USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1931-1932 > Part 11
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Balance due 1930
20.00
Audit Correction
.34
19.66
Balance due 1931
39.97
Received
39.97
Balance due 1932 42.02
61.68
Water Rates Account
101
Balance due 1932
559.14
Total Accounts Receivable Dec. 1932
620.82
Schedule F
Glen Road (1932) Extension Account Appropriation
500.00
Credit
8.00
508.00
Expenditure
Pay Roll
329.20
Repairs
40.00
Damage
7.50
Compressor
36.20
Dynamite
45.57
Oil
4.00
Total
462.47
Balance unexpended
45.53
508.00
Schedule G
Total Construction Cost
Cost of Water System Dec. 31, 1931
376,664.31
52 Services
876.78
1 Meter
23.00
899.78
Glen Road (1932) Extension
462.47
Total Cost Dec 31, 1932
378,026.56
Respectfully submitted,
Caleb S. Harriman Louis T. McMahon Alden N. Eames
102
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Wilmington, Mass.
The work of The Planning Board this past year has been confined principally to the study of Town Zoning. This proposed By-Law necessarily presents a problem requiring intelligent, careful planning. The work as progressed to the point whereby the Board can now present tentative plans and By-Laws for the consideration of uor citizens. In formulating these tentative plans, we are indebted to nearly every one of our Town officers. These men studied the pro- blem with us on several occasions and their interest, suggestions and criticisms were most helpful to us.
It was indeed gratifying to find that almost to a man, your public officials, holding the trust and respect of our citizens, were in accord that Zoning is a device of democratic people, for mutual protection and is needed ni Wilmington ot promote the health, safety, con- venience and welfare of the inhabitants.
We wish to express our appreciation to the S. D. J. Carter Lecture Committee in bringing to Wilmington, Mr. Edward T. Hartman, State Consultant to Planning Boards, who presented a most instruc- tive lecture on Town Zoning. Mr. Hartman first made a survey of the Town, accompanied by The Planning Board and approved, with certain suggestions, the map and By-Laws prepared by the Board.
The next step, we believe, should be one of Education and it shall be our endeavor, during the coming months, to secure, in so far as is possible, the ideas ands uggestions of the people in various neighbor- hoods.
Zoning is done by the people. They must provide the ideas em- bodied in the scheme, or acceptide as suggested to them by others.
A modest appropriation is asked for in the town warrant, to enable
103
us to provide maps, latern slides and various printed material, in carrying out this program.
Respectfully submitted, E. M. NEILSON, Chairman M. J. CURL A. CHANDLER MANNING GEORGE E. NEWCOMB HOWARD E. BEDELL Planning Board.
104
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
Throughout the year 1932 the ordinary problems incident to the administering of relief by the Board of Public Welfare have been intensified by the present unemployment situation. It should be Forne in mind that we must administer relief according to the laws that establish Boards of Public Welfare and assign to them their deties. In our consideration of all applicants we have continually weighed the effect of this unemployment assistance on the community as well as upon the persons aided. We feel that th majority of our applicants at the present time are the victims of the present unem- ploy ment condition.
During January and February the unemployed applied for relief in increasing numbers. As Spring advanced the majority of un- employed men were able to obtain work, and during the Summer the need for relief lessened, and for 3 weeks not an able bodied man applied for aid. As the year closed the request for aid increased and indications were that the Winter of 1932-33 would bring the largest number of applicants for aid in the history of the town of Wilming- ton
The giving of welfare aid to the unemployed provides only tem- porary relief and your Board of Public Welfare sincerely hopes that immediate steps will be taken by the voters to provide employment for our deserving unemployed men.
Aid was givn to 29 families whose settlements were elsewhere, but at the time of requesting aid they were residing in Wilmington. As the year 1932 progressed it was evident that the new applicants were persons whose settlement was not in Wilmington. These parties had come to Wilmington, because of the low rent for which summer ct- tages could be hired. This is a serious condition for both the Town of Wilmington and the applicants. If aid is granted, the taxpayers of Wilmington have to provide the funds and the Town must await reimbursement from the city or town of settlement or state, as the case may be. In most instances the cottages are hardly livable dur-
105
ing the cold weather and possible serious injury to the health of the families may result. Where the applicant has a settlement elsewhere he is requested to return to that city or town, as the possibility of securing work in the place of his settlement is greater than if he stays in Wilmington.
