USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1932 > Part 13
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There were 60,706 gallons of asphalt road oil and tar used on the streets, the same being purchased under contract. The prices paid were Cold Patch asphalt at town yard and put in barrels, .08 cents; Cold Patch Tar, .125 cents; No. 4 asphalt road oil, .045 cents; No. 6 asphalt road oil, .044 cents applied to town streets by Standard Oil Co. of N. Y. All oil or tar applied on streets was covered with sand. Tarvia Lithic, $5.50 per ton at their plant.
Six line posts with signs were put up this year as follows: Essex street at Lynn line and Salem line, one each; Atlantic avenue, Mar- blehead line, Humphrey street, Metropolitan Park beach side, New Ocean street, Lynn line, State road at Salem line.
Seven loads of large granite stone were placed around the Beach Bluff culvert, also around mouth of pipe of drain on Puritan road at the foot of the way to the beach.
On Banks circle the drain was cleaned, and two manhole tops brought to the grade of the street. The department at this time thanks Frank G. Melvin for his assistance on this work.
Palmer pond drain, which was stopped during the winter and early spring, was cleared March 31.
The unemployment relief department has had the use of two teams most of the time while working at Machon school, parks and cemetery, also during the month of January had all teams and trucks hauling filling from the town gravel pit to Machon school yard.
Both trucks have been retired with Fisk heavy transportation cord tires. This included nine 40 x 8 Fisk extra transportation cord, 14 ply tires; nine 40 x 8 Fisk extra heavy duty tubes; five 38 x 7 Fisk extra transportation cord tires; five 38 x 7 Fisk extra heavy duty tubes; and a cutting down of wheels and rims to change over the two White trucks was done.
No new equipment was added to the department this year. All buildings at town yard were painted the past fall and are now in good condition.
The working force of the department remains the same as last year.
Respectfully submitted, MICHAEL J. RYAN, Surveyor of Highways.
150
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of Chief of Police
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :- I herewith submit the report of the Police Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1932.
Roster of Department Chief Walter F. Reeves Captains
Eugene P. Brogan
James M. Kennedy
Patrolmen
Charles Connell
Joseph L. Shanahan
J. Henry Pedrick
George D. Horton
Almon B. Owens
Francis P. Wall
Frank T. Roach
James T. Jordan
Samuel Hooper
Herbert F. Frazier
John P. Costin
Francis E. Delano
Joseph P. Ryan Mary M. Pedrick, Clerk
Arrests
Total number of arrests
106
Males
92
Females
8
Juveniles
6
Residents
41
Non-residents
65
Crimes against the person:
Assault and battery
1
Assault with dangerous weapon
1
Manslaughter
1
Rape
2
Robbery while armed
4
Crimes against property:
Breaking, entering and larceny in night time
2
Larceny
8
Attempted larceny
2
Crimes against public order:
Abduction
1
Bastardy
3
Default
1
Delinquent 1
Drunkenness
34
Illegitimate Child Act, violating
2
Motor Vehicle Laws, violating:
Failing to stop on signal of police officer 1
Impeding operation of motor vehicle
1
Operating without a license 7
Operating after suspension of license . ..
1
.
.
...
. . .
-
9
- 12
1932]
151
Operating after revocation of license
1
Operating with improper lights
1
Operating so as to endanger lives or safety of public
5
Operating under influence of liquor
9
Speeding
1
Using auto without authority
6
Non-payment of wages
1
Non-support
2
Rules and Regulations for Vehicles, violating
2
Terms of parole, violating
1
Terms of probation, violating
2
Threats
1
Tramp
1
85
Total arrests 106
Recapitulation
Crimes against the person
9
Crimes against property
12
Crimes against public order
85
Summonses served for other police departments
172
Disposition of Cases
Appealed
11
Committed to Concord Reformatory
2
Committed to Lyman Industrial School
1
Committed to House of Correction
4
Committed to State Prison
1
Committed to State Farm at Bridgewater
2
Dismissed
1
Filed.
12
Filed on payment of costs
3
Fined
24
For other departments
21
Held for Grand Jury
2
No bill reported .
. .
2
Placed on probation
. . .
9
Released
...
11
Classification of Arrests by Months
Non-
Male
Female Juvenile Residents Residents
January
11
0
0
4
7
February
1
0
0
1
0
March
8
2
0
6
4
April
14
1
0
8
7
May
12
2
1
5
10
June
12
1
3
3
13
July
5
0
0
1
4
August
2
0
0
1
1
September
7
1
1
7
2
October
7
0
0
2
5
November
6
0
1
2
5
December
7
1
0
1
7
Totals for Year
92
8
6
41
65
. .. .
