USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1918 > Part 10
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Labor
1,000 00
Planting of flower beds
75 00
Telephone
20 00
Manure and dressing
20 00
Loam
20 00
Stone dust
50 00
Canvas ·
25 00
Grass seed
20 00
Supplies .
50 00
Water and repairs
50 00
Shrubs
50 00
Teaming .
20 00
I recommend that the sum of $5,000 be appropriated for extending and development of the Cemetery.
THOMAS HANDLEY, Superintendent.
SWAMPSCOTT, January 1, 1919.
8
114
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
REPORT OF Superintendent of Moth Work
To the Board of Selectmen :
GENTLEMEN,-The general condition of the town as regards the gypsy and brown-tail moths are equally as satisfactory as last year. No trees have been defoliated by caterpillars of any kind, and even the apple-tree tent caterpillar, which is so often confused with the gypsy moth, has been the least prevalent for a number of years. Probably, the extremely cold winter had a more or less killing effect upon the eggs, either directly by causing a smaller proportion to hatch than usual, or indirectly by weakening the tiny larva, causing them to be particularly susceptible to " Wilt" or other fungus diseases. However, the four adopted methods of suppression have been used as in previous years.
During the extreme cold weather moth-thinning work was carried on in the woods, and about 25 acres were cleaned for the first time of brush and worthless trees, thus preparing the territory to be intelligently treated with creosote and spray material. In the fall and in the spring, before the eggs hatched, creosoting was the method of work employed, and while in the caterpillar or larval stage spraying, as usual, was carried on. A small amount of tanglefooting was done just before hatching time in places where it was inadvisable to try and spray.
At the present time a good start has been made on the season's work, the street trees having been gone over and the creosoting ¿done on the private property in the Beach Bluff section,
Up to May 2, seven men were employed in this department; on that date the number was reduced to six, and later, on August 22, it was still further reduced to four.
It is gratifying to have accomplished the two vital problems in connec- tion with the work, namely, keeping the expense down within the appro- priation in the face of increased costs of labor, materials and supplies and at the same time keeping the moths satisfactorily suppressed.
For the ensuing year, I recommend that the salary of the Moth Superintendent, Tree Warden and Forest Warden be increased to an amount equal to that of the heads of other town departments.
Respectfully submitted,
EVERETT P. MUDGE,
Superintendent.
SWAMPSCOTT, January 1, 1919.
115
TREE WARDEN'S REPORT.
1918]
Report of Tree Warden
To the Citizens of Swampscott :
The exceedingly cold weather last winter did untold damage to our trees, and the number set out in the spring was less than the number killed during the year. Escaping gas from the joints in the pipes was respon- sible for the loss of 21 trees, nine of which have been removed, also 26 others killed by various causes. Hence the town has lost 47 trees the past year and only 40 were planted, making the total number remaining seven less than the previous year.
The usual amount of work has been done on the leopard moth, and the elm leaf beetle has been controlled at the same time as the gypsy moth, one and the same spraying being sufficient for both.
Although no new wire for tree guards was purchased this year, by patching old ones and adjusting them they have been made to suffice, although many of them are well worn out.
A number of small trees have been staked and pulled up into place after being knocked over by automobiles. All stakes past their usefulness have been removed. Low limbs in the way of travel have been removed all over the town, and also dead limbs in large trees endangering travel on the highways.
For the ensuing year, I recommend :
Removing 12 trees killed by gas (special appro- priation)
$500 00
Removing all other dead trees 200 00
Guards, stakes, felt, incidentals 250 00
Fifty new trees 250 00
Tree maintenance, trimming, repair work, etc. 500 00
Respectfully submitted,
EVERETT P. MUDGE,
Tree Warden.
SWAMPSCOTT, January 1, 1919.
116
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Forest Warden
To the Board of Selectmen :
GENTLEMEN,-During the year thirty-two fires were responded to and reports made of the same to the State Forester. Two hundred and sixty written permits were granted for burning rubbish, debris, etc. Cloth notices were posted through the woods in the spring to warn persons against setting fires. Many were prevented by the blanket of snow which fell early in December. The grass and leaves were very dry and the usual fall fires had started. Thompson's meadow and two sections of woods near Foster's dam burned over this fall, and the indications point toward an unusual number of grass fires in the spring.
For the ensuing year, I recommend, salaries and labor $350.
Respectfully submitted,
EVERETT P. MUDGE, Forest Warden.
SWAMPSCOTT, January 1, 1919.
II7
SEALER WEIGHTS AND MEASURES REPORT.
