USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1952 > Part 14
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The Bicknell Square School Area was taken under consideration by this committee, but in view of the tremendous expansion required in a five year plan for the school system in that area, it seems both inadvisable and impossible to expect to use any of the school area for parking facilities, other than for school purposes. The committee further recommend that the town seriously consider acquiring the rear of the business property surrounded by Newton and Sea Street for development as Off-Street Parking.
PARAGRAPH III-RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COLUMBIAN SQUARE AREA
This committee seriously considered the problems of traffic congestion and parking in the Columbian Square Area of South Weymouth, but recommends that no action be taken until the South Weymouth Merchants Association complete their own traffic and parking survey, which is now being done.
Based upon the acceptance of these recommendations, the committee feels that this is the first forward step toward improving parking facilities and in providing the immediate basic needs for enticing new businesses into Weymouth and for providing existing merchants with the necessary flow of traffic to keep them in business and to help them prosper. To
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facilitate this program, it is recommended that, the parking areas discussed in this report be marked off with appropriate white lines to encourage motorists to make use of available parking space most efficiently. It is further believed that these recommendations will meet with the full ap- proval of the Department of Public Works, and most important, it should be recognized that the cost of these first steps involve very little expenditure on the part of the town.
If these, or similar recommendations are adopted, the committee recom- mends further to the Town of Weymouth, that this, or a similar committee, be continued during the coming year to effect further planning.
Respectfully submitted,
Edward F. Butler George P. Mapes Joseph J. Mckinnon Elliot P. Thayer James D. Asher, Chairman.
REPORT OF ALEWIFE FISHERIES
The Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Weymouth
I hereby submit my report of the Alewife Fisheries for the year ending December 31, 1952.
As this is the second year the fish ladders were in operation, all work was carried on under the supervision of the Division of Marine Fisheries, Massachusetts Department of Conservation.
Mr. Sargent, Director of the Division of Marine Fisheries, states that he is quite satisfied with the operaton of the ladders and that approxi- mately 60 barrels of alewifes found their way into Whitman Pond. How- ever, he did agree to make several changes in the ladders which will enable a better control of the water flowing through them. This work is to be done after the Spring run of alewife in 1953.
The Weymouth Sportsmen's Club provided more than 800 man hours in the care and maintenance of the fish ladders and Herring Brook. There were eight truck loads of rubbish and debris removed from the Herring Brook between the waterfalls at the Electric Light Company poleyard and the Railroad bridge. The removal of this rubbish and debris was com- pleted prior to the Alewife run which started on April 10 and ended on May 20.
The old Alewife Fisheries building was torn down, and construction of the new building commenced April 15. The carpentry was completed June 11. Blueprints of this building were made at the Weymouth High School and all construction was done by Weymouth High Vocational School. The high estimates received from contractors for the installation of a floor drain, cement floor and steps delayed the completion of this work until the advent of warmer weather.
I wish at this time to thank Mr. Mapes and his staff, also Mr. O'Leary, Superintendent of Highways, for their co-operation and assistance.
Respectfully submitted, FRANCIS A. THIBODEAU
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REPORT OF ELECTRIC LIGHTING COMMITTEE
December 31, 1952
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Again this year we are obliged to report that we have been unable to accomplish the new work that should have been done, and for which we had the necessary funds. This was due mostly to lack of materials.
The power company expected to be short of wire, but by using alum- inum wire, together with an allotment of copper wire, they have had little trouble in that line; but the light brackets that should have been delivered in April did not arrive until December. The result is that we were able to install only about sixty lights. There are still many streets due for lighting which we hope to take care of after the Annual Town Meeting. The rates per light remain the same for 1953.
At the request of your Board, we have attempted to get comparative costs of street lighting in various similar communities. We have found the subject rather difficult as the contracts vary a great deal from town to town. This is due to the type of lights, the methods of figuring, and the spacing of lights. We have arrived at the following conclusions which we think are fairly accurate.
Based upon the number and type of lights used in Weymouth, which cost $50,700.00 per year, the town of Plymouth would pay $64,000.00; Lynn, $50,000.00-plus a fuel charge. The towns served by the Boston Edison Company would pay $60,000.00-plus a fuel charge; Amesbury, 51,000.00; Gloucester, $52,000.00; Malden, $50,000.00; Berkshire towns, $51,000.00; towns supplied by the Worcester County Company $51,000.00; towns supplied by the Suburban Electric Company, $50,000.00, and Quincy the same as Wey- mouth.
