USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1963 > Part 8
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
ELMER G. ALLAN, Chairman Board of Appeals
REPORT OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Board of Selectmen Town Hall Middleboro, Mass.
Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Middleboro Conservation Commission did not reach the goal it had set for 1963. New plans and ideas have been made and we look forward to a more productive year.
Submitted by
FREDERICK C. CORREIA Chairman, Conservation Commission
FLORAL BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE
The Middleboro Floral Beautification Committee, in its second year as a committee appointed by the Board of Selectmen, continued its maintenance of municipal improvement through floral decoration during 1963.
109
ANNUAL REPORT
On May 25, flower pots containing ivy geraniums and petunias were placed in brackets on street lighting posts from Everett Square to the Four Corners, and on North Main and Wareham streets. A method of watering was devised and watering was carried out either at night or early morning throughout the spring and summer.
Among new projects, the Committee replaced the overgrown plant- ings in front of the Town Hall with new evergreen trees and shrubs and on June 5, further improved this area by setting out geraniums and marigolds. More than a dozen of the 96 geraniums purchased were set out in front of the Courthouse and Police Station.
In other 1963 activities, the Committee was successful in requesting that maple trees be set out on the North side of Nickerson Avenue and on Thatcher's Row. The Board of Selectmen co-operated with our sug- gestion that the old watering trough which in recent years has been used for plantings by the Middleboro Garden Club, be removed to the Town Hall lawn before reconstruction of South Main Street was under- taken. At our request, the Board of Selectmen voted to appoint the Garden Club to associate membership.
In closing our first report, we wish to thank the townspeople for their appreciative comments, the Board of Selectmen, Town Manager Edwin O. Wilson and Highway Dept. Supt. Louis Forney and his crew for their cooperation. Also, thanks to individual citizens for suggestions and assistance. We have, during 1963, contacted officials in other com- munities having similar programs and are pleased to note that Middle- boro, through its support of this Committee, is part of a growing trend toward municipal improvement through floral beautification.
Signed,
CLINTON E. CLARK ALTON M. KRAMER PAUL STIGA
MIDDLEBOROUGH HOUSING AUTHORITY
The Honorable Board of Selectmen Middleborough, Massachusetts Gentlemen,
The year 1963 was the fourteenth successful year of operation of the Veterans Project at Archer Court and the fourth successful year of the George A. Donner Housing for the Elderly Project at Frank, Park, and
110
ANNUAL REPORT
Sproat Streets. There was a turnover of 6 tenants at the Veterans Pro- ject with no loss of rent and a turnover of 5 tenants at the Elderly Project at no loss of rent.
General physical appearance of the Veterans Project has been main- tained at a high level during the past year. Outside painting of 3 more buildings were completed making a total of 6 buildings completely painted in the past two years. Painting on the remaining building will be completed this next year. Interior of apartments are in good con- dition. New gutters were installed where needed. General physical con- dition of the Elderly Project is good. Spot painting of the trim will be done this spring where needed. The grounds of this project are main- tained at a very high level. Interior painting of apartments are done when vacated.
The Veterans Housing Project was constructed and is operated under Chapter 200 under the General Laws of Massachusetts to provide low cost housing to Veterans of limited income. Low rents are made possible by a State Subsidy, a maximum of $7,000.00 for Middleborough. Admission to the Project is restricted to Veterans or their families, whose rate of income is from $2,000. to $4,000. per year. Although once admitted, the Veteran or his family may remain until his income reaches a maximum of $4.500. per year. If he has more than 3 minor dependents he may deduct $200. for each minor dependent over three in number from his gross income which will determine how much rent he must pay.
The Housing for the Elderly was constructed and is operated under Chapter 667 under the General Laws of Massachusetts to provide low cost housing to elderly people sixty-five or over who must be citizens of the United States. A couple cannot exceed an income of more than $3,000. per year. An individual living alone cannot exceed an income of more than $2,400. per year. Low rents are made possible by a State Sub- sidy of a maximum of $10,375. per year, for Middleborough. Residents of the Town of Middleborough are given first preference in admittance. The Middleborough Housing Authority is now proceeding with the paper work involved to build an additional project for the Elderly. At the present time we have approx. 100 applications for these apartments over and above the forty that are already in our present project.
