USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1937-1938 > Part 12
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Respectfully submitted,
MIRIAM H. WARE
Acting Librarian.
78
REPORT OF THE MEMORIAL DAY COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Wilmington, Mass.
We respectfully submit the following report of the Memorial Day Committee.
The Memorial Day Committee was comprised of the Veterans Council with Mr. Caleb S. Harriman as their Chairman. "
At 9 A. M. Wilmington Post 136, A. L. and Nee Ellsworth Post 2458, V. F. W., proceeded to Nee Park and Regan Park with Chaplains, Buglers and Firing Squads where Memorial Services were held in men- ory of these Veterans.
At 9.45 the parade formed on Church Street, opposite the Masonic Hall. The roster of the Parade is as follows:
Detail of Police, Selectmen and President of Veterans Council. Colors and Guards, (Massed Colors) Automobiles with G. A. R. Dis- abled Veterans and Gold Star Mothers, Band, Spanish War Veterans, Wilmington Post 136, American Legion, Nee-Ellsworth Post 2458, Vet- trans of Foreign Wars, Sons of Legion Squadron 136, Wilmington Post 136 American Legion Auxiliary, nee Ellsworth Post 2458, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Junior Drum Corp of Post 136, A. L., Boy Scouts, other patriotic organizations and automobiles. Parade stopped at Mill Brook, Roger Park, Soldiers' Monument and Soldiers' Lot. Addresses were made by the following: At Mill Brook, Rev. Andrew J. White; at Soldiers' Monument, Rev. Arthur A. Simmons; Soldiers' Lot Comm. Chester W. Nichols, A. L., and Rev. Benjamin G. Seaboyer.
At 12 o'clock noon dinner was served to the Veterans and guests catered by Huntley's Catering Service.
The Committee wish to thank the Wilmington Grange for giving their Hall to us for this occasion.
Respectfully submitted,
CALEB S. HARRIMAN
Chairman.
President, James W. Castine; Sec. Treasurer, Joseph T. Kelley. LeRoy B. Bedell, Frank G. Poitrast, Walter Fitch, Herbert Higgin- botham, Wilmington Veterans Council. Honorary Members, John H. Simpson, G. A. R .; Chester W. Nichols, A. L. Commander; Andrew G. Simpson, V. F. W. Commander; M. Alice Lee, A. L. A. 136, President; Alice R. Simpson, President, V. F. W. A.
79
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
Board of Health,
Town of Wilmington.
Gentlemen:
The following communicable diseases have been reported to the board during the past year, 1938.
Chicken-pox 10
Pneumonia, lobar
2
Dog-bite
21
German measles
1
Measles
12
Mumps
8
Scarlet fever
5
Pulmonary tuberculosis
2
Whooping cough
18
Gonorrhea
6
Syphilis
4
By comparison with other years, the community has been very healthy with respect to contagious disease. It has been noted that the whole of the State has been singularly free from contagious disease during the last three months of the past year, with Wilmington enjoy- ing a greater decrease than average.
The Board of Health appreciates the cooperation of volunteer workers as well as parents in aiding in the diphtheria immunization clinic sponsored by the Board.
Yours respectfully,
E. C. MacDOUGALL, M. D.
Board of Health Agent.
80
SARAH D. J. CARTER LECTURE COMMITTEE TREASURER'S REPORT
RECEIPTS
January 1 1938, Balance on hand
$ 25.22
February 10. F. L. Eames Income
176.63
February 10, Interest
.77
$ 202.62
EXPENDITURES
February 21, 1935. Esther Snow Carter
75.00
February 21. 1938, Frank A. O'Hara 12.00
March 15, 1938, Esther Snow Carter
50.00
March 15. 1935, Grange Hall Corp., rent
20.00
$ 157.00 $ 157.00
January 1. 1939, Balance on hand $ 45.62
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR F. BLAKE, Treasurer
Sarah D. J. Carter Lecture Committee.
