USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1931-1935 > Part 34
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Insane
2
Larceny 3
Promoting lottery
1
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MOTOR VIOLATIONS
Operating under influence 4
Operating to endanger 3
Speeding 9
Total 58
DISPOSITIONS
Held for Grand Jury
9
Number of Appeals to Superior
Court 2
Sentenced to County and State Institutions 5
Given Probation
6
Released
2
Dismissed
1
Filed
6
Not Guilty
6
Number of fines imposed
21
Total
58
Amount of Fines imposed $800.00
MISCELLANEOUS
Complaints investigated 397
Children reported lost and found 9
Children put up for night 2
Calls regarding dogs
22
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Investigated 26
Motor Violations recorded no Court action taken 102
Parking permits issued for beach 897
Summons served for outside Police 21
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Because of the increase in the amount of our appropria- tion in the last year we were enabled to maintain a night patrol during the months that summer residences were closed and as a result of this patrol we were able to solve several breaks that otherwise would have been very hard to solve. I also feel that they have been the means of pre- venting many other breaks that might have occured. Therefore I recommend that the same appropriation be asked for this year. Also I would recommend that the two motor cycles used last year be turned in as they are now in a condition that will cost more than they are worth to keep in repair. In conclusion I want to thank the Board of Selectmen for their cooperation and the men of the De- partment and operators of the local telephone exchange for the way they have helped toward the success of the Department.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES T. O'NEIL,
Chief of Police.
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Report of Fire Chief
This department is in its usual good condition, morale of the men excellent. They have drilled carefully and well. Captain Briggs and Deputy Chief Whitney acting as Drill Masters. These two men were sent to the Fire School again this year for a series of ten lessons which, is a great help to them and to their fellow firemen, as they pass their information on to them.
We have had two disastrous fires the past year. The one at Miles Manor was discovered in time so as to allow the firemen to do effective work and they did a splendid job. The second fire was Partridge Academy which was a total loss. The fire had gained such headway when the Department arrived it was impossible to do anything with the main building, but by hard and intelligent work the annex was saved. Plymouth and Marshfield Departments gave splendid help. I earnestly urge the voters to con- sider some plan whereby this beautiful old landmark may be replaced.
We now have 47 places in town available for water holes. The outlying districts of the town are well pro- tected from this source. Markers have been placed 1,000 feet from each water hole or outlying hydrant which leaves nothing to chance, the firemen know just how many feet of hose is required to reach the fire.
The following are the number of fires we had last year :
Chimneys 19; Emergency calls 2; House 13; Bridge 3; Autos 1; Inhalator 1.
This analysis of fires tells me you are not keeping your chimneys clean. This is very necessary. Any advice or
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help you need from this Department along these lines we are at your service. We are always at your service for any emergencies as a man is at the telephone at the Central Station 24 hours a day and our watch word is "SER- VICE."
Respectfully submitted, H. E. MERRY, Chief.
-
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Report of Forest Fire Warden
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Greetings :
We have had a number of small fires this year, the largest one being four acres and as you recall the severe drought we had the past year, to me that is a remarkable record. This record was only attained by the splendid help and co-operation that we have always received from the telephone office and the alertness of the men and care- fulness of our citizens.
The apparatus has been overhauled, put in No. 1 con- dition and we are ready for another year.
We have had the Forest Fire Fighting Unit highly systemized and hope to continue the good work done in the past.
The number of fires was 36 with a total acreage of 121/2 which was mostly grass land, no valuable timber.
Respectfully submitted, H. E. MERRY,
Forest Fire Warden.
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Report of Dump Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Greetings :
Everything is going along very well. A few evergreen trees have been set out. I have no recommendations to make as everyone seems satisfied with the prevailing method.
Respectfully yours,
H. E. MERRY.
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Report of Moth Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Since the last report, work has been carried on about the same as last year.
Creosoting egg clusters from Jan. 1st 1934 until about May 15th, 1934.
It was then time to start spraying and this was carried on until the 6th of July.
During October, November and December about twenty-four days of creosoting was done.
Started creosoting again Jan 1st, 1935 which we are still doing.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN D. MORRISON, Local Moth Supt.
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Report of Tree Warden
To the Citizens of Duxbury :
At the last Town Meeting the sum of $650.00 was ap- propriated for the use of this department.
