USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Westford > Town of Westford annual report 1927-1931 > Part 35
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
Abatements of 1931
Polls
$ 22.00
Personal Estate
398.35
Real Estate
95.04 -$ 515.39
-
J. W. FLETCHER, E. H. FLAGG, T. ARTHUR E. WILSON, Assessors of Westford.
67
TAX COLLECTOR'S REPORT
1931 Taxes Remaining Unpaid January 1, 1932
Joseph & Stephanie Ackerman
$ 43.48
Hugh Ahearn
3.00
Francisco Barretto
89.94
Herbert Barton
165.44
Vasil Belida
109.48
Glen R. Blaisdell
7.04
Alfred Boisvert
3.00
Valerie Boisvert
147.84
Ephriam Cardo
3.00
James J. Carroll
3.52
Alcide F. Chandonait
86.94
Andrew Charette
3.00
Daniel E. Connell
7.04
James M. Cormick
13.02
Leo Coupal
3.00
Napoleon Coupal
132.89
Napoleon Coupal Jr.
3.00
William Critzlo
3.00
Wallace Crosscup
4.76
Edward Cusky
3.00
Elizabeth Davis
5.28
Guy R. Decatur
80.44
Resimon R. Degagnon
143.80
Oliver & Catherine Desjardins
84.31
Joseph Dion
3.52
Bessie C. Doney
31.68
Thomas Doucette
3.00
Charles F. Downs
8.80
Thomas W. Doyle
14.08
Firmin Dupre
35.20
Donat J. Dupuis
18.84
Ernest Dureault
8.80
Albert P. Durkee
7.04
Fred W. Edwards
10.56
William Edwards
390.20
Walter Edwards
3.00
Sadie Evans
5.28
Harry J. Farr
3.00
George Feeney
3.00
Wesley & Roland Flagg
11.26
Harry N. Fletcher
376.82
68
Bernard J. Flynn
3.00
Raymond Foss
84.83
Chester Frasier
3.00
Leonard A. & Alice E. Frost
28.51
Victor Galbert
3.00
Lionel T. Goucher
10.56
Ernest C. Grand
4.76
Gray United Stores Inc.
17.60
Harry C. Green
5.28
Rose E. Green Heirs
10.56
Frederick C. Griffin
124.44
Joseph H. Gurndy
4.76
Carl Haberman
3.00
Augusta M. Hall
47.52
Frederick Higgins
369.25
Albert A. Hildreth
25.27
Clarence E. Hildreth
32.48
Ivan L. Hogdan
4.76
Mrs. Arthur Huntley
35.20
I. W. & H. M. Hutchins
15.84
Maria Jenkins Heirs
88.00
Amy Johnson
31.68
Albert M. Jones
3.00
Lucy A. Keyes
22.88
James L. Kimball
332.64
John F. Knight
4.76
Harlan E. Knowlton
123.03
Steve Kowalchuk
69.88
Louis J. Lanctot
10.04
Arthur Lavigne.
