USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1931 > Part 8
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There were only 13 cases of Scarlet Fever compared to 68 in 1930. Other tabulation follows:
Chicken pox
111 cases
Measles
14
Whopping Cough
13
66
Pneumonia (Lobar)
3
66
Mumps
1
.
Influenza
1
Diphtheria
2
(27 contacts were given Toxin Anti-Toxin and had throat cultures taken. No more cases developed.) German Measles 2 cases 1. Anterior Poliomyelitis 7 66
We have six patients at Plymouth County Hospital at present. One discharged against advice. Two died during year.
On January 1st we had 3 patients; in March, 4; in April, 6; in June 5; in July 6; August, 4-and during the remainder of the year, 6.
134
Following is a list of Contagious Diseases in the months in which they occurred:
RECORD OF HEALTH DEPARTMENT OF CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
Anter. Polio.
17 3 co Chicken pox
- Influenza
3 1 Hw: : Measles
N: : : Measles
HA: Pneumonia
(Lobar)
Mumps
: Diphtheria
Scarlet Fever
Tuberculosis
All other Forms
Whooping
January
35
February
48
March
April
.
3
June
July
4
2
1
.
.
1
1
September
1
1
1
.
October
.
2
1
.
December
. .
.
.
IMMUNIZATION CLINIC
The Immunization Clinic was held in April at which time 32 Pre-School Children were given the Toxin Anti-Toxin. I hope the Parents will remember the Clinic to be held in April of 1932
SCHICK TEST
On November 30th the Clinic was held and 32 Pre-School Children were given the Test. The readings were made on December 4th, and all were found Negative.
VON PIRQUET TEST
Number of children given the Test
1214
" adults 66 66 66
7
Total
1221
3 w. co Cough 8
~: :
1
.
May
.
.
2
1
3
. .
.
August
2
1
.
1
·
1
November
1
8
.
.
2
:
:
1 2
4
0.
6
German
135
Number of children X-rayed 66 adults 66
303
5
Total 308
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Total number examined
47
Total number contacts
9-Follow-up Ten- - Year Pirquet
56
GARBAGE
The Garbage still continues to be handled in a very able manner by Mr. Jennings, and I want to state here that there are very few complaints in regard to the way he handles it. In July and August we had to give him a helper as it was impossible for him to make the required number of collec- tions needed with the added extension of the service. It is a satisfaction to have someone that can take care of this as it is being done. We are also being asked to extend the ser- vice to other sections.
RUBBISH
In the Spring the Town had a chance to buy a section of land on Plymouth Street through the assistance of Mr. Albert A. Thomas, and it makes an ideal place for a Public Dump as there are no houses within quite a distance. This will take care of conditions for a number of years. Mr. A. A. Sisson takes very good care of this problem, and we have had a number of favorable comments on his work.
I would call the attention of the people of the Town at this time to the fact that a great deal of trouble and labor will be avoided if everyone will see that rubbish is set out on the day collections are made- every Thursday.
/
136
RECEIPTS FROM LICENSES
2 Pasteurization Licenses at $10.00 $20.00
94 Milk Licenses at $.50 47.00
8 Oleomargarine Licenses, at $.50
4.00
Nemasket Spring Water Co., at $5.00
5.00
Middleboro Bottling Co., at $5.00 5.00
28 Alcohol Licenses, at $1.00
28.00
$109.00
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN T. CONNOR,
Agent.
-
137
PLUMBING INSPECTOR
Middleboro, Mass. December 31, 1931
Board of Health,
Middleboro, Mass.
Gentlemen:
Number of applications filed 69
Which applications were for the installation of the following
Plumbing Fixtures:
Water closets
71
Bath Tubs
45
Sink's
47
Lavatories
1
61
Urinals
1
Wash Trays
14
Slop Hoppers 1
Number of Plans filed for Sewer Connections 27
Number of Plans filed for Cesspool Connections 51
JOHN J. PEARSON,
Inspector of Plumbing.
1
138
January 21, 1932.
To the President and Board of Trustees,
Middleborough Public Library.
