USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1928-1929 > Part 18
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Article 46. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding twenty-four hundred (2,400) dollars to pay the expenses of the observance of July Fourth and of an Old Home Day in connection with Forefathers' Day, said money to be expended by the Board of Selectmen.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropri- ate the sum of $750.00 for the observance of July Fourth and Forefathers' Day, to be expended under the direction of the Selectmen.
Article 47. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding five hundred (500) dollars for public band concerts, said money to be expended by the Board of Selectmen.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropri- ate the sum of $500.00 for public band concerts, to be expended under the direction of the Selectmen.
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Article 48. To see if the Town will authorize the Board of Public Welfare to sell the Frances Archer prop- erty situated on the southerly side of Davis Street.
The Committee recommends that the Town authorize the Board of Public Welfare to sell the property men- tioned in Article 48.
Article 49. To see if the Town will authorize the transfer of a sum not exceeding five thousand (5,000) dollars from the Reserve from Overlayings of Taxes to the Reserve Account in the hands of the Advisory and Finance Committee.
The Committee recommends that the Town authorize the transfer of the sum of $5,000.00 from the Reserve from Overlayings of Taxes to the Reserve Account in the hands of the Advisory and Finance Committee.
Article 50. To see if the Town will vote to appropri- ate a sum not exceeding thirty thousand (30,000) dol- lars from the surplus now standing as a credit balance on the Excess and Deficiency Account to reduce the tax levy of the current year.
The Committee recommends that the Town vote to ap- propriate $30,000.00 from the surplus now standing as a credit balance on the Excess and Deficiency Account to reduce the tax levy of the current year.
Respectfully submitted,
ADVISORY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE, TOWN OF PLYMOUTH.
William P. Libby, Chairman; Sumner A. Chapman, Aldo Giovanetti, James S. Swanton, George B. Sweeney, Harold A. C. Bumpus, George A. Parks, Jr., Willard H. Parsons, William H. Pridham, Henry O. Davis, Arthur H. Luce, Harold G. Roberts, J. Henry Shaw. The following negative votes are recorded :
On the recommendation under Article 22, Mr. Luce.
On the recommendation under Article 13, Messrs. Libby, Parks, Parsons and Roberts.
Attested : Elmer R. Harlow, Secretary.
Plymouth Three
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REPORT OF ADVISORY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF PLYMOUTH
ON THE ARTICLES IN THE WARRANT FOR THE SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, DECEMBER 28, 1929
Article 2. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding Three hundred (300) dollars for the Law Department.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropri- ate a sum not exceeding Three hundred (300) dollars for the Law Department.
Article 3. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding Three Hundred and fifty (350) dollars for Election and Registration.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropri- ate a sum not exceeding Three hundred and fifty (350) dollars for Election and Registration.
Article 4. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding One Thousand (1,000) dollars for the Health Department.
The Committee recommends that the Town appro- priate a sum not exceeding One thousand (1,000) dol- lars for the Health Department.
Article 5. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of Eleven hundred, nineteen, and 11/100 (1,119.11) dollars for Town Debt and Interest.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropri- ate the sum of Eleven hundred, nineteen, and 11/100 (1,119.11) dollars for Town Debt and Interest.
Article 6. To see if the Town will approprite for the Public Welfare Department the sum of Eleven hundred (1,100) dollars received for the sale of the Archer pro- perty.
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The Committee recommends that the Town appropri- ate for the Public Welfare Department the sum of Eleven hundred (1,100) dollars received for the sale of the Archer property.
Respectfully submitted,
ADVISORY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF PLYMOUTH
Harrison F. Goddard, Chairman; Harold A. C. Bumpus, Mansfield S. O'Brien, George A. Parks, Jr., Allen D. Russell, Henry O. Davis, Arthur H. Luce, Lyman C. Tripp.
ELMER R. HARLOW, Secretary.
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SELECTMEN'S REPORT
In making a report of this nature it is difficult to determine just what to include. It is not feasible to put in detailed or itemized statements of the many different varieties of effort which have engaged the activities of the Selectmen during the past year. Any citizen who is interested can inform himself as to the more intimate details by consulting the reports of the different Heads of Departments. There will be found a most complete fi- nancial statement of each and every activity that has been undertaken during the past season. It is not our purpose to duplicate or amplify on those reports. We can only hope to convey in general terms the activities of the past year and give an idea of the general condition of the Town.
