USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1935-1939 > Part 15
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New problems are constantly arising for the consideration and decision of the Board, and the desires and ideas of all the residents relative to improved planning are solicited by the Board.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER M. LAMONT, Chairman WALTER C. TOMLINSON, Secretary BERNARD L. McDONALD
SIDNEY P. WHITE EDWARD P. HALL
113
Board of Appeals Report
The Board of Appeals under the new Zoning By-Law of the Town of Andover was appointed by the Board of Selectmen on April 27, 1936. The Board organized within a few days thereafter with James S. Eastham as Chairman and Roy E. Hardy as Secre- tary. The terms of the present members of the Board expire as follows: James S. Eastham on May 1, 1937, Roy E. Hardy on May 1, 1938 and Walter M. Lamont on May 1, 1939.
On October 26, 1936, Roy E. Hardy resigned as a member of the Board and Edward P. Hall was appointed in his place. Mr. Hall served until February 1, 1937 when he resigned and Roy E. Hardy was reappointed a member of the Board. The Board has held public hearings upon all petitions brought before it and adop- ted the rule that a fee of $3.00 should accompany each petition on account of the fact that notice of a public hearing must, by law, be published in a newspaper.
The Board has decided nine cases. In seven of these cases, the Board granted the petitions; in six cases, adapting the require- ments of the Zoning By-Law to narrow, irregular and shallow lots in Single Residence Districts which were existing lots of record at the time the Zoning By-Law was adopted, and to a lot unusual in shape or topography; in the seventh case, permitting the maintenance of a roadside stand in a Single Residence District . on condition that the stand should be located at least thirty (30) feet back from the street line. In the other two cases, the Board denied the petitions, refusing in one case to permit the erection of a gasoline filling station in a Single Residence District, and in the other case to adapt the requirements of the Zoning By-Law to an irregular lot in a Single Residence District which was not an existing lot of record at the time the By-Law was adopted.
In all cases where the petitions have been granted, the Board has found that the spirit and intent of the Zoning By-Law with regard to open spaces will be preserved by the use permitted and that the petitioners have shown to the satisfaction of the Board that the use of the premises for which permission is sought will not be injurious to the inhabitants of surrounding property or dangerous to the public health or safety.
114
As a result of its experience during the first year of administra- tion of the Zoning By-Law, the Board has found that the Zoning By-Law needs certain clarifying and enabling amendments. The Board has accordingly recommended to the Planning Board of the Town of Andover that certain amendments be adopted at the next Town Meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES S. EASTHAM, Chairman ROY E. HARDY, Secretary WALTER M. LAMONT
West Center School Playground Committee Report
MR. FREDERICK BUTLER, Moderator
The committee elected at the last annual Town meeting to in- vestigate the schoolyard facilities at the West Center School, herewith submit their report and recommendation. The committee recommend the purchase of land owned by Miss Kate E. Pike adjacent to the present school property.
The committee at this time wish to extend their thanks to the Selectmen, School Committee, Superintendent of Schools and Town Council for their cooperation with the committee; also wish to extend their thanks to Mr. William A. Trow for his valu- able assistance in looking up the title deeds at the Salem Registry of Deeds. There being no title deeds to the school property on file at the Town Hall, Mr. Trow spent much time on this matter and his kindly cooperation is much appreciated.
As time passes the committee is impressed with the immediate necessity of enlarging the play yard for the safety and physical well being of the school children.
Respectfully submitted,
HERBERT LEWIS WILLIAM F. BARRON SAUL SHTRUMPFMAN
115
Report of the Junior High School Building Committee
Andover, Mass. January 1, 1937
To the Citizens of Andover:
The Junior High School Building Committee present the follow- ing report:
At a Special Town Meeting held Monday night, December 11, 1933, in the Case Memorial Cage, it was voted to raise and ap- propriate the sum of Four Hundred and Six Thousand ($406000 .- 00) Dollars for the construction of a Junior High School and Heating plant, an Assembly Hall, and a Gymnasium; to peti- tion the Federal Government for a Grant of money under the National Industrial Recovery Act, etc.
Town Moderator, Mr. Frederick Butler, appointed the follow- ing as the Building Committee. Hugh Bullock, Leo F. Daley, Jane L. Elliott, Frank H. Hardy, Philip F. Ripley, Frederick C. Smith and James C. Souter.
