USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Harwich > Town annual reports of the selectmen and overseers of the poor of the town of Harwich 1951 > 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 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12
The policeman's job is hard. He is exposed to all weathers at all hours of the day and night. In emergencies he is on duty sometimes extra continuous wearing hours. He must grapple, without hesitation with any situation that arises, no matter at what risk of life.
The public must remember that the police cannot be all over and in all places at one time because your force is undermanned. Unthinking citizens bitterly complain about the lack of police protection given their neighborhood; or why a policeman isn't stationed at a particularly dangerous inter-section ; your police force has not grown in proportion to the increase in population of your Town. Equipment and methods of operation have changed.
66
In concluding my report may I plead with you to co- operate with your police force. If you smile at a "No Parking" sign or exceed the speed limit etc., remember that these laws were made for your protection. Your police department can work efficiently only with the full support of every citizen.
I also wish at this time, to thank all the regular and special officers for their cooperation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, GLENN T. MILLER, Chief of Department
Report of The Sealer of Weights and Measurers
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Town of Harwich, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I herewith respectfully submit my eighteenth annual report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the Town of Harwich for the year ending December 31, 1951.
Tested
Adjusted
Sealed 66 24
Not Sealed 10
Con- demned
Scales
8
Volumetric Measures
14
Automatic Liquid Measuring Devices
30
65
7
5
Linear Measures
6
Weights
14
124
6
Total
75
285
23
27
Money received from Sealing Fees
$105.35
Paid Town Treasurer
$105.35
Money returned to Treasurer by Director of Standards for Pedler's License Fees
24.00
Total
$129.35
31
67
Inspections made of Pedler's Licenses
4
Other Inspections 194
Trial Weighing and Measurements of Com- modities sold or put up for sale 202
Coal in Transit re-weighed
lbs.4,000
Retests of Gasoline devises after sealing
5
Respectfully submitted,
VICTOR S. RYDER,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
Report of Veterans' Agent
To the Citizens of the Town of Harwich :
Again it becomes my privilege to report to you on the splendid cooperation of the veterans of Harwich and their patience in meeting their temporary emergencies.
At the start of the year this Department attempted to anticipate a budget which would provide adequate funds to alleviate all cases. In the spirit of economy at the Annual Town Meeting the voters suggested that we might attempt a lower appropriation and as a result it was agreed that the proposed budget be reduced by $3500.
Then began a series of hospital admissions until during the year we handled 17 cases and screened 1458 separate applications. The result was inevitable. During the late summer we were obliged to appear before the Finance Committee and seek additional funds to carry on our es- sential work. However, we suggested that $2500 would be sufficient and this proved enough to complete the year without neglecting any veteran or his family.
We had a new problem presented this year which is still not wholly solved. The Korean veterans, with de- pendents at home, find themselves policemen on the United Nations Police force according to the Administration in Washington. However, with the liberal interpretation by the Commonwealth through the Commissioner of Veterans' Services, we have handled the problem through War Allow-
68
ance. May 1952 end the need for this type of assistance through peace. The whole of Korea is not worth the life of even ONE of our Harwich boys and may we soon see the end of fighting there and throughout the world.
We acknowledge the patriotic cooperation of our Wel- fare Department at all times, as well as the fine spirit of all town officials. We also remind the citizens that every dollar authorized by the Commonwealth in all cases through the Veterans' Services, the State reimburses the Town 50%. We salute the attitude of all veterans who prefer work to assistance, and especially are we grateful for the unselfish and faithful services of the Advisory Council, with Miss Adelyn Peabody giving the town and the veterans unusual attention.
Again thank you for your confidence in this Department and may 1952 be the year of PEACE which we all crave and pray for.
Respectfully submitted, HARRY B. ALBRO,
Veterans' Agent
Report of Moth Superintendent and Tree Warden
Having had the pleasure and opportunity of serving as Moth Superintendent and Tree Warden for five years, it was with deep regret that on February 17, 1951, I received a letter from the local authorities stating that my appoint- ment terminated as of February 16. As the original appoint- ment did not expire until March 1, 1951, I continued in office until that date. I have never been given a reason for this action.
During this period of time, some of the work planned be- fore Town Meeting, was completed.
