USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Norwell > Town of Norwell annual report 1950-1959 > Part 44
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 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107
Ralph Coleman, Chief Warden, is working hard, as he has for the past two years, to build up the Warden groups. However, he must have support if Civil Defense is expected to do a good job.
Paul Rasmussen is now Deputy Director for Public Works. He is making a survey of all utilities in the Town so that damage can be reported and repairs coordinated more intelligently in the future. Also he will familiarize himself with equipment owned by the Town and individuals residing in the Town so that this information can be utilized to best advantage when needed.
Concerning the purchase by the Town of more equipment, considerable study and discussion with other departments lead us to the conclusion that it is best to utilize all available equip- ment to the best advantage in an emergency rather than purchase additional which would be idle most of the time. Civil Defense is therefore asking for only enough funds to cover operating expenses, plus the purchase of one gasoline chain saw, and one 2500-watt generator for minimum lighting and emergency oper- ation of the amateur radio station now installed at headquarters. This radio, in conjunction with Robert Wilson's mobile unit, provides for communication within the Town and with adjoin- ing towns.
79
TOWN OF NORWELL
One problem which is of great importance is the availability of one building where many residents could be cared for if an emergency arose - particularly in the winter when lack of electricity would be an even greater hazard than in the other seasons. There is a strong feeling that the Agency should provide for such a contingency. The Elementary School, where Civil Defense Headquarters are located, offers ample facilities for the care of a large number of people and appears to be the logical place.
Therefore, an article for consideration by the voters has been inserted in the Warrant to provide ample funds for the installa- tion of a diesel generator sufficiently large enough to furnish heat, light, food and water at the Elementary School. Here, also, medical aid would be provided.
The efficiency of an organization such as Civil Defense in time of an emergency depends entirely on trained man and woman power. Civil Defense, as set up by law, is not solely a war measure, but is to take over in any type of civil emergency. Its responsibility encompasses all Town departments - includ- ing Police and Fire. The strength of such a group can be propor- tionate only to the number and quality of volunteers who know their jobs and are ready to go into action in their neighborhoods if and when an emergency arises. A group in Norwell has worked for five years to keep such an organization ready, but much more help is needed. It cannot be completely efficient without the wholehearted support of everyone. Please let us know if you are interested in giving some of your time for the protection of your Town.
Headquarters are open Wednesday evenings at 8 o'clock - the telephone is Norwell 240
Many have gone along on the theory that "It can't happen here," but it has happened here!
W. CLARKE ATWATER, Director.
List of Departments and Personnel
Director
W. Clarke Atwater
Assistant Director Fire
Thomas T. Barstow Frank W. Falconer Police
Alan C. Virtue
Transportation
Medical Dr. Raymond G. Vinal Timothy Fuller
Public Works
Paul C. Rasmussen
Communications Stearns Poor and Robert I. Wilson
80
ONE-HUNDRED-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
Equipment and Supplies
William C. Bennett
Public Information
Mrs. Frank L. Sweetser
Administration Mrs. W. Clarke Atwater Civilian Aid Mrs. Peirce Fuller
Wardens
Ralph H. Coleman
District Wardens
No. 1
Harold G. Dutton
No. 2
Douglas S. Mitchell
No. 3 Fred G. Heredeen
No. 4 Clarence P. Jones
No. 5 William D. Marland and Felix Dixon
No. 6 Donald P. Shepherd
Report of the Veterans' Agent
The administration of Veterans' Benefits in Town government provides the opportunity for immediate attention to the emergency needs of qualified veterans and their depen- dents, pending provision for more permanent assistance if required from the Veterans Administration of the National Government.
Benefits are provided under State law and regulations of the Commissioner of Veterans Services; payments are subject to approval of this State agency, and when so approved are reimbursed to the Town to the amount of 50% of the expenditure.
Thus, from the appropriation of $2,000 by the Town, $1,342.16 was expended, of which approximately 50% will be reimbursed.
During the year benefits on a temporary basis have been paid to two veterans of World War II and benefits on a more permanent basis to the eligible dependent of a veteran of World War I.
We have been glad to assist veterans eligible to receive the Korean Bonus by supplying necessary forms and certification, as well as friendly advice and assistance on many matters of concern to veterans and their families.
THOMAS T. BARSTOW, Veterans' Agent THOMAS S. CANN, Ass't. Veterans' Agent
81
TOWN OF NORWELL
Report of the Police Department
I am pleased to report that the trouble which has existed involving our young people seems to be a thing of the past. I think all outside activities arranged for them by the churches, schools, other organizations and the parents have been very helpful.
