HomeMy WebLinkAbout1947-07-14SELECTMEN'S MEETING
Tilly 14, 1947
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held
in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, Monday
evening, July 14, 1947, at 7:30. There were present:
Chairman Paxton, Messrs. Locke, Emery and Gay. The Clerk
was also present.
Mr. DeFoe, Sup't. of --Public Works, Mr. Antonio Busa
and Mr. Everett M. Brooks, Civil Engineer, met with the
Board. Mr. Brooks presented a study plan of a proposed
new road shown on the plan and profile as part of A
Street. He said that this plan had been presented to the
Planning Board and approved. He explained that Mr. Busa
desires approval on one street only to enable him to build
a house and he would like permission to construct the
foundation before the formal Board of Survey Hearing is
held. Mr. Brooks informed the Board that if Mr. Busa is
held up too long he will have to forget about the proposi-
tion. Mr. Busa said that duringthe period of advertising
and before the actual hearing was held he would like to
get permission from the Building Inspector which will
enable him son-in-law to start on the cellar of the house.
The Chairman suggested that Mr. Busa and his engineer
leave the meeting for a few minutes to give the Board an
opportunity to consider his request. The Chairman informed
the Board that as far as he is concerned be helieved Mr.
Busa should be required to build the section of the street
according to the Board of Survey specifications, but he did
not think he should be required to install drainage. Mr.
Locke said that if he did build the street according to
town requirements he would be in favor of approving the
request. The Chairman stated that Mr. Busa, however,
should be required to post a bond. Mr. Busa and Mr. Brooks
returned to the meeting at 7:35 P.M. and the Chairman in-
formed them that the Board felt thatit would be better to
have a Board of Survey Hearing on the matter and the soonest
possible date would be two weeks from this evening. He
further stated that the Board also felt that Mr. Busa should
construct the street according to the Board of Survey
specifications which included a 24 foot gravel road, but
that the Board would not require the installation of
drainage. -He stated that the Building Inspector will be
requested to grant a permit which will enable Mr. Buses
son-in-law to begin the foundation, but it must be clearly
understood that any permit for the construction of the
439
Antonio
Busa
new
road
re;
440
Paul Bowser
Assessment
Drainage in
rear of
Johnson's
garage
Thomas
Napoli
Assessment
on Lincoln
Street
house must be subject to the approval of the Board of
Survey Hearing. The Chairman. informed Mr. Busa that
it would be necessary for him to post a bond and a
specified completion date. He suggested that Mr. Buss
confer with Mr. DeFoe to complete -these -details. Mr.
Buss and Mr. Brooks retired at 7:40 P.M.'
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that the new assess-
ment to be levied against Paul Bowser for the con-
struction of Grant Street (taking into consideration
the part the town did not assess him for) is $1,242.
He also stated that Mr. Carlson's new assessment will
be $1,260. The Chairman asked the Board if there were
any questions pertaining to these revised `figures and
there were none. The Chairman said that he felt the
proper way to handle this would be to have the figures
revised on the records at the Registry. and suggested
that Mr. DeFoe contact the Town Counsel as to the proper.
procedure.
Mr. DeFoe presented a plan relative to the drainage
of the property in the rear of F. K. Johnson's Garage
on Bedford Street. Mr. Locke asked if the proposed
drainage would be an open ditch and Mr. DeFoe replied
that he is planning to pipe it. The Chairmansuggested
that Mr. DeFoe consult Fred Johnson to find out what his
rection will be and also to determine whether or not he
expects to erect any building where the proposed drainage
is to be installed. The Chairman aleo asked the Super-
intendent if he would find out whether or not Mr.
Johnson would be willing to give the town an easement
thereby enabling the town to run some pipe and will permit
Mr. Johnson to carry on his filling as he sees fit.
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that the assessment
for Thomas Napoli in the amount of $157 covers work done
last year, and the work for 1947 on Lincoln Street will
cost Mr. Napoli $836. Mr. Napoli met with the Board
at 7:55 P.M. The Chairman explained the two charges
to Mr. Napoli and he asked what the Board meant when
they referred to work having been done last year. The
Chairman explainedthat was the installation up Lincoln
Street to Barrymeade Drive. Mr. Napoli questioned
whether or not it was any betterment to his property
and the Chairman explained that in some cases when water
mains have been laid by farm lands an agreement has been
drawn up whereby the farmer does not pay any assessment
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until such time as he taps the main"or until he sells
any portion or all of his farm land. Mr. Emery asked
if the agreement would be_a lien on the property and
the Chairman replied that it would be in lieu of a lien.
