USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1938 > Part 8
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Several stables were reported where tuberculin testing was not conducted under State Supervision because the owners had no cattle a year ago, when inspection took place.
There are 195 Stables in which 736 Dairy Cows are kept. Also 182 Young Cattle and 22 Bulls making a total of 940 Heads, which is 17 less than last year. There is a decrease of 35 Dairy Cows and 2 Bulls, and an increase of 20 Young Cattle.
There are 713 Swine, 27 Sheep and 40 Goats, an increase in all three, but the greatest in the number of goats.
During the regular Tuberculin tests, Cows reacted as tuberculous, in three different stables; they were slaughtered and the stables tho- roughly cleaned and disinfected.
17 Cows and 3 Young Cattle were shipped into Town from out- side the State, upon permits issued by the State Authorities, all were identified and released upon proof that they came from accredited herds free from tuberculosis and Bangs disease.
25 Dogs were quarantined, after having bitten persons. All were later released and no case of Rabies developed. 5 other dogs were inspected on reports of suspected Rabies. 1 Cat bit was investigated.
25 Hogs were quarantined, on suspicion of Hog Cholera, some were slaughtered and several died of influenza, the few remaining were re- leased after sixty days.
Owners of Cattle desiring assistance from the State in the preven- tion of Bangs Abortion Disease may apply to the Director of Livestock
138
Control for the vaccination of any or all Calves in their possession, not less than 4 or more than 8 months old. The application shall be made on a Prescribed Form and shall be accompanied by the Prescribed Fee. (50 cents for each Animal.)
Effective July 4th 1938, a law and order states that all cattle to be used for Dairy purposes (including cattle returning to the State from pasture) must when moved in any way) into this State, be accompanied by a certificate of health indicating that each animal six months of age or over, was negative to blood test for Bangs abortion disease, applied within 30 days prior to date of said transfer or shipment. This certi- ficate also bears on its face, the stamped and written approval and sig- nature of the Livestock Official of the State from which the shipment oariginated.
All animals shipped in contrary to the above order are quarantined at the owners expense and may then be returned to the state in which shipment originated or immediately slaughtered or submitted to a blood test which should prove negative before being released.
No more Federal funds will be used to help pay for animals that react to Bangs abortion Disease after April 1st 1939, unless the State appropriates money for the same purpose.
Equine Encephalomyelitis, a disease new to this section, appeared in this State during August, September and October, causing the death of several persons and 268 horses.
This is a disease of horses and mules, the carriers are blood sucking flies and mosquitoes. The first symptoms of this disease are twitching of the lips and general drowsiness, and if the disease is not arrested, paralysis of the throat and hind quarters follows, ending in death.
Precautions to be taken include screening and frequent spraying against mosquitoes and flies.
Vaccination of all horses is advised especially those in pasture. If symptoms occur, contact your Veterinarian at once. Do not keep horses in pasture at night.
Horses dying of this disease should be buried at once, deep and in quicklime, or burned unless delivered to a rendering establishment.
ARNOLD C. PERHAM,
Inspector of Animals.
139
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To The Citizens Of The Town Of Chelmsford :
The Board feels honored in making its report for the year 1938. A year that has seen changes in the functioning of the department, and for the most part we believe, in the very best interests of the town.
In the spring of the year when extensive alterations were being made in the hall, the Board worked diligently to have an office of its own, in which its business could be transacted, its records and files, communications, properties, etc., could be kept in proper condition, for, as we believe, no other department is any more important, or the ser- vice rendered by its members, than the Board of Health of any com- munity.
As a result of our efforts, we have an office and in it a complete record of all business carried on, important communications, our deal- ings with the State Deprtment of Public Health, and the general con- duct of the office excellently taken care of, and we extend at this time an invitation to any citizen of the town to sit in at our meetings, inspect our books or to offer any suggestion that might enable us to better our work as members of the Board of Health.
The Board organized for the year with Raymond H. Greenwood as Chairman, Edmund J. Welch as Secretary, and George H. McNulty as third member.
