USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1917 > Part 11
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Ward 1-Philip Wolfe. Ward 2-John Q. Hunt. Ward 3-Henry Phillips. Ward 5-Willie Loud.
WALTER W. PRATT,
Forest Warden.
202
REPORT OF BURIAL AGENT.
EAST WEYMOUTH, Mass., Jan. 9, 1917.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of Weymouth :
GENTLEMEN :- I have to report (1) one Soldier and (3) three Soldiers' widows have been buried under my direction during the year ending December 31, 1917.
Respectfully submitted,
WALDO TURNER, Agent for Burial of Indigent Soldiers and Sailors.
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN.
SOUTH WEYMOUTH, Jan. 15, 1918.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Wey- mouth :
GENTLEMEN :- During the past year we have removed from the streets 11 dead or otherwise objectionable trees and have set out 110 good young Maples. As I have been unable to hire a good experienced climber much of the difficult work of trimming has been left undone and more of that work must be done the coming year. The trees have been sprayed and some trimming done.
Respectfully submitted,
C. L. MERRITT,
Tree Warden.
203
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF MOTH WORK.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Wey- mouth :
GENTLEMEN :- Herein please find my report as Superinten- dent of the Gypsy Moth Department for the year 1917 :
Owing to the greatly increased prices of labor and ma- terials and the decrease in the amount of our appropriation we have been obliged to omit some of the most important parts of our work, such as cutting out and cleaning up infected sec- tions. Now we are paying for our 1918 supply of arsenate of lead more than 32% advance over our last year's price, and other supplies will probably be in about the same ratio. In our present scouting of the Town we find in North and East Weymouth very satisfactory conditions, but not so good in South Weymouth and the Landing. Having tried to keep . expenses at a minimum and slightly overrun the appropria- tion it is evident that there must be more funds provided to properly do the work.
Respectfully submitted C. L. MERRITT,
Local Superintendent.
204
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY.
This Committee was organized on March 30, 1917, at the instance of the Selectmen-with the following officers : Major William L. Swan, Chairman; Carmine Garafolo, Vice-Chair- man; Frederick L. Alden, Treasurer; David F. Condrick, Secretary. On resignation of Major Swan at the second meeting, he was succeeded by Arthur C. Heald, the present Chairman. On resignation of Frederick L. Alden, George W. Perry was appointed Treasurer, and on resignation of David L. Condrick, Bates Torrey was appointed Secretary.
The following Sub-Committees were appointed : Executive Committee, Arthur C. Heald, Wallace ·H. Bicknell, Albert P. Worthen, Frank E. Loud, Allan C. Emery, John H. Tower, William A. Wheaton, Bates Torrey (Secretary). Co-ordina- tion of Aid Societies, John F. Dwyer, Chairman. Finance. George L. Barnes, Chairman. Food Production and Conser- vation, Edw. W. Hunt, Chairman, succeeded by Bowdoin B. Smith. Home Guard, Russell H. Whiting, Chairman, suc- ceeded by William J. Holbrook. Hygiene, Medicine and San- itation, John C. Fraser, M. D., Chairman. Protection of Pub- lic Works, George W. Perry, Chairman. Publicity, John W. Linnehan, Chairman, succeeded by Parker T. Pearson, suc- ceeded by Bates Torrey. Recruiting, Major William L. Swan. Chairman. Transportation, J. Walter Howley, Chairman. On August 27 Miss Edith Bicknell was appointed a commit- tee of one to conduct a Bureau of Information on Weymouth Soldiers.
The Committee and sub-committees (principally the Ex- ecutive) have held thirty-two meetings up to January 1, 1918, deliberations and actions covering a wide range of public utility.
In round numbers there has been raised by subscription $1,766.00, of which $180.00 has been paid to Ladies' Aid So- cieties, $528.00 for the Home Guard, $400.00 for Halifax Re- lief, $66.00 for copies of Army Regulations for the Soldiers, and nearly $400.00 for miscellaneous expenses, leaving on
205
hand January 1, 1918, a balance of $299.78.
