USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1918 > Part 16
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207
ANNUAL REPORT
Much thought has been given toward the end of the war to Peace Adjustments. This has included co-operation with the local Red Cross, the Government Employment Bureau and other bodies.
During the war period the Y. M. C. A. has been the headquarters for the American Red Cross, the Home Service Bureau and the Home Nursing Classes.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Attleboro, Mass., December 9, 1918.
Hon. H. E. Sweet, Mayor, Attleboro, Mass.
Dear Sir:
In answer to your request of Nov. 27th asking for a brief synop- sis of the activities of St. John's Council, Knights of Columbus during the period of the war, I would state that in common with all the members of the organization throughout the country, our council was assessed two dollars per capita, which sum of three hundred dollars was collected and paid into the War Camp Fund in a few months.
This was followed by a drive of this council for the same purpose in December, 1917. The contributions were solicited from the whole community, and the sum of nearly three thousand dollars was realized.
The Stabat Mater was rendered under the auspices of a joint committee of this council and the Y. M. C. A. at which the sum of two hundred dollars was realized for the Attleboro War Chest Fund.
In May, 1918, the council voted to pay from the treasury the sum of one hundred dollars as their contribution to the Attleboro War Chest Fund.
Thirty per cent of our membership of one hundred and seventy are now in the service of the U. S. Army and Navy.
Trusting this will meet with your requirements, I remain,
Very truly yours, J. A. SMITH, Grand Knight, 317 So. Main St., Attleboro, Mass.
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ANNUAL REPORT
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Attleboro, Mass., December 20, 1918.
To the Honorable Harold E. Sweet, Mayor of the City of Attleboro, Attleboro, Mass.
Dear Sir:
In compliance with your request the Attleboro Chamber of Com- merce takes pleasure in submitting to you herewith a brief report of its war activities conducted during the past eighteen months.
First Red Cross War Fund
Immediately following the declaration of war the first test of the reorganized Chamber was the request to conduct a campaign to raise $26,000 for the First Red Cross War Fund. The challenge was accepted, Mr. E. F. Leach was appointed chairman of the Campaign Committee, and as the result of splendid effort by the campaigners and of the fine response by the citizens Attleboro's quota was over- subscribed.
Public Safety Committee Fund
Before the City Council had appropriated a fund to carry on the work of the Public Safety Committee, the Chamber was requested to secure a fund of $500 for this purpose. This appeal was directed to the membership alone, $414 had been turned over to the Public Safety Committee for its work when the City Council voted to further finance this worthy cause.
War Camp Community Recreation Fund
In the midst of several other campaigns the Chamber of Commerce was requested to shoulder direct responsibility to raise Attleboro's quota of $1400 for the War Camp Community Recreation Million Dollar Fund. After carefully considering the importance of this fund, it was voted in a membership meeting to assume the responsibility and Mr. D. E. Makepeace was appointed chairman. In a carefully planned campaign to secure a large number of small contributions, and through the willing response by both employers and employees, $1921 was subscribed and collected for this fund.
Attleboro War Chest
The Attleboro Chamber of Commerce was sponsor for the War Chest campaign in Attleboro, the initial plans having been made by the Board of Directors and officers with the especial help of your Honor, Mr. E. L. Ford and Mr. Thomas Carpenter, and the first meet- ings having been conducted by the Chamber. As it was promptly realized, however, that the fullest success of the campaign demanded that all organizations in the community work equally hard and be equally responsible in the filling of the War Chest, the Chamber rec- ommended that the campaign should be conducted not by any one organization, but by all organizations combined, and this plan was carried out. As a result pledges amounting to $143,000 annually were secured, and from this fund all Government-approved war charities are receiving their appropriations, so that war charity campaigns were eliminated in this city during the present year.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Chamber of Commerce Hall
At all times during the period of the war the Chamber of Com- merce Hall was available for and frequently used by the many war activity organizations. In no instance was any charge made for the use of the Hall for such purposes.
Fuel Committee
Until such time as an officially appointed Fuel Administrator was named for Attleboro, the Fuel Committee of the Chamber of Com- merce made every effort towards forestalling last winter's fuel short- age which inevitably had to come. Some credit is due this committee that Attleboro suffered less severely than did most other cities through- out New England. After the Fuel Administration named its local board, the Chamber's committee was discharged.
Four-Minute Men
At the request of the Committee on Public Information, appointed by the President, the Chamber assumed the responsibility to organize the local Four-Minute Men Committee. Mr. Ralph C. Estes was ap- pointed as chairman and under his able direction two Four-Minute Men appeared weekly in each of the theaters, in this manner giving the local citizens first-hand information from our Government.
