USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1931 > Part 11
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Number of residents January 1, 1931 19
Number admitted during year 6 Number discharged during year 9
Number of residents December 31, 1931 16
As usual, those that are not too feeble, have been very co- operative in doing general work such as minor repairs, making a very successful garden from which many supplies were canned and stored for winter use; caring for hens, lawns, etc.
IMPROVEMENTS: Last year with a special appropriation, the buildings were put in perfect repair inside and outside, so that this year the only improvement of note, is the addition of a sign marking the name of the Infirmary which was placed at the entrance of the driveway.
ENTERTAINMENT AND GIFTS: For diversion, in addition to the radio in the Smoke House, there was the trip to Weymouth Fair and Thanksgiving feast. At Christmas time, a tree with gifts for all was made possible through the kindness of your honorable Board and many Weymouth citizens and organizations who sent gifts and furnished entertainment.
In closing my fifth annual report, wish to thank all for the helpful co-operation received by Mrs. Berry and myself during the year.
Respectfully submitted. CLIFFORD A. BERRY, Supt.
REPORT OF VISITOR FOR BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
The past year has again shown a great increase in relief to the needy of the Town, more so than in previous years. This has been due, as heretofore, to unemployment and sickness.
During the year 1931 my duties as Welfare Worker have so increased as to require my presence at the Town Office on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. This does not include informal visits at my home. It is my duty to interview all applicants seeking relief who are capable of coming to the Town Office. My work as visitor and investigator has also continued.
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Since July, 1931, the Board of Public Welfare has delegated com- plete supervision of the welfare work in the Town to me. I wish at this time to thank them for this exemplification of their confidence in me, and for their hearty co-operation and support.
As in the past an earnest effort has been made to give work to the members of families in need wherever possible. Although very stringent investigations have been made in all cases where aid is sought, the deserving ones have been cared for. It has been my purpose to carry on this work in the most efficient way, and at the same time to do so in a gracious and humane manner.
No one can promise that our annual appropriation for this work will be lower this year. I believe, however, that the utmost efficiency and consideration is being given to this important problem, and that the Town of Weymouth will maintain its wholesome attitude of benevolence to its worthy Townspeople who are in need.
MARGARET A. HYLAND.
REPORT OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE AGENT
My work as Agent under the Old Age Assistance Law com- menced July 1, 1931. This has required my presence at the Town Office every Thursday.
Interviewed 216 applicants :
Applications received 163
Applications accepted and Assistance given 109
Applications refused 54
Refusals based on the following reasons :
Not Citizens 4
Age not proven over seventy 1
Not a resident for twenty consecutive years 3
Sufficient resources 17
Children able to support 2
Left Town before application had been acted upon 5
Died before application had been acted upon 2
Waiting for further information 20 54
-
MARGARET A. HYLAND.
128
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
To the citizens of the Town of Weymouth,
Gentlemen :
The Board of Health herewith submit the following report.
The Board met and organized March 12, 1931, all the members being present.
Joseph Crehan was elected chairman and F. L. Doucett, clerk.
The following appointments were made, George Marshall, plumb- ing inspector and Thomas Joseph MacDonald, deputy inspector ; Mer- ton Loud, inspector of milk and dairies ; Warren Menchin, inspector of slaughtering and slaughter houses; Katherine Pratt, public health nurse; Carl Shepherd, agent for fumigating and Jeremiah Donovan, care of the public dumps.
The general health of the Town has been very good throughout the year except for a small outbreak of scarlet fever in South Wey- mouth in the early part of the year and one in North Weymouth in the closing months of the year.
These outbreaks are unquestionably due to some very mild case which was not recognized and after one day's illness at home with- out consulting a physician, the child is allowed to return to school.
Every child who complains of a headache, sore throat and vomits, should be seen by a physician before it returns to school. Many cases of scarlet fever are so mild that the acute symptoms only last one or two days and that child is just as much a menace as though it had had a severe attack.
The lack of sewerage continues to be one of our most perplex- ing problems, especially in the spring when the drains and cesspools are flooded with surface water. In many parts of the Town during this time of the year, sewerage is flooded over the surface of the ground with no way of relieving this unhealthy and unsanitary con- dition.
The following are the contagious diseases reported to the Board during the year.
