USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Norwell > Town of Norwell annual report 1940-1949 > Part 58
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50
NINETY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF IMPORTANCE TO USERS OF FUEL OIL, RANGE OIL AND BOTTLED GAS: We feel it our duty to call to your attention the State regulations which require you to have permits for the storage and use of these fuels. Failure to have a permit may prevent you from collecting insurance in case of fire. Also, because a dealer is subject to a heavy fine for making a delivery where there is no permit, you could go cold or without cooking fuel. It is an easy matter to make sure you are protected if you have not had a permit issued to you in 1948 telephone either the Chief Engineer or Clerk of the Fire Engineers who have a record of all permits known to have been issued.
Your Board of Fire Engineers finds its duties greatly increased because of the State's tightening of long standing regulations. Nearly 600 inspections were made and many permits or renewals issued in 1948. For this reason, and for the reason of prompt response to fire alarms, we believe that the town may well consider within a very few years the advisability of having a full time fire chief and two or more full time firemen.
Norwell Board of Fire Engineers
DONALD PORTER, Chief Engineer
ROBERT O. APTS GEORGE R. FARRAR
HAROLD S. WILDER JOSEPH L. HALLETT, Clerk
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Animals for the Town of Norwell for the year 1948.
Quarantine of dogs having bitten persons: Number of dogs quarantined 12
Number of calls 24
Investigation of Interstate Shipment Permits: Total number 0
One dog suspected of Rabies taken to laboratory for microscopic examination.
Inspection of barns and listing of animals in Norwell for the Division of Livestock Disease Control.
Respectfully submitted,
R. E. CUGNASCA, D.V.M. Inspector of Animals
51
TOWN OF NORWELL
REPORT OF THE NORWELL VETERANS' SERVICE COMMITTEE OF 1948
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell
Gentlemen:
In the past year, there has been a steady decline in the activities of this Committee. The approximate number of cases handled were thirty, and as far as we are able to determine, all have been settled satisfactorily. It is very apparent, as time goes on, that the need for the Veteran is gradually declining. We find this not only in our town, but by checking conditions with other communities.
The amount of literature that we have handled for the past three years, both from the Federal Government and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, has also shown a substantial decline, showing that this condition is statewide and countrywide.
We are still desirous of hearing from those veterans who have problems and will do everything within our power to further help said veterans.
At this time, I want to thank my associates for their help.
Respectfully submitted,
ALAN C. VIRTUE, Director, Veterans' Service JOHN D. MURPHY
THOMAS J. TOLMAN
RAYMOND F. MERRITT
LORING L. WADSWORTH
REPORT OF DOG OFFICER
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell
Gentlemen:
I wish to make the following report for the year 1948.
Dogs reported lost 10
Unlicensed dogs disposed of and buried 8
Dogs returned to owners 3
Dog given to worthy person and licensed by same
1
Dead Dogs (hit by automobile) then buried 2
Hurt dog returned to owner 1
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT MOLLA,
Dog Officer
52
NINETY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of the Town of Norwell:
With the election of three Water Commissioners and the appropri- ation of One hundred thirty-five thousand dollars ($135,000) by the townspeople, a Water Supply was started. This was to take care of the Church Hill and Ridge Hill sections of the town, as approved.
Bids were received for all supplies and to date materials are on hand for the work required with the exception of the Transite Pipe which has been promised by March 15, 1949.
The work was done on Grove Street prior to the laying of the new road. This was done under separate contract. Bids were received for the balance of the work ranging from Forty-five thousand dollars ($45,- 000) to Ninety thousand dollars ($90,000). The successful bidder was the Contractor who did the Grove Street work. Mr. DiMascio & Sons of Dorchester, Massachusetts.
During August and September there were many inquiries as to what could be done to relieve the conditions brought about by the unusual dry weather. Many people owning land and planning to build were asking what the prospects were for water in their neighborhood. There was nothing that could be done at the present, or in the future, in the majority of these cases as they were outside of the authorized layout for water.
Because of the many requests a Special Meeting was called for December 13, 1948, at which time the Water Commissioners made a report of the work done, and what plans were for the future. At this meeting plans were discussed wherein the present p ans could be enlarged that would take care of many of the people that were affected by the drought. This plan did not meet with the approval of the townspeople and was voted down.
