USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Franklin > Town of Franklin annual report 1940 > Part 4
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To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
The following is the annual report of the Gypsy Moth Department for the year ending Dec. 31., 1940.
Appropriation
$900.00
Expenditures
893.58
Unexpended Balance
$6.42
Arsenate of Lead
$138.00
Poles and Brushes
7.00
Creosote
27.00
Truck for WPA work
300.00
Gasoline for Truck Spraying
30.00
Poison Cards
3.50
Labor
361.00
Miscellaneous
28.08
Scouted and creosoted the Town, also sprayed all trees but the elms. The elms belong to the Tree Dept. and there was no appropriation. The trees are in good condition as there was no defoliation except the elm, which is caused by the elm beetle.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. STOBBART, Local Sup't.
96
REPORT OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of the Town of Franklin :
During the past year the Advisory Board held month- ly meetings for the purpose of checking expenditures that would apply to appropriations voted at our last Annual Town Meeting.
We were also instructed to watch for overdrafts at the end of the year and were advised that overdrafts could only develop in the following four ways : (1) Where the liability is incurred by a two-thirds vote of the Selectmen under the specific authority of General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 31, to meet a situation of "ex- treme emergency involving the health or safety of per- sons or property"; (2) Where a department, officer, or committee deliberately incurs a liability knowing there is not, at the time, any available appropriation, either because none was ever made, or because the appropria- tion had been spent ; (3) Where a department, officer, or committee believes there are available, previously appro- priated funds, but in fact there are none; (4) Where there were available unencumbered funds at the time the liability was incurred, but they are otherwise spent by the department, either deliberately or inadvertently, leaving the liability in question outstanding as an over- draft.
At the time of this report we know of only one case where a department contracted for more bills than the appropriation could cover.
Your Board did however approve a number of Transfers from the Special Reserve Fund upon the re- quest of the Department Heads and recommended by the Board of Selectmen, viz: Nov. 27th-$18.00 to the Shade Tree Account, Nov. 29th-$200.00 to the Treas-
97
urer Account, Dec. 12th-$238.34 to the Election and Registration Account, Dec. 18th-$120.00 to the Police Account.
We have met a number of times with the Board of Selectmen throughout the year to discuss and advise them on matters pertaining to the Town Welfare.
We wish to thank the Board of Selectmen, the Offi- cers of our Town and all Department Heads for their quick response in submitting their monthly expenditures.
We trust that Budgets presented by Department Heads for 1941 will be lower and can assure you that we will scrutinize these very closely and will be fair in our recommendations at our Annual Town Meeting.
Respectfully yours,
EDW. W. CORR, Chairman, Town Advisory Committee.
ANNUAL REPORT OF LOCK-UP KEEPER
Franklin, Mass., December 31, 1940.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I respectfully submit my report of the number of prisoners confined in the Town Lock-up for the year end- ing December 31st.
Assault & Battery 2
B. & E. night time & Larceny 2
1
Adultery Capias 2
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Drunk
27
Driving to Endanger
1
Escaped Inmate
1
Larceny over $100
1
Lewd & Lascivious
1
Neglect, Wife and minor children
2
Driving under influence of Liquor
5
Driving with no License
1
Vagrancy
3
Bellingham Prisoners
25
Wrentham Prisoners
8
Total
83
Matron called for service
11
Respectfully yours,
HAROLD BARNES, Lock-up Keeper.
REPORT OF YOUTH RECREATIONAL COMMISSION
January 20, 1941
Board of Selectmen
Franklin, Mass. Gentlemen :
The Youth Recreation Commission wishes to submit the following report for activities at the Thayer School, High School gymnasium, Town Hall and Play ground under the Youth Recreational Movement and Works Projects Administration for the year ending December 31, 1940 under the supervision of Miss Carolyn E. Par- ren.
1
Illegitimacy
99
Basketball Program
Junior High School, High School and Non-High School basketball leagues were conducted in the High School gymnasium last year with an average participa- tion per week of three hundred (300) persons.
Thayer School
Classes in photography, metal craft, handicraft, art- drawing and airplane modeling proved most popular at the center.
The adult metal craft class came to the front with an average attendance per week of two hundred and seventy-five (275) near the end of the year. Instructors, furnished by the Work Projects Administration, were kept busy until after the Christmas season helping those persons anxious to complete gifts made from copper, aluminum and pewter.
