USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1942 > Part 12
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May I express my appreciation once more of the kindness and co- operation I have received from the various Town boards, officers, and committees.
Respectfully submitted,
KENNETH L. NASH.
REPORT OF TOWN ENGINEER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my thirty-sixth annual report as Town Engineer.
In accordance with a request from your Board, the report will be brief.
Except for natural increases, the town survey work continues as in past years and includes Registry, Probate and Land Court work; surveys; locations of buildings; preparation of Assessors' plans and prints of same; and revision of sheets to January first of each succeeding year.
About 1400 legal documents or parcels therein were copied, examined and used on the revision of the sheets.
In 1942, 351 buildings and 3 foundations for dwellings (including 64 Government project houses) were located and added to the new Assessors' sheets. Of the above, 41 dwellings had attached garages. Additions and alterations numbered 158.
The first complete Atlas of Weymouth correct to January 1, 1938, was published and charged to the Engineering appropriation for 1937 and a later Atlas correct to January 1, 1940, was subsequently published, and these I understand have been of much value to the Assessors; many towns publish an Atlas each year.
In addition to increased work due to the growth of the town including many new land subdivisions with a corresponding increase in buildings, a very material increase is due to the adoption of the block system of
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Assessors' sheets in use in many towns and adopted by the Weymouth Board of Assessors in 1939.
The sheets revised to January 1, 1941, contained 626 blocks with about 12,488 parcels or parts of parcels contained therein.
These blocks have to be outlined on the prints and each block and all parcels or parts thereof numbered. These have increased and will increase each year as changes are made.
42 new stone bounds were set the past year and other old ones changed or reset.
Other surveying or engineering done in 1942 for your Board or other departments included as in past years the usual municipal work: - street lines, widenings, easements, staking and grades for street construction, curbstones, descriptions of land sold by the town, etc.
My assistants and I have received continued courtesy from your Board, from other town officials and departments of the town for which in closing I wish to extend my thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
RUSSELL H. WHITING, Civil Engineer.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF ALEWIVE FISHERIES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Town of Weymouth
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report as Superintendent of Alewive Fisheries for the year ending December 31, 1942.
Approximately ninety thousand (90,000) alewives were deposited in Whitman's Pond for spawning. The first catch was made on April 18th and the last on May 25th.
The Welfare Department received twelve hundred (1200) as your Board so voted.
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. Kelly, Superintendent of 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,
Superintendent of Alewive Fisheries.
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REPORT OF HARBORMASTER
North Weymouth, Mass. December 31, 1942.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Town of Weymouth
Weymouth, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Harbor Master of Weymouth for the year 1942:
Lost boats recovered 32
Lost boats reported lost
34
Boats assisted 26
Persons rescued 4
Oil pollution complaints investigated 8
Children taken from unsafe boats 18
Mooring permits granted 11
Landings policed at B. S. C. 18
Value of recovered lost property-Est. $500.00
In consequence of the war, all harbor masters have been ordered by the U. S. Coast Guard to assist their department when an emergency arises which has made it necessary to operate my department the year round.
Respectfully submitted,
A. S. VEADER, Harbor Master - Weymouth.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON WASHINGTON SQUARE DRAINAGE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Committee appointed to submit a report to the Board of Select- men on the Washington Square drainage, after careful study of the situa- tion, feel that the only real clarification of the conditions in Washington Square would be the installation of sewerage.
An auxiliary pipe line from Front Street through the driveway of Clarence W. Price and thence into the brook would only partially elimi- nate the condition that seems to be creating so much dissatisfaction, and as the expenditure for this particular line would be considerable, and the condition not wholly remedied, the Committee feel that it would not be worth while.
There have been plans made to change the course of the culvert under Washington Street, at the same time making it of tight construc- tion. That, of course, is not approved by the Town. The Committee sug- gests that if the existing culvert were to be made tight or a large pipe in- stalled inside the old culvert, much dissatisfaction would be eliminated.
The Town of Braintree owns half the brook as well as the culvert, to a certain point, and from that point, the easterly side of Washington
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Street, the culvert is owned almost entirely by the Town of Braintree. We had hoped that a meeting with a Braintree Committee could have been arranged so that a more definite understanding of the situation and a more definite and complete report given, but we were unable to contact any such Committee in Braintree.
