USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Tewksbury > Town of Tewksbury annual report 1926-1932 > Part 30
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1,200.00
Incidentals
14,000.00
Highways
51,000.00
Schools
750.00
Library (Dog Tax)
2,000.00
Police
750.00
Stationery and Printing
1.000.00
Board of Health
2,550.00
Salaries
250.00
Park Commission
1,500.00
Tree Warden
6,000.00
Dept. Public Welfare
4,000.00
Fire Department
2,500.00
Bureau of Old Age Pension
5,016.26
Town Hall
1,800.00
Assessors
5,000.00
Vocational School
1,000.00
Inspection of Meats and Animals
800.00
Aid, State and Military
3,500.00
Interest on Loans
2,500.00
Collection of Taxes-4 Refunds
1,000.00
Gypsy Moth
1,500.00
Municipal Insurance
26
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF MEATS AND PROVISIONS
To the Board of Selectmen, Town of Tewksbury:
Gentlemen: Following is my report for inspection of meats and provisions for the year of 1931 from January 1, to December 31, 1931.
No. of sides of beef inspected 946
No. of calves inspected 642
No. of hogs inspected 409
No. of sheep inspected 528
Cattle Condemned
No. of sides of beef condemned 22
No. of swine condemned 13
No. of heads condemned 2
No. of livers condemned 1
No. of sets of lungs condemned
1
Calves Condemned
No. of veals condemned
19
No. of sheep condemned
2
Respectfully submitted,
ASAHEL H. JEWELL,
Inspector.
No. of heads condemned 2
No. of sets of lungs condemned
3
No. of livers condemned
4
Swine Condemned
27
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Selectmen of the Town of Tewksbury, Gentlemen:
Following is the report of the Inspector of Animals from January 1, 1931 to December 31, 1931.
Cows inspected 189
809
Bulls inspected
Sheep inspected
20
Hogs inspected
529
Stables inspected 94
Goats inspected
2
I have released for immediate slaughter 37 head of cattle, 66 calves.
For dairy purposes 23 head of cattle.
Three dogs were quarantined for rabies, and released at the end of 14 days.
I have inspected eight barns where cattle are under State and Federal supervision.
Respectfully submitted,
ASAHEL H. JEWELL.
28
Young cattle inspected 32
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
- -
Tewksbury, Mass., December 31, 1931.
To the Selectmen of the Town of Tewksbury, Gentlemen:
Following is my report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending December 31. 1931.
Platform scales sealed over 5,000 lbs.
3
Platform scales sealed under 5,000 lbs.
4
Computing scales sealed
9
Miscellaneous scales sealed 23
Liquid measures sealed 178
Gasoline pumps sealed 44
Kerosene pumps sealed 3 Yard sticks sealed
3
I have collected and turned over to the Town Treasurer $37.23 in fees.
Respectfully submitted,
.
HUGH CAMERON. Sealer of Weights and Measures.
29
REPORT OF AGENT FOR SUPPRESSION OF GYPSY AND BROWN TAIL MOTHS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen:
As local superintendent for the suppression of the Gypsy and Brown Tail moths I submit the following:
I am glad to report there is no increase in the Gypsy, and the Brown Tail moth is seldom seen.
There was also a decrease of Satin moth in '31 which have been so harmful to the Poplar and Willow for several years. The Fall Bag Worm was very plentiful and did considerable damage.
Spraying was done only on streets where colonies of Gypsy moth egg clusters were found in the winter of '30 and '31.
Scouting of the woodlands is now under way and orchards will also be gone over to check up on conditions. Bad spots will be booked and sprayed during the summer season.
Yours respectfully,
HARRIS M. BRIGGS.
Agent.
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen:
As Park Commissioners we submit the following.
During the year fertilizer was used, the commons mowed, granite dust was placed on all the walks and the bandstand was repaired and painted two coats. The community tree was lighted from Christmas to New Years.
We felt it advisable to close the common to carnivals and other amusements owing to damage done in the past.
