USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Quincy > Inaugural address of the mayor, with the annual report of the officers of the city of Quincy for the year 1922 > Part 13
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Throughout the entire year much of my time was devoted to the work of doing away with these vaults, and I sincerely believe that the big job of the Sanitary Inspector of this department is to see that the 698 remaining are reduced until we can say that there are no privy vaults in Quincy.
Sixty-three of the remaining vaults are on premises adjacent to the public sewer and notices to connect were sent to the owners, but in almost every case extensions of time were granted, because of financial reasons.
206
CITY OF QUINCY .
MORBIDITY RATE - 1 PER 10,000 PER YEAR FOR SEVEN YEARS (1915-21) [Diphtheria, scarlet fever, typhoid fever and tuberculosis (combined).]
Mean Population, Seven Years
Average Number of Cases per Year
Rate (1 per 10,000)
Ward 1
8,345
61
73
Ward 2
7,595
58
76
Ward 3
8,149
66
81
Ward 4
5,893
57
97
Ward 5
8,024
43
54
Ward 6
6,306
30
48
City
44,312
315
71
PRIVY VAULTS ABOLISHED
1922
1921
By sewer connection
51
By cesspool connection
49
Torn down
5
Total
105
93
VAULTS IN CITY, JANUARY 1, 1923
Ward 1
155
Ward 5
8
Ward 2
54
Ward 6
20
Ward 3
90
Ward 4.
371
Total
698
Sewer Connections
As in 1921 this department co-operated with the Sewer Department and sent notices to connect with the sewer particularly to owners of prop- erty on streets where new sewers were being laid.
Arrangements have been made with the superintendent of that depart- ment to devote some time this winter in checking over the premises in the city adjacent to public sewers but not connected. These premises include those having inside plumbing and connected to cesspools in addi- tion to those having privy vaults only. Notices will be sent out in the spring and in this way I believe that at least 200 old premises will be con- nected during 1923.
-
93
207
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
1922
1921
Premises connected to sewer after notice
114
56
Number of cases deposit paid but work not completed
27
Number of cases pending (extensions granted)
64
-
Houses in Quincy :
Connected to sewer
6,175
Connected to cesspool .
3,175
Privy vaults
650
Total
10,000
The above figures are estimated, being based on yearly reports. About 250 of those connected to cesspools are abutting the sewer and could be connected.
Bakeries
The condition of the bakeries throughout the city is very good in all cases. The new state laws and regulations governing bakeries contained some very drastic changes. Particularly was this true of the law requiring that all products be kept under cover to protect them from contamination by flies, dust and from the human source. This meant that glass cases must be provided and also meant the expenditure of considerable money. It was difficult to convince some of the owners that this law was necessary, but it can be said to the credit of most of the owners that they readily complied with the regulation. The law is such that no more cellar bakeries can be started, although present cellar bakeries may continue to operate under certain conditions.
A system of scoring bakeries (as is in use for dairies) should be adopted and each shop should be scored four times a year. This would have a tendency to increase the cleanliness of the shops.
Restaurants and Lunch Rooms
The new regulations governing restaurants and lunch rooms adopted by this department in December, 1921, have resulted in a very decided improvement in these places. The products in all cases are being kept under cover, the food is protected, the utensils are being sterilized, the kitchens and premises are being kept clean, the employees in most cases are clean, and real efforts are being made to give the patrons food that has not been contaminated by flies, dust or from the human source.
Inspections made during the year showed that eight restaurants did not have running hot water. Notices were given and in seven cases running hot water was installed. The eighth case is one where the building occupied is to be torn down and a new one erected and an extension of time was granted.
A system of scoring restaurants as suggested for bakeries should be adopted in 1923 and should result in even better conditions.
With reference to the new regulations it might be added that the state department has published them as a model for other cities.
208
CITY OF QUINCY
Barber Shops
The new regulations governing barber shops have resulted in cleaner and more sanitary shops. Metallic implements are being sterilized in alcohol much more satisfactorily than was the case when they were merely rinsed in warm water. Two of the proprietors have gone further than the regulations require and have installed a system of individual shaving and hair brushes. The time is not far distant when this will be required in all shops.
During the inspections made in February, the first under the new regu- lations, it was found that six shops were operating without running hot water. Notices were sent and in every case the owners complied.
It would be advantageous if a system of scoring barber shops was adopted, as I believe more attention would be paid to minor details and the pro- prietors would strive to get as large a score as possible.