The Committee met on December 13th and organized with Frank H. Hardy as Chairman and James C. Souter as Secretary. The condition of Mr. Hardy's health caused him to request the Moderator to accept his resignation under date of August 10, 1935 and Mr. Bullock was then chosen to fill the Chairmanship.
Through the untiring efforts of Perley F. Gilbert, who was selected by the Committee as Architect, the Town of Andover has added a group of buildings of which we feel it may well be proud. The firm of Killam Hopkins and Greeley acted as advisory architects during a certain time. The Hollis French Co. of Boston was chosen as Engineers. The Committee was very fortunate in securing the services of Mr. John A. Robertson, a fellow towns- man, who acted as the Town's Representative during the con- struction of the entire project.
Owing to increased construction costs and unforeseen circum- stances, the original appropriation of Four Hundred and Six Thousand ($406000.00) Dollars was found insufficient and it was necessary to increase the appropriation by One Hundred and Thirty-Three ($133000.00) Thousand Dollars, making the total
116
appropriations Five Hundred and Thirty Nine ($539000.00) Thousand Dollars.
At the completion of the project Five Hundred and Thirty-Six Thousand Three Hundred and Fourteen Dollars and Six Cents ($536314.06) has been spent leaving a balance of Two Thousand Six Hundred and Eighty-Five Dollars and Ninety-Four Cents ($2685.94).
The Federal Grant of $147000.00 reduces the actual cost to the Town by that amount.
On September 16, 1935, the corner stone of the Auditorium was laid with appropriate exercises and on September 9, 1936 the buildings were occupied by the students.
Under date of October 9, 1936 the School Committee accepted the new group of buildings. A public inspection of the buildings was held on October 17 and under date of November 10, 1936 the Selectmen notified the State Director of the Public Works Ad- ministration, of their acceptance of all work done under the several contracts in connection with the project.
One hundred and seventeen meetings have been held by the Committee in the course of the work they were called upon to do.
Respectively submitted,
HUGH BULLOCK, Chairman LEO F. DALEY JANE L. ELLIOTT PHILIP F. RIPLEY
FREDERICK C. SMITH
JAMES C. SOUTER, Secretary
117
Board of Public Welfare
To the citizens of Andover:
The Board of Public Welfare submits its annual report for the year ending December, 1936.
Although business conditions are greatly improved and many persons have found private employment, the welfare department has aided more families this year. This was due perhaps to tempo- rary lay-offs from factories of the wage earner or some other mem- ber of the family who might be contributing toward the family support, and to the severe cut in W.P.A. employment. This, of course, meant temporary aid. A few families have been aided due to illness and a few families were given help during the flood time last March. We have provided about the same amount of hos- pitalization this year as in previous years.
The W.P.A. sewing project is still being carried on, eleven are now working with one clerk who is in charge of the distributing of federal surplus commodities. These commodities which include various foodstuffs and clothing have been a great help to the people, especially the clothing. Each person receiving these com- modities must first be determined eligible either by the welfare board or through a church or charitable organization, and then given a card which must be presented each time when applying.
The following W.P.A. projects have been completed during the year under the supervision of the Board of Public Works:
Approximate Number of Men Employed
Carmel Woods, brush cut down
10
John Dove School, installed tennis courts
10
Ballardvale playstead, regrading
35
Rattlesnake Hill Road, gravelled
8
Boston Road, gravelled
18
Salem Street, gravelled
35
Shawsheen Village (flood), cleaning debris and streets 80
Greenwood Road, installation water main
13
Sunset Rock Road, installation water main
8
William Street, installation water main and sewer 28
Porter Road, widening 30
118
Rattlesnake Hill Road, installation water drain 8
Poor Street, constructed wall 5
Beacon Street, graded banking
8
Union Street, widened open drain
5
Carmel Woods, brush cut down, second time
13
Abbot Street, installed drain pipe
13
Prospect Hill Road, gravelled
10
Lovejoy Road, gravelled
13
Red Spring Road, gravelled
13
Beacon Street, graded banking
8
Chandler Road, scraped
8
The latter five roads are known as "Farm to Market" Roads and there is one project now under operation on Haggetts Pond Road which is not yet completed and which employs approximately thirteen men.
There is a Recreational Project in operation at the Andover Guild which employs four men and four women, classified as six instructors and two attendants. This project is under the super- vision of Miss Margaret Davis.
As no government funds were provided for the local investiga- tion of applicants looking for W.P.A. work, the duty of complet- ing necessary investigations and recommendations determining the eligibility of those applying, rested upon the Board of Public Welfare. This meant a lot of extra clerical work.
