USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1939 > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16
The Inspection of Animals and of Slaughtering has been well carried out by Dr. F. L. Briggs. There was a slight increase in the number of inspections.
The past year the department, through death, lost the service of Arthur B. Read who had served us in capacity of Plumbing Inspector since the year 1910. He is a great loss to our Department.
We have appointed John Bullock, our associate inspector for many years, to carry on as Plumbing Inspector. We appointed J. F. Forest as associate plumb- ing inspector. There were nearly double the number of inspections over last year.
The Dental Clinic does a surprisingly large amount of work and work which is highly beneficial to our small school children.
We have continued the dental work at the Parochial School this year as we found it was of great value to the children and could be done with very little additional expense.
This past Fall, the department received a very nice sum of money from the Attleboro Foundation for use in emergency cases among the older children of our schools whose parents are indigent. For this the department is highly grateful and extends our thanks to the Foundation.
Our records, as usual, are in excellent condition and the department clerk, Mrs. Mildred H. Shaw keeps them up to date at all times.
It is ever our aim to respond promptly to all complaints which concern the health of our community.
Recommendations
We still recommend municipal collection of rubbish.
We still recommend an increased use of pasteurized milk.
We still recommend an increase in the salaries of our Clerk and Inspector.
Conclusion
We feel that we have done a large amount of work beneficial to our citizens.
We have enjoyed the highest cooperation of our Mayor, the City Council, the Committee on Health, the Camp Organization, my fellow practitioners, the Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Dr. Conro and the dentists of our city and all the members of the Health Department are most grateful for their great help to us.
The detailed report is appended.
Respectfully yours,
Ralph P. Kent, Health Officer
41
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF MILK INSPECTOR, BACTERIOLOGIST AND AUTHORIZED AGENT
December 31, 1939
Dr. Ralph P. Kent, Health Officer, Attleboro, Mass.,
Dear Dr. Kent:
I hereby present my annual report as Milk Inspector, Bacteriologist and Authorized Agent for the year ending December 31, 1939.
There were 454 samples of milk collected and examined chemically, of these twenty-eight were found to be below legal standard. In every case, after the first warning, these conditions were remedied.
There were 343 samples of milk collected and examined bacteriologically, of which 43 samples did not conform with the legal standards. Each dealer responsi- ble for the condition was sent a warning letter. An investigation of the plant and farms followed and in each case, these conditions were remedied upon the sub- sequent samples collected, this department receiving full cooperation from both the producers and the dealers.
There were 35 samples of Grade A milk collected, two of which had bacterio- logical counts over the legal standard and two of which were below the legal standard chemically. Upon first notification, the parties concerned adjusted the condition and subsequent samples taken were above the legal standard.
There were 193 samples obtained of raw milk intended to be pasteurized. Of these, five were below the legal standard chemically and twenty had a higher count than 400,000 per c. c. of milk. The department has made a drive on this particular end of the milk inspection, because it feels that the milk obtained from the farmer at the dealer's plant must be of good quality in spite of the fact that it is to be pasteurized. There were 85 microscopic examinations of this milk taken of which five were found to be unfit for pasteurization, four samples showed signs of mastitis, nine samples showed signs of improper cooling at the farm and ten samples showed signs of unsanitary utensils used in the processing of the milk at the farm. On subsequent analysis the farmer, in every case, had adjusted his difficulty to the satisfaction of the Health Department.
There were 191 samples of pasteurized milk obtained of which three samples were below in butter fat and four samples did not conform to the legal standard in total solids and five did not conform to the legal bacteriological standard of 40,000 per c. c. of milk. The lowest count was 300 per c. c. of milk, and the highest count was 100,000 per c. c. of milk. The average pasteurized milk was of very good quality.
There were 271 samples of raw milk analyzed of which six samples were below standard in total solids, eight samples below standard in butter fat, and 16 did not conform to the bacteriological standard of 400,000 per c. c. of milk. On the average, the raw milk was of much poorer quality, bacteriologically, compared with the pasteurized milk. There were 26 samples of cream analyzed. of which all samples conformed to the chemical standards. There were two samples which did not conform to the legal standards bacteriologically. These conditions were remedied upon the subsequent sample collected.
There were twelve samples of ice cream analyzed of which all samples con- formed to the chemical and bacteriological standards. Two samples of ice cream mix were analyzed both samples conforming to standards.