These figures indicate that the Weymouth rates are quite favorable.
Respectfully submitted,
OLINDO GAROFALO, Chairman ALFRED S. TIRRELL ROGER P. LOUD ARTHUR F. SARGENT J. HERBERT LIBBEY, Clerk
REPORT OF WIRING INSPECTOR
January 5, 1953
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Weymouth Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report for the year ending December 31, 1952:
During the year 1,590 wiring permits were issued.
Receipts for permits totaled $3,200.00.
I wish to extend to your Board and to other Town departments my thanks for all the courtesies and assistance given me during the year.
Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH W. ROSS
Wiring Inspector
153
REPORT OF HARBOR MASTER'S DEPARTMENT
December 31, 1952
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Town of Weymouth, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit my report of activities for the Harbor Master's Department for the year of 1952.
Weymouth's waterfront was patrolled from the last of April to the first of November-with an approximate mileage of 1800.
Service and assistance calls during the year 1952 were as follows:
Lost rowboats recovered 30
15 ft. to 45 ft. sail and power boats assisted 28
Persons assisted 35
Capsizing of sailboats and outboard motor boats
5
Investigations
10
Small races convoyed
15
Inter-club races convoyed
3
Police calls answered 5
May I at the end of 1952 extend my heartfelt thanks for the co-opera- tion of all Town Officers and others who so willingly gave their time and efforts to help me.
CECIL L. EVANS Harbor Master
REPORT OF SHELL FISH WARDEN
38 Holbrook Road North Weymouth, Mass.
Honorable Board of Selectmen Town of Weymouth Town Hall East Weymouth, Mass.
January 2, 1953
Gentlemen:
I hereby respectfully submit my Second Annual Report as Shell Fish Warden for the Town of Weymouth.
There are still a lot of clams on the shores of Weymouth. There are quite a few fellows making a living at clam-digging. To keep these men in line, it keeps a fellow busy. About $100,00.00 worth of clams were taken from our shores for chlorination this year (1952).
Thanking you, I remain,
Respectfully submitted, JAMES H. AUSTIN Shell Fish Warden
154
MEMORIAL DAY COMMITTEE REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1952
To the Citizens of Weymouth:
In accordance with Item 32, Article 1, of the Annual Warrant for 1952, the following committee was appointed by the Annual Moderator:
Chairman, John A. Bailey, Commander, Weymouth Post No. 79, American Legion.
Secretary, John B. Francomano, Jr., Commander, Weymouth Post No. 15, Italian-American War Veterans.
Chief Marshal, Fred L. Wilkie, Commander, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Wessagusset Chapter No. 320.
William Darcy, Commander, George H. Bean Post No. 401, Amer- ican Legion.
John F. O'Connor, Commander, Wessagusset Post No. 1399, Vet- erans of Foreign Wars.
William H. Swift, Commander, John D. Martin Post No. 9260, Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Lars H. Larson, Commander, Ralph Talbot Chapter No. 65, Dis- abled American Veterans.
Alton Gardner, Commander, Roger Grande Post No. 58, Amvets. Mrs. Harriet C. Fern, President, Dorothea Dix Tent No. 32, Daughters of Union Veterans.
Robert W. Pratt, Commander, James L. Bates Camp No. 36, Sons of Union Veterans.
Joseph Nolit, Commander, Greater Weymouth Post No. 394, American Legion.
Mary Condon, Commander, South Shore All Women's Post No. 393, American Legion.
The Committee held several meetings at the Town Hall. It was voted that Fred L. Wilkie be appointed Chief Marshal and John G. Francomano, Jr., be appointed Secretary.
The Committee voted to visit all cemeteries on Memorial Day, and hold the main exercises at Fairmount Cemetery in East Weymouth.
Memorial church services were held at the First Methodist Church, Broad Street, East Weymouth, on Sunday, May 25, 1952, at 11:00 A.M.
The sum of $2,000.00 had been appropriated for this Committee, but, due to rising costs, requested and received an additional $100.00.
Memorial Day Exercises in the public and parochial schools were left to the discretion of Elmer S. Mapes, Superintendent of Schools, and the pastors of parochial schools.
The Memorial Day Parade formed at 7:45 A.M. at Neck and North Streets, and marched to Old North Cemetery, where appropriate exercises were held, and then proceeded to the other cemeteries and the World War II Memorial at Columbian Square, South Weymouth.
