14. J.V. Fletcher Library - continued Recommendations: The Library should concentrate on arranging and describing its most important collections-for example, those that relate to the dedication of the Library itself in 1896. If the Town works to preserve its records, the Library will not need to do so; the Westford Town records should be returned to the Town. The Library should work closely with the Historical Society to ensure
that they are not duplicating each other's efforts; they should carefully define which areas each collects.
15. Highway Department
Kinds of Records: Highway Department, maps, snow clearing, Record Keeper: Mark Hamel |
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Usefulness and Importance: Records vital to the operation of the town-snow clearing, road repair, etc. Dates: 1960s--present
Est. Cu. Ft: 46 and 14 flat map files (40 drawers, each 43"x36") Condition: Good. The Department has created the "Westford Plan List by Street Report," a database in Microsoft's Access of all current plans for the town. Historic plans in the Town Hall basement have also been entered on a database (Excel). Maps appear to be well kept, but there is no climate control in the building. |
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Recommendations: The department was unaware of the State Retention Schedules, so a copy was given to them. |
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16. Police Department
Detective Michael C. Perron is writing a history of the department, which was established in 1919. He is using Town Reports and newspaper clippings to do this, and knows of no primary documents either in the Police Department or anywhere else. Although I did not gain access to it, the Records Center in the new Police Station looks to be a model, on a smaller scale, of what the Town needs for its records.
Recommendations: If any information is found about the beginnings of the Police Station, Mr. Perron should be advised. Otherwise, it seems the early history of the department has been lost. |
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