USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1918 > Part 6
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During the three weeks the number of patients cared for and calls made are as follows:
Number of families on our list. 175
Number of patients cared for .. 335
This does not include patients cared for in Hospital by our aids.
Number of calls mads by Miss Bowman. 180
Number made by Mrs. Haskell, Mrs. Walker, Mrs. Irvine and
Miss Wynne . 150
Number of calls made by Volunteer Aids. 446
Total 776
This does not include time spent in Hospital by aids.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Number of ambulance calls on which nurses or aids accom- panied the patients. 10
The following was received from James Jackson, New England Division: In order that we may ascertain definitely every expense made by Chapters on account of the influenza epidemic, will you please see that all expenditures for this purpose made from your share of the War Fund are reported and entitled 'Influenza Epidemic Ex- pense'.
Expenses :-
Salaries of five nurses during epidemic. $134.00
Sheets, draw-sheets towels and pillow-cases. 28.90
Sun Printing Co., slips for masks 6.75
Tapes for masks 11.74
Malted milk
1.75
South Attleboro family, temporary.
12.75
Taxie
.75
Washing done for sick family. .75
Lilly's for supplies. 15.04
Credits : -
$212.23
Repayment for temporary assistance given. $12.55
Metropolitan for nurses' care of their policy-holders ...
Cash from gauze mask box in Lilly's, deposited by public. 5.50
The expenses cannot be termed heavy when the number of pa- tients cared for during three weeks is taken into account.
I could write pages about the work done by that little band of devoted women-the 'Volunteer Aids'-who unhesitatingly answered their country's call with no thought of personal risk, but seeing their duty clearly and unselfishly. Words are not necessary, their deeds have won for them the highest place in our hearts.
In the past we have rejoiced together, during the last few weeks we have suffered together, and in suffering have found ourselves as one large family. 'Out of evil good shall come,' and this epidemic has done more to broaden the community spirit than anything else could ' have done in years.
HELEN M. CUMMINGS,
Chairman Nursing Committee.
REPORT OF THE DIET COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS.
At a special Red Cross meeting, at the outbreak of the influenza epidemic in town, a Diet Committee, consisting of Mrs. Tilda Einstein, Mrs. Gertrude Sweet, Mrs. Jessie Gowen, Mrs. Florence Theobald, Mrs. Emma Pennoyer, Mrs. Gertrude Kendall, Mrs. Annie Blaine, Mrs. Ethel Hewitt, Mrs. Mayboth Hill, Mrs. Dorothy Worman and Mrs. Marian Carter, was appointed to see that, wherever necessary, the proper nourishment be taken to the houses of the afflicted ones.
At first the duties of this committee seemed vague, and the man- ner of procedure even more so, for the department was an entirely new one, no precedent ever having been established to serve as a guide.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Preparedness being the key note of the day, a broth kettle was immediately started on my own stove, and gelatines and custards pre- pared to meet the first demands that might be made.
The following day, Monday, Sept. 30th, two families were reported to our department as being badly in need of nourishment; the one family consisting of nine members, seven of whom were ill; and the other having one entire family of four down with influenza. The proper food was immediately taken to them, and then with the able assistance of Mrs. Gowen and Miss Bertha Hunnewell, a diet kitchen was duly started at my home, much of the food being brought in by various people, who by this time had become interested.
The number of cases increased from day to day, the different phy- sicians and nurses reporting them to us, until by the end of the first week, twenty-eight families were being visited.
The facilities of a private kitchen having become inadequate to meet the increased demands that were being made upon it, the Con- gregational Church kitchen was offered through the kindness of Dr. Mitchell, and most gratefully accepted by the committee. Simul- taneously with our branching out in this -way, the Misses Isabel and Mildred Perry volunteered their services to the Diet Kitchen, and to their splendid cooperation, and the unstinted efforts of Mrs. Marcia Hogan, the new quarters had become a full-fledged Diet Kitchen, with- in twenty-four hours' time.
