USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1924 > Part 6
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81
ANNUAL REPORT
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82
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF MILK INSPECTOR Jan. 1, 1924-Aug. 31, 1924
August 29, 1924
Dr. William O. Hewitt, Health Officer,
34 Sanford Street,
Attleboro, Massachusetts
DEAR SIR:
Submitted herewith is my report from January 1, 1924 to September 1,1924.
Samples Analyzed
Chemical 328
Bacteriological
Milk.
327
Cream
22
22
Ice Cream
27
27
Water
3
19
Vinegar.
1
Soda Water
8
Inspections made
Number
Dairy
92
Bakeries.
18
Meat Markets.
6
Restaurants.
25
Soda Fountains
13
Nuisances.
38
Municipal and other Dumps.
83
Licenses issued
Number
Milk
138
Oleomargarine.
16
Producers' Permit
15
Alcohol.
15
Considerable time was spent in continuing the cleaning of the Ten Mile River. Within the immediate future Attleboro ought to have this stream free from sewage pollution.
Attention was given to the condition of the Wading Pool at Capron Park and the result is that the water is to be emptied more frequently for the remainder of the season.
Respectfully submitted, (Signed) CHARLES J. GUILD Authorized Agent & Milk Inspector.
REPORT OF THE MILK INSPECTOR AND AUTHORIZED AGENT
December 31, 1924
To Dr. W. O. Hewitt, Health Officer
Attleboro, Massachusetts SIR:
I hereby submit my first annual report as Inspector of Milk and Authorized Agent of the Health Department of the City of Attleboro, for the year ending December 31, 1924.
As you already know, I have been in office only since September 1, 1924, and so my report, including observations, recommendations, and work done, will date from that time.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The laboratory procedure used has been identical with that of Mr. Guild, my predecessor. It has been sanctioned by the United States Public Health Service at Washington, and has been used with great success by Health Departments all over the country. Almost every sample of milk analysed has been tested bacteriologically as well as chemically. The method used to obtain the bacteria count of the milk was the "Plate Method". This method, while not absolutely accurate, is the most accu- rate of any of the methods now known. The chemical tests include the findings of butter fat content, total solids, solids not fat, and specific gravity; as well as tests for adulterants, such as borax, chloride of lime, peroxide, water, formaldehyde, benzoic acid, salycilic acid and others.
Pasteurization of milk is one of the big problems facing those dealing with milk. Properly pasteurized milk is milk, not more than seventy- two hours old, subjected for a period of not less than thirty minutes to a temperature of not less than one hundred and forty, nor more than one hundred and forty-five, degrees Fahrenheit, and immediately thereafter cooled to a temperature of fifty degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Many people believe, because of the foreign name "Pasteurized" applied to the process, that pasteurized milk is milk which is rejuvenated or renovated,- i. e. dirty milk passed through some "new-fangled" process to allow its being sold as fresh milk. This is absolutely not so. Properly pasteurized milk is milk which has been heated to kill all possible potential, pathogenic bacteria, and immediately cooled to a low degree to insure that the number of bacteria remaining, (for no process has yet been found to rid milk of all bacteria) shall not increase. "Pasteurized" is merely the name applied to the process in honor of the inventor, a Frenchman whose name was Pasteur.
The past year has seen the advent of another dealer in pasteurized milk, which is surely a step in the right direction. Many of the large cities have passed ordinances requiring the pasteurization of all milk sold within the city's limits. Attleboro would do well to follow in the footsteps of these progressive large cities and lead the way for other small cities. We now have two distributors of pasteurized milk, the Bristol Farms, Inc., and the Hood Co., but what is needed is a city ordinance requiring the municipal pasteurization of all milk sold in Attleboro.
Tuberculin testing of cows producing milk for consumption is another means of improving the sanitary qualities of milk. This test eliminates tuberculous cows from the herd, thus cutting down by one of the most important the list of diseases spread by milk to man. Most forms of tuberculosis, other than pulmonary, are of, or can be of bovine origin. One should remember, however, that this touches upon only one phase of the matter of the transfer of tuberculosis through milk. The other phase is also of great importance, namely, the transmission of tuberculosis through milk by tuberculous persons who handle the milk. This brings out another point in the question of Public Health, that of physical ex- amination of all food-handlers. At present, only those who work in bakeries are subjected to a physical examination to determine whether or not they should be allowed to handle food to be sold for human con- sumption. To examine all food-handlers would mean an additional ex- penditure of time and money, but to my mind, it would be time and money well spent in the protection of Public Health.
