USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1939-1940 > Part 3
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
We have had several campaigns during the past year to put a stop to speeding and other Motor Vehicle Law violations and have had occasion to stop a great number of persons or operators and warned them and in many cases we have sent recommendations to the Regis- trar of Motor Vehicles to have the operator's license suspended.
In regard to automobile accidents during the year it is gratifying to report that the number of accidents have been far less than in previous years but I am very sorry to state that unfortunately two persons have been killed by automobiles in this town during the period of the year.
The School Safety Patrol system is still accomplishing good work in taking care of the children of the lower grades and these Safety Patrol boys deserve a great amount of credit for their fine work.
The Red Cross First Aid station located in our Police Station has again proven its usefulness as we have had a great many cases to attend to during the year. The majority of cases attended have been through the summer months and have been mostly of the nature of cuts on the feet caused by bathers stepping on broken glass in Silver Lake.
The Police Department has investigated nearly 700 complaints during the year, many of the complaints being of regular Police work while others are of social service, nevertheless regardless of the nature of the complaint the Officers of this department are always anxious at all times to help any person in need.
In conclusion I wish to take this opportunity to thank your Honor- able Board, the Citizens of the Town, the various Town Departments, the State Police, the Officers of this Department and others for the fine cooperation and assistance which has been rendered to promote the success and efficiency of the Wilmington Police Department.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY J. AINSWORTH,
Chief of Police.
Number of Arrests
126
Males
122
Females
4
Residents
42
Non Residents
84
43
Causes of Arrests
Armed Robbery
3
Assault and Battery
9
Bastardy
1
Breaking and Entering
13
Building without a Permit
2
Common Nuisance
1
Delinquent Children
2
Drunkenness
37
Illigitmacy
1
Larceny
15
Malicious Mischief
5
Neglected Children
1
Non Payment of Wages
2
Non Support
2
Receiving Stolen Property
1
Suspicious Persons
4
Stubborn Children
1
Trespassing
2
Truancy
1
Vagrancy
1
Unnatural Act
1
Violation of Conditions of Probation
1
Violation of Motor Vehicle Laws:
Operating so as to Endanger
3
Operating Unregistered Car
2
Operating with plates of another car
2
Operating Uninsured Car
2
Operating without a License
1
Operating under the Influence
3
Operating after Revocation
1
Operating after Suspension
1
Speeding
3
Leaving scene of Accident
2
20
126
Disposition of Cases
Released
34
Filed
18
Discharged by Court
6
Suspended Sentence
8
House of Correction
4
44
States Prison
5
To Officers of other Cities and Towns 20
Fined
22
Fines Imposed
$375.00
Probation
6
To Commonwealth of Massachusetts
3
Miscellaneous
Accidents Reported
52
Persons Injured:
Males-46
Females-34
Total 80
Persons Killed:
Females-2
Total
2
Automobile Licenses Revoked and Suspended
42
Automobile Registrations Revoked
37
Buildings Found Open
28
Dogs Disposed Of:
Males-35
Females-17
Total 52
Complaints 676
Complaints Investigated
676
Emergency Messages Delivered
63
Persons Bitten by Dogs
22
Persons Found
16
Permits to work on Lord's Day
12
Number of Town Warrants Posted
10
Number of Notices posted for Registrars of Voters
5
Property Found and Recovered
$12,152.25
Recommendations to Registrar of Motor Vehicles for Suspension of Licenses 12
Transfer of Automobiles 225
Warrants and Summons Served 84
Warnings for Violation of Motor Vehicle Laws 108
Ambulance Cases 1939
Ambulance Cases 68°
Males
19
Females
49
Town Cases
59
Out of Town Cases
9
Accidents
6
45
Ambulance Fund
Balance December 31st, 1938
$ 130.73
Interest
2.51
Cash Received
212.80
Balance
346.04
Paid Out
175.40
Balance
170.64
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY J. AINSWORTH,
Chief of Police.
REPORT OF DOG OFFICER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
By virtue of this Warrant I have proceeded forthwith to seek out, catch and confine the dogs of Wilmington:
Dogs Licensed 343
Dogs Killed:
Males
35
Females 17
HARRY J. AINSWORTH,
Dog Officer.
46
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF WILDWOOD CEMETERY
It is gratifying to report the progress that has been made in modernizing and beautifying our cemetery.
