USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1928-1930 > Part 19
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Respectfully submitted,
ARCHIE W. TORREY, Forest Warden.
178
Scituate Public Health Nursing Service
SCITUATE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICE
Number of nursing visits. 925
Number of free visits . 122
Number of friendly visits . 38
Number of family welfare visits 27 Number of infant welfare visits 66
Number of home visits for school children 74
Number of children taken home because of illness. 11
Number of visits for pre-school children
52
Number of school visits . . 157
Number of clinic and hospital visits
47
Number of tuberculosis visits . 10
Number of pre-natal visits. 6
Number of operations and maternity cases 4
Number of miscellaneous visits. 132
Number of public health meetings attended . 11
1,682
Respectfully submitted,
MARGARET J. O'DONNELL, R.N.
179
Scituate Public Health Nursing Service
ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE SCITUATE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICE
Cash on hand January 1, 1929
$763.55
Receipts :
Nursing fees
$439.50
Interest. 33.73
Memberships.
149.00
Christmas seals
187.57
Flower sale.
671.71
Contributions :
Scituate Woman's Club. . . .
$50.00
Handkerchief Bridge Club .
60.00
North Scituate Welfare. . . 25.00
Odd Ladies
25.00
Chamber of Commerce
25.00
Ladies Aid, Methodist
10.00
Unitarian Alliance.
5.00
Miss Catherine Ellis. 5.00
Miss Madeleine Ellis
5.00
Miss Annie Peirce
5.00
215.00
$1,696.51
$2,460.06
Payments:
Margaret J. O'Donnell, nurse.
$174.96
Christina Morrill, nurse. 100.00
Mrs. C. C. Hunter, services . 15.00
Margaret J. O'Donnell, garage rent. . 55.00
Dr. E. B. Fitzgerald, clinic. 50.00
New England Telephone and Telegraph Company . 51.85
Upkeep of car, gas, oil and repairs 180.19
New automobile. 446.00
Insurance on nurse and car
67.25
Welfare milk to children 10.65
Memberships in societies . 7.00
Registration cars. 6.00
180
Scituate Public Health Nursing Service
Printing .
$7.00
Nurses' expense 2.25
Janitor service.
10.00
Supplies for nurse
29.21
$1,212.36
Cash to balance December 31, 1929 . .
$1,247.70
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM F. SMITH, Treasurer.
1
181
Report of Board of Health
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of the Town of Scituate:
In submitting this report we have the pleasure to an- nounce that for the past year there have been fewer cases of contagious diseases and fewer complaints made. During the year there have been 10 cases of scarlet fever; 3 chicken pox; 3 whooping cough; 4 measles and 2 tuberculosis.
We consider that the condition of the beaches has been better, and it is the intention of the board to appoint good responsible men to take care of the garbage throughout the summer months, and enable residents to make proper dis- posal of the offal at a nominal expense. Inspection of the milk farms in Town has been made as requested by the Board of Health. All minor matters have been investigated and have received proper attention.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON MOSQUITO CONTROL
At the annual March meeting, 1929, the Town voted an appropriation of $5,000 to be spent under the supervision of the Board of Health for mosquito control work.
About April first, upon the recommendation of a member of the mosquito control committee, a Mr. Watts from Brook- line was employed, Mr. Watts having a number of years' experience in this line of work. Three men were assigned to him to assist him in the work. Under the leadership of Mr. Watts many drains, brooks, culverts, etc., were opened to carry off surplus water and drain places where mosquitoes were very frequently found. This work continued until the mosquito larva were found, then the oiling, etc., of such places was started. Meadows in every section of the Town were infested with the mosquito larva. Such marshes, swamps, pools, old barrels, cans, and any old water containers on the
182
Report of Board of Health
sides of the streets were found to contain mosquitoes. Every place that any trace of mosquitoes was found was oiled about every ten days, or on the reappearance of the larva. We requested the public to cooperate with us and they were very helpful to us. We received many calls from every sec- tion of the Town and we were pleased to respond and send the working men to the various places, in addition to places that were being cared for. It was found that the work was hampered a great deal on account of many of the water passages being clogged by dumped rubbish and natural growth. Many street culverts were clogged and some still need attention. The work of oiling was continued until September 20. Mr. Watts was released and the three men started ditching. The work as recommended by the State Engineer was carried out as long as the appropriation lasted. In all about two miles of ditching was done. Some of this work was done in the west end of the Town, some in the center of the Town and some at the Harbor. In all a great deal of water was drained off and condition improved. Many com- plaints were sent to us on account of the filthy condition of the sides of streets and many private dumps. The work of cleaning up the streets was started, and more than seventy loads of garbage and rubbish of all kinds were removed so that the streets are in a healthy condition today. From a great many people compliments have been received on ac- count of the improved condition, especially in regard to the mosquito control work.
