USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1953 > Part 17
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29
The program depends on drainage to reduce breeding areas to a minimum, chemical treatment of water which breeds mosquitoes and cannot be drained, and provision for adult control in situations where the above methods cannot be used, such as near water supplies and fish streams and when control is difficult because of terrain or difficult weather conditions such as were experienced this past spring.
A control program such as this builds up in efficiency as times goes on, since drainage is improved, more of the smaller and troublesome breeding areas are found and dealt with, and a gradual cumulative effect of D. D. T. or a reduction of population is noted.
TYPES OF MOSQUITOES AND CONTROLS USED
In general there are four types of mosquitoes in this area; spring fresh water forms, salt water and brackish water breeders, house mos- quitoes, and flood water mosquitoes.
The spring fresh water mosquitoes bread in general in water result- ing from melting snow and spring rains. This water collects in woodland swamps and pools and overflows from streams.
The treatment for these forms is early spring aerial spray for large areas and simultaneous ground treatment with a pack sprayer in smaller areas. In addition, a new technique, prehatch dusting in the winter will be utilized. This promises to become a major factor in the control of these mosquitoes.
Salt and brackish water mosquitoes breed in areas flooded by the tides or formerly flooded and now wet by rains. The species involved depend on the concentration of salt in the water.
The keystone of control of the salt and brackish water breeders is drainage which is in existence on most of our salt marshes and in many cases only needs to be put in good shape after the winter storms have blocked the ditches with debris. Treatment of areas found to be breeding
205
is done on the ground by pack sprayer. In the brackish areas which are not washed continually by tides, prehatch dusting may prove to be valu- able.
House mosquitoes breed in many types of standing water during the summer, especially in containers around the yard, around dumps, in catch basins, in quarries and in polluted streams and ponds. Treatment is by pack sprayers. These mosquitoes breed continuously so such water, especially if polluted, is best kept toxic to mosquito larvas at all times in the breeding season.
Flood water mosquitoes breed in the flood plains on rivers or streams and in such places as roadside ditches or pools. These mosquitoes breed in the water present after heavy summer rains, hatching occurring after each considerable rain. Ground treatment by pack sprayer may be used against these forms. Prehatch treatment seems to be a very efficient method from recent tests.
SURVEY OF BREEDING AREAS
Actual operations started on April 13, 1953, after Lewis F. Wells, Jr., a qualified entomologist, with training and experience in mosquito con- trol was appointed Superintendent. Organization of the project by the Commissioners had preceeded this.
A survey of the entire area aimed at mapping as many breeding areas as possible was carried on by Mr. Wells and Mr. Frank Bennett, an in- spector from the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project. All swamp land shown on the topographical map and much not shown was sampled for mosquito larvae by dipping a bit of water from the swamp and ex- amining for the "wigglers." The presence or absence of larvae was noted and the area mapped and put on the list for aerial spray.
AERIAL SPRAYING
The first aerial spray was applied from April 25 to May 8 and was aimed at the larvae then in the water. Application at this time, although three weeks too late as a result of having to organize and conduct a sur- vey, effected a substantial reduction in the mosquitoes emerging from the swamps. Next year and in succeeding years, we will be able to apply the sprays at the proper time and thus achieve total control.
550 acres in the Town of Weymouth were treated in this operation.
A second aerial spray aimed at the adults escaping from our first spray was applied from June 19 to June 25.
525 acres in the Town of Weymouth were treated at this time.
MIST BLOWING
To support the second aerial spray certain areas were treated for adults by mist blowing on a contract basis.
13 hours of work were done in the Town of Weymouth in this manner.
GROUND TREATMENT
Ground treatment was begun on May 18 with pack sprayers and trucks borrowed from the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project. In a few weeks our own sprayers arrived and after the settlement of a strike our trucks were delivered on June 25 and August 7.
206
Ground crews went from area to area and treated those found to be breeding. These areas were those mapped in the spring survey, ones found by the Superintendent and the Inspector throughout the season, and ones reported by the residents to the Project office. Treatment was by pack sprayer or by hydraulic sprayer depending on the area involved. The salt and brackish water breeding areas were treated after each extreme tide and when found breeding in between, and the house mosquito breed- ing areas were treated periodically especially if polluted to prevent the continuous breeding of this species.
DITCHING
With the close of the breeding season our attention turned to drain- age. Below is a summary of ditching work done to date.
