USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1920-1921 > Part 16
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Article twelve :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess: voted, that the Town accept Chapter 436 of Acts of Massachusetts for 1920, en- titled, "An Act to Provide for the better Prevention of Fires in the Commonwealth outside of the Metropolitan Fire Prevention District."
Article thirteen :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess it was unanimously voted : That the Town appropriate the sum of $51,889.66, being the Town of Plymouth's proportional part of the cost of construction of the Plymouth County Hospital under Chapter 286 of the Acts of Massachusetts for 1916 and for the purpose of raising money the Town issue notes or bonds of the Town, dated April 1, 1921, payable $6,889.66 in one year and the balance, $45,000.00 in nine equal annual pay- ments of $5,000.00 each, interest payable semi-annually at the rate not exceeding 51/2 per cent.
Article fourteen :
Mr. Edward L. Burgess moved: That the Town appro- priate a sum not exceeding $40,000.00 for the suitable ob- servance of the Pilgrim Tercentenary. Three hundred forty-nine voting in the affirmative and sixty-seven in the negative, the motion was carried.
Article fifteen :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess: voted, that the Town
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appropriate a sum not exceeding $7,000.00 for the purpose of constructing and maintaining additional public sanitar- ies.
Article sixteen :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess it was unanimously voted : That the Town appropriate a sum not exceeding $2,500.00 for sidewalk improvements on the easterly side of Warren avenue.
Article seventeen :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess, it was unanimously voted : That as a partial recognition of the services rendered by the members of the American Legion Post No. 40, the Town appropriate the sum of $1,500.00 to be spent in ac- cordance with Chapter 254 of the Acts and Resolves of 1920.
Article eighteen :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess it was unanimously voted : That a sum not exceeding $3,000.00 be appropriated to be expended on Stephen's Field Playground for the con- struction of an athletic field and for furnishing equipment therefor.
Mr. Charles H. Raymond moved that a committee of three be appointed to have full charge of laying out the grounds, but the motion was lost.
Article nineteen :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess: voted, That the Town appropriate a sum not exceeding $500.00 for repairs and changes at the rifle range.
Article twenty :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess: voted, that the Select -. men be authorized to sell a small portion containing ap- proximately five hundred square feet of the northerly, side of the school-house lot at Jabez Corner.
On motion of William T. Eldridge the following resolu- tion was unanimously adopted :
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Resolved :
That we, the Citizens of Plymouth, Massachusetts, in Town Meeting assembled, extend to the Citizens of Plym- outh, England, our sincerest feeling of Friendship and Fraternity.
That we are mindful of the fact that the founders of our Town and Nation came directly to this Country from Plym- cuth, England, "Having been kindly entertained and courteously used," and that there is therefor a stronger bond between the two communities than the mere identity of name.
That we hope this bond may become stronger and inter- course more frequent as times goes on.
That we greatly appreciate and will always prize the graceful expression of goodwill sent to our Selectmen by your Mayor, Aldermen and Burgesses.
That the Selectmen have these Resolutions engrossed and transmitted to the Citizens of Plymouth, England, through their Burgesses.
On motion of Harry B. Davis the following resolution was unanimously adopted :
Resolved :
That it is the sense of the voters of the Town of Plym- outh in Town Meeting assembled, that the continuation of the military organization located at Plymouth be an in- fantry unit.
Further, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to his Excellency, the Governor with the request that the pres- ent Coast Artillery Co. be transferred to an infantry regi- ment.
On motion of George B. Howland : voted, that the sum of $439,854.65 be raised and assessed upon the polls and estates of the inhabitants of the Town of Plymouth, and upon the estates of the non-residents, to defray the expenses of the Town for the ensuing year.
On motion of George B. Howland : voted, to adjourn.
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SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, JUNE 25, 1921.
ARTHUR LORD, Moderator.
Article two :
Mr. Edward L. Burgess moved that the following by-laws be adopted by the Town :
Article 1-No person shall act as a public guide or solicit patronage of any person or persons for the purpose of guiding them in the Town of Plymouth unless he has first received a license to act as a public guide from the Board of Selectmen of said Plymouth.
Article 2-Any person who violates the provisions of this by-law shall be punished by a fine of not exceeding twenty dollars.
Mr. Charles H. Raymond moved that action under this article be indefinitely postponed, but the motion was lost.
