USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1948 > Part 4
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New boxes were installed and old boxes replaced as follows:
28 Knight Ave. and Webber St.
314 Hodges and John St.
532 County and Read St.
533 Capt. Courtois Drive (Lower County St.)
334 Balfour Co., No. Main St.
517 Balfour Co., County St.
Our outside lines have been overhauled and rebuilt on Lamb Street, May Street, West Carpenter, Lord Street, Allen Street, and a section of Pond Street. Because of new highways, Pleasant Street and Locust Street had to be rebuilt. All new cross arms, wires and hardware being installed. An extension to our lines on County Street was made from the City Infirmary to and on Capt. Courtois Drive and two new boxes installed. Park Avenue and Pike Avenue were also rebuilt because of changes in the lines by the Utilities.
Two new ten-inch gongs were installed. One in Union Street Station and one in the Central Fire Station. The fire alarm garage and storehouse had been in need of repair and during the year the firemen of the Union Street Station shingled and painted this unit. This was accomplished without charge to the city for labor, the materials being furnished by this department. A new gasoline storage tank of 500 gallons capacity was purchased and installed to- gether with a new electrically operated pump at the rear of the Union Street Station. The old tank and pump which had been in use for over twenty years had given out.
On January 5th, a new International KB-5 was placed in service. The- body and equipment from the old truck being transferred to the new chassis. This now makes a very valuable piece of equipment for the upkeep and maintenance of our outside lines and cables. The truck is equipped with a power winch, 110 volt generator of 3,500 watts capacity and flood lights. Also, the 1934 model coupe was replaced on October 19 with a 1949 model Plymouth sedan. The time and date stamp which has been installed in the watch room in the central station was removed from that location and re-in- stalled in the Fire Alarm Office in its proper location. This machine is now working properly and keeps accurate time. This change was made on Novem- ber 27th.
52
ANNUAL REPORT
Many of our fire alarm boxes have been moved to new poles due to changes in line construction. Grounds have been installed on numerous boxes and lightening arresters added where needed. This work has stopped a lot of damage to our boxes due to lightning or cross-ups with high voltage. During the first part of the year we worked with the State T.B. mobile unit in furnishing service and electrical maintenance. The electrical work for the Christmas decorations and for the Fourth of July celebration were taken care of by this department as also the maintenance of the electrical equipment connected with the Honor Roll on the Common. A new under- ground cable was installed at Box 621. The old cable was destroyed by light- ning. All boxes in the system were cleaned, oiled and serviced during the year. 171 service calls were made to the various privately owned boxes which are connected to sprinkler systems. These calls include periodical Underwriter's tests and service calls. At this time we wish to call your attention to the fact that there are 160 fire alarm boxes in service in our system.
Under recommendations we will repeat as in former years that in the future plans should be made to provide for the expansion of the fire alarm system to correspond with the genaral growth of the city. A new building to house the Fire Alarm Office should be constructed in a proper location. 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 and the modern boxes installed. New cables should be laid underground to connect the outlying fire stations with the center to insure the accurate reception and transmission of all alarms and tele- phone communications in time of storms and any other major disasters. At the present time we do not have sufficient facilities to handle our own voice com- munications between stations. The outlying stations have been cut off from the center numerous times due to failure of the utility company.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Because of the steady growth of our 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 general main- tenance of the system. There is sufficient work in maintaining the system in proper condition to absolutely warrant the employment of a third man in this department. At this time we wish to bring to your attention, that, if any time in the future, both of the present members of this department may be- come incapitated in any manner, there is no one in the city to step in and take over the duties of maintaining this department in the proper manner. The routes of the various circuits, both in underground cable and aerial construction are so complicated and varied that it would take a regular fire alarm expert months to trace and locate trouble. The call for fire alarm maintenance men in all parts of the country is but very little and therefore very few men are trained for this service. It is for the future interest of the city that we are recommending the employment of a third man in this department.
In conclusion, we wish to extend our thanks to the Board of Fire Engineers, the officers and men of both the Fire and Police Departments, the Public Works Department, utilities and to all in the past year of 1948 have co-operated with us in the successful operation of this department.
Respectfully submitted, William S. King,
Superintendent of Fire Alarm Attleboro Fire Department.
53
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Wire Inspector
1948 Expenditures $524.58
1949 Budget 556.75
December 31, 1948
To His Honor the Mayor and Municipal Council
City of Attleboro, Mass.
Dear Sirs:
I herewith submit my annual report of the Wire Inspection Department for the year ending December 31st, 1948.