The amount of rent paid at the Veterans Project, 200-1 is determined by the Veterans income and the size of his family, with the larger fam- ilies paying slightly lower rents than the smaller families. The average shelter rent for 1963 was $41.79 per unit month and the average charge for all utilities; electricity, heat, hotwater, water, and sewage was $21.25 per unit month The project ended the year with a surplus of $2,392.58.
The average shelter rent for the Housing for the Elderly Project. 667-1 was $32.93 per unit month. The average charge for all utilities; heat, gas, water, electricity, hotwater and sewage was $15.07 per unit month. The project ended the year 1963 with a surplus of $2,392.96.
One Thousand and Eight dollars has been set aside to pay to the Town of Middleborough in lieu of taxes for the 200-1 project. No pay-
111
ANNUAL REPORT
ment is made to the Town of Middleborough in lieu of taxes for the 667-1 Elderly Project. The appending financial statement shows the excellent financial condition of both the 200-1 Veterans Project and the 667-1 Elderly Project.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT H. AYOTTE Executive Director
MIDDLEBOROUGH HOUSING AUTHORITY
Project 200-1
Balance Sheet, December 31, 1963
Assets
Administration Fund
$ 1,390.57
Accounts Receivable - Tenants
431.18
Debt Service Fund
7,881.25
Investments
23,100.00
Debt Service Trust Fund - Investment
3,000.00
Debt Service Trust Fund
89.76
Development Cost
280,000.00
Less Development Cost Liquidated
65,000.00
215,000.00
Prepaid Insurance
1,025.40
$251,918.16
Liabilities and Reserves
Accounts Payable
$ .75
Accrued P.I.L.O.T.
1,008.00
Matured Interest and Principal
7,881.25
Tenants Security Deposits
320.00
Bonds Authorized
280,000.00
Less Bonds Retired
65,000.00
215,000.00
Debt Service Reserve
10,278.54
Unamortized Bond Premium
3,089.76
Operating Reserve
11,947.28
Surplus, December 31, 1963
2,392.58
$251,918.16
112
ANNUAL REPORT
MIDDLEBOROUGH HOUSING AUTHORITY Project 667-1
Balance Sheet, December 31, 1963
Assets
Prepaid Insurance
2,103.73
2,690.73
Administration Fund Investments Development Cost
14,000.00
Less Development Cost Liquidated
16,000.00
Net Development Cost
399,000.00
$417,794.46
Liabilities and Reserves
753.95
Accounts Payable Notes Issued
415,000.00
Less Notes Retired
16,000.00
New notes issued
399,000.00
Matured Interest and Principal
771.31
Debt Service Reserve
2,766.00
Operating Reserve
12,110.24
Surplus, December 31, 1963
2,392.96
$417,794.46
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the President and Board of Trustees,
Middleborough Public Library:
As the year, 1963, comes to an end, it nearly completes the first year of my serving as head librarian at Middleborough Public Library. It has been a very pleasant experience-"getting to know" the people of Middleborough.
I am most grateful to the Library Board, to Mrs. Witbeck, to the Library staff and to all of the people at the Town Hall for their help- fulness during this past year.
415,000.00
113
ANNUAL REPORT
Building Improvements
During the year, we have installed fluorescent lighting in the stack- room thus making the stacks as well lighted as the rest of the building.
At the present time, an auxiliary lighting system is being installed. This will take over whenever there is a power failure and enable patrons to see to leave the building in safety.
We have recently acquired a photo-copying machine to augment our office equipment. This machine will copy pages of books, magazines, and data from papers. We hope that this will be very helpful to students when a large number wants material of which we have a limited supply. Also copies may be made of articles in reference books or magazines that do not circulate. It will be necessary to charge a small fee for this in order to cover the cost of materials used. We hope that this will prove to be a real public service to the people of Middleborough.
