USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Westford > Town of Westford annual report 1947-1951 > Part 14
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
Recom- mended for 1949
3- 1 Selectmen
$ 861.46
$ 919.90
CA 1,000.00
$ 1,000.00
License Expense
65.67
82.83
100.00
100.00
Accountant
1,160.68
1,160.15
1,175.00
1,175.00
Treasurer
1,800.00
2,210.15
2,230.00
2,230.00
Assessors
1,510.29
1,758.37
1,800.00
1,800.00
Tax Collector
1,717.88
2,108.36
2,100.00
2,100.00
Tax Title
633.96
274.50
700.00
700.00
Town Counsel
266.67
300.00
300.00
300.00
Town Clerk
553.17
707.23
850.00
850.00
Election and Registration
1,241.52
2,319.68
1,200.00
1,200.00
21
Assessors-Survey and Maps
500.00
500.00
23
Town Accountant-Adding Machine
200.00
3- 2
Town Hall
3,184.15
3,546.53
3,981.68
3,981.00
22
Repairs to Town Hall
800.00
800.00
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY-9.35%
POLICE
3- 3
General Expenses
7,031.16
8,879.14
9,504.65
9,200.00
25
New Car
950.00
950.00
1
Average Expenses 1945-1947
Expenses 1948
Am't Asked for 1949
Recom- mended for 1949
Article Appropriation
FIRE
3- 4
Permanent Man
500.00
500.00
500.00
500.00
General Expense
6,851.32
8,089.14
8,000.00
7,500.00
19
Purchase of Fire Hose
650.00
675.00
675.00
41
Purchase of Gas Masks
2,090.00
3- 5
Hydrants
3,309.90
4,365.00
4.365.00
4,365.00
3- 6
Sealer of Weights and Measures
125.00
125.00
125.00
125.00
3- 7
Fish and Game Warden
75.00
75.00
75.00
3- 8
Forest Fires
1,380.23
1,496.75
1,300.00
1,300.00
3- 9
Town Forest
100.00
100.00
3-10
Tree Warden
460.05
486.10
600.00
600.00
3-11
Moth Department
874.99
1,016.36
1,700.00
900.00
HEALTH AND SANITATION-2.06%
3-12
Board of Health
3,234.92
3,230.66
4,000.00
4,000.00
3-13
Cattle Inspection
150.00
200.00
200.00
200.00
20
Tuberculosis Hospital
1,375.78
1,651.38
1,574.72
1,574.72
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT-13.99%
3-14
Snow and Ice Removal
8,937.75
13,267.30
8,000.00
8,000.00
Town Roads
681.23
873.20
3,000.00
3,000.00
3-26
Street Lights
6,944.92
6,979.20
7,247.00
7,247.00
Chapter 81
10,125.00
10,125.00
10,125.00
10,125.00
6
Chapter 90
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
9
Equipment
1,843.36
483.02
285.08
285.08
12
Chapter 90 Construction (Groton Road)
2,000.00
2,000.00
2,000.00
2,000.00
Average Expenses 1945-1947
Expenses 1948
Am't Asked for 1949
Recom- mended for 1949
Article Appropriation
13
Chapter 90 Construction (Town Farm Road)
1,000.00
1,000.00
14
Tractor
4,374.50
4,374.50
15
Snow Spreaders and Plows
1,190.00
1,190.00
17
Signs
1,000.00
500.00
18
Sidewalks
487.05
477.14
500.00
500.00
CHARITIES-14.59%
3-15
Old Age
16,059.46
17,873.77
20,500.00
20,500.00
Aid to Dependent Children
3,449.47
2,000.00
2,800.00
2,800.00
Temporary Aid
14,930.74
17,167.92
17,600.00
17,600.00
SOLDIERS' BENEFITS-1.07%
3-16
Soldiers' Benefits
1,304.26
888.77
3,000.00
3,000.00
SCHOOLS-46.53%
3-17
School Department
93,683.81
119,501.53
128,995.00
128,995.00
3-18
Vocational Tuition
808.20
325.00
1,500.00
1,500.00
LIBRARY-1.28%
3-19
Public Library
2,866.67
3,600.00
3,600.00
3,600.00
RECREATION-0.36%
3-20
Care of Common
300.00
290.72
300.00
300.00
7
Whitney Playground
300.00
300.00
300.00
300.00
Band Concerts
400.00
400.00
400.00
400.00
UNCLASSIFIED-3.36%
Average Expenses 1945-1947
Expenses 1948
Am't Asked for 1949
Recom- mended for 1949
Article
Appropriation
3-21
Memorial Day
265.99
330.40
400.00
400.00
3-22
Town Reports
697.65
1,089.33
1,100.00
1,100.00
3-23
Insurance Fire and Other
3,013.29
3,911.34
3,900.00
3,900.00
3-27
Finance Board
2,892.29
2,018.45
4,000.00
4,000.00
3-27
Finance Board Expense
10.00
10.00
10.00
10.00
3-28
Outstanding Bills
1,947.60
1,555.50
10
Extension Service
10.00
10.00
10.00
10.00
3-25
Salaries and Wages
3,043.00
3,690.00
4,000.00
4,000.00
MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST-0.01%