1918]
REPORT OF Sealer of Weights and Measures
To the Board of Selectmen :
GENTLEMEN,- I herewith submit my report from January 1, 1918, to January 1, 1919.
Platform scales sealed over 5,000 pounds .
Platform scales sealed under 5,000 pounds
Counter scales sealed .
32
I
I
Beam scales sealed
2
Spring balances sealed
46
5
8
5
Computing scales sealed
14
I
4
Steelyard scales sealed
I
Slot weighing scales sealed
6
Prescription scales sealed
5
Apothecary weights sealed
55
8
I
Dry measures sealed
12
Liquid measures sealed
I28
3
Old measuring pumps sealed
14
4
9
Molasses measuring pumps sealed
Yard measures sealed .
3
571
20
16
20
Trial Weighing.
Number
Incorrect
Commodity
Tested Correct
Under
Over
Dry groceries
942
846
81
15
Flour in bags
95
88
7
Butter print
56
56
Meats
8
7
I
Fruits and vegetables
523
478
40
5
Liquid commodities
I
I
Ice
9
I
8
Bottled milk
129
129
Massachusetts sealed bottles
IO2
97
I
4
Coal in paper bags .
718
IIO
258
350
Gasoline and oil pumps
7
7
2,590
1,819
389
382
Con- Ad- Not demned justed Sealed
4 30
2
I
Avoirdupois weights sealed
218
2
118
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Number of certificates made out
113
Correct Under Over
Inspecting of scales outside of regular visit
94
90
3 I
In stores outside of regular visit
37
Of Hawkers and pedlars
4
Itinerant vendors
I
Junk dealers
3
Coal certificates
II
Ice dealers
8
Complaints made and attended to
4
Violation of the law
4
Number of scales broken
4
At hotels for food administration
3
Total amount received for above, $48.22, which 1 turned over to the Town Treasurer, and for which I hold a receipt.
The standard embraces the following : One avoirdupois balance, fifty pounds ; one set of avoirdupois weights, sixteen divisions ; drachms, one, two, divisions; ounces, one-quarter, one-half, one, two, four, eight; pounds, one, two, four, five, ten, twenty-five, fifty; one set of liquid measures of five dimensions, one gill, one-half pint, one pint, one quart, two quarts, one gallon; two graduating glasses, one two-ounce, one thirty-two ounce ; one dry measure of four dimensions ; one quart, two quarts, one-half peck, one peck, one-half bushel; one yard measure ; working set, same as above, with ten fifty-pound weights, one portable drill, one hand press, one sealing clamp, one pointer wrench, screw- driver, dies, wrenches, one five gallon can, etc.
I do not hesitate to state that in no place is there a greater effort made to serve those who use scales, and to protect the public, than that made by this department.
I will state that all goods found under weight (not for dishonesty but by carelessness ) have been reweighed to the standard.
I wish to thank the town officials for the courteous manner in which I have been received in the discharge of my duty. Owing to the large amount of additional work and the time required, I recommend the salary of the Sealer to be increased fifty ($50) dollars.
I recommend for the ensuing year, salary, $250; books and printing, $30 ; teaming and help, $40; miscellaneous, $30; total, $350.
BENJAMIN A. MARTIN, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
SWAMPSCOTT, January 1, 1919.
119
BUILDING INSPECTOR'S REPORT.
1918]
Building Inspector's Report
To the Citizens of Swampscott :
Your Building Inspector herewith submits his third annual report.
Estimated cost of Construction
Number of permits issued 61
Permits for new buildings II
$91,400 00
Permits for remodeling 14
24,150 00
Permits for sheds, garages 36
20,905 00
Total
$136,455 00
All hotels within the town have been thoroughly inspected and proper returns made to the state.
All elevators have been inspected and returns made to the state.
One elevator operator has been examined and his license approved.
Five new elevator operators' licenses were also issued.
Number inspections 103.
In addition your Building Inspector has received and attended to many complaints regarding different buildings in the town.
Respectfully submitted,
F. E. MORRISON, Building Inspector.
SWAMPSCOTT, January 1, 1919.
-
I20
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Town Engineer
To the Board of Selectmen :
GENTLEMEN,-Herewith I submit my sixth annual report of the service rendered by the Engineering Department for the various town depart- ments for the year ending December 31, 1918.
The Engineering Department has had charge of the following line of work : The' designing and superintending of the construction of all drains and sewers, together with the specifications and estimates of the same ; the establishing of street lines and curb grades for curbstones and grano- lithic sidewalks ; all data and plans relating to the laying out of streets for acceptance as public ways, and all engineering questions which come before the Boards of the several departments.