We recommend an appropriation of $250.00 for 1932.
Signed
HARRIS M. BRIGGS, ANNA GARLAND, F. C. MOCAUSLAND,
Park Commissioners.
30
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
As Tree Warden I submit the following:
The brush on all streets has been cut. Owing to complaints of brush and trees sagging into the streets during the winter the brush was cut further back on Maple Street. There are other streets with the same conditions. and should be cut further back. Bad curves on the Corner of Lowe and Shawsheen and the Corner of Maple and Whittemore Streets. Several dangerous trees have been pruned or removed. There are numerous trees and poles too close to the traveled way on our streets that should be removed and many dangerous limbs that should be cut.
Yours Respectfully,
HARRIS M. BRIGGS,
Tree Warden.
31
REPORT OF CHIEF OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Tewksbury, Mass., January 1, 1932.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen:
As Chief of the Fire Department I herewith submit the following total number of fires attended.
Forest fires 87
Building fires 16
Chimney fires 1
Automobile fires 2
False alarms
8
Out of town calls 15
Total value on buildings and contents: Twenty-three thousand eight hundred and twenty-five dollars ($23,825). Damage: Ten thou- sand and fifty dollars ($10 050). Insurance paid: Eight thousand nine hundred and seventeen dollars ($8,917). Personal property of the Fire Department: Fourteen thousand four hundred dollars ($14,400).
Yours respectfully,
A. S. HAINES, Chief of Fire Department.
32
TOWN OF TEWKSBURY JURY LIST, 1931
WILLIAM I. BAILEY
Garage Owner
PHILIP M. BATTLES
Farmer
HARRIS M. BRIGGS
Supt. Moth Dept.
DANIEL F. DILLWORTH
WILLIAM H. DEWING Accountant
H. LOUIS FARMER Carpenter
JESSE J. FRENCH Undertaker
HERBERT A. FAIRBROTHER Farmer
ONESTUS H. FELKER Supervisor
WALLACE L. FARWELL Farmer
Farmer
JUSTIN F. FITZGERALD
U. S. Mail Carrier
GEORGE E. HAMILTON
Clerk
CARL HEIDANRICH
Poultryman
E. HOWARD KING
Farmer
JAMES C. MARSHALL
Janitor
WILLIAM R. MILLETT
Gardener
PATRICK D. NASH
Florist
HERMAN W. OTTO
Carpenter
ELMER OLSON
Tinsmith
JAMES R. OGSTON
Chef
DANIEL P. PIKE
Farmer
ADELBERT W. PENDLETON
Mason
LINDLEY A. ROBERTS
ROBERT STAVELEY Printer
HENRY SPARKS Cigar Maker
Salesman
ARTHUR TAYLOR
Farmer
HARRY P. WILEY
Leather Worker
FRANCIS S. WHITTET
Plumber
3.3
Farmer
WALTER W. LAVELL
HOMER L. DARBY Farmer
REPORT OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
The following is a report of the work done by the Middlesex County Extension Service in the Town of Tewksbury for the year 1931.
Considerable interest has been shown by the farmers in Tewks- bury in the work of the Extension Service this past year. Forty-three farm visits were made dealing largely with fruit, market gardening, dairy and poultry problems. Several soil tests were made on market garden farms and specialists were brought out from the Waltham Field Station. Spray service cards were sent to those interested. The re- sults obtained on the Spaulding farm with alfalfa showed the possible improvement that may be obtained in the raising of cattle feeds.
A group of homemakers has carried on a series of monthly meet- ings under the leadership of Mrs. Maude Griffin. These meetings held discussions on "The Saving of Time, Money and Energy in the Home." Women attending reported they had passed on information to 72 homemakers who could not be present. A group of mothers was also interested in a series of meetings on Child Guidance carried on under the leadership of Mrs. H. C. Larrabee and Mrs. C. L. Trickey. These meetings were planned to help parents to better understand their chil- dren and to develop a constructive program for children.
