USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1937-1939 > Part 23
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Summit Avenue
Completed
Water Mains laid:
Jenkins School
Completed
Mann Lot Road
Operating
Miscellaneous:
Fire Hazard Reduction
Operating
Hurricane Tree Damage
Re-shingling Town Hall
Completed Completed
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ANNUAL REPORT, TOWN OF SCITUATE, 1938
Moth Elimination Completed Grading rear High School Annex Recreational Area Completed Operating
Non-Manual:
Indexing and Classifying Old Town Records Operating
While Highway Construction and Repairs, and the extension of Water Mains are considered among the most desirable of work projects, Scituate has been par- ticularly fortunate during the year in having approved WPA Projects covering a wider range of labor employed than heretofore. One project,-the North Scituate Recre- ational Centre, on Henry Turner Bailey Road, employed a larger number of classified workmen than any other previously operated WPA project in Scituate, and this work is expected to continue well into the forthcoming year.
At the close of the year 1938, the following approved WPA Projects were in hand, and will be available for operation in 1939:
Description
WPA Funds
Sponsor's Contribution
Total
* Highways
$50,308.87
$23,824.93
$74,133.80
Recreational Area
23,532.10
7,336.00
30,868.10
Shade Tree Conservation
19,439.00
1,004.24
20,443.24
Gypsy Moth Eradication
4,400.00
1,400.00
5,800.00
Mosquito Control
2,618.00
507.00 .
3,125.00
§ Water Mains
7,529.40
5,418.60
12,948.00
Fire Lanes
6,089.60
1,190.70
7,280.30
Fire Hazard Reduction
3,000.00
480.00
3,480.00
Town Clerk, non manual
3,300.00
343.60
3,643.60
Police Dept., non-manual
1,733.00
315.00
2,048.00
$121,949.97
$41,820.07
$163,770.04
. 10% completed
50%
47% 66
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ANNUAL REPORT, TOWN OF SCITUATE, 1938
In conclusion, it is believed that the 1938 Projects have been advantageous to Scituate,-through the em- ployment of many of its citizens, the purchase of mater- ials and supplies for the projects, and the completion of public improvements which would have been beyond the resources of the Town at this time without the aid of the Federal Government.
Respectfully submitted, HERBERT A. WHITING, Town WPA Agent.
170
ANNUAL REPORT, TOWN OF SCITUATE, 1938
REPORT OF TOWN COUNSEL FOR THE YEAR 1938
When our annual expenditures are approaching a million dollars, I note from the Annual Report of fifty year ago (1889) total expenditures of $26,084.11. The gulf between these figures indicates the extent to which we have departed from our simple government of fifty years ago to meet the demands of today's civilization.
Below is an enumeration of some of the matters which have come to my attention as your counsel during the past year:
New laws; common victualler and alcoholic bever- age licenses in relation to mandamus proceedings; resi- dential and other requirements as to shellfish permits; Hanover flats hearing; low value and foreclosed land sales by town; petition for foreclosure of right of re- demption in certain Lawson parcels; annual town meet- ing procedure and articles including controversy over reimbursement of contractor for losses incurred as a re- sult of undertaking contract not completed by him on account of unforeseen difficulties; street layouts with State and County participation, including Gannett Road; Harbor dredging and appropriations with provision for indemnification of State; abandonment of certain par- cels at Peggotty Beach taken by eminent domain; South River dredging proposals; by-laws for Zoning Board of Appeals; vaults for town records; legislative hearings; status of Central Street (Common) cemetery; doughnut vendors, amusements, annual and seasonal beverage lic- enses; taxes upon land taken by eminent domain subject
