USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Westford > Town of Westford annual report 1937-1941 > Part 29
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42
19
Number of Spring Scales 100 1bs. or over
12
Number of Spring Scales under 100 lbs. . 29
Number of Computing Scales under 100 1bs.
11
Total
118
Number of Weights Sealed
139
Number of Liquid Measures Sealed
5
Number of Gas Hand Pumps
6
Number of Meters on Gas Pumps Sealed
17
Number of Stops on Pumps Sealed
30
Number of Kerosene Pumps Sealed
6
Grease Measuring Pumps
3
Total
234
Respectfully submitted,
ALBERT A. HILDRETH,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
65
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS
Value of Buildings January 1, 1940
$2,475,260.00
Value of Land January 1, 1940 762,040.00
Value of Personal Estate January 1, 1940
411,305.00
Total Valuation 3,648,605.00
APPROPRIATIONS FOR YEAR 1940
Total appropriations at Annual Town Meeting
February 19, 1940 $193,331.60
Total appropriations at Special Town Meeting
October 20, 1939 5,100.00
Total Appropriated $198,431.60
State Taxes
$ 11,582.30
County Tax
5,844.52
Overlay Deficit
167.02
Overlay Fund 1940
1,492.45
$ 19,086.29
Total Amount to be Raised
$217,517.89
Total Estimated Receipts
83,976.11
Total Amount to be raised on Polls and Property $133,541.78
Total Excise Tax Commitments
7,736.24
Tax Rate per $1,000-$36.00
Number of Polls
1,101
Number of Horses
90
Number of Cows
491
Number of Neat Cattle
60
Number of Swine
200
Number of Sheep
88
Number of Fowl
30,680
Number of Acres of Land
18,000
Number of Dwelling Houses
1,113
66
ABATEMENTS
Excise
1936
Poll $22.00
Property $43.70
$21.36
1937
2.00
36.80
113.52
1938
22.00
276.06
54.58
1939
12.00
136.40
21.91
1940
26.00
615.60
187.92
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD F. HARRINGTON, SAMUEL A. FLETCHER, ROGER H. HILDRETH,
Assessors of Westford.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Balance on hand January 1, 1940
$ 47,391.47
Total Receipts to December 31, 1940 335,185.49
$382,576.96
Balance on hand December 31, 1940
27,980.07
Total payments to December 31, 1940
354,596.89
$382,576.96
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLOTTE P. GREIG,
Treasurer.
67
REPORT OF THE TAX COLLECTOR
Outstanding Amount Jan. 1, 1941
1940 Warrant dated April 1, 1940-Poll Taxes .. $ 2,192.00 $ 518.00
1940 Warrant dated December 20, 1940 - Poll Taxes
10.00
6.00
1940 Warrant dated July 1, 1940 Real Estate .. $116,542.80
20,104.89
1940 Warrant dated Dec. 20, 1940 Real Estate ..
74.70
63.90
1490- Warrant dated July 1, 1940 Personal Estate
14,806.98
985.22
1940 Warant dated Dec. 20, 1940 Personal
Estate
10.80
10.80
1940 Warrant dated April 1, 1940 Excise
5,278.65
93.34
1940 Warrant dated Aug. 24, 1940 Excise
1,374.66
44.31
1940 Warrant dated Dec. 20, 1940 Excise
1,082.93
914.76
1939 Poll Taxes
250.00
1939 Property Taxes
9,988.83
1939 Excise Taxes
102.95
1938 All Taxes
290.53
1937 All Taxes
116.05
EDWARD F. HARRINGTON,
Tax Collector.
68
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
The Board of Health submits the following report for the year ending December 31, 1940:
The usual Pre-School and School Clinics were taken advantage of by the children, for immunization from Diphtheria and Small Pox. The town is still free from Diphtheria, not a case being reported since the start of the Clinics.
On various inspections of the milk supply, the quality of the milk has been above standard. The Department furnished milk to the underweight and undernourished children in our schools with good results.
Contagious and infectious diseases have been kept under control by the vigilance of the Health Department and the work of the Health Nurse, both at the schools and by her follow up work at the homes. These conditions could be assisted by a little more cooperation from the heads of the families at various times.
The Dental Clinic continues under the charge of Dr. James C. Coughlin, of Lowell, and has been patronized very freely, but improve- ment could be made by the parents, taking advantage of this oppor- tunity.
