Town annual report of Saugus 1944, Part 11

Author: Saugus (Mass.)
Publication date: 1944
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 168


USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1944 > Part 11


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129


SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC WORKS


1944]


WATER DIVISION


The same condition prevails in this division as in the Ash and Rub- bish Collection. We must at times borrow men from the highway division to help when there are numerous jobs to be done. An extension of 399 feet of 6 inch C. I. main was installed on Aberdeen Avenue. Under our regular maintenance work 47 new services were installed, 73 services were repaired, 200 blow-outs, 173 turn-ons or turn-offs and 224 meter repairs bringing in $3,298.14 revenue.


It will be impossible to repair and re-install all the meters now out unless we can have proper equipment for repair and testing and at least one man who can be used in this work constantly. Many meters now in homes are not operating properly and these would be repaired after installation of those now in the department. I recommend the purchase and installation of a meter testing machine that tests four meters at once and a properly built and equipped meter room. This can be done within a $1,000.00 cost.


The total revenue for water in 1944 amounted to $47,052.35 and $45,196.71 was expended by the department. Profit amounted to $1,855.64. In as much as Saugus allows 50,000 gallons of water for the payment of $10.00 per year, I recommend that the rate be increased to $12.00 per year. This recommendation was made in 1943 and if it had been in effect this year we would have had a profit of over $9,000.00. We have checked many towns and cities and find that Saugus allows more water for less payment. than most of those checked.


SEWER DIVISION


In 1944 we installed a sewer line on Jasper Street. Several direct connections to the sewer line were also made upon the request of the Board of Health.


The sum of $2,303.83 was committed to the Collector for 281 service connections.


There is much work that must be done to improve the sewer system. Many leaks have not been repaired though reported each year with the hope of obtaining an appropriation to set up a crew for maintenance. The pumps at the station should be overhauled by an expert as at present we are experiencing difficulty in operation. One pump is out of commission and must be reconditioned.


GENERAL


As in 1943 I recommend that the town appropriate a sum of money to be set up as a Machinery Fund from which the Selectmen, through bids, may purchase new truck and equipment needed by the department. The present trucks in use and reported as running rate in age from seven to twenty-one years. Most of them should be replaced with new.


I again want to express myself in praise of the personnel of the department. Though a small crew in number they are willing and do the best they can with the equipment.


The report of the Town Engineer of the Department of Public Works will be found on another page.


Respectfully submitted,


CARL E. CHAPMAN, Acting Superintendent P. W. D.


180


TOWN DOCUMENTS


[Dec. 31


Gypsy Moth Report 1944


To the Honorable Board of Select- men :


January to May, the following work was accomplished.


Scouted for Gypsy Moth and Brown Tails town wide, cut and burned brush on numerous road sides. This particular work plan- ned wherever possible to help Pub- lic Works cleaning blind corners etc., cleaned approximately ten acres on Town Farm property for planting of Pine, Spruce trees etc. as a barrier zone to Gypsy Mothand start of town forest. 3500 of these trees consisting of Red Pine, White Pine and Norway Spruce were do- nated by State Department and planted by this department, Boy Scouts and Interested citizens. Plans are now being made to con- tinue this work in 1945 and double the planting.


One small infest of Brown Tails was found near Revere line, this was cleaned up by cutting nest and burning. No trace of infest at this time left. Also cut and destroyed


Tent Caterpillar Webs. Began spraying in May for Tent Cater- pillar and Gypsy Moth and con- tinued through to August for Brown Tail and Web Worm, over forty thousand gallons of arsenate was used and all known infest were treated. Some work was done lat- er on the fall web worm by re- quest of North Saugus citizens where the infest was bad, evident- ly drifting in from neighboring towns. This is not a destructive pest but builds a large nest and is unsightly. Due to hurricane and other tree work the fall scouting for egg masses got started late and is still continuing. From in- spection to date the Brown Tail is cleaned up, the Tent infest will be considerably less but the Gypsy Moth has increased slightly. Fair- ly large infests found at Dudley Street section. However, these will be carefully treated in the spring.


