USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1933 > Part 12
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146
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Swampscott Highlands
At the request of the Board of Health, several conferences were held jointly with the Board of Health and the Board of Selectmen, to consider the problem of sanitation in that section of the town, known as Swampscott Highlands, or Foster's Dam.
The water supply in this section is from surface pipes and wells, the town supply being shut off during the winter months, leaving available the wells only. The Board of Health reported that all of these wells were contaminated by the adjacent cess-pools, and there- fore had been condemned by both local and State authorities.
Nevertheless, the inhabitants were and now are using these polluted wells at their own risk, with consequent imminent danger of an epidemic.
The problem, therefore, is to either provide a year-round sup- ply of town water or close every home in that section of the town. The latter is evidently unjustified and the former cannot be done until the roads are brought to grade and accepted by the town. This is the logical solution and was referred to the board for investiga- tion and recommendation. The board therefore requested the Town Engineer to make a survey on this basis and the following estimates were submitted :-
Bituminous Macadam Roadway
Gravel Roadway
Water Pipes
Foster road (Burpee Rd. to Windsor Ave.)
$23,500
$18,700
$13,500
Windsor avenue
(Lynn line to Foster Rd.)
5,500
4,300
3,700
Windsor avenue (Foster Rd. to Nichols St.)
22,200
17,800
10,700
$51,200
$40,800
$27,900
The above estimates include bringing the present roadbeds to grade, and while the bituminous macadam roadway offers the min- imum cost of maintenance, the gravel roadway with a surface appli- cation of tar or asphaltic oil and sanded is recommended by the board for two reasons, first, its lower cost; and second, that about 80% of the roads in the town are of this type and seem to be standing up very well, even in the hilly sections.
The board further recommends that this work be undertaken promptly, in order to safeguard the public health; the cost to be assessed under the Betterment Act. Chap. 80, of the General Laws, accepted by the town, February 19, 1917, and that accordingly the Board of Health cause an article to be inserted in the warrant for the next annual town meeting, calling for the immediate acceptance of this project by the town.
Signed, GEORGE M. GLIDDEN, HENRY S. BALDWIN, JOHN R. HURLBURT, RALPH J. CURTIS, HERBERT E. INGALLS.
147
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF CEMETERY
19331
Report of Superintendent of Cemetery
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :- I submit herewith my 18th report as Superinten- dent of the Swampscott Cemetery.
The number of interments for the year was 68.
The number of lots sold was 12 and single graves seven.
The amount received for the sale of these lots was $2,635.00 One old lot was placed in perpetual care.
There were completed during the year 90 single graves, which will probably be sufficient for a number of years.
All the lots were numbered and shade trees and shrubs were planted so that in time the new part of the cemetery will conform to the tree shaded old part. Water extensions were placed where grading was completed and all walks were given a thin coat of blue gravel. Weed killer was used throughout the cemetery to prevent the spoiling of the grass. Two large trees, broken and made unsightly by the wind were taken down, the work being done by persons who were willing to perform the labor, taking the wood as their pay. Some 50 new shade trees taken from the town nursery were planted in various parts of the cemetery. Several old tree stumps were re- moved. Seventy-five sunken graves were filled and 300 loads of good loam were placed on perpetual care lots in the old part of the cem- etery. Markers were made for 100 lots, and these will be put in place as fast as the lots are completed.
The Andrews Memorial Chapel was used frequently, again prov- ing the wisdom of the donors in providing a very fine place in which to hold final services. The tomb was thoroughly whitewashed and put in good shape.
New evergreen shrubs were placed in front of the chapel, the shrubs taken from there being placed on the railroad side of the cemetery.
Respectfully submitted, THOMAS HANDLEY, Superintendent of Cemetery.
Inspector of Animals
To the Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my report for 1933. There was one general inspection of cattle and swine during the year, and all animals were found healthy and the barns clean with good light and ventilation.