During the past year permits issued and numbers of inspections made are as follows:
To Electricians' Applications
Permits
Inspections to A.S.&E.
Tot.
January
105
105
140
45
185
February
68
68
91
30
121
March
99
99
132
39
171
April
99
99
132
85
217
May
68
68
91
89
181
June
103
103
147
101
248
July
56
56
73
73
146
August
84
84
112
124
236
September
89
89
118
104
222
October
115
115
153
113
266
November
100
100
133
106
239
December
87
87
115
100
215
1073
1073
1437
1009
2447
During the past year numerous cases of infractions of the State Li- censing Law have been detected and the persons involved prosecuted ac- cordingly. Many violations of the wiring code have been noted and corrections made. In general, we find that the public and property owners are becoming more conscious of safe wiring methods and thru the co-operation of the elec- tricians and the local light and power company good progress is being made in the proper direction.
I wish to extend my sincere thanks to His Honor, the Mayor, the mem- bers of the Municipal Council, members of the Police and Fire Departments and all who in any way contributed to the operation of this department during the past year.
Respectfully,
William S. King,
Electrical Inspector
Re-inspections
54
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Dog Officer
1948 Expenditures $1,050.00
1948 Budget 1,050.00
120 Dogs Boarded
120 Dogs Statutory
408 Complaints and Investigations 45 Dead Dogs Removed
3214 Miles
1838 Dog Licenses for 1948
2 Kennel Licenses for over 10 dogs
3 Kennel Licenses for 10 dogs
18 Kennel Licenses for over 4 dogs
Antone J. Dias,
Dog Officer
55
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Park Commission
1948 Expenditures $29,696.03
1949 Budget 27,556.60
February 1, 1949
Park Commissioners Attleboro, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my third annual report as Superintendent of the Park Department.
Capron Park, as for many years past, attracted thousands of visitors during the year. Everyone was made welcome and urged to use and enjoy the facil- ities that make Capron Park one of the finest parks hereabouts.
The weather during 1948 was particularly trying. The winter was the worst one for snow that we have had in a long time. Then we had a wet, cold spring that held back planting. However, it made a nice growth on the lawns and a heavy tree foliage. This added to the general appearance of the Park. The rain continued until July 6th when it ended for the summer. We did have some very good weather in the fall which enabled us to finish up work that might otherwise have had to be postponed until spring.
The entire area of the Park, Common, Angell Park, Memorial Bridge, and the Squares were fertilized. This called for the use of five tons of fertilizer.
A quota of the trees was trimmed and pruned. It is planned to do about one-fifth of the trees each year so that in each five years all the trees will be trimmed.
Six thousand bulbs were set out this fall, and they include Narcissus, Tulips, Crocus, Hyacinths, Snowdrops, Scillas, and Rubrum. We are looking forward with a great deal of anticipation to their flowering.
The roads in the Park received a badly needed coat of asphalt and sand during the summer.
The archway entrance on County Street was gold leafed and painted. This greatly improved its appearance.
The major project of the year was moving the tennis courts to a new lo- cation. This involved considerable work but the improvement to the court and to the ball field made it worth while. The new courts have been in constant use and many favorable comments have been made on the condition of the play- ing surface and the location.
A new shed for storing tools and equipment was built in the late fall. This was a much needed addition to Capron Park. There is still some work to be done on the shed that could not be done because of the lateness of the season. This will be finished up this coming spring.
The 4th of July celebration was marred by rain. Fireworks were put up and taken down twice and the large crowd that turned out for the display had to leave because of the downpour. When we were finally able to have the fireworks there was not the usual large crowd.
56
ANNUAL REPORT
The band concerts given by the Jewelry City Band, under the able di- rection of Harry Greene, were attended by the largest crowds ever, and were enjoyed by everyone. The soloists, Miss Dorothy Niebherr and Mr. James Sul- livan, were very enthusiastically received.
The roofs of the Newell Shelter and the band stand were repaired.
Some badly needed new equipment was purchased in 1948 and plans have been made to purchase more this coming season. Good equipment does a great deal to lighten the load of maintaining the grounds.
The playground and pool were in constant use this summer under the supervision of Miss Ruth Henderson and Mr. Robert Powers. The swings and other equipment in the playground were used constantly from April when they were put up until they were taken down for repairs and painting. This was not done until after our first snow storm.
The ball field saw a busy season with the Junior League playing every pleasant morning and the City Twilight League in the evening.