.
.
.
. .
.
.
.
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
152
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Miscellaneous Work
Accidents reported and assistance rendered
31
Auto accidents reported
91
Passengers reported injured 41
Pedestrians reported injured
30
Pedestrians killed
1
Autos tagged for traffic violations
792
Breaking and entering cases investigated (8 of which were unfounded) 39
Complaints investigated:
In regard to dogs
35
In regard to blasting by Lynn Sand and Stone Company Miscellaneous complaints
16
Defects in streets and sidewalks reported
14
Disturbances quelled
Dogs reported injured by motor vehicles
.
25
Dogs killed by motor vehicles
11
Dogs reported missing
79
Dogs turned over to owner or dog officer
45
Dogs shot by officers
3
Gas leaks reported
3
Lights burning in vacant buildings
27
Messages delivered
52
Missing persons located and returned home
33
Notices of intended transfer of motor vehicles filed
182
Obstructions reported
12
Police signal system:
Calls to hospital
63
Calls to fires
93
Miscellaneous calls
146
Duty calls reported
20,585
Residences temporarily requested
unoccupied and special attention
70
Sick persons assisted
13
Stores and offices found open and secured
147
Street excavations reported
16
Street lamps reported defective
281
Suicides reported
3
Suicide attempts
2
Suspicious persons interviewed . .
150
Transfer of second hand motor vehicles filed . .
223
Water leaks reported
6
Wires reported broken or burning
21
Stolen Property
Amount of property stolen here and recovered by this department
$274.00
Amount of property stolen and not recovered 1,165.62
Automobiles reported stolen and recovered 2
Automobiles reported stolen elsewhere and recovered
here
17
Crime
Regardless of crime conditions elsewhere, the records for 1932 show a decrease in Swampscott.
Traffic Lights
Traffic lights should be purchased and installed at the intersec- tion of Burrill street and Paradise road and at the junction of At- lantic avenue, Puritan road, and Humphrey street, for the promotion of safety.
. .
.
.
378
33
. .
. .
153
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
1932]
Signal System
The signal system has given excellent service but the teletype should be installed, connected with Boston Police Headquarters and the surrounding cities and towns, thereby reducing the cost of tele- phone notifications and promoting efficiency.
Motor Vehicle Equipment
The motorcycle equipment is unserviceable and should be ex- changed for a patrol car which could be used continuously. Motor- cycles are dangerous even though operated by expert riders. They become damaged and police officers are frequently injured while pa- trolling in this way.
Courtesy and Discipline
Courtesy is a most important rule of the department. The public as a whole intends to observe the law and the police should co-operate in a helpful manner. The discipline of the department has been ex- cellent.
Safety on Streets and in Schools
Fewer accidents have occurred among our school children. This, I believe, is largely due to the efficient work of the school safety patrol and school teachers.
The Delinquent Boy
We will always have delinquent boys with us. There is a general feeling that delinquency among boys is increasing, so with this thought in mind I was granted the use of the Standard Oil Com- pany's property on Columbia street for a boys' club, for crime pre- vention purposes. Juvenile offenses decreased to a minimum. Having one hundred and fifty boys off the streets, occupied in physical train- ing, surely was a successful plan. The citizens of Swampscott assist- ed in every way. The Rotary Club, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars donated athletic equipment. I solicited aid from the Greater Lynn Community Fund, as a charitable organization, and although the Y. M. C. A., the Young Men's Hebrew Association, and the Lynn Boys' Club, all Lynn organizations, received thousands of dollars from the fund, the Swampscott Boys' Club was refused any aid whatsoever.
Recommendation
I recommend the exchange of two unserviceable J. D. L. 74 Twin Harley-Davidson motorcycles for a patrol car, and that the sum of $400 be appropriated for the same.
Conclusion
I wish to thank the town officials and citizens generally for their co-operation and assistance and to express to the members of the department my appreciation for their performance of duty.
To the Board of Selectmen, I take this opportunity of assuring you of my gratitude and appreciation for the unreserved confidence you have imposed in me, both personally and as chief of police.
The Selectmen of the town of Swampscott must be the guide and inspiration to the police force to enable them to perform their duties properly and to render to the citizens of this town the quality of service they have a right to expect. In the future, as in the past, I shall spare no effort to serve the public faithfully and retain your confidence and esteem.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER F. REEVES, Chief of Police.
154
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Inspector of Wires
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :- The following report covers activities and inspec- tion program by the wire inspector for the town of Swampscott from January 1 to December 31, 1932:
Inspection of 16 new houses, including the rough wiring and fix- ture installation, with the subsequent approval of the same.