With the exception of heating the soups, sterilizing jars, bottles, etc., and the making of the chocolate and malted milk, sqeezing the oranges and adding the albumen of the eggs to them and to the grape juice, the kitchen was, at all times, a receiving and distributing cen- ter. The various foods sent out, which were both of an invalid and convalescent variety, were most generously donated by individuals, or made from ingredients furnished by the Diet Kitchen, by various food units, which had been voluntarily formed. By no means the least active and helpful was the Dean St. Unit, with Mrs. Stanley Walden as Chairman. This unit was untiring in its efforts to keep us supplied with food, furnishing, between Oct. 4th and Oct. 26th:
307 quarts of soup 218 loaves of bread
106 custards
8 puddings
100 baked apples 6 quarts baked pears 10 quarts prunes
besides many glasses of jelly and loaves of gingerbread.
At no time did the Diet Committee have to wonder how the de- mands for food were to be met, the units and individuals apparently vieing with each other as to the quantity and quality of food necessary, supplied them in a most attractive and generous manner. Service to those less fortunate than themselves seemed to be their one endeavor, for at all times was the Diet Kitchen a Red Cross and not a charity department.
In the same way were the funds supplied by various interested individuals and concerns, the total receipts having been $289.18, and the expenditures $128.52, leaving a balance of $160.66, which, by a vote of the Committee, is to be given to the Ladies' Aid Society of Sturdy Memorial Hospital, their funds having been most heavily taxed during the past month.
The community spirit manifested during the epidemic was really a most consoling feature of the deplorable siege; and to this spirit I attribute most of the success of the Diet Kitchen. It will no doubt
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ANNUAL REPORT
interest you to know that some of our busiest and most serious-minded business men peeled off their coats, rolled up their sleeves, and cheer- fully pitched in to what we women know is the least attractive part of the culinary department. I can assure you that I have never seen kettles and pans handled more skilfully by trained kitchen mechanics than they were by these men.
During the period of its existence the Diet Kitchen served 195 families, making 865 morning and 525 afternoon visits, sending out
955 quarts of thick soup
197 quarts broth
1321/2 quarts gruel
112 individual portions of grape juice and albumen
284 individual portions of orange juice and albumen
360 loaves of bread
102 junket moulds
1310 cup custards
370 individual gelatines
89 jars of jelly
187 large puddings
236 baked apples
782 quarts of chocolate
124 quarts of malted milk
Over 300 dozen home-made cookies
besides numerous jars of fruit, baskets of grapes, numerous portions of creamed chipped beef and some creamed chicken.
In every instance was a record of the case kept, in order that food could be sent according to the existing conditions.
In conclusion, I wish to heartily thank all members of the Diet Committee for their faithful cooperation, as well as all those who voluntarily gave their services in the various directions necessary, whether it was in filling or delivering the baskets, washing and steril- izing the dishes, or in any of the departments whatever, all of which were necessary to make the work complete. I wish to make special mention of those school teachers who volunteered and rendered such efficient service. I also wish to thank the custodians of the Congre-' gational Church for consenting to our use of their kitchen, thereby making the larger work possible, as well as those who so kindly con- tributed funds, food and machines, and the various local merchants who favored us in so many ways; in fact, anyone who rendered any service to the Diet Kitchen.
Respectfully submitted,
TILDA B. EINSTEIN, Chairman.
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ANNUAL REPORT
PARK COMMISSIONERS
Attleboro, Mass., December 24, 1918.
To the Honorable Mayor, and Municipal Council :-
The Park Commissioners herewith submit their seventeenth an- nual report for the year 1918.
Donated.
Capron Park was donated to the Town of Attleborough in 1901 by Everett S. Capron, Harford Capron and Mrs. Shepard Carpenter. The City has been favored by some very substantial donations to the Park since it was established.
The Casino was donated by Marsden Perry in 1902.
The Wolfenden Fountain was donated in 1910 by Mrs. John W. Wolfenden in memory of her husband, John W. Wolfenden.
The Fred A. Newell Shelter was donated in 1911 by Mrs. F. A. Newell.
The Wading Pool and Bath House were donated in 1917 by Ger- trude Hunton Sweet in memory of her parents.
The Park is in a presentable condition for the winter. There were three or four weeks, when the leaves were falling, that it was not very attractive. Since the leaves have fallen, the Park has had a very thorough and general renovation and the leaves make a very efficient protection to the plants and shrubbery against the cold of winter.
Permanent Improvements.
All the drives were in a dilapidated condition. These have all been redressed this summer and put into a first-class condition. They will last a long time with little repair work.
The lawn in front of the Casino had to be regraded, owing to the cut in the grade where the granolithic sidewalk was laid down.
