USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1931-1935 > Part 41
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Number of persons assessed on property
1,588
Number of polls assessed
776
State Tax
9,900.00
County Tax
11,283.28
State Audit Tax
184.48
State Park and Reservation Tax
71.08
Tax on Personal Estate
6,552.87
Tax on Real Estate
161,356.86
Tax on Polls
1,552.00
Number of acres of land assessed
14,373
Assessed valuation on 1207 Automobiles
252,900.00
Excise tax (rate $42.65 per $1,000.00 valu.)
6,221.38
SIDNEY C. SOULE, HARRY F. SWIFT, CHARLES R. CROCKER, Assessors of Duxbury.
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Bureau of Old Age Assistance
To the citizens of Duxbury :
Again changes have been made in the Old Age Assist- ance Laws, reducing the residence period from 20 years to 9 years.
Other changes will probably be made in 1936, reducing the age limit to less than 70 years. These conditions will make necessary a larger appropriation for the year 1936.
There were 22 receiving aid January 1, 1935. There have been six added during the year, one re-opened case and two have died. Receiving aid December 31, 1935 were 27 cases.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY F. SWIFT, CHARLES R. CROCKR, ANNIE L. WILLIAMS,
Bureau of Old Age Assistance.
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Report of Department of Public Welfare
To the citizens of Duxbury :
The demands on this Department have not been quite as heavy this year as last. Allotments from the Federal Government have been larger in 1935 than in 1934, which has helped many people. Our shellfish industry has been a great help in furnishing work for many.
Some repairs have been necessary at the Infirmary and the house is now in very good repair.
At present four are receiving care there.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY F. SWIFT, CHARLES R. CROCKER, ANNIE L. WILLIAMS, Board of Public Welfare.
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Report of Chief of Police
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
Following is the report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1935.
ROSTER OF THE DEPARTMENT James T. O'Neil, Chief
PATROLMEN
Earl W. Chandler, Lawrence C. Doyle
CONSTABLES
Andrew J. Delano, William J. Murphy, James T. O'Neil, Arthur W. Johnson
SPECIAL POLICE
Robert I. Tower, Charles C. McNaught, Harry C. Foye
LIST OF OFFENCES
Breaking and Entering and Larceny
8
Concealing leased property
2
Drunkeness 9
Illegal sale of liquor
1
Illegal transportation of liquor
3
Keeping and Exposing liquor for illegal sale
1
Larceny 1
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Leaving scene of Accident without making self known 2 Motor violation 18
Lewd and lascivious cohabitation
2
Non support
2
Operating under influence
4
Operating to endanger
3
Placing obstruction on R. R. track
1
Total 57
DISPOSITIONS
Appeals to Superior Court
1
Sentenced to County and State Institutions
9
Given Probation
6
Released
2
Dismissed
1
Filed
2
Not Guilty
6
Defaulted in Court
2
Fines imposed
28
Total
57
Amount of Fines imposed
$650.00
MISCELLANEOUS
Complaints investigated
409
Motor Vehicle accidents investigated
27
Motor Violations recorded no action
121
Parking permits issued for beach
922
Parking summons issued
12
Summons served for outside Police
29
Arrests made for outside Police
3
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES T. O'NEIL,
Chief of Police.
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Report of Fire Chief
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of Duxbury :
Greetings :
This Department had 41 fires this year, 4 of which were disastrous, and again I call your attention to the serious- ness of spontaneous combustion. Three of these fires were traced directly to that source. Oil rags, Paint rags, Paint brushes, cans, etc., are a sure fire hazard, sooner or later, with atmospheric conditions right you are assured of a good fire. These hazards should be destroyed or removed from the premises. Another source of hazard are the oil stoves which are coming into general use. Without care- ful attention and cleaning they are a menace to your homes. They carbon quickly, and when not properly func- tioning are a dangerous element and another important feature of the oil stove of some makes, consume all the . oxygen in a tightly closed room which means asphyxia- tion to the occupants, or at least a severe headache.
The apparatus is in good condition. Morale of the men, top notch. Our summer residents have taken a great in- terest in this Department for which we are very grate- ful.
I wish to thank the Telephone Operators for their splendid cooperation in handling alarms, they certainly give us clear headed, quick thinking assistance; and to you citizens of Duxbury, I wish to extend to you my sin- cere thanks for your support and cooperation. I have been an officer in the Department for 30 years and have never
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called on you for anything at any time but what I have had your support ; and Thirty Years is a long time.
