USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1958 > Part 3
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(Deputy Chief Clifford E. Dieterle) $ 487. 75
Hospital and Doctor Bills
(Captain Elliot Hayden) 22. 45
Tar and Gravel Roof
(South Main Street Station) 1350. 00
Supply Car and Radio
2250. 00
Repair Tower
(South Attleboro Station)
1095. 00
Smoke Ejector
275. 00
APPRECIATION
We wish at this time to express our appreciation to alllwho 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 Munici- pal Council and the Police and Fire Committees for granting our requests to improve the department for the protection of our public.
ATTLEBORO FIRE DEPARTMENT BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS Hiram R. Packard, Chief and Clerk Charles G. Thomae, Chairman Hayward H. Sweet Warren S. Hoyle.
26.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARM 1958
To the Board of Fire Engineers Fire Department Headquarters South Main Street Attleboro, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit the annual report of the activities of the Electrical Branch of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31st, 1958.
A total of 616 service calls were made involving the various factories and structures connected to the system along with inspections and tests made by the Fire Insurance Underwriters.
The following changes and additions were made to the system during the year:
Old Box 611 removed from Sturdy Hospital and new Box 6312 installed in Sur- gical Building. New boxes installed at the Sturdy Hospital, Box 6311, H. E. Sweet Wing, Box 6313, Maternity Building, Box 6314, Sturdy Home, Box 6315, Fisher- Darrah Home, Box 6316, Boiler Room, Box 6317, Windsor Home. Box 54 was demolished by a truck and the insurance company paid for the installation of a new box. Box 62 was replaced with a new Box 62.
The underground feeding Box 252 at the Finberg School was knocked out from the effects of a storm and a new overhead service was installed. A red locater light was also installed at this time. A new cable containing wires to control the traffic lights in the center was installed from the light standards underground to the desk room in the Central Station. A new overhead extension of our lines was made from Newport Avenue through Orr Street to the new Almac Store on Wash- ington Street. A new Box 1122 installed at this point, this is a Master Box and is connected to the interior system in the store.
Box 3513 at Farmers School was burned out through contact with high voltage and was replaced with a new box. Damage was done to the interior units also at this time. The Smith whistle valve on the diaphone horn at the Central Station be- came defective and was replaced with a new control valve.
A new master Box 7124 was installed and connected to the interior system at the Nuclear Building of M and C Company. A new set of 24 volt batteries was in- stalled on the local #12 circuit. A second master box 1412 was installed at the Fuller Memorial Hospital and connected to the interior system. The Dualarm master panel in the Finberg School burned out and was replaced with a new unit. The new addition at the Y. M. C. A. was connected to Box 3112 and a set of emer- gency lights was installed in the South Main Street station.
27.
Annual Report
Report of the Superintendent of Fire Alarm continued-
A new master Box 4211 was installed at the Swedish Evangelical Church at South Main and Beacon Streets. This box was connected to an installation of Fire Detector devices in this building. Also a red marker light installed.
Box 252 was replaced with a new box 2521 and Box 141 was changed to Box 1411. Box 121 was rewired at this time and a mile of new construction made on Highland Avenue. Sprinkler connections were made to Boxes 2711 and 2712 at the Thompson Chemical Company.
Because of the Attleboro Electric Company raising their voltage on Park Street to i3, 500 volts it was necessary for us to build a complete new overhead line for a distance of approximately 3 1/2 miles from Emory Street to the County Hospital. This was accomplished at the cost of $3, 000. 00 and came from a special appropri- i ation for supplies and extra labor.
The night switch located in the Twin Village Station was burned out and a new one installed. A complete sprinkler system was installed in the Ellis Rest Home and connected to Box 7211. Box 652 was damaged by contact with high vol- tage and the owners have agreed to replace it with a modern type box. The sprink- alarm wi device was replaced in the interior system of Box 6112 located at Lon-' don's.
During Fire Prevention Week, fire prevention pictures were shown by Harold Wellman and A. B. Couture to all schools in the city. Old Box 68 was removed and replaced with a new Box 68 in the same location. A new Master Box 4212 was in- stalled at the Tucker Nursing Home and connected to an interior system of detec- tor heads and remote stations. This is a new home on South Main Street. Three faulty Sprinkalarm Units were replaced at the M & C Company. One in the front office on Forest Street, one in shipping room and the drafting room.