Sixty boys and girls were enrolled in 4-H club work, largely in the garden, poultry and food clubs. Local leaders were Mrs. E. P. MacLaren, Harper Gale, Homer Carson, Manuel Furtardo and Fer- dinand Cuccoli. Many boys and girls from Tewksbury attended a sectional rally held in the city of Lowell.
A series of seven motion picture shows of an educational nature were given during the year to a total attendance of 1,455.
Several townspeople availed themselves of the opportunity of at- tending county-wide meetings on poultry, fruit growing and dairying, as well as the Homemakers' Day at Lexington and the County Picnic at Wayside Inn.
OMER N. BLANCHARD,
Town Director.
34
REPORT OF HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS AND SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
Board of Selectmen,
Tewksbury, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The following is the annual report of the Highway Department for the year ending December 31, 1931.
During the year 1931, considerable heavy construction was done in various sections of the town, and we point with pride to the work accomplished. In West Tewksbury, Billerica Road was completed, one mile in length, and a portion of Whipple Road from French Street to the Lowell line was improved. In North Tewksbury, River Road was put in comparatively good condition including "Mill Hill" which had given considerable trouble with washouts in the past. Two hundred feet of wire mesh guard fence was erected at the old mill pond in place of the old wooden guard rail which had practically rot- ted away.
The reconstruction of Andover Street was begun, and over two thousand feet of penetration bituminous macadam, twenty-four feet wide was completed. In East Tewksbury, Shawsheen Street was re- surfaced with gravel, from Lowe Street to Vale Street, a distance of one mile and then treated with two applications of oil. Vale Street was also put in good shape in the same manner as Shawsheen Street, a distance of seven tenths of a mile to the Andover town line, thereby completing a good route from the State Highway to our town line. The culverts were extended, and guard rail removed wherever we found it practical to do so. In South Tewksbury, Bay State Road was completed, and is of gravel treated with oil. Shawsheen Street from the Billerica line (Pattenville) to the Marsh residence, a distance- of nine-tenths of a mile, is now under construction.
Turning toward the Central portion of the town, we have Marshall Street which we improved the entire length, a distance of one mile, and treated with oil and tar. This is one of three streets in the town treated with oil and tar ,which was done to compare the results with oil alone.
The usual maintenance was carried on under the provisions of the Chapter 81 contract. When roads became rough they were scarified graded, and rolled. Then, treated with a dust layer of 45 percent asphaltic oil during the dry months. Other streets were gravelled or gravel patched, as shown on the table covering this item.
35
Owing to the dusty conditions which prevailed at Tewksbury Centre during the summer months we consulted the State Engineers with hopes of seeking relief for those who live on or near the State Highway. We were informed that no money was available for this purpose, so we obtained permission to do the work under our own supervision.
The shoulders on Andover Street, and East Street were also oiled to hold them in place, and lay the dust.
The old wooden bridge, on Bridge Street, over the Shawsheen River is rapidly decaying. During the latter part of the summer, it was necessary to add temporary shoring to make it safe for use. Otherwise it would have fallen into the river. We will be required to seek aid for this work at the town meeting in 1933, if not before.
Some of the streets which now require attention for 1932,, under the regular highway fund, are Chandler Street, from Pine Street to the Billerica town line; Whipple Road, from Pleasant Street to Chandler Street; Foster Street, entire length; Rogers Street, from Main Street to Pike Street, and from Whipple Road to Billerica Road; Shawsheen Street, from Vale Street to the Andover town line. And, in Tewksbury Centre, Summer Street, and James Street.
New steel highway signs, mounted on standard concrete posts, were erected at the following places: Corner North and East Streets, Corner Ballard and Shawsheen Streets, Corner Shawsheen and Main Streets, Junction of Salem and Main Streets; Junction of Cross and Maple Streets; and Corner South and Salem Streets. £
We hope to add to this number from time to time until the town has been covered.
