USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1925 > Part 6
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December 31, 1925.
William O. Hewitt, M. D. Health Officer,
Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Sir :
I herewith submit my first report as Inspector of Milk and Author- ized Agent of the Health Department of the City of Attleboro, for the period September 1, 1925, to December 31, 1925.
With the development of the Health Department of today, the Health Officer finds himself faced with the necessity of delegating a por- tion of his activities to various other agencies to the end that the health of the community may be safeguarded with every facility which the sci- ence of hygiene and public health has to offer. The Department of Milk Inspection is only one of these agencies, but it is one of vital importance to the general health of the community, and in presenting the report for the brief period of my office as Inspector of Milk I wish to make it clear that I appreciate the responsibility of the trust which you have delegated to me. You have at all times taken an active interest in every detail concerning this department, and your assistance and advise have been invaluable.
The city of Attleboro differs from many other cities of equal size in that nearly all of the milk consumed here comes from within a ra- dious of ten miles from the center of the city. This does not neces- sarily hold true at seasons of the year when there is a shortage of milk, but on the whole the time factor of transportation is practically eliminated. We have been particularly fortunate that we could see under what conditions the bulk of the milk for Attleboro was produced
Producer's permits
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ANNUAL REPORT
but experience has shown that this will not always be possible. Health campaigns for the use of more pure milk, increase in population, and forfeiture of farm land for residential purposes, are immediate factors which are working to lengthen the distance between the source and the consumer.
The time is not far distant when it will be impossible for a local inspector to supervisor the conditions under which all of the milk for the city of Attleboro is produced, but there are two strong safeguards which the public should demand for their own protection and they are the Tuberculin Test and Pasteurization. This department, in reply to a letter from the Commissioner of Health of Massachusetts, has al- ready gone on record as favoring proposed state legislation requiring that all cows producing milk sold within the state of Massachusetts shall be properly tested for tuberculosis at least once a year, and pro- viding a substantial fine for the sale of milk from tuberculous cows unless such milk is properly pasteurized. This proposed legislation is a fair example of the trend of Public Health legislation throughout the entire United States, as concerns the milk situation. It is the sort of legislation that the city of Attleboro must consider very shortly if her citizens expect to keep the general health of the community on a par with that of neighboring cities which are employing these safe- guards,-the Tuberculin Test and Pasteurization.
In order that we might obtain the opinions of the producers on such questions and acquaint them in advance of our aims we have al- ready had two meetings of the local dairymen. Mr. E. A. Crossman of the United States Bureau of Animal Husbandry spoke at the last meeting on "Tuberculosis in Cattle and the Tuberculin Test." The meeting was attended by thirty-five of the local milk producers, and a desire was expressed that other speakers be obtained on allied sub- jects.
At the annual Health Show in the spring we propose to start an active campaign on the value of pure milk as a food and towards this end a series of posters and pamphlets have been selected.
Concerning the work in the laboratory I wish to state that there have been but few changes from the procedures followed by Mr. Charles T Guild, one of my predecessors. The methods of milk analysis are fixed by law. We have, however, at the suggestion of Mr. James Howard, (Laboratory Inspector for the State of Massachusetts), made several purchases of equipment which aid in the accuracy of our re- sults. Considerable attention is being paid to the bacterial content of the milk sold in Attleboro, and while the city still lacks a law by which milk can be properly graded, we hope to overcome this lack by making the results of all bacterial analysis of milk available to any- one who wishes to consult the department on the matter.
As Agent for your department I have made inspections of the bakeries, restaurants and food shops, and in several instances sent written notices of certain failures to comply with the law. In each instance, the recommendations of the department have been complied with.
The municipal dump has been regularly inspected. On two sepa- rate occasions I have assisted in typhoid fever investigation work, mak- ing examinations of the drinking water, blood, and feces, and mak- ing certain that the possibility of a milk-borne epidemic was eliminated. It is on occasions like these, when the first few cases of the disease appear which may rapidly assume epidemic proportions, that the lack of laws requiring proper pasteurization of milk and chlorination of the municipal water supply are most keenly felt. The following is an
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itemized table of the work done by this department during my four month's period of service.