The Chadwick Clinic did their usual follow up work on Tuber- culosis by their X-Ray Clinic. Hereafter, all work so done shall be taken care of at the Middlesex County Sanatorium. Any person in- terested along those lines should get in touch with the Health Depart- ment, or the Health Nurse. This follow up work is absolutely free to any resident in our community.
Following this report is the report of the Public Health Nurse, who has performed her duties in a very satisfactory manner.
Respectfully submitted,
CYRIL A. BLANEY, Chairman, OLIVER A. REEVES, Sec., CARL H. HANSON,
Members of the Board of Health.
January 21, 1941
69
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
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,
Absentees from school visited in their homes 74
Children taken home from school because of illness 39
Child Welfare Visits 27
Contagious Disease Cases Visited 68 Dental Clinic held each week
Dressings, First Aid, Massage and Hyperdermic Injections 47
Home Visits
51
Public Health Meetings attended
7
Nursing Visits
67
To Lowell General Hospital for X-Ray, Observation and Treatment 12
To Hospitals for Tonsil and Adenoid Operations 13
To Lowell General Hospital Orthopedic Clinic 2
To Lowell General Hospital General Clinic 4
To Lowell General Hospital Pediatric Clinic 8
To Lowell General Hospital Skin Clinic 3
To Lowell General Hospital Tumor Clinic
3
To St. John's Hospital for treatment and Observation 11
To St. John's Hospital Orthopedic Clinic
4
To St. John's Hospital Nose and Throat Clinic 3
To St. John's Hospital Pediatric Clinic 5 2
To St. John's Hospital Medical Clinic
To St. John's Hospital Eye Clinic
48
Number of Patients receiving glasses at Clinic
15
To Massachusetts' State Clinic for Handicapped Children 2
To North Reading State Sanatorium for Children 1
To Middlesex County Sanatorium 1
To Middlesex County Sanatorium Physical Examination Clinic 14
To Infantile Paralysis Clinic 7
To Massachusetts General Hospital 2
To Gifford Convalescent Home 1
To Walter Fernald School for Physical Examination 1
70
Board of Health Permits Issued
Milk Samples taken from Dealers and brought to Lowell for examination
Bacteriological Specimens sent to State Laboratory
Nursery School Visited
Free Milk given daily at schools from January 1, to De- cember 13, 1940
Middlesex County School Follow-Up Clinic held at High School
Number examined and X-Rayed 7
Number refusing X-Ray 1
Number unable to attend Clinic
1
Diphtheria Toxoid given at Schools by Board of Health Physician:
Number innoculations, three injections each 26
Summer Pre-School Diphtheria Toxoid and Vaccination Clinic conducted by Board of Health:
Diphtheria Toxoid Innoculations, three injections 29
Vaccinations 52
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES REPORTED TO THE WESTFORD BOARD OF HEALTH-1940
Chicken Pox 59
Dog Bite
12
German Measles
2
Measles 102
Lobar Pneumonia
1
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
1
Septic Sore Throat 2
Whooping Cough
4
DEATHS FROM CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
--
Lobar Pneumonia 1
Respectfully submitted,
VERONICA P. MEAGHER, R. N.,
Public Health Nurse.