Bidding on Government Contracts
In spite of the acknowledged difficulties in securing contracts for such Government requirements as could be manufactured in the Attle- boro jewelry factories, constant effort was made by the Chamber dur- ing the period of the war to secure for the local jewelry manufac- turers the opportunity of securing Government contracts. Not only were numerous Army, Navy and Marine Corps schedules secured by letter or by telegram, but effort was also made in this respect through personal visits to New York and Washington by the officers of and a committee from the Chamber of Commerce Any information so se- cured was then submitted to all the jewelry manufacturers and in some instances contracts were later secured.
Most promising, however, was an activity promoted by the Cham- ber shortly before the signing of the armistice. A salaried representa- tive in Washington, Mr. H. H. Robinson, was engaged to represent the local jewelry manufacturers and to follow up the interests of the At- tleboro jewelers in bidding on Government contracts. During the very brief period which had elapsed between the time of engaging him and the signing of the armistice, as a result of which Government con- tracts came to a standstill, Mr. Robinson was successful in "landing" three appreciable contracts, amounting to thousands of dollars, for the Attleboro jewelry manufacturers.
Abatement of Jewelry Tax Penalty
When numerous Attleboro jewelry manufacturers were notified that they had been penalized, in some instances to the extent of 205% of the original tax, for the neglect or failure of filing the monthly re- ports required through the 3% Special Jewelry Sales Tax clause in the War Revenue Bill, the Chamber took up this matter with the Collector of Internal Revenue, calling his attention to the fact that it was either impossible to secure the proper blanks or else that the respective manufacturers were unfamiliar with the Law. As a result of this con- ference assurance was given that the penalties so imposed would be abated and thereby a saving of several thousand dollars was secured for the Attleboro manufacturers.
210
ANNUAL REPORT
Refund of 3% Tax on Exports
As soon as any intimation was given that the excise tax imposed through the War Revenue Bill was unconstitutional with reference to export trade, the Chamber of Commerce took up the matter with the Treasury Department and secured a ruling that the 3% Special Jewelry Sales Tax was not applicable to jewelry export sales. The local exporters were accordingly notified through the Attleboro Cham- ber of Commerce several months in advance of the notice received from any other association.
The question of securing a refund of the taxes unconstitutionally paid before this decision was given was then taken up with the Treas- ury Department. Definite interpretations regarding the exemptions from the provision of the War Revenue Bill were secured and sub- mitted to the local exporters. The proper blanks for filing refund claims were secured; an appropriate form was drawn up; hundreds of refund claims were submitted by the local exporters; and as a result thousands of dollars will be refunded by the local exporters to their foreign customers-certainly bound to create much good-will in the foreign markets.
Export Licenses
Immediately after the creation of the War Trade Board the Cham- ber established intimate relations with the Boston office which was in charge of Mr. Roland M. Baker. Not only did the Chamber of Com- merce thereby become the supply station for securing the many dif- ferent blanks which were required for filing applications for export licenses, but it was furthermore possible to be of personal service to the manufacturer and private citizen alike in filing literally thousands of applications. The Post Office and the Freight and Express Offices recognized the community service rendered by the Chamber in this particular and referred all persons, who failed to have export licenses covering export package, to the Chamber for assistance.
Restoration of Jewelry Export Privilege
Deep concern was felt in Attleboro when the following announce- ment was received by the Attleboro manufacturers who applied for export license during the latter part of January, 1918: "It is not for the best interest of the country to permit gold to be exported at the present time. Should we decide that license could be granted on the shipments referred to, it would probably have to be with the under- standing that its manufacture for export would be discontinued until after the war." Because of the disastrous effect which this order was bound to have on the local jewelry industries, this matter was per- sonally taken up by the Secretary of the Chamber with the Boston representative of the War Trade Board, who in turn travelled to Wash- ington to secure a modification of the order. Through the splendid assistance rendered by your Honor, the cooperation of the trade asso- ciations, of jewelry manufacturers in other cities, of representatives in Congress, etc., was secured, so that the order was modified very favor- ably to the jewelry industry, yes practically even rescinded.
Modification of Import License Agreement
Only very recently did the Chamber secure a very appreciable modification of the imposed export regulations. Following the sign- ing of the armistice the War Trade Board ruled that it would be neces- sary for an exporter to sign an agreement to import gold bullion equiv- alent to the gold value contained in any commodity to be exported, if this gold value exceeded 5% of the total value of the commodity. This
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ANNUAL REPORT
matter was taken up with the War Trade Board by the Chamber and as a result the exception from the requirements of the gold import agreement was increased from 5% to 45%, thus removing the restric- tion from practically all of Attleboro's jewelry exports.
