USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Tewksbury > Town of Tewksbury annual report 1939-1944 > Part 17
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52
Again we must call attention to dog bite cases. They have been unusually frequent this past year and have cost the taxpayers for their quarantine. This expense is somewhat compensated for, if the dog has been duly licensed, but unlicensed dogs are a true liability and should be disposed of.
It is a fact that soil substratas in the Town of Tewksbury are well lcaded with iron and it is difficult to get beyond it even in deep wells.
148
From a domestic point of view it is a hardship, but without other con- tamination is is not a health hazard. I advise all persons using dug wells to tightly cement a cap upon them, carrying it at least two feet below and a foot above the surface so that surface contamination cannot enter. This is the most constant reason given by the State Depart- ment for the condemning of a water supply.
Another somewhat new problem for us is the building of "over- nite" camps in our town. Such proprietors would do well to first establish a passable water supply, as their permit to operate requires such a supply, as well as passable sanitary arrangements and drainage.
At last we have a "Town Dump." Through the courtesy and co- operation of Dr. Kelley and his Board we have been given the privilege of using the State Infirmary Dump, which is located off East Street and the entrance is near the Robinson home. This courtesy must be respected by our care in depositing rubbish and this should not include animal or vegetable refuse. There is a caretaker there who will in- struct persons as to where he wishes waste to be placed.
HERBERT M. LARRABEE, M. D.,
Agent of the Board of Health.
,
149
REPORT OF WORK PROJECTS ADMINISTRATION
To the Board of Selectmen:
During the year 1940, the following projects have been worked upon :
FARM TO MARKET ROADS
Pine Street was completed. Astle Street-Curves cut, street widened to twenty feet and a heavy coat of gravel applied. Patten Street-Widened and a layer of gravel applied. Many short streets in the southerly part of the town were widened to twenty feet and at the present time we are applying gravel. The total length at present stripped, is 8,000 feet. All of the above work was on an "Improve Streets" program, which will operate until approximately May 30, 1941.
There is a balance of over $7,000 which is allotted to the widening of Trull Street, but cannot be used until bounds of that street are established. I recommend that this be done as soon as possible so that work can start on completion of the present project.
A drainage project was operated on Lee, East, Livingston and North Streets, involving the installation of twenty-nine catch basins and 5,000 feet of twelve-inch concrete pipe.
INSECT CONTROL
A rather extensive scouting project operated during the spring months for the control of insect pests also provided for the spraying of the roadsides and more easily reached forest areas, which were infested. It also provided for some work for eliminating choke cherry bushes infested with tent caterpillar.
ANDOVER STREET SIDEWALK
One thousand, two hundred and forty-one feet of sidewalk was built on the south side of Andover Street together with necessary retain- ing wall.
MISCELLANEOUS
The Sewing Project and White Collar projects have operated throughout the year.
150
At the present time two manual projects are operating, Gypsy Moth Control, and Road Improvement with a force of thirty-four men, besides this the Sewing Unit has at present eight persons assigned and seven persons have been assigned to a School Lunch Project which is to start at once.
The White Collar Project at the State Infirmary is still in opera- tion and employs at present six persons. There are also two assigned to the Commodity Distribution Project, making a total of fifty-seven persons on W. P. A. payrolls.
The largest number at any one time on W. P. A. was ninety-four in March and the smallest personnel was forty-one in August.
For the purpose of estimating expenses for the current year, it is necessary to figure material costs for approximately 625 man months and about $15 per man month seems to be a fair average or a total of $9,000. This will provide for continuation of Farm to Market Roads, Sewing Project, provide for the town's share of costs of Commodity Distribution and for the material needed by the School Lunch Project, also for the building of approximately 8,000 feet of sidewalk with bituminous surface, along East, Pleasant, Chandler and Main Streets. It will also maintain the necessary office and contact work.
Respectfully submitted,
EVERETT H. KING,
Sponsor's Agent.