Trimming and cutting dead wood from the following streets, Bay Road, Chandler, Union, Congress Streets and Duck Hill Street, King Ceasar Road and Powder Point.
The Elm trees were sprayed on Park Street to the Kingston line, also Bay Road for canker worm and Elm leaf beetle.
The fall web worm was quite bad this year.
I still recommend that this department should have $1,000 to work with, that is, if we want to protect our trees.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN D. MORRISON,
Tree Warden.
1) 10
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Report of Town Forest Committee
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
Your committee met and organized.
We have had the place graded around the stone and tablet placed there-on and have had the bushes and stumps removed.
On Saturday April 28th, 1934, the F. B. Knapp Town Forest Committee held a Dedication at the Town Forest on Mayflower Street with an appropriate program and a large attendance of towns people.
Respectfully submitted,
H. E. MERRY, ED. O'NEIL, JOHN D. MORRISON,
Town Forest Committee.
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Report of Street Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury.
The unusually severe winter caused a great deal of damage to all the roads.
The stone and asphalt roads especially, were badly hurt and called for a large amount to be expended on them.
There are still many of the asphalt roads in the out lying districts that will require a lot done yet.
The dirt roads also suffered from the deep frost making it necessary to haul stone and material.
Franklin Street had a coat of gravel.
All minor repairs were looked after to keep the roads in as good condition as possible.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD S. O'NEIL,
Superintendent of Streets.
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Report of Dutch Elm Beetle Committee
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
As a committee appointed for the Dutch Elm Beetle, we have met and talked over the situation. In my duty as Tree Warden, and in cutting out a lot of dead wood from elm trees I have failed to see any symptom of this beetle.
Funds should be available in case it is needed.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN D. MORRISON, EBEN BRIGGS, ROBERT CROCKER,
Committee on Dutch Elm Beetle.
--
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Report of Memorial Day Committee for G. A. R.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury :-
The Memorial Day Committee respectfully submit the following report :
As usual Myles Standish Camp, No. 115 S. U. V. C. W. and the American Legion Post, No. 223 and Sailors from the National Sailors Home assisted by the Boy and Girl Scouts in decorating all known Soldiers' and Sailors' graves and monuments with flags and flowers, also cut flowers that were furnished by the School children and friends.
Exercises were held in the Unitarian Church and at Mayflower, Ashdod, and Standish Cemeteries for veterans of all wars and at Blue Fish River Bridge for the Sailors and Marines who perished at sea.
Dinner was served by the Women's Relief Corps, S. U. V. Aux. and A. L. Aux., to the school children and all who participated in the exercises. We wish to thank all who helped out in any way.
This year we engaged the Duxbury Firemen's Band of 33 pieces and had more music for less money.
As far as the committee can learn the citizens were well pleased with the change of bands.
In the last two years the appropriation has been cut $75.00 at the Committee's request.
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For the past (50) fifty years the unexpended balances have been left in the hands of the committee, but this year we were told to turn it over to the Town Treasurer which was done.
This year we decorated all soldiers' monuments and 252 graves.
23 graves of Revolutionary War Veterans.
3 graves of 1812 War Veterans.
211 graves of Civil War Veterans.
10 graves of World War Veterans.
4 graves of Civil War Army Nurses.
1 grave of Myles Standish.
Appropriation
$325.00
Balance 1934
41.32
$366.32
Expended :
Speaker
$15.00
Music, Band $147.00 Organist $5.00
152.00
Flags
40.50
Flowers
49.50
Printing
14.50
Bus and Auto Hire
20.00
Dinner
42.95
Total
$334.45
Unexpended Balance
31.87
$336.32
Respectfully submitted,
PARKER B. CHANDLER, Chairman
PHILIP G. CHANDLER,
GEORGE B. CUSHING,
EDEN S. GLOVER,
OSCAR B. RYDER,
GEORGE F. WHITE.
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Report of the Planning Board
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of Duxbury :
Your Planning Board makes the following report for the year 1934.
At the annual meeting of the town the sum of $25.00 was voted as an appropriation for the Planning Board and no particular instructions were embraced at this meeting involving special investigations by this Board; fully realizing the exceptionally heavy burdens being forced on the town by prevailing financial depressions we have endeavored to take no action that would add materi- ally to this burden.
