USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1949 > Part 4
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ANNUAL REPORT
Report of City Collector
January 17, 1950
To His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council:
I herewith submit the annual report of the City Collector for the year 1949.
The total amount collected and paid to William Marshall, City Treasurer, is $1,824,217.34, divided as follows:
Real Estate Taxes
$1,231,941.19
Personal Property Taxes
118,418.18
Poll Taxes
14,222.00
Motor Vehicle Excise
111,466.38
Betterments
8,843.51
Committed Interest
629.59
Water Rates
147,694.42
Pipe and Labor Charges
5,371.89
Highway
25.00
Welfare
169,612.33
School
9,841.33
Health
897.40
Public Property
1,997.00
Estates of Deceased Persons
100.00
Interest on Taxes and Water
1,904.45
Costs on Taxes and Water
1,252.67
Following is a list of the outstanding accounts as of December 31, 1949:
Real Estate Taxes
$68,138.12
Personal Property Taxes
3,981.73
Poll Taxes
138.00
Motor Vehicle Excise
4,639.89
Betterments
4,429.13
Committed Interest
101.09
Water Rates
2,691.12
Pipe and Labor Charges
928.34
Highway
74.94
Public Property
248.00
School
2,696.34
Welfare
5,530.44
Total
$93,597.14
Respectfully submitted,
Doris L. Austin,
City Collector
47
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Electrical Branch Fire Dept.
December 31, 1949.
Board of Fire Engineers,
Fire Department,
Attleboro, Mass.
Dear Sirs:
I herewith submit the annual report of the Electrical Branch of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1949:
New boxes in old locations were installed as follows:
Box 16 Washington and May Sts.
24 South Main and Dexter Sts.
41 South Main near Railroad Arch
317 Holden and Bank Sts.
512 Alden and Fisher Sts.
521 West and Thacher Sts.
New boxes in new locations :
Box 422 Brook and Maple Sts. (P) Robbins Company
518
Elmwood Ave.
541 Burt St. and O'Donnell Drive ( V Project )
542 Cote St. and Fuller Rd. ( V Project )
543 Hill Crest Drive and Patterson St. ( V Project )
544 Smith Circle. ( V Project )
Lightning storms have caused extensive damage to the fire alarm system during the past year. A number of tappers, two gongs, a register and two fire alarm boxes have been burned out as well as trouble received from the crossing of our lines with high-tension wires due to falling tree limbs and from motor vehicles striking utility poles.
A new manhole was constructed on Capron Street for our own use and in conjunction with this work, new cables were installed in our ducts from Union and Capron Streets to South Main and Capron Streets including an underground extension to Box 41 on South Main street. This project eliminated all of our overhead wires in this area.
All of the fire alarm boxes and outside equipment have been painted during the year. A new set of storage batteries were purchased and installed and the supporting racks and equipment painted and overhauled. The cells which were replaced were originally installed in 1937 and gave excellent service. These cells were guaranteed for only four to five years.
Having no further use the bronze bell located in the tower of the South Attleboro Fire Station was removed and sold to a bell manufacturing company in Connecticut. The bell weighed approximately 875 pounds and the sum of $180.00 realized which was paid to the City Treasurer by the buyer. We requested that this sum be made available to this department to defray the cost of the removal of the bell and other expenses incurred. The request was not granted. The bell striking machines located in the South Attleboro Station and in the tower of the Methodist Church in Hebronville were both removed as these were of no further use in the operation of the system.
48
ANNUAL REPORT
Box No. 511 on County Street and its supported cable box and pedestal were knocked over three times during the year by being struck by motor vehicles. Each of the three times the cost of replacement amounted to approximately $300.00. In one instance the cost of repairs was made by the insurance company through the City Solicitor and the money voted back to our maintenance account, but in the other two cases, they are as yet in the hands of the Solicitor for collection. It is impossible for us to request funds to cover unexpected accidents of this type in our budget for the coming year and we would suggest that some plan or method be instituted whereby our equipment which may be burned out by lightning, contact with high-tension voltage or damage by motor vehicles may be replaced without having to make use of the funds allocated for regular estimated maintenance.