The handicraft classes attracted many young chil- dren. Interesting articles were made from leather, me- tal, crepe paper and papier-mache materials. Some of the children learned to crochet and knit. On special oc- casions, parties were held for this group.
The Ping Pong room, where the four tables were always in demand, had the highest participation per week of all the activities - averaging near the six hundred mark.
The library and game room on the second floor kept the younger children as well as those of high school age. interested. Games, such as Miniature Bowling, Carrom, Shuffle Board, and Parlour Curling were always in de- mand. During vacation periods, the accommodations could not begin to care for the number of participants in these rooms.
From March until June, a musical program was car- ried on in cooperation with the High School. A harmo- nica band was active during the winter months, and met once a week at the Recreation Center.
100
One upstairs room, not in constant demand, was used by the Scout Troops on the average of three days per week.
Town Hall
A radio class was conducted for boys twice a week until June 1940. First class instruction was given to all those interested.
The sewing room was open one evening a week for the girls and ladies. Instruction was given in needle- work, fitting and sewing. These classes continued un- til May. 1940.
From May until September, the recreation program was carried on at Fletcher Field.
Soft ball teams were organized among the girls. Games were played with Taunton Recreation Team, Franklin Town Team and the City Mills Team. Trans- portation was provided for two trips to Taunton for re- turn games.
Track and Field sports were conducted on the Field each morning. Activities included : broad-jumping, run- ning broad jump, relay racing and throwing events. Late in August a representative group, (winners of a Track Meet) of twenty-five boys and girls attended the W.P.A. Field Day at Quincy, Mass. and made a fine showing.
Horseshoes, bats, baseballs, softballs, basketballs and volley balls were provided for those wishing to play with them on the field.
The tennis courts were kept in good playing condi- tion and rules and regulations were posted to give every person an opportunity to play on the courts. In the lat- ter part of August, a Singles Tennis Tournament was conducted for the men and women.
101
All younger children wishing instruction in tennis inet twice a week and also had the privilege of signing for courts during the week days. T
Supervision was provided for the wading pool and playground apparatus. Careful watch was kept to guard against injury or infection.
Handicraft classes, story hours, and general games were on the program to interest the young children.
Special supervision was provided for Sundays to protect the small children from injury during the Sunday baseball and softball games.
For this year at the play-ground, total participa- tion, not including spectators, climbed to the fifty-three thousand (53,000) mark.
Much of the success of the entire program has been due to the volunteer assistance in the radio, metalcraft. photography, art, and sewing classes; to the financial assistance of the public on tag day; to the Teacher's Club and Rotary Club contributions ; - as well as the individual contributions of materials, games, furniture, and books: and to the able support of the commission itself.
I wish to thank each and every person for such co- operation.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES W. HOWARD
102
THIRTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF WATER AND SEWER COMMISSIONERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
At the annual town meeting it was voted to extend the water main on Oak Street to the junction of Oak and Pond Streets and then through Pond Street to the Medway line. The sum of $25,000.00 was appropriated for the material and the labor is being furnished by the Works Project Administration.
9,142' 6" of 8" asbestos cement pipe was used on Oak Street, this being the total distance. 2064' of 8" cast iron sand spun pipe has already been laid on Pond Street, starting at the junction of Oak and Pond Streets. There were 3,440 feet of this pipe awarded the town. After this cast iron pipe has been completely laid, the asbestos cement pipe will be laid on the remainder of the street.
Four new house connections have been installed on the Oak Street section and three are now in use. Nine hydrants have been installed and several blank tees were inserted in the main pipe that can be used later if re- quired by new consumers. One other hydrant was in- stalled on Pond Street at the junction of Oak Street and the town water pressure is now on these ten new hy- drants.
On account of the Article in the town warrant to lay water mains on Oak and Pond Streets being accept- ed by the voters after our regular appropriation was made for maintenance and operation of the department, it was found, that after starting the project considerable
103
unforeseen expense was attached to a W. P. A. project of this kind. This expense amounted to approximately $1300.00 for labor, tools, etc. during the six months while the work was in progress in the year 1940. The amount of the Federal government's grant for pipe was $4,196.80. This pipe has all been delivered and approx- imately 3000 feet have been laid. There has been paid $14.071.13 from the $25,000.00 Oak and Pond Streets wa- ter notes, leaving a balance of $10,928.87. Approximate- ly 10,000 feet of 8" transite pipe has been purchased to- gether with hydrants, gates and other necessary mate- rial that is required on a job of this kind.
