USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1929 > Part 14
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19
RESIGNATIONS
Having moved from town, Granville A. Clark tendered his resignation as Town Treasurer to take effect on October 28, 1929, and the same was accepted.
On October 28, 1929, Harold E. Dodge tendered his resignation as a member of the Board of Selectmen and the same was accepted. Byunanimous vote of the Board of Select- men Harold E. Dodge was appointed temporary treasurer, said appointment to be in effect until the Annual Town Election of 1930.
CLAIMS
The claim of Mrs. Ellen L. Mitchell, who sustained serious injuries on Lincoln avenue, November 8, 1928 and as a result of which she was confined to her home for many months, has been settled for the amount of $1,000.
The suits of Louis Yanofsky and the Keystone Battery Com- pany for water damages at 203 Winter street on different occasions in which damages to the amount of $65,000 were claimed, have been settled for $1,500.
255
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
1929]
300TH ANNIVERSARY
The Fourth of July celebration and the observance of the 300th Anniversary of the town was arranged by Post 210, of the American Legion. A most enjoyable program and parade was arranged by Commander George A. McComier and his com- mittee. The Board especially appreciates the assistance of Post 210 in providing special police assistance during these events.
Respectfully submitted,
1
HARRY WOODWARD, WALLACE CAMPBELL, VERNON W. EVANS, GEORGE H. QUARMBY.
256
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Planning Board
The Planning Board herewith submits its annual report to the Citizens of the Town of Saugus.
The Board organized on March 5th with the following members : Charles N. Worinstead, Chairman, Charles H. L. Kahler, Secretary, George A. Tweedy, Washington L. Bryer, Herbert L. Robinson.
Regular meetings are held the Ist and 3rd Mondays in each month as well as several special meetings.
SIDEWALKS AND CURBING
Your Board is in favor of this project and believes that an appropriation of $6,000 should be made to continue this service.
MOSQUITO CONTROL
The subject of mosquito is of great importance. The Board has been represented by delegate at State House hearings and special conferences on the subject and has submitted all available information to the Board of Selectmen. The work of mosquito control can now be supervised by the State Reclaimation Board.
ZONING LAW
The Board recognizes that changes may be requested from time to time, but advises careful consideration before such changes are made. It is the future that has been planned for and if not conformed with, the main object of zoning the town would be impared.
BUILDING LINES
It is the opinion of the Board that action be taken in the near future to establish building lines on our main thoroughfares and squares. The object of this is to save expenses at a future date when the traffic will have increased to such an extent as to demand the widening of these through ways and squares and the
257
PLANNING BOARD REPORT.
1929]
Board recommends that an appropriation be made for the expense of surveying and drawing plans for same.
STREET LIGHTING
The Board recommends serious consideration on the subject of street lighting. The Board has given the subject considerable attention, and has been in consultation with representatives of the Lynn Gas and Electric Company and the General Electric Company and has on file plans submitted by them. The Board also recommends underground installation of wires on main thoroughfares and squares whenever a new system of lighting is adopted.
STREET NAMES AND SIGNS
The duplication of street names should be corrected, thereby removing existing confusion.
The lack of signs at street intersections creates a condition that should be remedied by the erection of proper signboards at all street corners throughout the town.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES N. WORMSTEAD, Chairman. GEORGE A. TWEEDY, WASHINGTON L. BRYER, HERBERT L. ROBINSON, CHARLES H. L. KAHLER, Secretary.
17
258
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Board of Health
DECEMBER 31, 1929.
The Board of Health herewith submits its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1929.
APPOINTED
Plumbing Inspector, Thomas C. Sutherst ; Inspector of Milk and Cattle, John W. Hutchings, V. S .; Burial Agent, Lillian Shores ; Care of Dead Animals, W. Charles Sellick; Health Officer, Charles E. Light.
HEALTH AND SANITATION
We are pleased to report that the year has been closed with all known liabilities paid. This is as it should be and is the result of reasonable consideration by the citizens in making the departmental appropriation. As all liabilities of this department are in the nature of demands it is important that sufficient funds be available.