The State Department of Conservation had requested a thorough survey be made for any new gypsy moth egg
69
clusters. Eight men employed by the Moth Department cov- ered approximately four hundred (400), acres of heavy un- derbrush without finding one gypsy moth egg, and I am pleased to report for the second year that the gypsy moths appear to be completely eradicated from this town. As these pests increase very rapidly, a thorough trapping and scout- ing program carried on each year, is the only method of preventing these moths from getting another start on the Cape.
Since the elm bark beetle, carriers of the dreaded Dutch Elm Disease, use dead elm wood for breeding places, it was necessary to prune many of the large elm trees near the Ship's Bell on Bank street.
The Tree Warden department fertilized all the small shade trees set out by the town. Several large shade trees which received extensive pruning during the Summer of 1950, were also fertilized.
Five shade trees, three maples, and two weeping willows were set out along Bank street, replacing others that had died.
Several large dead shade trees in Pleasant Lake, were removed. These trees had become dangerous to people tra- velling upon the highway. One dead elm tree in Harwich Center was also taken down, because of the danger it created.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER E. CAHOON. Moth Superintendent and Tree Warden Appointment Expired March 1, 1951
Report of Moth Superintendent and Tree Warden
It is my pleasure to submit my first report as Tree Warden and Moth Superintendent for the Town of Harwich.
The shade trees were all sprayed once as a protective measure against any and all insects. However, it became
70
necessary to respray the Maple trees as a blight set in during the month of July. Unfortunately, the only way to combat a blight is to spray before it hits, but once it is seen it can only be held in check. This blight seemed to hit our young trees the hardest, therefore this program should be carried on at least for the next two years to rid the Town of this disease.
The Elm trees were sprayed twice for the Elm Bark Beetle and the Elm Leaf Beetle. This department has been advised that another spraying should be applied each year in order to avoid the Dutch Elm Disease.
The new plantings of trees set out by the committee es- tablished at the Town Meeting in 1946 were fertilized and pruned, and where necessary the dead ones removed al- together. These young trees should be given very strict at- tention in the future or the Town stands to lose a good per- centage of them if they are neglected again.
It is the hope of this department that the voters will see fit to continue to plant new trees, at least one for every one removed in the Town.
The Gypsy Moth trapping program was carried on once again and I am very pleased to state that not one male moth was caught in this Town. We should be very thankful and appreciative for the work done by the U. S. D. A., and the towns on the Cape for the apparent elimination of this de- structive pest.
I take this opportunity to thank the Public, Town Offi- cials, and their respective departments for their cooperation with me this past year.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT S. STEARNS Tree Warden Moth Superintendent
71
List of Jurors
Abbott, William J .- Golf Professional Adams, Clifton-Caretaker
Baldwin, Priscilla D .- Housewife
Barber, Joseph-Truck Driver Butlin, Ernest J .- Retired Chamberlain, Elizabeth D .- Housewife Chandler, Carlton E .- Caretaker Dean, Earl-Cranberry Grower Downey, William F .- Mechanic Drake, Asahel E .- Cranberry Grower Duggan, Timothy-Caretaker Hardie, Charles W .- Storekeeper Holmes, Elmer W .- Caretaker Joy, Robert E .- Contractor Maguire, Edward C .- Retired
Mahoney, Joseph P .- Storekeeper
Mears, Flora Hall-Housewife
Pratt, Charles S .- Carpenter Phipps, Irvin R .- Retired Raneo, John S .- Caretaker
Roderick, Edwin-Laborer
Stidstone, George W .- Photographer
Weeks, Stephen-Painter
Wixon, Birmah E .- Clerk
Harwich Port Harwich Port Harwich Port Harwich Harwich
Harwich Port North Harwich North Harwich
South Harwich Harwich Harwich Port West Harwich East Harwich
West Harwich Harwich South Harwich Harwich Port Harwich Pleasant Lake North Harwich Harwich Harwich
Harwich Port East Harwich
Report of Building Inspector
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen : Harwich, Massachusetts
I hereby submit my Annual Report for 1951.
Permits issued for New Construction Residences 78
Stores
5
Guest Houses 3
Green House 1
72
Store Houses
2
1
Stable Garages
14
Permits issued for Alterations & Additions :
Additions
50
Alterations
6
Sewage Disposal Permits issued
134
Appropriation for 1951
$2400.00
Salary & Expenses
$2000.00
Printing
130.95
Payments
$2130.95
Balance to Revenue
$269.05
Paid to the Town for Permits
284.00
Respectfully, WINSLOW B. SAWYER,
Building Inspector
Report of Cemetery Commission
To the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Harwich :
This is the Annual Report of the Cemetery Commission- ers of the Town of Harwich for the year ending December 31, 1951.