Mr. Napoli stated that he would be willing to pay for the
water if he used it or if he sold the land, but he has
nd', intention of selling his property. The Chairman
explained that the Town Counsel will leave this week for
his vacation and will not be available for at least three
weeks. He asked Mr. Napoli if he would hold this subject
over for a month and when the Town Counsel returnsan
agreement will be drawn up between Mr. Napoli and the
Town. Mr. Napoli agreed to the Chair s suggestion
and retired at 8:03 P.M.
Chairman Hoyt, Messrs. Fawcett, Hopkins and Winlock
of the .Appropriation, Committee and Mr. Walker, Town
Accountant, met with the Board. The Chairman salted if
the Appropriation Committee had any questions that they
wanted to ask the Board and`Mr. Hoyt said that there
were none that he knew of. He said, hbviever, that at
some later date the Appropriation Committee would like
to be able to put together some figures showing not only
what the town is committed to spend, but what it is
anticipated will be spent over the next three years.
The Chairman said that the first subject to be
dismissed -•:with the Appropriation Committee is the
matter by salaries for Miss Ready in the Assessor's
Office and Miss Thompson in the Collector's Office.
He said that the Appropriation Committee would undoubt-
edly recall that last winter the Selectmen invited the
heads of both of these Departments to meet with the
Board for the purpose of discussing their Budgets. He
said that Mr. Seaman did meet with the Board, but the
Board of Assessors met with the Selectmen and discussed
this subject. He said that they very definitely feel
that Miss Ready is worth more money than she is getting
at the present time and they asked that her salary be set
at $40-.00 a week. He explained that Miss Ready has been
in the Department for 25 years and that Mr. Spencer will
retire any time and is determined that he will not break
in a new girl. The Chairman said that when the -Assessors
met with the Selectmen Mr. Spencer also spoke about the
Tax Collector's Office and said that he did not think it
would be fair to increase Miss Ready and not increase
Miss Thompson. The Chairman stated that the Board of
Selectmen felt that both girls should receive an increase;
44.E
Meet with
Appropri-
ation
Comm.re:
salaries
and
Veteran
Agent
442
however, they do not feel that they can go along at $40,00
a week. In view of the fact that it is impossible to hire
a capable 'girl 'for less than $35.00 a week the Board would
be willing to pay these two girls at that rate. Mr.
Winlock asked if there would be any guarantee that the
girls would stay after they were increased and the Chair-
man replied in the negative. Mr. Hopkins stated that if
these two salaries were increased the other girls in the
building might request an increase. He questioned whether
it would be wise to leave them as senior clerks and increase
their salaries above that paid to senior clerks. Mr. Gay
asked if the Assessors's Office and the Collector's Office
had been represented, would they have been granted increases.
Mr. Hoyt replied in the negative stating that there is no
question about either Department. He stated that Mr.
Spencer knows the rules and procedure relative to budgets
and increases in salaries and has known them for a period
of thirty-five years. He said that both the Assessors
and Tax Collector know that any increases hhould have been
requested in the Budgets. The Chairman said that he thought
this was -a serious situation and he wanted the Appropriation
Committee to be familiar with both departments. Mr. Fawcett
asked if the Board of Selectmen intended to pay for the
particular position or for the length of service and the
Chairman replied that they should be paid for both.
The Chairman explained that there is another problem
the Board would like to consider which pertains to Veteran's
Benefits.. He explained that the town is supposed to set up
a Director of Veteran's Services. The Director is to work
with a committee to advise the veteran on the questions of
benefits, education, mortgages, hospitalization, etc. The
Chairman explained that according to law veteran's benefits
can no longer be disbursed through the Welfare Department.
The Chairman explained what the Board has done to date
relative to this subject and read the memorandum received
from Mr. Lawrence Miles, who has been asked to serve in
the capacity of Director of Veteran's Services. Mr. Hoyt
said that he had discussed the matter with Mr. Miles. The
Chairman said that the Board has been unsuccessful in ob-
taining anyone to accept the job, but no doubt when there
is a salary for the position there may be some applicants..
Mr. Hoyt stated that in talking with Mr. Miles he said that
right at the moment it does not look like a full-time job
but it can become a full-time job at any time. Mr. Hoyt
asked if the Board of Selectmen anticipated appointing a
full-time Director and the @h,rirman relied that the
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448
Selectmen have no set-up at the present time and wanted
todiscussit with the Appropriation Committee so that it
could be taken care of at the fall town meeting.
