USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1929 > Part 9
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 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17
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
4
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.
160
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
-
LUNCH
----
-
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
Maple Ave. 200 66
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-
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
164
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.
The generosity of James was of a different type. He would insist on collecting the last cent that a man owed, if possible, and after the account had been settled in full he would see, in some way, that double the amount was left at the home of those who had paid him. Those who remem- ber him well know how spruce and neat he always was, forever brushing or dusting himself and bustling around the store, with a dustcloth, thereby gaining the sobriquet of "Dandy Jim."
Naturally, I was interested in the disposition of the large estate which Thomas and James had. James had made a will and, being ten years younger than Thomas, was naturally expected to be the last of the family of Peter H. Peirce. However, the Lord decreed otherwise, for he was found dead on July 21, 1901. This left Thomas the sole heir-at-law of the combined fortunes of his deceased brothers and sisters, excepting Charles, and a personal legacy contained in the
168
will of James to his widow, Maria Louise (Harlow) Peirce, which in addition to his own was no small sum. As there were no grandchildren, the sole-heir-at-law, as I supposed at the time, was an own cousin on the Peirce side, Ebenezer Weaver Peirce, of Freetown. Later, I learned there was another own cousin on the Sproat side, altho Thomas was ignorant of that fact when I drew his will. Accordingly, I urged his making his will and, after convincing him of that necessity, he told me to go ahead and draw up one.
I have drawn many wills in my lifetime, but this has been the most important one, and much to my gratification has stood the acid test. After various private bequests, he said, "What next?". I told him I thought a Public Library building would be a good thing. "Well, I suppose 'Bill' would have liked to have one, so give them $50,000." "What about some money to run it?" I asked. "If the Town don't care enough about the building to run it, they needn't have it; but give them $50,000. so they can buy books from the ยท income." I suggested it might be better to include periodi- cals and newspapers, which he granted. I tried to get him to leave his homestead for a home for aged people or a hospi- but my suggestion was greeted with, "Go right along", which was his favorite expression in dismissing a subject. "Now what are you going to do with the rest and residue?" "How much have I left?" "About half a million." "Where did it come from?" "Well, I don't know, except I know you have it." "What do you think about it?" "Well, Mr. Peirce, your father got the nucleus of his fortune by selling rum and taking mortgages on farms and lands to secure the debts, a large part of which came out of the store in jugs, and why isn't it a good idea to leave the rest and residue,of your estate so that the descendants of those people, together with the others, shall have the benefit of the income?" I shall never forget how he threw back his head and laughed, and finally said,, "Chester, that's all right. Go ahead, but fix it so no town officer shall ever handle a cent of my money and fix it so that the town shall have nothing to say as to how
DRUGS
KE CREAM
Center Street looking west from South Main Street after wires were placed underground, ornamental lighting installed and poles and wires removed.
169
it shall be spent. Can you do it?" I told him it should be left in the hands of three trustees who should perpetuate themselves and should have the say of how the money should be spent. This was agreeable and consequently the clauses under which the trustees operate came into being, so that "the net income of the fund held in trust for the Town of Middleborough shall be paid semi-annually or oftener in the discretion of said Trustees, to the use and benefit of the Town of Middleborough in such manner as said Trustees or their successors shall determine."
The selection of the Trustees was a hard matter. Natur- ally, I was chosen first. George W. Stetson was decided on very quickly and then I hit a snag. I named about every prominent business man at that time and received the in- variable reply, "Go right along." I went home and passed a sleepless night, as I realized he was growing weaker all the time and the selection must be made while his mind was clear. Next morning, I was at his home bright and early. He asked me whom I had thought of. I only had three names left and after he rejected the first two I named George R. Sampson. "Well, let's see, his father was Richard Samp- son, his mother was George Wood's daughter, her mother was a Thompson; comes of pretty good stock, put him on. If he had declined Mr. Sampson, I doubt if I should have been able to pick anyone to satisfy him.
