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CITY OF QUINCY
MASSACHUSETTS
1640
1625
MANET 1292
QUINCY
ANNUAL REPORTS 1947
THOMAS CRANE PUBLIC LIBRARY QUINCY, MASS.
CITY APPROPRIATION
ANNUAL REPORT
CITY OF QUINCY
1947
16 0
. 1625
MANET
351 Quy 1947
QUINCY?
This booklet is a condensation of the 1947 Depart- mental reports compiled and edited by Anna L. Gelotte, Secretary to the Mayor, and Gerard B. Mullin, Statistician, Health Department.
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016 with funding from Boston Public Library
https://archive.org/details/inauguraladdress 1947quin
Quincy, Massachusetts . . .
Quincy is located on Quincy Bay on the southerly end of Boston Harbor. It is bounded on the north by Boston, on the west by Milton and Randolph, southerly by Weymouth and Braintree, and on the east by Boston Harbor.
Quincy is 42 feet above sea level. It has an area of 16.8 square miles, a population estimated to be in excess of 85,000 persons, and x population density of 5,083 persons per square mile.
Quincy was settled in 1625; incorporated into the Town of Brain- tree in 1640. In 1792 it became the Town of Quincy, separating from Braintree; and in 1888 it received a charter making it a city.
Quincy is the birthplace of two of our Nation's Presidents, John Adams, the second President, and John Quincy Adams, his son and sixth President. It is also the original home of John Hancock and many other noted patriots and statesmen.
Quincy is both suburban and industrial - some of its more noted industries being those of shipbuilding, granite, packaging machinery, rivets, telephone equipment, and yachts.
Quincy is a large retail trade center, serving the needs of some 200,000 consumers.
Jable of Contents
Executive
Legislative
PAGE 15 19
Legal
City Clerk
20 20
License Commission
Engineering Department Planning Board
Board of Survey
Purchasing Department
Police Department
Fire Department
Fire and Police Signals
Sealer of Weights and Measures
Wire Department
Building Department
Forestry and Gypsy Moth
Health Department
Quincy City Hospital
Sewer Department
Sanitary Division (Public Works)
Department of Public Welfare
City Physician
Department of Veterans' Services
Highway Department
Municipal Buildings
Harbor Master
61 64
Cemetery Division
67
Historical Places
70
School Department
72
Water Department
89
Financial Reports:
Auditor 93
Treasurer
121
Treasurer, Woodward Fund
127
Treasurer, Adams Temple and School Fund
129
Treasurer, Retirement System, 1947
132
Retirement 134
138
Collector
Assessors
143
22 22 23 23 24 27 29 32 33 33 34 35 39 43 47 48 51 52 55 59 60 61
Park Department
Thomas Crane Public Library
7
Directory of City Officials - 1947 HON. CHARLES A. ROSS, Mayor. City Hall, 1305 Hancock Street
AUDITOR OF ACCOUNTS Leo E. Mullin City Hall, 1305 Hancock Street
BUILDING INSPECTOR Alrick A. Weidman City Hall Annex, Saville Row
CITY CLERK
Mrs. Hattiemay Thomas City Hall, 1305 Hancock Street
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK Donald P. Crane City Hall, 1305 Hancock Street
CITY ENGINEER Gerhard F. Schafer
City Hall, 1305 Hancock Street
CHIEF OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
Robert Fenby, Acting Chief un- til Nov. 5, 1947. Thomas F. Gorman, Appointed Permanent Chief Nov. 6, 1947. Fire Headquarters, Quincy Avenue
SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE AND POLICE SIGNALS
Thomas J. Smith Fire Headquarters, Quincy Avenue
HARBOR MASTER James A. M. Nash 108 Sea Avenue
HEALTH COMMISSIONER Dr. Richard M. Ash Monroe Building 1245 Hancock Street
CITY PHYSICIAN Dr. William R. Helfrich 17 Whitney Road
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS James P. Donovan City Hall Annex, Saville Row
PURCHASING AGENT Orrie D. Williams City Hall Annex, Saville Row