A Flag and potted geranium were placed on each veteran's grave, memorial plaques, monuments, World War II Honor Roll and the squares named for deceased veterans. A wreath was placed on the Ralph Talbot Tablet in the State House on May 29th by Comrade Lars H. Larson.
The program exercises at Fairmount Cemetery were:
1. Trooping of Colors
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2. Prayer by Reverend Charles S. Johnson
3. Salute to the Flag
4. Selection-"America"
5. Reading of General Logan's General Orders for the Observance of Memorial Day-Mrs. Harriet C. Fern, President, Daughters of Union Veterans
6. Band Selection-Civil War Airs
7. Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, by Mrs. May Blanchard, Past De- partment President, Daughters of Union Veterans
8. Veterans will disperse, to cover Graves
9. Hymn-By Band
10. Salute to the Dead
11. "Taps"
12. National Anthem
13. Veterans will return to formation at "Recall," and leave Ceme- tery via Cedar Street
The Memorial Day Committee is most appreciative of the assistance of all individuals and organizations who took part in the observance of Memorial Day this year.
In conclusion, this Committee would like to recommend that the Town Moderator enlarge the Committee by including the Senior Vice-Commander of all organizations and that the Committee be appointed not later than March 30th.
THE MEMORIAL DAY COMMITTEE
John G. Francomano, Jr., Secretary John A. Bailey, Chairman
EXPENDITURES
Flowers
$ 897.60
Flags
450.00
George W. Ventre Band
348.00
Transportation
260.00
Other Expenses
98.20
$2,053.80
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
December 31, 1952
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my Annual Report for the year 1952:
The sealing fees amounted to $644.85.
My general work for the year is as follows:
Tested and sealed 1,262 weighing and measuring devices; not sealed, 41, and condemned, 2.
Trial weighings and measurement of commodities sold or put up for sale and summary of inspections after sealing, 1,102 articles and devices.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES W. BURGESS Sealer of Weights and Measures
156
REPORT OF VETERANS' SERVICES
The Honorable Board of Selectmen Town Hall
East Weymouth, Massachusetts
We submit herewith to you and through your Board to the townspeople the Annual Report of the Department for the year 1952.
A recent review of department activities and expenditures for the past year shows an increase of about ten percent over the year previous. One would normally conclude such an increase to be the result of an added case load due to the tedious Korean situation, now well into the third year. This, however, is not the case since our records show a very limited addi- tional expenditure for War Allowance cases or Veterans' Benefits paid to the families of men recalled to active duty during the past year. These have been reasonably well provided for and with dispatch by the Federal Government. The increase noted appears to be primarily the result of an increased cost in living expense with a corresponding increase in medical expense, both of which have been provided for by revised budget allow- ances as established by the Commissioner, effective November 1, 1951.
At this point we wish to interject that because of the rapid growth of our Town from 28,000 in 1945 to approximately 35,000 in 1952, this depart- ment, the same as other Town departments, is growing and will continue to grow just as rapidly during the next five years. Based on foregoing figures alone, it is our belief the department will develop from the present 75 to 90 cases per month to anywhere from 90 to 130 active financial cases per month. Such a growth will further develop the problem of facilities and personnel to adequately cope with usch an increase in case load. Certainly this must be given some consideration in the not too distant future.
Because all Town department expenditures for the year are covered by the Town Accountant in his annual report, and also since only partial credit figures are available for 1952, there are no complete account figures that can be quoted at this time. We have recently received verified figures from the State Auditor for 1951 which show a total refund credit of $32,138.08, which includes a burial allowance total of $17.50 and a War Allowance total of $444.40.
In conclusion, we wish to take this opportunity to thank all the veter- ans' organizations, our local Red Cross Chapter, Weymouth Family Service and the Visiting Nurse Association for their valued help and earnest co- operation during the year. Their understanding and helpfulness in so many instances was greatly appreciated. We also wish to express our thanks and gratitude to your Board and all Town departments for their contribution towards our successful functioning during the year.
Respectfully submitted, RAYMOND E. STEIN, Director
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
January 3, 1953
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
Following is the report of the Inspector of Animals for the year ending December 31, 1952:
157
Places Inspected
59
Cows Inspected
161
Young Stock Inspected 68
Bulls Inspected
3
Goats Inspected
29
Sheep Inspected
12
Horses and Ponies Inspected
78
Swine Inspected
11
Dogs Quarantined
153
Cat Quarantined
1
Cases Investigated
18
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN H. REIDY
Inspector of Animals
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE
January 2, 1953
The Honorable Board of Selectmen Weymouth, Massachusetts
In accordance with your request, I hereby submit the annual report of the activities of the Department of Public Welfare.
