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 1955-1959 > Part 4
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For better protection, I recommend that our Fire Station be manned 24 hours a day in the near future.
The new station has proven to be of adequate quarters with sufficient room for all types of Fire Department work.
I would like at this time to thank the men of the Department and public spirited citizens who contributed so much time and work to the new station.
Respectfully submitted,
ANTONE SOUSA Fire Chief
POLICE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit the Annual Report of the West Bridgewater Police Department for the year 1955.
Complaints 427
Investigations 503
Investigations with or for other departments 43
54
Investigations out of Town
11
Arrest out of State
1
Breaking, Entering in night time and larceny
3
3
Breaking, Entering in the day time and larceny Larceny Armed Robbery
6
1
Number of Arrests, 207 - Male 202; Female 5
CAUSES OF ARREST
Breaking, Entering in the night time and larceny
2
Breaking, Entering in the day time and larceny
1
Larceny
4
Armed Robbery
2
Non Support
1
Drunkenness
19
Disturbance
1
Assault and Battery
1
Violation of Probation
3
Using car without authority
3
Operating under influence
14
Operating so as to endanger
16
Operating unregistered car
5
Operating uninsured car
5
Attaching Registration Plates unlawfully A.W.O.L.
1
Contributing to the delinquency of a Minor
1
Leaving scene of accident after causing property damage
3
Allowing improper person to operate
3
Operating after suspension of license
2
Speeding
79 11
Failing to slow
4
Failing to stop at stop sign
4
Escaped Inmates
3
Committed to State Hospital
1
No Sticker
1
Faulty Equipment
1
Failing to stop on signal of an officer
3
No License
9
No Registration
2
1
Failing to stop for school bus
2
Failing to keep right
55
MISCELLANEOUS
Court Finds Imposed
$3,038.00
Finds reverting to the Town
$223.00
Stolen property recovered
$9,913.31
Total amount of jail sentences imposed
6 years, 1 month
Total amount of jail sentences, suspended
4 months
Total probation period
3 years, 3 months
Not guilty
2
Cases Filed 10
Prisoners transported to Plymouth (House of Correction)
1
Prisoners transported to Westboro Youth Center
1
Prisoners transported to Framingham Women's Reformatory
1
Missing persons
5
Missing persons located
5
Business Establishments doors and windows found open or unlocked
136
Street lights out reported
123
Emergency messages delivered
34
Summons served for other departments
23
Fire calls covered by police
50
Arrest made out of Town
4 1
Times in District Court
115
Times in Superior Court
6
Road Hazards reported
11
Escorts given
76
Aid to other departments
17
Persons dropped dead from heart condition
5
Person sick taken to Hospital
10
Person sick taken home
5
Person injured other than Auto accidents taken to Hospital
13
Person injured other than Auto accidents taken to Doctor
7
Dogs hit by cars either killed or injured
17
Wires down and reported
8
Revolver permits issued
21
Class 1 Dealers Motor Vehicles Sales Reported
208
Class 2 Dealers Motor Vehicles Sales Reported
224
Class 3 Dealers Motor Vehicle Sales Reported
338
Individual Transfer of Sales Reported
225
Auto Violations 726
Arrest made out of State
56
Violators taken to Court Violations sent to Registry Violations placed on file
165
332
229
TRAFFIC REPORT
Auto Accidents
74
Persons injured 50
Accidents involving property damage only
31
Persons Killed
None
YOUR POLICE DEPARTMENT
Your Police Department is anxious to help you but can do so only in direct proportion to the help you give it. Cooperate with your police to the fullest.
EXTREME CAUTION
Extreme caution should be used in paying money in advance to a solicitor. He may not deliver the article you order.
Never permit a solicitor or other stranger to enter your house, but make him transact his business in the vestibule or doorway, preferably with the inside chain on the door. Don't let him or her in the open doorway while you go into another part of the house for your purse. Shut him or her out and then go for your money.
Buy no merchandise from strangers who give you the impres- sion that the goods offered are a great bargain. Many times they will be found to be faked or stolen property. In this case, it is ad- visable to call the police at once.
In concluding this report, I sincerely wish to express my thanks and appreciation to the Selectmen, and all other departments for their invaluable assistance in helping us to carry out our duties.
