USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1936-1940 > Part 6
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I recommend that this department should have more money to work with. We must remember our trees are one of the biggest assets of our town.
JOHN D. MORRISON,
Tree Warden.
143
REPORT OF WELFARE PHYSICIAN
January 26, 1937.
Board of Welfare, Town of Duxbury, Duxbury, Mass.
Gentlemen :
Two hundred and seventeen calls were made to wel- fare cases. This does not include numerous calls made to recipients of the old age pension, as these cases no longer come under welfare calls. Thirteen cases required hospitalization for treatment. This includes four maternity cases among welfare recipients. Hos- pital expenses were as follows:
Jordon Hospital, Plymouth $431.35
Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
256.66
Moore Hospital, Brockton
20.00
Robert Brigham Hospital, Boston
58.00
Total $766.01
Respectfully submitted,
C. H. KING, M. D.
144
REPORT OF STREET DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit a report of the work done in this department from January 1, 1936, to December 31, 1936.
The usual work of cleaning streets and brushing up of leaves in the fall was done. Catch basins have been cleaned out and gutters cleared of sand. Several new catch basins have been built and drain tile used in places needed to carry the water away.
About 1,600 ft. of cement curb was laid for sidewalks with the WPA labor and the town furnishing materials and tools.
The appropriation of $1,500 for Franklin Street was used in graveling, bringing to grade and putting on a surface coat of Tarvia B a distance of a mile and two- tenths.
A surface coat of Tarvia B was put on Temple Street from West Street to Lincoln Street, also a short dis- tance of Lincoln Street from Temple to Franklin Street.
Mayflower Street, Cross Street and a portion of West Street have been built by WPA labor and the town fur- nishing materials.
A portion of Union Street was resurfaced with Tarvia B; also Crescent Street and a part of the road at Standish Shore leading to Myles Standish House Lot.
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The gravel roads in the outlying districts have been scraped and graveled in places needed.
A number of bad curves have been cut back and roads widened to make travel safer.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD S. O'NEIL, Superintendent of Streets.
146
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 general procedure of decorating the graves of deceased Soldiers, Sailors and Marines of all wars, with flags and flowers by Myles Standish Camp No. 115 S. U. V. C. W., the American Legion Post No. 223, the Sailors from the National Sailors Home and the Boy and Girl Scouts was followed.
Exercises were held at the Unitarian Church, at May- flower, Ashdod, Standish, Dingley and No. Duxbury Cemeteries; also at Blue Fish River Bridge for the Sailors and Marines that perished at sea.
Dinner was served by the S. U. V. Auxiliary to all that participated in the parade and the school children who brought flowers, 224 in all.
Many thanks to all who helped in any way.
We decorated all soldiers' monuments and 258 graves.
25 graves of Revolutionary War Veterans 4 graves of 1812 War Veterans
212 graves of Civil War Veterans
11 graves of World War Veterans
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4 graves of Civil War Army Nurses
1 grave of Myles Standish
1 grave of Col. Johnathan Alden
258 Total
Respectfully submitted,
PARKER B. CHANDLER, Chairman, PHILIP G. CHANDLER, G. BAILEY CUSHING, ELMER MADDOCKS, OSCAR B. RYDER.
148
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
It is the impression of your Board that there is no public demand for elaborate studies of Zoning Laws, real estate subdivisions; or the large number of other investigations that many other Planning Boards are at work upon in other towns and cities of the State; that all such matters which call for possible elaborate ex- penditures are not in keeping with the general desire of the citizens of Duxbury; rather than this, if we under- stand the matter correctly, the public intention is to keep Duxbury so far as practicable the same quiet old New England village, preserving its natural beauties of varied landscape, and making such accessible with good roads and paths; and by so doing to attract that type of residents who appreciate such things and seek its restful features.
On such a basis the Board is getting together infor- mation and data that will be a basis on which a full study of our natural advantages may be brought to light, based first on an accurate plan of our highways and a study of those ancient paths which served their original purpose, many of which can serve again for some use- this information to be elaborated as a study so it may show what greater use may be made of them for larger enjoyment of that which we possess in woodland and seashore advantages that so few other towns enjoy to so marked a degree.
