USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1942 > Part 7
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O.A.A.
Bos ton
Welfare $ 100.00
$ 45.00
Billerica
20.00
Lawrence
41.85
Lowell
Mass. (Comm. of)
1020.70
12.00
Somerville
173.62
65.00
$1336.17
$369.00
WELFARE
I do not believe the expenditures of welfare will depreciate to a much lower degree than in the year 1942. At the present time the recipients of this form of aid are unemployable either because of sickness, physical or mental weakness. Due to the increased cost of living expenses and also an increase in hospital rates that went into effect Dec. 1, 1942 any appreciable reduction in the wel- fare load will be offset by a larger budget required and the step- up in hospital charges.
In addition to the cost of Outside Relief within the Town the Welfare department has assumed the expense of support on the former inmates of the Chelmsford Town Farm, who are now being boarded at the Westford Infirmary at the present time. At the special Town Meeting held July 23, 1942 it was voted to discontinue our infirm- ary which necessitated placing the three inmates elsewhere.
70
227.00
Revere
REPORT OF WELFARE .AGENT
This change was made Aug. 1, 1942. This additional burden on the Welfare department is estimated at $1500.00 per year.
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
The number of recipients of this form of aid amounted to 214 in December, 1942, which was 6 more than in December of the pre- ceding year. This would seem to indicate that we have nearly reached the so called saturation point on Old Age Assistance, which means that there are almost as many recipients who are being closed out by death and various other reasons as there are being accepted for this form of assistance.
The Massachusetts Legislature passed the liberalized amendment to the Old Age Law which amendment became effective April 30, 1942. As a result of this it was mandatory that cash payments to many individuals receiving this form of assistance be increased sub- stantially as of May 1, 1942.
There has been a growing tendency by private hospitals to in- crease their rates on convalescent care of aged and infirm patients- these increases amounting to 50% in many cases. If this becomes state wide, together with additional increases expected due to high living costs, it will certainly indicate another step-up in Old Age grants.
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
This form of relief which is granted to widows with dependent children remains at a more constant level than other categories of aid. The expenditure for 1942 was only slightly in excess of the year 1941.
I am grateful to the Board of Public Welfare, the Bureau of Old Age Assistance and other Town Officials for the generous help accorded me during the year 1942.
Respectfully submitted,
***** *
Leonard S. MacElroy Welfare Agent
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASUERS REPORT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit my annual report as Sealer of Weights and Measurers for the year ending December 31,1942:
Number of scales tested and sealed. .151 Number of weights tested and sealed .. 264
Number of capacity measuers tested and sealed 60
Number automatic measuring devises T.andS. 84
Number of Linear measures tested and sealed .. 3 Number of scales condemned. 1
Total
563 Kenneth R. Reid. Sealer of Weights and Measures
71
REPORT OF SOLDIERS' RELIEF AGENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I am pleased to submit the report covering all expenditures for relief furnished Veterans and their dependants during the year 1942: $ 200.00
Reimbursement received from Commonwealth during 1942. SOLDIERS' RELIEF
No. of Cases
No. of Persons
Amount Exp.
January.
8
15
$ 227.27
February.
8
15
215.70
Merch
9
19
207.69
April
9
20
286.69
May.
7
11
307.80
June.
15
249.08
July.
15
201.50
August
6
126.00
September.
5
110.50
October
5
120.00
November
5
116.50
December
6
7
187.00
$2355.73
MILITARY AID
Amount Expended
Reimbursement received during year 1942
January.
$
105.00
February
70.00
March.
70.00
April
70.00
May
70.00
June
70.00
July
70.00
August
70.00
September
70.00
October
70.00
November
40.00
December
40.00
$ $15.00
STATE AID
Amount Expended
Reimbursement received during year 1942
January
$
10.00
Comm. of Mass ..
30.00 i
February.
10.00
March.
10.00
April
10.00
May.
10.00
June
10.00
July.
