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ANNUAL REPORTS CITY OF ATTLEBORO 1919
ATTLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY JOSEPH L. SWEET MEMORIAL
ATTLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY a31654001303525b
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE
Officers and Departments
OF THE
City of Attleboro
ATTLEBOR
474-42
TOWN OF
.......
INCORP. 1694
S.
A
TTLEBOROUGH IN
PPOR
1919 C.1
FOR THE YEAR 1919
The Appleton Company, Attleboro, Mass 1920
ATTLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY INGEN L. SWEETVE
J
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
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52 - 333 Gift
Estate of Mr, Harry P Ment
GOVERNMENT AND OFFICERS OF THE CITY OF ATTLEBORO 1919
ELECTED OFFICIALS.
MAYOR.
Philip E. Brady 222 North Main St. Hours :- 9:30 to 11:30 a. m. daily and 3 to 4 p. m. Monday and Thursday.
Term expires January, 1921.
CITY CLERK AND TREASURER.
Frank I. Babcock. 163 South Main St. Hours :- Daily from 8:30 a. m. to 5 p. m. except Saturdays. Saturdays 8:30 a. m. to 12:30 p. m.
Term expires January, 1921.
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK.
Alberta F. Remington. 6 Fourth St. Appointed by the City Clerk, confirmed by the Council.
Term expires January, 1921.
CITY COLLECTOR.
Frank F. Blackinton
203 North Main St. Hours :- Daily from 8 a. m. to 5 p. m. except Saturdays. Saturdays
from 8 a. m. to 12 m.
Term expires January, 1921.
COUNCILMEN-AT-LARGE.
Charles O. Sweet, President . 119 Bank St.
Stephen H. Foley 2 Holman St.
Harry P. Kent. . . 12 First St.
George A. Sweeney 52 Holman St.
Howard G. Smith 32 Elizabeth St.
Oscar Wolfenden . 173 County St.
Terms expire January, 1920.
MY LEGNO PUBLIC LIBRARY
..
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ANNUAL REPORT
WARD COUNCILMEN.
Walter A. Briggs 55 Third St. Harvey E. Clap. .7 Peck St. Joseph E. Gaynor. 45 James St. Thomas S. Healey 13 Foley St. .561 Newport Ave., So. Att.
Thomas G. Sadler.
Terms expire January, 1921.
ASSESSORS.
Walter J. Newman, Chairman. 177 Pine St .. Term expires January, 1921.
Harry E. Carpenter, Clerk. 5 West St.
Term expires January, 1922.
Malcolm Currie . Thomas E. McCaffrey Deceased May 9, 1919. 99 Union St. Elected June 3, 1919. Term expires January, 1920.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Harold K. Richardson 12 Florence St .. 204 North Main St.
George E. Nerney.
Mrs. Florence A. Theobald . 250 County St.
Terms expire January, 1920.
Benjamin P. King, Chairman 17 First St.
Deceased May 29, 1919.
Clelland J. McClatchey Elected July 19, 1919. 439 North Main St.
Mrs. Emily L. Richardson . 13 Maple St.
Lida M. Holbrook Resigned August 4, 1919.
28 Peck St.
Elected September 24, 1919.
Terms expire January, 1921.
Joseph Finberg 24 John St. Mrs. Mary C. Ford.
Tyler St.
Edwin F. Thayer. Elected Chairman June 2, 1919. . . 439 North Main St. Terms expires January, 1922.
APPOINTED OFFICIALS.
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
Joseph V. Curran, Chairman. Highland Ave., Hebronville Term expires February, 1921.
Benjamin P. King, Clerk, 17 First St. Mrs. E. Grace King, Clerk. 17 First St. Deceased May 29, 1919. Appointed June 3, 1919. Term expires February, 1920.
William L. Elliot, Visitor 9 South Main St.
Term expires February, 1922.
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ANNUAL REPORT
CITY PHYSICIAN.
Wilfred E. Rounseville 40 Bank St.
Term expires February, 1920.
HEALTH OFFICER.
Ralph P. Kent. 115 County St.
