USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1951-1955 > Part 17
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Late Trips High School
484.00
480.00
576.00
Educational Trips
190.00
180.56
300.00
Graduation
80.00
78.82
150.00
Insurance
174.00
169.83
1,025.00
VI. OUTLAY
1,964.16
1,960.79
1,045.00
Elementary
789.16
789.16
595.00
High School
1,175.00
1,171.63
450.00
TOTALS
$167,451.86 $167,328.32 $191,375.00
23
Special Appropriations
PUBLIC USE OF THE AUDITORIUM
$1,000.00
AMERICANIZATION AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION :
Americanization :
50 Class meetings at $7.00 per meeting $350.00
Vocational Education :
(2) boys (estimate)
tuition at $250.00 per year 500.00
Transportation for (2) boys
for 180 days at $2.52 per day 454.00
Adults' Evening Vocational Classes
Maintenance $80.00
Instructor 67.00
147.00
1,601.00
200.00
Out of State Travel
TOTAL
$2,801.00
NOTE: Cash reimbursement during 1952 from the State on ac- count of 1951 expenditures by the town for vocational educa- tion equaled $820.46.
24
SCHOOL SERVICES
I should like to comment especially on library and health services. Our librarian is now serving teachers and pupils on a full time basis. She spends most of her time at the high school, but works a part of each day in the elementary building. In addition to the usual duties of a librarian she catalogues and has charge of visual aid materials. Films are catalogued as books are, and are made available to teachers.
We are making steady progress in our library serv- ices. When more rooms are available outside of the high school for the elementary classes now housed there, the library will have to be used less as a large study hall and the librarian will have more time to work with individuals and groups. The librarian assists pupils in their project work and general reading re- quirements, and aids teachers in both schools by pro- viding visual and other teaching aids in relation to the units being studied.
I should like to call attention to the new state law relative to physical examinations of school children. This law became effective September 1, 1952. Parents will be interested in the nature and scope of the regu- lations issued.
Summary of New Regulations for Physical Examination of School Children
1. The new regulations do not any longer require an annual examination of every child. Examinations are to be done within six months before entrance into school, or during first year after entrance and there- after at intervals of three or four years, the purpose being to provide more complete examinations at less frequent intervals.
25
2. Families are encouraged to have this examina- tion done by their own physician when this is feasible.
3. Parents are to be invited to be present at physi- cal examination of first and fourth grade pupils in the school.
4. Record of examinations is to be kept on new health appraisal forms provided by Massachusetts De- partment of Public Health.
5. Children returning after five days' absence due to illness, repeatedly absent due to unexplained illness, with known physical defects, athletes, and those apply- ing for employment certificates are to be examined by a registered physician.
SCHOOL PERSONNEL
It is well known to all Duxbury residents that our schools have been growing very rapidly in recent years. Increases in numbers of pupils have resulted in added numbers of teachers. The number of persons employed in the school system is indicated below.
Distribution of School Personnel - 1952
Elementary School Teachers
17
High School Teachers
12
Supervisors
3
Superintendents
1
Principals
2
Special Instructors (part-time)
5
Janitors
3
Clerks
2
Dentists
2
Physicians
1
Nurses
1
26
Attendance Officers Lunchroom Staff
1
5
Total
55
In September 1953 it will be necessary to add two elementary school teachers and one high school teacher.
Two members of our faculty are now on military leave. Rodney Wood, High School Principal, is in the navy, and William Sands is in the army.
The following tabulation indicates the growth in school population over the ten year period from Oc- . tober 1, 1943 to October 1, 1952.
