USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1941 > Part 21
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WEYMOUTH VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
Wallace Clement Babin
Frank Xavier Barcellos
Parker Willard Bates
Wilton Tisdale Bates
Robert James Blaisdell
John Robert Maconochie, Jr.
Harry Webster Blakeman, Jr.
Edward Walton Cobbett, Jr.
Harry Joseph Cronin
Charles Cullivan
Warren Stanley Pearson
John Henry Davidson, Jr.
Peter Alphonsus Duncan, Jr.
Robert Bradley Duncan
Donald Francis Schultz
William John Ellis
Walter Carlton Shurtleff Norman Joseph Stevenson
William Dewhirst Fader
Daniel John Flavell
Pierce Arthur Tatreau
Colin Campbell Gillis
Eldon Willard Tuttle
Donald Allison Green
James Xavier Vanasse
NORFOLK COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL
George Burton Diersch Walter Edward Easttey Raymond Leslie Gillis
Ralph Proctor Staples Herbert John Starr
HONOR LIST
Parker Willard Bates Frederick Norton Bates Chase Muriel Florence Cormack Dorothy Helen Crawford Helen Etta Cromwell Marjorie Fisher
Margaret Lesenechal Margaret Belle Morrill John Paul O'Connor Sylvia Jean Steele Ruth Lystad Stub Merle Marilyn Workman
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Edward Mathias Hart, Jr.
Dennis Richard Herlihy, Jr. Frank Edward Hilton Daniel Francis Keegan, Jr.
Edmund Henry Kelley
George Anthony Mayne Louis McIver Leonard Holbrook Nadell
William Ralph Pizzi
Robert Rhoderic Reed
THE CROSS OF GRAY
Dedicated to the late Frederick W. Hilton
Mid Weymouth High's soft lawns and pines A cross of fairest gray
Stands sentry o'er the youthful lines Which pass him day by day. He teaches in his gentle way That spirit cannot die ! "Pro Patria !" we hear him say, "Means love for Weymouth High !"
1
1
Staunch stands the watch of Weymouth High And gives for our brave dead These simple passwords to the hill Where Weymouth's men are bred. We love thee! Alma Mater! Oh let the years roll by ! Our song we raise! Loud rings the praise ! Of grand old Weymouth High !
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REPORT OF TOWN ENGINEER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of Weymouth,
Gentlemen,-
I submit my thirty-fifth annual report as Town Engineer herewith.
The town survey work or preparation of Assessors' maps although ma- terially increased in the past three years continues as heretofore and includes Registry, Probate, and Land Court work; surveys, building locations and changes, new tracings for those worn beyond use; and other work necessary to revise the maps to Jan. 1, 1942.
The town survey sheets or maps are being prepared on the block system adopted in 1939 and will be delivered to the Assessors in that form.
The legal documents recorded or copied during 1940 showed an increase of nearly 15% over those of 1939 and those for the year 1941 will probably total over 1700 exclusive of probates which would indicate an increase of about 20% over the year 1940.
The new buildings, additions, and alterations show a similar increase of about 20% over those for the year 1940.
Approximately 276 dwellings (about 75% of which have garages attached) have been built in 1941; also about 61 separate garages; many other small buildings; and over 210 additions and alterations: and all have been measur- ed, located and added to the sheets.
The new Federal post office was also built the past year.
As in previous reports I would urge the importance of promptly re- cording all legal documents or any plan which would serve to establish the ownership of real property.
During the past year 94 new stone bounds have been set throughout the town on streets recently accepted, and other old stone bounds raised or reset.
Additional bounds should be set the coming year.
Other surveying or engineering done in 1941 in accordance with instruc- tions from your Board, or for other departments of the town including the W.P.A. was as follows :- Many street lines given; survey and plan of pro- posed widening of a part of Neck Street between North and Curtis Streets; plan of relocation and widening of a part of Norton Street between North Street and Beals Street; layout of easements for drainage purposes and es- tablishing and giving grades for same; profiles, staking and grades for streets; profiles, staking and grades for drains; staking and grades for Nevin School grading; staking and grades for Girls' Athletic Field; staking points for street bounds; profiles, staking, establishing and giving grades for sidewalk and curb construction on many streets; preparation of a defence map (scale 200) posted at the Police Station; survey and preparation of a plan of land for the School Department; descriptions of land to be sold by the town, of easements, etc .; and other routine or incidental work.
