Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1942, Part 3

Author: Wilmington (Mass.)
Publication date: 1942
Publisher: Town of Wilmington
Number of Pages: 188


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1942 > Part 3


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The Moderator appointed the following: Louis T. McMahon, Caleb S. Harriman, Paul W. Dayton, Mrs. Elizabeth Kelley and Louis Ken- nedy.


Article 2. On motion of John D. Cooke, it was voted that the Town provide for the Civilian Defense appropriation of three thousand five hundred dollars which was voted at a Special Town Meeting held January 5, 1942, and which was not raised in the tax levy of 1942, by transfer from free cash in the Treasury.


Article 4.


COMMITTEE REPORT


The Committee appointed by the Moderator to study the problem of overcrowded conditions at the High School, to make recommenda- tions for a practical solution and to make a report to a subsequent Town meeting, after careful consideration makes the following recommen- dation :- That the Town purchase the land known as the Roman Es- tate of approximately 181/2 acres with frontage on Church Street, op- posite the common.


The location of the land is considered by the Committee to be ideal for the erection of a suitable school, as well as an adjacent athletic field. In addition the Committee has in mind that adequate space would be available for another Town building if at some time later in the discretion of the voters such a building is necessary.


The Committee appreciates it will be impossible to construct a new school until the end of the present war, but nevertheless recom- mends the purchase of the aforesaid land while it is available.


36


The purpose of the Committee in submitting this report to a Spe- cial Town Meeting at the present time, is to bring the matter before the people of the Town for consideration and discussion, rather than to seek any immediate action on the proposal. The Committee feels that such action might more appropriately be taken at the next Annual Town Meeting after the voters have had ample opportunity to consider the recommendation. For this reason no motion is presented with this report, but the suggestion is made that the report be accepted as a re- port of progress, and that the Committee be continued in existence.


Respectfully submitted,


AUGUST C. MACLEOD, Chairman HERBERT C. BARROWS WILLIAM CURTIN CHARLES H. BLACK


EDWIN J. TWOMEY


Mr. Herbert C. Barrows made the above report.


On motion of Harold E. Melzar, it was voted to accept the report as a report of progress.


Article 5. On motion of Burt E. Tilley, it was voted that all funds collected from fire insurance companies on account of damage by lightning and fire to the Silver Lake School be and they hereby are transferred to the General School appropriation.


Article 6. On motion of Walter G. Buckle, it was voted that the Town transfer the sum of one thousand dollars from the Old Age As- sistance Administration Town Account to pay outstanding welfare bills incurred in previous years.


On motion of Herbert C. Barrows it was voted to adjourn.


Attest:


WILLIAM S. CAVANAUGH, Town Clerk.


37


VITAL STATISTICS


BIRTHS


Number of Births recorded in 1942


104


MARRIAGES


65


Number of Marriages recorded in 1942


DEATHS


Number of Deaths recorded in 1942


66


Persons 70 years and over who died during the year 1942:


Years


Months


Joseph Cote


76


9


John Steele


77


6


Alma T. McKittrick


70


9


Ellen E. McCarthy


79


Abbie Sargent


74


6


Mary Isabella Giertsen


90


9


Wynne Johnston


92


6


William Runnells


74


8


Jennie T. Short


80


5


Winifred Emerson


Eames


70


9


Louisa A. Martin


73


10


Cecelia Oksenak


75


Austin Warren Hall


85


7


Mary E. Young


76


6


Mary A. Todd


70


6


Susan Nichols


89


7


George Newcomb


76


1


Report of Burials for Wildwood Cemetery for the Year 1942


Wilmington residents died in Wilmington


17


Wilmington residents died elsewhere


26


Non-residents buried in Wilmington


10


Total


53


H. OLIVER NEWCOMB,


Superintendent.


38


Sarah A. Sheldon


77


Money Paid Town Treasurer on Dog License Account


Whole number licensed


345


Males 265 Females 28 Spayed 51 Kennel 1


By cash paid Town Treasurer


.. . $728.00


Report of Division of Fisheries and Game Licenses


Whole number issued


265


Resident Citizen Fishing


106


Resident Citizen Hunting


82


Resident Citizen Sporting


47


Resident Minors and Women's Fishing


7


Resident Citizen Trapping (Minors)


2


Resident Citizens Trapping 4


Resident Citizens Sporting (Free)


17


By cash paid Division of Fisheries and Game $481.00


Compiled Records of Births, Marriages, and Deaths


Number on hand January 1, 1942.