Inspection of 8 old houses where roughing in and fixtures were being installed, with the subsequent approval of the same.
Inspection of 18 buildings where additions were being made to old wiring, and the approval of the same.
Inspection at one location where hazardous wiring existed, proper corrections were made and subsequently approved.
One electric service was ordered disconnected on account of fire. Respectfully submitted,
J. A. COOK, Inspector of Wires.
Report of Dog Officer
To the Board of Selectmen:
During the year 1932, 30 complaints concerning dogs were re- ceived, each of which was investigated and remedied. Sixty-four dogs were turned over to the dog officer, 34 being restored to their owners, and 47, which were proven to be stray dogs, were done away with. All owners who have neglected to license their dogs as called for in the public statutes have been notified and required to take out the necessary licenses. There were 524 licenses granted.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK H. BRADFORD, Dog Officer.
155
REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS
1932]
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 ending December 31, 1932.
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 to ask for Emergency, Breakers 82. Do not simply ask for the Fire Department.
Fire Alarm and Service Record
Swampscott box alarms
77
Swampscott telephone alarms
216
Swampscott still alarms
9
Lynn line boxes
15
All other Lynn calls
7
Marblehead boxes
17
Marblehead telephone calls
9
Marblehead special calls
1
Salem calls
3
Total
354
Under the Mutual Aid System
Engine 12 of Lynn responded to 37 Swampscott calls, Engine 8 of Lynn responded to 16 Swampscott calls, Engine 5 of Lynn re- sponded to 4 Swampscott calls, Ladder 1 of Lynn responded to 10 Swampscott calls, Engine 2 of Marblehead responded to 9 Swamp- scott calls, Combination A of Swampscott responded to 25 Marble- head calls, Engine 1 of Swampscott responded to 1 Marblehead call. Engine 1 of Swampscott responded to 15 Lynn calls, Ladder 1 of Swampscott responded to 18 Lynn calls.
Hose, Ladders, Chemicals used at fires
3 inch hose laid
3,250 ft.
21/2 inch hose laid
29,950 ft.
11/2 inch hose laid
1,700 ft.
Chemical hose laid
7,500 ft.
Ladders used
1,705 ft.
Chemical and Booster tanks used
2,652 gals.
Indian pumps used
304 10
Hours of duty
367 hrs., 18 min.
Combination A answered
154 calls
Engine 1 answered
114 calls
Ladder 1 answered
128 calls
Combination D and Service car answered
134 calls
Valuation, Losses and Insurance
Value of buildings in which fires occured
$238,830.00
Damage to buildings in which fires occured $33,030.45
Insurance on buildings in which fires occured
$234,600.00
Drills
ยท
156
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Insurance paid on buildings in which fires occured
$32,730.45
Loss on buildings over insurance
$300.00
Value of contents of above buildings
$108,400.00
Damage to contents of above buildings Insurance on contents of above buildings
$79,070.00
Insurance paid on contents of above buildings Loss over insurance
$8,059.20
$3,700.00
Automobile fires
16
Dump fires
40
Brush fires
152
Permits Issued
There have been 304 permits issued (after inspection) for the storage of fuel oil in connection with the use of oil burners for heat- ing and cooking.
There have been 14 permits issued for the use of dynamite in blasting rock.
There have been 37 garage building applications approved and inspections made.
Apparatus
Engine One, the new pumper located at the Central fire station, was put into service July 23. We wish to call the attention of the citizens to the fact that they have been very fortunate in securing a piece of apparatus of a reputable make. Without doubt we can look forward to a great many years of service from this new pump, due to its rugged construction and simplicity of design.
Ladder 1 at the Central station is in good condition. The booster pump installed last year to take the place of the chemical tank is a decided success, causing far less damage to household goods than the chemical liquid.
Combination A at the Phillips Beach station was placed in ser- vice in August, 1911, therefore is now 22 years old. This piece of apparatus, due to its age and the fact it has a large number of runs, requires quite frequent repairs. It should, in fact, have a complete overhauling, but we hesitate to spend any large amount of money on a machine of this age. In the district served by this old machine is some of the most valuable property in town, and in the near fu- ture some piece of apparatus better able to properly protect this locality must be installed in its place.
