USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1941 > Part 4
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While no signs of the Dutch Elm disease were found in Middleboro the past year our Elm trees are now suffering from the continuous attacks
49
by the Elm Leaf Beetle. The Elm trees were sprayed twice this past season, once for the beetle in early spring and then were sprayed for the larvae later.
The department spent considerable time spraying cranberry bogs which were being attacked by the Gypsy Moth.
In closing, I wish to express my thanks to the people of Middleboro and the town officials for the help and cooperation which has been given to this department during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
LOUIS H. FORNEY, Moth Superintendent.
REPORT OF THE WIRE INSPECTOR
Board of Selectmen,
Middleboro, Massachusetts,
Gentlemen:
I hearby submit to you my report as Inspector of Wires for the year ending December 31, 1941.
Number of Inspections 363
Number of Reinspections 11
Miles Traveled 1,246
I would like to thank the Town Manager and all the Town Officials for their assistance and cooperation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
EMILIO N. NIRO, Wire Inspector.
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit the Thirty-third annual report and detailed statement of duties performed by the Police Department of the Town of Middle- borough for the fiscal year ending December 31st, 1941.
I would recommend that a two way radio be added to the department, due to the war condition, also will be able to keep in contact with the officers when they are out in the cruiser and ambulance.
I would recommend that the Auxiliary Police be equipped.
50
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief of Police ALDEN C. SISSON
Sergeant CHARLES H. ROGERS
Patrolmen
Alton R. Rogers William W. Briggs
William E. Gardiner Thomas L. Pittsley
William C. Elliott
Clerk Chester H. Rice
Chester H. Rice
Arthur B. Shaw
John A. Washburn
Reserve Officers
Lawrence R. Huntley
Raymond J. Moffett Edward McQuiggan
Special Officers
Paul F. Anderson
Ralph Sampson
George A. Barney
Richmond C. Matthews
Alfred M. Butler
Alden C. Perry
William O. Casey
Wm. J. McBane
Arthur B. Caswell
Harold Jackson
Chessman E. Coombs
A. Tremaine Smith
Francis H. Crowley
Melville D. Wilbur
Nelson R. Greer
Roy W. Pendleton
John Rebell
James Vigers
James A. McDonald
Albert T. Westgate
Clarence H. Hayward
Robert West
Joseph Dutra
Leroy E. Mawhinney
Harry W. Hull
William Watson
John J. Sullivan
Custodian John A. Washburn
Offences
Males
Females
Total
Assault and battery
10
0
10
Breaking and entering in night time to com- mit larceny
11
0
11
Breaking and entering in daytime with intent to commit larceny 11
1 12
Police
51
Males
Females
Total
Capias
14
0
14
Drunkenness
115
3
118
Insane
0
7
7
Larceny
23
4
27
Larceny of automobile
3
0
3
Lodgers
28
0
28
Motor vehicle violations
100
9
109
Non-support
5
0
5
Operating under the influence
34
2
36
Concealing leased property
1
0
1
Lewdness
2
1
3
Violation of milk law
1
0
1
Operating to endanger
41
3
44
Destruction of property
1
0
1
Track walking
1
0
1
Adultery
2
1
3
Setting fires
2
0
2
Deserting the army
1
0
1
Disturbing the peace
1
0
1
Neglect of children
I
8
9
Liquor violations
2
0
2
Report of Accidents Investigated by the Middleborough Police Department
RESULTS
VEHICLES INVOLVED
Passenger cars
141
Number injured
142
Trucks 18
Bicycles
2
PEDESTRIANS INJURED
Adults
5
Children
5
CAUSES
Drunken driving
2
Speed
70
Residential 36
Country
50
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Clear
65
Cloudy
9
Rain and snow
16
Fog and mist
7
CONDITION OF ROADS
Dry
70
Wet
21
Snow
3
August
15
Ice
6
September
5
DRIVERS
Foreign
85
December
HAZARD
Straight going 65
Intersections 27
Curves
9
DISTRICT
Business section
11
Miscellaneous 35
ACCIDENTS BY MONTHS
January
5
February
4
March 10
April
14
May
4
June
12
July
20
15
October
November
6
8 Out-of-state 10
1
Number killed
6
Property damage 154
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Statistical Report of Police Department
Arrests for out-of-town officers
7
Amount of fines imposed in Middleborough Court
$2650
Buildings found open
166
Cases investigated 1230
Disturbances quelled without arrest
40
Defective street lights reported
51
Number of arrests during the year
Males
409
Females
39
Minors
18
Non-residents
233
Local residents
213
Nuisances
16
Summonses served
125
Street obstructions removed
10
Sales of second-hand automobiles reported
2842
Value of stolen property recovered and restored $2040
Warning tags on autos 199
Light tags 87
Defective sidewalks
1
Defective streets
1
Conclusion
The patrol car has covered 25,000 miles during the past year. All of the local factories are covered each night.
