Town annual reports of the selectmen and overseers of the poor of the town of Harwich 1938, Part 5

Author: Harwich (Mass. : Town)
Publication date: 1938
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 166


USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Harwich > Town annual reports of the selectmen and overseers of the poor of the town of Harwich 1938 > Part 5


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


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be indefinitely postponed. So voted.


- 100 -


Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifteen Hundred Dollars ($1500.) to dredge Allen's Harbor and channel, provided that the State and other agencies will contribute sufficient funds to com- plete the project ; and act fully thereon.


Indefinitely postponed.


Article 19. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the purpose of extending the water main from Park Street to Pleasant Lake Avenue ; thence to Main Street and join the water main there, and act fully thereon.


Laid on the table until Art. 44 should be disposed of. It was then accepted as read and $3,500.00 appropriated.


Article 20. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000.) for the installation of heat, plumbing and ventilation in the North Harwich School.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted, as they believe that this building should be put into condition comparable to the other school buildings now in use. Accepted and adopted as read.


Article 21. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Two Hundred Fifty ($250.) Dollars for the purpose of providing five Band Concerts, to be given by the Junior Community Band and other Cape musical or- ganizations during July and August, at Brooks Park.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted. Accepted and adopted as read.


Article 22. To see if the Town will vote that the name of that part of Julien Road in South Harwich, which' extends from its junction with Main Street (Route 28), to the corner opposite the property of Sawyer, be changed to Old Wharf Road, and that the name Old Wharf Road be also applied to the continuation of the present town road from


- 101 -


said corner at Sawyer's property to the site of the old Com- mercial Wharf at the shore.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted. So voted.


Article 23. To see if the Town will vote to accept. Section 103A of Chapter 54 of the General Laws Ter. Ed., and any acts or amendments thereto. Said Section 103A be- ing an act "Providing for absent voting at regular Town elections."


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted. So voted.


Article 24. To see if the town will vote to elect by ballot at the next annual Town Meeting a Board of three Cemetery Commissioners; one to be elected for one year, one for two years, and one for three years; and annually thereafter one to be elected for a term of three years. By request.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted. So voted.


Article 25. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.) . to care for and keep in good order, the burial grounds within the town which are not properly cared for by the owners. under the provisions of Chapter 114, Section 16, of the Gen- eral Laws, and instruct the Selectmen to have the care and protection of such burial grounds.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted. So voted.


Article 26. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money not to exceed Fifteen Hundred Dollars ($1500.), under the provisions of Sub-Section 21 of Section 1 of Chapter 371 of Aets of 1921, and any and all amendments thereof and additions thereto for the employ- ing of a nurse through the Harwich Visiting Nurse Associa- tion, Inc.


-102 -


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted. So voted.


Article 27. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.) to be paid to the Cape Cod Hospital for the estab- lishment and maintenance of a free bed in the Hospital for the care and treatment of persons certified by the Selectmen to be residents of the Town and unable to pay for such care and treatment, in accordance with Section 74 of Chapter 111 of the General Laws, or take any action in relation thereto, and act fully thereon.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted. So voted.


Article 28. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty-five Hundred Dollars ($2500.) to be used under the direction of the Selectmen for the promotion of public recreation and amusement in the form of Baseball, in accordance with Legislative Acts of 1930, Chapter 12. Section 1. and any acts and amendments thereto.


Accepted and adopted with the provision that $200.00 be taken from the $2,500.00 appropriation for use by the twi-light league.


Article 29. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Hundred Dollars ($300.) for the benefit of Chase Library, West Harwich.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted. So voted.


Article 30. To see if the Town will vote to raise and. appropriate the sum of Three Hundred Dollars ($300.) for the benefit of the Harwichport Library Association.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted. So voted.


-103 -


Article 31. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Six Hundred Dollars ($600.) for the use of Harwich Post No. 292, American Legion, in the prop- er observance of Memorial Day and Armistice Day, and for other purposes.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted. So voted.


Article 32. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty-five Dollars ($25.) for the expense of an officer finding and disposing of unlicensed dogs, and act fully thereon.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be indefinitely postponed, and that this work be done as a regular duty of the police department. Voted to indefinite- ly postpone.


Article 33. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the improvement of Har- wich-Orleans Road ; said money to be used in conjunction with any money which may be allotted by the State or County, or both, for this purpose ; or take any other action in relation thereto.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted and the sum of $3,500.00 raised and appropriated. Finance Committee's report accepted and adopted.


Article 34. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.) to be expended in connection with W. P. A. work, said money to be expended under the supervision of the Selectmen.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted. So voted.


Article 35. To see what action the Town will take in regard to its Herring Fisheries.


