USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1952 > Part 9
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139
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
The reports of the school nurse, the plumbing inspector, the meat inspector and Dog Officer are contained elsewhere in the Annual Town Report. The report of the Board of Health and agent are con- tained herein.
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
The incidence of contagious disease fluctuated from a high of 10S cases in one month to only one in another. Of particular significance is the occurrence of childhood diseases and the decrease of diseases associated with poor sanitation as typhoid fever and amebic dysentery. This fluctuation is best shown on the following graph.
Chelmsford Morbidity Rate According to Months-1952
110
100
90
80
Reported Cases
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Jan. Feb. March April May Je. July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
In 1952, seven times as many communicable diseases were re- ported to the health department than in the year 1951. The most probable reason for this was:
1. Outbreak of childhood diseases particularly chicken pox and measles
2. Better reporting of cases
140
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
The following is a summary of communicable diseases reported in 1951 and 1952.
1951
1952
Anterior Poliomyelitis
0
0
Amebic Dysentery
0
2
Bulbar Poliomyelitis
0
1
Cebro-Spinal Meningitis
0
2
Chicken Pox
13
113
. Dog Bite
16
25
Encephalitis
0
1
German Measles
1
31
Measles
4
143
Mumps
1
10
Rabies
0
1
Scarlet Fever
7
2
Tetanus
0
1
Tuberculosis
1
0
Whooping Cough
3
0
Tuberculosis
A tremendous decline in the incidence of tuberculosis has occurred throughout the country in recent years. This decline is also reflected in Chelmsford. This year we are happy to state that not one case was reported from our town. In the course of the year, we had only three cases in the sanitorium. These were carried over from previous years. At the present time, two have been released from the sanitorium. Seventeen house visits were made during the year to persons who had positive sputums. In these visits, these persons were urged to have periodic check-ups. Through the courtesy of the local tuberculosis committee, the health department inserted with the water bills, slips granting the recipient an opportunity to have a free chest x-ray. Through this medium, we hope that we were able to contact many of the town's people. Additional slips may be obtained from the office of the health department.
In respect to tuberculosis control, all food handlers in town are required to have an annual chest x-ray. This is mandatory for the issuance of a restaurant permit.
Measles
In this year, 143 cases of measles were reported. This represents an increase of about 350% over 1951. The outbreak did not confine itself to this locality but was nation wide. It has been found that these epidemics occur in three year cycles. Therefore we should not expect another measles epidemic until 1955.
141
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
SANITARY INSPECTIONS
The following is a summary of inspections conducted in those establishments offering food and/or drink for public consumption.
Eating and/or drinking establishments 64
Grocery Stores 23
Bakeries 2
Soft Drink Plants
1
School Cafeterias 3
In this year much improvement was noted on the tours of the various establishments. The town's sanitary rating for compliance with our restaurant code is about 88%. This represents an increase of about 25% over 1950. There is almost complete compliance to the more im- portant items of restaurant sanitation namely; bacterilcidal treat- ment, storage of utensils, wholesomeness of food, refrigeration and general cleanliness. This reformation is not as apparent to the casual customer, as most of the improvement is in the kitchens and storage rooms where food is prepared or stored.
In most cases the cooperation given by the owners and employees has been excellent. Their understanding of the sanitary significance of the various inspection items in a great measure accounted for this improvement.
Milk Sanitation
This department controls and regulates the quality of Chelms- ford's milk supply. Although milk is perhaps nature's most nearly perfect food, it is also an excellent media for the growth of infectious organisms. Because of this, rigid control must be maintained on the product. The sanitation of the milk industry however, has now reached a point where such diseases as typhoid fever, scarlet fever, infantile diarrhea, tuberculosis are rarely traced to milk. It is however our intent to be ever vigilant and to maintain the present high quality of our supply.
Approximately 40 stores or other businesses are licensed to sell milk and cream. To be eligible for a license, each establishment must show to the satisfaction of the department, that, proper refrigeration and storage is accorded the product.
In addition to the stores, there are thirty licensed milk dealers serving the Town of Chelmsford. Of these, five are located in the town itself, while the others travel as far as from Nashua, N. H. Each month samples are taken from the delivery trucks or pasteurization plants. These samples are then brought to the laboratory for analysis. Comments in how best the milk may be improved or warnings are sent together with the results to each dealer. Close scrutiny is paid to the conditions of the plants and the manner in which the product is pro-
142
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
cessed on these monthly tours. The result of these efforts are apparent with each month.