71
WESTFORD INFIRMARY APPRAISAL
1 Two Horse Cultivator $ 27.00
1 Two Horse Corn Planter 45.00
2 One Horse Cultivators 6.00
1 Motor Truck 350.00
1 New 1940 Fordson Tractor
600.00
1 Fordson Harrow 40.00
1 Fordson Plow 75.00
1 Saw Frame and 2 Saws 20.00
1 Feed Cooker 4.00
Carpenters Tools
35.00
2 Cross Cut Saws
7.50
Small Farnı Tools
100.00
Garden Hose and Lawn Mower 10.00
Platform Scales
15.00
Chains, Eveners, Whiffletrees 35.00
1 Root Cutter 5.00
Blacksmith Forge & Tools 20.00
Gas Tank and Gasoline 16.00
3 Long Ladders & 4 Stepladders 15.00
Fire Hose and Nozzles
10.00
Work Shop Material
10.00
10 Cords Manure
50.00
2 Tons of Soft Coal 17.00
Brooder Equipment
15.00
1 Manure Spreader
40.00
1 Milk Separator 65.00
12 Cows 1,240.00
2 Heifers
75.00
1 Bull
35.00
2 Horses
300.00
16 Swine
191.00
150 Poultry
190.00
30 Tons Ensilage
270.00
20 Tons Hay
400.00
Grain 22.75
Harnesses & Blankets
45.00
Power Sprayer
60.00
4 Wagons and Two Sleds
55.00
1 Two-Horse Mowing Machine
40.00
1 Potato Digger 65.00
1 Horse Corn Planter
15.00
3 Chicken Crates 4.00
72
1 Ensilage Cutter 125.00
1 Drag Plank and Head 8.00
1 Corn Harvester 100.00
1 One-Horse Hay rake 10.00
1 Tractor Pulley 30.00
1 Bull Calf 20.00
Electric Hand Drill
30.00
1 One-Horse Hay Fork
25.00
1 Hay Tedder
25.00
1 Sulky Plow
47.00
2 Sets Block and Tackle
7.50
1 Tip Cart
15.00
1 Seed Sower and Weeder
38.00
1 Land Roller
10.00
1 Horse Hoe
10.00
2 Plows
15.00
1 Smoothing Harrow
3.00
1 Spring Tooth Harrow 10.00
1 Grindstone and Mowing Machine Grinder 15.00
1 Two-Horse Disc Harrow
25.00
1 Planet Jr. Seeder
10.00
1 Lime Spreader
15.00
1 Gas Stove
3.00
Milk Room Equipment
130.00
1 Galvanized Tank
5.00
Lumber
140.00
Wood
208.00
20 Gallons Motor Oil
12.00
$ 5,731.75
HOUSEHOLD EQUIPMENT
Superintendent's Furniture
350.00
Kitchen and Pantry
670.00
Inmates Furniture
300.00
Contents of Attic
60.00
Canned Goods and Empty Jars
134.45
Provision3
75.00
Potatoes
150.00
Blankets, Sheets and Towels
96.00
Dry Goods
30.00
$ 1,865.45
$ 7,597.20
T. ARTHUR WILSON, FRANCIS DROLET, HENRY STONE,
Appraisers.
.
73
REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS
The Board of Fire Engineers submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1940:
The companies have responded to 49 fires other than forest fires: 18 building fires, 21 chimney fires, 3 incinerator and rubbish fires, 1 tar kettle, 1 garage, 1 oil burner, 1 auto, 1 false alarm, 1 call to Car- lisle, and 1 call to Groton.
Extensive repairs and alterations were made on the buildings and equipment of the department in the past year. The equipment on the Model T Ford and Reo chemical trucks was transferred to a later type Ford and Chevrolet Chassis. Also, the pump on the White truck was overhauled and tested by the National Board of Fire Underwriters who granted permission to replace it on a new Ford 75 H. P. truck chassis.
The Fire house at Westford was badly in need of repairs, most of which were the results of the hurricane. New posts were installed in the lower floor, also a new porch foundation and bulkhead. A sump pump was installed in the basement to remove water which runs in in large quantities every spring.
The Chevrolet pumpers were remodeled with new, 3 speed power take-offs which has resulted in more efficient units.
New raincoats and helmets were purchased for the men. These were badly needed and in the coming year we hope to get additional material in this line.
Through the cooperation of the Forest Warden we were able to secure S new Indian Pumps for the Chevrolet pumpers. These have proved to be invaluable in brush and forest fires since one man with one of these pumps can do the work of several men with shovels.
Several try-outs were held during the summer months which in- volved quite a bit of work on the part of the men. These were held outside the water district. The men are to be congratulated on their fine spirit of cooperation since many of these tests involved no ex- pense to the town.
All three pumpers have been equipped with new "Ys" and also a new "water thief" for the White only. These units will no doubt
74
increase the efficiency of the department due to the greater number of hose lines that can be laid from one source of supply.
The Forge Village fire house is in need of alteration and they cannot be made at the present location. Therefore, we recommend building a new house in Forge and moving the old one to Nabnassett giving protection to a section badly in need of it.
The three houses should be painted this year, if not they will need extensive repairs.
Most fire hose is guaranteed for six years. By buying 500 ft. a year, replacing the damaged hose, the 4000 ft. carried on the trucks will be continuously kept in good condition.
We recommend the installation of a new Air Horn at Westford center that can be coded to blow numbers for different sections of the town, thereby increasing the efficiency of the departments. The old Siren cannot be heard by all the members on the department at the present time.