Grade
1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952
K
54
58
72
108
* U
6
8
18
1
42
30
63
42
54
62
72
68
77
79
2
43
45
38
57
34
51
50
73
70
79
3
44
38
38
40
53
33
52
52
76
74
4
33
43
35
42
35
52
33
56
55
89
5
38
37
49
35
45
38
53
42
60
54
6
31
39
36
49
39
47
38
56
38
62
Total
237
240
277
265
260
283
352
405
448
545
7
42
29
41
30
47
36
41
40
54
40
8
27
38
33
36
29
41
39
40
34
47
9
29
20
37
27
36
27
39
40
35
40
10
28
25
21
32
29
36
26
39
33
36
11
16
21
26
19
32
29
26
28
32
33
12
16
15
16
23
18
25
23
24
26
27
Total
158
148
174
167
191
194
194
211
214
223
Grand
Total
395
388
451
432
451
477
546
616
662
768
*Ungraded
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS
Telephone 465
Name J. Donald DeLong
Position
Training
Years of Service in Duxbury
E.M., New England Conservatory of Music; M.A.,
0
Mrs. Marion K. Baker
Perry Kindergarten School
0
Mrs. Dorothy J. Scott
New England Conservatory of Music, Curtis In- stitute of Music
0
Mrs. Flora Ann Wood
Kindergarten
A.B., Tufts
3
Mrs. Lena A. Macomber
Grade One
Salem Normal School; Bridgewater State Teach- ers' College
7
27
Mrs. Mildred E. Glass
Grade One
Bridgewater Normal School
2
Mrs. Caroline L. Fife
Grade One
B.S. in Ed., Ohio State University
0
Mrs. M. Abbie Peckham
Grade Two
Partridge Academy, Hyannis Normal
42
Miss Roberta L. Pelley
Grade Two
Lesley College
0
Miss Sally D'Amelio
Grade Two
B.S., Bridgewater State Teachers' College
0
Mrs. Joseph L. Bush
Grade Three
A.B., University of Washington; A.M., Teachers' College, Columbia University
2
Mrs. Emily P. Loring
Grade Three
Bridgewater Normal School
0
Miss Sara E. Paulding
Grade Four
Partridge Academy, Hyannis Normal Columbia
48
Mrs. Beatrice A. Chase
Grade Four
Lesley College, Boston University
1
Miss Joan M. Keefe
Grade Four
B.S., Regis College
0
Mrs. Alice L. O'Neil
Grade Five
North Adams Normal School; Bridgewater State Teachers' College
12
Principal, Grade Five Kindergarten Kindergarten
Florida State University
Mrs. Emily McWade (Regular Substitute) Richard W. Beveridge Walter T. Kennedy
Grade Five
Boston University, Hyannis Normal School
Grade Six Grade Six
A.B., Westminster College B.S., Providence College
1 0
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS
Telephone 346
Hugh O. MacFarlane
Principal
B.S., Boston University; M.Ed., Harvard Univer- sity
0
Earl P. Bassett
Shop
B.S.E., Mass. Normal Art School; Boston Univer- sity; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Har- vard School of Engineering, Rhode Island State University
7 7
Mrs. Elesebeth Bencordo Ralph N. Blakeman
Librarian Physical Education B.S. in Ed., Ed. M., Boston University; Blooms-
13
Mrs. Elinor K. Churchill Mrs. Florence J. Harrison
Commercial Languages
Maturite Reale, College DeGeneve; A.M., Middle- bury College
1
B.S., Simmons College
2
Mrs. Harriet P. Marston John T. McGarigal Robert B. Mendenhall
Home Economics Commercial
A.B., Montclair Teachers' College
0
Social Studies
B.S. Ed., Boston University., M. in Ed., Boston University
0
Science, Math.
B.S., Northeastern University
0
Albert Rothfuss Miss Kathryn Stover
English
A.B., Wheaton College; A.M., New York Univer- sity
0
28
Partridge Academy
berg State Teachers' College
1
B.S., Boston University
Robert M. Vaughan Biology, Math.
Barclay J. Woodward, III Jr. High Math.
B.S., Ed., Boston University; Gorham State Teach- ers' College B.S., U. S. Naval Academy; Naval Finance and Supply School
4 2
.
