USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1898 > Part 7
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The claims of Ingalls, Phillips, Fowle and Chapman are mainly predicated upon the alleged right to run their sewer con- duits across the street, and thereby make a nuisance of the Beach which we think should be abated by the Town, through its Board of Health and Selectmen, and thereby reduce their claims to a
107
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS.
1898]
minimum and render the beach sands at this end of the Reserva- tion sufficiently clean for use as a children's play ground or for bathing purposes without danger of contagion.
As no appropriation has been made other than for the acquisition of the Beaches and for the Reservation Building, some further appropriation may be needed for administration purposes until such time as the Reservation can be made as nearly self- supporting as possible, and in this connection your Commissioners in estimating the amount of the original appropriation did not an- ticipate the expenditure of so much money for legal advice as we have found it necessary to secure.
At the present writing we have no assurance as to what time or in what condition the King's Beach Reservation may be turned over to us, but we may be so informed as to be able to make some further report in this connection before the final adjournment of the Annual meeting, at which time we expect to be able to make some recommendations as to the improvement of both of the Reservations.
The Reservation Building seems to be as near a success as could have been expected, considering the lack of precedent in this kind of work. The original applicants for space and a num- ber of others have been provided for. Some few alterations have been made in the Building which we thought to be advisable.
The unoccupied portion of the upper floors is reserved for the use of our citizens and visitors to the Town, and it is hoped that they will avail themselves of this privilege and make such use of this part of the Building as may be consistent with the fact that it is the only public place in Town and as a pleasant resort needs only the association of those whose presence and intimacy alone can make it so.
Mr. Andrew L. Harris has presented the Town with six vol- umes of the U. S. Fish Commission Reports which we regard as a valuable acquisition as they are of especial interest to all inter- ested in maritime matters, and also that this gift affords an excellent example for our other public spirited citizens.
The Commissioners would be pleased to receive such sugges- tions and advice from their fellow citizens, as so important a
108
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Feb. 28
trust should inspire in the patriotic and conservative members of our body politic.
Let us appropriate so much for what we need as we can afford, and remember always that whatever sum is so expended has to be wrung from the soil and the sea by some one, somewhere, at some time.
BENJAMIN POTTER, ROBERT B. WARDWELL, Park Commissioners.
EDWARD H. KITFIELD,
1898]
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES.
109
Report of the Library Trustees.
, To the Citizens of Swampscott :
The Library contains 6937 volumes. 137 books have been added this year. The circulation of books has been 22,087. Received from fines and catalogues $24.60.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES E. PEASLEY, - F. F. STANLEY, Trustees.
F. E. INGALLS,
SWAMPSCOTT, Feb. 10th, 1898.
110
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Feb. 28
Report of the Board of Health.
To the Citizens of Swampscott :
Herewith we present for your consideration the Annual Re- port of the Board of Health for the fiscal year ending March, 1898.
During the year we have received and investigated fifteen (15) written, besides many verbal, complaints ; also have received official notice of six (6) cases of diphtheria, twelve (12) of scarlet fever, four (4) of typhoid fever, three (3) of measles, one case of diphtheria proving fatal.
Considerable controversy has been made through the press in regard to the manner in which some of the contagious diseases have been handled by the Board. We think if the citizens who seem to be dissatisfied with the manner in which all cases have been handled, would simply consult the Board, satisfactory ex- planation could be made showing that all was done for the bene- fit of the townspeople. The contract for collecting house offal was awarded to Michael McDonough for the sum of twelve hundred dollars ($1,200.00), which has been done in a very satisfactory manner. The contract for receiving and disposing of night soil was awarded to Allen S. Rowe for the sum of ninety dollars ($90.00). The beaches have been taken care of in the usual manner.
The Board feels confident that the Town will compare favor- ably with other towns in regard to health and cleanliness.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN I. ADAMS, Board EDWIN F. WILEY, of
WILLIS E. DOUGHTY, Health.
Attest :
W. B. ADAMS, Clerk.
SWAMPSCOTT, Feb. 10, 1898.
111
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH.
