USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1897 > Part 4
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July 4. Alarm from box 36 at 11.45 p. m. called the de- partment to brush fire on Bank Street. No damage.
Oct. 9. Alarm from box 72 at 9 a. m. called the de- partment to the residence of C. A. Williams. Damage $10.00.
Oct. 26. No alarm. Fire in Watson's block, North Main Street. Damage $25.00.
Nov. 19. At 3 p. m. No alarm. Fire at Oscar Thayer's, caused by defective chimney. Fire put out by members of the family. Damage $420.07.
Nov. 23. Alarm from box 25 at 8.45 a. m. residence of Mrs. Dodge of Dodgeville. No damage.
Dec. 8. Still alarm at 10 a. m. in building owned by J. M. Bates on Bank St. No damage.
Dec. 7. Alarm from box 37 at 7.45 p. m. called the de- partment to the residence occupied by Mr. Fales on Benefit Street. Damage $259.40.
Dec. 29. Alarm from box 54 at II a. m. called the de- partment to fire in tenement house owned by C. L. Watson. Damage $200.00.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
We would respectfully submit the following recom- mendations :
ANNUAL REPORT.
We recommend that the town erect a suitable house for Hose Co. No. 2 and Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 011 the lot purchased of Mrs. Tinkham on Union Street and that they sell the present property on the corner of Dun- ham and Union streets.
We would recommend that the town purchase five hundred feet of hose and two nozzles.
We would recommend that the town rebate the Vol- unteer members of this department the amount paid by them for poll tax.
We would recommend that a Volunteer Hose Co. be established at Hebronville and that a suitable house be erected and equipped, for their accommodation.
In conclusion we extend our thanks to the officers and members for their prompt response to alarms and the in- terest shown in extinguishing fires.
Respectfully submitted,
H. R. PACKARD, Chief. BOARD
JAS. HOWARTH, Clerk, OF O. W. HAWKINS, ENGINEERS.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Overseers of the Poor
OF THE
Town of Attleborough,
MASSACHUSETTS.
REPORT OF THE OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
DR.
To amount of annual appropria- tions,
$5,000 00
To amount for medical attendance,
300 00
---
$5,300 00
Received from State for support of
paupers, $143 87
Received from North Attleboro, 308 53
Received from the town of Norton, 104 00
Received from the city of Taunton,
125 50
Received from the town of Freetown,
9 00
Received from John Eden, support of Ann Eden, 75 00
Received from G. A. Monroe, sup- port of Ruth C. Monroe, 150 76
Received from Mrs. Sylvester, sup- port of Charles E. Linkletter, 30 79
Received from G. A. Monroe & Co. discounts on pauper bills,
80 41
Overdrawn, 240 63
$1,268 49
$6,568 49
-
92
ANNUAL REPORT.
CR.
The Overseers have approved bills for the following amounts which have been paid by Town Treasurer :
GROCERIES.
Geo. A. Monroe & Co.,
$1,004 50
Dodgeville Store, 96 00
Geo. L. Stoddard & Co., 91 37
Gibbs & Eldredge,
74 97 .
Geo. T. Holmes,
69 00
John H. Nerney & Co.,
64 50
L. Z. Carpenter, 64 00
Wm. Francis, 62 00
S. J. Keniston Co.,
48 50
A. H. Angell,
36 50
Hebron Store,
29 00
John R. Shaw,
15 00
L. A. Niquett,
12 50
John Daley,
12 00
Burnham Store Co.,
9 00
C. R. Hopkins, 3 00
$1,691 84
P. W. Gaffaney,
$104 00
Seneca Cole,
2 50
C. S. Atwell, 3 50
$110 00
MEAT. --
93
ANNUAL REPORT.
MILK.
Frank E. Luther,
$37 80
C. E. Parmenter, 21 00
H. A. Smith, 2 88
$61 68
WOOD AND COAL.
Estate of C. H. Sturdy,
$107 50
Pierce & Carpenter, 34 50
Geo. L. Adams, 28 50
$170 50
BOOTS SHOES AND CLOTHING.
T. E. McCaffrey, $35 50
Enterprise Shoe Co.,
12 00
C. B. Jenks, 5 44
J. L. Wells,
4 00
A. M. Everett, 3 00
R. M. Derrick,
I OO
$60 94
RENTS.
John R. Bronson,
$90 00
Isaac Alger,
96 00
G. A. Dean Trustee,
24 00
S. D. Bushee,
19 50
G. N. Crandall,
5 00
$234 50
-
94
ANNUAL REPORT.
BOARD OUTSIDE OF ALMSHOUSE.
E. W. Curtis, $45 00
Sarah J. Feilding, 15 75
E. R. Read, Kirby child, 4 50
$65 25
BURIALS.
L. M. Stanley,
$72 00
D. H. Smith,
60 00
Edmond H. Duprez,
25 00
$157 00
LUNATIC HOSPITALS.
