USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1906 > Part 5
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During the year there were 172 deaths, 85 males and 87 females, five less than the preceding year.
.
122
ANNUAL REPORT.
Glancing at the table of deaths and their causes we find that there were 54 deaths among children under 10 years of age, that is, more than one-third of the deaths were among little children ; 21 of these were due to intes- tinal diseases and malnutrition. Consumption or tuber- culosis claimed 14, pneumonia 15, cancer 12, nephritis II, heart disease 17. The intestinal diseases of children and tuberculosis are more or less preventable, being due to specific organisms which can be, with proper care, ex- cluded from the system. For instance, if the milk fed to the 54 children under 10 years of age had been perfectly pure it is no exaggeration to state that more than one- half of these might have been saved. We have an in- pector of meat, an inspector of cattle, but no inspector of milk, which is of greater importance than either of the others. Attleborough should have every hygienic aid that any city has, and its milk should be scientifically tested so that its purity may be assured.
The following remarks made by the Secretary of the State Board of Health before a class at Harvard College, a few days ago, are pertinent :
"In a cubic centimeter of milk as many as 2,500,000,000 bacteria have been found, or one hundred and some odd millions to the teaspoonful. The persons injured by this sort of milk are infants under one year of age. A large proportion of infants die before they attain the age of from three to six months. The deaths are distributed according to season, the highest infant mortality from diarrhoea occurring in July. Less than 10 per cent. of the infants who die from diarrhoea are naturally fed and more than 90 per cent. of them are fed from the bottle on "dirty cow's" milk. For cow's milk differs very much "dirty cow's" milk. For cow's milk differs very much from infants is so great in Summer for the reason that, favored by warmth, the bacteria then multiply with extraordinary rapidity. When you receive milk it is anywhere from 24 to 72 hours old. By that time the bacteria in it have
123
ANNUAL REPORT.
had a chance to multiuly and multiply and multiply. The milk should be cooled at once on being received at least to 45 degrees, and kept there. The whole trouble is dirti- ness, due to dirty methods of handling and storing ; due 'also to insufficient cooling of milk. Why is this? It is because the public does not care. If the public would insist on clean milk and would pay for clean milk 40 per cent. of our infant mortality would be avoided."
The mortality from consumption might have been less if proper care had been taken for the prevention of this disease, for at this date there is no doubt but that it can be prevented. Organized effort is being made in the various States to this end, and Massachusetts is in the van, and of the towns Attleborough should not be be- hind. The proper method to be employed is to bring the subject constantly before the public. This your Board is endeavoring to accomplish by distributing ap- propriate literature where it will, in their opinion, do the most good. Every case of tuberculosis reported to the Board receives a circular containing information as to how the disease should be cared for, and hereafter, where there is a disease from this disease, the premises will be fumigated. The State gratuitously examines the sputum of all suspected cases. But in order that the most good can be done it is necessary that the physicians should report each case. Inspection of the tables will show that this has not been done in the past year, there having been 14 deaths and only five cases reported.
The physicians of the Town and vicinity are in- structed that last year a law was passed by the General Court making it obligatory for them to report all cases of tuberculosis, measles, whooping cough, tonsilitis and all infectious diseases.
There were but four deaths from contagious diseases, two from whooping cough and two from typhoid fever. The number of typhoid cases varies from year to year, but for some reason it hangs about us. Efforts have
124
ANNUAL REPORT
been made to discover the cause, but without success. This disease is supposed to be due either to water or milk introduced into the system. Our water is exam- ined every month and is uncontaminated, and up to the present date no case has been traced to our milk supply. The necessity of a local chemical laboratory becomes more and more manifest. At the present time we have to wait from 48 to 56 hours before our diagnosis of diph- theria, tuberculosis and typhoid fever can be confirmed. Much time would be saved if the several tests could be made at home.
At the annual Town meeting the matter of the collec- tion of garbage was placed in the hands of the Board. Thirty licenses were granted to as many individuals, with the understanding that they were to keep their vehicles clean and have their number upon each wagon. Most of them have complied with the law and the garbage ques- tion is almost settled for the present, but not entirely so, as one or two of the collectors persistently violate the regulations even after being warned. In the future they will be made to abide by the law or will be deprived of their licenses. These licenses run only until the fisrt of May, and those individuals who have not lived up to their contract will be apt to have their application for a re- newal of the license refused.