45
ANNUAL REPORT
There were 23 pasteurizing plants inspected. 213 inspections being made. There were 25 phosphatase tests taken and it was found that four plants were not properly pasteurizing the milk. All four dealers adjusted the condition immed- iately. Five mercury thermometers were adjusted. Five plants were warned in regard to the care of their recording thermometer and two recording thermo- meters were replaced. There were 20 warnings sent out because of unsanitary equipment. Two plants were given a thorough sanitary inspection because of abnormal milk and four plants for high bacteria counts. Iwo plants were warned for exposed copper in pasteurizers. There were 10 warnings sent out for un- sanitary cans. Two plants were warned for improper bottle washing. Five plants were warned for improper outer clothing worn in the plant. These conditions were adjusted with full cooperation from the dealer.
There were 35 raw milk plants inspected, 370 inspections being made. These raw milk plants are under rigid inspection. It has been noted that the percentage of raw milk consumed in Attleboro is lower than last year and the department feels that the people are becoming educated to the fact that pasteurized milk is the only safe milk. The high bacteria counts obtained were due to unsanitary utensils and improper cooling conditions which were remedied.
There were 18 inspections of the four ice cream plants in the City of Attleboro. One plant was warned twice for unsanitary freezer. One plant was ordered to have a general cleanup of the whole plant. There was one warning for improper sterilization of freezer. One plant was warned for using rusty cans. These conditions were rectified.
There were 30 samples of water collected and tested. Fix samples were condemned because of potential danger. One sample showed signs of definite sewage contamination. Two samples showed soil contamination, but subse- quent samples were found to be safe. 21 samples were found to be free from contamination.
The city water supply has been tested from time to time and has been found safe.
There were 143 farms inspected, 641 inspections being made. There were 93 milk violation letters sent out by this department and in but two cases none of the conditions warranted prosecution. 53 producers were warned for unsanitary utensils, 22 for dirty cows, 15 for unsanitary conditions in the barn, 13 for un- sanitary conditions existing in the milk room. Four milk rooms were replaced. 20 producers were warned for improper cooling of milk, 3 were warned for water- ing of milk, one was warned for skimming of milk, 14 were warned for unsanitary condition of milking machine, 27 were warned for unsanitary condition of cooling tank water, five were warned for using wool dust. The producers have cooperated with the health department and these conditions have been adjusted to the satisfaction of this department. The farms supplying the city with milk are in good sanitary condition and this department feels with continued cooperation from the producers, this city will continue to obtain milk of good quality.
128 nuisances were investigated. 30 letters were sent out because of viola- tions of the Health Laws of this city. Most of these conditions were promptly adjusted to the satisfaction of this department.
There were 33 investigations of dumps made with a total of 67 inspections being made. There were 19 dump sites cleaned up and graded, and this depart- ment wants to thank the Public Works Department and the Department of Public Welfare for their cooperation in this matter. This Department has again appealed to the people through the newspaper to stop this illegal practice of dumping rubbish on private property witn little success. Municipal collection of rubbish is the only answer to this question.
46
ANNUAL REPORT
There were 109 inspections of food markets. There were 15 warnings for exposed food, 2 for unsanitary chest, 5 for unsanitary meat grinders. There were 24 samples of meat tested and 3 samples were found to be in a state of decomposi- tion. These conditions were remedied.
There were 25 restaurants inspected, 104 inspections being made. There were 8 letters sent out for violation of the food laws. 10 restaurants were warned for unsanitary glassware, 20 warnings were issued tor exposed food, 12 warnings for improper sterilization of dishes and silverware, five warnings for unsanitary condition of establishment, 4 warnings for unsanitary condition of equipment. 10 suspected hamburg steaks were seized and 3 samples proved to be in a state of decomposition. Cube steak, hamburg steak and lamb chops were seized and destroyed in 3 establishments. There was one warning for exposing milk.
There were 30 inspections of bakeries. There were 4 warnings for exposed food, 3 warnings for unsanitary condition of establishment. Two establishments were requested to make a general cleanup of the whole establishment. There were 37 inspections of bakery wagons. There were 18 warnings for unsanitary condition of the wagons, 9 warnings for exposing food in the street.
There were 21 overnight camps inspected and one trailer camp inspected twice. There were two warnings for unsanitary toilets and 2 warnings for un- sanitary bed linen. These conditions were remedied.
Inspections and Investigations
Farms .
641
Dealers and producer dealers
583
Ice Cream plants.
18
Bottling plants .
6
Restaurants.
104
Bakeries
30
Markets .
109
Overnight cabins
21
Trailer camp.
2
Filling stations
40
Bakery wagons.
37
Ice Cream (stores)
18
Ice Cream (wagons)
5
Milk Wagons
128
Nuisances.