The Cemetery Commission has gone through a period of transition due to the great loss of Hon. John T. Wood, who has served this Commission as Chairman since its inception, and who has devoted so much time and effort to its work.
Mr. Wood is greatly missed, and the Town of Harwich has lost a great public servant in his passing.
The two remaining Commissioners have carried on the work with John Roderick as Superintendent. We have carried into execution some of the plans laid out by the late
73
Mr. Wood, which have been a definite improvement to the existing Cemeteries.
In addition to the usual cutting of grass and mowing and trimming, we have painted the fence at the West Harwich Cemetery, and the iron work on the Sears tomb. The Har- wich Center Cemetery, has had some grading done, and the portions of the fence that were not painted last year have been completed, and the iron work on several lots has been painted, and the remaining stumps have been removed. The South Harwich Cemetery has been improved consider- ably and we have been able to grade a portion of the front, and clean up the unsightly piles of sand in the northeast corner. At the East Harwich Methodist Cemetery, we have completed the painting of the fence, repaired several broken headstones, and painted the iron work on several of the lots.
The appropriation of $1000 was insufficient to carry out the entire program, and it is our hope that the taxpayers will see fit to give us an increase of $500 for the year 1952 so that we may continue on with the work that has been planned, and it is our sincere hope that we can bring the Cemeteries up to the standard which is expected by the citizens of the Town.
I wish to draw to the attention of the Citizens of Harwich the need for future planning, and it is my opinion that at this time some consideration should be given to acquiring a new burying ground in the Town of sufficient size and location to accomodate the present and future needs.
Of the Cemeteries now under the jurisdiction of the Cemetery Commission at Harwich, there are no lots available and no opportunity for expansion.
The Evergreen Cemetery at East Harwich, the Ceme- tery at Harwich Port, Pinewood Cemetery at West Harwich, and the North Harwich Cemetery, are not under the juris- diction of the Cemetery Commission at this time, however, at any time that the trustees of these Cemeteries see fit to turn over their property and assets to the Town for super- vision and care by the Cemetery Commissioners, they may do so under the enabling legislation that exists. There are some lots available in these last named Cemeteries, which will serve the needs of the several communities for a short period of time.
74
It is the sincere hope of the Cemetery Commission that some thought will be given and some program arranged for planning and acquisition of a new Cemetery within the Town in the very near future.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY F. SMITH Chairman
Report of The Registrars of Voters
The Board of Registrars of Voters submit their report for 1951 :
During the year five (5) sessions were held for register- ing new voters. One hundred and sixty-one (161) new voters were registered and their names added to the voting list of the town. Eighty-nine (89) names were removed from the voting list of the town for all purposes.
On December 31st there were two thousand, thirty-nine (2,039) registered voters in the town.
Respectfully submitted, AMY B. DAVIS CLEON S. CROWELL WALTER W. GILMORE
Registrars
1951 Report Harwich Planning Board
The Harwich Planning Board is completing three years of service during which we have had excellent co-opera- tion from various Civil Engineers in surveying and pre- paring plans for sub-division; the owners of properties being sub-divided; Board of Selectmen in referring re- quests to us promptly; the Water Department office; Dr. Moore; County Health Officer and the Building Inspector,
75
and we wish to record our thanks and appreciation to all of them.
This board has held a number of meetings and hear- ings during the year to pass on sub-division plans, both preliminary and final. Eight (8) final plans have been ap- proved, five (5) preliminary plans reviewed, but final plans not yet completed, and three (3) other properties reviewed for suggested sub-division to heirs of owners.
The Protective By-Law for West Harwich and Harwich Port, voted at our last Annual Town Meeting and spon- sored by this Board was promptly submitted to the Attor- ney General's Office, finally approved by them and pro- mulgated June 15th, 1951. Printed copies were prepared and paid for from Planning Board appropriations, mailed to out of town tax payers in these two areas, as well as general distribution to our town people.
This Protective By-Law immediately created a much needed zoning protection in these closely built-up areas, and brought requests for extension to South Harwich. This Board has now prepared the necessary data for this ex- tension with some necessary corrections, and after proper advertising called for a public hearing held December 20th in the High School building. As a result proper articles are submitted in the Town Warrant for the Annual Meet- ing in February.
