USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1939 > 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 | Part 20
The Roster of the Police Depart- ment is as follows:
Chief John T. Stuart
Captain Henry P. Wheaton Lieutenant Roland E. Mansfield i Regular Patrolmen James P. Sullivan Clarence H. Berrett William MacDougall Joseph A. Lambert, Jr ..
James F. Maher
Thomas F. Spencer Walter F. Neal
William F. Cahill
Ernest A. Dunham
Howard P. Berrett
Carl G. W. Pearson.
Reserve Patrolmen Rosario A. Bucchiere Walter J. Ellsmore John E. Luoma Edgar T. McKenney
Edward F. Newbury. Police Matron Mabel D. Murdock
1939]
REPORT OF POLICE CHIEF
126
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
At this time I want to call your attention to the fact that your Police Department is very much undermanned and should be in- creased. I am going to ask for an increased appropriation for a two-way Radio, of which I con- sider is one of the most important steps in economy and efficiency in our Police Department. As you are well aware, crime has in- creased considerably within the past few years, and in order to ·combat this crime it is vitally im- portant to have men and equip- ment to keep the crime wave in the Town of Saugus at a low ebb.
The motorized Equipment of our Department consists of a 1935 Ambulance, 1935 Oldsmobile Se- dan, 1939 Chevrolet Cruising Car that has covered 50,000 miles. All three vehicles should be replaced this year, due to the fact that they are costing the Town considerable amount of money to keep repair- ing. The Ambulance which is used to convey the sick to and from hospitals is a very hard riding vehicle and should be replaced with something more modern to comfort the sick to and from hospitals. The Oldsmobile has cost the Town a large sum of money during the year 1939 for repairs and must be replaced.
In conclusion I wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen, the several Town Officials, and all other citizens of the Town, who by their co-operation and good will aided me in maintaining the high degree of efficiency that Police Department ranks. I also want to thank the Justices of both the Saugus Trial Justice Court, and the Lynn District Court for their co-operation during the past year. Last, but not least I want to thank all the members of the Department for their part in keeping the effi- ciencv of the Department at a high standing.
Daily reports of officers show
the following:
Complaints and reports received, 2691. Breaks 51, Larcenies 129, Dog Bites 27, Dogs Barking 36, Killed by dogs 15, Windows Brok- en 47, Property Damaged 56, Playing in Streets 13, Domestic Trouble 22, Complaints of Drunks 48, Prowlers or Peepers 36, As- saults 16, Missles Thrown 23, Dogs Lost 117, Dogs Found 111, Automobiles Stolen 18, Automo- biles Recovered 29, Persons Miss- ing 47, Persons found 50, Articles Lost 53, Articles Found 62, Holes in Streets 34, Disturbances 93, Animals Killed 69, Females Ac- costed 4, For Other Authorities 259, Windows and Doors found open 307, Lights found burning 28, Fires Discovered or Responded to 45, Investigations 612, Conveyed to Hospitals 182, Conveyed from Hospitals 52-All Others 900.
During the year 1939 there were 685 arrested. Of this amount 642 were males, 13 females, 30 juven- iles.
Disposition of the year's arrests are as follows: Fined 216, Filed 160, Dismissed 40, Cost of Court 7, Released 72, House of Correc- tion 24, State Farm 6, Cases Ap- pealed 38, Probation 38, Dis- charged 11, Grand Jury 29, Essex County Training School 3, Girls' Industrial School 2, Boys' Indus- trial School 9, Arrests for Out of Town Police 125.
The total amount of fines col- lected in the Saugus Police Court for the year 1939 amounted to $992.00. Of this amount the Town of Saugus received $325.00. The County of Essex received $667.00. The Town of Saugus received from the Lynn District Court $209.35, County $2772.00. The total taken in by the Lynn District Court, $2,997.00.
Respectfully Submitted, JOHN T. STUART, Chief of Police.
