TC THE
CITIZEN* €P CCNCCEE)
88th
ANNUAL
REPORT
OF THE
CITY OF CONCORD
NEW HAMPSHIRE
FOR THE YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31, 1940
CAPITAL OF THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
COUNTY SEAT OF MERRIMACK COUNTY
AREA— 64 SQUARE MILES
POPULATION— 27,1 71
AUTHORIZED AND PUBLISHED UN-
DER THE SUPERVISION OF THE
CITY PLANNING BOARD BY THE
MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN
.
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FOREWORD
THE CITY'S business is your business. This fact
cannot be over-emphasized. You are a stockholder
of the City of Concord and in that capacity you
share in the activity of a corporation which does an
annual volume of business well in excess of a million
dollars. This report is addressed to you. Every effort
has been made to present a concise yet comprehensive
accounting of the City's 1940 activities. You should
scrutinize this report carefully. Give it the same con-
sideration that you give to your everyday business affairs.
As a taxpayer, you finance the City government.
Does your interest in it start when you receive your tax
bill and end when you pay it? Does your concern amount
to more than a fond hope that your next year's taxes will
be less? You owe it to yourself and your fellow citizens
to find out what you need to know about your City's busi-
ness, and having done so, you should take more than a
passive interest in the way it is operated. Only then will
you have the assurance that your City government is what
most of you want it to be now and in the future.
Those who run your City's business believe that they
have served you well. They invite your investigation and
cooperation. There is no better place to start than with
this brief review of last year's activities.
The main entrance of the
Concord Public Library
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MAYOR'S MESSAGE
In these trying times when our citizens are harassed on all sides
by increasing federal assessments, I am aware of the demands of those
who believe that the solution to the problem of rising taxation is to be
found in a summary reduction of local taxes. Yet to do so means the
curtailment of essential municipal services which are already operated
at a minimum of cost in accord with the needs of the community. In
line with this thought, I think that it is proper to direct attention to a
number of unusual circumstances which affect municipal government
in Concord.
As far as I have been able to determine, Concord, with an area of
64 square miles, has the lowest population density of any city in the
United States inhabited by more than 2 5,000 people. Likewise, few
cities carry as large a burden of tax exempt property in proportion to
total valuation as does Concord. Approximately 41 per cent of all
the property in the city is untaxable.
I believe that our citizens are proud of the position Concord holds
as the center of our state and county governments and as the focal
point of business activity in central New Hampshire. I know that
our citizens are equally proud of the fact that in our 200 farms, the
community enjoys a healthy agricultural economy. Yet this diversified
economic development requires of the City a multitude of services
which are a necessary part of everyday living, services which must be
spread over a much larger area than most cities with comparable
resources.
During 1940, your City Government has performed every neces-
sary function with foresight and at the lowest possible cost in line with
efficiency. We look toward the future with assurance that this policy
will be continued.
CITY GOVERNMENT
Mayor
Hox. John \V. Storks
Substitute Mayor
Charles J. McKee
Aldermen-at-Large and Members Board of Public Works
Harold D. Merrill
Charles J. McKee
Arthur F. Sturtevant
William A. Stevens
John W. Stanley
John C. Tilton
Ward Aldermen
Charles P. Coakley
Ralph L. Stearns
William J. Flynn
Robert W. Potter
Ward 1
Ward 2
Ward 3
Ward 4
Thomas B. Jennings
Stewart Nelson Ward 5
Clarence L. Clark Ward 6
Raymond V. LaPointe Ward 7
Charles A. Bartlett Ward 8
Ward 9
Standing Committees of the Board of Aldermen
Accounts and Claims:
Aldermen Clark, Tilton, Sturtevant,
Bartlett.
Bills, Second Reading:
Aldermen Stevens, Stearns, Coakley,
LaPointe.
Elections and Retlirns :
Aldermen Nelson, Tilton, LaPointe,
Jennings.
Engrossed Ordinances :
Aldermen Tilton, Flynn, Jennings,
Stanley.
Finance :
Mayor John W. Storrs, Aldermen
McKee, Merrill, Stanley, Nelson.
Fire Department:
Aldermen Coakley, Merrill, Clark,
Potter.
Lands and Buildings :
Aldermen Bartlett, Flynn, LaPointe,
Nelson.
Playgrounds and Bath :
Aldermen Merrill, Coakley, Flynn,
LaPointe, Jennings ; Mrs. Maud N.
Blackwood, Mrs. Victoria Mahoney,
Miss Margaret Challis, Mrs. Ethel
M. Storrs, Mrs. Kathleen Mullen,
Mrs. Nora E. Donovan, Mrs. James
M. Langley.
Police and License:
Aldermen Stevens, Tilton, Sturte-
vant, Potter.
Public Instructions :
Aldermen Flynn, Potter, Clark,
Jennings.
Project Com m ittee :
Aldermen McKee, Stevens, Stearns.
Relief :
Aldermen Stearns, Stanley, Sturte-
vant.
CITY OFFICIALS
Building Inspector
City Clerk
City Engineer
City Messenger
City Physician
City Physician,
Assistant
City Solicitor
City Treasurer
Fire Chief
Judge, Municipal
Court
Judge, Special,
Municipal Court
Librarian
Milk Inspector
Overseer of Poor
Overseer of Poor,
Penacook
Edward E. Beane
Arthur E. Roby
Edward E. Beane
Henry W. Smith
Thomas J. Halligan
Elmer U. Sargent
Gordon S. Lord
Carl H. Foster
William T. Happny
William L. Stevens
Peter J. King
Marion F. Holt
Austin B. Presby
Frank C. Gilbert
Charles P. Coakley
Planning Director
Police Chief
Probation Officer
Registrar of
Vital Statistics
Sanitary Officer
Sealer of Weights
and Measures
Supt. of Parks
and Cemeteries
Supt. of Streets
Supt. of Water W'ork
Supervisor of
Playgrounds
Tree Warden
Tax Collector
W.P.A. Coordinator
Gustaf H. Lehtinen
Victor I. Moore
Robert L. Colby
Arthur E. Roby
Donald G. Barton
George A. Dearborn
Carl L. Sargent
Ervin E. Webber
Percy R. Sanders
Paul G. Crowell
Carl L. Sargent
Amos B. Morrison
kvman W. Biarelow
Boards, Commissions and Trustees
Board ok Adjustment: Henry P. Call-
ahan, Chairman; John S. Corbett,
Eugene F. Magenau, Donald G. Mat-
son, J. Dunbar Shields.
Board of Airport Commissioners: John
W. Storrs, Chairman; Charles A.
Bartlett, Samuel B. Dunsford, John N.
Engel, Charles W. Howard, Charles J.
McKee, Robert W. Potter.
Board of Assessors : Clarence O. Phil-
brick, Chairman ; Fdward F. Donovan,
Joseph E. Shepard.
City Planning Board : James M. Lang-
ley. Chairman; Edward E. Beane, Fred-
erick P. Clark, Warren H. Greene, John
B. Jameson, Harold D. Merrill, Dudley
W. Orr, Austin E. Page, John W.
Storrs.
Board of Examiners of Plumbers:
William J. Bishop, Chairman; Edward
E. Beane, Charles H. Berry.
Board of Health: John W. Storrs,
Chairman; Dr. Robert O. Blood, Dr.
Thomas M. Dudley, Dr. Carl A. Dahl-
gren, Dr. Thomas J. Halligan.
Board of Hydrant Commissioners: Ed-
ward E. Beane, Chairman; William T.
Happny, Percy R. Sanders.
Board of Library Trustees: Oliver
Jenkins, President; Henry B. Cannon,
Jr., Joseph J. Comi, Edward A. Dame,
Fred M. Dodge, Airs. Armine M. Ing-
ham, Perley B. Phillips, Alexander
Rennie, Jr., Willis D. Thompson, Jr.
Park and Cemetery Commission : John
\Y. Storrs, Chairman; Herbert G. .Ab-
bot, Pierre A. Boucher, Gardner G.
Emmons, Robert J. Graves, Alpheus
Al. Johnson, Mrs. Thomas N. Troxell.
Police Commission : Charles L. Jack-
man, Chairman; Daniel Shea, Guy A.
Swenson.
Recreation Commission: J. Mitchell
Ahern, Chairman ; Gardner G. Emmons,
Leigh S. Hall, Carletoit R. Metcalf,
John W. Storrs.
Trustees of Trust Funds: Harry H.
Dudley, Carl H. Foster, Edgar C. Hirst.
Board of Water Commissioners: Harry
H. Dudley, President; Allen M Free-
man, James W. Jameson, Charles P.
Johnson, Donald Knowlton, Benjamin
H. Orr, John W. Storrs, John Swen-
son, Gardner Tilton.
1940 IN RETROSPECT
The assessed valuation of the city increased $426,773, an in-
crease which was almost three times that of 1939.
Taxable polls increased by 447.
Property valued at $175,000, formerly considered tax exempt,
was added to the tax list as a result of the Exeter Academy
decision.
The net bonded debt of the City was reduced by $116,000. Cur-
rent operations were concluded with a surplus of $28,813.36.
The total net gain in the City's financial condition was
$144,813.36.
No new bond issues were floated.
On the recommendation of the Planning Board the Board of
Aldermen refused to accept 3,855 feet of unnecessary street.
A complete revision of the zoning ordinance has been accom-
plished.
The extensive restoration work at hurricane-damaged Rollins
Park was completed.
The swampy center piece at White Park was reclaimed.
A total of 565 new shade trees were set out along city streets.
A new wading pool was built and put into use at Rolfe Park in
Penacook.
The entire area of the West Street Playground was recon-
structed and landscaped.
The total attendance of 12,524 at the Broken Bridge bathing
area exceeded all previous attendance records.
For the first time in Concord's history, night football was
played at Memorial Field.
At the Public Library, a new high was reached in circulation;
217,396 books were distributed to borrowers.
The average number of persons on City relief was 391 as com-
pared with 443 during 1939.
The Board of Aldermen adopted a "pay-as-you-go" policy in
relation to W. P. A. expenditures.
The average number of W. P. A. workers dropped to 200, or
100 less than the average for 1939.
The W. P. A. river erosion project north of Horseshoe Pond
was 95 per cent complete at the end of the year.
A new ambulance was purchased for the Police Department.
The registration of bicycles was adopted.
Greater traffic control was effected by the inauguration of day-
cruiser patrol.
Only 15 new juvenile delinquency cases were recorded as com-
pared with 39 in 1939.
A total fire loss of $22,296.62 was the smallest which the city
has suffered in a quarter of a century.
A new air whistle alarm was installed at the fire station in
Penacook.
The City spent $165,299 on road construction and maintenance.
The City laid out 1.421 miles of new street, most of which rep-
resents acceptance of roads already used by the public for
highway purposes.
New storm and sanitary sewer construction amounted to 15,067
feet.
A definite increase in the use of the Municipal Airport took
place.
With the assistance of the W. P. A., the Water Department re-
laid two miles of water main between West Concord and Pena-
cook.
Plans for a new school in the Concord Plains area were being
considered bv the Board of Education.
Office of the City Clerk
THE OFFICE of the City Clerk serves as the "nerve center"
through which a large share of Concord's municipal business is
transacted. Beside the many services which the department
renders to the Board of Aldermen, the Board of Public Works and
various city departments, it is the duty of this office to register vital
statistics, record conditional sales and chattel mortgages, issue licenses
and permits, collect fees and preserve numerous public records.
Board of Aldermen
During 1940, the Board of Aldermen held 16 meetings and five
hearings. In addition to the regular routine matters to come before
the board, 68 resolutions and ten ordinances were passed during the
year.
Board of Public Works
The Board of Public Works held 12 regular monthly meetings
during the past year. Two special meetings and two hearings were
called in 1940.
Vital Statistics
The number of copies of birth certificates which were issued dur-
ing the year showed a marked increase over previous years. Even a
greater number could have been issued if the necessary information had
been available. Unfortunately, Concord's early vital statistics records
are very incomplete because many doctors neglected to send in the
required returns.
During 1940, 550 births, 251 marriages and 660 deaths were regis-
tered in Concord. Of the 660 deaths, 399 occurred in institutions, 167
were from the city at large, and 94 were cases where death had oc-
curred elsewhere and the deceased was brought to Concord for burial.
The New Hampshire State Hospital and a number of private institu-
tions for the aged are responsible for the large number of institutional
deaths which occur in Concord each year.
Licenses, Fees, Etc.
During the past year, the City Clerk's office collected $48,456.41
in fees for various licenses and permits issued by the department. In-
cluded in this sum are receipts from rents
and other miscellaneous collections. Of the
total amount collected, the tax on automo-
biles accounted for $35,026.52. This
amount is about $1,400.00 more than that
which was received in 1939. The number
of auto permits issued increased slightly.
CITY CLERK:
Arthur E. Roby
DEPUTY CITY CLERK:
Margaret A. Spencer
1940 EXPENDITURE:
$7,852.39
10
A total of 1 ,449 dogs were licensed during the year. The revenue
received from this source amounted to $2,933.11.
Mortgages and Conditional Sales
The photostatic process is employed by the department to record
all chattel mortgages and conditional sales. In order to facilitate their
use by the public, these records are filed under a system of cross in-
dexes. During 1940, receipts from this activity amounted to $1,214.95.
ELECTIONS
Concord had three election days during 1940, the presidential
primary in March, the state primary in September, and the general
election in November. In connection with these elections, it is the
duty of the City Clerk to forward to the Secretary of State a certified
copy of the record of the votes cast.
Absentee Voting
As the City's election officer, the conduct of absentee voting for
presidential electors is a responsibility of the City Clerk. This work
involves the handling of applications for ballots, the verification of
the right to vote, the mailing of the ballots and the delivery of the re-
turned ballots on election day to the moderators of the wards in which
the absentee voters are registered.
Registered Voters
The number of registered voters on the City's checklists showed
no marked change during the past year. Approximately 14,000 per-
sons are listed. This number represents about 52 per cent of the total
population of the city. Although the number of voters that turned out
for the presidential and state primaries was comparatively small, a con-
siderable interest was manifested in the general election. x\bout 90
per cent of the registered voters cast their ballots in November.
Election Costs
Election expenses incurred during 1940 amounted to $5,133.98.
Because there were three voting days instead of two, election expenses
for 1940 were somewhat larger than those of 1939. Most of the money
spent for elections went into salaries for ward officers.
Important municipal records are kept in
fire proof vaults in the City Clerk's
Office. Shown here is a part of the ex-
tensive filing system.
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Assessment of Property
IT IS THE responsibility of the Board of Assessors to apportion and
assess equitably all taxable real and personal property in the city.
Upon a fair and unbiased execution of this trust depends, to a large
degree, the progress and development of the community.
Real Property
During 1940, 615 deeds were recorded in the city. This was 96
more than the number recorded during the previous year. Although
more deeds changed hands, the 167 building permits issued during
1940 fell slightly below the total for 1939. Of the total number of
permits issued, new construction accounted for 98 while the remainder
were for remodeling existing structures.
Assessed Valuation, Polls and Stocks, Tax Warrant
An increase of $426,773 brought the total assessed valuation of the
City of Concord for the year 1940 up to $32,791,790. The 1940 in-
crease was almost three times that of the previous year. The num-
ber of taxable polls continued to increase during 1940 with 447 more
persons enumerated than in 1939. Altogether, 14,332 taxable polls
were reported to the Tax Collector. The
number of shares of railroad stock ac-
credited to Concord taxpayers was 2,947
or 149 more than the number held in
1939. Small as this increase is, it is
noteworthy that this is the first time
BOARD OF ASSESSORS:
Clarence O. Philbrkk, Charm:
Joseph E. Shepard, Clerk
Edward F. Donovan
1940 EXPENDITURE:
$11,301.90
Equitable assessment is vital to good government. An important part of the work of the
Board of Assessors is the actual inspection of the premises during the process of appraisal.