During 1932, we rendered temporary aid to 68 families, caring for 303 persons, 118 adults and 190 children. Of the families aided 39 had Wilmington settlements, 14 had settlements elsewhere, and 15 liad no settlement and consituted State cases. The expenditure by the Town for the cases not having a Wilmington settlement will amount to approximately $3000. The Town will be reimbursed for this expenditure.
The method of procedure adopted by your present Board in March 1931 and outlined in our 1931 report has been continued.
All able bodied applicants for aid worked in return for assistance given. During last Winter sufficient cord wood to provide fuel dur- ing the present Winter was obtained from the use of such labor and wood is now being prepared for use next Winter. In addition to using the labor to supply fuel for our applicants the Highway, Cemetery and Water Departments have had the benefit of such labor. During the year 1932, 730 man days of work was received by the Town in return for assistance given applicants.
Mother's Aid
During the year 1932 the Town had two Mother's Aid Cases. It is expected that one or two additional cases will be aided under this class of relief during 1933.
Old Age Assistance
The purpose and intent of the Old Age Assistance Act continues to be misunderstood by many. A pension to a person over 70 years is not provided for. It is absolutely necessary that the applicant be a deserving citizen in need of relief and support. It cannot be over- looked that where there are children or other relatives, such persons should morally and legally provide for the care and support of their ncedy relatives. The applicant must be deserving as required by the Act. Assistance is. not given to applicants who have not been
106
good citizens, persons who have been spendthrifts or have disposed of their property without thought of providing for their care in old age. In other words the mere arrival of a person at the age of 70 does not justify the granting of assistance. In addition to being in lieed of relief an applicant must be a citizen and have resided in the Commonwealth not less than 20 consecutive year immediately pre- ceding his 70th birthday. There is no definite limit to the amout which shall be allowed to any person, but due regard shall be given by the Board to the circumstances and changes in the amount given in each case may be made as warranted.
As of January 1, 1933, 8 cases were being aided by this class of relief. During the year 13 applications were received, 5 applicants have been accepted and assistance given, 7 applications rejected for various reasons, 1 application is being investigated, 3 cases are being aided by other cities and towns to persons having a settlement in Wilmington.
We estimate that our expenditures during 1933 will exceed those of 1932 primarily due to aid being rendered by other cities and towns to families having Wilmington settlements, additional Mother's Aid and Old Age Assistance cases and increased requests for aid.
The amout of clerical work necessary to properly perform the duties of the Board is a most important detail and requires consider- able time in addition to time required for our regular weekly meet- ing, visits to homes of applicants and other necessary duties involv- ing the investigation of applicants.
A complete and further detail of our expenditures will be found in the Town Accountant's statement elsewhere in the Town Report.
We wish to acknowledge and express our appreciation for the contributions by individuals, of money, clothing and Thanksgiving Baskets. The thankfulness of the recipients of the donations for the thoughtfulness of the persons who gave, should warrant others to assist and if any person in Wilmington wishes to contribute to the needy of the Town, your Board of Public Welfare will be happy to co-operate. We are also grateful for the assistance and co-opera- tion of the Churches, Doctors and local organizations and the com- munity as a whole for the fine spirit of helpfulness evidenced by the
107
success of the Christmas Basket Fund. The co-operation we have received from the Board of Selectmen, the Town Counsel, the Board of Assessors, the Water, Cemetery, Highway, School and Police Departments in carrying on our work has been of invaluable assist- ance, and is gratefully acknowledge.
Respectfully submitted CHARLES H. BLACK GARDNER I. RITCHIE WINIFRED N. NORTON
108
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To The Honorable Board of Selectinen : Wilmington, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
I submit to you the following report as Inspector of Animals for the year 1932.
