USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Dighton > Town annual report of the offices of the town of Dighton 1947 > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF THE TOWN OF
DIGHTON
Year Ending December 31, 1947
DIGHTON PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 3575 00042 5548
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF THE TOWN OF
DIGHTON
Year Ending December 31, 1947
The North Attleborough Chronicle Company 1948
3
ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1947
Selectmen, Board of Welfare and Board of Health JOHN BOLGER, Chairman Board of Selectmen P. O. Dighton, Mass .- Telephone Dighton 3451
CLAYTON H. ATWOOD
Chairman Board of Health and Public Welfare P. O. Segreganset, Mass .- Telephone Dighton 3442
GEORGE V. TINKHAM, P. O. North Dighton, Mass. Telephone Taunton 1586-M
Town Clerk, Treasurer and Agent of Board of Health
DWIGHT F. LANE, P. O. Segreganset, Mass. Telephone Dighton 2931
Auditor WILLIAM F. HATHAWAY, P. O. North Dighton, Mass. Telephone Taunton 2265-M
Tax Collector
PERCY SIMMONS, P. O. North Dighton, Mass. Telephone Taunton 2578-M
Assessors WALTER HAMPTON, Chairman P. O. Segreganset, Mass .- Telephone Dighton 3241.
RAYMOND A. HORTON, P. O. North Dighton, Mass. Telephone Dighton 2158
ARTHUR F. SPRAGUE, P. O. "Dighton;“Mass. Telephone Dighton 2321
3 3575 00042 5548
4
ANNUAL REPORT
Superintendent of Streets
HENRY P. GOFF, P. O. North Dighton, Mass. Telephone Taunton 1484-W2
Sealer of Weights and Measures DONALD B. HATHAWAY, P. O. Dighton, Mass. Telephone Dighton 3791
Finance Committee JOSEPH K. MILLIKEN, Chairman
THOS. P. BARRY, Clerk
DR. ARNOLD E. WORDELL
NORMAN S. BOWEN DR. CHARLES M. SOUZA
CHARLES N. GOFF CAESAR ARAUJO
School Committee
G. RUSSELL HORTON, Chairman, P. O. North Dighton, Mass.
JESSIE P. CHRISTENSON, Secretary, P. O. North Dighton, Mass.
LELAND BULLARD, P. O. Segreganset, Mass.
GENE PERRY, P. O. Dighton, Mass.
CHARLES SWARTZ, P. O. North Dighton, Mass.
HAROLD O. WOODWARD, P. O. Segreganset, Mass.
Superintendent of Schools JOHN J. ROLFE, P. O. North Dighton, Mass. Telephone Taunton 2435
Town Nurse MRS. ESTHER BOWDEN, R. N., P. O. Dighton, Mass. Telephone Dighton 2141
Moth Superintendent GEORGE W. ROSE, P. O. Dighton, Mass. Telephone Dighton 2551
5
ANNUAL REPORT
Tree Warden HENRY P. GOFF, P. O. North Dighton, Mass. Telephone Taunton 1484-W2
Forest Fire Warden
JOHN W. SYNAN, P. O. North Dighton, Mass. Telephone Taunton 180 or Taunton 2812
Chiefs of Fire Department (Dighton) WENDELL B. CAREY, P. O. Dighton, Mass. Telephone Dighton 3421 (North Dighton)
JOHN W. SYNAN, P. O. North Dighton, Mass. Telephone Taunton 180 or Taunton 2812
Chief of Police JOHN W. SYNAN, P. O. North Dighton, Mass. Telephone Taunton 180 or Taunton 2812
6
ANNUAL . REPORT
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN
To the Voters and Taxpayers of the Town of Dighton:
In compiling the 1947 Town reports and their pub- lication, we are motivated with the desire of keeping the reports brief and condensed. In soliciting bids from printing establishments we discovered a most abnormal rate of printing cost. It was determined that a normal report would cost over twice the amount ever expended in any previous year. Therefore, we requested Town Officers and department heads to submit for publication only such material which is required by statute. We trust that taxpayers and citizens will appreciate this policy in the interest of economy.
