USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1930 > 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
228 children are immune to Diphtheria.
23 children are not immune to Diphtheria.
82 % showed a Negative reaction.
91 % of the Pre-school children showed Negative re- action.
These children are immune from this dread disease, and I hope the parents will keep this in mind and have the Pre- school children attend the clinic in the Spring.
The full report by schools will be found in the School Nurses Report.
168
GARBAGE AND RUBBISH
The collection of both of these has been done in a very satisfactory manner during the past year with very few complaints. We have extended the service of both to sections of the town never before covered as we had a number of calls for it, and thought these districts were entitled to it, Montello Street, East Main Street and the west side to Taunton Avenue and on Barden Hill during July and August we gave Mr. Jennings a helper as it was impossible for him to make the required number of collections during the warm weather.
PUBLIC DUMP
On completion of the new road at East Grove Street we were unable to continue the dumping of rubbish, but we received permission from Mr. William. Finn to continue dumping on a plot of his land on Fairview Street which he wanted filled in, but it is not a desirable location as it is getting quite thickly populated. Although there has been no complaints, I do not think it is a proper place for a public dump and will have to get another location in the Spring. Mr. A. A. Sisson has done very good work in keep- ing things as clean as possible, and Mr. Finn intends to cover all rubbish over as soon as there is enough filling done there.
BAKERIES AND WAYSIDE STANDS
I have made three inspections of bakeries and one with State Inspector and found most of them complying with the law; there were a few things that needed to be attended to which are being done.
I have made a number of inspections of wayside stands during the summer and find they all want to do what the law requires and all have co-operated with me in sanitary conditions.
S
169
I also make frequent inspections of restaurants and stores. I find it pays to keep in close touch with them, but on the whole I think Middleboro is in as good condition if not better than most towns of our size.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Pasteurizing licenses, two at $10.00
$20.00
Nemasket Spring Water Co.
5.00
Middleboro Bottling Works 5.00
47.50
Milk licenses issued 95 at 50c
3.50
Oleomargarine licenses issued 7 at 50c
26.00
Alcohol licenses issued 26 at $1.00 Toll calls
2.30
$109.30
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN T. CONNOR, Agent
1
170
PLUMBING INSPECTOR
Middleboro, Mass. December 31, 1930.
Board of Health.
Gentlemen:
Number of applications filed 57 which applications were for the installation of the following plumbing fixtures :-
Water closets
52
Bath tubs
22
Sinks
33
Lavatories
30
Urinal
1
Ice chest
2
Wash trays
10
Floor drains
1
Number of plans filed for sewer connection 37
Number of plans filed for cesspool connection 20
JOHN J. PEARSON,
Inspector of Plumbing.
171
5
January 6, 1931.
To the President and Board of Trustees,
Middleborough Public Library:
I have the honor and pleasure to present the annual report for the year ending December 31, 1930.
The library, as always, has the past year emphasized first the chief function of the library, that of distributing books, and second, activities in connection with the library, such as exhibits, lectures and co-operation with civic organ- izations. We believe that activities that make a contact between the library and the public are of material help to the library.
Statistics may not make particularly interesting reading, but it is to figures that we must turn for an accurate es- timate of the year's work.
There was a total circulation last year of 82,797 volumes. Of the books issued, 58,451 were fiction, always in the ma- jority; 19,805 were non-fiction, of which the greatest number was biography; 4,326 magazines and 215 books in foreign languages.
The library averages a daily circulation of 273 volumes. Saturday and Monday are the busiest days, and on these days the circulation figure often tops 500.
DEPOSIT OF BOOKS
The branch library in North Middleboro, now in its second year, has an excellent circulation of books, and seems to be much appreciated by the people in that community, Mrs. Stephen Richmond is still very kindly serving as librarian, with the library located in her home.
/A
172
Schools at Rock, South Middleboro, the Green, Thomp- sonville, Bates School and School Street School all have deposits of books. Most of these schools allow the books to be taken home by the children, a record being kept by the teacher. The children appreciate this privilege, as it is almost impossible for those in the outlying districts to come to the main library.
. The Montgomery Home still enjoys a group of books kept there. While some of those residing at the Home, come to the library, others are not able to do so, and are glad of the opportunity to read books from the library which are brought to them, the collection being changed at fre- quent intervals.
