USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > West Bridgewater > Town annual reports of the selectmen, overseers of the poor, town clerk, and school committee of West Bridgewater for the year ending 1940-1944 > Part 7
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450 feet
Sunset Avenue
950 feet
Maolis Avenue
1,450 feet
West Street
850 feet
Charles Street 1,350 feet
River Street 550 feet
Commonwealth Avenue 875 feet
Cyr Street
475 feet
Vital Avenue
540 feet
In addition to this, 880 feet of 6 inch pipe was laid on West Center Street starting at the junction of Pros- pect and West Center Streets and proceeding easterly. The necessary gates and fittings were installed into the houses on this line and one hydrant was installed. Twenty new house services were installed during the year in various parts of the Town. One hundred and eight old services were renewed with copper pipe and fourteen new hydrants were also installed.
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Highway construction necessitated the resetting of hydrants, gates and boxes on several streets. The usual work of repairing leaks and maintaining the old lines was carried on. Supplies, tools and equipment of the water department remain in good condition at the close of the year.
ANTONE SOUSA, Superintendent.
126
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report for the year 1940:
MAINTENANCE
I have gone through the same routine as in past years, scraping and patching the gravel roads in the town. Only about four miles of gravel roads still remain to be covered with a tarvia top. I have also done a great deal of tarvia patching on all of the black roads in town.
Tarvia Seal Coats on Roads Mentioned
Distance of Ft.
Bryant Street
2113
Ash Street
1056
Bedford Street
3432
Scotland Street
5280
Sand Street
3432
Walnut Street
3600
TARVIA NEW ROADS
Thayer Avenue
1600
Commonwealth Avenue
1400
Keenan Street
1584
Pleasant Street
2640
Manley Street
3700
Sunset Avenue, rebuilt
200
Sinnott Street, new road
528
Samuel Avenue
900
Hillside Avenue
600
127
CHAPTER 90
The entire length of Plain Street, a distance of 1600 feet, was done under this chapter and under State super- vision. It was an asphalt top with a crushed stone cover. It is now a very nice piece of road.
FENCES AND SIGNS
A large amount of work has been done on fences and signs, both repairing and painting. Quite a few new signs have been set up.
CULVERTS AND CATCH BASINS
The culverts and catch basins have all been cleaned out and new ones added.
A FEW REMARKS
The WPA has done a great deal of work on some of these roads making it possible for the town to accom- ·plish much more work.
The one thing that I feel very proud of is our town garage which I had hoped to live and see. In my opinion it is one of the best projects the town has ever done, a place for the highway department to store the town equipment. I hope every citizen, taxpayer or not, will make an effort to come and see this beautiful garage. It is open to inspection at any time at all.
An itemized account of all money spent in my depart- ment may be found on record in the town hall. It would be impossible for me to state everything the highway department has done this year.
In closing I want to thank all the departments who have helped me in my work, also the cooperation of all the laborers and the wonderful cooperation of the Board of Selectmen.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE G. TUCKER,
Superintendent of Streets.
128
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN AND MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
I herewith submit my annual report for the year 1940 as Tree Warden.
We have done the usual trimming of dead and low- hanging limbs and have cut down five trees that were considered dangerous. The Maple, Oak and Ash trees are in a very healthy condition, but, owing to the de- structive Elm Leaf Beetle, the Elm trees were in poor condition. We hope to be able to prevent that condi- tion reoccurring.
The gypsy moth destruction has been worse this year than I have ever seen it before. The woodlands in the Town are more heavily infested than they have ever been. If we are to prevent them from destroying the shade trees of the Town we must do a lot of spraying this year, and because of the necessity of greater spray- ing I have requested an increase in the Department's appropriation for 1941 with which we hope to show good results.
The practice of spraying orchards, which has been done only as an accommodation for the past several years, is herewith discontinued. Experience has proven that the time required to spray orchards at the right time greatly interfered with the general tree spraying which must also be done at the right time to get full results.
The cooperation of the other departments with this department has been a great help and is appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
CHRISTOPHER READ,
Tree Warden.