We have got together the nucleus of such a map, based on the information we have been able to collect, finding that in spite of all the funds that have been expended in surveys by the various State departments, the informa-
149
tion they supply proves to be far from the actuality; however, as a nucleus it will serve a preparatory pur- pose and it is our desire to be authorized to continue to add to this map and its extensions studies of by-paths and bridle paths to penetrate many of the factorial advantages Duxbury possesses; to add historical data; to show forest, farm and cranberry-bog areas; the natu- ral fresh water resources and such other matters as have to do with the welfare of Duxbury, both from an aesthetic as well as the practical standpoint.
The $100.00 appropriation for Map data and expenses has been drawn upon to the amount of $88.09, leaving an unexpended balance of $11.91.
We would ask for the ensuing year an appropriation of $50.00 for general expenses and a sum for further development of the Town Map.
J. WOODWARD MANNING, Chairman,
B. F. GOODRICH,
JOSEPHINE H. SHAW,
FRANKLIN BRETT,
Duxbury Planning Board.
150
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
February 20, 1937.
Mr. Charles R. Crocker, Chairman,
Board of Health, Town of Duxbury.
Dear Sir:
I hereby submit the agent's report for the year 1936. Contagious diseases were at a minimum. Below is listed contagious diseases reported in Duxbury compared with the entire state :
Duxbury
State of Mass.
Measles
18
2,811
Mumps
2
14,187
Chicken Pox
7
10,093
Scarlet Fever
1
8,777
Anterior Poliomyletis
0
51
Tuberculosis
1
3,338
Gonorrhea
5
6,097
Syphillis
1
5,524
Dog Bite
5
10,131
Lupus Vulgaris
1
Inspection of dairies was carried out without any complaint against any dairy.
Complaints were mostly for overflowing cesspools and dead fish on the beach. These were all answered to the satisfaction of the complainants. .
151
The work of the dental clinic is well under way and I believe the results will well repay the expense.
The following money was collected by the agent for the Board of Health :
Garbage Permits $8.00
Methyl Alcohol License
5.00
Pasteurization Permit
10.00
Total
$23.00
Respectfully submitted,
C. H. KING, M.D.
152
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN OF DUXBURY FREE LIBRARY, INC.
Reports from all over the country show that better business conditions during the past year have caused a general decrease in circulation among public libraries. This library has felt the change though not as much as many others. Even when conditions stay at about the same level for a considerable period of time book cir- culation has its ups and downs. Fortunately the reasons are seldom so strong as those furnished by the recent depression and the recovery now under way.
One pleasant feature of the past year was the increase in young patrons. Books, too, were returned more promptly.
The list of purchases shows a larger proportion of non-fiction, compared to fiction, than usual, and a some- what higher per cent of text books. The latter is a de- partment that will have to be augmented the coming year. The children of the summer residents are calling for this type of book more and more.
The replacing of the old inefficient heating system by a modern oil burning one was made possible by the sale of books of the Wright collection. These were books which owing to their age or character were not suitable for circulation among our patrons. The library has long needed a system that would satisfactorily warm the building, which the old one failed to do even in only moderately cold weather.
The year saw the loss to the Library of one of its Directors, Dr. Byron C. Leavitt. Its oldest member in
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point of service, Dr. Leavitt gave more time to the work of planning for and building up the efficiency of the Library than any other member. For many years he held the position of Treasurer. His active participation never ceased indeed until increasing ill health made it impossible for him to attend the meetings. By his death the Library lost a most valued friend and advisor.
The death of Miss Sara B. Higgins came at almost the close of the year. She held the position as Librarian for twenty six (26) years of loyal service.
FISHER AMES,
Librarian.
154
REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF THE DUXBURY FREE LIBRARY, INC.
Cash on hand January 1, 1936.
$673.46
Income:
Wright Fund
$2,678.68
Winsor Fund
235.00
Hathaway Fund
72.49
Harding Fund
Duxbury Hall Fund
105.00
3,091.17
Special sale books
700.00
$4,464.63
Principal uninvested January 1, 1936
$1,219.67
Bonds called and paid
12,681.69
13,901.36
$18,365.99
Expense :
Mr. Ames
$500.00
Miss Bolton
175.00
Mr. Needham
180.00
Miss Higgins
440.00
Telephone
$42.70
Light
69.99
Water
14.49
Coal
249.50
Insurance
25.00
$1,295.00
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Safe
10.00
Taxes
1.00
New heating
610.00
Repairs
68.49
1,091.17
Books
674.00
Principal invested
13,925.91
Balance cash December 31, 1936
1,379.91
$18,365.99
January 19, 1937.
