USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1955-1957 > Part 23
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46
8"
273'
Total
9,739'
139
WATER SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
WATER SUPPLY STATISTICS FOR 1956
Scituate gallons
Humarock gallons
January
21,328,000
1,143,975
February
19,706,000
911,925
March
21,654,000
1,928,662.5
April
21,886,000
1,622,850
May
24,227,000
4,617,412.5
June
34,662,000
6,101,887.5
July
40,537,000
7,672,912.5
August
41,118,000
6,361,725
September
25,526,000
3,673,237.5
October
22,256,000
2,248,837.5
November
23,193,000
1,303,125
December
24,670,000
1,056,000
Totals
320,763,000
38,642,550
Greatest amount pumped in one day:
Date: July 1, 1956
2,288,000 gals.
Greatest amount pumped in one week: Date: June 28th to July 4th, 1956 13,100,000 gals.
Total gals. supplied to Dist. Mains during year. 359,405,550 gals.
Miles of Mains at end of year 86 miles, plus 1600'
Number of services in use at end of year 4653
Number of meters in use at end of year 2052
Total area of land owned for water purpose only ...... 3211/2 acres
VALUATION JANUARY 1, 1957 CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
216 New Services 4784 ft. copper $ 7,585.24
67 Renewals 1257 ft. copper 3,068.09
116 Meter Installations 3,728.93
Hydrants - Cost included in mains
0.00
Hydrants - Cost not included in mains 1,632.68
Feet of 6" and 8" Mains - 9739 feet 32,348.48
Brockton Edison Plant complete 8,550.60
Grand Total $56,914.02
140
WATER SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Valuation January 1, 1956
Depreciation @ 11/2%
$1,355,974.01 20,339.61
$1,335,634.40
Capital Expenditures in 1956
56,914.02
Valuation January 1, 1957
$1,392,548.42
1956 ENGINEER'S REPORT
Total Water Pumped into Distribution System 320,763,000 gals.
Total Water Pumped by Electric Power 291,301,000 gals.
Total Water Pumped by Diesel Power 29,462,000 gals.
Total KWH Used 351,190 KWH
Total Cost of Electric Power $7,028.30
Average Cost per KWH .0200
Average No. of Gallons per KWH 829 gal. per KWH
Total No. Gals. Fuel Oil Used & Cost ...... 3507 gal. @ .152=$533.06
Average Dynamic Head at Greenbush Office 74.5#
Average Static Head at Greenbush Office 72.5#
Precipitation in 1956 - "Scituate" 45.16"
Maximum Pumpage in one day - July 1, 1956. 2,288,000 gals.
Maximum Pumpage in one week-June 28 to July 4, 1956 13,100,000 gals.
No. of Gals. Treated with Sodium Fluoride 286,427,000 gals.
No. of Pounds Sodium Fluoride Used 4,215 lbs.
Total Cost of Sodium Fluoride $632.25
PUMPAGE BY UNITS
Station
Gals. 0
No. 1
No. 2
No. 3
7,124,000 136,000 37,992,000}
Total Webster Meadow
No. 11
66,196,000$ 0
No. 12
No. 17 13,103,000
No. 18 102,494,000
No. 19 93,718,000
Total No. of Gallons Pumped, 320,763,000-Total Cost $14,119.00 Cost per Mil. $44.01
No. 10
104,188,000 gals.
141
WATER SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
PUMPAGE AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
Year
Water Pumped in Gals. Cost per Mil. Gals.
Total Cost
1948
241,233,000 gals.
35.09
8,464.10
1949
252,653,000 gals.
41.21
10,412.10
1950
269,218,000 gals.
38.25
10,387.85
1951
265,783,000 gals.
39.62
10,531.66
1952
288,476,000 gals.
39.65
11,439.42
1953
294,072,000 gals.
38.45
11,308.79
1954
296,110,000 gals.
40.86
12,101.50
1955
307,012,000
gals.
42.62
13,093.03
1956
320,763,000 gals.
44.01
14,119.00
WALTER S. ALLEN, JR., Engineer.
142
CHIEF OF POLICE REPORT
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of the Town of Scituate:
I submit herewith the report for the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1956.
