USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1936 > Part 13
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Personal, Real Estate and Moth
$ 261,426.93
Motor Vehicle Excise
6,533.73
Polls
902.00
Water Liens
247.00
$ 269,109.66
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK W. HOLBROOK Collector of Taxes.
REPORT OF THE ALEWIVE FISHERIES
December 31, 1936
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
of the Town of Weymouth:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report as superintendent of Alewive Fisheries for the year ending December 31, 1936.
Approximately ninety thousand (90,000) alewives were deposited in Whitman's Pond for spawning. The first catch was made on April 22nd, and the last on May 18th.
The Welfare Department received four thousand five hundred (4,500) as your Board so noted.
In closing my report, I wish to thank the members of your Board, the Weymouth Light and Power Co., the Weymouth Wool Scouring Co., Mr. Kelley, Superintendent of the Streets, and the boys who worked with me for the help and cooperation which was so willingly given at all times.
Respectfully submitted, THOMAS M. O'TOOLE.
Supt. of the Alewive Fisheries.
149
REPORT OF WEYMOUTH TOWN INFIRMARY FOR YEAR 1936.
To the Honorable Board of Public Welfare,
Town of Weymouth, Mass.
Gentlemen:
On December 31, 1936, of the 16 residing at the Home, there were two women and fourteen men. During the year a number of transients have been cared for, as shown by the detailed table below:
Number of residents Jan. 1, 1936. 19
Number admitted during the year 22
Lost by death 1
Number discharged during year 24
Number of residents December 31, 1936 16
No major repairs have been necessary, owing to the complete renova- tion of the buildings in 1935 accomplished with th cooperation of the E.R.A.
An extra large garden yielded well, and a supply of vegetables were stored and canned for winter use. The men who are able to work, assisted in this and the general work about the place. Diversion is furnished by the radio and reading matter, also by the annual Christmas eve party and tree with gifts for all, made possible by your honorable Board, by organiza- tions and friends who remember the residents, then there is the special Thanksgiving and Chistmas dinner.
In closing my tenth report, Mrs. Berry joins me in thanking all who have cooperated.
Respectfully submitted, CLIFFORD A. BERRY, Supt.
ARTICLE 19, COMMITTEE REPORT
To the Annual Town Meeting and to the Citizens of Weymouth:
The School Committee and the Board of Park Commissioners, to whom the subject matter of Article 19 of the Warrant at the last Annual Town Meeting was referred, report as follows:
Under Article 19 was brought up the matter of the acquisition by the town of land adjoining the grounds of the James Humphrey School on Lake Street, and for the development of such land for park purposes un- der the supervision of the School Committee.
For many years the playground at the James Humphrey School has been used by the children of the neigborhood, and by older persons for sports, pricipally baseball, and neigborhood carnivals have also been an- nually held thereon. At various times money has been appropriated and expended for the purpose of improving conditions, but by reason of the narrowness of the lot, and the shortness of the outfield, the grounds have never been satisfactory for standard baseball.
The easterly side of the school yard has come to be used as a thorough- fare connecting the end of Whitman Street with Lake Street, subjecting children using the playground to a certain degree of danger.
150
The school grounds can be widened and enlarged by the acquisition of land to the east and to the west. Approximately three acres of land on the east can be secured, together with the buidings thereon, for a cost not exceeding $3500. Another adjoining piece, a small triangle, on the east, we are informed may be secured at a nominal cost. All this land, however, is composed of underlying ledge and is at a level considerably higher than the playing field. To bring any useful portion of such land to the level of the play field would lead to prohibitive expense; but the land is otherwise suitable for playground purposes.
The acquisition of a portion of the houselot lying to the west of the school yard would permit the baseball diamond to be located in a more satisfactory manner. This houselot has an assessed valuation of $700., and we are led to believe that the needed portion of this lot can be ac- quired at a reasonable cost. This piece of land would have direct con- nection with a private way leading to and from Lake Street.
We feel, however, that should any enlargement of the James Hum- phrey School grounds be undertaken at the forthcoming or any other town meeting, the matter of making a direct connection of Whitman Street with Lake Street by way of Randall Avenue should at the same time be taken up and carefully considered, to the end that the traffic may be diverted from the school yard. Whitman Street at present connects with Randall Avenue, and Randall Avenue runs at one point within about 250 feet from Lake Street. The matter of such street connection is one that the Planning Board might well take up for recommendation to the Town Meeting.