Number of dog bites reported 28
Number of dogs showing physical signs of rabies 1 Number of dogs submitted to laboratory examination .. 1
Laboratory report :
Positive 1
Negative 0
Suspicious 0
Rabies was not so prevelent this year as last year.
Inspection of domestic animals :
Number of places keeping cows 52
Number of Cows 193
Number of herds tuberculin tested 11
Three fair sized herds had been tested and condemned and not re- stocked prior to my inspection.
Respectfully.
W. E. MERRILL, V. M. D.
Inspector.
109
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
-
To the Honarable Board of Selectmen ;
Gentlemen :
I submit the following report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1932.
During the year, considerable change has taken place in the ap- pearance of the Police Station, located in the center.
Previous to alterations, the place was dingy and cold, and it was necessary for all persons, required by law to be kept in the lock-up, to be transported to the Highway Building, and an extra man em- ployed.
The office of the Police Station has been entirely renovated, with whitened ceilings, two-tone gray painted walls and painted floors .. A waiste-high business counter has been erected and a strictly private office provided for the conduct of such private business as may come to the attention of the department.
In the rear compartment of the quarters, the portable cells have been placed with iron gratings about the windows, and work is in progress to provide sink and toilet accommodations.
Contributions towards the betterment and improving of the station were many, including the white enamel bowl for the sink, and the white toilet stand. The top board for the waiting counter, roll top desk and office chair, typewriter and two tables and plants were also donated. The entire cost to the department has been no more than the expense of an officer at the Highway Building.
All th work of remodelling has been done by men who have been assisted by the Town.
With the renovation of the Police Station, at a' low cost, the ap- pearance of the station has. increased a hundred fold, and brings to all persons entering, an air of dignity.
110
I wish to thank the members of the different departments and the donors, for their splendid co-operation and their contributions.
Number of Arrests 79
Males 73
Females 6
Residents
33
Non-Residents
46
Causes of Arrest
Non-Support
8
Non-Payment of Wages
2
D: unk
25
Violation of Auto Laws
22
Assault and Battery
5
Insane
9
Breaking and Entering and Larcency
4
Larcency
6
Assault with Intent to Kill
1
Manslaughter
2
Selling without a License
2
Trespassing
3
Violations of Liquor Laws (Raids with Federal Agents)
5
Disposition of Cases
House of Correction
2
Suspended Sentences
6
State Hospital Insane
2
Placed on Probation
8
Placed on File
19
Released
17
Number of Fines Imposed
11
Amount of Fines
$ 385.00
Value of Stolen Property Recovered
$4,266.00
Turned over to out of town police
14
Dogs disposed of 49
Warrants and Summons served for out of town Police ..
71
Cancelation of Auto plates, (Investigated at request of
Registrar of Motor Vehicles) 68
111
Persons reported missing from State Hospital, found and returned 6
Other persons reported missing, (found) 5
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY J. AINSWORTH,
Chief of Police.
112
REPORT OF TOWN COUNSEL
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
In accordance with the requirements of the Town By-Laws, I submit herewith my report as Town Counsel covering the year 1932.
A. On January 1, 1932, there were pending the following actions by or against the Town, (exclusive of actions in which the Town was merely summoned as trustee, and in which it had no interest) :
Hakey v. Town of Wilmington, Middlesex Superior Court. (Action of tort by Mary Jane Surrette Hakey to recover damages for personal injuries alleged to have been received by reason of a defect in Middlesex Avenue; ad damnum $5000.)
Town of Wilmington v. Wilmington Packing Company, Mid- dlesex Superior Court.
(Bill in equity brought to enjoin the Wilmington Packing Company from conducting a rendering plant without a permit.) Shepard v. Town of Wilmington, Essex Superior Court.
(Action of tort by Ernest J. Shephard to recover damages for personal injuries alleged to have been received by reason of a defect in Woburn Street; ad damnum $4000.)
