USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1925 > Part 10
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There has also been added a Forest Fire Truck, made from the Ford chassis with a good body of a former Hose wagon. This truck is equipped with extinguishers and ten five gallon water cans with pumps, also 500 feet of hose, brooms and other equipment needed in this work. This has resulted in keeping our regular apparatus ready for calls reduces the mileage of our regular trucks for these small fires, calls for which must be taken care of no mat ter how small and formerly kept our trucks on the road continually in the Spring and Fall. This truck should be properly painted this year and when this is done the department will own a Forest Fire Truck thoroughly equipped for the work at a cost of about $200.
The department has had the busiest year of its history having answered the following calls:
Bell Alarms
Still Alarms
Total
Combination No. 1
25
37
62
Combination No. 2
58
84
142
Combination No. 3
60
31
91
Combination No. 5
29
87
116
172
239
411
Ladders No. 1 and No. 5 have added work in the nature of chimney fires, these trucks answer calls without the Combinations moving from the stations. The summary of the activities of your fire department will show that in the total some units of your ap- paratus is on the road better than an average of a run a day for the year pst.
Ladder No. 1 has answered 41 calls since July 1st.
In concluding this report let me add :- It would be impossible to accomplish the duties which we have been and are called upon to perform without the cooperation of the officers and men of this department.
That cooperation we have had in a large degree, shown in the hearty response to calls made upon them at any time of the day or night.
I wish to express to your Honorable Board my sincere thanks for the wonderful support and consideration which I have received at your meetings. You have at all times shown your willingness to do anything to bring about better conditions and with all the mounting responsibilities of your office have courteously taken the time to discuss the conditions for the better Protection of Life and Property in the Town of Weymouth.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN Q. HUNT, Chief of Weymouth Fire Department
1
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARMS
To the Chief of Fire Department
The following report of the present state and future needs of the Fire Alarm System is hereby submitted.
The number of bell alarms for the year 1925 was as follows :-
Ward 1 23
Ward 2 28 Ward 3 6 Ward 5 9
Ten miles of new wire was installed in the past year. I recom mend that ten more be installed this year. There will be a lot of expense changing to the new poles set by the different companies. The batteries will have to be renwd this year and some new ones added to the system to take care of the new boxes and lines. In conclusion I would like to say that the system is in & very much more staple condition then in past years. Respectfully, C. F. COOLIDGE, Superintendent of Fire Alarms
REPORT OF THE REGISTRARS OF VOTERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Weymouth: Gentlemen
The Registrars of Voters respectfully submit the following report:
The total number of registered voters at the close of regis- tration February 28, 1925.
Registered Voters
Precincts Assessed Polls
Males
Females
Total
1
1117
759
545
1304
2
722
538
361
899
3
934
748
593
1341
4
358
297
200
497
5
897
682
553
1235
6
835
594
415
1009
7
398
256
162
418
5261
3874
2829
6703
PATRICK E. CORRIDAN, Chairman
MARSHALL P. SPRAGUE
EDWARD P. MURPHY
CLAYTON B. MERCHANT, Clerk
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT ALEWIVE FISHERY -
42 High Street, East Weymouth. Mass., December 17, 1925 To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Weymouth: Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my first annual report as Superintendent of the Alewive Fisheries for the year 1925.
Work was begun on April 3rd, and continued until approximate ly sixty-one thousand five hundred (61,500) alewives were deposit- ed in Whitman Pond for spawning
Several repairs were made this year, such as, painting the building rebuilding sections of the fence, building new steps, etc.
As the Town of Weymouth was under no expense for the super
110
vision of this industry this season, it seems to me as though it should be on a paying basis in the future.
Respectfully submitted,
1 F
FRANCIS H. MAGUIRE Superintendent of the Alewive Fisheries
REPORT OF TOWN COUNSEL
January 2, 1926.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Weymouth.
I herewith swant my report as Town Counsel for the year ending December 31, 1925
On January 1, 1925, there were pending against the Town the following suits:
Harold A. Billings for damages alleged to have been caused by blasting on Front street.
Simon Delorey for alleged damages to mowing land in consequence of condition of street drain.
Gustavus Bates for alleged damages to land on Plea- sant street in consequence of street drainage:
Annie W. Bates for alleged damages to property on Washington Street, alleged to have been caused by shut- ting off of the water supply;
County Commissioners of Norfolk petition for apport- ionment of the cost of Monatiquot River Bridge;
Mary E. Bessette for injuries alleged to have been re- ceived through an alleged defect on Broad stree, East Weymouth,
And there was pending in behalf of the Town of Wey- mouth, a suit against the City of Boston for relief fur- nished a pauper having a settlement in Boston.