Samples of milk have been taken frequently throughout the year. It has been my policy, as it was that of my predecessor, to keep the dealer guessing, as it were. In this way, the dealer never knows when his milk is to be subjected to a test, and hence the results of the analyses are fair indications of the quality of the milk.
On taking up my duties as Milk Inspector, I found that Mr. Guild had given much attention to dairy inspection, and wherever I went, I found the dairies in excellent condition. Very few improvements were needed, and when I did make suggestions for changes they were always
84
ANNUAL REPORT
courteously complied with. The suggestions made were nearly all minor ones and included the following:
Screening against flies.
Whitewashing the barn.
Removal of manure.
Removal of privy vaults.
Keeping cows cleaner.
Cooling and straining of milk.
Sterilization of equipment.
Only one producer's permit was suspended, and that was an insurance against the spread of typhoid while the producer was living in the same house as a typhoid patient. No epidemics have occurred during the past year that were attributable to Attleboro's milk supply.
The thanks of the department are extended to the dealers as a body for the hearty cooperation they have given us since I have been in office. Generally speaking, the milk dealers here are honest men, endeavoring to do their best. It has been my policy in the past, as it will be in the future, to cooperate with the dealers in endeavoring to produce better milk, rather than as a police officer trying to enforce certain rules and regula- tions.
Milk licenses and producers' permits have been issued to those dealers who have met with satisfaction the requirements of this department. All complaints regarding milk and other products have been investigated by me, and unsatisfactory conditions remedied. The phase of my work concerning nuisances took an appreciable part of my time. As your agent, I have investigated every complaint and nuisance as you requested. In every instance, where a nuisance existed, I sent notice to have same abated within a reasonable amount of time. As a rule these requests were courteously complied with. The automobile furnished this depart- ment aided me materially in carrying out these duties.
In connection with the nuisance, something might well be said of the dump situation in Attleboro. A city dump has been established on Bishop Street, but it has been extremely difficult to concentrate the dump- ing of rubbish in this one dump, due to the fact that there are numerous smaller dumps in the city which are in closer proximity to many of the people than the city dump. We have tried to prohibit dumping in any but the city dump with more or less success, and I think, with the coopera- iton of the people of Attleboro, that this object will soon be attained.
During the past year the municipal sewer has been extended to out- lying parts of the city. This has resulted in the connection of many houses with the municipal sewer, thus clearing to an appreciable extent the Ten Mile River, and avoiding the necessity of unsightly and unhealthy privy vaults. With your assistance, also, many houses nearer the center and abutting on the municipal sewer were requested to connect. In nearly every case a satisfactory connection has been made.
During the year the customary routine work was performed. Baker- ies were inspected monthly and reports of inspections submitted to the State Department of Health. The bottling establishments were visited during the year. Restaurants and lunch wagons were regularly inspected. The water in the Y. M. C. A. swimming pool was also analysed regularly, and found to be unusually clean and free from disease-producing micro- organisms.
I recommend the following matters for your consideration as policies worthy of attention for the ensuing year:
1. Chlorination of the municipal water supply.
2. Municipal pasteurization of milk and cream.
3. Tuberculin testing of all cows furnishing Attleboro's milk.
4. Physical examination of all food handlers.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The following is a statistical report of the work accomplished:
Samples analyzed
Chemical
Bacteriological
Milk
87
85
Cream
20
20
Ice Cream.
6
6
Water.
5
Vinegar.
2
Soda water
2
Inspections made
Number
Dairy
45
Bakery
20
Meat Market.
4
Restaurant. .
48
Soda Fountain.
6
Nuisances.
48
Municipal and other dumps.
18
Special.
7
Licenses Issued
Number
Milk. .
6
Producers' Permits
2
Table showing percentage classification of milk according to the bacteria counts for the year 1924:
Less than 10,000
10-25,000
25-50,000
50-75,000
75-100,000
100-150,000
Over 150,000
18.5%
20.4%
15%
19.5%
14%
5%
7.6%
In closing, permit me to express my appreciation for the many courte- sies you have extended me. Your advice has been no small factor in the successful accomplishment of my duties.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM P. LYONS, Milk Inspector and Authorized Agent.
