USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1930-1931 > Part 9
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 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35
--- 132-
tors and assumed her duties May 16th, Mrs. Figmic kindly agreeing to continue until that date. Miss Haskins very soon demonstrated her fitness for the position, and has continued to give service eminently satisfactory to the directors.
The improvements contemplated in the report for 1929 consisting of a comfortable staff room, improved lava- tory facilities on the main floor, and an adequate supply of hot water available where needed have been provided and have proved their usefulness, also a worn out type- writer which had become almost useless has been replaced by a new one.
During book week the library committee introduced an innovation by putting on an art exhibit in the main reading room, the work all being by local artists. The exhibit proved to be an unqualified success both in the number and excellence of the pictures, and in the interest shown by the patrons of the library. As a direct result of the exhibit people who had never taken books from the library before, began to do so and others who had not taken out books for a long time again became borrowers. On account of the interest in it the exhibit was continued for a second week although originally planned for book week only.
The directors commended Miss Haskins and her assist- ants for the very satisfactory way in which the details of the exhibit were carried out and they are deeply grateful to Mrs. George R. Briggs and Miss Rose Briggs for di- recting the hanging of the pictures, also to those who so cheerfully loaned their work. Much more excellent ma- terial was available had there been room to show it.
In looking forward to the coming year there are several items of repair that should receive attention. If the lighting of the reading room is to continue to be satis- factory it will be necessary to whiten the ceiling. We pay the same for light whether this is done or not, but as the ceiling and to a less extent the walls become dingy we are getting less and less of the light we are paying for. This is true because we have an indirect lighting system
.- 133-
which is the ideal one to read by as there is no glare and there are no shadows.
A small portion of the brick walk in front of the li- brary building is becoming very uneven and an increas- ing menace to the infirm or the unwary. A retaining wall beside the stone steps leading up from the entrance to the cellar in the rear is giving way and should be at- tended to as soon as the weather will permit.
With the building placed in perfect condition and with the present competent staff the library may look forward to another year of continued growth and increasing use- fulness to the community.
For the Directors,
J. HOLBROOK SHAW,
President.
-134-
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Directors of the Plymouth Public Library :
The annual report of the Library is herewith pre- sented.
Circulation
The circulation statistics for the year 1930 show a most gratifying increase in all departments, and while the service rendered cannot be judged by circulation gains a comparison of figures is always interesting, and is perhaps the most convincing proof of the Library's growth.
1929
1930
Gain
Loss
Main Library Desk Cir-
culation (adult and juvenile)
102,639 113,602 10,963
School Deposit Circula- tion,
5,536
9,676
4,140
Long Pond Deposit,
652
724
72
Ellisville Deposit (dis- continued Nov. 1st),
764
250
514
Jordan Hospital Deposit
(not resumed until
Nov. 1st)
1,239
360
879
Total Circulation,
110,830 124,612
Gain 1930,
15,175
Loss 1930,
1,393
Total Gain 1930, 13,782
-135-
41217
Main Library Circulation By Classes Adult Circulation :
Fiction,
63,219 .
General works,
169
Philosophy,
631
Religion,
266
Sociology,
1,258
Languages,
122
Science,
681
Useful arts,
1,374
Fine arts,
1,383
Literature,
3,053
History,
1,493
Travel,
1,966
Biography,
2,638
Periodicals,
3,398
Foreign books,
370
Prints,
2,656
Duplicate pay fiction,
2,836
87,513
Juvenile Circulation :
Fiction,
17,140
Non Fiction,
8,949
26,089
Total,
113,602
Books in the Library
Number of volumes at the beginning of the year, 22,938
Number of volumes added 1930, 1,774
By purchase,
1,638
By gift,
105
By binding,
31
1,774
Total,
24,712
Number of volumes lost or withdrawn,
344
Total number at the end of the year 1930,
24,368
1
-136-
This total number of books in the Library is at best an estimate. A complete inventory is planned for the following year which will correct our card catalog to date, and give us an accurate knowledge of our book stock.
