USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Duxbury Massachusetts for the year ending 1960 > Part 24
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All citizens should make full use of their Extension Service as it is supported by the Federal, State and County Governments. It should be remembered that while the Extension Service furnishes the information it is up to the individual citizen who receives this information to decide how it can be used to best advantage.
Requests for information can be directed to the Plym- outh County Extension Service, Court House, Brockton, Massachusetts. .
The Board of Trustees, appointed by the Plymouth County Commissioners, administer the Plymouth County Extension Service program and is composed of the fol- lowing members:
Mr. John Prentice, Plymouth, Chairman Mrs. Elva Bent Swartz, Brockton Mr. Lewis Billings, Plympton Mrs. Mabel Chandler, Duxbury Mr. John Duffy, Halifax Mrs. Gladys Gibbs, Hanover Mr. Robert Hammond, Wareham Mr. John Howe, West Bridgewater Mr. John W. Little, Marshfield
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Board of Appeals held twenty-five public hear- ings during the year ending December 31, 1962. All the hearings were held in the Primary School Building. In one case, however, because approximately 370 citizens attended, a number far in excess of the capacity of the hall, the Chairman recessed the hearing to immediately reconvene in the Auditorium of the High School.
Of the twenty-five hearings, seven were for variances or special permits in the business zones and eighteen in the residential zones.
The disposition of the petitions by the Board were as follows:
14 Approved substantially as requested.
1 Approved in part with some restrictions.
7 Denied.
1 No action taken by the Board until proper survey of the land in question has been furnished to the Board.
1 Petition withdrawn by the petitioner.
1. Awaiting further information before rendering a de- cision.
25
On three of the denials the petitioners brought actions in the Superior Court against the Board, alleging that it had exceeded its authority granted under Chapter 40A of the General Laws, that it (the Board) had erred in its decision, and in one case that the Protective By-Law of the Town was unconstitutional. The Board was repre- sented in Court by Robert J. Geogan, Esq., Town Counsel.
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In all three cases the Court upheld in every respect the rulings of the Board.
The Board extends its thanks to the interested citi- zens who came to many of the hearings.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT SEYMOUR, Chairman
EDWARD P. HOBART, Secretary H. RUSSELL CHANDLER
REPORT OF HARBOR MASTER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
There were approximately 700 boats of all types moored or anchored in Duxbury waters during the past season. This includes tenders, outboards, inboards, sail- boats, and auxiliary sailboats.
Speed limit signs were placed in the basin and the main channel, also at the mouth of Bluefish River, and on the bank approaching the Cove Street bathing area. This has helped a great deal in slowing down speeders.
The new Harbor Master's boat and motor have proven very satisfactory for patrolling and also as a work boat.
Thirty-three channel markers were set out early in the spring. These were placed at the beach channel, How- land's Landing, and at Joe's Point. These work out fairly well where the water in the channel is not too deep and the current not too fast, but they are very unsatisfactory in the deep water sections of the beach channel and I hope to replace these with a new type of marker this coming season.
Mooring fee bills were sent out May 1, and were col- lected.
Respectfully submitted,
MANUEL OLIVER, Harbor Master
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REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
Following is the report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1962.
LIST OF OFFENSES
Sodomy 1
Unnatural and lascivious acts with child
under 16 1
Lewd, wanton and lascivious in speech and behavior
1
Lewd and lascivious cohabitation
3
Illegitimacy
1
Indecent exposure
2
Unnatural act with child under 16
1
Indecent A and B on child under 14
4
Non-support
3
Delinquent child
1
Runaway
1
Contributing to delinquency of minor
2
Vagrancy
1
Escaped prisoner apprehended
1
Absentee armed forces apprehended
1
B and E nighttime, larceny over $100.00
2
Larceny by check over $100.00
1
Larceny by check under $100.00
1
Drunkenness
10
Operating motor vehicle under influence
6
Operating motor vehicle without authority 3
Operating motor vehicle without license
1
Operating after right to operate suspended 4
Failing to stop for police officer 1
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Operating unregistered motor vehicle 3
Operating uninsured motor vehicle 3
Larceny of motor vehicle 1
Leaving scene of accident after property damage 3 Operating motor vehicle so as to endanger 7
Speeding 3
1
Furnishing liquor to minors
1
Larceny over $100.00
B and E nighttime, larceny under $100.00 2
77
DISPOSITION OF OFFENSES
Found guilty and fined
12
Found guilty and committed
18
Found guilty and placed on probation 19
Found not guilty
2
Charges filed
5
Continued without finding
7
Arrests for outside police departments
5
Cases pending for grand jury
4
Cases pending for district court
2
Released
1
Turned over to Youth Service Board
1
Turned over to Military Authorities
1
77
Dispositions include both District and Superior Court findings.