We have conducted the annual Schick treatment of toxin- anti-toxin with the cooperation of the School Department. Nearly three hundred (300) children availed themselves of the opportunity of taking this test. As a result of these tests the number of cases of diphtheria in Saugus are becoming fewer each year.
Out of eight cases reported during the year only two were of school age and these two had not been given the Schick treat- ment. Three were of pre-school age and one of these resulted in death. The other three were adults.
Only fourteen cases of Scarlet Fever were reported. This small number of cases is very unusual and gratifying.
The appropriation of $1,500 for the extermination of mosquitos was used for spraying and draining as directed by the Annual Town Meeting. The board makes no expression of the resultant benefits of this work as it is felt that the citizens will more ably determine this by their own observations.
259
BOARD OF HEALTH REPORT.
1929]
We do, however, recommend that any future expenditure of funds for this purpose depend on the cooperation of surrounding cities and towns and that the work be performed under the direction of the Gypsy Moth Department.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES E. LIGHT, Chairman, TOM D. EMMETT, Secretary, GEORGE W. GALE, Department Physician.
Report of Inspector of Animals and Milk
To the Board of Health :
As required by the State Department of Animal Industry.
I made a careful inspection of all the diary animals and places where they are kept in January and February. All appeared healthy and kept under proper conditions. Total number in- spected were 568.
Have inspected and stamped as fit for food at time of slaughter.
Hogs
174
Calves
2
Cow
I
Of the many cases reported to me of persons bitten by dogs suspected of having rabies one on examination proved to be positive and the person bitten received anti-rabie treatment. There were two other cases of rabies but did not come in con- tact with any person or do any property damage.
Have issued 112 licenses to sell milk and six pasteurization licenses, made frequent examinations of all the dairies. Amount received for these licenses is $116.00 for which I have the Treasurer's receipt.
JOHN W. HITCHINGS,
Inspector.
260
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Plumbing Inspector
To the Board of Health, Saugus, Mass. :
GENTLEMEN, -In accordance with the requirements of the laws of Massachusetts relative to plumbers and plumbing, I hereby submit my annual report for the year ending December 31, 1929. The number of inspections made during the year, together with other inspections, will be found in the following table :
Total number of inspections 776
Permits issued
194
Permits refused
7
Complaints of violation
I
Complaints of violation investigated
I
Cesspools located and inspected
194
Paid to Treasurer fees for
plumbing permits .
$390 00
Yours truly,
THOS. C. SUTHERST.
261
CHIEF OF POLICE REPORT.
1929]
Report of Chief of Police
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
GENTLEMEN,-I hereby submit the annual report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1929.
ROSTER
CHIEF Roland L. Mansfield
CAPTAIN John T. Stuart
REGULAR PATROLMEN
Frank W. Joy
Roland E. Mansfield
James P. Sullivan
Peter A. Flaherty
Clarence H. Berrett
Henry P. Wheaton
William MacDougall Ralph New Joseph A. Lambert, Jr.
SPECIAL OFFICERS
Timothy J. Bannon
Ellis Mendel
Thurlow W. Bentley
Axel G. Newbury
Thomas E. Canavan
Willie M. Penney
Byron Day
Charles B. Pugsley
Charles C. DeFronzo
Henry R. Robinson
Frank P. Garofano
Edward O. Roy Percy R. Salsman
Norman D. Hatch
Phillip R. Spencer
Charles E. Light
Charles E. Stillings
William J. Lumbert
Frank M. Symonds Everett Vickary
Howard P. McAdoo
James F. Maher
John E. Mansfield
Daniel B. Willis Alfred H. Woodward
Charles N. Wormstead
Howard P. Kelley
262
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
SPECIALS FOR LYNN WATER SHEDS
Patrick Garrity
Dennis W. Mead
John F. Heath
William J. Kennedy
Henry E. Newhall
John H. Newhall
The total number of arrests for the year was 764, of which 34 were females and 71 juveniles.
