USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1950-1954 > Part 16
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122
Andover Town Infirmary
January 1, 1952
Board of Selectmen, Andover, Mass.
GENTLEMEN :
The annual report of the Town Infirmary for 1951 is given herewith :
We have given board and room to thirteen persons during the year, ten of whom are still with us. The other three went to live elsewhere. The first of the year 1951, we had some sickness, two of our members having to go to the hospital, one for blood transfusions, which could not be given here. However, aside from colds and a few minor ailments, the residents of the Infirmary are well, as of the present date, but all are elderly and liable to sicknesses at any time. The house is warm and the food is good which helps maintain their health. Two elderly persons were admitted to the home during the year.
During the year there was considerable repair work done. Several of the rattan chairs the men use in the basement were worn through and were recaned. Last year the men's floor was painted, and this year the women's corridor and rooms were done over and new plastic draperies bought in pretty colors, also spreads for the beds. Repair work to the old refrigerator was done, also to one of the washing ma- chines, and a vacuum cleaner was bought to replace the one which had been in use for 15 years. One of the chimneys was pointed up and straightened. Toward the end of the year the roof of the barn was shingled, and the floor of the residents' dining room was re-laid with plastic tile. The last two items were asked for, for this year, but the Selectmen thought they could be paid for out of the 1951 budget. New front steps to the house were made and painted.
Mrs. Doyle, the State Inspector was here in June and gave the Andover Infirmary a very good report in her letter to the Welfare Board.
12
As usual organizations and individuals have been very good to us especially at Christmas. This year the November Club members sang carols and gave readings when they came to visit, the Thursday before Christmas and all the folks came up to the living room and joined in. Christmas greetings and gifts also were contributed by the Abbot Academy Christian Association, the King's Daughters, the Garden Club, the Sacred Heart Sodality, and two groups of carolers, besides many individuals. The visits to these elderly people who cannot get out so much in the winter weather are most appreciated and the Matron thanks one and all who gave of their time and money to bring joy to the shut-ins.
During the year the lot of land across from the Infirmary was sold to James Buss, who has built a house there and is occupying it at present.
Number of Inmates, January 1, 1951
11
Number admitted during year
2
Number discharged during year 3
Number of Inmates, January 1, 1952
10
Number between 50 and 60 years
2
Number between 60 and 70 years
2
Number between 70 and 80 years
4
Number between 80 and 90 years
2
Respectfully submitted,
MARY C. EDMANDS, Matron
124
Fire Department
January 28, 1952
To the Board of Selectmen,
Andover, Mass.
GENTLEMEN :
I have the honor to submit my eleventh annual report as Chief of the Andover Fire Department.
During the year 1951 the department answered the follow- ing alarms ; 60 bell ; 165 still ; total 225.
Assessed value of buildigs where fires occured was- $1,170,325.00.
Loss in buildings where fires occured was $42,935.61.
Ambulance calls for the year totaled 706, of which 540 were answered by the Cadillac Ambulance, 37 by the Henney Ambulance, 43 by the Chief's car, 72 by Lt. Cole's car, 11 by the Jeep, 1 by Wilson Crawford's car and 2 by Miss Barbara Loomer's car.
· Power burners inspected 280 ; range burners 195 ; liquefied petroleum gas systems 40 ; Total 515.
Respectfully submitted,
C. EDWARD BUCHAN, Chief Andover Fire Department Andover, Mass.
125
Police Department
January 29, 1952
Board of Selectmen
Andover, Massachusetts
GENTLEMEN :
I hereby submit my report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1951.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE A. DANE, Chief of Police
DISPOSITION OF CASES
Convicted in District Court 56
Convicted in Juvenile Court 9
Convicted in Andover Trial Justice Court 95
On File-District Court
3
On File-Trial Justice Court
14
Released by Probation Officer
38
Dismissed
1
Turned Over to Out of Town Police
4
Turned Over to Army Authorities
2
Sentenced to House of Correction
19
Sentenced to Bridgewater
1
Fines Paid in District Court $987.00
Fines Paid in Andover Trial Justice Court $798.00
Miscellaneous complaints received and investigated 468
54
Automobiles stolen in Andover
2
Automobiles recovered in Andover
5
Bicycles stolen in Andover 9
Bicycles recovered in Andover 14
Breaks in Camps and Dwellings 6
Doors in Business District found open and secured 104
Lost children returned to Parents 4
126
Summons served for Out of Town Police
Runaway children returned to parents or institutions 17
Dogs killed by automobiles 14
Dogs gassed by Police 2
Street lights reported out to Lawrence Gas Co. 593
Dogs lost and returned to owner 11
Number of persons bitten by dogs 34
Board of Health and Animal Inspector notified on Dog bites
34
Cattle lost and returned to owners
14
Dead bodies cared for by police
6
Suicides reported and investigated by police 3
Persons notified for out of town police
12
Tramps put up for night in lock-up
4
Dwelling houses inspected while owners away
183
Articles found and returned to owners 12
Summons served on local complaints in Andover 27
Missing persons reported, located and returned 7
Highway conditions reported to B. P. W.