Anterior polomylitis
10
Chicken pox
17
Diphtheria
9
Dog bite
33
Influenza 3
Lobar pneumonia
7
Measles
97
Mumps
10
Scarlet fever
159
Pulmonary tuberculosis
23
Whooping cough 9
The total number of cases reported was 377, of these 159 or slightly more than 40% were scarlet fever. There was a marked increase in the number of dog bites, 33 as against 19 the year before, and the cases of tuberculosis fell off from 39 in 1930 to 19 in 1931. Respectfully submitted,
F. L. DOUCETT Board of Health.
129
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF MILK AND DAIRIES
Board of Health of Town of Weymouth :
I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Milk and Dairies, also the registration of dealers for the sale of Oleomargarine for the year ending December 31, 1931.
Milk Licenses-Dealers 62
Milk Licenses-Stores 126
Oleomargarine Registrations 26
Total number of permits issued 214
Respectfully submitted, MERTON L. LOUD
Inspector of Milk and Dairies. South Weymouth, Mass. December 31, 1931
REPORT OF THE PLUMBING INSPECTOR
South Weymouth, Mass. December 31, 1931
Board of Health of Town of Weymouth :
We herewith submit our report for the year ending December 31, 1931.
There has been issued from this office 162 permits for installing together with one left over from 1930. Of this number 161 have passed inspection and one remains left over for 1932.
There have been installed in old and new buildings the follow- ing fixtures.
97 sinks 73 trays 111 bath tubs 138 lavatories
167 closets
2 urinals
2 sterno tables
1 dishwasher
1 potato peeler
4 showers
4 bubblers
1 slop sink
1 drip sink
making a total of 602 fixtures, the value of which is $37,825.00. -
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The number of old and new buildings in which plumbing was installed are as follows :
43 new one family houses
70 old one family houses
3 new two family houses
19 old two family houses
3 old three family houses
1 old church
1 old club house
2 old office buildings
2 new gas stations
1 old drug store
1 old laundry
7 old stores
1 new store
1 old cafeteria
1 old power plant
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE MARSHALL Inspector of Plumbing.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS
East Weymouth, Massachusetts January 6, 1932
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
There has been a decrease in the estimated valuation in all pro- jects of building during 1931 of approximately 43% of the total of 1930 ,although there has been a falling off in the number of resi- dential building of only 26% from the 1930 total.
Evidence is increasing that moderate improvement in residential construction will take place in 1932 but any marked upturn is highly improbable at least until confidence, shaken by inflated values in real estate, is restored; when the necessary stability of the cost of construction has become apparent to the public, and when financial conditions improve sufficiently to induce procedure of any project. Confidence is slowly developing and should result in a gradual pro- gram of good construction.
In all probability lower building costs are necessary before any marked increase in activity will take place because purchasing power has constantly decreased; the surplus of dwellings has not been en- tirely eliminated, and financial assistance is difficult to obtain. How- ever, when these conditions are properly adjusted there will be an improvement in the residential type of construction.
131
A most important amendment to the building laws, adopted at the Annual Town Meeting pertaining to the erection of buildings on streets where plans are pending or under consideration for widen- ing, has worked advantageously for the Town on Broad Street, East Weymouth, where two stores were built by The Economy and The First National Stores respectively. By this amendment an agreement has been drawn whereby no damages can be assessed the Town either for land or buildings when and if the development of Broad Street is ever undertaken.
Herewith is summary of the records of the Department :
Building permits issued 182.
Alteration permits issued 197.
Estimated valuation of buildings $268,849.00
Estimated valuation of alterations 97,486.00
TOTAL VALUATION $366,335.00
Receipts 676.00
Elevators inspected and certified fifteen (15).
It is with grateful appreciation that I thank your Honorable Board, the Chief of Police, the Chief of the Fire Department, the Board of Appeal and the Town Counsel for the assistance and co- operation given the Building Department during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
T. J. KELLY
Inspector of Buildings.
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
Weymouth, Mass. January 7, 1932
To the Citizens of Weymouth :
In submitting our fifth annual report of the Planning Board of the Town of Weymouth, we wish to express our appreciation, of the favorable comments, on reports we have received from some of our Townspeople, on many of our contemplated projects.
At the beginning of the year, we organized with Frank A. Pray as Chairman, and Ralph H. Haskins, Clerk.
At our several meetings, we have considered various improve- ments in the Town, some of which you will find in the warrant for our Annual Town Meeting in March. As follows :
Traffic lights at Lincoln Square and Independence Square.