When submitting the various departmental budgets for 1947 to the Town's Finance Committee for their con- sideration we explained that each requested appropria- tion had been reduced to an absolute minimum and we were uncertain as to their sufficiency in view of the trend of ever increasing cost. However, with few exceptions, these initial appropriations proved to be adequate and all expenditures were met although several transfers were authorized from the appropriated Reserve Account.
On two occasions the State Standard Budget as ap- plied to the Old Age Assistance program was increased thus necessitating supplementary funds to administer the department. The amount of $165.06 was required and was duly transferred after approval by the Finance Com- mittee.
An unusually large number of Soldiers' Relief cases assessed the account early in the year and it was neces-
7
ANNUAL REPORT
sary to request a transfer for additional funds in the amount of $400.00.
The Fire Department account was overdrawn to the extent of $548.49 due primarily to payrolls for wages and services. A most abnormal dry season witnessed numer- ous brush and woods fires which accounted for payrolls in excess of the estimate.
Two late snow storms in early 1947 created large snow plowing charges against the Street Department ac- count. $500.00 was transferred from the Reserve Account to supplement the General Fund whereby the planned program for highway work could be completed.
The General Government account was credited with a transfer from the Reserve Account of $1,400.00. This was due to an increase of additional fire insurance pro- tection. Insurance underwriters and engineers surveyed . our schools, library and public property and determined that due to greatly increased building replacement cost, we were under insured. Therefore, a joint meeting of Selectmen and Finance Committee resulted in the unani- mous decision to increase the insurance coverage by $118,200.00. This revision of our insurance program is complete and will function on a three year, level premium basis as previously adopted by the Town in 1941.
Within the year Williams Street has been extended 2500 feet with a hard top surface at a contract cost of $19,200.00. Of this amount the Town paid $4,800.00, the County $4,800.00 and the State $9,600.00. This makes a total of $33,200.00 which has been expended by all parties on this extension in the past two years and it is not half way completed. . The original estimated cost of completing this road to the improved road at Sharps Lot Road at the Swansea line by State Engineers in 1944 was
8
ANNUAL REPORT
$44,000.00. However, the increased cost of everything which enters into road construction plus new specifica- tions for 24 foot roads rather than the previous 20 stand- ard under Chapter 90, has increased the cost of this type of construction. At the present time the cost of con- struction and the associated drainage and grading is about $7.50 per running foot.
It is because of this high cost, and with the hope that prices will drop in the future, we have not applied for Chapter 90 funds for this road in 1948 but trust that we may continue the project in 1949.
The bridge on Brook Street over the Segreganset River has been widened and improved by Superintendent of Streets, Mr. Henry P. Goff to comply with Public Works specifications and regulations which enabled the Town to receive State participation under Chapter 81 in resurfacing this street from the bridge to the Somerset Water Works. The cost of this work was $2,871.46.
The improved macadam road has been extended from Forrest Street through Tremont Street to Middle Street connecting with that section previously improved. It is our plan in 1948 to improve the remaining section of Middle Street to Center thereby completing this import- ant route to the North.
Smith and Pine Streets had some extensive gravel base applied in the past year. It is planned to extend Pine Street with an improved surface and to go as far on Smith Street as funds will allow.
All of our hard surface roads had the usual surface treatment in keeping with our long range plan. Sections of Williams and Elm Streets had pea stone and asphalt treatment which is more of a permanent finish and
9
ANNUAL REPORT
should last for several years without further surface treatment.
For many years the problem of handling surface water at the corner of Hart and Elm Streets during rain storms has been a constant source of annoyance to people living in that section and of great concern to the Board of Selectmen. The existing drainage facilities were not ade- quate to handle the tremendous volume of water that was cascaded down the two hills, and the adjoining farm lands carrying the gravel from the road beds out on to Elm Street.
