USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1932 > Part 14
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Herewith is submitted the annual report of the Park Commis- sioners for the year ending December 31, 1932.
Monument Avenue Parkway
The usual care and attention has been given to this section dur- ing the past year. The trees and shrubs were carefully pruned, some beds being fertilized, and the grass lawns with their brilliant plots of bedding plants and tulips gave a handsome appearance during the season. Automobiles continue to damage the grass edges, some even being driven across the lawns. It would greatly improve and protect the grounds if curbing were provided at some of the corners in this parkway.
Jackson Park
Early in the year a new locker building was erected on the grounds. This was constructed almost entirely with field stone found within the park. It has space for storage of a truck, also ample room for park equipment, etc. Such a building has long been deemed necessary, and the opportunity to construct it at moderate cost came when several competent stone masons were assigned to park work under the town unemployment fund. A new stone wall border- ing on the Machon school property was partially constructed under the same plan. This wall is to be pointed and capped during the com- ing year. The remaining ledge on the western border of the field is to be removed, and the bank wall, partly erected in 1931, will be completed before the opening of the baseball season. During the past three years the work of developing a site for tennis courts has pro- gressed slowly but so favorably that the summer of 1933 will see the opening of two excellent double courts. The base is complete, fence and gates are erected, while the entrance drive with its walls and parking space is nearly finished. These courts will be for the use of Swampscott citizens only, and it is expected that they will be freely used and appreciated by the townspeople.
Abbott Park
In order to properly protect the Leon E. Abbott memorial bould- er and tablets it will be necessary to provide some type of fence at this spot. Damage to the tablets is likely unless this enclosure is made. Another attempt will be made to maintain this section of the grounds in a more orderly manner.
The lawn will be regraded in the spring and possibly new shrub- bery beds added to enhance the appearance of the park.
Blaney Beach Reservation
Weather and business conditions combined to bring the largest number of bathers ever to Blaney Beach during 1932. The conditions were such that several citizens suggested that some form of restric- tion of the use of the beach by non-residents be applied by the Commissioners. This is a matter which would require considerable
163
REPORT OF PARK DEPARTMENT
1932]
study and careful thought by the townspeople. The board is open minded in the matter and is willing to receive the opinions of those interested.
More careful policing will be had on the beach next summer in order that our citizens and their children may enjoy the location to their fullest extent. The old wooden shelters and benches near the Fish House, having stood for thirty-five years, were in a dilapidated condition and were removed. The grass lawn having settled in many places has been turned over, preparatory to regrading and seeding in the spring. This work, to include new shrubbery beds and hard sur- faced walks, will tend to restore this plot to its former attractiveness.
Phillips Park
The tennis courts were liberally patronized all season, attesting the appreciation of those citizens who enjoy the game. A location for bowling was cleared and side boards erected at a spot in the rear of the ball field, where the game was played often by a group of thirty or more of the residents of the vicinity. Filling of the low area in the park is progressing continuously, the town employing one man several days each week to maintain the grounds in as pre- sentable a manner as possible.
Respectfully submitted,
ARCHIBALD MILLER, STUART P. ELLIS, JOHN HOMAN,
Park Commissioners.
164
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
New Fire Pumper
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
At the annual town meeting it was voted that the town pur- chase a 1,000 gallon combination pumper and hose wagon, and the sum of $13,000 be appropriated therefor, and that a committee of seven to be appointed by the Moderator be hereby constituted to make such purchase and contract therefor, in accordance with the by-laws of the town; and that said committee be authorized if in its judgment a reasonable allowance can be obtained to dispose of and sell the present pumper as a part of the consideration for such pur- pose.
The following were appointed by the Moderator as the Commit- tee on Purchase: Philip W. Blood, Chairman; Henry S. Baldwin, Benj. B. Blanchard, Chairman Board of Fire Engineers; R. Wyer Greene, Chairman Board of Selectmen; Robert B. Hegarty, Edward LaCroix, Selectman, together with James Warnock, Chief of the Fire Department.