I also wish to report that we have added to our supply of emergency equipment such items as blankets, first aid kits, hand light, life preserver and amplified speaker. I hope to make further additions to our equipment on a modest scale this year and in the future.
We all realize that the population of our Town is greatly increasing. I belive it is my duty to prepare and inform the citizens of the coming needs. There is need of a vehicle. A ranch wagon model would be suitable for use as an ambulance, and would be useful for transportation in case of accident or emer- gency illness. I feel that in a short space of time it would more! than pay for itself.
Our officers are again this year attending the Plymouth County Police Training School for a course of instruction.
I want to thank all Town officials and the members of my Department for the fine co-operation given me during the past year.
Police Work for the Year 1954
Complaints and investigations such as:
70
Accosting
3
Breaking and entering
8
Attempted breaking and entering
2
Larceny
4
Disturbance
5
Maliciousness
13
Trespassing
2
Bad Check
1
Minor Complaints & Investigations
32
Summons Served
85
Patrol on Town Roads
6031/2 miles
Patrol on Town Roads during Hurricane (Reimbursed by State)
4721/2 miles
82
ONE-HUNDRED-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
Fires
43
Assisting Registry Inspector
3
Faulty equipment cards issued
53
Revolver permits
45
Property checks
15
Roadblocks
3
Messages delivered (emergency)
16
Trips to hospital
3
Search for missing person
1
Suicide
1
St. Helen's
24
A police officer was in attendance at all Town Meetings, Forums and Elections, Republican Club meetings, P.T.A. meetings and all school functions.
Matron's Report
Accompanied officer to return two girls to Boston.
Emergency messages-2.
Accompanied woman to doctor for treatment after disturbance. Returned intoxicated woman to her home.
Aided in returning cows.
Received and dispatched messages during hurricane.
Gave information to insurance company.
LLOYD B. HENDERSON, Chief of Police.
Report of the William J. Leonard Memorial Library
To the Selectmen of Norwell
Gentlemen:
Herewith the trustees submit their report for the year 1954, and are glad to say that again circulation has increased. This is due in part to Norwell's increasing population, but more to the ever expanding selection of current best sellers. The children's department continues to grow and to attract their patronage.
With income from the "Annabel Wakefield" fund we were fortunate in adding a very modern encyclopedia.
We would strongly urge those who are not acquainted with our small but up-to-date library, to visit us on Tuesday after- noons from 2 to 4, or Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
ALICE K. JOHNSON, Librarian, Trustee WILLIAM O. PROUTY, Trustee ALFRED H. PROUTY, Trustee
83
TOWN OF NORWELL
Report of the James Library Committee
To the Board of Selectmen Gentlemen:
The James Library is continuing to enlarge its services to the citizens of Norwell through the circulation of its books and magazines, through its Librarian's assistance to the Town's stu- dents in their various projects, and through making its building available to various civic groups as a meeting place.
The Committee is particularly pleased to report not only the increase in its circulation from approximately 7,000 copies of books and magazines in 1953 to just under 10,000 in 1954, but also the tremendous growth in number of borrowers of all age groups and interests who come to the Library from every section of the Town.
In addition to its adult fiction and non-fiction both old and new and its books for young people from pre-school age through young adult readers, the James Library has built up to com- mendable proportions its collection of nature books, historical and genealogical data of Norwell and surrounding towns, and this year has undertaken as a long term project a special col- lection of books and articles written by men and women who have been or who are residents of Norwell. This promises to be a most interesting project, and the members of the Committee will welcome the assistance of the townspeople in the compila- tion of this material.
The James Library is open to all residents of Norwell during the hours stated below:
Monday 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday 2:30 p.m. to 4: 30 p.m.
Wednesday 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Thursday 2:30 p.m. to 4: 30 p.m.
Saturday . . 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m .; 7:00 p.m. to 9: 00 p.m.
The Committee is grateful for the continuing assistance of individuals in the way of gifts of books and magazines to the Library and will endeavor in 1955 to serve the townspeople to the best of its ability.
Respectfully submitted,
REV. N. W. LOVELY MR. JOHN GOODNOW MRS. WILDER A. GAUDETTE, Secretary MISS MILDRED T. HASTINGS, Treasurer MR. ALDEN R. WELLS, Chairman
84
ONE-HUNDRED-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the Norwell Fire Department
December 15, 1954
Board of Selectmen
Town of Norwell
Norwell, Mass.