-
151
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
As Chief cf the Fire Department, I herewith submit the following report:
Total Number of Fires Attended 122
Forest and Grass Fires
81
Cnimney Fires
12
Building Fires
11
Automobile Fires
4
False Alarms
10
Out of Town Fires
4
Total value of buildings and contents: Seventeen thousand, six hundred and fifty dollars ($17,650).
Insurance paid: Seven thousand, seven hundred and fifty dollars ($7,750).
Damage: Seven thousand, four hundred and fifty-five dollars ($7,455).
Laid 3,350 feet of 21/2-inch hose, 10,150 feet of 11/2-inch hose, 25,100 feet of 1-inch hose and used 152 pump cans.
Raised 718 feet of ladders and traveled 459 miles to fires.
Personal property and real estate of the department, thirty-two thousand, five hundred dollars ($32,500).
Respectfully submitted,
ALDEN S. HAINES,
Chief of Fire Department
152
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens:
The following is my first report as your Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year 1940:
Scales
Platform over 5000 lbs.
3
Platform 100 to 5000 lbs.
9
Counter under 100 lbs.
1
Beam under 100 lbs.
4
Spring 100 lbs. or over
2
Spring under 100 1bs.
20
Computing under 100 lbs.
8
Personal weighting
0
Avoirdupois
47
Measuring Devices
Gasoline Pumps, No. of Stops
Sealed
25
Gasoline Pumps, No. of Stops
Not Sealed 9
Gasoline Meters
20
Kerosene Pumps
4
Grease Pumps
3
Quantity Measures on Pumps
5
Amount Collected and Turned Over to Treasurer.
$28.41
Respectfully submitted,
VICTOR N. CLUFF,
Sealer of Weights and Measures
153
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
As Tree Warden I submit the following report:
Brush was cut on every street, curves were cut back much further than in former years, all large brush was trucked to the town lot in the centre and burned.
All trees considered dangerous were removed and about 50 stumps pulled.
One hundred and six Norway Pines given to the town by Mr. William Roulard have been planted on the streets.
Have been unable to get a W. P. A. tree trimming and cavity filling project started owing to laying off of experienced men through cuts in quota and so-called 30 day layoffs, etc.
There are many broken limbs hanging in our trees since the hurri- cane and must be removed as they are a real menace to the traveling public. This department needs at least $1,500.00 for the coming year.
Yours Respectfully,
HARRIS M. BRIGGS,
Tree Warden
154
REPORT OF THE MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
As agents for the suppression of the Gypsy and Brown Tail Moths, I submit the following:
The Gypsy Moths are still increasing and following a survey of the woodlands after the spraying season there are about 8,000 of our 13,000 acres very heavily infested. There were about 200 acres of woodland trees total and 400 partially defoliated.
During the winter of '39 and '40 a crew of W. P. A. men, under supervision of this department, treated over 250,000 egg clusters with creosote. When you consider these nests average about 300 eggs, an 80% hatch would be 240 caterpillars to a nest it means millions were destroyed by this method. There is a 50% decrease of tent cater- pillars owing to cresoting in the early spring tor ther with remaining wild cherry bushes and trees (their favorite foo. nd nesting places).
'Ine Elm Leaf Beetles were very plentiful and considerable trouble experienced in keeping them from stripping our elms. The rains com- ing just at the time they were feeding the heaviest and weakening the spray solution before it had set allowed them to keep right on feeding after the season was over.
No Brown Tail Moth webs were found and seem under suppression by parasite and fungus disease.
A truck was bought and used in hauling the sprayer, which was a great help in spraying our 64 miles of roads and about 200 acres of woodlands.
Much more spraying should be done and the elms sprayed a second time to suppress the beetles.
Fifteen hundred dollars should be appropriated for this depart- ment.
Yours Respectfully,
HARRIS M. BRIGGS,
Moth Superintendent
155
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
As Park Commissioners we submit the following:
During the summer the commons were raked, grass mowed and walks recut.
The bandstand was painted and signs placed to let travelers know they are in Tewksbury. A well has been driven, an electric pump bought and will be installed in the spring with a drinking fountain.