81
REPORT OF THE SARAH D. J. CARTER LECTURE COMMITTEE
For the season of 1938-1939 the Carter Lecture Committee has ar- ranged for the following entertainments:
February 7, 1939 MR. HOWARD HARRINGTON, tenor, and MR. EDWIN BILTCLIFFE, pianist: A Concert
March 7, 1939 MARION HERTHA CLARKE, presenting "The Inside Story of Radio"
April 7, 1939 DR. SAMUEL M. LINDSEY, speaking on "The Art of Living Together"
MILDRED E. NEILSON MURIEL A. WADSWORTH ARTHUR F. BLAKE LOUIS T. DOUCETTE JOHN W. HATHAWAY
Sarah D. J. Carter Lecture Committee.
82
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS
The consumption of water was somewhat less than in 1937 due to the moisture had during part of the summer.
No extensions were made to the street mains, twenty-three service connections were added during the year.
The hurricane damage to the Water Department was confined to some of the electrical instruments and some trees on the Pumping Station lot. These trees that are down are to be cut into planking and retained by the Department for use in trench work and construction.
We wish to express our appreciation to Miss Ruth M. Giles for her donation to the Water Department of thirty (30) acres of land ad- joining the water shed. This was accepted at the last Town Meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
CALEB S. HARRIMAN, Chairman LOUIS T. McMAHON ALDEN N. EAMES
Water Commissioners.
83
WATER DEPARTMENT STATISTICS
Water Consumption
Year
Gal.Pumped
Av. per day
1929
20,012,700
54,829
1930
26,556,200
72,456
1931
26,384,300
72,285
1932
38,494,200
105,175
1933
39,438,000
108,049
1934
61,122,900
167,460
1935
57,274,300
156,916
1936
75,166,800
205,934
1937
86,575,500
237,193
1938
82,095,600
224,919
Fuel Oil Consumption
Gal.
Year
Gal. Used
Cost
per Mil.
Cost per Mil.
1929
1606.6
$ 90.77
80.2
$4.54
1930
2137
120.73
80.4
4.54
1931
2028.8
109.52
77.7
4.16
1932
3056.3
139.61
79.3
3.62
1933
3129.1
138.99
79.3
3.52
1934
5000.8
266.47
81.8
4.35
1935
4835.1
264.23
84.4
4.61
1936
6751.2
313.90
89.8
4.17
1937
7837.6
408.26
90.5
4.71
1938
7058.8
370.20
85.9
4.51
Lubricating Oil Consumption
Gal.
Year
Gal. Used
Cost
per Mil.
Cost per Mil.
1929
83.25
$54.11
4.1
$2.70
1930
90.00
61.55
3.4
2.32
1931
62.25
46.69
2.36
1.77
1932
88.25
66.19
2.29
1.72
1933
69.00
51.75
1.71
1.31
1934
112.00
84.00
1.83
1.37
1935
88.00
66.00
1.53
1.15
1936
108.00
64.80
1.43
.86
1937
99.00
59.40
1.14
.68
1938
76.00
45.60
.92
.56
84
Oil Used in Heater
Gal.
Cost $215.23
1929
... 3809.0
1930
4204.0
237.54
1931
5081.9
279.20
1932
4950.7
249.29
1933
3646.9
165.88
1934
6442.1
341.99
1935
7095.0
3SS.03
1936
8031.0
373.78
1937
8512.0
450.18
1938
6688.0
366.53
Accounts Receivable
Service Accounts:
Balance due 1936
$ 128.32
Received
64.81
$
63.51
Balance due 1937
$ 194.24
Received
43.42
$ 150.82
Balance due 1938
$ 1,242.02
Received
1,225.60
. $
16.42
Water Rate account
$ 1,236.97
Total accounts receivable
$ 1,467.72
Total cost of Construction
Cost of water system Dec. 31, 1937
$441,440.53
Land
40.00
Total 734 services (23) new
1,333.83
Cost water system Dec. 31, 1938
$442,814.36
85
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
During the year modernization was continued on Section A and a start was made before the ground froze in Section B. This will be completed in the early spring. Plans have been made to complete the grading of Section A.