Respectfully submitted,


GEORGE L. PEARCE, Moth Superintendent.


Report of Town Engineer


Mr. Carl E. Chapman


Acting Superintendent


Public Works Department Saugus, Massachusetts


Dear Sir:


I am submitting report of the Engineering Division and time on all. work for the year 1944.


Highway 2712 days


Sewers 301/2 days


Water 171/2 days


Drains 13 days


Street Lines 11 days


Assessors' Dept. 21 days


Office 7012 days


Street Acceptances 29 days


Miscellaneous 31 days


One man was assigned to work for the Assessors' Department from September 5, 1944, to Decem- ber 5, 1944, a total of 63 working days.


Work for the Cemetery Commis- sion on layout of a Veterans' Lot, a total of 20 working days.


Respectfully submitted,


JOHN DYER, Town Engineer.


131


REPORT OF RATIONING BOARD


1944]


Report of Saugus Rationing Board


January 15, 1945


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen


Gentlemen:


In behalf of the members and clerks of the Saugus War Price & Rationing Board, I submit the fol- lowing report for the year 1944:


The Board is composed of the following clerks:


Chief Clerk-Carl B. Maynard


Clerks Priscilla Bartlett Ellen L. Bouve Carol A. Bryer Christine Cunningham Florence Hart


The working hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Board is open to serve the public from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The Board is open on Monday eve- ning from 7 to 9 o'clock, when the Board members meet to transact whatever business may come be- fore them, and serve the citizens of Saugus in all questions which arise in regard to rationing and price control.


During the year 1944, the fol- lowing items were removed from rationing :


Bicycles Passenger and truck tubes Grade III Tires


Coal and wood cooking and heating; stoves Typewriters


The following items were ra- tioned during 1944 and remain on the ration list:


Gasoline Grade I Tires Range and Fuel Oil Most Meats Processed Foods Sugar Stoves Rubber Footwear Shoes


During 1944, this Board ap- proved an average of 200 supple- mental gasoline applications a week, representing 4,559 coupons, or 22,795 gallons of gasoline. 84,750 gallons of gasoline were issued during the year for non- highway purposes. The Regional Office of Price Administration al- lowed this Board a quota of 3,046 gallons of gasoline to be issued to persons to whom it would have caused extreme hardship if they were not granted gasoline for cer- tain purposes. Servicemen home on leave or furlough were granted an average monthly allotment of 1,600 gallons during 1944.


There were 2,519 passenger tires (Grade I) and 250 truck tires, all sizes, issued by certificate to Sau- gus residents.


Thus far, oil rations for the heating season 1944-45 have been granted to 5,000 homes, a total of 368,000 gallons.


War Ration Books #3 and #4 issued to new citizens or to replace lost or stolen books total 400 #3 War Ration Books and 500 #4 War Ration Books.


During the 1944 canning season, 10,435 persons were granted a to- tal of 127,355 pounds of sugar.


Special shoe stamps were issued for 1,065 pairs of shoes.


Certificates were issued for 250 stoves and 50 pairs of rubber foot- wear.


The activities of the Price Con- trol Panel increased during 1944. Ceiling prices were established on the following:


Food


Machinery


Durable Goods Services


Apparel


Periodical price checks were made throughout the year on the above items. The Board stressed food price checks, there being an average of one check a month on all grocery stores. Restaurant


132


TOWN DOCUMENTS


[Dec. 31


owners were required to post in their establishments and file with the Board, ceiling prices on 40 basic items.


In closing this report, I wish to thank the Board members, clerks and citizens of Saugus for their cooperation during 1944, which has helped to make this one of the


most efficient and well coordinated boards in Massachusetts.


Respectfully submitted, JOHN W. WHITE, Chairman,


War Price & Rationing Board #269.


Report of the Police Department


January 1, 1945


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


It again becomes my pleasure to present to you my fourteenth an- nual report of the Police Depart- ment for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1944.