The top mast of the flagpole has been painted two coats of alum- inum. When the painter started on the main mast he discovered a very bad rotten section 14 by 6 inches, 8 inches deep. We considered it dangerous so removed the top mast. It should be replaced, or repaired if possible. The lowest estimate received from five different flagpole firms is $525.
Colored lights were strung on the bandstand at Christmas time and were kept lit till New Year's. We recommend an appropriation of $650.00.
Yours respectfully,
THOS. C. McAUSLAND, WALTER ROBERTS, HARRIS M. BRIGGS,
Park Commissioners
156
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF MEATS AND PROVISIONS
To the Board of Selectmen, Town of Tewksbury:
Gentlemen:
Following is my report for the inspection of meats and provi- sions for the year of 1940 from January 1 to December 31, 1940.
Number of sides of Beef inspected 1150
Number of Calves inspected 972
Number of Hogs inspected
1889
Number of Sheep inspected
128
Cattle condemned :
Number of sides of Beef condemned 14
Number of Heads condemned
7
Number of sets of Lungs
9
Number of Livers condemned
14
Swine condemned :
Number of swine condemned 49
Number of Heads condemned 59
Number of sets of Lungs condemned 49
Number of Livers condemned
63
Calves condemned :
Number of Veals condemned 40
Number of Sheep condemned
3
Respectfuly submitted,
ASAHEL H. JEWELL,
Inspector of Meats and Provisions.
157
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Tewksbury:
Gentlemen:
Following is the report of the Inspector of Animals from January 1 to December 31, 1940.
Cows inspected 842
Young cattle inspected 159
Bulls inspected 30
Sheep inspected
1
Hogs inspected
1,865
Goats inspected
13
Stables inspected
79
I have released for immediate slaughter 85 head of cattle.
For dairy purposes 161 head of cattle and 34 calves.
Ten dogs were quarantined for rabies and released at the end of 14 days.
Inspected 1 barn after state test.
Quarantined 1 cow for lump jaw.
Respectfully submitted,
ASAHEL H. JEWELL,
Inspector of Animals.
158
WARRANT FOR ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Middlesex, ss :
To either of the Constables of the Town of Tewksbury in said County :
Greeting.
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Tewksbury, qualified to vote in Town Affairs, to meet and assemble at Town Hall in said Tewksbury on Wednesday, February 5, 1941 at twelve o'clock noon, to act on the follow- ing articles :
ART. 1. To choose all necessary Town Officers, to choose by ballot a Moderator, Town Clerk, three Selectmen, three members of the Board of Public Welfare, three mem- bers of the Board of Health, a Town Treasurer, an Audi- tor, a Collector of Taxes, a Tree Warden and three Constables, all to serve one year ; one Highway Commis- sioner to serve three years; one member of the School Committee to serve three years, one member of the School Committee to serve one year, two Trustees of the Pub- lic Library to serve three years ; one Park Commissioner to serve three years; one Assessor to serve three years; one Commissioner of Trust Fund to serve three years.
The polls for the election of Town Officers to be opened at twelve noon and to be closed at 8 P. M.
And you are also hereby further required and directed to notify and warn the said inhabitants of the Town of Tewks- bury, who are qualified to vote on elections and Town affairs, therein to assemble subsequently and meet in Town Meeting at the Town Hall in said Town of Tewksbury on Wednesday, February 12, 1941, at seven-thirty o'clock P. M., then and there to act on the following articles :
ART. 2. To hear reports of Town Officers and Committees and act thereon.
159
ART. 3. To see what sums of money the Town will vote to raise by taxation to defray necessary expenses for the current year, and make appropriations for the same.
ART. 4. To see if the Town will vote the money arising from licensing dogs, for the ensuing year to aid in sup- port of the Public Library.
ART. 5. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the town treasurer, with the approval of the selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1941 and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws.
VOTED: That the town treasurer, with the approval of the selectmen, be and hereby is authorized to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1941 and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws.
ART. 6. To see what regulations the Town will make for the possession, management and sale of land sold for un- paid taxes and for the assignment of Tax Titles not in- consistent with law or with the right of redemption as provided by Sec. 52 of Chap. 60 of the General Laws as amended by Sec. 3 of Chapter 126 of the Acts of 1927, and to see what sum of money the Town will raise and appropriate for the enforcement of such rules and regula- tions.
