USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1911-1915 > Part 20
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
Every town, and Duxbury is no exception, must face the prob-
-25-
lem of building and maintaining good roads, not locally or sel- fishly, but in relation to the whole community, and to the whole Commonwealth, for the motor vehicle by annihilating space has made neighbors of distant towns, thereby increasing the traffic on all our highways enormously, and making the construction of good roads absolutely necessary for the future growth and de- velopment of rural communities.
We believe that a steam roller is a step in the direction of solving the road problem, but a steam roller would avail nothing without efficient handling, and it would be a wasteful purchase without it was in practical use for the greater part of the year. If it were to be in commission for only two or three months in the year, we believe it would be cheaper to hire. And when it is out of commission it should be suitably housed, and not left to ruin by exposure to the weather like other town property.
As a means to eliminate that waste which is inevitable when public work is subordinated to private interests your committee suggest that our present puttering system of maintaining the highways be abandoned, and a more business-like method sub- stituted. We believe it would be in the line of economy and conductive to the best interests of the town to abolish the per diem system of compensation, and to engage a superintendent of streets on a salary who shall give his whole time to the public service during the seasonal months at least. Such a program would, of necessity, call for a substantial increase in the appro- priation for highways, but as the increase would be relatively small to our present valuation, it will not be burdensome.
Duxbury has been in the forefront of the good roads move- ment since its inception, and to keep it there your committee rec- ommend the purchase by the town of a new steam roller condi- tioned upon business methods being introduced to eliminate waste and produce tangible results.
A noted American writer says "there are just three things which make a nation great, fertile fields, intelligent workers and good roads."
-26-
Let Duxbury contribute her share toward the nation's great- ness.
A. E. GREEN, N. K. NOYES, H. B. BRADLEY.
CEMETERY TRUSTEES' REPORT.
All cemeteries in our charge are believed to be in good order and work well in hand. Mayflower, by far the larger and with few exceptions receiving all the interments made, has been given especial attention. The trees found to be infected with moths have been treated by the tree warden with good results. That portion known as Weston section has been developed and several lots sold for a good price.
We believed it advisable to build a retaining wall on this sec- tion, at quite an expense, to save some fine old trees.
A portion of the expense was paid by abbutors. There are some particularly desirable lots available there now. All the unimproved section is so uneven that a large amount of pre- liminary grading is necessary before any of it is available for use and calls for large expenditure of time and money.
Seizing a favorable time in December we have raked and burned practically all the leaves of 1913 which is a decided ad- vance over former years and a benefit to lots and general appearance. An improvement much needed is a stone road from the main or Oak Avenue to Tremont Street, and would ask your consideration of the matter.
At Ashdod, avenues and paths have been cared for. A survey, plan and key made which brings this cemetery under the same general rules as apply to others. A copy of the By-Laws can be had of the Chairman or Secretary at any time.
-27-
It was the intention to build a fence at the Standish cemetery this year. After considering the subject it was thought advisable to put in a hedge which has been arranged for this Spring and accounts for portion of balance carried over.
We ask your favorable vote on appropriation of one thousand dollars for general cemetery work.
Respectfully, ELISHA PETERSON, Secretary and Treasurer.
TREE WARDEN'S REPORT.
The only work that has been done in the Tree Warden's De- partment, has been done in digging around the young trees and spraying. No trees have been set in the past year, owing to the severe drouths that we have had. Trees have done fairly well where there was any moisture. Roadside trees were sprayed for grub caterpillars, but made very little showing as adjoining trees were left to the caterpillars, making it look bad. This year there will be as bad an infestation which can be avoided by an early spraying. The time honored practice of tacking on bills, posters, sign boards on roadside trees is a misdemeanor, and is punishable by a fine of fifty dollars. Several have been spoken to about this matter, and they have removed the signs which they had placed on trees. Spraying for elm beetles was done through the village, and in places where they had formerly been bad with good results. Where no spraying was done it should be done first this coming spring.
Orchards that were sprayed show less infestation of Brown Tail and Gypsy Moth, and I believe spraying is a cheap insurance against all insect pests, and more ought to be done. Every property owner ought to own and use a sprayer of some kind.
- Respectfully submitted,
HENRY A. FISH, Tree Warden.
-28-
REPORT OF LOCAL SUPERINTENDENT OF MOTH DEPARTMENT.
At the time this report is made, 92 wood lots have been cleaned, taking in about two-thirds of the Town. The infesta- tion of the Town south of Mayflower street is quite bad, infested in many places so badly that considerable cutting and burning had to be resorted to. Other colonies are about the same, only spreading, which cannot be helped.