Ft. cleaned 760 Ft. reclaimed 1,560 Ft. new 300
Each fall, and in the summer when spraying is caught up with, this work will be continued. In addition, funds are being appropriated for maintenance of the salt marsh ditching now in existence. The ditching of swamps and marshes, and cleaning of streams will result in a large reduction of the amount of the mosquito breeding area in the Project.
EQUIPMENT
At the present, the project has the following equipment:
1 truck, 1/2 ton pickup
1 truck, 344ton platform body
1 50 gal. Bean Hydraulic Sprayer
6 Pack sprayers, Indian Pump type
4 Pack dusters, Stuaffer type
Miscellaneous shovels, rakes, picks, etc. for ditching
Proposed additions are:
1 truck, 34 ton platform body
1 Tifa fogging machine Miscellaneous brushing and ditching tools
PLANS FOR THE WINTER
During the winter, a survey will be made of the area for the pur- pose of finding new breeding areas and to reassess old ones. New and more all-inclusive maps will be prepared by the Superintendent.
On good days, prehatch dusting will be done by the small crew re- tained through the winter and equipment will be worked on during foul weather.
A small amount of drainage will be done when weather permits.
PROGRESS ACHIEVED DURING SEASON AND OUTLOOK FOR NEXT SEASON
Great strides have been made in mapping of the area and in getting to know the trouble spots.
207
By the middle of the season equipment was adequate to do a good job with the crew available. With less money being spent on equipment next season, more labor can be hired and more thorough coverage achieved.
Since equipment and men can now be obtained at the right time, it is inevitable that the record of last year, the reduction of telephone calls reporting mosquito troubles, from as much as forty (40) per day in May to less than ten (10) per week in September, will be improved upon. HENRY F. GODIN
Commissioner
AMOUNTS SPENT IN WEYMOUTH As of November 30, 1953
Labor
$2,484.43
Reimbursements
120.07
Aerial Spray
879.00
Insecticide
482.40
Equipment and Tools
746.07
Office Supplies
51.25
Maintenance
26.70
Rents
101.84
Telephone
32.24
Insurances
129.58
Totals
$5,053.58
Balance $2,946.42
EXPENDITURES As of November 30, 1953
Account
Amount
Balance
Labor
$13,425.44
$ 7,574.56
Aerial Spray
3,715.15
3,684.85
Insecticide
2,992.78
1,507.22
Maintenance
143.55
1,356.45
Rents
547.50
352.50
Tools and Equipment
4,014.30
686.76
Office Supplies
275.48
78.12
Telephone
173.39
231.95
Reimbursements
645.48
494.52
Insurances
696.73
403.27
Totals
$26,629.80
$16,370.20
ESTIMATE OF EXPENDITURES November 30, 1953, to May 1, 1954
November 30
Balance
to May 1
Surplus
Labor
$7,574.56
$9,164.25
Aerial Spray
3,674.84
Insecticide
1,507.22
1,200.00
Maintenance
1,356.45
200.00
Rents
352.50
312.50
Tools and Euipment
686.76
3,650.00
Office Supplies
78.12
300.00
Telephone
231.95
150.00
Reimbursements
494.52
435.00
Insurances
403.27
403.27
Totals
$16,370.20
$15,815.02
$555.18
208
Amount Appro- priated 1953
Amount Proposed 1954
South Shore Mosquito Control Project Salt Marsh Ditch Maintenance
500.00
$8,500.00
$8,250.00
(Including amount for- merly appropriated for Salt Marsh Ditch Main- tenance)
PROPOSED BUDGET 1954
Labor:
6 Laborers
39 weeks, 40 hours, @ $1.40
$10,080.00
2 Foremen
52 weeks, 40 hours, @ $1.75
7,280.00
1 Foreman
20 weeks, 40 hours, @ $1.75
1,400.00
1 Inspector
12 weeks, 40 hours, @ $1.75
720.00
1 Secretary
52 weeks, 35 hours, @ $1.35
2,457.00
1 Superintendent
52 weeks
4,500.00
$27,000.00
Aerial Spray
$4,000.00
Insecticide
3,000.00
Maintenance
1,000.00
Rents
1,100.00
Tools and Equipment
2,500.00
Office Supplies
250.00
Telephone
400.00
Reimbursements
1,000.00
Insurance
1,350.00
$41,600.00
MEMORIAL DAY COMMITTEE REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1953
To the Citizens of Weymouth:
In accordance with Article 1, Item 32 of the Annual Warrant for 1953, the following Committee was appointed by the Annual Moderator:
Chairman, Vincent G. Fisher, Commander, Wessagussett Post No. 1399, Veterans of Foreign Wars
Sumner F. Bickford, Commander, American Legion Post No. 79 Elmer S. Mitchell, Commander, American Legion Post No. 401 Joseph A. Rudolph, Commander, John D. Martin Post No. 9260, Veter- ans of Foreign Wars
Lars M. Larson, Commander, Ralph Talbot Chapter No. 65, Disabled American Veterans
Gelorma V. Cavallo, Commander, Roger Grande Post No. 58, Amvets John Francomano, Jr., Commander, Weymouth Post No. 15, Italian- American War Veterans
Harold Barnes, Commander, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Wes- sagussett Chapter No. 320
209
$8,000.00
$8.250.00
Mrs. Hazel A. Theriault, President, Dorothea Dix Tent No. 32, Daugh- ters 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
The committee held several meetings at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, 601 Broad Street, East Weymouth. It was voted that Sumner F. Bickford be appointed Chief Marshal and Joseph A. Rudolph Secretary. It was also voted to visit all cemeteries on Memorial Day and to hold the main exercises at the Civic Center at the High School.
