USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1939 > Part 16
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Definite changes in the relationship between state and local Welfare Agencies were inaugurated during the past year. State agents no longer make personal investigation of cases for which the town receives state reimbursement. All such investigation has be- come the responsibility of the local Board. Completely new sets of forms, requiring more detailed investigation and greater verifica- tion, have been introduced. These two changes have greatly increased the amount of work demanded of the entire personnel of the Welfare Department.
We feel that our present quarters are inadequate for our needs and do not comply with the General Laws, Chapter 277, Section 3A, of the Acts of 1937. If the town considers building an addition to the present Town Hall, we hope that provisions will be made so that this department may have an office on the main floor with a separ- ate room for private interviews.
We wish to again convey our thanks to the Swampscott Visiting Nurse and Family Welfare Association, and all others who have co- operated with us in solving some of our difficult problems during the year and to our clerks for their efficient work.
1939]
COMPARISONS OF PERSONS AIDED
Families Aided
Single Persons Aided
People Aided in Institutions
Total Number of Families Aided on A. D. C.
No. of Persons Aided on P. W.
1937
1938
1939
1937
1938
1939
1937
1938
1939
1937
1938
1939
1938
1939
January
48
62
64
15
14
6
8
6
4
6
12
11
313
310
February
52
59
55
16
15
6
8
6
5
8
12
11
296
280
March
47
61
48
15
17
5
8
6
6
11
12
12
286
244
April
24
39
46
13
20
6
8
6
6
11
11
12
196
230
May
11
25
17
10
17
9
8
6
8
11
11
12
142
76
June
11
21
15
10
12
12
8
5
8
11
11
12
110
81
July
19
30
15
10
10
12
6
5
8
11
11
12
149
75
August
18
25
18
8
8
8
6
6
9
11
11
12
126
87
September
17
23
26
9
8
8
6
6
8
11
10
12
114
121
October
29
22
23
13
7
6
7
8
11
10
13
114
92
November
39
33
30
15
7
11
6
6
8
11
10
14
162
154
December
48
41
42
15
6
10
6
4
8
11
11
14
223
209
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
197
SUMMARY OF TEMPORARY RELIEF
1937
1938
1939
Families aided during the year .
118
129
135
Families being aided at the present time
63
62
62
Families being aided at the expense of other cities and towns
17
22
18
Families being aided at the expense of the State
21
24
25
Families being aided with settlement in Swampscott
80
76
83
Persons supported in State Institutions
6
7
9
Number of new applications received during the year
45
41
22
Number of new applications rejected during the year
4
8
5
Number of requests for aid rejected during the year
183
197
166
SUMMARY OF AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
Families aided during the year
11
13
14
198
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
REIMBURSEMENTS
1937
1938
1939
Cities and Towns
$2,924.96
Individuals
405.47
Cities and Towns Individuals State
213.00
State
Temporary Aid
3,239.76
Temporary Aid Aid to Dependent Children Federal Grant A. D. C.
1,878.00
Temporary Aid
1,555.16
Aid to Dependent Children
2,055.25
3,582.93
848.68
Federal Grant A. D. C.
1,854.55
1,455.37
Federal Grant A. D. C.
1,258.63
Federal Grant Admon. 133.60
$10,479.99
$8,266.70
$6,821.60
AMOUNTS DUE TOWN
1937
1938
1939
Individuals
$522.79
Individuals
$778.03
Individuals
$814.60
Beverly
26.76
Gloucester
414.96
Peabody
14.00
Boston
104.02
Peabody
166.67
Lynn
642.42
Danvers
43.00
Lynn
1,372.70
State T. A.
327.30
Newton
64.99
Haverhill
69.84
State A. D. C.
2,526.97
Haverhill
69.84
State T. A.
776.54
Worcester
123.65
State T. A.
520.06
State A. D. C.
841.18
Revere
6.25
State A. D. C.
1,848.78
Worcester
16.00
Worcester
32.41
$3,232.65
$4,435.92
$4,455.19
1939]
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
199
$1,137.40
Cities and Towns Individuals State
$2,426.59 598.94
Aid to Dependent Children
200
PAID TO CITIES AND TOWNS
1937
1938
1939
Boston
$365.10
Lynn
$1,755.07
Lynn
$2,765.78
Lynn
2,640.45
Revere
301.56
Brockton
42.94
Revere
293.50
Peabody
54.92
Marblehead
18.75
Millis
160.00
Medford
46.17
Beverly
131.85
Newton
2.67
Salem
35.59
Gloucester
5.00
Somerville
75.00
Worcester
62.85
Saugus
33.50
Reading
49.69
Georgetown
16.17
$3,608.85
$2,438.99
$2,808.72
TOWN DOCUMENTS
In conclusion, we wish to state that we have endeavored to act at all times for the best interest of the town, with equal consideration given to the taxpayer as well as the recipient.