The crimes were :
Interfering with a railroad
Disturbing a public school 2 signal 3
Counterfeiting
3
Assault 24
Adultery
3
Breaking and entering 13
Bastardy
I
Sodomy I
Violation of probation 2
Drunkenness
II4
Disorderly conduct
17
Default
9
Keeping unlicensed dogs
50
Delinquents 5
Fornication
I
False weight
I
Scales not sealed
Gaming on Lord's Day I
36
Violation liquor laws
48
Indecent language I
Incest
2 Larceny 25
Insanity
3
Malicious mischief
3
Non-support
I I
Neglected children I
Present at game
S Peddling, no lieense
I
Rape
Violation labor laws I
2
Stubborn child
2 Threat
I
Truancy
I Trespass II
Violation wage laws
I
Vagrancy
2
Town by-laws and city ordnance 96
Violation school laws 2
Violation game laws
4 Violation clam laws 42
Violation auto laws 199
Violation road laws IO
Violation Board of Health
laws
I
The cases were disposed of as follows :
Fined 255 Filed 85
Discharged or dismissed 46
Probated 60
Continued 16
Released 24
Committed to Salem Jail 7. Committed to Shirley 2
Committed to Danvers 3
Committed to Lancaster I
Arrested for others
250 Held for Grand Jury IO
Appeals 2
263
CHIEF OF POLICE REPORT.
1929]
The total amount of the fines assessed was $8,091.00.
The persons arrested were of the following nativities :
American
468 English 29
French
25
German
7
Irish
19
Greek
3
Italian
IIO
Swedish
3
Jewish
26
Polish
62
Negroes
3
Lithuanian
4
Norwegian
3
Finnish
I
Turkish
I
In order to increase the general efficiency of the department, I would make the following recommendations :-
(1) The addition of four (4) regular patrolmen.
(2) The purchase of a small closed automobile for patrol use.
(3) The addition of two (2) call boxes to the present police circuit.
(4) The purchase of one ( I) new motorcycle.
(5) The overhauling of the ambulance.
(6) The thorough cleansing and whitewashing of the cell room.
(7) An increase of fifty (50) cents a day in the pay of all officers.
(8) The furnishing of uniforms for all regular officers by the town.
The purchase of a new heavy sedan to be used for
(9) , general police work, the same to replace the one now in service.
(10) The installation of a Teletype machine.
I wish, at this time, to take the opportunity to express my gratitude to all town officials and citizens who have rendered me assistance during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, ROLAND L. MANSFIELD, Chief of Police.
264
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Public Works Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
GENTLEMEN,-I beg to submit herewith the annual report of the Department of Public Works for the year ending December 31, 1929.
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
During the year, the last section of Walnut street was built, thus completing the permanent construction from the Lynn line to the Wakefield line, which is an important link in the State highway system.
The northerly section of Central street was rebuilt from Walnut street, to a point near Lily Pond avenue, of a semi per- manent character with graded gravel and bound with tarvia, making a well constructed road connecting Saugus Center and North Saugus Square.
Ballard street was resurfaced from the Salem Turnpike to Washington Square, a distance of about one half mile, complet- ing the route from Saugus Center to Lynn via Washington Square.
Another equally important connecting link in the highway system is Vine street, which was reconstructed in the early part of the season with a semi permanent type of surface, similar to that on Central street, namely, with graded gravel and tarvia.
This particular type of construction has stood up so well dur- ing the last few years on other streets that the Board of Select- men decided to spend several other appropriations in the same manner, and the work was carried out on Springdale avenue, Essex street, Pearson street, Mountain avenue, Danforth avenue, and Granite road, Jasper street, Edison street, Appleton street and part of Walnut street, northerly from North Saugus Square.
The southerly side of Main street from Franklin street to Broadway, was reconstructed with a macadam pavement of crushed rock, bound with tarvia and sealed with Bermudez Asphalt. A pavement of this type with proper maintenance should last for ten years even under traffic to which Main street
265
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT.