DUPLICATE PAY COLLECTION
In October the library offered an innovation in the way of a "Duplicate Pay Collection," or "Rental Collection." In this collection are kept only the newest books, and a charge is made of two cents per day per book. The money thus collected is used to buy more books for this collection. For every book in the duplicate pay collection there is a duplicate in the regular circulating department.
The advantage of such a collection lies in the fact that new books are always available. Those in the free circu- lating department seem to be always out or are tied up on the reserve list, so that it is almost impossible to find the latest books on the shelves. Many borrowers are glad of the opportunity to pay two cents a day for the sake of ob- taining a new book.
The collection has proved to be very popular and we have already been able to add twenty new books to the collection from the two cent fees received. The many pleased comments from our borrowers convince us we made no mistake in establishing this Rental Collection.
5 5
173
REPAIRS
We have been able to carry on in a small way our pro- gram of re-decorating. The librarians' office has been re-finished,-the paint a warm ivory and a very beautiful pattern, in tones of light brown, of Sanitas wall covering on the wall, making a most attractive room.
The large center halls both upstairs and down are badly in need of repair, and we hope to be able to do something on this the coming year.
EXHIBITS
The library has been fortunate the past year in being able to offer to the public some unusually interesting ex- hibits.
During Book Week we had an extensive exhibit of dolls, dressed in costumes of the foreign nations that are repre- sented in Massachusetts. There were fifty-three dolls in the group, each one a perfect representative in dress, hair arrangement and accessories of the nation it represented. This delightful exhibit was loaned us by the Massachusetts State Federation of Women's Clubs. With the dolls were displayed books on the various countries represented.
In the picture gallery during the same week was an exceptionally fine exhibition of paintings by Mr. Leander M. Churbuck of Brockton. These beautiful paintings aroused much interest, for many of the scenes pictured are in this vicinity. Mr. Churbuck was a resident of Middle- boro in his youth.
There was the usual interesting display of new books for children during Book Week. Many people have come to depend on our Book Week exhibit for making selections for Christmas gifts.
The Trustees' Room was devoted to an exhibit carried on by the Art Department of the Cabot Club. One day
174
was given over to an exhibit of pottery, gathered from all over the United States. During the remainder of the week there were displayed paintings and needlework by local people, as well as other objects of art.
The Symphonic Society has had a display of prize posters, done by High School pupils as publicity for a Christmas party. Miss Amy Whittemore exhibited seven figurines made by herself from the Tenniel illustrations of Alice in Wonderland.
From time to time during the year we have displayed original drawings from children's books, lent us by the Macmillan Company.
At the time of writing this report there are upstairs over one hundred original designs in color made by Mr. Charles H. Goodwin of this town.
Mr. Goodwin evinces an unusual talent in sense of color and creative ability. He is well known to the school child- ren, being caretaker of the High School building. Not only have the children taken a lively interest in this ex- hibition of designs, but a great many adults have come more than once to view this unusual display.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Old Colony Library Club held its Fall meeting at the library on November 20th. A most interesting pro- gram was presented.
Mrs. Wanda P. Tauber of the Personal Book Shop of Boston, who gave a lecture course at the library two years ago, again gave a course of five talks on the newest books. Mrs. Tauber has become a favorite in Middleboro and the course was well attended.
The pupils of the Junior High School came as usual once a week for five weeks for instruction in the use of the library. This course has proved to be of great value to the pupils in their work in High School, and in their higher education.
-
175
It is also helpful to the library, as it teaches the pupils to use the facilities of the library themselves, thus requiring much less aid from the library staff.
The Community Room has been in constant use, having been used by many of the local organizations for committee meetings and lectures.
Talks on new books have been given by the librarian before the Cabot Club, the Evening Alliance of the Uni- tarian Church, the Bates Parent and Teachers Association and on library work at the Forum conducted last winter at the Unitarian Church.
Members of the library staff have attended library conferences at Brockton, Boston and Swampscott.
IN APPRECIATION
We are grateful to those who have made gifts to the library,- the Daughters of the American Revolution for their magazine, and the churches who supply us with their religious papers; to Mr. and Mrs. Orlando B. Hastings who have given the library an unusually valuable collection of books and magazines, and to the many generous friends of the library who have contributed books, magazines and flowers; to the Middleboro Gazette for the generous space given to library notes, and to Mrs. Richmond and the teachers who give so much of their time to the furtherance of the work of the library.
