USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Rockland > Town annual report of the officers of the town of Rockland Massachusetts for the year ending 1942 > Part 6
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*Edward Reuben Wainshilbaum Charles Timothy Walls Barbara Alice Whitmore Roger Dwight Williams
*Esther Louise Wyatt
* Pro Merito-Four year average of 85% or better.
CLASS OFFICERS
President Vice-President Secretary Treasurer
WALTER MARSHALL DOROTHY PRATT SYLVIA BELCHER CHARLES WALLS
*Priscilla Amy Bates Josephine Lorraine Beals
*Sylvia Avaline Belcher Thias Rose Benham Fern Elizabeth Burbank Charlotte Mae Burrill Mary Dorothea Carson Mary Josephine Cassano Grace Josphine Conant Eva Lorayne Cookson Edward James Crager John Albert Crane Dorothy Agnes Crowley Elizabeth Esther Damon
*Nancy Reed Derby Edward Gordon Dolby
*Dorothy Marie Pratt Ernestine Dana Pratt Gloria Lee Rhodenizer
Eleanor Patricia Keane Linda Ladd
97
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
CLASS MOTTO Facta non Verba-"Deeds not words" Social Commitee
MADELINE GARDNER JOSEPH O'BRIEN RAYMOND SHEPHERD CLASS COLORS-Blue and Gold CLASS FLOWER-White Rose CLASS ODE
The Pledge of Youth
The time has come, oh 'classmates, when our ways of life must part.
No longer can we share these carefree days,
But on life's sober pathways, we now must make a start,
And choose, each one, the road that points his way.
Some say the future lies before us, a dark and dreary thing,
With nothing safe and real to build upon;
Undaunted still, brave youth will always press straight on Until at last, the long sought goal is won. And so, though war clouds hover o'er us,
And we face pain and sacrifices yet unknown, We falter not, but set our footsteps firm, Upon the road to justice and victorious peace. Though coward foes have shattered all our dreaming, And foreign tyrants reign across the sea, We shall not rest, but pledge our lives, if need be, To keep our land a free democracy.
Mary Frances Shevlin, '42
TEACHERS EMPLOYED DECEMBER 31, 1942
Date of Appointment
Salary
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
R. Stewart Esten, A.B., Middlebury College; A.M., Columbia University JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Sept. 1929
$3,900
Robert C. Healey, A.B., Boston College; M.Ed., Boston University; Principal
1919
3,300
Manlio Boverini, B.S. in P.E., Manhattan College; M.A., Columbia University; Science, Physics, Biology
1942
1,850
Katherine S. Burke, Bridgewater Teachers College; Geography, Science
1906
1,600
Joseph W. Cogan, B.S., Bates College; M.Ed., Boston University; Sub-Master, Science
1929
2,900
Eldora L. Gagnon, B.S.E., Salem Teachers College; M.C.S., Boston University, Commercial Victoria O. Howarth, A.B., Radcliffe College; English
1925
2,000
Emma S. Jewett, Hyannis Teachers College; History
1908
1,600
Earl I. Komarin, B.S.E., Salem Teachers College; Commercial
1936
1,800
Josephine Lannin, B.S.E., Hyannis Teachers College; M.Ed., Bridgewater Teachers College; Junior Business Training, Mathematics, Literature
1932
1,600
Charles W. Law, B.S., Springfield College; Biology, Physical Education
1941
1,950
Mary E. Lee, A.B., Regis College; English
1942
1,300
Eleanor B. Loud, B.S., Simmons College; Household Arts
1935
1,500
Rose T. Magadini, Bay Path Institute; Commercial
1929
1,800
*Helen Magistrate, B.S.E., Boston University; M.Ed., Bridgewater Teachers College; Latin, Civics, English