1929]
is subjected. A heavier type of pavement might not have been economical as there is a 16" cement water main in the street at this location which should be renewed in the near future.
A very important piece of construction was laying a drainage system on the easterly side of Central street from Monument Square to Jasper street, where the water is taken into the river. This drain takes the water out of Monument Square which was frequently flooded before, and also provides outlets for draining the cellars of stores. The water now carried away in this drain formerly caused very considerable trouble on the streets and walks.
The old culvert on Central street near Hurd avenue, was replaced with a forty-two inch concrete pipe drain, which was laid lower than the old culvert bottom and will adequately take care of all the water at that point.
A new drain was laid from Denver street, along Central street, to connect another drain near Vermont avenue. In con- nection with this work the catch basins at the easterly end of Denver street, were rebuilt and the drain pipe relaid to relieve a bad situation at that point.
At and near the intersection of Hamilton and Atherton street, new lines of pipe were laid to take the water from those two streets and carry it to the Saugus River.
Much of the permanent construction was given a seal coat of Bermudez Asphalt, paid for from a special appropriation for that purpose.
I would recommend that a penetration macadam pavement be laid on Essex street, from Cliftondale Square to Mt. Vernon street, the entire width of the street. This section would make a continuous pavement from East Saugus Square to Hood street. In connection with this work, curbing should be placed on the northerly side of Essex street.
Another section on Essex street should be laid from Hood street, to Felton street, thus completing the pavement from the Melrose line to the Lynn line through Saugus.
General reconstruction with a semi-permanent type of surface, using graded gravel and a bituminous binder, should be con- tinued on the secondary streets. This type of paving will last many years and carry the traffic until after the installation of sewers.
The drain under Essex street and the Sloan's property should be completed.
266
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
DIVISION OF WATER
One of the most important pieces of work carried on by the Water Department this year was the replacement of the old six inch cement water main in Chestnut street, with a 12 inch cast iron main and connections.
The volume was thus increased to four times as much as be- fore and a safe main is now in the ground which will last many years. The general supply is also increased and this line should be continued toward Saugus Center and also connected with the main on Lincoln avenue, and from this point of connection a 16" main should be laid to the main near the intersection of Lincoln avenue, and Central, leading into the stand pipe. When this line is completed, pumps can be installed in East Saugus and water pumped directly into the mains, using the stand pipe for a pressure regulator as well as for a storage supply.
This would enable the entire town, to benefit from the stand pipe, rather than the few houses on Baker Hill, as at present.
The standpipe was painted this year as a necessary safeguard against corrosion and polution of the water.
During the process the standpipe was emptied and cleaned thoroughly something that has not been done for many years and was very much needed. This work should be done again in 1936.
General extension of the main lines was carried on as shown in the accompanying tables. The connection between Holland street and Elm street should be made with an 8" main for the double purpose of feeding the section east of the Saugus river and affording another feed line from Lynn to Saugus through Hamilton street.
While the fire hazard due to the old cement mains now in the system has been very materially reduced, the work of replace- ment of these old mains with cast-iron pipe of larger diameter should continue without any interruption. The new main could be laid on the easterly side of the pavement on Lincoln avenue, without injury in any way to the street and should be the next consideration for improving the system as this will insure the storage supply for general consumption and especially for fire.
A number of hydrants in town are now low, owing to regrad- ing of streets and sidewalks, and should be raised sufficiently to facilitate the use of the'pump connections of the Fire Department.
267
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT.
1929]
Meters with a full opening flow, that will have the fire under- writers approval, should be installed in the main lines from Lynn where there now are disk type meters that would impede the flow at times when there would be a heavy fire draught.
HIGHWAYS
Adams avenue
$336 22
Alder street
42 50
Appleton street
529 29
Auburn street
22 64
Avon street .
39 II
Ballard street
4,460 00*
Birch street
100 67
Blueridge avenue
23 02
Castle street
51 13
Central-Hurd avenue
988 24*
Central-Saugus Center drain
3,076 68*
Central street, rep.
