USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1940-1944 > Part 9
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Although many cases of Whooping Cough were reported, most cases were mild in form. The public seems to be coming aware of the fact that medical science can do much to relieve the intensity of this disease, although the spasmodic period of coughing is not lowered to any great extent.
Again I call attention to the law relating to Wood Alcohol or any substance containing such alcohol. Such liquid must be properly labelled; there must be a license granted to sell and the license fees must be paid promptly upon expiration date.
The Board of Health is prepared to rigidly enforce all laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the health of Andover. With the continued cooperation of the townspeople, Andover will be able to maintain its high standard of health.
All communicable diseases must be reported by Physicians, Parents or Guardians.
Respectfully submitted, LOTTA M. JOHNSON, R.N.
177
Milk Inspector's Report
To the Andover Board of Health:
As Inspector of Milk I hereby submit my annual report for year 1940:
After inspection of all premises and dairy plants following licenses were granted :
Milk and Cream (dealers, house-to-house, wholesalers) 24
Milk and Cream (retailers, stores, hotels and others) 42
Oleomargarine 5
Maintaining establishment for pasteurization of milk and cream 6
Wholesale Ice Cream Manufacturer
1
Retail Ice Cream Manufacturer
5
This resulted in a revenue of $143.50 to the town.
While in process of distribution in distributor vehicles, chain stores, and other establishments, following samples were taken and analyzed :
Milk samples (stores) 51
Cream samples (stores) 28
Milk samples (dealers) 69
Cream samples (dealers) 17
Ice Cream Mix samples 12
Ice Cream samples 26
From above samples 5 milk, 9 cream and 1 ice cream sample were below standard in butterfat but on second sample within a week were up to standard.
214 bottles and 21 cans were condemned and destroyed.
One license was held up and then granted conditionally.
One local distributor was warned to cap bottles as required by state and town regulations after being detected capping bottles by hand.
In addition to inspection of premises granted licenses, there were 79 pasteurization plant and 33 dairy farm inspections, also 29 ice cream cabinets were examined and inspected at unexpected
178
intervals. Many conditions were found requiring correction which were promptly carried out by those responsible. 20 inspections were made of establishments holding licenses to manufacture ice cream, at frequent intervals.
Eight distributors were warned during the year to have vehi- cles properly marked and identified as required by law; all co- operated promptly.
As usual summer months brought forth many complaints re- garding milk and cream being off flavor. Many were corrected by co-operation between dealer and consumer by having milk left in a shady spot away from direct sunlight, and by consumer removing dairy products to cooler or ice as soon as possible. It is gratifying to report that all distributors with exception of one and that 5 of Andover's six pasteurization plants are equipped with automatic mechanical refrigeration, insuring all dairy pro- ducts being kept at uniform temperature until delivery to con- sumer. Keeping dairy products under mechanical refrigeration has been a fine factor as these complaints are growing less each year.
Construction of a modern cheese plant was undertaken in town during latter part of 1940 and will be in operation during early months of 1941.
A new test for pasteurized milk known as "phos-phase" test is one of finest tests ever developed for testing quality of past- eurized milk, since in a minimum of time and very low cost one is able to determine at plant whether or not any fresh milk has been mixed with pasteurized, if milk was properly pasteurized, and if any old pasteurized milk was repasteurized with a fresh batch. A positive reaction will result in milk and cream being rejected at any plant from delivery. It is planned to perform this test in all plants during 1941 from time to time.
Many requests have been made for figures on amount of milk sold in Andover to its consumers. This figure varies considerably from time to time since there are two large preparatory schools in town and also due to two large processing plants which process and sell nearly 41,000 quarts daily with only 3% sold in Andover. Cream is not included which amounts to nearly 600 quarts daily. From figures determined last June at time of renewing licenses, and excluding that consumed by two preparatory schools, about
179
4050 quarts milk daily and 65 quarts cream are distributed among Andover's population.
