USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Milford > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Milford, Massachusetts 1927 > Part 4
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July 26 to Aug. 15-Queen's Doll's House, 56 photo- graphs.
Aug. 16 to Sept. 5-Architectural League of New York, 51 photographs.
Sept. 6 to Sept. 26-Masters of color VI, 54 photographs. Sept. 27 to Oct. 17-Oberammergau, 45 photographs. Oct. 18 to Nov. 7-Life in the Orient, 38 photographs. Nov. 8 to Nov. 28-Prado gallery, 53 photographs.
Nov. 29 to Dec. 19-Old, old tales retold, 52 photographs. Dec. 20 to Jan. 10-Pinnochio, 34 photographs.
Respectfully submitted,
ETHELWYN BLAKE, Librarian.
Report of the Sewerage Commission.
December 31, 1927.
TO THE CITIZENS OF MILFORD :
The Sewerage Commission herewith presents its an- nual report for the year ending December 31, 1927.
The detailed statement of income and expenditures of both construction and maintenance accounts will be found in the report of your Town Accountant.
We intended and started to construct a sewer in Hay- ward Street Extension, but found it impossible to do so with the street at its present grade, therefore we recom- mend that the Town regrade this street and appropriate the sum of Twenty-four Hundred Dollars ($2,400.00) to construct this sewer.
You are asked to carefully scrutinize the report which follows by Engineer F. A. Barbour, wherein you will find the approximated cost of future sewers which we antici- pate to construct, and advice and recommendations on the same.
The matter of the Purchase Street section has been talked for a number of years both by this Board and your Finance Committee, and we believe should be given care- ful consideration this year. From a study of the estimate of the engineer on this section, it appears that the com- plete cost to and including Dilla Street and the interceptor would be about Twenty-one Thousand Four Hundred Dol- lars ($21,400.00), and to go 2,000 feet beyond Dilla Street on Purchase Street would be an additional Seventy- six Hundred Dollars ($7,600.00).
The commission thinks that the finance committee, in their study of the condition of the Town, are in a position to advise what in their judgment should be appropriated for sewer construction, and we as a Board will acquiesce
79
to whatever amount they recommend, but we suggest that they give the matter of a bond issue for full amount proposed by Engineer thoughtful study.
You will note, when you examine the report of your Town Accountant, that the cost of maintenance has increased somewhat. This is due in part to a ruling that a member of the Sewerage Commission cannot be Super- intendent of Sewers and receive a salary for the same, making a change necessary, and owing to the fact that the salary of the commissioners is charged to maintenance under the new accounting system. Therefore, an increase in the appropriation for maintenance is necessary to sat- isfactorily care for the plant.
In constructing some of the street sewers it was found nec- essary to take land from private owners, and said owners were notified of such taking in accordance with the law. The Board has offered to the seven owners, from whom land was taken a total of Eight Hundred Seventy-nine Dollars and Twenty-seven Cents ($879.27) in settlement of any claim for damages they might have against the Town.
In conclusion, we advise that you appropriate the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) for maintenance, which, with the present balance in this account, will be sufficient for the proper upkeep of your sewerage plant.
The total house connections during the year was 60, making a grand total to date of 1633.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK P. DILLON, LOUIS P. PRATT, ALFRED F. MARTIN, Sewerage Commission.
Report of Engineer of Sewerage Commission
Boston, Mass., January 17, 1928.
Sewerage Commission, Milford, Massachusetts. GENTLEMEN :
The following statement of work done in connection with the sewerage system of the Town during the year 1927 is respectfully submitted.
Principally, the work consisted of the construction of street sewers, and an investigation of conditions in the low level district and at the pumping station in this district.
Below is tabulation showing the size and length of street sewers constructed under contract :
Length of sewer-feet
Street
From
To
6-inch
8-inch
10-inch 12-inch
Centre
Central
Southerly
317
Congress
End old sewer
Northerly
306
East Main
Free
Easterly
311
High
End old sewer
Northerly
252
Madden Ave.
West
Northerly
787
Purchase
Fells Ave.
Northerly
177
Prospect
Main
Summit M.H.
916
210
392
Richmond Ave.
Congress
Westerly
367
Westbrook
Intercepter
East. & West.
100
252
W. Walnut
Intercepter
Westerly
469
Whitney
Intercepter
Summit M.H.
722
Total
1,268
3,607
392
311
Louis Balboni of West Roxbury did the work outlined above at a total cost to the Town of $12,382.54, and no unusual difficulties were encountered during construction.
