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Annual Reports of the City Officers + Depts. 1944
ATTLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY a31654001302550b
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE
Officers and Departments
OF THE
CITY OF ATTLEBORO
AXA
.CITY OF A
I'S
FOR THE YEAR 1944
ATTLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY JOSEPH L SWEET MEMORIAL
AT& BORO PUBLIC LIBRARY JOSEPH L. SWEET MEMORIAL
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF HE
Officers and Departments
OF THE
..
CITY OF ATTLEBORO
A
AT 924:45
AXA
OF
4112 .1694
FOR THE YEAR
1944
ATTLEBORO PUBLIC LIDRAD. JOSEPH L. SWEET MEMORIAL
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/reportsoftownoff1944attl
48-1561
ANNUAL REPORT
CITY OFFICERS
(Small numbers after office indicate how chosen)
1. Appointed by Mayor 2. Elected by Council.
3. Elected by Voters
Office
Incumbent
Term Expires
Dr. Frederick L. Briggs
March 31, 1945
Frederick J. Franz
Permanent
John J. Hodge
January, 1945
Isaac H. Bruce
January, 1945
Patrick J. Byrnes, Chairman
January, 1945
Edward H. Brown
January, 1945
Fred A. Clark
February. 1945
Kenneth F. Blandin
January, 1945
Doris I .. Austin January, 1945
Hormidas Allard
February, 1945
Merle L. Clark
February, 1945
Eli Franklin
February, 1945
Municipal Council-3 Members-at-large
Francis J. O'Neil, Pres,
January, 1945
William A. Brennan
January, 1945
Dr. Arthur F. Gehrung
January, 1945
James A. Freeman January, 1945
Francis S. Manchester
January, 1945
Members by Wards
Ward 1
George H. Entwistle
January, 1945
Ward 2
John W. Woifenden
January, 1945
Ward 3
Leon F. Pierce January 1945
Ward 4
Bertrand O. Lambert
January, 1945
Ward 5
Herbert C. Lavigueur January, 1945
Ward 6
Charles A Smith
January, 1945
Custodian of Foreclosed Prop .- 1 Henry Rotenberg
Indefinite
Dog Officer-1
Thomas F Robinson
June, 1945
Electrical Inspector-1
William S. King
Permanent
Federal Relief Agent-1
Christopher W. McNary
Indefinite
Fence Viewer, Field Driver-1
Hartwell H. Crossman
February, 1945 Indefinite
Board of Fire Engineers-1
Hayward H. Sweet
February, 1945
Fred A. Clark
February, 1946
Charles G. Thomae
February, 1947
William E. Sweeney, Chair.
February, 1948 Permanent
Fred A. Clark
February, 1945
William E. S. Smith
February, 1945
Dr. Jesse W. Battershall
February, 1945
Health Nurse
(appointed by Health Officer) Lois E. Wilmarth Dental Hygienist (appointed by Health Officer) Frances L. Macartney Sturdy Hospital, City Repre- sentatives on Board of Managers)
Permanent
Indefinite
John W. McIntyre William Marchall, ex-off.
February, 1945
Francis J. O'Neil-2
February, 1945 February, 1945
Fire Department
Fred A. Clark, Chief
William S. King
Supt. of Fire Alarm-1
Forest Warden-1
City Forester, Moth Supt .- 1 Health Officer-1
3
Inspector of Animals-1 City Almoner-1 (Welfare Agent) Assessors-1
City Auditor -2 Building Inspector-1 City Clerk-3 City Collector-3 Constables-1
JOSEPH L. SWEET MEMORIES
1
ANNUAL REPORT
Board of Licenses-1
Public Library, Trustees of-1
Raymond M. Horton, Treas February, 1945
Mrs. Winthrop Barden, Sec. February, 1945
Mrs. Gertrude F. Chilson February, 1945
Mrs. Caroline S. Holden
February, 1946
Dr. Frederick V. Murphy
February, 1946
Frank Licher
February, 1946
Mrs. Margaret W. Conro
February, 1947
Lydia J. Gregory February, 1947
Edwin F. Leach, Chairman
February, 1947
Mrs. Lucile Palmer Cavender
Indefinite
Peter J. Marron
February, 1945
George F. Lincoln
February. 1945
John H. Bowen
Deceased
Robert C. Perriello
Permanent
Harry C. Wolfenden
February, 1945
Thomas G. Sadler Samuel M. Stone
February, 1947
John E. Anderson
Permanent
Clifford A. Swanson
February, 1945
C. Wallace Cederberg
February, 1945
J. Burleigh Moulton
February, 1946
Rev. Frank L. Briggs
February, 1947
Joseph M. Finberg February, 1948
Robert W. Mawney
February, 1949
Walter A. Cunningham
February, 1949
James F. Forrest
February, 1945
Curtis R. Witham
February, 1945
John E. Turner, Clerk
February, 1946
Raymond F. Brennan
February, 1947
Peter J. Marron, Act. Chief
Robert W. Mawney, Supt.
