USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1935 > Part 6
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16
State Certificates Awarded
9
New Books Purchased
117
Received from Fines
$ 75.99
Received for Book Lost
1.00
Received for Book Damaged
.62
Received from Transient Borrowers
3.00
$ 80.61
Paid for Desk Supplies
$ 39.88
Money Refunded Transient Borrowers
3.00
Balance Handed Treasurer
37.73
IDA A. JEFTS. $ 80.61
84
REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE ADAMS LIBRARY
January 1, 1935-December 31, 1935
RECEIPTS
Balance from Last Year
$ 146.96
Rent from Garden Club
14.00
Rent from Historical Society
4.00
Rent from Choral Society
10.00
Rent from E. E. Adams Recital
2.00
From Fines
37.73
Amount Withdrawn from George Cemetery Fund
30.00
Amount Withdrawn from Flint Fund
125.00
$ 369.69
EXPENDITURES
Books
$ 126.63
Rent of Safety Deposit Box
5.50
Lowell Electric Light
10.37
Care of George Cemetery Fund
30.00
Repairs on Library Building
8.00
Fertilizer for Lawn
2.00
Check Tax
.04
Town of Chelmsford for Amounts Received from Rent and Fines
67.73
For Moving Pictures for Children
2.00
252.27
Balance on Hand Jan. 1, 1936
$ 117.42
FREDERICK A. P. FISKE,,
Treasurer.
.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH For the Year Ending December 31, 1935
Officers and Citizens of the Town of Chelmsford :
This year, the Board organized the first of a series of clinics for inocu- lating dogs with anti-rabies serum. This step was highly recommended by State officials as the best method of quickly halting the very rapid spread of rabies among dogs which has accelerated during the last few years. We are convinced that the clinics held this last year have proven that inocu- lation is very beneficial and has materially reduced the number of cases in town. All surrounding towns have held clinics this last year and the indica- tions are that they will be continued. We were able to secure a very favor- able rate for the inoculatons, namely, 50 cents whereas the average rate
85
charged by veterinarians for individual cases is usually $2.00. Clinics will be organized again this year, dates to be announced later. All dog owners are urged to take advantage of the low rate.
The town was very fortunate this last year in that despite the epidemic of infantile paralysis throughout the state, only one case was reported here. Cases of other contagious diseases were also relatively few. Credit is due the agent for close supervision over contagious diseases.
Among the unpaid bills for 1935 which will be listed for payment in1 1936 are three, namely :
Frost & Co. $ 12.01
Middlesex County Sanitarium
46 50
City of Lowell 242.17
$300.68
As an explanation, we wish to state that the Board did not exceed their appropriation, since sufficient money to cover these bills was unexpended. Since payements for the year were closed by the town accountant before the bills were received or could be approved necessarily they had to be carried over.
The reports of the agent and other inspectors follow:
Respectfully submitted,
F. A. MacELROY,
G. A. MCNULTY,
J. J. KIBERD, Jr.
REPORT OF THE AGENT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
Mr. Frederic MacElroy,
Chairman of Board of Health.
Dear Sir :
The following is a report for the year 1935:
Scarlet Fever
17
Measles
7
German Measles
13
Tuberculosis
7
Whooping Cough
17
Chicken Pox
19
Lobar Pneumonia
5
Mumps
16
Dog-bite
19
Diphtheria
0
Infantile
1
Encephalitis
1
Investigations
204
Sanitary Visits
68
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Several specimens were sent to the State for tests as precautionary measures on typhoid suspects.
When contagious diseases are reported, houses are carded, all books are fumigated and returned, and children who have been in contact with the disease are isolated for a week. In order to protect other children, pupils with colds are excluded for a short time. Several trips were made to the Middlesex County Sanitorium, Tewksbury State Hospital, and to the G. U. Clinic in Lowell.
Pupils Schicked in May who were immunized in October, 1934: 210
Negative
Positive
11
Total
221
Seven of the eleven were re-immunized in October, 1935-the other four had left town. We gave diptheria toxoid to 195 children under twelve year of age and toxin-anti-toxin to two teachers and seventeen children of twelve years of age; these will receive the Schick test in the spring, but the children under under twelve will not require it. There has not been a case of diphtheria in town this year. The diphtheria toxoid was given on the advice of our State health officer, Dr. Archibald, who has been here several times this year to discuss the health situation. We intend to con- tinue our immunization clinics, but we are particularly anxious to im- munize children under school age, for it is at this time that the most benefit is derived from the toxoid. I do urge parents to have the child treated as soon as it is six months old.