Mr. Hoyt said that the Appropriation Committee had
discussed informally the Board of Public Welfare. He said
that the Appropriation Committee had the reeling for some
tiiie that the town might recieve more for its money if
there were a man of more executive ability as Welfare Agent.
It might be possible to consider the present agent for the
position of Veteran's Director. He stated that the Welfare
loan is $7.00 on the tax rate and it has reached the point
where it takes a good man to handle it. He said that he,
personally, is not too sure that we could get more for our
money. The Chairman stated that Colonel Barry and Mr.
Collins met with the Board of Selectmen and the Board since
that time has received monthly reports from that Department
and the greatest item is "Old Age". He said that at the
time they met Colonel Barry brought out the fact that every-
thing is so tied down by law that anyone on the Public Welfare
can only see that the law is carried out and sign the warrants.
Mr. Hoyt said that he did not think this was so and that most
of the towns are now recognizing that this is a permanent load
and it takes a good man to receive what should come to the
town. Mr. Hoyt explained that the Appropriation Committee
has no criticism of the present agent. The group retired at
8:55 P.M.
Mr. Thomas J. Donnelly, Chairman of tue Board of Fire
Fire Engineers, -and DeputyChief Roy Cook, met with the Engineers
Board. Mr. Donnelly explained that the Board of Fire re: water
Engineers recommend tying in the'water mains from mains
Buckman Drive to Moreland Avenue, a distance of approx-
imately 300 feet. The Chairman explained that the Board
is familiar with the situation and it is on Mr. DeFoe's
list as one of the items to be discussed this evening.
Mr. Donnelly said that the Board of Fire Engineers are
considering short cuts from the new station to heavily
populated sections of the town and one of these is to run
up Bedford Street, through Revere Street and Coolidge
Avenue to Merriam and North Streets. The Engineers would
like to have Coolidge Avenue -straightened out and regraded
and also approximately 15 feet cut off the triangular plot
at Hancock and Revere Streets. The Chairman explained to
Mr. Donnelly that the Sup't. of Public Works will be in-
structed to scrape Coolidge -Avenue but with the increased
volume of work and the limited personnel in the Public Submit
Works Department, any work on the triangular plot would Reporte
444
Charles
Richards
Pension
Medical
Panel
app' d.
have to be held over until some later date. The Chairman
suggested the Board of Fire Engineers submit occasional
reports to the Selectmen relative to the number of fires
and loss per fire.
The Chairman stated that the Selectmen have received
a communication from the Town Co@.nsel pertaining to the
request of Charles Richards for an increase in his pension.
He explained that General Laws provide that no fireman
shall be retired for either accidental ordinary, dis-
ability unless he has been examined first, by a med±eal
panel consisting of three physicians who must certify in.
writing after examination that such fireman is mentally
or physically ineapic&fated for further duty. The medical
panel must consist of three physicians, one of whom shall
be designated by the State Surgeon, who shall serve as
Chairman, a second who shall be designated by the Board
of Selectmen, and a third who shall be designated by the
applicant for retirement. Mr. Gay moved that the Board
of Selectmen designate Dr. Howard W. Newell as a .:member of
the medical panel to examine Mr. Richards and to also
advise the State Surgeon. Mr. Emery seconded the motion
and it was so voted.
Mr. Donnelly and Deputy Chief Cook retired at 9:15
P.M.
Mr. DeFoe presented a plan entitled "Plan of Buckman
Drive and Easement For Water Main to Moreland Avenue, July
11, 1947, J. T. Cosgrove, Town Engineer", The Chairman
suggested that Mr. DeFoe contact the Town Counsel relative
to the easement and ask Mr. Luongo to"meet with ,the Board
of Selectmen"four weeks from to -night. The Chairman also
requested Mr. DeFoe to instruct the Building Inspector
not to issue -a building permit for the construction of
new buildings on Mr. Luongo's two lots until after he
meets with the Board.
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he and Mr.
Proposed Garrity, Sup't. of Parks and Playgrounds, had met with
Transmission Mr. John T. Ward, Vice President of the Boston Edison
-Line Company relative to the proposed transmission line. Mr.
