USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Plainville > Plainville, Massachusetts annual reports 1951-1959 > Part 40
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 (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91
Organization
On April 7, 1955 an organization meeting was held at which the following officers were elected: Hugh McC. Marsh- all, Chairman; Edward H. Hemmingsen, Vice-Chairman; Seth A. Armen, Treasurer; and Phyllis B. Bailey, Secretary. At this time it was also voted that Mr. Frederick J. Delaney would become the Regional Superintendent, when this office was to be filled, and that the School Superintendents of Nor- folk and Plainville, presently Mr. George C. Roy and Mr. Laurence G. Nourse, would become Assistant Superintendents. However, until these positions are filled, about July 1956, these three men were engaged to work as Educational Consultants. As the work progressed, other Committee members were ap- pointed to assume responsibility for various phases of the work such as: Mr. Melvin Chevers, publicity and art work; Mr. Roger Goodwin and Mr. Alvin Freeman, Insurance; Mr. Arthur Bond to work on acquiring land and titles in coopera- tion with our Counsel, Mr. Harry Webb; Mr. Clarence Skin- ner, Jr. on fire protection and safety; Messrs: Freeman, Good- win and Chevers on salaries, and Messrs: Edward Hemming- sen and John Ravinski as organizers and committee repres- entatives of the Vocational advisory groups. Mr. Hemming- sen on Machine Shop and Mr. Ravinski on Carpentry and
Woodworking.
The Vocational Advisory groups to whom we are grateful for their able assistance are as follows:
152
ANNUAL REPORT
Machine Shop
Mr. Lawrence Beaupre of Metals & Controls in Attleboro.
Mr. Doliver White of the Foxboro Company in Foxboro.
Mr. George E. Clentimack of the George Clentimack Com- pany in Plainville.
Mr. James Damato of Crosby Ashton in Wrentham.
Carpentry Shop
Mr. Clinton Barton of the Foxboro Company in Foxboro.
Mr. Edward R. Kussmall, Contractor in Franklin.
Mr. Elmer Swenson of Swenson Bro. & Pine Tree Lumber Co., Franklin.
Applicants for positions of Clerk of the Works were inter- viewed on June 15th and Mr. Leo F. Tetreault of Walpole was chosen by the Committee on June 29th.
School Site
As previously reported, the decision to build the Regional School on Franklin Street was made after thoroughly investi- gating six other locations and finding that the contour of the land and character of the soil made it the most economical from the standpoint of grading and drainage. Professional ap- praisers established fair land values. A topographical survey was made by Mr. John Warren.
The results of percolation tests and borings were excel- lent. Approval was obtained from the Town Planning Board of our general plot plan and a new right of way for owners of lake shore property and the land was purchased after a public hearing was held for all owners and abuttors.
A small parcel of land has been purchased between Shears and Franklin streets upon recommendation of the Mass. Highway Dept. in order to obtain a safe and practical main entrance for school busses from Route #140.
Every effort has been made to execute the land purchas- ing with fairness and consideration and the Committee sin-
153
ANNUAL REPORT
cerely appreciates the cooperation received from the land owners.
Roads and Entrances
In locating and obtaining approval of entrances and exits to the school property the Committee has consulted with and followed the advice of our architect, state and local highway engineers and town officials. Provision is being made for other possible entrances and exits should the need arise at some future date.
Building Plans
The Educational Specifications, drawn up by the Consult- ants, formed the basis from which they arrived at space re- quirements. These gave the architect information required for preliminary plans. Many drawings were submitted, much time spent in study and many changes made after our first meeting on plans with the M.S.B.A.C. before preliminary plans were finished and approved by the Educational Consultants, the Committee and the M.S.B.A.C. on November 2, 1955. The teachers from the three towns were also consulted in this work to get their advice and suggestions on details affecting the facilities in their various fields of instruction.
Between November 2nd to January 18th, 1956 when final plans were submitted by the architect, frequent meetings were held with his engineers to work out details of equipment com- ing under the general contract. Equipment to be used for instruction and recreation will be purchased under separate contract.