3-24
Internal Revenue Loans
25.00
25.00
$284,857.63
$280,387.30
State and County Taxes
12,000.00
$292,387.30
Estimated Receipts
122,000.00
Amount to be Raised by Taxes
$170,387.30
CEMETERIES-1.43%
Art. 4. It is recommended that the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, be authorized to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of revenue.
Art. 5. The Finance Board recommends this article.
Art. 9. The Finance Board recommends the transfer of funds from the Machinery Fund to the Highway Equip- ment Account.
Art. 11. It is recommended that the gift from Solomon Hyams Fund, Inc. be accepted, and that a vote of apprecia- tion be extended to the donors.
Art. 16. In the event that the town votes to purchase two new snow mold boards under Article 15, it is recom- mended that the selectmen be authorized to sell the two used snow mold boards, and it is also recommended that the motor driven pump referred to, be sold.
Art. 23. The Finance Board does not recommend the purchase of a new adding machine if the one now in use can be satisfactorily reconditioned.
Art. 26. In the event that the town votes to purchase a new car for the Police Department under Article 25, it is recommended that the selectmen be authorized to sell the car now in use.
Art. 27. 28.
The Finance Board cannot recommend these Articles as written because no information has been given relative to the number of street lights and hydrants requested.
29. 30.
Art. 31. The Finance Board recommends the cutting back of 20 feet of the point of the common as recommended under this article.
Art. 33. The Finance Board does not recommend this Article.
Art. 34. The Finance Board recommends this Article.
Art. 35. The Finance Board recommends participation in the Union Health District known as The Nashoba As- sociated Boards of Health from April 1st until the end of this year believing that the general welfare of the citizens would be benefited, and that it would be advisable to try this program out for the balance of the year.
Art. 36. This Article is not recommended because the Finance Board has been advised by the Town Counsel that the funds will be assessed to the town directly by the state.
Art. 38. The Finance Board has carefully considered the report of the School Planning Committee. The report of this committee requesting consideration for a new school is based on two contentions: First, that in the near future there will not be adequate space for the pupils; Second, that more adequate facilities are needed to meet the present day educational requirements.
The Finance Board does not agree with the figures relative to the future enrollment in the Academy as presented by the School Planning Committee. Their figures neglect to take into account the large number of students leaving the school each year. Past records indicate that there is a reduction in enrollment of at least 50% between the first grade and the senior class at the Academy.
The Finance Board recognizes that Westford should at some time have a new school to provide better facil- ities to get the type of instruction that is needed. The Finance Board believes, however, that it would be wise to wait for a year or so until building costs have come down. It is not necessary to build im- mediately.
Art. 39. The Finance Board does not recommend these Articles.
Art. 40.
If the above recommendations of the Finance Committee are adhered to the tax rate will approximate $43.30 per thousand valuation. For every appropriation increase of $1,000.00 the tax rate will increase approximately 25 1/2 cents.
Respectfully submitted, E. KENT ALLEN, Chairman W. OTIS DAY HERFORD N. ELLIOTT EVERETT A. SCOTT ALBERT H. FORTY ยท ALLISTER F. MacDOUGALL
TOWN OF WESTFORD WARRANT
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss.