The Department consists of a Chief, one Captain, one Lieutenant, twelve Regular Patrolmen, and five Reserve Officers. There are also thirty-five Special Police Officers, thirteen of which are equipped with uniforms and are capable of doing regular Police work in emer- gencies. There are also the Watch- men at the Lynn Water Sheds, who are Special Police Officers. There are five in this group. -


The Roster of the Police Depart- ment is as follows:


Chief: John T. Stuart.


Captain: Henry P. Wheaton.


Lieutenant: Roland E. Mansfield.


Regular Patrolmen: James P. Sullivan, Clarence H. Berrett, Wil- liam MacDongall, Joseph A. Lam- bert, Jr., James F. Maher, Thomas F. Spencer, Walter F. Neal, Wil- liam F. Cahill, Ernest A. Dunham, Carl G. W. Pearson, Edgar T. Mc- Kenney, Rosario A. Bucchiere.


Reserve Patrolmen: Walter J. Elsmore, Edward F. Newbury, An- thony McNeil, George F. Riley, Fred Forni.


Daily reports of Officers show the following Assaults 5, women and girls accosted 2, larceny 104, breaks 53, articles lost 39, articles found 50, windows broken 42, property damaged 34, autos stolen 15, autos recovered 25, drunken- ness 45, disturbance 42, domestic trouble 37, prowlers and peepers 37, missiles thrown 27, dogs lost 82, dogs found 93, dogs barking 27, bitten by dogs 58, birds and ani- mals killed by dogs 21, animals killed 66, persons missing 51, per- sons found 48, holes in sidewalks and streets 16, playing in streets 17, investigated or notified for other authorities 126, doors and windows found open and lights found burning 309, conveyed to hospitals 61, conveyed from hos- pitals 205, fires discovered or re- sponded to 61, all others 965, in- vestigations made 487.


During the year 1944 there were 486 arrested: Of this number 335 were males and 18 were females and 20 juveniles. Out of town ar- rests, 113.


The arrests were for the follow- ing offences: Adultery 13, deserter from the Army or Navy 1, driving a motor vehicle so as to endanger the lives and safety of the public 3, driving a motor vehicle under hte influence of liquor 35, drunken- ness 150, false alarm of fire 3, vio- lation of the Fish and Game Law 1, fornication 2, indecent exposure 1, lewd cohabitation 2, violation of Motor Vehicle Law 55, non support 2, violation traffic rules 15, tramps


133


REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT


1944]


1, truancy 2, assaults 12, rape- assault to and attempt 5, robbery 1, threats 2, profanity 1, runaway 4, assault on police officer 2, de- fault 3, obtaining money under false pretences 1, Arson 2, break- ing and entering an dlarceny 15, evading fare 1, larceny and at- tempt 9, larceny of automobile 4, malicious mischief 15, receiving stolen goods 1, trespass 1, using motor vehicle without authority 6.


Total amount of fines collected from defendants by Saugus Trial Justice Court and the Lynn Dis- trict Court, total $4,137.00.


At this time I want to call your attention to the fact that during the past year your Board added one more permanent officer to the force which went into effect August 1, 1944. This adddition to the De- partment was very much needed and is appreciated.


One other matter that there is a great deal of favorable comment on, not only myself and my officers


but from several citizens of the town, and that is the vote of the last Town Meeting allowing $500 toward the purchase of uniforms for the men of the Department, which in all makes a better ap- pearance of the officers before the public eye and is a credit to the town to have their officers well dressed. This in my opinion should be continued.


Now your Board saw fit to change the prowl car service from 19 hours to 24 hour service and two men in the car each shift. This has made a lot more mileage on the cars and requires a larger expense, and it is my recommendation to your Board that the two cars, which are three and four years old, be replaced by two new cars. This will save money and give reliable service.


Respectfully submitted,


JOHN T. STUART Chief.


Report of the Trustees and Staff of the Saugus Public Library


In January of 1944 the library was fortunate to acquire as first assistant, Miss E. Frances Abbott, formerl ylibrarian of the Public Library in Belfast, Maine. Miss Abbott's experienced and willing co-operation have aided greatly in the organization of a smoothly op- erating and library schedule.