The ambulance has covered 318 miles in the past year, having 42 calls to accidents and five patrol calls; one welfare case. Persons taken to the hospital, 31.
We have had several bad accidents during the past year, six fatal, but only 142 people injured. In 1940 there was only one fatal accident. A large number of the accidents occurred on Route 28, due to the increase in traffic to Camp Edwards.
I wish to thank the Superintendent of Schools for the system he has installed in the schools for the education of the children in regard to traffic.
I wish to thank the operators of the local telephone exchange for the good service given the department, which has been of great assistance in our work.
I wish to express my thanks and appreciation for the assistance and co-operation given me by the Honorable Board of Selectmen, the Fourth District Court, the people of Middleborough 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.
.
446
53
ANNUAL REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
The Planning Board has endeavored to interest other official bodies of the Town in the programming of capital expenditures and the prepara- tion of a local Public Works Reserve. This move is in cooperation with the National Resources Planning Board and its subordinate agency, the Public Works Reserve. In current language, this may be referred to as a two-pronged drive toward encirclement of future troubles.
Capital Programming aims at the establishment and continuance of a six-year advance programming of expenditures for permanent improve- ments. It involves determination of the amount the Town can reasonably afford to spend annually for improvements such as buildings, new roads, water extensions, etc. The anticipated needs for such things are then listed, priced, arranged in order of need, and fitted into annual programs to suit the funds we can afford to spend. Each year we cross off the past year's accomplishments and add a new sixth year, thus keeping the pro- gram up to date continually. This makes for a controlled tax rate and stability of our financial structure.
The other prong, the Public Works Reserve, involves the listing of every imaginable project which would benefit the Town, regardless of cost, for consideration of the Town and any Federal agencies which might have funds for combatting the next post-war depression. The Public Works Reserve has some Federal funds for advisory assistance in preparing this list, and expects to have funds for drawing up advance plans for specific projects. For example, if we included a new school, they would advance funds for architect's fees, etc., to bring the project to the point where a contract could be let on short notice if need for employment relief arose. Whether the Federal Government would pay part, all or none of the final costs is left to future Congresses.
We arranged a conference between the Town Manager and represen- tatives of the two Federal agencies, the Selectmen, the Finance Board and the Planning Board. The Federal men request the selection of a member from each Town body which might be involved, to form a Coordinating Committee to handle the listing of projects, etc. So far, none of the other bodies has taken any action as far as we know.
We regret that the special committee set up by the last Town Meeting to consider adoption of Chapter 211 has not seen fit to advise acceptance by the Town. The majority admit the Town would have been benefitted by such a move if made long ago, but cannot see that future generations will wish we had adopted it now.
The North Main Street Parking Space, while noble in purpose, is a good example of a unplanned improvement. It is merely a paved area, and does not become a parking space until a paid officer of the Police Force is placed there to regulate parking. A planned space has the regulation built right into it. It requires only an occasional Police roundup of wilful offenders against the plain intent of the builders. Of course we realize the handicap the Selectmen are under in keeping up the fiction that the parking space does not cost anything.
We trust that the town will soon see fit to appropriate funds to insure the normal functioning of its Planning Board.
Respectfully Submitted, RUSSELL A. TRUFANT FREDERICK W. DaCOSTA
54
REPORT OF COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE The Plymouth County Extension Service
The Plymouth County Extension Service during 1941 has carried on its usual work of assisting rural and village people with their problems pertaining to agriculture, homemaking, and 4-H training. Demands are ever-increasing on the Extension Service to organize, administer and teach programs of national, state, county, and town importance. In view of the present crisis programs of work are being organized so that every effort will be directed towards informing the farm people of the ever-changing developments in agriculture, and to assist them with their problems during these critical times.
The agricultural department is organized primarily on a commodity basis, working with commodity committees, associations and groups of farm people. Major agricultural enterprises are cranberries, dairy, poultry, vegetables and fruit, but many smaller projects are covered such as forestry, general livestock, farm accounts, etc. The agricultural department renders ยท service and receives fine cooperation from such agencies as Agricultural Conservation Program, Farm Security Administration, Surplus Marketing Administration, Farm Credit Administration, and various cooperatives.