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ANNUAL REPORT, TOWN OF SCITUATE, 1938
to Home Owners' Loan Corporation mortgage; civil ser - vice as to Water Department and Fire Chief; Powers of Board of Health and State Department of Health as to cesspools below high water mark; hearing before Appel- late Tax Board upon assessment of cottage property; Supreme Court proceedings in so-called Zullas case in which the 1937-1938 Board of Selectmen was sustained in granting a victualler's license to Michael Zullas at Dreamwold Hall under our Zoning law adopted in 1936 and in which case the validity of the zoning law was suc- cessfully defended; Dreamwold liquor license hearing before Alcoholic Beverages Commission; Musquashcut Pond matters, including drainage, draining pond and flooding land of riparian owners; hydrant rentals and charges of Water Department for fire protection; histor- ical booklets; elections; advice as to small claim action vs. special building committee; salaries; vacations; re- leases for street drainage and widenings; checking of titles to real estate where easements acquired by town; drafting of vote to sell real estate and recording with Registry of Deeds; consultations with Assessors and tax officials; Town seal; new garbage contract made by Board of Health; playground at North Scituate; rights and duties of Water Department and State Health De- partment; Board of Public Welfare rights and duties as to person committed to insane hospital; parking space licenses; creation and operation of new Zoning Board of Appeals; Small Claims action of property owner on account of cesspool erected to abate public nuisance; Special Town meeting June 22; legal details of purchase of property near Egypt station; 11th Avenue and Marion Road surface water; Scituate Harbor riparian owners; parking rules and regulations; water liens; Federal lia- bility as mortgagee; Water Department right to shut off consumer's water; legal data for P. W. A. grant for sew-
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ANNUAL REPORT, TOWN OF SCITUATE, 1938
erage project; controversy with Cohasset over Aid to Dependent Children case; hearing before Department of Public Welfare Appeal Board on Cohasset case; ease- ment for drainage on Old Oaken Bucket Road; granting of variation by Zoning Board of Appeals after hearing; fire trails; pensions for dependents of police officers; ap- pointment of police officers under civil service; Board of Public Welfare bill in equity to recover from an estate for aid furnished to a legatee now deceased; U. S. Coast- guard vs. McDonald and Town; right of town to enter- tain distinguished guests; reconsideration of Zoning by- law or of application for variance under new Act; Spec- ial Town Meeting November 29; provision for W. P. A. expenses remainder of year by appropriation and until annual meeting in 1939 by new State law.
The above summary of legal affairs mentions sev- eral Court actions and hearings in all of which your town officials have been successful in their contentions. In other matters, litigation has been avoided by the exer- cise of sound judgment on the part of your public ser- vants. You have won your cases.
No doubt the average citizen glancing over this re- port now has a better realization of the extent to which legal counsel and service are necessary for the efficient conduct of the town's business.
My report for 1937 touched upon this situation briefly and is again called to your attention for further light upon the legal problems confronting a municipality like Scituate.
VERNON W. MARR, Town Counsel.
January 12, 1939
173
ANNUAL REPORT, TOWN OF SCITUATE, 1938
REPORT OF ASSESSORS
-
DETAIL OF 1938 ASSESSMENTS
Number of Polls assessed 1,271
