USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1940 > Part 4
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 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19
8
140
Total There were 302 warning parking tickets given out. REPORTS INVESTIGATED 1940
Investigated
Cleared
Breaking, Entering and Larceny
33
17
Larceny. .
80
43
Larceny of Auto
4
2
Robbery
1
4
Rape
5
5
Miscellaneous reports.
270
270
396
341
Value of property stolen
$19,003.09 398.72
Value of property lost.
$19,401.81 11,189.69
Value of property recovered.
Balance.
8,212.12
Missing person reports investigated
39
Dog reports investigated.
55
Hawkers and Peddlers permits issued
339
Communications.
282
Licenses revoked . .
203
Registrations revoked.
25
943
ACCIDENT REPORTS INVESTIGATED IN 1940
Type
Accidents
Injured 96
Auto vs. Auto
83
Auto vs. Bicycle.
10
7
Auto vs. Curb
1
0
Auto vs. Fence.
6
3
Auto vs. House .
()
Auto vs. Passengers
3
Auto vs. Pedestrians
37
36
1 Fatal
Auto vs. Pole.
13
11
1 Fatal
Auto vs. Tip over
5
6
Auto vs. Tree.
3
3
Auto vs. Roller Skates.
1
2
166
167 2
()
Auto vs. Hydrant
Warnings
Too close to hydrant.
49
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the City Forester
Wm. E. S. Smith City Forester
To His Honor, the Mayor, and Municipal Council:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report for the year ending December 31, 1940.
The annual scouting for gypsy moth egg clusters was carried on and eggs destroyed with creosote. There was spraying done along the roadsides to prevent the spread of gypsy moths.
Wild cherry trees were cut and burned to reduce the tent caterpillar.
All elm trees that belong to the city were sprayed to protect them against the ravages of the elm leaf beetles and canker worms.
Roadside brush and low limbs were cut; also dead wood was removed. This work was done mostly by N. Y. A. boys.
Most of the damage done by the hurricane of September 21, 1938, has been taken care of.
Very truly yours, Wm. E. S. Smith, City Forester.
50
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the Health Department
Dr. Ralph P. Kent Health Officer
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Municipal Council:
The annual report of the Health Department is herewith submitted.
We feel that considerable good should come from the seeds sown this year.
We have continued our inspection of food serving places and extended more thoroughly the inspection of all places serving any form of drink.
We have found a great variance in the cleanliness of these places -- a variance which you might suspect and some you might not suspect-in other words some of the supposedly worse places were good and some of the supposedly good places were bad. In a culture test done on all of these places there was a variance of from 34 organisms per c. c. to 50,000 organisms per c. c. showing the marked difference between proper and improper cleanliness of glasses.
This year the License Board has given us its fullest cooperation which we greatly appreciate as it does aid the public.
Our Health Camp was splendidly conducted this summer under the super- vision of Mrs. Lois Wilmarth. A great deal was accomplished in behalf of the attending girls and I believe the instruction and care given these girls will have a good influence upon their future lives.
Another year has passed with no cases of diphtheria reported for which the physicians of Attleboro and the city clinic are to be congratulated.
We are endeavoring to compile a list of all children inoculated by private physicians and we feel that it would be a good rule to put into effect that children must be inoculated against diphtheria before entering school-either public, private or Parochial.
Our work on Tuberculosis has been continued as well as tuberculosis con- tacts. We have the fullest cooperation of Dr. Garnet Smith at the Bristol County Hospital.
This fall an examination of all cured or doubtful cases was conducted and these cases were all called upon by Miss Mae McMahon and were examined by State medical men and when it was possible their names were dropped from the active tuberculosis list. All cases were X-rayed.
Mr. John Bullock and his associate, Mr. J. F. Forrest, have conducted the inspection of plumbing I believe with satisfaction to all. The total inspections were greatly increased in number over last year.
51
ANNUAL REPORT
The report of Miss Barbara Greene the dental hygienist shows that the work has been carried on as it is the policy of all dental clinics throughout the state, the work being limited to the first three grades of school, both public and parochial. However, all pupils of all grades of all schools are given emergency treatment at any time.
Our records, I believe, are in as good condition as any city health depart- ments and find that Mrs. Mildred Shaw adopts any new methods of record keeping which come to our notice.
We endeavor to give prompt response to all complaints which concern the health of our city.
Recommendations Municipal rubbish collection. An increased use of pasteurized milk.
We have enjoyed the highest cooperation of our Mayor, City Council, Committee of Health, Camp organization, my fellow practitioners, the Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Dr. Conro, and all the members of the Health Department are most grateful for this great help to us.