During the past year the estimates approved by this department have amounted to $33,000, and all contracts under our charge have been.com- pleted according to the specifications therein described.
Storm Water Drainage.
The controversy of many years between the City of Lynn and the Town of Swampscott, in regard to the division of the cost of increasing the capacity of the Stacey brook culverts, has been agreeably settled on a fifty per cent. basis.
It was found necessary to lower the grade of the invert of the Metro- politan Park concrete culvert about two feet.
The present inadequate stone culverts under Humphrey and New Ocean streets and adjacent private properties are to be replaced by a six by ten foot reinforced concrete culvert, and also the existing open channel widened and deepened.
The contract for the above construction was awarded to James T. Lyons, but owing to war and other conditions, he was able to complete only a portion of the culvert.
Construction will be resumed in the early spring and continue until completion.
Sewers.
The sewer system of the town has been extended in Jessie and Roy streets. The construction of the Eastern intercepting sewer was con- tinued the greater part of the year. This section extends from Shelton road to the easterly line of Puritan road, a distance of 1,062 feet, and is through the divide which separates the eastern and western water sheds.
On account of the deep rock cut, a maximum of twenty-eight feet, it was advisable for the contractor to tunnel for a distance of 562 feet, and much credit must be given M. McDonough Co. for the satisfactory man- ner in which this portion of the section was constructed.
I2I
TOWN ENGINEER'S REPORT.
1918]
Selectmen's Department.
Data and estimates have been furnished at various times for the use in the Selectmen's Department, and plans submitted for their approval.
Assessors' Department.
The sectional plans of the Assessors' Department have been brought up to date.
Town Survey.
The co-ordinate survey of the town has been extended when it did not interfere with the construction work of the town, and to date there are completed twenty-two sectional sheets of 1,500,000 square feet each.
The data of the late Charles W. Gay has greatly assisted me in locating the correct street lines.
In conclusion, I wish to express my appreciation of the courtesies shown me by the various departments and by private engineers, who have kindly furnished me with their data, thereby greatly assisting the work of this department.
Respectfully submitted,
WALLACE W. PRATT,
Town Engineer.
SWAMPSCOTT, December 31, 1918.
I22
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Chief of Police
To the Board of Selectmen :
GENTLEMEN,-Herewith I submit the annual report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1918.
Arrested or summoned to appear in court for the following offences :
Males
83
Females
5
Assault and battery
6
Disorderly conduct
I
Drunkenness
I2
For officers of other places
28
Evading payment of fare
I
Insane
5
Larceny
9.
Non support of children
5
Trespass
I
Violating automobile law
I8
Violating automobile law (intoxicated)
2
Disposition of cases in court :
Committed to House of Correction
2
Committed to State Hospital (Danvers)
5
Delivered to other officers
28
Defaulted
I
Fined and paid
I2
Discharged by court
5
Filed on payment of cost
IO
Placed on file
I3
Placed on probation
5
Released by Probation Officer
6
Lyman school (Westboro)
I
88
Miscellaneous Work.
Accidents and assistance rendered .
59
Assisted other officers
36
Ambulance calls for sickness and accidents
I22
Ambulance responded to fire alarms
24
Buildings found open and secured .
41
88
88
123
CHIEF OF POLICE REPORT.
1918]
Bicycles reported lost
7
Bicycles returned to owners
5
Complaints
334
Cases of larceny reported
21
Cases of breaking and larceny reported
II
Defective streets and sidewalks
28
Dead body found
I
Disturbance suppressed without arrest
8
Dogs reported lost
35
Dogs returned to owner or dog officer
19
Fires put out by officers .
5 5
Lost children found and returned .
21
Lights furnished for dangerous places
29
Lights reported out in streets .
120
Lights found burning in buildings
27
Miscellaneous reports
147
Poles and trees reported on fire
22
Water and gas leaks reported
12
Wires reported down
7
Value of property reported lost or stolen Value of property recovered and returned
$995 60
561 10
The new ambulance is giving entire satisfaction and is much appreci- ated. During the month of October, during the influenza epidemic, 51 patients were removed to the hospital in the ambulance, which gave us much better service than the old electric conveyance. A full report of the Ambulance Committee will be found on another page.
Our present police station is entirely inadequate for the needs of the department. We have no cells, and only through the courtesy of the Lynn Police Department have we been allowed to take our prisoners there previous to their appearance in court. I feel that it is necessary that the town should have an up-to-date station. There are times when we should like to detain certain people, but cannot do so, as we have no cell accommodations. We have arrested several people for out-of-town officers during the past year, and have had to detain them in the Chief's office until called for, a condition which ought not to exist.
