USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1931 > Part 7
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We strongly recommend this addition to our present equipment at the earliest moment financial arrangements will permit.
We desire to express our appreciation to the Police Department who have always responded with cheerful and hearty co-operation whenever their services have been needed.
In the past year the Department has responded to 105 calls for Fires within the Town area, including 42 calls for brush and forest fires, and to eight calls for fires in adjoining towns.
The estimated loss of property caused by these fires was $8190.09.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY L. SHEDD, JOHN W. DIXON, JOHN M. KEMP,
Board of Fire Engineers.
Dec. 31, 1931 .
123
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
The Town has been very fortunate the last year in contagious diseases, as the report of the agent shows. With all the Scarlet Fever in a neighboring city the town had only 21 cases and in no case did a second case occur in the same family which speaks well for the care of these cases.
The Clinics have been held as usual with special care to pre-school children and have been well attended. 1063 were given the tests. The Agent has done a large amount of outside charity work during the year.
During the year two new dumps were opened one in the West- lands and one at the North village. If the residents will use a little care in using these dumps they will save the Town considerable ex- pense, at the Westlands there is a large timber to back up to and throw the refuse over into the dump, at North there is plenty room to drive down into the dump and unload, if the citizens will do so and not unload anywhere as they have done in the past it will save the expense of cleaning up and putting the refuse where it can be un- loaded with a little care.
The new County Tuberculosis Sanatorium at Waltham was opened in October. When the law permitting the County Commissioners to build it was put in the Legislature there were 180 tuberculosis cases in the County and the plans were made for a 200 bed hospital, wheu the bill became law there were 200 tuberculosis cases in the County and the plans were changed so as to have 225 beds. When the hos- pital was completed there were 280 cases of tuberculosis in the County, already there is talk of enlarging the hospital, if this is not done there will be a long waiting list, the Board were very fortunate in having its cases transfered to Waltham when the hospital was opened. Under the old arrangement the bills for care of hospitalized tuberculosis cases were assessed on the cities and towns in January following the year of care and were paid by the treasurer with the county tax in November, the state carried the account. With the opening of the Waltham hospital it becomes a County affair and the County Com- missioners have to hire the money to pay the bills if they are not paid monthly, the Board recommends that sufficient money be raised to pay these bills monthly and save the interest.
During the year the plumbing rules were put in force by the Board, they are the same as in all towns in the state and are the low- est required by the Dept. of Public Health. The Board urges the citi- zeus to study the report of the plumbing inspector carefully.
The milk supply of the town has improved very greatly in the last few years, the Board hopes the citizens will study this report very carefully.
The reports of the Agent, Plumbing Inspector, Inspector of Milk and of Markets follow.
J. C. OSTERHOUT, GEORGE A. MCNULTY, F. C. MacELROY.
124
REPORT OF AGENT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
Mr. Osterhout,
Chairman of Board of Health.
Dear Sir:
The following is a report for the year 1931:
Scarlet Fever
21
Chicken Pox
12
Whooping Cough
8
Tuberculosis
S
Typhoid Fever
1
Measles
15
Mumps
2
Lobar Pneumonia
3
Infantile Paralysis
1
German Measles
3
Diphtheria (a pre-school child not immunized)
1
. Dog Bite
10
Home Visits
289
Investigations 114
When there is a contagious disease exposed in any school room the school physician examines the pupils and the nurse inspects them daily until the danger is past. All books and desks are taken care of. The librarians are notified in case of library books.
Pupils schicked in May who were immunized in October 1930.
Negative
193
Positive
7
Absent 0
Those seven children were re-immunized in October when we con- ducted our immunization clinic for the first grade and pre-school child- ren. We immunized 173 school pupils, 36 pre-school and one mother. We have two dentists working in the schools; Dr. Ritter in the Princeton School and Dr. Coughlin in McFarlin School.
Teeth Treated 644
Filled Permanent 456
Filled Deciduous 421
Teeth Cleaned 779
Extractions Permanent
38
Extractions Deciduous
421
Examined by Dentist 1320
Our rating on Dental work by the State Department of Dental Hygiene was 83 percent as compared with 63 percent in 1930.
May Health Day was very successful also the pre-school clinic which was held in the same month. All children entering school for the first time have been vaccinated except one and this child had a doctor's certificate.
