USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1951 > Part 5
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1,629.89
Received Interest during 1951
32. 75
Disbursements during 1951
None
Balance January 1, 1952.
1,662.64
1,662.64
4
58
Annual Report
S. M. STONE FUND
Principal Account 10,000.00
Balance in Income account January 1, 1951
379. 87
Received interest during 1951
259. 08
10,638. 95
Disbursements during 1951
300.00
BALANCE January 1, 1952.
$10,338. 95
FLORENCE HAYWARD SWEET FUND
Principal Account
10,000.00
Balance in Income Account January 1, 1951
1,443. 14
Received Interest during 1951
281. 09
11,724. 23
Disbursement during 1951
None
BALANCE January 1, 1952.
11,724. 23
WAR SAVINGS INVESTMENT ACCOUNT
Balance in Fund, January 1, 1951
4,597. 13
Received in Interest 1951
1,327. 12
5,924. 25
Disbursements during 1951
1,731.00
BALANCE January 1, 195 2.
4,193.25
TRI-CENTENNIAL FUND
Principal-Invested in "F" Bonds-Maturity Value 1, 950. 00
Balance in Income Account January 1, 1951 16.90
Received Interest during 1951 . 33
BALANCE in Income Account January 1, 1952. $ 17. 23
WILLIAM MARSHALL,
Treasurer,
of the City of Attleboro
59
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT
1951
The Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council City of Attleboro, Massachusetts
The Health Department herewith respectfully submits its 37th annual report for the year ending December 31, 1951.
The health record of our community remained very favorable during 1951. An outbreak of respiratory disease, prevalent throughout the country early in the year, assumed a small measure of importance in our community, also, but did.not become a serious problem requiring any special public health measures.
The number of live Attleboro births during 1951 was 511 (272 males and 239 females), marking an increase of 37 over the preceding year's baby crop and still maintaining the high rate of growth noted in the past decade. Of this number, 433 were born at Sturdy Hospital, one was a home delivery and 77 were born in hospitals outside the city. Six hundred and 89 more babiess (332 males and 357 females) were born in this city to parents having residences in other communities.
In compliance with new state laws, the department paid for the hospital care of those premature babies whose parents were unable to do so.
The total number of Attleboro deaths from all causes in 1951 was 266, including 11 stillbirths and 63 residents who died out of the city. This figure marks a slight decrease under the last year's total when 272 deaths were
recorded. Of the 266 total, 145 were males and 120 females. Over 73% of all the deaths occurred among the over 60 age group, while 52. 6% were persons 70 years of age and older. Predominating causes of these deaths were the same as in recent years, namely; Heart Disease, Arteriosclerosis, Cancer and Cerebral Hemorrhage. These four leading causes totaled 159 deaths (87 males, 72 fe- males) or over 56% of all deaths in our city.
Accidents took seven local lives, an increase over the previous year's toll of five. Motor vehicle injuries were responsible for three deaths, falls in or about the home contributed to three more, and there was one death by acci- dental asphyxiation.
Only 263 cases of communicable diseases were reported during the
year. This figure represents a slight decrease below the exceedingly low preva- lence of 1950, which hit the lowest level in a decade. And in 1951, 90 dog bite cases accounted for over 1/3 of the total. Sixty-four cases of chicken pox and 31 cases of scarlet fever accounted for the next highest totals. The 31 cases of scarlet fever represented an increase of 16 in the incidence of the disease over that of 1950. Twelve new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were recorded compared with 10 in 1950, and deaths from this cause increased from five to six.
An out annual free clinics held in the fall to immunize children against diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus, approximately 100 school children and 50 pre-school youngsters received the three dose toxoid inoculations or booster dose protection. A survey of the babies born in 1950 showed that almost 83% have already received this improtant protection. This good record is a big factor in keeping unbroken our long period (15 years) of complete absence of dread diphtheria from our community and is due in no small measure, to the fine
60 T
Annual Report
cooperation of parents and private physicians and the continuing efforts of the Health Department in its annual immunization clinics.