The Highway Department has during the past season contented itself with improving some of the hard surfaced roads that while put down one or two years ago were not carried out to the curb (as was the custom at that time). These have been widened and surfaced over to the curb on both sides making a substantial improvement particularly as regards the erosion due to rain, this having been one of the noticeable defects in the former method. The only new work this year was the building of Brookside Ave. This has been surfaced and now is a very presentable street. Some surfacing has been done on Court and Main Sts. and these are at present in very good condition.
The erection of the new building of the Plymouth Na- tional Bank created an opportunity for a widening at that point. The building being set back from the street line, made it possible to narrow the sidewalk at that point and increase the width of the street at a point where it was much needed and has proved to be of great advantage as that section is the narrowest and most congested place in our main thoroughfare.
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The sidewalks have been much improved by resurfac- ing the old ones and by adding a number of "Grano- lithic" walks in conjunction with the abuttors in vari- ous parts of the Town.
Street lights have been added as need arose in con- formance with the fixed policy of the Board. The only limit to street lighting is the expense and until an amount prohibitive is reached, light will be provided as it is the one best preventive of disorder and crime. Well lighted streets are an asset not only for their convenience but as an advertisement for the Town.
The work of the Police Department has been of a normal nature. Traffic violations have as usual furnished the greater part of the work of Police. Crime of a seri- ous nature being happily rare. In the few cases of more serious matters the Police have acquitted themselves creditably and the Town has been in its usual quiet and orderly condition.
The General Public could if it were so disposed be a very considerable factor in curing the automobile situ- ation by calling the attention of the Officers to Traffic violations as they see them. It is impossible for the few men that we have on the street to see everything that occurs. The Public will find the men willing and anxious to perform their duty in these matters if they can only have sufficient evidence on which to work.
There are several matters that will be brought to the attention of the Voters at the coming Town Meeting. These should be carefully investigated and the people should keep in mind the fact that the Tax Rate is a matter largely of their own making. It would be unwise to turn down every expenditure, just to reduce the rate, but on the other hand no money should be spent unless the voters can feel that they will get value for the outlay. The coming year promises to be a quiet one in business circles and unemployment is all too common for us to be extravagant in expenditure. The Town must be kept in a neat and orderly condition for the reception of our
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1
usual Summer Trade on which so many of our Citizens depend for their income. The General Public has formed the habit of coming to our Town for sight seeing and the business created by these visitors is a very considerable part of the Town's cash receipts. The renting of rooms and furnishing of food and entertainment for these transient travellers has resulted in a volume of business that it would be very unwise to in any way discourage. Plymouth has many natural advantages for the Summer Visitor and has been so well advertised that we should use every means of encouraging their coming and money spent wisely in improving the appearance of the Town and increasing the attractions here should not be denied the proper Departments by a too niggardly economy. Our Town debt and Tax rate compare very favorably with that of other Towns and Cities in the State and we should be very watchful that we keep the comparison where it is and not be led into extravagant expenditures that are not absolutely necessary. It may seem to the casual observer that this report is stressing this subject too much. But it is the one subject that concerns every one and those in particular who have the Finances of the Town in charge and we want to make the coming year as prosperous as possible in view of the somewhat dubious business outlook.
In conclusion we wish to thank the many employees of the Town and particularly the Heads of Departments for their cooperation during the past year. We believe that every one has the best interests of the Town at heart and while some are noticeably indifferent, on the whole the people support the Authorities to the best of their ability.
FRANK EASTWOOD, ROGER S. KELLEN, HERBERT K. BARTLETT, ANDREW J. CARR, GEORGE J. ANDERSON, Selectmen.
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REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS FOR THE TOWN MEMORIAL BUILDING
At the special town meeting held July 27, 1922, the following vote was passed :
"The Town authorizes the Town Hall Committee to erect a Town Hall as a Memorial Building to the Soldiers, Sailors and Marines of Plymouth in all wars that our Country has been engaged in, substantially in accord- ance with plans submitted to the Town."
At an annual town meeting several years later a reso- lution was introduced and adopted as follows :
"A Committee of seven be appointed by the Moderator to investigate the matter of a memorial for the new Memorial Building and report at a future town meeting."
