USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1923 > Part 12
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Although this law has been in effect since 1921, the State Board of Education has heretofore made no effort to prescribe the form in which the physical records shall be kept. This year, however, the Board has prepared a form of record card which must now be kept by all cities and towns throughout the State. The new card is designed to contain the pupil's physical record throughout his entire school life, and is divided into four sections. Section one, contains the introduc- tory information and record of the physical examination as made by the school physician. Section two, contains the record of height, weight, sight and hearing. Section three, consists of three divisions; first, a record of defects, their treatment and the results; second, a record of the disease the pupil has had, and third, the names of the other children in the family. Section four, is devoted to a record of the visits to the home of the pupil and the outcome of each visit. The adoption of this card has made considerable more work for the school physicians and nurse and also greatly added to the clerical work of this department. We have, in spite of the additional work, endeavored to meet the requirements of the law as well as those of the State Board of Education and up to the present time 786 pupils in the grammar schools and 152 pupils in the first year of the Junior High School have been examined. If these examinations are to be made each year and the records kept as called for on these cards, some provision must be made for accomplishing the work.
While it has been impossible to complete all of the records in time for this report, the following summary will give you a fair idea of the results of the examinations as thus far recorded:
141
REPORT OF HEALTH OFFICER
Clarke Hadley Machon Palmer Junior High Totals
Pupils Examined
263
209
197
117
152
938
Physical Defects
Adenoids
30
10
35
26
3
104
Feet and spine
14
2
8
4
2
30
Glands
55
3
5
3
5
71
Hearing
. .
. .
. .
. .
3
Heart
6
2
1
2
1
12
Lungs
8
. .
1
. .
4
13
Mentality
4
. .
15
1
. .
20
Nervous system
3
1
14
1
1
20
Nutrition
32
32
34
20
5
123
Posture
55
5
27
7
3
97
Scalp
1
·
5
1
. .
7
Skin
5
1
3
5
2
16
Teeth
102
50
99
36
26
313
Tonsils
47
49
44
26
16
182
Vision
13
· ·
22
. .
. .
181
Totals
455
204
335
165
68
1,227
In the above figures there is very good evidence that the attention of the citizens of this town should be directed toward the physical, as well as the educational, welfare of our public school children. Par- ents of these children cannot hope for their future success if they are permitted to be thus physically handicapped. There is a further duty than that of sending the children to school. The teachers cannot be expected to show results if the health of the child is undermined by its physical defects. Success cannot be obtained through education alone. A sound mind and body are fundamental factors. Warnings of these conditions have been embodied in previous reports but the citizens and finance committees have apparently felt that action was unneces- sary. In spite of this I still feel that there is need for action if we hope to remedy the situation.
"Shaw Estate"
Complaints are constantly being received relative to overflowing cesspools and obnoxious odors existing in the cellars of premises lo- cated in that section of the town, commonly known as the "Shaw Estate". While every effort was made by this office when the houses were built to so locate the cesspools that conditions of this kind would not occur, the condition of the land was such that it was almost im- possible to find a location where the cesspool did not have to be built in either water or so located that there was a possibility of the con- tents therefrom finding their way under the foundation of the premises. In many instances it was necessary to fill the land before the cesspool could be provided. As this department did not possess the power to prevent the use or development of the property and no nuisance then existed, nothing could be done.
35
Weight
80
49
19
33
1923]
3
142
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Soon after the premises were occupied trouble began to arise. Com- plaints began to be received that the cesspools were overflowing and that obnoxious odors were occurring in the cellars of the homes. Investigations were made and considerable time and money has been spent by those who purchased the property in an effort to solve the problem. Overflows have been built and regular removals of the con- tents of cesspools made, but the situation remains the same. The only solution is the public sewer, and every effort should be made to extend the system to that section without delay.
In concluding this report I desire to thank the members of the board, the members and officers of other departments, the various organiza- tions and citizens of the town for the assistance they have given me in the discharge of my duties during the past year.
Recommendations I recommend the following for the year 1924:
The establishment of a health center and clinic and that the sum of $1,500 be appropriated for the same.
That the sewer system be extended through the "Shaw Estate" and that money be appropriated for the same.
Respectfully submitted,
C. W. HORTON, Health Officer.
SWAMPSCOTT, December 31st, 1923.
..
143
REPORT OF HEALTH NURSE
1923]
Report of Health Nurse
To the Board of Health:
GENTLEMEN :- I herewith submit my report of work done in the schools, during the past year:
A great deal of health education has been carried on in all grades, through posters, talks by nurse, motion pictures and lectures by out- side speakers.
