USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1941-1945 > Part 50
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The total number of calls were 54.
Summary :
6 Automobile
20 Building
9 Chimney
15 Emergency
1 False Alarm
1 Out of Town
2 Stand-by
EQUIPMENT
We have purchased a new portable 1500 watt AC lighting unit with two 250 watt floodlights and one 500 watt spotlight. This unit will be capable of furnishing power enough to run our two-way radio and several lights for our Central Station during emergencies when the electric power is off.
148
We have also purchased a new E & J resuscitator, which we feel was very much needed by the department, to replace our old Davis inhalator which has to be oper- ated manually and under great difficulties.
We, as a board, feel it our duty to ask the citizens of the Town to appropriate a sum of money which will en- able us to buy a new fire truck with a suitable pump and equipment. Our 1929 LaFrance truck is now seventeen years old and with the increased population in the town we feel it good insurance to add this new truck to the fire department.
We are very much pleased to report that all of the boys who have returned home from the armed forces are back on active duty in the fire companies and stand ready to answer all alarms.
We wish to express our sorrow in the loss of Lawrence W. Glass, Chairman of the Board of Fire Engineers and Assistant Chief, who passed away suddenly on Novem- ber 22, 1945.
As Chief of the Fire Department I want to express my gratitude to the firemen, telephone operators, and the townspeople for their aid to the department and as- sure them that it was much appreciated.
We would like very much to have the citizens of the Town of Duxbury know that this department always stands ready to serve them in any emergency that may arise. When calling the fire department by telephone, call the Central Fire Station, Duxbury 333. Give your name, the exact location of the fire, and if possible the nature of the fire; such as chimney, house or forest. This
149
enables us to send the equipment needed, so that every possible moment can be saved in responding.
Respectfully submitted,
EBEN N. BRIGGS, Chief ROY M. PETERSON KENNETH O. MACOMBER
HENRY M. GRISWOLD
GEORGE S. BUTLER
CARL J. SANTHESON, JR.
Board of Fire Engineers.
-
150
Report of Forest Warden
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Duxbury, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit the following report of the activi- ties of the Forest Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1945.
The total number of calls were 50.
Summary :
8 Brush
10 Dump
2 False Alarm
8 Forest
19 Grass
3 Out of Town
After the hazardous year of 1944, I am very glad to report that with the help of the weather during the forest fire season our fire losses were very small.
The new equipment purchased this year has been very satisfactory. The 100 gallon portable pump which was mounted on the Chevrolet tank truck has proven very satisfactory.
With the special radio appropriation of last year I was able to buy two Motorola FM radio sets, one sta-
151
tionary set for the Central Fire Station and one mobile unit for the small Forest Fire patrol truck, Car 205. I feel that these have improved the efficiency of both de- partments, as they can be used in all emergencies and have proven very valuable.
The firemen and junior firemen who have answered the calls so promptly deserve a vote of thanks for their cooperation and faithfulness at a time when the depart- ment was so short of firemen.
Although some of our junior firemen left to join the armed services this year we have been happy to welcome back many of our former firemen who have returned to civilian life and who will aid us in protecting the prop- erty of Duxbury.
I also wish to thank the deputy wardens, citizens, and telephone operators for their assistance and co-opera- tion throughout the forest fire seasons.
Respectfully submitted,
EBEN N. BRIGGS,
Forest Warden.
152 Report of Moth Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
A report of the progress of work in the Moth Depart- ment since the last annual town meeting is as follows.
From the first of March until the first of May, creo- soting of the egg clusters continued in the residential sections and the heavy infestations along the roadsides.
During May and June the roadside trees were sprayed with Arsenate of Lead along with several areas where a heavy infestation occurred. The work in the suppres- sion of moths was suspended during the months of July, August and September as usual. In October the creo- soting of egg clusters again was started in the ceme- teries. In these areas there were fewer egg clusters than last year. After completion of the cemeteries, the work of creosoting the egg clusters in the residential section was started and is still in progress.
There is an improvement or decrease in insects on the west side of these heavy infestations but they are in- creasing on the east side.
However, the whole general picture shows improve- ment.
Respectfully submitted,
ROY E. PARKS,
Moth Superintendent.
153
Report of Tree Warden
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Since the last annual town meeting, a report of pro- gress in the work of the Tree Department is as follows :
The work in this department started in May with the creosoting of Tent Caterpillar nests along the readsides. During May and June all roadside shade trees were sprayed. Poison Ivy was sprayed at several places on Standish Shore and Powder Point as a test of different materials.
