USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1924 > Part 14
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Sewer and Drains
The sewer system of this town has been extended in the follow- ing streets: Banks road, Essex street, Millett road, Ocean View road, Orchard road, Orchard circle,-a total distance of 2,811 feet.
The time required for the construction of the above sewers was satisfactory, except in Millett and Ocean View roads. At a very great inconvenience to the abutters and residents in this section, the construction of this sewer extended over a period of seven months, due to inadequate equipment and very poor management of the contractor. I hope that in the future both factors, effi- ciency and the lowest bidder, will be considered in awarding contracts.
It was found necessary to replace the 100 h.p. electric motor with a 120 h.p. gasoline engine at the sewer pumping station. This was due to the very unreliable supply of electrical power at the station during flood periods.
The total amount of sewage pumped by the town was 231,518,000 gallons.
With the co-operation of the city of Lynn, the last section of Stacey brook has been enclosed in a concrete culvert of required size to discharge to the sea the water under flood conditions.
The two outfalls of Marshall brook have been repaired by a
177
TOWN ENGINEER'S REPORT
1924]
reinforced concrete culvert, inclosing a 24" cast iron pipe and de- signed as far as possible to resist the ice and wave action.
Continuous Sidewalks
Lines and grades have been given in the various streets as des- ignated by the Board of Selectmen for the laying of 478 lineal feet of curbing, 1,261 square yards of granolithic sidewalks, and 3,922 square feet of parking.
Selectmen's Department
Data and estimates have been furnished at various times for use in the Selectmen's department and plans submitted for their approval.
Assessors' Department
The yearly routine work necessary to keep the Assessors' plans and card index up to date has been done.
At the request of property owners, street lines and grades have been given from time to time for grading lawns, building walls, etc.
In conclusion, I wish to express my appreciation of the courtesies shown me by the various departments and by private engineers, who kindly furnished me with their data, thereby greatly assisting the work of this department.
Respectfully submitted,
WALLACE W. PRATT, Town Engineer.
December 31, 1924.
178
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of Overseers of Poor
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
We herewith submit our annual report for the year 1924:
The past year has been an average one as to the number aided, but exceptional as to the number of State cases, of which there were five. We have one family consisting of seven persons, which is a State case, and which will call for a yearly expenditure of over a thousand dollars.
We have living in Lynn six families whose settlement is in Swampscott, and therefore we have to reimburse Lynn for aid granted them.
The town will receive from the State all that is expended on these State cases, so that the net cost to the town of Swampscott will be about the usual amount.
Owing to the conditions to be met, it is necessary to ask for a larger appropriation for 1925.
The financial and statistical reports will be found under the head- ing of the Secretary's report.
We would recommend that the town appropriate the sum of $7,500 for the maintenance of the Poor Department for the ensuing year.
Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH F. CROWELL, Chairman, EDMUND RUSSELL, Secretary, HARRY E. CAHOON.
December 31, 1924.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Ring the nearest box for all fires in buildings, if within reasonable distance, as it is quicker and more accurate than the telephone.
If you feel you must use the telephone be sure and ask for Emergency 82, Swampscott Fire Department.
Great delays have been caused and large losses suffered by simply asking "Central" for the Fire Department, which gives you Lynn, and not saying Emergency 82, Swampscott Fire Department.
179
REPORT OF OVERSEERS OF POOR
1924]
SECRETARY'S REPORT
Persons having settlement in Swampscott aided by other cities and towns
33
Persons fully supported in Swampscott
15
Families partially supported in Swampscott
14
Men, women and children receiving aid from Swampscott during 1924 103
Settlement in Swampscott
81
Settlement elsewhere in State
22
Persons aided in 1924 in Swampscott
57
Persons fully supported in State Hospital
3
1924 appropriation
$6,500 00
1924 overdraft
685 15
Total expenditure
$7,185 15
Financial Report
Reimbursed by State
$364 80
Reimbursed by cities and towns
60 00
Due from State
1,638 39
Due from cities and towns
31 50
Respectfully submitted,
EDMUND RUSSELL,
Secretary.
The budget for 1925:
Salaries of overseers
$350 00
Salary of secretary
100 00
Telephone
40 00
General expense
7,010 00
$7,500 00
The list of property:
Safe
$35 00
Supplies
25 00
Total
$60 00
180
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of Board of Fire Engineers
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :- The following is the report of the Board of Fire Engineers and the Chief of the Fire Department for the year end- ing December 31, 1924.
