USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1929 > Part 12
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Materials and labor are at present on a moderate basis, and your committee feels that the time is now right to go ahead with this project which means so much to the town and the education of our children.
Another factor is the reduction in Federal income taxes, which, it is expected, will be in effect in 1930. It is doubtful if a more fav- orable opportunity will offer itself for a new high school than at the present time.
Conclusions
To sum up:
A new high school is needed in Swampscott.
Now is a good time to build it, and if it is located on the Phillips Park, the present school can be used during the period of the year when the new building is under construction.
The elevation and plans submitted, together with the estimate of costs, may be considered reliable and represent the best architectural and engineering advice obtainable.
The Phillips Park location permits future additions to the school and an athletic field is already available without destroying the use of the Park for citizens. Ample parking space is also available, with little expense of preparation.
To reconstruct and enlarge the Phillips School would be an economic mistake, showing little saving in money and not permitting future additions.
No athletic field or parking space would be available, and the auditorium would not be convenient for public and community gath- erings.
The cost and maintenance of a reconstructed plant would be ex- cessive owing to the greater number of exposed walls and floor area, with double heating plants.
Combination of a new and old building would be a great mistake.
Recommendations
That the report of the High School Building Committee be ac- cepted and adopted.
The the sum of $500,000 be raised by notes or bonds of the town to erect and equip a high school and provide and equip an athletic field.
That the Selectmen be authorized and instructed to prepare and present a bill requesting the Legislature to permit the town to borrow the sum of $500,000 in excess of its borrowing capacity for the purpose of erecting and equipping a high school building and providing and equipping an athletic field.
That the Selectmen be authorized and instructed to prepare and present a bill requesting the Legislature to give jurisdiction and control of Phillips Park, in Swampscott, to the High School Committee for school purposes.
112
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
That a committee shall be appointed consisting of five persons in the following manner, namely: one member of the School Committee, to be designated by the School Committee; and four citizens of the town, to be appointed by the moderator; and that said committee be directed and empowered to commission Cram & Ferguson as architects and enter into contracts necessary for the erection of a high school on the Phillips Park, substantially as set forth in this report.
HENRY S. BALDWIN, Chairman,
PHILIP E. BESSOM,
H. ALLEN DURKEE,
ROBERT C. McKAY, Clerk,
GEORGE C. THOMAS, The High School Committee.
Building Inspector
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :- I herewith submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1929:
Permits Issued
Estimated Cost
Dwellings:
New
67
$594,400.00
Alterations and additions
39
33,000.00
Private Garages:
New
103
43,820.00
Alterations and additions
10
2,650.00
Private storage, outbuildings, etc .: New
4
3,325.00
Alterations and additions
2
2,100.00
Business buildings:
New
3
54,000.00
Alterations and additions
3
4,400.00
Town buildings:
New (Stanley School)
1
(Town stable)
1
2
115,500.00
Building permits
233
Permits to shingle
123
Total
356
$853,195.00
Number inspections (buildings)
489
Number inspections (shingling)
123
Total
612
Amount of building fees collected
$307.00
Elevator operators' licenses issued : New
13
$13.00
Renewals
6
3.00
Totals
19
$16.00
All hotels and elevators have been inspected and returns made to the State. Several complaints of violations of the building laws have been investigated, and in most cases adjustments made.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY E. HARDY, Building Inspector.
No.
Fees
113
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
1929]
The Board of Health
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
The Board of Health herewith submits its report for the year ending December 31, 1929, together with those of its various officers.
The resignation of Mrs. Barbara M. Lewis and the appointment of Miss Clara I. Wentworth to fill the vacancy has been the only change in the personnel of the department.
Mrs. Elizabeth Stensrud took over the ash contract upon the death of her father, Herbert C. Brown, who had held the town contracts for the collection of ashes and garbage or both during the past sixteen years. The work has been carried on in a very satisfactory manner under her supervision.
The garbage collections have also been exceptionally good this year.
The condition of the beaches has also been the subject of much favorable comment by those having occasion to visit them during the past summer.
New locations for dumps to take the place of those at Forest avenue and Paradise road will soon have to be found. Better co- operation on the part of those having occasion to carry material to the dumps would be of great assistance in keeping the dumps in a more sightly condition. Considerable trouble has been experienced with individuals and firms of other communities who have been using the dumps of this town for the disposal of their waste material. In those cases where the individuals or persons were known they have been warned to discontinue the practice at once.
By request of the Park Commissioners ashes and other waste material are now being dumped at Phillips Park. Dumping at Pleasant street has been discontinued temporarily.
