USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1956 > Part 3
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Duplicates pf violations sent to Registry
69
Warnings issued by this department (Traffic violations)
113
Licenses suspended by the Registrar
75
Licenses revoked by the Registrar
57
Registrations suspended by the Registrar
14
Registrations revoked by the Registrar
6
Rights to operate in Massachusetts suspended (Mass. Op. )
22
Rights to operate in Massachusetts suspended (Out of state)
6
Licenses and rights to operate restored by Registrar
128
PARKING VIOLATIONS
No-fix summonses sent to Clerk of Court
934
Court appearances for Parking Violators
57
Parking violation tags issued by this department
1458
PERMITS ISSUED
Revolver or Pistol Permits (new and renewed) Bicycle Registrations
328
82.00
Amount turned into City Treasurer
$188. 00
NUMBER AND NATURE OF AUTO ACCIDENTS 1956
Collision of M. V. with:
All Accidents
Fatal
Non-Fatal
Property Damage
Pedestrian
19
0
19
0
Other Motor Vehicle
215
0
89
126
Bicycle
9
0
9
0
Fixed Object
68
0
40
28
Other Object
1
0
0
1
Overturn in Road-Way
1
0
1
0
Ran off Road-Way
5
0
3
2
Other Non-Collision
1
0
1
0
TOTAL
319
0
162
157
NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS
NUMBER OF INJURIES
Month
No.
Fatal
Inj.
Property
Fatal
Total
Severe Minor Bike Ped.
January
38
0
15
23
0
23
4
19
0
2
February
35
0
16
19
0
23
1
22
1
0
March
39
0
13
26
0
22
1
21
0
1
April
20
0
7
13
0
11
0
11
0
2
May
31
0
13
18
0
13
0
13
0
3
June
23
0
9
14
0
11
3
8
0
2
July
17
0
13
4
0
15
2
13
2
2
August
20
0
12
8
0
16
1
15
3
3
September
21
0
15
6
0
22
1
21
3
0
27.
212 $106. 00
Annual Report
Report of the Police Department continued-
NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS
Month
No.
Fatal
Inj. Property
Fatal
NUMBER OF INJURIES Total Severe Minor Bike Ped.
October
28
0
18
10
0
26
1
25
0
2
November
23
0
15
8
0
22
2
20
1
1
December 24
0
15
9
0
22
1
21
0
1
Totals
319
0
161
158
0 226
17
209
10
19
ACCIDENTS - 1956
DAY OF WEEK
AGES OF DRIVERS INVOLVED
SEX OF DRIVERS
Sunday
41
Under 16 -
2
Male-
455
Monday
50
16-19
1
74
Female
102
Tuesday
33
20-24
66
Wednesday
44
25-34-
151
Total
557
Thursday
49
35-44
111
RESIDENCE OF DRIVERS
Saturday
38
55-64
42
Attleboro
265
Total
319
75 and over
4
Outside-
-291
Not stated
I
1
16
Total Drivers
557
Total
557
Accidents involving injuries or damage over $200 Accidents involving no injuries or damage under $200-
319
455
Total Accidents for 1956
774
APPOINTMENTS IN 1956
ERVIN W. CROOK appointed POLICE INSPECTOR April 1, 1956. ARMAND W. PELLETIER appointed REGULAR PATROLMAN November 11, 1956. JOSEPH PINTO JR. appointed REGULAR PATROLMAN April 29, 1956. FRANCIS J. HYNES appointed POLICE SERGEANT October 23, 1956
REINSTATEMENTS
ROGER E. INMAN appointed RESERVE PATROLMAN May 13, 1956.
RETIREMENTS
SERGEANT JOSEPH F. O'DONNELL December 31, 1956 after 39 years service.
28.
1
1
1
1
1
65-74
1
1
19
Friday
64
45-54- 1
72
Annual Report
Report of the Police Department continued-
INSPECTOR'S DIVISION
The Inspector's division under the supervision of our newly appointed Inspector, former Sergeant Ervin W. Crook, reports the following major crimes committed in Attleboro which were investigated by his division during the year 1956. Accord- ing to procedure these crimes are reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation accompanied by finger-prints': of all those apprehended:
CRIME
CLEARED BY ARREST
Rape
5
4
Robbery
1
1
Burglary
65
11
Larceny (Very $50)
54
8
1.