3.00
Anthony C. & Grace Laursen
120.40
Eva Lawton & Lawton
72.16
Joseph A. Leclerc
212.44
Thomas J. LeMassiurier
10.56
Albertine LeMieux
35.20
Charles Lougee
174.95
Everett Lougee
3.00
John Loyko
80.96
John Mar
3.00
Peter Martin
3.00
Joseph J. McDonald
3.00
Catherine McNulty
3.52
Wilhemina Menclik
59.84
Anthony Milot
62.84
Roger W. Minard
4.76
Philomena Barretto Monti
3.52
Francis X. Morin
3.00
69
Joseph A. Morin
106.84
Augusta Mousseau
1.76
Amos W. Moshier
4.76
William C. Myott
218.25
Henry Newell
3.52
James F. O'Brien
21.12
Olaf V. & Emma Osrud
143.80
Narcisse Page
6.52
Alice T. Paterson
96.80
Joseph Pelky
3.00
George F. Perkins
3.00
Joachim Perrault
3.00
Douglas Peterson
3.00
Ina L. Peters
17.60
Mary Barretto Pettinelli
3.52
Elmer & Ethel Peverill
59.32
Arthur E. Pitkin
4.76
Dominic Popolizio
3.00
George C. Potter
1.76
John C. Psarias
179.00
Ephriam Reed
3.00
Fred Reed Heirs
1.76
Joseph C. & Fannie Regnier
53.34
Maxwell W. Reynolds
100.67
Conrad & Anna Richards
191.32
Lucian Rioux
3.00
P. J. Riley Heirs
8.80
Frederick W. Rivinius
3.00
Arria E. Rivinius
105.60
William B. Rivinius
17.43
Ralph N. Rockwell
3.00
Horace A. Saunderson
28.16
James Scanlon
28.16
Wasil Sedach
17.60
Katherine Sedach
197.12
William F. Seifer
54.04
Alfred Shaughnessey
3.88
Sigmond Simons
13.91
Agnes Simons
192.19
Sherman D. & Elizabeth Smith
173.55
Stanley K. Stone
3.00
Arthur E. Storer
24.64
Carl Strandberg
59.84
John Sullivan
133.24
Sullivan Bros., James P. & William F.
196.42
Wasil Teresko
32.04
Stephen Tompkins
3.00
Alvin Tobiason
3.00
70
Clarence E. Tromblay
3.00
Ross B. Tuttle
1.00
C. H. True
1.76
Velantgas & Son, Anastas & James
169.31
Arthur G. Walker
272.28
Ernest G. Ward
3.00
John E. Ward
15.84
Alfred E. Wark
76.92
Edmond D. Whitney
30.00
George Wilbur
3.52
Maria Wilbur
28.16
Frances E. Wing
79.20
Leon E. Winn
3.52
Florian P. Woitowicz
76.92
Gregory Woitowicz
44.00
Charles H. Wood
109.12
Sarah Wood Heirs
8.80
Chester A. Worden
39.08
David I. Wren
1.76
Sidney B. Wright
107.18
Sidney W. Wright
29.40
Mary Frances & Russell B. Wright
197.12
William N. Wyman
50.52
Steve Zinkewick 19.36
1931 Taxes Remaining unpaid December 31, 1931 $ 10,212.13
1931 Excise Taxes Remaining unpaid December 31, 1931 999.31
1931 Taxes Remaining unpaid January 20, 1932 8,587.92
1931 Excise Taxes Remaining unpaid Jan. 20, 1932
731.61
ARTHUR L. HEALY,
Tax Collector.
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
The Board of Health submits the following report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1931.
We are greatly pleased to see that not a case of diphtheria was reported in town this year. We also are pleased to see the interest taken in our endeavor to eliminate this disease from the town by our yearly injections of the Diphtheria Toxin Anti-toxin by the generous response of the children in receiving said treatments.
The milk situation has greatly improved as to the production and distribution of same in this town as shown by our inspectors. On these inspections, we found some dealers were selling milk in the town without holding permits. These permits were granted after their producers were inspected and found to comply with our local Board of Health laws to the satisfaction of all parties interested.
Following this report is the report of the Public Health Nurse and the State of Massachusetts 10 year program as to tuberculosis in the school children in the very incipient stage or early beginning of this disease. We. find good work done by this Clinic as the report will show. The work of the Public Health Nurse has been very satisfactory and pleasing to the members of the Board of Health and to the people of the Town of Westford.
Respectfully submitted,
CYRIL A. BLANEY, M. D., Chairman, JOHN EDWARDS. Secretary, DECLAN SUPPLE.
72
REPORT OF PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
Westford, Mass. January 18, 1931.
C. A. Blaney, M. D.,
Chairman, Board of Health,
Westford, Mass.