There have been thirty-two so-called "dog-bite" cases reported this year. The dogs involved have been quarantined for two weeks, at which time they were examined again for rabies. They were all found to be healthy at this second inspection, and were released.
There have been no contagious diseases among animals reported this year.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK B. STRATTON, M.D.V.
148
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Tree Warden
To the Board of Selectmen:
A thorough inspection of the trees along the highways of the town has been made during the year to eliminate any danger from falling limbs due to the high winds. The elm trees along Burrill street, between the Monument and Town Hall, have been the object of special attention. Due to the age of these trees a great deal of dead wood has had to be cut out and they are beginning to be un- sightly, especially after the leaves have been blown off. Many per- sons have commented on the fact that eventually these trees will have to be removed as a matter of public safety. The majority of citizens would, in my opinion, object to any action that would re- move the fine impression that visitors arriving at the railroad sta- tion and driving down the main street receive as they wend their way along a wide, tree-shaded thoroughfare, and everything will be done by this department to preserve these old trees.
Illuminating gas escaping from the mains killed three trees dur- ing the year. Trees were planted along the highways to the number of 118 and the vacancies made by the removal of 21 dead trees were for the most part filled and included in the number planted. It is to be regretted that careless and thoughtless action by children and others has ruined many of the small trees set out along the high- ways and prevented their proper growth. This is a subject that might well receive attention in the public schools.
Low limbs over the sidewalks have been removed, but here again there is thoughtless action by young people, especially on their way from the beach in summer, who jump up and pull down the low limbs, making it necessary to remove the limb and making the tree out of proportion. Tree guards have been used wherever such action seemed advisable, and this has prevented much damage from auto hub caps.
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 hear- ings attended.
Respectfully submitted,
H. D. LINSCOTT.
149
MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
1933]
Moth Superintendent
To the Board of Selectmen:
We are again pleased to report that there was no defoliation of trees in town by moth pests of any kind. All the street trees were sprayed, but the spread of the Oriental Moth, which was checked last year on street trees, appears to have extended into private pro- perty. Where notice is received of the appearance of the Fall Web Moth in any part of the town the trees effected and those in the vicin- ity will be taken care of without charge. The creosoting of the egg clusters of the gypsy moth has already been begun, but has been held up for a short period by the heavy snow at the end of the year. The work is soon to be resumed. Because of radio talks sponsored by private concerns looking for jobs, a great many people became alarmed and urge that their trees be sprayed at once. This is not feasible without doubling the equipment and the number of men em- ployed, because of the impossibility of being in two places at once. I have considered asking for another, smaller type spraying machine, but have hesitated from doing so at the present time when all costs must be kept at a minimum.
Attention is called to the fact that the charges for spraying do not appear upon the tax bills for the same year, owing to the fact that the work is not completed until after the assessors' books are closed. The amounts charged on the 1934 bills will be for spraying done in 1933 and not in 1934.
Respectfully submitted,
BERNARD B. KENNEDY, Moth Superintendent.
Forest Warden
To the Board of Selectmen:
There were twenty-two forest fires this year, but none of them assumed large proportions because of the prompt response and ef- fective work of the fire department. The State Forester has repeated- ly called attention to the importance of stamping out cigars and cigarettes 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 undoubtedly caused by the throwing away of a lighted cigarette or cigar stub.
There were 248 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.
150
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec .. 31
In Memoriam
SIDNEY E. BAILEY
Member of School Committee for three years, March 17, 1902, to March 20, 1905. First principal of Swampscott High School.
Died December 5, 1933.
REV. JOHN VANNEVAR, D.D.
Member of School Committee February 17, 1919, to Febru- ary 16, 1931. Chairman, 1926, 1927, 1929, 1930. Died November 27, 1933.
WILLIAM O. TITCOMB
Sitting member of the Board of Appeals, appointed Febru- ary 24, 1928.
Died March 23, 1933.
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS
Amos F. Bailey, Precinct Three, 1933, died November 24, 1933.
