USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1936-1940 > Part 13
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REPORT OF FOREST WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Greetings :
We had 56 fires start in the woods and roadsides in the past year. Each one of these had a great possibility of serious damage, but were checked in time. The small units in this department do very effective work by quick response to all calls.
During the drought last summer we just doubled our efforts to prevent anything serious occurring and the records show the benefit from this made it well worth while.
During the great Plymouth fire we sent efficient help and equipment which was greatly appreciated by them, but by so doing, did not weaken our own organization.
Radio is coming into use and is a great help in get- ting our calls promptly. I am making a study of this system and as soon as the State has a definite plan to work by I will report further. One Fire Chief has said, and aptly, the first five minutes is better than the next five hours.
The apparatus and equipment is in excellent condi- tion.
Respectfully submitted,
H. E. MERRY,
Forest Warden
146
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 Janu- ary 1937 until about May 21st. It was then time to start spraying.
This department was very lucky in having the Town purchase a new spraying machine and this machine has proven very satisfactory.
Since Nov. 1st we have been creosoting egg clusters along the roadsides and conditions look very good.
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 $600.00 was ap- propriated for the use of the Tree Warden Depart- ment.
The new Town spraying machine was a great help in spraying for tent caterpillar, canker worm and elm- leaf beetles.
Trimming and cutting deadwood from trees on the following streets: Union, Upland Rd., Depot, Standish, Surplus, Powder Point, Harrison, Washington, Mar- shall, Columbus Ave., Crescent, Elm, Summer and Chestnut.
This department should have more money to work with.
JOHN D. MORRISON, Tree Warden
148
REPORT OF WELFARE PHYSICIAN
Board of Welfare
Duxbury, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my annual report as physician of the Board of Welfare for the year 1937.
There were 204 visits made to patients receiving aid from the Welfare Board during the year. The visits were distributed as follows:
January
44
February
23
March
19
April
27
May
14
June
12
July
5
August
13
September
14
October
11
November
9
December
13
Several cases required hospitalization at the Jordan Hospital and the Massachusetts General Hospital.
Respectfully submitted,
C. H. KING, M. D.
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149
REPORT OF STREET DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury :
The usual road work has been done and they are in good condition.
Elm St. from Toby Garden St. to Tremont St. was widened and graveled the labor being done by the W. P. A. and this department furnishing trucks and drivers for carting the materials, and the tar for the approaches to Elm and Toby Garden St.
Resurfacing was done on Franklin St. from Con- gress St. to Route 3, also Temple St. from West St. to Lincoln St. and a small portion of Lincoln to Franklin St.
Seal coats were applied where needed.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD S. O'NEIL, Superintendent of Streets
150
REPORT OF MEMORIAL DAY COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury :
The Memorial Day Committee respectfully submit the following report :
The annual custom of decorating the graves of all known soldiers, sailors and marines of all wars with flags and flowers by Myles Standish Camp No. 115, S. U. V. C. W., Duxbury Post No. 223, American Legion, sailors from the National Sailors' Home, and Boy and Girl Scouts.
Exercises were held in the Unitarian Church, at May- flower, Ashdod, Standish, No. Duxbury and Dingley Cemeteries; also at Blue Fish River Bridge for the Sailors and Marines who perished at sea.
This year there was no dinner at the hall and the line of march was shortened as the units were disbanded at Mayflower Cemetery ..
Two World War Veterans were buried in Duxbury this year as well as the last survivor of the Grand Army of the Republic in Duxbury.
All soldiers' monuments and 260 graves.
25 Graves of Revolutionary War Veterans.
4 Graves of 1812 War Veterans.
212 Graves of Civil War Veterans.
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13 Graves of World War Veterans. 4 Graves of Civil War Army Nurses.
1 Grave of Myles Standish.
1 Grave of Johnathan Alden, Col.
260 Total.
Many thanks to all who helped.
Respectfully submitted,
PARKER B. CHANDLER, Chairman
GEORGE B. CUSHING PHILIP G. CHANDLER
JULIUS B. CHANDLER G. BAILEY CUSHING
152
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
Owing to the fact that the State Planning Board of Massachusetts, with the aid of the general Government agencies, has been making a town survey of the state involving five maps for each town-these embracing topography, building locations, crop and general usage survey, water courses and adaptations and other fac- tors-we have awaited the completion of this valuable data as an adjunct to help form a proper basis of our future recommendations.
