USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1946-1950 > Part 49
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The fire department has answered all types of emer- gency calls this year and stands ready to give aid to
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its townspeople in the future. For assistance call the DUXBURY Fire Department at Duxbury 333.
The board has entered an article in this year's war- rant asking for $200 to purchase an outboard motor for rescue work and $500 for a portable lighting unit, both of which we feel are necessary additions to the department.
We do not know what Civil Defense will call upon us to do in this present emergency but we will carry out our duties to the best of our ability.
The engineers would like to thank the firemen and their officers for their faithful support of the depart- ment and to thank all the groups, departments and citizens who have co-operated in complying with fire regulations and have assisted us in preventing fires.
Respectfully submitted,
KENNETH O. MACOMBER
GEORGE S. BUTLER CARL J. SANTHESON, JR. JOHN DeLORENZO LeROY M. PETERSON
Board of Fire Engineers
EBEN N. BRIGGS, Chief
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REPORT OF THE FOREST WARDEN
January 3, 1951
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Duxbury, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report as Forest Warden for the year 1950.
There was a total of 102 calls:
21 Brush
37 Dump
1 False Alarm
6 Forest
33 Grass
4 Stand-by
As I mentioned in my report last year two of the trucks in our forest fire department are nearly obsolete. With the dry weather that has prevailed this past season and the fire hazards that result from a drought, I do not feel that our property here in Duxbury is af- forded the proper protection with the equipment we have at the present time. Therefore, I have requested that an article be put in the town warrant asking that a sufficient sum of money be appropriated to buy a forest fire truck and equipment.
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I want to take this opportunity to thank all my dep- uty wardens, the firemen, townspeople, telephone oper- ators, and other departments for their earnest co-oper- ation throughout the past year. By complying with forest fire regulations and reporting any fires which started immediately, the citizens of Duxbury gave a great deal of assistance to our department.
Respectfully submitted,
EBEN N. BRIGGS,
Forest Warden.
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REPORT OF HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit the report of the Highway Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1950.
Approximately twelve miles of black roads in vari- ious parts of the town were given a surface treatment. Duck Hill Road was rebuilt and surfaced, as were portions of Marshall Street, Upland Road and Peterson Road. Hick's Point Road was excavated and graveled. All other streets received necessary repairs.
By special appropriations, Autumn Avenue was graveled and surfaced with tar and asphalt. Crescent Street was excavated and topped with mixed-in-place. Out of the Eben Ellison Fund, Shipyard Lane was re- built.
Fences were repaired and painted. Roadsides were mowed and raked.
Ten complete sections were replaced in Powder Point Bridge, and other repairs made as necessary.
A new float was built for Mattakeesett Court and the parking area given a seal-coat. The bathing beaches at all other town landings were filled in with sand as usual.
Under Chapter 90-New Construction-the seven- tenths of a mile of Church Street that was brushed out and excavated in 1949 was finished this year, 0.4 with Type I, 0.3 with mixed-in-place.
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Under Chapter 90 - Maintenance - two old stone bridges on Route 14 that were in very bad condition were replaced with reinforced concrete pipe. The State, County and Town share the cost of all Chapter 90 work.
Respectfully submitted,
LEWIS B. RANDALL, Superintendent of Streets.
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF CEMETERIES
To the Cemetery Trustees :
I submit my report for the year 1950.
At Mayflower, Ashdod, Dingley and Myles Standish Cemeteries, the general work was done and the leaves were raked.
A number of veterans' graves were graded and there is more of this work to be done in 1951.
Myles Standish Cemetery the old slate stones were straightened, and cement put around the base of them.
Perpetual and Annual care lots were cared for. There were fifty interments this year.
Due to the increase in the cost of equipment, supplies and labor this department will need a larger appropri- ation for 1951.
Respectfully submitted, LAUREL B. FREEMAN,
Superintendent of Cemeteries.
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REPORT OF THE CEMETERY TRUSTEES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of Duxbury :
We submit our report for the year 1950.
The report of the Superintendent contains the details of the work done in the various cemeteries and is made a part of this report.
Your trustees have made a study of the charges made for the work done in the cemeteries as compared with other town cemeteries and voted to make such changes as appear to be indicated.