WILLIAM H. YOUNG,
Treasurer.
156
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON TRAIN FIELD PLAYGROUND
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Having done necessary repairs to building, grounds, etc., I feel that in view of the fact of added interest shown in baseball during the year 1936, I would suggest that during the year 1937 the bleachers be renewed.
Respectfully submitted,
EBEN N. BRIGGS.
157
REPORT OF SHELLFISH WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury :
Both January and February were very hard months as the bay was practically all frozen over. Captain's Flat and Joe's Point were the exceptions. There were very few men digging.
The W. P. A. Project picked 125 buckets of cockles and planted 600 bushels of clams on Captain's Flat.
We received from the State this year :
Quahaugs-120 bushels.
Smelt spawn-16 trays.
Alewife herring-1,000.
Some white perch.
We should put more herring in the ponds this coming year.
Amount of shellfish marketed:
Clams
77,975 bushels
Razor fish
1,570 bushels
Oysters
9 bushels
Total 79,554 bushels
The quahaugs were closed to diggers this year. Last year's total was 30,215 bushels.
Shellfish permits, 117 at $2.00
$234.00
Clam grants, 19 at $2.50
47.50
Oysters 22.50
Total
$304.00
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Three arrests were made. One was convicted for having small clams.
We should plant more clams on Captain's Flat this coming year if we are going to have this revenue.
There were quite a set of clams this year but it will be two years before they are ready for digging.
The prospect for 1937 does not look very promising, as the clammers have destroyed all they could and have lost a great many of their markets.
I have also found and returned eight dories.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY C. FOYE,
Shellfish Warden.
159
REPORT OF THE CLERK OF THE W. P. A.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The following report covers the work accomplished under the Works Progress Administration during the current year.
During the winter months, when the regular kinds of work is at its lowest point and while the Bay was frozen over, bringing to a standstill our only real industry, namely the taking of various kinds of shellfish, the W. P. A. employed as many as seventy-five men and women at one time, thus relieving the unemployment situation.
Because Duxbury has had no regular amount for use on W. P. A. Projects, as some of the other towns have had, the departmental heads have co-operated very gen- erously in using a part of their appropriations for the purchase of equipment and materials for use on these projects.
On the project for the "Clearing of Intersections and Curves" many of the bad corners at intersections have been cut back and the brush and undergrowth on dan- gerous curves has been cleared, greatly improving the vision of motorists and other vehicles.
Work has continued more or less intermittently, due to weather conditions, on the project for Re-seeding Shellfish and Exterminating the Enemies of Shellfish. Due to the nature of the work, this project requires men who are in good physical condition and unfortunately the men who are eligible for W. P. A. work and fulfill
160
the above requirements are scarce. If the program con- tinues, however, plans will be made to reopen this project in the spring as it is the most valuable work that can be done.
A cement curbing was constructed from Chapel Street along Washington Street to Harrison Street and a good sidewalk made, giving protection to pedestrians from traffic which is very heavy during the summer months.
A playground was started in the rear of the Tarkiln Schoolhouse and this area was partly cleared, but be- cause of the extreme cold weather of last winter, the work was not completed when the funds allotted were expended and as yet no more money has been available for completing this work.
About twenty miles of woods roads were cleared of brush ten feet back on either side, giving easy access to fire apparatus in case of forest fires. These roads have been much used and appreciated in the summer- time as bridle paths by many horseback riders.
The Women's Sewing Project has operated continu- ously throughout the year, giving employment to deserv- ing women, and 6,524 articles of clothing have been made and distributed to needy families.
The part of Temple Street from West to Lincoln Streets, which was a gravel road, was graded, straight- ened, and two coats of oil applied. The labor was sup- plied from W. P. A. funds, the oil and trucking by the State under Chapter 484 (State Bond Issue), and the tools and materials by the town.
A project entitled "Farm to Market Roads" has been in operation continuously throughout the year and ap- proximately seven miles of roads have been straight-
161
ened, widened, and graveled. This work has been done on West, Lincoln, Mayflower, Cross, and North Streets.
The total amount expended for labor and supervision from Federal funds for Emergency Relief during 1936 was $27,163.00, and Surplus Commodities valued at $5,708.00 were distributed to needy families throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
ERNEST A. JONES,
Supervisor.