The recent purchase of the Alden and Abbott prop- erties has led your board to consider the future use of the same and after examination we have prepared and submit herewith certain recommendations, part of which may refer to the distant future but will at least form a basis for discussion.
An opinion prevails that eventually some site for a town office building to meet increasing usage which must ensue should be provided for; the location shown would be admirable for this purpose and should an auditorium be eventually required this should form a part of the town office building structure.
In our suggested plan the present quarter-mile run- ning track as shown would be drawn back from the proposed new town office site and extended southerly and partly into the Abbott estate so as to preserve the present length of the running track; otherwise to re- main as now. The roadways as indicated would render all parts of the property accessible and injure none of the athletic or school extension problems that might
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INEX HIG SCHOOL LIBRY SIT FOR TOWN HALL GRAMMAR SCHOOL TRIN FIELD
PLANNING BOARD
ยท CHAIRMAN:
J. WOODWARD MANNING B.F.600DRICH RAY D. DELANO
ADDITION PUEIG PARKING RESERVOIR
DUXBURY PLANNING BOARD
FRANKLIN BRETT MRS.J.H.SHAW
SECRETARY
PRELIMINARY STUDY OF THE ADDITION TO TRAIN FIELD AND HIGH SCHOOL GROUNDS DUXBURY, MASSACHUSETTS
100
SCALE OF FEET O
200 500
F.B. DEL.
P
TE
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arise. Eventually an outlet to Harrison Street will solve the question of the best possible access from all directions to school athletic and civic features; a factor of vital need as is exemplified at the usual large gather- ings on Train Field.
The advantages of the Alden purchase with the in; clusion of Wright's Pond is a matter of far greater im- portance to the citizens of the town than can be appre- ciated without a visit to this pond; surrounded as it is with perfect woodland borders, adjacent open fields and salt marshes; its capabilities as a small park is of profound importance with topographic conditions ad- mitting easy conditions for road construction and wood- land paths and it is hoped by your board that extreme care be exercised under proper supervision to see that the natural growth is not mercilessly and needlessly destroyed in any construction work; as a board we would suggest that this be a park of strictly New Eng- land plant material and that its natural beauty be strictly conserved.
There is an historical association connected with this property as the site of the original John Alden house; now commemorated by a marker on its site and we know of no more suitable name for the park itself than Alden Park and this restricted area including the pond (Wright's Pond) and its shores should be set aside as Park property.
A casual examination of the present cement dam to Wright's Pond would indicate that it is in good condi- tion; by broadening the present road over this dam ac- cess is gained to the high land beyond and the southern heavily wooded shores of Wright's Pond. Eventually there should be acquired by the town a narrow strip of
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property parallel to the railroad as an outlet to Harri- son Street.
The accompanying map outlines the suggestions noted above.
Duxbury is interwoven with many winding roads and much woodland while the main routes do not pass through the most populated portions of the town. This results in confusion to strangers as to locations of inter- est and in numerous instances to lack of such knowl- edge by residents as well; we therefore have prepared a map locating such factors as are most commonly sought for and issue the same with this report.
A general criticism is the lack of street signs and we are making a census for report at next town meeting as to the proportion of road intersections lacking in this respect.
Your board has expended none of its 1937 appropria- tion but in anticipation of a more active course in the future would ask for an appropriation the ensuing year of $200.00.
J. WOODWARD MANNING. Chairman FRANKLIN BRETT JOSEPHINE H. SHAW B. F. GOODRICH
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REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
January 6, 1938.
Gentlemen :
I have the honor to submit herewith my annual report as agent for the Board of Health.
There were seventy-four contagious cases reported in the town of Duxbury during the past year. They were as follows:
Chicken Pox
3
Measles
28
Mumps 8
Scarlet Fever
10
Whooping Cough
21
Syphillis
3
Gonorrhea
1
There has been more Whooping Cough in the entire state of Massachusetts than there has been in many years. The Scarlet Fever cases were all found to be from contacts with infected cases in adjoining towns. No milk supply proved to be contaminated.
The dairies of all producers of milk were inspected and licensed. All retailers were inspected and licensed. Licenses were also issued to dealers in Oleomargarine and Methyl Alcohol.