The work was all made possible by the continued W. P. A. Pro- jects. Additional improvements can be made if the Town considers that this type of work should be continued.
It is with a keen sense of loss to our Board and to the Town that we record the death of one of our Commissioners, Mr. Wallace Bar- rows. He had served on this Board for a number of years and his interest and cooperation in this work, made it a pleasure to serve with him in this capacity.
Respectfully submitted,
LOUIS T. McMAHON, Chairman, GUY E. NICHOLS,
Cemetery Commissioners.
47
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD AND PARK COMMISSION
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Your Park Commissioners, during the year 1939, endeavored to keep the various Parks, The Common and the Athletic Field at Town Park, in the best possible condition with a minimum of expense.
We believe our field equal or better, than most Town Parks in this section of the State. Out of Town teams are anxious to play here and all go away expressing their pleasure with its condition. Your Com- missioners think the time has come to provide our sports fans an opportunity to enjoy their favorite sport with more confort, we there- fore recommend the erection of four sections of portable bleacher seats which may be used for both Baseball and Football. An article in the Town Warrant will be presented for your approval.
We wish to extend our thanks to the Cemetery Department for their assistance and cooperation.
Another page of this Annual Town report devoted to the memory of the late Wallace E. Barrows-a most vauable and faithful member of this board for many years, expresses in some small measure, our appreciation of him as a Man and Public Spirited Citizen.
We regret to announce the resignation of Raymond Swain, and welcome the appointment of Herbert R. Boutwell.
Respectfully submitted :
E. M. NEILSON, Chairman, H. R. BOUTWELL,
Planning Board. Park Commissioners.
48
WALLACE EMERSON BARROWS Died September 7, 1939
With profound sorrow, the Town of Wilmington records the death of one of its prominent citizens, Wallace E. Barrows.
Mr. Barrows was very fond of his home town and gave generously of his time and knowledge to make Wilmington a better place to live in.
He was one of the promoters of the Zoning Laws, and served on the Planning Board and Park Commissioners since those Boards were in- stalled. He also served as a member of the Cemetery Commissioners, and was keenly interested in developing and beautifying our park facil- ities.
He was an active worker in the Boy Scout movement, and was ac- countable for much of its development in this Town.
He will be greatly missed by his associates and by this community, and mingled with this community-loss is deep sympathy for the men- bers of his family.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Wilmington, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
The following is the report of your Board of Appeal for the year ending December 31, 1939.
The Board started the year with an appropriation of $25.00 which was thought to be sufficient at that time.
However, as the weeks progressed, petitions and requests were quite numerous, so much in fact, that the above appropriation was expended before half the year was ended.
The present Board of Appeal found upon assuming office, that there was nothing to work with, such as printed matter, etc.
This matter was essential to the proper administration of the duties imposed by law upon this Board.
It was found necessary to appeal to the Finance Committee for more funds, and that Committee needing the necessity of more funds approved an extra appropriation of $25.00.
The Honorable Board of Selectmen must, of course, realize that when the Zoning Law was first passed, it was an infant, but has now grown and developed to such a point, where it has become a very im- portant function of our Town Government, to the extent that more hearings have been held among this year's administration than in all previous years together.
We have been very hard pressed and have had to function with very little money, and are striving to go along without the necessary funds.
If this Board of Appeals is to continue for the best interest of the Town, it will be necessary that the Town cooperate with the Board of Appeals to the fullest extent.
49
It is the desire of the present Board of Appeals that the sum of $150.00 be appropriated for the year 1940, for the following purposes: Clerical Services, Stationary, Postage, etc. Necessary expenses in- curred by members of the Board of Appeals in the matter of investiga- tions for the conduct of its hearings.
The present Board of Appeals has held twenty hearings during the year 1939. These hearings have been well attended and manifest a keen interest on the part of the towns people in the administration of the Zoning By-Laws.
In conclusion we wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen, the Building Inspector, and the Town's people at large, for the fine spirit of cooperation in helping the present Board of Appeal carry out its duties.
JOSEPH P. RING, Chairman,
Board of Appeal.
50
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year 1939.
Sealed Adj. Condemned
Platform Scales over 10,000 lbs.
1
Platform Scales 5000 to 10,000 lbs.
1
Platform Scales 100 to 5000 lbs. 12
Counter Scales 100 lbs. or over
1
Counter Scales under 100 lbs.
S
Spring Scales 100 lbs. or over
S
Spring Scales under 100 lbs.