162
REPORT OF THE DUXBURY TERCENTENARY COMMITTEE
The Duxbury Tercentenary Committee has held in all, sixteen meetings. In accordance with authorization received at the last annual town meeting, it has in- creased its membership by adding the following per- sons: Miss Mary N. Gifford, as representative of the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society; Mr. William H. Young of the Duxbury Yacht Club; Mr. George E. Green, Superintendent of Schools; Prof. Edward C. Moore; Mr. H. B. Bradley; Mr. Oliver L. Barker; Miss Elizabeth E. Bolton; and Mr. Walter G. Prince of the Duxbury Post of the American Legion. The resignation of Mrs. Horace H. Soule was accepted with regret, as she could not often attend our meetings.
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Knowing Mr. Howland's great interest in the cemetery and his realization of the great need of a small chapel, the trustees feel that this money might be used in its building, and thus help to perpetuate Mr. Howland's memory.
The usual work of the year has been done-the leaves raked, the trees trimmed and the ground cleared of sticks and branches. All the avenues have been re- paired and kept in good condition. The grass-topped lots were well fertilized and the sand-topped ones raked. New lots were built and several old ones rebuilt.
Cement boundary markers were placed on all the lots in the new part of the cemetery and cement steps were built in place of the wooden ones on Cedar Avenue.
Ashdod, Standish and Dingley Cemeteries were cared for and several fences painted.
The trees were sprayed and thousands of moth nests creosoted.
Fifteen foundations were built.
Two new lots were added to the Perpetual Care list this year with a total of 266 now being cared for by that fund.
There have been 24 interments in town and 34 from out of town during the past year.
Much other work has been done and we have tried to keep the cemeteries in our care looking as well as possible.
n, r. E. st ce en
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166
As the cemetery is fast increasing in size and the in- terest on the Perpetual Care deposits has been greatly reduced, together with moneys we have received in the past, it seems necessary for us to ask for an appropri- ation of $6,000 this coming year.
We want to thank you for your co-operation and help and ask for your future help in 1937.
Respectfully submitted,
THEODORE W. GLOVER, Chairman, JOHN SIMMONS, Secretary, ERNEST H. BAILEY, ARTHUR W. WRIGHT, THOMAS W. HERRICK,
Cemetery Trustees.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF DUXBURY
For the Year Ending December 31 1936
169
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
George M. Mayers, Chairman
Term expires 1938
Mrs. Lemuel Wyman, Secretary
Term expires 1938
Joseph W. Lund
Term expires 1939
J. Newton Shirley
Term expires 1939
Benjamin O. Dawes
Term expires 1937
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 Williams, Telephone : Duxbury 175
Attendance Officer
Earl Chandler, Telephone: Duxbury 358
Staff
George E. Green Superintendent
B. S., Bates College, Graduate Work at Boston University.
Leroy N. MacKenny Submaster
B. A., University of Maine, Graduate Work at the University of Maine.
Robert A. Patterson Latin and History
Director of Orchestra
A. B., Harvard; M. A., University of Maine.
170
Kenneth O. Macomber Manual Training, Print Shop, Coach of Boys' Basketball and Baseball Gorham Normal, Bates College.
Amelia E. Hausman French B. A., Middlebury College; Graduate Work at the University of Colorado.
Winifred E .Sanders English B. A., Bates College; Graduate Work at the Uni- versity of New Hampshire; Boston University.
Florence M. List Coach of Girls' Basketball, Commercial
B. S. Ed., Salem Teachers College; Graduate Work at Harvard.
Ruth E. McCoy Home Economics B. S., Rhode Island State College.
Ellen W. Downey Seventh Grade, Mathematics, Music Partridge Academy.
Emma E. Goulart Sixth Grade B. S. Ed., Salem Teachers College; Harvard.
Jennie White Fifth Grade Bridgewater Normal; Boston University.
M. Abbie Baker Tarkiln Primary School
Partridge Academy.
Margaret Bockman
Tarkiln Primary School
Wheelock Normal.
Sara Paulding Village Primary School Partridge Academy, Study at Columbia University and Harvard, Hyannis Normal School Diploma.
Emily Monroe Village Primary School B. S. Ed., Boston University.