127
REPORT OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1939]
Report of the Board of Selectmen
With many factors beyond our the economies possible in the years control pointing to an abnormally to come. high tax rate, your Board of Se- We have caused the fire alarm system to be moved from unsafe quarters in the old public works building to its rightful place in the new Fire and Police Building. lectmen began the 1939-1940 year committed to a policy of strictest economy, consistent with the best interests of the town.
Positions vacated were not filled. The personnel of the Public Works Department was reduced to a skeleton force of permanent status men, with the remainder of the force on a part-time basis.
Reduction of the Public Works budget, however, did not prevent the carrying out of a well-planned street surfacing program. Despite the withdrawal by the state and county of Chapter 90 aid, which, in previous years has accounted for 30 per cent of our payroll on highway work, it was possible with the assistance of the Sewer Department to lay down several good streets of permanent con- struction.
The Insurance Department next came under our scrutiny. By threat of "shopping around" for lower costs, we were able to se- cure a 6 cents per hundred reduc- tion in our basic rate. This made possible the transfer of a consid- erable sum to the Welfare Depart- ment for relief in September.
Supervision of the town's insur- ance was placed in the hands of the Town Accountant, with in- structions to inaugurate a five- year plan, so-called, one-fifth of the total insurance to mature each year, at an estimated saving of from $8000 to $10,000 over the five-year period. This plan also increased possible earnings of lo- cal agents and brokers writing the town's insurance.
We have established a long- needed, centralized store-room, where all town equipment, ma- chinery, tools, supplies and ma- terials may be kept in one place under lock and key to be drawn out on requisition as needed. The op- portunity for prevention of waste and misappropriation is apparent. This new department should pay for itself many times over through
It is our hope that- this year, through a W. P. A. grant, a fire- proof vault may be constructed at the Public Works Building for the storage of engineering plans and' blueprints of inestimable value.
Our W. P. A. program was op- erated at a cost substantially low- er than in previous years, with projects of a definite and tangible value to the town.
The "Boost Saugus" celebration was presented with the prime pur- post of acquainting citizens with progress made and results ob- tained from expenditure of public funds.
It was definitely established in the last quarter of 1939, from conditions beyond our control, that the tax rate would mount to a record high. Conditions existing over a period of years were com- ing to a head, and a showdown was forced upon us.
The results of extravagance in state government also hit us at the same time and we paid our share this year for that folly. Re- lief and old age assistance in- creased the costs.
With some of these conditions now eradicated, plus the anticipat- ed increased revenue from the state in 1940, Saugus may look for- ward to a lessening of the tax burden.
Your Board of Selectmen, in preparing for 1940, has inaugurat- ed a series of conferences with' department heads and town boards and committees, to which interested taxpayers were invited, at which departmental budgets have been discussed freely, with' an exchange of ideas and a com- mon effort to reduce expenditures without impairing essential serv- ices.
These conferences were under- taken with a view to augmenting and assisting the work of the fi-
128
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
nance committee.
In conclusion, we present a breakdown of the tax dollar, show- ing down to the fraction of the
penny the cost by appropriation per $1000 of valuation of the es- sential services which the citizens of the town receive:
Appropriated
Cost per $1000 of Valuation
General Government
$ 56,857.17
$ 3.4875
Protection of Persons and Property
88,276.37
5.4161
Health
20,759.04
1.2734
Highways and Bridges
59,430.54
3.6465
Charities and Soliders' Benefits
172,399.05
10.5794
Education and Libraries
243,077.01
14.9150
Recreation and Unclassified
42,330.70
2.5978
Enterprise and Cemeteries
51,100.00
3.1355
Interest and Maturing Debt
83,122.30
5.1004
Totals
$817,352.18
$50.1516
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD GIBBS, Chairman GEORGE H. QUARMBY. HAROLD P. RICE.
Report of the Playground Commissioners
January 8, 1940.
The Board of Playground Com- missioners wish to submit their an- nual report:
Because of the high tax rate, your Board of Playground Com- missioners reduced their budget for 1939 approximately 35% over that of the previous year. Mr. John J. Bucchiere has again re- fused to accept any salary for the work done by him as our Secre- tary Agent.