We believe that a great deal has been accomplished in getting the mosquito under control this year. What we be- lieve would be the proper way to get the mosquito elimin- ated would be in the form of drainage. There is a great deal of ditching to do in order to dry up the swamps and marshes, and by so doing, the work of eliminating the mosquito would be much easier. We recommend that the Town continue this work by appropriating enough money to get this work done, and then the amount of oiling would be greatly reduced. Once the land is put in shape it will be less expensive to carry on this work each year. It is a work that many of our neigh- boring towns are taking up this year.
183
Report of Board of Health
We would especially request that all private dumps be discontinued and that those now in existence be discon- tinued and cleaned up; by so doing you will greatly assist in the elimination of the mosquito. We recommend that an inspector be appointed in the Health Department to see that all the health rules are enforced and the proper disposition of swill, etc., made.
We have given our very best efforts to the mosquito control work and trust that this work will be continued by the Town.
Yours very truly,
DR. W. P. GROVESTEIN, GEORGE T. OTIS, JOHN W. BURKE,
Board of Health.
.
184
Report of Inspector of Plumbing
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
To the Board of Health:
Following is my report as Plumbing Inspectior for 1929. Number of permits issued, 78; number of jobs inspected and passed, including inspections of work not finished in 1928, 83. Respectfully submitted,
PHILIP S. BAILEY, Inspector. WILLIAM H. HARNEY, Associate.
185
Report of Inspector of Milk
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF MILK
To the Board of Health:
There were thirty-five milk licenses issued for the year 1929, an increase of seven over last year. There were also issued eight licenses for the sale of denatured alcohol and two water licenses.
I have visited the dairies and found them in good con- dition. I have had samples of milk tested and found them all right.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE T. OTIS, Inspector of Milk.
186
Report of Inspector of Slaughtering
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
To the Board of Health:
Gentlemen: I have examined all animals that were slaughtered and sold for food and found them satsifactory according to law.
GEORGE H. OTIS, Inspector of Slaughtering.
187
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Selectmen of Scituate .:
Enclosed you will find my report for the year ending December 1, 1929.
Adjusted Sealed Con- Non demned Sealed
Platform scales over 5,000 pounds . .
2
Platform scales 100 to 5,000 pounds . .
1 8
Counter scales 100 to 5,000 pounds.
2
Counter scales under 100
pounds .
2
29
1
Beam scales 100 to 5,000
pounds .
1
1
Spring scales 100 to pounds .,
2
13
Spring scales under 100 pounds
13
48
1
Computing scales under 100 pounds .
8
25
1
Personal weighing scales.
3
Avoirdupois weights.
4
162
Apothecary weights.
30
Liquid measures
206
2
Glass graduates
10
Dry measures .
6
2
Gasoline pumps.
37
Kerosene pumps .
4
Quantity stops.
45
232
Oil pumps.
10
Yard measures .
6
-
-
-
Total.
76
834
5
2
5,000
188
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
Sealing Fees.
$67.85
Adjustment Charge
5.55
Total .
$73.40
In addition to this report, I have made many inspections of licenses, package goods, etc. Also checked all the transient vendors, and collected the local fee from them.
Respectfully submitted,
EUGENE H. LANE, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
189
Report of the Park Commissioners
.
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of Scituate:
We wish to submit the following report for the year 1929. Much work has been accomplished which we trust will meet with your approval.
The common at Scituate has been levelled and seeded. Several large boulders were removed.
The small parking space at the Sand Hills was filled in with clay so that people may park their cars more easily.
On the southerly end of the waterfront at Minot loam has been spread on the bank, which also was reseeded.
The parking space at Minot has been filled in with gravel to replace that which the tides have washed away.
A large piece of ground at the rear of the high school has been levelled and seeded so that it can be mowed with a power mower. Boulders have been removed in the rear of the Town Hall so that the firemen can have a place to prac- tice.
Near the bleachers the underbrush was cleared, thus do- ing away with a possible fire trap and at the same time pro- viding better parking reservations.