I have the honor and pleasure to present the annual report for the year ending December 31, 1931.
The Public Library has doubtless meant more to many of our people the past year than ever before. It has been evident that our borrowers, many of them without employ- ment, have taken advantage of the opportunity to read, both in the way of education and preparing themselves for future work, and to take their thoughts off their own mis- fortunes and acquire a happier frame of mind. This slogan seems to have been adopted generally, and a good one, too, --- "In times like these, 'tis well to read."
It has been an unusually busy year. The staff has been forced to work constantly at high pressure to cope with the increased amount of work, and the book resources have been drained to the utmost to meet the increased circulation. At times it has been simply impossible to find a western story or a mystery story, the two most popular types, on the shelves. The total circulation for the year is 92,000 volumes, an increase of nearly 10,000 over last year's circulation.
At a time when so many libraries are hard pressed for money to purchase books, we are indeed fortunate that we have the income from a sum of money left the library by Mr. Thomas S. Peirce, to be used exclusively for books.
Of course this does not help in any way to pay for the upkeep of the library, and for this the town appropriated $6,740 to cover salaries, fuel and light, supplies, etc., for 1931.
The fines count up amazingly, and this past year we turn- ed over to the Treasurer $335.39 collected in fines, which is turned back into Town funds.
139
DEPOSITS OF BOOKS.
As in other years, we have deposits of books at the follow- ing schools; South Middleboro, Purchade, Green, Thompson St., Waterville, Wappanucket, West Side, Bates and School Street. In most of these schools the children are allowed to take the books home to read.
The Montgomery Home still enjoys a group of books, these being changed at regular intervals.
We regret exceedingly that the North Middleboro branch has been discontinued. It was no longer possible for Mrs. Stephen Richmond, who has so faithfully served as librarian, to continue the work, and no one was found who would take the collection of books into their home and act as librarian. Sincere thanks are due Mrs. Richmond for the splendid work she did over the period of two years that she served as li- brarian and cared for the books in her home.
DUPLICATE PAY COLLECTION.
The duplicate pay, or rental collection, has been a great success. It has met with the approval of the borrowers, very often expressed. In the past year, there was a circula- tion of rental books of 1,520. We have collected in two- cent-a-day charges, $154.40, and with this money have added seventy-eight new books to the Rental Collection.
REPAIRS.
Very little has been done in the way of repairs,-at least in a big way. There have been various small repairs neces- sary that have used up the money appropriated for this purpose. The front doors have been refinished and the shrubs in the yard have been pruned, besides numerous smaller repairs that had to be taken care of. The shrubs have had nothing done to them for a great many years, and were badly in need of care.
140
ACTIVITIES.
During Book Week we had the usual large and interest- ing display of children's books in the Trustees' room. In the Community room was a collection of new books for adults, and a fascinating exhibit of Indian pottery and jewelry loan- ed the library by Mrs. Alton G. Pratt and Mrs. John G. Howes. In the exhibition hall, Mr. Charles H. Goodwin of Middleboro had an exhibit of his original designs in color.
A Reading Club is held in the Community Room every other week, under the auspices of the Cabot Club. This is an activity that ties up in a most satisfactory way with the library, in that it makes the books in the library better appreciated and more widely read.
The Community Room has been used for many other projects,-the District Nursing Association, the 4-H Club and the Cabot Club all enjoying its use for meetings of various kinds.
The pupils of the Junior High School have been to the library for the five lessons they receive in the use of the lib- rary.
A new scheme was tried this year at the suggestion of Mr. Burkland. The seventh grade was brought in small groups to become better acquainted with the library. The class was conducted over the building and the work of the various departments explained in detail. There were chil- dren in each group who had never before been in the library, but since their visit, have taken out cards and become regular borrowers. It helped all the children to understand better the working of the library and the service that it gives.
The High School library is using student help, and to aid these students in better understanding the work required in the library, the librarian gave a course of six lessons in the details of the work. This has enabled the students to perform their work in the High School library much more intelligently.
