USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1951 > Part 2
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1,053,212.84
Number of Live Stock Assessed
Horses
32
Cows
29
Swine
653
Fowl
3379
Number of acres of Land Assessed
4840
Number of Dwelling Houses Assessed
4251
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
Number of Vehicles
7200
Value of Vehicles
2,900,310.00
Excise Tax
107,286.83
Arthur E. Gustafson F. Dudley Bacon Delmont E. Goding
Library
Another year of library service has come to a close and the Board of Library Trustees herewith submits an annual report of the department's accomplishments and activities. Again there have been personnel changes. The Board accepted with regret the resig- nation of Mrs. Phyllis H. Brown, acting assistant librarian, effective September 15, 1951. The vacancy was filled by the appointment of Mrs. Gladys H. Warren. Mrs. Warren brings to the staff good college background supplemented by first-hand contact with High School students. Such connections are invaluable in work with boys and girls in a library. Margaret D. Adams has been assigned to fill the vacancy at East Saugus caused by Mrs. Warren's promotion to the staff.
Several special features have been carried out during the year which have been aids in the field of public relations. Miss Blackmer, Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Warren have given book talks and story hours for schcols and local organizations. Mrs. Brown supervised a sum- mer reading program - a Secret Book Club - with prizes and a party to wind up the project. A new first-year Great Books Dis- cussion Group was organized under the direction of Mr. Earl Hills and Mr. James Toothaker. At the suggestion of the librarian 2 course in the political and economic history of the United States from 1870-1920 was set up. Mr. Richard Hildreth, a Saugus resident and teacher of United States History in the Melrose High School, was the instructor. Although there were only fifteen people enrolled the course proved very profitable and was enjoyed by those partici- pating. It is hoped that this beginning may lead to further use of the library as an Adult Education Center for the town. The librarian and staff had a part in the CARE-UNESCO BOOK FAIR sponsored by the Lynn Public Library. It was a privilege to have a connection with such a successful and worthwhile project. The staff has attended meetings of the North Shore Library Club. This pro- fessional group meets quarterly for lectures and round table dis- cussions of current library problems.
The Saugus Public Library celebrated the 100th anniversary of the establishment of free public libraries in Massachusetts by endorsing Public Library Week, May 21-26. There were special exhibits in the Main Library arranged by local clubs. Story hours were conducted for boys and girls; a morning book talk was ar- ranged by the librarian and the highlight of the week was an Open House - the first of its kind - at the Main Library. Mrs. Lillian D. George, a member of the Board of Trustees, gave her talk on Madonnas of Many Lands and the evening closed with a social hour. Again we hope this may be the beginning of an annual custom which will extend our hospitality to more and more townspeople.
Several teachers from Saugus schools have brought groups to the library for instruction in the use and set-up of the library. The librarian has conducted classes at High School - instructing the boys and girls in the use of the Readers' Guide to Periodical Litera- ture and other reference books. The revision of the library deposit in the High School library has been .continued. The increase in circulation of books at the High School shows an appreciation of this change in the book stock. The circulation figures for the last three years show a steady increase which is gratifying: 1949 - 2699; 1950 - 4375; 1951 - 5277.
The brightest spot in our library year was the installation of fluorescent lights throughout the building at the Main Library at Saugus Center. A special appropriation, spent under the direction
of the Town Manager, made this new lighting possible. The public, the library staff and the Board of Trustees are very grateful for this improvement.
The Board of Trustees expresses thanks for the gifts of books, pictures, flowers and all other expressions of good will received throughout the year.