During the time from now until the March Town Meeting, there might be a proposal of some definite action, and therefore it seems ad- visable that an article be placed in the Warrant to remedy the conditions.
THOMAS J. KELLY RUSSELL H. WHITING CLARENCE W. PRICE
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE FOR THE OBSERVANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY
To the Citizens of the Town of Weymouth:
At the Annual Town Meeting held in March 1942, it was voted under Article 1, Item 34, that a Committee of seven (7) be appointed from the various Veteran and Hereditary Organizations, in accordance with the provisions of the General Laws (Tercentenary Edition) Chapter 40, Sec- tion 5, Clause 12, by the Moderator, who shall designate the Chairman.
The following Committee were appointed:
Henry B. Vogell, Commander Reynolds Post 58, Grand Army of the Re- public (Honorary Chairman)
Alfred W. Cadman, Senior Vice-Commander Wessagusset Post 1399, V. F. W. (Chairman)
Charles P. Sheppard, Commander Weymouth Post 79, American Legion Fred Webb, Senior Vice-Commander Weymouth Post 79, American Legion A. Robert Panora, Junior Vice Commander Weymouth Post 79, American Legion
Charles H. Burkett, Junior Vice-Commander Wessagusset Post 1399, V. F. W.
Robert W. Pratt, Commander General James L. Bates Camp 36, Sons of Union Veterans
Mrs. Clara B. Wooten, President Dorothea L. Dix Tent 32, Daughters of Union Veterans
Five meetings were held between April 16th and May 25th, and one in June, all of which were well attended and harmonious. Commander Vogell asked that, if possible, the program of the previous years be car- ried out, and regretted being unable to attend the meetings, because of failing health. The Committee was handicapped because of changing regulations with regard to bus transportation, and although a final ruling permitted their use, the printing of the General Orders was delayed while awaiting a decision.
At the meeting of April 27th, Mr. Charles P. Sheppard, Commander Weymouth Post 79, American Legion, was elected as Chief Marshal, with the privilege of appointing his staff of Aides, and Comrade Henry B. Vogell, as Commander of Reynolds Post 58, was named Honorary Marshal.
A flag and potted plant or wreath was placed on each Veteran's grave during the week of Memorial Day, and Memorial Monuments and Public Squares throughout the Town were suitably decorated. Repre- sentative Everett E. Callahan of the Third Norfolk District, placed a beautiful fresh flower wreath on the Ralph Talbot Memorial Plaque in the
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State House, and a suggestion has been made that, if possible in the future, appropriate services be planned. Memorial Day Exercises in the Schools, through the courtesy of Mr. Charles R. Thibadeau, Superin- tendent, and Pastors of Parochial Schools, were carried out on Friday, May 29th, but because so many Veterans were engaged in defense work, there was a smaller representation than usual at the various schools.
On Memorial Day, the parade was formed at East and North Streets, under the direction of Mr. Charles P. Sheppard, Chief Marshal, and his appointed staff, departing from the custom of many years of assembling at Hurley Square (Thomas' Corner), and this change was made necessary due to arrangements for transportation. The American Legion Band, George Wm. Ventre Director, Sacred Heart C. Y. O. Band, and the Boy Scouts of America Drum Corps, furnished the music. Those participating in the parade included the Veteran organizations, Town Officials with Town Colors, Gold Star Mothers, Hereditary Organizations, Auxiliaries, Patriotic Societies, Boy and Girl Scouts, and we were honored in having a squad of Bluejackets from the United States Naval Air Station at South Weymouth, as well as the 14th Company, Massachusetts State Guard Reserve Military Police. All cemeteries were visited as in former years, and appropriate services held. At Fairmount Cemetery, the exercises of Reynolds Post 58, Grand Army of the Republic, were held, under the direction of Mr. Alfred W. Cadman, Chairman of the Memorial Day Com- mittee, due to the desire of the Committee to conserve gasoline and tires, by eliminating them at the Civic Centre. The parade then proceeded to th home of Commander Henry B. Vogell, where it was reviewed and honors were paid to him as the surviving member of the Grand Army local Post, including the presentation of a beautiful bouquet by the Chair- man of the Committee, after which the parade proceeded to William E. Johnson Square, where it disbanded.
