USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1923 > Part 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10
The $5,000.00 allotted to the Selectmen for highway work has been spent as follows: Thompson St., $2,837.00; Plymouth St., from the Green to Waterville, $485.00; High- land St., $385.00; Pine St., $315.00; Walnut St., $459.00; Cedar St., $290.00 and Spruce St., $209.00.
Other work of similar nature has been done from the general funds on Cherry St., $216.00; Marion Road $638.00; Sachem St., $212.00, together with smaller jobs on various streets amounting to $547.00. This, together with the spring scraping equals $9,735.00 or 70 per cent of the total appro- priation for general maintenance.
There was also an appropriation of $5,000.00 for the improvement of Plymouth St., from Murdock St., to Bed- ford St., a distance of about two miles. It was our intention
75
to scarify this section of road, re-enforce the surface with new gravel, and apply a coat of oil during the summer, but owing to the fact that this department was given $15,000.00 the first of July to improve Wareham and Center Streets, and because we have only sufficient equipment to work but one job at a time, the Plymouth St. work had to be post- poned until late in the fall, with the result that only the scarifying and a portion of the graveling has been done. The remaining portion of the work should be done next year.
The highway problem is one of the most perplexing problems which the country is facing today. The sudden advent of the automobile and its quick rise in popularity, together with its small cost, has made it one of the neces- sities in modern living. The roads which were in existence at the time of the invention of the automobile had suited the traveling public for generations, and could be built at a very small cost. But these roads are entirely unsuitable for modern travel and the automobile has required that they all be rebuilt of entirely different material than that which had been previously used. When one stops to think that it has taken nearly 300 years to get the roads in this town in reasonably good condition for horse drawn vehicles, is it any wonder that it has not been possible to rebuild all these roads of entirely different material in fifteen years, in order that they may be suitable for modern use?
Previous to the advent of the automobile, a water bound macadam road which was considered a luxury and one that was suited for all travel except the main streets in large cities, could be built for $5,000.00 a mile, while today a road which only answers the same purpose as did the macadam road costs $35,000.00 per mile. The public have been willing to spend millions of dollars for automobiles, but only will- ing to spend thousands for building of roads. Up to the present time real estate has borne the major portion of the cost of constructing roads, with the result that in this town at least the property owner who does not own an automo-
76
bile has paid for the greatest share of all road construction.
Now, there is only one answer to the question, and that is, if suitable roads are to be built for the use of the automobilist, more money must be provided, and the logical person to provide that money is the man who uses the road, and he is the automobilist, and he should not object to doing this, as there is no money that he spends in connec- tion with his automobile which will give him so great a return as will that spent in road improvement. It not only increases his comfort and enjoyment in riding, but it re- duces the cost of operating his car, as it decreases the de- preciation and increases his mileage on gas, oil and tires.
I wish that every person who is finding fault with the highway department would give this subject careful consid- eration, and if he is one who is opposed to increased high- way appropriations, he must bear his share of the blame for the condition the roads are now in.
Respectfully submitted, ICHABOD B. THOMAS, Superintendent of Streets.
1
77
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit the fifteenth annual report and de- tailed statement of the duties performed by the Police De- partment for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 1923.
The past year has been an unusually busy one. The constantly increasing number of automobiles, together with illegal sale of intoxicating liquors keeps the police depart- ment constantly busy. The addition of the fourth regular parolman has been of great value to the department and to the citizens.
The conditions at the police station are anything but what they should be. The cells are unsanitary and the building is a fire trap. Should a fire start when there are prisoners in the cells and the officers are on their beats there is every possibility that lives would be lost, as the appropriation made for this department does not warrant the keeping of an officer on duty at the station all the time. There is need of more privacy in the cells, as when it is necessary to retain a woman as a prisoner, she has to sit in a chair all night, and a special officer engaged to stay with her.
The available parking space on the streets is con- stantly crowded, and I would recommend that a vacant lot near the center of the town be obtained for this purpose, as the need of it is more apparent each year, and it probably can never be purchased any cheaper than at the present time.
