USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1923 > Part 6
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As agent of your department, I have investigated every complaint and nuisance that you have requested. In every instance where a nuisance existed, I sent notice to have same abated within reasonable time. As a rule these requests were courteously complied with. This phase of the work took an appreciable part of my time during the past year. The machine furnished this department greatly assisted me in performing this work.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Constant attention was given by me to supervising the Health Department dump. Every precaution was taken to see that a few rules were observed. Since changing the location of the dump I have insisted that the man in charge start no fires which he cannot extinguish before leaving at night. A wire fence was erected to prevent papers from blow- ing about, on nearby premises. A small shack was built to store the few necessary tools used by the caretaker. The locality of the new dump seems most satisfactory for the reason that it is filling in a swampy section which plays no small part in mosquito propagation. There is, however, an unfavorable feature to the present location of the dump, since it is in close proximity to residents who object to its presence. Some means should be provided to incinerate the bulk of the waste material disposed of. It certainly would eliminate the neighborhood's main disapproval.
A survey was made of the washing facilities used at soda fountains in this city. In many instances improvements were requested, such as more adequate supply of towels, means provided for heating water, use of soap, proper screening against flies, non-exposure of food, et cetera. In all instances these requests were complied with.
An investigation was made of the sources of supplies furnishing us with ice. It was found in two instances that the water out of which the ice was made was of questionable purity. The outcome of this survey led to an investigation of the Ten Mile River. This stream was found to be badly polluted with matter coming from three distinct sources : From factories bordering the river, houses located near the river, and surface drains of the city. This waste material consisted of chemical wastes of factories, human excrement, and surface water. Factories polluting this river with human excrement were notified to that effect. They were demanded to take immediate steps to remedy same. The result has been that all the factories have ceased this practice, or have made application to be connected with the municipal sanitary sewer. Plans are presently underway to eliminate the other sources of pollution. This work took considerable time and required investigation and study.
At several times during the past year I made bacteriological analyses of the Attleboro water supply. In all instances the outcome was satis- factory. Nevertheless, our water supply should be chlorinated. Such a process insures water to be free from water-borne disease producing organisms by chemical sterilization.
During the year the customary routine work of Agent of this depart- ment was performed. Bakeries were inspected monthly, and reports of Inspections submitted to the State Department of Health. The bottling establishments were visited on several different occasions throughout the year. One establishment was requested to make much improvment before its license was issued This it did by installing better washing and sterilizing facilities, along with other miscellaneous improvements.
I recommend the following matters for your consideration as policies worthy of attention for the ensuing year :
1. The chlorination of the municipal water supply.
2. The municipal pasteurization of milk and cream.
3. The tuberculin testing of all cattle furnishing Attleboro's milk.
4. Educational features.
5. A Health Week.
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ANNUAL REPORT
In closing, permit me to express a word of appreciation for the many courtesies you extended me throughout the year, in performing my work. For the first half of the past year (before the Ford car was furnished this department) you were kind enough to extend to me the use of your car for investigating nuisances, making dairy inspections, and collecting milk samples. Throughout the year you have given freely of your time for consultation. This was no small assistance.
Chemical and bacteriological examinations :
Name
Chemical
Bacteriological
Milk
658
592
Crean
77
72
Ice Cream. 78
63
Human Milk.
1
Water
6
95
Vinegar
20
Soda Water.
71
Coloring (candy)
8
Candy
1
Licenses, etc., issued :
Milk
133
Producers' Permits 53
Bakery Registrations
2
Oleomargarine Registration
14
Inspections :
Dairy 376
Bakery
47
Meat Markets 13
Restaurants 30 Nuisances 40
The following data will give a fair estimate as to how our milk stands according to samples analyzed :
1. Richness.
Butter fat
No. of Samples 13
5% and more
65
4.50 to 5.00
292
4.00 to 4.50
245 3.50 to 4.00
43.
3.35 to 3.50
2. Sediment.
No. of samples
Classification
190.
Very clean
203.
Clean
207
Fair
40
Dirty
18
Very dirty
3. Bacteria count.
Bacteria count per c. c.
No. of samples 9
500,000 and over
61
200,000-500,000
70.