In conclusion all milk, cream, and oleomargarine licenses ex- pire on first day of June 1941, and must be renewed on or before that date. Before any sale of milk and cream is made premises must be inspected and licenses 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
180
Report of Town Physician
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 forty.
House Calls 285
Office Calls 209
Maternity
1
Investigations
1
Respectfully yours,
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, 1940:
Number of Cattle Inspected
801
Number of Sheep Inspected
6
Number of Goats Inspected
3
Number of Swine Inspected
165
Number of Barns Inspected
84
Number of Interstate Cattle Identified and Released
57
Number of Dogs Quarantined
71
Number of Dogs Affected with Rabies
0)
Respectfully submitted,
February 10, 1941
SIDNEY P. WHITE Animal Inspector
181
Report of Building Inspector
December 31, 1940
Board of Selectmen, Andover, Massachusetts
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit my report as Building Inspector from Janu- ary 1, 1940 to December 1, 1940:
Dwellings (new)
70
Garages (new)
16
Additions and Alterations
56
Poultry Houses
6
Workshop
1
Barn
1
Radio Tower
1
Store
1
Storage Sheds
4
Ice House
1
Filling Station
1
Boat House
1
Play House
1
Camp
1
161
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 in- spection was sent to the Commissioner of Public Safety.
The estimated cost of new construction in the Town of Andover during the past year is $403,223.00, and of additions and altera- tions is $77,413.00, thus making a total estimated cost of $480,- 636.00.
Fees for building permits, amounting to two hundred dollars ($200.00), were collected by me and turned over to the Town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. DRISCOLL, Building Inspector
182
Report of Tree Warden
January 1, 1941 To the Citizens of Andover:
During the past year the tree department has continued its work of pruning trees, strengthening weakened and cracked branches and split crotches caused by the hurricane of 1938. A small amount of cavity work was done and scars repaired. It is impossible to find and strengthen all these weakened branches in time to save them, and several fell during the year, two blocking the highway until cleaned up by this department. Fortunately no one was passing at the moment the branches crashed to the ground.
Again I call your attention to the need for additional experi- enced tree workers, and funds to hasten repair and feeding weak- ened trees. Every year of delay in the care of these trees means added cost of repair work and the loss of many good trees. The average amount spent for labor in the tree department is $3300 or enough to employ but two experienced men for a year. Twenty- five percent of this amount is spent on brush cutting on the road- sides, thus reducing the time of work spent on trees.
Leading tree authorities and tree research laboratories of New England find in their work many hidden injuries developing in storm damaged trees. Wood rot fungus is starting in many strained and cracked branches and scars on trees.
Many trees show root weakness and the need for feeding for root development. Pruning and repair work aid in storm proofing trees. Fungus diseases, borers and bark beetles increase greatly in dead and broken branches and weak trees. The European bark beetles are present in eastern Massachusetts and increase greatly in dead and weakened trees. These beetles are known carriers of the Dutch Elm Disease. Fortunately no disease is known to exist here but all dead and broken elm trees need to be removed, to destroy the feeding places of these beetles and thereby reduce their number as far as possible.
The tree warden placed an article in the annual town warrant last March for an appropriation of six hundred dollars for new trees, loam and fertilizer. This article did not pass but fortunately for the town, the Andover Village Improvement Society provided the town with forty-five Norway maple trees, which were planted
183
on Stratford road and on Shawsheen Heights while George Cairns furnished all the loam for the trees in the latter location. The tree warden was able to set out thirty-two trees, only by using money from the labor item of his budget. This was accomplished by one man being off the payroll a short time doing inspection work with the New England Forestry Company.
Again I call your attention to the need for several hundred new shade trees on new streets and to replace trees that were des- troyed by the hurricane.
The Shawsheen Village Woman's Club furnished the town with a Norway spruce tree to help beautify the town and to be used for lighting during the Christmas season. The tree warden cooperated with the club by planting the tree for them in the William M. Wood Memorial Park.
