USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1939-1940 > Part 4
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 witnessed an increase in this type of aid, which was to be expected as persons becoming 65 years of age are eligible if they qualify under the Federal and State Rulings.
Work in this department has increased considerably, as the state is requiring more complete data on each case. We have successfully complied with the desire of the state by keeping our records up to the requirement.
65
In conjunction with the state we are strictly enforcing rulings on children able to aid parents, who have applied, and also after they have been put on the rolls.
During the year 1939, we gave aid to 131 persons. We closed 17 cases. Ten cases received hospitalization.
C. C. C.
During the year 1939, twenty-four boys were sent to C.C.C. Camps. These boys were required to send to the parents $22.00 per month.
All of these boys were out of school and unable to find work. We feel that the C. C. C. is wonderful training for any boy, and we have been very fortunate to be able to send more than our quota each time.
At this time we wish to express our sincere thanks for the fine cooperation we have received from the State Selecting Agent, Mrs. Lauretta Bresnahan, and her staff.
Government Commodities
During the year 1939, we received and distributed food to the value of $11,510.49, and clothing valued at $4,038.85. The total of the Federal Government clothing distributed was $537.00.
The distribution of surplus commodities is under the supervision of Mrs. Giroux with Mr. Burton Frotton as her assistant. Both of these people receive their pay through the state.
At this time we wish to commend both Mrs. Giroux and Mr. Frotton for the fine work they have done for the past year.
JEROME J. O'LEARY, FRANK G. PATCH, EDWARD F. KELLEY.
Board of Public Welfare.
66
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
January 12, 1940.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report as Superintendent of Streets for the year ending December 31, 1939.
The general account this year was $12,000 plus $1,000 transferred from Chapter 90 maintenance account after it was learned that the State and County did not match our appropriation of $2,000, but allotted only $1,000 each, thereby causing the work laid out to be cut in halves.
During the past year general highway work consisted of ready mixed tar patching of various streets, finished a new piece of road on Woburn St., new drainage in front of High School, new catch basins on Columbia St. and Thurston Ave., rebuilding and oiling of Columbia St., Beacon St., and Thurston Ave., gravel patching on Park, Parker, Cross Sts. and Butters Row, graveling Cross St. extension Cottage St. and Grove Ave., (Grove Ave. to be completed in 1940) brush cutting, repairing and painting all fences, scraping and raking shoulders and cleaning all catch basins. Five sections of Bituminous Concrete side- walks were laid. (3 Wilmington and 2 at No. Wilmington).
The following streets were surface treated for the first time since construction, namely Washington Ave., Fairview Ave., Belmont Ave., and State St. Due to the fact that we were informed by the W. P. A. engineer that all streets constructed or repaired with the help of Government funds must be completed as per contract, such as Fay St., Brentwood Ave. and Taft Rd., I was forced to neglect some streets that should have been repaired in order to surface treat the above streets mentioned. Aldrich Rd. will be completed in 1940. It is not practical to build roads and not surface them because one to one and one half inches of the surface is lost per season due to weather con- ditions and new gravel must be added before treating.
Church St. Chap. 90 construction was completed as per contract to the junction of Middlesex Ave. plus a further extension to the Town Hall.
67
Chapter 90 Streets to be maintained, namely Lowell St., Burling- ton Ave., Shawsheen Ave., and Salem St. were surface treated in various sections. A large number of old Railroad ties were removed from Lowell St. The Maple Meadow Brook wooden bridge was replaced with one of cement and steel at a cost of $750.00.
With the aid of Welfare labor the sidewalk on Lowell St. was cleaned of all weeds and grass. Sidewalk on Woburn St. from Perry's Corner to Wildwood St. not finished because of freezing.
Two sand spreaders were purchased to speed up ice sanding. The old GMC Truck No. 1 put out of service May 1938 was reconditioned for $43.00 including labor and parts and put into service May 1939. In July I purchased two new front wheels for $15.00 replacing old solid tires with pneumatic tires. This investment eliminated W. P. A. truck hire, a saving of $37.00 per week.
As in the past years W. P. A. Highway projects have proven very beneficial to the town, not only as relief measures but in construction of new streets and repairing old ones which it could not otherwise afford. The Town Officials have taken advantage of the situation by approving of the acceptance of four streets namely Morse Ave., Swain Rd., Swan Rd., West and Shawsheen Rd., also the construction of ce- ment sidewalks including curbing on Church St., Middlesex Ave. from Main St. to Federal St. and from Railroad Bridge on Burlington Ave. to Boutwell St.