Early in 1963, our patrons enjoyed an exhibit of scenes in our National Parks. These were painted and loaned to us by Richard Blair of Lakeville.
Just prior to the Easter season, we had a most interesting display of fashion sketches done by Miss Priscilla Bass. These were shown in the young people's room along with a selection of books on fashion and design.
A very attractive glass exhibit case has been added to the furn- ishings of the reference room. We hope that Middleborough "collectors" will loan us their collections that we may display them for everyone to see and enjoy.
There have been no major changes in the library system. We have established a teen-age corner adjacent to the required reading for our high school students. This brings their books for "fun" reading and those for school reading into a closer unit.
Personnel
A part-time worker was added to our staff last April. Miss Martha Ferraguto was hired in this capacity and has become a valued member of our department.
In order to be better trained and equipped to carry on their work at the Library, members of the staff have taken advantage of library courses during the year. Two people took courses in reference work sponsored by the Library Extension Service. Two attended the three week course in Library Techniques this summer at the University of New Hampshire.
Last April, Mr. Thomas Ryder, the custodian of the library was retired. He served us faithfully and well and we miss him. We were very fortunate in securing Mr. Ellsworth Crowell to take his place.
114
ANNUAL REPORT
Children's Department
Mrs. Leah Rockwell and Miss Helen Whitcomb of the Children's department conducted a very active summer reading club during July and August. Miss Ferraguto assisted them. Ninety-eight children en- rolled. Fifty remained active all summer. The staff listened to 1,558 book reports. Thirty-six pins were given out for five books read and twenty-five certificates for ten or more books read. Six children read more than a hundred books and received special prizes donated by the Junior Cabot Club and the Library.
We work in close conjunction with the school teachers in carrying out the state certificate reading program and continue to supply deposits of books to be kept in the various classrooms.
Our services to the Rest Homes and Homes for the aged continues, as does our Friday morning visits to the Hospital. Our Branch Libraries continue to function in North and South Middleboro. Mrs. Leslie Thomas is librarian in South Middleboro. North Middleboro is staffed by volun- teer workers who are very ably directed by Mrs. Adam Bagdon.
Book Week
Book week was observed with a large collection of new books of all kinds for all ages. Mr. Walter Rudziak kindly loaned us sample copies of an encyclopedia in Braille and one in enlarged print for people with defective eyesight. These were displayed and proved to be of great interest.
"Thanks"
Our sincere appreciation must be expressed to the many people and organizations who have donated books and magazines to the library.
The staff has a special thank-you for one of our patrons who remem- bers us with delicious cookies during the holiday season.
We wish also to make special mention of the many lovely floral arrangements furnished to us by the Garden Club. They have been most attractive and are greatly appreciated.
In closing this report, again may I express my sincere thanks to all of the people of Middleborough for making my first year with you such a pleasant and happy one.
