USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1962 > Part 10
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
The ambulance service which was on contract until February 3, 1962 was used by the department on all accidents, at which time the contract was cancelled. A new contract was put into operation in Sep- tember and is in effect at this date. During the time that there was no contract the ambulance service was kept up by the contractor but the service was used by the police department only when it was deemed a necessity or emergency.
One hundred and thirty-five persons were injured in motor vehicle accidents which the police department investigated. Twenty-four were of a serious nature. Fifty-five others were treated and hospitalized. Sixty- one were either treated at the hospital or at a doctors office and re- leased. Of these accidents there were ten pedestrians involved. Middle- boro had one fatal accident in 1962 which was a pedestrian who was pushing a stalled car when it was rammed by another vehicle, this accident took place on Bedford Street, Route 28.
Two hundred and eighty-four motor vehicle accidents were either investigated or reported to the police. Eighty-eight accidents involved one or more cars and had personal and property damage over two hun- dred dollars. Sixty-one accidents involved property damage only over
144
ANNUAL REPORT
two hundred dollars damage. One hundred and thirty-five accidents involving property damage under two hundred dollars damage was in- vestigated or reported to police. Accidents that occurred in Middleboro and handled by State Police are not included in this report.
Cruiser Car 1 traveled 11,569 miles from January 1 to June 13 when it was traded in. New cruiser car 1 traveled 21,671 miles from June 13 through December 31, cruiser car 2 traveled 16, 757 miles from January 1 to June 7 when it was traded in. New car 2 traveled 21,145 miles from June 8 through December 31. Total mileage for the year 71,142 miles. This was in patrols and investigations. 30 persons were taken to either a doctors office or the hospital for treatment as a result of injuries or illness.
The Middleboro Police Department suffered two losses in 1962, one directly by the death of Patrolman William W. Briggs, a member of the department from 1941 to November 7, 1962. A gentleman at all times and a faithful public servant, a dedicated police officer. The second loss which effected the police department indirectly was the death of the Honorable Justice of the Fourth District Court of Plymouth County, L. Francis A. Callan, Jr., a man who understood the failings of those who came before him yet judged them without harshness.
I wish to express my thanks and appreciation to the Board of Select- men, the Town Manager and his staff, the Finance Board, School Depart- ment, the Fourth District Court and the people of Middleboro for the assistance and cooperation given during the year. To the officers of my department and the Civilian Defense Police for their efforts in making the administration a success.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM E. GARDINER Chief of Police
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit for your consideration and approval the forty- first annual report of the Fire Department for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1962.
Apparatus
Engine #1 Maxim - 1000 gal. pumper Engine #2 Maxim - 1000 gal. pumper
Purchased November 14, 1961 Purchased April 23, 1928
145
ANNUAL REPORT
Engine #3 Maxim - 500 gal. pumper Engine #4 Maxim - 1- 750 gal. pumper
Aerial Ladder - Maxim Ladder #1 - Maxim Dodge 1 ton truck 1 Trailer Unit 1 Rescue Boat, Trailer and Equipment
Purchased October 15, 1954
Purchased March 29, 1934
Purchased January 18, 1956 Purchased April 26, 1946
Purchased Sept. 8, 1956
Donated Donated
Organization
The personnel of the Fire Department as of December 31, 1962 is as follows:
1 Permanent Chief
1 Permanent Deputy Chief
1 Permanent Captain
12 Permanent Men
5 Call Captains 41 Call Men 6 Substitutes
South Middleboro Unit
Equipment
1 Call Captain 14 Call Men
1 Ford - 500 gal. pumper 1 Chevrolet - 500 gal. pumper
1 Tractor Trailer Tank Truck
Operation
Box Alarms - 23
False Alarms - 9
Aid to Lakeville - 2
Still Alarms -202
Aid to Bridgewater - 1
Squads - 41
Aid to Raynham - 1
Resuscitator - 7
Aid to Halifax - 1
No School -2
Total Calls - 284
South Middleboro Operation
Building Fires - 10
Grass and Brush - 25
Lost Child - 1
Town Dump - 5
Aid to Lakeville - 2 Chimney - 1 Aid to West Wareham - 2
Total Calls - 52
Property Loss
Buildings
Contents
Valuation - $184,140.00
$77,000.00
Total Insurance - $129,800.00
49,500.00
Estimated Damage - $82,612.17
35,371.21
Insurance Paid - $54,631.47
13,971.21
Loss not covered by Insurance - $27,980.70
21,400.00
Automobile - 4
Oilburners - 2
Jesse W. Hall retired from the Fire Department on October 31 after
146
ANNUAL REPORT
serving 45 years, having been a call man, permanent driver, Captain and Deputy Chief.
