USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1956 > Part 10
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119
History of the Disease in Massachusetts
The first proof that man could be infected with the virus of horse sleeping sickness was produced in this State in 1938. The eastern virus was isolated from the first three fatal cases which came under study. Shortly there- after the western virus was isolated from a fatal case in California.
In 1938, there were 34 cases of whom 25 died. Of the nine survivors, only one has lived a normal life follow- ing the disease. Most survivors had serious paralysis and mental retardation. Nearly 300 horses died of the disease in the same year.
To aid in planning control measures in future epi- demic years, a state-wide mosquito survey was carried out in 1939. More than a quarter million mosquitoes and larvae (wrigglers) were collected and identified. Informa- tion was recorded in regard to the kinds of places in which they were found. Experiments were carried out to deter- mine which mosquitoes could transmit the eastern virus from animal to animal in the laboratory. Various kinds of birds were infected by mosquitoes which had fed on ani- mals and birds ill of the disease. All of this information is now available to help throw light on the manner of spread of the disease.
Between 1938 and 1955, no human cases of the disease were found in the State. An occasional horse was reported as dying of the disease, but the eastern virus was not isolated from them.
In 1953, a survey was carried out around Hockomock Swamp, the largest swamp in the State, lying in Tounton, Raynham, Norton, Easton, Bridgewater and West Bridge- water. Numerous birds were shot and blood samples taken for laboratory study. One out of five of these birds showed evidence of previous infection, and the eastern virus was isolated from one bird. Two horses died in Duxbury and Pembroke and one yielded eastern virus. These observa- tions confirmed that the virus is present in the State.
In 1955, the disease appeared in horses again prin- cipally south of Boston, but with an occasional case as far north as Wilmington and as far west as Marlboro. Late in the season, four human cases were recognized by lab- oratory methods. One died, one is in a feeble-minded in- stitution and the other two made a fairly good recovery.
120
In 1956, infants began to die by the first of August. Simultaneously, the disease appeared in horses. This early appearance indicated that the disease might become wide- spread. Mosquito control was strongly recommended to individuals, cities and towns and the State.
The State undertook to spray by plane all of the large swamps in the area concerned. The lands under their own control were to be sprayed by the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Public Works, and the Metropolitan District Commission.
Community Control
To each city and town fell the responsibility to control mosquitoes outside the large swamps. The most effective method is to spray DDT upon all foliage along roadsides and in wooded areas at the rate of one pound per acre. Any swamps or low areas containing collections of water should also be sprayed to prevent further breeding. More details can be obtained from the Massachusetts Reclama- tion Board, whose office is in the state Department of Agriculture.
Control on Private Premises
Property owners control mosquitoes on their own premises. Outside the house, residual spraying of DDT is also advised. An ordinary garden sprayer can be used. A pound of 50% wettable DDT placed in a three gallon garden sprayer and filled three-quarters full of water will cover a half acre of trees and bushes. An area 100 by 200 feet is approximately a half acre.
Inside the house, ordinary insect sprays containing 5% DDT can be used. The upper three feet of the walls of rooms are the most important areas to spray. This is where mosquitoes usually rest while waiting to bite. Screens may also be sprayed to kill mosquitoes which light on them. The inside of outbuildings should also be sprayed with DDT.
121
Veterans' Services
The Department of Veterans Services operates under Chapter 115 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as amended by Chapter 584 of the Acts of 1946.
The purpose of the department is to render aid to eligible Veterans, their dependents or dependents of de- ceased veterans. However, it must be emphasized that this is not a pension, but rather temporary aid.
During the year 1956 assistance has been granted to 115 cases involving 296 persons. The budget assigned by the Commissioner of Veterans Services is the deter- mining factor as to the amount of aid granted to an appli- cant. The Town is reimbursed 50% of all expenditures approved by the State Department.
The full facilities of this office are available to Veterans and their dependents daily for assistance, con- sultation and advice on their many problems. A free Notary Public and Photostatic service is maintained for the benefit of the veteran and his dependents.