We are glad to report a continued gain in the number of lots being cared for by Perpetual Care Funds. We believe every lot owner should make provisions for this if not already done.
An appropriation of $11,046.00 is requested to carry on the regular work of the department. A special ap- propriation of $400.00 is asked for the purchase of a new lowering device. The one in use now is 22 years old and shows evidence of failing to function properly. We believe this should be replaced now when a new one can be obtained.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY A. TAMMETT, Chairman J. NEWTON SHIRLEY, Secretary ERNEST H. BAILEY EDWARD P. HOBART STANLEY V. JOHNSON
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REPORT OF PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen :
I submit herewith the report of the Public Health Nurse for the year 1950, being the work for which the town pays the salary of the nurse by an annual appro- priation.
Classification
Cases
Visits
Bedside Visits
Old Age Assistance
3
88
Aid to Dependent Children
1
1
Instructive Visits
Contagious Disease
12
12
Crippled Children
5
15
Tuberculosis (cases and contacts)
8
17
Totals
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133
Other Activities :
Board of Health Diphtheria Immunization Clinic - 35 completed
Well-Child Conference (P.T.A. sponsored) -6 meet- ings, 99 attended. (This is the largest attendance in ten years.)
Community TB X-ray survey-assisted with clinic and also made 7 follow-up visits where requested by Plymouth County Health Association
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Transportation to :
Brockton Orthopedic Clinic 4
Plymouth County Hospital
3
Lakeville State Sanatorium -
Cerebral Palsy Unit 2
Tuberculosis check-up
1
Orthopedic Shoe Co.
1
Children's Hospital
1
Total 11
Respectfully submitted,
SUSAN E. CARTER, R.N., Duxbury Public Health Nurse.
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REPORT OF THE TOWN HISTORIAN
Board of Selectmen:
Through the courtesy of Miss Lura Cushman, I have had access to some very important material dealing with the Shipping Industry of Duxbury. It consists of two lists of ships, compiled by her mother, Lucie Hall Cushman, wife of Walter Cushman, whose father, Cap- tain David Cushman, had an active sea career of forty years.
One list contains the name, description of ship, to- gether with name of owners, and master, of all vessels built in Duxbury for Duxbury owners and manned by Duxbury men. It contains 222 names. The second list contains much of the same information of vessels which were built either in Duxbury for outside owners or out- side Duxbury for Duxbury owners. Seventy-three ves- sels are recorded on this list.
Together these lists furnish the basis of a complete and accurate knowledge of the great shipping era of the town. One of the lists will be placed in the Town Office, one in the Library, and one in the Historical rooms. If anyone knows of any additions or has further information and will supply it, the complete record can then be put in permanent form.
The Scituate Playhouse sponsored an exhibit show- ing the historical and present interests of the towns on the South Shore. It attracted much interest. The Duxbury unit was gathered with the assistance of the Junior Chamber of Commerce of the High School.
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The Historian receives many requests from pupils of high schools in all parts of the country for infor- mation about Duxbury history and its local monuments. The writers say the material will be used in themes or papers dealing with Colonial history. These letters receive personal replies giving sources of information, post cards and detail as far as possible.
The leader of a troop of Girl Scouts was supplied with information requested with the suggestion that if she would notify us as to the time of arrival the local Scouts would meet them and be at their service. As a result the visitors made their headquarters in Duxbury, visiting Plymouth and other points from here. An out- ing on the beach was arranged, personal friendships formed. So our Girl Scout troop, under its able leader, became an ambassador of good will.
The advertisement by the Selectmen of the remain- ing buildings on the grounds of Partridge Academy brings memories of gratitude for an institution which for generations served the youth of Duxbury well.
Interesting drawings of the Ropewalk used by King Caesar in his shipyard are in possession of Miss Knapp. They will be rebound and presented to the Historical Society.
The advent of the Duxbury Clipper, our weekly newspaper so warmly welcomed is recorded.
WALTER R. HUNT.
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REPORT OF THE MEMORIAL OFFICE BUILDING COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Duxbury :
On May 31, 1950 the Moderator, as authorized by the Town Meeting, appointed a committee of five "to study the housing of the various town offices and an auditorium in a central building to be known as a War Memorial Building."
