USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1935 > Part 13
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I have brought up-to-date tree surgery methods into use for the care of our trees and have trained a crew of men who have become proficient in their work. I want to thank every town de- partment for the co-operation each has given me, and my friends the townspeople for their helpful advice and constructive criti- cism. I have enjoyed my year's work very much.
Respectfully submitted,
V. LESLIE HEBERT Tree Warden.
REPORT OF CHIEF OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
January 6, 1936
The Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Weymouth, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit my annual report of the activities of the Fire Department during the year ending December 31, 1935.
The department responded to Five hundred and Forty (540) alarms for fires : -
Building
Fires
109
Chimney
Fires
21
Oil Burner
Fires
18
Wood
Fires
146
Grass
Fires
190
Transformer
Fires
01
Dump
Fires
15
Automobile
Fires
20
False Alarms
20
540
No School signal was sounded ten times.
The apparatus has been found to be functioning efficiently each piece having been tested periodically. All repairs and painting has been done by the permanent members thereby resulting in a considerable saving to the Town.
142.
STATIONS.
Station Two at East Weymouth and Station Three at Weymouth Landing have been painted throughout and all water leaks stopped and are now in excellent condition. Station One at North Weymouth and Station Five at South Weymouth are in very poor con- dition. It is my desire to correct this condition in the near future.
In concluding this report I wish to extend my sincere thanks and grateful appreciation to the Board of Selectmen for their generous cooperation rendered to me and to my department at all times .
I wish to thank the Officers and men of my department for the splendid spirit and cooperation shown, which after all is the success of all organizations.
To the heads and members of other departments and committees who have so generously assisted at any time, to each and every citizen who aided in any way, I wish to extend my appreciation.
Respectfully submitted, J. RALPH BACON Chief of Fire Department.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEAL
January 4, 1936
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
The Board held 7 meetings during the year and considered 15 applications for relief from the provisions of the Building Laws. Careful consideration was given each case, having in mind im- provements to property also considering that buildings built be- fore the adoption of the building laws to see that in each case there was a distinct improvement to the neighborhood .-
The 15 applications were approved.
A TM/F
Respectfully submitted, ANDREW T. MOORE Secretary of the Board
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PUBLIC WELFARE DEPARTMENT
December 16, 1935.
Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The Secretary of the Board of Public Welfare respectfully submits the following report for the year ending December 31, 1935.
Since March, the Welfare Department has had three main ob- jectives : First, the elimination of undeserving cases ; second, proper care of deserving families; third, businesslike methods in the handling of taxpayers' money.
143.
A concerted drive by the whole staff, ably assisted by the Police Department, reduced the number on welfare materially. A careful monthly check on all business establishments within a radius of twelve miles, reducing of excessive insurance policies, a check up of registered automobiles, and constant supervision over all cases have aided in accomplishing this objective. This constant vigilance has enabled the department to more properly care for those remaining on the rolls. Inadequate food allowances were increased, under-nourished children were better cared for and the general morale of those in needy circumstances was raised. Proper care of children's teeth has been a serious problem. A school dental clinic is urgently recommended. Weymouth is far behind other towns in this respect.
Believing that welfare now comes under the heading of big business, many innovations were successfully carried out. A new visible index system giving three separate checks on all orders issued was installed. Up-to-date applications were filled out by every applicant. A re-check of settlements showed numerous Weymouth families to have outside settlements. An intensive drive on bills owed by other municipalities brought approxi- ma tely $60,000 into the treasury. Shoes and rubbers were pur- chased wholesale. A five-acre farm produced tons of fresh vege- tables and served as an outlet for surplus 'labor. A wood pile furnished fuel throughout the year at a normal trucking cost. Appeals to the public for serviceable clothing at various inter- vals has eased that burden. In short, every possible way to help the needy without increasing the cost to the taxpayers has been. tried.
Government aid in its various forms has helped less this year than in former years. Allotments of food, clothing, and fuel have been severely curtailed. The several transitions from one group of letters to another have placed a heavy burden on the Welfare Department. After months, government relief seems to be in a worse mess than ever. Half the sums expended given di- rectly into the hands of officials elected by the voters would have produced far better results. When, and if, W P A starts functioning a considerable drop in welfare should be shown.
Medical problems have been ironed out. Doctors Durante, Levine, Millen, and Zibel have given the town excellent service. A special rate with various hospitals has reduced that expense. An agreement with the dentists has worked out to the town's ad- vantage. Druggist bills are still heavy mainly due to the poor physical condition of the majority receiving aid.
