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ANNUAL REPORT 1
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF PLYMOUTH
For the Year Ending Dec. 31 1918
1620.
CH
M
OL
PLYMOUTH: THE MEMORIAL PRESS 1919.
INDEX
Abstracts of Records
6
Appropriations Recommended 19 Police Department 193
Assessors' Report 144
Practical Arts Courses 270
Primary Supervisor 259
Births
116
School Committee 231
Board of Health 157
By-laws 183
Cemetery Commissioners 152
Deaths
124
Fire Department
223
Forest Ward'en
169
Gypsy and Brown Tail Moth
Account
172
Harbor Master 168
Inspector of Milk 161
Inspector of Slaughtering 163
Junior High School Report 256
List of Jurors 189
List of Teachers 278
Marriages
134
Tree Warden
170
Overseers of the Poor
148
Vocational Agricultural Dept.,
262
Park Commissioners
175
Plymouth Public Library
179
School Nurse 272
School Physician 271
School Superintendent 242
Sealer of Weights and Meas- ures 173
Selectmen's Report 16
Senior High School Report 249 Superintendent of Streets 22
Supervisor of Shores 167
Town Accountant 25
Town Clerk's 'Report 115
Town Engineer 165
Town Officers 3
Town Warrant 185
Water Report
201
Attendance Officer 268
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TOWN OFFICERS, 1918
Selectmen-William T. Eldridge, Ephraim D. Bartlett, George W. Bradford, Dexter H. Craig and Henry O. Whiting. Town Clerk-George B. Howland.
Town Treasurer-George B. Howland. Collector of Taxes-Herbert W. Bartlett.
*Clerk of Selectmen-Elmer R. Harlow.
*Town Accountant-Elmer R. Harlow.
Assessors-James C. Bates, chosen 1916 for three years; Nathaniel G. Lanman, chosen 1917 for three years; George Harlow, chosen 1918 for three years.
Overseers of the Poor-Charles A. Strong, chosen 1916 for three years; William T. Eldridge, chosen 1917 for three years ; Herbert W. Bartlett, chosen 1918 for three years.
Water Commissioners-John H. Damon, chosen 1916 for three years; Eugene H. Dorr and William R. Morton, chosen 1917 for three years; John W. Churchill and Robert C. Har .. low, chosen 1918 for three years.
School Committee-Edward W. Bradford, chosen 1916 for three years, resigned Sept. 28, 1918 and William M. Douglass, appointed to fill vacancy; Walter D. Shurtleff, chosen 1917 for three years; Helen F. Pierce, chosen 1918 for three years.
Cemetery Commissioners-Henry W. Barnes, chosen 1913 for three years; Horace M. Saunders, chosen 1917 for three years; George Mabbett, chosen 1918 for three years.
Burial Hill Committee-Cemetery Commissioners.
Agawam and Halfway Pond Herring Fishery Committee- Frank Harlow, Alfred Holmes and Arthur L. Morse.
Park Commissioners-Thomas R. Watson, chosen 1916 for three years ; Benjamin F. Raymond, chosen 1917 for three years ; John Russell, chosen 1918 for three years.
Board of Health-George H. Jackson, chosen 1916 for three years ; Freeman Manter, chosen 1917 for three years; Harry . R. Talbot, chosen 1918 for three years.
Surveyors and Measurers of Lumber-Edward B. Atwood, Alvin A. Hall, Cornelius C. Holmes and Warren S. Bumpus.
Surveyor of Wood and Bark-Alfred C. Finney.
Planning Board-Arthur Lord, LeBaron R. Barker, Francis C. Holmes, George Mabbett and Arthur E. Blackmer.
Field Drivers and Fence Viewers-Charles H. Raymond and Lewis F. Smith.
Sexton-Thomas J. Kennedy.
Pound Keeper-Russell L. Dickson.
Committee on Inland Fisheries-James S. Clark, Warren S. Gale and Geoffrey D. Perrior.
Sealer of Weights and Measures-Frank L. St. George.
Beach Committee-Selectmen.
Superintendent of Streets-Stillman R. Sampson.
Superintendent of Water Works-Arthur E. Blackmer. Collector of Water Rates-N. Reeves Jackson.
Harbor Master-Alfred Holmes.
Board of Registration-Charles H. Sherman, appointed 1916 for three years; Herbert W. Clark, appointed 1917 for three years ; George F. Anderson, appointed 1918 for three years.
Superintendent of Oak Grove and Vine Hills Cemeteries and Burial Hill-Edward F. Stranger.
Superintendent of Chiltonville Cemetery-Charles Rogers.