Respectfully submitted,
ELEANOR E. TOMPKINS
Librarian
ANNUAL REPORT 115
Statistics
Circulation
Main Library
Adult books and magazines
42,049
Juvenile books and magazines
30,654
Phonograph records
1,793
Pictures
4
Branches
South Middleboro
1,469
North Middleboro
2,425
School deposits
10,080
Rest Homes and Homes for the Aged
426
St. Luke's Hospital
936
Total Circulation, 1963
89,836
Books added by purchase
1,768
Books added by gift
339
Total number of books added
2,107
Books lost and discarded
212
Total number of volumes, December 31, 1963
70,322
Phonograph records added by purchase
46
Phonograph records added by gift
7
Total records added, 1963
53
Breakage and loss
3
Total records, 1963
851
Magazines currently received
127
Newspapers currently received
9
Money received from fines on books and magazines
$1,696.04
Money received from cards for 62 non-residents @ $2.00 per year $124.00
Middleborough Histories sold, 19 @ $5.00
$95.00
New Borrowers registered, 1963
Adult 200
Juvenile 241
Total
441
Borrowers re-registered for cards, 1963
221
Number of registered borrowers, December 31, 1963
4,853
Expenditures of Endowment Funds
Balance January 1, 1964
Receipts $4,232.95
Expenditures
Peirce Fund
3,941.27
$4,561.69
Pratt Fund
477.45
504.93
Copeland Fund
170.52
159.59
Hullahan Fund
120.00
117.00
H. O. Peirce Fund
18.76
18.76
H. C. Beals Fund
37.50
37.50
Book Sales
159.48
159.48
General Funds
27,78
Balance December 31, 1963
3,626.76
$9,185.71
$9,185.71
THOMAS WESTON Library Treasurer
116
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE PARK DEPARTMENT 1963
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. We have continued the regular swimming lessons and recreational swimming, Kiddie Korner and Field Activities, and Special Events.
The most outstanding accomplishment in our program of facility improvement was the addition of two new tennis courts. The new courts have made possible an increased interest and participation in tennis for youngsters, teenagers and adults.
Another accomplishment in the area of facility improvement was the construction of a new skating rink shelter at the rink under the direction of Mr. John McDonald. The baseboard heating system is espec- ially welcomed by the youngsters. The winter of 1962-1963 was the best yet, giving us over 50 skating days. We take this opportunity to congra- tulate and thank Mr. McDonald for a fine program of ice maintenance and supervision.
The main attraction of our entire program continues to be the swimming pool. We feel that in view of the large numbers that we must accommodate, the time has come for us to install a recirculating system at the pool. There is too much danger and waste of water and pool chemicals involved in trying to purify such a large pool manually.
Approximate total supervised attendance figures for the 1963 sum- mer program was over 50,000. Included in this total figure were the following:
Swimming Pool
Recreational Swimming
23,122
Swimming Lessons 7,827
30,949
Field Activities
3,869
Kiddie Korners
17,268
Special Events
2,173
Total
54,259
Bus Attendance
3,318
Equipment Check-outs
1,473
ANNUAL REPORT 117
Financial Summary
Funds received and expended: Peirce Estate Town of Middleborough
Richards Fund
3,257.00 $21,887.79 970.89
Total $26,115.68
Swimming Pool receipts returned to the Town
$1,690.30
At this time I would like to extend my personal thanks to the mem- bers of the Park Board, and the Trustees of the Peirce Estate for their continued recreational interest and support.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH A. MASI, Superintendent Park Department
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
The Thomas S. Peirce Trustees again provided funds for the plant- ing of trees to replace the diseased and dead elm trees which were taken down this year. One hundred and fifty-five trees of several different varieties were purchased and the planting was done by the employees of the Highway Department.
Brush cutting and spraying along an increased number of miles of roadway was carried out and after completing three years of this pro- gram, a vast improvement is noted.
Tree trimming and removal projects carried out by the Electric Department and the New England Tel. & Tel. Company have been help- ful and have kept the Town trees in much better condition.
LOUIS H. FORNEY
Tree Warden
118
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES Under the Will of Thomas S. Peirce
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Middleborough
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 December 31, 1963.
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 Middle- borough and the amount paid to the Treasurer of Middleborough Public Library.