Gentlemen:
During the past year your Town Fire Department responded to 109 calls of fire or other emergency as follows:
Grass and Woods Fires 50
Building, including heating systems 31
Mutual Aid 7
Town Dump 3
Automobile and Truck Fires 6
Automobile and Truck Accidents 3
Resuscitator Calls 4
Aircraft Accidents
1
Broken Gas Line 1
False Alarm 3
The calls listed above show a decided increase over those of last year. The continued growth of the Town is certain to be reflected by an increase in departmental calls.
Improved care and maintenance of the Town Dump con- tinues to hold calls from that area to a minimum.
To date, two hundred inspections have been made for the storage of fuel oil and liquified gas. One hundred and six per- mits have been issued for satisfactory installations.
All members of the Department devoted considerable time during the periods of hurricanes Carol and Edna assist- ing in the clearing of roads, lending aid to the public utility companies and twenty-four hour stand by duty at all company stations until power and telephone facilities were restored. Approximately three thousand man hours were expended by emergency duties.
The Board has increased the pay scale of firemen from $1.00 to $1.25 per hour for fire duty, effective September 15, 1954.
Representatives of the Fire and Police Departments met with the Planning Board relative to improved housing facilities for fire apparatus and police quarters. It was suggested that the departments be housed in one building. Adequate quarters are needed to replace the present Norwell Center Fire Station.
85
TOWN OF NORWELL
Our resuscitator crew has worked very efficiently and have given generously of their time when called upon to aid those in need.
The increasing growth of the Town warrants a study of our present fire fighting equipment relative to its adequacy to operate efficiently and with a maximum of protection to life and property. Certain equipment is obsolete and should be replaced in the very near future if the Townspeople are to receive the protection needed in a growing community.
Respectfully submitted, BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS
RICHARD A. GAUDETTE, Chief ELLSWORTH E. RICE HAROLD M. YONGE WARREN P. MERRITT FRANCIS W. FALCONER, Clerk
Report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures
To the Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
63 calls
Scale and Gas Pumps
4 calls Oil Trucks
John D. Dickman, Salary and Expense $98.46
W. & L. E. Gurley, Supplies
19.05
A. G. Gordon, Insurance
Equipment at Town Hall
9.68
Working Equipment
10.70
$137.89
Appropriation
$150.00
Expenses
137.89
Balance
12.11
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN D. DICKMAN, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
86
ONE-HUNDRED-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the Norwell Visiting Nurse Association, Inc.
To the Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
At the close of another active year, the officers and board members feel that much has been accomplished in bringing health services to the Town of Norwell.
Our most important services are the Well Child Conference, the High School Dental Clinic, and Home Nursing Care.
The Well Child Conference, under the supervision of Dr. Alice Butler, is doing a wonderful job in keeping babies well and starting them on the way to health in later life. As the number of appointments is limited to ten (10), additional conferences have been added to take care of the demand. It is imperative those having appointments keep them, or notify Miss Roe at Norwell 5-M of cancellation, so others may be served.
The High School Dental Clinic, under the supervision of Dr. Donald Parsons, is another service of which we are very proud.
The dental unit salvaged from the fire in the old high school was completely worn out necessitating the purchase of a good second-hand unit for $660. This has been installed. Our organization also purchased an angle arm for the dental chair at the Elementary School.
Under home nursing care, the number of calls increases each year. As the larger school population takes more of Miss Roe's time an assistant nurse is employed by the day or as needed. Mrs. Clifford Howard has filled this capacity for the past two years. She has resigned as of January 1 and Mrs. Mildred Wilcox will be assistant to Miss Roe.
Because of the increase in the cost of transportation for both nurses, an extra $100 is being requested from the Town. This would bring the amount to $500.
Our budget for the year is between $4,500 and $5.000 which has to be raised by the rummage sales and the annual drive for funds.
The membership drive was on a par with last year. About 90 families supporting our organization. It is hoped more people will realize the importance of our health program and become members of the Association. Dues may be sent to the Treasurer at any time during the year.
87
TOWN OF NORWELL
Due to the present shortage of registered nurses, the officers voted this past summer to give an award of one hundred dollars to some girl who wishes to train for nursing. To be chosen annually from the graduating class by the high school principal.
Under new equipment, one very good, modern wheelchair was donated by Miss Mildred Hastings. Two new wheelchairs were purchased with extensions for fractured hips. New rubber pads for crutches, new tables for use at rummage sales.
We now own eight modern wheelchairs - six of these are in constant use. One has been rented by the Old Age Assistance at five dollars per month. This leaves two chairs available when needed.