The motion of Mr. Burgess was then put before the meet- ing and carried.
Article three :
Mr. Edward L. Burgess moved that the Town establish the office of Sergeant in the Police Department but the motion was lost.
Article four :
Mr. Edward L. Burgess moved that the Town purchase for the purpose of enlarging the Stephens Field Play- ground, a lot of land now owned by Edward B. Stephens, Mary S. Baker, et al., containing 29,000 square feet more or less, bounded on the east and south by land of the Town of Plymouth, on the west by land of Jennie H. Chase, and Mary A. Sampson, and on the north by land of George A. Nickerson, and appropriate the sum of one thousand (1,000) dollars therefor.
Mr. Charles H. Raymond moved that action under this article be indefinitely postponed, five voting in the affirma- tive and twelve in the negative, the motion was lost.
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The motion of Mr. Burgess was then put before the meet- ing and eleven voting in the affirmative and ten voting in the negative, the motion was carried, but the necessary two- thirds, not having voted in the affirmative, the article was lost.
Article five :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess, Voted : that the town put all land now owned by the Town, bordering on Town Brook between Market and Water Streets, under the con- trol of the Park Department.
Article six :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess, it was unanimously voted that the Town appropriate one hundred (100) dollars for the use of the Park Department under the preceeding vote.
Article seven :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess, Voted: That the town appropriate the sum of six hundred seventy dollars and thirty-six cents ($670.36) for marking historical places in the Town.
Article eight :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess Voted: That the Town appropriate the sum of seven thousand (7,000) dollars for roads and bridges.
Article nine :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess, Voted : That the Town appropriate for granolithic sidewalks all reimbursements for granolithic construction during the year.
Article ten :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess, Voted: That the Town appropriate the sum of four hundred (400) dollars to the Town Clerk's appropriation for the purpose of furnishing clerical assistance in the office of Town Clerk, Town Treas- urer, and Town Accountant.
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Article eleven :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess, Voted : That the Town authorize the transfer of the sum of two thousand (2,000) dollars from the Reserve from Overlay of Taxes, for abate- ment of taxes of the year nineteen hundred and twenty.
Article twelve :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess, Voted: That the Town authorize the transfer of the sum of four hundred nineteen and 16-100 (419.16) dollars now standing as a balance on the appropriation for the use of the Committee of Public Safety, to the Miscellaneous Account.
On motion of George B. Howland, Voted: That the sum of $9,170.36 be raised and assessed upon the polls and es- tates of the residents of the Town of Plymouth and upon the estates of the non-residents to defray the expense of the Town for the ensuing year.
On motion of William T. Eldridge, Voted : To adjourn.
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, OCTOBER 8, 1921.
ARTHUR LORD, Moderator.
Article two :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess, Voted : That the Town appropriate from money in the Treasury, not other- wise appropriated, the sum of $2,400 for the Fire Depart- ment.
Article three :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess, Voted : That the Town appropriate from money in the Treasury not otherwise ap- propriated, the sum of $500 for the Forest Warden's De- partment.
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Article four :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess, Voted: That the Town appropriate from money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the sum of $5,000 for the Health Department.
Article five :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess, Voted : That the Town appropriate from money in the Treasury not otherwise ap- propriated, the sum of $6,000 for the School Department.
Article six :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess, Voted : That the Town appropriate from money in the Treasury not otherwise ap- propriated, the sum of $300 for the Law Department.
Article seven :
To see if the Town will vote to purchase, for the purpose of enlarging the Stephens Field Playground, a lot of land owned by Edward B. Stephens, Mary S. Baker, et al., con- taining 29,000 square feet, more or less, bounded on the east and south by land of the Town of Plymouth, on the west by land of Jennie H. Chase and Mary A. Sampson, and on the north by land of George A. Nickerson, and to make an appropriation therefor of a sum not exceeding one thous- and (1,000) dollars.
On motion of Edward L. Burges, Voted: That further consideration of this article be indefinitely postponed.
On motion of William T. Eldridge, Voted : To adjourn.
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SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, DECEMBER 24, 1921.
ARTHUR LORD, Moderator.
Article two :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess, Voted : That the Town appropriate from money in the Treasury not otherwise ap- propriated the sum of five hundred twenty-five (525) dol- lars for the Forest Warden's Department.