Respectfully submitted,
EDMUND D. ROGERS, RICHARD W. HALL, HAROLD E. WRIGHT,
Board of Engineers.
75
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
The Board of Public Welfare organized for the year, 1940 with Thomas W. Gower, Chairman, Thomas P. Cosgrove, secretary and Reginald Blowey, the newly-elected member.
The Welfare Department has been greatly affected this year by the closing of all W. P. A. and N. Y. A. projects from May until Oct- ober. Private industry absorbed only a few of the men, and it was necessary to increase our appropriation for the remainder of the year.
The interior of the Town Infirmary has been very much in need of repairs for some time, and this was made possible by the use of welfare labor. Fifteen rooms and two hallways were papered and painted at practically no expense to the department. This has made a decided improvement at the farm, and visitors are welcome at any time to inspect the work.
On several cases, the Community Chest and Red Cross have assisted whenever asked to do so, and their support has been greatly appreciated.
Within the past two months there has been a decided decrease in our case load. At the present time, direct relief has been reduced to the lowest point in several years, and from all indications will continue throughout the year.
Respectfully,
THOMAS W. GOWER, THOMAS P. COSGROVE, REGINALD BLOWEY,
Board of Public Welfare.
76
INFIRMARY DEBITS
Superintendent's Salary
$ 1,099.92
Employee's Wages
292.75
Provisions
1,318.30
Clothing
205.51
Gas and Electricity
144.10
Tobacco
66.15
Coal
132.62
Oil
56.25
Eye Glasses and Repairs
10.00
Newspaper
9.00
Telephone
55.85
Medical
102.50
Hospital
284.25
Westford Water Co.
78.34
Seed
44.79
Fertilizer
75.74
Garbage
122.45
Grain and Feed
1,547.52
Blacksmith
32.20
Veterinary
13.00
Truck Insurance
45.53
Gasolene
210.23
Use of truck
16.00
Tractor-part payment
200.00
Supplies
308.20
Repairs
145.83
Electric Drill
32.95
Ice
63.30
Fowl
36.50
Pig
5.00
Curing Pigs
4.70
Hay
43.00
Use of Farm Machinery
4.00
Pasturing
26.25
Sawdust
9.75
Sawing Lumber
48.50
Plastering
4.00
Appraisers
15.00
Miscellaneous
4.50
$ 6,914.48
77
INFIRMARY CREDITS
Cash Credits:
Milk
$ 1.962.25
Eggs
247.31
Potatoes
24.65
Hogs
228.63
Calves
29.00
Poultry
145.88
Beans
.75
Corn
6.80
Bags
7.12
Wood
33.00
Asparagus
58.46
Teaming Wood
7.00
Soil Conservation
14.SS
Telephone
.60
Mowing
3.75
Use of Truck (Moth Dept.)
133.90
Trucking-School Lunch Project
15.00
Use of Harvester
25.50
Use of Corn Cutter
3.50
Use of Tractor
17.25
Bull Service
2.00
Boar Service
2.00
Board-Inmate
370.25
Horse
150.00
3,489.48
Non-cash credits:
Use of truck-W. P. A.
180.00
Wood to Welfare
160.00
Board and Care of Inmates
3,650.00
65 meals to men in lockup
32.50
Use of truck for moving
8.00
Clothing, tobacco, medical and hospital
658.41
4,6SS.91
$ 8,178.39
78
REPORT OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
Report of the work of the Middlesex County Extension Service in Westford for 1940:
Several aids were given the fruit growers, including sixty-one personal visits giving individual help to most of the orchardists in the town. Along with this, they received spray cards before each of the eight sprays, telling them when to apply and what to use. One fruit meeting was held in the town where spray problems were discussed, also many in neighboring towns. An apple maggot trap was placed in the town to observe the emergence time of the apple maggot flies. Rodent damage was observed and reported to other growers. Buying of surplus apples was continued as long as growers requested the service.
Farm visits were made on field crops, improved pastures, herd health and milk markets.
Poultrymen of Westford were visited concerning their production and marketing problems. Mr. Harry Ingalls served as Vice-President of the Middlesex County Poultry Association. Mr. Thomas Caless and Mr. W. Otis Day had their flocks tested for pullorum disease by the Massachusetts State College. These flocks were found to be free of this disease. Among the new poultry houses constructed this year in Westford, with the suggestions from the Extension Serv- ice, were those of Warren Nixon, Harry Ingalls, Kenneth Wilson and A. W. Munroe.