Dumps
33
Rubbish box overflowing.
5
Unsanitary yard.
12
Smoke.
3
Odor
2
Unsanitary toilets
4
Water shut off.
3
Unsanitary house
3
Overflowing cesspools .
20
Wells.
3
Swine.
S
Dog
1
Hens .
9
Filter bed
4
Cross Connections
5
Goats.
1
Horses .
2
Cesspool refuge
Unsanitary cellar
3
Miscellaneous
20
28
Sewer trap
47
ANNUAL REPORT
Daily Milk Supply, December 31, 1939
Number of licensed dealers 66
Number of licensed stores and restaurants. 119
Number of pasteurizing plants supplying milk and cream in Attleboro 32
Number of farms supplying milk to Attleboro exluding those inspected by Mass. inspectors 143
Number of Producer-dealers supplying milk in Attleboro 42
Number of quarts of milk consumed in Attleboro per day §330
Number of quarts of pasteurized milk consumed in Attleboro per day 6730
Number of quarts of raw milk consumed in Attleboro per day 1600
Percentage of Pasteurized milk consumed 82%
Percentage of Raw milk consumed . 18%
Licenses and Permits Issued
Milk Licenses 185
Dealers 66
Restaurants and stores 119
Oleomargarine (stores) 21
Pasteurizing Plants.
10
Carbonated Beverages 1
Ice Cream Plants 4
Statistical Report
Laboratory
Total number of milk samples collected 690
Chemical analysis. 454
Bacteriological analysis . 343
Number of samples above standard.
Number of samples below standard 71
Number of samples above 12% solids 454
Number of samples below 12% solids. 12
Number of samples above bacteriological standard 300
Number of samples below bacteriological standard · 43
Number of samples above 3.35% butter fat. 134
Number of samples below 3.35% butter fat. 16
Total number of cream samples collected 26
Chemical analysis . 26
Bacteriological analysis 15
Total number of water samples collected 30
Chemical analysis . . 10
Bacteriological analysis 30
Total number of food samples collected Chemical analysis ()
34
Bacteriological analysis
34
Total number of butter samples collected .
3
Chemical analysis .
3
Bacteriological analysis 3
Total number of Ice Cream samples collected Chemical analysis . 13
13
Bacteriological analysis.
13
619
Respectfully submitted, Robert C. Perriello, B. S., Milk Inspector, Bacteriologist and Authorized Agent.
48
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF HEALTH DEPARTMENT NURSE
I herewith submit my annual report for the year ending December 31, 1939.
Prevention of diseases and health education are one of the most important functions of the Health Department.
Diphtheria prevention clinics were held at Sturdy Hospital each Saturday morning during October and November. A house-to-house canvas of the city has been carried on as a part of our diphtheria prevention program. We have had no diphtheria for several years.
Vaccination clinics were held at Sturdy Hospital during September. Child- ren from families unable to afford a private physician, were vaccinated by Dr. Battershall. The majority of children were referred to this clinic through the Public Welfare Department and Family Welfare Society.
Starting October of this year with the cooperation of Dr. Garnet Smith, Superintendent of Bristol County Hospital and Dr. Kent, Health Officer, a form letter has been sent to each home where a case of tuberculosis has been known or reported during the past ten years. This form letter urges and advises that each and every member of the household, including all contacts, fill out an enclosed form. When these are returned to the Health Department they will be given an appointment to report to Bristol County Hospital for X-ray. X-ray clinics are now held every Tuesday evening at Bristol County Hospital, 7-8 P. M., and Saturday at 10 A. M. We hope that all tuberculosis cases and contacts receiving their form will take advantage of this clinic.
Tuberculosis is a communicable disease of importance because of its in veterate character and its effect upon children and young adults. Surgical treatment of tuberculosis has greatly lessened the death rate.
We have had fewer contagious diseases reported this year than for several years. Scarlet fever was also less prevalent and of milder form. All cases under quarantine were kept under close supervision and mothers were instructed in the technique of home care to prevent the spread of the disease.
The Attleboro Health Camp finished its seventeenth year of service. This was the fifth season for girls. The girls selected for camp are those definitely underweight, malnourished and from needy homes. Before entering camp each child was given a physical exam by Dr. R. P. Kent. Physical defects, namely, diseased tonsils and adenoids, defective teeth are corrected. Ten children had tonsils and adenoids removed. Twelve children had dental defects corrected through the School Dental Clinic, thanks to Dr. Briggs, Dr. Turner and Miss Greene. Through the courtesy of the Lions Club the camp girls were given a years membership to the Y. M. C. A.
