USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1955-1957 > Part 38
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
The triple vaccine, Salk Polio and Asiatic Influenza Clinics, sponsored by the Board of Health were conducted by Dr. Clifford L. Ward and Dr. Max Miles.
The Patch Test Survey for the private schools in Town was sponsored by the Plymouth County Health Association.
The Mobile Community X-ray Survey, was sponsored by the Board of Health and Scituate Health Service in cooperation with the Plymouth County Health Association.
We thank the members of the Public Health Service and all who assisted in the many clinics held this year.
Respectfully submitted,
ALICE M. DOWD, R.N.
99
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE MILK INSPECTOR
To the Board of Health
Gentlemen:
The Milk Wholesalers, Retailers, and the Stores have cooper- ated with State and Local Inspectors to dispense a high quality of milk products. No complaints were received and tests were satisfactory.
I have issued
49 Milk Licenses for stores
18 oleomargarine licenses
9 vehicle licenses
1 Dairy Mart license
2 Funeral Home licenses
1 Camp license
1 Pasteurization license
7 Nursery School licenses
16 Antifreeze licenses
4 Denatured alcohol licenses
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE H. OTIS,
Milk Inspector.
100
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF MEAT AND SLAUGHTERING
Board of Health Scituate, Mass.
Dear Sirs:
I have during the year 1957 made inspections of meat sold and of all animals slaughtered in our Town, and found that the State laws have been complied with in every way.
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, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
In submitting my report for the year 1957, I wish to state that I have quarantined all dogs that have bitten people, also all stray animals have been boarded and cared for in the proper manner and that all dead animals have been properly disposed of.
In accordance with State Laws, I have attended to all matters relative to cattle, horses, goats and swine.
Respectfully submitted, RICHARD E. CUGNASCA, D.V.M.
101
PARK COMMISSIONERS
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The following is a brief report of the Park Department.
For the safety of Scituate's public, two life-guards were on duty at Peggoty Beach throughout the summer. A new infield was put in at the Elementary School. All parks were repaired, mowed, fertilized, and swept.
The lack of tennis courts is a great handicap for the children of Scituate. One hundred and eighty-five children took lessons in the past summer and many more are expected in the future.
The Park Department would like to extend thanks to all those who assisted us in the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD COLE, Chairman.
102
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Voters of Scituate:
In our report to the Town for the year 1946 we find the follow- ing paragraph, "There is every reason to believe that Old Age Assist- ance and Aid to Dependent Children expenses will increase during the coming years." How true this prediction was has never been better exemplified than by our experience through the year 1957, especially in the Old Age category. Here are some of the increases ordered by the State Department of Public Welfare.
Increases in hospitalization and nursing home rates.
Increases in fuel and light allowances of about 50%.
Increases in clothing allowances for nursing home patients.
Cost of living increase of 5.7% affecting every budget of all recipients.
Decrease in children's legal liabilities toward support of their parents.
In addition to the above increases medical costs have soared, and drug costs are sharply up. Medical expenses are now about one third of the total Old Age program.
In the Aid to Dependent Children category there has been an increase in board and clothing rates for children under the care of the Division of Child Guardianship, and the increases mentioned above applying to O.A.A. apply also to Disability Assistance. The A.D.C. costs are further amplified by the apparently growing num- ber of families being abandoned by husbands, an evil which must be curbed in some way.
The number of recipients on the rolls are showing some ten- dency to increase, but on the whole there is no great change from year to year. We are aided to some extent by the fact that many of the newer names on our lists have no settlement in Scituate, these costs being billed to the town or city of settlement, however A.D.C. costs are not subject to our settlement laws.
We extend our thanks to all Town Departments and private organizations who have assisted in carrying out this program.
Respectfully submitted, W. M. BROWN, Chairman FRANKLIN T. SHARP JANE E. QUINN
January 1, 1958
103
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REPORT
REPORT OF THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Scituate, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith a brief resume of the work accomplished by this Department during the past year.
Surveyed and prepared acceptance plans for Marilyn Road, a part of Old Oaken Bucket Road; Vinal Avenue; parts of James Way; Jackson Road and Old Colony Way; Chittenden Road, Brown Road, parts of Utility Road and Cedarwood Road, Lawson Ter- race, Oakhurst Road and Eisenhower Lane.