Dear Sir:
Following is the report of the Public Health Nurse from January 1, to December 31, 1931:
School Visits 383
Absentees visited in their homes 153
Children examined for minor ailments 75
Children sent home for Illness, Impetigo or Pediculosis 48
121
Child Welfare Visits
76
Milk Welfare Visits
56
Observation and Advisory Home Visits
602
Social and Business 23
Children taken to School Dental Clinic 370
Contagious Disease Cases visited 149
To Hospitals for T. & A. Operations
11
Nursing Visits
224
Prenatal Visits
4
Tubercular Cases visited
16
Patients taken to Lowell General Hospital
13
Patients taken to St. John's Hospital
4
To Hospitals or Private Physicians for treatment
17
To St. John's Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic 56
To St. John's Pediatric Clinic 52
To St. John's Orthopedic Clinic
9
To Lowell General Skin Clinic 18
3
To Lowell General Tumor Clinic 2
To Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
2
To Childrens' Hospital, Boston 2
1
Administered Anesthesia 3
Class Room Inspections made.
State Re-Examination Clinic held at Westford.
Pupils weighed and measured.
Eye and Ear Tests made.
Vaccinations checked.
Assisted School Physician with Physical Examination.
Milk Inspection made.
To Lowell General Orthopedic Clinic
To Tewksbury State Infirmary
Dressings, Massage and First Aid
73
Contagious Diseases Reported to the Board of Health
Measles
109
Varicella
8
Scarlet Fever
5
Mumps
5
Pertussis
20
German Measles
1
Infantile Paralysis
1
Dog-bite
3
Respectfully submitted,
C. VERONICA MEAGHER, R. N.,
Public Health Nurse.
74
WESTFORD INFIRMARY APPRAISAL DEC. 31, 1931
18 Cows, 2 Heifers, 1 Bull $ 2,010.00
2 Horses
450.00
144 Hens and Roosters
215.00
2 Pigs 40.00
Grain
84.00
50 Ton Ensilage
350.00
16 Ton Hay
272.00
6 Ton Oat Fodder
72.00
30 Cord Manure
150.00
Harnesses etc.
107.50
Hay fork and carrier
40.00
Milk Utensils
22.50
Farm Boiler and Stove
15.00
Horse drawn equipment
(Wagons, Tools, etc.)
855.50
Motor Equipment
Tractor
350.00
Truck
75.00
Other Equipment
282.00
Poultry Equipment
25.00
Small tools
277.75
100 feet spray hose
20.00
400 feet fire hose
70.00
7 ton coal
102.00
25 cord wood
160.00
Other supplies
57.50
Household Equipment
Kitchen and Pantry
301.00
Supt. rooms-Furniture
230.00
Inmates rooms-Furniture
406.20
Dry Goods
18.00
Contents of Attic
25.00
Vegetables
110.00
325 qts. canned fruit
171.50
Total
$ 7,364.45
EDWIN H. GOULD. RICHARD D. PRESCOTT, CHARLES H. WRIGHT,
Appraisers.
75
REPORT OF PUBLIC WELFARE DEPARTMENT
Owing to general conditions this past year has been a very expen- sive one. The unemployed were taken care of by this department. Practically no cash aid was given but orders for provisions etc. were issued equal to the cash value of the work done by those who were aided. Wherever it was possible those aided were required to do some sort of work and several other departments of the town received extra work in this way, each department furnishing their own stock and material. The entire inside of the Infirmary was painted and papered, a new poultry house was built, the pasture was cleared of brush and about 70 cords of wood were cut. Practically all of this work was done with unemployed labor.
The State required some changes at the Infirmary. Considerable farm equipment had to be purchased.
The general condition of the milk business has been such that very little profit has been made from this source. From the advice of the finance committee an article has been inserted in the Town War- rant to see what action the town will take on disposing of the cattle and other personal property in order to reduce the expenses.
Boarders have been taken from other towns in order to cut the overhead expense. The total number of inmates during the past year was 14. On Dec. 31st there were 4 town inmates and 3 out of town boarders. Six tramps have been put up during the year.