141
Book talks have been given by the librarian before the Evening Alliance and the Afternoon Alliance of the Uni- tarian Church, Bates School Assembly, the Cabot Club, West Side School Parents and Teachers Association and the Pomona Grange. A talk on "Librarianship as a Profess- ion" was given before the High School.
Members of the library staff have attended library meet- ings in New Haven, Hyannis, Quincy, Kingston, Brockton and Boston.
IN APPRECIATION.
We are grateful to all those who have been so generous with gifts to the library the past year,-Mrs. C. P. Wash- burn for the subscription for the magazine "Trained Nurse" Mrs. Hazel Hawthorne for many review copies of new novels, Mr. A. Klar for several sets of books, and the many other friends who have donated books and magazines. The li- brary received gifts of 149 books and a great many maga- zines, all of which have been very much appreciated and enjoyed.
We are grateful to the teachers for the cooperation in encouraging the children to read. Through Mrs. Benson's efforts, thirty-three State Reading Certificates have been awarded to pupils in the Junior High School. This means that each child read five books on the State list for each certificate received. Through their influence, the teachers have helped greatly in maintaining discipline in the library.
I wish to thank the Trustees for their unfailing support given to the librarian in conducting the affairs of the library, and the staff for their willing and efficient assistance in carry- ing on the year's work.
Respectfully submitted,
MERTIE E. WITBECK,
Librarian.
142
STATISTICS.
Circulation of books
Central library
Adult circulation
Fiction
53,716
Philosophy
499
Religion
257
Sociology
787
Languages
90
Sciences
634
Useful Arts
1,179
Fine Arts
1,310
Literature
1,942
History
1,171
Travel
1,845
Biography
1,523
Magazines.
5,321
Foreign books
135
Rental books
1,520
71,929
Juvenile circulation
Fiction
8,845
Non-fiction
7,796
16,641
Branch circulation
North Middleboro
Fiction
1,160
Non-fiction
2
Juvenile
601
1,763
Bates School
150
Green School
309
South Middleboro School
237
143
Thompson St. School
114
Wappanucket School
422
West Side School
435
3,430
Total circulation of books in 1931 Circulation in 1930
92,000
82,797
Increase of 1931 over 1930 9,203
Number of volumes owned by library Jan. 1, 1931 32,936
66
added by purchase 1,076
66
" gift
149
66 66
" binding (magazines) 46
Total number of volumes added during 1931
1,271
34,207
Number of volumes lost or discarded, 1931
(Many obsolete children's books weeded out) 770
Number of volumes owned by library Dec. 31, 1931 33,437
Number of magazines subscribed by the library 103
Number of newspapers 66 66
12
Number of borrowers Jan. 1, 1931
3,389
New cards issued
Adult
270
Juvenile (under 14 years)
153
423
Number of borrowers December 31, 1931
3,812
144
MIDDLEBORO FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT OF THE CHIEF
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I have the honor to present herewith, for your consider- ation, the eleventh annual report of the Chief of the Middle- boro Fire Department, for the year ending December 31, 1931, in accordance with Section 16 of Chapter 592, Acts 1920.
APPARATUS
The apparatus of the department consists of the following :-
1 Maxim 1000 Gallon Pumping Engine purchased April 23, 1928.
1 Maxim 500 Gallon Pumping Engine, purchased June 28, 1920.
1 Knox Combination Chemical and Hose Car, purchased October 14, 1912.
1 Maxim City Service Ladder Truck, purchased October 11, 1915.
1 Maxim Hose Car, purchased May 12, 1914.
All are well supplied with ladders, 3 gallon hand extin- guishers and the most necessary appliances for aiding the extinguishing of fires.
ORGANIZATION
The personnel of the Department at the close of the year is as follows:
One Call Chief
One Permanent Deputy Chief
145
One Call Deputy Chief
One Permanent Captain
Four Call Captains
Eight permanent Drivers
39 Call Men and 7 Substitute members
A total of 62 members.
OPERATION OF THE DEPARTMENT ALARMS
Calls by Month
Box
Squad Warden
Still
Totals
Jan.
