USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Rockland > Town annual report of the officers of the town of Rockland Massachusetts for the year ending 1936 > Part 32
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The rebuilding of Liberty street from Market to East Water street, a distance of one-half mile, is one of the outstanding projects of the year and the town has a W. P. A. project for similiar rebuilding of Exchange street, but has no local funds to operate.
Covered drains with catch basins have been installed by the W. P. A. on Salem, Hartsuff, Maple and Monroe, Crescent, Exchange and Myrtle, Park and Vernon streets and Taunton Avenue using 3, 533 feet of pipe and eleven catch basins.
All W. P. A. sidewalks voted in town meetings in 1938 have had cement curbs installed and, with the exception of a few cases, all the bituminous mixture has been plac- ed. The few walks not completed will be finished with warm weather in the spring.
236
SIXTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
With the adoption of a specific program at the special town meeting, August 8, of a curb and bituminous walk on at least one side of practically each street in town, a solution has been found for this annual controversy.
Over five and a half miles of cement curb, to be exact 30,253 feet, have been installed for side walks during the year. The program is proving exceptionally valuable, not only in the control of storm drainage but by taking pedestrians off the street and, particularly in outlying sec- tions, should prove a safeguard for auto fatalities and injuries. A total of thirty-three sidewalk locations have received curbs and bituminous top the past year.
A valuable project started late in the year is the in- dexing, revising, typing and binding of the vital statistics in the office of the town clerk to conform to federal re- quirements. Another white collar project in operation is the bringing of the street and property boundaries in accord with governmental specifications through survey- ing and mapping.
Reed's pond as a recreation center has had further improvement made by the W. P. A. through the build- ing of a wharf and development of the east side of Mar- ket street. This work is still under way with the close of the year.
In closing, I wish to extend my sincere thanks for the whole hearted co-operation I have received from our high- way surveyor, Mr. Roderick Mackenzie, who has given so much of his time and experience the past year, and the advice and assistance from the various federal W. P. A. district engineers and supervisors.
Respectfully submitted,
FRED M. RYAN,
Sponsor Agent
Report of World War Memorial Committee
Your committee have endeavored to prepare and pre- sent plans for a suitable memorial, having met on numer- ous occasions and considering various types of memorials, also, suitable locations. The vote of the Town did not provide an appropriation of money for the preparation of architectural plans. The committee felt it was necessary to seek the assistance of an architect, so Mr. John Beal of the J. Williams Beal, Sons concern of architects was asked to assist the committee and he most graciously ac- cepted with no expense to the Town.
Mr. Beal offered several suggestions which were all given due consideration, one, which the committee were unanimous in, that was to provide a memorial entrance to Memorial Park from Union street at Goddard avenue.
Before plans of the memorial could be placed before the committee it was learned that a gasoline station and parking space was to occupy one corner. The committee have taken this into consideration and now feel that it would not be a desirable location because of traffic con- ditions.
Your committee have been very co-operative and faith- ful to the duties assigned them and would recommend that the surplus poll tax fund from a tax levied in 1920-
238
SIXTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
21-22 and 1923 amounting to $4,021.70 be placed on de- posit so that it will draw interest and that it be known as a World War Memorial Fund, and further recommend the report be accepted as progressive.
V. F. W.
Harry O. Holmes, Chairman Frank Dixon Frank Watson
Augustus Ledwell
Harold Morse
American Legion Charles T. Walls, Ralph Bingham
Harold Anderson, vice chairman Arthur O'Neill William Christie
Citizens
John Troy Jr.
Joseph Estes Bernard Delory Abram Lelyveld
Russell Hawes, Secretary
Report of Trustees Memorial Library
The trustees of the Memorial Library submit the fol- lowing report for 1938:
An account of the circulation, reference work, and special activities of the library is given by the librarian in her report which follows this report and to which the trustees call the attention of the citizens.
