USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Westford > Town of Westford annual report 1956-1962 > Part 17
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 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72
2 Kitchen and Pantry
900.00
3 Contents of Attic 25.00
4 Canned Goods and Empty Jars
220.00
5 Provisions
430.00
6 Potatoes and Vegetables
25.80
7 Dry Goods
450.00
8 Inmates' Furniture
1,700.00
9 Inmates' Dishes
$ 95.00
Respectfully submitted,
Raymond S. Wilson Marygan Socha Albert H. Picking
Infirmary Appraisers
REPORT OF DOG OFFICER
Complaints Investigated
84
Dogs Returned to Owners
8
Cases Molesting Livestock
4
Dogs Caught
46
Cases Filed with County Commissioners for Damage to Poultry and Livestock
3
Dogs Destroyed
35
Dogs Struck by Cars
16 7
Dogs Destroying Poultry
I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen, Chief John F. Sullivan, Sergeant John L. Connell, Charles L. Hildreth and also the former Dog Officer, John J. O'Connell, for their cooperation and assistance throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted, William C. MacMillan
Dog Officer
REPORT OF THE TAX TITLE PROPERTY COMMITTEE
In 1957 the Town came into possession of 14 Parcels of Land. The approximate cost to the Town was $2,100.00. 6 Parcels were sold for $4,750.00.
The Town now owns 24 Parcels. Information concerning this Land may be obtained from any member of the Committee.
The Tax Title Account contains 23 Pieces of Property which will accrue to the Town when they are cleared in Land Court.
Respectfully submitted, Herford N. Elliott
Roger H. Hildreth Carroll J. Rollins Tax Title Property Committee
70
$ 125.00
REPORT OF WATER DEPARTMENT
RECEIPTS
Water Rates
$ 49,127.37
Extensions, Service Installations and Miscellaneous covered by Guarantees
Less Refunds
$ 13,933.01 84.65
13,848.36 $ 62,975.73
EXPENDITURES
Maintenance and Operation:
Wages and Salaries
$ 18,025.20
Insurance
171.27
Office Equipment and Supplies
461.10
Miscellaneous Expense
1.74
Fuel, Light and Power
2,609.11
Set Hydrant
20.00
Telephone
203.20
Repairs to Equipment
275.16
Digging
529.00
Miscellaneous Equipment
32.25
Engineer's Service
57.26
Hot Topping
846.00
Pipe, Copper Tube, Valves and Miscellaneous Supplies
5,559.45
Truck Expense
951.02
Freight Handling
14.23
Clean and Paint Water Tank
1,015.75
Advertising
37.50
30,809.24
Extensions Covered by Guarantee
Deposits:
Pipe and Miscellaneous Supplies
4,292.46
Digging
1,762.50
Hot Topping
190.00
6,244.96
Payments on Loans:
Large Water Loan:
Principal - March
11,000.00
Interest - March
3,653.00
Interest - September
3,510.00
18,163.00
Elm Road Extension:
Principal - March
3,000.00
Interest - March and September
570.00
3,570.00 $ 58,787.20
BALANCE
$ 4,188.53
Chester H. Cook, Chairman Alfred T. Wark, Secretary William J. Boisvert
Board of Water Commissioners
71
EXTENSIONS For the Year Ending December 31, 1957
DEPOT STREET EXTENSION #2
$
1,200.00
Expenses : Backhoe Service
330.00
Tractor Pipe, Adapter, Etc
810.00
$ 1,200.00
DEPOT STREET EXTENSION #3
Deposit
$ 3,702.86
Expenses :
Pipe and Miscellaneous Supplies
$ 2,712.86
Digging
990.00
$ 3,702.86
CUMMINGS ROAD EXTENSION
Deposit
$ 1,342.10
Expenses :
Pipe and Miscellaneous Supplies
$ 769.60
Digging
382.50
Hot Topping
190.00
$ 1,342.10
CONSTRUCTION - PLEASANT STREET
$ 7,000.00
Appropriation - Out of Reserve Funds Inventory Purchased: Pipe, Miscellaneous Supplies, etc
$ 7,000.00
EXTENSIONS - Under Contract LAKE SHORE DRIVE SOUTH EXTENSION
Appropriation
$ 3,600.00
Expenses :
Charge for Notes
$ 14.00
Pipe and Fittings
1,992.00
Laying Pipe
1,202.90
Hydrant
181.90
Legal Service
209.20
$ 3,600.00
MAIN STREET EXTENSION
Appropriation
$ 11,000.00
Expenses :
Pipe and Miscellaneous Supplies
$ 6,842.72
3 Hydrants
545.70
Digging
2,142.00
Pipe Installation
1,150.00
Explosive Supplies
111.11
Legal Fees
204.70
$ 10,996.23
Balance
$ 3.77
Chester H. Cook, Chairman Alfred T. Wark, Secretary William J. Boisvert Board of Water Commissioners