Mosquito Abatement and Drainage
The sum of approximately $2,200 was spent during the spring and summer months on mosquito abatement and drainage. Breeding places were oiled every twenty days from April 15 to September 15. This was as often as the appropriation would permit. As the mosquito egg will develop into an adult mosquito in fourteen days and even in ten days during the warmer season, it can be readily understood why better results were not obtained during the year. This work should be done at least every ten days during July and August and every fourteen days during the remainder of the season.
Two men were engaged in oiling during the period mentioned above and they oiled each breeding place eight times, using in all 5,775 gallons of oil.
Considerable work was also done in opening up ditches from low areas to streams and in cleaning out old ones.
Very little work was done or could be done in eliminating the salt marsh mosquito as this is almost entirely a drainage problem, oiling being either impossible or impracticable.
We have been informed that the Metropolitan District Commission has agreed to take care of mosquito abatement in park lands in cities and towns where a reasonable amount is being spent each year in this work. If this is done, the worst, or should it be said the best, breeding place in Quincy, the so-called Jocks Swamp, along Furnace Brook from Reardon Street to Quarry Street extension, will be drained. The draining of Faxon Field will do much to eliminate the mosquito in the center.
There are certain phases of this work that cannot be done by the city and that is the elimination of the accidental breeding places. Mosquitoes will breed in a tin can or in any other receptacle that will hold even a few teaspoons of water. This problem is for the individual citizen and it is for him to eliminate from his premises all accidental breeding places.
With an additional appropriation of $1,000, breeding places could be oiled every ten or fourteen days as required, and I would suggest that you request this added amount in your budget for 1923.
209
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Stables
The work of eliminating nuisances at the many stables throughout the city has been the slowest, perhaps, of any work done by this department. The existing conditions have been such for many years, and it is difficult to convince the owners that changes should be made. The proposed regulations governing stables will, I believe, assist greatly in this work; and with more stress paid to stables in the coming year, it will be possible to have all stables within the city limits in a clean and sanitary condition. Eradicate manure piles and flies will practically disappear. The manure at the stables in the vicinity of City Square is properly taken care of, and as a result flies are almost nil around the large food-distributing agencies along Hancock Street. We should particularly insist that manure be kept in leak-proof and fly-proof pits or receptacles and that the manure be re- moved at least every ten days during May to September, inclusive, the fly-breeding period.
Bottling Plants
The new regulations of the state department relative to bottling plants are adequate in themselves without any further regulations by this depart- ment. The plants in Quincy with one exception are in good sanitary condition. The proprietor of the plant not up to the standard was given ample opportunity to put his plant in condition, and his license was held up until such time as the plant was approved by this department. He failed to meet the requirements; consequently, it became necessary to order the plant closed. It will remain closed until the regulations are com- plied with and until the license fee for the past year has been paid.
Candy Kitchens and Ice Cream Parlors
The dishes and glasses used in ice cream parlors, candy kitchens and at soda fountains are not properly sterilized and there is the ever-present danger of contamination. The regulation governing food supplies as pro- posed contains a section that would apply to such cases as mentioned above and this regulation should at once be adopted.
Piggeries
At the beginning of the year there were a number of piggeries within the city limits, but gradually all pigs were removed from the city, and it is seldom that a complaint is received or that a pig is found in the city. Ample opportunity was given the owners to dispose of their pigs without financial loss to themselves, and there is now no excuse for ignorance of the regulation prohibiting the keeping of pigs in Quincy.
Inspections, Violations, Complaints and Notices
Following is a table showing the inspections made, violations reported, complaints received and notices given during the year. We have con- tinually through newspaper and other publicity requested the people to notify us of any unsanitary conditions that come to their attention. In spite of this, an average of only five complaints a week were received. This number is indeed low for a city the size of Quincy and is an indication of the excellent sanitary condition of the city.
210
CITY OF QUINCY
Inspections Violations
Complaints
Notices
Bakeries
129
54
1
29
Barber shops .
160
59
1
13
Bottling plants
20
10
1
5
Candy kitchens and ice cream parlors
29
14
1
Cesspools
280
61
50
34
Drainage and mosquito-breeding places
90
41
14
36
Dumps and yards
272
149
75
60
Garbage
7
4
2
-
Ice
8
-
-
-
Odors
12
4
9
Oil works
7
4
3
Other
42
20
19
18
Piggeries
17
10
4
6
Poultry
64
35
35
70
Privy vaults
129
21
9
1,648
Rats, breeding places
1
1
2
1
Restaurants
133
39
1
16
Sanitary
254
15
12
-
-
-
393
Stables
37
20
8
45
Stores
274
81
6
18
Unsanitary dwellings
14
9
9
4
Total
1,982
651
261
2,397
Hearings and Permits
Eighteen hearings were held as listed below. Forty-one poultry and three stable permits were granted. One application for a permit to occupy a stable was refused, as was also an application for a permit to change the course of Sachem Brook.
