USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1926 > Part 6
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Many of the opponents of the above bill argue that if twenty percent of the cattle of the state are tuberculous, as we believe they are, it will cost the state and the individual farmer too much to eradicate bovine tuberculosis. Such arguments fail however when we consider that one diseased cow might easily infect fifty of more children with some form of tuberculosis, and the probem of caring for a certain portion of such children is bound to fall upon the state. In the end is it not more eco- monical to eradicate the diseased cows than it is to provide for hospitals for children infected with bovine tuberculosis?
During the past year the Health Department has made a determined effort to improve conditions existing in lunch carts and restaurants. The local ordinance prohibiting the exposure of certain foods for sale has been rigidly enforced but here again the cooperation of the public in refusing to eat where food is exposed to dust, coughing and sneezing would do more to protect health than all of the rules which the de- ment might lay down. Bakeries have been regularly inspected and au attempt made to bring existing conditions to a higher standard.
The milk inspector has, during the past year, obtained three con- victions in the local court for violations of the state milk laws, and one conviction carrying a fine of $100 for violation of the food and drug laws (the use of an artificial preservative in meat). Fifteen warning notices of violations have been sent out which resulted in remedying the conditions involved.
The laboratory work has increased in volume over that reported for last year. A list of examinations made follows:
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ANNUAL REPORT
Chemical analyses
Bacteriological analyses.
326
Cream
Chemical analyses
183
Bacteriological analyses
74
Ice Cream
Chemical analyses
42
Bacteriological analyses
17
Vinegar
Chemical analyses.
12
Water
Bacteriological analyses
16
Food products
8
Milk licenses issued
149
Oleomargarine licenses
6
In closing I wish to remind you that the two-year period for which I undertook this work is rapidly drawing to a close. The work during the past year has convinced me that the Health Department of Attleboro ought to be planning very soon for a Health Department Laboratory on a full-time basis. There is an immediate need here for an increased lab- oratory service which would take in public health work in addition to milk inspection. A fulltime laboratory should be provided where such routine diagnostic work as testing for typhoid, diphtheria, gonorrhoea, and syp- hilis, could be carried out without delay and inconvenience necessi- tated in sending material to other cities. The city will eventually have to provide such a service. I believe that there is no better time than the present to plan for such a laboratory which could be run by one tech- nician under the direction of the health officer.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWIN M. KNIGHTS,
Inspector of Milk and Authorized Agent
REPORT OF THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT NURSE
To Dr. William O. Hewitt, Health Officer Attleboro, Massachusetts
Dear Dr. Hewitt:
I hereby submit my annual report as Health Department Nurse for the city of Attleboro, for the year ending December 31, 1926.
All tuberculosis cases, active, suspicious, and contact, have been under my supervision during the year. Regular home visits have been been made on each case several tmes durng the year. Active cases have been advised hospitalization and arrangements made for their ad- mission. Several suspicious cases have been admitted to state pre- ventoria at Lakeville and Westfield for proper care.
-
Milk
840
SO
ANNUAL REPORT
The tuberculosis clinic has been open every Wednesday afternoon at the Sturdy Hospital from four to five-thirty with good attendance. Here all contact, suspicious and active cases not in need of hospitaliza- tion are examined. Health camp boys are regularly examined and followed up at the clinic.
Diphtheria prevention clinics have been held at the Sturdy Hospital every Saturday morning at 10 o'clock during the months of October, November and December. Over one thousand children in these three months have been treated at the clinic. Our slogan has been-"Make diphtheria as rare a disease as small-pox." Many home visits have been made and advice given parents of young children regarding immunization of their children, particularly those of pre-school age. It is quite ap- parent and gratifying to note that the parents have become much more enlightened on the subject of diphtheria prevention and immunization.
The Health Camp boys have been under the active supervision and many home visits made to advise the mothers about carrying out the camp routine in regard to diet, milk, and early hours for retiring in order to get the proper amount of rest. I have noticed that the boys have benefited greatly since camp closed, through the fine cooperation the mothers have given this department in continuing with the good work done at the camp this summer. A year's membership at the Y. M. C. A. has been given each boy through the generosity of the Lions Club, where posture exercises, lectures and regular gymnasium work has been enjoyed every Saturday morning.
