USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Harwich > Town annual reports of the selectmen and overseers of the poor of the town of Harwich 1957 > Part 6
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Respectfully submitted,
ROGER W. MUNSEY Shellfish Constable
1957 Shellfish Statistics-Permits
Commercial
46
@ $5.00
Non-resident
60
@ 1.00
Resident
322
@
.50
Total
428
1957 Shellfish Statistics-Violations
No Permits
22
Undersize Shellfish
17
Digging in Closed Area
8
Over Limit
34
Others
76
1957 Shellfish Statistics-Shellfish Moved and Planted
Scallops
67 bu.
Quahaugs (Seed)
17 bu.
Quahaugs (Large)
202 bu.
Quahaugs (Small)
92 bu.
1957 Shellfish Statistics-Predators Destroyed (Approx.)
Conchs
Horseshoe Crabs
125 bu. 400
Oyster Drills
See Report
Green Crabs
See Report
71
1957 Shellfish Statistics-Production
Quahaugs
Oysters
Bu.
Bu.
Comm
Fam.
Value
Comm
Fam.
Value
January
11
58
$400.00
4
7
$110.00
February
16
87
505.00
6
24
300.00
March
62
147
1,045.00
20
39
590.00
April
80
67
725.00
11
13
240.00
May
107
64
855.00
June
102
43
725.00
July
66
58
620.00
August
62
78
700.00
September
71
57
640.00
106
10
1,116.00
October
122
47
845.00
80
13
930.00
November
87
147
1,170.00
43
27
700.00
December
54
92
730.00
30
18
480.00
Totals
840
945
$8,960.00
300
151
$4,466.00
Scallops
Clams
Misc.
Bu.
Bu.
Bu.
Comm
Fam.
Value
Fam.|
Value
Value
January
February
March
165
$1,650.00|
April
195
1,950.00|m-4
$12.00
May
SW
20.00
June
SW
20.00
July
SW
45.00
August
SW
45.00
September
October
2020
55
$14,315.00
November
140
10
1,050.00
December
62
7
483.00
1
Totals
2222
72
$15,848.00
360
$3,600.00
$142.00
Value of total production-$33,016.00
m-mussels sw-sea worms
72
Report of the Harwich School Space Needs Committee
To the Citizens of the Town of Harwich:
The School Space Needs Committee, formed under Article 18 of the 1957 Town Meeting Warrant, held its organization meeting on April 12 and has had a total of nine meetings. Approach to the problem of space needs was divided into two parts: 1-Long range which includes consideration of regionalization; 2-Short range which would take care of immediate needs.
Regarding Part 1, the Committee decided to see what could be done in the matter of regionalizing with Chatham at the High School level. In pursuance of this plan it invited the Chatham School Committee to one of the meetings and after some discussion, the Chatham Committee agreed to put an article in the Town Warrant asking for the appointment of a committee there to study the subject.
Realizing that it will be some time before any plan for regionalizing between the two towns can be effected our Committee continued the study of Part 2-short range plans.
After considering the study completed in May 1957 by the State Department of Education pointing up our immedi- ate needs and after seeking the advice of our Superintendent, Mr. Morgan and Mr. Mckay, High School Principal, it was felt that immediate further study of the situation be under- taken.
The report of the Town Buildings Committee formed at a previous town meeting was also considered, especially that part relating to a new auditorium.
There is no doubt in minds of this Committee that our High School situation needs correction in the very near future even though a long range regional plan comes into being at a later time.
Inasmuch as no termination of this Committee was in- cluded in the article, we will continue more detailed studies and make specific recommendations at the 1959 Town Meet- ing, or before if necessary.
73
The Committee is not at this time asking for any further funds.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH U. BRETT, Chairman
DONALD T. BATES
FRED CROWELL
GERSHOM D. HALL
MARGARET LEONARD
CHARLES H. MONBLEAU
H. WILLIAM MOREY
ROSWELL NYE EARLE SIMS
JULIUS WARREN
Harwich School Space Needs Committee
Annual Report of the Playground and Recreation Commission
In this, its 8th Annual Report, the Harwich Playground and Recreation Commission reports that, during the year 1957 it has maintained the Recreation Building in its pres- ent state, kept it clean and heated, with a custodian in charge, for the use of any organized group of citizens. Some of the groups who have used it regularly have been the Girl Scouts, Brownies, Sea Scouts, Harwich Historical Society, U. S. Power Squadron, County Extension Program, Chess Club, Rug Club, Great Books Discussion Group and the Harwich Chamber of Commerce.