Sewage Disposal
In this year approximately 150 permits were issued by this office for the installation and construction of private sewage systems. Inspections weer made primarily to see that these systems were pro- perly constructed to prevent the creation of nuisances and to safe- guard the water supplies, both public or private. As more building continues, and as the average house lot decreases, the necessity of close supervision is apparent.
NUISANCE COMPLAINTS
In this period, thirty complaints were received by the health de- partment. A summary of these complaints are as follows:
Sewage 14
Animals 3
Dumping 9
Housing 3
Water 1
Nineteen of the above complaints have been abated. Investigation of four complaints showed no evidences of nuisances existing. Final action is pending on those remaining.
As can be seen, the greatest number of complaints received were associated with, or because of sewage) Most investigations showed that insufficient absorption area was afforded the individual systems. An- other prominent reason for overflowing cesspools was because the ground was saturated from older systems.
Another problem confronting this department is that of unlawful dumping. In many sections of this town, thoughtless persons have thrown their refuse on private property or beside town roads. This is not only unsightly to the eyes but with the advent of warmer weather, these refuse heaps afford an excellent site for the breeding and har- borage of vermin and insects. As it is generally impossible to catch a person in the act of discarding of his refuse, this department can only post such areas and notify the police. The North Chelmsford dump is being maintained at considerable expense to this department, We ask all to bring their rubbish there for disposal.
To prevent the creation of more roadside dumps and. to present an efficient means of refuse disposal, this department will with the consent of the people institute a system of waste collections.
SCHOOL INSPECTIONS
In February and December of this year, all the schools of the Chelmsford Public School System were visited and inspected. This inspection involved three major items namely: general sanitation of
143
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
the school proper, safety through the elimination of possible hazards, and the cafeterias.
Conditions in all the schools were found to be good. The results of these inspections together with recommendations were sent to the appropriate authorities.
OTHER SANITARY INSPECTIONS
In this year the four kindergartens in Chelmsford were inspected and licensed. As in the case of schools, general sanitation and safety were emphasized. Convalescent and nursing homes were also visited.
HEALTH EDUCATION
This year saw the Board of Health install a pamphlet rack and bulletin board in the lobby of the town hall. These were placed there to permit the dissemination of health literature to the citizens of Chelmsford. It is to be hoped that this will provide a means of con- veying health information to the readers. These pamphlets and posters range from care and recognition of infectious diseases to the nutri- tional value of certain foods. We urge all to make use of this service.
Rules and regulations of the Board of Health may be had either from the pamphlet rack or from the office.
INCOME OF THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR 1953
Plumbing Permits $ 1,500.00
Slaughtering Fees 700.00
Sewage Disposal Permits 300.00
Slaughter House Licenses
70.00
Milk Licenses 50.00
Wood Alcohol Licenses
25.00
Carbonated Beverage Permits
10.00
Miscellaneous Permits and Licenses (Cabins, Kindergartens etc.) 30.00
State Subsidy for tuberculosis patients 278.57
CONCLUSION
The Board of Health was happy to serve you during the year In the past, we trust that our efforts in your behalf met with your approval. It is also to be hoped that you will continue to lend us your support. At this time, we also wish to thank the other town officials who cooperated with us to make this a clean healthy town for our citizens.
Respectfully submitted, 0
DR. CHARLES C. FARRINGTON, Chairman
EDMUND J. WELCH OLIVER A. REEVES
144
REPORT OF THE PLUMBING INSPECTOR
REPORT OF THE PLUMBING INSPECTOR
Board of Health
Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen:
Following is my report as plumbing inspector for the year ending December 31, 1952.
A total of 186 applications for permits to do plumbing were issued to licensed master plumbers. Of this number 130 were for new con- struction and 56 for old buildings. It was necessary to make 158 tests and 352 inspections before they were approved.
The list of various plumbing fixtures installed is as follows:
Water Closets
188
Lavatories
190
Bath Tubs
143
Showers
12
Kitchen Sinks
99
Combination Sink and Tray
13
Double Sinks
28
Service Sinks
2
Wash Trays
24
Clothes Washers
21
Dish Washers
9
Disposals
4
Hot Water Heaters
18
Roof and Floor Drains
7
Traps (Grease etc.)