To the staff, to whose faithful service is due the har- ยท monious and efficient working of the library, and to the Board of Trustees, always understanding and considerate in the interest of the library, I express sincere appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
MERTIE E. WITBECK,
Librarian
5
176
STATISTICS
Circulation of books Central library
Adult circulation
Fiction
48,944
Philosophy
529
Religion
251
Sociology
717
Languages
74
Sciences
651
Useful Arts
1,252
Fine Arts
1,183
Literature
1,457
History
1,015
Travel
1,303
Biography
1,513
Magazines
4,326
Foreign
215
63,435
Juvenile circulation
Fiction
8,227
Non-fiction
8,572
Branch circulation
North Middleboro
Fiction
1,160
Non-fiction
36
Juvenile
601
1,797
Rock School
Juvenile 229
Bates School Juvenile 426
South Middleboro School
Juvenile 111
2,563
-
16,799
S
17?
Green School Thompsonville School Too recently placed to count circulation Total circulation of books for 1930 Number of volumes owned by library January, 1930 32,121 82,797
66 66
added by purchase 891
66
gift 169
66
66 66
66
" binding 54
(magazines)
Total number of volumes added during 1930
1,114
33,235
299
Number of volumes lost or discarded
Number of volumes owned by library December 31, 1930
32,936
Number of borrowers January 1, 1930
3,034
New cards issued
199
Adult.
156
355
Juvenile (under 14 years)
Number of borrowers December 31, 1930 3,389
178
MIDDLEBORO FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT OF THE CHIEF
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I have the honor to present herewith, for your consider- ation, the tenth annual report of the Chief of the Middleboro Fire Department, for the year ending December 31, 1930, 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, pur- chased 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 ex- tinguishers 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.
S
179
One Call Deputy Chief.
One Permanent Captain.
Four Call Captains. Eight Permanent Drivers.
39 Call Men and 7 Substitute members.
One Fire Police.
A total of 63 members.
OPERATION OF THE DEPARTMENT ALARMS
Month
Squad
Still
Warden
Squads out Box of Town Totals
20
Jan.
6
10
1
1
1
17
Feb.
5
10
Mar.
1
3
14
Apr.
7
13
14
1
1
36
May
1
9
10
1
3
24
June
2
3
3
1
4
July
1
2
Aug.
2
1
2
1
6
Sept.
14
Oct.
4
6
4
Nov.
4
5
5
1
15
Dec.
5
6
1
2
14
Totals
38
73
55
6
13
185
MILEAGE
Squads out
Box of town totals
Month
Squad
Still
Warden
Jan.
38
10
1.5
7.5
7.1
64.1
Feb.
52.2
11
2.5
19.3
85.
Mar.
6.1
4.8
90.4
19.4
120.7
Apr.
57.1
33.5
100.1
3.
8.3
202.
May
7.7
20.6
96.9
19.
76.6
220.8
June
13.3
4.4
17.1
34.8
July
.3
2.7
6.3
9.3
1
2
3
21
8
6
5
1
180
Aug.
5.3
.8
7.4
2.5
16.
Sept.
29.7
29.7
Oct.
34.5
9.8
40.3
84.6
Nov.
28.5
8.1
39.1
6.5
82.2
Dec.
54.8
9.4
2.3
14 .
80.5
Totals
297.8
144.8
395.1
41.
157.
1029.7
EQUIPMENT USED
21/2" Hose
34" Pump Foamite 40 gal. 3 gal.