Because of the construction of the new Public Works Buildings, Box 4112 was removed and will be out of service until completion of the work. A new Box 1323 was installed and connected to the interior fire detection system in the new Assembly of God Church at 1052 Newport Avenue. A new Master Box 3121 was installed and connected to the sprinkler system in the Bronson Building along with several remote stations in the Attleboro Trust Company.
During the year much work was done on repairs and additions to our existing outside lines due to storms and changes made by the Utilities. Throughout the en- tire city many old poles have been replaced with new ones and when our equipment was involved, many changes had to be made. An extension of our lines on Newport Avenue was completed to reach Box 1323. All boxes in the system have been tested, cleaned and checked.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Under recommendations for 1959, I will further state that conditions in re- gard the Fire Alarm Headquarters and equipment are at this time in the same catagory as in previous years. Nothing has been done or accomplished toward correcting this very serious condition. Something must be done and definitely
28.
Annual Report
Report of the Superintendent of Fire Alarm continued-
in the near future. (I once more must refer your board to my recommendations on page 19 of the Annual Reports of the City of Attleboro for the year 1949). Gen- tlemen, ten years has past and we in the Fire Department have most certainly been blessed with good luck in not having something of a very serious situation occur.
1960 has been named by the Federal Communications Office as the maximum date that our radio system must be changed into a split-channel system. This means that the main base station must be changed and also all mobile units. Some of the older equipment cannot be changed and new sets must be purchased.
In the early part of 1959, this department will be faced with the problem of making many changes to our outside lines and equipment due to the construction of new Route 95 across the city.
At this time, I wish to extend my thanks and appreciation to His Honor, the Mayor, the Fire Chief, the Board of Fire Engineers and the members of all City Departments who have contributed their assistance in the operation of this depart- ment for the past year of 1958.
Respectfully submitted, William S. King, Sr. Superintendent of Fire Alarm
29.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF WIRES 1958
To His Honor, the Mayor and Municipal Council
City of Attleboro, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit the annual report of the Wire Inspection Department for the year ending December 31st, 1958. During the year, permits issued and in- pections made were as follows:
ELECTRICIANS
NEW SERVICES
INSPECTED TOTAL INSPECTIONS
January
162
20
182
243
February
38
45
83
107
March
84
16
100
134
April
54
18
72
96
May
76
58
134
179
June
69
38
107
143
July
65
39
104
139
August
70
29
99
132
September
72
36
108
144
October
69
38
107
143
November
38
18
56
75
December
40
27
67
89
837
382
1,219
1,624
In comparing the above figures with those of 1957 it may be noted that 13 more permits were added and shows a leveling off of electrical construction in the city.
I again wish to call your attention to the fact that no law governing the limitation of high voltage on our streets and highways is in existance in the State of Mass- achusetts. Legislation should be instigated along these lines for the purpose of plac- ing a limitation of high voltage electricity on poles located on our highways for pro- tection of the public in general. Because of the lack of this law the City was forced to expend $3, 000. 00 on Park Street during 1958.
A new 1958 Plymouth Station Wagon was purchased for the use of this depart- ment in July and has proved to be of much greater value than the old type of passen- ger car.
At this time, I wish to extend my sincere thanks to His Honor, the Mayor, Municipal Council, Fire and Police Departments and to all who in any manner contributed toward the operation of this department during the year of 1958.
William S. King Electrical Inspector
30.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS 1958
To His Honor, the Mayor, and Municipal Council:
I herewith submit my fifth annual report of the Building Inspector for the year 1958.
The total number of permits issued. . 575
The estimated value of permits issued. $3,249,395. 50
The amount paid to the City Treasurer 2,875.00 An increase over 1957 of 51. 00
RECOMMENDATIONS OF BUILDING INSPECTOR 1959
1. I again want to bring to your attention that the Building Laws, as printed, „should be amended and brought up to date with the present day construction . Many changes can be made for improvements.
2. I recommend that the Expense Account of the Building Inspector be $575. 00 ($400. 00 of this to be used for Elevator Inspections). and the balance of $175. 00 for office supplies and files.
3. I recommend that the salary of the Building In spector be increased to $1, 500. 00 with the great amount of work that has to be done.
4. I recommend that the salary of the part time clerk be increased to $2, 000. 00 in order that she may put in more hours per week. This is necessary due to the increased amount of office work required, along with the ever increasing building in this city.