95


Number on hand January 1, 1943. 95


These records are on sale by a vote of the Selectmen at $1.00 per copy. (Book stores are allowed to purchase these copies at 60 cents each) and may be obtained from the Town Clerk.


Respectfully submitted,


WILLIAM S. CAVANAUGH,


Town Clerk.


The Town Clerk will furnish to parents, householders, physicians and midwives applying therefor, blanks for returns of Births as re- quired by law.


39


JURY LIST-TOWN OF WILMINGTON


Name


Occupation


Address


Charles A. Baldwin


Ass't. Stevedore


Jones Avenue


Janies D. Blake


Accountant


Middlesex Avenue


Stanley Cady


Shipper


Temple Street


D. Robert Carter


Carpenter


Glen Road


James W. Castine


Leather Worker


Columbia Street


William S. Cavanaugh


Undertaker


Main Street


John W. Cooke


Retired


Aldrich Road


Ernest M. Crispo


Stone Mason


Hopkins Street


William P. Curtin


Editor


Glen Road


Lawrence H. Cushing


Draftsman


Jones Avenue


Paul W. Dayton


Electrician


Burlington Avenue


Philip F. Denner


Supervisor


Chestnut Street


Clarence W. Doucette


Engineer


Ballardvale Street


John H. Doyle Currier


Middlesex Avenue


Adrian A. Durkee


Barber


Middlesex Avenue Concord Street


John J. Finnerty


Manager


off Beacon Street


Arthur F. Findlay


Leather Worker


Burlington Avenue


Walter Fitch


Sales Representative


Hillside Way


John R. Fleming


Truckman


off Salem Street


Harry E. Goodearl


Salesman


Federal Street


Walter Goss Clerk


Cottage Street


William S. Hale


Fireman


Columbia Street


Ralph Henderson


Mechanic


Woburn Street


Gilbert T. Hill


Janitor


Lowell Street


Joel P. Ireland


Salesman


Washington Avenue


Arthur G. Kidder


Towerman


Thurston Avenue


Hans J. Larson


Iron Worker


Glen Road


Lloyd S. Lewis


Salesman


Middlesex Avenue


Frank H. Lyon


Laborer


Clark Street


George G. McKittrick


Machinist


Eames Street


Louis A. Munson Foreman


Ballardvale Street


H. Oliver Newcomb


Supt. of Cemetery


Middlesex Avenue


40


Ernest W. Eames


Laundryman


Name


Occupation


Address


Chester W. Nichols


Consulting Engineer


Salem Street


Francis A. O'Hara


Printer


Middlesex Avenue


Maurice D. O'Neil


Salesman


High Street


Joseph L. Ring


Student


Middlesex Avenue


Gardiner I. Ritchie


Clerk


Columbia Street


John H. Sullivan


Laborer


Salem Street


Joseph H. Surette


Salesman


Beacon Street


Paul E. Todd


Engineer


Chestnut Street


Robert Waters


Bank Clerk


Fairview Avenue


James G. Watters


Laborer


off Federal Street


41


REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS


January 29, 1943.


The following is the report of the Board of Assessors for the year 1942:


VALUATION OF TAXABLE PROPERTY AS OF JAN. 1, 1942


Real Estate


$4,119,350.00


Personal Property 380,370.00


RECAPITULATION


Real Estate Tax $ 173,012.70


Personal Property Tax


15,996.33


Poll Tax (1547 Polls)


3,094.00


Excise Tax


8,252.31


December Commitment (R. E.)