JAMES A. C. SMITH, Director, Dept. of Veterans Services.
Industrial Business and Development Commission Report
With the cooperation of the Planning Board, steps were taken to rezone from Residential A to Industrial approximately 400 acres in the south end of town. This area is primarily owned by the Prosperity Development Corporation and is bounded by the Weymouth line and Route No. 128. This Commission is continuing to work with representatives of this Corporation in the development of this area.
The Federated Stores have submitted progress reports upon request of this Commission which indicate that the Shopping Center will become a reality in due time.
122
This Commission established and furnished an ade- quately equipped office in the basement of the new Thayer Public Library. This space was made available by the Trustees of the Library and the Commission wish to thank the Trustees for their interest and cooperation.
A further survey of areas in the town by this Com- mission has resulted in the recommendation for the re- zoning of additional areas for Industrial purposes. These recommendations have been submitted to the Planning Board who are cooperating by preparing Articles for the Warrant.
This Commission has been compiling data for a bro- chure for the town which it hopes to publish during 1957.
The Commission wishes to thank the Planning Board and all other Town Departments for their cooperation during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
HYMAN H. BORAX CHARLES R. FURLONG JOHN O. HOLDEN WILLIAM S. MONAHAN PAUL H. YOUNG, Chairman
Engineering Department
HAROLD C. PEARL, Town Engineer
The engineering requests from Town Departments, Committees, Boards, and Town Officials, together with those received from public utility companies and the Mas- sachusetts Department of Public Works, were taken care of throughout the year. The nature of these requests varies, as some departments require both field and office work while others require engineering surveys, plans and re- ports. The utility companies request information from our record plans for new installations for both existing streets and new subdivisions. The Planning Board's plans, together with the Engineering Department's plans and files are used daily for this purpose.
123
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Furnished layouts for Ray Lane.
Furnished grades for Walnut Street culvert.
Furnished street lines and grades for Columbia Ter- race.
Furnished water levels for drains off Howard Street and also Shaw Street.
Furnished grades and stakes for island on Sumner Street.
Furnished grades and stakes for curbing for islands on Hollingsworth Avenue.
Located street bounds from Washington Street to Kimball Road.
PLANNING BOARD
Surveyed approximately 3000 lineal feet of property lines and proposed boundary lines adjacent to Highland Avenue and Old Colony Railroad and Municipal Golf Course.
Checked deeds, titles and areas of various properties and prepared numerous preliminary plans of property now acquired by The Walworth Manufacturing Company.
Revised topographical map and prepared new key zoning map of Braintree.
Prepared numerous individual zoning maps as re- quired.
WATER DEPARTMENT
Established well locations off Common Street.
Prepared plans and surveyed King Hill Road property for land taking.
Established bounds of Peach Street from Liberty Street to Kimball Road.
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Established street lines for Peach Street School.
Established street lines for Liberty Street School.
Furnished numerous new revised street maps for use of school children.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Furnished layouts for four traffic islands junction of Liberty Street, Union Street and Commercial Street.
124
ELECTRIC LIGHT DEPARTMENT
Staked out foundation for rail, pole rack on Union Street.
Established pole locations for the following: Gordon Road, Peach Street, Liberty and Plain Streets, Bower Road, Hancock and Washington Streets, Prescott Lane, Washing- ton Street, Commercial Street, Liberty Street School.
ASSESSORS
Checked and plotted three hundred and twenty eight new buildings plus numerous additions on Assessors' Plans.
Prepared new Key Assessors' Map showing relative location of all assessors' individual plans.
Revised twenty assessors plans to comply with the State Land Taking for Routes 128 and Southeast Express- way from the Randolph Line to Hedlund Avenue and from the Quincy Line to Union Street, also Middle Street from River Street to Elm Street.
Revised assessors plans to conform with County Lay- out of Town Street from Pond Street to Granite Street.
Checked and plotted all deeds and subdivisions on the assessors' plans of the Engineering Department.
MISCELLANEOUS
Plans were prepared for the following:
Kenmore Road for sale of Town property.