DeFoe said that he could see no objection to granting the
petition and that Mr. Ward informed hi{* that the Boston
Edison Company will plant trees if necessary. The.Chair-
man stated that the Board at this time is not granting
permission for any crossings. At the present time the
Board will only give them permission to go through the
Cambridge Water Basin area. Mr. Emery inquired as to the
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445
heighth-of the poles and Mr. DeFoe said they would be
45. feet. Mr. Emery asked if the line would go over
any part of water -area and Mr. DeFoe replied in the Proposed
affirmative but stated that -it would not be carried Transmission
over the main body of water. The Chairman asked if Line
there were any further questions and there were none.
On motion of Mr. Emery seconded by Mr. Gay it was voted
to grant the petition of the Boston Edison Company for
approval Of the acquisition from the City of Cambridge,
for electric transmission line of Easements in land
owned by -and held said city for water supply purposes
and located in the Town -of Lexington; it being clearly
understodd that the approval of this preliminary petition
does not include permission for any street crossings.
Mr. Edwin Lee's offer of $60 for a parcel of land Mr. Lee's
located in Lexington, lying southwesterly from Bedford offer for
Street and about 300 feet southeasterly from Hinchey land re:
Road, was held over from the last meeting of the Board. Edison Co.
Inasmuch as it has been rumored that Mr. Lee is purchas-
ing this property for the Boston Edison Company, the
Board decided to ask him for an explanation as to why the
Boston Edison Company does not contact the Selectmen direct.
Mr. DeFoe presented a sketch showing a 36" drain
crossing Sherburne Road, The Chairman suggested that an
item be entered in the 1948 Budget.
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that the town has a Easement
10 foot easement in Sherburne Road. He said that he had on Sher-
telephoned Mr. Nelson who complained about the drainage burne Rd.
and Mr. DeFoe explained to him that the town could not Complaint
do any work on the street inasmuch as it is not an of Mr.
accepted way. Mr. Nelson informed Mr. DeFoe*said Nelson re:
that it appears that his statement is correct. The drainage
Board felt that if the town is responsible for having
dumped the material, then the town should remove it.
Mr. DeFoe was instructed, however, not to have the shovel
used but to have the work done by hand labor.
Mr. DeFoe reported that he and Mr. LeGrow, of the Bow Street
Boston & Maine R. R., and Chief Ryeroft inspected the Crossing
Bow Street -Railroad crossing. Mr. LeGrow suggested Recommend -
having twice as many lights at this crossing as there ations
are now. He also suggested new approach signs on both
sides of the crossing. The Chairman read a report from
the Chief of Police on the subject and also a letter from
the Town Counsel, informing the Board as to the result
* that the town had dumped excess material from Vine
Brook on the bank which prevents the water from run-
ning off and Mr. DeFoe
446
Changes in
rates for
water main-
tenance
of his conference with Robert T. Fletcher, Counsel for
the Boston & Maine. Mr. Emery said that he would
recommend the installation of an audible signal. The
Clerk was instructed to send Mrs. Frank Cochrane, who
presented the original petition pertaining to this
matter, a copy of Mr. Lynch's letter and to ask her
how the residents in the neighborhood now feel about
having an audible signal at this crossing. He stated
that some years ago such a signal was discontinued at
the request of the residents in that area who objected
to the noise.
Mr. DeFoe submitted suggested changes pertaining
to watdr mains and various maintenance charges. After
some discussion of the subject, upon motion of Mr. Gay,
seconded by Mr. Emery it was voted to approve the fol-
lowing schedule of rates:
(1) Turning on and 'shutting off water meters $1.50
(2) Repairing or replacing frozen meters $4.00
(3) Testing meters $2.00
(Prdwiding meter is found to be
defective)
Installation of 6" water mains to be assessed at $1.25
per front foot.
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that the contractor
Drain on installing the sewer on Harding Road has encountered
Harding Road a 20" drain which does not show on the plans in the
Engineering Department and of which the town has no
record. He explained that the sewer is being installed
at the best possible location but as the contractor digs
down the earth, the bank falls away and the pipe is broken.