The small plots in different sections of the Town have all been well cared for and are in fine condition.
A great amount of work will have to be done this coming year at the Civic Center, because of the reconstruction of the high school.
We extend our thanks to all citizens who have coöper- ated with us in order that Scituate might still retain her title - The Gem of the South Shore.
ERNEST F. LITCHFIELD, Chairman, JOHN F. DALBY, JAMES L. MCCARTHY,
Park Commissioners.
:
190
Report of Tree Warden
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
To the Citizens of Scituate:
I am asking this year for an increase of $1,000 over last year as I would like to give more attention to roadside trim- ming.
My attention has been called to bad curves and bad corners. Bushes and shrubs should be cut back, to make it safe for travel. I am asking for $300 for elm tree beetle; although this pest is not as bad as in years gone by, they still are at work on our elms.
The Massachusetts Forestry Association is awarding a prize to the town that sets out the best half mile of shade trees in their town. I am going to try for that prize. This year, 1929, I have planted 119 mixed shade trees, namely, elm, maple, and linden. The largest part of the Tree Ward- en's appropriation was used in mowing bushes on our roads and streets.
During the early summer the growth of grass, weed, and bushes was exceedingly vigorous, due to a wet spring.
Thanking the citizens for their cooperation in my work I respectfully submit this report.
WILLIAM F. FORD, Tree Warden.
191
Report of Town Forestry Committee
REPORT OF TOWN FORESTRY COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Scituate:
On November 8 and 9, 1929, three of the Town Forestry Committee attended the second conference of Massachusetts Town Forestry Committees held at Westfield, Mass.
On Friday, November 8 in the afternoon, we visited the Westfield Town Forest, which is the largest Town Forest in the State. They have over five thousand acres of this forest. Westfield has been planting trees for nearly twenty years on its water shed. In the evening there was a lecture and general discussion; slides shown on tree growth; depiction of the working plan for the Town Forests. This lecture was given by Mr. Garlarnian, Assistant Forester, Massachusetts Divi- sion of Forestry, and also one of the members of the Scituate Town Forestry Committee. Saturday we visited the Russell Town Forest, second largest Town Forest in this State, with an area of two thousand five hundred and seventy acres.
The appropriation of last year was mostly used in clean- ing the plot in Mann Lot Road. As in previous years the committee extend a general invitation to visit the Town Forest.
MARY E. CRESSY, Recording Secretary.
192
Report of Highway Surveyor
REPORT OF HIGHWAY SURVEYOR
To the Citizens of Scituate:
Scituate has one hundred and seventeen or more miles of roads. It is the aim of this department to keep these roads in good condition for travel at all seasons, that they may compare favorably with other roads in the South Shore towns.
Following this policy we have tried to keep the surface of all roads in as good condition as our appropriation would permit.
The following new roads have been accepted by the Town this year and put into passable shape: Alden Avenue, Egypt Avenue, Bramble Avenue, Wampatuck Avenue, Brookline Road, Wellesley Road, Damon Road, Chester Avenue, Stone Road, Roslin Road, and Riverview Place.
The special repairs were done by the committee chosen at the annual Town Meeting.
The sidewalk on Meeting House Lane has been con- tinued as far as the Catholic Church, and other sidewalks have been rebuilt and repaired.
A new guard rail has been built at Greenbush, approach- ing the railroad bridge. Many other guard rails in Town should be rebuilt.
During the coming year there will be greatly increased traffic on account of the tercentenary. Our roads should be such as to invite visitors to Scituate.
Respectfully submitted,
ARCHIE L. MITCHELL, Highway Surveyor.
193
Treasurer of Peirce Memorial Library
REPORT OF TREASURER OF PEIRCE MEMORIAL LIBRARY For year ending December 31, 1929
Receipts
Balance January 1, 1929
$412 36
Received from Town of Scituate
900 00
Received from Secretary (dues) .
79 00
Received from Librarian (cards and fines)
60 00
Received from Rummage Sale .
236 45
Gifts .
116 75
Accrued interest on Konihasset Boat Club Fund
129 04
Use of Building
2 50
Interest on Bank Account
1 20
$1,937 30
Expenditures
Librarian .
$226 75
Janitor .
120 00
Fuel and Light.
152 55
Water.
8 40
Books .
622 87
Periodicals
76 50
Printing
27 50
Repairs .
10 50
Cabinets .
22 50
Miscellaneous .