Registration
The year 1930 added 628 new borrowers; of these 396 were adult, and 232 were juvenile registrations. The number of active card holders is now 4,384.
Schools and Reference Work
Through the cooperation of the teachers, the Library is able to reach those children living in too distant sec- tions of the town to make personal visits to the Library, and the gain in school circulation is proof of the splendid work done by the teachers. The books included in the 48 School Deposits circulated 9,676 times, a gain of 4,140 over the preceding year.
The Librarian and the Children's Librarian have visited the schools and have spoken to the children re- garding the State Honor Certificate Reading, and have presented 86 Honor Certificates. At these assemblies Rev. Alfred R. Hussey has addressed the pupils of the Cornish and Burton Schools, and other schools have given entertainments both talented and original as related to the reading of books.
The Librarian has given instruction at the Library to the classes of the 8th Grade of the Junior High School in the use of reference books and the library catalog.
During Book Week 12 classes, accompanied by their teachers, visited the Library and were given an oppor- tunity to see the Exhibit of Pictures in the adult reading room, as well as the display of new books and the educa- tional exhibit in the children's room. Miss Margaret Kyle told stories to 136 children on the Saturday morn- ing of Book Week, and succeeding Story Hours have been well attended.
Reference work with the students of the Grammar and High Schools is an important feature of the Li-
-137-
brary's work, and while our reference department is well organized it is hoped that the following year will find some added works of reference to make this branch of our service of greater value. A rearrangement of books in the non-fiction stacks has brought together all of the books used by the High School for supplementary read- ing, the pupils thereby helping themselves more satis- factorily, and relieving the staff for other duties.
Library Exhibit
Of added interest during Book Week was the collection of paintings and etchings, the work of Plymouth resi- dents, shown in the adult reading room. Over 100 pic- tures were hung, and the interest shown by the towns- people, many of whom came several times to see the ex- hibit, was a tribute to the talent of the exhibitors. The Library is greatly indebted to those people who so gra- ciously loaned their work and cooperated to make this exhibit a success. Its very definite value to the Library was shown in the number of new borrowers gained at this time. 133 registrations were recorded, this number being twice the number of any other month of the year.
The Staff
Inasmuch as a review of the Library activities of the past year presents convincing proof of its growth, it can- not but be appreciated that in order to meet extra de- mands our staff has had increased duties imposed upon it, and has performed these duties with splendid spirit. Previous reports have called to your attention the fact that the salaries of our assistants are below the standard set by the American Library Association, and while I shall not quote Association statistics in regard to this subject, I do wish to suggest that an appreciation of loyal service so graciously extended should be acknowl- edged, and it is hoped that in some way our appropriation will permit an increase in the salaries of all assistants.
-138-
Acknowledgements
The Library extends sincere appreciation to the fol- lowing Library friends :
To Mrs. W. E. Randall at Long Pond, and to Mrs. Ern- est Ellis at Ellisville, for their splendid work in their communities.
To Miss Lucretia Watson for her gift of $50.00 for the purchase of books.
To the "Old Colony Memorial" for space given to li- brary publicity.
To those friends who remember the Library with gifts of books and periodicals, and during the summer with many gifts of flowers.
The Library is indebted to the Boston Public Library, and to nearby Libraries for the gracious loaning of those books requested by our borrowers which we were unable to purchase.
The Massachusetts Library Commission and the Lor- ing Reading Room have generously loaned books in for- eign languages, these collections being changed as soon as they are read.
The Librarian takes pleasure in acknowledging the high standard of service which the Library was render- ing when she assumed her duties in the middle of the year, also the cooperation of the efficient and congenial staff with whom it has been her privilege to complete the year; and to the Directors she extends her appreciation for their helpful support.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLOTTE HASKINS,
Librarian.
