USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1923 > Part 11
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$800.00 was appropriated for Shawmut Street and the work done largely on that portion of the street from Dewey Square to Pleasant Street. The street was resurfaced with gravel, treated with tarvia, a paved gutter laid, one new catch basin built and the sidewalks graded and resurfaced. An additional sum should be raised to complete the other portion of the street.
Chard Street and Hillside Avenue for which $1,000.00 was appropriated was graveled and treated with tarvia, greatly im- proving these much used streets. A like sum was appropriated for Columbian Street, South Weymouth, and treated in a similar manner. An effort is being made to have the State take over this street as part of their highway system.
Bradley Road: $1,000.00 was appropriated to complete this road as far as the Great Hill Park and $1,000.00 allotted from the appropriation made for the Tercentenary Committee to construct the road to the top of the hill. This work was carried as far as the money would allow, the entire length subgraded and a beginning made on graveling. This work should be completed and will re- quire about $800.00.
$400.00 was appropriated to relieve the drainage trouble on Broad Street near Sylvester's market; an additional catch basin was built on Broad Street and a drain laid to the meadow in the rear of Murray's new block.
$800.00 was appropriated for Summer Street and the street shaped up and oiled as the appropriation was so small that resur- facing which the street needs was out of the question.
126
There was a balance of $1,816.59 from Union Street appro- priation made in 1921 and this was used to reconstruct a portion of that street near Bates Avenue. Six inch bituminous macadam pavement was laid on a twelve inch stone foundation and about 600 square yards so constructed.
$780.00 appropriated for signs to be erected in honor of Weymouth boys who died in the World War were placed at the designated squares. These signs are of solid bronze and are of attractive design.
SUMMARY OF EXPENDITURES
Expended
Superintendent's salary
Budget $2,700.00
$ 2,705.52
General repairs and maintenance
16,150.00
18,189.93
Maintenance of trucks
1,700.00
1,969.75
Signs and fences
800.00
1,393.81
Street cleaning
3,000.00
3,138.31
Equipment and supplies
3.500.00
2,909.18
Bridges (Fore River and Monatiquot)
1,200.00
2,440.00
Gravel sidewalks
2,500.00
1,678.61
Maintenance Dept. building
600.00
1,057.60
Clean-up Day
225.00
208.31
Drains and catch basins
2,500.00
1,656.83
Snow removal
10,000.00
11,224.88
Sundries
100.00
78.56
Street Oiling
18,000.00
21,069.85
Private Work account
2,000.00
Total appropriation
$65,025.00
Credits and transfers
4,917.65
Total receipts
$69,942.65
Total expenditures
$69,721.14
Balance to treasury
221.51
SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS
Union Street (1922 Balance)
1,816.59
1,816.59
Permanent Sidewalks
2,500.00
2,500.00
Shawmut Street
800.00
800.00
Chard Street
1,000.00
998.04
Columbian Street
1,000.00
992.01
Signs for Squares
780.00
777.98
Easement Granite Street
100.00
.00
Bradley Road
1,000.00
1,000.00
Bradley Road (Tercentenary Com.)
1,000.00
991.59
Drain Broad Street
400.00
400.00
Sidewalk Main Street
1,000.00
1,000.00
Sign Ralph Talbot Street, 1922 Balance
25.00
25.00
Pleasant Street Drain, 1922 Bal.
159.76
159.76
Summer Street
500.00
488.38
Total
$12,081.35
Total expended
$11,949.35
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Balance to Treasury
132.00
$12,081.35
RECOMMENDATIONS
In addition to recommendations already made, I wish to repeat the one made for the last two years regarding the dispo- sal of the old 10-ton roller and the purchase of a tandem side- walk roller. I wish also to call attention to the report submitted on the acceptance of new streets. Weymouth is growing fast and demands for new streets are greater each year and some definite regulations should be adopted. I strongly urge a re- turn to the policy of making a special appropriation of $20,000 for permanent road construction each year. Weymouth is still behind the average town in this work and unless a definite amount is done each year its streets will soon be in bad shape, as they are being called upon to carry more and heavier loads each year. Respectfully submitted,
IRVING E. JOHNSON, Superintendent of Streets.
128
COMMITTEE ON RE-NAMING CERTAIN SQUARES-ALSO
A MEMORIAL TO THE VETERANS OF ALL WARS
December 17, 1923.