As I suggested in the report of 1951, the case load in most categories of relief would be less, but the cost would be higher, due to increased budgets, hospitalization, etc. This has proven out by the charts which I submit below.
In submitting the budget this year I did not, nor do I contemplate, that there will be many major changes in relief loads, and, therefore, have endeavored to submit a budget that will be comparatively the same, in each relief, as was expended last year. I think your Board can well ap- preciate that, by so doing, we are risking a possible shortage, if there should be any major changes in the budgets, and other causes, such as medical, etc. I will endeavor to show, by charts and explanations, the breakdown of the various aids under my administration.
Old Age Assistance, in the calendar year of 1952, showed little change in the number of cases and, therefore, the year 1953 should follow much the same pattern. Below is a chart on Old Age Assistance:
Applications
116
Approved
104
Denied
6
Withdrew
1
Pending
5
Number of cases on payroll as of December 31, 1952 606
Appropriation
$335,000.00
Federal Reimbursement
228,191.09
State Reimbursement 259,405.37
Local Reimbursement
10,957.71
158
Town Payroll, Less Refunds Payment to other cities and towns Cost to Town
573,406.40 5,956.62 80,808.85
Aid to Dependent Children, as usual, followed the same pattern, with few or little changes in the number of cases. In this Aid, I also anticipate no great increase in case number. Below is a chart on this category:
Applications
37
Approved
32
Denied
2
Pending
3
Number of cases on payroll as of December 31, 1952 77
Number of children as of December 31, 1952
223
Town Appropriation
$ 80,000.00
Federal Reimbursement
43,699.91
State Reimbursement
38,123.89
Total Expended
$114,666.51
Cost to Town
32,842.71
General Relief is at the lowest case count since the 1920's, due to the advent of the new relief that I explained to you in last year's report, Aid to the Permanent and Totally Disabled. The result was a marked decrease in the case load and expenditures over any previous years during my ad- ministration, in this particular category.
Aid to the Permanent and Totally Disabled is the new category of relief that was instituted as of last year. It is impossible to prognosticate what the future will bring on this relief. I do anticipate that, as more people become acquainted with this new law, more applications will natu- rally follow, and the case load will increase accordingly. Therefore, in this Aid, I expect that we will have a larger expenditure than last year. The following chart illustrates expenditures in this Aid:
Applications
27
Approved
20
Denied
1
Pending
6
Number of cases on payroll as of December 31, 1952
48
Appropriation
$60,000.00
Town Payroll
53,442.44
Federal Reimbursement
15,373.15
State Reimbursement
17,328.19
Local Cost
20,741.10
May I again call to your attention the lack of space in this department, and earnestly request that your Board find some means by which added facilities could be assigned to this department to alleviate the very trying conditions under which we are working. Because of this condition, it is impossible to properly interview, according to law, those people who come to us with their problems.
Our cramped-up space also makes it very difficult for the personnel to operate as efficiently as they are capable.
My staff and I wish to sincerely thank your Board for all courtesies shown to us in the past year.
Respectfully submitted, THOMAS P. DELAHUNT, Agent Department of Public Welfare
159
SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE LABAN PRATT HOSPITAL
December 19, 1952
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Town of Weymouth Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
By direction of the Chairman of the Trustees of the Laban Pratt Hos- pital, the undersigned is duly authorized to submit to your Honorable Board this annual report, being the seventh annual report of the proceedings of the Trustees, required by the provisions of Section 3, Chapter 246, an Act of the Massachusetts Legislature, approved April 26, 1946, creating Laban Pratt Hospital as a corporation.
The terms of office for the Trustees are as follows:
Term Expires in 1957: Mr. Clement N. Curtis Mr. Martin P. Davis Miss Olive D. Sylvester
Term Expires in 1956: Mr. Preston A. DePlacido Mr. Charles H. Downs Mr. A. Wesley Sampson
Term Expires in 1955: Mrs. Marguerite W. Shaftoe Mrs. Emily L. McGovern Mr. John L. Gallant
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
December 19, 1952
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Term Expires in 1954: Mrs. Harriet S. Berry Hon. Kenneth L. Nash Mr. George E. Pruden Term Expires in 1953: Mrs. Lucy P. Mahoney Mr. Roger P. Loud Mr. Roland T. Seabury
The Trustees had one meeting in the year 1951. It is the opinion of the Trustees that there are not sufficient funds to proceed with building at the moment. At the Annual Town Meeting the Trustees were successful in receiving a section of the land formerly occupied by the Town Infirmary as a site for the Laban Pratt Hospital.