REPORT OF THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT NURSE
To Dr. W. O. Hewitt, Health Officer, Attleboro, Massachusetts SIR:
I hereby submit my second annual report of activities as Health Department Nurse.
During the past year, the Tuberculosis Clinic has been open every Wednesday from four until five o'clock where patients discharged from Tuberculosis Hospitals and contact cases have been examined at regular intervals. In addition to these cases, underweight children referred by the School Physician and School Nurse have been weighed and examined, and instruction as to diet and rest have been given. Whenever it was found that financial conditions in the home prevented the necessary nourishment, milk was provided by this department to patients ill with tuberculosis. In the cases of underweight children, milk was provided by the Associated Charities.
86
ANNUAL REPORT
Every Saturday morning, clinics have been held at the Health De- partment Dispensary, where the Schick Test and subsequent treatments have been given to a large number of children.
Visits have been made on all cases of diphtheria and scarlet fever reported to this department, and instructions in each instance, have been given to the householder as to the proper methods of observing quarantine. In diphtheria cases, families in that vicinity having young children, have been visited and advised to consult the family physician regarding im- munization of these children.
Daily visits were made to the Health Camp on North Main Street during July and August. Every Monday the thirty boys were weighed and record made of each boy's weight. Special attention was given to each boy's health and happiness. These boys, as you know, are now making regular visits to the Health Department Dispensary where their weights are still recorded and general health observed. It is gratifying to note the continued improvement in these boys. By the aid of the Over- seers of the Poor, milk has been provided one camp boy who would other- wise be unable to have it regularly.
In April a Health Show was conducted by this department at the Y. M. C. A. An appreciable part of my time was spent in preparation of this event and in attendance at the Tuberculosis and Diphtheria Pre- vention Clinics while the Show was in progress.
STATISTICAL REPORTS ON TUBERCULOSIS WORK
Number of Tuberculosis cases supervised. 193
Number of new Tuberculosis cases 25
Number of Tuberculosis cases left town 4
Number of Tuberculosis cases arrested. 1
Number of Tuberculosis cases sent to sanatoria. 24
Number of Deaths. 15
Number of home calls made on patients. 1745
In conclusion, allow me to acknowledge with thanks, the fine coopera- tion extended our department by the School Physician, School Nurse, District Nursing Association, Associated Charities, and Overseers of the Poor.
Respectfully submitted,
Health Department Nurse.
REPORT OF SCHOOL DENTIST
January 12, 1925
Dr. W. O. Hewitt, Health Officer, Sanford St., Attleboro, Mass. DEAR SIR:
The following is a report of work done in the Dental clinic during the first three months of the year 1924.
Total number of patients treated.
66
Total number of Amalgam fillings 112
Total number of cement fillings 7
Total number of synthetic fillings. 8
Total number of diceduous teeth extracted. 113
Total number of permanent teeth extracted . 21
Total number of teeth treated
7
Total number of teeth cleaned . 43
This makes a total cost of $.45 for each operation in the clinic.
Yours respectfully, (Signed) E. M. WEBB. D. M. D.
Total number of sittings given. 331
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
46 Barrows St., No. Attleboro, Mass., Dec. 15, 1924 Dr. Wm. O. Hewitt, Health Officer, Attleboro, Massachusetts.
DEAR DOCTOR:
I submit herewith my report as Inspector of Slaughter for the year ending December 15, 1924.
Carcasses stamped and passed fit for food. . . 502 Cattle 122, Hogs 320, Calves 60.
Carcasses Condemned
Cattle 8 General Tuberculosis
Cattle 1 Internal Abscess
Cattle 1 Pneumonia
Hogs 6 General Tuberculosis
Hogs
3
Necrotic Skin Disease
Hogs 4 Hog Cholera
Calves
4
Dysentery
Calves
3
Premature (underweight)
Respectfully yours,
(Signed) HUGH GAW D. V. S.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
Attleboro, Massachusetts December 15, 1924
To His Honor the Mayor and Municipal Council:
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit my third annual report for the year ending Dec. 15, 1924.