The library property was somewhat damaged by the hurricane in September. A tree on the lawn was des- troyed, and the glass in the dome of the building was shattered. The cost of repairing the latter was $80.02, a sum which must be taken from the appropriation of 1939.
The trustees are grateful to the two clubs which have made donations to the library: the Rockland Woman's club for a gift of five dollars, and the Rockland Garden Club for four books helpful to garden lovers. Thanks are also due those who have contributed other books, mag- azines, and book marks.
Income from the trust funds was expended as follows:
Hattie Curtis Fund
$ 8 13
Zenas M. Lane Fund 5 73
Everett Lane Fund 2 46
Alice L. French Fund
12 95
Mary A. Spence Fund
12 33
Sarah J. Spence Fund
6 90
Charles Edwin Vinal Fund
24 83
240
SIXTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
John W. Rice Fund 9 89
John A. Martin Fund
1 83
Mothers' Mutual Improvement Society Fund 1 24
$86 29
These withdrawals left on deposit in the Rockland Sav- ings Bank on December 31, 1938:
Hattie Curtis Fund
$ 501 35
Zenas M. Lane Fund
502 96
Everett Lane Fund
100 06
Alice L. French Fund
500 08
Mary A. Spence Fund
500 44
Sarah J. Spence Fund
300 70
Charles Edwin Vinal Fund
1 000 31
John W. Rice Fund
400 24
John A. Martin Fund 100 79
Mother's Mutual Improvement Society Fund
50 20
The terms of John B. FitzGerald and Burton L. Cush- ing expire in 1939.
An appropriation of $4,400. plus the dog refund of $415.50 is recommended for 1939. This amount will care for the usual expenses, meet the repair bill of $80.02, and offset the decrease in the dog refund.
FRANCIS J. GEOGAN, JOHN B. FITZGERALD, BURTON L. CUSHING, ANNIE E. McILVENE,
EMILY F. CRAWFORD, EMMA W. GLEASON,
-
Trustees
---
Librarians Report
To the Trustees of the Rockland Memorial Library:
The sixtieth report of this library is herewith submit- ted.
A total of 62,911 books and magazines have been loan- ed for home use.
The average monthly circulation, 5,242. The average daily circulation, 214. Largest number delivered in one day 368. Smallest number delivered in one day, 95.
Received for fines, reserved books, sale of cook books, subscriptions from non-residents, old magazines and books, $340.
Number of books added by purchase (including replace- ments, 448. Number of books presented, 51. Number of books worn out and missing 60. Number of books re- bound 56. Number of books in library on December 31, 1938, 21,100.
Character of books loaned : Literature, 4 per cent; his- tory and travel, 4 per cent; biography, 3 per cent; miscel- laneous (adult), 5 per cent; fiction (adult), 56 per cent ; fiction (juvenile) 12 per cent; miscellaneous (juvenile), 5 per cent; magazines, 11 per cent.
The year just over, was one in all ways most satisfac- tory. Our circulation, which is the chief measure of our activity, has increased once again. Although figures serve as a barometer to economic conditions, we must remem-
242
SIXTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
ber that requests for library service are more thought- fully directed than when the "latest fiction" was the chief consideration. Too, as the staff becomes better acquaint- ed with an increasing number of books, activitiy is re- flected. Never have the books for so-called library use only been used as during the past year.
Today libraries need to provide information on all ques- tions, to all men.
Contrary to the idea that people would cease reading books because they were going to the movies or listening to the radio for entertainment, they have actually turned to the library for book information about new interests in hobbies, photography, history, and even travel. And no substitute has been found for the fiction so abiding in its appeal as to become standard.
Civil service material of every kind has been used to its full capacity. These include secretarial handbooks, books on civics, science, useful arts, as well as mathema- tics, geography and English.
The latest edition of the Americana Encycloyedia brings to the library patrons up-to-the-minute information on new subjects. It is a reference set of great usefulness.
The clamor for new books must be satisfied as far as we are able, and in selecting an effort is made to add books which give evidence of being worthwhile and to strike a balance between books for pure entertainment and the heavier reading. Each group has its place in the library.