Our health nurse has been busy on many health fronts during the year encouraging and instructing the public in methods of good health and providing nursing follow-up services for the health program at St. Joseph's parochial school and our communicable disease control program, including immunization clinics and follow-up of tuberculosis cases, suspects and contacts.
In compliance with new state regulations, the department licensed . seven Day Care Agencies in the city after inspection and follow-up visits by the health nurse.
Biologics and culture outfits obtained from the Massachusetts Depart- ment of Public Health were distributed to local physicians. These are avail- able at Sturdy Hospital, where our health nurse keeps a careful and accurate check on supply and demand.
The dental clinic was in operation each week-day morning during the school year, looking after the dental health of the school children of the first three grades who are unable to afford private dental care. Two hundred and 95 children (compared with 224 the previous year) had all dental defects cor- rected at the clinics, and all were also given sodium fluoride applications to lessen future dental decay. In addition, a survey made of the teeth of all children through the sixth grades resulted in many students having necessary work done by their private dentists.
Our dental hygienist assisted at the morning clinic sessions and devoted her afternoons to conducting an excellent educational program in the elementary grades of the public and parochial schools of the city.
Routine inspections of local eating and drinking establishments and a special survey of theseestablishments by our health inspector and a state sanitary officer revealed a majority meeting sanitation standards prescribed by our city's health code. Where faulty conditions were found, operators have shown a willingness to cooperate in correcting them. A training pro- gram for new food handlers was held in March and 44 persons received per - mits indicating satisfactory completion of the course of instruction.
On other sanitation fronts the inspector conducted periodic field and laboratory examinations of our city's milk and water supplies, inspected over- night cabins and trailer camps, convalescent homes and hpmes for the aged, markets, bakeries, ice cream and soft drink manufacturing plants and other establishments affecting the health of the citizens. In addition, all health nuisances brought to the attention of the department were investigated and in most instances promptly abated upon request.
The department gratefully acknowledges the assistance of city of- ficials and public and private welfare agencies and the continued good coopera- tion of our citizens which have contributed to our past year's successes.
Mindful that "the most important factor conducive to the prosperity and happiness of any community is the health of its people; " we shall continue to strive to improve and advance our city's program of health protection and disease prevention. Among our 1952 plans in this direction will be endorse- ment and recommendation of fluoridation of our community's drinking water
61
Annual Report
Such fluoridation supply as a safe and effective way of reducing took decay. is strongly recommended by the American Medical Association, the American Dental Association, the National Research Council and our own State Depart- ment of Public Health.
The usual tables of statistical data are appended as are also the
reports of our staff members showing in detail the work of the department.
Respectfully submitted,
F. L. Girouard, M. D. Health Officer
-$12, 950. 00
7,802.78
15,190. 31
$35,943. 09
RECEIPTS: -
Licenses and Permits were issued as follows for the year:
111
49
40
8
7
31
8
2
3
5 2
94
6
0
8
B
0
8
8
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
8
0
0
8
B B
0
8
0
1
Salaries
1 8 - Other Expenses= = Sanatoria-
TOTAL DEPARTMENT EXPENDITURES, 1951-
1
0
i
1
B
8
0
0
E
0
0
0
8
4
İ
0
0
0
0
0
0
8
0
P
Milk Store
Oleomargarine
Milk Dealer
Pasteurization
Funeral Directors
Methyl Alcohol
Cabins & Trailer Camp
Ice Cream Manufactu
Rendering Massage-
Bottling
Sale of Ice Cream
Day Care Agencies
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
8
0
0
0
TOTAL fees collected for these licenses-
Health Department Reimbursements, 1951.