1898]
Health Regulations of the Town of Swampscott.
The following Regulations have been adopted by the Board of Health :
SECTION 1. The owner, agent or occupant, having care of any tene- ment used as a dwelling-house, shall furnish the same with sufficient drain, under ground, to carry off the waste water; and also with a suit- able privy, sufficient for the accommodation of all who may use it.
SECT. 2. All vaults or privies shall be so constructed that the inside of the same shall be at least two feet distant from the line of every ad- joining lot or street, and the same shall be kept tight; nor shall the con- tents of any vault be allowed to accumulate within twelve inches of the even surface of the ground, or otherwise become offensive.
SECT. 3. All waste water shall be conveyed through sufficient drains, under ground, to a common sewer, or to such reservoir, sunk under ground, as shall be approved by the Board of Health, and no person shall suffer any waste or stagnant water to remain in any cellar, or upon any lot of vacant ground, by such person owned or occupied.
SECT. 4. Whenever, upon due examination, it shall appear to the Board of Health that the number of persons occupying any tenement or building in the town is so great as to be the cause of nuisance or sick- ness, or the source of filthi, or that any tenement or building is not furnished with vaults constructed according to the provisions of the regulations, or with sufficient privies, or drains under ground for waste water, or from any cause has become unfit for habitation, they will thereupon issue their notice in writing to such persons, or any of them, requiring them to remove and quit such tenement or building within such time as they may deem reasonable.
SECT. 5. No person shall throw or put into any public place, or pond, or running stream, or body of water, or in any other place where the Board of Healthi may deem it a nuisance, any dead animal, dirt or rubbish whatsoever, nor shall any person throw into or upon any flats or tide water within the jurisdiction of the town, any dead animal, filth or offensive matter.
SECT. 6. No person shall erect or maintain, within the limits of the town, any building or structure used for a slaughter house, or for the manufacture or refining of kerosene oil or soap, the trying out of lard, the business of tallow chandler, or the tanning, dressing or coloring of leather or skins, or any other noxious or offensive trade, or exercise or carry on such trade, business or employment, without a license from the
112
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Feb. 28
Board of Health, defining the place for the same, and any such license may at any time be revoked.
SECT. 7. No person shall collect any house offal or night soil within the limits of the town without a license from the Board of Health.
SECT. S. No person shall bring into the town for sale any diseased, putrid, stale or un wholesome meat, vegetables or provisions.
SECT. 9. No person shall burn, boil or decompose in the town any bones or other refuse parts of neat cattle or other animal, without a license from the Board of Health.
SECT. 10. No person shall keep any swine within the limits of the town without a license from the Board of Health.
SECT. 11. Any person sick with the small pox, scarlet fever, diphthe- ria, membraneous croup, together with all persons in attendance upon him, will be subject to the control of the Board; and no person shall enter or leave a house wherein any person is or has been sick with the disease, or in any way come in contact with the inmates of such house, except by permission of the Board.
SECT. 12. All persons are warned not to approach a house or the sur- rounding premises whereupon is displayed either a health card, a red flag by day or a red light by night.
SECT. 13. When a householder knows that a person within his family is taken sick of small-pox, scarlet fever, measles, diphtheria, membran- eous croup, typhoid fever, or any other disease dangerous to the public health, he shall immediately give notice thereof to the Board of Healthi.
SECT. 14. When a physician knows that any person whom he is called to visit is infected with small-pox, scarlet fever, measles, diphtheria, mem- braneous croup, typhoid fever, or any other disease dangerous to the public health, he shall immediately give notice thereof to the Board of Health.
SECT. 15. No child from any family or house infected with scarlet fever, measles, diphtheria, small-pox, or membraneous croup, shall be permitted to attend school without a permit from the Board of Health.
SECT. 16. The bodies of all persons dying of small-pox, scarlet fever, diphtheria, membraneous croup, typhus or typhoid fever, must be immediately disinfected and placed in a tight coffin, which shall not be reopened. No certificate of death from either of the above-named diseases will be endorsed by the Board of Health until above regulations have been complied with. In above cases no public funeral will be allowed without permission from the Board of Health.
