USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1956-1960 > Part 16
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53
REPORT OF SHELLFISH CONSTABLE
December 31, 1957
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I respectfully submit my report as Shellfish Constable for the year 1957.
The natural propagation and growing of clams, during 1957, was not too great. We do have a fair-sized quantity of razorfish and quahaugs. Due to the severe cold and the heavy ice in the Bay the past two winters, no scallops were gathered this year.
Mr. Frederick C. Wilbour, Jr., was appointed this year as the Director of the Division of Marine Fisheries. He has worked for over twenty years for this Department. Mr. Wilbour is starting a program with the cooperation of the Cities and Towns, where records of all experiments and information re- lating to Shellfish, whether successful or not, will be passed on to his Department and to the other Cities and Towns, hoping that we may gain far more knowledge in helping the Shellfish Industry succeed.
During 1957, 56 Commercial Shellfish permits were issued at $5.00 each - total $280.00. 929 Family permits at 50ยข each were issued - total $464.50. 28 Family permits were issued free to persons 70 years of age or over.
One Clam Grant was issued at a charge of $5.00, and two Clam Grants were transferred at a charge of $10.00 - total $15.00, during the year. 14 notices were sent Grant Holders requesting a report of work on Grants. 210 bushels of Quahaugs and 15 bushels of Oysters were planted on Grants this year.
54
There were 14 Annual Fee forms sent out and $22.25 collected in 1956 Annual Fees from Grant holders.
Following is the record of Shellfish and Seaworms taken commercially during the year.
165 bushels of Quahaugs @ $10.00
$1,650.00
70 bushels of Quahaugs @ 4.80
336.00
630 bushels of Quahaugs @ 6.00
3,780.00
450 bushels of Quahaugs @ 3.00
3,350.00
41 bushels of Quahaugs @ 2.50
102.50
165 bushels of Razorfish @ 6.00
990.00
50 bushels of Razorfish @ 4.00
200.00
98 bushels of Razorfish @
3.00
294.00
10 bushels of Mussells @
3.00
30.00
4 bushels of Clams @ 12.00
48.00
46,372 Seaworms @ $.03 apiece
1,391.16
Total all Shellfish and Worms
$10,171.66
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY P. McNEIL,
Shellfish Constable
55
REPORT OF VETERANS' AGENT
December 31, 1957
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I respectfully submit my report as Agent and Director for the Department of Veterans' Services for the year 1957.
I have assisted numerous Veterans and their dependents during 1957 and expect an increase in the amount of work during the year 1958. The Federal Government is cutting down on the money allowed the Veterans Administration, which will reduce the number of their Field Offices and per- sonnel, and give the Veteran no choice but go to the Agent in his City or Town with his individual problem.
Three pension and one compensation claims were handled, the applicants are now receiving Federal pension and com- pensation checks, which is a help to our budget.
The facilities of this office are open to Veterans and their Dependents, Monday through Saturday by appointment.
I continue to photostat Veterans discharges, and I keep a copy on file for future reference.
During the year, I registered 14 local youths for Draft Board No. 129, Marshfield, Massachusetts.
Four death claims were handled in my capacity as Burial Agent.
During the year 1957, this department had a total of 21 cases, representing 55 persons who received Veterans' Benefits.
56
Our appropriation for Administration, ordinary benefits, medical and fuel expenditures was $13,680.00. We expended $12,027.65 and have a balance of $1,652.35 to return to the Town.
The State Department of Veterans' Services will reim- burse the Town for approximately half of the above amount expended, for ordinary benefits, medical and fuel.
As the result of having a Lien against an insurance settle- ment due a Veteran, aided by this department, I was able to recover the sum of $844.00 for the Town.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY P. McNEIL,
Agent
57
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
January 1, 1958
I hereby submit my report as agent for the Board of Health.
For the second year in a row there were no cases of Poliomyelitis in Duxbury. This is in line with the general downward trend of this disease all over the country, thanks to the extensive use of the Salk Vaccine. Unfortunately, many people who made the effort to get the first two shots have done nothing about getting the third. This is available at any time from your own physician.
The great scare of the year was Asiatic Flu. To prevent any great loss of time, clinics were held to give the vaccine to all who are employed by the Town. However, the expected epidemic never put in an appearance. Extensive studies in Boston showed that the "flu" which was so common this past fall was a milder strain of the type that caused such havoc back in 1918, and that true cases of Asiatic Flu in the area were really rare.