Article three :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess, Voted : That the Town appropriate from money in the Treasury not otherwise ap- propriated the sum of four hundred (400) dollars for sew- ers.
Article four :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess, Voted : That the Town appropriate from money in the Treasury not otherwise ap- propriated the sum of six hundred (600) dollars for roads and bridges.
Article five :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess, Voted : That the Town appropriate from money in the Treasury not otherwise ap- . propriated the sum of five thousand (5,000) dollars for the School Department.
Article six :
On motion of Edward L. Burgess, Voted: That the Town appropriate in accordance with Section 53 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws, for the Fire Department the sum of eighty-two and 35-100 (82.35) dollars, received during the current year as reimbursement for fire hydrant damages.
On motion of William T. Eldridge, Voted : To adjourn.
Plym two
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REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN
The year 1921, the Tercentenary Celebration year has passed. The question of the success of the efforts of Plym- outh to make this Celebration one of universal interest may be safely left to the verdict of the public at large. It is enough to say that the Town responded unanimously to the occasion and nothing was stinted either of personal service or financial aid to make the success of Plymouth's big event an accomplishment to be proud of.
The comment of the visitors was universally favorable and it is undoubtedly true that nothing was neglected to provide for the comfort and pleasure of visiting strangers.
As will be remembered our namesake in the old country in 1920 manifested her interest by sending one of her promi- nent citizens to us with greetings, and it was a great pleas- ure to us to find that that interest had not waned, as she again in the past year sent another very distinguished member of her Municipality to be present at "President's Day" and we had the privilege of listening to a brief but most convincing address at Plymouth Rock, from Mr. Isaac Foote, Deputy Mayor of Plymouth, England, touching on the bonds of fraternity that should and do prevail between the two communities. Also another member of the English Town's government, Mr. Damond made a brief stop with us and witnessed the Pageant. He and his good wife, who is too, a member of the Municipality at home, were highly pleased with the affair and expressed themselves freely to that effect.
There is no need for us here to review the events of the whole season. It is sufficient to say that it was highly suc-
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cessful, every one did his or her best, and Plymouth has been placed on the map for thousands who previously had a very indistinct idea of the place and its advantages.
It now remains for us to use this publicity in every legiti- mate way for our own advantage. Plymouth as a summer resort has long been favorably known, but with this tre- mendously increased advertising if the public is offered the right kind of treatment there is no doubt that the financial advantage to be gained is to be measured only by the ef- forts made by our own people.
We are now confronted by the task of getting back to our previous condition of affairs. The work of the State Com- mission, while tending to vastly improve the appearance of the Town, has left us with a number of matters to be re- placed or repaired. The question of wharf facilities, which the changes in the water front have deprived us of, is one of very considerable moment, and which calls for a careful consideration. A Committee of the Town has this matter in charge and has gone into it very exhaustively and their report will be worth the undivided attention of every citi- zen.
The highways which last year were subjected to an in- creased use by the thousands of tourists will need a large amount of repairs.
The public sanitaries. which were erected mainly for temporary use, but which were built in a permanent manner, have proved of such value to the comfort of not only visit- ors but our own people, that it seems a public necessity to continue them.
The value of an ample police force was impressed on us by the very efficient manner in which traffic was handled the past year. It is reasonable to expect a larger number of visitors the coming season than usual and a continued use of special officers is indicated as a wise precaution.
The ordinary affairs of the Town call for several im-
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provements. The Eel River Bridge which has been a mat- ter of some concern for the last two years, and which has been the subject of a number of conferences with the State Highway Department, can no longer be sidetracked. We now have a definite agreement for the State to pay, one quarter of the expense, the County has also assured us that they will pay one quarter, leaving one half for the Town's share. This is a very reasonable adjustment and we are asking for an appropriation for this purpose. This will take care of the matter for an indefinite period and do away with the annual repairs which the large travel over that point, makes necessary.
It is also desirable both from the standpoint of economy and the good of the public at large that something be done to surface the road from the State Highway at Costello's Corner through Cedarville to the Bourne line. A section of hard road was put in at Herring Pond two years ago by the State, one half in Plymouth and the other half in Bourne. This has left an unimproved stretch in each Town and the State will cooperate to the extent of one third of the cost provided the Counties will assume one third and the two Towns a third. This, Bourne is ready to do. And it seems desirable to complete this section as it will un- doubtedly be a large factor in determining the new termin- al on the Canal, and it has proved that an improved road always results in new building with its consequent increase in taxable property.