The Box 511 standard is in a hazardous location and could not be re- located because of existing conditions. However a steady guard rail has been erected around the standard and since being erected we have experienced no further trouble at this point.
A start has been made on equipping all of our underground standards in the center of the city with red marking lights by the installation of two, one on Box 511 and one on Box 312. This is quite costly to accomplish all at one time because separate cables and current for the lamps have to be supplied. We are therefore trying to install a few of these lights each year.
Box 56 was moved from its old location to the corner of County and Olive Streets thereby affording more protection to that area. The old location of Box 56 is covered by the box at the Wolfenden plant.
A complete new line has been constructed on West Street at the Braid Mill Curve because of the new road at that point. We have also completed a new line the full length of Brook Street. It was necessary to move the whole line from the West to the East side of the street to make way for the Thacher Brook project. The main line aerial cable on County Street extending from Capron Park to County Square developed serious trouble in the spring and was replaced with a modern non-metallic-sheath self supporting cable.
A main line extension was made from Dennis Street into Elmwood Avenue and a new Box 518 was installed. An extension was also made to the Vet- erans' Housing Project off South Avenue and Boxes 541-542-543 and 544 were installed.
Considerable work has been accomplished during the year by this depart- ment in assisting the various civic committees on matters of public interest such as the Fourth of July celebration, the Junior Commerce Parade and the Christmas Decorations. Many Fire Alarm boxes have been changed to new poles and all have been tested and serviced as required. A total of 302 service calls have been made to the various sprinkler-connected boxes and many to the various school houses.
There are now, at this time, 166 Fire Alarm boxes in operation in the Attleboro Fire Alarm System.
49
ANNUAL REPORT
RECOMMENDATIONS
As of previous years we repeat that plans should be made to provide for the expansion of the Fire Alarm System to correspond with the general growth of the city. A new building to house the Fire Alarm Office should be con- structed 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 and non-succession type boxes should be removed from the system and modern boxes installed. More boxes in new locations should be added. New cables and underground ducts should be laid underground to connect the outlying fire stations with the center to insure the accurate and non-interrupted reception and transmission of all alarms of fire and telephone communications in time of storms and other major disasters. At the present time we do not have sufficient facilities to handle our own voice communica- tions between stations. The outlying stations have been cut off from the center numerous times due to the failure of the utilities' plant not operating properly in time of storm or severe weather conditions.
The operation of the various city emergency departments have come to depend greatly on the use of radio in their daily work. This entire costly system can be placed out of use entirely by a severe storm and because of this fact we recommend that a generator be purchased and installed for use at the Radio Transmitter Station. Even with all the various ty-ins on high-tension lines coming in and going through the city it has been proven several times that our power can be interrupted for an indefinite time.
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 con- siderable time to teach the rudiments of fire alarm operation and maintainance to a person and a man in this position could be learning while assistance from him could be used in the general maintenance of the system. There is sufficient work in maintaining our system in proper condition to absolutely warrant the employment of a third man in this department. We wish to bring to your attention that, if at any time, both of the present members of this department may become incapacitated in any manner, there is no one in the city to step in and take up the duties of maintaining this department in proper condition.
In conclusion, we wish to thank Chief Joseph Mowry, the Board of Fire Engineers, the officers and men of both the Fire and Police Departments, the Public Works Department and all who in the past year of 1949 have assisted and cooperated with us in the successful operation of this department.
Respectfully submitted,
William S. King,
Superintendent of Fire Alarm, Attleboro Fire Department.
50
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Wire Inspector
December 31, 1949.