Permanent sidewalks on the westerly side of Torrey Street, from Pleasant Street to Park Avenue.
Relocating and curbing at the corner of Laurel Street, adjacent to property of Annie E. McMorrow. Cost not to exceed one hundred and twenty-five dollars.
132
Relocating the corner at Commercial and Webb Street, on south- erly side, in accordance with plans made by the Town Engineer.
Relocating the corner on the westerly side of Essex Street at Broad Street.
The removal of the Fountains at the junction of North and East Street.
Also at the junction of Commercial and Church Streets.
Relocating of Pleasant Street, at the junction of Pine Street.
A Street connecting Lovell and North Street, a project we recommended two years ago, but did not meet with favor of the Selectmen.
Other projects considered by your Planning Board was the widening or relocating Pleasant Street, south of Washington Street, also the straightening of Pleasant Street, beginning south of the Police Station, through to the junction of Water Street.
The straightening of Commercial Street, at or near Avonia Spring.
The purchasing or taking by eminent domain, land of Thos. H. Hannaford, at the junction of Pond and Derby Streets, at a price not in excess of three thousand, seven hundred and fifty dollars.
We also recommended to the Selectmen, the laying out and build- ing a State Highway, beginning at the Braintree line, through West and Middle Streets, to Central Square, during this coming year. One-third of the cost each to be borne by the State, County and Town. The cost to the Town would not exceed thirty-seven thou- sand dollars ($37,000.00).
Respectfully submitted,
1
FRANK A. PRAY, Chairman RALPH H. HASKINS, Clerk RUSSELL H. WHITING JOSIAH B. REED ALLAN C. EMERY THOS. J. KELLY ARTHUR I. NEGUS
Weymouth Planning Board.
REPORT OF THE ELECTRIC LIGHTING COMMITTEE
December 31, 1931
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Your committee, with the approval of the Town Counsel, signed a one year contract, dated April 1, 1931, with the Weymouth Light and Power Co. to light the public streets and ways. By this agree- ment the Town will receive about 30% more light than formerly as all 60 C. P. lamps, as they are renewed, will be changed to 80 C. P. The price of all lamps has been lowered and there will be no in- crease in the total cost to the Town. This change in rates ac- counts mostly for our large unexpended balance of $750.26.
The new yearly price of the 80 C. P. lamp is $21.60 and the operation of the 1000 C. P. ornamental lamp costs $85.00. Our monthly bill is now about $3,200.
133
It is the opinion of the Committee that special articles should be inserted in the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting if 1000 C. P. lights are desired, as our budget is insufficient to provide for such expensive lights.
There are continual requests for lights on private ways which we have never granted as there is a question of legality, although some municipalities do light these ways. If a change is made here there are about 20 miles of avenues to cover.
This committee recognizes the inadequacy of the present light- ing of Bridge Street from Fore River Bridge to Neck Street, a dis- tance of about one and one-third miles. The only satisfactory solu- tion is probably by the use of flood lights placed on both sides of the street, which is the widest in the Town. One set could be placed on brackets on existing poles and on the other side special ornamen- tal poles would be necessary. We have had prepared plans and speci- fications to carry this out, but the cost would be considerable, and in view of the present economic conditions, we have deemed it best not to ask for action at this time.
Meantime, may we suggest that your Board request our Senator and Representative to ascertain if there is any possibility of finan- cial assistance from the State Highway funds in carrying out this project.
It will require $38,434. to maintain our present service for the coming year, and we are asking for $810 extra for six months ser- vice of 75 new lights, about '50 of which will be needed for newly accepted streets.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH KELLEY, Chairman
EDWIN MULREADY
WILLIAM B. NASH, JR.
ALFRED S. TIRRELL J. HERBERT LIBBEY, Clerk.
REPORT. OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
324 Washington Street Weymouth, Mass.
January
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
Herewith is submitted the annual report of the Inspector of Animals for the year 1931.
Number of Places Inspected 66
Number of Cows Inspected 566
Number of Young Stock Inspected 25
Number of Bulls Inspected 10
Number of Dogs Inspected 25
Number of Dogs Quarantined 5
Number of Sheep Inspected 17
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN F. DWYER
Inspector of Animals.
134
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT. OF STREETS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Weymouth, Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my first annual report of the Street Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1931. The organization of the department has remained the same as the past year with the exception of the resignation of our former Superintendent, Irving E. Johnson, this taking place shortly after his reappointment, and the appointment of Arthur I. Negus as Superintendent.