The White Horse road which was surfaced last year from the church in Manomet to the waiting station near White Horse should be finished to the beach. It is only fair to the people in that section that the only public im- provements which they can reasonably expect should be given some consideration.
The State Highway Department contemplates a straight- ening of the very crooked road from Fresh Pond Hill to
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below the Indian Hill Farm. The only expense of this to the Town is to guarantee to the State freedom from any land damage, and a careful survey of this project together with consultation with the land owners make it plain that the matter of damage is very small. We hope this will be done.
A number of new lights have been installed at such places as the residents have shown that they were needed. The policy of the present Board has always been to put in lights wherever needed, on the theory that they were the best possible aid to the preservation of law and order as well as a great convenience to the people.
The work of the Police Department has been the subject of much comment both favorable and otherwise. The visit- ing public were unanimous in their praise. The criticism comes mostly from those who have been in contact with the officers in a professional way, and have suffered according- ly. It must be remembered that an officer sworn to the performance of duty and that duty being to enforce obedi- ence to the law, is only doing what he is hired to do when be "calls down" some automobile driver for an infraction of the same. Our only criticism would be that too many are allowed to "get by." In the matter of enforcement of the liquor laws the situation is complicated by the attitude of some who should be the strongest supporters of the law. No matter what a man's personal opinion may be, until the law is modified any one who gives countenance or even moral support to the avericious, morally irresponsible crim- inals who, regardless of human life, are flooding the coun- try with poisonous beverages for the sake of making money, is just as guilty as the offenders themselves. The way to cure the present situation is for the creation of a healthy public sentiment for some change in the present law. And when such a sentiment is shown to be of suffi- cient dimensions the change will be made.
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It will be noticed that an appropriation is asked for for general work of various kinds, to be expended under the direction of the Selectmen. This may seem to be such an unusual method that perhaps an explanation will not be amiss. There are at present and will be in the future a great many calls for aid from unemployed veterans. The law requires that aid must be given under such circum- stances. Now almost without exception these men are self-respecting citizens and only ask for a chance to work. To put them on the regular labor list would only result in displacing so many other workmen. It seems to the Board that we may; well undertake some other line of labor for these men thereby accomplishing the required furnishing of labor and at the same time doing some things that will be of benefit to the Town and in the end simply be getting a return for the money expended which otherwise would have to be paid out just the same and no return made for it. We have already furnished employment to a number of these applicants, but in view of the expected increase in their number it seems wise to prepare for it by an appro- priation rather than at the end of the year have it appear in a very materially increased Soldiers Relief, with its ac- companying demoralizing effect on the men themselves. There are very few men who had not rather earn their liv- ing than to have it given to them and it is certain that the returned soldiers are not asking for anything but a chance to earn their money honestly.
There will probably be more or less difficulty in provid- Ing'an ample supply of employment this coming season and it is not wise to place these men on the regular employment list to the detriment of those who have labored for years for the Town. We trust that this plan may meet with the approval of the citizens.
In conclusion we wish to thank all of those who helped to make our celebration a success, and particularly those
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who from the surrounding towns made such a wonderful exhibit in the parade on President's day. It was very gratifying to see the way in which the other townspeople cooperated with us, the fine spirit of help was very pleasing. We also wish to thank those who were on the Town's float. Although awarded a prize they very gladly gave up . their claims in favor of the next float on the list.
Farther on will be found the estimates of the different departments. These will repay careful study, and should be considered as the very earnest recommendations of those who are in a position to know the needs of the Town and who are best equipped to advise as to the amounts neces- sary to carry out the work.
WILLIAM T. ELDRIDGE, D. H. CRAIG, JOSIAH A. ROBBINS, GEORGE W. BRADFORD.
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APPROPRIATIONS RECOMMENDED BY THE SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS.