B. During the year 1932 the Town brought one action namely, a suit in the Superior Court for Middlesex County against Carl F. Wyckstrom, Administrator of the Estate of Otto Andrew Ohlson to recover the amount of $82.16 due the Town from said estate.
During the year 1932 there was also one new action brought against the Town, namely, an action of tort by Nellie F. Bean to re- cover damages for personal injuries alleged to have been received by reason of a defect in the sidewalk on Main Street; ad damnum $5000.
C. During the year 1932 the following actions by or against the Town were settled and disposed of :
Town of Wilmington v. Wilmington Packing Company, Mid- dlesex Superior Court.
(This bill in equity brought to enjoin the Wilmington Pack-
113
ing Company from conducting a rendering plant without a permit was disposed of by a final decree entered by the court April 22. 1932 by consent of the parties, which decree embodied and approved a stipulation agreed to by the parties which pro- vided that the respondent Wilmington Packing Company would not occupy or use the premises on Eames Street owned by it "as or for a melting or rendering establishment, nor for the resumption or carrying on of the business heretofore carried on by it on said premises namely, the manufacture and process- ing of fish material into a fish meal nor for the manufacture or processing of fish or animal material.")
D. The compensation received by the Town Counsel in said ac- tions and in all other matters during the year is as follows :
Compensation : $585.00 (This amount was entirely on account of services rendered in 1931,
Disbursements :
$71.80
Respectfully submitted. PHILIP B. BUZZELL, Town Counsel.
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF TRUST FUNDS 1932
Amount
Acumu- lated Interest
With drawn
Balance on Deposit
S. D. J. Carter Lecture Fund
Plac stone
IND. 1879
$2578.50
$200.65
$150.43
$2688.72
Woburn
No. 56372
2000.00
289.98
195.69
2094.29
Mechanics
No. 11437
2000.00
263.21
175.35
2087.86
$6578.50
$813.84
$521.47
$6870.87
Sears Cock Walker, Walker School Fund
Mechanics
No. 12810
$257.00
$9.50
$266.50
Library Funds:
Chester W. Clark
Block tone
No, 9407
500.00
46.55
51.65
Burnap
16 8012
200 01
6281
262.84
Benjamin Buck
Andover
No. 18841
500.00
46.36
546.36
Charlotte C. Smith
Mechanics
No. 4215
500.00
178.40
678.40
Sabra Carter Common Fund
Andover
No. 18243
200.00
96.42
296.42
Cemetery Funds :
Isaac Cazneau
",
No. 18985
100.00
63.57
$6.00
157.57
Susan Carlton
"
No. 18345
75.00
37.64
12.50
100.11
Geo. W. & Minnie A. Sidelinker
No. 22450
200.00
36.54
12.00
224.51
Satra Carter (Jacques Lot)
No. 18347
200.00
98.34
4.00
294.34
William H. Carter
"
No. 24631
100.00
33.46
4.00
129.46
Dolly Harnden
No. 18342
100.00
18.45
6.00
112.45
Thomas P. Eames
No. 18345
100.00
30.26
4.00
126.26
Sabra Carter
"
No. 18348
100.00
69.10
5.00
164.10
Rich Carter James Frazer
No. 22451
100.00
28.12
4.00
124.12
"'
No. 18343
200.00
64.99
11.00
253.99
Martha Temple
No. 18344
100.00
22. 15
2.00
120.15
S. D. J. Carter
:
No. 22579
20.0.00
150.75
6.00
344.75
Charlotte C. Smith
Mechannes
No. 4214
50.00
8.57
2.00
56.57
Charles F. Hopkins
Blackstone
No. 4248
200.00
74.39
6.00
268.39
Abner C. Childs
Woburn
No. 33384
100.00
45.64
44.00
101.64
Gilman C. Harnden
No. 32614
100.00
11.44
5.00
106.44
Laura Parker
"
No. 32615
50.00
10.75
2.00
58.75
Sarah G. Sheldon
No. 33814
200.00
93.38
6.00
287.38
Rufus C. Eames
Blackstone
No. 4642
100.00
8.14
3.00
105.14
John Sheldon Sargent
No. 4859
100.00
10.97
4.00
106.97
Isabelle Holt
No. 5169
75.00
10.22
3.00
82.22
"
No. 5604
50.00
5.80
55.80
Nathan B. Eames
Mechanics
No. 6899
100.00
14.54
4.00
110.54
Andover
No. 31514
100.00
22.98
4.00
118.98
Lorenzo Meads
Mechanics
No. 7176
100.00
8.87
6.00
102.87
Almira J. Carley
Andover
No. 32237
100.00
43.38
16.50
126.88
George E. Swain
Blackstone
No. 7304
100.00
6.75
3.00
103.75
Josiah Monroe (Care Elbridge Carter &, Walter H. Blanchard Lots)
Mechanics
No. 7559
100.00
15:18
4.00
111.18
Jacob H. Shedd
Blackstone
No. 7701
100.00
15.15
4.00
111.15
George Ț. Eames
"
No: 7746.