10.00
August
10.00
September.
10.00
October
10.00
November.
10.00
December.
10.00
$ 120.00
Respectfully submitted,
Leonard S. MacEroy Agent
Comm. of Mass .... $ 534.25
72
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of the Town of Chelmsford
The Board of Health herewith submits it's report for the year 1942.
The Board organized for the year as follows; Raymond H. Greenwood, Chairman; Edmund J. Welch, Secretary; and Harry L. Shedd, Jr. Mr. Welch served as secretary until October, 1942; at which time he entered the Armed Forces of Our Country. His duties as secretary since this time have been taken over by Mr. Shedd.
Although absent, Mr. Welch is still a member of this Board inasmuch as it is our understanding that anyone entering the service of his Country may retain pub- lic office if he so desires. At this time we wish to offer our best wishes to Mr. Welch.
The Board takes this opportunity to express it's sympathy to the family of a long and faithful past-member of the Department, George McNulty.
This Department in the past year has endeavored to stay within the limits of it's appropriation as set up by the Finance Board. In this respect we feel that we have been successful to the extent that we have turned back a considera- ble amount of money to the Town Treasury.
We have this year appointed Daniel E. Haley as Milk Inspector to replace our previous non-resident inspector, since we feel that such positions should be fill- ed, if possible, by a qualified citizen of our own town.
An invitation is hereby extended to residents of the Town to attend any of our meetings. We shall try our utmost to give our best attention and considera- tion to all problems pertaining to the Department.
To the other Departments of the Town for their co-operation during the year we extend our thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
Raymond H. Greenwood
Harry L. Shedd Jr Chelmsford Board of Health
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH AGENT AND SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Raymond Greenwood, Chairman
Board of Health, Chelmsford, Mass.
Dear Sirs:
Following are the diagnosed contagious diseases reported for the year 1942 (A case is not recognized as being diagnosed unless seen by a physician)
Chicken Pox 7 Dog Bite. 9
German Measles
2
Measles 2
Mumps
9
Tuberculosis (pulmonary). 1
Whooping Cough
5
I hope that we will have close co-operation on the part of physicians and parents in regard to the reporting of contagious diseases, during the coming year
73
in order that no drastic measures need be taken. Physicians may obtain postal cards for the reporting of said diseases at the Board of Health office.
In April 1942 a Diptheria immunization clinic was held. This was arranged a month ahead of schedule due to the prevalence of a number of cases of Diptheria in a nearby city. Many parents took advantage of this offer. I hope that during the coming year parents will make a special effort to have every child immmized against Diptheria and successfully innoculated against Smallpox. We cannot afford to have epidemics of these or any other diseases due to negligence on our part.
We have planned on having a dental survey of the school childred, if possi- ble, for the purpose of determining the various needs of the tom as a whole, while working for a suitable dental program. I have had a consultation with Dr. Hopkins of the State Department of Public Health and she advised said survey. I hope that parents will co-operate by having their dentists fill out the ques- tionaires sent home and return same to the schools as soon as possible.
Let me say here, good teeth can be planned. Nature does the building but we must provide materials and arrange for the proper upkeep. A decayed tooth is a menace to good health, as it is a center from which infection may be carried to other parts of the body.
All pupils have been given a physical examination by the school physicians, Dr. A. G. Scoboria and Dr. J. E. Boucher. Those pupils taking part in the vari- ous athletic programs have been given a more rigid examination. I wish that par- ents would make a special effort to have defects noted, corrected as soon as poss- ible. It costs less to maintain health than to repair it.
I believe that in the schools, health should be "built into" the entire pro- gram, rather than be "fitted onto" an already functioning school program.
I am in hopes of having a Red Cross Home Nursing Class at the High School in the near future, as soon as the necessary equipment can be obtained.