Taunton Lunatic Hospital, $745 40
Worcester Insane Asylum, 338 93
Medfield Insane Asylum, 275 20
Mass. School for the Feeble Minded,
169 43
Hospital Cottages for Children, 127 67
State of Massachusetts, 242 86
$1,899 49
CITIES AND TOWNS.
City of Boston,
$44 36
City of Fall River, 90 87
City of Cambridge, 3 65
City of New Bedford,
52 50
City of Worcester,
17 07
City of Taunton, 62 00
95
ANNUAL REPORT.
Town of North Attleboro,
$79 08
Town of Natick, 97 55
$457 08
SALARIES OF OVERSEERS.
E. R. Read. $ 75 00
Geo. B. Fittz,
200 00
Wm. H. Goff,
100 00
$375 00
SALARY OF SUPERINTENDENT ALMSHOUSE.
Frank E. Luther, $375 00
$375 00
OFFICE EXPENSES.
Parker & Tillson, $18 00
Attleboro Press, 4 00
E. R. Read, I 25
Geo. B. Fittz, 17 75
$41 00
PHYSICIANS.
J. W. Battershall,
$300 000
A. T. Robinsor, Mansfield, I 50
$301 50
TRANSPORTATION FURNISHED PAUPERS.
Pike & Shaw, $5 50
B. L. Shaw, Mansfield, 3 00
96
ANNUAL REPORT.
E. R. Read,
$28 53
George B. Fittz,
II 30
Wm. H. Goff,
I 40
$49 73
MISCELLANEOUS AID TO PAUPERS.
M. S. Mead,
$II 50
Wm. H. Goff,
I 50
L. M. Stanley, 4 50
J. W. Gifford Co., 2 45
E. R. Read,
26 40
George B. Fittz,
20 59
$66 85
GRAIN AND SUPPLIES ALMSHOUSE.
E. A. Briggs & Co.,
$85 77
Hebron Store, 55 36
Seneca Cole, 33 23
$174 36
STOCK ALMSHOUSE.
F. A. Cummings,
$100 00
George Brown,
50 00
$150 00
REPAIRS ALMSHOUSE.
George H. Snell, $62 10
M. F. Ashley,
30 42
-
$92 52
97
ANNUAL REPORT.
MISCELLANEOUS ALMSHOUSE.
E. C. Pike,
$25 00
G. A. Sweeney, 4 00
Newell Coal & Lumber Co., 5 25
$34 25
$6,568 49
ALMSHOUSE ACCOUNT. DR.
To hay, stock, farming tools, house-
hold furniture, etc., appraised
January 1, 1897,
$2,072 95
Cash paid by Town Treasurer, on vouchers,
$826 40
Cash paid by Superintendent,
905 26
$1,731 66
$3.804 61
CR.
By appraisal of personal property January 1, 1898, $2,218 90
Receipts by Superintendent, $1,256 81
Expense of supporting almshouse,
328 90
$1,585 71
Number of inmates at the almshouse Dec. 31, 1897, 8.
Average weekly cost per inmate, $1 14.
$3,804 61 Average weekly number, 5 9-17.
98
ANNUAL REPORT.
EXPENDITURES IN DETAIL OF MAINTAINING THE ALMSHOUSE.
Cash received for milk,
$706 17
Pork,
85 92
Eggs,
66 31
Potatoes,
42 05
Berries,
52 42
Wood,
29 25
Poultry,
45 06
Veal,
15 00
Vegetables,
109 76
Geese,
40 46
Cow,
28 00
Beef,
35 00
----- $1,255 40
Cash in hands of Superintendent
Jan. 1, 1897,
$ 1 41
Received from Town Treasurer,
826 13
$827 54
$2,082 94
Cash paid for grain,
$398 43
Provisions,
440 77
Seeds and plants,
34 82
Blacksmithing,
113 60
Labor on farm,
III 85
Labor in house,
10 00
Lumber and repairs,
30 42
99
1
ANNUAL REPORT.
Coal,
$ 30 25
Clothing, shoes, etc.,
26 61
Cows,
267 50
Milk,
50 14
Pigs,
15 00
Hens, chickens and eggs,
29 26
Harness,
25 00
Milk Cans, etc.,
26 17
Sundries,
57 00
Salary of Superintendent,
325 00
Cash in hands of Superintendent,
41 12
$2,082 94
Due from cities and towns,
$376 39
Due from individuals,
299 36
Due from State,
285 00
$960 75
Aid has been rendered the following parties the past year, who have a settlement in Attleboro and reside in town :
Mrs. Thomas Fitzpatrick,
$341 50
Mrs. Wm. Clegg,
144 00
Lydia Handy,
132 71
Joseph Barrett,
166 00
Mrs. Frank O' Brien,
96 75
Paul Gilman,
92 50
John Crehan,
72 93
Ann Eden,
69 75
Geo. H. Monroe,
69 00
100
ANNUAL REPORT.