The space between the Wading Pool and the Bath House was cov- ered with granolithic floor about 100 square yards. This space had a sand covering and it was impossible to keep the Pool in a satisfactory condition while in use by the crowds of children. They carried so much dirt into the Pool that it always looked unsanitary.
The Pool, as last year, has been the great attraction at the Park for children. During the heated season at times the Pool was full of children and as many as one hundred adults would be seen around the Pool, watching them frolicking in the cool waters.
In the Ball Field the boulders and rocks were blasted into pieces suitable for moving. The ground was cleared and levelled and rolled, but owing to the scarcity of labor, the final covering of loam had to be omitted until another year. This will need to be finished in the early spring so it may be used during the next season.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Horse for Park Purposes.
About the middle of April the Commissioners purchased a horse and carriage for use in the Park, because it was almost impossible to hire a team for any purpose. We already had a cart purchased some years ago, very suitable for work on the lawns. The horse has been kept in the Superintendent's stable and has been of great assistance in the Park work.
Vandalism.
It is safe to say that acts of vandalism have made an unnecessary expense of one hundred dollars a year. Faucets have been broken off, glass broken, flowers pulled up wantonly and shrubbery mutilated and destroyed, etc. Some work of Americanization is needed by these hoodlums, though it would be best and quickest if done by a judge.
Band Concerts.
The appropriations for band concerts were divided between LeClair's and Heywood's Bands. Each band donated one extra con- cert to the City. This made eight concerts all told. They were well attended and highly appreciated by the people.
Picnics.
The Park is growing in the appreciation of the people every year if we may judge by the number who make use of it. There have been more picnics this year than ever before and quite a number came from out of town people.
Improvements. .
Along Dennis Street nothing has been done to improve the Park, and this makes a poor showing in the face and eyes of the people pass- ing by. Something should be done to improve this and give a better appearance to that side of the Park. At a moderate expense that side could be graded and with suitable shrubbery, that eyesore could be made a beautiful landscape.
Playgrounds.
The Playgrounds have been under the management of Mr. Rein- hardt of the Y. M. C. A. They have been well conducted and a source of much benefit to the children. There were not so many of the larger boys as the labor question entered in and the older ones were at- tracted by chances to obtain good wages.
The Park Commissioners ask for an appropriation of $8,200 for the year 1919-
Superintendent's Salary-Payroll $3,000.00
Maintenance
1,800.00
Playgrounds
600.00
Permanent Improvements
2,000.00
Band Concerts and Fourth of July.
800.00
$8,200.00
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES A. MOOERS JOHN E. ANDERSON S. D. BUSHEE
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ANNUAL REPORT
PLAYGROUND SEASON 1918.
Report of the Supervisor of Playgrounds to the Park Commissioners,
Gentlemen:
In submitting my report for the work done on the playgrounds during the past season I wish to state that the objective aimed at by those in charge of the work was to do the most good to the greatest number with the equipment the city has so generously provided.
Because of war time conditions the number of boys and girls coming to the playgrounds was somewhat lower than during past sea- sons. A number of boys and girls who ordinarily would have been using the playgrounds were engaged in some useful occupation as an aid in winning the war.
Capron Park and Bungy Field were the two centers used for the work carried on. Miss Isabel Perry was placed in direct charge of Bungy Field with myself supervising and working with the boys two mornings each week. Because of there being a young man in charge of that ground last year the boys at first resented the fact that a "girl" had been placed in charge. Opposition met Miss Perry's efforts at first but by using tact, perseverance and taking part in the games and play in a kindly whole hearted manner she gradually won the confidence and respect of the girls and boys as well.
At Capron Park Miss Helen Haynes had charge of the work with the girls while I had the boys work. Miss Haynes did a very commend- able piece of work and earned the confidence of the boys and girls. What success was met with during the season was due to the hearty co-operation of the two young ladies associated with me in the carry- ing on of the work planned. Great help was also given by Mr. Patrick Nerney who very kindly co-operated in our Inter-Playground Field Days by giving free rides on his Merry-go-Round to all the boys and girls present and at all times showed a hearty sympathy and co-opera- tive spirit for the work. Officers Gobin and Sargeant also deserve thanks for the friendly co-operative spirit shown at all times. They were not doing duty in the Park as "policemen," but rather as friends of the children, and associates of the playground workers. To the members of the Park Commission thanks are due for their willingness to give of their thought and time whenever called upon.