In cooperation with The Tadmuck Club, a series of meetings were held on the "Artistry of Living." Also, a group held a series of meetings in chair reseating. A single meeting on "Christmas Gift Suggestions" was held.
In Boys' and Girls' 4-H Club Work, Mrs. C. Johnson served as 4-H Town Chairman for the year. One hundred and twenty-two boys were enrolled and one hundred and one girls, under the following leaders: Mrs. Warren Nixon, Miss Alice Remis, Mrs. Freda Prescott, Miss Dorothea Nixon, Mrs. Willard Moore, Mrs. Daniel C. Staples, Mrs. W. Otis Day, Mrs. Lottie Blodgett, Clifford Hunt, Warren Nixon, Peter Perry, Henry Stone and C. V. Sweat. Edith Anderson and Lawrence Nixon acted as Assistant Leaders. The projects carried on
79
were clothing, canning, knitting, food, garden, conservation, handicraft, poultry and dairy. Miss Dorothy Nixon was chosen as the canning delegate to represent Massachusetts at Chicago, a very great honor to come to any club member. While Miss Nixon was in Chicago, she was also awarded a Two hundred dollar scholarship.
The local exhibit was very attractively arranged and the club members took part in a very well planned program. Blue ribbons were given for outstanding work and pins were awarded to club members completing their projects.
Raymond Collins was awarded a medal by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society for "Meritorious Garden Work." Raymond also received a cash prize. Walter Fletcher and David Scott were awarded cash prizes in the garden contest sponsored by the Middlesex North Agricultural Society.
Lawrence Nixon has won the recognition of being the best egg exhibitor in the state. He won sweepstakes at the State Wide Egg Show at Worcester and at the Eastern States Exposition and a first prize at the Boston Poultry Show. Lawrence was awarded a silver medal for accomplishment in 4-H Poultry work by the Department of Agriculture. He also received part expenses at Camp Middlesex and served as counsellor during second week of County Camp.
Ruth Moore was awarded half expenses to County Camp on her fine Club Work.
Willard Moore, Carlton Chamberlain, Clifford Johnson, David Scott, Robert Riggs, Philip Heathcote and Edward McNiff, members of the Stony Brook Dairy Club exhibited their animals at the Acton Fair. Philip Heathcote exhibited his purebred also at Topsfield and Marshfield Fairs.
Mildred Johnson was County Clothing delegate to State Camp and received part expenses at this camp for her fine 4-H work.
Carlton Chamberlain received part expenses at State Camp for his fine 4-H work.
Mrs. Willard Moore served as councillor during first week of County Camp.
MABEL W. NIXON, Director.
80
REPORT OF THE GAME WARDEN
As Game Warden for the Town of Westford, I submit the fol- lowing report for the year 1940.
This year, the State Department of Conservation, experimented in liberating full grown trout instead of fingerlings. The following table shows the fish and game allotment:
Brook Trout:
Snake Meadow Brook 5,000-2-3"
Long Sought For Pond
Rainbow Trout
1,400-8-12"
Brown Trout
500-8-12"
Pheasants : Adult Birds 25
The Stony Brook Fish and Game bought and liberated 23 Pheas- ants. We received the 5000 Brook Trout from the Federal Hatchery, Nashua, N. H.
Many people called at my home for advice and information in regards to the laws of hunting and fishing. This information was willingly and helpfully given. All complaints brought to my attention were at once investigated and in each case the proper procedure taken.
I take this opportunity to thank each and every one for the sincere cooperation you have accorded me.
Respectfully submitted,
EDMUND L. PROVOST,
Game Warden.
REPORT OF THE WHITNEY PLAYGROUND
Report of the Whitney Playground:
The grounds have been in charge of John Peterson for the past year and have been kept in good condition.
The N. Y. A. have assisted in caring for the grounds.
CHARLES L. HILDRETH, OSCAR R. SPALDING, JOHN FISHER.
$1
REPORT OF THE WESTFORD WATER COMPANY
CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNT
January 1, 1940 Balance
$169,574.05
Additions during the year 1940
1,839.92
$171,413.97
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES FROM JANUARY 1, 1940 to DECEMBER 31, 1940 (Cash Basis)
Receipts
Hydrants
2,835.00
Public Buildings. Playgrounds, etc.