In order to correct this condition it was necessary for our Street Department working under Public Works super- vision to construct three new catch basins and install proper pipes whereby the water is taken across the road and diverted into the ditch on Elm Street.
The construction of these basins and the laying of the pipe was more difficult and expensive due to the ledge formations at this location. The cost of this project amounted to $1,500.00, $500.00 for each, the State, County and Town. It is our hope that we may resurface this area in the year 1948.
All dirt or gravel based roads in Town have been scraped and the most needed spots gravelled during the year. We realize that much gravel is needed in some cases to improve the roads to a large degree. With the Town now owning a gravel bank it will enable us to carry on a more extensive program and we further feel that the use of a power grader will improve greatly the conditions of these roads.
As authorized by the annual Town meeting, a gravel bank was purchased from Mr. Joseph Dias on Smith Street at a cost of $500.00.
10
ANNUAL REPORT
This hill was stripped of loam and a proper ap- proach built at an expense of $500.00 which amount was used from the General highway account. This invest- ment has proven to be a very profitable one for the Town, as there has been in the first year sufficient savings on the cost of gravel to pay for the whole project. It is estimated that there is a supply of good gravel in this hill .to meet the requirements of the Town for many years to come.
Throughout the past year we have enjoyed working with Mr. Grover Coffin and Mr. Seth Freeman, State engineer, and we wish to express our appreciation for their most helpful cooperation.
At a special Town Meeting held September 12, 1947 an appropriation was voted to purchase the property of Mr. Cortland R. Young on Main Street being occupied by the Town for fire station purposes. An amount of $2,500.00 for purchase and $9,500.00 for remodeling was authorized. This property has been purchased and the Deed is recorded.
The blue prints and specifications for this work are completed and ready to be submitted for bids. It is the hope of the committee to have this building completed early in April. We wish to thank members of the com- mittee serving with us, namely: Norman Bowen, Wen- dall Carey, John Farrar, Antone Goulart, Donald Hatha- way and John W. Synan for the many long evenings it required to complete the plans.
In June the Selectmen received a request from the School Committee to appoint a Site Committee for the purpose of making a study and survey of the possible locations for the construction of a new Elementary School.
11
ANNUAL REPORT
The following were appointed:
John Bolger, Chairman, Board of Selectmen G. Russell Horton, Chairman, School Committee John Rolfe, Superintendent of Schools Harold Woodward, member School Committee Charles Swartz, member School Committee Roy Horton, citizen Albert DeMello, citizen John Callaghan, citizen
After several meetings and surveying the possible sites, the Committee chose the Whitmarsh property on the corner of Main and Milk Streets and requested the Board of Selectmen to implement their wish by calling a Special Town Meeting to consider an appropriation for the purchase of this land.
At the Special Town Meeting held November 17, 1947, $3,300.00 was appropriated and transferred from the Sale of Real Estate Fund for the purchase of eleven acres of land from Mrs. Whitmarsh for a site of a new Elementary school and recreation facilities. It was fur- ther voted that the Moderator appoint a Planning Com- mittee. to prepare preliminary plans and specifications and report at the next Annual Town Meeting. The Moderator appointed the following: John Bolger, John Roffe, G. Russell Horton, Norman S. Bowen, Richard DeMello, Trenor F. Goodell, Jr. and J. K. Milliken, Jr.
Within the year, Mrs. Marion Brown has assumed the duties of Junior Clerk and Typist in the Town Office left vacant by the resignation of Mrs. Maude Barrow.
12
ANNUAL REPORT
Mrs. Brown also serves as Clerk to the Board of Select- men, Board of Assessors and assistant Town Clerk. Mrs. Brown is ably assisted by the newest member of the Town Office family, Mrs. Mary Bissonnette.
We urge that each citizen study the Town Auditor's report. It should be noted that total unexpended bal- ances of departmental appropriations were $5,466.05. In view of the conservative appropriations for the year this is considered a much better result than was antici- pated.
