USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Tewksbury > Town of Tewksbury annual report 1939-1944 > Part 25
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Harper's
41
ion
71
Hobbies
24
Others
3
House Beautiful
116
Hygeia
50
Total
1819
ABBIE M. BLAISDELL,
Librarian.
116
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
GENERAL RELIEF
Owing to improved business conditions, this department was able to complete the year well within it's appropriation. There was a case load decrease of 52 families, representing 187 persons.
It is encouraging that able-bodied persons are securing employ- ment and with the increase in National Defense production, it is ex- pected that this trend will continue. Of course, on the other side of the picture there is the possibility of a decrease of labor in private in- dustries not engaged in defense work, with the result that there may be a certain class of cases that will require some temporary assistance until they can be absorbed in other employment. The case load of un- employable persons is not expected to decrease and total aid is granted in most cases.
Although town officials had completed all details concerning the participation of Tewksbury in the Federal Stamp Plan in April, no action has been taken by the Federal authorities, but assurance has been received that the plan will go into effect in 1942.
Knowing that expense of the town in other departments will be in- creased owing to the present national emergency, the Board feels that an appropriation of $10,000 should be sufficient for the Welfare Board for 1942.
The financial statement of expenditures in this department appears in the Auditor's report.
The following is a recapitulation of the families and persons re- presented, aided by the Welfare.Department of this town for the year 1941:
Families Persons
Town settled cases aided in Tewksbury
30
78
Town settled cases aided by other cities, towns
11
34
Aided in Tewksbury, unsettled or settled elsewhere
35
161
Hospitalization, members of above families
4
Hospitalization, cases receiving no other aid 11
11
Total
87 288
117
Received as reimbursement for aid granted to cases with settle- ments elsewhere:
Town of Billerica
$ 204.24
Town of Lexington
40.21
Town of North Andover
305.00
Town of Reading
24.00
Town of Wilmington
102.29
City of Chelsea
481.71
City of Everett
318.87
City of Gloucester
11.40
City of Malden
7.50
City of Lawrence
54.00
City of Lowell
861.50
City of Medford
201.98
Total Cities and Towns
$ 2,612.70
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
2,429.13
Individuals reimbursed
106.71
Total receipts
5,148.54
There is due from the following sources:
Town of Dracut
$ 5.00
City of Boston
189.22
City of Cambridge
108.00
City of Lowell
15.00
City of Malden
4.00
City of Medford
16.33
Total due from cities and Towns
$ 337.55
Estimated from Commonwealth ..
1,297.47
Total estimates
1,635.02
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
At the present time there is a case load of 11 families, represent- ing 28 persons aided under this division. This type of assistance is for families with children under 18 years of age, attending school, who have been deprived of parental support of one or both parents. The case load is steadier than that of general relief and as total assistance is granted the expense of providing for these children is necessarily higher.
118
It is estimated that an appropriation of $4,500 will be necessary for 1942. This appropriation will be used in conjunction with Federal Funds, which it is estimated will amount to $2,412.
Reimbursement from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts amounted to $2,600.53. The financial statement of expenditures ap- pears in the Auditor's report.
BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
The case load for this department on January 1, 1941 was 62 per- sons. During the year 24 applications were received, of these 22 were approved for assistance and 2 were rejected. A total of 17 cases were closed during the year by reason of death, removal to other cities and towns, or for other reasons, leaving a case load of 67 persons on De- cember 31, 1941. There was a turnover of 39 cases for the year.
It is estimated that the town's share of expenses for 1942 will amount to $13,000 and that appropriation is requested.
The financial statement of expenditures appears in the Auditor's report.
Received as reimbursement for aid granted to cases with settle- ments elsewhere:
Town of Arlington
$ 46.90
Town of Stoneham
13.00
Town of Wilmington
130.73
City of Boston
65.59
Ctiy of Lowell
81.92
City of Lynn
90.00
City of Malden
90.58
City of New Bedford
20.83
Total Cities & Towns
$ 539.55
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
8,913.42
Total
9,452.97
There is due from the following sources:
Town of Arlington
$ 95.33
Town of Wilmington
217.16
City of Boston
251.81
City of Lowell
56.58
119
City of Melrose
45.00
City of Revere 35.67
Total Cities & Towns
$ 701.55
Estimated from the
Commonwealth
4,939.92
Total due
5,641.47
The total cost to the Town for all forms of relief has been $27,718.83. We have succeeded in collecting from various sources $17,202.04, making a net cost of all relief $10,516.79.
