USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1956-1960 > Part 63
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All this goes to say that for the first time since accurate library statistics were recorded in 1953, there has been a slight loss in circulation. The total circulation for 1960 is 59,435, 688 less than in 1959, when the figures totalled 60,123. The adult circulation for 1960 is 26,952. The junior circulation amounts to 32,483 - 5,531 more than the adult and 778 more than in 1959. A loss of 688 would have been more than made up by two good Thurs- days when anywhere between 450 and 500 books are circulated. Based on the 1960 population figures (4584) for Duxbury, our 59,435 circulation gives us a per capita circulation of about 13. This is a figure far ahead of the 5 per capita circulation considered satisfactory by the American Library Association.
It is well understood, of course, that circulation statistics are only a partial reflection of the activities carried on by the library. Reference work with ele- mentary, high school and college students increases month by month. Answering all sorts of inquiries from the adult population and helping all comers in their choice of read- ing is also a part of the daily routine. As our reference department is being built up as fast as funds allow, we are gradually being enabled to carry on an increasing amount of research work. It would seem that the picture of the library's service is on its way to being a well- developed and well-rounded one as far as the library's resources permit. With the best books that we can afford to purchase, both for reading and reference, together with a Staff always ready to help in every way, it is hoped that with this foundation to grow on, that the library will be enabled to extend and widen its services to the com- munity as a whole.
There is no decrease in the activities of the library during the summer months. Junior and Senior High School students have Summer Reading Programmes and the library Staff works with them in the selection of their
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books. As soon as school closes in June, many of the summer people have arrived; the youngsters armed with "Reading Lists" from all over the country and the adults looking for the newest and best in every field of literature. The college students do research for long-term papers and all of the others, even first-graders, work hard on their Reading Lists. The library receives many compliments from the summer residents and guests for the pleasure and profit they have derived from the use of the library during their Duxbury vacation.
On December 31st, 1960, 5496 borrowers had regi- stered since 1953. 622 registrations were recorded in 1960, 289 being new borrowers and 333 were re-registrations after the expiration of their four-year cards.
With a book budget of $3500 the library purchased two new sets of encyclopedias; the 1961 World Book and the 1961 Americana together with 1425 new titles at about $2.33 per volume. The encyclopedias cost about $325. $3,176 bought the regular book titles. With these two new wonderful sets of books, the library begins 1961 with a much improved equipment for meeting most future reference problems. The demand for new books keeps on increasing daily. All titles requested are given careful consideration and are purchased if they are suit- able for the library and not too exorbitant in price.
Book prices keep soaring and during the past year, many of the books most sought after were $10 a copy. If the 1961 Book Budget can be maintained at $3500, more titles can be purchased another year, since it will not be necessary to buy the encyclopedias. More books are needed in all categories, especially in our work with the Elementary School. There are never enough titles for the younger grades.
Our Elementary School Programme is now an ac- cepted part of the school curriculum and weather permit-
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ting is carried on regularly. Beginning in September the librarian holds a Story Hour for all four classes of first grade children every other week. After January 1st of each year, the first grade pupils receive their library cards and borrow books to take home. How delighted they are when they become proud possessors of a library card! Last June a library party was held on the lawn; the children listened to stories and enjoyed ice-cream. At Christmas time the librarian visited the Elementary School and read Christmas stories to all first grades assembled in the Auditorium. Because of the bad weather the children could not come to the Library.
During 1960 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts passed a law called an "Act Providing State Aid for Free Public Libraries". It is the first time since 1890 that any public library legislation has been enacted. At that time the Massachusetts Library Extension Service was founded.
One million dollars has been appropriated to imple- ment this Act and will be made available to public libraries throughout the state which meet the minimum requirements of the law. The Duxbury Free Library ap- pears to qualify for this assistance. Towns below 10,000 population will be granted twenty-five cents for every in- habitant, based upon the 1960 Federal census (Duxbury 4584). That would add $1146 to the library's income. The Town of Duxbury would be required to appropriate $13,- 752 in order to apply for this State Aid. This is a matter of vital importance to be discussed by the Library Trustees and with the Finance Board. If the library were to receive these additional funds there are many ways in which the services of the library could be extended. As it is now, our yearly budget is always severely strained to cover necessities and there is no provision for further growth in the amount which the Trustees have to spend.