1942
1,400
Esther M. McGrath, B.S.E., Bridgewater Teachers College; History
1918
1,750
Malcolm L. Pratt, A.B., Dartmouth College; Mathematics
Jan. 1933
2,000
Leona W. Sampson, A.B., Boston University; A.M., Boston University; French
1937
2,000
Esther Schultz, B.S.E., Framingham State Teachers College; Sewing, History
1941
1,350
Frances L. Squarey, Bridgewater Teachers College; English, Literature
1921
1,600
Robert A. Studley, A.B., University of N. H .; History
1927
2,000
Bertha L. Tenney, Farmington, Maine Normal School; Science, Mathematics
1927
1,600
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SIXTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
Mary D. Costello, Quincy Training School; English, Penmanship
1898
1,600
Feb. 1940
1,700
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
*Barbara White, A.B., Bates College; English
*Ruth Yerrall, A.B., Wellesley College; M.A., Smith College; Social Science, Literature Lawrence Genander, B.S.E., Fitchburg Teachers College; Manual Training
*Edward F. Steenstra, B.S.E., University of Maine; General Chemistry, General Mathematics, English
1942
1,300
1942
1,400
1942
1,650
Dec. 1942
2,000
MCKINLEY SCHOOL
*Agnes Lioy, B.S.E., Bridgewater Teachers College; Principal, Grade 6
Oct. 1942
1,360
Madeline Lannin, Lesley Normal School; Grade 1
1937
1,500
1920
1,500
1930
1,500
1930
1,700
1928
1,560
1941
1,300
LINCOLN SCHOOL
J. Eileen Fitzgibbons, Bridgewater Teachers College; Principal, Grade 6
1925
1,700
1939
1,350
1929
1,500
1934
1,500
1940
1,350
1910
1,600
Jan. 1930
1,600
1930
1,600
JEFFERSON SCHOOL
Bertha Campbell, Massachusetts Agricultural College, B. U., Hyannis Teachers College; Grades 3 and 4
1923
1,650
Blanche Crowell, Framingham Teachers College; Grade 5
1931
1,600
Mary Shields, B.S.E., Bridgewater Teachers College; Grades 2 and 3
1941
1,350
Virginia Ford, B.S.E., Bridgewater Teachers College; Grades 1 and 2 GLEASON SCHOOL
1937
1,450
Alice Heenan, B.S.E., Bridgewater Teachers College; Grades 1, 2 and 3 Catherine Reilly, B.S.E., Bridgewater Teachers College; Grades 4 and 5
Jan. 1942
1,250
1938
1,400
99
Mary H. Greenan, attended Boston University, Hyannis Teachers College; Grade 2 Mildred E. Healey, Lesley Normal School; Grade 3 R. Louise Cone, M.Ed., Boston University; Grade 4 Elva M. Shea, Bridgewater Teachers College; Grade 5 Margaret Morrissey, B.S.E., Bridgewater Teachers College; Grade 6
Geraldine Crowell. B.S.E., Bridgewater Teachers College; Grade 6 Margaret Blake, Hyannis Teachers College; Grade 5 Miriam Roberts, Bridgewater Teachers College; Grade 4 Helen Roberts, B.S.E., Bridgewater Teachers College; Grade 4 Harriette Cragin, High School, Special Courses, Grade 3 Blanche Thacher, Wheelock Kindergarten School; Grade 2 Catherine Coen, Salem Teachers College; Grade 1
TEACHERS EMPLOYED DECEMBER 31, 1942 - Continued
Date of Appointment
Salary
CENTRAL STREET SCHOOL
Substitute teacher; Grades 1, 2 and 3
SPECIAL TEACHERS
Winifred Murphy, B.S.E., Massachusetts School of Art; Art Supervisor Josephine Fitzgibbons, Posse-Nissen; Physical Education for Girls
1942
1,700
1929
1,625
Louise A. Considine, R.N., St. Elizabeth's Hospital Training School; School Nurse and Attendance Officer
1922
1,850
Mar. 1929
1,000
Blanche Maguire (2 days per week), attended B. U., Northampton School of Pedagogy; Music Robert Spencer (2 days per week), M. of M., Baldwin Wallace Conservatory, University of Michigan
Oct. 1941
840
*Military Substitute.