While it may become necessary, because of world conditions, or the wish of coming generations, to change the program that has been carried out on Memorial Day for many years, we are certain that the custom of decorating the graves of our departed Veterans of all Wars will be con- tinued, and thus, the inauguration of Memorial Day in 1868, as set forth in General Orders issued by the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, will perpetuate their memory.
The members of the Committee wish to express their appreciation and thanks to the Police and Fire Departments, the various Veteran and Hereditary organizations and Auxiliaries, and to all who assisted in making the observance of Memorial Day 1942, a solemn and sacred trust.
Respectfully submitted,
CLARA B. WOOTEN,
Secretary of the Memorial Day Committee.
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REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF MILK
1273 Pleasant Street East Weymouth, Mass. January 1, 1943
Weymouth Board of Health
Middle Street
East Weymouth, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1942. During the year, 83 licenses have been issued. Samples of milk and cream have been taken directly from the dairies and wagons. One hun- dred and sixty-nine inspections of Dairy Farms have been inspected by the Department of Agriculture and myself. Owing to the every-other-day delivery of milk, and war conditions, a closer check is being made. Weekly inspections are being made, to several farms. Owing to shortage of labor and farm help, this is necessary to maintain a sanitary condition.
1
Very truly yours, HENRY F. GODIN,
Inspector of Milk.
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Annual Report
of the
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
SET-I
1623
CRARE
VINCER
MASSACHUSETTS
MO
1
Weymouth, Massachusetts
1942
WEYMOUTH SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Joseph W. Mahoney, Chairman Mrs. Arthur R. Taylor, Secretary
Joseph W. Mahoney Term expires March, 1943 21 Pierce Court, North Weymouth Wey. 0650
William F. Shields
Term expires March, 1943
41 Glendale Street, Weymouth
Wey. 1610-W
Wallace H. Drake, M.D. Term expires March, 1944 88 Sea Street, North Weymouth Wey. 0450
Mrs. Arthur R. Taylor
Term expires March, 1944
44 Tower Avenue, South Weymouth
Wey. 2354
Clayton W. Nash Term expires March, 1945
19 West Street, South Weymouth
Wey. 0740
Harold A. Spalding, M.D.
Term expires March, 1945
875 Main Street, South Weymouth
Wey. 1770
ADMINISTRATION
Charles R. Thibadeau, Superintendent of Schools Wey. 0837 14 James Road, East Weymouth
Office
Weymouth High School
89 Middle Street, East Weymouth
Weymouth 1460
Helen G. Tonry, Secretary 79 Chard Street, East Weymouth
Weymouth 0966
Myrtle L. Rice, Assistant Secretary 79 Front Street, Weymouth Weymouth 1534-M Kathleen W. Weir, Clerk 27 Fore River Avenue, North Weymouth
Weymouth 0361-W Office Hours - 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. on all school days; 9.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. on every week day, except Saturday, when schools are not in ses- sion; at other times, by appointment.
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1942-1943
First Term-Opens September 9-Closes December 23 Second Term-Opens January 4-Closes March 26 Third Term-Opens April 5-Closes June 17 Holidays-Columbus Day, Armistice Day, Thanksgiving and day following, Washington's Birthday, Patriots' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day Opening Day for 1943-1944-September 8, 1943
33
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 8.30 p.m.
Entrance Age
No child shall be admitted to school in September unless lie has reached the age of five years on or before the first day of April preceding.
A birth certificate is required for entrance to the first grade. Children entering for the first time will be admitted only during the first two weeks of school.
Vaccination
No child shall be allowed to enter the first grade without a certificate of successful vaccination.
Employment Certificates
1
Employment certificates, educational certificates, and news- boys' badges are issued at the office of the Superintendent of Schools in the High School Building from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. every week day, except Saturday.
All persons must make personal application and present a birth certificate.
NO SCHOOL SIGNAL
The School Committee has voted to abolish the "No School Signal" for the duration. Schools will not be closed because of stormy weather. Whether or not a child attends will be decided by the parents.
