USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1956-1960 > Part 53
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The State Department of Veterans Services will reimburse the Town approximately half of the amount expended this year.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY P. McNEIL,
Agent
37
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
I hereby submit my report as agent for the Board of Health for the year 1959.
From the public health standpoint this year brought us fewer troubles than we have had for a long time. There were no epidemics and no health "scares" such as the polio which was plaguing us just a few years back. The Salk vaccine has proven its worth and all persons should see that they are pro- tected by four shots of the vaccine.
Many cases of communicable diseases have not been re- ported to the Health Agent. Those cases which were reported are as follows:
Measles
91
Chicken Pox
33
Mumps
3
German Measles
3
Meningitis
1
Dog Bite
16
Rat bait is available at Dr. Starr's office at all times at no cost. Please use if you have any rodent problems.
We are grateful to the State Department of Public Health for their assistance and cooperation in the inspecting and licensing of eating establishments, chicken farms and the like.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE ROSS STARR, JR., M.D.
Health Agent
38
DUXBURY FREE LIBRARY
To the Trustees:
The year 1959 has come and gone, almost without real- ization that yet another year has been added to the history of the Duxbury Free Library. The librarian has completed seven and one-half years as librarian and in that period the circula- tion has grown from 33,669 in 1953 to 60,123 in 1959. The circulation figures of 60,123 for 1959 show a gain of 2,323 over that of 1958 and 26,454 more than in 1953. The junior circulation in 1953 was 10,280. In 1959 these figures amount to 32,305 - 4,487 more than the adult circulation. For the second time the junior circulation has exceeded the adult. Based on an estimated population of 4,500, our circulation gives us a' 13.3 per capita circulation. The American Library Association considers a 5 per capita circulation a satisfactory one.
These figures testify once more that the library is growing and continually extending its services to an increasing number of Duxbury residents. On December 31, 1959, 4,873 bor- rowers had registered since 1953. 573 registrations were re- corded in 1959, 339 being new borrowers and 234 were re- registrants, their four-year cards having expired. 773 adult and 701 junior books were added in 1959, making a total of 1474 1,367. A book budget of about $3,100 bought 1,367 books for -an average of $2.26 each.
This steady growth in the use of the library emphasizes once more the need for a larger book budget, both because of the increasing cost of books and the greater demand for them. Additional help is also needed to keep the library in good run- ning order and to prevent work from piling up behind the scenes.
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Our elementary school programme which began in a very small way in 1953 is now an integral part of the school cur- riculum and the years of visiting by the pupils in the elementary school are beginning to bear fruit. Seventh and eighth graders and high school pupils are using the library as never before and the help which the librarian and staff give to these seekers after knowledge is a very important part of the library day and a time consuming one. Because of this great increase in refer- ence work with the school children, little time is left for all of the many and varied activities which must be carried on if the library is to function efficiently. It is difficult to get the new books on to the shelves as quickly as they are needed and to keep the cataloguing up to-date. In addition to all of the atten- tion which is given to the young people is all the work connected with serving our adult borrowers; helping them with their "book selection" and finding material to answer their many and varied requests. Our chief problems this year seem to be, as usual, the perennial ones; in every growing library it is always the same - more books and more help! So often two or three copies of a title is needed, but the library can afford only one.
As mentioned above, the Duxbury Elementary School and Library Programme is an established part of the school cur- riculum. All classes in the Elementary School from the first grade through the sixth visit the library every other week with their teachers.
The librarian holds a Story Hour for the first-grade chil- dren (4 classes) throughout the school year. The first-grade children begin to take out books just as soon as their reading vocabulary includes 50 words or more. The other classes are assisted in their choice of reading, taught how to use the library and the reference books. All of the Elementary School teachers are interested in "book-reports" and the pupils are helped to find the books best suited to them on each list and other titles are recommended. On one Thursday in December, 542 books
40
were issued. At the end of such a day there are very few books of the lower grade levels left on the shelves. The purpose of this programme is to bring boys and girls, books and the library together as soon as the children enter school, with the hope that this experience will bring a life-long habit of reading and a love of books to every boy and girl.
Mr. Cain believes this school and library programme to be one of the most important in his list of special activities. The Elementary School teachers are enthusiastic about the library programme and the help that it has given to them in regard to their reading problems. It is hoped that this co-operation be- tween school and library will continue to grow and to render ever wider and deeper service to all who are engaged in creating good reading abilities in our boys and girls.