Amount of Poll Tax warrant
$2,542.00
Number of persons, partner-
ships and corporations as-
sessed on property
3,004
Value of assessed Real Estate:
Buildings $8,621,600.00
Land
3,270,190.00
Total Real Estate $11,891,790.00
Total Personal Estate 997,901.00
Total Valuation January 1, 1938 $12,889,691.00
Total Valuation January 1, 1937 12,800,311.00
Increase in valuation $89,380.00
ASSESSED
Horses
37
Cows
92
Other Neat
25
Swine
2
Sheep
2
Dwelling Houses
2,700
Acres of land 9,696
Fowl 5,742
All Other
248
Automobiles
1,889
174
ANNUAL REPORT, TOWN OF SCITUATE, 1938
BUDGET FOR 1938
Town appropriations $560,144.44
Deficits due to abatements in excess
of overlay 1933-1934 514.91
State Tax and Assessments:
State Tax 14,720.00
State Tax-underestimate 1937
1,320.00
Auditing Municipal Accounts
457.47
Hospital and Home Care for Civil War Veterans 200.00
State Parks and Reservations
254.30
State Parks and Reservations
underestimate in 1937
73.08
County Tax and Assessments:
County Tax
21,353.48
Tuberculosis Hospital
5,392.51
Overlay of current year
8,002.40
Total
$612,432.59
Estimated Receipts :
Income Tax
$31,706.23
Corporation Taxes
3,255.02
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax
11,500.00
Licenses
4,500.00
Fines
500.00
Special Assessments
500.00
General Government
950.00
Protection of Persons and Property
1,200.00
Health and Sanitation
100.00
Charities
3,000.00
Old Age Assistance
6,300.00
Soldiers' Benefits
850.00
Schools
1,000.00
175
ANNUAL REPORT, TOWN OF SCITUATE, 1938
Water Department
90,681.40
Interest on Taxes and Assessments
5,000.00
Veterans' Exemptions
70.32
Total Estimated Receipts $161,112.97
Overestimates of previous years
943.69
Appropriations voted by Town to be taken from available funds 35,363.82
Total Estimated Receipts and Available Funds $197,420.48
Net amount to be raised by taxation on polls and property 415,012.11
Number of polls, 1,271 at $2.00 each 2,542.00
Total valuation:
Personal Property 997,901. ( ) .. 31,932.83
Real Estate 11,891,790. ($32.00) .. 380,537.28
Total Taxes levied on Polls and Property .. $415,012.11
Special Assessments:
Moth
630.45
Water Liens
3,947.74
Total Assessments Committed $419,590.30
Abatements in 1938:
To Joseph R. Dillon, Collector for 1935 .. $1,098.15
To Joseph R. Dillon, Collector for 1936 . . 1,977.60
To Joseph R. Dillon, Collector for 1937 . . 505.05
To Joseph R. Dillon, Collector for 1938 ..
2,767.87
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY A. LITCHFIELD, Chairman, HENRY T. FITTS, W. IRVING LINCOLN,
Assessors of Scituate.
176
ANNUAL REPORT, TOWN OF SCITUATE, 1938
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
During 1938 your Planning Board devoted consider- able time to the study of Building Laws now in force in other towns, similar in size to Scituate. As a result of this work and after giving consideration to the particular re- quirements of Scituate, a Proposed Building Law was written and put in printed form for the convenient study of our citizens and after a public hearing will be placed in the Town Warrant for 1939.
It is the opinion of your Board that a Building Law is essential to Scituate and for the best interests of our citi- zens.
The Planning Board wishes to go on record as favor- ing study of additional supervised playground facilities for the children of Scituate.
The Planning Board has cooperated with the other Boards and officials of the town and have considered and given opinion on all matters brought before them.
The member of your Board appointed to serve with the Committee appointed by the town to look into the centralizing of the Elementary Schools has worked with the other members to prepare a report.
Respectfully submitted,
The Planning Board,
RALPH C. ACKERMAN, STEPHEN C. WEBSTER, HAMILTON W. WELCH, RICHARD A. LEVANGIE, ALEXANDER K. WILLIAMS.