356.06
Subscribers
14,247.25
Interest
111.65
Service Account
220.64 $ 17.800.50
Expenses
Wages and Salaries
$ 3.994.50
Expense Account and Supplies
1.929.40
Electric Power and Light
1,401.20
Service Account
250.88
Interest
45.22
Taxes
2.718.62
Depreciation
3,030.23
Miscellaneous
22.57 $ 13.393.22
Net Gain for the Year Ending Dec. 31, 1940
S 4,408.55
WILLIAM R. TAYLOR,
Treasurer
Westford, Massachusetts,
January 16, 1941.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Middlesex, ss.
Then personally appeared William R. Taylor and made oath that the above is a true statement of the Cost of Construction of the Westford Water Company to January 1. 1941 and of the Receipts and Expenditures from January 1. 1940 to December 31. 1940, before me.
PERRY T. SNOW,
Notary Public.
My Commission Expires Feb. 2, 1945.
82
REPORT OF WORKS PROJECTS ADMINISTRATION
To the Selectmen and Citizens of Westford:
Approximately $30,000.00 was received by W. P. A. Workers in this town in the past year. The State Department closed all projects in this Town in May and did not open them again until the last of September. This hampered the finishing of several projects.
The sewing project was closed with the rest and from orders re- ceived could not be opened again. In place of this a School Lunch project has been started which is at present feeding approximately 225 school underweight and undernourished children in the various schools of the Town. The School Physician and Nurse certify all those that partake of this lunch. The expense to the Town has been chiefly the purchase of equipment as the Federal Government furnishes the major part of the food. A great many other children are anxious to have this lunch and could do so by paying a fee of 5c per lunch, but due to the shortage of help and limited capacity of the kitchen, this cannot be done at present.
The Assessors Mapping is continuing and is very well thought of by the Assessors.
The Nursery School at the Abbot Hall Forge Village has been and is very beneficial to the younger children.
Since the closing of the Cemetery project a Moth project has been in operation. As soon as weather conditions permit the Cemetery will be finished as there is not much left to do.
The required 25% of the cost of the combined projects has been met by the Town.
Due to the increase in private employment our W. P. A. rolls have decreased about 50%.
Respectfully submitted,
H. W. HILDRETH,
Sponsor.
83
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE EMILY F. FLETCHER LECTURE FUND
To the Citizens of Westford:
In 1923 the Town of Westford received Two Thousand Dollars from the estate of the late Miss Emily F. Fletcher, the income of which was to be used for lectures on natural history, travel and forestry. Miss Fletcher's long life of seventy-eight years was spent in Westford and her devotion to its interests was intense. Not strong as a child, through the advice of Dr. Osgood, the local practitioner of long ago, her parents allowed her freedom to roam the fields and woods, to be- come acquainted with the birds and flowers. This interest in nature developed as she grew older and she became known as an authority on local flora and fauna. Miss Fletcher was especially fond of trees and worked for the preservation of their natural beauty by roadsides and on public grounds.
Her bequest to the Town of Westford has enabled us thus far to have seven lectures, the last of which occurred October 23, 1940, when Father Bernard Hubbard gave a matinee and evening lecture, accompanied by motion pictures on his "Oomiak Adventures in Arctic Alaska." The School Department made it possible for the children to attend the afternoon performance by closing the schools early and providing bus transportation. The speaker was much pleased with the enthusiastic audience of nearly five hundred young people. More than three hundred attended in the evening.
Receipts from the lecture $121.75
Minor expenses
19.80
Returned to the fund
101.95
Fee of Father Hubbard
250.00
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM C. ROUDENBUSH,
WILLIAM R. TAYLOR, ALICE M. HOWARD, Secretary,
MAY E. DAY, JULIUS H. MUELLER, JR.
84
REPORT OF BUILDING AND ZONING COMMITTEE
The Building and Zoning Law Committee, authorized by the Annual Town Meeting in February, 1940, and appointed by the Moderator, has met and deliberated on the problems presented to it. It was unanimously decided that the problems of the Town and time allotted to the com- mittee did not warrant the consideration of a zoning law at this time. It was felt, however, that most of the most pressing needs of West- ford in this respect could be met by a set of building laws. The com- mittee drew up such laws and they have been made available for con- sideration of the voters of the town in four separate public hearings.
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.