Indefinite February, 1945
Ara Berberian
February, 1945
Leo Hennessey
February, 1945
Louis J. Guillette
February, 1946
Thomas H. Moore Manuel Castro
February, 1946 February, 1947
Board of Registrars-1
Thomas F. Nolan. Chair.
February, 1945
Felix A Desmarais Mrs. Eva L. Kent Bernard A. MacDonald
February, 1946 February, 1947
Deceased
Rehabilitation and Re-employ- ment Director-1 Contributory Retirment Board
Christopher W. MeNary Indefinite
Indefinite
March, 1945 July, 1946
Librarian, (Appointed by. Library Trustees) Lockup Keeper-1 Measurer of Lumber-1
City Messenger-2 Milk Inspector (Appointed by Health Officer) Park Commissioners-1
Park Superintendent (Appointed by Park Commissioners) Planning Board-1
Plumbing Inspector (Appointed by Health Officer) Police Commissioners-1
Police Department-1 Public Works Department-1
Recreation Commissioners-1
Francis P. Cronan, Ch. June, 1945
Albert Evans-Dec. 1944 Deceased Zelotis Wetherell Dec. 1944 to June, 1947 E. Raymond Truell June, 1949
Edward H. Brown, Ex-Off. Doris L. Austin (Elected by Members of System) Earl P. Cooper -!
February, 1946
ANNUAL REPORT
Sehoo! Committee-3
Arthur J. Sparks
January, 1945
Victor G. Vaughan
January, 1945
Thomas G. Sadler, Jr.
January, 1945
Mrs. Pearl Briggs January, 1945
William A. Nerney January, 1945
Mrs. Lida M. Holbrook January. 1947
Mrs. Alice Stobbs January, 1947
Mrs. Rena Rounseville January, 1947
Fred L. Wetherell
January, 1947
Supt of School (Appointed by School Committee) School Nurse (Appointed by School Committee) School Physician (Appointed by School Committee) Sealer of Weights and Measures Daniel O'Connell
Ernest F. Forbes Permanent
Dorothy B. Wendell, R. N. Permanent
Dr. Herbert G. Vaughan
Permanent
February, 1945
Arthur B. Cummings
February, 1945
Henri G. Proulx
February, 1945
Gladys Hinds
February, 1945
William Marshall
January, 1945
All ex-officio
John W. McIntyre, Mayor
William Marshall, City Treas.
Lida M. Holbrook, Chairman School Comm.
Kenneth Crook, Secretary February, 1945
Thomas E. McCaffrey, Ch.
February, 1946
James McBrien February, 1947
Paul H. Weis, Chairman to June, 1944
G. William Goddard from June, 1944 to
February, 1945
Daniel A. J. Doyle, Chair. from June, 1944 to February, 1945 (Resigned) John K. Henderson February, 1947
Fred J. Franz, Agent Permanent
Elmer E. Tufts, Chairman
February, 1945
Joseph E. Gaynor,
Associate Member February, 1945
William F. Walton
February, 1947
Viola ()'Hare, Clerk Indefinite
Soldiers' Relief, Burial Agent-2 City Solicitor-1 City Stenographer-2 City Treasurer-3 Trustees of the Capron and Deborah Starkey Funds
Trust Fund Commissioners-1
Board of Public Welfare-1
Zoning Board of Appeals-1
6
ANNUAL REPORT
City Clerk Reports $10,000 Fee Receipts
Besides all the elections and primaries he had to conduct last year, City Clerk Kenneth F. Blandin had a lot of licenses to issue, so many that he turned over $7284.25 to the city treasurer and $2681. 75 to the state treasurer. There were dog licenses, fish and game licenses, marriage licenses and the usual run of express, stores, Sunday permits and what not.