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 31, 1949. During the past year permits issued and inspections made are as follows:
Re-Inspections
January
To Electricians' Applications 109
Permits 109
161
51
212
February
71
71
95
65
160
March
102
102
134
62
196
April
110
110
145
55
200
May
70
70
93
95
185
June
115
115
138
110
248
July
85
85
93
80
173
August
100
100
134
120
254
September
101
101
135
115
250
October
130
130
190
110
200
November
121
121
181
108
289
December
113
113
153
122
275
Totals
1227
1227
1652
1093
2642
At this time I wish to call the attention of the citizens of this City to the proper manner of installation of an outdoor television aerial. It is the require- ment of the National Electric Code that all outside T. V. masts be grounded and that an approved lightning arrester be connected to the lead-in wires. Lead-in wires shall be kept at least 12" from telephone and electric wires.
Overfusing of branch circuits. Larger fuses than those of 15 ampere capacity should not be used in branch circuits. If the fuses continue to blow a licensed electrician should be called upon to locate and correct the trouble at once.
I wish to extend my sincere thanks to His Honor, the Mayor, the members of the Municipal Council, members of the Police and Fire Departments and all who in any manner contributed to the operation of this department during the past year of 1949.
Respectfully, William S. King,
Electrical Inspector
Inspections to A.S.&E. Co. Tot.
51
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Dog Officer
To the Honorable Mayor and the Municipal Council:
I herewith submit the annual report of the Dog Officer for the year 1949:
136 Dogs Boarded 136 Dogs Statutory 514 Investigations and Complaints 50 Dead Dogs Removed from Highway 4 Dogs Statutory for Other Reasons
4022 Miles 1772 Dogs Licensed 23 Kennels Licensed
Antone J. Dias,
Dog Officer
52
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Park Commission
Park Commissioners
Attleboro, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my fourth annual report as Superintendent of Capron Park covering the year 1949.
The popularity of Capron Park seems to increase with each succeeding year. Its name is becoming known in a wider area, and friends and visitors come here from miles around.
The dry year we have just been through has had the most serious effect on the lawns. They will require extra seed and fertilizer in 1950 to restore them to the condition they were in at the beginning of 1949. Superintendents of other parks were all hit as hard as we were. The concensus of these men seems to be that the lawns will require at least two years and maybe four to recover from the drought of 1949. No one wants another year like 1949 for a long time again.
The flower beds also showed the effects of the drought. We set out approximately 15,000 annuals. This means that we set out our beds three times and still the color display was not what it should have been. We were all discouraged to see so much hard work go to waste but the people of Attle- boro who came to the Park encouraged us by telling us how nice everything looked.
The lawns at the Park were all fertilized in 1949. A total of 300 pounds of 50% Chlordane was used for the control of Japanese beetles. The results were excellent. Three acres were sprayed with P.M.A.S. for the control of crab grass. The results obtained were definitely in favor of doing as much as possible another year. I believe that this grass weed can be so controlled that its ugly appearance will be wiped out completely.
The Zoo had several new additions that have created much interest. A pair of White Mute Swans, a pair of Wood ducks, a pair of crested White ducks were bought from a fund raised by public donation. A pair of bison was added to the Zoo through the generosity of William O. Sweet and a pair of Mountain Lions was given by Mr. William Greene and Mr. William O. Sweet.
A new house and yard were built for the lions and a new fence was built to replace the old one enclosing the animal yard. These were made possible by money received from the Harford Capron Fund.
The tennis courts were in continuous play. A definite increase in popu- larity was very evident. The season ended Labor Day with the city champion- ship matches. The John W. McIntyre challenge cup was retired by Dick Thompson.
The ball field was again in continuous use from April to September when we had to call a halt to enable us to do some much needed work on the diamond. The outfield was used by the High School for football practice.
The playground was under the supervision of Eddie Lee and Ruth Alice Henderson. The attendance was very satisfactory until the last two weeks of the summer when it fell off due to the polio epidemic.
53
ANNUAL REPORT
The band concerts which were given by Harry Greene and the Jewelry City Band with Jim Sullivan as soloist were enjoyed by thousands over a ten- week period. Frank Bunker substituted at one concert for Jim Sullivan and Miss Dorothy Niebherr sang at the last concert of the season with Jim.
The 4th of July celebration was witnessed by approximately 10,000. In the afternoon there was an estimated 1,200 to witness the exercises which was a smaller crowd than usual due to the excessive heat.