PttOPE^TY
VALUES INCREASED
IN 1040
co 1931 1932 1933
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1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940
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since 1934 that an increase has occurred in the number of shares
of railroad stock held in Concord. The 1940 tax warrant totaled
$1,280,926.90 or S104.894.12 more than the 1939 warrant. The av-
erage tax rate for 1940 was $38.00.
Tax Exempt Property
Concord has an unusual large amount of tax exempt property. Re-
vised figures indicate that there is $22,867,000 worth of non-taxable
property in the city. This amount represents 41 per cent of the total
valuation of the city.
As a result of the decision handed down by the Supreme Court in
the Exeter Academy Case cities and towns were declared to have the
right to tax certain school property which had previously been con-
sidered to be tax free. The effect of this ruling in Concord was to in-
crease the assessed valuation of property owned by St. Paul's School
by $175,000.
Other 1940 changes in tax exempt property included a return to
the tax list of the Christian Science Farm on Clinton Street through
the sale of the property. Property taken off the tax list included the
Cilley Farm on Iron Works Road valued at $15,000 which was ac-
quired by the State Hospital, and land at West Concord valued at
$2,000 which was purchased by the State Prison.
New Building, 1940
During the past year, the only large new unit of taxable property
completed in the city was the new super-market on South Main Street.
Under construction was the new office building of the United Life and
Accident Insurance Company on the lot formerly occupied by the va-
cant Gorham Company plant on Washington Street.
Residential construction in 1940 has been almost entirely of the
owner-occupied single-family type.
13
Tax Collection
1940 Collections
THE ANNUAL tax warrant submitted to the Tax Collector by the
Board of Assessors on July 26, 1940 amounted to $1,280,926.90.
Of this sum, only $251,325.61 remained uncollected at the end
of the year. In addition, $38,748.56 worth of back taxes covering the
years 1932 to 1939 remained to be collected.
The following tabulation indicates the progress which was made
during the past year in the reduction of outstanding taxes.
Year
1932
1933
1934
1935
1936
1937
1938
1939
1940
Total
As of
As of
Pec. 31, 1930
Di
c. 31, 1940
$ 2.891.80
3
2.142.64
3,200.42
2,345.46
4,619.87
3,569.11
6,037.74
4,662.05
6,894.39
5,059.99
9,332.92
6,342.98
10.588.58
7,156.18
273,K<>7.72
7,470.15
2
$2
51,325.61
$317,433.44
)0,074.17
Taxes Bought By City
There is no better criterion of the prosperity of a community than
the amount of delinquent taxes which the tax collector has on his books.
The amount of taxes bought by the City on September 27, 1940 at the
Tax Collector's Sale totaled $41,755.52. This was slightly less than
the amount purchased in 1939. Not since 1934, has a smaller purchase
been recorded.
A five-year summary of the taxes bought by the City of Concord
and held in the Tax Collector's Office for redemption is as follows:
Am' t Bought Amount Abated by Deeded Amount
) ear by City Redeemed Assessors to City Unredeemed
1935 $46,589.46 $34,136.36 $10,819.12* $1,633.98
1936 47,570.05 42,999.21 701.28 1,203.88 $ 2,665.68
1937 58,590.41 48,436.16 1,506.28 990.02 7,657.95
1938 41,919.30 2o.784.13 759.87 165.98 14.209.32
1939 41,755.52 9,005.09 475.63 32,274.80
'Includes $9,677.54 abated on Bektash Temple property by order of court.
TAX COLLECTOR:
Amos R. Morrison
1940 EXPENDITURE:
$7,380.54
Other Activity
In addition to the regular revenue collec-
tions, the Tax Collector received $1,192.37
from persons who rented or purchased prop-
erty which the City has acquired through
non-payment of taxes.
14
Finances
FINANCIALLY, the year 1940 was a very successful one for the
City of Concord. Current operations were concluded with a
surplus of $28,813.36. Bond payments amounting to $116,000.00
were made during the year. The City of Concord improved its finan-
cial condition in 1940 by $144,813.36. The effect of this improvement
is reflected in the reduction of the City's net debt from $1,040,437.22
on January 1, 1940 to $895,623.86 on December 31, 1940. It is in-
teresting to note that the City has accomplished a reduction in its net
debt of more than a quarter of a million dollars during the past three
years — $253,528.84 to be exact. Unless this trend is interrupted, it
is reasonable to assume that a material reduction in the City's tax rate
can be effected in the near future.
General Fund
During 1940, the revenue collected by the City amounted to
$1,550,790.90. After deducting current transfers, the net revenue
available for expenditure was $1,519,899.66. This amount was
$33,572.45 more than the total estimated revenue for 1940, and
$159,077.91 more than the amount collected during the previous year.
Appropriations for the year totaled $1,523,327.21. An overdraft
of appropriations of $10,472.40 is indicated by total charges of
$1,533,799.61. Calculations indicate that the City had a net surplus
from current operations of $28,813.36. (See Financial Statements in
Appendix ) .
Bond Funds
The summary of bond fund receipts and disbursements indicates
that $28,689.43 were available for expenditure during 1940. Of this
amount, $15,000.00 represents the proceeds from the sale of the Public
Improvement Note of May 1, 1940. All moneys were expended during
the year thereby closing out all bond fund balances.
Debt services requirements indicate that
the City, as of December 31, 1940, had a
bonded debt of $1,098,000. Of this amount,
$159,000 represent Water Department bonds.
These bonds are retired out of the earnings
of the department. Bonds and notes re-
tired during the year amounted to $151,000.
Against this reduction, $35,000 in notes were
issued. The net reduction in bonded debt
was $116,000.
CITY TREASURER:
Carl H. I-'u>ter
1940 EXPENDITURE:
$3,205.21
TRUSTEES OF
TRUST FUNDS:
Harry H. Dudley
Carl H. Foster
Edgar C. Hirst
CUSTODIAN:
Carl H. Foster
1940 EXPENDITURE:
$150.00
Trust Funds
As of December 31. 1940, total trust fund
15
"""STRATION H*5 M°
HOW YOUR TAX MONEY IS USED
investments and unexpended income amounted to $398,547.43 as com-
pared with $392,803.50 at the close of 1939. Except for $7,630.63
invested in securities, the City's trust funds are invested at interest
in Concord's four savings banks. Income received from interest and
dividends during the year amounted to $18,035.33. Total disburse-
ments were $18,126.73. During 1940, $5,519.65 in new trust funds
were received. Of this amount, $4,994.24 represented sundry cemetery
trusts. In addition to the new trusts, $680.00 in trust deposits were
received from the sale of cemetery lots.
The City's trust funds can be invested only by deposit in savings
banks or savings departments of national banks or trust companies
in the state, or in United States government bonds and obligations, or
in state, county, town, city and school district bonds and the notes of
towns and cities in New Hampshire.
Legal Service
Scope of Service
TO THE CITY and its officers, the most important legal services
are interpretation of statutes and ordinances, definition of the
powers and duties of local government and its officials and the
drafting of the many and varied legal instruments required in the
conduct of municipal business. The adjustment of claims against the
municipal corporation constitutes but a minor Dart of the legal service
required of the city's attorney. Experience has proven that most
claims against the City can be settled through negotiation. Only oc-
casionally does it become necessary to resort to court action in order
to secure the rights of the City.
Administrative Assistance
During the past year, assistance has been rendered to the Board of
Aldermen in an attempt to rewrite a number of local ordinances to
conform with and enable modern municipal practices. Ordinances now
in force have been collected and annotated in revised form.
Litigations — Settled or Adjudicated
Anna M. Mann vs. City of Concord and Shirley Brunei vs. City of
Concord were claims for damages occasioned by the overflow of waters
from the sewerage system following exceedingly heavy rainfall. The
first case was settled by payment of the sum of $50.00 and the sec-
ond upon payment of $1,604.09.
State vs. Kenneth Moore challenged the validity of an ordinance
regulating the grant of licenses to persons and corperations engaged
in the business of transporting goods for hire entirely within city limits.
The Supreme Court ruled that this sort of regulation is not permissible.
The case of Kenneth Moore vs. John W. Storrs et al. was an appli-
cation for a court order to compel the Mayor and Aldermen to issue
a local trucking license to the petitioner. With the licensing ordinance
declared void, the necessity for application no longer existed.
State Oil Company vs. City of Concord was an appeal from a rul-
ing of the Board of Adjustment denying an application for a permit to
conduct a filling station on North Main Street. The case was settled
by withdrawal, on the part of the City, of objection to the petitioner's
request.
Mahon vs. City of Concord was a claim for damages resulting
from an injury sustained by a minor while bathing in a public pool
at the Kimball Playground. The claim was
settled for $100.00."
George W. Perry vs. City of Concord
was an appeal from an order of the Board
of Adjustment. The appeal was withdrawn.
CITY SOLICITOR:
Gordon S. Lord
1940 EXPENDITURE:
$1,532.00
17
Litigation — Pending
Bcktash Real Estate Association vs. City of Concord are five ap-
peals from assessments imposed upon the real estate of the petitioner
for the years 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939 and 1940. Interminable negotia-
tions have failed to produce an acceptable basis of settlement. No
trial has been had of the principal issues in controversy.
Maude L. Crowley vs. City of Concord is an appeal from the al-
leged taking by eminent domain of certain land of the petitioner.
The Petition of the Trustees of Trust Funds is a request for inter-
pretation of certain portions of the wills of Nathaniel Bouton and
David Osgood.
Shelby O. Walker vs. City of Concord is an appeal from a ruling of
the Board of Adjustment.
Aune Saari, Administratrix, Estate of Mikko Saari vs. City of Con-
cord. The plaintiff's intestate fell from a bridge in Penacook, landed
on a ledge at the base of an abutment and was killed. His adminis-
tratrix takes the position that the bridge was defectively constructed or
improperly maintained and that the accident was caused by the condi-
tion of the bridge.
Charles Filides and William Filides vs. City of Concord is an ap-
peal from the Assessors' valuation of the petitioners' real estate.
Franklin Hollis, Administrator of the Estate of Edward Adams vs.
City of Concord. This is an action to recover the value of certain land
over which, it is alleged, the City has exercised dominion and control.
City of Concord vs. Marie A. Bourdeau is an action by the City to
enforce a lien for water service on the real estate of the defendant.
City of Concord vs. Town of Bow is a suit to recover for relief
granted by Concord to a person who has a settlement in Bow.
Other Activity
The number of parcels of land sold annually for non-payment of
taxes has increased markedly in the last decade. Failures to redeem
real estate sold in this manner, within the period prescribed by law,
have increased correspondingly. To sell the land at a price sufficient
to remiburse the City for lost taxes and return the property to the tax
roles has accordingly become an important duty of the City Govern-
ment, and one to which the City Solicitor has had to devote more and
more time. As broker for the City, the Committee on Lands and
Buildings has made a sustained and successful effort to dispose of the
City's unwanted real estate.
Some assistance has been rendered to the Tax Collector in his
persistent drive to collect delinquent personal property and poll taxes.
18
Planning
Extent of Activity
DURING THE past year, 13 requests for studies were received
from the Board of Aldermen by the Planning Board. Of this
number, eight were requests for consideration of new street ac-
ceptances and five pertained to studies relating to various municipal
problems. In addition to these, five studies were referred to the Plan-
ning Board by committees of the Board of Aldermen. During the
year, several studies requested in 1939 were completed. Altogether,
reports were issued on 18 separate projects during 1940.
Street Acceptance
Eight petitions for the acceptance of streets received the attention
of the Planning Board. After careful analysis of the merits of each
proposed street in relation to need, character of layout, and con-
formity to the future development of the city as a whole, the board
recommended that four streets be accepted and that four be rejected.
These recommendations were accepted by the Board of Aldermen. Of
the four accepted, two streets, representing 6,662 feet of highway,
were already used by the public. Actual new street acceptance in-
volved the addition of only 550 feet of roadway to the street plan of
the city. By adopting the recommendations of the Planning Board,
the Board of Aldermen refused acceptance of 3,855 feet of unnecessary
street.
Zoning Revision
Outstanding among the studies undertaken during the year was
the matter of revising the zoning ordinance. The ordinance which was
established in 1930, required considerable revision in order that it
might better fit the development needs of the community. Extensive
changes were recommended in the text of the ordinance and the zoning
map. Especially noteworthy was the establishment of two new types
of districts — civic and agricultural, and the extension of single resi-
dence zoning to a large section of the fast
developing South End. Provision was also
made to permit the conversion of large
residences into apartment houses accom-
modating three or four families. It is
interesting to note that the professional
services retained by the City to establish
zoning in Concord cost $2,500. The pres-
ent revision which required as much if
not more study, was accomplished entirely
within the regular Planning Board appro-
priation at no added cost to the City.
CITY PLANNING
BOARD:
James M. Langley, Chairman
Edward E. Beane
Frederick P. Clark
Warren H. Greene
John B. Tameson
Harold D. Merrill
Dudley W. Orr
Austin E. Page
Hon. John W. Storrs
DIRECTOR:
Gustaf H. Lehtinen
EXPENDITURE:
$3,584.96
19
~* ■--? vr> aaaaeaa -■■
NORTH STATE STREET
PROPOSED PARKING LOT
CAPACITY 01 CARS
■®i
CONCORD CITY PLANNING BOARD
Parking
The efforts of the Planning Board to alleviate the parking prob-
lem in the downtown area were continued during the year. Out of
the several sites surveyed as possible off-street parking lots, the board
recommended the initiation of joint action with the State of New
Hampshire to the end that the park located at the rear of the State
Library be converted into an auto parking area. A committee of the
Board of Aldermen met with State authorities on this matter and
State action is being taken to create an off-street parking lot sufficient
to accommodate 60 cars at the proposed location. This lot will by no
means solve the parking problem. However, it is a definite step in the
right direction and may well result in the establishment of several such
areas in Concord.
20
City Report
The supervision of the publishing of the annual city report was
turned over to the Planning Board by the Board of Aldermen in 1940.
Believing that the old statistical type of city report had little value as
a report of municipal activity, the Planning Board undertook to mod-
ernize the report by condensing the statistics and by including therein
a text, photographs, graphic illustrations, maps, etc. The 1939 "stream-
lined" report was the first of its kind to be issued in New Hampshire.
By changing the style of the report, the number of pages was
cut from 260 to 80. The number of copies issued was increased from
1,500 to 2,500 while a saving of approximately $500 was effected in the
total cost of publishing the report.
Research Studies
During the past year, the Board of Aldermen and committees of
the board have continued the practice of referring problems which re-
quire research to the Planning Board. Exhaustive studies were made
in relation to the need for a new fire station in the South End, the ex-
pansion of the Municipal Airport, and the desirability of an indoor
recreation center. The South End Fire Station Study is especially
noteworthy because it brought out the fact that a $30,000 expenditure
for the new fire station plus an annual maintenance cost of $5,300
would affect a reduction in insurance rates in that area of only $350.
At the request of the Board of Education, the Planning Board
undertook a study involving the determination of the location and size
of a proposed new school building in the Plains area. The cost of
making the study was borne by the school district.
Proposed Legislation
On two occasions during the past year, the Planning Board has
indicated to the Board of Aldermen the need for enabling legislation
in matters pertaining to the city government. The first of these was
in relation to the charging of rentals for the use of the sewerage sys-
tem; the second involved the right to spend public funds for parking
areas. Action has been taken by the City in each of these matters and
enabling legislation is now being sought in the General Court.
