USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Eastham > Town of Eastham Annual Report 1947-1951 > Part 33
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37
Old Age Assistance
Number cases January 1
18
Number cases December 31 23
Total Cash Payments $15,081.62
Reimbursements :
Federal Government
$6,862.65
State
6,024.04
Old Age Assistance Meal Tax
267.92
13,154.61
Cost to Town $1,927.01
Aid to Dependent Children
Number cases January 1 2
Number cases December 31 5 Total Cash Payments $4,151.85
Reimbursements :
Federal Government
$1,453.50
State 1,383.92
2,837.42
Cost to Town $1,314.43
110
General Relief
Number cases January 1
2
Number cases December 31 0 Total Cash Payments
$504.91
Cost to Town $504.91
Total Cost of the Three Departments
Total Expenditures
$19,738.38
Reimbursements 15,992.03
Cost to Town for Three Accounts $3,746.35
GEORGE HOWARD, MAURICE W. WILEY, LUTHER P. SMITH, Board of Public Welfare.
Report of the Director, Eastham Civil Defense
Eastham Civil Defense, Eastham, Massachusetts 19 December, 1951
The Board of Selectmen, Town of Eastham, Eastham, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit my report on the Eastham Civil Defense for the year 1951.
The members of the Advisory Council and Director
111
were organized as a unit after their appointment. Mr. Ches- ter H. Smith and Mrs. Raymond L. Daley were chosen as Chairman and Secretary, respectively. This unit met during the year to discuss the various activities of Civil Defense for the benefit of the people of Eastham.
The Office of Civil Defense was established in the base- ment of the Eastham Library with the consent of the Library Trustees. The basement was cleaned, floor painted and then equipped with a gas heater and office furniture. Some of the equipment was donated to the Eastham Civil Defense by in- dividuals and other sources of the Town. This office is very well equipped in every respect at the present.
A radio was bought and set up in the Office of Civil Defense, through the Office of the Sheriff of Barnstable County. This set is able to receive and transmit any messages during an emergency, besides Police work about the Cape. The Barnstable County Police Radio System is one of the best in the country to which Eastham is the latest station to be added with call letters KCB-710. We have seven (7) re- stricted radio-telephone operators licensed by the Federal Communications Commission to operate this Station. The radio has proved its value up to date.
Training Classes for First Aid, Police and Firemen were formed during the year.
First Aid Classes were very successful with about 36 people taught in taking care of injuries, shock, bandages, etc. They passed with high averages under the instruction of James Johnston, Jr. and Clyde Becker. The next class will start on the 3rd of January, 1952. It is my desire that we can have a trained First Aider in every family in the Town of Eastham.
Civil Defense Police School was held in the Eastham Town Hall for 12 weeks for the five (5) Lower Cape towns under the supervision of Region 7 of the Massachusetts Civil Defense.
Classes were held for the Firemen and Civil Defense
112
Auxiliary Firemen of Eastham under the supervision of some of the personnel of Harwich Fire Department.
The Home Nursing Course has been very discouraging. Have up to date been unable to meet the Red Cross recom- mendation as to instructors and equipment.
There are other courses to be opened at a later date to persons who will be interested in them.
Alert signals were sounded at different occasions during the last few months at Eastham Center and North Eastham. Signal of alert from the Fire Signal Tower of short blasts for three (3) minutes in duration was very successful. The "All Clear" signal was more or less a disappointment. The full three (3) blasts of one minute each were not given due to the inability of the compressor to fill tanks after the Alert Signal. Had to wait over an hour before the pressure was up to a capacity to meet the given three (3) blasts of 20 seconds each. In my opinion the present equipment is in a poor condi- tion to meet all the demands of the regulations and usage. I therefore recommend that a double action compressor and tanks should be bought for much better usage of signals for fire and other emergencies, and safety.
A new alert signal was placed on Nickerson's Body Shop on the G. A. R. Highway in North Eastham by the courtesy of the owner. The system is connected to the Body Shop's air tank and compressor. Whistle, pipe and other material besides labor was donated by individuals with a small expense for a new trip valve. The Alert and All Clear signals were very successful in all respects and can be heard about all over North Eastham.
In my opinion the people of South Eastham will be able to hear either the Eastham Fire Signal Tower or signals from Orleans during any alert due to weather conditions.
A general survey on Housing and for Volunteer Work- ers for the Civil Defense was canvassed by the "Mr. and Mrs. Thirty Club of Eastham." At the present time this survey is about 75 per cent completed. Many other surveys of different types were made by me with some aid by others.