During the year we have aided from welfare approximately 110 families, 23 single persons, paid board for 10 children and aided eight mothers with dependent children. These figures of course do not include the hospital cases, nor our cases aided by other cities or towns.
On October 14, the board appointed Arthur W. Cole Agent for the Bureau of Old Age Assistance and Soldiers' Relief Agent, as well as investigator for the welfare department. He began his duties on October 26. In connection with the bureau, å Board of Appeals was set up and Howell F. Shepard, J. Everett Collins and Arthur W. Cole were appointed, Mr. Cole being the executive officer with authority to represent the bureau.
The Social Security act will help in its plan for the care of the aged and in its aid to dependent children. An assistance under this act is now paid by the state and federal government and for part
119
of the administrative expenses of the Old Age Assistance Bureau which is now a separate department, having its own quarters at the Town House.
The aid to dependent children approves an allowance to a de- pendent child who has been deprived of parental support or care, with stipulations, of course, and certain proofs of eligibility must be presented.
Conditions at the Infirmary remain about the same. In June, the board voted to allow part of the Infirmary to be set aside as a Convalescent Home, to be known as the "Andover Convalescent Home" in charge of the Matron, Bertha W. Thornton. This was opened as such on June the 17th and has apparently worked out satisfactorily for patients as well as local physicians and without interference to Mrs. Thornton's duties as matron.
The statistics of the Infirmary follow this report as well as the report of our Agent.
Again we wish to thank the various schools, churches and charitable organizations, as well as the many private citizens for their help and cooperation, especially for all their assistance rendered the town and the families who were affected by the flood of last March.
Respectfully submitted,
HOWELL F. SHEPARD, Chairman J. EVERETT COLLINS ROY E. HARDY
ANDOVER TOWN INFIRMARY
Number of Inmates January 1, 1936
Number admitted during the year
Number discharged
Number of deaths
Number between 1 and 10 years of age
Number between 10 and 20 years of age
Number between 20 and 30 years of age
Number between 60 and 70 years of age
Number between 80 and 90 years of age
8 8 9 1 2 6 1 1 5
120
- - - - -
Number between 90 and 100 years of age 1 Number January 1, 1937
6
The Andover Convalescent Home which is the section of the Town Infirmary used for private patients opened on June 17, 1936.
During the remainder of the year the rooms were used by seven physicians-caring for sixteen patients.
Seven hundred and ten dollars ($710.00) was turned over to the town.
BERTHA W. THORNTON, Matron
121
Bureau of Old Age Assistance and Soldiers Relief
February 3, 1937
To the Board of Selectmen: Town of Andover
GENTLEMEN :
During the year 1936 there has been a large increase in the number of Old Age Assistance cases. At the start of the year there were seventy cases, eighteen with settlement elsewhere, while at the close of the year there were one hundred twenty-seven cases, twenty-three with settlement elsewhere. This increase was brought about by the change in the Old Age Assistance law. The original provisions of the law covered the giving of assistance to needy American citizens seventy years or over, who had resided in this Commonwealth for twenty years or more. The legislature recently dropped the minimum age limit to sixty-five and the required years of residence to five out of the last nine. A complete investi- gation of each case is made, and proof of age and citizenship must be established.
During the year 1936 we have aided nineteen cases of Soldiers' Relief, four of whom are widows, and four disabled veterans unable to work, at a cost of $2416.61.
Respectfully submitted,
Bureau of Old Age Assistance and Soldiers Relief
ARTHUR W. COLE, Agent
122
Fire Department
January 1, 1937
To the Board of Selectmen:
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit the report of the Fire Department from January 1, 1936 to January 1, 1937.
During this time the Department has answered 128 bell and 72 still alarms.
We have laid 6100 feet 21/2 inch, 2500 feet 11/2 inch and 2200 feet 1 inch hose.
The equipment consists of one combination pump, hose and booster tank, one combination hose and chemical tank, one com- bination pump, hose and chemical tank, one ladder truck; one brush fire truck, one ambulance, 6700 feet of 21/2 inch hose, 1400 feet 11/2 inch hose, 1500 feet 1 inch hose.
Value of buildings and contents $572,500.00; loss on same $5725.00 mostly covered by insurance.
During the year the Ambulance has answered 295 calls to take sick or injured persons to hospitals or home covering 4501 miles.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES F. EMERSON, Chief Fire Department
123
Police Department
January 25, 1937
To the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Andover:
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit the report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1936.
