USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1956 > Part 6
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Stocks-Inventory value or cost
Bonds-Inventory value or cost
Saving Bank Deposits
$26,031.59 23,573.82 9,781.09
$59,386.50
Income Account Receipts
Dividends
Coupons
$2,434.77 828.00
$3,262.77
Disbursements
Paid to Treasurer of the Middleborough Library $3,237.07 Probate Court Legal fees 20.70 5.00
$3,262.77
Respectfully submitted, ARTHUR D. BENSON FREDERICK S. WESTON FLETCHER CLARK, JR.
Trustees under the will of Thomas S. Peirce
76
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE PARK DEPARTMENT
To Members of the Park Board
Trustees under the will of Thomas S. Peirce Members of the Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
One is always happy to report improvement, expansion and prog- ress, and thanks to the far-sightedness and cooperation of many people, we are able to report just that this year.
Before the official playground season got underway the many unseen, and therefore, unthought of preparations were carried out. First, the very important task of resurfacing large portions of the swimming pool bottom, and the subsequent painting of the pool. secondly, the construction of a much-needed combination garage and storage building. Thirdly, the renovation of the dressing area and facilities at the field house. Fourthly, the resurfacing and recondition- ing of the baseball and softball infields. These, along with the usual tasks of hiring a staff, planning the various programs, schedules and special events, revitalizing old equipment and purchasing new equip- ment, made our pre-season a busy one.
This year for the first time I was approached by some members of our outlying districts concerning a recreational program for the children in these districts. After much thought and considering all the problems of staff, budget, facilities and equipment, I decided that a bus system would be our best solution, and made plans to experi- ment with one. Thanks to the cooperation and the sympathetic under- standing of the Trustees under the will of Thomas S. Peirce, the money to run this bus service was provided from the Peirce Estate. The service was warmly received and sincerely appreciated. Many of the children were able to receive swimming instructions and take part in the regular field and kiddie korner programs offered at the central playground.
Our basic program-swimming instruction and recreational swim- ming, kiddie korners, field activities, 1,000 point contest, and special events-was carried on as usual.
The supervised attendance figures showed an increase of approxi- mately 14,000 over last year's. This is due to two factors: lack of a polio incident, and provision of a bus service.
Too often we all take a good thing for granted, and I realize that this is very much so with our playground. I have it brought home to me many times by visitors from other parts of the state and the country who have seen many other playgrounds and tell me how superior ours is to many they have seen in even larger communities.
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ANNUAL REPORT
I think it is a great credit to our maintenance staff that they always mention the fine condition and appearance of the whole area. As an interesting note I would like to mention that one night last summer two bus loads of students and chaperones from California who were touring the country enjoyed a midnight swim in our pool and slept under the stars over our playground. Since they have enjoyed Middle- boro's hospitality in the past, they have made our playground one of the scheduled stops on their itinerary.
We were happy again this year that Mr. David Reed volunteered to give tennis instructions to all children who were interested. We feel this is a great contribution to our program and it is much ap- preciated. I would like also at this time to express my thanks to an- other volunteer, Mrs. Joseph Briggs, who served as a combination hostess and supervisor at the field house.
Supervised attendance figures for the Park Department's 1956 ten week summer program:
Swimming Pool
17,516
Kiddie Korner, Central Playground
11,187
Kiddie Korner, West Side
3,619
Field Activities, Central Playground
7,121
Field Activities, West Side
2,764
Special Events
2,443
Total
44,650
Last year's total supervised attendance figure was 30,427. This year's total showed an increase of over 14,000.
Included in the above figures are the following:
Bus youngsters
2,019
Swimming lessons attendance
3,332
Swimming certificates
250
Financial Summary
Funds received and expended:
Town of Middleborough
$6,294.67
Peirce Estate
7,991.87
Richards Fund
1,357.62
Funds paid to the town:
Swimming pool admissions
$ 15,644.16 $ 899.80
I wish to express my gratitude to the Park Board, Trustees under the will of Thomas S. Peirce, my staff, and to all who assisted me in any way.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH A. MASI Superintendent Park Department Middleborough, Massachusetts
78
ANNUAL REPORT
Health and Sanitation
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
The calendar year 1956 saw a continuing improvement in all phases of Public Health supervised by the Middleboro Board of Health through its Health Officer. The resignation of Mrs. Miriam M. Camp- bell as Health Officer on November 3, 1956, was accepted by the Town Manager and the Board of Selectmen with regret. The program which she continued and the improvements and additional services which she helped to inaugurate are a challenge to the subscriber.