Stackpole Stadium this year has proved of great value to the sport followers and taxpayers of Sau- gus. With facilities that saw 10,- 000 persons accommodated in the historic Saugus-Salem football game, we are able to prove that Saugus now stands second to none for it's athletic facilities. The Sta- dium has helped the school offi- cials increase the revenue derived from football to the extent that they can give the school teams better equipment, coaching, etc. We wish to thank the Lynn offi- cials for lending us enough port- able bleachers to take care of the overflow crowds that came to the games here in Saugus. We thank
Mr. Harry Wentworth, Mr. Henry A. B. Peckham and the Hon. J. Fred Manning, former Mayor of Lynn, for their interest and time spent in getting these bleachers for us. We more than appreciate the cooperation and attitude of the Athletic Council in helping to pay for the extra cost of erecting bleachers for the Saugus-Salem game, approximately $130.00. The candy concession was let out to the highest bidder, the Connelly Candy Co. of Lynn, who bid $90.00 for 7 games. The next highest bid was $65.00 for seven (7) games sub- mitted by a Saugus concern.
We are saving for the Board of Selectmen $300.00 that was paid for rental in the Kindergarten school that is being conducted in the clubhouse. The maintainence cost of this project is borne mostly by us, this amount formerly came out of their W. P. A. account.
We are more than pleased with the attendance records set by our recreation project. Mr. Freeman Murray is the supervisor. The opening of a playstead in the Golden Hills section of Saugus costing approximately $200.00 was
1939]
REPORT OF WORKS PROGRESS ADMINISTRATION
129
more than appreciated by the resi- dents in this section of the town. After a careful study made by us, the Town of Saugus should imme- diately embark on a program that will give us $100,000.00 of W. P. A. funds to put into condition the playgrounds of our town. Our local W. P. A. officials have been lax in their foresight to grasp this opportunity of giving this town better playgrounds and at the same time reduce the overall cost of purchased materials for W. P. A. work. The Anna Parker play- ground, with plans already in the hands of our W. P. A. coordinator, can be made one of the most beau- tiful playspots in this state. The development of more and better playgrounds today means fewer war fields in the future.
The resignation of Mr. Edward Amery, although regretable, was not caused because of dissension among the members of this board, but due to the fact that the Town Treasurer did his duty. We have not as yet filled this vacancy. Our interest in the future as well as
the present lies in securing better playgrounds for the children of Saugus.
The second annual Christmas party sponsored by us this year was very successful. About 855 children were given toys, candy, fruit and entertainment. The only cost to the town was $90.00. We wish to thank Mr. George Dixon of the Certifying Board for his co- operation, Mr. Frank Murphy for his efforts towards getting us W. P. A. apples; and the W. P. A. in- structors under the direction of Mr. Freeman Murray.
In closing, we thank every town official who cooperated with us during the past year. We re-iterate that we are determined to carry out our program for better equipped playgrounds for the safe- ty and health of our school chil- dren.
., Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. BUCCHIERE, Secretary Agent.
DR. MARY M. PENNY, Chairman.
Report of Works Progress Administration
January 16, 1940.
Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town Hall,
Saugus, Mass.
Gentlemen:
During the past year the Town of Saugus by participating in the Federal Works Projects Admin- istration program acquired the fol- lowing benefits:
(a) Received over 4800 man months of employment.
(b) Saugus W. P. A. workers received approximately $325.000 in the form of payroll checks.
(c) Approximately $15,000 of Federal materials were procured.
(d) Federal surplus commodi- ties (food and clothing) distribut- ed by our local center, totaled in value $43,017.57.
(e) National Youth Adminis- tration payrolls exceeded $10,000.
In each instance the above fig- ures exceeded all previous years since the inception of Federal As- sistance starting in. November, 1933.