JOSEPH P. HINES, Chairman, DONALD REDFERN, EDWARD F. BURKE.
[Dec. 31
201
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
1939]
BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
The amount of aid rendered by this department during the year 1939 increased considerably over the expenditures of the previous years. This was due to new applications and the additional medical, hospitalization and miscellaneous requirements of the Old Age recip- ients as they grow older.
It is necessary that this Bureau once more impress upon the people of the town that the "Old Age Assistance" is not a Pension, as it is so commonly called, but, according to law, is aid to the de- serving, needy citizens, 65 years of age or over, who meet the re- quirements as to proof of age, citizenship, residence and need. All applications are thoroughly investigated, all resources taken into consideration and if aid is granted the amount is based on actual need.
The Federal Government and the State Department require that each person on the Old Age Assistance rolls be visited in their home four times a year, and their circumstances re-checked at each visit. They also require various reports and notices at specified times, pertaining to the persons receiving aid and the amounts spent for this aid. These reports must be regular and complete in order that the town may receive the Federal Government and the State Department reimbursements for aid given each month.
Following is a brief summary of the work accomplished by this department during the past year:
Persons Aided
Total Receiving Support
196
New Applications
51
Cases Accepted
45
Cases Rejected
6
Cases Closed
31
Number receiving Relief Dec. 31, 1939
165
Total Expenditures
Assistance
$53,904.22
Swampscott Settlements in Other
Cities and Towns
1,659.60
Salaries and Wages
1,592.00
Office Administration
767.05
Total
$57,922.87
Reimbursements
Federal U. S. Grants:
Assistance
$24,635.16
Administration
821.13
$25,456.29
State Department
17,560.00
Cities and Towns
1,118.89
18,678.89
Total Total Expenditures
$44,135.18
$57,922.87
Total Reimbursements
44,135.18
$13,787.69
.
202
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Federal U. S. Grant balance to January 1, 1940 Outstanding Bills Due the Town
1,042.41 564.60
$1,607.01
1,607.01
Actual Cost to Swampscott for Old Age Assistance during 1939
$12,180.68
JOSEPH P. HINES, DONALD REDFERN, WILLIS B. CHAPMAN,
Bureau of Old Age Assistance.
PUBLIC WELFARE INVESTIGATOR
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report as investigator and visitor for the Board of Public Welfare and the Bureau of Old Age Assis- tance.
It was my duty during the year 1939 to make quarterly visi- tations to 196 old age assistance cases, 135 public welfare cases and 14 aid to dependent children cases.
This meant that over 1750 visits were made during the year to obtain reports for the Board of Public Welfare for their action and consideration, which was a great increase over the previous year.
In addition to all these calls which had to be made in accordance with the General Laws, it was necessary for me to make calls and visitations to the Boston and Salem offices of the W.P.A. in the interest of the town in having needy persons assigned to W.P.A. employment, whereby a burden would be relieved on the Welfare department and also in the interest of persons who are striving to stay off the welfare rolls.
It was also necessary for me to appear in court on various cases, to appear before the State Board of Appeals on numerous hearings relative to our department, and to visit the people we have in State Institutions, which is necessary in accordance with the law.
As Civilian Conservation Corps Selecting Agent for the town, I had the privilege of sending seven boys to C. C. C. from needy families who not only benefited themselves and families but relieved a burden on the welfare department.
I have again this year as in the past received the fullest co- operation from the Swampscott Family Welfare Committee and the Visiting Nurse, Miss Sylvia K. Chesley, in addition to all other charitable organizations in the town and at this time wish to extend my thanks and appreciation.
DONALD REDFERN,
Investigator.
203
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
1939]
SURPLUS COMMODITIES DISTRIBUTION
During the year 1939, we have distributed Federal food and clothing commodities from our distributing centers located at 442 Humphrey street and 357 Essex street, Swampscott.
We have over 200 families who are at present receiving food and clothing. Those who are entitled to the above are men and women employed on W.P.A., Old Age Assistance recipients, those receiving Aid to Dependent Children and general relief.
Listed below are lists of food distributed during the year:
Dried apples
750 lbs.
Fresh carrots
2,160 lbs.
Fresh apples
14,711 lbs.
Cereal wheat
6,958 lbs.
Pea beans
6,297 lbs. Corn meal
16,384 lbs.
String beans
568 1bs. Graham flour
7,000 lbs.
Butter
8,454 lbs.