SUPERVISORS
Miss Margaret M. Coleman Physical Education B.S. in Ed., Boston University
Mrs. Margaret R. Wansker Music, English
B.S. in Ed., Boston University; Brown Univer- sity Graduate School; Lowell State Teachers' College 3
Mrs. Ella B. Hebberd Art
Bridgewater State Teachers' College
9
CLERKS 29
Mrs. Muriel O. Ferrell Mrs. Eileen P. Jones
High School Superintendent's Office Katherine Gibbs School
Partridge Academy; Bryant & Stratton 7
4
30
JANITORS
Name
Charles W. Schwab
Ellis F. Harrison
Michael J. Sheehan
Position
Head Janitor 6
Elementary School Janitor 7
High School Janitor 1
HEALTH SERVICE
Miss Susan E Carter, R.N. School Nurse
10
Telephone 175 or 465
School Physician 3
Telephone 84-W
Dr. Gillis K. Turner
School Dentist 3
Telephone 445
Dr. Henry E. Messier
School Dentist
3
Telephone 441
SPECIAL SERVICE
Harry Iovinelli
Band Instructor 1
Mrs. Emily McWade
Tutor
0
Mass. Audubon Society
Science Courses 2
Miss Ardelle Wilbur
Handwriting Instructor 2
Earl W. Chandler
Attendance Officer
17
T. Waldo Herrick
Transportation 27
Mrs. Ella S. Donovan
Americanization Classes 6
LUNCHROOM STAFF
Mrs. Thelma P. Redlon
Manager 4
Mrs. Gladys R. MacKeown
Cook
10
Mrs. Marie Caron
Assistant 6
Mrs. Laila Wadsworth
Assistant
Mrs. Elizabeth Jones
Assistant 0
Years of Service in Duxbury
Dr. Walter E. Deacon
31
SCHOOL REGULATIONS
Admission
Children who are four years and eight months on September 1st of any school year may be admitted to kindergarten.
A certificate of successful vaccination is required for admission.
A birth certificate is required to establish a child's age.
Health
Any child who is absent from school for five days or more is required to bring a certificate from the doctor stating that he is now ready to return to school. After absence with a contagious disease, no matter how .
short, a doctor's certificate is also required.
No School Signal
School is usually called off only when bus transpor- tation is unsafe. On such days an announcement is made over Stations WBZ, WEEI, WHDH, and WBET in Brockton, between 6:45 and 7:45. Parents are not expected to send their children to school on days when, in their opinion, the weather is such as to endanger the health of the child even though the busses are in operation. Such absences are excused on receipt of a written request.
32
REPORT OF SCHOOL CENSUS
The following report of children in town and en- rollment is based upon the school census taken Octo- ber 1, 1952.
5 years and under 7 years
7 years and under 16 years
Illiterate Minors 16 years or over and under 21
Number of boys living in Duxbury
98
302
0
Number of Girls living in Duxbury
96
285
0
Total in Residence
194
587
0
Distribution of Above :
Public School Mem- bership*
193
556
0
In Continuation School Membership
0
0
0
In Vocational Schoolt
0
0
0
In Private School}
4
31
0
In State and County Institutions
0
0
0
Not in any school
0
8
0
Prospective First
graders, 1953§
109
-
*Does not include pupils over sixteen years of age.
¡One Student over 16 years of age attends Wey- mouth Vocational School.
¿Does not include private kindergartens.
§These are known residents. Past experience in- dicates that this number will be increased during the year by new residents.
33
GRADUATION EXERCISES
PROGRAM
Processional-March of the Priests Mendelssohn
Invocation Rev. Herman F. Lion
My God and I-Sergei Glee Club and Seniors
Address of Welcome Loring Tripp President-Class of 1952
Address Dr. Roswell G. Ham President-Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Mass.
