USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1955-1957 > Part 7
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Three crab traps were fished near the fencing, to get an idea how many crabs came up on the flat at high water. The traps averaged two hundred crabs a trap. This year more fencing will be put around seed areas.
One hundred and thirty bushels of legal size quahaugs were seeded in two creeks at the North River. This spring the same amount is planned to be seeded in, to produce some natural qua- haug seed. More quahaug seed showed up throughout the River than in any other year. The seed should set in the creeks and pond holes, with good water circulation, as the quahaug is usually found under water.
The mussels brought on the flats, by the ice, which had seed on them, were cleared off.
I would like to thank the men connected with the Division of Marine Fisheries, for their advice and assistance during the past year. The Div. of Marine Fisheries has granted one thousand dollars, for reseeding and predator control for 1956.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER O'NEIL, Clam Warden.
100
VETERANS' COMMITTEE REPORT
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF VETERANS' SERVICES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and to the Citizens of Scituate:
As Veterans' Agent and Service Officer, I am pleased to submit the Annual Report of this office for the year 1955.
With the return of veterans from service in the Korean conflict, together with veterans of World Wars I and II, the number of calls has increased considerably over previous years; covering the follow- ing fields - Education, Medical Care, Hospitalization, Pensions, Burial reimbursements, Appraisals, etc.
Monetary, Hospital and other benefits in the amount of $40,000 were secured for veterans and their dependents during this year.
We have acquired a Photo-copy machine to afford further service not only to the Veterans, but also to all departments of the Town.
My sincere thanks to your Board for its wholehearted co-opera- tion, to Chief Kane and the members of our Police Department, and to all the organizations in Town, for their support in our efforts in behalf of veterans.
Respectfully submitted,
JEROME F. CROWLEY, Veterans' Agent.
101
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of Scituate:
Your Board of Health has cooperated, as in the past, in every way possible with Departments of the State, County and Town. We have been very successful in bringing about changes in sani- tary conditions that have heretofore been quite a problem.
As usual, our several Clinics have been very well attended.
Changes will be made at our Town Dumps which we feel will greatly add to the appearance of them and will also be a help to the increasing number of people using them.
Our Town still maintains a very high standing within the Commonwealth in regard to health and health conditions. Those employed by your Board have been very efficient in their work and their cooperation has added greatly to the success we have had in maintaining this high standing.
Those whom we employ have made separate Reports and these will be found following our Report.
All Town officials and heads of departments have given us great assistance when called upon and we wish to thank them and our employees for the help they have rendered us.
Respectfully submitted,
CLIFFORD L. WARD, JR., Chairman WALTER L. ENOS, Secretary GEORGE H. OTIS
102
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
State Board of Health
Scituate, Massachusetts
Dear Sirs:
The following is a resume of Activities for the year 1955:
Morbidity Visits
2010
Old Age Visits 250
Soldiers' Relief
50
Ambulance and Hospital Cases
75
Doctor's Office with Patients
50
Infant Welfare Visits 300
Baby Clinics - (112 Babies)
11
Immunization Clinics - (101 Children)
3
Salk Polio Vaccinations - (263 Children) ...
2
Communicable Visits
200
T.B. Follow Up Visits
90
Antepartal
80
Postpartal
90
Unclassified
500
Public Health Meetings
12
Conferences with Health Workers
12
Total Number of Visits
3735
The annual Vaccination, Diphtheria and Whooping Cough Clinic was conducted by Dr. Clifford L. Ward, Jr.
The Well Baby Clinic, sponsored by the Scituate Health Serv- ice was conducted by Dr. Olga Allers, Pediatrician, from Boston.
The Scituate Health Service donated the supplies including syringes, for the Salk Polio Vaccination Clinic given to 263 chil- dren in grades 1 and 2.
The volunteer service by the members was greatly appreciated.
Respectfully submitted, ALICE M. DOWD, R.N.
December 31, 1955
103
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DENTIST AND DENTAL HYGIENIST
December 1955
Board of Health Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The work on the first graders at Hatherly School is proceed- ing very satisfactorily. Most children have been completed from all six rooms. Transportation problems to the clinic have been worked out with the fine help of Mr. Herbert Bearce, in charge of school transportation.
