USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1959 > Part 6
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4-H Club Members continue to amaze adults with their excellent project work, programs, demonstrations, and activities. More people see 4-H club members in action at our southeastern Massachusetts fairs than in any other manner. At these fairs some four hundred Plymouth County 4-H club members participated in livestock and home economics exhibits as well as demonstrations and contests. One outstanding Plymouth County 4-H dairy club member was selected as one of five in the United States to receive a $400 scholarship in the National 4-H Dairy Program. Many people fail to realize that 4-H Club Work is the Extension Service's youth program.
Programs of the Home Department, primarily for adult women, are not limited to any one particular group in the community. Some have the mistaken impression that only one group can be organized in each com- munity. Your community or town can have just as many homemakers' groups as it can provide leadership for.
Along with the regular programs, agents in the Home Department conducted two outstanding programs this year that were of interest to many women in Plymouth County. The first was a Home Finance Forum
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ANNUAL REPORT
where such topics as Use of Credit, Financing a Home, Insurance, Social Security, etc. were discussed. The second one in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Commerce had for its theme "How the Homemaker Can Supplement the Family Income".
As a citizen of this town, you should be aware of the fact that the Extension Service is supported by the county, state, and federal gov- ernments, and that a large number of Plymouth County citizens avail themselves of the opportunity to secure free help and information per- taining to the Home, Home Grounds, 4-H Club Work, and Agriculture. Requests for such information should be directed to the Plymouth County Extension Service, Court House, Brockton, Mass.
Funds for the Plymouth County Extension Service are derived prin- cipally from the County. Some federal funds are also made available through the University of Massachusetts. Most towns in Plymouth County make an appropriation at the town meeting which is used for the general expenditures of the Plymouth County Extension Service. Town Directors are appointed in those towns where an appropriation is made. These Town Directors are unpaid volunteer leaders who serve as the Extension Service representatives in their respective towns.
A Board of Trustees, appointed by the Plymouth County Commis- sioners, administer the Extension Service program, and is composed of the following members:
Gilbert Blackledge, Whitman, Chairman Mrs. Harold D. Bent, Brockton John A. Howe, West Bridgewater Mrs. A. Harris Kenyon, Hanover (Resigned December 1959) Paul Lehtola, Bridgewater John W. Little, Marshfield Maurice Makepeace, Wareham John Prentice, Plymouth Mrs. Herbert Wydom, Brockton
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ANNUAL REPORT
PLYMOUTH COUNTY MOSQUITO CONTROL PROJECT
In reporting on the project's activities and accomplishments in 1959, our second year of operation, there have been successful advances made toward the program's number one objective. Namely, the best possible control of species capable of transmitting encephalitis or other virus.
Naturally we were disappointed that the overall reduction of nuisance type mosquitoes was not evident. As in all eastern states this past sum- mer, the mosquito population ranged to an all time high. Up to mid- July this region had 15.16 inches of rainfall in fifty days and with the normal quoted as 5.63 inches, the mosquito breeding went beyond any normal control.
EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS
This subject continues to be vital to southeastern Massachusetts and current research in the area shows that virus activity is yet present in wild bird life. Until this year the only outbreak of human cases was in this region and it was assumed that we were most vulnerable to future outbreaks.
Therefore, we continued to emphasize our surveys toward the loca- tion of breeding sites of the vector species of mosquitoes and in no in- stance did we hesitate to expend monies toward that goal. This meant treating some water areas weekly and each week we were locating new areas that were contaminated by sewage water seepage or its being directed to same, even the storm sewer catch basins were not immune to this contamination.
While we did not have a single reported case of encephalitis in humans or horses in this state, the 1959 New Jersey outbreak, with 28 human cases and 19 deaths should prove to us and convince the respon- sible officials, that if necessary the entire budget should be concentrated toward the prevention of even one such loss of life.
DRAINAGE
This phase of control continues to be the best investment on a long range control program, it not only eliminates the source of breeding but it gradually reduces the repeated and costly applications of insecticide on wetland and urban areas. The project is now equipped with a power trencher, mounted on a tractor designed for use in swamps and salt marshes. This unit will produce drainage ditching that would not be possible with seventy additional men.
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ANNUAL REPORT
AERIAL SPRAYING
This operation is very important where a serious nuisance develops and immediate results are necessary. Financially, the project was not designed to expend large sums on this type of temporary control, yet we find it a valuable supplement to our long range efforts and must budget a part of our funds for such.