Bids were received June 7, 1927, from the following contractors :
Contractor
Amount Bid
Louis Balboni
$9,719 75
A. De Pasquale
13,977 50
L. Luchini
14,500 00
Costa & Mainini
14,791 75
81
V. Calabrese 16,398 75
Cenedella & Company
15,932 75
General Contr. Company
17,748 25
P. Petrinelli
18,803 20
As previously mentioned, the contract was awarded to Louis Balboni of West Roxbury, low bidder. The work in Prospect Street was done under a special appropriation made by the Town for this purpose.
Conditions of high flow in the sewers of the low level. district, together with increasing difficulties encountered. in maintaining operation of the pumping equipment, which has been in service for approximately twenty- years, lead to an investigation being authorized by your Commission during the past year.
Briefly stated, it was found that the flow from the 2.3 miles of sewers now constructed in the district varied from a minimum of 75,000 gallons per 24 hours to ap- proximately 1,142,500 gallons during the same period of time, this maximum flow being measured after the storm of November 3rd and 4th, when a rainfall of 6.41 inches was recorded. During this period and for about a week after the flow remained at such a rate that the existing pumping equipment was entirely inadequate, and all the sewage reaching the station had to be by-passed to the river.
The quick increase in flow in the sewers following a. rainfall suggested some connection between surface run- off and the sewers which are designed for sanitary sewage only. An investigation disclosed several underdrain inspection holes allowing a substantial flow of ground water to enter the sewers, and several places were found where plumbing is so arranged that cellar water is dis- charged into the sewers. Some correction of the fore- going conditions have been made, resulting in a reduction of flow to an amount not in excess of 200,000 g. p. d., to date. It is evident that a substantial reduction in flow
E2
can be made, and the economy of such an undertaking is obvious.
We are of the opinion that there now exist numerous roof drains connected to the sewer, and perhaps other means of entrance to the sewers for surface and ground water. This fact leads to our recommendation that your Commission authorize an investigation of these conditions immediately, and in our judgment five hundred dollars ($500.00) should be appropriated for this purpose.
Our conclusions, based upon measurements of flow in the low level district sewers, and upon anticipation of future conditions, lead us to recommend the immediate installation at the low level pumping station of the equip- ment outlined below.
Recently a new type of centrifugal pump-sometimes known as the trash pump-has been developed, which is capable of handling practically unscreened sewage. By this pump, the possibility of clogging by any material which should enter the sewer is eliminated. This pump has also at any definite lift and discharge a substantially higher efficiency than the old type pump. In view of our experience with these pumps at other places, we recom- mend their installation at Milford.
EQUIPMENT PROPOSED FOR INSTALLATION
Two vertical, centrifugal pumps of the non-clog type, directly connected to electric motors, pumps to be dupli- cate units, each having a capacity of 350 g. p. m. when operating against a total head of 35 feet.
· New switchboard and electrical control apparatus for these pumping units, and to provide for the proposed change of input of electrical energy at the station from the existing 2,300 volt, single phase current, to 220 volts, 60 cycle, three phase current, which the company has promised to furnish ..
Alteration of the wet well to provide submergence of pumps and insure starting without priming, and other minor changes, such as raising present float pipes to pre-
83
clude the entrance of sewage to the dry well during periods of high flow, and repairs and changes in overflow line to river.
The above outlined work is absolutely necessary, as the present equipment, after serving its purpose adequately for the past twenty years, is no longer fit for service either mechanically or in point of capacity.
Your recent request for an estimate of cost of certain street sewers has caused surveys to be made of streets not included in original layout of system, and the rede- sign of several other street sewers to meet changed condi- tions, the results of which are given in the following tabulation, unit prices being applied which, in our judg- ment, are ample, and liberal provision has been made in anticipating rock excavation.
Estimated
Street
From
To
Length
Size S"
Cost
"Dilla
Intercepter
Purchase
750'
$2,085.00
East
Beachı
Summit M. H.
435'
6-8"
1,675.00
E. Walnut
Hayward
Fairview Ave.
944'
6-8"
2,080.00
Fairview Ave.
Carroll St.
E. Walnut St.
820'
2,500.00
Hayward St.
East
Summit M. H.
350'
S"
725.00
Extension
Intercepter
El. Lt. Sta.
Dilla
2,830'
12"
9,435.00
Oliver
Main
Water
1,270'
S"
4,280.00
Purchase
Dilla
Southerly
2,375'
7,985.00
Purchase
Dilla
Northerly
2,000'
6,990.00
Private Wy.
