USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1935-1939 > Part 36
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For many years now the Andover Board of Health has taken advantage of the offer of the State Department of Health and the County Health facilities in its preventive work against the dread tuberculosis. Hundreds of children and adults have been X-rayed, tuberculin tested, and given physical examinations through these clinics. Tuberculosis is a reportable disease to your Board of Health and it then knows the contacts with the person suffering from this disease. Of course it is the duty of the Board of Health to try to stop the spread of this disease and we seek the cooperation of the townspeople and other health agencies. Your School Nurse in Andover has worked diligently with your Board of Health and it is very gratifying to note that so few new cases have been reported from possible dangerous contacts. Six child- ren, I believe, were sent to Health Camps during the past sum- mer months and now in following the record of these children I have found that they are making excellent progress. Fresh milk has been sent to some homes where some person suffers from
162
Tuberculosis in an effort to aid. I am proud to note that only one new case of Tuberculosis had to be hospitalized this year. If you or your children are not in good health, it would be wise to go to your family physician for an examination. If he advises an X-ray it can be arranged at a minimum cost to be done at either the Essex County Sanitarium or at the North Reading Sanitarium and your Board of Health will be only too pleased to help out in this matter.
Now let us turn to Infantile Paralysis. Most young children afflicted with this disease will indeed appreciate the many good things done for him or her by the mother, whose faithfulness and patience in the tedious treatment of the disease will make the burden of the afflicted one lighter in the years to come. For it is true that rigid and religious treatment is necessary. The essential course of treatment will be mapped out by the family physician and periodic visits to the doctor will enable the patient to keep on his treatment in the prescribed way. In my contacts with mothers who have visited special clinics with their afflicted child, I find that they have been very faithful in following advice and they deserve special praise for their efforts.
We of Andover have been fortunate in not having any cases of Diphtheria during the past year.
Of course the Health Board and the Health Nurse are interested in forms of diseases other than those which are communicable, but which cause high death rates for young and old alike. While Lobar Pneumonia is the only form of Pneumonia which is re- portable to the Board of Health, other forms also cause a high percentage of deaths. Respiratory ailments are usually very contagious and the sufferer from one of these ailments should do all in his or her power not only to protect the members of his or her own family, but also to protect the general public against infection. We know that even a common cold causes havoc. If a person suffering with a cold in its early stages will take good care of himself, he will be successful in staving off what might have been a Pneumonia case. The patient with a bad cold should con- sult his physician to determine whether he has developed Pneu- monia or is developing it. If so, he will stand a much better chance of recovery because he may secure a serum from the State De- partment of Health at once. Early contact with the doctor gives the doctor a chance to type the disease and determine the exact
163
nature of the complaint so that early and proper treatment may be prescribed at once.
Allow me to revert to the Baby Clinic. It has grown in size and usefulness every year since its inception. During 1938, some five hundred and thirty-seven visits were made to this clinic. Perhaps no money spent by the town affords a greater or more necessary service to the townspeople. Complete records are kept of each ยท baby. If your baby is well, keep it so by staying in the clinic right up to the time the child enters school. This Baby Clinic is held on the first and third Tuesday of the month from three to five o'clock.
The Pre-School Clinic for children is generally held in July and August. At this time mothers are invited to bring their children and a history card of health for this worthy examination. In cases where the parents are unable to defray the expenses of vaccina- tion, or an operation for adenoids and tonsils, these matters are taken care of free of charge.
Some rules and regulations of your Board of Health have been changed and anybody who wishes may obtain such rules from the Board of Health Office. In line with this, all garage and filling station proprietors should observe the new rules governing the sale of denatured alcohol. Those collecting and transporting ashes and garbage must obtain licenses from the Board of Health.
The usual inspections of any and all shops handling foods were made, for the most part were found in a good state. I am happy to report that all recommendations for improvements were com- plied with.
Certain types of nuisance increased this year. Until the public appreciated the fact that its neighbors have rights and show more interest in its community, there will be trouble of this nature. I ask you to do your best in 1939.
All communicable diseases must be reported to the Board of Health by Physicians, Parents or Guardians.
Your past cooperation is appreciated; your future cooperation is solicited.
Respectfully submitted,
LOTTA M. JOHNSON, R.N.
164
Milk Inspector's Report
January 1, 1939
To the Andover Board of Health:
I have the honor to submit my fifth annual report as Inspector of Milk for the year 1938.