ARREST REPORT
Assault on a Police Officer 1
Assault with intent to commit rape
1
Attempt to commit larceny 1
A.W.O.L. from U. S. Army
2
Breaking and Entering and Larceny
23
Disturbance of the Peace
7
Drunkenness 59
Habitual Truant
1
Larceny
8
Larceny by check
2
Leaving the scene of an accident after causing damage to property
1
Malicious destruction of property
4
Non-Support 1
Operating a motor vehicle in a negligent manner so the lives and safety of the public might be endangered
4
Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor
7
Operating a motor vehicle after revocation of license
1
Operating a motor vehicle after suspension of license 3
Operating a motor vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and proper
9
Suspicious Person
5
Violations of Motor Vehicle Regulations
5
Violation of Parole 1
Violation of Probation 3
Total 142
143
CHIEF OF POLICE REPORT
SUMMARY OF WORK DONE BY DEPARTMENT
Beach Parking Permits issued (Scituate)
3668
Beach Parking Permits issued (Humarock) 890
Bicycle Registrations issued 111
Buildings found open
204
Complaints investigated
6260
Defects in streets reported
86
Fire Alarms answered
55
Investigations for other departments
304
Insane Committments
3
Motor vehicle accidents investigated
114
Motor vehicle licenses suspended
164
Pistol permits issued
71
Summons served for other departments
726
Summer homes inspected
7823
Street lights reported out
482
Transfer of Motor Vehicle Permits
1228
AMBULANCE
Number of Home to Hospital Trips
230
Number of Emergency Accident Trips
16
Total 246
During this year your police department was kept exceptionally busy with the tremendous traffic problem caused by the thousands of people in automobiles who came to Scituate to view the S.S. Etrusco (now the S.S. Scituate) while she was grounded off Light- house point from March 16th to November 22nd. Everyone was most co-operative and the officers detailed to traffic assignments did an excellent job. To all, I am most thankful.
This department is still in desperate need of a new housing facility. I earnestly hope that something can be done at this coming March Town Meeting to start a workable plan on this project.
May I conclude this report with a word of sincere thanks to your Honorable Board, the various town departments and all the citizens of Scituate for the excellent co-operation given the Police Department in the year 1956.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM F. KANE, Chief of Police.
144
CLAM WARDEN'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE CLAM WARDEN
To the Board of Selectmen,
Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The report is based on the activities of the Dept.
Two creeks in the North River were seeded with one hundred and fifty bushels of quahaugs.
Four acres of flat were fenced in at Humarock. These two fences have good sets of clams. One fence was open to thin out the legal clams and is now closed to let the rest reach legal size. Where these fences are put up, the clam seed gets a chance to survive from the many predators, mainly the crabs, which swarm over the flats at high water.
This year with the money received from the Div. of Marine Fisheries, we will be able to fence in six acres at Humarock and two acres at Wills Island in the North River area, where the clam seed is very thickly populated.
The Div. of Marine Fisheries, through Richard Burton, state biologist, has contributed one thousand dollars and a good deal of the lumber, to help with the fencing of the clam flats.
Respectfully submitted, WALTER O'NEIL, Clam Warden.
145
VETERANS' AGENT'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF VETERANS' SERVICES
To the Honorable Selectmen and the Citizens of Scituate:
Gentlemen:
As Director of Veteran's Services and Veterans' Benefits, I am pleased to submit the annual report for the year 1956.
In the past year the Department of Veterans' Services has averaged 40 cases per week. These cases comprises: Education, Re- habilitation, Employment, Income Tax, Medical, Dental, Hospi- talization, Job Placements, Veterans' Administration, Widows and Dependents, Pension. Burial, etc. Monetary and Hospital Benefits in the amount of over $50,000 were secured for Veterans' and their Dependents during the year.
May I express my sincere appreciation to the Board of Se- lectmen, Chief William Kane, and the members of the Police De- partment, the Scituate Kiwanis Club and especially Mr. John Nichols, Chairman of the Underprivileged Fund, the Salvation Army and the Red Cross together with all who have given us their whole-hearted cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
JEROME F. CROWLEY, Veterans' Agent.
146
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of Scituate:
The year 1956 was one of the busiest, yet one of the most successful years that your Board of Health has experienced. As our population increases and new homes are built, problems arise that require action for the safety and health of our citizens.
The various Clinics, such as Polio, Antitoxin, Dental, Well Baby, and all others, have been well attended and we shall con- tinue them during the year 1957 and increase them whenever necessary.
The many sanitary problems that arise from time to time have been well taken care of by our Sanitary Engineers, Mr. Philip S. Bailey and Mr. Edward B. McCarthy.
All milk sold in the Town is inspected twice a year and licenses issued to all stores and dealers. Our Milk Inspector, Mr. George H. Otis, in his report, states that the milk sold in this Town is of a high standard and has passed the many State and Town require- ments.