Hose Cans
tank
tanks 1
Box
2500
1050'
Squad
2400'
5400'
2
1
58
Still
250'
5200'
12
1
59
Warden
352
217
Totals
5150'
11650'
364
3
1
335
PROPERTY LOSS-1930
Buildings
Insurance
Date Assessed
Value
Insurance
Damage
Paid
January 28
2000.00
6500.00
6500.00
6500.00
April
4
1500.00
3400.00
3400.00
3400.00
April
23
40000.00
48000.00
100.00
100.00
May
12
200.00
1000.00
1000.00
May
12
100.00
1500.00
1500.00
1500.00
August
26
9000.00
17000.00
3180.00
3180.00
October
29
50.00
200.00
November 14
2200.00
200.00
November 29
2050.00
4500.00
2450.00
2450.00
Totals
$57100.00 $81900.00 $18530.00 $17130.00
5
181
Total values
$75,230
Total Insurance
94,400
Total damage
28,210
Total insurance paid
23,910
Net Loss
4,300
CONTENTS
Insurance
Date Assessed
Value
Buildings Insurance
Damage
Paid
January
28
2500.00
2500.00
2500.00
2500.00
April
4
3500.00
2000.00
2000.00
2000.00
August
26
4280.00
8000.00
2280.00
2280.00
October
29
250.00
250.00
November 14
4000.00
250.00
November 29
3600.00
2400.00
Totals $18130.00 $12500.00 $9680.00
$6780.00
Inspection-Permits-Hose on Hand
INSPECTION
Regular monthly inspections 1050
Special inspections including Leonard & Barrows
386
Number of reports showing special fire hazards
86
Number of buildings reported
28
All the above cases were corrected before the next in- spection, except in the case of junk yards.
PERMITS
Gasoline
40
Fireworks
5
Dynamite
7
Hose on Hand Jan. 1, 1931
21/2" good 5800' 21/2" Poor but usable 250' 3/4" 750'
182
Three gallon tanks charged for other than Fire Depart- ment use 237
Most of the apparatus is in good condition, both for performance and appearance but the Ladder-Truck needing a coat of paint and varnish is more apparent than ever, because of the fact that a year ago the money asked for at that time was cut from budget. It has now reached the point where in order to prevent further and lasting damage to woodwork it should be attended to.
The citizens may be under the impression that all five pieces of apparatus are modern and in first class condition, whereas the facts of the case are that only three pieces ap- proach that condition. The Knox Combination was pur- chased in 1912 and is nearly nineteen years old and this past year the time it has been in shop for repairs is more than all others combined. The manufacturers of this particular piece went out of existence several years ago and regular repair parts are almost impossible to find. By substituting other changes, up to the present time it has been possible to keep in operating condition but at an expense in excess of results obtained. During the past year of the amount spent for repairs of all pieces, namely $532.63, $294.77, or more than 55 % of total spent on the five pieces, has been spent on the Knox wagon.
Combination 2, purchased in May 1914, has reached that condition where it is not so reliable even for forest fire purposes, which has been the principal work this truck has been called upon of late years to do.
I cannot too strongly stress the need of at least one new piece to replace this hose wagon. This new piece could be built and equipped with the view of answering the still alarms in town, consisting mostly of chimney fires, and do it as well if not better than the Engine 1, which is called upon to do that work, and being built and equipped for forest fires, could do that work far better than the Com- bination 2 now does it. Or in a few words, this new piece costing approximately $3000 to $3500 would do most of the
5
183
work done by Engine 1, saving the wear and tear on a $10,000 piece and all the work done by Combination 2, which could be loaded with hose and held in reserve for large fires or to accompany Engine 1 on out of town calls, where more hose may be required than carried on Engine 1.
The Two Platoon System seems to have worked out to the satisfaction of all, and the citizens have had the most and best protection available for the money expended.
The work of the department is increasing each year as the number of the alarms increased 16 and the mileage in- creased 223.5 miles. It may surprise as well as interest you to know the apparatus traveled a total of one thousand twenty-nine and seven tenths (1029.7) during 1930,-also that 237 three gallon tanks were charged and used for use outside the regular fire department requirements.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
Two of the oldest boxes which seemed to be in the worst condition have been replaced with the modern non-interfer- ing type. Two others were purchased but not yet installed. One is to replace box 25 near the High School and one new installation at West Side School. These two are of a type that not only answer for a street box, but can be operated from any number of stations located inside the school buildings, thereby saving much time in giving an alarm which may mean the saving of some child's life.
At the time of building the High School, an underground duct was laid with this object in view. The West Side School can readily be connected by overhead wires at a very low cost in comparison with the advantages gained. It is hoped and recommended that the program of this year of replacing obsolete and near worn out boxes with modern non-interfering type of box, be continued this year by re- placing at least four old with new.
Earnestly recommend that property owners and tenants in that part of town where water mains are not available for
184
fire protection, make themselves familiar with any brook, pond, or pond hole located near their property that would serve as a water supply in case of fire, and also if possible, keep road clear to such place for by so doing thay may save their property in case of fire.