We are, therefore, submitting a copy of this report to the Planning Board, so that the whole matter may have a hearing at the Annual Town Meeting
The cost of all the land mentioned for the enlargement of the school yard should not exceed $4000., if any, but in any case a considerable a- mount would be needed for making the improvements that would be ex- pected.
January, 1937.
Respectfully submitted,
WALLACE H. DRAKE, M.D. J. HERBERT LIBBY, M.D. CLAYTON W. NASH WILLIAM F. SHIELDS ETHEL G. TAYLOR PRINCE H. TIRRELL School Committee
CHARLES W.BURGESS EVERETT J. McINTOSH ARTHUR I. NEGUS Park Commissioners
151
REPORT OF CHIEF OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Weymouth, Massachusetts Janaury 1, 1937
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, 1936.
The 'department responded to Four Hundred and Eight alarms for fires.
Building Fires 162
Chimney Fires
22
Oil Burner Fires 14
Wood & Grass Fires
177
Dump Fires
11
Automobile Fires
22
False Alarms
20
No school signal was sounded Twelve times.
Buildings involved in Fires had an assessed value of $353,657.00. Fire loss $20,539.52 (Buildings and contents).
ALARMS ANSWERED AND EQUIPMENT USED
Considerable work has been added to the various routine due to the large amount of light fuel oil burners installed making it necessary to inspect each one as to the storage of the oil, and issue a permit for the same. There are at Present in use in the Town, Three Thousand Five Hun- dred and Sixty-Five (3,565) light fuel oil burners and Three Hundred and Forty-Six power burners. (346).
Apparatus and Equipment
Early in July 1936 the Motors in Ladder 1 and Ladder 2 broke to such an extent that repairs could not be made, one motor was eleven years old, the other ten years old, two new Hercules motors were bought and in- stalled at a cost of $3,440.00 during the period of installation the Town had no Ladder truck so the City of Boston loaned the Town of Weymouth a truck from July 2, 1936 to September 4, 1936 and no fee being charged. The past year has been very costly on the maintenance of the apparatus, the present equipment consists of four Pumping Engines; two City Service Ladder Trucks; Two Forest Fire Trucks; One Squad Truck, One Fire Alarm Truck and a Chief's Car. All apparatus and equipment is in very good condition with the exception of the Chief's Car which is a 1933 Pontiac sedan and I recommend the purchase of a new car. A new Vapor Nozzle has been added to the equipment and has proved very . effective.
Stations
A beautiful New Fire Station was erected in North Weymouth in 1936 and is a credit to the community and will answer the needs of the Depart- ment for a good many years. Station Two at East Weymouth and Station Three at Weymouth Landing are in very good condition, Station Five at South Weymouth is in very poor condition and I sincerely hope the Town Meeting will vote to erect a New Fire Station in South Weymouth.
In concluding this report I wish to extend my sincere thanks and
152
ALARMS ANSWERED AND EQUIPMENT USED
Chief's Car
Engine 1
Engine 2
Engine 3
Engine 5
Squad A
Ladder 1
Ladder 2
Forest Truck 2
Forest Truck 5
Alarms responded to
408
93
185
120
77
147
46
131
80
29
Hours pumped at Fires
11
12
191/2
12
15
Hose Laid (21/2 inch)
6,150
10,100
11,050
13,450
11,350
Hose Laid (Booster)
3,800
11,800
7,600
2,600
12,400
Hose Laid (Forest Fire)
2,000
57,300
5,800
Ladders raised
132
90
200
192
619
533
Salvage covers spread
6
41
6
10
Phomene extinguishers
2
8
2
2
3
2
4
Pyrene extinguishers
5
4
4
1
3
Lighting generator
30 Times 19 Hours
Inhalator
5
Carbon Di Oxide
6
Vapor Nozzle
2
Pump Cans
324
153
153
grateful appreciation to the Board of Selectmen for their generous co- operation rendered to me and my department at all times.
I wish to thank the officers and men of my department for the splen- did spirit and cooperation shown, I wish to express my grateful thanks to Chief of Police Butler and the men of his department for their assistance at Fires.
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 SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARMS
January 7, 1936
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 163
Multiple Second Alarms 2
False Alarms 20
Lost Child Calls 1
Boy Scout Calls
1
Chief Calls
28
7 Blows
2
No School Signals 12
10 Blows for W.P.A. 10
The outside wire is in very good condition very little trouble being encountered from this source. Five miles of new wire being used.