RESIGNATIONS 1942
Ethel M. Wetherbee, Market St. School Annie A. Shirley, Jefferson School
Lillian Murdock, Webster St. School Alice Astor, Mckinley School
Walter Dubzinski, Junior-Senior High School
Hubert Edmond, Junior-Senior High School
TEACHERS ON LEAVE OF ABSENCE FOR MILITARY SERVICE George A. J. Froberger, Junior-Senior High School John F. Ryan, Junior-Senior High School John B. O'Hayre, Junior-Senior High School Arigo LaTanzi, Junior-Senior High School Paul B. Casey, Mckinley School John Metivier, Mckinley School
APPOINTMENTS 1942
Winifred Murphy, Art Supervisor Manlio Boverini, Junior-Senior High School Mary E. Lee, Junior-Senior High School
*Helen Magistrate, Junior-Senior High School
*Barbara White, Junior-Senior High School
*Ruth Yerrall, Junior-Senior High School Lawrence Genander, Junior-Senior High School
*Agnes Lioy, Mckinley School Alice Heenan, Gleason School Myra L. Burke, Substitute for All Schools
*Edward Steenstra, Junior-Senior High School
*Military Substitute.
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SIXTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
AGE GRADE TABLE AS OF OCTOBER 1, 1942
AGE
5
6 7
8
9
10
11 12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19 Total
Grade
1
28
41
5
1
75
2
27
63
6
2
98
3
39
50
11 6
106
4
45
64
18 7
134
5
34
52
12
7
1
1
107
6
48
57
10
7
4
1
127
7
3 41
49
15
8
3
119
8
1
37
59
15
4
2
118
9
54
54
14 59
9
3
117
11
1 43
34
10
2
90
12
1
39
31
8
1
80
Total
68 107 102 111 127 118 103 136 129 125 28
89
44
10
1 1298
5
127
10
46
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
101
102
SIXTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Board of Selectmen
To the Citizens of Rockland :
The war emergency has placed tremendous responsi- bilities upon the cities and towns, upon their officials and employees and upon private citizens. It has been said of Rockland that its citizens are intensely loyal to the Town and its betterment and this has never been more concretely shown than by the various organizations and their members devoted to strengthening the war effort. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to make individual or group citations publicly acknowledging the credit due these people. These activities have functioned smoothly because of the unselfish participation of citizens whose only desire was to aid in whatever capacity they could. To these hundreds of citizens, both men and women, who have given freely of their time and ability the Town ex- tends its sincere appreciation. To these civic minded citizens belongs abundant credit and, it is hoped, for them the realization and satisfaction of a job well done.
Simply, it can be stated that these services cost money but they are safeguards to which most citizens subscribe. As has often been said their potential value in a time of emergency outweighs their cost. Some communities found it necessary to employ paid Chairmen on their Rationing Board and Civilian Defense Committees. The Chairmen of our Committees, Mr. Magorisk Walls and Mr. Warren Woodward have served without compensa- tion.
The administration of funds was under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, the Chairman of the Civilian Defense Committee and the Chairman of the Finance Committee. As a practical matter this method of coordi- nation has not only been relatively economical for the town but has kept unwarranted or unnecessary requests at a minimum. The majority of items purchased repre- sent tangible assets to the town.
103
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
Taxation
In the coming year taxes will be of major concern to all citizens, more especially to the property owner. In the administration at Washington officials have hinted against reductions in local taxes for the "duration". The theory being that anything left in the taxpayer's pocket will tend to aggravate the inflationary trend. Obviously this principle would work to the detriment of property owners caught on the horns of an everyday dilemma with unprecedented federal taxes on one hand and rapidly rising living costs on the other. Your Selectmen's opin- ion is that this principle should be considered only in its relationship to the debt, reserves, and capital expendi- tures necessary in the future. It is our opinion that a reduction in taxes in Rockland is a sound financial policy.