American Library Association Form of Statistics
Annual Report for the year ending December 31, 1951
Name of library
Town
Librarian
Saugus Free Public Library Saugus, Massachusetts Huldah Blackmer 1887
Date of founding
Population served (1950 census)
17,329
Library appropriation per capita
Total number of agencies
$ .88 7
Consisting of :
Main Library
Lynnhurst Branch
Cliftondale Branch
High School North Saugus Branch
Oaklandvale Branch
Hours open for lending and reference (per week) :
Main Library 371%
Cliftondale Branch
21
East Saugus Branch 131/2
Lynnhurst Branch
3
North Saugus Branch
4
Oaklandvale Branch (for juveniles only)
2
High School (hours per school year)
828
Book stock :
Volumes at beginning of year
27,997
Volumes added 1,930
Volumes withdrawn
537
Total
29,390
Circulation record :
Main Library
37,273
Cliftondale Branch
21,259
East Saugus Branch
7,374
Lynnhurst Branch
2,558
North Saugus Branch
3,176
Oaklandvale Branch
2,901
High School
5,277
Total
79,818
East Saugus Branch
Registration record:
Active Borrowers
New or Re-registered borrowers
Main Library
3,094
687
Cliftondale Branch
1,639
447
East Saugus Branch
656
181
Lynnhurst Branch 126
33
North Saugus Branch
181
32
Oaklandvale Branch
126
40
Totals
5,822
1,420
Staff :
Huldah Blackmer, librarian
Phyllis H. Brown, Acting First Assistant (until Sept. 15, 1951)
Gladys H. Warren, Acting First Assistant Frances Sperry, Branch librarian - Cliftondale and Lynnhurst Maude Moses, Branch librarian - North Saugus Margaret D. Adams, Nettie Sargent, assistants - East Saugus Elizabeth Platt, assistant - Oaklandvale
Hour workers:
Ruth Hollett
Anita Mitton
Ethel B. Mears
Robert Quirk
Robert Forward Janice Lassell Board of Library Trustees: Harold J. Adlington Lillian D. George Kaler A. Perkins Catherine Reynolds Ernest L. Shapiro William Irby, chairman
Board of Health
Mr. Norman G. Young
Town Manager Saugus, Mass.
Dear Sir:
It is the duty and the privilege of the Board of Health to submit its Annual report for the year ending December 31, 1951. The duties of the department of health are varied and numerous.
We are, indeed, fortunate in having two well trained employees, with years of experience and an interest in their work.
The Dental Clinic plays an important part in the health of our children. During the school year two clinics were held each week and a total of 605 visits were made for filling, extractions and cleaning.
For lack of space it is impossible to give a detailed report of all activities.
At present there are eight persons in the various sanatoria - Essex, North Reading and Lakeville. 237 Contacts of Tuberculosis were X-rayed at Essex Sanatorium and the Lynn Health Depart- ment. Total number patch tested for tuberculosis in grade schools, private school and kindergartens was 324.
Total number inoculated against Diphtheria 102. 981 visits were made on Tuberculosis patients and contacts, premature babies, investigation of settlements, collection of specimens for diagnosis, inspection of infant boarding homes, convalescent homes, rhumatic and orthopedic clinics and poliomyelitis.
Under public health laws enacted recently, prematurely born infants weighing 51/2 pounds or less became the responsibility of the Board of Health. There were seven within this group from the Town this past year.
328 permits were issued for the sale of ice cream, oleomargerine, transportation of garbage, burial and clam shucking houses.
191 licenses were granted for the sale of milk and cream, from stores and vehicles, collection of butchers waste, pasteurization, manufacture of carbonated beverages, methyl alcohol, drain layers and miscellaneous licenses.
402 plumbing permits were granted with 952 plumbing inspec- tions. 201 animal permits and 208 cabin permits were granted. 242 samples of milk and cream were taken for analysis. 166 dogs were placed in quarantine following complaints of dog bite. 94 locations for septic tanks and disposal fields were inspected and approved, also 116 new cesspools and 28 blind drains were located and ap- proved. Locations for 9 new wells were approved and water analysis made. Also water analysis was made on 14 old wells. 3 wells were condemned as unfit for drinking purposes. 23 dye tests were made on sewage disposal systems.
22
Complaints received at the Board of Health office are numerous and varied. Many of these complaints require personal investigation.
Stores, restaurants, bakeries, fountains and bars are inspected and swab tests are taken for laboratory tests, for bacteria.