Therefore, I feel it my duty to recommend that a committee of seven be appointed by the Moderator to get out plans and specifications for a new police station, and report at the adjourned town meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
U. M. CORSON,
Chief of Police.
SWAMPSCOTT, January 1, 1919.
Intoxicated persons assisted home
124
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Overseers of Poor
To the Citizens of Swampscott :
We submit our annual report for the year 1918. For many years the town has been favored by a low cost for maintaining the Poor Depart- ment. This year, owing to a large increase in the number of persons aided, coupled with the advance in all living expenses, our appropriation for the past year was not sufficient to take care of the expenses.
We had bills amounting to $776 that were unpaid January 1, 1919. This increased expenditure will require a larger appropriation this year.
Our expenditures are an unknown quantity, and we are governed by circumstances which we cannot anticipate.
For year 1918, we aided 69 persons. For year 1917, we aided 49 per- sons ; making an increase of 20 persons in 1918.
Number of cases investigated and aid not granted in 1918 were eight. The Board recognizes the fine work done by the District Nurse. We also appreciate relief given by all other charitable organizations in our town.
Our financial statement will be found under the head of the Secretary's Report.
We would recommend that the salary of the Secretary of the Poor Department be increased $50 per year.
We would recommend that the town appropriate the sum of $4,700 for the maintenance of the Poor Department for the ensuing year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH F. CROWELL, Chairman. EDMUND RUSSELL, Secretary. HARRY E. CAHOON.
SWAMPSCOTT, January 1, 1919.
SECRETARY'S REPORT.
Persons having settlement in Swampscott aided by other cities and towns
20
Persons fully supported in Swampscott 9
Families partially supported in Swampscott 9 Men, women and children receiving aid in Swampscott, during 1918, 48 Settlement in Swampscott 53
Settlement elsewhere in state
I5
48
Persons aided in 1918 in Swampscott · . Aided by other cities and towns, settlement in Swampscott .
2I
1918]
OVERSEERS OF POOR REPORT.
125
Financial Report.
Reimbursed by state .
$195 39
Reimbursed by cities and towns
228 19
Due from state :
325 35
Due from cities and towns
407 85
Expenditures in 1912
$3,798 39
Expenditures in 1913
3,876 03
Expenditures in 1914 .
3,798 45
Expenditures in 1915 .
3,351 97
Expenditures in 1916 .
3,495 06
Expenditures in 1917 .
3,297 52.
Expenditures in 1918 .
3,299 59
(1918 bills, unpaid January 1, 1919, $776 00)
Respectfully submitted, EDMUND RUSSELL,
SWAMPSCOTT, January 1, 1919.
Secretary :
I26
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Board of Fire Engineers' Report
To the Board of Selectmen :
The Board of Fire Engineers submits herewith its report for the year . 1918 and recommendations for 1919.
The Board has continued the same organization throughout the year as in 1917, Chief George P. Cahoon, chairman, Horace R. Parker, clerk, and Wiear L. Rowell. In the latter part of March a report of the New England Insurance Exchange was received from the Finance Committee of the town, the same being the result of the application of that com- mittee to have the town placed in Class A, as regards insurance rates. The report contained many suggestions for improvement of conditions. A conference was held with the Engineer who wrote the report, there being also present the members of the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Water and Sewerage Commissioners. As a result of the conference a complete understanding between all concerned was reached, and such improvements and suggestions as this Board may inaugurate from time to time will be along the lines contained in the report. The report was shown to be instead of a criticism rather the setting up of a mark to be obtained as the department expands.
Owing to the large number of call men who were obliged to seek employment out of town and the practical impossibility of securing a sufficient number of call men who are in town at all times, and along the lines of the suggestion in the Exchange report, the Board decided that safety demanded that during the vacation season a temporary driver should be employed, thereby ensuring a complete permanent force, and from May until October an extra permanent man was employed. The Exchange also suggested that the number of permanent men be increased from 9 to 14, and that the call force be reduced to 12 men. In view of the difficulty in securing call men the Board feels that the suggestion is a good one. In its recommendations, therefore, will be found a suggestion that two additional permanent men be appointed, and that the call force be reduced to 17, thus following the same ratio of increase and reduction as provided in the report. The increase will avoid the necessity of appointing a permanent extra man during the summer.
During the year 500 feet of new hose was purchased at a cost of $495. There are now 3,700 feet of good hose and 700 feet of poor hose in the department. The Board believes that the only proper way to keep the equipment up to standard is to make a purchase of hose each year.