The Finance Committee recommends that the Select- men be authorized to sell the fishing privileges for one year


-104 -


at either public or private sale, no sale to be made unless satisfactory terms can be obtained. So voted.


Article 36. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money to install a sprinkler system' in the Exchange Building. for fire protection, and act fully thereon.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be indefinitely postponed. A sprinkler system would prob- ably save $400.00 to $450.00 in yearly premiums on the $20,000. of insurance now carried, but the required expendi- ture of approximately $3,600. seems too much at this time. Indefinitely postponed.


Article 37. To see if the Town will vote to rescind the action taken at the regular Town Meeting on Feb. 2nd. 1931 whereby it accepted Sections 1, 3, 6 and 7, and Sections 11 to 16 inclusive of Chapter 142 G. L., and all amendments and additions thereto, said act being relative to the super- vision of plumbing.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be indefinitely postponed. State law requires that all towns with a public water supply have plumbing ordinances and à plumbing inspector. If changes are desired we suggest the appointment of a committee to work with the board of health for this purpose. Indefinitely postponed.


Article 38. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.) to ex- iend and repair Town Landing and Breakwater at Pleasant Bay, East Harwich.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted. So voted.


Article 39. To see if the town will vote to rescind the action taken at the last Annual Town Meeting in Feb. 1937, whereby the town voted to accept Article 39 of the Town Warrant to establish a Planning Board.


So voted.


-105 -


Article 40. To see if the town will vote to rescind the action taken at the last Annual Town Meeting in Feb. 1937 whereby the town voted to accept Article 40 of the Town Warrant to accept the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 41, Section 81F to 81J., inclusive as added by Chap- ter 211 of 1936.


Accepted and adopted as read. Under this article it was voted to use the unexpended balance from the Planning Board fund to reduce the 1938 tax rate.


Article 41. To see if the town will vote to elect all: Town Officers by popular vote that are now appointed by the Selectmen.


Indefinitely postponed.


Article 42. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money to pipe water into the Police Station on Sisson Road, and to install suitable toilet accom- modations for police officers and prisoners, or what action it will take thereon.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted, and the sum of $200.00 raised and appropriated. So voted.


Article 43. To see if the Town will vote to appro- priate the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.) to be used for Extensions to the Town Water System when requested. Applicants for Extensions must guarantee the Town 6 per cent. income on the investment. To see what action the Town will take and act fully thereon.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted, as it will permit the water com- missioners to make short extensions to give service to new customers. So voted.


Article 44. To see if the Town will vote to accept the following: When any extension of a water main is re- quested upon any street or way, the Water Commissioners shall require before such extensions are made that a bond


- 106 -


shall be given to the Town in such amount and form and with sureties as they shall approve, conditionally that the Obligors shall pay to the Town for a period of five (5) years or as the Commissioners may determine. at the times ap- pointed for payment of water rates, such sums as shall amount in the aggregate annually to six (6) per cent. of the cost of such extension, subject to dimunition by the amounts that the Town shall receive annually from rates paid for water by consumers of water connected with such exten- sion. The amount of such cost shall be determined by the Board of Water Commissioners.


Indefinitely postponed.


Article 45. To see if the Town will vote to have all of the Town's accounts audited annually by the Director of Accounts for Cities and Towus, and to act fully thereon.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted. Yearly andits have been made for the past few years, and have proven more satisfactory and less expensive than if made at longer intervals. So voted.


Article 46. To see if the Town will vote to procure index maps of the town for the use of the Town Assessors. to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum and act fully thereon.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be indefinitely postponed. The more valuable sections are already mapped, and it is understood that the state is to do work for the towns along these lines. So voted.


Article 47. To see if the town will by ordinance or by-law authorize the Collector of Taxes to be "Town Col- lector" under Chapter 41, Section 38A, and aet fully there- 011.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be indefinitely postponed. So voted.


-107 -


Article 48. To see if the town will vote to elect a Board of Selectmen, a Board of Assessors, a Board of Health, and a Board of Welfare, on separate ballots, fix their salaries, and act fully thereon.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be indefinitely postponed. So voted.


Article 49. To see if the town will vote to amend its by-laws to require a quorum of at least 10 per cent. of its: qualified voters and to act fully thereon. It was voted to amend the By-Laws requiring 5 per cent. of the registered, voters to be considered a quorum, provided that any meet- ing may be adjourned from time to time without a quorum.


Article 50. To see if the town will vote to relay and repair the brick sidewalk, a brick approach, in front of the Brook's Block; raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money to pay the expense thereof, and act fully thereon.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted and the sum of $75.00 raised and appropriated for this purpose. So voted.