129
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS For the Year Ending December 31, 1940
There have been inspected during the past year 80 barns and 1070 cattle. Besides these cattle there were 14 hogs - 6 sheep and 7 goats.
Under the head of slaughtering the number of ani- mals slaughtered were:
Calves
5
Hogs
201
Cows
3
Bull
1
Total
210
DAVID DAILEY,
Inspector of Animals
130
THE FEDERAL COMMISSARY District Headquarters, Brockton
During the year 1940, clothing was distributed as re- quired to about 180 families. A total of 3652 garments were given out, ranging from adult wear to infants gar- ments, some 44 different varieties. In addition to this there were one dozen baby blankets, 83 large blankets and 156 sheets issued to the needy families. The total value of everything issued amounted to about $3,906.00. Each of the 16 municipalities comprising the Brockton District make up these garments and deliver them to Brockton. Each locality then requisitions its needs from the district warehouse.
FOOD
Canned
Apples
1,560
Tins
Tomatoes
3,088
Evaporated Milk
1,298
Fresh
Potatoes
11,199
Lbs.
Carrots
2,580
66
Celery
600
Tomatoes
1,404
Cabbage
7,545
66
Squash
600
Apples
9,000
Pears
1,196
Oranges
5,595
66
Grapefruit
3,640
Bacon
1,547
Hams
1,244
66
Fish
487
Butter
1,465
66
131
Lard
5,640
66
Cheese
296
Dried
Beans
1,900
Lbs.
Rice
3,100
Raisins
7,350
Prunes
2,825
Cereal
Wheat
2,744
Lbs.
Graham flour
8,5991/2
Cornmeal
4,100
Wheat Flour
18,2831/2
Eggs
4,380
Doz.
Value
$6,634.26
The food distributed during the year 1940 as listed above is of great material assistance to the families who receive these supplies. Being standard articles of food, some saving must be realized in the food bill, and from the total value it would seem reasonable to expect that money thus saved would flow into other lines and help business generally.
These commodities are for distribution to those in need, regardless of any connection with WPA or any other Federal work. Need is the only qualifying re- quirement.
HERBERT E. BRYANT, Supervisor.
REPORT OF THE COLLECTOR OF TAXES
You will find the Town Accountant's report covers in detail the transactions of the Tax Collector's office but if there is any question do not hesitate to inquire and this office will be pleased to explain.
WALTER C. DUNBAR, Collector.
132
THE PLYMOUTH COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
During 1940, the Plymouth County Extension Service has performed its usual function of helping rural, vil- lage, and city people with the problems of farming, homemaking, and 4-H club training. Each year ever- increasing demands are being made on this organization to organize, administer, and teach programs of national, State, county, and town importance.
The agricultural department has a wide range of services for commodity groups in dairying, poultry hus- bandry, fruit and vegetable culture, cranberry growing, general livestock management, forestry, and many other subjects. In each of these, special emphasis has been placed on marketing in recognition of this need with production problems more completely solved than those of merchandising.
Close cooperation and collaboration have been main- tained with local organizations and other federal agencies. Some of these are as follows: Plymouth County Farm Bureau, Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association, Plymouth County Poultry Association, Bristol-Plymouth Fruit Growers' Association, Satucket Dairy Herd Improvement Association, and Brockton Co- operative Egg Auction Association, the Federal Land Bank, Taunton Production Credit Association, Farm Security Administration, and the Agricultural Conser- vation Program.
The Home Demonstration Department held meetings in every town in Plymouth County during the past year. Emphasis was placed on home beautification, food pres- ervation, nutrition, health and recreation. In addition to meetings, other help was given by letters, phone calls and home visits.
133
4-H club work not only develops agricultural and homemaking ability among its boys and girls, but trains them also in self reliance, good sportsmanship and good citizenship. Clothing, home furnishing and food proj- ects teach girls a greater appreciation of good home and community living, while in the stock and crop raising projects boys are shown the value of modern methods as well as getting a knowledge of business.
4-H club work is a truly American idea, for all of America's youth.