Respectfully submitted,
DOUGLAS EATON, SR. Chief of Police
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TREE WARDEN
To the Citizens of West Bridgewater:
The Tree Department activities for the year 1955 have been generally along the order of previous years. Tree removal still stands out as foremost in our operations, there having been nearly 110 trees removed including Dutch Elm diseased trees. The amount of emergency work has increased at an alarming rate. While we endeavor to head off this type of work by concentrating on what appears to be dangerous, three-fourths of the trees involved are overage trees and while they appear in good health, they are physically on the decline. Several of these trees were in a state of good health above the ground but the root systems were badly affected by dry rot, causing the whole tree to break off at the ground in a strong wind.
Our first and foremost duty as a department is the mainten- ance of existing shade trees - it is the statutory duty of towns to maintain highway trees for the protection of the public. This means that all highway trees be kept free of dead wood, broken and weak branches, cabled and braced where needed to strengthen structural weaknesses, cavities cleaned out, painted and drained; all dead, dis- eased and overage or weed trees removed; low overhanging limbs removed over streets and sidewalks; roadside brush cut or trimmed for clearer view of motorists. This coming year, the department is asking for a portable generator to hasten the cabling and bolting program which has increased due to the 1954 hurricanes. Along with the generator will be portable lights for emergency night work which often occurs.
Up to the present, only elms have received fertilizer, but I foresee the need of fertilizing all varieties now for vigorous growth.
The problem of roadside brush cutting is becoming smaller as the brush killing program with 2, 4-D and 2, 4, 5-T broadens each year. These are costly chemicals but overall, it is a saving as the manpower saved can be utilized in other important activities.
The department's one and two-man power saws still remain the useful tool of our trade. Without these time and labor saving machines, the work done up to now would still be in front of us.
58
The townspeople realized this when they had their roads open to travel in a short time after the 1954 hurricanes had hit.
Tree planting has moved on but not at the rate I anticipated. Climatic conditions prevented this. Further development of our Town Nursery is underway to provide more trees for future needs. This nursery has been in operation for the past three years and as trees are taken from it for roadside plantings, they are replaced with small saplings to be grown into larger ones. There are over 300 trees in the nursery, at the present time, of different varieties.
This coming year, the department is asking the citizens for a new truck with the 1946 dump truck being traded in towards this. The repair bills are becoming increasingly heavier on the 1946 truck yearly. Plans are for a stake body with a hoist. This will more efficiently fit the needs of the department than a dump truck. The 1951 pickup is in good mechanical condition and is equipped for emergency duty at all times. All equipment is painted regularly. The department is now housed in the former fire station in the rear of the Town Hall, giving us a great deal more working and storage space. I would welcome the townspeople inspecting our new quarters at any time.
The increased demand and need of our citizens for service and information regarding trees has been felt this year more than ever before. Every resident is a prospective client for service of some kind, Every tree in a residential area, be it public or private is a prospective patient of ours if only for a diagnosis of its ills.
It is only through the loyalty of my workmen and their pride in their work; the splendid support of the townspeople in my efforts and the fine co-operation of our many department heads who are also leaders in their respective fields, that we have progressed.
ERADICATION OF POISON IVY
Four years ago, this department put into operation a project that had been sadly needed for many years and the fruits of this project are finally being realized with the absence of Poison Ivy from the roadsides of our town. Poison Ivy is widely distributed and a serious health hazard to those susceptible to its poison. However, ivy poisoning is not like mumps and measles, "one of those things every child must have." Something can and should be done. With the plant being almost completely killed along the
59
roadsides, the department is now ready to go in deeper. By state law, towns are allowed to proceed 100 feet in on private property to spray poison ivy. The Tree Department would like to know from townspeople where any poison ivy exists on their property adjoin- ing town land.
The two hormone-like materials, 2, 4-D and 2, 4, 5-T are used and applied as an overall spray in the hot summer months. Four- teen streets were sprayed this past season, many streets treated being follow-ups from 1954 applications.
This project will be continued yearly until we can be sure this menace has been eliminated entirely.
Respectfully submitted, THOMAS B. MacQUINN Tree Warden
DUTCH ELM DISEASE CONTROL
To the Citizens of West Bridgewater:
The public apathy concerning elms is alarming - the true value of a stately elm in front of a taxpayer's home doesn't appear to him until the blade of a power saw is placed in the butt of the elm and in a few moments is erased all that took almost a century of growing to accomplish. The serious problem of the disease con- cerns every community of the state and is increasing.