To the Citizens of Weymouth:
The committee chosen under the vote on October 3rd, of the warrant at the special town meeting of May 31, 1923, after several meetings and full discussion, report as follows :-
1. We recommend that the square at Main and Pond Streets, formerly known as Fountain Square and by vote later named William B. Monteith Square, be renamed Parker B. Jones Square, and that the junction of Central and Union Streets be changed from Parker B. Jones Square to William B. Monteith Square.
2. The posthumous award of the Congressional Medal of Honor to Ralph Talbot should be recognized by the town in some appropriate manner. He was an honor graduate of the class of 1915 in the Weymouth High School and was an athlete of note in the school.
Inasmuch as steps are being taken to propose in a definite form to the town that an athletic field and playground be estab- lished in connection with the Weymouth High School, we recom- mend that in case such playground and field is acquired and laid out, it be named in honor of Ralph Talbot, who signally honored his town and school by his heroic service in the World War.
3. The lives and services of all citizens of Weymouth who have served their country in time of war should be commemorated in enduring form and in a manner to afford a continual inspira- tion.
Inasmuch as the need of a building for the efficient admin- istration of the town's affairs is unquestioned, we recommend that such a building be constructed as a memorial, and that it contain a room of proportion and construction worthy of the reception and preservation of such tablets or other forms of honorary rec- ords as may be best suited for the purpose.
STANLEY B. HEALD, Chairman,
ROLAND H. HAVILAND, WILLIAM L. SWAN,
BRADFORD HAWES,
HOWARD H. JOY. PRINCE H. TIRRELL,
FRANK E. BRIGGS.
WILLIAM A. DRAKE,
ANNIE S. LYNCH.
129
COMMITTEE'S REPORT OF THE ACCEPTANCE OF NEW STREETS
To the Citizens of the Town of Weymouth:
The committee appointed at the last annual town meeting to bring in recommendations for amending the town by-laws relative to the acceptance of new streets begs to submit the following re- port :
Our present by-laws make no mention of the subject and the method of procedure in the past has been carried out as defined by the statutes, which do not contain any rules or regulations re- garding the condition a street shall be in to be accepted.
Questionaires were sent out to about 14 towns and cities of the approximate size of Weymouth, asking for rules and by-laws covering this subject. It was found that the large majority of places had such by-laws and after careful study of the subject we recommend that the following by-laws be adopted by adding the following sections to Article 5 of the present by-laws.
Sec. 7. No street or way shall be laid out or accepted by the Town of Weymouth of a width less than 40 feet, unless the same shall have been actually opened and used for public travel prior to Jan., 1924, or is requested and recommended by the Selectmen and Superintendent of Streets.
Sec. 8. No street or way constructed through lands by the owners thereon shall be laid out or accepted or recommended by the Selectmen or any committee of the Town for acceptance as a public street or way of the Town of Weymouth unless previous- ly constructed and completed to subgrade in accordance with specifications set forth in Section 12.
Sec. 9 Any street or way constructed through private lands by the owners thereof in accordance with the specifications set forth in Section 12 may be laid out and accepted as a public street of the Town of Weymouth, provided such action is taken in accordance with provisions of Chapter 82 of the General Laws of Massachusetts and amendments thereof; and provided also that the owners of at least 75% of the lands through which such street or way passes have signed releases of all property which the town deems it necessary to acquire for such layout and acceptance and have granted sloping privileges and have agreed to pay betterment assessments.
Sec. 10 Wherever it is necessary, in the opinion of the Su- perintendent of Streets, to construct catch basins on any such street or way and lay drains to connect with a permanent outlet, such catch basins and drains may be constructed and laid and the cost of such work shall be considered as a part of the total cost of constructing said street or way.
Sec. 11 Side gutters on any such street or way having a grade of five per cent. or over may, if in the opinion of the Super- intendent of Streets it be necessary, be paved four feet wide, with stone or concrete, the cost of such work shall be considered as a part of the total cost of construction of said street or way.
Sec. 12. A plan and profile on paper or tracing cloth 19 inches wide by 28 inches long, at a scale of not less than 1 inch equal to 40 feet of every street, shall be filed in the office of the Super- intendent of Streets, who shall fix the grade thereon.
A. Every such street or way shall be at least forty feet
130
wide and have a roadbed equal to at least two-thirds of the width of said street or way.
B. All loam shall be removed from the limits of the street or way to a depth of at least twelve inches below the finished grade for the roadway, and six inches below the finished grade for the sidewalk, or such greater depth as may be required by the Select- men. All rock or boulders removed from the street or way shall be used in embankment.
C. The entire area of every such street or way shall be first cleared of all stumps, brush, roots and like material and of all trees not intended for preservation.
