USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1933 > Part 14
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209
INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS REPORT.
1933]
Report of Inspector of Buildings
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my annual report for the year ending on December 31, 1933.
PERMITS GRANTED
Kind
Number
Valuation $18,675.00
Dwellings
23
Garages
34
9,755.00
Additions
25
4,923.00
Minor Outbuildings
22
1,560.00
Boy Scout Camp
1
100.00
Greenhouses
5
1,050.00
Remodel
4
1,425.00
Lunch Rooms
2
3,000.00
Stores
2
2,100.00
Foundation
1
350.00
Barns
2
4,166.50
Gas Station
1
500.00
Book Bindery
1
1,000.00
123
$48,604.50
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. WHITE,
Inspector of Buildings.
210
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Board of Selectmen
To the Citizens of Saugus:
On March 7th, 1933 the Board organized with George H. Quarmby as Chairman and Carroll Cunningham as Secretary. It has been a very trying year for everybody in Public Office but every department in the Town has co-operated and worked diligently, ever keeping the tax payer in mind. A $10.90 re- duction in the tax rate in the past two years from $40.90 to $30.00 shows how each and every individual and department head has worked-surely a wonderful and gratifying achieve- ment.
In November the Board received a notice that Saugus was to be allotted approximately $36,000 of Federal Relief money under the Civil Works Administration. We had about three days in which to prepare a series of projects which would be of social benefit to the citizens of our town. Nineteen different projects have been approved by the Civil Works Administra- tion at the State House and 600 men have been put to work to earn an honest living. Through Representative Pratt's en- deavor and our co-operation with him the Town has increased its quota of men 150%.
In December at a special Town Meeting the Board of Select- men were instructed to petition the Federal Government for a 30% gift and a 70% loan to construct a combination Fire and Police Station. We are of the opinion that this combina- tion structure will be for the best interests of all concerned if the project is approved by the Federal Authorities. A large number of Saugus craftsmen will be given employment for months and a much needed improvement will be acquired.
We respectfully call your attention to the reports of the Fire, Police and Public Works Departments.
The Board of Selectmen have attended countless hearings during the year either on Beacon Hill, Boston or at the office
211
BOARD OF SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
1933]
of the County Commissioners at Salem. Representative C. F. Nelson Pratt, the Board of Selectmen of Saugus and the Town of Marblehead have just finished a hearing against the Lynn Gas & Electric Company for a reduction of both gas and elec- tric rates for every consumer in this district. Much com- mendation should be given to Representative Pratt and to Mr. Stanley Day, Emory Street, Saugus who has worked diligently to try to aid every person in our Town by this rate reduction. Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE H. QUARMBY, Chairman, JOHN C. PITMAN, HARRY WOODWARD.
212
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Chief of Fire Department
Saugus, December 18, 1933.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, and the Citizens of the Town of Saugus:
I herewith submit the annual report and activities of the Fire Department, for the year ending December 31, 1933.
ROSTER
Chief Mellen R. Joy
Captain William R. Salsman, Jr.
Lieutenants
Ralph E. Berrett
George B. Drew
Permanent Firemen
Henry Saxon John Mclaughlin
Chester A. Tarbox
Joseph L. Maguire
Albert F. Jervis
Harold R. Atkinson Alfred A. Bird Warren Newhall
Call Firemen
Ernest M. Hatch Lewis O. Gray
Lewis E. Richardson
George W. Parrott
William A. Mathewson Frank P. Garofano John Cahill George Oxley
Fred Chesley
Board of Fire Engineers
Charles C. DeFronzo
Arthur W. Price
George F. Gosselin Ernest W. Homan
During the year 1933, the Fire Department responded to 301 alarms and calls for fires and other duties.
213
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT.
1933]
During the year 1932, there was 378 calls. 1933 shows a decrease of 77 calls over 1932.
There were 108 box alarms, and 193 telephone calls, 22 of which were followed by box alarms to call the call firemen to duty at fires.
61 alarms were false and needless, many of the telephone calls were needless.
Total mileage traveled by the apparatus in responding to all calls was as follows: Engine one, 528 miles; Engine two, 735 miles; Ladder one, 403 miles.
Chiefs automobile traveled 3916 miles in responding to fires and in performance of the various other duties as required.
The duties of the Fire Chief have been greatly increased, and under the direction of the State Department of Public Safety, in regards to the inspection of, and storage of fuel oil and fuel oil burners. On April 1, 1933, a new law went into effect relating to the storage of fuel oil, and the installation of all fuel oil burners, to be enforced and complied with.