After the first of the year, we will commence work on kinder- garten and second grades at Jenkins School.
The school Hygienist is examining and cleaning the teeth of children from the third to sixth grades, working under the close supervision of the State Department of Public Health. New State Department forms are being sent home urging parents to take their children to their family dentists when defects are found.
My report would not be complete without lauding the faith- ful and untiring efforts of Mrs. Winthrop Hall, who has devoted herself to the clinic for the last four years.
Respectfully submitted, W. B. PARSONS, D.M.D. LILLIAN H. HIGGINS, D.H.
104
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING AND SANITATION
Board of Health Town of Scituate Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
During 1955 your inspectors have approved, after a water test, all plumbing installed for which permits have been granted.
At the instigation of the Planning Board a survey was made by the Committee appointed by the Selectmen to revise the Building Code, in order to arrive at an equitable fee to be charged for permits for all building operations.
After much research and consideration of fees paid in other towns for comparable services, this Committee unanimously recom- mend those set forth in the Amendments to the By-Laws for approval under Article 00. In establishing these fees it was not the intent to make the building department entirely self-supporting as this might curtail building to such an extent that it would deprive the Town of revenue on much new taxable property.
With your approval fees for plumbing and sewage disposal permits have been written into the Building Code so that the builder or owner may be aware of the requirements of the Board of Health when he applies for a building permit. As a further health measure a permit must be obtained for the remodelling of an exist- ing sewage disposal plant which has become inadequate.
All new developments which have been sanctioned by the Planning Board have been approved by your Agent and the Town Engineer, Mr. Bamber, for proper drainage and the disposition of sewage underground. All departments have been most cooperative in our efforts to promote and maintain Public Health.
The Sewerage Investigating Committee have obtained a detailed study of the proposed sewerage works from the Consulting En- gineers, Metcalf & Eddy, covering a design of progress extending over many years and they will present a synopsis of the study and recom- mendations in a separate report to the Town.
Respectfully submitted, PHILIP S. BAILEY, Agent and Inspector. EDWARD B. MCCARTHY, Inspector.
105
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE MILK INSPECTOR
To the Board of Health Gentlemen:
Samples of milk were taken during the past year and found up to standard, no complaint regarding poor quality were received.
I have issued the following licenses:
20 licenses for the Sale of Oleomargarine
2 licenses for Funeral Homes
1 license for Pasteurization of Milk
1 license for a Recreation Camp
50 licenses for Store Sales of Milk
10 licenses for Vehicles (Milk)
8 licenses for Nursery Schools
16 licenses for Anti-Freeze at Garages
4 licenses for Denatured Alcohol
A total of 112 licenses were issued and $80.50 paid to the Town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE H. OTIS, Milk Inspector.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF MEAT AND SLAUGHTERING
Board of Health Scituate, Mass. Dear Sirs:
During the year 1955 I have inspected all animals slaughtered in this Town in accordance with the State laws of Massachusetts - all were found in good condition and suitable for human con- sumption.
I have stamped all animals as required by law. Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM J, MCAULIFFE, Inspector.
106
BOARD OF HEALTH
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 to State Laws attended to all matters relative to cattle, horses, goats and swine.
Respectfully submitted, THOMAS F. LENTZ, Inspector of Animals.
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The following is a brief report of the Park Department. Ninety per cent of the Park Department work is routine. Tennis court at North Scituate was re-surfaced. North side of Old Scituate Light was re-shingled. Special attention was given to Peggoty Beach. I wish to thank all those who assisted the Park Department.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD COLE, Chairman ROBERT HUNTLEY ROY MERRITT
107
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Voters of Scituate:
Our report this year will have to continue the story of the ever rising cost of public relief. Our Legislature at its 1955 session granted additional sums to recipients of Old Age Assistance, and authorized additional payments for hospital care, and while Social Security benefits help to a small extent we expect the total cost of this category for 1956 will be greater than ever. The new medical plan put into effect by the State has very greatly increased the amount of clerical work necessary, but we have yet to see any marked reduction in these costs.