D. All work in excavation or embankment shall be brought accurately to a subgrade of not less than eight inches for the road- way and four inches for the sidewalk, below finished grade, or such greater depth as the nature of the subsoil, in the opinion of the Selectmen, may require.
E. All corners of intersecting streets or ways shall be rounded as approved by the Selectmen.
WM. J. HOLBROOK,
THERON L. TIRRELL, IRVING E. JOHNSON.
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF WEYMOUTH FORE RIVER BRIDGE FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1923.
During the year just closing the necessity for extensive re- pairs entailed heavy expenditures. The approaches were streng- thened by the addition of timbers, and were re-planked. The wedge-lock on the Quincy side has been put in thorough repair, with electrical installation for the operation of same, which will facilitate opening and closing the draw. In addition other minor repairs have been made.
Nothing appears at this time to indicate heavy expenditures for the ensuing year, except the possibility that the deck of the draw may need re-sheathing. Accident or break-down may re- quire repairs which cannot be foreseen, but unless such occur we believe the maintenance for the year to come will be less than one- half that for the present year.
Following is a statement of Receipts and Expenditures :- Balance brought forward from 1922
$3,778.68
Receipts
City of Quincy, assessments nos. 127 to 144
$5,940.00
Town of Weymouth, assessments nos. 127 to 144
1,800.00
Town of Hingham, assessments 127 to 144
1,980.00
Town of Cohasset, assessments nos. 127 to 144
1,080.00
Town of Scituate, assessments 127 to 144
360.00
Town of Hull, assessments nos. 127 to 144
360.00
120.00
Town of Marshfield, assessments 125 to 136 County of Norfolk, assessments 127 to 144 Eastern Mass. St. Ry. Co., assessments nos. 127 to 144 Interest on Deposits
3,600.00
2,700.00
66.03
$18,006.03
$21,784.71
131
Expenditures
Harry W. Pray, services as bridge-tender
$1,800.00
Harry W. Pray, paid boy assistant
180.00
Harry W. Pray, board of boy assistant
300.00
Wm. W. Cushing, services as assistant bridge-tender
1,303.53
Harry W. Pray, paid for supplies
8.40
Maurice M. Devine, balance contract for painting
1,375.00
Weymouth Light and Power Co., lighting
34.56
Quincy Electric Light and Power Co., lighting
36.00
New England Tel. & Tel. Co., telephone service
59.43
B. B. Taylor, repairs
84.00
Wm. Westland & Co., hardware supplies
36.30
W. H. Ellis & Son Co., contract for repairs
13,144.53
Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation, repairs
325.36
George Hillman Eggleton, services as engineer
334.86
City of Quincy, applying tarvia and stone
250.00
City of Quincy, services of police during repairs
85.70
Town of Weymouth, services of police during repairs
137.50
Gustave B. Bates, services as trustee
100.00
Theron L. Tirrell, services as trustee
100.00
Wm. L. Foster, services as trustee and treasurer
125.00
$19,820.17
Balance carried forward
1,964.54
$21,784.71
GUSTAVE B. BATES, THERON L. TIRRELL, WM. L. FOSTER.
Trustees.
Hingham, December 31, 1923.
Trustees of Fore River Bridge, Gentlemen :
I have examined the accounts of William L. Foster, Treasurer of the Trustees of Fore River Bridge for the year 1923, reconciled the bank account, and I hereby certify that the same are correct with proper vouchers.
(Signed) J. IRVING BOTTING,
Hingham, December 28, 1923. Town. Accountant.
Annual Report
OF THE
School Committee OF THE
Town of Weymouth
1923
134
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Weymouth :
It is the purpose of this report to give to the town a concise statement of the physical and financial conditions of our school system, of progress that has been made and of needs for the future, and to leave to the report of the Superintendent a statement of the educational progress that has been and must be made.
CONDITIONS AT THE SCHOOL BUILDINGS
The High School, since the opening in September, has been run in the regular way. The new rooms created out of the old assem- bly hall and the subdivision of one large study room, together with new rooms made ready in the addition now under construction, have allowed a sufficient number of class rooms for the whole school. The portable in the rear has also been in constant use. Since opening, however, the High School has been without an assembly hall, and proper instruction in music has been difficult. Before many weeks the new and larger assembly hall will be ready for use.
There has been some hardship and discomfort in the operation of the High School while the work of the constructors has gone on, but it has generally been cheerfully met. The class of 1924 will be able to graduate from the new assembly hall.