Cattle slaughtered for human consumption, and meat sold in this Town have been inspected from time to time by our Meat and Slaughter Inspector, Mr. William J. McAuliffe.
Our Public Health Nurse, Mrs. Alice M. Dowd, RN, reports that all Clinics have greatly increased during the past year.
All places where Soft Drinks are sold. also restaurants, hotels. and other places where food is dispensed, have been inspected by State and Town Inspectors and are complying with the laws.
All those employed by the Board have given very efficient and satisfactory service, and the Board at this time, wishes to thank them for their assistance and co-operation; their Reports follow on the next pages.
All Department Heads have co-operated with us through the year and by their assistance our work has been made easier. Scituate
147
BOARD OF HEALTH
is still one of the outstanding Towns in Health in our Common- wealth.
Respectfully submitted, DR. CLIFFORD L. WARD, Chairman WALTER L. ENOS, Secretary GEORGE H. OTIS
December 31, 1956
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DENTIST AND DENTAL HYGIENIST
Board of Health Scituate. Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The school clinic throughout the school year has been func- tioning very smoothly with the efficient assistance of Mrs. Winthrop Hall and Mrs. James Duffy, acting under the auspices of the Scituate Public Health Service.
At this writing, most of the first grades at Hatherly School have been completed either at the clinic or with their family dentist. Work at the Jenkins School will start at the first of the vear.
In October, a survey of the first, second and eighth grades was made by Dr. James Mailland of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. A similar survey five years from now, will help us evaluate the effect of fluorinated water in Scituate.
The hygienist has been busy examining and cleaning the teeth of children from the third through the sixth grade. All chil- dren with defects were urged to visit their family dentist.
With the opening of the Wampatuck School with dental facili- ties, I recommend that dental equipment be installed at the Jenkins School. This will enable more children to be reached by the dental hygienist and the school dentist.
Respectfully submitted,
LILLIAN H. HIGGINS, D.H. W. B. PARSONS, D.M.D.
148
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
Board of Health
Scituate, Massachusetts
Dear Sirs:
The following is a resume of activities for the year 1956:
Morbidity Visits
2880
Old Age 252
Soldiers' Relief
40
Ambulance and Hospital Cases
35
Infant Welfare
325
Baby Clinics - (143 babies)
12
Triple Vaccine Clinics - (139 children)
3
Salk Polio Clinics - (1776 children)
Patch Test Clinic - (1780 children)
1
Communicable Visits
144
T.B. Follow Up
100
Antepartal
40
Postpartal
60
Public Health Meetings
S
Conferences with Health Workers
12
The Well Baby Clinic. sponsored by the Public Health Service was conducted by Dr. Olga Allers. Pediatrician, from Boston.
The triple vaccine and Salk Polio Clinics were conducted by Dr. Clifford L. Ward, Jr.
The Patch Test Survey was sponsored by the Plymouth County Health Association.
We thank the members of the Public Health Service for their cooperation and assistance to the many polio and vaccinations given this year.
Respectfully submitted, ALICE M. DOWD. R.N.
149
Doctor's Office with Patients
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE MILK INSPECTOR -
To the Board of Health
Gentlemen:
The quality of milk sold by stores and trucks in Scituate is above the minimum standard established by the State. No com- plaints were received and all tests made were satisfactory.
I have issued the following licenses:
19 license for the sale of oleomargarine
46 licenses for the sale of milk in stores
10 licenses for the sale of milk in vehicles
1 Pasteurization license
5 Kindergarten licenses
16 Antifreeze licenses
4 Denatured alcohol licenses
1 Camp license
2 Funeral Home licenses
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE H. OTIS, Milk Inspector.
150
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF MEAT AND SLAUGHTERING
Board of Health Scituate, Mass.
Dear Sirs:
I have during the year 1956 made inspections of meat sold and of all animals slaughtered in our Town, and found that the State laws have been complied with.
I have properly stamped all slaughtered animals used for human consumption and found all in good order.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM J. MCAULIFFE, Inspector.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Board of Health Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I wish to report that I have quarantined all dogs which have bitten people.
I have also in accordance with State Laws attended to all matters relative to cattle, horses, goats and swine.
Respectfully submitted, THOMAS F. LENTZ, Inspector of Animals.
151
PARK COMMISSIONERS
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The following is a brief report of the Park Department.
This year all grounds were fertilized and limed.
The infield at Beaver Dam and Elementary School was resur- faced and seeded and the fields were marked out for each official game.
Special attention was given to Peggotty Beach.
Scituate Lighthouse was re-painted and partially re-shingled.