Pearl Street for sale of Town property.
Widening of entrance to Newport Avenue at Franklin Street.
Betterment of Elm Knoll Road, Hamilton Street side- walk, Elliot Street sidewalk, Commercial Street sidewalk.
Easement plans were prepared for the following :
Adjoining 71 Independence Avenue approximately 165 feet to Centre Street.
Franklin Street and Washington Street, 130 feet. 150 Franklin Street to Sunset Lake, approximately 350 feet.
Street lines were furnished for the following :
William Street, Hobart Street, Prescott Lane, 116 Common Street, 590 Union Street, Commercial Street,
125
Peach Street, Sumner Avenue, Church Street, Argyle Road, Beechwood Road, Webb Street, Stevens Avenue, Carter Road, West Street, Front and Hobart Streets.
Revised the Town Map to include a street listing with cross index.
Building Inspector JOHN C. PAFFORD, Building Inspector DANIEL A. MALONEY, Deputy
Permits Issued
Estimated Values
Garages (Private)
60
Schools
2
696,942.00
Showroom & Garages
1
60,000.00
Steam Boiler & Conditioner Bldg.
1
4,000.00
Warehouse & Shop
1
40,000.00
Manufacturing & Storage Bldg. .
1
10,000.00
Office Bldg.
1
15,000.00
Poultry House
1
2,000.00
Repair Shop
1
2,000.00
Stores
1
9,000.00
Storage Bldg.
1
8,500.00
Temporary Bldgs.
2
150.00
All other new construction
5
1,625.00
Additions, Alterations and Repairs
220
446,948.00
Elevator
1
Razing
15
Renewals
2
Estimated value of construction . $3,128,270.00
Fees
5,590.00
Total permits issued
512
Dwellings
196
$1,775,800.00 56,305.00
126
Graves Registration Officer
Honorable Board of Selectmen Town of Braintree
Dear Sirs :
During the past year I have reorganized the Veterans Graves Registration Department placing, in effect, a file system with the vital statistics regarding deceased veterans buried in the Town of Braintree.
The new card system will contain the name, address, rank or grade, what branch of service, date of birth, date of death and where the veteran died. Enlistment date, where, discharge date and where, nearest relative and address, burial place with lot and grave number, under- takers name and any other information I could gather.
The veteran organizations have co-operated with me in giving me their lists and this has been very helpful. It has been my duty to visit the various cemeteries and I have found that the graves are being properly cared for and I have received every consideration from those in charge.
Very truly yours, GEORGE A. LYDON, Graves Registration Officer
Board of Assessors
Arthur E. Boynton, Chairman
Reginald P. Fitzgerald, Clerk Chester W. Nelson
In accordance with the By-Laws of the Town, we herewith submit our annual report for the year ending December 31, 1956.
Another most active year, new construction was some what less than in 1955, but still considerable. Building and sub-divisions made the work load on our office staff and the Board as great with new regulations and changes
127
in laws continually increasing with the same personal, it becomes more difficult every year to do the work required. The Board has given considerable thought and research into mechanization available now and used by most other towns and cities. The time is fast approaching when this will have to be done. Increased appropriations every year are placing a great burden on the property tax, and some solution may be worked out on the State level.
The Special Commission who recently completed an exhausting study have brought out some very striking situations that have resulted among other things in a manual published for the first time by the Department of Corporations and Taxation for the use of all Assessing Departments.
There is a bright spot on the horizon for Braintree in the near future. The Walworth Co. are starting soon on the building of their new plant, and the Shopping Center plans are going forward with some other projects which will tend to balance our tax structure. The Plan- ning Board, Industrial Commission, and other Depart- ments have done an outstanding job in these plans.
The Board is appreciative of the cooperation of all other Departments and particularly to our own staff for their continual efforts to keep up with these increasing problems.