Report of the clinic held in the Public Schools of Chelmsford by the State Department of Public Health, Division of Tuberculosis, January, 1931.
126
Total number given the Von Pirquet Test 1063
Grade Schools 858
High School 210
Teachers 10
Total number who reacted to test:
Grade Schools 197
High School
79
Pre-School 1
Total number referred for examination:
Grade Schools
48
High School
9
Total number of children examined:
Contacts and Non-Contacts
Grade Schools
47
High Schools 9
Total number of contacts examined :
Grade School
4
High School
1
Total number of cases diagnosed as Pulmonary Tuberculosis :
Grade School 1
High School 0
Total number of cases diagnosed as Latent Hilum:
Grade School
2
High School
2
Total number of cases classified as suspects:
Grade School
18
High School
Percentage of Pulmonary cases among children showing positie tuberculin test:
Grade School 4-10 of 1%
High School 0%
Percentage of Pulmonary cases among the children tested:
Grade School 1-10 of 1%
High School
0%
Percentage of Hilum cases among the children showing positive tubercular test:
Grade School 3%
High School 0%
Percentage of Hilum cases among the children tested:
Grade School
8-10 of 1%
High School
0%
Percentage of latent hilum cases among the children showing positive tuberculin test:
Grade Schools 1%
High School
2%
126
2
Percentage of suspicious cases among the children tested:
Grade School 2%
High School 1 %
Percentage of malnutrition cases among the children: Grade Schools 4%
High School 0%
A follow up clinic was held November, 1931 by the State Depart- ment of Public Health Division of Child Hygiene. Twenty-eight children were transported to Lowell High School for X-Ray. Physical examinations were given to the same group in Chelmsford on Decem- ber 21 and 22, 1931.
It showed the following results:
Improved
25
Tonsil and adenoid operations-as advised 4
Unimproved 2
Malnutrition 1
Following recommendations 21
Not following recommendations
7
The Parent Teachers Association provided milk for every child who could not afford to buy it. Hot lunches are served in all the schools.
Dr. Archibald and Dr. Knowlton visited many times.
In the year 1931 much charity work was accomplished. At Thanks- giving and Christmas additional help was given. One hundred nine baskets were distributed. Clothing and shoes were given. It was a great pleasure to do this extra work.
I wish to thank the people, different organizations and churches for their generosity in giving me clothing, money and excellent co- operation which makes it possible for me to do this work.
Respectfully submitted,
MAE S. LEWIS, R. N.
127
ANNUAL REPORT MILK INSPECTION DIVISION
December 31, 1931.
To the Chelmsford Board of Health, Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I have the honor to present the report of the milk inspection division for the year beginning January 1, 1931.
There were eighteen distributors licensed to deliver milk from vehicles. Forty three stores were licensed to sell milk. Five stores were licensed to sell oleomargarine. Two milk plants were issued pasteurization licenses.
Fifty three dollars were collected for licenses and paid to the Town Treasurer.
Three hundred thirty five dairy farms supply milk to Chelmsford.
Twelve distributors sell pasteurized market milk; eight raw market milk; five Grade "A" Pasteurized; two Massachusetts Grade A raw; two certified milk; and two certified milk pasteurized.
There were seven hundred seventy chemical; three hundred ninety three bacterial; and three hundred fourteen sediment samples exam- ined from distributors. Two hundred thirty five sediments passed in- spection. Sixty-two were unsatisfactory and seventeen did not pass inspection. The highest bacterial count was 484,000; the lowest devel- oped no colonies; the median average was 32,000 per cubic centimeter. Seventy seven samples of cream were tested. The highest bacterial count was 798,000; the lowest 8,000; the median average 110,000. There were 443 temperatures and 284 sediment tests taken at the farms. One hundred forty three dairy farm inspections were made. Five hundred sixty one bacterial counts were obtained from producers. There were forty nine cans of milk rejected at the farms.
Respectfully submitted,
M. F. MASTER.
128
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
January 1, 1932.
To the Board of Health:
Chelmsford, Mass ..
Gentlemen:
I submit the following report of animals slaughtered by licensed butchers and by owners at their premises, and inspected by me, from May 1, 1931 to January 1, 1932.
Cattle
249
Calves
312
Hogs
707
Sheep
2871
Of these were condemned:
Cattle
11
Calves
10
Hogs
13
Sheep
2
All inspections have been reported to the State authorities as re- quired.
