USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1917-1919 > Part 24
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73
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
1919]
Town Clerk's Report
Births
Number registered in 1919
. 201
American parentage
.
86
Foreign parentage
· 77
Mixed parentage .
·
.
38
Marriages
Number registered
. 138
American born
215
Foreign born
71
Average age of groom
29
Average age of bride
25
Oldest person
64
Youngest person
·
15
Deaths
Number registered
147
Males
77
Females
.
70
Under 5 years
27
From 5 to 10
6
From 10 to 20
4
From 20 to 30
II
From 30 to 40
8
From 40 to 50
14
From 50 to 60
13
From 60 to 70
2I
From 70 to 80 .
2I
From 80 to 90
.
16
.
.
·
74
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Dogs Licensed During the Year 1919
Whole number licensed
469
Number of males
392
Number of females
77
Total receipts
·
$1,169 00
Amount of fees deducted
93 80
Amount paid County .
$1,075 20
Population
1820
749
1901
5,100
1830
690
1905
6,252
1840
1,098
1907
6,585
1850
1,552
1908
7,422
1860
2,024
1909
7,640
1865
2,106
1910
8,042
1870
2,249
1911
8,355
1875
2,570
1912
8,930
1 880
2,612
1913
9,060
1885
2,855
1914
9,348
1 890
3,673
1915
10,041
1893
4,040
1916
10,394
1895
4,497
1917
10,765
1897
4,804
1918
10,902
1899
.
4,775
1919
11,007
.
HENRY A. PARKER,
Town Clerk.
75
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
1919]
Report of the Board of Selectmen
To the Citizens of the Town of Saugus :
The year 1919 has been one of readjustment, when we have all been attempting to adapt ourselves to the new and changing conditions, incident to the period of peace which came after the war activities had ceased.
This period of reconstruction is general in its effect and the difficulties resulting therefrom are felt on every hand. While the heavy burden of immediate and imperative support of the war has been lifted, there nevertheless remain tasks to be per- formed, which are none the less arduous, demanding our best thought and action.
With very few exceptions, high prices still prevail and, in many instances, have been steadily increasing since the armis- tice was signed and hostilities ceased. There is an apparent tendency to even further advance in prices so that in all prob- ability the expense of operating the various departments of our town government will be greater in the ensuing year of 1920.
The Board of Public Works have labored at times under a tremendous handicap ; with a large area to cover and a com- paratively small amount of money available, its problems have been serious and their solution at all times difficult and per- plexing.
The difficulty has been increased because of lack of help and this condition has been realized very keenly at times.
We have endeavored, however, to put and maintain the main arteries of travel in fairly good condition and in addition have done a great deal of repair work on the other thoroughfares of the town.
The work on the Newburyport Turnpike, which is now being carried on by the State, has diverted all traffic through the centre of the town, and this has resulted in serious damage to our streets, causing additional expense, a portion of which, however, has been borne by the State.
Negotiations are now pending which we hope may result in substantial assistance from the State, and which it is expected will be used in conjunction with the $30,000 bond issue, the money from which will be available early next spring.
76
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
There is urgent need in the department of the Board of Pub- lic Works of a new motor dumping truck, the present equip- ment being wholly inadequate for the work required.
We, therefore advise for the sake of economy and efficiency, that the Board of Selectmen be authorized to purchase this much needed addition to the department.
Doubtless, all our fellow citizens are aware of the new system under which water is now supplied to the inhabitants of our town. Lynn simply delivering water at the town line, the entire maintenance and upkeep of the department, including the collection of water rates, being now in the hands of the town. Conditions in the water department will necessarily be somewhat unsettled until a new contract with the City of Lynn has been executed. It is hoped that an amicable and fair arrangement may soon be made so that the department may be placed upon a sound and definite basis of operation.
The coming year will undoubtedly be an extremely busy one. The condition of the highways ought to be substantially improved, work of a permanent nature accomplished and needed repairs made.
