USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1929 > Part 14
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149
REPAIRS
During the twenty-five years the library has been built almost nothing has been done in the way of repairs. The time has come when some re-decorating is necessary.
In September the Trustees Room was re-decorated. Sanitas wall covering in a soft grey was put upon the walls and the paint was refinished in a warm ivory, making a very attractive room.
There is much that remains to be done, and the coming year it is hoped that more re-decorating may be done where it seems to be most needed.
ACTIVITIES
In January the library sponsored a series of talks on new books given by Mrs. Wanda Power Tauber of the Personal Book Shop, Boston. This course proved very popular, and we are planning to have Mrs. Tauber give another course the coming year.
The Cabot Club had a most interesting exhibit and talk on etchings in the Community Room on January 11th. Under the same auspices was held an exhibit of batik and tied-and-dyed work, with a lecturer from Boston.
In May John Callan, a local artist, held an exhibit of his work in the exhibition hall of the library. The walls were filled with paintings and drawings of unusual merit, and the display aroused much interest.
The Community Room is in constant use, the District Nursing Association, State University Extension, the Sym- phonic Society, the Cabot Club, the Girl Scouts and other societies enjoying its use.
During Book Week, which this year came in the week of November 17th, an exhibition was held of the work of Middleboro artists. This not only included paintings and drawings by local people, but also basketry, needlework, hand
150
wrought jewelry, painted china and iron work, tinted win- ter bouquets, photography, cabinet and batik work.
This exhibition aroused more interest than any pre- viously held, and there was large attendance every after- noon and evening during the week the exhibit was open. Because of the many requests, the exhibition was kept open into the next week.
The staff has been well represented at library conferences. Miss Florence Robinson attended the meeting of the Amer- ican Library Association held in Washington in May. The librarian was in attendance at the conference of the Massa- chusetts Library Club held in June at Provincetown. Other members of the staff have attended meetings in Brockton, Boston and other nearby cities.
The librarian spoke on new books before the Evening Alliance of the Unitarian Church, the Cabot Club and the Parent Teachers Association, and at the High School on "Books as Companions" before the Southeastern Massachu- setts League of School Publications
IN APPRECIATION
We are very grateful to all those who contributed their handiwork to our exhibition held during Book Week and so helped to make it the success it was.
We wish to express our thanks to the teachers in charge of deposits of books, to Mrs. Richmond of North Middle- boro and others who are helping in this way.
It is with sincere regret and a deep sense of gratitude to the librarian there that we discontinue the branch at East Middleboro. Miss Laura Deane has given her loyal service for over nine years.
The Middleboro Gazette has been most generous in allowing us space. That this type of publicity is of great benefit to the library is evidenced by the many calls we receive for the books mentioned in the columns of the Gazette.
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We are grateful to the friends who have presented the library with books, magazines, plants and flowers.
The librarian wishes to take this opportunity once more to express to the Board of Trustees her very great apprecia- tion for their cooperation and loyal support, and to the staff for their faithful service which has made possible the successful year just reviewed.
STATISTICS
Circulation of books
Central Library
Adult circulation
Fiction
48,331
Philosophy
437
Religion
216
Sociology
707
Languages
55
Sciences
690
Useful arts
1,140
Fine Arts
958
Literature
1,640
History
931
Travel
1,418
Biography
1,249
Magazines
3,918
Foreign
119
-
61,809
Juvenile circulation
Fiction
8,791
Non-fiction
8,208
16,999
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Branch circulation East Middleboro Fiction
489
Non-fiction
63
Juvenile
219
771
North Middleboro
Fiction
324
Non-fiction
84
Juvenile
95
503
South Middleboro School
Non-fiction
4
Juvenile 267
271
Rock School
Juvenile
391
Bates School
Fiction
108
Non-fiction
56
Juvenile
955 1,119
3,055
Total circulation for 1929 Number of volumes owned by library Jan. 1, 1929
81,863
31,387
66
66 66 added by purchase 1,027
66
66 66
66 " gift 68
66
66
66
66
" binding 48
(magazines)
Total number of volumes added 1,143
32,530
.
-
153
Number of volumes lost or discarded 409
Number of volumes owned by library Dec. 31, 1929 32,121
New cards issued Adult's Juveniles (Under 14 years)
209
167
376
Respectfully submitted,
MERTIE E. WITBECK,
Librarian.
154
MIDDLEBORO FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT OF THE CHIEF
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I have the honor to present herewith, for your considera- tion, the ninth annual report of the Chief of the Middleboro Fire Department, for the year ending December 31, 1929, in accordance with Section 16 of Chapter 592, Acts 1920.