1941
The Planning Board is looking forward to a busy year. Six re-
search studies requested by the Board of Aldermen are now pending
action by the board. To be considered are a capital budget program,
a financial analysis of the City, an industrial survey, a refuse dis-
posal study, a proposed relocation of the clinics and the comfort
station, and a proposed new fire station on the Plains.
Surveys being conducted by the Engineering Department should
enable the Planning Board to recommend to the Board of Aldermen
the adoption of an official city map during the coming year.
21
Public Health-Sanitation
IT IS HARD to evaluate the activities of the Health Department
without taking into consideration the department's objectives. Even
when these objectives have been accomplished and good public
health prevails, the situation is accepted with a general feeling of in-
difference. Only when communicable diseases reach near-epidemic
proportions is the public unduly aroused. Nevertheless, the depart-
ment is continually active in its efforts to prevent the spread of disease.
Communicable Disease
During the past year, the general health of the community has re-
mained at a high level. With the exception of a few mild cases of
scarlet fever reported in the fall, there was no concentration of com-
municable disease cases in Concord during 1940.
Vital Statistics
There were 281 resident and 276 non-resident deaths in the city
during 1940. Ten still births were recorded by the department. Of
the total number of resident deaths, there were ten in the under one
year age group; four in the 1-9 group; three in the 10-19; 19 in the
20-44; and 245 in the 45 and over age classification. Concord's death
rate showed no perceptible change over that of the previous year; 11.1
deaths were recorded per 1,000 population.
A five-year comparative analysis of the number of deaths in Con-
cord from seven common causes is presented herewith.
Diseases of the circulatory system
Cancer
Nephritis (Bright's Disease)
Accidental deaths
Pneumonia
Diabetes
Tuberculosis
BOARD OF HEALTH:
Hon. Tolm W. Storrs, Chairman
Robert O. Blood. M.D.
Thomas M. Dudley, M.D.
Carl A. Dahlgren, M.D.
Thomas J. Halligan, M.D.
SANITARY OFFICER:
Donald G. Barton, M.D.
Walter C. Rowe, M.D.
(In the absence of Dr. Barton)
MILK INSPECTOR:
Austin B. Presby
1940 EXPENDITURE:
$6,633.77
936
1937
1938
1939
1940
135
111
114
106
97
43
39
32
32
42
18
7
28
20
14
14
14
17
18
10
20
24
9
11
IS
7
9
10
10
7
6
5
6
6
2
Inspection Program
The restaurant inspection program
inaugurated in 1939 has been continued
with satisfactory results. The program
was expanded during the past year to
cover restaurant kitchen ventilation. In
several cases, fumes were discharged
with the aid of electric fans directly into
adjacent alleys. Needless to say, the re-
sulting odor and grease caused no little
annoyance to nearby business establish-
22
This view taken several years ago
shows the poor sanitary condition
which prevailed in many of the
downtown alleys before the
Health Department undertook the
elimination of this type of a
health menace.
This is the same alley as it ap-
pears today. The improvement
has been accomplished as a result
of regular inspections by the
Health Department and an im-
proved pick-up service condvicted
by the Department of Public
Works.
ments and apartments. In most cases this condition was remedied after
the Health Department insisted that the restaurateurs install metal
stacks to carry the fumes to the top of the building.
Routine sanitary inspections were made of public buildings, stores,
shops, etc. In a few instances inspections were conducted in homes
where unhealthy living conditions were reported by various social
agencies. During 1940, the department received fewer complaints
concerning insanitary conditions about residences.
Two years ago, the department undertook the execution of a sani-
tary survey with the assistance of the inspector made available by the
U. S. Public Health Service. This work has been progressing steadily
and much has been accomplished in the correction of faulty plumbing.
MILK INSPECTION
One of the responsibilities of public health administration is that
of protecting and safe-guarding the milk supply of a community. To
do this effectively involves an inspection of the dairy where the milk is
produced, the plant where the milk is processed and its entire course
from cow to consumer. This includes the taking of samples from
delivery trucks during distribution to the homes. Laboratory tests,
together with frequent inspection of the dairy where the milk is pro-
duced or pasteurized, are a part of the activity of maintaining the
quality of milk sold in the Concord market. The Health Department
is in a position to give detailed information about the quality and
purity of the city's milk supply to all who are interested.
23
Tests
During 1940, there were tested 1,519 milk samples; 74 cream sam-
ples; 28 ice cream and ice cream mixes; 48 chocolate milk samples;
48 orangeade and 100 miscellaneous samples. Of the total number
of samples tested, 97.4 per cent, an increase of 0.9 per cent over the
previous year, were above legal requirements. In addition, 520 dairy
and 281 milk plant inspections were made during the year.
The number of producers supplying milk for Concord has increased
8.5 per cent or from 181 to 198 herds. This herd expansion is due
largely to an increased number of owners of one or two cows. There
are 61 producer-dealers who sell their own milk supply direct from
dairy to consumer and these represent 89.6 per cent of all dealers
selling milk in Concord. There are seven dealers selling milk who
are not producers.
An average of 12,079 quarts of milk a day was handled during the
year. Of this amount, 8,632 quarts were pasteurized. About 3,447
quarts of raw milk are sold daily. There has been an increase in the
amount of pasteurized milk sold over the previous year. The amount
of raw milk represents 28.6 per cent of the total milk distribution.
A total of 150 herds, or 75.7 per cent of all herds that supply the
local market, have been tested for Bang's Disease. Concord ranks
high among the cities of the nation in relation to the percentage of
its milk supply which is produced by cows that are Bang's Disease free.
Regular inspection is made of all plants to see that pasteurization
is properly carried out and that proper sanitation of the premises and
equipment is maintained. At each of the seven plants, daily tempera-
ture recording charts are used on each pasteurizer which indicate the
degree to which the milk is heated and the length of time that such
temperature was maintained. At all plants these recording charts are
checked each week and oftener if occasion demands it.
During the year, 520 samples of swab wash and rinse waters were
collected at eating places, barbershops and hair-dressing establish-
ments by the department and plated for total bacterial count.
In order that the citizens of Concord
may have the best in milk, every step
of the process from cow to the consumer
is carefully inspected. The Milk In-
spector is shown gathering samples of
milk from a local herd for laboratory
testing.
Medical Service
Purpose
THE PROVISION of medical assistance for needy persons is one
of the less conspicuous services rendered by the City of Con-
cord. For this purpose, the City employs on a part-time basis
two practicing physicians, one in the city proper and one at Penacook.
The service is available only to those persons who are on relief or who
are known to be unable to retain their own doctor.
The soundness of the practice of providing free medical aid to
needy people has long since been established. On the whole, people
who are forced to live at a reduced standard are more susceptible to
sickness than those who are better fortified with worldly goods. For
the City to neglect its needy in sickness would be gross misadministra-
tion and might well be the manner of affecting a general epidemic.
At times, people seek charity because they are sick and unable
to work. Through its medical service, the City is often able to return
these persons to good health and, later, to gainful employment.
Medical Aid During 1940
During the past year, the decreasing trend in the number of
cases treated which began in 1939 has continued. Approximately 2,500
visits and calls were made during 1940. This number, which repre-
sents a decrease of about 500 since the last report, appears to be the
result of more people finding work and, in turn, seeking treatment
when sick from their family doctors.
During the year, the general condition of health among relief re-
cipients has been exceptionally good. There has been no concentration
of sickness other than that occasioned by seasonal changes in weather.
Recommendation
Most of the cases which the City Physician has to treat each year
are of no considerable consequence. Many of these can be remedied
by some of the more common medicines. It has been the practice of
the City Physician to have a supply of these medicines on hand. This
procedure has accomplished a definite saving in the amount .of money
expended for prescribed medicines. The cost of drugs and medicines
has risen considerably during the past year. It is altogether probable,
unless there is a sharp decrease in the number
of cases treated, that an increased appropria-
tion for medicine will be necessary in the
near future. If this is so, the City Physician
recommends that such an added appropria-
tion should be made in order to facilitate prac-
tice and in order to effect a saving in medicine
costs.
CITY PHYSICIAN:
Thomas J. Halligan
ASSISTANT
CITY PHYSICIAN:
Elmer U. Sargent
1940 EXPENDITURE:
$1,833.82
25
Parks-Cemeteries-Trees
A CITY SHOULD count among its best assets its public parks,
trees and open spaces. Few things can convey to a visitor the
impression of community well-being and prosperity with greater
effect than well-kept parks and beautiful shade trees. To the resident,
parks offer places for rest, relaxation, recreation and safety for chil-
dren. Furthermore, the aesthetic beauty which parks and shade trees
lend to a community is in no small way responsible for the maintenance
of residential property values.
Parks
During 1940, the Park Department continued its program of beau-
tification and planting of grounds in nearly all of the city's parks.
Most of the 1940 development program has been conducted at Rol-
lins Park where the department has been energetically striving to com-
plete the reconstruction of its hurricane-
damaged property.
Perhaps the most important single
project undertaken during the year in-
volved the draining and filling of the
centerpiece at White Park, commonly re-
ferred to as the "swamp". This area
which is about three-quarters of an acre
in size, is located in the center of the park
between the pond and the baseball
diamond. Work has progressed to the
stage where the replacement of the top
soil will complete the project.
PARK & CEMETERY
COMMISSION:
Hon. John W. Storr
Herbert G. Abbot
Pierre A. Boucher
Gardner G. Emmons
Robert J. Graves
Alpheus M. Johnson
Mrs. Thomas N. Troxell
SUPERINTENDENT :
Carl L. Sargent
TREE WARDEN:
Carl L. Sargent
1940 EXPENDITURES
Parks— $16,320.40
Cemeteries— $33,403.34
Trees— $12,321.75
Chairman
Located conveniently near the business district on North Main Street, West
Garden offers the public an ideal place to stop for a moment's rest and relaxation.
Cemeteries
In addition to the usual cemetery activities, the department graded
a small section at the Blossom Hill Cemetery and built a new section
at Penacook, sufficient to accommodate 600 graves. During the year,
the department caught up with some of the regular maintenance work
which had to be pushed ahead in 1939 as a result of the 1938 hurri-
cane. Over 2,700 graves were raised and 914 monuments anbl markers
were straightened. New fences were built at the cemeteries in River-
hill and Millville. At the East Concord cemetery, a new roadway was
constructed and a large section of the yard was regraded. A new
waterpipe system has been installed at the Woodlawn Cemetery in
Penacook.
Trees
The program of setting out new street trees was continued during
the year. A total of 565 trees were planted along the city streets.
Many of these were replacements of trees destroyed by the near-
hurricane. Work was completed on cabling and bolting of trees which
were weakened by that gale.
The gypsy-moth infestation in 1940 was one of the worst that the
city has had to cope with in recent years. As a result, there is every
reason to believe that an abnormal number of caterpillars will infest
the city next spring. A definite decrease in the destruction wrought
by Japanese Beetles was noted during the year. Except for small
areas in the vicinity of the State Hospital and Allison Street where
these pests are still present, the department's eradication work has been
very successful. The fight will be carried on next summer and
the department hopes that its efforts will soon result in complete
control.
Located in a setting of stately pines, the recently restored pond at Blossom Hill
has greatly improved the attractiveness of the largest of Concord's cemeteries.
Recreation
PLAYGROUNDS AND BATH
IT IS THE AIM of the Committee on Playgrounds and Bath to afford
an opportunity to every boy and girl in the city to use his or her
leisure hours constructively. To fulfill this purpose, a diversified
program of activities is conducted in the widely separated sections of
the city.
Administration
The question of the legal status of the Committee on Playgrounds
and Bath came up during the year. By an amendment of Chapter 42
of the Revised Ordinances, the Committee on Playgrounds and Bath
was made one of the standing committees of the Board of Aldermen.
The committee which has a membership of 12 made up of five aldermen
and seven citizens is in charge of all playgrounds and pools.
New Facilities
During 1940, a new wading pool was constructed with the assist-
ance of the Works Projects Administration at Rolfe Park in Penacook.
This pool, which has a depth ranging from three and one-half to four
feet, meets a long felt need in the Ward One section of the city.
At the West Street Playground, an area used primarily by small
children, better facilities were provided and a wire fence was erected
around the play area. The general appearance of the entire lot was
improved by landscaping that part which is not used for active play.
Activities
The playgrounds and pools were in continuous operation over a ten-
week period during the summer. In addition to the regular playing
and swimming activities, over 90 inter-playground contests were con-
ducted with special emphasis on senior, junior and midget baseball,
vollyball, newcomb ball and horseshoes. Several supervised all-day
outings were held at lakeside recreation
areas near Concord. At the close of
the summer season, the annual field day
was held at Rolfe Park in Penacook.
Children from all parts of the city took
part in the competitive program of sports.
A water carnival was held at the
Broken Bridge bathing area. A large
crowd was on hand to witness the swim-
ming races and the diving competition for
the "city championships". Those who
qualified at the carnival were sent to Man-
chester to take part in the State Aquatic
COMMITTEE ON
PLAYGROUNDS & BATH:
Harold I). .Merrill. Chairman
Charles P. Coakley
William J. Flynn
Raymond V. LaPointe
Thomas B. Jennings
Mrs. Maud N. Blackwood
Mrs. Kathleen Mullen
Mrs. Victoria Mahoney
Miss Margaret Challis
Mrs. Ethel M. Storrs
Mrs. Nora E. Donovan
Mrs. James M. Langley
SUPERVISOR:
Paul <;. Crowell
1940 EXPENDITURE:
$9,906.34
28
Meet held at the Rock Rimmon Pool. A team representing Concord
won the state relay swimming championship.
During the winter months, all of the city's skating and sliding
areas were operated as usual. Due to the early snowfall, the sliding
season began during the last week in November or about a month
earlier than in 1939. The skating area maintained at White Park was
available for public use during 76 days of the winter season.
Attendance
The total attendance at the playgrounds and pools during the ten-
week summer season was 94,425. This figure was slightly less than
that of the previous year. The decrease in attendance was undoubtedly
due to the fact that there were 12 full days of rain during the season.
Even with this unusual amount of rainy weather, the total attendance
of 12,524 at Broken Bridge exceeded all previous attendance records
for this swimming area.
Competitive sports provide the center
of attraction at the annual field day
held at the end of the playground
season.
The new pool at Rolfe Park provides
ample opportunity for safe swimming
for tha children of Fenacook.
J£* J&
SPECIAL RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
To the City Recreation Commission — a five-man board includ-
ing the Mayor ex-officio and four members appointed by the Mayor
from outside the Board of Aldermen — is entrusted the supervision
of civil recreational affairs represented by the Beaver Meadow Golf
Links, Memorial Athletic Field and the more recently developed
Russell Pond Winter Sports Area.
Beaver Meadow Golf Course
One of the most active municipal golf clubs in the state, Beaver
Meadow is situated on the northern outskirts of the city, close by the
Daniel Webster highway.
The recreation commission operates the golf course through a man-
ager and two outside employees who work seven months a year.
The annual club dues and day fees are scaled so that the course
has in past years just about made expenses. Although no provision is
specifically made for large-size improvements, certain innovations have
been instituted each year and following the end of the 1940 season
three of the greens were re-seeded.
During the 1940 season the club had a regular membership of 165,
as compared to 131 for the previous year, indicating the growth of
Beaver Meadow in popular favor. Seven of the 1940 memberships
were held by juniors. One-day fees, paid by non-member players,
totaled 1,769, attesting to the extensive use of the club's facilities.