State subsidy on patients at Bristol County Tuberculosis
$3104. 28
Hospital and Rutland Training Center for cases having a settlement in Attleboro
$410. 00
I
0
8
0
B
R
0
0
0
B
E
0
8
1
0
0
0
1
8
0
1
0
0
EXPENDITURES: -
HEALTH DEPARTMENT EXPENDITURES AND RECEIPTS, 1951
I
8
0
0
0
62
Annual Report
Health Department Reimbursements, 1951: (Cont'd)
State reimbursement on State cases, cases not settled in Attleboro nor in any city or town in Massachusetts --- $ 238. 50
Insurance reimbursement on case hospitalized at Bristol County Hospital 66.00
TOTAL DEPARTMENT RECEIPTS, 1951 $3818. 78
CASES OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES and DEATHS FROM COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
Chicken Pox, 84 cases, 0 deaths; Dog Bite, 90 cases, 0 deaths; Horse Bite, 1 case, 0 deaths; German Measles, 10 cases, 0 deaths; Measles, 14 cases, 0 deaths; Mumps, 9 cases, 0 deaths; Scarlet Fever, 31 cases, 0 deaths; Pulmonary Tuberculosis, 12 cases, 6 deaths; Whooping Cough, 12 cases 0 deaths.
TOTAL CASES, 263. TOTAL DEATHS, 6.
ATTLEBORO'S VITAL STATISTICS BY MONTHS
Births
Stillbirths
Deaths
January
41
1
14
February
30
2
24
March
46
1
25
April
45
0
23
May
31
1
19
June
43
0
19
July
52
1
20
August
47
1
20
September
54
2
25
October
40
0
24
November
36
2
26
December
46
0
27
511
11
266
(272 Males,
(9 Males,
(146 Males,
239 Females)
2 Females)
120 Females)
CAUSES OF ATTLEBORO DEATHS
Accident, asphyxiation, 1; Accident, auto, 3; Accident, fall, 3; Acidosis, 1; Acute Exteritis, 1; Acute Pancreatitis, 1; Acute Respiratory Infection, 1; Anence- phalia, 1; Arteriosclerosis, 6; Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease, 43; Ascending Myelitis, 1; Aspiration Pneumonia, 2; Atelectasis, 1; Brain Tumor, 2; Broncho Pneumonia, 6; Cancer, 37; Cardiac Failure, 5; Cardiovascular Disease, 1;
63
Annual Report
Cerebral Anaemia, 1; Cerebral Congestion, 1; Cerebral Edema, 2; Cerebral Hemorrhage, 23; Cerebral Thrombosis, 8; Chronic Cholangitis, 1; Chronic Endocarditis, 1; Chronic Myocarditis, 14; Cirrhosis of Liver, 4; Congenital Heart Disease, 3; Congenital Meningocele, 1; Coronary Heart Disease, 4; Coronary Occlusion, 5; Coronary Thrombosis, 15; Coronary Sclerosis, 1; Dia- betes Mellitus, 3; Diaphragmatic Hernia, 1; Diffuse Cerebral Atrophy, 1;Duo- denal Ulcer, 1; Embolism, 2; Encephalities, 2; Epilepsy, 1; Gangrene of Small Intestines, 1; Gastric Ulcer, 3; Glioblastoma, multiform, 1; Hypertensive Heart Disease, 7; Hypostatic Pneumonia, 2; Intestinal Obstruction, 3; Intracranial injury, "undetermined origin, 1; Maldevelopment of Brain, 1; Malnutrition, 1; Multiple Diverticulitis, 1; Nephritis, chronic, 1; Paralytic Ileus, 2; Parkinson's Disease, 1; Prematurity, 5; Rheumatic Heart Disease, 1; Senility, 1; Stillborn, 11; Tuberculosis, pulmonary, 6; Uraemia, 6. TOTALS, 266, Males, 146. Fe- males, 120.
DEATHS BY AGES
Stillborn, 11; Under 1 year, 15; 1-2 years, 2; 2-5 years, 1; 5-10 years, 2; 15-20 years, 1; 20-30 years, 3; 30-40 years, 4; 40-50 years, 26; 60-70 years, 55; 70-80 years, 79; over 80 years, 61. TOTALS, 146 Males, 120 Females.