Remember, this Department is at your service twenty- four hours a day for any thing we are called on for.
Respectfully submitted,
H. E. MERRY,
Fire Chief.
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Report of Forest Fire Warden
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury :
Greetings :
This Department had 52 fires this year. The largest burning over an area of Two acres, the majority of them being less than one-half acre. This again proves to my mind the system under which this Department works and the quick response of the men, as this town has just as many fire hazards and combustible areas as any other town.
I have had brushed out and cleaned up about 20 miles of woods roads through out the town. This makes it possible for apparatus to enter and get to a fire quickly as well as makes a good fire break. These woods roads to my mind will make splendid bridle paths for the ones who care to ride, and I recommend them to you for such pur- pose.
This Department has had no new Apparatus for seven years. One truck was junked last year, and so I am recom- mending the purchase of a truck with booster tank and small pump that will take its place. I have been obliged to use the big pump in the Central Station to wet down Forest Fires in times past. It is not a sound practice. This Truck would also respond to house fires, thereby giving us more Fire Protection.
The Plymouth County Fire Towers will all be equipped this year with Two way Radios which is a big step in the right direction. If the Town installs one in the Station
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and one in the Fire Truck, that will allow communication between the Fire Tower, the Station and the Men work- ing on the fires at all times. The fact that we have had no bad fires in the last few years does not insure us against them. There is always that possibility and you Citizens of Duxbury should be very proud of your forests. No burned over areas to mar their beauty; and so recommend this new step for your consideration.
Respectfully submitted,
H. E. MERRY,
Forest Warden.
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Report of Dump Department
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of Duxbury :
Greetings :
This important branch of service to the towns people is operating smoothly, and the people seem to appreciate its value.
I wish to call your attention to the fact that some people are dumping in other places, making our roadsides very unsightly. This should be stopped. Any person that has any pride in the well being of the town would not be a party to it.
If a courteous request does not obtain this end, other steps will be taken to stop this disgraceful practice.
Respectfully submitted,
H. E. MERRY,
Superintendent.
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Report of Moth Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Since last report work has been carried on about the same as last year. Creosoting egg clusters from January 1st, 1935 until about May 15th, 1935. It was then time to start spraying and this was carried on until the 9th of July.
During October, November and December about twenty four days of creosoting was done. Starting creosoting again January 4th, 1936, which we are still doing.
We are greatly in need of a New Power Sprayer, our machines were purchased in 1918.
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 no money was appropriated for this Department but we were allowed $894.40 from the Lucy Hathaway Trust Fund which was used in trim- ming and cutting on Surplus Street, Bay Road, Harrison, Park, Washington, West, Lincoln, Keene, Temple, Laurel, St. George, Alden, Crescent, Standish and Marshall Sts. Tent caterpillar spraying was also done on these streets.
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 not quite so bad this year.
I still recommend that this department should have $1,000.00 to work with if we want to protect our trees.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN D. MORRISON,
Tree Warden.
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Report of Street Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury.
Since the last report of this department the work of re- pairing, resurfacing and looking after the roads has been done. The appropriation being less this year and a much larger amount of resurfacing having to be done, I feel the roads are in a fair condition.
On the appropriation for sidewalks I would report that there is 2650 ft. of curbing built, and 1700 ft. of sidewalk completed and treated with Tarvia and stone dust. On account of freezing weather the work had to be given up.
Minor repairs have been done on bridges, town land- ings and signs.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD S. O'NEIL,
Superintendent of Streets.
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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 :
The usual custom of decorating the graves of deceased veterans of all Wars was followed by the members of Myles Standish Camp, No. 115 S. U. V. C. W., Duxbury Post No. 223 American Legion, Sailors from the National Sailors Home, Boy and Girl Scouts, Members of the Women's Relief Corps, S. U. V. C. W., Aux. A. L. Auxil- iary and the school children.
Exercises being held at the Unitarian Church, May- flower, Ashdod, No. Duxbury, Dingley, and Standish Cemeteries, and at Blue Fish River Bridge for the Vet- erans of all wars.
This year we decorated all Soldiers' Monuments and 257 graves of veterans, adding 2 Rev. graves, 1 war of 1812 and 1 World War and 1 Colonial War grave.