Here is why!
The bonded debt in 1938 was $208,300.00. By the end of 1943 this will have been reduced to $109,500.00. This is a substantial reduction approximating 50%. No debt was incurred in 1942 and none is anticipated for 1943. The following table shows a summary of bonded debt for a period of 10 years-1935-1945.
AMOUNT DUE AT END OF YEAR
Year
Plymouth
County
Hospital
School
Bonds
Union
Street
Construction
Fire
Station
Loan
Relief
Loans
Fire
Truck
Total
1935
$5,000
$158,000
$163,000
1936
4,000
142,000
$35,000
181,000
1937
3,000
126,000
31,000
160,000
1938
2,000
110,000
27,000
$34,500
$34,800
209,300
1939
1,000
94,000
23,000
32,000
30,000
180,000
1940
78,000
19,000
30,000
46,000
173,000
1941
62,000
15,000
28,000
60,000
171,500
1942
46,000
11,000
26,000
52,000
$6,500
140,000
1943
30,000
7,000
24,000
45,000
5,000
109,500
1944
24,000
4,000
22,000
38,000
3,500
90,000
1945
18,000
2,000
20,000
31,000
2,000
71,000
The Reserve account accumulated over a period of
104
SIXTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
years was reduced in 1938 by the increasing requirements of relief to $123,000.00. By the end of 1942 this asset account was restored to approximately $140,000.00. A figure equal to the bonded debt. By the end of 1943 it is estimated this account will total some $150,000.00. This is a substantial sum in reserve against unforeseen de- mands of the future and is assurance that the tax levy could, if necessary, be eased if we were faced with another depression.
The reduction in bonded debt of $98,800.00 and the estimated increase in the Reserve Account of $27,000.00 represents a capital gain of some $125,800.00.
Another factor worthy of consideration concerns tem- porary loans in anticipation of taxes. One such loan of $100,000.00, because of prompt payment of taxes, was entirely paid off in 1942 and the town ended the year operating on its own capital.
An earlier establishment of the tax rate in 1943 will provide an opportunity for the Town Treasurer to improve 1942's excellent record.
In recommending a tax reduction in 1943 the Selectmen are not unmindful of the employees of the town who are not receiving "war" wages and are also faced with in- creased living costs. Merited increases in salaries to full time employees could be granted in 1943 and still allow a substantial reduction in the tax rate. This is a prob- lem for the Finance Committee and their recommenda- tions should merit serious consideration.
Budget
Under any system of democratic government the budget cannot help but be the master plan of operations. It is essentially a control device providing its own check and should never be regarded solely as a routine listing of appropriations requested or granted. Its use should first: facilitate the financial program and ease the tax levy ; secondly : permit the programming of a proper work schedule including the nature and extent of activities; thirdly: economically limit the number and distribution
105
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
of a staff of paid employees to reasonable bounds, and finally, in the broader sense, furnish a constant and reli- able means of advancing community development. How- ever the successful operation of any budget must be con- comitant with the interest on the part of the taxpayers and their presence and expressions of opinions at Town Meeting. Set aside the evening of March 1st and make it a duty to attend Town Meeting.
Highways
During the year part of North Union Street was re- topped under Chapter 90 maintenance. It is recom- mended that consideration be given to completing North Union Street and North Avenue in 1943. On our request the State and the County have tentatively allotted $1,000.00 each for this purpose provided the town will appropriate a similar amount.
The ice conditions on the roads and sidewalks have been particularly troublesome this winter. Mr. Bell, Highway Surveyor, is recommending the purchase of a sand spreader to improve the application of sand on the roadways. The Police night patrol has been requested to advise Mr. Bell when icy conditions are developing in order that more prompt application of sand may be made. This is of timely importance because a greater and great- er number of women are doing their shopping on foot.
Mr. Bell is also recommending the purchase of a vacant garage on Market Street at a cost of $2,500.00. The pres- ent rental to house town equipment totals $269.00 a year under unsatisfactory conditions.