Our out of town cases are growing. This last year about $3,000 was spent in this way.
Below is a tabulation of financial transactions of the department for the year ending Dec. 31, 1931.
Appropriation Feb. 1931
$ 13,000.00
Transferred from Reserve in July
2,000.00
Appropriation Aug. 1931 8,600.00
Transferred from Reserve in Dec.
1,000.00
Total
$ 24,600.00
Expenditures
Administration
$ 696.98
Outside Aid
7,178.34
Unemployed Aid
5,103.76
Westford Infirmary
11,355.46
Total
Balance returned to treasury ....
$ 24,334.54 $ 265.46
Outside Aid
Total Expense
$ 7,178.34
Receipts and Accounts Receivable
735.89
Net cost to Town $ 6,442.45
76
Unemployed
Total Expense
$ 5,103.76
Amount of Labor received by departments:
Highways $ 3,306.26
Town Hall 221.20
Schools 143.30
Infirmary
1,382.60
Whitney Shade Tree
50.40
$ 5,103.76
Westford Infirmary
Total Expense
$11,355.46
Receipts and Accounts Receivable
5,005.65
Net Cost to Town
$ 6,349.81
Average number of town inmates, 6
Valuation of Infirmary by Appraisers:
1930
$ 6,095.23
1931 7,364.45
The outstanding bills of the department Dec. 31, 1931 approxi- mately $2,300.
77
REPORT OF THE FOREST WARDEN
During the year 1931 we had thirty-one forest fires. As they were all small fires the loss of wood land was slight.
I have issued two hundred fire permits.
The following is a list of persons with whom fire extinguishers have been placed and a list of forest fires.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY L. NESMITH, Forest Warden.
List of Fire Extinguishers in Town
1. David Gregg
2. Geo. A. Drew
41. E. Jarvis
3. Clyde Prescott
42. C. M. Griffin
5. Bernard Flynn
43. Sullivan Bros.
6. L. J. Elaison
44. W. Seifer
7. Charles Edwards
45. John O"Brien
9. Walter Whidden
46. Ed. Blaisdell
15. Charles Lundburg 47. Warren Nickson
16. Nat. Whitney 48. Fred Decatur
17. Graniteville Fire House
49. Thomas Caless
50. W. E. McDonald
51. Charles Wright, Dunstable Rd.
20. Rufus Jakes
21. Brookside Fire House
22. M. McGlinchey
23. Graniteville Fire House
24. F. Banister
25. Graniteville Fire House
26. Axel Lundburg
27. Gilmore Wright
60. Hervic J. Decato
61. Mabel Drew
62. O. R. Spaulding
63. Graniteville Fire House
65. John McIntosh
31. Ed. Keyes
33. J. A. Healy, Dunstable Rd.
34. Williard Fletcher
35. Walter Fletcher
36. 37. F. Shugrue
38. Geo. Kimball
39. Alfred Chandonait
66. Guy Decatur
Emil L. Lecuyer
67. 68. A. Dureault
69. C. Bruce Wetmore
70. Tim Sullivan
71. Blodgett Bros.
72. John Sullivan
53. Albert Flagg
54. John Howard
55. James Wilson
56. Alex McDougal
57. Otis Day
59. Parkerville Fire House
28. H. E. Gould
29. F. W. Rivinius 30. J. M. Book
Henry Wilder
18. Graniteville Fire House
40. W. Butterwork
78
73. Frank Wright
108. A. Polly
77. Fred McCoy
110. Sidney Wright
78. James Hartford
112. Regnier Lumber Co.
79. Ernest Mountain
113. Alex McDonald
80. Westford Water Co.
114. Raymond Foss
81. R. Prescott
115. Henry McDonald
82. Fred Burbeck
116. John Simpson
83. Arthur O'Brien
117. O. R. Spaulding
84. Frank Hildreth
118. J. Sargent
86. A. Vose
119.