Term expires February, 1920.
FIRE DEPARTMENT-FIRE ENGINEERS.
Hiram R. Packard Chief 8 Hope St. Term expires February, 1921.
Fred A. Clerk, First Assistant 22 Hayward St.
Term expires February, 1920.
Craig C. Pope, Second Assistant 244 Park St.
Term expires February, 1922.
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
Edmond H. Gingras, Chief and Lockup Keeper. 15 John St. Term expires February, 1920. AUDITOR.
Edward A. Sweeney Bates Block
Term expires February, 1921.
INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS.
Daniel Young. 25 Claflin St.
Term expires February, 1920.
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
Hugh Gaffney 31 Dennis St.
Term expires February, 1920.
BOARD OF REGISTRARS.
John R. Curry, Chairman. 4 Foley St.
Term expires February, 1922.
Michael Galligan. 70 Dunham St.
Term expires February, 1920.
John B. Pinault
Chester A. Smith South Main St. Resigned November 3, 1919. 88 Parker St. Appointed November 13, 1919. Term expires February, 1921.
Frank I. Babcock, ex-officio 163 South Main St.
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ANNUAL REPORT
CITY SOLICITOR.
Ralph C. Estes. 20 First St. Term expires February, 1920.
PARK COMMISSIONERS.
Charles A. Mooers, Chairman. 72 County St. Term expires February, 1920.
John L. Anderson Thacher St.
Term expires February, 1921.
Solon D. Bushee. .255 County St.
Term expires February, 1922.
TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Joseph L. Sweet, Chairman 42 Peck St. Leonard I. Lamb. 197 South Main St. 99 Union St.
Thomas E. McCaffrey
Terms expire February, 1922.
Mrs. Irene T. Hill 192 South Main St. 116 Pleasant St.
Raymond M. Horton.
Miss Elizabeth J. Wilmarth. 73 North Main St.
Terms expire February, 1921.
Mrs. Eleanor S. Carpenter. . 60 Peck St.
Charles S. Holden, Secretary . 752 North Main St. 178 South Main St.
Mark E. Rowe.
Terms expire February, 1920.
CITY FORESTER AND MOTH INSPECTOR.
W. E. S. Smith 127 Thacher St.
Term expires February, 1920.
FOREST WARDEN.
Hiram R. Packard 8 Hope St.
Term expires February, 1920.
SOLDIERS' RELIEF, BURIAL AND STATE AID AGENT.
Walter J. Newman 177 Pine St.
Term expires February, 1920.
PLANNING BOARD.
Edgar A. Remington. 3 Fourth St. 17512 South Main St.
Mrs. Mary G. Mullaly
Terms expire February, 1921.
Joseph Finberg, Chairman 24 John St.
Milford E. Bliss . 12 Dean St.
Terms expire February, 1922.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Mrs. Josephine L. Hammond 17 Second St. Raymond M. Horton. 116 Pleasant St.
Terms expire February, 1920.
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS.
Hugh A. Gaw 46 Barrows St., North Attleboro Term expires February, 1920.
INSPECTOR OF WIRES.
Benjamin C. Wetherell .30 Second St. Resigned March 1, 1919. Watson Block
Arthur B. Homer Appointed November 13, 1919. Term expires February, 1920.
FENCE VIEWERS AND FIELD DRIVERS.
Eustace V. Carpenter 278 Oak Hill Ave. Henry A. Lord.
Harry L. Carpenter
Locust St. 803 North Main St.
Terms expire February, 1920.
CARETAKER OF GRAVES. CIVIL AND SPANISH WAR VETERANS.
George R. Adams 87 Dean St.
Term expires February, 1920.
CITY STENOGRAPHER.
Alice G. Enbom 130 Pleasant St. Term expires February, 1920.
CITY MESSENGER.
Fred L. Morse 24 Dean St.
Elected by the Council in January.
Term expires January, 1920.
POUND KEEPER.
Nelson Hagar
City Farm, County St
Term expires February, 1920.
CITY REPRESENTATIVES ON BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE ATTLEBOROUGH HOSPITAL.