In 1952, 39 of our elms had to be removed as diseased; in 1953, 31 removed; in 1954, 37 were removed; and in 1955, 76 are tagged or over double the score of last year. This increase was foreseen after the hurricanes of '54 but nothing could be done about it since the damage to limbs of elms was great and a damaged limb is the ideal breeding spot for the Scolytus beetle, the disease spreader.
Three sprays, one dormant of 12 percent DDT and two foliar sprays of 6 percent DDT were applied to all roadside elms. Also, as many private elms as the supply of DDT allowed and could be reached by the mist blower, were sprayed.
60
Fertilizing and liming of elms continues during the Fall and Spring since it has been proven that a healthy elm will tend to withstand the disease. This program can be hastened by the addi- tion to the department of an earth-boring bar to be attached to the portable generator being asked for at the 1956 Town Meeting.
Scouting of all street elms for signs of the disease was done in the summer and when suspected, samples sent to the State Shade Tree Laboratory for confirmation of a diseased tree. This scouting and tagging gives us an accurate account of confirmed cases and is a basis for future work.
Many of our elms being removed have caused a great deal of added labor especially when they are near utility lines and the tree has to be topped out - a slow, dangerous job. I would like to take this opportunity to extend the department's thanks to the utility companies for their fine co-operation in this work.
All wood removed from diseased elms must by state law, either be buried or burned immediately. This phase of the operation is one of the most important as the diseased bark harbors the grubs of the Elm Bark Beetle, the disease carrier.
Up to a few years ago, the only elms affected were street trees, but now a majority of elms on private property are becoming dis- eased. The town has over two thousand elms in swamp lands and private property - a serious problem since few owners of elm trees can afford to retain their elm trees in a healthy state or remove them when diseased. Delay in facing this problem increases the final cost and at the same time creates a safety hazard.
Respectfully submitted, THOMAS B. MacQUINN Tree Warden
MOTH DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
For the past few years, the duties of your local Moth Superin- tendent have increased several fold. The taxpayers now expect pro- tective measures against tent caterpillars, elm leaf beetles, fall web-
61
worm, wood ticks, pine and hemlock loopers, Japanese beetles, Hag moths, gypsy moths, browntail moths and canker worms, all of which are under the jurisdiction of the moth department. Years ago, the department only had to combat the Hag, gypsy and brown- tail moths. For this reason, at the 1956 Town Meeting, I am ask- ing that the department's name be changed from moth department to that of Insect Pest Control.
In addition to the foregoing insects, the serious problem of Dutch Elm Disease now has been facing us for a number of years. By the department having a mist blower instead of the old hydrau- lic sprayer, we have been able to cover more ground in a shorter space of time and also a saving in the amount of insecticide along with a more complete coverage of the taller trees.
All roadside trees in 1955 were sprayed twice with a 6 percent solution of DDT with a miticide being added to the second spray to control mites on the leaves. A dormant spray of 12 percent DDT was applied in the early Spring to elms alone for the control of the Scolytus beetle. Again, as much spraying as possible was done at night, since at that time, wind is at a minimum just as automobile traffic is. The public has been very helpful but some cars still remain parked under street trees during the spray season.
Twenty-three Gypsy Moth traps, supplied by the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture were again set out in various spots throughout the town and patrolled weekly during the summer months. This is to determine whether there has been any re-infestation of the moth in this section; the moth having been almost eliminated the last few years by aerial spraying. Only one male moth was caught this sea- son in this manner proving the job has been effective.
Japanese beetles have become a very serious nuisance problem in the past year with an increase due in 1956. The department is able to control these along the roadsides but has no way of knowing how bad the infestation may be in townspeople's back yards unless the department is contacted personally. Then, if it is possible to spray, it will be done.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS B. MacQUINN Moth Superintendent
62
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
In the Town Forest at the rear of Memorial Field, the majority of Red Pines were blown down in the hurricane of 1954. These were cleaned up and the brush burned. The committee feels that these should be replaced with another variety of pine or spruce, able to withstand any future windstorms. The weeds and grasses throughout the forest were kept mowed and as in years past, Poison Ivy was sprayed by the Tree and Moth Department. Any low-hanging and broken limbs were removed and the area in gen- eral kept tidy.
The committee welcomes any use of the forest by either Boy, Girl or Cub scouts or any other organization for their respective needs. It is our hope that enough interest will be attained to war- rant making this area into an attractive recreation spot.