In many places spraying will have to be done this year. Money expended in thinning out seems to amount to the most. Where all the hard wood can be cut out, that ends the trouble. Some owners are doing this themselves. Some colonies show considerable signs of disease. This seems to cut down the number of egg clusters, but in no case does it get them all.
Quite a number of lots were stripped last summer-some quite badly. Where stripping occurred, the growth was small pines and oaks. One colony that I knew nothing about did consider- able stripping before I found it. This lot is to be cut clean of hard wood, and that will correct the trouble. From what I have seen the Brown Tail infestation is not quite so bad as last year. In every locality parasites have been found in the webs, and I look for considerable relief from these.
Respectfully submitted, H. A. FISH, Local Supt.
TREASURER'S REPORT OF THE DUXBURY FREE
LIBRARY.
Paid- Sara B. Higgins, librarian, $400 00
Henry H. Bills, janitor, 150 00
-29-
Henry H. Bills, delivery books, 175 00
Henry H. Bills, cash expenses, 1 50
Herbert E. Walker, box rent for securities,
2 50
Herbert E. Walker, postage and stationery, 2 50
John H. Glover, labor, 3 75
Plymouth Electric Light Co., 180 61
Duxbury Coal & Lumber Co., coal,
196 73
William J. Burke, labor,
18 25
James L. McNaught, dressing for lawn,
4 00
A. A. Sprague, labor,
4 15
R. G. Needham, labor,
8 25
E. Howard Clock Co., work on clock,
8 00
J. Dexter Randall, labor,
6 94
N. E. Telephone & Telegraph Co.,
7 20
James B. Collingwood & Sons, bookcases,
24 00
Memorial Press, printing,
2 60
Dennison Mfg. Co. supplies,
2 14
Suffolk Engraving & Electrotyping Co., book plates,
7 00
H. E. Walker, supplies,
13 34
Boston Transcript Co., newspaper,
3 00
A. S. Burbank, books and magazines,
103 12
H. W. Wilson Co., books,
34 00
Charles E. Lauriat Co., books,
155 71
Pearson & Marsh Inc., books,
15 75
Dodd, Mead & Co., books,
2 50
R. H. White Co. books,
3 45
$1,545 99
Appropriation of the Town,
$1,000 00
Subscription for telephone,
18 00
Balance from income of funds,
527 99
$1,545 99
HERBERT E. WALKER, Treasurer of the Duxbury Free Library.
-30-
REPORT OF CHIEF OF FIRE DEPARTMENT.
We have had quite a few fires in town this year ; two big fires and several small ones. The firemen have done good work in saving adjoining property, especially the Moulton and Josselyn fires. The firemen of both companies are taking much interest in the work. Engine house No. 1 has been plastered upstairs, and makes a very nice room, which the boys are much pleased with.
Respectfully submitted, E. W. SOULE, Chief of Fire Department.
REPORT OF FOREST WARDEN.
We have had a number of small fires in the Forest this year, but all extinguished quickly-the smallest loss by fire in a num- ber of years. The Bonney Hill tower in Hanson has been finished, and will be a great help to the neighboring towns.
Respectfully submitted, E. W. SOULE, Forest Warden.
REPORT OF ROAD SURVEYOR.
The most of the roads in town are in fair condition, but it takes more money every year to keep them so. I used tarvia on the stone roads, which has given good satisfaction, but will need a coating this coming year to hold the roads in shape. The road has been straightened and widened at Osgood's cranberry bog, Temple street. The bridge at Standish shore will have to have quite a lot of repairs, and soon.
Respectfully submitted,
E. W. SOULE, Road Surveyor.
-31-
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH,
For the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 1913.
The Board of Health appropriation for 1913 was $1,000. From this should be taken $146.22 being the amount overdrawn to Jan. 1, 1913, a bill presented by the city of New Bedford, Mass., of $102.00, the salary of the Inspector of Slaughtering for November and December, 1912, of $22.50, and the balance of Catherine C. Ryan's bill on the "Bradford case" of $7.00, making a total of $277.72, which deducted from $1,000, leaves $722.28 available for the current year, again from which must be de- ducted $135.00 being the salary of the Inspector of Slaughtering from: Jan. 1, 1913, to Jan. 1, 1914, leaving $587.28 for the Board's use.
