USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1941-1945 > Part 24
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 | Part 53
The Board has been saddened by the sudden decease of Sidney C. Soule, in point of service, the oldest Director on the Board. The Library can hardly hope to find any- one adequately to replace him. His death meant a great and irreparable loss to the Board as to the whole town.
Respectfully submitted,
FISHER AMES, Librarian.
-----
-
143
Report of the Treasurer of the Duxbury Free Library, Inc.
During the year 1943 the Duxbury Free Library received a grant from the Town of Duxbury of $1,500.00
The income from the investments of the vari- ous funds, as follows :
Wright Fund
$2,796.34
Winsor Fund
283.50
Harding Fund
42.72
Hathaway Fund
63.00
Duxbury Hall Fund
173.00
3,358.56
On hand January 1, 1943
1,644.19
Amount collected on the Principal account
593.75
Taxes withheld
39.68
$7,136.18
The expense of the Library as follows:
Wages paid :
Mr. Ames
$1,650.00
Mrs. Bencordo
660.00
Mr. Needham
330.00
$2,640.00
Operating expense:
Electric Light
$75.12
Oil 190.34
144
Water
12.00
Telephone
39.97
Repairs
23.49
Safe deposit box
10.00
Supplies, etc.
101.72
Taxes paid
23.45
476.09
Insurance
233.80
Books
1,100.00
Cash January 1, 1944
2,686.29
Total
$7,136.18
WILLIAM H. YOUNG,
January 12, 1944.
Treasurer.
145 Report of Shellfish Constable
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
I submit herewith my annual report as Shellfish Con- stable for the year 1943.
Owing to the intense cold and ice on the shores there were only six men digging clams and one digging razor- fish for the first three months of the year, Joe's Point being the only open area during that time.
The rest of the year an average of six men had fairly good digging of clams and there were four digging qua- haugs and two digging worms part of that period.
There is a large set of small clams, quahaugs and razor- fish in different parts of the bay which should be culti- vated for fast growing.
445 permits were granted for family digging of shell- fish which is about as many as last year.
There have been quite a number of signs destroyed or mutilated.
The following amount of shellfish has been taken from the flats by the commercial diggers :
Razorfish 244 bushels @ $2.50 per bushel $610.00
Clams 4289 bushels @ $2.50 per bushel 10,722.50
Quahaugs 428 bushels @ $3.00 per bushel 1,284.00
Sea worms 4617 each @ .045 each 207.77
$12,824.27
146
Permits, 30 commercial.
No fee permits, 445.
Out of the total of clams dug 2,854 gallons of shucked clams were sold at $3.50 per gallon.
Respectfully submitted,
A. ELLIOT HOLMES,
Shellfish Constable.
147
Report of the Superintendent of Cemeteries
To the Cemetery Trustees :
I submit my report for the year of 1943. At Mayflower Cemetery the general work was done. The leaves were raked and the avenues cleaned. In the new part of the cemetery a section of lots were built.
The egg clusters were creosoted and the trees sprayed by the Moth Department.
In Ashdod Cemetery the general work was done, avenues and walks were edged and cleaned. At Dingley Cemetery the leaves were raked and general work done. At Standish Cemetery the grass cut and the cemetery raked and cleaned.
All Perpetual and Annual care lots were cared for. Several old lots rebuilt. Forty-five foundations were built. There were seventy-four interments this year. Sixteen Perpetual Care Funds were added this year.
The Ladies Union Fair Association had some of the old fences painted in the Historical part of Mayflower Cemetery.
Respectfully submitted,
LAUREL B. FREEMAN,
Supt. of Cemeteries.
148
Report of Cemetery Trustees
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury.
We would submit the following as our report for the year of 1943.
The report of the Superintendent to the Board of Trustees has been received and accepted and will be printed in this Town Report. Please refer to same for information.
Of the sum of $7,500.00 appropriated to the Cemetery Department for the year 1943, $2,937.04 (being the amount received for interments, annual care of lots, etc., plus unexpended balance) has been returned to the town treasury leaving $4,562.96 as the Cemetery Depart- ment's net indebtedness to the town.
That the Trustees may be able to carry on the work in the cemeteries as in the past few years, we would respectfully request that the sum of $7,500.00 be appro- priated to the department for the year of 1944.