After inspection of premises and dairy plants the following licenses were granted :
Milk and Cream (Dealers, Wholesalers, House to House) 20
Milk and Cream (retailers, stores, hotels and others) 45
Oleomargarine 5
Pasteurization 6
Ice Cream (wholesale manufacturer)
1
Ice Cream (retail manufacturer)
4
This resulted in a revenue of $140.00 to the town, an increase over year 1937 of $11.50 and year 1936 of $19.50.
While in process of distribution to consumers in dealer vehicles, chain stores and other establishments the following samples were taken and analyzed:
Samples of Milk-Stores 46
Samples of Cream-Stores
23
Samples of Milk-Dealers 61
Samples of Cream-Dealers 14
Total 144
Samples submitted for bacteria tests-27.
This makes a total of 171 samples analyzed during 1938. Of those taken for butterfat tests three samples of milk and two samples of cream were found to be below the standard, however on second samples taken within a week were found to be up to standard. There were four samples of milk found below the standard in those taken for bacteria tests.
There were twenty-seven analyses undertaken for butterfat tests for private individuals.
Twenty-two bottles and six cans were condemned and de- stroyed as unfit for use.
165
Two applicants for license to sell milk from out of town were refused license because of refusal to give source of milk and cream supply.
In addition to premises granted licenses to sell milk and cream there were 21 dairy farm inspections and 38 pasteurization plant inspections at unexpected intervals, also 21 ice cream cabinet or storage containers examined, all were found satisfactory except one pasteurization plant which after consultation with state required several weeks to correct.
Samples of milk supplied to school children of Andover were taken from several schools and cafeteria and submitted for bac- teria analysis, all samples were satisfactory.
During the rainy season last July many complaints were re- ceived about milk being off flavor-if bacteria count could have been determined this would have been corrected earlier since a complete investigation of farm conditions was necessary and after locating trouble no further difficulty was experienced.
The hurricane and flood of September 1938 caused all pasteur- ization plants to suspend operations due to failure of electrical power essential to operate apparatus used for pasteurization. One plant could have kept operating and did operate, due to private source of power, two days after hurricane only to suspend opera- tions on account of Shawsheen River which surrounded plant and flooded basement but water however did not touch first floor. Although cellar only was flooded the owner thoroughly sterilized and repainted the whole plant from top to bottom after which all equipment was sterilized before being used for processing in order to be sure there would be no danger to milk and cream processed at plant. A management of this type is to be congratulated.
During the past year bacteria counts were undertaken for the first time and ranged from 800 to nearly 500,000 in pasteurized an from 2,900 to nearly 900,000 in raw milk, counts of the larger figure are prohibited by regulations which provide for not more than 50,000. I recommend that steps be taken to procure an appropriation not to exceed $800 to purchase bacteria equip- ment and for improvement of quarters now used by inspector of milk. If bacteria counts are to be performed outside cost would average 73 cents per samples including transportation delivering samples to laboratory. Many calls are received for information
166
regarding counts of bacteria in milk and it is to be regretted that it can not be given at regular intervals as is done in numerous towns of similar population and in towns half the population of Andover. Should this work be taken to laboratories outside of Andover suggest a sum of $150 be procured for this work, but in the long run the purchase by the town of its own equipment will save money as apparatus is good for twenty years or more. With population of Andover steadily increasing more milk will be brought into town and will result in more samples being tested annually.
It is interesting to note that during my service as inspector of milk the milk supply both going out and coming into Andover has grown from an average of 16,000 quarts daily to over 55,000 quarts daily. This increased business will necessitate keeping regular hours at least once each week in order that both producers and distributors may have the oppostunity of procuring the latest information available on new legislation and other rules on milk.
In conclusion all milk and cream and oleomargarine licenses expire on the first day of June 1939, and must be renewed on or before that date. Before sale of any milk and cream is made premises must be inspected and license issued for which a fee of fifty cents is charged. This applies to all hotels, restaurants, stores and any other person selling milk and cream in any form.
Respectfully submitted,
ALFRED C. STACEY, Inspector of Milk
167
Report of Town Physician
January 2, 1939 1
Board of Selectmen Andover, Mass.
GENTLEMEN :
I, herewith submit the annual report of cases seen and treated by the undersigned, in the capacity of Town Physician, for the year ending December thirty-first, nineteen hundred thirty-eight.