Inspections
Dairy
48
Bakery
11
Restaurant
29
Special Investigations
9
Laboratory
Subject
Bacteriological
Chemical
Milk
61
77
Cream
7
Water
3
2
Vinegar
Special Analyses
7
Licenses Issued
20
Producers' Permits
4
Milk
Respectfully submitted,
EDWIN M. KNIGHTS, Milk Inspector
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF HEALTH DEPARTMENT NURSE
To Dr. William O. Hewitt, Health Officer,
Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Sir :
I hereby submit my first report as Health Department Nurse for the months of November and December 1925.
A great deal of time has been spent in visiting all tuberculosis cases on file at the dispensary to familiarize myself with the cases under my supervision, and conditions under which they lived.
Nine clinics for the examination of tuberculosis and contact cases have been held during the past two months at the dispensary where forty-eight patients have been examined, three advised hospital care, and three x-rayed.
I have attended eight diphtheria prevention clinics, held on Satur- day mornings, at the Sturdy Hospital. In spite of the unusually poor weather, attendance at these clinics has been very satisfactory, eighty- nine children being treated at one clinic. During my short employ- ment here, I have noted that a large percentage of the children of pre- school age and school age, up to fourteen years, have been protected against diphtheria and are taking advantage of the opportunity ex- tended to them. This, I feel, is unusual in comparison with cities having a similiar population.
It has been necessary for me to make numerous home visits to patients ill with scarlet fever during the last two months. It may be of interest to you to know that during the scarlet fever epidemic, in only four families has the disease been contracted by other members of the family. I feel that this is due to the splendid technique carried out in the homes by the mothers.
It is gratifying to note the fine co-operation extended to me by Mr. Hardy, of the Overseers of the Poor, the Associated Charities, District Nursing Association, School Nurse and Physicians of Attleboro.
STATISTICAL REPORT ON TUBERCULOSIS WORK
Tb. Cases Supervised 48
New Cases
5
Left Town 1
State Sanatoria
1
County Sanatoria
1
Deaths
2
Home Calls
173
Follow-up Calls on Health Camp Boys 12
Contagious Disease Calls
172
Respectfully submitted,
MARY E. McMAHON, R. N., Health Department Nurse.
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
46 Barrows Street, North Attleboro, Mass. December 22, 1925.
Dr. Wm. O. Hewitt, Health Officer, . Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Dear Doctor :
I submit herewith my report as Inspector of Slaughter for the City of Attleboro for the year ending December 15, 1925.
Slaughter House and Field Inspection
518 carcasses were stamped and passed for food.
Hogs 340
Cattle 122
Calves 56
43 Carcasses were condemned as unfit for food.
8 Cattle General Tuberculosis
1 Cattle Gangrene udder
1 Cattle Abscess in liver
12 Hogs Swine Plague
9 Hogs
Hog Cholera
4 Hogs
Deep Seated Skin Disease
5 Calves Immature
3 Calves White Scour
Respectfully yours,
HUGH GAW, D. V. S., Inspector of Slaughter.
H. G .- H. B. G.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
To, Dr. William O. Hewitt, Health Officer, . Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Sir :
The following report of work performed by the Inspector of Plumb-
ing during the year 1925 is hereby submitted.
There were 123 permits granted during the year 1925.
Number of permits for plumbing granted
123
Number of new buildings
89
Number of water closets installed
195
Number of sinks installed 141
52
Number of lavoratories installed
225
Number of bath tubs installed
115
Number of slop sinks installed
10
Number of shower baths installed
12
Number of urinals installed 20
Number of sewer connections 52
Number of work changed by order of inspector 61
Consultations with owners and plumbers 94
Number of inspections in plumbing work
360
Respectfully submitted, ARTHUR B. READ.
Number of wash trays installed
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
Attleboro, Mass., December 15, 1925 To His Honor the Mayor and Municipal Council :
Gentlemen :-
I hereby submit my fourth annual report for the year ending De- cember 15, 1925.
I have made an inspection of all meat cattle, sheep and swine found within the limits of the city.
Inspected stables and conditions at 179 premises where animals were kept and examined 1,359 animals as follows :
Dairy Cows
805
Young Cattle
114
Bulls 21
Oxen 2
Swine 403
Goats
8
Sheep
6
I have quarantined 14 dogs for observation of Rabies on account of having bitten people.
These dogs have been examined and released after quarantine period.