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Superintendent of Manomet Cemetery-George A. Manter. Superintendent of Cedarville Cemetery-James L. Haskell. Superintendent of Almshouse-Russell L. Dickson. Fire Commissioner-Robert C. Harlow. Town Engineer-Arthur E. Blackmer. Chief of Police-John Armstrong. Tree Warden-Calvin S. Mixter. Forest Warden-Ira C. Ward. Local Moth Superintendent-Abbott A. Raymond. Committee on Sewers-Selectmen.
* Appointed to fill vacancy caused by the resignation of ·Richard T. Eldridge.
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ABSTRACTS OF RECORDS OF 1918
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING, MARCH 23, 1918.
CHARLES S. DAVIS, Moderator.
Article three :
On motion of William T. Eldridge: voted, that the reports. of the several Boards of Officers and Committees of the Towa be accepted and placed on file.
Article four :
On motion of William T. Eldridge: voted, that the Town authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Select- men or a majority thereof, to borrow during the financial year beginning January 1, 1919, in anticipation of the revenue of said year, such sums of money as may be necessary for the current expenses of the Town, but not exceeding two hundred and fifty thousand ($250,000) dollars, giving the notes of the Town therefor payable within one year from dates thereof. All debts incurred under the authority of this vote shall be paid from the revenue of said financial year.
Article six :
Mr. Harry B. Davis moved that the Town appropriate the sum of $4,000.00, including the dog fund of $1,136.36; for the maintenance of the Plymouth Public Library; the neces- sary two-thirds voting in the affirmative the motion was car- ried.
Article seven :
Mr. Harry B. Davis moved that the Town appropriate the 1 sum of $250.00 in aid of the Manomet Public Library; the necessary two-thirds voting in the affirmative the motion was carried.
Article eight :
·
Mr. Harry B. Davis moved that the Town appropriate the sum of $1,700.00 for the care and improvements of the various parks, and the sum of $200.00 for the care of the Training Green; the necessary two-thirds voting in the affirmative the motion was carried.
Article nine :
Mr. Harry B. Davis moved that the Town appropriate the sum of $225.00 to pay the expenses of the observance of Memo- rial Day; the necessary two-thirds voting in the affirmative the motion was carried.
Article ten :
On motion of Harry B. Davis : voted, that the Town author- ize the Selectmen to renew any note or notes heretofore auth- orized, which are now due or may become due the present year for such time and on such terms as they may deem expedient for the best interests of the Town.
Article eleven :
On motion of Harry B. Davis : voted, that the Officers of the Town authorized by law to expend money, may expend between January 1, 1919 and the annual Town Meeting next following, such amounts as may be required for the expenses of their re .. spective departments, not to exceed in the aggregate for each department the amount expended by such department during any period of the same length during the preceding year, the
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same to be paid from any moneys in the Treasury to be rein- bursed from the tax levy of that year.
Article twelve :
On motion of Harry B. Davis: voted, that the Town appro- priate from money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the sum of $6,157.28, to the Health Department appropriation, the same to be used in paying bills and other outstanding ob- " ligations against that Department, Jan 1, 1918.
Article thirteen :
On motion of Harry B. Davis: voted, that the Town author- ize the use of $4,000.00 in the Reserve Fund accumulations from the overlay of taxes to reduce the tax levy of 1918.
Article fourteen :
On motion of Harry B. Davis : voted, that the Town author- ize the use of $900.00 received from the sale of the Allerton Street school and $100.00 received from the sale of the Ellis- ville school, to reduce the tax levy of 1918.
Article sixteen :
On motion of Harry B. Davis : voted, that the Town appro- priate the sum of $8,700.00, for the purpose of making the school houses more fireproof by metal lathing and hard plas- tering the basements.
Article seventeen :
On motion of Henry Walton : voted, that the subject matter of Article seventeen be referred to a committee of five, to be appointed by the Moderator; said committee to consider and report at a subsequent meeting of the Town, a code of build- ing laws especially adapted to the prevention and spread of fire.
Article eighteen :
On motion of Henry Walton : voted, that the subject matter of Article eighteen be referred to a committee of five, to be ap- pointed by the Moderator; said committee to report at a subse- quent meeting of the Town.
Article nineteen : ·
On motion of Nicholas Keefe: voted, that action under this article be indefinitely postponed.
Article twenty :
On motion of Frederick D. Bartlett: voted, that action un- , der this article be indefinitely postponed.
On motion of William T. Eldridge: voted, that the sum of $267,754.00 be raised and assessed upon the polls and estates of the Inhabitants of the Town of Plymouth, and upon the estates of the non-residents, to defray the expenses of the Town for the ensuing year.