APPARATUS
The apparatus of the department consists of the following :--
1 Maxim 1000 Gallon Pumping Engine purchased April 23, 1928.
1 Maxim 500 Gallon Pumping Engine, purchased June 28, 1920.
1 Knox Combination Chemical and Hose Car, purchased October 14, 1912.
1 Maxim City Service Ladder Truck, purchased October 11, 1915.
1 Maxim Hose Car, purchased May 12, 1914.
All are well supplied with ladders, 3 gallon hand extin- guishers and the most necessary appliances for aiding the extinguishing of fires.
ORGANIZATION
The personnel of the Department at the close of the year is as follows:
One Call Chief. One Permanent Deputy Chief. One Call Deputy Chief. One Permanent Captain.
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Four Call Captains.
Eight Permanent Drivers. Thirty-nine Call Men and nine substitute members. One Fire Police.
A total of 65 members.
OPERATION OF THE DEPARTMENT ALARMS
Month
Box
Squad
Still
Warden Totals
Jan.
6
17
3
26
Feb.
2
5.
7
Mar.
1
5
8
7
21
Apr.
3
9
4
16
May
1
6
6
3
16
June
1
3
2
5
11
July
2
4
6
4
16
Aug.
1
2
4
4
11
Sept.
3
2
4
9
Oct.
2
6
5
13
Nov.
9
5
14
Dec.
3
6
9
Totals
11
51
77
30
169
Equipment used
21/2
34
3 gal.
40 gal. PC pyrene
hose
hose
tanks foamite tank ·
Box
3650'
1400'
8
1
Squad
2450
5400
41
1
1
Still
2850
61
4
1
Warden
58
70
-
-
Totals
6100'
9650'
168
1
2
74
1
156
Mileage
Box Squad
Total
Engine No. 1
14.7
381
529.1
Engine No. 2
14.7
13.5
28.2
Comb. No. 1
14.7
1.7
1.7
18.1
Comb. No. 2
14.7
12.6
9.1
179.7
216.1
Ladder No. 1
14.7
14.7
Totals
73.5
408.8
142.5
181.4
806.2
Hose on hand Jan. 1, 1930 21/4"
6250
750
3 Gal. tanks charged
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FIRE LOSSES
Claims settled 1929
Assessed value buildings
$40,900.00
Insurance on buildings
84,300.00
Estimated value of contents
34,200.00
Insurance on contents
32,200.00
Damage to buildings
28,120.47
Damage to contents
11,857. 77
Insurance paid on buildings
28,120.47
Insurance paid on contents
10,232.77
Total values
$75,100.00
Total insurance
116,500.00
Total damage
39,978.24
Total insurance paid
38,353.24
Permits issued
Gasoline
53
Garage
13
Fireworks
5
Dynamite
4
-
Still Warden 133.4
157
Inspections
1367
Business property Special
125
Leonard & Barrows
87
The apparatus is in good performing condition.
Ladder 1 and Combination 2 wagon need painting and varnishing very much. The engine of Engine 1 has been thoroughly overhauled, cylinders reground and new brake drums put on. For additional safety measure, booster brakes have been installed.
The total alarms have fallen off this year, most notably in the Box and Still alarms. Perhaps the decrease in Still alarms, and in fact all alarms, may be attributed to the effi- cient inspection of all buildings in town last year, and owners' and occupants' attention called to the then existing fire hazards and advice given to remedying them. In addi- tion to this the ·continual inspection of all business proper- ties with the cooperation of tenants in endeavoring to minimize fire hazards, has been a significant factor in not only reducing the number of fires, but the fire losses.
As you will note, with the assessed value of buildings of $40,900.00 and estimated value of contents of $42,000.00, the damage in excess of insurance paid was only $1625 for the year, this being the lowest loss for a number of years. There has been almost 100 special inspections more than reported in 1928. By direction of your Board, the daily inspection of one of the factories has been made.
To all property owners, especially in the suburbs, I would like to emphasize the importance of inspection and cleaning out of their chimneys. This will result in less calls for the Fire Department to respond to, lessen the possibility of losing your home, and perhaps prevent damage to the apparatus, or fatal accident to those responding with the apparatus, such as was so recently averted in responding to a call of this kind.
158
The facilities provided by the installation of the dry hydrant connected to the pond at Rock Village, and one at the river in North Middleboro, will prove of great value in case of any serious fire in the vicinity of either.