With the water situation adjusted with the City of Lynn, it is hoped and expected that this branch of the department will be completely reorganized to a point of efficiency and economy commensurate with the needs of the town.
The Board of Selectmen desire to thank all citizens for their co-operation and assistance in all lines of activity. Especially do we feel that the thanks of all are due to the Welcome Home Committee for the very efficient and satisfactory service which they rendered in planning the Welcome Home celebration which all agree was a magnificent success.
May we always be mindful of the service of the boys from Saugus in the late World War and may suitable recognition thereof be forthcoming as soon as time and conditions permit.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS M. HILL, FRANK B. SLOAN, GEORGE I. HULL,
Board of Selectmen.
77
WATER DEPARTMENT REPORT.
1919]
Report of the Water Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
GENNLEMEN,-I herewith respectfully submit the report of the Water Division, Department of Public Works for the year ending December 31, 1919.
This year has been an epoch year with this department as it, for the first time, has taken charge of its water supply in its entirety since the first of June, when the City of Lynn started to meter all water into Saugus at the town line. The depart- ment has taken over the entire control and assumed all respon- sibility for its delivery to the town's inhabitants. This required the addition to our office equipment of a proper system of records and billing fixtures together with suitable inspection against possible infringement of the water regulations and a check upon consumption. It has taken some time and no little labor to accomplish this end but we have met with excellent success to date.
All moneys due the department are collected in the tax col- lector's office under his supervision. We have adopted a rule for turn offs for non-payment of bills, which is impartially lived up to without regard to either persons or properties, as a result of which nothing is carried over on our books and we can present a clear slate after each commitment.
There can be no question but what metered water to the town is the greatest stride toward an ideal water department that the town has made in its history, as it is the first step in efficiency. Buying a certain amount and selling a certain amount of water at a fixed price makes it possible to figure a selling price (the cost being given) that will just clear expenses and take the department out of taxation.
A matter which gives the department serious concern is that of leakage. After the installation of the large meters at the town line it has been found by night readings that a large amount of water passes through the meter at night when the consump- tion should be at the very lowest. This proves the presence of some large leaks which will make our water bill abnormally
78
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
large unless some scientific method be applied for the detection of such leaks at the earliest possible moment. I would recom- mend a Pitometer Leak Survey of the town be made this summer that the first step may be taken to remedy such leaks and cut down our water bill. I would also recommend that some method be adopted to eventually equip each service with an individual meter, for, as may be readily seen, if we buy water by meter and sell it by meter the problem is one of simple figures and would help materially in operating the department at cost.
This report is but an outline of some of the problems which confront this department and is intended to impress upon the public an idea of the magnitude of the work before us and to request the support of the public in general both in criticisims or suggestions to make this the peoples' business a real success.
I wish particularly to thank the Board of Selectmen for their earnest support and co-operation.
Respectfully submitted, ALLSTON F. HART, Supt. of Water Division ..
January 23, 1920.
79
ASSESSORS' REPORT.
1919]
Assessors' Report
Table of Aggregate of Polls and Taxes Assessed April 1, 1919
Number of polls assessed 2,782
Number of persons paying on property tax . 4,439
Number of persons paying poll tax only 1,576
Number of persons liable to do military duty 1,943
Population as taken by Assessors April 1, 1919
11,007
Schedule of Property Assessed
Number of dwelling houses 2,585
Number of acres of land
6,489
Number of acres of land (exempted)
245
Number of horses
189
Number of cows
538
Number of swine
398
Number of fowl
·
5,476
Number of dogs to be registered (female 105, male, 320) .
425
Total Amount of Property Assessed
Resident real estate
$5,512,016
Non-resident real estate . 1,797,935
Resident personal estate .
414,716
Non-resident personal estate
275,728
$8,000,395
Value of Real and Personal Estate
Buildings, excluding land $4,527,485
Land, excluding buildings ·
2,782,466
Personal property . 690,444
$8,000,395
80
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Exemptions
Resident
$99,752
Non-resident .