Geo. C. Moor
87. Bruce Wetmore
120.
G. Sanburg
89. Graniteville Fire House
122. D. Desmond
91. Claude Johnson
123. William Myott
95. W. Whitten
124. R. Bridgeford
96. Henry Murphy
125. W. McDonald
105. Geo. O'Brien
128. R. Cutting
Instructions For Taking Care of Fire Extinguishers
1. Any person who is loaned a Fire Extinguisher by the Town of Westford for use at brush or house fires must be responsible for same.
2. After using and before refilling the extinguisher should be thoroughly washed out to prevent corroding. The hose and nozzle also should be washed. Make sure the hole in the nozzle is clear.
3. Always wash and refill immediately. There may be another fire.
4. In winter the extinguisher should be put near a stove or in a warm place to prevent freezing. Otherwise it should be emptied and washed out.
5. By putting into the extinguisher 3/4 of a cup of salt and stirring until dissolved, the extinguisher will not freeze so easily. It cannot however, be left in a wholly unheated building.
6. All persons having extinguishers, who close their homes for the winter, or who leave town, should notify the Forest Warden, Harry L. Nesmith, by telephone, and give the extinguisher to him.
7. Every Spring the extinguishers should be discharged, washed out and refilled.
8. Any extinguisher that is lost or becomes defective should be reported to the Forest Warden.
9. Each person taking an extinguisher to a fire should take his own extinguisher home.
10. Know the number of your own extinguisher.
11. Any person allowing an extinguisher to freeze must pay for having it repaired.
79
LIST OF FOREST FIRES
Date
Owner
Acres
Expense
Mar. 20
Hammet Wight
3
$ 8.80
Mar. 30
Depot Road
1
5.45
Mar. 31
Sargent and Co.
1
4.40
Apr. 3 G. Kimball
2
8.45
Apr. 12 Groton Rd.
1/2
2.75
Apr. 15
Vose Rd.
15
35.95
Apr. 17
T. Symmes
10
25.86
Apr. 20
H. E. Fletcher Co.
1/2
2.15
Apr. 21
Town Farm
10
42.65
Apr. 21
Tenny Road
2
16.75
Apr. 15 W. Wright
1
8.30
Apr. 20 W. Wright
1
8.25
Apr.
21
Town Farm Road
1/2
8.25
Apr. 24
M. Palmer
8
34.65
Apr. 25
A. Fletcher
3
19.60
Apr. 25
Vose Road
1/2
4.95
Apr. 25 L. Wheeler
3
15.90
May
1
T. Sullivan
1/2
3.30
May 2 Groton Line
3
8.25
May 5 F. Banister
10
25.25
May 8
F. Regnier
8
20.75
July 5 State Road
5
33.40
Aug. 2 Tyngsboro Line
4
23.45
Aug. 20
Hildreth St.
1/2
2.30
Oct. 16
Beaver Brook Road
1
5.50
Oct. 20
F. Regnier
1/2
3.85
Oct. 21
State Road
1/2
3.40
Oct. 22
J. M. Book
1/2
4.40
Nov. 11
Acton and Westford Line
15
30.40
Dec. 17
State Road
1/2
3.30
3.20
Apr. 20
H. Whitney
SU
REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS
The Board of Fire Engineers submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1931:
The companies have responded to thirty fires other than forest fires during the year-12 buildings, 13 chimneys, 3 oil stoves, 1 over heated furnace and 1 truck.
The following is a list of the buildings where the damage was large.
Feb. 19-House of Alex Kiver.
March 4-House of Stepuneda Talanzy.
May 12-Tool shed of D. Gage Ice Co.
June 20-House and store of Napoleon Lanctott.
June 25-Wagon Shed of J. A. Healy & Sons.
July 4-House of Russell Wright.
July 13-House of E. Dandley.
July 14-Ice house of D. Gage Ice Co.
July 21-Hen house of C. E. Woodbery.