The Tuberculosis Clinic conducted in June under the auspices . of the State Department of Public Health, among the public and parochial school children, played a prominent part in the program of preventa- tive work this year. Officials in charge of the clinic made many fav- orable comments regarding the physical condition of children in our schools. The final report of the clinic will be found in the report of the Health Officer.
The summer round-up and examination in June of children entering the public and parochial schools for the first time was instrumental in obtaining the correction of their defects during the summer so that they were in the best possible physical condition when they entered school in September.
The sewer construction program of the past year has played a prominent part in the general improvement of sanitary conditions in the eastern section of the town and a similar program during the coming year will reduce conditions that have been menacing the health of citizens of that section for several years, to a minimum.
For detailed information of the work of the department we refer you to the reports of our various officers.
Respectfully submitted,
LORING GRIMES, M.D. HAROLD H. BARTOL, JOHN B. CAHOON,
Board of Health.
114
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Health Officer
To the Board of Health:
Gentlemen :- I herewith submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1929:
A survey of the health situation shows a general improvement dur- ing the past year. A much greater improvement would have been possible if there had been a more general acceptance of the preventative measures offered and recommended by this department.
It is also gratifying to note the substantial decrease in the number of communicable diseases reported as compared with those reported in 1928.
Considerable preventative work has been accomplished through the State Ten Year Tuberculosis Clinic, the Schick Test and Immunization, the Summer Round-up or Pre-School and Dental Clinics and the cor- rection of the defects revealed during the annual physical examination of the public school children. Similar work has also been carried on at the Parochial School under the direction and supervision of Sister Superior Mary Margaret, with excellent results.
The inauguration of an extensive sewer construction program in the eastern section of the town has made possible the elimination of approximately 100 cesspools, the major portion of them having been a real menace to the health of that community as well as a source of expense and trouble to the property owners. There still remains a large portion of that section of the town that it just as badly in need of relief and it is my recommendation that the program of construction for the coming year be in accordance with the recommendations of the Sewer Commissioners and this department as contained in the warrant for the next annual town meeting.
During the past two years the system of collection, disposition, handling and storage of clam, lobster, and oyster shells as well as the fish trimmings and other waste refuse from the beach, hotels, markets and restaurants has been the subject of many complaints and much criticism. Because of lack of proper facilities for the reception and storage of the material while awaiting removal it is practically im- possible to remedy existing conditions. Removal of the material twice daily, morning and afternoon, might improve conditions during the summer months but it is doubtful if such service can be obtained for the amount now paid for the work. There is no question about the present system of disposal being unsanitary and I would recommend that the next contract and proposals for the collection of garbage include the collection and disposition of such material.
The early start of the bathing season made it necessary to start the work of cleaning beaches on June 3, two weeks earlier than usual. The work continued through the summer and was terminated on September 12. Many favorable comments have been made about the cleanliness of the beaches during the bathing season.
From present indications it is apparent that the Forest avenue and Paradise road dumps will soon be filled and it will be necessary to procure new dumping places for those sections. The problem will not be a difficult one to solve at Forest avenue as several locations are available nearby. The situation at Paradise road is not so favorable and it is quite likely that some difficulty will be experienced in solving the problem.
At the request of the Park Commissioners all material collected in the vicinity of Phillips Park is now being deposited thereon and the dump at Pleasant street has been temporarily discontinued.
The closing of the dump and the care of the material deposited at Phillips Park by employes of the Park Department has made it possible for this department to devote more time to the other dumps, thereby helping them to be put in a more satisfactory condition.
115
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
1929]
Collections of ashes and garbage have been very satisfactory during the year and there is no question but that both contractors are en- deavoring to give the citizens good service.
The resignation of Mrs. Barbara M. Lewis, who has so efficiently served as clerk of the office during the past five years, was accepted with much reluctance. Miss Clara Wentworth was selected to fill the vacancy.
The following is a summary of the work of the department during the year:
CLERICAL WORK
The following is a summary of the clerical work of the department:
New cases reported
232
Cases placarded
44
Cases released
147
Cases investigated
18
Pupils excluded from school
122
Certificates to attend school.
121
Cultures received for examination
43
Specimens received for examination
6
Inspections
Number of complaints received
913
Number of inspections made
210
Verbal notices given
418
Written notices to abate
21
Legal notices to abate
4
Conferences and Consultations
With physicians
209
With nurses, social workers, etc.