2,969 13%
Central street
770 60
Chestnut street
2,508 92
Cleveland avenue
188 54
Columbus avenue
97 38
Cross street
28 88
Denver, East Denver, Central street drain,
S46 84%
Denver street
241 51
Edison street
995 82*
Elm street
IIS 00
Essex street .
1,466 19*
Essex street .
369 05
Eustis street
30 63
Fairmount avenue
IS 67
Fairview avenue
73 92
Felton street
198 93
Forest street
134 70
Foster street
128 35
Garfield avenue
116 99
Grove street
25 64
Guild road drain
726 92*
Guild road
134 60
Hamilton street
19 80
Hamilton and Atherton
716 63*
Hayden road
57 38
268
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Hesper street .
.
72 44
Horton street
.
.
.
10 09
Howard street
39 64
Harrison avenue
162 55
Jackson street
75 43
Jasper street
130 05
Jasper street
1,999 05*
Jefferson avenue
71 30
Kenwood avenue
61 37
Knowles avenue
28 17
Laconia avenue
62 55
Laurel street
58 63
Lincoln avenue
939 89
Linwood street
62 60
Lawndale avenue
536 63%
Main street
830 20
Main street
2,990 72*
Maple street
34 80
Morton avenue
96 03
Mountain avenue, Granite road,
Danforth avenue
1,477 81*
Mt. Vernon street
125 80
Myrtle street .
92 54
Newcomb avenue
85 42
Newhall avenue
1,386 90
Park street
18 67
Parker street
102 29
Pearson
1,469 55*
Pleasant street
277 81
Prospect street
209 38
Richard street
55 02
School street
43 54
Spring street
109 40
Springdale avenue
1,480 12*
Stone street
79 50
Summer street
165 96
Talbot street
43 So
Taylor street
108 89
Vine street
3,487 12*
Vincent street
26 47
Waban street
IS 96
Walnut street
1,482 33*
1929]
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT.
269
Washington avenue .
43 45
Water street
17 38
Wendall
3 20
Western avenue
405 95
Whitney street
173 72
Winter street
132 55
Willis street
148 04
Woodbury avenue
145 II
* Special appropriations.
Water Comparison
SERVICES.
1925
1926
1927
1928
1929
New
13I
I35
193
194
147
Relaid
13
58
115
83
93
Cleaned
323
307
339
326
II3
Ft. of ser-
· vice pipe 6,53 1}' 9,375'-2"
13,485' 12,128'-8" 10,465'-2''
Feet of ex-
tension 8,440' 8,652'
12,270' 10,540'
6,347'-6"
Commitment $33,887 96 $36,228 45 $44,922 65 $47,281 14 $40,328 09
Cu. ft. water
30,285,400 34,216,700 34,338,400 36,773,700 35,137,994
Water Extension, 1929
Pipe - X 6"
Allison road
36'
Atlantic avenue
96'
Chestnut street
.30'
926'
Dudley street
So'
Eastside avenue
156'
Essex street
384'
Grandview avenue
156'
Greenwood avenue
180'
Hilldale terrace
170ʼ
Harrison avenue and Jefferson
210'
Kenwood avenue
1564'
Lake Dam and Castle Rock road
808'
Lake Dam road
310'
Liberty street
200'
Orcutt avenue
603'
Oak Point road
886'
Sylvan street
264'
Westland avenue
350'
Willow court
87
Intervale avenue
204'
Magnolia street-Desota street
55'
·
270
TOWN DOCUMENTS. [Dec. 31
1929
New services
147
Renewals
93
Leaks
57
Blow outs
II3
Feet of service pipe
10,465₺'
METERS
Repaired
178
New
34
Tested
31
Frozen
54
Number of services
3,414
Metered
3,016
Fixture
398
Miles of main
52 and 4,060}'
HYDRANTS
New
I3
Replaced
7
Fixture
Meter
Maintenance
Turn ons
192S
$7,349 02
$25, 101 08
$14,102 64
$55 00
1929
5,049 37
22,867 59
11,613 93
112 00
Summons
Hydrants
Total
1928
$173 40
$500 00
$47,281 14
1929
185 20
500 00
40,328 09
1928
1929
For water purchase
$18,774 50
$17,923 12
For water maintenance
21,806 88
23,517 82
For general extension
5,000 00
5,000 00
Cubic feet of water used in 1928
35,773,700
Cubic feet of water used in 1929
35,137,994
Gallons of water supplied distributing mains during 1928 275,802,750
Gallons of water supplied distributing mains during 1929
263,534,962
.