There was collected by a Special Committee (Wallace H. Bicknell, Chairman, assisted by J. A. Fern) for the recep- tion, parade and "send-off" of October 2 in honor of the "Soldier Boys" of Weymouth, the sum of $886.24, of which $600.00 was expended for presentation gold-pieces ; $87.93 was donated to the "Company Fund" of each of the two Com- panies at Camp Devens of which Weymouth sons were mem- bers, and the remainder used for the banquet prepared by Mrs. Hanley and her helpers of the Ladies' Aid Society. There still remain one hundred $2.50-gold-pieces for future distribution.
The Home Guard movement had a favorable beginning. Live squads were drilled in marching evolutions in various parts of the town, and considerable interest prevailed up to the time of needing equipment, when lack of funds and the difficulty of buying arms occasioned a pause, and upon the discontinuance of drill-nights the Home Guard was virtually dissolved. As it stands now, the Guard has on hand a limited equipment, with a sufficient number of men ready to respond to proper encouragement. Now that the idea has been merged into what is called the State Guard, to which the United States Government and the Massachusetts Legislature are expected to give substantial support, this Committee hopes that a Company of 65 men will be organized in Wey- mouth for the forming of a unit of such a State Guard, be- cause at this juncture there is no other way of providing mil- itary protection in case of exigency. With this in view the Committee on Public Safety has inserted in the Town War- rant an article recommending that the Town appropriate, as an initial outlay for the organization of such a State Guard Company, the sum of $3,500.00. This is an important ques tion for citizens to consider-especially at this time.
The Committee on Food Production and Conservation has proved very efficient. Seven hundred bushels of seed pota- toes were purchased and supplied to the public practically at cost. Charles W. Kemp has given to any inquirers free ad vice on gardening.
The Home Market project did not have a very good send-
206
off in Weymouth, but the Committee, through Mr. Pearson, tried to lift it to the level of the Quincy plan and of similar markets in other towns, and yet hopes, should necessity de- mand, to have a chance to demonstrate the practicability and economy of the plan.
Communications from Henry B. Endicott, Executive Man- ager of the State Committee, have been frequent and urgent. For the most part his requests have been complied with- notably in the appointment of a Fuel Committee-Edward W. Hunt, Chairman, Sidney G. Dunbar and Almon B. Ray- mond, who ably investigated the coal situation in Weymouth.
Dr. Fraser's Committee early in the year became active, and very soon had supplies, emergency rooms and personnel in readiness for the handling of any trouble that might arrive.
The Weymouth Committee on Public Safety takes this op- portunity to thank for their generosity and assistance those who have contributed money and services as well as the Sub- Committees for their hearty co-operation, and the Ladies' Aid Society for their ready response to every request for help.
At times it has been our duty to take a somewhat radical position, which may have aroused some resentment, but we have endeavored to be just, seeking the benefit of the entire community and carrying out the instructions of those higher in authority than ourselves.
Respectfully submitted,
A. C. HEALD, Chairman. BATES TORREY, Secretary.
207
REPORT OF TREASURER OF
WEYMOUTH COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY.
CASH RECEIVED :
Am. Agricultural & Chemcial Co., $400.00
Alden, Walker & Wilde. 25.00)
Barnes, F. T. 45.00
Barnes George L
70.00
Bicknell, J. O.
5.00
Bicknell, W. H.
5.00
Coffin, J. & Co.
50.00
Clapp & Sons, E. Inc.
50.00
Clapp, Frances H.
25.00
Crawford Machine Works
5.00
Crawford, G. O
5.00
Dunbar, W. J
5.00
Easton, D. M.
25.00
Emery, Allan C.
5.00
Hoyt, George H.
5.00
Heald, A. C.
75.00
Hunt, J. P.
74.00
Hunt Bessie B. F
55.00
Keith, G. E. Co.,
25.00
Loud, M. R. & Co.
10.00
Mission of the Holy Nativity
25.00
Newbert, Alonzo M 50.00
Newbert, Jessie K. 4.00
Nevins, Bessie T.