ART. 7. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $350.00 for the proper observance of Memorial Day, and appoint a committee to expend the money. Said committee to be taken from members of Spanish War Veterans, American Legion, or Sons of Veterans.
ART. 8. To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to institute suits on behalf of the Town or defend any suits that are, or may be brought against the Town, and to sign any contracts or agreements in behalf of the Town.
160
ART. 9. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum sufficient to pay the County of Middlesex, as required by law, the Town's share of the net cost of the care, main- tenance, and repair of the Middlesex County Tuberculosis Hospital, as assessed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 111 of the General Laws and Acts in amend- ment thereof and in addition thereto including Chapter 400, Section 25 G (6) (a) of the Acts of 1936 or take any action in relation thereto.
ART. 10. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Se- lectmen to sell, after first giving notice of the time and place of sale by posting such notice of sale in some con- venient and public place in the town fourteen days at least before the sale, property taken by the town under tax title procedure provided that the selectmen or whom- soever they may authorize to hold such public auction may reject any bid which they deem inadequate, or take any action relative thereto.
ART. 11. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer with the approval of the Board of Select- men to sell any parcel or parcels of land acquired by the Town through Tax Title foreclosure proceedings whose Tax Title value is less than $40.00, for whatever sum it may be in their judgment to the best interest of the Town, or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 12. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen and the Treasurer to foreclose either through the Land Court or by affidavit of the Commis- sioner of Corporations and Taxation, any Tax Title held by the Town for more than two years, and to see what sum of money the Town will vote to raise and appropriate therefor or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 13. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $2,500.00 for the Maintenance of Chapter 90, highways : said money to be used in conjunction with any money which may be alloted by the State or County, or both, for this purpose, or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 14. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to establish a Road Machinery Fund for the pur- pose of purchasing, repairing, and operating road ma- chinery, or take any other action relative thereto.
16
ART. 15. To see if the Town will vote to establish a Road Machinery Account, to which shall be accredited all re- ceipts received for the use of rental of road machinery, the proceeds to be appropriated as voted by the Town for road machinery purposes, or take any action relative thereto.
ART. 16. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate for Road Machinery purposes, all sums paid in, or to be paid in, to the Road Machinery Fund and authorize and em- power the Treasurer to transfer from the Road Machinery Fund to the Road Machinery Account all such sums.
ART. 17. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $3,000.00 or any other sum for the im- provement of North Street; said money to be used in conjunction with any money which may be allotted by the State or County, or both, for this purpose, or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 18. To see if the Town will vote to accept Wilson Road, from South Street to Madeline Road, as laid out by the Road Commissioners, with the boundaries and meas- urements as shown on the plan on file with the Town Clerk.
ART. 19. To see if the Town will vote to accept Idle Wild Street, as laid out by the Road Commissioners, with the boundaries and measurements as shown on the plan on file with the Town Clerk.
ART. 20. To see if the Town will vote to accept Pinedale Street, as laid out by the Road Commissioners, with the boundaries and measurements as shown on the plan on file with the Town Clerk.
ART. 21: To see if the Town will vote to accept Court Street, as laid out by the Road Commissioners, with the boundaries and measurements as shown on the plan on file with the Town Clerk.
ART. 22. To see if the Town will vote to accept Lawson Avenue as laid out by the Road Commissioners, with the boundaries and measurements as shown on the plan on file with the Town Clerk.
162
ART. 23. To see if the Town will vote to accept Murray Avenue as laid out by the Road Commissioners, with the boundaries and measurements as shown on the plan on file with the Town Clerk.
ART. 24. To see if the Town will vote to accept Pratt Street, as laid out by the Road Commissioners, with the boun- daries and measurements as shown on the plan on file with the Town Clerk.
ART. 25. To see if the Town will vote to accept Guile Avenue, as laid out by the Road Commissioners, with the boundaries and measurements as shown on the plan on file with the Town Clerk.
