USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Rockland > Town annual report of the officers of the town of Rockland Massachusetts for the year ending 1934 > Part 6
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
SIXTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
List of Jurors
As prepared by the Selectmen of the Town of Rock- land under General Laws of Massachusetts, Acts of 1921. Chapter 234, Section 4.
Rockland, Mass., July 1, 1934.
Appleford, James, 25 Dexter Road . Contractor
Bacon, Paul, 48 Williams Salesman
Bell William, 558 Liberty . Welt Maker
Blake, Ellis W. 44 Everett Welter Bowler, John J., 39 Exchange Manager
Bowser James, 62 Concord.
Carpenter
Brassill, Francis J., 99 North Avenue . Barber
Briggs, George E., 139 Exchange Machinist Burns, James L., 155 Union Shoe Operative
Burrell, Chester, 340 Liberty. Shoe Operative
Coffey Dennis F., 134 Liberty Flagman
Condon, J. Thomas, 46 Liberty . Surveyor
Corley, William H., 214 Howard. Laborer
Costello, Michael, Crescent. Painter
Crowley, Timothy J., 58 Park. Shoe Operative
Cunningham, William B., 237 Concord. Contractor Daley, Daniel J., 42 Plain. Shoe Operative
DeLory, Norman, 54 Stanton
Merchant
Damon, Archer W., 43 Munroe. Shoe Operative
Dyer, Bertrand A., 329 North Avenue Shoe Repairer Damon, Frank W., 50 Reed. Shoe Operative Dill, L. Ray, 311 Market. . Clerk Donovan, John O., 64 Hartsuff Salesman
Dondero, Joseph, 408 Webster Shoe Operative Donovan, Daniel H., 121 Center Avenue. Machinist Eaniri, Gerald, 488 Liberty Shoe Operative
-
128
SIXTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
Estes, Joseph B., 305 Liberty Town Assessor
Fearing, Charles L., 436 East Water . Mechanic Fihelly, Harold, 206 Vernon .Insurance Agent
Finn, Thomas, 63 Webster. Shoe Operative Fitzgerald, Thomas F., 51 North Avenue. . Shoe Operative Fass, Carl G., 377 North Avenue. Draftsman
Flavell, Paul I., 186 Crescent. Draftsman
Fontaine, Charles R., 65 Howard. Shoe Operative Garrity, Peter, 162 North Avenue Shoe Operative
Gammon, Frank L., 135 Union. Manager
Gelinas, George O., 311 North Avenue. Asst. Manager
Gregor, Edgar A., 47 Payson Avenue Watch Maker
Hackett, Jeremiah D., 819 Liberty Shoe Operative
Hobart, Albert C., 57 School Civil Engineer
Higgins, Thomas S., 26 Belmont Shoe Operative Holbrook, Allan R., 64 Vernon. . Clerk
Holmes, Harry O., 248 Central . Electrician
Inglis, Wilbur T., 66 Prospect. Boxmaker
Kelley, Arthur B., 40 North Avenue
Drug Clerk
Kelly, Michael, 512 North Avenue
Shoe Operative
Kelsey, Carl, 173 Crescent. Shoe Operative
Kramer, Charles F. 39 Grove. Shoe Operative
Lambert, Arthur J., Custer.
Shoe Operative
Lawless, William, 79 Exchange Merchant
Lewis, Willard A., 69 Hartsuff
Shoe Operative
Lioy, Matthew, Church. . Clerk
Locke, Louis F., 50 Reed . Webbing
Loud, Fred, 28 Myrtle. Bookkeeper
Lovell, Jasper, 4 Maple. Box Cutter Mahoney, Patrick H., 35 Cary Court. Teamer
Marks, Austin, 477 Webster. Farmer
Mastrodominico, Joseph, 355 Union Shoe Operative
McKim, George, 570 Webster. Tinsmith
McPartland, James H., 6 Linden. Shoe Operative
Meade, Joseph, 203 North Avenue Shoe Operative
Mahon, Thomas, 60 Summit. . Janitor
Muti, Louis, 317 North Avenue Shoe Operative
Nolan, Thomas F., 342 Union Shoe Operative
129
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
Nugent, Maurice, 35 West Water Janitor O'Connor, Andrew J., 1187 Union. Shoe Operative O'Grady, Matthew, 108 Belmont. .. Laborer
Orr, Charles E., 67 Stanton. Salesman
Patterson, Henry E. L., 889 Union Florist
Petrell, Michael D., 440 Market. Coal Dealer
Poole, Joseph W., 261 Liberty Foreman
Poole, Chester A., 274 Webster Musician
Ranney, Bliss, 57 Pacific. Clerk
Ryan, Fred, 56 Park. Shoe Operative
Ryan, Patrick C., 122 Myrtle Shoe Operative Sheehan, Maurice, 101 Prospect. Shoe Operative
Sheldon, George L., 23 Taunton Avenue. .. Chauffeur
Shields, Charles T., 42 Franklin Avenue. .. Shoe Operative Simmons, Nathan B., 269 East Water. Shoe Operative
Smith, Bartholomew J., 35 Stanton. Shoe Operative
Snell, N. Bradford, 35 Taunton Avenue. . Barber
Starbard, Ralph, 222 East Water. Telephone Manager
Sylvia, John E., 76 Albion. . Cigar Maker Vargus, Antone J., 215 Crescent. Auto Supplies
Thompson, Earl F., 273 Howard Manager
Terrio, William, 379 Webster Salesman
Whiting, Norman S., 701 Union Shoe Operative
Whiting, W. Alton, 455 Webster Shoe Operative
HARRY S. TORREY,
NORMAN S. WHITING, JOHN J. BOWLER,
Selectmen of Rockland.