In the summer, a Sports Program was sponsored, under the direction of David Bailey of Springfield, in which 177 per- sons took Swimming lessons, with Certificates awarded to 79, and approximately 75 young people attended classes in the Fundamentals of Golf, Tennis, Baseball and (for the first time) Archery.
The Commission supported the Creative Arts Program of the Harwich Junior Theatre, directed by Miss Betty Bobp, and provided part of the salary of qualified young instructors for the Theatre Workshop (in which 75 young adults regis- tered) and the Dramatic Arts Classes, which offered unusual opportunity for active self-expression and group experience to thirty children, in two age groups, for two week sessions.
74
The Commission took part in Town activities by entering a float in the Cranberry Festival parade and by assisting the officers of the Little League with the financial burden of keeping the playing field watered and mowed during the sum- mer.
Several meetings were held to plan for the acquisition of areas suitable for future recreational activities at which members of the Board of Selectmen and Planning Board were invited to take part.
The fire escape on the Recreation Building was rebuilt and five much needed electrical outlets installed in the rooms.
William L. Chandler of North Harwich was appointed to fill the vacancy on the Commission left by the resignation of Raymond Grayson and an administrative secretary was ap- pointed to assist the Commission with registrations for classes and the Recreation Building, as well as with requests for in- formation.
ALICE V. MORRIS, Sec'y VIRGINIA S. DOANE, Treas. FOREST A. EATON, Chairman WILLIAM L. CHANDLER EARLE F. BASSETT
Report of the Park Department
To the Citizens of the Town of Harwich:
This year more than ever before, our summer guests and tourists were seen visiting Brooks Park, and enjoying the facilities available to them. The baseball diamond was rebuilt this year, and is now considered one of the best on the Cape. Extensive brush clearing was done in the park and more is planned so as to beautify the area running parallel to Main Street. A boat launching ramp was built at the east end of Long Pond and was used by many of our visitors.
A great amount of damage was done to our plants and shrubs throughout the town due to the lack of rain this past summer. The comfort station to be built in the parking lot in Harwichport was redesigned and made smaller. This building was advertised for bids and none were within the appropriated amount. The building itself could be built for
75
the sum appropriated but the installation of the water, cess- pools and replacing of the hot top brings the cost above the appropriation. The building was reduced in cost by $500.00. We asked for $1500.00 at last year's town meeting but a few expect a lot for a little and the article was defeated. We feel that unless the comfort station and area surrounding this building can be completed the way that it should, we would not want to be a part of it. There has been in the past various town jobs which were half done and we feel unless this one can be done and done right we do not want to build it. We leave whatever action is to be taken up to you the voters of the town.
The Park Department has been able to operate on its present budget without an increase by proper planning, yet giving the people something for their money and a proved asset for Harwich.
Park Department Expenditures
Appropriation
$7,750.00
Expenditures
Labor Hire
$4,147.51
Truck Hire
548.90
Repairs to mowers
157.86
Electricity
38.86
Water
285.27
Gasoline-Oil
39.04
Plants
132.09
Loam
518.75
Supplies
459.82
Equipment
457.79
Shuffleboard Courts
636.25
Lumber
66.32
Tree Removal
206.75
Miscellaneous
54.25
Total Expenditures
7,749.28
Returned to Revenue
.72
$7,750.00
Respectfully submitted, EMULOUS E. HALL, JR., Chm. EVERETT T. RYDER
76
Brooks Free Library Trustees' Report
Through money appropriated under Article 11 in the Town Meeting Warrant of 1957 the Trustees have been able to completely furnish the west room with new book cases, tables, chairs and rugs. This is our Children's and young people's room with Mrs. Barbara Ford, Assistant Librarian, in charge.
With money appropriated under Article 12 of this War- rant the south room has been painted, new lighting fixtures installed, and shelves built for the Rogers Groups. These statues were completely repaired and repainted by the Com- munity Service Committee of the Harwich Woman's Club under the direction of Mrs. William C. Welch, Chairman. A tea was given this group in the Library rooms in September in appreciation of their fine work.
The north room is now used as a reference room, for quiet reading and research.
Our librarian, Mrs. Virginia S. Doane, is completing the rearrangement of books and magazines for a more efficient and workable use of Library facilities.
Mrs. Earle L. Sims, a Trustee, is Cape Cod representative on the Executive Board of the Massachusetts Library Trus- tee Association, and also Cape Cod area representative in the Massachusetts Library Developmental Committee.
Under an article in the 1958 Town Meeting Warrant we are asking for money to redecorate the main room, work room and hall of our Library, which will continue our long range plan of improvement.