Whole number of arrests 291; Males 285, Females 6
Complaints received and investigated
468
Automobile accidents investigated 119
22
Summons served for out of Town Police
61
Automobiles stolen in Town
12
Automobiles recovered included stolen out of Town
19
Bicycles stolen
16
Bicycles recovered
12
Breaks in Camps and Dwellings
22
Breaks investigated by Police
22
Doors found open and secured
102
Children found and returned to Parents
18
Dogs killed by Automobiles
21
Telephone Poles reported down
1
Street Lights reported out by Police
271
Suicides reported and investigated
1
Fires covered by Police
32
Dogs reported lost
52
Dogs killing hens
9
Persons bitten by dogs
39
Trees reported down
5
Dead bodies cared for
7
False alarms of Fire
1
Lights put at dangerous places
4
Live wires down and guarded
8
Put up for safe keeping
61
Arrested for out of Town Police
5
Operating Auto Drunk
34
124
Ambulance calls covered by Police
Simple Drunk Total No. Auto Violations
96 88
POLICE DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT
3 Harley Davidson Motorcycles
2 gas guns
1 1934 Ford sedan
2 gas clubs
1 1935 Plymouth coach
15 gas shells
3 Police Radios
12 revolvers
2 Bullet proof vests
1 target pistol
1 camera
2 riot guns
12 riot clubs
7 large searchlights
DISPOSITION OF CASES
On file
37
Paid fines
122
Committed to State Institutions
4
Committed to House of Correction
7
Suspended sentence to State School
1
Sentenced to Reformatory for Women
1
Suspended to Bridgewater
2
Sentenced to Bridgewater
1
Released by Probation Officer
44
Held for Grand Jury
1
Suspended sentence to House of Correction
6
Discharged
2
Placed on Probation
6
Not guilty
6
Appealed to Superior Court
8
Fines paid in Lower Court
$2,453.00
Fines paid in Superior Court
305.00
Total
$2758.00
Stolen Property value
$ 8289.50
Stolen Property recovered
10955.50
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE A. DANE, Chief
125
Board of Health Nurse and Agent
To the Board of Health:
As Board of Health Nurse and Agent it is again my pleasant task to submit the following report to the Board of Health and townspeople of Andover.
1936
1935
1934
Septic Sore Throat
0
1
0
Dog Bite
46
34
34
Tuberculosis
4
5
6
Scarlet Fever
11
32
25
Chicken Pox
5
135
15
Whooping Cough
39
3
32
Diphtheria
0
1
1
Measles
44
5
109
Mumps
51
16
4
Anterior Poliomyelitis
0
7
1
Epidemic Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis
1
0
0
Gonorrhea
1
6
3
Syphilis
4
4
4.
German Measles
5
288
0
Lobar Pneumonia
6
1
3
Malaria
0
1
0
Undulant Fever
0
1
0
Total
217
540
237
DEATH FROM CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
1936
1935
1934
Tuberculosis
2
0
2
Lobar Pneumonia
3
1
1
Scarlet Fever
0
0
1
Diphtheria
0
0
1
Measles
0
0
1
Total
5
1
6
-
126
After looking at the figures preceding it is well to note that Andover has been a comparatively healthy community in which to live and raise a family. And this despite the fact that last spring brought a major disaster in the lives of many in our com- munity, as well as the unseasonable weather which has occurred during the past few months.
Today as we read vivid newspaper accounts of the vicious work of the floods in the South and Mid-West portions of our country, we may recall the situation which existed in Andover several months ago. When the flood reached Andover, there arose a spirit of concerted action and cooperation which was plainly manifest all through these trying and troublesome times. It must have been gratifying to sufferers and helpers of that period to see the swiftness and sureness with which Andover rehabili- tated itself.
Through the sound administration of proper shelter and cloth- ing, food and sanitation, Andover escaped any epidemic of dis- ease. Many in the town were inoculated against Typhoid Fever at the Clinic which was immediately established and the results achieved speak for themselves-results were perfect. The flood area was under a strict quarantine and all houses were placarded, cleaned, chlorinated and heated before occupants were allowed to return to their homes.
Lobar Pneumonia is the only type of pneumonia that is re- portable to your Board of Health, but the fear was about the outbreak of the dreaded epidemic of Bronchial Pneumonia, which develops very readily upon exposure to conditions such as were caused by the flood. Not a single case of either Bronchial or Lobar Pneumonia developed that could be attributed to the flood. And now let me add a word of thanks for myself and for the Members of the Board of Health to those who aided at this time.