Four sets of final plans were delivered to the Committee on January 18th for study by the members from the three towns, the Consultants and Clerk of the Works. Specifications were ready a week later and a meeting is scheduled with the M.S.B.A.C. for January 30th to get their final approval.
Vocational Traning Program
The Vocational School program has been set up in accord- ance with State regulations and with the advice of Mr. Leslie J. Nutting, Supervisor of Trade and Industrial Education, who has been very helpful and cooperative. Based on surveys
154
ANNUAL REPORT
conducted by him and the Consultants, he recommended the teaching of House Carpentry and Machine Shop Practices. At this same time, Messrs: Hemmingsen and Ravinski were appointed as Committee representatives to organize and carry on the work of the vocational advisory groups for the Machine and Carpentry Shops. The names of group members from industry are listed under Organization.
On November 16th, Mr. Nutting accepted the machinery lists suggested by the advisory committees and a month later obtained free, two lathes with all attachments valued at $4,- 608.00 from government surplus. We hope to get additional tools and equipment from this source for both shops.
The background and knowledge of Messrs: Hemmingsen and Ravinski, together with the advice of industrial men on the vocational advisory committees has made it possible to plan for extensive training on both shops.
The woodworking shop is planned so that it will be flex- ible, offering instruction in house framing, cabinet and inter- ior finish work, as well as millwork and the erection of pre- fabricated homes in accordance with the demands of this locality.
The Machine shop will be equipped to lay a god founda- tion for traning in this field so that students will be prepared for more advanced work and study either in industry or schools.
In addition to the two vocational shops, a strong industrial arts program will be included in the regular school curricu- lum. An experienced and capable director will administer the vocational program and advise on industrial arts, work- ing closely with guidance and other school officials. He will start work early and assist in setting up the shops and install- ing equipment so that the program will be well organized when school opens.
The Architect
In choosing Walter F. Gaffney Associates, as our architect we feel that we are fortunate. His contract was not signed
155
ANNUAL REPORT
until June 3rd but he had already done much preliminary work. Mr. Gaffney, his assistants and engineers have been most cooperative and open minded to suggestions. They have devoted an immense amount of time to the work and have been glad to meet with the Committee and Consultants at all times.
Publicity and Budget Information
In accordance with the agreement drawn up in our bro- chure, the Regional School Committee has endeavored to keep town officials and voters posted on our plans and progress. This has been done through numerous press releases, open P.T.A. meetings and conferencese with Selectmen, Finance Committees, and other Town Officials. The name King Philip was chosen on April 21st after receiving suggestions from students in all three towns. The school seal, designed by Mr. Chevers, bears King Philip's mark or symbol which he used in signing treaties with the early settlers.
All information pertaining to the financing of the regional school has been covered with the three towns. In review- $15,000 was voted by the three towns on November 15, 1954 at special town meetings for preliminary planning and an addi- tional $5,000 was voted at the regular town meetings in March 1955 for operating expenses. On June 1, 1955 the Committee voted to bond for $110,000 to cover architect fees and other planning costs and so notified the Selectmen of the three towns. Professional estimates of school building costs were received on October 5, 1955 and reported to town officials at a meeting held on October 27, 1955. The 1956 budget was approved on November 23, 1955 and on December 14, 1955 it was voted to bond in the amount of $2,215,000. Notices were sent to the selectmen of the three towns on December 16th and subsequently this information was released to all local newspapers. It should again be pointed out that over $100,000 of this amount will be reimbursed by the State in payment of planning costs. This is not part of the percentage the state pays toward the building cost.
As this goes to press on January 24, 1956, our schedule calls for plans and specifications to be submitted to contractors for bid on February 6th. Sub bids will be due and received on March 6th and general contract bids opened on March 9th.
156
ANNUAL REPORT
As soon thereafter as possible the general contract will be awarded and construction started.
The chairman and members of the Regional School Com- mittee wish to express their sincere appreciation for the full cooperation received from all towns people and officials. Every effort will be made to justify the confidence placed in them.
