USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1947 > 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
The new Fire Station in Hebronville was officially placed in service on January 26th and at this time 1 ten inch and 1 six inch gongs. one Peerless register and one automatic light switch were installed.
New Boxes in new locations were installed as follows:
332 Lincoln Ave. and Roosevelt St.
331 Tanager Road.
624 Bishop St. and Pike Ave.
625 Pike Ave. at R. R. Bridge.
626 Pike Ave., So. of Bishop St.
627 Pike Ave. and Steere St.
361 Standard Plastics, Water St.
327 Benefit St.
531 Linden and Birch Sts.
333 West and Clifton Sts.
622 Maynard and Forest Sts.
623 Bay State Optical Company, Maynard St.
Six old type boxes were replaced with modern boxes as follows:
119 Pond and Leedham Sts.
115 Washington and Turner Sts.
122 Robinson Ave. and Brown St.
12 West and Read Sts.
48 Maple and James Sts.
112 Washington and Brown Sts.
114 Washington and Mendon Road.
53 County and Third Sts. On Pole).
Box 851 was moved from the old Bay State Optical Company's plant on Pine Street and this box with three auxiliaries, six ten-inch gongs, a recti- fier, and conduit and fittings were purchased by this department for the sum of $25.00.
47
ANNUAL REPORT
A new 60 ampere, 3 wire service was installed in the South Attleboro Fire Station, the cellar rewired and a few fixtures installed. A six-inch tapper, lights and receptacle was installed in the Police Station. A four conductor cable was installed underground from the Police Station to the Central Fire Station for the purpose of connecting the police radio transmitter with the fire de- partment transmitter remote control station. Several new tappers have been installed and old ones removed. Two new ten-inch gongs were connected on the main floor and on the second floor of the Central Station. Because of the fact that the tower bell striker located in the Hebronville Methodist Church was worn ont and parts were no longer available the machine was removed from the system.
This department installed the wiring at Capron Park for use in the Fourth of July celebration and also the wiring on the Common at Christmas.
Funds were appropriated in December for the purchase of a new chassis for our line truck. An International KB 5 chassis was obtained and taken to Boston with the old truck to have the body, winch and other accessories trans- ferred.
During the year there have been many changes in our outside lines due to the Utilities moving and replacing old poles. A new line was constructed on Bishop Street, Pike Avenue and Pleasant Streets. The Pleasant St. work was done to conform with the widening of the highway. New lines were also constructed on Roosevelt Street, Tanager Road, Water Street, Benefit Street, West Street, from Berwick Road to Clifton and on Maynard Street. Miles of line wire have been overhanled and slack taken out. Crossarms renewed where needed and considerable tree trimming been accomplished. About one-half of the alarm boxes in the system painted and all boxes were checked, cleaned and oiled. Ninety-eight service calls and Underwriter tests were made on the private boxes in the system. Many of these calls were necessary because of leaks or changes in the sprinkler systems of the various factories. The auxiliaries of these sys- tems must be shut off before any work may be done to avoid false alarms.
Under recommendations, we request that in the future plans be drawn up to include provisions for the expansion of the Alarm System to correspond with the general growth of the city. A new building to house the Fire Alarm Office and the timing of the system should be speeded up to meet the requirements of the National Board of Fire Underwriters. All old type interfering boxes should be removed from the system. New cables should be installed under- ground to connect the outlying fire stations with the center and to insure re- ception of all alarms and telephone communications in time of severe storms and any other major disasters. At the present time we do not have sufficient facilities to handle our own voice communications between stations. Only re- cently the South Attleboro station was cut off from the center by loss of phone service due to a heavy snow and sleet storm.
At the present time there is considerable building construction started in the lower County and Read Street areas and new lines and boxes should be con- structed and installed to provide proper protection to this section.
Because of the steady growth of the Fire Alarm System we request that an additional full time man be assigned to this department. It requires consider- able time to teach the rudiments of fire alarm operation and maintenance to a person and a man could be learning while assisting in the maintenance of the system. There is sufficient work in keeping the system in condition to warrant the employment of a third man.
