USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1952 > Part 16
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It is to be regretted that our coverage of the new veterans as to recording their discharges is much less complete than it was following World War II. The Depart- ment of Public Safety still continues the policy of photo- stating discharges upon request, but the volume is so low that the photostating is done at infrequent intervals. This results in the veteran going to other agencies for photo- static copies and the end result is that the Town doesn't have the complete file of discharges. The Veterans' Services office has attempted to obtain a photostatic copy
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for recording as a voluntary act on the part of each Korean veteran who enters the office, but it is clear that the veterans who do not enter the office rarely get their discharges on record locally.
The year began badly for the expenditure of relief funds, since employment was at a low level in the early part of 1952. By summer it appeared certain that the department would have to request further relief funds at a special town meeting, but an upswing in employment in the fall relieved the pressure and no further funds were required. The outlook for 1953 appears at this writ- ing to be no worse than 1952. What seems significant to this department in the employment picture is that more and more Plymouthians are working at some distance from Plymouth. This should make for more stable em- ployment in the long run because of the diversity of jobs.
A breakdown of services follows:
Allotment or Allowance 15
Bonus Applications 1
Civil Service
18
Discharges Recorded
49
Education
51
Employment
26
Housing
22
Information
603
Legal Aid
25
Maternity
6
Social Security
3
Taxes
29
Telephone Calls and Letters
1189
Unemployment Compensation
5
Veterans' Administration
Burial
6
Compensation
18
Education
12
Training
2
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Hospitalization
27
Insurance
127
Loans
39
Medical-Dental
69
Pensions
26
Veterans' Benefits
127
Vital Statistics
126
War Allowance
8
Notary Public
42
Other Records
22
Mustering-Out Pay Forms
48
Combat Pay Forms
2
Respectfully yours,
THOMAS F. QUINN, Director.
TOWN FOREST
The usual work was done in the Town Forest, such as plowing firelanes and getting them brushed out.
With the approval of our State Forester, Mr. Charles Cherry, we are thinning out the oak growth among the pines.
We lost forty-five and seven-tenths acres of forest in the large forest fire this past year, of which twenty-five acres were planted. This was a total loss to the growth which was planted about fifteen years ago. Reforestation will be required at a later date.
JOHN A. KENNEDY, Chairman JAMES A. WHITE GEORGE L. GOODING
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INSECT PEST CONTROL
I am very happy to report again this year that the Town is free from Gypsy Moths. During the trapping program we captured fifty male moths and only found four eggs. These were destroyed.
The wood-ticks were of little concern this year, although other years they have run into a lot of work.
Elm leaf beetles this year were not as common as usual. Eastern tent caterpillars along with the fall web worm were very scarce.
The Jap beetles were our biggest headache this year and next year will be a lot worse. They require a great deal of spraying.
The need is getting greater every year with regard to the mosquitoes. We did some spraying which resulted in success.
Dutch Elm disease is getting very close. We have had two cases of this disease in Town. This requires taking samples and then a lot of spraying. There are three sprays a year: one dormant spray with a twelve per cent D. D. T. and two foliage sprays of six per cent which is proving to be the only solution to the disease. This is where the blower has proven to be the only type of sprayer to really do the job.
The Department has cleaned most of the dead wood from our trees and hopes to complete the whole area this year.
I want to thank the citizens of Plymouth for their co-operation in regard to night spraying, which is going to be done from now on.
JOHN A. KENNEDY,
Moth Superintendent.
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REPORT OF THE TOWN ENGINEER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
During 1952 layout plans were made for Wellington Road, Magoni Terrace, Standish Court, Gould Road, Hall Street alteration, and a one mile extension of Billington Street southwesterly from the pumping station. These layouts were accepted by the Town at the annual meeting in March.
Layout plans were made for Cape Cod Avenue, Reed Avenue, Melix Avenue, White Street, First Street, and Second Street. These layouts were not accepted by the Town.
A two and one-half mile survey of Watercourse Road and Rocky Pond Road was made preparatory to the laying out of these roads.