Am more firmly convinced than ever that the faithful and efficient inspections on the part of those doing that duty have been a large factor in the prevention of fires during this year.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE A. PHILBROOK,
Chief Middleboro Fire Department.
S
185
REPORT OF GAS AND ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT
To the Town Manager, Town of Middleboro.
Dear Sir:
I am submitting the thirty-seventh annual report of the Gas and Electric Department for the year ending December 31, 1930.
This report includes operation accounts, revenues, Bal- ance Sheet and Profit and Loss Sheet, all in the same form as in our report to the Public Utilities.
GAS
The Taunton Gas Co. continue to render 100 % service in furnishing gas at the holder at an average of 539 B. T. U., which is eleven more than minimum required by the State.
The use of gas for house heating is growing in favor and adoption, as may be seen by the increased amount used, for of the total increase purchased of 2,080,900 cu. ft., 1,683,000 cu. ft. more was used for house heating than in 1929. Nearly 20 % of total purchased was used for house heating by gas.
The total gas purchased was 35,009,800 cu. ft. Average cost per M paid Taunton Gas Light Co. $ .83
Average cost per M in holder .89
Average cost per M sold
1.394
Average price received per M sold
1.508
Average receipt per customer
38.80
Income per mile of main
1305M
Gas sold per mile of main
50
Consumers per mile of main
22.9
Miles of main
1968.80
A meter prover was purchased and a systematic test has begun of the meters that have been in use the longest period.
186
New Services laid-64
The main on Wareham St. was extended 1.2 miles with 6 inch steel pipe with welded joints.
4800 feet of 4 inch cast iron B. & S. joints were used in making several small extensions to the system in town.
All of town that can be profitably served from the low pressure system except a few short streets now have street mains and only one large extension possible remains.
Present mains installed 22.9 miles.
As will be noted the manufacturing profit although small as compared with the electric, was even greater than last year, and with the continued decrease in ratio of operating expense to income, (this having dropped from 99.33 % in 1928 to 92.48 % in 1930), together with the possibility of a con- tract with Taunton at the expiration of the present one more favorable to the town it may be possible to reduce the rates to consumers in some classes of service.
Bonds or Notes outstanding, None.
ELECTRIC
The policy of last year of increasing size of conductors is still being carried out and in many cases transformers have been replaced with larger ones. A few of these changes have been made because of complaints, but in most cases it has been where improved services may be rendered.
Complaints of radio interference that might be caused by lines of plant have been very few compared with previous years. In fact for a period of three months no complaints were received. The management is still willing and anxious to render all possible service to improve radio reception and remedy any defect that might cause interference.
The underground system proper is still giving perfect service and the only trouble has been on two occasions when transformers have failed in base of street light standards.
A new and improved type of disconnecting switch has been installed on the Plymouth High Tension line at the
5
187
Carver-Middleboro line and an additional one at Short Street, to facilitate sectionalizing line to aid in locating trouble.
During the past year the load on the three substation transformers for reducing voltage has been at times greatly in excess of their rated capacity. In 1916 when these three 200 K. W. each transformers were installed the peak demand was less than 300 K.W. At times during the past year the demand has been over 1200. Three transformers of 500 K.W. capacity have been ordered and when installed will give ample capacity for future needs, and provide a factor of safety which has not existed for a long time.
Some provision should be made this coming year for im- proving the power factor of the system. In my opinion this can best be accomplished by installing a synchronous con- denser at a cost of approximately $4500. This machine would make a net saving annually of approximately $1900 in power purchased and a net return on the investment of 20 %. It would also give additional capacity on the new trans- formers.
Application for additional street lights continues to come in, but because the transformers used for that purpose are now loaded to their full capacity it has not been possible to add any more without impairing the quality of those now on them. With the installation of the contemplated new one these requests might be granted. Most of requests come from localities in which street light lines already exist; therefore at a nominal expense the side streets, especially those entering in the white way district could be and should be lighted to conform to the present day practice of increas- ing the light on such streets near the point where entering one of intensive lighting.
The drought of 1930 is reflected in production of current by the hydro plant at electric station. The total produced was only 93,500 K.W.H., this being the smallest amount since 1916. Four months in succession the water wheels were not used at any time. In 1924, 217,560 K.W.H. was generated by water.
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.