Edward McDonald,
$66 00
Austin Collum, 59 37
Mrs. Issac Lord, 57 00
N. C. French, 51 50
Sophia Le Forest,
51 50
M. J. Foley,
37 25
John McCue,
36 00
John Hoddie,
36 00
Annie McGrath,
32 50
Mary O'Neil,
26 50
Joseph Martin,
25 50
Ann Murphy,
21 25
H. N. Blanding,
15 00
Henry Claflin,
15 00
Annie Gregory,
II OO
Mrs. M. Williams,
Michael Garvey,
9 00
Susan McNulty,
12 50
Lizzie O'Connor,
9 00
Schofield Duckworth,
9 00
Lizzie Green,
6 00
Annie Steptoe,
6 50
Mrs. McCann,
5 00
Mrs. Pallas,
6 00
Mrs. Conley,
5 00
Silvia Bjoines,
5 41
Joseph Rafanee,
3 50
John James, 4 00
IOI
ANNUAL REPORT.
Charles Jaques,
$3 00
J. Cady,
3 00
Lloyd Mitchell,
3 65
Duffee Adams,
4 00
Mrs. Peter Turner,
3 50
Mary Healy,
2 00
C. M. Rhodes,
2 OC
Mrs. Wm. Paddington,
2 00
Annie Jones,
2 00
Mrs. A. Minner,
I 50
Lydia Lubey,
I 50
Aid has been rendered the following parties who have a settlement in Attleboro but reside in other places.
Emma Bowers,
$62 00
Bridget O'Neil, 34 68
Mrs. Thos. Curran,
51 70
James H. Handy,
97 55
Theophill Lemair,
52 50
James McNulty,
27 38
Nellie Coughlin,
22 00
Thos. Quinn,
13 71
Lydia Luby,
17 07
Catherine Mallory,
32 36
Mrs. E. E. Miller,
74 97
Aid has been rendered the following parties, one half of which is repaid by North Attleboro.
102
ANNUAL REPORT.
Jane Short, $146 00
S. A. Hatten, 60 95
W. A. Hatten, 49 00
Charles Burnes, 24 50
Aid rendered, but which is returned by towns.
Henry Kirby,
$176 69
John Cornell, 106 00
Nancy Thayer,
60 00
C. W. Fields,
5 50
Jane Dalton,
38 00
John E. Horr, 14 00
Wm. Giblin, 43 00
Inmates of State Institutions :
Margaret J. Freeman,
$169 43
Wm. W. Vautus,
127 67
Rachel Birch,
169 48
Theodore F. Martin,
169 45
J. Briggs, 146 00
Ruth C. Monroe,
150 76
Charles E. Bailey,
169 46
Wm. A. Spier,
169 46
Sarah J. Lawton,
169 46
Charles Cheever,
104 17
Charles E. Linkletter,
IIO 50
J. B. Tenent, 19 10
H. A. Williams,
12 So
103
ANNUAL REPORT.
E. N. Downs, $ 29 43
Christopher Leefict, 28 32
James F. Jennings, 8 00
Jane Short, 146 00
E. R. READ,
OVERSEERS
GEORGE B. FITTZ, OF THE
WM. H. GOFF, POOR.
Examined January II, 1898, and found same correct.
BENJ. F. LINDSEY,
CHAS. H. WHEELER,
AUDITORS.
ORVILLE P. RICHARDSON,
-
1
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
ASSESSORS
OF THE
Town of Attleborough,
FOR THE YEAR 1897.
ASSESSORS' REPORT, 1897.
RECAPITULATION.
Individuals,
1,158
All others,
104
1,262
Non-residents, 368
All others,
19
387
NUMBER OF PERSONS ASSESSED.
On property, 1,649
Poll Tax only, 1,639
3,288
Number of male polls assessed, 2,52I
VALUE OF ASSESSED PERSONAL ESTATE.
Excluding resident bank stock, $1,002,390
Resident bank stock,
88,550
$1,091,140
VALUE OF ASSESSED REAL ESTATE.
Buildings excluding land,
$2,925,290
Land excluding buildings. 1,648,470
$4,573,760
Total Valuation of assessed estate
May 1, 1897, $5,664,900
108
ANNUAL REPORT.
TAX FOR STATE, COUNTY AND TOWN PUR- POSES.
(INCLUDING OVERLAYINGS. )
·On personal estate,
$20,186 09
On real estate,
84,614 59
On polls,
5,042 00
Total Tax,
$109,842 65
Rate, $18 50 per thousand.
Number of horses assessed,
816
Number of cows assessed, 652
Number of neat cattle assessed, I24
Number of swine assessed, 197
Number of dwellings assessed, 1,619
Number of acres of land assessed, 1 5,000
Number of fowls assessed,
5,250
APPROPRIATIONS.