Cases of contagious diseases have been visited on an average of three times a week. Where home conditions do not warrant fair isolation, it is then necessary to visit the home every day. Mothers have been instructed in a technique to carry out in the isolation of patients ill with a contagious disease in the home. In only a very few cases have I found people unwilling to cooperate with me in every respect.
I wish to acknowledge with appreciation the fine cooperation during the year from the following: Charity Department, Family Welfare Asso- ciation, School Physician and School Nurse, District Nurses, Doctors' Club and the Superintendent of the Sturdy Memorial Hospital.
STATISTICAL REPORT ON TUBERCULOSIS WORK
Number of visits made to Tuberculosis patients
1015
New Pulmonary Tuberculosis cases 10
New Tuberculosis cases, other forms. 2
Tuberculosis deaths 18
Tuberculosis cases moved away 10
Admitted to State Sanitoria ..
6
Admitted to County Sanatoria
25
Contagious disease visits.
506
Visits to Health Camp boys 778
Schick Test Clinic visits 340 ...
.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY E. McMAHON, R. N.,
Health Department Nurse
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
46 Barrows Street, North Attleboro, Mass. December 15, 1926
Dr. William O. Hewitt, Health Officer Attleboro, Mass.
Dear Doctor:
The following is my report as Inspector of Slaughter for the year ending December 15, 1926.
Slaughter House and Field Inspection
430 carcasses were stamped and passed for food.
Hogs
320
Cattle
65
Calves
52
Carcasses condemned as unfit for food. 18
4 Cattle . General Tuberculosis
1 Cattle Pyemia and Septicemia
1 Cattle
Emaciation
4 Hogs
Hemorrhagic Septicemia
3 Hogs
. Hog Cholera
2 Hogs
General Tuberculosis
3 Calves
Emaciation and underweight Respectfully submitted, HUGH GAW, D. V. S., Inspector of Slaughter
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
To the Health Officer
Dr. William O. Hewitt
Attleboro, Massachusetts Sir:
The following report of work performed by the Inspector of Plumbing during the year 1926 is hereby submitted.
There were 108 permits granted during the year 1926.
Number of permits for plumbing granted.
123
Number of new buildings.
92
Number of water closets installed
198
Number of sinks installed
148
Number of wash trays installed
50
Number of lavatories installed.
228
Number of bath tubs installed.
127
Number of slop sinks installed
12
Number of urinals installed. 15
Number of shower baths installed 8
Number of sewer connections inside buildings
93
Number of work changed by order inspector 73
Consultations with owners and plumbers.
123
Number of inspections in plumbing made. 465
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR B. READ, Inspector of Plumbing
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ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the Park Commissioners
Attleboro, Mass., December 22, 1926
To His Honor. the Mayor, and the Municipal Council:
The Park Commissioners herewith submit their twenty-fifth annual report for the year 1926.
The activities this year have been unusually active, there has been more activities during the year 1926 than ever before since the Park was established.
The playground activities have been very much enjoyed and attend- ance as you will see by the report attached from the supervisors, was unusually large.
Skating has been enjoyed by thousands, young and old. There has been more skating than ever. The pond has been scraped every day making a fine surface, have also installed colored lights which gives the pond a holiday effect.
Ball games of all kinds, especially those of the Manufacturer's League, brought big crowds and the new grandstand put up last year was filled at every game. The games were unusually good and the citi- zens by their attendance acknowledged satisfaction.
Four tennis courts at the Park are now in great demand and there are such crowds to enjoy this sport that it makes it necessary for the people to wait their turn. Soccer ball has been played at the Park this fall and is well attended.
The Hunton wading pool was as popular as ever and is one of the great attractions for children during the summer.
The zoo drew the usual crowd and our animals were better taken care of than ever before.
The Sunday night concerts drew large crowds, it is estimated about two thousand for each concert.
Fourth of July concert and fireworks were of great interest to our citizens and the police estimated they parked two thousand automobiles.