4
Urinals 2
1 .
Drinking Fountains
1
Ice Machine
Gasoline and Sand Separator
1.
TOTAL 767
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE E. GAGNON,
Inspector of Plumbing.
145
REPORT OF THE SLAUGHTERING INSPECTOR
REPORT OF THE SLAUGHTERING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Health Town of Chelmsford
Gentlemen:
The following report is submitted for the Inspector of Slaughter- ing for the year ending December 31, 1952:
NUMBER INSPECTED
Cattle
47
Calves
10
Hogs
361
Sheep
18
Horses
228
Goats
4
Total Inspected
668
NUMBER CONFISCATED
Hog
1
Respectfully submitted,
SPENCER W. CHAMBERLIN
Slaughtering Inspector.
146
REPORT OF ANIMAL INSPECTOR
REPORT OF ANIMAL INSPECTOR
Board of Selectmen
My thirty-eighth annual and final report covers the period from Jan. 1st to Sept. 15, 1952 when I was obliged to resign due to age limit requirements.
Nine cattle were shipped into town from other States accompanied by the proper health certificates and all were released on identi- fication. Fifty dog bite cases were reported and investigated, thirty- two dogs were quarantined for a two weeks period of observation and then released as their condition was normal. The eighteen others were bites of dogs that could not be located, or were reported more than two weeks after the bites and were not rabid at that time.
I wish to express my appreciation to the physicians, police and health officials for their helpful cooperation in reporting the dog bite cases over the past years.
Respectfully submitted,
ARNOLD C. PERHAM,
Animal Inspector.
147
REPORT OF ANIMAL INSPECTOR
REPORT OF ANIMAL INSPECTOR
Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Animals from Sep- tember 17 to December 31, 1952.
The annual inspection of all dairy cattle, sheep, swine and horses has been completed and the list totals 615 Cows, 156 Heifers over one year, 124 Heifers under one year, 22 Steers, 24 Bulls, 17 Sheep, 15 Goats, 530 Swine and 28 Horses, in 85 different stables.
All dairy cattle have been tested for tuberculosis under State and Federal supervision, as provided by law.
A serious outbreak of Vescular Exanthema occurred on December 6, 1952. One large herd of swine has been quarantined. The United States Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Industry and the Division of Livestock Disease Control were notified and they responded promptly.
All swine in the Town were examined by Dr. Henry Polansky of the Bureau of Animal Industry, assisted by your Inspector of Animals. Tests were conducted to determine the exact nature of the disease and to prove that it was not Hoof and Mouth Disease. The symptoms of Vescular Exanthema and Hoof and Mouth Disease are the same, and tests on dairy cattle must be conducted to determine which disease it may be.
A bill is now pending in the State Legislature to reimburse the hog raisers whose herds are infected. The State and Federal govern- ments to share in the cost.
Twenty-five cattle were shipped in from other States accompanied by the proper health certificates and all were released on identification.
A new law went into effect September 1, 1952 requiring that all heifers raised for dairy purposes be vaccinated against brucellosis, between the ages of four and eight months.
Thirty-five dog-bite cases were reported and investigated; twenty- six were quarantined and later released as no rabies developed; the others were not quarantined.
Respectfully submitted,
GILBERT H. PERHAM,
Inspector of Animals
148 REPORT OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
REPORT OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
The Middlesex County Extension Service is an organization main- tained by the County in cooperation with the University of Massa- chusetts and the United States Department of Agriculture to serve the citizens of the town in the field of agriculture and home economics. The work is carried on under the guidance of the town director who is assisted by the chairman in homemaking and boys and girls 4-H Club work.
The county office makes farm and home visits to help when re- quested and, in addition, carries on organized projects County-wide under the guidance of farmers' and homemakers' service on County Committees.
Radio service is maintained weekly on WBZ; monthly on WHDH and five days a week during the summer on WKOX. A monthly bul- letin with a circulation of 5,000 is maintained and timely notices of interest to dairymen, fruit growers, market gardeners, poultrymen and commercial florists are sent to anyone as requested.
Some of the special activities of local interest follow. Dairymen were primarily interested in cooperating in the New England-wide Green Pastures Program, the Dairy Herd Improvement Association, Owner-Sampler work and Selective Breeding.