The following suits have been brought against the Town during the year 1925.
Neil W. Hall and Rose Fay against the Town of Wey- mouth, fo allege injuries received by reason of an alleged defect on Forrest Street in South Weymouth.
There have been other claims made. against the Town for al- leged defects in highwayh, but suits have not been brought there- on
The cases of Billings, Delorey, Gustavus B. Bates, Annie W. Bates and Mary E. Bessette, are pending.
Recently Monatiquot River Bridge case, the Supreme Court has confirmed the judgment of the Commissioners and the Town's pro- portion of the cost of that bridge has been determined. It is expected that the loan authorized at a special meeting of the Town with which to pay this assessment will be consummated and the assessment paid during this month.
The case of Weymouth vs Boston above referred to has been tried in the Superior Court at Dedham, and the matter is now un- der advisement of the trial judge.
I am submitting herewith my resignation as Town Counsel. I desire to express my appreciation of the appointment and for the opportunity to have served the Town in this capacity. The de- mands of my private practice are becoming greater and I must de- vote more time to them.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM J. HOLBROOK
Town Counsel
111
REPORT OF 150th CELEBRATION COMMITTEE
-Weymouth, January 1; 1926
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Weymouth:
This committee, appointed in accordance with the vote of the Town last summer, August 24, 1925, immediately met and organ- ized by the choice of Colonel Frederic Gilbert Bauer as Chairman and of Mr. Arthur I. Negus,chairman of the Appropriation Com- mittee, as Secretary. Up to the present time the Committee has held in all five meetings. The membership of the committee is rep- resentative of all parts of the Town, and besides the five organiza- tions which have exofficio members on the committee, its member- ship includes representatives of the Grand Army of the Republic, Spanish War Veterans, American Legion, Sons of Union. Veterans of the Civil War, the School Committee, the American Legion Aux iliary, and the Women's Clubs.
The committee is unanimously of the opinion that Weymouth the second oldest town in Massachusetts and the oldest within the Bay Colony, the birthplace of Town Government, the scene of the first military expedition by Massachusetts troops and of two en- gagements in King Philip's War, and one of only six towns in Mass achusetts on whose soil actual fighting took place during the Revo lution, should adequately commemorate this great anniversary of our country's independence, and that the small amount of money which such a celebration will cost will produce ample returns in increased civic pride and as an object lesson in patriotism to the younger generation.
The fact that July 4th this year falls on Sunday offers an op- portunity to extend the celebration over two days, thereby avoid- ing crowding too many events into a short space of time, as we were obliged to do at the Tercentenary. Full detailed plans can- not be announced at thistime, but it is hoped that by the time of the Annual Town Meeting the basic plans and arrangements will be substantially completed Up to the present time, however, the plans of the committee include:
SATURDAY NIGHT JULY 3rd. Bonfires on prominent points in the Town
SUNDAY JULY 4th. Church services appropriate to the occasion In the afternoon, Memorial Services at the graves of the Revolutionary Soldiers of the Town and Dedication of the Markers at the Graves of the Soldiers of the War of 1812, for which the Town made an appropriation two years ago. MONDAY JULY 5th. Reveille and Flag Raisings in thedifferent parts of the Town.
Reproduction at North Weymouth of the Battle of Grape Island, May 22, 1775, which was really the Concord of the South Shore.
Mass Meeting with an oration by some person of national prominence, and singing by a chorus of some of the music sung at the National Peace Jubilee held in Boston at the close of the Civil War. There are still living in Weymouth several persons who sang in the Peace Jubilee.
The Massachusetts Society, Sons of the American Revolution, has accepted the invitation of the Committee to hold a field meet- ing in Weymouth on that occasion, so that we shall have the pres- . tige and cooperation of the state organization of these descendants of the men who won our independence.
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Further announcements of plans will be made through the local press. The committee cordially invites all citizens of the Town to make suggestions regarding the celebration, and bespeaks for this celebration that same hearty cooperation of all societies, business houses, and individuals in the Town which made the Tercentenary so successful.
The committee recommends:
İ
1. That the Town appropriate a sufficient sum of money to finance the celebration as planned by the committee .. The exact amount of this cannot be tord at the present time, but will be sub- mitted in detailed form to the Appropriation Committee before the Annual Town Meeting.
