USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1940-1944 > Part 48
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Budgets in Aid to Dependent Children have gone up consid- erably, and as they do, the cost to the town increases. The Fed- eral Government will only reimburse for fifty per cent of $18.00 for the first child, and fifty per cent of $12.00 for each additional child. The state reimburses one third of the total cost. At the start of the year, we were aiding ten families with twenty-seven children, while at the close of the year, we were aiding nine families with twenty-four children.
145
General Relief has remained about the same through 1944. There were no employable cases aided, the aid in general being for the care of children, and of persons, ineligible for Old Age Assistance.
On August first, the selectmen set up a new office on the second floor of the Town Hall, for Veterans' Benefits. The town is very fortunate in obtaining the services of Mr. Francis P. Markey to carry on this work. Mr. Markey has had a great deal of experi- ence in veterans' affairs, and with the 150 veterans who have returned, and the boys on furlough, he has been very busy. This office will take care of Soldiers' Relief, State and Military Aid, and War Allowance, which were formerly handled by the Welfare Department. A report of the activities of this office will be found elsewhere in this book.
At this time, we wish to thank all organizations and private citizens who have assisted our board.
Respectfully submitted,
ROY E. HARDY, Chairman J. EVERETT COLLINS EDWARD P. HALL Board of Selectmen
ARTHUR W. COLE, Welfare Agent
146
Office of Veterans' Service
The Office of Veterans' Service submits the first annual report on the service to and rehabilitation of Andover Veterans of All Wars.
On August 1st, 1944 the Board of Public Welfare passed over to this office the following duties: Soldiers' Relief, War Allow- ance, State Aid and Military Aid. This new office also assumed the responsibilities of the application and execution of the di- versified benefits of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 and the procurement of work for the returning veterans as re- employment committeeman of the local office of Selective Service.
The Department of Soldiers' Relief expended $1757.26 on 7 cases; $200.00 on 2 cases of State Aid; $65.00 on 2 cases of War Allowance and $50.00 on 1 case of Military Aid. The recently enacted pension for the widows of World War I will bring a little relief in this department within the next few months but this will be offset in the near future by the ever increasing demands during the period of readjustment.
During the period of August 1st, 1944 to December 31st, 1944 inclusive, 418 conferences on veteran affairs were held; 62 con- ferences with relatives of men still in service and 41 conferences with men while home on furlough, totaling 521 conferences. On January 1st, 1945 Andover's casualty list showed 25 Dead; 3 Missing and 8 Prisoners of War. Of our 159 discharged men and women, 49 are disabled.
The Home Service Division of the local Red Cross Chapter and the Andover Servicemen's Fund Association have been most helpful and cooperative in our veteran problem. Many dollars have been given by these two fine organizations to veteran cases which ordinarily would have to be paid for from taxation.
At this time we cannot fully visualize the extent and scope of this veteran problem. We know it will be greater and greater as the tide of returning veterans rises but we face the future with determination and courage in the knowledge that a grateful town
147
appreciates the sacrifices made by our men and women who went forth into the service of their country.
Respectfully submitted,
ROY E. HARDY, Chairman J. EVERETT COLLINS EDWARD P. HALL Board of Selectmen
FRANK P. MARKEY, Agent
148
Andover Town Infirmary
The Town Infirmary has cared for fifteen townspeople during 1944, providing a good home and nursing care.
They have been generously remembered throughout the year, especially at Christmas time, by several friends in town, as well as organizations.
I feel that Mrs. Frank L. Brigham should receive much credit for the fine work she has done here over a period of fifteen years as our official visitor appointed by the State. She has the welfare and interest of our people in mind at all times and visits them each month, always with some remembrance for each one, also sending them fruit on holidays and a gift on each birthday.
The rooms in the Convalescent Home have all been filled through the year, many people having been denied admittance due to lack of room and acute shortage of help.
We have turned over to the town thirty-three hundred and thirty-one dollars ($3331.00) from the Convalescent Home and paying patients in the Infirmary section.
Number of inmates January 1, 1944
10
Number admitted during the year
5
Number discharged during the year 5
Number of deaths 1
Number between one and forty years of age 0
Number between forty and fifty years of age
2
Number between fifty and sixty years of age 1
Number between sixty and seventy years of age 5
Number between seventy and eighty years of age 2
Number between eighty and ninety years of age 3
Number between ninety and one hundred years of age 2
Number of inmates January 1, 1945 9
Respectfully submitted,
BERTHA W. THORNTON, Matron
149
Fire Department
To the Board of Selectmen
Andover, Massachusetts
GENTLEMEN :
I have the honor to submit my fourth annual report as Chief of the Andover Fire Department.