I would recommend that additional signs be placed at Everett Square for the benefit of traffic, so that the New Bedford traffic may be diverted through High St., Oak
T
78
St., and Courtland St. Also that signs be placed at No. Main and North Streets, directing Plymouth traffic to Taun- ton and Providence through North and Pearl Streets to Center St., thus relieving congestion at the corner of Center and Main Streets.
When a new Fire Station is built I would recommend that Police Department be housed in the same building, as it would be much cheaper to house the two departments in one building than in two buildings, and as there would be constant telephone attendance under this arrangement it would make the police department much more efficient.
CHIEF OF POLICE Alden C. Sisson
PATROLMEN
Alton R. Rogers
William Murdock, Jr.
Charles H. Rogers Thomas L. Pittsley
SPECIAL OFFICERS
Paul F. Anderson
Elmer F. Gay
E. Kimball Harrison
Arthur S. Hall
Jesse C. Wilbur
William Chamberlain Samuel Hathaway Warren Jefferson James E. Keegan Louis C. Littlejohn Isaac S. Maxwell
William J. Logan
S. Edward Matthews
A. Tremaine Smith
Harry Moore Ralph Sampson
James J. Vigers
RESIGNED
Arthur S. Hall
Elmer F. Gay
OFFENCES
Male Female Total
Assault and battery
8 1 9
Assault on police officer
1 0 1
79
Male Female Total
Assault with intent to rape
1
0
1
Breaking and entering and larceny
7
0
7
Cruelty to animals
1
0
1
Capias
3
0
3
Drunkenness
75
2
77
Disturbing the peace
1
0
1
Illegitimate child act, violating
2
0
2
Keeping a liquor nuisance
3
2
5
Keeping liquor with intent to sell
5
2
7
Larceny
17
0
17
Lewd and lascivious cohabitation
1
1
2
Lottery
2
0
2
Neglect of family
4
0
4
Operating motor vehicles under influence of liquor
16
2
18
Peddling without a license
1
0
1
Sale of cigarettes to minors
4
1
5
Track walking
1
0
1
Violation of milk laws
1
0
1
Violation of motor vehicle laws
42
2
44
Violation sale of wood laws
1
0
1
Vagrants
6
0
6
203
13
216
STATISTICAL REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
Number of arrests during the year
190
Males
182
Females
8
Minors
11
Non-residents
70
Native born
147
Foreign born
53
Amount of fines imposed
$2,670.00
Number of commitments
12
Number of adult cases in Middleboro Court 20S
80
Number of minor cases in Middleboro Court
12
Cases investigated
325
Building found open
147
Disturbances quelled without arrest
14
Lost children restored
4
Nuisances
15
Automobile accidents investigated
77
Death caused by automobile accident
1
Sale of second-hand automobiles reported
1,051
Defective sidewalks reported
6
Defective streets reported
7
Defective water pipes reported'
2
Defective street lights reported
42
Street obstructions removed
3
Gaming implements, search warrants served
2
Gaming implements, notices served and posted
2
Warning tags placed on automobiles to report to Police Station 84
Summons served
48
Search warrants for property served
2
Arrested for out of town officers
9
Lodgers
15
Runaways return home
2
Dogs shot
4
Liquor search warrants served
8
Liquor seizures
7
Liquor notice served and posted
7
Value of stolen property recovered and restored $2,350.00
CONCLUSION
I wish to express thanks and appreciation for the assistance and co-ordination given me by the Honorable
81
Board of Selectmen, the Fourth District Court, the people of the town of Middleboro, and the officers of the Depart- ment who have helped to make the administration of this department a success.
Respectfully submitted,
ALDEN C. SISSON, Chief of Police.
.. ..
82
WATER DEPARTMENT
The efforts of this department, begun three years ago, to get the water works system into an economical working condition, have been pursued again this year. Special attention has been given to the meter situation. Each pe- riodical reading brings to light a number of dead meters. These are all taken out and replaced with either repaired or new meters and an examination is then made of the ones taken'out. If they can be repaired at a reasonable cost they are repaired ready to put back into service, if not, they are sold for junk.