The problem of ownership of property is being met by assign- ments to the town. The town does not assume ownership, merely holding equity in the property.
Since May first, 2317 days of welfare labor have been ac- counted for. The following departments benefited:
Town Infirmary
1291 days
Street Department
228 days
Fire Department
25 days
Police Department
2 days
Park Department
238 days
School Department
50 days
Care of Veterans' Graves
71 days
E. R. A.
19 days
Town Hall
372 days
Town Engineer
4 days
Soldiers' Monument
12 days
Memorial Day Exercises
5 days
.
144.
The administration force consists of a director (who acts as Superintendent of Old Age Assistance), assistant director (who acts as Soldiers' Relief Officer), two visitors, and three clerks. Up to a certain point, money spent on administration reflects a. saving to the taxpayers. Less than 4% of total relief expendi- tures is charged to administration.
The department wishes to thank all those who have cooperated with us this year and welcomes helpful suggestions and conserva- tive criticisms that will tend to make the organization second to none in the state.
Very truly yours, EVERETT E. CALLAHAN, Secretary Board of Public Welfare.
EEC : EC
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
December 6, 1935.
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
The Superintendent of the Bureau of Old Age Assistance re- spectfully submits the following report for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1935:
The annual expenditure will approximate $75,000, an increase of approximately $10,000 over last year. The state law restrict- ing eligibility of 'applicants was materially changed last Summer allowing about 20 new cases to become eligible. In April of this year there were 221 active cases, in December 258. The average cost per month is $23.54 per person.
19 Old Age Assistance cases have died since January Ist. 10 cases are now in rest homes. Number put on since January 1st, 84.
It is expected that the new Social Service Security bill will change the handling of Old Age Assistance after January Ist. When this occurs, the burden on the town will be greatly lessened.
The state makes a periodical check up of all active cases and their recommendations have been followed out to the letter.
EEC : EC
Very truly yours , EVERETT E. CALLAHAN, Supt. Bureau of Old Age Assistance.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of the Town of Weymouth: -
The Board of Health met and organized in March. Thomas MacDonald was elected Chairman and F. L. Doucett Clerk.
The health of the community has been very good the past year especially among the children of school age.
145.
During the year the following cases of contageous diseases have been reported :
Anterior poliomyelitis 10
Tuberculosis 21
Diphtheria
1 Chicken pox 10
Lobar pneumonia 11 Dog bite 45
Mumps
21 Measles
40
Scarlet fever
51 Typhoid fever
1
Exposed to Rabes
5 Whooping cough
17
All dairys are inspected at frequent intervals. All herds have been tested for tuberculosis and all reactors disposed of. The milk produced in Weymouth is as good as any in the state.
Again this Board recommend that all dogs allowed to run loose are immunized against rabes.
During the year 5 people were exposed to rabes and received treatment.
The care of sewerage continues to be one of our major prob- lems. From every part of the town we receive complaints of sewerage flowing over the ground. Nothing will overcome this very serious menace to health except a proper system of sewerage.
Much work has been done in the past year to control the comminicable diseases.
The coming year a much more extensive plan has been laid out for this work.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS MAC DONALD DANIEL H. CLANCY F. L. DOUCETT Board of Health
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
December 28, 1935.
Board of Health, Town of Weymouth
I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1935.
During the year there have been issued 372 permits for plumbing requiring 405 inspections. Of this number all but one passed inspection.
Since May 1, 1935 there has been a charge for permits, one dollar for installing one fixture and three dollars for more than one . Received for same $460.
There has been installed in old and new buildings the follow- ing fixtures :
124 Sinks 69 Traps 71 Bath tubs
3 Urinals 60 Boilers
25 Gas water heaters
146.
99 Lavatories
10 Grease traps
116 Closets
1 Medicine sink
6 Slop Sinks
2 Sterilizers
4 Showers
3 Kerosene heaters
1 Dentist chair
making a total of 594; the value of which is $39,155.
The number of old and new buildings in which plumbing was installed are as follows :
12 New one family houses
166 Old one family houses
40 Old two family houses
3 Old four family houses
13 Old stores
3 Old office buildings
9 Old lunch rooms & res - taurants
1 New Theater
1 Old Manufacturing building
1 New bath house
1 New hospital
1 New filter plant
2 New gas stations
1 Old Laundry
1 Old factory
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE MARSHALL Inspector of Plumbing
Weymouth Board of Health Middle Street East Weymouth, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit the following account of Dairy and Milk Inspections from May Ist to January Ist, 1936 inclusive.