The Health Department has continued to offer its services to the townspeople by the following:
The operation of two Garbage and Trash Pickup Services.
The issuance of permits and licenses to motels, overnight cabins, recreational camps, and trailer parks.
The issuance of burial permits to funeral directors allowing removal from the Town and/or burial.
The inspection of restaurants, bakeries, and other food-handling businesses to assure cleanliness.
The inspection of cesspools and sewerage plans of contractors for new homes and other buildings.
The inspection of Slaughter Houses, Milk Production, and Animals.
The checking of communicable diseases and their control.
The operation of clinics for immunization against diphtheria poliomyelitis.
The performance of the Town's responsibility towards the county tuberculosis program in X-Ray examinations, follow-ups of closed cases, and the necessary administra- tive work.
The cooperation with the Middleboro District Nursing Associa- tion in a program of assistance to those with old and infirm persons in their households, prematurely born children, and other persons ill with communicable diseases.
The cooperation with the School Department in a Dental Clinic Program for the children in the schools.
A further explanation of the varied duties and problems encoun- tered follows below.
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ANNAUL REPORT
SANITATION Garbage and Trash
The Garbage and Trash Pickup Program has been continued as in the past. A new schedule brought up to date by Mrs. Miriam M. Campbell has included many of the newer streets in the outlaying areas of the Town. The schedule calls for weekly collections of garbage and bi-weekly collections of trash.
The cooperation of the Townspeople, especially during those weeks when the scheddule has been interrupted by a holiday, has been very good. From time to time, a relatively small number of complaints is received in this office. These calls are to be expected, especially when there is such a large area to cover for two trucks, one each for trash and garbage.
Unfortunately, the violation of the rules pertaining to roadside dumping of trash and garbage has continued. In each instance, the violation has been investigated, and in most instances, the condition was corrected immediately and in a cooperative spirit.
The piggery operated by the Welfare Department fed from the garbage collected has brought the Town over forty-seven hundred dollars this year.
The municipally-owned dump on Plymouth Street has continued to be a problem. Steps have been taken from time to time in an attempt to keep it as clean and neat as possible under the conditions. The need for a new dump has been with us for a number of years and the land-fill dump seems to be the solution to our problem. The next step is to locate a suitable location for this new dump and the appropriate action by the voters of the Town.
Permits and Licenses
One hundred fifty-nine burial permits were issued during the year. It is interesting to note that there were twenty-five fewer within the Town druing 1956. Heart disease and cancer continue to be the greater causes of death.
The proper permits and licenses were issued to the various motels, trailer courts, overnight cabins, recreation camps, nursing homes, and slaughter houses. Inspections of these properties were made from time to time. Funeral Director's licenses were issued as approved by the State Board of Embalming and Funeral Direction.
Restaurants, Bakeries, and Other Food-Handling Businesses
Periodic inspections of the restaurants, drug stores, and other food- handling enterprises were carried on under the direction of the former Health Agent, Mrs. Miriam M. Campbell, through the use of the swab- test for bacterial count. A private firm was engaged for this purpose as the Town has no facilities for this type of testing.
In most instances, the cooperative spirit of the proprietors was good, and the overall cleanliness has greatly improved over the past few years.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Plans have been made to continue this program during the new year with greater emphasis on cleanliness of food handlers themselves as well as the food utensils, and the condition of the food itself. The possibility of food poisoning is another factor which has to be watched at all times when one is involved in serving the public. One possible complaint about food poisoning was received during the past year concerning a local restaurant. The proper investigation was made, samples of the suspected food were sent to a laboratory for tests and a negative report was received.
Sewers and Cesspools
The Plumbing Inspector, Mr. Harry Rowe, has continued to issue permits to build cesspools and sewerage facilities. Each applicant was instructed about the rules to follow and a follow-up inspection was made. There is a detailed report of the activities of the Plumbing Inspector further on in this report.