12
Tree Dept. notified of Limbs and Trees down in streets
5
Persons taken to Danvers State Hospital by Police
7
Persons taken to Hospital by Police in Cruisers
7
Hens killed by Dogs, Investigated by Police
127
False Alarms of Fire investigated by Police
1
Burglar Alarms set off and investigated by Police
4
Bell Alarms of Fire covered by Police
60
Autos ordered towed to Garage
9
Cards sent to Registry of Motor Vehicles
47
Arrests made for out of town Police
1
Breaks-Business District 8
Fatal Automobile accidents in Andover
2
License to operate motor vehicle suspended or revoked by Registry of Motor Vehicles for violations in Andover. Residents of Andover 41 Non Residents of Andover 32
127
Board of Health Nurse and Agent
December 31, 1951
To the Board of Health and Townspeople of Andover
I herewith submit a brief report as Board of Health Nurse and Agent for the Town of Andover for the year 1951.
1951
1950
1949
Diptheria
0
0
0
Encephalitis
0
0
0
Dog Bite
45
26
39
Tuberculosis
3
3
1
Scarlet Fever
19
17
5
Chicken Pox
19
82
116
Whooping Cough
8
12
4
Measles
16
2
257
Mumps
72
6
79
Syhilis
3
3
3
Gonorrhea
0
0
1
Infections Jaundice
0
1
0
Meningitis
4
0
0
Anterior Poliomyselitis
0
2
2
Salmonella
0
0
2
German Measles
48
2
7
Totals
237
156
516
Deaths from Contagious Diseases
Influenzal Meningitis
1
0
0
Pulmonarl Tuberculosis
1
2
1
Bacillary Dysentery
0
0
0
Totals
2
2
1
----
In 1952, Andover will continue to hold free clinics. Among these will be the Diptheria and Tetanus Toxoids innocula- tions for children entering school, the Baby Clinic and the Anti-Rabic Clinic for Dogs.
Respectfully submitted, LOTTA M. JOHNSON, R. N., R. S.
128
Milk Inspector's Report
To the Townspeople of Andover:
I submit herewith a brief summary of the activities of my office for the year ending December 31, 1951.
The following licenses have been granted and fees for these licenses have been turned over to the Town Treasurer whose receipt I hold :
Milk and Cream-71 (an increase of 1 over 1950) Oleomargarine-25 (an increase of 8 over 1950) Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts-3 (one less than 1950) Pasteurization of Milk-5 (same as 1950)
It is interesting to notice the large number of oleomarga- rine licenses which is the largest number in the history of this office. We have also increased the number of milk licen- ses granted by fifty per cent since assuming office in 1947.
During the year, 54 samples of milk and eight samples of cream were analyzed for butter fat and total solids. In ad- dition, eight of these samples were tested for formaldehyde by the Hehner test and six were assayed for total bacterial count at my Boston laboratory. All samples were within state and local specifications. Reports of these tests were sent to all distributors.
Periodic inspection trips were made to all establishments under my jurisdiction.
On December 1, all producers operating under license from this office were sent the following regulation relative to antibiotics: Important: Milk from treated segments of udders should be discarded or used for purposes other than human consumption for at least 72 hours after the last treat- ment. It is hoped that all producers will abide by this regu- lation as it is a matter of their cooperation rather than one that can be enforced by supervision.
Each year, the duties of this office become more numerous. Everyone in this town can and everyone should cooperate
129
with us in an effort to keep our people free from epidemics that might be spread by milk as well as by other sources. I hope that all of our citizens will report any infraction of the milk and cream laws to my office. It is our duty as elected or appointed officials to enforce the laws pertaining to public health. It is the duty of all of the citizens in this or any other community to help us in our work.
Respectfully,
ROBERT A. WALSH, Milk Inspector
130
Report of Building Inspector
January 16, 1952
Board of Selectmen :
Andover, Mass.