As taxpayers we are concerned with the ever increas- ing cost of government and are anxious to reduce that cost. As usual there is considerable difference of opinion by expert economists and policy makers as to what the future holds for America and the world. One thing is definite which affects us all, "Everything is high." In carrying out a policy of economy we are faced with in- creased wages, higher material charges and increased cost of all services. The outlook for a taxpayer is not a bright one. New revenues must be found to relieve the taxpayer. As yet no definite plan has been established. Local authorities have no alternative other than reduce expenses to keep the tax rate from skyrocketing. County and State taxes and assessments are items which are ever increasing and mean higher tax rates.
Your Selectmen are determined to keep the tax rate down by keeping expenses down and we will consider no plan calling for unnecessary expenses. We do however feel that our capital investments should be maintained and the various public services continued which are essential.
We wish to acknowledge the generous Christmas Fund as contributed to the Town by the Taunton Grey-
13
ANNUAL REPORT
hound Association and express our appreciation for their many charitable acts.
To all Town officials, employees and citizens we are most grateful for their continued loyalty and coopera- tion.
JOHN BOLGER CLAYTON H. ATWOOD GEORGE V. TINKHAM
Selectmen of Dighton.
14
ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT
The regular annual Town Meeting for Election of Officers was held in the Town Hall on March 3, 1947. Meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Wayne M. Philbrook, who read the Warrant at 12 o'clock noon. Rose E. Bolger was elected Moderator pro-tem in absence of the Moderator. The polls were opened for voting at 12:05 o'clock P. M. with the Election Officers as fol- lows: Elaine Varley, Hazel Horton, Rose Bolger, Cather- ine J. Sherman, Florence Perry, Walter H. Hampton, Irene Goulart and Rhea Buckley. The polls were closed at 8 o'clock P. M. Ballots having been assorted and counted, the results were declared as follows:
Moderator for one year-Wayne M. Philbrook.
Selectmen for three years-George V. Tinkham.
Board of Public Welfare for three years-George V. Tinkham.
Auditor for one year-William F. Hathaway.
Town Clerk for three years-Dwight F. Lane.
Town Treasurer for one year-Dwight F. Lane. Assessor for three years-Raymond A. Horton. Tax Collector for three years-Percy B. Simmons.
School Committee for three years-Jessie P. Chris- tenson and Charles Swartz.
Trustee, Public Library for three years-Jerome Greer.
Tree Warden for one year-Henry P. Goff.
15
ANNUAL REPORT
Oyster Warden for one year-John Bolger, George F. Hathaway and Dwight F. Lane.
Fish Warden for one year-John Bolger, George F. Hathaway and Dwight F. Lane.
Provisions of Section Forty of Chapter Seventy-one of the General Laws, as amended, relative to equal pay for men and women teachers in this Town, accepted.
It was voted to adjourn to meet Monday, March 10, 1947, in the Town Auditorium at 7:30 P. M.
The regular annual Town Meeting was held in the Town Hall on March 10, 1947. Moderator Wayne M. Philbrook called the meeting to order at 7:30 o'clock P. M. It was voted to dispense with the reading of the Warrant by the Town Clerk as it had previously been published.
Voted: To accept the various reports of Town Offi- cials as published in the Town Officers Report.
Voted: That the Board of Selectmen be authorized. to appoint all necessary Town Officials and Committees.
Voted: That the Town Treasurer be bonded for $14,900 and the Tax Collector be bonded for $14,700.
Voted: That the Town grant to the Tax Collector the same authority in making collections as possessed by a Town Treasurer.
