USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1917-1921 > Part 22
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The Sewer Commissioners recommend for sewer maintenance for the coming year the sum of $3000.00.
Respectfully submitted,
BOARD OF SEWER COMMISSIONERS.
JOSEPH H. ALLARD, Secretary.
7
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of the Town of Southbridge :
The Cemetery Committee organized for the year of 1921 with George H. Hartwell, Jr., as chairman and S. W. Williams as clerk.
Our chief aim during the year of 1921 has been to keep the Per- petual Care Lots in the best possible condition. We have, however, graded graves in all parts of the Cemetery and have given the non- care lots as much attention as possible, especially in what is known as the old part of the Cemetery.
These lots were purchased long before the Perpetual Care fund was instituted, and the committee feel that they should be given all possible attention.
We extended the water system so as to take care of the new sections which have recently been laid out into lots. This section has been held for people desiring Perpetual Care with their lots. We felt it was due these owners to have this accommodation. This work en- tailed the expenditure of a large amount of money both for materials and labor, but we feel it was money well spent.
The cost of keeping the roads in good condition is steadily in- creasing with the increased use of Automobiles. Our roads have no foundation. We are therefore compelled to work on them continually to keep them in proper condition.
118
ANNUAL REPORTS
We have always considered ourselves fortunate in having the beautiful trees that are located in the Cemetery.
During the last ice storm a number of the largest trees were badly broken. The yard foreman did all the work that was possible for him to do last fall, but it will be necessary to spend a considerable amount of time on the trees in the spring to put them back in first class con- dition. It will also be necessary to remove a few of the older trees, as they are unsafe and are liable to fall anytime, breaking the monu- ments that are under them.
We wish at this time to thank the Citizens and Town Officials for their interest and co-operation during the past year.
Respectfully submittted,
GEORGE H. HARTWELL, JR., Chairman, ALVA L. HYDE. DANIEL T. MORRILL, WARDWELL M. EDWARDS, EMERY A. LAVALLEE, SEAVER M. RICE.
REPORT OF THE PLAYGROUND COMMITTEE
HECTOR L. PELOQUIN, D.D. S., Chairman of Playground Committee
Dear Sir :
The report of the playground activities for the season of 1921 is as follows :
Opening and Attendance :-
The six playgrounds, Central, Elm, River, School, Union and Sandersdale, opened July 11, with an attendance of 1100 children. The daily average attendance was 950 children.
Play Periods :-
As in previous years the sessions were divided into play and work periods.
Active games and folk dances suitable for children of the various groups were taught.
Athletics :-
Athletics played an important part in the recreation for boys. who were intensely interested in the team games, races and track events. Two base ball leagues were formed known as junior and Senior. In the Senior League Central Street was declared winner.
D
120
ANNUAL REPORTS
In Junior League, River Street was winner. The Senior League num- bered 34 boys, the Junior 64.
Swimming :-
The classes in swimming were conducted Monday and Tuesday mornings at Sandy Beach, "Big Pond." The class period of one hour - each day from 10 a. m. to 11 a. m.
At the close of the season the pupils, 45 boys and 22 girls, par- ticipated in a water carnival.
Prizes were awarded best swimmers.
Industrial Work :-
During the industrial period of one hour each session, the chil- dren were taught useful arts and given an opportunity to learn chair caning, basketry, raffia, cord, and wool work .. . The electric table lamps made in the Senior division were very useful and artistic; 924 articles were completed in the industrial course.
Health Classes :--
The Home Economics Department of the Southbridge Woman's Club continued the Mother Craft classes this season, it being the third season for the classes under the supervision of the Club. Lessons in general health, care of food, and mother craft were given. The course of lectures closed with a health play.
The supervisor wishes to publicly acknowledge the helpfulness of the playground committee, and especially its chairman, the loyalty and faithful work of the instructors, the courtesy of the Hamilton Woolen Co. in the use of Sandy Beach, and assistance given by many interested citizens.
Respectfully submitted,
MARGARET G. BUTLER.
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Citizens of Southbridge :
I respectfully submit my report from November 30, 1920 to November 30, 1921.
Adjusted Platform Scales Over 5000 pounds. 4
Sealed Platform Scales over 5000 pounds. 9
Condemned Platform Scales over 5000 pounds
3
Adjusted Platform Scales under 5000 pounds
3
Sealed Platform Scades under 5000 pounds.
127
Non-sealed
4
Condemned Platform Scales under 5000 pounds
5
Sealed Slot Weighing Scales
7
All other Scales adjusted
3
All other Scales Sealed
291
All other Scales Condemned
16 1170
Number of Weights Condemned
12
Number of Liquid Measures Sealed.