54.60


Total Appropriation


283,848.71


Appropriation from Available Funds


1,000.00


State Tax


11,100.00


State Parks and Reservations


165.57


Investigation Soldiers Relief


34.38


County Tax 1


5,794.78


County Tax (Underestimates 1941)


45.47


Tuberculosis Hospital


1,208.01


Amount of Overlay


3,401.83


Overlay Deficits (1938 and 1939)


1,081.59


Gross Amount to Be Raised $ 307,680.34


Total Estimated Receipts and Available Funds $ 115,577.31


Total Amount Levied on Polls and Property and Com- mitted to the Collection in 1942 192,103.03


Tax Rate Per $1000 for 1942 42.00


42


SCHEDULE OF TOWN PROPERTY AS OF JAN. 1, 1942


REAL ESTATE


Water Department Buildings, Standpipe, Equipment and


Land


$ 416,000.00


School Houses and Lots


138,450.00


Town Hall and Fire Equipment


7,500.00


Town Park


4,500.00


Cemetery and Buildings


23,000.00


Library Building and Land


2,000.00


Fire Engine House and Land


2,750.00


Moth House and Land


700.00


Common and Flag Staff


2,500.00


Highway Building and Land


5,000.00


$ 601,400.00


PERSONAL PROPERTY


Highway Trucks, Machinery, etc.


$ 5,000.00


Safes, Furniture, etc., in Town Hall


2,000.00


Fire Trucks and Equipment


10,000.00


Sprayers and Fixtures


100.00


Sealers of Weights and Measures Equipment


2,000.00


Police Equipment


3,000.00


School Supplies, Furniture, etc.


9,500.00


Town Ambulance


2,000.00


Furniture, Water Department


500.00


Library Contents


2,800.00


Cemetery, Trucks, Tools, etc.


1,000.00


$ 38,100.00


GEORGE W. BUCK, JOHN D. COOKE, WILLIAM H. DOUCETTE,


Assessors.


43


REPORT OF TOWN COUNSEL


January 14, 1943.


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


In accordance with the requirements of the Tow, By-Laws, I submit herewith my report as Town Counsel covering the year 1942.


A. On January 1, 1942, there were pending the following actions by or against the Town (exclusive of actions in which the Town was merely summoned as trustee and in which it had no interest, and of tax lien foreclosure proceedings in the Land Court) :


City of Woburn v. Town of Wilmington, Fourth District Court of Eastern Middlesex. (Action of contract by City of Woburn to recover for aid furnished in a public welfare case in which $68.84 is claimed due.)


City of Woburn v. Town of Wilmington, Fourth District Court of Eastern Middlesex. (Action of contract by City of Woburn to recover for aid furnished in a public welfare case; ad damnum $500.)


Town of Wilmington v. City of Woburn, Fourth District Court of Eastern Middlesex. (Action of contract by Town of Wilmington to recover for aid furnished in public welfare cases; ad damnum $500.)


City of Lowell v. Town of Wilmington, District Court of Lowell. (Action of contract by City of Lowell to recover the sum of $275.96 for special vocational training of certain pupils.)


City of Lowell v. Town of Wilmington, District Court of Lowell. (Action of contract by City of Lowell to recover $657.77 plus interest for aid furnished in a public welfare case.)


City of Lowell v. Town of Wilmington, District Court of Lowell. (Action of contract by City of Lowell to recover $721.90 for aid fur- nished in a public welfare case.)


City of Boston v. Town of Wilmington, Suffolk Superior Court. (Action of contract by City of Boston to recover for aid furnished in public welfare cases; ad damnum $6000.00)


44


City of Boston v. Town of Wilmington, Suffolk Superior Court. (Action of contract by City of Boston to recover for aid furnished in public welfare cases; ad danınum $5000.)


Town of Wilmington v. City of Boston, Municipal Court of the City of Boston. (Action of contract by Town of Wilmington to recover for aid furnished in public welfare cases; ad damnum $1500.)


Town of Wilmington v Town of Braintree, District Court of East Norfolk. (Action of contract by Town of Wilmington to recover for aid furnished in public welfare cases; ad damnum $1000.)


Town of Wilmington v. Town of Burlington, Fourth District Court of Eastern Middlesex. (Action of contract by Town of Wilmington to recover for aid furnished in public welfare cases; ad damnum $300.)


Town of Wilmington v. City of Cambridge, Third District Court of Eastern Middlesex. (Action of contract by Town of Wilmington to recover for aid furnished in public welfare cases; ad damnum $400.)