Oct.8-House of Joseph Sedeski.
Oct. 27-Barn of Joseph Sedeski.
Nov. 4-Garage of Wasil Sedack.
BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS.
81
MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE REPORT
The following is a report of the work carried on by the Middlesex County Extension Service in the town of Westford for the year 1931.
Considerable interest in the work of the Extension Service this past year has been shown by the farmers. Seventy-four farm visits were made upon request. These were largely on fruit problems with some on dairy and poultry. A farmers' institute was held in town which was made up of interest to fruit growers. A demonstration on the proper use of spray equipment was held in June. The Home- stead Farms and George Drew farm obtained the cleanest fruit of any inspected in Middlesex County and obtained membership in the Ninety Percent Clean Apple Club of Massachusetts. Spray service cards were sent to those requesting them. The poultry work largely took the form of assisting on disease control and range management problems. The question of quality milk, dairy replacements and eradication of bovine tuberculosis was taken up with some of the dairy farmers.
Three groups of homemakers carried on a series of meetings under the leadership of Mrs. Otis Day, Mrs. R. Shea, Mrs. H. Whitney. Mrs. William Parfitt, Miss Florence Wilson and Mrs. H. Abrahamson. The meetings were held at Chamberlain's Corner, Parker Village and at the Center. These included discussions on "The Saving of Time, Money and Energy in the Home". More intelligent marketing was stressed for the homemakers and the local merchants cooperated by displaying the Extension poster "Know Your Groceries" with a window exhibit which called attention to grades, brands, weights, sizes and relative price. Economical and nutritious meals, time schedules and family cooperation were also emphasized. It was reported by those attending the meetings that information was passed on to 784 other homemakers. A series of meetings in Child Guidance was carried on under the leadership of Mrs. David Scott and Mrs. Whitcome. These meetings were planned to help parents to better understand their children and to develop a constructive program for children.
Speakers were obtained for the Farmers' Institute in town which was fairly well attended. Judges were furnished for the Westford Grange fair. Mrs. Harlan Knowlton served as president of the Cham- berlain's Corner unit and was most helpful in sponsoring Extension work.
Ninety-six boys and girls were enrolled in 4-H club work largely in the garden, poultry, handicraft. clothing and canning clubs. Mr. William Roudenbush served as town 4-H chairman with Erliene Downing, Miss M. E. Stone, John O'Connell and Harlene Knowlton serving as local leaders. Antanina Sarocik was awarded a two-day
82
trip to the Massachusetts State College for doing outstanding club work. David O'Connell was a winner in the Middlesex North Agri- cultural Society Garden Contest. Westford clubs held a local exhibit at the Town Hall and two one-act plays were presented by the 4-H dramatic club. The town committee for 4-H club work has given splendid cooperation. It is due to this committee that leaders have been secured who have assisted 4-H Club work to branch out into the broader and more unusual activities such as dramatics and nature study. In both Graniteville and Forge Village it should be noted that an especially large number of completions were consummated.
A series of eight educational motion picture shows were given during the year to a total attendance of 1215.
Several townspeople availed themselves of the opportunity of attending county-wide meetings on poultry. fruit growing and dairying, as well as the Homemakers' Day at Lexington and the County Picnic at Wayside Inn.
JOHN A. KIMBALL, Director.
83
REPORT OF FISH AND GAME WARDEN
Westford, Mass., January 1, 1932.
To the People of Westford, Mass .:
The following is the report of the Fish and Game Warden of West- ford, Mass. for the year 1931:
As in former years I can't see as our song birds and other small birds increase any. Some have disappeared altogether and it will always be so as long as the pet cat is let run all day and night all through the nesting season, also the prize hunting dog. We have no right to kill our neighbor's cat, and if a dog is licensed he can kill and destroy a lot of birds and small animals.