Meade
Easterly
450'
S"
1,340.00
West
Present M. H. Highland
805'
2,530.00
13,029'
$41,625.00
In conclusion, we summarize the estimated cost of doing the new work outlined in the foregoing report, as follows :
Leakage investigation
$500 00
Low Level Pumping Station equipment- pumping units (pumps, shafting and mo- tors), electric control apparatus
3,700 00
Improvements in pumping station, alteration of wet well, raising float pipes, etc 250 00
Proposed street sewers
41,625 00
$46,075 00
84
Add for engineering and contingencies on all except leakage investigation 3,925 00
$50,000 00
We therefore recommend that if it should be concluded to do all the work outlined above, an appropriation of $50,000.00 must be asked for.
Yours very truly,
F. A. BARBOUR.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH.
The Milford Board of Health for the year 1927 was com- posed of the following members: Maurice J. Quinlan, Chair- man, Oscar Ayotte, and Francis H. Lally, M. D., Secretary.
Meat and Provision Inspectors-William E. Gallagher and Fred A. Gibson.
Sanitary Inspector-James J. Birmingham.
Plumbing Inspectors-Maurice J. Quinlan and John E. Higgiston.
Board of Health Nurse-Miss Helen C Grady, R. N.
Dental Clinic Dentists-Dr. William E. Clancy and Dr. Francis X. Kellv.
There were fifteen meetings of the board. The activities "were practically the same as in 1926 save for five cases of Poli- omyelitis, a case of which had not been reported since 1924. As a general rule this disease afflicts children, and this was true here, all the patients being under eight years of age. One death occurred, the form of the disease being of the ful- minating type.
While diphtheria has shown a decided increase through- out the state only one case was reported to the local board. This scarcity does not mean immunity from the disease, and it is possible Milford may be later included in the wave thit is at present infecting the susceptibles. It has been proven be- yond the shadow of a doubt, in progressive communities where the Toxin Antitoxin immunization has been given, that the morbidity is reduced to a minimum, and we again urge that a demonstration be given in our local schools.
In scarlet fever, our percentage remained the same. This dread disease is now successfully combated by the use of An- titoxin, and the results are marvelous provided the serum is used early in the case.
One case of measles was reported as against seven in
86
1926. As yet no serum has been sufficiently developed to put on the market to use in the treatment. A convalescent serum has been used by some physicians in hospitals where it was available.
Pneumonia showed an increase of 20 per cent, chicken pox 50 per cent, Tuberculosis decreased 5 per cent as far as cases reported.
At this time, a brief word concerning the Pondville Hos- pital may not be amiss. By an act of the legislature, Chapter 391, of 1926, a hospital is now available for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. It is situated about seventeen miles. from Milford, on the Boston and Providence turnpike. Appli- cations for admission should be filled out by a registered phy- sician. A patient paying his own board is charged $1.50 per day, cities and towns $2.50 per day. Clinics are held every Thursday at 1 P. M.
Visiting days are Mondays and Thursdays, 2-4 and 7-8 P. M.
The capacity of the hospital is 90 beds. Physicians de- siring verification of diagnosis will find ready co-operation by tho Staff Patients may be classed as out patients, or may become house patients if their physicians recommend.
The demands upon the budget of this department will be as large in the coming year as during the one just passed, due to the fact that all salaries of department members and ap- pointees must be paid from the general appropriation.
The notable increases in expenditures this year were for collection of garbage, care of T. B patients, and the salary of the meat inspector, other items being approximately the same
The following regulation was passed at the October 10th meeting of the board : "Any person giving history of typhoid fever, if engaged in the handling of food stuffs, especially as a producer, handler or distributor of milk or milk products, must have at least two negative examinations of stools and. urine before being allowed to start or continue work."
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CONTAGIOUS AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES, 1927.
January
February
March
April
₩ May
Jane
July
- August
September
Ocrob'r
~ November
December
Lobar Pneumonia 1
Chicken Pox
14 16
6
5
1
Diphtheria
1
Measles
1
Scarlet Fever
3
3
5
1
3
1 3
Mumps
1
12
10
Pul. T. B.
1
2
3
1
Other Forms
1
Pertussis
2
3
3
1
Gonorrhoea
1
1
1
Infantile Paralysis
2
1 2
LICENSES GRANTED, 1927.
MANICURISTS.
Gladys Blain,
Ellen Ritz,
Emma Collabello,
Edith Galley,
Helen Feeley,
Catherine Elwell,
Anna Lacquidara, Margaret Walpole, Madame Lebossiere Roche, Sophie Thibideau,
Leah Crowell.
UNDERTAKERS.
James B. Edwards,
Joseph Edwards,
Arthur Heroux,
Walter W. Watson, A. De Pasquale & Co. George W. Wood,
Edward Harrington.
DENATURED ALCOHOL.