In closing we wish to express our appreciation to all those who by their rebuilding of lots, annual care and perpetual care funds, have aided in the upkeep of the Cemeteries, and to the Superintendent and those in his employ for their part in the work. We thank you.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY A. TAMMETT, Chairman THEODORE W. GLOVER, Sec'y ERNEST H. BAILEY WILLIAM O. DYER J. NEWTON SHIRLEY
Trustees.
149
Care of Playgrounds
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Duxbury, Massachusetts Gentlemen :
The usual work on the grounds and the essential repairs to the buildings have been completed.
The Train Field has been used more this year than previously due to the fact that the Gurnet Coast Guard and the Army practiced and played several baseball games there during the season.
Also a group of older boys organized a football team, under the management of Albert Cavicchi, and played their scheduled games on the field this fall.
Respectfully submitted,
EBEN N. BRIGGS.
150
Report of the War Price and Rationing Board
To the Citizens of Duxbury :
During the past year additional commodities have been added to the ration list which necessitated increasing the board members from three to five; therefore this addi- tional work has been more evenly distributed and better service given to the community.
We have kept our expenses at the minimum. We have two full time clerks at the Ration Board, and a part time clerk for the Price Control Panel. This expense is pro- vided by the Federal Government.
Our Price Control Panel consists of the following mem bers :
Fisher Ames Le Roy Peterson Bradley Osgood.
We wish to thank the citizens of the town for the co- operation they have displayed as it has made our work less difficult.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN E. LUCEY GEORGE L. DAMON JOHN W. FLANNERY WILFRED OLHSON EARLE A. RICKER.
151
Report of the Trustees of the Jonathan and Ruth Ford Fund
Citizens of Duxbury :
The following is a statement of the operations of the Principal and Income Accounts of the Jonathan and Ruth Ford Fund for the year of 1943.
Principal
Income
On hand at beginning of year
$25,000.00
$312.50
Received in 1943
628.12
$940.62
Paid during 1943 for relief of worthy case
74.54
On hand December 31, 1943 $25,000.00 $866.08
PHILIP W. DELANO
CHARLES R. CROCKER
WALTER G. PRINCE
JOSEPH T. C. JONES, Treas.
152
Report of Town Historian
At the Town Meeting in 1943 attention was called to the fact that many copies of the History of Duxbury, published in 1937, remained unsold. Authorization was given for the disposal of these copies at $1.00 each. Be- fore doing this however, certain corrections were made in order that the history might be as accurate as possible. A page of errata was printed, placed in the unsold books and copies made available at the Town Offices, the Library and the stores where the books were on sale. The number of corrections made was seven.
The wooden tablets marking the location of the early shipyards have begun to show signs of weather. Accord- ingly, they were re-lettered and will be repainted from time to time as they show need. These interesting tablets prepared with so much care by the committee at the time of the Tercentenary should not be neglected.
Through the courtesy of Mr. William Young, who pre- pared the map showing the location of all the shipyards- his original diagram has been one of the valuable loan exhibits on view at the rooms of the Historical Society. The boys of the town have shown an especial interest in it.
The many letters received from people in all parts of the country regarding the history of our town show a wide-spread and continuing interest in Duxbury. A letter from a class in the eighth grade in one of our large in- dustrial cities inquired about the design and measure- ments of furniture in the Alden House. As the result of
153
information furnished, the children are now making colonial furniture as a part of their handcraft work.
The war experience offers to us the opportunity to preserve many of the experiences through which we are going. One instance of what can be done is this. I have requested from the Ration Board, copies of all Ration Books for preservation in the historical archives. The Board has been most cooperative and has agreed that this important contribution will help to show to the His- torian of 2000 A. D. how we conducted our daily lives during the last World War.
There is in prospect the completion and perhaps publi- cation of a study of the early settlers and the location of their grants which should be of great interest to the town.
Respectfully submitted,
REV. WALTER R. HUNT,
Historian.
1
154
Plymouth County Extension Service
No greater service since the inception of the Extension Service has been rendered Plymouth County towns than in 1943. Under wartime conditions the County Agricul- tural Agents, Home Demonstration Agents, and 4-H Club Agents of our county office have contributed heavily to the wonderful record of production. The past year has seen thousands of new producers of food influenced in many ways directly or indirectly by County Aid to Agri- culture. A great tribute is due the farmers of America for their part in this war effort. The greatest production in history was achieved under the most severe handicaps.