177
ANNUAL REPORT, TOWN OF SCITUATE, 1938
TOWN OF SCITUATE
LIST OF JURORS FOR 1938
Prepared as Provided for in Chapter 234,
Section 4, General Laws
Barce, Charles N., Maple Street, Farmer
Barry, Frank H., Beaver Dam Road, Contractor Bates, Frank S., Clapp Road, Painter Billings, Alson P., Stockbridge Road, Carpenter Bongarzone, Anthony, Hollett Street, Section Foreman Breen, Edward P., Pond Road, Contractor Brown, Ralph W., Utility Road, Electrician Carter, Wilbur A., Mordecai Lincoln Road, Salesman Curran, Benjamin H., Beaver Dam Road, Plumber Damon, Prescott A., Clapp Road, Farmer Dickinson, Walter R., Capt. Pierce Road, Carpenter DuBois, Lawrence A., Front Street, Mechanic Dwyer, Robert W., Jericho Road, Painter 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 Road, Truck Driver
Hennigan, George F., Country Way, Restaurateur Huntley, Robert E., Brook Street, Poultryman Hyland, Ellery B., Cedar Street, Farmer Joseph, Fred, Driftway, Salesman
Keyes, Louis G., Hatherly Road, Bond Salesman Lane, Eugene H., Country Way, News Dealer Litchfield, Fred L., Clapp Road, Painter
178
ANNUAL REPORT, TOWN OF SCITUATE, 1938
Litchfield, Robert J., Clapp Road, Farmer Litchfield, Warren M., Country Way, Farmer Mayo, Walter H., Tilden Road, Laborer Merritt, Clinton W., Booth Hill Road, Electrician Merritt, Roy C., Clapp Road, Farmer Mitchell, C. Nathan, Hollett Street, Farmer Neal, John A., Clapp Road, Clerk
Peters, Horace H., Grove Street, Painter Seaverns, William A., Booth Hill Road, Carpenter Smith, Harold Y., Humarock, Carpenter
Stearns, Thomas R., Old Oaken Bucket Road, Electrical Welder
Sylvester, Harry F., Grove Street, Laborer Tilden, C. Bertram, Gannett Road, Boat Builder Trefrey, Murray J., Allen Street, Builder Welch, James W., First Parish Road, Fisherman Whittaker, Wendall W., Country Way, Carpenter Wilson, Edward I., Tilden Road, Architect
JAMES W. TURNER, W. IRVING LINCOLN, PHILIP S. BAILEY,
Selectmen of Scituate.
179
ANNUAL REPORT, TOWN OF SCITUATE, 1938
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN
To the Citizens of Scituate: -
During this past year this Department has planted 157 trees, consisting of maple, elm and willow trees.
The hurricane in September 1938 left in its wake tree disaster previously unknown to our town, and we all realize that the damage to the trees and foliage we were so proud of can never be totally corrected. Many trees whose anchorage defied the hurricane blasts, as well as some of the trees it was possible to re-set, are doomed to early destruction unless adequate care and attention are given them soon. Trees in a weakened con- dition, the same as other organisms similarly affected, are subject to diseases which their healthy neighbors escape. It should be emphasized however that not all tree pests can be controlled by maintaining trees in healthy condition, and the fact that a tree is healthy in no way nullifies the need for constant attention to keep it that way.
The Dutch Elm disease has not yet entered our State, but is very advanced in Connecticut and New York, and every precaution is being taken to keep it out of Massa- chusetts. If any discoloration is noticed in elm trees, samples should be subjected to cultural studies in order to determine whether the trees are affected by the Dutch Elm disease, since the program at present in operation throughout the United States directs the prompt destruc- tion of elms affected.
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ANNUAL REPORT, TOWN OF SCITUATE, 1938
Insects which infest trees and shrubs most fre- quently require specific identification in order to pres- cribe methods of control. However, infested dead bran- ches should be cut off and burned immediately upon discovery, as the prompt destruction of diseased dead branches is a very valuable and important step in con- trolling this type of forestry ruin.
Frequently programs for spraying trees as a protec- tion for the foliage may be drawn up to provide a meas- ure of control against both leaf-eating insects and leaf- infesting fungi, and it is important that such programs be followed through as consistently and thoroughly as possible. Preparations which are adapted for and com- monly used in this work include Lead Arsenate and Bor- deaux Mixture.
I wish to mention that the Federal Government has helped this Department considerably during the 1937 season. We received sufficient appropriations to scout the entire town for Gypsy and Brown Tail Moth, and at present with Federal assistance there are twelve men employed pruning shade trees on our streets. Also valu- able aid has been rendered by W. P. A. grants for tree preservation and improvement.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM F. FORD, Tree Warden.
181
ANNUAL REPORT, TOWN OF SCITUATE, 1938
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT -
Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The report of the Police Department is herewith submitted for your approval.
This report is based on the activities of the Depart- ment from January 1, 1938 to December 31, 1938.