During 1959 more space has been made available for the junior books and the recent non-fiction has been transferred from "the Junior Room" to the new shelves which have been installed in the room at the foot of the stairs.
This is a change which has been most helpful from every point of view. The re-decorating of the library throughout its interior has added much pleasure and comfort to the daily tasks of the Staff and has been much admired and appreciated by the public. The work which has been done on the outside has enhanced the beauty and dignity of our distinguished build- ing.
It is the hope of the librarian that the important work which has been started and developed during the last seven and one- half years can be continued and enlarged. In the opinion of many of Duxbury's citizens, the library is one of Duxbury's most valuable assets. Under these circumstances it would seem that the library merits and deserves the support of the com- munity. Books and services are necessary to the efficient run-
41
ning of a public library. That they will be made available is the earnest wish of the librarian.
Once more the librarian wishes to extend her thanks and appreciation to all who have helped to make 1959 a growing and prosperous library year: to the Trustees, to the Staff, Mrs. Winifred T. Couch, Mrs. Odeal O. Moody, Mrs. Mar- garet R. Bates and Mrs. Winona Strachan. To the members of the Duxbury Garden Club for all of their kindnesses to the library during 1959; their lovely exhibits of plants and flowers have been deeply enjoyed by the public and the Staff; the Garden Club's Christmas decorations added much Christmas cheer to the library and delighted so many people. The Junior Garden Club's Christmas tree, for which many thanks are offered was a most original and creative piece of work and one that was much admired and appreciated.
To all who have given money, books, periodicals, plants and flowers our gratitude is extended.
Respectfully submitted,
MINNIE BURKE FIGMIC,
Librarian
42
REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF THE DUXBURY FREE LIBRARY, INC.
For the Year Ending December 31, 1959
INCOME ACCOUNT
RECEIPTS
On hand Jan. 1, 1959:
In Bank
$
778.85
From various trust funds :
Wright
$3,167.27
Winsor
883.81
Hathaway
119.93
Duxbury Hall
191.00
Hunt
28.75
$4,390.76
$ 4,390.76
Donations
25.00
From the Town of Duxbury
(Appropriation $10,500.00)
10,497.44
Lucy Hathaway Funds for Books
287.50
15,979.55
EXPENDITURES
Salaries
$ 8,910.06
Books
3,016.74
Supplies
319.25
43
Insurance
433.30
Repairs and Improvements*
633.33
Fuel Oil
778.75
Electricity
397.16
Telephone
144.18
Janitor Services
782.00
Other Operating Expenses
172.08
Total Expenditures
$15,586.85
Balance in Bank December 31, 1959
$ 392.70
$15,979.55
*Note: Special Appropriation for Library Repairs 1958
Spent in 1958
$ 845.50
1959
1,154.50
Total Appropriation
$2,000.00
Respectfully submitted,
C. RUSSELL EDDY
Treasurer
Duxbury Free Library, Inc.
44
REPORT OF THE MEMORIAL DAY COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of Duxbury:
The Memorial Day Committee respectfully submits the following report:
On Thursday evening, May 28th, the members of Duxbury Post 223, American Legion, continued the custom of decorating the graves of all Veterans of all wars from the Revolutionary War to the recent Korean Conflict. This custom of decorating the graves of Veterans was first adopted by the Sons of Union Veterans of the G.A.R. and henceforth carried on down thru the years. In all five town cemeteries, graves of all Veterans of all wars were decorated with the Flag of our Country and a beautiful flowering Geranium, in memory of the service they rendered to their country.
On Memorial Day, May 30th, all five cemeteries were visited by the Color Guard and Firing Squard of the Duxbury Post 223, American Legion, where rifle volleys were fired and Taps sounded in memory of the deceased Veterans. Additional services were conducted in front of the Police Station where a wreath was placed in front of the Honor Roll, dedicated to all the boys of Duxbury called into the service of our Country. A wreath of flowers was cast into Blue Fish River, while rifle vol- leys were fired and Taps sounded in memory of those who perished at sea.