The Saugus Community X-Ray Survey sponsored by the Mass. Dept. of Public Health, Essex County Health Association and the Saugus Board of Health was very successful. A total of 4876 persons were X-Rayed. 43 showed evidence of pulmonary tuberculosis, of these, 6 were previously unknown active cases. 1 new case was well advanced and has been admitted to Essex Sanatorium. 22 non- tubular pulmonary diseases and 38 cardiovascular diseases were discovered. All these findings are being followed up by our depart- ment.
Sewer construction is urgently needed on Oak Hill Road and Briggs Court to care for overflowing cesspools and the present high school should be connected with the sewer in 1952.
The efficiency of the department has been very much diminish- ed by the loss of a clerk. Many of the things necessary for ordinary office procedure have to be neglected. It is our sincere hope that in the near future we have the services of a full time clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
Leroy A. Furbush
Peter L. Grady Arthur W. Price
Public Welfare
To the Citizens of the Town of Saugus.
The Board of Public Welfare submits its annual report for the year ending December. 31, 1951 covering three categories of aid: General Relief
Expended in 1951 $22,021.97
Accounts Receivable :
From Commonwealth of Mass. $1,589.21
From Cities and Towns 1,097.82
From Individuals 143.65
2,830.68
Net cost to the town for 1951 $19,191.29
During the year there were 23 applications for General Relief, 19 of which were aided, 2 rejected and 2 withdrawn. The average number of cases aided on General Relief each month in Saugus was 23. There were 47 cases aided out of town with Saugus settlements.
23
Aid To Dependent Children
Aid to Dependent Children - AID Expended in 1951
$29,573.05
Accounts Receivable : From U. S. Grants From Commonwealth of Mass.
$13,234.84
9,675.16
22,910.00
Net cost to the town for 1951 $ 6,663.05
Aid to Dependent Children - ADMINISTRTION
Expended in 1951 $ 714.50
Accounts Receivable : From U. S. Grants $ 480.25
480.25
Net cost to the Town for 1951 $ 234.25 During the year 1951 there were 18 applications for Aid to Dependent Children, 2 of which were rejected and 16 aided.
There was an average of 25 cases aided in Saugus during the year 1951 amounting to $29,239.90 or $97.46 per case per month. The following is a breakdown of the $97.46 case.
A case with 2 dependent children and an eligible parent $97.46 Federal share 1/2 of $72. plus $3. for each eligible recipient 45.00
State's share 1/3rd of the total amount of aid 32.48
Local share 19.98
Old Age Assistance
Old Age Assistance - AID
Expended in 1951
$214,020.65
Accounts Receivable :
From U. S. Grants
$107,357.41
From Commonwealth of Mass.
80,617.48
From Cities and Towns 4,448.95
From State Meal Tax
3,635.55
Recoveries 76.43
196,135.82
Net cost to the Town for 1951
17,884.83
Old Age Assistance - ADMINISTRATION
Expended in 1951 $ 6,414.18
Accounts Receivable :
From U. S. Grants $ 2,709.86
2,709.86
Net cost to the Town for 1951 $ 3,704.32
During the year 1951 there were 59 applications for Old Age Assistance, 9 were rejected, 2 were withdrawn, and 48 received aid. There were 34 deaths and 11 transfers. There were 283 active cases during the month of December 1951.
During the year 1951 there was an average of 292 cases aided at a cost of $204,197.24 or $58.27 per case per month. The following is a break-down of the $58.27 case.
av. case $58.27
Federal share 1/2 up to $50. plus $5. per month
30.00
$28.27
State's share 2/3rds of the remainder
18.85
Local share 1/3rd of the remainder
9.42
Effective Oct. 1, 1951 the State Standard Budget was adjusted and all budgets were refigured and increased accordingly.
Total receipts and expenditures on all categories of relief as follows:
Receipts
Expenditures $ 22,021.97
General Relief
Aid to Dependent Children - Aid
$ 2,830.68 22,910.00
29,573.05
Aid to Dependent
Children - Admin.