Our regular equipment for use in the home includes one bassinet, five hospital beds, bedside tables, bedside chairs, and small sick room supplies.
The two rummage sales are enthusiastically supported by the people of the Town and their help is invaluable. The treas- urer's report gives a complete record of income and expenditures.
Last March, Mr. James H. Barnard resigned as an active member of the Board. He was voted an honorary member and Mrs. Earle Allen elected to take his place. Mrs. Thomas Barstow was voted vice-president and Mrs. Earle Allen, assistant treasurer.
The Annual Meeting and Tea will be held early in March at the Cushing Memorial Town Hall. All are urged to attend.
The present officers are:
Mrs. Ernest Sparrell, President
Mrs. Thomas T. Barstow, Vice-president
Mrs. Humphrey Turner, Treasurer
Mrs. Earle F. Allen, Assistant Treasurer Mrs. S. T. Bittenbender, Secretary
Mrs. H. Day Atwater, Honorary Board Member
Mrs. C. Campbell Baird. Honorary Board Member Mr. James H. Barnard, Honorary Board Member
Regular Board Members:
Mrs. James F. Barron, Sr.
Mrs. W. Clarke Atwater
Mrs. Harold B. King Mrs. Frank Donovan
Mrs. Edward P. Keefe
Mrs. Theodore Dyer
Mrs. A. M. Gilmour
88
ONE-HUNDRED-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
Associate Members in Advisory Capacity:
Mrs. Peirce Fuller
Mrs. Charles Rounds
Mrs. Robert Mederos
Rev. N. W. Lovely
Dr. Raymond G. Vinal
Mr. Frederick A. Small
Mr. Thomas S. Cann
Miss Catherine Roe, School and Public Health Nurse Mrs. Mildred Wilcox, Assistant Nurse
For nursing service call Norwell 5-M before 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
I refer you to the following financial report of the treasurer and to Dr. Donald Parsons' report of the Dental Clinic.
Respectfully submitted,
GRACE L. SPARRELL, R.N., President.
Norwell Visiting Nurse Association Statement
January 1, 1954, to January 1, 1955
Receipts
Nursing Fees
$603.00
Dental Clinics
High School
$143.00
Grammar School
134.20
Pre-School
21.50
Hygienist
357.50
656.20
Well Child Clinic
167.50
Transportation (Town)
400.00
Rummage Sales
2,927.03
Membership
391.63
Interest on Bonds
35.00
Dividend on Insurance
9.49
Total Receipts
$5,189.85
Payments
Nurses Salaries
Miss Roe
$800.00
Relief Nurses
269.48
$1,069.48
89
TOWN OF NORWELL
Dental Clinics
Pre-dental
$70.25
Dr. Parsons
1,000.00
Dental Supplies
280.00
Dental Equipment
660.00
Repairs
10.00
2,020.25
Well Child Clinic
Dr. Butler
$459.00
Supplies
6.59
465.59
Clerical
Telephone
$36.50
Printing
85.05
Stamps, Stationery
25.12
146.67
Transportation
470.13
Retirement
52.80
Social Security
16.00
Charity
160.00
Equipment
2 Wheel Chairs
$222.51
Tables, etc., for Sales
96.53
Insurance
34.20
Nursing Supplies
6.20
Trucking
64.00
Expense of Meetings - Janitors
22.00
Dues - American Medical Association
3.00
Total Payments
$4,849.36
Balance
$340.49
Proprietorship
Bonds
$1,800.00
Trust Funds
S. S. Savings Bank
3,102.65
Lillian Brooks Fund
50.00
Rockland Trust - Checking
763.67
Total Proprietorship
$5,716.32
Mrs. Ernest Sparrell
Pres. Norwell Visiting Nurse Association
Norwell, Massachusetts
Dear Mrs. Sparrell:
Work in the school dental clinic during the year has pro- ceeded in a somewhat routine manner. There are however several significant changes that I would like to report to you.
319.04
90
ONE-HUNDRED-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
Since we started the new card system last year, we are treat- ing a smaller percentage of the pupils in the clinic. This means that we are able to give more service to the ones who do sign up for the clinic, and that these probably represent the most needy cases. The cards indicate to the parents that the child needs dental attention, and urges them to take their child to their family dentist for treatment if it is at all possible. As you now have a resident practicing dentist in Norwell, this reduction is viewed as a good trend.