5. I recommend that consideration be given to adopt an ordinance for a flat fee of $10. 00 for alterations, construction and additions to business or mercantile buildings which are valued at less that $10, 000. 00.
6. Mr. William Wyman of the Providence Elevator Company is the Inspector of elevators for the city. Many elevators were inspected this past year by Mr. Wyman, who recommended necessary repairs on a number of elevators. I recommend that an ordinance be adopted for a fee for elevator inspections. State Law requires yearly inspections of elevators. Most cities charge a set fee for inspection of elevators.
7. I recommend a change in the ordinance which would require bulkheads on all dwelling houses. In instances where there are fires and the cellar 1. becomes smokey; it is impossible to get in the cellar with only stairways on the inside of the house, and no bulkhead on the outside.
31. .- Lors, Mass.
Annual Report
At this time, I wish to express my appreciation for the assistance given me by the Mayor, City Council and for the advice given me by the City Solicitor; the cooperation of the Planning Board and the Board of Appeals; the Zoning Board, Wire Inspector who have all assisted me on numerous occasions. I also want to thank the Deputy Chiefs and anyone who has assisted me in any way.
Respectfully submitted,
Hiram R, Packard, Building Inspector.
NEW DWELLINGS - 1958
MONTH
NUMBER
ESTIMATED VALUE
January
7
$ 50,500.00
February
5
40,000.00
March
16
166,000.00
April
11
121,000.00
May
18
208,000.00
June
10
89,500.00
July
22
198,500.00
August
10
92,800.00
September
8
89,000.00
October
15
173,000. 00
November
14
142,000.00
December
10
91,000.00
146
$ 1,461,300. 00
1
32.
REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR -1958
Month Permit Shingle Dwellings
Alterations to Business Alterations to Garages Misc. Dwellings Business
Raze Total
Jan.
23
7-4018
7- 50,500
1-10,000
1- 2000 6- 5380
1
75,898
(-1 Boy Scout Camp 4, 000
Feb.
22- 5,4398
5- 40,000
3- 5,000
5- 7720
2
207,918
(-Alteration to Attleboro Trust Co. 150, 000. ) (-Addition to Package Store 800. )
March
54
9-7745
16-166,000
4- 4,800
2- 1,050
2- 1600 17- 7754
4
188,949
April
46
10-1575
11-121,000
2- 2,700
2- 1,200
4- 4014 12-2500
3
273,959
(-1 Elevator 15, 970
1- Church Renewal Permit 125, 000
May
63
16-5465
18-208,000
7- 8,025
2- 7,5008- 4,000
2- 1500
13-7365
2 241,855
June
51
16-7295
10- 89,500
2- 1,900
1- 2,000
2- 1500
14-6351
6
108,546
July
76
9-5190
22-198,500
10-21,300
2-13,000
4- 3980
26-5476
3
247,446
Aug.
56 14-7610. 50 10- 92,800
4- 2,750
3-228, 584
3-39,400
4-23450
15-5145
1
662,439. 50
(-1 Church 106,000 )
(1-Public Works Garage 156, 700)
Sept.
46
10-4275
8- 89,000
1-2,000
2- 3,490
3- 2300
19-5135
3
106,200
Oct.
64
13-4520
15-173,000
6- 8,900
1.2- 585
3- 3300
18-6695
3
721,550
(-1 New England Tel. & Tele. Addition 175, 000- 1 Metals & Controls Addition 200, 000 (-1 Golf Club 137, 000. - 1 Comfort Station 12, 550
Nov.
42
7-7520
14-142,000
6-11,050
|1-125, 000 1- 3, 500 ( M. & C. Warehse.)
1- 800 11-13525
1
303,395
Dec.
32 575
5-5220
10- 91,000
3- 2,350
1- 5,000
5- 3985
5-3685
3
111,240
$3,249,395. 50
33
1
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE PARK DEPARTMENT 1958
To the Park Commissioners, Attleboro, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my report as Superintendent of Capron Park for the year 1958.
We finally had a year with sufficient rain to keep things growing and green. The outlook in the early Spring was discouraging. The effects of the severe drought of 1957 was taking its pound of flesh in the form of dead shrubbery, plants and thin turf on the lawns. The dead shrubbery and plants were removed and replaced with new shrubs. This was a fairly expensive job.