We are striving at all times to add to the beauty of the Park and with this in mind we have enlarged the rose garden with the addition of 300 rose bushes. The area alongside the animal yard to the east was set with 100 rhodendrons and 36 azaleas. An additional 5,000 bulbs were planted bringing the total to approximately 15,000 bulbs now in the grounds and ready for Spring.
The other areas under our care received their regular care plus a few changes. New settees were put on the Common. They are very comfortable but cannot be moved, which made them rather unpopular at first. Angell Park had a planting of Rhodendrons and Azaleas which adds to its appearance. An additional piece of ground was given to the City at Memorial Bridge on North Main Street by Mr. Lester Nerney. We plan to improve this next year.
The cost of operating the department totaled $28,006.17 which was spent as follows:
Capron Park
Labor $10,802.00
Expenses $6,295.12
Total $17,097.12
Zoo
3,946.55
1,642.21
5,588.76
Common
1,640.00
468.35
2,108.35
Angell Park
844.00
302.64
1,146.64
Memorial Bridge
1,088.00
189.40
1,277.40
Squares
656.00
131.90
787.90
Total
$18,976.55
$9,029.62
$28,006.17
The grandstand and backstop will need replacing in a very few years and at this time, I believe, should be given serious consideration.
I would like to go on record again as being very much in favor of pur- chasing the Hinds property. Throughout the country property of this type is being sought after for recreational areas. Here in Attleboro we are fortunate enough to have it right at hand. I cannot urge too strongly the advantages to be gained by the purchase of this property. With this land and a few years work Capron Park can be the center of play and relaxation for the people of Attleboro.
At this time I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Chief Mowry and his men, Chief Marron and the men of his department, Mr. Mawney and the men of the Public Works Department, Supt. Bill King and his assistant, Harold Wellman. The cooperation which we have received from these de- partments has enabled us to attain a greater efficiency in our department.
My sincere thanks to ex-Mayor O'Neil for his assistance and counsel since I was appointed Superintendent.
Last, but not least, I wish to thank the members of the Park Commission, Mr. S. M. Stone, Mr. Harry C. Wolfenden and Mr. Thomas G. Sadler, Jr. They have given generously of their time to help solve the problems that arise as the days go by. Their goal, as well as ours, is to make a Capron Park even more of a joy to the people of Attleboro.
Respectfully Submitted,
Robert W. Sharkcy,
Superintendent
54
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of City Forester
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, 1949.
The Forestry Department, with its additional equipment, has been able to carry out its duties much more efficiently than in the past. The aero-mist blower has made possible a larger program of spraying, and a much more satisfactory job of roadside brush cutting has been accomplished with the aid of the new roadside power mower.
The fight against the Dutch Elm disease is a continuous one and this department has been alert to the situation, with the cooperation of state and federal agents.
Tree planting has become more and more popular each year. The one difficulty has been to keep up with the demand. Property owners have con- gratulated the department on its methods of work and care in this vicinity. In spite of the unfavorable season, only three out of the hundred trees planted, failed to survive.
Much attention has been given to the removal of dangerous limbs and decayed trees.
The Forestry Department aims to be of real service to the citizens of Attleboro.
Respectfully submitted,
Warren P. Hofmann
55
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of School Committee SCHOOL COMMITTEE, 1949
Term Expires, January
William A. Nerney, 50 Tanager Road.
1950
Thomas G. Sadler, 30 Alfred Street
1950
Mrs. Pearl Briggs, 7 North Main Street
1950
Pierre B. Lonsbury, 65 Locust Street
1950
Henry M. Crowther, 34 Tyler Street
1950
Dr. Anderson 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 A. Nerney
Chairman Secretary
Mrs. Alice H. Stobbs
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. Lonsbury
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 on the fifteenth of that month. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Anson B. Barber Office: Sanford Street Telephone 12 and 42
Residence: 66 Peck Street
The Superintendent's Office is open on school days from 8:30 to 5:00.
