USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1934-1936 > Part 15
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Maintainance
$ 81.27
Out-fitting, first aid, blankets, etc. 93.50
Laundry work
7.20
Rental-use of garage
20.00
$201.97
Credit-amount received for service
110.00
$ 91.97
While these figures are necessary in the compiling of a report of ambulance service, I believe that we are in accord in viewing this service as a service in a humani- tarian cause in times of stress and emergency and the thought of commercialism is repugnant.
At the present time the ambulance is being housed in the fire station at Minot. This requires the driver of the ambulance, when a call comes, to go to the Minot fire sta- tion for the ambulance and in so doing loses much valu- able time.
16
Police Department
We there-fore recommend that you give serious con- sideration to the establishment of a more central garage for the ambulance. With a small outlay of money we feel that the present police garage might be enlarged to accommodate the ambulance, provided also that some ar- rangement can be made to provide heat in the building.
FIREARMS
I respectfully call to your attention changes in the form of application for the licensing of persons to carry a pistol or revolver. Here-after, under a ruling of the Mass. Dept. of Public Safety all applicants must be finger printed and are further required to furnish a 11/4 inch photograph of themselves, which will be attached to the license when issued. The numbers, type and make of all firearms owned by the applicant, must be recorded at the time of application.
By this new ruling it is hoped that a more effective enforcement of the firearms law may be secured and a greater measure of protection be extended to the public.
POLICE SCHOOL
School sessions for police officers were conducted dur- ing the year, this being the fifth successive year that such sessions have been held. Plans have been made for the coming year to extend this school in making it more of a district enterprise, embracing departments from other towns in this district. Many of the police department heads have already expressed a keen desire to co-operate by having officers of their departments attend.
All sessions of this school are conducted in the High
.
17
Police Department
School study library and the public is welcome to attend. Notice of the day and time will be found in the local paper, to-gether with the names of the instructors for each session.
We extend thanks and appreciation to the School au- thorities for the many courtesies extended to this de- partment in the conduct of this school.
Respectfully Submitted, M. E. STEWART, Chief of Police.
18
TOWN OF SCITUATE
LIST OF JURORS FOR 1935
Prepared as Provided for in Chapter 234, Section 4, General Laws
Allen, Walter S., Country Way, Crossing Tender. Appleton, Joseph W., Mann Hill, Farmer. Barce, Charles N., Maple Street, Farmer. Bates, Frank S., Clapp Road, Painter. Billings, Alson P., Stockbridge Road, Carpenter. Breen, Edward P., Pond Road, Contractor. Carter, Wilbur A., Mordecai Lincoln Road, Salesman. Cole, Louis E., Country Way, Farmer. Cowley, James T., Ocean Avenue, Retired. Drew, Arthur W., Country Way, Railroad Conductor.
Duffey, George W., Front Street, Restauranteur. Ford, John W., First Parish Road, Farmer. Foss, Frederick B., Capt. Pierce Road, Salesman. Harris, Fred C., Hollett Street, Mason. Harrub, Walter Scott, off First Parish Rd., Truck Driver. Hennigan, George F., Country Way, Restauranteur. Hosmer, Maurice W., Capt. Pierce Road, Builder. Huntley, Robert E., Brook Street, Poultryman. Joseph, Fred, Driftway, Salesman. Kane, Frederick, Ford Place, Farmer. Litchfield, Robert J., Clapp Road, Farmer. Litchfield, Warren M., Country Way, Farmer. Manson, William A., Stockbridge Road, Machinist. McLean, Albert F., Mary's Lane, Retired.
19
List of Jurors
Merritt, Clinton W., Booth Hill Road, Electrician.
Merritt, Roy C., Clapp Road, Farmer.
Mitchell, C. Nathan, Hollett Street, Farmer.
Nash, Percival D., Mordecai Lincoln Rd., Adv. Agent. Neal, John A., Clapp Road, Broker.
Otis, George H., Elm Street, Merchant. Smith, Harold Y., Humarock, Carpenter.
Seaverns, William A., Booth Hill Road, Carpenter.
Stearns, Robert T., Old Oaken Bucket Road, Retired.
Stenbeck, Harry T., Otis Street, Merchant.
Sylvester, Harry F., Grove Street, Laborer. Turner, Albert F., Gannett Road, Farmer. Turner, Thomas S., Turner Road, Fisherman.
Vollmer, John George, Curtis Avenue, Caretaker.