SUMMARY
With all of our personnel having had two seasons of experience, plus the accumulated data obtained on breeding sites throughout the county and the addition of our power trencher, we should in a summer of normal rainfall readily realize the progress of our program.
We have continued to work cooperatively with all related municipal agencies and with these pooled resources, the public's confidence will never be betrayed by indifferent service or any abuse in the use of in- secticides.
Respectfully submitted,
WARREN G. HARDING, Superintendent.
PLYMOUTH COUNTY MOSQUITO CONTROL PROJECT SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
Middleboro, 1959
Until September of this year all of our drainage work was limited to the use of hand tools and with the limited personnel on the project, production of drainage ditches was barely noticeable. In late September we received delivery of a power trencher, mounted on a crawler type tractor equipped for work in swamps and salt marshes. This unit with a low bed trailer for transportation represents an investment of one- seventh of our total annual budget.
As long as frost conditions permit, this unit will continue in opera- tion throughout the winter and in the first round of the schedule, we plan to complete drainage at one or more of the top priority breeding wetlands in each of the twenty-one municipalities within our district.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Many of our wetland breeding areas are so located that they also constitute a problem to nearby residents by flooding cellars or affecting cesspool drainage, our present contacts with public works departments will point up such places where dual results are possible.
The Bristol County Project was activated last summer but their control efforts were very limited as equipment and personnel were not available until late in August. However, their control work in 1960 should definitely give us a valuable assist in all of our towns along that county line.
While we are hopeful that future summers will not produce an encephalitis outbreak in this area, it is always necessary for the project to hold back several thousand dollars for emergency aerial spraying in late August. As these aerial spraying funds would be wholly inadequate for such work over large areas, it would be advisable for each town to set up an emergency fund of a thousand dollars or more and restrict this fund for use in the event of any threat of encephalitis nearby, several towns having already established this policy.
Respectfully submitted,
WARREN G. HARDING, Superintendent. -
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Middleborough, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
We respectfully submit herewith the Annual Report of the Middle- borough Business and Industrial Commission for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1959.
The undertaking of an Industrial Commission is a tedious one, requiring extensive study and research. This, our first full year in operation, has been devoted to just that. The devotion and interest of the members has been gratifying.
For the second year, this Commission has sponsored an exhibit in the Industrial Display at the Brockton Fair. With the full cooperation of all the industries in Middleborough, we have had a full representation of the diversified industries prospering in this town.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The March 9, 1959 Town Meeting passed an article, presented by this Commission, authorizing the Selectmen to sell the Middleborough Town Infirmary property for Industrial purposes only. A second article was passed at this meeting appropriating five hundred dollars to survey this property and five hundred dollars for the administration of this Com- mission. The Town Infirmary property has since been surveyed and mapped as the Middleborough Industrial Park. Preparations are now being made for a topography survey which is required by prospective industrial purchasers. Preparations are also being made for the erection of two appropriate signs designating the property. The Middleborough Industrial Park has been placed on file with the Massachusetts Depart- ment of Commerce and the Boston National Corporation, a prominent industrial development firm. The park has been viewed by the Boston National Corporation and other interested prospects.
A brochure has been drafted and is in the hands of the printer. This brochure is considered an excellent form of advertising to promote the Town of Middleborough for industrial development.
The Middleborough Business and Industrial Commission was estab- lished by the voters of the Town of Middleborough at town meeting held March 10, 1958 with authority of Chapter 139, section 1 to 3 of the General Laws (Ter. Ed.)
Industrial Commission Membership
Mr. Harold A. Hall, Chairman
Mr. Stephen Horbal
Mr. Richard L. Glidden, Secretary
Mr. Henry Humphreys
Mr. Philip Iampietro
Mr. Horace Atkins
Mr. Kenneth Atwood
Mr. Robert Anderson
Mr. Melvin Thomas
Mr. Joseph Riley
Mr. Joseph Whitcomb
Mr. Norman Massey
Mr. Roger Tillson
Mr. Clinton Clark
Mr. Alton Kramer
Regular meetings of this Commission are held at the residence of Mr. Harold Hall, 51 South Main Street, on the first Wednesday of each month at 8:00 A.M.
Respectfully submitted for the Commission,
HAROLD A. HALL, Chairman Director of Public Welfare
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
In the year 1959 the Planning Board did not complete any given project. With the passage of a Zoning By-Law, in 1958, the Board felt 1959 should be a year of observation. Accordingly, from time to time during the year, meetings were held and information discussed.
