USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1945-1949 > Part 6
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It might be well for our townsmen to realize that an increased desire for out-door play and athletics will make itself evident again as it did after World War I and we should plan a program which could be carried on through the winter as well as the summer. The aftermath of war and its teen-age problems will be minimized by a careful and comprehensive study of our future needs in play and recre- ational work. The members of the playground committee are ready to dedicate themselves to such a program.
We wish to convey to the supervisor and his assistants our sincere appreciation for their productive and successful year in conducting supervised play and recreation in our town.
Respectfully submitted,
STAFFORD A. LINDSAY, Chairman
135
REPORT OF COMMITTEE TO STUDY RECREATION (Article 35)
To the Town of Andover:
This Committee was charged, by the Town Meeting of łast March, with making a survey of the administration, pro- gram and facilities of recreation in Andover.
The Committee has met a number of times and in the course of these meetings has called before it leading repre- sentatives from various town organizations, who, it deemed, would have an interest and a stake in recreation. Such groups as the town officers, teachers and officers of the public schools, P. T. A. groups, churches, to name a few, have been invited. In general, most of the representatives of these organizations have come to present their ideas and opinions.
The Committee has observed the summer playground and swimming program in action, and it was the general feeling that one over-all committee on recreation bè set up to supervise our program in Andover, instead of the present two-committee set-up, one for summer playgrounds and one for Pomp's Pond. On this point the Committee has proposed the following article :
"To see if the town will vote to consolidate Pomp's Pond and Playground and other forms of recreation sponsored by the town into one department, this to be known as the Committee on Recreation, and said Committee of not more than five to be appointed by the Select- men."
From opinion expressed to this Committee, there is a question as to the advisability of continuing Pomp's Pond
136
as a swimming center. On this point the Recreation Survey Committee has sponsored the following article in this year's town warrant:
"To see if the town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to appoint a committee of five to investigate the swimming facilities in the town of Andover and to report at the next annual town meeting."
Opinion seemed to be general that the central playstead area should be enlarged by the purchase of additional land. This would enable the town to expand recreational activities in other seasons of the year.
Andover's summer recreational administration is sound. This program seems to be adequate. Its facilities, however, need extension.
The Committee expresses its gratitude to the many people who during this past year have accepted its invitation to come and express to the Committee their opinions about recreation and their ideas for improvement of this work in Andover.
Respectfully submitted,
STAFFORD A. LINDSAY, Chairman FRANK E. DUNN MITCHELL JOHNSON GEORGE STANLEY, JR. W. RODNEY HILL
137
Report of Selective Service Board
LOCAL BOARD NO. 3-Town Hall, Andover, Mass. Representing Andover, Boxford and North Andover (State Headquarters, 38 Chauncey Street, Boston )
January 1, 1946
On October 8, 1945, your board completed five years of service. Pearl Harbor was December 7, 1941 - V. E. Day was May 8, 1945, V. J. Day was August 14, 1945.
The combined population of the three towns is about 20,670, counting all men, women and children. We have registered 6,856 men between the ages of 18 and 64 in- clusive. We have sent 1,838 men to the armed services. In addition to the 1,838 inducted, there have been many men who enlisted direct and did not pass through our office. Then there are the women who served as Nurses, Waves, Wacs, Spars, etc., the exact number unknown. But the total as listed on the three honor rolls comes to 2,740, which is 13.26% of the total population.
Eighty-five have made the supreme sacrifice; fifty-four from Andover; twenty-nine from North Andover; two from Boxford; and two from North Andover are listed as missing in action. Nine hundred and twenty-one have received their discharge and are back in civil life. We are still sending a few men every month as replacements. These men at the present time are all between 18 and 25 years old, inclusive. Every man is still required to register on his eighteenth birth- day. The list of the personnel of the local selective service organization will be found on another page.
138
As this may be the last report we make to the towns, we wish to thank the officers and citizens of Andover, Boxford and North Andover for their cordial cooperation and help in a somewhat difficult situation and to congratulate them on the patriotic spirit with which they met the emergency.
Respectfully submitted, .
For the Selective Service Board, SAMUEL F. ROCKWELL, Chairman
139
Board of Retirement Report
To the Board of Selectmen, Andover, Mass .:
GENTLEMEN :
The Town of Andover Board of Retirement herewith submits the following report for the year 1945:
Balance, January 1, 1945 $ 6,093.51
Receipts, January 1-December 31, 1945:
Deductions, Group I $ 6,270.42 Deductions, Group II 2,078.08
$ 8,348.50
Bonds sold :
Louisville & Nashville 5,250.00
Brooklyn Union
2,000.00
Northern Penn. Power
1,025.00
Louisville & Nashville
3,120.00
Virginian Ry.