The heirs of Mr. Angell appropriated $500 and your council appro- priated $500 to put Angell Park in shape, and although not quite finished the Park Commissioners feel that an added $500 which we ask for in next year's appropriation will put this in shape for one of the beauty spots of our city. We trust the Street Department will put in a satis- factory drain from Old Park Street to New Park Street thus getting rid of the surface water which now spoils the lawn.
During the year we lost one of our Commissioners, Mr. Solon D. Bushee. The following resolutions were adopted by the Board and spread on the records.
"The Park Commissioners, desirous of honoring Solon D. Bushee, whose death occurred June 25th, herewith order that there be placed in their official records this tribute to one whose life so splendidly typifies service.
A Civil War Veteran, a former jeweler and Superintendent of Streets from 1894-1896, he was appointed a Park Commissioner March 2, 190S, and was for years thereafter Superintendent of Capron Park. He de- lighted in developing this pleasure spot and in caring for the children
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ANNUAL REPORT
who knew him as a real friend. One of his last acts was to donate a large tract of land to be added to the Park. His generosity and his de- votion to his public duties won him the esteem of Attleboro. Sharing in the community loss at his passing the Park Commissioners have also a personal sorrow in the death of a genial co-worker and a valued friend. It is our hope that his name and memory may be suitably preserved in the Park to which he gave so largely of his time and labor."
Dr. Mooers was appointed by Mayor Sweeney to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Bushee and it gives us great pleasure to have his cooperation and we heartily welcome him as one of our commissioners.
The donations for the year 1926 were as follows:
Roof over band stand a gift from S. M. Stone.
Boat for pond gift of Mr. Harry Wolfenden.
Check of $65 for planting trees from the Round Table.
The Commissioners wish to thank the Mayor, the Municipal Council, the Fire Department, the Police Department and all other citizens who gave us their loyal support during the year. We also take this oppor- tunity to thank our faithful superintendent Mr. John A. Anderson as well as the employees of the Park. With their assistance we hope to make Capron Park more attractive during the year 1927.
Respectfully submitted,
SAMUEL M. STONE, DR. MOOERS, DR. MOORES,
Park Commissioners
REPORT OF PLAYGROUND SUPERVISORS
The following report is respectfully submitted by the City Play- ground Supervisors.
The Capron Park Playground was officially opened on July 5. Throughout the ensuing season the supervisors made every effort to guide and direct the play inclinations of the children along constructive and beneficial recreative lines. In accordance with this effort the follow- ing activities were organized and promoted.
A-Baseball
Two leagues were formed. One for boys under the age of fourteen and one for boys between the ages of fourteen and sixteen. There were five teams in each of these leagues. The work of coaching the teams and conducting the games occuppied the major part of each morning.
The leagues were closely contested and an unusual amount of in- terest was shown by a large number of promising young athletes.
The senior league was won by the Artinian All Stars. The junior league was won by the County Square Jr.'s. Each member of the winning teams was presented with a championship medal.
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ANNUAL REPORT
B-Tennis
A growing amount of interest in tennis was shown by both play- ground children and adults. The courts being in use almost contin- uously during the daylight hours, not even the addition of a new court sufficing to supply the demand.
Monthly tournaments were held for both boys and girls of playground age. The winners of the July tournament playing the winners of the August tournament for the City Junior Championship.
The champions this year being Miss Christine MacDonald and John Merritt.
It was noticeable this season that a great many of the young children were breaking into the game. There beginners received instructions in the fundamentals from the supervisors.
Paddle tennis, a new game at the playground last year, has met with growing popularity, being of special value, when alternated with volley ball as a rainy-day activity in the Newell Shelter.
C-Water Sports
The Hunton Pool, always popular with the children, and especially so during this season; it being a not uncommon occurrence to have over 200 bathers present in an afternoon. It might be well at this point to ex- press the commendation of the supervisors for the splendid way in which the pool was cared for and kept clean and sanitary by the superintendent.
D-Golf
Through the courtesy of Mr. Anderson, the children were again al- lowed to use the field adjoining the park for a two hole golf course. Many enthusiastic foursomes and twosomes were daily played off; the season's play terminating in an open championship tournament held on the closing day.
E-Volley Ball
A successful effort was made to teach the individual technicalities and team play of this game as the supervisors recognized the importance of volley ball or a recreational activity and felt that to instill a knowledge of the game now, would insure continual participation in later years. .