Arrests, 176.
Abandonment
1
Abortion
1
Accessory before Abortion
2
Accessory after Abortion
2
Assault and Battery
2
Assault upon Police Officer
2
Attempted Larceny
2
Bastardy
1 78
Drunkenness
Desertion
1
Disturbing the Peace
5
Insane
5
Indecent Exposure
1 2
Juvenile Delinquency
11
Larceny
Keeping and Exposing
1
Non-Support 1
182
ANNUAL REPORT, TOWN OF SCITUATE, 1938
Neglected Child 10
Suspicious Person 2
Violation of Probation 3
MOTOR VEHICLE VIOLATIONS
Allowing a person to operate who has no legal
right to do so . 1
Leaving the Scene after causing damage to property
1
Operating so as to Endanger
2
Operating after revocation of license
1
Operating under the Influence
13
Speed 19
Violation of traffic ordinance
3
SUMMARY OF DISPOSITIONS
Appeals to the Superior Court 3
Dismissed-motion of complainant 8
Defaulted 3
Found Not Guilty
6
Fines imposed
47
Held for the Grand Jury
3
Probation
8
Released-first offence-drunk 50
Sentenced to County and State Institutions 22
Suspended sentences-placed on probation
17
Turned over to other Police Dept's.
1
Placed on file
8
Amount of fines imposed $740.00
Amount reverting to the credit of the town $99.55
All fines imposed for violation of the motor vehicle laws reverts to the County-fines levied in the District Court and appealed, if paid, in the Superior Court are also credited to the County. This explains the difference
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ANNUAL REPORT, TOWN OF SCITUATE, 1938
between the amount of fines imposed and the amount re- turned to the town treasury.
Complaints investigated by Police Officers 2868
Cottages inspected 2637
Fires Discovered by Police Officers 3
Fires covered by Police Officers 47 Notice of intended sale or transfer of motor vehicles 77
Motor Vehicle accidents investigated by Police Officers 43
Operators booked by Police Officers 210
Summons served for other police depts. 92
Windows not secure and lights left on in stores etc. 254 Unlocked buildings secured by police officers 179
Pistol permits issued 18
REMARKS AND COMMENTS
The demands upon this department for service in- crease from year to year. The parking space at the Har- bor, this past year has required much extra police ser- vice, in order that the space provided for the parking of motor vehicles be utilized to the fullest extent. The peak of the number of cars using this space, on an occasion when an actual count was taken, totalled 416 vehicles. This count of course does not include cars parked on Front Street from the Pier to its junction with First Parish Road. The parking space at Peggoty Beach has added to our problems. This space restricted in its use to residents and taxpayers requires constant supervision in order that trespassing by those not privileged be dis- couraged. Officers are detailed three times each day to both the Jenkins and Hatherly Schools to regulate traffic and safe-guard the pupils of these schools. Scituate Har- bor is policed practically 24 hours of every day, officers working in 9 hour shifts, the night man on the desk at the
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ANNUAL REPORT, TOWN OF SCITUATE, 1938
station house filling in between the hours of 4:00 and 8:00 A. M. An officer on duty between North Scituate and the Corners is on duty between the hours of 12:00 Noon and 3:00 A. M. The cruising car is on the road practically 24 hours of every day. Equipped as it is with 2 way radio, communication can readily be had between the car and the station on any and all occasions. The station house itself is covered 24 hours of every day.
The above summary is but a brief outline of the routine work of the department. It does not include the many special services which we are called upon to render.
The investigation of complaints, inspection of cot- tages, ambulance service and numberless other details with which the department has to cope are all aside from the regular routine.
Humarock Beach has requested additional service during the summer season-This request is that an offi- cer be on duty daily from 12:00 noon to midnight. Herc- to-fore we have provided two officers on Sundays only. We believe in view of the revenue in taxes received from property owners at this resort that their request is justi- fied and should be complied with in so far as practical to do so. The Sandhills Association has also indicated a de- sire for extended police service, particularly on Sundays and Holidays. This anticipated request we shall also be happy to comply with in so far as our resources will per- mit.