During the winter and spring months of 1940 electric line clearing in the trees was carried out over a large part of the town by the Lawrence Gas and Electric Co. This work was done in a very capable manner by men from the New England Forestry Company, under the supervision of James Buss of this tree de- partment.
Several miles of brush were cut on the roadsides and at danger- ous corners and intersections this past summer with some assist- ance from the men sent from the welfare department. About the first of October these men obtained other employment and dur- ing the fall it was necessary to stop work on the trees and place the regular men of the tree department clearing brush, which had grown unusually fast during last summer and hung out a foot or more into the highways. It would now be possible to cut the light brush on many miles of roadside with a power mower, twice a year if necessary and save time and expense as well as annoyance. In many places this would make travel much safer on narrow winding roads as it is a very long job when done by hand clippers or brush hooks.
I recommend that the town purchase a power mower to cut light brush next to the traveled way on country roadsides.
For the tree warden's department I recommend that $5,000. be appropriated in 1941.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE R. ABBOTT, Tree Warden
184
Report of Moth Superintendent
January 1, 1941
Board of Selectmen, Town of Andover:
GENTLEMEN :
From all indications there will be serious trouble in 1941 caused by two insects. 1. The Gypsy Moth. 2. The Elm Leaf Beetle. The town and every owner of trees should be prepared to check and control these insects by creosoting gypsy moth egg clusters and by spraying at the proper time for each insect.
Last summer the gypsy moth caterpillars caused heavy strip- ping of the woodlands in sections of West Andover, at Foster's Pond, in the vicinity of South Main street and the By Pass and off Jenkins road.
Because of infestation of the woodlands in the past few years there has been a gradual build up of gypsy moth colonies causing a more general infestation of the whole town.
Because of lack of funds only a small amount of creosoting could be done this fall, which has left a great amount of work to be carried out this winter. Several sprays will be necessary in 1941, to prevent stripping of our roadside trees.
In 1940 a crew of W.P.A. men under project No. 18446 creo- soted gypsy moth egg clusters in the woodlands adjacent to the town highways from January until the first week in May. This was a great help in checking stripping of the trees near the high- ways. It will ne necessary for the town to appropriate 25% of the cost to obtain any new projects from the federal government.
The elm leaf beetle while held in check last summer on street trees in Andover, caused heavy damage to elm trees in many sections of the state. Great numbers of elm leaf beetles came into town in late summer. Many citizens reported large numbers of beetles in their homes and in other buildings last fall and this winter. They do no harm in the home, simply seek shelter there for the winter. As many as possible should be swept up and des- troyed. In May when the leaves are three quarters grown the beetles fly to the elm trees and for a short time chew small holes in the leaves and then lay their eggs on the underside of the leaves. The greatest damage to the trees is done by the larvae
185
that hatch from the eggs in late May and during June. Spray- ing with arsenate of lead in May against the beetles and again in June against the larvae usually controls these insects, although it may be necessary to add nicotine-sulphate when the larvae are numerous and become full grown.
Tent caterpillars were numerous during the past year. Many nests were cut off and destroyed because frequent rains inter- fered with spraying last May.
A fungus disease of the leaves and twigs of the ash tree was widespread and serious last year in the spring due to long wet periods. Many leaves turned brown and fell off. This disease has an alternate host plant in marsh grass. It spreads from the marsh grass to the ash tree and after growth on the tree, must return to the marsh grass to complete its life cycle. While this fungus dis- ease is not usually serious, to control it, the ash trees would need to be sprayed with a fungicide several times in the spring while the leaves were growing and expanding, or if it were possible, it would be necessary to destroy the infected marsh grass before the fungus reached the trees.
Over five hundred brown-tail moth caterpillar nests were found, cut off and destroyed last February. Fall web worm nests, found in all sections of the town last August were cut off and burned.
A new truck is needed for use in the moth and tree depart- ments since an old 11/2 ton Chevrolet truck is in bad shape. It has been a constant expense and trouble for the past two years. Expense in repairs and delays make this old truck too expensive to keep on the road. I recommend that $925 be appropriated for a new 11/2 ton truck with a platform body.