The results of our three years work are that there are but a few dead meters found at each period or reading, and we have now begun a systematic inspection of all the meters by taking out those which have been in service the longest, cleaning, testing and making such repairs as may be necessary, then putting them back into service. This work we hope to continue until all have been cleaned and tested so that no meter will be in service for a period of more than five years without being tested. The results of our efforts show quite distinctly in that while the services added this year have been but few more than last year, our income has increased $4,500. .
Last year we began a systematic inspection of the main gates. This has been practically completed this year with the result that they are now all in good working condition.
The conditions at the Pumping Station have been somewhat improved by repairing the inside of the building and painting the boiler room and the wood work on the outside of the building. Next year we hope to paint the engine room and improve the grounds surrounding the building, as the public judge the purity of the water largely
83
by the conditions which exist at the source of supply.
This work is being done at practically no expense as the installation of the electric pumps gives the engineers considerable leisure time which they are very willing. to devote to the beautifying of the station and grounds.
Respectfully submitted,
H. J. GOODALE, Town Manager and Superintendent.
WATER DEPARTMENT Operating Account
Construction Mains and Services
$3,613.11
Clerk
988.00
Meters, new and repairs
3,363.99
Maintenance Mains and Services
4,127.50
Light
37.38
Telephone
113.69
Miscellaneous
908.34
PUMPING STATION
Salaries
3,869.00
Filters
24.99
Power
6,812.37
Oil
39.36
Miscellaneous
734.26
$24,631.99
Water Department
Appropriation
$24,125.00
Paid interest
$1,897.50
Bonds and interest
5,347.50
Expense 24,631.99
Deficit 556.99
Paid bonds
3,500.00
$30,029.49
$30,029.49
84
SUMMARY OF STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 1923.
Population by Census of 1920, 8,453. Date of construc- tion, 1885. By whom owned, Town of Middleboro. Source of supply, well south of village, near Nemasket River. Mode of supply, pumped direct overflow to standpipe.
PUMPING STATISTICS
1. Builders of Pumping Machinery, 2 Goulds Electrically Driven Centrifugal-main units, 1 Gould driven by Moore Steam Turbine and 1 DeLaval complete tur- bine and pump-auxiliary units.
2. Description of fuel used :
(a) Electric Power of main units.
(b) Bituminous coal for auxiliary units.
(c) Price per K.W.H. .025
d) Average price of coal per gross ton, de- livered 9.80
K.W.H. Consumed for the year 269284
3. Coal consumed for the year 36,745
4. Total pumpage for the year passed through meter 158,807,000
5. Average static head against which pumps work, in feet 295
6. Average dynamic head against which pumps work, in feet 300
7. Number of gallons pumped per K.W.H. Main pump only 697.6
8. Duty equals gallons pumped (4) x 8.34 (1b.) x 100 x dynamic head (6) divided by total K. W. H. consumed 146,936,000
9. Cost of pumping figured on Pumping Station expenses $10,836.22
10. Per million gallons pumped $68.08
11. Per million gallons raised one foot dynamic Of total amount 70,300 gallons pumped by steam.
$0.227
85
STATISTICS OF CONSUMPTION OF WATER
1. Total population 1920 Census 8,453
2. Estimated population on lines of pipe 5,340
3. Estimated population supplied
5,200
4. Total consumption for the year
158,807,000
5. Passed through meters, gallons 107,388,629
6. Percentage of consumption metered
67
7. Average daily consumption
435,087
8. Gallons per day to each inhabitant 81.47
9. Gallons per day to each consumer
83.67
10. Gallons per day to each tap
355
11. Cost of supplying water per million gallons, figured on total maintenance $132.36
12.