Plans for taking land bordering Scituate Harbor at First Cliff and land sold to Satuit Boat Club, Inc. on Jericho Road.
Supervised topographical survey and plans of proposed site for Town Hall, Fire and Police Stations at intersection of Chief Justice Cushing Way and First Parish Road.
Have co-operated with State and County Engineers on High- way, Dredging and Foreshore protection problems and with the Planning Consultant on projected studies.
Assistance has been given all Town Departments requiring engineering services.
Although no funds were made available for Foreshore pro- tection projects, periodical inspections were continued at the many vulnerable locations along our extensive coastline. It is the opinion of this Department that our shoreline (which is probably the Town's greatest asset) must be protected.
House numbering, additions and alterations to the Assessor's Plans, lines and grades for Highway construction, checking devel- opers and Land Court Plans, street layouts, etc. have been carried on in a routine manner.
This Department has receive splendid co-operation from all other Town Departments, for which we are very grateful.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN E. BAMBER, Town Engineer.
104
SUPERVISOR CARE OF VETERANS' GRAVES
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR, CARE OF VETERANS' GRAVES
December 13, 1957
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I submit my report as Supervisor of Veterans' Graves in the Town of Scituate for the year 1957.
I have faithfully inspected all Cemeteries and find that all Caretakers are keeping all graves in good condition.
Once again I would like to remind all Caretakers that they MUST REPORT to me in writing the burial of any Veteran in their respective Cemeteries.
I wish to again thank all who are continuing to assist me in my efforts.
Respectfully submitted,
ELMER F. RAMSDELL, Supervisor
Care of Veterans' Graves.
105
TREE WARDEN'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
December 31, 1957
To the Board of Selectmen
Town Hall, Scituate
Gentlemen:
This year 176 shade trees were planted along our roadsides. We used moraine locust, linden, willows, oaks and a variety of the maples. As this was the driest summer on record, we had to give them extra care and watering to keep them alive.
The Dutch elm disease was bad everywhere and we lost 168 of our elms. We are thankful to the Department of Natural Resources for aiding us in the removal of over 50 of these trees by their send- ing in 8 men for 4 days with all their equipment. This expense was borne entirely by their department. Because of this help we can reduce our budget in 1958. This spring we are going to apply the dormant spray to the elm trees at night because of the windy days we have at this time of year. Towns such as ours that have high trees have found that at night with no wind to bother them spray- ing, a much better and quicker job can be done.
The tick and Japanese beetles are the insects that give us the most trouble today. We spray all the tick infested areas, and we get good control of them. The sprays, milky spore disease and the introduced parasites are slowly reducing the beetles. The gypsy moth is still found by our trapping program to be in the western part of town and they haven't spread out of there.
Every year we have been trying to improve our roadsides, but some will still throw litter there instead of going to the dump with it. We have kept the corners and curves mowed and the bad places clear of brush and weeds. The poison ivy has been sprayed both on and off the roadsides.
At this time I want to thank everyone for helping us in our work during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. FORD, Tree Warden.
106
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE REPORT
REPORT OF THE TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
Board of Selectmen Town Hall, Scituate
Gentlemen:
This year the forests were cleaned up of all brush and dead- falls and the fire lanes kept cleared. Although we have just had the driest year on record, we were fortunate not to have had any fires and we thank everyone for being careful of this menace. Also the fireplace at the Pinsin Hill Forest was remodeled making it easier to use.
So many people were using the forest at Mann Lot and 3A that more benches had to be set up for them. This area is cared for by the State Department of Public Works.
Taking of evergreen from the forests is unlawful and we urge all to obey this law.
Everyone is welcome to come to the forests for visits, picnics, or gatherings of any kind, but please be careful of fire.
Respectfully submitted,
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
107
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES REPORT
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Board of Selectmen Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
A summary of the work performed by me for the year 1957 is as follows:
Devices tested and sealed 362
Sealing fees collected $235.55
Pedlar's license fees 48.00
Respectfully submitted, ALLEN W. BATES,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
January 1, 1958
108
PEIRCE MEMORIAL LIBRARY REPORT
REPORT OF THE PEIRCE MEMORIAL LIBRARY
January 1, 1958
To the Board of Selectmen
Scituate, Mass.