The trees along all streets were gone over and the most important low-hanging branches pruned off.
With the catching up of emergency work, more time can be spent on individual trees.
Respectfully submitted,
ROY E. PARKS,
Tree Warden.
1
154
Report of Street Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury :
During the past year we have had the same draw- backs as in previous years in regard to labor.
On Franklin Street, beginning at the Marshfield line, 3,600 feet of new road was built of mix and place. This was done under Chapter 90. The State, County and Town shared the cost.
A surface treatment of about 41/4 mi. was put on the roads which needed it throughout the town.
In many places parts of the guard rails were taken, which had to be replaced with new. Others had to be re- paired and all guard rails painted.
Extra work had to be done along the beaches and town landings due to strong winds and high tides.
Nearly all of the sides of the roads were mowed and cleaned which had not been done for about three years.
A sand and gravel loader has been purchased by the town which will be a great help.
There will need to be a lot of work done at Powder Point Bridge in the spring if lumber can be purchased, as only necessary repairs have been made with what lum- ber we could get.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD S. O'NEIL, Supt. of Streets.
155
Report of Board of Health
Board of Health
Duxbury, Mass.
Gentlemen :
Contagious Diseases reported during the year were as follows :
Scarlet Fever
14 cases
Chicken Pox
34 cases
Measles
6 cases
Whooping Cough
5 cases
Tuberculosis
1 case
Licenses were issued for the collection of Garbage, the Sale of Milk, Oleomargerine and Wood Alcohol. In- spections were made and licenses issued for the use of Overnight Cabins.
The usual complaints of overflowing cesspools, dead fish on the Beach and other complaints were taken care of. The Board of Health continued its practise of em- ploying a Dentist for examination of the school children's teeth and correction of certain dental defects.
Respectfully submitted,
C. H. KING, M. D.,
Agent.
156
Report of Public Health Nurse
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Dear Sirs :
I submit herewith the report of the Public Health Nurse for the year 1945, these being services rendered under the annual appropriation for this purpose.
It has been a problem to know under what heading to report the Well-Child Conferences. A State Public Health Nursing authority has advised that this is right- fully part of the town's responsibility. The Duxbury Parent-Teachers Association is doing a good piece of work in sponsoring the Conferences here, and actually the town has had a large part in the activity since the town physician and the town nurse have given their time to this free of charge.
Visits
Cases
Old Age Assistance
33
4
Tuberculosis (cases and contacts)
10
6
Crippled Children
30
6
Syphilis
3
3
Acute Contagious Disease
6
6
Totals
82
25
Well-Child Conferences meetings 4 attendance 28
Transportation
Lakeville
1 trip
Children's Hospital
2 trips
Wrentham
1 trip
157
In the annual appropriation for the salary of a Pub- lic Health Nurse, Duxbury has been meeting its respon- sibility for providing nursing service as part of the pro- tection of the health of its citizens. This responsibility should be the basis for the appropriation.
Therefore a summary has been made of services ren- dered the town during the four year period from Jan- uary 1, 1942 through December 31, 1945, hoping that a clearer picture may be had of the work done under these appropriations.
Visits 310
Cases
Old Age Assistance
10
Aid to Dependent Children
36
3
Welfare
22
2
Crippled Children
91
9
Tuberculosis
56
12
Syphilis
6
4
Acute Contagious Disease
57
57
Totals
578
97
Clinics Held :
Diphtheria Inoculation, clinics 2 attendance 151
Well-Child Conferences, clinics 10 attendance 95
Transportation :
Children's Hospital
11 trips
Plymouth Co. Hospital
12 trips
Lakeville
10 trips
Wrentham
2 trips
Respectfully submitted,
SUSAN E. CARTER, R. N.,
Duxbury Public Health Nurse.
158
Report of Memorial Day Committee
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, and to the Citizens of Duxbury :
As the Committee submits this report many of our sons have returned from the battlefields of Europe, Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world, but some will never return. Nothing is more gratifying than to see our boys return, and we sincerely hope that the returned Veterans will all take an active part in these sacred ceremonies next Memorial Day.
This year, in addition to our customary services at Mayflower, Ashdod, Standish, Dingley, and No. Duxbury Cemeteries, and at Blue Fish River Bridge, we held an additional service at the Honor Roll for the five boys who were killed and buried on foreign soil, and the one buried in Mayflower Cemetery.