Welsh, James W., First Parish Road, Fisherman. Whittaker, Wendall W., Country Way, Carpenter. Yenetchi, George V., First Parish Road, Painter. HARRY F. CLEVERLY, W. IRVING LINCOLN, DANIEL A. VINES,
Selectmen of Scituate.
20
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY SURVEYOR
In making a report to you of the activities of your Highway Department for the year 1935, it is necessary for clearness to treat it in three (3) parts.
1. Care of Roads.
2. Snow Removal.
3. Federal & State Aid Projects.
CARE OF ROADS
On March 15 an invitation was extended to the various Boards to be represented in advisory capacity on a Road Committee. The result was a committee as follows: Mr. Vines representing the Board of Select- men, Mr. Brooks the Advisory Board, Mr. Williams the Planning Board, Mr. Bailey (Moderator) the public at large and the Surveyor of Highways acting as chairman.
In a meeting held March 29 many of the problems of the Department were discussed in detail, and certain policies agreed upon. Ten days later the Committee made a survey of the streets of Scituate. From time to time their advice has been sought and followed on im- portant matters. On the fifth of each month the chair- man has made a written report to the Committee, de- scribing in detail the work accomplished during the pre- vious month, together with the proposed program for the month to follow.
21
Highway Department
I would take this occasion to publicly thank these mem- bers of the Committee who are all busy men for their time and interest in the problems of the Highway De- partment, and would suggest to you that a similar Com- mittee be appointed each year to advise with the Surveyor of Highways.
All partially completed work as of March 15, 1935 has been completed, and includes the newly accepted streets, Utility Road, Summit Road, and Dayton Road, also the widening and paving of Hatherly Road between Dayton and Egypt Beach Roads, the paving of the widening on Driftway, and the grading and paving of the curve on Clapp Road near the residence of Mr. George H. Crosbie.
In reviewing the work of the Department in detail, this report will cover that period March 15 to December 31, 1935.
Shortly after March 15 electric lights and a telephone were installed in the Department plant on Greenfield Lane. There can be no question but what these have been of great value. Through the courtesy of the Board of Selectmen, office room was provided at the Town Hall, where the purchase of a few pieces of used office furn- iture, a typewriter, a file and the employment of a clerk placed us in a proper position to perform the office work and keep the permanent records of the Department.
The purchase of a 1.2 ton service truck has proven of marked value in the movement of men and tools as well as hauling many tons of patching material for the widely scattered type of work.
22
Highway Department
A review of the work accomplished by your Highway Department under "Care of Roads" discloses that :
5700 linear feet of new and rebuilt gravel roads have been finished and treated.
2200 linear feet of new stone macadam pavement has been built.
1119 linear feet of 10", 12", & 15" drains have been in- stalled together with 29 catch basins.
132 tons of bituminous concrete has been pur- chased and layed in patching pavements.
1479 tons
of bituminous patching material has been manufactured in our own plant using our own labor, this material was used in patching pavement and shoul- ders.
1269 tons
of stone penetration type patches have been applied during the above period.
3789 tons
of crushed stone have been produced from our own plant and 420 tons of crushed stone have been purchased making a total of 4209 tons.
27000 linear feet of guard rail has been inspected and repaired, together with 496 feet of new guard rail built.
15.55 miles of road have been prepared and surface treated (Sand blanket treatment) .
The maintaining of clean streets being an item of prime importance has been handled by an intensive gen- eral clean up in the spring, with occasional cleaning of all intersections at several later dates. The cleaning in
23
Highway Department
the business districts has been looked after by one man and a proper hand cart, keeping these districts consist- ently clean at all times and at a cost much less than could be done by any other methods. The Tree Warden under whose appropriation the clearing of brush and grass along the roads is done, has cooperated splendidly in this work as far as the funds would allow.
A study has been made locating and listing all catch basins of which we find there is a total of 215, which good practise dictates shall be cleaned Spring and Fall and in the case of a few basins more frequently. In connection with the number of feet of various size drains etc. it is impossible at this time to supply this informa- tion, but the beginning of a study of all drains serving the above catch basins, together with all pertinent data has been started.
A procedure has been established in connection with all new drains, whereby the first step is a drainage study plan, which is presented to the Water Department for their study and reference; if no features in their piping etc. present themselves to interfere, the drainage is in- stalled as drawn, the plan placed on file serves as a per- manent record.