In closing I extend my thanks to your Board, to all other town officials, and to the citizens of Weymouth for the continued courtesy shown me and my assistants in our work throughout the town.
Respectfully submitted,
Russell H. Whiting,
Civil Engineer
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REPORT OF TREE DEPARTMENT FOR 1941
Gentlemen :
The year of 1941 was like a jig-saw puzzle with some of the parts missing. Tree climbers, a very essential part of our working force, due to the uncer- tainty of our work, enlisted in defense work in nearby industries. These men would have preferred to remain on tree work, if only the work and the in- come had been more steady. Someday, the importance of trees will become a first consideration, but not until the town as a whole begins to feel the loss of its shade trees and unitedly demands that something be done to protect them.
I want to impress on you at this time, two important reasons why we should become tree-minded at once and give "all-out" aid for the protection of both Forest and Shade trees:
1. The Dutch-elm disease has entered Massachusetts, and perhaps in less than five years will have spread to the eastern part of our State. The Scolytus beetle, which is a carrier of the disease, has been a resident of Weymouth for over twenty years. This beetle thrives on sickly Elm trees and only by thorough pruning and removal of dead and dying trees can we eliminate the beetle and prevent the disease from becoming established here. This takes men and money.
2. We are at war. What has this got to do with trees? The more we can do to protect our trees, the better they can protect us. How? Camouflage is expensive if it has to be provided artificially. Trees offer natural camou- flage. Is not this an important consideration when we realize the danger zone in which we live? Any Army officer would tell you the same thing. Would that we had those beautiful shade trees of twenty years ago, growing in our business areas now. They interferred with business then and now they are gone these areas are exposed to attack from the air. One bomb would cause more loss of business than has been gained by the removal of the trees.
Forty odd trees were topped out in 1941 and there is an equal number to remove this year. These are dead trees, understand.
Some tree trimming was accomplished, but due to the loss of skilled help. this part of our program was not very extensive.
Under brush along the highways, on curves and at intersections was trimmed or cut back to eliminate danger spots. There is much of this work to be continued in 1942.
A small number of trees were planted, but due to the amount of work for the protection of persons and property, we do not have money enough to plant all of the trees we would like to.
There has been a great amount of repair work done on trees damaged by the transportation of heavy machinery, such as cranes, steam shovels, etc. The damage is not always the fault of the operators, but a little care on their part would eliminate some of the destruction.
My work program for 1942 is as follows:
1-Tree trimming
2-Removal of dead trees
3-Cabling and bracing
4-Trimming around street lights.
5-Cutting brush along highways, at curves and intersections
6-Poison ivy control
7-Fertilizing
8-Pulling stumps
9-Trimming police and fire-alarm signal systems
10-Tree planting
This work program will cost, approximately $5,000.00. Is this amount too much to spend to protect lives and property, and to preserve the most valuable asset we have in this Town, our shade trees. Trees that our com-
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munity minded citizens of the past generations so thoughtfully gave us?
In closing, I wish to thank every one who has assisted us in our work. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve you.
Respectfully submitted, V. Leslie Hebert
TREE WARDEN
REPORT OF THE WEYMOUTH COMMITTEE ON
PUBLIC SAFETY
January 26. 1942
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Town Hall
Weymouth, Mass.
On September 24, 1940 the Weymouth Committee on Public Safety was organized under the leadership of Walter E. Moore, Town Chairman. Con- siderable progress has been made since that time and many citizens of the Town have contributed generously of their time, talent and energy toward this work.
The Committee wishes to acknowledge the co-operation of the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Officials and citizens and it is the aim of this Com- mittee that ultimately, Weymouth will be recognized as one of the leaders in Civilian Defense.
Much work still remains to be done and the Committee on Public Safety requires the support of every citizen in Weymouth and urges all adults to take some part in the necessary Defense activities listed below :
PLANNING DIVISION
Col. Frederick G. Bauer, Chairman, 236 Pleasant St., S. W.
PROTECTION DIVISION
Arthur A. Cicchese, Chairman, 41 Washington St., Wey.
HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICE DIVISION
Sydney C. Beane, Chairman, 271 North St., N. Wey.
PUBLICITY DIVISION Allan F. Crawford, Chairman, 25 Tower Ave., S. W.
SERVICE & SUPPLIES
Burton Durgin, Chairman, 24 Charles St., E. Wey.
WOMEN'S DIVISION
Mrs. Benjamin Cowan, Chairwoman, 437 Commercial St., E. W.