Article 51. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Two Hundred Dollars ($200.) to stock ponds and streams with fish and for the feeding and propagation of game within the town limits, and that a com- mittee of three be appointed by the chair to have charge of the work.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted. So voted.


Article 52. To see what disposition the Town will vote to make of the Harwichport and West Harwich School Buildings no longer needed for school purposes.


The Finance Committee recommends that these build- ings be retained by the town for the present. So voted- with the understanding that the building can be rented to the West Harwich Brotherhood for ($1.00) one dollar a year.


- 108 -


Article 53. To see if the Town will vote to accept the road as laid out by the Selectmen, known as Hiawatha Road, Harwichport; beginning at Lower County Road and extending southerly over the land of James O. Hulse, the Town of Harwich, and land of Thomas F: Mahan, into West- ern Avenue, so called, and to see if the Town will vote to deed the small triangular piece of land, being a part of the land purchased from Mrs. Nellie F. Barrett to James O. Hulse in exchange for land taken by the town to complete' this road and to act fully thereon.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted. So voted.


Article 54. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.) for the purpose of riprapping on the East side of Herring River, providing the State and private subscription will pay the balance of the cost.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted. So voted.


Article 55. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty-five Hundred Dollars ($2500.) for the purpose of dredging a channel at the mouth of Herring River, providing that Fifteen Hundred Dollars ($1500.) is raised by private subscription and the sum of Four Thousand Dollars ($4000.) or more. by the State De- partment of Public Works, and to act fully thereon.


Indefinitely postponed.


Article 56. To see if the town will vote to authorize the Selectmen, so far as such authority may be necessary to reconvey to Edith Sears and Henry C. Cahoon land and buildings on Depot Street, North Harwich, which were con- veyed to the town in 1934-1935 by said Sears and Cahoon, and to cancel and rescind any and all agreements which were entered into as consideration for which said properties were conveyed to the town.


- 109 -


The Finance Committee recommends that the Town authorize the Selectmen to convey to Edith Sears the prop- erty deeded to the town by her in 1934 and to cancel the agreements entered into as a consideration for such deed ; no action to be taken on the Cahoon property under this article. The Finance Committee report was accepted and adopted.


Article 57. To see if the town will vote to accept property located on Depot Street, No. Harwich, deeded to the town in 1934-1935 by Edith Sears and Henry C. Ca- hoon respectively, or take any action relative thereto.


The Finance Committee recommends that the Town accept the property decded to it by Henry C. Cahoon in 1935; no action to be taken on the Sears property under this article. Accepted and adopted.


Article 58. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred Fifteen Dollars ($515.) to pay off the mortgage and interest on real estate conveyed to town in 1935.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted. So voted-($415.) appropriated.


Article 59. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.) to harden and improve Town Property at foot of Bank Street to be used for parking.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted. So voted.


Article 60. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.) pro- vided the County contributes Five Hundred Dollars ($500.) and the State One Thousand Dollars ($1000.) for jetty work and shore protection between the Chatham and Dennis lines.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted. So voted.


-110-


Article 61. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money to pay for land dam- age in connection with the widening and straightening of curve on Pleasant Lake Avenue, at Pleasant Lake, and act fully thereou.


Indefenitely postponed. Other land damages will be necessitated through more curve straightening on this road, all settlements to be made at a later date.


Article 62. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money to resurface Lower County Road with pea stone from Main Street, Harwich- port, to the Dennis line, and act fully thereon.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted and the sum of $750.00 raised and appropriated, the money to be spent in conjunction with State and County funds to be used for this purpose. So voted.


Article 63. To see if the Town will vote to adopt the following zoning by-laws or ordinances as reported and recommended by the Town Planning Board.


Indefenitely postponed. Ten pages of zoning laws will be found in 1937 town report.


Article 64. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $6,500.00 to purchase and equip a Forest Fire Truck, and act fully thereon.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be indefinitely postponed on account of the substantial amount of other unavoidable expenses this year. So voted.


Article 65. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1950.00 to build a Fire Station in West Harwich, said station to be located on the School House Lot, and act fully thereon.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be indefinitely postponed. So voted.


-- 111 -


Article 66. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of Twenty-four Hundred Dollars ($2400.) from sur- plus overlays to the reserve fund and act fully thereon.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted. So voted.


Article 67. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money to defray the unpaid bills of the Police Department, incurred for salaries and ex- penses, for 1937, or what action it will take thereon.


The Finance Committee recommends that this article be accepted and adopted. So voted with an appropriation of $518.20.


Memorials read at the Annual Meeting in memory of Henry W. Thompson, School Committee, and Emulous A. Cahoon, who served as Herring Committee for 65 yrs.