25 graves of Revolutionary War Veterans.
4 graves of 1812 War Veterans.
211 graves of Civil War Veterans.
11 graves of World War Veterans.
4 graves of Civil War Army Nurses.
1 grave of Myles Standish.
1 grave of Col. Johnathan Alden.
257
Respectfully submitted, PARKER B. CHANDLER, Chairman. OSCAR B. RYDER, G. BAILEY CUSHING, ELMER MADDOCKS, JAMES EDWARDS.
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Report of the Planning Board
Your Planning Board has conferred with the Board of Selectmen in regard to By-laws for the control of Bill- boards in Duxbury. The Massachusetts Billboard Law Defense Committee has submitted By-laws for the Regu- lation of Advertising Signs and Billboards and copies are available at the coming town meeting for those interested. Your combined committee feel that for the general in- terest of Duxbury's needs its provisions in part should be embodied in the more condensed form as appears in the Town Warrant.
The Board has investigated the question of the prep- aration of a Town Map but in view of the fact that the United States Geological Survey is rapidly completing a new map of this district very complete in general details that could only be supplied through such a source, it did not seem advisable to involve any expense on the part of the town in advance of such data. The district of Plym- outh is already available in advance sheets and embodies topographical data, accurate road locations and existing buildings in the outlying areas and many other details that otherwise could only be obtained at large expense.
The State of Massachusetts assisted by Government Aid, has in preparation very complete additional data covering every town of the State with maps, including the streets, lesser roads and public paths with studies as to their future development; the ponds and water courses with full details as to their levels and data as to future drainage and sewerage problems, the location of water- holes both existing and available. The parks, reservations and sport facilities both existing and for future develop- ment; the locations of industries, public utilities, water
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systems, fire stations, farms, summer residences and civic centers ; schools and school sports facilities.
A vast amount of information is thus embodied, which can if available help to make such a Town Map as your Board would like to create. We are well aware that some difficulty may arise as to gaining access to some of this data but we ask for a special appropriation of $50.00 for the gradual collection of such maps and reports (some doubtless free) as may be possible with a view to their future use. Unless some definite effort is made to collect such data as it becomes available, difficulty will be met with to collect it later.
Through the energy of our Secretary Mrs. J. H. Shaw, several mail-box stands were erected on Bay Road at a total expense to our fund of $41.10, thus doing away with a very neglected condition that existed in that district.
We hope this example of what can be done may be fol- lowed where numerous mail-box owners are clolsely con- gregated together not only to remove such unsightly con- ditions ; furthermore to facilitate delivery of mails and es- pecially to conform to the Post Office regulations that mail- boxes be placed on the right-hand side of the course of delivery by the mail carrier both for his own and the public safety and to avoid non-delivery of mail to the box- owner where such rules are not followed.
In addition to the $50.00 for Town Map purposes as noted above we would request an additional $50.00 for general purposes; making a total request of $100.00 for the year 1936.
Of the fund of $100.00 made available for 1935 we re- turn to the General Fund the balance of 58.90.
Respectfully submitted, J. WOODWARD MANNING, FRANKLIN BRETT, JOSEPHINE H. SHAW, B. F. GOODRICH, RAY O. DELANO.
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Report of the Board of Health
Contagious diseases :
Measles 15
Chicken pox
3
Scarlet Fever
3
Whooping Cough
103
Tuberculosis
2
Dog bites 4
Nuisances reported and abated 6.
All local dairies inspected and licensed.
All dealers inspected and licensed.
Receipts: 5 registrations for collection of garbage $10.00
1 permit for pasteurization of milk $10.00.
1 permit to sell methyl alcohol $1.00.
Respectfully submitted,
C. H. KING, M. D.
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Report of Committee on Train Field Playground
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Have simply done the work necessary to keep up the Playground.
I recommend rebuilding the Bleachers during the year 1936.
Respectfully submitted,
EBEN N. BRIGGS.
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Report of the Librarian of Duxbury Free Library, Inc.
Like other libraries throughout New England- throughout the country for that matter according to A. L. A. bulletins-the wearing off of the effects of the depression has shown itself in a decrease in our circula- tion. But it is still above the standard set for towns of the size of Duxbury, and with the reading habits acquired during the past four years it is probable it will continue to stay above the average.