102 Store Licenses
40 Dealer Licenses
28 Oleomargerine Licenses
from
Sixty-nine samples of milk and cream have been taken direct the dairys and wagons.
One hundred and twenty-three inspections have been made by the Massachusetts State Inspector, Mr. H. L. Stowell and myself. All unsanitary conditions have been remedied and periodic in- spections will be made regularly.
HFG :S
Very truly yours,
HENRY F. GODIN
147.
67 Myrtle Street East Weymouth, Mass. January 1, 1936
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
1
GUSSET -l
ESS
2
W
DRAR
VINCERT
MASSACHUSETTS
WEYMOUTH, MASS.
1935
1
WEYMOUTH SCHOOL COMMITTEE PRINCE H. TIRRELL, Chairman MRS. ARTHUR R. TAYLOR, Secretary
FRANCIS W. REA 706 Pleasant Street, E. Weymouth
PRINCE H. TIRRELL 167 Pleasant Street, S. Weymouth
Term expires April 1, 1936 Wey. 2175-M
Term expires April 1, 1937 Wey. 0216
WILLIAM F. SHIELDS 41 Glendale Road, Weymouth
Term expires April 1, 1937
Wey. 2305-M
Term expires April 1, 1938
Wey. 0450
MRS. ARTHUR R. TAYLOR 44 Tower Avenue, South Weymouth
Term expires April 1, 1938
Wey. 2354
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
PARKER T. PEARSON 590 North Street, East Weymouth
Wey. 0520
OFFICE
Wey. 1460
Weymouth High School, East Weymouth Office Hours
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
HELEN G. TONRY, Secretary
79 Chard Street, East Weymouth
Wey. 0966
MYRTLE L. RICE, Assistant Secretary 79 Front Street, Weymouth
Wey. 1534-M
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1935 - 1936
FALL TERM Opens September 9 -- Closes December 20
WINTER TERM - Opens December 30 -- Closes February 21 Opens March 2 -- Closes April 24
SPRING TERM -- Opens May 4 -- Closes June 18
HOLIDAYS --. Armistice Day, Thanksgiving and day following, New Year's Day, Good Friday, Patriots' Day
NO SCHOOL SIGNAL 2-2-2 2-2-2
At 7:30 A. M., no session in any grade during the morning At 8:00 A. M., no session in grades I to IV, inclusive, during the morning. At 11:45 A.M., no session in grades I to IV, inclusive, during the afternoon. At 12:45 A.M., no session in any grade during the afternoon.
150.
1
Term expires April 1, 1936
J. HERBERT LIBBY, M. D. 707 Broad Street, E. Weymouth
WALLACE H. DRAKE, M. D. 88 Sea Street, North Weymouth
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
MEETINGS OF THE COMMITTEE
Regular meetings of the School Committee are held on the first Tuesday of each month at the High School Building at 8:00 P. M.
ENTRANCE AGE
No child shall be admitted to school in September unless he has reached the age of five on or before the first day of April preceding. Children entering for the first time will be admitted only during the first two weeks of school.
BIRTH CERTIFICATES
A birth certificate is required for entrance for the first grade.
VACCINATION
No child shall be allowed to enter the first grade without a certificate of successful vaccination.
Quotation from State Law, Chapter 76, Section 15: "An unvaccinated child shall not be admitted to a public school except upon presentation of a certificate like the physician's certificate required by Section 182 of Chap- ter 3."
EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATES
No child between the ages of fourteen and sixteen shall be allowed to leave school until a signed promise of employ- ment card has been presented to the principal of the build- ing in which he is attending school. Employment certifi- cates are issued by Mr. Charles Y. Berry, at the Hunt School, Weymouth, every week day except Saturday, between the hours of nine and twelve.
IN MEMORIAM
John P. Hunt
Born
December 10, 1875
Died
February 1, 1935
Member of Weymouth School Committee
From
August
2, 1920
To
February
1, 1935
151.
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Weymouth:
The School Committee herewith submits its report for the calendar year last past, to which is appended the report of the Superintendent of Schools, with the reports of the department heads, and made a part hereof.
During the year there have been two changes in the member- ship of the Committee. Mr. Edwin R. Sampson, whose term ex- pired in March, was not a candidate for re-election, and Mr. John P. Hunt died shortly before the annual town meeting. The two vacancies thereby created were filled by the elections of Dr. Wallace H. Drake and of Mr. William F. Shields.