House Calls
262
Office Calls
238
Maternity
2
Investigations
0
Respectfully,
JOHN J. HARTIGAN, M.D.
Report of Animal Inspector
Board of Selectmen
Andover, Mass.
GENTLEMEN :
I hereby submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1938.
746
Number of sheep inspected
Number of goats inspected 18
92
Number of interstate cattle identified and released
49
Number of dogs quarantined
68
Number of dogs affected with rabies
3
Respectfully submitted,
SIDNEY P. WHITE Animal Inspector
168
Number of cattle inspected
13
Number of barns inspected
Report of Building Inspector
February 6, 1939
Board of Selectmen, Andover, Massachusetts
GENTLEMEN:
I herewith submit my report as Building Inspector from Janu- ary 1, 1938 to December 31, 1938.
Dwellings (new)
52
Garages (new)
16
Additions and Alterations
39
Barn
1
Cow Shed
1
Kennel
1
Milk House
1
Storage Shed
1
Camp
1
Hen Houses
7
120
Dormitories in town containing eight or more rooms above the second floor were inspected to see that they complied with the law relative to safety appliances and a report of each inspection was sent to the Commissioner of Public Safety.
The estimated cost of new construction in the Town of Andover during the past year is $260,960.00, and of additions and alterations is $25,440.00, thus making a total estimated cost of $286,400.00.
Fees for building permits, amounting to one hundred and thirty-six dollars and fifty cents ($136.50), were collected by me and turned over to the Town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. DRISCOLL, Building Inspector
169
Report of Moth Superintendent
January 1, 1939
Board of Selectmen, Town of Andover
GENTLEMEN :
Infestation by the gypsy moth continues in the woodlands in several sections of the town. This condition causes general light infestation in the residential areas.
Two crews of W.P.A. men under Project Number 15,367 have been creosoting gypsy moth egg clusters in the woods at Foster's Pond and vicinity. They will operate also in other infested sec- tions. A few nests of the Brown Tail Moth were found. These will be eliminated under this project.
W.P.A. moth projects are sponsored and supervised by the Moth Department. No extra funds have been provided for this work. They have the use of a truck and are supplied with creo- sote, brushes, tools et cetera.
During the summer of 1938, National Youth Projects No. 15,267 and No. 16, 197 were carried out in Carmel Woods. Five to twelve young men employed, cut several acres of brush among the young pines.
A new spraying machine was purchased under Article Six; it proved to be of great assistance in the work of this department and is in fine condition. The tent caterpillar has been added to the list of insects which must be controlled.
There was a serious outbreak last summer of the Elm Leaf Beetle. Elm trees were attacked in many parts of the town that have not formerly been injured. This condition calls for addi- tional spraying and the cooperation of all owners of Elm trees.
In past years the Moth Department has carried on private spraying. I believe most of this work should be left to private enter- prise. Private spraying by this department has nearly doubled in the past two years and interferes greatly with the spraying of public trees, which must be given first consideration.
I believe that private spraying should be done only where it can be shown that Gypsy, Brown Tail or Tent caterpillars are
170
actually present. That the town cooperate with the owners of elm trees in the control of the Elm Leaf Beetle or in other emergency.
Trees broken by the hurricane are open to attacks of wood rot fungi, bark beetles, borers and other insects.
Therefore I recommend that $5000.00 be appropriated for the Moth Department.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE R. ABBOTT, Moth Superintendent
171
Report of Tree Warden
January 1, 1939
To the Citizens of Andover:
The Tree Department lost a valuable tree surgeon in the death of Frank Mckay, last summer. A lover of trees and a skilled tree surgeon, his knowledgeof tree problems was of great value to the tree department. He gave far more than he received. He was satisfied only with work well done.
The year 1938 was one of the most unusual as regards weather conditions. Unseasonably warm weather the third week of March brought out the leaves on many trees. Frequent rain kept the ground soft and wet and ruined many crops. On September twenty-first New England experienced the worst hurricane in its history. The wind was reported at from 73 to over 100 miles an hour. Millions of trees were blown over and broken off. The ground made soft by frequent rains was one reason so many trees were easily uprooted.