76
Number of Liquid Measures Condemned
7
Number of Linear Measures Sealed
45
Number of Linear Measures Condemned. 2
Oil and Molasses Pumps Sealed
37
Oil and Molasses Pumps Condemned. 9
Total Adjusted 20
Total Sealed 1910
Number of Weights Sealed
122
ANNUAL REPORTS
Total Condemned 97
Certificates Issued in the Office and Outside 234
Inspection of Stores 71
Inspection of Hawkers and Peddlers 24
Inspection of Peddlers' Licenses 25
Inspection of Milk Wagons
19
Inspection of Ice Wagons 42
Marking of Food Packages 466
During the year many inspections were made at different times of which no record was kept. The scales of hawkers, peddlers, coal dealers. ice dealers and those in markets, grocery stores, ets., were inspected to insure against carelessness and fraud.
More incorrect scales have been seized and condemned during the past year, and are held at the Sealer's office.
The large platform scale owned by the Town, that was located on High Street, has been removed and placed in front of the Town Barn on Goddard Street, where it can be reached to the satisfaction of the public.
The inventory of the Sealer's Department taken on December 30th, by former sealers D. T. Morrill, Fred Adams and Eugene C. Gabree, has given the amount of $446.50.
Fees collected during the year and paid to the Treasurer, $148.96.
FELIX GATINEAU,
Sealer.
REPORT OF SINKING FUND COMMISSIONERS
Balance
Interest 1921
16257
Amherst Savings Bank
Dec. 31 1921 $1135 95
$54 72
34032
Clinton Savings Bank.
1199 94
52 20
44901
Dedham Instition for Savings
958 09
41 69
51856
Fitchburg Savings Bank.
1028 79
49 56
4413
Leicester Savings Bank
996 39
43 36
39639
Natick Five Cents Savings Bank.
829 58
36 08
29970
Salem Five Cents Savings Bank
1159 03
50 42
390502
Suffolk Savings Bank
1177 95
51 26
21209
Southbridge Savings Bank
3566 63
155 23
4459
Southbridge National Bank
321 80
1 80
914
Southbridge People's National Bank
3676 58
171 94
42082
Ware Savings Bank
984 39
42 81
21381
Webster Five Cents Savings Bank. .
1228 03
53 44
130170
Worcester Five Cents Savings Bank
1024 20
44 55
73989
Worcester Mechanics Savings Bank
945 91
41 15
50139
Worcester People's Savings Bank. .
1247 90
54 29
16 Augusta, Me., Water Bonds.
16000 00
640 00
$37481 16
$1584 50
Total Sinking Fund December 31, 1920
$35896 66
Interest to Sinking Fund in 1921
1584 50
Total Sinking Fund December 31, 1921. $37481 16
F. E. CHICOINE, ALFRED DUMAS, CONRAD E. MAYNARD, Sinking Commissioners.
Book No.
Depository
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 1922
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Moderator
$50.00
Law $600.00
Selectmen
2000.00
Town Clerk 1200.00
Accountant
1650.00
Election and Registra-
Treasurer
1650.00
tion
3000.00
Tax Collector
2100.00
Town Hall
3300.00
Assessors
4000.00
PROTECTION TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY
Police Department .$25,000.00
Fire Department 23,669.00
Tree Warden
100.00
Forest Fires 500.00
HEALTH AND SANITATION
Board of Health. $9000.00
Sanitary Cleaning.
Sewer Maintenance.
2700.00
Pavement Cleaning.
General Cleaning
HIGHWAYS
Highways
Sidewalk Repairs
Railings
Bridges
Street Lights.
. .
.$14,000.00
Maintenance of Perma-
nent Roads.
Street Oiling.
CHARITIES AND SOLDIERS' BENEFITS
Outside Poor
$15,000.00
Military Aid. . $500.00
Almshouse
6,000.00
Soldiers' Relief. 3000.00
Mothers' Aid
10,000.00
Soldiers' Burials 100.00
Sealer of Weights and
Measures
$1000.00
Moth Extermination . 100.00
126
ANNUAL REPORTS
EDUCATION
Schools
.$117,300.00
Public Library . . . .
$6500.00 .
RECREATION
Playgrounds and Bath
Houses $3000.00
1- CELEBRATION
Band Concerts.
.$250.00
UNCLASSIFIED
Damage to Persons and
Annual Reports
Property
$500.00
Water and Ice Supplies
Insurance 2000.00
Cemetery Improvements
$1,700.00
Memorial Day.
450.00
Interest 17,000.00
Searching Parties.