At the first meeting the committee discussed copies of specifica- tions of what was needed or desired upon the new apparatus which had been prepared by the Chief of the Fire Department, and copies of the specifications were mailed to the four leading manufacturers of fire apparatus. Bids were received and opened on Friday, April 22. After these bids had been tabulated for comparison purposes, the Committee set aside a night for meeting the representatives of six companies which had submitted bids allowing 30 minutes to each company to be divided as the bidder might desire between technical and sales talk.
After considering all these bids and the facts presented by the various representatives it was on May 6 voted to buy a Seagrave Centrifugal Triple Combination Pumper which was secured for $13,- 000 and the old LaFrance pump engine, same to be delivered at Swampscott. The new pumper was delivered at Swampscott and was given a trial July 15 at Foster Pond on Windsor avenue in the pres- ence of a large number of out of town firemen and under the direction of the New England Insurance Exchange. The new machine met every test and at the conclusion of the test was formally accepted and turned over to the Fire Department and put in service July 23.
Respectfully submitted,
PHILIP W. BLOOD, HENRY S. BALDWIN, BENJ. B. BLANCHARD, R. WYER GREENE, ROBERT B. HEGARTY, EDWARD LACROIX, JAMES WARNOCK,
Committee on Purchase.
165
FOREST WARDEN
1932]
Fourth of July Committee
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
The Fourth of July committee, as appointed by the Town Mod- erator for the year 1932, was composed of George J. Place, Chair- man; R. Wyer Greene, Guy T. White, Boardman G. Steadman, Wal- ter F. Reeves, Ralph Maxwell and Loran J. Harvey.
The Fourth of July was rainy. The parade was held even though it was raining, on the scheduled hour. The afternoon entertainment was held in the Town Hall. The morning entertainment was held at Abbott Park. The athletic events and road race were held the follow- ing Saturday. The boat races were completed the following Sunday. The Italian society dances were held in accordance with schedule, but the Red Men's feature was eliminated.
The ammunition for the evening feature was not used and has been turned over to the Chief of Police. Three cups were not used, and have been stored in the Selectmen's office.
The Committee received $130 in cash donations.
Respectfully submitted,
GEO. J. PLACE, Chairman.
Forest Warden
To the Board of Selectmen:
There were fewer forest fires this year than for a number of years. None of the fires assumed large proportions because of the prompt response and effective work of the fire department. The State Forester has repeatedly called attention to the importance of stamping out cigars and cigarets before they are thrown away in places where they may cause fires, and I again call the attention of the citizens to this caution. Several of the forest fires were undoubt- edly caused by the throwing away of a lighted cigaret or cigar stub.
There were 276 permits issued for out of door fires, as required by law, which shows that the citizens are noting the fact that no bon fires should be lighted unless a permit has first been secured from the Forest Warden and no attempt should be made to light such a fire on a windy day.
Respectfully submitted, BERNARD B. KENNEDY, Forest Warden.
166
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Tree Warden
To the Board of Selectmen:
During the year 1932, in view of the fact that we had the assis- tance of the unemployed, 148 trees were planted along the curb line in streets where such planting would relieve the bare conditions and improve the appearance of the street. We have attempted to answer every request made to us in this regard. There were 27 trees taken down on account of being dead or in an unsafe condition and wher- ever possible these trees were replaced with trees from our nursery.
The seedlings which have been planted in the two town nurseries on Forest avenue and back of the Cemetery have come along in fine shape, about 1500 having been transplanted, the men on the unem- ployment relief payroll being engaged on this work. In this way an effective supply of shade trees is being developed and from which all trees planted on the streets have been supplied.
No damage by escaping illuminating gas has been noted. All dangerous limbs have been removed. To prevent damage to new and small trees, tree guards have been placed wherever necessary and all existing guards have been adjusted. Many times damage has been caused by automobiles colliding with trees or by hub caps knocking the bark off, and in each instance the wounds have been treated and the trees saved.
I wish to extend my thanks to the citizens and to the town offi- cials for the assistance given and the courtesies extended.