Respectfully submitted,
ALTON KRAMER, Chairman NORMAN MASSEY ROBERT ROHT ELLSWORTH STANDISH FRANK THOMPSON
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE PARK DEPARTMENT
To: Members of the Park Board
Trustees under the will of Thomas S. Peirce Members of the Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
Our program this past year has been basically the same with a few new features here and there. We have continued the regular swim- ming lessons and recreational swimming, Kiddie Korner and Field Activi- ties, and Special Events. We were happy to be able to cooperate with Mr. Nelson of the Music Department in presenting two evening band concerts in which the Elementary and Junior High Bands participated. These band concerts were very popular and we hope to be able to present them again this year. The NEAAAU Championship Swimming Meet at- tracted many outstanding swimmers to our pool again this year and, despite unfavorable weather, was very much enjoyed by several hundred spectators.
The most outstanding accomplishment in our program of facility improvement was the addition of four excellent cement shuffleboard courts which were financed by the Peirce Estate. We feel that these courts present a wonderful opportunity for all to enjoy a new form of recreation and also the opportunity for families to play together. Their construction helps to round out our program in that now we have some- thing to offer the older members of our community.
We were very pleased at the increased attendance at the West Side playground. Our facilities there were improved greatly by the grading and seeding of the area around the fireplace, and the improvements to the baseball diamond. I would like at this time to express my appreciation for the continued enthusiasm and cooperation of the people in the West Side neighborhood. It is very gratifying to see the personal interest they take in the playground area. At this time I would like to single out one person in particular - John Maleski. Our most outstanding need at the West Side Playground is a fence around the blacktop area to make it more usable for both tennis and basketball. We feel that this would really round out our facilities at West Side.
We are still looking forward to improving our dressing area for the swimmers. Our paid attendance the last three years at the swimming pool has averaged 25,000 yearly. Our present structure can no longer accommodate such numbers and it is showing signs of its being over- burdened.
Supervised attendance figures for the Park Department's 1959 sum- mer program:
Swimming Pool
Kiddie Korner, Central Playground
25,763 10,854
ANNUAL REPORT 87
Kiddie Korner, West Side .
3,206
Field Activities, Central Playground
6,801
Field Activities, West Side
4,402
Arts, Crafts and Nature
404
Special Events
4,926
Total
56,356
Included in the above figures are the following:
Bus Attendance
2,537
Swimming Lessons Attendance 3,019
Financial Summary
Funds Received and Expended :
Town of Middleborough
$10,085.91
Peirce Estate
5,666.98
Richards Funds
609.81
Total
$16,362.70
I am very grateful to the members of the Park Board and the Trustees of the Peirce Estate, for the sincere interest they show in every phase of the Department's program. Probably I am the only per- son in town who knows how much time they devote to our recreation program, and I would like at this time to make everyone aware of it by means of this annual report.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH A. MASI, Supt., Part Department
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
MIDDLEBOROUGH PUBLIC LIBRARY December 31, 1959
TRUSTEES
Horace K. Atkins Thomas H. Kelly Joseph F. Riley Myra A. Shaw
Ernest E. Thomas Ethel M. Washburn Thomas Weston Helen S. Whitcomb
Theodore N. Wood
OFFICERS
Theodore N. Wood, President Ernest E. Thomas, Vice-President Helen S. Whitcomb, Secretary Thomas Weston, Treasurer
LIBRARY STAFF
Mertie E. Witbeck, Librarian Edith G. Veazie, Senior Assistant Miriam A. Bassett, Second Assistant Helen E. Southwick, Junior Assistant Leah K. Rockwell, Junior Assistant Mrs. Doris S. Warren, Volunteer Librarian South Middleborough Branch John Rebell, Custodian
January 15, 1960
To the President and Board of Trustees, Middleborough Public Library:
It has been most interesting to observe over a period of years the changes that have occurred in reading trends. Twenty-five years ago the emphasis was on fiction. In a public library, each day's circulation figures showed a greater number of fiction books in circulation than any other category. Beginning with World War II there was a gradual change toward a preference for non-fiction books, the stress being on books of self-help, peace of mind, the way to a better and more satisfying life.