Dr. Chas. H. Bangs, Precinct Three, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932 and 1933. Died August 6, 1933.
Charles D. C. Moore, Precinct Eight, 1931, 1932 and 1933. Died July 15, 1933.
William O. Titcomb, Precinct Three, 1930, 1931, 1932 and 1933. Died March 23, 1933.
151
REPORT OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN
19331
Board of Selectmen
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
The Board of Selectmen submits herewith its annual report for the year 1933, 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 1934.
Unemployment Relief
Immediately after assuming office the board took up the prob- lem of unemployment, and after a study decided unanimously to turn the supervision of the balance of the unemployed money over to Clarence W. Horton, under the direction of the board, if he would accept. Upon his acceptance it was further voted that he be delegat- ed to have charge of the unemployment end of the work with power to handle and conduct the same to suit himself, set rate of pay and do all that is necessary in connection with the work. The jobs to be done were selected by the board and Harold F. Merrill, an engineer familiar with the laying of drains and other contracting projects, was appointed supervisor of the work. Under his direction a drain was laid in Ocean avenue as a continuance of the Atlantic avenue and Phillips avenue drain to Palmer Beach, thus eliminating the dump- ing of surface water into Palmer Pond. An extension was laid in such a way as to drain Palmer Pond and thus eliminate the danger of flooding adjoining property abutting on the pond area. Existing funds were used for this project and with the co-operation of the finance committee, which transferred $2,500 from the reserve fund, a concrete outlet was built upon the beach, thus completing in a per- manent way the drain. The wisdom of this extra expenditure has been shown in many ways, especially by the withstanding of several heavy storms. While it has been a common idea that work done by the so-called unemployed has been of a more or less shiftless char- acter, a means of providing money for a minimum of ineffectual ef- fort, such is not the case in Swampscott, as anyone familiar with the work accomplished, the difficulties under which the work has been done and the time consumed in completing each project, can honestly and sincerely testify. The men have quickly adapted themselves to the work, have started promptly and carried on continuously without it being necessary to continually goad them into extra effort. The board would be lacking in appreciation if it did not thus permanently record its impression that work done throughout the year by the unemployed has been of a character above criticism.
Upon the completion of the outfall, the work was continued up Bradlee avenue to Atlantic avenue and extended along Atlantic avenue in a way to complete the solving of the surface drainage problem. Some little more remains to be done, and as soon as fur- ther funds are available this will also be completed. The work in- cluded the laying of 380 feet of 18-inch concrete pipe, 1140 feet of 15-inch concrete pipe, 1036 feet of 12-inch concrete pipe, the build- ing of 12 manholes, the building of four catch basins and the build- ing of a reinforced concrete outfall on the beach. The total cost of this work was $8,991.88.
The men were transferred next to Forest avenue, where 248 feet of 12-inch concrete pipe were laid and one catch basin was built, near the corner of Fuller avenue, to relieve surface water conditions, as voted by the town meeting at a total cost of $800. Upon com- pletion of the Forest avenue project, a drain was laid across private
152
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
property from Mapledale place to Sheridan road and thence to Wal- ker road. This was voted by the town meeting upon recommenda- tion by the Water and Sewerage Board to relieve a condition dan- gerous to health whenever there was a heavy rain. Owners of the property crossed gave easements and waivers before the work was started without cost to the town, upon agreement by the town of- ficials that the properties would be restored to good condition upon completion of the work. All have expressed themselves as entirely satisfied with the way the work was left. The work was carried on under the meanest of conditions, because of the thoroughly saturat- ed condition of the area in which the pipes had to be laid, but the men went at it and kept at it without complaint, again showing that what they really wanted was work and not charity. The number of feet of concrete pipe laid was 448 feet of 15-inch and 12 feet of 12- inch. Two catch basins and seven manholes were built. The cost was $2,066.09.