I have made an inspection of all neat cattle, sheep and swine found within the limits of the city.
I have inspected stables and conditions at 190 premises where animals were kept and examined 1391 animals as follows:
Dairy cows. 822
Swine. 386
Young cattle . 127
Sheep. 6
Bulls. 29
Goats. 19 Oxen . 2
I have quarantined 11 dogs for observation of rabies after having bitten people and 3 dogs on account of having been in contact with a rabid dog. These dogs have been released after quarantine period.
I have condemned 2 cows for tuberculosis and destroyed 2 dogs with rabies.
Respectfully submitted,
(Signed) FREDERICK L. BRIGGS, D.V.M.
Inspector of Animals
88
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
Dr. William O. Hewitt, Health Officer, Attleboro, Mass.
SIR:
The following report of work performed by the Inspector of Plumbing during the year 1924, is hereby submitted.
There were 112 permits granted during the year 1924.
Number of permits for plumbing granted 112
Number of new buildings 52
Number of water closets installed 154
Number of sinks installed . 105
Number of wash trays installed. 21
Number of lavoratories installed. 122
Number of bath tubs installed. 71
Number of slop sinks installed.
2
Number of sewer connections installed
95
Number of shower baths installed
2
Number of urinals installed.
13
Number of changes in work by order inspector.
32
Number of consultations of plumber with owners
87
Number of inspections made in plumbing 215
Respectfully submitted,
(Signed) ARTHUR B. READ
Inspector of Plumbing.
89
ANNUAL REPORT
PARK COMMISSIONERS
To His Honor, the Mayor and the Municipal Council-
The Park Commissioners herewith submit their twenty third annual report for the year 1924.
Donated
Capron Park was donated to the Town of Attleboro in 1901 by Everett S. Capron, Hartford Capron and Mrs. Eliza Carpenter.
Casino
Donated by Marsden J. Perry in 1902.
Fountain
Donated by Mrs. John W. Wolfenden in memory of her husband, John Wolfenden, in 1910. Newell Shelter
Donated by Mrs. Fred E. Newell in 1911.
Wading Pool and Bath House.
Donated by Gertrude Hunton Sweet in memory of her parents in 1917.
The activities of the Park. for the year 1924 are well known to all of the citizens of Attleboro as never before has the attendance at the Park been greater and the Commissioners feel gratified with the various activi- ties held there during the season.
Donations
The Commissioners wish to publicly acknowledge the following contributions for 1924-
Attleboro Round Table, trees. $10.00
Women's Relief Corps, trees and markers. 63.00
Manufacturer's Baseball League. . 93.47
We also wish to acknowledge the walk around the fountain which was donated by Mr. Harry C. Wolfenden and is greatly appreciated.
Also the interest on $5000.00 given by Mr. Oscar Wolfenden to be used on the baseball field.
Tennis Courts
We are contemplating putting in five courts on account of the popular- ity of the sport, instead of the three courts and hope to have the same ready for use on June 1st, 1925.
Baseball Field
Although the Commissioners put in a large grand stand we are again obliged to extend the same as the seating capacity was inadequate to take care of the crowd there during the summer. The addition will be ready for use by the opening of the baseball season of 1925.
Band Concerts
The Sunday evening band concerts were as popular as ever and ten concerts were held, including Fourth of July and Labor Day.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Zoo
The Zoo which was donated by the children of Attleboro has con- tinued to be of interest among the grown-ups as well as the children and the Commissioners hope in the very near future to build a house so that the Zoo can be open both summer and winter. As things are now the Commissioners must find a warm place for the animals in the winter, which expense could be saved if we had suitable housing quarters.
The Playground report annexed herewith speaks for itself and through the fine work of Miss Hillman and Mr. Canfield this is kept to its usually high standard which it has held for the past few years.
The Commissioners wish to especially thank Mayor Sweeney, the Municipal Council and all others who gave their warm and loyal support during the past season.
Respectfully submitted,
SAMUEL M. EINSTEIN, Chairman SOLON D. BUSHEE, JOHN E. ANDERSON.
REPORT OF MISS ALMA C. HILLMAN AND GUYTON C. GARFIELD, PLAYGROUND SUPERVISORS Season 1924
To the Park Commissioners :-
Gentlemen:
The Playground Supervisors herewith submit their annual report for the season 1924.