The problem of obtaining a sufficient number of trucks and men to properly remove snow is a serious one. We are greatly indebted to the High School boys for their services.
The demands of war prevented the purchase of a side- walk tractor as voted and it has been necessary to depend almost entirely on horse drawn plows. The present rate for a horse and plow of .371/2c an hour is too low to induce the owners to rent their horses. An article has been
106
SIXTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
placed in the Warrant to increase the rate. Favorable action on this article will improve this situation.
Fire Department
Subsequent to the vote at town meeting changing Chief Inkley's position from a "Call" Chief to a full time posi- tion the Board met with Mr. Inkley and established a routine of building inspections for the business district. These inspections received the cooperation of the mer- chants and the plan has worked out well. During 1942 we experienced some 100 less fires than in 1941. It is of course impossible to state how many fires were prevented by inspection but it is certain that if but one serious fire in the business district was prevented the plan is worth all the time and effort put into it.
It is still the opinion of those who should know that our present force of permanent firemen for a town the size of Rockland, is insufficient. Coverage at the station is being accomplished by working the employees some 120 hours a week, an amount substantially greater than the average.
The problem of coverage must be approached not from a cost angle alone but in its relationship to what should be considered a reasonable margin of safety. This prob- lem is further aggravated this year by the difficulty in securing an adequate response of Call Men.
The Finance Committee is studying this problem with Chief Inkley and will no doubt offer a recommendation. Of one thing we are certain, the station must be covered at all times and the equipment in readiness to respond to an alarm.
W. P. A.
Work projects were carried on during part of the year at Fort Revere, Hingham Arsenal and the Weymouth Blimp Base with the town furnishing the transportation. By official decree the W. P. A. is to be liquidated.
The town has profited by the work accomplished by the W. P. A. but not to the degree possible if time, super-
107
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
vision, and the capital had been available to carry on a better planned program. There is under appointment a Works Progress Committee charged with planning such a program if the town is again faced with a relief work program.
An article has been placed in the Warrant to consider payment of the Works Progress Administration's claim against the town of $2,188.10 for work on projects for which there was no authorization and the time charged to other authorized projects.
Town Counsel Francis J. Geogan was requested by the Board to examine into the claim and render a decision as to whether or not the town was liable.
The following paragraphs quoted from Judge Geogan's finding and the contract sum up the situation.
The following words are quoted from the contract:
"It is agreed, if proposed work is undertaken, that the sponsor will finance such part of the entire cost thereof as is not to be supplied from Federal Funds."
"It is agreed ... all operations will be done in conform- ance with all legal requirements, the rules and regula- tions of W. P. A."
The following is quoted from Judge Geogan's findings :
"So far as the claim against the town is concerned it is of little consequence who is responsible for having given orders to work on the high school wall where no project existed, or who improperly certified that work was done on the moth project when, in fact, it was done on the street project and that it was done on the side- walk project when, in fact, it was done on the high school wall."
"It is my opinion after investigation that the town is liable for the amounts of $1,247.34 and $940.76 and that these sums should be re-paid by the town to Works Projects Administration."
"There is another practical angle to be considered. It may well be that in future days or years the Town of Rockland will be looking for further help from the Works Project Administration and that if in the opinion of that
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SIXTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
administration the town has not been fair and honorable in its dealings it may suffer on future allotments."
The work on these projects was completed in 1938 be- fore any of the present Board of Selectmen were in office. We are unable to make any other explanation than what the records show.
Reed's Pond
The program of recreation was carried on at Reed's Pond as in the past. A qualified life guard, Mr. William Foley, went through the swimming season without seri- ous accident to which the Board is very grateful. We still have the problem of thoughtless individuals throwing broken bottles and tin cans in the beach area. Mr. Dris- coll maintained the grounds and supervised the actions of the older boys in a creditable manner in order that surroundings at the pond were proper for the smaller children.