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ANNUAL REPORT
From that time to the present, the public has shown a desire for self-improvement through reading. Today the larger number of adult books circulated are on the subject of biography, psychology, do-it-your- self books and a decided interest in books on other languages. The local class of instruction in the Russian Language has resulted in a wide cir- culation of Russian grammars and books of introduction to the Russian language. It is said that in order to move about in this world of ours, it is imperative to know at least one language besides our own.
Acquisition of Books and Phonograph Records Circulation Figures
It is pleasing to note an increase in circulation figures of 3,123 vol- umes, an indication that books are winning over TV.
During the past year, 1,804 new volumes were added to the book collection, making a total number of volumes in the library of 62,260. To the phonograph collection were added 45 new albums, making a total of 626 records in the library collection. The circulation of records was also increased by 174 records. We wish everyone who owns a record player was aware and would make use of the library's fine collection of records.
Work With Schools
State certificate reading is used extensively in Grades Four, Five and Six. During the year were awarded to these grades 766 small cer- tificates for reading five books each, and 112 large Honor certificates for reading twenty books each.
Frequent visits have been made to all rural schools, changing de- posits of books as needed.
Classes of Fourth grade pupils of the Mayflower School paid visits to the library to receive instruction in the arrangement of books and the use of the card catalog. The tour of the library, including the upstairs room, the Historical Museum, the Lecture Room, and the Trustees' Room containing the Peirce family collection, is always a highlight of the lessons. Another feature which always draws interest is the cabinet in the lecture room containing books written by Middleborough authors.
Exhibits and Activities
During Book Week in November there were the usual displays of new books for young and old. The Junior Cabot Club arranged a very attrac- tive display of books appropriate to American Home Week.
In January, the Junior Cabot Club inaugurated a Story Reading Hour which was very well attended. Each Saturday morning a member of the Club read stories suitable for the lower school grades. It used to be considered necessary for a story-teller to learn her stories and give them to the children from memory. This experiment has proved that children enjoy even more being read to. We hope the Junior Cabot Club will continue to sponsor this very fine activity during the winter months.
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ANNUAL REPORT
On May 13th the library was host to a group of librarians called "The Sandwich Club". These are librarians who work with young adults. The group meets in the morning to discuss problems and to review new books for teen-agers, remaining for lunch which they bring themselves, the host library furnishing coffee and dessert. Hence the name, "The Sandwich Club".
The Staff
Members of the staff have travelled far and wide through Massachu- setts to attend library conferences. Members of the staff have given talks before many local groups.
Because of increased demands on library service, especially in the reference department, Mrs. John D. Rockwell, Jr., was appointed a full- time member of the staff.
Friends of the Library
That the library has many friends, is evidenced by the generous gift of books, magazines, phonograph records and flowers. We are grateful to the Middleboro Gazette for the generous space given each week to the library column. This is a great aid in acquainting the public with the new books added to the library, and the response from readers is very gratifying, many requests being received for the books mentioned in the column. It pays to advertise and we are sincerely grateful for the oppor- tunity afforded us in the Gazette.
Thanks are extended to the following for their gifts to the library:
Mildred W. Ashley
Mrs. Leonard A. Baker
James R. Butler
James Timberlake
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Crane
Horace A. Vaughan
Mrs. Charles P. Washburn
Mrs. Francis H. Crowley Doris L. Edwards Mrs. Ralph B. Edwards
P. Barry Weaver
Frederick Lobl
Mrs. Clifton A. McCrillis
Dorothy M. Fessenden Mrs. Mary C. Gustafson
James R. Meehan
Mrs. Harold Hall Mrs. Laura C. Hatch
Anne E. Norman
Clara C. Helvie Estate
Mrs. Everett N. Jenkins
Mrs. Henry R. Pierce Theresa Pillsbury Simon Pilshaw Estate
George H. Sampson
Mrs. Henry W. Sears Addison Simmons
Mrs. Elmer A. Sisson
Paul F. Stiga Chester W. Thomas
Provisional League of Women Voters of Middleborough
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Auxiliary No. 2188
Woman's Christian Temperance Union The Cabot Club Memorial book for Mrs. William H. Bath
Sincere personal thanks are extended to all who aided the library in so many ways, to the staff who strive to give to all the very best of library service, and to the members of the board of trustees who,
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ANNUAL REPORT
because of their vision for the library's betterment and their never fail- ing interest and guidance, are responsible for the vital place the library holds in the life of the community.
Respectfully submitted,
MERTIE E. WITBECK,
Librarian.