Brush Fire Truck
On April 23 our brush fire and still alarm truck went out of commission. On close examination we found it was damaged beyond repair, which left us with our old fire alarm repair truck for this line of work. It was necessary, therefore, under certain conditions to send the new pump or some other regular piece of apparatus to cover these calls. This brush fire truck answers approximately 150 calls per year, going into places it would be impossible for the heavier pieces of apparatus to venture. As this machine has a large percentage of its calls in the spring, between March 15 and May 20, we cannot urge too strongly that the town vote to purchase a new machine in February, not alone to take care of the spring fires, but to relieve a $13,000 piece of apparatus from answering so many minor calls. This will also allow our motor supervisor and his helpers time to do the necessary work to get the truck ready for this season's fires. We have considerable equipment from the old pump which we can use on this machine. We have placed an article in the warrant ask- ing for $800 for a truck and equipment for this purpose.
$11,759.20
157
REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS
1932]
Hose
We have in service 400 ft. of 3 in. hose, 3,500 ft. of 21/2 in. hose, 800 ft. of 11/2 in. hose and 700 ft. of chemical hose. We will require 500 ft. of 21/2 in. hose this year to replace hose unfit for regular ser- vice which has been assigned for use at dump fires, etc.
Drafting Post at Foster's Dam
We have inserted an article in the warrant asking for $110 to cover cost of a drafting post at Foster's Dam. This will prevent de- lays caused by having to cut holes through the ice for the pump suction in the winter, and will also allow the roadway over the dam to be kept clear for the passage of other apparatus.
Buildings and Grounds
The Water and Sewerage Board has requested that we give se- rious consideration to the reconstruction of the old sewer line at the Central fire station. This request is made on account of the large amount of ground water running into their system from our old pipes. We have an article in the warrant asking for an appropriation for this purpose.
It will also be necessary to do some roof repairs and carpenter work at this station.
At Phillips Beach station some roof work must be done, also re- pairs to the large front doors.
Fire Alarm System and Five Year Remodeling Plan
There have been 99 alarms sounded on our fire alarm system this year. This important branch of our department has been kept in the best condition possible with the amount of money available for this purpose.
In 1929 the town accepted our proposal for a five year remodel- ing plan for our system, which comprised placing our main line wires in the eastern section of the town underground, rearranging the overhead lines to allow for more box circuits to properly protect all sections of the town, and replacing the old Central station fire alarm instruments and equipment (installed in 1905) with equipment which would make possible the additional circuits needed in a community of our size, also providing for future requirements.
In 1929 we put our wires underground from the Marblehead line to the junction of Atlantic avenue and Humphrey street. In 1930 we continued the work from this point to Ingalls terrace, also rearranging all remaining overhead lines in these two sections to care for the future growth of population.
In 1931 no work was done in connection with this plan. This year it was necessary to extend our new cables from the point op- posite Ingalls terrace to Box 36, about opposite St. John's church, on account of the complete break-down of the old line. We also have laid a new conduit in Burrill street, from Monument avenue west, to the police station. This work was made possible by the co-operation of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Co., the Board of Se- lectmen and the Highway Surveyor. The unemployed were used on this work. Quite a sum of money has been spent on this plan since it was started, but we will not be able to reap the full benefit until the work is completed, therefore we are very reluctant to allow a sus- pension of this work in 1933. Realizing, however, this is a time which requires all possible co-operation to carry out an economy program, and as some progress has been made on this plan this last year, we have decided not to ask for an appropriation for this purpose at this time.
.
158
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Remarks
We wish to call your attention to the conservative and economic program followed throughout the year 1932. We take pride in stating that this has been accomplished with the full co-operation and assistance of every member affiliated with this department.
The fixed expenses of the Fire Department are approximately $43,300, and we functioned on less than $44,000. In addition to this we have turned back $355 into the Town Treasury, designated the Excess and Deficiency Fund, accumulated from budget appropria- tions, special appropriations and the sale of broken down second- hand truck parts.
We have been asked to recommend several fire alarm boxes for various locations. We feel that this should not be done this year.
The efficiency of this department has been maintained by drills held during the past year for the men connected with the different pieces of apparatus.
Our practice of co-operating with the School Department and the officials in charge of the parochial school in furnishing speakers, instruction and literature in observance of Fire Prevention week was followed as usual this year.
Respectfully submitted,
Chief of Department. JAMES WARNOCK.
Board of Fire Engineers. JEFFERSON G. OWENS, JR., BENJAMIN B. BLANCHARD, JAMES W. BUCHANAN.