We have changed over approximately 300 new poles which has added much to the upkeep of the system. It is also necessary to renew approxi- mately 200 crossarms each year to keep the system in efficient operation.
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 (3) three of these each year to reduce this condition.
In concluding I wish to extend my sincere thanks to all for the ser- vices and cooperation rendered at all times.
Respectfully yours, C. F. COOLIDGE, Supt. of Fire Alarms.
154
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Caused by the severe winter of 1936, with its excessive snow fall and unusual freezing weather, sections of Sea Street, Neck Street, Tower Avenue, Academy Avenue and Chauncy Setreet, were so badly damaged that it was necessary to excavate the sub-soil to a depth, in some instances, of about one foot to properly drain by catch basins and pipe or by blind drainage, and to rebuild the damaged areas at a cost far beyond average repairs.
Hinston Road and Sunnyplain Avenue, accepted in 1935, were completed by W.P.A. labor during the early part of this year. Greenacre, now Wil- bur Street, Castle Road, Pierce Road, and a section of Lakewood Avenue, were accepted in 1936 but were not constructed.
With an allotment of funds from the State of Massachusetts for the purchase of materials, and funds for W.P.A. labor, the reconstruction of Pleasant Street from Independence Square through Columbian Square, including a traffic circle and grading of Bailey Green was accomplished with very little outlay by the Town, and at the same time under Chapter No. 90 of the General Laws, Middle Street was reconstructed and drained from Lake Street to Broad Street at a cost to the Town of approximately 65 per cent of the total cost, thereby receiving exceptional value for the amount expended.
In Washington Square where, in the past, considerable damage and in- convenience resulted from a drainage system inadequate to take sur- face water accumulation, the entire area was resurfaced and a system of drainage on the several streets in the vicinity was installed to re- lieve this condition, especially near the Weymouth-Braintree line. The results are satisfactory, the only uncertainty remaining as whether or not the Weymouth-Braintree culvert is of sufficient size
to properly function during a heavy rainfall of long duration.
Drainage in general throughout the town should be given much thought- ful consideration so that relief from flood waters in swamps, in flat areas, in and around ledge and in places where there is little seepage may be given the home owners as well as the owners of business. It is my opinion that a system of storm drainage will eventually be necessary for permanent relief, and that planning for the future should begin immediately.
Sidewalks and curbing have been constructed on Summer Street, Sta- tion Street, Church and Commercial Streets, Lakewood Road and Johnson Road by W.P.A. labor, the materials purchased from funds appropriated for W.P.A. purposes.
The financial report of the street department will be found in the Town Accountant's report.
The assistance and consideration of the Board of Selectmen has been very helpful and indeed appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
T. J. KELLY
Superintendent of Streets.
155
REPORT OF BUILDING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I present my report of Building Operations for the year 1936 as follows:
Building permits in 1936-112 with a total value of $202,332.00 com- posed of 30 Dwellings, 55 Garages, 19 Poultry Houses, 1 Fire Station, 1 Police Station, 2 Roadside Shops, 1 Barn, 2 Service Stations and 6 other out buildings. Compared with 1935-111 Permits with a value of $272,978 a decrease in value of $70,642.00 with about the same number of Permits or approximately 26% less than in 1935.
Alteration Permits in 1936 were 239 with a value of $77,032.00 com- pared with 1935, 208 Permits with a value of $70,983.00 an increase of 31 Permits and an increase in value of $7,049.00.
Garage License Applications from January 1, 1936 to August 18, 1936 were 49 all of which were granted and $49.00 paid to Treasurer.
Receipts of this office in 1936 $481.00.
There were 16 Elevator inspections made in December, 3 of which were found defective and I purposely delayed sending in my reports on them until the defects wer adjusted. I found that the owners were very willing to cooperate with me to that extent as they know that a defect in an elevator reported to the Department of Public Safety entails a great deal of trouble. I was pleased with that cooperation.
Respectfully submitted, ANDREW T. MOORE Building Inspector.
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
December 31, 1936
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Weymouth: Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report for the year 1936 with the sealing fees amounting to $348.78.
With the purchasing of the 50 gallon meter testing equipment for the testing of fuel oil meters on oil trucks it has greatly increased the efficiency of the department in that capacity and the Town is in a position to rent the equipment to other Towns therefore reducing the cost to the Town. Rental fees this year were fourteen dollars ($14.00).