The committee organized with Harry B. Bradley as chairman and Mrs. Arthur T. Chase as secretary, and began immediately to determine the general feeling throughout the town by twice inviting the various or- ganizations in town to discuss the problem as we out- lined it to them and to send one or more representatives to present their views at open meetings of the com- mittee. From these meetings it was evident that
1. There is definite and immediate need for improved town-office facilities :
2. There is need for an auditorium capable of seating 1000 or more persons;
3. The choice of location for such a building should be either near the Library or the Partridge Acad- emy site.
After a careful study of these ideas, your committee makes the following suggestions:
1. That, as soon as the Town decides, the Town erect on the Partridge Academy site a town-office build- ing to resemble Partridge Academy in size and
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design. This building should be so planned as to house all town departments with the exception of the Fire Department.
The Partridge Academy site is considered the more feasible location because
a. It is central, not only geographically but also ac- cording to population trends;
b. It is easily accessible, and the 13 acres there now owned by the Town offer ample parking space;
c. The Duxbury Rural and Historical Society, Inc., owns the land across the street on both sides of Depot Street, which ownership insures against any objectionable use of that land;
d. The restoration of this famous town landmark in conjunction with the erection of a much needed municipal building would accomplish a two-fold purpose, and become in itself an ideal War Me- morial;
e. Investigation has shown that there is no advan- tage to the Town or the school in having the office building adjacent to the school; in every case brought to the attention of the committee such proximity has worked badly for both parties.
2. That this office building should be so constructed that, at a future date, a town auditorium can be added in the rear of and connected with it.
In making these suggestions your committee recog- nizes the need of proper gymnasium facilities at the High School and believes that when these are provided,
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Town Meetings and other large gatherings can be held there until such time as the Town finds it financially possible to add a large auditorium to the office building.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH N. BLAKEMAN THOMAS W. HERRICK, JR. LEROY PETERSON. SALLY F. D. CHASE, Secretary HARRY B. BRADLEY, Chairman
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MEMORIAL DAY REPORT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury :
The Memorial Day Committee of 1950 wish first to express their thanks and appreciation to the citizens who so willingly voted the extra $75. to be placed in the D.H.S. band fund, to help them to reach the goal they were trying for, a band for Duxbury.
The committee sponsored a whist party hoping to raise another $75. Mr. Wood, principal of the D.H.S., and the students worked hard with the committee and a great big thank you goes to the merchants and citi- zens who gave so generously of fine articles for prizes. With this cooperation the party netted $90. for the band fund. Both donations were gratefully received by Mr. Wood for the fund.
That spirit of determination exhibited by the band members on the march from Standish Cemetery to the First Parish Church on Memorial Day is well worthy of comment, and could well be heeded by many of us. When about half way it began to rain quite hard, the line was halted, the busses ordered forward to pick up the band and as many of the marchers as they could take aboard. When the busses came up to the band they were waved on with the remark, "We have started something, we are going to finish it." Such a spirit demands the cooperation and support of us all.
The committee felt it had one of the best programs planned it has had for a long time. Had it been the
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bright day we hoped for, so that all participating in the work could have carried out their parts in full, we feel sure those who followed it would have said, "I am glad I gave my time and took part in that sacred com- memoration of our nation's hero dead."
We trust that in 1951 the guiding hand of our des- tinies will be kind to us, so that the committee and those working with it will not meet with the disap- pointments they encountered this year and that more citizens will find a way to support the committee. It is your support, by your presence, that inspires the com- mittee to better programs and shows your gratitude to those we remember.
All veterans' graves known to us were decorated as usual. Our thanks go out to all who, under trying cir- cumstances, assisted so faithfully the committee in its work.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES W. STARKWEATHER, Secretary E. S. GLOVER, Chairman
O. B. RYDER
PARKER B. CHANDLER
PHILIP G. CHANDLER
RICHARD C. PRINCE
WILLIAM G. WHITE
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PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE
In the Duxbury area during the past year the Agri- cultural Department has been widely used, but mostly on the individual level where results are hard to dig out. The Home Economics Department under the ca- pable local chairmanship of Mrs. Thomas Scott has had several groups of classes at work totaling some 22 women and 4 leaders covering work in clothing, United Nations flag, upholstering, children's coats, etc.