The contract, if carried through as per schedule should be completed by August of 1949.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE F. CAVANAGH LLOYD S. WEST RICHARD H. BROOKS, Chairman
53
TOWN OF NORWELL
REPORT OF THE BY-LAWS COMMITTEE
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell
Gentlemen:
The committee appointed to draft a set of by-laws for the town as voted in the 1947 annual meeting, and continued by the 1948 meeting, submits for the consideration of the town the by-laws included in the warrant for 1949.
The objective of the committee was to prepare by-laws that would give a clear cut definition of authority and responsibility in respect to local affairs, would assist town officials, would have some influence toward coordination and efficiency and would give the voters a better undersatnd- ing of local government.
The committee spent endless hours in the study of by-laws in force in some 40 odd towns in Massachusetts, the study of state statutes governing town action, and in discussions with the selectmen and town counsel. In the judgment of the committee, the proposed by-laws are consistant with state law and will bear the scrutiny of the attorney-general whose ap- proval is necessary before they may become effective.
The committee believes that the town should adopt the section or sections of state statutes necessary to establish a planning board, and give them the responsibility of recommending additions or improvements in the by-laws which may be necessary to good government.
The Committee CHESTER A. RIMMER WILLIAM HILLS, SR. ROBERT B. MEDEROS RAYMOND A. HANSEN WILLIAM B. SOUTHWORTH
REPORT OF THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
January 6, 1949
To Our Fellow Townsmen:
The over-crowded condition of our High School has been pointed out in previous reports. It is well known to most parents that children in grades three through twelve are badly over-crowded and this is fully commented upon by Superintendent Bradley in his report to the School Committee.
Plans and specifications by J. William Beals, Sons, recognized authorities on school architecture, have been publicly advertised as required by law and are in the hands of contractors for bidding. Bids will be publicly opened and read in the office of the Town Clerk at eight P.M. on February 25, 1949. It is expected that the net cost to the Town of the proposed building, completed, furnished, and ready for occupancy,
54
NINETY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
may be $225,000 based upon receiving aid under the Bill passed by the Legislature in 1948. This Bill will give aid to the cities and towns constructing school buildings. Norwell's percentage is calculated to be 44% of cost. This money would be paid by the State in the form of 44% of our annual bond issue curtailment. It is necessary, therefore, that the Town appropriate the full amount, pay the interest and 56 % of the annual bond retirement. This Bill is not yet operative, but is retro- active, and there seems little question that we will benefit under it by the percentage mentioned above.
The State has given our Town the permission to borrow $200,000 outside of the debt limit for the purpose of building this school, the voters should accept this Act.
Since the formation of your Committee more than fifty meetings have been held and we believe that we have considered most, if not all, of the various ideas and suggestions to add to the existing High School or build on the present or an enlarged High School Site.
It is our unanimous opinion that in order to best serve the small children of our Town in grades Kindergarten through sixth, the proposed building be immediately constructed on the old high school land, and it is hoped that it will be in operation by January 1, 1950.
When the bids are received and tabulated, a report will be printed and distributed to the voters at the Annual Town Meeting on the night of March 7, 1949.
SYDNEY S. DEAN NELLIE L. SPARRELL MARGARET H. McMULLAN ARTHUR L. MERRITT JOHN D. R. WOODWORTH THOMAS S. CANN DONALD C. WILDER
Chairman
1-6-49-SSD-pb
REPORT OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE (Plymouth County Extension Service) 1948
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell
Gentlemen:
The Plymouth County Extension Service is an educational organiza- tion jointly promoted by the County of Plymouth, University of Massa- huseits, and the United States Department of Agriculture. Agriculture, Home-making, and 4-H Club Work, make up the three departments within the Extension Service. In addition to general educational pro- grams through meetings, circular letters, and publicity by newspaper and radio, individual visits are made to promote rural welfare, par-
55
TOWN OF NORWELL
ticularly as it is affected by agriculture.
The contribution of each town goes directly to the county treasury, where it is applied to the County Aid to Agriculture budget. The man- ner in which the Extension Service projects are conducted does not make it possible to segregate these funds for town use exclusively. However, sums much in excess of those appropriated in each town are expended through direct and indirect approach to many town problems.
Furthermore, the Extension Service, realizing its obligation to the tax-paying public, takes particular care in making plans so that every town has equal opportunities to participate in its programs.
Guidance of the Extension Service is by a Board of nine Trustees who report to the Board of County Commissioners. Each Department has an Advisory Council represented by the Agricultural Council, the Women's Advisory Council, and the 4-H Advisory Committee.
