USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1952 > Part 4
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Total volumes 42,472 71,952 (Includes 1, 386 pamphlets, 7, 386 current periodicals) Pictures circulated 7, 896
42
Annual Report
COST OF OPERATIONS
City Appropriation 1952
Salaries:
Library Staff
$24,704. 00
$24,703. 95
Building Staff
2,480.00
2,480.00
Books and Bindery
7,372.00
7,988.98
Maintenance (Fuel, light, phone)
2,120.00
1,921.80
Building Repairs
3,000.00
2,311. 31
Supplies and Equipment
950.00
1,406.29
Branches:
Hebronville
250.00
222. 53
South Attleboro
265. 00
263. 05
Tiffany
138.00
134. 83
Washington
255.00
221. 89
Other Operating Costs
570.00
449. 32
$42,104. 00
$42,103. 95
Disbursements from Special Trust Funds in Custody of Trustees -4, 267. 95 TOTAL OPERATING COSTS $46,371. 90
THE TRUSTEES
Edwin F. Leach, President
Mrs. William Gregory
Mrs. Winthrop Barden, Secretary
Frederick V. Murphy, Jr.
Raymond F. Horton, Treasurer
George Nerney
Mrs. Lewis Chilson
Leland H. Smith
Mrs. Arthur Conro
THE STAFF
Lucile P. Cavender, Librarian
Helen M. Claflin, Senior Assistant
Edna Guillette, Junior Assistant
Dorothy I. Hannaford, Assistant Librarian and Cataloger
Marion B. Moore, Senior Assistant Amy M. Palmer, Children's Librarian
Phylis E. Thomsen, Junior Assistant *Jean W. Withers, Children's Librarian
SPECIAL PART-TIME ASSISTANTS AND PAGES As of November 1952
Alice Arenburg
Ann Barrett
Bertha C. Bigney
Claire Lavigueur Dorothy Leach Eleanor McKniff
Weltha Boeker Marie Ann Gareau
Patricia Gavin
Alice Hoyle
Dorothy Robinson Joyce Robinson Madeleine Thibeault Patricia Whiting
CUSTODIAN- Herman P. Isele *Resigned.
Alice I. Kingman, Loan and Stack Supervisor
43
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE 1952
SCHOOL COMMITTEE, 1952
Term expires, January
Pierre B. Lonsbury, 78 Bayberry Hill Road
1954
William A. Nerney, 50 Tanager Road 1954
Thomas G. Sadler, 30 Alfred Street 1954
Henry M. Crowther, 34 Tyler Street
1954
Mrs. Henrietta Wolfenden, 187 Steere Street
1954
Mrs. Deborah O. Richardson, 303 Bank Street
1956
Mrs. Alice H. Stobbs, 63 Bank Street
1956
A. Irving Studley, 26 West Street
1956
Royal P. Baker, 60 Ridgewood Road
1956
ORGANIZATION
Pierre Lonsbury 0
Mrs. Alice H. Stobbs.
Chairman Seceretary
Pierre Lonsbury
Representative before Municipal Council
STANDING COMMITTEES
Mr. Nerney
Teachers and Course of Study Mrs. Stobbs
Mr. Lonsbury
Mrs. Richardson
Textbooks and Supplies Mr. Studley Mr. Baker
Mr. Crowther
Buildings Mr. Baker
Mr. Sadler
Mr. Nerney
Finance Mr. Crowther
Mr. Baker
Mr. Baker
Mrs. Richardson
Transportation Committee
Mrs. Wolfenden
A. Irving Studley
Mr. Sadler
Trade School Mr. Crowther
Cafeteria Mr. Crowther
Mrs. Wolfenden
Mrs. Richardson
Athletic Advisory Committee
Mrs. Wolfenden
44
Annual Report
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 Residence: 38 Upland Road
Telephone 1-0012 and 1-0042 Telephone 1-1516
The Superintendent's Office is open on school days from 8:30 to 5:00.