100,000-200,000
307
50,000-200,000
145
10,000- 50,000
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES J. GUILD, Milk Inspector.
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DENTIST
December 30, 1923.
To Dr. Wm. O. Hewitt, Health Officer,
DEAR SIR :
The following is a report of work done by the School Dentist from September 25, 1922, to date :
Total number of patients treated 187
Total number of sittings. 558
Total number of deciduous teeth extracted. 296
Total number of permanent teeth extracted.
46
Total number of patients' teeth cleaned.
108
Total number of amalgam fillings. 168
Total number of cement fillings
26
Total number of cement and amalgam fillings.
7
Total number of copper cement fillings 4
Total number pulps removed. 9
Total number of roots filled. 9
Total number of treatments. 37
I recommend that a Dental Hygienist be secured for the coming year.
Respectfully submitted,
E. M. WEBB, D.M.D ..
School Dentist.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
Dr. William O. Hewitt, Health Officer, Attleboro, Massachusetts.
SIR :
The following report of work performed by the Inspector of Plumbing during the year 1923 is hereby submitted.
There were 91 permits granted during the year 1923.
Number of permits for plumbing granted. 91
Number of new buildings. 21
Number of water closets installed. 99
Number of sinks installed.
55
Number of wash-trays installed. 8
Number of lavatories installed 61
Number of bath tubs installed. 49
Number of slop-sinks installed. 0
Number of sewer connections installed. 32
Number of shower-baths installed 2
Number of urinals installed. 7
Number of work changed by order of Inspector 15
Consultations with owners and plumbers. 43
Number of inspections made in plumbing 91
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR B. READ.
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTER
46 Barrows St., North Attleboro, Mass.
December 15, 1923.
Dr. Wm. O. Hewitt, Health Officer, Attleboro, Mass.
DEAR DOCTOR :
I submit herewith my report as Inspector of Slaughter for the year end- ing December 15, 1923 :
707 carcasses were dressed and stamped for food.
Cattle
203
Hogs 406
Calves
98
Condemned as Unfit for Food.
Cows 12 General Tuberculosis
Cows
2 Pvaemic Abscesses
Hogs
6 General Tuberculosis
Hogs
9 Hog Cholera
Hogs
3 Scab and deep seated skin disease
Calves
2 As immature
Calves
1 Anaemia
Respectfully yours,
HUGH GAW, D.V.S.,
Inspector of Slaughter.
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ANNUAL REPORT
PARK COMMISSIONERS
To His Honor, the Mayor and Municipal Council :
The Park Commissioners herewith submit their twenty-second annual report for the year 1923.
The year 1923 for the Capron Park has been a busy one, in fact, the busiest one the Commissioners for the Park have ever had the pleasure to report. All the departments have shown a decided increase in their activities, and more people visited our Park during the last year than ever before.
Our Sunday evening concerts were very much appreciated and were largely attended.
The tennis courts were so popular last year that the Commissioners felt it their duty to go to the expense of putting in another court, which has already been started.
The Hunton Wading Pool during the summer was much enjoyed by the youngsters, and the Commissioners feel a shower should be attached to the pool, and we hope to be able to get the same through this year.
The playground report annexed herewith is very interesting, and we hope to continue the efficient work done by both Mr. Cooney and Miss Hillman.
The Zoo continued its popularity, and several new features will be added this summer.
The donations for the year which we publicly acknowledge :
From The Town Home, pair of Chinese Geese.
From A. V. Howe, Tallapossa, Ga., four Possums.
Wm. Frenier, Hebronville, lot of Gladioli Bulbs.
Harlan A. Allen, Dahlia and Gladioli Bulbs.
We have also taken care of the Common as well as the Park Street lot. We trust you will recommend changing the name of the lot at the end of Park Street to Cyril M. Angell Square, in honor of the first Attleboro Boy to fall in the World War.
Respectfully submitted,
SAMUEL M. EINSTEIN, Chairman, JOHN A. ANDERSON, SOLON D. BUSHEE,
Park Commissioners.
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF MISS ALMA HILLMAN AND J. R. COONEY, PLAYGROUND SUPERVISORS.
Season 1923.