The trustees of the North Scituate Library Association submit the 1957 annual report of the Peirce Memorial Library.
The addition of a new wing to the physical plant of the Library was an outstanding achievement. The room comprising some four hundred square feet of floor area and containing three hundred feet of additional shelfing for books contains also a glass enclosed office for the Librarian. The subdued lighting, the soft contrasting tones of the stained walls, and the simplicity of early American chairs give to this room a charm all its own. Too much praise cannot be given to the painstaking planning and conscien- tious supervision of the architect, Duke W. Rowat, a hard working member of the Association and a former chairman of the House Committee, to whom the building of this addition was a labor of love. This wing has been named the Harriet Kimball Ellis Memo- rial Room, thereby honoring and preserving the memory of a charter member, a tireless worker and a long-time trustee of the North Scituate Library Association.
We extend our appreciation to: the Scituate Garden Club, whose members kept the Library supplied with beautiful flowers through the long dry summer; to Dorothy (Mrs. Duke) Rowat, Madeline Ellis and Anna (Mrs. Kilborn) Merritt for their lovely and timely floral arrangements; the Brownie Scouts and the Summer Bible School of the First Trinitarian Congregational Church for their interesting and informative exhibits; and to the Mariner Girl Scouts, under the direction of Mrs. Lional Paradis, for conducting Saturday morning story hours and illustrating them by colorful posters.
Circulation of books was 30,071 and of magazines 2,750.
The growing usefulness of the Library to our community is due in no small measure to the gracious helpfulness of our efficient librarian, Mrs. Sarah Knowles.
We want to acknowledge the continued and loyal support of the townspeople.
Respectfully submitted, VERNETTA G. BARNES, president, North Scituate Library Association.
109
ALLEN MEMORIAL LIBRARY REPORT
REPORT OF THE ALLEN MEMORIAL LIBRARY
February 4, 1958
Board of Selectmen Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The Allen Memorial library wishes to thank all those who have donated books in the past year and all those who have helped in many other ways. We are especially grateful to the PM division of the Woman's Club for their volunteer assistance and to the League of Women Voters for the survey of libraries conducted by their members. Their recommendations have been most beneficial.
For public information we wish to repeat the library hours. The library is open week-days from 2 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. and on Saturdays from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. Circulation for the year 1957 rose to 67,337 books and periodicals. This was a twenty percent increase over the previous year and the largest increase in any one year for the past eight years.
Two years ago we installed a charging machine which greatly facilitates the handling of books. Since that time 2119 adults and children have registered at the library. The popularity of the library with our summer population is indicated by the fact that 396 persons registered during the summer of 1957. This was an appreciable increase over the previous year.
During 1957, 1609 new books were acquired by the library either through purchase or donation. At present there are 12,000 volumes in the library. Membership in the Allen Memorial Library Association is open to all and may be obtained by paying annual dues of one dollar at the desk. We have a few members from out of town who pay $1.50 a year for the privilege of selecting books for home reading. These patrons come from Hull, Norwell, and Marshfield.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT H. TILDEN, President Allen Memorial Library Association.
110
PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE REPORT
REPORT OF THE PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE By Robert B. Ewing, County Agent-Manager
Board of Selectmen Scituate, Mass.
Dear Sirs:
The following report from the Plymouth County Agent-Man- ager has been written for incorporation in the town reports in the various towns in the county. It explains in some detail the purposes of the Plymouth County Extension Service, and lists some of the services that are offered, at no charge, to the residents of Scituate, and other towns in the county.
The Plymouth County Extension Service (Trustees, Plymouth County Aid to Agriculture), is located in the Court House, Brock- ton. In cooperation with the University of Massachusetts and the United States Department of Agriculture, it provides information to Plymouth County citizens dealing with the Home, 4-H Club Work and Agriculture.
Increased requests for information about the Home and Home Grounds have come from the folks who moved into Plymouth County towns from the city. This information has been provided through meetings, news releases, radio, special activities, telephone, letters, etc.