113
A First Aid and Mobile Corps was formed this last sum- mer. Many people of this town and their guests had the priv- ilege of seeing this during the Eastham Tercentenary Cele- bration. A tent was pitched on the lawn of the Town Hall, fully equipped to meet any kind of an emergency, with a staff on duty every day under the supervision of Dr. William T. Knowles and Dr. Lysander S. Kemp. It is our aim to have drills once a month at a later date. As soon as persons have completed their First Aid Course, other teams will be formed.
The equipment for the Civil Defense Auxiliary Police is about fully completed.
Pamphlets on "Survival Under Atomic Attack" were distributed to every home by the Boy and Girl Scouts and their leaders.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank every individ- ual who has given his valuable time to a very good cause to benefit their neighbors and themselves; besides those who have loaned to or donated a gift to the Eastham Civil De- fense. To the people of Eastham I do wish to extend my appreciation to you for your loyal and kind aid to make a safe and sound community. You are always welcome to visit with me at the Office of Civil Defense in the basement of the Library to ask questions which I hope I may be able to answer, or to volunteer your services.
My recommendations for a budget of $1600.00 for the Civil Defense during the year 1952.
The breakdown of the budget:
$520.00
Director's salary
Use of car 300.00
Auxiliary Firemen 300.00
First Aid
150.00
Telephone
100.00
Fuel (Gas)
100.00
114
Literature, Stationery, Stamps, etc. ..... Reimbursement to Volunteer Workers attending meetings out of town
Other unforeseen expenditures 130.00
Total .....
$1,600.00
Cordially yours,
YNGVE E. RONGNER, Director, Eastham Civil Defense.
Tree Warden
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION FOR 1952 TREE WARDEN AND POISON IVY CONTROL ACCOUNT
Board of Selectmen, Town of Eastham, Eastham, Mass.
Gentlemen :
Roadside clearance and control of weed growths has received the necessary attention during the past year. Storm clearance has been no more than that normally expected.
The usual program of roadside clearance, storm clear- ance, control of weed growths, sanitation and feeding of trees on town roads and town-owned areas, including the necessary materials, liquid weed killer, fertilizer and borax indicates the recommendation of the sum of $300.00 to the
115
Tree Warden's Account, by the town.
Control of poison ivy, both within the town roads and areas adjacent to town roads has been fairly successful. The original program for this work, however, had to be cur- tailed this year because of the non-availability of part time labor. This is regrettable, because unless this weed is kept under control, Eastham's recreational areas would become very unattractive to a large number of townspeople and paying guests.
The program of control and suppression of poison ivy as carried on this year required 30 gallons of Dolge's 2-4-D Ester weed killer, and 50 quarts of ammonia as a neutralizer for the acid. In cooperation with the Road Surveyor, the spray equipment was used to control non-toxic weed growths within the town roads.
For the protection of the general health, and to maintain the attractiveness of Eastham's roads and recreational areas, the recommendation of the appropriation of the sum of $400.00 to the Poison Ivy Control Account is indicated.
Respectfully submitted,
E. W. LLOYD, Tree Warden.
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION FOR 1952 OF LOCAL SUPERINTENDENT OF INSECT PEST CONTROL
Board of Selectmen, Eastham, Mass.
Gentlemen :
The scouting and trapping program necessary to co- operate with the State and Federal authorities in controlling gypsy moths in Barnstable and Plymouth Counties was suc-
116
cessfully carried out this year. The twenty traps supplied by the USDA were again distributed in accordance with the trapping program begun in 1949. Although a number of moths were taken by the traps, when sent to the USDA sta- tion at Greenfield none of the insects proved to be gypsy moths.
The spraying program for the town roads was curtailed and uncompleted because of the lack of funds and the un- availability of part-time help. The usual procedures were begun, with control of insect pests as their objective, and within the restrictions set by lack of money and help, a more than reasonable control was maintained over gypsy and browntail moth re-contamination, as well as tent caterpillar, canker worm, and elm leaf beetle infestations.
Suppression of oak worm and fall web worm on the town roads was carried out, and some areas off the roads were given attention. Requests from private property own- ers for control of these two insects were not as numerous as they should have been.
The woodtick infestation did not prove to be as severe as in recent years. Scouting and dragging did not indicate any areas in need of special consideration. Because of the lack of help, the original woodtick control program was cur- tailed, except for purchase of the insecticide. However, past experience indicates that this condition will not remain static, and an adequate program for control of the coming season will have to be considered.