7,420.00
Consumers Power
2,070.00
Lake Sup. Dist. Power 1,050.00
Penn. R. R. 4,160.00
26,095.00
Interest on Bonds
3,360.31
Interest, Savings Banks 110.00
3,470.31
Appropriation :
Accumulation Fund
17,196.00
Expense Fund 800.00
Special Military Service Fund 417.57
18,413.57
$56,327.38
1 40
$62,420.89
Expenditures:
Pensions Paid:
Group I
$ 7,392.35
Group II
4,555.64
$11,947.99 40,000.00
Investments
Office Expenses :
Mary A. Loosigian, Clerk,
Salary
754.00
Office Supplies, Stationery
and Postage 120.36
874.36
Refunds:
Group I
3,693.15
Group II
1,823.03
5,516.18
Interest on Refunds:
Group I
48.86
Group II
20.30
69.16
Added to Savings Bank
2,000.00
Adjustment of Cash Account
2,000.00
Postage and Insurance on Bonds
7.63
Accrued Interest on Investments
48.28
$62,463.60
Cash Deficit, December 31, 1945 $ 42.71
A schedule of membership for the year 1945 follows: January 1, 1945: Active Members 99
Enrolled during 1945 10
109
Retirements during 1945 2
Withdrawn. 1945 11
141
Deaths, 1945
2
15
Total Active Members, December 31, 1945 94
January 1, 1945: Pensioners 18
Retirements during 1945
2
20
Death of Pensioners
2
Total Pensioners, December 31, 1945 18
Total Membership, December 31, 1945, Including Pensioners 112
During the year $40,000.00 worth of U. S. Government Bonds were purchased.
The securities held at the close of the year 1945 cost $115,824.14 and had an amortized value of $116,403.41. The market value of the securities was $119,593.58, which was in excess of both cost and amortized values.
The actual earnings of the investments this year were $3,416.31, while the amount necessary for crediting the funds with the guaranteed rate of three percent was $3,113.62 -hence, the amount earned exceeded the amount required by $302.69.
$18,364.47 is the amount required to be added to the fund by town appropriation for 1946.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE C. NAPIER, Chairman GEORGE H. WINSLOW, Secretary EDMOND E. HAMMOND
Board of Retirement
142
Board of Public Welfare
The Board of Public Welfare submits the following report for the year 1945:
There has been a slight increase in the case load of Old Age Assistance during the year. This is due, in all proba- bility, to the publicity given it over the radio and in the news- papers, and to the legislation which was enacted during the vear.
At the beginning of 1945, we were aiding 137 cases, but at the close of the year our active cases numbered 144. Legislation effective January 1, 1946, increases the exemption of children to such an extent that we have very few children who have a legal liability to aid in the support of their par- ents, and who have the desire to do so. There has been so much discussion over the radio and in the newspapers in regard to a pension for the old folks, that few people regard this form of assistance as public relief. There will appear on the ballot this fall, an initiative petition to repeal the Old Age Assistance Law and substitute an Old Age Pen- sion Law. The cost to the town and state will be greatly in- creased during 1946, and if this petition to repeal the Old Age Assistance Law is successful, costs will again go up in 1947.
Aid to Dependent Children has not changed appreciably during 1945. At the close of the year, we were aiding ten cases and twenty-three children.
143
General Relief has remained at about the same level as in 1944, and we see no reason for an increase in 1946.
We wish to take this opportunity to thank all organiza- tions 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
144
Office of Veterans' Service
As the Office of Veterans' Service submits the second annual report on rehabilitation and services to Andover veterans of all wars, we find that the days we dreamed of and hoped for and the problems we anticipated in our post- war planning are now upon us. Our veterans are returning to us more rapidly day after day and Andover has dedicated itself to take care of its own. In carrying out this duty en- trusted to us, we have tried to show our men and women in a concrete manner that our town fully appreciates their sacrifices and efforts and is ready to serve them as faithfully and competently as they served us.
Each veteran is given a photostatic copy of his honorable discharge and a copy is also filed in our office. Massachusetts Bonus forms are filled out for each veteran and a copy retained in his folder. Forms for the many and diversified federal and state benefits as well as rationing applications are executed. Duties as Reemployment Committeeman of the Selective Service Office are carried out and every phase of information or assistance to a veteran is centralized in this one office. Soldiers' Relief, War Allowance, State and Mili- tary Aid are dispensed here.
