USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Tewksbury > Town of Tewksbury annual report 1955-1960 > Part 58
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Through the year we have sprayed for chewing and sucking
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insects. The oak leaf miner which affects some species of oak is getting troublesome. Money will have to be made available for the control of this insect, if its natural parasite does not do the job within the next couple of years.
Our poison ivy eradiction program was commenced in July. We were able to spray poison ivy for everyone who requested the service of this department.
In closing I would like to thank all those who gave up small trees for roadside planting. Replacement of new young trees is the most important function of this Department, because it particularly effects the present and the future welfare of this community.
PLANT A TREE AND MAKE TEWKSBURY GREEN
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS Jeremiah F. Murphy, Jr., Chairman
During the entire year there were 32 appeals heard at public hearings, of which there were 9 appeals in connection with trailers, and one appeal requesting permission for a trailer park. At the time of this writing the request for a trailer park is under consider- ation by the board.
One appeal of interest was the appeal of Miles Record for permission to build on certain lots of land containing less than an acre on South Oliver Street. This street and some of the adjoining streets presented a very serious water problem for the people in this vicinity as a result of inadequate drainage. As a condition to the allowance of Mr. Record's petition, the board required him to take certain necessary steps to remedy this very distressing condi- tion. This has been accomplished and we are sure that it has been a source of satisfaction to the people who live on South Oliver Street and the adjoining streets and to the town in general, inas- much as there had been considerable expense incurred by the Town in pumping water from this area.
Most of the other appeals were requests for variances from the requirements of our one acre by-law, and for the most part were routine in nature.
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JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE Stephen A. Gendall, Chairman
The Junior High School Building Committee, established under Article 58 of the warrant for the 1959 Annual Town Meeting is composed of the following members, appointed by the Moderator: Stephen A. Gendall, chairman; Loella F. Dewing, secretray; James A. Johnson, vice-chairman; Richard G. Priebe, treasurer and John A. Barker, publicity director.
The first problem of the committee was to determine the extent of additional facilities required, the extent depending on the plan of school organization and the educational program to be offered the pupils.
In the over-all school organization the 6-3-3 plan is preferable to an 8-4 or 6-2-4 plan. The Junior High School facilities should thus be planned to accomodate eventually grades 7-9. Currently only grades 7 and 8 are occupying the old High School building because of overcrowded and inadequate facilities.
The old structure was designed originally to accomodate 320 pupils, but by converting the gym, cafeteria, and shop to classrooms, and by utilizing substandard space in the basement, it has been possible to squeeze 607 pupils into the building as an emergency measure.
In converting the old High School to a 750-pupil Junior High School, space for about 350 pupils will be provided by remodeling the old building, and space for about 400 additional pupils must be provided by new construction.
Having determined the extent of additional facilities required to convert the old High School to a 750-pupil Junior High, the next problem was to determine the cost of conversion. It was thought desirable to compare the cost of remodeling the old building with the cost of constructing the new and additional facilities required.
After reviewing the technical preparation, experience, and personal qualifications of several architects, and after personal interviews with two architects, the following approximate costs were determined:
a. The total cost of converting the old High School to a 750-pupil capacity Junior High is about $800,000.
b. The cost of remodeling the old building to provide space for its capacity of about 350 pupils is about $100,000, none of which is reimbursable by the State through the Massachu- setts School Building Assistance Commission.
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c. The cost of new facilities required to provide space for about 400 additional pupils is about $700,000, 50% of which is reimbursable by the State provided the remodeled facili- ties in the old building meet the minimum classroom specifi- cations of the Massachusetts School Building Assistance Commission.
Thus the per pupil cost of providing space for the 400 additional pupils over and above the capacity of the old building is about $2,000. This is about 12% higher than the per pupil state average for new construction.
In view of the comparatively high per pupil cost of converting the old High School to a 750 pupil Junior High, and because the needs have changed since conversion of the old school was first proposed, the next problem was to compare the cost of enlarging the old building with the cost of constructing a new one which would provide facilities in line with foreseeable future needs.
In a Building Needs Conference with the Massachusetts School Building Assistance Commission on December 3, 1959, projected school enrollment figures were studied which showed that, by 1962, there will be 763 pupils enrolled in grades 7 and 8, and there will be 1,048 pupils enrolled in grades 9-12. In the following year Memorial High School will be overtaxed by the enrollment of 1,224 pupils in grades 9-12, and grade 9 will have to be provided for in the Junior High School. Thus, in 1963 there will be a need for a Junior High School to provide facilities for 1,145 pupils in grades 7-9.
