been the policy of the Agent to attempt to find or assist, the applicant in secur- ing a position if un-employed and encourage him to participate in the solution of his own problem. $2, 567. 50 was spent under General Relief.
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE: The case load has been approxi- mately the same as last year with increasing costs. The trend in Old Age Assistance isstill for greater liberalization of the Law. The cost of care of yearly average of fifty-five recipients has been $50, 174. 73. The Federal Government has returned to the Town $21, 162. 39, which has been re-used, and $18, 981. 77 re- turned from the State which has gone into the Town's Excess and Deficiency Account.
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN: This category remains about the same in numbers and dollars as last year. Cases receiv-
ing A. D.C. are from homes where father is deceased, where parents are separated by divorce, or by desertion, or the bread winner is physically handicapped because of illness. The cost under this category for 1955 has been $2, 796. 30. The Federal Government returned to the Town $1, 042. 45 which was re-used. The State return was $816. 84 which went into the Town's Excess and Deficiency Account.
ASSISTANCE TO PERSONS WHO ARE DISABLED: This category has been mandatory since January 1, 1952. We have not had occasion to use said category up to January 1, 1956. During January 1956 we have received one application.
As Director of Civilian War Air during the past year I have attended several meetings outside of Lynnfield on Mass Housing, Mass Feeding, and Congregate Care as set up under the Civil Defense Organization.
Respectfully submitted, Wesley W. Munroe, Agent
Arthur W. Nelson, Chairman Arthur S. Tewksbury, Jr. Stanley E. Flagg
49
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h
- 0
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1
Report of SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The major project in which the School Committee is now engaged is that of following through on the plans for the Senior High School.
Your School Committee has come to a final agreement with the Wakefield Committee: in September bf 1957 tenth grade pupils will remain in Lynnfield. These young people will be the first to complete the usual twelve year public education process in the Town's schools. Pupils in the eleventh and twelfth grades in September 1957 will complete their high school training at Wakefield High School.
In order to absorb grades ten, eleven and twelve in Lynnfield, action has been taken along several lines. The Town Meeting's acceptance of the report of the Future School Plant Planning Committee in November 1955, and it's authorization of a School Building Committee for the high school addition to the present Junior High School building were the first formal steps to provide housing and facilities. Further favorable action, in approving the report of the High School Building Committee, and in pro- viding the Committee with funds for the building job must be taken at the annual Town Meeting in March 1956 if the project is to proceed on schedule.
While the Building Committee is working on the structure, a High School Program Committee, made up of lay citizens and educators, is working to plan the detailed program that will be provided in the school. This Committee was appointed by the School Committee. It is made up as follows:
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