To sum it all up, all signs point to a growing aware- ness of how important it is for a community to maintain
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a good library. That it is the duty of our legislators, our Library Trustees and employees and the citizens at large to co-operate and make it possible for the library to serve all who are in anyway interested in furthering their education and enriching their lives by the companionship of good books.
It is the hope of the librarian that the Duxbury Free Library will be enabled to grow and to enlarge its services and in so doing reach and attract an ever wider audience.
The population of Duxbury is increasing. Mr. Shirley estimates that it has now reached about 4800, but for all official purposes the Federal census figures must be used. New families are coming to the library every day, gradu- ally taking the places of the ones who have moved away. There is every indication that there will be an increasing use of the library in 1961. More children in the schools, more adults in search of knowledge and recreation. May the funds to carry on this work be forthcoming.
Again the librarian wishes to extend her thanks and appreciation to all who have helped to carry on the work of 1960: to the Trustees, to a Staff deeply interested in the conduct and growth of the library, Mrs. Winifred T. Couch, Mrs. Odeal O. Moody, Mrs. Margaret R. Bates, Mrs. Winona Strachan and Mr. James E. Walke, custo- dian. To the members of the Duxbury Garden Club for all of their exhibits of plants and flowers and to the Junior Garden Club for another original and beautiful Christmas tree. And to all others who have contributed money, books, periodicals, plants and flowers our thanks is due.
Respectfully submitted,
MINNIE BURKE FIGMIC
Librarian
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REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF THE DUXBURY FREE LIBRARY, INC. for the Year ending December 31, 1960
Receipts
On hand 1/1/60 in Bank
$392.70
From Various Trust Funds :
Wright
$3,414.89
Winsor
887.20
Hathaway
126.36
Duxbury Hall
200.00
Hunt
30.00
$4,658.45
4,658.45
Donations
25.00
Librarian Petty Cash
100.00
Appropriation by the Town of Duxbury
11,500.00
$16,676.15
Expenditures
Salaries
$9,233.57
Books
3,576.53
Supplies
500.19
Repairs and Improvements
227.77
Insurance
443.37
Fuel Oil
774.03
Electricity
403.25
Telephone
151.76
Janitor Service
821.00
Other Operating Expenses
53.79
Total Expenditures
$16,185.26
Balance in Bank 12/31/60
$ 490.89
$16,676.15
Respectfully submitted,
C. RUSSELL EDDY, Treasurer Duxbury Free Library, Inc.
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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 Friday evening May 27, the members of Duxbury Post 223, American Legion, along with the help of the Duxbury Boys Scouts, continued the custom of decorating the graves of all Veterans of all wars. In all five town cemeteries, graves of all Veterans of all wars were deco- rated 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 cemeteries were visited by the Color Guard and Firing Squad of the Duxbury Post 223, American Legion, where prayers, rifle volleys and taps were sounded in memory of the deceased Veterans. Additional services were conducted at the Honor Roll in front of the Police Station, where a wreath of flowers was placed, dedicated to all the boys of Dux- bury called into the service of our country. A wreath of flowers was cast into Blue Fish River, rifle volleys were fired and taps sounded in memory of those who perished at sea.
Following services held at Myles Standish Cemetery, a parade formed for march to the Unitarian Church for Memorial Day Services. Joining Duxbury Post 223, American Legion Color Guard and Drill Team was the Duxbury High School Band, The Board of Selectmen, State Representative Francis Perry, Sea Scout Ship No. 52, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Cubs and Brownies of
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our town. Commander Earl Torrey of Duxbury Post 223 was Chief Marshal 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 account of the Memorial Day expenses for which the Town appro- priated the sum of $400.00 under Article 5 of the 1960 Town Warrant.
Printing of Programs $39.25
Flags and Markers 91.87
Geraniums (360) 162.00
Duxbury High School Band 75.00
Total Expenses $368.12
It is recommended new buntings be purchased to replace the badly damaged ones used to decorate the Sailors and Soldiers Monument.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Laurel Freeman, Superintendent of Cemeteries for his able assistance, the Duxbury Police Department for their help along the line of march, and especially the Boy Scouts who assisted in placing flags and flowers on graves.