The lawns were given a good fertilization in early May and in many of the barest places an extra raking and reseeding job was done. The fertilizer soon started to show its worth but along with it the weeds flourished. At one time the weeds would have taken over, but now, thanks to 2-4D, they can be controlled by spraying. We did this spraying early in June and followed it up with another feeding of fertilizer. With plenty of rain the grass kept improving and the weeds kept coming along too. This necessitated more spraying with 2-4D. The lawns were completely covered twice and certain sections were sprayed as many as five times. In September another fertili- zation was done and this has strengthened and thickened the lawns to such an extent that they went into the winter in excellent condition. We used eighteen tons of fertilizer, and we could have used more if we had more money. We also used fifteen gallons of 2-4D for weed control.
The lawns were green all summer and all in all the Park looked beautiful. No matter how hard we work, without rain and sunshine our efforts are worthless. I have been requesting money to install a water system for eight years and I feel that the year 1958 should demonstrate the value of water as a simple matter of economy.
The rose garden, rock garden and flower beds were at their best all season. As I have said, this year was one to show off the Park at its best.
As I promised in last year's report, benches, picnic tables, swings, slides and play apparatus have been installed at the Albert Nickerson play area. They received plenty of use but were not abused. This play area is a valuable addition to this section of the City.
The Frank R. Sweet Memorial Forest was dedicated on October 12th. It was a matter of deep regret to me that I was unable to be present at this ceremony but plans that had been made for months to attend the National Conference of Park Executives prevented me from attending. I believe, however, that this was one of the finest ceremonies we have had at the Park and I am proud to have had a part in the preparation of the Forest which was the gift of William O. Sweet to the City and dedicated to his father, a former Mayor and one of Attleboro's finest citizens.
Attleboro will also be reminded of one of its favorite sons by the Dan O'Connell Memorial stone which was made possible by the generosity of Dan's many friends in Attleboro and surrounding communities. The ball field will now and forever be known as the "Dan O'Connell Memorial Field" as a tribute to Dan's interest in baseball in Attleboro.
34.
Annual Report
Report of the Park Department - Continued.
More parking facilities were prepared during 1958 and covered with asphalt.
The culvert through the Sweet Forest was completed with the placing of 180 feet of 18-inch pipe, thus eliminating a hazard which has existed for the past few years.
Skating was enjoyed for a period of 39 days which is exceptional for natural ice. The cost of upkeep is approximately $25.00 per day for a natural pond as compared to $150 to $200 per day to operate an artificial rink.
Of course the animals are still, and always will be, the major attraction at the Park. I would like to see a plan worked out for increasing the number and kinds of animals at the Park to add to the pleasure of our visitors.
The playground was very active this past year and the Junior baseball league was reactivated after six years of inactivity. Interest was high and promises a great future for baseball in the High School and in the City.
The band concerts by the Attleboro Concert Band were excellent. This band is one of the finest in New England. The new shell and our new sound system contributed much to the quality of the music.
The cost of keeping up the Park is increasing each year - but what department of the City isn't? One of our Councillors asked when this was going to stop. The answer to that question is that it can stop any time the administration sees fit to stop it but at what a price. When the City stops improving Capron Park, it will be the citizens and taxpayers who will suffer. It is not only the children who make use of the Park but thousands of adults also. It is the one spot in Attleboro that has to be shown off to visitors.
The cost to the taxpayers of maintaining the Park is approximately $1.50 per capita which is far below the national average and I am proud to brag about it. According to figures compiled in the national association a figure of $4.00 per capita would be a fair figure.
In May, 1958 the Mayor appointed Mr. James P. McBrien to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Harry C. Wolfenden on the Park Commission. After thirty-two years of devoted service to the Park Mr. Wolfenden felt that he needed to curtail his activities. The Park will sorely miss Mr. Wolfenden's knowledge and experience as well as his devotion to the interests of the Park.
In order to eliminate further misunderstandings, I recommend that all grounds and creas now being cared for by the Park Commissioners be so classified and any future purchases or acquisitions be so designated.
I further recommend that money be made available to legally record and straighten out all records of land owned by the Park and in the process of being acquired.
I recommend black top for the tennis courts. This will eliminate maintenance and the uncertainty of being able to use the courts.
I recommend that water be piped from the city mains for irrigation purposes. The losses which we have suffered in the past eight years in which we have been begging for water would have more than paid for the cost of this project had it been
35.
Annual Report
Report of the Park Department - Continued.
done at the time we made the original request. Each year sees the cost going higher both in the cost of the job and the cost of the shrubbery lost.