The Fire Practicing Program was carried on from April through September by the various companies monthly or oftener.
All apparatus and equipment is in good condition, the usual main- tenance having been done.
The walls, ceilings and woodwork of all the bedrooms were washed, painted and varnished.
750 feet of 21/2 inch new fire hose was purchased.
A new valve was installed on the West Side Whistle and the build- ing is in good repair.
New 2 way radios were put on Engines 4 and 6 to conform with the Federal Communications Commission narrow banding regulations.
A new Fire Alarm siren was installed at the South Middleboro fire station which has proved very satisfactory.
The Fire Alarm system is in good condition, there having been no serious trouble, the remaining one half mile of old iron wire will be replaced in 1963.
The usual quarterly inspections of the hospital and nine nursing and rest homes were made.
Inspections of oil burners and bottled gas installations were made and 9200 permits to burn were issued.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER H. GRANT
Chief of Fire Department
147
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE FOREST WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my report for the year 1962.
Box Alarms
3
Squad Calls
9
Warden Calls
31
Still alarms, grass and brush
66
Town Dump
27
Total calls
136
Estimated damage
$1,000.00
Cost of Extinguishing
Wages
$2,120.75
Maintenance and Operation
441,41
Total Cost
$2,562.16
Receipts
For burning grass
$ 284.00
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER H. GRANT
Forest Warden
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF WIRES
For the year 1962 there were 99 new inspections, 76 changed to a three wire service, 34 temporary services, 1 trailer, and 11 Electric Water Heaters were inspected. Also there were 42 reinspections made, rough wiring on new construction and additions to existing wiring making a total of 474 inspections for the year.
Respectfully yours,
E. N. NIRO
148
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE CIVIL DEFENSE DIRECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit for your consideration and approval the report of the Department of Civil Defense.
The major item completed in 1962 was the conclusion of Phase #1 and #2 of the National Shelter Survey. Middleborough now has three government approved public shelter sites, these will be stocked with food, water and medical supplies at government expense. Federal ap- proved signs will be posted at the shelter sites.
Federal approval has been given to move one emergency hospital to a site prepared at the Hannah Shaw Home.
Our radiological Officer Mr. Richmond L. Bessey has completed the training of a group of town employees as Radiological Monitors.
Mr. Wilfred Duphilly continues as Chief of Intelligence.
Mr. Arthur E. Boardman as Radio Officer continues training the communication crews.
Mr. William A. LeWillie has been appointed Ass. Radio Officer and Training Officer.
Mr. Ellsworth Crowell continues as Operations Officer and as Chief Technician of communications.
Two new Walkie Talkie units were purchased for the use of all departments.
We wish to welcome Mr. George Wheeler to Civil Defense as our mass feeding officer.
The departments new Natural Disaster Plan has been completed and approved by MCDA.
The Program Plan for 1962 and 1963 listing target dates for training courses has been submitted and approved by MCDA.
The Auxiliary Police continue training under the administration of Chief Gardiner.
I wish to convey my very sincere appreciation to the Town Officials and to all members of the Civil Defense organization who have given their cooperation during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL WEAVER
Director of Civil Defense
149
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Middleboro, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit, for your consideration and approval, the report of the Department of Weights and Measures for the year 1962.
In 1962, a total of 702 weighing and measuring devices were tested, 75 of which were found in need of adjustment and 6 were condemned. At regular intervals, I have checked pre-packaged commodities offered for sale, for short weight or over-pricing.
The revenue turned in to the Town Treasurer, for the year 1962, is as follows:
Sealing Fees $406.25
Adjusting Fees $17.00
Total Fees $423.25
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT F. COBURN Sealer of Weights and Measures
Adjusted
Sealed
Not Sealed
Condemned
SCALES AND BALANCES
Over 10,000 lbs.
4
100 to 5,000 lbs.
10
65
4
Under 100 lbs.