72
Deposits
60.00
REPORT OF WATER SUPERINTENDENT
Gallons Pumped at Westford Station n n " Brookside
54,810,300 26,348,927
Total Gallons Pumped
81,159,227
New Services Installed Hydrants Installed
81 5
New Extensions are as follows :
Depot Street
1,083 Feet
Lake Shore Drive
800
Chestnut Street
200
n
Cummings Road
306
Main Street
1,750
Providence Road
623
Leland Street
400
n
Respectfully submitted, Albert E. Mountain Water Superintendent
REPORT OF THE MOTH AND TREE DEPARTMENTS
A Dormant Spray of 12% DDT Solution was used on all Elm Trees. All other trees were sprayed with a 6% DDT Solution.
The Maples were sprayed with a different spray material. It was an extremely bad year for the Dutch Elm Disease, because of the very hot dry weather. Most of the infected trees have been re- moved. We also lost a few Maples due to the dry weather.
About 40 new trees have been planted to replace the old ones. More of this work should be done.
Respectfully submitted, Kenneth A. Wilson Moth Superintendent and Tree Warden
CIVIL DEFENSE REPORT
The past year has been one of progress, with many people assisting in the various Programs of Civil Defense. The Communication Men meet every Monday evening at the Control Center and use the Radio Equipment that we have for Civil Defense purposes.
During the forest fire emergency last spring the Radio Control Center was manned twenty four hours a day until we were released from Radio Duty by the Sector Director of Civil Defense. We also sent men and equipment to the Manchester fire.
I would like to thank all who have contributed to the progress of Civil Defense in the Town of Westford.
Arthur A. Abbood Civil Defense Director
73
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
I herewith submit my Report for the year 1957 for the Police De- partment.
Report to the Department of Correction has been made.
Arrests Made
38
Assault and Battery
8
Abandoned Autos
16
Auto Violation
54
Auto Accidents
34
Auto Transfers
102
Auto Registration
69
Auto Licenses Revoked
14
Appeals Cases to Superior Court
9
Breaking and Entering in the Night Time
8
Cases in Ayer Court
21
Complaints Investigated Cruelty to Animals
Complaints on Dead Animals left on top of ground
4 3
Complaints on Suspicious Persons
27
Camps and Houses Broken Into
21
Dogs Killed by Automobiles
10
Duty at Public Gathering
104
Dances
42
Driving Under the Influence of Liquor
14
Driving so to Endanger
12
Disturbance of the Peace
21
Drunkenness
14
Driving Without a License
5
Family Disturbances
52
Fires Attended
19
Funerals Attended
18
Idle and Disorderly
16
Investigations Made
906
Jurors
10
Men Taken to Jail
9
Leaving Scene after Injury to Property
6
Larceny Complaints
62
Notices Posted
41
Nonsupport
6
Public Nuisances in Beer Places
62
Pedestrians Struck by Automobiles
4
Petty Complaints
972
Stubborn Child
3
Summonses and Notices Served
502
Warrants Served
12
Electric Wires Down on Street
21
Malicious Injury to Property
19
Patients Taken to Gardner State Hospital
4
Lay Watching in Different Places
28
Operating After License Was Revoked
6
Inspection of Camps When Roads Are Open
Collected for Liquor Licenses
$ 5,407.00
74
Ćars Stopped for Speeding
Suicide Cases
In Lockup at Town Farm Immoral Act
Assault on a Police Officer
4
Trips to Union National Bank of Lowell
52
I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Selectmen, Sergeant Connell and the Special Police Officers of the Town of West- ford, also the State Police for their advice, cooperation and assist- ance during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, John F. Sullivan
Chief of Police
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
CHAPTER 81 AND GENERAL HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE:
The usual Highway Work was carried out this year which included the use of Gravel, Asphalt, Screened Sand, Gravel Pea Stone and Bitumi- nous Concrete Patch on our Roads and Streets that come under Chapter 81.