Respectfully submitted,
WINTON C. GALE, Inspector of Slaughtering.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF MARKETS
January 1, 1932.
To the Board of Health:
Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I submit the report on Markets and butcher carts throughout the Town, from May 1, 1931 to January 1, 1932.
I have made 276 calls, and have confiscated approximately 750 lbs. of meat poultry and sausage for various reasons. Conditions at present are very good.
Respectfully submitted,
WINTON C. GALE, Inspector of Markets.
129
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
January 1, 1932.
Board of Selectmen:
The annual inspection required by Section 19 of Chapter 129 of the General Laws, of all cattle, sheep and swine was completed late in February.
The following animals were found in the 196 stables in the town, 837 dairy cows, 221 young cattle, 23 bulls, 311 swine, 7 sheep and 5 goats.
A complete report of the above animals and the condition under which they were kept was made to Division of Animal Industry, State House, Boston.
Seven cows were quarantined as tuberculous, five were condemned and killed and the other two were released.
Thirty-five herds of cattle are now under State and Federal super- vision for the eradication of tuberculosis, and about thirty owners of other herds have made application for tests to be applied to their cattle. No first tests have been applied in this town during the past year, this work now being done on the area plan, that is, by testing all of the cattle in a town or block of towns rather than by testing herds at random. The owners of over 85% of the cattle in this town have pe- titioned the Director of Animal Industry (as set forth in Chapter 123 of the Acts of 1930), to have the area plan applied to Chelmsford rather than the present plan of scattered tests. About 75 towns in this State are now tuberculosis free, and over 100 others have made app!i- cation for a town test ahead of Chelmsford,
Fourteen cows and four bulls have been shipped into town on per- mits from New Hampshire and Vermont. All have been identified and released for dairy and breeding purposes. Also forty-eight cows and eight bulls have been transported to town from other States for im- mediate slaughter.
Thirty dog bite cases have been investigated and most of the dogs quarantined and held under observation for two weeks, at the end of which time all were released, no symptoms of rabies having developed.
The annual inspection for the present winter was ordered to begin early in November, much earlier than usual, and has just been com- pleted. In the 201 stables inspected there were 852 dairy cows, 188 young cattle, 27 bulls, 644 swine, 38 sheep and 18 goats. Stabe condi- tions have greatly improved during the last few years.
ARNOLD C. PERHAM,
Inspector.
130
REPORT OF PLUMBING INSPECTOR
Chelmsford, Mass., Jan. 15, 1932.
Board of Health, Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The following is a report of the plumbing work done for the year ending December 31, 1931:
Whole number of Applications for Permits to Do Plumbing 58
New Houses 18
Old Houses 40
Inspections
81
Tests
41
Total Visits
122
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES N. MIDWOOD, Plumbing Inspector.
131
REPORT OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
The following is a report of the work done by the Middlesex County Extension Service in the Town of Chelmsford during the year 1931:
A great many requests have been received from Chelmsford by the farmers asking for individual service and 42 farm visits were made necessary to answer these requests. Following up applications for the Tuberculosis Testing of cattle and dairy replacements, together with efforts toward growing better quality roughage constituted the dairy problems. Flock management and disease control were the poultry problems. With the fruit growers spray service cards were sent out and other information to those on the mailing list. The Apple Maggot situation in Chelmsford is quite serious and several calls were made to aid in its control. A fruit meeting on general subjects was held during the winter and a demonstration showing the proper use of spray equipment was held in June.
For the homemakers, two series of meetings were held, one in the center and one in West Chelmsford under the leadership of Mrs. Charles Ellis, Mrs. James Parker and Mrs. Lane Safford. A series of. monthly meetings were held which included discussions on the "Sav- ing of Time, Money and Energy in the Home." These homemakers passed on information to 178 others who could not attend the meet- ings. There was also a small group of mothers interested in Child Guidance who held the meetings under the leadership of Mrs. C. H. Woodward. These meetings have been, planned to help parents to better understand their children and to develop a constructive program for children. Talks were given before the Chelmsford Grange and West Chelmsford Parent-Teachers' Association. Mrs. John, Parker's assistance as Town Homemaking Chairman was most helpful. Judges were furnished for the Chelmsford Fair.