The program for protection of the few elm trees in Eastham consisted of spraying those trees within reasonable distance of the town roads, pruning and feeding of the sev- eral elms on the town roads, and scouting to check possibility of infection in any of these elm trees.
The spray gun was repaired, and the pump was over- hauled, and worn parts replaced. Maintenance of the spray equipment was very reasonable this year.
In order to conform with Section 11, Chapter 660, Acts of 1948 (as amended by Chapter 761, Acts of 1949), General
117
Laws, and the notification of the town's liability for the sup- pression program, as received from the Chief Superintendent of Insect Pest Control, Department of Conservation, it is recommended that the town appropriate the sum of $650.00 for control and suppression of gypsy moth, browntail moth, Oriental hag moth, tent caterpillars, canker worms and elm leaf beetles, all of which insect pests have been declared to be public nuisances.
It is also recommended that the town appropriate the sum of $200.00 for control of Dutch Elm disease, under Sec- tion 14, Chapter 660, Acts of 1949, General Laws.
In the interest of providing townspeople, visitors and residents with the minimum of protection from infection from wood ticks, may I recommend the appropriation of the sum of $300.00 for control and suppression of wood ticks ?
The fall web worm and oak worm, as well as other in- sects attacking the oaks, have been increasing for the last two years. May I recommend the appropriation of the sum of $300.00 for the control and suppression of these insect pests by the town ?
The town's hydraulic spray truck has been maintained in a state of constant usefulness for the fourth year. Being placed in the firehouse during the three months of cold weather allows the three hundred gallon tank of water to be charged at all times. The truck has rendered adequate service in the control of insect pests, and is valuable as aux- iliary fire fighting equipment. It has also been extremely valuable in control of poison ivy and other toxic and non- toxic weeds. Repairs on the doors and insurance were the major items of expense this year.
May I recommend the appropriation of the sum of $200.00 by the town to the Spray Truck Account ?
Respectfully submitted, , E. W. LLOYD, Local Superintendent, Insect Pest Control.
118
Report of The Eastham Tercentenary Committee
In submitting this, the third consecutive report on the objectives, activities and accomplishments of the Tercen- tenary Committee, the thought manifestly occurs that it con- stitutes the final installment of a story which if fully related could amply verify a prediction set forth in the opening paragraph of last year's report-viz. "The summer of 1951 will truly mark an epoch in the history of Eastham." It did !
However, employment above of that brief phrase "if fully related" unfortunately now connotes a situation bear- ing earmarks of a paradox. The Commemorative Book- upon which comment appears later-was recently adjudged by the eminent legislator, State Senator Edward C. Stone, to be the finest and most complete of its kind ever known to Cape Cod. Yet it did not and perforce could not include a single line having to do with the comprehensive social pro- gram marking Eastham's now historic celebration of its 300th Birthday.
Consequently in order that posterity as well as the pres- ent generation may have available a chronicle of the projects and events that made up the well balanced Tercentenary schedule this report is of necessity presented in considerably more detail than normal requirements might demand.
Highest on the agenda and as the solitary concrete all- time Tricentennial memorial stands the aforesaid Commemo- rative History of Eastham. The story of its inception and development was fully related in the 1950 Town Reports. Therein may easily be found clues and logical reasons why this fine book upon publication completely measured up to expectations and was so enthusiastically accepted by its more than four hundred subscribers and subsequent pur- chasers alike. The splendid endorsement by Senator Stone-
119
Tercentenary Committee
Left to right-standing:
Photo by Kelsey
Ralph L. Rogers, Ralph A. Chase, Alfred R. Mills, Maurice W. Wiley, Joseph H. Putnam, Bernard C. Collins, Sr., Otto E. Nickerson.
Sitting : Bertha M. Dill, Anne Brownell, Harry S. Young, Chairman ; Mabel W. Chase, Ester K. Handel, Dorrice M. Mayo. Mrs. Sophia L. Stone and Philip J. Schwind were not present.
120
previously mentioned-hits the bull's-eye. Your committee, therefore, with pardonable pride, points out-again quoting from last year's report-that "the book undertaking 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 hosts of friends." Furthermore, it is eminently fitting in closing this chapter to again express keen appreciation coupled with sincere thanks to those fine people whose rare talents brought into being this invaluable and permanent epic on Eastham, i.e. Donald G. Trayser, Henry Beston, Mrs. Alice Alberta Lowe, together with the various other cour- teous contributors.