CHAPTER 90 MAINTENANCE :
Chapter 90 Maintenance was carried out this year under provisions of the Contract. A hazardous condition was eliminated on Lowell Road with the excavation of a large quantity of stone and the placing of a Road Mix Surface over the same section of Road.
CHAPTER 90 CONSTRUCTION:
The work to be done under this Contract consists of Excavation, Placing Gravel Foundation, Drainage Installation and placing a 3" Road Mix Surface upon the existing and prepared base and other incidental work on Graniteville Road. It also consists of Constructing a Bitumi- nous Concrete Pavement on the existing surface, Installing Sub-Drainage and other incidental work on Groton Road (Route #40).
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Selectmen, the Town Accountant, the Town Treasurer and Mr. Fulton, the State Engineer, for their cooperation and assistance during the past year.
I also want to thank all the men who worked with me for their loyalty and cooperation.
Respectfully submitted, Joseph R. Connell Superintendent of Streets
75
136
2
18
2
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS
In April the appointed members held a meeting and William E. Wright was elected Chairman. The other members were Everett A. Scott and John J. Barretto. John P. McDermott and Denis Maguire served as alternates.
The general policy was to have a public hearing about once each month with as many Appeals as were available at the time. There were 11 Hearings with 26 Appeals. 3 Appeals were refused and on 2 no action was taken.
The Appeals were classified as follows:
Buildings too near Street and Lot Lines
16
Buildings to be used as Filling Stations
1
Conversion of Dwellings to accomodate two families
2
Storage of Motor Vehicles
1
Location of a Public Horse Riding Stable
1
Changes in use of Buildings
2
Extension of a Non-Conforming Business
1
Particular use in an Industrial Area
1
Re-Establishment of a Non-Conforming Business
1
26
An attempt was made to give serious consideration to all phases of each Appeal. Best interests of the Town, rights of abutters and consideration for the welfare of the petitioners, were all factors in the several decisions.
William E. Wright
Everett A. Scott John J. Barretto Board of Appeals
REPORT OF THE TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
In 1957 the Forest Committee started work on the Town Forest that is adjacent to Forge Village Road. The sum of $189.00 was spent there to thin unwanted trees and to prune the dead limbs from the remainder. It is felt that for the money spent an adequate amount of work was done. Because of fire safety laws, it will be necessary to remove the debris for a distance of at least forty feet from any public way. The Committee feels that all of the debris should be disposed of.
The Committee recommends that the Town should appropriate a modest sum annually to continue a good forest practice in other areas.
The Committee wishes to thank Thomas J. Moore, Associate County Agricultural Agent and Charles Staniumas from the State Forest Depart- ment for their help in giving advice about good forest practices.
William E. Wright Kenneth A. Wilson Carroll J. Rollins Town Forest Committee
76
REPORT OF DEVELOPMENT AND INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION
This is the second Annual Report to be submitted by the Commission since its formation in 1956.