Following is a report of school activities:
Number of visits to classrooms. 500
Personal hygiene and health talks 165
Sanitary inspections in schools 90
Consultations with parents 475
Consultations with pupils. 390
Pupils sent or taken to physicians 330
First Aid treatments.
560
Transportation to hospitals
50
Absentees at home visited or contacted.
518
Excluded from school as suspicious cases of com-
municable diseases including ringworm, pediculosis and others. 180
Pupils taken home because of illness. 73
Following is the T.B. Report
Number of children taken to Waltham
14
. Number of adults taken to Waltham
30
Number of homes visited.
60
During the year I met with the Tuberculosis Seal Committee and plans were discussed in relation to the transporting of patients to Waltham for X-Rays and physicals.
I have had consultations with Miss Gertrude Martin, Dr. Archibald and var- ious other members of the State Department of Public health. We have discussed various cases and situations in order that the town might have the best health program possible, with the amount of money appropriated for health. I think we should remember that the first line of defense lies in the health of our people.
74
Protecting civilian defense is home defense.
The report of the Union Church Fund is as follows:
Receipts : Balance on hand Jan. 1, 1942.
$14.95 Balance on hand Dec. 1, 1942. 17.17
Total Receipts
$32.12
Expenditures Milk for worthy cases
10.95
Dental work, 1 case 4.00
Total Expenditures.
$14.95
Balance on Hand Dec. 31, 1942
17.17
$32.12
In olosing, I would like to thank the members of the Board of Health for their assistance. I would also like to thank the School Committee, Mr. Wright, Mr. Burns, teachers and parents for their co-operation.
Respectfully submitted, Christina N. Simpson, R.N. Board of Health Agent and School Nurse
ANNUAL REPORT OF PLUMBING INSPECTOR
Chelmsford, Mass. January 11, 1943
Board of Health Town Hall Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
The following is a report of the plumbing work done for the year ending Dec- ember 31, 1942.
Number of applications submitted for permits to do plumbing: 48
New Houses.
14
Old Houses
34
Total
Ín8
Inspections
63
Tests
20
Total.
83
The following is a list of the various plumbing fixtures installed:
Water Closets
46
Sinks
40
Lavatories
40
Wash Trays 23
Bath tubs
37
Floor Drains
1
Shower Baths
1
Range Boilers
11
Sink Traps
1
Total.
200
**:
Very truly yours, George E. Gagnon Plumbing Inspector
75
REPORT OF MILK INSPECTOR
Dec. 31, 1942.
Mr. Raymond H. Greenwood, Chairman, Board of Health, Chelmsford, Mass.
Dear Sirs:
Sinoe taking over the duties of Milk Inspector July 15, 1942 I have coll- ected samples from practically every source supplying the people of the Tom of Chelmsford with milk and cream.
Samples from individual cows were collected at thirteen different farms. All samples have been analyzed by the Howard Laboratories of Amherst, Mass. and, on the whole, found very satisfactory. The milk from one herd was found to be badly infected with "mastitis" and milk from this herd was excluded until condi- tions were remedied. All samples were tested for total solids, fats and bacteria. Average total solids for Milk-Pastuerized was 13.01 %; Fats 4.00%
There are now 32 wagon licenses, 35 store licenses, 2 licensed for milk pastuerizing plants and 9 stores licensed to sell oleomargarine.
I have received compliments from State Health Authorities upon the quality of milk being sold in the Town of Chelmsford and for the manner in which the Milk Department of the Board of Health is being handled.
Very Truly Yours Daniel E. Haley Milk Inspector
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
January 1, 1943
To the Board of Health, Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen :
Following is report of animals slaughtered by licensed butchers or by owners on their own premises and inspected by me during the year 1942.
Cattle 270
Calves
208
Hogs
628
Sheep. 16
Of these were condemned :
Cattle
1
Calves
1
Hogs
10
All these inspections have been reported to the state authorities.