HEARINGS HELD
Cesspool
1
Poultry
2
Changing course of Sachem Brook
1
Piggery
1
Stable
7
Unsanitary dwelling
1
Restaurant
1
Barber shop
1
Sewer connection
1
Drainage
1
Bakery
1
Total
18
-
-
Sewer connections
3
211
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Court Cases
In three cases it became necessary to resort to the courts, and in every case a conviction was secured. The proprietor of a bakery was fined $100 for maintaining an unsanitary bakery. The execution of this sentence was suspended six months at the suggestion of this department. Before that time had elapsed the shop was sold and we have had no difficulty with the new owner.
An owner or premises abutting a public sewer was found guilty and the case placed on file upon payment of costs for failure to have the premises connected with the sewer after due notice. One party was found guilty in the lower court and fined $25 for keeping poultry without a permit from the Health Department. These roosters were a source of disturbance to the neighborhood and this department ordered the owner to dispose of them. He refused to do so and suggested in a friendly manner that we refer the matter to the court as he did not believe the regulation was reasonable. The court ruled in our favor and the defendant appealed his case and it is now pending in the Superior Court.
New Sewers
Last year I included in my report a suggestion that you recommend to His Honor the Mayor that more attention be given to the construction of public sewers in West Quincy. I would again suggest that the same recom- mendation be made this year. Following is a list of streets where the large percentage of premises have no inside plumbing, together with the number and condition of the privy vaults.
Number of Vaults
Condition
Common Street .
27
Bad
Filbert Street
13
Very bad
West Street
31
Fair
O'Connell Avenue
5
Bad
California Avenue
7 1
Very bad
Grove Street
16
Fair
Bates Avenue
20
Bad
Kent Street
10
Fair
1 Double.
Sanitary Survey
A start has been made on a complete sanitary survey of the entire city. Everything of possible interest to the Health Department is being listed on the cut atlas, and when this survey is completed we will have something that will be of great value to this department.
212
CITY OF QUINCY
Recommendations
1. Adoption of a regulation prohibiting the use of privy vaults within the city limits.
2. The extension of the public sewer as rapidly as the financial con- dition of the city will permit. Particular attention should be paid to Ward 4.
3. Completion of the sanitary survey.
4. Strict enforcement of the regulations relative to stables so as to prevent the breeding of flies.
5. Adoption of a system of scoring bakeries, restaurants and barber shops.
6. Additional appropriation of $1,000, to allow for oiling of mosquito- breeding places at ten and fourteen day intervals, as required.
7. Adoption of a regulation requiring the proper sterilization of glasses, dishes and other utensils at candy kitchens, ice cream parlors and at soda fountains.
Conclusions
Up to within the last three months I have done all my own typewriting and sent out notices pertaining to abatement of nuisances, over 2,000 in all. This has taken considerable time. I also took over the Milk In- spector's work during the vacation period and made regular collections of samples of milk, cream and ice cream. During the vacation of the super- intendent I covered the office during the afternoons.
The work, this past year, as in 1921, has been very interesting and especially so as results are more noticeable this year. The members of this department and of other departments with whom I have had dealings have shown a desire to co-operate in every way, and from what I have seen of other cities and towns in greater Boston and elsewhere, Quincy is near the top of the list in being in a clean, sanitary and healthful con- dition.
A. A. ROBERTSON.
REPORT OF ASSISTANT MILK INSPECTOR
Dr. M. T. SWEENEY, Commissioner of Health.
I herewith submit the following report of the Sanitary Inspector, acting as Assistant Milk Inspector, for the year ending December 31, 1922.
The following statistics refer to milk produced and consumed in the city of Quincy.
Dairies in the City of Quincy
1 cow
43
2 to 5 cows
29
2 to 10 cows
6
Over 10 cows
18
Total number of dairies in the city of Quincy 96
Total number of cows in the city of Quincy
. 563
Number of dairies within 10 miles
22
Number of cows within 10 miles
392
Milk contractors' processing plants:
In Quincy
3
In Braintree
1
In Randolph
1
213
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Quarts
Milk produced in Quincy, raw
5,630
Milk produced within 10 miles of Quincy, raw 3,405
Certified milk produced within 25 miles of Quincy .