Complete physical examinations have been given each child. Sight and hearing tests have been given in all grades, including the high school.
Much of our health work has been centered on teeth, with the result that many children have had dental care and it is now quite unusual to find a child who does not own and use a tooth brush. The child has now gone as far as it can and must await the financial conveni- ence of its parents. In many cases this means that the children must wait anywhere from two to three years for a first and much needed visit to the dentist. When we consider that America claims to have the most advanced ideas on dentistry, some of the ablest dentists and dental schools second to none, is it not appalling to find our children so neglected ?
After much followed-up work, I recommend a dental clinic be pro- vided to meet this pressing need of all classes of children.
The following is a summary of the work done during the year:
Visits to schools
391
Old cases cured
37
Visits to home (old)
90
Visits to homes (new)
133
Taken to dispensary (old)
5
Taken to dispensary (new)
5
School consultations (parents)
119
School consultations (pupils)
123
Examinations for uncleanliness
211
Mental examinations
14
Vision tests
1,413
Hearing tests
1,413
Pediculosis
19
Impetigo
13
Scabies
4
Wounds
25
Other diseases of skin
47
Scoliosis
10
Hip-joint disease
5
Teeth
313
144
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Malnutrition Nervous Schick test Miscellaneous
123
3
356
452
Respectfully submitted, MARY K. HAMMOND,
Health Nurse.
SWAMPSCOTT, December 31, 1923.
Report of Milk Inspector
To the Board of Health:
GENTLEMEN :- I herewith submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1923:
Number of samples taken and analyzed 152
Number of samples taken for bacteria test 147
Number of samples that passed bacteria test 143
Number of samples low in total solids 34
Number of samples low in butter fat 4
Number of ice cream samples taken and analyzed 20
Number of samples that passed bacteria test 17
Number of samples of cream taken and analyzed 2
Number of samples of condensed milk analyzed 1
Licenses
Number of stores licensed to sell milk 48
Number of dealers licensed to sell milk 18
Number of stores licensed to sell oleomargarine 5 Number of stores licensed to sell ice cream 20
Number of permits issued to manufacture ice cream 7
Investigation of those samples found low in total solids showed that if a thorough mixing of the milk as received from the dairies had been made occurrences of this nature would not be necessary. This was also true of the butter fat. The matter was brought to the attention of those in charge of the distributing plant and the trouble remedied.
The sum of $35.50 has been received from licenses during the year and said amount has been paid to the collector and his receipt ob- tained.
Respectfully submitted,
C. W. HORTON,
Milk Inspector.
SWAMPSCOTT, December 31, 1923.
145
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
1923]
Report of Inspector of Plumbing
To the Board of Health:
GENTLEMEN :- I herewith submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1923:
Plumbing permits issued 144
Installations approved 153
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD C. PHILLIPS,
Plumbing Inspector.
SWAMPSCOTT, December 31, 1923.
Report of Inspector of Slaughtering
To the Board of Health:
GENTLEMEN :- I herewith submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1923:
The slaughtering this year has been carried on in a very satisfac- tory manner and the premises, where the work has been done, have been kept clean. The animals have been in good condition and free from contagious disease. Particular care has been taken this year for the detection of tuberculosis or hog-cholera, as well as any other form of contagious disease, but all animals have been found to be free from disease of any kind so far as a physical examination would reveal.
The Federal authorities are making a special effort to eradicate tuberculosis among domestic animals used for food, particularly cattle and swine. Inspectors have been requested to be particularly careful in their examinations. The slaughtering in this town has been confined mostly to swine and has consisted generally of one or two animals at a time, principally for home use. Where the work is car- ried on in this manner there is not so much danger of contagions as there would be at public slaughter houses, where the animals are shipped from long distances and large numbers are herded together. Of course, where swine are shipped in this manner they are usually inoculated against hog-cholera before they are loaded, but even with this precaution there are more or less of them that will not pass inspection and are condemned and destroyed and their carcasses buried or rendered.
Respectfully submitted, FRANK B. STRATTON, M. D. V., Inspector of Slaughtering.
SWAMPSCOTT, December 31, 1923.