Up to the present, only an acre has been planted and as there are over 10 acres of town owned land available at this spot, more area and small trees could be added yearly. In this way, the forest would not only provide a cash income from periodic timber sales in future years but also furnish an area for all types of outdoor recrea- tion and an outdoor classroom for schools in natural resource studies.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS B. MacQUINN ELMER HUNT ANTONE SOUSA Town Forest Committee
BUILDING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my report of building inspections for the year 1955:
Permits issued: New Dwellings 40
Other New Buildings 36
63
Alterations to Dwellings 25
Alterations to Other Buildings 11
New School Building (Town)
1
New School Building (Private) 1
Alteration to Manufacturing Plants
2
Alteration to Business Establishments
8
House Trailers 3
Total Permits Issued
127
Total Number of Inspections
284
Respectfully submitted,
ANTONE SOUSA Building Inspector
INSPECTOR OF WIRES
Board of Selectmen:
Town Office
West Bridgewater, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report for the year of 1955.
Inspections
206
Locations locked
12
Meter permits issued
118
Service permits issued
90
Electric water heaters
32
Electric ranges
20
Oil burners
24
Added wiring to old houses
4
Rough wiring in new houses
38
Not approved
2
Motor loads added
2
Electric clothes dryers
7
Edison permits issued
144
Respectfully submitted,
LLOYD P. NORDHOLM Inspector of Wires
64
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Sealed Scales over 100 lbs. 7
Sealed Scales under 100 lbs. 25
Sealed Weights 36
Sealed Vehicle Tanks 2
Sealed Gas Pumps
21
Sealed Grease Pumps
3
Adjusted Scales and Pumps
16
WARREN A. TURNER Sealer of Weights and Measures
TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
TRUSTEES
Elected
Term Expires
Jane Bartlett
1953
1956
Winfield C. Leavitt
1953
1956
Dorothy Freeman
1954
1957
Allen B. Foye
1954
1957
Anna Howe
1955
1958
Stanley Carlson
1955
1958
BOOK COMMITTEE
Dorothy Freeman
Jane Bartlett
Anna Howe Stanley Carlson
OFFICERS
Chairman
Treasurer
Winfield C. Leavitt Anna Howe
Submitted by,
JANE BARTLETT
Secretary
65
LIBRARY REPORT FOR 1955 To the Trustees of the West Bridgewater Public Library:
I submit the report for the year ending December 31, 1955.
We have had our usual busy year and observed the various Book Weeks. During October the library was open Saturday morn- ings for the senior girl scouts to conduct reading groups for chil- dren. At one of the sessions a kindergarten teacher brought a number of her pupils who proved eager listeners to scouts who were the readers. During Children's Book Week in November, the library was also open two extra days for the convenience of teachers and their classes to view the display of new juvenile books. The upper elementary grades have used reference material more than usual for their assignments.
We have had a number of requests for non-fiction material for adults taking special courses and have borrowed 30 books from the State Library.
It has been a year in which the library received a number of fine gifts. Several useful articles from the K. A. Club; from a patron, a year's subscription to Popular Ceramics.
We also received a year's subscription to the following publi- cations: "Advance" and "Christian Register" from the Women's Club of the Unitarian - Congregational Church; the "Pilot" from the Women's Club of St. Anne's Catholic Church, who also pre- sented a number of books; and the "Yankee Magazine" from the K. A. Club.
Under improvements we purchased a 5 x 8 Flag and a Step- ladder.
Miss Jane Foye replaced Miss Lucia Millet as part-time assistant.
Respectfully,
JEAN M. MURDOCK Librarian
STATISTICS
Circulation
Adult fiction 7,890
Adult non-fiction
2,031
Juvenile fiction
5,920
66
Juvenile non-fiction
1,356
Bound Magazines
4
17,201
Monthly magazines
2,691
19,892
School Circulation
Elementary fiction
931
Elementary non-fiction 621
Total Elementary
1552
Secondary fiction
765
Secondary non-fiction
874
Total Secondary
1,639
Total School 3,191
Books added by purchase:
Adult
255
Juvenile
135
Total
390
REPORT OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
The Final Plan Conference with the School Building Assist- ance Commission was held on January 7, 1955. Written approval of final plans before construction is begun is required by law. On February 14, 1955 the Committee selected the Reznick Construc- tion Corporation as the general contractor in accordance with the instructions to bidders. On March 18, 1955 the registered sub-con- tractors were selected and construction of the 14 Classroom Ele- mentary School was clear to get started.