2, That the Moderator on recommendation of this committee, be authorized to appoint not exceeding ten additional members of the Committee, to serve with those already appointed, o carry out the plans for the celebration.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERIC GILBERT BAUER, Chairman
Representing Mass. Society S. A .R.
ARTHUR I. NEGUS, Secretary
Representing Appropriation Committee FRED E. WAITE Representing the Board of Selectmen HOWARD H. JOY
Representing Weymouth Historical Society
HARRIETTE E. NASH
Representing Susannah Tufts Chapter, D.A.R. WALDO TURNER EMERY E. WELCH
THERON L. TIRRELL
STANLEY T. TORREY
IRVING E. JOHNSON
PARKER T. PEARSON
IRWIN B. H. HAWES
MRS. PERLEY J. BUCHANAN
MRS. J. HERBERT LIBBY
WALLACE L. WHITTLE
Committee
REPORT OF VISITOR FOR OVERSEERS OF THE POOR
Under the direction of the Overseers of the Poor, I have con- tined my visiting to the families, making to the Board for Relief. This has been done on one day of each week throughout the year 1925, in all 301 calls upon some 78 families.
In the case of initial appeals, calls have been made for the purpose of ascertaining the true situation and real need, as well as to acquire exact data on the applicants civil settlement. With the old people and the families receiving Mothers' Aid or long con- tinued aid, the calls have been in the nature of supervision, par- ticularly with a view to conditions of home and health.
A written report of each call has been placed in the hands of the Overseers for consideration at their weekly meetings.
MYRA A. MITCHELL
Visitor
113
CLINTON F. POPE FUND
On January 21st, 1925 I was appointed Administrator of the estate anh the following amounts were turned over to me and are now deposited under one account in the Weymouth Savings Bank.
Weymouth Savings Bank Book No.
14850
$1054.12
Home Savings Bank
Book No.
7495
15.62
Weymouth Savings Bank
Book No. 258
14.78
Quincy Savings Bank
Book No.
3196
14.16
Hingham Savings Bank
Book No. 5785
13.39
Provident Inst. for Savings Book No. 250875
12.13
8
$1124.20
Interest received
Weymouth Savings Bank Book No.
14850
50.42
Home Savings Bank
Book No.
7495
.68
Weymouth Savings Bank
Book No.
258
.30
Quincy Savings Bank
Book No.
3196
.32
Hingham Savings Bank
Book No.
5785
.29
Provident Inst. for Savings Book No. 250875
.54
52.55
Dec. 31st, 1925 Deposited in Weymouth Savings Bank Book No. 14850
$1176.75
Respectfully submitted, WINSLOW M. TIRRELL Adminstrator
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF TOWN HOME
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Overseers of the Poor, of Weymouth Town Home.
Gentlemen:
In making my report for the year 1925, I am pleased to report the very best of conditions here at the institution in which you are so deeply interested.
Aside from the chronic conditions, our patients are in a healthy state and seem to be satisfied with their surroundings, and enjoy the comforts and pleasures provided for them.
To each and every person, society, church or choir, who have given so freely of your services, books, papers, fruit flowers, and delicacies, I extend my heartfelt thanks for your kindness. To the Physician who has continued to administer so cheerfully and faith- fully to the physical needs of our patients, it has been a great pleasure to me to be associated with you and to receive the coop- eration and help which has been given at all times. I extend you my thanks.
To you, The Selectmen, words fail me to express myself for the most loyal support, kindly advice, cheerful words of counsel, and the tender manner in which you have directed our duties, for all these " can only express myself with that one word, Thank you.
Respectfully submitted, BARRETT R. WHEELER, Superintendent.
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1 SUMMARY OF INMATES
Number of inmates Jan. 1, 1925 14
Number admitted during the year 7
Whole number during the year 20 Number discharged during the year 7
Number at the home Dec. 31, 1925 '
13
REPORT OF THE MILK AND DAIRY INSPECTOR
So. Weymouth, Mass, Jan. 1, 1926. To the Honorable Board of Health of the Town of Weymouth: I submit herewith my report as Milk and Dairy Inspector for the year ending Dec. 31 1925.
Permits issued, 160.
Respectfully submitted,
GEO. B. Bayley, Inspector .. .
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Weymouth Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my tenth annual report of the Street Department for the year ending December 31, 1925.