Important Notice
We would ask all persons discovering fires in buildings to ring the nearest box (if within reasonable distance) as it is quicker and more accurate than the telephone. If you think you must use the telephone be sure and ask for Emergency 82, Swampscott Fire Department. Great delays have been caused and large losses suf- fered by simply asking "Central" for the Fire Department, which gives you Lynn instead of the Swampscott Department.
Fire Alarm and Service Record
Swampscott box alarms
60
Lynn line boxes
6
All other Lynn calls 16
Marblehead calls
24
Telephone calls
131
Still alarms
14
Total 251
Under the mutual aid system Chemical 4 of Lynn responded to 38 Swampscott calls, Engine 5 and Ladder 1 of Lynn to three Swamp- scott calls, Engine 2 of Marblehead to 12 Swampscott calls, Com- bination A of Swampscott to 24 Marblehead calls, Combination B to 19 Lynn calls and Combination C to six Lynn calls.
Hose, Ladders, Chemicals, etc., used at fires
21/2 inch hose laid
14,650 ft.
Chemical hose used
2,525 ft.
Chemical tanks used
24
Hand chemicals used
159
Total gallons chemical used
1,319 gals.
Ladders raised
Pyrenes used
1,334 ft. 11
19241
REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS
181
Company drills
3
Hose tests
Hours of duty
4 216 hrs. 35 min.
Miles traveled
763
Combination A answered
114 calls
Combination B answered
100 calls
Combination C answered
99 calls
Service car answered
64 calls
Valuation, Losses and Insurance
Value of buildings in which fires occurred $76,500 00
Damage to buildings in which fires occurred 4,944 50
.
Insurance on buildings in which fires occurred 64,300 00
Insurance paid on buildings in which fire occurred 4,944 50
Loss over insurance on buildings
None
Value of contents of buildings 37,600 00
Damage to contents of buildings
2,962 00
Insurance on contents of buildings
22,500 00
Insurance paid on contents of buildings
2,962 00
Loss over insurance on contents of buildings
None
There were also 10 automobile fires
Apparatus
The apparatus is in good condition, requiring only the regular running repairs during the coming year.
The old solid tires on Combination C, the ladder truck, which were worn out, have been replaced by up-to-date pneumatics and are giving good satisfaction.
The placing of a chemical tank on the service car has proved to be a valuable addition to the equipment of the department. We have also placed several Foamite extinguishers on the apparatus for use at oil and gasoline fires exclusively. They have done good work in this line in other places.
Large Hose
We now have 4,025 feet 21/2 inch hose in good condition.
Chemical Hose
We now have 700 feet of first class chemical hose.
Two-Platoon System
On July 15, in accordance with the vote of the town, the two- platoon system went into effect in our department, giving our men the same working conditions as in the fire departments of our neigh- boring cities and towns. This, in our opinion, has been a decided success, as every man in the department has seemed to do his best to render a full measure of service in a harmonious and cheerful
182
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
way, even in excess of required duty. We have had many instances of members of the off shift answering alarms, both still and bell, when off duty. One of our new men is a lineman of over ten years' experience, which gives us a man available at any time for work on our fire alarm, lines.
Fire Stations
The Central Station will need quite a little repair work done to keep it in proper shape during the coming year.
The Phillips Beach station will need quite a little repair work done on the inside in a short time.
Fire Alarm System
There have been 82 alarms received over the fire alarm system during the past year. One new box, No. 115, has been installed on the Park Building at Fishermen's Beach, and three old boxes re- placed by the latest type during that time. We believe a new box should be installed on Puritan road, near the entrance to Little's Point, and have so recommended.
As the town has followed the policy during the past few years of replacing three of our old Stevens type boxes each year with the latest type Gamewell boxes, we have recommended the same this year. We have also recommended tape registers for the houses of Chemical 4, Lynn, and Engine 8, Lynn, as this is the only reli- able way of receiving and recording alarms. Our fire alarm system has been connected with the house of Engine 8 on Eastern avenue, Lynn, making that apparatus more available when needed.
Autos at Fires
We would again request autoists not to drive their autos up close to the scene of a fire, but park them far enough away so as not to interfere with the movements of the firemen and apparatus.
Wooden Shingles a Fire Menace
We believe that a by-law should be enacted by the town pro- hibiting the use of wood shingles on new roofs or complete re- shingling jobs. The fire-resisting type of shingle can be put on cheaper and a lower rate will be allowed on buildings by the in- surance companies where used.