During the year 1944 the department answered the following alarms: 101 bell (4 false) ; 245 still; total 346.
The total valuation of buildings where fires occurred $426,450. Losses incurred totaled : $22,370.
Hose was laid as follows: 14,200 feet of 212" hose, 20,300 feet of 11/2" hose, 33,650 feet of 1" or forestry hose, 36,000 feet of.3/4" or booster hose; total hose laid : 104,150 feet; total feet of ladders raised 520.
Ambulance calls for the year totaled 540, of which number 33 were handled by the Chief's car; 13 by Deputy Cole's car; 1 by Ralph Baker, 1 by police, 1 by North Andover Ambulance.
On January 1, 1944 the equipment consisted of :
Year
1 Combination pump, hose, and booster truck 1914
1 Combination pump, hose, and booster truck 1928
1 Combination pump, hose, and booster truck 1937
1 65 foot Jr. aerial ladder truck .
1941
1 Ambulance
1926
1 Ambulance
1 Forest fire truck 1937
1940
1 Chief's car-Ford sedan 1941
2 500 gallon trailer pumps, Aux. Fire Department 1942
Hose on hand includes: 7000 feet of 212", 4500 feet of 11/2", 3000 feet of 1", 1400 feet of 3/4".
During the year we lost one man from the call force when James Williams entered the navy. Sanborn Caldwell was ap- pointed to fill this vacancy for the duration. In October, Wilson Crawford, provisional appointee, resigned to take another posi-
150
1 Forest fire truck
1923
tion. Herbert Brown, a call fireman of many years experience, took over Mr. Crawford's duties.
The resignation of Deputy Chief Hilton, in December, left a vacancy which has been filled by the provisional appointment of Lieut. Albert Cole as Deputy. Kerr Spark has been provision- ally appointed Lieut. At the end of the year, one vacancy still existed, but contact had been made with the Veterans Affairs Office in the hope that a veteran might be found who would qualify for the position.
Several emergencies during the past year have made increasing- ly evident the urgent need for more manpower in our department.
The new pumper authorized by the Town Meeting is on order and delivery is expected in the near future. This new pumper will take the place of engine 2 in Ballardvale which is thirty-one years . old.
Respectfully submitted,
C. EDWARD BUCHAN
Chief, Andover Fire Department
151
Police Department
To the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Andover
GENTLEMEN :
I hereby submit my report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1944.
Miscellaneous complaints received and investigated 563
Ambulance calls covered by police
24
Summons served for out of town police
44
Automobiles stolen in Andover
5
Automobiles recovered in Andover
7
Automobiles recovered out of town
6
Bicycles stolen in Andover
5
Bicycles recovered in Andover
24
Breaks in camps and dwellings
19
Doors in business district found open and secured
105
Lost children found and returned to parents
15
Runaway children returned to parents or Institutions
18
Dogs killed by automobiles.
28
Dogs shot or gassed by the police
19
Cats killed by automobiles and reported to police
13
Live wires down and guarded by the police
14
Street lights out and reported to the Lawrence Gas & Elec.