480.25
714.50
Old Age Assistance - Aid
196,135.82
214,020.65
Old Age Assistance - Admin.
2,709.86
6,414.18
225,066.61
272,744.35
225,066.61
$ 47,677.74
During the past year this department has operated under very trying conditions. The position of Agent has never been filled due ination is scheduled for March 1, 1952, but it will be four to five to postponements of examination, twice, by Civil Service. An exam- months before an Agent can be appointed as it takes this long for Civil Service to process the examinations.
We have been assisted on a part-time basis by Mr. Francis E. Wallace, Agent in the Town of Wakefield, but the best he could do was to make the required number of visits which is mandatory.
The office routine has suffered as we are so definitely under- staffed. The State Department of Public Welfare in a personnel survey made Sept. 1948 recommended for a total case load, at that time - 259, an office force consisting of the following - under the directorship of the Board of Public Welfare - 1 Agent, 2 Social Workers, 2 Stenographers and 3 Clerks.
Our present case load is 331, an increase of 72 cases from the time of the survey. We feel that the recommendation of the State
Net cost to the Town
Department need not be followed in full but do most definitely feel that the personnel should consist of the following: 1 Agent, I Social Worker, 1 Principal Clerk and 2 Junior Clerks. Respectfully submitted, Ernest M. Hatch, Chairman Harry F. Wentworth, Secretary Priscilla Flockton, M.D.
Superintendent of Buildings
Mr. Norman G. Young
Town Manager
Saugus, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
Following is the report of the Superintendent of Buildings for the year ending Dec. 31, 1951.
Type
Number
Valuation
Dwellings
91
$ 953,800
Repairs and alterations
203
107,903
Garages
35
25,100
Hen Coop
1
400
Sheds
9
6,775
Gasoline Station
1
7,000
Sign
1
1,500
Excavate
2
School Repairs
1
25,000
Demolish
16
Insulate
1
2,300
Projecting Signs
27
391
$ 1,129,778
The sum of $1140 was turned over to the Town Treasurer. This money was received for permits issued during the year.
During the year of 1951, a very gratifying amount of improve- ment was accomplished in many of our schools, library and other public buildings.
At this time, it gives me much pleasure to express my thanks „to all departments of the Town who so willingly gave me their cooperation.
Respectfully, FRED A. PHILLIPS Acting Building Inspector
26
Veterans' Benefits
February 11, 1952
Mr. Norman G. Young, Town Manager Town Hall
Saugus, Massachusetts
Dear Sir :-
The year 1951 did not receive the requests for help in this department as in previous years due largely to steady industrial conditions. There were, however, the average requests for medical aid and treatment and in a few cases this feature exceeded previous years.
The case load handled was 41 cases in which 88 persons were benefited. This is broken down by 1 Civil War widow, 1 Spanish War veteran, 1 Phillipine Insurrection widow, 14 World War 1 and 23 World War II cases, duly processed and approved by the Com- missioner in the State Department.
The Town received reimbursements totalling $7,366.48 from the Commonwealth and the unexpended balance at the end of the year was $499.83.
It is the wish of the writer to extend to all departments his thanks for their aid and cooperation in carrying on the work of the department.
Respectfully, N. V. Barlett, Agent
Police Department
Norman G. Young, Town Manager,
Town Hall,
Saugus, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I hereby tender to you the annual report of the Police Depart- ment, together with its doings, for the year ending December 31, 1951.