As mentioned in the Report for the year ended December 31, 1957, negotiations were under way at that time to increase the membership from seven to ten members. On March 30, 1957, the Board of Selectmen appointed new members to the Commission which effected this increase, and the members now total ten.
With all indications pointing to the fact that industrial strength in Massachusetts seems to be concentrated around a radius of 25 miles or more from Boston, it behooves the Town of Westford to be prepared for this expansion. The proposed relocation of route 110, with its greater proximity to the Massachusetts Turnpike, places Westford in competition with existing industrial areas, and is another important factor. With these thoughts in mind, three committees have been formed to examine the potentialities of the Town of Westford - they are "Bro- chure," "Contact" and "Map." Each committee consists of three members of the Commission.
The Commission has been approached by Kenneth A. Young Associates, of Brookline, Massachusetts, with the view to interesting the Town in bringing new industry to it. Mr. Young was invited to attend one of the Commission's meetings and it was at this meeting that he presented what he termed an "Omnibus Plan." This program consisted of subscrib- ing twenty members, or towns, throughout the State, to the plan. The proposal was that once a week a featured editorial spread would appear in the BOSTON SUNDAY HERALD describing the Town of the week. That same night, one of the Television Stations would show a short film of that particular Town, which would cross reference the article in the news- paper. The cost of this publicity would be in the neighborhood of $500.00 to $1,000.00 to each subscriber for a one-time appearance.
Meetings held by the State Public Works in connection with the re- location of route 110, and held at various points throughout the State, have been attended by the members of the Commission. One such meeting held by the former State Public Works Commissioner, Carl A. Sheridan, held at the Auditorium of the Massachusetts Department of Public Works, Boston, Massachusetts, was attended, not only by five members of the Commission, but also by Selectman John J. Kavanagh.
An inquiry was received a few months ago from a Real Estate Agent of Waltham, Massachusetts, with respect to his client's locating a man- ufactory in Westford. The Board of Selectmen, the Planning Board and the Board of Assessors were represented at a meeting with the Real Es- tate Representative and the Commission to investigate this matter.
On October 9,1957, an advertisement was placed in the LOWELL SUN inviting the townspeople to assist in bringing new industries to the Town of Westford. It conveyed the thought that if any person had leads or suggestions that might be of interest to the Commission, they should be brought to the attention of the Commission. A list of the Commission members, together with their respective telephone numbers was included in the article.
Elizabeth K. Beyer, Secretary Manly P. Barber Roland Battis
Robert V. Cassidy, Chairman
Henry A. Beyer Athill H. Moran
William G. Chace Clarence 0. Porter
Charles M. Erwin Peter Sechovich
77
REPORT OF THE WESTFORD 4-H ORGANIZATION
The Westford 4-H Organization marched ahead this year with the help of the newly organized group, the Junior Leadership and Citizen- ship Club. This group was organized under the able leadership of Donald Hildreth, an eight year member, and since then has conducted many of the outstanding 4-H activities in the Town.
Mrs. Phyllis Phalon and Mr. Frederick Alcorn were elected to serve as co-chairmen of 4-II Club work in Westford. 4-H Clubs are now organized in such projects as Dairy, Poultry, Clothing, Crafts, Child Care, Hostess, Foods, Gardening, Food Preservation, Woodworking, Rec- reation, Photography, Junior Leadership and Citizenship Club.
The Westford 4-H Leaders are well represented on the Advisory Council, Camp Committee and Fair Committee. Mrs. Edna S. Moore re- ceived the County Alumni Award.
Several 4-II members have received outstanding County and State awards. Donald Hildreth was selected to attend the 42nd State Junior Leaders Conference and while there was chosen to represent Middlesex County at the State and National Leaders Banquet that week. He is the first 4-HI member to have conducted the Candle Lighting Service at Camp Middlesex, which was judged very successful. Donald was selected as one of two County 4-H members to receive the Annual Citizenship Trophy and attended the State 4-H Club Congress in Boston for his outstanding Junior Leadership record. He is now President of the Junior Leader- ship and Citizenship Club and Vice President of the Northern Section Service Club.