MEMORIAL TO HENRY W. THOMPSON


For the first time in many years the Town of Har- wich will miss a voice here today. We will miss the voice of a devoted, faithful and beloved public official. We will miss the voice of one who has spoken in the earnest elo- quence of sincerity for our children and who has raised that voice to influence his fellow townsmen to consider the fu- ture of this community.


Ile was an elective official of Harwich, served for many years with distinction as a member of the School Committee. He was active in the educational progress of the schools and he rendered conspicuous service as chair- man of the School Building Committee. We all revere his memory and we note with deepest sorrow and genuine re- gret the passing of Henry Wood Thompson. Therefore, be it resolved, that we the citizens of Harwich today accept these resolutions as a tribute to him and to the great sacri- fice he made for us and our children.


- 112 -


Be it further resolved that a copy of these resolu- tions be spread upon the town records and that a copy be sent to the family, and that this meeting stand in a moment of silence as further tribute to one who so faithfully served his country, state and township.


-Harry B. Albro.


MEMORIAL TO EMULOUS A. CAHOON


In the pretty little village of Pleasant Lake there was born eighty nine years ago a man who has been a town officer for over sixty-five years.


Hle was a family man, quiet and homey and one of our most respectable citizens.


I refer to Emulous A. Cahoon, who died last Septem- ber and into my mind comes an old verse which I remember and in the archives of memory letter one more name.


The audience stood for a moment in silent prayer and this memento was spread upon the records of the town.


-- John T. Wood.


SPECIAL TOWN MEETING Monday, March 28th, 1938


Article 1. To choose on one ballot one Tax Collector, to serve for the unexpired term of the late Edwin K. Bearse. or until the annual Town Election of February 1939.


Thomas R. Eldredge elected.


Article 2. To see if the town will vote to apply the following balances on debts maturing in 1938, Surplus War bonus $1,081.45, Water extension Sisson road $261.36, Water extension Park Street $142.23, Grant balances Water


-113 -


P. W. A. projects, $6,188.55 or take any action relative thereto.


Voted to accept the article as read.


Article 3. To see if the town will vote to rescind, or reconsider the vote passed at the annual Town Meeting of February 8th, 1938 whereby it was voted to amend the By-Laws of the Town, so it will require 5 per cent. of the Registered voters of the town to constitute a quorum at any Special Town Meeting.


Indefinitely postponed.


SPECIAL TOWN MEETING Friday, May 13, 1938, 8 P. M.


Article 1. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from the surplus revenue, the sum of Two Thousand Dollars, for the purpose of dredging a channel, at the mouth of Herring River, and to act fully thereon.


Voted to take $2,000.00 from the surplus revenue.


Article 2. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from surplus revenue, the sum of Two Thousand Dollars, for the purpose of dredging a chan- nel at the mouth of Allen's Harbor, and to act fully thereon.


Voted to take $2,000.00 from the surplus revenue.


Article 3. To see if the Town will vote to raise and: appropriate or transfer from the surplus revenue, the sum of Two Thousand Dollars, for the purpose of dredging a channel at Wychmere Harbor, and to act fully thereon.


Voted to take $2,000.00 from the surplus revenue.


Article 4. To see if the Town will vote to raise and. appropriate the sum of $500 to equip the police car and po- lice station with a two way communication radio or what action it will take thereon.


Voted to take $500.00 from surplus revenue for the purpose.


- 114 -


Article 5. To see if the Town will vote to raise and. appropriate or transfer from surplus revenue, the sum of $4,200.00 Dollars for the purpose of continuing the water main along the Main Road in South Harwich from the resi- dence of George Fottler to the residence of Otto Becker and to act fully thereon.


Voted that $4,200.00 be taken from surplus revenue for this purpose.


SPECIAL TOWN MEETING Friday, November 25, '1938


A quorum not being present the meeting was adjourned to Tuesday evening, November 29, 1938


Article 1. To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of Seetion 69. Chapter 152 General Laws as amended by Chapter 403 of the Acts of 1936 and determine what employees shall be included in the terms, laborers, workmen and mechanics as used in Sections 68 to 75 in- clusive, of said Chapter 152.


Finance Committee report : That the town accept the provision of Sect. 69, Chapter 152, Gen. Laws as amended by Chapter 403 of the Acts of 1936, in so far as it applies to Chap. 90 road work for the calendar year 1938; and de- termine a laborer, workman or mechanic as used in Sec- tions 68 to 75 inclusive, of said Chapter 152, to be any per- son performing actual service on Chapter 90 road work during the calendar year 1938. Accepted and adopted as read.


Article 2. To see if the Town will transfer from the Old Age Assistance fund to the following accounts : Wel- fare, $700.00; Board of Health, $400.00; Miscellaneous, $50.00; Registration, $25.00; Poor of Other Towns, $200.00; State Poor, $150.00.




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.