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Dorothy Rust Point Primary School Salem Normal School, Study at the University of Vermont, Boston University.
Loring G. Mugford Opportunity Class
B. S. Ed., Boston University.
Ralph M. Blakeman Physical Education
M. A., Boston University.
Samuel Warner Supervisor of Drawing Boston Art Club, New England Conservatory Art Department.
May Blair McCloskey Supervisor of Music
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172
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Duxbury :
The School Committee respectfully submits the fol- lowing report of the Superintendent of Schools and of the various departments of the schools, showing the year's accomplishment.
The Committee asks for $46,000.00 plus the dog tax, to cover the budget for another year.
Respectfully submitted,
DR. GEORGE M. MAYERS, Chairman, ETHEL S. WYMAN, Secretary, JOSEPH W. LUND, BENJ. O. DAWES, DR. J. NEWTON SHIRLEY,
Duxbury School Committee.
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173
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT
To the School Committee of Duxbury :
On the seventeenth of June 1637, a hardy group of Pilgrims, more venturesome, more 'courageous, more independent, and more resourceful than their fellow men, having established homesteads far away from the protecting neighborliness of the parent group, set up their own church and organized a governing body. Thus was born the town of Duxbury. This is our heritage and in this heritage for three hundred years our com- munity has grown and flourished with the sterling qualities of our forefathers undimmed through the di- luting process of extensive migration or immigration. Probably few towns in the new world cling more closely to the traditions of their early settlers. Surely, few have more of which to be proud and less to forget. And as generation after generation has striven to maintain the ideals of character, industry, and courage of their forefathers, so it becomes our privilege and duty to carry on the work so well begun. This tercentenary year is an added stimulant to the ever present challenge; and I sincerely pledge that every teacher in our school system will do his utmost to bring the children of this town to a standard of perfection never before attained.
Major efforts during 1936 have centered around build- ing health and physical vigor into our children. Physi- cal Education is an organized fact and a dental clinic sponsored by the Board of Health has done remarkable work during the first year of its existence. The work of these two departments is fully covered in reports ap- pended hereto.
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I have felt for some time that the extensive curricu- lum which we offer in the high school was seriously cramped by the limited amount of time in our school day. To help correct this condition, the length of the session was increased one hour. The longer periods make possible some supervised study. It should de- crease, but not eliminate entirely, the amount of home study necessary for good work. Evidences of improved work seem to justify the change.
In the elementary grades we have made an effort to correct reading weaknesses. The mental ability of the children has been tested and measured, and remedial exercises given to groups and to individuals. In cases which did not yield to our efforts the children, with con- sent from the parents, were examined by specialists. Treatment of some of these cases is now under way, and there is real promise that these boys or girls, who, up to the present, have failed repeatedly, may develop into good students able to compete successfully with other children of their own age.
Our testing program has brought to light the fact that our children average from six to eight months younger than the normal age for their grade. This condition can be explained by the very low age, five years and two months, at which a child may enter our first grade. Ninety-five percent of the public schools in the state require the children to be older. A mental age of six years is considered necessary before reading can be started profitably. Mental age and chronological age do not always correspond and while we are fortunate in having in Duxbury, children whose intelligence level is high, yet there is little justification in pushing them ahead nearly a year. The work of each grade is planned to suit pupils of a certain mental strength. Under the present system a child is continually carrying a load cal-
175
culated to meet the capacity of one nearly a year older. This can lead only to failure and discouragement for many of our children. The situation can be improved greatly by raising the entering age limit, and I most strongly urge that this be done before the beginning of another school year.
The Hobby Class, under the tutelage of John MacFar- lane, continues its appeal to many people. I am assured by Mr. Houston, the state supervisor, that this is one of the most satisfactory classes under his direction. En- rollment in the class is exceedingly simple. One merely reports to the instructor with a piece of furniture he wishes to repair or with plans for some new project he wishes to follow. Tools are available and the teacher is always there with advice and suggestions. Attendance is in no way regulated and a person may attend as many as two sessions a day or as few as one a month. Both men and women are welcome, the only limitation being that one must have passed his sixteenth birthday.
The National Youth Administration, started over a year ago, continues to aid worthy children of the high school group.
Extra-curricular activities have continued along the line of previous years. Our school paper, edited and printed entirely by the pupils, received an award of second prize from the Southeastern Massachusetts League of School Publications.
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