GENTLEMEN :
During the year of 1951 I have issued One Hundred and Ninety (190) permits for the erection of New Buildings at an estimated building cost of Two Million Eight Hundred Five Thousand Eight Hundred and One Dollars ($2,805,801. 00).
I have also issued One Hundred and Twenty (120) per- mits for additions and alterations at an estimated building cost of One Hundred Seventy Six Thousand Four Hundred and Seventy Five Dollars ($176,475.00) making a total building cost of Two Million Nine Hundred Eighty Two Thousand Two Hundred and Seventy Six Dollars ($2982 276.00).
The permits for New Buildings are classified as follows- Single Residences
127
Single Car Garages
19
Two Car Garages
13
Three Car Garages
1
· Six Car Garages
1
Trailer Residences
4
Camp
1
Tool Houses
5 2
Schools
Pig Shelters
1
Oil Storage Tanks
2
Gasoline Storage Tanks
2
Ware Houses
1
Vegetable Wash Room
1 2
Storage Sheds
2
Summer Houses
1
Green Houses
131
Wood Working Plant
Barn
1 1 Wood Shed Hen Houses 1 2
This Department has collected in fees and turned over to the Town Treasurer Three Thousand Two Hundred Seven Dollars and Fifty Cents ($3,207.50)
I have made Fifteen Hundred and Sixty Two (1562) in- spections during the past year.
Respectfully yours, RALPH W. COLEMAN, Building Inspector
Report of Wire Inspector
Board of Selectmen
Andover, Massachusetts
GENTLEMEN :
I hereby submit my report for wiring inspections for the year 1951.
Number of wiring inspection permits 435
Number of fixture inspection permits 39
Total 474
Amount collected and turned over to Treasurer, Town of Andover, $474.00.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM J. YOUNG, Inspector of Wires
132
Sealer of Weights and Measures
December 31, 1951
To the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Andover
GENTLEMEN :
I hereby submit my annual report for the year 1951 : Work performed from Jan. 1, 1951 to Dec. 31, 1951 inclusive Scales, Weights, Gasoline meters, Vehicle tank systems etc. Adjusted Sealed Not Sealed Condemmed
Total 60 612 3 3
OTHER WORK PERFORMED
Complaints investigated 4
Trial weighings and measurements of commodities put up for sale 601
Other inspections : Pedlars, oil & coal certificates etc. 599
Total collections for the year 1951 were $275.10 (Two Hundred Seventy-Five Dollars and Ten Cents) .
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH SERIO, Sealer
133
Report of Tree Warden
January 1, 1952
To the Citizens of Andover :
Young trees of the desired planting size were in short supply last spring and good specimens hard to obtain.
Nurserymen report that this condition may continue for several years as few trees were started in the tree nurseries during the war years and a heavy demand recently from new homes and developments have caused the shortage.
Poison ivy control along our roadsides was continued through the generousity of the Andover Village Improve- ment Society in furnishing the Tree Warden with nearly $300.00 worth of chemicals.
This work extended to nearly all parts of the town. Many roadsides, once a mass of poison ivy are now practically free of this dangerous plant due to control measures taken in the past several years.
Excessive rainfall in 1951 brought the moisture in the soil back to normal after several years of drouth in which many trees suffered because of injury to their root systems. Until the roots recover, dead twigs and branches are likely to develop in these trees.
Modern paved roads and walks excluding moisture and air, contribute greatly to adverse effects on our public street trees by drouth, storms, insects and disease.
For more efficient tree work I recommend the purchase of an electric saw which can be taken into the trees for pruning or removing branches from the top before falling a tree that is to be removed.
These saws are light in weight and are operated from a portable generator on the ground. A flood light can also be operated from the generator, at the same time, when tree work is necessary during storms at night.
The National Shade Tree Conference comes to Boston in 1952 during the week of August 18th.
This group is composed of individuals actively engaged in
134
the care, preservation and growth of shade trees, research, instruction etc. Members come from all parts of this country Canada and some foreign lands. They discuss, gather and distribute information on the latest approved methods in the care of trees.
A great change for the better in safety, usefulness and ap- pearance of our roads has been made possible since 1945 by clearing of our roadsides next to the traveled way of brush and weeds by our tractor mower.
This equipment, a war time product, is worn out and should be replaced at once with a modern tractor and mower.