Respectfully submitted, W.C. Gale, Inspector of Slaughtering
INSPECTOR OF MARKETS
January 1, 1943
To the Board of Health, Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen :
During the year 194? I have called on markets, butcher and fish carts, and found them in Afl condition, although a few pounds of meat had to be destroyed. Respectfully submitted W.C. Gale, Inspector of Markets.
76
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE ADAYS LIBRARY
At the first of their regular quarterly meetings, the trustees of the Adams Library organized for 1942 with the following officer :
Chairman . .. Mr. Edward B. Russell Secretary Miss Miriam E. Warren Treasurer .. Rev. Charles W. Henry
The three other members, Miss Frances Clark, Mrs. Frederick Snow, and Mr. E.Wayne Jenkins, serving upon various committees -- prudential, book purchasing, etc.
Mrs. Ida A. Jefts was reappointed librarian, Mrs. G. W. Peterson, assistant librarian, and Miss Vivian Todd, assistant in the children's room.
Mr. Edward Carlson, Mr Harry Hilyard and Mr. Otis Brown were also reaopoint- ed carriers to the West, East, and South districts.
In June Miss Todd resigned, and as yet, no one has been found to take her place. Mr. Field also resigned as janitor and special officer at the library. The trustees were fortunate in securing Mr. Clayton for the work in September.
For several months the Red Cross has had the use of the George Memorial Hall twice a week for surgical dressing work. Because of this the Historical Society holds its meeting in the main reading room of the library.
Edward B. Russell
Rev. Charles W. Henry
Frances Clark
Mrs Frederick Snow
E. Wayne Jenkins Miriam E. Warren
REPORT OF THE ADAMS LIBRARY LIBRARIAN
Circulation for 1942:
Fiction
10,852
Non Fiction
3,088
Magazines.
694
Total
14,634
Books sent to East Chelmsford.
901
Books sent to South Chelmsford.
247
Magazines sent to South Chelmsford.
Books sent to West Chelmsford. 9
873
New borrowers. 186
New books purchased. 194
Books rebound.
86
Handed Treasurer for fines received. $94.53
Handed Treasurer for books lost & destroyed. 3.25
Handed Treasurer for sale of magazines. 10.10
Gift of books from Rev. & Mrs. C. W. Henry, F.A.P. Fiske, Mr Kittredge, Dutton & Co., Harper Publishing Co.
Respectfully submitted Ida A. Jefts, Librarian
REPORT OF THE ADAMS LIBRARY TREASURER Financial Report, Adams Library Charles W. Henry, Treas.
Jan. 1, 1942 -- Dec. 31, 1942
1942 Jan.1 Rec'd
Balance on hand; Union National Bank .. . . $55.90
Rec'd Library Fines (Dec. 1941-Nov. 1942) ... 94.57
History of Chelmsford. 5.00
Int. withdrawn: Central Savings Bank .. .... 45.00
Int. withdrawn: Lowell Instit. for Savings 160.00
77
Int. withdrawn : City Instit. for Savings .. $ 95.00 Int. withdrawn: Aaron George Fund
(Cem'y care).
9.00
Garden Club
8.00
Chelmsford Hist. Soo'y.
4.00
Old Magazines
10.10
Paid :
Town Treasurer : Library Fines
$ 94.57
History of Chelmsford.
5.00
Charles E. Lauriat Co. Books
177.80
F. J. Barnnard Co: Binding Books
26.52
E. B. Adams : Magazines
11.25
The Book Shop
52.43
Home Book.
2.50
U.S. New Magazine.
2.00
National Geographio
3.00
Ida A. Jefts, office expenses
5.00
LaF. Fields: lamm mower repair.
2.00
Russell Lumber Co.
1.85
J. B. Donovan : plumbing.
9.71
Rent : Safety Deposit Box
6.00
Rent: P.O. Box
.75
C. J. Flavell: Cem'y Care
9.00
Monthly Bank charges
(Sept-Nov. 1942)
1.02
Total Expenditures
$410.40
Total Receipts
$486.57
Dec. 31, Bal. on hand: Union Nat. Bank
. 76.17
Totals
.$486.57 $486.57
REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The Cemetery Commissioners wish to submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1942.