The roster of the department is as follows:
Chief Roland E. Mansfield Captain Vacant
Sergeants Fred Forni James F. Maher
Charles N. Wormstead 3rd
27
Patrolmen
William F. Cahill
William D. McNulty
Edgar T. McKenney
Edward J. Koschei
Walter J. Elsmore
Joseph P. A. Collette
Carl G. W. Pearson
Edward F. Newbury
John J. Mclaughlin
Ralph E. Pace Ernest A. Dunham
Rosario A. Bucchiere
Joseph A. Taatjes
Reserve Officers
Anthony J. McNeil George F. Riley
Three vacancies
The daily reports of the members of the department show that during the year the following reports and complaints were entered : Assault, 28; women and girls accosted, 13; larceny, 150; breaks, 70; articles lost, 81; articles found, 94; windows broken, 180; other property damaged, 99; autos stolen, 15; stolen autos recovered, 20; drunken persons, 48; disturbances, 141; domestic trouble, 56; prowlers and peepers, 39; missles thrown, 17; dogs lost, 112; dogs found, 152; dogs barking, 39; persons bitten by dogs, 78; birds or animals killed by dogs, 64; animals killed, 69; persons missing, 94; persons found, 93; holes in sidewalks or streets, 28; notified or investigated for other authorities, 214; windows and doors found open, 449; lights found burning, 90; conveyed to hospitals, 223; conveyed from hospitals, 40; fires discovered or responded to, 66; all others, 526. Grand total 4231, an increase of 593 over the year 1950. 843 investigations were made during the year.
In 1951 916 arrests were made of which 40 were females and 23 were juveniles. The arrests were for the following offenses : Drunkeness, 223; motor vehicle violations, 553; harbor laws, 1; adultery, 2; lewdness, 4; rape, 6; indecent exposure, 1; accosting opposite sex, 3; obscene language, 2; unnatural act, 1; robbery while armed, 5; carrying firearms without license, 11; possessing burglarious tools, 6; breaking and entering, night time, 4; larceny, 19; malicious destruction of property, 4; concealing mortgaged property, 2; malicious mischief, 2; manslaughter, 1; assault and battery, 6; cruelty to animals, 2; breach of peace, 4; railer and brawler, 1; trespass, 2; vagrancy, 1; tuancy, 3; runaway, 1; stub- born child, 2; vio. fish and game laws, 4; vio. health laws, 12; vio. conditions of probation, 4; non-support, 2; keeping unlicensed dog, 2; absent without leave, 5; unlawful possession of alcoholic bever- ages, 1; unlawful possession of government property, 6; open and gross lewdness, 2; setting up lottery, 2; accepting bets, 1; maintain- ing rooms for betting, 1.
During the past year there were two members of the depart- ment retired on pension, Captain Henry P. Wheaton and Patrolman William MacDougall, both veteran police officers. In neither case has the position been filled. This should be done as soon as possible
in order to maintain that degree of efficiency which existed pre- viously.
In 1951 several forward steps were taken. The teletypewriter was re-installed. This machine is a very necessary adjunct to any police department as it disseminates information needed to keep abreast of criminal activities in cther communities. Sirens and blue caution lights are now equipment on all rolling stock in the depart- ment. The value of these accessories need not be commented upon. The addition of three sergeants is a need that has at last become a reality. With their aid your department, must of necessity, become more efficient. Another valuable addition was the modern three-way radio system, which replaced the out-moded, unsatisfactory set which preceded it. Crosswalks, parking stalls and curbings were painted which assisted us greatly and I feel certain that with the installation of parking signs this spring, our parking problems will be lessened to a great degree.
Once again I wish to call to your attention the serious lack of man power in this department. This handicaps us very much in the carrying out of our duties and throws much extra work on the present personnel. Even a few more officers added to our roster would provide us the opportunity to more nearly offer the protection and service to which we feel the inhabitants of Saugus are justly entitled. This shortage is a very serious matter and should be given consideration, as it has been only through good fortune that we have been able to carry on as satisfactorily as we have.
In closing I would like to take this opportunity to thank all persons who have assisted us in the past. This includes Mr. Charles DeFronzo, Superintendent of Public Works, whose department has rendered very valuable service ; Mr. Mark Randall, Town Electrician, who has at all times stood ready to assist; the Town Engineering Department which has never refused to cooperate; C. Carroll Cunningham, Justice of the local court, for his fine attitude; and especially all members of the police department for their extreme willingness and loyalty, without which much accomplished last year would have been impossible.