SCHOOL FIRE ALARM BOXES
Abigail and John Adams
19
Athens
17
Bicknell
15
James Humphrey
226 or 21
Jefferson
224
Washington
231
Hunt
36 or 37
Center
46
Pratt
49
Shaw
445
Edward B. Nevin
64
Pond
55
High
215 or 213
34
SCHOOL TELEPHONES
Abigail Adams
2916-M
John Adams
3271-W
Athens
1571-R
Bicknell
0306
James Humphrey
1048-W
Jefferson
1128-W
Junior Annex
1993
Washington
0297-M
Hunt
1006
Center
1271-R
Pratt
0297-R
Shaw
1048-M
Edward B. Nevin
1327
Pond
1128-M
High
1100
Cafeteria
2658
Vocational School
0257
Garage
0267
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Weymouth:
The School Committee submits its report for the year 1942 together with the third annual report of Mr. Charles R. Thibadeau, Superintendent of Schools, and other reports that are necessary to complete the record of the past year.
It has always been the policy of the Weymouth School Department to follow educational principles which will pre- pare our young men and women for a place in our nation's society. This policy has been followed as usual in 1942, the second year of World War II.
The war has naturally made itself felt on our educa- tional system, as it has on practically every phase of our existence. We are co-operating in every way possible with the Federal Government in preparing our students for their part in the war effort. New courses have been added to our cur- riculum, and the importance of physical fitness has been emphasized more than ever.
There has been a slight decrease in the number of students enrolled in the Weymouth School System. This decrease is not large enough, nor has it been continued long enough, to be considered a definite trend.
In the 1941 Town Meeting, an appropriation was made for the purchase of two lots of land adjacent to the High School premises, and the School Committee was directed to make the purchase. It was found that certain inaccuracies of de- scription in conveyances of former years made it desirable that the premises be taken by eminent domain. The 1942 Town Meeting authorized this taking by eminent domain, and these two lots of land are now the property of the Town of Weymouth, the deed having been recorded July 6, 1942.
The School Committee and the Superintendent realize that the transportation of students to and from school is not being handled in a satisfactory manner. This matter is being given the closest attention possible, and it is hoped that this service will show a decided improvement shortly.
Mr. Prince H. Tirrell did not run for re-election in March 1942. Mr. Tirrell had been a member of the Weymouth School Committee for thirty consecutive years, from 1912 to 1942. During that period he was Chairman of the Board for 21 years. It is doubtful if there is another Weymouth citizen
36
who has given as much time, energy, and ability to the town as unselfishly as has Mr. Tirrell. During the thirty years he served on the School Committee there never was a problem that was too large or too small to receive his careful con- sideration. He had many outstanding characteristics, but we, who worked with him on the Committee, shall remember him best for his fairness and impartiality. The five members who served with him, and Doctor Harold A. Spalding, who succeeded him, express their appreciation for the work he has done. Its beneficial effect on the Weymouth School System will endure for many years.
The figures which follow show the School Department Expenditures for 1942 and the Estimates for 1943. Every- thing possible is being done by Mr. Thibadeau, our Superin- tendent, and the School Committee, to keep these expendi- tures down without impairing the standards of the Depart- ment.
Expenditures Estimates 1942 1943
Administration
$ 11,576.92
$ 12,927.00
Teachers' Salaries
320,214.45
356,400.00
Textbooks and Supplies
19,213.48
18,975.00
Transportation
18,500.00
18,700.00
Support of Truants
329.72
600.00
Tuition
32,430.32
39,631.00
Janitors
13,087.69
12,000.00
Fuel
6,865.26
6,500.00
Light, Power, Water
32,332.68
29,364.56
Maintenance
1,479.47
1,200.00
Other Expense
6,567.01
7,602.50
Day Household Arts
40,268.52
44,907.50
Total Expenditures Total Estimates
$502,865.52
$549,107.56
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH W. MAHONEY, Chairman ETHEL G. TAYLOR, Secretary (Mrs. Arthur R.) WALLACE H. DRAKE, M.D.
CLAYTON W. NASH
WILLIAM F. SHIELDS
HAROLD A. SPALDING, M.D.
37
Day Industrial
300.00
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Members of the School Committee:
I herewith respectfully submit my third annual report as Superintendent of Schools in this town, the same being the fifty-seventh in a series of such reports.