At the same Town meeting a sum of money was placed in the hands of the Board for the purpose of rent- ing suitable localities for the deposition of sewage. It was not necessary to use this money, as private individ- uals were willing to have this material deposited upon their premises, all of which were located over a mile from the center of the Town. A long way to draw this material and an expensive .operation for the owners of property, but it was the best that could be done under the circumstances. To say the least, it is unsatisfactory.
Attleborough has grown so rapidly of late years that it is possible to dispose of the sewage in but one way,
125
ANNUAL REPORT.
and that is by an up-to-date sewage system. If the Town does not take hold of this problem soon the State Board of Health will oblige it to do so. It most certainly is the most important problem facing the Town to-day.
The idea that two firms can draw all the sewage of the Town a mile in one year is absurd, but that is what we are trying to do. It cannot be done except in one way, and tha tis to give a contract to some one to collect and dispose of this material, compelling him to be prop- erly equipped and see that he lives up to his contract. But this will have to be paid for, and it is a question whether it will not amount to more than the interest on a first-class sewage plant would.
On April 7 a petition was received from Corey & Carnes for license to slaughter cattle, etc. This petition was refused because the Board was not satisfied with the manner in which the establishment had been con- ducted in the past. Later a license was granted to Wil- liam Carnes, and at the same time Caleb E. Parmenter was appointed Inspector of Meat, by which he is re- quired to be present every time any animal is killed and to inspect the meat, which, if diseased, is condemned and destroyed. The Board is of the opinion that nc diseased meat is distributed from this quarter.
On July 9 a case of hydrophobia was reported to the Board, which died on the Ioth. The Board advised the Board of Selectmen to restrain the dogs of the Town for a period of 90 days. This advice was followed by the Selectmen and a period of quiet prevailed over the land. During the past few weeks several persons, especially children, have been bitten by strange dogs, and two chil- dren have been sent to the hospital for treatment at the expense of the Town. The Selectmen were again advised by the Board to restrain the dogs, but for some unknown reason they have refused to do so. The Board is of the opinion that an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure, and it cannot understand why it was
126
ANNUAL REPORT.
wise to restrain the dogs at one time and not now, when reports are coming from all over the State of the ravages done by these animals.
There was one case of suspected smallpox during the year. The Board was unable to determine whether it was a true case of the disease or not, so two experts of the State Board were called in consultation. As they were unable to decide the question all the inmates of the house were vaccinated and the family kept under close surveillance until all danger had passed.
The plumbing regulations have been working smooth- ly during the year, there having been but one violation.
The Board last year recommended that a sanitary be erected somewhere in the center of the Town. It is still of the opinion that this should be done, as it is a neces- sity.
The following table will show the details of the work- ings of the Board during the year :
127
Deaths by Months, Sex and Ages. (Still Births Excluded.)
Jan. | Feb.| Mar.| Apr.| May | June July | Aug.|Sept | Oct. | Nov.| Dec.| Totals.
M FM FM FM FM FM FM FM FM FM FM FM
M
F
Under one year ..
2 2233 12 11
3
11 43
3
11 12 13
1
26
16
From one to two years.
1
.
1
2
1
2
3
From two to three years.
1
.
.
·
..
.
.
. .
.
.. . .
.
.
.... .
.. .
.
From five to ten years.
1
1
1
1 1
4
1
From ten to fifteen years ..
1
0
From fifteen to twenty years.
1
·
.
·
.
.
1
2
1
1
. . .
1
2
1
1
1
2
6
8
From thirty to forty years.
1
1
1
1 1|
3
1
1
1
1
1 3
9
7
From forty to fifty years.
2
2 1
1
2
1 . .. .
...
.....
. ....
6
6
From fifty to sixty years.
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
111
1
1
13
7
From sixty to seventy years.
1
2.
1
3
1 1
1
1
2
1
1
2
5
13
From seventy to eighty years.