It was not as easy to get cost estimates as it was to calculate the needs for a new school as no funds were available to the com- mittee to retain architectural services. In interviews with architects, however, it was brought out that it would be reasonable to expect that a new 1,000 pupil Junior High could be constructed at a cost no greater than the state average and probably could be constructed at a cost somewhat less than state average by sacrificing some of the trimmings.
The best estimate is that a new 1,000 pupil Junior High School could be constructed for about $1,500 per pupil or about $1,500,000.
If it appeared that the town favored the construction of a new school, the next problem was the selection of the most desirable site for it. Three sites had been considered previously - two of these sites are on state-owned land, and the other is on Shawsheen Street opposite the Heath Brook School. The later site seemed most desirable for the following reasons:
a. The Shawsheen Street site would be easier and faster to obtain.
b. Preliminary plot plans are available.
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c. The land is essentially flat and will require a minimum of grading.
d. It is the closer of the three to the center of population and transportation costs would be lower.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE
of converting the old school in terms of head space provided, we recommend that all classroom space in the basement of the present building be abandoned as soon as possible.
Projected enrollment figures indicate that by 1963 there will be 1,145 pupils enrolled in Junior High School. These children are already in our schools and the figures represent very few pupils enrolled as a result of immigration since about 1957. The figures show a need for additional facilities for 500 pupils in the next three years or space for a total of about 1,000 Junior High pupils. In view of the expected enrollment and the comparatively high cost of converting the old school in terms of head space provided, we recommend that plans for the conversion be dropped at this time and plans for a new 1,000 pupil Junior High be prepared as soon as possible. On completion of the new school we recommend that the present old High School building be converted for use as a sixth grade school, thus alleviating pressure on the elementaries. At the time of completion it is further recommended that the school needs of the town be brought up to date by new studies to see if additional facilities may be needed.
REPORT OF THE INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION John J. Nolan, Chairman
The Industrial Commission is pleased to report that the pros- pects for the future industrial development of Tewksbury are very good and considerably brighter than at any other time in recent years.
This conclusion is the result of many factors, principally the location of New Interstate Highways No. 93 and No. 495 (Outer Belt) within the borders of our town which, combined, will provide about four miles of highway through Tewksbury. The land along these highways is generally undeveloped, and although some of this terrain may be unusable, nevertheless we will have many good acres available for industrial development.
As the result of close cooperation with our Planning Board, the
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property of A. J. Tambone, Inc., located in North Tewksbury, was rezoned for industrial use at the Town Meeting held on May 6, 1959. The warrant for the coming Town Meeting will include pro- posals for similar rezoning of locations adjacent to the highways which, we feel, are essential to our future industrial growth.
The Commission has had several inquiries and has interviewed several Industrial prospects who have expressed an interest in locating in Tewksbury. We have erected industrial signs on Route 38, one at the Lowell line and the other at the Wilmington line which we hope will be productive.
The Greater-Lowell Commitee to Restore the Interchanges, including members from Tewksbury's Board of Selectmen, Planning Board, and Industrial Commission were successful, after many meetings with Federal Bureau of Roads officials, in winning restora- tion of the interchange at Woburn Street. This access along a major highway will serve to open sections of West Tewksbury to desirable buisness and industry.
The Commission has underway the compiling of a brochure to attract industry to Tewksbury. We anticipate completion of the brochure at an early date.
We have, with the cooperation of the Board of Assessors, estab- lished a file of all parcels of land in excess of five acres that may be available to industry. We anticipate that the completion of the new Interstate Highways will bring many industrial inquiries for favor- able and suitable sites.
The above is a brief summary of our opinions and activity. Although much has been done, much remains to be done. We hope that the work of our Commission will bring many advantages to Tewksbury through sound industrial planning. The cooperation of the townspeople and the various Town Boards, extended to our Commission, has enabled us to make steady progress.