All the members of the Committee wish to record their re- gret at the sudden passing of Mr. Hunt, who faithfully served on the Committee since 1920; and they wish to record their appreciation of the valuable services on this Committee of Mr. Sampson, who served since 1917.
The appropriation voted at the annual town meeting in March was very much reduced from the amount which the outgoing Com- mittee deemed necessary for the proper maintenance of the School Department, and as shown in the last budget. Immediately follow- ing town meeting, it became necessary to consider and institute drastic economies which would allow school expenditures to be kept within the appropriation.
For a long period of years, it has been customary for trans- portation to be furnished in the lower grades to certain school buildings, although the distance covered by such transportation routes was within the two-mile limit set by statute. As the spring advanced, for reasons of economy it was necessary to eliminate all transportation within such two-mile limit. Sub- sequently, in September, by confining all school transportation to one carrier, it was possible to restore the discontinued routes at no additional cost to the town.
In spite of the lack of funds that could be foreseen, the Committee wished to make as few changes as possible in the teach- ing personnel and courses during the school year and so to con- tinue the general organization until the end of June, but it was clearly seen that beginning with September very drastic changes in the school organization would have to be adopted. On July 1st it was, therefore, voted to discontinue supervision of music, penmanship, and sewing; and, temporarily, manual training. The
training in music and penmanship in the grades has, however, at no time been abandoned, as there are sufficient numbers of the regular teachers competent to provide ordinary instruction and training therein. A vacancy was imminent in the position of Dental Hygienist, and no measures were taken to fill such va- cancy. Supervision of school gardens was to be eliminated in September. This date was set because a most important part of the work is done through the summer months. These changes were pleasing neither to the Committee nor to the people of the town most directly affected, and at a special town meeting in Oct- ober a supplementary appropriation of $10,000.00 was made for the use of the School Department. This appropriation made it possi- ble to provide for a restoration of most of the discontinued de- partments, to purchase a portion of the textbooks and supplies which were much needed, and to allow a normal increase in salaries for teachers who had not had such increases and to which in fair- ness they were justly entitled. There has been one reduction in
152.
salary: that of the Superintendent of Schools, by $1,000.00, made at his own request.
The heating plant at the High School has been carrying an increasing and important load, and many official complaints of the smoke nuisance had been made. At times the requirements reach over 70,000 square feet of radiation, equivalent to more than 500 horsepower in heat energy. Two of the three boilers had been furnishing steam for twelve winters without repair or overhaul; the third boiler, of less age, was insufficient to carry the ordin- ary load alone except in the mildest of winter weather. During the summer, bids were invited for oil burning apparatus for these boilers; and although funds available for such purpose were lack- ing, it was necessary that a start be made to insure sufficient heat and provide at least one of the boilers with an oil burner sufficient to carry the heating load in mild weather. A contract was made for the installation of one oil burner. While this work was being done, it developed that the condition of the combustion chambers in the remaining two boilers was such that dependence could not be placed upon them. At the special town meeting in October an appropriation of $4,222.00 was made by vote of the town meeting which was intended to provide two additional oil burners and the estimated cost of new brickwork incidental thereto. All three burners are now installed and in service, and are operating successfully and economically. Better heating is now furnished, and the much complained of smoke nuisance has been eliminated.
The Committee has taken as yet no steps toward filling the vacancy in the position of Dental Hygienist, and it is understood that the matter is being taken up through the Board of Health, where we are informed it more properly belongs. However, if it is the wish of the town meeting that this work be carried on in the same manner as heretofore, and funds are provided therefor, the School Department is prepared to see that it is done.
There is no present likelihood of a sudden growth of school attendance in the next few years, and school expenses should not, therefore, on that account show any increase over the last few years, when there has been a substantial annual increase in mem- bership. Most of the school buildings are well filled, but not overcrowded, although there is no room to spare at the High School.
In submitting the budget for the coming year, the Committee has allowed for a continuance of all the courses and teaching positions now existent; and for a reasonable amount in the way of replacements of textbooks and supplies now greatly depleted; and a proper amount for the maintenance of buildings and grounds. Maintenance estimates should not be confined to ordinary wear and tear which can be foreseen. They must allow for the unexpected and the unforeseen, and also for a fair proportion of improvement, and for the care of grounds and their improvement.