We also request that provision be made for the replacement of the small 1936 model car used by this department. This car at present is practically
48
ยท
ANNUAL REPORT
worn out and does not warrant any further expenditures to keep it in running condition.
In concluding this report, we wish to extend our thanks to the Board of Fire Engineers, the officers and men of the Fire Department, the members of the Police and Public Works Departments and to all who in the past year of 1947 have cooperated in the successful operation of this department.
Respectfully submitted,
William S. King, Superintendent of Fire Alarm Attleboro Fire Department
Report of Wire Inspector
1947 Expenditures 1948 Budget
$523.40
525.00
December 31, 1947
To His Honor, the Mayor and the Municipal Council of the City of Attleboro, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit the annual report of the Wire Inspection Department for the year ending December 31st, 1947.
During the past year permits issued and number of inspections made were as follows:
Appli: cations
Per- mits
Inspec- Re-Inspec-
January
31
31
60
80
202
February
90
90
50
67
297
March
46
46
77
103
272
April
47
47
120
160
374
May
58
58
58
77
251
June
91
91
102
136
420
July
56
56
88
117
317
August
89
89
61
82
321
September
90
90
79
103
362
October
141
141
144
192
618
November
101
101
72
96
370
December
137
137
76
101
451
Totals
977
977
987
1314
4255
tions
tions
Totals
During the past year the numerous cases of wiring regulations having been found to have been violated and the persons so doing have been prosecuted ac- cording to law.
49
ANNUAL REPORT
Under State Law and local ordinance, no person is allowed to perform any electrical construction work, whether original work or alterations, without first obtaining from the electrical inspector a written permit to do such work and he must be licensed by the State Board of Examiners of Electricians. The use of extension cords and un-approved electrical devices should not be resorted to by anyone under any circumstances. Any one doing so immediately exposes his property and life to all types of hazardous conditions. When additional wiring is needed, a reliable licensed electrician should be called in.
In conclusion, I wish to extend my sincere thanks to is Honor, the Mayor, the Municipal Council, members of the Police and Fire Departments and all who in any manner contributed their assistance toward the operation of this department during the past year.
Respectfully,
William S. King, Electrical Inspector
Report of Dog Officer
1947 Expenditures $1,050.00
1948 Budget 1,050.00
January 1, 1948
I Dog Sold
66 Dogs Boarded
65 Dogs Statutory
325 Complaints and Investigations
52 Dead Dogs Removed 2 Dogs Destroyed for other reason
2521 Miles Performing Duties
1,809 Dog Licensed
One Kennel License-Fifty Dollars
Three Kennel Licenses-Twenty Dollars
Twelve Kennel Licenses-Ten Dollars
Antone J. Dias, Dog Officer
50
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Park Commission
1947 Expenditures $28,560.62
1948 Budget 30,307.70
To the Board of Park Commissioners:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my second annual report as Superintendent of Capron Park covering the year of 1947.
Capron Park has always enjoyed an enviable reputation for its beauty. The people of Attleboro can take just pride in this. It is my desire that during my years as Superintendent this reputation may not only be maintained, but im- proved.
A number of improvements of a permanent nature were accomplished during the year. Sixty thousand square feet at the rear of the Newell Shelter House were seeded. Water pipes were laid at the time to furnish water during any future dry spells. A small planting of rhododendrons and azaleas was made on a corner leading to the Shelter House.
The major project of the year was cleaning the duck pond of mud and de- bris that had accumulated over a period of years. A light layer of clean gravel was placed on the bottom. Mr. Chase, the game warden of this district, esti- mated that he removed 15,000 hornpout from the pond, and these were dumped into Norton Reservoir for future fishing.