55.00
North Weymouth Society 7.17
Perry, George W .75
Read, J. B
10.00
Rhines Lumber Co.,
25.00
Richards, A. J. & Sons 100.00
Riordan, C. I 10.00
1.00
Gale, Charles E.
208
Stetson Shoe Co 305.00
Stetson, E. H. 30.00
Tirrell, Prince H. 25.00
Wentworth, G. L. 20.00
Worthen, Albert P. 10.00
Weymouth Art Leather Co.
25.00
Cash 20.00
Cash (returned B. B. Smith, credited ....
this acct. per order A. C. Heald)
30.00
Total receipts
$1,716.92
CASH EXPENDED :
Allen & Barnes. 4.86
Barnes, Mrs. W. Carlton
180.00
Bauer, F. G.
169.38
Bullock, Laura L.
1.75
Chadwick & Carr.
6.00
Crescent Lodge Hall Ass'n.
1.00
Condrick, D. F
3.00
Crawford Press.
14.75
Franklin Rubber Co.
43.00
Gazette Publishing Co. 56.25
Gethehell, A. C. & Son 48.25
Hoffman, R. S. 21.00
Holbrook, Wm. J.
5.72
Marsten, Wells Co., The
.50
Merchant, E. E.
10.35
Murray, J. H.
12.37
Mass. Agricultural College
3.54
N. E. Tel. & Tel. Co
5.00
O'Connor, C.
5.90
Pearson, Parker T
12.00
Pray & Kelley
1.51.
Perry, George W.
8.25
Curtin, George E
2.00
209
Seabury, Roland T.
2.70
Smith, Bob.
262.31
Sheehan, M. E. 5.50
Supt. Print, in Washington
66.00
Torrey, Bates.
54.16
Thompson, H. C.
12.88
Ventre, Peter
5.00
Weymouth Produce Exchange. .
10.00
Wheaton, Roy A.
2.00
Whitney Bros.
5.25
Weymouth Times, The.
400.00
Winsor, R. (Halifax Relief)
$1,451.18
Total expended
9.00
Balance on hand $265.74
Weymouth Committee on Public Safety, GEO. W. PERRY, Treas.
210
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS.
The Annual Report of the Park Commissioners for the year 1917 is herewith submitted :
WEBB PARK.
The appearance of Webb Park has been greatly improved during the year, yet on account of lack of funds and labor we have been unable to accomplish all that we had intended.
The entire Park was gone over in the Spring and thor- oughly cleaned, putting it in an attractive condition for its summer use. Each going over seems to bring the beauty of this favorite spot a little stronger in the eyes of those who take advantage of such a place for rest or recreation.
Several Field Days were held during the year : June 30, Parish of the Sacred Heart Church; Aug. 6, Magnolia Club ; Aug. 11, Loyal Order of Moose.
Each affair was well patronized, and band concerts in the spacious band stand helped to make them successful.
We think the citizens are entitled to more band concerts during the Summer months, and hope the time will come soon when the town will appropriate money for music at its Parks.
Webb Park needs a suitable building with lavatories, and our wish is that the town raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money for this purpose.
There is space that might be devoted to public gardens, and if we could have money to pay for ploughing no doubt more space than we can offer would be in demand.
Using a part of the Park for truck gardening would not only be Patriotic and help Our Country during these war times when every suitable inch of soil should be made to grow
211
produce, but would prepare the ground for making a plot of walks and flower gardens and a better Park.
The opportunities are there for 'all that the lover of nature could desire.
We can develop the opportunities with the necessary co- 'operation and appropriation.
There is much we could do to better the looks of that part of the Park bordering Summit St., if the town would build an attractive sidewalk and properly drain the street.
A large and scientifically built drain would help dispose of the water that is carried into the Park through a pipe under the street. This we think should be done with other money than that of the park appropriation and should be done at once, for to allow such a condition to go on year after year is only inviting disease, and the health of the people should be of much more value than the cost of the correction of the wrong.
Stock for ten seven-foot plank seats was purchased and they will be installed near the bandstand as soon as the weath- er permits.
