USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1921 > Part 7
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Wm. C. McNamara (Palmer)
23 Ingalls terrace 82 Norfolk avenue 82 Norfolk avenue 30 Blaney street II Highland place 802 Humphrey street
School Physicians.
Dr. Ralph E. Bicknell
High Clarke
Dr. Loring Grimes
Dr. Howard K. Glidden
Hadley
Dr. Harry M. Lowd
Machon
Dr. Francis G. Rowley
Palmer
Attendance Officer.
Charles W. Burrill
263 Burrill street
Clerks.
Virginia Knowlton (Hadley School)
22 Elmwood road 246 Burrill street
Emma W. Holmes (Superintendent's office )
47 Hillside avenue 36 Lyman street, Lynn 4 Chapman street, Beverly 40 Perley street, Lynn 162 North street, Salem
3 Burton avenue, Beverly 76 Banks road 28 Norfolk avenue II Outlook road
72
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Board of Health.
To the Citizens of Swampscott :
The Board of Health herewith submits its report for the year ending December 31, 1921, together with those of their various officers.
The organization of the board was the same as that for the previous year.
As will be seen by the reports of the various officers a great deal has been accomplished along health lines during the year. No epidemics have occured and the number of communicable diseases reported show a very pleasing decrease.
During the month of December we appointed Dr. Maurice T. Briggs, 44 Humphrey street, bacteriologist for the department. In making this appointment we felt that it was for the best interests of the town and would greatly add to the efficiency of the department, because of our ability to obtain earlier reports of bacteriological examinations.
Beaches.
The beaches were as usual given their annual spring cleaning. The amount expended for this work was much lower than ever before. This was due in a large measure to the small amount of material found thereon and also because of the fact that the work was done by a contractor instead of day labor.
We believe that this method is as satisfactory and much less expensive.
Pest House and Ambulance.
In accordance with the vote passed at the annual town meeting the board advertised the sale of the land and buildings known as the "Pest House Property" located off Danvers street. Very little interest was shown relative to the sale of the property and but three bids were received. Herbert C. Brown was found to be the highest bidder and the property was awarded to him for $400. The money so received was deposited with the town treasurer and we hold his receipt for the same.
Several efforts have been made to dispose of the "Beatty Ambulance," as directed by the vote of the town, but we have been unable to find a purchaser. The matter of having the same stored in the rear of the Cen- tral Fire Station was taken up with the Board of Selectmen, but we were informed that there was no available room there. The matter was then taken up with the Surveyor of Highways, who very kindly consented to having it stored at the town stable. This has been done and will therefore save further expense for storage.
73
BOARD OF HEALTH REPORT.
1921 ]
Nuisances.
Owing to the fact that the estate of the late owner of "The Acre" is still in an unsettled state, we have not been able to accomplish as much toward the abatement of conditions existing there as we have desired. Some progress has been made, however. Two dwelling houses and several sheds have been torn down and at the present time one other is in process of removal. There are still two others to be removed and we feel that before long the entire nuisance will have been eliminated.
Recommendations.
We recommend that a dental clinic be established and that the sum of $1,200 be appropriated for the same.
Appropriations.
The board recommends the following appropriations for 1922 :
Health and Sanitation
$4,619 00
Refuse and Garbage
10,086 00
Health Nurse
1,140 00
Respectfully submitted, LORING GRIMES, M. D. JOHN B. CAHOON, HAROLD H. BARTOL.
SWAMPSCOTT, December 31, 1921.
74
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Health Officer.
To the Board of Health:
GENTLEMEN,-I herewith submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1921.
Despite the economic conditions of the past year there has been a marked improvement along health lines. There has been a very gratify- ing decrease in the number of communicable diseases reported over those of the previous two years. This has no doubt resulted from the co-oper- ation which we have received from those citizens who realize the necessity of a prompt diagnosis and the isolation of those ill with a communicable diseases. There are still a few citizens, however, who overlook the neces- sity of reporting suspected cases of communicable diseases. Such people are a menace, for they not only jeopardize the health of those in their household but that of the whole community. It is impossible for the health officer to keep a strict supervision over each individual family, therefore it should be the duty of every one of our citizens to report the existence of any suspicious illness in their immediate neighborhood.