MISCELLANEOUS
Calls and complaints investigated
5200
Arrests 36
Accidents investigated
163
Messages delivered 390
Summons served
151
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Animals destroyed
23
Animals returned to owners
45
Emergency trips to hospitals and doctors
110
Deaths investigated 6
Doors and windows found open
50
Parking tags issued 203
Duxbury Beach parking permits issued, including replacements 2254
Pistol permits issued
38
Dealers' firearms permits
5
Shellfish permits
997
Value of property recovered
$10,826.64
Missing persons located
34
Commitments 6
Attempted suicide
1
Escaped prisoner apprehended
1
A.W.O.L. apprehended
1
Miles travelled by cruisers
106,104 miles
POLICE DEPARTMENT ROSTER Chief Lawrence C. Doyle Sergeants
Henry P. McNeil
Thomas A. Johnson
Patrolmen
George F. White Frank E. Phillips, Jr.
William K. LaFleur
Intermittent Patrolman Robert D. Byrne Provisional Patrolmen
Herbert F. Johnson James N. Wills
Michael J. Sheehan Kenneth W. Lovejoy
William R. Whitehouse
Respectfully submitted, LAWRENCE C. DOYLE, Chief of Police
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT INSECT PEST CONTROL
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Scouting was done for the Tent Caterpillars with the result of less than a dozen nests found.
Control of Elm Leaf Beetle improved last year and it is our plan to improve conditions by making two appli- cations of spray for this insect.
Japanese Beetles were not as prevalent as in other years.
White Pine Blister Rust was found in one area in town and plans are made to take care of it in the Spring.
Scouting was done for Brown Tail Moth and Gypsy Moth with negative results.
Respectfully submitted,
ROY E. PARKS, Superintendent Insect Pest Control.
REPORT OF CONTROL OF DUTCH ELM DISEASE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
In accordance with the recommendations made at the Annual Dutch Elm Disease Conference, our elm trees were sprayed with a 12% D.D.T. dormant application. They were also sprayed with a 6% D.D.T. foliage spray in May and June.
During the year, fifteen samples of suspected trees
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were sent to Amherst for culture. Six returns were con- firmed Dutch Elm Disease.
Thirty-three other diseased and beetle-infested trees in back yards and swamps, were cut down and burned on the spot or taken to the Town Dump for burning.
Our loss among sprayed trees is still less than one-half of 1%, so it looks as though D.D.T. plus sanitation, is the best control so far for Dutch Elm Disease.
Respectfully submitted,
ROY E. PARKS, Tree Warden.
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
and the Citizens of Duxbury:
During the winter months, our work consisted of pruning back along the streets; removing low-hanging branches; taking down dead trees that might be blown into the street or on the utility wires and cabling of trees that were weakened by high winds. All equipment was cleaned up, repainted and reconditioned.
The results of spraying are showing improvement with the use of the newer insecticides.
Our planting of new trees is divided about equally between Spring and Fall. Those included in this year's group consisted of 13 Flowering Crabs, 5 Flowering Cher- ries, 15 Maples, 2 Ginkgo trees, 1 Beech, 1 Hawthorne, 1 Mountain Ash, 1 Dogwood and 2 Plane trees.
Respectfully submitted,
ROY E. PARKS,
Tree Warden.
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
and the Citizens of Duxbury:
Our parks and playgrounds were fertilized early in April and our clay tennis courts put into playing condi- tion. The mowing of grass continued up to the first of November.
Eighteen acres of the newly acquired land on Chand- ler Street were cleared of trees with financial help by the American Legion. This area was seeded down in Septem- ber with the financial help of the Legion. There is a nice catch of grass.
The Park Department has its own 61/2-foot mower and we are asking for a tractor to use with it. Our recom- mendation is that a small acreage be cleared each year.
Our water-front park areas have been benefited by the wind and tide so far this year with the washing in of sand at the base of the riprap.