The dog licenses brought in $4839; the fish and game licenses $3019.25 and other types of licenses and fees $2107.75.
The elections business was brisk, starting with Presidential primary, state primary, state and national, then the municipal election. And there was the ab- sentee voting law, with hundreds of requests for ballots, applying to both the state and municipal elections.
The vital statistics records show 858 births; 227 marriages and 382 deaths.
Report of Attendance of Councilmen at 1944 Meetings Number of Meetings 31
Meetings attended:
President Francis J. O'Neil 30
John W. Wolfenden 25
Charles A. Smith 31
James A. Freeman . 27
George H. Entwistle 30
Leon F. Pierce. 30
Bertrand O. Lambert 31
Herbert C. Lavigueur 31
William A. Brennan 30
Arthur F. Gehrung 25
Francis S. Manchester 30
7
ANNUAL REPORT
City Collectors' Office Handled $1,113,496.15
The office of the city collector handled a total of $1, 113,496.15 during 1944.
At the end of the year there was $58,477. 78 owed to the city on account of taxes and other charges this being one of the smallest totals in years. The out- standing debt on real estate taxes was $47,568.03 and $3344,81 on personal taxes. All but $42 of the 1944 poll tax total was collected. Other outstanding charges included $177 .88 on excise for autos; $3421 . 15 on betterments; $53.99 on interest ; $1404.82 on water rates; $421.39 on water departmental charges; $611 on ac- counts on public property ; $1420. 47 on welfare accounts and $12.24 on school ac- counts.
Sources of income were real estate $754,628,977; personal property, $70,701.39, poll taxes $10,954; motor vehicle excise $27,129.50; betterments, including side- walks, $9317.28; interest, $465.48; water rates, $134,305.01; welfare $93,896.41; water department charges, $1547.76: schools, $4083.57; health department $2645.79; public property $1086; estates of deceased persons, $104.72; soldiers' relief $8 30 ; recording water lien, $1 ; interest in taxes and water charges $1651.65, costs on taxes and water $969.32.
2700 Made Calls at Soldiers Relief Agent; 324 Vouchers Issued
To His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council:
I submit herewith report for the year ending December 31, 1944.
Soldiers Benefits Paid by the City
22,211.12
State will reimburse the City. 5,372.80
Kefunds received 358.40
5,731.20
Net cost to the City
16,479.92
Administration:
Salary
1,000.00
Emergency Compensation
300.00
Other Expenses
243.33
1,543.33
Number of Soldiers' Relief Vouchers given for food, fuel, etc. 324
Applications for War Allowance, State Aid and Military Aid, approved by the Commissioner
147
1944 Active Cases 106
"Investigations" made by Soldiers' Relief Agent 48
37
Consultations with Commissioner, Boston
Number of callers at Soldiers' Relief Office seeking aid or information . . 2700
Respectfully submitted,
Arthur B. Cummings, Soldiers' Relief Agent
S
ANNUAL REPORT
Sturdy Memorial Hospital Treats Record Number of Patients; 150 Beds
Sturdy Memorial hospital has become a 150-bed institution rather than one with 116 patient facitlities for treatment and care of the sick and injured, it is re- vealed in the annual report of Miss Gewndolyn G. Rice, superintendent, made to the hospital trustees and board of managers last night.
Opening of the third floor of the hospital main building has added 16 private rooms to the facilities and permitted conversion of the second floor private rooms into two-bed rooms, Miss Rice pointed out. In this way the hospital was able to care for 169 patients between last March 1 and December 31.