-
1
Report of Superintendent of Infirmary
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen : Gentlemen :-
I wish to present to you a report of activities and im- provements which have taken place at the Infirmary dur- ing the year of 1934.
We have cared for forty-four inmates during the past year, six women and thirty-eight men, the largest number of inmates that was ever cared for at the Home in one year. Two deaths have occurred both males. Five pa- tients have received hospital treatment.
A new double oven restaurant range was installed.
A new model hot water tank, and Richardson hot water boiler was installed.
Two hundred and sixteen feet of corridor runner was laid.
Remodeled men's bath room.
Grained wood work in sixteen bedrooms, painted each bed white, replaced old mattresses with new where need- ed.
Painted hospital room, added three hospital beds with head rests.
131
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
Raised and graded the lawn, transplanted twenty trees, which were donated to the Home.
A new driveway has been completed on north side of house.
Two hundred bushels of potatoes have been raised, also other vegetables, milk and eggs.
This work has been done by inmates of the Home who are able to work. I think Rockland is very fortunate in having such a fine Home.
Respectfully submitted,
EARL WYATT, Superintendent of Infirmary.
Report of Chief of Police
Rockland, Mass., January 20, 1935. To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :- Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report for the Police Department of the Town of Rockland for the year ending December 31, 1934.
NUMBER OF ARRESTS 1934. 177
SUBDIVISION
Male
Female
Assault and battery
4
. . .
Assault on officer
2
. . .
Attempted rape.
1
. . .
Bastardy!
2
. . .
Concealing leased property
2
. . .
Default
2
. . .
Disturbance
7
. . .
Drunkenness
77
. . .
Insane
2
2
Keeping gaming impliments
3
. . .
Larceny
6
. ..
Lewdness
1
. . .
Lottery tickets in possession 1
. ..
Motor vehicle violtions
14
. . .
Neglecting children
2
1
Non-payment of wages 1
. . .
Non-support 26
. . .
Present where gaming impliments are
being used 19
. ..
133
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
Promoting a lottery
1
. .
Stubborn child.
2
Total
172
5
Males
172
Females.
5
Total
177
MISCELLANEOUS
Automobile accidents investigated. 60
Arrested for out-of-Town police. 5
Automobiles reported stolen . 4
Automobiles recovered. 6
Accidental deaths investigated 3
Complaints investigated 312
Doors found unlocked 15
Hospital cases (emergency)
3
Investigations with Registry of Motor Vehicles
30
Lost children reported. . 5
Lost children reported returned to parents. 5
Persons reported missing 3
Persons reported missing ; located. 3
Summons served for out-of-Town police 25
Recommend that a new car be purchased to replace pres- ent patrol car which has been in service five years this April and is in very poor condition; also this car is a four cylinder car with insufficient speed to cope with cars of late model.
The police station was remodeled the labor being fur- nished by the E. R. A. workers, and the cost of material deducted from the police appropriation.
During 1934 two fatal accidents occured, one was de- termined a Hit and Run; the other the injured person died shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Parking conditions on Union Street has been greatly im- proved by angle parking on both the easterly and westerly
134
SIXTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
side of the street, eliminating double parking. Consider- able effort has been made to improve conditions for motor- ists and pedestrians by painting warning marks on streets and also center lines where necessary. All requests from citizens pertaining to public safety has been complied with during the past year.
Again I take pleasure in giving the thanks of the entire department to Town and County officials and the many other citizens who have given valuable assistance when given the opportunity. As Chief of the department I am appreciative of the fine work of the regular and special officers, all whom have labored to give the finest service.