On account of unusual prevalence of contagious diseases of poultry I have made careful inquiry as to the existance of such diseases on any premices within the city and have examined 13,363 poultry.
Respectfully submitted, FREDERICK L. BRIGGS, D. V. M.
Inspector of Animals.
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ANNUAL REPORT
PARK COMMISSIONERS
December 30, 1925.
To His Honor, the Mayor and Municipal Council :
The Park Commisioners herewith submit their twenty-fourth annual report for the year 1925.
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 1925 are well known to all the citizens of Attleboro and the attendance has been greater than ever before. The Commissioners feel gratified with the various ac- tivities held there during the season.
The report of the Superintendent and of the Playground Super- visor is herewith annexed and are self explanatory.
The Commissioners wish to thank Mayor Sweeney, the Municipal Council, as well as all of the citizens who gave their warm and loyal support during the past season.
Respectfully submitted,
SAMUEL M. EINSTEIN, Chairman SOLON D. BUSHEE,
HARRY C. WOLFENDEN
Park Commissioners.
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ANNUAL REPORT
APPROPRIATIONS FOR CAPRON PARK FOR YEAR 1926
Superintendent's Salary and Payroll
$7,000.00
Maintenance Expense 4,000.00
Playground 1,000.00
1,200.00
Band Concerts, 4th of July Zoo
1,000 00
Angell Square and Common
300.00
Total
$14,500.00
To the Board of Park Commissioners, City of Attleboro :
Gentlemen :
I respectfully submit my first and the Parks twenty-fourth annual report ending December 31st, 1925.
The year 1925 has been a busy and successful season for Capron Park, where young and older people have enjoyed themselves. Play- ground and Recreation Departments have shown a decided increase during the past season. Nothing unusual to see a thousand or more people at the ball games two or three evenings a week; two to four thousand people at the band concerts.
A lot of necessary work has been accomplished during the year, some 250 stumps were dug out and 700 yards of filling excavated to level off a knoll and make room for more tennis courts and a larger ball field. This filling was used to good advantage; half an acre of swamp land in grove filled in and improved and the balance used where needed; a new Back Stop erected, additional Bleacher Seats erected and painted, Casino Building shingled and repaired. About 300 of pines in the grove have been trimmed of all dead branches and 500 yards of sandy subsoil spread in grove to protect the roots of the pine trees.
The new Park, corner Emory and Park Streets to be dedicated and known as Cyril M. Angell Square has been put in shape for seed- ing next spring. Owing to the extreme length and narrowness of the property, the Park Commissioners decided to throw 30 to 40 feet of both ends into the street so as to make an easier and safer turn from Emory Street to Park Street and an easy approach and turn from Torey Street to Park Street. This arrangement makes a better look- ing Park and the turns on both ends safer and more convenient for the public Material used for this Park about 600 yards of subsoil and filling, 200 yards of loam and 10 yards of crushed stone. The City appropriated $500.00 and the heirs of the late Thomas H. Angell donated $500.00 for this work. The Girl Scouts have volunteered to furnish money for evergreens and shrubs to be planted in this Park. In conclusion I wish to thank the Commissioners for their hearty help and co-operation on any matter concerning the work in the Park and for the benefit of the children and the citizens of Attleboro; to the Chief of Police and his officers for the splendid manner they al- ways handled the crowds of thousands of people and hundreds of auto- mobiles on many occasions; to the Supervisors, Miss Alma B. Hillman and Ray Cooney, for their efficient service rendered the children of Attleboro and thanks to the children themselves for their good be- havior this summer. Less damage has been done by the children than by the grown-ups, who should know better.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN E. ANDERSON, Superintendant Capron Park.
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF PLAYGROUND SUPERVISORS, 1925.
To the Park Commissioners :
We take pleasure in submitting this report of the playground ac- tivities for the season of 1925, (July 1st-September 10th inclusive). Attendance figures for the season were the best yet recorded at the playground, and we feel very gratified with the results accomplished. The following daily program was in effect.
Daily Program
MONDAY
9-10 A. M .- Basketry, Girls. Baseball, Older Boys.
10-11 A. M. Folk Dancing, Girls. Baseball, Older Boys.
11-11 :45 A. M .- Baseball, Older Boys. Manual Arts, Girls.
2-3 P. M .- Swimming, Girls. Baseball, Younger Boys.