To the Park Commissioners :
The past season on the Playground was an extremely successful . one, despite unfavorable weather conditions and the fact that a great number of the larger boys and girls went to work during the summer months. This was especially noticeable in trying to organize a Baseball League. It was impossible to get any of the older fellows, so a league of six teams was formed, the age limit being from 12-15 years. 1923 was a banner season for tennis at the Park, the outstanding feature being the formation of the Attleboro Lawn Tennis Association, which con- ducted a municipal tournament during August. Entries included all of the city's best players. Great interest was shown. The cup, given by an unknown donor, was finally won by Mr. Frank Guild of the Country Club, with Mr. Armand Cloutier of the Tennis Association as runner-up. In the Junior Championships for boys and girls, the winners were Laura Povey and Melvin Candalet.
A new departure during the past season was a class in wood-work- ing for boys. A Bird-house contest stimulated interest in this. The fin- ished products were put up as a nucleas to starting a bird sanctuary at the Park.
In the work in Basketry, improvement by the children has been shown to a marked degree, the results attained in their original designs especially proving their ability and interest. Knitting practically sup- planted Sewing, interest in the former being greatly increased by a gen- erous gift of yarn from the R. Wolfenden Sons Co. Chair caneing was also an added feature in the handwork for girls. During the story hours, besides the stories just for enjoyment, there were also talks on health and nature study, many of these periods being conducted by the children themselves. The singing games and folk dances proved as popular as ever with the smaller children, while the interpretive and aesthetic dances were taken up with the older girls. In the list of athletics for the girls, tennis easily took the lead, some very good players being developed during the season.
At all times during the season, the hearty co-operation and support of the Park Commissioners has been most gratifying.
Respectfully .submitted,
MISS ALMA HILLMAN, J. R. COONEY,
Supervisors.
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ANNUAL REPORT
PLANNING BOARD
March 1, 1924.
Hon. George A. Sweeney, Mayor, and Municipal Council of Attleboro:
In accordance with Chapter 494 of Massachusetts Statutes, the Attleboro City Planning Board herewith submits its eighth annual report.
A good many meetings have been held during the year with a fine attendance, showing the continued enthusiasm of its members in this important work of City Planning.
We point out with some pride considerable activity in at least two recommendations of our Board in 1923, namely, a fine start on the removal of poles and wires from our business streets and the installation of a modern lighting system, and secondly, bringing again the Council's attention and the attention of the public to the widening of South Main Street. While the committee's report was adverse on this matter, it focuses the attention of the public and leaves the subject open for a renewed recommendation. The Board again recommends favorable action on this important improvement.
Bank Street.
We recommend the establishment of a building line on Bank Street and the immediate widening of at least that portion between Peck Street and Bicknell Street, where the street is but thirty-six (36) feet wide. North of this section as far as Holden Street, the street is fifty (50) feet wide, and south of this section. the street is thirty-nine (39) feet wide to Park Street. We recommend the adoption of a building line for a fifty (50) foot street the entire length.
Zoning.
We again emphatically recommend the zoning of our city. Over 200 cities and towns are now zoned. in which 25,000,000 people live, and surely Attleboro should take a progressive step in this direction.
Dunham Street.
We endorse any action of the City Council in widening Dunham Street, and urge that it be taken up as soon as possible.
Comfort Station.
We again recommend the building of a comfort station. This is a public necessity that would be greatly appreciated by the public, both resident and non-resident.
Board of Survey.
While the establishment of a Board of Survey would not cure all the ills of a haphazard growth, still this condition could be controlled by such a Board.
Union Street Lot.
It has been the opinion of the Planning Board that the vacant lot on Union Street could be used for a playground for this section of the city, and we again recommend it.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Brook Street.
The Board commends the work of the Public Works Department in placing granolithic walks over Thacher Brook on a portion of this street, and strongly recommends the completion of the work this year.
City Hall Site.
We recommend that this lot be cleaned up, for it has become an eyesore to anyone passing in that direction.
Bill Boards.
We again recommend that the City of Attleboro pass ordinances to regulate the placing of bill boards in our fair city, pending the passage of a proposed bill board law.