The Board again decided that as a matter of economy, as well as results, that as far as possible, the investigating and adjusting of local complaints, and all out of town business, etc., could be more satisfactorily conducted by one member of the Board who should report to the full Board for their approval. The Sec- retary was again appointed to attend to such duties, and while the business of the Board has been of a varied, and at times complex nature, we are satisfied that in every case it has been economically and successfully conducted, and meets the fullest approval of the Board.
Communicable Diseases.
By referring to the appended tables, it will be seen that asido from several cases of measles of a very mild type, that the general health of the community has been fairly good during the year. The Board has been alert to the possibilities of epidemics, but none have occurred. We would most strongly urge the neces- sity of care, and vigilance, on the part of the teachers of our public schools in separating from other children, such as exhibit suspicious symptoms, and of not allowing any child who has been ill, or is a member of a household in which a person is ill, or of
-32-
a household exposed to any contagious or infectious disease, to attend school during such illness, until the teacher has been furnished with a certificate from the Board of Health of the town, or from the attending physician of such person, stating that danger of conveying such disease has passed. The Board, while recognizing the fact that this recommendation will not be favorably received by many, who will claim that it imposes an unnecessary hardship upon them, also recognizes the rights of the public, as well as the rights of the individual, also, that pre- vention is better by far than cure.
The following list constitutes the major part of the Board's work during the past year.
There were 11 complaints received from the summer residents, on the disposal of the sewerage from the Powder Point School and adjacent buildings. The matter was taken up, and the State Board was asked to co-operate with this Board in devising a satisfactory system without the emptying of the same into Duxbury Bay. The plan as prepared, and approved by the State Board, was not accepted by the owners of the school, and after spending a great deal of time and money, a plan was finally adopted as prepared by the Spaulding Brothers engineers, which we hope will prove effective.
In August, there were ten complaints received from the sum- mer residents, caused by a sudden gastric upset on August 3d, 4th, and the 10th, 11th, due as it was claimed, to the Bay Farm milk. The Board did not receive a complaint until August 13, when an investigation was immediately begun, and again the aid of the "State Board" was invoked, and conjointly with this Board the matter was thoroughly investigated, but after spending over a week with the expense connected therewith, the Board could get no report from the State Board as to the cause, which is a matter of deep regret. The cost to this Board connected with the analysis of the water from wells of 18 residents, and four schools, was another large item with the results of 11 private wells and all four of the schools being condemned as unfit for
-33-
drinking or domestic purposes. The repairing of the road at the Town Dump, the clearing of rubbish from the road, etc., has been, and will continue to be a source of expense.
The collection and disposal of garbage was this year let to the lowest responsible bidder, the sum being $250.00, and the Board to collect $1.00 per month from all who employed the collector. It cost the Board $21.25 to collect the dues, making a total cost of the garbage question, $271.25. We received per collections, $148.00, of which $118.25 was turned in to the Town Treasurer ; $23.75 was expended for a combination bookcase and desk for the Board of Health, and $6.00 for incidentals, making a net cost of $123.25 greater than the receipts. The Board are satisfied that the plan as adopted this year is far more satisfactory than the old method, and there have been no complaints (with the ex- ception of one or two minor) made either by the collecting, or disposal of the same.
The School physician, and a member of the Board, visited all the schools in order to ascertain the sanitary conditions as to room space, light, heat, ventilation and closets and we are very glad to announce a decided improvement. The slaughter houses have been thoroughly inspected and a promise obtained that where needed, there would be some radical changes made.
Premises examined during the illness of contagious or
infectious diseases, 9
Premises fumigated on account of disease,
4
School buildings examined, 10
Slaughter houses examined,
4
Examination of overflowing cesspools,
3
Examination of Sewage disposed,
22
Examinations on mosquito nuisance,
5
Number of complaints received,
38
Number of nuisances abated,
38
Consulations with State Board of Health,
12
Consultations with State Inspector,
3
Consultations with Town Counsel, 3
-34-
Out of town cases investigated,
The Board have buried one horse, two dogs, and one seal.
Dangerous Diseases, Jan. 1, 1913, to Jan. 1, 1914.
January, Measles 7; Scarlet Fever, 2; Varicella, 2,
11
February, Measles, 4,
March, Scarletina, 1,
4 1 4
April, Measles, 4,
May, Measles, 1,
1
July, Measles, 2,
2
August, typhoid fever, 1,
1
October, Diphtheria, out of town, 1,
1
Total, 25
Respectfully submitted.
A. M. GOULDING, C. W. EATON, J. B. CHANDLER.
3
.- 35-
TOWN MEETINGS
At the Annual Town Meeting held on March 8, 1913 :
Chose Henry P. Moulton, Jr., Moderator.