Memorial Field
For three seasons of the year Con-
cord's schoolboy sports activities are cen-
tered at Memorial Field, an attractive
amphitheatre located off South Fruit Street
in the city's West End.
Focal point of all sorts of interscho-
RECREATION
COMMISSION:
.1. Mitchell Ahem, Chairman
Gardner (I. Emmons
Leigh S. Hall
Carleton K. Metcalf
Hon. John W. Storrs
1940 EXPENDITURE:
$(..633.71
Artificial lighting was used
last fall for the first time
in the history of Concord
football. The stamp of ap-
proval which the public
gave to this innovation is
indicated by the large
crowd that turned out to
watch the high school team
at Memorial Field.
The ski lodge is one of the
many attractions which the
City provides for winter
sports enthusiasts at the
Russell Pond Winter Sports
Area.
lastic sports combat — on gridiron, track, and baseball diamond —
Memorial Field is in daily use throughout the spring and autumn.
In the summer months its six tennis courts accommodate an increasing
number of enthusiasts and provide the setting, each year, for the
N. H. State Closed Championships, an important tournament sanc-
tioned by the U.S.L.T.A.
The excellent cinder path, a five-laps-to-the-mile track, with its
accompanying pits for pole-vaulting and high and broad jumping, is the
scene each June of the annual State Kiwanis meet, one of the high-
lights of the track and field campaign in New Hampshire.
Also the site of several state amateur championships in softball
and hard ball, Memorial Field is "home" for the flourishing city soft-
ball circuit, for Concord High's field hockey players, touch football
teams and various other types of more or less extempore sports
shows.
Russell Pond "Snow Bowl"
Popularly referred to as the "Snow Bowl", the picturesque Russell
Pond area has brought winter sports directly into Concord's "back
yard". This development in a hill-girt retreat two miles west of the
city, near Penacook Lake, has given skiing enthusiasts excellent facili-
ties for downhill racing, open slope skiing or ski-jumping.
The Concord Ski and Outing Club instituted a successful winter
carnival at "the Pond" in 1940, plans to make the fete an annual
event, sanctioned by the E. A. S. A. (Eastern Amateur Ski Associa-
tion).
The area boasts three trails for beginners, intermediates and ex-
perts, two open slopes, a 300-metre jumping hill, a ski-tow and a heated
cabin where skiers may rest and relax.
31
Public Library
THE YEAR 1940 was outstanding in the history of the public li-
brary in Concord. With the opening of the new quarter-million
dollar building in January, patronage and circulation took a
pronounced upward surge. Many former library users who had be-
come discouraged because of the inadequate facilities offered in the old
building on School Street and the Pleasant Street temporary quarters,
revealed renewed interest. In the present building, designed by Alfred
Morton Githens and Frances Keally of New York City, Concord en-
joys one of the finest small libraries in the nation. Spaciousness is
emphasized without sacrificing functional needs. Comfortable reading-
rooms, reference quarters and a separate children's library are features
of the new building, and for the first time citizens may have ready
access to some 10,000 books shelved in free-standing, open stacks.
Somewhat unique in libraries of this size are the room for high school
students and the three study rooms. The latter, located on the second
floor, provide well-ventilated and sound-proof rooms for the scholar,
the writer, the clergyman, the research student, facilities rarely en-
countered in other than university libraries.
Library System
The Concord Public Library system, besides the main library on
Green Street, embraces four branch libraries serving the residents of
outlying sections. Books are changed frequently in each instance,
although the branch library collections must of necessity be restricted.
Book Collection
The library book collection numbers 45,452. During 1940, 4,941
books were added and 1,355 books were discarded. Approximately
twice as many books were added in 1940 as in 1939. A good many
books were replacements of worn-out books and standard titles, paid
for out of a private trust fund. The juvenile book collection totals
4,343. At present there are 1.67 volumes per capita in the library
book collection.
BOARD OF
LIBRARY TRUSTEES:
Oliver Jenkins, President
Henry B. Cannon, Jr.
Joseph J. Comi
Edward A. Dame
Fred M. Dodge
Mrs. Armine M. Ingham
Perley B. Phillips
Alexander Rennie, Jr.
Willis D. Thompson. Jr.
LIBRARIAN:
Marion F. Holt
1940 EXPENDITURES:
Operation— $31,358.81
Construction Acc't. $44,586.23
Extent of Use
Fifty-four per cent of the population of
Concord are registered holders of library
cards, a marked increase over 1939 when 46
per cent held cards. During the year, 2,360
new borrowers were recorded. The growth
in patronage can be attributed in general to
the new building and the greater facilities.
Interest in current affairs, especially war and
economics, is probably a contributing factor.
32
Through its branches like this one
at Penacook, the Concord Public
Library extends its services to
the citizens who live in the city's
suburban areas.
Every modern convenience has
been incorporated in the library's
main circulation desk for the ac-
commodation of the book-borrow-
ing public.
For the first time in Concord library history the total circulation
exceeded the 200,000 mark. The 1940 circulation of 217,396 indicates
an increase of 21,798.
The total circulation of children's books amounted to 15 per cent
of the total library circulation, a decline of nine per cent over 1939.
This, however, is because of the inclusion of readers of high school age
among adults. During use of temporary quarters in 1939, school chil-
dren of all grades were grouped together.
33
Continued extensive use of the reference room was reported with
a total of 6,800 reference questions answered.
Trends of Use
An expanded use of the library for educational exhibits was noted
during the past year. Another noteworthy trend was the increased use
of the reference service by students. Enlarged library facilities have
permitted the staff to offer a better type of service to study groups,
schools, churches and other organized groups. Along these lines and
especially in relation to school children, library clubs have been formed
through the efforts of the staff. In order to encourage a greater use
of the library by children, a course of instruction has been given under
the seventh grade guidance program in the public schools.
Concord Room
A new feature of the library is a room which has been set aside
for the collection of material pertaining to Concord. It contains maps,
early pictures, histories, and all books of Concord imprint or by local
authors. During 1941, a member of the library staff will be placed
in charge of this literature, much of which is still uncatalogued. Event-
ually this room will be open to the general public. The Concord
Historical Society has been instrumental in gathering local material to
insure a permanent collection for the city.
Cost of Operation
The total cost of operation of the public library during 1940 was
$31,358.81. Of this sum the city government appropriated $20,500;
the remainder represents income from various library trust funds.
HOW THE LIBP_AP_Y$ PUNDS
ARE SPENT
WHAT TYPE OP BOOKS
CONCORD READS
34
W.P.A.
A "PAY-AS-YOU-GO" policy in relation to W.P.A. expenditures
was adopted for the first time by the Board of Aldermen in
1940. In the past, funds for the work relief program were
raised through the issuance of public improvement bonds.
Number Employed
The number of persons employed on W.P.A. projects during 1940
averaged about 200. This number represents a reduction of 100 per-
sons from the previous year. A large share of this decrease can be
attributed to the up-turn in private employment during the past year.
A number of project workers have found employment in government
defense work, chiefly at navy yards.
Accomplishments
During the past 12 months, 12,305 feet of new storm and sanitary
sewer were added to the City's sewerage system. At Rollins Park,
about 400 feet of ashlar wall was constructed and a new baseball dia-
mond was developed. Bleachers for the accommodation of spectators
were relocated at White Park and Rollins Park and those at the play-
ground on the Plains were moved and set up at Memorial Field
As a part of the program to improve city streets, 5,762 feet of
curbing were set during the year. Better drainage was provided on
Clough Mill Road, Borough Road and Lake View Drive where inade-
quate culverts were rebuilt.
At Rolfe Park, a new wading pool was
completed. The West Street Playground was
regraded and fences were erected around the
play area and on two sides of the park. In
addition, a much needed rest room was added
to the facilities at the playground. The
river erosion project was nearly completed.
PROJECT COMMITTEE:
(harks J. McKee, Chairman
Ralph L. Stearns
William A. Stevens
COORDINATOR:
Lyman W. Bigelow
1940 EXPENDITURE:
$54,657.73
W. P. A. workers have placed thousands of tons of granite along the west bank
of the Merrimack River in order to arrest further shifting of the river bed.
Relief
General Trends
DURING 1940, especially in the fall and winter, there was a
marked improvement in the national employment situation. This
was largely due to the step-up in production resulting from the
national defense program. That this trend will continue as the country
gears itself to a defense economy is almost a certainty. In Concord,
however, there was no noticeable trend toward increased employment
which affected the relief load. At this time, there is no indication that
increased defense production will materially reduce the relief burden
in the city. This is due to the fact that Concord has relatively few
industries and that a number of these manufacture non-defense prod-
ucts. To be sure, some reduction can be expected through increased
employment, but the extent of that reduction should not be over-
estimated.
Administration
The administration of relief is substantially the same as last year.
There are two overseers of poor assisted by a staff of nine. The Relief
Board has not seen fit to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of
one of the staff members.
The City Relief Department has continued in its capacity of agent
in charge of administering Concord's county relief cases.
The Relief Load
During 1940, the average number of city relief cases dropped to 141
or 20 less than the average for 1939. The average number of persons on
city relief was 391 as compared with 443 during the previous year.
Unfortunately, most of this reduction was accomplished by transfer of
cases to county relief. This was in accordance with the law which
makes a five-year city relief case the responsibility of the county. The
reduction in city relief cases was offset by an increase in county cases
credited to the city. The average number of county cases in Concord
during 1940 was 289, an increase of 13 over the previous year. The
average number of Concord people on county relief during 1940 was
1,239 or 101 more than the average for
1939.
Toward the end of the year, there was
a reduction in the amount of supplementary
relief rendered by the department. This
reduction was possible because a number of
W. P. A. workers who had been receiving
relief assistance were able to find employ-
ment outside of the city, mostly in govern-
ment defense work.
CITY RELIEF BOARD:
Ralph L. Stearns, Chairman
John W. Stanley
Arthur F. Sturtevant
OVERSEER OF POOR:
Frank C Gilbert
OVERSEER OF POOR,
WARD 1:
Charles 1'. Coakley
1940 EXPENDITURE:
$70,708.68
36
The administration of
city and comity relief in
Concord is carried on
from this office located
in the Police Building
on Warren Street.
Relief Costs
A total of $196,259.80 was expended by the Relief Department
during 1940. Of this amount, $70,708.68 were spent for city relief
while the remaining $125,551.12 represent county relief expenditures.
Compared with a $76,066.03 expenditure during 1939, the city relief
disbursement for 1940 indicates a reduction of $5,357.35. On the
other hand, county relief costs increased $3,764.75 during the year.
A breakdown of City relief costs indicates that direct expenditures
for relief totaled $40,192.97. The City's share of Old Age Assistance
was $7,652.34 while aid to dependent soldiers amounted to $3,170.34.
Wood expenses for 1940 totaled $7,637.72. The administration of
City relief cost $12,055.31.
Other Activity
The Relief Department has worked in close cooperation with the
New Hampshire State Employment Service. Whenever openings have
appeared in jobs which relief recipients could fill, the department has
made every effort to place its charges in gainful employment.
Poor health is often the cause of dependency. In some cases, it
has been found that persons were unemployed and on relief because
they could not afford medical attention to correct some obvious or
hidden condition affecting health. It has been the policy of the de-
partment as a part of its program of rehabilitation to do all it can to
provide medical attention for its clients and wherever possible to cor-
rect any condition of health which may be the cause of non-employ-
ment.
There are a number of state agencies — old age assistance, child
welfare, etc. which are set up to handle special types of public relief
cases. Working in cooperation with these social agencies, the depart-
ment has been able to turn over to the state the responsibility for the
care of many city cases.
37
Police Protection
IT IS THE FUNCTION of the Police Department, through adequate
systematic patrol, to furnish protection to persons and property, to
prevent crime and other disorders and to apprehend criminals and
law violators. Efficient and effective regulation of street traffic in order
to insure the maximum of safety and convenience is also an important
police function.
Personnel
The personnel of the Police Department during 1940 consisted of
51 officers and policemen. Of this number, 27 were regularly em-
ployed. Twenty-four special policemen were available on call to
augment the regular force.
Expenditures
The cost of operating the department for the year, 1940, was
$64,077.79. Figured on a per capita basis, police protection cost the
Concord citizen about $2.36 for the entire year or less than five cents
per week. Department earnings amounted to $915.42.
Criminal Data
A total of 204 felonies were reported to the department during
1940. Nine of these were unfounded. Thirty-one per cent of these
crimes, as compared with 23 per cent in 1939, were cleared by arrest.
A summary of the return on felonies is presented herewith.
Classification Not
of Offenses Offenses Cleared Cleared
Criminal homicide 0 0 0
Rape 0 0 0
Robbery 2 2 0
Aggravated assault 0 0 0
Breaking & entering 54 11 43
Larceny (Over $50) 3 1
(Under $50) 117 34 83
Auto theft 19 12 7
Total
195
60
135
POLICE COMMISSION:
Charles L. Jackman, Chairman
Daniel Shea
Guy A. Swenson
CHIEF OF POLICE:
Victor I. Moore
DEPUTY
CHIEF OF POLICE:
J. Edward Silva
POLICE CLERK:
Burton L. Bailey
1940 EXPENDITURES:
Operation— $64,077.79
Ambulance— $3,000.00
Stolen Property
The value of property stolen during
the year amounted to $11,039.00. Of
this amount, the department effected the
recovery of 89 per cent or an increase
of 26 per cent over the percentage re-
covered during 1939. Nineteen auto-
mobiles were stolen during 1940. All but
one of these were recovered.
During the previous year, 237 fel-
onies were recorded and property valued
38
Effective police protection depends largely on mobility. The Police Department's
motorized equipment has been modernized to meet every contingency.
at $18,112.72 was stolen. It is gratifying to note not only the de-
crease during 1940 in the number of crimes and the amount of stolen
property, but the greater effectiveness of the department's efforts as
well. This improvement can be attributed largely to an increased
departmental efficiency resulting from the acquisition of better police
equipment.
Improvements
During 1940, another cruiser car was added to the department's
mobile equipment. This car, which was equipped with two-way radio
communication facilities, permitted a redistricting of the cruising areas
in the city proper. By dividing the areas which were formerly cov-
ered by two cars into three districts, the effectiveness of the cruiser
patrol was increased greatly. For the first time, a day cruiser was
put into service. This experiment proved so successful that with the
addition of more officers, the day cruiser was placed into operation on
a continuous patrol from 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
During the first month of day-cruiser operation, the number of
auto accidents reported to the police decreased about 40 per cent.
Through the efforts of this patrol, strict enforcement of traffic reg-
ulations was accomplished, not without a sizeable increase in the num-
ber of arrests for speeding and other road and driving law violations.
Although the department does not believe in over-zealous policing of
traffic, it adheres strictly to the principle that law enforcement is the
best safety program.
39
Undoubtedly, the outstanding improvement during the year was
the acquisition of a new ambulance. At a cost of $3,000.00, this piece
of equipment is the last word in modern design, comfort and adapt-
ability to its type of service. From specifications set up by the de-
partment, it is equipped to carry four injured persons, should such
an emergency arise. The department hopes that before the end of
1941, the ambulance may also be equipped with two-way radio com-
munications.
Bicycle Registration
An ordinance controlling the registration and use of bicycles in
the city was introduced to the City Government through the efforts
of the Police Department. On the passage of this ordinance, the reg-
istration of all bicycles was required and regulations were adopted by
the Police Commission to control bicycle operation. The adoption of
this procedure has done much to insure the safety of children who
ride bicycles. It is also noteworthy that larceny of bicycles has been
reduced more than 50 per cent.