Larceny (Under $50)
142
21
Auto Theft
13-
7
29.
Annual Report
REPORT OF CITY FORESTER 1956
To His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council
Gentlemen:
The following report covers the work of the Forestry Department for the year 1956.
Much time must be spent yearly by the Forestry Department in spraying. By carrying on this activity at three different periods during the year, we believe that we have helped reduce:
the Dutch elm disease the tent caterpillar the Japanese beetle poison ivy plant
The trimming of roadside brush, the removal of dead limbs, and the removal of diseased elms are always included in our work.
The main emphasis this year has been the planting of shade trees. Although we have set out between one hundred fifty and two hundred trees, the demand for them still continues. There are no dissatisfied customers in this enterprise. Already we are receiving requests from new home-owners to be included in this program next year. It is a pleasure to add to the beauty of Attleboro and to the value of property by this plan.
The cases of sleeping sickness in nearby communities during the summer of 1956 have focussed the attention of our citizens upon the necessity and the im- portance of spraying for mosquito control. While a certain amount of protection against this danger can be carried on by this department, the major part of mos- quito control must be aerial spraying. It is the earnest hope of the Forestry De- partment that an adequate appropriation for this project will be forth coming.
As superintendent of this department, I wish to express my appreciation to the Mayor, the Council, and the home-owners of Attleboro for their continued support.
Respectfully submitted,
Warren P. Hofmann City Forester
30.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE RECREATION COMMISSION 1956
To His Honor the Mayor and the Honorable Municipal Council
During the year 1956 all the athletic fields and playgrounds in the charge of the Recreation Commissioners were maintained in good condition, and the ordinary work of the department was carried on.
Hayward Field was in excellent condition for High School games during the season, and was also used for Graduation exercises in June. We received the usual favorable comments about the condition of the field. The fact that the bleachers provided ade- quate seating facilities for the parents and guests also was praised. Considerable work was necessary to prepare the bleachers for the season's activities.
Additional use of the field was made by an adult archery group -- also by the younge people for their model airplane activities.
Horton Field received the usual attention and was used for baseball and soft-ball during the Spring and Summer season. The bleacher there also was repaired and painted.
Finberg Park, South Attleboro, Hebronville, Dodgeville fields were in fair con- dition, and were used largely for Little League.
Briggs Playground activities were handled in the usual able manner under the leadership of Howard Rounseville, assisted by Rosalind Kenny, Gerard Gravel and Guy Liberatore. Mr. Ray Cooney had classes there for swimming instruction. Spon- sored by the Red Cross these classes were well attended and have proven very help- ful for the children during the summer months. The season ended with the Water Festival late in August. Prizes were awarded and refreshments were served.
The fields were maintained by William Corrigan and William Guilbeault.
Respectfully submitted,
William Liddell, Jr., Chairman Frank Miller Thomas Dube Walter White
31.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT 1956
To His Honor, the Mayor and the Municipal Council:
Your Fire Department submits their Annual Report for the year 1956 and recommenda- tions for the year 1957.
The Department has responded to the following alarms:
Alarm by Boxes
78
Assembly Calls
4
Still Alarms
511
593
CLASSIFICATION
Automatic Sprinklers
15-
Gas Leak
4
Automobiles
29
Inhalator
6
Broken Water Pipes
3
Mutual Aid-Parade
4
Brush
227
No Fire
35
Buildings
52
Oil Space Range
10
Chimneys
11
Old Lumber
1
Christmas Lights
2
Overheated Furnace
1
Dump
27
Out of City
3
Electric Motors
4
Power Oil Burner
17
Electric Wires
4
Refrigerator
2
Electrical Appliances
14
Rescue Animal
6
False
14
Rescue Person
1
Fence
1
R. R. Bridge Trestle
3
Fireworks
1
Rope Flag Pole
17
First Aid
16
Salvage
2
Flood Pond
2
Syphon
4
Flushing: Gas, Oil, Acid
20
Wet Ball Field
2
Gain Entrance
29
TOTAL CALLS
589
Assembly Calls
4
593 :-
Hose laid 17, 250 ft. 2 1/2 inch; 4, 350 ft. 1 1/2 inch; raised 2, 828 ft. of ladders. Boat 1. Booster 354. Foam 1. Pyrenes 14. Water Cans 387. 4 Dry. Powder Ext. 2, 850 Brush Fire Hose.
