USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Eastham > Town of Eastham Annual Report 1952-1956 > Part 5
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
The Fire Department and the Rescue Squad held month- ly drills throughout the year. The Rescue Squad had addi- tional training in First Aid and completed the Red Cross Training Courses.
Another series of Basic Fundimentals and Advance Fire- fighting, Rescue and Ladder Drills, will be conducted during the coming year. The training will be conducted by Chief Hall of the Harwich Fire Department and Published by the Oklahoma A.andM. College.
As Forest Warden in the Town of Eastham, it is my duty to issue the Permits for any open fires. I have issued 220 Permits during the year of 1952.
I have been requested not to issue any Permits for open fires during the hours that the State Fire Towers are on duty. This eliminates confusion to the Fire Watchers in the Towers.
I wish to express my thanks to the citizens of the Town of Eastham for their complete cooperation during the past year and especially during the dry summer season.
I wish to express the thanks of the Fire Department to the "Eastham Volunteer Firemen's Association" for their help by purchasing a Two-Way Radio for the Fire Depart- ment.
As in past years I want to thank the men of the depart- ment, the citizens of Eastham and our neighboring fire departments for your devoted cooperation in helping to save lives and property.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES JOHNSTON JR.
Fire Chief and Forest Warden
110
Report of Deputy Chief of Police
To Maurice W. Wiley, Chief of Police Town of Eastham
Herewith I submit my report of duties performed by Police Officers in the Town of Eastham.
1. Patrolling the town on all weekends from May 30 to September 15; also at Hallowe'en.
2. Parking cars at Nauset Coast Guard and Nauset Light Beaches when needed.
3. 513 cars stopped for Motor Vehicle violations such as :
a-Speeding
b-Blind passing
c-Cutting in and out of line
d-Driving so as to endanger
e-Faulty equipment
f-21 motor vehicle accidents; 1 Fatal; 8 Injured.
4. 23 licenses and registrations taken for further action.
5. 120 various complaints investigated such as :
a-12 Breaking and Entering
b-11 Property Damage
c-5 Prowlers .
d-2 Drunks
e-1 Assault and Battery
f-8 Summons Served
g-8 BB Gun and Air Rifles
h-13 Arrests-7 Town Police, 6 State Police
i-5 Dogs Killed by Auto
6. 4 Assists to other Police Departments
111
7. 11 Messages Delivered
8. 6 Times in Court
9. 1 Case continued to next March
10. Checking some Summer Cottages
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 de- partment. 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 out- come would be protection for all persons and properties at all times.
Respectfully submitted,
WINFRED J. KNOWLES Deputy Chief of Police.
Report of of Eastham Appeal Board
After a slow start in organization of the Board, we got off to a good start on our hearings.
I believe that credit is due the Selectmen for their good work in picking the members of your board. I know that you will find them ready to give careful consideration to all problems brought before them. I know that every member of the board is anxious to render as fair a decision as possible, but at times we are not going to be agreed with by all.
The board has set two nights a month for holding of
112
hearings. These are the First and Third Wednesday nights of the month.
We are asking for $400.00 dollars for the expenses of the Board. There is considerable expense in the mailing of the notices and decisions of the Board and it is necessary that we have a stenographer at all hearings to take the minutes of the hearing and so give us legal evidence to present in case of an appeal from a decision of the Board. While we have held only Five hearings this year it looks as though we may have a much greater number to be held in 1953.
It looks to us now as though it may be necessary to recommend a few minor changes in both the Building Code and the Zoning Code. We trust that should such recommen- dations be put before the 1953 town meeting that the voters will give them due consideration.
I would suggest that serious consideration be given to the matter of a salary for the Clerk of this Board, as I find that the work involved in preparation of the papers for a hearing take considerable of his time, and there are not too many in this or any other town who would consider giving the time required of the position without some compensation.
RICHARD H. WHITFORD
Chairman
113
Report of The Recreation Committee
The voters of the Town of Eastham authorized at their February 1952 town meeting the establishment of a five member Recreation Commission under Chapter 256 of the Acts of 1949. The purpose of said commission was to "pro- vide a Recreation Center", and the amount of $600.00 was appropriated for expenses during the first fiscal year.