2 1
1 1
2
1
1
1
.....
1 ....
5
2
3
9
13
Eighty and over
1
.
1
1
.....
1
1.22
2
1 1
3
10
Totals
7 7 6 8 9 12 5 5 4 4 8 7 9 8 8 3 8 7 4 710 8
7 11
85
87
Totals
14
14
21
10
8
15
17
11
15
11
18
18
172
1905
19
17
18
12
12
15
15
14
15
15
11
14
177
.
.
. . . .
. .
1
1
·
1
0
From twenty to. thirty years.
1
1
1
4
1
...
.
.
.
. .
/
.
·
1
0
2
From three to four years.
. .
.
.
From four to five years.
ANNUAL REPORT.
1
. .
1
128
ANNUAL REPORT.
Causes of Death. (Still Births Excluded.)
Brain and Spine, Ch.
Male. Female.
Totals. 1905.
Apoplexy
8
6
14
12
Meningitis
0
2
2
12
Paresis
0
1
1
0
Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis
1
0
1
()
Melancholia
0
1
1
0
Haematoma or Duramala
1
0
1
0
Hydroeaphalous
1
0
1
0
Locomotor Ataxia
1
0
1
0
Throat, Lungs.
Pneumonia
9
6
15
14
Bronchitis
0
3
3
17
Oedema
1
0
1
2
Heart
9
8
17
20
Liver
0
2
2
9
Gall Stone
0
1
1
0
Stomach.
Gastritis
3
3
6
1
Ulcer
1
0
1
0
Intestine.
Obstruction
0
1
1
1
Dysentery
0
1
1
1
Entero Coltis
2
0
2
2
Cholera Infantum
5
2
7
2
Diarrhoea
0
1
1
1
Kidney
2
9
11
· 8
Constitutional.
Art. Selerosis
1
1
2
0
Diabetes
1
0
1
2
Lymphadenoma
2
0)
2
0
Malnutrition
6
6
12
11
Cancer
6
9
15
7
Phthisis
10
4
14
22
Septicaemia
0
2
2
1
Development.
Senile Decay
2
5
7
11
Premature Birth
4
0)
4
4
129
ANNUAL REPORT.
Causes of Death-Continued. (Still Births Excluded.)
Male. Female. Totals. 1905.
Contagious.
Whooping Cough
0
2
2
2
Typhoid Fever
1
1
2
1
Influenza
1
1
2
2
Measles
0
0
0
1
Scarlet Fever and Dyphtheria ... 0
0
0
3
Women's Diseases.
Child Birth
0
1
1
0
Miscarriage
0
1
1
0
Puerpral Exetmpsia
0
1
1
0
Hydrophia
1
0
1
0
Hemorrhage, Umbilical Cord
1
0
1
0
Cemilitis of Hand
1
0
1
0
Infantine Convulsions
0
1
1
1
Alcoholism
0
1
1
1
Anaemia
U
1
1
0
Violence.
Fractured Skull
3
0
3
4
Asphyxiation
0
1
1
0
Pistol Shot
0
1
1
0
Total
85
87
172
1905
95
82
177
-
-
130
ANNUAL REPORT.
Contagious Diseases, 1906.
Months.
Diphtheria.
Scarlet Fever.
Measles.
Tuberculosis.
Typhoid Fever.
Varacella.
Cerebro Spinal
Meningitis.
Totals.
1905.
January
25
25
1
February
1
7
1
9
8
March
3
36
1
1
41
15
April
2
14
1
17
10
May
1
1
1
1
4
0
July
2
2
2
6
0
August
1
2
1
3
0
October
1
2
5
8
3
November
4
1
1
1
1
1
9
8
December
1
1
15
Total
12
6
94
5
8
8
1
134
67
1905
9
14
31
8
3
....
2
67
.
. .
1
1
September
10
10
6
June
3
131
ANNUAL REPORT.
Plumbing Statistics for 1906.
Months.
Water Closets.
Sinks.
Wash Bowls.
Wash Trays.
Urinals.
Slop Hoppers.
Bath Sinks.
Bath Tubs.
Total.