Citizens of this town should realize that this is a service pro- vided by the County, State, and Federal governments and large numbers of people are availing themselves of the opportunity to secure helpful information concerning the Home, Home Grounds, 4-H Club Work, and Agriculture. Requests for such information should be directed to the Plymouth County Extension Service, Court House, Brockton, Mass.
Funds for County Aid to Agriculture are derived principally from the County. Some Federal funds are also made available through the University of Massachusetts. Most towns in Plymouth County make a token appropriation which is used for the general expenditures of the Plymouth County Extension Service. Town
111
PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE REPORT
Directors are appointed in those towns where an appropriation is made. These Town Directors are unpaid volunteer leaders who serve as the Extension Service representatives in their respective town.
The Board of Trustees appointed by the Plymouth County Commissioners administers the Extension Service program and is composed of the following members:
GILBERT BLACKLEDGE, Whitman, Chairman JOHN LITTLE, Marshfield MRS. HAROLD D. BENT, Brockton PAUL LEHTOLA, Bridgewater ROBERT BOWLER, Plymouth RALPH McILVANA, Plympton MRS. ROY PUDDINGTON, Hanson MRS. HERBERT WYDOM, Brockton MAURICE MAKEPEACE, Wareham
As your Town Director, I am always at your service, and shall be pleased to assist any citizen of the town in contacting the proper person to give advice and assistance with any Home Making or Home Grounds problem.
Respectfully, RUTH M. MEYERS, Town Director,
Plymouth County Aid to Agriculture
112
FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Honorable Board of Selectmen Scituate, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The Fire Department was called to 588 emergencies during the year 1957. There were 39 bell alarms, the remainder being handled as still alarms by the permanent personnel. The First Aid truck answered 131 calls. The property loss was very small, as compared to the value of those properties involved.
The apparatus, equipment, and hose are in good condition and, with normal replacement of hose, should serve the department efficiently during the present year.
The several fire stations are in good repair, excepting only Station No. 3 (North Scituate). An article to be presented by the Town Buildings Committee at the annual town meeting proposes the erection of a new station.
Deputy Chief Howard H. Cole, who retired July 9, 1956, passed away November 30, 1957. A member of this department for thirty-one years, Chief Cole was responsible, in great part, for the development of the department to its present efficiency. The men of the department and the people of the town will long and affectionately remember him.
The men of the department, and I, express here our thanks to the fellow townspeople and the heads and personnel of the various other departments for the kindnesses and helpfulness extended to us during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, BARTHOLOMEW A. CURRAN, Chief.
113
FOREST FIRE WARDEN'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE FOREST FIRE WARDEN
Honorable Board of Selectmen Scituate, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
This department responded to comparatively few grass and forest fires during the year just past. For the most part, those locations which may be considered of a hazardous nature were burned over to preclude accidental ignition.
The continued development and consequent division of large open areas contributes to the confinement of those fires which do occur.
The co-operation of the people of the town in the observance of the laws governing open air fires is a large contributing factor in the prevention of such fires.
The forest fire apparatus is in efficient working condition but should be supplemented by the purchase of a similar piece of apparatus in the near future.
To the various town departments, town officials, and the people of the town, our hearty appreciation of their co-operation and help.
Respectfully submitted, BARTHOLOMEW A. CURRAN,
Forest Warden.
114
BUILDING COMMISSIONER'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMISSIONER
To the Board of Selectmen:
Two hundred ninety-six (296) Building Permits were issued during the year 1957. Of these, seventy-six (76) were for new homes. The estimated value for all permits was one million, three hundred thirty-one thousand, six hundred and sixty dollars ($1,331,660.00).
All buildings have been inspected as required by the Town By-Laws, and Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
All appeal board meetings were attended.
Several violations of the Zoning By-Laws were investigated, most of which were satisfactorily disposed of.
At this time, I would like to thank the various departments for the co-operation and assistance that has been given me in the performance of my duties.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD M. SEXTON, Building Inspector.