No progressive community such as Andover could sit idly by and watch the depredations caused by Rabies without doing all in its power to curb it. Rabies is a very deadly disease and when reports began to come to the Boards of Health throughout the State as well as our own Health Board, we took action. Dog Bite is reportable to the Board of Health and as the number in- creased, Andover did the only logical thing and established a Rabies Clinic for Dogs. When it has been reported that a dog has
127
bitten anybody, that dog is immediately quarantined by the Animal Inspector. After a stated period if the dog shows any signs of being ill, he is disposed of and his head is sent into Boston for a Laboratory test to determine if the dog is suffering from Rabies. Any person who is possibly thought to have been ex- posed to this disease is immediately requested and advised to start treatment for Rabies. It is not absolutely necessary for a mad dog to bite anybody for him to contract Rabies, for if any person has a cut or scratch through which the saliva of the dog may penetrate the system, the damage is just as great as when the dog actually does inflict a bite.
The Board of Health has asked for an appropriation of $350.00 to cover any expense which may arise from Dog Bite cases, this money to be used to cover the cost of Vaccine and treatment until such time as the Town is reimbursed by the County for money spent in this way.
During the year 1936 we have been fortunate in having no cases of Diphtheria reported. We are continuing to give the Schick test to school children with good results and this now has a recognized and apparently permanent place in public health administration. The Board of Health has adopted the system of sending a notice to every mother of a six months old baby asking to have the infant inoculated, as the mortality is greater in the younger child than those of an older class. We are pleased to re- port that we have had a good response from many of the notices sent out in 1936.
While on the subject of children, it might be well to write briefly about our clinic for underweight children, and which is being conducted as in the past with worthwhile results. This clinic has existed for over ten years and during that time the mothers and guardians, realizing its beneficial work as a result of the physical examinations, have given their consent to the Von Pequoit test and X-rays whenever necessary. Many of the follow- up cases have been discharged this year when the doctors deemed that the patients were sufficiently improved to warrant further treatment as unnecessary.
Andover had very few cases of German Measles reported dur- ing the year of 1936. Your Board of Health is ever striving to keep Andover healthy and is interested to know of a new medicine which may come to be widely and effectively used as a means of
128
modifying and preventing Measles. I refer to Placental Extract which has already been used in several thousand cases where children have been exposed to Measles. This medicine is as yet manufactured in small quantities, because its use is still in the experimental stage. It is to be hoped that this remedy will in- crease in use and effectiveness.
Routine inspections have been made from time to time in bakeries, restaurants, candy shops and other establishments en- trusted with the handling and preparation of food. Except for minor corrections which were cheerfully made by proprietors when requested, I can report that the above shops are clean and sanitary.
Owing to the increased travel by automobile, it has been diffi- cult to impress upon the public that it must refrain from throwing garbage and refuse on the roadsides. Let me urge you all to take pride in our town's appearance and cooperate with your Board of Health in discouraging this practice. Clean-up weeks help along these lines and during this last year have been very successful.
From the standpoint of health, conditions in Andover have been excellent during the past year. I would be happy if we can maintain or better our record for 1937. May I thank the towns- people for their past cooperation and solicit their continued interest and aid in the future.
All communicable diseases must be reported to the Board of Health by Physicians, Parents or Guardians.
Respectfully submitted,
LOTTA JOHNSON, R.N.
129
Milk Inspector's Report
To the Andover Board of Health:
I have the honor to submit my third annual report for the year 1936.
After inspection of premises and plants the following licenses were issued :
Milk and Cream Dealers (House and Store distributors) 16
Milk and Cream Retailers (Stores, Restaurants, etc.)
30
Oleomargarine
5
Pasteurization
6
Ice Cream-Wholesale Manufacturer
1
Ice Cream-Retail Manufacturer
2
This resulted in a revenue of $120.50 (one hundred twenty dollars and fifty cents) to the town.
While in process of distribution in dealer vehicles, chain stores, and other establishments the following number of samples were taken and analyzed:
Samples of Milk from Stores
42
Samples of Cream from Stores
18
Samples of Milk from Dealers 56
Samples of Cream from Dealers
10
Total 126
with the result that from 126 (one hundred twenty-six) samples taken 2 (two) samples of Milk and 4 (four) samples of Cream were found to be below the standard, however on second samples taken within a week they were up to the standard.
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