The band stand received a coat of paint in the Spring and is in good condition.
In the Spring a 55-foot flag staff was raised, and an Ameri- can Flag was flung to the breezes and kept there daily until it became tattered through waving Liberty Forever. A new one, 9x15, has been purchased, and while we would like to see it in daily use, we think it advisable to use it only as occasion demands.
We wish to thank the men and boys of the community who gave of their time in preparing, raising and rigging the flag- staff and who aided through helpful suggestions in the car- ing for and keeping up of Webb Park.
GREAT HILL PARK.
On account of the shortage of labor very little was done at Great Hill Park. We recommend the working of the road as laid out, also the setting out of the trees already contracted for.
212
BEALS PARK.
Beals Park has been well cared for but no new work done on account of labor shortage. We recommend putting in granolithic walks, also the walling in of the pond.
BAILEY GREEN.
The curbing of Bailey Green, for which money was raised and appropriated, was not attempted, as we understood that the bordering street was to be regraded, therefore we deemed it unwise to do this work until it could be properly done. The . Green was well looked after during the year, and will be put in still better shape when the curbing is done.
TREES AND SHRUBS.
Trees and shrubs set out recently in the various parks have done very well, yet a few have been lost through frost and the thoughtlessness of a few persons who have not been trained to control their desire to destroy.
Our parks can be made much more attractive by the year- ly setting out of trees and shrubs and the making of flower beds. To successfully carry out this idea means co-operation by everybody.
PLAYGROUNDS.
WEBB PARK.
The playground at Webb Park has been in general use throughout the year. No additional apparatus was installed and that in use is in good condition. There is need of some filling on account of the continual flow of water from the high- way bordering the playground. The six chain swings hav- ing been used for three years, should be rechained, for safe- ty's sake.
The base-ball diamond should be graded, rolled and seeded and enough filling should be bought to bring the left part of the field to a better level.
The diamond was in demand at all times, and many good ball games were played.
The young men of the community deserve as good a base- ball diamond and field as money can give, and we feel that
213
the better the grounds the better the games and the larger the attendance and appreciation of the town's efforts to provide good recreation places.
There is a demand for tennis courts, but our appropriation would not allow us to go ahead and attempt to make one.
BEALS PARK.
Beals Park Playground was well patronized during the Summer, and the apparatus, through good care, is in good shape.
LOVELL'S CORNER.
We leased a plot of land for one year at Lovell's Corner to be used as a playground. It seemed to be in general use and appreciated. We think it advisable for the town to buy for playground purposes rather than lease, and hope that a movement will be made at once to give Lovell's Corner a playground fitted with suitable apparatus and large enough for a good base ball diamond.
NEW PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS.
East Weymouth and South Weymouth are still without parks and playgrounds, and we hope that the citizens will provide at once suitable land for such. They are needful and the good they do will more than repay the cost.
BATH HOUSE.
We feel that Weymouth should build this year at least one bath-house. Such would be greatly appreciated by thousands of the citizens, and no doubt could be managed on a paying basis. Our town is large enough to support such an institu- tion and it would be another step forward.
. DONATIONS.
Donations for park and playground work are at all times appropriate and acceptable. During the past year but one was received, and that from the parish of the Sacred Heart Church through the Rev. John B. Holland, for which we give thanks. It was for use on Webb Park.
Unexpended donations on hand at present are $14.20 in
214
the care of the town treasurer, and $15.00 in the care of the secretary, both amounts to be used on Webb Park.
APPROPRIATIONS.
: . It is. easy for us to recommend, and it is natural for us to want to improve, that which was placed in our care when elected as your Park Commissioners. If we simply serve " as guardians of parks and playgrounds we are not accomp- lishing enough to earn our title. To hold office is one thing and to fulfil an office is another.
As Park Commissioners we desire to fulfil our office by im- proving and building, and while we can picture parks and playgrounds as we think would be fitting for Weymouth, we cannot carry out our dreams without appropriations of money reasonably large enough for permanent constructive work.