In conclusion, we wish to thank the Mayor, the Municipal Council, the Public Works Department, the Chamber of Commerce, and the press for the many courtesies extended to us during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH FINBERG, Chairman. ROBERT W. MAWNEY, Secretary. MILFORD E. BLISS. EDGAR A. REMINGTON. MRS. MARY G. MULLALY. MRS. JOSEPHINE HAMMOND.
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ANNUAL REPORT
POLICE DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR THE YEAR 1923.
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Honorable Municipal Council :
GENTLEMEN :
I have the honor to submit for your consideration the Annual Report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1923.
ORGANIZATION.
The regular force consists of a Chief, Lieutenant, two Sergeants, ten Patrolmen, one of whom is assigned for investigations, one directing traffic, and two Reserve Officers.
ROSTER OF THE DEPARTMENT. Chief of Police. Terence E. Flanagan.
Lieutenant. Franklin Mckay.
Sergeants.
William J. Sargeant
William D. Norwood
Patrolmen.
Arthur F. Gaffney, John Bora, Edward E. Gobin, Louis J. Fournier, Joseph P. McBride, Joseph F. O'Donnell, John J. Kelly, Donat E. Pion, Charles E. Brown, Joseph A. Fredette.
Reserve Officers.
Joseph A. Deland John F. Kenna
Two Patrolmen, Edward Paradis and Charles E. Nolan, resigned during the month of November, to engage in other lines of business.
CRIME.
On July 2nd, Mrs. Marion Zahigian was shot and killed by her brother-in-law, Avades Zahigian, at her home about 6 o'clock in the afternoon. Avades was caught by his brother Vahan (husband of the victim) as he ran from the house, and turned over to Patrolmen Kelly and Fournier, as they were responding to a telephone call for assistance. On November 5th. 1923, Avades was indicted by the Grand Jury sitting at New Bedford, on a charge of murder in the first degree. He is now confined to the Hospital for Criminal Insane at Bridgewater, in an effort to determine his sanity.
Such other crimes as have occurred during the year have been of the ordinary kind, and not of a serious nature. In the main, good order has prevailed throughout the year. Although serious crime has been more or less prevelant and on the increase all over the country, it has been held in check in this city, and in nearly every instance the per- petrators have been apprehended and brought to justice.
ยท
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ANNUAL REPORT
TRAFFIC.
The greatest problem that confronts the Police Department of the cities and towns in America today, is the effective regulation of traffic. Here in Attleboro, with the small force we have at present, it is impos- sible to give any additional service of this kind, other than what is at present maintained.
The Traffic Beacons that were installed during the summer have given better service than others that preceded them, but I have yet to be shown where the Beacon installed at the junction of Park, Pleasant and Union Streets fills the requirements at this particular corner.
Finding space to park the ever increasing number of automobiles that come into the business district on the evenings that the stores are open, was a hard task for the past year, but since the School lot at the corner of North Main and Sanford Streets has been given for this pur- pose, it has relieved the congestion to a considerable extent.
Owing to the streets in our city being so narrow, there are very few places where a Beacon similar to those in the center could be installed to advantage, with the possible exception of the intersection of County and Thacher Streets, better known as "County Square."
The motorcycle officers did good work during the summer months in holding autoists to a moderate rate of speed as they passed through the city, but notwithstanding this fact, I am sorry to state that two children lost their lives by automobile accident during the year. Officer Fredette was assigned to Special duty with a motorcycle on Pleasant street during the week of Brockton Fair, and the manner in which he performed his duty was voiced in words of praise by the residents of this locality.
LIQUOR ENFORCEMENT.
The enforcement of the liquor laws is an important part of our work. Each officer has instructions to be on the alert for evidence of violation of this statute, and to turn same into the Station. When sufficient evi- dence is obtained the place is raided and prosecution follows. Although the dispensers of contraband liquor have not all been driven from the city, they ply their trade in such a manner that it is almost impossible to collect evidence against them, I believe this form of crime has been held at a minimum. The streets of our city are still infested with a few cheap pocket "bootleggers" who are well known to the officers, and whose reputation has always been of an unsavory character. I regret very much that we have no law in Massachusetts as they have in other states, whereby we could charge those parasites with being idle persons, and find employment for them at the House of Correction in New Bedford. Many of the men who are arraigned in court for Drunkenness get their supply from outside places, and according to the information gleaned from them, it is what is commonly known as "splits."