The assessed valuation and insurance, on buildings, con- tents, automobiles, trucks, etc., involved in fires, are as follows, as near as could be ascertained.
Assessed value on buildings, autos, trucks, etc. .. $ 95,690.00 Loss on buildings, automobiles and trucks, etc .. 40,265.00 Insurance on buildings, automobiles, trucks, etc. .. 151,825.00 Insurance paid on buildings, autos, trucks, etc. .. 24,399.55 Etimated value of contents 53,800.00
Estimated loss on contents 9,755.00
Insurance on contents 29,400.00
Insurance paid on contents 5,993.09
The fire loss for 1933 was $12,070.50 less than 1932, as near as could be estimated.
During the year 21,700 feet of 3/4 inch, 16,650 feet of 11/2 inch and 20,050 feet of 21/2 inch hose was laid and used at fires, making a total of 58,400 feet of hose used.
Of the total 21,600 feet was used at woods, brush and grass fires.
214
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
The State Forest Fire Equipment was called upon on two occasions to assist in extinguishing two serious and threaten- ing wood fires, and at those two fires 6,000 feet of 1 inch hose was used.
948 feet of ladders were raised, and 75 gallons of Chemical fluid used.
Engines worked 78 hours, 20 minutes pumping water on fires, and pumping out streets and cellars.
Tabulated fire alarms, calls, etc., are as follows:
Buildings 66, woodland brush fires 59, automobiles and trucks 18, grass 30, dumps and rubbish 25, light poles 1, bon fires 3, rescue cats from tree 1, chimney fires 5, call for inhala- tor 1, overflowing of oil in ranges and heaters 4, pumping out streets 2, pumping out cellars 3, false and needless alarms 61, making a total of 301 calls to December 25, 1933.
ALARMS AND CALLS BY MONTH FOR 1933.
Box alarms
Tel. Calls
Total
January
11
20
31
February
5
7
12
March
6
15
21
April
9
21
30
May
14
42
56
June
6
12
18
July
17
14
31
August
9
16
25
September
7
6
13
October
13
7
20
November
8
24
32
To December 25
3
9
12
108
193
301
22 Box alarms followed many of the telephone calls to call the call firemen to assist at fires.
All fire apparatus Engine 1, Engine 2, and Ladder 1 are in good condition and good for a number of years to come, pro- viding that they do not meet with accidents.
215
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT.
1933]
The Chiefs automobile is nearly six years old and should be replaced by a new one the coming year.
The Lynn fire department has been called upon many times to cover in the station while this department has been engaged in extinguishing serious fires. The Lynn department has never refused the Town of Saugus at any time. At this time I wish to extend my personal thanks, and the thanks of the Board of Fire Engineers to the Lynn department for their valuable assistance rendered at times when called.
The Saugus department has responded to fires at the Revere Saugus line on a number of occasions when called.
The fire department has done excellent work in keeping the fire loss down to the small fire loss that it has with the large territory that it has to cover, with the small number of men and to man the apparatus to extinguish the fires.
At this time I make the following recommendation for the year 1934. That a modern piece of fire apparatus be pur- chased for fighting wood fires, also 2500 or 3000 feet of 11% inch single jacket hose for wood fires, also 1000 feet of 212 inch hose.
Respectfully submitted, MELLEN R. JOY.
Chief, Saugus Fire Department.
216
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Forest Fire Warden
Saugus, December 31, 1933.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :-
I hereby submit the annual report of the Forest Fire War- den, for the year ending December 31, 1933.
The year just ended has been a very good one. There has been 59 wood and brush fires, 30 grass fires, against 117 wood and brush, 33 grass fires in 1932.
There were two very bad wood fires during the year, at which I had to call for the State Forest Fire truck for assis- tance. On May 20, the Forest Fire truck was in service at a fire and pumped water for 6 hours, 30 minutes, through 3000 feet of 1 inch hose.
On August 18 and 19, the Forest Fire truck was in service at another fire and pumped water for 20 hours, through 3000 feet of 1 inch hose.
During the year the following amount of hose was laid and used at wood, brush and grass fires :
7750 feet of 3/4, 10,550 feet of 11/2 inch, 2350 feet of 21/2 inch hose and 6000 feet of 1 inch hose was used, the latter from the State Forest Fire truck. A total of 26,650 feet of hose.