157 boys and girls were enrolled in 4-H Club work, largely in garden, poultry, clothing, canning and health clubs. Perley W. Kimbail served as 4-H Club Chairman and the following served as local leaders: Edwin Erikson, Mrs. Lucia Norton, Mrs. R. P. Kidder, Miss Julia Koulas, Mrs. E. D. Harris, M. D. Johnson, Mrs. M. Jackson, Mrs. Ernest Ferron, Mrs. Joshua Machon, Mrs. Ralph Bickford, John Cassidy, Adam Zabrierek and Erick Petersen. Mrs. Ferron and Mrs. Machon attended the Leaders' Camp at the Massachusetts State College. Phyllis Welch, Esther Kidder, Isabelle Hamilton, Ralph House and John Reid were awarded a two-day trip to the Massachusetts State College for doing outstanding club work. The Wide Awake Workers 4-H Clothing Club, under the leadership of Mrs. R. P. Kidder and Miss
132
Julia Koulas, won first prize ribbon on their stunt at the Lowell Rally in competition with 27 other clubs. Julia Koulas won second prize In the Middlesex North Agricultural Society Garden Contest, as well as third prize on her account book. There was a splendid record of com- pletions in the garden club in North Chelmsford, under the leadership of John Cassidy. A local exhibit of two clubs, with a special program, was held at the Princeton School with a good attendance. Because of its size, the 4-H Club work in Chelmsford is necessarily divided into several units. Efficient leaders have functioned in each of the four districts and a satisfactory standard of work has been maintained.
A series of eight educational motion picture shows have been given during the year to a total attendance of 2725.
Several townspeople availed themselves of the opportunity of at- tending county-wide meetings on poultry, fruit growing and dairying, as well as the Homemakers' Day at Lexington and the County Picnic at Wayside Inn.
PERLEY W. KIMBALL.
133
REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
To the Board of Selectmen:
Chelmsford, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
The Cemetery Commissioners beg to submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1931:
Fore Fathers, the sunken graves have been filled in and the old Slates have been straightened up during the past season; also the perpetual care lots have been kept in their usual good shape. We have got new equipment. in line of tools, to the amount of $24.15.
Pine Ridge, new lots have been re-graded and seeded and are now in good condition. The trees and shrubs have been trimmed and shaped up, also some bushes in the new section have been cut and burned. Four (4) new lots have been sold in this cemetery.
Hart Pont, in this cemetery we have all filled sections graded so as to be kept cut with lawn mower and we have been a number of years, re-grading and filling, to get to this point, but from now on we will be able to keep all the yard most attractive. The wooden fence and tool house have been painted one coat of white paint. The bushes have been cut and trees trimmed in the grove as usual. Two (2) new lots were sold.
Riverside has had its usual care during the season. Many im- provements have been made and special care has been taken of the perpetual care lots. First Avenue has been graded. The shade trees have been trimmed and many stones in the old section have been cleaned.
Fairview, the grass has been cut and driveways hoed out before May 30th.
West Cemetery, two hundred (200) feet of fence was repaired and painted; grading in new section was done and general work through- out the cemetery, weeding of streets. cleaning up all pine needles and leaves in the fall, and trimming all trees throughout the cemetery. By using refuse as a filler in grading in the new section it was a great saving of expense of loam and makes a richer soil.
Interments 1931: Fore Fathers, six (6). Pine Ridge, nine (9). South, seven (7). Riverside, seven (7). Fairview, three (3). West. ten (10).
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR O. WHEELER. BAYARD C. DEAN, C. WESLEY LYONS, Cemetery Commissioners Town of Chelmsford.
134
REPORT OF WAR MEMORIAL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Chelmsford:
This committee was appointed by the Moderator of the Annual Town Meeting held February 10, 1930, at which time, under Article 15 of the Town Warrant, it was voted to appoint a committee to recom- mend to the voters of the Town the manner of erecting a suitable me- morial to be dedicated to the citizens of Chelmsford who were engaged in the Civil War, the Spanish War, and the World War.
After holding several meetings, it was unanimously voted by your committee to recommend the erection of a Memorial Flag Pole to be constructed at the easterly end of the Common in the center of Chelms- ford, in the place of, and on the site of the present flag pole.