The Board organized and held meetings and instructed its Chairman to meet the Board of Selectmen and ascer- tain if they had any problems in which the Planning Board could be of assistance and to ascertain means to- ward which a complete Town Map could be constructed. It seems no map of the town exists which shows accurate road locations as well as other important factors; the Assessors maps are available but drawn to various scales and lack coordination.
Regarding other problems the Board of Selectmen felt that no pressing matter existed at the time.
An attempt was made to seek some means of improving the prevailing unsightly condition of private mail boxes along roadsides by the use of standardized supports; it
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seemed that little could be accomplished owing to the in- difference at least of those who were not permanent resi- dents and we have left this matter in abeyance outside of investigating the cost of such standard supports.
With the prevailing uncertainty as to how far Govern- mental efforts in regional improvements may be extended that might influence our own district and realizing the fi- nancial conditions mentioned above, we feel that no elab- orate requests should be made for funds for any special use of this Board ; however we recognize the very material need of a Town Map and would ask for the total sum of $100.00 to enable us to examine into and report to the next annual town meeting how complete the available data is for this purpose and what costs would be involved to en- able the completion of such. This map is of the highest importance to the town for the proper study of sewerage, road extensions and innumerable problems that con- stantly arise and are impossible to properly understand without its assistance.
The $25.00 appropriation for the year 1934 has not been drawn upon.
Respectfully submitted,
J. WOODWARD MANNING, Chairman. JOSEPHINE H. SHAW, Secretary. FRANKLIN BRETT, BENJAMIN F. GOODRICH, CHARLES BITTINGER.
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Report of the Board of Health
Contagious diseases :
Measles 88
Chicken Pox
1
Dog Bites 7
Scarlet Fever
3
The Board of Health held its first diphtheria prevention clinic this year. 215 children were immunized against diphtheria.
Nuisances reported and abated 2
All local dairies were inspected and licensed.
All dealers were inspected and licensed.
Receipts: 5 registrations for collection of garbage $10.00.
Respectfully submitted,
CHK-EE
C. H. King, M. D.
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Report of Special Committee
Appointed by the Town at the Town Meeting March 3, 1934, to consider the question of the land now being used as a parking place at the end of Powder Point.
To the Citizens of Duxbury :
Your Committee, appointed under the authority of the Town Meeting on March 3, 1934, has carefully considered the question of what are the proper steps, if any, to take in regard to the land now used for a parking place at the head of Long Bridge on Powder Point. This is the prop- erty bounded by King Caesar Road, the Bridge Head, the Beach and the brick wall on the Benedict property. Since the parking place has been made on the Beach end of the Bridge this land has been used during the summer for parking by persons who, for the most part, come from out of Town, leave their cars there, and take their picnic and bathing equipment across the Bridge on foot.
Objections have been raised to this practice on the ground that it creates a nuisance to the persons in the vi- cinity and is detrimental to the Town in general. Messrs. Benedict and others who live in the vicinity have offered, in case the Town votes to approve, to lay out this piece of land as a park at their expense.
There is no question that it would be a very great ad- vantage for the people on the Point and particularly the people living nearby, to have this done. It would not only help local conditions on Sundays and holidays but would also tend in a short time to reduce the traffic on the Point
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and divert the people who wish to use the Beach to the Green Harbor end. It would probably also eventually allow the withdrawal of the police officer who is obliged to be there at present every Sunday and holiday. It would increase the land values in the vicinity, especially for the purpose of renting; would help out the land values on the Point in general and, in addition, would enhance the scenic value of the Town by having a park at this point where a fine view can be obtained of the Bay and Ocean.
The Beach parking place was enlarged last summer by the Beach Associates so that, so far as your Committee is aware, all residents of Duxbury could at all times find places to park on the Beach itself. If this had not been done your Committee would feel differently about the matter, as it is clear that it would be to the disadvantage of the Town to abandon the parking place if the residents were not able to park on the Beach. As they are, there does not seem to be any sound reason for keeping the parking place for the benefit of persons who come from out of Town. It is true, as far as the Town in general is concerned, particularly people who live far away from the point, there would be no very marked advantage in having a park rather than a parking place except the advantage that comes to the whole Town from having parks at points where there is scenic beauty. On the other hand, there is a very great advantage to the people on the Point who are large taxpayers and have a substantial interest inthis part of the Town. It would seem that if any one section of the Town wants some improvement in its section, which is not to the disadvantage of the other sections and is probably somewhat to their advantage, it is only fair that they should have it. Exactly the same reasoning would apply if the residents of West Duxbury or Tarkiln wished a simi- lar improvement.