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WELFARE Anthony J. Venna 117 School Street
CHIEF OF POLICE John J. Avery Police Headquarters, Sea Street and Southern Artery
SUPERINTENDENT OF SEWER DIVISION Walter S. Mckenzie City Hall Annex, Saville Row
CITY SOLICITOR John P. Flavin City Hall, 1305 Hancock Street
COLLECTOR OF TAXES Frederick C. Smail City Hall, 1305 Hancock Street
CITY TREASURER John R. Shaughnessy City Hall, 1305 Hancock Street
DIRECTOR OF VETERANS' SERVICES Edmund F. Genereau Adams Academy, Hancock Street
SUPERINTENDENT OF WATER DIVISION
John G. Whitman City Hall Annex, Saville Row
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Harold Hughes City Hall Annex, Saville Row
INSPECTOR OF WIRES Frank Lints City Hall Annex, Saville Row
8
Administrative Boards
BOARD OF ASSESSORS Charles F. A. Smith, Chairman Arnold Eastman Larry Antonelli
PARK COMMISSIONERS
J. Ernest Collins, Chairman William J. Mitchell, Vice-Chairman Joseph W. Pinel, Secretary (Resigned December 1, 1947) Kenneth P. Fallon, Jr. (Appointed December 1, 1947)
THOMAS CRANE PUBLIC LIBRARY TRUSTEES
David F. Taylor Georgiana C. Lane
Vincent Readdy
James S. Collins
Clara E. Thompson
Mrs. Henrietta C. Thomas
Galen W. Hill, Librarian
Thomas Crane Public Library, Washington Street
MANAGERS OF WOODWARD FUND AND PROPERTY
Hon. Charles A. Ross, Mayor
John R. Shaughnessy, City Treasurer
Mrs. Hattiemay Thomas, City Clerk
Leo E. Mullin, City Auditor
Arthur Curtis (Elected by Council)
BOARD OF SURVEY
Louis F. R. Langelier, Chairman William H. Couch John J. Manning
Gerhard F. Shafer, Clerk
City Hall Annex, Saville Row
PLANNING BOARD
Walter A. Schmitz, Chairman Delcevare King Ernest N. Gelotte Fred E. Bergfors John J. Duane
Gerhard F. Schafer, Clerk City Hall Annex, Saville Row
9
BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS
Mrs. Hattiemay Thomas, City Clerk John J. Avery, Chief of Police Robert Fenby (Acting Chief of Fire Department to November 1, 1947) Thomas F. Gorman (Chief of Fire Department from November 1, 1947)
BOARD OF REGISTRARS
Mrs. Hattiemay Thomas, City Clerk Mrs. Mary E. Hurney William F. Maher Charles H. Thorner
QUINCY CITY HOSPITAL BOARD OF MANAGERS
William J. Martin, Chairman Esther C. Boling, Secretary Samuel G. Sloane George W. Arbuckle
Dr. Harry J. Cotter William A. Carey (Deceased 1947)
Dr. Ensio Ronka, Director Quincy City Hospital, Whitwell Street
RETIREMENT BOARD
George H. Bonsall, Chairman John F. Denneen Leo E. Mullin, City Auditor
Helen M. Beverina, Secretary City Hall, 1305 Hancock Street
BOARD OF MANAGERS OF HISTORICAL PLACES
Maurice P. Spillane, Chairman Mrs. Grace P. Bonsall, Secretary Henry Adams Lawrence W. Lyons Harriet B. Pierce
BOARD OF APPEALS-(Building Department) John J. Gallagher, Chairman Paul N. Sullivan, Secretary James R. Hanlon
BOARD OF APPEALS - (Zoning) Heslip E. Sutherland, Chairman Thomas E. Fallon Walter A. Schmitz
10
FENCE VIEWERS Robert H. Fay Gustave A. Bergfors Herbert A. Shaughnessy
City Council - 1947 MEMBERS AT LARGE
Frank N. Orcutt-48 Florence Street
Christian A. Burkard-26 Ames Street
Russell T. Bates-5 Shellton Road
MEMBERS FROM WARDS
David J. Crowley-Ward 1-95 Rockland Street
Carl W. Anderson-Ward 2-11 River Street
Amelio Della Chiesa-Ward 3-11 Hughes Street John B. O'Connor-Ward 4-5 Malden Street Clifton H. Baker-Ward 5-260 Pine Street Thomas J. Gilmartin-Ward 6-94 Glover Avenue President, CHRISTIAN A. BURKARD Clerk of Council, MRS. HATTIEMAY THOMAS Deputy Clerk of Council, DONALD P. CRANE Clerk of Committees, PERCY N. LANE City Messenger, HARRY W. TIRRELL Auditor of Accounts, LEO E. MULLIN
TRUSTEES OF CITY HOSPITAL (Elected by Council)
Russell T. Bates Frank N. Orcutt
MANAGERS OF ADAMS TEMPLE AND SCHOOL FUND (Elected by Council)
John P. Flavin
William C. Edwards
STANDING COMMITTEE First named councillor is chairman.