Voted: That the salaries of elected Town Officials be established for 1947 as follows:
Moderator $20.00
Town Treasurer
850.00
16
ANNUAL REPORT
Town Clerk 450.00
Tax Collector
1,050,00
Town Auditor
500.00
Assessors:
Chairman
1,000.00
Others (each) 400.00
Selectmen:
Chairman 440.00
Others 200.00
Welfare Board:
Chairman
200.00
Others 100.00
Board of Health:
Chairman
200.00
Others 100.00
Tree Warden 35.00
School Board:
Financial Secretary 20.00
Secretary
10.00
Voted: That the following, which were approved and recommended by the Finance Committee, be raised and appropriated:
High School Construction Bonds $4,000.00
High School Addition Notes 2,500.00
Interest on Bonds and Notes 740.63
Bristol County Tuberculosis Hospital
4,773.88
Mosquito Control 125.00
School Department 108,242.40
17
ANNUAL REPORT
School Water Supplies
1,000.00
Public Library
1,400.00
Welfare Department
5,000.00
Old Age Assistance
16,000.00
Aid to Dependent Children
1,000.00
Soldiers' Relief
700.00
World War II
100.00
Board of Health
5,336.24
General Relief Administration
2,734.68
Fire Department
2,997.50
Police Department
1,350.00
Street Department-General Fund
3,100.00
Chapter 81-Highway Fund
6,900.00
Chapter 90-Maintenance Account
500.00
Dighton-Berkley Bridge
900.00
Gypsy Moth Department
750.00
Memorial Day Observance
100.00
General Government
12,436.90
Tax Title Redemption Costs
200.00
Reserve Account
5,000.00
Voted: That the following be appropriated and transferred from Surplus Revenue Account:
Library Oil Burner $350.00
Chapter 90-Construction 4,800.00
Voted: That the proceeds of the Dog Tax Refund be appropriated to the use of the School Department.
Voted: That the Town authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1947 and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with Section 17, Chap- ter 44, General Laws.
18
ANNUAL REPORT
Voted: That the maximum hourly wage for laborers employed by the Street Department be $.75 per hour.
Voted: That the Town authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to sell at public auction or private sale, all properties which the Town has legally acquired by Tax Title.
Voted: That a Committee, consisting of the Board of Selectmen and the Town Clerk, be authorized to have prepared a floor plan for a Town Office Building to be constructed on Town property north of the High School, and that they submit a report of progress at the next annual Town Meeting.
Voted: That the Town appropriate and transfer from Surplus Revenue the sum of $1.00 for the purchase of a parcel of land from Mr. Lester M. Briggs located on County Street for the purpose of Fire House Construc- tion, and that the Town Treasurer be authorized to ac- cept the necessary deeds in the transfer of said parcel.
Voted: That the Town appropriate and transfer from Surplus Revenue the sum of $500.00 for the pur- chase of a parcel of land containing a suitable gravel supply from the Estate of John Dias, located on Smith Street and that the Town Treasurer be authorized to accept the necessary deeds in the transfer of said parcel.
Voted: That the Town authorize the Selectmen to appoint a committee to study, survey and analyze the feasibility of the Town establishing a suitable monument or memorial in honor of the Town's citizens who served in the Armed Forces of the United States in World War Il, and to report their findings and recommendations thereon at the next annual Town Meeting. On this com-
19
ANNUAL REPORT
mittee the Selectmen appointed the following: Harold Perry, Richard DeMello, Robert Leeming, Wilbur Menges and Paul Horton.
It was voted to adjourn to meet Monday, May 5, 1947 at 7:30 P. M. o'clock in the Town Hall.
The regular adjourned Town Meeting, adjourned from March 10, 1947 was held in the Town Hall on May 5, 1947.
Meeting called to order by Wayne M. Philbrook, Moderator at 7:30 P. M.
The Moderator appointed the Finance Committee for the year as follows: Caesar Araujo, Thomas F. Barry, Norman S. Bowen, Charles N. Goff, Dr. Arnold E. Wordell, Dr. Charles M. Souza and Joseph K. Milliken.
Voted to adjourn at 7:50 P. M.
The Special Town Meeting was held in the Town Hall on May 5, 1947. Meeting called to order by the Moderator, Wayne M .Philbrook at 8:15 P. M., and the Warrant was read by him.
Voted: To make changes in grade, take land by purchase or eminent domain, and to settle damages for land taken in conjunction with the 1947 Highway Pro- gram under Chapter 81 and Chapter 90.