DEATHŞ UNDER ONE YEAR
Under 1 day, 6; 1-2 day, 1; 2-3 days, 1; 3 days - 1 week, 2; 2-3 weeks, 1; 3-6 months, 4. TOTALS, 15, 7 Males and 8 Females
CAUSES OF THESE DEATHS
Anencephalia, 1; Aspiration Pneumonia, 2; Atelectasis, 1; Cerebral Congestion, 1; Congenital Heart Disease, 1; Congenital Meningocele, 1; Dia- phragmatic Hernia, 1; Maldevelopment of Brain, 1; Miliary Tuberculosis, 1; Prematurity, 5.
REPORT OF THE HEALTH NURSE
Dr. Fernand L. Girouard Health Officer
Attleboro, Mass.
Dear Doctor Girouard,
I herewith submit the annual statistical report of the activities of the Health Nurse for the year 1951:
Number of visits to and in behalf of tuberculosis cases- 159
=
11 =
IT 1 contacts of tuberculosis 58
11
= suspicious tuberculosis cases- 24
64
Annual Report
Number of visits to Bristol County Hospital with persons for x-ray and admittance-
58
Number of cases of tuberculosis reported in 1951- 12
Number of deaths from tuberculosis reported in 1951
Number of visits to and in behalf of other infectious diseases- 166
11
- 11
11 crippled children- 38
11
11 11 11 11
11 immunization, including assistance
at 4 Diphtheria, Whooping Cough and Tetanus prevention clinics- 425 Number receiving inoculations at these clinics, including number given booster doses- 146
Number of visits to and in behalf of school children- 104
Other visits-check on biologicals at Sturdy Hospital, inspection of boarding homes for children, inspection of day care agencies, premature baby program, dental clinic, social service, Health Department business, meetings attended and talks given- 376
TOTAL OF ALL VISITS -1408
Twenty-five persons received care and treatment at Bristol County Hospital last year. Three persons received care and treatment for tuberculosis at other hospitals, and three persons received rehabilitation training at Rutland Training Center.
Of the babies born in 1950, almost 83% were found to have been inoculated against diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus during their first year, either by their private physicians or at the Health Department clinics.
Respectfully submitted, Lois Wilmarth, R. N. Health Nurse
REPORT OF HEALTH AGENT
Dr. Fernand L. Girouard Health Officer Attleboro, Massachusetts
Dear Doctor Girouard:
I herewith submit my annual report as Milk Inspector and Health Agent for the year ending December 31, 1951.
During the year 1951, two milk pasteurizing plants, Lindberg and Gaffney, suspended operations. Perry's Dairy enlarged its plant and added new equipment . Bliss Bros. started contruction of a new plant which will be completed and in operation before the middle of 1952.
Number of dealers selling milk in Attleboro- 40
Estimated number of quarts of milk sold daily in Attleboro- 11,800
- 11 cream sold daily in Attleboro 450 Number of producers selling milk to dealers licensed in Attleboro 252
65
Annual Report
Number of milk pasteurizing plants under inspection- 27
Number of milk pasteurizing plant inspections 76
Number of pasteurizing plants in Attleboro- 8 Number of inspections of Dairy Farms- 30
Total number of pasteurized milk and cream samples collected -- 680
Tests made on these samples: Bacteria- 679
E. Coli Bacteria- -679
Butterfat Tests
674
Total Solids Tests-
459
Phosphatase Tests
680
Sediment
679
Micro. Examinations --- 82
Letters were sent out on samples of milk and cream to the dealers concerned.
Samples of raw milk were taken from 41 producers and the following tests made:
Bacteria (raw) --- -30
Bacteria (lab. past.)- 35
Microscopics-
42
Butterfat-
10
Total Solids
5
Efficiency surveys made on 4 milk pasteurizing plants and the following tests made:
Bacteria Counts
-27
E. Coli Counts
46
Total number of ice cream samples taken- 24
Tests made of these samples: Bacteria Counts 24
E. Coli Counts
-24
Butter Fat Tests
24
Number of Bakeries in Attleboro 6
Number of Bakery Inspections- 16
Number of meat markets, groceries and variety stores 66
Number of inspections of markets, groceries and variety stores- 66
Fifty-two samples of public and private water supplies were tested
as follows: pH -- 52; Chlorine P. P. M. -- 14 Bacteria Counts -- 50
E. Coli Determinations -- 59
Number of swimming pools under inspection- -4
Number of swimming pool inspections- 41
Tests made onthese: pH -- 41; Chlorine P. P. M. -- 41
Bacteria Counts ------ 41
E. Coli Determinations -- 41
Number of Eating and Drinking Establishments, such as clubs, restaurants, bars, kitchens and soda fountains under inspections- 65
Number of complete inspections of Eating & Drinking places- 65 Number of visits to all of the above establishments- 232
66
Annual Report
Number of swab tests on eating and drinking utensils
721
Number of bacteria counts from swab tests- 721
Food Handlers Courses held- -Two series of three classes each.