The Board received various complaints against over- flowing cesspools, dead fish on the beach, improper
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garbage disposal, and other nuisances to the health of the town. These were all investigated and satisfactorily corrected.
The Board of Health has continued the program of School Dental Work. The results have far exceeded our expectations. Dr. Mayers, the school dentist, has made splendid progress in correcting the deplorable amount of dental defects present among the children in the lower grades. This work has also been a great stimulus to the parents to have much of this work done privately. In the annual school examination this year instead of finding four out of five children requiring immediate dental work to prevent later deformity of the mouth, I found about one out of five requiring such work. I feel that the town will receive dividends many times over for the work in the general improvement of the health of its future citizens.
There were thirteen dog bites reported in the town during the year. I might note here that under the new State law the towns are required to treat, free of charge, with anti-rabic vaccine any person bitten by a dog with- in the town. If the dog is licensed the state will rebate the cost of the vaccine to the town. If the dog is un- licensed the town must pay for the vaccine.
The Board of Health collected the following money for licenses and permits :
1 Pasteurization Permit $10.00
4 Garbage Permits $8.00
The town dump has been kept unusually clean this year by Mr. Maddocks. The fire department has burned regularly so that at no time was it a fire hazard.
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At the present time the Board of Health has two cases under treatment at the Plymouth County Hospital, one case at Lakeville Sanitorium, and one case at the State Infirmary.
I would like to express my appreciation for the splen- did co-operation given the Board of Health by the vari- ous physicians practising in the town.
Sincerely,
C. H. KING, Secretary and Agent.
CHK:EW
REPORT OF SCHOOL DENTIST
January 6, 1938.
Board of Health
Dear Sirs:
I have had under my care fifty children from the first four grades and have inserted two hundred sixty-six fillings and extracted eighty-five teeth and cleaned the teeth of 65 children.
There are still about ten children in those grades whose work has not been finished. This will be done as soon as possible.
Respectfully,
GEORGE M. MAYERS, D.D.S., School Dentist.
158
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN DUXBURY FREE LIBRARY, INC.
The vacancy on the Board of Directors caused by the death of its late member, Dr. Byron C. Leavitt, has been filled by the election of Dr. Reuben Peterson. The Board feels gratified at having secured the services of so distinguished a citizen who has already shown in many ways a helpful interest in town affairs.
During the year, as in the past, the Library received many gifts of books and magazines from generous friends. These yearly gifts together with the recently larger purchases have gradually been taxing the capac- ity of the Library. Such a condition is common, of course, to all libraries not provided with proper storage facilities for the future.
In its construction the Duxbury Library did not make any provision for such growth as it has had. Obviously its use by the schools and the increasing summer popu- lation was not foreseen. The Directors have added many stacks and cases, especially during the past 7 or 8 years. Except for the possibility of a gallery, which would be expensive, practically all of the available space on the main floor has been filled.
As a simpler expedient the Directors authorized the construction of wall stacks in the central basement. Shelving has been completed for about 5,000 volumes which will allow for normal growth for a long time to come. The room is heated, has new adequate lighting,
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tables, etc. A comfortable place for workers and read- ers has been provided.
Another very important change made during the year was the installation of modern lighting in both wings. Formerly on dark days or in the evening, it was difficult and in some cases impossible to read the titles of the books as they stood on the shelves. In the fiction stacks hand lights had to be used even in the daytime, and these lights were constantly being broken or getting out of order.
The new system has done away with all such dif- ficulties. Any desired volume can now be easily located by any patron.
Circulation continues good for normal times. But in reading, as in everything else, times have changed. The information and entertainment offered readers today covers a tremendously wide field, a world-wide field, much of which is new territory to the layman. A few years ago the old favorites could be counted on for their share of the circulation. Today very few of them go out. Readers demand literature in the modern style and viewpoint, and of a far wider range than ever before. Libraries are being obliged to extend themselves to meet this change.
FISHER AMES, Librarian.
160
REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF THE DUXBURY FREE LIBRARY, INC.