The Home Demonstration Department conducted some work in each of the towns of the county during 1941. The major program during the spring and fall was in clothing construction. Emphasis was also made on the care, repair and renovation of clothing.
Over five hundred different women attended nutrition meetings held during the year. More families were helped this past year to plan home gardens and 18 food preservation demonstration working meetings were conducted.
Homemakers were also helped in various ways in the fields of home management, home furnishing, home grounds improvement and recreation.
Four-H Club work is that part of the Agricultural Extension Service which deals with rural youth. Young people between the ages of 10 and 21 in a community organize themselves into a group with their own officers and own local program with the guidance of an adult man or woman leader (who serves voluntarily). Each member has an individual project centering around a problem of the home or the farm. They raise livestock, crops, make clothing, prepare foods, etc. They serve as officers and on com- mittees of their own club. They have camps, games, songs, exhibits, tours, hikes, and social meetings. They work and play together. They learn to cooperate by cooperating.
Combined Statistical of the Three Departments
Days in office
6831/4
Days in the field
9873/4
Leaders and Committeemen 465
Farm and Home Visits
2,783
Office and Telephone Calls
9,716
News Articles 418
Individual Letters
4,392
No. Circular Letters
340
Copies
124,247
55
Total number of meetings participated in by agents 804
Attendance 31,053
Total number of 4-H club members enrolled 1,701 Total number of different women attending meetings 3,097
The financial assistance and moral support of Middleboro is greatly appreciated by the people the Extension Service assists. A continuation of its support is justified on the record it has achieved. Its influence can not be measured by monetary values, but its educational programs and individual assistance constitutes one measure in the first line of national defense.
H. ARTHUR STANDISH,
Town Director.
ANNUAL REPORT OF MIDDLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the President and Board of Trustees,
Middleborough Public Library :
The year 1941 is memorable for many things, among them the ful- fillment of two important library achievements; the first, resumption of morning opening hours for the main library, the second, establishment of a branch library in South Middleboro. The new hours for the main library were adopted on March third, and make library service available on five week-days from ten o'clock in the morning until eight o'clock in the evening, and on Saturdays from nine o'clock in the morning until nine in the evening. Many favorable comments have been received from a grateful public who, having been denied morning use of the library since 1933 when the hours were curtailed to effect economy, now deeply appre- ciate having access to the library in the morning.
The branch at South Middleboro was opened on January twenty-second and from the first received splendid support from residents in that section of the town. Fifty-nine new borrowers residing in the vicinity have been registered and there are many users who had previously been issued cards at the main library. The number of books circulated in practically the year the branch has been in existence is 2,448, an excellent record for a library open only one afteroon and evening each week.
The branch is under the sponsorship of the South Middleboro Im- provement Association and is cared for by volunteer librarians. Mrs. George Finch, Miss Lucy Braley, Miss Helen Graham, Miss Ruth Freeman have all given generously of their time in performing the duties of librarian. Mrs. Joseph Phillips has served as substitute librarian. The branch is open each Wednesday from one o'clock in the afternoon until nine in the evening. Mr. James Graham, caretaker of the Boy Scout Cabin which houses the branch, constructed cabinets which contain a collection of one hundred and fifty volumes which are changed frequently from the main library that borrowers may continually find new and different titles on the shelves.
WORK WITH SCHOOLS
Enthusiasm among the school children for winning State Reading Certificates and the splendid cooperation of the teachers has resulted in an increase in the juvenile circulation of approximately one thousand books.
56
Each small Reading Certificate awarded represents five books read from the State Reading List, and 477 of these have been awarded during the year, as well as 63 Honor Certificates each one representing twenty books read from the State list. The grades include those from Four to Eight, and Grade Six of School Street School was awarded the greatest number with a record of 213 small certificates and 31 Honor certifi- cates. Grade Four of Union Street School stood second on the list with 132 small and 16 Honor Certificates. During the year 18,313 books were circulated from the young people's room, a record which indicates much is being accomplished among the young people of our town toward forming the habit of reading, a habit guaranteeing many happy hours all through life, but one which is most successfully established during childhood years.