FOR 1897.
Pauper department,
$5,000 00
Medical Attendance Paupers,
300 00
Soldiers' Relief,
3,000 00
Military Aid,
300 00
Sidewalks,
2,000 00
Highways and Bridges,
10,000 00
Superintendent of Schools,
1,200 00
Educational Department, 24,500 00
Educational Incidentals and repairs, 3,000 00
Text-Books and Supplies, 2,500 00
-
109
ANNUAL REPORT.
Conveyance of Pupils,
$ 880 00
Current and Incidental,
10,000 00
Public Library,
1,800 00
Decorating Graves of Soldiers,
200 00
Street Lighting,
5,075 00
Thacher Brook Drain,
1,000 00
Fire Dept., Current and Incidental,
4,000 00
Street Watering,
1,000 00
Water Dept., Main and Sinking Fund,
7,100 00
Special Liquor Law,
500 00
Pine Street Sewer,
600 00
.
Drain, Turner and Washington Streets, 300 00
South Main Street Sewer,
2,000 00
Ten Mile River,
100 00
Bank Street Fire Alarm,
100 00
Holman Street Fire Alarm,
75 00
Tinkham Lot, 2,000 00
South Main Street Fire Alarm,
75 00
Drain Carpenter Street,
1,000 00
Prospect Street School House, 3,000 00
Town Sinking Fund,
4,000 00
Interest on Bonds,
2,700 00
Interest on Notes,
1,000 00
State Tax,
3,220 00
County Tax,
5,625 19
Grade Crossing Tax,
1,430 05
Total Amount of Appropriations,
-$110,580 24
IJO
ANNUAL REPORT.
ESTIMATED RECEIPTS.
Corporation Tax, $1,500 00
South Main Street Sewer not as- sessed, 2,000 00
Pine Street Sewer not assessed, 600 00
$4,100 00
$106,480 24
Overlayings,
3,362 41
$109,842 65
WM. H. GOFF, A. N. BROWNELL, J. O. MOWRY,
ASSESSORS OF
ATTLEBOROUGH.
REPORT
OF THE
TAX COLLECTOR
OF THE
Town of Attleborough,
MASSACHUSETTS.
TAX COLLECTOR'S REPORT.
1895.
DR.
Uncollected Jan. 1, 1897,
$5,534 37
Interest received,
273 II
$5,807 48
CR.
Paid Treasurer 1897,
$3,209 89
Taxes abated
369 20
Uncollected
2,228 39
$5,807 48
1896.
DR.
Cash on hand,
$ 1,050 36
Uncollected Taxes,
25,640 16
Interest received,
395 55
$27,086 07
CR.
Paid Treasurer 1897,
$17.227 86
Taxes abated
3II 21
Uncollected
9,547 00
$27,086 07 .-
1897. DR.
Assessors warrant,
$110,513 28
Added taxes,
531 68
Interest received,
41 13
--- $111,086 09
111
ANNUAL REPORT.
CR.
Paid Treasurer,
Cash on hand,
$78,669 69 35 57
Abated,
756 61
Uncollected,
31,624 22
- $111, 086 09
J. O. MOWRY, Collector.
Examined Jan. 12, 1898, and found same correct.
BENJAMIN F. LINDSEY, - ORVILLE P. RICHARDSON, AUDITORS.
CHAS. H. WHEELER,
BETTERMENT TAXES.
For 1895-96,
$358 10
" 1896, 516 66
" 1897, 539 75
Paid Town Treasurer,
$892 56
Uncollected taxes,
521 95
$1,414 51
Jan. 12, 1898.
J. O MOWRY, Collector.
ATTLEBORO MASS., Jan. 1, 1898.
TO THE. HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :
GENTLEMEN :- I herewith submit my annual report as Collector of Taxes for the year 1892, '93 and '94.
115
ANNUAL REPORT.
DR.
Cash on hand from last year, $ 31 54
Uncollected Jan. 1, 1897, 1,127 53
Interest,
78 50
$1,237 57
CR.
Cash paid J. T. Bates, Town Treas., $ 31 54
921 13
Abated,
263 03
Attorney's fees,
21 87
$1,237 57
Paid Treasurer before Jan. 1, 1898, $908 50
since
44 17
$952 67
Respectfully submitted, S. M. HOLMAN, Collector of Taxes.
Examined Jan. 26, 1898, and found correct.
BENJAMIN F. LINDSEY, CHAS. H. WHEELER, AUDITORS. ORVILLE P. RICHARDSON,
.
REPORT
OF THE
Trustees and Librarian
OF THE
PUBLIC LIBRARY,
For the Year 1897.
REPORT OF PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The admirable report of the Librarian, submitted with this, renders a report in detail as to the workings of the Library by the trustees, superfluous.