Funds Held in Trust for the Use and Benefit of Town of Middleborough
Stocks and Bonds - Inventory value or cost
$406,815.23
Mortgages and Notes
38,838.18
Real Estate
17,251.19
Cabinet at Library
100.00
Office equipment
155.50
Savings Bank Deposit
9,500.00
Cash on hand in checking account
4,313.94
$476,974.04
INCOME ACCOUNT Receipts
Rentals
$ 8,291.00
Dividends
18,229.68
Coupons
5,041.00
Interest
2,655.71
Interest, USA
276.00
Sundries
50.52
$ 34,543.91
Payments
Salaries, Trustees
$ 2,399.88
Janitor
522.00
Clerical Hire
215.00
Insurance
53.03
Repairs
1,350.22
Light and Heat
1,313.78
ANNUAL REPORT 119
Real estate taxes Social Security Taxes Sundries
4,667.72 52.03 303.14
Net income for the year
Balance on hand January 1, 1963
$ 10,876.80 $ 23,667.11 1,143.73
$ 24,810.84
Paid for the Use and Benefit of the Town of Middleborough
Memorial High School
Typewriters, business machines, band uniforms,
tuning pianos, etc. $ 2,015.11
Henry B. Burkland School
Loam, clearing, and seeding athletic field
6,001.40
Battis Field
Seed, paint, oil, lumber for bleachers and press box
988.04
Park Department
Payroll, paint for swimming pool
3,257.95
Bath House
Interest and principal on loan
2,150.00
Jackson Street parking area
800.00
South Middleboro Nursery, trees for town
36.00
Littlefield Wyman Nurseries, trees for town
1,170.00
$ 16,418.50
Balance on hand January 1, 1964
$8,392.34
Fund Held in Trust for the Middleborough Public Library
Stocks - Inventory value or cost
Bonds - Inventory value or cost
$ 35,176.70 23,796.48 510.24
Savings Bank Deposit
$ 59,483.42
Income
Coupons, dividends and interest
$ 3,951.12
$ 3,951.12
Payments
Probate expenses Treasurer of Middleborough Public Library 3,916.27
$
34.85
$ 3,951.12
Respectfully submitted, FREDERICK S. WESTON FLETCHER CLARK, JR. JOSEPH C. WHITCOMB
Trustees under the will of Thomas S. Peirce
120
ANNUAL REPORT
IN MEMORIAM
Deputy Chief Middleborough Police Department WILLIAM C. (Ced) ELLIOTT Appointed Patrolman - July 27, 1937 Deputy Chief - Jan. 1, 1950 Deceased - April 21, 1963
121
ANNUAL REPORT
Protection of Persons and Property
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
To the Board of Selectmen
Town of Middleborough, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit the fifty-fourth annual report and detailed state- ment of duties performed by the police department of the Town of Middleborough, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1963.
Chief of Police William E. Gardiner
Deputy Chief of Police William C. Elliott, Deceased
Benjamin J. Mackiewicz
Sergeants Frank A. Pierce, Jr. Francis A. Bell
Patrolmen Norman Record
Douglas Marshall Harold Tower William Greene
Francis Bell Raymond Guerin, Resigned James Follett
Provisional Patrolmen
Wilfred Lavallee George Chace Thomas Pittsley Roger Bryant
Leonard Teceno Perry Little, Jr. Paul Birmingham Frank Helton, Resigned
Intermittent Patrolman Clarence Hayward
Special Police Officers
Lloyd Banks George Wheeler Francis Crowley Ralph Sampson Arthur Benson Irving Murphy Paul Weaver Ellsworth Crowell
Samuel Whitehead Gerald Thayer Elmer Bryant Ray Delano Veronica Cannucci Robert Cartmell Russell Smith Patrick McMahon
122
ANNUAL REPORT
Thomas Valine William Greeley Richmond Matthews Jesse Hall Ernest Crowell Harry Hull, Deceased Edward Lowe
John Dutra John Rebell Ernest Bigelow Charles Fitting Lloyd Bazinet Thomas Anderson Alfred Mackiewicz Raymond Moffett
Custodian Daniel Maloney
Clerk Clarence Hayward
Matrons
Mary DiPalma
Vivian Mackiewicz
Constables
William E. Gardiner
John Dutra
Statistical Report of the Police Department
Amount of fines imposed in Middleboro Court
$11,145.00
Amount of fines paid direct to Court
4,430.00
Power of Attorney and Bonds Forfeited to Court
95.00
Costs of Court assessed and paid
25.00