19
114
1
WEIGHTS
Avoirdupois
1
244
Apothecary
36
Metric
62
CAPACITY MEASURES Liquid 1 gallon or under
3
METERS
Gas pumps
34
99
3
3
Oil and grease
18
2
1
Vehicle tanks
8
28
Bulk storage
1
5
1
150
ANNUAL REPORT
PUMPS
Kerosene - Oil
2
11
MEASURING DEVICES Cloth
2
LINEAR MEASURE Yard Sticks
5
Total
75
696
9
6
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT F. COBURN Sealer of Weights and Measures
151
ANNUAL REPORT
Public Services
REPORT OF THE VETERANS' SERVICES DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Middleborough
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit for your consideration and approval my fourth annual report of the Department of Veterans' Services.
Again this year, we were able to keep within our budget without transfer from the reserve fund. This is something that depends on whether or not we are over burdened with sickness and distress among our recipients and those eligible for our help.
By serving other towns as their agent, it cuts the cost of adminis- tering our local program. We have been approached by two neighboring towns as to whether or not we would be interested in accepting these towns to administer their Veterans' Services program.
The Commissioner's Office has asked each agent to take over the service formerly rendered by the Veterans' Administration contact of- fices located in the neighboring cities that have been closed by the Veterans' Administration which will add to our work substantially.
A directive from the Commissioner allowing us to use the Mass. 65 insurance program for our recipients will eventually save us hundreds of dollars as our people have to use the services of hospitals and nursing homes. This new program of insurance, during the twilight years of one's life, to us is an absolute necessity as there are very few people that carry health insurance of any kind.
It has been a pleasure to serve with the other town officials who are all very cooperative.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE E. WHEELER
Veterans' Agent
152
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE
The Annual Report of the Director of the Department of Public Welfare for the year ending December 31, 1962 is as follows:
Expenditures for GENERAL ASSISTANCE in 1962 were approx- imately $436.88 less than those in 1961. Although our average caseload was four, the greatest expense was for assistance granted by other cities and towns to eight families and five individuals who have a settle- ment in Middleboro.
It is anticipated that expenses for this type of assistance will in- crease substantially in 1963 for the reason that we have one recipient, ineligible for categorical assistance, confined to a local licensed nursing home; also two children at the Lakeville State sanatorium, admitted for corrective surgery.
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN was granted to an average of 163 eligible recipients, 21 more than in 1961. Because of this increased case-load, expenditures for this category of assistance exceeded those of the previous year.
Federal participation was the same as in 1961, viz: $20.50 for each eligible recipient regardless of the amount of assistance granted.
Because the State Department of Public Welfare has directed local agencies to use a plan for more intensified services to Aid to Dependent Children clients, it can be expected that the expenditures in 1963 will be greater than those in 1962.
An amount of $4,553.17 was received by this Division from fathers who are separated from their families.
The average caseload for OLD AGE ASSISTANCE was 122, twenty- two less than in 1961. There was a decrease of approximately $25,000 in the expenditures for the category of assistance in 1962 because those re- cipients who require care in licensed nursing homes, in-patient hospital ward service, etc. are ineligible for Old Age Assistance and are trans- ferred to the Medical Assistance for the Aged program.
Federal Participation was increased from $49.80 to $54.00 per case effective October 1, 1962. Transportation allowance was increased from $4 to $5 per month.
A total of $5,351.47 was recovered by this agency under the Old Age Assistance lien law.
It was the determination of the Medical Review Team of the De-
153
ANNUAL REPORT
partment of Public Welfare that an average of 28 persons were perman- ently and totally disabled and eligible for DISABILITY ASSISTANCE. Expenses for this program were approximately $270.19 more than those in 1961. It has been noted that the increase was primarily for hospital- ization since one of our clients was confined to a hospital for a long period of time. It is felt by the hospital that this client will eventually be self-supporting.
Federal participation was increased from $42.30 to $46.50 per eli- gible case on October 1, 1962. One person reimbursed the Town of Middleboro for all Disability assistance granted, $552.85.
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE AGED was granted to an aver- age 44 persons during the year 1962 at an expense of $58,231.61, an in- crease over the expenses of 1961. These expenditures will continue to increase as those recipients who received Old Age Assistance, upon entering a licensed nursing home are transferred to this program. Too, there was an increase in exemptions of legally liable children.
Federal participation is 50% of all monies expended for medical expenses. After deduction of the Federal Reimbursement, the Common- wealth reimburses 2/3 of the remainder.