Wheat flour
12,041 lbs.
Cabbage
1,200 lbs.
Grapefruit, fresh
10,120 lbs.
Milk, Evap.
10,746 cans
3,504 cans
Milk, dried
2,999
Grapefruit juice Prunes, dried
3,625 lbs.
Oranges
25,150 lbs.
Rice
1,200 lbs.
Sweet potatoes
4,495 lbs.
Squash
5,455 lbs.
Tomatoes
1,836 lbs.
Rolled oats
900 lbs.
The above foods are valued at $15,490.40.
We also distributed 48,470 quarts of milk for the year. About 105 families are daily calling for this milk which is available each morning.
In addition to the food commodities, we received a supply of clothing-11,533 articles consisting of thirty kinds of apparel for men, women and children. The value of this clothing was $7,874.00.
The distribution of these commodities has been a great asset to the welfare and has aided materially in keeping our costs at a minimum.
JOSEPH P. HINES, Chairman,
Board of Public Welfare.
W. P. A. CERTIFYING BOARD
As Chairman of the W.P.A. Certifying Board, it has been my duty to certify all persons eligible for work on W.P.A.
When a person is certified, his application is immediately for- warded to Boston and they in turn, assign him or her to the various projects.
On November 1, 1939, a new set-up was put in force, throwing the bulk of the work on the local co-ordinator, Mr. Edward A. Saw- yer, and the Referral Agent.
Listed below you will note a tabulation of the number of work- ers employed and certified for the year 1939:
Number of persons employed December 1938 138
Peak of workers employed 1939, March 150
Number of persons employed December, 1939 116
104 W.P.A. 12 N.Y.A.
Number of applications 1939 (new and re-applying) 166 Number of applications certified and re-certified 112
The large number employed on the W.P.A. has been a great as- sistance to the town and has helped many persons to stay off wel- fare rolls. I have at all times demanded that persons asking for aid, apply for W.P.A. and at the present time, there are only a few awaiting assignments.
JOSEPH P. HINES,
Referral Agent.
204
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
WPA SPONSOR'S AGENT
To the Board of Selectmen:
The following is submitted by the W.P.A. Co-ordinator for the year ending December 31, 1939.
Many worth while projects have been in operation under the W.P.A. program during the year and as reports submitted by var- ious town departments, who have sponsored these projects have in- corporated details of work accomplished it will suffice, for this re- port, to enumerate the projects upon which the labor expense was furnished by W.P.A. and the town has furnished equipment and materials, as follows:
Survey and Contour Map of Jackson Park, Stone Wall along Essex street side of Jackson Park, Street Sign Survey, Recreation Project, Indexing of Vital Statistics Records, Library Book Clean- ing Project, Surfacing of Tid street, Construction of Tennis Courts at Jackson Park, Tree Classification, and surface water drains con- structed in the following locations:
From Elmwood road to junction of Burrill and New Ocean streets, Crosman avenue, Beach Bluff avenue and Bellevue road, and as the year comes to a close, drains are being constructed in Magnolia road, Lexington circle, Manton road, and granting of pro- ject for drains in Bradlee avenue, Stanwood and Morton roads is expected shortly. A Moth Project starts operating on January 2nd.
An extensive project for Sidewalks and Curbstones in various sections of the town was operating from latter part of May until first of October. This type of project is ideal through the summer months, as it not only provides work that can be handled by un- skilled workers, but one-half of construction costs, except Federal labor, is assessed to abutters.
A Recreation project carrying on a program for all year round activities has been well attended by both youth and adults, and many favorable comments have been expressed regarding work ac- complished by supervised indoor and outdoor activities.
An N.Y.A. program has given part time work to a number of youths between the ages of 18 and 24 who were eligible under its requirements, but it is limited in number that can be taken care of as it is necessary to have them assigned to a local municipal de- partment that can arrange for and supervise their limited working periods, but in the co-operation that has been given by our depart- ments is greatly appreciated and among those who have one or more of these youths, at the present time are:
Selectmen's Department, Park Department, Cemetery Depart- ment, Town Hall, Fire Station, and School Department.
At the beginning of the year there were 138 workers on local W.P.A. projects and a short time later it was up to 150 but by September it had been reduced to 70, due to quota reductions and private employment, but now at the end of the year it is up to 104.
A new Federal ruling went into effect in late summer, whereby all those who have been employed on W.P.A. for 18 months contin- uously, are dropped and will not be eligible for reassignment, for a period of 30 days and are obliged to reregister and be recertified before they can again be eligible for assignment, when, and if, an increase is permitted.