Appreciation of the great assistance given to the hospital by volunteer work- ers during the year is voiced by Miss Rice, who points out that without it the situa- tion would have become very difficult for the reduced staff which has given numer- ous nurses to the armed forces.
Ex-Mayor John W. McIntyre has been added to the list of trustees, taking the place of the late Ernest D. Gilmore.
Officers for the year, elected, are Harold E. Sweet, persident; Mrs. Albert Remington Carpenter, vice president; Fred L. Wetherell, treasurer; and Ralph F. Perry, clerk and assistant treasurer. The board of managers comprises C. Wal- lace Cederberg, Victor R. Glencross, William J. Luther, Harold E. Sweet, Samuel M. Stone, and Edwin F. Thayer.
Trustees are H. Dean Baker, Lloyd G. Balfour, William H. Bannon, Fred E. Briggs, Mrs. Alberta R. Carpenter, C. Wallace Cederberg, Dr. Joshua W. Clarke, Blanche F. Daggett, Joseph Finberg, Stephen H. Foley, Victor R. Glencross, Ray- mond M. Horton, Walter M. Kendall, Mrs. Etta F. Kent, Mrs. Annie G. King, Edwin F. Leach, William J. Luther, Mrs. Rosella Mason, John W. McIntyre, Dr. Frederick V. Murphy, Lester W. Nerney, Frank E. Nolan, Rev. James M. Quinn, Harold K. Richardson, Mrs. Gertrude F. Ryder, Mrs. Alice M. Stobbs, Samuel M. Stone, Harold E. Sweet, Mrs Beatrice W. Telford and Edwin F. Thayer.
Finances of the hospital have improved greatly in the past year as a result of some generous donations by manufacturing firms and individuals, it is revealed in the report of the board of managers which follows:
"The several reports of our 32nd year of operation, submitted herewith show that we cared for the largest total of cases in the history of the hospital despite the fact that we admitted 75 less house patients.
"Without taking into account the 664 patient visits to Dr. Kuhns' clinic, all the services account for a total of 6150 as against 5747 in the preceding year.
"Financially, we came as near breaking even as seems possible. Our receipts were $173,881.54 and disbursements totalled $173,927.35.
"During the year we received additions to our permanent funds amounting to $59,358 08, and for the third year in succession we have had very gratifying sup- port from industrial concerns in the area we served.
"At the time of 'going to press' we have received gifts of $28,000 in response to our 1914 solicitation, making a total of over $79,000 received from industrial sources in the past three years as the result of a suggestion of a good friend of the hospital in the fall of 1942.
"$14,000 of this amount was applied to the deficit; $22,000 was specified for memorial funds; and $43,000 is being held in the Proposed Plant Addition Account with the assurance that more additions will be made thereto at the end of the fiscal year.
9
ANNUAL REPORT
Attleboro's Net Fire Loss $2130, Engineers Report
Fire loss in 1944 in Attleboro was $30,316.70, with insurance compensation of $28,186.70, making a net loss of $2130 for the year.
The board recommends purchase of a new sedan for the assistant chief to re- place a 1929 model vehicle, repairs to the roofs of the Union and South Main Street stations, replacement of an old alarm indicator at South Main Street, with a punch register, 1000 feet of two-inch and one-half hose replacement.
Post-war recommendations include replacement of old apparatus, a new building for the fire alarm headquarters and new equipment, plus remodelling of the South Main Street station to eliminate the present Union Street station.
The department answered 570 calls in 1944, 503 of which were by telephone and 60 by box alarm. There were 285 brush fire calls and 67 fires in buildings. On 26 calls no fire was found and 24 times the department members effected en- trance for persons locked out of buildings. Other calls include 38 for dump or rub- bish fires; 24 for oil burner equipment trouble, 14 for electric wiring and devices; 17 for chimney fires; 19 for auto fires.
The department aided Taunton firemen once and also went to Seekonk once. A total of 29,450 feet of hose was laid and 2435 feet of ladders used. Booster tanks were used 310 times and water cans 941 times. Pyrene charges were used 20 times and foam three times.
