USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1941 > 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
In September, Mr. Donald C. Foster, who had been superinten- dent of the Water Department since the beginning of operations, resigned his position. Mr. Edmund Sargent was promoted from the engineer to Superintendent.
We call attention of the citizens, to the fact, that the Water De- partment has no authority, or funds to extend water mains. Any ex- tension of the water mains must be voted on at a Town Meeting and funds appropriated for that purpose.
Fifty services were installed during the year.
Details of income and expenditures are shown in the report of the Town Accountant.
Respectfully submitted, CALEB HARRIMAN, Chairman, ALDEN N. EAMES, LOUIS T. McMAHON.
59
WATER DEPARTMENT STATISTICS
Water Consumption
Year
Gal. Pumped
Av. per day
1937
86,575,500
237,193
1938
82,095,600
224,919
1939
99,656,000
273,024
1940
81,771,100
224,030
1941
99,572,800
272,802
Fuel Oil Consumption
Gal. Used
Cost
per Mil.
per Mil.
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
1940
7035.2
353.01
86.0
4.32
1941
8443.9
465.58
84.8
4.68
Lubricating Oil Consumption
Gal. Used
Cost
per Mil.
per Mil.
1937
99.00
$59.40
1.14
.68
1938
76.00
45.60
.92
.56
1939
82.00
49.20
.82
.49
1940
56.00
33.60
.68
.41
1941
104.25
62.55
.62
.73
Oil Used in Heater
Gal.
Cost
1937
8512.0
$450.18
1938
6688.0
366.53
1939
6850.0
301.97
1940
5844.0
274.43
1941
4842.0
258.07
Accounts Receivable
Service Accounts:
1940
$ 59.60
1941
444.18
503.78
Street Mains
751.08
Water Rates
1,625.59
$ $2,880.45
60
Total Cost of Construction:
Cost of Water System Dec. 31, 1940
$449,931.75
Burlington Ave.
4,994.10
Services
1,621.26
Street Mains
1,150.89
Meters
593.79
$458,291.79
61.
REPORT OF THE MOTH SUPERINTENDENT AND TREE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Wilmington, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report as Moth Superintendent and Tree Warden.
Moth Department
In the moth department we sprayed all street shade trees with arsenate of lead and spreader for gypsy moth, tent caterpillars, elm leaf beetle, codling moth, also creosoted gypsy moth egg clusters. I also cut wild cherry trees and bushes and burned them to help to keep the caterpillar pest down. I sprayed for the elm leaf beetle twice and this will have to be done every year so as to save our elm trees. We used tanglefoot on some of the trees which were bad and it helped a lot to catch this beetle.
Tree Department
In the tree department I removed a few elm trees which died from the elm leaf beetle, also broken limbs, and low limbs were removed. This was done as long as finance permitted. The municipal light com- pany of Reading gave work to four of this Town trimming around the wires at their expense.
Details of expenditures will be found in the report of the Town Accountant.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN W. BABINE,
Moth Superintendent and Tree Warden.
P. S .- I also painted the moth house and fixed the grounds.
62
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
January 10, 1942
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Wilmington, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report for the year 1941 as inspector of Animals.
Number of dog bites reported 34
Number of dogs showing physical signs of rabies 1 Number of dogs submitted to laboratory examination 2
Laboratory Report
Positive 1
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.
There had not been any rabies in Wilmington from Feb. 1938 until Dec. 1941, when a rabid dog was found. This dog probably contracted the disease from a rabid dog of a neighboring town known to have been affected. On recommendation of the State Board of Health, I asked the board of Selectmen to restrain all dogs in Wilmington for a period of ninety days as a precautionary measure against the spread of this disease. This was done Dec. 22, 1941.
Number of animals quarantined 38
Inspection of Domestic Animals and Premises Where Animals are Kept
Number of premises keeping domestic animals inspected .... 49
Number of cattle inspected 334
Number of hogs inspected 534
Number of goats inspected 42
Number of cattle released from Interstate shipment 0
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH B. ODIORNE,
Inspector of Animals.