Clerks
Hilda R. LaPalme Mrs. Helen E. Carpenter Mrs. Mary Newton
61 Hebron Avenue 50 Jefferson Street 98 Pond Street
Dr. Simon Coren
School Physician
Tel. No. 1-0700
134 Pleasant Street
School Nurse
Mrs. Dorothy B. Wendell, R. N. 90 Locust Street
Telephones: Office 1-0042 . . . Residence 1-0940-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
Attendance Officer
Frank H. Straker
Tel. No. 1-0042
145 North Main Street
Mrs. Pearl Fine
Cafeteria Manager
Tel. No. 1-2732
Smith Street
SCHOOL CALENDAR
First Term: Wednesday, September 3, to Tuesday, December 23, 1952
Second Term: Monday, January 5, to Friday, February 20, 1953
Third Term: Monday, March 2 to Tuesday, April 14, 1953
Fourth Term: Monday, April 20 to Wednesday, June 17, 1953
45
School Dental Hygienist
117 Pine Street
Annual Report
SCHOOL SESSIONS
High School-One session, from 8:12 to 1: 40 with a lunch period of 25 minutes. Thacher Jr. High School-One session from 8:55 to 2:23 with a recess of 25 minutes. Bliss-9:00 to 11:45 and 12:45 to 3:00
Briggs Corner-8:45 to 11:45 and 12:30 to 2:30
Farmers - 9:00 to 11:45 and 1:15 to 3:30
Finberg-9:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 3:00
Lincoln-Grades II-VI: 8:45 to 11:45 and 12:45 to 2:45 Grades I, VII and VIII: 8:45 to 11:45 and 12:45 to 2:30
Richardson-9:00 to 11:45 and 1:15 to 3:30
Tiffany-9:00 to 11:45 and 1:15 to 3:30
Washington-9:00 to 11:45 and 1:00 to 3:15
Willett-Grades I-VI: 9:00 to 11:45 and 1:15 to 3:30 Grades VII, VIII: 8:55 to 11:45 and 1:15 to 3:05 NO - SCHOOL SIGNALS
Four double strokes of fire alarm 2-2-2-2
7:15 A. M. No School for High School
7:45 A. M. No morning session for grades below Senior High School 12:15 P. M. No afternoon session for grades 1 to 6
These signals will be given at 7:15 A. M. , 7:45 A. M. and 12:15 P. M. in stormy weather.
W. A. R. A. will broadcast No-School announcements beginning at 7:15 A. M., 7:45 A. M. and at 12:15 P. M.
COST OF INSTRUCTION
Valuation of Attleboro, 1952 $37,657, 510. 00 Tax rate per $1000, 1952 . $45. 30 Expended for support of schools 699, 596. 20
Average membership of day schools, Sept. 1951-June 1952 3,458 Expended per pupil based on average membership $202. 31
Cost of books and supplies per pupil . . $7. 54
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL AND THACHER JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Total expended for both schools including their share of general
Average membership of High School, 1951-1952 expenses . $250,476. 20 749
Average membership of Thacher Junior High School, 1951-1952 . 297 1,046
Cost per pupil .
$239. 46
Cost of books and supplies per pupil
$11. 06
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Total expended .
$449,120.00
Average membership.
2,412
Cost per pupil
$186. 20
Cost of books and supplies per pupil.
$6. 01
46
Annual Report
REPORT OF VETERANS REHABILITATION AND REEMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE 1952
To His Honor the Mayor and Members of the Municipal Council:
The Servicemen's Rehabilitation and Re-employment Center continues to be of valuable assistance to Veterans and their families especially at this time when Korean Veterans are being discharged.
The office with its many application forms available and assistance in making out the applications is appreciated by the Veterans and their families. Veterans upon discharge report to this office and have their discharge and sep- aration papers recorded and photostated. These records are kept permanently in this office, and are available to the Veteran in case of lost papers or when he needs photostatic copies to accompany applications for Veterans Benefits.