200.00
21.18
4.00
217.18
Jonathan Eames, 2nd.
Andover
No. 35188
100.00
19.98
4.00
115.98
Newman Parker, Jr.
Blackstone'
No. 825.9
100.00
7.82
4.00
103.82
"
Henry Blanchard
Thomas Day
Irwin E. Morse
Mechanics
No. 8531
100.00
14.18
4.00
110.18
Sylvester & Lois R. Carter
No. 8990
100.00
8.98
4.00
104.98
Capt. George W. McIntosh
No. 9662
200.00
38.69
12.90
225.79
Mary A. Gowing, Lot 410
No. 10283
100.00
14.03
3.00
111.03
S. Lizzie Carter, Lot 439
No. 10282
100.00
14.97
3.00
111.97
Julia, M. Parker (Ward Parker Lot)
"
No. 10641
100.00
11.32
3.00
108.32
Manuel & Elizabeth Dexter
No. 10640
50.00
8.43
58.43
Jaques Gowing
"
No. 10639
100.00
10.18
3.00
107.18
Maude K. Tuttle, Lot 60 B,
"
No. 10693
100.00
20.68
120.68
Benjamin Glover, Lot 146
No. 10953
100.00
13.43
4.00
109.43
John W. Perry, Lot 222, Sec. D.
No. 10967
100.00
13.43
113.43
Mary E. Kelley, Lot 322, Sec. E.
"
No. 10968
100.00
11.29
111.29
Caleb S. Harriman, Lot 53
No. 11642
100.00
13.11
113.11
John N. Eames, Lot 137
No. 11643
100.00
13.11
4.00
109.11
Lemuel C. Eames,
"
No. 12493
100.00
7.93
4.00
103.93
Sarah H. Jackson, Lot 497
"
No. 12494
100.00
7.93
3.00
104.93
Henry G. Gowing, Lot 20
No. 12495
150.00
7.77
157.77
Susan A. Hamlin, Lot 646 A.
"
No. 12820
100.00
3.69
103.69
William H. McCabe, Lot 334
No. 12821
100.00
3.69
103.69
Walter A. Hill, Lot 458
No. 13322
100.00
.33
100.33
Rachel Clough, Lot 132
No. 13323
100.00
.33
100.33
Samuel Manning & Stephen Buck, Lot 73
"
No. 13324
100.00
.33
100.33
Clifford H. Wilson, Lot 54
No. 13325
100.00
33
100.33
Edward B. Manning, Lots 196-203
No. 13360
100.00
100.00
$8357.00
$1787.83
$252.90
$9891.93
Caleb S. Harriman Edward N. Eames Philip B. Buzzell Trustees of Trust Funds
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE 0
Together with the Report of
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS For the Year ending December 31, 1932.
119
REPORT OF WILMINGTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR 1932
The Wilmington Public Sch ah were mint en ligring 1332 wel' within the approp. j .. ton er p.
record for low cjerating cost jer gup : has been coronaen.