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, SEPTEMBER 28, 1918.
CHARLES S. DAVIS, Moderator.
Article two :
On motion of William T. Eldridge: voted, that the sum of $3,000.00 be appropriated from money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the same to be expended by the Highway Department in constructing a surface water drain on Standish Avenue, from Cordage Terrace to the brook running into the Plymouth Cordage Company's pond.
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Article three :
On motion of Frederick D. Bartlett: voted, that action under this article be indefinitely postponed.
Article four :
On motion of Frederick D. Bartlett: voted, that the sum of $1,650.00 be appropriated from money in the Treasury not oth- erwise appropriated, to the Water Department Maintenance appropriation.
Article five :
On motion of Arthur E. Blackmer: voted, that the sum of $500.00 be appropriated from money in the Treasury not oth- erwise appropriated, to the Water Department construction appropriation.
.
Article six :
On motion of Frederick D. Bartlett : voted, that the sum of $300.00 be appropriated from money in the Treasury not oth- erwise appropriated, to the Tree Warden's appropriation.
Article seven :
On motion of Frederick D. Bartlett: voted, that the sum of. $500.00 be appropriated from money in the Treasury not oth- erwise appropriated, the same to be expended by the Park Commissioners in cutting and piling wood in Morton Park.
Article eight :
On motion of Arthur Lord: voted, that the sum of $2,000.00 be appropriated from money in the Treasury not otherwise ap- propriated for the use of the Public Safety Committee.
On motion of William T. Eldridge, voted to adjourn.
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SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, DECEMBER 14, 1918.
ARTHUR LORD, Moderator.
Article two :
On motion of Frederick D. Bartlett : voted, that the Tow'ì authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Select- men or a majority thereof, to borrow during the financial year beginning January 1, 1918; in anticipation of the revenue of said year, such sums of money in addition to the amounts here,- tofore authorized, as may be necessary for the current expenses of the Town, but not exceeding, including the amounts here- tofore authorized, the total tax levy for said year, giving the notes of the Town therefor payable within one year from the dates thereof. All debts incurred under the authority of this vote shall be paid from the revenue of said financial year.
Article three :
On motion of Frederick D. Bartlett : voted, that the Town appropriate, from money in the Treasury not otherwise appro- priated, the sum of six hundred dollars ($600) to the appro- priation for Town Debt and Interest.
Article four :
On motion of Frederick D. Bartlett: voted, that the Town appropriate, from money in the Treasury not otherwise appro- priated, the sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000) to the School Department appropriation.
Article five :
On motion of Frederick D. Bartlett: voted, that the Town appropriate, from money in the Treasury not otherwise appro- priated, the sum of seven hundred dollars ($700), to the School
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Department appropriation for teachers' salaries during the month of December, 1918.
Article six :
On motion of Frederick D. Bartlett: voted, that the Town authorize the School Committee to expend between January 1, 1919 and the next annual Town Meeting the sum of three thousand dollars ($3,000) in addition to the amount author- ized by vote of the Town, March 23, 1918.
Article seven :
On motion of Frederick D. Bartlett: voted, that the Town accept Chapter 293 of the General Acts of Massachusetts for the year 1916, entitled, "An Act to Authorize Licensing by Cities and Towns of Motor Vehicles Carrying Passengers for Hire."
Article eight :
On motion of Harry B. Davis : voted, that the Town author- ize the Selectmen, for the time being in the name and in behalf of the Town, on such terms and conditions as to them appear for the interest of the Town, subject to the approval of the Public Service Commission, to agree to contribute in case of a deficit in the cost of operation and fixed charges of the lines of the Brockton & Plymouth Street Railway Company, as pro- vided by Chapter 288 of the General Acts of Massachusetts for the year 1918, for a period of six months, an amount not to exceed one-half the amount which the Town is authorized to contribute annually under said Act, and that said six months period shall begin on the date of the establishment of a ten cent fare, after authorization by the Public Service Commis- 1
sion.
Mr. Harry B. Davis then moved: In order to carry out the vote of the Town under Article 8 of the Town Warrant authoriz-
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ing the Selectmen to contribute to a deficit in the operation and fixed charges of the Brockton & Plymouth Street Railway Con !. pany under Chapter 288 of the Acts of Massachusetts for the year 1918, that the Selectmen be and hereby are authorized to issue notes of the Town for a sum not exceeding seventy-five hundred dollars ($7,500) and bearing interest at a rate not to exceed five per cent per annum and payable not later than. December 31, 1919, the amount necessary to take care of these notes to be included in the tax levy of 1919. Eighty-seven vot- ing in the affirmative and one in the negative, the necessary two-thirds voting in the affirmative the motion was carried.