The gradual development of our trust from a small circulating library, into a department of positive force for good and enlightenment in the community, has been watched by us with feelings of pride and pleasure, which must be shared by every thinking person.
The scientific and sympathetic methods of the Li- brarian, the earnest manner of the older patrons, and the eager interest of the young, all give a tone to the Library room that is alike interesting and gratifying. In fact we feel sure that the town receives more in return for the amount appropriated for the support of the Public Library, than it derives from an equal sum spent in any other way.
The improved methods, and the great increase in the use of the Library, call for a larger appropriation for its support. More patronage, and a larger circulation of books, necessarily mean increased service on the part of the Librarian, and her assistants. Also the single item of re-binding the books has more than doubled within a year, and all the ordinary running expenses of the Library are larger, and so the Trustees in submitting a statement as to the manner of the expenditure of last year's appropriation,
I20
ANNUAL REPORT.
respectfully ask that the town at its annual meeting ap- propriate the sum of $2,000 for the support of the Library for the year 1898.
E. S. HORTON,
M. E. ROWE,
L. J. LAMB, ELIZABETH J. WILMARTH,
ALICE M. WALES, HELEN W. METCALF,
TRUSTEES.
A. F. WALCH,
C. H. WHEELER, C. S. HOLDEN,
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE ATTLE- BORO FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY :
The close of the year 1897 finds the library systema- tized, and in good running order. The work of classifi- cation as begun last year, was continued and practically . finished in the spring. By the new arrangement, all books bearing upon the same topic, are as far as possible, brought together ; the shelves are plainly marked so that even a stranger will have comparatively little difficulty in finding the subject desired. Since we have thrown open our shelves there has been a marked change in the char- acter of the reading ; books of history, travel and science that would never have been chosen from their title in the catalogue, when taken from the shelves and examined. prove interesting enough to be taken home.
121
ANNUAL REPORT.
We have made a radical change in our method of charging. In May we adopted what is known as the " Newark system " : (each book is furnished with a pocket containing a slip upon which is the call number of the book. When in the library this slip remains in the book ; when the book is charged the slip is taken out, the per- son's card number written upon it, and it is then retained at the desk until the book is returned). This is much more accurate than the old system, and the work is more easily and quickly performed, thus saving time, not only for the librarians but for our patrons as well. The new slip tray purchased at this time, is much more con- venient and gives a better appearance to the charging desk.
In our last report we expressed the hope that by the close of another year, we might have at least the begin- ning of a card catalogue. Our hopes have been realized, and a catalogue is well under way. Early in the summer three small cases and a sufficient number of cards were purchased, and the cataloguing began in earnest. Already several classes have been completed, but so much of the Librarian's time is demanded by more imperative duties that the progress of the catalogue must necessarily be slow. It has however, already proved of great value as an index to the library.
In the purchase of new books we have had in mind the needs of the pupils of the public schools, and the var- ious literary clubs, as well as those of the general public.
1 22
ANNUAL REPORT.
Now that the children and older people as well, are learn- ing to observe all the beautiful things in nature, such books as Mrs. Dana's " How to know the Wild Flowers, " and "Eye Spy " and "Sharp Eyes " by W. H .. Gibson, are eagerly sought for ; we camiot have too many such books to help and encourage our young people in their science work.
Our reference department, though small, is being used to a considerable extent. A number of books kindly loaned us for use in this department, have done much to make this part of the work successful. A fine edition of Rand & McNally's atlas has been placed in the room and supplies a long felt want.
The reading room is well patronized ; the daily papers and current magazines all receive a fairshare of attention. The children's table is always popular and sometimes will scarcely accommodate its small patrons ; it is no uncom- mon thing to see two or three small boys occupying the same chair and poring over the same book. Some vol- umnes of Harper's Weekly and a pictorial history of the Civil War, are never failing sources of enjoyment.
The patronage of the library is increasing. Six hun- dred and eighty new cards have been issued ; the circula- tion compares favorably with that of other libraries : our records show a gain of five thousand one hundred and thirty over the preceding year.
We hope in the coming year to make our work still more useful. We are making every effort to establish a
123
ANNUAL REPORT.
closer relationship between the schools and the library. The Librarian is always ready to assist the pupils in their researches, and will be glad to furnish lists of books, on subjects connected with their work. We feel sure that the library might be used more, and with better results, if both teachers and pupils could be induced to visit it more frequently, and learn the great amount of aids which are awaiting them.
We are indebted for donations of books and pam- phlets, to the State Commissioner of Education, Secretary of the Commonwealth, Interstate Commerce Commission- er, McCormick Harvesting Machine Co., C. Francis Jen- kins, Wm. A. Streeter Woman's Relief Corps, Major Horton, L. Z. Carpenter and Mrs. Fern.