In this coming year 1940 every street should be given a surface treatment. Many of them are in such poor condition that they will have to be scarified, reshaped and rolled before treating, making the cost about twice as much as a straight blanket treatment. It is not economy to neglect the streets because eventually they must be re- paired regardless of the cost. I fully realize the present need of economy and trust that the Finance Board will accept my recommenda- tions.
In conclusion I wish to thank the Board for its cooperation and also the various other departments for their assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES H. WHITE,
Superintendent of Streets.
68
REPORT OF THE WORK OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE IN WILMINGTON FOR 1939
The following is a report of the work of the Middlesex County Extension Service in the town of Wilmington during the year 1939.
The agricultural work during the year consisted of visits to local dairymen to consider the local market situation and to bring them what information was available. One of the chief problems was an understanding of the provisions of the Milk Control Board Rulings. Assistance was given in planning the cropping program to meet the shortage of roughage due to dry weather. Many poultry farms were visited upon request to help them with disease control and brooding and rearing problems.
Last year was a banner year for 4-H club work in Wilmington with thirteen organized clubs and an enrollment of one hundred and four girls and thirty-four boys. Projects included clothing, food, book- lovers', canning, handicraft and garden. Miss Henrietta Swain, loyal, enthusiastic town chairman, with her committee, secured all local leaders for the year. Those serving were: Committee members: Miss Henrietta Swain, chaiman, Mrs. Arthur Kidder, publicity, Mrs. Donald Foster and Charles Perry, club activities. Leaders: Mrs. Frank Haynes, Mrs. J. Dudley Blake, assisted by Mrs. Earle Hamilton, Mrs. Arthur Day, Mrs. Alden Eames, assisted by Mrs. Guy York, Mrs. John Reagan, Mrs. Frank Hadley, Mrs. Earl Vandenburg, Mrs. Hildred E. Erwill, assisted by Mrs. Vinal Lewis, Miss Marceline O'Brien, Miss Mary Zdrojewski, Adjutor A. Lambert and Earl Vandenburgh. The spring exhibit and program was conducted in the usual orderly manner with Miss Swain in charge. Club members also exhibited the results of summer activities at the Grange Fair. Seventeen club members from Wilmington attended county camp, probably the largest delegation sent by any one town in the county. Club members and parents appreciated the courtesy of Doctor Ernest MacDougall in rendering free service to prospective campers for their health certificates.
ALLISTER F. MacDOUGALL,
Director.
69
REPORT OF THE W.P.A. SPONSOR'S AGENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Wilmington, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my second annual report as Sponsor's Agent for W. P. A.
Check Validity of Real Estate Assessments
This project continued to operate under the sponsorship of the Board of Assessors until December 2nd at which time the work was completed.
The work accomplished consists of checking the description and owner of approximately 4000 tax titles, representing approximately 21,500 lots. Also an owner's cross index card system was made which is something the Town has never had before.
The project has furnished the Board of Assessors with correct legal descriptions of all parcels of land in Wilmington. The sponsor has made constant use of the information gathered, most of which was obtained at the Registry of Deeds at Lowell. I might add that legal advertisements for the Town's tax sales have been derived from the information compiled on this project.
Sewing Project
The sewing project continued to operate to March 31st only, at which time the Government requested an increase in the Town's con- tribution for each person employed. The Board of Public Welfare, who was the sponsor of this project, after much consideration decided to close the project before this ruling was to take effect. They felt that the few workers could be taken care of in some other way more economically.
Moth Project
This project continued to operate up to July 1939, being super- vised by Mr. John W. Babine, Moth Superintendent.
70
The purpose of this project was to eliminate various tree pests within Town boundaries, by creosoting, spraying. etc,, of nests, also the removal of badly infested scrub growth.
Develop Wildwood Cemetery
During the year 1939 W.P.A. Project No. 16690 continued to operate in Wildwood Cemetery. This project afforded steady work for an average group of twenty-five (25) men. All the work done on the project was under the supervision of Mr. H. Oliver Newcomb, Superintendent of the cemetery. The physical accomplishments for the year were as follows:
Approximately 44,640 sq. ft. of swamp land was reclaimed by draining and filling. This land was then developed into two hundred thirty-five (235) new cemetery lots valued at approximately nineteen thousand ($19,000.00) dollars. Two old sections were rebuilt and beau- tified. This was done by leveling to sub-grade, loaming, seeding and rolling, removing approximately one hundred (100) monuments, build- ing concrete foundations and replacing the same. Building 525 lin. ft. of retaining wall and capping and pointing.
During the year permission was sought and granted to construct additional new lots where a swamp now exists. These new lots are to be used for welfare burials and will answer a long felt need for such a section. The work on this section as of December 31st is about 30% complete and the spring of 1940 will see it entirely completed.