This department has available forty-four different Veterans Administration Forms including benefits to wives, widows, disabled Veterans, service and non- service connected disabilities, hospitalization and out-patient treatment, burial allowance, headstone or grave marker, insurance, etc. Applications for State bonus will be available at this office when it is officially recorded, and a big rush is expected.
Through this office the Mayor's Korean package committee was supplied with the 535 labels correctly addressed.
The Service Center works with the Selective Service Board in many instances and also other service agencies throughout the district, including the Veteran's Benefits Office in this City.
The. Service Center appreciates the co-operation of the executives and per- sonnel of the Red Cross, members in charge of the Davis Park Hospital in Prov- indence, Mr. Max Markman, representative of the American Legion in Veterans' affairs, and of Ken Blandin, City Clerk, and his assistant, Miss Theresa Levis.
This office is open from 8:30 A. M. until 5 P. M. with continual service available.
Respectfully submitted,
Daniel O'Connell, Director Veterans Service Center
47
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE DOG OFFICER
1952
To the Honorable Mayor and the Municipal Council:
I herewith submit the annual report of the Dog Officer for the year 1952. Listed below as of May 16, 1952 to December 31, 1952.
Dogs Boarded . 66
Dogs Statutory. .
0 67
Dead Dogs (highway)
C 61 0 O
Mileage .
2966
Man Hours o 0
463
Investigations . . .
0
O 219
Dogs Licensed 0 .1811 o 0 .
Kennels . o O
28
e
0
.
Sincerely I remain
Michael J. Quaglia.
Dog Officer
48
Annual Report
REPORT OF BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS, Attleboro, Mass. 1952
To the Honorable Mayor and Municipal Council:
Revenue Received for Alcoholic Beverages Licenses $13,738. 00
Revenue Received for One Day Licenses 138.00
Revenue Received for Common Victualler Licenses
99.00
Revenue Received for Lodging House Licenses
39.00
Total Revenue Received
$14,006.00
Total Number of Alcoholic Beverage Licenses for the year 1952 36
11 Common Victualler 11 11
33
11
11 Lodging House Licenses for the year 1952 13
-
Individual License Fee for Each Class as Follows:
All Alcoholic Beverages
Innholder
$ 500.00
Class A Restaurant
550. 00
Class B Restaurant
500.00
Tavern
335. 00
Package Goods
500.00
Fraternal Clubs
300. 00
all other clubs
0.00
Wines and Malt Beverages
Innholder
0.00
Restaurant
0.00
Package Goods
225. 00
Common Victualler
250.00
Fee for Seasonal Licenses Club
110.00
13 One-day licenses at $10. 00
130.00
1 One-day license at $5. 00
5.00
1 Permit to buy at wholesale
3.00
Frank P. Cronan
Chairman
49
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE CITY TREASURER 1952
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Municipal Council:
I herewith submit the annual report of the finances of the City of Attleboro for the year ending 1952.