It is a joy to carry books to the suburban schools and to be so enthusiastically welcomed. A few stories by the librarian introducing the books to the pupils and another group of books is eagerly absorbed into the life and reading of the members of that school. During the year 1,367 books were distributed in this way.
Classes of instruction in the use of the library have continued to be given to the pupils of Bates Junior High School.
ACTIVITIES
Book Week in November was observed by displaying many of the new Fall publications for adults and young people. Because of the active interest in collecting old buttons and the number of requests for books on the subject, an exhibit of buttons was arranged and displayed throughout the week, together with all the books and magazine articles available on the subject. The buttons, attractively grouped and mounted, were supplied by Miss Alice Howes and Mrs. Albert Veazie.
Maps having become objects of constant interest and study, the library has subscribed to a weekly map service which depicts the progress of the war. The map is changed weekly, and displayed with the map is a collection of books on countries and subjects pertinent to the events of the week.
Many organizations are making use of the Lecture Room. The County Extension Service has held several all day classes of instruction in household arts and the Massachusetts Parent and Teacher's Associa- tion sponsored six lectures on Child Training. In addition to the many usual committees and organizations making use of the room, it is being much occupied at the present time by classes in defense training.
IN MEMORIAM
On November twenty-third the library suffered a grievous loss in the death of Mr. Leonard O. Tillson. A valued and faithful member of the Board of Trustees for fifteen years, the loss of Mr. Tillson's ever helpful and understanding interest will be keenly felt by all connected with carrying on the work of the library.
GIFTS
Friends of the library have been most generous with their gifts. Mrs. Clifford Weld presented an excellent photograph of Princess Tee- weelema, direct descendant of Great Chief Massasoit, a resident of Lake- ville and until her death a familiar figure in Middleboro. Mrs. Arthur
57.
W. Littlefield presented a Biblical picture. The Misses Jane and Nellie Bennett contributed several early documents concerning the Philological Society which flourished in Middleboro in the very early eighteen hun- dreds. This was one of the first libraries in town, and these papers are specially valuable as it is extremely difficult to find records of early libraries in Middleboro. Mrs. K. G. T. Webster of Milton, formerly Miss Deborah Jones and a summer resident of this town, furnishes the library with copies of The Layman's Magazine, a publication of the Episcopal Church, and other periodicals of interest. Mrs. Louise Breck donated thirty volumes of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. We are indebted to the Middleboro Townsend Club No. 1 for their publication, The Townsend National Weekly and for the book, The Townsend Plan; to the Literature Department of the Cabot Club for two books; to the Middleboro Council of Girl Scouts for two copies of the Girl Scout Handbook; to Mrs. Henry Wyman of Rock for several volumes for the South Middleboro Branch. In the Spring Rev. Adolph Rossbach gave the librarian the privilege of going into his personal library and selecting any books which would be useful to the library, the library thus acquiring seventy-five excellent books on religion. Mrs. Laura Sullivan continues her generous contributions of books, and Mrs. Emma Tisdale, Mr. Everett Bowen, Mrs. Ernest O'Toole, Mr. Samuel Varbedian, Mrs. Eda Ward and Mrs. David Julius have contributed books.
The fine spirit of cooperation from the townpeople and the response we are receiving from the requests for books for the Victory Book Cam- paign all contribute to making the work of the librarian extremely pleasant and gratifying. For this and for the loyal cooperation of the staff and the confidence and interest of the Board of Trustees, I am sincerely appreciative.
Respectfully Submitted,
MERTIE E. WITBECK, Librarian.
MIDDLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY
STATISTICS
Circulation of books
Central library
Fiction
43,717
Philosophy
250
Religion
256
Sociology
672
Languages
102
Sciences
506
Useful Arts
1,269
Fine Arts
1,316
Literature
1,395
History
1,084
Travel
1,167
Biography
1,661
Magazines
7,187
Foreign books
119
Rental books
1,845
62,546
58
Juvenile circulation Fiction Non-fiction
10,234
8,079
18,313
Branches and Deposits
South Middleboro Branch
2,448
Montgomery Home
100
Bates School
89
School Street School
196
Union Street School
30
West Side School
237
Pratt Free School
58
Purchade School
13
Pleasant Street School
358
Plymouth Street School
345
Waterville School
130
4,004
Total circulation 1941
84,863
Total circulation 1940
87,912
Decrease in circulation 1941
3,049
Number of volumes owned January 1, 1941
37,670
Number of volumes added by purchase
974
Number of volumes added by gift
180
Number of volumes added by binding magazines
13
Number of volumes transferred from Rental Collection
82
Total number of volumes added 1941 1,249
38,919
Number of volumes lost and discarded
277
Number of volumes owned December 31, 1941
38,642
Number of magazines subscribed, including gifts
100
Number of newspapers
12
Number of borrowers January 1, 1941
3,505
Borrowers' cards issued 1941
Adults
250
Juvenile
197
Number of new cards issued 1941
470
Number of borrowers re-registered
46
516
Total number of borrowers December 31, 1941
4,021
59
MIDDLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY Report of the Treasurer for the Year 1941
Peirce Fund Receipts
Balance January 1, 1941
978.29
Received from the Peirce Trustees
970.28
1948.57
Peirce Fund Payments
Books,' Periodicals, Newspapers
1851.98
Balance December 31, 1941
96.59
1948.57
Special Fund Receipts
Balance January 1, 1941
266.53
Book sales
266.52
Rental Books
198.76
Interest H. C. Beals Fund
20.00
Interest H. O. Peirce Fund
10.00
Interest Copeland Fund
55.00
Interest Enoch Pratt Fund
313.36
1130.17
Special Fund Payments
Middleboro Trust Co.
5.44
Mass. Library Association
5.00
Books
288.33
Binding
121.72
Old Colony Library Club
7.00
Librarian of Congress
25.00
Newspapers
156.30
Pratt Fund Payments
303.93
Balance December 31, 1941
217.45
1130.17
THOMAS H. KELLY,
Treasurer
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF
MIDDLEBORO, MASS.
LE
C
RO
OUTH
COUNTY
D
PLYM
Y. M
UC
M
RINCORPORATE
AD.166
For the Year Ending December 31 1941
62
SCHOOL COMMITTEE Organization, 1941
Members
Fred B. Alger, 5 Court End Avenue
Term Expires 1942
Lorenzo Wood, Plymouth Street
1942
Priscilla S. Alger, 10 Southwick Street
1943
Virginia C. Smith, 43 Oak Street
1943
L. Francis Callan, 10 Clifford Street 1944
Forest E. Thomas, 59 Everett Street
1944
1
Superintendent of Schools J. Stearns Cushing, 91 Bourne Street Office, Room 7, Town Hall Telephone 81
Office Hours, School Days, Monday, Wednesday, Friday 3:30-5:00 P. M. Tuesday, Thursday 8:00-9:30 A. M.
School Physician Dr. A. Vincent Smith, 36 Pearl Street Telephone 50
School Nurse Helen B. Pasztor, R. N., 132 North Main Street Telephone 81
Supervisor of Attendance Thomas E. Hirst, Pleasant Street Telephone 169-W-5
Census Enumerator Albert C. Libbey, 7a West Street
Regular meetings of the School Committee are held in Room 7, Town Hall, on the first Thursday of each month excepting July and August, at 7:30 P. M.
63
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Members of the Middleboro School Committee:
I hereby present the annual report of the schools of the Town of Middleboro and my fifteenth as superintendent of those schools. Depart- mental reports have been prepared and submitted to me and the complete reports bound and filed in the department office. This report deals only with those details of our school system which should be of public interest and concern.
Purpose of the Report
The purpose of this report is to furnish the citizens of our town useful and interesting information concerning the work of our public schools. Interest in our schools is solicited of all citizens whether or not parents with children in attendance, for upon the school rests the responsibility of the training of our future citizens and upon them the future of our nation.
"We are at War" and one added purpose of the report should, and your superintendent hopes will, acquaint parents with the steps that have been and are being taken in the protection of children while under our care.
Preparation For Defense
The care of nearly eighteen hundred children in time of war and its related dangers is a serious responsibility of the school. Our schools realize the seriousness of it and have made and are making all preparations to insure our childrens' safety.
Experience in air raids in England have taught us that children should be kept within the school buildings and not be sent to their homes during a raid. Our particular town with the enormous transporta- tion problem makes evacuation very unwise and unsafe. Plans have been formulated, however, and bus schedules arranged so that, if time permits and it can be done with safety, pupils may be transported and sent to their homes.
Protection within buildings has been made through the selection of proper inside shelter rooms. Your superintendent has been appointed Chief Air Raid Warden of the schools and wardens have been subse- quently duly appointed for each building. Air raid drills are being held twice weekly during which the children are taught proper procedure and action. In order to insure protection to the suburban school pupils tele- phones have been installed in all buildings.
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