The course which the Extension Service follows is largely determined by local people. Your board of trus- tees, town directors, women's advisory council, and commodity committeemen, have by a majority ap- proved these programs. The service of all departments is available to everyone. The Extension Service has its place in bringing to the attention of Plymouth County people the principles of good farming, good homemak- ing and good citizenship.
Briefly, some of the accomplishments for Plymouth County in 1940 which may be shown statistically, are as follows :
Number of meetings conducted 877
Attendance at these meetings 26,650
Farm and Home Visits made 2,233
Number of different circular letters 293
Total circulation of these circular letters 95,656
Number of 4-H clubs 101
Number of 4-H members enrolled
1,881
No. Home Demonstration Clubs 115
No. women enrolled 2,171
The financial assistance and moral support of West Bridgewater is greatly appreciated by the people the Extension Service assists. A continuation of its support is justified on the record it has achieved. Its influence can not be measured by monetary values, but its edu-
134
cational programs and individual assistance constitutes one measure in the first line of national defense.
The above report is issued by County Agent Joseph T. Brown. I wish to emphasize the fact that the service of the various departments is available to everyone. It has been my privilege during the year to assist indi- viduals who have had problems by acquainting them with the facilities of the Extension Service and the bul- letins on related subjects issued by the Massachusetts State College. It is hoped that many more will avail themselves of these invaluable opportunities in the future.
Respectfully, CLIFFORD H. CARLSON.
135
REPORT ON THE W. P. A.
With the whole world at war or preparing for defense, it is anyones guess what lies ahead. We can only pre- pare for the best defense possible and await develop- ments. While marking time for the final conclusion we must proceed in our uninterrupted way. We must keep our families fit for any emergency. We must keep the earning element of each family employed even though it somewhat affects the taxpayers. We know that many people do not relish the Federal assistance (so called) through WPA but as yet no better plan has been pro- posed and certainly Public Welfare support in place of work would neither be satisfactory nor profitable to the Town or to the standard of health of the families of those for whom the Federal government provides em- ployment. We must not be lured into the belief that these men now employed on WPA can step out and secure other employment. Some may, because of de- fense projects. We might even hope they all will, but this hope must not stop us from providing funds for their continuance on Federal work; on projects which will net a direct benefit to the Town. If conditions change and these funds are not required the money will not be spent. There is a feeling that the Town should provide a swimming pool and a safe place for skating; that the baseball grounds should be maintained in good condition and that an adequate playground should be provided with usual equipment, all these things as soon as circumstances will warrant, and with a lessening of the burden now upon the taxpayers. It has been said that we are coddling our young people with the provisions as quoted above and that in the past they were made to work, certainly a valuable contribution in the bringing up of our children and one which we hope will not be excluded in the process of child training. We will agree,
136
however, that the youth, male or female, are entitled to healthful recreation. Times have changed. We cannot continue to live in the past. We must adopt standards of today and keep up to advancing methods with the "march of time". Either that or slip backwards! Our young people are our hope for the future. We want them to be strong, to be work ambitious, to love their Homes, to love their Town and, because of all these, to love their Country. With God's help and ours may they courageously, with mental and physical fitness, stand for all that is embodied in our national prayer: "God Save America."
ACTIVITIES OF THE W. P. A.
WPA labor this year has been employed upon water projects, highways and building programs. During the early winter of 1940 those not on water projects were employed in the construction of the town equipment storage building. Upon the completion of this building the labor shifted to excavation for the two new offices. In addition to the convenience of the offices for the Treasurer and the Tax Collector, we now have splendid storage space in the basement for handling supplies for the Commissary. The repairs to the brick vault pro- ceeded along with the building of the offices as also did the drainage and curbing around the Town Hall build- in. Time and the elements had destroyed the mortar and much of the brick of the inner wall of the large vault. Seepage of water to this wall from lack of proper con- duction from the roof together with heat and frost had so weakened the wall that there was danger of complete collapse to the rear half. This damaging force has been corrected by arranging the roof so that the water is con- ducted directly through pipe to the new drain now con- nected with the street drainage system.