Cash on hand January 1, 1937
$1,379.91
Income:
Wright Fund $3,092.29
Winsor Fund
230.00
Hathaway Fund
74.99
Harding Fund
57.92
Duxbury Hall Fund
217.00
$3,672.20
Principal uninvested December 31, 1937 28.93
3,701.13
$5,081.04
Expense :
Mr. Ames
$485.00
Mrs. Bencordo
150.00
Mr. Needham
138.00
773.00
Telephone
45.20
Light
85.43
Water
12.00
Oil
271.07
Insurance
184.00
Safe
10.00
Taxes
1.00
Cleaning
86.50
Electric Wiring
274.51
Painting
68.00
Repairs
74.14
1,111.85
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Books
944.00
$2,828.85
Cash balance December 31, 1937 .
2,252.19
$5,081.04
January 21, 1938
WILLIAM H. YOUNG,
Treasurer
162
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON TRAIN FIELD PLAYGROUND
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :
The general routine work on the grounds and build- ings has been done for the year. The bleachers have been rebuilt on both sides of the field, the easterly bleachers being built so they can be moved to any place on the field if needed.
The infield has been laid out to the regulation size and the base lines refilled with loam instead of gravel which was removed and used for filling the easterly approach to the field. I also have enough loam to take care of the infield in the spring.
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I would like very much to see a permanent electric light line put in to the band stand, instead of having to run a line every time that lights are needed, and I feel this would be a saving to the Town.
Respectfully submitted,
EBEN N. BRIGGS
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163
REPORT OF SHELLFISH WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury :
Due to the fact that there have been more outsiders than Duxbury men digging on private grants during the summer months it is impossible to make a very ac- curate report.
During the past year there has been scarcely any government projects working on the shellfish, but we are receiving revenue from the projects which occurred during the past two years.
Town Project : Plowed: 5,690 sq. yds. 489 bu. of seed dug and planted on Joe's Point Total Expense : $495.11 6 men employed
Approximate Amount Dug :
Clams
29,705 bu.
Razor Fish
4,813 bu.
Total
34,518 bu.
(Value $34,518.00)
Permits 83
Grants
14
There were 4 arrests and 2 convicted on charges of having small clams.
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We received from the state some smelt spawn which were put in Millbrook and Island Creek brooks.
I found and returned three dories.
I have put some alewife herring in the ponds.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY C. FOYE, Shellfish Warden
165
REPORT OF THE CLERK OF W. P. A.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
At the beginning of the year there were three W. P. A. projects in operation employing 23 men and 4 women. This was a great reduction from the number which were working during the previous year, as there were as many as 75 employed at one time during the first months of the year. This reduction was caused by a decrease in the quota for the town as efforts were being made at that time to curtail W. P. A. expenses through- out the State. We were fortunate in having an open winter, enabling those men who were formerly work- ing on W. P. A. projects to find employment, either by digging shellfish or in some other line of work. After the first of April our quota was further reduced at inter- vals, until on July 5th the last project was closed. Again conditions were not serious because of the increased amount of private work, directly attributed to the fact that Duxbury's Tercentenary Celebration came this year.
After the summer rush of business was over, how- ever, work came to a standstill and applications began to come in for work on the W. P. A. Efforts were made to get this work but it was not until after the first of the year that a project was started.
The work for the year consisted of straightening, widening and gravelling of several miles of dirt roads,
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painting and trimming trees for the extermination of gypsy moths, and the making of 1995 articles of clothing by the women on the Sewing Project. The total amount spent for labor during the year was $8,997.00.
Respectfully submitted,
ERNEST A. JONES, Supervisor.
167
REPORT OF CEMETERY TRUSTEES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and citizens of Duxbury :
We submit our annual report for 1937. Again the usual work of trimming out the dead wood and spray- ing the trees has been done. Two large ones blew down and had to be removed, fortunately no damage being done. This coming year the trees should all have a thorough going over that they may be kept in as healthy a condition as possible.
The leaves were raked and the avenues edged and cleaned.
The lots had to be mowed many times as they pro- duced a fine crop of grass all summer.
Eight new lots were built and six old ones rebuilt. Seventeen foundations were built this past year.
Ashdod and Dingley Cemeteries were cared for and the fences painted as were the guns and fence at the Standish Cemetery. The grave of Myles Standish was visited by hundreds of people this past season. There were eight new lots added to the Perpetual Care list the past year making a total of two hundred seventy- three.
There have been thirteen interments of those who died in town and forty-three who died out of town.
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As the Mayflower Cemetery is fast increasing in size it requires that a lot of work be done, together with giving the trees special attention. To do this work it seems necessary for us to ask for an appropriation of $6500 this coming year.
We again want to express to you our appreciation for your support in the past and ask for your help in the coming year.
Respectfully submitted,
THEODORE W. GLOVER, Chairman, JOHN SIMMONS, Secretary, ERNEST H. BAILEY, THOMAS W. HERRICK, ARTHUR W. WRIGHT,
Cemetery Trustees
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169
REPORT OF DUXBURY TOWN HISTORIAN
Despite the fact that your historian was appointed less than a year ago, his experience as a member of the Tercentenary Committee has provided him with much material of historical interest. It has shown the need of keeping accurate records of present day happenings if we are to make easier the tasks of those who shall have charge of the Celebration one hundred years in the future. To this end your historian would make the following suggestions :
1. Cards are obtainable at the Town Treasurer's office for registering certain data concerning houses built or to be erected. Each house owner should wel- come the opportunity to have his house so recorded. The dates of the erection of the old houses in Duxbury are very uncertain. The building dates of houses going up today will be just as inaccurate one hundred years from now unless they are recorded.
2. The Tercentenary Committee found it difficult and at times impossible to secure pictures of the town as it was fifty or seventy-five years ago. However, now that photography has been so highly developed, pictures of all houses in the town, together with landscapes, should be secured and filed away for future reference.
3. As soon as possible the town should provide fire- proof storage facilities for historical data which, if de- stroyed, can never be replaced. While Alexander Standish should not be blamed for destruction by fire of early town records, those responsible today would be justly censured if the same thing happened again.
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4. Duxbury, above all other towns, is replete with places of historical interest. The Tercentenary Com- mittee has erected nine markers suitably inscribed. Steps should be taken to provide funds for the erection of at least one additional marker a year until all im- portant sites have been taken care of. Experience has shown that such markers should be of granite if they are to endure. Already six months after the Tercen- tenary, the wooden markers are disappearing.
5. A small sum of money has been placed in an article in the town warrant and it is most desirable that the town vote this sum for the above stated purposes.
Respectfully submitted,
REUBEN PETERSON, M.D.
171
REPORT OF THE RAILROAD COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Duxbury, Massachusetts :
A REPORT BY THE DUXBURY RAILROAD COMMITTEE CREATED BY THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING OF MARCH 6, 1937
Pursuant to vote the Selectmen appointed three asso- ciates for this committee. Viz: Charles S. Clark, Ben- jamin F. Goodrich, Percy L. Walker. Mr. Clark was elected Chairman, Mr. Soule, Secretary.
Immediately the committee petitioned the Legisla- ture as directed. Considerable delay was caused by numerous suggested changes. When these were com- pleted Representative Langille presented the Bill to the Legislature.
It was referred to the Committee on Rules where for one reason or another it was held for some time. Finally that committee granted a hearing which numerous Dux- bury men attended.
The Bill then was submitted to the Committee on Towns. Another hearing was held and finally the Bill was approved, passed and signed by Governor Hurley on June 10th, 1937. The Bill reads as follows:
"THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS IN THE YEAR ONE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED AND THIRTY SEVEN
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AN ACT authorizing the Towns of Marsh- field and Duxbury to contribute toward the Cost of Railroad Service therein.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- resentatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
Section 1. The Towns of Marshfield and Duxbury may, from time to time, for the pur- pose of avoiding a reduction or discontinuance of railroad service therein, enter into an agree- ment with the New York, New Haven and Hart- ford Railroad Company, its successors or as- signs, to pay any part or all of any excess of the cost of the service on the line of said com- pany operated in said towns above the amount of the receipts from said line arising from the rates and fare in effect thereon during the pe- riod covered in such agreement. The depart- ment of public utilities shall, upon application of said towns, or either of them, determine any question relating to the character or extent of service rendered or facilities furnished in said towns in pursuance of said agreements, in the event of differences arising between the said railroad company and said towns, or either of them, in relation thereto. Each of said towns may raise by taxation such amounts, but not in excess of fifty cents per thousand of the valuation of said towns in any one year, as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this act.
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