Another new Federal ruling is in number of working hours, wherein, the normal number of hours per week has been changed from 21 to 30, which not only resulted in more work being accom- plished, for same payroll expense, but required more materials from the sponsors and was primarily the cause of Special Town Meet- ing in December to provide funds to carry on projects, as otherwise, there would have been recourse to welfare agencies by the unem- ployed.
205
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
1939]
Federal relations have been very graciously and helpfully ex- tended in the handling of the problems involved in our co-operative program and to John W. MacInnes, who has been the local Federal Supervisor of construction projects for the last eighteen months, we are deeply appreciative of the results accomplished and courteous attitude wherein matters pertaining to the work have been involved.
EDWARD A. SAWYER, W.P.A. Co-ordinator.
Contributory Retirement Board
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
This is the third annual report of the Retirement Board. The board held fifty formal meetings, three public hearings, as well as numerous conferences with department heads and town employees. 1939 marked a material increase in Retirement activities with the coming into the system of some 24 town employees who were not previously members of the system. During the year a state re- tirement association composed of the retirement boards of the com- monwealth was formed. This association is helpful because of the opportunity it affords for the several retirement boards to meet and exchange views on current retirement problems. This board active- ly participated in all the state meetings.
With regard to investments of funds, the board was of the opin- ion that until they had a larger working capital, they would invest only in savings banks and government bonds which had an imme- diate cash surrender value. This will appear in the statement of condition for the year 1939.
The meeting place of the board was changed to the Park De- partment office where meetings are held on Thursday evenings in order that employees might have a better opportunity to contact the board when the need arose.
Retired in 1939 were: Pauline W. Bain, George D. R. Durkee, Charles E. Hodgdon, Nathaniel R. Martin, and James Warnock.
Membership Summary
A. Active Members:
1. Members in Group I 74
2. Members in Group II 10
3. Members in Group I and II 3
Total membership 87
4. Deaths 0
5. Withdrawals 4
6. Retirements for:
a. Superannuation 5
b. Ordinary disability 0
B. Pensioners 1937-1939
1. Retirements for:
a. Superannuation 10
b. Ordinary disability 1 Including beneficiaries 98
C. Total Membership December 31, 1939
The following is an income statement for the period January 1, 1939 to December 31, 1939 and a statement of assets and liabilities as of December 31, 1939.
206
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Balance December 31, 1938
$11,873.03
Income
Contributions from members Group I
Group II
$4,993.90 278.06
$5,271.96
Contributions from town
For accrued liability
4,783.00
For normal liability
2,438.00
For expenses
1,136.00
For interest deficiency
142.82
8,499.82
From Interest Earned
Interest on Deposited Funds
324.17
Total Income 14,095.95
$25,968.98
Disbursements
Refunds
Withdrawals from Group I
399.34
Interest
5.65
Withdrawals from Group II
10.84
Interest
.01
Administrative Expenses
Clerical hire
1,029.00
Premiums on bonds
150.00
Stationery and postage
28.20
Printing and advertising
16.50
All others
22.50
Pensions
Group I
Annuities
5.42
Prior service allowances
3,968.24
Group II
Prior service allowances
3,011.13
6,984.79
Total disbursements
8,646.83
Balance December 31, 1939
$17,322.15
Investments
Lynn Institution for Savings
$4,000.00
Salem 5c Savings Bank
4,000.00
United States Bonds
3,000.00
Marblehead Savings Bank
2,000.00
Salem Savings Bank
2,000.00
Danvers Savings Bank
2,000.00
$17,000.00
Security Trust Co., Cash
322.15
$17,322.15
Respectfully submitted, ROGER J. CONNELL, Chairman, HORACE R. PARKER, Secretary, RALPH S. MAXWELL.
415.84
1,246.20
207
REPORT OF PARK DEPARTMENT
1939]
Park Department
This is the first report of the Park Department since the con- solidation of the Tree and Moth Departments with the Park Depart- ment. The Park Commissioners believe that the consolidation has proved of great benefit to the town and to the departments involved. Increased man power has been available to each department in emergencies and during rush seasons has resulted in increased ef- ficiency. The appointment of Mr. Fred Burk as Superintendent in charge of the Tree, Moth and Park Work made possible the speed- ing up of work and better maintenance of schedules, besides pro- viding a more careful control of expenditures.
Tree Work
A great amount of extra labor and time was expended this year in repairing the damage done to the town's shade trees by the 1938 hurricane. Much of this damage was not evident until after the Spring season had started. Weakened root systems necessitated the removal of many trees and caused the uprootal of one large cut- leaf maple on Thomas road. Split crotches did not appear until winds, combined with full foliage, opened them up.