63
MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
The following is a report of some of the activities of the Middle- sex County Extension Service in Wilmington during the year 1941:
Farm visits have been made on many farmers in town to assist them in their problems of production of vegetables, especially as they pertained to insect and disease control. Assistance has also been given the dairymen in the growing of legumes and pasture improvement, as well as in milk marketing. Farm visits have been made on many farmers in town to assist them in poultry disease control problems, brooding and raising chicks and poultry farm management.
A total of eleven 4-H clubs were organized during the year, with an enrollment of 108 boys and girls. Miss Henrietta Swain served as Town Chairman, other committee members being Mrs. J. Dudley Blake, Mr. James Castine and Mr. Charles Perry. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Haynes served as chairmen of the 4-H Camp Committee. Local leaders were Mrs. Wilfred Babine, Mrs. Lucie Hess, Mrs. Eva Hitchcock, Mrs. Talbot Livingston, Mrs. Frank Hadley, Mrs. Frank Haynes, Mrs. Guy York, Mrs. Alden Eames, Mrs. John Reagan, Miss Barbara Nims, and Wilfred Andrews.
During the year there was an unusually fine spirit of cooperation among the club leaders and town committee meetings were well attended and local leaders attended all of the leader training meet- ings.
The spring exhibit was one of the finest in the county, both from the standpoint of the quality of exhibits and the attractive way in which the exhibits were set up.
The garden club brought their season to a close with a Parents' Night Program which was well attended.
Norman Arbo was awarded a cash prize by the Middlesex North Agricultural Society.
Wilmington took an active interest in the development of the 4-H club camp at Ashby and contributed $69.00 toward its support. Thirty- three club members attended this camp during the summer.
Mrs. Talbot Livingston and Mrs. Wilfred Babine attended Local Leaders' Camp at Massachusetts State College.
ALLISTER F. MacDOUGALL, Director.
64
REPORT OF THE MEMORIAL DAY COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Wilmington, Massachusetts.
We respectfully submit the following report of the Memorial Day Committee:
9.00 A. M .- Exercises at Nee and Regan Parks. Commanders, Colors, firing squads, buglers and chaplains. Exercises at Nee Park under the direction of Nee-Ellsworth Post 2458, Veterans of Foreign Wars. Exercises at Regan Park under the direction 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 waters of Mill Brook by Comrade John H. Simpson, G. A. R., in memory of those who died at sea. Assisted by Annie Meade, Chaplain of Nee-Ellsworth Post Auxiliary. March by Band, "Columbia, Gem of the Ocean." Address and prayer by Rev. Burton L. Hess. Firing Squad. Taps.
10.40 A. M .- Arrive at Rogers Park. Column of marchers, left face. Exercises under the direction of Commander Ernest J. Cail, American Legion. Placing of wreath by Chaplain Howard E. Bedell, American Legion. Address and prayer by Rev. John A. Saunders. Hymn by Band. Firing Squad. Taps
11.00 A. M .- Arrive at Soldiers' Monument. Band. Placing of wreath by Howard E. Bedell, Chaplain of American Legion. Lincoln's "Gettys- burg Address" delivered by Raymond Wood, Wilmington Boy Scouts. Address and prayer by Rev. Clyde M. Martin. Hymn by Band. Firing Squad. Taps
11.30 A. M .- Parade to graves. "Vacant Chair" by Band. Decora- tion of graves. Firing Squad. Taps.
11.50 A. M .- Arrive at Soldiers' Lot. Exercises under the direction of Commander Louis Kennedy, Nee-Ellsworth Post, V. F. W. Placing of wreath by Chaplain Ora Smith, V. F. W. Address and prayer by Rev. Benjamin G. Seaboyer. Hymn by Band. Firing Squad. Taps. "Star Spangled Banner" by Band,