The animals, as always, received their many friends and the extra morsels with relish. The animals seem to miss the visitors and are always glad when the winter ends.
The other expense account of the Department was spent as follows:
Capron Park
$7,880.39
Zoo
1,793.45
Common
451.80
Angell Park
253.89
Memorial Bridge
179.35
Nursery
95.38
Squares
66.07
$10,720.33
The new tennis courts were a gift of the Capron Fund and the new shed was built by a transfer of $1,058.48 from the Other Expense account and $2,000 from the Capron Fund.
The amount expended for wages for 1948 amounted to $18,975.70. This was divided as follows. The Squares mentioned include Fiske Square, John- son-Morin Square, Hebronville and West Street.
Capron Park
$11,718.92
Zoo
3,816.04
Common
1,675.70
Angell Park
615.50
Poor Farm Nursery
237.86
Memorial Bridge
555.00
Squares
356.68
$18,975.70
I would like to make the following recommendations for the improvement of Capron Park and to add to the enjoyment of the Park:
The purchase of an amplifying unit for the band stand.
The purchase of the Hinds' property adjoining the Park and continuing to the Highland Country Club grounds.
57
ANNUAL REPORT
There are a good many reasons why it would be a wise and foresighted action to purchase this property but just to cite one instance-the under- brush could be cleaned out and some of the hundreds of different trees, shrubs, vines, bulbs could be set out with name tags on them for the public to become acquainted with them. The schools would especially profit by such a project. The maintenance would be small compared to the benefits and beauty that would result.
The personnel of the Park Department was saddened by the death of Mr. Thomas G. Sadler, one of the members of the Park Commission. His loss will be keenly felt. He has been replaced on the Board by his son, Mr. Thomas G. Sadler, Jr.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Mayor and Council, the Chief and members of the Police and Fire Departments, to Bill King, for his many favors, to Mr. Mawney, Russell Tennant and the men of the Public Works Department for their assistance in many instances.
I would like to publicly say "thank you" to the men who have worked for me for their loyalty and untiring efforts.
I deeply appreciate the time and thoughtfulness of the members of the Park Commission-Mr. Samuel M. Stone, Mr. Harry C. Wolfenden, and Mr. Thomas G. Sadler, Jr. My deep gratitude to them.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert W. Sharkey,
Superintendent
58
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of City Forester
1948 Expenditures $14,126.63
1949 Budget 14,462.60
City Forester Warren P. Hofmann May 16, 1949
To His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit the report of the Forestry Department for the year end- ing December 31, 1948.
The Forestry Department has been engaged in its usual routine activities.
As always, it has been on call to remove decayed trees and dangerous limbs.
The spraying for the gypsy moth and the elm leaf beetle has been carried on in the proper seasons. In cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture, there has been intensive scouting for the detection of the elm leaf bark beetle which is the carrier of the dreaded Dutch elm disease. More ef- fective work will be possible with the Aero-Mist Sprayer which is to be delivered in the near future. The purchase of this equipment is an important economic measure as well as a more efficient means of spraying.
Roadside brush cutting has been given as much time as possible. This is, of necessity, a slow job. A power mower would enable this work to be done much more quickly. With the present equipment it is possible to cut only one tenth of the seventy miles which should be attended to annually.
The original plan of tree planting has been continued throughout the city. The recent widening of Pleasant Street necessitated the removal of many fine shade trees which will be replaced as fast as possible. This phase of our work has been extremely popular with the general public. Many requests for trees have been received, although only a small number can be planted each year. It is a source of satisfaction that the citizens of Attleboro endorse so heartily the plan for beautifying the future Attleboro.
Respectfully submitted, Warren P. Hofmann City Forester
59
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of School Committee
1948 Expenditures $599,962.04
1949 Budget 632,322.36
SCHOOL COMMITTEE, 1948
Term Expires January
William 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 M. Crowther, 34 Tyler Street 1950
Dr, Anderson S. Briggs, 28 Claflin Street 1952
Mrs. Olive M. Keeler, 206 Berwick Road
1952
Mrs. Deborah O. Richardson, 303 Bank Street 1952
Mrs. Alice H. Stobbs, 63 Bank Street. 1952
ORGANIZATION
William Nerney Chairman
Mrs. Alice H. Stobbs
Secretary
William A. Nerney Representative before Municipal Council
STANDING COMMITTEES
Mr. Nerney
Teachers and Course of Study Mrs. Stobbs Textbooks and Supplies
Mrs. Briggs
Mrs. Richardson
Mrs. Keeler
Mr. Crowther
Buildings Mr. Vaughan Mr. Sadler
Mr. Nerney
Finance Mr. Crowther
Dr. Briggs
Mrs. Briggs
Athletic Advisory Committee Dr. Briggs Mrs. Keeler
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 by the fifteenth of that month.