To conduct the foregoing work it was necessary to haul the follow- ing materials:
7352 cu. yds. of fill, 2727 cu. yds. of loam, 368 cu. yds. of stone, and 218 cu. yds. of gravel. All of these materials were loaded by hand.
Drainage Project-Main Street
A County wide project for installing necessary drainage to elimin- ate water from ponding on various sections of the road surface, there- by eliminating a traffic hazard was sponsored by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Public Works. For four and a half months, thirty (30) of our W. P. A. men were employed on this project with no cost to the Town of Wilmington for truck hire or otherwise.
Highway Projects
As in previous years this type of project was sponsored by the Board of Selectmen and supervised by the Superintendent of Streets.
71
The first project which started January 19th, called for the widen- ing of shoulders to make roadway at least 24 ft. wide on the follow- ing streets: West Street, Grove Street, Aldrich Road and Grove Ave- nue. Work also included the removal of ledges and trees, install drain and the spreading of gravel to make the road safe for travel.
Due to the unexpected amount of work on these streets the federal funds were exhausted on September 12th and before the entire amount of work could be completed. We are anticipating writing a supple- mentary project in the near future to complete the work as planned.
The crew of men were then transferred to Andover Street. Work on this street consisted of the construction of six foot shoulders on both sides of portions of the street.
On certain sections of the street releases were obtained from the abutters to go back as much as 10 to 12 ft. thereby making a slope of the banking at the curve to insure automobile drivers of better vision. In one case an approximate area of 5000 sq. ft. of land was taken by means of a release to straighten the road and reset the stone wall, thereby eliminating a dangerous curve.
As of December 31st the project was still operating with two groups of men at different locations on the street.
Wildwood Cemetery Survey
During the past year the survey project continued to operate in Wildwood Cemetery. Plans and maps of streets, paths, lots and graves are now about 80% complete. The modern system of recording in- formation pertaining to burials here, both now and in the past, has been completed and on numerous occasions has been of untold assist- ance in furnishing data to interested persons.
During the year a number of our W. P. A. workers were removed from the program to conform with Paragraph B of Section 16 of the Acts of 1939 which in part is as follows:
"There shall be removed from employment on the Works Projects Administration projects all relief workers, excepting veterans, who have been continuously employed on such project for more than eighteen months, and any relief worker so removed shall be ineligible to be restored to employment on such projects until after (a) the expiration of thirty days after the date of his removal, and (b) recertification of his eligibility for restoration to employment on such projects."
Although these persons were recertified as soon as they reregis- tered some of them lost as much as two or three months work owing to the fact Wilmingtons' quota of workers was filled.
72
However, in November our quota was increased and by December 31st almost the entire list of certified persons had been absorbed.
As of December 31st the following W. P. A. Projects had been ap- proved in Washington, but not started:
Moth project, approved for $ 6,136.00
To construct concrete sidewalks on Church St.,
Burlington Ave., and Middlesex Ave., approved for 42,752.00
Improve Woburn Street, approved for 19,190.00
Veteran's Grave Registration, approved for 683.00
Prepare plans of existing real estate parcels, approved for 4,446.00
To develop 52,224 sq. ft. of cemetery lots,
approved for
13,853.00
I am waiting Washington's approval of a project submitted by the Board of Selectmen to 'Improve Morse Ave., Shawsheen Rd., Swain Rd. and Swain Rd. West."
The largest number of workers at any one time during the year was 114, representing 462 persons.
Number of workers as of December 31st. 99 representing 398 persons.
Number of persons waiting certification as of December 31st. none.
Largest payroll at any one time during the year, W/E January 25, 1939-$1121.99.
W. P. A. Program earnings only through December 1939 - $ 50,236.70 Value of surplus food commodities distributed 11,510.49
Value of surplus clothing distributed 4,575.85
Total $ 66,323.04
I would like at this time to express my appreciation to the Mem- bers of the Board of Selectmen for their co-operation and advice, and to the other Town Departments who have sponsored projects during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
OLIVE M. SHELDON,
Sponsor's Agent.
73
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen: Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my Twenty-second Annual Report as Chief of the Wilmington Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1939.
The manual force of this department consists of two permanent men, a Chief and Assistant Chief. Twenty-two Call men at Central Station and ten men located at No. Wilmington.