Out of City: North Attleboro, Mass. (2). Norton, Mass (1). Norton, Rehoboth, and Seekonk helped us once.
3 Deaths
3 Oxygen tanks used.
32.
Annual Report
Report of the Fire Department continued-
FIRE LOSS
Value of Buildings at Risk
Value of Contents at Risk
$ 2,106,800. 00 2,876,650.00
$4,983,450. 00
Insurance on Buildings
9,360,150.00
Insurance on Contents
2,756,200.00
12,116,350.00
Estimated Loss on Buildings
24,597.66
Estimated Loss on Contents
17,145. 95
41,743. 61
Insurance Paid on Buildings
24,467.66
Insurance Paid on Contents
16,145. 95
40,613. 61
Loss Not Covered by Insurance
1,130.00
REPORT OF AMBULANCES FROM JANUARY 1, 1956 UNTIL JANUARY 1, 1957.
Month
No. of Calls Gals. of Gas
Miles Traveled
January
63
66
451
February
47
72
488
March
67
115
615
April
60
98
658
May
72
112
831
June
56
82
:603.4
July
54
103
726
August
60
144
1119
September
60
90
622
October
63
96
574
November
51
118
722
December
57
125
854
710 Calls
1,223 Gal. of Gas.
8, 263. 4 Miles Traveled
:
HOURS OF SERVICE AND OXYGEN TANKS USED
Month
Hours
Minutes
Oxygen Tanks Used
January
70
19
0
February
52
33
8
March
66
48
2
April
69
51
4
May
76
47
14
June
57
51
8
July
66
23
6
August
77
3
8
September
56
17
5
October
53
29
1
November
57
55
5
December
66
7
7
771 Hours
23 Minutes .
68 Tanks
-
-
33.
Annual Report
Report of the Fire Department continued-
RECOMMENDATIONS
Listed below are the amounts the Board of Fire Engineers feel proper for the different positions and ranks in the Fire Department for the year 1957. We recommend that the pay of the officers be raised a sufficient amount in order that there will be a greater difference between the grades of Firefighters and Captains; Captains and Deputy Chiefs; Deputy Chiefs and Chief.
Salary and Wages
1956
Recommended - 1957
Chief $ 4,650. 00
5,500.00
Deputy Chiefs 4,000.00
4,800 00
Captains
3,800.00
4,400. 00
Mechanic
3,800.00
4,400. 00
Men - Per Week- 70.00
5,082. 00 (Approx. $77. 00 wk. )
Maintenance of Equipment
Expended in 1956
Recommended - 1957
Autos
5,489.31
5,000.00
Stations
4,120. 51
4,500. 00
Hose
2,000.00
3,000. 00
Apparel
2,653. 70
4,000.00 ($50. 00 each)
All Other
534. 82
500. 00
. Other Expenses -
Light
893. 06
1,000.00
Telephone
929. 58
1,000.00
Water
142. 96
200.00
Fuel
4,369.69
5,000.00
Office
200.00
200.00
Snow Expenses
342. 59
Out of State Conference
75.00
200.00
Repairs to Stations
South Attleboro Station $500.00
500.00
34.
Annual Report
Revenue
Revenue from issuing permits amounted to 1 Fireworks Permit issued to City
263.50
0.00
263.50
A check in the amount of $34. 86 was turned over to the City Treasurer from H. K. & O. P. Richardson Co. from an insurance policy taken out on a car loaned as a Chief's car.