SECT. 17. Notice of domestic animals or cattle suffering witli conta- gious disease, or suspected of suffering from contagious disease, shall immediately be given to the Board of Health by those having the charge of such animals or cattle.
.
113
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH.
1898]
Extract from the Town By-Laws.
ARTICLE VII.
SECT. 6. The contents of any sink, cesspool or privy shall only be removed in a vehicle effectually covered and water-tight, and the same shall not be emptied on any beach or into the sea adjacent to any beach in the Town, but shall be carried in such cart and disposed of in the earth. or otherwise as the Board of Health may by rules provide, but apart from dwelling houses.
SECT. 26. No person shall put, or cause to be put, into any catchi basin in the highway, any filth, sewage, slops or dirty water.
JOHN I. ADAMS, Board
EDWIN F. WILEY, of
WILLIS E. DOUGHTY, ) Health.
SWAMPSCOTT, Feb. 27, 1898.
·
114
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Feb. 28
Report of the Committee on Street Numbers.
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
By a vote of the Town, at the last annual meeting the Board of Assessors were instructed to locate and number all the houses in the Town, upon a basis of twenty-five feet frontage.
After carefully considering the matter, and learning the cus- tom in other places, we were of the opinion, that it would be best to reduce the frontage through the centre of the Town to fifteen feet from the Soldiers' monument to the junction of Humphrey and Orient Streets.
A contract was made with Mr. Fred L. Eastman, who is making a survey of the Town, to locate and place upon the houses the numbers in accordance with the plans, he agreeing to do the work for the sum of one hundred dollars ($100.)
An arrangement was made with Mr. H. W. Gordon of Lynn, to furnish all the figures required at five cents each.
We would recommend that the Town furnish the numbers required for new buildings, and that the Assessors be requested to give the numbers in accordance with the survey.
D. HOLMAM MILLETT, Board GILBERT DELANO, of
PELEG GARDNER. Assessors.
SWAMPSCOTT, Feb. 10, 1898.
115
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF CATTLE, ETC.
1898]
Report of Inspector of Cattle, Swine, Fish, Provisions, Etc.
To the Board of Selectmen :
Received appointment May 1st, vice A. B. Spaulding re- signed.
Whole number of cattle, 139; cows, 124; young, 12; bulls, 3. Whole number of swine, 180; slaughtered for food, 81; provision stores, 5; wagons, 3; fish markets, 5; wagons, 4. Merchandize of street pedlars inspected, 26. Cattle quarantined before May 1st, by books received, 24; condemned, 10. Since May 1st, quarantined, 7. Cases of rabies reported and dog killed, 1. Stables fumigated and cleansed, 3; condemed, 1.
REMARKS.
This being my fifth annual report as Inspector, I will state on May 15th received notice from State Cattle Commissioner not to put any more cattle in quarantine, except where written notice was sent to local Board of Health. Jan. 10th again received same notice, which accounts for the small number of cattle quarantined. I have made frequent visits among all cows kept for sale of milk. Places where cows are kept for sale or exchange have been in- spected every week. As long as the State Legislature fails to appropriate sufficient money for the Cattle Commission to suc- cessfully carry on the work of extermination of contagious diseases among cattle, I think the present salary of the Inspector is sufficient.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE NEWHALL, Inspector.
SWAMPSCOTT, Feb. 11, 1898.
116
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Feb. 28
Report of Milk Inspector.
To the Board of Selectmen :
Twenty-five licenses for the sale of milk in the Town of Swampscott for the season of 1897-8 were granted, receipts for the same being twelve dollars and fifty cents ($12.50), that amount having been paid into the Town Treasury as follows :
Michael Martin, .50
W. F. Lewis,
· .50
F. S. Hall, .50 .
C. R. Sibley,
.50
J. Bryson,
.50
R. V. Bessom,
.50
C. H. Proctor,
.50
M. T. Roberts,
.50
H. L. Mudge, .
.50
J. W. Waitt,
.50
Fred H. Brown,
.50
A. F. Hanafry,
.50
H. J. Pierce,
.50
W. O. Fuller,
.50
C. E. Phillips, .
.50
Allen Rowe,
.50
John Stevens,
.50
Mrs. Coloagh, .