Respectfully submitted,
DUNCAN J. CAMERON, Chairman, IRVING F. FRENCH, BERNARD H. GREENE.
120
REPORT OF HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Chairman Greene and Members of the Tewksbury Board of Health:
The following is my report as your agent for the year ending December 31st, 1941.
We have had no run of serious contagious disease, but have had the most widespread epidemic of mumps in the history of the Board of Health, namely 206 cases.
The probable reason for this is the attitude, that it is not serious and has few complications, but from the board's point of view, unless cases are reported there is no way of controlling such a situation. Of the 206 cases coming to our attention through the investigation of Miss Haines only 10 were reported by the families and none by the physician in charge of the case.
Since private supplies are the town's source of drinking water to a great extent, we advise conservative and greater protection from contamination, such as built up curbs to prevent surface drainage from entering and the prevention of animal and vegetable refuse deposits near enough for seepage to get to supply.
The following is the list of reportable diseases for the past year:
Cases
No.
Deaths
Dog Bite
5
0
Tuberculosis
2
0
Measles
1
0
Diphtheria
0
0
Pneumonia
2
0
Whooping Cough
14
0
Mumps
206
0
Total
230
0
In a letter from the State Department of recent date they notified us of an outbreak of rabies in the southern section of our county and isolated cases have occurred, as near as our neighbor in the south. They recommend immunization of all our dogs to prevent its spread.
HERBERT M. LARRABEE, M. D.
Jan. 1st, 1942.
Agent of Board of Health.
121
REPORT OF WORK PROJECTS ADMINISTRATION
To the Board of Selectmen:
During the year 1941, the following projects have been worked upon.
SIDEWALKS: 6,759 feet of sidewalk was constructed along Chand- ler, East and Pleasant streets, with an asphalt surface 41/2 feet wide.
STREETS: This year we have built Pupkis, Beech, Cherry, Wal- nut, Maple, Laite, Highlandview, Sunnyslope, School, Willow, Mystic, Parker, Roosevelt and Hoover Streets, approximately 6800 feet in length. In addition to this, Oak, Dudley, Wilson and Pratt Streets have been widened, loam stripped off and we are now in the process of grav- elling Pratt Street. The stripped area is 3850 feet in length and 20 feet wide.
SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM: We have served 63,647 meals at the lunch room during the past year, there have been as many as 19 women on this project and at present, 13 are assigned. The equipment for the Shawsheen School lunch room and necessary dishes were purchased, together with considerable additions to the stock at the High School. Lumber was purchased and tables and benches were built by Mr. Wiley. Also a portion of the coal bin was made into a storage room at the High School. In spite of the investment of $619.48 in equipment, the cost of the meals averages approximately $.0419 apiece.
SEWING PROJECT: This project was discontinued July 1, 1941, the personnel being transferred to the School Lunch Project in Sep- tember.
WHITE COLLAR PROJECTS: Discontinued July 1, 1941 except for one man assigned to a State-Wide project at present operating at the State Infirmary.
MOTH PROJECTS: A small crew was employed until July 1, 1941 when all this class of projects was stopped.
COMMODITIES: Owing to the fact that the Federal Food Stamp Plan has not been installed we have maintained the distribution center throughout the year. There has been issued through that office a total of 22,703.72 worth of food and clothing.
Some provision should be made for exchanging the G.M.C. truck for one less expensive to operate.
122
I feel an appropriation of $6000 together with the unexpended bal- ance will be adequate for the year 1942. This would provide for the School Lunch Program, Maintenance of School Lunch Program, Com- modities and Office Maintenance, and leave a reserve fund for unforseen items.
The present personnel report shows 35 persons on WPA payrolls.
Respectfully submitted, EVERETT H. KING, WPA Sponsor's Agent.
123
WPA INVENTORY
-
December 28, 1941.
COMMODITY CENTER, SPAULDING SCHOOL - SUPPLIES
1 Woodstock typewriter
2 tables
2 chairs
800 20 1b. paper bags
500 6 1b. paper bags
1/2 Ton Coal
1/2 Cord Wood
ROAD PROJECT
1 Shanty
1 Toolbox
1 Conant Loading Machine
3 Trucks (Dodge, Ford, G.M.C.)
1 First Aid Kit
2 Axes
1 20 foot chain
4 Square Shovels
22 Long-Handled Shovels
14 Picks
7 Grubs
3 Drills
1 12-1b. Hammer
2 WPA Signs
1 2-1b. Hammer
8 Pins
250 Foot Line
1 Stone Drag
FIRE BARN
2 Blocks, 7 inch Triple
3 Pair Rubber Boots
GOLEN'S GARAGE
1 Reo
124
SCHOOL LUNCH PROJECT
Uniforms
$ 80.81
Towels
8.50
Dishes
72.89
2 Stoves
53.35
Stove Plate
12.00
Silver
31.88
Kitchen Utensils
185.45
Key and Lock
2.25
Glasses
29.73
Silver
16.75
Office Supplies
9.95
FOOD
Canned Goods
40.00
Potatoes, 350 lbs.