The force was next transferred to the cemetery, where the work previously undertaken was resumed, work that in the years to come will prove of a lasting benefit to the community. It consists of excavating the ground, removing existing ledge, and filling the ex- cavation with gravel from which the large stones have been removed, thus making new graves which will soon be available to the public. The stones removed and the broken up ledge have been used in build- ing retaining walls for the support of the various avenues which will later be surfaced, and for building a boundary wall along the Essex street side of the cemetery. Drainage of the low area near Capen road was also provided.
Civil Works Administration
On November 28 word was received from the Civil Works Ad- ministration that Harry E. Cahoon, Chairman of the Board of Pub- lic Welfare, had been appointed local Civil Works Administrator for Swampscott, and that the town should immediately apply for its quota of $24,000. It might be said in passing that when com- parison is made with other towns concerning the amount allotted, it should be borne in mind that allotments are made on the basis of ยท the amount expended for public welfare and not on the basis of in- fluence exerted, as seems to be the popular idea. Swampscott's ex- penditures for welfare have been small, $16,000 last year and $20,- 000 this year.
The following figures are taken from the Town Reports for 1932 for the towns named, and do not include any institutional ex- pense: Marblehead, $93,490.60; Saugus, $74,897.78. It was not to be expected that a town which expended one-sixth of the amount ex- pended by its neighbor should receive as much in return as it did.
It is necessary for the town to pay for tools, trucks, materials, engineering and supervision, the government paying only labor. The expense of setting up offices and providing places in which work can be carried on had to be borne by the town also. Fortunately the town had a balance in the cemetery fund from which these expenses could be paid, and it received an allotment of $19,600 for labor, which, with the $4,000 agreed to be paid by the town, practically made up its quota. No materials are paid for by the C.W.A., no salaries to directing officials, the government confining itself strictly to labor. Wherever there were balances that could be used projects were sub- mitted, but every other project was turned down or held over until further Federal funds could be obtained by the C.W.A. officials, who promised to again consider these projects as soon as the funds are ready. They expressed a belief that the work will be further extend- ed after the 15th of February.
In every way the Swampscott end of the C.W.A. has been car- ried on strictly in accordance with the rules laid down, and the town
153
REPORT OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1933]
has had the approval of the various inspectors who have looked into the manner in which the work has been handled. Offices have been provided in the Town Hall for the National Re-employment Office under the direction of Harold J. Mclaughlin, who was appointed by the State director as local re-employment director, and fully equipped with telephone, typewriter, files and desks. Adjacent to the office is a commodious waiting room entirely separate from any other Town Hall activity, all as required by the rules laid down by the adminis- tration. A well equipped office has also been provided for the Civil Works Administrator. The Woman's Division, under the direction of Mrs. Florence E. Preston, has been given the use of the main hall of the Town Hall. It is understood that in the Women's Division the government provides the larger material. The town was relieved of the necessity of providing sewing machines through the generosity of several public spirited women.
Pay of Policemen and Firemen
Following the annual town (business) meeting on Tuesday, February 28, the Board met in special session and voted that the following notice be sent to all members of the Police and Fire de- partments and to the Sealer of Weights and Measures, all of whom are under Civil Service:
"You are hereby notified that the Board of Select- men contemplate reducing the compensation of your position in the department of the Town. The reasons are that present financial conditions, and the action of the Annual Town Meeting in reducing the appropriation for the department, require such action. The Board will give you a hearing upon the proposed reduction on Monday, March 6, 1933, at P.M."
Twenty-seven of these notices were delivered in hand and six left at the residences of the persons to whom the notices were sent. The hearing was held on the date specified and at the close of the hearing the following motions were made and seconded and unanimously adopted on a roll call vote:
The Board of Selectmen of the Town of Swampscott having giv- en written notice in accordance with the law to each member of the police department in said town that the Board contemplated lower- ing the compensation of such police officer with the reasons there- for, and a full hearing to each police officer having been duly given, it is voted:
That the compensation of each member of the police depart- ment be reduced by ten per cent., such reduction to become effective with the next payroll of said department and to remain effective un- til further action by the Board of Selectmen; provided, however, that in case any such police officer desires to make a voluntary contri- bution of the amount which his compensation shall thus be reduced, this may be done and shall be taken in lieu of such reduction provided an instrument executed by such police officer be filed by him and accepted and approved by the proper authorities.