The Tellers, Wendell B. Phillips, Charles A. Devereux, Chas. C. McNaught and Fred E. Simmons, were sworn by the Town Clerk.
Polls were opened at 6 and closed at 11.30 a. m.
The canvass of ballots showed the following results : For Selectman for three years,
George E. Belknap had 54 votes.
Harry B. Bradley had 106 votes.
Henry B. Chandler had 61 votes.
Herbert Packard had 67 votes.
And Harry B. Bradley was declared elected. For Assessor for three years :
Theodore W. Glover had 157 votes.
Franklin Brett had 1 vote.
Henry B. Chandler had 1 vote.
Joshua B. Weston had 1 vote.
And Theodore W. Glover was declared elected.
For Assessor for one year (to fill vacancy) :
George E. Belknap had 55 votes.
Harry B. Bradley had 98 votes.
Henry B. Chandler had 58 votes.
Herbert Packard had 65 votes.
And Harry B. Bradley was declared elected.
For Overseer of the Poor for three years :
George E. Belknap had 53 votes.
Harry B. Bradley had 108 votes.
-36-
Henry B. Chandler had 50 votes.
Herbert Packard had 68 votes.
And Harry B. Bradley was declared elected. For Town Clerk :
George H. Stearns had 244 votes. For Town Treasurer :
George H. Stearns had 243 votes.
For Collector of Taxes :
George H. Stearns had 237 votes.
For Constables :
Joseph F. Bolton, Jr., had 184 votes.
Thaddeus W. Chandler had 213 votes.
Warren C. Prince had 189 votes. Edgar Chandler had 1 vote. Whitman B. Morse had 1· vote. Paul McAuliffe had 1 vote.
And Joseph F. Bolton, Jr., Thaddeus W. Chandler and War- ren C. Prince were declared elected.
For School Committee for three years : Joshua B. Weston had 214 votes.
For Board of Health for three years : Julius B. Chandler had 202 votes. B. C. Leavitt had 1 vote. A. C. Holmes had 1 vote. And Julius B. Chandler was declared elected.
For Board of Health for two years : Charles W. Eaton had 185 votes.
For Cemetery Trustee for five years : Elisha Peterson had 214 votes.
For Tree Warden :
Henry A. Fish had 192 votes. Edwin McAuliffe had 1 vote. James Hastings had 1 vote. And Henry A. Fish was declared elected.
-37-
For Highway Surveyor :
Eden W. Soule had 213 votes.
W. J. Burke had 2 votes.
J. K. Parker had 7 votes.
Edwin Grover had 1 vote.
And Eden W. Soule was declared elected.
For Auditors for 1 year :
Ernest H. Bailey had 210 votes.
Thomas W. Herrick had 297 votes.
Voted, not to grant licenses for the sale of intoxicating liquors : "Yes," 105; "No," 164.
Voted, that all necessary town officers not chosen by ballot be appointed by the Selectmen.
Voted, that the Town Treasurer be instructed to investigate methods of conducting Town business and report at the next Annual Town Meeting.
Voted, to accept the reports of the various town officers and committees as printed in the Town Report.
Voted, to accept the report of the Conservation Committee as read by Mr. Knapp, as follows : """Late in the fall, Mr. Paul C. Peterson was chosen a member of the Committee to fill a va- cancy ; and in December Mr. Charles F. Allen, who has been a member since the Committee was organized some years ago, resigned. Early in January your Committee held a meeting, and it was decided that the most valuable work we could do at present was to continue where the old Committee had left off with the endeavor to purchase roadside trees and land. We find in most cases where woodland owners are approached in regard to deeding land and trees to the Town that they are more willing than formerly. At present we have several strips under consideration and await decision of the owner.
We would recommend that the Tree Warden notify woodland owners that they are not to cut roadside trees, and call atten- tion to Chapter 55, Sect. 12 Revised Laws, as amended 1908-10, in which it rules that if any question arises as to ownership of a
-38-
tree it shall be taken to have been within the limits of the high- way unless proven to the contrary.
We respectfully ask for the continuance of the appropriation for the road about the Town House.
Your Committee recommends granting permission for the Yacht Club pier, but in such a way as to avoid any permanent alienation of property.
We hope to see eventually the Town waterfront near the Club House developed and a pier extending to some distance outbuilt. The latter for the use of boating and bathing.