January ·
24
19
17
5
1
11
77
February
10
7
4
3
4
28
March.
7
9
3
1
2
22
April
9
5
6
3
4
27
May
24
15
13
8
18
78
June
36
8
8
1
1
9
63
July
25
16
21
9
1
16
88
August .
17
16
17
3
14
67
September
15
10
9
3
9
48
October
23
22
21
5
22
93
November
40
24
7
2
.
7
80
December
10
4
5
3
4
26
Total
240
155
131
46
1
1
1
120
697
Number of permits
I38
Number of licenses :
Masters
12
Journeymen
IO
22
Respectfully submitted,
C. S. HOLDEN, W. O. HEWITT, G. K. ROBERTS,
Board of Health.
Report of the Trustees of the Public Library
The report of the Librarian submitted herewith shows in detail the work performed and the results accom- plished in the department under our supervision.
It is most gratifying to the Trustees, as it must be to the citizens, that the public appreciates and uses so freely the library as now conducted. The modern library, so changed from the old institution that simply contained "story books" circulated for the amusement and enter- tainment of its patrons, is now an extremely important educational department of the Town, and while much has been accomplished in the past, the opportunities for better service that will be afforded in the new building now approaching completion, fills us with great en- thusiasm.
Much of the thought and energy of the Trustees ,during the past year has been expended upon the construction of the new library building. As the work progressed, changes designed to beautify it and make it more ser- viceable were adopted. These changes, combined with the difficulty of getting structural parts from busy con- tractors, have caused delays which were unavoidable.
But results have been accomplished to an extent suffi- cient to demonstrate that when completed the building will be not only wonderfully adapted to secure comfort and convenience to the users of the Library, but because
LOUIS J. LAMB
133
ANNUAL REPORT.
of its beauty and artistic merits it will be a source of pride and joy to every inhabitant of the Town.
The Trustees feel that theirs has been indeed a high privilege to be so intimately connected with the con- struction of this noble building.
This report would be far from complete did the Trustees fail to record and testify their appreciation of the assistance furnished by the Ladies' Library Aid Association, which made possible the substitution of beautiful marble columns and walls for the simpler ma- terial in the original design.
In the midst of this high service, the hearts of all were saddened by the sudden death of Louis J. Lamb, a Trustee of the Library for many years.
Such high character, such noble, unselfish purposes as he possessed are seldom met with, and his associates on the Board were deeply grieved by their loss. The follow- ing testimonial as to his worth was placed upon the records of the transactions of the Trustees.
In the passing of their honored associate, Louis J. Lamb, the Trustees of the Attleborough Public Library feel that that institution has sustained a serious and irre- parable loss. Library work with its appeal to one's humanity, its leveling and broadening influences, was particularly adapted to one of Mr. Lamb's rare nature, in which high ideals, keen insight, wise judgment and kindly sympathy were conspicuous qualities. Opportu- nity for loving service such as this work offers, found him always ready, sparing neither head, heart nor hand.
While placing on record the sad fact of the loss to the Library of a devoted and zealous officer, the Board would also express its sense of personal bereavement. As individuals its members feel that a beloved comrade, friend and counsellor has been taken from them.
The inspiration and lesson of his life of unselfish, gen- erous devotion remains, however, a cherished memory, to which we can pay no higher tribute. than in pursuing
134
ANNUAL REPORT.
with cheerful vigor the work he deemed so worthy of his best efforts.
The financial report will be found appended to this, as well as a report of the amount paid to the Town Treasurer, and the expenditures of the Library Building Fund.
The Board asks for an appropriation of $5,000.00 for the support of the Library for the ensuing year.
Respectfully submitted,
E. S. HORTON, President ;
C. S. HOLDEN, Secretary ;
C. H. WHEELER,
M. E. ROWE,
J. L. SWEET,
ELEANOR S. CARPENTER,
ALICE M. WALES,
IRENE T. HILL,
Trustees of Public Library.
Financial Statement.
Annual appropriation
$3,500.00
By error of bill paid twice 1.50
Overdrawn 99.57
$3,601.07
Expenditures.
