USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Eastham > Town of Eastham Annual Report 1947-1951 > Part 25
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a-19 assists of other Police departments with deliv- ery of messages and investigations.
b-4 times witness in court
c-1 preliminary hearing.
8-Attending Police School at Hyannis for 13 weeks.
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Police work in Eastham is largely curtailed by lack of funds and equipment as shown by the preceding report. More and more consideration should be given to this depart- ment. With the cooperation of taxpayers in the Town of Eastham, the Police work could become a very great public service in all instances and emergencies. The outcome would be protection for all persons and properties at all times.
Respectfully submitted,
WINFRED J. KNOWLES, Deputy Chief of Police.
Report of Shellfish Constable
To the Board of Selectmen :
During the year of 1950 a total of 1021/2 bushels of clam seeds was planted on the West Shore, between First Encounter and Thumpertown. The results will be unknown until Spring of 1951.
Two hundred bushels of quahogs were planted in Salt Pond; there were also 150 bushels of oysters planted there, 50 of which were in Salt Pond River. The results were excellent.
Number of resident non-commercial permits issued was 987 at $.50 each, non-resident non-commercial 205 at $1.00 each and there were 60 commercial permits issued at $2.00 each.
Respectfully submitted,
HOWARD L. ANDERSON, Shellfish Constable.
86
Report of the Eastham Tercentenary Committee
The closing paragraph of the Tercentenary Committee report to the Town a year ago reads in part "The Committee is confident that with the support and cooperation of the community the 300th Commemoration of its incorporation to be observed in the summer of 1951 will mark a period in the history of Eastham of which it can be justly proud." Look- ing back upon this prediction and reviewing the progress made toward the ultimate goal the Committee considers it is fully justified in reporting that much has been accomplished during the past twelve months and that most of the tenta- tive "celebration objectives" will become successful and happy realizations. Evidence of interest and cooperation is abundant and widespread. The summer of 1951 will truly mark an epoch in the history of Eastham.
In setting forth a detailed account of the Committee's diversified activities, early attention is called to consumma- tion of the original plan to enlist the valuable services of the town's religious and civic bodies as vital supplementary units working in close cooperation to doubly insure the success of the celebration program. These organizations have chosen their representatives who are now serving on the so-called Auxiliary Committee as follows :-
The Methodist Church, W.S.C.S. The Universalist Church
The Junior Circle, W.S.C.S. The Eastham Grange The Volunteer Firemen's Assn.
The Eastham Athletic Assn. The Boy Scouts The Girl Scouts
Mrs. Bertha Dill Andrew C. Merrill Mrs. Esther Turner Harold L. Arnold Maurice A. Moore Clarence Doughty Dr. William T. Knowles Mrs. Harriet Crosby
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This group, under the able leadership of Mrs. Mabel W. Chase, Chairman, is rendering most valuable service.
Of outstanding importance as the one permanent memo- rial to the Tercentenary milestone is the Commemorative Book-now well along in the process of publication. Its author is Donald G. Trayser, widely known for his writings on Cape Cod history. The preface is by Henry Beston, whose famous Outermost House put Eastham really on the map. Under the guidance of an efficient sub-committee-Ralph A. Chase, Otto E. Nickerson and Mrs. Bertha Dill, in collabora- tion with Gordon W. Robinson of Hancock Press, Lexington -a Story of Eastham old and new will soon be available which for historic highlights and liberally illustrated enjoy- able reading should quickly become a highly prized volume in many homes.
The Subscription Plan-employed in underwriting the Book project-has proven successful beyond the fondest hopes of its originators. Response from near and far was abundant and spontaneous. Nearly four hundred book orders have been received, totaling remittances of over $2400. As the estimated publishing and incidental costs will approxi- mate $2500, it may be noted with pride that the book under- taking is so close to being self-sustaining as to be considered a tribute to the generosity and civic pride of Eastham, its good folks and its host of friends.
The secondary sub-division of the 1951 Tricentennial is -as previously referred to-"Celebration Objectives." Two years ago when the Town voted to form plans in commemora- tion of the 300th anniversary of its incorporation, everything appeared rosy and bright. Today it's a far different story. The entire nation is gripped with anxiety and jitters- everybody wondering "what next"? Keenly mindful of this drastic reversal of conditions, the Tercentenary Committee is cautiously yet hopefully proceeding to shape a celebration events program, attractive though perforce flexible in char- acter-one which easily and without serious financial com-
88
mitments can be revised to conform with whatever state of affairs may exist six months from now.