Respectfully submitted,
WEYMOUTH COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
Walter E. Moore, Chairman Alfred C. Sheehy, Vice Chairman Arthur T. Hausler, Secretary
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January 19, 1942
Board of Selectmen Town Hall East Weymouth Gentlemen :
The Weymouth Planning Board herewith submits its annual report for the year 1941.
Yours truly,
Raymond O. Hollis Chairman
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD FOR 1941
To the Town of Weymouth : 1
Matters of immediate and vital concern to the welfare of our community -plans for the future of your town-solution of the problems which current and future needs present-have all had the earnest consideration of your Planning Board during the eventful year of 1941.
Swept along as we have been in the ever increasing defense efforts of a multiple nature, it has been difficult to clearly evaluate the relative im- portance of matters that would in ordinary times be desirable subjects for consideration. Emphasis this past year and in the months to come must properly be in accordance with the present day pattern of maximum war effort as it can be furthered by our Town. The usual measuring sticks seem inadequate to properly determine essential recommendations of a specific nature in common place matters.
However, just as all thinking people are even now considering the so- lution of post war problems of an incalculable and far-reaching nature, so must the post war status of our town receive consideration even now although this may seem far distant at the moment. Our actions now should be the pro- duct of carefully weighed and considered judgement in order that those who succeed us may not be overburdened with avoidable problems and unnecessary handicaps.
Among recommendations of the past years which have been acted upon are the following :
1. Approval of Wessagusett Sea Wall.
2. Elimination of hazardous parking on Main Street, South Weymouth, near the Weymouth Hospital and Nevin School .
3. Additional, facilities for the Police Department.
Recommendations for the coming year include :
1. Changes in Zoning Laws as specified in 1942 Town Warrant.
2. Comprehensive analysis of Zoning Map for purpose of determining desirable change.
3. Changes in Building Laws as specified in 1942 Town Warrant.
4. Comprehensive study of Building By-Laws.
5. Consideration of elimination of traffic congestion in Washington Square, Weymouth Landing.
6. Study in conjunction with the National Resources Planning Board leading to a 6 year Program for Capital Improvements.
7. Reorganization of Town Planning Board as required by the adoption of Chapter 211 of the Acts of 1936.
8. Straightening Pleasant Street from Police Station to junction of Pleasant and Water Streets.
The value of the Zoning Law recommended by the Planning Board and adopted in 1940 has already been proven and, it is our hope, will do much
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to properly guide the development of the Town along the lines which can but result in a better community in which we live. While the present law has had its effect, certain changes will be recommended to the 1942 Town Meeting which your Committee feels will warrant the approval of the towns- people. They include a proposed increase in the minimum lot size and a change in the requirements for permits which, it is believed, will aid in the enforcement of the Zoning Laws.
Although consideration has been directed at certain specified changes in Zoning Districts at the request of certain property owners during the past year, no definite recommendations in this regard have been felt advisable. It has been felt that any such changes following only shortly after the adop- tion of our Zoning Map (upon which much time and effort had been spent by the Zoning Committee prior to presentation and approval by the Town) should properly be derived only from a complete and all-inclusive analysis of all zoning throughout the Town.
Your Planning Board recognizes the changing needs, however, and con- templates for 1942 such a comprehensive analysis for the purpose of deter- mining recommendations which can properly be made in the best interests of our citizens. We urge that such specific changes as suggest themselves be presented to our Board early in 1942 so that they may receive their deserved consideration. Such recommendations will be most welcome and will indicate the interest of our towns people in the important task of planning for the future.
Situated as we are in the heart of expanding projects devoted to our national defense, it is reasonable to believe that the unprecedented residen- tial building of the past year in our town may be expected to continue in 1942 despite priority restrictions and possible shortage of essential building materials. Accordingly, it seems wise to recommend certain changes in the Town Building Laws which will assure, in some measure at least, an im- proved class of building in the Town. The 1942 Town Meeting will have an opportunity to give these matters proper consideration.
The Building Laws, in some respects, seem to represent a conglomeration of matter which is not all-inclusive and sometimes difficult of interpretation. It would seem that our Building Inspector might properly make a compre- hensive review of these by-laws and at an early date submit his recom- mendation for the consideration of our Board if he so desires or prepare for insertion in some future Town Warrant the specific changes which seem de- sirable.