Salaries
$1,284.17
Books 1,118.35
Rent 336.00
Coal 174.56
Insurance 156.20
Magazines and newspapers 153.50
Binding books
147.07
Gas
92.24
135
ANNUAL REPORT.
Supplies
83.43
Incidentals
32.40
Printing
23.15
$3,601.07
Library Building Fund.
Dr.
Jan. I. Balance with Town Treas-
urer
$2,667.42
Dec. 31. Paid to Town Treasurer
during year
9,274.81
$11,942.23
Cr.
Paid Grant Bros., on contract. . . $6,245.00
Paid Grant Bros., extras. 621.63
Paid W. B. Ross, plaster work, on contract 2,980.00
Paid N. E. Marble and Mosaic Co.,
on contract 1,350.00
Paid Carpenter Coal and Lumber Co., coal 362.37
Paid E. O. Dexter, extras
184.00
Paid J. H. Tower, iron work and expert services 24.81
Paid Pope & Read, extras, steam piping 7.69
136
ANNUAL REPORT.
Paid P. J. McCarthy, extras, cut- ting date on corner stone . .. 3.00 Balance on hand, Town Treasurer. 163.73
$II,942.23
Examined January 24th, 1907, and found correct.
BENJAMIN F. LINDSEY, FREDERICK L. LeBARON, W. L. ELLIOT,
Auditors.
137
4
ANNUAL REPORT
To the President and Board of Trustees of the Attle- borough Free Public Library of Attleborough, Massachusetts :
I have the honor to present the annual report of the Attleborough Free Public Library for the year ending December 31st, 1906.
This is the season of the year when naturally one takes a look backward as well as forward, for the pur- pose, not of grieving over failures, but to gain courage and enthusiasm for the work of the present year.
Larger demands are made each year on the Library and its staff, and if the final summing up does not prove as satisfactory as could be wished, it does not cause dis- couragement, but rather creates an incentive for more thorough and conscientious work.
The circulation of books among the foreign population, French and Italian, has been a most interesting work. About forty books printed in the French language were purchased last May. Printed lists of these were dis- tributed among the French people and they became bor- rowers.
Some Italians, desirous of learning English, have asksd for books suitable for children in the first grade of school. Literature and history primers have been given them, and as they advanced books for older children have been offered.
The members of the various clubs in Town make greater use of the reference department than any other one class of readers. If members will notify us by messenger or written word what subjects they wish to cover, all available material will be collected and ar- ranged for their use when they wish to consult it. Teach- ers may reserve books for the use of their classes, and if notification is sent of any special subject of study, lists are prepared for the students.
The inter-library loan system has enabled our bor- rowers to secure books from the Boston and Providence
138
*
ANNUAL REPORT.
libraries, paying only express charges, while we in turn have loaned books to persons in neighboring towns. Teachers in the Town schools may borrow not more than fifteen books, to be placed in their schoolrooms to serve as supplementary reading and to induce the read- ing of better books.
A larger number of books have been withdrawn than usual. Worn and soiled books are a menace to the pub- lic health. Let me quote from the "Library Assistant" for June, 1906: "Old and useless books must be dis- carded to keep a library in an efficient state. Expense of shelving and keeping them in repair should be con- sidered and rigid rules cannot be laid down for the choice of books to be thrown out.
"It is a question whether it is not wiser to spend money for new books rather than to replace many of those dis- carded."
Complete sets of the following standard works have been purchased: Scott, Shakespeare, Cooper, Johnson, Motley, Irving, Prescott. Forty-three volumes of biog- raphy have been purchased, for with Carlyle we believe that "man's sociality of nature evinces itself, in spite of all that can be said, with abundant evidence by this one fact. were there no other : the unspeakable delight he takes in biography." It is the "human element," then, which constitutes the essential charm of biography.
Lists of new accessions are printed in the Attleborough Daily Sun and Pawtucket Times, through the kindness of the editors. These lists can be obtained at the charg- ing desk.
At the beginning of last year a "Teachers' Reference Collection" was prepared, including all books dealing with the subjects of pedagogy, natural science and litera- ture, and such text-books as the Library owns. This was arranged and printed in convenient form and given to the teachers.