Respectfully submitted,
MILDRED B. PAINE CHARLOTTE P. SIMS HILLARY M. LeCLAIRE Library Trustees
George W. Nickerson Fund
Cash on hand Dec. 31, 1956
$5,183.40
Interest for one year 161.03
$5,344.43
77
Payments
221.37
Cash on hand Dec. 31, 1957
$5,123.06
John F. Small Fund
Cash on hand Dec. 31, 1956
$173.75
Interest for one year 4.63
$178.38
Payments
50.55
Cash on hand Dec. 31, 1957
$127.83
Librarian's Report
1957 has been a most exciting year at the library with all the physical changes that have taken place. These changes have enabled us to remove books from under and over shelves and make them more easily available to patrons. It has been exciting, too, to welcome new patrons almost every week to the library.
The highlight of a public library's year is, of course, the celebration of Book Week in November. This year all the children in grades 1-5 came to the library to see the changes that had taken place. As always, and particularly with the lovely new finishes and background, the Rogers Groups were engrossing to the youngsters. The new books and new fur- niture in the children's room provided another surprise to many children who previously had not had the opportunity to see all the facilities offered by the Library. The librarian brought new books and read a story to both classes of the kindergarten during this week.
Both divisions of the sixth and seventh grades came monthly to the library to learn how to use reference tools and to take out books. It is our hope that early familiarity with the many facets of library service will create lifelong habits of library usage.
Our circulation in all departments continues to climb-a most gratifying sign to those of us who like to bring people and books together. We certainly hope that more Harwich residents will become acquainted with Brooks Free Library during 1958.
78
Books in Library December 1956
11,405
Books added 1957:
358
Adult
105
Children's Books removed
6
Books in Library December 1957
11,862
Record Albums added
9
Magazines purchased
31
Circulation:
Adult
15,658
Juvenile
9,771
Magazines
1,772
Record Albums
475
Pamphlets
1,063
Respectfully submitted,
VIRGINIA S. DOANE, Librarian
Report of the Board of Appeals
To the Selectmen of the Town of Harwich:
During the year 1957, your Board of Appeals conducted nine public hearings. After careful deliberation five of the petitions presented were granted and four were denied.
The Board studied informative memoranda on "non- conforming uses" in Zoning Law under the able guidance of our Vice Chairman, Herbert R. Morse, to better understand the problems presented which in turn enabled us to make decisions in conformity with established law.
The Board as a whole have been most faithful, it being necessary to call upon only four of our associate members to serve during the entire year. At this time I wish to thank William L. Chandler, Charles W. Chase, Wilbur Crowell and Amadee S. Mazzur who willingly and capably filled in for absent members.
I very much appreciate the cooperation of the Board who have worked harmoniously and conscientiously on each and every case which has come before the Board, and desire to thank Herbert R. Morse, Vice Chairman; Mrs. Earle Sims, Peter Barber, Donald T. Bates, Leland H. McKenney and John S. Raneo.
Respectfully submitted,
Col. RALPH B. CUMMINGS, Chm. Harwich Board of Appeals
79
Report of the Cemetery Commissioners
To the Citizens of the Town of Harwich:
The following is a list of the cemeteries whose care is under the supervision of the cemetery commissioners of the Town of Harwich:
Baptist Church Cemetery, West Harwich
Kelley Cemetery, Kelley Street
Lothrop Cemetery, Lothrop Avenue
End-of-the-pond Cemetery, Walker's Road Congregational Church Cemetery, Harwich Center
Harding Cemetery, Queen Anne Road
M. E. Church Cemetery, East Harwich
North Harwich Cemetery (East half) Ryder Cemetery, Orleans Road
The care of the several other cemeteries in the Town is under the supervision of their own private associations or other organizations. This information is published to help clarify the answers to the many inquiries received by the board.
This report affords a three-fold opportunity for the board of cemetery commissioners this year.
First, though grass growth this season was retarded by a serious lack of rain, the usual weeds, shoots of silverleaf maples, etc., tin cans, bottles, papers, and other debris col- lected with discouraging regularity. It is difficult to under- stand how the peaceful area of a cemetery can appear to some a good place to deposit refuse. Realizing the cost of policing these cemetery areas daily would be prohibitive, let's all help to keep this carelessness at a minimum.
Secondly, we wish to thank the many local residents and out-of-town visitors for their thoughtfulness and cooperation in removing decorative flowers and plants along with their containers that had served their purpose, thereby permitting a neater job of mowing and trimming around memorials, stones and markers.