Respectfully submitted,
BARBARA D. NORVISH
Director of Public Welfare
154
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE
(PLYMOUTH COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE) By Robert B. Ewing, County Agent-Manager
A review of last year's report would show that an attempt was made to answer the question - "What is the Extension Service?" The report stated that in 1914 Congress passed the Smith-Lever Law which clearly stated, that the Extension Service shall "aid in diffusing among the peo- ple of the United States useful and practical information on subjects relating to Agriculture and Home Economics, and to encourage the application of the same."
The Extension Service has always been known as "the educational arm" of the United States Department of Agriculture and the title "Cooperative Extension Service" is used because Federal, State and County Governments cooperate in furnishing this service to the citizens of Plymouth County. Each year agreements are written between the United States Department of Agriculture, the University of Massachu- setts, and Plymouth County.
Since 1915, when the Plymouth County Extension Service was or- ganized and established, educational information pertaining to Agricul- ture, Home Economics and 4-H Club Work has been given free to citizens of Plymouth County.
Although methods may change with the times, the basic job of the Extension Service remains the same, and that is, as the 1914 Law states, "to aid in diffusing among the people of the United States useful and practical information on the subjects relating to Agriculture and Home Economics and to encourage the application of the same."
The Extension Service office is located in the Court House, Brock- ton, Mass. and is staffed by agents who conduct programs in Agriculture, Home Economics and 4-H Club Work by furnishing educational informa- tion through farm and home visits, letters, newspaper articles, radio talks, meetings, office visits and telephone calls.
Federal, State and County government funds are used for conduct- ing the Extension Service programs. Along with these funds, most towns in Plymouth County make an annual appropriation 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 representative in their respective town.
All citizens should make full use of their Extension Service as it is supported by the Federal, State and County Governments. It should be remembered that while the Extension Service furnishes the information
155
ANNUAL REPORT
it is up to the individual citizen who receives this information to decide how it can be used to best advantage.
Requests for information can be directed to the Plymouth County Extension Service, Court House, Brockton, Massachusetts.
The Board of Trustees, appointed by the Plymouth County Com- missioners, administer the Plymouth County Extension Service program and is composed of the following members:
Mr. John Prentice, Plymouth, Chairman Mrs. Elva Bent Swartz, Brockton Mr. Lewis Billings, Plympton Mrs. Mabel Chandler, Duxbury Mr. John Duffy, Halifax Mrs. Gladys Gibbs, Hanover
Mr. Robert Hammond, Wareham
Mr. John Howe, West Bridgewater
Mr. John W. Little, Marshfield
156
ANNUAL REPORT
PLYMOUTH COUNTY MOSQUITO CONTROL PROJECT
In reporting on the project's activities and accomplishments in 1962, there have been successful advances made toward the program's main objectives.
We are always happy to report that no single case of equine enceph- alitis was recorded in the county. There was considerable concern in mid-July by the project and the U. S. Public Health Service as surveys indicated a heavy population of vector species mosquitoes and virus in bird life.
Again, this condition centered in and adjacent to the "Hockomock Swamp" and with adequate project funds always established for that area, we tripled our aerial spray efforts in the swamp over the previous seasons. This was a pre-hatch treatment the first week in August and all later surveys showed good control.
The co-ordinated efforts of the programs in Bristol, Norfolk and Plymouth counties have certainly reduced our hazard of an outbreak of this disease.
In all other areas our residual spray control and pre-hatch treat- ment of breeding wetlands was most successful this year, several factors contributed to this effectiveness.
1: We did not have the frequent showers this summer to void the results of spray efforts.
2. In each town we have continued on our drainage program to eliminate stagnant breeding wetlands, while this is a slow and expensive method, it is positive mosquito control and the most economical in the long run.
3. The experience of our personnel and their added knowledge each season of mosquito problems in their district is very apparent.
With the increasing concern on the possible hazards of carelessness in the use of insecticides, your superintendent has just completed forty years of experience in the using of all pesticides and you may be assured that all of the project personnel have been thoroughly schooled in the proper and safe use of each insecticide involved in our program.
We appreciate and want to thank all town officials and personnel who have continued to cooperate with us in our program.
Respectfully submitted, WARREN G. HARDING Superintendent
157
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE GAS AND ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Middleborough, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The following is the annual report of the Gas and Electric Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1962.
GAS DIVISION
A: A new 891 foot, high pressure gas main extension of 4", X-Tru coat wrapped steel pipe was made on Old Center St. by the Gas and Electric Department crews.
B: High pressure gas mains of X-Tru Coat wrapped steel pipe were also installed by a contractor (Brito Co.) as follows, -
8 inch - 15,321 feet along Route #28 from near Cherry St. to just past Smith St. This main will be tested and certified to operate at 199 lbs. per sq. inch.