Under these two motions the Town Memorial Commit- tee has been actively engaged since last summer in mak- ing a careful study of the whole subject of "Memorials" and the character of memorial best suited to our Town Memorial Building.
Following the appointment of the Town Committee, American Legion Post No. 40 selected a Committee of their own members for the purpose of working in close cooperation with the Town Committee with the thought in mind that whatever program is now presented or may in the future be presented to the Town for its approval, it is understood such program has been thoroughly dis- cussed with and accepted by the Legion Committee.
It is only fair to say all meetings held during the past year have been joint gatherings of both Committees. Much helpful information and advice has been given by the Legion Committee and the character of memorials which we recommend should be adopted have received the unanimous approval of the Legion Committee.
An unexpended balance in the Memorial Building fund of about $4350 which it was thought could be used for memorial features was required in 1927 for the correction
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of the acoustic properties of the hall - hence the Com- mittee has been without funds.
Members of the Committee, both individually and in groups, have personally inspected many types of memo- rials. Conferences have been held with representatives of the Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence and the Birmingham Guild of England, two of the out- standing manufacturers of memorial tablets. It is the present view of the Committee that in due course of time four bronze tablets should be placed on the walls of the foyer in the Memorial Building and on those tab- lets shall be inscribed the names of all those from Plym- outh who were engaged in any of the "Wars of our Coun- try." Predicated entirely on rough plans, sketches and estimates submitted to the Committee, the approximate cost of those tablets - carrying around 2500 names - also an approximate - would be about $10,000. It will be obvious to all, however, the casting of these bronze tablets must be deferred until a complete and accurate list of those entitled to have their names on this roll of honor has been prepared.
A tremendous amount of research work will be neces- sary, more particularly with respect to obtaining the names of those participating in the Colonial and Revo- lutionary Wars and in the preparation of these lists some travelling will be necessary in order to delve into and check with the Colonial records on file in Boston, Phil- adelphia and Washington.
More or less clerical assistance will be required which will have to be paid for and there will be other minor expenses for filing cabinets, card indexes, etc., etc. It is quite probable that one, two or even three years may elapse before your Committee will be in a position to present to the Town complete information as to the exact type of tablet which it believes the Town should adopt.
However, in the meantime, the foyer of the building, which at present is noticeable for its bareness, can be
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greatly improved by the placing of groups of flags in the four glass niches, which were undoubtedly intended for such or similar purposes. The Committee have agreed on a selection of twelve flags, three to each niche, which will represent and typify the several war periods, com- mencing with the time of the Pilgrims down to and in- cluding the World War. These flags can be, and if the expense is authorized will be, purchased from the Com- monwealth of Massachusetts at an approximate expense of $700. We have been given to understand by the State authorities the flags - made by hand and entirely of silk - can be completed and delivered in a period of three months and the Committee feels this feature of the program should be carried through immediately.
In the town warrant for consideration at the forth- coming town meeting the Committee is asking for an initial appropriation of $2500, this sum to be expended, first, for the standards of flags and, second, for all other expenses incidental to the preparation of an accurate list of those in whose memory the Memorial Building was erected and whose names will ultimately be inscribed on tablets that will last through the ages.
The Committee is of the firm conviction that not until these interior memorials adorn the foyer walls of the Memorial Building will the original intention of the cit- izens of the Town in providing a building be fulfilled.
When the work is completed it is believed the Town will have a permanent, public and practically indestruct- ible record, second to none in America.
Respectfully submitted, MRS. CHARLES S. DAVIS, GEORGE L. GOODING, HARRY B. DAVIS, HENRY WALTON, HENRY W. ROYAL, ANDREW J. CARR, WILLIAM P. LIBBY.
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REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS AND TOWN ENGINEER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen :
In accordance with the annual custom I herewith sub- mit a report of the work done in these Departments during the year 1929.
ROLLER
In the 1928 report of your Superintendent a recom- mendation was made that the old steam roller, that had been in service since 1911, be replaced by a gasoline roller. The recommendation was approved by the Fi- nance Committee and the Town voted an appropriation of $5,200.00 for the purchase of a new roller.
A twelve ton gasoline Buffalo-Springfield roller was purchased with the approval of the Selectmen and has proved very satisfactory. One advantage this type of roller possesses is that it can be operated by any one who can operate a truck and does not require a licensed engineer.