One of the most gratifying results of the bicycle registration pro-
gram is the growing feeling among the city's youth that they have a
friend and not an enemy in the police officer.
Traffic Safety
A comparative summary of the motor vehicle accident records of
1939 and 1940 indicates the following return.
1939 1940
Total accidents reported or investigated 329 390
Injuries received in accidents 142 147
Deaths resulting from accidents 2 2
Although a greater number of accidents occurred in 1940 than
in 1939, it should be noted that in proportion to the number reported,
fewer injuries were received. This would indicate that the accidents
were of less serious nature involving less speed. There is very little
doubt that the noticeable reduction in the rate of speed of motor ve-
hicles in the city has been the direct result of the inauguration of the
day cruiser patrol.
Recommendations of the Chief
For a number of years, the department has been faced with the
problem of detention of juvenile delinquents. Since the State estab-
lished the probation system, there has grown a demand for adequate
facilities for juvenile detention apart from the regular adult quarters.
In fact, there is a state law which definitely requires that juveniles
shall be separated from cells or cell blocks that are used for adult
criminals. It is urgently recommended that a detention room for
juveniles should be constructed at police headquarters and that this
room should be equipped with suitable furnishings.
40
Since the purchase of a cruising car for use in Ward One, it has
been necessary to rent garage space for its storage. The construction
of a one-stall garage adjacent to the Penacook Police Station appears
to be a desirable recommendation. The saving in rental charges would
in due time offset the construction cost of the garage.
A considerable amount of criticism has been directed at the de-
partment by citizens who feel that the new ambulance should be placed
at the disposal of all the citizens of Concord and that its use should
not be restricted to relief recipients and accident emergency cases.
The Chief of Police believes that this stand is well taken. However,
the department is powerless to do otherwise until certain ordinances
are revised and additional operators are provided to render this ser-
vice. The Chief respectfully recommends that the Mayor and Board
of Aldermen take the necessary steps to permit the department to man
and place the ambulance at the service of all the citizens of the City
of Concord.
Acquired during the past year, the
department's new ambulance is
equipped with every modern de-
vice for the comfort of the sick
and the injured.
Probation
THE PROBATION Department concluded a most successful year
of operation in 1940. Without a doubt, the outstanding achieve-
ment of the year was the reduction effected in the number of
new juvenile offenders. The new cases totaled 15 as compared with
39 during 1939. To a large degree, this decrease is the result of the
greater emphasis which has been placed on prevention of delinquency
by closer check-ups in homes, schools, churches and places of employ-
ment. No mean share of the credit for this improvement belongs to
the Police Department as a direct result of the expanded cruiser patrol.
Cooperation
Too much cannot be said about the benefits derived from the pro-
gram of cooperation which was initiated soon after the probation of-
fice was created in 1938. The assistance which the Probation Officer
has received from various social agencies, both public and private,
has been of inestimable value not only in the prevention of delinquency
but in the rehabilitation of those children who have been placed on
probation.
Commitments to Institutions
In only a few cases has the department found it necessary to re-
sort to placing delinquents in institutions. In three cases during the
year, this procedure was adopted only after it was found that satis-
factory conditions were not present in the home.
Summary of Activities
A summary of the activities of the Probation Officer is as follows:
Cases carried over from 1939 51
New cases 15
Violators 2
Committed to industrial school 4
Honorably discharged 14
Dismissals -
Placed in institutions due to home conditions 3
Placed in working positions 4
Joined C. C. C. camps 3
Joined U. S. Army 2
Visits made by probationers to probation office 1040
Check-ups by probation officer 211
Contacts with city and state agencies 100
Non-court cases under supervision 23
Neglected children cases 1
Transferrals to State Probation Department 3
Housing Problem
Attention is directed to the fact that
poor housing conditions exist in those parts
of the city where most of the probationers
live. In fact, these poor housing conditions
42
MUNICIPAL COURT:
Judge William L. Stevens
PROBATION OFFICER:
Robert L. Colby
1940 EXPENDITURE:
$1,499.99
COOPER. AT I O N
THE WATCHWORD OF PROBATION
AGENCIES ON W
HICH THE PRO B ATIO N
OFFI CER DEPENDS
FOR AID IN PREVENTING
AND SUPERVISING
JUVENILE DELINQUENCY
CITY
SCHOOLS
LIBRARY
RELI EF
PLAYGROUNDS HEALTH
POLICE
STATE
PROBATION
LABOR
LIBRARY
UNIVERSITY
HOSPITAL
POLICE
INDUSTRIAL
SCHOOL
SCHOOL FOR PUBLIC
FEEBLE MINDED WELFARE
PRIVATE
CHURCHES
SCHOOLS
Y M.C. A.
FAMILY
WELFARE
4H
CLUB
FRIENDLY
CLUB
COMMUNITY
CHEST
SERVICE
CLUBS
FRATERNAL
SOCIETIES
probably contribute through the lack of proper facilities to the delin-
quency problem in the city. Insofar as the City is contributing to the
delinquency situation by concentrating relief families in one or two
poor housing areas, it would appear desirable to give some thought to
a system whereby these families could be distributed more evenly over
the entire city.
Program of Prevention
A review of case histories brings out the fact that most of Concord's
juvenile offenders are members of large families. Invariably, these
families have little to offer in the form of diversion. As a result, a
certain bravado is attached to the actions of the delinquent by the
other children in the family unit. Unfortunately, unless there is out-
side supervision, these children are too often inclined to follow the poor
example set by their delinquent brother or sister. Such cases compli-
cate the work of the Probation Officer because he must of necessity
extend his surveillance to all of the children in the family. Although
no record is kept of this type of preventive pre-delinquency activity,
a considerable amount of time is devoted to this work. The progress
which has been made to date, indicates that these efforts have been
worthwhile.
During the coming year, every effort will be made to further
expand the department's preventive program. Only through preven-
tion can the desired reduction in the number of juvenile delinquents be
effected.
43
Municipal Court
Organization
THE MUNICIPAL COURT, with its quarters in the Police
Building on Warren Street, is the judicial branch of the City
of Concord. In order that justice may be served to the best of
advantage, state laws provide that the Judge and Special Judge shall
be appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Council. The
salaries of the justices are set by law and their payment by the City
is mandatory. These provisions have the effect of divorcing the court
from the legislative branch of the city government.
Jurisdiction
The Municipal Court is essentially a court of first resort. The
court has original jurisdiction, subject to appeal, of all crimes and
offenses committed within the city which carry a fine not in excess of
$500 or imprisonment not exceeding one year. Civil cases where the
damages demanded do not exceed $500 and which do not involve the
title to real estate, are also within the jurisdiction of the court. This
jurisdiction is exercised in concurrence with the Superior Court. Juve-
nile cases are also within the sphere of authority of the Municipal
Court. In these cases, it is the policy of the court to pass judgment
only after a complete investigation has been conducted by the Proba-
tion Officer.
Cases Tried
The court tried about 1,400 criminal and civil cases during 1940.
This was an average of four cases for each session held by the court.
As usual, most of the cases were prosecuted by the Police Department.
Although there was no noticeable change in the number of civil cases
to come before the court, the number of criminal cases increased by
140. This situation should not be viewed with alarm because the in-
crease is the direct result of the Police Department's expanded program
of enforcement of motor vehicle laws and parking regulations. That
this is so is indicated by the fact that the number of motor vehicle law
violators summoned before the court increased from 102 in 1939 to
158 in 1940. Likewise, a total of 461 parking violation cases were
tried during the year as compared with 385 tried during 1939.
Revenue
During the year, the Clerk collected
$6,422.73 in fines, costs, and sundry fees im-
posed by the court. Of this sum, fines col-
lected for and paid over to state agencies
amounted to $3,084.15. After deducting cur-
rent expenses, the sum of $3,103.60 was paid
to the City Treasurer.
JUDGE:
William !.. Stevens
SPECIAL JUDGE:
Peter J. King
CLERK:
John W. Stanley
1940 EXPENDITURE:
$2,900.00
44
Fire Protection
THERE ARE FEW if any cities in the United States in Concord's
population class that are called upon to furnish fire protection
for an area covering approximately 64 square miles. To meet
the problem of protecting such a large area, the city maintains six
fire stations, two in the city proper and one at each of Concord's four
suburbs. This decentralization, necessary as it is, in no way impairs
the service which the Fire Department at all times stands ready to
render the citizens of the City of Concord.
Apparatus, Equipment and Personnel
The department's "rolling stock" consists of 13 fire trucks of va-
rious types, two official and a service truck. During the past year,
600 feet of two and one-half inch hose were added to the department's
supply to bring the total amount to 18,400 feet. No change was made
in the personnel during 1940. There are 24 regular firemen in the
department. In addition to this force, 174 call firemen are ready to
augment the permanent men should their services be needed. The
department operates on a single platoon system.
Maintenance
All apparatus and equipment is in good working order. Wherever
it has been found necessary, repairs and replacements have been made
in the department workshop at a considerable saving to the City. The
adeptness of the regular staff in executing out-of-the-ordinary main-
tenance work resulted in the construction of six modern truss ladders
during the year. These ladders were sorely needed and were im-
mediately placed in commission on Ladder No. 3.
Two new boxes were added to the fire alarm system in 1940. How-
ever, of greater importance to the effectiveness of the fire alarm system
was the installation of a compressed air whistle at the Penacook sta-
tion. The tower striker system on which the fire company formerly
depended to summon its call men, had on several occasions proved in-
effective in spreading the necessary alarm.
Fire Prevention
True to the old proverb that "an
ounce of prevention is worth a pound of
cure", the department's fire inspection pro-
gram was stepped-up during the year with
3,030 inspections as compared with less
than 2,400 in 1939. A special quarterly
inspection was conducted in all convales-
cent homes and private institutions. The
policy of requiring that all power oil
burner installations must be approved by
FIRE BOARD:
Charles P. Coakley, Chairman
Clarence L. Clark
Harold D. Merrill
Robert W. Potter
FIRE CHIEF:
William T. Happny
DEPUTY CHIEFS:
Michael J. Martin
Clarence G. Howser
DISTRICT CHIEF:
Fred M. Dodge
1940 EXPENDITURES:
Operation— $71,094.17
Air Whistle- $1,750.00
45
Built to scale, this model of the Central Fire Station
and the department's 13 fire trucks indicates the
amount of motorized equipment which the City main-
tains for fire fighting purposes.
A.s a part of its fire prevention activity, the department
supervises the installation of all power oil burners. By
strict enforcement of regulations, many potentially
hazardous conditions are eliminated.
the department was rigidly enforced. A series
of fire drills and special instructions in fire pre-
vention were conducted in the city schools.
Fires In 1940
The fire department responded to 601
alarms during 1940. Of this number, 546 were still alarms and 55 were
box alarms. There were 38 less alarms in 1940 than in 1939.
Fire Losses
Fire loss amounting to $22,296.62 was sustained during the year,
of which all but $6,165.00 was covered by insurance. The fire loss
was only about one-quarter of that which the city suffered in 1939.
This achievement is even more noteworthy in light of the fact that not
since 1916, nearly a quarter of a century ago, has the total loss been
less than that of the past year. The following tabulation indicates the
breakdown of the 1940 fire loss.
Buildings
Contents
Total
Value
$201,990.00
135,500.00
Loss
$12,783.04
9.513.58
Insurance
$180,850.00
79,600.00
Ins. Paid
$ 9,483.04
6.648.58
$337,490.00 $22,296.62 $260,450.00 $16,131.62
Net Loss
$3,300.00
2,865.00
$6,165.00
46
Recommendations
In view of the effectiveness of the air whistle in Penacook, the
department is of the opinion that public safety would be better served
in the city proper by the installation of an air whistle to replace the
fifty year old tower strikers now in use.
Serious consideration should be given to a program of replacement
of apparatus. Some of the present equipment has been in operation
for more than 20 years. This would indicate that if the efficiency of
the department is to be maintained, a program of replacement cannot
long be delayed.
Once again, the department wishes to call attention to the need
for a new fire station in the Plains area.
FIRE HYDRANTS
A good fire hydrant system is a fundamental of effective fire-
fighting activity. The measure of fire protection which a city provides
for its citizens depends largely on the water facilities which can be
placed at the disposal of its fire department. The best fire equipment
that money can buy is of little value unless an adequate water supply
is readily accessible for instant use at all times.
As a result of housing expansion and
new water main construction, 14 new fire
hydrants were placed into service during
the past year. This brings the total num-
ber of public hydrants up to 684. In
addition to these public services, there
are 113 private outlets in the city.
BOARD OF HYDRANT
COMMISSIONERS:
Edward E. Beane, Chairman
William T. Happny
Percy R. Sanders
1940 EXPENDITURE:
NONE
This is a part of the intricate
electrical equipment at the Cen-
tral Fire Station which controls
the operation of the City's fire
alarm system.
A demonstration fire alarm box
which operates its own gong and
ticker has been installed at the
Central Fire Station for those
who wish to acquaint themselves
with the operation of the alarm
system.
Weights and Measures
THE CONFIDENCE with which the general public makes its
everyday purchases indicates the progress that has been made
in the regulation and supervision of weighing and measuring de-
vices. Because the customer takes it for granted that he or she is
receiving honest weight and measure, very little thought is given to
the efforts which go into the maintenance of high standards. In Con-
cord the success which this confidence reflects is the result of a persist-
ent yet inconspicuous program of checks and rechecks conducted by
the Sealer of Weights and Measures.
Summary of Activities
The usual inspection of all weighing and measuring devices was
made during the past year. The sale of commodities was closely super-
vised at all times. Tabulated herewith are the results of the 1940
program of inspections.
Condemned
Confis
Tests
Correct
Adjusi
cd
for
Repairs
cated
Scales
840
029
176
19
16
Weights
958
950
0
2
6
Liquid Measures
32,844
32,829
->
0
13
Dry Measures
4
4
0
(1
0
Automatic Pumps
380
312
63
5
0
Oil Measuring Devices
4,921
4,916
0
(i
5
Cloth Measures
IS
10
0
0
5
Yardsticks
25
2S
0
0
0
Loads of Coal
4
4
0
0
0
Commodities in Packages
3,984
3,753
231
und
?r\ve
gilt
In a number of cases, it was necessary to warn careless merchants
about filling berry baskets and the necessity of complying with the law
which requires that the net weight must be marked on packages. Dur-
ing the year, special attention was given
to the enforcement of the law applying to
wood sales. Thirty-seven truck bodies used
for delivery were measured and in several
cases adjustments were ordered.
SEALER OF
WEIGHTS & MEASURES:
George A. Dearborn
1940 EXPENDITURE:
$1,126.48
Weighing and measuring devices
which are inaccurate and which
cannot he adjusted are confis-
cated for destruction by the
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
Some of those seized last year
are shown here.
Building Activity
ONE OF THE best assets any community can have is good
buildings. Good construction is a mark of prosperity and of
community well-being. Conversely, poor construction indicates
a lack of progressive development. Many of the accepted standards
by which a city is judged are not immediately apparent — not so with
buildings. One has but to look around in order to form an opinion of
the type of development a community has imposed on itself. To a
large degree, that development indicates the kind of people that live
in the area.
To build soundly is to build for stability. Poor construction de-
teriorates and depreciates rapidly. This condition affects not only the
property in question but other property in the neighborhood as well.
Therefore, it is sound public policy to guard against poor development
for the good of the entire community. Adequate regulation of building
construction is the best way by which a community can maintain high
building standards.
Permits and Valuations
During 1940, 167 permits for new buildings and alterations to
existing buildings were issued. These permits represent a total esti-
mated valuation of $443,265.00. Ninety-eight of these permits were
for new buildings and 69 were for alterations and repairs. The total
number of permits issued was 19 less than in 1939.