Because of serious gypsy moth and elm leaf beetle infestation, together with other insects, the need is greater for an extra amount of creosote and spray and new high pressure spray hose to replace old unreliable hose. I recommend that five thousand ($5000.) dollars be appropriated, for moth work in 1941.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE R. ABBOTT, Moth Superintendent
186
Spring Grove Cemetery
The Trustees of Spring Grove Cemetery submit their annual report for the year 1940:
The Trustees regret the resignation of Walter E. Curtis as Chairman and wish at this time to express their gratitude for the deep interest and time he has spent for the improvement of the cemetery.
During the year there were sixty-three interments.
Over 2000 feet of water pipe was laid on the east side and about 345 feet on the west side of the cemetery.
Both ends of the Old Railroad have been graded and curbed.
50 new trees and shrubs have been set out.
1470 feet of new road have been built and filled with crushed stone and dust and 1500 feet of old roads resurfaced with dust.
A cement walk has been built from the main drive to the tomb.
The Legion Lot has been improved and a new flag pole erected.
The office has been remodeled and painted inside and a chimney built on the tool house.
3275 feet of new curbing has been laid and several catch basins and drains installed.
Six acres of undeveloped land have been ploughed.
PERPETUAL CARE
Attention is called to the inadequacy of the Perpetual Care Funds to care for the lots.
The approximate cost for care of the average lot amounts to $4.00 per year, while the interest on the Perpetual Care principal of $100.00 amounts to only $2.00.
As provided by the statutes the trustees and selectmen have met to decide the advisability of changing the type of investment with a view of increasing the interest return. The best advice of state officials and others has been sought. Experience of other cemetery officials has been considered.
It is appreciated that a slightly higher rate of interest might be obtainable elsewhere but it is nevertheless speculative and at some risk. This risk they are unwilling to take especially so with the world financial situation as it is. We have unanimously de- cided to continue the investments in the Savings Bank.
187
The trustees have no other alternative than to request a larger principal from the lot owner that will yield a sufficient return, or to require the payment yearly of the difference between the inter- est received and the cost of the care.
PLATE SECTION
A new section has been developed in which monuments and grave stones will be eliminated. As a marker a granite plate set flush with the ground is used. A flower holder which sets below the ground when not in use is associated with the marker.
Because of the absence of monuments, the beauty of the grounds which lends itself to landscape treatment is enhanced.
The arranging of this section is in keeping with the latest modern practice in the laying out of cemetery grounds.
Lots in other sections of the cemetery will still be available for those who prefer to place monuments.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK R. PETTY, Chairman FREDERICK E. CHEEVER, Secretary FRED G. CHENEY WALTER E. CURTIS SAMUEL P. HULME
188
Sealer of Weights and Measures
December 31, 1940
To the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Andover:
GENTLEMEN :
I hereby submit my annual report for the year 1940:
SCALES
Adjusted
Sealed
Condem.
Platform over 10,000 lbs.
2
6
()
Platform under 5000 lbs.
16
48
0)
Counter 100 lbs. or over
1
4
0
Counter under 100 lbs.
7
50
0
Beam over 100 lbs.
2
2
0
Spring 100 lbs. or over
0
2
0
Spring under 100 lbs.
17
55
0
Computing under 100 lbs.
3
28
0
Personal weighing (slot)
0
19
0
Prescription
0
5
0
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Avoirdupois
0
250
0
Apothecary
0
56
0
Metrics
0
37
0
Liquid Measures
0
45
0
Oil Jars
0
34
0
Meters over 1 inch
1
4
0
Gasoline Pumps
3
72
8 N.S.
Oil Measuring Pumps
0
20
0)
Grease Measuring Pumps
0
31
()
Quantity Measures on Pumps
0
60
0)
Yard Sticks
()
11
0)
I have collected from December 1, 1939 to November 30, 1940 $133.19 (one hundred and thirty-three dollars and nineteen cents)
Respectfully submitted,
LEWIS N. MEARS, Sealer of Weights and Measures
189
Report of Wire Inspector
January 18, 1941
Board of Selectmen,
Andover, Massachusetts
GENTLEMEN :
I hereby submit my report for the year 1940:
Inspections 281
Turned over to Town Treasurer
$140.50
Yours very truly,
WM. J. YOUNG, Inspector of Wires
190
Town of Andover - Jury List
JUNE, 1940
Abbott, Burton D.