The detailed report is appended.
Respectfully submitted, Ralph P. Kent, Health Officer.
REPORT OF MILK INSPECTOR, BACTERIOLOGIST, AND AUTHORIZED AGENT
Dr. Ralph P. Kent, Health Officer, Attleboro, Mass.
December 31, 1940.
Dear Dr. Kent:
I hereby present my annual report as Milk Inspector, Bacteriologist and Authorized Agent for the year ending December 31, 1940.
The essential work done in the past year may be placed in the following divisions:
1. Milk and water sanitation
2. Sanitary Inspection
3. Laboratory
The essential concern of milk and water sanitation includes the inspection and supervision of private and public water supplies, swimming and wading pools and the control and supervision of the sanitary quality of the city milk supply from the time it leaves the dairy farm until it is delivered to the Attleboro consumer. There has been an ever-growing concern on the part of the public for the inspection, sanitary survey, and the chemical and bacteriological examina- tions of private water supplies. Another phase of water control is the inspection of equipment and methods of operations of swimming pools with periodic examina- tions made which includes the bacteriological and chemical analysis of the pool water. The milk supply is under rigid supervision because it is one of our most
52
ANNUAL REPORT
important foods and every person is a potential user. The fact that milk is an excellent medium for pathogenic organisms necessitates a comprehensive program of control to insure the safeguarding of this food. It is quite apparent, with these facts in mind, that the pasteurization of milk is the only essential protection for the public.
Sanitary inspection includes a diversified program of supervision. It in- cludes restaurant sanitation, nuisance abatement, over-night cabin and trailer camp sanitation, bakery, food store, ice cream plant, bottling plant, liquor, bar and soda fountain sanitation. This sanitary control work includes a check on the water supply, toilet facilities, food storage, lighting, ventilation, disposal of refuse, utensil washing and general sanitary conditions of each establishment.
During the past year, a sanitary survey of the city water supply shed was made in conjunction with the Public Works Department. Certain conditions existing along the water shed were investigated and improved.
During the past year, beside the routine inspection of restaurant, soda fountains, and bars, the Health Department has launched a program which it hopes will encourage improved methods of sanitation in these establishments. This department has made a bacteriologic survey of utensils, cups, plates, and glasses, and has found that many of the glasses, in these establishments, are improperly washed and sterilized. Conditions have improved, but the use of single service paper cups would greatly improve sanitary conditions in many places. This department advocates that all small fairs, circuses and other such concessions which are in this category be forced to use single service eating and drinking utensils for the safety of the public. The fact that oral contamina- tion of drinking glasses can cause the spread of the following diseases,-scarlet fever, pneumonia, Vincent's angina, tuberculosis, influenza, diphtheria, and common colds-is sufficient reason to avoid unsanitized drinking glasses by the public and this department's success for proper sanitized glasses depends on complete public support.
During the past year, there was a sanitary investigation of the Ten Mile River made in conjunction with the Public Works Department. Following is a report of the investigation:
"The Ten Mile River enters Attleboro at a point north of the city at the North Attleboro boundary just east of Clifton Street. The river travels in a southerly direction then takes a southeasterly course and flows into Farmers Pond which has a surface area of approximately twenty acres. The river con- tinues in a southerly direction below West Street where the Bungay River enters the Ten Mile. Below West Street, the river passes into Mechanics Pond. From Mechanics Pond the river flows southeasterly to County Street where the flow of the river changes to a general southwesterly direction and flows into the so- called Dodgeville Pond. Thacher Brook also flows into this pond. The river continues in a southwesterly direction to Hebronville, and continues south- westerly to Seekonk."
Sanitary Condition of the Ten Mile River. The first source of pollution is from the North Attleboro sewage treatment plant which is about 500 feet south of the North Attleboro boundary line in Attleboro. The effluent from the filter beds was tested by the Health Department and showed definite signs of sewage. The flow of the effluent-280,000 gallons per day through two 15 inch pipes. 150 feet from bridge at Deantown Road there is S inch vitrified clay pipe city surface drain.
At corner of Clifton Street and Deantown Road, house number 75 Clifton Street, 6 inch vitrified pipe from sink drain.
At 80 Clifton Street, rear of house, there is an outside outhouse on the bank of the river.
53
ANNUAL REPORT
At 4 Buttonwood Terrace, outhouse 200 feet from river.