The valuation of permits for new construction dropped from
$399,982.00 in 1939 to $379,550.00 in 1940 or a decrease of five per
cent. Permits for alterations increased from $56,390.00 in 1939 to
$63,715.00 in 1940.
BUILDING INSPECTOR:
Edward E. Beane. City Engineer
1940 EXPENDITURE:
None
Dwelling Units
Sixty-two permits were issued for
new dwelling units in 1940. Of these,
46 were for single family dwellings.
This aerial view shows the rapid-
ly growing residential develop-
ment in the South End area below
the Conant School.
Zoning Appeals
Purpose
THE CITY OF CONCORD enacted a zoning ordinance on Decem-
ber 13, 1930 to safeguard the rights of individuals by regulating
the use of land and buildings within districts designated for cer-
tain uses. Ten years of experience has shown that zoning is not a
panacea. It is, however, a firm step in the right direction and over a
period of years will have a far-reaching and ever-broadening beneficial
effect on the orderly development and use of land in Concord.
Administration and Appeals
Under the ordinance, the Building Inspector is charged with ad-
ministering the zoning law. Any person aggrieved by his decision
may take an appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, a five-man
quasi-judicial body, which sits as a court of first resort. Before handing
down a decision, the board holds a public hearing on each appeal to
enable all parties in interest to be heard. Appeals from the rulings of
the Board of Adjustment may be taken to the superior court.
1 940 Activity
The Building Inspector granted 44 applications for zoning permits
and in 31 cases appeals from his decisions denying permits were taken
to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The board considered 17 requests
for variance, 12 for exceptions and two for re-hearing. Seven cases
were denied, 17 granted, and three granted conditionally. Two cases
are still before the board. Two appeals were withdrawn.
Proposed Amendment of the Zoning Ordinance
Since its adoption in 1930, very few changes have been made
either in the maps or the text of the zoning ordinance. Believing that
the ordinance might be amended to better serve the needs of community
development, the Board of Aldermen requested the City Planning
Board to study the existing ordinance with a view toward making it
a more workable law. This study is now in process and members of
the Zoning Board of Adjustment have had occasion to be of assistance
to the Planning Board and to the Commit-
tee on Bills on Second Reading in this
important work. It now appears that a
proposed amendment will be presented to
the City government for its consideration
sometime during the early spring.
When the revision is completed. Con-
cord will have one of the most comprehen-
sive zoning laws in the state.
BOARD OF
ADJUSTMENT:
Henry P. Callahan, Chairman
John S. Corhett
Eugene F. Magenau
Donald G. Matson
J. Dunbar Shields
CLERK:
Mrs. Frances A. Richardson
1940 EXPENDITURE:
$160.66
50
Plumbing
ONE OF THE less conspicuous services which the City provides
for its citizens is the regulation of plumbing. Poor plumbing
can be a serious menace to public health. Typhoid fever which
was a more or less prevalent disease in the past, was in many cases the
direct result of pollution of water through poor plumbing. In order
to protect the health of its citizens, the City exercises strict regulation
over the practice of plumbing in Concord. Every prospective plumber
is required to pass certain examinations before he is permitted to prac-
tice his trade in Concord. An inspection service is conducted on all
new plumbing installations to ascertain whether the work has been
done properly. A systematic check-up program is being conducted on
old plumbing facilities in order to eliminate all conditions which are
dangerous to health.
Examinations and Licenses
Thirty-three master and 18 journeyman plumbers were registered
during 1940. The Board of Examiners conducted tests for two appli-
cants for master plumber's licenses. In both cases, the applicants were
found to have the proper qualifications and the licenses were granted.
Plumbing Inspection
Plumbing in the City of Concord is controlled by a plumbing code
which is administered by the City Engineer as Plumbing Inspector.
Since 1937, the United States Public
Health Service has made available to
the City the services of an inspector
who divides his time between the in-
spection of new plumbing installations
and a survey of old plumbing facilities.
In order that the citizens of Con-
cord may be assured of the benefits
which are to be derived from the main-
tenance of high plumbing standards, all
new installations are carefully in-
spected.
During 1940, 112 permits for
plumbing installations were issued by
the Plumbing Inspector. Two hundred
and twenty-four routine plumbing in-
spections were made during the year.
Poor plumbing can be a sei-ious menace to the health
of your family. As a safeguard, have the Plumb-
ing Inspector check your sanitary system.
BOARD OF EXAMINERS
OF PLUMBERS:
William T. Bishop, Chairman
Edward E. Beane
Chark-s H. Berry
PLUMBING INSPECTOR:
Edward E. Beane, City Engineer
1940 EXPENDITURE:
None
1940 RECEIPTS:
Public Works Services
THE BOARD OF Public Works, under the provisions of the city
charter, regulates and controls all work done on the highways,
sewer construction, collection and disposal of refuse and garbage,
and street lighting. All of this work is handled through its Depart-
ment of Public Works.
The Board is comprised of six aldermen chosen by the entire
electorate and is headed by the Mayor as chairman ex-officio. The
Board decides the general policy governing the Department of Public
Works, and approves the plan of work outlined by the department
heads. Petitions for new work such as the building of catch basins,
new sidewalk installations, etc., come before the Board for considera-
tion and disposal.
Organization and Administration
The Public Works Department is divided into three divisions with
a central office where all accounts and records are kept. The Highway
Division is administered by the Superintendent of Streets who super-
vises the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges, collection
and disposal of refuse and garbage, and plant equipment and main-
tenance. The Engineering and Sewer Divisions are administered by the
City Engineer who supervises the preparation of all maps, plans and
surveys as well as the construction and maintenance of the sewer system.
The Superintendent of Streets and the City Engineer have a joint re-
sponsibility in supervising street lighting.
Employees
During the year, the department had 95 persons on its permanent
staff. In addition, 185 part-time workers were employed doing such
seasonal work as spring and fall cleaning of streets and catch basins,
snow removal and road construction.
BOARD OF
PUBLIC WORKS:
Hon. John W. Storrs, Chairman
Harold D. Merrill
Charles J. McKee
Arthur F. Sturtevant
William A. Stevens
John W. Stanley
John C Tilton
SUPERINTENDENT
OF STREETS:
Krvin E. Webber
CITY ENGINEER:
Edward E. Beane
1940 EXPENDITURES:
Operation— $302,570.09
Public Improvement Bonds:
$12,963.57
Streets and Sidewalks
During the past year, the Highway
Division completed four street resurfac-
ing projects. A so-called "hot top" (as-
phaltic concrete ) type of pavement was
laid on Brown Avenue, Low Avenue,
Prince Street-Ford Avenue-Green Street,
and Capitol Street. School Street, from
Main to State, was rebuilt, except for
laying the top which will be done in 1941.
In all, 11,182 square yards of material
were laid on these projects.
On the surface-treated gravel roads,
52
it is necessary to do more or less continuous patching due to the
heavy amount of traffic. Over 2,117 tons of patching material were
used for this work during the past year. Experience has proven that
an excellent way to preserve this type of road is to seal the surface with
a coat of tar. During the year, 282,967 gallons of tar, which included
the first application to seven miles of gravel road, were applied.
A great deal of maintenance work must be done each year on
asphalt sidewalks throughout the city. Every year there are many re-
quests for new walks. During the year, 6,02 7.29 square yards of
asphalt were laid, of which 1,287.29 square yards were for new work
and 4,740 square yards were for replacements. New cement walks
were laid in front of the new City Library on Prince and on Green
Streets, and in front of the City Hall on Prince and on Green Streets.
The city expended $165,299 on road construction and maintenance
during 1940, or 54% of the total operating cost of the department.
Snow Plowing and Sanding
The winter of 1940 was about average for snow fall, a total of
72.9 inches having fallen. Although there was usually plenty of time
in between storms to do a good cleaning job, once or twice during the
past winter, one storm followed another so closely that it made it dif-
ficult to keep the main traffic arteries clear of snow for safe and con-
venient parking. However, the division was well equipped, with 25
trucks to keep the streets and roads plowed. Shovel crews were set
The Highway Division operates
its own stone crusher and
screening plant at the gravel
bank off Walker Street Exten-
sion.
The Sewer in School Street in
the downtown area was relairt
during 1940. Sewer Division
employees are shown lowering
a section of 24-inch concrete
pipe.
The "hot top" type of pave-
ment vised by the highway
division is manufactured at the
division's mixing plant located
at the Walker Street gravel
hank.
Purchased during 1940, the de-
partment's new power shovel is
shown excavating Capitol
Street in preparation for the
resurfacing of the street.
to work after each storm to remove the snow in downtown areas. A
special effort was made to clear curb space to all churches, hotels, thea-
tres, and other public meeting places. Snow was also removed in front
of private residences where funerals were to be held. A wheeled tractor
and 15 horses are used to plow sidewalks and narrow alleys. The trac-
tor has proven to be very effective in plowing the allevs and in cleaning
cross walks.
The work of keeping the city streets open during the winter is
really a continuous activity. Not only is it necesary to plow the streets
after each snow storm, but a regular follow-up program of plowing
back snow banks must be carried out. In many sections of the city,
the snow must be removed to make ready for the next storm, and drifts
in the country have to be plowed again and again. During the year,
13,760 cubic yards of sand were applied to the streets, sidewalks and
railroad crossings. The division expended $20,146.74 for plowing and
sanding city streets during the past year.
Refuse Collection
The entire built-up area of the city is covered once every two
weeks for the collection of refuse. The city is divided into routes with
certain districts being collected one week and the remaining districts
the other week. The collection routes cover a distance of 110 miles.
During the year, 51,298 cubic yards of refuse were collected at a per
54
cubic yard cost of fifty-nine cents. All but a small part of this refuse
which can be used as fill, is disposed of by burning at the city dump.
Garbage Disposal
The area covered by the contractors includes most of the settled
portions of Penacook, West Concord and the City Proper. They dis-
pose of the garbage collected by hog feeding. This service costs the
City $3,900 per year.
Engineering
All engineering services needed by the city are performed by this
division. During the year just ended, the division set 22,016 feet of
street, sidewalk and curb grade stakes. All plans and maps have been
kept up to date. A total of 3,165 blue prints were made and 622 trans-
fers of property were recorded. New streets laid out during the year
totaled 1.421 miles. Most of this amount represents City acceptance
of streets already used by the public. The total mileage of streets and
roads in the city as of December 31, 1940 is 189.29 miles.
Sewers
Subject to the control of the Board of Public Works, the City
Engineer has general charge of the construction of sewers. All records
and plans of sewers, drains and connections are kept by the engineering
division.
The semi-annual street clean-
ing program is one of the
routine tasks of the Highway
Division. Winter street sand-
ing makes this work especially
heavy during the spring clean-
ing season.
The Highway Division's "side-
walk gang" is shown applying
a new asphalt surface to a
downtown sidewalk. Where
changes in grade are necessary,
particular care is taken to im-
prove approaches to private
property — witness the new
stairs in this instance.
In the past year, the division constructed 2,146 feet of sanitary
sewers at an expenditure of $19,474.01. The funds for this work were
provided from the balance of money in the Sewer Bond Account. The
division also constructed 716 feet of sanitary sewer with money from
the sewer appropriation. A total of 10,569 feet of storm sewer and
1,636 feet of sanitary sewer were constructed by the City as a part of
the Works Projects Administration program. The work was super-
vised by the W. P. A. Co-Ordinator for the City. Under the Federal
plan for the operation of Work Relief Projects, the city contributes as
its share, all of the necessary materials used on the projects. These
were paid for from the regular W. P. A. appropriation.
The division maintains a total of 77.015 miles of sewer mains.
This work is done at an expenditure of $153.00 per mile.
Thirteen new catch basins and seven new manholes were built,
and 63 new house connections were laid during the year.
Street Lights
The Concord Electric Company is under contract with the City
to supply street lighting service. During the year 16 additional lights
were installed. The total number of lights in operation December 31,
1940 was 1,571. This service cost the City $37,141.50.
Other Activities
Acting under the provisions of Chapter 67, Laws of 1937, the City
voted to accept aid from the State for use on Class V highways, and the
following roads were graded and tarred in 1940: Melvin Hill Road,
its entire length; Mountain Road from Mountain Lane to the Melvin
Hill Road; and the Hoyt Road was graded and tarred from Rum Hill
(so-called) to the Graham Road and the remainder of the road was
graded.
Regular spring and fall cleaning of streets was done at an ex-
penditure to the City of $9,076.84. The number of square yards of
material collected was 11,010. The hand broom sweeping method is
used by the department in cleaning streets.
The public, on the whole, is not cognizant of many of the services
rendered by the Department of Public Works. Services such as filling
a resident's sand box in the winter, or making a special collection of
rubbish on moving day are among the extra conveniences which the
department has provided for the accommodation of Concord's citizens.
A mosquito elimination project at the corner of Auburn and Pena-
cook Streets was begun during 1940. The project involves the filling
of a large swamp with sand. A bad water condition was also eliminated
at this point by the installation of a culvert.
On numerous occasions during the past year, the Department of
Public Works has had the opportunity to be of assistance to other City
departments. At all times, these agencies have received the full co-
operation of this department.
56
Municipal Airport
IN ITS Municipal Airport, the City of Concord has kept abreast of
the development of air transportation in New Hampshire. Few if
any cities in the state can boast of the commercial and private avia-
tion facilities which are available at the Concord Municipal Airport.
Facilities
The facilities at the airport include three landing strips, two hard
surface runways, two hangars, an administration building with com-
plete facilities, a repair shop and fueling equipment. In addition to
the foregoing, the airport is equipped with a standard airport beacon,
boundary and approach lights, obstruction lights, a ceiling projector,
wind direction indicators and the usual identification markings.
Management
Although the Board of Airport Commissioners is charged with the
operation of the airport, it has delegated actual management to Mr.
William E. Martin who operates a flying service at the field.
Northeast Airlines, Inc.
The Northeast Airlines,
BOARD OF AIRPORT
COMMISSIONERS:
Hon. John W. Storrs, Chairman
Charles A. Bartlett
Samuel B. Dunsford
Tohn N. Engel
Charles W. Howard
Charles J. McKee
Rohert W. Potter
1940 EXPENDITURE:
$4,636.52
1940 RECEIPTS:
$1,933.56
Inc. uses the airport as a regular stop on
its Boston to Montreal airline. The com-
pany leases quarters in the administra-
tion building where it maintains a radio
communication office and facilities for
the accommodation of airline passengers.
During the past year, the airline trans-
ports made 1,560 stops at the airport.
Civil Aeronautics Board
The Civil Aeronautics Board leases
quarters in the administration building.
These are some of the planes that stopped at the airport last summer in connection
with the annual three-day New England Air Tour.
By remote control from these quarters, the board operates a 150-watt
radio range beacon located about two miles south of the airport. The
radio range station is operated on a 24-hour standby service. The
C. A. B. operates a teletype weather reporting service at the airport.
1940 Activity
In addition to the regular airline flights, 1,820 airplanes used the
field during 1940.
The local flying club did approximately 300 hours of flying from
the airport during the year. The club has a membership of ten flyers.
Pilot Training
During the year, the William E. Martin Flying Service conducted
a pilot training school at the airport. Mr. Martin also served as an
instructor for the Civil Aeronautics Board's Concord flying school.
During the year, 188 ground school students received training.
Actual flying instructions were given to 50 local private pilot students
and 25 government students.
National Defense
The Concord Municipal Airport was considered in relation to
national defense no less than three times during 1940. A board of
survey of the War Department inspected the airport for the purpose of
determining the suitability of the area for an air corps tactical unit.