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REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT William A. Chandler, Chief
FIRE REPORTS - 1959
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Total
Building
4 |
1 |1|
3
8 |
3
3
3 4 3
33
Dump
1
1
2
1
Brush and Grass
2 |
8 |
8
90
44
2
7
1 | 6 |1 |5 9 |183
Chimney
4 | 5 |
1
Auto
1 | 1 |
2
3
1|
3 |
1 | 2
2
16
False
1
4 |
4
1
2
2 |
2
2
1 |
3
22
Resuscitator
8 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
3
2 |
4
3
2
2
3
3
36
Electrical
2 |
1
2
1
3
1
3
5
1
19
Accident
3 |
2
2
1 |
1
1
2 |
1 3 1
13
Out of Town
1
3
5
4
2
1
16
All Others
6 |
2 |
2
5
6
4
7
2 |
3
9| 3 |7
56
TOTAL
| 31 |24
23
116
76
16
26
12 20 24 24 30 | 422
INSPECTIONS - 1959
Gasoline storage
3
LP Gas storage
33
Nursing and rest homes
20
Oil storage
89
Public Buildings
36
TOTAL
181
REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR Walter J. Pupkis
BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED IN 1959
Number
Estimated Cost
New Dwellings
54
$604,500.00
Alterations and Additions
100
92,135.00
Garages, Residential
38
44,056.00
Business and Commercial Buildings (New buildings and additions)
21
137,200.00
Demolish buildings
4
Total taxable properties
$877,891.00
1
11
Oil Burners
1 |
2 |
2
1
2 |
12
5
72
Churches and Parish Buildings (New Buildings and Additions)
5 311,739.00
Alterations to existing schools 2
2,600.00
Total non-taxable properties
$314,339.00
Total number of building permits issued
224
Total number of building inspections made in 1959 658
Total paid to building inspector for the year 1959 $1,487.00
Received and Paid to Town Treasurer for permits issued $1,424.00
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS Austin F. French, Chairman
Value of Real Estate January 1, 1959 $12,170,920.00
Value of Personal Property 3,324,150.00
Total Value of 1959
$15,495,070.00
Total Value of 1958
15,002,900.00
Gain in Valuation
$ 492,170.00
TOTAL LEVY FOR 1959
Town
$ 2,217,520.40
State
4,422.58
County
26,667.52
Overlay Current Year
67,664.89
Gross Amount to be Raised
$ 2,316,275.39
Total Estimated Receipts and Available Funds 929,892.16
Net amount to be raised on Polls
and Property
$ 1,386,383.23
Polls $ 7,322.00
Personal Property
295,849.35
Real Estate
1,083,211.88
Total Taxes Levied on Polls & Property Water Liens added to Taxes 2,464.93
$ 1,386,383.23
TAX RATE 1959 - $89.00
MOTOR VEHICLE AND TRAILER EXCISE
Total Valuation
Amount of Warrants to Collector
$ 2,749,245.00 167,867.72
TAX RATE 1959 - $64.13
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REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT John F. Sullivan, Chief
DISPOSITION OF CASES District Court and Superior Court of Lowell Superior Court of East Cambridge
Dismissed 8
Filed
13
Fined
59
For Other Police Departments
15
Guilty
103
Not Guilty
5
Pending
8
Released
6
Total 217
Allowing an Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle 1
Assault and Battery
6
Attaching Wrong Plates
1
Breaking and Entering in the Daytime and Larceny
6
Default Warrant
2
Defraud Insurance
1
Disturbing the Peace
1
Drunkness
56
Drunkness Complaint
23
Failing to Stop for a Police Officer
2
Failing to Stop for a School Bus
1
Indecent Assault and Battery
1
Larceny
6
Larceny from a Building
5
Leaving a Scene After Causing Property Damage
2
Malicious Damage to Property
2
Non Payment of Fines
1
Non Payment of Wages
2
Non Support 5
Operating after Suspension of License 8
74
Operating so as to Endanger 5
Operating under the Influence 12
Operating Uninsured Motor Vehicle
4
Operating Unregistered Motor Vehicle
4
Operating Without a License 2
Operating Without a License in Possession
2
Operating Without a Registration in Possession
1
Passing Where View is Obstructed
2
Rape
1
Threatening
5
Unlawful Possession of Weapons
2
Unlawful Use of Motor Vehicles
12
Vagrancy
3
Violation of Dog Laws
1
Violation of Speed Laws
9
Total 197
REPORT OF THE DOG OFFICER Leslie Collins
Kennel Licenses 13
'Dog Licenses 1282
Dogs Sheltered
92
Dogs Destroyed 63
Dogs returned to owners 29
Telephone Calls 1498
Investigations (Licenses) complaints of barking dogs, killing chickens, rabbits,
destroying property, etc. 1289
75
EDGAR SMITH
Born in Rochdale, England, September 8, 1877 Died in Tewksbury, February 17, 1959
-
Served the Town faithfully as a Trustee of the Public Library for 46 years, from March 1913 until February 1959.
