USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1935 > Part 12
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Respectfully submitted, KARL O'NEIL Burial Agent
REPORT OF CUSTODIAN OF VETERANS' GRAVES
January 2, 1936 Honorable Board of Selectmen, Weymouth, Mass.
Herein find my report for the care of veterans' graves for the year 1935.
With a reduced appropriation it was necessary to curtail work formerly done, so that some graves of veterans entitled to care under the law were not cared for during the season past.
In order to prevent a possible duplication of effort, no money was expended on the nine veteran lots in the cemeteries coming under the appropriation for the care of old cemeteries and paid to Wessagussett Post, #1399, Veterans of Foreign Wars. It is my opinion that no care was given the lots of veterans in two of these cemeteries during either this year or last.
The usual expenditure in the smaller Reed and Ashwood cemeteries was limited, so that the work in the larger cemeteries be curtailed but slightly, if at all.
With the co-operation of the Welfare Department and the Superintendents of the cemeteries, it was found possible to use 71 days of welfare labor in the Lakeview and Elmwood cemeteries. In each case the cemetery association paid the wages of the supervisor, taken from the Soldiers' Relief rolls, the Welfare Department provided the labor, and this department furnished the tools and materials. Because of the inability of the Welfare Department to furnish sufficient labor, it was not possible to continue this work in other cemeteries.
There are over nine hundred (900) graves of veterans in the thirteen cemeteries in Weymouth with the proper marker for ser- vice in some armed conflict of the nation, some few with the distinction of markers for service in two wars. The service of these nine hundred veterans has been checked either with the town records and published lists or with either the Adjutant General of Massachusetts or the Adjutant General's office in Washington, with the exception of those graves already provided with government headstones, the presence of which was deemed sufficient proof of service.
Three hundred and thirty (330), or over one-third, have been listed as entitled to care under the terms of the law and the conditions governing the expenditure of this appropriation.
The 900 veterans' graves, separated by wars, are as
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follows :
French &
Revolu- tionary
1812
Civil Spanish
World War
Mex. Bord.
Indian
Total No.
7
111
43
662
16
72
1
No. under Care 7
70
43
185
1
13
O
The graves of veterans entitled to care, separated by cemeteries :
Fairmont 37, Village 37, Ashwood 9, Highland 45, Mt.Hope 38, Elmwood 27, Old North 40, Reed 19, Martin (so-called) 4, Belcher (so-called) 2, Old Cemetery (opp. Fairmont) 3, Lakeview 33, St. Francis 35.
It would be ungracious indeed not to voice my appreciation for the splendid co-operation accorded me by the superintendents of the various cemeteries; their memories and records often fur- nished the lead for the verification of needed records, and their desire to give full measure of value for payments for care made routine inspections comparatively easy.
Yours respectfully , KARL O'NEIL Custodian of Veterans' Graves
REPORT OF THE TOWN COUNSEL
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I submit my report as Town Counsel for the year ending December 31, 1935. Because of your suggestion of the year pre- vious that department reports be as brief as possible, I did not set forth a list of the cases in which the Town was a litigant in my report for the year ending December 31, 1934. I do not set them forth with particularity herein. Specifically, the last report which does so is the report ending December 31, 1933. Referring to that report I might say that all of the cases there- in set forth have been terminated save those indicated therein by the following numbers: 16469, 17904, 195659, 23533, 26222 and . 26223. Of this number the latter two cases have been tried and the decision is now pending. In the remainder of said list the Town is the defendant, and they are now so old it is safe to say they may never be brought to trial.
During the period which this report covers the Town has been successful in several matters, in three instances collecting a sum aggregating over twenty-seven hundred dollars, which was duly paid into the treasury.
There are a number of cases pending, none of which should involve any great sum of money. I might point out that the great bulk of these in which the Town is a party arise out of accidents on the highways of the Town and land damages as the result of eminent domain takings for improving the public ways of the Town. Where the Town and the owner are unable to agree upon the fair market value of the land taken, the laws provide that the ag- grieved owner may petition the Superior Court for assessment of his damages. This right has been availed of, and in at least one instance the Town has paid rather more than it felt the property was worth. So long as the Town proposes to continue
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its eminent domain takings it may expect to pay whatever the Court determines is a fair price, and sometimes this appeals to us to be a rather liberal one.