A report of the work follows:
Fourth of July Athletic Meet.
The season was opened with the Annual Fourth of July Athletic Meet. Ribbon prizes were offered and a good sized number of con- testants entered in the various events providing interesting com- petition for the entertainment of a large crowd of spectators.
Baseball League.
Shortly after the opening of the playgrounds a baseball league was formed. Due to the fact that so many of the boys of the age that would fit on a team were at work in war gardens or at some other line of work, only three teams were entered in the League. An interesting schedule of games was played however with the Capron team winning first place. Championship Baseball watch fobs were awarded the winners.
All Round Athletic Contest.
An All Round Athletic Contest on the efficiency plan was con- ducted thruout the season with considerable success. Attleboro Play-
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ANNUAL REPORT
ground Athletic pins were offered to the boys who qualified in the different events. The qualification records were set so that the boys by practice and work could pass them and earn an Athletic pin.
Quoits Championships.
Championship tournaments in Quoits were conducted for both boys and girls for both July and August. The July Champion was barred from competition in the August Tournament, but met the Champion for that month for the season's Championship. The season's Champion of each playground met for the City Championship at the closing festival on Labor Day. Playground Athletic pins were awarded the winners as follows: Month Champion, Bronze pin; Sea- son Champion, Silver, and City Champion, Gold.
Inter Playground Field Days.
Feeling that the City has provided an ideal recreation spot in Capron Park we felt that rather than take a few children off on a hike or picnic it would be best to center on big affairs at the park. With this in mind we planned two Inter Playground field days. Our first one was held on August 1st, and brought a total of 720 boys and girls to Capron Park. A program calling for events from opening time in the morning to closing time in the afternoon kept the chil- dren busy all the time so a mighty good time was enjoyed by all. A second day was planned for the latter part of the month, but rainy weather caused a cancellation.
Y. M. C. A. Swims.
While the Wading Pool at Capron Park was the most popular spot during the very hot days and the children would suffer a great loss without it, the depth is not sufficient for good swimming. To give all the boys and girls a chance to have a good swim once each week special hours were arranged at the Y. M. C. A. Each Wednesday afternoon the girls in charge of Miss Perry and on Friday afternoon the boys in charge of myself were given free use of the shower baths and swimming pool. These swims proved very popular and the great- est consideration was shown by both boys and girls in their behavior in the building during those periods.
Reed and Raffia Work.
This work was carried on under the supervision of Miss Perry at Bungy Field and Miss Haynes at Capron Park. Mr. C. C. Bradford very kindly visited the two grounds and offered suggestions and also met with the two instructors and assisted them in their preparation for the work. The work done by the children was very creditable and made a good showing at the Festival. Prizes were offered by the Park Commissioners for the best work done on each ground as well as for the best work of the two grounds.
Playground Festival on Labor Day.
The season's work was brought to a close on Labor Day with a Festival of Athletic Games, Races, Folk Dances and other special events. The children did very good work especially in the Folk Dances and the entire program was enjoyed by a good sized crowd of spectators.
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ANNUAL REPORT
A statistical report for the season's work follows:
Week ending
Bungy Field
Capron Park
Free Play
Wading Pool
Total
July 5th
439,
806
1245
July 12th
384
454
176
50
1064
July 19th
395
418
62
197
1072
July 26th
262
355
148
465
1230
August 2nd
175
901
187
270
1533
August 9th
264
236
107
256
863
August 16th
274
278
102
427
1081
August 23rd
265
200
102
491
1058
August 30th
181
246
85
57
569
Y. M. C. A. Swims-
Boys
316
Girls
250
Total
2639
3894
969
2213
10,281
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY H. REINHARDT, Supervisor of Playgrounds.
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ANNUAL REPORT
PLANNING BOARD
Attleboro, Mass., December 23, 1918.
To His Honor, Harold E. Sweet, Mayor, and the Honorable City Council of Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :-
In accordance with Chapter 494 of Massachusetts Statutes, the Attleboro City Planning Board herewith submits its third annual report.
The first meeting of the Board for 1918 was held on Jan. 15.
Mr. George A. Sweeney, the Secretary of the Board having re- signed, on account of being elected to the City Council, Mr. Edgar A. Remington was appointed by the Mayor in his place and was elected to serve as secretary for the Board.