1
7
2
7
17
Feb.
1
3
0
6
10
Mar.
2
4
5
6
17
April
4
6
17
14
41
May
1
3
12
7
23
June
2
1
1
8
12
July
1
3
0.
8
12
Aug.
1.
5
2
3
11
Sept.
0
1
0
2
3
Oct.
0
5
3
4
12
Nov.
1
3
1
5
10
Dec.
2
5
1
14
22
Totals
16
46
84
44
190
EQUIPMENT USED
216" Hose
3/4" ades " 3 Gal. Pump Pyrene Fuses Gren- 40 Gal. Hose Tanks Cans Tank
Box
5100'
1500'
9
1
Squad
1350'
3600'
62
Still
800'
3100'
51
9
4
2
5
Warden
850'
50
128
Totals
8100'
8200'
172
137
4
2
5
1
146
MILEAGE BY COMPANIES & ALARMS
Box
Squad Still
Warden
Total
Eng. No. 1
26.9
319.8
139.4
486.1
Eng. No. 2
26.9
1.8
28.7
Comb. No. 1
26.9
3
29.9
Comb. No. 2
26.9
15.7
247.2
289.8
Ladder
26.9
26.9
Totals
134.5 321.6
155.1 240.2 Tot. Mile. 851.4
FIRE LOSS BUILDINGS
Assessed Value
Insurance Damage
Insurance Paid
Jan. 11
$1,200.00 $3,000.00
$75.00
$75.00
Feb. 2
51,000.00
Blanket
24.22
24.22
Mar. 25
1,200.00
2,500.00
2,500.00
2,500.00
Apr. 27
2,000.00
3,000.00
1,874.00
1,874.00
July
16
2,200.00
3,000.00
465.00
465.00
Aug.
11
2,000.00
5,000.00
300.00
300.00
Oct.
12
1,100.00
2,600.00
2,600.00
2,600.00
Oct.
25
600.00
700.00
700.00
700.00
$61,300.00 $19,800.00 $3,538.22
$8,538.22
FIRE LOSS CONTENTS
Est. Value
Insurance Damage
Insurance Paid
Mar. 25
$1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,,000.00 $1,000.00
Apr. 27
2,500.00
1,000.00
800.00
800.00
July
16
1,000.00
600.00
98.50
98.50
Oct.
12
2,100.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
Dec.
11
1,500.00
1,100.00
950.00
950.00
$8,100.00 $4,700.00 $3,848.50 $3,848.50
147
Total values
$69,400.00
Total insurance
24,500.00
Total damage
12,386.72
Total insurance paid
12,386.72
Loss over insurance paid None
Not included in above is one fire with claim unadjusted.
Assessed value of Building and Contents $12,625.00
Insurance 26,551.00
Damage
10,000.00
Inspection-Permits-Hose on Hand
INSPECTION
Regular monthly inspections, business 1606
Special inspections including Leonard & Barrows 361
Number of reports showing special fire hazards 49
All the above cases were corrected except in the case of junk yards.
PERMITS
Garage
14
Oil Storage
3
Fireworks
5
Dynamite
4
Hose on Hand Jan. 1, 1932
212" good
6100'
3/1 "
750
3 Gal. tanks charged for other than Fire Department use 86
Although fully realizing the present time is not the best to advocate the expenditure of any large sum of money, I feel that in justice to myself and a part of my duty to again call attention to the fact that the 20 year old Knox and the 18 year old hose wagon are getting less reliable and need more and more repairs as time goes on. I am still of the opinion
148
that it would not only be a step in the right direction, but a move that would result not only in more efficient operation of the department, but more economical and safer, if the recommendations of last year were carried out in the re- placing of at least one of these pieces by a piece of apparatus better adapted to the needs of the Town than either or both of the present ones.
The ladders on the ladder truck have all been overhauled and their safety assured. It is the intention this year to give them the necessary coats of varnish to preserve them. This is to be done by the men in the station.
Some of the worn out and leaky nozzles and gates have been replaced with new so that those using them can do so with a greater degree of comfort than formerly.