Lawson Park, extra rose bushes and tulips were planted.
All parks must be mowed and swept according to the weather.
Parks; Lawson Park, Elm Park, Common, Greenbush Park, Water Dept. Grounds, Police Station Grounds, Second Cliff, Hollett Island Park, West End Community House grounds, Egypt Depot and Scituate Depot, Bound Brook Park, Henry Turner Bailey Park, No. Scituate Playgrounds, Cudworth Cemetery, Civic Center grounds, Meeting House Cemetery, all school grounds.
This consists of approximately 25 acres of land.
Extra park benches were put at Hollett Island Park.
Settees were added to the Lighthouse.
All hydrants were trimmed, staked and snow shoveled.
We wish to thank all of those who have assisted us in the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD A. COLE, Chairman.
152
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Voters of Scituate:
It speaks well for the citizens of Scituate that Public Welfare costs for the past year have been less than usual, although it has shown a decided increase since the severe winter weather started; we expect however that this is largely seasonal and will not con- tinue throughout the year.
The same cannot be said however in regard to the other cate- gories of assistance, notably the Old Age program; here we have constantly rising costs, due to legislative action and rulings by the State Welfare Department. Hospital charges have moved upward, as has the cost of care in nursing homes, and across the board cost of living increase was ordered in June. Medical costs, including doctors' fees, hospital and nursing home charges now average one third of the total cost of Old Age Assistance.
The Aid to Dependent Children program has continued much the same as in previous years, that is, moderate increase from year to year.
We have only a very small Disability Assistance list, this cate- gory has not increased as much as expected, and it seems to become more and more difficult to obtain State approval for granting this form of aid, which of course will tend to increase Public Welfare charges.
In the latter part of December we received a peremptory order from the Civil Service Department to increase the salaries of our employees, who are all under Civil Service, an average of about 16%; this after our budget for 1957 had been submitted to the Advisory Committee, which will result in it being necessary to appropriate more money for our Administrative account.
We extend our thanks to Mrs. Dowd, Public Health Nurse, to the Red Cross, to our very co-operative Police Department, and to all others who have assisted us during the year.
Respectfully submitted, W. M. BROWN, Chairman FRANKLIN T. SHARP MERCY E. LAVANGE
153
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REPORT
REPORT OF THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Honorable Board of Selectmen Scituate, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The routine work of house numbering, additions and altera- tions to the Assessors Plans, line and grades for highway construc- tion, checking Land Court Registration plans, street layouts etc. have been carried on as in the past together with assisting the general public and giving engineering services and advice to the several Town Departments requesting same.
Developers Plans have been examined, checked and numerous changes have been recommended in accordance with approved lay- out and construction methods.
Many evening meetings have been attended, while serving as a consultant to the Planning Board and on several committees including Sewerage, Harbor Development and Road Acceptance.
At your request a study and report was made relative to neces- sary foreshore protection projects that the Town is now facing or soon will face.
A survey and study was made of the Bound Brook from Morris Pond to Hunter Pond, and a report submitted recommending a stream clearance project to alleviate the periodical flooding of Henry Turner Bailey Road and a portion of North Scituate Village. A survey and plan was drawn of the proposed Egypt Beach Parking and Bathing Area.
Assistance was given to State and County Engineers on the layout and construction of Beaver Dam Road under Chapter 90 funds, several foreshore protection projects accomplished during the past year and the Mushquashicut Pond Project.
As desirable permanent engineering assistance was not ob- tained, the burden was considerably eased by the assistance and co-operation given by many Town Departments. To all I am deeply appreciative.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN E. BAMBER, Town Engineer.
154
SUPERVISOR CARE OF VETERANS' GRAVES
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR, CARE OF VETERANS' GRAVES
January 7, 1957 Scituate, Mass.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen:
I submit my report as Supervisor of Veterans' Graves in the Town of Scituate for the year 1956.
I have inspected all cemeteries from time to time and find that the caretakers of the various cemeteries are very co-operative with me in keeping all graves in good condition.
Again I would like to request all caretakers to report to me whenever a veteran is interred in their respective cemeteries.
I wish to thank all who have helped me in my efforts.
Respectfully submitted, ELMER F. RAMSDELL, Supervisor of Veterans' Graves.
155
TREE WARDEN'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
January 1, 1956
To the Board of Selectmen
Town Hall, Scituate
Gentlemen:
During this past year we increased our shade tree planting and used 189 maples, 42 moraine locust and 30 willow trees. We also replaced 38 lost by the drought of last year. This has been a moist year so we do not expect a heavy loss.