The possibility of lessening the availability of the Town landing does not seem to be very serious because there are
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very few, if any, people who use this landing to any ex- tent and for all except very few days in the year it would be possible to park an occasional car there on the road. The loss of trade to the Town is not of great moment be- cause most, if not all, of the people who come to this park- ing place bring their own food and equipment and trade little, if any, with the stores that are open on Sundays and Holidays.
As a section of the Town would be very materially bene- fitted and as all the Town would be benefitted to some ex- tent, the Committee feels that this should overrule con- siderations having to do with the people from out of Town. Only a few of them at best can be helped by the parking place and they have ample facilities at the Green Harbor end of the Beach. The visitors who come to this parking place are too few in number and too transient to bring any advantages to the Town. The advantages to the Town of the proposed action would outweigh any disad- vantage to a few out of Town people.
For these reasons, therefore, your Committee recom- mends that the Town vote to discontinue the parking place as now laid out on the condition that the interested parties plant and lay out a suitable park on plans to be ap- proved by the Planning Board or other authority.
FANEUIL ADAMS, JAMES T. O'NEIL, FRANKLIN BRETT,
Committee.
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Report of Committee on Train Field Playground
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :-
During this past year, in addition to the usual repairs, the base-lines have been replaced, graded and leveled, also Westerly end was filled where washouts were, the lower road repaired, owing to the drought the expenditures for mowing etc, were put into helping repairs on "Sanitary Station," which was moved to further end of field by an E. R. A. Project, the Station was shingled, painted inside and out, the swing seats were replaced with new as a safe guard for the children.
Respectfully submitted,
EBEN N. BRIGGS.
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Report of the Librarian of Duxbury Free Library, Inc.
Through gifts and purchases the Library acquired somewhat in access of six hundred and fifty (650) books during 1934. Many of these were replacements for school and other juvenile reading. This, the juvenile depart- ment, is subject to the greatest loss through hard usage and the non-return of books. Children however are not the only offenders in this respect. The total number of missing books-those whose return now seems improb- able-is large. As this constitutes quite a drain on the re- sources of a small library it is hoped there will be less carelessness in the future.
That the price of books has kept to such a steady high level is gratifying to publishers and retailers rather than to this librarian. During the past year the hunt for books at bargain prices has been more difficult. Some of the old sources have failed and new ones had to be located. Almost all of the accessions now come from outside the State, a partial reason for some delay in procuring books for which an instant demand follows the publisher's an- nouncement.
To show how essential it is to find bargains and be able to take advantage of them at once-a practical impossi- bility for any Book Committee-the books purchased in 1934 would have cost us almost double if bought through the ordinary channels subject to library discount.
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The Library is to be congratulated on securing the ser- vices of Mr. H. B. Bradley, elected to the Board of Direc- tors to fill the vacancy caused by the regretted resignation of Mr. Harrison E. Hartford, long a valued member of the Board. During the past year Miss Elizabeth Jacobs, a voluntary worker, gave us assistance for which the Li- brary feels much indebted.
Circulation for 1934 was 31,665. The month of August showed the highest figure with 4,058. The three heavy months were as usual July, August and September, when the summer population is at the maximum. The total cir- culation for the three summer months was 11,161 books.
A gratifying factor during the year was the high aver- age for juvenile attendance and the tendency of the chil- dren to read more advanced and worth-while books. Much of the credit for this is unquestionably due the English teacher at the High School.
Due to the fairly large influx of summer visitors the main demand is for current books of the year. Books that have been out say two years or more do not cut a big figure in the circulation. Therefore one of our main ef- forts is to secure as much of this type of reading matter as our means allow.
FISHER AMES,
Librarian.
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Report of the Treasurer of the Duxbury Free Library, Inc.