32
10
1
Computing Scales under 100 lbs.
1S
3
1
Personal Weighing Scales
4
1
Avoirdupois
75
Liquid Measures
19
Oil Jars
10
Meters 1 inch inlet
43
9
Bulk Station Meters
3
1
Tank Truck Meters
9
8 1
Gasoline Pumps
2
Oil Measuring Pumps
11
Grease Measuring Pumps
4
Quantity Measures on Pumps
23
Sealing fees collected and turned over to Town Treasurer. $62.43
The following are Weights of commodities for immediate delivery:
-Incorrect-
Tested Correct
Under
Over
Beans
5
5
Bread.
42
42
Butter
22
22
Coal in Paper Bags
32
32
51
Confectionery
19
9
10
Lard ..
21
10
11
-
-
141
78
63
Number of Licenses Inspected
8
Hawkers and Pedlers Seals
1
Junk Dealers
1
Clinical Thermometers
9
Expenses of Department are as follows:
Appropriation
$ 330.00
Total Expense
315.69
Unexpended Balance
$ 14.31
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN F. MUSE,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
52
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
January 18, 1940.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Wilmington, Mass. Gentlemen:
No slaughtering inspected during the year 1939.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH B. ODIORNE, Inspector of Slaughtering.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS
Wilmington, Mass., Jan. 8, 1940.
Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The following is my report as Inspector of Buildings for the year 1939.
The total number of permits granted is 100, an increase of 45 compared to 1938.
58 were new construction.
42 were alterations.
The total cost of construction is $92,892, an increase of $55,926 as compared to 1938.
Permit fees amounting to $79.00 were collected and turned over to the Town Treasurer.
I wish at this time to thank the Police Department for the co- operation given me.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH A. CRISPO,
Inspector of Buildings.
53
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Board selected Mrs. Miriam H. Ware as Librarian and believes that she will continue the same courteous attention and service that was practiced by her predecessor.
The Board wishes to call attention to the fact that residents bor- rowing books from the library are responsible for the care and return of books when due. Many are not paying attention to notices sent to them regarding overdue books. Negligence in this respect cancels the library privileges.
After a book is read, it should be returned promptly as others may be waiting to read the same book.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD N. EAMES, Chairman, CHARLOTTE HATHAWAY, HELEN H. BUCK, PHILIP B. BUZZELL, LOUIS T. McMAHON, PETER NEILSON,
Trustees of Public Library.
54
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Honorable Board of Trustees:
I herewith submit my first report as Librarian:
Number of books purchased during year 162
Number of books given to Library 13
Number of books taken out during year
12,369
Number of magazines taken out during year 419
Number of books borrowed from State Library
2
Number of books in library
7,533
Number of new borrowers during year
150
Number of books discarded
258
Number of books replaced
14
Amount received from library fines
$76.33
Amount received from sale of old books
4.80
Total .... $81.13
We have a large assortment of magazines on our reading table which may be borrowed from the library after a period of sixty days.
The pupils of the North School, under the supervision of Miss Maynard, are rebinding our books. Up to the present time, several have been satisfactorily rebound and are in circulation once more.
Respectfully submitted,
MIRIAM H. WARE, Librarian.
55
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Dear Sirs:
During the past year the following diseases, contagious and dan- gerous to the public health were reported to the Board of Health:
Cerebro-spinal-meningitis
1
Chicken-pox
20
Dog bites
27
Measels
7
Mumps
42
Scarlet fever
1
Pulmonary tuberculosis
1
Whooping cough
13
Lobar pneumonia
3
Gonorrhea
1
During the severe drought during the past summer and fall 56 wells were complained of, samples of water taken from these and sent to the State. Many of these were found to be contaminated or unfit for personal and culinary purposes.
Respectfully yours,
GERALD A. FAGAN, M. D.
Agent for Board of Health.
56
REPORT OF THE SARAH D. J. CARTER LECTURE TREASURER'S REPORT
RECEIPTS
January 1, 1939, Balance on hand
$ 45.62
February 16, Income F. L. Eames
169.00
Interest
1.02
$ 215.64
EXPENDITURES
February 16, 1939, Bertha Wells Manager $ 45.00
February 16, 1939, Wilmington Mirror
12.00
April 7, 1939, Bertha Wells Manager
25.70
April 7, 1939, Bertha Wells Manager
30.00
May 8, 1939, Wilmington Grange Rent
30.00
$ 142.70 $
142.70
$ 72.94
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR F. BLAKE, Treasurer,
Sarah D. J. Carter Lecture Committee.