GEORGE J. POPP,
Chief of Police.
REPORT OF AGENT FOR BURIAL OF INDIGENT SOLDIERS AND IN CHARGE OF SOLDIERS' GRAVES
Report of Agent for Burial of Indigent Soldiers and Care of Soldiers Graves.
There has been two Indigent Soldiers die in 1934:
Expense $200 00
CARE OF SOLDIERS' GRAVES
C. S. Tilden, 51 graves, labor 50 00
W. A. Whiting, 30 hours labor
at 50c hour 15 00
W. F. Hunt, 30 hours labor, at 50c hour 15 00
James Maguire, 10 hours labor, at 50c hour 5 00
Louis Gilbride, agent of labor 50 00
Respectfully submitted, LOUIS GILBRIDE,
$135 00
Agent.
Report of Fire Chief
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen : Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report as Chief of the Fire De- partment for the year 1934.
The number of alarms increased over the year from 120 to 164, which were divided up as follows: 42 bell and 122 still alarms. Of the 42 bell alarms, 14 were false, which cost the Town around $400.00 besides the wear and tear on the trucks and fire alarm system. Our most serious fire of the year was the Savings Bank Block and I asked aid from Abington, Brockton and Weymouth at this fire. Weymouth responded with their lighting equipment. Weymouth also filled in at the Central Station for the Rockland Fire Department while we were helping at the Abington High School fire. We had four out-of-town calls and also two calls for the oxygen tanks. During the year there were laid 14,900 feet of 21/2 inch hose, 6,250 feet of 11/2 inch hose and 7,050 feet of chemical hose. 1196 feet of ladders were used.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
The batteries which are used to run the Fire Alarm sys- tem had to be replaced by new ones. Instead of putting in all new batteries we did away with half the number and installed a floating rectifier system at about the same cost, but increases the life of the batteries from about four to ten years.
It was also necessary to buy wire this year which had not been figured on at the starting of the year.
136
SIXTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
In the Underwriters recommendation they advise that we discard all of our old style boxes, of which some were installed when the Fire Alarm system was put in. The coming year it will be necessary to trim out the Fire Alarm System and also replace some of the old wire.
APPARATUS
New tires will have to be put on the Pump car and also on the rear of the Combination the coming year as they have been on for five years. Except for minor repairs which might be needed the trucks are in good condition.
RECOMMENDATIONS
For the year 1935 I recommend the restoration of pay- cuts and am therefore asking for $10,300 for Fire Depart- ment Maintenance and $560.00 for new tires.
CONCLUSION
In concluding this report I wish to thank the Voters of the Town for the interest shown and cooperation given the Fire Department at the March Meeting in 1934.
I also wish to thank the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Water Commissioners, and the employees of the Water Department, also the Chief and Members of the Police De- partment, for the help and cooperation which has been most generously given to the Fire Department during the year. And I also wish to express my appreciation to the Members of the Fire Department who have not only given me their cooperation, but have also been most willing to do their share in helping the more unfortunate.
Respectfully submitted,
C. P. INKLEY, Chief.
137
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
REPORT OF FOREST FIRE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen : Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report as Forest Fire Warden for the year 1934.
This Department has taken care of 37 woods and grass fires during the year 1934. No serious fire occured.
As Forest Fire Warden I have endeavored to prevent people from burning leaves in the gutter against cement curbs.
Permits cannot be issued for the purpose of burning in the gutter on streets unless permission has been received from the Selectmen, or Highway Surveyor, and then a permit must also be secured from the Forest Fire Warden.
For the year 1935 I recommend $700.00 be raised and appropriated for forest fires and forest fire prevention.
Respectfully submitted, C. P. INKLEY, Forest Fire Warden.
REPORT OF GYPSY MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
To the Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
The gypsy moth infestation is about the same as last year.
Part of the town was scouted for gypsy and browntail moth by men working on Federal C. W. A. projects. The regular moth department finished scouting the town for gypsy moths.
I sprayed most of the elm trees which were infested with elm tree beetles.
I recommend an appropriation of $600.00.
Respectfully submitted, FRANK H. SHAW, Moth Superintendent.
Report of Trustees of the Memorial Library
The Trustees of the Memorial Library report as follows for the year 1934:
Several undertakings of interest were carried out. Out- standing was the redecorating of the walls and ceilings of the reading rooms and rotunda done as a project of the Emergency Relief Administration. In October Governor Ely issued a proclamation regarding Free Public Library week. To observe this, prominent citizens were asked by the librarian to write articles relating to the Memorial Library. These were varied and instructive and through the courtesy of the Rockland Standard were published in that local paper. In November the library was the meet- ing place of the Old Colony Library Club, which presented an interesting program at both morning and afternoon sessions.