3-4 P. M .- Swimming, Girls.
Baseball Younger Boys.
4-5 P. M .- Game Period, Girls. Swimming, Boys.
TUESDAY
9-10 A. M .- Basketry, Girls. Manual Training, Boys.
10-11 A. M .- Manual Training, Boys. Folk Dancing, Girls.
11-11:45 A. M .- Game Period, Boys. Manual Arts, Girls.
2-3 P. M .- Girls, Hike. Swimming Lessons, Boys.
3-4 P. M .- Girls, Hike.
Swimming Lessons, Boys.
4-5 P. M .- Girls, Hike. Tennis, Boys.
WEDNESDAY
9-10 A. M .- Basketry, Girls. Baseball, Older Boys.
10-11 A. M .- Folk Dancing, Girls. Baseball, Older Boys.
11-11 :45 A. M -Quoits, Younger Boys. Manual Arts, Girls.
2-3 P. M .- Swimming, Girls. Baseball, Younger Boys.
3-4 P. M .- Swimming, Girls.
Baseball, Younger Boys.
4-5 P. M .- Game Period, Girls. Swimming, Boys.
THURSDAY
9-10 A. M .- Basketry, Girls. Manual Training, Boys.
10-11 A. M .- Manual Training, Boys. Folk Dancing, Girls.
11-11:45 A. M -Game Period, Younger Boys. Manual Arts, Girls.
2-3 P. M .- Boys, Hike. Game Period, Girls.
3-4 P. M .- Boys, Hike. Sewing, Girls.
4-5 P. M .- Boys, Hike. Sewing and Story Hour, Girls.
FRIDAY
Same as Monday.
The special features of the program was the two baseball leagues. The County Square Midgets and Hayward Juniors winning in each league. The Junior tennis team played three matches with outside competition. In the boys and girls tennis tournaments for both July and August the winners played the finals on Labor Day and the cups donated by Mr. Frank Guild was won by Miss C. Christine MacDonals and John Merritt. A new game of paddle tennis was introduced this season.
Classes in swimming, basketry, games and folk dancing were held with a very satisfactory attendance.
A new feature was the opening of a branch of the Public Library where the boys and girls were able to secure their books. Although
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ANNUAL REPORT
-
the patronage was not very large we feel that the next summer will see a great many more availing themselves of this opportunity.
The golf course was very popular being used every available minute, Sundays included. At the final event prizes were awarded, which were so kindly donated by the members of the Country Club through the co-operation of Mr. Ed. Gowen.
Thanking the Commissioners for their co-operation we are,
Very respectfully, MISS ALMA HILLMAN, J. RAY COONEY, Supervisors.
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ANNUAL REPORT
PLANNING BOARD
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 tenth annual report.
The board has held a number of well attended meetings, in which much discussion has taken place and a good deal of action has followed for the welfare of the city.
We look back with some pride on a few things we have advocated that have been accomplished this year, such as the widening of South Main Street, Dunham Street and Morey Street.
We now desire to recommend the following :-
Board of Survey.
We again recommend that a Board of Survey be established as provided in Chapter 190 of the Acts of 1916. The rapid growth of the south-west section and other localities in our city demands prompt ac- tion on this matter.
Building Lines.
We again emphasize the necessity of establishing a building line on Bank Street with a uniform width of 50' at least. The widths are now fifty feet from Holden Street to Bicknell Street, thirty-six feet from Bicknell Street to Peck Street, and thirty-nine feet from Peck Street to Park Street. We also recommend the establishment of a building line on North Main from Park Street as far as the Railroad crossing.
City Hall Site.
We again recommend that the lot on North Main Street, reserved for the new City Hall, should be cleaned up. It occupies a very promi- nent place and should be made to look more attractive.
Comfort Station.
We cannot urge too strongly the provision of a comfort station. The ever increasing automobile traffic alone demands this public con- venience. We would recommend that it be located on Park Street in the waiting room of Street Railway Company, as this site is central and convenient for both passengers and pedestrians.
Zoning.
It has been the experience of zoning experts that the strongest advocates are the individuals who know the most about this subject and so we feel that the so called failure of zoning in our city is due to the lack of education of the people to the beneficial results of such an ordinance. We urge our fellow citizens to acquaint themselves with the benefits that accrue to any city that adopts a zoning ordi- nance and we hope prompt action may be taken in Attleboro to avoid those unpleasant conditions that may arise in a city that is not properly zoned.