1
-139-
Plymouth Public Library
Appropriation, including 1929 Dog Tax,
$10,000.00
Income from Gates Fund, 106.37
$10,106.37
Payments
Salaries-
Librarian,
$1,937.50
Assistants,
3,685.63
Janitor,
600.00
$6,223.13
Books and Periodicals-
Book Repairs, $224.16
Books and Periodi- cals, 2,427.57
Stationery, 92.46
2,744.19
Other Expenses-
Fuel and Light,
$717.47
Janitor's Supplies,
38.65
Library Supplies,
249.07
Repairs,
71.72
All Other,
62.14
1,139.05
Total Payments, $10,106.37
1
-140-
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
We respectfully submit the following report for the past year.
BEACH PARK
Cement steps from the bath-house to the beach have been made. Four large drains were placed at intervals along the parking space. Additional parking space being needed, the piece of land on the westerly side of Warren Avenue, was filled in, accommodating about twenty cars. The Beach has been surveyed preparatory to filling in the Eel River side for larger parking facilities. Received from rooms $1,054.95; suits $71.80 ; towels $126.30, mak- ing a total of $1,253.05.
STEPHENS FIELD
The south portion of Stephens Field near the pond has been dedicated to Edward Bangs and named Edward Bangs Park. The Edward Bangs family descendants have erected a large granite seat near the centre of the Park. This generous gift to the Town of Plymouth was dedi- cated by the Bangs Family on July 26th with impressive ceremonies.
The baseball diamond was straightened and the play- ing field enlarged.
The bathing beach was improved by ploughing and cleaning the stones from the section near the bath-house.
Received from rooms, $52.95; suits $14.70; towels $6.70; Circus rental $225.00, total $299.35.
BREWSTER GARDEN
Garages and equipment belonging to the Plymouth Electric Light Company and located on their land near the station were removed. Permission was granted by the Plymouth Electric Light Company to the Park De-
-- 141-
partment to develop this land and beautify it in keeping with Brewster Garden. This new section of green grass and shrubs adds to the appearance of this section.
The Eddy Family in America have placed a boulder with bronze inscription in the Gardens near the site of the swinging bridge. Dedication of this Memorial took place on September 25th with suitable ceremonies.
New signs at all entrances to the Gardens were erected.
SOUTH STREET PLAYGROUNDS
This playground is very popular with the children of this section of the town. It has received the usual atten- tion.
BURTON PARK
The usual care has been given this park. A new fence was erected.
BATES PARK
Cement walks should be made through the park replac- ing the present muddy walks.
NELSON STREET PLAYGROUND
New equipment was added for the children. A cement retaining wall was built from the bath-house southerly along the shore to the boundary line. Received from bath-house, rooms $38.55; suits $7.30; towels $2.10.
MUNICIPAL CAMP
The camp was open from June 1st to September 15th, proving very popular with the motor campers and tour- ists. The number of cars parked during the season was 2,325. Amount received for parking, $825.00.
DEPOT PARK
New shrubs were set out at each end of the park. The usual care was given.
VETERANS' FIELD
Athletic equipment was added for the children. Dur- ing the month of July and August, an athletic instructor was in attendance. A new flag pole was erected near the Legion Memorial Tablet.
-142-
TRAINING GREEN The usual care was given this park during the season.
INDIAN LANDS
Brush has been cut from this reservation and the dead trees removed.
MORTON PARK
A new rustic footbridge was built over the river re- placing the old bridge which had become unsafe.
Large sections of the park have been brushed out and many new trees set out. The work of fighting the gypsy moth was continued.
A telephone was installed at the bath-house. Steel boats and life saving equipment were placed at the bath- house. Receipts from rooms $85.05; suits $11.90; tow- els $7.10; total $104.05.
ERNEST C. DUNHAM, JAMES T. FRAZIER, MYRON L. SMITH,
Park Commissioners.