At the Central Fire Station are located a 1914 Reo 1/2 ton truck which carries a 65 gallon Soda and Acid tank, 12 three gallon pump cans, 6 pony extinguishers, one Phomene, one Carbon Dioxide extin- guisher, 150 ft. 3/4" hose, 800 ft. 21/2" hose and other small fittings. American Lafrance pumps 450 gallon, one 65 gallon booster tank 150 ft. 3/4" hose, 1200 ft. 21/2" hose, two pony extinguishers, Ford A.A. truck used for forest fires with one portable pump 100 gallon, one 35 gallon booster tank and 2000 ft. 11/2" hose.
At No. Wilmington is located a Chevrolet with a 500 gallon pump. 1000 ft. 21/2" hose, 1000 ft. 11/2" hose, one one hundred fifty gallon booster tank and 150 ft. 3/4" hose.
Permits have been issued for the storage of 5990 gallons of fuel oil in conjunction with 16 power burners and 28 range burners. There are now recorded a total of 850 oil burners of which 747 are range burners and 103 are power burners.
The department has responded to 198 calls of which 4 were false.
There were 78 bell and 120 still alarms and 1 call for the inhalator.
Value of property endangered by fire $ 82,000.00
Damage by fires 7,465.00
Miles apparatus traveled
Reo 287-5
La France 125-2
74
Ford No. 4
793-8
Feet of hose laid 21/2
19,000
Feet of hose laid 11/2
45,250
Feet of hose laid 3/4
10,300
Respectfully submitted,
EDWIN L. DAY, Chief Fire Department.
Recommendations
I recommend the replacement of the Reo this year as this piece of apparatus has been in service for twenty-six years and is not de- pendable. It is impossible to get any parts for repairs. It is a 1/2 ton truck and has been carrying about 2 ton. The tires on this truck are seven years old. When they were purchased we had to go to four different places in Boston before they were found and they are Touring car tires.
The Fire Underwriters have made a survey of this Town last summer and recommended a 500 gallon pump in the place of the Reo and also a ladder truck.
I feel if we want to have lower Insurance rates or even keep our rates as they are we should invest in either one or the other of these trucks so I recommend a 500 gallon pumper which will cost $7500 and in another few years get a ladder Truck. Then we will be progressing.
EDWIN L. DAY, Chief.
ROLL OF DEPARTMENT
Chief Edwin L. Day
Asst. Chief Winfred W. Rice
Captain Chester T. Horton
Clerk Charles H. Black
75
Members
W. G. Buckle E. W. Eames N. W. Rice
J. W. Castine
F. A. Field J. J. Reagan
H. J. Cutter
J. R. Gracie
C. D. Sumner
W. E. Townsend
R. K. Wood
T. P. Delaronde
N. W. Perry
J. G. Watters
M. G. Davis
H. W. Peitzsch
NORTH WILMINGTON COMPANY
Captain
Donald W. Foster
Members
H. H. Cutter L. A. Durkee
H. W. Cutter
F. W. Doucette
E. H. Sargent
Paul Chisholm E. W. Eaton
L. M. Swain
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen: Gentlemen:
The members of the Fire Department felt that this Town should have a blood donors squad. We made arrangements to go to Winchester Hospital for Typing through Dr. E. C. MacDougal.
I am pleased to inform the people of this Town through you we have a squad of fifteen members who have been Typed according to the Jansky classifications and are ready to be of service to any of the citizens of the Town of Wilmington.
There were three called to Winchester Hospital for blood trans- fusion in 1938 and four in 1939. The three called in 1938 and one in 1939 were for citizens of Wilmington. There were three called in 1939 for out of Town Patients.
Respectfully Yours,
WINFRED W. RICE,
Assistant Chief.
76
E. H. Downing
F. J. Muse
R. W. Deming
J. F. McManus
A. S. Williams
REPORT ON THE SEPTEMBER HURRICANE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit this report on the September 25, 1938 Hurricane in the Town of Wilmington.
I sent seventy easements by mail, sixty-two of these were re- turned signed by the owner of the property. With these received through the mail and what was received from Town residents the list amounted to One Hundred and Sixty-Seven easements.
I feel that the Town and residents of the Town are grateful to Camp S-76-U. S. Forest Service 1181st Co. C.C.C. No. Reading Mass. for the fine work they have done cleaning and burning the slash, the worst fire hazard this Town has ever witnessed.
This 1181st Co. have cleared one hundred and seventy-two Acres at the cost of 6563 man days labor. There is 45 acres remaining to be burned this winter.
During this time of burning they insisted on fire protection from the Fire Department which called for one man and truck with hose.
During this time there was 81300 feet of 11/2" hose, and 9900 feet 22" hose used. This hose was rolled and returned to the Fire House every night.
Respectfully Yours
WINFRED W. RICE,
Assistant Chief.
77
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 composed of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars and their respective Auxiliary.