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL M. WHITE
Jr. Vice Commander Duxbury Post 223
American Legion
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REPORT OF THE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of Duxbury :
The main effort of this committee has been the guid- ing of the financial requirements of the Old Town Hall Recreation group and the Tarkiln Recreation Center. Neither group expanded their programs to any extent for the year 1960 as it was felt that the need did not exist.
The Old Town Hall was used by the Sea Scouts, Boy Scouts, Junior and Senior Badminton group, Bon Homme group, Duxbury Art Association and many others.
The Tarkiln Recreation Center had another success- ful season with Arts and Crafts, Junior and Senior square dancing, children's sewing class, outings by bus to Hyannis and Salem, Christmas and Halloween parties and sponsors of Cub Pack 82 being some of the regular activities.
The year 1961, as it appears now, does not require the expansion of these programs, so they will remain on the same level.
JOSEPH VELARDO, JR., Chairman WALTER F. KOPKE, JR., Secretary DOROTHY WENTWORTH JOHN OSBORN REATHA BURNS PAUL SWANSON ALICE SAVASTANO
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REPORT OF TARKILN RECREATION AND YOUTH CENTER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Town of Duxbury
Sirs :
Our membership is small, our workers at a minimum - but our center is active and running smoothly. It is our hope that the work now started, will continue at its present pace. We of the Association are proud that the building is being used more, and is developing into an excellent place for meetings and activities of various kinds.
This year, our Square Dance program has expanded. Regular Friday night dances are held for the 8-12 age group, where beginners have an opportunity to learn. Once a month a group of youngsters, all diploma holding graduates, with three year attendance records, meet to work out and to learn new steps and routines. These youngsters make up our demonstration group, most of them now are Senior High age and all are proud of their accomplishment. On Monday nights, an Adult Square Dance group meets and is developing into a popular class - mostly fathers and mothers. All credit for this goes to the Director, Mr. Robert Proctor and his wife, Dorothy.
Again, we have "run" our Semi-Annual Rummage Sales, Food Sales, Suppers and Whist Parties. In this way we raise money to support some of our activities.
We held classes for children who wished to make Doll Clothes, with Mrs. Dorothy Rotté, the instructor. Mrs. Thomas Boucher taught a most successful series of craft classes for boys and girls. These were both volunteer workers at no expense to the Town.
We took a bus load of youngsters to Salem, where they saw the Witch House, House of Seven Gables, and
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the Pioneer Village. We held a family picnic at Clear Pond and in the evening the Square Dancers entertained. Movies have been taken of this group - they also have auditioned for T.V.
We now sponsor a Cub Scout Pack, both boys and leaders are most enthusiastic. The pack is led by Mr. William Parkinson, assisted by Mr. Ellsworth Frye and an excellent group of Den Mothers who give of their time freely. This group is to be congratulated for so fine a spirit.
Additional to our annual Halloween Party we had two Separate Christmas Parties. One for the older chil- dren ages 8-12 on a Square Dance night; the other, complete with Santa and gifts, for ages 1-7 on a Sunday afternoon.
At the present time, our chief need is a new floor in the main room. One other need - not secondary at all - a man to coach our boys at Basketball. There is a good group here, if we can only find an interested parent who is sometimes free for this service !
Our sincere thanks to the Selectmen and other Town Officers for all their kind advice and help during the year and to all others who have shown interest and especially to those who gave so generously of their time. To those who have furnished transportation - no small problem - we are indeed more than grateful. It all adds up to another successful year.
MARGARET R. BATES, Chairman MARY AND JIM SMITHSON CAROLENE GORHAM ADELINE CUSHING EMILY LORING JOAN HALL DOROTHY ROTTE
DOROTHY PROCTOR AMANDA HALL
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REPORT OF BUILDING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
I respectfully submit my report as Building Inspec- tor for the period beginning January 1, 1960 through December 31, 1960.
The following figures show the total number of permits processed for the year 1960:
Houses (Also house and garage combinations) 41
Garages 11
Non-Residential Structures (includes Motel
units, storage bldgs., swimming pools, etc.) 10
Alterations and Additions 85
Miscellaneous (Appeal Board, Relocations, etc.) 46
Sewage Disposal 24
Electrical 63
Total number of permits issued 280
Total fees collected in 1960 $2,332.50
Total estimated costs of all construction
(Based primarily on information sub-
mitted on "Application Forms") $1,110,866
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK E. PHILLIPS, JR.