The 4H Club program, however, has shown wide activity. Duxbury now has seven active 4H Clubs (1 cattle, 1 sheep, 1 poultry, 3 sewing and 1 home deco- ration). These clubs have roughly 80 active members. Not only has the daily and weekly responsibility of the individual project been carried through to comple- tion but excellent showings have been made at the fairs (Weymouth, Marshfield, Brockton, Worcester, Spring- field, Boston Poultry Show). Out-of-town trips have been made. From the economic viewpoint widespread and definite aid has resulted to the home budget. For instance, the Sheep Club alone won over $700.00 in prizes. The Poultry Club with 29 members raised 1550 birds with a total value of over $4000.00 and a net profit of over $1600.00 not counting prizes. The sew- ing clubs won many prizes and also helped the family budget.
But the greatest value of this 4H activity is in build- ing character. Responsibility, self-discipline, the cumu-
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lative worth of steady growth through work, coopera- tion with parents, the edge given by constantly better- ing methods, fair competition - and how to lose as well as win.
Few parts of our town budget can exceed in results the aid given the Plymouth County Extension Service.
Respectfully submitted,
MALCOLM C. BROCK,
Town Director.
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PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE
This Department, generally known as the Plymouth County Extension Service, is the county organization representing the United States Department of Agricul- ture and the University of Massachusetts in the field of educational programs. There are three departments having programs designed primarily for farm and rural people but are available to all the people of the county.
The Agricultural Department has formal programs with regular scheduled meetings for commodity groups including dairymen, poultrymen, cranberry growers, vegetable growers, fruit growers and florists. Other programs are available for people interested in general livestock, forestry, home grounds improvement, home food production and marketing. The Agricultural De- partment educational programs are conducted largely on county-wide or regional basis. The work is supple- mented with demonstrations, farm visits, and news- paper and radio publicity.
The Home Economics Department promotes educa- tion in home management and family economics, home furnishings and surroundings, food preservation and storage, food selection and preparation, clothing and textiles, family relationships and child development, recreation and community life. This department is dependent upon Town Committees and local leaders to sponsor local groups and to assist with the teaching program.
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The 4-H Club Department deals with youth between ages of 10 and 21 years. Project work for boys includes dairy, goats, sheep, pigs, poultry, gardens and handi- craft. For 4-H girls, project work is offered in clothing, canning, child care, foods, home furnishings and crafts. Four-H club work is also dependent upon Town Com- mittees and local leaders for sponsoring 4-H clubs and for leading these clubs in their regular meetings and supervision of their project animals or crops.
Funds for County Aid to Agriculture are derived principally through the appropriation of the County Commissioners. Some Federal funds are also designated through the University of Massachusetts. Most Towns make a small appropriation which also is used for the general expenditures of the Plymouth County Exten- sion Service. These town appropriations are an indi- cation of the interest in the Extension Service programs and permits the town to have a Town Director. These Town Directors are unpaid volunteer leaders and serve as an Extension Service representative in their towns.
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Statistical Summary of Achievements
Plymouth County Extension Service
November 1, 1949 - October 31, 1950
Agri. Dept.
Home Dept.
4-H Club
Total
Farm or Home Visits
1,579
202
435
2,216
Telephone Calls
5,826
1,222
1,978
9,026
Office Calls
1,969
424
294
2,687
News Stories
210
82
35
327
Radio Talks
227
115
11
35
Bulletins distributed
6,444
11,622
10,752
28,818
Individual Letters Written
3,283
384
1,154
4,821
Circular Letters Written
156
41
150
347
Copies Mailed
42,838
15,882
12,911
71,631
Number of Leaders
118
227
222
567
or Committeemen
52
57
21
130
Attendance
859
629
278
1,766
Demonstration Meetings
79
46
12
137
Attendance
4,340
1,293
312
5,945
Other Extension Meetings Attendance
3,095
4,073
8,889
16,057
Meetings with Other
Organizations
58
250*
2,294*
2,602*
Attendance
12,310
1,250
21,046
34,606
Number of 4-H Clubs -92.
Number Club Members Enrolled in 4-H Clubs -842.
*Includes meetings held by Local Leaders and 4-H Clubs.