The policy which was initiated last year, that of reducing the number of individual reports previously a part of this report, will be continued this year. Since there is the danger that too much condensing may squeeze out the value of vital records, no attempt will be made to reduce or eliminate the statistical sections which have proved their worth in the past. War Impacts
The position of the Weymouth School Department in con- nection with our national effort was clearly set forth in the last annual report. The transition from peace to defense activities, to all-out effort, and finally to total war effort, was not so difficult as might have been at first expected. It had long been the accepted practice of this community to make every reasonable effort to adjust the educational policy to the needs of the community, and to otherwise change and modify its practice as needs and conditions may have de- manded.
With the beginning of our national defense activities, it was recognized that "education as usual" was no longer the order of the day. Changes were anticipated, they came, and were met. We believed then that there were certain educa- tional fundamentals which had to be preserved. We believe so now, and are adjusting to the impacts of war, whether their origin be local, state, or national, in a manner to retain fundamentals, and to the end that the very cornerstone of our democracy may not be unnecessarily weakened.
Many curriculum changes have been made. Many are contemplated, and more may come.
Our facilities have been shared with Civilian Defense, Red Cross, and other vital services. Our personnel has assisted in registrations for Selective Service and the rationing of sugar, gasoline, and fuel oil. Extensive and effective War Savings Programs have been inaugurated in all schools. The results have been reported monthly to the federal government. What we have we will continue to share and where we can we will continue to assist, within the limits of our ability.
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Detailed accounts of curriculum changes may be found in the reports of Mr. Wallace L. Whittle, Principal of the High School, Mrs. Flora Haviland McGrath, Director of Courses of Study, and Mr. Francis E. Whipple, Director of the Vocational School, which are a part of this report.
The spirit of adaptability with which the entire School Department personnel and student body have met and ad- justed themselves to the changes resulting from the impinge- ment of war impacts has been constructive and effective. Transitions have been made and basic educational funda- mentals have been preserved. The spirit of the needs of the time has been caught. This spirit is reflected in the following quotations which were taken from the reports of heads of special departments and supervisors :-
"The emphasis of the High School physical educa- tion program has been shifted from a conventional type to one of physical fitness."
"Our agricultural program has been carried on first, to instill in the student the fact that we are at war, that the success of this war depends largely upon the food that is produced, and that each and every boy has a very definite part to play in the pro- duction of this food, however indirect it may seem; secondly, to assist and advise, when and where pos- sible, those people of the community already in the Victory Garden Program to produce the correct crops at the proper time to furnish the greatest nu- tritive values; and thirdly, to assist in the fall harvest work of the farmers in this vicinity who have suf- fered from an acute attack of labor shortage."
"This has been an active year in the High School Library, with the general interest of the student body in world affairs, aeronautics, and related subjects. - - - - The book clubs stimulated contributions to the Victory Book Campaign to the extent of 700 volumes collected for soldiers and sailors."
"The art work during 1942 in the elementary and high school grades has integrated drawing, design, and construction with the war effort by making posters for Civilian Defense, Red Cross, drives for War Savings Stamps and Bonds, salvage drives, and various other war needs; drawings for plane identi- fication and of allied flags; models of airfields, ship- yards, villages, and historic battles; study of the pos- sibilities of converting waste and natural materials for civilian use; and holiday decorations for the U. S. Naval Air Station at South Weymouth."
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"Music for morale has been our main objective."
"Starting in September our manual arts work has been devoted entirely to making airplane models for the Navy. To supplement the bench work, some in- struction is being given in such things as wing- breaks, airfoil, dihedrals, wing taper, stabilizer, ele- vator, et cetera."
"The nationwide interest in gardening has had its influence on our young people. - - - - - The regis- tration for next summer's garden projects is already in excess of that reported for the last growing season."
"Sewing instruction in the elementary schools has stressed the desirability, if not the necessity, of re- modeling and repairing garments."
"The health program has placed increased empha- sis on proper health habits, disease prevention, and the art of keeping well."
The Budget
The budget as recorded in the report of the School Com- mittee is built to finance an educational plan which takes into consideration past experience, present conditions, and antici- pated future needs. It is neither an extensive nor an all- inclusive plan. It is developed within practical limits con- sistent with the town's other enterprises which are supported by local taxation.
If Weymouth is to maintain the level of educational pro- gram which the community has accepted as standard, this year's budget will be necessary to carry out the details. It has long been the accepted practice of this community to make every reasonable effort to adjust the educational policy to the needs of the community, and to otherwise change and modify its practice as conditions have demanded. This is sound practice, good pedagogy, and should continue.
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