During the winter months grading has been done in the low section in the center of the Cemetery. When complete this will greatly improve the appearance and will make many more lots.
The work being carried on in the Cemetery is not only an improve- ment but a sound investment as well. The additions already made will return approximately $22,000.00 from the sale of lots and graves and the section under construction will add about $18,000.00 more making a total future income to the Town of $40,000.00.
Surveys have been made and records of lots and burials therein are being compiled It would be of great assistance to us if every lot owner or representative would get in touch with Mr. Newcomb, the Superin- tendent or with one of the Commissioners and check our records of your lot so that you will be sure that records are accurate. If a veteran of any war is buried in your lot, kindly let us know of it.
We wish to express our appreciation to the W. P. A. Without this asssitance it would not have been possible to improve our Cemetery. We also wish to express our thanks to the men on our W. P. A. Projects for their cooperation, and the good work they have accomplished.
Respectfully submitted,
LOUIS T. McMAHON, Chairman, GUY E. NICHOLS WALLACE E. BARROWS
Cemetery Commissioners.
86
REPORT OF THE MOTH SUPERINTENDENT AND TREE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report as Moth Superintendent and Tree Warnen.
Moth Department
In the Moth Dept. this year we sprayed all the street shade trees with arsenate of lead for Gipsy Moth, Tent Caterpillars, Curculio, Elm Leaf Beetles, Canker Worms, and Codling Moth. Also creosoted Gipsy Moth nest over every street in town, and I painted the Moth House and fixed the grounds around the Moth House.
Tree Department
In the Tree Warden Department I removed 16 trees that were en- dangering lives and property also removed a lot of old dead limbs all over town from street shade trees. I mechanical braced and cabled three trees. Cavity work was done on 4 trees which will save them. 234 street trees were blown down by the hurricane. The Municipal Light Company of Reading and the Telephone Company paid 21 of our men of Wilming- ton for the work clearing their wire. After that was done our men worked eliminating a lot of dangerous limbs that were broken hanging over the street and sidewalks which endangered lives and property. This was done as long as finances permitted.
We still have thousands of shade trees in town that will have to be taken care of caused by the hurricane. Broken and split limbs will have to be taken off. All the wood was given to the Welfare Department and needy of the Town of Wilmington.
Details of expenditures will be found in the report of the Town Accountant.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. BABINE
Moth Superintendent and Tree Warden.
87
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
January 23, 1939.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Wilmington, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report for the year 1938 as Inspector of An- imals.
Number of dogs bites reported 27
Number of dogs showing physical signs of rabies 2
Number of dogs submitted to laboratory examination 3
Laboratory Report
Positive
2
Negative
1
Suspicious
0
All biting dogs and animals known to have been 'contacts' with dogs showing positive laboratory reports were quarantined for the period of time prescribed by law.
Number of animals quarantined 35
Inspection of Domestic Animals and Premises Where Animals Are Kept.
Number of premises keeping cattle 51
Number of cattle 280
Number of cattle released from Interstate Shipment 73
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH B. ODIORNE
Inspector of Animals.
88
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE For the Year 1938
January 25, 1939.
Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Wilmington, Mass.
Gentlemen:
In spite of our earnest efforts in keeping welfare costs down, an increase has been witnessed over 1937. During the summer months. when we look for our case load to decrease, we were faced with just the reverse in 1935. Relief cases were exceptionally heavy starting off the year, and continued well into the fall, before we realized any slack- ing off. Unemployment was the big factor that caused this increase. The closing down of our only real industry, did not help out the situation. The WPA quota was increased, which accounted for many men on re- lief to be given work
We kept a very close check on unemployment insurance, and just as soon as a recipient started to receive payments from this source he was dropped from the relief rolls Due to the fact that unemployment insurance was not functioning properly, it was two and three months before some applicants started to receive payments. Conditions such as this are bound to have a bearing on relief conditions.