Respectfully submitted,
BERNARD B. KENNEDY, Tree Warden.
Town Counsel
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :- Following is my report for 1933:
A large number of minor matters were handled during the year, legal opinions furnished to town officials and departments, and va- rious legislative and other hearings attended.
Respectfully submitted,
H. D. LINSCOTT.
167
MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
1932]
Moth Superintendent
To the Board of Selectmen:
As noted in the report of the year 1931, the Oriental Moth made its appearance during that year and specimens were found in some 20 to 25 Norway maples. To make sure that there would be no spreading of the work of these pests, all of the street trees in the town were sprayed in August and we are able to report that there was no defoliation because of these pests. It can be further noted that there was no defoliation of trees in town by either the Gypsy Moth, Satin Moth, Canker Worm or Tent Caterpillar.
We had a fine spraying season on account of no rain and much effective work was accomplished. In some places, nests of the Fall Webb Worm have been noted and in cases where notice is received, these nests will be cut off and burned by the Department without charge.
Respectfully submitted,
BERNARD B. KENNEDY, Moth Superintendent.
Inspector of Animals
To the Board of Selectmen:
The general inspection of cattle, swine, sheep and goats, together with a survey of the premises where these animals were kept, was made during the month of January. The animals appeared healthy, the premises clean and the stables well ventilated.
There have been thirty-two, so-called, cases of "dog-bite" re- ported this year. These dogs were placed under quarantine for two weeks and then examined again and released.
There have been no cases of contagious disease in town this year. Respectfully submitted,
FRANK. B. STRATTON.
168
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Jury List Approved January 19, 1933
In accordance with Section 9 of Chapter 234 of the General Laws, the following jury list is published in the annual town report:
NAME
RESIDENCE
OCCUPATION
Aborn, Howard B.
6 Orchard Circle
Salesman
Addison, Chas. D.
50 Aspen rd.
Jeweler
Andrews, Neil M.
34 Redington st.
Inspector
Atwood, Joseph
90 Aspen rd.
Insurance
Baker, John M.
32 Hampden st.
Engineer
Bassett, Herbert F.
12 Banks Circle
Clerk
Bates, Leonard H.
9 Boynton st.
Bookkeeper Radio
Bickford, Frank I.
137 Burrill st.
80 Middlesex ave.
Salesman
Blackford, J. Hervey M.
36 Maple ave.
Salesman
Blanchard, Philip A.
25 Farragut rd.
Salesman
Blaney, Harold C.
20 Norfolk ave.
Restaurateur
Brown, Chester A.
17 Middlesex ave.
Architect
Brown, William H.
14 Elliott st.
Meat business
Burke, Edward F.
44 Orient Court
Shoeworker
Burrill, Charles W.
34 Maple ave. 5 Crescent st.
Insurance
Carr, Edward P.
70 Paradise rd.
Retired
Carter, William E.
269 Humphrey st.
Salesman
Caswell, Geo. H.
1 Stuart st.
General Electric
Chaisson, Joseph
27 Blaney st.
Boat builder
Chapman, Willis B.
322 Humphrey st.
Salesman
Childs, Ray H.
68 Stetson ave.
Electrician
Clay, Geo. F.
19 Pine st.
Painter
Coleman, Lewis A.
6 Minerva st.
Millwright
Colton, Chas. A.
57 Redington st.
Shipper
Condon, Everett E.
35 Grant rd.
Engineer
Conway, Charles E.
37 Stanwood rd.
Retired
Corrow, Thomas
14 Shaw rd.
Salesman
Costigan, Michael F.
59 Millett rd.
Treasurer
Critcherson, Guy H.
30 Beach ave.
Bookkeeper
Crocker, Louis N.
82 Norfolk ave.
Shoe cutter
Davis, Walter A.
45 Orchard rd.
Manager
Doherty, Warren J.
45 Maple ave.
Cutter
Donlon, Norman J.
101 Melvin ave.
Shoeworker
Doughty, Chas. Sanford
41 Roy st.
Salesman
Doughty, Harold W.