Factory making metal spools and reels, connected with city sewerage system. From two tile pipes 8 in., and 12 in., tile pipes, industrial wastes are disposed into the river. Acids and alkali solutions from plating room, water rinse tanks, containing H2SO4, HCL, NaOh, washing soap largely tri-sodium phosphate.
At West Street there are two city drains at automobile company on West Street. Crank case and other oils are dumped into river. There is a 3/4 cast iron pipe discharging carbide sludge mainly Ca(OH2). Behind this automobile company, there is a large dump on the bank of the river.
Bungay River which flows from the Bungay Reservoir in North Attleboro enters Attleboro from the north and flows in a southeasterly direction and enters the Ten Mile River a few hundred feet from the corner of West and Water Streets.
The Rounds Place Brook. The source of this brook is from the swampy area in the rear of Hayward Field and flows into the Bungay River. Grease from a bus garage on North Avenue was being dumped into Rounds Place Brook (so- called).
200 feet west of Water Street on West Street there is an electro-plating shop septic tank overflow to the river and contains NH3 and spent acids. There is a dump in rear of factory in swamp which drains into river. West of the factory is a 12 inch underground pipe coming from the direction of West Street and discharges into the river. This pipe follows the course of the old Thompson Brook (so-called). There is evidence of sanitary sewage coming from this pipe. Source of pollution may come from overflow from cesspool from house in same location as factory.
On Water Street, at rear of a Plastic Shop, there is a large dump 15 feet from river.
At Elizabeth Street there is a 15 inch city drain.
At Kilby Street there is a 15 inch city surface drain.
On Mechanic Street at sterling silver factory there is a great deal of trade wastes being dumped into the river. To the rear of this factory there are two large open cesspools, the overflow discharging into the river. These cesspools take from the factory, soap, grease, oil, sink waste, acids and alkali trade wastes. Rear of factory, at northeast corner of the group of buidlings, there are two cess- pools the effluent discharging into river. This effluent shows evidence of sewage.
At 89 Mechanic Street there are 2 outhouses off Mechanic Street on the north bank of the river. Near Cliff Street there is a large dump, seepage from which goes into the river.
300 feet below Cliff Street there is a 6 inch drain discharging into river.
400 feet below Cliff Street there is a 12 inch city drain discharging into river.
Between Cliff Street and Mechanic Street, 24 inch iron pipe discharges storm water.
At the College and School jewelry factory, there are 4 six inch pipes dis- charging into the river. 3 four inch pipes discharging into the river-one twelve inch pipe, one ten inch pipe, and one 3 inch pipe. From these pipes trade wastes are discharged into the river. There is a 6 inch floor drain pipe discharging into river.
Next shop to garage, toward County Street there is a 6 inch iron pipe dis- charging sewage into river.
54
ANNUAL REPORT
There is a two inch iron pipe below surface of river few feet northwest of diner on County Street.
There is a 4 inch iron pipe discharging into river (no flow at time of investiga- tion.)
On the east side of river bank about 100 feet below County Street bridge there is a 2 inch vitrified clay pipe with small flow of water.
On the west side of river bank there are 6 one inch sheet iron pipes discharg- ing into river from coffin factory.
At the rear of factory on South Main Street on the east side of river this factory has two 6 inch vitrified clay pipes discharging into the river. Acids and trade wastes discharging from these pipes.
Opposite this factory on the west side there is a 14 inch city drain. Garage south of factory, there are 2 six inch vitirified clay pipes and 1 four inch vitrified clay pipes discharging into river. There was a steady flow from one of the six inch pipes-possible floor drain from garage.
South of garage on the west side of river there is a dump, seepage of which enters the river.
South of Wall Street bridge there are 2 six inch iron pipes discharging from factory into river. From one of these 6 inch pipes there is sewage discharging into river. The other six inch pipes had a small flow-possibly sink waste. From a 4 inch vitrified clay pipe there is acid discharging into the river. There are 2 one inch iron pipes discharging a small stream of oil into river. There is a six inch vitrified clay pipe not in use.
Opposite this factory on the east bank of the river there is a six inch vitrified clay pipe discharging floor drain water from garage floor.
Factory situated on Robert Street between Olive and Sixth Streets dis- charges oils, grease, dyes, bleach soap and caustic wastes into river. Discharging from this factory there is a 14 inch tile drain discharging bleach soap and caustic wastes. There is a 16 inch concrete opening discharging oily rags, oils and dye wastes. There is a 12 inch stone opening. From this tail-race, dye and oils are discharged into the river.
About two hundred feet below Olive Street there is a scrap metal dump.
About three hundred feet from the tool factory on Olive Street, the Man- chester drain, so called, discharges into the river. From this drain, sewage is discharging into the river.