Finallly, we wish to publicly express our thanks to Mr. Edward Roderick for the fine job he gave us this season. We received many words of praise for his excellent work.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN HANDREN
RODNEY O'BRIEN
AMBROSE NICKERSON
Cemetery Commissioners
80
Report of the Tree Warden
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Harwich, Massachusetts
This was a very bad year for the shade trees. Many weeks passed without any trace of rain and the ground dried out to a depth of five feet.
All the small trees set out by the town the past few years were fertilized and cared for as usual. These trees were also watered during the hot dry summer.
There were no funds appropriated to care for the older trees and many died as the result and will have to be taken down this coming Spring. This lack of funds for the older trees has been going on many years and the town has lost many large elms because of it.
Eight dead trees were taken down this year and the dead tops of many had to be sawed off as they had become danger- ous to persons walking, or riding under them.
Trees set out by the town this year is as follows:
Norway Maples
26
purchased
Spruce
14 taken from nursery
Red Pine
7
Flowering Crab
1
"
Weeping Willow
2
purchased
Forestry Department
Appropriation
$800.00
Expenditures
Labor hire
$258.12
Truck hire
237.75
Transportation
100.37
Misc. supplies
84.30
Equipment hire
78.00
Fertilizer
23.65
Gasoline for watering
11.38
Telephone calls
6.43
$800.00
81
Planting Shade Trees
Appropriation
$500.00
Expenditures
Trees (26) N. Maples
$265.83
Labor Hire
123.75
Trans. & Truck Hire
110.42
$500.00
Respectfully. submitted,
WALTER E. CAHOON
Tree Warden
Report of the Inspector of Wires
The following inspections were made for extensions of wiring, change-overs from 2 to 3 wire services, off peak hot water meters, new construction and contractors services in the town of Harwich for the year ending December 31, 1957.
In addition to these inspections there were many trips with electricians to look over prospective work and advise as to location of services and what was needed to comply with the code.
With so many new electrical appliances that are being used today and more that will be added in the future, it is recommended that anyone planning to build a new home should install a 100 amp. service to take care of all their elec- trical problems.
Location
Estimates
Miles 80
Inspections
Harwichport
12,350
71
West Harwich
14,625
157
53
East Harwich
9,325
201
41
South Harwich
12,675
106
34
Harwich
5,775
85
33
Pleasant Lake
4,000
85
17
North Harwich
300
10
2
59,050
724
251
Respectfully submitted,
BRADFORD L. BARRETT
Inspector of Wires
1
82
Report of the Moth Superintendent
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Harwich, Massachusetts
This department had a very busy year, a condition I believe caused by the hot dry summer. Weather that all leaf eating insects hatch and work well in.
While the number of Tent Caterpillars, Fall Webworms, Japanese Beetles, and the many other tree pests remained about the same, the Gypsy Moths increased all over the Cape.
Thirty-five moth traps were maintained as usual during July and August. Twenty-seven male millers were caught as compared to five last year and none in 1955. This increase was prevalent all over the Cape. The increase in our neigh- boring town of Brewster was so great the State has got to aerial spray the complete town.
After a careful scouting program is completed in Harwich this coming spring and not until then will I know how much aerial spraying will have to be done, if any. There were no funds available this year for this work.
The Dutch Elm Disease did not hit any of the town trees this year, but it did kill elm trees on nine private estates. All town trees had a dormant spraying and I believe this is what protected them from this terrible killer.
Thirty-seven specimens were taken from sick looking elm trees and sent to the Shade Tree Laboratories in Amherst for analysis. This hot, dry weather turned many of the leaves yel- low and this made getting samples very difficult.
I am asking for funds this year so that every elm tree in the town may be sprayed three times regardless of where it may be found, private, town, or on the State highway.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER E. CAHOON
Pest Control Officer
83
MOTH DEPARTMENT
Appropriation
$3,200.00
Expenditures
Labor Hire
$1,719.65
Truck Hire
656.38
Transportation
329.48
Insecticides and Poison Ivy killer
309.00
Hose and Repair Parts
85.98
Gasoline for Sprayer
56.91
Miscellaneous Supplies
29.99
Telephone Calls
12.61
$3,200.00
Dutch Elm Disease Control
Appropriation
$1,000.00
Expenditures
Labor Hire
$599.22
Truck Hire
95.00
Transportation
107.65
Equipment Hire
115.30
Insecticides
74.25
Misc. Supplies & Postage on Samples
7.92
Telephone Calls
.66
$1,000.00
Report of the Town Nurse for 1957
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Harwich, Massachusetts
Field Visits
2,715
Fees Collected
$1,173.75
Old Age Visits (no charge)
118
Free Visits
72
New Patients
82
Monthly collections turned in to Henry K. Bearse, Town Treasurer each month.