The communicable diseases reported to this department during the year were as follows:
Mumps
21
Chicken Pox
17
German Measles
7
Scarlet Fever
2
Dogbite
5
May we again urge all parents to report all communicable diseases to the health agent when they are so mild as not to
58
require a doctor's services. Doctors are required to report all cases they do see.
The school dental program is still functioning smoothly to the great advantage of our children.
Rat bait is available at Dr. Starr's office at all times at no cost. Please take advantage of this program if you have any rodent problems - it works!
We are grateful to the State Department of Public Health for their assistance and cooperation in the inspecting and licens- ing of eating establishments, chicken farms and the like.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE ROSS STARR, JR., M.D.
59
DUXBURY FREE LIBRARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1957
To the Trustees of the Duxbury Free Library:
At the end of a five year period it is often customary to set down and take stock of what has happened in those five years. December 31, 1957 marks the end of the first five years of the present librarian's administration.
During these past five years, the former, rather sombre atmosphere of the library has been gradually transfromed into a more inviting one. It is a change which has been welcomed by all. Much discarding of old and worn-out books has been accomplished, together with the re-arrangement of a large part of the library's collection in order to make the books more accessible. Still more of this part of the library's re-organiza- tion still remains to be done. The reference collection has been gradually built up and as many carefully chosen books added as our budget would allow. These additions have averaged about 1000 a year.
That these changes have resulted in a definitely increased use of the library is partly reflected in the total circulation figures. In 1953, the circulation amounted to 33,699. The total circulation for 1957 equals 52,692, a gain of 18,993. At the end of 1953, 1986 citizens had become borrowers; at the end of 1957, 3656 registrations have been recorded. These figures indicate a steady growth in the use of the library. The 1957 circulation figures of 52,692 are 1063 above those of 1956. These figures are almost exactly half and half for adult and junior borrowers. The junior circulation is gaining steadily, with 2576 more books issued to the boys and girls than in 1956.
60
As mentioned above, 3656 borrowers have registered since 1953. 550 registrations were filled out in 1957; 296 of these being new borrowers and 254 re-registrants as a result of having had their cards for four years. Our 52,692 circula- tion gives us an eleven per capita circulation, based on an esti- mated population of about 4500. Since the American Library Association considers a 5 per capita circulation a satisfactory one, Duxbury has cause to feel encouraged in this respect.
Our problems remain the same. Increased work in serving the public at the desk and in the Reference Room, together with all of the behind the scenes activities which must be car- ried on if the library is to function successfully, make further progress with the re-organization of the library almost impos- sible. The re-cataloguing of the library is a problem which still confronts us. A shelf-list has been made of all books added since July 1952 and these books have been partially catalogued. Beginning with 1956 the H. W. Wilson catalogue cards have been used to complete the cataloguing of the new books when- ever they were available. Needless to say there is a great deal of work involved in all of this.
In the Reference Room every effort is put forth to help adults and juniors to find the material they are seeking and the answers to their questions. This activity is a time-consuming one, but a very important part of our library service and one which makes many friends for the library.
It is the intention and aim of the librarian to be able to fill all legitimate requests from our borrowers, either through purchase or by borrowing. As usual, at this time, it is hoped that a larger book-budget will be forth-coming. The need for more books and more help always accompanies a healthy growth in library service. With the increased cost of books, our $2400 book budget enabled us to buy only 1013 books in 1957. With a $2000 book budget in 1956, 1061 books were
61
purchased. A larger book budget with some additional help to administer it would increase our resources and make it pos- sible for the library to render an even more valuable service. It is always the aim of a librarian to reach as many people with books as possible.
One of the most important and most rewarding of our library activities lies in our work with the Duxbury Schools. September 1957 was the beginning of the fourth year of our co-operation with the Duxbury Elementary School. This co- operation has grown steadily until we now have 13 classes from the third through the sixth grades visiting the library every week accompanied by their teachers. Some of the classes come every week, others on alternate weeks. Each class spends one- half hour in the library. The librarian and her assistants help the children to find supplementary reading for their studies and books to read for pleasure. They are instructed in how to use the reference books and encouraged to browse around and to choose their own books.