The unit was later assigned to the City of Manchester.
Brigadier General Bowen appeared before the commission in June
in relation to his request for a National Guard Air Squadron to be
assigned to New Hampshire. General Bowen indicated that should
the Army authorize the squadron, serious consideration would be given
to its location in Concord. Up to the present time, no such squadron
has been allocated to New Hampshire.
Due to the Army's priority rating of the airport, W. P. A. officials
approached the City with a proposal to expand the existing landing
facilities with the aid of federal funds. After due consideration, the
City dropped the matter when it became apparent that the project
was being advanced purely as a defense measure at a considerable cost
to the City of Concord as its sponsor.
1941
There is every reason to believe that 1941 will be a banner year
in the operation of the Municipal Airport. Expanding military avia-
tion is largely responsible for the optimistic prediction. The current
emphasis on military flying can be expected to effect an increased in-
terest in private flying. Even more important is the fact that with
the conversion of the Manchester Airport into a military air base, it
is almost a certainty that Concord will become more than ever the
"hub" of private and commercial flying in central New Hampshire.
58
Water Supply
THE MAIN SOURCE of Concord's water supply is Penacook
Lake in West Concord. Two feeder lines run from the lake to
the central pumping station on North State Street near Penacook
Street. Water is pumped from this station to the 2,000,000 gallon
open reservoir on the hill off Penacook Street. This reservoir provides
the necessary pressure to supply an adequate flow of water to the city
proper and the outlying suburban areas. A 100,000 gallon tank at
East Concord and a 250,000 gallon tank in Penacook, elevated to the
level of the reservoir, maintain an adequate reserve of water to meet
the fire protection needs of each of these suburbs.
In addition to the main system, an extra high service system
serves a limited area of the West End in the vicinity of Ridge Road
and Lightning Hill. A small pumping station located on Columbus
Avenue feeds a 250,000 gallon standpipe on Little Pond Road which
supplies the pressure for the extra high service system.
Held in reserve to augment both of these systems in case of a
shortage of water is the auxiliary system which originates in the Town
of Pembroke east of the Concord Plains area. This system is fed by
a pumping station on the east side of the Soucook River which draws
its water from a field of several hundred driven wells. In addition to
the added amount of water which this source stands ready to supply,
it guarantees an adequate flow of water at all times for fire protection
purposes on the Plains.
Construction
The outstanding construction project of the year involved the re-
placement of the main which serves Penacook between that suburb
and West Concord. The original main was laid in 1887 and had out-
lived its usefulness. Altogether, about two miles of pipe were relaid.
The work, which was done as a W. P. A.
Project, was executed in a very satisfactory
manner. Other major construction work
included the replacement of a six-inch pipe
in South Street from Lincoln Avenue to
Rockingham Street with a ten-inch main,
and the installation of a new six-inch main
in Low Avenue on the east side of North
Main Street to take the place of an in-
adequate four-inch pipe. In addition to this
work, 3,832 feet of six and eight-inch pipe
were laid in various sections of the city.
BOARD OF WATER
COMMISSIONERS:
Harry H. Dudley. President
Allen M. Freeman
James W. Jameson
Charles P. Johnson
Donald Knowlton
Benjamin H. Orr
Hon. John W. Storrs
John Svvenson
Gardner Tilton
SUPERINTENDENT :
Percy R. Sanders
1940 RECEIPTS:
Operating Revenue $110,925.16
( It her Income $3,182.84
1940 EXPENDITURE:
$72,790.12
1940 NET PROFIT:
$41,317.88
Services and Consumption
During the year, 42 new services were
59
A diver is shown descending into the well of the gate house at Penacook Lake to
assist in removing stones which obstructed the flow of water.
added to the distribution system. As of December 31, 1940, the de-
partment was furnishing water to the people of Concord through 5.076
active services.
Water consumption in 1940 showed a 26,000,000 gallon increase
over the previous year. The total 1940 consumption was one billion
gallons or approximately 106 gallons of water per consumer per day.
The large amount of water which is used in the operation of the pub-
lic swimming pools is a factor contributing to the increase in con-
sumption.
Special Activity
In the latter part of January, it was discovered that the move-
ment of ice at Penacook Lake had badly damaged the upper stone
gate house. Many of the heavy granite blocks had shifted seriously
and a number of these had fallen into the well so as to obstruct the
flow of water. The services of a diver were secured and the stones
were removed. The walls of the gate house were then taken down
to a point below the water level and new covering stones were placed
over the opening to the chamber.
60
Public Schools
CONCORD SCHOOL DISTRICT
Buildings
IN THE Concord School District there are thirteen buildings now
being used for purposes of public instruction. Included in this
number is a senior high school, housing grades ten, eleven, and
twelve; two junior high schools, one taking care of grades eight and
nine and the other grade seven; one mechanic arts building and nine
elementary buildings. One other plant, the Cogswell School, is no
longer used for public school purposes.
Teachers and Employees
The School District employs a total of 175 full — or part-time
employees. There are 135 teachers, 3 administrative and supervisory
officers, and 37 other employees including the health staff, office force,
attendance officer and janitors. The teaching staff is classified as
follows: 114 classroom teachers, 10 supervisors, 10 teaching prin-
cipals and one home teacher of physically handicapped children.
Enrollment
The total number of pupils enrolled during the last complete
school year was 3,462. The average daily membership was 3,312.32
and the average daily attendance 3,126.
Cost of Operation
For the school year ending June 30, 1940, the cost of operating
the schools, exclusive of bond payments and cafeteria expenses was
$352,548.61. This represents a cost of $101.83 per pupil enrolled, or
$12.95 per capita of total population according to the 1940 census.
The tax raised for school purposes in 1940 was 32 per cent of the total
tax bill of the city.
The School District bears a bonded
indebtedness of $430,000, most of which
represents the remaining payments for the
Senior High School. All other bonds now
outstanding will be retired before or during
1948. Bonded indebtedness is being retired
at the rate of $2 7,000 per year.
BOARD OF
EDUCATION:
Earl F. Newton, President
Gerard L. Gaudrault
Franklin Hollis
Mrs. Lela Y. Johnson
Mrs. Violet L. Mclvor
Mrs. Edwina L. Round v
Donald W. Saltmarsh
Dixon H. Turcott
Mrs. Bertha H. Woodward
SUPERINTENDENT :
Xatt P.. Burbank
COST OF OPERATION:
For the fiscal year ending
Tune 30. 1940:
S352.548.61
Problems
The major problem facing the Board of
Education is that of housing of the school
population on Concord Heights. By direc-
61
This is the architects' drawing of the proposed new school which is to replace the
Harriet P. Dame School in the Concord Plains section of the city.
tion of the 1940 school meeting a special building committee is study-
ing the problem, with the expert assistance of the City Planning
Board. This committee is likely to recommend to the 1941 meeting
that a new building be built to replace the limited as well as unsafe
plant now serving this area.
Facilities are still overtaxed at the Conant and Rumford Schools
but the former will be slightly relieved by the anticipated construction
of the Heights building. If the southward expansion of the residential
area continues, the need for an addition to the Conant School will
soon become acute.
Maintenance of the regular health services in the schools has
been a difficult problem during the past year. The school physician
is now in military service and it has not been possible to secure a
dentist to continue the work of the past. In the former case, the
splendid cooperation of local physicians has made it possible to carry
on with a minimum of disruption. It is hoped that the dental pro-
gram can soon be resumed.
Policy
It is the policy of the Board of Education to provide public in-
struction of a moderately conservative nature, paying careful atten-
tion to the fundamentals necessary to sound elementary and secondary
education. The extremes of Progressive Education to which some
American schools have gone in recent years are being avoided. Con-
cord's schools furnish adequate instruction for every type of child.
National Defense
Since July 19, 1940, the School District has been operating a
National Defense Training School, under the direction of the State
Board for Vocational Education and the United States Office of Edu-
cation. Courses have been offered in machine shop work, wood-
working, and auto mechanics, and 133 men, previously unskilled, have
been trained, or are being trained, to help meet the national emer-
gency. All costs of this training are borne by the Federal Government.
62
Instruction for Physically Handicapped Children
In accordance with a law enacted by the 1939 General Court, a
special teacher has been employed to furnish elementary instruction
to children who are so physically handicapped that they cannot take
advantage of the regular public facilities. She goes to the homes of
these boys and girls, spending about five hours per week with each.
PENACOOK SCHOOL DISTRICT
Jurisdiction
The jurisdiction of the Penacook School District includes all of
Ward One with the exception of a small area at Riverhill; a section
of Ward Two across the Merrimack River opposite the Penacook
settlement; Goodwin's Point in Ward Three and a limited area in the
adjacent Town of Canterbury.
Schools and Staff
The district operates a high school and two elementary schools.
Sixteen teachers are employed, nine at the high school and seven in the
lower grades. A supervisor of music and two janitors are also em-
ployed by the district.
Membership
During the school year 1939-1940, the average membership was
396, only one less than during the previous year. Of this number, 21 1
were high school students. In addition to the Penacook students, a
large number of children from nearby towns matriculate at Penacook
High School.
Finances
During the year, $29,427.00 were raised by taxation toward the
operation of the school district. An added sum of $6,689.51 was re-
ceived from other sources, chiefly from high school tuitions. It is
interesting to note that in the less-than-five-years history of the high
school, income from tuitions has increased more than 40 per cent.
Gross expenditures for the year amounted to $35,760:74. The
district has a bonded debt of $37,000.00.
Teachers' salaries were raised $875.00 during the year. On the
whole, these salaries are still below the average for the state.
Legislation
By a recent act of the State Legislature, a major change was
made in the manner of electing the officers of the district. The act
permits the Penacook School District to choose its officers by a plurality
instead of a majority of all the votes cast.
63
CONCORD
A HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The City of Concord, or Pennycook as it was then called, early
attracted attention as a desirable place for civilized settlement. Be-
tween 1652 and 1725 various petitions were submitted to the General
Court of Massachusetts for grants of land in this area. The petition
of June, 1725 was successful and on January 17, 1726 the General
Court sanctioned a township of seven square miles to be known as the
Plantation of Pennycook. One hundred citizens were admitted as
settlers. Considerable time was lost in the allotment of land and it
was not until the fall of 172 7 that Ebenezer Eastman moved from
Haverhill to Pennycook to establish the first permanent settlement in
the new grant. Others followed soon thereafter and on February 27,
1733, the plantation was incorporated into a town and the name was
changed to Rumford. No authentic history of the source of the name
is available although it is understood to have been taken from a parish
in England, the former home of some of the settlers. On June 7, 1765
the name was changed to Concord. After the task of settling the com-
munity had been established under the leadership of Reverend Timothy
Walker and others, the town became a city in 1853.
The first religious service ever held in the central part of New
Hampshire was conducted on Sunday, May 15, 1726 upon the table
land directly overlooking the Sugar Ball Plain by Mr. Enoch Coffin,
chaplain of a party of men who came from Massachusetts to lay out
the new township. That the early settlers were God-fearing people is
indicated by the fact that a building to serve as a church and meeting
house was the first structure reared on the new land. With the ordina-
tion of Rev. Mr. Walker on November 18, 1730, the settlement acquired
its first permanent minister.
During the Indian troubles, Rumford was continually menaced by
roving bands of redmen. The most serious local incident occurred on
August 11, 1746 when Lieutenant Jonathan Bradley and seven com-
panions were ambushed by savages. Hopelessly outnumbered, Lieuten-
ant Bradley and four of his men were massacred in this engagement.
The onslaughts of savages continued and it is recorded that as late as
1754 Rumford was in perilous circumstances due to Indian attacks.
In that year, a company of nine men under the command of Captain
John Chandler was assigned to protect the people of the township.
The first legal meeting of the freeholders and inhabitants of the
Parish of Concord was held on January 21, 1766 and town officers were
64
chosen. The first law office opened in Concord was in 1767 when
Peter Green became the first lawyer to settle in Concord. During the
same year, the first census of the province was taken and the return
from Concord showed 752 inhabitants. The first regular post office
was established in Concord in 1792. The growing advantages of Con-
cord as a business and financial center received recognition in 1806
when the legislature made it the location of an incorporated bank.
For a quarter of a century after 1782, the General Court held its
sessions in numerous communities. Fortunately, most of the sessions
were held at Concord due perhaps to its central location. This rec-
ognition foretold that Concord would, sometime, be the permanent
capital of the state. This has been so since 1808. In June 1816, the
legislature passed a resolution to build a state house in Concord upon
the conditions that Concord convey to the state a suitable building lot
and give all the necessary stone for the building and deliver the same
at the site.
Concord's men took part in the war for independence and since
that time her men have been prompt to respond to the nation's call in
every emergency. During the war of 1812, the town became a prom-
inent recruiting station and a convenient meeting place for enlisting
soldiers and for troops on their way from Boston to the Canadian
frontier.
In the autumn of 1814, the Merrimack Boating Company's first
cargo boat arrived at Concord to inaugurate river transportation of
merchandise. Meanwhile, the Concord coach made by the Abbot-
Downing Company which came into general use after 1828 and which
brought Concord world fame, served to keep the community abreast
of the best highway transportation available. River and coach trans-
portation were soon to give way to the railroads for in 1842 the first
tracks were laid to Concord and on September 6 of that year the first
passenger train arrived in town to mark the beginning of service bv
the Concord Railroad. Between 1840 and 1850 the population nearly
doubled because Concord was an attractive center on a railroad bearing
its name.
In 1836, Isaac Hill resigned his seat in the United States Senate
to assume the governorship of New Hampshire — the first Concord
citizen to hold this position.
On April 5, 1853, General Joseph Low became the first mayor of
Concord. The city council, in its first three meetings held within the
space of seven days during April, set the machinery of municipal leg-
islation in orderly and effective motion. During the first year of ex-
periment, the change from town to city government was so wisely
handled as to bear fairly and not heavily upon the citizens of Concord.