FINANCE-Councillors Gilmartin, Anderson, Baker, Bates, Burkard, Crowley, Della Chiesa, O'Connor, Orcutt. FIRE AND POLICE-Councillors Anderson, Baker, Della Chiesa. ORDINANCES AND LEGISLATIVE MATTERS-Councillors Anderson, Baker, O'Connor.
VETERANS' SERVICES-Councillors Bates, Anderson, Della Chiesa. PUBLIC BUILDINGS, SEWERS AND WATER SUPPLY-Councillors Baker, Crowley, O'Connor.
11
STREETS, SIDEWALKS, AND MUNICIPAL LIGHTING-Councillors Crowley, Baker, Bates.
PENSIONS-Councillors O'Connor, Della Chiesa, Anderson.
PUBLIC UTILITIES-Councillors Crowley, Baker, Gilmartin.
LAND CONVEYANCE-Councillors O'Connor, Gilmartin, Burkard.
COUNCIL MEETINGS
Regular meetings of the City Council are held at 7:45 P. M., on the first and third Monday of each month.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Meetings of the standing and special committees are held at the call of the Chairman or at such times as may be designated by the Council.
School Committee - 1947
Chairman, HON. CHARLES A. ROSS, Mayor Vice-Chairman, A. WENDELL CLARK
Hon. Charles A. Ross 98 Independence Avenue
L. Paul Marini, 223 Presidents Lane
Carter Lee
15 Prospect Avenue
A. Wendell Clark
223 Franklin Street
William A. Anderson
212 Whitwell Street
Raymond C. Warmington
292 Whitwell Street
Mrs. Helen Spencer
9 Samoset Avenue
Secretary and Superintendent of Schools DR. PAUL GOSSARD School Committee Rooms-Coddington Street
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Regular meetings of the School Committee are held at 7:30 P. M., on the last Tuesday of each month except July.
13
SECTION I
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
EXECUTIVE
LEGISLATIVE LEGAL
CITY CLERK
LICENSE COMMISSION
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
PLANNING BOARD
BOARD OF SURVEY
PURCHASING DEPARTMENT
Honorable Charles A. Ross Mayor
15
Office of The Mayor QUINCY, MASS.
Inaugural address delivered by Hon. Charles A. Ross, Mayor of Quincy, to members of the City Council on January 6, 1947.
GENTLEMEN OF THE CITY COUNCIL:
Each year, on the first Monday of January, as we convene to begin our service to the City of Quincy, we must of necessity, be filled with a feeling of hope and courage in approaching all the problems which lie ahead. I feel certain that while we all recognize that there will be many trying days, nevertheless we approach the year 1947 with a sincere determination to render the utmost excellence in our public service.
Our hope and courage in approaching our duties for this year are made more strong and firm by the realization that we have all completed a year which has presented us with manifold problems- and that year we have concluded successfully and I am sure most satisfactorily. The splendid efforts of the members of the Council and their outstanding service to the citizens of Quincy has my utmost respect. I commend very highly their cooperation with me and I look forward to the splendid relations of unified effort continuing in the future. Whatever success we are to achieve this year, whatever problems we have to meet and overcome, whatever benefits of good government we are to render to the City of Quincy, can be accom- plishd only by our sincere desire to be of mutual service. We have had many conferences together in the past and I anticipate that we will have many conferences together during the coming year.