For the Tree Wardens Department I recommend an ap- propriation of $12,675.00 to provide for the following budget Wardens Salary $ 1,876.00
Labor
9,290.70
Gasoline, Oil, Tractor, Power Saws and Truck Maintenance
740.00
Rent of Shop & Garage
210.00
Trees, Loam & Fertilizer
200.00
Hardware and Tools
200.00
Telephone, Printing and all other items
158.30
$12,675.00
GEORGE R. ABBOTT, Tree Warden
135
Report of Moth Superintendent
January 1, 1952
To the Board of Selectmen Town of Andover
GENTLEMEN :
Leaf chewing insects were well controled on our public trees in 1951.
The Fall web worm is another insect which has been added by the Legislature to the list of insects declared to be public nuisances.
To continue the regular moth department work in 1952 I· recommend that $8,655.00 be appropriated.
The Dutch elm disease is serious and widespread to nearly all parts of the town.
Tests of samples sent to the laboratory showed ninety-five trees to be infected with the disease. Of this number sixty diseased trees were removed and the remaining thiry-five elms must be destroyed before April 1st. to prevent possible spread of the disease from these trees.
The Moth Superintendent believes the best protection of our elms from the disease by spraying is by helicopter from overhead and by mist blower from underneath. This seems to be borne out in the towns of Marblehead, Swampscott, Lynnfield, Wakefield, Reading and Lexington where several hundred of the more valuable elms in each town were sprayed by this method. The town furnished the insecticides and the helicopter cost was about one dollar per tree.
Research men have developed several chemical compounds which when washed into the ground or sprayed on the leaves gave promise of protecting healthy elms. This work must be carried on over several seasons before practual results can be obtained. These compounds have not been placed on the market for this reason.
1
136
Our gasoline chain saws have aided the department great- ly in the cutting up and removal of diseased trees.
Purchase of heavy equipment should be considered for handling heavy logs and tree trunks in the removal of these diseased trees. The increased amount of heavy tree removals is a great strain and wear on our present equipment. If stumps are to be removed or cut out an air compressor should be purchased.
The increased number of diseased trees and the necessary prompt removal before they become a menace requires a larger appropriation in 1952.
I recommend that $8,000.00 be appropriated for Dutch Elm Disease in the coming year.
GEORGE R. ABBOTT, Moth Superintendent
137
Report of Civil Defense Agency
It is my privilege to submit to the townspeople the first annual report of the Civil Defense Agency of the Town of Andover.
The towns and cities throughout the State have been sepa- rated into three categories : 1. Target areas ; 2. Neutral areas and 3. Reception areas. Andover is in group 3, a reception area, and we have the responsibility of providing mobile sup- port to the Target areas and the shelter, feeding, clothing, and complete care of some 6,000 evacuees from the Target Areas.
It has been my endeavor to put "first things first" and to establish these units which we would be most likely to need. However, in attempting to do this, your Civil Defense Agency has faced, from the start, the almost insurmountable handicap of insufficient funds. Never has the old saying that "you don't get something for nothing" been more appropri- ate. It is the opinion of your Director that the townspeople should make a definite decision on the question of Civil De- fense. If such an agency is not needed, it should be abolished and the unnecessary expenditures saved. On the other hand, if it is needed, adequate funds should be made available to operate the department in a proper and efficient manner.
To help us determine the future, let us look more closely at the several divisions of Civil Defense :
Public Warning System: To establish an air raid warning system that could be heard in all parts of town would cost several thousand dollars. Since the total appropriation for Civil Defense last year was less than $8,000., it is obvious that a complete warning system was out of the question. The next best solution was to determine the centers of greatest population and provide warnings for those areas. For- tunately, they contain mills, fire stations, power plants, etc., which have their own whistles installed. The agents of these properties have agreed to the use of such whistles for public air raid warnings.
138
Air Raid Shelters: Again, we are indebted to private pro- perty owners, this time for the use of their buildings as air raid shelters. In April of 1951, ten basements were desig- nated for this purpose and official Civil Defense shelter signs posted to indicate their location. On May 25, 1951, one of the first air raid tests in the state was held with considerable success locally and much favorable publicity for the town throughout the New England area.
Civilian War Aid: Andover is designated by state author- ities as a "reception area" for Boston, Worcester, or any other target area, except the Merrimack Valley target. In this case, we are a "mutual aid" area.
Shelter: During the past year, a survey has been made of all buildings that might be suitable for emergency shelter space. Our survey shows that we have quarters for about six thousand people in spaces such as lodge rooms, churches, gymnasiums, garages, school buildings, etc. This figure does not include the number of evacuees that might be sheltered in private homes.