65
APPENDIX
Financial Statements and Statistics
Page
General Fund — Consolidated Balance Sheet 67
General Fund — Analysis of Change in Net Debt 67
Bond Funds — Statement of Receipts and Disbursements 68
Debt Service Charges on Present Bonded Debt 68
Trust Funds — Balance Sheet 69
Trust Funds — Receipts and Disbursements 69
Concord Water Works — Balance Sheet 70
Concord Water Works — Statement of Operations 70
General Fund— Statement of Appropriations and Expenditures 72
General Fund — Statement of Estimated and Actual Revenues 71
Board of Public Works — Financial Statement 74
Comparative Table of the Number of Polls and Veterans, Assessed Valuations,
Tax Levies and Rates in Concord, 1930-1940 74
Bonded Indebtedness of the City 75
Status of Tax Collections, 1932-1940 76
Assessors Statement for 1940 T^
City Relief Department — Relief Expenditures 78
Municipal Court — Statement of Receipts and Expenditures 79
Summary of the City's Investment in Property and Equipment 79
66
GENERAL FUND
Consolidated Balance Sheet
December 31, 1940
Assets and Net Debt
Cash $ 115,237.50
Reimbursements Receivable 11,935.81
Taxes Receivable 290,074.17
Unredeemed Taxes Bought by City 56,779.53
Property Acquired by Tax Collectors' Deeds 4,610.87
Total Assets $ 478,637.88
Net Debt
Balance. January 1. 1940 $1,040,437.22
Deduct Net Gain for Year 144,813.36
Balance, December 31, 1940 895,623.86
Total Assets and Net Debt $1,374,261 74
Liabilities
Unexpended Balances $ 156,155.49
Temporary Loans 100,000.00
Bond Coupons Due and Unpresented 106.25
Bonds and Notes 1,118,000.00
Total Liabilities $1,374,261.74
GENERAL FUND
Analysis of Changes in Net Debt
For the Year Ending December 31, 1940
Net Debt, January 1, 1940 $1,040,437.22
Deduct Surplus from 1940 Operations :
Excess of Actual over Estimated Revenues $ 33,572.45
Tax Liens purchased by City 41,755.52
(Added to Assets of City)
Property Acquired by Tax Collectors' Deeds 4,610.87
(Added to Assets of City)
Unclaimed Payroll Account Balances transferred to
General Fund 310.60
Balance of Overseer of Poor (Prior Year) trans-
ferred to General Fund 16.75
Adjustment of Citv Poor Reimbursements to Cash
Basis 492.31
$ 80,758.50
Tax Sales Redeemed $ 39,084.32
(Deducted from Assets of City)
Adjustment of Public Works Accounts
Receivable to Cash Basis 2,364.47
Lost Checks Presented and Paid 23.95
Overdrafts of Appropriations 10,472.40 51,945.14
Net Surplus from Current Operations 28,813.36
$1,011,623.86
Deduct Reduction in Bonded Debt :
Bonds and Notes Retired during year $ 151,000.00
Notes Issued during year 35,000.00
Net Reduction in Bonded Debt 1 16,000.00
Net Debt, December 31, 1040 $ 895,623.86
67
GENERAL FUND
Analysis of Changes in Net Debt (Continued)
For the Year Ending December 31, 1940
Summary of Results for the Year
Net Debt, January 1, 1940 $1,040,437.22
Net Debt, December 31, 1940 895.623.86
Improvement in Financial Condition $ 144,813.36
Accounted For By
Net Surplus from Current Operations of $ 28,813.36
Net Reduction in Bonded Debt of 116,000.00
Total Gain for the Year $ 144,813.36
BOND FUNDS
Statement of Receipts and Disbursements
for the Year Ending December 31, 1940
Unexpended Cash Balances, January 1, 1940 $ 13,689.07
Add Receipts :
Proceeds from Sale of $15,000.00 Public Improvement Note of
May 1, 1940 15.000.00
Inter-Fund Transfers by Resolution .36
Total Available for Expenditure $ 28,689.43
Deduct Expenditures :
Cash Expenditures $ 28.272.82
Inter-Fund Transfers by Resolution 416.61
Total Expenditures $ 28.689.43
Unexpended Cash Balances, December 31, 1940 — 0 —
DEBT SERVICE CHARGES ON PRESENT BONDED DEBT
Annual Annual Total Annual
Bond Interest Maturities
Maturities on Bonds and Interest
1941 $ 117,000.00 $35,814.00 $ 152,814 00
1942 112,000.00 32,494.00 144,494.00
1943 105.000.00 29,274.00 134,274.00
1944 105,000.00 26,067.00 131,067.00
1945 90,000.00 22,941.00 1 12.941.00
1946 90,000.00 19,990.00 109,990.00
1947 64,000.00 17,311.75 81,311.75
1948 53.000.00 15,199.25 68,199.25
1949 42,000.00 13,456.75 55,456.75
1950 - 36,000.00 12,056.75 48,056.75
1951 36,000.00 10,731.75 46,731.75
1952 27,000.00 9,597.50 36,597.50
1953 27,000.00 8,655.00 35,655.00
1954 ,. 26,000.00 7.727.50 33,727.50
1955 21 ,000.00 6,860.00 27,860.00
1956 21,000.00 6,107.50 27,107.50
1957 14,000.00 5,355.00 19,355.00
1958 14,000.00 4,760.00 18,760.00
1959 14.000.00 4,165.00 18,165.00
1960 14,000.00 3,570.00 17,370.00
1961 14,000.00 2,975.00 16.975.00
1962 „ 14.000.00 2,380.00 16,380,00
1963 14,000.00 1,785.00 1S,7S5.00
1964 _ 14,000.00 1,190.00 15.190.00
1965 14,000.00 595.00 14,595.00
Total $1,098,000.00 $301,058.75 $1,399,058.75
68
TRUST FUNDS
Balance Sheet — December 31, 1940
Sundry All Other
Total Cemetery Trust
ASSETS All Funds Trust Funds Funds
Cash
Unexpended Balances of Income Re-
ceived and deposited at interest in :
Loan and Trust Savings Bank $ 532.38
Merrimack County Savings Bank 535.93
New Hampshire Savings Bank 574.29
Union Trust Company 1,796.92
Total Cash $ 3,439.52
Investments
Funds at interest in :
Loan and Trust Savings Bank $ 89,408.97
Merrimack County Savings Bank 94,879.83
New Hampshire Savings Bank 98,283.83
Union Trust Company 104,904.65
Securities 7,630.63
Total Investments $395,107.91
Total Assets $398,547.43
LIABILITIES
Trust Fund Balances $395,107.91
Unexpended Income Balances 3,439.52
Total Liabilities $398,547.43
$ 427.42
409.97
563.44
381.56
$ 104.90
125.96
10.85
1,415.36
$ 1,782.39
$ 1,657.13
$ 60,872.47
48,290.46
51,362.28
60,647.88
2,150.00
$ 28,536.50
46,589.37
46,921.55
44,256.77
5,480.63
$223,323.09
$225,105.48
$171,784.82
$173,441.95
%223,323.09
1,782.39
$171,784.82
1,657.13
$225,105.48
$173,441.95
TRUST FUNDS
Receipts and Disbursements — Changes in Fund Balances
For the Year Ending December 31, 1940
Receipts and Disbursements
Sundry All Other
Total Cemetery Trust
All Funds Trust Funds Fluids
Cash Balances of Unexpended Income, —
January 1, 1940 $ 3,530.92 $ 1,884.49 $ 1,646.43
Receipts :
Income from Interest and Dividends .... 18,035.33 5,627.19 12,408.14
Total Available $ 21,566.25 $ 7,511.68 $ 14,054.57
Disbursements 18,126.73 5,729.29 12,397.44
Cash Balances of Unexpended Income —
December 31, 1940 $ 3,439.52 $ 1,782.39 $ 1,057.13
Changes in Fund Balances
Fund Balances, January 1, 1940 $389,272.58 $218,693.17 $170,579.41
Add:
New Trust Funds 5,519.65 4,994.24 525.41
One-third receipts from sale of lots and
Blossom Hill Cemetery Annex 1 680.00 680.00
Totals $395,472.23 $223,687.41 $171,784.82
Deduct :
Reduction in principal :
Loss on Sale of Securities 364.32 364.32 .^li:i::::::^::::i
Fund Balances, December 31, 1940 $395,107.91 $223,323.09 $171,784.82
69
CONCORD WATER WORKS
Balance Sheet
December 31, 1940
(Not including Water Bonds)
Assets
Water and Flowage Rights $107,688.11
Engineering Construction Costs 63,383.63
Land • 129,386.35
Structures (less depreciation reserves) 207,194.74
Equipment (less depreciation reserves) 17,699.03
Distribution System (less depreciation reserves) 677,767.91
Other Equipment (less depreciation reserves) 7,244.73
Total Fixed Assets $1,270,364.50
Current Assets
Cash $ 56,546.29
Accounts Receivable 577.04
Material and Supplies 15,916.86
Total Current Assets 73.040.19
Total Assets $1,343,404.69
Liabilities
Capital Liabilities
Municipal Investment $1,343,404.69
Current Liabilities None
Total Liabilities and Municipal Investment $1,343,404.69
CONCORD WATER WORKS
Statement of Operations
For the Year Ending December 31, 1940
Receipts
Water Sales
Commercial— Flat Rate $ 4,330.65
Commercial — Metered 91,955.81
Industrial— Metered 14,379.68
Miscellaneous Water Sales 259.02
Total Operating Revenue $110,925.16
Expenditures
Operating Expenses
Water Supply Expenses $15,424.51
Distribution Expenses 16,780.48
General and Miscellaneous Undistributed Expenses .... 32,167.99
Total Operating Expenses 64,372.98
Net Operating Income $ 46,552.18
Add Other Income 3,182.84
$ 49,735.02
Deduct Other Expenses 8,417.14
Net Profit for Year $ 41,317.88
70
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ASSESSORS' STATEMENT FOR 1940
Assessed Valua-
tion of city Amount of Tax rate
a>id precincts Appropriation per $1 ,000
Money raised for the :
State None
County $32,791,790.00 $ 205.93&.60 $ 6.30
City Budget 32.791,790.00 648,287.00 19.42
Schools
*City Union 30,820,852.00 371,826.61 12.08
**Penacook U. School 1,981,138.00 30,591.00 15.42
Total $1,256,643.21
Allowed for errors and corrections $ 24,283.69
Warrants submitted to Tax Collector $1,280,926.90
Raised by supplementary taxes $ 1,109.84
City rate 37.80
Penacook rate 41.14
Average tax rate for city 38.00+
*Includes property located in Loudon.
**Inchides property located in Canterbury.
Poll Taxes
No. Amount
Men 6,372 $ 12,744.00
Women 7,962 15,924.00
Total 14,334 $ 28,668.00
Exemptions
Veterans
Property Valuation $ 278,586.00
Polls (925 ) 1,850.00
Blind
Property Valuation 1,000.00
Polls (5) 10.00
Total Exemptions $ 281,446.00
Assessed Valuations of Various Types of Property
Type No. J'ahtation
Improved and unimproved land and b'ld'gs $ 28.670,934.00
Electric Plants 1.726,980.00
Horses 198 17,145.00
Asses and Mules 2 140.00
Oxen
Cows 1,215 84,985.00
Neat Stock 259 8,275.00
Sheep (inc. Goats) 44 288.00
Hogs 139 1,118.00
Fowls 19,135 19,135.00
Fur-bearing Animals 59 1,040.00
Vehicles 2,300.00
Portable Mills 525.00
Boats and Launches 1,650.00
Wood and Lumber 21.700.00
Gas Tanks and Pumps 27,710.00
Stock in Trade 1,780,975.00
Machinery 426,980.00
Total $32,791,790.00
77
CITY RELIEF DEPARTMENT
General Classification of Relief Expenditures for 1940
Direct Expenditures for Relief
Work Relief
Cash Allowances
Provisions and Milk
Fuel-Rent-Clothing, etc
Medical-Hospital, etc
Board and Care — Adults
Board and Care — Children
Housework and Nursing
Funerals and Burials
WPA Sewing Project Materials
House Furnishings and Repairs
Relief Gardens
Public Utilities
Sundry Expenditures
'ity
130.44
050.97
426.37
542.67
573.46
389.07
467.68
6.18
330.00
445.08
179.67
82.80
254.98
County
1,4 13*34
7,791.76
45,306.90
27,794.10
15,865.95
4,393.09
305.87
538.00
""170*69
7.00
226.61
300.04
Total
1,543.78
13,842.73
57,733.27
34,336.77
17,439.41
10,782.16
2,467.68
312.05
868.00
1,445.08
350.36
89.80
226.61
555.02
$37,879.37 $104,113.35 $141,992.72
Other Towns
Total City and County Pour
2,313.60
2,313.60
$40,192.97 $104,113.35 $144,306.32
Dependent Soldiers
Cash Allowances
Provisions and Milk
Fuel-Rent-Clothing, etc
Medical, etc
Board and Care — Adults
Board and Care — Children
All Other
Total Dependent Soldiers
Administration
Salary — Overseer Concord
Salary — Overseer Penacook
Salaries — Office and Case Workers ..
Mileage — Case Workers
Auto Use and Auto Hire
Office Supplies
Tel.-Elec.-Heat-Janitor
Sewing Machines for Project
Wages — Project Supervisor and Exp.
WPA Sewing Project Materials
Repairs to Office and Equipment
Office Equipment
Attorney's Fees
Workmens' Comp. Insurance
Other Misc. Expenses
$ 150.00
1,377.25
775.18
189.03
267.61
371.20
$ 702.08
5,388.72
2,975.46
1,418.07
762.75
$ 852.08
6,765.97
3,750.64
1,607.10
1,030.36
371.20
40.07
$ 3,170.34
$ 1,100.00
500.0(1
46.89
$ 11,293.97
$ 1,100.00
86.96
$ 14,464.31
$ 2,200.00
500.00
6,881.65
313.38
424.63
430.55
450.98
160.82
6,158.10
589.96
24.62
378.95
160.44
13,039.75
903.34
449.25
809.50
611.42
160.82
366.01
286.65
1,445.08
652.66
1,445.08
247.15
247.15
807.28
807.28
104.50
104.50
101.61
101.61
166.75
166.75
Total Administration
$12,055.31 $ 10,143.80 $ 22,199.11
Old Age Assistance
7,652.34
7,652.34
Wood Expenditures
( irand Total ....
7,637.72
7,637.72
$70,708.68 $125,551.12 $196,259.80
78
MUNICIPAL COURT
Statements of Receipts and Expenditures
For the Year Ending December 31, 1940
Receipts •
Received for fines, costs and sundry fees $6,422.73
Expenditures :
Paid for fees of officers, witnesses, and complaints and
warrants $ 53.54
State of New Hampshire, Commissioner of Motor
Vehicles 2,976.15
State of New Hampshire, Fish & Game Department 83.00
State of New Hampshire, Department of Agriculture 25.00
Clerk's Bond 5.00
Postage, printing and supplies 139.45
Special Justices 12.00
Counsel fees in juvenile cases 15.00
John T. Dallas, restitution for fence 9.99 3,319.13
Balance $3,103.60
Paid City Treasurer 3,103.60
SUMMARY OF THE CITY'S INVESTMENT IN PROPERTY AND
EQUIPMENT
December 31, 1940
Total
Investments Equipment
Land and Sound Grand
Buildings Values Total
Fire Department $ 188,522.73 $ 68,942.56 $ 257,465.29
Police and Watch Department 54,669.00 8,513.98 63,182.98
Public Works Department 47,607.62 71,942.84 119,550.46
Miscellaneous Other Property 723,474.42 5,405.61 728,880.03
Park Department 116,032.29 2,667.66 118,699.95
Tree Department 1,983.42 1,983.42
Playgrounds Department 15,643.31 3,845.16 ■ 19,488.47
Cemeteries Department 109,691.87 6,325.86 116,017.73
Totals $1,255,641.24 $169,627.09 $1,425,268.33
79
INDEX
Page
Activities in 1940 8
Assessment of Property 1-
Appendix (l(l
Bond Funds 68
Building Activity 49
Cemeteries 27
City Clerk 10
City Government 6
City Officials 7
Elections 11
Engineering 55
Examination of Plumbers 51
Finances 15
Financial Statements and Statistics 66
Fire Protection 45
Garbage Disposal 55
General Fund 67
Health and Sanitation 22
Historical Background — Concord 64
Hydrants '. 47
Legal Service 17
Library 32
Mayor's Message 5
Medical Service 25
Milk Inspection 23
Municipal Airport 57
Municipal Court 44
Organization Chart 4
Parks 26
Planning 19
Playground and Bath 28
Plumbing Inspection 51
Police Protection 38
Probation 42
Public Works Services 52
Recreation 28
Refuse Collection 54
Relief 36
Schools 61
Sewers 55
Snow Plowing and Sanding 53
Special Recreational Facilities 30
Street Lighting v 56
Streets and Sidewalks 52
Tax Collection 14
Trees 27
Trust Funds 69
Vital Statistics 10
Water Supply 59
Weights and Measures 48
WPA 35
Zoning Appeals 50
80
PRINTED BY
THE CONCORD PRESS
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