Memorial church services were held in the Sacred Heart Church, Weymouth.
All cemeteries were visited, where appropriate services were held. The main parade formed in Jackson Square at 9:15, and proceeded to the Civic Center, where the main exercises were held.
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 by Comrade Edward Amrock.
The program exercises at the Civic Center were:
1. Trooping of Colors
2. Prayer-Rev. John M. Mclaughlin
3. Salute to the Flag
4. Band Selection-"America"
5. Reading of General Logan's General Orders for the Ob- servance of Memorial Day-Mrs. Hazel A. Theriault, President of Daughters of Union Veterans
6. Band Selection-"Nearer My God to Thee"
7. Lincoln's Gettysburg Address-Mrs. May Blanchard
8. Salute to the Dead
9. Benediction-Rev. John M. Mclaughlin
10. "Taps"
11. National Anthem
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, as was done last year, that the Town Moderator enlarge the committee by including the Senior Vice-Commander of all organizations. In this way, the com- mittee will be better informed and go about this observance as it should be done. Failure to get names from the Veterans' Council should not prevent this, as all that is needed is to send a notice to the Commanders of the various organizations informing them and the senior vice-com- mander of their appointments.
This committee would like to further recommend that appointments be made not later than March 15. This observance needs time for the
210
proper preparation. This year we had exactly three weeks-hardly enough time to order flowers alone. This committee feels that this is only fair, as the committee receives all the criticism.
With only three weeks to work in, I personally think this year's com- mittee did a good job.
Respectfully submitted, THE MEMORIAL DAY COMMITTEE Vincent G. Fisher, Chairman
Expenditures:
Flowers
$1,006.10
Music
13.50
Transportation (3 Limousines)
45.00
Buses
224.00
Ammunition
55.60
Express Charges
1.65
Flags and Ribbon
471.81
Printing
1
35.50
Weymouth High School Band
146.00
$1,999.16
HARBOR MASTER'S REPORT
December 31, 1953.
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 1953.
Weymouth's waterfront was patrolled from the first of May to the first of December, with the approximate mileage of 1900.
Lost rowboats recovered
22
Lost outboard hulls recovered
6
15 to 40 foot sail and power boats assisted
25
Capsizing of sail and outboard motor boats attended 4
Investigations
12
Island fires fought
2
Launchings patrolled or attended
7
Small races patrolled
24
Inter-club races
3
Police calls
4
At the end of 1953, may I please extend my heartfelt thanks for the co-operation of all Town officers and others who so willingly gave their time and efforts to help me.
Respectfully submitted,
CECIL L. EVANS Harbor Master
211
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
January 6, 1954
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, 1953:
Causes of Arrest
Crimes against the Person 28
147
Crimes against Property
521
Crimes against Public Order
696
Miscellaneous Report
Complaints investigated
775
Doors and buildings found open and secured
530
Summonses and warrants served for out of Town Departments 690
Street lights out
74
Wagon calls
127
Ambulance calls
114
Messages delivered
132
Animals killed
20
Fires reported
3
Defective streets
17
Missing persons located
18
Property recovered
$14,101.15
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD F. BUTLER
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report for the year 1953.
The sealing fees amounted to $665.70.
My general work for the year is as follows: Tested and sealed 1,311 weighing and measuring devices.
Trial weighings and measurements of commodities sold or put up for sale and summary of inspections after sealing, 1,047 articles and devices.