TOWN EQUIPMENT STORAGE BUILDING
The preliminary start for the erection of this build- ing was made January 8th by making 1,200 cement
137
blocks. These were made and cured in the basement of the Town Hall. The engineering force of the WPA gave their approval to these blocks which had to meet the specifications of their Department U. S. Standards. The excavation was made under very difficult weather con- ditions. The foundation poured in freezing weather gave us many moments of doubt but the chief mason is certainly to be credited with knowing his job as every- thing proved O K beyond question. The building dimen- sions are 63 feet by 33 feet. It is located in the rear of the fire station with approaches from two points off Main Street. One entrance is just north of the Baptist Church and the other is just north of the Town Hall. It is a well constructed building housing all the town equipment. It was a worthwhile expenditure.
HIGHWAYS
The following highways were given attention with WPA labor:
Thayer Avenue was graveled and put into shape and black topped from Matfield Street to the East
138
Bridgewater line a distance of 1,600 feet. The latter Town cooperated with us by finishing their end from Union Street to our line.
Commonwealth Avenue was rebuilt and black topped from North Main Street to Glenmore Street a distance of 900 feet.
Manley Street from old railroad crossing to Walnut Street was graveled and black topped a distance of 3,700 feet.
Keenan Street was rebuilt and drainage installed from South Main Street to Cross Street and black topped a distance of 1600 feet.
These highways have been black topped as fast as ready which seems to be the economical way to preserve them.
SEWING
The sewing unit has been in constant operation from January 1, 1940 to December 31, 1940. The production for that period has been 3,901 garments consisting of men's and boys' shirts and pajamas, and women's and children's wearing apparel of all types. At present these are 2 machine operators and 1 cutter who is also super- visor. However, this number may be increased at any time. All garments are delivered to a central point (Brockton) as are all garments from other towns in the district. The needs of each community are requisitioned from that central point weekly for distribution by our local commissary supervisor.
INDEXING TOWN RECORDS
This important work progressed without interruption until the middle of June at which time the general quota reduction suspended it until October 29th when it was again resumed and is active at present.
1
139
WATER PROJECT
This project consisted largely of replacing 2" pipes with 6" pipes on about a dozen streets thus giving better service to the Town.
HERBERT E. BRYANT, Coordinator.
W. P. A. EXPENDITURES
Federal Expense
Town Expense
From Special Town Ap- propriation
** Town Offices, Vault, Drainage, and Curbing
$1,403.65
$1,754.51
Town Garage
2,560.42
1,182.38
** Tree Trimming
216.60
$ 92.60
** Moth Control
2,617.82
322.94
* * Street Improvement
7,949.16
2,036.45
*Town Records
1,068.85
21.08
*North Elm Street
2,244.58
* Water
14,160.75
12,000.00
*Sewing
2,354.98
448.70
*Commissary
1,076.40
452.60
Administration
1,843.60
General
362.25
Totals
$35,653.21
$5,580.22 $14,936.89
Note:
*Projects still operating.
** Projects completed.
Net Expense from WPA Material Account
5,580.22
Special Town Appropriation for WPA Projects. $14,936.89
Total Expense to the Town $20,517.11 $20,517.11
Total Grant from Federal Government to WPA Projects
35,653.21
Federal Grants 63%
Town Expense
37%
100%
HERBERT E. BRYANT.
140
REPORT OF THE TOWN TREASURER
The financial transactions of the Town for the year 1940 may be briefly summarized as follows :
Cash on hand January 1, 1940 $40,822.33
Cash on hand December 31, 1940 43,858.85
Received from Collector 120,769.59
Received from Other Sources
70,583.81
Total Receipts
191,353.40
Payments during the year 1940
188,316.88
Payments on Water Bonds
3,630.00
Payments on Interest on Water Bonds 230.66
Payments on Interest on Water Notes 60.00
Outstanding Water Bonds December 31, 1940
3,640.00
Outstanding Water Notes December 31, 1940 12,000.00
Tax Title Redemptions and Partial Payments
1,377.50
Added Interest on Tax Titles 205.17
Releases on Tax Titles 21.00
Number of Tax Titles Foreclosures by Land Court Procedure 1
Number of Tax Titles Foreclosed by Land of Low Value Procedure 9
Received from sale of Tax Title Possessions 970.00
Number of Tax Titles held by Town 53
Number of Tax Titles added during 1940 36
Tax Title Accounts December 31, 1940
4,004.63
Cemetery Trust Funds Addition :
Sarah F. Shipman for care of lot number 12 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery 100.00
The report of the expenses of the Treasurer's office, and a detailed account of the Library Trust Funds and Cemetery Trust Funds may be found in the Town Ac- countant's Report.
