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 1950-1954 > Part 9
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33
12,440.
129.87
15th Commitment, Dec. 13, 1950
21
14,450.
124.09
16th Commitment, Jan. 4, 1951
28
17,120.
108.16
17th Commitment, Jan. 11, 1951
20
20,160.
103.01
2083
781,050.
28,976.33
Average Value assessed per car Average Excise per car
374.96
13.91
WILLIAM W. PHILLIPS CLIFFORD H. CARLSON HERBERT A. HOLMES Board of Assessors
250.00
161
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
During the year 1950, there were 150 reportable diseases re- ceived by the Board of Health, 63 of which were Measles.
Diseases reported were as follows:
1950
1949
Chicken Pox
12
9
Dog Bites
16
26
Measles
63
7
Mumps
31
29
Scarlet Fever
4
10
Typhoid Fever
1
0
Whooping Cough
23
2
Total
150
87
You may see by the above report that Measles has been the most prevalent contagious disease reported last year. When your child develops a rash and you are in doubt call your Doctor. Too frequently in the past when a child developed the disease it was dis- missed with the remark, "It's only measles," and the child was al- lowed to come and go at will. As a result, these children frequently suffered from a complication of measles or from another, superim- posed contagious disease. Many parents still do not realize that measles is most dangerous to the extremely young. Statistics show that more than half of those who die of the disease have not reached their second birthday.
Your Local Board of Health has assumed their full share of this responsibility in your community, in regards to the communicable diseases, and asks the cooperation of the people, and also to call at- tention to parents that the law requires that communicable diseases be reported. For non-compliance with this law a fine is imposed. The health of the community is a matter that is and should be of
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serious interest to every citizen. Assistance in helping the Health authorities to stop the spread is of vital importance to all. There should be no hesitation in reporting at the onset of any communi- cable disease.
The Diphtheria Clinic was held at the Town Hall in April, May, and June of this year, under the direction and cooperation of the Board of Health, and assisted by Mrs. Lillian Hewitt, School Nurse, I gave three inoculations three weeks apart, of Diphtheria Toxoid, to one hundred forty seven children; the results were satisfactory.
We have not had a single case of diphtheria reported in Town for the last three years, but the State Board of Health report says that a great number of diphtheria cases were reported throughout the State, with some deaths. So the local board of health feels that the parents of children should be warned again to have their child- ren immunized. All school children who had the diphtheria Tox- oid immunization three years or over should have a booster dose. Therefore see to it that your child is inoculated for diphtheria either by your family physician or bring your child to the diphtheria clinic which will be held in the Town Hall, in April of this year. Children from six months to ten years of age inclusive are eligible and parents are urged to take advantage of this free service.
A. O. BELMORE, M.D. Health Officer WILLIAM W. NOYES FRANK SANBORN CLIFFORD BROMAN Board of Health
163
REPORT OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE
By J. T. Brown, County Agent-Manager
This Department, generally known as the Plymouth County Extension Service, is the county organization representing the United States Department of Agriculture and the University of Massachusetts in the field of educational programs. There are three departments having programs designed primarily for farm and rural people but are available to all the people of the county.
The Agricultural Department has formal programs with reg- ular scheduled meetings for commodity groups including dairy- men, poultrymen, cranberry growers, vegetable growers, fruit growers and florists. Other programs are available for people in- terested in general livestock, forestry, home grounds improvement, home food production and marketing. The Agricultural Depart- ment educational programs are conducted largely on country-wide or regional basis. The work is supplemented with demonstrations, farm visits, and newspaper and radio publicity.
The Home Economics Department promotes education in home management and family economics, home furnishings and surroundings, food preservation and storage, food selection and preparation, clothing and textiles, family relationships and child development, recreation and community life. This department is dependent upon Town Committees and local leaders to sponsor local groups and to assist with the teaching program.
The 4-H Club Department deals with youth between ages of 10 and 21 years. Project work for boys includes dairy, goats, sheep, pigs, poultry, gardens and handicraft. For 4-H girls, project work is offered in clothing, canning, child care, foods, home furnish- ings and crafts. Four-H club work is also dependent upon Town
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Committees and local leaders for sponsoring 4-H clubs and for leading these clubs in their regular meetings and supervision of their project animals or crops.
Funds for County Aid to Agriculture are derived principally through the appropriation of the County Commissioners. Some Federal funds are also designated through the University of Mass- achusetts. Most Towns make a small appropriation which also is used for the general expenditures of the Plymouth County Exten- sion Service. These town appropriations are an indication of the interest in the Extension Service programs and permits the town to have a Town Director. These Town Directors are unpaid vol- unteer leaders and serve as an Extension Service representative in their towns.