Distribution of W. P. A. Federal funds for labor were divided over and through the operations of the following projects:
Sewers $87,610
Brooks 42,664
Hesper Street 2;185
Gypsy Moths
15,671
Sidewalks 25,245
Tree Survey 891
Engineering 12,158
Library
501
Recreation
11,566
Legal
3,683
Sewing
13,919
Household
2,094
Golden Hill
4,177
Stackpole's
1,897
Drains
16,335
130
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31'
Tree Rep. 20,500
Town Bldgs.
29,220
Planning
4,670
P. W. Bldg.
3,171
Rd. Survey
7,416
Commissary
4,737
N. Y. A.
10,000
State Wide
6,000
Grand total
$326,210
In conclusion, may I express the- hope that the Town of Saugus will continue the splendid cooperation and good will that existed during- the past year with the Works; Project Administration.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK M. MURPHY, Sponsor's Agent, W.P.A ..
Report of the Board of Public Welfare
To the Citizens of the Town of Saugus:
Your Board of Public Welfare herewith submits its annual re- port for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1939.
Temporary Aid Division
The total number of families aided in this division were 256, representing approximately 897 individuals.
Hospitalization, medical care and medicine continue to be a large factor in the expense of this de- partment. This is due to the fact that so many of our citizens are on W. P. A. and their earnings so small, that it is impossible for them to take care of emergency operations or extended illness.
Aid to Dependent Children Division
The total number of families aided during the year in this divi- sion were 17, representing 40 per- sons.
Infirmary Division
During the year there were 14 men and 6 women, inmates of the Infirmary, and at the present time there are 11 men and 6 women.
The Infirmary building, this year under a W. P. A. project has been entirely renovated entailing con- siderable expense for new screens, curtains, shades, beds and blank- ets, etc.
Due to the renovation, we now have two rooms where, if neces- sary, sick inmates can be isolated. This has been a long-felt want at the Infirmary and we are happy that it has been remedied. We now feel that our Town Infirmary
is in excellent condition, but also› recognize the fact that in the near future certain additions to the- building must be made if the In- firmary is to be maintained as a. home for the aged and infirm.
In making the foregoing reports. of Temporary Aid, Aid to Depend- ent Children and Infirmary, we" have endeavored to give a clear and concise account of the busi- ness transacted during the year.
We have striven continually to. give the best possible service at the least possible expense to the- taxpayers. In following a con -- sistent policy a board is apt to be- criticized in certain quarters, but we feel that the taxpayers recog -. nize our earnestness to do, not only our duty to the applicant, but. maintain our very real responsi- bility to the taxpayers.
We are exceedingly exercised' regarding the safety from fire of the valuable records of the depart- ment. Should they be destroyed, it would mean a serious loss to the. town. A fireproof vault should be- built and we trust, in the near fu- ture, this emergency will be rem -- edied.
We wish to take this opportun -. ity to thank all individuals and' other charitable organizations of the town for their cooperation and help in the alleviation of suffering: and want.
Respectfully submitted, ARTHUR C. DUNK, Chairman, GUSTAVE A. ANDERSON, Secretary ;.
ERNEST M. HATCH.
131
BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE REPORT
1939]
Report of the Bureau of Old Age Assistance
To the Citizens of the Town of Saugus:
Your Bureau of Old Age Assist- ance herewith submits its annual report for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1939.
The number of recipients under the Old Age Assistance shows a slight increase from a year ago, and, as naturally follows, the ex- pense of the division has been cor- respondingly higher.
Hospitalization, including nurs- ing, home care and burials, has been quite a large item during the year, and although we are eventu- ally reimbursed in part by the
State Department, the initial cost of the above has to be paid out of the current appropriation.
It has been our constant endeav- or to serve the Old Age Assistance recipients in the best possible manner, and we have had many evidences of sincere appreciation from the recipients and their friends.
Respectfully submitted, ARTHUR C. DUNK,
Chairman, GUSTAVE A. ANDERSON, Secretary,
HARRY F. WENTWORTH.