Elected by the Council.
222 North Main St
Philip E. Brady Charles O. Sweet. . 119 Bank St· Frank I. Babcock, City Treasurer, ex-officio 163 South Main St. Terms expire February, 1921.
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ANNUAL REPORT
TRUSTEES OF THE CAPRON AND DEBORAH STARKEY FUNDS. ALL EX- OFFICIIS.
Constituted by Ordinance. Philip E. Brady, Mayor. Frank I. Babcock, City Treasurer. Benjamin P. King, Chairman of School Committee. Deceased May. 29, 1919. Edwin F. Thayer, Chairman of School Committee. Elected June 2, 1919.
SINKING FUND COMMISSIONERS.
Elected by the Council.
W. Granville Meader, Clerk. 146 County St.
David L .. Low, Clerk. Resigned April 29, 1919.
169 South Main St. Elected September 9, 1919.
Term expires February, 1922.
Fred L. Torrey
5 Torrey St. Term expires February, 1921.
Ernest D. Gilmore South Main St.
Term expires February, 1920.
SEWER LOAN COMMISSIONERS.
Constituted under Special Acts of 1915-Chapter 264. Members Ex-Officiis.
Philip E. Brady, Mayor. 222 North Main St.
Frank I. Babcock, City Treasurer 163 South Main St.
Elected by the Council.
W. Granville Meader 146 County St.
David L. Low. Resigned April 29, 1919. 169 South Main St. Elected September 9, 1919. Term expires February, 1, 1922.
Fred L. Torrey 5 Torrey St.
Term expires February 1, 1921.
Ernest D. Gilmore. South Main St.
Term expires February 1, 1920.
STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL.
Committee on Finance and Accounts.
Harvey E. Clap Harry P. Kent Thomas G. Sadler
Committee on Streets, Bridges and Lighting.
George A. Sweeney Harry P. Kent Joseph E. Gaynor
Committee on Water Supply, Sewers and Drains.
Harry P. Kent Thomas G. Sadler Howard G. Smith
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ANNUAL REPORT
Committee on Fire Department and Police.
·Oscar Wolfenden Walter A. Briggs Thomas S. Healey
Committee on Licenses.
Stephen H. Foley Howard G. Smith George A. Sweeney
Committee on Ordinances, Elections and Legislative Matters.
Joseph E. Gaynor Thomas S. Healey Stephen H. Foley
Committee on Health and Poor Departments
State Aid and Soldiers' Relief.
Thomas G. Sadler Oscar Wolfenden Stephen H. Foley
Committee on Claims.
Thomas S. Healey Joseph E. Gaynor Walter A. Briggs
Committee on A. B. C. Street Railway Line.
Howard G. Smith Walter A. Briggs Harvey E. Clap
ADDRESS OF
HON. PHILIP E. BRADY
MAYOR OF ATTLEBORO
AT THE
INAUGURATION
OF
THE 1920 CITY GOVERNMENT
ATTLEBO
F
R
OWN OF
12.
.........
INCORP 1694 .MASS.
TTLEBOROUGH
ORF
91
COUNCIL CHAMBER
ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1920
11
ANNUAL REPORT
Gentlemen of the Municipal Council:
A memorable year has been added to its predecessors and we are gathered to take up the burden of a new one, under far different conditions from those which confronted us a year ago. Then the foremost thought was of conditions growing out of the war, the return of our valiant service men, the fitting welcome to be accorded them and the question of reestablishing them in the places in industry which they had vacated to go to war.
All those matters have been happily disposed of. Our heroic sons have re- turned crowned with victory and with honor, a welcome was accorded them that must have warmed their hearts and they lost as little time in resuming the peaceful tenor of their lives as they did in getting into their country's service. It was truly a wonderful proof of their steady nerves that they worked through the first anniversary of Armistice day as if the world war were but a minor in- cident in their young lives.