All of us are experienced enough in public service to recognize the duty which we owe to the general public and we are all men of sufficient maturity to appreciate that there is no mystery about city government. The best services which we can afford should be ren- dered to the general public, such services, however ,must necessarily be within the financial ability of the city to render. Our task is to provide such services, municipal improvements, better working con- ditions for our employees, better hospital, school and health facilities for the general public and to provide such benefits to the public for the lowest possible cost.
The cost of government is a paramount issue in every hamlet, municipality and every government agency today. We appreciate that our costs are constantly rising. This increase is due primarily to increased living costs, increases in costs of materials, supplies, labor and all the other costs that go into making up the operation of govern- ment. It is elementary that the money must be raised to pay for these increased costs. I am submitting today an order to the Council, totalling over half a million dollars, to provide for the payment of a bonus to our city employees. This one item alone, together with increases in
16
budget requirement from all city departments, represents a very sub- stantial increase in the tax rate. Outside of the present receipts from our own public services and those receipts which are provided for us by the state legislature and some aid given us by the federal gov- ernment for welfare, we must look to real estate to raise the neces- sary funds required. All of us wish to avoid too great a rise in the tax rate. It has been the policy of this administration to maintain the tax rate so far as possible at a minimum level. I do not feel that this year we can maintain our rate of $30.00. It is quite apparent to the members of the Council and to all our citizenry that a rise in the tax rate is inevitable.
To some degree the burden of government must be lifted from real estate and part at least of the increased cost must be secured from other sources. Municipalities by themselves can do nothing in this regard. The Mass. Mayors' and Selectmens' Association, conscious of this situation has prepared a legislative program providing for re- vision of the state's financial structure to provide distribution of addi- tional funds to cities and towns to relieve the burden on real estate. A meeting in this regard is to be held on January 16th and the program which will then be put into definite form has my complete and sin- cere backing and approval.
An analysis of the recent Inaugural of our newly elected governor makes it apparent that he, too, appreciates that something must be done to render assistance to the cities and towns and I am hopeful that his efforts together with our own, will provide some solution to alleviate our present difficulties.
Our own city is in a very excellent financial condition; our debt, both inside and outside the debt limit, has been drastically reduced in the past four years and we are in a position to operate without fear or discouragement. This situation has been brought about by careful planning and as I have mentioned before to the members of the Coun- cil, both at their annual assemblage and at other times, we have planned to put ourselves in good financial condition to meet just such circumstances as now confront us.
I have made a determined effort over a period of years to curb any unnecessary expenditures by any of our municipal departments. Many times this has resulted in some questions and some criticism but I know that the members of the Council and the public at large appreciate the fact that it is my responsibility, in my best judgment, to curb, so far as possible, unusual, unnecessary or extravagant ex- penditures. If that were not done, there would be no control of ex- penditures by department heads and the various boards in the city.
Not alone must we limit our thinking to costs of those necessary facilities and services which are required from day to day. We also have the responsibility of planning civic improvements and we have the responsibility of accomplishing these civic improvements as soon as possible and completing those that are within our ability to finance.
17
In the coming year, with restrictions removed or modified, it is my hope that we can complete the construction of the Squantum School and the fire station at Houghs Neck. I also feel keenly on the subject which is now being studied and for which plans have been made, for im- provements to our city hospital. The health and medical welfare of the citizens of our city has always been very close to me and I know that the members of the Council have the same feeling.
I again ask that we do not lose sight of necessary improvements to benefit our Quincy Square area which in return improves and in- creases our position as a growing community and a trading center. Therefore, with conditions perhaps more advantageous, I recommend that Revere Road, from Hancock Street, through Canal Street to the Southern Artery be widened to a sufficient width to permit the free and easy flow of traffic.