EQUIPMENT.
The motor equipment consists of a Studebaker Special-six Touring car, a Cadillac Combination Patrol and Ambulance, and three Harley Davidson motorcycles, one of which has a sidecar attached. All have given entire satisfaction and are at present in perfect condition, except the motorcycle used on the Dodgeville-Hebronville beat. This motor- cycle has given about all the service that is possible for this kind of work and will need to be replaced by a new one in the Spring. The
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ANNUAL REPORT
motorcycle used in the South Attleboro district will need a general over- hauling before it is again put in use. The Patrol Wagon was painted during the month of October, the engine is in good shape, and I believe there are yet many years of service in it.
The Police equipment carried by officers is of the latest pattern, each officer is supplied with a Colt revolver and a pair of Smith and Wesson cuffs, all of which are in excellent shape. The riot guns pur- chased some time ago, we had no occasion to use as yet, are in perfect working condition.
THE POLICE FORCE.
In comparison with the Police Forces maintained by other cities throughout the country, according to population, ours is one of the smallest numerically. We have one Patrolman for each 2000 of the population, while in other cities the average is one for each 1000, and in some instances less. It is impossible to properly police the city with the number of officers we have at present .. The number of arrests made during the year is but a very small portion of the work done by the Police Department. A large number of cases are disposed of at Police Headquarters without bringing the offenders to Court, as many times a warning answers the purpose and the person who has offended is let off without a Court record. This is especially true in cases relating to juveniles, it is the policy of this Department not to bring a juvenile before the Court except when all other means have failed. A Patrolman on the beat is charged with much greater responsibilities than the average citizen is aware of. He must become familiar with buildings on his route and the inhabitants of same, he must be on the alert for infractions of the law which are numerous, he is expected to preserve order, protect children and old persons, and prevent crime if possible. Nearly every day furnishes some new incident in Police duty, where the Patrolman is called upon to employ sound judgment and exercise diplo- macy. It would be an impossibility to state in this short report the number and variety of cases they settle every day.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
I recommend the building of a new Police Station at the earliest opportunity. It is not necessary for me to go into details on this matter as every person who is acquainted with conditions as they exist at present agrees that this is an absolute necessity. A garage to properly house the motor equipment should be built in close proximity to the Station. This would increase the efficiency of the Department to a great extent and eradicate the unjust criticism we sometimes receive for not responding quickly to emerency calls.
I would recommend the installation of a Recall Gamewell System, with the colored lights attached on the outside, which would enable Headquarters to notify the Patrolmen in a few moments of any serious crime, accident or stolen automobiles, by simply turning a switch which would light these Police Lights on all posts, notifying officers to get in communication with the office at once.
With the promotion of the two Patrolmen to the rank of Sergeant, it will be necessary to appoint two others to fill their places. At the present time Patrolmen Kelly is covering two beats, owing to the fact that it is essential to keep an officer on traffic duty all the time.
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ANNUAL REPORT
I recommend the appointment of another Patrolman for the South Attleboro district, and the purchase of a small automobile for the patrol- ling of this section. The territory being so large it is impossible to cover it on foot, but I believe two Patrolmen in a small car, such as a Ford runabout, could give this part of the city the protection it is justly entitled to. This plan has been tried in the outlying districts of other cities and found to work out satisfactorily.
I recommend that the lights be kept burning all night, both for the benefit of Patrolmen and the protection of our citizens. Many reports have come into the Station from persons who were obliged to be out in the early morning hours on legitimate business, about being frightened by a Police Officer flashing his light in their face. If the lights were kept burning until daylight the officer could determine whether the person he meets on his route was a local resident or a stranger without using his flashlight. It would also enable the Patrolman to see in the rear of buildings any person that might be hiding there with the intention of committing crime after the officer passed by.
I trust your Honorable Board will act favorably on the petition of the members of this Department for the increase in wages asked for. The killing of Police Officers by persons surprised in the act of com- mitting crime, has got to be a common occurrence recently. Every time a Police Officer goes on duty he risks his life and all that is dear to him for the protection of the citizens of the city or town in which he serves. When the risks that are taken, and the hardships endured by the officers are considered, I believe you will agree with me that the petition is a just one.
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