This project was done in a race with the weather which made it necessary for someone to be on the job twenty-four hours a day. Trucks and a shovel were furnished by Mr. Mawney, Superintendent of Public Works. This en- abled us to reduce the cost to the City by almost one-thind the amount re- quired to hire the work done by a private contractor. The men of the Public Works Department who worked on the job took a strong personal interest in seeing it well done. I cannot overestimate the value of the interest on the part of these men in accomplishing the job in the length of time taken.
Memorial Bridge was improved by the seeding of twenty thousand square feet and setting out of some shrubs. Mr. Lester Nerney bought three weeping willow trees to help in this landscaping. I would like to express my gratitude to him for his generosity.
The Common, Angell Park, and the different squares were maintained and improved by fertilizing and seeding.
Three cages in the Zoo were re-wired. The remaining cages would have been done but the wire was not available.
The Casino was painted and a new floor put in the toilet. The heating system was repaired with the idea in mind that the Casino concession might run through the winter. The Jewelry City Band was unable to find a hall in which to practise and was allowed to use the upper floor of the Casino.
Three hundred and twenty feet of water pipe was laid to make water avail- able for the ball players and for watering the baseball diamond.
51
ANNUAL REPORT
The playground and pool were very well attended and the children were most co-operative. Three new pieces of playground equipment was installed and the children seemed to enjoy them very much. The playground was under the supervision of Miss Norma Nickerson and Mr. Robert Perry. They took a great deal of interest in their work and co-operated with me at all times.
The ball field was in continuous use-days, nights, and Sundays-and brought a great number of fans to the games. Many of these stayed after the games to visit the grounds and the Zoo.
As always, the Zoo drew many visitors, not only from Attleboro but from surrounding towns. Many of these visitors took time to express their appre- ciation of the Park and 200.
The Band Concerts furnished by the Jewelry City Band were exceptionally well attended and received with enthusiasm. Two free concerts were given to the City. These were paid for by funds made available by the Musicians' Union. This made a total of eight concerts for the year. Miss Dorothy Neibahr and Mr. James H. Sullivan were the vocalists and were very well applauded.
Costs of operation have increased in all departments and the Park De- partment is no exception to this. The total budget for 1947 was $28,811.60. This was divided as follows:
Salary and Wages
$18,946.60 9,865.00
Other Expenses
The Salary and Wages Account was spent as follows:
Capron Park
$11,419.36
3,739.03
Common
1,635.12
Angell Park
633.44
Memorial Bridge
772.65
Nursery-City Infirmary
383.65
Johnson-Morin, Fiske, Hebronville, West Street Squares
363.35
$18,946.60
The Other Expenses account as set up in the Budget was for $7,730.00 which included $250 for Gasoline Dispensary Account. An additional $1,200 was ap- propriated for Cleaning the Pond. $500 was received from the Capron Fund for playground equipment and $360 was received from the Stone Fund for band concerts. $75 was also received from the Margaret Spangler Park Fund: This was spent as follows:
Capron Park
$6,871.91
Z.00
1,783.76
Common
466.54
Angell Park
323.91
Memorial Bridge
202.56
City Infirmary Nursery
107.22
Squares
108.12
$9,864.02
A further breakdown of expenditures for this department is shown in the report of the City Auditor.
I would like to make the following recommendations for the coming year:
Replacement of the tennis courts.
Purchase of a new mowing machine to replace our seven-year old machine, Oiling of the roads through the Park which has not been done for ten years,
52
ANNUAL REPORT
Shingling of the Newell Shelter House and the Band Stand. The tile roof of the Newell Shelter House has been considerably damaged by stones and should be repaired before it begins to leak and rots the roof.
I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the men who worked for me this past year. Their untiring efforts have been a source of satisfaction to me and have helped make my work a pleasure.
I wish also to thank Mayor O'Neil and the Municipal Council for their understanding of the problems I have faced, Chief Mowry and the men of the Fire Department for their assistance in pumping the pond and replacing the flag pole lines; Chief Marron and the men of his Department for the wonderful job of handling traffic at band concerts, ball games and Fourth of July; Mr. Mawney, Superintendent of Public Works, Russell Tennant and the men of the Public Works Department for their assistance whenever it was needed.