The number of books circulated in each class is as follows : Periodicals 115, Philosophy 55, Religion 142, So- ciology 95, Language 8, Science 368, Useful Arts 124, Fine Arts 125, Literature 673, History 547, Travels 704, Biography 610, Fiction 26,361. Total 30,031.
Number of books circulated on school cards, 7,906.
New books purchased,
165
New books donated,
80
Bound Magazines, Total,
25
- -27C
Books rebound,
555
Books unfit for further use,
14
Postals sent for books overdue,
I30
New cards issued,
680
Respectfully submitted,
LETITIA S. ALLEN, LIBRARIAN.
I2.1
ANNUAL REPORT.
.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
Annual appropriation,
$1,800 00
EXPENDITURES.
Librarian's Salary and Assistance,
$781 95
Rent,
336 00
Binding Books,
229 82
Gas,
127 06
Cases and Cards for Catalogue,
73 25
Books,
66 06
Magazine Subscriptions,
52 15
Newspaper,
32 75
Supplies,
53 25
Insurance,
25 00
Printing,
19 75
Unexpended balance,
2 96
$1,800 00
SPRINKLING CART FUND.
Received from Geo. A. Monroe,
Treasurer, $75 47
Paid for New Books,
$71 57
Paid for Supplies,
3 90
$75 47
Examined Jan. 13, 1898, and found correct.
BENJAMIN F. LINDSEY,
CHAS. H. WHEELER,
AUDITORS.
ORVILLE P. RICHARDSON,
REPORT
OF THE
BOARD OF HEALTH
OF THE
Town of Attleborough,
MASSACHUSETTS.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH.
In a community like ours the principal duties of the Board of Health consist in taking proper measures to pre- vent the spread of contagious diseases, and to investigate and condemn such public nuisances as are brought to our attention.
In dealing with contagious diseases, a state law re- quires that the Board should, by flag or card affixed to a house, give public notice that there is within such house a case of contagious disease, and also requires us to notify the school committee of the fact. Other precautions to be taken are such as seem to be necessary by the local Board.
It has been our custom not to require the head of the family or other members working in shops, to remain at home or absent themselves from their various avocations, provided the sick person is kept in an apartment away from the living rooms, and that they have nothing to do with the care of the patient. This rule has worked well and will be followed by us, unless, as a result of careless- ness or otherwise, the health of the community seems to be imperilled. The number of contagious diseases reported this year is large, but fortunately the type of the disease has been mild, so, few deaths have resulted. The number is as follows : Scarlet fever, 34; Diphtheria, 32; Measles, 9; Typhoid fever, 7; and the deaths have been four from
128
ANNUAL REPORT.
diphtheria. The almost universal use by physicians of the anti-toxine serum in the treatment of diphtheria, has robbed that disease largely of its terrors. In the four fatal cases, we believe thatthe anti-toxine was not used. Early in the year the local board availed itself of the offer of the state board to furnish free to towns this serum and we have had kept in one of the drug stores in town, a supply sufficient to furnish for immediate use by physicians, this wonderful agent. Forty-five bottles were used during the year. This action of the state board seems to us to be of the greatest benefit to the community, and we trust that they will continue to furnish this valuable remedy, which otherwise, from its great cost, would be almost denied many people.
In the table of deaths, we have classed phthisis or consumption, as among the contagious diseases, where it certainly belongs, although, as yet, the law does not re- quire physicians to notify the board of cases existing in their practice. If this was done and every one understood the contagious character of the disease, how it spreads largely by careless or ignorant care of the patient's spu- tum, fewer cases and consequently fewer deaths would follow.
PLUMBING.
As our town increases in size, nearly every house that is built contains so-called " modern conveniences " or stated in another way, a greater amount of plumbing. The by- laws of the town contain wise provision as to the nature of
129
ANNUAL REPORT.
the material to be used in this work and gives directions as to the manner in which it shall be done. So far we are om a safe footing, but after that there is nothing. Competi- tion in business requires that plumbers should make the. lowest possible estimates in order to secure work, and then. follows the temptation, which unfortunately for the health of the dwellers in such houses, is yielded to, to slight the work by using poor or improper materials, and to omit many or all of the sanitary safeguards. Our attention has been called to several such flagrant violations of the law, where the system of plumbing adopted seemed designed to invite disease to enter the household, and which we were powerless to prevent as neither member of the Board of Health is a practical plumber, and which never will be prevented until we have a competent inspector of plumb- ing in town. Two years ago we asked the selectmen to join with us in employing such an officer, but we were re- fused ; a year or more ago we made the same request of the town, but the application was denied. We now again bring this matter to the attention of the town, and earnestly urge that we be authorized to employ a suitable man for inspector of plumbing, and that an amount not to exceed $350 be appropriated as compensation for his services.
13O
ANNUAL REPORT.
The usual table of statistics, modified somewhat, are appended to this report.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE K. ROBERTS, Chairman. CHARLES E. BLISS. CHARLES S. HOLDEN, Secretary.