Concerning damages for alleged injuries arising out of defective conditions on the highways of the Town, I might say that the Town has been particularly fortunate in not having had to pay substantial damages. This is not due to the condition of the highways, as I view it. In such instances where the amount claimed was considerable they have been defended, and the awards in those cases where the plaintiff has been success- ful have not been large. A considerable number of relatively minor claims have been adjusted without the necessity of liti- gation. Looking forward into the new year, while a number of suits of this character are pending, it is my opinion that no single case involves the payment of any considerable sum of money. In fact in the aggregate I feel that the sum of thirty- five hundred dollars might properly take care of all the out- standing legal obligations of this kind of litigation now pend- ing in Court against the Town.
May I at this time express my appreciation to the Honorable Board of Selectmen, the Townspeople, and the various departments of the Town for their co-operation and assistance, which has greatly facilitated the work of this department.
Respectfully submitted,
KENNETH L. NASH Town Counsel
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
January 16, 1936
To the Citizens of Weymouth :
Intelligent municipal planning in its many phases requires constant activity and thought, a thorough knowledge of the needs and facilities of the municipality, a consistent attitude toward development and a respect for the needs of the community. It becomes more involved and important as we engage in a vast pro- gram of public works.
The planning board has had frequent meetings at which de- tails of many proposals have been considered, plans have been submitted and specific recommendations made, most important of which was the drainage of Washington Square, presented to the citizens of the Town at the special Town Meeting October 22, 1935. The outcome of the proposal authorized the County Com- missioners to investigate conditions and determine whether or not there is necessity for change in the drainage system. We await their decision with anxiety.
We feel, however, that adequate provision should be made immediately to eliminate the possibility of a repetition of the damage done in April of 1935, by an adequate system of drainage to take surface water flowing into the square from the surround- ing watershed.
The effectiveness of our proposals, which plan for future development extending over a period of years, will depend largely upon the interest shown by the citizens and the applica- tion to the more important details of a definite program. We wish to thank those citizens who have been so co-operative in the past year.
133.
The recommendations of this board for the erection of a police station and two fire stations have received the approval of many of the citizens. Construction of the police station to be erected on the site of the present station will begin in a short time. More detail has to be worked out before the fire stations are erected, but it is hoped nothing will occur to void the recommendations of this board.
In the development of a program such as we advocate, the work should be done in sequence of importance, and in order to carry out our purpose we recommended the following work for 1935 :
Widening of Pleasant Street at Pine Street Widening and reconstruction of Forest Street ยท Relocation of Pleasant St. near the Police Station Widening of North Street near Neck Street Widening the corner of Norton and Evans Street Reconstruction of Middle Street from Washington St. to Lake Resurfacing car track area from Thomas' corner to Central Square
Reconstruction of a part of Front Street Reconstruction of Pond Street from the R.R. to Main St. Reconstruction of Columbian Square Reconstruction of Broad St. from Lincoln Sq. to Front St. Reconstruction of Whitman Street Construction of Great Pond Road
Of the above projects the widening of Pleasant Street at Pine Street is now under construction, reconstruction of Middle Street, Front Street, Broad Street, and the construction of Great Pond Road are completed, and the resurfacing of Columbian Square is to be started in the spring of 1936. We recommend the working of the remaining projects in 1936.
Our sidewalk program consists of the construction of curbs and sidewalks on important streets in central locations or where the section would materially benefit. In 1935 construc- tion has been completed or is now under construction of the fol- lowing streets :
Commercial Street, Weymouth Landing Columbian Street Standish and Evans Streets Broad St. from Lincoln Square to Front St. Shawmut Street
Randall Avenue Washington Street
Broad St. from Lincoln Square to Roosevelt Road Broad St. from Central Square to Madison Street Johnson Road Lakewood Road
The total distance of the above is 16730 ft.
We recommend a continuation of curb and sidewalk construc- tion on the following streets : Sherwood Road, Rosalind Road, Rosemont Road, North Street, Bradley Road, Academy Avenue, Madi- son Street, Cedar Street, Hawthorne Street, High Street, Broad Street, Commercial Street, Station Street, Elliot Street, Ran- dolph Street, Pine and Oak Streets, Putnam and Chard Streets, Torrey Street, Summer Street, Middle Street, and many others of like importance.
134.
Four streets have been submitted for acceptance in 1936, namely: the extension of Lakewood Avenue and Pierce Road, Castle Road, and Greenacre. We believe that the construction of these streets will materially benefit a large number of citizens.
Further recommendations for 1936 are as follows :
The resurfacing and relocation of Norton Street from North Street to Evans Street, with the construction of curbings and sidewalks on both sides.