Two factors noticeable during the year were: (1) the increased circulation of books, other than those prescri- bed for school reading, among the older pupils. (2) That new residents settling in the town have almost without exception registered immediately at the library and be- come steady patrons.
Attendance for the Year 13,075
Circulation for the Year 28,476
Book Budget for the Year $600.00
Bought 410 Books at a total of 583.45
As the publisher's prices for these books ranged from $2.00-$5.00 it can be seen that a good many were pur- chased at bargain prices, though not so many as in 1934.
During the year 215 books were presented to the library by patrons.
Number of books added by gift and purchase 615
In addition a number of gift copies of magazines and bulletins were received.
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On the other side 215 books had to be discarded, as too worn out or mutilated for further circulation.
Thus the total increase for the year was 400 books, but many of the gift books were duplicates of volumes already on the shelves.
The problem of finding shelf room for the growing number of books has become serious. All the available wall space on the main floor has been taken up by new stacks during the past four years. Extra shelves might be added above the present stacks in the west wing and por- table steps provided to reach them. This would take care of the increase for the next four years, and possibly longer, depending on the rate at which worn out volumes are discarded.
Stack space in either of the two basement furnace rooms is not practical under present conditions, due to the constant deposit of coal and ash dust.
The heating system is old, ineffective and uneconomical, and one of the greatest needs of the library is completely new, modern heating apparatus.
Signed,
FISHER AMES, Librarian.
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Report of the Treasurer of the Duxbury Free Library, Inc.
Appropriation from Town of Duxbury
$1,053.00
From the Hathaway Fund 447.20
All of this money was used in paying wages and Library Employees.
Cash on hand January 1, 1935 $667.68
Income from :
Wright fund
$2,780.03
Winsor fund
235.00
Hathaway fund
88.25
Harding fund
69.21
Duxbury Hall fund
160.00
$3,332.49
Principal collected
13,288.00
$17,288.17
Expenses :
Wages :
Fisher Ames
$750.00
Elizabeth Bolton
300.00
Geo. Needham
270.00
$1,320.00
Miss Higgins
480.00
Telephone
42.65
Light
67.57
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Water
21.06
Heat
319.50
Safe
10.00
$460.78
Taxes
1.12
Accrued Interest
171.00
Insurance
184.00
Books
752.00
Principal invested
12,026.14
Principal uninvested
1,219.67
*Bal. of income Dec. 31, 1935
673.46
$17,288.17
*Includes $42.19 from year 1933.
WILLIAM H. YOUNG,
Treasurer.
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Report of Cemetery Trustees
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury :
. Another year has rolled by and again we submit our annual report. The usual work of raking the leaves and clearing the ground of dead limbs was done.
The trees were sprayed and many moth nests creosoted.
The grass was kept mowed and the avenues raked. The grass topped lots were given a dressing of Commercial Fertilizer in the early summer and top dressed again in the fall. Several old lots were made over and new ones built and the ground cleared of wood for many more.
Many lots are being taken by those who were formerly summer residents but who now are spending the greater part of the year in Duxbury. This is very gratifying to us as many have expressed their appreciation of the natural beauty of our cemeteries.
Many of the sunken graves were refilled and twenty- four foundations for new monuments were built.
The usual work at the Myles Standish, Ashdod and Dingley cemeteries was done and the fences around all of the cemeteries in our care were given a coat of paint.
Twelve new lots have been added to the Perpetual Care list this past year making a total of 269 now being cared for by this fund.
There have been twenty-seven interments of those who died in town and thirty-three from out of town during the year.
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As the cemetery is increasing in size it will be necessary this coming year to extend the water pipes and build and re-surface new avenues which will add to the expense.
Again we want to tell you of our appreciation of your co-operation and ask for your further help in 1936.
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 snow, ice and fog there was no digging of shellfish up to January 29. At that date the razor fish digging commenced and lasted just one day. It started again on February 11 with 25 men digging. In the period from January 29 to February 11 the E. R. A. workers seeded clams on Standish Shore.
From July 1 to October 1 the E. R. A. men picked 1465 buckets of cockles.
Because of the storm in November washing out the clams, we replanted 1069 bushels in three days and we were prevented from replanting more because of a short- age in money. There were consequently, thousands of dollars worth of clams which went to waste.
The total of all seeding by both project and town workers was 5,279 bushels.