The period chosen for Celebration Week is August 19th to 25th. Feature events, each of which is taking concrete form under the direction of capable sub-committees, will be pre- sented during that interval although the specific days upon which all the individual functions are to occur cannot just yet of necessity be determined. They will, of course, be an- nounced in due season. On the agenda as presently set up are the following.
(a) A non-sectarian Sunday service of observance with a musical program of rare talent.
(b) An historical pageant at First Encounter Beach under the direction of Otto E. Nickerson, Joseph H. Putnam and Mrs. Sophia Stone. The producer, Lewis W. Miller of Westfield and the Brewster Summer Theatre.
(c) A street parade. This spectacle is being developed by Bernard C. Collins, Sr., ably assisted by Mrs. Anne Brownell and Mrs. Esther Handel. Invitations to par- ticipate have been extended to Orleans, Brewster, Har- wich, Chatham, Wellfleet and Truro. Participation by Eastham religious, civic and commercial bodies is being stimulated and organized by Mrs. Mabel Chase and her Auxiliary Committee.
(d) A clam-bake. Since it seems likely this will be a popular and heavily attended feast, it is deemed advisable to place it in charge of an experienced man or firm capable of handling it in an efficient manner. Negotiations in that direction are now going on.
(e) A Coast Guard exhibition and Boat Drill. This should be a show of intense interest to citizens and visitors alike. Captain Frank B. Lincoln has kindly consented to arrange the details. His long experience and high
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official rating in this branch of the service will insure a thrilling performance.
(f) Band Concert and Square Dancing. It is hoped that the festivities of the week may be brought to a fitting close by means of an outdoor musical evening, coupled with periods of competition and general square dancing. Al- though fireworks were originally planned as an appro- priate climax, the Committee considers that the national and international status being what it is today, elimina- tion of this phase of entertainment can easily be ad- judged as a gesture of good taste.
In addition to the foregoing list of planned events, it appears quite likely other pleasant though less formal ones will be interspersed throughout the summer months. To this end the Tercentenary and Auxiliary Committees stand ready to welcome suggestions from any and all citizens, neighbors and friends of the town.
"EASTHAM FOR FUN IN '51"
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY S. YOUNG,
General Chairman.
90
Report of the Planning Board
Mr. Maurice W. Wiley, Chairman, Board of Selectmen,
Town of Eastham, Mass.
Submitted herewith is the annual report of the Eastham Planning Board for inclusion in the Town Report.
REPORT OF THE EASTHAM PLANNING BOARD
During the current year, the Eastham Planning Board held its regular monthly meetings on the third Wednesday of each month as well as many other special meetings with the Board of Selectmen, the acting Board of Appeals, Build- ing Inspector, and with those residents and taxpayers who had sub-divisions to offer for approval, or who wished advice and suggestions on problems involving re-subdivision or fu- ture layouts and plans.
Based on the vote taken at the Annual Town Meeting in February 1950, the Eastham Planning Board has devoted many meetings to the study of Town Zoning. Included in this study were joint meetings of the Planning Board, Board of Selectmen, acting Board of Appeals. In addition, outside technical assistance and information were obtained from Mr. B. Allen Benjamin of Boston, Planning Engineer of the State Planning Board, and Mr. Jay Walter Mead, Attorney, of Orleans, Mass. These meetings with these specialists coupled with a complete study of comprehensive Zoning By- Laws now in effect in Cape Cod towns and in other towns of comparative size and status, have indicated to the East- ham Planning Board the import of preparing and presenting a proposal that will incorporate all the proven advantages of the By-Laws used by these towns. It has been increasingly evident to the Board from this study that such an important and far reaching move as the acceptance of Town Zoning
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should entail further specialized study to produce an all- embracing Zoning By-Law that will best serve the Town of Eastham's interests.
To this end, the Board feels that the main objective for the coming year is a more detailed study of the Zoning prob- lem and its effect upon the future growth of the Town. It sincerely believes that much can be accomplished by this further study and by conducting open public forums on the subject to acquaint the townspeople with all the benefits of Town Zoning.
The Board wishes to express its appreciation for the co- operation of the townspeople in relation to Town Planning and to invite further criticisms and suggestions. It is only through such advice and co-operation that the best interests of the Town of Eastham may be served.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT L. DESCHAMPS, Chairman ; STANLEY E. HORTON, JR., Secretary ; Eastham Planning Board.
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Report of Firehouse Committee
January 15, 1951.
Mr. Maurice W. Wiley, Chairman, Board of Selectmen,
Town of Eastham, Mass.