A public boat landing at the foot of North Street and on town land
Resurfacing of Pond Street from the N.Y. N.H. R.R. to Main Street and also that section from Main Street to the Abington town line
Reconstruction of Middle Street from Lake Street to Central Square
Removal of ledge at the junction of Winter, Main and Front Streets
The widening of North Street from Bridge Street to Pilgrim Road
The demolition, by W.P.A. workers, of all unsightly and unoccupied buildings that.are considered a fire hazard or public nuisance along Bridge Street
Resurfacing of Summer Street from Front Street to Federal
Resurfacing Federal Street from Summer Street to Washington Street
Resurfacing Front Street from Elliot Street to Federal Street
Relocation of retaining wall at Madison and Commercial Streets
We fully appreciate that emergencies arise to upset a de- finite line of action in a program such as outlined in this report, but when confronted by any problem we shall be glad to give it careful consideration.
The chairman is deeply indebted to all members of the board, especially the two new members, Daniel P. Cummings and Charles A. Jordan, for their prompt and effective assistance on questions of great importance to the town.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK A. PRAY, Chairman ARTHUR I. NEGUS, Secretary RUSSELL H. WHITING THOMAS J. KELLY CHARLES GRIFFIN DANIEL P. CUMMINGS CHARLES A. JORDAN
135.
REPORT OF THE MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Town of Weymouth
I respectfully submit my annual report as Moth Superinten- dent for 1935.
During the past year we were confronted by many different pests attacking our shade trees, which necessitated a great deal of spraying.
The Tent Caterpillar and Elm Leaf Beetle proved a serious menace. Some localities were so infested that we had to spray twice. Having cut out and burned thousands of wild cherries all over town, the breeding spots of the Tent Caterpillar have been eliminated to a great extent.
There were a great many Gypsy Moths throughout the town, especially along the outskirts. The entire town, however, has been scouted and sprayed for them.
There was an outbreak of the Satin Moth in the northern part of the town; also the Cankerworm caused considerable trouble in different sections.
In closing I wish to thank the men of the E.R.A. and W.P.A. and my entire town crew for their aid during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM E. MACQUINN, JR. Moth Superintendent
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARMS
To Chief J. Ralph Bacon Weymouth Fire Department
I respectfully submit the annual report of the fire alarm system of the Weymouth Fire Department.
During the year alarms have been transmitted over the system:
Alarms for Fires 151 Chief's Calls 65
Multiple Second Alarms 3 7 Blows 19
False Alarms 21 No School Signals 12
Lost Child Calls 2 10 Blows for P.W.A. Checks 2
Boy Scout Calls 2
The outside wire is in very good condition, very little trouble being encountered from this source. We have used five miles of wire this year.
We have changed over approximately 300 new poles, which has added much to the upkeep of the system. It is also necessary to renew approximately 200 crossarms each year to keep the system in efficient operation.
We have added one new fire alarm box to the system.
136.
We have a number of obsolete alarm boxes spread over the circuits, which are over 40 years old, and I sincerely recommend renewing at least three of these each year to reduce this con- dition.
In concluding I wish to extend my sincere thanks to all for the services and cooperation rendered at all times.
Respectfully,
C. F. COOLIDGE Supt. of Fire Alarms
REPORT OF THE REGISTRARS OF VOTERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Weymouth :
The Board of Registrars of Voters respectfully submit the following report:
The total number of voters at the close of registration, February 20, 1935.
Ma le
Female
Total
Precinct 1
1002
824
1826
Precinct 2
692
577
1269
Precinct 3
972
9 50
1922
Precinct 4
394
335
729
Precinct 5
477
470
947
Precinct 6
812
700
1512
Precinct
451
350
801
Precinct 8
352
327
679
Precinct 9
557
593
1150
Totals
5709
5126
10835
EDWARD P. MURPHY JOHN F. REARDON BASIL S. WARREN
Attest:
CLAYTON B. MERCHANT Town Clerk
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The damage to many streets caused by the severe winter of 1935 made it necessary to rebuild large sections of Rockcroft Road, Harding Avenue, Wilson Avenue, Academy Avenue and Moulton Avenue, as well as many sections of smaller areas.
Hinston Road, Sunnyplain Avenue and sections of Lakewood Avenue and Great Pond Road were accepted. The work on the above streets was done by E.R.A. and W.P.A., except Great Pond Road, which was constructed by street department employees.
Broad Street from Lincoln Square to Front Street, Front
137.