15 Buena Vista st.
Hardware dealer
Dudley, Chas. R.
58 Stetson ave.
Fitter
Durkee, Harold A.
28 Puritan ave.
Manufacturer
Earp, John B.
87 Farragut rd. 1 Oak rd.
Clerk
Erickson, A. Wentworth
62 Elmwood rd.
Retired
Etter, James F.
54 Stetson ave.
Salesman
Finch, Clarence M.
22 Thomas rd.
Mechanical eng.
Folsom, Frank H.
468 Humphrey st.
Salesman
Foster, James
25 Ingalls ter.
Machinist
Fournier, Wilfred J.
62 Windsor ave.
Salesman
Gallup, Charles N.
53 Blaney st.
Salesman
Gough, Joseph H.
10 Bay View drive
Photographer
Manager
Easterbrook, Chas. V.
Civil engineer
Butterworth, Charles W.
Biggers, James M.
169
JURY LIST
1932]
NAME
RESIDENCE
OCCUPATION
8
Sheridan rd. Monument ave.
Printer Mill agent Salesman
1 eller
9 Bay View ave.
6 Greenwood ave.
Manager
Homan, John
Hoover, Samuel S.
129 Elmwood rd.
Salesman
Horton, Howard B.
74 Pine st.
66 Redington st.
57 New Ocean st.
36 Mapledale place
Fisherman
Kehoe, Walter L.
68 King st.
Fisherman
Knowles, Frankland W.
Lewis, Arthur C.
Lewis, Gardner L.
1 Bond st.
Leather Salesman
Linden, Frederick E.
9 Hillcrest circle
Chemist
Logan, Thomas H.
60 Atlantic rd.
Manufacturer
Lowell, Ernest W.
11 Bay View drive
Agent
McFarlane, Wm. H.
185 Burrill st.
Clerk Timer
Manchester, William D.
19 Greenwood ter.
Civil engineer
Marsh, Clarence O.
7 Bay View drive Minerva st.
Accountant
Morse, Harold E.
7 Millett rd.
Contractor
Nason, James
25 Orchard circle
Builder
Nichols, Wm. H. E.
11 Cherry st.
Carpenter
Nies, Joseph P.
451 Essex st.
Carpenter
Nugent, Daniel F.
12 Essex ave.
Manager
O'Brien, Vincent P.
202 Humphrey st.
Accountant
Parker, J. Edgar
47 Millett rd.
Manufacturer Cutter
Patterson, Frank C.
74 Aspen rd.
166 Aspen rd.
Salesman
Perry, Willis C. Phillips, Earle A. Phillips, Edward J. Pope, Roger W.
52 Bay View drive
Plumber
Porter, Byron E.
195 Burrill st.
Architect
Powers, John E. C.
40 Norfolk ave.
Cutter
Pratt, Wm. H.
51 Windsor ave.
Cutter
Pote, Henry J.
119 Paradise rd.
General Electric
Redfern, Donald
292 Humphrey st.
Salesman
Rideout, George F.
19 Maple ave.
Salesman
Ross, Leland M.
16 Curry circle
Accountant
Rowe, Chas.
62 Crescent st.
Welder
Sawyer, Edward A.
56 Middlesex ave.
Engineer
Sprague, Lowell E. Sullivan, Fred R.
151 Burrill st.
Carpenter
Southward, Harvey L.
14 Bay View drive
Editor
Sutherland, Holton J.
10 Norfolk ave.
Manufacturer
Sutherland, John H.
16 Clark rd.
Manufacturer
Sutherland, William H. Titus, Alfred H.
6 Dennison ave.
Builder
Vose, Harold L.
45 Beach Bluff ave.
Real Estate
Webber, Leslie J.
63 Stetson ave.
Clerk and Musician
Willard, Arthur E.
107 Redington st.
Civil engineer
Ximiness, Leon F.
99 Windsor ave.
Laborer
Young, Edmund, Jr.
67
2 Hillcrest circle
Hiland, J. Henry
68 Aspen rd.
Hoffman, Max H.
Holden, Horace C.