There were several fires during the year, at which the Forest Fire Warden had to employ extra help in extinguishing these wood fires.
I recommend that the Town purchase a modern piece of fire apparatus and necessary equipment and appliances for handling all such fires in place of using the heavy and expen- sive apparatus.
1933]
FOREST FIRE WARDEN'S REPORT.
217
I think that the town would be saving money by doing so. This piece of apparatus could be used at other fires as well, and take care of all fires in the Golden Hills section when not in use elsewhere.
Respectfully submitted,
MELLEN R. JOY. Forest Fire Warden.
218
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of the Board of Health
We were unable to keep our expenses inside of the amount appropriated for this year for the same reason that has existed for the last few years and that is the small amount appropri- ated and the ever increasing cost for hospitalization of people who are unable to pay for such treatment. At the present time we have twelve people in the Essex Sanatorium for which we must pay $9.10 per week, this amount however, is reduced by reimbursement by the State for $5.00 per week. One case the State reimburses the whole amount and one case Melrose pays the whole amount. We have, however, reduced the amount of expense this year in connection with the Lynn Iso- lation Hospital due to the fact that we have refused to pay certain bills of patients sent to that hospital by Lynn physi- cians for such diseases as measles, german measles, etc. We have made arrangements for the Hospital to get in touch with us first and then if we deem it necessary we have the patient sent to the hospital at once.
It is the unanimous opinion of the Board that Sewerage is absolutely necessary from the standpoint of health in this town and that we deplore the fact that the article pertaining to Sewers was voted down at the Special Town Meeting Aug. 14.
It is also the unanimous opinion of the Board that this town is so built up that all piggerys should be eliminated in and around the centers and also the Main Highways.
We appreciate the transfer of funds which we used for pay- ment of an electric refrigerator for vaccines, etc., which is kept in the Board of Health Office and is accessible for doctors at all times as a key is kept in the Police Station for use after office hours.
The Dental Clinic has been conducted successfully by Roger Beckman, D.M.D., assisted by the school nurse. 619 children having been treated.
CHARLES E. LIGHT
In Memoriam
The present Board of Health and the citizens of Saugus remember with gratitude the able, conscientious and valuable ser- vice rendered the town by Charles E. Light and they therefore devote this space in the Annual Town Report this year to honor and preserve his memory.
Mr. Light was born in Plymouth, England, May 7, 1870 and came to this country with his parents when he was three years old.
He was first elected to the Board of Health in 1912 and con- tinued as Chairman of the Board until his death April 29, 1933.
In the passing of Charles E. Light, the Town of Saugus lost one of its most useful citizens. He and the Board of Health grew up together. In the years Mr. Light served the Board there were many forward steps in the matter of Public Health and he was always ready to go forward in any way with the State and Local Authorities.
He was far more than a good public official. He had a per- sonal interest in folks as well as in his office. There were many occasions in his career when there were no public appropriations for matters that needed attention, that the funds came from his own pocket and the recipients of his generosity never knew the source of their benefaction.
Not only did he render a service to the Board of Health, but his untiring devotion to and interest in our beautiful local ceme- tery is well known to every one of us. He gave of his time and interest unstintingly not only to the new cemetery, but one of his chief sources of pride was in the reconditioning of the old cemetery on Main Street. He had a way of making economy and beauty go hand in hand.
One of the choicest bits of service which he rendered to the community was as a Truant Officer. He was not an officer in this capacity but an advisor to every delinquent boy and girl in the town. He was never feared but loved by every one of them.
It was out of his manifold services that he conceived the idea of the Saugus Welfare League. It was due to his interest and continued efforts that this helpful organization came into being.
In every and all the positions which he held in the town, service was first and compensation was second. There are many such officials, but every community in our Commonwealth could use many more of his type. Long after his name is forgotten, his influence will remain among us.
219
BOARD OF HEALTH REPORT.
1933]
We were very fortunate this year to have the Chadwick Clinic which was conducted by the State Department of Public Health. 2472 school children received this test with only one case diagnosed as Pulmonary Tuberculosis and twenty-seven cases diagnosed as Hilum Tuberculosis. Due to the Chadwick Clinic the Schick Test has been postponed until the first of the year.
Mr. Matthew Lavin was appointed assistant Plumbing In- spector on November 7, 1933.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY O. WESTENDARP, Chairman RICHARD J. SPENCER, Secretary, MYRON H. DAVIS, Dept. Physician.