He said that he can't see anything to do but to replace
the pipe with a 20"treinforced concrete pipe. The Chair-
man explained that/this particular location there would be
no impacts and undoubtedly it would be laid not less than
5 feet doh and he felt that a 21" concrete pipe would
be advisable. Mr. DeFoe said that it seems to him that
the pipe is draining very well at three feet. The Chair-
man felt that if the pipe were not laid deeper than
feet it should be of reinforced concrete. Mr. DeFoe
explained that he had conferred with the contractor and
he has arrived at an agreement in connection with this
pipe, drains, cattail -basins, etc.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Locke,
it was voted to authorize the Supt. of Publics Works,
to replace the drain in Harding Road to Williams Road,
with 21" concrete pipe at a cost of approximately
$750. It was further voiced to approve the following:
(1) Connecting Drains $ 2.00 per foot
(2) Installing the pipe, including fittings and
tying into catch basins $ 7.00
(3) Manholes 25.00 per foot
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that Stanley Higgins
had interviewed Mrs. Harriet Childs who claims to
have injured her leg in a fall caused by a defect in
the town sidewalk. Mrs. Childs was alone at the time
Mr. Higgins talked with her and she told him to
get in touch with her lawyer, Pierre A. Northrup.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Copell of the STOP
State Public Works Department relative to "Stop" signs signs
at the intersection of Adams and Hancock Streets. Mr.
DeFoe was requested to obtain a plan to support the
description.
447
Approve
replacing
drain in
Harding Rd,
Claim of
Mrs. H.
Childs
A letter was received signed by residents of
Richards and Robbins Roads requesting an estimate for
the cost of construction for a finished street. The
oommAnioation was turned over to the Supt. of Public
Works.
Estimate
of con-
struction
A letter was received from the Woodhaven Association St.
requesting the installation of street lights on Munroe Lights
Street. Mr. DeFoe was instructed to confer with the
Boston Edison Company and to submit a report to the Board
Monday evening, August llth, on all requests for street
lights.
The Chairman informed the Board that Mr. John
Sullivan had requested permission to cut the hay on
the so-called "Poor Farm", explaining that in the
past the Board has sold the hay for $5.00. Mr. Locke
moved that Mr. Sullivan be authorized to cut the hay
at the cost of 05,00. Mr. Gay seconded the motion and
it was so voted. Mr. DeFoe retired at 10:30 P.M.
A letter was received from Mrs. Robert P. Trask
requesting permission on behalf of- the Smith Club to
Sell Hay
for $5.00
Rummage
Sale on
Barnes
property
448
conduct a rummage sale at the so= called Barnes property
on Friday, Sept. 19, or Saturday, Sept. 20. Mr. Gay
moved --;that this -use of the ppoperty be granted free of
charge for Sept: 19th. Mr. Locke seconded the motion and
it was so voted.
Use of The Chairman read a letter from William P. Fitz -
Fire Station gerald requesting permission to rent or lease the old
fire'station on Merriam Street for washing and polishing
cars. -The Clerk was instructed to inform Mr. Fitzgerald
that it is doubtful if the -Selectmen can authorize the
use of -the building without the vote of town meeting and
the matter has been referred to Town Counsel.
A letter was received from John R. Sloane requesting
Sloane re- permission to rent the old fire station on Merriam Street
quest for for storage. The Clerk was instructed to advise Mr. Sloane
old fire that it was doubtful if the Selectmen can authorize the
station use of this building and the matter has been referred to
Town Counsel.
The Chairman read a letter from the School Committee
advising that the Board -had discussed Mrs. Lindsay's reoom-
School mendation that the Posture Clinic be taken over by the
Committee School Department. The School Committee is not in favor
re: of this recommendation and prefers to have the Clinic
Posture conducted as a town function and directed by an independent_
Clinic committee with the co-operation of the School Department.
Mr. Gay informed the Board that Mrs. Lindsay would like to
have the Selectmen hold up any further action on this at
the present time inasmuch as there is a possibility that
the P. T. A. may hake over the duties of the Clinic.
Deny sale
of Lot 77 Wilson*s offer of $100 for Lot #77 Marrett Road. The Chair-
Marrett Rd. man informed the Board that he had inspected this parcel
of land. He stated --that there isa brook running through
the land, emptying into the Lexington Reservoir and that
possibly the -town may have some need of it from a drainage
angle at a future date. His recommendation would be that
the Board retain this particular lot of land. Mr. Emery
moved that' the Clerk advise Mr. Wilson that the Board of
Selectmen does not wish to, dispose of Lot #77 Marrett Road.
Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Lots 649-54 A letter was received from Peter Maraso 10 Gladstone
Homestead St.,.North Cambridge, offering $120 for Lots 649-654,
Street inclusive, on Homestead Street. The Committee on Tax Title
The Board gave further consideration to Mr. Axel
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Property recommends that the Town receive $200 for
these lots. Mr. Locke moved that Mr. Maraso be advised
that the Board of Selectmen will entertain an offer of
$200. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
A letter was received from Leonard Dellis, 70 Reed
St., offering $25 for lots 26-29, inclusive, on Earle
Street. The Committee on Tax Title Property reported
that to be consistent about values being put on lots
they -feel -obliged to recommend a price of $100 for
these particular lots. Mr. Locke moved that Mr.
Dellis be advised that the Board of Selectmen will
entertain an offer of $100. Mr. Gay seconded the motion,
and it was so voted.
A letter was received from Dominick L. Torci.,
47 Clifton Street,-Cambr dge, offering $250 for Lots
178-180, inclusive, on A�cola Street. The Committee
on Tax Title Property recommends the price of $300.
Mr. Gay moved that Mr. Torci be advised that the
Board of Selectmen will entertain of offer of *300
for these lots. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and
it was so voted.
The Chairman informed the Board that Mr. Worthen
had left with the Clerk of the Board a typewritten
copy of the remarks by Mr. Robert Clapp at the dedica-
tion of the Cary Memorial Building,. together with a
copy of Mr. Clapp's remarks in introducing Major
William H. Cary. It was decided to incorporate the
remarks as a part of the Selectmen's permanent records,
as follows:
449
Jellis
offer
for
lots on
Earle
Street
Torsi offer
for lots on
Arcola St.
Remarks
at Ded-
ication
of Cary
Memorial
Building
Mr. Chairman and Members of the
Board of Selectmen:
It falls to my lot as President of the Board of
Trustees to make formal transfer now of this Building
through you to the inhabitants of Lexington, for whose
benefit it has-been erected. You and your successors
in office -are to' be the custodians of the gift, and it
is for you and them to see -that the provisions of the
donors' wills regarding its use are carefully observed.
The Trustees may be thought to have delayed un-
necessarily the execution of their trust, 'but we cels you
to remember that an early performance would have resulted
in a small and less useful building. The delay has brought
450
a large increase in the available funds, and permitted
us to turn over to you a building which has cost, including
its site, furnishings and equipments, approximately 3400,000.
Furthermore there is left in our hands a trust fund of about
3200,000., yielding income:with which to meet the cost of
lectures to be given in this hall for the entertainment and
instruction of our people and to furnish financial aid to
deserving young men in obtaining an education.
We ask you to rememberaLso that our task was not an
easy one. I will not dwell upon the difficulties with which
we were beset. I will merely say that to surmount them we
ddvoted much time and careful consideration. The result of
our work is now before you. We have tried to produce a
building that will be of constant service to the community,
and one withal not without simple beauty and architectural
dignity. How far we have succeeded in our efforts is for
you and our fellow -townsmen to judge. Fortunately for the
Trustees there is one feature in the situation that should
remove from them andplace upon all citizens alike the
sting of any criticism; for the plans and specifications
for this building were approved by the Town in advance.
You, ladies and gentlemen, are supposed to have known
just what kind of a building you were going to get, and so
knowing you agreed to accept and maintain it. You are,
therefor, astopped,'as the lawyers say, to claim that it
is not satisfactory. When the friends of President Eliot,
on his ninetieth birthday met to do him honor, a number of
distinguished persons spoke, In reviewing the occasion with
his wife, he said he was much gratified to find that his
hearing was still very good. He could hear, he said, every-
thing but Dr. Peabody's prayer, "But," Mrs. Eliot replied,
"that was not addressed to you, was it?" Now, as you
fellow -citizens look over this building and 'point out its
defects, we, the Trustees, shall claim that your criticisms
are not addressed to us, and we shall, perhaps, be a little
hard of hearing.
In picturing to ourselves the uses to be made of this
building, we naturally think first of the town meetings that
will be held here; and as we reflect on the thoughtful and
instructive address with which Mr. Luce has entertained us,
we are led to recognize rather sorrowfully the fact that
the simple, primitive life of a New England community,
presenting conditions favorable for government through town
meetings, has here become a thing of the past; and that we
soon must adopt the representative system.
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451
Here will sit and vote duly chosen town -meeting
members, and to these spacious galleries all citizens of
the town will be permitted to come. Whether they will be
spectatto merely or be allowed to participate in the
a discusel4f pending questions, I do not know; but what-
ever system shall be devised, let up hope that it will
be affective in expressing the popular will, as service-
able in developing a sense) of civic responsibility, and
as free from the taint of corruption, as ever the town
government was in the days of the Fathers.