Five new 3 gal. chemical tanks have been supplied.
New coats have replaced the most badly worn ones for permanent drivers and Engine 1 Company, and coats and « helmets provided for Engine Company 2, who have not had any heretofore.
Owing to the carefulness of the drivers and good fortune, no accidents have occurred and the money thus saved has enabled us to replace five of the oldest and least reliable fire alarm boxes with the latest product of the Gamewell Co. These boxes are not only of the Non-interfering and succes- sive type but possess other features of great advantage.
Earnestly recommend that the box near the West Side School be connected to stations inside the school. This was in view when the particular type of box was installed
By installing these auxiliary stations, the alarm will be received much sooner which means that the apparatus would arrive much earlier than if some one had to go to the box. Considering the age of the child probably sent to ring the box, and statistics showing one school building in the United States burns in every four days, it seems that by a very small expense greater safety is assured to lives of the children and the building. It would also be a distinct advantage to con-
149
nect the Memorial High School in like manner. In many respects the demands upon the department have been great- er than in 1930.
The box alarms have been 10 more, Warden Calls 29 more, and 3000 more feet of hose laid than in 1930. The Squad Calls have been fewer but mileage has increased. Approximately 500 more inspections during the year.
The value of these periodical inspections of all premises in the business or so called high value district is reflected in not only reducing fire hazards which accounts for so few calls of the department, but impresses upon the occupants the necessity of keeping premises much cleaner and freer from rubbish than they would otherwise.
For example, although 500 more inspections were made the special fire hazards found were reduced from 86 in 1930 to 49 in 1931.
Perhaps what to the officers and members is most grati- fying is the fact that there were no losses during the year over the insurance paid.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE A. PHILBROOK,
Chief, Middleboro Fire Department
150
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES UNDER THE WILL OF THOMAS S. PEIRCE
To the Selectmen of Middleborough, Mass.
Gentlemen :-
The annual report of the Trustees under the will of Thom- as S. Peirce for the year ending December 31, 1931 is sub- mitted herewith.
During the year the nomination of Fletcher Clark, Jr., to fill the vacancy in the board caused by the resignation of Chester E. Weston, was submitted to the Probate Court. At a special town meeting held February 9th, 1931, it was unanimously voted that he be excused from furnishing a surety on his official bond and he was accordingly appointed by the probate Court to act as trustee without surety, on February 24, 1931.
The Court ordered a new inventory to be taken of the Estate and for that purpose appointed Waldo S. Thomas, Albert A. Thomas and George E. Doane as appraisers.
The inventory, as ordered, was taken as of the day of apointment, February 24, 1931 and the value of the assets of the Estate as listed below is based on that appraisal.
The statements show the present condition of the two funds, the income received, the expenses incurred and the amounts paid out for the Use and Benefit of the Town of Middleborough, and to the Treasurer of the Middleborough Public Library.
Fund held in trust for the use and benefit of the Town of Middleborough.
Stocks,-inventory value- - $150,860.00 Bonds 13,878. 75
151
Mortgages and Notes
188,409.41
Real Estate
147,671.37
Real Estate taken under fore- closure in 1931
8,300.00
Furnishing & Fixtures at Nemasket
House 42.50
Post Office Fixtures
240.00
Cabinet at Library
100.00
Office Equipment
200.00
Savings Bank-Worcester
1,000.00
Cash, First Nat'l Bank of Boston
15,727.06
$526,429.09
INCOME ACCOUNT RECEIPTS
Rentals
$8,385.05
Dividends
9,806.50
Interest
10,423.47
Sundries
322.11
$28,937.13
EXPENSES
Salaries, Trustees & Clerk
$2,658.12
Insurance
927.30
Repairs,-labor and material
2,361.67
Janitor, G. W. Bump
$1,200.00
S. C. Smith
340.00
1,540.00
Fuel
832.65
Light
371.85
Water
245.51
Sundries
517.18
$9,454.28
Net income for 1931
$19,482.85
Balance on hand Jan. 1, 1931
6,566.53
$26,049.38
152
PAID FOR USE AND BENEFIT OF THE TOWN
BRIDGE LOAN
Paid Town note No. 115
$3,000.00
Interest
240.00
FIRE STATION
Insurance 213.44
Reimbursement on account of
$15,000 appropriation by town
as per construction agreement,
$5,000.00
New Road, Center St.