The Cemetery superintendents are to be commended on the excellent condition in which the cemeteries have been kept, in spite of the shortage of help and assi- sstance .
There has been 420 feet of water pipe installed in the Pine Ridge Cemetery and we expect to install 300 feet more this spring.
We extend our thanks to the lot owners for their cooperation in helping to keep the cemeteries in good condition.
Respectfully submitted,
Bayard C. Dean William Bellwood Arthur W. House
78
NORTH CHELMSFORD LIBRARY CORPORATION
North Chelmsford, Massachusetts
The annual meeting of the North Chelmsford Library Corporation was held at the library on Wednesday evening at 7:30
The librarian submitted the following report:
Sessions.
147
Circulation 11,918 New Books.
323
We have received a bequest of one thousand dollars from the will of Euma J. Gay. Miss Gay was a former resident of North Chelmsford and was also the librarian here for several years.
Respectfully submitted,
Bertha M. Whitworth, Librarian
TREASURER'S REPORT OF NORTH CHELMSFORD LIBRARY CORPORATION
RECEIPTS
EXPENDITURES
Balance on hand, Jan. 1, 1942 ...
6.80
Librarian's Salary. 335.00
Town Appropriation 1,200.00
Assistant Librarian. 93.13
Lighting. 26.32 Fines. 3.95
Sale of Book
2.10
Fuel and service charge 116.82
Books
437.28
Binding Books
20.53
Magazines
21.25
Charles Dinnigan (labor ) .. 2.50
Charles Flavell (labor )
2.00
Miscellaneous.
41.10
$1,095.93
Balance on hand. 116.92
$1,212.85
1
Respectfully submitted,
Nellie L. Shawcross, Treasurer
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Chelmsford, Mass. 1
We have the honor to submit the annual report of the Board of Fire Engineers.
This year has been filled with many and unusual problems which have been the common lot of all connected with government. The Board have had their share and have tried to solve them for the best interests of the town and for the safety of the citizens and their property.
One of our chief problems has been the numerous changes in personnel all of
79
$1,212.85
whom have been trained men and their loss has been keenly felt. Among these were our chief at South Chelmsford, Charles House and the Captain at the Centre, Allan Kidder. Both these mon have served the Department faithfully over a long period of time.
However this is our contribution to the defense of our Country and we are proud of our boys who have joined the armed forces to fight for freedom and right- eousness.
Their places have been filled with others whose zeal and earnestness prom- ises that our efficiency will not be impaired.
We have cooperated with the Defense Committee in organizing a group of aux- iliary firemen who will serve us well when the emergency comes.
The fuel oil situation with its rationing has necessitated the inspection of equipment and storage facilities in over 700 homes, the issuing of permits and the collection of $564.50 in fees which sum has been turned over to the Town Treas- urer.
In spite of priorities and difficulties in obtaining supplies and replace- ments we have succeeded in anticipating our needs so that apparatus, equipment and quarters are all in first class condition and ready to meet the test when the call may come.
"We have maintained friendly relations with the Departments of surrounding cities and towns and they stand ready to furnish us with help whenever oailed. We in turn have rendered them service on several occasions including the City of Lowell, whose aid is and has been a most valuable asset.
We have worked closely with our Forest Fire Warden whose excellent work has coped with many brush fires and prevented extensive damage from this source. We would take this occasion to thank our Police Department who by their splendid cooperation have rendered this Department every possible help.
In closing may we express our confidence that with the present condition of our equipment and training of our personnel, we can face the uncertain days that lie ahead, certain that the Department is prepared to afford our citizens the proptection they need.