200
Grade A milk produced within 60 miles of Quincy, pasteurized Grade A milk produced within 95 miles of Quincy, pasteurized
275
Jersey or family milk produced within 60 miles of Quincy, pasteurized 4,000
Family milk produced within 95 miles of Quincy, pasteurized 8,550
Family milk produced within 160 miles of Quincy, pasteurized
2,000
Table I. - Classification of Dairy Farms inspected and scored
DAIRY FARMS
Number
Scoring 30 to 40
11
Scoring 40 to 50
19
Scoring 50 to 60
13
Scoring 60 to 70
35
Scoring 70 to 80
32
Scoring 80 to 90
6
Scoring 90 to 100
1
Total number inspected and scored
117
Average score all dairies (per cent) .
63.05
Dairy inspections and re-inspections
538
Dairy inspections and re-inspections within 10 miles of city 44
Dairy inspections scored within 10 miles of city . 22
Restaurant and bakery inspections and re-inspections
41
Sanitary inspections and re-inspections .
37
Dump inspections and re-inspections
10
Mineral water and bottling plant inspections
9
Number of stores inspected and re-inspected
364
Milk processing plants inspected and re-inspected
36
Ice cream manufacturing plants inspected
Ice cream produced in city during summer (gallons per day) 1,240
1,363
Ice cream samples collected and tested for butter fats
111
Ice cream samples collected and tested for bacteria
111
Milk and cream samples collected and tested for butter fats and sotids
619
Milk and cream samples collected and tested for bacteria .
641
Milk and cream samples exceeding bacteria count of 500,000 per cubic centimeter (per cent) 5
Milk and cream samples deficient in butter fats and solids (per cent) .
3
Ice cream manufacturing plants in city . 35
16
Ice cream consumed in city during summer (gallons per day)
500
214
CITY OF QUINCY
Table II. - Classification of Milk Samples tested, 1922
Butter Fats
Milk Solids
Bacteria
January
3.76
12.36
31,000
February
3.85
12.34
140,000
March
3.90
12.48
80,000
April
3.90
12.30
75,000
May
3.85
12.45
120,000
June
3.92
12.52
95,000
July
3.60
12.04
80,000
August
3.55
12.10
110,000
September
3.66
12.08
95,000
October .
3.70
12.40
70,000
November
3.90
12.60
51,000
December
4.00
12.58
30,000
State standards
3.35
12.00
1
1
1 Bacteria not to exceed 500,000 per cubic centimeter.
Table III. - Classification of Milk Samples tested, 1922
BACTERIA PER CUBIC CENTIMETER
Number of Samples
1,000,000 or over
9
500,000 to 1,000,000
22
200,000 to 500,000 .
38
100,000 to 200,000 .
96
50,000 to 100,000
83
25,000 to 50,000
134
Less than 10,000
198
Spreaders
61
Total
641
Number of stores, restaurants and bakeries licensed to sell milk and cream 314 Producers' milk licenses granted . 61
Oleomargarine licenses granted 52 .
Number of dairies refused licenses as unsanitary
2
Revenue received from milk, cream and oleomargarine licenses $219.50
Number of conveyances for distributing milk and cream (teams, cars and trucks) .
101
New milk rooms built and under construction
3
New stables built
1
Stables remodeled
3
Public hearings on stable permits
2
215
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Average amount of milk consumed in Quincy daily (quarts) . 24,160
Percentage of raw milk . . 40
Percentage of pasteurized milk . 60
Cream consumed in Quincy daily (quarts) . 510
Butter milk consumed in Quincy daily (quarts)
200
There has been added to the work of this office the inspection and care of 1,000 quarts of milk and cream distributed by the Chain Grocery Stores. Although some little trouble was experienced in regard to high bacteria count, this matter has been remedied by the installation of milk ice chests devoted exclusively to milk and cream. Since the installation of these chests, there has been no trouble in keeping bacteria counts very low. This milk has always been above the state standard for butter fats and solids.
The price of milk in the city of Quincy for the year 1922 ranged from 9 cents per quart for family milk at the different large Chain Grocery Stores to 25 cents per quart for certified milk. The average price per quart for family milk was 14 cents.
This branch of the public health work has been conducted in substantially the same manner as last year. The aim in view has been to secure for this city a clean, fresh and healthful milk supply, as well as one that would not fall below the standard prescribed by the law.