The problems that now confront us grow out of the return to peace with the world's depleted stocks of the products of fields and farms and the ordinary products of factories, so long subordinated to the more urgent necessities of the war, with diminished man-power, due largely to emigration, and with the con- sequent decreased value in the purchasing power of the dollar. The conditions brought about by these factors have been very troublesome to most of those who have had to do with the conduct of the City's affairs during the past year.
A careful reading of the reports of the different departments in the light of conditions as they existed at the beginning of the year, when we were not sure what the future had in store for us, is most respectfully urged. Due considera- tion of the fact that the City has been doing its business on the basis of stand- ards that have been constantly changing since the passing of the last budget, may modify criticism that might otherwise be justified. While wages and sal- aries of those in the service of the City have been either unchanged or only slightly changed, private enterprise has been advancing the rewards of those in its employ by leaps and bounds, attracting from the service of the City many needed and more poorly paid employees, so great was the industrial demand.
In closing my address to your Honorable Body a year ago, the confidence was expressed that our City might look forward to a period of production and prosperity such as we had not seen before. That confidence has been more than justified by the accomplishments of the past year. The shorter working day that was then hailed as a boon to both employees and employers has been the means of much healthful outdoor enjoyment and employment on the part of employees, while the extraordinary output of our factories during the year shows that the workmen have been delivering the goods with undiminished vigor.
Truly, it has been a most prosperous and happy year for our people. We have been free from epidemics and unusually free from fires. The most per- fect accord has existed between employers and employees. Public servants, though realizing that they were not sharing the general advance in wages, have rendered most loyal and efficient service. The housing accommodations of the City have never been so taxed. The savings of our people have never reached so large an amount as that represented by deposits in our savings in- stitutions during the year. Nor has the output of our factories ever totalled so great a figure. Above all, our people have been firm and unflinching in their loyalty to our country.
Let us hope that, each one doing his best, the present year may eclipse the past.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Financial
The financial condition of the city, as indicated by the following statement, remains sound.
Average valuation for the past three years.
Our debt limits (Revised Laws, Chapt. 27, Section 3).
Our present liabilities as of Dec. 31, 1919,
Sewer Bonds.
High School Bonds. $112,000.00
Fire Engine Station Bonds. 3,800.00
School House Bonds. . 30,000.00
Addition to School Houses. 135,000.00
A. B. C. Street Railway Bonds. .
20,250.00
Norton, Taunton & Attleboro St. Ry
30,000.00
331,050.00
Total Bonds, Water, Sewer and general.
$1,221,550.00
Time Notes.
8,000.00
Revenue Loans.
75,000.00
83,000.00
Total Debt, Bonds and Notes. Less Sinking Fund Assets-
$1,304,550.00
Water
$173,421.79
Sewer Investment Fund. 138,440.29
General. 30,865.12 342,727.20
Net Bonded and Floating Debt.
$961,822.80
Above liabilities that are outside of debt limit- Water
$541,500.00
Sewer. 349,000.00
A. B. C. Street Railway Bonds. . 20,250.00
Revenue Loans. . 75,000.00
Norton, Taunton & Attleboro
St. Ry.
30,000.00
$1,015,750.00
Less Water and Sewer Sink-
ing Funds. 311,862.08 $703,887.92
Net debt within the debt limit. $257,934.88
Borrowing Capacity, January 1, 1920 269,967.17
Borrowing Capacity, January 1, 1919 386,715.98
Borrowing Capacity, January 1, 1918.
384,711.71
Borrowing Capacity, January 1, 1917 356,778.51
Borrowing Capacity, January 1, 1916 316,877.83
Borrowing Capacity, January 1, 1915. 267,701.20
The total valuation of the property belonging to the City as made by department heads from their official records on November 1, 1919, including land, buildings, water and sewer systems, apparatus and all other personal property was $2,548,608.96.
$21,116,082.00
527,902.05 Water Bonds. 541,500.00 349,000.00
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ANNUAL REPORT
Highways and Bridges
In no department of the City has the shortage of man-power had a more marked effect than in the department of Public Works and much that it was hoped could be done during 1919 has failed of accomplishment for want of workmen to carry out the plans.