A second procedure in connection with the rebuilding of old roads is as follows. Plans for new construction will be furnished to the Water Department as soon as they are ready, permitting them to install any contem- plated work previous to actual road construction and giving them time to move all house service boxes to a point outside the line of edge of pavement, obviating any chance of the necessity of breaking the pavement Spring and Fall to operate these valves. In the interest of the taxpayer and the water rate payer complete cooperation
24
Highway Department
between these two departments and the Street Depart- ment seems essential.
Because of the importance of putting our roads in a safe and convenient condition at the earliest possible date, very little has been done under the item "Sidewalk Maintainance", although its importance has not been under estimated. In connection with this a survey has been made of every sidewalk in the Town and a study is now in progress which contemplates a Federal aid project that will make it possible to completely repair every present sidewalk in 1936.
During the month of December a complete survey has been made of every accepted street in Scituate and care- ful notes taken, which will when compiled serve as the basis for the 1936 budget.
Complete analysis of the expenditures of the Highway Department under "Care of Roads" will be found in the Town Accountant's report.
In view of the importance of furnishing the maximum of labor consistent with good practice, it is interesting to note that a comparison of the records show an increase for labor per dollar spent, over those of 1934.
SNOW REMOVAL
December 1, 1935 finds your Department completely prepared for snow emergencies, with all Town equip- ment repaired and in perfect condition, with all truck plows repaired, installed and inspected, truck routes layed out with all truck plow operators instructed as to routes etc.
25
Highway Department
7500 linear feet of snow fencing was purchased and erected at those points that experience has proven to be the most important ones. In the event of a severe storm this item will demonstrate its value in making it possible for our motor equipment to keep moving, with the result that our roads will be completely open for your use at the earliest possible moment.
Plans are completed for the speedy handling of snow from the business districts.
Stock piles of sand treated with salt have been placed at five strategetic points for use in the event of icy con- ditions.
FEDERAL AND STATE AID PROJECTS
Considerable work of real value has been accomplished in the Highway Department under Federal and State aid. The figures below indicate that provision should be made by appropriation to make possible the continuance of this policy during the coming year.
1. Minot and Humarock parking spaces. 100% com- plete.
2. Brook Street reconstruction. 100% complete.
3. Painting of 27,000 linear feet of guard rail. 100% complete.
4. Mann Lot Road, new layout, straighten, widen, drainage, 2600 linear feet stone pavement and re-
26
Highway Department
building 2600 linear feet of stone wall. 98% com- plete.
5. Curtis Street sidewalk, 1600 feet new sidewalk with concrete curb. (90% complete) .
6. Chapter 464 account. Direct grant from the State $3050.79 used on Edward Foster Road approaches and 520 feet of new paved sidewalk and concrete curb on Brook Street. (100% complete).
The following is a summary of the work accomplished on six jobs of this type during 1935, together with a comparison of the actual cost against the estimated cost if the work were entirely paid for from appropriation.
Estimated cost if
Summary and Comparison of Cost Actual cost done by Town to the Town Forces out of Appropriation
1. 40,000 square feet of new parking area graveled, graded and rolled together with certain preliminary work $1867.91 $3000.00
2. 4900 linear feet of new stone macadam pavement, including wi- dening, straightening, drainage and 2600 linear feet of stone wall built 8538.02 18500.00
3. 2200 feet of new sidewalk and con- crete curb, with 1060 square yards of stone pavement 1618.57
4460.00
4. 27000 linear feet of guard rail painted
708.62
1650.00
$12733.12 $27610.00
27
Highway Department
In conclusion I would point out that this work all of which would soon have to be done from appropriation has saved the taxpayer about $14876.00, but has placed many additional burdens on the heads of departments in the form of planning, estimating, office work, trans- portation and supervision.
Respectfully Submitted,
EDWARD P. BREEN, Highway Surveyor.
28
REPORT OF COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE
(Plymouth County Extension Service) Town of Scituate
By CHARLES E. MITCHELL, Town Director
In presenting the report of Extension Service activ- ities for the town of Scituate, I would like to first call your attention to the fact that the Plymouth County Ex- tension Service has been functioning for the betterment of Agriculture, Home Life, and the boys and girls of the County for twenty-one years. It is your organization and serves you only insofar as you ask for service.