F-Quoits
Taking advantage of the excellent facilities provided for them, the children made this one of their favorite games. This is a game de- manding considerable accuracy and precision, nevertheless the degree of skill attained by the children proved very gratifying.
G-In addition to these popular sports certain hours were devoted to conducting organized play including games and folk dancing and in supervising free play with apparatus.
H-Handicraft
In this department was included the weaving of baskets from reed, the sewed reed and raffia baskets, and sewing.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Not only was a great deal of interest shown in this department by the girls, but in the former, a considerable amount of commendable work was turned in by the boys.
The interest and enthusiasm shown by the boys in this department proves the need, and opportunity for service, of a workshop with proper facilities for carrying on handicraft work more directly applicable to boys.
The Leaders' Corps, composed of six boys and six girls, chosen on a basis of merit, still continues to be an important factor in maintain- ing the continuity of the daily program.
Through the courtesy of Mrs. Lucinda Spofford of the Attleboro Public Library, books and magazines were put into circulation at the Park throughout the summer.
Thanking the Commissioners for their unfailing co-operation and sup- port during the past season, the supervisors would suggest the following recommendations for the ensuing year.
1-Two more tennis courts.
2-Two cement courts for paddle tennis.
3-Equipped work shop for manual training for boys.
4-Showers in both houses.
5-An addition to bathing pool.
Respectfully submitted,
MISS ALMA HILLMAN, RAYMOND H. GRAYSON,
Supervisors
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ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the Planning Board
Hon. Fred E. Briggs, Mayor, and Municipal Council of Attleboro:
In accordance with Chapter 494 of Massachusetts Statutes, the City Planning Board herewith submits its Eleventh Annual Report.
A number of well attended meetings have been held during the year. Much discussion has taken place and some action has followed for the good of the city.
The members, as individuals, hear a good deal of comment among the citizens as undesirable business buildings are placed here and there about the city in residential sections and we take some courage from this. Zoning may again be taken up and become a reality.
Traffic regulations are an everyday topic in the press, in the council, and among the citizens, and we believe that the fundamental method of relieving such conditions is in wider streets. We again emphasize the necessity of widening Bank Street to a uniform width of fifty feet. The present widths now vary from fifty feet to thirty-nine feet.
It seems to the Board that we should again urge the necessity of a Comfort Station and strongly advocate this public convenience.
The demand for a new police station is becoming rather emphatic and we suggest the purchase of a site for a new central fire station at the corner of South Main Street and Wall Street thereby releasing the pres- ent fire station on South Main Street for a police station. The new loca- tion for each department would seem to be ideal for their respective requirements. The recommended new fire station would house the South Main Street Department and the Union Street Department as well as the signal system, which is so necessary to these deparements, and they should be placed in a fire proof building.
The Board wishes to record its regret in the resignation of Mr. Joseph Finberg and their deep appreciation of his faithful work on the Board since its beginning.
In conclusion we wish to thank the Mayor and City Officials for the courtesies they have extended to us during the year, also the press for its co-operation.
Signed
LEWIS S. CHILSON, Secretary ROBERT W. MAWNEY, Secretary, MILFORD E. BLISS, MRS. JOSEPHINE L. HAMMOND, MRS. MARY G. MULLALY, EDGAR A. REMINGTON.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the Police Department
To His Honor the Mayor, and the Honorable Municipal Council:
Following is the report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1926.
ROSTER OF THE DEPARTMENT
Chief Terence E. Flanagan
Lieutenant Franklin Mckay
Sergeants
William J. Sargeant
William D. Norwood
Donat E. Pion Charles E. Brown
Arthur F. Gaffney John Bora
Joseph A. Fredette
Edward E. Gobin
Joseph A. Deland
Louis J. Fournier
Eugene J. LaCroix
Joseph P. McBride
Charles M. Brogan William Doucett
Joseph F. O'Donnell John J. Kelly
Reserve Officers Ernest W. Holt Peter Marron
Horace A. Clifford
CRIME
During the year we did not have any startling crimes or unusual circumstances, serious crimes although prevalent in other cities have been unknown here. While our city is just as accessible to those crimi- nally inclined, we can congratulate ourselves that Attleboro has not been included in the scene of their operations. I attribute this fact to the alert- ness of the officers that are charged with the duty of protecting our citizens and property and credit should be given them for their strict attention to duty. The department has assisted in the apprehension and capture of criminals wanted in other places.