The culvert under Whipple Road, near the residence of Austin French was extended, the road widened, and stone guard fence erected, eighteen inch reinforced concrete pipe being used for the extension.
On French Street a twelve inch reinforced concrete culvert was installed near Osterman's Dairy.
A twelve inch corrugated metal culvert was installed on Fiske Street at the Penney residence.
At the old railroad crossing on South Street, fifteen inch corru- gated metal culvert was used.
While Bay State Road was under construction a ten inch cor- rugated culvert was put in place near the corner of Diana Street.
On Vale Street, near the Andover line thirty feet of twenty-four inch corrugated culvert was used to extend the present culvert, and widen the roadway. By this extension the guard rail was eliminated.
36
Considerable work along this line, was also done on Shawsheen Street, in East Tewksbury. Two culverts were extended, one near the corner of Ballard Street, and the other near the junction of Vale Street. Two new installations were made, one of eight inch corrugated metal, about halfway between Ballard and Vale Streets, and the other twelve inch corrugated metal, between the residence of Mr. Winters and Lowe Street.
The eight inch culvert on Shawsheen Street, and the ten inch cul- vert on Bay State Road are new installations, all the others are re- placements or extensions.
A standard catch basin was installed at the corner of Trull Street and River Road, and a ten inch pipe line laid from here to a point near the junction of Hood Road.
All corrugated culverts are invert paved, and coated all over with asphalt.
Culverts installed under Chapter 90 construction are shown under the headings of the respective streets.
SPECIAL APPROPRIATION-BILLERICA ROAD
Work on the 1931 appropriation was started early in May, and fin- ished in July.
The entire road from the Billerica town line to the Lowell city line was resurfaced with gravel, the curves banked, the surface graded, rolled, oiled, and then tarred.
Four new reinforced concrete culverts were installed, each witlı standard reinforced concrete headwalls as follows, one eighteen inches in diameter at the Lowell line; one twelve inches in diameter at Glen- dale Avenue: one twelve inches in diameter near Rogers Street, and one thirty-six inches in diameter at the brook, adjoining the Felker: Osterman farms. A ten inch corrugated metal culvert was placed un- der Glendale Avenue, at Billerica Road to relieve a water condition there. Standard steel town line signs were erected at both the Billerica and Lowell lines.
Standard steel cable guard rail mounted on reinforced concrete posts was erected on the curve at the brook, and also at the Lowell line.
The new road is eighteen feet wide, with three foot shoulders on each side, making a total width of twenty-four feet. This gives the West section of our town, a mighty fine, and much needed stretch of road.
37
.
4,090 cubic yards of gravel, 127 cubic yards of sand, 6,729 gallons of 45 per cent asphaltic oil, and 3,366 gallons of tar, were used in the construction, from January to July 1931.
All the work was performed by our local department.
SPECIAL APPROPRIATION-ANDOVER STREET
Operations were started on this job in July, and the work was completed October 1st.
A trench was dug along the northerly side of the highway, and a ten inch plain concrete, open joint, pipe line constructed to care for excessive water, and seepage, which has been so prevalent along this stretch of road. The trench was then filled with crushed stone, in sizes as directed by the engineer. Catch basins, and drop inlets were constructed where necessary, and one new twelve inch reinforced con- crete culvert installed. All the existing culverts were cleaned, and extended in length with concrete pipe to conform to the specifications of the new road, each being of sufficient length to eliminate all guard rail. One hundred and eighty-eight feet of wooden rail being elimin- ated by this procedure.
The new road surface, is from nine inches to twelve inches higher than the old road, and six feet wider. The new work which is of bituminous macadam (Penetration asphalt) is twenty-four feet wide, with three-foot shoulders on each side, making a total width of thirty feet. Work was commenced at the Andover town line, (Station 0+0) and extends in a westerly direction to a point just beyond Station 20, a distance of over two thousand feet.
The gravel, and the other filling material was obtained largely from the Kendall Street gravel pit, which is located only one and one- half miles away. This pit was practically exhausted during this con- struction.