Starting February 1939, the health program at the Parochial School was taken over by this department. The physical examinations being made by Dr. Kent. One half day each week is allotted for this work. Home visits have been made where there have been physical defects found. Several children found to have had poor vision have had this defect corrected with glasses and children with defective ears, or heart murmurs have been referred to their family physicians.
I wish to acknowledge the splendid cooperation of the School Physician, the School Nurse, the District Nurses, the Family Welfare Association, the Poard of Public Welfare, the Lions Club, the Doctors' Club and the Superintendent of Sturdy Memorial Hospital.
Number of Pul. T. B. cases reported 1939 7
Number of Pul. T. B. cases other forms 0
Number of home visits to T. B. cases and contacts 411
Number of deaths from T. B. 2
Number of diphtheria prevention home visits. 220
Number of contagious disease visits. 197
Number of home visits for Health Camp and Parochial School 386
Mary E. McMahon, R. N.
49
ANNUEL REPORT
REPORT OF ATTLEBORO HEALTH CAMP FOR 1939
For seventeen years this camp has cared for a group of from thirty to forty children, physically below par, for a period of six weeks from July 5th to August 15th. During this time approximately four hundred and fifty of our future citizens have been benefited to varying degrees both physically and mentally.
This year thirty-four girls from 7 to 14 years of age were at camp. The average age was 10 years, average gain in weight 6 lbs., greatest individual gain 11 1-4 lbs., total gain in weight 204 3-4 lbs., total losses 6 1-4 lbs., net gain in weight 198 1-2 lbs.
Physical improvement including posture was outstanding in general and many children showed marked social improvement.
The camp routine changes little from year to year. The same hours of sleep and rest were maintained, well balanced meals provided and activities were regulated to maintain steady gain in weight. There were manyinteresting classes in bead weaving, metal craft, sewing, dramatics, folk-dancing, swimming, and posture correction. Many parties and good times were planned throughout the six weeks, and altogether the children seemed to have enjoyed their camp experience.
Each year an effort has been made to acquaint the parents with what goes on at camp in the hope that at least in part some of the health measures practiced may be "arried into the home. Besides many talks with individual parents, two talks were given on visiting days to not only parents but other relatives and friends of campers. One was given on posture improvement with demonstrations by some of the children and one on nutrition and its relation to rest.
Much of the success of camp depends upon the personnel. We have indeed been fortunate in having four counselors of the finest character and ability.
The Lions Club spent a great deal of time, effort and money this year putting camp in order and building two new dormitories that the large dormitory might be used as a recreation hall to replace the one lost in September of last year.
(Signed) Lois E. Wilmarth, R. N. Supervisor. Bliss School
Attleboro, Mass. January 4, 1940
REPORT OF DENTAL CLINIC
Dr. R. P. Kent Health Officer
Attleboro, Mass.
Dear Dr. Kent:
We herewith submit the report of the Dentists and Dental Hygienist for the school year of 1939.
In May a survey was made of the grades in which the work of the clinic had been concentrated during the past two years. An improvement of about fifty per cent in the number of cavities was shown. This we feel sure upholds our aim of preventive dentistry as practiced by the clinic in the first three grades. We treat without exception all emergency work which is sent to us.
50
ANNUAL REPORT
We feel that dental health consciousness has been widespread among the adults because of the improvement in the children's attitude in this very important factor of health. Inspections and follow-up work were carried on by the Hygienist in all grades except the high school. Children were given talks on their own particular hygienic or nutritional problem.
Educational work with the children included movies and talks. In con- nection with this, toothbrushes were sold at cost. An exhibit was made by the pupils of the Washington School and taken to the convention of the Massachu- setts Dental Association in Boston.
We wish this year to continue our program of the past. The clinic work will be available to pupils of the first three grades of both public and parochial schools. The eduactional work will extend throughout the grammar schools. We wish to take this opportunity to thank the Attleboro Foundation for its very generous gift to us for dental work in the grades. This will fill the need, in some instances, for a highly specialized type of dentistry which cannot be given at the clinic be- cause of the expense involved. This year the local chapter of the Red Cross sponsored the removal and replacement of a front tooth for a child of ten years.
The Mothers' Club in South Attleboro paid the expenses of a replacement for a child in the seventh grade in one of their schools. In some cases, front teeth were badly decayed and because material used in this work is expensive, the clinic dentists furnished the material and filled the teeth. We do have emergency cases where caution must be used, therefore, X-ray pictures must be taken in order that the proper treatment be given. These X-ray films were taken by the clinic doctors at their own expense.