No extensions were made to the system other than Oak and Pond streets during the year.
All hydrants were tested in April and November, the same as in previous years and several were repaired and adjusted. There are now 215 public hydrants, in- cluding Oak and Pond streets connected to the system.
Nine new house connections were made during the year, one being a 11/2" service for the Fletcher Field, making the total number of services, 1433. Several serv- ices were repaired during the year. At the March and September meter readings about 75 meters were found stopped. These were removed, repaired and replaced again.
Several defects were found in the concrete and brick roof on the dug well. We were obliged to have these sections removed and relaid with new brick and con- crete. Some of the tubular wells were cleaned and the suction pipes on three of these wells were cleaned also. This was done to eliminate the high vacuum maintained at the pumping station while operating the pumps at full capacity.
The firm of Metcalf and Eddy, Hydraulic and Sani- tary Engineers of Boston were engaged to make an in- vestigation as to what the best step would be to improve our water supply both in quality and quantity. Surveys were made in different locations and nine 21/2" test wells
104
were driven for the purpose of finding out the flow, draw down and quality of each well.
The conditions at some of these wells seemed to show an ample supply and water of good quality. The opinion of the Water Board now is to decide the best type of wells to install and to use the best location that would be the most advantageous to the town. We in- tend to look into the matter more closely, so that a move may be made in the early spring. The board is not defi- nitely convinced yet, as to whether it would be more feasible to obtain a different supply or to treat the present water with chemicals or perhaps install some type of aerating plant to change the chemical analysis. eliminating the iron content as much as possible, doing away with the rust in the water and making it more satisfactory to the consumers.
We wish to impress upon the consumers, that the state department of Public Health has no grievance with this department as to the quality of the water. The work contemplated is for the sole purpose of lowering the rusting qualities of the water when used for washing, or for any domestic or manufacturing purposes.
When the water supply is increased so that a greater supply is available during the dry weather in the sum- mer months, we recommend that both of the stand pipes be cleaned and painted.
There were 159,426,000 gallons of water pumped into the system during the year, this being 8.820,000 gal- lons less than in the year 1939. The largest amount of water pumped in any one day was, 802,000 gallons which were pumped on March sixth.
Water Analysis
Parts in 1,000,000
February
June 57.
July 45.
October 52.
Residue on Evaporation 55.
Free Ammonia
.014
.000
.008 .010
Albumenoids
.014
.006
.010 .016
105
Chlorides
4.8
4.2
4.6
4.6
Nit. as Nitrates
.20
.20
.22
.20
Nit. as Nitrites
.000
.000
.000
.000
Hardness
21.
16.
22.
17.
Iron
.50
.38
.80
.55
P. H.
6.2
6.0
5.9
6.0
Rainfall for the year 1940
Jan.
2.72
May
3.93
September
2.25
Feb.
4.43
June
2.54
October
1.63
March
2.84
July
3.85
November
5.70
April
5.48
August
1.02
December
2.48
Normal rainfall for this section
40.38 "
Total rainfall for the year
38.87 "
Rainfall below normal
1.51 "
We recommend that the town raise and appropriate the sum of twenty-four thousand dollars ($24,000.00) for the maintenance and operation of the Water Department, and in addition thereto, the salaries of the Water Com- missioners.
Sewers
Several main sewers were found causing trouble and were scraped and cleaned. Some of the house connec- tions were found stopped and these were cleaned out and repaired.
The Timnah Brook sewer beds were harrowed and cleaned. this being the regular procedure each year. The under drains in the No. 4 bed were all taken up, cleaned and relaid. The bed was reconstructed and new gravel added throughout.
The Mine Brook beds were handled the same way as in previous years in regard to care and management. Due to insufficient funds, none of these beds was resur- faced with new gravel. The report of the Department of Public Health shows that this system is operating fairly well and the beds are in good condition, although some of them require resurfacing with new material.
106
We recommend that the town raise and appropriate the sum of Seven Thousand dollars ($7,000.00) for the maintenance and operation of the sewers and sewer beds, and in addition thereto, the salaries of the Sewer Com- missioners.
Respectfully submitted,
LEWIS J. CATALDO. Chairman ARTHUR A. KEEFE DONALD B. CHAPMAN
Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners.
January 14, 1941.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
I hereby respectfully submit the report of my de- partment for the year ending Dec. 31, 1940.