Respectfully submitted,
John Dixon Edward Hoyt John M. Kemp
REPORT OF THE CHELMSFORD TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
This last year has seen no activity on the part of your Town Forest Com- mittee due to the War, the absence of any appropriation for this purpose as well as the absence of man power in these times.
The recommendations of your Committee made in our last Annual Report based upon the advice of Harold 0. Cook, Director and Chief Forester of the Mass. Dep- artment of Conservation, still stand.
The excess cutting of timber now going on due to War needs will make for the future a very definite scarcity. The new Forestry Laws related to the taxa- tion on growing timber makes the growing of timber a more profitable venture.
On our Gage Lot set aside by the Town for Town Forest purposes there is quite a growth of small pine which is being smothered out by gray birch and this pine needs freeing to attain a normal growth.
This operation with a small amount of spot planting, along with some oare through the early growing years, should eventually give the town a good stand of pine on this particular lot.
80
At the present time with the great laok of man power your Committee feels that nothing can be done but looking ahead to the Post War period when it may be- come necessary to find employment for people, it would be wise to give serious consideration to the project of making this land produce something for the Town's benefit.
Respectfully submitted,
Luther W. Faulkner Edward B. Russell Arthur M. Batchelder
****** ***
REPORT OF FOREST WARDEN
January 27, 1943
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
To the Citizens of Chelmsford
Greetings :
I shall devote the main part of my report this year to the immediate needs of this department, rather than the usual summary of last years activities.
I am introducing an article in the Annual Town Meeting Warrant this year to purchase a new pump and other necessary fittings, together with 500 feet of new lg inch hose, which will cost approximately $900.00; to be installed and be- come an integral part of the new truck purchased in 1941.
The main reasons for this are; to make the truck one that can be quickly and easily put into operation by one man and to obtain a greater volume of water at higher pressure than is now possible; also, by this means the Town obtains an extra piece of apparatus comparable to the large pumpers, which will be avail- able, in case of emergency anywhere in Town, should the main apparatus be in use. In regard to the customary appropriation of $900.00 for the operation and maintenance of the department; it is evident on analyzing the situation that it is and has been for several years an insufficient sum, owing to the fact that the Fixed charges are now much greater than in previous years. Formerly of the $900.00 appropriated about $100.00 was in fixed charges, and now nearly $600.00 is in form of fixed expense, due to increase in Forest Warden salary -- cost of telephones -- insurance; this leaves $300.00 to attend all other, which includes, gasoline, oil, repairs, soda, acid and many other small items as well as includ- ing labor at fires.
Many times during any year, box alarms, are sent in, calling out the Fire Dept. for grass and woods fires and the cost of this is borne by this department. These alarms average between $4. and $5. per call, which will be greater this year owing to increased pay granted recently.
The items included in the $900.00 asked for are as follows:
1. Centrifugal Front End Pump, 250 gal per min $450.00 Installation -- flat charge. 50.00 2 Lengths 3" Suction hose 1.75 per ft 20' each 35.00
Couplings for 11 11 $10 per set. 20.00
2} to 12 (2 way valve) or siamese. 25.00
1 Coupling 3" to 22" Pump to Hydrant. 7.70
1 Each. double male -- double female 12" 4.50
2 Nozzels 12 inch @ $15 each. 30.00
500' -- 12 inch single jacket hose @ 55g per ft. .275.00
$897.20
The amount asked for this year does not completely meet the needs of the department; The small equipment such as, pump cans, extinguishers (chemical) brooms, eto, of which none have been purchased for many years, and that left of the old lot is in poor condition.
81
Briefly, in regard to last years fire season. The weather conditions were nearly more normal than for some years previously, rain oocuring frequently, which cut the number of fires to 112. Forty of these were extinguished without any help by your Forest Warden and 10 others with one man. Thirty-seven were box alarms in various sections of the Town, of the remainder extra help up to 10 men was required.
This information is given in advance of the Town Meeting, in order that the Citizens of the Town may determine, whether or not, to increase the effio- iency of the department.
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