The factory at Dodgeville has one 12 inch cast iron pipe, one 6 inch cast iron pipe, and one 12 inch tile pipe discharging spent dyes, soaps, and bleaches into river. There is also a 2 1-2 inch iron pipe discharging sink waste into river.
At Hebronville, sewage from the factory discharges into river.
From Thacher Brook which runs into the Ten Mile River, trade wastes and sewage from factories in the vicinity of School Street pollutes the river.
In conclusion, there are three sources of pollution in the Ten Mile River, namely, trade wastes from factories, sewage from both factories and homes which are connected either with city drain pipes or discharges directly into the river, and pollution from dumps along the banks of the river. The trade wastes dis- charged into the river contain tri-sodium-phosphate, spent dyes, oils, soaps, sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, nitric acid, chloride of lime and sink wastes.
55
ANNUAL REPORT
These trade wastes from Attleboro factories cannot be discharged into the Attleboro sewer system because the chemicals mentioned above would disrupt the system. The sewage is discharged on filter beds where bacteria react with the solids and digest it, but if chemical trade wastes were added to the sewage, the chemicals would injure the bacteria growth, thus leaving the system which relies on the digestion of the solids, in an unworkable condition.
Sewage discharging directly into the river can be eliminated, but the biggest problem is to find the source of sewage pollution in the city surface drain system which discharges into the river.
Dumps along the river banks can be cleaned and eliminated.
Milk and Cream: There were 401 samples of milk collected and examined chemically-of these, 17 were found to be below legal standard.
There were 357 samples of milk collected and examined bacteriologically, of which 39 did not conform to legal standard.
There were 41 samples of Grade A milk collected, all samples conforming to the legal standards bacteriologically and chemically.
There were 102 samples collected of raw milk intended to be pasteurized. Six samples were below standard chemically and 14 below bacteriologically.
There were 255 samples of raw milk examined microscopically, only to show- ing signs of mastitis.
Sixty-three samples of pasteurized milk underwent the phosphatase test for pasteurization, two of these tests were questionable, and both difficulties were adjusted.
There were 209 samples of pasteurized milk tested both chemically and bacteriologically. Ten samples did not conform to legal standards chemically and 13 did not conform to the legal bacteriological standard of 40,000 colonies per c. c. of milk. ^The lowest count was 100 colonies per c. c. of milk and the highest count was 500,000 colonies per c. c. of milk.
There were 202 samples of raw milk tested bacteriologically and chemically, of which seven did not conform to legal chemical standards and 26 did not conform to the bacteriological standard of 400,000 colonies per c. c. of milk.
There were 33 samples of cream analyzed, all samples conforming to legal standards chemically. Three samples did not conform to legal standards bac- teriologically. These conditions were remedied upon subsequent samples.
Plant Inspections: There were 32 pasteurizing plants inspected, 220 inspec- tions being made. During the year there had to be sanitary adjustments made in 11 establishments. Conditions found in these establishments were adjusted with full cooperation from the dealer.
There were 30 raw milk plants inspected, 348 inspections being made. There has been a decrease in the number of raw milk dealers in Attleboro over last year. There were many adjustments made in these establishments because of unsanitary utensils. In spite of rigid inspection, the raw milk sold in Attleboro had a much higher average bacteria count than pasteurized milk.
Ice Cream: There were 15 samples of ice cream analyzed, all samples con- forming to the legal standards chemically and bacteriologically.
Three samples of ice cream mix were examined chemically.
Plant Inspection: There were 20 inspections of the ice cream plants in Attleboro. All unsanitary conditions were rectified.
56
ANNUAL REPORT
Water: There were 45 samples of water collected and tested. Ten samples were condemned because the bacteriological tests showed bacteria characteristic of pollution. During the past year in conjunction with the Attleboro Defense Committee, samples of water were tested bacteriologically and chemically.
There were 16 inspections made of swimming pools. Nine samples of swim- ming pool water were collected, two samples did not conform to the bacteriological and chemical standards, and these conditions were rectified.
The city water supply was tested, from time to time, bacteriologically and chemically and was found safe.
Country Inspections: There were 615 farm inspections made. There were many adjustments made because of unsanitary barns, dirty cows, unsanitary utensils and improper cooling. The farms supplying Attleboro with milk, on the average, are in good sanitary condition.
Sanitary Inspections: There were 147 nuisances investigated and most of the nuisances were properly adjusted to the satisfaction of the Health Department.