Infirmary
The reduction in inmates at the infirmary because of Old Age Assistance places the cost out of proportion to the number of people being cared for. Officials of the National Fireworks have approached the town for living quarters for their employees. The Selectmen did not think they should take the authority of closing the in- firmary or entering into any rental agreement with the National Fireworks without the consent of the voters. An article has been inserted in the Warrant to obtain an expression of opinion.
During the year Mrs. Wyatt, who had been the matron for a number of years, passed away. In her death we lost one who can not be replaced. We lost her unselfish consideration of the sick and the old. Under her adminis- tration it was not a "Poor Farm" it was a home in the full sense of the word.
Welfare
Welfare has declined to what seems a low figure. The figure for 1942 includes over $2,600.00 old bills, some of
109
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
them dating back to 1928, which were settled. It has taken two years to unravel claims and arrive at a satis- factory settlement. It is the hope of the Board that such a condition will never again exist in Rockland.
For a more complete detail we refer you to Mr. Whe- land's Report as Welfare Agent.
Police Department
The Police Department, by checking traffic, has again improved the record of the town on accidents. The rate of insurance is based on a five-year average. If we can retain the position we have gained, a reduction in insur- ance would be possible.
Two hour parking was installed in the business area in accordance with the vote at town meeting. Reasonable enforcement has been obtained without resorting to court action and did improve conditions. Present gas ration- ing seems to have solved the problem for the duration.
Civil Service requirements make it difficult for Chief Johnson to obtain extra officers to the amount required.
Garbage Disposal
The present system of garbage disposal has not worked out as satisfactory as we hoped. Too many justified complaints were received. The Board has requested Judge Geogan to advise the contractor that if conditions did not improve it would be necessary to demand pay- ment of the bond for failure to keep contract.
We have suffered considerable complaint as conditions in other towns have not been too good and the problem of trucks and men cause difficulty as well as bad weather conditions.
Under war conditions the present cost makes it diffi- cult for the contractor to earn a fair margin of profit.
Appropriation and Receipts
An examination of the Assessors' Report will show an increase in taxable property in 1942 over 1941 of $786,032.00 This represents some $28,000.00 additional
110
SIXTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
revenue to the town. A further examination of this report shows under estimated receipts certain items the amount of which are difficult to predict in 1943. These items are Income Tax, Corporation Tax, Motor Vehicle Excise Tax and Gasoline Tax. Under payments there are also two items, State Tax and County Tax.
It should seem reasonable to assume that the Income Tax and Corporation Tax should exceed last year's figures. Motor Vehicle Excise Tax and Gasoline Taxes will un- questionably be lower this year. It is estimated the de- cline will approximate some 22% or a loss in revenue to Rockland of some $6,600.00. The State Budget shows a 25% reduction in the levy on the towns and cities. If this is approved by the legislature it would mean a saving to Rockland of some $5,275.00.
As an overall forecast it seems reasonable to assume that as a town the net difference in receipts and expendi- tures wont vary to any appreciable degree from 1942. This statement is made with our fingers crossed as Tax Commissioner Long has stated that difference in the above figures may result in a tax increase of from $5.00 to $7.00.
Appropriation requests for Welfare, Old Age Assist- ance, Civilian Defense and other items are some $40,000.00 under last year and this is the figure that will determine whether or not we receive a tax reduction. The departments have been very reasonable on their re- quests and have not asked for any capital expenditures that are not well merited.
In the final analysis the tax rate is established by the appropriations made at town meeting. It should be in- cumbent upon every voter to attend town meeting so that whatever action is taken it will be by the majority.
Conclusion
In making this report we have tried to cover all con- ditions and facts as we see them with the full knowledge they wont meet with approbation of all voters. That is as it should be. Each voter is entitled to his opinion and
111
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
has the right to know the position his town official takes. We have tried to give an efficient and economical admin- istration dealing fairly with everybody.
We again wish to thank the citizens of the town, the department heads, and the employees for their very loyal cooperation during a trying year.
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