The efficiency of a health department depends, not upon the amount of work it does after an epidemic has started, but upon its preventative activities, and in order to obtain results it must have the assistance and support of each individual. Parents should realize the need of consulting their family physician in every case where there is any question as to the nature of any illness among the members of their household. One death has occurred during the past year because of the parents' failure to call a physician at the beginning of the illness. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
The following is a list of the diseases reported during the year, as com- pared with those of the previous two years :
1919
1920
1921
Anterior poliomyelitis
2
I
4
Chicken pox
17
2
49
Cerebro spinal meningitis.
O
0
I
Diphtheria
7
6
8
Encephalitis lethargica
O
O
I
Gonorrhea
O
O
2
Inflamed eyes
O
I
2
Influenza
51
35
2
Lobar pneumonia
4
18
3
Measles
64
50
3
Mumps
I
14
56
Ophthalmia neonatorum
I
2
I
Ring-worm
0,
I
O
1921]
Scarlet fever
25
41
16
Typhoid fever ·
3
3
0
Tuberculosis .
3
5
2
Whooping cough
19
O
Total
197
189
150
Complaints.
The following is a list of the complaints received at this office during the past year :
Building stable without license
I
Keeping horses without license
2
Dirty and wet cellars
3
Privies and vaults
3
Blasting, dirt and noise from stone crusher .
3
Keeping fowl without license
4
Crowing roosters and filthy hen yards
4
Manure not properly covered
4
Unsanitary toilets
5
Dust
5
Dumping without permits
5
Unsanitary restaurants
6
Brooks and drains
6
Filthy pig pens
6
Crowded and dirty tenements
7
Fires on dumps
8
Stagnant water
8
Food stuffs not properly covered
9
Fish and seaweed on beaches
9
Garbage receptacles not properly covered
IO
Leaky and overflowing cesspools .
II
Rubbish in yards .
12
Collecting garbage without permits
16
Offensive catch-basins
14
Loose paper on dumps .
17
Unsanitary buildings
17
Sick and stray animals .
32
Dead animals
47
Ashes and paper
107
Garbage .
435
Miscellaneous
502
Licenses and Permits.
To erect and occupy stable
I
To collect grease and tallow .
2
To collect garbage .
2
To undertakers
2
To hawkers and peddlers
2
To sell alcohol
6
To construct cesspools and drains
9
To keep swine
18
To keep fowl .
255
75
BOARD OF HEALTH REPORT.
76
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
The various complaints received during the year have been of a nature similar to those of previous years. Each complaint has been investigated and action taken when warranted. Special attention has been paid to the sanitary conditions existing in the bakeries and restaurants this year in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 418 of the Acts of 1920, Fre- quent visits have been made to these establishments and those found not up to the standard were notified to improve their conditions. In nearly every instance the proprietor complied with my orders. One proprietor, however, although given several opportunities to place his establishment in a sanitary condition, failed to do so and it became necessary to bring the matter to the attention of the Board of Selectmen, who promptly revoked his victuallers' license.
In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 94 of the General Laws one permit for the manufacture and bottling of carbonated non-alcholic beverages, soda-water, mineral and spring waters was granted during the year. Several changes in both the equipment and mixing rooms were required before the permit was granted.
School Inspection.
The value and need of medical inspection and the correction and treat- ment of the physical defects of children during their school days was very forcibly demonstrated during the examination for recruits for the World War. Examinations at that time showed that approximately one quarter of the men of draft age had serious physical defects which disqualified them for service. It was unanimously agreed at that time that at least one half of those defects could have been completely remedied, and at least one half of the remainder lessened, if they had been examined and treated during their school days.
Today medical inspection of school children is an important part of the work of the health department. Your legislature has recently passed laws making such inspection compulsory. These laws, however, have in a measure failed of their purposes because of their failure to provide for the correction and treatment of the defects which such inspections have revealed. Inspection without correction is in a measure a waste of time and money. To be sure it has been of some value in the early detection of cases of communicable and contagious diseases, but its real aims and objective has not been obtained.
During the past year a thorough examination has been made of each child in the lower grades of our schools and the following conditions noted ; sight, hearing, teeth, throat and nose abnormalities, particularly adenoids and tonsils, hair, for pediculosis, skin, for eruptions, heart, lungs, general nutrition, height, weight and such other conditions as post- ure, mental attitude and cleanliness of body. These examinations have resulted in the discovery of many unsuspected cases of defects in sight and hearing which oftentimes cause mental deficiency, disobedience, bad behavior, truancy and other manifestations of mental abnormalities. When such defects are found the next step is to inform the parents or guardian of the child, and advise that the defect be corrected. This is done through home visits by the health nurse. Experience has taught us, however, that when the parents are notified of those defects only about ten per cent. are corrected. If we are to secure results we must be pro-
77
BOARD OF HEALTH REPORT.