As of January 1, 1956 payments on construction total 70%. The major building erection has been completed and the remainder
67
is interior trim and finish. Lathing and plastering is in progress. Lavatory tile and fixtures are being installed. The heating systems are in operating condition to provide temporary heat and will en- able the finish trades to complete quickly. Wardrobes, plumbing and electrical fixtures, grilles hardware, all cabinets and equipment of various kinds are on the job. The kitchen equipment contract has been let, job measurements completed, and fabrication has begun. Finish grading, paving, and landscaping is put over until spring.
An interesting sidelight is reflected in the good planning by our Town Treasurer when $1,224.11 was put in the Treasury as interest earned on short term bonds purchased with a portion of the School Building money.
Committee Members
Arthur Steptoe
Karl Myers
Julien Lucini
Merton Ouderkirk
Bruce Soderholm Roger Burrill
John Eldridge
VISITING NURSE REPORT
The Town of West Bridgewater contributes annually to the support of the Bridgewater Visiting Nurse Association and the townspeople of West Bridgewater are entitled to the service pro- vided for by the B.V.N.A. In 1955 there were 637 visits made to 153 patients.
The purpose of the B.V.N.A. is to provide short periods of skilled nursing care in your homes. With instructions from a phys- ician the Visiting Nurse is available for these services:
1. When you need care after returning home from the hospital.
2. When you have a sick person in your home requiring bed- side care.
3. When you have an elderly or chronic patient in the home needing skilled attention and treatment.
68
4. When you need injections given or instructions to do it yourself.
5. When you are going to have a baby. The nurse can give prenatal and postnatal care and instructions regarding your- self and your expected baby.
A Well-Child Conference is conducted the second Tuesday of October, December, February, April and June in the Visiting Nurse Room in the Masonic Building. Children up to 5 years of age are eligible and must be in apparently good health. Dr. Lloyd A. Hazen is the consulting Pediatrician. He examines the children and discusses problems such as feeding, shoes, vitamins, habit for- mation, etc. Any abnormal condition found is referred back to the family physician. The conference is free - but donations are accepted.
Last year 2 hospital beds were donated by the West Bridge- water Lions Club and any person residing in West Bridgewater needing a hospital bed may use them free of charge. The B.V.N.A. has hospital beds, bedside tables and wheelchairs to loan. If pos- sible a minimum charge of 50 cents per week for beds and 25 cents per week for wheelchairs and tables is collected. Small articles like crutches, canes, pans, etc., are loaned free of charge. Patients bor- rowing said articles are responsible for returning them in good con- dition and must assume all repair fees and all transportation charges. Nurses Hours of Duty:
Monday - Friday Saturday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 8:30 to 12 noon
Sunday and Holidays - only emergency work or care to the critically ill. No night work.
Calls for morning visits should be called in the previous day or before 8:30 a.m.
Calls for afternoon visits should be called in between 12 noon - 1 p.m.
Telephone
Office - Bridgewater 4368
Home - Bridgewater 820
IRENE SALTER, R.N.
69
PLANNING BOARD
Your Planning Board has completed its second year in office, and has officially adopted and registered with both the Land Court, and the Register of Deeds at Plymouth, the Rules and Regulations governing the subdivision of land in West Bridgewater under the subdivision control law, sections 81K to 81 GG inclusive, Chapter 41 of General Laws.
Under the Subdivision Control Law, those wishing to sub- divide their land into two or more parts are required to submit plans for approval to the Planning Board before the Register of Deeds at Plymouth will act on a transfer of title.
The Board is currently meeting at the Town Hall the first and third Mondays of the month, at 7:45 p.m. Those having ques- tions in regard to the subdivision of their property are invited to meet with the Board. Your Planning Board would welcome hear- ing from those who may have suggestions for Long Range Planning in the best interests of the Town.
During the past year the Planning Board has held 17 regular meetings and one public hearing. They have also met with the Selectmen, the Zoning Committee, the Water Commissioners, the Building Inspector, the Board of Assessors, the Watershed Com- mittee and the Massachusetts Federation of Planning Boards. The Board has reviewed and approved many applications for subdivision under Form A. They reviewed an application for a subdivision re- quiring a new way, under Form B, and after a public hearing gave conditional approval. The Board has held several meetings with builders interested in new developments. The Board reviewed a number of applications for the removal and sale of sand, gravel, sub soil and loam referred to them by the Selectmen, and have made their recommendations to the Selectmen in each instance.
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