929
With school authorities
131
With parents and guardians
105
Clerical and General
Number of telephone calls
2245
Number of letters written
380
Number of special reports made
982
Number of inquiries received
160
Number of inquiries answered
160
Miscellaneous
Number of school children examined
3267
Number of physical defects found
314
Number of notices sent to parents
507
Number of laboratory supplies furnished
482
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS 1929
Schools
Clarke Hadley Jr. High Machon Palmer
Total
Number examined
270
239
392
189
178
1268
Adenoids
0
0
1
0
0
1
Feet and spine
3
3
4
0
1
11
Glands
1
0
0
0
0
1
Heart
3
1
0
1
,
0
5
Lungs
1
0
0
0
0
1
Mentality
0
0
0
9
0
9
Nerves
0
0
0
9
0
9
Nutrition
2
2
7
0
0
11
Posture
6
2
7
6
5
26
Skin
0
0
0
1
0
1
Tonsils-large
14
4
14
13
4
49
Tonsils-diseased
7
5
9
4
3
28
Vision
8
22
93
8
5
136
Weight
36
22
67
16
21
162
Total
81
61
202
67
39
450
116
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
SCHICK TEST AND IMMUNIZATION 1929
School Clarke
Positive
Positive Combined
Pseudo
Negative
Test Only
Total
Boys
21
2
0
9
0
32
Girls
20
3
0
10
0
33
Hadley
Boys
39
2
0
26
0
67
Girls
30
7
0
25
0
62
Machon
Boys
13
2
0
11
0
26
Girls
11
0
0
15
0
26
Palmer
Boys
5
0
0
6
0
11
Girls
9
0
0
0
0
9
St. John's
Boys
11
0
0
17
0
28
Girls
11
1
0
23
0
35
Total
170
17
0
142
0
329
A000 Apr.
2 6 ONDO May
0 AOVO
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
6 0
Infantile paralysis
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Inflamed eyes
0
0
0
0
0 0
0 0 2
0 0 1
1
0
0
1
2
16
Measles
1
0
1
0
0
0
1
2
2
1
3
3
0 0
0 0
0
0
3
Tuberculosis (other forms)
0
0
0
0
1
2 0
0 5 1
0 0 0 1
0 0 0 1
0 0 0 0
0 0
0 0 3
7
Typhoid fever
0
0
0
0
0
0
Whooping cough
0
0
1
6
5
2
0
July
Aug.
0 0 0 000Do Oct.
3 wwOo Nov. 3
3
90
Diphtheria
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0 1
0 0
0
0
0
0
19
Lobar pneumonia
3
2
2
1
0 0
0 4
0
0 1
0
0
1
7
Septic sore throat
0
0
0
0
0
Tuberculosis (pulmonary)
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
2 0
0
0
0
0
2
Mumps
0
0
0
6
2
Total
55 29 14 22 28 20 25 9 13 0 9 16 240
Total
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Cerebro spinal meningitis
Chicken pox
32
14
1 Não
0
4
4
0
0
0
1
0 0
0
0
0
4 0 0
1
German measles
0
0
0
0
0
0
Impetigo
0
0
4
0
0 1
Scarlet fever
3
0
0
0
0
1
11 30 0
Dog-bite
0
Encethalitis lethargica
0
Erysipelas
0
Influenza
15
3
27 0
0 1
1
19
- Dec.
0
3
0 0
0
4
0
REPORTS OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES 1929
117
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
1929]
DEATHS FROM CONTAGIOUS DISEASES 1929
Total
Anterior poliomyelitis
0 0 000o Jan.
0000 Feb.
Dooo Mar.
00oo Apr.
00oo May
00oo June
0000 July
0000 Aug.
00do Sept.