139
ANNUAL REPORT
In closing, let me thank the members of the Board of Trustees and the assistants for their cheerful co-opera- tion and express the hope that we may see the comple- tion of our new building during this year.
Respectfully submitted,
MARTHA TYRIE,
Librarian.
LIST OF PERIODICALS OF THE ATTLE- BOROUGH PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Table I.
American Ornithology,
American Homes and Gardens,
Arena,
Atlantic Monthly,
Birds and Nature,
Book Review Digest,
Bookman, Century Magazine (2),
Cosmopolitan,
Country Life in America,
Craftsman, Delineator,
Electrical World,
Epworth Herald (g) Forum, Good Government (g),
Harper's Bazaar, Harper's Magazine, Harper's Weekly,
140
ANNUAL REPORT
Human Life (g),
International Studio, Ladies' Home Journal, Life, Literary Digest,
Little Folks,
McClure's Magazine,
Masters in Art,
Munsey,
New England Magazine,
North American Review,
Our Dumb Animals,
Outlook, Popular Science Monthly,
Public Libraries,
Putnam's Monthly,
Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature,
Review of Reviews,
St. Nicholas, Saturday Evening Post,
School Arts Book,
Scientific American, .
Scientific American, supplement,
Scribner's magazine,
Technical World,
Universalist Leader (g)
Wilson's Photographic Magazine, World's Work, Youth's Companion,
DAILY PAPERS.
Attleborough Sun, Boston Transcript, Boston Herald, Chicago Record-Herald, New York Tribune,
141
ANNUAL REPORT
New York Sun, Providence Bulletin, Washington Post.
TABLE NO. 2.
Sunday Opening.
The Library has been open 41 Sundays with an at- tendance of 2,479.
1905
1906
Sunday
Reader
Sunday
Reader
January
5
265
4
324
February
4
247
4
279
March
4
I90
4
338
April
5
II6
5
317
May
4
IO5
4
220
June
4
66
4
164
September
3
97
3
II7
October
5
239
4
198
November
4
209
4
221
December
5
309
5
30I
Total
43
1838
4I
2479
TABLE NO. 3.
Classified list of books circulated at the Library and schools :
Biography
715
General Works
1,2II
Philosophy
220
Religion
215
Sociology
383
Philology
8
142
ANNUAL REPORT.
Science
844
Useful Arts
301
Fine Arts
38I
Literature
1,369
History
1,037
Travel
1,235
Fiction
34,233
Total
42,152
TABLE NO. 5.
Tabulated Report.
Total circulation 42,152
Books circulated on school cards
12,515
Books circulated at rural schools
2,182
Days open for circulation
305
Daily average
I 38
Largest circulation (Feb. 10)
328
Smallest circulation (Aug. 2) .
55
Borrowers registered to January 1, 1907
7,279
New borrowers registered during 1906
53I
Sunday attendance
2,479
Number of notices sent for books overdue
403
Books purchased
512
Books given
23
Books worn out
II4
Books replaced
45
Books lost
9
Books rebound
264
Periodicals bound
47
TABLE NO. 4. Figures at right represent volumes. The line shows fluctuations of circulation month by month.
jan .
Fet.
mich.
apr.
way
C July
aug
Sept
hor.
Dec.
460
440
4207
4000
3600
3400
3200
مـه ـ
2500
2600
2400
Report of the Inspector of Wires
Honorable Board of Selectmen, Town of Attleborough :
Gentlemen :- I hereby submit the following report of this department for the past year. It would require much space to print a detailed report of the various in- spections made of both interior and exterior wiring, pcles and appliances, but suffice to say that the quality of the work done by the several contractors and wiremen as a whole is good, and I desire to thank them for their co-operation in weeding out old wiring and appliances which has become obsolete and in a measure dangerous. The worst evil which the inspector has to contend with, and by the way has been mentioned in all past reports, is the use of pieces of wire for pendant lamps in the fac- tories. I believe this is an opportune time to submit a few rules governing this and others of a like nature, and would suggest that they be printed in the Town report and on a separate page so that it may be cut out and nailed up in a conspicuous place in our factories for reference.
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