The Lord's Prayer-Malotte Glee Club and Seniors
Presentation of Awards
Dr. Everett L. Handy
Superintendent of Schools
Presentation of Diplomas
Mr. Herbert C. Wirt
Chairman-Duxbury School Committee
Recessional
Benediction Rev. William S. Anthony
CLASS OFFICERS
President Vice-President
Secretary
Treasurer
Loring Tripp, Jr. Edwin E. Loring, Jr. Jane T. Ripley Judith A. Rising
34
HONOR USHERS
Anne Kent A. Elaine Macomber Edythe Pyy
Joan Walker
Peter Barker Ronald Cheney Lloyd Ferrell Carl O'Neil
MARSHAL Steven Loring
GRADUATES-1952
Patricia Jessie Bridgham
Edward Robert Brock Lewis Trenchard Brown, Jr. Marshall Brooks Brown David Edmund Carver, Jr. Robert Ashworth Coffey
Katherine Elaine DeLorenzo Joseph Robert DeLorenzo Ronald Lamb Everett Barbara Jean Glass
Gillian Mary Harvey Sandra Marie Higgins Lorna Nan Hutcheon William Bainbridge Leonard Edwin Ellis Loring, Jr. Dorothy Helen Macleod
35
Peter Dennison Noyes
Faith Elinor Olsen
Edward Chandler O'Neil Ruth Amanda Parks
Russell Willard Randall
Jane Trowbridge Ripley Judith Ann Rising William Sumner Thayer
Loring Tripp, Jr. William Magee Wadsworth
DUXBURY SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO THE CLASS OF 1952
The Partridge Scholarship Jane Ripley
The Duxbury Rotary Club Scholarship Jane Ripley
The P.T.A. Community Scholarship Fund* Patricia Bridgham Lewis Brown, Jr. Jane Ripley Robert Coffey Lorna Hutcheon
* The Duxbury Parent Teachers Association, The Duxbury Yacht Club, The American Legion, and Individual Citizens.
36
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1952-1953
September 3-School opens
October 13-Columbus Day
November 10 and 11-Armistice Day celebrated
November 27 and 28-Thanksgiving Recess December 22 to January 2-Christmas Vacation January 5-Classes begin
February 23 to 27-Winter Vacation
April 20 to 24-Spring Vacation
June 12-Elementary School closes
June 12-High School Graduation June 19-High School Closes
INDEX
Accountant
142
Animal Inspector
63
Assessors
59
Audit for 1952
12
Balance Sheet
16
Births
105
Board of Appeals
38
Cemetery
26
Cemetery Trustees
25
Cemetery Trust Fund
182
Deaths 109
Dutch Elm Disease
51
Elections and Registrations
131
Finance Committee
76
Fire Department
19
Forest Warden
22
Harbor Master
39
Health Board
61
Highways and Sidewalks 24
High School Building Committee 41
Historian 29
Howland's Landing Committee
96
Insect Pest Control
47
Jonathan and Ruth Ford Fund
40
Jury List 7
Library 68
Licenses, Permits 115
Marriages 101
Memorial Day Report 30
Nurse 27
Officers of Town
3
Planning Board 80
Playgrounds
49
Plymouth County Aid to Agriculture
32
Police
45
Recreation Committee 86
Report of Beach Committee
88
Schools
190
Selectmen
8
Shellfish Constable
55
Tarkiln Youth Center 95
Town Clerk
101
Town Meeting
117
Treasurer
85
Treasurer Report, Free Library
74
Tree Warden 48
Veterans' Agent
57
Welfare
· 64
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Town Officers and Committees
OF THE
TOWN OF DUXBURY Massachusetts
N
naxn
E
T
1637
For the Year Ending December 31
1953
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Town Officers and Committees OF THE
TOWN OF DUXBURY Massachusetts
MAS
For the Year Ending December 31
1953
Linotyped, Printed and Bound by THE MEMORIAL PRESS, INC. Plymouth, Mass.