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109
218
389
Meetings of Local Leaders
Dept.
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen :
The Board of Appeals held thirteen public hearings during 1950, nine of which were on petitions for vari- ances in residence districts and four for exceptions where the Protective By-Law gives permission subject to the approval of the Board of Appeals.
On the petitions for a variance, six were denied and three were granted. Of those for exceptions, two were denied and two were granted.
The Board also rendered one decision denying a petition for a variance on which the public hearing was held in 1949.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM B. COFFIN, Chairman H. RUSSELL CHANDLER KENNETH O. MACOMBER
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REPORT OF THE HARBOR MASTER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my annual report as Harbor Mas- ter for the year 1950.
In the waters of Duxbury Bay there were 80 regis- tered boats, plus a large number of sail and outboard motor boats. Of this number 65 were moored in the basin. This was an increase of 15 over last year. Ten were located at the Standish Shore anchorage. The remainder were anchored at different points along the shore.
Plans have been made this spring for a more effec- tive landing at Howland's Lane, on Standish Shore. This anchorage has a 9 foot depth and sufficient turn- ing space for our larger boats. During the bad storm we had this year, the boats at this anchorage road it out in comparative safety.
One of the larger problems of the summer was the congestion of boat tenders on the floats. Non-residents were excluded from permanent parking. Their co- operation was appreciated and we hope they will bear with us until more adequate facilities can be obtained.
Mooring applications were issued this year. This gives us accurate information as to ownership, type of boat, depth and mooring equipment, also where a boat owner can be reached in time of trouble.
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I wish to thank Eben Briggs and the Fire Depart- ment, also boat owners and friends for their help dur- ing the bad storms we had this year. These fellows were instrumental in saving a lot of equipment and money.
Respectfully submitted,
VICTOR D. NICKERSON, Harbor Master.
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF 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 1950 :
Principal
Income
On hand at beginning of year $25,000.00 $2,643.87 677.77
Income for 1950
$3,321.64
Equipment, Dental Clinic
500.00
Paid for relief of worthy cases in 1950
356.20
On hand December 31, 1950 $25,000.00 $2,465.44
PHILIP W. DELANO
CHARLES R. CROCKER
WALTER G. PRINCE
JOSEPH T. C. JONES, Treasurer.
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REPORT OF THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REMODELING COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Duxbury :
At the annual town meeting on March 4, 1950, it was voted that the moderator appoint a committee of five to remodel the playroom in the elementary school building into two classrooms, and study further remod- eling of the building and report on the same at the next annual town meeting.
Your committee received notice of its appointment on April 10, 1950 and at once set to work.
The School Committee and the Superintendent of Schools were consulted as to recommendations regard- ing the altering of the playroom into two classrooms.
Inasmuch as Thomas Worcester Inc. were the archi- tects and engineers of the building, it was decided to engage them to draw up plans and specifications for this work.
Bids were opened on July 14, 1950 and Hayes and Watkins Construction Company were designated as General Contractors. Revisions of plans and specifica- tions were necessary as all original bids were consid- erably higher than the appropriation. This delayed the actual signing of the contract until August 3, 1950. Work was started on August 7, 1950 and was suffi- ciently completed in time for the opening of school in September.
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As of January 3, 1951 all work was completed with the exception of a few minor items.
This committee after attending to the immediate needs of remodeling, proceeded to make a careful study of further remodeling and future needs of the building and makes the following recommendations :
1. Install sound absorbing ceilings in the cafeteria and the two new classrooms.
2. Install movable partition in the kindergarten.
3. Appoint a committee to further study the needs of more classroom space. Such committee to report at the regular town meeting of 1952 with definite recommendation for such additional classrooms as may be needed in the near future. This committee has made a study of the school census and popula- tion trend and finds that the anticipated pupil load of elementary pupils as of September, 1953 will be 70 to 75 greater than at present. The building will have reached its capacity as of September, 1952. If more homes are erected and the population should increase at a greater rate than at present, these figures of 70 to 75 additional pupils might be too low.
4. It is felt that an auditorium-gymnasium unit would be a valuable addition to the school in order to pro- vide for adequate space for play, physical educa- tion and assemblies. At the present time, because of the loss of the playroom, there are no facilities
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