With the receipt of World War I pensions passed last year, many of our widows formerly on Soldier Relief rolls have been removed from this category. During the year we had ten cases aggregating an expenditure of $2,009.09. Mili- tary Aid cases have disappeared from our rolls and we have no State Aid cases at present, although during the year we had three with an expenditure of $225.00. War Allowance of $182.50 covered four cases.
Although official figures have not yet been compiled. approximately 1,685 Andover citizens answered the call to
145
the colors with 54 paying the supreme sacrifice. The return of our boys and girls has been more rapid than was antici- pated, making it impossible to keep an accurate record, but we estimate that approximately 800 veterans have come back to us.
Job placement and educational guidance have taxed our abilities to the utmost but the housing shortage is the problem which is now bringing to the veteran the greatest dis- couragement and disappointment. No immediate relief for the latter situation is in sight, although we are meeting our other problems with a fair amount of success due chiefly to the excellent cooperation given to us by interested groups and individuals.
Our sincere thanks go forth to the following:
To the Educational and Guidance group-Mr. B. M. Kellmurray, Mrs. Emma Carter, and Kenneth L. Sherman of our Public School System and Mr. Alan Blackmer, Mr. G. Grenville Benedict and Mr. Bartlett Hayes of Phillips Acad- emy and to Mr. John Brodhead. This group gives very generously of its time during the day and spends many evenings in conference with veterans who have school prob- lms. This committee, although functioning for only one year, has built up an enviable reputation throughout the state and has assisted scores and scores of our veterans to enter college, trade school, and other institutions. Andover is indeed for- tunate in having such fine people to serve our veterans.
To Miss Miriam Putnam and Miss Margaret Manning of the Memorial Hall Library who have shown a very keen interest in instilling in our veterans the desire to study and read. They have set aside a spot in the library for "G. I." books and literature. They presented our office with a beauti- ful floor covering, book case with books, and bulletin board bringing to us a little atmosphere of home for the veterans' waiting room.
146
To Mr. Thomas P. Duff, recently discharged veteran, and formerly an aerial photographer with the Army, and a specialist in photostatic work, who has very efficiently assisted us in this important and necessary work.
To the Home Service Department of the Andover Red Cross and to the Andover Servicemen's Fund Association for their willingness to assist us financially in veterans' cases coming a little outside the sphere of benefits prescribed by law.
To all others who have assisted us in our work of vet- erans' rehabilitation, we are deeply grateful.
The year ahead will bring back most of our remaining veterans, and as they are absorbed by society, other and new problems will present themselves. We face the future, how- ever, with hope and encouragement in the full knowledge that Andover has kept faith with her veterans and they deeply appreciate the service which has been prepared and provided for them.
Respectfully submitted,
ROY E. HARDY, Chairman J. EVERETT COLLINS EDWARD P. HALL Board of Selectmen
FRANK P. MARKEY, Veterans' Service Agent
147
Town Infirmary
The Infirmary has taken care of ten townspeople during the past year, two of whom passed away.
Both received excellent nursing care during very long illnesses.
The Convalescent Home closed December first, due to a shortage of help. It was impossible to carry on longer. We hope, some time in the future, to be of service to patients needing care once again.
Miss Eva Ivarson, who has taken over my duties, is familiar with the work and is capable and entirely trust- worthy. The welfare of our people will be entirely safe in her hands.
Number of inmates January 1, 1945 9
Number admitted during year
1
Number discharged during year 1
Number of deaths 2
Number between one and sixty years of age 0
Number between sixty and seventy years of age 3
Number between seventy and eighty years of age 1
Number between eighty and ninety years of age 3
Number of inmates January 1, 1946 7
Respectfully submitted,
BERTHA W. THORNTON, Matron
December 1, 1945
148
Fire Department
To the Board of Selectmen, Andover, Massachusetts:
GENTLEMEN :
I have the honor to submit my fifth annual report as Chief of the Andover Fire Department.
During the year 1945 the department answered the fol- lowing alarms: 70 bell (1 false) ; 185 still; total 255.
The total valuation of buildings where fires occurred, $260,900.
Losses incurred totaled: $4,540.
Hose was laid as follows: 4,400 feet of 21/2" hose, 7,850 feet of 11/2"hose, 10,050 feet of 1" or forestry hose, 34,200 feet of 34" or booster hose; total hose laid: 56,500 feet; total feet -of ladders raised: 354.