There were two convictions made during the year as follows: one for peddling without a license and one for not selling fruit at retail as re- quired by law, both were found guilty and paid fines.
My general work for the year is as follows:
Tested and sealed 3,314 weighing and measuring devices.
Not Sealed, 143 weighing and measuring devices.
Condemned, 32 weighing and measuring' devices. Reweighing, 447 food packages.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES W. BURGESS, Sealer of Weights and Measures
156
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF REGISTRARS OF VOTERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen we respectfully submit the following report:
The total number of registered voters at the close of registration, Oc- tober 14, 1936.
Male
Female
Total
Precinct
1
1058
941
1999
66
2
720
632
1352
3
1014
979
1993
66
4
423
359
782
66
5
502
507
1009
6
879
755
1634
66
7
471
381
852
66
8
406
390
796
9
623
642
1265
6096
5586
11682
EDWARD P. MURPHY JOHN F. REARDON LAWRENCE CORRIDAN
Registrars of Voters
Attest:
CLAYTON B. MERCHANT
Town Clerk
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Following is the report of the Inspector of Animals for the year ending December 31, 1936.
Number of places inspected
60
Number of cows inspected
349
Number of young stock inspected
24
Number of bulls inspected
8
Number of dogs quarantined
39
Number of dog bites investigated
7
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN H. REIDY
Inspector of Animals
157
REPORT OF THE ELECTRIC LIGHTING COMMITTEE
Weymouth, December 31, 1936
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
This committee continued the curtailed schedule of lighting which was adopted in 1935, to April 1; at which time we returned to full schedule by replacing 344 lights, thereby increasing our monthly bill from about $2,200 to about $2,800.
We have had but few requests for additional lights during the year and have installed but ten new ones. This accounts for most of our un- expended balance of $374.33.
The controversy over the lighting of the new Fore River Bridge was settled by the State assuming all costs of maintenance and operation.
It was with deep regret that we learned of the sudden death of Mr. L. Henry Godin, a valued and conscientious member of this committee. The vacancy was filled by the appointment of Charles L. Gibson.
In 1930 this committee had detailed plans made to improve the lighting of Bridge Street, the depression came upon us at that time and the project was never submitted to the Town.
This matter has been under discussion since that time and has been before the Town Meeting at least twice. The last Anunal Town Meeting referred the subject to this committee. We recognize the advisability and necessity of increased lighting on this dangerous thoroughfare with its many intersecting streets, as well as any other of our heavily travelled roads.
We have included figures in our budget to improve conditions on Bridge and Washington Streets.
We recommend the following budget for the ensuing year: Maintenance of present service $ 34,026.25
25 Additional Lights (6 Months Service) 223.75
Bridge Street
Monatiquot Street to Bicknell Square 11 New 600 C. P. Lights (7 Months Service)
Bicknell Square to Neck Street 11 New 400 C. P. Lights (7 Months Service) Additional Cost 450.00
Washington Street Southerly from Lincoln Square 10-1,000 C. P. Sodium Vapor Lamps
Lincoln Square Increase existing lights from 600 C. P. to 1,000 C. P. Additional Cost 500.00
$ 35,200.00
Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH KELLEY, Chairman ALFRED S. TIRRELL WALTER R. FIELD CHARLES L. GIBSON J. HERBERT LIBBY, Clerk
158
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
BEALS PARK
Beals Park was well taken care of during the year and is now a spot of beauty. The bandstand has been painted and more trees planted.
GREAT HILL PARK
The new bath house was opened making it possible to have separate bath houses for men and women. These were filled to their capacity much of the summer season. An instructor was on the beach to give lessons and protect the children.
At the top of the hill we find great improvement in parking facili- ties.
BRADFORD HAWES PARK
W.P.A. has done much toward improving this playground in the way of clearing out grove, building shelter, field oven, shuffle boards, back stop, tennis courts, seats, etc.
We have regraded ball field and play ground. This park needs the adjoining wood lot on north side of boundary lines to make it complete. A petition has been sent in by near-by residents asking for same.
The baseball diamond is to have a covering of loam this season.
POND PLAIN PLAYGROUND
This is a very busy spot. Unfortunately this is not owned by the Town but serves a great need and is a most popular meeting place of the youngsters of the community.
STETSON FIELD
Stetson Field has been very well patronized and seems to be appreciated by the residents in that community.
LEARY-BAUER MEADOW
Possibility of enlarging this pond is being considered. The brush was cleared out as usual.