Respectfully submitted,
HUGH McC. MARSHALL, Chairman EDWARD HEMMINGSEN, Vice-Chairman SETH ARMEN, Treasurer
ARTHUR M. BOND MELVIN CHEVERS
ALVIN J. FREEMAN
ROGER L. GOODWIN JOHN RAVINSKI
CLARENCE E. SKINNER, JR.
157
ANNUAL REPORT
WARRANT FOR ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Norfolk, ss.
To Either of the Constables of Plainville, Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Plainville qualified to vote in Town Affairs, to meet in Elementary School Auditorium in said Plainville, on
MONDAY, THE FIFTH DAY OF MARCH 1956, A.D.
at six-thirty o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to act on the following Articles, viz:
Article 1. The following Town Officers to be chosen by ballot, viz; one Moderator, one Town Clerk, one Auditor, one Tree Warden, and three Constables for one year. One Select- man, Board of Public Welfare, one Assessor, one Water Com- missioner, one Trustee Public Library, one Park Commis- sioner, one Treasurer, one Tax Collector, and two members of School Committee for three years.
For this purpose the polls will open at 6:30 o'clock in the forenoon and may be closed at 5:30 o'clock in the after- noon.
For the consideration of all other articles in this Warrant the meeting will be adjourned to 7:30 p.m. of said day in the Auditorium of the Elementary School on South Street in said town.
Article 2. To choose all other necessary Town Officers not named in Article 1, for a term of one year.
Article 3. To consider and act on the reports of the Se- lectmen, Treasurer, and other Town Officers.
Article 4. To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of Chapter 81 of the General Laws.
158
ANNUAL REPORT
Article 5. To see if the Town will vote to fix the salary and compensation of all elective officers of the Town as pro- vided by Section 108 of Chapter 41, General Laws, as amended, as follows:
Moderator $25.00 each Annual Meeting
15.00 each Special Meeting
Town Clerk
500.00 per year
Town Treasurer
800.00 per year
Selectmen, chairman
500.00 per year
Second Member
400.00 per year
Third Member
400.00 per year
Assessors, chairman
600.00 per year
Second Member 600.00 per year
Third Member 600.00 per year
Tax Collector
800.00 per year
School Committee, chairman
75.00 per year
School Committee, each member
60.00 per year
Water Commissioners,
Chairman
150.00 per year
Second Member
150.00 per year
Third Member (Secretary)
300.00 per year
Auditor
200.00 per year
Constables
1.50 per hour
Tree Warden 1.50 per hour
or do or act in any manner relative thereto.
Article 6. To appropriate and raise by borrowing or otherwise such sums of money as may be required to defray Town charges for the financial year ending December 31, 1956 and expressly for the following purposes to wit:
1. For the support of the Public Library.
2. For the Selectmen's current expenses and salaries.
159
ANNUAL REPORT
3. For the Treasurer's current expenses and salary.
4. For the Town Clerk's current expenses and salary.
5. For the Assessor's current expenses and salaries.
6. For the Tax Collector's current expenses and salary.
7. For the Board of Registrar's current expenses and salaries.
8. For the salary of Town Auditor.
9. For the Sealer of Weights and Measures' current ex- penses and salary.
10. For Board of Health current expenses and salaries.
11. For Wire Inspector, salary and expenses.
12. For Fire Department for current expenses and salaries.
13. For Water Department incidentals, pumping and salaries.
14. For support of School and salaries of School Com- mittee.
15. For the payment of Insurance.
16. For Veterans' Benefits.
17. For Highways and Bridges, center of Town.
18. For Memorial Day.
19. For interest on Temporary Loans and Maturing Debt.
20. For Police Department
21. For Tree Warden.
22. For Removal of Snow.
23. For Park Commissioners.
24. Town Forest Committee.
25. For heating and maintenance of Fire Station and Town Office Building.
26. For maturing debt.
27. For Welfare Agent.
160
ANNUAL REPORT
28. For Street Lights.
29. For Moth Department.
30. For Drainage Program.
31. For Vocational Education.
32. For Sidewalk Program.
33. For Regional School District Com.
Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to have the surety of the Collector of Taxes, Deputy Collector of Taxes,Treas- urer, Town Clerk, Secretary of the Water Commissioners and Clerk of the Selectmen's bond placed with a fidelity or guar- antee company, and appropriate a sum of money to pay for the same.