Number of soft drink bottling plants- 2
Number of inspections of soft drink bottling plants- - 4
Number of overnight cabins, trailer camps and recreation camps 8
Number of inspections of cabins, trailers and recreation camps- 8 City Dump inspected monthly for sanitary condition, also for efficiency of rat control program carried on by Pest Control Company.
Number of boarding and convalescent homes under inspection 4
Number of inspections of convalescent and boarding homes- 2 Number of talks before civic organizations on Health Department activities- 4
Total nuisance complaints investigated- 103
These included overflowing cesspools and septic tanks, water shutoffs, lack of heat, keeping of animals and fowl without permits, improper rubbish and garbage disposal, unsanitary conditions, etc.
Respectfully submitted,
Frank L. Cushman,
Health Agent
REPORT OF THE DENTAL CLINIC
Dr. Fernand L. Girouard Health Officer
Attleboro, Massachusetts
Dear Doctor Girouard:
We herewith submit the annual report of the Dental Clinic for 1951:
Clinic Sessions- -211
Number of Sittings 1351
Number of Fillings -1938
Number of Extractions 164 1
Number of Cleanings 249
Number of Sodium Fluoride Treatments 869
Number of Patients Completed- 295
In September the Dentist and Dental Hygienist inspected the mouths of children in grades, one, two and three. Of the 1268 inspected, 890 were found with mouths needing attention. There were 271 applicants for dental clinic services for the school year 1951-1952.
The Dental Hygienist inspected the mouths of children in grades four, five and six. Notifications of defects were sent home to the parents.
Sodium fluoride treatments were given all clinic patients this year.
67
Annual Report
The Dental Hygienist made 106 school visits during the year and visited 400 classrooms as her part in the school dental health program. Classes in grades one through six discussed basic tooth structure, tooth brushing, visits to the dentist and nutrition.
A dental health film was shown in January to all elementary school children.
Respectfully submitted, W. E. Turner, D.D. S. Barbard Arnold, D. H.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS AND INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
Dr. F. L. Girouard
Health Officer
Attleboro, Massachusetts
Dear Dr. Girouard:
I herewith my annual report as Inspector of Animals and Inspector of Slaughtering for the year ending December 31, 1951:
Number of animals examined and quarantined to determine whether or not they had rabies- 81
This necessitates two visits.
Number of premises inspected
The majority were found to be clean and sanitary.
Number of animals inspected at these premises:
Cows- 359
Horses
50
Steers
14
Bulls 16
Heifers under one year 61
Heifers one to two years
41
Sheep
46
Swine- 894
Goats.
16
Twenty-three interstate cattle permits were received.
Respectfully submitted,
James C. DeWitt, D. V. M. Inspector of Animals Inspector of Slaughtering
68
80
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
Dr. Fernand L. Girouard, Health Officer
Attleboro Massachusetts
Dear Doctor Girouard:
During the year I issued 286 applications, including 61 which were in- spected by the Assistant Inspector, Mr. Wilfred Perra.
108 of these were for new construction
46 of these were for replacing old work
38 of these were for replacing lead work
19 of these were for replacing sink traps
21 of these were for connecting old houses to city sewer 6 of these were for hooking up dishwashers
22 of these were for hooking up washing machines
6 of these were for hooking up disposals
.4 of these were for hooking up drinking fountains
2 of these were for hooking up wash fountain sinks
2 of these were for health inspections
12 of these were for hot water heaters
286 TOTAL
I recommend that the Plumbing Code be revised and brought up to date, as it is costing the taxpayers of Attleboro undue expense in its present form, with special reference to:
Page 130 in the 1951 City Manual, Section: Branches. Page 132 in the 1951 City Manual, Section: Ventilation of Traps, first paragraph.