A street numbering plan was made for Margerie Street.
A survey and plan was made of Town-owned land in the vicinity of the pumping station on Billington Street and Braley Lane.
A survey and plan of the Old High School on Lincoln Street was made for the use of the architect in the remodeling of the building.
The street lines of Royal Street were re-established and marked on the ground.
Descriptions were made of the five new voting pre- cincts into which the Town has been divided for the new representative form of Town government.
A total of 128 permanent concrete bounds were set under the supervision of the Town Engineer in the street
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lines of the following streets: Wellington Road, 6 bounds; Union Street, 4 bounds; Standish Court, 22 bounds; Billington Street, 39 bounds; Standish Avenue, 12 bounds; Sandwich Road, 12 bounds; Royal Street, 15 bounds; Alden Street, 6 bounds; Gould Road, 12 bounds.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD CHASE, Town Engineer.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON INLAND FISHERIES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Gentlemen:
"Open" winters are usually followed by a light "catch" later owing to the heavy fishing done by the American Merganser, commonly known as "Pond Sheldrake." These birds enjoy Federal protection so nothing can be done about this, other than stock against them; the year 1952 was no exception.
During this year we have spread our distribution more than usual in an endeavor to offset heavier losses.
For the past four years our efforts have been devoted to the restoration of white perch fishing. Your Com- mittee respectfully requests that the sum of three hundred dollars be appropriated to further our work.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK L. BAILEY, Chairman GEORGE L. GOODING WILLIAM R. WOOD
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REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS AND SEWERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit a report of the work done in the Street and Sewer Departments from January 1 to Decem- ber 31, 1952.
SEWERS
A large sewerage program was carried out this year with the following work done: Knapp Terrace, an exten- sion 300' long of 8" V.T. pipe was laid with one manhole built. Two new services entered into this extension. Six new manholes were built on various streets in order that the main sewer could be cleared of tree roots. From Jabez Corner to Kingston Line, on Court Street, four new covers and frames were replaced on manholes where the covers became loose and were beyond sealing. The outfall sewer at the foot of Winter Street, 20'-6" V.T. pipe was laid to replace pipe that was broken and the main pipe was cleaned out where mud had made entry into this section of the pipe. Approximately six miles of our main sewers have been dragged, tree roots removed and manholes cleaned out and bricks repaired. This past year there were thirty new services connected to new homes and many old services were replaced with cast iron pipe to correct tree root trouble. At Gould Road, 300' of 8" V.T. pipe was laid for two new connections and at Olmsted Terrace 760' of 8" V.T. pipe was laid and three manholes built.
STREET CLEANING
The motor-driven Sweeper added greatly again this year to the efficiency of street cleaning. The main road from Jabez Corner to Kingston Line received a daily sweeping while side streets were swept every other day.
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ASPHALT SIDEWALKS
The maintenance and construction of asphalt sidewalks was completed on the following streets: Knapp Terrace, Cherry Street, Summer Street, Sandwich Street, Harding Avenue, McKinley Road, Walnut Street, Lothrop Street, Forest Avenue, Forest Avenue Extension, Spooner Street, Park Road and five sections on Standish Avenue. Ap- proximately 7,000 cu. yds. of black top was laid on these streets in 1952. At the Plymouth Beach on Warren Ave- nue, the sidewalk was graded with gravel and will receive an asphalt top this coming year. A section of sidewalk on South Street was graded and will have a black top surface with new cement curbing in 1953.
HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION AND RECONSTRUCTION
The following roads were constructed and resurfaced as follows: A mixed-in-place surface was placed over these roads after they were widened, shaped and brought to grade with gravel: South Street, 650' long and 24' wide, Hall Street, 660' long and 24' wide; Westerly Route, 8/10 of a mile and 22' wide; Ocean View Avenue, 365' long and 22'-6" wide, and Seaview Street, 1000' long and 24' wide. The following roads were resurfaced with asphalt and peastone: Cherry Street, Cushman Street, Murray Street and River Street. The following roads were resurfaced with asphalt and sand: Long Pond Road shoulders were repaired and road was sealed for a distance of 11/2 miles and the remainder of road was patched and will be sealed in 1953. Sandwich Road from the Jordan Hospital to Forges Farm and from the Symington Estate to end of hard surface received a sealing job. South Meadow Road from airport to Carver Line was hard-surfaced with 1/2 gallon asphalt penetrated into gravel surface and sealed with 1/4 gallon of asphalt and sand per sq. yd. for a distance of 800 feet. Cedarville Road was sealed with asphalt and sand. About 600' of South Meadow Road was sealed with asphalt and sand.
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DRAINS
Drains were installed with catchbasins as follows: Overlook Road: This drain was extended with 200' of 12" pipe and carried across Sandwich Street to the meadow. Taylor Avenue had 125' of 8" V.T. pipe laid on the east side with two catchbasins built. Priscilla Beach Road had two leachbasins built and 20'-12" V.T. pipe laid and con- nected together. Mt. Pleasant Street had 60'-15" concrete pipe laid from the old drain (east) to carry the water from the property of Harold Barufaldi. Leachbasins were built on the following roads to drain the water from low spots: Route 44, Strand Avenue, and Cliff Street. Catchbasins and drains have been cleaned out with several old pipes being replaced.
CHAPTER 90 CONSTRUCTION (Rocky Hill Road)
The second contract for this project was awarded to P. Lanzillotta & Sons, Inc., of Pembroke, Massachusetts. This contractor graded 1.4 miles of road, drainage was installed and 3" mixed-in-place top was laid over the gravel base. 250 cement posts were set at all dangerous points in this area.
A distance of 6/10 of a mile was completed by the Highway Department men. This work consisted of grad- ing, corners cut back to layout with all large stone and ledge removed and drainage put in. This short distance was tack coated with asphalt and will receive a mixed-in- place top this coming summer. The remaining distance of 4/10 of a mile will be done in 1953 and this will com- plete this road from Warren Avenue to White Horse Road in Manomet.
CHAPTER 90 MAINTENANCE
One mile of Federal Furnace Road was sealed with asphalt and sand. Route #44 shoulders were patched and road sealed with asphalt and sand for a distance of one mile.
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GRANOLITHIC SIDEWALK AND CURBING
Cement curbing was built on the streets listed with all curbing built 15" deep, 6" showing above the road and 7" wide: Court Street, at Plymouth Bottling Works, 73 lineal feet; Forest Avenue Extension, 166 lineal feet; Park Road, 116 lineal feet; South Street, 758 lineal feet was built with the rest of the distance to be completed this spring after hedge and trees are removed. Corner Court Street and South Russell Street, the sidewalk and curbing was cut back 5' to round the corner, tree was removed and a cement curb was built with two new cement slabs. Court Street, the old black top sidewalk in front of the Plymouth Federal Savings and Loan Association Bank was removed with a new cement walk replaced. The cement sidewalk and curb was built by the bank's contrac- tor with the Town contributing $667.84 towards this project. Several cement slabs were again replaced where tree roots had raised them.
TRAFFIC AND STREET MARKING
This program was carried out this year in the painting of all white and yellow lines in all parts of the Town. A large number of new crosswalks were added. Requests were made for a number of entrances at driveways to be painted yellow to prevent the parking of cars and trucks in these areas. Traffic sign posts were repaired and painted with a large number of new ones added. New lines and crosswalks were painted in the Manomet district with the old lines receiving a new paint job. Meter posts in Town were painted and it was found necessary to replace some posts that were broken off from cars and trucks hitting them.
MISCELLANEOUS
The contract for the new foot bridge built over Eel River at Manter's Point was awarded to Henry Cappella. This bridge is 80' long, 40 inches wide. The uprights of bridge have 6 x 6 timbers braced at each end with 6 x 6 timbers. A new planktop was built with 2 side rails
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built with 3 x 4 posts with 2 x 4 top rails covered with 4-foot turkey wire. One ramp and one set of steps were built at ends of bridge to meet foot path. The bridge received one coat of paint to preserve the wood.