Total cost of supplying water, per million gallons figured on total maintenance, plus interest on bonds, and bonds
$165.08
STATISTICS RELATING TO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
Mains
1. Kind of pipe-cast iron, wrought iron.
2. Sizes-1 inch to 16 inches.
3. Extended during year-000.
4. Total now in use-21.22 miles.
5. Length of pipe less 4 inches in diameter 0.166 miles.
6. Number of hydrants in use-152.
7. Number of stop gates smaller than 4 in .- 1.
8. Number of blow offs-9.
9. Range of pressure on mains-84-120. Services
10. Kind of pipe-wrought iron, cement lined, cast iron.
11. Sizes-1-2 inch to 6 inch.
12. Extended-2,024.6 feet.
13. Total now in use-13.78 miles.
14. Number of service taps added-32.
86
15. Number now in use-1,255.
16. Average length of services-55.18.
17. Number of meters added-54.
18. Number now in use-1,243.
19. Per cent of services metered-99.
20. Per cent of receipts from metered water-96.
21. Number of motors-1.
TOTAL LENGTH OF MAIN PIPE
16-in 12-in. 10-in. 8-in. 6-in. 4-in.
2-in. 11/2-in. 1-in.
Total 112,087.0
400 8,084.9 9,362.0 7,403.5 71,355.2
14,604.2 831.7 40.9 4.6
Total length of miles
21.22
Number of hydrants added-1 total
152
Number of gates added-1 total
240
Number of blow offs
9
Service connections made-32 totals
1,315
Number of services now taking water
1,255
Feet of service pipe put in during the year
2,024.6
Feet of service pipe put in to date
72,828
Feet of service pipe within street lines
30,236
Motors in use
1
Meters set during the year
54
Meters now in use
1,243
5/8 -in.
34 -in.
1/2 -in. 1-in. 11/2-in. 2-in. 3-in.
Totals
Crown
1
1
1
3
1
7
Nash AA
49
1
2
1
53
Nash Type K.
36
3
1
40
Empire
9
2
1
3
1
16
Hersey
23
12
35
Hersey Disc
69
3
1
1
74
Thomson
195
1
1
197
Trident
208
1
1
5
215
Union
2
2
King
13
13
Worthington
179
179
Keystone
27
1
28
American
360
3
1
1
365
Watch Dog
18
18
Gem
1
1
1,189
11
17
13
7
4
2
1,243
1
PUMPING STATION RECORD, 1923
Time Pumping
Coal used
Filter Supply Pump Time
Month
Electric
226.10
4.45
7.23
13,349,000
430,808
18,736
604.3
2,450
4,538
318.25
4.40
10.25
3,262
105.2
February
230.50
3.
8.21
13,496,000
482,000
19,165
684.4
2,200
5,077
338.50
3.15
11.10
3,408
121.7
March
243.
7.50
14,259,000
459,968
20,374
657.1
1,245
3,847
359.5
11.35
3,670
118.4
April
232.35
7.45
13,439,000
448,000
19,292
643
1,000
1,932
339.50
11.20
3,463
115.4
May
242.10
7.49
13,666,000
440,839
19,689
635.1
100
353.5
11.23
3,539
114.
June
241.45
8. 3
14,011,000
467,033
20,122
670.4
367.25
12.15
3,688
123.
July
234.50
7.34
13,570,000
437,742
19,646
633.7
362.53
11.42
3,680
119.
August
225.42
3.20
7.23
13,300,000
429,032
19,061
614.9
2,100
362.37
4.10
11.50
3,600
116.
September
219.23
7. 5
12,824,000
427,466
18,571
618.7
354.50
11.49
3,470
115.7
October
218.40
7. 3
12,800,000
412,903
18,498
596.7
1,500
1,050
350.25
11.18
3,455
111.4
November
202.40
7.30
6.59
12,090,000
403,000
17,127
570.9
3,675
2,966
334.32
8.15
11.25
3,195
106.5
December
204.55
6.17
12,003,000
387,193
17,363
560.1
3,065
334.30
10.48
3,210
103.5
1
Totals
2,722.40
18.35
158,807,000
227,644
14,270
22,475
4,166.27
20.20
41,640
Averages
7.30
432,328
623.6
11.28
114
K. W. H.
Main
Pump
Daily
Average
K. W. H.
Power
Station
Heater
Electric
Steam
Daily
Average
K. W. H.
Filter
Pump
Daily
K. W. H. Average
h.m.
h.m.
h.m.