REVENUE
Cash on Hand, December 31, 1952 $ 316,094. 43
Receipts for the year of 1952
TAXES
Current Year
Real Estate
Personal
$1, 476, 475. 97 127,065. 41 13,062.00
Poll
Motor Vehicle Excise
136,100. 31
Previous Years
Real Estate
93,408. 25
Personal
1,920.10
Poll
70.00
Motor Vehicle Excise
12,324. 05
From State
Corporations
213,876. 34
Income Tax
90,999. 42
Reimbursement for loss on taxes 407. 76
For Schools
108,516. 16
From Tax Titles
On Tax Titles $ 7.302. 30
Interest on Tax Titles 391. 23
Redemption Deeds
59. 00
7,752.53
Recording Deeds
65. 62
Total from Taxes
$2,282, 039. 80
SALE OF TAX POSSESSIONS
1,680.00
LICENSES, PERMITS & FEES
Licenses, Dog 4,076. 40
Liquor
13,573. 00
11
Sundry
2 619. 75
20,269. 15
Permit. Marriage 446.00
All Others 1,634. 90
2,080. 90
Fees
3,015.62
Total From Licenses, Permits & Fees
25,365. 67
FINES & FORFEITS
Court Fines
739. 97
Parking Meter Fines 721. 79
Total from Fines 1,461. 76
50
Annual Report
GRANTS AND GIFTS
From State-For Public Works
Highways-Chapter #90
From State
$28,847. 27 14,423.62 $ 43,270.89
State Housing Authority
19,059.00
From State-for Welfare
O. A. A.
148,314. 65
A. D. C.
22,646. 49
D. A.
12,051.49
183,012.63
From Maurice Baer Fund
114. 48
From Finberg School Fund
397.00
From Capron Fund
507. 47
From Helen Metcalf Fund
100.00
From Margaret Spangler Fund
100.00
From H. Sweet For Hayward Field 500. 00
1,718.95
Total for Grants and Gifts PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISES
$247,061. 47
Water
166,243.60
Pipe & Labor
7,754. 66
173,998. 26
SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS
Sewer
1,152. 47
Curbing
4,168.30
Sidewalk
6,144. 81
11,465. 58
DEPARTMENTAL
SEALING of Weights & Measures
294.00
Health and Sanitation
From State
3,405.01
All Others
400.00
3,805.01
Charities
Reimbursements for Relief Given
From Cities and Towns
6,429.34
From State
16,360.01
Reimbursements for Disability Assistance
From State
7,843.22
Reimbursements for Aid to Dependent
Children - From State
16,724. 33
Reimbursements for Old Age Assistance
From Cities and Towns
2,472.18
From State 1.50, 461 .. : 53
Total for Charities
200,290. 61
Soldier's Benefits
From State
22,487.30
Education
From State-Tuition of Children 2,857.73
Smith - Hughes-Barden Account 4,898.69
Transportation 11,412.00
51
From County
Annual Report
Other Tuition
Town-Jewelry Trade
$ 2,109.10
Veteran's Apprentice
67.00
Individual
834. 14
Sale of Books & Supplies
623. 48
Rents
778. 12
Sale of Bus Tickets
3,723.16
All Others
165. 12
Total for Education
$ 27,468. 54
Libraries
Fines & Rentals
909. 41
All Others
58,21
967. 62
School Lunch
65,915. 59
School Athletics
9,818.10
AGENCIES
From County - Dog Licenses
2,717. 75
UNCLASSIFIED
Tax payments
148,367. 85
Meal Tax-From State
11,403. 90
Rents from Public Property
751.00
Parking Meters
14,832.50
Capron Park Concession
300.00
Insurance Rebates
1,217.68
Deposit from Algonquin Gas Co.