Slaughter Houses, Milk Production Facilities and Animal Disease Control
The Inspector of Animals, Milk, and Slaughtering, Mr. John Rebell has continued to inspect the facilities of and advise the milk producers, the slaughterers, and the animal-keeping persons with their problems. Continuing improvement has been made in regard to cleanliness concerned with food preparation and food handling and its bacterial count. There is a detailed report of the activities of this Inspector further on in this report.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
General
Communicable disases continued to play a somewhat important part in the lives of many residents of Middleboro during this past year. Here follows a breakdown of the number of cases of some of the most familiar diseases of this type reported.
Chicken Pox
34 cases 23
Scarlet Fever
Dogbites* 15
Mumps 9
German Measles 6
Measles 7
Tuberculosis
2
Equine Encephalitis
1 human
3 horses (Middleboro)
1 horse (Lakeville)
*Rabies are caused from dogbites.
The above figures are those taken from the records of the Health Department on those cases reported by the doctor of the families involved. Comparing Middleboro's totals with those of other towns
of comparable size in this area, we had a somewhat smaller number of cases of those diseases reported. However, it should be brought to the attention of all parents that the family doctor should be called in when there is a question of a disease which may or may not be one
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ANNUAL REPORT
which is dangerous to the public health. The family physician can properly diagnose the case and make the necessary reports to the Health Department and the State Department of Public Health.
It is interesting to note that the Commonwealth requires that all cases of dogbite be reported to the respective Boards of Health. The animal inspector is assigned to investigate the offending animal to see if any trace of the rabies disease is evident. In all of the cases reported in Middleboro during 1956, there were no cases where rabies developed.
During the late Summer and early Fall, there was a relatively new condition which manifested itself. The name of the disease is equine encephalitis. This disease is caused by a certain breed of mosquito which picks up the disease from wild birds. The mosquitos n turn bite living animals, infecting them. As noted above, there were 3 cases among horses in Middleboro, one horse in Lakeville, and one human in Middleboro.
Investigation and research by the State Board of Public Health has shown that a proper method of controlling the breeding of mosquitos will greatly assist in controlling this disease in the future. It is sincerely hoped that the townspeople will take favorable action on a new plan of control which has been drawn up to be acted upon at the Town Meeting. This plan will be operated cooperatively by the towns, counties, with assistance from the State.
OTHER PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
County Tuberculosis Control Program
Continuing the practice of previous years, the Town through its Health Officer cooperated with the Plymouth County Tuberculosis Control Program by contributing a portion of the financial support of two patients at the County Hospital for those afflicted with Tubercu- losis. Late in the year, another patient was admitted to the North Reading State Hospital for Tuberculosis treatment. Only two new cases of tuberculosis were reported this past year. Follow-ups of arrested cases, of questionable exposed personnel, and periodic checkups of other persons in close contact with tubercular patients were X-Rayed at the St. Luke's Hospital under the direction of the Public Health Nurse, Mrs. Mary Edgerly. One hundred seventy-nine persons were X-Rayed during the year, and the Public Health Nurse did follow-up work on one hundred ten cases.
Prematurely Born Infants
The Public Health Nurse has continued the program of visiting the homes of families with prematurely born infants. Her schedule calls for a visit to those homes when needed or requested by the parents. During 1956, she made a total of fifteen visits to the homes of the fifteen prematurely born children who reside in Middleboro. The Town through the Board of Health assisted with the extra hospitalization charges required by one of these cases.
6
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ANNUAL REPORT
Dental Health Clinic
The Dental Health Clinic operated cooperatively by the School Department and the Board of Health has been continued under the direction of Dr. L. D. H. Fuller and Miss Ila Jackson, R.N., School Nurse. Mrs. Mary Edgerly, the Public Health Nurse, served as a technical assistant at these clinics. Over sixteen hundred children had their teeth examined of which there were two hundred eighteen visits comprising 191 extractions, 328 fillings, and 5 cleanings. For those persons who can assume the expense themselves, their own family dentist takes care of corrective work.
Public Health Nurse
Through the cooperation of the Middleboro District Nursing Asso- ciation, the program of scheduled visits to the aged, the infirm, and those disabled with communicable diseases has continued. This service provides health and welfare advice to patients and their families, nursing care to the patients themselves, and assistance to the mothers of prematurely born infants. The Town owes a large debt of gratitude to those public-minded citizens who support the Middleboro District Nursing Association thereby relieving the financial burden on the Town to a certain extent. The continuing role of the Public Health Nurse, Mrs. Mary Edgerly, cannot be overemphasized. She provides additional help and advice over and above her normal duties. She has continued to work tirelessly, always interested in the welfare of the patient first, herself last. The responsibility which she carries so well has helped many a person to become a useful citizen again.