The following is a summary of expenditures during the past two years, and estimates for the coming year:
Expenditures 1934
£ Expenditures 1935
Estimates 1936
Superintendent
$ 6,500.00
$ 6,166.56
$ 5,500.00
Other General Salaries
3,228.00
3,230.68
3,350.00
Other General Expense
1,511.28
1,205.45
1,500.00
Teachers ' Salaries
275,267.41
264,321.66
272,410.00
Textbooks and Supplies Tuition
12,015.06
8,679.47
15,000.00
576.66
200.67
300.00
153.
Transportation Support of Truants Janitors Fuel
16,204.40
16,762.20
17,000.00
1.14
191.14
300.00
28,882.10
28,140.76
29,284.00
11,452.16
13,845.17
14,000.00
Light
2,260.30
1,984.84
2,500.00
Maintenance
30,548.63
19,309.01
25,000.00
Other Expense
1,114.40
1,581.25
1,200.00
Day Household Arts
3,664.44
3,870.40
4,350.00
Day Industrial
28,299.00
23,215.42
24,500.00
Total Expenditures 1934
$421,324.98
$392,704.68
$416,194.00
Respectfully submitted,
PRINCE H. TIRRELL, Chairman
ETHEL G. TAYLOR, Secretary . (Mrs. Arthur R. ) WALLACE H. DRAKE, M. D.
J. HERBERT LIBBY, M. D.
FRANCIS W. REA
WILLIAM F. SHIELDS
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Members of the School Committee:
I take pleasure in presenting to you my twenty-seventh report, the fiftieth in the series of annual reports of superintendents of this town. Emerson is credited with having made the statement : "If a man can write a better book, preach a better sermon, or make a better mousetrap than his neighbor, though he build his house in the woods, the world will make a beaten path to his door."
It may be questioned whether or not "we have made a better mousetrap," but there is certainly a large and increasing visita- tion of the schools on the part of superintendents, officials, and teachers from other towns and cities. The vocational school, the opportunity classes, and the cafeteria appear to arouse the most interest and enthusiasm. Requests for information on con- struction of buildings, installation of heating plant, and organ- ization of courses have been numerous.
In November, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, working with representatives from the Federation of Women's Clubs, State Grange, Parent-Teachers' Associations, and Works Progress Administration, selected our high school as a model for demon- stration purposes. A School Lunch Institute was held at their request in the high school building on November 21. Superinten- dents, principals, school committee members, lunchroom managers, and representatives from the various organizations above noted, from forty-five municipalities were present. Dr. Mary DeGarmo Bryan, of Columbia University, an authority on school lunches, was the principal speaker. Her advice to the delegates present was practical as well as scientific. The cafeteria was open for inspection during the noon period, and throughout the afternoon round-table conferences were held, with Miss Eva Skala, of the high school staff, presiding for the larger towns and cities. A copy of the program may be of interest for record.
154.
Total Expenditures · 1935
Total Estimates
1936
A SCHOOL LUNCH INSTITUTE
On Thursday, November 21st, at 2 P.M. Weymouth High School -- East Weymouth
Presiding Chairman
Dr. M. Luise Diez, Director, Division of Child Hygiene, Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Greetings
Mr. Parker T. Pearson, Superintendent of Weymouth Schools
Talk on School Lunch Management
Mrs. Mary DeGarmo Bryan Institution Management Depart- ment, Columbia University, and author of "School Cafeteria".
Miss Eva Skala Weymouth school lunch manager
Will answer questions on the lunchroom and arrange for guests to visit it.
ROUND TABLES
Lunchroom in the large school
Chairmen Miss Dorothea Nicoll, Nutri- tionist, Massachusetts Depart- ment of Public Health -Nutrition Education
Miss Eva Skala, Lunchroom Manager, Weymouth High School - Management
Lunchroom in the small school
Mrs. Lillian Schmidt, Chairman of the School Committee, Biller- ica - Management
Mrs. Helen Inman Duff, Nutri- tionist, Massachusetts Depart- ment of Public Health -Nutrition Education
BRING YOUR PROBLEMS FOR DISCUSSION
155.
LEGION MEMORIAL FIELD
Early in the spring, a delegation from the Auxiliary to the American Legion asked for a conference relative to memorial gates for Legion Memorial Field. A number of years ago, money was rais- ed for such a purpose, and it was deemed that the present was a suitable time to erect the gates, in order to give a keynote for the ornamental wall to be erected around the field. Mr. Howard B. S. Prescott, of Boston and Arlington, who has been the architect for so many of our buildings, made without charge sketches of the memorial gate, which were accepted by the committee. The position for the gate was decided upon after due consideration of the various entrances to the field. The entrance opposite the boys' gymnasium was considered the most important, as through that gate- way all the pupils enter the field.
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