STATISTICS
Circulation Statistics :
Adult books and magazines
43,911
Juvenile books and magazines
29,665
Phonograph records
2,130
Pictures
388
South Middleborough Branch
1,113
School deposits
4,918
Rest Homes and Homes for the Aged
1,100
Hospital
600
Total circulation, 1959
83,825
Books added by purchase
1,640
Books added by gift
164
Total number of volumes added, 1959
1,804
Books lost or discarded, 1959
1,536
Total number of volumes at close of 1959
62,260
Phonograph records added by purchase
44
Phonograph records added by gift
1
Breakage and loss
8
Total number of records at close of 1959
626
Magazines currently received
129
Newspapers currently received
8
Money received from fines on books and magazines
$1,105.97
Money received from borrowers cards, non-residents ($1.00 per year)
83.00
Middleborough Histories sold - 8
40.00
New borrowers registered, 1959
493
Total number of active borrowers
4,403
Expenditures of Endowment Funds
Receipts
Payments
Balance January 1, 1959
$2,498.88
Peirce Fund
3,067.74
$3,765.07
Pratt Fund
486.78
593.26
Copeland Fund
200.07
201.98
Adult 178, Juvenile 315
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ANNUAL REPORT
Hullahan Fund
105.00
107.25
H. O. Peirce Fund
15.00
15.00
H. E. Beals Fund
30.00
30.00
Book Sales
448.70
448.70
General Funds
42.40
Balance December 31, 1959
1,648.51
$6,852.17
$6,852.17
THOMAS WESTON, Treasurer.
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
Under the Will of Thomas S. Peirce
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Middleborough, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
We respectfully submit herewith the Annual Financial Report of the Trustees under the will of Thomas S. Peirce for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1959.
The schedules as listed present the current book values of the several items making up the two funds entrusted to our care, together with a report of Income and Disbursements of the two accounts with statement of payments for the Use and Benefit of the Town of Middleborough and the amount paid to the Treasurer of Middleborough Public Library.
Fund Held in Trust for the Use and Benefit of Town of Middleborough
Stocks and Bonds-Inventory value or cost
$371,454.72
Mortgages and notes
63,177.56
Real Estate
19,838.50
Cabinet at Library
100.00
Office Equipment
155.50
Savings Bank Deposits
16,000.00
Cash on hand in checking account
6,154.45
$476,880.73
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ANNUAL REPORT
INCOME ACCOUNT Receipts
Rentals
$7,639.00
Dividends
14,850.19
Coupons
2,196.98
Interest
3,763.07
Interest, U.S.A.
526.00
Refund on insurance
238.31
Miscellaneous income
1,163.81
$30,377.36
Disbursements
Salaries, Trustees
$2,499.84
Janitor
1,170.25
Clerical Hire
790.00
Insurance
1,314.53
Repairs
450.93
Light and Heat
1,800.12
Water
643.22
Taxes, Real Estate
4,194.84
Taxes, Social Security
91.23
Sundries
490.42
$13,445.38
Net income for year
$16,931.98
Balance on hand January 1, 1959
19,627.10
$36,559.08
Paid for the Use and Benefit of the Town:
South Middleboro Nursery, trees
$237.50
State Tree Experts, Inc., trees
120.00
Jackson Street Parking Lot
6,364.22
Repairs to Tractor
4,437.77
High School Commercial Course, Equipment
575.00
High School Athletic Field
988.70
High School Shop
278.00
Playground and Swimming Pool, payroll, maintenance, etc.
3,375.50
Installation of Shuffleboard and
equipment
2,263.20
$18,639.89
Balance on hand January 1, 1960
$17,919.19
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ANNUAL REPORT
Fund Held in Trust for the Middleborough Public Library
Stocks-Inventory value or cost
$25,469.85
Bonds-Inventory value or cost
30,006.40
Savings Bank Deposits
3,854.69
Principal balance in checking account
3.12
$59,334.06
Income
Balance on hand January 1, 1959
$33.66
Dividends
2,234.80
Coupons
821.00
$3,089.46
Paid to the Treasurer of the Middleborough Public Library
$3,057.58
Paid filing fees, publications, etc.
31.88
$3,089.46
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR D. BENSON, FREDERICK S. WESTON, FLETCHER CLARK, JR., Trustees under the will of Thomas S. Peirce.
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE TOWN TREASURER AND COLLECTOR
To the Citizens of Middleborough:
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