Respectfully submitted,
ROY E. PARKS, Superintendent, Parks and Playgrounds.
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REPORT OF THE SHELL FISH WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I submit my report as Shellfish Constable for the year 1962.
There were twenty-two annual fee-forms sent out and $27.75 collected from grant holders.
Early in the spring, fifteen small test areas were staked out and lime and phosphate were mixed with the soil. This was done to see if clam seed would find the soil more receptive. The results were inconclusive, but I feel that one large concentrated area may show better results.
Late in June four cents was paid for each live horse- shoe crab delivered to me. The response was so great that in three days over 14,000 crabs were received and the money set aside for this program was spent.
Thirty commercial permits were issued at $5.00 each and 1,279 family permits at $1.00. Forty permits, free of charge, were issued to persons over seventy years of age.
Approximately 10,000 bushels of mussels have been removed from Duxbury waters since last summer. This is a mere drop in the bucket, but a step in the right direction in decreasing the spread of mussels to clam flats.
Respectfully submitted,
MANUEL OLIVER, Shellfish Constable
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REPORT OF VETERANS' AGENT
December 31, 1962
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I respectfully submit my report as Agent and Director for the Department of Veterans' Services for the year 1962.
The office of Veterans' Services has been open to Vet- erans and their dependants Monday through Saturday by appointment during the year.
I have advised and assisted Veterans of the Spanish American War, World War II, and Korean War, and find that each person has his own individual problem, which requires assistance to enable them to receive the benefits they are entitled to.
During the year I have registered 32 local men for Draft Board No. 129 Marshfield, Massachusetts.
This year we had a total of 20 cases representing 74 persons who receive Veterans' Benefits. Our appropriation was $15,398.00 and due to unforseen medical expenses it was necessary to obtain from the Finance Committee an additional sum of $2,100.00 to carry this Department through the last month of the year. There was a balance of $252.51 left from this sum of $2,100.00 to be returned to the Town. The State Department of Veterans' Services will reimburse the Town for approximately half of the total amount expended.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY P. MCNEIL, Agent
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HEALTH DEPARTMENT
I hereby submit my report as agent for the Board of Health for the year 1962.
The big event of the year was the introduction for general use of Sabin oral poliomyelitis vaccine. All chil- dren up to seven years of age were given vaccine supplied by the State of Types I and III. Two clinics were held- in May and June-which were open to all others in the town, and these were very well attended. Type II will be given in January 1963.
The communicable diseases reported to the Depart- ment during the past year were as follows:
Mumps
19 Scarlet Fever 2
Chicken Pox
13
Gonorrhea 1
Measles
22
Syphilis 1
German Measles
71
Dog Bites 12
Please report all such diseases even though they may be mild and not seen by a physician.
Rat bait is always available at Dr. Starr's office and works well on any rodent problem.
We are grateful to the State Department of Public Health for their assistance and cooperation in the inspec- tion and licensing of eating establishments, chicken farms, and the like.
Respectfully submitted,
George Ross Starr, Jr., M.D.
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REPORT OF THE DUXBURY FREE LIBRARY
To the Trustees:
Ten years and six months have passed since the pres- ent librarian assumed her duties as librarian of the Dux- bury Free Library on June 16, 1952. It would seem to be appropriate at this time to look back over the past ten years and to review what has happened in the library dur- ing that period. It is a satisfaction to be able to report a steady growth in the use of the library from June 16, 1952 to December 31, 1962. There were many handicaps to be overcome and some of them still exist; the most outstand- ing of these is the absence of a complete catalogue of the library.
From the beginning, as much discarding and rearrang- ing of the books in the library has been carried on as time and help would allow. While being engaged in this work the staff has become well-acquainted with the col- lection and it is being used efficiently. All new purchases since June 1952 have been catalogued.
Special attention has been given to building up the Reference Department which now includes the latest editions of the Britannica, The Americana and The World Book. The older sets of The Americana and The World Book are used for circulation. In addition to these major publications, many lesser, but very important reference books in various fields of knowledge have been added, with the result that the library is very well-prepared to meet almost any challenge from seekers after knowledge.
The book collection has grown with the years as much as the Book Budgets would allow. In the last ten years 12,086 books have been added to the library. The books have been carefully selected as additions to an excellent
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basic collection, and it is the opinion of many that few small libraries can boast of a book collection comparable to that of the Duxbury Free Library.