The following constitutes a report of the Firehouse Com- mittee appointed at the February 1950 Town Meeting.
REPORT OF EASTHAM FIREHOUSE COMMITTEE
Directly following the appointment of the new Fire- house Committee at the February 1950 Town Meeting a meet- ing was held and Chief Nathan Nickerson was elected Chair- man and Stanley E. Horton, Jr., Secretary. Subsequent meetings were held regularly each week at which time gen- eral specifications were discussed and over a period of time all points of construction had been checked and settled. With the final specifications in order, the services of Mr. Warren Chatfield of this Town, and a Registered Engineer were en- gaged to draw up a preliminary set of plans for the new Firehouse, plus an estimated cost of erection. With these plans and cost figures, a special Town Meeting was called April 6, 1950, for the purpose of raising or appropriating the necessary additional funds to meet the cost of the proposed Firehouse. Approval of the additional funds was denied by the townspeople at this meeting by a vote of 51 against and 33 in favor.
Following this denial, the Committee went to work on a revised plan that involved a much smaller and differently constructed building, and one that did not include many of the advantages for future expansion for the Department. In the main points of construction, the second design embodied all the necessary strength and safety that a building of this
93
type would require, and as soon as the plans were completed and the specifications were drawn up, the Committee re- leased them for bid.
Several bids were received and upon being opened, it was found that Mr. Oscar Pierce of this Town had offered the lowest bid and the contract was awarded to him August 24, 1950.
Mr. Pierce commenced construction almost immediately and the work was finally completed with the Fire Depart- ment garaging the trucks in October 1950.
The Committee would like to point out to the towns- people of the Town of Eastham that Mr. Pierce added a number of constructional features to the building that were not included in the specifications. The elimination by the Committee was purely from a need of economizing due to the restricted amount of money with which it had to work. The additional items were added by Mr. Pierce at his expense. The Committee can only assume that he desired the Town to have the best that he could do, and for this reason the Com- mittee feels that the Town as a whole owes Mr. Pierce a rising vote of sincere thanks for his public spirited contri- bution of his own time and money so that the Town might be benefited with a good looking building in its new civic center.
Respectfully submitted,
CHIEF NATHAN NICKERSON, Chairman LUTHER P. SMITH, Selectman CLYDE EARLE ALTON C. CROSBY STANLEY E. HORTON, JR., Secretary
Report of Eastham Plaque Committee
The World War II Memorial Plaque was dedicated November 11, 1950, at 2:30 P. M. at Eastham Town Hall. The program was as follows:
Prayer-Rev. James Lynch, St. Joan of Arc Church, Orleans
Remarks-Maurice W. Wiley, Chairman of Select- men of Eastham
Unveiling-Mrs. Warren Wilson, war widow, and Mrs. Daniel Sparrow, Gold Star
Speaker from the Orleans American Legion Post, Rev. Charles De Vries
Address-Senator Edward C. Stone
Hymn-"Faith of Our Fathers," Orchestra and Audience
Benediction-Rev. Charles De Vries, Brewster Uni- tarian Church
Music-Orchestra
Orchestra: Miss Sharon Tarvers, Miss Lucy Tibbals, Mr. Charles Wiley, Mr. J. Russell Chase.
By the Committee CLAYTON O. HORTON, Chairman J. RUSSELL CHASE, Secretary CAPT. FRANK B. LINCOLN HOWARD N. WALKER EUGENE S. ZACK
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Report of Town Hall Auditorium Building Committee
The Auditorium Building Committee was appointed by the Moderator at the Annual Town Meeting on February 20, 1950. The amount appropriated for the project was $70,450.
The organizational meeting of the Committee was held on March 3, 1950. Mr. M. W. Wiley was elected Chairman and Mr. B. C. Collins, Secretary. After careful consideration and interviews with various candidates, Mr. W. M. Gaffney was selected as Architect on March 10, 1950.
A number of meetings were held with the Architect at which the plans as they were drawn were gone over and changes made to develop the most efficient layout and to stay within the limits of the appropriation. Bids from six contractors were opened on August 2, 1950, running from a total of $69,985 to $88,250. The bids were considerably higher than expected due to the outbreak of war in Korea.
Since the original appropriation was insufficient to cover the lowest bid, the architect's fees, furniture and other items, an additional $6,200 was requested by the Committee and appropriated by the Special Town Meeting on August 10, 1950.