To the Constable of the Town of Westford, in said County,
GREETINGS:
You are hereby required, in the name of the Commonwealth aforesaid, to notify and warn all the inhabitants of said Town qualified to vote in elections, and also in Town affairs, to meet at their several polling places, viz:
PRECINCT 1. Town Hall, Westford Center
PRECINCT 2. Abbot Hall, Graniteville
PRECINCT 3. Nabnasset School, Brookside
PRECINCT 4. Abbot Hall, Forge Village
MONDAY, MARCH 7, 1949
being the first Monday in said month, at 12.00 o'clock noon for the follow- ing purposes:
To bring in their votes for the following officers:
Four members of Westford Housing Authority,
For Three Years
One Selectman
One Member of the Board of Public Welfare
One Assessor
Two Members of the School Committee
One Member of the Board of Cemetery Commissioners
One Trustee of the Public Library
One Member of the Board of Health
For One Year
One Constable One Tree Warden
All on one Ballot.
The polls will be open from 12 o'clock noon to 8 P. M., and to meet in the Town Hall at Westford Center on the following
SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 1949
at 1 o'clock in the afternoon, then and there to act upon the following articles, viz:
95
ARTICLE 1. To hear the reports of Town Officers and Committees; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 2. To determine the salary and compensation of elected officers and officials as provided by law.
ARTICLE 3. To appropriate money to meet the costs and expenses of the following departments, officers and purposes:
1. General Government
2. Town Hall
3. Police Department
4. Fire Department
5. Hydrants
6. Sealer of Weights and Measures
7. Fish and Game Warden
8. Forest Fires
9. Town Forest
10. Tree Warden
11. Moth Department
12. Health Department
13. Cattle Inspection
14. Highway Purposes
15. Department of Public Welfare
16. Soldiers' Benefits
17. School Department
18. Vocational tuition 1
19. Public Library
20. Care of Common
21. Commemoration of Memorial Day
22. Publishing of Town Reports
23. Fire and other insurance
24. Interest on Revenue Loans
25 Cemeteries
26. Street Lights
27. Finance Committee Reserve Fund
28. Unpaid bills of previous years.
ARTICLE 4. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the current financial year and to issue a note or notes therefor payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year, in ac- cordance with Section 17 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws; or act in re- lation thereto.
96
ARTICLE 5. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, or transfer from unappropriated available funds in the treasury, a sum of money for Chapter 81 Highways; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 6. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, or transfer from unappropriated available funds in the treasury, a sum of money for Chapter 90 Highway maintenance; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 7. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Hundred ($300.) Dollars, or some other sum, for the care of the Whitney Playground; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 8. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Four Hundred ($400.) Dollars, or some other sum, for Band Concerts during the current year; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 9. To see if the Town will vote to transfer a certain sum of money from the Machinery Fund to the Highway Equipment Account; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 10. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Ten ($10.) Dollars and elect a Director, under the provisions of Sections 40 to 45 of Chapter 128 of the General Laws, as amended; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 11. To see if the Town will vote to accept a gift made to it during the year 1948 by the Solomon Hyams Fund, Inc .; or act in rela- tion thereto.
ARTICLE 12. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Two Thousand ($2,000.) Dollars, or some other sum, for the pur- pose of reconstructing Groton Road contingent upon the State and County contributing towards the cost of said reconstruction; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 13. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Thousand ($1,000.) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of reconstructing the Town Farm Road and reconstructing, re- pairing or widening the Town Farm Road Bridge, all contingent upon the State and County contributing towards the cost of said reconstruction, repairing or widening; or act in relation thereto.
