Town of Tewksbury annual report 1959-1963, Part 6

Author: Tewksbury (Mass.)
Publication date: 1959
Publisher: Tewksbury (Mass.)
Number of Pages: 1078


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Tewksbury > Town of Tewksbury annual report 1959-1963 > Part 6


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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.


67


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 t 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


70


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.


71


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


5


Brush and Grass


2|


8


8


90 44


2


71 615 9


183


Chimney


4 | 5


1


2|


12


Auto


1 |1 |2


3 |


1


3| 1| 2| 1


2


16


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


1 |


11


Oil Burners


1|


2 |


2


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


21


137,200.00


(New buildings and additions)


Demolish buildings


4


Total taxable properties


$877,891.00


1 |


3


22


False


1


4


4 |


1 |


2


2|


2 |


2 |


72


Churches and Parish Buildings 5 311,739.00


(New Buildings and Additions)


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


$ 2,749,245.00


Amount of Warrants to Collector 167,867.72


TAX RATE 1959 - $64.13


73


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 School 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


78


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.


80


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.


1911-Open air meetings were held with Dr. Raymond Withey of the Methodist Church in Wilmington, as their first Pastor.


1916-The present church was dedicated with Dr. Hagerman as Pastor.


81


OUR PRESENT AND FUTURE


The Anniversary year of 1959 shows an extensive building pro- gram - the building of the Convent and Rectory at the St. William's Church, a new and modern Methodist Church and new educational buildings at the Congregational and Baptist churches.


We are justly proud of the heritage given us by our forefathers the FUTURE lies before us. Will we accept the challenge?


To our older citizens and the hundreds of new residents who have come to Tewksbury to make their home and raise their families ... let us all unite to build a better community, through good home life, education, religious training and friendship one with another . .. then we can truly give thanks to Almighty God.


(A copy of this report with programs and newspaper clippings has been filed with the Town Clerk, that they may be safely preserved and become a part of the Records with the 200th Anniversary held in 1934 and to assist those who may be in charge of the 250th Anniversary in the year 1984.)


20


THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS TOWN OF TEWKSBURY


RESOLUTION


WHEREAS: Alice A. Pike has faithfully served the people of Tewksbury as a Town Official for almost Twenty-five years, and


WHEREAS: the said Alice A. Pike has retired from the service of the Town of Tewksbury, and


WHEREAS: the Board of Selectmen have unanimously voted that such service should not go unnoticed and that a Public Testi- monial be given on December the ninth in the year nineteen hundred and fifty-nine as a token of the esteem held for Alice A. Pike by her many friends, therefore,




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