January
Steam
Daily
Average
Gallons
Pumped
Daily
Average
Gallons
.
Greatest number of gallons pumped in one day, February 19, 1923, 622,000 gallons. Least number of gallons pumped in one day, November 11, 1923, 287,000 gallons.
.
88 RAIN FALL AND TEMPERATURE RECORD
Temperature Degrees
Highest
Lowest
Mean
Precipitation
Rain and Snow
Inches
Inches
January
-
4
6.85
21 1/4
February
-12
1.96
143/%
March
1
4.12
33/4
April
10
5.71
May
32
1.24
June
92
41
65.6
3.13
July
91
44
66.1
2.13
August
91
39
65.
2.77
September
81
36
61.
2.26
October
75
26
50.8
3.76
November
65
12
42.3
1.78
December
59
11
37.
5.14
6
Totals
40.85
453/8
Snow
89
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR
In presenting our annual report of the work of the de- partment we would call attention to some changes in the' management and activities at the Farm. We are now de- voting more effort to making the Home a paying proposi- tion than to try to get all the income from the Farm. We have at the present time seven boarders, with a prospect of more in the near future, and the money received for board will pay a large proportion of the expenses of the house. Every article of produce from the Farm used in the House has been credited to the Farm, and you may see by our financial report that the expenditures and receipts of the House and Farm combined, with an estimate of the Farm produce on hand show a margin of profit.
The number of people dependent on the Town is about the same as last year. We have been able to discharge some and have added some new ones.
We wish to acknowledge our obligation to the Trustees of the Peirce Estate, as they have expended about $1,200.00 on the betterment of the buildings.
We wish also to thank the Charitable organizations of the Town for their co-operation in our work.
WILLIAM M. HASKINS CHARLES S. CUMMINGS ADELAIDE K. THATCHER
90
REPORT OF THE TOWN CLERK
January 1, 1924.
The following is an abstract of the Town Clerk's record for the year 1923 :
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING, JANUARY 15, 1923
Meeting called to order promptly at 11 o'clock by Fletcher Clark Jr., Moderator.
Warrant read in full by the Town Clerk.
The following Election Officers were duly sworn to the faithful performance of their duties.
Henry W. Sears
Alice B. Pratt
Rhodolphus P. Alger
Richard E. Cobb
Lorenzo Wood
E. Kimball Harrison
Mabel B. Sears
Luke F. Kelley
William M. Haskins
Thomas C. McCormick
Helen C. Haley
The result of the balloting was as follows :
MODERATOR FOR ONE YEAR
Fletcher Clark, Jr. 1,271
Alvin C. Howes 1 Blanks 526
91
TOWN TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES FOR ONE YEAR
William G. Boynton
392
William W. Brackett
654
Kenneth B. Keedwell
244
Waldo S. Thomas
495
Blanks
13
SELECTMAN, FOR ONE YEAR
Levi O. Atwood 1,103
659
Blanks 36
SELECTMAN, FOR THREE YEARS
Lyman P. Thomas 1,263
Theodore N. Wood
1,342
Blanks 991
SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR THREE YEARS
George N. Dupont
776
Allan R. Thatcher 1,036
Forest E. Thomas
911
Blanks
873
"Shall the Town petition for the installation of an accounting system by the Commonwealth as provided by Chapter 516, General Acts of 1922?"
Yes
606
Nc
272
Blanks
920
"Shall licenses be granted for the sale of certain non- intoxicating beverages in this Town?"
Yes 594
No
870
Blanks
334
Frederick G. Maddigan
92
ADJOURNED TOWN MEETING, FEB. 12, 1923
Article 13. Voted: To authorize the Selectmen to ap- point some suitable person as provided in the will of Maria L. H. Pierce to receive and expend the income of the bequest of the said Maria L. H. Pierce for the benefit of the inmates of the Almshouse.