Report of Inspector of Animals
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
As required by the State Department of Animal Industry I made a careful examination of all dairy animals and the places in which they are kept in January and February. All appeared healthy and kept under proper conditions. Number inspected at this time 365.
I have examined and stamped as fit for food at time of slaughter.
Swine
46
Cattle 10
Calf 1
Of the many cases reported to me of persons bitten by dogs only one on examination proved a positive case of rabies. There was one other case of rabies where the dog had not come in contact with person or animal, which I ordered to be killed with the consent of the owner.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. HITCHINGS,
Inspector.
220
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Inspector of Milk and Dairies
To the Board of Health:
I have made frequent examinations of all dairies during the past year and find all in good condition. For lack of funds I have not taken many samples of milk this year but samples have been taken from Saugus dairies supplying milk to our town by the State and the Lynn Board of Health with satis- factory results. Through the courtesy of the Lynn Board of Health I have received copies of these tests taken by them and nearly all are far above the Massachusetts standard.
I would recommend an Appropriation of $50.00 for expense of analysis of samples in order that the Milk Inspector may take a test whenever he thinks necessary.
Have issued 107 milk licenses this year and 5 Pasteurization licenses. Total receipts amounting to $103.50.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. HITCHINGS, Inspector.
Report of Supervisor of the Dental Clinic
To the Board of Health:
Gentlemen :-
I herewith submit my annual report of the Dental Clinic.
The clinic was conducted the same as in previous years and was a successful year.
Children from the first two grades are treated at the clinic who are needy.
This year the Red Cross did not transport the children to the clinic so we had to take care of the transportation our- selves.
The children who had work done at the clinic were given a dental certificate, 112 certificates were given out.
A detailed report follows :
Total number of deceduous extractions ... 254 .
Total number of prophylactic treatments .. 171
221
BOARD OF HEALTH REPORT.
1933]
Total number of fillings 161
Total number of treatments 7
Total number of permanent extractions 26
Total number of patients treated 619 Twenty-five cents is the regular fee charged for each visit. Total receipts for the clinic were $154.65.
Respectfully submitted, ROGER P. BECKMAN, D.M.D.
Report of Plumbing Inspector
Cliftondale, Mass., December 31, 1933.
To the Board of Health:
Gentlemen :-
In accordance with the requirements of the laws of Massa- chusetts, relative to plumbers and plumbing, I herewith sub- mit my annual report for the year ending December 31, 1933.
The number of inspections made during the year will be found in the following table :
Total number of inspections 231
Permits issued for plumbing 58
New buildings 13
Old buildings 45
Cesspools inspected
New and old buildings 57
Fees paid to treasurer for plumbing permits $116.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS C. SUTHERST,
Plumbing Inspector.
222
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of The Water and Dock Commission
The Water and Dock Commission submits the following report.
The commission has met regularly each month, and while their efforts have been somewhat delayed pending the decision of the State Board of Appeals, relative to the valuation of the Saugus marshes, the commission feels its labor has progressed and that sentiment in favor of the development is growing.
At this writing the commission is assured that work on the new bridge, across the Saugus river, will begin at once and be completed in 1936.
A bill calling for the dredging of the river 100 feet wide and 25 feet deep, at mean low tide, is before the legislature. This bill was heard by the committee on Harbors and Rivers at the last session of the legislature and referred to the next General Court. Your commission will endeavor to secure its passage and requests it be granted an extention of one year's time.
This report is submitted by,
HENRY A. B. PECKHAM, Chairman, SAMUEL A. PHINNEY, Secretary, FRANK A. GREEN, ERNEST A. HODGDON, GEORGE I. HULL,
Members of the Commission.
223
CEMETERY REPORT.
1933]
Report of Cemetery Commissioners
Since our last report we have suffered the loss of our Super- intendent, Mr. Charles E. Light, who passed away on April 29th, and in whose passing not only the Town met the loss of a faithful public servant, but your Commissioners lost an em- ployee whose heart and soul for sixteen years had been bound up in the beautifying of Riverside. His initiative was reflected in the many innovations and improvements, putting the ceme- tery on a par with the largest cemeteries in the country.
Your Commissioners had many applications from a large number of capable citizens and after much consideration selected Mr. Gordon C. Marr as Mr. Light's successor, and feel well pleased with their choice as he brings to the Town a thorough experience of many years in a successful business life and has in addition a love of nature that will continue to expand and beautify the beautiful expanse at Riverside.