Remarks
Mention should be made of the good work done by our auto super- visor, Captain McNamara, who has taken care of the repairs on the apparatus in a cheerful and painstaking manner, even to the extent of giving up his vacation date when a breakdown occurred.
183
REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS
1924]
This department, co-operating with the School Department, fur- nished speakers and held fire drills in the schools in observance of Fire Prevention Day, October 9.
Recommendations
That the town appropriate $1,000 for hydrant rental.
That the town appropriate $150 for two tape registers.
That the town appropriate $225 to place a fire-alarm box on Puri- tan road, near entrance to Little's Point.
That the town appropriate $480 to replace three of our old type fire-alarm boxes with the modern Gamewell box.
HARRY E. HARDY, JAMES WARNOCK, CLARENCE M. FINCH. Board of Fire Engineers.
JAMES WARNOCK, Chief of Department.
December 31, 1924.
184
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of Dog Officer
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
There have been twenty-seven complaints investigated this year. Fourteen dogs have been restored to their owners and fifty-six stray dogs have been taken care of. Have notified owners who have neglected to license their dogs, as called for in the public stat- utes. Dogs licensed, 296.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK H. BRADFORD, Dog Officer.
December 31, 1924.
Report of Superintendent of Moth Work
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :- The gypsy moth work to the public in general seems to include the suppression of most everything in the line of leaf eating insects on trees and shrubbery. Recently the satin moth has been imported, and it quite severely infests this area. The tent caterpillars were quite numerous this year. Canker worms and tussock moths are a menace in some sections. All these and many others are generally called gypsy moths, and the Moth De- partment is called on to suppress them where outbreaks occur. It has been the policy to give assistance when the work could be done at the same time as for the gypsy moth.
There is a state law that requires the suppression of the gypsy and brown tail moths. The liability or amount expected to be spent by each town is stipulated in the law, and in this town that amount is $5.000.
So long as that amount is not exceeded it has been customary to accede to the public demands. The past year much more spraying was done than usual and there is quite a bit of satisfaction in the preserving of the foliage in town.
185
REPORT OF MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
1924]
However, as fall came on the usual winter work presented itself. The customary creosoting of egg clusters was started and the favor- able weather in December made it possible to have the usual amount of the season's work done by the new year.
During the early part of the year on days unfit for creosoting the brush on the side of Essex street, beyond the cemetery to the Salem line was cut and burned. Beyond the line in Salem the work was continued by that city, and on Danvers street we have cut to the Salem line. Territory previously cut over was mowed as usual.
About a barrel of creosote was used and about 2,600 pounds of arsenate of lead.
Posters picturing the brown tail moth and its parasites imported by the United States government have been distributed in conspicu- ous places in the town.
The small power sprayer which has been in use since 1916 is in need of repairs, and if the moth appropriation is sufficient it should be sent to the factory in Cambridge to be overhauled.
For the ensuing year I recommend the following:
Salary and wages
$3,800 00
Insecticides
400 00
Teams
200 00
Telephone
18 00
Tools and ladders
50 00
Water
50 00
Hose
33 00
Repairs
150 00
Gas and oil
75 00
Storage
24 00
$4,800 00
Respectfully submitted,
EVERETT P. MUDGE, Superintendent of Moth Work.
December 31, 1924.
186
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of the Tree Warden
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
The damage to trees by wind the past year has been unusually severe. In March branches were broken in a storm and at intervals during the year. The climax came August 26th, when not only were branches broken off but trees were blown completely over and had to be removed. Others not entirely uprooted were pulled back into place and guyed. One big elm had half the top twisted off, which broke over to the ground. Many forks broke open, necessi- tating guys and bolts to pull them together. It took two days to clean the debris from the highways to make them passable, and the effect on the trees standing will not be overcome for two years or more.
The leopard moth borer, one of our most serious insect pests, has been an accessory to the damaging gales, and it has been neces- sary to go all over the town and get down hanging limbs of varying sizes which probably would not have been broken off if the borers had not weakened them. Particular attention was given to the borers in small trees, some of which harbored as many as a dozen nearly full grown moths and ready to transform and multiply. They were hooked out with a wire from the trunks and limbs.
All leaf eating insects have been cared for by the usual spraying with arsenate of lead. However, that does not take care of the cottony maple scale which has become an added pest the past year and must be suppressed and exterminated if possible.