The upper schools are over afternoon session for parts of
necessary. Yet this has failed to relieve chey ney with it . In the High School Building in classroom, and til to food am at recess time. Confusion noise and doby te uit.
The only possible remedy sorry, de and Will jon Is es and beginning next autumn this wih de d ne.
Lut under such crowded conditions of officers, togoffo s and other em- ployees of the Department have cooperated and labored chev.fully and successfully and to thiem the Town should be very grateful.
JOHN W. HATHAWAY, OLIVIA H. HURGROSS, NORMAN W. FERRY.
0
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee of Wilmington :
Ladies and Gentlemen :
I present herewith my ninth Annual Report as Superintendent of Schools for the Town of Wilmington.
The gist of most reports of this kind for the current year will be finances. The country over, there seems to be a spirit of an- tagonism against public education because of its cost in dollars and cents. It would almost appear that we have degenerated into a na- tion of pour economic marksmen and therefore select the larger targets to shoot at to prove that we can hit something. Public education, because of the large proportion of the local tax levies required for its support, offers an easy target. Even the navy has given over the South Pole for the casier mark offered by the public
120
schools.
There is no doubt that money has been spent beyond actual necessity on public school buildings, but the same is true of post- offices, libraries, federal buildings, city halls, and many other types of construction paid for by taxation.
It is probably true that subjects have been forced into the school curriculum which should be taught elsewhere. It is interesting to note, however, that these have been forced in by popular demand rather than dragged in by education administrators. We have been obliged to educate children to make a living rather than to live. It would almost seem that the measure of success of education is that it fits young people to get a job rather than it teaches them to act intelligently when they get their pay envelopes. It seems more important that they get money than that they make proper use of it when they have it. They must be fitted to get the first job, regardless of their fitness to handle it so well that they may go on to a greater one. It is forgotten that man existed thousands of years before he began to live, as he now conceived living.
It is indeed true that educational costs are large compared to other items in many budgets, but is this true of Wilmington?
The Facts
WILMINGTON SCHOOLS ARE PROVIDED AT ONE OF THE LOW- EST PER FCPIL RATES OF ALL OF THE COMMUNITIES OF THIS STATE.
The average cost per pupil throughout this state is at least 50 per cent higher.
There are some communities which spend twice as much per pupil as we do, e. g. Concord, Northbridge, Swampscott, Boston, Spring- field.
New .Salem spent four times as much per pupil last school year. So also did Middlefield.
The little town of Prescott paid six times as much to educate each pupil as did Wilmington. Mt. Washington spent five times as much.
In a group of 108 towns which have a population of less than 5000 and which support a high school, Wilmington stood 105. This was for the year when our budget was $70,000 and our enrollment 50 less.
WE are NOW educating children at the rate of less than $60 each as compared to $68 last year.
It is to be fervently hoped that the people of this town will not be stampeded, by the popular hue and cry about high educational costs, into an attempt to further reduce the already too small appro- priation allowed for schools. We are operating now on a budget which is 25 per cent below actual needs and about 40 per cent below
121
the average. Last year we "got by" by virtue of a reduction in cost of transportation secured from a new contract and a shortlived year ; by cutting every possible expenditure below actual needs ; and by making none of the necessary repairs until we had reaped the bene- fit of ten months of scrimping. Due to the increase in numbers and the necessity for increased classroom accommodations, including the opening of the Opportunity Class in the North School, it seems an almost impossible prospect that the system can be operated another year on the same appropriation voted in 1932. This we have agreed to attempt, but successful fulfillment should not be expected without distinct loss to the children in the schools.
In Ten Years, Jan. 1, 1923 to Jan. 1, 1933.
The increase in school enrollment was 62.7%
The increase in school costs was 42.9%
The increase in all school accommodations was 28 %
The increase in new school accommodations was 19 %
The increase in teaching costs was 19 %
The increase in High School enrollment was 37 %
The increase in eighth grade enrollment was 68 %
The increase in seventh grade enrollment was 117 %
From the above figures it will be noted that :
School costs increased 20 per cent less rapidly than the number of pupils.
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