There were many unusual calls for the department. Eight times they put ropes in flagpotes. Four times they rescued animals. There were eight false alarms. Three times they flushed streets or building surfaces. There was one turnout of the department for a celebration, another for Hooding a pond, one mili- tary call, one for a broken water pipe, three for automatic sprinkler trouble, three for bridge trouble, six for use of an inhalator.
Unusual fires include two in railroad cars, two in sawdust, three in lumber piles, two fences, one gasoline blaze and one haystack blaze.
Special recommendations for this year would cost $3250, including $1500 for a new sedan: $200 for new punch register; $650 for Union Street station roof and $600 for roof of South Main Street Station, also $300 for an emergency caretaker at the Hebronville-Dodgeville station.
Budget requirements are set at $73,222.50 for present salary and wages ac- counts or $87,913.75 if full strength of 36 privates and five lieutenants is attained. For care and maintenance of equipment the engineers ask $7935 and $4020 for other expenses.
The board expresses thanks to the mayor and council members, also to police, for assistance and has praise for the officers and men for the able manner in which they carried out duties. Special thanks is given to the Fire Police of Box Nine club and to Dr. Dudley B. Tyson for responding on alarms and offering his services when needed.
10
ANNUAL REPORT
Dog Officer Reports 8000 Miles in Peforming Duties
Dog officer Thomas F. Robinson traveled around 8000 miles in the year 1944 in performing his duties. he records in his annual report to the mayor and council under December 1 dateline. The record of travel means that the official went on an average of 21 and seven-eighths miles every day in the year in performing his work.
He investigated 26 complaints, removed 73 dead dogs, killed 94 under statu- tory provisions and 25 others for other reasons, and also boarded 94 dogs at various times during the year.
Attleboro had 192S licensed canines last year and all of the owners appreciated them so that the dog officer did not have to conduct any prosecutions for failu? ? to pay license fees. There were 11 kennel licenses granted providing for housing of about 50 dogs.
Thanks are expressed in the report to Chief Marron, Charles Brown, S. P. C. A. agent and Joseph Finberg, for cooperation.
117 Building Permits Issued On Projects Costing $107,798
The building inspector issued a total of 177 building permits with total es- timated cost of the work involved set at $107,798. Additions and alterations drew the largest expenditure, 60 permits involving $71,377, with 72 shingling jobs involving an outlay of $17,006.
One single-family dwelling permit was issued with cost set at $1000. There were 19 garages constructed to cost $7960 and 19 minor buildings were estimated to cost $4155. One fire-repair permit was issued with work estimated at $6300.00 Four buildings were razed and one moving permit granted.
The total of permits dropped off 46 from the 1943 report recording 223 with work estimated at $144,539.
Wiring Inspector Issues Warning: Lighting Fixtures Not Approved
1 warning that some types of electrical fixtures, particularly for lighting, are being sold and installed locally, despite the fact they do not meet with state or in- surance underwriters' approval, is contained in the annual report of William S. King. inspector of wires, which has been submitted to the mayor and council.
The warning applies particularly to fluourescent fixtures, which the wire in- spector says, cause intense heat and constitute a danger to property. The re- quirement of a written permit from the inspector for any work on electrical fixtures in buildings, is also pointed out. During the past year the inspector issued 341 permits for new wiring and made 455 inspections. A total of 936 permits for meter changes were made and 1281 re-inspections also made.
11
ANNUAL REPORT
Service Center Completes Third Year; 50,000 Boys Greeted
The war recreation committee through the chairman of the service center, Mrs. William A. Blackburn, today made public its annual report to the citizens of Attleboro. The report follows:
"On March 13 we celebrate our third year of service to the community for the boys in our armed forces. When the center first opened it was to be a homey snack bar but as time passed along, real food was brought in by the generous and war-minded women of this and neighboring communities. It proved such a popu- lar place with the boys we soon were serving cakes, pies, doughnuts and sand- wiches and often nice gelatine dessert, frankforts, potato salad and other goodies too numerous to mention.
"The girls serving the food have been most patient and have gone out of their way in many instances to do the nice thing for a homesick boy who has not seen sweet corn or tomatoes over a period of time. Ma Fitton would go and procure the desired food the boy was anxious to get and the girls would fix it up and we'd see them on their way, happy boys, who all over the world say there is no place in the U. S. A., even our own hometowns that can compare with Attleboro.