Following services held at Myles Standish Cemetery, a parade formed for the march to the First Parish Unitarian Church for Memorial Day Services. Joining Duxbury Post 223,
MEMORIAL DAY, 1959
DUXBURY, MA
A
-
45
American Legion Color Guard and Drill Team was the Duxbury High School Band, the Board of Selectmen, State Representa- tive Francis Perry, Sea Scout Ship. No. 52, Girl Scout Mariners, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Brownies. Commander Charles Leach of Duxbury Post 223, American Legion was the Chief Marshall of the procession.
At the conclusion of the Church Service, the procession moved to Mayflower Cemetery where Memorial Exercises were conducted at the American Legion Burial Lot and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.
I wish to submit the following itemized accounting of the Memorial Day expenses for which the Town appropriated the sum of $400.00 under Article 5 of the 1959 Town Warrant.
Printing of Programs
$ 39.25
Organist
5.00
Wreaths
21.25
Geraniums (350)
175.00
Flags
52.80
Duxbury High School Band
75.00
Total $368.30
It is recommended that Veteran's Grave markers be pur- chased so that each Veteran's grave have a distinguishing marker.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Laural Free- man, Superintendent of Cemeteries for his able assistance, the Duxbury Police Department for their help along the line of March and especially the Duxbury Boy Scouts who assisted in placing flags and flowers on the graves.
Respectfully Submitted, ROBERT L. PALUMBO Vice Commander Duxbury Post 223 American Legion
46
REPORT OF THE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE
January 9, 1960
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of Duxbury:
This committee was appointed in 1958 by the Selectmen due to the vote in favor of Article 36 in the Warrant of the March 1958 Town Meeting, authorizing the Selectmen to ap- point a committee of seven to supervise, regulate and coordinate the Recreational Activities within the town.
The initial meetings of this committee were spent in organ- ization and in familiarizing the members with all of the recrea- tional activities within the town. The latter meetings were spent on the programs of the Old Town Hall Recreation group and the Tarkiln Recreation Center so that we could guide the financial requirements of each group.
There are two spheres of recreation activity that receive support from the town. A summary of their activities for 1959 is noted below:
The Tarkiln Recreation Center had an extremely success- ful season with square dancing, basketball, movies, Spring and Fall rummage sales, suppers, etc. Many educational trips out of town were made, adding to the busy programs.
The Old Town Hall committee continued their programs of Bon Homme, Junior Badminton and Summer Tennis.
47.
In summary, we the committee, after study, feel that at the present time, comparing the numbers benefiting by the various activities with the amount of money spent by the Town, that the Town is getting the maximum for their money, mainly due to the financial and physical help of many unselfish citizens contributing to this needed area.
Joseph Velardo, Jr., Chairman Paul Swanson Walter F. Kopke, Jr., Secretary Reatha Burns John Osborn
Dorothy Wentworth
Alice Savastano
48
REPORT OF TARKILN YOUTH AND RECREATION CENTER
During the year, our building has been in constant use. We are happy to have had our "face lifted", as the fresh coat of paint, and the green trim make the old "Twin-School House", a landmark of Duxbury for many years, stand out as a proud part of the community. The new rat-wire screening has reduced broken windows to a zero, and it is hoped vandalism is at a new low! Men of the Association gave several of their week-ends and evenings to paint the kitchen, so that the interior too, has taken on a new look, of which we are justly proud.
Our activities are varied. In order that we be as self- supporting as possible, we run Whist Parties, Suppers, a semi- annual Rummage Sale and Food Sales.
Our Halloween Party was very well attended and the Annual Christmas Party, complete with Santa Claus, catered to well over 200 children from age one through twelve, at no cost to the town.
During the summer we plan trips for the youngsters so that they have, to date, visited the Museum of Science Park, in Boston, as well as the Peabody Museum at Harvard in Cam- bridge and out to the Logan Airport as well as Story Land in Hyannis.
Emphasis for the present, is on our Square Dance program, under the excellent direction of Mr. Robert Proctor, ably as- sisted by his wife. Diplomas are presented at the end of the year, giving the recipient incentive to attend another term and to help teach the beginners. This project is now in its third year.
49
The Ice-Skating Rink at the rear of the building and to the left of the Baseball Diamond, is well under way, and is now wait- ing only for Old Mother Nature to do her part so that the ground will hold water long enough to freeze! It is hoped that this will be a popular place for the youngsters to gather.
We of the Center, sincerely thank the Selectmen and all other Town Officers who have so generously given of their time and advice, and to all others of the Town who have contributed so much to make this year a successful one.