Chief of Police
December 31, 1953
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES W. BURGESS Sealer of Weights and Measures
212
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
January 9, 1954
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Town of Weymouth, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
During the year 1953, the Park. Department completed work on the Arthur I. Negus Playground on Pond Plain and opened it for public use. We also made ready the Lovell Park in East Weymouth and opened it for public use.
A new bathhouse was constructed at Wessagussett Beach and opened The Beach had a large attendance this year and many persons, young and old, enrolled in the swimming and life saving classes. Arrangements were completed for the construction of jetties and sanding of the Beach for 1954.
The summer recreation program at the various playgrounds was car- ried on as usual, with a few additions to the program. A tennis and horse- shoe tournament was held, with awards going to the winners.
The Commissioners sincerely request the residents of the Town to assist in eliminating needless and costly vandalism at the various parks. It is requested that the people promptly report to the Police Department all such acts they observe.
We sincerely extend our thanks to all the other Town departments and others who so willingly co-operated with the Park Department during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
EVERETT J. McINTOSH, Chairman JOSEPH D. SLATTERY, Clerk OTTO C. MASON
REPORT OF SHELL FISH WARDEN
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Weymouth, Mass.
Gentlemen:
Following is a report of the Shell Fish Warden for the year 1953:
The clam flats of Weymouth are fast being depleted. I earnestly recommend immediate action, not only to seed barren flats, but to close other sections for various periods to allow shell fish to reach full size. Over 3,000 barrels of clams, worth nearly $100,000.00 a year, are dug in Weymouth.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES MacMURRAY Shell Fish Warden
213
REPORT OF BUILDING INSPECTOR
January 4, 1954
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Town of Weymouth Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report for the year ending December 31, 1953:
During the year, permits were issued for the following:
424 one-family dwellings
Estimated cost $3,026,900.00
6 four-family dwellings
66
288,000.00
1 summer house
60
6.
14,850.00
10 two-car garages
66
66
8,450.00
1 two-car garage and shop
1,000.00
1 storage and cabinet shop with apartment
7,500.00
2 stores
6,000.00
1 school
1,812,500.00
2 gas stations
22,000.00
2 office buildings
2,200.00
2 stables
500.00
2 greenhouses
500.00
1 structure for sand and gravel hopper
66
700.00
1 field house
66
4,400.00
1 workshop
400.00
1 church
66
85,000.00
1 vegetable stand
200.00
3 tool sheds
700.00
1 supermarket
100,000.00
1 storage building
500.00
1 hydrogen storage building
1,000.00
1 catering shop
5,000.00
498 new buildings
Total estimated cost $5,578,500.00
66
66
3,976,590.00
Yearly receipts new building permit fees
3,320.50
Year receipts alterations permit fees
4,377.50
Total receipts 16 Board Zoning Appeals hearings
250.00
Respectfully submitted,
ANDREW A. CHISHOLM Building Inspector
192,000.00
6 six-family dwellings
200.00
26 one-car garages
6
66
64
347 alterations
214
REPORT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
January 8, 1954
The Honorable Board of Selectmen
Weymouth, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit the annual report of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1953.
The Department responded to nine hundred and fifty-three alarms during the year. Seventy-two of these alarms were for fires involving buildings. Eight hundred eighty-one were for all other emergency calls as listed below.
A total of four hundred thirty-seven inspections of buildings were made during the year for the purpose of removing the hazardous conditions which lead to fires.
The Junior Fire Marshal Program, which is carried on in all schools each year, has contributed greatly to the removal of such hazards from the homes throughout the Town.
With moderate repairs, the stations can be maintained in good condi- tion. The apparatus and equipment, due to the constant attention of the men, are in the very best of condition.
There were two hundred eighteen Bell Alarms and seven hundred thirty-five Still Alarms for a total of nine hundred fifty-three Alarms for the year 1953.
Residential
61
Non-Residential Assembly
2
Mercantile
5
Manufacturing 3
Storage
1
Grass or Brush
411
All Other Fires (Auto, Boats, Outdoor, Lumber Yards, Machinery)
59
15
False Alarms Smoke Scares, Accidental Alarms, Honest Mistakes 167
First Aid, Accidents, Emergency Calls,
(Of this number, 57 were calls for the Resuscitator or Inhalator)
229
953
Permits issued for the year totaled 1,000:
Oil Burners
938
Bottle Gas
23
Explosives
35
Inflammable Liquids
2
Removal of Tanks
2
1,000
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER R. MURRAY Chief of Fire Department
215
SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARMS
January 4, 1954
Chief Walter R. Murray
Weymouth Fire Department
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my report of the Fire Alarm System for the year ending December 31, 1953.