12.15 P. M .- Arrive at Grange Hall. Refreshments.
65
ROSTER OF PARADE
Detail of Police Board of Selectmen Colors and Guards (Massed Colors) Firing Squad Automobile with G. A. R. Wilmington Community Band Members of Armed Forces. U. S. A. Spanish War Veterans Nee-Ellsworth Post 2458, Veterans of Foreign Wars Wilmington Post 136, American Legion Disabled Veterans in Automobiles Sons of Legion Squadron Susan T. Esler, Past State President (American Legion Auxiliary ) Nee-Ellsworth Post 2458 (Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary) Wilmington Post 136 (American Legion Auxiliary) Automobiles With Gold Star Mothers and Auxiliary Members Boy Scouts of America Girl Scouts of America Other Patriotic Organizations Automobiles Buglers, Talbot Hood, Theodore Lawson
MEMORIAL DAY COMMITTEE
John H. Simpson, G. A. R., Ernest C. Cail, A. L., John H. Doyle, A. L., Edwin J. Twomey, A. L., Joseph B. McMahon, A. L., Justice V. Balser, A. L., Chester W. Nichols, A. L., Herbert Higginbotham, V. F. W., John A. Howe, V. F. W., Ora W. Smith, V. F. W., Harriet Buck, A. L. Aux., Annie M. Meade, V. F. W. Aux.
HONORARY
Comm. Louis Kennedy, Nee-Ellsworth Post 2458, V. F. W. Pres. Margaret LaCase, Nee-Ellsworth Post 2458, V. F. W. Aux. Susan T. Esler, Past State President, A. L. Aux.
Respectfully submitted,
ERNEST CAIL,
Past Commander, A. L. Post 136
Chairman.
66
TREASURER'S REPORT
SARAH D. J. CARTER LECTURE COMMITTEE
To the Board of Selectmen of Wilmington, Mass .:
Following is the Financial Report of the Sarah D. J. Carter Lecture Fund for year of 1941:
Receipts
January 1, Balance
$101.76
April 8, Interest.
1.76
April 16, From Alfred Allen, Treasurer, Income 140.00
$243.52
Expenditures
Feb. 14-Blackington Lecture
$ 50.00
Feb. 26-Wilmington Mirror Programs-Cards. 12.00
March 4-Winston Pote Lecture.
35.00
April 8-"The Senoritas" 35.00
April 16-Grange Hall Rent.
30.00
$162.00
Balance on Hand Jan. 1, 1942. $ 81.52
Respectfully Submitted,
SARAH D. J. CARTER LECTURE COMMITTEE,
FOSTER B. BALSER,
Treasurer.
67
REPORT OF THE SARAH D. J. CARTER LECTURE COMMITTEE
The Carter Lecture Committee has arranged for the following entertainments for this winter:
February 3, 1942, at the Grange Hall MR. ALTON H. BLACKINGTON A Lecture: "Thrills of a Reporter's Life"
March 3, 1942, at the Congregational Church A Concert: "The Amphion Club of Melrose"
Respectfully Yours,
ANNA R. BARRY
MILDRED NEILSON
ALICE ALLEN
FOSTER BALSER
JOHN W. HATHAWAY
68
BOARD OF APPEALS
February 14, 1942.
Board of Selectmen, Wilmington, Mass.
Gentlemen:
There were no cases whatever submitted to the Board of Appeals for the year ending December 31, 1941.
Respectfully submitted,
ERNEST M. CRISPO, Secretary,
Board of Appeals.
69
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE FOR THE YEAR 1941
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Wilmington, Massachusetts
The Board of Public Welfare submits the following report covering the year 1941:
The Board grants three types of relief, Welfare, Aid to Dependent Children and Old Age Assistance, and for the purpose of this report will be taken up separately.
Welfare is granted to persons not eligible for other forms of relief. The only requirement being established need, therefore it is a legal rather than moral obligation for a municipality to aid all cases irre- spective of their legal settlement or previous residence, and during the year no applicant legally entitled was refused assistance.