I wish to express my appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Stone, Mr. Wolfen- den and Mr. Sadler, members of the Park Commission for their trust in me and their co-operation with me.
Respectfully yours, Robert W. Sharkey, Superintendent
Report of City Forester
1947 Expenditures $9,523.95
1948 Budget 14,070.80
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Municipal Council:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit the annual report of the Forestry Department for the year ending December 31, 1947.
The Forestry Department has been active in the following routine duties:
1-Removing of dangerous limbs along the highway.
2-Extermination of the tent caterpillar and gypsy moth by de- stroying the nests and by later spraying.
3-Roadside brush cutting.
Being alert to the seriousness of the Dutch elm disease, special attention has been directed along this line. Although this disease has been reported in the neighboring communities, Attleboro has not yet been affected. Frequent inspection of all elm trees is imperative and this department is prepared to take the necessary steps if the fungus is discovered within the limits.
It is gratifying to have His Honor, the Mayor, and members of the Mu- nicipal Council give their encouragement and approval of the proposed ten- year program of tree planting. This plan, whereby at least fifty trees are planted each year, will do much to improve the attractiveness and beauty of the Community.
Respectfully submitted,
Warren P. Hofmann, Acting City Forester
53
ANNUAL REPORT
1947 Expenditures $536,001.36
1948 Budget 593,745.00
Report of School Committee
SCHOOL COMMITTEE, 1947
Term Expires January
Willian A. Nerney, 50 Tanager Road
1950
Thomas G. Sadler, Jr., 30 Alfred Street
1950
Mrs. Pearl Briggs, 7 North Main Street 1950
Victor G. Vaughan, 173 County Street
1950
Henry Crowther, 34 Tyler Street
1950
Dr. Anderson Briggs, 28 Claflin Street 1952
Mrs. Olive Keeler. 206 Berwick Road
1952
Mrs. Deborah Richardson, 303 Bank Street 1952
Mrs. Alice Stobbs, 63 Bank Street
195
ORGANIZATION
William A. Nerney Mrs. Alice Stobbs
Chairman Secretary
William A. Nerney Representative before Municipal Council
STANDING COMMITTEES
Mr. Nerney
Mrs. Briggs
Textbooks and Supplies
Mrs. Richardson
Mrs. Keeler
Buildings
Mr. Crowther
Mr. Vaughan
Mr. Sadler
Finance
Mr. Nerney
Mr. Crowther
Dr. Briggs
Athletic Advisory Committee
Mrs. Briggs
Regular meetings, first and third Mondays of each month at 7:30 p.m. All bills to be acted on must be submitted in duplicate and be in the hands of the Clerk of the Committee, Superintendent's Office, before the third of each month in order to be paid on the fifteentli of that montli.
Teachers and Course of Study Mrs. Stobbs
54
ANNUAL REPORT
Superintendent of Schools Richard A. Martin
Office: Sanford Street Telephones: 12 and 42
Residence: 251 Willow Street, Mansfield, Massachusetts Telephone Mansf. 514-J The Superintendent's Office is open on school days from 8:30 to 5:00, Saturday 8:30 to 11:30.
Clerks
Hilda R. LaPalme Jessie C. Ford Eileen R. Polesfka
61 Hebron Avenue 37 Prospect Street 109 Holmes Road, No. Attleboro
School Physician
Dr. Herbert G. Vaughan
19 Bank Street
Telephone 685-W
School Nurse
Mrs. Dorothy B. Wendell, R. N. 90 Locust Street Residence: 940-W
Telephones: Office 42
Office Hours: Superintendent's Office Building 8:00-9:00 on school days
School Dentist
Dr. W. E. Turner
61 Park Street
Attendance Officer and Custodian of School Buildings
James F. Forrest 58 Benefit Street Residence: 1387
Telephones: Office 42
SCHOOL CALENDAR
First Term-Friday, Sept. 5 to Tuesday, Dec. 23, 1947.