0000 Oct.
0000 Nov.
0 0000 Dec. 0 0 0
0
Chicken pox Diphtheria
Dog-bite
0
Epidemic cerebro spinal meningitis
- 0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0
Ophthalia neonatorum
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Suppurative conjunctivitis
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Trachoma
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lobar pneumonia
2
2
2 0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
0
Scarlet fever
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0 0
0
Tuberculosis (pulmonary)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0 0
0
Typhoid fever
00
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0 0 0
0
Whooping cough
0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
Total
2 2 2 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 10
SWAMPSCOTT RESIDENTS DYING OUT OF TOWN FROM CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
Lobar pneumonia
DEATHS FROM ALL CAUSES
General Diseases:
Cancer of bladder
1
0
1
Cancer of breast
0
3
3
Cancer of large intestine
0
1
1
Cancer of liver
0
1
1
Cancer of peritoneum
0
1
1
Cancer of prostate
1
0
1
Cancer of stomach
2
0
2
Cancer of uterus
0
2
2
Influenza
1
1
2
Intestinal obstruction
1
0
1
Diseases of Nervous System:
Apoplexy
0
1
1
1
Cerebral hemorrhage
3
6
9
Eclampsia
0
1
1
Myelitis
0
1
1
Diseases of Circulatory System:
Angina pectoris
1
1
2
Arterio sclerosis
8
10
18
Acute dilatation of heart
3
0
3
Mitral regurgitation
0
1
1
Myocardial degeneration
0
1
1
Myocarditis, acute
2
1
3
Myocarditis, chronic
3
0
3
Thrombosis of heart
1
0
1
Valvular disease of heart
3
4
7
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
9 0
Mumps
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
1
0
0
0
Septic sore throat
0
0 0
0
0
0
0
0
Tuberculosis (other forms)
0
0
0
0
0
0
Measles
0
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
German measles
Male Female Total 0 3 3
1
118
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Diseases of Respiratory System: Pneumonia, broncho Pneumonia, lobar
4
3
7
2
4
6
Diseases of Digestive System:
Appendicitis, acute
1
0
1
Intestinal ulcer
0
1
1
Gastritis
0
1
1
Peritonitis
0
1
1
Old Age:
Senility
1
2
3
Affections Produced by External Causes:
Fracture
2
1
3
Suicide by firearms
1
0
1
1929 DEATHS BY MONTHS
Male Female Total
January
7
5
12
February
3
6
9
March
6
5
11
April
4
2
6
May
3
6
9
June
2
2
4
July
5
2
7
August
1
4
5
September
2
4
6
October
3
2
5
November
2
1
3
December
5
10
15
1929 MORTUARY REPORT
Still births
Under 1 year
0
0
0
From 1 to 2 years
0
0
0
60
4 to 5 years
1
1
2
5 to 10 years
0
0
0
10 to 15 years
1
0
1
15 to 20 years
0
0
0
66
20 to 30 years
3
2
5
30 to 40 years
1
3
4
66
50 to 60 years
6
3
9
60
60 to 70 years
15
7
22
66
80 to 90 years
5
13
18
66
90 to 100 years
2
2
4
SUMMARY OF STATE T. B. CLINIC
Population of school children (public and parochial)
1544
Total number of children examined
Public schools
545
Parochial schools
186
Total
731
Percentage examined of the number of children in school
47%.
1
1
2
2 to 3 years
0
1
1
3 to 4 years
0
1
1
40 to 50 years
0
4
4
70 to 80 years
9
10
19
Male Female Total
1929]
Total number of contacts examined Public schools 21
Parochial schools Total
5
(This figure represents the number of reported cases only)
Total number of children given the tuberculin test Public schools
545
Parochial schools Total
186
731
Total number of children who reacted to the test
Public schools 85
30
115
Total percentage of reactors.
16%
Total number X-Rayed
Public schools
86
Parochial schools Total
33
119
Total number of cases of hilum tuberculosis
Public schools
4
Parochial schools Total
1
5
Total number of cases classified as suspects
Public schools 14
6
20
Total number of cases classified as negative
Public schools 68
Parochial schools
26
Total
94
Percentage of hilum cases of the number of children X-Rayed 4%
Percentage of hilum cases of the number of children examined 7/10 of 1% Percentage of suspicious cases of the number of children X-Rayed 17% Percentage of suspicious cases of the number of children exam- ined
3%
Percentage of negative cases of the number of children X-Rayed 79%
Total number of children with enlarged or diseased tonsils and adenoids
Public schools
154
Parochial schools
63
Total
217
Percentage of T. and A. cases of the number of children ex- amined
30%
Total number of children in need of dentistry
Public schools 190
Parochial schools 102
Total
292
Percentage of dental cases of the number of children examined 40%
119
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
26
Parochial schools Total
Parochial schools Total
120
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Total number of cases showing abnormal heart sound Public schools 5 Parochial schools 4 Total 9
Percentage of heart cases of the number of children examined 1%
Total number of cases of malnutrition
Public schools
45
Parochial schools
13
Total
58
Percentage of malnutrition cases of the number of children examined
8%
PRE-SCHOOL CLINIC
Number of days of clinic
5
Number of children examined
103
Number without defects
61
Number of defects found
121
SUMMARY OF DEFECTS
Eye
2
Ear
1
Gland's
21
Heart
3
Lungs
0
Nose
20
Osthopedic
2
Posture
7
Scalp
1
Skin
1
Teeth
12
Throat
49
10% Underweight
2
Total defects
121
SUMMARY
Deaths in Swampscott during 1929
92
Non-residents dying in town
11
Swampscott residents dying out of town
29
Total deaths of Swampscott residents 1929
121
Death rate
12.1
Total number resident deaths, male
43
Total number resident deaths, female.