Ambulance calls for the year totaled 605, of which number 76 were handled by the Chief's car; 29 by Deputy Cole's car; 2 by Lt. Spark's car; 1 by Benjamin Brown's car; 1 by North Andover Ambulance.
On January 1, 1945, 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 1937
1 Forest fire truck 1 1923
1 Forest fire truck 1940
1 Chief's car-Ford Sedan 1941
149
2 500-gallon trailer pumps, Auxiliary Fire Department 1942
Hose on hand includes: 7,500 feet of 21/2", 5,000 feet of 11/2", 3,000 feet of 1", 1,400 feet of 3/4".
In April the new 500-gallon pumper purchased from the Mack Manufacturing Company in 1944 arrived and after undergoing qualifying tests was put in service at Ballardvale. This piece of apparatus takes the place of Engine No. 2. which was over 30 years old.
As authorized by the town meeting, four men were added to the department during 1945. World War II veterans were given provisional appointments to these positions. In August Henry Pomeroy returned to the department and in September Gordon Coutts, both having been honorably discharged from the United States Coast Guard. James Williams returned to the call force after release from the United States Navy.
Respectfully submitted,
C. EDWARD BUCHAN.
Chief. Andover Fire Department
150
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, 1945.
Miscellaneous complaints received and investigated 661
Ambulance calls covered by the police 22
Summons served for out of town police 48
Automobiles stolen in Andover 10
Automobiles recovered in Andover 12
Bicycles stolen in Andover 28
Bicycles recovered in Andover 25
24
Doors in business district found open and secured
129
Lost children found and returned to parents 8
19
Dogs killed by automobiles
26
Dogs shot or gassed by police 19
Cats killed by automobiles and reported to police 8
Live wires down and guarded by police 10
Street lights out and reported to Lawrence Gas & Electric 309
Dogs lost and returned to owners 111
Number of persons bitten by dogs 14
Board of Health & Animal Inspector notified on dog bites 14 3
Cattle lost and returned to owners
Dead bodies cared for by police 2
Suicides reported and investigated by police
5
Persons notified for out of town police
90
Lights put out in dangerous places
11
Tramps put up for the night in lockup 1
Dwelling houses inspected while the owners were away 52
Articles found and returned to owners 66
151
Breaks in camps and dwellings
Runaway children returned to parents or institutions
Summons served on local complaints in Andover 13 Persons taken out of rivers and ponds 1
Fires put out by police
3
Missing persons reported and located by police 20
Water leaks in streets reported by police to B. P. W. 11
14
Lights left on in public buildings and owners notified Tree Department notified on trees and limbs down
10
Persons taken to Danvers State Hospital in police cruiser Persons taken to hospitals by police in cruisers
4
Horses shot by police
1
Hens killed by dogs and investigated by police
179
Bell alarms of fire covered by police 61
Jury summons served on Andover persons
8
Burglar alarms set off and investigated by police
24
Total arrests for the year of 1945 is 101.
Operating an automobile without a license
2
Vagrancy
2
Neglect of minor children
2
Arrested for out of town police
2
Operating an automobile under the influence of liquor and drunk
4
Operating to endanger and leaving the scene of an accident
1
Drunkenness
47
Non-support
2
Larceny of money, property and autos
4
Operating an automobile so that the life and safety of the public is endangered
2
Arrests on default warrants
3
United States Army deserter
1
Assault and battery
3
Misappropriation of automobiles
4
Minor violations of the Motor Vehicle Laws
11
Indecent assault
1
Illegitimate child
1
Burning a building
1
Accosting a person of the opposite sex
1
152
11
Assault on a police officer Violation of probation Leaving the scene of an accident
1 1
1
4
141
POLICE DEPARTMENT
. George A. Dane, Chief
SERGEANTS
William R. Hickey
*David L. Nicoll
OFFICERS
John Deyermond
William Stewart
James Walker
George F. Dufton Joseph A. Davis
Carl H. Stevens
Frank McBride
James R. Lynch
RESERVE OFFICERS
*Joseph E. O'Brien Alan Chadwick
Robert Deyermond Charles Young
PROVISIONAL TEMPORARY OFFICERS John Campbell William McCarthy
George N. Sparks Eugene R. Zalla
DOG OFFICER George A. Dane
CONSTABLES Terms Expire 1946
George A. Dane
J. Lewis Smith
George N. Sparks
CIVIL CONSTABLES
J. Lewis Smith
John Campbell *Armed Forces
153
Breaking and entering buildings and dwellings Total number of charges on above arrests
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS Hartwell B. Abbot
SURVEYORS OF WOOD. BARK AND LUMBER
Edward S. Hardy
Joseph I. Pitman
POLICE DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT
1 1942 Plymouth Sedan
1 1942 DeSoto Sedan
3 Harley Davidson Motorcycles
Two-way Police Radio 50 Watt Transmitter
3 Receiving Sets in Cars
One-way Police Radio Set in Shawsheen Connected with Headquarters Station
1 Regular Radio Set Formerly Used in Alert Messages. War Defense
2 Bullet-Proof Vests
1 Camera
2 Gas Guns
2 Gas Billies
16 38-Calibre Special Revolvers
30 Gas Grenades
2 22-Calibre Target Pistols
2 Riot Guns
150 Riot Clubs
100 Steel Helmets
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE A. DANE, Chief of Police
154
Board of Health Nurse and Agent
To the Board of Health and Townspeople of Andover:
I herewith submit my report as Board of Health Nurse and Agent for the Town of Andover for the year 1945.