200. 00
Snow Removal-From State
39. 00
Rehabilitation-From State
92. 87
Registrars
19.50
Refund from Land Court
37. 50
Gasoline Dispensary
287. 34
Miscellaneous Estimated Receipts
223. 47
Total from Unclassified
177,772. 61
INTEREST
On Taxes
2,399.26
On Water
251. 83
On Betterments
18. 27
Committed Interest
604. 88
Cost on Taxes
1,497. 85
Cost on Water
169. 10
Soldier's Bonus Fund Account
234. 60
REFUNDS
Soldier's Benefits
817. 99
Public Welfare
4,438. 85
Miscellaneous
938. 31
5,175. 79
6,195. 15
52
Annual Report
MUNICIPAL INDEBTEDNESS
Temporary Loans in Anticipation of 1952 Revenue $650,000. 00 $ 3,915, 980. 61
TOTAL RECEIPTS
REVENUE
January 1, 1952 Cash Balance
Receipts for year of 1952
334. 545. 10 3,915,980. 61
4,250,525.71
Payments for year of 1952
3, 934,431. 28
January 1, 1953 Cash Balance
316,094. 43
4,250,525. 71
NON -- REVENUE
January 1, 1952 Cash Balance
46,757. 26
46,757.26
Payments for year of 1952
44,448. 35
January 1, 1953 Cash Balance
2,308. 91
46,757.26
DEBT STATEMENT
Gross City Debt, January 1, 1952
$1,609,500. 00
Tax notes issued during 1952 650,000. 00
2,259,500.00
Paid on above debt during 1952 797,000.00
Total debt on January 1, 1953
1,462,500.00
2,259,500.00
Amount of Debt Authorized by Special Laws and not subject to the Debt Limitation
High School Additional Bonds 17,500.00
Water Bonds dated Aug. 1, 1948 (1-1/4%) 75,000.00
Ext. Water Bonds, dated-
Nov. 1, 1949 (1-1/2 %) 232,000.00
Veterans Housing Bonds, dated
May 1, 1949 (1-3/4%) 240,000.00
Junior High School Bonds, dated
July 1, 1950 (1.70%) 360,000.00
Junior High School Bonds, dated
February 1, 1951 (1-1/4%) 190,000.00
1,114,500.00
53
1
Annual Report
Debt subject to the Debt Limitation
Junior High School Bonds, dated Aug. 1, 1953 (1-1/2%) 158,000. 00 Junior High School Bonds, dated Nov. 1, 1949 (1-1/2%) 85,000.00
Municipal Relief Bonds, dated Oct. 1, 1949 (1-1/ 4%) 15,000.00
Sewer Bonds, dated Feb. 26, 1948 (1-1/2%) 60,000.00
Elementary School Bonds, dated May 1, 1940 (1-1/8%) 30,000.00
348,000.00
$1,462, 500. 00
Borrowing capacity (2-1/2% of average valuation for past three years
986,515. 20
Debt January 1, 1953 subject to debt limitation 348,000.00
Borrowing capacity January 1, 1953
638,515. 20
TOTAL DEBT & AMOUNT TO BE PAID IN 1953
Amount of Debt
On Principal
On Interest
Municipal Relief
15,000.00
15,000.00
187. 50
Elementary School
30,000.00
10,000.00
281. 30
Water
75,000.00
15,000.00
937.50
Sewer
60,000.00
10,000.00
825,00
High School Addition
17,500.00
3,000.00
350.00
Veterans Housing
240,000.00
20,000.00
4,025.00
Water Extension
232,000.00
20,000.00
3,480.00
Junior High School Nov. 1949
85,000.00
5,000.00
1,275.00
Junior High School Jun.
1950
360,000.00
20,000.00
5,950.00
Junior High School Feb.
1951
190,000.00
10,000.00
2,312. 50
Junior High School Aug. 1951
158,000.00
18,000.00
2,370.00
1,462,500.00
146,000.00
21,993.80
TAX TITLE ACCOUNT
Value of Tax Titles Account as of January 1, 1952 $8,354. 34
1952 Taxes & Special Assessments with cost & interest 2,714. 71 .
1952 Taxkings
2,148. 82
13,217. 87
Foreclosures
1,520. 71
Redemptions
7,303.83
8,824.54
Tax Title Account Balance January 1, 1953
4,393. 33
TAX POSSESSION ACCOUNT
Value of Tax Possession Account, January 1, 1952 $17,986. 63
Additions during 1952
1,518.25
19,504. 88
Sales during 1952
500.03
Tax Possession Account Balance January 1, 1953
19,004.85
54
Annual Report
CAPRON FUND
INCOME ACCOUNT
Cash on Hand, January 1, 1952 2,687. 27
Received on investment s during 1952 1,622.86
4,310. 13
Disbursements during 1952
507. 47
Balance on January 1, 1953
3,802.66
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNT
Cash on hand, January 1, 1952
10,224. 18
Received on investments during 1952
1,103.31
Balance on January 1, 1953
11,327.49
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNT
Invested in: Mortgages
17,182. 58
Savings Banks & Loan Assn. 23,939.37
Attleboro Savings & Loan Assn. 3,500.00
Balance on January 1, 1953 .