128
1956 RECAPITULATION
All Appropriations Voted Since 1955 Tax Rate Was Fixed : Court Judgements Overlay Deficits
Deficits 12/31/55 (Veterans & Flood)
State: Tax and Assessments
County : Tax and Assessments
Overlay of Current Year
Figures Used In Fixing Tax Rate G. L. Chap. 59: 23, 25 $4,366,943.61 14,161.78 8,628.06 33,427.81 101,769.25 117,977.62 122,903.90
129
Gross Amount to be Raised
$4,765,812.03
Estimated Receipts Available Funds
$1,375,371.85 383,792.79
Total Deductions
Net Amount to be Raised by Taxation on Polls and Property
$1,759,164.64 $3,006,647.39
Number of Polls: 7815 @ $2.00 each Valuations : Personal Estate $ 1,762,050.00 @ $59.00
Real Estate 48,933,160.00 @ $59.00
$ 15,630.00 103,960.95 2,887,056.44
Total Taxes Levied on Polls and Property
$3,006,647.39
Sealer of Weights and Measures
The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit the annual report as required by the General Laws, Chapter 98, Section 34.
The measuring and weighing devices in the Town were tested and found in excellent condition. $723.95 in sealing and adjusting fees was turned in to the Town Treasurer.
I wish to thank the Town Officials and businessmen of Braintree for their cooperation.
Following is a summary of the work done during the year :
Not
Adjusted
Con- Sealed Sealed demned
Scales over 10,000 lbs.
1
5
Scales 5,000 to 10,000 lbs.
2
Scales 100 to 5,000 lbs.
5
30
Scales under 100 lbs.
15
144
1
Weights :
Avoirdupois
85
Metric
85
Apothecary
2
58
3
Vehicle Tanks :
First 100 gallons
25
Each additional 100 gallons
289
Liquid measures under 1 gallon
20
Meters :
Inlet 1" or less
9
103
Inlet more than 1"
21
78
Pumps, Kerosene, oil, grease
48
13
Yardsticks
7
-
Totals
53
979
14
3
CALVIN E. YOUNG,
Sealer of Weights & Measures
130
Police Department
Braintree, Massachusetts, January 1, 1957
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Braintree, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report of the activities of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1956.
ARRESTS
Whole Number
625
Male
603
Female
22
No. 1-Crimes Against Person
MR
MNR
FR
FNR
Assault & Battery
8
1
0
0
Threats
4
0
0
0
Armed Robbery
0
2
0
0
Assault with a Dangerous
Weapon
1
0
0
0
Indecent Assault Against
Person
4
2
0
0
Lewd & Lascivious
3
0
1
1
Rape
1
0
0
0
21
5
1
1
No. 2-Crimes Against Property
B & E & Larceny
12
7
0
0
Concealing Leased Property .
0
1
0
0
Larceny
33
14
0
3
Malicious Mischief
11
0
0
0
56
22
0
3
No. 3-Crimes Against Public Order
Delinquency
24
3
0
0
Drunkenness
65
49
7
4
Motor Vehicle Laws, Violation
107
30
2
0
Operating Motor Vehicle Under Influence
6
10
0
0
Operating Motor Vehicle
So As To Endanger
2
2
0
0
131
Violation of Traffic Laws
74
77
0
0
Vagrancy
1
5
0
0
Violation Town By-Laws
2
0
0
0
Violation Probation
2
0
0
0
Arrests for Out of Town Police
9
1
0
0
Non-Support
2
5
0
0
Neglect of Family
0
2
0
0
Disturbing the Peace
0
1
0
0
Circulating False Alarm
5
0
0
0
Receiving Stolen Property
0
2
0
0
Adultery
2
1
2
1
M sappropriation of Motor Vehicle
5
3
0
0
Weapon Carrying
0
1
0
0
Escapee
1
0
0
1
307
192
11
6
COMPLAINTS, Etc.