The general statements above apply also to the Aid to De- pendent Children program which shows not only an increase in cost, but also a marged increase in the number of families benefited.
Welfare and Disability Assistance show only the expected and natural increase during the winter months which will probably re- turn to normal with the coming of warm weather.
The resignation of our Welfare Agent, Mrs. Ethel R. Andrews, took effect on January 1, 1956, and her place is filled by the promo- tion of Mrs. Elizabeth C. Rand, who is fully qualified under Civil Service rules for the position.
We extend our thanks to all individuals and Town Officials who have assisted in carrying out the work for which this Board is responsible.
Respectfully submitted,
W. M. BROWN, Chairman, MERCY E. LaVANGE FRANKLIN T. SHARP
108
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REPORT
REPORT OF THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Honorable Board of Selectmen Scituate, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The duties and services rendered by this department over the past few years have steadily increased, which is normal to a rapidly growing Town. Two college students were employed to good ad- vantage during the summer, however, permanent engineering as- sistance soon must be made available.
Planning Board activities reached an all time high, necessitat- ing many hours of designs, supervision and inspection of plans, lot sizes, drainage, road construction, etc.
A survey was made and a topographical plan drawn of the Wampatuck School lot on Tilden Road.
The August flood proved the inadequacy of many of our road drains, and survey studies were made to eventually correct the same.
Assistance was given to State Engineers on the Harbor Parking Space addition and several foreshore protection projects, also to County Engineers on the layout of Beaver Dam Road.
Many evenings were spent on the following committees; Town Pier, Harbor Development, Sewerage, and Municipal Building and consultant to the Planning Board.
The routine work of house numbering, Assessors plans, setting bounds, lines and grades for highway construction, checking Land Court plans, street layouts and betterment assessments, and assist- ing the general public etc., have been carried on as usual.
I extend my thanks to all individuals and Town Departments for their assistance and cooperation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN E. BAMBER, Town Engineer.
109
SUPERVISOR CARE OF VETERANS' GRAVES
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR, CARE OF VETERANS' GRAVES
January 4, 1956
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 of 1955.
I have faithfully inspected all cemeteries from time to time and have found all graves in very good condition.
As in the past I remind once again all caretakers that they should report to me in writing whenever a Veteran is intered in their respective cemeteries.
I wish to thank all caretakers as they are doing a wonderful job in helpinng me to carry on my work.
Respectfully submitted,
ELMER S. RAMSDELL, Supervisor care of Veterans Graves.
110
TREE WARDEN'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
january 1956
Town Hall, Scituate. To the Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen:
During the year of 1955 we planted 176 maple, 22 willow, and 30 moraine locust trees on our roadsides. Due to the heat and drought in the early summer, many of them did not survive, so there will be many replacements to be made this coming spring.
The hurricanes were good to us this year by missing us, and the floods gave this department very little trouble. We have the damage from the last storms completed and a few more years of growth on the trees will hide most of that.
The dutch elm disease is still with us and the number of elms we lose each year is always around 50. Nothing new has been found to get rid of it more than the spray, trim and remove method we always used. The moraine locust tree we are planting in the place of the elm is growing well and is going to make a fine shade tree for our roadsides.
The gypsy moth did not show up anywhere in Scituate this year but the tick, earwig and Japanese beetle were very bad and gave everybody lots of trouble. More people are grub proofing their lawns and putting the milky spore disease for the Japanese beetle around and this should control them, but everybody has to help. There is no easy way to get them off your property.
Our roadsides are looking better every year. I still hope to see the year when we do not have to see any refuse left on them. All street corners and blind areas were cut back for driving safety, and all the bad poison ivy spots on sidewalks and streets sprayed.
Again I wish to thank all who have helped us in any way this year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. FORD, Tree Warden.
111
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE REPORT
REPORT OF THE TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
To The Board of Selectmen
Town Hall Scituate
Gentlemen:
This year two new picnic tables and benches were placed in the Pinson Hill town forest for the comfort of those using that area. The Department of Public Works also made a rest and picnic area in the front part of the Mann Lot forest on the 3A road. They have both been used by a great many people all year.