Clerks
61 Hebron Avenue 145 County Street
Hilda R. LaPalme Jessie C. Ford Eileen R. Polefka 109 Holmes Road, North Attleboro, Mass.
56
ANNUAL REPORT
Dr. Herbert G. Vaughan School Physician 19 Bank Street
Telephone 685-W School Nurse
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
Barbara Arnold School Dental Hygienist
1 Prospect Street
Attendance Officer and Custodian of School Buildings
James F. Forrest Telephones: Office 42; Residence 1387
58 Benefit Street
SCHOOL CALENDAR
First Term: Tuesday, September 6 to Thursday, December 22, 1949.
Second Term: Tuesday, January 3 to Friday, February 17, 1950.
Third Term: Monday, February 27 to Friday, April 14, 1950.
Fourth Term: Monday, April 24 to Wednesday, June 21, 1950.
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 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 1 closes fifteen minutes earlier than the other grades.
COST OF INSTRUCTION
Valuation of Attleboro, 1949
$33,937,450.00 40.70
Tax rate per $1000, 1949
Expended for support of schools, excluding Vocational School
$569,544.33
Average membership of day schools, September 1948-June 1949 3178
Expended per pupil based on average membership. $179.21
Cost of books and supplies per pupil $9.25
High School
Total expended for High School, including High School share of general expenses
$157,358.36
Average membership of High School, 1948-1949
686
Cost per pupil.
$229.39
Cost of books and supplies per pupil
$13.26
Elementary Schools
Total expended
$412,185.97
Average membership, 1948-1949
2492
Cost per pupil
$165.40
Cost of books and supplies per pupil
$8.15
57
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Sturdy Hospital
To His Honor, the Mayor, the Municipal Council and Trustees of Attleborough Hospital:
The Board of Managers submits herewith results of operation of Sturdy Memorial Hospital as follows:
1949
1948
Number of patients admitted.
5,133
5,036
Number of out-patients
4,904
4,364
Grand Total
10,037
9,400
Babies born
1,074
1,083
At the beginning of the year we made a careful study of probable costs, and endeavored to adjust our rates to cover these costs. Our estimates were not too far out of line, as is evidenced by the fact that our deficit this year is less than that of a year ago.
Again we are indebted to many individuals and corporations for generous gifts to help reduce our operating deficit. Donations form this source during 1949 totaled $19,530.00.
This year has been another when we have had engineers and artisans at work almost continuously. The expansion of our X-Ray Department has been completed with the addition of much needed and already much used equip- ment, and space. Our therapy department has also shared in the replacement of obsolete equipment and the introduction of hydro-therapy. No longer is it necessary for all polio cases to go to Boston or Providence for treatment, since we now serve them.
Electrical circuits and emergency lighting equipment and panels have been brought up to date and additional required capacity has been provided.
Our steam and water lines, after more than 30 years of service, have been renewed wherever required. Much new piping has been furnished. A sub- stantial saving should accrue to us from this work on our steam costs.
The Board of Managers has also provided much needed room for our staff. For years the staff has patiently moved from one room to another or none, while our expansion has progressed. Now they have comfortable and readily accessible quarters where their conference and waiting time can be spent in necessary privacy.
Without the cooperation of our staff, including administrative, professional, nursing, and general service, it would be impossible for your Board of Managers to carry the responsibilities that are theirs, so we take this opportunity to express our appreciation to them, as well as to those organizations who have contributed effort, or of their means, or both, to bring comfort to those for whom we are responsible. We are also deeply indebted to the press and radio for their assistance and cooperation during the past year.
58
ANNUAL REPORT
To the people of the area we serve, we pledge our continued efforts to pro- vide for them the best of care in time of illness.
We list below the amounts expended from the City appropriation in 1948 and the estimate of our requirements for 1949:
Appropriated
Water
$1,200.00
Expended 1949 $1,275.12
Requested 1950 $1,300.00 3,042.00
Insurance
2,310.50
2,530.08
Hydrant
60.00
60.00
60.00
Fuel
13,600.00
12,860.82
13,439.00
Light and Power
3,800.00
4,218.16
4,225.00
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