Gifts received were greatly appreciated, especially the books on gardening by the Rockland Garden Club and the substantial check from the Rockland Woman's Club.
Again we express consideration for the book marks
243
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
given by local merchants and the Rockland Savings Bank. The idea is a big factor in advertising the library, as well as a commercial interest.
Many old books were given by friends and those which were duplicates were forwarded to the Merchant Marine Library Association. Also, over two hundred National Geographic magazines were given for this special re- quest.
Helpful suggestions received in the spirit of co-opera- tion are likewise acknowledged.
Those who visited the library during the fall months probably noticed the exhibit by the Girl Scouts. This was of great value to those who studied it carefully.
As a matter of economy many books have been recased and rebacked at the library this year. While we have not the facilities nor skill to do work of professional stan- dard, they are neat, and strong, and we are retaining in circulation many books which otherwise would have had to be thrown away.
To encourage children to read books, to love and ap- preciate literature, and to gain cultural advantages and tastes is still the purpose of the Children's room.
Where can we find such values as in the public library ? May we not only live up to the past standards, but may we set new and better ones in the future.
Respectfully submitted,
LIDA A. CLARK,
Librarian
Auditor's Report
We have audited and verified the books of the various departments of the town, including those of the treasurer, tax collector, town clerk and sealer of weights and meas- ures. Also the books of the water department and the school departments.
All balances have been reconciled with statements fur- nished by the banks.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD C. SMITH GEORGE A. GALLAGHER LEO E. DOWNEY
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Report of Sewerage Commissioners
To the Citizens of Rockland :-
The Board of Sewer Commissioners herewith submit its annual report for the year 1938.
The year of 1938 has been a busy one for the Sewer Commissioners, since early in the year the State Board of Health has been much interested in the health condi- tion of the Town.
In the first part of June 1938 it was suggested by the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works at Boston that the Town make an application for a grant to- wards installing a Sewerage System. This came to our Board through the Selectmen's office and from that time on until the award of $162,000.00 was alloted to the town, we have worked together with the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. With the assistance of Mr. C. A. Williams, Engineer of the P. W. A. regional office, Mr. Wright of the State Board of Health, Senator Walsh, Senator Lodge and Congressman Gifford, who all assisted us by their personal attention and efforts, the application was com- pleted and after receiving the approval of the State and Federal Officials was forwarded to National Headquar- ters at Washington.
On September 9th, 1938 telegrams from Washington notified us of the approval of our application and the grant of funds to the town, subject to approval by the town and vote of same to raise the sum of $198,000.00 to be used with the Federal Grant for the building of a sew- erage system.
246
SIXTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
The matter was brought before the Town as a special town meeting held September 19th, 1938 and after a pres- entation of the subject to the meeting by the Board and some discussion it was voted not to accept the offer of the Federal Grant.
While the entire Board felt that the Town very much needed a sewerage system from the viewpoint of health, convenience and industrial development it also felt that a presentation to the citizens of the town of facts and figures in connection with the Federal Grant was all it was suitable and proper for us to present to the meeting.
Mr. Worthington, Sanitary Engineer who made the or- iginal survey of the proposed system in 1912, made up the figures and computation which were required in much detail and also made a survey of a few minor alterations as required to fill out the necessary application blanks. Mr. Worthington at the same time was in charge of ap- plications of several other towns.
On August 25th, 1938, the whole Board being in session it was voted as follows :- "All proposed construction in Rockland of Sewerage projects or changes shall be sub- mitted to this Board for its consideration and approv- al or disapproval." This vote of the Board was submitted to the Town Counsel for his consideration and upon his suggestion a notice of the vote was published in the Rock- land Standard.
The Federal Project to care for the Sewerage disposal of the Junior-Senior High school building was completed this year, but not in accordance with plans approved by the Federal and State Sanitary Engineers.