The reason for the foregoing reduction in compensation is the present financial situation and the action of the annual town meet- ing in reducing the appropriation of the police department of the Town of Swampscott.
The second vote substituted the words fire department and fire- men where the words police department and policemen were used. The third vote substituted sealer of weights and measures and seal- er of weights and measures department.
154
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
The secretary was instructed to deliver to each of the employees referred to a copy of the vote, and this was done the following day, fourteen being delivered in person and nineteen delivered at the houses of the others.
On March 8 the fire department submitted an agreement, known as agreement No. 1, signed by each of the sixteen members of the department, reading as follows:
The undersigned each hereby contributes ten per cent. of their respective salaries as firemen of the Town of Swampscott for the period beginning with the next weekly payroll and continuing until December 31, 1933, toward the operating expenses of the Fire De- partment of Swampscott and authorize the Board of Selectmen, the Town Accountant and the Town Treasurer to carry out such contri- bution as a deduction on the fire department payroll.
On March 9 individual slips of similar tenor were received by registered mail from the following members of the police department: Captains Brogan and Kennedy and Officers Delano, Horton, Owens, Roach, Ryan and Frazier.
Also on March 9 an agreement known as agreement No. 2 pro- viding for the contribution "until the dissolution of the next annual town meeting" was received signed by the chief and Patrolmen Con- nell, Costin, Hooper, Jordan, Pedrick, Shanahan and Wall.
The Sealer of Weights and Measures signed agreement No. 2.
Under the vote of the Board the 10 per cent. reduction will con- tinue until further action by the Board.
Andrews Memorial Chapel
During the funeral services of S. Blaine Kehoe, which were at- tended by a large gathering of comrades and friends of the deceased, a serious accident was narrowly averted when the main floor of the Chapel dropped several inches. Fortunately cool heads prevailed and there was no panic. The Building Inspector was at once instructed to make a thorough examination and reported that dry rot had set in and it would be necessary to remove the entire floor of the structure before the Chapel could again be used. He was further instructed to have air ducts put into the foundation walls to prevent a reocurrence of the trouble. The Chapel was thereafter closed to public use until the repairs were completed, at a cost of $275.03. New floor timbers were laid and an entirely new floor placed upon them.
Licenses for Liquor
The State having passed Chapter 120 of the Acts of 1933, per- mitting the licensing of the sale of liquor, the board acting under the provisions of this act, filed with the Town Clerk the following vote: "The licenses for the sale of wines and malt beverages shall be granted in the Town of Swampscott pending the taking of a vote for the town in accordance with Chapter 120 of the Acts of 1933."
Under this vote only hotels were granted: Willey House, Glover House and New Ocean House. No others applied. On June 13, the Town voted at a special election to authorize the granting of licenses, and under this three retailer licenses were granted. The fees were established at $100 a year for hotels and retailers and $50 for res- taurants. No restaurant licenses were granted, however, until upon an appeal to the Alcohol Beverages Control Commission by John A. Dedrick and Harold D. Spinney. The commission ordered that they be granted. Four restaurants were thereupon licensed, making a to- tal of ten divided by three hotels, four restaurants and three re- tailers. All of these were under the 3.2 grant.
155
REPORT OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1933]
In December, when the new liquor bill had been passed, the board took similar action, as it had in June, and filed with the Town Clerk its vote that licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages be granted pending the town's decision by ballot at the annual town meeting. Under this vote the following licenses have been granted: All Alcoholic Beverages: Glover House, hotel, Louis A. Hershman, retailer. Wines and Malt Beverages: Robert B. Hegarty, retailer, Willey House Hotel, John A. and Mary Dedrick and Harold D. Spin- ney, restaurants.
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