6 65
Transfer to Repair Fund .
200 00
$1,474 22
Balance January 1, 1930. $463 08
194
Plymouth County Extension Service
PLYMOUTH COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
The Plymouth County Extension Service cooperated with citizens in every town in the county this past year in bringing to them information about agriculture and home- making. Local and county-wide meetings were held for this purpose. Through the meetings and by means of correspond- ence, press notices, and by individual service, thousands of men, women, boys and girls were instructed in the better performance of farm operations and home duties.
Scituate farmers were given the personal services of the county agent. To 76 farms in town the county agent frequently sent letters and bulletins bearing agricultural information.
During the last year the county home demonstration program has stressed nutrition and clothing projects and has also devoted time to problems of Child Development, Home Management, and Home Ground Improvement. Help along these lines is at all times available to homemakers, many of whom have participated in the county program.
Boys and girls of Scituate joined the garden and poultry clubs this year. Some of the poultry club members exhibited at the county fairs and won several prizes. One boy was a candidate for the county championship. A former club mem- ber visited the gardens. Information concerning the care of the garden and poultry was sent to all members.
NATHANIEL TILDEN, Town Director.
195
1
Report of the Clean-Up Committee
REPORT OF THE CLEAN-UP COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Scituate:
Your committee submits the following report: Advertis- ing in the local papers; distributing pamphlets by school pupils announcing dates and districts; appointed collectors; dividing Town into two districts.
This work was carried on very successfully, few com- plaints were received, these being adjusted to the satisfaction of the complainants. Your committee feels that a more effi- cient system should be adopted in the future. In the matter of collecting rubbish and maintenance of containers, we feel that this work should be let out by contract, those desiring this work to submit their bids. This would give all those desiring this work an equal opportunity.
The containers that are used during the summer months are in an unsightly condition and are in need of repair. A sufficient sum of money should be set aside for repairs and replacements of same. Containers should, when not in use, be in custody of an official, preferably the Selectmen who would be responsible for their safekeeping.
The promiscuous dumping of garbage or other waste matter along highways or private property has been very much indulged in the past year. Drastic action should be taken against those who are guilty of such violations. Noth- ing mars the natural beauty more than litter scattered about, that with a little precaution could be disposed of in the proper way.
The committee wishes to thank the townspeople for their support during Clean-Up Week and hopes that its efforts along with other civic activities will continue to thrive and prosper.
J. L. McCORMICK
VERA L. WILDER, Secretary.
196
Report of Scituate Memoriam Fund
FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SCITUATE MEMORIAM FUND
January 1, 1929: Cash on hand. .. $10,105 99 Interest on check-
ing account ... 8 42
Interest on sav-
ings account. . 402 50
$10,516 91
Payments : Burrows family $780 00
McDermott family 780 00
Hall family . 780 00
$2,340 00
December 31, 1929: Balance in fund. $8,176 91
Deposited in Savings Department Rockland Trust Company . 8,000 00
Checking Account, Rockland Trust Company . $176 91
Outstanding checks 10 00
$186 91
December 31, 1929: Statement Rockland Trust . . . $186 91
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM F. SMITH, Treasurer.
197
Report of Scituate Water Company
REPORT OF SCITUATE WATER COMPANY
ASSETS AND LIABILITIES December 31, 1929
Assets
Fixed Capital:
Lands .
$23,092 51
Structures . 113,742 50
Pumping plant equipment. 58,735 90
Purification system .
38,141 73
Transmission and distributing
mains .
370,701 43
Services .
1,878 53
Consumers' meters
1,262 63
Consumers' meters installation
870 55
Hydrants .
15,774 96
Fire cisterns, basins, etc ..
2,414 97
Office equipment
3,103 71
Transportation equipment.
5,084 58
Miscellaneous equipment .
1,029 97
Insurance during construction .
31 37
Cash .
643 38
Accounts receivable .
11,145 52
Interest receivable .
12 88
Material and supplies
8,794 73
Special deposits .
117 60
Prepaid insurance
171 94
Deferred charges.
8,221 94
Profit and loss deficit
26,843 76
$691,817 09
Liabilities
Capital stock - common . $150,000 00 .
Capital stock - preferred. 150,000 00
198
Report of Scituate Water Company
First mortgage bonds
$200,000 00
Accounts payable .
1,685 53
Accounts payable inter-co.
93,602 40
Service billed in advance.