What should be of vital importance to the citizens of this town are the many appointments that come under the jurisdiction of the Board, namely: Milk Inspector, Meat Inspector, Plumbing Inspector, Physi- cians, Dentist and Agent, for, the duties of these appointees are most important, in safeguarding the health of this community, consequently it is necessary that they possess the knowledge which is required for their respective positions. Before electing these various officials the Board weighed very carefully their qualifications, past performances, etc.
Two changes in the personnel of the department were made during the year, namely the Agent of the Board and School Dentist. The Board feels that they have made excellent choices in the persons of Dr. Charles Farrington as Dentist, and Isabelle H. McDonough as Agent. Both are performing their work satisfactorily and their appointments have met with general approval throughout the town.
140
Melvin Masters, as inspector of Milk, Charles Midwood as inspector of Plumbing, Winton Gale as inspector of Meats, and the Health Physi- cians Drs. Scoboria and Carriel have performed their duties splendidly, and are a credit to the department.
Another item that should receive the individual attention of the taxpayers is the functioning of our board financially.
Our budget for the year 1938 in the amount of $5075.00 was approved and passed at the annual meeting. The largest item in the budget is labelled "Board of Health, Aid," and the sum of $2000.00 was appro- priated in March. We found it necessary to ask for an additional $600.00 at the special meeting to carry us through the year on our Aid account. The amount appropriated at the annual meeting is insufficient, due to the fact that new cases are added during the year, a situation over which we have 10 control. Aid is the term applied to those whose con- dition requires hospitalization resulting from communicable diseases. Any patient that is admitted to the various State Sanatoriums with the approval of the Board, the Board is billed for the amount of care and treatment once a month. The families of the respective patients are bound by law to reimburse the town in full or in part according to their circumstances. It is an important duty of the Board to see that such re-imbursements are being made to the town. We feel that we have taken care of this duty extremely well during the past year. The number of cases have been reduced from seven in the beginning of the year to two which is the present number.
In the matter of re-imbursements for 1938 we have received the following amounts of money :
State T. B. Subsidy for hospitalization of T. B. patients $ 635.72 Vaccine treatment (Dog Bite Serum) Original app. not
used
400.00
Plumbing Fees
332.50
Milk Licenses
76.50
Bottling Licenses
20.00
Wood Alcohol Licenses
6.00
Slaughtering Licenses
1.00
Drawing of Garbage License
1.00
Funeral Director License
1.00
A Total of
$1,473.72
We had a balance in our budget at the end of the year in the follow- in amounts : Agent's salary $17.78; Aid $47.99; Maintenance $ .05; Care of Dumps $35.00.
Another phase of the Health situation in town is the disposing of waste materials. We have two so-called town dumps in existence. One
141
in the Westland's and the other in the North Section. The latter one is in a deplorable condition, due to the fact from the time this tract of land was purchased for this purpose, the road leading into the dump was never put in proper condition for use, never plowed in the winter time, and as a result of this, a public dump has been created everywhere in the vicinity, but the place designated for such. But on the other hand the disposal of dumping materials has become a real problem.
We feel that the time has come when this town should have collec- tions of rubbish, etc., not once a year, but once or probably twice a month. It is a condition that affects every householder, and we are deluged with complaints from people about their properties being used for public dumping grounds. At a very small cost to the taxpayers, this problem could be solved, thereby removing a grave menace to public health.
This report is rather detailed, but essential, we believe. The health of our community comes first and the members of the Board are untir- ing in their efforts to see that this is accomplished.
We wish to thank sincerely the various officials of other depart- ments for their co-operation extended to us during the year.
Respectfully submitted
RAYMOND H. GREENWOOD, Chairman.
GEORGE H. MCNULTY,
EDMUND J. WELCH, Secretary.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALH AGENT
To the Honorable Members of Board of Health :
I submit my report as Agent from Jan. 1 to Aug. 10, 1938:
Measles
11
Chicken Pox
15
Typhoid Fever
1
Whooping Cough 1
Mumps 24
Scarlet Fever
8
Dysentery
4
Tuberculosis
4
Lobar Pneumonia 1
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A special immunization clinic was held in January, 1938, at that time only 45 pupils in all the schools had not been immunized. We im- munized 66, some of whom were parents and some pre-school children.