A Statistical Summary of achievements for the year 1950 is attached to this report.
STATISTICAL SUMMARY OF ACHIEVEMENTS
Plymouth County Extension Service November 1, 1949 - October 31, 1950
Agri. Dept.
Home Dept.
4-H Club Dept.
Total
Farm or Home Visits
1,579
202
435
2,216
Telephone Calls
5,826
1,222
1,978
9,026
Office Calls
1,969
424
294
2,687
News Stories
210
82
35
327
Radio Talks
227
115
11
353
Bulletins Distributed
6,444
11,622
10,752
28,818
Individual Letters Written
3,283
384
1,154
4,821
Circular Letters Written
156
41
150
347
Copies Mailed
42,838
15,882
12,911
71,631
Number of Leaders
118
227
222
567
Meetings of Local Leaders or Committeemen
52
57
21
130
Attendance
859
629
278
1,766
165
Demonstration Meetings
79
46
12
137
Attendance
4,340
1,293
312
5,945
Other Extension Meetings
62
109
218
389
Attendance
3,095
4,073
8,889
16,057
Meetings with Other
Organizations
58
250*
2,294*
2,602
Attendance
12,310
1,250
21,046 34,606
Number of 4-H Clubs - 92
Number Club Members Enrolled in 4-H Clubs - 842
* Includes meetings held by Local Leaders and 4-H Clubs
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
During the year 1950, the Highway Department has com- pleted the following work in addition to our regular maintenance program:
New Construction
Bedford Street-Widened, gravelled and seal coated.
Francis Avenue-Gravelled and seal coated, and widened.
Buttonwood Avenue-Gravelled, seal coated and widened. Hillside Avenue-Gravelled and seal coated.
Forest Street-Gravelled and seal coated.
Mix In Place
East Street, 2640 feet Bryant Street, 1200 feet
South Street, 1500 feet River Street, 1100 feet
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Seal Coat
Progressive Avenue High Street
Beacon Street Friend Street
Keenan Street, from Main Street to Bedford Street.
Bedford Street, from Keenan Street to Aldrich Road.
Chapter 90, New Construction
Crescent Street, mix in place from West Center Street to Hacken- son's Farm. Two catch basins and drain pipe installed.
Chapter 90, Maintenance
Copeland Street, seal coated from Main Street to North Elm Street.
West Center Street, seal coated and 1/4" stone cover to Elm Square.
East Center Street, shoulders widened three feet, and filled with mix in place and rolled from Main Street to East Bridge- water line.
Drainage Work
100 feet of tile pipe on Keenan Street.
Catch basins cleaned, ditches dug.
40 feet of pipe laid on Francis Avenue.
New bridge built on Maple Street.
Painting
All fences and guard rails painted.
Traffic signs painted on West Center, East Center and West Streets.
Brush Cut on Corners
Brush was cut on Walnut Street, Lincoln Street, Bedford Street, and grass was mowed on sides of all streets.
Snow Removal
All snow was removed as soon as possible, and all streets treated with salt and sand.
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In closing, I would like to recommend that: The 1946 Ford be replaced. The Town purchase a tractor with snow bucket, cutter blade and broom attachment. The Town purchase a 1/2-ton pickup truck.
Respectfully,
GEORGE E. BAKER, Superintendent
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE
No one can foretell what 1951 will bring forth because of 1950 legislation. It seems practical to await developments and if these laws become effective in June, raise necessary funds at that time.
The receipts, expenditures and town's net share for 1950 were:
Category
Payments
General Administration Aid:
$4,771.73
Receipts $2,379.82
Town's Net Expense $2,391.91
General Relief
13,214.31
3,566.74
9,647.57
Old Age Assistance
53,724.19
46,163.25
7,560.94
Aid to Dep. Children
4,206.69
2,159.48
2,047.21
Totals
$75,916.92
$54,269.29
$21,647.63
WILLIAM W. NOYES, Chairman FRANK SANBORN CLIFFORD BROMAN Board of Public Welfare ALICE M. DEAN, Welfare Agent
168
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS
We, the Water Commissioners of the Town of West Bridge- water, submit our annual report of the Water Department for 1950.