Withdrawals from the Trust Funds were: From the Hattie Curtis Fund, $26.16; from the Alice L. French Fund, $24.82; from the Emmeline Morse Fund, $88.98; from the Everett Lane Fund, $9.01; from the Charles Edwin Vinal Fund, $53.54; from the Mary A. Spence Fund, $27.19; from the Sarah J. Spence Fund, $18.76; from the fund of the Mothers' Mutual Improvement So- ciety. $2.66. The legacy of $500 from John W. Rice was received and deposited, a part of it temporarily, in the Rockland Savings Bank.
For two years the appropriations have made it necessary for the insurance on the library to be renewed for one year instead of three years. This has seemed an unwise plan. For that reason the Trustees ask the appropriation for
139
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
1935 to be sufficient to cover a renewal for three years. Also during 1935 necessary repairs must be made on the roof. The appropriation requested is $4,400 and the dog refund of $609.21
The terms of Annie E. McIlvene and Emily F. Craw- ford expire in 1935.
FRANCIS J. GEOGAN,. JOHN F. FITZGERALD, BURTON L. CUSHING, ANNIE E. McILVENE, EMILY F. CRAWFORD, EMMA W. GLEASON,
Trustees.
Librarian's Report
To the Trustees of the Rockland Memorial Library :
The fifty-sixth report of this library is herewith sub- mitted :
A total of 64,531 books and magazines have been loaned for home use.
The average monthly circulation, 5,378. The average daily circulation, 219. Largest number delivered in one day, 403. Smallest number delivered in one day, 85.
Received for fines, subscriptions from non-residents, sale of cook books, old magazines and books, use of lights in basement $307.
Number of books added by purchase (including replace- ments), 425. Number of books presented, 48. Number
140
SIXTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
of books worn out and missing, 84. Number of books rebound, 38. Number of books in library on December 31, 1934, 19,762.
Character of books loaned : Literature, 3 per cent; his- tory and travel, 4 per cent; biography, 3 per cent; miscel- laneous (adults), 5 per cent; fiction (adult), 53 per cent; fiction (juvenile), 16 per cent; miscellaneous (juvenile), 6 per cent; magazines, 10 per cent.
The library's perpetual ambition is to show increasing circulation, reference work and patronage of all sorts. This year, however, the work of the library has been even more strongly and continuously influenced by present economic conditions. Public demand and interest, influ- enced by these conditions, have continued unchanged from last year. Demands for books were never greater, par- ticularly for current material on social and economic trends. The inability to meet these demands, because of the limited budget, has been a distressing feature of the year. The staff tried to suggest and supply alternatives, but, when only very recent books could serve, readers were some- times disappointed and did not come back.
Fewer books have been rebound this year. Many have been mended until mending was no longer possible, and then discarded. Restraint in discarding, however, kept too many badly worn books in circulation, especially in the children's room. We still feel the supply of books must be plentiful, varied and attractive to the eye to assure the continuity of interest which builds up the reading habits of children. There is grave concern when demand. and wear increase while supply diminishes.
As in previous years the interlibrary loan system and the Division of Public Libraries have continued to aid us by supplying books in foreign languages and books needed by students which it has not seemed wise to purchase.
141
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
The redecorating of the walls and ceilings of the reading rooms and rotunda, made possible by the allotment under the Emergency Relief Administration has greatly added to appearance and comfort.
Grateful acknowledgment has been received from the American Merchant Marine Library Association for the gift of books sent to them. The public responded very generously again this year when the call was extended in behalf of the American seafarers.
Several seasonal exhibits were arranged during the year, and all attracted much attention. Exhibits serve to bring people to the library and frequently stimulate interest in reading about the subject of the exhibit.
In November the Old Colony Library Club was enter- tained by our library. All enjoyed the varied program and benefited from the exchange of thoughts and ideas.
This fall we have been cooperating with the American Library Association in their nation-wide plan for the pro- gressive development of American libraries, and the state- wide plans for publicity. Newspapers have generously printed weekly articles written by patrons, the object being to focus the attention of the community on the service their library is rendering.
We highly value gifts of books received from towns- people, authors, and publishers. They are of the greatest assistance in strengthening and extending the library's service.
The librarian wishes to express appreciation to every one who has cooperated with us during the past year-to the newspapers for their publicity on behalf of the library, to the teachers and to the staff for their support, and to the trustees for their continued confidence and for their help- fulness and interest in library problems.