On motion of Harry B. Davis: voted, that the Selectmen be authorized to appoint some person to represent the Town on the Board of Directors of the Brockton & Plymouth Street Railway Company.
On motion of Harry B. Davis : voted, that a committee cou- sisting of five members be appointed by the Moderator, to be known as the Transportation Committee of the Town of Plym- outh, whose duty it shall be to make a thorough investigation of the street railway transportation problem with reference to the needs of the Town of Plymouth and to determine, if possible, whether any other method of transportation, especially the motor-bus system, might prove adequate and feasible if the present system were abandoned. It shall also be the duty of this committee to represent the Town at all legislative hear- ings appertaining to tranportation and to initiate and procure such legislation as may be necessary to authorize the Town to become a party to a reorganization of the present systein if such reorganization should be deemed expedient or to pro- cure any legislation for any purpose pertaining to the issue of transportation which may appear necessary. This committee shall make a report to the Town at the Annual Town Meeting or at any subsequent annual or special meeting of the Town and shall continue in office until formally discharged by a vote of the Town.
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On motion of Morton Collingwood: voted, that the Advis- ory and Finance Committee of the Town consider the question of salaries of Town Officers and report at the next annual meeting of the Town what readjustments of salaries and com- pensation of said officers is advisable.
On motion of Frederick D. Bartlett : voted, to adjourn.
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REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN
The year 1918 has marked an epoch in the World's his- tory. Again we have been engaged in War. The great- est conflict ever known has been carried to a successful termination. Despite every honorable means we were forced into it in the interests of Humanity. Extremely unprepared as we were, our efforts to be efficient were crowned with almost immediate results, and as we improved these results grew more and more important. We have emerged with the proud consciousness of having in a large measure been the means of preserving the civilized World from domination by ruthless Barbarians.
Plymouth may well be proud of its young men who have fought abroad. They have acquitted themselves nobly ; not only on the firing line, but in camp, their manly conduct under restraint and privation has been admirable. The Honor Roll erected on the Court House lawn will always be an object of pride and gratification to this and future generations.
During the War general Municipal activities were ham- pered by the Government's request for strict economy, and by the difficulty of getting materials. Only the most necessary work was done. High prices for labor and ma- terials made it impossible to do all that was needed. Much that was needed could not be finished, and the Town is now faced with a large amount of very important work that should be completed. Not only is this needed for the best interests of the Town, but there will be many deserving men returning from abroad who want work. And it should be
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the welcome duty of the Town to furnish as much work as possible to relieve the labor situation.
The report of the Superintendent of Streets will give in detail the different projects and the amount accomplished.
The high cost and the poor quality of dust laying oils pre- vented our making the usual applications of this material. In place of it, an experiment was tried of sprinkling the streets with salt water. A pump was placed on Pilgrim Wharf, and one cart was kept at work entirely with this. The result was very satisfactory. Streets sprinkled with salt water required less than half as many applications, and the dust was kept down much better. It is intended to continue this method. Although the oil will be used when the price becomes practical, as the use of oil has a very beneficial and lasting effect on the wearing qualities of the gravel roads.
The sewers have been extended as fast as the appropria- tion would permit. It is the settled policy of the present Board to give sewer facilities as far as practical, not only for the convenience of the users, but as a health measure. We hope to have all the houses, so situated as to be con- nected with sewers, entered eventually.
There are some articles in the Warrant that we would call attention to. The Bartlett Road in Manomet has had some improvement made in the past three years. Now Mr. Alden Bartlett has generously offered to assume one-third of the cost of finishing this road with a hard surface. It seems as if the Town should avail itself of this offer. This road is used by the Manomet Cranberry Co., and the im- provement suggested will not only make travel over the road easier, but will result in a lower cost for maintenance.
There is also a petition for the permanent improvement of the road from the Manomet Church to White Horse. This road which is mostly a down grade, is a difficult one to keep
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in order. It washes badly, and as there is a very heavy travel it gets deeply rutted. An appropriation is asked for this purpose.
The roads in the Long Pond and Cedarville districts are in bad condition, but nothing can be done to improve these much until the heavy trucks now engaged in logging there are through.
Main Street Extension, while opened for travel for some time, has never been entirely completed. The westerly side of the street still awaits its sidewalk. The recent accident there which resulted in the destruction of the Bridge railing has left the opportunity for this walk to be put in. We have been unable to get an estimate for this work, but hope to be able to present one at the adjourned meeting.