In Grateful Recognition of Devoted Public Service W e Inscribe These Names On the Town Records
HARRY B. BRADLEY
1873 - 1953
Selectman - Moderator - Library Trustee
HENRY P. MOULTON
1879 - 1953
Moderator - Town Clerk - Town Treasurer
Blessed be the hands that toiled to aid The Great World's ceaseless need The hands that never were afraid To do a kindly deed.
HARRY B. BRADLEY
-5-
Town Officers for 1953
SELECTMEN
Philip W. Delano 1954
Francis W. Perry
1955
Charles R. Crocker
1956
ASSESSORS
Philip W. Delano 1954
Francis W. Perry
1955
Charles R. Crocker
1956
BOARD OF HEALTH
Philip W. Delano 1954
Francis W. Perry
1955
Charles R. Crocker 1956
MODERATOR
William Wood McCarthy 1954
CEMETERY TRUSTEES
J. Newton Shirley 1954
Edward P. Hobart 1955
Stanley Johnson 1956
Harry A. Tammett 1957
H. Russell Chandler 1958
TOWN CLERK AND TREASURER
Joseph T. C. Jones 1956
COLLECTOR OF TAXES
Edwin M. Noyes 1956
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Albert P. Richards 1954
Dominic LaGreca 1954
Earle C. Grenquist 1955
Morrison M. Bump 1956
Elizabeth U. Nickerson
1956
PLANNING BOARD
Oliver L. Barker 1954
Percy L. Walker 1955
Charles H. Wansker 1956
Atherton Loring, Jr.
1957
Kenneth G. Garside
1958
WELFARE BOARD
Herbert R. Nelson 1954
-
Paul N. Swanson 1955
Howard M. Clark 1955
Paul Barber
1956
Alice H. Garside
1956
TREE WARDEN
Roy E. Parks 1955
CONSTABLES
Earl W. Chandler James T. O'Neil
Lawrence C. Doyle
TRUSTEES OF DUXBURY FREE LIBRARY, INC. *Harry B. Bradley William B. Coffin Walter R. Hunt
William H. Young
Bartlett B. Bradley
C. Russell Eddy Philip W. Delano
*Deceased
-7-
.
Appointed by the Moderator
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Edward L. Butler 1954 David Marshall 1955
Kenneth R. Bunten 1954 Benj. F. Goodrich, Jr. 1955
J. Alvin Borgeson 1954 James H. W. Jenner 1956
Robert Seymour 1955 William A. Scherff 1956
Louis B. Tura 1956
Officials Appointed by the Selectmen
BOARD OF APPEALS
H. Russell Chandler 1954
William B. Coffin 1955
Kenneth O. Macomber 1956
REGISTRARS OF VOTERS
Willard R. Randall 1954
Clara M. Redmond 1955
Frances R. Wolfe 1956
FIRE ENGINEERS
Eben N. Briggs
LeRoy M. Peterson
Alden M .Bartlett
George S. Butler
Kenneth O. Macomber Carl J. Santheson, Jr. John DeLorenzo
Agent, Board of Health-George R. Starr, Jr., M.D.
Superintendent of Streets-Lewis B. Randall
Chief of Police-James T. O'Neil
Superintendent of Insect Pest Control-Roy E. Parks
-8-
Shellfish Constable-Henry P. McNeil Inspector of Animals-Ernest W. Chandler Inspector of Slaughtered Animals-Ernest W. Chandler Sealer of Weights and Measures-Charles C. McNaught Surveyors of Wood and Lumber-Edwin McAuliffe, Ray M. Parks, Bradley V. Osgood
Weighers of Coal, Coke, and Hay-Paul McAuliffe, H. Thomas Williams, Benjamin F. Goodrich, Benjamin F. Goodrich, Jr., Russell W. Soule
Field Drivers-Ernest W. Chandler, Lewis B. Randall, William P. Clark
Fence Viewers-William Couch, Ray M. Parks, Herbert R. Nelson
Dog Officer-Lawrence C. Doyle
Harbor Master-Sargent C. Black
Assistant Harbor Master-Henry P. McNeil Wharfinger-Sargent C. Black Veterans' Agent-Henry P. McNeil
Burial Agent-Henry P. McNeil
Supervisors of Parks and Playgrounds-Roy E. Parks, Annie E. Dunham, Walter G. Prince
Town Accountant-Isabelle V. Freeman
Town Counsel-John J. Geogan, Esq.