Other members who attended the Junior Leader Conference were Adrienne Alcorn and Judith Chisholm. Judith was chosen to act as Song Leader at the closing ceremony of the Conference. She and Adrienne served as Usherettes at the State Dress Revue.
Judith Plummer entered the Public Speaking Contest and was first in the County and second in the State Contest. Adrienne Alcorn was chosen as the County Health Winner, elected Secretary of the Northern Section Service Club and is Vice President of the Junior Leadership and Citizenship Club. Jean Wilder won the County Holstein Freisan Award and Jonathan Aldrich won the County Poultry Award. Josephine Wilkins was chosen the County Home Improvement winner and attended the State 4-H Club Congress in Boston.
The following 4-H members received special awards at the 1957 4-H Fair; Linda Phalon, Laura Krantz, Beverly Brown, Gary Wilder, Paul Daley, Frank Krantz and Robert Lichtenberg.
The Town members have participated in activities at the Eastern Exposition, Window Displays and many other County and State Activities. Russell Whitney and Muriel Leedberg were Junior Councilors at Camp Middlesex and Thomas Darrah was elected Camp Spirit while attend- ing Camp.
The Junior Leadership and Citizenship Club furnished ushers for the J. V. Fletcher Library Lecture Series and raised funds to send worthy 4-H members to Camp. The members of the Club handled all the Junior Exhibits at the Grange Fair, led the games and helped with the entertainment. They also conducted a Food Sale at the Band Concert in August, the entire proceeds of which were donated to the DeMartin Fund.
78
The $75.00 which was appropriated last year was added to Funds raised by 4-H members and, under the direction of the Westford Advisory Committee, was used to purchase a Public Address System and Record Player. The Committee members are Edna S. Moore, William R. Taylor and J. Clarence Burne.
The development of the 4-H Center in Westford is progressing as planned and the 4-H Club House is being used. All families and friends are invited to visit the Center.
Westford 4-H members and Town Committee members wish to thank all the townspeople who have helped to make the 4-H Club Program such a great success.
This Report was submitted by the Officers and members of the West- ford 4-H Junior Leadership and Citizenship Club at the request of the Town Committee members.
REPORT OF RECREATION COMMISSION
It is a pleasure to submit the first Annual Report of the Recrea- tion Commission.
The basic function of this Commission is to facilitate proper equipment and educational instruction in non-scholastic activities, mainly athletic programs. These programs are organized for children during summer vacations away from school for their enjoyment purposes. It is anticipated that the guidance and proper instructions given these children will result in healthy bodies and minds as future citizens of this country.
Interest from adult Townspeople, in the "Small Fry", is the main contribution these children can receive to gain self confidence in win- ning the battle to adulthood.
The Small Fry League of Westford has been active for the past six years.
We are very grateful to Mr. Robert Wall for his overwhelming en- durance in adapting this program in our community. Starting with a handful of players and supporters he was successful in creating the interest needed to form this organization. This year a total of one hundred fifty boys, eight to twelve years of age, registered in the League, instructed by a capable staff of adult managers.
The Two Hundred Dollar ($200.00) appropriated by the Town was com- bined with funds raised through donations and benefits for Small Fry League equipment which includes Uniforms, Bats, Balls, Protective Head Gear for Batters, Catcher's Equipment and Insurance Coverage against any possible accidents. We are happy to report no serious injuries to date',.
'We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to the Board of Selectmen, Managers, Umpires and Townspeople for their support in making the Small Fry League a success.
Respectfully submitted, Walter Teresko Harry V. Smith Waldo S. Leedberg Recreation Commission
79
REPORT ON WHITNEY PLAYGROUND
I am glad to report that damage to shrubbery, from the extreme cold of December 1956 and January 1957, was very slight - also that the grass did not seem to suffer from the long dry spell of the past summer and fall of 1957.