· On March 20th, the Trustees an- nounced that the Main Library would be open to the public every morning but Saturday at ten o'clock. Previous to that time, the library had not opened until one- thirty in the afternoon. By this new arrangement, the library was made available to borrowers 52 hours per week, as contrasted with 341/2 hours under the old schedule. This increase of hours open was announced in the Lynn and Saugus


newspapers. Printed slips, giving the weekly schedules of the Main Library and branches have been distributed to the public.


The foregoing items are, we feel, factors in the appreciable gain in circulation over the previous year. This increase, while somewhat un- evenly distributed, amounts to ap- proximately 3200 in the total fig- ure. The Cliftondale and East Sau- gus branches show a slight loss from the 1943 figure, but the Main Library gained 5450, and it is prob- able that this is due in part to the fact that some borrowers from those sections have found their way to Saugus Center. The North Sau- gus Branch, although small, has also shown a remarkable increase in use this past year. The interest and helpfulness of Mrs. Moses, the


134


TOWN DOCUMENTS


[Dec. 31


librarian at this branch, and the increase in the size of the book col- lection which was made possible by new shelves, have both been appre- ciated by the people of North Sau- gus. This is evidenced by the cir- culation record, which is 1500 greater than in 1943.


The months of July and August were marked by the usual summer reading contest for children. This time, book thermometers which rose 10 degrees for each book read, were the means of interesting the younger groups. There were 28 contestants in the Main Library, 26 in Cliftondale, and 37 in East Saugus. Badges were awarded to the child in each section who read the most books and reported on them satisfactorily. By way of cel- ebrating the end of the contest, all members were invited to a morn- ing story hour, which was held in the auditorium of the Sweetser school. For this story hour, the librarian was fortunate in securing the services of Mrs. Mary B. Bart- lett, Supervisor of Work with Chil- dren in the Somerville Public Li- brary. Mrs. Bartlett is a trained reader, and gave the children a memorable treat.


The library has made a special effort during this year to co-oper- ate with the High School in the matter of required reading for Eng lish. A special section of the main- reading room has been set aside, and on these shelves have been placed those books which are rec- ommended by the English Depart- ment of the High School. These books have all been graded and marked in accordance with the ap- proved lists, to facilitate students in their selection. This section has proved to be one of the most ac- tive in the library, and seems to be constantly in a state of flux. The teachers of English in the High School and Central Junior High held a meeting at the library to discuss new titles which would be suitable to add to this collection.


The second week in November is the nationally celebrated Children's Book Week. This year the library made a greater effort than ever before to stimulate the interest of


both children and parents in the many beautiful and worth-while books now being published for younger readers. The Main Library and all the branches had large col- lections of new books on display during the week, and available for circulation immediately afterward. The Boys' and Girls' Room at the Main library was newly decorated with colorful curtains and posters. Story hours, on Tuesday and Thursday, which nearly seventy children attended on each day, were held by Mrs. Walkey. A part of each programme was devoted to music, which was supplied by rec- ords lent by various friends of the library. At Cliftondale, Miss Ab- bott gave a library talk to a group of fourth-grade children on Friday afternoon. The librarian was in- vited to give reviews of the fall juvenile books to the Cradle Roll Group of the Cliftondale Congre- gational Church, and also to the Parent-Teachers Association of the Sweetser school. The interest evinced by many people for these activities has been very gratifying.


During the year, the librarian has also spoken at the Lynnhurst Parent-Teachers Association on "Books for Everyday Living," and has given a review of some popular spring books for the Lynnhurst Women's Club.


Since the morning opening of the library, it has not been possible for all the staff to attend all of the professional settings which add so much to our breadth of vision and future plans, but we have tried to make it possible for each mem- ber to attend some meetings, and to hold a conference afterward, passing on to the others what we have gained. By this method, we have all had some share in the pro- fessional gatherings of the Massa- chusetts Library Association, the Round Table of Children's Libra- rians, the Boston Book Review Club, the North Shore Library Club, a New England Regional Li- brary Conference which was held at Simmons College, and a confer- ence on Adult Education in the Post-War World. The staff feels that it has gained much in new ideas from the opportunities to


135


TRUSTEES & STAFF OF PUBLIC LIBRARY


1944]


hear what larger libraries and other educational agencies are planning for the future.