In Andover the wind increased during the afternoon and by four o'clock calls started coming in to the tree department re- porting trees and branches down. By five o'clock branches were flying in all directions, and trees blocked all the roads. The wind was at its height between five and seven o'clock. Electricity was shut off because of danger from broken wires. Six crews of men were sent out by the tree department and with the help of trucks, opened the streets for traffic. Police worked all night during the storm, directing traffic, and guarding dangerous places; and the Board of Public Works sent out as many crews of men as axes and saws could be obtained for. The men worked all night long de- pending on the headlights of trucks and machines for light to work by, while flashlights were used to find tools in the darkness. How inexperienced men escaped being injured in the darkness is hard to understand.
Morning found most of the streets open but what a sight. A survey was made of the damaged trees, and crews of men were sent out where the need was greatest. Extra tools arrived during the morning and extra men were put to work. W.P.A. men,
172
directed by the Board of Public Works, assisted in the work of clearing the streets. Crews of men cleared wires of hanging branches, and fallen trees so the citizens could have electric and telephone service as soon as possible. Experienced men from the tree department removed trees from many houses without further damage to the property. Street trees in a dangerous condition were removed as well as many private trees that fell into the street or threatened to do so.
Places where the hurricane caused great damage to trees were on Summer Street, near Whittier Street; at the junction of Sum- mer Street, Elm Street, and Florence Street; sections of Central Street; on Dascomb Road near Clark Road; and at Andover Street near the historical Abbot Homestead where the large old elm tree was destroyed as well as many other trees. A number of Norway Maples were uprooted on Riverina Road. These trees were pulled back into place and held with wire cable. Many other trees leaning at an angle were straightened. Among these was a large elm tree on School Street opposite Abbot Academy where over 250 feet of 3/8th inch cable was used to hold this tree in place. Cables put in by the tree department in the past two years to strengthen limbs of trees saved many valuable street trees from destruction.
There being no records of any kind in this office before May 1936, a count was made of all street trees in town. Excluding trees on State Highways and small trees on country roads; the count showed 15,922 street trees. Of this number 368 were blown down by the hurricane and over 150 more dangerous trees have since been removed. There still remain over 15,000 street trees in need of proper care and treatment.
A special town meeting of October 3rd appropriated an em- ergency fund for the removal of fallen trees, branches, and hang- ing limbs.
Pruning during the winter has been done mostly on elm, oak, and ash trees. Maples have not been pruned because, every time the weather warms up the sap flow pushes the paint off the cuts . and makes extra work later on. Maple trees will be pruned during the summer when the leaves take up the sap flow.
Many trees have broken roots, split crotches, and there are thousands of broken branches. As many more trees may be lost during the next few years as were lost in the hurricane if they are
173
not properly cared for soon. The greatest and most important task lies ahead of us.
Street trees need special care to overcome growing conditions in the form of hard pavement, overhead wires, 'and underground pipes. Our more valuable trees should receive attention every three years. Andover is known for the beauty of its trees. As has been said, "Trees are the front yard of a town."
In the past it has been impossible to give all our trees proper care. I have been able to employ but three regular men for the work of the tree and moth departments. Since the hurricane several men have received training and gained much experience. They have studied subjects connected with their work and at- tended an evening course in Tree Surgery and Insect control at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a member of a tree expert company as instructor. Nine men are now qualified and available for tree work. At least six trained and experienced men should be employed regularly by the tree department; two to be skilled tree surgeons and four to be experienced tree workers.
Many trees will be needed to replace the ones destroyed. I believe it wise to spread this work over a period of years.
For the Tree Department I recommend the sum of $9,900 be appropriated.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE R. ABBOTT, Tree Warden
174
Spring Grove Cemetery
The Trustees of Spring Grove Cemetery beg to submit their annual report for the year 1938.
The following improvements to Cemetery have been finished this year. Main entrance to Cemetery has been widened, curbed and landscaped.
East Side
Have installed 500 feet of drain pipe to take care of surface water caused by heavy rains in fall of year, three acres of land have been plowed, harrowed and seeded with rye. Addition of a new two grave section.
West Side
Old curbing has been removed on all the remaining old lots with permission of owners.
An extension of 20 feet has been added to storage building and entire floor surface has been laid with concrete. This is for storage of machines and tools. Work done by cemetery employees. Have planted 350 trees of several varieties including a hedge on both east and west sides. Trees are all from our own nursery.
We lost twelve large trees due to hurricane in fall. These have been removed; no further damage was done.
Plans for 1939 other than regular work, call for further curbing and improvement of roads and beautification of cemetery.