Farmer
Allen, William A.
Retired
Anderson, John H.
Retired
Bailey, Ralph A.
Salesman
Bancroft, William A.
Meat Business
Barnard, Foster C.
Trustee
14 High St.
Barrett, Patrick J.
Ins. Collector
102 Chestnut St.
Barron, William F.
Gas Sta. Oper. Haggetts Pd. Rd.
Beedie, Alexander
Janitor
8 Elm St. 14 Bartlet St.
Beirne, Francis X.
Clerk
Billington, Jesse S.
Retired
56 Highland Rd.
Borneman, Frank J.
Carpenter
Boutwell, Everett S.
Farmer
Brierly, James
Operator
Buchan, Raymond L.
Retired
Burton, Everett D.
Manager
Buxton, Walter E.
Painter
19 Summer St.
Cairnie, Henry
Laborer
Cannon, Gordon R.
Odd Work
Chadwick, Nathaniel
Unemployed
Cheever, William B.
Retired
Cheney, Fred G.
Retired
Colbath, Howard L.
Laborer
Cook, Charles S.
Bookkeper
101 Elm St.
Deyermond, Robert V.
Janitor
91 Elm St.
Disbrow, George W.
Farmer Chandler Rd. Farmer Chandler Rd.
Disbrow, Walter A.
Doherty, James D.
Insurance
21 Harding St.
Doherty, William J.
Driscoll, John J.
Fairweather, James D.
Odd Work
Flanagan, Charles J.
Fleming, Edward H.
Flint, Edwin M.
Farmer
Forbes, David A.
Rubber Worker
Foster, William H.
Artist
1 Sweeney Ct. 71 Chestnut St.
191
Dascomb Rd. 30 Chestnut St. 3 William St. Porter Rd. Rocky Hill Rd.
Prospect Rd. High Plain Rd. Tewksbury St. Lincoln St. 20 Pasho St.
120 No. Main St. 54 Salem St. 4 Main St. Terr. 63 Chestnut St. 83 Maple Ave. River St.
Contractor 21 Harding St. Carpenter 36 Summer St. 15 Abbot St. Brush Maker 49 Poor St. Chauffeur 5 Fleming Ave. Pleasant St.
Furness, Sam E. Gordon, Walter N. Greenwood, Ralph L. Haggerty, Daniel J. Hardy, Edward S. Hardy, Philip L. Houston, Robert S. Humphreys, William H.
Johnson, Leonard P. Kearn, Frederick J.
Keery, Samuel Kyle, William F.
Lane, Stanley V.
Livingston, Harold S.
Loomer, Amos B.
Retired
Retired
Clerk
34 Florence St. So. Main St.
May, George M.
Mayo, Archibald J.
McDonald, William L.
Bookkeeper
McGhie, Gavin H.
Fireman
Clark Rd.
Laborer
Machinist
Moore, William P.
Retired
Morrissey, William B.
Electrician
Morse, Walter I.
Laborer
Unemployed
Nason, Harry C.
Carpenter Farmer
Salesman
Laborer
Pike, Walter E.
Guard
Overseer
Photographer 126 Main St.
Auto Mechanic
68 Whittier St. Foster's Pond 354 No. Main St.
Remington, J. Augustus
Remmes, Joseph T.
Robertson, Foster G.
Ronan, Leonard
Cloth Examiner Clerk
Operative
Retired
Farmer
Contractor
Unemployed 354 No. Main St. Clerk 74 Lowell St. 22 York St.