"The different girls service clubs and auxiliaries who have provided the host- esses have been very faithful in giving their hours in the evenings and Sundays have been taken care of by interesting and entertaining young ladies for which we are very grateful.
"I would like to mention in this report how all connected with the center were saddened at the passing of Mr. Bowen, boys and workers all miss his cheerful smile. We would like again to thank the following for their generous support that makes this place possible, the war chest, the people who send us money, the church groups, that through their Sunday school classes, see there is food there every night, a very generous lady from South Attleboro who never misses a Saturday, with some goodies, a lady from North Attleboro who brings two apple pies every Sunday morning and Mrs. Povey and Mrs. Agnes Phelan, who never let a Saturday go by without nice cookies and pies and last but not least Mrs. Bessie Brown of the canteen, for her help in so many ways, her girls for their loyalty. the Attleboro sun for its cooperation, when we have needed something they have been most gen- erous in helping to secure it via the White Way.
"If I have neglected to mention any one or group kindly forgive and remem- ber that but for your efforts we could not possibly be successful.
"It might be interesting to note that 50,000 boys have enjoyed our hospitality and they come from all nearby camps.
"As I finish this report we are all stunned by the sudden passing of Ma Fitton whose kind words and deeds have been an inspiration to all of us to carry on. She will be missed by the boys all over the world who became acquainted with her at the center and corresponded with her."
12
ANNUAL REPORT
529 Given Assistance in Servicemen's Rehabilitation
The Servicemen's Rehabilitation and Reemployment committee which was organized last May has filed a report on its activities, through Christopher W. Mx- Nary, director, showing 529 veterans or dependents were aided in filling out pa- pers; 389 calls were made to homes for information for the files: 702 persons called at the office for information and 32 calls were made at homes when persons asking aid were not able to get to the office.
The file of the committee contained approximately 2000 names at the end of the year, the director reports.
Sealer of Weights and Measures Cooperated with Local OPA
I herewith submit my report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending December 31, 1944.
Testing of weights and measures and inspection of licenses have been carried out according to law, also testing and sealing of Tank truck meter system and gasoline pumps.
In co-operation with the local O. P. A. Ration Board retests of pumps have been made at their request and reports made to them.
Respectfully submitted, Daniel O'Connell, Sealer of Weights and Measures
City Forester Sprayed to Prevent Spread of Gypsy Moth, Other Insects
I herewith submit my annual report for the year ending December 31, 1944.
The usual scouting was carried on and the gypsy moth eggs destroyed with creosote through the residential section of the city.
The country roadside, were sprayed to prevent the spread of the gypsy moth.
The elm irees were sprayed to destroy the canker worms and elm leaf beetles. As much brush was cut on the road sides as possible with the help obtainabie.
Very truly yours, Wm. E. S. Smith
13
ANNUAL REPORT
Planning Board Favors Two New Streets; Park St. Building Line
The planning board in its annual reoprt to the mayor and city council, has submitted five recommendations for projects deemed beneficial to the city as a whole, besides discussing some other problems which may be considered for post- war projects.
The board's recommendations are: 1-a new street adjacent to Hayward field, connecting North Avenue and North Main Street; 2-building lines on Park Street, Pleasant to Brook Streets; 3-a serious study of reforestation on city- owned land; 4-a strongly urged consideration for a new street in the rear of the post office; 5-the need of a public comfort station, something that has been needed and has been pointed out as desirable by the board for a number of years. This matter has been recently submitted to the city council which went on record in favor of it.
The widening of Bank Street, is also urged by the board, the report stating "A matter that has been given much attention, even since the early years of plan- ning in this city, is the widening of Bank Street. A plan was prepared by the engineering department and the hearing held and there has been no action since. With the probable post-war building changes on this street and also Park Street, it would appear that the time element for some action is highly important. We strongly urge prompt consideration of this important project".
The board feels that the zoning law, which is now ih its third year, is working out well, adding "However, some adverse criticism is inevitable and we are most anxious to meet and discuss and advise in these case incidents."
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