There is no limit to what a park can be and no investment · brings better returns to any town. Parks mean advance- ment. Parks mean public places for rest and recreation. Parks mean health. We hope the citizens of Weymouth will encourage us in performing the work they have given us to perform by giving us an appropriation each year worthy of the cause. While we serve, help us to serve well.
J. HERBERT WALSH,
Secretary.
LOUIS A. COOK, Chairman, NATHAN Q. CUSHING, Treasurer.
PUBLIC PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS STATEMENT,
JAN. 1, 1918.
Jan. 1, 1917. Bal. of Gift $20 59
750 00
Mch. 5, 1917. Appropriation ·
$770 59
Total
WEBB PARK.
Expended :
$121 01
John F. Rafferty, labor
8 25
Michael Cohan, labor
2 00
T. Raymond, labor
4 00
Clement Bates, on band stand
14 90
Rhines Lumber Co.
215
Frank S. Hobart 30
Frank S. Hobart, a/c gift*
6 73
Frank W. Stewart, a/c gift' 3 00
Frank W. Stewart
1 31
Watson, Hallett Co., a/c gift
55
Farley, Harvey & Co., flag
20 79
Total, Webb Park 182 84
Beals Park
96 23
Bailey Green
11 16
C. H. Lovell, rent to Mch. 1, 1918
100 00
Total
Balance unexpended
$20 59
*a/c Gift
.
10 28
Balance
$10 31
BEALS PARK FUND.
Cash on hand Jan. 1st, 1917
$38 74
Interest on Beals Park Fund 40 40
Total
$79 14
Paid to Wey. Light & Power Co. .. $30 00
Paid to Wey. Water Works (rent) 6 00
Total
$36 00
Balance on hand Jan. 1st, 1918
$43 14
$390 23 $380 36
216
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD.
The unusual general conditions prevailing the past year have limited the activities of the Planning Board to a con- siderable degree. Most, if not all, of the members have been identified with the Public Safety Committee or with some other organization or movement designed to forward the one work all now have in hand.
Then, again, the Board has not felt that the present was an opportune time to recommend expenditures for such pub- lic improvements as may await the passing of the emer- gency.
The Board, nevertheless, has found time to discuss and consider, among other things, the disadvantages of streets, back yards, and vacant lots, as compared with community playgrounds and recreation centres. More and more, each succeeding year there comes to the Planning Board the con- viction, that adequate playgrounds and parks should be pro- vided in different parts of the town. Plans for doing this may well be considered while work in connection with other improvements requiring greater expenditures may be ap- propriately deferred.
Some progress in this direction has already been accomp- lished but so much more should be done, the Board feels no opportunity to emphasize the need should be neglected.
In connection with the observation of the Three Hundredth Anniversary of the Landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth the Tercentenary commission is before the Legislature requesting a small sum to cover initially the expense looking toward the complete observance of that event in the ancient town and not in Boston. In this connection towns along the line between Boston and Plymouth suggested to the Commission before the Legislature in 1917, that the highways between Plymouth and Boston as they anciently existed be given the original names, appropriately marked and improved in such a way as not to destroy the ancient landmarks which were present up- on them and are in existence today. There was one main
217
highway from Boston through what is now Dorchester, Mil- ton, Quincy, Weymouth and Hingham to Plymouth, which between Boston and Weymouth was called the Plymouth and Bay Turnpike. In Hingham it divided, that part travers- ing Queen Anne's Corner, Norwell, Hanover and Pembroke, being called "The Massachusetts Path" and that part go- ing through Cohasset, Scituate, Marshfield and Duxbury "The Country Way." This nomenclature has already been rec- ognized and exists in Scituate and some of the other towns, while it is understood that similar action will be taken by those that are not already represented at the coming March meeting.
Your Board suggests that Weymouth join with other early colonial towns in whatever in this direction may seem the most commendable action.