In connection with these installations and those installed in Nevertouch Pond for additional protection for the Geo. E. Keith factory, I fully concur with ex-chief Maxim and recommended in last year's budget, in the desirability of purchasing 1000 feet of 3 inch hose. This was a part of the program as laid out in 1927 in connection with these dry hydrants, for in the case of Geo. E. Keith and North Middle- boro, and possibility Rock Village, because of the distance of source of supply from where needed it would become necessary to use one pumper as a booster pump to be placed 1000 feet from either pond or river.
The value of the 3 inch hose over the 212 inch was based on the following:
Friction loss per 100 feet in 21/2 inch hose is 16.4 lbs. and on the 3 inch, 3.6 lbs.
With 3 inch hose, 85 lbs. pressure at the pump will de- liver the same amount of water that it takes 200 lbs.' at pump to deliver through 212 in. hose.
With 200 lbs. pressure at pump, 1000 feet, 3 in. hose will deliver 345 gallons with a nozzle pressure of 85 lbs., while 21/2 inch hose will deliver only 251 gal. per minute, and at a nozzle pressure of 45 lbs.
It is readily apparent which is the most effective for fire fighting purposes. Therefore would recommend that 3 inch hose be purchased this year.
The two platoon system, voted at the Annual Town Meeting, was put into effect October 30, with the appointing of 3 additional permanent drivers and Deputy Chief Owens as Commanding Officer.
Although at an increased cost to the taxpayer, in return they have a much more efficient department and better and quicker service, as now five men are on duty the entire
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159
twenty-four hours, while before only two men were on duty at times.
Would recommend that immediate action be taken to more fully protect the lives and property at the Town Wel- fare Home. Remembering the complete loss of one build- ing and partial loss of the present one, with the attendant possible loss of life, it is time to seriously consider the im- portance of better protection. The present type of equip- ment consisting of two 3 gallon tanks is intended only for small fires and those in incipient stages. Because of the small number and location of these and conditions at the Home, consider the protection intended for quick use in- adequate for an institution like this where not only property is involved, but lives of many unable to help themselves.
The two best methods to consider are,-to install a sprinkler system or a pipe up through the building with hose permanently attached on each floor. The former is by far the best and affords greatest protection and obviously, more expensive. The latter costs much less, and with proper care and maintenance would afford protection vastly superior to that at present.
The weakest point in the department at the present time is in the use of some of the old and wornout fire alarm boxes, many dating back to 1889. It is important and advisable to institute a program whereby a few boxes should be re- placed each year until the entire number of 29 boxes now obsolete and in a measure unreliable, be replaced with mod- ern non-interfering type of box, and it was with this in view that the $600 for the purpose was included in Equipment and Repairs, and cannot too strongly recommend and urge that this program be started this year.
The citizens of Middleboro and the Middleboro Fire De- partment suffered a distinct loss when Ex-Chief C. W. Maxim withdrew from the activities of the Middleboro Fire. Depart- ment.
For a greater part of his life he was connected with the department, starting in with the old hose reel on Vine St.
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and at the time he severed his connection with the depart- ment, had held the office of Chief for fifteen years.
He had the unusual experience of watching the transi- tion from man power direct to motor. For years it was his ambition to see the modern department housed in modern quarters, and by his unceasing and untiring efforts and labor, his dream of years came true. Today the Central Fire Station stands as a monument, not only to his efforts and labor, but to his loyalty to the Middleboro Fire Department and his town.
By his devotion to the Department he has set a standard of loyalty to duty that is an outstanding example to be fol- lowed by each and every member of the Department and the citizens of Middleboro.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE A. PHILBROOK,
Chief Middleboro Fire Department
----
CENTRAL
PARK
E
LUNCH
CERTAS
-
-
Center Street looking west from South Main Street before wires were placed underground
161
REPORT OF GAS AND ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT
To the Town Manager, Town of Middleboro.
Dear Sir:
I am submitting herewith the thirty-sixth annual report of the Gas and Electric Department for the year ending December 31, 1929.
This report includes, operation accounts, revenues, bal- ance sheet, Profit and Loss sheet, and some statistics cover- ing the operation of this department and in some cases made comparable with report of last year.
GAS
The increase sales of gas amounting to $1,884.56, was in a large measure owing to the increased use of gas for house heating as 367,000 cu. ft. of the total increase of 673,000 cu. ft. gas purchased was used for that purpose. Total gas purchased, 32, 928,900 cu. ft.