New Street.
We recommend the laying out of a new street from Union to Pine Street south of the Post Office building. The traffic on Park Street
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ANNUAL REPORT
facing the Post Office is very much congested and it is getting worse as the traffic increases in that section ..
We have recommended this before and we do so now knowing that the need is greater than ever before. We believe the income from taxable property after the city opens the street will more than recom- pense the city for the outlay.
Appropriations.
We ask the Council for an appropriation of $250.00 to carry on our work.
In conclusion, we wish to thank the Mayor, the Municipal Council, the Public Works Department, and the Chamber of Commerce for the many courtesies they have given us during the past year; and to the Attleboro Sun for the valued publicity in our work our deep gratitude is hereby extended.
Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH FINBERG, Chairman, ROBERT W. MAWNEY, Secretary, MILFORD E. BLISS, MRS. JOSEPHINE L. HAMMOND, MRS. MARY G. MULLALY, EDGAR A. REMINGTON.
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ANNUAL REPORT
POLICE DEPARTMENT
To His Honor, the Mayor and Municipal Council :
Gentlemen :-
Following is the Annual Report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1925.
ORGANIZATION
The Regular force consists of a Chief, Lieutenant, two Sergeants, fourteen Patrolman, and four 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, Joseph A. Deland, Eugene J. LaCroix, Charles M. Brogan, William Doucett.
Reserve Officers
Horace A. Clifford, George R. Grover, Ernest W. Holt, Peter Marron.
CRIME
While serious crime has been on the increase all over the country, our city has been kept free from same. This speaks well for the efficiency of the Department, and for the manner in which the officers performed their duties.
TRAFFIC
This important branch of our service is now on a fairly good basis. the assigning of an Officer to do traffic duty during the rush hours at the corner of Park, Union, and Pleasant Streets, has filled a much needed want, I believe, however, that a permanent Traffic Officer is needed at this place.
Three new Traffic Beacons have been installed during the year, one at Mill Street near the Railroad Station, one at County Square, and one at the intersection of Bank and Holden streets. While these silent sentinels are not as effective as Traffic Officers, they help very materially in checking the speed of automobiles.
A motor cycle officer has been assigned to patrol the streets of the city while the weather was favorable, with the result that the speed of autoists has been kept at a reasonable rate, and quite a few persons who failed to heed a warning have been prosecuted in the District Court.
I am proud to state that there has not been a fatal accident by automobile in this city during the past twelve months, and only one in the past two years, this being caused by an out of State motorist.
The parking of pleasure cars on the streets of our city still con- tinues to be a serious problem, especially on Wednesday and Saturday
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ANNUAL REPORT
evenings. Although plenty of space is available on the School lot on Sanford street, and the Capron lot at the corner of South Main and Wall streets, automobile owners still persist in crowding their cars into every vacant spot they can find. As there is no time limit for park- ing on most of the streets after 7 P. M., the store keepers are incon- venienced by having cars parked in front of their place of business in in the evening during the hours the stores are open.
WELFARE WORK
Each year the volume of welfare work increases, and every effort is made to remedy an undesirable condition, or correct a delinquent, without recourse to Court procedure. Our chief aim is to prevent the arrest of Juveniles for petty offenses, we endeavour to correct such by moral suasion and co-operation with the parents.
Policewomen are becoming a necessity for this kind of work, and I hope that Attleboro will in the near future, have a Policewoman under pay who can devote all her time to the prevention of crime by juvenile delinquents.
Owing to the good work performed by Miss Alice C. Daley of the M S. P. C. C. a great burden has been lifted from the shoulders of the Police Department, but owing to the fact that she can only spend two days each week in Attleboro much is left undone that needs to be remedied.
REVOLVER PRACTICE
In my last report I called attention to the fact that members of the Department did not have any revolver practise, owing to no appropria- tion having been made for ammunition. It must be apparent to your Honorable Board, the necessity of a Police Officer being able to handle a revolver with skill. The crooks and bandits are expert in handling these weapons, and I believe it is only fair to give the Officer at least an even chance. I must again renew my request of last year and ask that an appropriation be made for this purpose.
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