It is a pleasure to see the Little Leaguers and the young men in and around the Center using the Ball Field evenings thru the summer. They arrange their own schedules so as not to interfere with each other.
At this time I wish to thank the Principal and Teachers of the Frost School for their fine cooperation in having the pupils help in keeping the Playground free of papers - this helps to keep the grounds neat.
The Tool House and Benches were given two coats of paint, which keeps them in good condition.
The New Mower has already proved to be a fine machine and it saves hours of labor.
Thomas Curley Caretaker of Whitney Playground
PROGRESS REPORT OF COMMITTEE TO STUDY PRESENT AND POSSIBLE FUTURE SCHOOL FACILITIES
This Committee was most pleased to see the opening of the Old Westford Academy now known as the Roudenbush School. The opening of this building was strongly recommended by this Committee in its Progress Report last year and this same thought was concurred in and carried out by the School Committee. The School Committee is commended for taking such prompt action to alleviate the critical housing situation that ex- isted, and still is present to a lesser degree, at the start of the current school term.
However, as also stated in last year's Report, this move can only temporarily alleviate a problem becoming more acute each year as not only do larger classes move into the Junior High level (Grades 7 & 8) but the placement of the graduating of the Second Graders of the Nab- nasset School must be placed throughout the balance of the School Sys- tem.
In the near future, the 7th Grade will have to be, by necessity, removed from the New Academy as well as the 8th Grade a year or so later. It is here that once again crowding due to a lack of school buildings will create an acute problem in the elementary grade levels. Your Committee has met with the School Committee and other Town Officials as well concerning this matter. It has also studied figures of present School Enrollment as well as Projected Enrollment of students into our School System for the next five years. These figures repre- sented actual students and future students presently living in Westford. It does not take into consideration the future growth of the Town which we feel is not static and will remain at its present strength but will continue to grow in numbers with new homes being built and families moving in.
80
To alleviate this pressing problem, your Committee feels that possible alterations to the Roudenbush School should be undertaken in the near future and that another Elementary School should be built of approximately 10 to 12 rooms in size. Surveys of the entire Township have been made and it is felt that should a structure be approved it should be located in Nabnasset to accommodate those students in that area thereby lessening the load of the other Elementary Schools and so benefit the entire Town.
RECOMMENDATIONS :
1 That this Committee continue its study until such time a final Report can be rendered to and approved by the Townspeople.
2 That a sum of money be made available for the purchase of a tract of land suitable for the construction of an Elementary School - size 10 to 12 rooms. The site size to comply with all State and Feder- al Codes for the availability of funds. All monies not expended in the purchase of the site to be returned to the Town of Westford.
3 That alterations be carried out to enlarge the Roudenbush School from its present 4 Classrooms to 5.
4 That a New School of approximately 10 to 12 Classrooms be con- structed in the Nabnasset area.
Respectfully submitted,
Athill H. Moran
Chairman
Arthur A. Abbood Member
Allan F. Ryan Member
John W. Loney, Jr. Secretary
REPORT OF WESTFORD SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
Following the acceptance of the plans for the New Westford Academy at the Town Meeting held in 1953, your Committee with the approval of the Architect and the Massachusetts State School Building Assistance Commission, let the contract for the building and grading to A. Cefalo & Sons, Inc., as general contractor. They were the low bidder. The Building Committee first checked their financial standing which was B 12 rating. This was good. They then checked with the School Commit- tee at Reading and Lynn and were told that Cefalo's work was very sat- isfactory. We also checked with their Bonding Company, the Massachu- setts Bonding and Insurance Company, a well known bonding house.
The foundation work and grading for the new building went along at a rapid rate during the fall of 1953 and up to the cold weather when it was impossible to pour cement. In the early spring of 1954 the work was badly delayed, first, by heavy rains and running into a very wet and clay sub-soil. Following this the contractor was delayed by lack of cement and steel due to the cement and steel strikes. In the early fall of 1954, Hurricanes Carol and Edna did considerable damage to the
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.