·
RETURN OF BIRTHS FOR 1897 .- DATE AND SEX.
SEX.
NATIONALITY OF PARENTS.
DATE.
Male.
Female.
Both Amer.
Both For'gn Father Amer. Mother Amer.
Totals.
January, . .
6
12
8
6
2
2
18
February,
7
6
3
7
I
2
13
March, .
8
19
7
IO
4
6
27
April,
6
12
7
9
I
I
18
May, ..
IO
3
4
6
2
I
13
June, . .
15
13
10
IO
14
13
28
July, .
II
15
:6
7
I7
17
26
August,
14
8
8
7
II
12
22
September, .
II
16
II
9
12
1 3
27
October, ..
7
IO
IO
2
I2
13
I7
November,
5
9
7
5
7
9
14
December,
9
7
3
5
6
7
Totals,
109
I30
94
83
89
96
239
16
I32
ANNUAL REPORT.
DEATHS.
Total number of deaths exclusive of still
birth, .136
Number of still births,
7
DEATHS BY SEXES. ( Still birth excluded).
Males,
62
Females,
74
. DEATHS BY AGES. (Still births excluded).
TOTAL MALE FEMALE
Deaths of persons under one year
24
9
15
from one to two years,
2
2
from two to three years,
3
3
from three to four years,
I
I
from four to five years,
I
I
from five to ten years,
3
I 2
from ten to fifteen years,
4
3
I
from fifteen to twenty yrs ..
3
2
I
from twenty to thirty yrs.,
I 2
7
5
from thirty to forty years,
Ţ I
2
9
from forty to fifty years,
IO
4
6
from fifty to sixty years,
13
7
6
from sixty to seventy years, 19
10
9
from seventy to eighty yrs., 18
IO
8
over eighty years,
II
2
9
ages unknown,
I
I
136
62
74
.
I33
ANNUAL REPORT.
Oldest : male, 89 years ; female, 94 years.
DEATHS BY MONTHS. (Still births excluded ).
Deaths in January, I2
July, 19
February,
18
August, 6
March,
9
September, J 2
April,
IO
October, I4
May,
II
November, 10
June,
8
December, 7
DEATH CAUSES.
NERVOUS SYSTEM.
Mania,
I
Meningitis,
3
Apoplexy,
I 5
Epilepsy,
I
Chorea,
I
Myelitis,
I
Convulsions,
4
CARDIAC AND RESPIRATORY.
Pneumonia,
I5
Laryngitis,
I
Heart diseases,
8
DIGESTIVE.
Gastro-enteritis,
3
Marasmus,
7
Peritonitis,
2
Bilious fever,
1 I
Bright's disease,
5
-
134
ANNUAL REPORT.
CONTAGIOUS.
Phthisis or consumption,
14
Diphtheria,
4
ACCIDENTAL.
Accidental poisoning,
I
Burns,
I
Drowning,
2
R. R. Injuries,
6
Compound fracture of leg,
I
MISCELLANEOUS.
Cancer,
6
Rheumatic fever,
I
Diabetes,
2
Tetanus,
I
Old age,
1I
Due to premature birth,
3
Other causes,
TO
136
Still born,
7
Total, 143
MARRIAGES.
There were 175 marriages in town, the nativity of the contracting parties being as follows :
Both American,
IO5
Both Foreign,
26
One American,
44
Total,
- 175
REPORT
OF THE
Cattle and Milk Inspector
OF THE
Town of Attleborough,
MASSACHUSETTS.
REPORT OF CATTLE AND MILK IN- SPECTOR.
When I was appointed Cattle and Milk Inspector for the town of Attleboro, the office was in a rather demoralized condition, as the former inspector had been peremptorily removed by the State Commissioner, and the state officials were investigating his official acts.
After a searching investigation nothing of a criminal character could be discovered, but in some instances a neglect of the instructions of the State Cattle Commission were found.
All animals killed by order of the Cattle Commission- ers should have been destroyed by the inspector, or at least he should see them destroyed and properly disposed of, which was not done in every instance.
Since I accepted the position every condemned animal I have killed by shooting in the most humane manner pos- sible, or followed the instructions of the Board by gatlier- ing them together, and shipping to Brighton to be there destroyed by the agents of the State Cattle Commission.
During the early part of the year the duties imposed upon me were very numerous and many unnecessary calls were made upon animals that were not diseased, but out of condition, and the owners appeared willing to have the State destroy and reimburse them therefor.
:38
ANNUAL REPORT.
During the latter part of the year the calls became less frequent, as it became generally known to the farming community that the State appropriation had become exhausted.
No animals have entered the town from without the State that have not been tested with tuberculin test, by an approved veterinarian of the Board, and in every instance they have been identified and released by the inspector.
Mr. F. A. Cummings has been the largest shipper, as he has brought three (3) car loads of tested cattle from New Hampshire, and they had to be identified before they could be released from quarantine or removed from the cars.