Ambulance Trips
396
Buildings Found Open
611
Night Lights Out
42
Cat Complaints
225
Dog Complaints
694
Dog Bites Reported
88
Fire Alarms Answered
116
Holes In Street Reported
74
Messages Delivered
188
Permits to Labor
35
Drunk Releases
81
Street Lights Reported Out
176
Lanterns Put Out
16
Lodging
20
Vacant Houses Checked
361
Prowlers Reported
64
Hit and Run Complaints
51
Stolen Autos, Braintree Recovered
49
Permits to Purchase Firearms
31
Missing Persons
MR
17
MNR
4
FR
7
FNR
0
Sudden Death
MR
23
MNR
5
FR
6
132
48
FNR 0
Insane Persons
MR
6
MNR
0
FR
4
FNR
1
Wagon Trips
159
Car Trips
135
Miscellaneous Complaints
5249
Code: Arrests, Missing Persons, Sudden Deaths and Insane Cases
MR-Male Resident
MNR-Male Non-Resident
FR-Female Resident
FNR-Female Non-Resident
EDWARD D. CAHILL,
Chief of Police
Braintree, Massachusetts, January 1, 1957
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Braintree, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report of the activities of the Police Department with regards to Traffic for the year ending December 31, 1956.
ACCIDENTS
Minor
309
Serious
183
Fatal
2
Cases Prosecuted in Court
Male Female
Operating Motor Vehicle so as
to Endanger
4
0
Operating Motor Vehicle
under Influence
16
0
Violation of Motor Vehicle Laws
33
4
Violation of Traffic Rules
and Regulations
137
14
Violation of Parking and
Meter Regulations
324
92
514
110
133
Cases reported to Registrar for Action no Licenses Unlawful Speed
85 4
Operating Motor Vehicle after Drinking Passing School Bus
31
0
1
0
Other Violations
31
0
148
4
Violations of Traffic & Meter Regulations
1-Restricted Place 450
2-All Night Parking 490
3-Meter Violations 416
4-All Other Violations 167
1523
Violations Committed by :
Residents
1027
Non-Residents 496
EDWARD D. CAHILL, Chief of Police
PERSONNEL
43 Police Officers
1 Clerk
1 Custodian
During the year 1956 two patrolmen resigned to better their financial condition. One entered private business and the other established a contracting business. One Lieutenant retired because of ill health. Replace- ments were made in the case of the two patrolmen and we are awaiting an examination to establish an eligible list so the vacancy in the Lieutenants' ranks can be filled.
In my budget request for 1957 I have asked for an increase in the Chief's salary. I have also asked for three new Patrolmen and for four new cars. Two of the cars asked for would be of the station wagon type. Under the plan they would be equipped with stretchers, in- halators and First Aid kits and would be used as patrol cars. With this type of equipment immediately available they could render more efficient and faster service to the citizens of our community.
During the year we have added eleven women Traffic Supervisors to cover school crossings. They have worked
134
out very satisfactorily and are a really conscientious group; very loyal to their duty.
During the year we have made several surveys on Traffic problems and have received splendid cooperation from the Selectmen, Highway Department and the State Department of Public Works.
I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen, the Finance Committee and all others who have shown a spirit of co- operation toward my Department.
Respectfully," EDWARD D. CAHILL, Chief of Police
Pond Street Cemetery Superintendent
Board of Selectmen Town Hall So. Braintree, Massachusetts Gentlemen :
I hereby submit the following report on the care and maintenance of the Pond Street Cemetery for the year 1956.
The cemetery was maintained with grass being mowed, trimmed and raked, as well as regading the nec- essary areas, from April 1 to November 30.
Two burials were held, one in the single section and one in Lot 102.
Appropriated
Expended
Unexpended
Superintendent
$ 440.00
Labor
400.00
$ 440.00 400.00
Totals
$ 840.00
$ 840.00
Respectfull subymitted,
JOHN F. LEETCH, Superintendent
135
Thayer Public Library REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
To the citizens of the Town of Braintree :
Nineteen fifty-six will live in the annals of the Thayer Public Library as the year in which Stacy Baxter South- worth retired as Trustee and as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Stacy Southworth served the Thayer Public Library with rare devotion and self-sacrifice, with energy, enthusiasm and skill-and this over a period of 35 years. The Trustees acknowledge his retirement with profound regrets and with a deep feeling of gratitude for his many years of service.