In the late spring it became evident that there was trouble with the boiler at the New Ocean street house. A thorough examination showed that the tubes were badly pitted, and after conference with the Board of Selectmen, the boiler was entirely retubed at a cost of $237.08.
No repairs have been made on any of the buildings during the year, but
I27
FIRE ENGINEERS' REPORT.
1918]
the time will soon come when it will be necessary to consider the erection of a building to replace the New Ocean street house, which long ago outlived its usefulness. The building should be painted inside and out during the coming year.
Men in Service.
March 19, 1918, Thomas S. Leadbetter, permanent driver at the New Ocean street house, who had enlisted in the air service the latter part of the previous year, was called to service and assigned to attend the training camp at Princeton University, passed his examinations with credit to himself and his town, and was nearly ready for his com- mission as a flyer when the armistice was signed. He received his honorable discharge and returned to Swampscott on November 29, and was reinstated in his old position on December 7.
Arthur E. Hardy, call man at the New Ocean street house, enlisted in the Merchant Marine on May 14, 1918, and returned to duty on August 14, having received an honorable discharge.
Ralph H. Owens, call man at the New Ocean street house, was called in the selective draft on July 25, 1918, and is now with the American Expeditionary Force in France.
G. Garry Barker, call man at the Phillips Beach house, enlisted in the quartermaster's corps.
In Memoriam.
It is with deepest regret that the Board announces the death of one of its most valued permanent men, in the passing away of Lewis J. Kezer, permanent driver at the Phillips Beach Chemical house, on Thanksgiving Day. Of quiet, even disposition, a man who could always be relied upon to do his full share of the work, Lewis J. Kezer leaves behind him a memory that will always be cherished by those who were proud to call him friend. He was appointed a call man May 1, 1901, and permanent man in November, 1908.
Appointments.
The vacancy caused by the enlistment of Driver Thomas S. Leadbetter was filled by the appointment of W. Benjamin Snow, who had been a call man since July 3, 1912. This appointment was made March 12, and Driver Snow was assigned to the New Ocean street house. Later, upon the death of Driver Kezer and the return of Driver Leadbetter to duty, Driver Snow was transferred to the Phillips Beach house, where he is now stationed.
The permanent personnel at the close of 1918 was as follows :
At the New Ocean street house, Chief George P. Cahoon, Assistant Chief Clarence D. Kendrick, Captain Frank W. Oulton, Drivers Walter M. Champion, Harold L. Jacobs and Thomas S. Leadbetter.
At the Phillips Beach house, Captain Walter A. Thomas, Drivers Fred T. J. McNamara and W. Benjamin Snow.
Work of Department.
The Board would be derelict in its duty to the men of the department if it did not make a matter of public record of its appreciation of the work of the men of the department on at least two occasions during the past
128
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
year. On October 29 fire was discovered in the soft coal in the bins at the Hadley School, and it was found necessary to shovel the entire lot of many tons out into the yard. Though the job was a most disagreeable one, and because of the constant forming of gases was more than ordin- arily dangerous, every man of the department was on hand and did his bit without hesitation or complaint, even though some of their comrades were overcome by the gases and rendered unconscious.
The second instance was on December 3, at the Willey House, where a fire that had eaten well into the partitions was stopped with a minimum of damage and in a manner that brought forth the highest words of praise when the work had been completed. The work was carried on efficiently and without excitement and with especial care that no damage other than was absolutely necessary was done to walls or furniture, so that occupancy of the house by the majority of the guests was not interrupted. The fire- men were slightly delayed at the start because of the necessity of rescue work, four men and two women being brought to the ground in safety on the extension ladders of the department. With 35 occupants of the house asleep at the time of the breaking out of the fire there is cause of congratu- lation that there was no loss of life.
In each of the above instances every man of the department was on hand and attending to his part of the work, and the same is true on every occasion when the services of every man are needed. It has been claimed that the response to calls by call men is small, but when the need comes the men are there. The claims of small response is made from the records, but as only 20 minutes is granted the men to respond to the alarm, the chance of being marked absent when employed at a distance is fairly large. Most of the fires are of small consequence and are handled by the per- manent men, and the call men therefore become of greatest service when there is greatest need. At such times they have never failed. Until such time as Swampscott as a town can furnish within its borders sufficiently remunerative employment to attract men, the fire department must depend for its call men on those who are employed outside. That it can do this until such time as the town can afford a complete permanent force has been amply proven, and the Board feels that the citizens can rest assured that their safety and welfare will be well looked after by the men of the Swampscott Fire Department.
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