FIRE PREVENTION
The officers and men of the Attleboro Fire Department have made many inspections during the past year. Schools, rest homes. kindergartens, and hospitals are inspected monthly. Stores, business establishments, and factories have received some inspections.
Many complaints have been received and investigated. Where hazards were i, found, the proper authorities were notified to rectify same.
This year a great deal more fire prevention work was done during Fire Prevention Week than ever before, with the help of the Mayor and the Committee he appointed for this work. Fine assistance was given us by the Chamber of Commerce, also by local insurance agencies.
We especially mention the Bay State Club of Boston, Mass. This organiza- tion furnished us with pictures and advertising material that was used by the officers and men of the department in schools, clubs, the hospital and other organizations along with their fire prevention talks. Mr Fred Hargreaves of the Bay State Club was especially helpful to us.
The newspapers, Radio Station W. A. R. A. , churches, clubs, the hospital and many others helped our fire prevention program to be the success that it was.
Through the courtesy of the Attleborough Savings and Loan Association, we were able to have a window display for the public to view.
The Deputy Chiefs made many inspections during Fire Prevention Week . aided by the Captains and men of the department. Harold Wellman, assisted by some of the Firefighters showed pictures to various group's.
If it were possible, we would recommend that all factories and mercantile buildings be inspected regularly. However, at the present time, we do not have the man power to do this. Most of the inspections done during Fire Prevention Week was through volunteers who reported in on their own time to make these inspections.
· 35.
..
Annual Report
Report of the Fire Department continued-
The establishment of a Fire Prevention Bureau to have charge of all inspec- tions, with men assigned for daily checking, would do much to reduce the fire haz- ards.
AMBULANCES
The Sturdy Hospital Ambulance that is operated by the Department, with men assigned from the Fire Department has answered many calls during the past . year. We have received many fine compliments about the efficiency of the men on the ambulance.
The Department is reduced two men at all times due to this assignment. To operate the ambulance on a seven day basis, it takes seven men out of the Depart- ment.
Often during the past year the two ambulances have been in use at the same time. Several times this past year the two ambulances have been out when calls were received and the Chief's car has been used as an emergency ambulance.
Numbers of Calls -710
Hours of Service 771 Hours-23 minutes
Oxygen Tanks Used- 68
AUTO ACCOUNT
This account has been very small for the number of motor equipment pieces in this department that must be maintained. This account includes all repairs and replacements, also the gasoline account. More money should be appropriated to · this account.
STATIONS ACCOUNT.
The Station Account is too small to make any major repairs. This account included all supplies and equipment purchased both at the stations and equipment on trucks. It has been used for the maintenance of radio equipment as we do not have a radio account.
HOSE ACCOUNT
It will be necessary to appropriate more money in this account to purchase : the same amount of hose as usual, due to increased prices.
APPAREL ACCOUNT
We recommend that this account be increased so as to allow each man $50. 00 for uniforms of which some things have to be replaced each year. The price of uniforms and pants are very high. We do not consider that $30. 00 is enough to keep the uniforms neat at all times.
36
Annual Report
Report of the Fire Department continued-
ALL OTHER ACCOUNT
The All Other Account we recommend to be $500. 00. In case of injuries or doctors bills, it will be necessary to request payments as in the past, by special appropriation.
OTHER EXPENSE APPROPRIATIONS
LIGHT ACCOUNT
We recommend the Light Account to be $1,000. 00
TELEPHONE ACCOUNT
We recommend the Telephone Account to be $1,000.00
WATER ACCOUNT
We recommend the Water Account to be $ 200.00
FUEL ACCOUNT
We recommend the Fuel Account to be $5,000.00
OFFICE ACCOUNT
We recommend the Office Account to be $ 200.00
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. We again recommend that some immediate action be taken to house the apparatus in the center of the city. The 85 foot aerial ladder truck stationed at Hebronville Station should be located near the center of the city. The many times this truck has to answer alarms from the Hebronville Station to the center of the city should be considered. (Unnecessary wear and tear).