1921]
vided with clinics, where the defects can be corrected and treated either free or at a minimum cost. The lack of such facilities is a serious handicap and defeats the purposes of our inspection. Health clinics are not fads. They are as essential to the work of a progressive health department as a rudder to a ship and tools to a carpenter.
In previous reports I have advocated the establishment of a dental and eye and ear clinic, but no action was taken, in spite of the fact that the finance committee was informed of the conditions existing in our schools and other statistics were presented them showing that at that time sixty-one cities and towns had established dental clinics and twenty-seven others were providing some form of dental service for their school children. Those clinics are not presided over by pupil dentists, as one citizen at our last annual meeting would lead you to suppose would be the case, but by local dentists of unquestionable reputations. The time is not far distant when every city and town will be compelled to provide health clinics for their school children.
Failure to heed similar warnings of health officials regarding the estab- lishment of local facilities for the care and treatment of persons suffering with tuberculosis has resulted in the compulsory establishment of a county institution. Similar statements were made regarding school nurses, and the legislature of 1921 enacted a law which now makes their employment compulsory. As your health officer it is my duty to bring to your attention the real needs of our community, and failure to do so reflects upon my ability to assume the responsibilities which you have imposed upon me. In conclusion, I therefore must again recommend the establishment of a dental and eye and ear clinic and that money be appropriated for the same.
In concluding this report I desire to express my thanks and apprecia- tion to the members of the board, other town officers and citizens for the assistance which they have given me during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
C. W. HORTON, Health Officer
SWAMPSCOTT, December 31, 1921.
78
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Health Nurse.
To the Members of the Board of Health :
GENTLEMEN,-I herewith submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1921.
When we consider how important is the child's development between the ages of 2 and 10 years, we also begin to realize the value of the first teeth and their relation to their physical and mental well being. And indeed a few of us need to look beyond our own mirror to realize the result of the lack of care of teeth at this most important age. This is particularly true of the six year molar teeth, which put in their appear- ance without disturbing the temporary teeth and play such an important part in the promotion of the permanent teeth, perhaps the most valuable teeth in the mouth and too often the most neglected, as they are frequently and usually mistaken for first teeth. This error is due perhaps to the fact that they erupt when the child is 52 or 6 years of age. Often a mouth is found filled with decayed first teeth. When a first tooth decays far enough it is said to die, and this dying process is followed by an abscess, which means that pus is formed and absorbed into the system. There can be but one result. The vitality of the child is lowered and it becomes sub- ject to disease.
While a great deal has been accomplished in Oral Hygiene during the past year, there remains a large percentage of our children who have yet to make a first and much needed visit to a dentist, and in view of the above conditions present in our schools I would again recommend a dental clinic be established where all children may be treated at a minimum cost.
The following is a summary of the work done during the year :
Visits to schools
· 396
Old cases cured
65
Visits to homes (old)
206
Visit to homes (new)
417
Taken to dispensary (old)
30
Taken to dispensary (new)
29
School consultations (parents)
45
Examinations for uncleanliness
60
Examinations for defective vision
1,240
Corneal ulcer
2
Examination for defective hearing
1,240
Other diseases of nose, throat and ear
335
Pediculosis
14
Eczema .
2
Impetigo
.
IO
79
BOARD OF HEALTH REPORT.
1921 ]
Ring-worm
I
Wounds
70
Other diseases of skin
8
Hip-joint disease
3
Teeth
470
Malnutrition
2
Nervous
4
Physical examinations
300
Miscellaneous
694
Respectfully submitted,
MARY K. HAMMOND,
Health Nurse.
SWAMPSCOTT, December 31, 1921.
So
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Milk Inspector.
To the Board of Health :
GENTLEMEN,-I herewith submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1921.
The following is a summary of the work done during the past year :
Number of samples taken and analyzed · IIO
Number of samples taken for bacteria test 34
Number of samples that passed bacteria test 27
Number of samples below legal standard 22
Number of ice cream samples taken and analyzed 30
Number of samples that passed bacteria test 26
Number of stores licensed to sell milk 41
Number of dealers licensed to sell milk
17
Number of stores licensed to sell oleomargine 5
Number of dealers licensed to sell oleomargine I
Number of permits issued to sell ice cream
18
Number of permits issued to manufacture and sell ice cream .