ORVIS F. KINNEY,
Treasurer
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN ACCOUNTANT OF
WEST BRIDGEWATER MASSACHUSETTS
For the Year Ending December 31
1940
142
RECEIPTS
General Revenue
Current Year :
Personal and Real Estate
$66,797.91
Poll
2,014.00
Excise Tax
6,786.70
$75,598.61
Previous Years :
Personal and Real Estate
$29,527.85
Excise Tax
331.97
Tax Titles
1,362.05
Water Liens
15.50
Tax Title Possessions
970.00
32,207.37
Miscellaneous
47.92
From State:
Income Tax
$12,644.93
Corporation Taxes, Chapter 108
294.67
Corporations, Gas, Electricity,
Water
1,650.28
Veteran Exemption
50.98
14,640.86
Reimbursement for Loss of
Taxes
$54.96
State Aid
60.00
Military Aid
377.50
Highway, Chapter 504, Acts
1939
6,417.32
6,909.78
143
Licenses and Permits :
Beer and Liquor
$457.00
Permits and all other Licenses
273.00
730.00
Court Fines
25.00
Grants and Gifts
From State:
Schools :
Smaller Towns Account
$1,327.29
Vocational Education
394.33
Tuition of Children
187.68
1,909.30
From County :
Dog Licenses
660.31
From Town: Dog Licenses
781.80
Commercial Revenue
General Government :
Treasurer :
Tax Title Releases
21.00
Collector :
Water Lien Release
1.00
Town Hall :
Rent
$346.00
Wood for Public Welfare.
418.62
All Other
5.83
770.45
Protection of Persons and Property :
Sealer of Weights and Measures 38.51
144
Highway:
Sale of Old Material
$300.00
Individual Return
275.00
Snow Removal, Route No. 106
67.50
642.50
County, Chapter 90
161.41
Commonwealth, Chapter 90
161.41
Road Machinery Fund
781.07
Land Damage:
Crescent Street
345.49
Miscellaneous
18.78
Health :
Tuberculosis
127.14
Public Welfare:
Reimbursement - Temporary Aid
From Individuals
$43.00
Cities and Towns
610.50
State
3,265.15
$3,918.65
Old Age Assistance :
Reimbursements :
Cities and Towns
$360.92
State
7,972.56
Federal Grant
11,521.27
$19,854.75
Dependent Children :
State
$763.67
Federal Grant
867.66
Schools :
Tuition 729.31
145
Library :
Fines
69.86
Public Service Enterprise :
Water Rates
$13,078.99
Water Liens
107.25
Water Liens added to Real Estate
1,089.72
$14,275.96
Interest :
Real Estate and Personal
$791.12
Motor Vehicle Excise
3.96
Tax Titles Added Interest
205.17
Costs
$1,000.25 $192.20
Agency and Trusts :
Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds $131.50
Cemetery Principal 100.00
$231.50
Library Trust Funds :
Library Income
$395.02
Interest Withdrawals
409.63
$804.65
Municipal Indebtedness :
Water Bond
$12,000.00
Premium and Interest
33.00
$12,033.00
Refunds :
New Town Offices
$8.13
146
Public Welfare Aid
11.60
Old Age Assistance Aid
12.50
$32.23
Total
$191,353.40
Cash Balance, December 31, 1939
40,822.33
$232,175.73
PAYMENTS
Departmental - General Government
Moderator:
Appropriation
$25.00
Expenses :
Moderator
25.00
Finance Committee :
Appropriation
$15.00
Expenses :
Finance Committee 3.00
Unexpended balance reverting to Revenue ..