A sewerage disposal system for the Mckinley school
i
1
1
247
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
building under a Federal Grant has been completed and is giving satisfactory service.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERIC HALL, CHARLES M. HINES, GILES W. HOWLAND, Sewerage Commissioners
Report of Zoning Committee
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
We wish to report to you under Article 84 of the 1938 Town Warrant whereby the voters directed the Moderator and the Board of Selectmen to select a committee to inves- tigate the matter of a Zone Planning Board for the town.
The undersigned committee organized with Arthur Wilcox, chairman, and Carl Fass, secretary, and have held several meetings throughout the year. It was the unan- imous opinion of the committee that the town should es- tablish a Planning Board to become effective January 1, 1941, under the provision of General Laws, Chapter 41, Section 81A as added by Chapter 211 of 1936, the Board to consist of five members to be appointed by the Modera- tor and Selectmen.
To instruct said committee to prepare a map showing proposed zoning and cause same to be posted six weeks before the next annual Town meeting for approval of the voters.
We have inserted an article in the 1939 Town Warrant.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR P. WILCOX, CARL G. FASS DR. JOSEPH LELYVELD JAMES A. CODY FRANCIS L. GAMMON
In Memoriam
CORNELIUS J. MCHUGH 1871 - 1938
A police officer of Rockland for 23 years. Steadfast, Dependable, Trustworthy, fulfilling his duties with high courage as he protected human life and public and private property.
We regret the passing of a splendid police officer and a real friend.
ROCKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
Report of Chief of Police
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 31st, 1938.
NUMBER OF ARRESTS
Year 1938 206
Subdivision
Male Female
Assault and Battery
3
Breaking and Entering
3
Disturbance
2
Delinquent children
4
Drunkeness
143
3
Illegitimate child act
1
Insane persons
4
2
Larceny
6
Lottery (promoting)
1
Motor Vehicle violations
18
(a) operating under etc.
11
(b) minor infractions
7
Non-support
7
Practicing medicine without license
2
Receiving stolen goods
1
Stubborn child
2
Violation milk laws
2
Violation Painting laws
2
Total
201
-
5
251
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
Males
201
Females
5
Total
206
MISCELLANEOUS
Automobiles thefts investigated
3
Automobiles recovered
7
Automobile accidents investigated
81
Complaints investigated
789
Miles traveled by Police cruiser
16 094
Persons reported missing
4
Persons located out-of-town and local
7
Number of arrests for out-of-town police Departments 15 Red light calls answered 409
Stores found unlocked
31
Summons served for out-of-town police
76
Telegrams (emergencies) persons notified
16
Reported defects in highway
9
Fires reported
2
Electric light reported out
18
Number of autos stopped for license and registrations 920 Persons put up for the night 12
Rockland was most fortunate the past year 1938 that crime was of a minor nature; persons convicted of oper- ating a motor vehicle under the influence of intoxicating liquor increased from eight (8) in 1937 to eleven (11) in 1938.
In the annual report as compiled by the Massachusetts Safety Council, Rockland's standing is seventh on the list of 47 towns of approximately the same population of our town. During the past year of the 47 towns, ten had "No fatal" accidents Rockland being included in the ten towns. The average improvement during the past three years, Rockland is in ninth place with a total percent change for the better of 37.0 average over a period of three years.
252
SIXTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
This department feels gratified in making mention of this report showing a vast improvement over 1937 when three fatal accidents occured. I am informed that an article will be inserted in the town warrant requesting a sum of money for painting parking spaces on Union St., and also "Warning signs" on the streets which are dang- er points; I highly recommend this precautionary measure as I firmly believe that this is added assistance for "Safety."
The police cruiser which was purchased in 1936 is near- ing three years of service and has traveled approximately 50,000 miles. An article has been inserted in the town warrant requesting purchase of a new police car and to trade in the present car.