97
ARTICLE 14. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money for the purpose of purchasing a tractor for the Highway Department, said purchase to be made under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 15. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money for the purpose of purchasing two sand spreaders, two new snow mold boards and rocker arms, and other equipment for the Highway Department, said purchase to be made under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 16. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to sell two used snow mold boards and one used motor driven pump now used by the Highway Department; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 17. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Thousand ($1,000.) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of purchasing road signs; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 18. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred ($500.) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of repairing certain public sidewalks; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 19. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money for the purpose of purchasing five hundred feet, or some other quantity, of new 21/2 inch double jacket treated fire hose, said purchase to be made under the supervision of the Board of Fire Engineers; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 20. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifteen Hundred Twenty-Five and 95/100 ($1525.95) Dollars for the purpose of paying to the Treasurer of the Middlesex County Retirement System the amounts allocated to the Town of Westford by the County Com- missioners in accordance with the provision of Chapter 32 of the General Laws, as amended; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 21. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred ($500.) Dollars, or some other sum, for the pur- pose of continuing the survey and maps of the Town under the super- vision of the Board of Assessors; or act in relation thereto.
98
ARTICLE 22. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Eight Hundred ($800.) Dollars, or some other sum, for the pur- pose of refinishing the interior of the Town Hall; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 23. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Two Hundred ($200.) Dollars, or some other sum, for the pur- pose of purchasing an adding machine to be used in the office of the Town Accountant, said purchase to be made under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 24. In the event of an affirmative vote under Article 23, to see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to sell an adding machine now used in the office of the Town Accountant, and apply the sum received therefor against the purchase price of the new adding machine; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 25. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Nine Hundred Fifty ($950.) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of purchasing an automobile for the Police Department, said pur- chase to be made under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 26. In the event of an affirmative vote under Article 25, to see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to transfer by a good and sufficient .Bill of Sale title to the automobile now used by the Police Department, and apply the sum received therefor against the purchase price of the new car; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 27. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to install one or more street lights on West Street; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 28. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to install one or more street lights on Plain Road; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 29. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to install one or more street lights on Brookside Road between Nabnassett Street and Oak Hill Road and at the foot of Edwards Hill, so called; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 30. In the event the Westford Water Company during 1949 extends its mains along West Street in Graniteville, to see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen in its name and behalf to enter into a contract with said Company for such hydrants as may be installed on said West Street, and to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money for such hydrant service; or act in relation thereto.
99
ARTICLE 31. To see if the Town will vote to have the point of the common where the cannon is now located cut back twenty (20) feet so as to remove a dangerous traffic condition; said cannon and cannon balls to be relocated on the common in the rear of the World War Monument, this work to be done by the Highway Department as soon as possible in 1949; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 32. In the event of an affirmative vote under Article 31, to see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money for the purposes set forth therein; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 33. To see if the Town will vote to have all expenditures itemized and printed in the annual Town Report under the reports of each Department; said reports to show the amounts paid, to whom paid, and for what purpose paid; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 34. To see if the Town will vote to change the term of office of the Constable from one to three years, commencing with the annual election of Town Officers in 1950; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 35. To see if the Town will vote, for the purpose of par- ticipating in a Union Health District, to join with the group of towns now included in the organization known as the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health, according to the provisions of Section 27A of Chapter 111 of the General Laws; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 36. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Eleven Hundred Forty-Four and 50-100 ($1144.50) Dollars for the purpose of meeting the expense involved by membership in the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health from April 1, 1949 to December 31, 1949; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 37. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the Department of Veterans' Services, including the compensation of the Director of Veterans' Services, as provided in Chapter 599 of the Acts of 1946; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 38. To see if the Town will vote to authorize and direct the Selectmen to petition the General Court for legislation to authorize the Town to borrow money outside the debt limit for acquiring land and con- structing and originally equipping and furnishing a school building; or act in relation thereto.
100
ARTICLE 39. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to purchase or take by eminent domain for school purposes a parcel of land, with the buildings thereon, situated on the southeasterly side of Main Street and adjoining land now owned by the Town on which is situated the build- ing known as Westford Academy, said premises being more particularly described in a deed from Maude B. Shaw to James J. Cockery, dated May 14, 1942 and recorded with Middlesex North District Registry of Deeds, Book 977, Page 395; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 40. In the event of an affirmative vote under Article 39, to see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Thirteen Thousand ($13,000.) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of pur- chasing the premises described in said Article 39.
ARTICLE 41. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money for the purpose of purchasing gas masks for the Fire Department, said purchase to be made under the supervision of the Board of Fire Engineers; or act in relation thereto.