20,865
$120,617
Total Amount of Public Property Exempt from Taxation Final takings of unredeemed real estate
$20,145
Town Property
416,383
Religious Societies
87,209
Sons of Veterans Building Associa- tion .
3,100
Charitable Organizations
860
Historical Organizations
475
$528,172
Abatements
For year 1917
$242 51
For year 1918
.
·
593 08
For year 1919
908 23
$1,743 82
Basis of Taxation
County Tax
$13,233 39
State Tax
17,930 00
State Tax (special)
1,075 80
Metropolitan Parks
5,073 60
Charles River Basin
713 51
State Highway
3,355 00
Fire Prevention
150 26
Appropriations
262,772 83
$304,304 39
Overlay
3,000 00
Gypsy Moth (individuals)
1,751 30
$309,055 69
Less Town Income
94,127 67
Net amount to be raised
$214,928 02
.
.
·
.
1919]
ASSESSORS' REFORT.
8 1
Appropriated as follows :
On Real Estate
. $189,694 60
On Personal Estate
17,918 12
On Polls
5,564 00
On Gypsy Moth
1,751 30
$214,928 02
Tax for State, County and Town purposes committed to Henry A. Parker, Tax Collector, September 15, 1919
. $214,928 02
December 20, omitted assessment 438 44
Total commitment .
$215,366 46
Excise Tax
Bay State Street Railway Company, $3,219 46
Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway 1,609 73
Schooner " Laura A. Barnes "
33 33
Schooner " W. D. Marvel " ·
2 67
Tax Rate, per $1,000
25 95
LEWIS J. AUSTIN, EDWIN K. HAYDEN, DANIEL B. WILLIS.
6
82
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Chief of Police
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
GENTLEMEN,-In accordance with the requirement of the Town Ordinance I have the honor to submit my twenty-fourth annual report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 19:9.
Chief of Police Charles O. Thompson.
Patrolmen
Captain Roland L. Mansfield, Frank W. Joy, James P. Sullivan, Herbert C. Berrett, John T. Stewart, Clifford E. Robie.
Special Police
Peter A. Flaherty, William M. Penney, Timothy J. Bannon, Frank M. Symonds, Carl F. Koch, Howard P. McAdoo, William H. Semons, Walter W. Hanson, Justin E. Mansfield, Thomas E. Berrett, George W. Parker, Henry N. Williams, Christopher C. Merrithew, Thomas E. Sutherst, W. Charles Sellick, Daniel B. Willis, Harvey Upham, Robert T. Allin, Frank Whitford, John H. Newhall, Charles E. Light, Ole Christiansen, Charles E. Stillings, Andrew C. Lynn, George W. Atkinson, Millard H. Tufts, Dennis W. Meade, Lamburton D. Batchelder, Elmer E. Townsend.
Arrests
Total number of arrests for the year of 1919 was 227 of which 220 were males and 7 females.
The following are the offences: Assault, 22; arrested for out of town officers, 2; breaking and entering, 5; breaking glass in fire box, 7; cruelty to animals, 6; drunks, 32 ; disturb- ing peace, 7; default, 4 ; dogs not licensed, 3 ; defacing build- ings, 16; gaming on Lord's Day, 28; hunting no license, I ; larceny, 34 ; nude entertainment, 3 ; making false statement, I ; manslaughter, I ; non-support, 2; profanity, I ; rape, I ; stub- born children, 6; threat, 5 ; trespass, 4; violation Town By-
83
CHIEF OF POLICE REPORT.
1919]
Laws, 5; violation auto laws, 29; violation game laws, 2; violation school laws, 2.
Disposition of Cases
Fined, 105; placed on file, 72; discharged, 5; defaulted 3 ; released, 24; committed to Salem, 2; committed to State Board of Charity, I ; committed to Lancaster Industrial School, 2; committed to Shirley, 3 ; held for Grand Jury, 4; appeals, 5 ; committed to Danvers Hospital, 6.