- --
--
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Jury List July 1, 1953 to July 1, 1954
Blanchard, Dorothy E.
Summer Street Housewife
Borgeson, Harriet B.
West Street Clerk
Bryant, Carola
High Street
Secretary
Bunten, Arline Mayers
Elm Street
Housewife
Crocker, Harriet E.
Chestnut Street
Housewife
Cutler, John H.
Washington Street Writer
Denyer, Mary S.
Bay Road
Housewife
DeWolf, John H.
Tremont Street Steward
Dohoney, Eunice
Tremont Street Housewife
Dwyer, Frank C.
Surplus Street
Retired
Fitzgibbons, Angeline S.
Washington Street Housewife
Garside, Alice H.
Partridge Road Language Therap.
Chestnut Street Mechanic
Harrington, Frederic
Temple Street Farmer
Hobart, Edward B.
Bay Road
Garage Manager
Holden, Merrill G.
Josselyn Ave.
Painter
Holmes, A. Elliot
Washington Street Poultry Raiser
Jenner, James H. W.
Standish Street Salesman
L'Heureux, Cleophus B.
Enterprise Street Insurance Broker
Marston, Harriet P.
Crescent Street Teacher
Merry, Stanley H.
West Street Marine Draftsman
Nass, Loren C.
Washington Street Sanitary Engineer
Osborn, Ralph H.
Schaffer, Greta J.
Trement Street
Housewife
Sencabaugh, Paul R.
Bay Ridge Lane Bank Clerk
Tremont Street Manager
Soule, Fred W. Taft, Byron W.
Tremont Street West Street
Broker
Walker, Edward B.
Tremont Street Poultryman
Williams, Harold T.
St. George Street Office Clerk
Wrye, Gratia Adams
Summer Street
Saleswoman
Fuel OilDistributor
Walker, Clarence W.
Summer Street Store-keeper
Glass, Elmer
-10-
Selectmen's Report
We are pleased to present herewith the One Hun- dred and First Annual Report of your Town Officers and Town Committees. The commencement of another century of town record-keeping points up Duxbury's age but though Duxbury is old, she is ever young and vibrant, made hospitable and warm by many reminders of her splendid past and the assurance of a fine future. Duxbury is changing and growing but its unalterable characteristics provide a feeling of security.
MILESTONES
Voted to build a ten-room addition to the present Elementary School and construction commenced in Sep- tember 1953.
Study plans made by the State Department of Public Works on the new South Shore Express-way cutting through the geographical center of Duxbury. Who can prophesy what community problems this may create?
Scallops in abundance in the Bay! Presently an inter- esting novelty but possibly a future economic asset.
CIVIL DEFENSE
The untiring efforts of our Civil Defense Directors were rewarded in 1953 by the American Legion's assur- ance of cooperation in developing an adequate civil de- fense force capable of coping with natural or enemy dis- aster. We urge our citizens to participate in this program.
FINANCIAL STANDING
Municipal financial circles paid Duxbury the compli- ment of offering an excellent price for our Sea Wall notes and School bonds. Marketing our securities at a lower rate of interest than was generally bid in 1953 for similar issues indicates that Duxbury is considered a good risk. It saved us many dollars of bond cost.
-11-
SEA WALL
The Sea Wall was under construction as 1953 ended. The severe storms buffeting the coastal area last autumn indicated we might get this much needed protection none too soon.