Registration and Information : Every shelter building must have a registration and information section with a complete filing system. Each of our designated shelters has a basic staff already assigned, but not nearly enough for full oper- ation.
Food and Clothing: No stockpiling of food or clothing has been attempted. However, a survey of local conditions shows .a sufficient amount of these items carried in stock by mer- chants to last for three or four days, after which supplies will be brought in through regular channels as needed. All feeding will be done in places equipped for mass feeding, such as the High School cafeteria, Phillips Academy Dining Hall, etc. These places already have trained and experienced personnel, augmented by Civil Defense volunteers.
Communications : This is one of the more expensive divi- sions for which to provide equipment. It has been my prac- tice, insofar as possible, to buy equipment that can be use- ful to other town departments at the expiration of Civil Defense. Our local air raid warning system has been ex- plained, but before any warning can be given here, instruc-
139
tions to do so must come by radio over the State Police broadcasting system. In order to receive the "alert warning" a radio receiver was installed at the Central Fire Station last Fall.The reasons for selecting this location are two-fold : first, because there are men on duty 24 hours a day 7 days a week; and second, because the fire alarm system is part of the local warning system.
Any organization to work efficiently, must have a specific source of control. We are now in the process of establishing a radio network for that purpose. At present the Control Center is in Civil Defense headquarters in the Town Hall. Fire: Interest in the Auxiliary Fire Division has, to date, been somewhat lacking. Our force at this writing is rather small, but present indications are for rapid growth. We are fortunate in having two good auxiliary trailer pumps. It is planned to equip these units with hose, nozzles, and other such equipment this year so that two complete engine com- panes, including men, will be available for service to the town.
Medical and Health: As shown on the organizational plan, Medical and Health has 12 sub-divisions. We have been in- structed by state authorities to establish in the town one first aid station and one bleeding center. Locations and key personnel have been designated for both. In the absence of space for a detailed report on each sub-division, I shall sim- ply state that the local medical profession and the Board of Health have made very satisfactory progress involving much effort and time on their part.
Police: The first duty of the police is the "protection of life and property." With this thought in mind, the Auxiliary Police was the first Civil Defense Division to be organized and trained. We now have 76 fully trained and equipped aux- iliary policemen, with 52 of them holding first aid certificates For several months now, each regular police officer on early night duty has been accompanied by an auxiliaryman.
Air-Ground Observers Corps: This corps is under the di- rect authority of the Eastern Air Defense Command. Your local Civil Defense Director feels it is only fair to the mem- bers of the Observers Corps to include a summary of their
140
activities in this report. The Andover Post is one of the few having a perfect record of operation since the reorganizing of the Corps. Since its beginning, we have manned the Post full time for 9 tests and reported a total of 208 planes of all kinds, requiring a total of 252 man hours of duty.
Red Cross: During the past 18 months, no organization or group of people have been more cooperative or more helpful to Civil Defense than the Andover Chapter of the American Red Cross. It is impossible here to report in detail all they have done. One illustration of their work must serve as an example of what they have accomplished. Early in 1951, we had in Andover less than a dozen trained first aid personnel and, in a town of 13,000 people, only two qualified first aid instructors. One year later, at town meeting time, the num- ber of first aid certificate holders exceeds 400 and we have more than 50 qualified instructors.
In conclusion, I must repeat that only a brief outline is given here. Space will not permit an accounting of all the paper work, surveys, personal contacts, and other such time consuming requirements.
Although much has been done, there still remains much to do. I take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all those who have given of their time and effort to such an extent that the Andover Civil Defense Agency is among the best in the state.
Respectfully submitted,
ALBERT COLE, JR., Director of Civil Defense
141
Town of Andover - Jury List
JUNE, 1951
Anderson, Ernest E. Andrew, T. Edwin Jr.
Bailey, Samuel H. Jr.
Barnard, Elizabeth F. D.
Housewife 14 Cabot Road Real Estate 12 High St.
Barrett, John S.
Clerk 63 Burnham Rd.
Barrett, Joseph F.
Salesman
102 Chestnut St.
Beedie, Alexander
Janitor 8 Elm St.
Belul, Fedi
Rubber Worker 109 Pine St.
Berry, Ralph T.
Cloth examiner 83 Pine St.
Bird, William F.
Salesman 12 Canterbury St.
Blake, Preston H.
Food Broker 7 Stratford Rd.
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