Miscellaneous
Complaints received and investigated, 580; disturbances suppressed, 48; doors found open and secured, 70; lights fur- nished for dangerous places, 20; lost children found, 7; windows found open, 16; lights left burning, 28; lost dogs restored to owners, 7 ; stolen automobiles recovered and returned to owners, 4; dogs killed, 55; hospital · calls received and parties notified from Boston, I1; from Lynn, 8; automobile accidents reported and investigated, 12.
Keeper of Lockup
There were 78 prisoners locked up during the year ; cost of keeper, $120.30; meals for prisoners, $8.60 ; total expenses of lockup, $128.90.
Patrol Wagon
The patrol wagon has answered 53 calls, and the light auto- mobile has answered 105 calls.
Recommendations
I would recommend that the sum of $12,800 be appropriated for the year of 1920.
Conclusion
In submitting my report, I wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen for the support given me; also Judge William E. Ludden and others who have assisted me in the performance of my duties. I also desire to tender to the Officers both regular and special my appreciation for their loyal co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES O. THOMPSON, Chief of Police.
84
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Board of Engineers
SAUGUS, MASS., January 13, 1919. To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
In submitting our annual report we wish to call your attention to the very small fire loss for the past twelve months, about $5,000.00. This has been possible on account of the horse drawn kit being replaced by motor apparatus and the prompt and excellent work done by the firemen.
There has been 34 bell alarms and 72 still alarms.
Combination No. I stationed at the central fire station should be replaced by a new and up-to-date combination at a cost of about $7,500.00, as it is practically worn out and unfit for fire apparatus and a continual bill of expense for repairs.
We also recommend one more permanant man, making a total of five men.
Vine street and part of Main street is wholly without fire pro- tection and there should be hydrants installed.
There should be fire alarm boxes placed at the corner of Felton and Broadway, one near Saugus and Malden line on Broadway and one on Lawndale avenue.
Respectfully submitted,
G. W. ATKINSON, G. L. NOURSE, T. E. BERRETT, Board of Engineers.
85
TREE WARDEN-FOREST FIRE WARDEN REPORTS.
1919]
Report of Tree Warden
To the Citizens of the Town of Saugus :
I hereby submit to you my annual report of the year ending December 31, 1919.
I have removed dead trees in different parts of the town and taken down a lot of dead and dangerous limbs.
Have trimmed a lot of trees in Cliftondale and Lynnhurst.
I would recommend the sum of four hundred dollars for the coming year, 1920.
Respectfully submitted,
T. E. BERRETT, Tree Warden.
Report of Forest Fire Warden
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
I submit to you the following report from January 1, 1919 to January 1, 1920.
I have taken care of fourteen forest fires.
I would recommend the sum of one hundred dollars for the coming year 1920.
Respectfully submitted, T. E. BERRETT, Forest Fire Warden.
86
TOWN DOCUMENTR.
[Dec. 31
REPORT OF Sealer of Weights and Measures
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
GENTLEMEN,-I submit the following report for work done in this department for the year 1919.
Con-
Adjusted Sealed demned
Platform scales over 5,000 pounds
I
6
I
Platform scales under 5,000 pounds
3
42
All other scales.
I
197
8
Computing scales
I
18
Personal weighing scales .
5
I
Avoirdupois weights
I 123
2
Apothecary weights
60
Metric weights
14
Liquid measures
6
Oil, molasses and gasoline pumps
5
22
6
Linear measures
1
6
Store inspections
237
I2
736
18
Cash receipts .
$63 00
Paid Town Treasurer,
63 00
E. EVANS,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
87
OVERSEERS OF POOR REPORT.
1919]
Report of Overseers of the Poor
Charities Department
To the Citizens of the Town of Saugus :
Your Board of Overseers herewith submits its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1919.