132
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of Cemetery Commisisoners
Your Commissioners are pleased to report that of the $11,000.00 appropriated for the maintenance of the cemetery in 1939 they were able to return to the Treasury $550.83, leaving expenses of $10,- 449.17. We are asking, for the year 1940, the sum of $10,672.50, every cent of which, in our opin- ion, is needed for the proper care and maintenance. The Commis- sioners are not in the habit of sub- mitting inflated budget figures and the present Commissioners do not intend to do so during their tenure of office.
The low rates of interest now paid by the banks on Perpetual Care Trust Funds cannot be helped, but with such funds exceeding $85,- 400.00 at the present time, we are realizing less than we had in 1933 with a deposit of over $50,000.00.
During the past seven years the Cemetery Receipts, paid to the Treasurer, have exceeded the ex- penditures by $18,217.00. We have a contented, reliable staff of four men who are now employed the year round.
With the present demand for lots, additional space will have to be provided and be available for buri- als within the next four to five years; and it might be here said that the receipts from the Montieth Property have verified the predic- tions made when your Commission was advising its purchase, the total expenditures for this entire prop- erty being some $8,500.00; the re- ceipts have already been in ex- cess of $17,000.00 and, eventually, the return will be over $52,000.00.
The special appropriation of $946.00 for the rebuilding of the wall and the erection of a chain link fence at the Old Parish Ceme- tery in Monument Square was not only completed within the appro- priation, but $100.00 of this was supplied for materials towards put- ting in a sidewalk, as a WPA Project, at the old cemetery. We are pleased to advise that there is still a balance of $246.00 on hand out of this appropriation. This sidewalk is supplied with a gran- ite curbing which is permanent and
we feel that it is an addition to Monument Square.
The funds from the Sale of Land in the cemetery now amount to over $30,000.00, which should be deposit- ed to the credit of the Cemetery Account and earning interest for that department.
The co-operation of the Public Works Department Superintendent,. Ernest Merrithew, has made con- siderable saving to the town in the purchase of loam during 1939, in addition to many other assistances- given us by that department. It is very much appreciated.
To the Superintendent and em- ployees, the Commissioners deeply appreciate the loyalty shown throughout the year. When taken into consideration the fact that 31 per cent of our funerals occurred! on Saturday afternoons and Sun- days, it can be realized that week- ends for this department cannot be· planned upon.
The effort it takes to keep the. grounds in proper shape may not. be realized. In addition to mow- ing and trimming there are seven' miles of avenues with edges to be trimmed; over 1500 headstones,. and over 1000 markers to be cared! for in connection with this work.
A special article is being inserted asking for a new one and one-half ton truck chasis. Our one-half ton truck having served for four years,. and being continually overloaded,. it is, from now out, going to be a source of expense. This money, however, can be taken from our surplus and will not add, in any way, to the tax rate. Our reasons for buying the undersized truck was on account of wheelbase where we have corners to turn on our narrow avenues. With the new de- sign of cab over engine we can now purchase a truck of sufficient ca- pacity to take care of our work with the excessive loading and at the same time have a wheelbase which allows us to make the cor- ners in the avenues.
HENRY A. B. PECKHAM, WILLIAM E. LUDDEN, BENJ. A. FULLERTON,
Commissioners.
1939]
Town Clerk's Report
To the Citizens of Saugus:
I submit herewith my Fourth An- nual Report as Town Clerk of the Town of Saugus.
Population
1820
749
1830
690
1840
1,098
1850
1,552
1860
2,024
1865
2,106
1870
2,249
1875
2,570
1880
2,612
1885
2,855
1890
3,673
1895
4,497
1897
4,804
1899
4,775
1901
5,100
1905
6,252
1907
6,585
1908
7,422
1909
7,640
1910
8,042
1911
8,355
1912
8,930
1913
9,060
1914
9,348
1915
10,041
1916
10,394
1917
10,765
1918
10,902
1919
11,007
1920
11,488
1921
11,989
1922
12,118
1923
12,364
1924
12.593
1925
12.743
1926
13.244
1927
13.788
1928
14.269
1929
14,457
-193.0
15.057
1931
15.500 ::
1932
15.800 ..