Walter C. Smith v. Town of Wilmington, Fourth District Court of Eastern Middlesex. (Action of tort to recover for personal injuries and property damage alleged to have resulted from a collision between plaintiff's automobile and a truck belonging to the Town; ad damnum $2000.)


B. During the year 1942 the following new actions were brought against the Town:


City of Somerville v. Town of Wilmington, District Court of Som- erville. (Action of contract by City of Somerville to recover $152.36 for aid furnished in public welfare cases.)


General Crushed Stone Co. v. Town of Wilmington, et al. Suffolk Superior Court. (Bill in equity by creditor of Thomas W. Watkins & Sons, Inc. to reach balance due from the Town on the Lowell Street construction job.)


Malden Crushed Stone Co. v. Town of Wilmington, et al. Essex Superior Court. (Bill in equity by creditor of Thomas W. Watkins & Son, Inc. to reach balance due from the Town on the Lowell Street construction job.)


During the year 1942 the Town brought the following new actions:


45


Town of Wilmington v. A Certain Administrator, Municipal Court of the City of Boston. (Action of contract to recover for medical aid and burial expenses.)


Town of Wilmington v. Josephine Zanotti et al, Middlesex Su- perior Court. (Bill in equity to reach proceeds of fire insurance policy in satisfaction of claim for unpaid taxes.)


Town of Wilmington v. Certain Defendants, Middlesex Superior Court. (Bill in equity under the provisions of G. L. Chap. 117, Secs. 6-11 inclusive.)


Town of Wilmington v. A Certain Defendant, Fourth District Court of Eastern Middlesex. (Action of contract under G. L. Chap. 117, Sec. 5.)


C. During the year 1942 the following actions by or against the Town were settled or disposed of:


The two actions of City of Woburn v. Town of Wilmington and the action of Town of Wilmington v. City of Woburn, listed above as pending on January 1, 1942, were all disposed of by agreement, by the entry in each case of judgment for the plaintiff for $1.00 without costs and judgment satisfied, and the exchange of checks in payment of the amounts owed by Wilmington and Woburn respectively, as agreed between their respective welfare departments.


The two actions of City of Boston v. Town of Wilmington, listed above as pending on January 1, 1942, were all disposed of by agree- ment, by the entry in each case of judgment for the plaintiff for $1.00 without costs and judgment satisfied, and the exchange of checks in payment of the amounts owed by Wilmington and Boston respectively, as agreed between their respective welfare departments.


The actions of Town of Wilmington v. Town of Braintree, listed above as pending on January 1, 1942, was disposed of by agreement, by the entry of judgment for the plaintiff for $1.00 without costs and judgment satisfied, Braintree having paid to Wilmington the amount determined to be due by agreement between the respective welfare departments.


The action of Town of Wilmington v. Town of Burlington, listed above as pending on January 1, 1942, was disposed of by agreement, by the entry of judgment for the plaintiff for $1.00 without costs and


46


judgment satisfied, Burlington having paid to Wilmington the amount determined to be due by agreement between the respective welfare departments.


The action of Walter C. Smith v. Town of Wilmington, listed above as pending on January 1, 1942, was disposed of by judgment for the defendant, after trial.


The action of City of Somerville v. Town of Wilmington, listed above as brought against the Town during 1942, was disposed of by the exchange of checks in payment of the amounts owed by Wilming- ton and Somerville respectively, as agreed between their respective wel- fare departments, and by the entry of an execution in favor of Som- erville, endorsed as satisfied in full.


The companion cases of General Crushed Stone Co. and Malden Crushed Stone Co. v. Town of Wilmington et al, listed above as brought against the Town during 1942, were disposed of by agreement (after partial hearing by the Court) by the entry of decrees dismiss- ing the bills without costs.


The case of Town of Wilmington v. A Certain Administrator, listed above as brought by the Town during 1942, was disposed of by agree- ment by entry of judgment for the Town in the amount of $118.54, which judgment was paid and satisfied in full.