The dutch elm disease has spread more and we lost 85 elms this year. Our control is still spraying, trim dead wood and remove diseased trees. No cure has yet been found to stop this disease and loss of our beautiful trees.
The gypsy moth was found on the western borders of town. This is the first time we have found them since 1950 ad unless they can be cleaned out this year, that area will have to be sprayed by air.
The tick is still a problem in the same spots as in the past and the spraying we are now doing is all that can be done. The Japa- nese beetle is bad but no worse, for with the gradual buildup of their parasites, they will not be as troublesome.
Our roadsides do look better and as more of us become inter- ested in their appearance, they will look better. Refuse thrown there does not help the looks of our town. All poison ivy found on the roadsides have been sprayed, and the curves and corners cleared of brush for safer driving.
I wish to thank all those who have helped us in our work during this past year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. FORD, Tree Warden.
156
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE REPORT
REPORT OF THE TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
January 1, 1956
To the Board of Selectmen
Town Hall, Scituate
Gentlemen:
This year both forests were cleaned of brush, broken trees, and the fire lanes built up. With the help of the Water Department water was put in the Mann Lot forest and a bubbler put there. Now those using either forest for outings have drinking water all during the summer period.
We again want everyone to visit these forests and take advan- tage of them for any outings or picnics you plan. Benches are there and barrels for refuse.
As fire is our only worry, we hope you will always be careful about it when there.
Respectfully submitted,
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
157
SEALER OF. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES REPORT
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Board of Selectmen
Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The following is a summary of the work performed by me for the year 1956.
Scales and other devices inspected and sealed 325
Devices not sealed or condemned
....... 22
Scaling fees collected $204.15
Pedlar's license fees
44.00
Respectfully submitted,
1 1
ALLEN W. BATES,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
158
PEIRCE MEMORIAL LIBRARY REPORT
REPORT OF THE PEIRCE MEMORIAL LIBRARY
January 11, 1957
Office of Selectmen
Scituate, Mass.
Dear Sirs:
There has been a steady and marked advance in the use of the Peirce Memorial Library during the year 1956. The attached report of the librarian shows a large circulation of books and maga- zines, and there has been a steady demand for reference material.
We are hampered by lack of space for reference shelves and books, thus forcing us to ask for funds for a new room. We hope this will be completed this year.
We offer our sincere appreciation to our librarian and to all committees and committee members who through their faithful efforts have been most helpful to the library.
Thanks are due to the members of the Scituate Garden Club for their lovely flower arrangements during the year. Miss Nellie Sharp has been generous with her beautiful flowers.
Under the direction of Miss Madeleine Ellis, many exhibits have delighted the townsfolk and summer visitors.
Port Watch Mariners have earned merit badges by holding story-telling hours for the children every Saturday. The same group planted bulbs in the newly landscaped garden. Boy Scouts also helped in the landscaping.
We are grateful for the continued interest and support of the townspeople.
Respectfully submitted,
VERNETTA G. BARNES, President,
159
ALLEN MEMORIAL LIBRARY REPORT
North Scituate Library Association. North Scituate, Mass. December 31, 1956
The year 1956 was a very busy one at the Peirce Memorial Library - not only for general circulation of books and magazines, but also for research, thus making the facilities in the library avail- able to the public in general.
There were a total of 32,299 books issued and 2,847 magazines.
We appreciate the co-operation of the townspeople in availing themselves of these opportunities, and trust for an increase in service during the coming year.
Respectfully submitted,
SARAH H. KNOWLES, Librarian.
REPORT OF THE ALLEN MEMORIAL LIBRARY
February 11, 1957
Board of Selectmen Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The Allen Memorial Library continues to increase its services to the community. For the first time in its history the library was open to the public six days a week, with hours from two to eight- thirty, Monday through Friday, and from ten to five on Saturday. Unfortunately, the Saturday morning opening forced the discon- tinuance of the children's hour formerly held at this time. Requests by mothers to use the library mornings, when their children are in school, are being considered and may bring about further changes.
Circulation of books was increased by 10,000 over the previous year to a total of 56,000 in 1956. The continued purchase of new
160
PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE REPORT
books to meet the demand has brought about an over-crowding of facilities. To remedy this situation, an appropriation is being asked to increase the size of the library by removing the stage and by utilizing the space now occupied by the kitchen. By rearranging the children's section more space will be gained for junior and senior high school pupils. This change will nearly double the stack space and should allow for a future circulation of 100,000 volumes.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.