Automotive Corp, F. A. Gould, H. S. Chadbourne Co., L. Luchini, Eldredge & Son, Jesse H. Perkins, Casey Auto Supply Co,
Herman Ryan,
Frank Best.
4
88
SLAUGHTERERS.
A. Rosenfeld,
Cæsar Cavigoli, SODA MANUFACTURER. Ciro Vitale.
REPORT OF DENTAL CLINIC.
The report of the Dental Clinic for the year ending De- cember 31, 1927, is as follows :-
Extractions deciduous teeth
950
Extractions permanent teeth
181
Treatments
·
393
Fillings deciduous
625
Fillings permanent
962
Prophylactic treatments
628
Total number operations
3,749
Total number of patients
2,155
A charge of ten cents is made for each visit. Amount collected and turned over to
town treasurer
$169 55
January
$15 90
February
·
.
20 10
March
.
23 30
April
18 60
May
24 85
June
17 90
September
5 50
October
15 75
November
13 85
December
18 80
Total
$169 55
Expenses incurred for linen, light, power and gas, and small supplies were as follows : -
Gibney and Touhey, for linen
$44 10
Milford Electric Light & Power
20 41
Paid out for cleaning office
.
10 00
89
Miscellaneous supplies 2 64
Total
$77 15
WILLIAM J. CLANCY, D. M. D.,
FRANCIS X. KELLEY, D. D. S.
REPORT OF INSPECTORS OF MEATS AND PROVI- SIONS.
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF HEALTH :
Gentlemen :- Hereby we present the following report of the meat and provision inspectors :-
During the past year there have been two slaughter houses in operation, killing a total of 772 cattle, 1815 calves, 752 pigs, and 45. lambs. These were all killed and inspected in accordance with the law.
During the year fruit and pedlars' wagons, markets and fruit stores have been looked over weekly and with few minor infractions, which were readily corrected, were found within the law.
WILLIAM E. GALLAGHER, Meat and Provision Inspector,
FRED A. GIBSON, Assistant Inspector.
REPORT OF PLUMBING INSPECTORS.
The following permits for plumbing were granted for the year ending Dec. 31, 1927, and the same inspected :- Water Closets
127
Lavatories
67
Bath Tubs
63
Sinks .
76
Wash Trays
42
Urinals
.
8
Domestic Hot Water Boilers
.
47
.
Respectfully,
J. E. HIGGISTON, M. J. QUINLAN,
Inspectors.
90
BOARD OF HEALTH INSPECTOR'S REPORT.
Nuisances .
52
Scarlet Fever
11
Measles
12
Diptheria
.
·
·
2
Infantile Paralysis
3
Total
80
JAMES J. BIRMINGHAM,
Inspector.
.
Respectfully submitted,
MAURICE J. QUINLAN, Chairman, OSCAR C. AYOTTE, FRANCIS H. LALLY, Secretary.
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS.
The Park Board, the past year, through the kindness of the voters, have been able to put the part of the park used as an athletic field into first class condition, making it one of the best in this section.
Although it is not as yet perfect, a small appropriation would make it all that is desired.
The seating capacity of the baseball diamond is very lim- ited, and the board recommends an appropriation for new movable bleachers which can be used for base-ball and foot- ball.
The crowded condition of the tennis courts is again called to your attention, and the board recommends the build- ing of two new courts.
It is the intention of the board to put in new walks this coming season, which was impossible last season owing to the appropriation, of which considerable was used in repairing the athletic field, which was greatly damaged by the storms.
Your park is one of the best in the state, and it seems, sad to say, that the town cannot appropriate enough money to put it in first class condition and keep it that way.
During the past year the board lost one of its most valu- able members in the passing of Martin J. Wallace, who was a member for fifteen years, and for many years was its chair- man. He was always interested in the upkeep and the ap- pearance of the park, and his place will be hard to fill.
CHARLES F. GILLON,
ARTHUR L. REYNOLDS,
Park Commissioners.
IN MEMORIAM.
Martin J. Wallace. 1869-1928.
PARK COMMISSIONER, 1913-1928.
May he rest in peace.
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE.
TO THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN OF MILFORD, MASS :
Gentlemen :- I have the honor to submit a report of the duties performed by the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1927.
Total number of arrests.
246
Males
212
Females
15
Juveniles
19
Guilty
102
Not guilty
20
Fined
74
Discharged
17
Filed
60
Released without arraignment
25
Placed on probation
21
Suspended sentence
22
Sentenced to House of Correction
31
Sentenced to State Farm
2
Appealed
4
Bound over to Grand Jury
3
Assault and battery
15
Assault with dangerous weapon
1
Assault on police officer
1
Abduction
1
'Alien firearm law
1
Breaking and entering
2
Bastardy
1
Breaking glass
1
Cruelty to animals
Auto violations
42
Driving to endanger
2
94
Reckless driving
2
Operating under influence of liquor.