In October the Middlesex County conducted a school clinic at which pupils in the seventh, ninth, and eleventh grades were given the tuber- culosis test. Twelve children in the lower grades who were exposed to tuber- culosis were also tested and held over to another year to be X-rayed and ex- amined as observation cases.
Children Tested 166
Children X-rayed 63
Children Referred for Examination 13
Deferred Case 1
There were ten pupils who have been examined each year by the State clinic, but this year Dr. Martin of the county clinic was so satisfied with their improvement that he discharged them.
Dental work in the schools is done by Dr. Ritter, who has been a most efficient dentist in the six and one-half years he has been with us. He is in the school every Wednehday from 9 A. M. to 3 P. M.
Teeth Treated 311
Teeth Filled-Temporary 411
Teeth Filled-Permanent 710
Teeth Cleaned 607
Teeth Extracted-Temporary
401
Teeth Extracted-Permanent
23
Examined by Dentist 1024
The Parent-Teacher Associations in all parts of town have given generously of their funds to assist in corrective work for children who
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could not afford to pay even the dentist's reduced prices. In the spring when the High School Parent-Teacher Association disbanded, $9.00 which was left in the treasury was turned in toward High School dental work- three High School pupils had all their work done.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank all those who have so excellently co operated with me during the year 1935.
Respectfully submitted, MAE S. LEWIS, R. N., Agent for Board of Health.
December 31, 1935.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
January 1, 1936.
To the Board of Health,
Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen
I submit the following report of animals slaughtered by licensed butchers and owners at their premises. From January 1, 1935 to January 1, 1936. Have been inspected by me.
Cattle
748
Calves
636
Hogs
560
Sheep
2298
Of these were condemned :
Cattle
1
Calves
84
Hogs 1
All inspections have been reported to the State authorities.
Respectfully submitted,
W. C. GALE, Inspector of Slaughtering.
REPORT OF MEAT INSPECTOR
January 1, 1936.
To the Board of Health,
Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I submit the following report on markets, butcher and fish carts.
I have found them in good condition, although I have condemned 310 pounds of meat and 20 pounds of fowl that had to be destroyed.
Respectfully submitted,
W. C. GALE, Inspector of Meats.
88
REPORT OF PLUMBING INSPECTOR
Chelmsford, Mass, January 2, 1936.
Board of Health,
Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen :
The following is a report of the plumbing work for the year ending December 31, 1935.
Whole number of applications for permits to do plumb-
ing 58
New Houses 11
Old Houses 47
Total
58
Inspections
121
Tests
45
Total Visits 166
Plumbing fixtures installed :
Water Closets
62
Lavatories
53
Bath Tubs
42
Wash Trays
20
Sinks
53
Floor Drains
2
Shower Baths
3
Soda Fountain
1
Sink Trap
1
Total 237
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES N. MIDWOOD, Plumbing Inspector.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MILK INSPECTION DIVISION
December 31, 1935.
Board of Health,
Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I have the honor to present the report of the Milk Inspection Division for the year ending December 31, 1935.
There were nine stores registered to sell oleomargarine.
Three licenses were issued to milk dealers to maintain establishments for the pasteurization of milk.
Forty-four stores and twenty-two milk distributors were issued milk licenses.
89
Sixty-seven dollars and fifty cents, collected for license fees, were paid to the Town Treasurer.
Three hundred and six dairy farms were inspected, scored, and classi- fied as required by law, according to the rules and regulations of the Milk Regulation Board. All producers supplying the town now have some type of milk house, and means of keeping the milk at fifty degrees Fahr., or below from the time of production until delivery to the distributor. Many milk pails and strainers have been condemned and replaced as a result of the inspections and more suitable refrigeration has been installed in some milk houses. Better sanitary conditions in the production and handling of milk, now exist as a result of repeated visits.
During the year the Milk Regulation Board promulgated rules and regulations establishing eight grades of milk, regulating and establishing standards, so that now each bottle cap has an outlined semicircle, reserved exclusively for the grade designation.
There were seized from dealers eight hundred thirty-seven chemical ; five hundred eighty-two bacterial; one hundred twelve cream; four hun- dred forty-three sediment samples of milk. Of the chemical samples: two hundred five were milk-raw; e'even certified milk-raw; five hundred sitxy-two milk-pasteurized; fifty-nine grade A milk.