Report of Agriculture
The County Extension Service endeavors to present useful and practical information to farmers of the Coun- ty and encourage the application of the same. We aid in securing and presenting information on production, marketing, and assist in cooperative enterprises. During 1935, farmers of the County have been kept informed of their position under the various Agricultural Control Program. The poultry and egg market program set-up in 1934 gave poultrymen an opportunity to sell $430,000 worth of produce during 1935. Farm credit programs were especially important during the past year. 3187 farmers in the County were supplied with timely infor- mation regarding agricultural problems, while 559 farm visits were made.
29
County Aid to Agriculture
Home Demonstration Work
In Home Demonstration Work, the Extension Service assists home-makers with problems relating to the prac- tical management of the home, bringing up of children, and providing a good home environment.
In home-making, the Extension Service brought help to women during 1935 in food buying and preservation, clothing construction and renovation, child training, im- provement of home grounds, planning recreational pro- grams, and the keeping of home accounts. Well over 3000 women participated in this program.
Club Work
In 4-H Club work, the Extension Service provides for the boys and girls of the County an opportunity for edu- cational development through study and practice in home economics and agriculture, as well as an opportunity for self-improvement. It emphasizes the home, and brings club members and parents together in a common interest. It develops cooperation, leadership, self-confidence, am- bition, sportsmanship, ability to think, responsibility, and community spirit.
There were 100 4-H Clubs organized in 1935, with an enrollment of 1600 boys and girls. These clubs were un- der the supervision of 100 volunteer local leaders. Twenty-six of the twenty-seven towns and cities had club work this year.
Home Demonstration Work
Home Makers have participated in recreation and nu-
30
County Aid to Agriculture
trition programs. Twelve organizations sent delegates to a meeting at which the preparation and serving of community meals was demonstrated.
Agriculture
Fourteen farms were visited by the County and Cran- berry Agents to assist in problems relative to agricul- ture and cranberry growing. Three meetings on veget- able growing were held and with an attendance of 61.
Scituate men attended many meetings of County-wide nature. On the mailing list to receive timely informa- tion on various agricultural projects are: 23 poultry men, 10 dairymen, 15 interested in orchard and small fruits, and 23 market gardeners.
Scituate is represented on the County Board of Trus- tees for aid to Plymouth County Agricultural Service by Louis E. Cole.
31
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Jan. 1, 1936.
Selectmen, Scituate, Mass. Gentlemen :
My report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1935, is as follows : Adjustments made 47 (Recorded), sealed scales, pumps, meters, jars etc. 552, non-sealed equipment 32, and equipment unfit for use 15, and were condemned.
Re-checks of equipment were made during the year, and numerous other inspections of package goods, and markings.
Merchants were checked, and those who, by not having stock in Town on the proper date, could not be assessed : These persons are called, Transient Vendors, and they pay a revenue both to the State and Town. This is a problem that bears a lot of watching, both by the Asses- sors and this Dept .; Fees are paid to Town Clerk.
Pedlers, are another class, that cause untold trouble : It is nearly a continuous thing, this checking outside people to see if they have a License, covering Scituate: And there are more each year, going from house to house offering for sale, goods, wares and merchandise.
32
Sealer of Weights and Measures
If anyone is contacted to purchase merchandise, by a person who hasn't a license badge in plain sight, it would be well to call this Dept., or the Police Dept. and inform them of this fact. This will help protect Scituate mer- chants who pay taxes here in Scituate, to carry on their business, and will aid the person who has a license to peddle.
All scales and other equipment should bear a 1936 seal : All easily moved scales etc. should be brought to this office, as soon after Jan. 1, 1936 as possible, to be sealed. (If in use.)
Sealing Fees collected $76.23, Adjusting charges $2.05, Total $78.28. Turned over to Town Treasurer $77.79 and with over payment in 1934 of $.49 totals $78.28.
Respectfully submitted,
EUGENE H. LANE,
Sealer of Weights & Measures.
33
Sealer of Weights and Measures
Selectmen, Scituate, Mass. Gentlemen :
Device
Legal
Fees
Adjusted
Sealed
Not
Sealed
Condemned
SCALES
Platform over 5,000 lbs.
$1.00
5
1
Platform 100 to 5,000 lbs.
.50
8
22
1
Counter under 100 lbs.
.10
1
20
Beam 100 lbs. or over
.50
2
Spring 100 lbs. or over
.50
8
2
Spring under 100 lbs.
.10
17
52
7
Computing under 100 lbs.