142
SIXTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
All libraries have functioned more completely this year, from the standpoint of service, than ever before; and we trust that many who have turned for the first time to the library for entertainment and information have profited and acquired for reading that which will remain a habit.
Respectfully submitted,
LIDA A. CLARK,
Librarian.
Park Commissioners' Report
The Park Department expenditures under the regular appropriation amounted to $1700 to which the Finance Committee later added $110.57 The total of $1810.57 was used in Memorial Park for general upkeep, insurance, sup- plies and equipment. Labor received over ninety per cent of the appropriation.
The grandstand in Memorial Park was rebuilt and paint- ed, the town paying for materials only. The labor was from the F. E. R. A. and the work carried out under the direction of your Commission. The appropriation of $450.00 for this work was made at a special town meeting called by the Selectmen in July.
At this same special town meeting an appropriation of $6100 was voted to pay for plans, supervision, trucks, drainage tile, and a large amount of general material to permanently develop the center portion of Memorial Park. The F. E. R. A. has furnished the labor and some seventy odd men have been employed on this work since September, two or three days a week.
Progress has been slow for the work has been very laborious and rough weather has slowed up the progress.
We believe that it will take seventy men working two or three days each week at least another year to complete this very vast project, but if completed this entire area of Me- morial Park will be transformed, from a virtual swamp, to an area of great beauty which will include a major ath- letic field including a running track, walks, and parking area.
144
SIXTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
Plans for continuation of this work will be referred to your Finance Committee and to the town for their decision without any specific recommendation on our part.
A great amount of work has been done in Major Reed Park and this area has been transformed by men from F. E. R. A. from a wilderness of scrub and stumps into a very beautiful park. Your Commission has furnished all equip- ment for this work.
This Park will be completed in 1935.
Howland Park has been put in first class condition, but will be gone over again in the spring for final touches.
Your Commissioners wish to thank the men from the F. E. R. A. who have worked on the various park projects during 1934 for the splendid cooperation from the engi- neers and officials right down the line to the men who have done the real tough work with picks and shovels.
We are endebted also to the Hatherly Improvement Society for the care of the park in their area and to Mr. Christopher Murphy for the care of the area adjoining his home on Plain street.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES T. WALLS, DANIEL H. BURKE.
145
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
1934 REPORT PLYMOUTH COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE FOR ROCKLAND
In every branch of agriculture the Extension Service endeavors to keep the farmers of the country acquainted with developments in production and marketing, to give specific advice on individual problems and lend aid in co- operative enterprise. In addition to the usual lines of work it has been important this year to keep the farmers of the country informed of their position under the agri- cultural programs of the federal government.
Marketing programs and new farm credit facilities have been most helpful here. Farmers of the county took ad- vantage of the latter to an amount of nearly $400,000 dur- ing 1934. During the year over 3200 farmers in the county were supplied with information in some form on problems directly affecting their production problems.
It is a responsibility of the Extension Service to make available to women in the home a knowledge of the best current practices relative to keeping the family satisfactorily fed, clothed, and housed, and to aid in adjusting these practices to the family standards and pocket book.
Our home program has reached at least 3000 people either indirectly in solving problems, or through groups or- ganized to study specific points of homemaking. In our major projects alone-Children's Coats, Home Furnish- ings, Chair Seating, and Parent Education,-fifty-three study groups were formed with over five hundred women enrolled.
In 4-H Club Work the Extension Service provides for the boys and girls of the county an opportunity for educa-
4
146
SIXTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
tional development through study and practice in home economics and agriculture, as well as an opportunity for self improvement. It emphasizes the home and brings club members and parents together in a common interest. It developes cooperation, leadership, self-confidence, am- bition, sportsmanship, ability to think, responsibility, and community spirit.
Rockland citizens, in addition to participating in the many county-wide activities of the Extension Service, have benefited by the following specific activities which were carried on in the town itself.
Everyone in Rockland interested in any branch of agri- culture has been carried on the agricultural mailing lists and has received information on crop, livestock, and poultry production and management. Several men were visited personally on specific problems and many received advice through personal letters, telephone calls and by attending the numerous county meetings on subjects of interest to them. A meeting for dairymen, on marketing problems, was held in Rockland and speakers were supplied for meet- ings of the Grange, Kiwanis, and other organizations.
A group of women were given instruction in remodelling clothes and in making coats, snow suits, and other garments for children. Members of this group have met regularly through the year with others and assisted them in clothing problems.
Other projects in which homemakers have been repre- sented include home accounts and handicraft. The town is also one of our centers for training leaders in Food Buying.
For the third consecutive year, the Kiwanis Club offered prizes for the best 4-H gardens in its district and appointed a committee to visit the club members and score their gar-
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.