Statistical Summary of Achievements
Agri. Dept.
Home Dem. Dept.
Dept.
Total
Farm or Home Visits
779
231
254
1,264
Telephone Calls
4,619
1,394
273
6,286
Office Calls
1,710
253
1,396
3,359
News Stories
146
56
3
205
Radio Talks
88
72
29
189
Bulletins Distributed
11,465
12,886
8,344
32,695
Individual Letters Written
1,653
623
1,123
3,399
Circular Letters Written
166
71
117
354
Copies Mailed
39,515
19,046
9,989
68,550
Number of Local Leaders
148
325
124
597
Meetings of Local Leaders Attendance
59
27
10
96
Demonstration Meetings
59
100
31
190
Attendance
3,832
1,192
413
5,437
Other Extension Meetings Attendance
35
92
155
282
Meetings of other organizations and groups Attendance
50
630*
155*
835
5,475
3,410
29,680
38,565
No. 4-H Clubs, 94; No. Club Members enrolled in 4-H Clubs, 1308 No. 4-H Achievement Days, 9; Attendance 679.
*Includes meetings held by local leaders and 4-H Clubs.
J. T. BROWN,
5,667
11,185
802
269
267
1,338
2,560
2,958
4-H Club
County Agent-Manager
56
NINETY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
THE TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION, INC., NORWELL, MASSACHUSETTS
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell
Gentlemen:
In reviewing the work of our Visiting Nurse Organization for the year 1948, we find the results very satisfactory.
Miss Catherine Roe celebrated her twenty-fifth year of continuous service as School and Public Health Nurse.
At the Well Child Conference held on the fourth Tuesday of each month Dr. Alice Butler and Miss Roe have been assisted by Mrs. Frank Donovan and Mrs. John Murphy.
The number of babies coming to this Conference has increased greatly. The appointments must be made at least two weeks in advance in order to arrange time for all mothers deserving conferences with Dr. Butler.
The dental clinic under the supervision of Dr. Donald W. Parsons is proving to be of great advantage to High School pupils. Mrs. Philip Snow, Mrs. James Hall, Mrs. Marshall Bailey, Jr., Mrs. Charles E. Rounds and Mrs. Robert Goode have assisted Dr. Parsons one day each month.
One child was sent to the Bailey Health Camp for part of the summer vacation. This was made possible by funds from our share of the T. B. Seal sales. Mrs. Lloyd West is the faithful chairman of this sale.
Equipment purhased during the year for the dental clinic was one dental chair and dental supplies, one steel brace for a child, and one extra electric heater for the baby clinic.
Mrs. Mary Dyer has been substitute nurse during vacation and when special nursing was needed.
Mrs. Ashley Jones resigned as board member last March and Miss Elizabeth Farrar was voted as a new member. She is in charge of publicity.
The expenses of this organization are increasing every year.
Our funds are raised by the rummage sales, half of the T. B. Seal sales fund and our annual membership drive.
Two hundred dollars is allowed by the town toward the upkeep of the nurse's car.
Each year the amount raised by the membership drive is less, due to the fact that we have discontinued the house to house canvassing. Dues may still be sent to Mrs. Humphrey Turner, our treasurer.
Mrs. Turner has prepared a financial report which gives a complete picture of the funds necessary to carry on all the activities of this organi- zation.
Three hospital leds are now available for use in homes without charge. Crutches, bed side tables and a back rest are part of the equin- ment that may be borrowed. Call Norwell 5-M before 9 A.M. for morning
57
TOWN OF NORWELL
calls and before 1 P.M. for afternoon calls.
The present officers and board members are: Mrs. Ernest Sparrell, President
Mrs. Harold King, Vice President
Mrs. Humphrey Turner, Treasurer Mrs. S. T. Bittenbender, Secretary Mr. Lloyd West, Auditor
Members of the Board:
Mr. James Barnard
Mrs. Richard Brooks
Mrs. C. Campbell Baird
Miss Dorothy Durgin
Mrs. Theodore Dyer
Mrs. J. Wesley Hall
Mrs. Edward Keefe
Miss Elizabeth Farrar
Associate Members in the advisory capacity:
Rev. Herman Geertz Dr. Raymond Vinal Mr. James Liddell
The annual meeting and tea will be held at Cushing Memorial Hall the second Tuesday in March. All who are interested are cordially invited.
Respectfully submitted, GRACE L. SPARRELL
President
FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE NORWELL VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION, INC.