7
While some of the samples of milk taken for analysis were not up to the standard, in no instance was there evidence of adulteration. Careless mixing was found to be the general cause of the trouble. In one or two cases, samples taken at the time of milking showed that the milk as taken from the cow was not up to standard. The addition of new cows rich in butter fats and a thorough mixing of the milk before bottling resulted in the elimination of the trouble.
The sum of $32 has been received from licenses and said amount has been paid to the Town Treasurer and his receipt obtained.
Respectfully submitted,
C. W. HORTON,
Milk Inspector.
SWAMPSCOTT, December 31, 1921.
81
BOARD OF HEALTH REPORT.
1921]
Report of Inspector of Animals.
To the Board of Selectmen :
GENTLEMEN, - There has been one general inspection made during the year of all cattle, swine, sheep, goats, etc., and the premises where kept, for the purpose of detecting any contagious diseases and for suggesting any changes in the drainage and lighting of the buildings where these animals are kept, with a view of improving the sanitary conditions. There were no contagious diseases discovered and only a few changes needed.
Up to January 1, 1922, there have been five dogs quarantined as suspi- cious of having rabies. Of this number three have either died or been destroyed and two are still under quarantine.
There have been no cases of glanders or tuberculosis during the year.
FRANK B. STRATTON, M. D. V. Inspector of Animals.
Report of Dog Officer.
To the Board of Selectmen :
GENTLEMEN, - There have been 47 stray dogs taken care of during the year. Some of these have been returned to their owners, while the others have been humanely disposed of.
FRANK B. STRATTON, M. D. V.
6
1
S2
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
REPORT OF Sealer of Weights and Measures.
To the Board of Selectmen :
GENTLEMEN :- The following is the report of the services of this department for the year ending December 31, 1921.
In the past year this department has inspected and sealed all the various measuring devices as called for by the Department of Director of Standards.
All complaints were investigated and satisfactory results were obtained with one exception. This was the short measuring of a customer on a load of kindling wood from an unknown wood dealer.
The efficiency of this department was greatly increased by the addition of an apothecary scale and weight testing apparatus, an outfit for the test- ing of weights on ice and 10-50 pound platform weights.
A better idea can be obtained of the work done by this department in the following summary.
Ad- Tested justed
Non Sealed
Con- demned
Platform scales over 5,000 pounds
7
0
2
O
Counter
Bean
4
O
O
O
Spring
42
8
O
4
Computing "
16
6
O
O
Slot weighing scales
7
O
2
Prescription .
5
3
O
Avoirdupois weight
268
97
15
Dry measures
I3
O
O
I
Liquid
98
O
O
2
Oil measuring pumps
36
IO
2
I
Molasses “ 66
0
O
7
O
Yard measures
5
O
I
O
Apothecary weights
64
2
O
4
(metric)
48
O
O
14
Total
688
140
19
44
Trial Weighing.
Tested
Correct Under
Over
Coal in wagons
66
I
O
5
Coal in paper bags
2,143
1,054
17
172
Wood in paper bags
509
481
13
1.8
Ice
.
84
47
6
31
66
under
25
3
2
I
50
II
5
O
83
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES REPORT.
192[]
Flour
569
497
97
15
Butter
160
160
0
O
Dry commodities
3,233 2,757
343
I33
Liquid commodities
I2I
12[
O
O
Meats and provisions
52
42
I
9
Fruits and vegetables
II5
100
O
I5
Bread
182
143
31
8
Confectionery
188
123
O
65
Milk jars
183
183
O
O
Oil pumps
21
16
3
2
Total
. 6,575 5,649
458
468
Inspections.
Stores .
Hawkers' and pedlars' scales, etc.
14
Hawkers' and pedlars' licenses
14
Milk dealers
8
Coal certificates
II
Junk dealers .
3
Markings of food packages
378
Oil pumps ·
2I
Total
501
Cash on hand January 1, 192 I
. $8 44
Uncollected bills
2 51
Bills for services in 1921.
. 69 42
$80 37
Paid treasurer .
$71 83
Cash on hand December 31, 1921
8 54
$80 37
Inspections.