The contract was awarded to the low bidder, Mr. T. L. Cottrell of West Harwich, on August 14, 1950. It was origi- nally expected that it would be possible to have the Audi- torium ready for use by the Annual Town meeting in 1951. but due to existing conditions the receipt of various mate- rials, particularly steel, has been delayed, so that the comple- tion of the building will be delayed also. At the present time it is impossible to fix an exact completion date, but it is
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hoped that the Auditorium may be ready in April or early May 1951.
The Committee held a total of 14 meetings in 1950.
Respectfully submitted,
MAURICE W. WILEY, Chairman BERNARD C. COLLINS, Secretary HARRIS H. ETTER
CLAYTON O. HORTON
MAURICE A. MOORE
OSCAR PIERCE EUGENE S. ZACK
Report of Building Inspector
To the Board of Selectmen :
The estimated cost of buildings for 1950 in the town was $483,975.00. This total includes $76,485.00 for town buildings.
Number of permits issued 149. Fees collected $435.00.
I have made 355 inspections and have been at the Town Hall every Saturday morning to receive applications.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH L. ROGERS, Building Inspector.
.97
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
To the Board of Selectmen,
Town of Eastham.
I herewith submit the report of Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year 1950.
Scales :
Adjusted
Sealed
Over 10,000 lbs.
......
1
100 to 5,000 lbs.
......
3
Under 100 lbs.
2
7
Weights, each
......
2
Vehicle Tanks :
First 100 gal. or less
1
2
Meters-Gasoline :
Inlet one inch or less
......
16
Kerosene, Oil, Grease
......
5
Total
3
36
Re-weighing-2.
Re-testing-2.
Fees collected and paid to Treasurer-$30.95.
Respectfully submitted,
STANLEY M. WALKER, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
98
Report of Ambulance Committee
REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1950
Receipts-1950
Orleans
$1,500.00
Eastham
750.00
Brewster
750.00
Refund on Sale of Old Tires
8.00
Dividend on Replacement Fund
8.46
Donations
515.00
Total Receipts
$3,531.46
Balance January 1, 1950
824.63
Replacement Fund
500.00
$4,856.09
Expenses-1950
Care of Ambulance
$480.00
Gas, Oil and Tires
534.03
Drivers
1,594.00
Meals
70.18
Laundry
81.75
Repairs
38.25
Equipment and Supplies
177.59
Insurance
228.12
Miscellaneous
22.18
Total Expenses
$3,226.10
Cash on Hand
621.53
Replacement Fund
1,008.46
$4,856.09
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Number of trips made by ambulance: Brewster 14, Or- leans 78, Eastham 23.
The Ambulance is available for Emergency use twenty- four hours a day and has been very helpful in a great many cases this past year. The Drivers and Assistants strive to give prompt and efficient service. New equipment has been added this year for the benefit of all of those using the am- bulance. The ambulance has been well cared for and is in excellent condition.
J. ARTHUR SPARROW, President.
ROBERT G. NORTHWOOD, Clerk-Treasurer.
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Tree Warden
REPORT FOR 1950 AND RECOMMENDATION FOR 1951 (Tree Warden's Account, Poison Ivy Account)
Board of Selectmen Town of Eastham
Gentlemen :
The work necessary to taking care of clearing the roads of broken and fallen trees after high winds was greater in 1950 than in the past several years. Roadside clearance and control of weed growths was also more extensive.
Materials, which include borax, liquid weed killer, and fertilizer, have increased in cost. A minimum program of roadside clearance, storm clearance, control of weed growths, sanitation and feeding of trees on town owned areas in- dicates that I recommend the appropriation of the sum of $300.00 to the Tree Warden's Account by the Town.
The suppression of poison ivy in areas adjacent to town roads required the use of 12 gallons of Dolge's 2-4-D Ester formula weed-killer. In cooperation with the Road Surveyor, all the weeds both toxic and non-toxic were sprayed within the taking of the town roads. This required 45 gallons of Weed Toxin, a 2-4-D-2-4-5-T formula weed-killer recommend- ed and delivered by the State Department of Public Works.
This type of spraying requires more time spent in a given area than would be required in insect control. The wooden tank on the spray truck necessitates the use of an auxiliary metal tank, plus considerable quanity of ammonia as a neutralizer, and much time consumed in making sure that the wooden tank will not become contaminated by the weed-killer.
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The suppression of poison ivy within the limits of the town (that is, areas other than town roads) enjoys reason- able progress. However, the estimates of the last two years have been inadequate to meet the town's needs. Too many of our residents, including summer residents, are highly susceptible to the toxic action of poison ivy, and it has been proved that very few persons have a permanent immunity to it.