Voted: That the Town of Dighton accept a pro- posed layout of Williams Street as shown on a plan on file with the Town. Clerk and to authorize and accept a proposed taking by eminent domain or purchase, as provided by the General Laws of Massachusetts, by the Selectmen of the Town of Dighton, for the purpose of
20
ANNUAL REPORT
constructing, altering, locating or repairing a highway in said Dighton, known as Williams Street, as shown on a plan of the proposed layout of Williams Street, entitled "Plan of Road in the Town of Dighton, Bristol Co. Scale 40 feet to the inch, Office of Massachusetts Department of Public Works, July 31, 1946," said plan being on file with the Town Clerk, and in accordance with the descrip- tion on file with the Town Clerk, parcels of land in fee with all rights, easements, privileges and appurtenances thereto belonging to the hereinafter named owners, in- cluding all fixtures, buildings, structures affixed thereto, and all trees, including shade trees, fruit trees, shrubs and stone walls, and also that the Town appropriate the sum of $200 from Surplus Revenue for the purpose of paying expenses and damages in connection with said taking.
Voted to adjourn at 8:48 P. M.
Special Town Meeting held on September 12, 1947 in the Town Hall. Meeting called to order by Moderator Wayne M. Philbrook at 7:30 P. M.
Voted: To dispense with the reading of the War- rant.
Voted: To accept the report of the Fire House Committee.
Voted: That the Town appropriate and transfer from the Surplus Revenue Account, $2,500.00 for the purchase of land and buildings from Mr. Cortland R. Young on Main Street and that the Town Treasurer be authorized to accept a deed therefore.
Voted: That the Town appropriate and transfer from the Surplus Revenue Account, $9,500.00 to remodel and repair the fire house and install equipment as speci- fied in the Committee report.
21
ANNUAL REPORT
Voted: That the Fire House Committee act as a Fire House Building Committee, complete plans and award contracts for the fire house project.
Voted to adjourn at 8:00 P. M.
Special Town Meeting held on November 17, 1947 in the Town Hall. Meeting called to order by the Mod- erator, Wayne M. Philbrook at 7:30 P. M.
Voted: That the Town appropriate and transfer from the Sale of Real Estate Fund $3,400.00 to purchase land from Mrs. Mabel Whitmarsh at Main and Milk Streets for Elementary School, athletic field and play- ground purposes and to defray legal charges relative thereto.
Voted: That the Moderator be instructed and authorized to appoint an Elementary School House Plan- ning Committee of seven members to engage an architect to prepare plans and estimates for a new Elementary School House, athletic field and playground to be con- structed and developed on Town owned property at Main and Milk Streets, and to report their action thereon to the next Annual Town Meeting. The Moderator appoint- ed the following on this Committee: John Bolger, John J. Rolfe, G. Russell Horton, Norman S. Bowen, Trenor Goodell, J. K. Milliken, Jr. and Richard DeMello.
Voted: That the Town appropriate and transfer from the Sale of Real Estate Fund $300.00 to defray ex- penses of the Elementary School House Planning Com- mittee.
The following appointments were made by the Se- lectmen for the year, each being duly sworn to faithful performance of duties thereof:
Constables: John W. Synan, Raymond A. Horton and Arthur F. Sprague.
22
ANNUAL REPORT
Police Officers: John W. Synan, Esther Bowden, Levite F. Carrier, Eric A. Christenson, Charles M. Gilbert, Raymond A. Horton, Harry F. McConville, Harold Mc- Quillan, Arthur F. Sprague and John R. Stanley.
Special Police Officers (Mt. Hope Finishing Co.): Ervin E. Barney, J. C. N. Bleau, Alexander Booth, William J. Brown, Arthur L. Clegg, Frederick W. Hopkins, Jr., Edmond Menard, Joseph N. Parent, Eugene B. Poole, Lawrence Ryan, George L. Seekell, Adolphus B. Simmons, Robert T. Synan, Leon A. Talbot, Clifford F. Wheeler and Herbert W. Hayes.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.