-143-
BOARD OF HEALTH
DIRECTORY
Term Expires
Herbert S. Maxwell, Chairman,
1932
Andrew J. Carr, Secretary, 1931
Walter D. Shurtleff, M. D., Health Officer,
1933
Edward K. Morse, Sanitary Inspector and Fumigating Officer
Daniel J. Sullivan, Inspector of Milk
Arthur A. Sampson, Michael D. Welsh, John E. Sullivan and Henry Mengoli, Inspectors of Plumbing Almeda Chandler, Clerk
Harry A. Taft, Charles Cranford, E. E. Farnham, Augus- tus B. Rogers, Anthony Drigoli and Joseph Contente, Special Inspectors
Dr. F. H. Bradley, Inspector of Slaughtering
The regular meetings of the Board of Health are held on every Tuesday evening at five o'clock.
FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 1930
RECEIPTS
$18,000.00
Appropriation,
PAYMENTS
General and Administrative Ex-
penses, $1,732.76
Quarantine and Contagious Dis-
3,821.99
eases,
Tuberculosis, 3,906.20
Vital Statistics, 25.75
Inspection (animal, meat, milk), 2,746.17
Public Dump, 2,680.68
-144-
Tuberculosis Dispensary Ex-
penses, 714.84
Dental Clinic Expense, 1,348.90
Plumbing Inspection, Fumigat- ing and various expenses, 2,747.87
19,725.16
Balance Overdrawn to be Ap- propriated by Town,
$1,725.16
In the matter of contagious diseases this tabulation speaks for itself, although undoubtedly a good many cases where there was no doctor called in, were not re- ported, and we are calling the attention of the household- ers to the fact that all contagious cases must be reported where a doctor is not called.
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Total
1| 2
3
4
5
6
7 8 9|10|11|12
13
Anterior Poliomyelitis
1 52
8
Chicken Pox
3|
2 6
1|10
2 2
26
Diphtheria
1
3 52
11
German Measles
2|
2
1 1
1
7
Lobar Pneumonia
2
4 1
2
2|
1
1
13
Broncho Pneumonia
1
5
3
3
1
1
14
Measles
1| 2
2 12
1
1
19
Mumps
1
11| 1|1| 6|12|30 35
1
7
Septic Sore Throat
1
1
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
1
32431
2
16
Tuberculosis all Forms
2
1|
1
4
Whooping Cough
8|23
5262
28
Scabies
1
2
3
13 14 23 10 29 37 |18 9 9|18 38 36 |254
97
Scarlet Fever
4 11
-145-
To the Inhabitants of the Town of Plymouth:
The Health Department herewith present its report, together with its reports of various appointees for the year ending December 31, 1931.
During the year Public Health Clinics have been held at various times, such as diphtheria prevention clinic for the immunization of the pre-school children, also for ex- amination for tuberculosis by the Board of Health physi- cian Doctor William E. Curtin.
The follow-up work for tuberculosis has been taken care of as usual in compliance with the State Department of Public Health Division of Tuberculosis. Over sixty homes have been visited during the past year, with com- plete records of each case filed in this office. This work requires several visits. There has been an average of nine patients receiving care and treatment at Plymouth County Hospital, South Hanson, and two at Lakeville State Sanatorium.
Sanitary Inspections have been given special attention throughout the year, it covers a wide range and includes the placarding of houses during periods of infection, the investigation of suspected sources of contamination, visits to restaurants, bakeries and grocery stores. Mr. Edward K. Morse, Sanitary Inspector for the Board is to be com- mended for his zeal and attention to his many duties. The work that he has accomplished is a source of grati- fication to the Board.
These tours of inspection require no little time. It is one of the duties of the board of health to see that nuisances are abated and dead animals removed.
The testing of the water supply of the Town, both pub- lic and private, has been made at frequent intervals by State authorities.
An appropriation of $18,000.00 is asked for the year 1931.
HERBERT S. MAXWELL, Chairman,
ANDREW J. CARR, Secretary,
WALTER D. SHURTLEFF, M. D., Health Officer.