It is now in order to review the various functions and occasions which highlighted the Tercentenary Season and of which-as previously pointed out-no official record is ex- tant beyond that incorporated in this report.
In the early study and planning whereby an extensive yet properly balanced commemorative schedule should be arrived at it became apparent to committee members that some sort of long range seasonal entertainment was essen- tial in addition to a specified period of concentrated festive activities. Thus not only could the town folks and the long period visitors but also that large group comprising the fortnightly vacationists be given opportunities to enjoy at least some portion of the Tercentenary observance-even though only a small percentage of the latter might be on hand to enjoy the "Big Times." The Committee thereupon approved the dual arrangement and set specific dates. The period of August 19, 1951, to 25, inclusive, was designated as Celebration Week. On each and every Sunday during July and August an attractive hour of music would be presented. The ultimate success of these two ventures became quickly established.
Before reviewing the various indoor events of the cel- ebration season, it is fitting at this juncture that special ref- erence be made to the beautiful new Town Hall Auditorium. As the time closely approached for presentation of the initial
121
Hour-of-Music, action toward completion of this splendid edifice seemed not to be progressing with a degree of speed anxiously desired by Town officials and Tercentenary Com- mittee members alike. These fears eventually proved un- founded. Promptly at 3 P. M. Sunday, July 1, 1951-thanks to the untiring efforts of the Contractor and his staff, to- gether with those of the efficient Building Committee-an audience of over three hundred was welcomed to a splendid capacious hall whose exquisite design and complete appoint- ments as a public building has no peer on Cape Cod, nor probably in any other town of comparable size in the country.
The recital on that memorable Sabbath was presented on the Hammond Organ by W. Whitney Tileston, Supervisor of Music in Cape Schools and was enthusiastically received. Successive artists, all of whom so ably and generously gave of their talents, were the following :-
Earle L. Kempton-Organist and Choirmaster, Com- munity Church, Osterville, Mass.
Eugenia Hatch Merrill-"An Hour of American Music," assisted by Mrs. Lois B. Corliss, Mrs. Ethel Paine, Mrs. Vir- ginia Carmer, Mrs. Alice W. Snow and Mrs. Myrtle Wiley.
Mrs. Molly Hayden McMahon-Organist and Choir Di- rector, St. Catherine's Church, Norwood, Mass.
Robert L. Hobbs-Instructor of Music and Organist, Country Day School, St. Louis, Mo.
Roscoe Gibson-Musical Director, Wollaston, Mass.
Mrs. Virginia Carmen-Director, Community String Ensemble.
LeRoy Madary, Tenor; J. Russell Chase at the piano.
At a committee meeting held June 6, 1951, Mr. Ralph A. Chase, vice-chairman, offered for consideration a suggestion he felt if adopted would add materially as well as histori- cally to the attractiveness of the Tercentenary.
Mr. Chase recalled that in 1940 East Ham, England, was sharing with London the effects of those terrible blitz raids by the Nazis. He-then chairmen of Eastham's Board of
122
Selectmen-wrote a letter of sympathy to the East Ham Mayor which drew a fine yet tragic reply describing the death and damage toll being suffered and expressing grati- tude for the kindly sentiments made known by Mr. Chase. From this incident, through the medium of Rotarian affilia- tions, developed a correspondence contact between the latter and a newspaperman of East Ham-William E. Starnes- which has continued over the intervening years. It was, therefore, with this rather picturesque background in mind Mr. Chase requested the committee give thought to a plan of further cementing the bond of friendship by inviting the Mayor of East Ham, England, to visit Eastham, Massachu- setts, U. S. A., as an official guest of the Town during the Tercentenary.
After thorough discussion the idea was crystallized into a motion and unanimously adopted. At a later meeting Mr. Chase was voted chairman of a reception and entertainment committee with members of his own selection. He appointed Mrs. Anne Brownell, Mrs. Verena Daley, Mrs. Bessie Wal- ters, Richard Kent and Maurice W. Wiley. In the meantime he having advised Mr. Starnes of the action, learned in due time the East Ham Mayor's name-Walter E. Hurford. It was also strongly intimated an invitation of the character in question would be favorably considered. Thereupon the Gen- eral Chairman officially followed through and in due time was advised by Mayor Hurford the East Ham Council had agreed to the arrangement and that he and the Mayoress were sailing for America August 7, 1951, on the Queen Elizabeth.