We greatly appreciate the cooperation of the dentists who have sent certi- ficates to us for children whose work they have completed at their offices.
We also wish to thank at this time Dr. Walter Briggs, Mr. Joseph Finberg, Mr. Fales, Mrs. Wendell, the principals and teachers and all who have helped in any way for their assistance.
Yours truly,
W. E. Turner, D. D. S.
Anderson S. Briggs, D. M. D. Barbara H. Greene, D. H.
STATISTICAL REPORT OF DENTAL CLINIC
Number of examinations
890
Number of sittings. 844
Number of new patients. 300
Number of old patients. 544
Number of patients completed by clinic .
218
Number of patients completed by family dentist. 194
Number of temporary teeth fillings 1460
Number of permanent teeth fillings 895
Number of temporary teeth extracted. 247
Number of permanent teeth extracted
37
Number of emergencies. 57
15
Number of clinic days
152
Report of Dental Hygienist
Number of inspections 2521
Number of school visits. 304
Number of classroom visits. 439
Number of movies showings
Number of home visits . 57
13
Number of conferences . 16
53
Number of cleanings .
Number of children who visited family dentist.
706
Number of X-Ray pictures.
51
ANNUAL REPORT
DIPHTHERIA PREVENTION CLINIC
1939
New Schicks
2
Re-Schicks.
()
Negative
2
Positive
0
Not Read .
0
Total Number of Treatments. 267
Total Number immunized with toxoid
87
Under 1 year immunized .
16
Number of cases 1-2 years immunized
29
New cases 5-6 years
6
New cases 4-5 years.
9
New cases 2-4 years .
21
New cases under 6 years
81
New cases under 2 years .
45
Under 1 year
16
1-2 years
29
2-3 years
14
3-4 years
7
4-5 years
9
5-6 years
6
6-10 years
6
10-14 years
0
Over 14 years.
0
Percent under 6 years .
93.10%
EXPENDITURES 1939
Health Officer
$ 1,000.00
Inspector of Milk .
1,500.00
Inspector of Animals
600.00
Inspector of Slaughter
200.00
Tuberculosis Nurse .
1,600.00
Caretaker of Dump
728.00
Garbage Collection
1,400.00
Clerk . .
936.00
State Sanatoria
2,816.80
Dental Clinic
2,117.71
Rent.
150.00
Phone.
70.99
Laboratory Maintenance.
228.87
Materials-Care of Dump
72.04
Use of Car -- Maintenance.
487.18
T. B. and Diphtheria Prevention Clinics
98.87
Physicians' Fees
680.00
Fees-Other Cities and Towns
39.00
Inspector of Plumbing.
434.00
Office Supplies
416.59
Incidentals.
19.74
Quarantine and Contagious Disease Hospitals
728.72
Nursing and Care at Home
31.30
Totals
$16,355.81
52
ANNUAL REPORT
ESTIMATED APPROPRIATIONS 1940
Health Officer
$ 1,000.00
Inspector of Milk .
1,500.00
Inspector of Animals .
600.00
Inspector of Slaughter
200.00
Tuberculosis Nurse .
1,600.00
Care of Dump-Labor
731.64
Carbage Collector
1,400.00
Clerk . .
942.00
State Sanatoria
4,000.00
Dental Clinic
2,900.00
Phone
70.00
Laboratory Maintenance.
200.00
Materials-Care of Dump.
50.00
Use of Car-Maintenance (2 cars)
500.00
T. B. and Diphtheria Prevention Clinics
100.00
Physicians' Fees .
700.00
Fees-Other Cities and Towns
150.00
Inspector of Plumbing
425.00
Office Supplies
75.00
Incidentals.
25.00
Quarantine and Contagious Disease Hospitals .
600.00
Nursing and Care at Home
45.00
Total
$17,843.64
FEES COLLECTED BY THIS DEPARTMENT
License fees for 1939
$ 265.50
City of New Bedford .
3.00
For Board of patient at B. C. Hospital
24.63
County of Bristol
34.86
Total
$ 327.99
BILLS PAYABLE TO THIS DEPARTMENT
State Subsidy
$ 1,359.29
City of Worcester
21.00
State Public Welfare
94.00
Total
$ 1,474.28
DEATHS BY MONTHS
Deaths
Stillbirths
January
32
0
February
35
2
March
29
2
April
20
1
May
24
0
June
26
0
July.
21
0
August
40
5
September
25
1
October
22
0
November
16
0
December
30
2
Totals 320
13
CASES OF CONTAGIOUS DISEASES DEATHS FROM CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.