The long drawnout controversy over the Town's subscrip- tion for stock in Plymouth and Sandwich St. R. R., this project has finally been ended. And it is a matter for congratulation that the contention of the Selectmen in be- half of the Town, has been sustained by the Supreme Court.
BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH STREET RAILROAD
This road has been a matter of concern for some time past. The management notified the Selectmen that the road would have to cease operation as the receipts were insufficient to pay the operating expenses. A committee of the Cham- ber of Commerce in connection with the Selectmen took this matter up with the Managers of the road, and the result is that Plymouth together with Kingston, Pembroke and Han- son, have agreed to contribute to the running expenses in proportion to their valuation for a period of six months.
Plymouth 2
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This with some changes in management, and an aroused public sentiment is expected to improve things, and may re- sult in saving the road as far as the public is concerned.
TERCENTENARY.
The time is rapidly approaching when the Town will be called on to celebrate in a fitting manner the three hun- dredth anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers. Plans have been under consideration since 1915. The com- ing of the war put a stop to these, but now we are in a position to go ahead and substantial progress has been made, sufficient to warrant the statement that a dignified and ap- propriate celebration will be held commencing in December of 1920, and continuing through the summer of 1921. A number of changes are being made in the way of removing old buildings and preparing the locality of the Rock for a suitable setting for the change. Private citizens can do much to help along this work. Every one should see that his own premises are put in order as far as possible, and all unsightly things removed. We want the Town to present as attractive an appearance as can be, when the thousands of strangers that will be brought here by this celebration view our streets and residences. The reputation that Plymouth has must be sustained, and concerted effort by all is desired to that end. We have taken the initiative in purchasing a lot for a Memorial building, and you will be asked to take further action soon. This will disarm the criticism made that we were laying back and waiting for the general pub- lic to fix up for us. There is no doubt that with Plymouth doing its part the rest of the Country will respond gener- ously.
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POLICE DEPARTMENT.
The Town has been very quiet and orderly the past year. . The activities of the Police have been mostly routine and have been carried on in their usually efficient manner. For detailed information consult the report of the Chief of Police.
STREET LIGHTING.
The reduction in the lights on the so-called White Way that was ordered by the Fuel Commission has now been done away with. Several extra large lights that were in- stalled for war purposes have been removed and the street lighting is now back on its normal basis. A number of new lights were installed in places that needed them.
A table of estimates will be found following, showing what the different departments ask for 1919.
APPROPRIATIONS RECOMMENDED BY THE SEVER-
AL DEPARTMENTS.
Selectmen's Department,
$2,300 00
Accounting Department, 1,700 00
Treasury Department, 1,500 00
Tax Collector's Department,
2,000 00
Assessors' Department,
4,350 00
Assessors' Plans,
1,000 00
Law Department,
600 00
Town Clerk's Department,
500 09
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Engineering Department,
900 09
Street . Line Survey,
400 00
Planning Board,
100 00
Election and Registration,
1,000 00
Maintenance of Town House,
1,600 00
Police Department,
10,000 (9)
Fire Department,
17,830 00
Fire Department, new truck,
1,800 00
Sealing Weights and Measures,
800 00
Moth Suppression,
6,000 00
Tree Warden's Department,
1,500 00
Forest Warden's Department,
2,500 00
Shell Fish,
600 00
Inland Fisheries,
100 00
Health Department,
12,000 00
Health Department, for outstanding bills,
1,349 35
Public Sanitary,
150 00
Sewers,
2,000 00
Roads and Bridges,
31,000 00
Side Walks,
6,000 00
Snow and Ice Removals,
2,000 00
Street Sprinkling,
4,500 00
Street Lighting,
13,500 00
Harbor Master,
150 00
Poor Department,
15,000 00
Mothers' Aid,
5,000 00
Military Aid,
150 00
Soldiers' Relief,
5,318 53
School Department,
137,500 00
Plymouth Public Library, including dog tax,
4,000 00
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Manomet Public Library,
250 00
Park Department,
1,800 00
Training Green,
200 00
Training Green, walks,
1,000 00
Steven's Field,
300 00
Sexton,
125 00
Memorial Day,
225 00
Miscellaneous,
2,500 00
Reserve,
5,000 00
Water Department, maintenance, 18,000 00
Water Department, construction,
5,000 00
Oak Grove and Vine Hill Cemetery,
6,000 00
Burial Hill Cemetery,
1,000 00 .
Chiltonville, Manomet, Cedarville and South Pond Cemeteries, 300 00
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