In May 1956 it was announced that a library of Lincoln books was to be created in honor of Dr. South- worth. This library has been formed and it now contains well over 100 titles. The books bear a bookplate which reads, "The Stacy Baxter Southworth Lincoln Collection." This collection will be added to from time to time as. funds permit. Gifts of Lincoln books from people who are interested will always be welcome. The Trusteees hope that in time to come the Southworth Lincoln Collection may become an outstanding one in this area.
In accordance with the vote of Town Meeting, the Trustees have elected Ralph B. Woodsum as its Treasurer. Mr. Woodsum has a long and an enviable record of service to the Town and the Library is fortunate to have him as. the responsible officer in charge of its Trust Funds. Mr. Woodsum's report for 1956 will be found on one of the following pages.
The Trustees bid welcome to Mr. Gilbert L. Bean who succeeds to membership on the Library Board by appoint- ment of the Trustees of Thayer Academy. Mr. Bean, who is now serving as President of the Braintree Historical. Society, is well qualified and he will contribute much. strength and vigor to the Board of Trustees.
The report of the Librarian, Miss Miriam Hall, is. commended to all the citizens for a careful reading. It is. a thoroughly fine report and it presents a clear picture. of the problems that confront us and also the hopes and aspirations that challenge us at the Library today.
Braintree is very fortunate to have a physical plant,.
136
an assembly of books and a staff of people of the quality and the calibre that prevails today. Our Library ranks high in Massachusetts. It is our responsibility as citizens of Braintree to maintain this high standard.
Respectfully submitted,
GORDON W. BRYANT, Chairman MABEL S. ROGERS, Secretary RALPH B. WOODSUM, Treasurer CLARA G. WETHERBEE GILBERT L. BEAN
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Trustees of the Thayer Public Library :
The following are the statistics of Circulation of Books, Registration of Borrowers, and the Holdings of Books and other materials of the Thayer Public Library. The report of the Librarian and the various departments of the library follows.
LIBRARY STATISTICS 1956 Circulation
Main Library
Adult
81,068
-14,022
* Juvenile
125,062
+13,846
Total
206,130
- . 176
Branches
Adult
38,022
+ 1,683
*Juvenile
30,935
- 447
68,957
+ 1,236
Total
275,087
+ 1,060
* The juvenile circulation at the Main Library and the Highlands Branch includes books which circulated over the desk at the library, and books which circulated from classroom deposits at the schools.
Over the desk
Main
63,415
Highlands
7,486
70,901
137
School deposits Main
101 deposits
Highlands
61,647 6,661
14 deposits
Circulation of Records
2,309
+1705
Circulation per capita
10.3
Book Stock
Adult
Juvenile Total
Volumes Dec. 31, 1955
36,659
14,038
50,697
Volumes added 1956
3,110
1,455
3,565
Volumes withdrawn 1956
590
721 1,311
Total volumes Dec. 31, 1956
38,179
14,722
-52,951
Recordings Dec. 31, 1955
52,951
190
Added 1956
119
Withdrawn 1956
3
Recordings Dec. 31, 1956
306
Registration of Borrowers
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Borrowers Dec. 31, 1955
5,411
3,331
8,742
Registered in 1956
1,417
8.94
2,311
Borrowers moved or transferred 1956
61
437
498
Total registrations Dec. 31,
1956
6,767
3,788
10,555
39% population
REFERENCE WORK
A casual glance at the above figures for circulation at the Main Library would seem to indicate that adults were not using the library as much as in previous years. Yet circulation figures are not the only measure of service or in fact the most important. To your librarian the REFERENCE WORK is the most important of all the various phases of service which the library renders. Each staff member testifies to greatly increased reference work in 1956. It is very difficult to count the number of true reference questions which have been asked and answered in the year, and since it is a very time-consuming effort it is impossible to measure in statistics as circulation fig- ures can be measured. Not only has the reference work with elementary, high school, and college students in- creased, but also with the general adult public both in the library and by telephone. More and more a borrower
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