The purchase of gas has proven eminently satisfactory, there being no interruption of supply and the cost of gas in holder this year was $.031 per m. less, although the increased amount of gas purchased cost $539, by strict economy the total expenses of gas operating account was $1274.82 less.
Average price per M paid Taunton Gas Co. $.835 Average cost per M. in holder $.9062
By some it is thought this constitutes the total cost to the town. Because of the difference in amount bought and sold last year the cost per M. sold was, $1.336, made up as follows:
Cost in holder $1.018
Transmission and distribution .036
General and miscellaneous .022
162
Average price received per M. sold, 1.445. Average B. T. U. 542. Minimum required by State 528.
In Anticipation of East Grove St. becoming a State Road, would recommend the extension of gas main on East Grove St. from present end to river. Also, should Wareham St. be reconstructed, the extension of the present 6 inch main from Fairview St. to Wareham and Cherry Sts.
It was having this in view that the $20,000 was recom- mended in budget for extensions of street mains.
Four inch cast iron mains were laid on following streets.
Fairview St. 710 feet
· Etta and Forest Sts. 720 66
Maple Ave. 200
Lincoln St.
300
and 830 feet of 3 inch steel main on Prospect St.
52 new services were connected.
Many meters which were thought to be measuring less gas than was passing through were removed and replaced with new ones, which may in a measure account for the much smaller amount of gas unaccounted for last year than previous years. The unaccounted for was 11% against nearly 19% the previous year, although the greater saving was made by connecting with the new mains laid in the fall of 1927 and abandoning the old ones.
The ratio of operating expense to revenue was reduced from 99.33% in 1928 to 92.50% in 1929.
ELECTRIC
Much of the past year has been devoted to replacing some of the lines with larger sized conductors, as it was found that by the normal growth of customers some of the lines were too small to give satisfactory service. A survey is being made of the system and voltage readings taken and this program of renewing wires where needed will be con-
1
163
tinued this year so that by the end of year with perhaps the installation of voltage regulators on the lines, a marked im- provement will be noted.
Special efforts have been made to keep the lines and appliances in a condition that would least interfere with radio reception and we feel that we have done all that could be done and feel justified in saying that the greatest amount of interference does not come from so called leaky trans- formers, or wires, but does come from privately owned appliances in homes and other places. Nevertheless all complaints will be cheerfully attended to and efforts con- tinued to remove all known cases of trouble caused by wires or appliances owned or controlled by the town.
The underground system has proven all it was claimed for it and not one case of trouble has occurred.
Thirty-eight new street lights have been installed.
The Telephone Company has replaced over 400 jointly used poles which means a large expense and a great deal of labor to change the wires of the plant to the new poles but when completed the lines will be in better condition to with- stand storms than ever before, which also means more re- liable service.
New lines have been built on Benson and Highland Streets, So. Middleboro, and on Precinct St. and Rhode Island Road in Lakeville. This in the aggregate is more than in any one other year, and the income has proven the wisdom of such extensions.
The total amount of current purchased increased 224,910 K. W. H. but the total purchased and made only increased 207,160 K. W. H. because the hydro plant produced 17,750 K. W. H. less than the year before.
The average price paid Plymouth Electric Co. was $.0199 against $. 0224 in 1928.
Although the income increased $11,931, the expense in- creased only $7,316, so that the ratio of operating expense for year to revenue received was 70.66%. That of 1928 was 78.16%.
GEORGE A. PHILBROOK, Manager Gas and Electric Dept
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THE THOMAS S. PEIRCE TRUST FUNDS.
As the sole survivor of the original trustees appointed by Thomas S. Peirce in his will to administer the two trust funds created under said will, the net income of one to be paid to the Treasurer of the Middleborough Public Library, and the net income of the other to be paid to the Use and Benefit of the Town of Middleborough, and as the only person living who has "inside information", I am writing the brief history, together with some sidelights of Peter H. Peirce and his family, which I trust will prove interesting as well as in- structive, in order that future generations as well as the present may know how these trusts originated.
Peter Hoar Peirce and his wife, Nabby (Sproat) Peirce, came to Middleborough in the early part of the 19th century; built his house on the lot which he bought on North Main Street, in 1814, which he afterwards remodeled, and where his large family was reared; and also built the store across the street, now occupied by the P. H. Peirce Company. With the exception that the "horse sheds", well remembered by the older people, have been converted into a store room, the store building stands today as originally built by him.