44,621.95
MAURICE J. BAER FUND
Principal Account
10,000.00
Income Account on January 1, 1952
330. 93
Received on Income Account in 1952
258. 52
10,589. 45
Disbursements during 1952
114. 48
Balance on January 1, 1953
10,474. 97
NELLIE A. COOPER FUND
Principal Account
1,000.00
Income Account on January 1, 1952
18. 41
Received on Income Account in 1952
20. 46
Balance on January 1, 1953
1,038.87
FINBERG SCHOOL FUND
Principal Account
5,000.00
Income Account on January 1, 1952
404. 92
Received on Income Account in 1952
130. 47
5,535.39
Disbursements during 1952
397. 00
Balance on January 1, 1953
5,138.39
55
Annual Report
RUTH HOLDEN -ALICE HASKELL NURSING FUND
Balance in Fund on January 1, 1952
6,954.88
Received Interest during 1952 1
139. 89
Balance on January 1, 1953. 7,094.77
EVERETT S. HORTON FUND
Principal Account 7,500.00
Income Account on January 1, 1952
1,493.75
Received on Income Account in 1952
187.50
Balance on January 1, 1953
9,181.25
HELEN W. METCALF FUND
Balance on January 1, 1952
2.35
Balance on January 1, 1953
2. 35
SOLDIERS'BONUS TAX FUND
Balance on January 1, 1952
13,334. 34
Received Interest during 1952
234.60
13,568.94
Disbursements during 1952
234. 60
Balance on January 1, 1953
13,, 334. 34
MARGARET SPANGLER TRUST FUND
Principal Account
5,000.00
Received Interest during 1952
100.00
5,100.00
Disbursements during 1952
100.00
Balance on January 1, 1953
5,000.00
DEBORAH STARKEY FUND
Balance in Fund on January 1, 1952
1,662.64
Received Interest during 1952
33. 41
Balance on January 1, 1953
1,696.05
S. M. STONE FUND
Principal Account 10,000.00
Balance in Income Account on January 1, 1952 338. 95
Received in Income Account during 1952 258. 26
10,597.21
Balance on January 1, 1953
1,696.05
10,597.21
56
Annual Report
FLORENCE HAYWARD SWEET FUND
Principal Account 10,000.00
Balance in Income Account on January 1, 1952
1,724. 23
Received in Income Account during 1952
287. 16
12,011.39
Balance on January 1, 1953
12,011.39
WAR SAVINGS INVESTMENT ACCOUNT
Balance in Fund on January 1, 1952
4,193.25
Received Interest during 1952
84. 28
4,277. 53
Balance on January 1, 1953
4,277. 53
TRI CENTENNIAL FUND
Principal-Invested in "F" Bonds-Maturity Value 1,950.00
Balance in Income Account on January 1, 1952 17.23
Received Interest during 1952 .34
17.57
Balance on January 1, 1953 17. 57
WILLIAM MARSHALL,
Treasurer,
of the City of Attleboro
57
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT 1952
The Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council City of Attleboro, Massachusetts
The Health Department herewith presents to your honorable body this summary of its activities in behalf of better health in the community for the calendar year ending December 31, 1952.
Very favorable health conditions prevailed in the community in 1952 and our population generally enjoyed an excellent health year.
Our compilation of vital statistics for 1952 shows a very slight decrease in both resident deaths and resident births. Two hundred and 64 deaths (includ- ing 7 stillborn and 51 residents who died out of the city) were recorded as com- pared with 266 in 1951. One hundred and 45 were males and 119 females. Approximately 70% of all the deaths occured among the over 60 age group, while 45% were persons 70 years of age and older. Major causes of death were diseases of the heart which claimed 99 persons, 61 males and 38 females. Other leading causes were cancer from which 40 residents died and cerebral hemorrhage which brought death to 26 people. Accidents took 12 local lives, and increase over the previous years toll of 7. Falls in or about the home were responsible for six deaths, accidental asphyxiation was the cause of five deaths and there was one death from motor vehicle injuries. One suicide and one homicide were also recorded.