Building Inspector
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REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL BOARD
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
and the Citizens of Duxbury :
The Personnel Board appointed Mr. Thomas J. LeGore to fill the Vacancy of Mr. Winthrop A. Baker.
The Board has met formally eleven times through- out the year 1960.
In accordance with the personnel plan the Board met with Department Heads August 4 to initiate the action to re-evaluate the positions of the personnel of the Town. At the writing of this report the Board has not received complete returns necessary for it to make a re-evaluation. It is hoped that prior to the closing of the Warrant we will be able to make recommendations for appropriate changes in the plan, for Town Meeting.
The Board has originated a rate and personnel in- formation card which will be utilized by Department Heads and Town Accountant as well as the Personnel Board.
Respectfully submitted, JAMES H. W. JENNER, Chairman JOHN T. HATHAWAY, JR. THOMAS J. LEGORE
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REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury :
Plans endorsed (not subdivisions) 19
Subdivisions approved 3
Subdivisions considered (preliminary plans) 6
DISCUSSION
The master plan for the Town of Duxbury, com- pleted in 1959 has been the guide in the objectives of the Board in 1960.
The subdivision control regulations were carefully studied and changes that were felt to better protect the interests of the town, were made. New rules and regu- lations governing the subdivision of land were printed in booklet form and made available.
For the purpose of protecting and preserving from despoilation the natural features and resources of the Town, such as salt marshes, wet lands, brooks and ponds we proposed a Protective By-Law amendment that was favorably acted upon in Town Meeting and approved by the Attorney General.
In anticipation of the future requirements of the Town for school sites, parks and active recreation areas, and space for other municipal services several recom- mendations were made to the Site Committee and we have worked closely with them in the matter.
A careful study was made of business districts and conditions. Amendments to the Protective By-Laws have been formulated to mitigate in the future certain un- favorable conditions now present and to enlarge the zon-
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ing rules and regulations in the business districts to better protect the interests of the Town. Action on these amendments will be taken at the annual Town Meeting.
Requests to rezone additional business districts were considered. The Board felt that the new limited access highway when completed will create favorable areas suit- able for a regional shopping center or the like, and at that time to ask that a large business district be zoned.
We recommend that an industrial district be estab- lished only at such time as the demand for sizeable industrial space is felt.
The steady growth of the Town of Duxbury as a residential community continues. Great care is urged to maintain the attractive and unusual character that sets Duxbury apart and to protect it from the encroachment of inharmonious uses.
We hope that with appropriate revisions from time to time, of policies of zoning and controls, to guide the development and growth of Duxbury in patterns appro- priate to the character and aspirations of the Town.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We wish to acknowledge the co-operation and aid of the Board of Selectmen and the Inspector of Buildings in the enforcement of zoning and planning regulations. The Highway Superintendent, the Superintendent and Commissioners of the Water Department, and the Agent of the Board of Health have given their usual co- operation where matters of highway, water, or sanitary facilities were involved in subdivision control.
Respectfully submitted, LUCIUS A. HOWARD, Chairman OLIVER L. BARKER, Clerk CARL F. DANNER ATHERTON LORING, JR. DAVID H. MARSHALL
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REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens and the
Honorable Board of Selectmen of Duxbury :
The Water Department completed the year 1960 with the revenues from all sources exceeding the total ex- penditures chargeable to the Department by $2,520.97.
The method of showing the financial situation has been changed from that in last year's report, and it is hoped that the new method will enable the taxpayers to follow the progress of the Water Department more readily from year to year.
The tabulation below gives a condensed summary of the financial situtation. Complete details are given in the excellent report of the Town Accountant.
Water Balance, December 31, 1959
$ 3,235.75
Uncollected December 31, 1959
$ 10,330.65
Charges to Consumers
Minimum
$27,100.04
Excess Water
24,633.90
Unmetered Water
243.00
Meter Removals
1,388.00
Service Cons. & Misc.
5,339.32
$58,704.26
Abatements $238.35
Audit Adjs.
359.96 598.31
58,105.95
Hydrant Service (Protection Pers. & Prop.)