1933
15,108
1934
14,512
1935
15,076
1936
15,499
1937
15.566
1938
16,106
1939
16,387
The above figures have been sup- plied to me by the Board of Asses- sors, with the exception of 1935,
which is given according to the De- cennial State Census of 1935 and 1939 which was supplied by the Board of Registrars.
Births
Number registered
194
American parentage
151
Foreign parentage
8
Mixed parentage
35
Marriages
Number registered 187
American born
357
Foreign born
17
Average age of groom
28
Average age of bride
25
Oldest person
67
Youngest person
16
Deaths
Number registered 156
Male
75
Female
81
Under 5 years
10
From 5 to 10
1
From 10 to 20
2
From 20 to 30
3
From 30 to 40
5
From 40 to 50
18
From 50 to 60
30
From 60 to 70
33
From 70 to 80
33
From 80 to 90
21
Report of Dog Licenses
796 Males at $2.00 $1592.00
175 Females at $5.00
875.00
192 Spayed Females at $2
384.00
4 Breeders at $25.00. 100.00
2 Breeders at $50.00
100.00
1169
Total $3051.00
Fees retained by Town Clerk
$233.80
Amount paid to Town
Treasurer $2817.20
REPORT OF COLLECTOR OF LICENSE FEES
Jan. 1, 1939 to Dec. 31, 1939
To the Citizens of the Town of Saugus:
I herewith submit my report as Collector of License Fees for the year 1939:
133
REPORT OF TOWN CLERK
134
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
35 Victuallers at $2 $70.00
1 Pool & Bowling at $8 ...
8.00
2 Pool & Bowling at $22 .... 44.00
1 Grove at $5 5.00
13 Entertainment at $5. 65.00
35 Entertainment at $1 (Theatre)
35.00
7 Peddlers at $5
35.00
2 Junk at $5 10.00
7 Auctioneers at $2 14.00
4 Liquor at $250 1000.00
17 Liquor at $150 2550.00
3 Liquor at $100. 300.00
1 Liquor at $50 50.00
1 Liquor at $5 5.00
5 Liquor at $1.00 5.00
2 Amusement at $2 4.00
2 Auto Dealers at $15 30.00
1 Theatre at $30 30.00
1 Theatre at $52 52.00
1 Golf at $5 5.00
Beano
23.50
Paid to Town Treasurer $4340.50 Signed:
VIOLA G. WILSON, Town Clerk.
HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES
Jan. 1, 1939 to Dec. 31, 1939
189 Resident Citizens Fishing at $2 $378.00 33 Resident Citizens Hunting at $2 66.00
30 Resident Citizens
Sporting at $3.25 97.50
25 Minor and Female Fishing at $1.25 31.25
7 Resident Citizens
Trapping at $5.25 36.75
28 Resident Citizens Sporting (free)
1 Duplicate at .50 .50
2 Lobster and Crab at $5 .... 10.00
Total $620.00
Fees Retained by Clerk ....
71.50
Payment to Division of
Fisheries and Game .
$548.50
REPORT OF TOWN CLERK'S FEES
To the Citizens of the Town of Saugus:
I hereby submit my report as Collector of Town Clerk's Fees for the year 1939:
171 Marriage Intentions at $2 $342.00
Mortgages 368.00
Discharges and Assign- ments 35.00
74 Certified Copies at $.25 18.50
17 Married Women's and Business at $.25 4.25
10 Gasoline Permits at $1 10.00
37 Gasoline Permits at $.50 18.50
All other .50
Paid to Town Treasurer ....
$796.75
Signed:
VIOLA G. WILSON, Town Clerk.
Respectfully submitted, VIOLA G. WILSON, Town Clerk.
October 5, 1939.
At a meeting of the Emergency Finance Board of the Common- wealth, held on the fifth day of October, 1939, a majority of said Board being present, the following vote was unanimously passed:
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.