Several World War No. 1 Veterans have answered the Last Roll Call and their names were added to our list of War Dead.
All known veterans' graves were decorated with flags and flowers, and patriotic exercises were held in the Uni- tarian Church with the cooperation of the Clergy, School Officials, and others.
The Sons of Union Veterans, American Legion, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and School Children all worked to- gether in decorating the graves of Myles Standish, Col.
159
Jonathan Alden, 25 Revolutionary War Veterans, 4 Vet- erans of the War of 1812, 213 Civil War Veterans, 4 Civil War Nurses, 1 Spanish War Veteran, 22 Veterans of World War No. 1, 1 Veteran of World War No. 2, and also 3 Peacetime Soldiers, and 12 Peacetime Sailors, mak- ing a total of 290.
The Committee extends its thanks to all who helped in any way.
Respectfully submitted,
PARKER CHANDLER, Chairman EDEN S. GLOVER CHARLES C. McNAUGHT OSCAR B. RYDER A. WARREN WASHBURN
160
Report of Librarian Duxbury Free Library, Inc.
The past year saw the lifting of war-time restrictions on fuel oil enabling the Library to return to its regular "open" hours. Attendance passed the 6,000 mark, with a book circulation of 20,102. This includes the volumes lent the High School departments of English, History, and Science through a very satisfactory arrangement that will be continued throughout the coming school year.
All Libraries would like to see a ceiling price put on books. At present they are helpless in the matter and have to meet the situation by limiting purchases. Prices are high and mounting and printing, paper and binding so below standard that the life of the average book has been considerably shortened. This cuts further into the book budget.
While books purchased fell to slightly less than 600, over 1200 volumes were added to the shelves during the year-thanks to a number of generous donors. Of these a good many are duplicates and technical books that will not be in daily circulation, but desirable items neverthe- less.
Among the donors to the Library were: Dr. H. C. Bumpus Jr., William B. Coffin, Mr. and Mrs. William H. Young, Mrs. F. W. Palfrey, Dr. C. H. King, Mrs. Hector M. Holmes, Mrs. Roderic N. MacDonald, Mr. A. T. M. DeAndria, Atherton Loring, Jr., Rev. Walter Reed Hunt, Mrs. T. W. Scott, Mrs. Earl. C. Grenquist.
161
From now on over-due cards will be sent out more promptly than has been the previous custom. This does not necessarily mean a demand for the immediate return of the books, for it is realized that in a widely scattered community like ours, distance and weather are often defi- nite handicaps. The cards will be a reminder to the vari- ous recipients "lest they forget", and furnish a more up- to-date check of the Library over-due files.
Respectfully submitted,
FISHER AMES,
Librarian.
162
Report of the Treasurer of the Duxbury Free Library, Inc.
The income from the investments of the various funds are as follows :
Wright Fund
$2,898.96
Winsor Fund
270.00
Harding Fund
20.10
Hathaway Fund
63.00
Duxbury Hall Fund
173.00
$3,425.06
On hand January 1, 1945
808.79
Collected on Principal Account
5,200.00
Total
$9,433.85
An appropriation from the Town of Duxbury of $1,100.00 was used by the Town to pay a part of the wages of the employees of the Library.
Also, income from the Lucy Hathaway Fund amount- ing to $417.56 was used by the Town of Duxbury to buy books for the Library.
The expenses of the Library are as follows:
Wages :
Mr. Ames
$958.30
Mrs. Bencordo
387.40
Mrs. Pierce
237.55
Mr. Needham
200.00
$1,783.25
163
Operating expenses :
Heat
$313.21
Light
152.22
Water
12.00
Telephone
50.21
Safe Deposit Box
12.00
Insurance premiums
240.40
Repairs
73.45
853.49
Interest on bonds bought
$40.28
Brokers' charges
5.33
45.61
Books
800.00
Taxes withehld and paid to the
Collector of Int. Rev.
105.12
$3,587.47
Principal reinvested
$5,150.60
Balance cash, January 1, 1946
695.78
Total
$9,433.85
January 14, 1946
WILLIAM H. YOUNG,
Treasurer.
164 Report of Shellfish Constable
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen: Duxbury, Massachusettts
I herewith submit my annual report as Shellfish Con- stable for the year 1945.
The weather conditions during the past year certainly did not contribute to the propagation of shellfish. The dry period of three months last summer killed much of the 1944 set of seed clams and the three heavy storms in the late fall washed away the shores and flats bury- ing many more areas in sand and silt. Later the ice froze the shores, smothering other areas. The damage can be determined only after the spring rains and after the shores and flats have been inspected. There was a good set of seed clams showing last fall, which may develop in spite of bad conditions.