Our General Repair item $48,000.00 being $12,000.00 less than that of 1930 called for rather close and economical planning, and the fact that this account had to stand for some of the expense of expediting the work of the unemployed made it necessary to use great care, in order to keep within our appropriation.
We have greatly increased the installation of asphalt concrete in our new streets and have found it very useful in gutter and wash- out repairs.
The cost of street oiling has been somewhat reduced inasmuch as they have been so well cared for in the past, thus calling for a lighter distribution of oil and sand. The character of material fur- nished having been of exceptionally good grade also played an im- portant part in lowering these costs. At the same time every mile of gravel road in Town has been given a treatment of tar.
The gravel pit adjoining the Keith pit has been opened up and 12,380 yards of good gravel taken out.
The crusher has not been operated as extensively as last year, but after proper repairs have been made will be used more in 1932.
One two ton Auto Car truck has been purchased to replace the 21/2 ton Netco of 1922 vintage. A Good Roads snow plow has been added to our equipment.
Much of our old snow fence was discarded as it had become obsolete. 800 feet of new fence has been purchased.
We have recommended purchase of new trucks to take the place of those that have been hired, and has caused so much comment.
The storehouse has received extensive repairs this year and by making some changes, increased our street floor space 1,540 sq. ft. as well as making ample storage space for sidewalk plows on second floor.
Sidewalks :
In 1930 this department began the construction of asphalt con- crete sidewalks and we have followed it up during 1931 with very satisfactory results. Our sidewalk crews are improving in this work and can now install same at much lower cost than by contract. Fol- lowing is list of walks and drive entrances added in 1931.
Northerly side Union Street beginning at residence of Oswald Ralph in a southerly direction.
135
Lake Street between Charles and Middle Streets.
Pleasant Street from Woods Garage running in a southerly direction. Cement concrete curb has been installed at this point.
Easterly side of Pine Street between Pleasant and Elm Streets. Putnam Street between Broad and Commercial Streets.
Westerly side of Washington Street between Congress and junc- tion of Main and Washington Streets.
Southerly side Broad, from Washington Street running in east- erly direction.
Southerly side of Broad in front of Hunt School. Cement con- crete curb was installed at this point.
Commercial from point near Cottage Street running in a north- erly direction.
Northerly side Legion field.
Keith Street from Summit near Granite Street to a point near Prospect Street.
Commercial Street from R. R. Crossing near Webb Street to Old Tufts House.
Pleasant Street and Park Avenue at St. Francis Xavier Church.
Bridge Street from Neck to northerly side of St. Jerome Church.
Pond Street from S. W. Depot to Independence Square.
$2,000.00 was appropriated for walk on West Street between Rockcroft Road and Summer Street. It was necessary to change the entire location for this walk and much fill was used, two catch basins and drains installed leaving the gravel walk to settle before placing asphalt concrete in 1932.
Walk from Middle Street to residence of Silas Newcomb called for the same treatment as that on West Street and asphalt should be installed in 1932.
We strongly advocate cement concrete curb wherever same can be placed, as it not only protects the edges of the walk but makes a much better gutter possible.
The above sidewalks were installed at a cost of $21,250.00 which also covers many repair jobs in various parts of the Town. This appropriation was intended in some instances to cover only a por- tion of installation requested.
Special appropriation for Streets :
Pond Street from Independence Square to S. W. Depot, an area of 5,464.5 sq. yds. was reconstructed with asphalt hotmix covering from curb to curb.
136
Middle Street covered 6,820.6 sq. yds. hotmix installation. We recommend the use of this material in the completion of Middle St. The New eight ton roller purchased this year has proved to be a valuable asset to our equipment for this work.
A portion of Wessagussett Road was resurfaced with semi-per- manent finish. The following street corners were relocated :
Neck and North Streets. Lake and Charles Streets. Broad and Spring Streets.
There is still some money available for this work but not a suf- ficient amount to proceed further this year.
Gutters of Riley Avenue and Burton Terrace were paved with granite blocks. Cost was taken from. our general fund. A large culvert was built across Middle Street just south of Washington Street as the old one had collapsed. Another reinforced concrete culvert was installed at the foot of Columbian Street connecting same with culvert running under Park Avenue West.