1929]
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT.
271
Report of Chief of Fire Department
SAUGUS, MASS., December 31, 1929.
To the Citizens of the Town of Saugus :
I herewith submit the annual report of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1929.
ROSTER
CHIEF Mellen R. Joy
CAPTAIN Edward J. McTague
LIEUTENANTS
Ralph E. Berrett
William R. Salsman, Jr.
PERMANENT FIREMEN
Henry Saxon
George B. Drew
Harold R. Atkinson
Chester A. Tarbox John Mclaughlin Alfred A. Bird
CALL FIREMEN
Robert E. Holbrook Ernest M. Hatch
During the year of 1929, the Fire Department responded to 327 alarms and calls for fires, an increase of 121 more than in 1928.
There were III box alarms, 216 telephone calls, 24 of which were followed by box alarms, many of them were unnecessary. 31 of the box alarms were false and needless.
One person received severe burns at a fire, the results of which he died the following day.
The assessed valuation and insurance on buildings, automo- biles and trucks, etc., involved in fires are as follows :
272
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Assessed value of buildings, autos, trucks, etc. . $168,920 00
Estimated loss on buildings, etc. 33,840 00 Insurance on buildings, etc. 195,750 00
Insurance paid on buildings, etc. 38,340 49 ·
Estimated valuation of contents 119,771 00
Estimated loss on contents .
54,496 00
Insurance on contents . .
51,895 00
Insurance paid on contents .
25,316 66
During the year the Seagrave pump was thoroughly over- hauled and put into first class condition, and is good for several years to come.
The ladder truck is in poor condition and needs a thorough overhauling and to be painted, to put it in first class condition.
The Dodge combination is in fair condition, is more than seven years old, and I recommend that another small piece of appar- atus be purchased to replace it, while responding to a telephone call to a fire one of the rear wheels collapsed, causing it to turn over, injuring two of the firemen, one of them quite seriously.
The Dodge combination has about passed its usefulness as a piece of fire apparatus, or for fast work, but it has stood up very well under the conditions of the roads over which it has to travel in responding to fires and calls.
The Fire Department has done excellent work in keeping the fire loss down to the small amount that it has, with such a large territory that it has to cover, and with the small number of men to man the apparatus and handle fires.
The Fire Department should be commended and not condemned.
Mileage covered by the apparatus in responding to alarms and calls, are approximately as follows :
Engine 1, Seagrave Pump 433 miles.
Combination 2, Dodge 931 miles.
Ladder I 435 miles.
During the year 21,550 feet of 22 inch water hose was laid and used at fires, 15,600 feet of & inch chemical hose was used, 3,619 gallons of chemical fluid was used in extinguishing fires, 2,500 feet of garden hose was used at fires, 72 gallons of Foamite was used, 807 feet of ladders was used at fires.
The tabulated fire alarms and calls, etc., are as follows :
Buildings, 56 ; wood and brush fires, 99 ; grass fires, 79 ;need-
273
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT.
1929
less calls, 17; automobiles and trucks, 18; chimney fires, 7 ; false alarms, 24; bonfires, 3 ; dump fires, 9; rubbish, 4 ; trees, 2 ; electric cars, 2 ; other small fires, 7 ; total 327.
Three gas and smoke masks and 2 life belts have been pur- chased for the firemen to use at very smoky and cellar fires.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.