D. Compensation was received by the Town Counsel in said mat- ters and in all other matters during the year as follows:


Compensation


$680.00


Disbursements 105.59


(Of the above amounts, the sums of $480.00 and $94.85 were re- spectively on account of services rendered and disbursements paid in the calendar year 1941.)


Respectively submitted,


PHILIP B. BUZZELL,


Town Counsel.


17


Mrs. Anne Dometille Doucette was born in Belleville, Nova Scotia, October 14, 1842. She is the widow of Jeremiah Doucette who died 17 years ago. They were married November 26, 1867 and two years later came to Wilmington and have lived here ever since.


They had ten children, eight of whom are living: Bernard F. of Melrose, Joseph E. of Wollaston, J. Ellis of North Reading, William H., Louis T., Mrs. Emily Surette, M. Alice and M. Lena all of this town.


There are 30 grand children, 37 great grand children and 3 great, great grand children.


Mr. and Mrs. Doucette saw many changes in the town- the instal- lation of electric lights, telephone and water system-the miles of good roads, and the growth of buildings-churches, school-houses and dwell- ings. Their own home was built about 60 years ago. From a tract of timber land which he had bought, Mr. Doucette felled the trees, had them processed at the Silas Brown saw mill, then had the house built. He was a stone mason and put in the foundation for several buildings in the town, one of which is that of St. Thomas of Villa- nova Church of which the family are members.


On October 14, 1942, Mrs. Doucette celebrated her one hundredth birthday anniversary. She was in good health and still quite active. She had just completed a knitted afghan for the Red Cross consisting of 96 six-inch squares. At the present time she is still knitting and attending to a few household duties. She has always been a wonderful home maker and she still is.


48


MRS. ANNE DOMETILLE DOUCETTE


132


WILMINGTON POLICE DEPARTMENT


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,


Dear Sirs:


I hereby submit my report for the Wilmington Police Department for the year 1942.


It is with a great amount of satisfaction I report to the Town that for the year past, no crime of major importance has been com- mitted within our community. This is gratifying to the Police Depart- ment in that it shows that the great majority of our citizens are law abiding and that Wilmington is not a haven for those with criminal tendencies. We received but one request from a neighboring city to apprehend a fugitive, wanted for armed robbery, who was seeking such haven in our Town. This subject was speedily arrested and prosecuted.


This past year has afforded the Police Department many oppor- tunities of service to the community. We have investigated approxi- mately 600 complaints. Many of these calls have not been in the line of regular police duty but could be placed in the category of social service work. Speaking for myself and my officers, I want the people of our community to know that this department is ever willing to help in a time of need or anxiety.


The Police Department is doing its utmost to cooperate with the various defense organizations of this Town. Because of the needs that are created by this war we are doing our best to keep up a high standard of service. Early in the year when various organizations were being formed for the defense of our community, I formed what is known as the Auxiliary Police Force. For three months we met at the High School each Thursday evening for a period of initial training. This consisted of lectures on the duties of a police officer, the prevention and prosecution of crime, first aid, gasses and bombs. These lectures were supplemented by motion pictures provided by various firms and defense units to whom we express our appreciation.


The officers took such an interest in this work that we have kept up our meetings on Thursday evenings. These later sessions have been held at the Police Station. Due to this extra training I have


49


at various times, other than during blackouts, assigned these men to perform various police duties throughout the Town.


For the Auxiliary Police Force the Town has purchased badges and night-sticks. In order that these men could be uniformly dressed, they have purchased out of their own finances, police hats, hat badges, jackets and arm insignia.


Since the new dim-out regulations have gone into effect the men of the Auxiliary Force have been assigned to various parts of the Town for a few hours a week to see that these orders are complied with. As these men give of their time, I wish to express my thanks to them for responding as they have.


During 1942, the ambulance has carried 169 patients. Often we have been able and glad to help out neighboring towns that do not own their own ambulance. I feel that the ambulance work done by this department is one of its most important services, in that lives might have been lost were it not available. For example, I sight the case of the Cocoanut Grove Tragedy in which our ambulance played an important part in the transporting of injured.


At a Special Town Meeting it was voted that everyone owning and using a bicycle should have it registered. Plates were purchased from the State's Prison. The twenty-five cents paid to register a bicycle pays for the license plate and registration certificate. Over 400 bicycles have been registered to date.