The Extension Poultry Program in 1952 was keyed to help poul- trymen and turkey growers to improve the efficiency of their opera- tions, maintain flock health and take better advantage of their mar- keting opportunities. Efforts were made to provide breeders witlı information which might help them to hold their prominent place in the industry and routine service was provided in all phases of poultry and turkey farming.
Walter F. Lewis, Robin Hill Road and Vinson Reid, Littleton Road, are members of the Advisory Committee which plans the Ex- tension Poultry Program. Several Chelmsford poultrymen and turkey growers participated in the 1952 Middlesex Flock Health Program, in- cluding Willis Bursey, 78 School Street, Arthur W. Howard, Jr., 204 Concord Road, Romeo V. Noel, 40 Parkhurst Road, John Parkinson, 29 Jordan Street and Meindert Schults, 46 Wilbur Street. Mr. Bursey
149
REPORT OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
is vice-president and Mr. Lewis secretary of the Middlesex County Poultry Association, while Mr. Schults is a Director of the Minuteman Turkey Association.
A spray service is maintained by radio to all fruit growers as well as market gardeners. Fruit growers also follow closely the weekly twilight meetings held during the growing season to keep abreast of production and marketing problems. There has been an increased de- mand from home-owners for information on vegetables, flower gardens and lawns.
In order that Chelmsford women might have a clearer understand- ing of the opportunities afforded by the Extension Service, Mrs. Philip St. Germain invited representatives of the leading women's organizations to a meeting with the Home Demonstration Agents. A general picture of the larger objectives of the Home Demonstration program was outlined, current programs described, as well as plans for the future. As a direct result of this five groups requested the "Christmas Everywhere" program, seven women attended a leader training course in Textile painting and in turn taught local groups what they had learned. Chelmsford was also represented at the leader- ship course in American Country and Folk Dancing.
4-H Club work showed an increase in activity in 1952 with boys and girls enrolled in dairy, garden, poultry, foods, clothing and craft clubs.
The Lowell Electric Light Company cooperated with the Chelms- ford 4-H Town Committee by offering an intensive six weeks course in food preparation and kitchen management. Thirty girls took ad- vantage of this opportunity.
Philip St. Germain attended Junior Leaders' Camp for one week at the University of Massachusetts.
Nearly all 4-H Club members exhibited at the 4-H County Fair in Groton. Several members attended the 4-H Club Camp in Ashby.
Mrs. Philip St. Germain served as 4-H Town Chairman and was assisted by the following leaders and committee members. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Lewis, Mrs. Christy Pettee, Mrs. Raymond Eno, Mrs. Carl Johnson and Mrs. Elsie Parlee.
150
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The Board of Appeals acted on eighteen requests for variances in the Town Zoning Laws during the year 1952. Seventeen were granted and one was denied.
Respectfully submitted,
CLIFFORD BABSON, Jr.
EDWARD V. WHALEN, FREDERICK BURNE, CLIFFORD HARTLEY, WILLIAM B. MOCHRIE, HAROLD M. TUCKE, Sr.
FRANK J. McMAHON,
Board of Appeals.
REPORT OF THE DOG OFFICER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
January 16, 1953
· The following is a report of my services as Dog Officer for the year 1952:
Dogs picked up 57
Dogs disposed of 53
Dogs called for by owners 4
Lost dogs located and returned to owners
22
Complaints investigated and miscellaneous calls
83
In addition to the above, I disposed of 84 dead cats, 34 dead dogs, and 21 miscellaneous dead animals picked up on the streets.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES G. FULLER,
Dog Officer.
151
·
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY DEPARTMENT
Your Commissioners are satisfied with the progress of the Ceme- tery Department. There is considerable work to be done and will take equipment to do this work thoroughly. This last spring we have spread considerable lime and fertilizer through out all cemeteries and hope to continue this work for a few more seasons.
The checking of records has involved answering many, inquiries personally or by letters concerning many interests a lot owner or their heirs may be concerned about. In most cases inquiries were made for the purpose of ultimately putting their lots under perpetual care. A complete check of any lot is necessary and its present condition determined before a lot is accepted for perpetual care. After all the checking is done the party interested is referred to the Town Treas- urer, so as to establish a trust fund on any lot.
We are constantly encouraging lot owners to put lots under per- petual care on the older lots.