146
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of Inspector of Animals
To the Board of Selectmen, Swampscott:
GENTLEMEN :- The cattle, swine, etc., kept in town, have been found to be in good condition this year and the premises, in most cases, have been kept clean with good light and ventilation. Some of the stables, however, have needed certain changes in order to improve these con- ditions, but in each instance where repairs or alterations have been suggested the owner has willingly complied. Of course, any such changes are for the ultimate benefit of the owner through keeping his stock in better condition, which means a better value at time of slaughter or, in case of cows kept for milk production it would mean a bigger yield and better quality of milk.
There have been no cases of contagious disease reported this year and no farm animals have been quarantined.
The general inspection was made in the spring and consisted of a thorough examination of all cattle, swine, sheep, etc., for any form of contagious disease, also to see that the barns had sufficient light and were properly ventilated. All the premises were found in very good order.
Respectfully submitted, FRANK B. STRATTON, Inspector of Animals.
SWAMPSCOTT, December 31st, 1923.
147
REPORT OF SURVEYOR OF HIGHWAYS
1923]
Report of Surveyor of Highways
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
I herewith submit my annual report ending December 31, 1923.
Redington street, from Blaney street to King street, has been re- surfaced with asphalt pavement.
Forest avenue, from Redington street to the Whitney estate, has been put to grade, ledge removed, sidewalks built, two catch basins put in, the whole street resurfaced with gravel and rolled with the steam roller.
There has been about one mile of streets resurfaced with gravel.
The following streets have been seal-coated in whole or in part :- Monument avenue, Columbia avenue, Farragut road, Salem street, Beach Bluff avenue, Phillips avenue, Humphrey street, Walker road, Essex avenue, Devens road and Redington street.
Essex avenue has been picked up with the steam roller, grade lowered and sidewalks concreted.
Bradlee avenue. Work on this avenue has progressed as far as the appropriation would allow. There is still considerable more to be done here. I would recommend that the sum of $1,000 be appropriated to finish the work.
Mountwood Road has been gravelled as far as the appropriation would permit. I recommend that $700 be appropriated to finish gravelling the same.
Valley Road. Sidewalks built and the road surface reshaped. This street should be treated with tar or heavy oil this summer.
Phillips Circle. Sidewalks built, street resurfaced with gravel and rolled with the steam roller.
Roadway to Beach, at the Charles Lake estate, Puritan road, was widened its entire width and resurfaced with gravel.
Streets where water, gas or sewer pipes have been laid were leveled and resurfaced with gravel and rolled with the steam roller.
Eleven signs have been placed at the junction of the different town and city boundary lines, reading as follows :
1 Four line guide board. One line wing town line.
1 Shore Drive, Swampscott-Lynn.
3 Town line signs, Lynn-Swampscott.
3 Town line signs, Salem-Swampscott.
2 Town line signs, Marblehead-Swampscott.
1 Two-line guide board, State Road-North Shore.
Ten catch basins have been retopped this year. Also 106 feet of 6-inch drain, 66 feet of 8-inch drain and 32 feet of 10-inch drain pipe have been laid.
148
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
There were 1,400 square yards of tar and mixed stone gutters laid and thirty-four driveways were lowered.
There were 454 feet of guard rail fence repaired this year.
Gutters and catch basins in all streets have been cleaned at least twice during the year.
Concrete sidewalks (tar) repaired as follows:
Beach avenue, 8.83 square yards; Blaney street, 4.13 square yards; Essex avenue, 279 square yards; Hardy road, 85.63 square yards; Humphrey street, 408.60 square yards; Rockland street, 83.65 square yards; Orchard Terrace, 50.50 square yards; Shaw road, 63.20 square yards; Sheridan Terrace, 14.90 square yards; Stetson avenue, 44.75 square yards; Essex avenue, 100 square yards, skim coat. Price of tar concrete 80 cents a square yard, 68 cents for skim coating per square yard.
In repairing and resurfacing sidewalks the following amounts of material were used; 137 loads of cinders; 81 loads of stone dust; 146 loads of sand for sanding icy sidewalks.
New gravel sidewalks were built on the following streets: Puritan Road, Goulston estate, Atlantic Avenue at the Viles estate, Humphrey Street at Morton Road, Farragut Road between Banks and Grant Roads.
As waivers were not signed, no work was done on the sidewalk on Humphrey Street from Phillips Beach depot to Forest avenue.
Number of feet of new curbstone laid as follows: Hardy Road, 37.8 feet; Maple avenue, 276.2 feet; Middlesex avenue, 329.8 feet; Puritan Road, 27 feet.
During the year the usual work of patrolling or patching street surfaces required a team and two men practically seven months of the year.