1945
1944
1943
Trichinosis
1
1
0
Dog Bite
35
45
46
Tuberculosis
1
4
8
Scarlet Fever
42
24
10
Chicken Pox
11
186
30
Whooping Cough
24
26
34
Measles
29
31
78
Mumps
195
26
46
Syphilis
0
4
3
German Measles
8
2
149
Lobar Pneumonia
4
1
1
Para Typhoid
0
0
1
Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis
2
3
1
Gonorrhea
2
0
1
Typhoid
0
1
0
Malaria
1
0
0
Total
355
108
325
DEATHS FROM CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
1945
1944
1943
Lobar Pneumonia
2
1
1
Tuberculosis
3
3
2
Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis
0
1
0
Total
5
5
3
155
On the whole, during the past year, Andover has re- mained a healthy community. Many communities have had a hazardous time this year with the dread Anterior Polio- myelitis, but I can happily report that no such cases were reported in Andover.
As the years have passed it is interesting to note that more and more diseases have become reportable to your Boards of Health, with new methods of combatting their ravages. In the past, epidemic Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis was the only disease of this type reportable, but now all forms have to be reported. Tularimia and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever have been added to the list of reportable diseases.
During the year a case of Trichinosis was reported to your Board of Health. It is sometimes remarked that it is not necessary to be too concerned about this type of disease since it is apparently not prevalent. However, a rather high percentage of people can be infected with this disease. Danger and risk can be largely eliminated if care is taken in cook- ing pork and pork products, for such cooking requires long, intense heat to kill the small foreign bodies in the animal when it is slaughtered.
Many new drugs are becoming available to the medical profession for use in the treatment of disease and the lessen- ing of suffering. Scarlet Fever patients are being greatly benefited in the early stages of this disease. In the case of Whooping Cough, mothers should investigate the possibilities of prophylactic treatment for their infants for it seems to tide them over the dangerous age when this disease is to be reckoned with. By proper treatment, infant mortality from Whooping Cough can be further reduced. Of course, medical advice. proper diet, and adequate nursing cannot be dis- pensed with.
While on this subject of infant care, it would seem that many more mothers are having their babies inoculated
156
against Diphtheria and the health records show that the public is reaping the benefits with fewer deaths and many less cases of this dread disease reported.
The Board of Health has had many inquiries concern- ing the use of DDT. This preparation, when properly used, can be most useful in eliminating and controlling household pests for long periods of time. It is my belief that it is better to buy DDT insecticide liquids and powders ready mixed and follow directions as to its use than it is to attempt mixing it yourself. Good control is dependent on proper preparation. Even with this new and powerful weapon of science, the sanitation surrounding cannot be neglected.
Present plans indicate that Andover's Baby Clinic will function along the same lines in 1946 as in 1945. There will be Clinics on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at the Andover Guild. Then the Rabies Clinic will be held in the Spring and the Toxoid Clinic for the child entering school in the Fall will be held.
Your Board of Health requests the help and cooperation of the townspeople in the effort to maintain Andover's past record for good health. Please report all contagious diseases to the Board of Health at the earliest possible moment, par- ticularly where there may not be a physician in attendance. Parents or guardians have a duty imposed by law to observe this important matter.
Respectfully submitted,
LOTTA JOHNSON, R.N.
157
Milk Inspector's Report
To the Andover Board of Health:
As Inspector of Milk I hereby submit my report for the year 1945.
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