STELLA TIRRELL PLAYGROUND
The development of this property was started as soon as possible after transfer was made.
This work was handled through W.P.A. grading starting at upper end and extending far enough in a southerly direction to cover baseball diamond and foot ball field. This envolved clearing much underbrush, excavating 5,300 cu. yd. and backfilling same.
Over 5,000 cu. yd. of loam has been stripped and about 3,000 cu. yds. replaced. The area covered is 3.8 acres. Over 1,500 cu. yds. of loam has been hauled from this project not only to various parks but for use of street department on Middle Street, Columbian Square, and other Town projects.
LAKE STREET PLAYGROUND
Equipment has been painted and a new raft provided for the float .. The location of the entrance has been changed and new steps made.
Swimming is enjoyed from early in the season until fall.
159
WEBB PARK
This park after a great many years of lack of activity seems to enjoy a new spirit. The new tennis court and shuffle board are constantly being used by all.
The playing field has been greatly improved and it is now possible for the children to play both baseball and football.
WESTON PARK
Weston Park as a recreational center provides plenty of opportunity for the people of Weymouth to enjoy their leisure.
With the co-operation of the W.P.A. additional land has been devel- oped into green lawns, garden plots, and greatly adds to the beauty of the park. Additional seats have been added and are enjoyed by many who stop to rest and admire the beauty of the lovely old elm trees.
GREENS
Plots of land all over town at intersecting streets have been beautified so that all might get a glimpse of and realize that the Park Department are striving to make our town a more attractive and enjoyable place to live. Flower gardens and shrubs have been planted wherever possible and the grass kept mowed.
At Bailey green in South Weymouth, due to traffic reasons, we were obliged to remove the high shrubs. We have reseeded and planted rows of bulbs and hope to do low planting this spring.
We were obliged to remove the old flag pole as it was condemned but have salvaged the top mast and are using that in place of the old pole.
The Park Commissioners wish to avail themselves of this opportunity to thank those who carried on our programs and the newspapers who gave generously of paper space.
WEYMOUTH PLAYGROUND REPORT FOR 1936
Weymouth's seven playgrounds opened Monday, July 6th, continued for six weeks, closing Friday, August 14th. The personnel and equipment follows:
Bicknell
Webb
Webb
Weston
Bradford Hawes
Stetson
Pond Plain
Lake Street
Jane MacDonnell Rita Murphy (three weeks)
Arline Price (three weeks) Mary Donahoe Hazel Smith Rita Murphy Mrs. Inez Kohler Peter Valicenti (three weeks)
Felix Carrachiolo (three weeks) Doris Upton
Handwork Supervisor
During the first three weeks of the playground season, Webb Park was opened only in the mornings while Stetson was opened in the afternoons. Increase in attendance at both playgrounds warranted their being opened for a full day during the last three weeks, thus giving to the children supervised activity for full days.
160
Co-ordination of the playgrounds was carried on this year by John Moulton and Ralph Stewart. The co-ordinators distributed equipment, managed sport contests between the various playgrounds, arranged trans- portation for interplayground activities, held tournaments, and aided in- structors at the different parks.
Equipment for paddle tennis, baseball, volleyball, basketball, ringtoss, horseshoes was available for the children. In addition, shuffleboard, a new feature this year, was played at Pond Plin, Bradford Hawes, Webb and Weston.
ATTENDANCE
The average attendance for each playground was as follows:
Bicknell
100 Stetson 75
Webb
70 Pond Plain 60
Weston
90 Bradford Hawes 110
Lake Street 125
During the season, only two days marred perfect weather. A com- bination of hot and cool days provided an excellent chance for a variety of activities.
COMPETITION
This year, a definite attempt was made to encourage local competi- tion at each playground. Through tournaments, supervised by the in- structors at each playground, champions or champion teams for each section of the town were determined. Playoffs for the town champion- ships were held. In the case of tennis, ring toss, shuffleboard, and other games introduced by the instructors, local competition sufficed. During the first three weeks, there was an occasional baseball game between dif- ferent playgrounds. It was during these three weeks, however, when the local champions were determined so that interplayground competition was not seriously undertaken until the fourth week. The playgrounds were divided into three sections, North Weymouth and Lovells Corner, Weymouth Landing, and South Weymouth. Then, a section tournament was conducted, the winners of which were entered into the town playoffs. These tournaments were supervised by the two co-ordinators.
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