242
Dogs lost and returned to owners
57
Number of persons bitten by dogs
22
B. of H. and Animal Inspector notified on dog bites
22
Cattle lost and returned to owners
9
Dead bodies cared for by police
2
Suicides reported and investigated by police
2
Persons notified for out of town police
56
Lights put out in dangerous places
10
Tramps put up for the night in the lockup
3
Dwelling houses inspected while owners were away
49
Articles found and returned to owners
34
Summons served on local complaints in Andover
13
Persons taken out of rivers and ponds
6
Fires discovered and reported by the police
5
152
Fires put out by police
3
Missing persons reported and located by police 4
Automobile tires recovered, previously stolen 6
10
26
20
9
Persons taken to hospitals by police in cruisers
11
Hens killed by dogs and checked by police
13
Bell alarms of fires investigated by police
3
Bell alarms of fire covered by police
35
False alarms of fires investigated by police
3
Jury summons served on Andover persons
7
Burglar alarms set off and investigated by police
13
Railroad accident investigated by police
1
Railroad accident caused by boys
1
TOTAL ARRESTS FOR THE YEAR OF 1944
Throwing or dumping rubbish on a public street
3
Drunkenness
43
Non-support
3
Larceny of money and property and autos
4
Violations of all night parking laws
1
Concealing leased property
1
Operating an automobile under influence of liquor and drunk
10
Operating an automobile so as the life and safety of public is endangered
1
Violation of Ex. Order No. 35 (speeding)
11
Operating under the influence of liquor and leaving the scene of accident
1
Operating an auto after suspension of license
2
Violation of the laws of the road
1
Operating to endanger and leaving the scene of accident
1
Arrests on default Warrants
4
United States Army deserter
1
Assault and battery
3
Violation of Board of Health regulations
1
Misappropriation of automobiles
3
Runaway girl
1
153
Water leaks in streets reported by police to B. of P. W. Lights left on in public buildings and owners notified Tree Dept. notified on limbs and trees down Persons taken to Danvers State Hospital in police cruiser Horses shot by police
1
Unlicensed dog
1
Operating an un-registered and un-insured automobile 2
Operating an automobile without a license Disturbance
3
Vagrancy
1
Delinquency (larceny and breaking and entering)
5
Neglect of minor children
1
Registering bets on the speed of horses
1
Allowing an improper person to operate an automobile 1 Total Number of arrests 111
Arrested for out of Town Police
6
Turned over to Federal Bureau of Indentification 1
Drunks released by Probation Officer
38
Found guilty and sent to House of Correction
9
Sentenced to Lyman School 1
Sentenced to Bridgewater State Farm
1
Total amount of fines paid in District Court $2,150.00
Superior Court $50.00
POLICE DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT
1 1942 Plymouth Sedan
1 1940 Plymouth Sedan
3 Harley Davidson Motorcycles
Two-way Police Radio 50 Watt Transmitter
3 Receiving sets in cars
1 regular Radio for alert messages war defense
One-way Police Radio set in Shawsheen connected with Head- quarters Station
2 Bullet Proof Vests
1 Camera
2 Gas Guns
2 Gas Billies
16 38 Special Revolvers
30 Gas Grenades
2 22 Cal. Target Pistols
2 Riot Guns
150 Riot Clubs
100 Steel Helmets
154
1
The police have been under the same working conditions as of 1943. We have four men from the Police Department in the armed services and we expect to have another one go into service some time this year 1945. All regular Officers have been working overtime to keep up the efficiency of the Department. If the war continues it is going to be a very serious problem in getting men to work as reserve officers as well as regular officers.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE A. DANE, Chief of Police
155
Board of Health Nurse and Agent
To the Board of Health and Towns people of Andover:
I herewith submit my report as Board of Health Nurse and Agent for the Town of Andover for the year 1944.
1944
1943
1942
Trichinosis
1
0
0
Dog Bite
45
46
48
Tuberculosis
4
8
5
Scarlet Fever
24
10
14
Chicken Pox
186
30
16
Whooping Cough
26
34
19
Measles
31
78
82
Mumps
26
46
113
Gonorrhea
0
1
3
Syphilis
4
3
1
German Measles
2
149
20
Lobar Pneumonia
1
1
3
Para Typhoid
0
1
1
Cerebral Spinal Meningitis
3
1
0
Typhoid
1
0
0
354
408
325
DEATHS FROM CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
Lobar Pneumonia
1
1
3
Tuberculosis
3
2
2
Cerebral Spinal Meningitis
1
0
0
5
3
5
TUBERCULOSIS REGISTER IN ANDOVER
Cases January 1, 1944
1944
23
1943
23
Moved in from other places
1
0
New Cases
4
28
5
28
Deaths
3
1
Diagnosis revoked
0
0
156
Inactive list Moved away
1
0
3
7
4
5
On Register December 31, 1944
Total
21
23
Contacts new cases
10
8
Contacts new cases X-rayed
10
7
In Sanatoria
8
6
-
TUBERCULOSIS
Tuberculosis is a germ disease caused by the tubercle bacillus. When, as more often occurs, its presence is found in the lungs, it is described as pulmonary tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis meningitis is confined chiefly to infants.
Owing to our increasing contacts in the future, an increase of Tuberculosis is feared. However an encouraging fact is that since 1900 the death rate in Massachusetts from this disease has declined 80% up to 1944. This is due to special efforts to detect the presence of the disease in its early stage. Every man taken in our armed forces is subjected to an X-ray test. In Essex County all employees of our industrial concerns can now be given this X-ray without charge.