The numerical averages of the chemical and median averages of the bacterial samples for the year follow :
Milk-raw: total solids, 12.93% ; fat, 4 02% ; median average per cubic centimeter, 14,000.
Certified milk-raw : total solids, 13.17% ; fat, 4.09% ; median average per cubic centimeter, no colonies developed.
Milk-pasteurized : total solids, 12.86% ; fat 3.96% ; median average per cubic centimeter, 8,000.
Grade A milk : total solids, 13.45% ; fat, 4.40% ; median average per cubic centimeter, 2,800.
There were seized from producers two hundred eighty-four chemical ; three hundred thirty-nine bacterial; two hundred sixty-three sediment samples The median bacterial count was 15,000.
Ninety-seven inspections of milk dealers plants were made.
Approximately 1907 quarts of milk and 49 quarts of cream were con- sumed daily.
Respectfully submitted,
MELVIN F. MASTER. B. S. in Chemistry.
90
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS REPORT
December 31, 1935.
Board of Selectmen,
Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen :
The report of the work done by this department during the year 1935 under the direction of the Division of Livestock Disease Control, State Department of Agriculture, follows :
The annual inspection of cattle, sheep and swine ordered during the latter part of the year is now completed and a detailed report has been submitted to the State authorities.
There are 200 stables, seven less than last year, in which are kept 713 dairy cows, 206 young cattle and 17 bulls, a total of 936 head which is 27 less than last year and 27 more than in 1933.
Ten years ago there were 1083 cattle in 201 stables and twenty years ago 1214 cattle in 242 stables.
Thae cattle in town are located in the various precicts as follows : Precinct Cattle
1 2 3 4 6
5 432 200 21 88 145 50
West Chelmsford now has but 21 head of cattle in nine different stables which is less than half the number in the Westlands, where there are 50 head in ten stables.
There are 525 swine, 16 sheep and 14 goats in town.
On Oct. 31, 1935, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in its entirety was recognized as a Federal Accredited Area, that is., an area having less than one-half of one per cent of the cattle react to the test for tuberculosis.
All cattle in town are regularly tested by State and Federal Inspectors, and only 57 reactors were found in three different herds in the past year. These three stables were properly cleaned and disinfected after the diseased animals were removed.
Ninety-three cows and nine bul's for dairy purposes, 55 beef cattle, 200 calves and 21 sheep were shipped into town on permits issued by the State authorities. They were identified and released upon proof of satisfactory test charts and certificates showing that they came from herds free from Bangs disease during the year previous to entry into the State.
The same conditions are now in effect as last year relative to the con- trol of Bangs disease by the State and Federal authorities. Don't forget to obtain the necessary permit before bringing cattle into town from outside the State.
Fifty dog bite cases have been investigated. In 22 dog bite cases the dogs were held in quarantine for a two weeks' observation period and then released. Ten other dogs were inspected and found to be normal. Four rabid dogs were killed and two others passed through parts of the town and were killed elsewhere. Ten dogs were quarantined after contact with rabid dogs, six were killed before being released and the other four were released after ninety days, no rabies having developed.
Two dogs froth other towns were inspected after they bit persons in Chelmsford.
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To the Physicians, School Nurse, Police and Health authorities I wish to express my appreciation for their co-operation and help.
Under Chapter 426, Acts of 1935, a person engaging in the business of dealing in bovine animals, except for immediate slaughter, must obtain a license therefor from the Division of Livestock Disease Control. Farm- ers or others engaged in dairying, whose cattle sales are but a minor part of that business, are not required to take out such a license.
Any and all persons purchasing cattle from a dealer should make sure that said dealer has a license to sell dairy cattle.
Cattle to be approved for addition to Massachusetts herds must be de- livered direct.
1. From premises where testing is conducted under State supervision and on which premises there were no reactors at time of last entire herd test.
2. From the dairy section of the Brighton stock yards, or
3. From a licensed cattle dealer.
For further information call your Inspector of Animals.
ARNOLD C. PERHAM.
BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS
To the Honarable Board of Selectmen,
Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen :
The annual report of the Board of Fire Engineers is respectfully sub- mitted herewith :
The Board is organized as follows :
Harry L. Shedd, Chief
John W. Dixon, Asst. Chief
John W. Kemp, Asst. Chief
with the latter serving as Clerk of the Board. '
The Board appointed the following District Chiefs :
Wilhelm T. Johnson
District No. 1
Joseph D. Ryan
District No. 2
Walter Edwards District No. 3
Henry G. Quinn
District No. 4
Arthur W. House
District No. 5
Arthur W. House, Chief District No. 5, resigned as of July 1st, 1936, and the Board appointed in his place Charles House.