The annual inspection of all neat cattle with their sur- roundings and water supply, with their general hygienic condition, is ordered to commence Feb. 1, 1898, when many diseased animals may be found or at least some with symptoms of tuberculosis sufficient to warrant the quarantining of them until they can be tested.
During the fall and winter most of the calls have been made upon farmers and others who were slaughtering hogs and other animals, as the carcasses of such must be in- spected at the time of slaughter, to determine if the animal was in a healthy condition, and proper to use as food.
We can see a great benefit that has resulted to the community by the thorough and frequent inspections of the past, and the destructions of diseased animals through- out the town, although many of the animals slaughtered
139
ANNUAL REPORT.
were apparently in good health, and would have been kept and continued to disseminate disease throughout large herds if the delicate test of modern science had not dis- covered their diseased condition.
Others that were destroyed did not require any special test to decide that they were sources of infection to all that came within their surroundings, but the owners would probably have kept them, not knowing the danger they were to the community or to the neighboring cattle.
I have issued licenses to twenty (20) individuals permitting them to sell milk within the limits of Attleboro.
Respectfully,
GEORGE MACKIE, M. D.
INSPECTOR.
REPORT
OF THE
Inspector of Oils and Sealer of Weights and Measures
OF THE
TOWN OF ATTLEBOROUGH,
MASSACHUSETTS.
REPORT INSPECTOR OF OILS AND SEAL- ER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
The Standard Oil Company furnishes all the Kerosene Oil sold in town, and true to its name it has maintained the standard of its Oil, with very slight variations, during the year past.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
There has been the usual number of complaints of short weight and measure the past year. One of those. by request of the sufferers, I have investigated, and find it well grounded, and that is the practice of the retail dealers in potatoes to measure them in a wooden measure. in- stead of weighing them as contemplated by law. The remedy for that is in the hands of the consumer, if they will refuse to purchase potatoes by measure, and require the dealer to weigh them, will abolish that evil.
There is another scale which needs adjustment, which does not come in the province of the sealer to adjust, and that is the compensation you pay him, the duties of the office has increased very largely in the last decade, with- out any increase in salary. He has visited in the past year sixty-four different places where scales are used in all parts of the town, all once, others twice or more, as
ANNUAL REPORT.
the case requires, and these do not include the Jewelry shops, which he visits on request of the proprietors, nor peddlers and milkmen, who bring their measures to his office to be sealed.
L. M. STANLEY, INSPECTOR OF OILS, SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
AUDITORS' REPORT.
The undersigned Auditors elected at the annual meet- ing in March, 1897, respectfully report that they have ex- amined the books and papers of the various departments, namely, Water Commissioners and Sinking Fund, Regis- trar, Overseers of the Poor, Tax Collectors, School Com- mittee and Public Library, and find that their books and reports agree with the Treasurer. The Treasurer's report agrees with the Selectmen's orders, and also to amount re- ceived from Collector of Taxes.
ORVILLE P. RICHARDSON, - AUDITORS.
CHAS. H. WHEELER,
BENJAMIN F. LINDSEY,
1
-
INDEX.
Page.
Armory Expense, 39, 47, 57
Appropriations, 1897, 39-46
Annual Report of Selectmen, 9-50
Appropriations recommended, 49
Court Fees, 46
Carpenter Street Drain, 27
Current and Incidental Statement,
39-50
Enforcement of the Liquor Law, 46
Fire Department, 41
Gas Expense,
47
Guide Boards, 25, 26
Highways and Bridges,
10-12
Introductory,
9, 10
Jury List,
34-37
Lockup Expenses,
46
List of Town Officers,
3-7
Military Aid,
43
Night Patrol,
45
Report of Superintendent of Streets, 12-24
Engineers of Fire Department, 81-88
Board of Health,
125 -- 135
Police,
76, 77
Collector of Taxes, 113-116
Report of Overseers of the Poor, . 91-103
Trustees of Public Library, 117-125
Assessors, 107-III
Inspector of Cattle and Milk, 135-139
Inspector of Oil, 143, 144
Sealer of Weights and Measures, 143, 144 .
. . Sinking Fund Commissioners, . 71-73
66 Auditors, 142
Town Treasurer, 52 -- 67
Town Bonds and Notes,
Entrance to Sewers,
54, 58, 59-65 58
Interest, 59, 60
Licenses, 53
Miscellaneous, 55, 58, 61, 62-64
Receipts, 53-58
Expenditures, 58 -- 64
Tabulated Statement, 66, 67
Water Department,
62, 63-65
Recapitulation, 65 .
Thatcher Brook Drain, 26, 27, 42
Street Lighting,
41
.
South Main and Pine Street Sewers,
27 --- 29
St. Jean Baptiste Plat,
24, 25
52 1550
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