The subject of reading is uppermost in the minds of all educators and in this educational crisis which is gripping our country, they all agree that to be a good reader is the first and most important step toward further education. These educa- tors also believe that it is impossible to develop a good reader without the cooperation of the school and the public library. The Duxbury Free Library is putting forth every effort to develop this co-operation between the public library and the school. If more books can be made available, a larger number of boys and girls can be reached. As it is at present there are never enough books of specific subjects and titles to go around. Substitutes for the time being are always found which will satisfy the boy or girl until the specific request can be filled. 485 books were issued on one Thursday late in November.
The 7th and 8th grade Summer Reading List programme was in effect again last summer, with gratifying results. Books
62
were brought over from the High School library and additional ones sent down by the Massachusetts Library Extension. The book-reports were made in the fall to Mrs. Sherwood and to Mrs. Bencordo.
Junior and Senior high school pupils come to the library after 2:00 p.m. They come to do reference work, get books for a "book report" and good books to read. All of these boys and girls need help in one way or another. Working with them is an important part of our library day. It is hoped that these visits to the Library, beginning with the third grade, will develop a life-long library habit:
"For books are more than books, They are the very heart and core of life; The reason why men worked and fought and died. The essence and quintessence of our lives." So wrote Amy Lowell.
In the fall of 1957 a beginning was made on the much needed re-decoration of the library. There has been much favorable comment in regard to this work and all hope that still more can be done in this direction in 1958.
In bringing to a close this review of what has happened in the Duxbury Free Library during the past five years, these facts seem to predominate: the years have been busy and fruit- ful ones, always accompanied by the wish that more could have been accomplished. With an increased book budget and some additional help, there is every certainty that the library will continue to grow and give even more valuable service to the community. The library can be as good as the citizens wish it to be.
The librarian wishes to extend her thanks and sincere appreciation to all who have helped to bring 1957 through to
63
a successful library year: to the Trustees, to the Staff, Mrs. Winifred Couch, Mrs. Odeal O. Moody, Mrs. Margaret R. Bates, and Mrs. Winona Strachan. To the members of the Duxbury Community Garden Club for their many lovely exhibits which have brought pleasure to all visitors, and to all others who have so thoughtfully donated books, periodicals, plants and flowers.
Respectfully submitted,
MINNIE BURKE FIGMIC,
Librarian
64
REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF THE DUXBURY FREE LIBRARY, INC. As of December 31, 1957 INCOME ACCOUNT
RECEIPTS
On hand Jan. 1, 1957:
In Bank
$
979.91
From various trust funds :
Wright
$3,250.78
Winsor
879.50
Hathaway
116.32
Duxbury Hall
257.60
Hunt
22.92
$4,527.12
$ 4,527.12
From the Town of Duxbury (Appropriation $8,000)
8,000.00
$13,507.03
EXPENDITURES
Salaries
$ 7,342.76
Books
2,424.92
Supplies
133.05
Insurance
347.45
Repairs and Improvements
400.16
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Fuel Oil
618.78
Electricity 370.67
Telephone
124.49
Janitor Services 618.00
Other Operating Expenses
66.94
$12,447.22
Balance on Hand December 31, 1957 in Bank
$ 1,059.81
$13,507.03
66
REPORT OF THE MEMORIAL DAY COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury:
The Memorial Day Committee respectfully submits the following report:
Tuesday evening, May 28, the members of Duxbury Post No. 223 A. L., continued the custom of the Sons of Union Veterans of the G.A.R. of decorating the graves of all Veterans of all Wars from the Revolutionary War to the Korean Conflict. In all five town cemeteries, graves were decorated with flags and plants. This year markers were purchased and placed on any Veterans' grave which lacked a distinguishing marker.
Memorial Day, Thursday, May 30, all five cemeteries were visited by Duxbury Post No. 223 A.L. Color Guard and Firing Squad, where volleys were fired and taps sounded in memory of the deceased Veterans. In addition services were conducted at the Honor Roll, and also at Blue Fish River, for all Veterans who perished at sea.
Following services held at Myles Standish Cemetery, a parade formed for the march to the First Parish Church Uni- tarian for Memorial Day Services. Joining Duxbury Post No. 223 A.L. in the procession which was led by Chief Marshal, Robert White, commander of the Post, was the Duxbury High School Band, Myles Standish Camp No. 115 S.U.V. of C.W., the Duxbury Girl and Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Brownies.