The WPA workers in this town have not been responsible for any great increase in our costs. They have shown a fine spirit of co-opera- tion, and only in extreme cases has supplementary aid been rendered.
We have watched settlements very closely, and have fought out any case that was in doubt. Our expense for cases sent to the Tewks- bury Infirmary were unusually high, due to the fact that we had a total of five cases there during most of the year. These were Wilmington cases, which cost us $1.00 per day for each case. We are not alone in the matter of rising welfare costs, but practically every town and city in the state has been likewise affected.
As in previous years, this board has certified commodity cards. We have endeavored to keep out the so called chiseler, but in spite of our efforts, there was bound to be bad cases certified, until a further inves-
89
tigation found them to be unworthy. As stated in previous reports, it is difficult for outsiders to appreciate the task that we are confronted with. We will admit that like all humans we make mistakes, but these mis- takes when found out, are readily rectified. All this work has to be done outside of our regular employment, and therefore, we are not in a po- sition to track down unworthy cases as rapidly as if it were a full time job.
Welfare Cases
During the year 1938, this board rendered aid to 154 families, caring for 623 persons. Eighty-nine cases had a Wilmington settlement, forty- nine cases had no settlement, (State Cases), and twenty-four cases had settlements in other cities and towns.
Expenditures by this town for cases having no settlement amounted to about $5000.00, and this town will be reimbursed for this amount. Cases having other than a Wilmington settlement were rendered aid to the extent of about $2500.00, which should likewise come back to us.
We also had nineteen cases aided by outside cities and towns, but which had a Wilmington settlement. These cases cost us a total of $2600.00. We have no jurisdiction over these cases other than determin- ing whether they have a Wilmington settlement.
As in the past this board required that all able bodied men receiv- ing relief, should work out their aid, at the rate of one day for each $3.00 order. Through this arrangement the town benefited to the extent of 4114 man hours.
Hospitalization
As in previous years we have sent most of our cases to St. John's Hospital, in Lowell.
Taken to St. John's Hospital 13 persons
Taken to Lowell General Hospital 1 person
Taken to State Infirmary, Tewksbury 8 persons
Taken to Mass. General Hospital 5 persons We also have one person at the Wakefield Town Infirmary, which costs the town $1.00 per day.
We have one child cared for by the Commonwealth, which we have to pay for.
Aid to Dependent Children
During the year 1938, we aided 16 families consisting of 49 childre under 16 years of age. A family is eligible for this type of aid, when the
90
father is deceased, or totally incapacitated, so that he is unable to work. The allowance under the Social Security Act, is $18.00 per month for the first child, and $12.00 per month for each additional child under 16 years of age. Payments are made semi-monthly. The government reim- burses the town by one-third under the Social Security Act, and the state pays back one-third of the total cost. Under this type of aid, many children who have been deprived of the support of their parents, re- ceive the necessary assistance to make them enjoy the things of this life as other children do.
Old Age Assistance
We have witnessed an increase in this type of aid, which is also regulated under the Social Security Act. We are elated to see the bene- fits that we accomplish under this type of assistance.
In dealing with old people, it is much more different than it is with younger people on straight relief. Take for example, an old person that has been self supporting the greater part of his or her life. Suddenly upon reaching the age of 65, this person finds that it is necessary to seek assistance. It is our contention that once this need is established, that we should do all in our power to make this old person as comfort- able as possible. By this we mean, that we do not believe in hounding them to death. Most people upon reaching advanced age, are more or less in a nervous condition, and unless the investigations are made properly, the old age recipient is kept in a constant state of unrest. We pay particular attention to this type of assistance, and render all the assistance possible in tracing birth records, establishing citizen- ship and in locating homes for recipients when necessary.
During the year 1938 we gave assistance to 114 persons. Sixty-five were women, and forty-nine were men. We closed seventeen cases through death. and for other reasons.