The usual work of digging out Eel River at Plymouth Beach and Bartlett Brook in Manomet, with hired equip- ment, was done after two northeast storms.
Several requests from the Selectmen's office and other departments were given the proper attention.
Several accepted streets were bounded by the Town Engineer with the bounds being made by the Highway Department.
Lines and grade for street and sewer work have been supplied by the Town Engineer, Edward Chase, and records of same filed at his temporary office on Billington Street.
NEW HIGHWAY OFFICE AND GARAGE
At the special Town Meeting held in September, 1951, the sum of $5,000 was appropriated with an additional amount of $2,500 voted at the annual March, 1952, meeting, to remove building from the Plymouth Airport, to present location on Billington Street. The following work was done by John Francis, local contractor, which included cutting the 75' x 40' x 20' building into four sections before it was moved from the airport. These sections were brought down and placed on the foundation by A. K. Finney movers and then all sections put together by the contractor with the roof being repaired with heavy asphalt paper. The east end of the building was framed and enclosed in with novelty siding. The cost of the work done by the two contractors amounted to $4,481.00. The setting and leveling of the building was done by the High- way men and superintendent. All floors in the old build- ing were removed and lumber salvaged. The interior work of the office was done during inclement weather by a few men of the department and this work consisted of
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putting in a new masonite ceiling and new masonite walls, both insulated, and a new hard pine floor. The ceiling is painted white, walls paneled and painted two colors of soft tone green with venetian blinds installed in windows. Same work was carried out in the lavatory. Two large fluorescent lights were installed in the office and one small light in lavatory with a flush and porcelain sink. The office and lavatory floors were sanded and given two coats of Fabulon wax finish. The office is heated by a Hum- phrey gas unit. One room in the rear of the office was partly finished for temporary office for the Town Engineer.
The garage was divided into three sections with one 12' x 12' overhead door and two 10' x 12' overhead doors. Walls and ceilings are covered with material salvaged from section not used. Three fluorescent lights were in- stalled with plugs for trouble lamps. A men's lavatory is in this section of the building. At a later date, funds will be asked for to install a suitable heating system in the garage. In my 1953 budget I am asking for a small sum to complete repairs in the garage, for a cement floor and the raising of the roof on the old garage across the street from the office. When these repairs are completed, all Highway Department equipment will then be kept under cover at all times. This airport building was given to the Town of Plymouth from the Navy Department at no cost. The Highway Department was given notice to vacate from the office of the Ellis Curtain Co. building as they had found use for the office space this department was occupying. We moved into our new office on June 25, 1952. I feel that all work done on the office and garage by the Highway men has been a saving to the taxpayer and our new quarters are open for inspection.
Respectfully submitted,
ELMER C. CHANDLER,
Superintendent of Streets and Sewers.
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMISSION OF PUBLIC SAFETY
The Commissioners, in making this report, wish to first thank our personnel and the general public for their splendid help and co-operation. This assistance has made our undertakings highly successful and has created tre- mendous savings to the Town. These savings do not reflect themselves in the following individual reports. However, being aware of their existence, we solicit a continuance of your help and co-operation.
The Commissioners have held sixty-two meetings and many interviews and inspections with various Town of- ficials and Town committees. The Commission has taken under consideration, new Division of Health Regulations, new Building and Wiring By-Laws, new Plumbing By- Laws, a new Manomet Fire Department and a new Mano- met Dump. Detailed Division reports follow:
REPORT OF THE HEALTH DIVISION
MRS. ALMEDA CHANDLER, Clerk
Licenses and Permits Issued (1008)
$2,383.50
State Department Tuberculosis
1,749.29
State Department Contagion
169.50
Garbage Receipts
800.00
Paid to Town Treasurer
$5,102.29
A Tuberculosis Clinic has been established and is now in full operation at the Jordan Hospital.