33,024 88
Taxes accrued
1,059 25
Interest accrued on bonds.
5,416 67
Dividends on preferred stock.
10,625 00
Miscellaneous accrued liabilities. . 263 15
Retirement reserve .
46,140 21
$691,817 09
199
Report of Schoolhouse Committee
REPORT OF SCHOOLHOUSE COMMITTEE Appointed March 4, 1929
To the Citizens of Scituate:
Your committee appointed in March to investigate the need of a new school building has viewed the situation from the position of the school official, the town official and the taxpayer.
In studying the problem relative to the needs of our town in regard to the schools, we called upon such eminent authorities as Professor Blair of Boston University and Burr F. Jones, State Supervisor of Elementary Education, for advice.
They recommended substantially the same change in our school system as has been advocated by Mr. Wingate. They state that the one move which would yield the largest educational improvements in Scituate would be the reor- ganization of our schools on the 6-6 plan, retaining the six lower grades in the Jenkins and Hatherly buildings and en- larging our high school plant so as to provide thorough comprehensive secondary school opportunities to all pupils in the six upper grades.
The benefits to be derived from this plan are many. The pupils have the advantage of departmentalized instruc- tion. When housed in a modern plant the pupils use in com- mon, the assembly room, gymnasium, lunch room, library facilities and the athletic field. The organizing of the larger number of grades makes possible the developing of activities of an extra-curricular nature such as school orchestra, dramatics, athletics and clubs of various kinds. Such oppor- tunities greatly stimulate the interest of children in their school life and tend strongly to keep larger numbers of chil- dren in high school than would otherwise remain.
In reconstructing and adding to the building, ample
200
Report of Schoolhouse Committee
oom has been provided for the present need as well as for he future growth of the school.
The selection of an architect was made with great care and Mclaughlin & Burr, who are school architects of very high standing in this part of the country, were employed to advise and draw plans.
Previous to any decision on the part of the committee as to the proper accommodation of the school children or the location of buildings on the Civic Center lot, several meetings were held with Mr. Burr, in order that the archi- tects might become aware of our needs and that the com- mittee might put before them the fact that in addition to the school the Town needs a suitable auditorium for town meetings and civic gatherings and also a town office build- ing, both of which the citizens will be called upon to provide in the near future.
The architects went into the matter, made a careful survey and at a subsequent meeting presented to us eight sketches of the Civic Center showing the possible placing of buildings. Each one of these layouts had points of appeal.
The practicability of an entirely new school building placed in the position which the present one occupies, or to the east or west of it, thus leaving the present building to be used as a town office building at a later date, was considered.
As it seemed impractical to move the present school building and as the new building needed would occupy two and one half times the space of the present one, the commit- tee decided that the scheme to add to the present building for school purposes, and to provide for a town auditorium in the west wing was the proper solution to present to the town for its approval.
This arrangement places the largest building in the middle of the Civic Center group, with a possible town office building to the west and the Old Cudworth House to the east.
There may possibly be a need of other buildings of a civic nature to be added to the group, but the probable need will be for further school accommodations. If this need arises the reconstructed building may be further added to
201
Report of Schoolhouse Committee
in an easterly direction or other buildings may be placed on the lot to the limit of the Old Training Field which lies across Cudworth Road; thus all the buildings used by the Town Government will be on one side of the lot and those used for school purposes grouped on the other side.
After deciding on the proper location of the building your committee discussed floor plans to get the best possible accommodations.
It has been suggested that the old building was not worth enlarging so an investigation was made relative to this point. The building was found to be structurally sound and well planned for the purpose for which it is being used. It was erected at an extremely low cost, and except for a leaky condition in some of the walls it does not present any funda- mental structural problems. It is also easily adaptable for inclusion in the plan for enlargement. The committee has in its possession a letter, from a reputable concern, which guarantees for a comparatively small sum to make the walls waterproof.
It seemed advisable to add two wings, that on the east to contain six new classrooms properly lighted and ventilated with ample stairways and proper toilet facilities; that on the west to contain an assembly hall large enough to accommodate approximately 850 people for public and town meeting purposes, and the plan presented herewith shows such a building. Every student activity could be adequately taken care of. The gymnasium floor is the proper size for full basket ball court and the stage is large and well placed both for school use and for outside purposes.
The rear of the assembly hall would have a sloping floor accommodating about two hundred and twenty-five seats and the balcony would have a stepped floor with about one hundred and fifty seats.
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