Partridge, Woodcock and Quail ought to be protected for a number of years if we want to see them increase. Some hunters and sports- men tell how plentiful the birds are, but they are mistaken. Woods and Covers in this town are shot clean. Places where you could raise a good sized flock of birds. you now find none. A good many covers are cut or burned over every year and as the birds nest on the ground a lot are destroyed every year, and two or three men with a few good dogs will get the rest. Let us try and protect the birds before it is too late.
Don't try to make yourself believe we have as much game as we ever had. If something is not done to save the game we will not have it. Protect the birds for five years more.
We have a lot of gray squirrels, more than usual, also gray rabbits, but snow-shoe rabbits are very scarce. Just a few in different locali- ties. Quite a few ducks in some of our brooks through the summer but not many shot here.
We have a great many pheasants. more than we have had for a number of years. There was a large lot liberated here last March. Besides the small flocks we had left after the hunting season I had to feed some small flocks the last of the winter, but I think most of the birds came through alright. As the weather has been so warm the present season we ought to have an abundance of birds next season. Not only pheasants, but Partridge and Quail, as we had a small flock of Quail here from the Game Farm this year. It will help quite a lot. There was a small flock of Aigrets here on Stony Brook this year. This is the third year they have come. They came here late in August, but the flock was the smallest of the lot and they didn't stay very long, left here early in September.
We also had a large flock of Pine Grosbeaks in the early fall. It would be nice if we watched our birds more closely. There is a great difference in our native birds and pheasants. The pheasants are hatched and reared in a cage until they are about half grown, in fact some that were liberated here were a year old.
84
The following is a list of the brooks in Westford that have been stocked this year: Tadmuck Brook, Boutelle Brook, Town Farm Brook, Snake Meadow Brook, O'Brien's Brook, Long Sought-For Pond and Nabnassett Pond. Every year I find more land posted and a number of farmers, land owners and tenants on hired land are going to post more land the next year. This will be so unless so-called sportsmen have more respect for other people's property. This means for the people that care for no one, find fault with the price of their license and do more damage to the land owner in a few hours than he can repair in a week.
Don't leave gates open, don't leave bars down, don't push over stone walls, don't cut wire fences, don't walk over improved land or over mowing, or grass. Don't build a fire on land without a permit from the owner, don't smoke a pipe, cigar or cigarette in the woods at any time. Don't take railroad iron for an anchor for your boat when you go fishing and then throw it in the pond or brook when you are through. Quite a lot of iron has been lost the last year in the ponds and brooks by the railroad.
I have been told it is a common thing for people that fish in Stony Brook to take railroad iron and then throw it in the brook. This is very expensive as the iron costs quite a lot, besides the work of getting it out. Now when we hunt, trap or fish let us be fair with the owner. Remember he is paying a tax on the land, besides all the work he puts in on it. Use him right and he will be fair with you . Don't try to walk over him rough-shod because he won't stand for it.
Every year I devote more time to this work as the District Warden is always very busy, so I give more time to it than formerly as I have no other position. I have been out in this work on the following dates: January, five times; February, four times; March, seven times; April, eight times; May, five times; June, five times; July, six times; August, nine times; September, six times; October, seven times; November, five times and December, four times.
In this report I would like to ask all people to take an interest in all our small birds, song birds and mammals. Something will have to be done if we want to save them. Hoping this report will meet with your approval, I am
Yours obediently,
JOE WALL,
Fish and Game Warden.
85
WESTFORD WATER COMPANY CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNT
Balance January 1, 1931
$125,871.20
Expenditure for the year 1931 for Mains, etc.
863.67
Total construction cost to January 1, 1932
$126,734.87
STATEMENT OF THE RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES FROM JANUARY 1, 1931 TO JANUARY 1, 1932
RECEIPTS
Hydrants
$ 2,960.00
Town Hall
38.00
Library
23.00
Schools
384.95
Westford Infirmary
74.50
Common, Monument Ground and Playground
35.00
Fire Cottage
11.50
Subscribers
12,976.38
Interest on Bank Deposits
114.62
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.