In addition to the Food Production and Preservation program, other new responsibilities fell on our Extension Service. Assignments of the United States Department of Agriculture in handling programs affecting rural people have had a definite influence in the conduct of the farm business and home. A few of these follow: U. S. D. A. War Board, Farm Labor Program, Farm Ration- ing, cooperation with the Office of Price Administration, Farm Transportation, Priorities information, War Pro- duction Board assistance, and Selective Service help in reporting over five hundred cases for agricultural de- ferment.
All members of the Extension Staff devoted an in- creasing amount of time in 1943 to the promotion of pro- duction and preservation of food, with particular em- phasis on home food production.
Carrying out the Governor's state-wide request, the local Extension Service assumed the responsibility of set- ting up Food Production and Preservation Committees
155
in each town of Plymouth County. These committees were made up of representatives from various town organ- izations. Some of their important functions included : Arranging for mass meetings on gardening and canning, setting up information centers, making arragements for plowing, and conducting Victory Harvest Fairs.
The County Extension Staff assisted the local commit- tees by conducting meetings, making soil tests, preparing newspaper articles and circular letters. Hundreds of home gardeners were given help by telephone, office calls or garden visits. The agents worked with local commit- tees in arranging for the harvest fairs.
The work accomplished by these committees was a real contribution to the war effort. It is believed that the ex- perience gained along these lines in 1943 will be invalu- able to a still greater food production program in 1944. Tribute is due the Town Committee members for their valuable work.
The agricultural agents' war-time program has been a flexible one in an attempt to do the most important assignments with the many other new responsibilities delegated these agents. The Farm Labor Programs as- signed to the Extension Service for direction and admin- istration on May 1, though difficult, has proven of con- siderable success. Evidence of this may be found from the fact that 614 farm recruits were found and placed on farms during the year. Grave critical needs for perma- nent dairy and poultry help is still a major problem. Com- modity educational programs were conducted for dairy- men, poultrymen, fruit, vegetable, and cranberry growers, forestry products, and general livestock producers. By the guidance of commodity committees in each of these industries, the agricultural agents have shaped their edu- cational program plans. As usual, all request farm visits
1
156
have been fulfilled as promptly and efficiently as war-time conditions have allowed.
Conservation was the general theme of the Home De- partment in 1943. Meetings were conducted in many towns on the care and repair of home furnishings and equipment. Homemakers also received help along the lines of nutrition and food buying in war time, and reno- vation of clothing. Nearly 2,500 women attended the 111 canning demonstrations .which were held during the sum- mer. These included demonstrations on canning vegeta- bles, fruits, chicken, fish, and meat. From reports re- ceived, it would seem that these same women canned 445,000 jars of food-a sizable contribution to the win- ter's food supply. Information was also given on other methods of food preservation and home storage.
The 4-H Department set as its goal for 1943 "More Food Production and Preservation Club Members". The goal was reached, for the enrollment was 1,100 in 1942 and 1,800 in 1943. It is estimated that 20,825 jars were canned by 4-H canning club members, much of the food being produced at home by the members and their families.
It is desired that the garden project be a year-round project, and in one instance, meetings are being held throughout the winter. This gives the members an op- portunity to plan their gardens and discuss their prob- lems before the busy planting season arrives.
Emphasis has been placed on conservation, and the re- sults have been most satisfactory. In spite of shortages, the members have continued with their various winter projects - Home Furnishings, Handicraft, Clothing - making something new from something old whenever possible.
ERNEST W. CHANDLER,
Town Director.
157
Report of Committee on Public Safety
To the Citizens of Duxbury :
I herewith submit a report of this committee for the year ending December 31, 1943.
The Staff Committee, with the same members as re- ported last year have met at the Report Center on the third Thursday evening of each month, at which time all communications from State Headquarters have been discussed and the necessary action taken.
PROTECTION DIVISION :
Mr. Richard P. Whitney, Chairman.
During the year there were five Air Raid Drills, three by Region headquarters and two State wide, the last on August 12th which was checked by the State headquar- ters and the report by them was so favorable that Dux- bury has not been asked to participate in any drill since that date.
BLACKOUT DIVISION :
Mr. Benjamin O. Dawes, Chairman.