January 12, 1935
On hand January 1, 1934
$725.48
Income from :
Wright fund
$2,787.05
Winsor fund
235.00
Hathaway fund
45.69
Harding fund
0.00
Duxbury Hall fund
182.42
$3,250.16
$3,975.64
Expense, Wages :
Ames
$750.00
Bolton
270.00
Needham
300.00
$1,320.00
Higgins
480.00
Telephone
$44.35
Light
55.62
Water
12.00
Coal
415.00
Safe
10.00
$536.97
Insurance
318.49
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Books
600.00
Taxes
2.50
Repairs
50.00
$3,307.96
Balance Cash December 31, 1934
667.68
$3,975.64
WILLIAM H. YOUNG,
Treasurer.
1
-4-4
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Report of Cemetery Trustees
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury :
Again we submit to you our Annual Report of the work done by the Cemetery Department during the past year.
The work of removing the dead wood and raking the leaves was done as usual. Old lots have been rebuilt and new ones added. Many sunken graves were raisd and monuments cleaned. The grass topped lots were fertilized during the summer and top dressed this fall as far as possible.
Ashdod, Standish and Dingley Cemeteries were cared for and the fences painted. Many of the fences around lots in the Mayflower Cemetery were also painted.
Twenty-four foundations were built.
The trees were sprayed and thousands of moth nests creosoted, beside those removed from the monuments and grave markers.
Ten lots have been added to the Perpetual Care list this past year, making a total of 257 now cared for by this fund.
There have been eighteen interments of those who died in town and twenty six from out of town during the year.
The Mayflower Cemetery has increased greatly in size during the past few years and has and will require more
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labor to kep it in shape. It is our sincere intention to keep it the same beautiful and peaceful spot that it has been for so many years.
We wish to thank our towns people for their help, and ask for your continued co-operation in 1935.
Respectfully submitted,
ALBERT M. GOULDING, Chairman. JOHN SIMMONS, Secretary. THEODORE W. GLOVER, ERNEST H. BAILEY, THOMAS W. HERRICK,
Trustees.
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Report of Shellfish Warden
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury :-
Because of the frozen bay for about three months last winter, there was no digging of shellfish, but in March there were 63 men employed in the bay. Through the summer months there was an average of 25 men em- ployed.
Beginning November 15, some of the clams that were seeded last winter had gotten large enough to dig and now there are 34 town men employed on project work and clamming. They average two bushels per man.
There is a new set of clam seed this year. A lot of it ยท has set on new ground. I would estimate there is around 1500 acres seeded very thickly on the shores and flats.
There were 100 bushel of oysters planted and they are growing fine, but I could not find much seed from them. I think that if we had had something for the spat to catch on we could have had some small oysters to re- plant in our channel this year.
The digging and taking of Quahaugs should be stopped for two or three years for they are getting scarce. There is not more than enough now for spawning.
I have had five complaints this year on two Duxbury diggers. These men should be more courteous to the sum- mer people. I know the summer people are helping Dux- bury all they can.
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Duxbury received from the State 14 bushels of seized clams and I planted them in Blue Fish River.
The area of clams on Standish Shore that was closed to digging will not be large enough for anothr year. The clams that were reseeded last winter have grown well, but in some places the cockles got most of them.
The men on the cockle project picked 1,317 buckets an average of 1300 cockles to a bucket. The men on the clam project reseeded 1059 bushels. There has been as many as 30 men employed on these projects.
There has been very little activity this year by the grant owners. Almost all of the grants are well seeded. I have staked out six new grants this year and three were paid for. Last winter the ice pulled off most of the stakes, which meant that I had about all of the old grants to re- stake this summer.
Amount of shellfish marked :
Clams, 2,400 bushels ; Quahaugs, 1,698 bushels ; Razors, 3,910 bushels; Total 8, 008 bushels.
We have issued forty-one digging permits; last year sixty-five were out.
The general public caused me no trouble on the main shores this year, but, because of the digging of the small clams on Duxbury Beach, I have been kept busy there most of the time.
The town diggers try to conserve the shellfish, but the outsiders do not care; they will destroy the last shelfish with no thought for the next man. They even want to know when they can get our oysters and when we are going to open up the main shores to them. They think destroying the shellfish ought to make us feel fine, and by coming here they are doing us a favor.
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