We regret to record this change as Arthur W. House had been a mem- ber of the Department for many years, but we believe that Charles House, his son, will bring good results to this District by reason of his ability and experience, and expect good results from his administration of the company in this section of the town.
The men of the Department, by their faithful service and loyal co-ope- ration, have proven both at fires and drills their efficiency as a well or-
92
ganized fire-fighting force ready for any emergency, and an organization of whom the citizens may be justly proud.
We have exercised a watchful care over apparatus, equipment and quar- ters and have kept them maintained in first-class condition.
We have effected extensive repairs to the pumper stationed at West Chelmsford so that it is now almost as good as new.
In accordance with the mandate of the Town Meeting a new 500-gallon Pumper, equipped with 1,000 feet 21/2" double jackket hose, has been installed at the Centre. This piece of apparatus is modern in every respect, and at its tests exceeded the requirements of the underwriters. The pumper at the Centre was taken to East Chelmsford, and the truck stationed there turned over to the Forest Warden, so that the town now has one of he best equipped departments in the State for towns of similar size. This has resulted in lower insurance rates in East Chelmsford.
The department ha's responded to 51 alarms of fire, and in addition has rendered aid at brush fires and assistance to neighboring towns and cities.
We have endeavored to eliminate waste, and have practiced economy without effecting efficiency of operation, and believe that by this carefully planned policy have operated the department at a lower cost than many simi- lar departments with resultant benefits to the taxpayers.
In closing, we would express our appreciation of the excellent co- operation given by the Police both of our own excellent department as well as the State Troopers and the Lowell Motor Cycle officers.
HARRY L. SHEDD, JOHN W. DIXON, JOHN M. KEMP,
Board of Fire Engineers.
REPORT OF WELFARE AGENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Chelmsford, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit my first report as Welfare Agent for the Town of Chelmsford starting April 1, 1935, and ending December 31, 1935.
During the year 1935 the aid and relief, also the Old Age Assistance increased to a great extent over the year 1934. This can partly be ex- plained by the fact, that with all due regard to the Federal Expenditures, on work relief, unemployment is increasing and that private employment is seasonal to a great degree. This is evidenced by the fact that our welfare load drops off noticeably during the summer months when the local quarries and mills are working steadily. Probably an analysis of our Welfare Expenditures for the year 1935 would throw some light on this situation which is confronting the tax payers of our town.
Public Welfare in the Town of Chelmsford is divided into two major
93
classes, Temporary Aid and Old Age Assistance. During the year 1935 we expended $31,072.46 on Temporary Aid and $11,619.51 on Old Age Assistance, an increase of 45% and 47% respectively over the year 1934; whereas our increase in cases were 70% on Temporary Aid and 65% on Old Age Assistance. This general increase is not only true in Chelmsford but throughout the State as well, as evidenced by information from vari- ous towns and cities.
In the system of investigation now used in our Welfare and Old Age Assistance cases in the Town, we have access to all bank accounts, insur- ance policies, Postal Savings accounts, as well as reports from relatives on their ability to aid, also medical and military service reports.
Due to recent laws passed in our State and Federal legislatures the eligibility requirements for Old Age Assistance have been lowered. The age limit for Old Age Assistance applicants will without doubt be changed from seventy years to sixty-five. This means we must expect an increase in Old Age Assistance; to what amount this will increase it is hard to foretel1.
In viewing the outlook for 1936, I would recommend the following measures to be put in effect; the purchase of all commodities used in any quantities by private bids, a closer check-up on our rents and the appoint- ment of one or two doctors at a fixed salary to care for our welfare cases ; a satisfactory arrangement on this would be one doctor for the North and West sections, and the other for the Centre and East and South districts.
In closing I would like to thank the Board of Public Welfare, the Chelmsford Police Department, and other Town officials who have made my first year as Welfare Agent a pleasant one through their whole-hearted co-operation.
Respectfully yours,
LEONARD S. MacELROY, Welfare Agent.
94
REPORT OF THE CHELMSFORD E. R. A .- W. P. A. FOR 1935
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Chelmsford, Massachusetts.