Engineer
Laborer Haggetts Pond Rd.
Flax Dresser
Clerk
Salesman
Florist
19 Elm Court 75 Elm St. 134 Main St. 107 Abbot St. Andover St. 74 Poor St.
Lord, John T. Mahoney, Timothy J.
Painter
Section Hand 95 Haverhill St. Railroad St.
Milne, David Mitchell, William G.
Murphy, Michael M.
Noyes, John L.
O'Connor, Jeremiah J. Petrie, George B.
Platt, Henry W.
Poland, Burdette J.
Poland, John Pomeroy, Llewellyn D.
Electrician Agent
Electrician Woodland Rd. 7 Canterbury St. Laborer 55 High St.
Salesman
2 Fletcher St. 47 Union St. Tewksbury St. 74 Morton St. Haggetts Pond Rd. 111 Chestnut St.
20 Cuba St. 79 Chestnut St. 10 Johnson Rd. 66 Poor St. 30 No. Main St. 94 Haverhill St. River St. Lovejoy Rd. 9 Barnard St. 6 Chickering Ct. Lowell St. Center St.
192
Ryley, James Scholtz, Samuel H.
Clerk
50 Salem St.
Superintendent
Ballardvale Rd.
Shaw, Irving R.
Wool Sorter
Andover St.
Sherry, Frank R.
Pattern Maker
Andover St.
Smith, Arthur J.
Brick Mason Rattlesnake Hill Rd.
Smith, Fred H.
Foreman
Steinert, Arthur E.
Contractor
95 Maple Ave. 1 Union St. 72 Morton St.
Stevens, Clinton H.
Accountant
Stott, Joseph E.
Accountant
High St., B.V.
Sullivan, Augustine P.
Accountant
34 Essex St.
Sutton, Osborne
Rubber Worker
119 Chestnut St.
Thompson, William
Clerk
Trow, Henry J.
Truck Driver
42 Walnut Ave. River St.
Trow, William A.
Retired
31 Lowell St.
Waldie, James S.
Unemployed
13 Bartlet St.
Weeks, Eugene M.
Salesman
19 Wolcott Ave.
West, Archibald L.
Electrician
Wetterberg, Carl A.
Operative
White, George W.
Bookkeeper
White, Peter
Farmer
Whiteway, Hayward G.
Carpenter
21 Pine St. 94 Maple Ave. 30 Chestnut St. South Main St. 3 Ferndale Ave.
193
Trustees of Memorial Hall Library
NATHAN C. HAMBLIN GEORGE F. SAWYER
HENRY G. TYER
BURTON S. FLAGG PHILIP F. RIPLEY MARY BYERS SMITH
CLAUDE M. FUESS
Chairman PHILIP F. RIPLEY
Secretary and Treasurer GEORGE F. SAWYER
Librarian MIRIAM PUTNAM
Assistants
MARGARET D. MANNING DOROTHY H. RUHL NANCY E. BABCOCK
In Charge of Junior Room EVELYN R. ROBINSON
Assistant SARAH A. BALLARD
In Charge of Ballardvale Branch MARTHA D. BYINGTON
Janitor ARCHIBALD MACLAREN
194
Certificate of Auditors
February 1, 1941
We have this day inspected bonds and stocks, and confirmed the cash in Savings and Commercial accounts belonging to the Trustees of the Memorial Hall Library and in the control of the Treasurer.
We have accounted for the income arising from these invest- ments and we certify that these items are found in order and correct and are in accord with the official records of the Trustees.
The voucher details are supervised by the Town Accountant.
BURTON S. FLAGG NATHAN C. HAMBLIN
Auditors
195
Report of Trustees of Memorial Hall Library
The Trustees of Memorial Hall Library have voted to adopt the annual report of the librarian as their report to the Town for the year 1940.
196
Report of the Memorial Hall Librarian
To the Trustees of the Memorial Hall Library:
I herewith present the report of the library for the twelve months ending December 31, 1940.
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