Late in the year, by reason of progress made at the High School, it was possible to relieve the existing pressure at the Athens School by placing the ninth grade of the Athens at the High School building, in the portable. This relief can be only temporary and the town should forthwith anticipate the constantly increasing needs at North Weymouth by providing for a new school- house on the excellent lot acquired for such purpose a few years ago.
The heating system at the Athens School is cumbersome. Mul- titudinous repairs, small and large, become necessary, and the whole system is very wasteful of coal. Soft coal has of necessity been used considerably, but it is not satisfactory in the type of fur- naces in that building. The money to be saved in the use of soft coal in a well designed and located steam plant for this school house would more than pay the interest on the cost of such system, and the lower repair bills would furnish still further advantage. We recommend that the town as soon as may be make provision for an adequate and economical heating plant at the Athens School.
The toilets at the Jefferson School have been completed. "There is now only one school house, the Franklin, which is not provided with proper plumbing facilities. It is possible that the Franklin may not be needed during the coming year on account of the completion of the new parochial school in East Weymouth. The Commissioner of Public Safety has recommended fire es- capes to be placed on the Shaw and Pratt Schools. The total cost of this work will probably be less than $1000.00.
During the past summer the interiors of the Athens; Hum- phrey, Shaw and New Hunt Schools were thoroughly painted as was intended. Later in the fall, during the so-called "diphtheria scare," it was deemed best to paint the class rooms and basement of the Nevin School, such being the best means to secure thorough disinfection. This was an expense not provided for in the annual budget. The work on the toilets at the Jefferson School made t
135
desirable to paint the interior of that building, which work was carried out into the new year.
Exterior painting will be extensively required during the coming year.
Several hundred pupils' desks and seats have been thoroughly repaired during the year.
The Nevin School is now crowded. A possible re-arrange -- ment of grades and the sending of unusual numbers to the High School in the fall will afford some relief. It will not be economical or convenient again to use the Howe School in connection with the Nevin. The use of a portable would be better, and a portable school of two rooms will shortly be available.
VOCATIONAL TRAINING
The committee has voted to provide vocational training at the High School under the law which gives state aid therefor. This must be confirmed by vote of the town. There will be courses for the girls in home making (already provided for) and for the boys: in woodworking and carpentry. The rooms intended for such. classes are nearly ready for use, and after the probationary period is over the courses offered should become of great value .... At the present time the town is required to pay to Quincy and Boston considerable sums as tuition for pupils in vocational courses, a large amount of which it is hoped may be saved, at the. same time offering such opportunities to a large number of those: who in any case would stay at home.
ATHLETIC FIELD and PLAYGROUND at HIGH SCHOOL
Weymouth is almost unique in having a large High School without any form of playground wherein systematic and directed? exercise may be had. The excellent field at the Davis Bates Clapp Memorial Association has fortunately been available for teams of the school; but the field and gymnasium at the Clapp Memorial are not primarily for the schools and would be wholly inadequate,. should large numbers constantly seek their use. The new addi- tion will provide suitably for the shower baths and gymnasium: required, but no provision for an out-door playing field has; yet been made. An article in the warrant will enable this matter to be taken up at town meeting.
TEACHERS' SALARIES
The matter of teachers' salaries is an issue that must be met. at the next town meeting.
The present so-called maximum scale is considerably less than: the scale adopted in contiguous towns with one exception.
While it is probably true that many of our women teachers: long in the service of this town would remain, it is becoming in- creasingly difficult to fill the vacancies that constantly occur __ The original salary offered to a new teacher may be relatively low, .. but the expectation of receiving, after a suitable experience, an equivalent of what is paid elsewhere is the inducement which se- cures the superior teacher. If we are compelled by economic cir- cumstances to meet the demand in acquiring new teachers, we must in fairness deal in like manner with those teachers who have given us long and faithful service.
136
An increase in the maximum pay of teachers, sufficient to allow the town to secure the teacher of superior ability, is, there- fore, recommended, and the cost of such increase will be append- ed to our budget.
We respectfully submit the following estimates for school ex- penditures for the coming year.
Expended
Estimate
Superintendent
$3,500.00
$3,500.00
Other General Salaries
1,483.20
1,500.00
Other General Expenses
954.88
1,000.00
"Teachers' Salaries
126,130.50
129,600.00
Text Books and Supplies
7,789.70
8,000.00.