A standard town line sign was erected at the beginning of the new work, and is mounted on a concrete post.
The use of manually operated traffic control lights were used during the construction, and resulted in a saving of nearly $400.00 by cutting the cost of traffic men in half. This installation was the first of its kind in the state, and was originated by our local Superintendent of Streets.
It is hoped that the voters will appropriate a similar amount to continue this work during 1932.
38
SPECIAL APPROPRIATION-SHAWSHEEN STREET
Work was commenced in November, and on December 31st, practi- cally all the gravelling was completed, save about two hundred feet at one end where excavation is necessary, and this will be done in the spring. The specifications call for resurfacing with gravel for a width of twenty-four feet, the entire length of the job.
To date, two new culverts have been installed, both being of cor- rugated metal, one forty feet long, and twenty-four inches in diameter; the other sixty feet long, and twelve inches in diameter. Each to have standard concrete headwalls. 3.408 cubic yards of gravel have been used to December 31st. A balance remains unexpended on this con- tract which has been reserved, for grading, rolling, oiling, and such gravelling as may be necessary to complete this section of the road. This work will be done just as soon as conditions warrant.
An article appears in the warrant asking for $1,500.00 to complete this stretch to the State Highway, including the installation of a large concrete culvert with standard headwalls, at Heath Brook, and straight. ening the road at this point.
When this work is completed, it will form an important link be- tween Billerica and Andover, and will give the residents of this section an excellent thoroughfare.
SPECIAL APPROPRIATION-CHANDLER STREET
For various reasons, an allotment was not granted for Chandler Street this year. However, progressive repairs will be made early in 1932, and this street will be gravelled, rolled, oiled and otherwise im- proved, if the appropriations for which we ask are granted.
OIL OR OTHER BINDER STREETS OILED
The following table shows the number of gallons of oil or tar, asphaltic percentage, and cubic yards of sand used on each street. Insert 6 point lines
STREET
GALLONS 15%
GRAVEL
Rogers Street
1 983
19
cu. yds.
Pike Street
3.750
48
Old Boston Road
100
Astle Street
3,560
...
18
Vernon Street
435
Trull Street
5,886
35
River Road
985
6,068
59
Kendall Street
200
.......
SAND-SCREENED
Tar
Amount
39
STREET
GALLONS
Tar
45%
65%
Pinnacle Street
315
Livingston Street
3,636
12
,,
State Street
750
State Hwy. Shoulders
1,085
Andover St. Shoulders
2,030
East Street
9,118
100
Maple Street
967
Ballard Street
593
........
Vale Street
2,850
20
Shawsheen Street
4,453
1,775
119
Lowe Street
1,100
...
...
Pond Street
150
Cross Street
400
.....
Hood Road
2,400
South Street
4,724
Chandler Street
500
Bridge Street
400
........
Summer Street
290
........
Marshall Street
2 083
4,311
70
Bay State Road
1,185
600
24
Carter Street
250
Brown Street
2,290
Bailey Road
383
Whipple Road
283
2,793
33
,,
„,
Fiske Street
2,050
306 cubic yards of sand were used in covering ice on streets and sidewalks during the year.
2,583 gallons of oil and 58 cubic yards of sand were received at the town yard for the purpose of mixing patch.
The preceding figures do not include oil, tar or asphalt used on either Billerica Road, or Andover Street.
On practically all roads which are of an exceptionally dusty nature, a second application was given. A second application was also given on many other streets as a binder including Shawsheen Street, Bay State Road, Vale Street, Whipple Road, Marshall Street, Trull Street. Pike Street, and Rogers Street; in such cases the second application is usually 65 per cent oil, or tar.
On East Street, a heavy coat of oil was applied from Kelley's Crossing to the Andover town line, and heavily covered with sand. This is more or less an experiment toward binding a road constructed of cinders without too much expense.
40
...
Lake Street
685
47
........
SAND-SCREENED GRAVEL Amount
.