There have been, on the average, from two to eight commercial clam diggers out nearly every day during the year. From the first of May until November an aver- age of from four to fifteen men were out digging qua- haugs. During January, February, November and De- cember there were two men digging razor-fish nearly every day and in the period from the first of June to the middle of October one man picked cockles and one dug sea worms.
There were fifty-three (53) commercial permits is- sued during the year and also eight hundred and sixty- nine (869) family permits.
.
165
The following is the record of shellfish and sea worms taken commercially :
266 bushels of Razor-fish @ $3.33 1/3 $ 886.67
2289 bushels Clams @ $5.00 11,445.00
1936 bushels Quahaugs @ $3.00 5,808.00
5 bushels Mussels @ 5.00 25.00
130 bushels Cockles @ $5.00 650.00
15175 Sea Worms @ .06 apiece
910.00
$19,724.67
From the above total, 1241 gallons of clams were shucked at $6.00 per gallon and 13 gallons of quahaugs also at $6.00 per gallon.
The record of shellfish and quahaugs planted on grants during the year follows :
Clams
38 bushels
Quahaugs
858 bushels
Nine grants have been surveyed and staked out dur- ing the year.
Many signs were maliciously destroyed during the summer and many more were washed away by the storms.
Respectfully submitted,
A. ELLIOT HOLMES,
Shellfish Constable.
166
Report of the Superintendent of Cemeteries
To the Cemetery Trustees :
I submit my report for the year of 1945.
At Mayflower, Ashdod, Dingley and Myles Standish Cemeteries the general work was done, the fences around the four cemeteries were repaired and painted and the leaves were raked. The egg clusters were creosoted and the trees sprayed by the Moth Department.
At Mayflower Cemetery the avenues were edged and cleaned and the asphalt avenues were patched with Pre- Mix to keep them from breaking up. There was a large amount of work done in trimming the dead wood in the trees. In the new part of the cemetery a section of lots were built. This section of the cemetery is getting larger each year A great many old lots have been rebuilt, mon- uments, markers and evergreens being set on the lots adds to the amount of work which has to be done each year.
In Ashdod Cemetery the avenues and walks were edged and cleaned.
At Myles Standish the grass was cut and the guns painted.
All Perpetual and Annual Care lots were cared for. Thirty-three foundations were built and there were sixty- five interments this year.
167
Mr. Willard Taylor who had worked for the cemetery department for a number of years passed away June 8, 1945 and will be missed by his many friends.
Respectfully submitted,
LAUREL B. FREEMAN,
Supt. of Cemeteries.
168 Report of Cemetery Trustees
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury :
We submit the following report for the year 1945.
The Report of the Superintendent of Cemteries has been accepted by the Board of Cemetery Trustees and is printed as a part of this report.
Your Trustees, in an attempt to more equitably care for the cemetery, have increased the Perpetual Care Fund minimum from $100 to $200 for a ten (10) grave lot. At the same time, requests were mailed out to all Perpetual Care Lot owners or interested parties to in- crease the existing Perpetual Care Funds to the same level. We greatly appreciate the favorable response re- ceived from many of the parties contacted.
The price of a lot for a non-resident has been increased to $335.00 of which $200.00 is placed in the Perpetual Care Fund.
The Board of Trustees request that $8,500.00 be ap- propriated for the work of caring for the Cemeteries.
The Trustees further request an appropriation of $600.00 for resurfacing the black roads in the cemetery to prevent further damage by frost.
The Trustees further request an appropriation of $850.00 to replace the department truck bought in 1935.
169
The Board of Trustees wish to express their appre- ciation for all assistance extended by the citizens to im- prove the appearance of the cemeteries.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY A. TAMMETT, Chairman J. NEWTON SHIRLEY, Secretary THEODORE W. GLOVER ERNEST H. BAILEY CONNIE H. KING, M. D.
170
Care of Playgrounds
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Duxbury, Massachusetts,
Gentlemen :
The routine work on the grounds has been completed as usual this year. The activity on the playground has been much greater than in the past seasons as the high school baseball, softball, football and field hockey teams kept the field in constant use during their practice and competitive games.
Little work has been done on the buildings recently and I feel that they should all be repaired and put in condition during the coming year.
