Estimate $2.5 million in storm damages: Acclaimed by many as the worst storm since the famous blow of 1898, a savage northeaster’s wake of damage over the past weekend in Hull is estimated in the millions of dollars. Many persons are still unable to return to homes where power and heaters were knocked out by flooded cellars. In emergency sessions Sunday and Monday after meeting with federal officials, Hull Selectmen Wallace E. Richardson, David E. Berman, and Richard M. Ryan requested federal aid thru the Small Business Administration for $1 million in low-interest loans to homeowners and another $1.5 million for repair of public roads, seawalls and jetties. Boats and highway department truck equipment were used to evacuate about 150 persons, some of whom went to shelters at the Damon School, Gould Hall, and the Coast Guard station, while many more went to stay with relatives and friends. The storm ripped away a section of seawalls at Gun Rock, Point Allerton and Channel St., Pemberton, and water flooded summer and year-round cellars from depths of two to five feet. Hull High School was surrounded by five feet of water and 30 indoor hockey players were marooned for two hours until brought out by rescuers in boats. Washington Boulevard was cut off in three places from Shore Drive to the Hingham line as the ocean roared across Nantasket Avenue into the cellars of amusement places and flooded Paragon Park. Selectman Richard Ryan said the financial aid estimate on damage to homes included 1,200 houses with flooded cellars, about 300 of which were year-round and 900 summer.
Disaster area: The state Civil Defense Agency officially defined Hull as a storm disaster yesterday and the federal Small Business Administration and Red Cross are expected to do likewise. These actions make the town and its flood victims eligible for about $2.5 million in funds aid for flooded homes, and public roads, seawalls and structures.
Plans SCUBA firemen unit: Hull Fire Chief Kervyn Means said Sunday that he plans to train Hull firemen in SCUBA diving and form an emergency rescue team for Hull waters. Chief Means said he also wants to get a new boat of the “whaler” type for the department to use in flood conditions and other emergencies.
Seeks $4,000 for vets director: Selectmen last night appointed Clifford Cooper to fill the unexpired term of the late William F. Nicholson as Hull Veterans Services Director and will seek town meeting approval for a $4,000 per year salary. Mr. Nicholson had served one year in the post without compensation, and was also Veterans Agent. The finance committee recently recommended $1,000 again for the director post, stating that any change would have to be set by selectmen.
Purim services: Purim Services and the Reading of the Scroll of Esther will be held by Temple Beth Sholom on Monday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. in the Boyer Auditorium, 600 Nantasket Ave. The Feast of Purim celebrates the deliverance of the Hebrew people in ancient Persia from the destructive designs of Haman. The entire community is invited.
In poor shape: Highway Superintendent Matthew Muncy told selectmen that the bridge over the Straits Pond sluiceway at West Corner is in very poor condition, and that water and gas lines running beneath it are endangered. “If it caves in, it will block the Route 228 entrance to the town,” said Muncy, who estimated repairs will cost $100,000 including repair of the tide flow control gate.
Moves to new site: James Doherty, manager of the Quincy House, Nantasket, for the past several years, will open in a new location at the former Italian-American clubhouse at 371 Nantasket Ave. The old Quincy House is slated for demolition in Project One of urban renewal.
[Editor’s note: After the “old” Quincy House at 364 Nantasket Ave. was demolished; the Italian-American clubhouse came down shortly afterward in order to build a new southbound section of Nantasket Avenue. Doherty then relocated his business, renamed Jimmy’s Irish Lounge, to 145 Nantasket Ave.]
Complete test: Hull Police Sergeant Ralph C. Comeau and Patrolman William F. Souza have successfully completed the State Department of Public Safety Breathalyzer Operator’s Test and have been certified by State Police.
To play all-stars: Of interest to hockey fans and followers of Hull High School hockey team is the game to be played on Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Cohasset Winter Garden, 8 p.m. At that time the South Shore Champions will meet the South Shore “All-Stars,” comprised of top players chosen to represent the following South Shore high schools: Hanover, Holbrook, Cohasset, Marshfield, Duxbury, and East Bridgewater.
Storm sidelight: The storm unearthed parts of old wooden railroad ties at Stony Beach. Metal tracks were removed 40 years ago.
Compiled by John J. Galluzzo