A normal child when given the opportunity will naturally play. It should be the aim of the playground not merely to direct this play but to direct it along the right channels for the best development of the child. This was the aim of the supervisors in planning the activities for the past season.
One of the most essential qualities, and one which needs most careful guidance for its proper development, is leadership. There has been for the past few years at the playground, a Leader's Corps of ten, chosen from among the boys and girls who attend the sessions regularly. Cer- tain qualifications are necessary before one may be a leader and as this is a distinction eagerly sought for, it may be readily seen how it tends to- ward character building. These qualifications must not only be attained but must be maintained. If any fall short of expectations during the season he or she may be demoted and a more worthy one appointed. So popular and helpful has this group proved, that it is safe to say it will become an established custom.
The baseball season has been a particularly successful one, the play- ground league games being played three times a week. This league was composed of six teams selected by the boys themselves and under their own management. There was great rivalry and good spirit among the teams and not until the last game had been won was the winner deter- mined. A tie for first place between the Hayward Juniors and the County Square Nine resulted in victory for the latter team after a great game. Each member of the winning team received a silver baseball with the word "Champions" engraved on it, which could be worn on the lapel of the coat. Much thanks is here extended to those of the Y. M. C. A. who so efficiently umpired the games each week.
91
ANNUAL REPORT
Tennis easily held first place among the sports. The interest was never lagging. Even with the addition of another court, the crowds could not be accomodated. Daily, when the weather permitted, the courts were in use from six in the morning until dark. Some excellent players have been developed and during the playground tournament, matches were played which older players might find hard to equal. Through the generosity of the Bancroft Company, the boy and girl winning the championship received splendid "Bancroft Winner" rackets.
Newcomb, quoits, volley ball, basketball, and other games proved as popular as ever with the older children. The younger children enjoyed more the rhythmic plays and singing games, and the simple dances.
With the addition of more apparatus in the grove, it has necessitated more supervision and much time has been devoted to the free play there. Most of the story periods were conducted there rather than as formerly at the Shelter House.
The excessive heat of the past summer made the pool an especially attractive place. The total attendance during playground hours aggre- gated 3800 boys and 2400 girls. Though used so extensively, it was kept in fine condition and when inspected by city officials it received the highest commendation.
Not only has the number of girls in the classes in handwork increased, but it is interesting to note the number of boys who have done excellent work along this line. Mention may well be made here also of the work done by the boys in their class in woodwork. Particular interest was taken in the building of bird-houses. Many of these were afterward turned over to the park by the cihldren to be placed in advantageous places for the birds. It would seem proper to here recommend the necessity of a few tools for the boys to use in this highly beneficiary part of the play- ground activities. During the past season the few tools that were ac- cessable were borrowed from the different homes of the boys. The boys also brought their own wood, which was usually in the form of a box ac- quired from the neighborhood grocer.
Many good times were enjoyed such as swimming hikes, trips and supper hikes. The most noteworthy was the excellent dinner and auto- mobile trip given by the Park Commissioners to the Leader's Corps.
The attendance has far exceeded that of previous summers. There was an aggregate total of 13,900 children who attended during playground hours. These figures prove the evergrowing popularity of Capron Park as a recreation center and should be very gratifying to the Commissioners who by their tireless efforts have made these things possible. They de- serve the gratitude of all who have enjoyed the privileges of Capron Park Playground.
Respectfully submitted, ALMA C. HILLMAN, GUYTON C. CANFIELD, Supervisors.
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF ATTLEBORO RECREATION BOARD.
To the Honorable Mayor and Municipal Council :-
The Recreation Board respectfully submits the following report for the year 1924.
The year was one of the most successful for outdoor sports and recreation in Attleboro since the City took over the supervision of the playgrounds.
Hayward Field was the scene of considerably more activity this year than in past years. Thirty three baseball games were staged including 10 games by the High School Team, 10 games by the Junior League and 13 by the Attleboro Baseball team. In addition to these, 22 football games were played. The High Schol Team played 5 home games on Hayward Field, the East Sides 7 games, The Steam Rollers 7 games, and the Tala- quega A. C. 3 games. The Elks had a field day in September during which some of the leading athletes of the vicinity, including a few of the 1924 Olympic Team appeared.
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