49
Average age, male
60.3
Average age, female
61.0
Total births in town
137
Total births out of town
78
Still births in town
2
Still births out of town
1
Deaths under 1 year in town
0
Deaths under 1 year out of town
2
The following permits have been issued during 1929:
To keep fowl
289
To construct cesspools and drains.
49
To undertakers
2
To transport garbage and refuse
2
To collect tallow and grease
1
To remove night soil
1
121
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
1929]
The following licenses have been issued during 1929: To sell alcohol To manicure
20 7
To sell non-alcoholic beverages
1
The sum of $45.40 has been collected from licenses and permits and said amount has been paid to the collector and his receipt obtained.
Respectfully submitted, CLARENCE W. HORTON,
Health Officer.
Milk Inspector
To the Board of Health:
Gentlemen :- I herewith submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1929:
One case of typhoid fever has been reported during the year. After a careful and thorough investigation it was found that the illness was not due to milk as the patient had not only been in contact with relatives having the disease but had also been exposed to the disease by reason of his having personally attended to the removal, from the basement of his home, of the overflow of a cesspool that had without question been contaminated during visits of said relatives to his home. In order to prevent further spread of the disease, by means of the overflowing cesspool, the Sewer Commissioners caused the sewer in Bradlee avenue to be extended into Francis, Lawrence and Morton roads so that the premises could be connected with the public sewerage system and the danger of further spread of the disease through the cesspool eliminated.
Last year inspections were only made at those dairies producing so-called "Market," "Regular," or "Grade B" milk. This year in- spections have been extended to dairies producing "Grade A" milk and cream. There has been a decided improvement in barns, milkrooms and the methods of handling the milk or cream but there is still plenty of room for improvement. It is a fortunate thing for the producers that the consuming public is not familiar with the conditions under which he is producing and handling milk and cream at his dairy. It matters not how much apparatus or how expensive equipment a dealer may have, he can not make the milk clean if it is not clean when it leaves the place of production. Experience convinces me that the needed improvements will not be made in the majority of cases unless constant supervision is maintained and definite measures are taken to stop the producer, who refuses to maintain his dairy under proper sanitary conditions, from disposing of his milk or cream until he has made the required corrections and improvements. The fact that pro- ducers are now able to dispose of their products to dealers supplying other communities without molestation has made it difficult to obtain the desired results. There is not the slightest doubt but that an inves- tigation of present conditions would convince the consuming public of the need of dairy inspection.
Chapter 94, Section 43, of the General Laws as amended by Chapter 122 of the Acts of 1924 says that no producer of or dealer in milk shall sell or deliver for sale in any city or town any milk produced or dealt in by him without first obtaining from the board of health of such town a permit authorizing such sale or delivery, said board of health to issue such permit after an inspection of the milk, and the place where and the circumstances under which it is being produced and handled has been made by it or its representative. Any permit so granted may contain such reasonable conditions as said board of health deems suit-
122
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
able for protecting the public health and may be revoked for failure to comply with any of such conditions. If the Board of Health refuses to issue a permit under this section or a permit previously issued is re- voked the producer or dealer may appeal to the State Department of Public Health, whose decision is final. Violation of this section is punishable by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars.
After several years' effort in trying to comply with the provisions of the above mentioned law and in observation of its effect I find that the law is not only impracticable and being ignored by a great majority of health departments of cities and towns throughout the State, but it is the medium by which unscrupulous inspectors of some cities and towns are obtaining a living of luxury and ease in the country at the expense of the taxpayers of their communities while the conditions about the dairies remain the same and the milk and cream as well as the milking equipment continues to be stored and soaked in the tub of water used for watering cattle and horses.
A general clean up and improvement of the disgusting, filthy and unsanitary conditions that are existing generally today upon the farms where milk and cream is being produced can not be expected nor'will it be obtained without the assistance and co-operation of the health departments of every city and town. Conditions in this State are no better, if as good, as those prevailing in other New England States included in my inspections.
Another ludicrous part of the present situation is that although attempts are being made to inspect dairies located in Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont, milk and cream is being shipped into this State every day from dairies located in Minnesota and Wis- consin. So far as I am able to find out, no inspector of any department, either local or State, has ever inspected the dairies of producers in those States, still the law says they shall not sell or deliver for sale, in this State, milk or cream without first obtaining a permit from the Board of Health of every city and town in which said products are to be sold or delivered for sale, said boards being authorized to issue such per- mits only after an inspection of the dairy and milk or cream has been made by them or their authorized representative. How many cities and towns are there that can afford to send their inspectors such dis- tances? From present indications, none-which goes to show the ab- surdity of a law that the departments, charged with the enforcement thereof, can not and do not live up to its provisions themselves.
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