-146-
To the Honorable Board of Health:
Gentlemen :
Herewith I submit my report as Health Officer of this Department.
During my term of office, dating from last March, I have made 231 calls in my line of duty. The Health Officer stands almost alone in his Department. He is called upon by physicians, nurses and householders or by any citizen to decide which is contagious or infectious case as to whom shall be given attention by the nurse. How many dead cats or dogs which are killed by autos or meet sudden death by other violent means, and how shall they be safely interred. How to keep one neighbor from throwing a dead hen into another neighbors yard with whom he may have a grudge, how to hand out rat poison, and how to keep a refactory alarm clock running. In one particular case where a poor old parrot, over fifty years of age, dropped dead from his perch one morning, I was frantically called upon to come up and see if he had possibly died of Parrot-fever, which at that time was occupying front pages of the Metropolitan papers.
The policy of the whole Board has always been to urge upon our citizens the importance of the Periodic Health Examination by your family physician. Cancer, heart trouble, kidney trouble are successfully combated in their early stages by an early discovery. Your own doctor knows you from childhood, and it is his interest to follow you through life. Go to him, have him examine you and protect yourself. This we urge as your Health Depart- ment. You choose us to take care of your health. We endeavor to do what you choose us for.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER D. SHURTLEFF, M. D.,
Health Officer.
-147-
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTER- ING FOR THE YEAR 1930
The following animals were slaughtered in the town of Plymouth during the year :
Pigs
Cattle
Calves
Goats
January,
13
12
3
February,
13
9
3
March,
10
13
6
April,
8
10
19
May,
6
13
11
June,
7
10
15
July,
5
10
18
August,
4
8
9
September,
4
11
3
October,
6
13
5
November,
6
12
7
1
December,
15
18
6
1
-
97
139
105
2
One cow was condemned as she was a case of General- ized Tuberculosis.
One calves liver was condemned as it had several ab- scesses on it.
FREDERICK H. BRADLEY, V. M. D.,
Inspector of Slaughtering.
.- 148-
ANNUAL REPORT OF MILK INSPECTOR FOR 1930
January 15, 1931
To the Honorable Board of Health :
Gentlemen :
In accordance with Chapter 40, Section 49, General Laws, Mass., I herewith submit a report for the year 1930 as Inspector of Milk and Milk Products.
Work Performed
Licenses and Permits Issued :
Type
Class A.
Class B.
Class C.
Total
Milk Dealers Licenses,
72
51
36
169
Oleomargarine Licenses,
11
11
Permits,
4
17
21
-
Total,
72
66
65
201
Summary of Inspections Made :
Class A .- Hotels, restaurants, tea rooms, lunch counters, drug stores,
155
Class B .- Stores, markets, etc.,
143
Class C .- Producers or those primarily deal- ing in milk,
189
Dairies,
75
Pasteurizing Plants,
29
Ice Cream Plants,
5
Total,
596
-149-
Average Percentage per class for Sanitary Conditions :
Class A .- Dealers,
88.42%
Class B .- Dealers,
86.78
Class C .- Dealers,
76.64
Dairies, 74.69
Pasteurizing Plants,
72.20
Ice Cream Plants,
95.00
Average percentage of sanitary conditions, 82.29%
Summary of Tests Made :
Testing milk for Butter Fats,
180
Testing milk for Solids,
360
Testing milk for Sediment,
258
Testing milk for Streptococci,
205
Testing milk for Adulteration,
108
Testing milk for Bacteria,
28
Testing ice cream for Butter Fats, Acidity, and
Bacteria, 6
Total, 1,145
Average percentage of Butter Fat in milk tested, 3.90%
Average percentage of Solids tested, 14.01
Tuberculin Test of Cattle :
Cattle tested under State Supervision by State Inspectors, in Plymouth, 1930,
318
Cattle tested and passed,
309
Cattle tested and reacted,
9
Percentage passing test,
97.2%
Expenditures for 1930
Salary of Milk Inspector,
$650.00
Salary of Collector of Samples,
759.18
Equipment,
50.01
Auto Expense,
35.30
Material, Miscellaneous,
77.12
Total,
$1,571.55
DANIEL J. SULLIVAN.