The efficiency of the clinic will be considerably improved with the new dental unit and air compressor which was pur- chased and installed in December of this year. With the addition of this equipment, we can now say that we have a modern, up to date clinic. The equipment that this unit replaced is estimated to be at least forty years old. I do not foresee any major equip- ment expense for many years, as this completes the refurbishing of the equipment which has been going on gradually over the last nine years.
This year we have had several new volunteer assistants, and they are proving very capable and helpful.
Respectfully submitted, D. W. PARSONS, D.M.D.
Report of the School and District Nurse
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell
Gentlemen:
Number of bedside visits 1429
Number of visits made for Welfare Dept. 125
Number of visits made for hospitals & clinics 53
Number of Antepartum visits 27
Number of Postpartum visits 16
Number of Infant Welfare visits 231
Number of Well Child Conferences 15
Number of Immunization Clinics
4
Number of Pre-School Dental Clinics
12
Number of Visits made relative to communicable diseases 217
Number of Conferences with personnel from State Health Department 25
Number of Public Health meetings attended 15
Respectfully submitted,
CATHERINE A. ROE
91
TOWN OF NORWELL
Tree Warden's and Moth Superintendent's Report for 1954
To the Citizens of the Town of Norwell:
I should like to report that the monies appropriated for the shade tree program have been used to do the many types of work this job includes.
Perhaps the largest and most serious problem at present is the control of Dutch Elm disease. This year (1954) we discov- ered 104 cases of Dutch Elm disease in Norwell. Sixty-six of these were public shade trees of which 33 have been removed. Many of these are highly desirable trees. However, to date the only answer to this catastrophe is to remove and destroy the affected trees. Due to the large number of affected trees and the hurricanes this year we can expect an increase in the number of diseased trees in the near future.
The trapping survey of the Gypsy Moth seems to indicate that while not eradicated, the moth is far from being in an epi- demic stage. I think this reduction in moths is due to the air- plane spraying which was done this year in the neighboring counties.
The large portion of Tree Warden money was spent for dead tree removal, roadside trimming, and some roadside plant- ing of desirable tree species. I hope that the planting program can be accelerated considerably in the years to follow.
The two hurricanes were of course, a serious blow to many of our shade trees. Without a doubt it destroyed many fine public trees, and we will be several years recovering from the effects of these storms. However, many trees that the hurricanes de- stroyed were in such weakened condition that it may be well to be rid of some of these hazards.
The cooperation of the town departments and the patience and help of the citizens of Norwell during the hurricanes and the weeks following were greatly appreciated by the tree depart- ment.
I wish to thank everyone for their all out effort and help.
Respectfully submitted,
WESLEY H. OSBORNE, JR.,
Tree Warden and Moth Superintendent.
92
ONE-HUNDRED-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Recreation Survey Committee
To the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Norwell:
The Recreation Survey Committee submits herewith a twenty-year plan for the development of town recreational facilities, made in accordance with Article 42, in the Town Warrant for 1954. The Committee has made an extended study of the situation and has alerted villages of the town to their recreational needs. While engaged in the study cooperation was received from officials of the town and the various Town Com- mittees. The citizens were enthusiastic and the Press generous. For all of this the Committee wishes to express appreciation. The Committee has kept a clipping book together with letters and various findings. This, plus the minutes of the meetings are accessible for the preparation of articles for Town Meetings in the future. The members of the Committee are in unanimous accord on the recommendations and stand on call for any assistance that they may give. It might also be mentioned that the Com- mittee recognizes the priority of such needs as school buildings and water supply and our increasing indebtedness. Nevertheless, it believes that we cannot dodge our obligations for recreational planning. Furthermore, the Committee feels that when it comes to such matters as tax titles and tax possessions held by the town, or the construction of a swimming pool, that lawyers, engineers, and other resource personnel services should be used. It is with a certain satisfaction that the Committee invites the citizens of the Town of Norwell to give careful consideration to the MAS- TER PLAN FOR PUBLIC RECREATION IN NORWELL, in which it is believed:
I. ORGANIZATION: That the Town by-laws be amended to provide for a Recreation Commission of five members.
II. PLAYLOTS:
1. That each of the five villages, namely; Norwell Center, Assinippi, Ridge Hill, Church Hill, and Mount Blue - obtain playlots of 1-3 acres for younger children using town-owned land when suitable, and cooperative leadership until such time as the Town can take over.
2. That in case land is purchased by any village association or corporation, that the area be approved by the Recreation Commission with the idea that it be deeded eventually for acceptance by the Town, which then assumes responsibility for its development.
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.