Page 133 in the 1951 City Manual, Section:
Quality of Joints, Paragraph: All soil pipes running through cellar must be trapped inside close to main wall and have cleanouts.
Respectfully submitted,
Allan A. Gross, Plumbing Inspector.
69
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1951
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Honorable Municipal Council:
Gentlemen:
A report of the routine and extra activities of this Department for the year 1951 is herewith submitted in general with tabulated data included.
The opening of new plats for home building in widely separated areas and new homes on old platted streets that have been adopted as Public Ways required much gravel and oil surface construction. This is new construc- tion and of course adds street mileage for future maintenance in the amount of nearly one mile.
The resurfacing of five miles of streets by scarifying and reshaping by the addition of gravel with a final application of road asphalt was a considerable accomplishment with work completed in many separate areas.
The two outstanding jobs were Holman Street between Pleasant and Morey Streets on which was placed a Type I pavement on a penetrated stone base, while between Morey and Sturdy Streets a regular seven inch asphalt pene- tration pavement was constructed. Dunham Street between Pine Street and a point one hundred feet west of Brook Street was reconstructed in a similar manner.
Much work was accomplished, including gravel fill, on the Courtois Plat preparatory to final finishing in 1952.
Surface drainage pipe lines and catch basins were installed in the amount of nearly one mile. Substantial installations were made necessary on new plat developments with several smaller units at widely separated locations that required relief from surface water.
The sanitary sewer extension along South Avenue to Burt Street and the system laid in the Veterans' Single Housing Area was an extra accom- plishment undertaken by this Department to realize a saving over a contract price for this work. The amount of pipe laid was 4944 feet not including the four inch perforated pipe placed under the main sewer pipe surrounded by gravel to aid underground water removal. All the trench excavation was used for common fill to improve building sites and the trench refilled with clean gravel.
This trench work was very difficult being in hardpan the entire dis- tance with much rock requiring removal.
Many water main extensions were required with the accompanying ser- vice connections for new home building and plat development. The total placed was 13, 430 feet.
70
Annual Report
Delivery of allocated materials delayed construction somewhat but not seriously.
The Wading River Pumping Station at West Mansfield was rehabilitated both electrically and mechanically and with the installation of a chlorinator, lime feeder, and bearing temperature controls will be ready for twenty- four hour semi- automatic operation in 1952.
All bridges with the exception of Cliff Street over the Ten Mile River are in good repair. Mendon Road Bridge over the N. Y. , N. H. & H. Rail- road was completely rebuilt, the steel work having been repaired by the Railroad and the decks by the City with an asphalt plank wearing surface over all.
The annual sidewalk and curbing extensions which were placed by con- tract after petitions were accepted by the Honorable Municipal Council were carried to completion without incident. The construction figures are tabu- lated under the proper heading.
With a few isolated points excepted all guard fence is now steel cable supported by concrete posts with short sections of woven wire at particu- larly dangerous locations at railroad and river bridges.
Suggested recommendations are tabulated for possible study.
WATER SUPPLY:
Additional standpipe of 1. 5 million gallon capacity or 3. million gallon low head reservoir is an immediate need.
Two new gravel packed wells at West Mansfield Wading River station for maximum yield of 1. 5 m. g. d.
Replace old dam at upper pond above pumping station.
New reservoir on Seven Mile River west of Washington Street.
Develop Manchester Pond for surface storage at present.
HIGHWAY AND WATER DEPARTMENT:
Study should be made to determine economics of additional garage construction at Wall Street for highway and water equipment plus repair shop, or sell this area and develop a new combined layout elsewhere.
Replace twelve year old shovel with modern one of similar size.
Purchase twelve ton tandem roller.
Replace three old two yard dump trucks forthwith.
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