100.00
Maturing Dept 25,110.00
Care of Town Clock .. 50.00
Ambulance
450.00
VALMORE TETREAULT,
Town Accountant.
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
The Southbridge Planning Board met at intervals during the year, discussing matters relative to the duties of such a board with the end in view of giving effect to any plans that might recommend themselves as beneficial to the community. The chairman appointed committees to make a study of the purposes and duties of planning boards in general, with particular reference to their application to Southbridge. The reports of the committee proved interesting.
As the law does not define in any precise way what the functions of planning boards are, other than to suggest in a very general way things that might be undertaken, and as no power resides in such boards to put into effect plans that might result in public good, we felt that the possibilities of the board were much restricted.
It was found that in nearly every case where the board might be of use, other departments of the town government had matters under their jurisdiction, and as any action of the planning board would be but an overlapping of effort, with the possibility of con- fusion and even of friction with other departments, it was thought best not to interfere.
Among the duties enumerated in a vague way of planning boards is that of having cleanup weeks, and the like. This matter has been well attended to for many years by the board of health, and it was felt that it would be worse than superfluous for the planning board to do anything along that line. It was also felt that the board ought not to obtrude its services upon the police department in the matter of traffic, or upon the fire department in the matter of conditions in
128
ANNUAL REPORTS
and about public buildings and dwellings. It was found that action urged by planning board bulletins and pamphlets was being taken by various town boards, the result being that about all that was left for a planning board was largely as an advisory body. In most of the instances the boards now handling such matters, because of their per- manency and experience are better able to meet the requirements than a planning board, particularly when boards have power vested in them by law which enables them to issue mandatory orders and notices.
Nevertheless, it is the opinion of this board that a planning board fills a place in the community, and may be of much assistance in civic welfare advancement. It is also felt that care should be exercised in the election of members to the board because of its potential moral power in the community.
When the law enabling or directing cities and towns to establish planning boards was enacted in 1913, it was accepted by Southbridge, and in town meeting it was voted that the membership should consist of five persons. It is here recommended that in the future this num- ber be adhered to. thereby complying with the vote of the town.
E. BENJ. ARMSTRONG, Chairman, L. O. RIEUTORD, HERBERT E. WELLS, JOS. E. O'SHAUGHNESSY, GEORGE GRANT, M. B. CLEMENCE, FELIX GATINEAU, JOHN E. PAIGE,
Southbridge Planning Board.
TOWN WARRANT
Worcester, ss.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Southbridge, in the County of Worcester,
GREETING:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are hereby requested to notify the inhabitants of the Town of Southbridge, aforesaid, qualified to vote in town affairs to meet in the Town Hall in said Southbridge, on Monday the sixth (6) day of March 1922 at 5.45 o'clock in the forenoon to act on the following articles :
Article 1. To choose a moderator to preside over said meeting.
Article 2. To choose by ballot all necessary town officers for the ensuing year : viz :--
Clerk; Treasurer; three Selectmen; one Overseer of the Poor for three years : one men ber of the Board of Health for three years; one Assessor for three years; Collector of Taxes; two members of the School Committee for three years; one Park Commissioner for three years; one Sinking Fund Commissioner for three years; one Sewer Commissioner for three years; two Cemetery Commissioners for three years ; Tree Warden; Highway Surveyor; three Constables ; and all others provided for by law.
Article 3. To vote by ballot "YES" or "NO" in answer to the
ยท
130
ANNUAL REPORTS
question, "Shall licenses be granted for the sale of certain non-intox- icating beverages in this town ?"
Article 4. To hear the reports of the Town Accountant, Treas- urer, Clerk, Selectmen, School Committee, Library Committee, etc., and act anything thereon.
Article 5. To raise and appropriate such sums of money as may be necessary to pay town debts and charges for the current financial year.
Article 6. To see if the town will vote to authorize the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money in anticipation of the revenue of the current financial year, or act anything thereon.
Article 7. To see if the town will vote to authorize the Select- men to cause an audit to be made of the town's accounts for 1922, or act anything thereon.
Article 8. To see if the town will vote to pay the Enginemen, or act anything thereon.
Article 9. To see if the town will vote to give the Collector of Taxes the same power to collect taxes that the Town Treasurer has when appointed Collector of Taxes, or act thereon.
Article 10. To see if the town will vote to have all taxes due and payable October 1, 1922, and if not paid on or before October 15, 1922 to have interest charged at the rate of 6 per cent per annum from October 1, 1922, or act anything thereon.
Article 11. To see if the town will vote to fix the compensation of town officers, laborers and teams, or act anything thereon.