REPORT OF THE BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS
Board of Selectmen Scituate, Massachusetts Gentlemen:
During the year 1957, on account of the setback from lot lines being changed from the jurisdiction of the Building Board of Appeals to the Zoning Board of Appeals, no meetings were called. Respectfully submitted, PHILIP S. BAILEY, Chairman GEORGE JACOBSSEN JOHN DEAN A. RALPH GORDON, Alternate
115
BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS REPORT
REPORT OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Board of Selectmen
Scituate, Mass.
February 1, 1958
Re: Report of the Zoning Board of Appeals for the year 1957
Gentlemen:
During 1957 the Zoning Board of Appeals received and heard 30 applications for zoning variances from petitioners because they did not come within the requirements of the Zoning By-Laws. Fees totaling $490 were received from these applicants.
Six public hearings were held and following decisions rendered:
18 variances were granted (some with restrictions)
10 variances were denied
1 application was not acted upon because the petitioner failed to appear
1 application is pending, awaiting further information re- quested of the petitioner
Copies of all decisions are on file in the office of the Town Clerk.
In addition to these 30 applications the Board held prelimi- nary hearings before the regular hearings, interpreting the Zoning By-Laws to persons interested in obtaining information on Zoning By-Laws from the Board.
In all cases before a decision was made the Board viewed the premises. There have been no legal appeals from decisions of the Board during the year 1957.
The Board also participated in the Regional Conference of Massachusetts Federation of Planning Boards held at New Bedford.
The fees received were sufficient to pay all costs of the Board, such as advertising, mailing, reproduction, conferences and secre- tarial, the total income being $490 and expenses $453.12.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT C. HAUFLER, Chairman ROBERT M. ALEXANDER LELAND TOWLE DWIGHT L. AGNEW, SR., Alternate
116
TOWN COUNSEL'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE TOWN COUNSEL
The work of the Town Counsel during the past year has been principally in the field of "preventive law", that is, counselling the Selectmen and other officials prior to their taking action, and at- tempting to insure that the proper procedures were followed to make the action valid. In addition there were several tax appeals settled, land transfers pursuant to votes of the 1957 Town Meet- ing and two major takings of land. All the active litigation con- cerned damages for the taking of land by eminent domain. This type of case appears destined to constitute the major work of the immediate future, with the many public works projected. These cases may take as long as two weeks to try, and of course many weeks to prepare for trial. Cases pending during the past year are as follows:
Keirman Realty Co., Inc. v. Inhabs. of Scituate
Reached for trial in November but continued due to ill- ness of plaintiff's counsel
Kaplan v. Shields
Judgment entered upholding action of Town Meeting and Order of Taking filed in accordance with said judgment.
Kaplan v. Inhabs. of Scituate
Pending
Symmons v. County of Plymouth and Town of Scituate Discontinued
Robinson v. County of Plymouth
Petition to Intervene by Town of Scituate withdrawn after settlement.
I wish to express my appreciation for the co-operation I have received from the other Town Officials.
Respectfully submitted, WALTER JAY SKINNER, Town Counsel.
117
TOWN COUNSEL'S REPORT
BY-LAWS OF THE TOWN OF SCITUATE AND OTHER ENACTMENTS OF GENERAL APPLICATION
Note: - The Building Laws and the Zoning Laws of the Town have been published in pamphlet form, and are therefore not in- cluded in this compilation. Copies thereof may be obtained from the office of the Building Commissioner.
So far as practicable the form and order of the next previous compilation has been preserved.
General Conduct of Town Affairs
Section 1. The financial year shall begin with the first day of January and end with the thirty-first day of December.
Section 2. The annual meeting shall be held the first Monday in March.
Section 3. Town meetings shall be notified by posting an at- tested copy of the warrant, calling the same, in the Post Offices, at the Town House, seven days at least before the day appointed for said meeting, and by publication in a newspaper, if any be pub- lished in the Town.
Section 4. At the annual meeting the reports of the Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor and all other Town officers, and all standing committees shall be first in order, after the choice of a Moderator.
Section 5. All motions shall be submitted in writing at the discretion of the Moderator or Clerk.
Section 6. The number of voters necessary to constitute a quorum at Town meetings, except such parts of Town meetings as are devoted exclusively to the election of Town officers, shall be two hundred; provided, however, that a number less than two hundred may from time to time adjourn the same.
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.