At the conclusion of the Church Service, the procession marched to Mayflower Cemetery where Memorial Exercises
67
were conducted at the Legion Lot and at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM G. WHITE, Chairman
ROBERT WHITE
PAUL MORRISON
MAURICE SHIRLEY
FREMONT SHIRLEY
PAUL SENCABAUGH
RAYMOND CHANDLER JOHN MORTON
68
REPORT OF THE DUXBURY RECREATION COMMITTEE
November 26, 1957
The year 1957 has been very successful for all the youth groups under our sponsorship. We wish to thank the Towns- folk for authorizing the tennis and badminton programs at the last March Town Meeting.
Bon Homme and Teen Canteen have served their pur- pose by providing a well programed recreational need for our 7-8 and 9-10 grade groups. These are supervised by trained directors who ensure proper guidance and supervision at each meeting.
Badminton has turned out to be an excellent program for the youngsters. It aids in the development of co-ordination of the body and teaches good sportsmanship. We are limited to one court, so it makes the scheduling very difficult.
The Tennis Club was even more successful this past sum- mer. 132 youngsters enjoyed the program; one third being summer residents. This fills a need for supervised recreation during the summer months. We have been very fortunate in obtaining the services of an excellent director for this program.
For the year 1958, we do not expect to expand our activi- ties but rather, offer improved programs within the established group.
Signed,
WALTER F. KOPKE, JR., Chairman
69
REPORT OF TARKILN RECREATION AND YOUTH CENTER
January 8, 1958
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Town of Duxbury
Sirs :
During 1957 the activities at Tarkiln Recreation and Youth Center were seriously curtailed because of lack of sup- port in the Community. The Committee was reduced to five families. In spite of this handicap the center provided many hours of recreation for teenagers and small children alike.
The Center was used for many other activities such as family reunions, showers, dances, receptions, birthday parties, and meetings of various descriptions.
The annual children's Christmas Party was the largest and most successful of any previous year. The success of the party was due mostly to neighbors in the community and friends who came forward and helped with the project. When these same neighbors learned that this Christmas Party was to be the last activity of the Center, they felt this would be a great loss to the community.
Because of this new interest a letter was sent throughout the community explaining the need for more volunteers if the Center was to survive.
The response was greater than anticipated. Enough volun- teers attended to form several committees and activities have already been put into operation for 1958.
70
The repairs and improvements to the building which were planned for 1957, and for which the people of Duxbury approp- riated funds at the last Town Meeting were not made. The officers of Tarkiln felt the activities of the Center, and the interest of the community were so negligible, a possibility existed that the building and properties would be turned over to the Town for future use. Therefore, we felt it improper to spend money for improvements which might not be used.
The officers of Tarkiln Recreation and Youth Center take this opportunity to express their sincere thanks for the good wishes, financial and moral support of the Town and various organizations, and especially to those who have come forward to keep the ball rolling.
Respectfully submitted, EMILY LORING
Secretary
71
REPORT OF ANNUAL DUXBURY DAYS PARADE COMMITTEE
July 24, 1957
Town of Duxbury St. George Street Duxbury, Mass.
The Honorable Board of Selectmen, Attention Mr. Delano, Chairman:
Gentlemen:
Following the practice of previous years I wish to submit the following itemized accounting of the parade expenses for which the Town appropriated the sum of $750.00, under Article 15 of the 1957 Town Warrant.
COST OF BANDS:
1. Plymouth Legion Post No. 40 $245.00
2. Braintree Drum & Bugle Corps 200.00
3. William B. Dalton Post No. 137, Holbrook 75.00
4. Abington Legion Band, (paid for by Kiwanis)
$520.00
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OTHER COSTS:
A. Floats: 1st prize $100.00, 2nd prize $50.00, 3rd prize $25.00, 4th prize $10.00, 5th prize $5.00.
B. Horribles: 1st prize $50.00, 2nd prize $25.00, 3rd prize $15.00, 4th prize $10.00, 5th prize $5.00.
C. Best Color Guard: One prize $25.00.
D. Best Walking Entrant: One prize $15.00. Total cost of Prize Money $335.00
E. Cost of transportation and meals for Fort Devens Marching Unit 53.86
F. Cost of South Shore Antique Auto Club 50.00
Grand Total of Above Expenses $958.86
It is customary for the Town to pay for the cost of the bands direct upon receipt of approved statements, with the Legion to be reimbursed for the balance of other expenditures up to the appropriated amount, which this year is the sum of $230.00.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Police, Fire, Highway Department, and other agencies of the Town for their splendid cooperation and support which has helped to make this year's parade an overwhelming success.