MARGARET R. BATES, Chairman,
Tarkiln Youth Center Activities Committee
50
REPORT OF ANNUAL DUXBURY DAYS PARADE COMMITTEE
Board of Selectmen,
Duxbury, Mass.
The Parade Committee appreciates the voting of $950.00 under Article 12 at Town Meeting, for the July 4th Parade.
We believe it worthwhile and that the money was well spent.
We add special thanks to all who took active part in work- ing for its success. Another year perhaps others will get into the Independence Day spirit and lend a hand on a committee or even with a float or horrible.
Here is the tabulation of funds used:
Plymouth Legion Band $275.00
Braintree Drum and Bugle 250.00
William Dalton Post, Holbrook
75.00
Floats prizes - 1st $100.00; 2nd $50.00;
3rd $25.00; 4th $10.00; 5th $5.00 190.00
Horribles -- 1st $60.00; 2nd $30.00;
3rd $15.00; 4th $10.00; 5th $5.00
120.00
Outer space entry prize
15.00
Best walking or self propelled
15.00
Best visiting color guard
25.00
Best commercial, special 5.00
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So. Shore Antique cars
50.00
Lunch and Gasoline for Army unit
41.79
Advertising
33.89
$,1095.68
Paid for by
Town of Duxbury
$950.00
Kiwanis - one band
75.00
American Legion - balance
70.68
$1095.68
Respectfully submitted, For the Committee
WALTER G. PRINCE
52
REPORT OF BUILDING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I respectfully submit the following statistical report as Building Inspector for the year beginning January 1, 1959 and ending December 31, 1959.
PERMITS ISSUED FOR THE YEAR 1959:
Houses (also house and garage combinations) 31
Garages 12
Non-Residential Structures (includes Stables, Swimming Pools, Storage Bldgs., etc.) 13
Alterations and Additions 71
Miscellaneous
(Appeal Board, Electrical, etc.) 80
Sewage Disposal
17
Total number of permits issued 224
Total Estimated Costs of all Construction (includes $1,150,000 estimate on Junior- Senior High School) $2,001,845
Total Fees Collected in 1959 $1,848.50
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT B. DELANO,
Building Inspector
53
REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL BOARD
January 1, 1960
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of Duxbury :
The Personnel Board has met formally seven times throughout the year 1959 to discuss with Town Department heads and individual employees the Salary Schedules, both as to classification and pay schedules. The Board also has met informally many times, and in accordance with Section 5 of the By-Law adopted at the Annual Town Meeting in March of 1955, has reviewed the work of all positions, reviewed the Wage and Salary Schedules and made comparisons as to pay rates and policies outside the service of the town.
As a result the Board is preparing recommendations to be presented to the 1960 Annual Town Meeting, and it is the hope of the Board that its recommendations will meet with the approval of the Town Meeting and of the Town employees.
The Board wishes to express its appreciation to the Town Department heads and others who have given of their time and assistance to the Board.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES H. W. JENNER, Chairman, JOHN T. HATHAWAY, JR. WINTHROP A. BAKER
Personnel Board, Town of Duxbury
54
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
and Citizens of Duxbury:
Plans endorsed (not subdivisions ) 29
Subdivisions approved 1 (39 lots )
Subdivisions considered
(preliminary plans) 7
DISCUSSION
The master plan for the Town of Duxbury was completed in 1959, by our Planning Consultant, Mr. James L. Harris. The 1958 Town Report contained an interim report of the plan. The discussion herein supplements and further defines the interim report of last year; for which reason it is recommended that both reports be considered current.
The objectives of planning for the Town of Duxbury are assumed to lie in the desire now felt and anticipated for the future that Duxbury shall remain a pleasant residential com- munity, rendering a high quality of municipal services (in keeping with its density of population) and concerned with exercising care in the introduction of non-residential uses such as business, industry and recreation. The objective of this plan is intended to lie in proposing a plan of action to anticipate the needed space for public uses and to establish policies of control over the use of land to guide the Town's development.
The general plan is explained and illustrated by a series of maps, plans and diagrams as follows:
1. Two sets of base maps at scale 1" - 400' showing streets, property lines and buildings.
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2. Three base maps scale 1" - 800'. one with streets and property lines
one with streets property lines and buildings one with streets, property lines, buildings and con- tour lines from U.S.G.S. maps.