2. We again recommend that consideration be given for an additional Fire Station in the South Attleboro section; nearer the state line, where the city is growing very fast in homes and industry. The value of property in this location has increased greatly.
.
3. We recommend that some means be found to supply water for fire pro- tection at the H. &W. Warehouse and factory, now owned by Cumberland Engineer- . ing Company. The water supply here is very inadequate.
37.
Annual Report
Report of the Fire Department continued-
REPAIRS
1. We recommend that an appropriation be made for repairs to the stations the same as the last two years. $500. 00.
NEW EQUIPMENT
1. We recommend that another new pumping engine be purchased as soon as possible to replace a 1926 Ahrens-Fox 750 gallon per minute pump. This pump has cost considerable money the past year to keep it in service.
2. We recommend that a new supply truck be purchased to replace a .1941 Ford Pickup Truck. This truck is in bad condition and should be replaced at once. $2500. 00
3. We recommend that power steering be installed on Engine #3 which was pur - chased in 1955. We find that power steering is a great help in handling fire apparatus. $285.00
4. We recommend that an appropriation be made for the purchase of rubber coats. Some need to be replaced each year. Last year we did not have an appro- priation. We need some this year. We recommend that an appropriation be made for them. $400.00.
5. We recommend that more money be appropriated this year for the pur- chase of 2 1/2 inch and 1 1/2 inch rubber lined fire hose. For several years we have tried to purchase one thousand feet (1000') of 2 1/2 inch hose and five hundred feet (500') of 1 1/2 inch hose. This is the approximate amount we should replace each year. The last two years, due to rise in price, we could not keep up our re- placements. We have been receiving $2, 000. 00. We recommend that this amount be increased and that the amount of $3, 000. 00 be appropriated.
6. We recommend that an appropriation be made for the purchase of some more brush fire hose, 1 1/8 size. We recommend that one thousand feet (1000') be purchased this year and that the amount of $600. 00 be appropriated.
7. We recommend that an account be set up either in the Fire Department or the Electrical Branch of the Fire Department for radio account. With the whole Department now equipped with radio, we certainly should have an account solely for radio expenses.
8. We recommend that a boat and an outboard motor be purchased for rescue work.
38.
Annual Report
Report of the Fire Department continued-
SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS
1956 Expenditures
Repairs
South Main Street Station
$6450. 00
New Chief's Car and Equipment
Chevrolet Buick
$2255. 00 (Carried over from 1956) $2287. 00
Radio Communications Civilian Defense
City Appropriation: $13,647. 55
$6823. 78 Spent
Medical Bill
Walter P. Kraczkowski
$ 500. 50
APPRECIATION
We wish at this time to express our appreciation to all who aided and assisted us in the past year.
As always, the Police Department has co-operated and assisted us in per- formance of duties.
We thank His Honor, the Mayor, Cyril K. Brennan, Members of the Municipal Council and the Police and Fire Committee for granting our requests to improve the Department for the protection of our Public.
ATTLEBORO FIRE DEPARTMENT $
BOARD OF ENGINEERS
Hiram R. Packard, Chief
Charles G. Thomae, Chairman
John W. Wolfenden, Clerk
Hayward H. Sweet
39.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARM 1956
To the Board of Fire Engineers Fire Department City of Attleboro, Massachusetts
Dear Sirs:
I herewith submit my report of the activities of the Electrical Branch of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31st, 1956.
During the year, the following obsolete type boxes were replaced with new ones-Boxes 54-57-614-318-67-69.
New boxes were installed as follows:
Box 3341 New Balfour addition
Box 8121 Attleboro Refinery, East Street
Box 8122- J. M. Fisher Co. , East Street
Box 4141 Corner Union and School Streets
Box 2711 Thompson Chemical Co. , Bliss Ave. -- These are not
Box 2712 Thompson Chemical Co. , Bliss Ave. - - master Boxes.
Box 6214 Handy Street (Opposite House #317)
Box 9121 Attleboro Refinery, Union Street.