We have had the grounds cleaned of all brush and the fireways kept open. No fires have been reported this year.
We hope more people will continue to use these forests and continue to help keep them clean.
Yours truly,
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE.
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Board of Selectmen, Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The following summary comprises the work performed by me for the year 1955:
Scales and other devices inspected and sealed
325
Devices not sealed or condemned 45
Sealing fees collected $196.25
Pedlars' license fees
$55.00
Respectfully submitted,
ALLEN W. BATES, Sealer of Weights
Dec. 31, 1955 and Measures.
112
PEIRCE MEMORIAL LIBRARY REPORT
REPORT OF THE PEIRCE MEMORIAL LIBRARY
January 16, 1956
Board of Selectmen,
Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The year 1955 has been a busy one at the Peirce Memorial Library. Not only has there been a marked increase in the number of books and magazines circulated, but also in the increased usage of all the library facilities. The report of the librarian is attached.
Miss Madeleine Ellis and Mrs. Kilborn Merritt have arranged clever and seasonal exhibits.
Thanks are due to the members of the Scituate Garden Club and other friends for the beautiful flowers provided during the year.
Mrs. Knowles entertained six classes of first-graders at different times, introducing them to the library.
Under the direction of the house committee sturdy handrails have been added to the outside steps, earning the approval of young and old borrowers.
We wish to record with regret the passing of Miss Elizabeth Bailey, for many years our auditor and active in library work.
On the whole we feel that the library has gained more acclaim than ever by our continued striving to give the community the best and newest in fiction and fact.
We extend a hearty welcome to all who wish to use the library.
Respectfully submitted,
VERNETTA G. BARNES, President, North Scituate Library Association.
113
ALLEN MEMORIAL LIBRARY REPORT
North Scituate, Mass. January 4, 1956
Circulation report from Peirce Memorial Library for year end- ing December 31, 1955.
Total number of books circulated 30,950
Total number of magazines circulated 3,380
Cards issued 625
New books added to the library by purchase and as gifts 494
It has been a very busy year and we are grateful to the towns- people for their loyal interest and support.
Respectfully submitted,
SARAH H. KNOWLES, Librarian.
REPORT OF THE ALLEN MEMORIAL LIBRARY
January 23, 1956
Board of Selectmen
Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The year 1955 was the first full year for the newly renovated Allen Memorial Library. During 1955 the circulation of books reached a total of 44,491. Books acquired by purchase or gift totalled 1308. The growth of the subscribers' list coincided with the growth of the town. Of the 1049 new people who registered, 186 were summer residents.
Although the alterations made in 1953 and 1954 were extensive, it is already apparent that an additional reference reading room is needed. This room should be set apart from the general reading room for the use of students.
A greater degree of efficiency and accessability could be achieved by bringing together all the stacks of adult books. At present they are in opposite ends of the library.
The Association wishes "to thank the Garden Club for its continuous supply of unusual flower arrangements. To the Girl Scouts, the Association is indebted for the planting of tulips that bloomed so beautifully in the spring of 1955.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT H. TILDEN, President Allen Memorial Library Association Scituate, Mass.
114
PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE
REPORT OF THE PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE
Board of Selectmen Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The Plymouth County Extension Service is an educational organization which is a part of the United States Department of Agriculture and the University of Massachusetts.
There are three departments - Agriculture, Home and 4-H - . and the office in the Court House, Brockton, Massachusetts.
The Program of each department - Agriculture, Home Econ- omics and 4-H is planned with the cooperation of farm, rural and urban people. County Extension Agents strive to bring to county people the results of research in Agriculture and Homemaking, that will increase incomes, provide a better living, and happier family life, by teaching people to help themselves. Hundreds of leaders trained by the Extension Service Staff, augment their teaching by publicizing Extension Service Programs and passing on to people in their own communities the information they have received.
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 Directors are appointed in these towns where an appropriation is made. These Town Directors are unpaid volunteer leaders who serve as the Extension Service representatives in their respective town.
A Board of Trustees appointed by the Plymouth County Com- missioners administers the Extension Service program.