Tuition
2,203.01
2,500.00
Transportation
9,205.57
11,000.00
Support of Truants
115.73
150.00
Janitors
10,972.51
12,500.00
Fuel
10,874.08
9,620.00
Light
662.54
1,000.00
Repairs and Maintenance
10,543.92
7,500.00
Other Expenses
587.87
850.00
Continuation School
2,114.96
2,000.00
Evening School
855.63
2,000.00
Vocational Dept. High School
3,400.00
Total
$187,994.10
$196,120.00
For increasing the maximum sal- aries for grade and High School teachers by $300.00 from April 1st-additional required
12,000.00
$187,994.10
$208,120.00
Respectfully submitted
PRINCE H. TIRRELL, Chairman SARAH STETSON HOWE, Secretary
EDWIN R. SAMPSON,
FRANCIS W. REA,
JOHN P. HUNT,
Dr. J. HERBERT LIBBY
1
137
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Members of the School Committee:
I herewith submit my fifteenth annual report, the same being the thirty-eighth in the series of annual reports of the superin- tendents of this town.
SALARIES
A few years ago the salaries of the teachers of the State were on an extremely low plane as compared with the wages paid other forms of competitive labor. Many stories were current at the time illustrating the somewhat humorous attitude with which the teachers as well as the general public viewed the situ- ation. One was to the effect that a class in hygiene, having been thoroughly instructed, as the teacher thought, on the benefits to be derived from cleanliness and personal sanitation, was asked the following question :- "What will not support bacteria?" The ever present small boy replied :- "A teacher's salary." This story characterizes a period that has passed, a period to which we do not wish to return or approximate.
The one thing that has distinguished the teachers of this town has been the kindliness of spirit and good will with which they have met their problems. It has been their lot for many years to receive a salary far less than their merits deserve, and much less than has been granted to those teaching in neighboring towns. This has been due in part to the traditionally conservative policy of the Town in the payment of salaries, and in part to the fact that. a large proportion of the teachers live here. They have grown up in the system and do not wish to break home ties and friendships. During the war they refused to ask for an increase, stating that they were willing to sacrifice their own opportunity for personal gain in order to promote the public good. They are now asking for a maximum of $1500.00 in the elementary grades. This re- quest should be granted. There is no reason, financially or other- wise, why we should not pay as much as towns of the same size and importance, and possibly more than some of the surrounding towns that are smaller. Under present conditions it is prac- tically impossible to secure teachers of experience. We are limited to inexperienced teachers or to teachers from outside of the State.
The maximum, if granted, should carry certain restrictions. It should be withheld at the discretion of the School Committee. It should not be granted to those who fail to meet reasonable re- quirements in power to discipline, knowledge of subject matter and power to impart it, care in preparation of lessons, and, lastly increased efficiency through self-improvement.
MAXIMUM SALARY in BORDERING TOWNS
Quincy
$ 1600.00
Braintre
1400.00
Rockland
1400.00
Hingham
1400.00
Holbrook
1150.00
Maximum salary in five towns next larger than
138
1 Weymouth.
Arlington
$ 1550.00
Framingham 1700.00
Greenfield
1500.00
Winthrop
1500.00
Methuen
1500.00
Maximum salary in selected towns smaller than Weymouth.
Hull $ 1600.00
Plymouth
1400.00
Milton
1550.00
Clinton
1550.00
Danvers
1400.00
Natick
1500.00
Norwood
1500.00
Dedham
1500.00
In accordance with a vote taken at the annual meeting last March a complete list of the salaries paid to the teachers in this "town is submitted. This list should be read with the following :schedule in mind :
Maximum salary for men in High School $ 1800.00
Maximum salary for women in High School 1400.00
Minimum salary for men and women in High School
1000.00
Maximum salary in Elementary Schools 1200.00
Minimum salary in Elementary Schools 900.00
The fact also should be taken into account that the Committee has always reserved to itself the right to recognize unusual ability or special aptitude.
High School
Frederick W. Hilton, Prin. $3,000.00
Hazel M. Agnew
1,400.00
Susan Avery
1,400.00
Helen C. Barnard, Temp.
1,400.00
Carl A. Benander
1.800.00
Anna F. Berry
1,400.00
Prescott B. Brown
1,800.00
Ernestine R. Canning
1,400.00
Alice W. Dwyer
1,400.00
Ruth M. Ford
1,400.00
John T. Gannon
1,300.00
Everett N. Hollis
1,800.00
Mary C. Humphrey
1,400.00
Dorothy E. Kennett
1,350.00
Thomas A. Lyons
1,800.00
Helen E. Mayer
1,400.00
Ray G. Parker
1,400.00
Miriam R. Tirrell
1,200.00
Mildred A. Wagg
1,400.00
Frances A. Wheeler
1,400.00
Dora S. White, Temp.
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