Curtailment of the Jewelry Industry
Less spectacular, but of far greater consequence for the welfare of the city, have been the continuous efforts on the part of the Cham- ber to avoid any curtailment of the jewelry industry upon which the city is so vitally dependent. Although scores of other industries were partly or wholly curtailed, the Attleboro jewelry industry-constantly threatened as a so-called "non-essential"-was recognized by the Gov- ernment and permitted to continue unrestricted throughout the period of the war. This did not happen by chance, nor did jewelry escape the continuous critical consideration of the War Industries Board. That the jewelry industry remained unhampered and was not curtailed can be attributed to a large degree to the persistent watchfulness and in- terceding of the Attleboro Chamber of Commerce, supported con- tinually by the personal efforts of your Honor. In consequence, At- tleboro now faces the dawn of peace without ruin or disruption of its leading industry.
There are other war-time activities which might warrant com- ment. The foregoing, however, cover the major war activities.
Very respectfully submitted,
ATTLEBORO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,
W. I. Tuttle, President.
SPECIAL AID GUARD
The Special Aid Guard submits a brief synopsis of its activities during the war period.
Organized April 25th, 1917 for the purpose of giving aid to what- ever cause, might from the stress of war conditions or otherwise need its assistance.
A large representation participated in the first and second Red Cross Drives. A Booth was conducted at the Red Cross Bazaar. Food was solicited and served to about three hundred members of the Massachusetts State Guard, who visited our City. As ushers, our services have been readily given to any and all organizations when requested. A course in "First Aid" was completed, every member of the class passing the government examination with exceptionally high marks. A lecture was given under our direction by Miss Mary Boyle O'Reilly, the entire profits of which were turned over to the Red Cross Chapter of this City. Layettes were made and sent through the Red Cross to Belgium. Fifty Christmas packages were made up and sent to the boys in the Service. Assistance was given in the tabulation work of the Red Cross members. In conjunction with the State Guard a dance and military drill was held; the profits were given to the Red Cross. Active in each Liberty Loan Drive, the War Savings Stamp Campaign and no time or energy was spared in helping to put the War Chest "over the top."
Not one single request for our services, wherein they might be of material benefit, has been refused.
Respectfully submitted,
Attleboro, Mass., Dec. 5, 1918.
ETHEL S. HOLLIS, Captain Special Aid Guard.
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ANNUAL REPORT
COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP
Herewith find report of the War Activities of the Attleboro Com- munity Fellowship :-
1st-AS THE COMMUNITY IMMIGRANTS' PROTECTION COM- MITTEE the 'Attleboro Community Fellowship has served in educa- tion and protection for new Americans, for the Massachusetts Bureau of Immigration, which has begun a great work and whose organization was largely due to the War. The A. C. F. Naturalization Committee, Harold F. Howe, Mrs. Lucinda F. Spofford and Carl P. Swanson, has met with fine response. Library, factories and clubs are cooperating. University Extension Department of the Massachusetts Board of Edu- cation and the Free Public Library Commission of Massachusetts have fine program. Having had the official endorsement of the Mayor and Municipal Council and the City School Board the A. C. F. is specially anxious to be of service.
2nd-AS THE COMMUNITY AMERICANIZATION COMMITTEE the Attleboro Cominunity Fellowship has been a Division of the Com- mittee on Public Safety. This appointment came from the Mass. Com- mittee on Public Safety, and the Women's Committee, Massachusetts Division, National Council of Defense, by the authority and direction of the Governor and Council and the Federal Government (Depart- ment of the Interior and the Bureau of Naturalization of the Depart- ment of Labor.) The A. C. F. had already taken hold of this civic task of Patriotic Assimilation. The U. S. Bureau of Education seems to have made the first official national move in this work, and the U. S. Commissioner of Education, Dr. Philander P. Claxton, has given superlative praise to the A. C. F. Our Division made a notable showing in the Liberty and Victory Parades. Our slogan "Americanization thru Community Fellowship" is meant to keep us free from that un- American spirit which lacks respect for the contributions of other citizens.
3rd-AS THE COMMUNITY COMMITTEE ON LIBERTY CHOR- USES the Attleboro Community Fellowship has also been a Division of the Public Safety Committee. My work has been as organizer. Miss Edith L. Claflin is the Secretary of the Community Chorus, and Mrs. Ruth de Hass Balfour of the Community Orchestra, and John Laing Gibb, the efficient Supervisor of Music in the Public Schools, has been the effective A. C. F. Musical Director. Besides the regular Community Sings, the Community Chorus has served in Municipal Inauguration, Liberty Loan, Fourth of July, Community Thanksgiving, Civic Parades and Community Concert events. We have regarded all the varied two dozen or more group choruses, which have assisted in our mass meetings and are represented in the Community Chorus, as Liberty Chorus Units, and these have held Victory Sings. We have had charge of the local Four Minute Singing, Massachusetts Division Four Minute Men, National Committee on Public Information. We had the cooperation of the Boston War Service Unit, War Camp Com- munity Service, in Community Singing at Capron Park. We are affiliated with the National Community Music League, which the gen- eral director assisted in organizing, also with the Musical Alliance of the United States, both of which organizations were very largely called into being because of the war's challenge to this community art as a very large aid in deepening the sense of national solidarity and fel- lowship.