Materials have increased in cost, and the program should be enlarged if all property owners are to have equal service. I therefore recommend that the Town vote to ap- propriate the sum of $500.00 to suppress poison ivy within the limits of the Town, and designate the Tree Warden as the Department head under whose direction any sums voted for this purpose shall be expended as authorized under Chap. 282, General Laws.
Respectfully submitted,
E. W. LLOYD, Tree Warden,
102
Report of Insect Pest Control Account Spray Truck Account
REPORT FOR 1950 AND RECOMMENDATION FOR 1951 (Formerly Moth Account)
Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen,
An extensive scouting program was carried on to ascer- tain the results of the aerial spraying done to control Gypsy moth in Eastham, in 1949. In the area near Bresnahan's, defoliation and existing egg masses indicate that the Gypsy moth had developed very early last spring. Tho none of the egg masses proved to be fertile, the USDA sent planes and using materials supplied by the State, resprayed this 20 acre area in 1950.
The USDA also supplied 20 traps, which were distribut- ed in accordance with a diagram based on the trapping pro- gram of 1949, No Gypsy moths were taken by the traps in Eastham. The work of placing the traps and checking them each week took considerable time.
The town roadsides were sprayed to control the tent caterpillar in May and June, as were some areas of wild fruit bushes. There are 40 elm trees which were sprayed during the tent caterpillar control work, also. In late July and August the roadsides were sprayed to control fall web worm. Sandwiched in between these insect pest control pro- grams and that of the suppression of poison ivy, some ex- perimenting in the control of woodticks was undertaken in Eastham.
In general, the most practical procedure in controling the woodticks is to spray the roadsides to a depth of ten to
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twenty feet with 12% DDT insecticide, in the same manner as in the control of weed growths.
Maintenance of the spraying equipment and purchase of supplies includes the acquisition of two 50' lengths of hose, hose connectors, replacement parts for the pump, pres- sure gauge and spray gun parts, tank strainer and an over- haul of the pump and regulator.
Those elm trees adjacent to the town roads were spray- ed three times in an effort to provide some protection from elm bark beetles, the insect credited with the spread of . Dutch Elm Disease. However, the feeding, pruning and san- itation of these same trees is the responsibility of the pro- perty owner. An intensive educational effort ought to be made in order to provide the maximum in preservation of these few remaining elm trees in Eastham.
In order to conform with Section 11, Chap. 660, Acts of 1948 (as amended by Chap. 761, Acts of 1949), it is necessary to make four separate recommendations for the appropria- tion of funds for Insect Pest Control work in 1951. There- fore, first,I recommend that the Town appropriate the sum of $400. for control of Gypsy moth, tent caterpillar and the elm leaf beetle.
Second, I recommend that the Town appropriate the sum of $300. for control work against the wood tick. Third, I recommend that the Town appropriate the sum of $200. for control work relative to the fall web worm, oak worm and canker worm. Fourth, I recommend that the Town ap- propriate the sum of $200. for control work, including an educational program, against Dutch Elm disease.
The Town's hydraulic spray truck has been maintained in a state of constant usefulness. It has rendered adequate service in the control of insect pests, both those which defol- iate the trees, and those which endanger health. It was also more than adequate in helping to control the several fires
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at which the truck served as auxiliary fire fighting equip- ment.
The control of poison ivy and other toxic and non-toxic weeds has required a relatively large proportion of the sea- son's service.
Maintenance and repair of the truck includes an iron radiator guard, exhaust pipe, paint job, generator, battery, storage and winterizing, as well as insurance. As it is pos- sible to squeeze the spray truck into the new Fire House, storage costs will no longer be necessary, and the water tank can be kept charged at all times.
For maintenance, insurance, semi-annual check-ups, and some repairs ordered but not completed, I recommend the appropriation of the sum of $200.00 by the town to the spray truck account for 1951.
In 1949, Barnstable County was sprayed from the air to control and eliminate the Gypsy Moth. In 1950, Plymouth County was sprayed from the air, and various areas of Barn- stable County were re-sprayed, to control and eliminate Gypsy Moth. Both of these programs have been successful in controlling the insect, and a two years' trapping program indicates that the Gypsy Moth is practically eliminated on the Cape.
However, the national emergency, the Governor's pro- nouncements, together with the non-cooperation of the County Commissioners in Bristol County, indicate a good chance that Bristol County will not be sprayed from the air for some time. Traffic and high winds can re-infest the Cape in one year, if Bristol County is not sprayed in the same manner as Barnstable and Plymouth Counties. In any event, future aerial spraying is very unlikely in the unpromising future.
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