6.48
125
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
As Chief of the Fire Department, I herewith submit the following report:
Total Number of Fires Attended
165
Forest and Brush Fires
46
Grass Fires 48
Pine Needles Fires
22
Building Fires
13
Out of Town Fires
11
Dump Fires
7
Chimney Fires
5
Leaf Fires
5
False Alarms
4
Automobile Fires
2
Rubbish Fires
2
Total value of buildings and contents: Twenty two thousand, eight hundred dollars ($22,800).
Insurance paid: Three thousand, eight hundred and fifteen dollars ($3,815).
Damage: Three thousand, eight hundred and fifteen dollars ($3,815).
Laid 4,200 feet of 21/2-inch hose, 9,300 feet of 11/2-inch hose, 48,350 feet of one-inch hose and used 350 pump cans.
Raised 366 feet of ladders and traveled 925 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.
126
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens:
The following is my report as your Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year 1941.
Scales
Platform over 5000 lbs.
3
Platform 100 to 5000 lbs.
10
Counter under 100 lbs.
1
Beam under 100 lbs.
4
Spring 100 lbs. or over
1
Spring under 100 lbs.
20
Computing under 100 lbs.
5
Personal weighting
1
Avoirdupois
41
Condemned personal weighting
1
Condemned platform
1
Measuring Devices
Gasoline Pumps
Sealed
23
Gasoline Pumps
Not Sealed
5
Kerosene Pumps
Sealed
2
Oil Measuring Pumps
Sealed
4
Quantity Measures on Pumps
Sealed
16
Amount collected and turned over to the Treasurer
$27.56
Respectfully Submitted,
VICTOR N. CLUFF,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
127
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
As Tree Warden I submit the following:
Brush has been cut on all streets, 64 miles, all corners where view was obstructed, permission was asked of land owners and brush cut to have an unobstructed view of at least 300 feet.
72 trees considered dangerous and 21 requested by property owners were removed.
40 Linden, Pine, and Maple trees were planted and watered during the summer. Dangerous hanging limbs were removed from maples on Chandler and Andover streets. Trees should be pruned on all streets owing to mild weather followed by a very sudden freeze many trees are cracking at crotches and should be bolted for safety.
Poison Ivy is very heavy on most of our streets and many cases of poisoning have been reported, especially to children. No lasting benefit is received by cutting. There are two ways of extermination, pulling of plants with roots and burning with crude oil during growing season. Would suggest the latter as there is less chance of being poisoned then by handling. We should have a burning outfit for this purpose. This department needs $1,500.00.
Yours Respectfully,
HARRIS M. BRIGGS,
Tree Warden.
128
REPORT OF THE MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
As local agent for suppression of moth pests I submit the follow- ing:
There is a slight increase of Gypsy moths, the infestation is very heavy in the North, West and Centre Sections while in the East and South it is light.
A survey of the woodlands with Department of Conservation and U. S. Department of Agriculture agents following the spraying season was made. It was estimated there were about 300 acres totally and 500 acres partially defoliated.
64 miles of roadside and 300 acres of woodland was sprayed.
The decrease of Tent caterpillars has been very noticeable owing to early spraying, removing of favorite food and nesting trees and bushes (Wild Cherry). All wild cherry should be cut and burned along walls bordering streets, even on private property. The Elm Tree Beetle was exceptionally troublesome. Extensive spraying was done, all elms were sprayed twice and many 3 times. These pests hibernate during the winter in the adult stage (Beetle) under bark, behind blinds but usually in our attics. After a few warm days they emerge, start feeding and laying eggs. This would be the best time to destroy them with poison but the leaves are not large enough to hold the spray. In 7 or 8 days the eggs hatch and the young slugs start feeding about May 15. Spraying is started at this time and continues through the summer to August 1st. No Brown Tail moths were found and no doubt are held under suppression by parasite and Fungus disease.
All trees should be sprayed from May 15 to August 15 and a cheap truck bought.
$1,500 should be appropriated for this department.
If you intend planting potatoes the coming summer do so within 200 feet of street and get the advantage of free spraying.