The following is a report of expenditures :- 1951 Appropriation
$300.00
Printing Protective By-Laws $118.87
Advertising Protective 56.88
Stamped envelopes for mailing
34.72
Advertising Hearings
1.25
Advertising Hearing for extension to By-Law
14.38
Extra copies of newspaper
.60
226.70
Balance on Hand, 1952 73.30
Respectfully submitted,
HARWICH PLANNING BOARD
C. W. JOHNSON, Chairman
ESTHER A. STIDSTONE, Clerk
R. B. SNOW
E. W. DYBING
ROSWELL H. NYE
76
Report of The Shellfish Warden 1951
I am very pleased to report that our shellfish program, going into its third year of propagation, is progressing exceptionally well. Round Cove has an abundance of qua- haugs, but it is advisable to keep that area closed until next November, due to the large quantity of seed that has not quite attained its size.
In June I planted 130 bu. of oysters in Round Cove, which is a natural planting area for oysters because of its fresh water springs, There is an excellent set of spat collected on the shells of the adult oysters. This spat will be taken off next Fall, and used as seed, and then the Cove can be opened for the taking of the adult oysters. I consider that Round Cove is ready for controlled shellfishing for six months of the year, beginning next Fall.
Wychmere Harbor is now fully seeded with clams and is, or has been, open to controlled shellfishing. I am told by State Marine Fishery officials that this area is the most densely seeded area of any place on the Cape for its size.
Stoney Flat is closed and will be closed until the Spring of 1953. There are no large quahaugs there compared to the great amount of seed. It is advisable to let this seed grow, although Stoney Flat is a natural seeding area and always has been.
This year we are going to take a try at Allen Harbor. This Harbor is probably the most fished of any of our tide- waters, and although it is a good seeding and growing area, it does not reproduce enough for the demand. There will be oysters and quahaugs planted in one half of the harbor this Spring, and that seeded half will be closed.
Herring River is a hard place to shellfish. The Com- mercial men are working it some. There are between six and seven thousand bushels of oysters there in deep water.
The outside beaches at South Bay and Pleasant Bay have an ample supply of quahaugs. The easiest way to get them is during the summer while wearing a bathing suit, and
77
using a scratcher, as they grow in three to four feet of water at low tide.
Pleasant Bay has a very good set of scallop seed for next year.
Next Fall there should be enough shellfish for every- one who wants them. Please follow the rules and regulations and don't waste our shellfish by taking seed, or by taking more than you need.
If you want any information at any time, just call me on the phone and I will be more than glad to help you.
STATISTICS :
Shellfish Permits Issued :
Commercial
38
$190.00
Non-resident
53
53.00
Resident
281
140.50
383.50
Rec. from State for propagation 400.00
Days of Inspections
121
Persons asked to show permits
241
Number of people breaking regulations
101
No Permits
40
Undersize shellfish
7
Digging clams
16
Fishing on closed days
38
Commercial Inspections
57
Complaints investigated
7
Assistance to out of town Wardens
6
Estimated value of shellfish taken in 1951
Scallops
$11500.00
Quahaugs
5500.00
Oysters
3000.00
Others
750.00
20750.00
Respectfully submitted,
ROGER W. MUNSEY
Shellfish Warden
78
Report of Plumbing Inspector
Board of Health
January 7, 1952
Town of Harwich, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit my report as Plumbing Inspector for 1951 :
$16,000. estimated cost by former inspector.
26 permits by former inspector.
$89,735. estimated cost for balance of year.
210 permits issued for balance of year.
$210. turned in to Clerk of Board of Health.
249 inspections by Inspector.
81 inspections by Assistant Inspectors.
Respectfully submitted,
COURTENAY N. CHASE
Inspector of Plumbing
Report of The Playground and Recreation Commission
This is the second report of the Harwich Playground and Recreation Commission which once again reports a year of progress and growth in planned and guided re- creation in the Town of Harwich. And again the greater part of the credit is due to the efforts of the Recreation Advisory Council which serves in a working as well as an advisory capacity to the Commission.
The Recreation building has been open daily under the supervision of a full-time custodian provided by the Commission, and has been used to capacity for a program
79
of diversified activities, including Girl Scouts, Grange, County Extension service courses, Boy Scout drum and bugle corps, public and private meetings, arts and crafts classes, and the Harwich Teen-age Club which is spon- sored by the Harwich Parent-Teacher Association. In the 12 month period there has been a total participation of 14,685 persons using the building.