NEW GRAVEL STREETS
New gravel streets with tar treatment were installed as follows :
Sycamore Road
White Park
Glendale Road
Pierce Road
Drew Avenue
Puritan Road
Woronoco Road
A portion of the proposed sea wall was constructed at North Weymouth starting from the property of the No. Weymouth As- sociates and running Easterly to Holbrook Road.
SUMMARY OF REGULAR STREET APPROPRIATION
Appropriated
Expended
Superintendent
$3,500.00
$3,438.86
Gen. Repairs
48,000.00
52,034.59
Crusher
5,000,00
1,931.72
Fences & Signs
1,000.00
1,995.58
Maint. Trucks, etc.
3,000.00
4,130.80
Street Cleaning
8,000.00
8,355.37
Equip. & Supplies
7,000.00
8,213.69
Bridges
2,000.00
800.00
Gravel walks
1,500.00
1,613.37
Maint. Dept. Bldg.
2,300.00
2,328.64
Drains
6,000.00
9,924.16
Snow Removal
12,500.00
13,647.19
Sundries
200.00
222.61
Oiling
24,450.00
23,080.29
New Trucks
4,300.00
3,526.00
New roller
4,250.00
4,250.00
$133,000.00
$139,492.87
Reserve Fund
2,500.00
Transfer use of equipment
7,230.69
137
RESULTS OF LABOR FURNISHED BY UNEMPLOYED
We have installed drains and catch-basins from the brook at the corner of Hollis and Pond Streets, up Pond Street to Lake- wood Road, Lakewood Road to Pine Circle; from Pine Circle through private properties, crossing Partridge Road, thence through private properties to Sycamore Road.
It was necessary to work this installation in very deep cut, mak- ing it quite expensive.
We also installed drains and catch-basins on Middle Street from a point near Legion Field through to Jewel Meadow discharging at the brook at that point.
The partial construction of Lakehurst Avenue was handled by this organization as was the extension and widening of Iron Hill Street.
Quite an amount of labor was put in on Hibiscus Road redeem- ing it from a very muddy condition and making it very passable at the present time.
In addition to this work, various streams throughout the Town were cleared of debris and deepened. Also trenches were deepened through the meadows at North Weymouth in order to eliminate mosquito plague.
The last work of the season was the preliminary clearing and grading for the future widening of Winter Street. This work fol- lowed directly after preliminary work on Middle Street for the same purpose.
Gravel sidewalks were rebuilt and edges of old walks leveled up by this organization. Other small jobs too numerous to mention were accomplished by this organization also.
In closing my report, may I say, if my work as Street Superin- tendent has been satisfactory to our citizens, a great percentage of it is due to the hearty cooperation afforded me by our former Street Superintendent, Irving E. Johnson, who gave me, as far as possible, the benefit of his sixteen years experience for the Town.
When he resigned he left with us an organization on the reg- ular pay-roll of well-trained men who have cooperated with us in every way.
I feel I must at this time give great credit to my assistant, John O'Leary, for his hearty cooperation and willingness in furthering the work. I also wish to thank every Town employee in the Town building for the many kindnesses they have extended to me during my first year of office.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR I. NEGUS
Supt. of Streets.
138
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS & MEASURES
December, 31, 1931
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Weymouth, Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my annual report for the year 1931 with the sealing fees amounting to $330.70.
During the year 25 Fish, Fruit and Vegetable licenses were . granted at $10.00 each, 8 Junk licenses at $25.00 each.
There were five convictions made during the year as follows : three for peddling without a license as required by law, of which two paid fines and the other was placed on file, one for using an un- sealed and false scale paid a fine and the other for giving short weight, also paid a fine.
My general work for the year is as follows :
Sealed
3,380 articles
Not Sealed
149 articles
Condemned
19 articles
Gas Pumps
224 articles
Reweighings
321 articles
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES W. BURGESS
Sealer of Weights & Measures.
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
December, 31, 1931 To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Weymouth, Gentlemen :
BEALS PARK
At Beals Park this last year a five foot asphalt walk was put. in from Sea Street, to about half way across the Park and we hope that in another year or two we can continue this walk up to Bridge Street ; also an asphalt Tennis Court was put in at the lower end of the Park which we intend to fence in this coming summer. There are a number of tennis fans waiting patiently until this is done so they can be some of the first ones to play and we can say that this is the first Municipal Tennis Court in this part of the Town. The band-stand was used each Wednesday night all summer, the concerts being sponsored by the Men's Club of the Pilgrim Church and seemed to be enjoyed by all.
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