57
REPORT OF THE SARAH D. J. CARTER LECTURE COMMITTEE
The Carter Lecture Committee has arranged for three entertain- ments for the residents of Wilmington during the present season as follows:
Tuesday, February 6, 1940 At eight o'clock P. M. in the Congregational Church the Andover Male Choir
Tuesday, March 5, 1940 At eight o'clock P. M. in the Grange Hall "The Two Woman Theatre" MISS BETTY PIERCE MISS DOROTHY DAY
Tuesday, April 2, 1940 At eight o'clock P. M. in the Grange Hall An illustrated lecture by MR. CHARLES CASSON "Wonderland of the West"
MURIEL ANN GEBHARD MILDRED E. NEILSON ARTHUR F. BLAKE
JOHN W. HATHAWAY ANNA R. BARRY
The Carter Lecture Committee
58
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS
Water is a very precious commodity and as the old saying goes, "You never miss the water until the well runs dry". With the cont- inued drought, the lakes, ponds and rivers in Wilmington are very low. There is a very heavy drain on our visible supply and our un- derground supply of water. The Consolidated Chemical Company at North Woburn is drawing very heavily on the water shed in that direction. This lowers the ground supply and causes dry wells. On the other water shed the cities of Lynn, Peabody and Saugus are pumping very heavily from the Ipswich River which is draining the brooks, and meadows flowing into this river. This is also drawing from the ground supply and is another cause for dry wells.
It is very fortunate that we have a dam in the river which is pro- tecting the Town's water supply. This dam enables us to hold back the water, which floods our meadows, thereby not only protecting our wells from frost, but also feeding the well field with a plentiful supply of water.
At several terminals of our lines, faucets were placed to enable people whose wells were dry to get water. Unfortunately these con- nections are constantly being broken and destroyed by acts of vand- alism.
Last summer outdoor sprinklers were being used to such an extent that it was overtaxing the pumping capacity of our plant. We were obliged to ask for co-operation of our consumers to limit their sprink- ling from 5 P. M. to 9 P. M. We again ask the cooperation of our con- sumers in the coming year not to use their sprinklers other than during this period. Until we get a very bountiful supply of rain we should be very careful not to waste water, as continued drought will cause serious water conditions all over the state.
It will be necessary during the coming year to wash all our wells. Our plant has been in operation now for ten years, and this work must be performed during this year.
Thirty-eight services were added to the system during 1939.
Respectfully submitted,
CALEB S. HARRIMAN, Chairman, LOUIS T. McMAHON, ALDEN N. EAMES,
Water Commissioners.
59
WATER DEPARTMENT STATISTICS
Water Consumption
Year
Gal.Pumped
Av. per day
1.929
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
1939
99,656,000
273,024
Fuel Oll Consumption
Gal.
Year
Gal. Used
Cost
per Mil.
Cost per MII.
1929
1606.0
$ 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
7.9.3
3.62
1933
3127.1
138.99
79.3
3.52
1934
5000.8
266.47
81.8
4.35
1935
4835.1
264.23
84.4
4.61
1.936
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
1939
8850.8
377.22
88.8
3.78
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
1939
82.00
49.20
.82
.49
60
Oil Used In Heater
1929
3809.0
$215.23
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
388.03
1936
8031.0
373.78
1937
8512.0
450.18
1938
6688.0
366.53
1939
6850.0
301.97
Accounts Receivable
Service Accounts:
Balance due 1936
$ 63.51
Received
35.74
$ 27.77
Balance due 1937
$ 150.82
Received
43.67
$
107.15
Balance due 1938
$ 16.42
Street Mains 1939
Fay Street
$ 161.80
Received
58.00
$ 103.80
Silverhurst Avenue
$ 94.24
Received
94.24
North Street
$ 207.00
Received
70.00
$ 137.00
Water Rates
$ 1,494.77
$ 1,886.91
Total cost of Construction
Cost water system Dec. 31, 1938
$442,814.36
Services & Street Mains
1,774.68
$444.559.04
61
REPORT OF THE MOTH SUPERINTENDENT AND TREE WARDEN
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report as Moth Superintendent and Tree Warden.