The year 1925 was one of great activity for this department and the results accomplished will be of a lasting benefit to the Town. More new streets were laid out and constructed than in any pre- vious year and the total expenditures considerably exceeded former
appropriations for street work by several thousands of dollars. Had it not been for an early Spring and the generally good con- dition which the roads came through the Winter it would have been impossible to do all the work called for by the many appro- priations.
The total amount expended under the regular appropriations was $92,976.23 and under the summary of expenditures at the end of this report is shown the amounts expended under the various items. Any attempt to comment on the various sub-divis- ions would necessitate more or less of a repetition of past reports and I will but mention briefly a few of the items.
Oiling was greatly extended, so that now practically all of our streets are treated and the benefits greatly appreciated by the public. On many streets it was necessary to make two applica- tions owing to the constantly increasing traffic.
The crusher was operated at Keiths' gravel pit from early Spring to late in the Fall and from the figures shown in the sum- mary of crusher account it will be readily seen that this plant was most successfully operated, as the cost per ton was approximately 94 cents. To purchase the same in open market the price would have been from $1.75 to $2.25 per ton, to be sure the quality of the stone is not good enough for the top wearing surface of mac- adam roads but is plenty good enough for 75 per cent of our demands. A power shovel would materially lower the cost of, operating this plant and I have so included an item in my 1926 budget for the purchase of the same.
Summary of Crusher Account
Labor Gravel and stone
$5,123.87 385.83
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Power
405.75
Supplies
45.06
Repairs
104.64
Total
$6,065.15
Tons crushed 6,394, cost per ton $.94.
Stone distributed as follows:
General repairs
2,286 tons
Sidewalks
584 tons
Pleasant Street
1,092 tons
Washington Street
648 tons
Evans Street
356 tons
Pecksuot Street
22 tons
Thicket Street
258 tons
Pond Street
338 tons
Pine Circle
52 tons
Shaw Road
196 tons
Storage
372 tons
An Austin Pup Roller was purchased for $1,930.71, this is a small four ton gasoline roller that can be used for sidewalks and other light rolling. This machine filled a long felt want and was used continually throughout the season. A sand spreader was also purchased for sanding oil and proved an efficient machine, this machine can be used in the Winter for sanding roads.
The installation of drains and catch-basins is a constant increasing item and $5,299.03 was expended for this work.
The major job being the laying of a drain on Bayview Street from Bridge Street to Babcock Avenue and then the entire length of Babcock Avenue to tide water. The expense of this work was materially lowered and hastened by hiring a trench digger from the City of Brockton.
Special Appropriations
Under this heading there were twenty-three distinct appro- priations and for matter of record I will mention briefly what was done under the various appropriations. Permanent Sidewalks: Work consisted of cement concrete and asphalt concrete also the construction . of concrete curbing, $4,556.03 was expended and work done in various parts of the town, the largest single work being in front of the Stetson Shoe Co., Inc., factory on Main Street.
Babcock Avenue: This street was extended from Birchbrow Avenue to the water front making accessible a means of approach to many cottages on the shore. This road was built of gravel and the amount expended was $796.46.
Evans Street formerly Ramblers Way: The construction of this street from Pearl to Standish Streets has opened a thor- oughfare that is of much benefit to the traveling public and a street that is being greatly used. This street was laid out 50 feet wide and about 1600 feet long, the grades were made easy by considerable cutting and filling, much of the sub-foundation across the meadow is of very soft material, some places the muck being from 6 to 10 feet deep but it is hoped that the drainage will take care of this condition although traffic may necessitate heavier construction in the future. The foundation was covered with six inches of binding gravel thoroughly rolled and then two coats of tarvia applied. The sidewalk and gutters were
116
protected by paving stones laid in cement wherever over wash was apt to occur.
The total cost of this work was $7,099.06.
Birchbrow Avenue, formerly Sacham Street: $2,500 was appropriated for the working of Sacham Street from Birchbrow Avenue to the water front and the view lay out called Birch. brow. This street was constructed of gravel but due to the lateness of the season it was not advisable to oil it. Two catch basins were built near the southerly end and the outlet connected with the drain on Babcock Avneue. It was necessary to con- struct & concrete wall opposite the property of Mrs. Edith O. Coldwell, which cost $606 this street has made a decided improve- ment in this section making a good approach to the water front. Signs and Guide Boards: $1,000 was appropriated to con- tinue this much needed work and new signs of the "Evernue" type were erected in various parts of the town.