Respectfully submitted, JAMES O'DOWD,
Sanitary Inspector, Acting as Assistant Milk Inspector.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF MEAT AND PROVISIONS
DECEMBER 31, 1922.
To the Health Commissioner, Quincy, Mass.
DEAR SIR: - I submit herewith the report of the work in this office for the year ending December 31, 1922.
The inspections made were 454.
Meats and Foodstuffs as Unfit for Food
Beef (pounds)
5
Pork (pounds) .
5
Veal (pounds) .
5
Poultry (pounds)
58
Ham (pounds)
55
Beef liver (pounds)
2
Sausage (pounds)
10
Fish (pounds) .
91
Lobsters (pounds)
3
Tomatoes (pounds)
3
String beans (pounds)
18
Grapes (pounds)
5
Corn (cans)
6
Melons
6
Cucumbers
10
216
CITY OF QUINCY
Financial Statement
Appropriation .
$50 00
Expended:
Transportation
$34 00
Telephone
5 00
39 00
Unexpended balance
$11 00
The market conditions have greatly improved during the past few years. We have some of the largest and best-equipped markets, with all the latest improvements for handling meats of all kinds, of any city in the state of the size and population of Quincy.
Our Health Department is of the highest standard at the present time, and nothing in this office is neglected to see that the public get good meats and foodstuffs from our dealers at all times.
When any public complaints are made at this office, they are attended to at once to see if the goods purchased are of good or inferior quality and who is responsible.
In a few markets, where improvements had to be made on account of conditions, a cold-storage system was installed. The dealers find it not only a saving of money, but it is much easier to keep their show cases, where meat is kept for sale, neater and cleaner.
Fish is being used for food more today than ever before. A short time ago, Mr. Arthur L. Millett, state inspector of fish, gave an interesting lecture to encourage the dealers to sell more fish and emphasized the im- portance of telling the buyer by word of mouth the grade and quality when the purchase is made.
Frozen fish, when put on sale, should be marked with a sign in plain letters "COLD STORAGE" according to law.
Respectfully submitted, HOWARD ROGERS, Inspector of Meats and Provisions.
REPORT OF CONTAGIOUS DISEASE NURSE
Dr. M. T. SWEENEY, Commissioner of Public Health, Quincy, Mass.
DEAR SIR: - I respectfully submit herewith my report for communicable diseases for the year 1922.
There was reported a total of 1,505 cases of communicable diseases during the year, as follows :-
Diphtheria
. 95
Scarlet fever
135
Typhoid fever .
.
8
Whooping cough
. 189
Measles
. 867
Chicken pox
83
Ophthalmia neonatorum
6
Anterior poliomyelitis
2
Encephalitis lethargica
2
Mumps
. 118
217
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
The measles epidemic which started in the spring of 1921 did not subside until June, 1922.
The fact that the public are realizing more and more the necessity of reporting the milder contagious diseases, even though no physician is in attendance, and the continued measles epidemic account for the increase, I believe.
There were only 15 deaths, including those sent to the Contagious Hos- pital at Brighton. This is a much better record than the previous year.
The list of deaths are as follows: -
Scarlet fever
1
Diphtheria
1
.
Measles
3
Whooping cough
5
Encephalitis lethargica
3
Acute poliomyelitis
1
Acute encephalitis .
1
To me it seems that not enough attention is paid to whooping cough and measles by the majority of the people.
The death returns show that more children die as the result of these two diseases than of any others. A little more serious thought on the part of the parents regarding these two diseases will aid the Health De- partment a great deal toward keeping them in check and lowering the death rate.
The department cannot control these diseases without the earnest co- operation of the people.
The latter part of the year there was a little outbreak of diphtheria in one section of Ward 4. All persons exposed were cultured and several carriers found. They were isolated and quarantined and the situation cleared up in good season.
There were 8 cases of typhoid fever reported; 2 of these were children infected by milk from another city. Three cases were probably infected by clams dug at the mouth of Black's Creek. The 3 other cases could not be traced. No deaths followed.
There were 35 cases of diphtheria and 25 cases of scarlet fever cared for at the Homeopathic Hospital at Brighton.
Venereal cases reported by the state department were followed up and investigated.
Children were referred to the child welfare clinics.
Approximately 719 diphtheria cultures were taken, also Widals. Anti- toxin was given to 19 people.
Two thousand eight hundred and ninety-one home visits were made.
I wish to extend a word of appreciation to all the doctors, nurses, and the members of the Health Department for their kindly assistance and co-operation during the year.
Respectfully, RUTH W. BEAN, Contagion Nurse.
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