Moth Department
In the Moth Department we sprayed all shade trees with arsenate of lead and spreader for Gipsy Moth, Tent Caterpillars, Elm Leaf Beetles and Codling Moth, also creosoted Gipsy Moth nest on every street shade tree in town. I gave the Moth House another coat of paint and fixed the grounds by putting two loads of cinders and a few loads of gravel in the driveway.
I also cut down Wild Cherry trees here and there to try and eliminate some of the tent caterpillars, for the cherry tree leaves are what they live on and breed, so cutting and burning the wild cherry bushes and trees will help to bring the caterpillar under control. I had the old 400 gallon sprayer of the town, put back into usage, which did a good job.
We had a W. P. A. Project working on private land all over the town in sections where the gipsy moths were bad. Painting nests with creosote and spraying the wood lands with Poison which helped to keep the pest down. I hope we can continue to have these Projects so we can bring this pest under control.
Tree Department
In the Tree Warden Department I removed 10 trees which died from the effects of the hurricane. These trees were a danger to the Public and they had to be taken down. A lot of broken limbs was re- moved. This was done so long as finances permitted, and the Municipal Light Company of Reading had four men and myself, (from Wilming- ton) trimming around their wires all over town at their expense. I bolted 3 trees which were split and mechanical braced one tree.
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.
62
-
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
January 18, 1940.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Wilmington, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report for the year 1939 as Inspector of Animals.
Number of dog bites reported 30
Number of dogs showing physical signs of rabies 0
Number of dogs submitted to laboratory examination 0
All biting dogs were quarantined for the period of time prescribed by law.
There were no rabid dogs in Wilmington during 1939. This was due largely, no doubt, to the work of dog officers in rounding up all stray dogs, also in the reporting of biting dogs and the restraint of such animals.
Number of dogs quarantined 30
Inspection of Domestic Animals and Premises Where Animals are kept.
Number of premises keeping cattle 48
Number of cattle inspected 297
Number of hogs inspected 545
Number of sheep inspected 11
Number of goats inspected
13
Number of cattle released from Interstate Shipment 69
Number of cattle quarantined 3
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH B. ODIORNE,
Inspector of Animals.
63
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE For the Year 1939
January 23, 1940.
Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Wilmington, Mass.
Gentlemen:
During the year 1939, we witnessed a decrease in the cost of Public Welfare. This decrease is due mainly to the fact that the W. P. A. has taken a large number of men from the relief rolls and employed them on W. P. A. projects. The splendid administration and cooperation of the W. P. A. with this Board and the unemployed of this town, has indeed relieved the unemployment situation, to a very high degree.
A few of the relief recipients were fortunate enough to find private employment.
The rule of this Board requiring all able bodied persons to work out their allowances, has enabled this Board to assist the various departments of the town to carry out work for which they have re- ceived no appropriation. Welfare work in various departments amount- ed to 6192 hours.
As in previous years the Welfare Board has certified commodity cards. We have endeavored to limit commodities to real needy cases and to those on the W. P. A. payroll.
During the year 1939, we have devoted extra time and effort to determine every settlement status possible. We have checked un- employment compensation at every possible opportunity.
A great deal of time has been spent on investigations and quarterly visits.
At this time, we wish to express our appreciation and sincerest thanks for the fine cooperation and assistance that we have received from the various town departments.
64
Welfare Cases
During the year 1939, this Board rendered aid to 132 families, caring for 528 persons. Sixty cases had a Wilmington settlement, twenty-three cases had no settlement, (State Cases), and forty-nine ^^ges had settlements in other cities and towns.
Hospitalization
As in previous years we have sent most of our cases to St. John's Hospital, Lowell, Mass.
Taken to St. John's Hospital, Lowell 14
Taken to Lowell General Hospital 3
Taken to Massachusetts General Hospital 5
We have one child cared for by the Commonwealth, which we have to pay for.
We also have one person at the Wakefield Town Infirmary which costs the town $1.00 per day.
Aid to Dependent Children
During the year 1939, we aided 22 families with 61 children. How- ever, we dropped 4 of these families with 15 children and at the present time we are aiding 18 families with 46 children.
Commencing September 1, 1939, the law regarding the ages of dependent children was changed to the effect that children under 18 years of age and in regular school attendance were to be classed as "Dependent Children."
During the year 1939, 3 "Aid to Dependent Children" cases were sent to St. John's Hospital, Lowell, Mass.
A family is eligible for this type of aid when the 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 18 years of age.
Old Age Assistance
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.