On November 1st the dimout regulations were lifted in the coastal area so that we now can function as in normal times. During the period of the dimout the War- dens and Auxiliary police together with the regular police
158
force are to be congratulated as to the fine work done in educating the community as to the regulations and the fine way in which the citizens of Duxbury cooperated in carrying out the orders of the Army.
POLICE DIVISION :
Mr. James T. O'Neil, Chairman.
The police department rendered much assistance to the Chairman of the Blackout division during the period of Blackout in seeing that the regulations were observed. They also take charge of the Report Center, thereby sav- ing the Committee from having to man the Center twenty- four hours daily.
FIRE DIVISION :
Mr. Eben N. Briggs, Chairman.
Although this department is highly specialized in its work they have very kindly co-operated to the fullest ex- tent in our practice drills.
MEDICAL DIVISION :
Dr. C. H. King, Chairman
Dorcas P. Grenquist, Chairman (First Aid Parties)
The Medical Unit remained a full strength organization throughout the year. Since organization, the unit has re- sponded to accidents in this community whenever ambu- lance aid was needed. On several occasions during the year they were called out and acquitted themselves well each time.
The equipment of the First Aid Station has been kept in good order and I believe the entire unit is ready to function on short order.
159
SOCIAL SERVICE COMMITTEE:
Mrs. John T. Flannery, Chairman.
The functions of the Duxbury Social Service Commit- tee were stated in last year's report, so to save repetition, they will be omitted from this report.
During the past year the Committee has offered its help to the Service men stationed here and has also kept in touch with the men and women from Duxbury, stationed elsewhere in the armed forces.
On March 1st, 1943, the Officers in charge of the three groups stationed in Duxbury, at that time, with Mr. Tinker, Chairman Duxbury Committee on Public Safety, met with the Social Service Committee, to discuss the needs and wishes of their men.
Their greatest problem was transportation and they asked for a desk, chair and lamp for their barracks, stat- ing that lack of space limited furnishings to a minimum.
These items were taken to them at once and trans- portation was arranged whenever possible.
Magazines, games, puzzles, cigarettes and playing cards have been taken to the barracks quite regularly.
The Committee Chaplain, Rev. John Philbrick, has con- ducted services weekly at the Duxbury War Shrine, which is located in St. John's Church and is always open.
It is non sectarian and was established primarily as a sanctuary for prayer and meditation for the families and friends of our Service men and women, although everyone is welcome to use it at any time.
160
A Watch Night Service was also held on New Year's Eve, in the Church, with special prayers for those in the Services.
A letter of Duxbury news, illustrated with line draw- ings, is being sent each month to all the Duxbury men and women.
ยท Letters of thanks, for news from home, have been re- ceived by the Committee from all round the Globe, from all branches of the Service, from Nurses, Wacs, enlisted men and Officers.
A Christmas box was taken to each man at the Gurnet, also candy and a big Christmas wreath.
The Committee is sending a year's subscription to Readers Digest to each Duxbury man and woman over- seas, in the Pacific and in Alaska.
The greatest regret of the Committee is that a Dux- bury boy, Stephen Lambathis, interned in a Military Camp in Japan, is not allowed mail from us, and to date the Red Cross boxes which we tried to have sent to him have not been allowed to go through.
It is the earnest wish of all members of the Social Ser- vice Committee that their services may be greater and more far reaching until ultimate world peace makes their functioning unnecessary.
DUXBURY DEFENCE CORPS:
Vera K. Luttropp, Captain.
January, 1943, brought to a close a full year of inten- sive training on all basic subjects for the Duxbury Com-
161
pany of the Women's Defence Corps, and found us ready for an active year in the town of Duxbury.
On February 22nd the Canteen served luncheon and supper to the teachers who were issuing the food ration books, and on February 28th twelve members were called out for Mobile duty in sectors 17, 18, 19, 20, while two members were stationed in the Control Room during the State-wide Blackout of that date.
In March, June, July and August the Company reported for Mobile Warden Duty in their usual sectors but cover- ing a larger area because so many of the former wardens have been called for active duty in the armed forces. Twice the Company answered the call for canteen service by Committee on Public Safety at two fires, one in the early morning and the other at midnight, serving approx- imately forty-five fire fighters coffee, sandwiches, and doughtnuts.