69 Oceanview rd.
Engineer
Hutchinson, Harry G.
Jackson, Almer A.
Kehoe, Harold
40 Magnolia rd.
Storekeeper
25 Orchard rd.
Mclaughlin, Harold J.
20 Hillside ave.
Clerk
Morley, Lester B.
26
243 Humphrey st. 7 Sheridan rd.
Salesman
Retired
36 Orchard rd.
Salesman
16 Bond st.
Builder
11 Porter place
Clerk
Graham, Robert W.
Hackett, Leon A.
Hardy, Elmer A.
Retired
Clerk Painter Cabinetworker
170
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
In Memoriam
ELIZABETH J. HADLEY
Member of Board of Library Trustees March 19, 1900, to February 18, 1918. Elected a Teacher in the Public Schools December 4, 1868; retired on pension June, 1913. The Hadley School was named in honor of her service. Died in Louisville, Kentucky, May 14, 1932.
ERNEST B. THING
Sitting member of Board of Registrars of Voters. Mem- ber of Board of Registrars April 1, 1896, to April 1, 1899; from April 1, 1905 to April 1, 1923; from April 1, 1929, to date of death.
Died May 21, 1932
HARRY EUGENE HARDY
Sitting member of Board of Selectmen. Member of Board of Selectmen February 17, 1930, to date of death; board of Fire Engineers May 1, 1920, to May 1, 1925; Inspector of Buildings February, 1925, to February 17, 1930; member of building committees, Machon School, Stanley School, Hadley School annex and rebuilding of Palmer School; Town Meeting Member.
Died July 29, 1932
JOSEPH FRANCIS CROWELL
Member and chairman of Overseers of Poor and Board of Public Welfare from March 21, 1892, to February 16, 1931; Sealer of Weights and Measures 1888. Died December 15, 1932
GEORGE A. HEATH
Selectman March 16, 1896, to March 15, 1897. Died January 19, 1933
171
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1932]
Board of Selectmen
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
The Board of Selectmen submits herewith its annual report for the year 1932, together with the reports of all other officers, boards and committees submitted in accordance with the by-laws. There is also appended the budget of appropriations asked for the conduct of the various departments during the year 1933.
Death of Harry E. Hardy
The year 1932 was made memorable by the passing of Harry E. Hardy, who was serving his third term as a member of the Board of Selectmen. Although we, as his colleagues, knew that his con- dition was serious and had been for a long time, we did not realize that the end was near, and the news of his death came to us as a great shock. As Selectman, Inspector of Buildings, member of many building committees and as a member of the Board of Fire Engineers he had served the town continuously for more than 13 years in a way that marked him as one of the most valued members of the com- munity. As his colleagues for the past two years it was a pleasure to serve with him. Though we sometimes differed on public prob- lems there was never a time in the two years when we could not without rancor reach a mutually satisfactory conclusion. Except in one instance no decision was made of any public question coming be- fore the Board except by unanimous consent. He respected our opin- ions and motives as honest and we recognized the same feeling to- ward his opinions and motives. The weekly meetings of the Board were pleasurable ones and we have missed his companionship and counsel during the period that he has been away from the sessions of the Board. As long as it was possible we were in consultation with him on all major problems and benefitted by his thought and counsel. Although his loss to us will be tempered by the experience of the past few months, we shall always feel that with citizens like Harry E. Hardy taking an active part in municipal affairs the town will never be able to get far away from the best of municipal ideals.
A Comparison of Swampscott's Finances
January 1, 1932 January 1, 1933
1930 Taxes Outstanding
$2,993.47
none
1931 Taxes Outstanding
123,343.13
$11,108.27
1932 Taxes Outstanding
182,202.69
Percent of previous year collected. . Total Debt
79.8
71.4
Percent of Town's Valuation
3.2
2.8
Less Water Debt
63,000.00
55,000.00
Net percent of valuation
2.9 2.55
Cash on hand
131,568.12
125,762.56
Outstanding bills payable
755,350.00
682,300.00
none none
The above table gives a comprehensive idea of Swampscott's financial standing. An even better idea is given by the fact that when the Town Treasurer in December advertised for bids for a temporary loan of $150,000, no less than nine bids were received, the highest calling for a discount of two per cent. and the lowest 0.84, or less than one per cent. With many cities and towns unable to se- cure any bids, such a record is remarkable and reflects well upon the Town Treasurer and the way the affairs of the town are being handled.