The library feels that it has been very fortunate this year in receiv- ing publicity for its activities through the willing co-operation of the Saugus reporters for the Lynn and Saugus papers. We wish at this time to extend our thanks for this, and also to express apprecia- tion to those friends of the library who have helped us to succeed in some of our projects. The librarian wishes personally to thank the trustees and all the members of the library staff for many kind- nesses which have aided greatly in making this a successful year.


Respectfully submitted,


ALICE HAMILTON BOYD, Librarian.


American Library Association


Form of Statistics-1944


ANNUAL REPORT for the Year Ending December 31, 1944


Name of Library-Saugus Free Public Library


Town-Saugus, Massachusetts


Librarian-Alice Hamilton Boyd


Date of Founding-1887


Population Served-16,194


Assessed Valuation-$15,623,323


Library Appropriation per Capita -$.679


Total Number of Agencies-6 Consisting of: Main Library Cliftondale Branch


East Saugus Branch North Saugus Branch Lynnhurst Branch High School


Hours Open for Lending and Ref- erence:


Main Library-52 Cliftondale-21 East Saugus-101/2 North Saugus-4 Lynnhurst-3


High School-828 (hours per


school year) )


Book Stock:


Volumes at beginning of year- 24,297


Volumes added-1763


Volumes withdrawn-261


Total-25,799


Circulation Record:


Main Library 35,242


Cliftondale 23,768


East Saugus 8,178


North Saugus 4,947


Lynnhurst


3,212


High School 3,508


Total


78,855


Registration Record-1944:


Main Library 385


Cliftondale 322


East Saugus


72


North Saugus


49


Lynnhurst 22


Total


850


Registration Record Totals:


Main Library 3,238


Cliftondale


1,697


East Saugus 437


North Saugus 182


Lynnhurst 81


Total


5,635


Trustees :


Albert R. Magee, Chairman


Leverett B. Mears, Secretary


Walter D. Blossom


Ashton F. Davis


Kaler A. Perkins


Chauncy V. Whittredge


Staff :


Alice Hamilton Boyd, Librarian E. Frances Abbott, First Assist- ant


Marjorie P. Walkey, General As- sistant


Alice M. Lang, Branch Librarian, Cliftondale Branch Library


Aginess I. Blossom, Branch Li- brarian, East Saugus Branch Library


Maude Moses, Branch Librarian, North Saugus Branch Library Anna J. Swanson, Branch Libra- rian, Lynnhurst Branch Library Hour Workers:


Barbara Henderson Elaine MacLaren Muriel Kennedy Wilma Prestat


Thomas Courant


Umun of Saugus


Commonwealth of Massachusetts


ANNUAL REPORT


of the


School Committee


and SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS


of the


Town of Saugus, Massachusetts


FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1944


U


GU


T


S


.


.


1629-07


₹ 815


3


REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE


1944]


Report of the School Committee


School Committee HARRY F. WENTWORTH Chairman 11 Emory Street Term expires-1946


WALDO B. RUSSELL 8 Anawan Avenue Term expires-1946 GEORGE A. McCARRIER 31 Prospect Street Term expires-1947 WILLIAM S. BRAID 6 Allison Road Term expires-1945 DR. JOHN L. SILVER 35 Main Street Term expires-1945


Superintendent of Schools VERNON W. EVANS 94 Chestnut Street Office-High School Building Office Hours-3 to 4 P.M. (Every school day)


Secretary To the Superintendent ANNA V. JACOBS 20 Felton Street


In Charge of Attendance ANNE C. HUNTLEY 435 Walnut Street HAROLD E. HALEY 72 Jasper Street


School Physicians DR. LEROY C. FURBUSH 420 Lincoln Avenue DR. JAMES A. CLARK 545 Lincoln Avenue DR. JOSEPH O. WARD 40 Main Street DR. PRISCILLA FLOCKTON 311 Central Street


School Nurse ANNE C. HUNTLEY 435 Walnut Street


High School Principal JOHN A. W. PEARCE 5 Myrtle Street


School Calendar


Fall term, 1944: Opened, Sep- tember 6, 1944. Closed, December 22, 1944.