Early in the year a contract was entered into with Mr. John Gaffey, of Med- ford, to construct a hard surface road on North Main Street from Sheffield residence to Commonwealth Avenue and thence on that Avenue to the North Attleborough line. Laborers brought here to do this work were constantly quitting the job alleging that they were unable to secure accommodations in the City at rates they were willing to pay. However, a large portion of the foundation has been laid that will improve the condition of these streets, here- tofore always bad in winter, and the hope may be indulged that they will be completed in the Spring.
This set-back should not deter us from going ahead with permanent road building, for the failure in this case was due to the fact that the contract was too small to justify the building of barracks for the workers where they could board them selves.
I commend to your attention the figures of the cost of ordinary road mainten- ance and also the recommendations of the Superintendent of the Public Works on this subject. It is true that this year they have been very heavy owing to the impossibility of securing road oils during 1918 and the consequent deterio- ration in the condition of the highways. But as the Superintendent points out, the annual outlay for this item would go far toward paying for permanent work that would be more desirable, both from the point of view of the abatement of the dust nuisance and the saving of wear and tear on vehicles.
The main throughfares leading from the center of the City should be hard- surfaced as speedily as this can be accomplished. Permanent work should be done this year on Pleasant and County Streets, Park Square, and on some of the shorter streets.
You will also be asked to make provisions for rebuilding the bridges on Me- chanic Street, plans for which are now in preparation, and for straightening this street. Cliff Street should be laid out over Ten Mile River to connect with Hayward Street. I renew my recommendation of last year that a new street be opened in the rear of the Post Office from Union Street to Pine Street. We need have no fear of having too many streets in the center of the City.
I shall ask your Honorable Body to examine carefully the methods of con- struction on North Main Street and Commonwealth Avenue when that work is resumed in the Spring with a view to your determining whether this City shall invest in an outfit to do this kind of work as the Superintendent of Public Works advises and as some cities and towns have already done. This would have the advantage of benefiting local laborers.
I am proud to report that Lexington Avenue has been put in passable condi- tion but will require a top coat and, if deemed advisable, a concrete curb and gutter before it is finished. An excellent piece of permanent road was built on Union Street between Park and Mill Streets and also on Park Street between Union and Pine Streets. The prospects is escellent for the completion during the year of the widening of Park Street between Railroad Avenue and South Main Street. Good work, though not of a permanent character, was done on North Avenue from West Street to the North Attleborough line. Early in the year the City was fortunate in securing as foreman of the Street department Mr. Daniel Vaughan, of Stoughton, who has had wide experience in road build- ing. Another excellent selection was that of Mr. John R. Delahanty, who has had some years service with the Massachusetts State Highway Commission, as City Engineer.
Water Department
The water Department continues in a most excellent condition. During the Fall of 1918, breaks occurred in two of the mains leading from the pumps to the
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ANNUAL REPORT
main on West Street which threatened unpleasant consequences. These, how- ever, have been replaced by new castings and no further trouble is apprehended from this source.
Street Railways
A contract was entered into March 10, 1919, with the Interstate Consolidated Street Railway Company for the operation of the A. B. C. Street Railway by that Company under which satisfactory service has been rendered. Owing, however, to the increase in the wages of motormen and conductors dating from July 1st, the receipts of the year have not covered the cost of operation.
The problem of Street Railway transportation, which has been engaging the attention of many able men in this Commonwealth was bravely met by this. Honorable Body by joining with the City of Taunton and the Towns of Norton and Mansfield in purchasing for $120,000. 00 the stock and bonds of the Norton, Taunton & Attleboro Street Railway Company. As the purchase has been completed but recently and no meeting of the new owners has been held, it is impossible to define the plans and policies that are to be followed in operating this road. An effort will undoubtedly be made to operate the road in a more economic basis.
Fire Department
The outstanding features of the report of the Board of Fire Engineers are the small fire loss for the year and the fact that the department is under-manned owing to the reluctance of young men to enter this service at the rate of wage now paid.
The total loss on buildings and contents was $31,467. 84; not covered by in- surance $9,620.00 or slightly over one-half of one percent of the property at risk.