An outstanding development of the past decade is the School Program which began eight years ago in a small way and is now an integral part of the library's service. All twenty-seven classes, accompanied by their teachers, from the first grade through the sixth visit the library regularly for instruction in the use of the library, to search for material in connection with their studies and to select good books to read for pleasure and profit. Each class comes every other week. These library visits are scheduled as part of the school curriculum. The librarian holds a Story Hour for the first grade pupils throughout their first year. As soon as they can read they receive their first library cards, a momentous occasion to most of these boys and girls. This School Program is one which has met with much enthusiasm by the school authorities, the li- brary staff, the pupils and their parents.
The purpose of the Program is to acquaint all of the children with the public library and its resources, so that all through their school-days and later on in adult life they will know that knowledge and recreation are always available to them in their public library. As a result of these six years of library visiting the junior-high and senior-high school pupils are thoroughly familiar with the library and use it extensively in carrying on their outside assignments.
The work with these older groups increases day by day as teaching methods change and each pupil does more and more individual research on his own. The public li- brary is becoming indispensable to the pupil of today and tomorrow. A large part of the library time is consumed in
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helping these boys and girls find the material needed for completing the work on their many subjects.
Together with other changes in the library the staff has been increased and has become more experienced; all members of the staff are devoted to the library and make every effort to further its successful development. A fine library custodian has made the building a much more at- tractive place to look at and to work in. The library has been re-decorated inside and out and many important re- pairs made. All of this helps to create the good impression which it is hoped, the library is making in the community.
In 1952, for which year there were only six months of accurate circulation figures, 22,252 books were issued. The total circulation for 1962 is 64,937, giving the library a gain of 42,685 for the past ten years. The 1962 increase over that of 1961 is 462, thereby making 1962 the busiest year to date. In 1962, because of very bad weather in the beginning and end of the year, there was a loss of 2056 in the junior circulation, but there was a gain of 2518 in the adult circulation. It is very encouraging to note a decided gain in the adult circulation and that the adult and junior are almost even. It is quite evident that the years of in- struction in the use of the library are bearing fruit.
There are no library statistics which can give a com- plete picture of the activities which are carried on in the service of the public. Book circulation, reference work, answering telephone calls, helping all comers to choose a good book all include the infinite detail which is a part of the day's work. Circulation statistics give only a par- tial picture of what the library has done for the public in one year or ten years. Even the books which are counted in the circulation reach many more readers than just one to whom the book is issued. However, circulation statis- tics are the only definite figures which can be offered and they are in part, an indication of how busy the library is.
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728 registrations were recorded in 1962. 378 of these were new borrowers and 350 were re-registrants because of their four-year card expiration. Since June 1952, 6941 registrations have been recorded. During 1962, 642 regis- trations were withdrawn.
Approximately $4500 was spent for books and periodi- cals during 1962. In 1962, 1671 titles were added to the library. Allowing $113.95 for the periodical bill, the li- brary bought 1671 titles for an average price of $2.07 per volume. Book prices continue to rise to shocking heights. Only very careful book selections has enabled the library to acquire 1671 titles during the past year. A $4500 book budget may be all that the library can take care of in its present cramped quarters; more room for books is needed as well as more help in getting the books ready for the shelves. Discarding is carried on systematically and the needed replacements are made. Books of no real value are not replaced.
The total library appropriation for 1962 was $13,932 from the Town of Duxbury which included $1,181.75 re- ceived from the State as "Library Aid." It is the hope of the librarian that all of this increased use of the library will be considered worthy of a larger appropriation, whereby the library's needs for the present and the future can be met.
In the summer of 1962 the library again co-operated with the Duxbury Science Program. About 100 science books were assembled and placed in the Science classroom for the use of the boys and girls taking the course. As be- fore, the Supervisors of the courses were delighted and amazed at what the library had to offer.
Summer activities in the library continue to grow in all directions. The days are filled with finding books to fill requests from "Summer Reading Lists" for college, preparatory and public school pupils. The Duxbury schools
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have developed an excellent "Summer Reading Program" with which the library co-operates whole-heartedly. Our summer residents make wide use of the library and a fre- quent comment is "we just couldn't wait to get here."