Peter H. Peirce, in his day, was the most influential man in the Town of Middleborough, very few daring to oppose him; so much so that when people were approached in re- gard to various matters it was customary for many to say, "I'll have to talk it over with the Colonel," which title he received during the war of 1812 as Lieutenant Colonel of the Fourth Regiment of Infantry of Plymouth County Brigade. He had many activities outside of his store. The principal one was his association with Horatio G. Wood, under the firm name of Peirce & Wood, in partnership with whom he erected a large shovel manufactory; and the ex- cellence of their production is shown by a medal in my pos- session bearing the following inscription: "Awarded to Peirce .
165
& Wood for the best specimen of shovels, 1836" on one side and "American Institute, New York" on the other.
The general store of Peter H. Peirce was known far and wide for its fair dealings and the excellent quality of merchan- dise, especially "New England Rum", which played a large part in building up the fortune which he left at his death, of which I shall have more to say later.
After his decease on January 27, 1861, the store was carried. on by his sons, Job C. Peirce, Thomas S. Peirce and James E. Peirce; another son, Charles F. Peirce, was in business in the West; and William R. Peirce superintended the farm.
Peter H. Peirce died without making any will and his estate was never divided among his children, except that some years after his decease the right of his son, Charles, was purchased by the other heirs. As a brother or sister died, the surviving brothers and sisters inherited his or her share of their father's estate, as well as what each had acquired from other sources.
Job was the hard headed business man, ably assisted by his brother Thomas. After the decease of Job, which occurred August 10, 1880, James and Thomas carried on the store until the death of James on July 21, 1901, leaving Thomas as the last of the family.
After the decease of Peter H. Peirce, his heirs at law sold various parcels of land, the deeds of which were signed by the various heirs until William became miffed because some proposition he desired to carry out was denied by his broth- ers, and from that time on he would not join in any deeds, thereby tying up a vast amount of real estate.
William delighted in being called eccentric. He, as stated before, "ran" the farm and I have often heard Thomas say that when "Bill" ran the farm, if he did not lose over two thousand dollars a year, they figured he made money. It may be interesting to know that the farm carried on by "Bill" included the land on which the High School building now stands; the cleared land in back, running to the river; the
166
farm on the northeast side of North Street, known as the Azel Thomas Farm; and the Barrows Farm, which included the territory now occupied by Pearl Street, from Peirce to North, Rice and Sproat Streets, and a portion of Frank Street. "Bill" had two hobbies: presenting a bell to a church which needed one; and the Middleborough Public Library, of which he was president from 1875 to 1895. He was also a director of the Old Colony Railroad Company for many years. The only person who had any influence over him was the late Everett Robinson, who was finally able to get his signature to the deed of the land occupied by the Middle- borough Savings Bank.
Wood lots covered with heavy pine timber were greatly sought after by mill men, but the invariable answer of "Bill" when approached, was, "If we sell that lot where in hell are the crows going to build their nests." William died Febru- ary 2, 1896, and then the complexion of affairs rapidly chan- ged.
As a young country land surveyor, I was hired in April 1896 to run some lines and look up two wood lots. My work seemed to be appreciated by Thomas and James for one day Thomas handed me all their deeds and told me to find the lots and do what I pleased with them. At my suggestion, Pearl Street, from Peirce to North, Sproat and Rice Streets were developed at their expense, today being one of the best resi- dential districts of the town. Later, I was entrusted with the handling of large sums of money, stocks and bonds, serving as private secretary and enjoying the full confidence of Thomas and James. My association with Thomas and James is a pleasant memory.
Both were extremely generous and each had different ways of expressing his generosity. Many times Thomas would be informed that some worthy family was in want and it made very little difference what hour of the day it was, he would immediately call some one of the clerks who worked for him and tell him to load up a barrel of flour, a few crack- ers, sugar, butter and various other small articles, and deliver
167
them to the party who was in need. Sometimes, a family in rather destitute circumstances would send to the store for a small bill of goods and Thomas would insist on delivering them himself. Many of the old residents remember how, the moment he told you how much the goods you purchased came to, he would immediately reach into his vest pockets and throw out half dollars and quarters, as change for the anticipated bill he expected you to tender him; and it was his custom when he received pay for the goods which he had carried to the needy family-as they handed him a five or ten dollar bill-to throw out of his vest pockets halves and quarters which he seemed to be unable to hold, which would fall from his hands and roll over the floor and which he never stopped to pick up. After he had departed, on picking up the money, it was usually found that the amount which he left was in excess of the bill received. Quite a few families in Middleborough were supported by Thomas and James during their lifetime, and it was a severe blow to them, as well as to those who desired to borrow money without any collateral except their note, when the brothers passed away.
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