A budget submitted and recommended by the State Department of Public Welfare has been used on cases of all types and provides for food, clothing, heat, light, shelter and incidentals. The amounts in this budget are maximum allowances for reimbursement by the Com- monwealth on all cases under their control and should provide a standard amount to be given by cities and towns on their settled cases aided by others.
The Defense Program has helped to reduce the number of cases aided during the year and for comparison we submit the following table:
Month
Aided
Participating
January
35
153
February
38
155
March
38
130
April
30
95
May
20
48
June
19
62
July
19
57
August
20
48
September
17
44
October
20
42
November
18
58
December
17
48
Of the cases now being aided there are none with a Wilmington settlement who are employable.
70
The most important duties of the Board are to see that the town receives reimbursement from the State and other cities and towns on cases aided not having a Wilmington settlement. For example-for the week of December 24, 1941, orders were issued for food, fuel and medi- cine to six cases in the amount of $51.14. Four of these cases having no settlement in Wilmington the town will be reimbursed in the amount of $33.64, leaving the net cost to the town on the two cases having a Wilmington settlement of $17.50.
The estimated budget for welfare for 1942 has been set at $13,500, which is to cover not only cases aided in Wilmington but to include five cases in the Tewksbury Infirmary at $9.00 per week, one child in a State School at $5.00 per week and eight cases with a Wilmington settlement now being aided in some other city or town.
Some provision should be made to secure paid employees in the Welfare Department to safeguard reimbursement to the town from the Commonwealth and other cities and towns as it is unreasonable to assume that a department spending approximately $70,000 a year, which is the estimated total of all types of relief for 1942, can function without some operating cost.
We are also obliged to insert a special article in the Town Warrant to pay other cities and towns for bills of previous years.
The estimated budgets submitted for 1942 are based on present conditions and do not include any problems arising out of priority unemployment, rising cost of living, housing shortages, migration, illness and all of the sudden changes which are an inevitable part of war. Any sudden changes in the normal course of events cause many individual families to fall into distress, but at this time it is im- possible to estimate needs to cover any changes during our national emergency.
Aid to Dependent Children
This type of relief is a Federal Social Security Law administered by the Commonwealth and the town is reimbursed a third by each, leaving one-third of the cost to be borne by the town.
It is granted to families where the father is either deceased or totally incapacitated. During the year seven cases have been closed for various reasons. In January, 1941, there were nineteen cases and we now have twelve cases, with thirty-two persons participating. It is estimated that the total cost of this account for 1942 will be $8600.
Old Age Assistance
The Old Age Assistance Act is also a Federal Social Security Law administered by the Commonwealth and contrary to the general belief is not a pension. A person to be eligible for this modified form of relief must be in need of assistance, over 65 years of age, a citizen, to
71
have lived in the Commonwealth three out of the last five years and for one year preceding the date of application. Children who are able are still responsible for the support of their parents. These rules and regulations must be followed by the Local Board.
There have been a number of new cases put on during the year, also cases closed on account of death or removal to another city or town, leaving the net result a gain of four cases. We now have 121 persons receiving Old Age Assistance.
A substantial increase in the amount of aid granted under this Act will result from the increase granted by the 1941 Legislature to take effect April 30, 1942. The Act provides an increase from $30.00 to $40.00 for persons living alone and from $50.00 to $65.00 for man and wife living alone who are both eligible. Persons living in a family group are not increased under this new Act.
It is mandatory on the local boards to grant these amounts, less any allowable deductions, in order for the town to receive reimbursement.
The distribution of costs in a monthly grant of $40.00 is as fol- lows: The federal government reimburses for one-half, or $20.00. The state reimburses for two-thirds of the remaining half, or $13.33, leav- ing one-third of the remaining half, or $6.67, to be borne by the town.
The State also allows two-thirds of 5% or approximately $650 per year for administration. It is estimated that the total cost of Old Age Assistance for 1942 will be $51,000, and deducting estimated fed- eral grants will leave $28,500 to be appropriated by the town.
C. C. C.
Due to enlistment of boys in our armed forces and high wages being paid on defense projects we have not received many applications for this branch of service.