GRAVEL DISTRIBUTION
Street
Amount
Street
Amount
Shawsheen Street
3,041
cu. yds. Livingston Street
27 cu. yds.
Cross Street
2
French Street
305 "
Vale Street
1,409
Summer Street
Marshall Street
975
South Street
197
Bridge Street
84
Pleasant Street
5
Bay State Road
822
Robinson Avenue
37
Old Boston Road
6
„,
Pringle Street
5
Whipple Road
737
Kendall Street
9
Marston Street
7
13
East Street
38
"
State Street
5
Hood Road
Heath Street
22
Maple Street
79
Trull Street
100
„
Chandler Street
2
"
River Road
265
,,
" Fiske Street
6
"
"
Coolidge Street
33
-
Rogers Street
7
Brown Street
9
Vernon Street
8
"
3,082 cubic yards of gravel, and filling, were used in the construc- tion of Andover Street, under Chapter 90. The yardage shown in the preceding table, for Andover Street, is for that used in ordinary main- tenance outside of construction work.
The yardage shown for Bridge Street is largely coarse gravel or stones used to strengthen and widen the approaches to the bridge.
For a financial report, we refer you to the auditor's report of high- way expenditures.
We wish to extend our thanks to all who co-operated with us dur- ing the year, and, must say, that we are deeply grateful to the various State and County officials for the splendid assistance rendered to our town.
In closing, we are desirous of commending the employees of the Highway Department for their excellent work, and co-operation; and, each newly constructed road stands out as a monument of their good will.
JOHN T. GALE, WILLIAM I. BAILEY, ASAHEL H. JEWELL, Highway Commissioners of Tewksbury.
EDWARD J. WALSH,
Superintendent of Streets.
41
4
„
„,
Woburn Street
2
Andover Street
3
REPORT OF AN AUDIT OF THE ACCOUNTS OF THE TOWN OF TEWKSBURY For the Period from January 1, 1930, to September 9, 1931 Made in Accordance with the Provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws
November 17, 1931.
To the Board of Selectmen,
Mr. Irving F. French, Chairman, Tewksbury, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my report of an audit of the accounts of the Town of Tewksbury for the period from January 1, 1930, to September 9, 1931, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws. This report is in the form of a report made to me by Mr. Ed- ward H. Fenton, Chief Accountant of this Division.
Very truly yours,
THEODORE N. WADDELL, Director of Accounts.
42
Mr. Theodore N. Waddell, Director of Accounts,
Department of Corporations and Taxation,
State House, Boston.
Sir:
In accordance with your instructions, I have made an audit of the book's and accounts of the Town of Tewksbury for the period from January 1, 1930, to September 9, 1931, and submit the following report thereon :
The financial transactions of the Town, as recorded on the books of the several departments receiving or disbursing money for the Town, were examined and checked.
The books and accounts of the Treasurer were examined and checked in detail. The cash book was footed and the receipts were ana- lyzed and checked by a comparison with the records in the depart- ments collecting money for the Town and with the other sources from which money was paid into the Town treasury. The cash in the office was verified by an actual count, and the bank balance was reconciled with a statement furnished by the bank in which the Town funds were deposited.
The payments were checked with bills, vouchers, and pay-rolls ap- proved by the Selectmen and authorizing the Treasurer to disburse Town funds. In examining these vouchers it was found that in several instances expenses incurred in 1929 and 1930 had been paid from the appropriations of 1930 and 1931, respectively. The practice of paying bills of prior years from appropriations provided for current years' ex- penses should be discontinued in the future.
Bills covering the cost of highway equipment were charged against the appropriation for general highways. Payment for fifteen fire ex -- tinguishers. amounting to $450, was made from the Fire Department appropriation. It is recommended that expenses of such nature be pro- vided for by special appropriation.
Expenditures were also made from the police appropriation for the purchase of articles of police uniforms which are proper charges only after the Town has accepted Section 6B, Chapter 40, General Laws, I- serted by Chapter 351, Acts of 1930.
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