During the year our new system has had its first 12 month period test since we installed it. We are very pleased to report to the Town the results of this test. During the year our gross amount of water pumped at our wells in the well field in Matfield is as follows: total number of gallons pumped during 1950 was 82,831,616 gallons of water, with a daily average of 226,936 gallons per day. Here are also some of the high points of our pumping test for 1950. On July 29, 1950, our pumps pumped 501,760 gal- lons, during the week of July 23 to July 29, 1950, we pumped 2,375,296 gallons. Our highest month was the month of July when we pumped 10,687,528 gallons during a 31 day period. We are well pleased with the outcome of our 12 month test because more water is being pumped through our mains than at any other time since the system was installed in our town, with a good supply at all times of the day. We have a very good pumping system in the Town at the present time and we do not believe half of the townspeople realize just what we have. All that they know is that when they go for water, it is there waiting for them 24 hours per day; not like the old system when some parts of the Town were without water the biggest part of the day. It would really surprise some of the people to inspect our plant and see just what we have for a pumping system. The Board of Commissioners would be only too glad to show our plant to any party or parties who wish to in- spect the pumping station at any time.
During 1950 we have been cleaning some of our old mains to improve conditions in our system. On North Main Street we cleaned 4270 feet of 6" main with good results to the center sec-
169
tion of the Town. We also cleaned 3800 feet of 4" main on East Street and 5700 feet of 4" main on East Center Street, which has proved that we didn't make a mistake in cleaning these sections of the Town. There are a number of other sections of the Town which we have on our list to clean just as soon as funds are available to do the work. Also during 1950 we installed 38 new services and re- newed 27 old ones.
We have a bad condition on Ash Street. There is only a 2" galvanized line in that street, with 18 homes to be supplied with water from that line, and no fire hydrants on the street. These people are paying their share of fire protection as well as the man who has a hydrant in front of his home. This line is constantly giving us trouble by breaking, causing some of the homes to go without water over a period of several days. It is also costing us good money to try to keep it in repairs. There is an article in the warrant this year to install a new 6" main on this street, which we hope the people of the Town will allow to be done. We, the Commissioners, are in favor of this project and hope you will see your way clear to allow us to give these people a good water sup- ply on this street.
Four times during the year, when we have our water bills printed, it costs us quite a lot to have the Rules and Regulations of the Department printed on the back of the bills. We have con- tacted several other Towns in regards to their way of printing them and we have adopted the way of several other Towns by hav- ing the Rules and Regulations printed only once in a year in our annual report, with a good saving each year to the department.
RULES AND REGULATIONS of Board of Water Commissioners of West Bridgewater
The following regulations shall be considered a part of the contract with every person who takes water; and every such person by taking water shall be considered to express his assent to be bound thereby. All applicants for the in- troduction of water to any premises, or for the extension of any pipe for the conveyance of such water, shall be signed by such applicant, and shall state
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fully and fairly all and several of the various uses to which water is to be ap- plied; and whenever thereafter any other uses of water, or additional service pipe or plumbing or fixtures are required, a further application must be made as aforesaid.
The Water Commissioners reserve the right to decline to connect with plumbing which has not been done by a plumber approved by them. All ap- plicants for whom service pipe is laid will be charged for the use of one faucet and sill cock whether the water is used or not. Persons taking water must keep their own water pipes and all fixtures connected therewith in good repair, and protected from frost at their own expense. They must provide a stop and waste cock to be properly located inside the building, and have the pipes so arranged that the water can be drawn from them wherever and whenever there is danger of its freezing.
No alterations in pipes or fixtures shall be made and no additional fixtures put in without notice to the Water Commissioners, and a permit having been obtained therefor by a plumber approved by them. The only exception to the above rule will be in cases where pipes have burst, and damage to the premises is likely to result from delay in making necessary repairs. In all occupied prem- ises all water fixtures of whatever nature will be deemed and held as used, and will be charged for so long as said fixtures shall remain connected with the water pipes.
No person shall be entitled to damages, nor to have any portion of a pay- ment refunded for any stoppage of supply occasioned by accident to any por- tion of the works, nor for any stoppage for purposes of additions or repairs, NOR FOR NON USE OCCASIONED BY ABSENCE. The Water Com- missioners shall have the right to shut off water to make repairs or additions without notice.
No hydrant or hose attachment shall be placed in any yard or area of any premises so situated as to be accessible to persons living in or occupying neigh- boring premises, unless the owner of the premises first named becomes respons- ible for and pays the water rent for all persons using water therefrom. No water taker will be allowed to supply water to parties not entitled to its use ex- cept by special permit from the Water Commissioners, and if found doing so without a permit the supply will be cut off, and the water rent already paid forfeited.