Street Watering and Oiling
Bids for furnishing oil for street purposes were asked for and opened in the Selectmen's room at the Town Hall. Alden, Speares' Sons Co. was awarded the contract as the lowest bidder for the dust laying oils. About 34,089 gallons, 30 per cent asphaltic road oil, was applied. There were 5,107 gallons of 65 per cent asphaltic road oil used. There were 4,150 gallons of Standard binder B and 15,700 gallons of tar used on the streets for all purposes and 25,220 cubic feet of water. The price paid for dust laying oil was $.059 per gallon; applied by auto truck $.082 per gallon. Binder B, 12 cents per gallon applied. Cold patch special was $.0177 per gallon in barrels, furnished by J. J. Galvin of Boston, as the lowest bidder.
A new steam road roller of the latest model, with the attached scarifier on the rear has been purchased from the Buffalo-Springfield Roller Co., for the sum of $5,990. Allowance on the old roller $690.
New tools purchased were one two-horse road machine to be used on gutter work and six sidewalk snow plows.
Trenching in the Streets. The necessity of trenching the streets is due to the Water, Sewer and Gas companies laying mains, making repairs and connections from buildings to the mains. I wish to call
149
REPORT OF SURVEYOR OF HIGHWAYS
1923]
the attention of the town to the unsatisfactory way in which trenches are left. It means that considerable time and expense is expended by the department in repairing the surface after a street has been trenched. I believe that there is only one way to overcome the care- lessness on the part of those who apply for permits, and that is to have the town appoint someone to oversee all work in putting trenches back and charge the cost to the applicant for the permit.
Proposed Work. Streets that should be resurfaced this year are Palmer avenue, from Atlantic avenue to Humphrey street, Humphrey street, from Forest avenue to Railroad crossing, where sewer was laid this summer; Stetson avenue, Middlesex avenue and Cherry street.
Snow and Ice
Care of snow and ice. Snow storms of the last winter were more severe than any the department has had to contend with for some years. Because of the large amount of snow to handle and the neces- sity of so much extra labor, the appropriation was greatly overdrawn. It will be remembered that one snow storm was followed by other storms of more or less severity. The town has spent approximately $21,000 in handling snow. One reason for the large part of the ex- pense has been in removing great piles of snow, caused by the break- ing out of the car tracks, which was carted away by the town, where in former years the railroad company cared for the removal of such snow on one side of its tracks.
Recommendations
1. That the town appropriate the sum of $1,500 to be used in build- ing a locker at the town yard, State Road.
2. That the town appropriate the sum of $6,000 to be used in re- surfacing Humphrey Street.
3. That the town purchase a three ton truck and appropriate money for same.
4. That the town purchase one pair of horses and appropriate $600 for same.
Respectfully submitted,
MICHAEL J. RYAN,
Surveyor of Highways.
SWAMPSCOTT, December 31st, 1923.
150
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of Police Department
To the Board of Selectmen:
GENTLEMEN :- In submitting the annual report of the Police de- partment for the year ending December 31, 1923, I wish to call to your attention the increased business of the department for the past year, which can readily be seen by a study of the comparative tables for the years 1922 and 1923. As two of my recommendations are based on this fact, I deem it worthy to be called to your attention.
Arrested or summoned to appear in court for the following of- fenses :-
1922
1923
Larceny
3
5
Breaking, entering and larceny
5
2
Drunkenness
25
29
Assault
3
5
Assault with intent to rape
1
2
Truancy
3
2
Violation of the liquor law
12
6
Violation of the Lord's day, gaming
0
11
Obstruction of R. R. engine
0
1
Giving false alarm of fire
0
4
Insane
4
3
Abduction
0
1
Summonses and arrests for out of town officers
76
83
Speeding
68
101
Operating without proper lights
0
34
Failing to stop on signal of officer
1
2
Operating under the influence of liquor
10
11
Operating so as to endanger lives of public
1
2
Operating without license
4
15
Reckless driving
2
1
Going away without making himself known
3
2
No registration
0
7
Improper number plates .
1
2
Non-support of minor child
1
0.