The Board is keeping in close touch with the results of ex- perimentation going on with the new process for the disposal of sewage described in our last annual report. Interest in it is nation wide and the results so far obtained are believed to justify an application to Congress for providing a sufficient appropriation to establish a working plant at Moon Island. Should the results indicated by experimental tests be veri- fied in practical operation, the proposition of a sewage sys- tem in Weymouth will be greatly simplified.
The organization of the board was as follows:
President :- Albert P. Worthen, 28 Front Street, Wey- mouth.
Vice President :- George L. Barnes, 544 Main Street, South Weymouth.
Secretary :- Minot P. Garey, 45 Randall Avenue, East Wey- mouth.
COMMITTEES.
Streets-Wallace H. Bicknell, Chairman, David M. Kidder, George M. Keene, John L. Bean, Russell H. Whiting.
Water-Matthew R. Loud, Chairman, Robert S. Hoffman,
218
James W. Colgan, Wallace H. Bicknell, E. B. Nash.
Sewage-Bradford Hawes, Chairman, Wallace H. Bick- nell, Walter J. Sladen, John Reidy, Minot P. Garey.
Housing- John B. Whelan, Chairman, George M. Keene, William J. Holbrook, Matthew R. Loud, Patrick Casey.
Educational-Fred L. Doucett, Chairman, P. J. Derrig, John B. Whelan, Prince H. Tirrell, Walter L. Bates.
Recreation-Edward W. Hunt, Chairman, Frank W. Rea, Fred L. Doucett, David M. Kidder, George L. Barnes.
Town Officials and Administration-Bradford Hawes, Chairman, P. J. Derrig, Robert S. Hoffman, Edward W. Hunt, Walter ·L. Bates.
Taxation-George L. Barnes, Chairman, James W. Colgan, Bradford Hawes, Edward W. Hunt, Minot P. Garey.
Telephone, Telegraph and Electric Lights-John Reidy, Chairman, Walter J. Sladen, Cornelius J. Lynch, Patrick Casey, Francis W. Rea.
Transportation-Cornelius J. Lynch, Chairman, John Reidy, William J. Holbrook, John B. Whelan, Francis W. Rea.
Publicity-Minot P. Garey, Chairman, Wallace H. Bicknell, Robert S. Hoffman.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Trustees of
THE TUFTS LIBRARY
Weymouth, Mass.
1917
220
TRUSTEES.
Joseph Chase, Jr., Louis A. Cook,
William A. Drake,
Francis M. Drown,
James H. Flint, Joseph E. Gardner, William F. Hathaway, John B. Holland, 1
Clarance P. Whittle.
SELECTMEN, EX-OFFICIO.
Henry E. Hanley, Alfred W. Hastings,
Bradford Hawes, Joseph Kelley,
George L. Newton.
OFFICERS. Clarance P. Whittle, President. Francis M. Drown, Secretary.
LIBRARIAN. Abbie L. Loud.
ASSISTANTS.
Louisa C. Richards,
Alice B. Blanchard.
JANITOR.
Frank D. Sherman.
221
INFORMATION.
The library is for the use of all residents of Weymouth.
Temporary residents are entitled to the same privileges as residents.
The library is open every day except Sundays, legal holi- days and June 17th.
Library hours : Daily, 2 to 8 p. m., except Wed- nesday, 2 to 5 p. m., and Saturday, 2 to 9 p. m.
Summer hours : July and August, 2 to 6 p. m .; Wednesday and Saturday as above. .
Two cards are issued to each borrower over twelve years of age. A white card for general use and a green special card for non-fiction, including magazines and music scores.
A white card is given to each child between nine and twelve years of age if the application is signed by a trustee of the library.
Teachers and students are given cards which permit the taking of ten or more books, other than adult fiction, for twenty-eight days.
The vacation privilege allows a borrower, when away from home, to take several books, not recent publications, for an extended time.
All books from the circulating department, even the new fiction, may be kept for fourteen days. Recent numbers of magazines are limited to seven days with no renewal.
A book cannot be transferred from one card to another, but may be renewed by mail or *telephone, unless stamped THIS BOOK CANNOT BE RENEWED. The shelf num- ber or title of the book and the borrower's name should be stated when the request for renewal is made.
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