The dentist finished his work in the McFarlin School on January 5, 1938; on January 12, we started work in Highland Avenue School, then went to Princeton School where we also did dental work on Quessey pupils ; on March 23 work was started in the Westlands; and on April 27, we began in East Chelmsford.
Cleaning 111
Filling Second 152
Filling First 20
Second Extractions
19
First Extractions
97
Discharged cases from hospitals :
From North Reading Sanitorium
1
From Middlesex Sanitorium .
3
Died at Middlesex Sanitorium
1
Died at North Reading Sanitorium
1
Transferred from Rutland to Middlesex
1
All contagious cases were visited and advice given in regards to care ; homes were carded when required and cards removed when period of contagion was over.
Respectfully submitted,
MAE S. LEWIS, R. N.
Board of Health Agent until August 1, 1938
Mr. Raymond Greenwood Chairman of Board of Health.
Dear Sir:
As Board of Health Agent from September 1 to Dec. 31, 1938, I wish to submit the following report :
For the past 4 months I have done my utmost to carry on the work of Public Health Service in the town for the control of all types of communicable diseases among the townspeople, both school and pre- school children as well as adults. Too, I have given my time freely in
143
investigation in cases of illness and advice was given both in nursing care and sanitation.
During my short term there were no severe epidemics of common diseases among children and yet, we feel that of those cases reported, the number could have been some what decreased if parents would only realize a little more carefully the rules of the Board of Health and their importance. Keeping children out of school and away from other chil- dren when he shows the first suspecion of illness, and then an early diagnosis by a doctor will be two great factors in cutting down our contagious diseases.
We are proud to report that, during the past year, no cases of diph- theria were reported as against three the preceding year. This per- fect record should help parents realize the benefit derived from im- munization against this dreaded disease which so often proves fatal or has the possibility of leaving the child with some handicap for the rest of his life.
Diphtheria toxoid is given to children, by the school doctors, from 6 months to twelve years; older children receive toxin anti-toxin. Free clinics are held usually in the spring and fall with transportation provid- ed. Time and place of clinics are always announced in the schools and in all local newspapers.
Diphtheria is preventable and all parents owe it to their children to give them this protection. In turn, this will help our aim-to wipe diphtheria off our records entirely.
Following are the contagious diseases reported for the year :
Diphtheria
0
Chicken-pox 22
Dog Bites 5
Dysentery
4
Epedemic Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis
6
Lobar Pneumonia
3
Measles
2
Mumps
35
Scarlet Fever
8
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
3
Pulmonary Pneumonia
1
Whooping Cough
15
Typhoid Fever
1
Dr. Charles A. Farrington, as newly appointed school dentist, began work in the schools immediately. At the end of the 1938, all grammar school children have had dental examinations made and estimates sent home to all those needing work done. Dr. Farrington is giving much
144
time to the schools in ordor to complete as much as is possible, of the desired work that is to be done, before the end of the present term. He is in some school Mondays from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m. and at present is also giving his time Tuesday mornings. This gives children an excellent opportunity for having their teeth put in perfect condition, an important factor for the continuance of good health. Also we wish to keep Chelmsford in its fine rating as among the top list of Massachusetts town with children having perfect teeth.
Up to date the dental report is as follows :
Examined by the dentist 1023
Children found not needing care 101
Estimates sent home
922
Dr. Archibald, the State Health Officer, has been here several times and has given me valuable information and advice.
With a new year ahead, I am to continue towards the prevention of disease, thereby promoting a healthier and more sanitary town as well as to give nursing advice and instruction freely.
I wish at this time, to sincerely thank the Board of Health for my appointment and for their untiring co-operation with me these past four months.
Respectfully submitted,
ISABELLE H. McDONOUGH, R. N.