At its first few organizational meetings, the commission weighed the possibilities of an extensive program in which a large share of time and funds appropriated would be utilized in an attempt to locate, plan, and provide for a Recreational Center. The concensus of opinion was, however, that the town's interest should be focused on the very necessary ex- panding of the present school facilities, and that, rather than draw attention and money from this important project by asking the town for appropriations for land and a seperate building for recreational use, the commission should urge that the school expansion program include a gymnasium or recreation room, and a well-graded and landscaped outdoor playing area, large enough and suitable for a ball field.
With this idea in mind the commission adopted and carried out what might be classed as an intensive, rather than an extensive program. All efforts were directed toward the formation of a summer program for both boys and girls.
A very successful ten-week swimming class program, with an average attendance of twenty-five to thirty, was conducted under the direction of Miss Pamela Houghton. Classes were held twice a week at Great and Salt Ponds for beginners, intermediates, and advanced swimmers.
Harold Whittemore directed boy's baseball at the town team ball field in North Eastham, where sessions were held twice a week. The boys were given new uniforms and new
114
equipment, and during the season, played a number of games with comparable local teams from Brewster and Orleans.
A girl's softball program, also under Miss Houghton's supervision did not prove to be too successful as far as atten- dance was concerned, due, perhaps, to the unusually hot weather this past summer.
Because of the success of the swimming and baseball programs and with an eye toward the continuance and exten- sion of these, the Eastham Recreation Commission recom- mends an appropriation of $600.00, again this year.
Respectfully submitted,
MRS. HAROLD WHITTEMORE,
Chairman
MR. HOWARD BREWER, Secretary
MRS. HARRIET CROSBY
MRS. ETHEL REED
MR. DAVID L. MEAD
Recreation Expenses for 1952
Baseball Uniforms
$327.83
Cleaning Uniforms
20.55
Swimming Instructions
100.00
Hallowe'en Party
Favors
$12.13
Food
16.11
Phone
.75
$28.99
28.99
Total
$477.37
Appropriation
$600.00
Expenses
477.37
Balance
$122.63
115
Report of The Eastham Improvement Association
Mr. Maurice W. Wiley, chr.Bd. Selectmen Eastham Massachusetts
Dear Sir :
Since August 22, 1952, when the moderator appointed a committee of non-resident taxpayers at your Special Town Meeeting, we (the committee) have met three times. Individ- ually, we have contacted a large number of other summer residents in our various sections of Eastham and have talked matters over with them.
On September 20, 1952, a group of us met in Eastham and formed the Eastham Improvement Association. As stated in our By Laws, the purpose of this organization is: "To work for the betterment of the whole community of the Town of Eastham."
Elected officers of the Association are :
Edward V. Newton, President
Arthur W. Schutzmeister, Vice President
Arthur J. Andersen, Secretary George J. Cross, Jr., Treasurer
Elected directors of the Association are : Mrs. John Day Mrs. Ella Gillespie William J. Bates
Our organization will be strictly non-political and non- profit. Our membership will be made up of responsible non- residents taxpayers and members of their families.
We wish to help the townspeople to keep Eastham un-
116
spoiled and to add our weight to yours when there are things the town wants and should have. Working together, we should be able to benefit the town as a whole to a greater ex- tent than several different groups working at cross purposes for only narrow, selfish, and temporary measures.
We look upon Eastham as our adopted "second home" and we take as much pride and interest in it as we do in the communities in which we live during the winter months.
Our relations with you and the other people of the town have always been most cordial and this friendly relationship we most earnestly seek to preserve and strengthen. To work toward these ends we have now banded together in a formal association which we think will benefit both you and us.
From time to time I shall send you more information about what we are doing and what our future plans are.
Yours truly,
ARTHUR J. ANDERSEN Secretary Eastham Improvement Association
Report on Public Alarm and Fire Signal
Our town public alarm system, favorably recognized for its ability to function during power failure has been under- going reconstruction to meet State standards for safe stor- age of compressed air.
On January 21st, 1953 the four thousand two hundred and thirty gallon air receiver, (storage tank), arrived by trailer truck, from Dunellon, New Jersey, having been on
117
order since April 15th 1952. By nightfall of January 22nd, the day after its arrival, the M. F. Roach Co. of this town had the thirteen thousand two hundred and twenty-five pound steel container mounted upon it's concrete foundation.