Honorable Sirs :
As Administrator of the E. R. A. and W. P. A. I hereby submit to you and the citizens of the Town my report for the year 1935, showing princi- pal projects undertaken and completed, together with such other data as may show the effect of work relief on the Community and its people.
By and large the most important projects undertaken during 1935 were the two water projects : One for the extension of water mains in the North Chelmsford Fire District, and the other for the laying of new mains in the recently organized South Chelmsford Water District. The materials for these two projects were purchased by the respective districts, and the labor was paid by the Federal Government.
In November, 1935, our E. R. A. projects were turned over to the Works Progress Administration.
PROJECTS CARRIED ON UNDER E. R. A and W. P. A.
The projects completed in 1935 and in progress at the end of the year are as follows :
1. WATER PROJECTS:
a. South Chelmsford Water District : Cast iron water mains were laid 5 feet deep on Acton Road, Byam Road, Robin Hill Road, Maple Road, Proctor Road, and Park Road. Hydrants were connected at suitable points and copper service pipe laid to the property lines. As the year drew to a close the pipe was laid to within sight of the corner of Acton and Park Roads with 85 men on the job. It is the plan to continue laying mains across Acton Road, and stop at the residence of Mr. Otis Brown, which will mark the completion of the project.
b. North Chelmsford Fire District : Cast iron water mains were laid on the following roads as an extension of the previous district : Groton Road to the Westford line, West Chelmsford Road, Tyngsboro Road and Dun- stable Road. Service pipe was laid to the property lines and hydrants placed to advantage. As the year ended the work was nearly completed with the exception of a short length on Dunstable Road.
2 ROAD CONSTRUCTION :
Hunt Road : Approximately 11/2 miles of Hunt Road was widened from 12 to 18 feet. The sides of the road were cleaned of brush and protruding rocks, and blind corners were cut and straightened. The road was re- graveled to 6-inch thickness.
Albina Street: This street between Carlisle Street and Beaulieu Street was formerly impassable. A hill at the site was excavated to a depth of 8 feet and a bank wall was constructed 210 feet long. The road was re-
95
graveled and made safe for traffic and fire apparatus. This road will also serve as a convenience for the children who attend the East Chelmsford School.
Sherman Street: This street was built for a distance of 500 feet ad- joining the Varney Playground by filling in an unsightly dump and provid- ing a new section of street in a residential section.
3 PUBLIC BUILDINGS :
North Chelmsford Town Hall: This hall, which was declared unsafe by the State Building Inspector, was given a thorough reconstruction and renovation. New steel columns were placed in the basement and first floor, and new beams were placed for second floor strengthening. Fire stops were constructed at floor lines and stairways and the entire building was rewired with modern cable for lighting. New flooring was laid on the entire first floor and stage of second floor. A new vestibule was built on the front of the building, new rain gutters were erected, and other minor replacements made too numerous to mention. Finally the building was painted inside and out ,and put in first-class repair in every particular.
4 MISCELLANEOUS PROJECTS :
a. Old Garage : The old garage in back of the Princeton Street School was taken down and the materials salvaged for the Varney Field House project.
b. Varney Field House: A Field House at Varney Playground, size 24' 8" x 26' 8", two stories high, was constructed at the end of the ball field near Crystal Lake. The structure is of permanent nature, being built of granite and brick. It will serve as a much-needed shelter, and is equipped with fireplace and toilet facilities.
c. Baseball Diamond: A standard baseball diamond and infield was built at Varney Playground with backstop. Over 10,000 cu. yds. of gravel were moved into low areas under previous projects of the E. R. A. to make this baseball diamond possible.
d. Apple Pest Control : Various sections in the vicinity of apple orch- ards were cleared of wild apple trees, cherry trees and cherry bush which might be injurious to commercial orchards.
e. Emergency Snow Removal: During the blizzard and snow storm of January 25, 1935, all E. R. A. workers tvere turned over to the Town High- way Department to clear the roads of snow. The saving to the Town was $2 691.00 for wages.
f. Moth Project: Wooded areas totalling 200 acres were cleaned of gypsy and brown tail moth eggs, the project being abandoned because of warm weather, to be resumed at a later date.
g. Sewing Project : The women's sewing project operated continuously during 1935 in the Center Town Hall, with an average of 25 women em- ployed in making garments for the needy. This project is now turned over to the W. P. A., with 35 women employed.
h. Federal Housing : During the summer months two canvassers were engaged in visiting property owners to stimulate repairs and alterations un- der the loan privileges of the Federal Housing Act.
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