.50
Martin Enholm,
.50
John B. Butman,
.50
George H. Holden,
.50
George Melzard,
.50
C. A. Stewart, .
.50
Frank Newhall,
.50
H. F. Ward,
.50
No complaints of any kind have been received. Forty-one samples have been tested by analysis during the year.
C. E. HARRIS, Milk Inspector.
SWAMPSCOTT, Feb. 7, 1898.
117
REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS.
1898]
Report of Fire Engineers.
To the Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Swampscott :
The Engineers herewith present their Annual Report.
EXPENSES.
From May 1, 1897, to Feb. 23, 1898, bills to the amount of $4,346.18 have been approved.
Many persons do not realize that out of an appropriation of $5,000 we have but $416.66 for each month, to meet the expen- ses of three regular men, twenty call men, feed for six horses, shoeing for same, coal, gas, telephone, battery supplies, and general wear and tear expenses, besides, we furnish substitutes when our regular men have their days off, also, when each of these men have their two weeks' vacation, on pay in summer, substitutes are supplied by the Department.
RECEIPTS.
The horses and men have been employed on the streets, and have been credited as follows: For sprinkling, $951.25, and on highways, $86.25, which gives the Department credit for $1,037.50.
It has been thought by some, that we run a great risk in using the horses of this Department on the streets in summer. There is always a risk when the horses are out of the house at any time, even when taken to the blacksmith; still with the few fires we have, it is the opinion of experienced persons, that the risk we run is very small. The Engineers consider that the horses are in better condition for the work of the Department, when used in this way; however this is a question for the Town to decide.
118
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Feb. 28
SCHEDULE OF FIRE DEPARTMENT PROPERTY.
Two fire stations and land ; 1 storage building ; 1 steam fire engine ; 1 hose wagon; 1 ladder truck; 8 ladders; 2500 feet cotton hose, in good condition ; 600 feet damaged hose ; 1 supply wagon ; 2 crow-bars; 8 hose straps; 6 coal baskets ; 6 hydrant wrenches ; 4 fire hooks and poles ; 3 axes ; 18 fire alarm boxes ; 2 fire alarm strikers, one at Town Hall, one at Congregational Church ; 2 fire alarm gongs and 2 indicators, one each at steamer house, one each at chemical house; 3 tappers; 4 buzz bells; 1 repeater; 6 galvanometers; 2 hand chemicals ; 74 hydrants; 1 steam whistle on Marblehead Water Company ; 6 horses ; 3 sets double harnesses ; 6 horse blankets ; 6 beds and bedding ; 5 hose pipes ; 2 extra nozzles ; 20 spanners ; 2 wagon jacks ; 11 lanterns ; 22 rubber coats; 2 army coats; 1 life net; 1 sheet; 1 shut-off nozzle ; 1 shut-off gate ; 2 siamese connections; 200 feet hose, 1 wrench, 2 spanners, 1 pipe at Lincoln House ; hose reel and 300 feet hose, 1 wrench, 2 spanners, 1 pipe at John Shepard's; hose reel and 300 feet hose, 1 wrench, 2 spanners, 1 pipe at John Palmer's Estate; 250 feet hose, 1 wrench, 2 spanners, 1 pipe at Evans & Cole's stable ; hose reel and 300 feet hose, 1 wrench 2 spanners, 1 pipe at Boston Railroad stable, Essex street ; hose reel and 400 feet hose, 1 wrench, 4 spanners, 2 pipes, 2 lanterns, 1 stove and furniture, 12 badges at Mountain Park.
FIRES AND ALARMS.
May 4. Box 5 ; call to Lynn, box 82; time, 3.40 P.M.
May 15. Still; time, 10.40 A.M .; E. Farnam.
July 6. Still; time, 8.50 P.M .; S. Andrews.
Aug. 10. Box 4; time, 11 01 P.M .; E. Russell.