Like other Police Departments of our State we have lost some of our members to the armed forces. To those of the Regular, Special, and Auxiliary Force who have answered the call to the Colors, we extend our best wishes and earnest hope for a safe return.


The success of any Police Department largely depends on the cooperation from the officers and other departments of the Town government. The help that my department has received from all with whom we have come in contact has been an inspiration and a great aid. My officers and I at this time wish to voice our deep apprecia- tion.


Respectfully,


HARRY J. AINSWORTH,


Chief of Police.


50


ARRESTS


Number of Arrests


115


Males


112


Females


3


Residents


45


Non Residents


70


CAUSES OF ARRESTS


Armed Robbery


1


Assault and Battery


2


Breaking and Entering


1


Conspiracy


3


Delinquent Children


5


Drunkenness


52


Evading State Tax


1


Illigitimacy


2


Larceny


13


Non Payment of Wages


8


Non Support


7


Passing Bad Checks


6


Illegal Possession of Firearms


2


Violation of Conditions of Parole


1


Violation of Motor Vehicle Laws:


Operating under the Influence


4


Operating after Revocation


1


Operating without a License


1


Speeding


5


11


DISPOSITION OF CASES


Released


45


Filed


11


Suspended Sentence


6


House of Correction


15


To Officers of other Cities and Towns


10


Fined


24


Fines Imposed $995.00


Probation


1


To Middlesex County, Training School


1


To Parole Officer 1


To Federal Bureau of Investigation


1


51


MISCELLANEOUS


Accidents Reported (Automobile) 32


Persons Injured :


Males-34 Females-18


Total


52


Persons Killed by Automobiles


1


Persons Killed by Accidental Shooting


1


Persons Drowned


2


Automobile Licenses Revoked and Suspended 33


Automobile Registrations Revoked


20


Buildings Found Open


12


Dogs Disposed of:


Males-25


Females-32


Total 57


Complaints


569


Complaints Investigated


569


Emergency Messages Delivered


101


Persons Bitten by Dogs


Persons Found


32


Number of Warrants Posted


25


Number of Notices Posted for Registrars of Voters


5


Property Found and Recovered


$24,083.95


Transfer of Automobiles


318


Warrants and Summons Served


108


Warnings for Violation of Motor Vehicle Laws 95


52


REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS


January 30, 1943


During the year the work on grading and seeding of the soldiers' lot has been completed. This section will be reserved as a memorial park for the members of the Armed Forces.


During the coming year the Commissioners will carry out the recommendations of the Finance Committee in making an annual charge for the care of the lots and also increasing the price of lots.


Respectfully submitted,


LOUIS T. McMAHON, Chairman, GUY E. NICHOLS, DAVID MARTIN,


Commissioners.


53


REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD AND PARK COMMISSION


Honorable Board of Selectmen, Wilmington, Mass.


Gentlemen:


There has been no money expended by the Planning Board for the year 1942.


The Park Department put the Baseball Park in readiness. Some games were played, but not the usual number. In putting the Foot- ball Field in condition, considerable expense was incurred owing to the fact that there was only one game played in this town.


Each year there is a certain amount of work to be done to keep the parks up and the Board is doing its utmost to keep them in good condition and with as little expense as possible.


Due to the fact that it has been necessary during the last year to keep the flags flying every day, we have found it necessary to pur- chase more flags than usual.


We appreciate the cooperation of our Selectmen and Cemetery Department.


Respectfully submitted,


HERBERT R. BOUTWELL, LAURENCE CUSHING, STANLEY CADY,


Planning Board Park Commission.


54


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 1942.


Sealed


Adj. Condemned


Platform Scales over 10,000 lbs.


1


1


0


Platform Scales 100 to 5000 lbs.


10


1


0


Counter Scales under 100 lbs.


9


2


0


Spring Scales under 100 lbs.


17


4


0


Beam Scales 100 to 5000 lbs.


1


1


0


Beam Scales under 100 1bs.


9


1


0


Computing Scales under 100 lbs.


13


1


0


Personal Weighing Scales




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