Surplus Commodities
Commodity cards have been certified by this board as in former years and we have been informed by the Director of Surplus Commod- ities that the town received for distribution:
Food valued at $17,544.19
Clothing valued at. 2,537.50
These commodities have been distributed as in the past by Mrs. Giroux. ,
The approximate cost to the town for these commodities for 1941 was $500.
WALTER G. BUCKLE, Chairman.
EDWARD F. KELLEY.
72
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Jan. 16, 1942.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report as Superintendent of Streets for the year of 1941.
During the past year, due to the fact that the General Highway appropriation was so small, the greater part of road work consisted of patching, which is very expensive maintenance. This had to be done so as all surface treated streets could be put in the best passable condition possible. Some sections had to be scarified, new gravel added, penetrated and sealed. One section on Ballardvale Street, between Friend's Farm and Daybreak Farm, a distance of about 7/10 of a mile was just scarified and graded to eliminate the holes. This should be treated in 1942, to avoid doing over. All accepted gravel roads were graded or gravel patched where most needed. Short streets such as Brandt Avenue, Shawsheen Road and Cross Street were graded the entire length. Part of Morse Avenue was graded and some boulders removed.
The following streets were surface treated in part or their entire length: Parker Street, Butters Row, two sections Middlesex Avenue; two sections Woburn Street; two sections Andover Street; Chestnut Street honed 1 and 2/10 miles and entrance Wildwood Street. 9000 gallons of Tar was used for patching.
I have made a very careful budget for 1942 and it is my firm belief that the Town should appropriate at least $18,000 for the Gen- eral Highway funds. I have selected the streets which must have immediate attention. I have also included streets constructed by the W. P. A., namely, Swain Road, Swain Road West and Shawsheen Road. Morse Avenue will be completed in about eight weeks by the Highway Department.
The W. P. A. constructed two sections of cement sidewalk. One from the junction of Middlesex Avenue and Church Street to the Cemetery property line at Frolio's and the other from the R. R. bridge on Burlington Avenue to Chestnut Street. The grass plot will be seeded in the spring. The W. P. A. is now constructing Williams
73
Avenue off Glen Road and when completed will transfer to Jones Avenue off Glen Road.
In regards to our Chapter 90 streets, after discussing same with the State engineer, he conceded the fact that neither State nor County alloted enough funds nor was enough appropriated by the Town to main- tain them properly. He suggested $2000 from State and County and $2000 appropriated by the Town, making a total of $6000. In conjunc- tion with this work in 1942, two new sections of fence should be erected on Burlington Avenue at a cost of about $800.
During the past year 8000 gallons of Tar and 1500 gallons of Asphalt were used for Chapter 90 streets. Salem Street from the No. Reading line to the junction of Middlesex Avenue, No. Wilmington, was honed, a distance of 11/2 miles. All brush was cut and catch basins cleaned. Shawsheen Avenue from Mr. Alden Eames to Nassau Avenue was treated with heavy Asphalt and covered with pretreated stone which makes an excellent wearing surface. All brush was cut and catch basins cleaned.
Burlington Avenue was surface treated in various sections, espe- cially the curves that were very rough caused by the cotton cloth sur- face laid down in 1935 under the supervision of the State engineer. All brush was cut, catch basins cleaned and shoulders scraped. Very little work was done on Lowell Street as it was under construction. Only that section not being constructed was shoulder patched to insure safe traveling. All brush was cut.
A new section of 30 foot street was constructed from the Town Hall to Mystic Avenue under Chapter 90 with the aid of State and County. The proper drainage and culverts were installed and all trees dangerous to traffic were removed. An eight-foot strip has been left on the right hand side going to No. Wilmington for a sidewalk and conditions as left will not cause any property damage when sidewalk is constructed. This work is to continue in 1942 and if the same amount of funds are available ($10,000), I believe High Street will be reached. A large amount of drainage will have to be installed and amounts to about one-half the total cost.