To you, Mr. Manager, my sincere thanks for your courtesy and kindly relations throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted, ROLAND E. MANSFIELD,
Chief of Police
Fire Department
To the Honorable Manager, Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of the Town of Saugus.
I hereby submit the annual report on the personnel, condition and activities of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1951.
ROSTER
Chief George B. Drew Captain Joseph L. Maguire
Lieutenants
Albert F. Jervis Norman T. Hull
Permanent Firemen
Harold Atkinson
Charles Ryder
Alfred Bird
John LaViska
Warren Newhall
Leslie Hitchings
George Parrott
Walter Wetmore
Leo Cahill
George Berrett
Guy Collins
Joseph Champoux
Frank Beckford
George Howard
Robert Jacobs
Thomas Nolan
Robert Champoux
Call Firemen
Lewis Gray Arthur Gustafson
Randolph Popp Joseph Vatcher
During the year 1951 the Fire Department responded to 465 alarms and calls for fire and other emergencies. There were 40 Box Alarms and 423 telephone calls. Aid was dispatched out of town twice.
The Department used 4,750 feet of 21/2" hose, 6,400 feet of 11/2" hose, 45,050 feet of 3/4" hose, 16 CO2 Extinguishers, 273 feet of ladders and 48 tanks of Oxygen and other First Aid Equipment.
During the year, Engine No. 1 (Seagraves), the Portable Buffalo Trailer Pump, and the Lighting Trailer and Equipment were given to Civilian Defense.
Engine No. 2 is in good condition but now 22 years old. Engine No. 3 is in fine condition, but needs painting badly. Engine No. 4 is in pretty good condition mechanically, but should have a new body, this piece of apparatus answers every call, and does an unusual lot of work.
During the year Ladder No. 1 met with a very unfortunate accident after which it was scrapped. Special Town Meeting voted to purchase a New Ladder. Delivery of the New Junior Aerial Mack is expected about July 1, 1952.
30
It should be noted that the Department has a very large area to protect, approximately 111/2 square miles, with a minimum num- ber of men to extinguish fires and man the apparatus. I recommend that a program be adopted whereby additional men shall be added to the department, thus enabling the apparatus to be manned by a more sufficient number of men.
I recommend a program for the installation of new hydrants and fire alarm signal boxes, as there are several places in the town where hydrants and fire alarm boxes are a great distance apart.
In conclusion, I wish to thank the Honorable Manager, Board of Selectmen, Superintendent of Public Works, the Chief of Police, all town officials, and the citizens of Saugus who by their cooperation have aided this department in maintaining a high degree of efficiency.
GEORGE B. DREW, Chief of the Fire Department December 31, 1951
Scaler's Report
Town Manager
Town Hall
Saugus, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I submit the following report for the year ending December 31,1951.
Scales
Sealed
Condemned
Platform over 10,000
1
Platform 100 to 5000
9
Scales under 100 lbs.
85
Avoirdupois weights
4
Gasoline Meters
85
Oil and Grease Meters
5
Vehicle Tank Meters
24
Total
213
Inspections Made
Paper or fiber cartons 153
Pedlers' licenses
6
Bread markings
298
Food packages
126
Total 583
31 :
Trial Weighings of Commodities
Tested
Correct
Under
Over
Bread
298
236
35
27
Butter
236
203
28
5
Coal (In Transit)
6
5
1
Dry Commodities
275
225
39
11
Flour
148
109
14
25
Fruit and Vegetables
42
36
4
2
Lard
47
41
3
3
Meat and Provisions
84
78
4
2
Potatoes
176
168
4
4
Totals
1312
1101
131
80
Retests Made After Sealing
Gasoline meter systems
12
Scales (all types)
30
Total
42
Respectfully submitted,
ALFRED H. WOODWARD, Sealer of Weighs and Measures
Tree and Moth Department
Mr. Norman G. Young
Town Manager
Saugus, Massachusetts
Dear Sirs:
I hereby submit to you the following accomplishments and activities of the Tree & Moth Department for the year 1951. Dutch Elm Disease
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