PROTECTIVE BY-LAW ENFORCEMENT
The Protective By-Law is our insurance against any too rapid or disorderly growth. The Chief of Police ac- cepted appointment as "Investigating Officer" and in that capacity materially assisted the Board in enforcing the By-Law. An Investigating Officer is essential for lax en- forcement of protective ordinances results in complete disrespect for them and their benefits are lost through neglect.
During the past year several violations have been investigated. Happily most were corrected by the prop- erty owners upon notification. One was corrected after town counsel had instituted court action. At year's end two others have been referred to town counsel for approp- riate action. The By-Law, which the townspeople have adopted, is being enforced.
HOWLAND'S LANDING
The Annual Meeting did not act favorably on the recommendations of the Howland's Landing Committee. Those recommendations were the result of a thorough study by that Committee. The Board, aware of the fact that our main basin, so recently dredged, was completely occupied by mid June, anticipates the need of preparing for the time when we shall require addi- tional mooring area. To provide for this we recommend the adoption of so much of the Committee's report as would result in the acquisition of land along the road and shore line and flat area. This conforms to a recom- mendation by the Planning Board, made to this Board, following their study of the problem. A suitable oppor- tunity for action will be afforded the voters in the next Annual Meeting warrant.
-12-
During the year the way to the Landing was some- what improved by widening and smoothing.
HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENT
The Chapter 90 Highway program should be con- tinued. An increased appropriation over last year is recommended to continue and speed up construction on Bay Road. The appropriation for the Route 14 Maintenance program should be continued.
We have requested the County Commissioners to widen the layout of Bay Road at its junction with Wads- worth Road. This will permit cutting away the high bank and thus improve visibility for persons entering Bay Road.
A hearing was held before the County Commis- sioners on a proposed relocation of Gurnet Road con- forming to the suggestions submitted to the Annual Town Meeting by the Duxbury Beach Committee. Much misunderstanding was obvious and the County Commissioners have called another hearing on the matter. Should the proposed road become a reality the re-routing of traffic would relieve dangerous congestion.
Serious drainage problems continue to plague the Highway Department. As land is improved the owners will no longer tolerate its use for the spilling of storm waters. A long existing drainage problem on Washing- ton Street will be placed before the voters in a special article.
We also recommend the rebuilding of sections of Winter Street running westerly from Summer Street.
PARKS IMPROVEMENT
The instructions of the Annual Meeting regarding the removal of the partially disintegrated Boomer Square monument were followed and the lot modestly beautified. Care was taken to preserve a record of the monument's inscriptions.
The old Partridge Academy lot was cleared of
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unsightly growth. At the year's end the clearing of brush from the way to the pond at Tinkertown was progressing. In 1954 we plan to improve the Myles Standish House Lot, using accumulated interest in the Fund for that purpose.
It is hoped the program of improvement and beautification of our open areas can be continued on a modest scale.
BUILDING PROBLEMS
Last year it was felt a decision should be reached on the disposal of the Point and Village Schools, virtually unused and abandoned since 1949. The Town Meeting elected to defer that decision a year. There . doubtless will be suggested uses for these properties, but it would seem uneconomic for the Town to restore properties so badly out of repair and then to maintain several buildings, all only partially used, when a lesser number, with proper scheduling, could better serve the need at substantially less cost of upkeep to the Town. Last year the Town spent in excess of $4000 for upkeep of buildings used for other than school pur- poses. It may be reasonably argued that the Town should not now add to this burden by retaining ownership of these buildings and expending sufficient money for necessary renovations and adequate future maintenance.
A Special Committee appointed to study this problem and others, may offer constructive sug- gestions.
The request of the Planning Board for an office and meeting place was met by arranging for them to share the Welfare Board's conference room instead of incur- ring substantial expenditure for further renovations to the Abbott House.
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