No permits will be granted for garden sprinklers, sill faucets, fountains, or post hydrants, unaccompanied with inside use, unless by special permit; liable to be abrogated on notice at any time. There shall be no concealment of the purpose for which water is used. There shall be no unnecessary waste
171
of water. Any person violating this rule shall be liable to have his supply shut off, and the amount paid therefor forfeited. No person shall interfere with the fire hydrants, hydrants for street sprinklers, valves or other water works fixtures without proper authority.
The Water Commissioners shall have the power to ascertain by meter the quantity used in every case, and the rate shall be charged as set forth under meter rates. The Water Commissioners, their agents and assistants, may enter the premises of any water taker, at all reasonable hours of the day, to examine the pipes and fixtures, the quantity of water used, and the manner of its use.
CAUTION. It being frequently necessary to shut off the water from the street mains to make extensions and repairs, without giving notice, all per- sons having boilers on their premises, not supplied by tanks, but depending upon the pressure from the street mains to keep them supplied, are cautioned against danger from collapse. .
PAYMENT OF BILLS. All bills at annual rates will be payable three months in advance, Jan. 1, April 1, July 1, and Oct. 1. If bills remain unpaid for 60 days after due the amount then becomes subject to a lien in accord- ance with Chapter 40 of the General Laws. The supply of water is liable to be shut off for non-payment of bills, or violation of rules, and when so shut off the bill, if any, shall be paid before letting on.
Water shall not be left running to prevent freezing. All persons using water for building purposes are required to obtain a permit from the Water Commissioners before taking water from any faucet or fixture connected with the water works.
We wish to thank all who have cooperated with the Depart- ment in the past year and hope you will continue to do so in the future. We meet every Wednesday night at the Town Hall; if any- one has any questions in regards to the workings of the depart- ment, we will be only too glad to have them come before the board any Wednesday evening between 7 and 9 P.M.
JAMES C. KINNEY, Chairman THOMAS J. CARNES, Secretary EDWARD G. ASACK
172
FIRE DEPARTMENT TELEPHONE NO. 4137
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit the Annual Report of the West Bridge- water Fire Department for the year 1950.
PERSONNEL
One Chief, two Deputies, twenty-six members, one alarm op- erator, one Electrician, five Deputy Forest Wardens.
APPARATUS
One 500 gallon triple combination Buffalo Equipment on Diamond T Chassis, thirteen years old.
One Chevrolet Combination Truck with 320 gallon tank and portable pump, five years old.
One 500 gallon Triple Combination Maxim, twenty-six years old.
One E & J Resuscitator and one National Cutting Unit for emergency use.
One twelve-foot boat presented to the Town by the American Legion for emergencies.
One G. E. Mobile Radio Receiver and Transmitter on Chev- rolet Combination.
One G. E. Mobile Radio Receiver and Transmitter on Buf- falo Engine 2.
ALARMS ANSWERED
Frame Buildings 25
Grass and Woodland (37 Acres) 49
Alarms, no Fires 4
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Automobiles, Trucks and Tractors
10
Rubbish
2
Aid Calls out of Town
4
Dumps
2
Gasoline Pumps
1
Emergency Calls, Resuscitator
2
Aid to Police
1
Total Alarms Answered 100
In performing its duties in 1950, the Fire Apparatus has trav- eled 628 miles, operated pumps at Fires for 711/2 hours, has laid 15,450 feet of booster hose, 4850 feet of 11/2" hose, 4,100 feet of 21/2" hose; and also raised a total of 630 feet of ladders.
BUILDING FIRES Value Losses and Insurance Paid
Assessors Value of Fire Damaged Buildings
$46,300.00
Insurance carried on same 67,800.00
Estimated loss on Buildings 4,720.00
Insurance paid on same
5,960.00
CONTENTS IN BUILDING FIRES Value Losses and Insurance Paid
Estimated Value of Contents
$22,960.00
Insurance carried on same
30,900.00
Estimated Loss on Contents
1,837.00
Insurance paid on same
2,348.00
PERMITS ISSUED
Open Air Fires 546
Oil Storage and Burners 151
Bottle Gas Storage 67
During the year, I have investigated seventy-three complaints on various Fire Hazards, smoke scare, etc.
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Bell Alarm and Whistle are tested daily at 7 P.M., except Sundays.