During July and August, the Commission sponsored the Village Play School for children of permanent and summer residents, which for the second year proved suc- cessful, but pointed the need for a program to include a wider-range age group. The Commission is considering plans for a larger recreation area and playground which will be presented at the next annual Town Meeting.
We feel that our original premise, - that in a recrea- tion program for Harwich, while the facilities should be furnished from public funds the program as far as pos- sible should be furnished by the participants, - has been amply proved, and that a low-cost worthwhile program of planned recreation has resulted.
The Commission is asking the same appropriation as last year. We feel that by careful planning, with no increase in cost to the taxpayer, we can present a much- needed program of planned recreation.
In this we will be materially aided by the Recreation Advisory Council whose report on its activities, follows.
HARWICH PLAYGROUND AND RECREATION COMMISSION
EARLE BASSETT, Chairman PRISCILLA D. BALDWIN RAYMOND H. GRAYSON ELTON A. TRIPP G. W. STIDSTONE
Report of Recreation Advisory Council
The Harwich Recreation Advisory Council reports a most successful year. Classes have been held in the Recrea- tion building for all age groups, in ceramics, leathercraft,
80
block-printing, wood-working, tray-stenciling, oil painting, furniture decorating and rug-making. Instruction in pre- teen age square dancing, sponsored by the council, has been held in Exchange Hall. These classes are self-sup- porting; approximately $1,309.00 has been taken in and paid out on these projects.
More than 2500 persons attended the outdoor square dances held each week during the summer, with an av- erage attendance of 150 persons at the dances held during the winter in Exchange Hall. 36 young people took advan- tage of tennis instruction provided by the Council this sum- mer ; swimming classes for summer and permanent residents were filled to capacity.
A brochure giving pertinent data and showing pictures of the projects carried on by the Council and the Com- mission, was sponsored jointly by the two groups and was widely distributed receiving favorable comment from individuals not only in the New England area but from other parts of the country as well.
Prizes were awarded the Council for its decorated floats entered in the Chatham Fourth of July parade and the Eastham Tercentenary parade in August. The Council also gained recognition for its "Peace" float entered in the Harwich Armistice Day parade.
A public address system was purchased by the Coun- cil and is available to responsible parties for various ac- tivities.
Plans are underway for Little League Baseball and other activities to include all age groups.
Membership in the Council which meets the Second Wednesday of each month at 8 p.m. in the Recreation build- ing, is open to every resident of the Town of Harwich. Officers for this year include : president, Brenton I. Wix- on; vice-president, Miss Adelyn Peabody; secretary, Mrs. Mildred L. Moran ; and treasurer, Mr. Herbert C. Moran,
MILDRED L. MORAN
Secretary
81
Report of The Inspector of Wires
The following inspections were made for added wir- ing, change-overs from 2 to 3 wire, construction and new services, in the Town of Harwich, for the year ending December 31, 1951.
West Harwich
89
Harwich Port
78
Harwich
52
South Harwich
28
East Harwich
23
North Harwich
11
Pleasant Lake
9
Total
290
Respectfully submitted,
BRADFORD L. BARRETT
Inspector of Wires
Report of Herring Committee
To the Citizens of the
Town of Harwich
The Herring Committee wishes to report that due to the fact that Harwich owns no seining pool, the fishery was sold at auction for $165.00. The town of Brewster at the same time sold their fishery for $815.00. This differen- tial for fisheries of approximately the same size has been consistant for many years and has cost the town thou- sands of dollars. The only available pool is in private hands and thus effectively eliminates any chance for com- petitive bidding. The committee endorsed an article in last years warrant to purchase a pool, which was voted
82
down. We can only conclude by this vote that the voters would rather let this condition exist as it is, for the benefit of who ever owns the seining pool.
Respectfully submitted,
CLARENCE E. GREENWOOD, ROBERT H. CAHOON, DONALD T. BATES,
Herring Committee
Report of The Welfare Department
To the Citizens of the Town of Harwich :
With an average case load of 152 per month, including all categories of relief for the year 1951, the following re- port of money expended shows a total of $128,094.31 for aid rendered and receipts of $104,686.02. Administration shows a total of $8,105.66 expended and receipts of $3,685.63.
TOTAL EXPENDITURES WELFARE AID
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.