While some improvements have been made in this department during the year, notably the installation of a second circuit to South Attleboro and the con- struction of a cement floor in the South Main Street house, more are needed to bring it up to full efficiency. How much can be accomplished must await the full consideration of the budget, the demands on which this year are extremely large.
Police Department
There has been no change in the number of the police force and the personnel · remains very much as it was at the beginning of the year with the exception of the appointment of John E. Candelet as a reserve officer and the promotion of John J. Kelly from reserve officer to patrolman and the recent resignation of Albert E. Sears. A new patrol car equipped to serve also as an ambulance has been added to the equipment of the department.
Much as I should like to see this force housed in a permanent home, I doubt if this is the year to embark on a building program if the wages of the men are to be appreciably increased.
Schools
Evidence of a continued healthy growth of the City is the increase of two hundred and fifty pupils in the schools over the number enrolled a year ago. To meet this growth, liberal provision was made during the year for doubling the space in the Bliss and Washington Schools. These additions are well ad- vanced in construction and will be ready for occupancy at the beginning of the Fall term. The opening of these new rooms will entail the addition of thirteen members to the teaching staff. This item, together with an increase in the sal- aries of the Teachers, which is universally conceded to be their due, and that of
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ANNUAL REPORT
janitors and the larger sum demanded this year repairs, transportation and fuel, will net an increase for school maintenance of nearly fifty percent over the sum provided in the last budget to which, however, an addition of six thousand dollars was subsequently made.
That our schools are keeping up to a high standard is borne out by the suc- cess of our High School graduates in passing entrance examination to higher institutions of learning.
It is gratifying that under the able initiative of the School Physician, Jesse W. Battershall, M. D., greater attention is paid to the health and physical fit- ness of the pupils by regular and thorough physical examinations with contin- uous records during their school course. This to be supplemented by regular physical exercises under the capable direction of Mr. H. H. Reinhardt.
If the school population continues to grow at the present rate, it will not be long until other buildings must be provided. The School Committee has pro- posed a plan for meeting this need in the building of a junior High school to house the seventh and eighth grades.
The report of the School Committee is a most interesting and instructive one and will repay well careful study.
Public Library
The public library has been used this year more than ever before and efforts have been made by the Librarian, Mrs. Lucinda Spofford, and her assistants to increase its usefulness by giving instruction to the pupils in the schools in the use of its reference books. The circulation for the year was over eighty-two thousand, the largest in its history. There has been an incre- ased circulation in the branches at Dodgeville and Hebronville and the pol- icy has been continued of sending books to the South Attleboro, Washington , and Briggs Corner Schools.
Public Health
The report of the Health Officer is one of which this City may well be proud. Not only was the death rate very low,two hundred fifty-six in an estimated population of twenty-one thousand, slightly over twelve per thousand, but the longevity of our people is attested by the fact that twenty-five of those deaths or nearly ten percent were of persons who had reached the age of four score years or more.
Sturdy Memorial Hospital
The Sturdy Memorial Hospital has maintained the high standard of the ser- vice it has always rendered this and neighboring communities and has passed through a busy year, but notwithstanding the prevailing good times, it has had more free patients this year than ever before. Always it has need of more funds and always it appreciates the generous support of its friends.
Charities
The report of the Overseers of the Poor reflects the general prosperity that has prevailed during the year both in the large unexpended balance of the ap- propriation and in the noticeable decrease in the number of families aided.
During the year a new water system was installed at the City Home, but the buildings need shingling and painting to put them in proper condition.
The poor of the City lost a sympathetic friend in the death of Mr. Benjamin P. King, for eighteen years a member of the Board and for even a longer period a member of the School Committee.
The Planning Board
The Planning Board, as always, has submitted a most thoughtful report on the needs of our growing City. Again they renew their recommendations in
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ANNUAL REPORT
to the widening of South Main Street which is now under consideration by your Honorable Body and also their recommendations on the improvement of Mechanic Street, concerning both of which subjects I have expressed my appro- val on other occasions.
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