7
Destroying property
3
Drunkenness
69
Search warrants
38
Keeping liquor
16
Manufacturing liquor
6
Transporting liquor
5
Larceny
10
Non-support
4
Aiding out of town officers
37
Stolen property recovered.
$4,200
Vagrants
7
Keeping unlicensed dogs
8
Present at gaming
10
Stubborn child
2
Ringing false fire alarm
2
Truants
2
Violating probation
3
Unnatural and lascivious acts
1
Seven regular patrolmen are employed by the town during the day and night, each officer eight hour shift, seven days a week.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. MOLONEY, Chief of Police.
January 9, 1928.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF WIRES.
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :
I would submit the following report of the Wire Inspection Department for the year 1927, the thirteenth year of the service.
The inspections of interior wiring for the year were as follows :
Certificates issued for :
210 meters for lighting in 190 finished buildings.
69 meters for lighting in 51 new buildings.
47 meters for power in all classes.
12 new buildings rough wired and not completed.
In addition, there have been many inspections of addi- tions, large and small, to existing installations, and many consultations with property owners and tenants in regard to troubles and plans for alterations.
Citizens are cautioned to make sure that such addi- tions, even small, are reported and inspected. Inspection is a precaution against errors in judgment or oversight on the part of the workman. They are also cautioned against the employment of unskilled and unlicensed men, for even with inspection, the ability and honesty of the electrician is very vital to the safety of the work.
The same applies to material. The Underwriters' Lab- oratories are maintained for the testing of appliances and material for public protection.
Appliances which do not bear the Underwriters' label and a plate bearing the name of the manufacturer and the voltage and capacity of the appliance should be shunned.
Great care should be used in handling heating appli- ances, especially flatirons. Never leave them turned on when there is a chance of forgetting them.
96
More than one-quarter of all electrical fires are caused by irons.
The poles and structures in town are in very good con- dition, and the gradual increase in joint lines is clearing the streets of unnecessary poles.
The new high tension power line of the New England Power Co. has been completed and put in service, and is a fine example of modern steel tower construction.
The outstanding improvement in outside electrical equipment of the year is the "White Way" on the business portion of Main Street.
This has much improved the lighting of the section and removed all the wires of the Milford Electric Light & Power Co. from the street, as well as some poles.
One need of the department is the gradual providing of instruments for testing and for tracing radio interfer- ence troubles, which are frequently referred to the In- spector. At present all instruments in use are owned by the Inspector and the Milford & Uxbridge Street Railway, except occasion loans from other companies or 'con- tractors.
Respectfully submitted,
FRED M. DANIELS, Inspector of Wires.
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
In presenting this report to the voters, your Board of Public Welfare calls the attention of the citizens to the large increase in the appeals for aid received by our department during 1927, due to lack of employment.
The new year is starting off with an ever-increasing list of applicants for aid, and unless the industrial outlook soom changes very decidedly for the better, we fear the town will be called upon to appropriate more money than at any time in its history for this department. We can only hope the present industrial depression will soon end, but in the meantime chil- dren must be supplied with the bare necessities of life through our department.
It is interesting to note that even during the years of the influenza epidemie this department did not receive so many calls for aid as at present.
Respectfully submitted,
MICHAEL B. SWEENEY, Chairman, FRED M. CROWELL, FRED J. COLEMAN,
Board of Public Welfare-
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
THE HONORABLE BOARD OF . SELECTMEN:
The year ending December 31, 1927, has been a most sat- isfactory one, as far as the health of our cattle was concerned. There have been only two cases of Tuberculosis among them, and these were condemned and owners were recompensed, as per law of the State department.
The sanitary and housing conditions of cow-barns are steadily improving and results are being appreciated.
There were no outbreaks among smaller animals during the past year.
The Annual Inspection showed owners of domesticated animals all interested in keeping their stock healthy and under the best condition that their means can provide, and there is no doubt in my mind that many will take advantage of the State and Federal tests to further protect both public and stock against Tuberculosis during the coming year.
DR. B. F. HARTMAN,
Inspector of Animals.
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures.
Milford, January 1, 1928.
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :-
GENTLEMEN :- I hereby submit my report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending December 31, 1927. All places of business in the town of Milford were visited by me after notifying by public notice as the law requires, that all scales, measures, etc., would be sealed without fee, if brought to my office.
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