Article 12. To see if the town will vote to authorize the Special
131
ANNUAL REPORTS
School Building Committee appointed under Article 27 of the Annual Town Meeting held March 7, 1921, to construct the addition to the present High School Building, to accommodate Vocational School, Continuation School and other classes, raise and appropriate money therefor or act anything thereon.
Article 13. To see if the town will vote to pay Messrs. Appleton & Stearns, Architects, the balance due them for the plans of the pro- posed School Building at the corner of Main Street and Pine Street, Southbridge. Mass., raise and appropriate money therefor or act any- thing thereon.
Article 14. To see if the town will vote to construct a sewer in Highland Street, beginning at South Street, for about 200 feet, raise and appropriate money therefor or act anything thereon.
Article 15. To see if the town will vote to construct a sewer in Marcy, Hartwell and Spring Streets and over private lands to con- nect with the sewer in Eastford Road, according to the original plans as accepted for sewer disposal, raise and appropriate money therefor or act anything thereon.
Article 16. To see if the town will vote to construct a cement concrete sidewalk on the easterly side of Pine Street, from the corner of Main Street to the corner of Edwards Street, said walk to be five (5) feet wide, raise and appropriate money therefor or act anything thereon.
Article 17. To see if the town will vote to repair or pave Everett Street, from Main Street Southerly to the junction of Everett and Elm Street, raise and appropriate money therefor or act anything thereon.
Article 18. To see if the town will vote to construct a Catch Basin on the easterly side of Everett Street, Southbridge, Massachu-
132
ANNUAL REPORTS
setts, near the property of Clement Donais, Jr., raise and appropriate money therefor or act anything thereon.
Article 19. To see if the town will vote to construct a culvert on Chestnut Street, near the entrance of Overland Street, and also the lowering of Overland Street, about two feet from Chestnut Street to Morris Street, raise and appropriate money therefor or act any- thing thereon.
Article 20. To see if the town will vote to pay the outstanding bills of 1921, as follows: Playgrounds, $199.21; Sanitary Cleaning, $16.50; Maintenance Permanent Roads, $387.57; Highways $73.27, raise and appropriate money therefor or act anything thereon.
Article 21. To hear the report of the Special Committee ap- pointed under Article 29, of the Annual Town Meeting held March 7, 1921, in reference to securing new quarters for the Police Depart- ment ,raise and appropriate money therefor or act anything thereon.
Article 22. To see if the town will vote to install three electric lights on Glover Street, raise and appropriate money therefor or act anything thereon.
Article 23. To see if the town will vote to install five electric lights on Pleasant Street, between the residence of Michael J. Comer- ford and that of Alfred Mckinstry, raise and appropriate money therefor or act anything thereon.
Article 24. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred Dollars to put in a retaining wall and raise the road for that portion of Plimpton Street, adjoining the Edwards Ice Pond, or act anything thereon.
Article 25. To see if the town will vote to accept "Fiske Street Extension" so that the street will extend to the last house on said
133
ANNUAL REPORTS
"Fiske Street Extension," raise and appropriate money therefor or act anything thereon.
Article 26. To see if the town will vote to accept "Wall Street," from Pleasant Street to Proulx Avenue, raise and appropriate money therefor or act anything thereon.
And you are directed to serve this Warrant by publishing an attested copy thereof twice in the Southbridge Press and Herald, the first publication being not less than nine days next preceding the day of the meeting,-or by posting up such attested copies in four con- spicuous places within the Town, at least nine days, including Sun- days,-before the day of holding said meeting. The polls will be open at 5.45 o'clock, A. M., and close at four (4) o'clock P. M.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this Warrant with your doings thereon to the Town Clerk at the time and place hereinbefore named.
Given under our hands this 20th day of February, A. D. 1922.
RAYMOND A. RICE, ALEXANDRE L. DESAULNIERS, WILFRED J. LAMOUREUX,
Selectmen of Southbridge.
INDEX
PAGE
Accountant's Report 19
Appropriations 47
Balance Sheet 50
Charities 36
General Revenue 20
Health and Sanitation
.31
Payments, General Government
24
Protection, Persons and Property
27
Assessors' Report
87
Board of Health
.95
Cemetery Committee
117
Fire Engineers
75
Highway Surveyor 89
Overseers of the Poor
93
Police Department 81
Playground Committee 119
Recommendations for 1922 125
Report of State Audit, 1921 55
Selectmen's Report .53
121
Sewer Commissioners 115
Sinking Fund Commissioners 123
Tax Collector .91
85
Town Clerk's Report
Town Warrant 129
Treasurer's Report 11
Trustees of the Library 107
Report of Planning Board 127
Sealer's Report
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