D
159
WATER AND SEWERAGE COMMISSIONERS
1932]
Water and Sewerage Commissioners
WATER DEPARTMENT
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
We submit herewith our annual report for the year ending De- cember 31, 1932:
The work of laying and relaying water pipes as voted by the town has been completed. For the last few years the department has been having considerable trouble during the summer season with lack of water pressure. We have investigated the matter thoroughly and are convinced that a new and larger standpipe will remedy the trouble. The present standpipe has been in use for about 30 years, and has now outlived its usefulness. At the present time, owing to conditions, we feel that it is possible to contract for a new one about 20 feet higher, and of a million gallons capacity at a very reasonable figure, which will remedy the pressure conditions. In doing this, there are some pipes in the ground that, owing to increased pressure, will have to be replaced. Some of these pipes have been in the ground dur- ing the life of this department, and by having this work done by the department, will relieve the unemployment situation to a consid- erable extent. All of this work can be done by vote of the town from the Available Water Surplus, which will cause no increase in the tax rate for this work. These matters will be presented to the town by articles in the warrant, and we trust that our recommendations will be accepted and voted for.
Extension of Mains (with cost) including gates and hydrants, etc .:
Bradlee avenue
276 feet 6 in. C. I. pipe $358.46
Allen road
658 feet 6 in. C. I. pipe
834.11
Replacement of Mains:
Berkshire street
730 feet 6 in. C. I. pipe
1,077.62
Hampden street
820 feet 6 in. C. I. pipe
1,404.75
Humphrey terrace 220 feet 4 in. C. I. pipe
296.24
Gates:
495
In use December 31, 1931
Added
5
Total December 31, 1932
500
Hydrants:
279
In use December 31, 1931 Added
1
Total December 31, 1932 Services:
2,705
In use December 31, 1931 Added
30
Abandoned
8
22
Total December 31, 1932
2,727
280
160
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Meters: Total cost to December 31, 1931 Purchased during year, 5 Exchanged during year, 45
$32,492.46
586.88
Total cost to December 31, 1932
$33,079.34
Table of Distributing Pipe in Feet December 31, 1932
Wrought Iron
Cast Iron
Cement Lined
Kalemin
Total
11/2
"
80
80
2
8,970
1,468
10,438
4
"
4,785
1,031
5,816
6
"
117,149
1,861
119,010
8
7,375
7,375
10
21,800
21,800
12
"
6,714
6,714
14
"
3,721
3,721
165,729
4,785
3,712
1,031
175,257
Water Debt
Bonds and notes incurred to December 31, 1932
$368,300.00
Bonds and notes paid to December 31, 1932
313,300.00
Net debt
$55,000.00
Decrease during year
$8,000.00
Bonds and notes due 1933
$8,000.00
Inventory of Property, Water Department December 31, 1932
Water mains and stand pipe
$198,211.68
Land on Pine street
2,000.00
Brick Building, Pine street
2,000.00
Workshop and garage
2,500.00
Two auto trucks
400.00
Office furniture
600.00
Meters and parts
33,079.34
Stock on hand
5,000.00
$243,791.02
GEORGE D. R. DURKEE, HAROLD G. ENHOLM, CHARLES E. HODGDON, Water and Sewerage Commissioners.
SEWER DEPARTMENT
The new addition to building and pumping plant in this depart- ment, authorized by the town, has been completed and is in use.
Due to present conditions, we were able to get contracts at very favorable figures, and we will turn back a substantial amount of the appropriation. The pumping plant today, due to the advanced
.
11/4 inch
303
303
161
WATER AND SEWERAGE COMMISSIONERS
1932]
knowledge of sewer pump needs, is a credit to our town, and, barring accident, will be good for many years to come.
Sewer Maintenance
Appropriation Expended
$9,500.00
9,454.02
Balance
$45.98
Particular Sewers
$500.00
Appropriation Expended
25.58
Balance
$474.42
Sewer Construction-Oceanview road
$691.40
(From Emergency Sewer balance)
Inventory of Property, Sewer Department
December 31, 1932
Pumping station
$20,000.00
Pumping plant
16,000.00
Land
5,000.00
Office furniture
350.00
Tools and equipment
450.00
Truck and garage
500.00'
$42,300.00
GEORGE D. R. DURKEE, HAROLD G. ENHOLM, CHARLES E. HODGDON, Water and Sewerage Commissioners.
Care of Brooks
Appropriation Expended
$500.00
453.65
Balance
$46.35
A portion of Hawthorne brook, from Salem street, eastward, has been extended approximately 400 feet. We believe this brook should be extended eastward about 550 feet more, and we have an article in the warrant to cover the same.
GEORGE D. R. DURKEE, HAROLD G. ENHOLM, CHARLES E. HODGDON.
90 feet 6 inch vit. pipe
162
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Park Department
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
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