5,000.00
Traffic Lights, South Main and Grove Sts. 750.00
MIDDLEBORO HOME
Electric Refrigerator
700.00
Typewriters, High School
460.00
Account of Welfare Dept.
300.00
Account of Land Damage, Center & Taunton Sts. 500.00 $16,163.44
Balance on hand, January 1, 1932
$9,885.94
FUND HELD IN TRUST FOR THE MIDDLEBOROUGH PUBLIC LIBRARY
Bonds,-Inventory value
$35,535.00
Collateral Note 5,000.00
Savings Bank Deposits
7,580.85
$48,115.85
153
Total Income for 1931
Interest on Bonds, Notes and Bank Deposits $2,032.86
Total Payments to Treasurer of Middleborough Public Library $2,032.86
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR D. BENSON, FREDERICK S. WESTON FLETCHER CLARK, Jr.
Trustees under the will of Thomas S. Peirce.
154
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE AND BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE.
To the Selectmen and taxpayers of Middleboro.
1931 has been a year in which the words "lack of work" are more frequently heard than any others. This Board has found that lack of work, by others, has made our office the busiest place in the Town Hall.
During the spring months many of the unemployed re- quired assistance. With the coming of summer most people found work and were self-supporting. Beginning with October the problem of unemployment again confronted us. We find more unemployed now than there were a year ago.
Your committee on unemployment attempted to work along the plan used last year. The first obstruction was the impossibility of securing insurance from a reliable company. The second was inability to provide funds. Many people approached, preferred to have money for this purpose pro- vided by town appropriation. It quickly became evident that an appropriation is the only way to provide sufficient funds to cope with the situation. That means delay until after town meeting.
The necessity of many families, required immediate help thru the Welfare that should have been furnished by the unemployment committee. We have seen that no family has suffered for lack of food, fuel or shelter, but we have not been able to furnish the work that these men are begging for.
The Boy Scout Drive planned by Mr. Louis Littlejohn and conducted by the Boy Scouts met with a hearty response from every one. Tons of clothing, shoes, canned goods, vegetables and preserves were collected. These things are being distributed by a volunteer committee of women, who are freely giving their time to help provide for those in need. Every article used has saved the town its value in money. We thank every one who has helped in this work.
155
Our second big problem was caused by the Old Age Assis- tance Act. Mrs. Lelah Hathaway made a special study along this line of work and had full charge until November. It was impossible to foresee the enormous amount of work involved. It took practically all of her time from the first of May until late in the fall. Ninety-four applications were received and every case had to be visited and thoroughly investigated. A year ago the Board estimated about 35 cases. Now we have 65 cases in Middleboro and three in other towns.
We estimate for 1932 an average of 75 local cases and from 5 to 10 in other towns. We find from our experience during the past six months that the average yearly cost per case will be about $300. This makes an appropriation of $22,000. absolutely necessary. The State reimburses the Town for 1/3 of the aid given; and may, if it can provide funds, pay for the full amount expended.
In addition to the direct cost, there was the additional cost under the heading of Administration, which as nearly as we can estimate was about $700.
No doubt this law benefits many people, and it is right that these people, whose children cannot provide for them, should be cared for. When you see the appropriations of this department largely increased, you must remember that one third of all we spend in 1932 will go for Old Age Assistance alone, and that over two dollars of your tax rate will be used for this purpose. It is time to warn your representative in the legislature not to allow the age limit to be reduced to 65. To do that would double the cost as compared with the 70 year limit.
Conditions at the Town Infirmary are more satisfactory than they have been at any time in the history of the insti- tution. This satisfaction is felt and expressed not only by the residents, but by the members of the local Board and by the State Inspectors.
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