28,770.00
Maintenance & Operation
$42,004.89*
Out-of-State Travel
140.99*
Commissioners' Salaries
450.00
New Truck (Art. 27, 1960 Warrant)
3,000.00
Fixed Charges :
Interest on Debt
7,606.26*
Maturing Debt
Old Water Loans
8,500.00
West Duxbury
5,000.00
Phase I
20,000.00
Uncollected, December 31, 1960
11,219.24
$97,921.38
$100,442.35
Balance (Surplus) December 31, 1960 - $2,520.97
* Appropriations less balances returned
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During the year the following work, in addition to routine maintenance and operation, was accomplished :
Captain's Hill Reservoir: Repairs on this tank were completed, and it is believed that this reservoir (built in 1919) will continue to give good service.
Ten Year Program: Work was continued on the replacement of all meters that had been in continuous service for ten years or more with newly calibrated meters.
Petitions: A petition to construct an 8-inch main on Old Route 3 from Winter Street to Autumn Avenue was received early in the year. Another petition to build an 8-inch line from the intersection of Cross Street and Route 3 easterly along Cross Street to King Phillip's Path, thence along King Phillip's Path to Congress Street, and also a 6-inch main on Vine Street from Cross Street to Chandler Street, thence an 8-inch main easterly along Chandler Street approximately 2100 feet was received during the year. These petitions have been under study by the Commissioners, and their recommendations will be submitted at the next Annual Town Meeting.
Island Creek Trust: During the year the owners of this project laid at their own expense 1578 feet of 12-inch main on Tobey Garden Street connecting with the 12-inch main laid last year by Mr. Wendell Drollett. In addition, 3673 feet of 8-inch and 1331 feet of 6-inch main including fire hydrants, gate valves, etc. were completed under the supervision and to the standards of the Water Depart- ment in a most satisfactory manner.
Drollett Development: Some 4500 feet of 6 and 8- inch main and necessary connections were laid in private ways to the specifications and under the supervision of the Water Department in this development during the year. This work is not yet complete.
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Truck: A new Ford truck to replace the old Inter- national was purchased from Herrick Auto Sales and a Powers "Service Master" body was installed at a total cost of $2,443.00.
Autumn Avenue and Winter Street: An 8-inch main including necessary fire hydrants was constructed in accordance with Article 30, 1960 Warrant in the above streets at a cost of $16,724.00. The Autumn Avenue exten- sion was 2095 feet long and the Winter Street extension was 2177 feet. The pipe was bought by the Water Depart- ment and installed by Elmer T. Holman of Plymouth, the low bidder, and was completed in July.
Article
Warrant
Item
Amount
Authorized
Amount
Expended
Unexpended
Available
for
Transfer
4 Town 1960
M & O
$42,264.00
$42,211.00
$37.00
$37.00
4 Town 1960
Out-of-State Travel
200.00
141.00
59.00
59.00
4
Town 1960
Commissioners' Salaries
450.00
450.00
0.00
0.00
4
Town 1960
Maturing Debt
33,500.00
33,500.00
0.00
0.00
4
Town 1960
Interest
7,608.00
7,608.00
0.00
0.00
35
Town 1959
Indian Trail
1,600.00
1,588.00
12.00
12.00
14
Dist. 1954
Main Cleaning
5,000.00
0.00
996.40
0.00
12
Dist. 1955
Engineering New Sources
6,200.00
2,000.00
434.57
0.00
40
Town 1958
Reservoir Repairs
11,538.66
11,513.65
25.01
25.01
42
Town 1958
Priorities
74,000.00
6,165.94
80,118.96
46.98
46.98
27
Town 1958
Truck
3,000.00
2,443.70
556.30
556.30
30
Town 1960
Autumn Ave., Winter St.
21,500.00
16,724.00
4,776.00
4,776.00
59
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The Future: The Commissioners believe that a pro- gram of construction to improve circulation in some in- stances and also to improve fire protection should be undertaken. There now remain 733 feet of 12-inch main to be constructed on Tobey Garden Street, from Island Creek Road to Elm Street, to complete the 12-inch main along Tobey Garden Street as called for in the Master Plan. The Commissioners consider that it is vital to com- plete this remaining link in order to attain the contem- plated effect from the new reservoir in West Duxbury.
The Commissioners also believe that the new sources called for in the Master Plan should be developed and that, in connection with the search for new water sources, an engineering study should be made as to the future use of the Millbrook facilities.
The Commissioners also believe that improved com- munications are in order, and that certain equipment needs replacement.
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