Buildings found open by police
115
Complaints investigated by police
1385
Disturbances quelled without arrest
110
Defective street lights reported
92
Arrests for the year
1057
Males arrested
990
Females arrested
41
Juveniles summoned
26
Non-residents
697
Lodgers
43
Summons served
685
Parking violations, tickets issued, warning
96
4 way violation tickets issued, No-Fix
90
Cars tagged for equipment and defective lights
28
Motor vehicle accidents involving both personal and property damage over $200.00
174
Motor vehicle accidents involving one car or more, property damage only over $200.00
229
Motor vehicle accidents involving one car or more, property damage less than $200.00
236
Bicycles registered in 1963
126
Pistol and revolvers permits issued in 1963
73
123
ANNUAL REPORT
Licenses to sell firearms issued to dealers
5
Value of lost and stolen property recovered
$6,396.50
Sales and transfers of motor vehicles reported by dealers
5889
Motor vehicle licenses revoked or suspended in Middleboro
155
Motor vehicle car registrations revoked or suspended
7
Motor vehicle licenses granted after revocation or suspension
77
Bicycle plate fees turned in to Town Treasurer in 1963
$31.50
Permits to carry firearms turned in to Town Treasurer in 1963
156.00
Licenses to sell firearms turned in to Town Treasurer in 1963 Apeco auto-stat copies fees turned in to Town Treasurer in 1963 Miscellaneous fees turned in to Town Treasurer in 1963
282.00
10.00
Offenses
Male
Female Juvenile Total
Assault and Battery
84
1
0
85
Break and enter in Nighttime & Larceny
15
2
2
19
Break and enter in Daytime and Larceny
6
0
0
6
Capias served
25
0
0
25
Drunkenness
128
7
0
135
Insane
4
2
0
6
Larceny
73
4
3
80
Motor Vehicle Violations
338
9
9
356
Non-Support
56
0
0
56
Operating under influence
intoxicating liquors
44
3
0
47
Operating Motor Vehicle so that lives and
78
4
0
82
Arrests for other Police Departments
9
2
0
11
Neglected children
0
0
0
0
Disturbing the Peace
28
1
0
29
Stubborn Child
0
0
8
8
Possession of Burglar tools
3
0
0
3
Burning of safe
3
0
0
3
Contributing to delinquency of minor
9
0
0
9
Indecent exposure
10
0
0
10
Letter to show cause why complaint should not issue
8
1
0
9
Lewd, lascivious in speech and Behavior
6
0
0
6
Lewdness
2
2
0
4
Malicious destruction of property
19
0
0
19
Cruelty to animals
2
0
0
2
Illegitimate Child Act
6
0
0
6
Indecent assault on child
1
0
0
1
Impersonating police officer
2
0
0
2
Escapee
1
0
0
1
Vagrancy
1
0
0
1
Illegal Possession of stolen property
1
0
0
1
Larceny by check
4
0
0
4
Assault by means of dangerous weapon
3
0
0
3
Possession of illegal photos
1
0
0
1
Fornication
2
2
0
4
Incest
4
0
0
4
Trespassing
3
0
0
3
Loitering
4
0
4
8
safety might be endangered
90.00
124
ANNUAL REPORT
Indecent Assault Adultery Assault
2
0
0
2
1
1
0
2
4
0
0
4
990
41
26
1057
Conclusion
Again as in 1962 there have been many changes in the personnel of the police department, three regular officers having resigned to accept work in private industry. At the present time there are seven vacancies to be filled at such time as the results of an examination which was held by Civil Service is completed. There is also a vacancy as Sergeant to be filled in the near future. Upon the death of the Deputy Chief of Police, William C. Elliott, it was decided that this position be abolished and that a third Sergeant be made.
Conflict of Interest became involved in the ambulance service which was under contract, by reason of the clerk of the police department being the owner and contractor of ambulance service and as a result contract had to be cancelled. The ambulance service is now on a standby basis without contract and the service has been kept up to the same standard as when contract was in force.
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.