Second Term-Monday, January 5 to Friday, February 20, 1948.
Third Term -- Monday, March 1 to Friday, April 16, 1948.
Fourth Term-Monday, April 26 to Wednesday, June 23, 1948.
SCHOOL SESSIONS
High School-One session, from 8:12 to 1:40 with a recess of twenty-five minutes. Briggs Corner-8:45 to 11:45 and 12:30 to 2:30.
Finberg-9:00 to 11:45 and 1:00 to 3:15.
Lincoln-8:45 to 11:45 and 12:45 to 2:45.
Washington-9:00 to 11:45 and 1:00 to 3:15.
Grammar and Primary Schools-Morning sessions from 9:00 to 11:45. Afternoon sessions from 1:15 to 3:30. Grade I closes fifteen minutes earlier than the other grades.
Richardson and Willett Kindergartens-Morning sessions from 9:00 to 11:30. Afternoon sessions from 1:15 to 3:15.
Washington Kindergarten-Morning session from 9:00 to 11:30. Afternoon session from 1:00 to 3:00.
55
ANNUAL REPORT
NO SCHOOL SIGNALS (Adopted December 19, 1945)
Four double strokes on the fire alarm 2-2-2-2
7:15 a.m. No school for the high school.
7:45 a.m. No morning session for grades below the high school.
11:15 a.m. One session for all grades below the high school dismissed-1:00 p.m.
12:15 p.m. No afternoon session for all grades below the high school.
The signals will be given at 7:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. only in very severe weather.
WEAN and WBZ will broadcast No-School announcements in the morning be- tween 7:00 and 8:00 and 11:00 and 12:00 M.
COST OF INSTRUCTION
Valuation of Attleboro, 1947
$31,011,700.00
Tax rate per $1,000, 1947 $36.80
Expended for support of schools, excluding Vocational School $475,523.44
Average membership of day schools, September 1946-June 1947. 3094 Expended per pupil based on average membership $153.40
Cost of books and supplies per pupil. $4.70
High School
Total expended for High School, including High School share of general expense
$136,481.36
Average membership of High School, 1946-1947. 669
Cost per pupil $204.00
Cost of books and supplies per pupil
$9.61
Elementary Schools
Total Expended
$269,344.38
Average membership
2425
Cost per pupil
$139.81
Cost of books and supplies per pupil
$6.00
56
ANNUAL REPORT 1
1947 Expenditures
$17,275.37
1948 Budget 20,410.00
Report of Sturdy Hospital
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS
January 19, 1948
To the Honorable Mayor and Municipal Council,
and to the Trustees of the Attleborough Hospital:
Our report of the 35th year of operating the Sturdy Memorial Hospital must needs follow the pattern of those of similar institutions in these abnormal times.
We continue to deal in superlatives-the most patients, the most income and, unfortunately, by far the most expense.
The number of patients admitted-5127-increased almost 16% over 1946- including out-patients the number was 9072 and the daily average has increased in TWO years from 90 to 112.87. Our service to surrounding towns is indicated by the fact that approximately four out of every ten patients admitted come from outside the Attleboros.
Our operating deficit for the year was $25,214.08, materially reduced by generous contributions toward this deficit from business concerns located in the communities which we serve. The total of these contributions at the time of closing our books was $17,500 with the assurance of more to come at the end of the fiscal year of some concerns who have helped us liberally in the past.
The addition to our capital funds in the past year of $7,611.37, while not so large as in the previous years, was gratefully received and we are heartened by the knowledge that we will receive, probably during the current year, some sub- stantial amounts from estates now in process of being settled.
The laundry building was completed and equipped in 1947 at the un- warranted cost of $50,933.95, far in excess of the estimate of some two years ago, but in keeping with the present day sky-high building costs.
Substantial changes and improvements are now under way in our maternity wing which will result in better service and increased capacity vitally needed in this department which has increased its pre-war delivery of babies from 644 to 1182!