Civilian Conservation Corps.
During the year, twenty boys were sent to CCC camps. These boys were selected from needy families, so far as possible. They were re- quired to send to their parents $25.00 per month. We have had very satisfactory results with these boys, as most of them stayed in for the full time of their enrollment. We feel that this is wonderful training for any boy, and when we could not get boys from needy families, we picked boys that were idle, and needed work.
Government Commodities
During the year 1938, we received and distributed food to the value of $13,536.99, and clothing valued at $5577.70. For this food and clothing
91
it cost the town $248.86. To the persons in the lower income brackets, these commodities have been of great help, and so we feel that it is a good investment as it no doubt keeps many away from relief.
The distribution of commodities is under the supervision of Mrs. Giroux, who receives her pay through the state.
Sewing Project
During the year 1938, the number of persons working on this project was reduced from eight to six. We now have one supervisor, one hand sewer, three machine sewers, and one janitor. These workers have pro- duced 4911 garments, consisting of 1201 boys shirts, 256 boys suits, 84 girls suits 116 pairs of bloomers, 1250 girls dresses, 32 girls skirts, 54 children's combinations, 260 ladies gowns, 280 girls gowns, 48 pillow cases, 108 sheets, 428 girls slips, 420 girls pajamas, 110 boys pajamas, 76 ladies pajamas, 51 men's pajamas, and 87 ladies dresses.
This project is under the supervision of Mrs. Myrtle Shaw, who makes a very capable supervisor.
To all the departments who have co-operated with this board, we extend our deep appreciation. We especially appreciate the assistance received from the police department, not only in the use of the am- bulance, but in furnishing us information that is necessary in our line of work. We only hope that each department in so far as possible, will make every effort to keep as many men off relief as possible, so that the taxpayers will realize a benefit expenditure.
Respectfully yours,
JEROME J. O'LEARY, Chairman FRANK G. PATCH, Investigator HENRY J. PORTER, Secretary
Board of Public Welfare.
92
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
January 19, 1939.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
The following is my report as Superintendent of Streets for the year ending December 31, 1938.
You will find, in detail, the expenditures and purchases of the High- way Department in the report of the Town Accountant. The general ac- count this year was $16,000. Compare this amount with that of $25,000 for the same account during the year 1929 and the year 1930, and you will readily observe how much we have been forced to cut our plans to meet the appropriation.
The work done on W. P. A. projects in preparation for better type construction must wait until there is money available to reshape and surface treat (with asphaltic material) the total width, in order that this new added width will be a part of the traveled road.
Highway work is one of the best W. P. A. projects that the Town of Wilmington has to offer unskilled labor. I would recommend, if it is still necessary to operate projects to care for the unemployed, that the Town accept new streets rather than spend more, with few excep- tions, on the old accepted. Also, added mileage will eventually bring us Chapter 81 assistance from the State and County.
Until the summer of 1937, W. P. A. projects were planned to care for the unemployed by the other departments of the Town of Wilming- ton, allowing the Highway Department the use of their own equipment during the busy season of major repairs on the general account and of Chapter 90 construction work. This last year, 1938, Chapter 90 construc- tion money was released in September and it was so late in the season that it was thought best to install only the storm drainage.
We had completed our Town Account general repairs by the first of June and our regular laborers were forced to go on relief for support from July first to September, leaving our equipment almost exclusively for W. P. A. projects.
93
In this coming year, 1939, we shall have the remainder of 1938 Chapter 90 construction money for Church Street, to use when the weather is right and our Town Roads are in good repair. With 1939 allotment coming along, we will not have equipment to operate W. P. A. projects at the same time. Therefore, I recommend the purchase of two trucks.
The following is a report of the cost of operating Highway Depart- ment equipment. You cannot fail to agree that we cannot afford to hire outside trucks as a regular addition to our equipment.