We again call to the attention of all lot owners whose lots are not under perpetual care, the advisability of giving this matter consideration. Prices and full information are on file with Supt. or Clerk.
Cemetery is on a cash basis, all work done on lots is at cost. All lots are sold with Perpetual Care. Visitors are welcome.
The total receipts from Spring Grove Cemetery returned to town for 1938 were $6708.15.
WALTER E. CURTIS, Chairman FRED E. CHEEVER, Secretary JOHN M. ERVING SAMUEL P. HULME DAVID R. LAWSON GAVIN McGHIE ARTHUR K. JENKINS
175
Sealer of Weights and Measures
December 31, 1938
To the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Andover:
GENTLEMEN :
I hereby submit my annual report for the year 1938.
SCALES
Adjusted Sealed Condem.
Platform over 10,000 lbs.
1
5
0
Platform over 5000 1bs.
1
4
0
Platform under 5000 lbs.
19
51
1
Counter 100 lbs. or over
0
5
0
Counter under 100 lbs.
1
56
1
Beam over 100 lbs.
0
1
0
Spring 100 lbs. or over
0
6
0
Spring under 100 lbs.
14
59
2
Computing under 100 lbs.
6
31
0
Personal weighing (slot)
0
20
1
Prescription
0
5
0
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Avoirdupois
0
268
1
Apothecary
0
66
0
Metrics
0
16
0
Liquid Measures
0
40
0
Oil Jars
0
51
0
Meters over 1 inch
0
3
0
Gasoline Pumps
1
73
1
Oil Measuring Pumps
0
22
0
Grease Measuring Pumps
0
23
0
Quantity Measures on Pumps
0
87
0
Yardsticks
0
18
0
I have collected from December 1, 1937 to November 30, 1938, $130.51 (one hundred and thirty dollars and fifty-one cents.) Respectfully submitted,
LEWIS N. MEARS
176
Report of Wire Inspector
January 12, 1939
Board of Selectmen, Andover, Mass.
GENTLEMEN:
I hereby submit the following report on Wire Inspections covered by me for the year 1938.
Number of Inspections
Collected and turned over to the Treasurer, Town of Andover $107.50
215
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM J. YOUNG, Wire Inspector
177
Town of Andover - Jury List JUNE, 1938
Abbott, Hartwell B. Alexander, John P.
Student
Machinist
Farmer
Real Estate
Salesman
Barrett, John S.
Clerk Janitor
8 Elm St.
Beirne, Francis X.
Bookkeeper
9 Bartlet St. 83 Pine St.
Berry, Ralph T.
Tree Worker
Bissett, James T.
Pattern Maker
Blomquist, Bror G.
Electrician
Borneman, Frank J.
Carpenter
Brown, George B.
Shipper
B'uote, Larry B.
Engineer
Burtt, John A.
Retired
Buxton, Ira
Carpenter
Buxton, Walter E.
Painter
Cairnie, Henry
Laborer
Cairnie, Robert Y.
Retired
Chadwick, Nathaniel
Clerk
Chambers, Arthur S.
Farmer
Cheever, W. Abbott
Artist
63 Chestnut St. Center St.
Comber, Joseph
Signal Operator
Cook, Charles S.
Bookkeeper
101 Elm St. Osgood St.
Craik, James B.
Painter
Curtis, Walter E.
Salesman
Dobbie, Robert
Truckman
Dole, Percy J.
Trucking 19 Washington Ave.
Dufton, George C. H.
Contractor 4 Dufton Rd. Rubber Worker 53 Summer St. Farmer Lowell St.
Ellis, Franklin T.
Laborer 109 Elm St.
Fairweather, James D.
Fallon, Joseph E., Jr.
Accountant
Poultryman 15 Abbot St. 2 Summer St. Holt Rd.
Feeney, Byron J.
Salesman
178
98 North Main St. 49 Union St. Prospect Rd. 29 Main St. Boston Rd. 72 Chestnut St. South Main St. 19 Summer St. 120 North Main St. 18 Baker Lane 4 Main St. Terr. Lowell St.
Corliss, William B.
Farmer
3 Essex Place Dascomb Rd. Dufton Rd.
Dwyer, Michael M.
Eaton, Charles A.
115 Red Spring Rd. 74 Summer St. Ballardvale Rd. 12 High St. 73 Chestnut St. 63 Burnham Rd.
Anderson, Ernest E. Barnard, W. Shirley Barnes, James A.
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