In the deaths of Dr. Joshua W. Clarke and Dr. John A. Reese, which occurred last year, both the community and the hospital suffered a grievous loss. Both
57
ANNUAL REPORT
had been members of the staff since the hospital was opened in 1913 and both were notably efficient in their respective fields of obstetrics and surgery. Me- morial funds have been contributed for the purpose of buying equipment for the particular departments in which they were interested totalling at the year end $688.92 for the Clarke Fund, $820.00 for the Reese Fund.
Contrary to the experience of many hospitals who have been compelled to curtail and, in some instances, close some portions of their institution and limit their acceptance to emergency cases, we have been able to maintain ser- vices even in excess of our bed capacity, at times having had to put patients in the sun parlors of both the surgical and maternity buildings.
Our staffs, administrative, professional, nursing and service -- have function- ed effectively under trying circumstances. Our thanks go to them as well as to the individuals and organizations who have given us helpful assistance in a difficult year.
Below we record the amounts expended for the 1947 appropriation and an estimate of our needs for 1948.
Board of Managers, Attleborough Hospital, Inc. Operating Sturdy Memorial
Hospital for the City of Attleboro
Harold E. Sweet, Chairman
Members Ex-officio, 1947
C. Wallace Cederberg
Francis J. O'Neil, Mayor
Victor R. Glencross
William J. Marshall, City Treasurer
William J. Luther
James A. Freeman
Samuel M. Stone
President Municipal Council
Edwin A. Thayer
Appropriated 1947
Expended Requested 1947 1948
Water
$1,000.00
$1,139.75
$1,200.00
Insurance
1,675.00
1,822.46
3,025.00
Hydrant
60.00
60.00
60.00
Fuel and Light
14,450.00
14,162.79
16,100.00
Treasurer's Bond
25.00
25.00
25.00
$17,210.00
$17,210.00
$20,410.00
58
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Inspector of Buildings
1947 Expenditures $700.00
1948 Budget 700.00
I herewith submit the annual report of the Building Inspector for the year 1947, and such recommendations considered necessary for the continued growth of our city.
RECOMMENDATIONS
I recommend that a committee be named to revise the Building Ordinances. This has not been done since 1941 and at present conflict with the Zoning Ordi- nances, and does not include the uses of new materials lately developed for the building trades. I suggest that the committee consist of an engineer and two local contractors. If favorable, this revision be effected before spring building.
I recommend that a new typewriter and adding machine be purchased.
APPROPRIATION
Salary of Inspector
$700.00
General Expense, printing, office, etc. ..
100.00
Typewriter and adding machine 400.00
Total
$1,200.00
REPORT
Total number of permits issued 559, amounting to $1,300,420, which was a gain of over 1946 of 120 permits and $149,623.
Paid to the City Treasurer $559.00.
Respectfully submitted,
Joseph O. Mowry,
Acting Building Inspector
Raze
Jan.
10
3_ 14,500
2,400
964
1- 500
000
1-
200
000
1
Feb.
23
5- 25,950
5- 5,875
4-2,500
3-5,100
1- 1,000
4,000
000
2
March
40
7- 36,000
10_ 8,750
9_4,410
2-
900
2- 64,500
8- 9,900
2-1,300
April
56
11- 48,300
13- 8,400
17-5,794
2-
125
4- 16,000
3- 4,300
5-2,100
1
May
71
16-287,400
13-11,455
23-7,811
1- 800
1- 900
7-40,000
7-3,500
3
June
55
7- 27,700
15- 4,940
15-6,743
5-
565
1- 6,000
6- 2,950
5-2.225
July
57
11- 45,935
11- 6,325
24-8,052
1- 100
1-102,000
3- 1,800
6-3,050
Aug.
64
14- 61,200
11- 7,350
17-6,988
11-3,925
000
5- 5.650
6-3,300
Sept.
79
13- 66,100
15-13,700
29-8,678
8-1,510
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.