Through continued efforts since the 1952 Town Meeting, lower cost figures were obtained on both storage container and the new five horse power compressing unit, making it possible to obtain a substantially greater volume of air plus a far more powerful signaling device.
Two large high pressure whistles, mounted upon a single manifold, are to be used, which measure six inches in dia- meter by eighteen inches in height, and are to be controlled by an electric solonoid valve supplied with a working pres- sure of from 175 to 200 pounds of free air. This unit will be mounted upon a larger duplex manifold which in turn will also support the pair of diaphragm type horns formerly in use. Through the use of an electrical relay switching con- trol, the new more powerful dolphin whistles will remain in use so long as there is no power failure. However, at any moment the power line fails, automatically the old pair of horns which are the more conservative with their air, will become available for use and remain in service until the mo- ment power has been restored to take up the task of motor- izing the compressing unit requirements for the storage containers replacement of air.
By this arrangement, Civil Defense or other unusual requirements of the public alarm system would be dealt with by automatic switching and thus be operative for a long period of time without outside power replacement.
Mounted upon the top dome of the air container is an all steel circular platform, supported by pipe legs and welded to the container for maintenance use. This sub-tower was fabricated at the Harwich Machine Shop, whose personnel have done much of the on the job welding and cutting by portable power equipment.
118
Weight of this entire steel structure will be about seven tons, which is mounted upon a well seasoned solid concrete foundation, reinforced with steel rods and stone, which was poured several months ago. The hard to make circular con- crete form was fashioned by Bradley Steele, with a good job of cement smoothing done by Francis Whiting. The distance from ground line to whistles and horns will be thirty-six feet. This height gives adequate clearance over sound deflecting local structures and trees for greater carrying distance of signal audibility.
The building used to house the compressing unit has had a larger door opening and new door hung, it being found impossible to move the new unit through the old dimensions. This work was skillfully done by Lloyd Mayo, employed by Oscar Pierce, builder. Mr. Pierce gave his services free on the original construction of the building several years ago.
For those unfamiliar with the operation of the signaling system, the control is at the Orleans Telephone Exchange. When the operator is advised of the location of the fire, or other possible emergency, a code wheel bearing the number assigned to that location is placed in the central transmitter box and the hook is pulled. This automatically turns on the lights in and outside the Fire Station at Eastham, while four rounds, or separate coding of that number, is sounded in town to summon the department personnel. Because of use of what is called a self supervised closed electrical circuit, a self supervision is maintained over the fire alarm circuit the clock around. Any accidental opening of the circuit will cause a single blast upon the whistle, plus the turning on of lights inside and outside the fire station.
When the new system is complete, Eastham residents will enjoy a lifetime of trouble-free service from this ade- quate modern arrangement at a minimum of maintenance cost throughout the years.
Respectfully submitted, FRANK A. FULLER,
Fire Alarm Engineer.
119
Tree Warden
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION FOR 1953 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 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.
120
For the protection of the general health, and to main- tain 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 1953 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 controll- ing gypsy moths in Barnstable and Plymouth Counties was successfully 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 station at Greenfield none of the insects proved to be gypsy moths.
The spraying program for the town roads was cur- tailed and uncompleted because of the lack of funds and the unavailability 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 cater- pillar, canker worm, and elm leaf beetle infestations.
121
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 curtailed, except for purchase of the insecticide. However, past experience indicates that this condition will not re- main 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 several elms on the town roads, and scouting to check possi- bility 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 Laws, and the notification of the town's liability for the suppression program, as received from the Chief Superin- tendent 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, brown- tail 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.
122
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 suppressionu of wood ticks?
The fall web worm and oak worms, as well as other insects 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 auxiliary 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
123
Report of Civil Defense Director -
January 6, 1953
The Board of Selectmen, Town of Eastham, Eastham, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit my annual report on the Eastham Civil Defense for the year of 1952.
The activities of Civil Defense has been dilatory by the people of Eastham in taking the keen interest to serve their country, state and community. There is a mixed feeling this or that cannot happen to our community as being on Cape Cod away from key industrial cities, maybe not, but do stop and think of the poor souls in these key target cities, who would be attacked and may lose their lives, homes and every- thing they possess. This last summer, a demonstration was held in the upper Cape for many key workers in Civil Defense which gave them a chance to realize what could happen and what assistance could be rendered. With this knowledge in mind, these people are willing to help and render any form of duties for you and me to live a sound safe world, as they were shown some of the devastation of war. It is my great desire, that you, the people of Eastham take this matter seri- ously and do your utmost to help your country, state, com- munity and your neighbors.