On Monday, August 13, the distinguished guests ar- rived at Hyannis and were welcomed by a large group in- cluding Barnstable and Eastham town officials, the presi- dent and secretary of Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, Ter- centenary and Reception committee members and others. After greeting and felicitations at the railroad depot the Hurfords were driven to the home of Mrs. Walters, who served as their gracious hostess during the stay in Eastham.
123
Limited space precludes detailed narration of the extent to which Mayor and Mayoress Hurford so heartily and charmingly participated in the wide variety of ceremonial, social and commemorative events transpiring during their fortnight's sojourn. Suffice it to record their warm person- alities coupled with keen and indefatigable interest in every- body and everything of Eastham, as well as Cape Cod in general, quickly established bonds of friendship with the many folks they met far beyond those originally predicted by Mr. Chase. On Sunday, August 26, sincere and regretful adieux were exchanged with the Hurfords as they left East- hạm, U. S. A., on their long trek back to East Ham, England.
In closing this historic chapter the Tercentenary Com- mittee accords Mr. Chase and his co-workers deep apprecia- tion of the splendid and complete attention paid to the enter- tainment and contacts made available to the Hurfords during the period of their visit. Also the same to those fine coopera- tive citizens and friends, local and neighboring, who gave so generously of their hospitality. Finally a word of praise for Reginald J. Hunt of the Cunard Line, who so efficiently ar- ranged for the travel comforts of the Mayor and Mayoress incident to their voyages between Southampton and New York City.
In a prior paragraph reference was made to the new auditorium. On Saturday, July 7, 1951, this beautiful edifice was formally dedicated and thrown open for inspection and an evening of entertainment under auspices of the Board of Selectmen. Maurice W. Wiley, Chairman, welcomed the gathering and introduced other members of the building committee, Bernard C. Collins, Secretary ; Harris Etter, Clay- ton Horton, Maurice Moore, Eugene Zack, and Oscar Pierce. Also presented were Walter M. Gaffney, architect; T. L. Cottrell, general contractor, and J. W. Anderson, contractor. State Representative Oscar Cahoon of Harwich, the princi- pal speaker, said in complimentary terms "again this little town of Eastham has shown the way." The exercises were followed by refreshments served in the spacious dining
124
Mayor and Mayoress Hurford of East Ham, England Photo by Kelsey
125
room with finally a big square dance to conclude the gala occasion.
One of the most colorful and impressive functions to mark the observance of Tercentenary was the reception given Mayor and Mayoress Walter E. Hurford Wednesday, August 15. On that evening an audience overflowing the new Town Hall Auditorium's seating capacity extended official welcome to its distinguished guests from across the seas.
Against a background of banked flowers the Mayor, wearing his scarlet robe and rare solid gold chain of office, the Mayoress also wearing her official chain, together with Town and Tercentenary officials marched to seats directly below the stage. Committeeman Ralph A. Chase acted as master of ceremonies. In fitting words he reviewed the story culminating in the Hurford's visit to Eastham and then in- troduced the "lovely couple" to the enthusiastic assembly. Visibly affected by the ovation, Mayoress Hurford, respond- ing briefly, expressed thanks for the opportunity of being present, "leaving the rest for the Mayor to say." Chairman of Selectmen, Maurice W. Wiley, next spoke extending greetings in behalf of Eastham. He observed that although no key-to-the-town seemed available it was nevertheless his pleasure to present the guests with a traditional emblem- a latch-string coupled with the right hand of fellowship. The string was attached to a model door and doorway backed by a silver plate bearing the inscription "1651 - 1951. The latch-string of Eastham, Cape Cod, is always out to Mayor and Mayoress Hurford of East Ham, England."
Next, General Chairman Harry S. Young, referring to the fine spirit of kinship developing between the two East- hams, thereupon presented to the Mayor a replica of the famous Paul Revere silver pitcher and to the Mayoress a silver bowl of similar pattern-both suitably engraved. Then, introduced by Mr. Chase, Mayor Hurford responded in a stirring and highly complimentary address during which he made this very pithy observation "On the boat coming over we were warned that the people of Massachusetts were
126
inclined to be 'snooty.' No community has been more un- justly maligned. Your gifts to us will be ever treasured and always remind us of a good time." In concluding, the Mayor said that speaking as an ambassador of good will he wished to present a memento to the chairman of the Selectmen and also a personal gift from himself and the Mayoress to Mr. Young for his committee. The latter was a box of crown pieces specially minted for the 1951 British Jubilee Festival. To Mr. Wiley came two handsomely bound copies of the his- tory of East Ham, together with a pictorial record of damage suffered by the city from bombing during World War II.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.