The Trustees for 1955-56 are:
Lloyd A. Hathaway, Abington, Chairman Gilbert Beaton, Wareham, Vice-Chairman Mrs. Harold D. Bent, Brockton
115
PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE
Joseph Teeling, North Middleboro Robert B. Bowler, Plymouth
Ralph McIlvana, Plympton
Mrs. Roy Puddington, Hanson Mrs. Herbert Wydom, Brockton Paul Lehtola, Bridgewater
A brief statistical Summary for 1955 follows:
STATISTICAL SUMMARY - 1955
Agri. Dept.
Home
4-H Club
Total
Farm or Home Visits
1,238
171
370
1,779
Office Calls
1,284
1,159
617
3,060
Telephone Calls
5,210
3,203
1,097
9,510
News Stories
202
119
3
324
Radio Talks
100
50
17
167
Television Shows
17
1
1
19
Bulletins Distributed
16,299
5,472
8,070
29,841
Individual Letters
1,304
400
938
2,642
Circular Letters
170
46
86
302
Copies Mailed
45,413
12,487
7,310
65,210
Number of Leaders
212
739
307
1,258
Meetings of Local Leaders or Committeemen
79
227
21
32"
Attendance
1,111
1,572
32]
3,004
Demonstration Meetings
13
50
45
108
Attendance
475
887
2,385
3,747
Other Extension Meetings
190
80
142
412
Attendance
7,792
1,241
5,051
14,084
No. of 4-H Clubs
91
4-H Club Members enrolled by projects
1,122
Dept.
Dept.
RUTH M. MEYERS, Town Director,
County Aid to Agriculture.
116
FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Board of Selectmen Town Hall Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The report of the Fire Department for the year 1955 is sub- mitted for your approval.
The department responded to 631 emergency calls during the year. We are pleased to report that very few of these calls were for fires incurring any serious damage, and none resulted in loss of life.
The apparatus and equipment is presently adequate and efficient, and should serve the needs of the town for some time to come.
The several fire stations are in good repair, excepting only that at North Scituate. The condition and general layout of this station are such that it's replacement is advisable. The Town Buildings Committee will submit recommendations in this mat- ter at the town meeting in March.
It is with regret that we report the resignation of Elmer F. Ramsdell, Call Fire Fighter. Elmer has served this department and his fellow citizens loyally and unstintingly for the past fifty years. He was enrolled in the department on November 5, 1905 and retired December 1, 1955. We shall all miss "Rammy."
As always, we have enjoyed most cordial relations with all other departments of the town, and extend our thanks to them and to the citizens of the town for their co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
BARTHOLOMEW A. CURRAN, Chief.
117
FOREST FIRE WARDEN'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE FOREST FIRE WARDEN
Board of Selectmen Town Hall Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The following report of the Forest Fire Department is submitted for your approval.
The incidence of grass and brush fires during the year 1955 was gratifyingly small. There were no such fires of great magnitude and fewer small fires than are normally to be expected.
The building development in the town contributes to this condition by dividing areas heretofore furnishing scope for brush fires. The continued burning over of such hazards as remain throughout the town, and the fine co-operation of the townspeople in the observance of the laws regulating open air fires are, we think, considerable factors in the suppression of grass fires.
The department gratefully acknowledges the co-operation and goodwill of the various other departments and the people of the town.
Respectfully submitted,
BARTHOLOMEW A. CURRAN Forest Warden.
118
BUILDING COMMISSIONER'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMISSIONER
To the Board of Selectmen:
January 13, 1956
Nine hundred and eighty seven (987) applications for Build- ing permits were received during the year 1955, one hundred ninety (190) new homes with an estimated value of two million six hun- dred and ninety eight thousand dollars ($2,698,000.00).
All buildings have been inspected as required by the town By-Laws and Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Twelve (12) cases were brought before the Building Board of Appeals, all which were disposed of in the best interests of all concerned.
Several violations of the Zoning By-Laws have been brought to my attention, most of which were satisfactorily disposed of.
At this time, I would like to thank the various Departments for the cooperation and assistance that has been given me in per- formance of my duties.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD M. SEXTON, Building Commissioner.
REPORT OF THE BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS
Board of Selectmen, Scituate, Mass. Gentlemen:
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