$12.00
Preserving Old Records:
Appropriation $50.00
Expenses :
Preserving Old Records 14.10
Unexpended balance reverting to Revenue
$35.90
Law:
Appropriation $25.00
Unexpended balance reverting to Revenue ..
$25.00
147
Selectmen :
Appropriation
$800.00
Expenses :
Salary
$513.75
Clerk
50.00
27.22
Stationery and Postage Printing and Advertising
50.30
Travel Expense
25.22
Posting Warrants
1.00
All Other
55.11
722.60
Unexpended balance reverting to Revenue
$77.40
Accounting :
Appropriation
$700.00
Expenses :
Accountant
$624.00
Printing
12.27
Stationery and Postage
3.54
All Other
37.13
676.94
1
Unexpended balance reverting to Revenue
$23.06
Treasurer :
Appropriation
$1,300.00
Expenses :
Salary
$800.00
Office Supplies
20.89
Tax Title Expense
22.50
Stationery and Postage
134.96
Printing
13.20
Travel
84.00
Surety Bond
77.00
All Other
61.80
$1,214.35
Unexpended balance reverting to Revenue $85.65
148
Collector :
Appropriation
$1,947.00
Transfer from Reserve Fund
130.56
$2,077.56
Expenses :
Salary
$1,300.00
Office Supplies
134.99
Tax Title Expense
90.50
Stationery and Postage
146.09
Printing and Advertising
124.58
Water Lien Expense
53.40
Surety Bonds
175.00
Travel
50.00
All Other
3.00
2,077.56
Assessors :
Appropriation
$1,825.00
Expenses :
Salaries
$1,409.35
Transfer and Lists
60.00
Stationery and Postage
9.09
Travel
69.00
Printing
41.84
Supplies
12.17
All Other
2.55
$1,604.00
Unexpended balance reverting to Revenue $221.00
Town Clerk :
Appropriation
$620.00
Expenses :
Salary
$520.00
Stationery and Postage
18.17
Printing and Advertising
13.50
Office Supplies
43.73
Travel
14.10
149
Surety Bond
7.50
All Other
3.00
$620.00
Election and Registration :
Appropriation
$900.00
Transfer from Reserve Fund
54.99
$954.99
Expenses :
Registrars
$123.78
Counters, Observers and
Checkers
469.57
Poll Census
156.00
Clerk
37.98
Stationery and Postage
3.51
Printing Forms
151.15
All Other
13.00
$954.99
Municipal Buildings
Town Hall :
Appropriation
$2,800.00
Transfer from Reserve Fund
25.00
$2,825.00
Expenses :
Janitor
$936.00
Office Supplies
32.45
Telephone
207.82
Fuel
613.54
Light
244.58
Janitor's Supplies
26.53
Repairs
741.50
Gas
6.01
Water
14.00
All Other
2.57
$2,825.00
150
New Town Offices : Special Appropriation Refund
$3,000.00 8.13
$3,008.13
Expenses :
Material
$845.75
Equipment Hire
16.00
Labor
649.96
Office Equipment
180.01
All Other
62.79
$1,754.51
Unexpended balance carried forward to 1941 $1,253.62
Town Garage:
1940 Balance
$1,082.09
Transfer from Reserve Fund
100.29
$1,182.38
Expenses :
Material
$941.34
Tools, etc.
45.64
Equipment Hire
40.00
Gravel
51.35
All Other
104.05
$1,182.38
Protection of Persons and Property
Police Department : Appropriation :
$1,800.00
Expenses :
Chief
$797.53
Police
543.50
Special Police
48.00
Motor Equipment and Repair
62.92
Gasoline and Oil
164.57
Stationery and Postage
8.00
Telephone
99.07
151
Equipment for men
43.50
All Other Supplies, etc.
32.63
$1,799.72
Unexpended balance reverting to Revenue
.28
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