Voted, to appropriate : -
For Observance of Memorial Day,
$125 00
For Support of Schools, 11,000 00
For Assessor's Map, 500 00
For Duxbury Free Library,
1,000 00
For Appropriation Loan and Interest,
1,710 00
For Soldiers' and Sailors' Aid,
600 00
For Gypsy and Browntail Moth work,
1,268 83
For Treasurer's Note and Interest,
1,950 00
For Abatement of Taxes,
100 00
For Tree Warden,
100 00
For Spraying Wayside Trees,
200 00
For Highways and Bridges,
4,304 44
For Repairs of Stone Road and Oil,
2,500 00
For Forest Warden,
300 00
For Fire Protection,
305 02
For Plastering Engine House, No. 1,
60 00
For Contribution for Hanson Fire Tower,
100 00
For Support of Poor,
2,500 00
For Board of Health, 1,000 00
For Straightening Congress street,
225 00
For Town Physician, 500 00
For Cemeteries, 800 00
-39-
Voted :
That the recommendations of the Selectmen that all miscellan- eous receipts not provided for by department shall be carried to the Incidental Account, and that all disbursements not coming under any special department shall be paid from the Incidental Account, be accepted.
The motion of Mr. Charles F. Shirley that all highway work, except such as, in the judgment of the Selectmen, is emergency work, shall be completed by April 15, was defeated by a vote of 20 in favor and 65 opposed.
Voted, that the article in regard to the acceptance of Russell Road be laid upon the table.
Voted, that the Town grant permission to the Duxbury Yacht Club to extend a pier across the flats, in front of the Town Land- ing near the easterly end of Mattakeesett Court.
Voted, not to appropriate any money for crushed stone road on Powder Point Avenue, from residence of Mr. Parker F. Soule to Gurnet Bridge.
Voted, that the Selectmen be instructed to appear before the County Commissioners and present the petition, copies of which are posted about the hall, asking for the discontinuance of the road as laid out by the County Commissioners, leading from Washington street to South Station street.
Voted, not to appropriate any money for electric lights this year.
Voted, that no committee be appointed to consider the practi- cability of a Town water system, and that no money be appropriated to employ an expert engineer.
Resolved, that the Town approves of the formation of the Duxbury Water Company, by F. B. Knapp and others ; 46 voted in favor and 41 in opposition.
Voted also, that the Town authorize the Selectmen to appear in favor of the incorporation of such a Company to their satis- faction, by act of the Legislature similar to those for Westford and Norton.
-40-
Voted, that the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen or a majority thereof, be authorized to borrow, during the municipal year beginning January 1, 1914, in anticipation of the collection of taxes of said year, such sums of money as may be necessary for the current expenses of the Town, not exceeding the sum of $20,000, 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 taxes of said municipal year.
Voted, that the Town authorize its Treasurer to hire money to continue the moth work from December 1, 1913, to March 1, 1914.
Voted, that taxes shall be paid on or before October 10, 1913, and after that date interest shall be charged, at the rate of six per cent. per annum, until paid.
In answer to Article 17, "Will the Town instruct the Select- men to lay out a highway from Tremont street near the residence of Mr. Louis Bailey, to Mayflower street at Soule's Bear ?" it was,
Voted, that this article be laid over.
In answer to Article 18, "Will the Town of Duxbury sell land which forms a triangle of about 2 1-4 acres, in the rear of Mr. William McNeil's triangular house-lot on Depot street ?" it was,
Voted, that the Selectmen be instructed to sell the property mentioned to the highest bidder.
In answer to Article 19, "Will the Town accept Chapter 48, Section 85, of the Revised Laws, to reserve spaces for trees, grass and planting, and take further action thereon ?" it was,
Voted, that this article be laid upon the table.
Voted, that the Town accept "Upland Road" as laid out by the Selectmen.
Voted, that the Town accept that portion of "King Cæsar" Road, as laid out by the Selectmen, beginning at Weston Road, and running easterly to the point of discontinuance of said road, by a vote at a special town meeting held August 10, 1912.
-41-
In answer to Article 23, "What action will the Town take with reference to the pay of the Selectmen ?" it was,
Voted, that no action be taken in the matter.
In answer to Article 24, "What action will the Town take toward the further development of the clam industry ?" it was,
Voted, that this article be laid upon the table.
In answer to Article 25, "What action will the Town take with reference to trying to obtain legislation on Section 14, Chapter 75, R. L., relative to posting or printing of Board of Health reg- ulations, also on Section 17, Chapter 81, R. L., relative to time of notice in pauper cases ?" it was,
Voted, that the Overseers of the Poor and the Board of Health be empowered to endeavor to obtain legislation as suggested in this article.
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.