Again I take pleasure in giving the thanks of the entire department to the town and county officials and to the many other citizens who have given valuable assistance when at an opportune time. As chief of the department I am appreciative of the excellent work of the regular and special officers, all of whom have labored to give the fin- est service; and to the Finance committee who after con- sideration and investigation approved of the appropria- tion asked for by this department.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE J. POPP, Chief of Police
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Committee On Parking
The growth of business in the Rockland business dis- trict and the social activities bringing visitors to Rock- land by automobile have overcrowded the parking spaces on Union Street and the nearby side streets, It has, therefore, become necessary to take action to protect the business interests on Union Street, essential as they are to the prosperity of the town, by making provision for additional parking space.
We have met with the committees of the Rockland Retail Merchants Association and the Rockland Cham- ber of Commerce, and after a careful study of the situa- tion the following areas are offered for the considera- tion of the townspeople:
The land east of the Rockland High School between Taunton Avenue and Goddard Avenue.
The land in the rear of buildings on Union Street, be- tween Reed Street and Taunton Avenue.
The town lot on School Street.
Plans for these spaces will be duly presented with com- plete details in the annual Town Warrant, and we earn- estly request your most serious consideration.
COMMITTEE ON PARKING,
LAWRENCE E. BLANCHARD, GEORGE POPP JOSEPH LELYVELD, Chairman
Report of Board of Health
The Board of Health herewith submits its report for 1938.
The number of reportable diseases is as follows :
Scarlet Fever
74
Lobar Pneumonia
4
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
3
Measles 5
Whooping Cough
6
Dog Bite 6
The cases of Scarlet Fever were as a rule light. The disease was quite general in all the surrounding towns.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH H. DUNN, M. D., JOSEPH FRAME, M. D., EDWARD CULLINAN,
Board of Health
Report of Town Treasurer
TREASURER'S REPORT OF THE RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS FOR THE YEAR 1938
January 1, 1938 Cash on hand $58 023 38
RECEIPTS
Anticipation Tax Notes
$325 000 00
Taxes-Real Estate, Personal,
and Poll
286 968 72
Taxes, Excise
15 872 33
Taxes, Interest
6 940 36
Taxes, Costs
284 83
Tax Titles Redeemed
5 450 53
Licenses, Liquor etc
4 593 00
License, Miscellaneous
597 00
Trust Funds (Cemetery)
804 69
Dog Licenses
518 60
Water Department
23 502 91
Joint Water Department
7 533 41
Memorial Library
340 00
Sealer of Weights
102 15
School Department
167 65
Court Fines 124 80
City of Boston, Tuition
561 18
Unearned Comp. Ins., Premium
527 90
Board of Health
225 71
Miscellaneous, Infirmary, Highway 62 79
Sales, Tax Title Property 1 396 34
County Treasurer Dog Dividend 505 94
256
SIXTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
E. Water St., Cons. 3 827 65 $4 333 59
$685 908 49
$743 931 87
Water Tank Construction Federal Grant, Bal. Contractors Refund
$5 957 96
43 33
$ 6 001 29
Fire Station Project 1440F
Issue Notes
34 500 00
362 60
Premium Accrued Interest
34 50
$34 897 10
Emergency Relief Loan
Issue Notes
34 800 00
Premium
19 84
Accrued Interest
18 85
34 838 69
Welfare and Old Age Assistance Towns and Cities 6 468 33
State Treasurer
Old Age Assistance
30 898 08
Temporary Aid
11 700 87