Your Commissioners have been handicapped during the past year in having the small amount which was originally re- quested cut from $5600 to $5000; the equipment is getting badly worn and in the matter of lowering devices almost dan- gerous. From 1925 to 1930 the average allowance for equip- ment and repairs was $561.24 per annum, while for 1932 and 1933 it has been $313. per annum. Everyone knows that if, through lack of funds, equipment is allowed to deteriorate, the expense of bringing it back far exceeds that of properly caring for it.
An additional appropriation is being requested this year, that the new Catholic section and adjoining land may be put in attractive condition to sell.
Please bear in mind that any appropriation made is really in the nature of a loan from the Town, as practically every cent is returned and figured as Town income, (so that it
224
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
matters not the amount appropriated,-it makes no difference at all in the tax rate.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY A. B. PECKHAM, W. GEORGE GREENLAY, WILLIAM E. LUDDEN,
Commissioners
225
PUBLIC LIBRARY TRUSTEES REPORT.
1933]
Report of Public Library Trustees
The Trustees of the Saugus Public Library submit their annual report.
The library department, in company with the other town departments, has functioned under difficulties the past year. Having had no money from the Town for new books, our cir- culation has shown a decrease from the previous year, when in every year before it has shown an increase.
Lack of money for rebinding has made it necessary to take a large number of books from the shelves to be held until money can be obtained to have them rebound.
We asked the public to give to the library books that they no longer had use for and we have received approximately 300 volumes. We extend our thanks to those who gave the books and to those who have donated magazines.
It was necessary to curtail our periodicals and the donations have helped in that direction.
We will end the year as in years past within our appropria- tion and no money has been spent except where it was abso- lutely necessary.
Circulation : Saugus Center 50029, Cliftondale 46868, East Saugus 11460, Lynnhurst 3694, North Saugus 1836. Total 112687.
JOHN B. LANG, Chairman, JOHN HUSLER, KALER A. PERKINS, AUGUSTUS B. TRIPP, WILLIAM MEAD, WALTER D. BLOSSOM, Secretary
226
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Superintendent of Fire Alarm
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Saugus, Mass .:- Gentlemen :-
I herewith submit my report as Supt. of Fire Alarm for the period May 18th-December 31, 1933.
Upon assuming the responsibility for the Fire Alarm Sys- tem a survey of the lines and equipment was made. As a result certain conditions were noted and steps taken to correct them in the order of their importance and hazard to the system.
On Essex Street about 5600 feet of line was entirely rebuilt. This contained one very bad electrical danger spot which could have easily destroyed the entire fire alarm system of the town.
Winter Street has been reconstructed from Central St. to the East Saugus Church, with all side streets connecting there- to with fire alarm wires. This line consisted of 1 wire, placed between 30 and 40 years ago, two feet over the 4600 Volt power wires. This wire had deteriorated to such an extent that its mechanical strength was barely able to hold its own weight. It could not, therefore, be expected to withstand the weight of sleet or an extreme wind.
As a result of two line failures on Main Street during wind storms during the Summer the two wires there were relocated. This line was about on a par with Winter Street, both breaks being due to the lessened strength of the wire due to its age and exposure to the weather for years. The line has been reconstructed from Monument Square to Vine Street.
The following list gives a brief summary of the work per- formed :
Fire Boxes (In use 59)
Inspected or worked on 265
Relocated 2
1933]
SUPT. OF FIRE ALARM REPORT. 227
Rewound after alarms 59
Retimed to 2 sec. 34
Cleaned and oiled
59
Tappers (In use 13)
Inspected
59
Installed new
4
Removed 2
Rewired
7
Lightning arresters placed at
13
Tower Bells (In use 3)
Inspected
71
Rewound 34
Repaired
7
Partial overhaul
3
Station Gongs (In use 2)
Installed
2
Removed
2
Lubricated 2
Inspected 18
Repeater (In use 1)
Inspected
97
Repaired in part 3
Indicator (In use 0)
Overhauled
1
Cross Arms (In use, unknown)
Placed 108
Removed 56
Transferred 12
Line Wire (In use, about 70 Miles)
Placed
5 miles
Removed 5.1 miles
Failures, repaired 2
Other miscellaneous items of work have been performed.
A determined effort was made to arrange all Fire Boxes to send a signal at the same predetermined speed. This work was interrupted by the failure of the stop watch and later the
228
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
weather made it inadvisable to work on the delicate movement in the box. This work will be resumed when the weather permits.
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