145
INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
December 31, 1938.
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, 1938, to Deember 31, 1938, the following animals have been inspected by me :
Cattle 201
Calves
210
Hogs
449
Sheep
2676
Condemned :
Calves
15
Hogs
7
Sheep
20
All inspections have been reported to the State authorities.
Respectfully submitted,
W. C. GALE,
Inspector of Slaughtering.
MEAT INSPECTOR'S REPORT
Board of Health, Chelmsford, Mass.
December 31, 1938
Gentlemen :
I submit the following report on markets, butchers and fish carts.
146
I have found them in good condtion, although I condemned 15 lbs. meat and 10 lbs. fowl that were destroyed.
Respectfully submitted, W. C. GALE,
Inspector of Meats.
REPORT OF INSURANCE FUND COMMISSIONERS ANNUAL REPORT MILK INSPECTION DIVISION
To The Honorable Board of Health Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I have the honor to present the report of the Milk Inspection Divi- sion for the year ending December 31, 1938.
811 samples of milk, seized from milk Dealers, were examined for Total Solids and Fats; 547 for bacterial content; 519 for Sediment; 229 for Temperature. The yearly average was 12.77% Total Solids ; 3.92% Fat; 8000 merian becterial count; 473 sediments were satisfactory, 46 were unsatisfactory. 38 samples of cream were up to legal requirements with a medium bacterial count of 9000 per cubic centimeter.
Appromixately 2210 quarts of milk; 193 quarts of cream ; 42 quarts of skimmed milk, were consumed daily. 22.72% of the milk was sold at wholesale; 78.28% at retail; 88.28% was pasterized; 11.92% was raw.
Milk Dealers listed 563 producers as their source of supply; 360 of these were inspected and scored; 5 producers were not approved. 446 samples from producers were examined prior to pasteurization.
32 Stores were licensed to sell milk; 28 Dealers were licensed to sell milk; 7 stores were registered to sell Oleomargarine; 4 Milk Plants were licensed to pasteurize. $76.50 received from license fees were paid to the Town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted, MELVIN F. MASTERS, B. S. in Chemistry.
147
ANNUAL REPORT OF PLUMBING INSPECTOR
-
Board of Health
Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen :-
The following is a report of the plumbing work done for the year ending December 31, 1938.
Whole number of applications for Permits to do Plumbing 78
New Houses
32
Old Houses
46
Total 78
Inspections
188
Tests
66
Total Visits 254
The following is a list of the various plumbing fixtures installed :
Water Closets
81
Laxatories
77
Lavatories 77
Wash Trays
44
Sinks 64
Range Boilers
48
Urinals
1
Shower Baths
5
Dish Washers
TT
Refrigerators
1
Bath Traps
Total 386
Resectfully submitted,
CHARLES N. MIDWOOD,
Plumbing Inspector
Chelmsford. Mass., January 2, 1939
148
REPORT OF FISH AND GAME WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Gentlemen ;
I herewith submit my third annual report of my duties as Fish and Game Warden for the year ending December 31, 1938 ;
Fishing and Hunting liteners inspected 66,
Trapping licenses inspected
Complaints received and investigated 12
Warnings to juveniles
=
Injured game disposed of
2
With the co-operation of the State Department of Conservation and the restocking committee of the South Chelmsford Gun and Rod Club the following amount of fish and game has been liberated for propaga- bon in the town during the past year :
Quail
Rabbite (Cottontail)
Rabbite (white) δΈ‰
Mixed Pond Fish 1000
Brook Trout
1000
A Pleasant que given by the State Department of Conservation to the South Chelmsford Cann and Rod Club to hatch and liberale.
In conclusion I wish in expires my appreciation to the sportsmen of the Town, members of the South Chelmsford Gan and Red Club, Johier Talent, and District Deputy Warden, Harold Crosby, for the 11 How I have received from them in the past year
Respectfully submitted,
Fish and Gamme Warden
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I respectfully submit my annual report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending December 31, 1938 :
Number of Scales Tested and Sealed 162
Number of Weights Tested and Sealed 249
Number of Capacity Measures Tested and Sealed 64
Number of Automatic Measuring Devices Tested and Sealed 201
676
Respectfully submitted,
KENNETH R. REID.