Arrests and Other Activities
Assault and battery 6
Assault and battery and trespass
1
Adultery and illegitimacy 1
Adultery and lewd and lascivious cohabitation 1
Aiding in the delinquency of a child 1
Breaking. entering and larceny and setting fire to a dwelling 1
Breaking, entering and larceny, night time
3
Breaking, entering and larceny, day time 1
Drunkenness 27
Drunkenness and assault and battery
1
Drunk and operating under the influence 4
Disturbing the peace and profanity 1
Escaped inmate of State Institutions 1
107
Fugitive from justice 1
Failing to confine dog 1
Fornicate and lewd and lascivious cohabitation 1
Fornication
1
Hit and run, injury to property
1
Insane, no crime
4
Illegitimacy
2
Illegal entry to this country
1
Larceny, less than $100
4
Larceny, more than $100 3
1
Motor violations
17
Malicious injury to property
1
Neglect of family
5
Neglected children 3
3
Operating under the influence
1
Operating under the influence and to endanger 2 Runaway
5 1
Stubborn child
Statuatory rape and illegitimacy
1
Using auto without authority
5
Uninsured and unregistered auto
1
Vagrancy
3
Violation of probation
5
122
Disposition of cases
Committed to State Farmn 1
Committed to House of Correction 7
Committed to Foxboro State Hospital 4
Delivered to other departments
12
Dismissed at the request of complainant Fined
40
Filed
14
Not guilty 3
2
Pending cases for trial and disposition Probation
18
Sentence to House of Correction-suspended 6
Returned to parents 6
122
9
Operating to endanger
Lewd and lascivious person
108
Motor Violations
Court summonses Registry suspensions and warnings
13
82
Verbal warnings 103
198
Automobile accidents
52
Persons injured by auto accidents
62
Persons killed by auto accidents
3
Doors and windows found open or unlocked 102
Miles covered by cruising car 31,229
Miles covered by motorcycle 2260
Prisoners lodged in our lockup for the town of Bellingham 25
Prisoners lodged in our lockup for the town of Wrentham 8
We have during the past five years exchanged our cruising car annually. This practice is both economical and efficient. I recommend that we purchase a new car this year.
Our 1936 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle is in fair mechanical condition, but due to the type of work re- quired of a motorcycle in police work, I recommend same be exchanged for new motorcycle.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted a Police School on our invitation at the Fire Station Hall. one night a week for eight weeks during the latter part of January and February. Our officers, together with officers from Bellingham, Wrentham, Foxboro. Medwa and Norfolk attended these classes. These classes proved to be of great value to all officers.
I have been granted a six months leave of absence from this Department as of January 4, 1941, for the reason that I have accepted a position as Traffic Safety Engineer with a large insurance company.
I wish to publicly thank the people of Franklin for their cordial support during my five years as your Police
109
Chief, while I gave my best for Law enforcement in your community.
I estimate the necessary expenditures to operate this department for the year 1941 will be $13,500.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER P. BURKE, Chief of Police.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
The Board of Selectmen for 1940 organized with John B. Cataldo as Chairman and Sponsor Agent for W. P. A. projects, William Connolly was given charge of the Police Department, Albert F. Granger in Charge of the Highway Department. Laura F. Cataldo was ap- pointed Clerk of the Board.
During this year the Town suffered the loss of one of their prominent Town Officials in the death of Town Treasurer Fred E. Mason. Mr. Mason was a former Selectman of the Town. "Freddie," as he was called by most everyone, was a lover of sports, a good citizen and an excellent public servant. Upon the death of Mr. Mason. the appointment of Mr. William Feeley was made to fill the unexpired term.
During the year the Town Hall was painted and re- paired inside and outside.
The G. A. R. Hall, occupied by the American Legion, was damaged by fire in year 1939 and this building was
110
put in good repair during year 1940.
The Town has the following legal cases still pend- ing :-
Herbert L. Metcalfe Vs Town of Franklin. Whitney Worsted Company Vs Town of Franklin.
During the year the Highway Department re-sur- faced 2600 feet of road on King Street and 1350 feet on Lincoln Street, with a mixed in place stone top. This top should give many years of good wear. The High- way Dept. joined with W. P. A. resurfaced 1750 feet of road on Cottage Street, 3100 feet on Union Street, 2000 feet on Wachusetts Street and 1000 feet on Worsted Street. Proper drainage was installed on Cottage, Union, and Worsted Streets.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN B. CATALDO, WILLIAM N. CONNOLLY, ALBERT F. GRANGER.