From what Major Cary has told us about the two donors,
it seems clear that they would approve the use of the
building for any purpose which by common consent makes for
the betterment of the community; and these uses may vary
from time to time with changes in public opinion. Dramatic
and musical performances, dances, social gatherings and the
like, as well as "lectures upon historical; educational or
other useful subjects, and public meetings," may well occur
here. 3o to both the Muses and the Graces the use of this
hall may be devoted. It is hoped that all of the pumberous
literary, social, and charitable organizations of the Town
may here find opportunity for the exercise of their
activities.
The small hall below us is one which we hope and
believe will prove to be very serviceable. It has an
historical setting which suggests a name for it. In
1691 what is now Lexington was a part of Cambridge,
called Cambridge Farms. The General Court in that year
authorized the residents of the Farms to form a separate
precinct and settle a minister. Accordingly they erect-
ed a meeting house in 1092, and employed as their first
minister, Benjamin Estabrook. They built and gave him
a house in 1694, and settled him in 1696. This house
stood a few rods east of Vine Brook. When excavating
for the foundations of this Memotial Building, the workman
encountered a portion of the cellar walls of the Esta -
brook house. Our small hall, if not actually overlapping
the site of that house, come close to it. It is suggested,
therefore, That „Estabrook Hall" be adopted as the name of
the hall in the basement.
In view of a desire, expressed in the wills, that the
building be used in part for the safe keeping and exhibition
of revolutionary relics and treasures pertaining to the
history of the Town, you will recognize the appropriateness
452,
of our having provided a place for the Historical Society's
valuable painting, "The Dawn -of Liberty" by Sandham, and
the fitness also of transferring to the same place the
statues of Samuel Adams --and Sohn Hancock, and the memorial
tablets in marble -- one relating to the Revolution and the
other to the Civil War. To the Exhibition Room, some of
the treasured relics possessed by the Historical Society may,
perhaps, sooner or later find --their way. All -that is needed
to accomplish the result is the mutual consent of the society
and the Town.
The Trustees are glad to hale been able to affix to
one of the walls in the vestibule an original portrait of
Margaret, Lady Lexington. She was the wife of Lord Lex-
ington, from whom this town is said to have derived its
name. The portrait is the individual gift of one of the
Trustees -- Mr. Elwyn G. Preston.
In keeping with the character of this building will be
the placing within its walls of a suitable memorial to the
eight Lexington boys who made the supreme sacrifice in the
World War. It is hoped that the town will soon avail
itself of the opportunity which now comes to it to do
appropriate honor to them.
Mr. Burnham and members of the Board: To the memory
of Isaac Harris Cary, to the honor of his devoted daughters,
and to the service of the people of this town, this building
is now dedicated. As a last act on the part of the
Trustees in performing the agreement heretofore made between
them and the Town which bound one party to complete and
convey, and the other to accept and maintain, the building,
I am about to hand jou the deed and the keys. In doing so,
I ask you`to.keep in mind always the memorial character of
the gift and the limitations which the donors have placed
upon its use. R amber also that the "continued use" of
the building for the authorized purposes was an object of
solicitude on their part. This means maintenance and
thoughtful care, not only this year and next year, but
through all'.. succeeding years. This deed, therefore, runs
to the "Town of Lexington and its successors forever,
for the uses and purposes expressed in said wills."
That clamse forecasts a long period of time. Let ue
hope that when our remotest descendants shall gather to
celebrate events relating to the history of Lexington,
this very hall may furnish the place of meeting, and that
the audiences then assembled will fervently join in singing:
"Let children learn the mighty deeds
"Which God performed of old,
"Which, in our younger years, we saw,
"And which our fathers told."
"Our lips shall tell them to our sons,
int
1
1
453
"And they again to theirs,
"That generations yet unborn
"May teach them to their heirs."
(Remarks in introducing Major William H. Gary at the
Dedication of the Cary Memorial Building,made by
Mr. Robert Clapp on Oct. 18, 1928)
Isaac Harris Cary, who died in Jamaica Plain in 1881
at the age of 77, was a Boston merchant. He was noted for
his philanthropy and the great interest that he took in the
educational, moral and spiritual uplift of the comr.unity
in which he lived.