Year
Day $2.98
G. M. C. Truck No. 1 (out of service April)
$246.25
G. M. C. Truck No. 2 (in service May 3)
685.50
5.32
Reo Truck No. 4
599.22
2.60
Chevrolet Truck No. 5
282.77
1.19
Chevrolet Truck No. 3
451.78
1.94
Conant Loader
63.56
.80
Old Ford (turned in)
28.64
Ford Coupe (1930 model)
159.28
Mixer (one bag size)
17.88
.41
Tractor
132.96
2.66
Roller
74.15
5.30
I conclude by saying that I thank the Board for its cooperation and I also thank the various other departments for their assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
D. ROBERT CARTER
Superintendent of Streets.
94
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD AND PARK COMMISSION
To the Board of Selectmen:
For the year 1938, the Planning Board was not requested to hold any hearings.
No part of the $50.00 appropriation was expended. As in previous years, the money appropriated for parks was principally used on the Baseball and Football fields. Some small equipment and supplies were purchased but the largest part of the appropriation was spent for labor in mowing, etc.
For the last two years, the interest on the Common Fund has taken care of the up-keep of the Common, but as this interest fund is depleted, the Park's appropriation will have to include the mowing on the Common.
Although the playing field at Memorial Park is a considerable dis- tance away, the condition of both the Football and Baseball fields has been good. This coming year, it will be necessary to repair the base lines.
The Park Commissioners are indebted to the Cemetery Department for their excellent cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
E. M. NEILSON W. E. BARROWS RAYMOND SWAIN
Planning Board. Park Commissioners.
February 6, 1939.
95
REPORT OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
The following is a report of the work of the Middlesex County Ex- tension Service in Wilmington, for the year 193S.
Assistance has been rendered the farmer who distributes his own milk, in maintaining his market. The milk distributed by the Surplus Commodities Corporation had begun to cut deeply into the sales of local farmers.
Farmers have been advised on top dressing of haylands, and have been urged to improve their pastures.
Most of the farm visits made in the town this year were to poultry- mnen. Thirty-five of these were made upon request.
Judges were furnished the local Grange Fair. A speaker was fur- nished for one of the regular Grange meetings.
The spray service, which is of interest to fruit growers, has been continued.
Following the hurricane, assistance was rendered in the market- ing of wind-fall apples, the resetting of fruit trees, the financing of damage done to farm buildings by the storm, and in the salvaging of down timber.
A series of meetings of interest to homemakers was conducted on the question of "Money Management."
Miss Henrietta Swain was chairman of the 4-H Town Committee. The other members of the committee were: Mrs. Arthur Kidder, Mrs. Donald Foster. Mrs. Kenneth Glover, Charles Perry, and Rev. Arthur A. Simmons. Club leaders for the year were: Mrs. Charles Rice, Mrs. Talbot Livingston, Miss Evelyn Hood, Mrs. Mary Zdrojewski, Mrs. J. Dudley Blake, Mrs. John Reagan. Mrs. Warren A. Hallett, Mrs. Joseph Woods, Mrs. Alden Eames. Mrs. Guy York, Mrs. Frank Haynes, Edward Jensen, and Ralph Odiorne.
Seventy-one girls and twenty-one boys were enrolled in the cloth- ing, food, book lovers, and garden clubs.
96
Eleanor Grimes was awarded a two-day trip to the Massachusetts State College for her excellent club work. John Smith was a winner in the garden contest conducted by the Middlesex North Agricultural Society.
Eight club members from Wilmington attended the County 4-H Camp at the Massachusetts State College. Three club members attended the Conservation Camp, three leaders the Adult Leaders' Camp, and one the Junior Leaders'.
The Annual Achlevement Day exhibit and program under the di- rection of Miss Henrletta Swain, town chairman, was exceptionally fine. Admission was charged, the proceeds to be used for promoting club work in the town. The +H exhibits at the Grange Fair were supervised by Mrs. Frank Haynes. The state blue ribbon was awarded to this exhiblt for belng the most outstanding.
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