I wish to extend my deep gratitude to the members of the Park Commission for their guidance and interest in the job which we are trying to do at the Park.
I would like to publicly express my thanks to the men who work for me. Their loyalty and willingness to work cheerfully beyond the requirements of their job is gratefully acknowledged .
My thanks to the Mayor and Municipal Council in their efforts to understand and provide for the needs of the Park.
In conclusion I wish to express my gratitude to the other department heads in the City who have co-operated so willingly with this department. Without their assistance many projects could not have been accomplished.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT W. SHARKEY, Jr. Superintendent
36.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE ATTLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY 1958
To Mayor Cyril K. Brennan and the City Council of Attleboro, Massachusetts Gentlemen:
The total circulation of 142, 889 shows an increase over 1958 of 8%. The adult circulation increased and the juvenile declined a bit due no doubt to the closing of the Washington School Branch. The cost of library service to each citizen was $2. 44, the minimum being $3. 00.
The opening of a new Branch at South Attleboro met with an enthusiastice response, so much so that the hours of opening had to be increased as well as the book collection. All the Branches have had much needed repairs and cir- culation on the whole increased. The Hospital service had to be extended due to the opening of the new wing. Many repairs and improvements have been made at the main library, including all new furniture in the childrens room, which had been in use for 40 years. Arrangements of books and specialized material have had an extensive re-classification, making use of the second floor for much of this material. Lack of space is making it most difficult to handle all our requirements and when we add new books it becomes necessary to discard others wherever possible as we cannot accommodate more than the 74, 587 which we now carry in inventory. In 1933 the inventory was 36, 920, if we double in the next 25 years new space must be made available. We have studied this problem for many years and have tried in many ways to adapt what we have and considered building an addition but not enough funds have been avail- able. Other material grows along with the books.
Many special programs were carried out very successfully and the public response was most rewarding. The Attleboro Sun, Pawtucket Times and station WARA have helped us to get these programs across and we wish to express our thanks to them for their kindness and generosity.
Our staff has remained quite stable. We realize the amount of work that has been accomplished by this group and are hopeful that the salary schedule as recom- mended by the Massachusetts Library Association and presented in our 1959 Bud- get may enable us to operate with an adequate personnel. The use of Library faci- lities in the coming years must grow along with the schools and colleges; one com- pliments the other.
We wish to express our thanks to all who with gifts of books and material have helped us so much, as well as their interest and loyalty.
37.
Annual Report
Report of the Attleboro Public Library continued-
Our library has been most fortunate in having an excellent staff; they have given generously of their time and effort. We are proud of the Library's accom- plishments and it is to this staff that the credit is due. We wish to express our sincere thanks to them for their loyalty, generosity and patience.
Respectfully submitted,
Trustees of the Attleboro Public Library Joseph L. Sweet Memorial
Ethel H. Barden, Secretary
To the Trustees of the Attleboro Public Library:
The 1958 Annual Report of the Attleboro Public Library, Joseph L. Sweet Memorial is herewith presented:
The Library looks back at 1958 with considerable pleasure and pride. A skilled and hardworking staff and a larger appropriation from the City have enabled the Library to strengthen its services to the public. The total number of books in the Library remained approximately the same - 74, 587. The number of discarded books, 2054, almost balanced the number of additions, 2475, and this balance will have to remain fairly close until additional stack space is obtained. Considerable shifting of books was done in the summer to alleviate crowded conditions, but all available space for storage has been used and ultimately an addition to the Library will be necessary if the book collection is allowed to grow at the same rate it has for the past 25 years (in 1933 the collection totaled 36, 920 and doubled in the next quarter century).
The summary statistic sheet revealed several interesting points. The over - all circulation was 10, 683 more than in 1957, an increased of over 8%. In the last two years the circulation has risen over 17%. The total book circulation, 142, 889, was the highest since the depression reading year of 1933, and within the next year the Library hopes to have the highest circulation in its history. Adult circulation grew at a faster rate than the juvenile, a 16% rise over a 3% rise. This is the first time in several years that the total juvenile circulation has not been almost twice that of the adult. Undoubtedly the loss of the large children's circulation at Washington School has influenced these percentages, but on the other hand adult circulation increased substantially at Central and at South Attleboro. In brief, Attleboreans read 5. 7 books per capita in 1958; the cost of library service to each citizen was just $2. 44, still 19% under the $3. 00 minimum recommended by the American Library Association.
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