Bell Alarms for Fires
218
Second Alarms
3
Third Alarms 1
False Alarms 15
Out-of-Town Alarms
8
No School Signals
2
Lost Child Signal 1
The outside lines are in good condition.
Twelve (12) Fire Alarm Boxes have been added to the system at new locations.
I wish to extend my sincere thanks to all for service and co-operation rendered at all times.
Respectfully submitted, EDRIC J. SALISBURY
Superintendent of Fire Alarm
216
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
January 15, 1954
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
Following is the report of the Inspector of Animals for the year ending December 31, 1953:
Places inspected
56
Cows inspected
146
Young stock inspected 59
Bulls inspected
4
Goats inspected
30
Horses and ponies inspected
76
Sheep inspected
2
Swine inspected
9
Dogs quarantined for biting
146
Cases investigated
22
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN H. REIDY Inspector of Animals
REPORT OF WIRING INSPECTOR
January 4, 1954.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Weymouth
Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report for the year ending December 31. 1953 :
During the year, 1,487 wiring permits were issued.
Receipts for permit fees totalled $2,988.25.
I wish to extend to the Board of Selectmen and to other Town officials my thanks for all courtesies and assistance given me during the year 1953. Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH W. ROSS
Wiring Inspector
REPORT OF STREET DEPARTMENT
January 13, 1954
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Weymouth, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit the annual report of the Street Department for year ending December 31, 1953.
More drainage was installed than ever before.
Practically all the metal street signs were repainted, and most all wooden signs were replaced by metal signs.
217
More streets were given a treatment of MC3 asphalt and honed than in any previous year, and should make a difference in patching for the next year, providing the winter is not too extreme.
The following private ways accepted by the Annual Town Meeting were released by the Town Counsel:
Abbott Street
Adams Place - 430 feet was accepted in 1953 and built to grade; the road was constructed of stone penetration; drainage was installed. The old section was rebuilt to grade.
Alpine Road*
Argyle Court was also built to grade, and of stone penetration.
Belmont Street
Berkeley Street
Blossom Lane
Canacum Road*
Christine Terrace
Clarendon Street
Cottage Lane*
Donnellan Circle was rebuilt to grade and drainage installed. Lawson Road was built to grade.
Louds Avenue*
Lyme Street
Moreland Road was rebuilt to grade and drainage installed the entire length.
Mount Vernon Road Extension.
Norma Avenue
Rinaldo Road*
Rindge Street
Saning Road
Thomas Road
Verndale Road was built to grade and of stone penetration.
*No funds allocated to Street Department for 1953 work.
Wingate Road, a holdover from 1952, was built the full width and drainage installed.
Carroll Street was rebuilt to grade and drainage installed the entire length.
Essex Street, from Broad Street for about 1,200 feet southwesterly, was rebuilt to grade and drainage installed.
Shawmut Avenue was built to grade and of stone penetration.
Shawmut Street right-of-way to Parking Lot was built and walls installed.
The Parking Lot, Hollis Street, was partially built; this area was filled with earth from the Chapter 90, Pleasant and Union Streets jobs. About 220 feet of drainage was installed and part of the area was graded.
Columbian Square Parking Lot was filled, built to grade, and pene- trated with asphalt.
218
A 24 feet street of stone penetration was built between Union and Chauncy Streets.
Chapter 90. Construction work on Union and Pleasant Streets was completed, as well as Pond Street, from the Abington Line to Route 18.
Drainage was installed on Oak Street and the street rebuilt to grade the entire length.
Summer Street, near No. 345, was widened and partially completed.
The following new equipment was purchased: One new pickup truck, a Gravely Tractor for mowing, a centrifugal pump, and a new front-end loader, which is almost indispensable.
The Department is in dire need of adequate housing, and has land on Commercial Street, opposite the Town Barn, which would be adequate for the Street Department's needs. Now thousands of dollars worth of ex- pensive equipment is out in all kinds of weather.
I wish to extend my thanks to all Town Department heads, especially Chief Edward Butler and Tree Warden Leslie Hebert, for their co-opera- tion during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. O'LEARY
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE
January 13, 1954.
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.
In making this report to your Honorable Board, I wish to bring to your attention the initiation of a new medical plan and compulsory monthly visits to all Aid to Dependent Children cases. To bring these plans into operation, there is doubt in my mind they can be carried through effect- ively without addition to our staff, especially the clerical.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.