A total of 318 service calls were made on the various private box locations with Underwriters' engineers. Necessary test and adjustments being made at the time.
During the year six boxes were burned out at various times thru the falling of high tension lines upon our wires. One box #72 was lost by contact with a motor vehicle. This accident demolished the supporting pedestal and lighting standard. The burn-outs we have experienced are a good example of the danger and what can happen by contact with high tension wires on overhead construction on our highways. A start should be made to create an ordinance making it mandatory for the utilities to place a small percentage of their overhead lines underground each year. Past experience in this city has shown in two different instances that when the connected load was too heavy for the existing 2300 volt feeders the power company stepped the voltage up to 4150 volts. This method is used to step up the capacity of their existing lines and renders approximately three times increase in capacity to them. They are now contemplating changing the present voltage of 4150 volts on Park Street to 13, 500 volts for the purpose of alleviating a low voltage condition in the town of Rehoboth. This method is the most inexpensive manner of correcting low voltage conditions and if something in the legislative line is not done to prevent such construction, they will go on increasing the voltage with no regard to public safety of the property of others.
40.
Annual Report
Report of the Superintendent of Fire Alarm continued-
Through the use of matching Civilian defense funds two way radios were pure chased and installed on the various motor vehicles of the department. A remote radio control station was installed in the Twin-Village Station and a circuit con- structed between Union Street Station and the Twin-Village Station. This completed the tying in of all stations on the remote circuit thereby making the department in- dependent of any other source of communication.
A new terminal box was installed at the South Attleboro Station to take care of · the Fire Alarm and radio wires entering the station. Many feet of new cable was installed in the center toward the completion of the installation of red lights on all the underground boxes. Box 4 and box 33 were so equipped.
The preceeding is a brief outline of some of the functions performed by this department. Our outside lines are in good condition at this time due to the fact that as a regular part of our maintenance work, many miles of old worn out wire and cross arms have been replaced. Much work was accomplished in the trans- fer of our equipment from old to new poles as they were renewed by the utilities.
Tragedy struck this department on November 7th. At 4:30 A. M., while in the process of installing Christmas Lighting, Charles T. Videto, Jr. fell from our aerial ladder on North Main Street to the sidewalk and from injuries sus- tained, passed away at 3:30 A. M. at the Sturdy Memorial Hospital. "Charlie" will always be remembered by all who knew him as being always ready to give of his time and effort toward any public function.
As I have mentioned in my yearly reports many previous times this work should not be done by the members of this department. This work should be done by being placed out for bids and the work done by professional service as was done before World War II. The lives of men who have had years of service in gaining knowledge in the operation of the system are exposed by the work of installing the Christmas Decorations every minute they are on the highways. Because of this danger to personnel many cities have placed a ban on this type of work.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 1957
Conditions in regard the Fire Alarm Headquarters are at this time in the same catagory as previous years- nothing has been done. To save space and time I again refer to my recommendations as listed on Page 49 of the 1949 An- nual Reports of the City of Attleboro.
The department car now in use by the Assistant Electrician is in very poor mechanical condition and should be replaced with a new one. If and when a new one may be purchased, I would recommend that a station wagon type be purchased. The worth of a car of this type has been proven by both the Police and Fire Depart- ments during the past two years.
41.
Annual Report
Report of the Superintendent of Fire Alarm continued-
At this time, I request that something be done toward establishing a rate of salary for the members of this department which would be comparable with that of men who are employed in our type of work in other cities thru out the country.
I wish to extend my thanks and appreciation to His Honor, the Mayor, the Municipal Council, all City Departments and all who have contributed their assistance in the operation of this department for the past year of 1956.
Respectfully submitted, William S. King, Superintendent of Fire Alarm Electrical Branch Fire Department
1
42.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF WIRES
1956
To His Honor, the Mayor and the Municipal Council, City of Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit the annual report of the Wire Inspection Department for the year ending December 31st, 1956. During the year, permits issued and inspections were made as follows:
ELECTRICIANS
NEW SERVICES
INSPECTED
TOTAL
JANUARY
107
56
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