150
REPORT OF INSURANCE FUND COMMISSIONERS
The Insurance Fund Commissioners submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1938 :
On deposit in the :
Lowell Institution for Sovings $ 7,295.70
Mechanics' Savings Bank 6,786.91
Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank 6,943.77
Central Savings Bank 3,916.09
City Institution for Savings
10,367.14
Merrimack River Savings Bank
5,986.42
Total
$41,296.03
Respectfully submitted,
ROYAL SHAWCROSS, Chairman,
FRITZ H. PEARSON, Secretary,
WALTER PERHAM, Treasurer.
151
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
January 28, 1939
To the Citizens of the Town of Chelmsford :
We, herewith, submit our report for the year 1938.
At the Annual Town Meeting the voters adopted a set of zoning by-laws as drawn up by the Planning Board.
During the spring the Board of Selectmen held hearings in the dif- ferent precincts of the town, at which the Planning Board answered any questions regarding the new laws.
Later, at a Special Town Meeting, the action of the voters concern- ing zoning at the Annual Town Meeting was sustained.
Your committee believes that, while zoning offers many possible ad- vantages to all classes in the town, the small home owner, the one who cannot afford to lose, will benefit the most. As the fire department and insurance protects him from loss through fire, and the police depart- ment protects his property from thieves, so the zoning by-laws protect his property from depreciation due to predatory interests.
The Board holds monthly meetings at the Town Hall. At the last few meetings, the question of the application of zoning has been studied particularly attention being given to temporary structures. At the meetings any citizen with questions on town planning will be welcomed.
Respectfully submitted,
LESTER W. BALL,
Secretary.
152
REPORT OF TOWN ACCOUNTANT
Herewith is submitted the annual report of the Town Accountant in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 624, Section 7 of the Re- vised Laws.
All transfers made and shown in this report were authorized by vote of the Finance Committee or by vote in Town Meeting.
RECEIPTS General Revenue TAXES
CURRENT YEAR :
Poll
$ 3,804.00
Personal Estate
16,247.10
Real Estate
121,957.58
$142,008.68
PREVIOUS YEARS :
Poll
$ 662.00
Personal Estate
1,851.32
Real Estate
57,779.51
$
60,292.83
MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAX :
Motor Excise Tax, 1938
$ 13,743.30
Motor Excise Tax, Previous Years
2,151.54
$ 15,894.84
TAX TITLE REDEMPTION :
Tax Title Redemption
$ 4,144.69
153
FROM THE STATE:
Veteran's Exemption $ 91.86
Income Tax, 1938
33,113.13
Corporation Tax
17,734.24
Corporation Tax, Gas and Electric Co.'s
1,509.98
Total from State
$ 52,449.21
GRANTS AND GIFTS
FROM COUNTY :
Dog Licenses $ 988.09
Various, Roads, Chapter 90
2,417.56
North Road, Chapter 90
1,799.96
Chelmsford Street, Chapter 90
596.87
$ 5,802.48
FROM STATE:
Chelmsford Street, Chapter 90 $ 1,286.78
North Road, Chapter 90 $ 3,357.48
Various Roads, Chapter 90
2,017.29
Aid to Industrial Schools
1,720.63
Chapter 498, (Flood)
2,000.00
Chapter 500, (Unemployment)
5,800.00
$ 16,182.18
FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT :
Old Age Assistance, Administration $ 780.55
Old Age Assistance, Relief
23,417.90
Aid to Dependent Children
1,343.99