There were 25 investigations of dumps, 43 inspections being made. There were 20 dump sites cleaned and graded and this department wants to thank again, both the Public Welfare Department and the Public Works Department for their cooperation in this matter.
There were 90 inspections of food markets. All unsanitary conditions found in these establishments were rectified.
There were 35 restaurants or eating places inspected, 149 inspections being made.
There were 12 public bars inspected, 36 inspections being made.
There were 24 ice cream stores and soda fountains inspected, 51 inspections being made.
There were 10 inspections of bakeries made and 18 inspections of bakery wagons.
There were 22 overnight camps inspected, 40 inspections being made. There were 5 inspections of a trailer camp.
TABLE I Inspections and Investigations
Farms 615
Dealers and Produce Dealers
501
Ice Cream Plants
20
Bottling Plant
5
Restaurants.
149
Liquor Bars
36
Ice Cream Stores and Fountains
51
Bakeries.
18
Markets.
90
Overnight Cabins
40
Trailer Camp.
5
Bakery Wagons.
18
Ice Cream Wagons
6
Milk Wagons.
3
Swimming Pools
16
Nuisances. 147
57
ANNUAL REPORT
Dumps
25
Rubbish Box Overflowing
8
Unsanitary Yards
12
Smoke
2
Odor
2
Unsanitary Toilet
2
Cesspools.
30
Swine
10
Hens.
20
Oily Deposit on Pond.
5
Exposed Food .
4
Cockroaches.
1
Pigeons
1
Ventilation
1
Sink Waste.
5
Miscellenaous
19
TABLE 2 DAILY MILK SUPPLY DECEMBER 31, 1940
Number of milk licenses 180
Number of licensed dealers.
67
Number of licensed stores and restaurants.
113
Number of pasteurizing plants supplying milk and cream in Attleboro 32
Number of farms supplying milk in Attleboro including those inspected by state inspectors . 140
Number of producer-dealers supplying milk in Attleboro. 38
Number of quarts of milk consumed in Attleboro per day 8400
Number quarts pasteurized milk consumed in Attleboro per day 6870
Number quarts raw milk consumed in Attleboro per day. 1530
Percentage of pasteurized milk consumed. 82.27
Percentage of raw milk consumed. 17.73
TABLE 3 LICENSES AND PERMITS ISSUED
Milk Licenses 180
Dealers 67
Restaurants and Stores 113
Oleomargarine
16
Pasteurizing Plants.
10
Carbonated Beverages
1
Ice Cream Plants. .
4
Overnight Camps .
4
Ice Cream Wagon
1
Trailer Camp.
1
Methyl Alcohol
44
TABLE 4 STATISTICAL REPORT
Laboratory
Total number milk samples collected. 600
Chemical analysis. 401
Bacteriological analysis. 357
58
ANNUAL REPORT
Number of samples above standard. 702
Number of samples below standard 56
Number of samples above 12% solids 389
Number samples below 12% solids
10
Number samples above bacteriological standard
318
Number samples below bacteriological standard.
39
Number samples above 3.35% butter fat
387
Number samples below 3.35% butter fat 12
Total number cream samples collected 33
Chemical analysis 20 Bacteriological analysis. 33
Total number water samples collected. 45
Chemical analysis 40
Bacteriological analysis 45
Total number food samples collected
20
Chemical anaylsis. 2
Bacteriological analysis 20
Total number of Ice Cream samples collected
15
Chemical analysis . 15
Bacteriological analysis 15
Total number of swimming pool samples collected
9
Chemical analysis 9 Bacteriological analysis 9
Total number Mastitis tests. 190
Total number Phosphatatase tests
63
Total number microscopic tests. 255
Total number Bacteriological analysis of Glassware 94
1. Average Bacteria count Drug Stores and Soda Fountains.
500
2. Average Bacteria count Restaurants
700
3. Average Bacteria count Liquor Bars. 4000
TABLE 5 BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC USED GLASSWARE
Restaurants
Liquor Bars
Average Bacteria Samples Count per Utensil
Average Bacteria Taken Samples Count per Utensil
1
3
240
1
2
600
1
2
35
2
3
245
2
22
20000
2
3
40
3
3
16
3
2
30
3
1
250
4
3
5000
4
50
1
3
50
5
3
36
5
2
5000
5
27
6
3
20
6
2
1000
6
2
10
7
2
40
7
2
1000
8
2
40
8
2
800
S
2
9
9
2
1000
9
2
50
0
2
10
10
3
30
10
2
20200
10
10
Drug Stores Soda Fountains
Number
Samples Taken
Average Bacteria Count per Utensil
Number
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.