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REPORT OF THE DOG OFFICER LOUIS CAPPELLA, Dog Officer
Complaints Investigated
489
Licenses Issued 1,348
Animals Disposed Of
168
Animals Redeemed
44
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS
ALBERT F. SAUNDERS, JR., Inspector
Number of Permits Issued - Dwellings
283
Garages 21
Alterations 145
All Other 44
Total 493
Total Estimated Construction Cost
(Not Valuation) $1,515,669.00
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
HAROLD E. GILES, Sealer
Weighing and Measuring Devices - Tested
968
Sealed 940
Adjusted 31
Not Sealed
24
$551.55
Fees Collected
Inspections - No Fee
260
Corrected
192
Overweight
45
Underweight
23
Coal in Transit
3
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REPORT OF THE FIRE DIVISION EVERETT B. WOOD, Chief
The Personnel of the Department consists of Chief, Deputy Chief, Chaplain, Surgeon, Five Captains, Nineteen Men, Two Call Captains, Four Call Lieutenants and Forty-five Call Men.
The fifty-six hour schedule, voted at the March Town Meeting was established with three shifts of eight men each.
Captain Charles L. Schroeder retired after serving thirty-three years as an efficient, capable and popular firefighter.
Repairs were made to the front of the Central Fire Station and the roof was renewed. Other repairs are con- templated for the rear of the building.
The members of this Division have held regular drills and participated in demonstrations of fire prevention education.
The following figures, showing fire loss as compared to insurance, denote efficiency on the part of our firefighters.
Miles Travelled
2,786
False Alarms
8
Rescue Boat
3
Resuscitator
5
Feet of Hose Laid, all sizes
36,300
Assessed Value of Buildings
$141,750.00
Value of Contents
76,700.00
Insurance on Buildings
141,465.00
Insurance on Contents
26,695.00
Loss on Buildings
17,532.00
Loss on Contents
12,261.00
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REPORT OF THE FOREST FIRE DIVISION
EVERETT B. WOOD, Forest Warden
Miles Travelled
2,335
Gallons Water Used 96,000
Feet of Hose Laid, all sizes 21,740
Calls Answered 62
Approximate Acreage Burned 446
Grateful acknowledgement is made of the assistance afforded us by the Plymouth County Plane in spotting fires and in directing apparatus while fighting these fires.
MECHANICAL DIVISION
WILLIAM K. SAWYER, Mechanic
The equipment consists of six Engines, two Ladder Trucks, Chief's Car, Patrol Car and two Line Trucks. The Forest Fire equipment consists of seven pieces of various types of forest-firefighting trucks. In addition, of course, all of the apparatus is individually equipped with the necessary hose, tools, such as shovels, saws, axes, radio, resuscitator and other pieces of fire-fighting imple- ments.
The apparatus is constantly checked and repairs im- mediately made, enabling all apparatus to move on a moment's notice.
Also, an extensive fire alarm system is maintained, being constantly repaired, replaced and extended.
We have had some twenty-five practice sessions, or fire drills, receiving instructions in the driving and operation of the apparatus, handling of ladders, Scott Air Mask, fog nozzles, rescue boat, life belts, etc.
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REPORT OF THE POLICE DIVISION
--
RUSSELL P. DEARBORN, Chief
The Personnel consists of the Chief, three Sergeants, sixteen Patrolmen, eight Provisional Temporary Officers, two Women School Traffic Officers, Police Clerk, three Pensioned Members, Lock-up Keeper and Police Surgeon.
During the past year the patrolmen have received in- structions in photography, first-aid, inhalator, finger- printing and revolver practice. Three men have been graduated from the Massachusetts State Police School.
The Cottage Patrol, a weekly check-up on cottages in the outlying districts, was established.
Since the Commission took office in 1951, four regular officers have severed their connections with the depart- ment. The 40-hour week, voted by the Town, provided for three additional officers. Through efficient procedure, the Commissioners have been able to create greater cov- erage and protection to the Town with a reduction of approximately $8500.00.