REPORT OF THE LIBRARY TRUSTEES Harold H. Sloan, Chairman
The following report is respectfully submitted. During the year 515 books were added: 180 adult fiction, 138 adult non-fiction, 157 juvenile fiction and 40 non-fiction.
The Librarian and Assistant appreciate the co-operation of the many patrons who return books and magazines when due and request the return of books and magazines now overdue.
The Library is open Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 until 9:00 and Saturday morning from 10:00 to 12:30 and Saturday afternoon continuously from 2:00 until 8:00.
The Library is closed Legal Holidays and for the Annual Vacation in the summer.
CIRCULATION OF BOOKS AT THE LIBRARY
Tuesday Evenings
Fiction
4011
Biology
294
History
168
Science
378
Literature
162
Philosophy
40
Travel
86
Religion
40
Arts
115
Total
5294
Thursday Evenings
Fiction
1914
Biology
175
History
94
Science
248
Literature
76
Philosophy
26
Travel
49
Religion
20
Arts
40
Total
2642
Saturday
Fiction
7473
Biology
568
History
325
Science
808
Literature
209
Philosophy
65
Travel
202
Religion
74
Arts
125
Total
9849
Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays
Total
17,785
77
Circulation of Magazines
American Home
21
Lifetime Living
19
Atlantic Monthly
16
Mademoiselle 16
Better Homes & Garden
53
McCall's 38
Consumer's Report
45
Mechanic's Illustrated
44
Coronet
44
National Geographic
66
Good Housekeeping
37
Popular Mechanics
72
Harper's
11
Reader's Digest
30
Hobbies
16
Redbook
69
Holiday
12
Children's Digest
26
Ladies Home Journal
32
Humpty Dumpty
55
Life
114
Others
39
Look
58
Total
933
A bookmobile furnished by the State Regional Library Center at 133 Main Street, North Reading, which is from the Massa- chusetts Division of Library Extension of 200 Newbury Street Boston, makes monthly visits to three service points in Tewksbury Shawsheen School, North Street School and Ella Flemings Schoc . of North Tewksbury. The circulation throughout the year by the special state service was as follows:
Adult - 576 Juvenile - 3937 Total - 4513
This bookmobile circulation combined with Tewksbury Library Circulation Totals 22,298.
The trustees of the Tewkbury Public Library wish to report that the affairs of the Library are in a healthy and flourishing con- dition but as mentioned repeatedly during the past few years, the Town of Tewksbury needs a new Library building, one which pro- vides larger quarters, more book space and one to which all Tewks- bury citizens can point with pride.
The year 1959 saw an increase of 2358 in circulation making a total of 17,785 which is the largest increase for several years. This plus the Bookmobile circulation of 4513 amounts to a total book circulation from the Library of 22,298. Unfortunately unless state and federal appropriations are continued in 1960 and 1961, the Bookmobile coverage coming from the State Regional Center in North Reading, will be discontinued resulting in many more patrons visiting our own cromped Library quarters which further demon- strates the need of a larger separate Library Building.
Meeting some of this increased patronage, the trustees since April 1959 have opened the Library for an extra session on Saturday mornings from 10:00 A. M. to 12:30 P. M. Saturday circulation very often is over 300 books and magazines.
Keeping abreast of modern techniques in library work the
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Librarians volunteered to attend, during the months of October, November and December, a Library School held under the auspices of the state at North Reading, entitled "Cataloging and Classification of Library Materials" for which they were awarded certificates at the conclusion of the course. Congratulations to the Librarians for successfully completing the course.
Thus one can see that the trustees are trying to do everything possible with the limited quarters of the Library to make it one of the best of the small Libraries.
The Library Trustees lost one of their most valuable members when Edgar Smith passed away during the year. Serving actively and continuously on the board since 1913, a period of 46 years, he contributed valuable service in this position to the Town of Tewks- bury and his passing is regretted by all who knew him.
The records of the Library are contained in the Librarian's Report and the Library expenditures may be found in the Report of the Auditor.
The Trustees wish to thank Mrs. Marion Carlson, Librarian, and the two assistants, Mrs. Irene Coombes and Mrs. Ella Marshall for their excellent and faithful service during 1959.
The Trustees earnestly request that the Articles in the Town Warrant, asking for a Salary Budget of $2400.00 and an Operation Budget of $1800.00 and the money received from the licensing of dogs in the town, be approved and granted for the general main- tenance and operation of the Public Library.
225th ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE Harold J. Patten, Chairman
In compliance with the action taken at the last Annual Town Meeting under Article 77, I herewith submit the following report.