Respectfully submitted for the Board of Trustees.
CHARLES H. DOWNS Clerk
160
LABAN PRATT HOSPITAL
TREASURER'S REPORT FOR 1952
To the Trustees of Laban Pratt Hospital, Inc., the following financial report for the year ending December 31, 1952, is respectfully submitted :
Balance on hand January 1, 1952
$682,324.65
Income Received;
South Weymouth Savings Bank
$ 748.77
East Weymouth Savings Bank
1,148.94
Weymouth Savings Bank
359.73
Government Bonds
15,000.00
Total Income
17,257.44
$699,582.09
Deduct Expenses for 1952
6.00
Total Funds, January 1, 1953
$699,576.09
INVESTMENT OF ABOVE FUNDS
South Weymouth Savings Bank
$ 37,739.69
East Weymouth Savings Bank
48,371.22
Weymouth Savings Bank
13,299.49
Government Bonds
600,000.00
Granite Trust Company
165.69
$699,576.09
Very truly yours, HARRY I. GRANGER Treasurer
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
January 3, 1953
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Weymouth:
We herewith submit the Annual Report of the Planning Board of the Town of Weymouth for the year ending December 31, 1952.
During the past year, your Planning Board has held sixteen regular
161
meetings and seventeen special meetings, as well as various inspection details within the many developments under construction, in addition to which each member of the Board has been serving on at least one sub- committee investigating problems that confront the Town.
At the present time there are thirty-two sub-divisions in various stages of completion within the Town, and it appears that there will be a decrease in the number of new developments in 1953.
Work on the Master Plan, as required by the provisions of the General Laws under which the Planning Board operates, has been carried on and the basic layout work nearly completed. It will be presented to the Town for its acceptance when completed.
Although a great deal of time was consumed during the year on new developments and problems created thereby, much time was spent on addi- tional improvements within the Town, some of which have been presented to the Town Meeting and committees appointed; others will remain under study.
The Board is continuing to act jointly with the Braintree Planning Board and has held several joint meetings with that group during the year in an effort to relieve the congestion of traffic in the Landing area.
During the year two vacancies occurred on the Board which have been ably filled by Joseph M. Nover, Jr., and Frank Hale, said vacancies having arisen because of the expiration of the term of Roy H. Rosewell and the resignation of Henry R. Sargent, both of whom had served the Town for many years.
In conclusion, we wish to thank the various Town departments, officials and employees who have co-operated to the fullest in rendering their assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN F. NEWTON, Chairman
WILLIAM B. HARTY, Secretary FRANK HALE WALTER B. HEFFERNAN
GEORGE P. MAPES JOSEPH M. NOVER, JR. SANDY ROULSTON
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
January 9, 1953
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Weymouth, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit the annual report of the services rendered by the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1952:
CAUSES OF ARREST
Crimes against the Person 28
Crimes against Property 100
Crimes against Public Order 641
769
162
MISCELLANEOUS REPORT
Complaints investigated
1408
Doors and buildings found open and secured 859
Summonses and warrants served for out-of-town departments
548
Street lights out
120
Wagon calls
84
Ambulance calls
95
Messages delivered
132
Animals killed
18
Fires reported
3
Defective streets
12
Missing persons located
18
Property recovered
$16,165.18
Respectfully submitted
EDWARD F. BUTLER
Chief of Police
ANNUAL REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF CIVIL DEFENSE
January 12, 1953
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Weymouth, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
Herewith is presented a report of Civil Defense activities for the year 1952.
A foundation was laid in the previous year and a half, upon which a complete organization would be built to cope with any possible disaster brought about by enemy action in Weymouth and the surrounding area.
Training of personnel has proceeded since organization, a report center selected and partially equipped, space allotted with secretarial service at the Town Hall, and some vital equipment procured.
An excellent auxiliary police force has been organized and equipped and its personnel have frequently been observed on the streets of Wey- mouth and have, in their training course, often aided the regular police force in its duties.
Over thirty "HAM" radio amateurs have formed our emergency com- munication unit. Their personally owned valuable equipment has been placed at our disposal; they have conducted regular weekly drills and have developed a very high standard of efficiency.
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