Arrests -Male 532
Female 59
Total
591
Residents
344
Non-Residents 247
Various Violations, approximately
65
Fines
180
Dismissed
25
Released 44
Balance, probation, continuance, sentences,
commitments, etc.
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Complaints Investigated:
Auto Accidents
277
Summonses Issued
881
Doors, Windows Found Unlocked
207
Street Lights Reported Out
92
Missing Persons Located
37
False Fire Alarms
15
Highway
97
Board of Health
26
Emergency Ambulance Trips
36
Miscellaneous
387
Total 2,055
The Police Cruisers Travelled Approximately (miles) 97,331
Fees Collected for Bicycle and Taxi Registrations, Out-of-Town for Lock-up, Photostatic
Copies, Etc.
$244.75
Amount of Fines
4,285.00
Amount of Property Recovered 25,674.00
The Commissioners, in compiling this report, have endeavored to simplify it in compliance with a request from the Selectmen to make the report more understand- able and brief. However, more detailed figures will be gladly furnished upon request.
Respectfully submitted, COMMISSION OF PUBLIC SAFETY Charles I. Bagnall, Chairman Leslie W. MacLean Frank A. Mitchell
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LIST OF JURORS
Prepared by the Selectmen of Plymouth, Mass., for 1953
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Agostinho, Albert D., 111 Forest Ave. Ext., Insurance Agt. Anzuoni, Albert, 1 Newfield St., Bus Company Manager Axford, William B., 9 Washington Street, Salesman
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Barke, Charles O., 11 Stoddard Street, Purchasing Agt. Barron, Warren P., Birch Avenue, Farmer
Bartlett, Elston K., Jr., 58 Allerton Street, Student Bartlett, Ephraim L., 35 Russell Street, Carpenter Barufaldi, Harold, 35 Mt. Pleasant Street, Oil Dealer Bechard, Paul F., Stafford Street, Insurance Broker Bechard, Pauline A., Stafford Street, Insurance Broker Bent, Richard H., 14 Hall Street, Surveyor
Bernardo, Joseph, 50 Samoset Street, Weaver Beytes, Marion W., 430 Court Street, Housewife Billey, Peter R., 1 Holmes Terrace, Ass't Plant Manager Bittinger, Paul W., Stephen's Lane, Publisher Bliss, Dorris P., 23 Pleasant Street, Secretary-Bookkeeper Boccaci, Raymond, 4 Suosso Lane, Salesman
Bongiovanni, Enzo L., Long Pond Road, Salesman Brenner, Louis F., 75 Cherry Street, Shipping Clerk Brewer, Jesse, Cliff Street, Caretaker Brewster, Spencer H., Sandwich Road, Cordage Employee Briggs, Lyman W., Manomet Road, Ass't Purchasing Agt. Brine, Helen S., Manomet Bluffs, Bank Clerk Broadbent, William B., 17 Court Street, Janitor Brown, Laura E., 791/2 Court Street, At Home Burgess, Carrol P., 264 Sandwich Street, Mariner Burgess, Edward W., 42 Union Street, Bank Trader Burgess, Kenneth W., Boutemain Avenue, Bookkeeper
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Calhoun, David J., Cedarville, Lumber Business Callahan, Jessie, 40 Court Street, Clerk Canucci, Romaine D., 14 Atlantic Street, Bookkeeper Carpenter, Lloyd W., 14 Overlook Road, Cordage Empl. Chandler, Elmer C., 190 Summer Street, Highway Supt. Cole, Arthur W., 46 Allerton Street, Mechanic Cook, Stanley D., 38 Allerton Street, Telephone Supervisor Coombs, Melvin, 52 Cliff Street, Real Estate Dealer Cooper, W. Ashley, Little Pond, Pharmacist Croft, Francis L., 8 Fremont Street, Ass't Paymaster Crowell, Harold W., 491/2 Alden Street, Clerk
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