I also again recommend that Cottage Street, between Cottage Avenue and Revere Road, be widened to a width not in excess of 50 feet.
A subject which has been previously much discussed but on which activity was limited due to conditions, is the subject of our parks and playgrounds. Anticipating a program of new residential construction, both single and multiple units, we are more than ever aware of the necessity to provide for the youth of our city, greater and better playground facilities. I feel that the parks and play- grounds now existing may be improved and put to greater use for longer periods of time and it is my intention to engage on a program of intensive study of this situation during the early part of 1947.
In this connection I am conscious of the advisability of undertaking a program of construction and improvement of our municipal stadium. It is apparent that new stands should be erected and the area im- mediately to the easterly side of the present stadium should be con- tinued to be filled with solid fill.
Last year a Municipal Airport Committee was appointed which rendered a very excellent report on the question submitted to them. Subsequently a committee was appointed in accordance with the re- quirements of our state statutes which now places us in a position so that if, in the future, a municipal airport should be decided upon, we can take advantage of both state and federal funds.
I know that the members of the Council have thoughts of their own concerning public improvements. Any such recommendations as the members of the Council may care to make, I shall be most happy to consider with them, and to discuss each one and to pick out those that are most meritorious and on which we can launch a pro- gram of activity.
In connection with our contemplated building and improvement program, we have, during the past year, engaged the services of an expert, William Stanley Parker, who is working with a committee
18
and with all department heads to provide us with a suggested six year program. This suggested program will set forth public improvements necessary and recommended and will also contain recommended methods of financing, all based on our ever changing financial con- dition as the years progress. I am confident that such a report will be most helpful.
I anticipate that many problems will occur which we do not presently visualize. It is my hope that we can solve these problems in the future as we have in the past. I approach this year with a feeling of great confidence and know that by our cooperative effort we are assured of continued success. Your cooperation in the past has deen most sincerely appreciated and in the coming year we can render outstanding service to our community by a continua- tion of the same cooperation.
19
Our City Councillors
DAVID J, CROWLEY Ward 1
CARL W. ANDERSON Ward 2
AMELIO D. CHIESA Ward 3
RUSSELL T. BATES At Large
CHRISTIAN A. BURKARD Pres. At Large
FRANK N. ORCUTT At Large
JOHN B. O'CONNOR Ward 4
CLIFTON H. BAKER WARD 5
THOMAS J. GILMARTIN Ward 6
20
City Solicitor
The work of the City Solicitor's Office was carried on during the year 1947 in the usual manner. Conferences were held with the Mayor, City Council, Department Heads, various Boards and civic groups, at which advice was given. Oral and written legal opinions were supplied to the Mayor, City Council and Department Heads. Suits on behalf of the City were commenced and suits against the City were defended. All claims against the City and City Employees in- volving sidewalk accidents, street accidents, auto accidents, land damage cases, petitions for abatement of taxes, claims under con- tracts, were supervised and where necessary, were defended. Orders, Ordinances, Land Conveyances, etc., were prepared for action by the City Council and Mayor and contracts involving the City were approved as to form.
City Clerk
The duties of the Office of the City Clerk are numerous and varied.
The Clerk is responsible for the handling of all elections and in conjunction with the Board of Registrars is responsible for the proper registration of voters.
This office records births, deaths and marriages of Quincy resi- dents, occurring both in the City and outside the City, as well as those of non-residents occurring within the City. Certified copies of these records are issued upon request by the proper persons.
1946 1947 Dog Licenses Issued in 1947
Births Recorded 2,340 2,461
Male 2,037
Mariages Recorded 1,259
1,162
Female 206
Dea hs Recorded
880 950
Spayed 1,088
Total Voters
Kennels 11
Registered 42,069 40,975
Various kinds of licenses are issued among which are dog licenses for the County; hunting, fishing and trapping licenses for the State.
The recording of personal mortgages, bills of sale, and discharge of mortgages has increased considerably in 1947.
The Clerk or Assistant Clerk is ex-officio the Clerk of the City Council. As such the Clerk must make record of and keep in file all the proceedings of the Council.