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting up true and attested copies thereof at the Town Hall and at each Post Office in said Westford, seven days at least before the time of holding said meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make return of this warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, at the time and place of holding the first meeting aforesaid.
Given under our hands this twenty-fourth day of February in the year of our Lord, 1949.
CYRIL A. BLANEY EDWARD F. HARRINGTON THOMAS W. GOWER
Selectmen of Westford
101
Annual Report
OF THE
School Committee
OF THE
TOWN OF WESTFORD
OF
WESTF
TOWN
e
INCORPO
1729.
23
SEP'T.
For the Year Ending December 31,
1948
-
ORGANIZATION - SCHOOL COMMITTEE
F. Stanley Smith, Secretary Term Expires 1950
James L. Knowlton
Term Expires 1950
Frederick W. Gatenby, Chairman
Term Expires 1949
Edgar S. Peterson
Term Expires 1949
H. Arnold Wilder Term Expires 1951
Clifford J. Courchaine
Term Expires 1951
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Peter F. Perry
Office-Westford Academy Telephone 561
Office Hours: 8:30 A. M .- 4:30 P. M.
CLERK Mrs. Alice Whitcomb
SCHOOL TELEPHONES:
Cameron School 542
Sargent School 553
Wm. E. Frost School 230 Westford Academy 771 Nabnasset School 233
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Dwight W. Cowles, M. D., Westford, Mass.
Tel. 521
SCHOOL NURSE Dorothy Healy, R. N., Westford, Mass. Tel. Office 391, Town Hall 104
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Westford:
The Superintendent's report has been read and accepted by the School Committee.
The Committee is asking for the sum of $128,995.00 to operate the schools of Westford for the year 1949 and the sum of $1,500.00 for vocational tuition. The increase in the budget is due almost entirely to the increased cost of supplies and the higher salaries necessary to . obtain new teachers and hold the ones we have.
Under the provision of a new statute, plus the usual reimburse- ment on teachers' salaries, but transportation, out-of-town tuition, and state wards, the Town will receive approximately $30,400 which will bring the net expenditures down to about $98,700.00.
One new member, Mr. Clifford J. Courchaine, was elected this year to the Committee, succeeding Mr. William J. Kelly.
FREDERICK W. GATENBY,
Chairman.
..
105
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Westford School Committee:
It is with a great deal of pleasure that I submit my first annual report as Superintendent of Schools in Westford.
In the years I served as principal of one of our grammar schools I always had as my goal the task of giving the boys and girls the best education possible within the budget of the school department. Since assuming the superintendency I have enlarged my aim to include the entire school system. I ask your co-operation in achieving this aim.
.
Let us suppose you had several shares in a corporation doing a million dollar business yearly, and that this corporation vitally af- fected the welfare, happiness, and material wealth of you and your children. Wouldn't you concern yourself with the management of this corporation and be extremely interested in seeing to it that it became more and more successful ? Of course you would!
Now-let us suppose you showed that same concern and interest in the education of your family. Just what would you do? I would like to think that you would visit your schools, your teachers, and your superintendent, and help us achieve one of the greatest of all aims-the best possible education for your children!
Our public schools have a high and noble duty to perform, and I sincerely ask you to work along with us in helping to make them what they should-they can-and they must-become: the bulwark of our American democracy in its fullest sense. Education and democracy- neither one can survive without the other.
One of the most disturbing factors in any organization is the sud- den and constant changing of the administrative head which cannot help but disrupt the entire organization. We have experienced this in our own school system, and a feeling of uneasiness and frustration might well be expected from the teaching staff, which in turn could easily be transmitted to the pupils. In order to overcome any such feeling, I have tried to follow the policies already set, at least for the time being. A few changes have been made, but the program which was working so well is still in force.
106
ACADEMY
An annual report offers an opportunity which your principal would like to have more often and more personally-an opportunity of talking with you about important matters of mutual interest deal- ing with the growth, development, and training of your sons and daughters, as well as the accomplishments which mark their progress.
In spite of the difficulties which continue to plague all public schools in their efforts to secure and hold well-qualified, experienced, and forward-looking teachers, Westford Academy is fortunate in hav- ing a staff of well-trained men and women who are earnestly devoted to the educational interests of the boys and girls who comprise our membership.
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.