The dead wood was removed from trees at the upper part of the town previous to the severe storm. Low limbs in the way of or endangering travel have been removed and wounds have been steril- ized and painted.
In order to economize, the extra work caused by the August gale was done at the same time as the gypsy moth work.
Trees have been removed that were not included in the budget, which necessitated not removing some that were figured on. The five willows and one elm near the Eiseman estate have been taken down Three maples near Deer Cove Inn were removed, and in all thirty-five trees have been felled.
187
TREE WARDEN'S REPORT
1924]
In the way of construction eighty-nine trees have been planted, and when it seemed necessary they were provided with wire tree guards.
The damage from high voltage wires to the trees should be re- duced to a minimum by the installation of the aerial cable on At- lantic avenue, and by the use of tree wire in many other places where the wires came in contact with the branches.
No trees have been killed by escaping illuminating gas, which in the past has caused considerable loss.
For the ensuing year I recommend the following:
New trees
$300 00
Removing trees
200 00
Guards
200 00
Leopard moths
200 00
Trimming and repairing
800 00
Tools and supplies
75 00
Spraying for cottony maple scale
100 00
$1,875 00
The stone wagon used for removing tree roots and stumps is com- pletely worn out and one wheel is broken. I recommend $100 for a new low down wagon.
A planting has been requested by a neighbor in the square at the junction of Middlesex avenue and Hampden street, for which I recommend $50.
Respectfully submitted,
EVERETT P. MUDGE,
Tree Warden.
December 31, 1924.
188
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31 *
Report of the Forest Warden
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :- The fall season was unusually dry. We have been fortunate in not having any bad woods fires, when they were doing damage in most every other section of the State.
Twice during the year the State forester sent out notices prohibit- ing the issuing of permits for fires in the open air because of it being so dry.
Thirty fires have been reported on blanks furnished by the State. While that is two more than the previous year they have not been as severe and the expense of extinguishing has been only about two-thirds as much.
Two hundred ninety-eight permits for burning rubbish have been issued and sixty-eight refused.
The slash law has been enforced and notices have been posted in all parts of the town warning against starting fires in the woods.
For the ensuing year I recommend $200.
Respectfully submitted,
EVERETT P. MUDGE, Forest Warden.
December 31, 1924.
189
ANIMAL INSPECTOR'S REPORT
1924]
Report of Animal Inspector
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :- During the general inspection this year most of the animals were found in good condition and showed no physical signs of contagious disease. Some of them were in poor flesh, but this is quite often the case during the winter months when animals are in the barns most of the time.
The tuberculin test was applied to two cows but both gave a neg- ative reaction.
The premises where these animals have been kept have been clean, with good light and ventilation.
There have been no animals quarantined this year. Some cases of so-called "mad dog" have been reported, but they were found to be normal.
Several dogs have been immunized against rabies during the year and, while this treatment is comparatively new in this country, it has already been adopted by the health boards of several States, and if applied universally would probably stamp out the disease eventually.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK B. STRATTON, M.D. V.
December 31, 1924.
190
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :- I herewith submit my report from January 1, 1924, to December 31, 1924. This department has inspected and tested the various measuring devices and records made thereof.
The Department of Director of Standards has kept this depart- ment fully informed on all important laws with full instructions to enact the same. Records and testing apparatus have been in- spected and found in good order. Up to this time there has been nothing done in testing and sealing apothecary graduates, as there has been no reliable testing apparatus manufactured. This depart- ment has been informed testing apparatus is now available and recommends the securing of one.
Your sealer attended the Massachusetts Sealer of Weights and Measures' Convention at Fall River, where many helpful suggestions and instructive lectures were listened to. Measuring devices of every description were on exhibit and thoroughly explained by ex- perts, and considerable knowledge acquired.
INSPECTIONS AND REWEIGHINGS
Inspections of stores and scales have been made from time to time with no cause of any serious complaint as to the manner laws are complied with. Attention was given to such commodities where the weight and contents are hard to verify by the general public. Few cases of short weights were found, due mostly to leaky containers. Goods ready to be delivered were checked up as called for on the delivery orders. Few of these short weights were through the carelessness of boy clerks not realizing the seriousness of their work. Merchants employing boy helpers are responsible for their acts, and will be held responsible.
For the past few years gasoline pumps have required consider- able attention and trouble. These pumps have been replaced throughout the town by modern ones, and are giving good results.