Superintendent of Schools Richard A. Martin
Office: Sanford Street Telephones: 12 and 42
Residence: 251 Willow Street, Mansfield, Massachusetts
Telephone: Mansfield 514-J The Superintendent's office is open on school days from 8:30 to 5:00. Clerks
Hilda R. LaPalme 61 Hebron Avenue 37 Prospect Sttreet Jessie C. Ford Eileen R. Polefka 109 Holmes Road, North Attleboro, Mass.
60
ANNUAL REPORT
Dr. Herbert G. Vaughan
School Physician Telephone 685-W School Nurse
19 Bank Street
Mrs. Dorothy B. Wendell, R. N. 90 Locust Street Telephones: Office 42, Residence 940-W 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: Tuesday, September 7 to Thursday, Dec. 23, 1948.
Second Term: Monday, Jan. 3 to Friday, Feb. 18, 1949.
Third Term: Monday, Feb. 28 to Thursday, April 14, 1949.
Fourth Term: Monday, April 25 to Wednesday, June 23, 1949.
SCHOOL SESIONS
High School-One session, from 8:15 to 1:40 with a recess of twenty-five minutes.
Briggs Corner-8:15 to 11:45 and 12:30 to 2:30.
Finberg: 9:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 3:00.
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. After- noon sessions from 1:15 to 3:30. Grade I closes fifteen minutes earlier than the other grades.
COST OF INSTRUCTION
Valuation of Attleboro, 1948
$32,299,970.00
Tax Rate per $1,000, 1948 $41.00
Expended for support of schools, excluding Vocational Schools $540,280.98
Average membership of day schools, September 1947-June 1948 3235
Expended per pupil based on average membership $167.01
Cost of books and supplies per pupil $8.17
High School
Total expended for High School, including High School share of general expense
$150,620.20
Average membership of High School, 1947-1948.
680
Cost per pupil
$221.50
Cost of books and supplies per pupil
$13.86
Elementary Schools
Total expended
$389,660.78
Average membership, 1947-1948
2555
Cost per pupil
$152.51
Cost of books and supplies per pupil.
$6.66
61
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Sturdy Hospital
1948 Expenditures $21,817.11
1949 Budget 21,033.00
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS
January 24, 1949
To the Honorable Mayor and Municipal Council
and to the Trustees of the Attleborough Hospital:
Herewith we submit the report of the 36th year of operating the Sturdy Memorial Hospital.
The number of patients admitted-5036-was 81 less than in 1947, but in- cluding out-patients-4364-the total was 328 more than in 1947.
There was an increase in medical and surgical patients admitted, but a less number of babies were brought into the world-1083 in 1948, as com- pared with 1182 in 1947.
Our operating deficit for the year was $34,565.46, but again we were materi- ally aided in reducing this by liberal contributions from business concerns lo- cated in the communities served by our hospital. Each year since 1942 we have had generous and most acceptable support from these sources. The total re- ceived to apply to the current deficit up to the time of closing our books was $18,945.00, and we have promises of more to come.
Some one has called a hospital deficit an "honorable deficit", presumably because it is incurred in the care of the sick and suffering, but for those charged with the responsibility of financing the institution, any deficiency is a matter of grave concern, so that the continued beneficent interest of our business con- cerns is most encouraging.
We had a substantial and gratifying increase in our capital funds in the past year amounting to $124,981.55. A portion of this-$27,500.00 represents a transfer from Surplus to Plant Development Fund, but the major part was re- ceived from wills or in the form of memorials. These benefactions from well- disposed friends of the hospital are essential to the maintenance of a competent and complete service now and in the years to come.
Extensive alterations in our maternity wing reported underway a year ago, are now complete and have resulted in a notable addition to our capacity, facil- ities and efficiency.
Just now essential changes and improvements are being made in the X-ray Department which, with new equipment now on order, will afford greater opportunities for service by this fast growing utility.
We acknowledge with grateful appreciation the devoted aid of our ad- ministrative, professional, nursing and service staff, and also the valued sup- port of those individuals and organizations who have given us helpful assist- ance during the year, particularly through the Hospital Aid Association and on Donation Day.