This year we have added two new two-way Radios on two pieces of Fire Apparatus. This system has been of great assistance to us at our fires, and also on aid to our neighboring towns.
I recommend the purchase of a new 750 gallon pumping engine in 1951, to replace the old Maxim Engine (1), which is over twenty-six years old. Parts and repairs are becoming difficult to obtain because of its being obsolete.
INSPECTIONS
Inspections on Schools, Rest Homes, Public Buildings and Private Enterprises are made periodically. Recommendations of alterations in various buildings were made, and these have been carried out.
Board of Fire Prevention Regulations Rules and Regulations of Department of Public Safety Chapter 148 - Section 10
It is required by law that any installation or alteration of fuel oil burners of any type shall not be made by any person or firm unless in possession of a certificate of competency.
No oil burner of any type, or oil tanks, shall be installed with- out first filing an application for permit with the head of the Fire Department.
After installation of oil burners and tanks, a completion cer- tificate must be filed with the head of the Fire Department for inspection of work.
No person or firm shall use or store liquified petroleum gas (known as bottle gas) used for cooking and heating purposes, with- out first filing an application and obtaining a permit from the head of the Fire Department.
175
NOTICE
Permits must be obtained from the Fire Department for all open air fires.
ATTENTION
To keep your fire loss small, CALL YOUR FIRE DEPART- MENT IMMEDIATELY upon discovering a fire in a building, grass or woodland.
I wish to thank the Selectmen, Officers and members of the Department, and all others who have helped in any way with the Department.
Respectfully submitted,
ANTONE SOUSA Chief, Fire Department
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEES
This committee was appointed May 27, 1949 and made pre- liminary report in the 1949 Town Report. From January Ist to March 23rd 1950 the committee was responsible for the holding of three town meetings regarding the school problem. The first, held on January 11, was for the purpose of requesting the Selectmen to petition the legislature for an amendment to the Act allowing the town to borrow money outside the debt limit, to make the total borrowing under the Act $800,000.00 passed in town meeting by a majority vote, and subsequently the legislature authorized the in- crease in debt limit. On March 2 a town meeting was called to vote on an appropriation of $947,000 for a new school, plus $21,000 for a sprinkler system for the building, making a total of $968,000.00. This motion was lost, a two thirds vote being required. Again on March 23 another special town meeting was called for the same pur-
176
pose, and again the appropriation was lost, lacking the necessary two thirds vote. The committee was discharged on March 23, 1950.
Respectfully submitted,
School Building Committee
CLYDE MANCHESTER HARVEY SCRANTON
ALLEN FOYE
LEON LOTHROP
E. MARION ROBERTS
A. PHILIP ERBECK
MRS. L. MERRIL CASWELL
FRED BISBEE
BRUCE C. SODERHOLM
CLIFFORD CARLSON
MRS. E. W. JONES
SAMUEL READ RICHARD GRODIN
MRS. RALPH FISH
WILLIAM RODGERS
JULIAN E. LUCINI, Secretary
ROGER H. BURRILL, Chairman
A new building committee was appointed by the Board of Selectmen shortly after March 23, and instigated a survey of the town's educational facilities by Educational Associates, Inc. A re- port was brought back by the survey organization which showed the need for consideration of elementary school facilities as well as for junior senior high school facilities in the proposed new building. This survey recommended a flexible type of building design which could later be enlarged to accommodate additional elementary pupils.
This committee retained the firm of Adden, Parker, Clinch, and Crimp as architects, and, after study of many alternative plans, came into a special town meeting on June 22, asking for an appro- priation of a sum of $1,000,000.00 for construction of a junior senior high school with as much of elementary school facilities included
177
as the appropriation would allow. This appropriation was voted by the necessary two thirds vote, and the committee was thereby dis- charged on June 22, 1950.
Respectfully submitted, School Building Committce
. CLIFFORD BROMAN JOHN ELDRIDGE PAUL LUNDGREN ALLEN FOYE ROYAL SNELL CLIFFORD CARLSON
WARREN ANDERSON, Chairman
On June 22 the Town Moderator appointed a new Building Committee of eleven members to proceed with plans and construc- tion of the proposed new school. The firm of Adden, Parker, Clinch and Crimp was retained as architects for the construction. A care- ful study was made of minimum requirements for the junior senior high school and for as much of the elementary system as funds would permit. Working drawings were developed and necessary engineering work was carried out. In September the site clearance and excavation contract was awarded to the Varwood Company, Inc. of Boston. In December plans were completed and prepared to receive bids shortly after the first of the year 1951.
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