ART. 26. To see if the Town will vote to accept Martin Road, from Guile Avenue to Lawson Avenue, as laid out by the Road Commissioners, with the boundaries and measurement as shown on the plan on file with the Town Clerk.
ART. 27. To see if the Town will vote to accept Oak Street, from White Street to South Street, as laid out by the Road Commissioners, with the boundaries and measure- ments as shown on the plan on file with the Town Clerk.
ART. 28. To see if the Town will vote to accept Dudley Road, as laid out by the Road Commissioners, with the boundaries and measurements as shown on the plan on file with the Town Clerk.
ART. 29. To see if the Town will vote to accept Kittridge Street, as laid out by the Road Commissioners, with the boundaries and measurements as shown on the plan on file with the Town Clerk.
ART. 30. To see if the Town will vote to locate a light on Bridge Street opposite the home of Rose Levine, or take any other action.
ART. 31. To see if the Town will vote to locate a light at the junction of School and South Streets and appropriate money for same, or take any action relative thereto.
ART. 32. To see if the Town will vote to locate a light at the junction of Clyde Avenue and Vernon Street and appropriate money for same, or take any action relative thereto.
163
ART. 33. To see if the Town will vote to locate a light on South Street, between Foster's Corner and Brown Street, and appropriate money for same or take any action re- lative thereto.
ART. 34. To see if the Town will vote to locate a light at the junction of Maplewood Avenue and Adams Street and appropriate money for same, or take any action re- lative thereto.
ART. 35. To see if the Town will vote to locate a light on Florence Avenue, near the Wilmington line, and appro- priate money for same or take any action relative thereto.
ART. 36. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $1,000 to be used as a revolving fund to finance the Food Stamp Plan, or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 37. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $646.02 to reimburse other cities and towns for unpaid Welfare bills of 1940, or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 38. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $836.98 to reimburse other cities and towns, and the State Department of Public Welfare, for unpaid Welfare bills of 1939, or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 39. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $209.38 to pay the following bills of 1940 : Police $86.94, Vocational School $37.70, Tree Ward- en $3.00, Legion Hall $6.16, Moth Department $14.58. and Board of Health $61.00 or take any other action re- lative thereto.
ART. 40. To see if the Town will vote to appoint a commit- tee of five, to consist of three members of the Shcool Board elected at the annual meeting and two to be ap- pointed by the moderator, to investigate the advisability of making an addition to the Shawsheen School or the advisability of making alterations to the Spaulding School, such committee to report to the Town at a special town meeting to be held not later than April 21, 1941, and to appropriate $100 for the expenses of said committee or take any other action relative thereto.
.164
ART. 41. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sum not exceeding $350 for repairs to and main- tenance of the athletic field and structures thereon at the high school and for the maintenance of athletics at the high school.
ART. 42. To see if the Town will create a committee of three, one to be a member of the school board for the time being and two to be appointed annually by the moderator with full power over the maintenance, repair and upkeep of the athletic field and structures thereon at the high school and with full power to enact regulations for the use of said field or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 43. To see if the Town will vote to appoint a Stadium Commission to be composed of three men who will serve until replaced. Said Commission to have full jurisdiction over the Tewksbury Stadium or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 44. To see if the Town will vote to widen and repair Rogers Street from Pike Street to Whipple Road, make appropriation for same or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 45. To see what sum of money the Town will vote to raise and appropriate for a reserve fund under Section 6 of Chapter 40 of the General Laws or take any other action thereto.
ART. 46. To see what sum of money the Town will raise and appropriate to be used in conjunction with Federal Funds for Work Projects Administration expenses for the year 1941 or take any action relative to same.
ART. 47. To see what sum of money the Town will raise and appropriate for the purpose of installing a Lunch Room at the Foster School, including the purchase of necessary equipment or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 48. To see if the Town will vote to accept Section 6B, Chapter 40, of the General Laws, Tercentenary Edition- "A city or town which accepts this section may appro- priate money for the purchase of uniforms for members of its Police and Fire Departments,"-recommending
165
not more than $100 to be spent for uniforms in a given year for each department, or take any other action re- lative thereto.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.