Our Garden work was taken over this year by the School Depart- ment, as the State appropriates moneys for this purpose, providing it is conducted through the School Department. Our Chairman, Mr. Joseph Finberg, served as a member of the Committee appointed by the School Board.
We voted to hold our annual Clean-Up Week for the City during the first week in May, and this was carried out satisfactorily.
We express our appreciation of the action of the City Council in adopting the recommended plan of widening Park Street twelve feet, between South Main Street and Railroad Avenue, an improvement, which will undoubtedly prove of lasting advantage to the City.
On account of war conditions, the Board did not think it advisable to recommend many improvements and changes during the past year, as we did not feel justified in calling for expenditures that might well be left until times became nearer normal. However, we feel that the following recommendations should receive your careful consideration for the coming year :-
No. 1. A New Street.
We recommend the laying-out of a street forty feet wide, from Union Street to Pine Street, south of the Post Office Building. At this time a part of the land can be secured at a reasonable price and the balance, required for this Street, will be given to the City.
Eventually there would be an entrance to the Post Office from this new street and experience has proven that public streets on all sides of a Post Office are very desirable and in conformity with general practice in cities of this size.
We feel that the present congested conditions on Park Street would be somewhat relieved.
If bonds were issued to cover cost, the City's increased income from the proposed improvements on taxable property abutting on said street, will furnish sufficient funds to pay the interest on the bonds and provide a sinking fund, to take care of same at maturity.
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ANNUAL REPORT
No. 2. South Main Street.
We again recommend that South Main Street be widened on the West Side from Park Street to Mill Street, so that it will be approxi- mately 35 feet from curb to curb, instead of 27 feet as now laid out.
As the City now owns a part of the land called for in these im- provements and as most of the land is unoccupied (the location of the Briggs House being the only exception) this improvement should be made before buildings are erected on the land required.
No. 3. Mechanics Street.
There is an urgent need of improving and straightening Mechanics Street, between Hodges Street and Fourth Street, eliminating the dangerous curves and replacing the two narrow bridges by one sub- stantial structure.
No. 4. Monument Square.
We again recommend that Monument Square be laid out as a one-way thoroughfare. At present there are no traffic restrictions in this area, and there are many narrow escapes from serious accidents occurring almost daily.
No. 5. Cliff Street.
We consider it very important that Cliff Street be extended to Hayward Street, and a bridge erected over the river.
This street would be used extensively by employees going to the factories, by teachers and pupils of the High School, and by the de- livery wagons of our merchants.
No. 6. Mill Street Conditions.
The congestion caused by trolley cars standing at the Mill Street switches should be overcome. This street at times is completely blocked. We feel that this should receive your careful and immediate attention.
During the past year we have not used any of the appropriation of $100.00 voted by the Council, as our printed report was destroyed by the fire while in the printer's office. However, we would request that we again receive the same appropriation for the coming year.
We wish to thank the Mayor, the Council, the Public Works De- partment, and the Press, for the many courtesies they have extended to us during the past year.
JOSEPH FINBERG, Chairman. EDGAR A. REMINGTON, Secretary. RAYMOND M. HORTON. MILFORD E. BLISS. MRS. JOSEPHINE HAMMOND. MRS. MARY G. MULLALY.
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ANNUAL REPORT
POLICE DEPARTMENT
To His Honor, the Mayor ,and the Honorable Municipal Council of the City of Attleboro.
Gentlemen: -
I herewith submit for your consideration, my third report as Chief of the Police Department of the City of Attleboro, for the year ending Nov. 30, 1918.
Organization of the Police Department at the close of the year is as follows :-
Chief of Police. Edmond H. Gingras.
Lieutenant. Terence E. Flanagan.
Patrolmen.
Arthur F. Gaffney, William J. Sargeant, Albert E. Sears, Franklin Mckay, Joseph McBride,
Alfred Pollard,
John Bora, Edward E. Gobin, William D. Norwood, Louis J. Fournier. Joseph T. O'Donnell.
Reserve Officers. John J. Kelly
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ANNUAL REPORT
During the year 1918 the Police Department made four hundred and thirty two arrests for the following crimes and misdemeanors:
Male
Female
Total
Assault on officer
1
0
1
Assault and battery
13
0
13
Assault to rape.
3
0
3
Assault
6
1
7
Assault, felonious
1
0
1
Abandonment of family .
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