The tabulation shows that special attention was given to the commodi- ties sold in packages, bags, bottles, etc., to protect the public as well as the merchant against frauds in the contents and labeling of these goods.
Frequent inspections of stores and scales were made and no cause for complaint was found in the manner in which the merchants complied with the laws.
On account of the delicate mechanical construction of the gasoline pumps, frequent inspections are required to keep them in good condition, for the business of the gasoline dealer depends wholly on their accuracy.
Hawkers and Peddlers.
Industrial depression and the increase of unemployment brought forth a greater demand for state and county peddlers' and hawkers' licenses. Within their scope came the large amount of surplus army goods and goods from manufacturers who were forced into liquidation. Fakirs and un-
·
51
I
Ice dealers
84
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
authorized peddlers or hawkers took advantage of this condition, con- sequently a large increase of frauds prevailed through the State.
Citizens should be more careful when dealing with any peddler or hawker. Demand to see their license and note the name and number. This is the only way to obtain results if any frauds are committed.
If your demand is refused notify the police at once. Such cases need investigation.
Re-Weighings.
The regulation for marking food in packages form originally adopted under the authority of section 2, Chapter 653, Acts of 1914, provide that packages containing 2 avoirdupois ounces or less, and those containing I fluid ounce or less should be considered as small packages, and there- fore exempted from marking of quantity of contents.
Some packers of spices and similar commodities took advantage of this law, by reducing the quantity nearly one half, still using the same size containers, thus deceiving the public. Flavoring extracts were offered in so called paneled bottles containing only three-fourths ounces, although the size of the bottle would lead one to think he was receiving about 2 ounces.
Flour received considerable attention, and in several cases shortages were found, mostly due to leaky or loosely tied bags. These were satis- factorily rectified by the dealer. .
All the re-weighing of coal while in transit registered over weight. Bagged coal and wood also registered good measures with a few exceptions.
It is not the policy of this department to work hardships or to prose- cute, but to co-operate with, and help in every way the merchant as well as the public. This your sealer feels has been accomplished.
In conclusion, I desire to express my appreciation to the Board of Select- men and the Finance Committee for the support given me in the dis- charge of my duties as sealer. The assistance given by citizens and merchants and the Lynn sealer was deeply appreciated.
Administration.
I recommend for the ensuing year the following :-
Sealer of Weights and Measures
$300 00
Printing and books
30 00
Teaming and help
75 00
Miscellaneous
50 00
Total
$455 00
Respectfully submitted,
C. WALTER BURRILL, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
SWAMPSCOTT, December 31, 1921.
S5
BUILDING INSPECTOR'S REPORT.
1921]
Report of Building Inspector
To the Board of Selectmen, Town of Swampscott:
GENTLEMEN,-I submit herewith my report as Building Inspector for the year 1921.
One hundred and fifty-four building permits were issued, as follows :
Estimated Cost of Construction.
46 Permits for dwellings
$361,100 00
65 Permits for garages
35,000 00
28 Permits to remodel existing structures 46,725 00
13 Permits to construct miscellaneous structures
31,450 00
2 Permits to raze buildings
154
$474,275 00
Six elevator operators' licenses were issued and the fees received there- from turned over to the Town Treasurer.
The annual inspections, required by the laws of the Commonwealth, were made in all the hotels of the town.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN T. LEE,
Building Inspector.
SWAMPSCOTT, December 31, 1921.
86
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[ Dec. 31
Report of Board of Assessors.
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
The Board of Assessors submits the following report for the year 1921 : The real estate valuation April 1, 1921, was $14,226,510, an increase over the previous year (1920) of $218,594.
The valuation of personal estate assessed by the local assessors Apr.1 I, 1921, was $1,391,298, an increase over the previous year (1920) of $74,360.
The appropriation and overlay raised in 1921 by taxation and receipts was $523,759.90, an increase over the previous year (1920) of $42,294.75.
In anticipating the tax rate for 1922, or amount of money to be expended, the citizen must bear in mind that the State Income Tax will be reduced, as well as the value of personal property invested in automo- biles, and further, that last year $20,000 was transferred from the excess and deficiency account, which is not available this year.
A beginning has been made on a new set of assessors' plans, as recom- mended last year, to gradually replace the present ones, which were drafted in 1898.
For departmental expenses we recommend an appropriation of $3,175 for the fiscal year 1922.
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