-- 150-
REPORT OF INSPECTORS OF PLUMBING
Plymouth, Mass., January 1, 1931
To the Honorable Board of Health:
Gentlemen :
We herewith submit our report for year 1930 :
Number of Permits, 141
Number of Inspections, 147
Number of Old Buildings, 112
Number of New Buildings, 29
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR A. SAMPSON,
MICHAEL D. WELSH,
JOHN E. SULLIVAN,
HENRY MENGOLI,
Inspectors of Plumbing.
-151-
ยท REPORT OF FIRE COMMISSIONER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen. Town of Plymouth, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit the report of the Plymouth Fire De- partment for the year of 1930.
The efficiency of the Department is still of the high standard of efficiency that the department has enjoyed, the reputation of maintaining, and certainly entitles the department to the continued loyal support of your Hon- orable Board and the citizens of the Town.
Following is a brief summary of the conditions of the personnel, buildings, apparatus and signal system.
PERSONNEL
The excellent spirit of enthusiasm and co-operation continues to exist throughout the entire department, this. is especially shown in the way the call men respond to alarms, also considerable credit is due the permanent men for the way that they respond when off duty.
TWO PLATOON SYSTEM
The town having voted at the State election in Novem- ber to accept the General Laws regarding Two Platoon System which requires the department to be divided into Two Platoon ninety days after its acceptance.
Your Commissioner is required to divide the depart- ment into Platoons, or night and day shifts, about Feb. 1st, you will realize what that means, the department will be undermanned until such time as the town makes available the necessary money to add additional men which in my opinion to maintain the proper efficiency requires five additional men.
-- 152-
BUILDINGS
Both the Central and North Stations are in good repair, some changes should be made in the Central Station to provide dining room and kitchen made necessary by the adopting of Platoon System, as the men are required to eat all meals in the Station during period when on duty.
APPARATUS
Central Station
Combination A, 400 gallon pump, hose and chemical Combination D, 400 gallon pump, hose and chemical Combination B, 750 gallon pump and hose Ladder Truck
These above machines have recently been inspected and necessary repairs made by the factory inspector and are in good condition, the two service cars and Chief's car are also in good condition.
Housed at North Station
Combination C chemical and hose in good condition, horse drawn ladder truck, I can but refer you to past reports.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
Two new boxes have been added during the year, one by the Welfare Department at the Alms House, the other, Box 21, at Allerton and Russell Streets, which will allow Box 7 to be used exclusively for the Burton and Cornish Schools. There is considerable work to be done on the aerial wires and more boxes should be added from year to year. The aerial line from Jabez Corner to Cliff Street on Warren Avenue will soon have to be replaced as this line is iron wire and is rapidly deteriorating into an un- safe condition, having been installed some fifteen years.
ORGANIZATION
Fire Commissioner, Chief Fire Department, Deputy Chief,
Henry Walton
Albert Hiller Clifton Hatton
-- 153-
Central Station
Captain Fred Paty
Percy Gardner
Charles Schroeder
James Farris
Chester Wood
Captain Everett Wood C. Thomas Shaw Augustus Burgess Peter Bibeau
Arthur Caranci
Call Force
Lieut. Elmer Chandler
John Sampson
Alfred Nickerson
Daniel Sullivan
Peleg Chandler
Milton Howland
Charles Baumgartner
George Banker
Charles Carr
Arthur Lovell
Warren Sampson
Max Siever
Norman Holmes
Philip Vacchini
Hook and Ladder
Lieut. Ernest Beauregard
Robert Fogarty
Charles Hatton
John Kennedy
Angelo Barbiri
George Wood
William Baker
John White
North Station
Captain Burton Gray
Lieut. Guy Bunker
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.