As a result, an extraordinary amount of bracing and bolting had to be done. In several cases these tears were so bad that dan- ger would have resulted even if they were repaired and the branches had to be removed.
In all, four hundred and twenty-two trees were planted to re- place lost and damaged trees and in new home developments. These trees were Norway Maples, Sugar Maples, Pin and Scarlet Oaks, American and Moline Elms, Lindens and Ginkgoes.
Many young trees were set out in the nursery for future use, a practice we intend to follow each year in order to build up replace- ment stock.
In spite of the severe drought, very few of the new trees set out around town were lost, due to careful wrapping or waxing to pre- vent desiccation.
Moth Work
The usual work of this department was carried out on schedule and according to law.
Due to W.P.A. Moth Projects of previous years, a remarkable decrease in numbers of Tent Caterpillars was evident this year. Ex- tra spraying was needed, however, to control the ravages of the Elm Leaf Beetle and Elm Leaf Skeletonizer. The Oriental Moth failed to appear in any particularly troublesome quantities.
Abbott Park
Summer activities at this park were varied and well-attended as the W.P.A. Recreation Unit sponsored Badminton, Volley Ball, Horse Shoe Pitching and supervised the children's play.
The swings and slide were in constant use by children, so much so, that the slide shows signs of wear beyond repair and will need replacing soon.
Fall activities were divided between Boys' Junior High Football and Girls' Field Hockey.
208
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
After the football season, a hockey rink was constructed for the use of the High School and organized Town Teams. This rink is flood-lighted for night games and it is hoped that an inter-town hockey league may be formed. Although the rink has been in opera- tion only a few weeks, it has been in constant use every afternoon and evening and even morning games have been played.
Much praise should be accorded here to Mr. Clyde Emery for his fine work as Park Policeman in supervising the winter activities in this park, and for the excellent job he has done as caretaker of the rink and outside skating surfaces.
Jackson Park
Three W.P.A. projects completed during the past year have added greatly to the usability of this area. Three new tennis courts were put in on a W.P.A. project. These new courts, plus an enlarge- ment of the existing courts, gave us six well-constructed courts which were constantly in use all summer.
For the first time since its purchase, a contour map was made of the area comprising the park. This again was a W.P.A. project and furnishes the Park Commissioners adequate data on which to plan the development of this area during the future.
The third W.P.A. project was the construction of a 300-foot stone wall along Essex Street, giving a much-needed improvement in the appearance of the property.
It is the hope of the Park Commissioners that by a swapping of land, this wall may be continued around the corner of the Greenway and thus give a finished boundary of good appearance.
A rough road is being constructed from the Foster Dam Right of Way into the interior of the park to provide another entrance for convenience and for better fire control. This year a bad forest fire, started by small boys, destroyed over half an acre of the pine plantation, besides burning over a large area. If the road had been available at that time, the fire could have been brought under con- trol before so much damage had been done.
Due to the purchase of several pieces of equipment bought dur- ing the past two years and need of space for making repairs and doing shop work, a new building will have to be erected at this park. The present stone building is entirely inadequate for the work be- ing done and the equipment of the department. This can be a W.P.A. project when legislative permission is secured for the erection of such a building.
Monument Avenue
This park again was a real beauty spot and made an excellent impression, not only on townspeople but also on the thousands of people passing through the town.
By the removal of electric light poles and a rearrangement of the flower beds, an open vista was created with the Memorial Flag Pole as its terminal point.
Working on a planned schedule of replacement, many of the natural shrubs were replaced by young, healthy and more-colorful ones. More of this replacement is planned for the coming year.
Blaney Beach
It is with a great deal of regret that we have to record, as a part of this report, the retirement of Dr. Nat Martin as general caretaker of this property. Dr. Martin finished his many years' work as a Park Department Employee when he became eligible for re- tirement on the first of July, 1939, under the Retirement Act.
209
REPORT OF PARK DEPARTMENT
1939]
Dr. Martin will be missed, both by the Park Department and the townspeople, as his has been a familiar, friendly figure for many years on Blaney Beach Reservation. As an unofficial, and then as the first official lifeguard, he was known to all for his efficient and painstaking efforts to promote safety. In later years, his work as custodian of the Administration Building and Parking Lot was car- ried on with the same attention to duty.
Mr. Clyde Emery was appointed to take Dr. Martin's place.
The Administration Building is in good repair, but needs a coat of paint badly and it is planned to do this work during the coming year.
Phillips Park
In spite of the severe drought of last summer, the football field was in excellent shape for the fall season. The drought, however, did ruin the turf of the newly-constructed practice field and consid- erable effort will have to be expended to get this area in shape.
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