4 inch - 303 feet on Wood St. from Route #28 toward Wareham St. 3571 feet on Smith St. from Route #28 to Miller St. 2468 feet on Miller St. from Smith St. to Highland St.
2 inch - 2496 feet on Miller St. from Smith St. to Route #25. 1557 feet on Acorn St. from Wood St. to Wareham St.
C: A 30,000 watt engine generator (purchased from government surplus) was reconditioned and installed at the gas plant to provide both single phase and 3-phase emergency power.
D: A modern panel of switches and fuse load centers was installed to replace fuse boxes in various locations of the plant. This was done for both lighting and power circuits and will expedite restoring electric- ity if trouble occurs in the gas plant area and buildings.
E: An existing 20,000 gallon tank was reconditioned, equipped with safety valves, and converted to a Surge Tank for making Propane- air gas. From this tank, inlet and outlet piping was installed into our gas-making Propane Plant building. This work was done by our own crews.
F: The Gas & Electric Department personnel also installed two Jet-type equipments with motorized valves, regulators and a network of piping in the gas making building. This equipment, together with the
158
ANNUAL REPORT
surge tank, permits the making of propane-air gas more efficiently. G: An appreciable number of leaky joints were dug up and
clamped on our gas mains. This work which has been going on during recent years has improved our operations by reducing the amount of lost gas due to leaks.
H: The big spherical gas holder (Hortonsphere) was scraped and painted by an outside contractor. Shortly after, it was disappointing to find that someone who has no regard for the taxpayers, splashed black paint on part of the holder that is difficult to reach.
I: Other data are:
New High Pressure Gas Services installed 9
New Low Pressure Gas Services installed 13
High Pressure Services dug up and abandoned 1
Old Gas Services dug up and completely replaced 4 Old Gas Services partly replaced (across road and in cellar wall) 22
Manifolds, (piping at gas meters) completely replaced 14
*Gas meters dismantled and reconditioned 100
Gas meters tested and sealed by Mass. D.P.U. 250
Jobbing orders executed 180
Customers' service calls made
720
New gas mains laid -
8"
15,321 ft.
4" 7,233 ft.
2"
4,053 ft.
Gas main joints dug up and clamped 78
* Because of a State Law, about 15% of the gas meters in service must be removed from buildings and tested each year. The meters are overhauled prior to using again.
Propane-Air Gas manufactured at Gas Plant into system (Natural Gas equivalent) 933,400 cu. ft.
GAS 1962
Gas Purchased:
For High Pressure Services For Low Pressure Services
7,558,300 cu. ft. 66,613,700 cu. ft.
Total Purchased
74,172,000 cu. ft.
Gas Made at Plant and Other Location
1,104,800 cu. ft.
Total purchased and made
75,276,800 cu. ft.
Increase over 1961
9,511,760 cu. ft.
Gas sold other than to G. & E. Dept. Increase over 1961
69,727,000 cu. ft.
10,205,200 cu. ft.
Gas Used by G. & E. Dept.
1,015,600 cu. ft.
159
ANNUAL REPORT
Gas for Lakeville (passed through Midd. Mains
Gas on Hand (1961, 1962, 1963)
Gas Unaccounted For
930,300 cu. ft. 200,000 cu. ft. 4,534,200 cu. ft.
Paid Brockton-Taunton Gas Co.
$63,147.43
*Refunds from Brockton-Taunton Gas Co. for use previous years $ 5,744.31
Average per 1,000 cu. ft. purchased .85
Average cost per 1,000 cu. ft. purchased and distributed $2.04
Average received per 1,000 cu. ft. sold $2.64
Average consumption per customer
42,000 cu. ft.
Miles of Main
38.01
Average consumer per mile of Main
22.9
Gas sold per mile of Main
1,834,438 cu. ft.
Average B.T.U. per cu. ft. gas
1004
Mfg. profit to Profit & Loss (profit)
$32,301.47
* Note: These are refunds passed along by the Transmission Pipeline companies as a result of Federal Power Commission Orders. The refunds include amount for 1960 and 1961 purchases of gas.
ELECTRIC DIVISION
A: Fourteen Mercury Vapor Lights, together with necessary lines and controls, were installed at the traffic circle at the junction of Route #44 and #18. The State agreed to pay for the installation and for the electricity being used.
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.