Yours Respectfully,
HARRIS M. BRIGGS.
Moth Superintendent
129
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
As Park Commissioners we submit the following:
During the year the commons have been raked, mowed, young trees watered and fertilizer applied.
Had intended spreading fertilizer each week but owing to the drought had to discontinue on account of burning.
Colored lights were strung and lighted on the bandstand from Christmas to New Years.
Owing to the run out condition of soil on the commons a light coating of loam or peat should be applied.
Since the outbreak of war the flag has been raised each day. If we intend its continuance throughout the year allowance must be made for new flags and cost of raising.
We recommend an appropriation of $250.
Yours Respectfully, THOMAS C. McAUSLAND, W. J. ROBERTS HARRIS M. BRIGGS,
Park Commissioners
130
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 provisions for the year of 1941 from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 1941.
Number of sides of beef inspected 1602
Number of Calves inspected 1151
Number of Hogs inspected 1273
Number of Sheep inspected
91
Cattle Condemned:
Number of sides of Beef condemned 6
Number of Heads condemned 4
Nuumber of sets of Lungs condemned
12
Number of Livers condemned
12
Swine condemned:
Number of Swine condemned 10
Number of Heads condemned 14
Number of Sets of Lungs condemned 31
Number of Livers condemned
31
Calves condemned :
Number of Veals condemned 27
Number of Sheep condemned
1
Respectfully Submitted,
ASAHEL H. JEWELL,
Inspector of Meats and Provisions.
131
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 Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 1941.
Cows inspected
844
Young Cattle inspected
127
Bulls inspected
25
Sheep inspected
1
Hogs inspected
1,407
Goats inspected
16
Stables inspected
75
Steers inspected
12
-
I have released for immediate slaughter 28 head of cattle and 62 calves.
For dairy purposes I have released 345 head of cattle.
14 dogs were quarantined and 1 cat for rabies and released at the end of 14 days.
Sent 1 dog head to laboratory.
Inspected 1 barn after state test.
Respectfully Submitted,
ASAHEL H. JEWELL,
Inspector of Animals.
132
REPORT OF DOG OFFICER
Jan. 10, 1942.
Board of Selectmen,
Tewksbury, Mass.
Hours
Miles
Investigations (License)
95
950
Investigations - Dogs killing chickens
3
12
Complaints-Barking dogs, etc.
30
165
Dogs destroyed (31)
31
310
Dogs sheltered (31)
Dogs placed in homes (8)
12
50
Dead dogs picked up from highway (22)
22
120
Telephone calls-approximately
180
373
1,607
GERALD J. FINNERAN,
Dog Officer.
133
REPORT OF THE STADIUM COMMISSION
Board of Selectmen, Tewksbury, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The following is our report for the year ending December 31, 1941.
Owing to the expense involved and the small appropriation we had to work with we were unable to do any work on building up the Sta- dium playing fields. Mr. Fred Carter checked with Waltham field station of the Department of Agriculture and they advised him that the least expensive and most satisfactory method of building up such sandy loam would be the use of peat. However, due to the present emergency and the expense involved, we feel that such an outlay of money would be a drain on the tax payers at this time.
All the wood on both the football and baseball bleachers and the wood trim on the field house and ticket booth was given one coat of the best grade of paint. We feel that it should be given one more coat this year.
The cement on the football bleachers cracked and chipped in sev- eral places. We had all this loose cement removed and expect to find a satisfactory and inexpensive method to refinish these sections this year.
Mr. Harry Wiley was appointed custodian of the field house for the year. He replaced several broken windows and built three wooden lockers for athletic equipment in addition to his regular duties.
We wish at this time to thank Mr. William Dewing for labor he donated in reconditioning the pump which was badly in need of repair.
It is hoped that the request for $350.00 found in the warrant will be granted.
For a financial report of the Commission, we refer you to the Auditor's report.
Respectfully yours,
WILLIAM J. O'NEIL J. HARPER GALE FREDERICK M. CARTER
Stadium Commission.
134
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 4, 1942, at ten o'clock A. M., 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, 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 ten o'clock A. M. 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 11, 1942, 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.
135
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, 1942, 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, 1942 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.
136
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 establish a Road Machinery Fund and appropriate a sum of money for the purpose of purchasing, repairing and operating road mach- inery ; to which fund shall be accredited-in addition to the sum appropriated-such sums as may be allotted for the use of town-owned highway equipment operated for highway purposes in conjunction with the State and County, or take any other action thereto.
137
ART. 14. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $2000. for the Maintenance of Chapter 90, Highways : 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.
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