This recommendation was submitted to the voters at the Annual Town Meeting, held February 9, 1931, under Article 35. The Finance Committee did not approve the appropriation and the voters voted against the Article.
This committee was asked to continue to serve and to submit some other form of memorial. $150.00 was voted to work with, but as busi- ness conditions have not improved in the past year we have not spent any of the money and feel that the Town had better wait until more favorable times and not burden the taxpayers with this expense just at this time.
However, your committee is of the opinion that something in the form of a Memorial to these gallant and brave men should be erected in the near future.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK A. P. COBURN, GEORGE W. PETERSON, WILHELM T. JOHNSON.
135
FOREWORD
Many towns and municipalities during the past year experienced serious financial embarrassment. We are pleased to advise the citizens of Chelmsford their town has maintained its strong financial condi- tion.
The budget for the year 1932 has been prepared after much time and thought; it being our intention to keep appropriations to a mini- mum and yet be able to provide the citizens with the same standard of service they have experienced during the past year. We are fully cognizant of improvements that could be made in the various depart- ments of town government. The executives of these departments would like to give this improved service and protection. We feel, however, that it would not be prudent at this time to make additional expendi- tures which these improvements would naturally involve.
Special mention should be made of expenses assessed to the Town that are beyond the control of local government. The Common- wealth of Massachusetts tax for the year 1931 was $12,825.60. It is estimated that the contemplated expenditures by the legislature will necessitate a 30% increase in our State Tax for the year 1932. The County of Middlesex Tax against the Town of Chelmsford in 1931 was $18.714.99. In addition to this amount the County has made a special assessment of $20,339.50. This represents Chelmsford's proportion that must be paid for the construction of the new Tuberculosis Hospital in Waltham. These state and county taxes, exclusive of special assess- ments, represent approximately $4.66 of our tax rate.
It is hoped the State and County will co-operate with the towns and municipalities by adopting a greater economy program and refrain from such legislation as will necessitate additional burdens to local government.
The unemployment problem during the past year put a greater burden upon our Highway Department; it being necessary at times to have over seventy men on the payroll to provide sustenance for their families. The Superintendent of Highways with this unemploy- ment problem and greater payroll was burdened with much detail requiring closer supervision while making every effort to see that the work was distributed as equitably as possible. He is to be com- mended for the conscientious and efficient manner in which he man- aged these problems.
The Police Department during the past year has made great progress in the perfecting of its organization. The Chief of Police has installed records so systematizing his office that details of the de- partment's entire activities are always on file. A better system of police patrol has been inaugurated. Officers on patrol are in practical
136
communication with the central police office at all times. This insures prompt attention to police calls when required. The Town of Chelms- ford covers a considerable area and the citizens are receiving the maximum of police protection considering there are only three regular officers and the limited equipment with which they have to work. Police officers in the department have exhibited a fine morale, it being necessary for them the greater part of the time to devote from four- teen to eighteen hours a day to their police duty. They have devoted their time willingly and with a fine spirit of co-operation.
It should be a source of great satisfaction to the property owners of Chelmsford to realize the progress that has been made in its Fire Department during the past year. Drills have been held increasing the personnel efficiency of the fire companies. The Fire Department during the past season has clearly demonstrated that property located outside of the water districts is now subject to greater protection. During their drills they have proven that fire apparatus may be used to combat fire even though removed from one-half to three-quarters of a mile from the source of water supply.
We ask the co-operation of the citizens during the year 1932, hoping they will refrain from making requests for too exacting service. realizing that increased service can only be furnished at increased cost to the tax payers.
Signed, FRANK J. LUPIEN, ROYAL SHAWCROSS, JAMES A. GRANT,
Selectmen.
137
Warrant for Annual Gown Meeting February 1, 1932, and February 8, 1932
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MIDDLESEX, SS.
To John J. Buchanan, Constable, or any suitable person of the Town of Chelmsford.
GREETING:
In the name of the Commonwealth aforesaid you are hereby requested to notify and warn the legal voters of said Chelmsford to meet in their several Polling Places, viz. :
Precinct 1. Town Hall, Chelmsford Centre.
Precinct ?, Town Hall, North Chelmsford.
Precinct 3, Fire House, West Chelmsford.
Precinct 4, School House, East Chelmsford.
Precinct 5, Liberty Hall, South Chelmsford.
Precinct 6. Golden Cove School House. Westlands,
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