Respectfully submitted,
EBEN N. BRIGGS
171
Report of the Board of Appeals
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Gentlemen :
The Board of Appeals of the Protective By-Law of the Town of Duxbury submit the following report.
As this Board is an innovation in Duxbury we are sub- mitting our first report to the citizens.
We have had several appeals presented to us and have endeavored to make a just and unbiased decision in every case, having the interest of the citizens at heart as well as the future welfare of the town.
Respectfully submitted,
PARKER B. CHANDLER, Chairman WILLIAM B. COFFIN H. RUSSELL CHANDLER
172
Report of the Trustees of the Jonathan and Ruth Ford Fund
To the 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 1945:
Principal
Income
On hand at beginning of year
$25,000.00
$1,282.33
Income for 1945
645.98
$1,928.31
Paid for relief of three worthy cases in 1945
488.05
On hand December 31, 1945
$25,000.00 $1,440.26
PHILIP W. DELANO CHARLES R. CROCKER WALTER G. PRINCE JOSEPH T. C. JONES, Treas.
173 Report of Town Historian
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Duxbury :
The following is a brief summary of the events of a memorable year.
The death on April 12 of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt serving his fourth term as President of these United States. The church bells of the Town were tolled during the Funeral services in Washington; memorial services were held in the churches; a memorial tree was planted in the school grounds by the Student Council of the High School.
The proclamation by President Truman of V-E day, and later V-J day marking the unconditional surrender of our enemies and the end of World War II.
Thanksgiving services were held in the High School Auditorium under the auspices of the Committee on Civilian Defense. This meant the beginning of the wel- come return of our men to their homes, which still con- tinues. It was also a sad and vivid reminder of those neighbors and friends who had made the great sacrifice and who will not return.
The weather must have mention in any retrospect of the year.
June first was the coldest June day on record. 41 de- grees establishes this claim.
174
The February storm however made a more lasting impression. It began on the ninth. Heavy wind, with rain turning to snow and sleet, damaged trees and build- ings. This resulted in the interruption of electrical ser- vice. Some homes were without light, heat and cooking conveniences for a full week and more. Open fires again had to serve the needs of Duxbury as of old. A few fam- ilies had to leave their homes.
Not to be outdone by February the last week in No- vember, and the first in December added to the record of the year. Two heavy storms almost continuous, brought very high tides and wind of high velocity. Se- vere damage was done all along the coast. Letters to newspapers alleged that these storms were equal in in- tensity to the storm of 1898. Far be it from us to enter this controversy. It was bad enough.
1945 gave to Duxbury its first Bread Line. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday were the days, and the place Hall's Corner. Between half past seven and nine o'clock were the hours. The line beginning at the A & P store, extended often around the corner. A ration book was the ticket of admission. That meat and butter were the de- sired objectives rather than bread did not change the necessity of the line.
To all these items should be added the Atomic Bomb with all its possibilities.
The Christmas was white.
So ends the year.
WALTER R. HUNT,
Historian.
175
Report of Plymouth County Extension Service
1945
The Plymouth County Aid to Agriculture (Plymouth County Extension Service) representing this department works in many and various ways in assisting farmers, homemakers, and rural youth. The brevity of this report will not permit more than a generalization of the work on a county-wide basis.
In 1945 the Extension Service was confronted with postwar adjustments in the field of agriculture and its related industries. A well planned program was already planned and is now in operation for the reconversion of the agricultural industry to normal demands. These ad- justments in the production of agricultural commodities, requires the considered judgment of all agricultural, in- dustrial and educational leaders.
Each of the Extension Service Departments has dealt with a general educational program in many lines of en- deavor. The agricultural agents performed service in an organized way for dairymen, poultrymen, market gar- deners, fruit growers, cranberry growers, forest owners, home gardeners, general livestock owners. Individual help was given for many other interests.
Home demonstration agents have been active in teach- ing projects of clothing, home furnishing, home manage- ment and nutrition.
176
4-H club agents have organized clubs for boys and girls enrolled in garden, handicraft, sheep, clothing, food, home- craft, and home furnishing. Though not every town has been represented because of lack of local leadership, the facilities of this office have been made available to each town on either an organized or individual club member basis.
Special work on farm labor, selective service investiga- tions, War Board activities, and many other duties, have fallen upon the Extension Service staff. The Extension Service seems assured to continue to render valuable as- sistance to rural people. Town Directors, County Aid to Agriculture, will be called upon more extensively than in the past to counsel, guide, and direct the overall Ex- tension Service program for each town.
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