Two new horse-drawn snow plows were purchased to replace old ones beyond repair. These being needed to plow back streets where truck plows could not pass.
At this time I am taking the opportunity to try and impress upon the minds of the taxpayers the necessity of purchasing new equipment. At present the Town owns eight pieces of equipment, some of which are obsolete. 1 Tractor, 1925, condition fair. 1 G. M. C., 1925, condi-
74
tion poor, used exclusively by the W. P. A. for hauling curbing and stumps. 1 Reo, 1930, out of commission since Jan. 10, 1942, and cost too much to put in condition. 1 Chevrolet, 1933, condition fair. 1 Chevrolet, 1935, used to plow snow, condition fair. 1 G. M. C., 1930, condition poor, at present at Dame's Garage, where it has been for five weeks waiting for a new piston and repairs on water pump. I will have to purchase a good second-hand cab if possible at a cost of about $50.00. 1 International 1/2-ton pickup 1941 in very good condi- tion. 1 Gas Roller 1927, condition good. As you can readily see, if some of these trucks break down it will be impossible to purchase parts to repair them. In order to maintain and plow our streets I recommend the purchase of 1 new 4 to 5-ton truck or 2 if possible.
In conclusion I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen for its sincere and hearty co-operation, and the various departments for their. assistance.
Respectfully Submitted,
JAMES H. WHITE,
Superintendent of Streets.
75
COLLECTOR'S ACCOUNT
Collected
Abated
Tax Titles
Balance
Interest
1941 Commitment
$179,710.26
$106.376.01
$ 741.85
$5,556.17
$67,187.49
$ 66.38
Additional.
151.26
$179,861.52
1941 Excise (Commitment)
9,912.59
9,286.44
210.75
415.40
14.19
1940 Balance
77,297.65
46,609.94
454.84
1,200.58
29,032.29
1,251.09
1940 Excise (Balance) ...
739.63
376.74
15.84
347.05
9.94
1939 Balance
30,400.67
25,278.47
1,383.22
1,257.45
2,481.53
1,840.92
1939 Excise (Balance)
215.75
31.97
183.78
3.19
1938 Balance
2,307.11
2,242.90
39.21
25.00
285.52
1938 Excise (Balance)
201.46
80.64
120.82
10.21
1937 Excise (Balance)
173.25
107.55
65.70
3.60
Disclaimed Tax Titles 1930 to 1940
607.65
GEORGE W. BUCK,
Collector of Taxes.
REPORT OF SPONSOR'S AGENT FOR W. P. A.
-
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Wilmington, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
The following is my fourth annual report as Sponsor's Agent for W. P. A. MOTH PROJECT:
This particular project was a suspended project held over from 1940, therefore the amount of available funds was small. Moth work was resumed during the month of March and continued until June. However, the items of work called for in the project were accomplished and consisted of 182 acres of creosoting, 200 acres of spraying and 40 acres of thinning. The work was sponsored by the Board of Selectmen and supervised by John W. Babine, Tree Warden and Superintendent of Suppression of Moths.
HIGHWAY PROJECTS:
At the request of the Board of Selectmen and Mr. James White, Superintendent of Streets, a project was submitted and approved to build a road 24 feet wide with 4-foot shoulders on Morse Avenue, Shaw- sheen Road, Swain Road and Swain Road, West.
It was necessary to do considerable blasting on these streets. In fact a great deal more ledge was found after operations started than had been estimated. It is impossible to estimate the exact amount of ledge to be disposed of at the time a project is written and this accounts for the streets not being entirely completed when federal funds became exhausted.
The amount of unfinished work will not warrant a supplementary project, therefore it becomes the responsibility of the Highway Depart- ment to complete the streets.
The Board of Selectmen also submitted a project to include the building of a road 24 feet wide with 4-foot shoulders on Williams and Jones Avenues and King Street. The project was approved and opened December 17, 1941, under the supervision of James H. White, Superin- tendent of Streets. The estimated length of time to complete this project is five months.
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.