Aug. 12. Box 17; time, 3.10 P.M .; woods.
Aug. 17. Box 24; time, 9.05 A.M ; G. A. Jackson.
Aug. 25. Box 3; time, 9.18 P.M .; A. R. Ellis. Nov. 8. Box 25; time, 12.05 P.M .; J. D. Spiller.
Dec. 18. Box 4; time, 5.40 P.M .; J. F. Crosman.
Dec. 31. Box 5; call to Lynn, box 82; time, 2.45 P.M.
Jan. 6. Box 7; time, 5.24 P.M .; J. Nickerson.
119
REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS.
1897]
Jan. 15. Box 23; time, 7.40 P.M .; D. K. Phillips.
Feb. 12. Box 15; time, 12.40 P.M .; telephone pole.
Feb. 17. Still ; time, 10.15 A M. ; John Doig.
AGREEMENT.
The agreement with the City of Lynn, with regard to fires, is the same as previous years.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
The Board of Engineers would recommend the purchase of 500 feet cotton hose, and that the sum of three hundred and seventy-five dollars ($375.00) be appropriated for the same. We would also recommend that the sum of one hundred and seventy- five dollars ($175.00) be appropriated for the purchase of a suitable gong, to be placed on the Hose House at Mountain Park.
REMARKS.
The difficulties at all times attending the duties of the Fire Department in a small town, must be obvious to every one ; however well equipped, or however well supplied with money the Department may be, these difficulties must be met; the chief one being that the Fire Company is made up of men from all parts of the town, and engaged in various occupations and places ; of course, other conditions are not practicable or advisable.
This year the situation has been especially trying, owing to the necessity of forming a new company the first of the year of men with no previous experience in the work ; personally, I have always felt that a building might as well burn as to be destroyed in time of fire, by useless tearing down and unnecessary destruc- tion of furniture, as often happens in a small place, and, in view of this, have tried to instruct these men, that their whole mission is to save property ; with this end in mind, they have worked in a brave, manly, united way that does them credit. To show that their work has been appreciated, it is due them that at least two of the number of letters received, be inserted here.
120
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Feb. 28
JANUARY 13TH, 1898. E. GERRY EMMONS, Chief Engineer, S. F. D.
DEAR CHIEF,-Please excuse delay in acknowledging your favor, but Annual Reports at this time of the year occupy much time, conse- quently the delav.
I want to thank you and the members of your Department for the prompt and efficient manner in which the fire at the factory of John C. Nicholson was handled. It was a good piece of work well done, and you and your Department deserve much credit for the skill and judgment used.
Yours Fraternally, CHAS. H. DOWNING, Chief Engineer, L. F. D.
BOSTON, MASS., JANUARY 18TH, 1898.
Mr. E. GERRY EMMONS, Chief Engineer, Swampscott Fire Depart- ment, Swampscott, Mass.
DEAR SIR,-I had occasion yesterday to examine the Phillips' house at Swampscott, in which the fire occurred last Saturday night, and must say never before have I noticed such a condition as I found there. That such a fierce fire as must have occurred there, could be confined almost to one room, and subdued with so small a loss, seems almost incredible and speaks well for the promptness and efficiency of the Department of which you are the head. Very respectfully yours,
W. B. BANIGAN, New England Adamant Co.
The Board of Engineers take this occasion to congratulate the town that they have had so few fires, and without the loss of a single building.
Respectfully submitted,
E. GERRY EMMONS, Board J. C. MELZARD,
F. H. BASSETT,
of Engineers.
121
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE.
1898]
Report of The Chief of Police.
To the Board of Selectmen :
I herewith submit the Annual Report of the Police Depart- ment, as follows :
Whole number of arrests
39
Embezzlement
1
Larceny .
3
Vagrancy
2
Track walking .
1
Unlawful taking
2
On suspicion
1
Bastardy
1
Assault .
1
Violation of the liquor law
3 16
For safe keeping
1
Using threatening language
2
Assault and battery
1
Malicious mischief
4
-39
Disposed of as follows :-
Committed to House of Correction
1
Committed to Insane Asylum
·
1
Delivered to parents
7
Fined and paid .