Selectmen's Department,
$2,200 00
Accounting Department, 1,700 00
Treasury Department,
1,500 00
Tax Collector's Department,
2,150 00
Assessors' Department,
5,200 00
Law Department,
800 00
Town Clerk's Department,
1,450 00
Engineering Department,
900 00
Street Line Survey,
150 00
Planning Board,
100 00
Election and Registration,
1,200 00
Maintenance of Town House,
2,100 00
Police Department,
17,000 00
Police Department for Signal System,
12,000 00
Fire Department,
28,139 00
Fire Department for New Pump,
1,800 00
Sealing Weights and Measures,
2,700 00
Moth Suppression, 6,000 00
2,500 00
Tree Warden's Department, Planting Shade Trees,
500 00
Forest Warden's Department,
3,000 00
Shell Fish Department,
600 00
Inland Fisheries,
200 00
Plymouth County Farm Bureau,
250 00
Plymouth County Hospital Maintenance,
7,817 03
Health Department,
15,000 00
Health Department for 1921 Bills,
858 91
Community Nurse,
500 00
Public Sanitaries,
2,000 00
Sewers,
3,000 00
New Outlet for Main Sewer,
5,000 00
Roads and Bridges,
40,000 00
Lincoln and Union Street Macadam,
5,000 00
Resurfacing Court Street.
5,000 00
Resurfacing Water Street,
3,000 00
White Horse Road,
3,500 00
Bournedale Road,
16,000 00
Eel River Bridge,
5,500 00
Sidewalks,
3,500 00
Tree Warden's Department,
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Sidewalks, Granolithic,
3,000 00
Sidewalks on Cliff Street,
750 00
Snow and Ice Removal,
2,000 00
Street Sprinkling,
4,500 00
Street Lighting,
14,000 00
Harbor Master,
150 00
Poor Department,
17,000 00
Mothers' Aid,
3,500 00
Military Aid,
92 50
Soldiers'. Relief,
6,161 16
Providing Employment for Soldiers and Others,
5,000 00
School Department,
214,635 00
School Department for 1921 Bills,
3,351 14
Plymouth Public Library (including Dog Tax $1,355.99), 4,500 00
Manomet Public Library,
500 00
Park Department,
4,200 00
Park Department, for Cutting Wood in Park,
300 00
Training Green,
300 00
Stephens Field,
1,800 00
Stephens Field for Cement Retaining Wall, 3,000 00
Stephens Field for Purchase of Land,
800 00
Public Camping Places,
700 00
Providing Headquarters for Plymouth Post No. 40, American Legion, 1,500 00
Providing Headquarters for United Spanish War Veterans, 150 00
Sexton,
150 00
Memorial Day,
275 00
Miscellaneous Account,
3,500 00
Landing Floats,
700 00
Reserve Account (from Reserve Overlay),
5,000 00
Water Department; Maintenance,
19,000 00
Water Department ; Construction,
6,000 00
Oak Grove and Vine Hills Cemeteries,
10,000 00
Burial Hill Cemetery, 1,700 00
Chiltonville, Manomet, Cedarville and South Pond Cemeteries, 300 00
Town Debt and Interest,
48,000 00
$596,329 74
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REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS AND TOWN ENGINEER.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
I submit herewith the following report of the Street De- partment for the year ending December 31st, 1921, showing somewhat in detail the work done during the past year.
NEW EQUIPMENT.
A two ton "GMC" Truck with dump body was purchased in April of the Plymouth Buick Company at a cost of $4,007.33. This truck has proved very serviceable.
The following table shows area and cost of all new road work, and resurfacing that was carried out during the year 1921.
LOCATION
Area in Sq. Yds.
White Horse Road,
5,013
Total Cost $7,018.00
Cost per Sq. Yd. $1.40
31/2"
Shirley Square and North Streets,
3,311
4,865.00
1.47
415"
Oak Street,
4,958
6,942.00
1.40
41/2"
South Street (Tarvia B and Pea Stone),
4,797
925.00
.19
Water Street Extension (Tarvia A. and No. 2 Stone),
1,582
456.00
.29
Billington Street (Tarvia B and Sand),
5,400
394.00
07
Market and Pleasant Streets (Tarvia B and Sand),
3,500
254.00
.07
Water and Union Streets (Tarvia B and Sand),
2,500
225.00
.09
Leyden Street (Tarvia B and Pea Stone),
1,327
421.00
.32
Middle Street (Tarvia B and Pea Stone),
1,145
270.00
.23
$21,770.00
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Thickness
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WHITE HORSE ROAD
A contract for the construction of White Horse Road in Manomet, from the church to the old waiting statnon, was let to William A. Jones, of Barnstable.
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