Winter term, 1945 (first half) : Opens, January 2, 1945. Closes, February 16, 1945.


Winter term, 1945 (second half) : Opens, February 26, 1945. Closes, April 13, 1945.


Spring term, 1945: Opens, April 23, 1945. Closes, June 22, 1945.


NO SCHOOL SIGNALS Elementary Grades


8 A.M. Radio announcement from radio station WNAC means no morning session for the elemen- tary grades and opportunity class.


12 noon to 12:45 P.M. Radio announcement from radio station WNAC means no afternoon ses- sion for elementary grades.


High and Junior High Schools


6:45 A.M. Radio announcement from radio station WNAC means no session of Senior or Junior High Schools on that day.


School Telephones


Armitage School 1090


Ballard School 1091


Cliftondale School 1092


Emerson School 1093


Felton School 1094


Lynnhurst School 1095


Sweetser School 1097


North Saugus School


1098


Roby School


1099


Oaklandvale School


0731


Centre School 1388


High School 0260


Superintendent's Office 0775


Business Office 1420


Guidance Office


1699


REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE


To the Citizens of Saugus:


At a meeting of the School Com- mittee which took place on January 15, 1945, it was unanimously voted to accept the annual report of the Superintendent of Schools as the report of the School Committee re- quired by the statutes.


HARRY F. WENTWORTH, Chairman-School Committee.


4


ENROLMENT - DECEMBER 1944


SCHOOLS


1


2


3


4


5


6


7


8


9


10


11


12 Spec. Totals


Armitage


32


25


13


23


36


30


....


....


....


....


....


....


....


159


Ballard


25


41


43


39


37


39


....


28


....


....


....


14


14


....


....


....


..


....


....


280


Cliftondale


38


36


28


39


....


....


....


..


..


..


..


..


..


....


106


Emerson


40


27


37


41


36


33


....


...


....


....


....


....


....


214


Felton


22


15


12


14


12


15


....


....


....


....


....


....


90


Lynnhurst


23


15


14


18


13


15


....


....


....


....


....


...


....


98


North Saugus


19


12


14


19


26


22


....


....


....


....


....


....


..


....


....


....


27


35


32


....


....


....


....


....


....


278


Centre


27


11


17


....


....


....


....


....


....


....


....


....


14


69


Sweetser


....


....


....


....


40


41


109


115


....


....


....


....


....


....


....


....


....


....


....


....


....


....


247


185


183


167


782


High


328


Central Junior High


....


..


....


....


....


....


177


151


....


....


....


..


....


Totals


326


242


254


272


259


261


286


266


247


185


183


167


14


2962


-


..


29


21


31


25


....


....


....


..


Oaklandvale


43


39


45


27


10


20


....


....


....


....


141


TOWN DOCUMENTS


[Dec. 31


112


Roby


305


.....


GRADES


5


REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE


1944]


In Memoriam


DR. MARY PENNY


SCHOOL PHYSICIAN SINCE 1929


DIED IN FALMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS ON APRIL 17, 1944


Service Not Self


School Committee


HARRY F. WENTWORTH, Chairman WALDO B. RUSSELL GEORGE A. MCCARRIER WILLIAM S. BRAID DR. JOHN L. SILVER


6


TOWN DOCUMENTS


[Dec. 31


Retired After Long Service


ELIZABETH C. NELSON


APPOINTED TO TEACH IN SAUGUS IN 1913


COMPLETED THIRTY-ONE YEARS OF CONTINUOUS TEACHING SERVICE AND RETIRED IN JUNE 1944


Faithful in Service


School Committee


HARRY F. WENTWORTH, Chairman WALDO B. RUSSELL


GEORGE A. MCCARRIER WILLIAM S. BRAID DR. JOHN L. SILVER


7


REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE




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