4
Fined and served the same
2
Bound over to Grand Jury
·
1
Placed on file .
.
9
.
·
.
·
Drunk
·
·
·
.
122
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Feb. 28
Discharged
9
Continued cases ·
1
On probation
2
Fined and appealed
2
SUPERIOR CRIMINAL COURT, JANUARY TERM.
Appealed case, Violation of liquor law
2
Plea of guilty entered. Fined and paid
Amount of fines imposed by Police Court
$360.00
Amount of fines paid .
85.00
Unable to pay and served the same
25.00
RECEIPTS AND REIMBURSEMENTS.
Mary E. Lodge
$200.00
John Jeffries
12.00
Wardwell Bros.
4.00
Arthur Little .
10.00
John Shepard .
1.25
Lynn Police Court fines
90.50
Balance of last year's court fines
25.00
$342.75
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.
Complaints investigated
184
Buildings found open and secured .
35
Disturbances suppressed without arrest
14
Fires extinguished without alarm
12
Defective places in streets reported
17
Street lights reported out
81
Lost children restored to parents
7
Stray teams restored to owners
2
Search warrants for stolen property served
1
Search warrants for liquor served
2
Injured and sick persons assisted .
4
Intoxicated persons assisted home
20
Dogs killed
5
Accidents reported
.
.
9
.
·
.
-39
.
.
·
· .
1898]
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE.
123
Tramps sent out of town
·
3
Cases of breaking and entering reported
7
Cases of larceny reported
18
Value of property stolen ·
$203.00 .
Value of property recovered ·
76.00
Assisting other officers
8
Street obstructions removed
8
Lights furnished for dangerous places
4
Lynn Police ambulance calls
16
Respectfully submitted,
SETH C. KENDRICK, Chief of Police.
SWAMPSCOTT, February 12, 1898.
124
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Feb. 28
Report of the Surveyor of Highways.
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
Stone, gravel and crushed stone have been used on streets as follows :
Name of Street.
No. Loads Gravel
Stone.
Crushed Stone.
Atlantic avenue
155
11 No. 3
Burrill street
30
2 No. 3, 6 No. 4
Beach avenue
24
Blaney street
5
Cherry street
48
Essex street .
312
13 No. 3, 6 No. 4 163 No. 3
Humphrey street
449
Hillside avenue
146
38 No. 4
Highland street
140
Huron street
2
King street Extension
21
Orient street
916
86 No. 3, 145 No. 4
Phillips street
4
Redington street
263
Rock avenue
2
Salem street
177
30
Stone, gravel and crushed stone used on sidewalks. Name of Street.
No. Loads Gravel
Stone.
Crushed Stone.
Blaney street
18
2 No. 1
Beach Bluff avenue
8
Burrill street
.
14
6 No. 1
Beach avenue
8
125
REPORT OF THE SURVEYOR OF HIGHWAYS.
1898]
Name of Street.
No. Loads Gravel.
Stone.
Crushed Stone.
Columbia street
14
Essex street
58
Highland street
6
Humphrey street
258
32 No. 1, 12 No. 2
King street .
14
Marshall street
4
Orient street
284
20 No. 1, 12 No. 2
Redington street
53
6 No. 1
Rockland street
10 No. 1
Rose street :
2
Railroad avenue
·
4
Thomas Road
6
Woodbine avenue .
4 No. 1
Gutter scrapings removed from the following streets :
Name of Street.
No. Loads.
Atlantic avenue .
59
Beach Bluff avenue
25
Boynton street
7
Beach avenue
5
Burrill street
111
Blaney street
33
Columbia avenue
60
Cherry street
15
Eulow street
6
Essex street
79
Humphrey street
365
Hillside avenue
21
Highland street
2
King street
7
Marshall street
8
Mostyn street
5
New Ocean street
18
Orient street
156
Pine street
63
Phillips street
.
.
9
.
.
.
.
.
126
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Feb. 2S
Name of Street.
No. Loads.
Redington street .
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