172
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Unemployment Relief
Unemployment relief has been the outstanding problem of the year. At the beginning of the year there was on hand for this work $587.50, which was used up during the first two weeks of the year in completing projects that were under way when the previous year closed. On consulting with the Finance Committee arrangements were made whereby work could be carried on in the Highway, Park, Cemetery and Moth Departments and the amounts thus expended were added to the appropriations for those departments. This car- ried the work practically to the first of June, and in June the Finance Committee transferred $1,000 from the Reserve Fund so that the work might be continued. By this time it was felt that there would be enough outdoor work to allow everybody to secure something to do that would relieve the town of this burden. However, in late Sep- tember there was a concerted demand for something more of this nature, and after consultation with the Finance Committee they agreed to transfer $2,000 more, which was supplemented in Novem- ber by the transfer of another $1,000. When this money had been used up about the first of December the conditions were such that the Board saw that something further must be done, and therefore called a special town meeting, which, with the approval of the Fi- nance Committee, appropriated $15,000 for this work, which it was hoped would carry it up to the annual town meeting.
The announcement of the fact that $15,000 had been appropriat- ed served to increase the number of applicants to a surprising de- gree, and at the time that this is written the town has received ap- plications from 254 persons who are out of work. It was necessary to set up machinery for the carrying on of this work by opening an office for receiving of applications and the appointment of investi- gators to look into each individual case. While it is unfortunate it is nevertheless a fact, that many of the applicants did not come with- in what was intended as the scope of the appropriation. Therefore, where there has been a question of the worthiness of the case, the Board has considered it better to give the applicant the benefit of the doubt in the absence of proof, rather than allow families to suffer. With the large number, of applicants it has been a decided problem as to how to place applicants in such a way as to enable them to secure some additional support. It was expected at the start that it would be possible to give one person in a family five days' work and the second week thereafter to repeat, but because of the large number the waiting times have been longer.
While there has been some appreciable let-up through persons going back to their regular employment, it has been found that these returns to regular employment have been of short duration, and the problem still continues to be a serious one.
Change of Precinct Lines
Under the provisions of the town meeting law it is necessary that the precinct lines be revised in October every five years. The orig- inal lines were adopted in 1927 and therefore during the summer the work of rearranging the lines was begun. The total number of vot- ers November 1, 1927, was 3960, and on November 1, 1932, 5310. This increased the number of voters from' 495 to 664 and the town meet- ing members from 18 to 24 in each precinct. Under the town meet- ing law, the term of office of all town meeting members expires with the annual town meeting following any revision of the precinct lines, and in consequence 24 members must be elected in February next for each precinct, the eight receiving the highest vote being elected
173
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1932]
for three years, the next eight for two years and the third eight for one year.
Precinct eight and seven had grown so large in the past five years that it was necessary to move the line of precinct eight east- ward to Ocean avenue in order to reduce the number from 805 to 662 and the line between six and seven the same way to reduce the num- ber of voters from 800 to 658. It is expected that each voter who has been changed from one precinct to another will be notified by postal before the town meeting.
The new precinct lines adopted are as follows:
Precinct One
Beginning at a point where the center line of Essex street in- tersects the boundary lines between the city of Lynn and the town of Swampscott, the line follows the center line of Essex street to a point where the center line of Barnstable street, extended, intersects said center line of Essex street; thence by the center line of Barn- stable street and said line extended, to a point where it intersects the center line of State road; thence, by said center line of State road to the boundary line between the town of Swampscott and the city of Salem; thence following the boundary lines between the town of Swampscott and the cities of Salem/ and Lynn to the point of be- ginning. This precinct contains 670 voters.
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