3. Plan of existing land uses.
4. Plan of traffic circulation.
5. Plan of population distribution in 1959 and a projec- tion for 1970.
6. Plan illustrating proposal for school sites.
7. Plan illustrating water distribution and other Town services.
8. Plan a proposal for recreation uses and open land.
9. Plan of proposed land uses for the future.
10. Plan of proposed zoning.
11. Plan of Hall's corner development.
12. Plan of Duxbury Village area (retail and boat service functions ).
This report cites as matter of primary concern the following:
a) The conservation and preservation of certain open lands including the tidal marshes, cranberry bogs and other swamp lands, and some forested areas. The means proposed include the establishment of two new zoning districts, one, a flood plain district and the second, a rural residence district providing a two-acre plot requirement in order to foster conservation of the open character of certain areas. Also proposed is a program of acquisition of some of these areas designated for conservation
56
by the Town of Duxbury and by the Duxbury Rural and His- torical Society (gift or purchase).
b) The anticipation of the future requirements of the Town for school sites, parks and active recreation areas, and space for other municipal services as may be needed; the institution of a program of land acquisition for these uses scheduled over a short period to insure that needed land is acquired while yet available.
c) The adoption of a proposed land use plan which establishes a policy as to the general location and quantity of non-resi- dential uses. This plan is proposed as a guide for the purchase of land for municipal purposes and for policies of zoning dis- trict locations.
d) The adoption of zoning changes to include the introduction of two new categories (Flood Plain District and Rural Residence District) described in (a) above, to accomplish the conserva- tion of certain marsh land and to foster the phasing of residential development to favor the areas near the more built up portions of the town in the east and south portions. Also proposed is a general re-organization of the zoning by-law incorporating most of its present provisions, expanding them for clarity and introducing a number of new provisions such as requirements for off-street parking and loading space, and the approval of a site development plan by the Board of Appeals as a pre- requisite for the issuance of a permit for certain non-residential uses. Careful controls are proposed for earth removal. Provisions for regulations governing uses in an industrial district are set forth with the recommendation that such a district be established only at such time as the demand for sizeable industrial space is felt.
e) A general recasting of the subdivision control regulations is proposed, by which the subdivider is required to construct
..... .. .... .. .... .. ..
57
a more permanent roadway and the Planning Board states its option to require curbs and sidewalks where clearly needed. Procedures are clarified and further defined to aid in administer- ing the Subdivision Control Law.
GROWTH AND EXPANSION OF FACILITIES
The population is projected to reach about 28,000 under present density controls at an unspecified date. Land anticipated for non-residential uses has been excluded from this calculation as have been generous amounts of land reserved as open land. The total population (year round residents) for the next fifteen years is projected as:
Year
Population
dwelling units (year round use)
1955
4,280
1,229
1960
5,000
1,425
1965
6,200
1,775
1970
8,300
2,375
1975
11,100
3,180
The distribution of population both present and projected has been mapped.
Seven elementary school sites (six plus the existing one) are selected as well as sites for two junior high schools. This is in accord with the school facilities survey made for the Town by Educational Services Associates of Medford. A permanent and continuing school building committee is recommended to give continuity in site selection and design standards for archi- tectural determinations.
It is anticipated that the demand for retail business uses will be that generated by the local population rather than to
58
suggest that there may be a regional retail center in Duxbury. The new limited access highway will increase the likelihood of demand for industrial uses of a nature that will bring sizeable real estate investment. The policy is proposed to wait until the highway is complete and until a demand is felt in the general vicinity; at that time the creation of a district can best be accomplished.
A program is proposed to acquire additional land by the Town for recreational uses. Included in this is the provision for general use of the school sites for active recreation, a new yacht basin, several small beaches and the purchase of areas for open land reservation. These are projected for development on a basis phased to population growth.
The general outlook for the Town of Duxbury seems to indicate steady growth as a residential community offering unique recreational opportunities. Great care is urged to main- tain the unusual character of the older parts of the village by protecting them against encroachment of inharmonious uses. The continuation with appropriate revisions from time to time, of policies of zoning and subdivision control designed to guide development in patterns appropriate to the character and aspi- rations of the Town. The fiscal ability of the community seems to be strong in comparison to that of other similar communities with which Duxbury has been compared. In cost of municipal services in Duxbury compares very favorable with that of the other communities chosen for reference.
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