We received and turned into the town treasury $28.88 from oysters which were planted during the year 1934. The cost of planting these oysters was just 72c a bushel and they sold for $2.50 a bushel.
Duxbury received from the State 60 barrels of qua- haugs and they were planted on Duck and Goose Flats.
The clams on Standish Shore grow very slowly and they ought to be used as seed to plant on other areas.
There have been two grants issued during the year 1935.
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AMOUNT OF SHELLFISH MARKETED
Clams
28,629 bushels
Razor Fish
551 bushels
Quahaugs 1,035 bushels
Total 30,215 bushels
Last year's total of shellfish was 8,008 bushels
This total represents approximately 6 months of dig- ging.
A valuation total of $45,318.
It is very difficult to get the correct amount of shell- fish dug as no one keeps a very accurate account and I know this total is under-estimated.
The more money involved in town the more co-opera- tion we should receive from the Town's diggers.
Last year there were 43 digging permits issued, and this year 98 permits. The general public has destroyed practically everything that there was on Duxbury Beach by using improper implements. The town commercial diggers should be more conservative in regard to the dig- ging of the shellfish.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY C. FOYE,
Shellfish Warden.
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Report of the Duxbury Tercentenary Committee
The Duxbury Tercentenary Committee met to organ- ize on June 12, 1935 and has held two subsequent meet- ings. Mr. Harry F. Swift was chosen chairman and Mrs. Paul C. Peterson, secretary.
Dr. Herman C. Bumpus was appointed chairman of a committee on the preparation of a volume commemora- tive of the Tercentenary. Dr. Reuben Peterson was chosen chairman of a committee on markers for trails, roads, shipyards and other sites of historical interest. Both committees have made reports of progress and are actively engaged in their preliminary work.
A representative of the Duxbury Rural Society, Inc., of the Duxbury Yacht Club, and of the Community Garden Club of Duxbury were appointed on invitation, by these organizations, to confer with the committee at its meetings; and several other interested citizens were asked to attend.
The committee endorses the restoration of Partridge Academy before June 1937, as an allied project, though not under its immediate jurisdiction.
Tentative plans have been outlined for the celebration of the three hundredth anniversary of the town's incorp- oration, June 17, 1937.
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The committee recommends an appropriation of three thousand dollars, ($3000) for the carrying-out of its pro- jects and duties.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY F. SWIFT, Chairman, HERMAN C. BUMPUS, CHARLES R. CROCKER, BENJAMIN O. DAWES, ELIZABETH S. PETERSON, Sec., REUBEN PETERSON, ADELINE M. SOULE, SIDNEY C. SOULE, GORDON TWEED.
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Report of the Clerk of the F. E. R. A.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Following is a report of the work, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Relief Administration during the current year. These Projects have made it possible to give employment to men and women who, in many cases, would be getting aid from the Welfare Department.
The Project of reseeding clams has operated continu- ously through the year with very good results. 4,210 bushels of clams and 180 bushels of quahaugs were seeded, besides destroying 3567 buckets of cockles. The clams first seeded on this Project are now ready for dig- ging and many thousands of dollars worth have been taken from the flats during the past summer, giving work to as many as seventy men at one time.
A complete catalogue of the books and authors was made at the library. The tennis court at the High School, which was started last year, was completed and was used considerably during the summer. Much work has been done in clearing a fire lane through the middle section of the town to help prevent forest fires, and several water holes were dug in the western section of the town, where there is no other means of fire protection. Many of the in- land streams were cleared and the surrounding swamps drained to prevent the breeding of mosquitos and a good deal of work was accomplished, in conjunction with the Moth Department, in the extermination of Gypsy Moths and other tree pests.
The brush over the entire area around the Tarkiln School was cut out and work was started on a playground
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and ball field, which is being continued under the W. P. A. The outside surface of the Tarkiln, Point, and Village Schools was given two coats of paint and 18,554 feet of fence along the highways of the town were repaired and given two coats of paint. After the snowstorm in January the entire force of E. R. A. workers was placed on an "Emergency Snow Removal Project" saving the town $502.75. A fine cement curbing was put in along St. George Street from the Town Offices to Cedar Street which adds much to the beauty of this street. A bathing beach was constructed in the rear of the engine house at Bluefish River and was used considerable by the children. A series of swimming and life saving lessons, sponsored by the Red Cross and open to all children were very well attended at this new beach during the summer.
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