WATER STREET EXTENSION
In 1928 the Town appropriated $10,000.00 to build Water Street Extension from Park Avenue, northerly, to Nelson Street.
All of this street was built in 1928 except that section, about 600 feet in length, that was relocated on the clay fill at the Town Wharf. During 1928 all the clay within the limits of the roadway was removed to a depth of about 2.0 ft., suitable under drains were installed and a fill of 2.0 ft. of coarse gravel was made. This fill was allowed to settle during the winter of 1928-1929 and in the summer of 1929 a 6" penetration road was built. The lower 3" was 21/2" local stone and the wearing surface
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of about 21/2" was trap rock penetrated and sealed with Standard Oil "Binder C". Up to the time of writing this report there has been no indication of settlement in this road and I am confident that none will occur.
MANOMET AVENUE
This avenue, in Manomet, was laid out by the Select- men and accepted by the Town in March, 1929, and an appropriation of $1,000.00 was made to built it. It was treated with an application of KP and No. 2 stone and sealed with 85% Asphalt and Pea Stone.
PRINCE STREET
This street was laid out by the Selectmen and accepted by the Town in March, 1927 but was not built until 1929.
After grading and gravelling this street was also surface treated with tar and stone in the same way as Manomet Avenue.
REMOVAL OF CAR TRACK
An appropriation of $2,500.00 was made for a con- tinuation of the work of car track removal on Court Street between Samoset Street and Chilton Street. This work was carried out in the same manner as last year by the removal of rails and ties and rebuilding the old road bed with "TARVIALITHIC". The new work and the adjoining road surface was given a seal coat of Tarvia KP and trap rock pea stone.
SHORE ROAD
The Shore Road hard surfacing, for which an appro- priation of $2,500.00 was made, has been carried out during the past year with "TARVIALITHIC". This work started at the south end of the work done the previous year and extended northerly a distance of about 970 feet near the northerly entrance to the Priscilla Beach development.
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COURT STREET WIDENING BETWEEN SHIRLEY SQUARE AND BREWSTER STREET
A transfer of $1,000.00 was made by the Finance Committee to Roads and Bridges in order to move back the westerly curb on Court Street between the above mentioned two points and rebuild the sidewalk. It was late in the season when this work was started and we were only able to get the curbing moved. The rebuilding of the sidewalk will be done when the spring weather per- mits.
SIDEWALKS
The major part of the sidewalk work done during the past year has been the hot asphalt mixed surface, built with the outfit purchased in 1927, and approximately 9900 sq. yds. of this type of walk has been completed during the year.
The following sidewalks were surfaced: Samoset St., both sides from Allerton St. to Standish Avenue, and the north side of Samoset St. to house of Walter Schort- man, Standish Avenue, east side, from Samoset St. to the Monument grounds. Oak St., west side, from Summer to Samoset, Fremont St., both sides, and Union St., west side, from Fremont to Bradford; and Water St., on the south side. Also, a portion of Warren Avenue, on the east side, to meet the new grade of the State Highway that was rebuilt in 1929.
As has been the practice in previous years, on all streets where the sidewalk work was being done the shoulders of the road were widened and carried to the curb line where it was possible to do so.
It is recommended that sidewalks be built on one side of the following streets during the coming season. Brad- ford, Robinson, Samoset to Royal, North Spooner, For- est Avenue, Spooner, Cherry, Standish Ave., Alden, Loth- rop, Chestnut, Vernon, Mt. Pleasant and short sections on Court St.
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CALCIUM CHLORIDE
The usual treatment of Calcium Chloride to the roads in the outside districts has been continued during the past year. In addition to the gravel roads heretofore treated with calcium, one application was made on the Sandwich Road, from Terry's Corner to the State High- way.
I recommend a continuation of this treatment of gravel roads for 1930.
SEWERS
The principal sewer work done in 1929 was an exten- sion of 611 feet. of the Samoset St. sewer to Royal St. and 860 ft. on Royal St. to the house of Thomas Bodell. There was also an extension of 421 ft. on Standish Ave. and 256 ft. on Harding Ave. and 56 ft. on Mckinley Rd.
It is probable that several extensions will be requested during the coming year and I recommend the usual ap- propriation of $6,000.00.