SELECTMEN'S ESTIMATE OF DEPARTMENT EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR 1941
Selectmen
$2.500.00
Auditor
450.00
Assessors
2,100.00
Town Clerk
567.00
Election and Registration
825.00
Law
4,000.00
Finance Account
50.00
Town Hall
500.00
Police Department
13.500.00
Fire Department
9,800.00
111
Weights and Measures
350.00
Gypsy Moth and Elm Leaf Beetle
1,100.00
Shade Trees
700.00
Forest Fire
1,700.00
Inspection of Animals
300.00
Sewer and Sewer Beds
7,000.00
Roads
19,000.00
Street Lights
11,500.00
Tarvia
12,000.00
Welfare
35,000.00
Welfare Administration
1,200.00
Old Age Assistance
29,000.00
Old Age Assistance Administration
700.00
Aid to Dependent Children
14,000.00
Aid to Dependent Children Administration
300.00
Schools
111,100.00
Commons
500.00
Decoration Day
300.00
Municipal Indebtedness
42,000.00
Interest
4,500.00
Library
3,200.00
Health
3,300.00
Inspection of School Children
600.00
Treasurer
2,275.00
Tax Collector
2,964.00
Soldiers ' Benefits
9,000.00
Water
24,000.00
Town Report
REPORT OF THE PLAYGROUND COMMITTEE
January 24, 1941.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
We believe that the past year has shown the need and popularity of the Playground in Franklin. To the Committee and the citizens of Franklin, who are inter- ested in healthful activities for the young, there was
112
much gratification in the number who availed themselves of the use of the Playground.
During the past year equipment was purchased from the Fletcher Fund for the Playground activity, consist- ing of 2 slides, 2 sets of swings, 1 Climb Around. 1 Unico Pole, 2 sets of horseshoes and 1 seesaw. This equip- ment was in continuous use.
The swimming pool has been completed and during the warm days it was not unusual to have 50 to 100 chil- dren enjoying this facility. Thanks to the Water Depart- ment, we were able to have fresh water in the swim- ming pool every day, and as a matter of precaution. the pool was 'emptied every night.
Drinking fountains have been installed near the swimming pool and tennis court, which necessitated laying pipes across the entire field.
The portable school, which was formerly on the grounds of the High School, was moved to the Play- ground and entirely renovated for a rest house and tool and equipment headquarters. Two toilets were in- stalled, and it is the hope of the Committee to have show- ers in the very near future. The Committee also expects to do more work this year on the rest house and to at- tach to it a piazza. so that it will truly be the center of the activities.
Two cement bleachers were erected for the baseball diamond, and they will accommodate 600 people. These are, of course, permanent and should last for many years.
It was the hope of the Committee to have ready for this winter a skating rink, running parallel with Peck Street. The same is to be used in the summer for a parking space. Work was started on this project dur- ing the fall, but because of delay on the W. P. A. pro- ject, it has not been completed and this will be done as soon as the frost is out of the ground. The cement re- taining wall has also been installed, and at least three- quarters of the construction work is now accompilshed,
113
and when the project is finally completed, it will make one of the best skating rinks in any Playground.
Considerable grading was done near the tennis court and more is to be done during the coming year. The Peck Street entrance to the Playground has been widen- ed and the road reconstructed, and this will be entirely completed in 1941.
It is hoped during the coming years that very definite progress and a program will be started for tree and shade planting, so that in the years to come the field will not only be useful, but also attractive.
During the summer probably the greatest activities are the various baseball games and a number of days it was not unusual to have 3 or more games in progress at the same time. Softball leagues have been formed, and this form of sport is receiving a great deal of en- thusiastic support.
The field has also been used for drills and the past vear the American Legion concluded their Armistice Day program on the Fletcher Field.
Having in mind that the funds from the Fletcher Fund cannot be used for maintenance, the Committee now feels that it will be necessary each year for the town to appropriate a reasonable amount of money for the care and maintenance of this field. We hope that the citizens of the town will visit the field very regularly, and your Committee feels if they do this that they will feel a small amount of money necessary to be appropriat- ed each year is very deserving.
The following is a report of Miss Parren, Supervisor of the Playground :
"As Supervisor of the Playground activities in nine- teen hundred and forty, I submit this report.
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