We have spent our appropriation of $9,300 and there are unpaid bills amounting to $297.68 making the total expense of this department, $9,597.68 for the year.
We have received from cities and towns the sum of $299.77 and from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, $2,914.40, making our total receipts $3,214.17 and the net expense of maintaining the Poor Department, $6,383.51.
Our payroll for mothers with dependent children amounts to approximately $100 per week.
We recommend that the sum of $10,000 be appropriated for the year of 1920.
Saugus Home
We have received on account of the Home, from all sources, the sum of $13,831.60 and have spent the sum of $12,007.12 and there are unpaid bills amounting to $505.03 making a total expense of $12,512.15 for the year.
This shows a net profit of $1,319.45 due to the efficient management of Warden and Matron, Mr. and Mrs. Carl F. Koch.
We recommend that the sum of $12,500 be appropriated for the year 1920.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE H. AMES, Chairman' ANTHONY HATCH, EVAN EVANS,
Overseers of the Poor of Saugus.
88
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Building Inspector
SAUGUS, MASS., December 31, 1919. To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
GENTLEMEN,-I herewith submit my annual report to date :
Permits
Total number issued
.
198
To build
·
94
For garages .
. 49
For additions
38
For foundations
I2
To remodel .
5
Total valuation, $108,467.
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL B. WILLIS.
Report of Janitor
FOR YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1919
DR.
Received for Town Hall
$427 00
Received for police service at Town Hall .
93 00
$520 00
CR.
Paid the Treasurer
$427 00
Paid the Police
93 00
$520 00
J. E. MANSFIELD, Janitor
Hay Scales
Received from hay scales, 1919
$4 50
Paid for scale book
$1 36
Paid the Treasurer
3 14
$4 50
J. E. MANSFIELD, Public Weigher.
89
BOARD OF HEALTH REPORT.
1919]
Report of Board of Health
SAUGUS, MASS., January 1, 1920.
The Board herewith submits the following report for the year 1919. Organization as follows : Chairman, Charles E. Light ; Secretary, Tom D. Emmett ; Department Physician, George W. Gale, M. D.
Meetings
Regular meetings of the Board are held at the Town Hall on the first Monday of each month at eight o'clock P. M., third floor.
Appointed
Plumbing Inspector, Thomas C. Sutherst ; Inspector of Milk and Cattle, Arthur W. Sawyer, V. S. ; Burial Agent, Henry A. Parker; Care of Dead Animals, W. Charles Sellick.
Departmental Work
The work of the Department increases with each year's State legislation, making the duties more arduous and requiring more time than in the past; the employment of a clerk at Town Hall has added greatly to the efficiency of the work of recording and keeping of permanent records and we have purchased new books and files for this purpose.
Collection of Ashes
With the hope of making a material saving the Board tried the experiment of discontinuing ash collections during the summer months ; this proved a failure and the department has learned that the weekly collection of ashes and rubbish is too much appreciated by the citizens to be abandoned, even during the summer months, in spite of the increasing cost each year.
Health and Sanitation
The expense of all patients committed to hospital care from Saugus, by the Board, must be paid from our appropriation ; in
90
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
the case of the patient having a settlement in another town or city, Saugus receives from such other town or city, reim- bursement of the amount expended; if the patient has no settlement in any town or city, the State reimburses the town but Saugus must bear the cost when the patient has a settlement here.
Communicable Diseases
Broncho-pneumonia .- Two cases were reported, both resulting in death.
Lobar-pneumonia .- Three cases were reported, one resulting in death.
Chicken-pox .- Nineteen cases reported.
Combination of bronchio-pneumonia and influenza .- One case reported.
Diphtheria .- Fifty-two cases reported, two resulting in death. (Several of these cases were brought to Saugus from adjoining cities and towns. )
Facial erysipelas .- Two cases reported.
German measles .- Three cases reported.
Gonorrhea .- One case reported.
Impetigo contagiosa .- Three cases reported.