Diphtheria and Tetanus
Continuing the diphtheria clinics that were held during 1955, there were three diphtheria clinics held in 1956. These clinics are held on an "as needed" basis, and as the new year goes on, an investigation will be made, and a clinic will be held if necessary. Last year, a total of 537 inoculations were given to school age and pre-school children.
Polio Control
During the past year, a total of ten clinics for the control of acute anterior poliomyelitis were held. The Salk vaccine which has proven so successful in the prevention of this disease was used in all instances.
This year more than nineteen hundred children have been im- munized, and one hundred fifty-eight expectant mothers received their polio vaccine series. On December 3, 1956, the Commonwealth's Deparment of Public Health released free vaccine for the age twenty to twenty-nine group, and they also granted authority to continue the free vaccine shots to expectant mothers.
The medical doctors have been supplied with the vaccine for the age twenty to twenty-nine group and pre-school age children.
For the future, the Town through its Board of Selectmen, acting as the Board of Health, must continue to work together to improve the
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ANNUAL REPORT
services of the Health Department and the general health of the towns- people. There are many improvements to be made in the Department, and by a continuing spirit of assistance and cooperation from all con- cerned will greatly facilitate the building of a more healthful Town of Middleboro.
I should like to take this opportunity to thank the Town Manager, Mr. Edwin O. Wilson, the Honorable Board of Selectmen, the Heads of the Departments with whom I am associated, and all those who have helped me to assume the responsibilities of this position so quickly and easily since my appointment in November, 1956. The various Town employees assigned to the Department have been more than faithful to their duties throughout the year, and they all deserve the thanks and appreciation of the Townspeople.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT CARTMELL Health Agent
REPORT OF PLUMBING INSPECTOR
For the year 1956 I received 233 applications for new and re- modelling work on Plumbing. Sixty-eight applications for cesspools and septic tanks.
Four hundred and eighteen inspections were made of plumbing and 79 inspections on cesspools and septic tanks.
All written complaints during the year have been investigated and except three properly disposed of. The remaining three are now under investigation.
I wish to thank the Health Officer, Town Manager, and the Board of Health for their cooperation.
HARRY ROWE
Plumbing Inspector
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF MILK, ANIMALS AND SLAUGHTERING, 1956
MILK
All producers of milk have a certificate of registration from the division of dairying.
All milk dealers have a license issued by the Milk Control Board and one issued by me for the Town of Middleboro to sell milk and cream.
Forty-two samples of dealers milk, thirty samples of school milk and seven samples of producers milk was taken to Steele's Laboratory in East Bridgewater for tests. No mastitis was found in any of these samples.
One hundred and thirty-three inspections were made of roadside stands, restaurants and stores to see that their milk was properly refrigerated. Thirty-six inspections of milk trucks were made on the street. Forty inspections were made on dairies and barns to see about the handling of their milk.
Eight producers were inspected for the conditions of their milking machines and other equipment.
Thirty-two inspections were made on Milk Dispensers.
Two days were spent inspecting premises with the State Milk Inspector.
78 Store licenses were issued to sell milk and cream $39.00
25 Dealers licenses were issued to sell milk and cream
12.50
19 Oleomargarine licenses were issued 9.50
Total
$61.00
ANIMALS
A survey of two hundred and ninety two premises with one hun- dred and thirty seven heads was made for the state with a coverage of 792 miles. The following are the results obtained from the survey.
Cattle
1,304 Sheep 401
Calves
163 Bulls 56
Horses
148
Swine 190
Goats
65
Steers 24
Total number of animals 2,351
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ANNUAL REPORT
Received two Orders No. 53 from State on enterprise shipment. of cattle Chapter 527, acts of 1956.
Sixty-seven permits received from the state to ship cattle into Middleboro with three hundred and fifteen head checked under these permits and fourteen permits returned cancelled.
All cattle in Middleboro were tested for tuberculosis by Drs. Briggs, Wood and Delano.
One case of tuberculosis found, premises put under quarantine by state which had to be inspected to see that orders were carried out for disinfection as required by state.