His daughters, Eliza Cary Farnham and Susanna E. Cary,
whose girlhood days were spent in Jamaica Plain, naturally
found frequent occasion to visit in Lexington at the
delightful summer home of their uncle, -William Harris Cary,
on what has been known to you as the Cary Farm. William's
wife, Maria Hastings Cary, founder of our library, was the
daughter of a man who stood with Captain Parker on the
battle green in 1775. The associations to which these
circumstances gave rise produced in Yrs. Farnham and her
sister a great interest in the early history df Lexington
and a warm attachment to the Town.
Through the beneficence of these sisters, inspired by
a sense of filial devotion to the father's memory and by
a desire to promote the welfare of a Town in which they spent
many happy hours, there has come into being this Memorial
Building. In it anaudience is now assembled for the first
time The feelings which the occasion induces in us with
compd,ling force are those of gratitude to them for so notable
a gift, and of appreciation of the high motives which
prompted it.
Though''= the event focuses our attention upon these
two sisters, it is eminently proper for us to keep in mind,
along with our gratitude to them, the debt we owe not only
to Maria Hastings Cary but to her adopted daughter, Alice
Butler Cary. She was a thavoted friend and lover of Lexington,
who generously supplemented her mother's gifts to the Town,
and whose sweet and kindly nature endeared her to everyone
in this community. Hers is a most gracious memory and one
ever to be cherished as the background of the presen# gift
made by her cousins.
It will, I am sure, be pleasing to you to hear a brief
word from one of our Trustees who bears the family name.
454
His father, one of the original Trustees under the
Farnham and Cary wills, was first cousin of our latest
benefactors. The son will explain how it happened that
these cousins came to make this gift. I take great
pleasure in introducing to you Major William Harris Cary
of Brooklyn, New York."
On motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Gay, it wqs
voted to grant the following licenses:
Countryside, Inc.
Countryside Associates
William Viano
400 Lowell Street
n H
1794 Mass. Avenue
Common Vict-
ualler (renewal)
Sunday Golf
Sunday Movies
Broken The Chairman informed the Board that Mr. Webster
Windows in Thomas of the School Committee had telephoned him relative
Adams School to a number of panes of glass that had been broken in the
Adams School. The Clerk was instructed to ask the Chief
of Police to advise the Board on the matter.
Tracy Ames
Re:
Surety
Bonds
Insurance
The Chairman read a letter from Tracy W. Ames
:relative
to surety company bonds on construction contracts. The
Chairman said that he personally was not in favor of Mr.
Ames' suggestion that the contractor be obliged to obtain
his bond through a Lexington insurance agent or broker.
Mr. Locke said that he could not see the relation between
the contractor and the insurance agent. Upon motion of
Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Gay it was voted not to take
any action on Mr. Ames' suggestion.
The Chairman reminded the Board that there is still
some insurance to be allocated and submitted his recom-
mendations and the amounts and agents. Upon motion of Mr.
Locke seconded by Mr. Gay it was voted to approve the
recommendations submitted by the Chairman as follows:
Add
H
$11,000
4,000
10,000
5,000
11,000
Division I
" II
III
Add
to Ladd expiring July 1, 1951
to Fitzgerald
to Sosbee " " " 1950
to Lane " " " 1952
to Ballard " " " 1949
H ,, "
$ 41;000
22,000
21, to
S33%1/3%
016 2/3 %
to Lord policy
to McNeil
Vaughan
841,000
1,263,000
421,000
expiring July 1, 1951
H n n
p H n
1
Mr. Emery stated that he believed the Board should
set a definite date for the special election and town
meeting. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr.
Emery it was voted to call a special election to be
held on Monday, September 22, 1947, and the adjourned
town meeting to be held on Monday September 29, 1947.
Upon motion of Mr. Locke, seconded by Mr. Gay,
it was voted to appoint Mr. John C. Solberg, 30 Maple
Street, to serve as a member of the Board of Public
Welfare, to fill the unexpired term of the late Colonel
Barry.
The Board then considered appointments to be made
to the Temporary Recreation Committee as authorized by
vote of adjourned Town Meeting held on March 24, 1947.
Mr. Emery moved that Dr. Howard W. Foley and Kenneth
G. Packard be appointed to serve on this committee, with
John Grinnell as alternate for Doctor Foley and Charles
Vaughan for Kenneth Packard.
The meeting adjourned at 12:10 P.M.
A true record, Attest:
lark, electmen
455
Special
Town
Meeting
Appo't'mt
Bd. of P.
Welfare
Appo't'mt
to Recre-
ation
Comm: