USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1936-1940 > Part 26
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52
-178-
On Monday, April 25th, the committee met with Messrs. F. J. Wall, Vice President, A. H. Seaver, Pas- senger Traffic Manager, S. F. Mackay, General Super- intendent of Transportation, W. P. Read, Assistant Pas- senger Traffic Manager; Arthur H. Blackman, General Counsel ; Charles Caley, Transportation Analyst.
Experience having demonstrated the success of the so- called "Standish," the Duxbury committee recommended that train be operated upon the schedule in effect in 1936 because the changes made in 1937 had proven to be not attractive.
These officers of the railroad were unable to render a decision as to the continued operation of a train that had been in service for eight or nine years. The matter was referred back to the Trustees, and on May 6th A. H. Seaver, Passenger Traffic Manager, advised :
"Having in mind all of the various features and the fact that the Railroad has requested the Interstate Commerce Commission to reopen our abandonment case, it has been decided by the Trustees that it will not be practicable to restore The Standish and that our passenger train service between Greenbush and King- ston will be operated as now advertised in the current timetable until final decision is reached.
Effective Monday, June 20, the schedule will be slightly changed south of Greenbush, to allow time for chang- ing power at that point."
The schedule to be effective Monday, June 20th, called for a train to leave South Duxbury at five minutes past seven in the morning, make numerous stops to Boston, which in the opinion of the committee would neither pro- vide public necessity and convenience nor revenue for the railroad.
- ---- ---
-179-
Persons interested in Duxbury property for the sum- mer season expressed dissatisfaction with such service and declined to become residents of Duxbury.
Believing that such a schedule was unjustifiable, and its imposition subject to criticism, an appeal was made to the Massachusetts Public Utilities Commission, hearing was held on Thursday, June 16th, and on the same date the Commission issued their order that a train on the schedule of the "Standish" of 1936 should begin opera- tion on Monday, June 20th, and continue in operation on the first five week days of each week only until Septem- ber 23rd.
On Friday, June 17th, placards giving the new sche- dule were posted throughout Duxbury and Monday morn- ing 23 passengers boarded the train at South Duxbury and 31 at Duxbury. Thereafter the train carried on an average more than 140 persons each day.
In the meantime the Trustees applied for rehearing and reconsideration. The Commission granted their request and at the invitation of this committee the hearings were held in Duxbury July 28, 29 and 30.
Thereafter Briefs were filed in behalf of the several parties in interest and oral argument assigned to Novem- ber 18th.
Without adequate funds to employ attorneys, the Marshfield and Duxbury committees agreed that Mr. Harold J. Stanton should make the oral argument in be- half of Duxbury and Marshfield.
Four members of this committee went to Washington to make the acquaintance of the Commission to
-180-
familiarize themselves with the proceedings and be ready to meet any contention put forward by the appli- cants.
A committee of Independnt Bondholders of the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. had been considering the possibility of continuing the operation of the line proposed to be abandoned by the use of what are known as self-contained single units, Railbuses, Auto Railers, that is, vehicles equipped with gasoline engines, capable of operation by one man, of making fifty or sixty miles an hour and transporting fifty or more passengers together with bag- gage, mail, etc.
Learning that members of this committee would at- tend the oral argument at Washington, they invited them to a conference in New York City and the committee at- tended. At the oral argument in Washington Mr. Alan Hayes represented the Independent Bondholders Committee, addressed the Commission, explained their purpose and was asked if sixty days would be sufficient for his committee to complete their investigation, and from the Commission's report of January 24, 1939, it is evident the sixty days were allowed for that puropse.
Since then this Bondholders Committee has employed an engineer who has spent much time at New Haven in- vestigating the possibilities of continued operation, and on Tuesday, January 3rd, visited Marshfield and Dux- bury where the committees explained to him the local conditions, but up to the time of submitting this report, this committee has not been advised of the results of his investigations.
Towards the end of the Legislative session of 1938, a Special Committee was formed to investigate the opera-
-181 -
tion of railroads in Massachusetts by the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. Senator Donald W. Nicholson of Wareham is Chairman, four additional members of the Legislature and three members were appointed by the Governor.
Members of this Special Legislative Committee at- tended the oral argument at Washington but made no address.
At a hearing held soon after, the Chairman of the In- dependent Bondholders Committee appeared before this Legislative committee, very fully and carefully explained the purpose they had in mind and suggested the . Legislative Committee might well consider the needs of the various lines affected and offer Legislation, that will make for the more economical operation of the various light traffic lines like the one in Duxbury and Marshfield.
The Special Legislative Committee sought and ob- tained an extension of time for reporting until April 5th, 1939. Further hearings are to be held and it is ex- pected constructive suggestions will be presented to the Legislature, which, if enacted, may permit existing railroads to operate the lines or new companies under amended laws to do so.
This committee would have the citizens of Duxbury know that both Senators Walsh and Lodge have re- sponded cheerfully and effectively to their every request.
The Department of the Attorney General of the Com- monwealth of Massachusetts has cooperated with us from the beginning and we hope their efforts in the future will be as successful in our cause as they were in their efforts to sustain the authority of the Public Utilities Commis- sion of Massachusetts.
-182-
The officers of the I. C. C. at Washington have without exception responded to the many calls for advice neces- sary to men without railroad training or legal qualifica- tions.
Our neighbors nearer home have been equally helpful.
The School Committee permitted the use of the audi- torium for the hearings and the committee is grateful to Supt. Green and his assistants for their attention to the welfare and comfort of all, at the hearings held therein.
It is impossible in the limited space permitted this re- port to give any adequate idea of the innumerable points of contention involved in this proceeding.
It consists of many pages of briefs, and the record of testimony is more than five hundred pages.
· The committee invites our citizens to examine all this and acquire personal knowledge of the facts. It will gladly provide facilities for their examination of all the letters, papers, records, etc., on file.
For two short years it has been our endeavor to protect your' right to a service that shall provide the common necessities and convenience the law allows you.
Where most all railroads in general, and the Old Colony Railroad in particular, are alleged to be making enor- mous losses, losses so great as to impose "An undue bur- den on interstate commerce," justice does not permit one single segment to be picked out for slaughter when the balance of the system is to be nursed to ultimate recovery.
However, we propose with your approval to continue
=
-183 -
the fight, if it must be a fight, or to participate in nego- tiation if negotiation is possble.
That negotiation is possible, attention is directed to the Rutland railroad, where all concerned are endeavor- ing to establish a basis by which the cost of operation shall be reduced by an equal contribution.
1. By the owners of the property, who by the way receive no return on their investment.
2. By the employees who derive and for many years have derived their living from their employment by the railroad, and who if the railroad is abandoned cannot find similar employment on other roads already over- manned.
3. By the communities and the State, whose indus- tries will be practically ruined without railroad service, by a remission in whole or in part of the taxes levied, and by contributions of service or money by citizens at large.
It may be that these sacrifices or contributions will be of a temporary nature only, to be returned to the con- tributor when good times make it possible to operate the railroad without loss.
So with the Greenbush-Kingston segment, if those who now gain their living from the limited service we en- joy, might willingly surrender, temporarily at least, some portion of their income to assure its con- tinuance rather than lose all chance of income from this their life-long occupation, by the destruction of the organization and the plant to which they have devoted their lives.
a-
u:
-184-
The owners of an investment value of more than half a million dollars likewise might contribute something, or an equal amount, by an offer of the free use of equipment necessary.
The communities served already are permitted to tax themselves to a limited extent to pay the costs of opera- tion, in part at least, should the revenue derived be in- sufficient to meet the costs, and our citizens may well be expected to contribute services, patronage, and helpful cooperation.
The newspapers daily tell us of the dreadful conditions besetting the railroads. Innumerable panaceas are sug- gested. Labor organizations contend for their so-called. rights. Railroad organizations contend for theirs. Both appeal to the one man whose burdens already are almost unbearable.
Let all interested in this problem of ours show wil- lingness to give and take, to surrender some portion of a right for a privilege, and vice versa.
This is a business proposition. Meet it in business fashion, man to man, face to face, with the determina- tion to achieve the right.
To this end we ask you to continue our authority to represent you, with funds for expenses, if you will, with- out funds if we must, but with or without funds, to vest us with authority to attempt the task that by conciliation shall secure what force has failed to accomplish.
February 3, 1939 the order of January 24, 1939 of the Interstate Commerce Commission granting the right to abandon in sixty days from date was received as follows:
------
-185-
"We find that the present and future public conven- ience and necessity permit the abandonment by How- ard S. Palmer, James Lee Loomis, and Henry B. Sawyer, as trustees of the Old Colony Railroad Company, and abandonment of operation by them as trustees of The New York, New Haven and Harford Railroad Company, of the part of the line of railroad in Plymouth County, Mass., as described in the application ; Provided, however, That the above findings are made on the condition that within 60 days from the date of our certificate herein, the trustees shall sell all or any part of the segment in- volved to any person, firm or corporation offering to pur- chase same for continued operation and willing to pay therefore not less than the fair net salvage value thereof. An appropriate certificate will be issued, effective 60 days from its date. Suitable provision will be made therein for the cancelatoin of tariffs."
An extension of time has been requested and a petition for "Reargument and reconsideration" may be filed.
Duxbury 13th, February.
CHARLES S. CLARK, CHARLES R. CROCKER, BENJAMIN F. GOODRICH, SIDNEY C. SOULE, HARRY F. SWIFT, PERCY L. WALKER.
.---
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN of DUXBURY
MASS
S
637
QUAY
ATED JUN
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31
1938
-188-
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
For the Year Ending December 31, 1938
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Joseph W. Lund, Chairman
Term Expires 1939
Mrs. Lemuel Wyman, Secretary
Term Expires 1941
George M. Mayers,
Term Expires 1941
J. Newton Shirley, Term Expires 1939
Walter G. Prince,
Term Expires 1940
Regular meetings of the School Committee are held in the Duxbury High School building at eight o'clock on the evenings of the second and fourth Friday of each month.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS George E. Green, Duxbury, Massachusetts Office Telephone: 346
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Dr. Connie H. King, Telephone : Duxbury 212 SCHOOL NURSE Miss Annie L. Williams, R. N., Telephone : Duxbury 175
ATTENDANCE OFFICER Earl W. Chandler, Telephone : Duxbury 358
-----
-189 -
STAFF
George E. Green Superintendent B. S., Bates College, Graduate Work at Boston Uni- versity.
Leroy N. MacKenney Submaster · B. A., University of Maine, Graduate Work at the Uni- versity of Maine.
Kenneth O. Macomber Manual Training, Print Shop Gorham Normal, Bates College.
Amelia E. Hausman French B. A., Middlebury College; Graduate Work at the Uni- versity of Colorado.
Phillip B. Skerrye English B. A., Harvard; Graduate work at Harvard, Boston University.
Dorothy N. Rist Latin and History Director of Orchestra A. B., Wheaton; Graduate Work at Keene Teacher College.
Stella M. Dondero Coach of Girls' Basketball Commercial
B. S. in P. A. L. Boston University
Arline P. Maine Home Economics
B. S., Rhode Island State College.
Ellen W. Downey Junior High School Subjects Partridge Academy, State Extension Courses
Dorothy Cushman Sixth Grade
B. S. Ed., Bridgewater Teacher's College.
-190-
Jennie A. White Fifth Grade Bridgewater Normal; Boston University, State Ex- tension Courses.
M. Abbie Baker Tarkiln Primary School Partridge Academy, Hyannis Normal School, State Extension Courses.
Constance Lee Newton Tarkiln Primary School B. A., Smith College. Graduate Work at the Boston University.
Sara E. Paulding Village Primary School Partridge Academy, Study at Columbia University and Harvard, Hyannis Normal School Diploma State Ex- tension Courses.
Dorothy W. Colbath Village Primary School Perry Kindergarten Normal, Boston University
M. Dorothy Rust Point Primary School Salem Normal School, Study at the University of Ver- mont, Boston University.
Loring R. C. Mugford Opportunity Class B. S., Boston University, M. Ed. Boston University
Ralph N. Blakeman Physical Education Athletic Coach
B. S., Boston University ; M. Ed., Boston University
Samuel Warner Supervisor of Drawing Boston Art Club, New England Conservatory Art De- partment.
May Blair McCloskey Supervisor of Music
-191 -
Report of School Committee
To the Citizens of Duxbury :
We submit herewith the reports for the past year of the Superintendent of Schools and the heads of the various departments. We would like to call the especial attention of our fellow citizens to that part of the super- intendent's report concerning the need of additional facilities for the pramary grades. We have given this problem due consideration, and are convinced that the necessity exists. We urge you to take favorable action on the article in the warrant dealing with this matter.
The committee requests the town to appropriate $46,- 000 and the dog tax to cover the operating expenses of this department for the coming year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH W. LUND, Chairman MRS. LEMUEL WYMAN, Secretary GEORGE M. MAYERS J. NEWTON SHIRLEY WALTER G. PRINCE
Duxbury School Committee.
-192 -
Report of Superintendent
To the School Committee of Duxbury :
I present, herewith, a statement covering the opera- tion of the schools during the year 1938, together with such reports as have been presented by supervisors, special teachers, the nurse, and school physician.
The major problem, which confronts the school depart- ment at the present moment, is how best to provide accomodations for the ever increasing school population of our town.
Each year of the past decade has witnessed a gradual increase in the enrollment of the first grade. This growth started at about the time the town acquired the new high school building, and, at the end of a year, the Point School was renovated and reopened to provide the neces- sary facilities. As these children have moved along from grade to grade, the congestion in classroom accommoda- tions has progressed with them until, now, practically every available seat in every school building is in use.
Figures appended hereto will show that there is every reason to believe this situation will become persistently more acute in the future. The table, indicating the num- ber of pupils enrolled in Grade One on December 31st of the past twelve years, tells a partial story of the rea- sons for the situation under discussion.
There is also the universal tendency, since depression years, for young people to remain in school until gradua- tion.
-- 193-
One other condition which has affected materially the situation in Duxbury is that there are fewer transient pupils in the schools. Formerly many children entered our schools for only a few weeks in the fall, and, in the late spring, others came in to finish out the year. Since enrollment signifies the number of different pupils dur- ing a given period, often it has been considerably in excess of the membership of the school at any time. This year the membership has fluctuated between 390 and 400 consistently.
The many new homes, recently built or now under con- struction, seem to forecast that the newer pupils are well anchored and will continue in permanent school member- ship.
There is an insistent demand for the organization of a sub-primary group which should be heeded. This demand can only be satisfied through increasing our housing facilities.
Warm lunches are quite as essential for the elementary school children as for those older brothers and sisters in the intermediate and junior and senior high school grades, but it is also quite impossible under the present set-up. Much teaching equipment, too costly to supply to several small units, would be obtainable for use with the consolidated group.
These are but a few facts, presented to bring out the seriousness of the problem with which we are confronted. A committee should be appointed to investigate further and make an early report on how the best interests of the town may be served and adequate school rooms pro- vided for the increased school population.
-194 -
NEW TEACHERS
An unusually large number of teachers withdrew from our teaching force at the close of the school year in June. The death of Mr. Robert A. Patterson left a vacancy in the Latin, History, and Music department which has been filled by Miss Dorothy N. Rist. Miss Winifred E. Sanders, who had taught English in the high school for several years, was given a year's leave of absence for study at Columbia University. The temporary vacancy has been filled by Mr. Phillip B. Skerrye. Emily G. Mon- roe, teacher of Grades Two and Three at the Village School, resigned to marry and was replaced by Miss Dorothy W. Colbath. Miss Ruth E. McCoy accepted a position in Concord, and Miss Thelma Annis was elected to teach in the Hatherly School in Scituate. These two vacancies were filled respectively by Miss Arline P. Maine and Miss Dorothy Cushman. All of these new teachers have attacked their problems with vigor and enthusiasm. They have adopted our town, and they are giving most loyally of their time, far in excess of the call of duty.
ACTIVITIES
A recent survey shows that important factors con- tributing to good citizenship are the extra activities in which a child takes part. In the Duxbury schools, special effort is made to offer an opportunity for every pupil to participate in these activities. Programs are so varied as to reach a wide range of interests. A schedule of meet- ing dates is carefully planned to prevent one activity from detracting from another.
Too much stress cannot be placed on the importance which our school paper plays in the training it offers. The opportunity which editorials, literary articles, poetry,
-195-
and news items present for creative thinking and expres- sion is admitted to be great. Here in Duxbury, through coordination with the printing department, the scope of this training is immeasurably increased.
"The Christmas Carol," an operetta, given annually by the junior high school for the December Parent-Teacher Association meeting, was the usual success. It was played before a group of nearly three hundred people. The athletic program has been extended to the junior high school, and the younger children are taught thereby the fundamentals of touch football, basketball and baseball. Because of the limited number of children available, inter-group games were not feasible so some contests were arranged with other schools. In senior high school athletics, teams have represented the school in basket- ball, baseball, and tennis.
The Orchestra still holds an important place in our program of activities. There are about twenty in the organization and several are now taking lessons in the hope of entering the group another year.
The Senior Play this year, "Happy-Go-Lucky," was well done and well received.
The outing club fills in those periods when interest in the major sports is low and provides an outlet for many children who are not interested in the more strenuous exercises. Many trips to places of historic interest in Boston have been enjoyed. In warmer weather extended hikes and camping excursions have been taken. Each outing is carefully planned for its educational value, and the members of the camping excursions are selected only after probationary period and the passing of a series of tests showing, fitness, and dependability.
-196-
It is fitting that the Student Council in Duxbury, where student government was born, should have an active part in our school life. I believe our organization is growing in scope and influence each year.
GIFTS
The Sons of Veterans have presented flags to the schools wherever replacements were needed. The Ameri- can Legion has also given to the high school a large flag for out-of-door use. Many individuals have given books to the school library, and the graduating class in June gave a proof press to the printing department. The in- terest and cooperation which these gifts signify is greatly appreciated.
PARENT TEACHER'S ASSOCIATION
The Parent-Teacher Association has made itself an indispensable part of the school organization through the helpful cooperation which it has extended throughout the year. The series of assembly programs which ended in June, the dancing classes during the Fall, and the Christ- mas program given to all of the children were direct con- tributions of a most helpful nature. Of no less moment was the organization of a social committee to help direct the social life of the school and the materializing of a practical guidance program.
REPAIRS AND EQUIPMENT
Only minor routine repairs were made on the elemen- tary school buildings. A few desk-tops were resurfaced, and motors connected with the heating systems needed attention several times.
At the high school, floors in the lavatories which had become very porous and leaky were replaced with a new
- 197-
asphalt composition. The hurricane ripped a large patch of slate shingles from the roof, but repairs were made before any serious damage from rains resulted to the interior. A linoleum floor, which has been greatly needed for several years, was laid in the kitchen.
The bill for laundering bath towels was becoming pro- hibitive. A solution was found in the purchase of a washing machine and detailing its operaton to one of the pupils employed on the N. Y. A. projects. A complete set of testing equipment was secured for physical fitness measurements and a testing laboratory was finished off in a section of the attic.
The usual thorough cleaning was given all classrooms and all floors were given a coat of varnish during the summer.
Unless there is reasonable assurance that new quarters will be provided for the elementary grades, quite exten- sive repairs must be forthcoming for the buildings now in use. Within a very short time, the Point School must be reshingled and new floors will be necessary in this building. At the Village School, the floors are also worn and uneven and must receive attention soon if they con- tinue subject to the intensive wear of the present. Ad- ditional playground apparatus should be provided the children in the Tarkiln School and the clearing of the grounds, started several years ago as a W. P. A. project, should be carried to completion.
The ventilating system at the high school building should receive attention. Under the present conditions, fresh air is taken from out-or-doors, heated to about ninety degrees and then distributed throughout the build- ing. This heating of cool air causes it to become com-
-198 -
paratively dry as it goes into the classroom. This dry air tends to absorb moisture from the bodies of the children; discomfort and the lowering of resistance against disease result. A proper humidifying apparatus should be in- stalled as soon as possible.
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.