62
ANNUAL REPORT
We attach to this report the amounts expended from the City appropriation in 1948 and the estimate of our requirements for 1949.
Board of Managers Attleborough Hospital, Inc. Operating Sturdy Memorial Hospital for the City of Attleboro
Harold E. Sweet, Chairman
Members Ex-Officio, 1948
C. Wallace Cederberg
Francis J. O'Neil, Mayor
Victor R. Glencross
William Marshall, City Treasurer
William J. Luther
James A. Freeman, Pres. Mnuicipal Council
Samuel M. Stone
Edwin F. Thayer
Appropriated 1948
Expended 1948
Requested 1949
Water
$1,200.00
$1,192.34
$1,200.00
Insurance
3,025.00
2,943.89
2,310.50
Hydrant
60.00
60.00
60.00
Fuel and Light
17,500.00
17,551.27
17,400.00
Treasurer's Bond.
25.00
62.50
62.50
$21,810.00
$21,810.00
$21,033.00
63
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Inspector of Buildings
1948 Expenditures $700.00
1949 Budget 700.00
December 31, 1948
To His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council:
I herewith submit the annual report of the Building Inspector for the year 1948.
The total number of permits issued 511, amounting to $1,689,017.00 which was 48 less permits than 1947 and a gain in value of $388,597.00.
Respectfully submitted, Joseph O. Mowry,
Acting Building Inspector
TOTALS
511
113 $618,964.00
103 $109,840.00
$66,063.00
$3,250.00
15 $666,710.00
34 $191,790.00
$26,575.00
$5,825.00
$1,689,017.00
Permits
Dwellings
Alterations
Shingle
Minor
Business
Alterations
Garages
Miscellaneous
Raze
Renewal
TOTAL
64
Month Permits Dwellings
Alterations
Shingle
Minor Business
Alterations
Garage
Misc.
Raze
Jan.
6
2- 1700
1- 800
Feb.
14
1- 3500
9_11525
950
5-143200
5-2150
2-250
March
33
10- 56250
5- 3750
6- 2195
8- 32500
5-4300
5-1725
1
April
66
10- 53414
17-19150
20- 9821
1- 2500
7-2900
1-200
2-1
May
62
29_155100
47200
13-13150
18-11360
2- 700
2-230510
9800
6-2150
2- 675
2
July
60
11-
52
14-
79800
8900
7910
1-200
1- 2000
5-2350
1_100
1
Sept.
43
8-
45400
7- 2125
13-
4690
5-245000
600
7-3000
2-
300
Oct.
52
9- 56000
7- 5050
19_
7734
1_ 14000
3.
1300
9-3975
3_ 625
1
Nov.
34
3-
23000
4- 7600
12-
5087
1-1200
6-
32100
5-30.50
3-1050
Dec.
26
4- 17300
7-13550
8- 3085
1 ___ 800
2-101000
3-1075
2-
1
June
63
14- 82000
13-16340
20- 7766
1- 350
2- 31500
5540
5-1525
400
5-
4-
1-
58
22
9
1
149
6
3- 6900
Ren.
1- 50
1_ 100
1- 500
7000
12- 4665
August
1
ANNUAL REPORT
65
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Public Works Department
1948 Expenditures $377,895.92
1949 Budget 356,641.38
To His Honor the Mayor and the Honorable Municipal Council:
Gentlemen:
The statistical matter enclosed in this report will furnish the record of work done this year in detail by this department. I do wish, however, to note in passing that in highway work and water extensions this has been a peak year.
Briefly in highway work we reconstructed 1.1 miles of old oil gravel road, placed .63 miles of permanent penetration pavement, surface treated 6.51 miles of roads and completed the road work on one mile of accepted streets.
Briefly again, our water department placed 2.08 miles of water pipe in city streets and .48 miles at the Pumping Station, a grand total of 2.56 miles, also placed 121 new services and replaced 43 services. This high peak service service record is an indication of the number of new houses built in 1948.
For several years past we have noted the fact that each year is a peak year in water consumption and this fact is no less true this year. 876,213,000 gallons of water was pumped this year, an increase of 13.57% over 1947. The maximum pumping day was August 26, 1948 for a total of 3,305,000 gallons. (The rated capacity of our main electric pump is 3,600,000 gallons and the steam stand-by pump 4,000,000 gallons per day.) This ever increasing consumption demand, and rated pump output as shown above does emphasize the import- ance of the work now going on under the supervision and guidance of our con- sulting engineers.
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