Influenza .- Four hundred and fourteen cases reported, seven resulting in death.
Measles .- Fifty-four cases reported, one resulting in death.
Mumps .- Seven cases reported.
Scarlet-fever .- Forty-five cases reported, one resulting in death.
(Several of these cases were brought to Saugus from adjoining cities and towns. )
Sceptic sore throat .- One case reported.
Suppurative conjunctivitis .- Two cases reported.
Syphilis-One case reported.
Tuberculosis, all forms-Seventeen cases reported, six deaths resulting. (Nearly all of these cases originated out of town. ) Whooping-cough .- Twenty-two cases reported, one resulting in death.
Scarlet fever and diphtheria combined .- One case, resulting in death.
Financial
The appropriation of $2,800.00 for the year 1919 has been spent as follows : For Tuberculosis patients, $1,398.07; for Contagious Hospital cases, $464.17, and the balance of $937.76
91
BOARD OF HEALTH REPORT.
1919]
was applied to the running expenses of the department. Four hundred and fifty-nine dollars and seven cents reimbursements have been received, and there is due from the State the sum of $394.29 on subsidies. For other details on Financial report see Town Accountant's report.
Dairies
This is a very important part of the department's work and one through which disease often gets a start, and the State Department expects the local board to keep all such places under strict observation; therefore, we are asking for a special appro- priation for this work, our dairy inspector having been unable to give as much attention to this work as should have been given, on account of the lack of an appropriation for the same.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES E. LIGHT, Chairman. TOM D. EMMETT, Secretary. GEORGE W. GALE, Department Physician. Board of Health of the Town of Saugus.
Report of Cattle and Milk Inspector
To the Board of Health :
I have inspected the following number of slaughtered animals :
Hogs, 277; condemned, I.
The animal inspection was as follows :
Cattle .
. 663
Hogs . ·
· 352
Goats .
2
I have inspected three hogs afflicted with cholera. They were disposed of by rendering.
I have issued seventy milk licenses.
Respectfully,
A. W. SAWYER.
92
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Inspector of Plumbing
December 31, 1919.
Board of Health, Saugus, Mass. :
GENTLEMEN,-In accordance with the requirements of Chapter 103 of the Revised Laws of Massachusetts, of the supervision of plumbing, I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1919.
The number of inspections made during the year, together with other inspections, will be found in table herewith annexed.
Total number of inspections . 281
Permits issued
· 87
Permits refused .
6
Complaints of violation of ordinance · . 20
Complaints of violation of ordinance investi- gated
20
Cesspools inspected
. 87
Yours very truly,
THOMAS C. SUTHERST.
93
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT.
1919]
Report of Library Trustees
With an increase of circulation of 6,800 books during the year 1919, over that of 1918, it is plainly seen that the library is now serving a vast number of people in the community. Figures speak for themselves ! The circulation in 1918 was 25,726-the past year, 32,527. This year, 1920, it will probably exceed the 40,000 mark.
The policy of the present Board of Library Trustees has been to establish branch libraries in various sections of the town, thus bringing the contents of the main library within easy reach of all. Accordingly, thriving branch libraries are now serving the people in Cliftondale, East Saugus and Lynnhurst. If our present plans are carried out, this year will also see a branch library in North Saugus.
The main library at Saugus Centre is now situated in the new Carnegie Building which is under the supervision of the Chief Librarian, Mrs. Edith F. Nickerson. In passing, the Trustees wish to express their appreciation of the work of Mrs. Nickerson in the new library.
Needless to say, the acquisition of the new Carnegie Library building is of necessity going to require an increased yearly appropriation. Last year we succeeded in bearing the heavy expenses of moving into the new building, and still only over- running our appropriation of $1,700 by $38. In order to do so, however, we were able to purchase but $90 worth of new books, when we should have added at least $400 worth. This year we are asking for $2,200, which, although an increase, seems a small figure with which to maintain our present high standard of efficiency.
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