Burcellosis tests were made by state with two re-actors found, which were condemned by state. Premises were ordered to be disin- fected and cleaned and inspected by me to see that state orders were complied with.
Ten places were surveyed by Animal Inspector and Health Officer on sanitary conditions.
Forty-five dogs were put under quarantine.
Two complaints received about dogs molesting cattle.
One complaint received about dog attacking persons on Pearl Street, all complaints turned over to Dog Officer.
Four cases of Horse Sleeping Sickness occurred in Middleboro, were checked and reported to Town and State Health Departments. Two calls received about four sheep dying, contacted State Disease Control to find out if sheep had sleeping sickness, was notified sheep do not have it.
Two calls received about finding dead sparrows in grain rooms on poultry farm, contacted state and was informed that hens can contact Horse Sleeping Sickness. One call received about dead deer, was turn- ed over to Game Warden.
SLAUGHTERING
Monthly requests are received from the State Department of Public Health for reports of any slaughtering done in Middleboro and are filled out by me and returned as required by state.
I wish to thank the Board of Health, the Town Manager and all others that I have been in contact with in doing my work during the past year for their assistance and cooperation.
JOHN REBELL
Inspector of Animals, Milk and Slaughtering
86
ANNUAL REPORT
Board of Public Welfare
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE
for the year ending December 31, 1956
The Financial and Statistical Report of the Department of Public Welfare which includes the administration of Aid to Dependent Chil- dren, Disability Assistance, Old Age Assistance and General Relief programs, also the Town Infirmary, is as follows:
Aid to Dependent Children
Disability Assistance
Old Age Assistance
Appropriations
$35,000.00
$22,000.00
$170,000.00
Federal Reimbursement
34,046.92
16,748.26
123,110.40
Refunds
6,108.65
369.75
3,149.19
Recoveries
8,191.00
State Reimbursement
21,389.74
15,776.17 27
265
Cash .Aid
$56,529.22
$19,690.82
$169,093.57
Hospital Care
1,463.29
5,119.33
12,472.74
Physicians' Services
2,255.00
1,624.00
9,774.00
Nursing Home Care
5,769.87
56,330.57
Drugs
2,035.48
3,257.05
14,386.19
Dental Care
1,244.80
393.00
1,242.00
Out Patient Care
12.00
34.00
18.00
Eye Care
360.00
47.00
1,300.50
Visiting Nursing Association
1.00
620.00
Ancilliary Services
110.00
Other Medical Expenses
568.45
705.42
1,795.86
Other Cities & Towns
2,382.23
GENERAL RELIEF (Average case load 14)
Appropriation
$20,200.00
Refunds
748.18
Cash Aid
$ 2,386.50
... Hospital Care
675.99
121,826.47
Average Case Load
41
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ANNUAL REPORT
Clothing
23.67
Rent
35.86
Groceries and Meats
1,609.00
Medical Care and Supplies
504.83
Fuel, Light and Water
223.78
Board and Care
343.40
State Institutions
1,477.08
Other Cities and Towns
3,035.00
RECEIPTS: From State
2,721.67
Other Cities and Towns
655.50
WELFARE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATION
Appropriation (Salaries and other Administrative Expenses)
$11,870.00
Federal Reimbursement Administration
15,878.26
Refunds
40.50
Expenditures
26,076.10
State Reimbursement-DA Adm.
763.40
TOWN INFIRMARY
Appropriation
$20,140.60
Transfer from E&D
17.00
Refunds
165.89
Sale of Hogs and Produce
5,066.92
Income from Boarders
6,134.62
Expenditures
$19,286.59
MARIA L. H. PEIRCE LUXURY FUND
As in former years, this fund has provided the infirmary inmates with newspapers and magazines.
Respectfully submitted,
BARBARA D. NORVISH,
Welfare Agent
88
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE GAS AND ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Town of Middleborough.
Gentlemen:
The following is the annual report of the Gas and Electric Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1956.
GAS
A: Customers are taking advantage of our Free Service for gas appliances as evidenced by the number of requests (705) made this year.
B: Digging up and clamping gas main joints has been continued. Favorable results from this work have already shown up in keeping down the amount of gas lost and in having more gas-free electrical vaults and manholes. Tight joints will also minimize the need to disturb the new proposed roadbed through the center of the town along Center Street.
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