(For the year ending December 31, 1948)
Cash on hand January 1, 1948
$1337.63
RECEIPTS
Membership Dues
$240.50
Rummage Sales
1766.36
Interest
86.12
Well Child Clinic Fees
40.00
Dental Clinic Fees
329.75
Transportation (Town of Norwell $25 from 1947)
225.00
T. B. Seals
185.83
Nursing Fees
151.00
Refund Nurse's Use of Car
55.00
Total Receipts
$3079.56
$3079.56
Total Working Capital
$4417.19
58
NINETY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
EXPENDITURES
Nurse - Salary
$700.00
Substitute and Vacation Nurses
159.75
Auto Expenses
459.41
Dental Clinic
1007.63
Well Child Clinic
352.49
Retirement
75.60
Insurance
105.59
Medical Supplies
28.62
Board - Bailey Health Camp and Supplies
49.00
Charity
62.00
Trucking
34.50
Telephone and Clerical
76.51
New Equipment
176.40
Miscellaneous
52.08
Total Expenditures
$3339.58
$3339.58
Balance December 31, 1948
$1077.61
INVESTMENTS
U. S. Defense Bonds Series G $2300.00
South Scituate Savings Bank
1454.46
Respectfully submitted,
LOIS C. TURNER, Treasurer
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL AND DISTRICT NURSE
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell
Gentlemen:
January 1, 1948 to December 31, 1948
Number of Bed Side Visits
533
Number of Visits for Welfare Department 212
Number of Hospital Visits with Patients 15
Number of Infant Welfare Visits
158
Number of Well Child Conferences
12
Number of Children Immunized at Clinics
25
Number of Children Attending Pre-School Dental Clinic
22
Number of Communicable Disease Visits
151
Number of T. B. Follow Up Visits
8
Number of Prenatal Visits
25
Number of Postnatal Visits
32
Number of Conferences with State Health Workers
15
Number of Public Health Meetings Attended
11
Respectfully submitted,
CATHERINE A. ROE, Public Health Nurse
TOWN OF NORWELL
WILLIAM J. LEONARD MEMORIAL LIBRARY
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell
Gentlemen:
The Leonard Memorial Library has completed its second full year in its new location with considerable satisfaction to its staff.
There has been a change in the personnel of the Library Staff this year due to the death of Mrs. Pauline W. Leonard who served the Library so faithfully and so diligently through many years. Mrs. Virginia M. Mitchell was appointed Librarian with Mrs. Dorothy Cann remaining as Assistant.
We gratefully acknowledge, at this time, an electric clock appropri- ately inscribed, presented to the Library by a few of Mrs. Leonard's many friends as a most useful and lasting memorial. We also wish to ac- knowledge forty-eight new books presented to the library as gifts to Mrs. Leonard's memory.
We have added, through purchase, late books on some twenty diversified subjects as well as new fiction and non-fiction from Best Seller Lists as available from publishers.
A few members of our community are taking advantage of our "Shut- in Book Service" where we endeavor to get some of the newer books to shut-ins and we hope more of our citizens will feel free to make use of this service. Book lists are available from the Librarian.
It is gratifying to see so many of our "little people" visiting the Li- brary's Childrens Corner, to select their favorite books. Some of the children's books are in the process of being repaired by the staff, others need replacing and teen-age books need augmenting.
A total of 4127 books have been circulated this year, an increase of 2015 over 1947 total. New library cards have been issued to 49 residents.
All books, as of December 1948, have been re-classified and cata- logued according to the Dewey Decimal System for Smaller Libraries.
The Library hours are Tuesdays 2-4 and Friday 6:30-9:00. We hope to be open at least one more afternoon a week as the circulation warrants.
Respectfully submitted,
VIRGINIA M. MITCHELL, Librarian ALFRED H. PROUTY, Trustee WILLIAM O. PROUTY, Trustee
60
NINETY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE JAMES LIBRARY FOR THE YEAR 1948
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell
Gentlemen:
The James Library continues to serve the community, making the best of its sometimes limited facilities. The Committee has spent this last year-at first, under Chairman A. Ralph Gordon-endeavoring to expand these limitations of books, space, and money. It is hoped that a review of these items will stimulate further the already lively interest of its occasional and its constant patrons.
Books may be consulted and borrowed during the library hours from six to eight in the evening on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Satur- days; and in addition from two until four on Saturday afternoons.