Thus have the years sped by. They have been a source of much satisfaction and joy to the librarian. While one always wishes that more could have been accomplished, what has been done has laid the groundwork for bigger and better things to come. The library has now developed to the point where additional space is a prime necessity. In its present surroundings future growth is almost im- possible.
The town is growing, the schools are growing: the library is reflecting the impact of it all and becoming more and more crowded with books and people. Public libraries all over the country are involved in these same difficul- ties. It is the hope of everyone concerned that steps can be taken, in the not too-distant future to remedy these existing conditions.
As always at this time, the librarian wishes to extend her thanks and sincere appreciation to all who have helped to carry on the steadily increasing work in the library: to the Trustees for their always unfailing support, to the Staff, who faithfully consider the welfare of the library, Mrs. Winifred T. Couch, Mrs. Margaret R. Bates, Mrs. Winona Strachan, Mrs. Mercy K. Goin and Mrs. Odeal O. Moody who returned to the library as a part-time worker. To Mr. James Walke, our treasured Custodian, who keeps the library spic and span. To Mrs. Emmett Fallon's Brownie group who trimmed a lovely Christmas tree for the library, and to the members of the Duxbury Garden Club for all of their many visit to the library with decora -. tions, plants and flowers. These Garden Club displays have given much pleasure to all-comers.
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'To all of our other library friends who have given money, periodicals, books, plants and flowers, a very special thanks is rendered. Gifts such as these reflect the interest of the citizens in the welfare of the library. It is hoped this interest will continue and become enlarged. Wide-spread public interest will surely result in still fur- ther fruitful years for one of Duxbury's outstanding as- sets, the Duxbury Free Library.
Respectfully submitted, MINNIE BURKE FIGMIC, Librarian
REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF THE DUXBURY FREE LIBRARY, INC. for the Year Ended December 31, 1962
Including payments made by the Town of Duxbury for the Library.
Receipts
Library
Town of
Treasurer Duxbury
Total
In bank and cash 1/1/62 $1,944.81 From Trust Funds:
Wright $4,201.27
Winsor 975.32
Hathaway 139.80
Duxbury
Hall
235.00
Hunt
37.50
5,588.89
Donations
77.88
Fines
1,014.63
Appropriation
$13,932.00
Total Receipts
$8,626.21
$13,932.00
$22,558.21
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Expenditures
Salaries
$10,723.84
$10,723.84
Books
$2,522.46
2,514.79
5,037.25
Supplies
877.92
272.19
1,150.11
Repairs and
Improvements
289.67
289.67
Insurance
50.00
421.18
471.18
Fuel Oil
828.27
828,27
Electricity
386.87
386.87
Telephone
150.37
150.37
Janitor Services
870.00
870.00
Other Operating Expenses 32.50
32.50
Total Expenditures
$6,008.06
$13,932.00
$19,940.06
Balance in Bank and
Petty Cash 12/31/62
2,618.15
2,618.15
$8,626.21
$13,932.00
$22,558.21
Respectfully submitted,
C. RUSSELL EDDY, Treasurer,
Duxbury Free Library, Inc.
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REPORT OF THE MEMORIAL DAY COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
and the Citizens of Duxbury:
The Memorial Day Committee respectfully submits the following report:
The graves of all veterans were decorated on the Monday before Memorial Day by a group of Veterans and Duxbury Boy Scouts. A flag and flowering geranium were placed at each grave.
On Memorial Day all five cemeteries were visited by the Color Guard and Firing Squad of the Duxbury Ameri- can Legion, where volleys were fired and taps sounded in memory of those who served their country.
Enroute to Myles Standish Cemetery a wreath was placed at the Honor Roll, and a brief service conducted at Blue Fish River, where a wreath was cast in the water to honor those lost at sea.
Immediately following services at Myles Standish Cemetery, a parade formed consisting of the Board of Selectmen, State Representative Francis Perry, the Color Guard and Firing Squad of the Post, Legionnaires and Veterans, Sea Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Brownies marching to the music by the Dux- bury High School Band to the First Parish Unitarian Church lawn. For the second year, services were held out-of-doors, conducted by Commander Richard Prince, who was the Chief Marshal of the parade. The address was delivered by Rear Admiral Gordon A. Littlefield.
At the conclusion of the service the procession moved to Mayflower Cemetery, where exercises were conducted
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