INTERCEPTING SEWER
The question of proper disposal of sewage for the Town is going to grow continually more serious as the summer population of Plymouth increases.
At present there are five major sewer outlets dis- charging directly into the harbor, and the State Depart- ment of Health has closed a large portion of the flats on account of shell fish pollution due to these sewer outlets.
I think the most satisfactory way of disposing of this sewage will be to run an intercepting sewer southerly from the Plymouth Cordage Company to a collecting reservoir ; and discharge the sewage by pumping it from this reservoir into the deep water of the bay.
Before any intelligent opinion can be formed as to the most satisfactory solution of this problem, it will be necessary to have a comprehensive engineering survey and report by competent engineers to advise the Town regarding the most efficient and economical plan. J therefore, suggest an appropriation of $6,000.00 for such a survey and report.
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COURT STREET, EAST GUTTER, BETWEEN HOW- LAND AND CHILTON STREETS
A poor drainage condition exists at this place, due to two causes (1) trees in the gutter that obstruct the flow of water, and (2) a very low curb and sidewalk that cannot readily be raised without damage to abutting property.
This condition can be relieved by laying a drain under the east sidewalk, from Howland to Chilton Sts. and about 50 ft. down Chilton St., emptying into the open gutter. Suitable basins with gratings should be built at each low point in the gutter and water from them carried into this drain. The cost of this work would be approximately $1,300.00.
GRANOLITHIC SIDEWALK
There has been built, during the past year, 2,217 sq. yds. sidewalk and 4,473 lineal ft. of curb, of the cement concrete type.
SNOW REMOVAL
Two new pieces of equipment were purchased in 1929.
One was a steel Baker plough for use with our five ton Holt Caterpillar tractor and the other was a sanding outfit for use in sanding the roads. This sand spreader has proved very useful in that it has enabled us to sand a considerable mileage of icy road in a comparatively short time.
The necessary lines and grades for new road construc- tion and sewer work have been furnished from the Town Engineer's office during the past year and record plans of sewer construction and miscellaneous work have been prepared and are on file.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR E. BLACKMER,
Superintendent of Streets and Town Engineer.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN CLERK
Births, Deaths, Marriages
For the year 1929
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MARRIAGES REGISTERED IN PLYMOUTH IN 1929.
Jan. 1. Eugene B. Adams of Sandwich and Marion F. Harlow of Plymouth, married in Plymouth.
Jan. 1. Emil Demulder of Kingston and Dorothy Old- ham of Plymouth, married in Plymouth.
Jan, 5. Henry J. Govoni and Freida M. Greene, both of Plymouth.
Jan. 5. Joseph Souza and Mary C. Santos, both of Plym- outh.
Jan. 9. Joseph V. Minelli of Plymouth and Molly Fitz- gerald of Cambridge, married in Cambridge.
Jan. 10. William W. Dries and Rose M. Botieri, both of Plymouth.
Jan. 22. Fernando Collari and Enas Mary Cortelli, both of Plymouth.
Jan. 26. Joseph Correa, Jr. and Genevieve P. Demers, both of Plymouth.
Jan. 28. Columbo R. Reggiani and Enis E. A. Forna- ciari, both of Plymouth.
Feb. 7. Henry J. Busi of Plymouth and Edna A. Leon- ardi of Kingston, married in Kingston.
Feb. 8. Augustino Diodato and Cangela Ghidoni, both of Plymouth.
Feb. 9. Joseph M. Diaz and Mary Almeida, both of Plymouth.
Feb. 10. Edwin R. Durno and Evelyn F. A. Baker, both of Boston, married in Plymouth.
Feb. 14. Stanley G. Wilson of Boston and Mary Sirrico of Plymouth, married in Boston.
Feb. 16. James S. Clark and Myra W. Sampson, both of Plymouth.
Feb. 23. Paul R. Bates of Duxbury and Annie G. Kane of Plymouth, married in Kingston.
Mar. 5. James A. White and Anna A. Deacon, both of Plymouth.
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Mar. 13. Antonio Lopes and Mary Lopes, both of Plym- outh.
Mar. 30. Fletcher R. Edes and Mary P. Morton, both of Plymouth, married in Brookline.
Apr. 2. Nicholas F. Maier of Plymouth and Helena A. Fries of Pembroke, married in Hanson.
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