Emergency Relief Fund
45.96
$ 25,588.40
SALE OF PROPERTY :
Sale of Land $ 100.00
FINES AND FORFEITS
Court Fines
116.15
154
LICENSES AND PERMITS
Plumbing Permits
$ 332.50
Automobile Dealers
15.00
Sunday Licenses
58.00
Common Victualer's Licenses
42.00
Gasoline Licenses
1.00
Bottling Licenses
20.00
Liquor Licenses
702.50
Pedler's Licenses
104.00
Milk Licenses
76.50
Garage Licenses
2.00
Entertainment License
5.00
Slaughtering License
1.00
Wood Alcohol License
6.00
Funeral Director's License
1.00
Garbage Licenses
1.00
Oil Burner Permits
21.00
All Other Fees
1.00
$
1,389.50
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
SELECTMEN :
Telephone Tolls
$ .90
Advertising
24.36
$ 25.26
TAX COLLECTOR :
Tax Title Redemption Costs
$ 44.50
Tax Collection Costs
320.20
$ 364.70
TOWN CLERK:
Auctioneers' Licenses $ 6.00
Junck Dealers' Licenses
20.00
Certificate of Registration
10.75
Dog Licenses
939.60
$ 976.35
ACCOUNTING DEPT :
Sale of Chair $ 7.00
155
ASSESSORS :
Telephone Tolls 1.60
TOWN HALLS:
Rent irom Chelmsford Center Town Hall $ 7.00
Rent from North Chelmsford Town Hall 3.00
Sale of Junk 2.00
12.00
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY
POLICE DEPARTMENT :
Services of Special Officers
100.00
Revolver Permits
18.50
118.50
FOREST FIRE DEPARTMENT :
Reimbursement for Labor
5.00
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
Reimbursement for Repairs
90.60
Telephone Tolls
1.52
s 92.12
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES :
Sealing and Testing $ 134.57
FORESTRY:
Extermination of Moths
92.47
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Reimbursement for Hospital Care
45.00
State T. B. Subsidy 609.23
654.23
156
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Repairs for Individuals $ 271.55
Machinery Fund
2,746.00
All Other
.79
$
3,018.34
WELFARE DEPARTMENT
INFIRMARY :
Sale of Produce
$ 1,611.17
REIMBURSEMENT FOR OUTSIDE RELIEF :
Cities and Towns $ 8,606.86
From Individuals
22.78
State Temporary Aid
7,003.11
$ 15,632.75
REIMBURSEMENT FOR AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN :
From Individuals $ 7.00
State
2,713.32
2,720.32 $
REIMBURSEMENT FOR OLD AGE ASSISTANCE:
Cities and Towns
$ 1,764.55
State
15,254.31
$ 17,018.86
SOLDIERS' BENEFITS :
Soldiers' Relief $ 16.00
State Aid
30.00
$ 46.00
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Tuition, State Wards $ 3,047.03
Tuition, State, Trade Schools
11.85
Tuition, Other Towns
279.04
$ 3,337.92
157
ADAMS LIBRARY
Fines
$ 8.80
Rents
12.00
$ 20.80
UNCLASSIFIED
Destroying Dogs, County
$ 57.00
Sale of Town History
10.00
Dividends of Insurance Policies
39.08
WPA
$ 106.08
Sale of Maps
$ 2.88 $ 2.88
CEMETERIES
Sale of Lots and Graves $ 488.00 $ 488.00
INTEREST
On Taxes
$ 3,548.36
On Trust Fund Perpetual Care
641.33
$ 4,189.69
MUNICIPAL INDEBTEDNESS
Anticipation of Revenue
$178,000.00
Tax Title Loan
8,000.00
$186,000.00
AGENCY, TRUST AND INVESTMENT
EAST CHELMSFORD WATER DISTRICT :
Tax and interest
$ 2,139.04 $ 2,139.04
SOUTH CHELMSFORD WATER DISTRICT :
Tax and interest $ 961.03 $ 961.03
NORTH CHELMSFORD FIRE DISTRICT :
Tax and interest $ 1,811.69 $ 1,811.69
158
. ..
CEMETERY PERPETUAL CARE BEQUESTS :
Bequests
$ 1,225.00 $ 1,225.00
WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION FUND :
Principal and Interest
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