Vagrancy
2
0
Violation of Town By-law, barking dog
1
0
Bastardy
1
0
Total
227
331
Males
223
320
Females
4
11
227
331
151
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
1923]
Disposition of cases in court :-
1922
1923
Appealed to Superior Court
9
9
Fined and paid
89
124
Filed on payment of costs
4
35
Placed on file
19
21
Placed on probation
4
6
Released by Probation officer
6
6
Discharged by Court
9
12
Defaulted
1
10
Committed to House of Correction
0
5
Committed to Danvers Insane Hospital
2
3
Committed to State Hospital, Westboro
1
0
Committed to State Farm at Bridgewater
0
1
Committed to Psychopathic Hospital, Brookline
1
0
Committed to Lawrence Training School
0
1
Committed to Industrial School at Shirley
0
1
Restitution made
6
6
Suspended sentences
0
6
Held for Grand Jury
0
2
Delivered to other officers
76
83
Total
227
331
Miscellaneous work performed by the department :-
1922
1923
Accidents and assistance rendered
46
71
Assisted other officers
27
49
Ambulance responded to fire alarms
54
52
Injured and sick persons cared for
28
0
Buildings found open and secured
70
81
Bicycles reported lost or stolen
14
9
Bicycles returned to owners
3
3
Goods reported lost or found
62
106
Complaints investigated
476
737
Cases of larceny reported
31
24
Cases of attempted breaking and entering
4
0
Cases of breaking and entering and larceny
15
11
Dead bodies found and cared for
6
1
Defective streets and sidewalks
15
49
Disturbances suppressed without arrest
3
1
Dogs returned to owners or dog officer
95
46
Fire alarms given by officers
2
11
Fires extinguished by officers
2
0
Lost children found and returned to parents
23
25
Lights furnished for dangerous places
27
10
Lights reported out in streets
297
486
Lights found burning in buildings
9
6
Miscellaneous reports
66
96
Poles and trees reported on fire
14
27
Stray animals cared for
15
4
152
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
1922
1923
Water and gas leaks reported
8
10
Wires reported down
29
17
Search warrants for liquor served
11
2
Value of property lost or stolen
$3,088.56 $1,902.24
Value of property recovered
1,848.38
599.24
Dogs reported lost
95
40
Intoxicated persons assisted home
0
2
Health officer notified of dead dogs and cats found in
streets
0
9
Automobile plates found on street and returned to owners 0
0
2
Automobiles without lights
0
50
People reported missing from home
0
10
Suicides reported
0
4
Cases of breaking and entering reported
0
4
The following are the sums I would recommend for the expenses of the Police department for the year ending December 31, 1924.
Salaries for regular officers
$25,360.00
Salaries for special work
2,000.00
Telephones
375.00
Gas and light
150.00
Coal and wood
375.00
Gas and oil
250.00
Miscellaneous expenses
2,500.00
Total
$31,010.00
Prosecution of Cases in Court
In the past it has been the policy of the Police department to have. all the important cases and most of the other cases prosecuted in court by an attorney. This has proved expensive, so the past year the chief has prosecuted all the cases of the department in court at a. decided saving to the Town and with the following results:
Cases prosecuted by the Chief 214
Result
Fined and paid
124
Placed on file
21
Filed on payment of costs
35.
Placed on probation
6
Discharged by court
12
Sentenced
8
Restitution secured
6
Suspended sentences
2
Total
214
214
Fines imposed by Court
$1,980.00
Fines imposed as costs
147.00
Total
$2,127.00
9
Street obstructions removed
153
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
1923]
Police Automobile
As the complaints investigated increased from 476 in 1922 to 737 in 1923 and all other branches of police work show a corresponding increase I hereby recommend that an automobile be purchased for the use of the department. Many cases could be taken care of by such a machine much cheaper and with better results than with ambulance. Swampscott is 'one of few towns of its size and wealth that does not have a police automobile. Therefore I recommend that the sum of $1,000 be appropriated for that purpose.
Police Motorcycles
I would recommend that the old motorcycle which was purchased in 1917 and which has not been used for the past three years be sold. It is rapidly depreciating in value and should be sold at once. The motorcycle purchased in 1921 is in fair condition and the past year a sidecar was attached, and it performed very good work in appre- hending speeding automobiles and miscellaneous cases. With a little overhauling it will be serviceable the next year. In place of the old 1917 motorcycle I would recommend that $400 be appropriated for the purchase of a new motorcycle.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM L. QUINN, Chief of Police.
SWAMPSCOTT, December 31st, 1923.
Report of Dog Officer
To the Board of Selectmen, Swampscott:
There have been eighteen complaints investigated this year. Eight dogs have been restored to their owners and forty-four stray dogs have been taken care of. Also notices have been sent to several own- ers who have neglected to license their dogs, as called for in the public statutes.
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