Street from Washington Square to Elliot Street, and the car . track area from Thomas' corner to Central Square were resurfaced by the department.
The reconstruction of Middle Street from Washington Street to Lake Street, done under State supervision as a Chapter 90 project, was the most important work during the year.
Sidewalks and curbing were done by E.R.A. and W.P.A. work- ers, the materials and other miscellaneous costs taken from the appropriation for this purpose.
The unusually severe winter of this year proved that de- partment, equipment was inadequate and inefficient for the removal of snow. In other departmental work old equipment has delayed progress to some extent, and in view of this condition three trucks, a tractor with plow, two mouldboard plows, a pick-up truck and coupe were purchased early in the spring.
The constant additional mileage of streets accepted is reason for a larger appropriation for oiling. In previous al- location of funds in the budget there has not been a sufficient amount for application to all streets, and it has been the pol- icy to oil only those that are in the poorest condition.
Drainage of Washington Square has been a source of much annoyance during the year. On April 9th and 10th during a very heavy rain the square became flooded for a considerable area. It is true that such conditions infrequently occur, but busi- ness in Washington Square should not be subjected to unneces- sary inconvenience. At the present time, by authority of the town, the County Commissioners are making a study of the drain- age system to ascertain whether or not corrective measures should be taken.
The monthly removal of rubbish is an important service to the citizens, but no funds have been specifically appropria ted for this work. In order that the service be continued, an appropriation should be made.
The financial statement of the street department will be found in the Town Accountant's report.
The assistance and co-operation of the Board of Selectmen has been greatly appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
T. J. KELLY Supt. of Streets
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RENAMING OF STREETS
To the Citizens of Weymouth:
At the Annual Town Meeting in March, 1935, the Planning Board was appointed to investigate and recommend the renaming of streets where duplication or similarity of street designa- tions occur.
We recommend the following changes :
138.
Easterly section of Bayview Street to Babcock Avenue
Curtis Avenue
to Chauncy Street
Glenda le Road
to Gilmore Street
Hillside Ave. to Chard Street
Hunt Avenue
to Huntington Avenue to Lambert Avenue
Park Road
to Palmer Street
Roosevelt Cir.
to Glendale Street
Shaw Road
to Sargent Road
Union Avenue
to Unicorn Avenue
White Park
to Webster Street
Bates Road
to Birch Road
Bayview Road
to Bacon Road
Central Avenue
to Chauncy Street
Columbia Rd.
to Caldwell Street
Greena cre
to Wilbur Street
Hillside Ct.
to Hawkins Street
Hillside Rd.
to Hale Street
Irving Road
to Ivy Road
Linden Ave.
to Lorraine Street
Loud Place
to Longfellow Street
Mayflower Ter.
to Mayflower Ave.
Mill Lane
to Hyde Street
Norfolk Road
to Nelson Street
Pierce Court
to Page Street
Station Ave.
to Somerset Street
Sterling Ave.
to Glines Avenue
Sunset Road
to Sawtelle Street
Edith Avenue
to Echo Avenue
Eliot Street
to Edgeworth Street
Elm Avenue
to Hart Avenue
Elm Street
to Eden Street
Evans Avenue
to Everett Avenue
Hunt Avenue
to Hancock Street
Hyde Street
to Edgemont Street
Pine Avenue
to Paris Street
Walnut Street to Walton Street
Wessagussett Ave. Whipple Street
Willow Road to Wolcott Street
The names of the following streets will be changed :
Albert Street to Acorn Street
Bartlett Street to Barnes Avenue
Bridge Street to Baldwin Street
Brook Street to Beecher Street
Cedar Cliff
to Chapman Street
Cedar Path
to Carver Street
Charles Street to Cameron Street
Cross Street to Calhoun Street
Cross Street
to Chadwick Street
Curtis Street
to Campbell Street
Derby Street
to Dudley Street
Dewey Avenue
to Dixon Street
Elmwood Street
to Edison Street
Elmwood Street
to Filmore Street
Forest Avenue
to Fairfax Street to Forbes Street
Forest Path
Forest Street to Freemont Street
Francis Road to Friend Street
French Avenue to Farragut Avenue
Grove Street
to Graham Street
Lakewood Ave.
to Elgin Street Emerson Terrace to Endicott Street Field Street
139.