Your sealer is gratified with the results of all these inspections, showing the co-operation between this department and the mer- chants is of good standard.
191
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
1924]
A better idea can be obtained of the work done by this depart- ment in the following summary :-
Tested
Sealed
Ad- justed
Con- demned
Platform scales over 5,000 lbs.
6
6
1
0
Platform scales under 5,000 lbs.
16
16
1
0
Beam scales over 100 lbs.
3
3
0
0
Beam scales under 100 lbs.
35
34
4
1
Spring scales under 100 lbs.
24
24
1
0
Computing scales under 100 lbs.
25
25
5
0
Prescription scales
4
4
1
0
Personal scales
5
5
0
0
Avoirdupois weights
145
141
2
4
Apothecary weights
68
65
0
3
Metric weights
37
37
0
0
Liquid measures
78
77
0
1
Dry measures
8
8
0
0
Gasoline pumps
37
35
6
2
Quantity stops
145
145
2
0
Yard measures
2
2
0
0
TRIAL WEIGHING
Tested
Correct
Under
Over
Coal in bags
9
6
0
3
Flour
8
6
0
2
Butter
3
3
0
0
Meats and provisions
3
3
0
0
Dry commodities
32
22
3
7
Fruit and vegetables
25
8
0
17
Bread
19
17
0
2
Confectionery
8
7
0
1
Cash on hand January 1, 1924
$6 47
Uncollected January 1, 1924
4 41
Amount of work done
55 10
$65 98
Paid treasurer
$62 28
Uncollected December 31, 1924
1 50
Cash on hand December 31, 1924
2 20
$65 98
HAWKERS AND PEDDLERS
Each year the public is warned concerning their dealing with this class of tradesmen, and yet complaints are made of some fraudulent character. No action could be taken, because their identity was unknown. Be careful of your dealings with strange tradesmen, de- mand to see their licenses, note the name and number.
If they cannot or will not do this notify the police.
Miscellaneous
The director of standards recommends this department to pur- chase a set of apothecary testing graduates, therefore I recom- mend the sum of $60 be appropriated to secure the same. They also recommend the records be kept in some fireproof vault or safe. The Town Clerk's office has an old disused safe that can be
192
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
transferred to the sealer's office upstairs for the sum of $15, there- fore I recommend the sum of $15 be appropriated for the same.
The compensation of the sealer should be placed on the same standard of its size, therefore I recommend the sealer's salary be increased $100 for the ensuing year.
In conclusion I desire to express my appreciation to all those who assisted in the discharge of my duties as sealer.
Administration
I recommend for the ensuing year the following:
Sealer of Weights and Measures
$400 00 30 00
Printing and books, etc.
Teaming and help
100 00
Miscellaneous
25 00
Transferring safe
15 00
Additional apparatus
60 00
$630 00
Respectfully submitted, C. WALTER BURRILL, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
December 31, 1924.
193
REPORT OF COLLECTOR OF TAXES
1924]
Report of Collector of Taxes
Philip E. Bessom, Collector of Taxes, in Account Current with the
Town of Swampscott. 1924 DR.
State tax
$26,900 00
Charles River basin tax
1,742 64
Metropolitan park tax
9,866 93
State highway tax
745 50
Metropolitan planning board
162 98
Municipal account tax
667 67
County tax
24,916 93
Town tax
397,863 85
Moth tax
1,587 00
Sidewalk assessment
1,411 26
Sewer assessment
972 40
Overlay
3,000 00
Poll tax
5,064 00
Poll tax (supplementary)
110 00
Supplementary tax
331 87
Interest on taxes at 6 per cent from October 15, 1924, to January 1, 1925
148 07
$475,491 10
CR.
Cash paid on moth tax
$1,442 00
Cash paid on sidewalk assessment
893 61
Cash paid on sewer assessment
469 38
Cash paid on poll tax
5,012 00
Cash paid on taxes
408,621 90
Cash paid on interest on taxes from October 15, 1924, to January 1, 1925
148 07
Abatement on poll taxes
118 00
Abatement on taxes
2,573 47
Abatement on moth assessment
1 25
Abatement on sidewalk assessment
285 18
Uncollected moth taxes
143 75
Uncollected sidewalk assessment
232 47
Uncollected sewer assessment
503 02
Uncollected poll taxes
44 00
Uncollected taxes
55,003 00
$475,491 10
194
TOWN DOCUMENTS
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