Although curtailment of tire and automobile purchases for civilian use must inevitably have its effect on' traffic problems, the possibility of traffic congestion on certain of our highways is of considerable importance. However, it is a certainty that between local, State and Federal officials, satisfactory solutions must and will be reached. The proposal of a by-pass to go around Washington Square, Weymouth Landing has been furthered by the favor- able action of the State Legislature in recommending this matter for further consideration. The proposed construction of a huge shipbuilding plant in Hingham, estimated to call for the employment of 20,000 men, can but place an additional burden on our highways and every effort must be made to see that State and Federal assistance is given in meeting this added problem that confronts us.
The matters of establishment of Municipal Parking Areas off Washington Square in Weymouth Landing and in the so-called Bicknell Meadow off Jackson Square, East Weymouth, which have received the careful considera- tions of the Board in the years just past seem to be ones that, under present circumstances, would not be warranted particularly in view of the anticipated cost and difficulty of securing adequate entrances and exits from such areas. At some later date, it will undoubtedly be a project worthy of consideration and will then be given attention.
At one of our meetings this year the Board was privileged to have as their guests Mr. Parker and Mr. Hedden representing the National Resources Planning Board. The advantages of a long-range program of public works
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were pointed out and an outline of the manner in which the necessary study should be made was presented. Briefly such a story would include :
1. Development of tabulations of background statistics over some agreed period, say ten years, covering (a) Income, (b) Operating Expenditures, (c) Debt Service, (d) Capital Outlays.
2. Forecasting, for a period of 6 years all elements of income, oper- ating expenses and debt service. Forecasting income will involve forecasting the trend in assessed values and some assumption on tax rate to be used as a basis for the estimate.
3. Preparation by Heads of all departments having Capital Outlays of 6-year programs of improvements needed for the proper ad- ministration of their various functions.
4. With this material in hand a tentative 6-year program could be laid out for the town as a whole, aimed at providing the needed improvements within the ability of the town to pay, with recom- mendations as to the method of financing the capital outlays, either out of taxes or in part by bond issues, having due regard to the current town debt and a policy for its gradual extinction.
The assistance of the local personnel of the National Resources Plan- ning Board has been offered and the Board of Selectmen have indicated their willingness to cooperate.
It is hoped, therefore, that such a study can be started and carried on in the near future leading to the formation of a 6-year program of specific recommendations for capital improvements which can be submitted to the citizens for their consideration.
For the first time in many years Russell H. Whiting, Town Engineer, was not a member of our Board, having indicated his desire to relinquish the many responsibilities which membership on the board imposed upon him and which he always assumed so satisfactorily. His technical knowledge and valued judgment were truly missed. Charles A. Jordan, an active member of our board for some years who always had exhibited a keen interest in the development of a better Weymouth, also retired this year. The past services of these two men are deeply appreciated.
Two new members, Walter B. Hefferman and Frank G. Hale, Jr., have given freely of their time and effort and the Board is pleased to have their services.
To all those who have assisted the Planning Board in 1941, our appre- ciation is extended.
Through your cooperation in the past and in the future, our goal for our town can be realized-"A Better Weymouth". We can and will attain it, for ourselves and those who . follow.
Weymouth Planning Board
Raymond C. Hollis, Chairman
Henry R. Sargent, Clerk
Thomas J. Kelly Charles Griffin Roy H. Rosewell
Walter B. Hefferman
Frank G. Hale, Jr.
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REPORT OF THE W. P. A. COMMITTEE
January 26, 1942
To the Weymouth Board of Selectmen,
Town Hall
Weymouth, Mass.
The W. P. A. Committee for the year 1941 respectfully submits its annual report to the town.
The year 1941 marked a substantial decrease in the number of W. P. A. workers. In January 355 were on the rolls which only 121 are so engaged at the time this report is written. The number assigned to Federal projects has increased during the year so that at the close of 1941 all manual workers were so employed.
It is gratifying to note that these conditions have made it possible ta greatly reduce the administrative expense.
The Committee realized at the beginning of the year the possibility of a curtailment in the available man power and endeavored to complete many of the projects carried over from previous years. Such a policy necessitated the deferment of many desirable new projects particularly the carrying out of the sidewalk program.
Town Projects worked on include :
1. Nevin School Grounds
2. Girls Athletic Field
3. Great Pond Water Shed
4. School Painting
5. Sewing
6. Housekeeping Aid
7. Town Records
8. Veterans Graves
9. Music
10. N. Y. A.
Sidewalks worked on include.