Article 14. Voted: To cancel authority voted at an adjourned Special Town Meeting held Sept. 27, 1921 to issue bonds or notes of the Town in the sum of Eighty-five hundred dollars ($8,500.00) as Departmental Equipment Water Loan, the same being a portion of an issue of notes and bonds of the Town in the sum of Fourteen Thousand Dollars authorized at said meeting held September 27, 1921, leaving the amount of said Departmental Equipment Water Loan as duly authorized at Fifty-five hundred Dol- lars ($5,500.00) and act thereon.
Article 15. Voted : To appropriate a sum, not to ex- ceed Two hundred dollars ($200.00) for use of the Trustees, Plymouth County Aid to Agriculture.
Article 6. Voted : To accept a portion of Carey St., as laid out by the Selectmen. Description of Carey St. Be- ginning at the south easterly corner of Carey and Centre Streets, said point being the southwest corner of the Cen- tral Cemetery, thence running north twenty-seven degrees and forty-seven minutes East along the northwesterly line of said cemetery and said northwesterly line produced, northeasterly a distance of six hundred (600) feet to a point in the southeasterly line of said Carey Street; then turning at right angles and running northwesterly a distance of forty (40) feet to a point in the northwesterly line of the Street being described, thence turning at right angles and running southwesterly in a line forty (40) feet from and parallel to the first described line to the northeasterly line of Centre Street, thence turning and running southeasterly along the northeasterly line of Centre street to the point of beginning.
1
93
Aricle 5. Report of Committee on new High School. Several years ago a committee of five was appointed by the Town and instructed to procure plans and estimates for a new High School for the Town of Middleborough. An architect was employed and plans prepared for a building on the lot in the rear of the old High School building, where the Band Stand is now located. The Town adopted these plans and appropriated one hundred thousand dollars for the construction of the building. Rapidly rising costs, due to war conditions, soon made it apparent that the building as planned would cost much more than this figure, and a good deal of opposition to the proposed location also de- veloped. There was no room on the proposed site for fu- ture additions and it became apparent that the building would be too small for the requirements of the school in a very few years. The Committee, therefore, recommended to the Town that the matter be laid over for a time, and this recommendation was adopted and the committee con- tinued.
At the Annual Town Meeting in 1922 the Town voted to add two new members to this Committee and to instruct the Committee to investigate new locations and provide plans for a building o be built in 1923, if possible.
Your Committee has carefully looked into the matter of possible locations and now makes a unanimous recom- mendation that the new building be located on the lot on North Main St., now owned by the Trustees of the Estate of Thomas S. Peirce and known as the "playground" property.
Your committee has again employed Mr. Edward I. Wilson as architect, and has obtained tentative plans and estimates for a building 160 feet long and approximately 63 feet in depth, to be constructed of brick, consisting of two stairs and a basement, with an assembly hall on the first floor and a gymnasium underneath, together with the other requirements which make up a modern High School building. The detailed plans are submitted herewith as
94
a part of this report.
The architect has obtained estimates from reputable contractors as to the probable cost of this building, and reports that he believes that the building can be constructed for approximately $230,000.00. The equipment will have to be provided in addition to this figure and $20,000.00 is prob- ably a moderate estimate of what will be required for this purpose.
Your Committee recommends that the Town make provision at once for a bond issue to cover an appropriation of $250,000.00 for the purpose of the building and equip- ment of a New High School building on the lot named.
It will no doubt be a distinct saving to the Town on total cost if the specifications can be completed and bids called for at the earliest possible date.
Respectfully submitted,
GRANVILLE E. TILLSON, DENNIS D. SULLIVAN WILLIAM G. BOYNTON BOURNE WOOD GEORGE W. STETSON CHARLES N. ATWOOD GEORGE R. SAMPSON
Voted :- That the Town accept the report of the Com- mittee and that the Selectmen be requested to call a Town meeting for the purpose of authorizing the construction of a new High School building in accordance with the report and for the purpose of raising and appropriating the neces- sary money to defray the expense of the same.
Yes N 87
349
Voted :- That the Selectmen be authorized and em- powered to petition the General Court for authority to enable the Town to borrow money and issue bonds therefor
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.