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ANNUAL REPORT
4th-AS THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE the Attleboro Community Fellowship was early called, by official letter from Council of National Defense, Washington, to be " a demonstration unit as to the possibilities of community war work," and we have the congratulations of our official State leader, Alexander Whiteside, on "the highly valuable work of the A. C. F. in developing and sustaining the civilian morale and general good citizenship." In this work, as a unit of the U. S. Administration, we were expected to be "guardians of civilian morale," as Secretary of War Baker called it in a national let- ter, and we rejoice that we may have done anything to help in that work by which, as Washington correspondence said: "The nation will be welded together by bonds of understanding and sympathy and unity of purpose and effort, which will, no doubt, have a decisive effect on our great undertaking." As Director of the Council, I arranged Lib- erty Loan and United War Work or War Chest mass meetings, Red Cross sessions, and sessions where Selective Service and Registration, War Saving Stamps, Food and Fuel Conservation, Nurses' Enrollment, Service Men Aid and other war services have been effectively pre- sented by the various executive leaders having charge. We have as- sisted the Massachusetts Committee of Citizens of Foreign Birth and Descent and Liberty Loan in local mass meetings and other activities. Our own holidays and those of the Allies have been celebrated. We have assisted group observances. In fine, we have tried to respond to President Wilson's national challenge "To arouse and inform the people so that each individual may be able to play his part intelligently in our struggle for democracy and justice."
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FINALLY-AS THE REGULAR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION the Attleboro Community Fellowship has been recognized, by official and unofficial leaders in State and Nation, as being a highly useful Com- munity War Service Society. This has been by providing ways by which the community has "gone to school to itself," after the leader- ship of the National Open Forum National Council; and by providing ways by which the community may have interpersonal and intergroup reactions, after the leadership of the National Community Center As- sociation. Its one propaganda has been and is pro-Community, that of Attleboreanization and the largest Americanization in everything. With the risk of failing to give due credit, we have to note the in- valuable, and sometimes indispensable, services of Guy D. Wing, Social Director; John L. Gibb, Musical Director ; Percy J. Callowhill, Art Director; Dr. D. Emory Holman, Dramatic Director; Miss Agnes L. Ba'- com, Director of Tableaux; John E. Anderson and Dr. Charles A. Mooers, City Park Commissioners; Henry H. Reinhardt, City Play- grounds Supervisor; Mrs. Mary K. Mullaly, Corresponding Secretary; Walter O. Lochner, Financial Secretary; Edward H. Brown, Treasurer; Charles J. Peterson, Chairman of Festival; and to the following ad- visers from the beginning, Chairman of Forum, Lewis A. Fales, Su- perintendent of Schools; Samuel Slocomb, Ex-President Chamber of Commerce and Hon. Harold E. Sweet, Mayor; and to many others from every part and group of the city's life. It has all meant a great speeding up for some of us but it has been a large compensation to be told by official and unofficial leaders that we were doing just what we could best do and by all means should do at the time.
Your for Liberty, Humanity and Unity
CHARLES H. PENNOYER.
General Director Attleboro Community Fellowship December 24, 1918.
INDEX
Assessors, Report of.
36-38
Auditor, Report of. .
169-179
Building Inspector, Report of.
45
Charity Department, Report of. City Physician
47
City Clerk, Report of.
35
City Collector, Report of.
160-168
Fire Department, Report of ..
48-55
Food Production and Conservation Committee, Report of.
56
Forestry Department, Report of. 57
Health Department, Report of. 58-76
Hospital, Report of the Attleborough. 39-44
Mayor's Inaugural Address. 9-22
Officials, List of. 3-8
Park Commissioners, Report of. 77-81
Planning Board, Report of.
82-83
Police Department, Report of.
84-87
Public Library, Report of ..
88-93
Public Works Department, Report of.
94-111
School Department, Report of.
113-152
State Aid and Soldiers' Relief, Report of.
153
Solicitor, Report of. 154-157
Treasurer, Report of. 23-34
Weights and Measures, Report of Sealer of. 158
Wire Inspector, Report of. 159
Honor Roll 181
Committee on Public Safety. 191
Attleboro War Chest 202
Liberty Loan Committee
204
American Red Cross. 205
Young Men's Christian Association. 206
Knights of Columbus. 207
Chamber of Commerce. 208
Special Aid Guard. 211
Community Fellowship 212
Page
46
Gen. Ref. 974.48
,A88
Jan. 99 57
26581
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