At 9.00 A. M. Wilmington Post 136, A. L., proceeded to Regan Park where services were held. Nee-Ellsworth Post 2458, V. F. W. proceeded to the park and held services.
The Parade formed on Church Street, opposite Masonic Hall at 9.45 A. M. The Parade started at 10.00 A. M. The roster of the Parade is as follows:
Roster of Parade
Detail of Police Board of Selectmen and President of the Veterans' Council Colors and Guards (Massed Colors) Firing Squad Automobile with G. A. R. Band Spanish War Veterans Nee-Ellsworth Post 2458, Veterans of Foreign Wars Wilmington Post 136, American Legion Disabled Veterans in Automobiles Sons of Legion, Squadron 136
Nee-Ellsworth Post 2458, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Susan T. Esler, State President American Legion Auxiliary Wilmington Post 136, American Legion Auxiliary
Automobiles with Gold Star Mothers and Auxiliary Members Boy Scouts of America Other Patriotic Organizations Automobiles
78
Parade stopped at Mill Brook, Roger Park, Soldiers Monument and Soldiers' Lot. At Mill Brook Comrade John H. Simpson, G. A. R., cast the wreath on the waters of Mill Brook, and an address was given by Edward Kelley, United States Coast Guard.
Other Addresses where given as follows: Roger's Park, Rev. Benjamin Seaboyer; Soldiers' Monument, Rev. Andrew J. White; Soldiers' Lot, Rev. John O. Paisley.
At 12.00 o'clock noon dinner was served to Veterans and guests, catered by Page Catering Service of Lowell.
We of the Memorial Day Committee wish to thank the Wilmington Grange for donating their hall.
Respectfully submitted,
CARL H. DREGER,
Past Commander A. L. Post 136. Chairman.
Memorial Day Committee: John H. Simpson, G. A. R., Hon. Chair- man; Carl H. Dreger, A. L., Chairman; John H. Doyle, A. L .; Edwin J. Twomey, A. L .; Joseph B. McMahon, A. L .; Michael H. Barry, A. L .; Herbert Higginbotham, V. F. W .; Frank G. Poitrast, V. F. W .; Andrew G. Simpson, V. F. W .; Alice M. Lee, A. L. Aux .; Marion E. Holmes, A. L. Aux .; Alice R. Simpson, V. F. W. Aux.
Honorary: Com. Ora W. Smith, Nee Ellsworth Post 2458, V. F. W .; Pres. Sarah Howe, Nee Ellsworth Post 2458, V. F. W. Aux .; Susan T. Esler, State Pres. A. L. Aux.
We Honor Our Country's Heroic Dead
MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM,
May 30, 1939
Wilmington, Massachusetts
Wilmington Especially Honors JOHN H. SIMPSON
Our Only Surviving Member of the G. A. R.
79
ORDER OF EXERCISES
9.00 A.M. Exercises at Nee and Regan Parks. Commander, Colors, firing squad, bugler and chaplain. Exercises at Nee Park under the direction of Nee-Ellsworth Post 2458, Veterans of Foreign Wars. Exercises at Regan Park under the direc- tion of Wilmington Post 136, American Legion.
9.45 A.M. Form at Masonic Hall for Parade.
10.00 A.M. Start of Parade.
10.10 A.M. Casting of Wreath on water of Mill Brook by Comrade John H. Simpson, G. A. R., in memory of those who died at sea. March by Band "Columbia, The Gem of The Ocean". Address and Prayer by Edward Kelley, United States Coast Guard. Firing Squad. Taps.
10.40 A.M. Arrive at Roger's Park. Column of marchers, left face. Exercises under direction of Commander Carl H. Dreger, Post 136 A. L. Placing of Wreath by Chaplain Howard E. Bedell, A. L. Address and Prayer by Rev. Benjamin Sea- boyer. Hymn by Band. Firing Squad. Taps.
11.00 A.M. Arrive at Soldiers Monument. Band. Salute to Comrade John H. Simpson, G. A. R. Song by Wilmington High School Boys Glee Club, accompanied by Band. Presenta- tion of Flowers by Mary Ann Barry and Thomas Mc- Mahon. Address, "The G. A. R." by Rev. Andrew J. White. Song by Glee Club. Placing of Wreath by Susan T. Esler, State President of American Legion Auxiliary. "Lincoln's Gettysburg Address" delivered by Harry Campbell, Mil- mington Boy Scouts. Song by Glee Club. Hymn by Band. Firing Squad. Taps.
11.45 A.M. Parade to graves. "Vacant Chair" by Band. Decoration of the graves. Firing Squad. Taps.
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.