The department has been sadly handicapped by the loss of its two regular members the late Officers Alton H. Curtis and Edward W. Carson but we were fortunate in having experienced men to fill in the positions left vacant by the passing of those two esteemed members of the organization.
185
ANNUAL REPORT, TOWN OF SCITUATE, 1938
THE INSPECTION OF COTTAGES
The inspection of untenanted cottages and summer homes has continued as in years past. This service is ap- preciated by the property owners as is evidenced by let- ters of appreciation received at this office. A total of 2637 inspections were made in 1938.
POLICE SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTION
The sessions of this school in 1938 were the best attended since its inception in 1930. Several officers headed by the Capt. and Sergt. from the Metropolitan District Police were regular attendants. Many officers representing the Police Depts. of Cohasset, Hull, Hing- ham, Hanover and Rockland were in attendance at each session. We were encouraged in our efforts by the interest manifest by other town officers and many citizens by their attendance. We are deeply indebted to the school authorities for their continued courtesy in making avail- able the study library at the high school for these ses- sions.
AMBULANCE SERVICE
This humanitarian service webelieve is more and more appreciated as time goes on. The Department con- tinues to receive letters of commendation from many persons who have had occasion to take advantage of this service. The cost of up-keep and maintenance is neglig- able considering the benefits derived from its use. This past year the total cost amounts to $301.98; of this amount the Town Treasurer received credits totaling $165.00. These credits were received from people using the ambulance who are not residents or taxpayers of the Town of Scituate. Patients have been conveyed to many of the hospitals of Greater Boston. The total mileage 4799 miles represents 146 trips made by the ambulance
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ANNUAL REPORT, TOWN OF SCITUATE, 1938
in 1938. The number of hours of service given by police officers totals 364 hours or 40 working days at 9 hours per day. The ambulance itself is in good mechanical condition-the brake linings will require replacement in order to give greater assurance of safety. I recommend that the sum of $300.00 be placed in your budget for the up-keep and maintenance of the ambulance for 1939.
In Memoriam
The grim reaper visited our midst and took from our rolls two regular members of the organization dur- ing the year 1938.
Patrolman Alton H. Curtis died on May 17, 1938 at the Carney Hospital, Boston, following a prolonged ill- ness. His loss to his wife, the community and to the mem- bers of the police department is immeasurable. In point of service he held first rank by reason of seniority. He was the first man appointed to serve the town as a police officer, following the organization of the department in 1924.
Of a quiet disposition, un-demonstrative, yet conscien- tious to a high degree, he performed his work well and earned the respect of all with whom he came in contact.
On the holiday eve, Sunday, Sept. 4th, the entire community was shocked and saddened at the sudden tragic death of Patrolman Edward W. Carson. He had just made his last call from the police box at North Scitu- ate Beach and was on his way to the station to report off duty. On Hatherly Road at the junction of Gannet observ- ing a speeding car crossing the intersection against the
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ANNUAL REPORT, TOWN OF SCITUATE, 1938
red light, he gave chase on his motor cycle. A motorist who had stopped for the light and had observed the whole proceeding, came upon the officer a short time later, lying in the roadway on a bend in the road. He breathed his last at the Cohasset Hospital at 7:32 p. m., having made the supreme sacrifice in the performance of his duty.
Officer Carson was appointed a regular member of this department in1930. He was the youngest member of the department, 30 years of age at the time of his tragic passing. He was well known and respected in police cir- cles throughout the State, keen of mind, interested in his work, likeable and extremely popular, he gave every promise of becoming an out-standing officer in his chosen work.
A devoted son, husband and father, his loss to his family, his department and the community is in-estim- able.
The aims and purposes of this department are at all times to render service efficiently and courteously. To this end we must depend in a large measure upon the co- operation received from your Honorable Board, who rep- resent the people of Scituate. We are deeply grateful to your Board for your tolerance and expressed desire to be helpful at all times.
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