His will was signed and witnessed by Amos B. Paun, Albert A. Thomas and Edgar D. Wood on the evening of August 5, 1901, the evening the first car of the Middle- borough, Wareham and Buzzards Bay Street Railway ran from the Four Corners to the Rock and back. He failed rapidly and passed away September 16, 1901. Many con- jectures had been made about the disposition of the estate but I think the day I filed this will for Probate and it became public will come down in the annals of Middleborough his- tory as the most exciting day the town ever had. Steps were immediately taken to break the will, until the would-be
170
breakers learned that if it were broken the whole estate would go to two first cousins above referred to. Accordingly, Judge B. W. Harris allowed the will on October 14, 1901. That portion of the will relating to the foresaid trust funds and their administration follows:
"I give and bequeath to the Town of Middlebor- ough the sum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for the purpose of erecting a Public Library building in said Town. Said building to be erected within two years from the date of my decease by the Trustees of the Public Library of said Town, who are hereby constituted a committee for that purpose, and my Executor is hereby directed to pay over the said sum to their order as required.
After the payment of the foregoing legacies and bequests, I give and bequeath to Chester E. Wes- ton, George W. Stetson and George R. Sampson all of said Middleborough, the sum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) as a special trust fund forever, the net income whereof shall be paid semi-annually or oftener, to the treasurer of the Public Library of the Town of Middleborough, to be by him applied to the purchase of books, periodicals or newspapers for said Library.
After the payment of all the before mentioned legacies and bequests, I hereby give, bequeath and devise all the rest and residue of my property and estate whatsoever, whether real, personal or mixed which I shall own or be entitled to in any way at the time of my decease, to Chester E. Weston, George W. Stetson and George R. Sampson, all of said Middleborough, but in trust nevertheless for the following purposes and uses, viz :- To be held as a special trust fund forever, the net income whereof, to be paid semi-annually or oftener in the discretion of said Trustees, to the use and benefit of the Town of Middleborough, in such manner as said Trustees
171
or their successors shall determine.
The Trustees, above-named and their successors shall receive as full compensation for their services as Trustees, both of the Public Library fund and the residuary fund, a sum not exceeding twenty-five hundred dollars ($2500), per annum, for the three, and in case of the death or resignation or either of said Trustees, the survivor or survivors shall thereupon nominate a successor or successors, who shall im- mediately upon their appointment by the Probate Court, become vested with all the rights and powers, which the original Trustees exercise under this instrument including the right to nominate a suc- cessor or successors in the case of death or resigna- tion of the other member or members of the board, so that both said funds may be perpetually adminis- tered by a board of three Trustees, which shall be continued in the manner aforesaid.
I hereby request that the three Trustees above named be exempt from furnishing any surety or sureties on their official bonds as Trustees under this instrument."
"I hereby authorize the Trustees herein named and their successors in said office in the administra- tion of the trust confided to them to sell and convey without leave of Court being first obtained, such portion or portions as they see fit of my real estate and personal estate or such real and personal estate as shall come into their control under this instru- ment, and no purchaser or purchasers shall be held responsible for the application of the purchase money, and I hereby authorize my said Trustees and their successors to execute, acknowledge and de- liver all deeds and other instruments necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this paragraph."
With the intimate knowledge I had of the estate, I was able to save many thousands of dollars and felt I was
172
entitled to a fee of $50,000. which was a very small fee for the amount involved. The Honorable Board of Selectmen at that time being very conservative, decided my fee was too large and, feeling that Dame Rumor was persistent that I had appropriated a good portion of the estate caused an expensive audit to be made which seems to be thought well of in some quarters at the present time), with the result that my figures were in no way changed and the auditor received severe censure from the Judge of Probate for some of his criticisms. The Acting Judge of Probate, Freeman T. Lathrop, of Barnstable County, who presided at the hear- ings, seemed to feel that my fee was too large and, according- ly, ordered me to pay back the sum of $27,842.74. I drew my check for that amount, which was credited to the estate by the Trustees on February 9, 1907.
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.