During the past year, through careful buying, an average of better than two new titles each week was added to the collection. Of these about fifty were new volumes of children's old and new favorites. This record is encouraging, but more books need to be added if the Library hopes to meet the measure of the demand. The number of books borrowed amounted to 4018. Furthermore, there were 2248 pocket books and 1646 magazines loaned. Subjects included art, gardening history, fiction, and non-fiction. An attempt is made to reach every taste and range of interest, but suggestions from our patrons regarding subject matter and service are definitely welcomed.
In a separate reading room the Caroline Judd Collection of horti- cultural subjects is available to all. Thanks are due the North River Gardeners, which adds a new volume each year to this section of the library. A recent fund set up in memory of H. Rodney Booth has begun the purchase of books on art and related topics. These collections and funds immeasurably increase the usefulness of the library, and it is hoped that over the years more will be added of these benefactions.
In the course of the year a very thorough cleaning and clearing up project was initiated so that there might be more room for books and readers. Mrs. Carlton Chambers very generously gave her time to bringing the cataloging up to date. And on the maintenance side extensive repairs to the building were begun. All these measures have been taken to make efficient the Library's function of conveniently putting booke in the hands of the people of Norwell.
As usual, these efforts need financial support. In addition to the regular channels of aid from the First Parish Church and the 'rown, the Young Peoples Club of the church organized a peregrination which was most rewarding in interest and in earnings. From the money cleared in this venture, it has been possible to start the much needed repairs already mentioned. Present-day costs require spending of about $1,000 annually in order to meet the minimum needs of employment fees and maintenance. With greater funds at its disposal more could be devoted to the most important object of any library-the careful selection and enlargement of its number of books. The figures cited of borrowings versus new titles added point up this need for increased purchasing power.
The Committee wishes to extend its particular thanks to those who have contributed magazines and books to the library. There are some who follow a plan of regular monthly presentations. The Committee
61
TOWN OF NORWELL
will welcome additional members to this fine group who have so well supplemented with their generous gifts the efforts of the library to be a source of public knowledge and entertainment.
Respectfully submitted,
REV. HERMAN GEERTZ
DR. CHARLES ROUNDS
MRS. WILDER GAUDETTE, Secretary.
MISS MILDRED HASTINGS, Treasurer MRS. NELLIE L. SPARRELL, Librarian MR. RICHARD D. McMULLAN, Chairman
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of the Town of Norwell:
The following cases of communicable diseases were reported:
Chicken-pox
34
Scarlet Fever
1
Rubella 2
Whooping Cough
Mumps
9
Measles
17
Tuberculosis 1
14 cases of dog bites were reported and the animals were quaran- tined for two weeks per regulations of Public Health. No cases of rabies occurred during 1948.
Inoculation against small-pox, diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus have been given by the Board of Health, free of charge to children from nine months to ten years.
The Doctor on the Board of Health will examine free of charge those children who have been kept from school because of a contagious disease but who have not had a doctor in attendance and will issue a certificate for the pupil to return to school provided no evidence of disease is found.
The Board of Health has inspected the following premises: all overnight cabins, tourist cabins, infant boarding homes, private schools, milk pasteurization plants, restaurants, and roadside stands serving foods.
Inspection of conditions considered a menace to the health of the community :
A piggery located on Mt. Blue Street, after frequent inspections and no real improvement in condition, the owner was ordered to remove same as he was unable to correct conditions.
Six visits were necessary to correct a sanitary condition in the Jacob Lake settlement on complaint of summer residents,
62
NINETY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
On request of the Selectmen two new restaurants were inspected: one in Norwell Centre and the other on Washington Street. Sanitary conditions of both were satisfactory and the Board of Health recom- mended that licenses to issued to proprietors.
The town dump which has been a disgrace to the town has been inspected frequently by one or more members of the Board of Health. The central area where trash should be thrown has been kept in good condition but the entrance to the dump is and has been during the past few years, poorly policed. It is recommended that the dump be opened on certain days and the caretaker be in charge during those days. The road into the dump should be macadamized and during the winter kept cleared of snow. The entrance should be kept cleared of rubbish at all times.
The regulations regarding cold storage should be enforced in Plant located at Norwell.
17 wells were inspected.
3 licenses were given to garbage and waste collectors.
25 meetings were held at Town Hall, Norwell.
Householders Must Report Diseases
A householder who knows that a person in his family or house is sick with a disease dangerous to the public health shall forthwith give notice thereof to the Board of Health.
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