TRAFFIC
The only change in the traffic and parking since 1925 is that it has become worse. The pleasure cars must have parking spaces, and a large number of autoists use the streets of our city as open air garages. With only two patrolmen during the day it is almost impossible to enforce the traffic rules.
Changes have been made and the traffic zone extended on some streets during the latter part of the year, but as no money is available from this year's appropriation to purchase signs the enforcement of the
Patrolmen
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ANNUAL REPORT
rules on these particular streets has been overlooked until proper signs can be obtained.
The problem of handling the automibile traffic is becoming greater each year, and it seems to me that the time is not far distant, when the parking of automobiles in the center of the city will have to be eliminated except for business purposes.
LIQUOR ENFORCEMENT
The Liquor situation has been well taken care of during the year, although there is no plain clothes officer available for this kind of work All the spotting of suspected places has to be done by the uniformed force. The South Attleboro and Hebronville officers have been espe- cially active in the pursuit of rum runners, with the result that all the liquor that formerly passed through the city in the south and eastern parts is now diverted in other directions.
WELFARE WORK
Each year the volume of this work increases, but as very few cases are brought to court the general public are not aware of the amount of time and attention that has to be given to it. Many serious cases of delinquency have come to our attention during the year and were solved quietly without ever coming to the public's attention or notice. I believe cases of this kind should be handled with discretion. Miss Elsie Thomas. local representative of the M. S. P. C. C. has kept up the good work which was begun by her predecessor in office, with the result that much good has been accomplished.
The appointment of a permanent policewoman would I believe be very helpful to the department in looking after derelict women and girls, and also be of great assistance in many other ways. She, in many cases, could reconcile husbands and wives who are having quarrels, and keep their differences from being aired out in the court room, and in advising and aiding the girl who has made a mistake or the woman who has erred. Such a woman could be helpful in bringing them back where they belong.
REVOLVER PRACTISE
During the summer months the officers went several times to the Rifle Range to engage in target practise and the ability they displayed in handling a revolver was surprising. However, there is none of them that can be classed as crack shots and the work will have to be carried on regularly each year in order that they may have an equal chance with bandits should the occasion ever arise.
EQUIPMENT
The motor equipment consists of a patrol wagon, Studebaker special- six touring car, two Ford runabouts and two motorcycles.
The police equipment carried by officers is in good shape, each regular patrolman is supplied with the latest style cuffs and a 38 calibre Colt revolver. There are three riot guns fully loaded and kept ready for use at any moment.
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ANNUAL REPORT
RECOMMENDATIONS
I recommend the erection of a suitable garage to house the motor apparatus be taken up with the Bronson Building Association. I believe there is room enough in the rear of what is now the police station for the erection of such a building. It is a fact to be deplored that in case of emergency it takes anywhere from ten to fifteen minutes before the wagon can be on its way after a call is put in for it.
I again recommend the installation of the Recall Gamewell System. It would give good results by increasing the efficiency of the department. A city without a police signalizing system is years behind the times, and even the police are on the job, they are never above suspicion as far as the general public are concerned.
I again renew my recommendation for the purchase of a Ford run- about for the patrolling of West Street, North Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue, North Main Street, Holden Street and Pleasant Street as far as the Norton line. This important section of the city has no police protection during the night and it is an easy matter for burglars and hen thieves to ply their trade without fear of being molested. Two more patrolmen should be appointed to take care of this route.
I again recommend also the appointment of another patrolman to ac- company the officer assigned to the Hebronville-Dodgeville route, a lone police officer during the night and early morning hours in this lonely section is placed in a very dangerous position, and I believe it is now time to take action before something happens that might be a source of regret later on.
I recommend as in former years that the two Ford runabouts used for patrolling be turned in and new ones put in their place. After one year' service over country roads for the most part, all that is in them for this kind of work is pretty nearly exhausted, and the upkeep if kept another year would be greater than the difference that would have to be paid for new ones.
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