Cain Ave.
Kirkland Rd.
Bates Ave.
Laurel St.
Bayview St.
Lincoln St.
Congress St.
Lowell St.
Columbian St.
Pleasant St.
Curtis St.
Pine Circle
Elm St.
Shaw St.
Front St.
Summit St.
Great Pond Rd.
Approximately 14,350 feet of sidewalk were constructed.
The employment of many of our workers on Federal Defense Projects in Hingham and Hull limited the local work which could be carried on and involved a problem of transportation. It was felt advisable to co-operate fully in these defense projects and this resulted in a gradual increase in cost of transportation throughout the year which reached considerable pro- portions. The Committee is pleased to report that through their efforts the transfer of men to the Naval Base in South Weymouth late in the year helped to relieve the town of this burden.
The Committee has co-operated in the Stamp Plan and carried on Commodity and Milk Distribution as in previous years. The Sewing Project was discontinued by the Federal Government in June.
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Our thanks and appreciation is extended to all those who have assisted in any way in the accomplishment of our program.
Everett J. McIntosh, Chairman
Raymond O. Hollis, Secretary
Thomas J. Kelly
Charles R. Thibadeau
Thomas P. Delahunt
Sandy Roulston
Sydney C. Beane
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Town Hall, Weymouth, Mass.
Gentlemen :
The Park Commissioners submit the following report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1941.
The routine work of the Park Department has been continued as usual.
Care and maintenance has been given all parks. Greens at intersecting streets have been mowed and flowers planted wherever possible.
The Weymouth Bath House was enjoyed by many.
The Playgrounds were open for a six weeks period and supervisors in attendance during posted hours. A greater number of children enjoyed the parks than ever before.
In complying with the request of the Selectmen we are omitting the detailed playground report.
At this time we wish to thank all who have co-operated in arranging baseball schedules, giving publicity and arousing interest in our Park System.
Respectfully Submitted,
Everett J. McIntosh. Chairman Charles W. Burgess, Clerk Arthur I. Negus
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ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
WATER DEPARTMENT
WESSAGUSSET 1622
LABORARE
VINCERE
MASSACHUSETTS
5
1635
635
W
E
-
WEYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS 1941
284
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT
To the Board of Water Commissioners,-
During the year 1941. the Water Department has experienced another active period of new land developments resulting in 290 new services and main extensions totalling 14,275 lineal feet.
The past year has also demonstrated the need of larger or additional arterial mains through the length of the town if proper fire protection is to be maintained. A test of fire flows throughout the town was made by the New England Fire Insurance Rating Association, whose report recommended many increases of main sizes, and confirmed the start which this department had already made at Main Street where an added 12 inch Main was installed from Columbian Street to Park Avenue West.
Concerning the office personnel, Miss Ashton, a very faithful and effi- cient clerk for fourteen years with the department, became the bride of Mr. John Welsh, and has resigned from the department.
Miss Mary Corey has been added to the staff.
Mr. Harry I. Granger has been employed to supervise the W.P.A. pro- ject of bringing records and plans to date.
The Water Department wishes to express their appreciation of the co- operation of other Town Departments.
The following tables and summaries, covering the detail of the work of the department for the year ending December 31, 1941, are respectfully submitted,
Sydney C. Beane, Superintendent
SUMMARY of STATISTICS
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1941
Weymouth Water Works, Weymouth Massachusetts
Date of Construction : 1885
By whom owned: Town of Weymouth.
Source of Supply: Weymouth Great Pond.
Mode of Distribution : Pumping to Filtration Plant then distribution by :
(a) Pumping to reservior
(b) By Gravity
Capacity of reservoirs: 2,570.000 gallons.
PUMPING STATISTICS
1. Pumping Machinery :
LOW LIFT
No. 1 De Laval Single Stage Pump, 10 H. P. G. E. Motor.
No. 2 De Laval Single Stage Pump, 10 H. P. G. E. Motor.
No. 3 De Laval Single Stage Pump, 15 H. P. G. E. Motor.
HIGH LIFT
No. 4 De Laval Single Stage Pump, 60 H. P. G. E. Motor. No. 5 De Laval Single Stage Pump, 75 H. P. G. E. Motor. No. 6 De Laval Single Stage Pump, 100 H. P. G. E. Motor. No. 7 Allis-Chalmers Single Stage Pump, 70 H. P. G. E. Motor (Reserve Station).
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