Article 8. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to bor- row money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1957 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, Chapter 44, General Laws.
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for a Reserve Fund to provide for the extraordinary unforeseen expenses, as authorized by Section 6, Chapter 40, General Laws, or do or act in any manner relative thereto.
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the operation of Road Ma- chinery or do or act in any manner relative thereto.
Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of Chapter 90 of the General Laws, and raise and appropriate or transfer from unappropriated available funds in the treasury, a sum of money for Chapter 90 Highway Maintenance, or do or act in any manner relative thereto.
Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from unappropriated available funds
161
ANNUAL REPORT
in the treasury, a sum of money for Chapter 81 Highways, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for all control work against the Dutch Elm Disease, as set forth by Section 13, Chapter 761, Act of 1949, to be expended under the direction of the Moth Superintendent, or do or act in any manner relative thereto.
Article 14. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,421.08, this being the amount appor- tioned to Plainville as its share of the cost of the Norfolk County Retirement System, or do or act in any manner relative thereto.
Article 15. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $300.00, or any other sum, for the use of the athletic department of the schools, as provided for in Chapter 658, Acts of 1950, a revision of Sec. 47, Chapter 71, of the General Laws, or do or act in any manner relative thereto.
Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $19,000, for the carrying on of the different categories of Welfare, made up approximately as follows: General Welfare, $2,500; Aid Dependent Children, $1,000; Old Age Assistance, $12,500. and Disabled Persons, $3,000, or do or act in any manner relative thereto.
Article 17. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to enter into a contract with the Department of Public Works of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for an allotment of Chapter 90 Funds for the widening and re- building of George Street from Route 106 in a northwesterly direction to Route 1 and raise and appropriate or transfer the sum of $10,050.00 to pay the cost of the work. The money to be raised as follows: the Town's share of $2,550.00 to be raised by taxation, and to transfer from unappropriated available funds in the Treasury the sum of $7,500.00 to meet the State and County shares of the cost of the work, the reimburse- ments from the State and County to be restored upon their receipts to unappropriated available funds in the Treasury or do or act in any manner relative thereto.
11
162
ANNUAL REPORT
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from unappropriated surplus revenue funds in the Treasury the sum of $4,500.00 for the repair of road damage caused by the rain and floods of 1955. The re- imbursements from the State to be restored upon their receipt to unappropriated available funds in the Treasury or do or act in any manner relative thereto.
Article 19. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from unappropriated surplus revenue funds in the Treasury the sum of $2,400.00 for repair to cul- verts on Cowell, Taunton and George Streets caused by rain and floods of 1955. The reimbursements from the State to be restored upon their receipt to unappropriated available funds in the Treasury or do or act in any manner relative thereto.
Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to have its Street Lights put on an all night burning schedule and the money to pay for same to be raised under Section 28 of Article 6.
Article 21. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $10,000.00 or any other sum, for the continuation of the water system and for the necessary road repair after the installation of water on Taunton Street for about 2,500 feet or do or act in any manner relative thereto.
Article 22. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $200 or any other sum, for the pur- chase and installation of street and traffic signs, or do or act in any manner relative thereto.
Article 23. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $500 or any other sum, for the filling and grading of the New Elementary School grounds, or do or act in any manner relative thereto.
Article 24. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $100. or any other sum for the treat- ment of tuberculosis patients having a legal settlement in this town as provided for by Chap. 270, Acts of 1952, repeal- ing Chap. 562 of the Acts of 1951, or do or act in any manner relative thereto.
163
ANNUAL REPORT
Article 25. To see if the Town will vote to rescind that part of the vote taken on Article 28 at the 1955 Annual Town Meeting that calls for the installation of water on Walnut St. The amount of money remaining in this Walnut St. account, about $525. be transferred to Article 27 of this Warrant, to help pay for the cost of installing water on Fletcher Street, or do or act in any manner relative thereto.