Considerable work was done in checking the Pine Ridge Cemetery due to an area used for burial which was not previously plotted on the map. Boundary posts were also set through an area of eight-grave lots on Oak Avenue which has been under question for some time. Upon checking this area an additional eight-grave lot was established which did not show on the map, possibly due to the contour of the road. On Cedar Avenue eighteen eight-grave lots were laid out into four-grave lots. In all thirty-eight four-grave lots were established for use of families requiring smaller lots. These are located in a cen- tral place and we feel they will provide for a much needed require- ment. Also fifty-six single-grave lots were laid out and plotted in a new area developed at the left of the main entrance and room for considerable more.
Many trips were made to Hart Pond Cemetery to identify lots for owners or heirs. Also an area was laid out and plotted for fifteen eight-grave lots. It was discovered that the layout on the map does not correspond with the location of the lots in many cases. It would seem advisable and necessary to make a corrected map in order to eliminate future questions of location.
152
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY DEPARTMENT
Fairview Cemetery is laid out with many oversize lots and a re-distribution of these lots should be made.
New maps have been made of Pine Ridge, West Chelmsford and Riverside Cemeteries. It would seem wasteful to go ahead with maps for the rest of the group until they are plotted and laid out for prac- tical use.
We intend to carry out this good work and try to get our Ceme- teries on an equal and self-supporting basis as any cemetery in this area and saitsfactory beauty to our Town.
Your Commissioners and Superintendent wish to express our thanks to' the Board of Selectmen and all other Town officials and Departments for the cooperation given us during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK H. HARDY, Chairman ARTHUR J. COLMER, Clerk ARNE R. OLSEN,
Commissioners
153
REPORT OF SECRETARY OF VETERANS' COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE VETERANS EMERGENCY FUND COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Town of Chelmsford
Gentlemen:
The Veterans' Emergency Fund Committee wish to submit their annual report to you and to the townspeople of Chelmsford.
As in recent years, the business of the committee has been ex- ceedingly small as there have been no cases who need assistance that have been brought to the attention of the committee members. All aid for Veterans has been accomplished through the office of the Veterans' Benefits Department under the guidance of Mr. Gordon P. DeWolf. During these years of relative prosperity it is believed that most requests for aid can be handled under the Veterans' Benefits Office, thus allowing the Emergency Fund to grow with added in- terest and dividends each year.
Our fund was able to operate without a single cost of adminis- tration. In past years the fund has paid for the bonding of its treas- urer, Mr. Perry T. Snow. During 1952, this procedure was changed and now Mr. Snow is included in the blanket bond carried by the town for all employees who handle town funds. This was accomplished through the advice and assistance of Mr. Eustace B. Fiske and Mr. Warren C. Lahue. The committee wishes to thank these civic minded persons for their assistance as now the fund can be increased more each year.
The committee by precincts is listed once again and applicants desiring assistance should contact their precinct representatives:
Center-Precinct 1 George Archer
North-Precinct 2 Joseph Sadowski
West-Precinct 3 .Perry T. Snow
East-Precinct 4 Edward G. Krasnecki
South-Precinct 5 George Waite
Westlands-Precinct 6 Alfred H. Coburn
Respectfully submitted,
ALFRED H. COBURN,
Secretary.
154
REPORT OF DEPT. OF VETERANS' SERVICE
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' SERVICE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Chelmsford, Massachusetts
The Veterans' Benefits Department in 1952 aided twenty-six cases and expended $10,110.00, a decrease of $555.87 from the previous year. This decrease was due to the fact that the medical bills for the year 1952 were very much less than in 1951.
The number of cases aided was twenty-six, the same as in 1951. but the number of permanent cases increased to ten. This would indi- cate a probable increase in the 1953 expenditures.
As you know, the State Government reimburses the Town of Chelmsford for one-half of the Town Appropriation, which means that we get back $5,055.00 of the money we spent in 1952. In return the State Commissioner approves all applications for Veterans' Benefits before any money can be paid out and prescribes the regulations your Veterans' Agent must adhere to. They also set up the budget for pay- ments to Veterans' Benefits cases. In addition a field investigator checks all cases in addition to your local agent's investigation.
Yours truly,
GORDON P. DeWOLF,
Veterans' Agent.
155
REPORT OF TREASURER OF VETERANS' FUND
VETERANS' EMERGENCY FUND TREASURER'S REPORT TO THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS January 1, 1952 to December 31, 1952
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