Respectfully submitted,
ADELYN J. PEABODY, R.N. Harwich Visiting Nurse
84
Report of the Director of Civil Defense
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
And to the Citizens of the Town of Harwich:
I hereby submit the annual report of the Department of Civil Defense for the year 1957.
In this age of Atomic and Missile warfare, supersonic planes and other devastating means of obliterating our civil- ization, the need for an active and effective means of Civil Defense should be common knowledge to all of us. Even with the counter-acting aids of picket ships, radar equipped patrol planes, strings of radar stations on 24 hour-a-day watch, we are all aware of the fact that one missile or A-bomb, drop- ped in our area either accidentally or intentionally, could do an untold amount of damage. It is very reasonable to assume that there will be no fore-warning of pending disaster and we should be as ready as possible to cope with any damages that could happen here. It is the mission of your Civil De- fense to try and prepare itself for this type of disaster.
To aid in safeguarding the populace, eight men are being trained in a "Radiac" school. "Radiac" is the science of de- tecting and measuring the degree of radioactivity in a given area; a very necessary duty before normal or near normal activity can be safely resumed after an atomic or hydrogen strike.
Further, an electric power generator has been purchased, under matching funds and is nearing the completion of in- stallation in the Elementary School.
We have been able to purchase twenty uniforms for our Special and Auxiliary police.
In recent years, Civil Defense has been called upon for assistance in natural disasters, such as coping with hurricane damage, control of fires, etc. In this respect, we furnished men to help in bringing the Plymouth fire, of last Spring, under control.
I am pleased to report that our Civil Defense Headquar- ters is now completely staffed with volunteer workers. The need for volunteers, to assist this staff, is a current and steady requirement. Anyone, feeling that they can spare some time
85
to the Civil Defense effort, is encouraged to come forth and volunteer their services.
We are all aware that Civil Defense is a collective effort to prepare the community to take care of its inhabitants and to care for the possible influx of evacuees from other disaster-hit areas. I wonder if enough of us realize, that a functioning Civil Defense also means that the individual has taken proper steps to prepare for an emergency that might effect himself or his family. Items such as emergency fire fighting equipment (pails of sand and/or water, extinguish- ers, etc.), emergency food supplies, first aid equipment, etc. should be stocked in a protected area in the home. We have, at Civil Defense Headquarters, pamphlets describing emer- gency equipment, fire fighting measures, first aid measures and other items of worthwhile knowledge. They are yours for the asking and the information contained therein could, in time of emergency, provide the means for easing the dis- comforts of you and your family and could well be the dif- ference between life and death. I urge you to become familiar with these subjects.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE C. BALDWIN Director, Civil Defense
Fourth of July Celebration
1957
Amount of appropriation
$1,200.00
Fireworks display
$900.00
Labor
25.00
"Drifter's" Dance Orchestra (block dance)
72.00
Quincy Newcomb (square dance caller)
25.00
Harwich Lumber Co. (material)
10.15
Cape Cod Standard-Times (advertising)
9.58
Mac's Rod and Reel (rope)
22.50
Miscellaneous
6.27
Total Expenditures
1,070.50
Balance
$129.50
86
Contributions gratefully acknowledged.
Staging loaned by Harwich Lumber Company.
Use of Post Office parking lot for block dance- Tenant merchants.
Use of electricity-Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. and Home Owners Specialists.
All others who donated their time to assist without com- pensation.
Your committee worked diligently again this year to plan and coordinate one of the most featured attractions within our town. The ever increasing demand for tickets for the lobsterbake exceeded more than the 350 served by Roger Munsey and his committee. The bake is sponsored jointly by the Fire and Police Associations.
Previous to the lobsterbake many attended the ball game at Brooks park and thereafter enjoyed the music of the Or- leans Band playing marches, classical and popular music. Upon completion of the Band concert the fireworks display was started and proved to be one of the most colorful ariel displays in recent years. Many small fires were started in the woodlands, but were immediately extinguished by the fire- men. We express our sincere gratitude to these men.
A continued influx of more than an estimated 12,000 res- idents and tourists witnessed this display as well as partic- ipating in the other events of the day which included the two block dances held at the Post Office parking lot in Harwich Port for both square and round dancing. At the conclusion of the events of the day the sudden exodus moved on without incident. We extend our compliments for a job well done to both our Police and Fire Departments.
Respectfully submitted,
FORREST A. EATON, Chairman CHARLES A. HALL, Fire Chief GEORGE C. BALDWIN, Police Chief ROGER MUNSEY J. BRYCE DUNBAR LELAND McKENNEY
Fourth of July Committee
87
Report of the Board of Health
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