Under the approval of the Industrial Accident Board of Massachu- setts, the City Clerk discharges the duties of the local Workmen's Com- pensation Agent for City employees classified as labor.
BIRTH-DEATH RATES 193 8-19 47 CITY OF QUINCY CORRECTED FOR RESIDENCE
RATE PER 1000 POPULATION
BIRTHS DEATHS
25
20
1 5
-
10
5
1938 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47
-
-
--
22
License Commission
The Board of License Commissioners is made up of three members whose positions in City Government make them the most qualified to pass judgment upon and issue the various licenses under their juris- diction. These are the Police Chief, the Fire Chief and the City Clerk.
Hearings are held, according to law, on various types of licenses and permits. Inspections are made before licenses are issued.
The following is a table showing the types of licenses issued and the amount collected by the Board in 1947.
Type of License
Amount Collected
Common Victualler
$ 945.00
Lord's Day
720.00
Garage, gas, repair shops, den. alcohol and in flammables
4,117.50
Motors Nos. 1, 2 and 3
2,715.00
Amusements, Public Halls
320.00
Secondhand and Junk Shops
625.00
Bowling, Billiards and Pool
1,750.00
Liquor
61,000.00
Miscellaneous
910.60
Total
$73,103.10
Engineering Department
During the year 1947, the Office of the City Engineer was kept busy with its usual duties connected with City improvement. Meetings of the City Council and its Finance Committee were attended and estimates furnished when called for.
Its chief duties consisted of surveying and checking street lines for the construction of new streets, curbing, street widening, street rebuilding as well as sewer and drain construction.
The following table will show more clearly the activities of this Department in 1947:
23
Type of Project
No. of Projects
Feet of Construction
Sewer Construction
36
11,286.
Drain Construction
23
6,321.7
Granite Curb Reset
4
2,886.
Streets Rebuilt
9
7,815.
Amesite Sidewalks Constructed
15
29,404.
Concrete Curb Installed
9
6,573.
Granite Curb Installed
29
21,987.
Street Widenings
4
Granolithic Streets Constructed
7
1,619.
Accepted Streets Constructed
20'
9,943.
Streets Accepted by the Council
18
10,121.
* Six streets built or being built under contract.
Planning Board
The Planning Board consists of five members and a Clerk, who is the City Engineer.
During 1947, meetings and public hearings were held on various phases of the zoning ordinance and recommendations made to the City Council. The Board also concerned itself with ways and means to encourage the development of the City, generally.
Records of yearly proceedings are kept on file with the City Engineer.
Board of Survey
The Board of Survey is composed of three members and the City Engineer who acts as Clerk. The chief function of this board is to hold hearings on petitions for the laying-out of new streets.
During 1947, seven hearings were held on petitions for street lay-outs. Final approval was voted on all but two of these petitions.
24
Purchasing Department
The Purchasing Department is responsible for the purchasing of all supplies and materials for the City with the exception of food and medicines for the City Hospital and food and clothing for the Welfare Department.
This department is required to invite proposals on all purchases ranging from $200. to $500. in cost, from at least three sources of supply. On purchases amounting to $500. or more, the Purchasing Department is required to advertise for and enter into contract for the City as set forth in the General Laws of Massachusetts.
The following figures summarize the activities of the Purchasing Department for 1947:
Requisitions received from Municipal Depts.
7,055
Purchase Orders placed
9,263
Quincy Orders 5,371
Boston Orders
3,317
Outside-Boston Orders 575
Contracts 67
25
SECTION LL
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY
POLICE DEPARTMENT
FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE AND POLICE SIGNALS
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
WIRE DEPARTMENT
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
FORESTRY AND GYPSY MOTH
27
Police Department
QUINCY POLICE STATION
The Police Department, as usual, reports a very busy year for 1947.
During the year, 2,786 arrests were made; of these 2,576 were males and 210 were females. Arrests by months were fairly evenly distributed with the exception of May which showed 382 arrests, almost 100 arrests, in excess of any other month. The records show that 2,527 of those arrested were native born and 259 were foreign born.
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