.10
11
30
3
Personal Weighing
.50
7
Prescription
.10
1
3
WEIGHTS
Avoirdupois
.03
3 169
1
Apothecary
.03
38
CAPACITY MEASURES
Liquid
.03
78
AUTO. MEAS. DEVICES
Gasoline Pumps
X
8
6
Gasoline Meters
50¢ & 1.00
6 46
4
Kerosene Pumps
X
4
Oil Measuring Pumps
X
4
21
1
Quan. Meas. on Pumps (ea.)
.10
48
34
Sealer of Weights and Measures
LINEAR MEASURES
Yard Sticks
.03
8
TOTAL
47 552 32 15
This is to Certify, That I have this day tested, adjusted, sealed or condemned the above described articles, accord- ing to the provisions of law.
EUGENE H. LANE,
Sealer of Weights and Measures. Jan. 1, 1936.
35
REPORT OF TOWN COUNSEL
January 27, 1936
The problems of a legal nature arising and disposed of in 1935 were of a varied nature including drainage, pub- lic liability, clams, alcoholic and other licenses, federal projects, public welfare, water supply, municipal con- tracts, landings, beaches, highways; land takings, leases, registration and purchases; schools, releases, taxes, zon- ing, estates of deceased persons, agency, town meeting articles and votes, health, veterans, liens, appointments, fire hazards.
Attention was given to the legal details of many mat- ters which involved extensive work by other depart- mental servants of the town. Much legal advice and ser- vice of this nature is preventative as well as constructive in the sense that by timely legal counsel and adjustments the Inhabitants are saved considerable cost and avoid ex- pensive litigation. It is upon this theory that people in the Far East employ a doctor before they are sick to keep them well.
The savings made in every profession and line of en- deavor by foresight are immeasurable but sizeable.
Respectfully submitted,
VERNON W. MARR,
Town Counsel.
36
REPORT OF THE SCITUATE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICE
It is my pleasure to place before the citizens of Scituate the report of the Public Health Nursing Service.
The work has been carried on during the year taking care of an increased number of calls for our service.
Our Well Baby Clinic has proven a splendid success and has grown more useful each month.
This is a work which I have enjoyed ; seeing the babies of the town being moulded into healthy happy youngsters and the joy of the young mothers who have been in- structed as to the proper care and feeding of their babies by a competent child specialist, Dr. Fitzgerald.
The Toxin Anti-Toxin Clinic for the prevention of Diptheria was held early in November, the first time in about two years.
More than one hundred children were treated. £ Dr. DeWolfe of the State Board of Public Health was the at- tending physician.
With the cooperation of the Board of Health we are to have this clinic every year.
37
Public Health Nursing Services
At the meetings of both of these clinics, transportation was furnished for many who would otherwise have been unable to attend.
I have been able to preside at all of the monthly meet- ings, attended the meetings of the Plymouth County Health Association, attended the convention of the state Public Health Nursing Association and assisted at all of the clinics held in the town.
The Nursing Service joined with the Red Cross and the Parent Teachers Association in presenting the Sup't. of Schools and the School Committee a plan whereby the children in the lower grades of school might be supplied with hot soups during the winter months. This plan is now being carried out.
The nurse, Miss O'Donnell, has carried out her duties in her usual efficient and faithful manner.
Her services which, by their nature, do not come under public observation at all times are, I think, fully appreci- ated by those whom she has served.
For some time it has been felt that some changes in the constitution and by-laws was desirable. Therefore a committee was appointed to re-draft and codify the constitution and by-laws.
The result of the committee's work will be submitted to the members for their consideration.
During the year it was decided to change the member- ship fee from twenty five cents to one dollar.
During the campaign for memberships the towns-
38
Public Health Nursing Service
people and the summer residents were very generous, a larger sum of money being realized this year than last. All contributions were acknowledged in our weekly news- paper "The Scituate Herald". I take this opportunity to thank Mr. Alger the publisher for his many favors which aided us in our efforts to keep the people of the town in- formed regarding the various activities of the organiza- tion.
In the sad passing of our treasurer Mr. William Smith who has served this organization long and faithfully, we lost not only a valuable member but also a true and trusted friend.
Dr. W. B. Parsons, Chairman of the Finance Commit- tee, was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Smith. Dr. Parsons has the gratitude of the Nursing Service for accepting the office despite his many private duties.
The contributions from the citizens for the support of the service have been generous. Of course due to the condition of the times and the many different calls for aid, the contributions have not been as large as they were a number of years ago.
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