These X-ray tests are vitally important for they detect the presence of the disease before it makes its presence felt in any outward symptoms and this paves the way for speedy recovery.
A substantial amount of money obtained by the purchase of Tuberculosis Seals will be used to defray the cost of X-raying our High School students. This work will be carried on by the State X-ray personnel assisted by the School Nurse and the Board of Health Nurse.
In this connection I wish personally to thank the school nurse and the tuberculosis committee for their hearty and sustained cooperation.
MALARIA
Inquiries have been made of Malaria-its cause, its symptoms and its treatment. Malaria is caused by a kind of mosquito found in Massachusetts and some other states whose bite transmits the poison to human beings. Its breeding time is only during three or four months of the year. Unfavorable weather conditions,
157
such as high winds and extreme cold, destroy the greater number of these pests.
A certain species of female mosquito called Anopheles, may transmit malaria two weeks after having bitten a malaria patient.
She picks up the parasites from his blood and if after two weeks she bites a person, he will doubtless be given the disease.
The usual symptoms of malaria are ague, chills, fever, aching pains and paleness. These attacks occur at intervals depending on the type of parasite in the blood of the diseased person. There are mild cases that occasion only a feeling of dullness and weari- ness.
Sanitary conditions should be carefully maintained. If swamps and stagnant water cannot be drained off, their surface should be given a generous coating of oil.
Screening of buildings is of course of prime importance.
If a case of malaria is known to exist in any community, extra sanitary precautions must be maintained to prevent its spread. To avoid unnecessary suffering, a patient should consult his physician as early as possible.
TRICHINOSIS
A case of Trichinosis was reported to the Board of Health this year. This was an imported case.
The cause of this disease is a worm named Trichina, often lodged in the intestines and muscles where it breeds very rapidly. Early medical treatment is necessary to prevent its increase.
The most common cause of this disease is located in swine and is transmitted by the eating of pork products insufficiently cooked. It requires long and intense heat to kill this worm and its larva.
TYPHOID FEVER
There was also but one case of Typhoid Fever reported to the Board of Health this year. Investigation revealed the patient had contracted the disease out of town. Tests were given and neces- sary specimens of this contact were sent immediately to the Bacteriological State Laboratory for examination. Fortunately the results were found to be negative.
By good sanitation and personal hygiene typhoid fever can be avoided.
158
CLINICS
Three free clinics are held in Andover each year: the Baby Clinic on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 3 to 5 P.M .; the Diphtheria Clinic each fall and the Dog Clinic in each spring.
The Baby Clinic is designed to give health advice to mothers of young babies. Mothers are urged to attend these clinics and during the last six months the attendance has doubled, an evi- dence of their helpfulness and of appreciation by the mothers.
The Diphtheria Clinic is for children who have not been in- oculated against this disease before entering school. A gratifying number of these children are found to have been treated against this disease before entering school.
Mortality from this disease is greater in the younger children, therefore every child should be given treatment soon after it is six months old.
The Dog Clinic is designed to prevent Rabies-poisonous dog bites. Some 45 cases of dog bites have been reported this year, but thus far no Rabies have resulted.
I have here tabulated all the contageous and communicable diseases reported to the Board of Health this year.
Much detail and unpublished work has been done by your Board of Health to safe-guard the health of our people and they merit the hearty cooperation of all our citizens in an effort to place Andover among the healthiest towns in our Commonwealth.
All contagious and communicable diseases must be reported to the Board of Health by the physician, parent or guardian. Failure to observe this law carries a penalty.
LOTTA M. JOHNSON, R.N.
159
Milk Inspector's Report
To the Andover Board of Health:
As Inspector of Milk I hereby submit my report for the year 1944.
After inspection of premises the following licenses were granted :
Milk and Cream (all classes) 40
Oleomargarine Registrations 11
Pasteurization Establishments 7
Ice Cream Manufacturers 4
There were 76 samples of milk and 30 samples of cream taken from various sources and tested for butterfat, 3 milk and 5 cream were found to be below the standard, on second samples taken within a week were found to be up to standard. Seventy bottles and thirty-six cans were condemned as unfit for use.
In addition to premises granted licenses to sell milk and for renewal licenses there were 119 additional pasteurization plant, 30 ice cream plant, and 120 milk plant inspections. In many cases violations were found and were corrected as soon as those re- sponsible were notified.