The first Tuesday of each month the Company takes over the North and West Duxbury districts for newspaper collection, and members have also been out collecting the tin cans for salvage.
Through the year stencils for mimeographing and typ- ing for the Committee on Public Safety and the War Ser- vice Division were done by several of our members.
The Junior group that we started training in 1942, the first of their kind, have proved their worth. They have joined us in many assignments in the town and through Region VI, where they have been highly commended.
We held a demonstration with the Plymouth Company in May on Train Field, and in October we were asked by
162
the Duxbury Grange to put on a demonstration for them to show our different types of services. The Junior group were also included in these demonstrations, as well as in the Region VI, M. W. D. C. training drill held in Brockton in September.
An M. W. D. C. Truck, assigned to the Duxbury Com- pany and stationed at the Police garage since last March, is ready for use when called for by the Duxbury Commit- tee on Public Safety for ambulance or canteen service.
To some people Civilian Defence is no longer a vital activity, but the Duxbury Company has not let down on their training or War Service work, and is ready to give service whenever needed.
SUPPLIES AND SERVICE DIVISION :
Mr. Henry S. Craig, Chairman.
This division is prepared to function at a moment's notice for any emergency, either peace time or for the war effort.
IDENTIFICATION DIVISION :
Mr. Earl W. Chandler, Chairman.
As there has been but few additions to the Defence members during the last year our work has been more or less routine.
This summer, the former windshield stickers became obsolete and we have supplied the necessary pennants to those of the services who have to travel during an actual Air Raid.
163
WAR SERVICES DIVISION :
Miss Constance Young, Chairman.
The War Service Division of the Duxbury Committee on Public Safety is ready at any time to be of help to the War effort.
The Block Plan, under the War Service Division has helped throughout the year in many ways. It was used to inform people of Duxbury about Rationing and how to procure their ration books. Helped in the Agriculture and Nutrition Programs, also the Salvage Committee in collection as well as informing people as to the needs of salvage. The War Service Division has helped in the Bond drives and worked closely with the Red Cross.
May I use this opportunity to thank all those that have served and assure them that WITHOUT their unselfish help, it would be impossible to accomplish the good that is being done in countless ways.
SALVAGE DIVISION :
Mr. Walter G. Prince, Chairman.
Salvage collected and sold during 1943:
Metal 22 Tons Rubber 40 Lbs.
Peper 201/2 Tons
Rags 200 Lbs.
Tin Cans 4 Tons Tires 41
2,000 pairs of old silk and nylon stockings and several hundred old records were also collected. In April the col- lection of fats was only 50% of our quota, but ever since a special appeal through the Block Plan, Duxbury has averaged well over its quota. A recent drive for old clothes, of which 10% may be used locally and the rest sent to war torn countries, was very successful, especially through the efforts of the Duxbury school children.
164
Total receipts for 1942 and 1943 was $1,452.49: Total donations and expenditures $1,182.25; balance on hand $270.24. $850 has been given to charities and worthy causes, including the $800 as reported in the 1942 Town Report and $50 to the State Guard for summer uniforms for the Duxbury members.
The Duxbury M. W. D. C. (Massachusetts Women's De- fence Corps) deserve much credit and appreciation for their unfailing help in collecting both tin and paper. Many trucks and beach wagons have been loaned to the Committee, and many individuals have given hours of their time to this work. Thanks goes to the citizens who saved and carefully prepared their tin cans and tied their paper.
Paper will continue to be collected on the first Tuesday of every month, except in case of rain or snow, when col- lection will be made on the first pleasant day.
GENERAL:
Our appropriation for the year 1943 was $1,800.00 and we are pleased to report that it has only been neces- sary to expend $632.60 leaving a balance of $1,167.40. The detail list of expenditures will be found under the Town Accountant's report.
At this time we are asking for an appropriation of $500.00 for 1944 and certainly hope that we may be as free from trouble as we are at present.
I wish at this time to thank the residents of Duxbury for their very fine cooperation during the long period of Dimout and am happy to report that it was not necessary
165
to take any court action whatever in the enforcement of the regulations.
To the Division Chairman, Staff Committee and to every member of all the services I express to you, each one, my thanks for your devotion to your duties and the coopera- tive spirit exhibited to all requests made for your time and effort.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY L. TINKER, Chairman
DUXBURY COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY.
166
Report of the Planning Board
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury :
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.