Highland Ave.
to Holmes Avenue
Hillcrest Ave. to Hadley Street
Hingham St. to Hull Street
Holbrook Ave.
to Hubbard Street
Holbrook St.
to Homer Street
Holbrook St.
to Hamilton Street
Howard Street
to Henry Street
Humphrey St.
to Hanover Street
Hunt Street
to Hayes Street
Kingman St.
to Kenton Street
Lakeview Path
to Leland Path
Lee Street
to Leavitt Street
Loud Street
to Lipton Street
Maine Street
to Meade Street
Massasoit St.
to Mason Street
Massasoit Trailto Marshall Street Merritt St. to Malcomb Street
Milford St.
to Mansfield Street
Mill Street
to Montcalm Street
Newton Street
to Neptune Road
Norton Street
to Chestnut Street
Oakdale Road
to Oliver Road
Otis Road
to Orleans Road
Overlook Path
to Octavia Path
Paul Street
to Peabody Street
Phillips St.
to Prescott Street
Pine Grove Ave.to Pastem Street
Pine Grove Pth.to Perry Street
Pine Road to Percival Road
Pine Point Ave.to Patterson Street
Pond Street
to Poore Street
Pond View Ave.
to Perkins Road
Ridge Road
to Raleigh Road
River Road
to Radcliffe Street
River Street
to Rogers Street
Robinhood Road
to Revere Road
Samoset Trail
to Seward Street
Shore Street
to Sheridan Street
Shores Street
to Sedgwick Street
Stillman St.
to Sherwin Street
Summit Avenue
to Seabury Street
Sunset Road
to Sherbert Road
Tirrell Street to Temple Street
Vernon Street to Vandyke Street
Wainwright Ave.to Winslow Avenue
Westminster St.to Wardsworth Street
Whitman Street to Wycliffe Street
The board published in the local newspaper all recommended changes of street designations and held a hearing on October 16, 1935.
Some objections were recorded and in most cases satisfactorily adjusted.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK A. PRAY, Chairman
ARTHUR I. NEGUS, Secretary RUSSELL H. WHITING THOMAS J. KELLY CHARLES GRIFFIN
DANIEL P. CUMMINGS
CHARLES A. JORDAN
140.
Roosevelt Ave.
to Rantoule Street
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Following is the report of the Inspector of Animals for nine months starting April 1st, 1936.
Number of places inspected
62
Number of cows inspected
342
Number of young stock inspected
33
Number of bulls inspected
10
Number of dogs inspected
3
Number of dogs quarantined
33
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN H. REIDY., .
Inspector of Animals.
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
January 6, 1936
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The most important accomplishment of the tree department in 1935 was the care of several hundred young trees set out in late years by the former tree department. These trees were staked up, earth spaded around them, both chemical and organic fertilizers applied in proper proportions, wounds treated, and trees correct- ly pruned. Previous to this treatment, many of these trees had died from lack of nourishment, improper soil conditions, and carelessness of autoists and children.
During the early Spring months several of the schools con- ducted tree programs and planted trees or shrubbery on the school grounds. This should be encouraged so that boys and girls will appreciate growing things.
Other work of the department included
First-aid treatment to a large number of trees that were injured by motor vehicles ; Pruning of a number of large trees; Fertilizing - (We should do more of this if we must save our trees).
During the months I have been in office a dozen trees have fallen in storms. Luckily none of these did any damage to life or property, but we may not always be so fortunate. There are a great many trees such as have fallen which are liable to go at almost any time. I have been out with my men in every storm this year, cruising the main streets of the town, removing trees , limbs, and smaller branches in large quantities from the high- ways, making them safe for pedestrians and traffic.
The most serious problem facing tree men the country over is the Dutch Elm Disease. Under the direction of the Massachusetts State College a Scouting project was organized with the use of E R A funds. The Scouts sought out all trees which were in poor physical condition, took samples which were sent to laboratories where cultures were made and a report on each specimen returned.
Later a Tree Surgery project was written up so that we might
141.
accomplish more work than town funds would allow. This project was interpreted by the State E R A as a Tree Removal project and was passed on as such. This project worked well with the Scout- ing project as all trees reported in a serious condition which might become infected, or which were seriously infested with insects, were removed. Another angle of this Tree Removal pro- ject is that of public safety. Dead and dying trees are a hazard. One accident did happen where a large dead limb fell on a passing car. Already our project is making a showing as less debris is found after each storm.
My plans for next year include extensive tree planting, cabling and bracing all weakened trees which otherwise are in good health, thorough pruning and fertilizing to build up resis - tance to insect pests, diseases, and storms.
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