Forest Street: $1,192.02 was spent on working and oiling this street. The worst portions were gravelled and the street is now in a beter condition than ever before.
Permanent Construction (Pleasant Street) : $15,000 was the appropriation for this work and the work was done on Pleasant Street as specified in the vote of the town meeting. The street was constructed from gutter to gutter making an average width of 35 feet and extended from Water Street to Linden Avenue, a distance of 1,860 feet making a total of 7,297 square yards. The construction of this street differed somewhat from that of the past in that the foundation layer of crushed stone was penetra- ted with asphalt.
While this method increased the cost per sq. yd. somewhat, the stability of the road is greatly increased. Briefly the method was as follows: Old road surface removed and graded to con- form with new grade and cross section of road; upon this new graded foundation after being rolled, was placed 2 inches of 2 in. crushed stone from our own plant, this stone was penetrated with 1 gal. of asphalt to the sq. yd. then rolled and covered with a light coat of 1 1-2 inch stone, upon this foundation course was placed 2 inches of 2 inch crushed stone and this course penetrated with 1 1-2 gals. of asphalt to the sq. yd. After rolling this, 1 inch of 1 1-2 inch stone was spread and penetrated with 34 gals. of asphalt the surface was then covered with 1-2 inch of pea stone and thoroughly rolled. As the quality of stone from our own plant was not up to the standard for other than the founda- tion course, it was necessary to purchase the same from other plants. The sidewalk grades were changed to conform with the new surface and twe new catch-basins were constructed. I strongly advise the continuance of this type of construction on Pleasant Street the coming year.
Johnson Road: $1,000 was appropriated to finish the work began in 1924. The road was surfaced with six inches of gravel and given two coats of tarvia. Shaw Road: $400 was appropriated and was sufficient to satisfactorily do the work.
Pond Street: $2,500 was appropriated to remove the car track and resurface that portion of Pond Street between the N. Y., N. H. and H. R. R. tracks and Independence Square. After the tracks were removed the the surface was graded with crushed stone and penetrated with tarvia this surface was then covered
117
with Amiesite and rolled. A concrete curb was constructed in front of the Hannaford Block near the Depot. The result of this work makes the travelling portion of Pond Street much wider and is a decided improvement.
Winter Street: $600 was appropriated to oil and gravel a portion of Winter Street and was carried out to the extent of the appropriation.
Pine Circle and Great Pond Road Sidewalk: $792.03 was expended on constructing gravel sidewalks on these two streets. Thicket Street: $1,000 was the appropriation for this street and while the amount was sufficient to materially improve the street the upper end will need attention this coming year.
Widening corner of Washington and Pleasant Streets: $300 was raised for this work but as a satisfactory agreement could not be reached with the abbutters and as the original taking would not materially improve the corner no work has been done. A taking should be made at this point to properly round the corner.
Front Street: $1,000 was appropriated to gravel and oil Front Street from Nashs' corner toward Winter Street due to the short haul, practically the entire distance from Nashs' corner to Ward 3 line was resurfaced and oiled with 2 coats of asphalt oil.
Summer Street: Similar work was. done on Summer Street from the corner of Federal Street to property of Carl Everson at a cost of $1,487.94.
Prospect Street: This street was improved from Washing- ton to Keith Streets by curbing the sidewalks and by filling the gutters with Amiesite thereby making the traveled way consid- erably wider. The cost of this work was $799.07.
Broad Street Drain: This work consisted of laying a drain on the East side of Broad Street between Washington and Stet- son Streets, also the construction of a gravel sidewalk on the same side. Cost of the work was $349.62.
Washington Street Macadam: The work consisted of sur- facing the north side of Washington Street between Washington Square and Lincoln Square with asphalt macadam. Owing to the grade of the center of the road it was necessary to raise the side- walk a considerable portion of the way and reset the curb prac- tically the entire length of the hill on the north side. Three catch-basins were reconstructed and considerable drain pipe laid. The construction was similar to that laid on Pleasant Street and should last for several years. The cost of this work was $9,095.52. Hollis Street Drain: $2,000 was appropriated to enlarge and rebuild the drain crossing Hollis Street near the grain mill of Alvin Hollis and Co. The walls were relaid and top covered with reinforced concrete making the capacity about twice that of the former drain. The ditches below were dug out and from all indi- cations the problem here has been solved.
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