The number of local births in the year just past was 506, 274 males and 232 females. Of this total, 421 were born at Sturdy Hospital, two were home deliveries and 83 were born in hospitals outside the city. Seven hundred and 30 more babies (390 males and 340 females) were born in this city to parents having residences in other communities. In compliance with state law, our de- partment paid for the hospital care of four premature babies whose parents were unable to meet the expense.
Classes conducted by the Health Nurse to instruct parents in child care from birth to one year drew responsive audiences and resulted in increased interest and cooperation in good child care. Generous assistance was lent this new department undertaking by the State Department of Health and the local Visiting Nurses Association.
A total of 758 communicable disease cases were recorded compared with last year's extremely low prevalence when only 263 cases were reported. Four hundred and 83 cases of measles and 116 cases of chicken pox accounted for 79% of the total, with dog bite (57 cases), german measles (28 cases) and mumps (14 cases) providing the next highest totals. The incidence of scarlet fever dropped to a low of five cases as compared with 31 in 1951. A decrease from 12 to 9 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis was noted and deaths from this cause
58
Annual Report
declined from six to three. Despite a record-breaking epidemic of acute polio- myelitis which swept many sections of the country, this city was fortunate in having only one mild case. Our community's good record of complete absence of dread diphtheria was continued for the 16th consecutive year, an indication that immunization is a strong factor in the prevention of this disease. A survey of the babies born in 1951 showed that approximately 83% have already received this important protection, either from their private physicians or at the annual free clinics conducted by the Health Department.
Our health nurse has kept close watch on all communicable disease cases reported to the department, and when the need was indicated she made home visits to arrange for care and hospitalization and to give instruction regarding isolation and quarantine regulations and precautions to be observed. Careful and constant supervision and follow-up of all tuberculosis cases and contacts were an important part of her public health activity.
Routine physical examinations were given to the children of St. Joseph's parochial school by the Health Officer, assisted by the Health Nurse. Massa- chusetts Vision Tests were also given to all of these pupils by the nurse, and she followed up these examinations with home visits for consultation with parents of children found to have physical defects or other health problems.
A busy schedule of dental clinic sessions for eligible children of the first four elementary grades was maintained each week-day morning by Dr. W. E. Turner, with the assistance of our dental hygienist. Three hundred and 33 chil- dren (compared with 295 the previous year) had all dental defects corrected at the clinics, and all were 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 hygienist continued her fine program of dental health in- struction in the elementary grades of the public and parochial schools each afternoon.
Sanitary conditions throughout the city have been good during 1951. All complaints of insanitary conditions have been investigated and in most cases promptly abated.
Reports of our Milk Inspector show that the milk consumed in Attleboro is of good quality and examinations of our city water indicate its continued ex- cellence.
Careful check-ups on sanitary conditions and practices in local eating and drinking establishments show a good compliance with the U. S. Public Health Service Code, as adopted by our city. All other food handling establish- ments, including bakeries, markets, pasteurizing plants, ice cream manufac- turing plants and dairies have been regularly inspected, and substantial and steady improvement in sanitary conditions have been noted.
59
Annual Report
The department gratefully recognizes the friendly assistance of city offi- cials and public and private welfare agencies and the continued good cooperation of our citizens, which have made possible our accomplishment of another year of successful service to the people of Attleboro. In 1953 we shall continue our endeavors to maintain and develop sound and active health programs in response to the needs of all our people.
The following reports, submitted by members of the department, show in detail the work accomplished during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
F. L. Girouard, M. D. Health Officer
HEALTH DEPARTMENT EXPENDITURES AND RECEIPTS, 1952
EXPENDITURES: -
Salaries
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