Letters were written and personal visits made with the several Pastors of our churches asking their cooperation in the observance of this day set aside in commemoration of the founding of our town.
Our citizens were given information about the early history of Tewksbury in several issues of the Merrimack Valley Advertiser, to whom we are indebted for their cooperation.
Later a call was issued to every citizen, by an open letter, published in the Advertiser and the Lowell Sun, requesting them to assist in this observance of the 225th Anniversary of our Incorpora-
79
tion, by their attendance at divine worship at the church of their choice.
August 23rd, the day set apart, was clear and pleasant.
The raising of our National Colors was in charge of Mr. Francis P. Sherlock of the Park Department.
A concert of patriotic and religious selections was played on the chimes at the Congregational Church, Mr. Everett A. Fraser at the controls.
At the Congregational Church a special brochure was given, showing several ancient photographs and featuring the presentation of plaques in memory of the first Town Minister, Rev. Sampson Spaulding and the several ministers up to 1959.
The Anniversary sermon was given by Rev. J. Harold Dale, D.D., Pastor for fifty-three years of the "Mother" Church in Bil- lerica. His sermon, "The glory of this latter house shall be greater than the former with the Lord of Hosts." This same topic was used by Rev. Jacob Coggin at the dedication of the second meetinghouse in 1826.
At the North Tewksbury Baptist Church, Rev. Clarence E. Southard, Pastor, the sermon, "The Changeless Christ in a Changing World." Special prayers were offered for the future guidance of our town and nation. The sermon and the hymns sung were the same as those given at the 200th Anniversary in 1934.
At the St. William's Church, Rev. William F. Lantagne, O.M.I., Pastor, said, "We can indeed be thankful for the excellent spirit that has always existed between the town and our growing parish throughout the interim years. Today is truly a day for rendering our special act of gratitude to the Almighty for the freedom and liberty enjoyed in the great country in which we live."
At the South Tewksbury Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. Donald E. Hickman, Pastor, spoke, hymns were sung and mention made of our forefathers and prayers for the future of our country.
TOWN AND CHURCH HISTORY
Our town might have been Incorporated in 1729 under the name of Wamesit Parish if the provisions of the General Court had been fulfilled which were, "The Parish was required within three years to erect and furnish a good and suitable house for Public Worship" where the committee has already viewed the same lands; shall appoint and settle a learned orthodox minister of good con- versation and make provision for his comfortable and honorable suport."
These requirements were not complied with ... hence no church ... no town.
In 1733 our people again asked to be separated from Billerica and on December 23, 1734 the Governor, Jn. Belcher, signed the Bill authorizing the Incorporation of the Town of Tewksbury.
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1735-Town Worship was first held in the house of Sergeant John French, Jr. on Livingston Street.
1735-The Town voted to build a Meeting House.
1735-A group of thirty-four men organized the Church of Christ.
1736-37-The Meeting House was completed, located on the present Town Common, near the flag pole, facing north.
1818-The Townspeople voted to build a new Meeting House, opposite the first Meeting House, facing to the south. Both houses were on East St.
1825-The Town voted to build a house to do town business.
1833-The Town voted to accept the Amendment to the Bill of Rights as passed by the General Court, severing the existing tie between Church and State.
1841-The Town transferred all property to the First Congrega- tional Society organized in that year.
1918-The Congregational Church was destroyed by fire.
1923-The present Congregational Church was dedicated and built on the site of the second Meeting House.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH
1843-Several members of the Congregational Church withdrew and journeyed to Lowell to worship in the Baptist Church.
1845-The First Baptist Church located in North Tewksbury, was dedicated. The first minister was Rev. Joseph Graves.
1867-The Church was moved to its present location.
The only History of Tewksbury was written by one of their Pastors, Rev. Edward W. Pride. Our Town is indebted to Rev. Pride for his scholarly and authentic writings of our early history.
THE OBLATE NOVITIATE
1883-The Oblate Novitiate was opened in the Jeremiah Kit- tredge Estate on Chandler Street, with Rev. J. E. Emory, O.M.I., in charge.
1895-Fire completely destroyed all the buildings.
1896-The new Novitiate was dedicated with Rev. Father Campeau, O.M.I., in charge.
1938-St. William's Catholic Church was dedicated with Rev. Dennis J. Sullivan, O.M.I., as the first Pastor.
1959-The Oblate Novitiate was destroyed by fire.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Our citizens living in South Tewksbury, desirous that a church be located convenient for their people, held meetings to decide the faith with which they would unite. Their choice was the Methodist Episcopal.
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