Article 26. To see if the Town will vote to rescind that part of the vote taken on Article 29 at the 1955 Annual Town Meeting, that calls for the repair of Walnut St., after installa- tion of water. The amount of money remaining in this repair of Walnut St. account, about $700., be transferred to Art. 28 of this Warrant to pay for the cost of repairing Fletcher St., after Water installation, or do or act in any manner relative thereto.
Article 27. To see if the Town will vote to raise, and appropriate, or transfer, the sum of $1400. or any other sum, for the installation of six inch cast iron water main on Fletcher St. from its present terminus, for a distance of approximately 400 feet, or do or act in any manner relative thereto. (Petition)
Article 28. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, or transfer, the sum of $400. or any other sum for repair of road on Fletcher Street after installation of water, or do or act in any manner relative thereto. (Petition)
Article 29. To see if the Town will vote to raise, appro- priate, or transfer the sum of $1000. or any other sum for Civilian Defense, or do or act in any manner relative thereto.
Article 30. To see if the Town will vote to raise, appro- priate, or transfer the sum of Three thousand five hundred ($3,500.00) dollars or any other sum for the installation of water main on Cross Street for a distance of approximately one thousand feet, or do or act in any manner relative thereto. (Petition)
Article 31. To see if the Town will vote to raise, appro- priate or transfer the sum of One thousand ($1,000.00) dollars or any other sum for the repair of Cross Street, or do or act in any manner relative thereto. (Petition)
164
ANNUAL REPORT
Article 32. To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of Chapter 670 Acts of 1955 of the General Laws, an act relative to increasing the amounts of Pensions, Retire- ment allowances and Annuities payable to certain former public employees, or do or act in any manner relative thereto. The increases granted under this act with respect to Pensions, Retirement Allowances or Annuities payable by a Town shall take effect when accepted by a Town by a majority vote at a Town Meeting.
Article 33. To see whether the Town will vote to reno- vate, repair and equip the present library building and to raise and appropriate $8,000.000 to pay for said renovations and equipment or do or act in any manner relative thereto. Said appropration tobe raised in the manner following: $5,987.79 by transfer from the Library Stabilization Fund and $2,012.21 by taxation.
Article 34. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money to equip the fire apparatus with a two-way radio system or do or act in any manner relative thereto.
Article 35. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money to establish a permanent daytime fire department or do or act in any manner relative thereto.
Article 36. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,983.22 to pay the following over- drafts: Welfare $2,644.26, Snow $338.96 or do or act in any manner relative thereto.
Article 37. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds in the treasury, a sum of money for the purchase of war bonds or other bonds that are legal investments for savings banks, and to be placed in a fund known as the Post-War Rehabilitation Fund in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 5, Acts of 1943; this money to be earmarked for the building and equipment of an addition to the new Elementary School building or do or act in any manner relative thereto.
Article 38. To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from the Surplus Revenue Account to be used
165
ANNUAL REPORT
by the assessors for the reduction of the tax rate or do or act in any manner relative thereto.
Article 39. To choose any committee and to hear the report of any committee and act thereon.
And you are directed to serve this Warrant, by posting up attested copies thereof in seven (7) Public Places in said town, seven (7) days at least before the time of holding said meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this Warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, at or before the time and place of said meeting as aforesaid.
Given under our hands this 24th day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and fifty-six.
A true copy.
Attest:
Constable of the Town of Plainville
This Day of February, 1956.
ARTHUR W. WASHBURN LEROY B. WILSON LYMAN H. PARMENTER, JR.
Selectmen of Plainville
Index
Animal Inspector's Report 60
Assessor's Report 124
Board of Health Report 121
Board of Public Welfare
64
Collector of Taxes Report
134
Director of Civil Defense
102
Dutch Elm Control Report
96
Fire Engineers' Report
107
Highway Department
136
Inspector of Milk and Dairies Report
58
Moth Department Report 97
Park and Playground Commissioners' Report
103
Police Department Report
62
Public Library Trustees
98
Regional District School Committee Report
151
Registrars' Expenses
55
School Committee
Attendance Tables
92
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.