Soldiers' Burial
100 00
Aid to Schools
730 83
Tuition of Children
1 143 22
Federal Emergency Relief Fund
170 56
Public Health
419 29
Aid to Dependent Mothers'
5 154 29
State Aid 643 00
Military Aid
5 00
257
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
Income Tax
31 345 46
Corporation Tax
10 747 31
Gas & Elec. Tax
2 871 13
Veterans Exemption
241 78
U. S. Grant Old Age Assistance
46 890 83
U. S. Grant Aid Children
2 510 67
Chap. 500 Highway Fund
6 850 00
East Water St. Construction
7 655 30
Total
$160 077 62
Total
$986 214 90
PAYMENTS
Selectmen's Warrants
$190 710 72
Public Welfare
67 701 87
School Department
104 372 33
Old Age Assistance
51 995 26
Old Age Assistance, U. S. Grant
44 249 85
Old Age Administration U. S. Grant
1 193 36
Water Department Warrants
19 438 78
Joint Water Warrants
10 417 26
Town of Abington, Joint Rates
1 390 59
Tax Refunds
465 16
Aid to Dependent Mothers, U. S. Grant
2 669 99
Cemetery Trust Funds
804 69
Anticipation Tax Notes
300 000 00
Mckinley School Appropriations
497 20
Water Tank Project, 1343R
8 198 14
Fire Station Project 1440F
2 643 11
Chapter 500, Hurricane Repairs
6 849 60
Miscellaeous Refunds
24 96
County Treasurer
County Tax
15 929 96
Dog Licenses
518 60
16 448 56
258
SIXTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
State Tax 23 290 00
Care C. W. Veterans 60 00
Auditing of Accounts
1 749 98
State Parks etc
293 86
25 393 84
Cash on hand December 31, 1938
130 749 63
Total
$986 214 90
OUTSTANDING INDEBTEDNESS
Anticipation of Revenue Notes $125 000 00
PERMANENT LOANS
Junior-Senior School Bonds
334 % maturing $10,000 annually 1939-1943 $50 000 00
334 % maturing $6,000
annually 1939-1948 60 000 00
$110 000 00
Plymouth County Hospital Notes 5% maturing $1,000 annually 1939-1940 2 000 00
$ 2 000 00
Union Street Construction Notes 2% maturing 1939-1946 27 000 00
Water Tank Construction 2% maturing 1939-1956 36 000 00
Municipal Relief Loan, Chapter 58 11/2% maturing 1939-1948 34 800 00
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
259
Fire Station Notes 21/4% maturing 1939-1958
34 500 00
JOINT WATER DEPARTMENT
Receipts :
From Joint Rates, etc
2 324 77
From Rockland 1/2 Maintenance
5 208 62
From Abington 1/2 Maintenance
5 208 64
Due Abington from 1937
228 20
$12 970 23
Payments :
Warrants
$10 417 26
Joint Rates to Abington
1 162 39
Joint Rates to Rockland
1 162 38
Abington Balance 1937
228 20
$12 970 23
WATER DEPARTMENT
Receipts :
Water Rates, Construction etc
$23 502 91
1/2 Joint Rates
1 162 38
$24 665 29
Payments :
Warrants
19 438 78
1/2 Cost Joint Maintenance
5 208 62
Receipts over Payments
17 89
$24 665 29
WATER TANK PROJECT 1343R
January 1, 1938 Balance Receipts 6 001 29
2 338 07
8 339 36
260
SIXTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
Payments
8 198 14
Unexpended balance, Dec. 31, 1938
141 22
FIRE STATION PROJECT 1440F
Sale of Notes
Payments
$34 897 10 2 643 11
Unexpended balance, Dec. 31, 1938
$32 253 99
ASSETS
Cash
$130 749 63
Accounts Receivable
Taxes 1936
810 91
Taxes 1937
67 070 18
Taxes 1938
113 470 62
181 351 71
Motor Excise 1936
221 65
Motor Excise 1937
1 608 66
Motor Excise 1938
659 67
2 489 98
Tax Titles
12 104 25
$326 695 57
LIABILITIES
Anticipation Tax Notes
$125 000 00
Unexpended Balances
67 851 96
Real Estate Fund
5 190 00
Special Fund (War Taxes)
4 021 70
--
Water Tank Project
141 22
Tax Titles Foreclosed
1 396 34
Surplus Revenue
123 094 35
$326 695 57
CEMETERY TRUST FUNDS
Bequest
Cemetery
Balance Jan. 1. 1938
Deposited During 1938
Income
Expended
Balance Dec. 31, 1938
Jeremiah Leahy
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