Very truly yours, DAVID H. MARSHALL
Chairman, Parade Committee
73
REPORT OF BUILDING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I respectfully submit my report as Building Inspector for the period beginning January 1, 1957 to December 31, 1957.
From experience gained in administering the Building Code in the last year, it has become increasingly evident that a portion of the Code covering plumbing must be enforced. This is one of the most important sections of the Building Code, because it vitally affects the public health more than any other section of this Code. Frequently the lack of good workman- ship, quality of materials and performance of work consistent with good practice, becomes evident to the home owner after it is too late for adjustment, financially or otherwise, by the plumber involved.
This section of the Code has not been enforced because the State requires that a Plumbing Inspector be a registered Master plumber working under Civil Service. I do not meet these requirements; hence the Selectmen need to appoint another person as Plumbing Inspector under existing Town Regulations.
Your Building Inspector has asked the Finance Committee for a total of $1500 to pay a Plumbing Inspector part time.
The following are the statistics for the past year:
Total number of permits issued for the year 1957:
House (and house and garage combinations) 28
Garages 12
74
Non-Residential Buildings
(stores, church bldgs., etc.)
6
Alterations 72
Electrical 135
Miscellaneous
(cesspool, Appeal Board, etc.)
81
Total permits issued 334
*Total estimated cost of all construction $954,664
Total fees collected in 1957 1,896
*Total estimated costs based primarily on information submitted on "Application Forms" for permits.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT B. DELANO
Building Inspector
--- --------
75
REPORT OF WATERFRONT COMMITTEE
Board of Selectmen Town of Duxbury Duxbury, Mass.
Gentlemen:
We wish to express our appreciation to your Board and our Highway Superintendent for' the cooperation extended to us this past year.
During the past year, we have taken into consideration many problems but will make no recommendations at this time and until we have received a report from the Long Range Program Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
WATERFRONT COMMITTEE
FRANK A. DAVIS, Secretary
76
REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL BOARD
January 9, 1958
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
The Board of Selectmen appointed Mr. James Jenner to represent them as a member of the Personnel Board. Mr. Locke continued to serve as the Finance Committee member, and Mr. Winthrop Baker again served as the Board's third member. The Board voted Mr. Jenner chairman, and Mr. Locke secretary for the year 1957.
The by-law governing the Classification of Personnel, and the Administration of Standard Rates of Salaries and Wages requires that all positions and classifications be reviewed by the Board once each three years. In accordance with this require- ment the Board has reviewed all position descriptions with the help of department heads. The Board finds that the work con- tent of most classifications has changed little since the plan was established in 1955. Significant changes have been evalu- ated by the Board and required changes will be made subject to ratification at the next regular town meeting.
The Board made wage comparisons with other towns, and gathered statistics and data in order to be in position to make any changes necessary to maintain a fair and equitable wage level.
Classifications developed and revised by the Board during the year will be included in a formal amendment for ratifica- tion at the next town meeting as per section (5d) of the Classi- fication and Wages and Salary Plan by-law.
77
The Board wishes to express its appreciation for the fine cooperation it has received from all department heads and from the Selectmen.
Respectfully submitted, JAMES JENNER, Chairman IRVING LOCKE, Secretary WINTHROP A. BAKER
Personnel Board, Town of Duxbury
.
78
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury:
STATISTICS
Building Permits for new construction:
1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957
51 36 64
85
75
66
59
67
49
26 28
Additional data under "New Subdivision Control Law":
1953
1954
1955
1956 1957
Permits New Construction
59
67
49
26
28
Subdivision Considered
9
62
102
52
82
Approved
7
62
72
42
52
Plans (not subdivisions ) Endorsed
131
52
40
22
24
Miscellaneous Items Referred to Board
6
8
9
4
21
(1Last 3 months only )
(2Small-driveways only, 3-1954, 6-1955, 2-1956, 3-1957)
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