As usual many complaints were received regarding milk and cream being off flavor; investigation showed many were justified and after checking sources of milk and inspection of premises the reason was determined; after warning against repetition of careless handling no further complaints were received. This does not include complaints received during the hot weather which were corrected through co-operation of distributor and consumer.
There is no doubt that at various times this town has been a dumping ground for inferior cream which meets the butterfat test but will not pass the bacteria requirements. When this town has facilities for bacteria tests there is no doubt that in the future the quality of cream will be raised. It will continue to be dis- tributed and provisions should be made for bacteria tests on any suspicious samples in order that milk and cream of the highest quality possible may be distributed. A survey of towns similar to
160
Andover in population show Andover far behind other towns in this respect.
Due to shortage of butter there was a large increase in oleo- margarine licenses granted over previous years, only that product approved by the government is allowed to be sold, other brands have to await approval of government laboratories before any sale is permitted, by purchasing oleomargarine from dealers registered with this office can consumers be sure of quality in oleomargarine.
Two more pasteurization plants were placed in use in Andover making a total of 7. A survey by your inspector shows that Andover has more pasteurization plants than any other town of similar size and more than many cities of greater population. During 1945 there may be an additional plant if plans are carried out as scheduled.
There was a critical shortage of milk during the summer months and it was necessary to discontinue deliveries to stores and other places at different times. With constant hard work and contacts every consumer in Andover found his quart of milk as scheduled on the doorstep. Consumers little realize how much labor is involved in producing that quart of milk and delivering it every other day. When difficulties in farm labor are considered it seems like a miracle performed, and it is safe to say that our milk producers and other farmers are the unseen heroes in this period of distress. Farmers work seven days a week rarely a day off and at times 14 hours per day and when illness strikes they keep plugging and a farmer has to be really ill before he gives up. His producing cows must be fed and milked daily, they cannot be shut down like other business otherwise there would be a serious shortage of milk. It is to be hoped that at the end of the war our farmers will be able to take time out and enjoy life as a business man does.
One local farm was struck by lightning with disastrous results to the milk supply, with many high quality producing cows lost in the fire which followed. Considering conditions existing today the courageous leadership of this farmer in restoring his produc- tion to a normal basis is commendable. Such leadership will always guarantee a milk supply and places all farmers in a class with those making materials to win the war. At the conclusion of the war let us not forget the farmers who produced milk and kept
161
that quart of milk coming to your doorstep on schedule and do everything possible to help him enjoy life even better than he has in the past.
In conclusion I wish to thank all producers, distributors, and other handlers of milk and cream, also oleomargarine, for their co-operation in helping to keep the quality of dairy products sold to Andover Consumers at a high level and hope they will con- tinue to complain about inferior products so that Andover con- sumers will have the best quality possible at all times.
All milk, cream and oleomargarine licenses expire on June 1st, 1945 and must be renewed on or before that date. This applies to all stores, hotels, restaurants and any other establishments or persons selling milk and cream in any form regardless of amount.
Respectfully, yours
ALFRED C. STACEY, Inspector of Milk
162
Report of Town Physician
Board of Selectmen
Town of Andover Andover, Massachusetts
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 forty-four.
House calls
264
Office calls 375
Maternity
0
Investigations 3
Respectfully yours,
JOHN J. HARTIGAN
163
Report of Building Inspector
December 31, 1944
Board of Selectmen, Andover, Massachusetts
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit my report as Building Inspector from Jan- uary 1, 1944 to December 31, 1944:
Dwellings (new)
1
Additions and Alterations
40
Garages
13
Poultry Houses
9
Storage Sheds
5
Packing House
1
Tool House
1
Milk House
1
Camp
1
Conservatory
1
Barn
1
Rabbit Coop
1
75
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 during the past year is $8,510.00 and additions and alterations, $22,588.00.
Fees for building permits and elevator licenses amounting to fifty-two dollars and fifty cents were collected by me and turned over to the Town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. DRISCOLL, Building Inspector
164
Report of Tree Warden
January 1, 1945
To the Citizens of Andover:
During 1944 many severe wind storms caused great damage to our public trees and increased greatly the time spent on cleanup work and removal of broken trees and branches. On June 16th a thunder storm accompanied by high winds destroyed twelve trees and damaged many others. On the night of September 14th the second hurricane within six years occurred which destroyed over thirty trees and damaged many more, some of which had to be removed.
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