Auxiliary Police force was formed with ten (10) mem- bers under the supervision of the Chief of Police. Each man has taken the oath of allegiance and was issued coveralls and equipment.
Auxiliary Firemen was also formed with five (5) men, who will work in conjunction with the regular Fire-fighters
124
under the supervision of the Chief of the Fire Department.
First Aid classes were held during the year in Standard and Advance courses. Eastham holds the highest percentage in First Aiders in accordance with the population on the Cape. We have excellent instructors, who should be given very high credit for their work. Mr. Ernest R. Hollis, a new instructor has joined our First Aid Instructors staff. He served in the Navy and gained great experience with the U. S. Marine Corp in World War II as a Pharmacist's Mate and Corpman.
Home nursing is still a disappointment to me but have hopes in the near future that this may be overcome by a kind nurse of this town, who is willing to take the Red Cross Course so she may instruct the ladies of this community.
Classes for Fire, Police and Civilian War Aid Service were held in different parts of the Cape.
A new division, Civilian War Aid Service was formed in the Civil Defense. Mrs. Elizabeth Lloyd was appointed as Director of the local unit. She was sent to school held in Fal- mouth where she received excellent instructions by two won- derful British instructors, who served in the British Civil Defense during the World War II. I feel grateful, we have a wonderful worker in this town for the C.W.A.S. to carry out this work and hope everyone will co-operate with her.
This Fall, I had a great experience with children in our local school, who gave their keen interest in Civil Defense. Gave a lecture on about all facts of Civil Defense leading up to emergency drills during alert attack. Movies were shown, which proved to be very beneficiary to the children in schools.
In June, an alert signal was given by the Regional Director in Hyannis for the whole Cape which proved very successful. The Auxiliary Police were stationed in different parts of the town, who in turn have stopped all traffic during
125
the alert. After ALL CLEAR signal was given, two units (Fire and First Aid team) was dispatched to Provincetown to participate in Civil Defense activities. I wish to thank everyone for their effort during this alert and hope this work will be carried on with keen interest.
Signals from the Signal Tower has not been improved during the year, which should be better in the coming year. It seems odd, that the Selectmen had to approach me for a loan of $200.00 from the Civil Defense appropriation to aid in payment on the air tank which I understand was over- drawn. In giving this loan, I feel this was essential to com- plete the signal system.
On December 22, 1952, I submitted to the Board of Selectmen my resignation due to my health and the urging of my physician. I wish at this time, to extend my apprecia- tion to the people of Eastham for their kind efforts. When, the next Director is appointed, get behind him or her for a better Civil Defense in Eastham as there are many positions you are able to render.
Cordially Yours,
YNGVE E. RONGNER, Director.
Copy to : Mr. Rowley Brockway Mr. John F. Stokes
126
Brewster, Orleans, Eastham Ambulance Association, Inc. FOR THE YEAR 1952
Receipts-1952
Brewster
$750.00
Orleans
1,500.00
Eastham
750.00
Donations
460.00
Interest on Replacement Fund
59.90
Total Receipts
$3,519.90
Balance January 14, 1952
1,008.46
Replacement Fund January 14, 1952
933.61
$5,461.97
Expenses-1952
Care of Ambulance
$480.00
Gas, Oil & Tires
527.98
Drivers
1,966.00
Meals
56.84
Laundry
30.21
Repairs
53.70
Equipment & Supplies
54.46
Insurance
394.11
Miscellaneous
7.65
Total Expenses
$3,570.95
Balance January 2, 1953
322.66
Replacement Fund January 2, 1953
1,568.36
$5,461.97
127
Trips : Brewster 30, Orleans 76, Eastham 22; total 128.
The ambulance is available for emergency use twenty- four hours a day and has travelled 9,929 miles this past year. While there is no charge for use of the ambulance, donations received contribute toward the expenses and aid in increas- ing a replacement fund. It costs approximately $15.00 to Hyannis and $25.00 to Boston.
CARROLL R. REED, President ROBERT G. NORTHWOOD, Clerk & Treasurer
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.