USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1940 > Part 16
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In addition to Soldiers' Relief the sum of $220.00 was paid out for State Aid for which the Town will be reimbursed by the State and $775.00 was paid out in the form of Military Aid, one-half of which will be returned to the Town by the State.
JAMES A. HEGARTY, Soldiers' Relief Agent and State Aid Correspondent.
194
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Jury List
Approved January 9, 1941
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
Allen, Bert P.
138 Stetson ave.
Proprietor
Anderson, Arthur O.
12 Shelton rd.
Gardener
Andrews, Herbert W.
70 Puritan rd.
Collector
Backman, Abraham
74 Aspen rd.
Manager
Bailey, Earl M.
77 Kensington lane
"Library
Blazer, Peter J.
65 King st.
Home
Blood Robert E.
10 Fuller ter.
Executive
Bonefant, William J.
76 King st.
Salesman
Bosworth, Dana R.
22 Burpee rd.
Salesman
Bradley, Whitney S.
95 Rockland st.
Vice President
Browne, Robert L.
10 Hillcrest cir.
Engineer
Bryant, Charles L.
26 Suffolk ave.
Adjustor
Buckley, James E.
20 Shaw rd.
Engineer
Bufalino, Bernard D.
47 Bates rd.
Machinist
Burke, Michael J.
51 Beach ave.
Pharmacist
Burns, John E.
12 Boynton st.
Blacksmith
Burt, Everett L.
9 Arbutus rd.
Last Maker
Cahill, Daniel C.
39 Grant rd.
Machinist
Cahill, Thomas J.
16 Spring ct.
Machinist
Cahoon, Charles M.
3 Cedar Hill ter.
Fisherman
Callahan, Francis J.
42 Banks rd.
Broker
Carr, John F.
175 Aspen rd.
Broker
Carr, Wesley E.
79 Roy st.
Mechanic
Caswell, Howard T.
75 Barnstable st.
G. E.
Chambers, John A.
114 Elmwood rd. 20 Ocean ave.
John's Manville Heating
Christiansen, Christian
130 Stetson ave.
Machinist
Collins, Walter C.
123 Aspen rd.
Electrician
Conners, Martin R.
400 Puritan rd.
Shoework
Connor, James E.
27 Essex ave.
Home
Curtis, Ralph J.
24 Bristol ave.
Contractor
Davidson, David D.
8 Eureka ave.
Clerk. Manager
Dinan, Henry P.
62 Humphrey st.
Doughty, Harold W.
15 Buena Vista st.
Dealer.
Duggan, George J.
5 Ellis rd.
Clerk
DuPlessie, Gaston H."
323 Forest ave.
Treasurer
Easterbrook, Vincent B. :-: 1 Oak rd. 8 Cliffside
Laborer G. E.
Edmondson, Grady L.
Esselen, Gustavus J.
437 Puritan rd.
Eveleth, Frederick W. 25 ' King st.
Farrell, Harry C.
48 Grant rd.
Engineer
Forbes, Walter H.
76 Greenwood ave.
Friedman, Otto W. 30 Cherry st.
George, Harold G.
51 Crescent st. 26 Beverly rd. 51 Mountwod rd.
Greenhouse
Gough, Joseph H. Gowell, William H.
Graham, George
133 Stetson ave. 2. Mo ton rd.
Tourist
Gregson, William
60 I exington cir.
i. Dealer Clerk Machinist
Green, Charles H.
Chemist U. S. M. Co.
Salesman Proprietor
Clerk
t
Chatman, John E.
1940]
Name
Halloran, Harry G. Hanifey, Joseph M. Hayes, William E.
Heath, Edward H., Jr. Hicks, Percy C. Holden, Horace C. Horton, Howard B. Houghton, Jarius H.
Ivey, Clarence G.
34 Walker rd.
Asst. Pres.
Johnson, Harold G.
48 Thomas rd.
Machinist
Knowlton, Philip L. Koch, Paul L.
Krippendorf, William P.
LaParrella, Louis L.
53 Jessie st.
Machinist
Larson, Carl O.
61 Magnolia rd.
Diemaker
Lauritsen, Thorvald G.
54 Essex st.
Salesman
Ledbury, George W.
154 Aspen rd.
Inspector
Little, Roy S.
12 Beach ave.
Radio
Lord, George K.
3 Ellis ter. Clerk
Macduff, James A.
389 Forest ave.
Salesman Editor
MacFarlane, John D., Sr. Maddock, James R.
19 Elmwood rd, 4 Farragut rd.
Engineer
Maitland, Francis W. B. 356 Puritan rd.
Manchin, Ernest
44 Norfolk ave. 10 Rockland st.
Furrier Compositor
McDowall, Alexander
McLearn, John G.
McManus, Thomas J. Meaney, Patrick J.
Melzard, Ralph
120 Stetson ave. 65 Salem st.
Salesman Electrician
Miller, Frederick Monroe, John M.
Morrison, John T.
112 Redington st.
Electrician
Morrison, Ralph A.
8 Bellevue rd.
Engineer
Mudge, Harding P.
61 Devens rd.
Salesman
Munsey, Dean A. Muthe, John F.
201 Forest ave.
10 Valley rd.
Electrician Merchant
O'Brien, Michael J.
6 Redington ter.
Salesman
Owen, Owen H. Owens, Ernest E.
Electrician Manufacturing
Salesman Superintendent
Phillips, Earle A.
287 Humphrey st.
Phillips, Robert K. Pope, Roger W.
52 Bay View dr.
28 Pleasant st.
Chauffeur
Ranger, Walter L. Reed. Ralph H.
7 Hampden st. 78 Aspen rd. 33 Puritan pk.
39 Bellevue rd. 64 Fuller ave. 1 Little's pt. 16 Curry cir.
136 Redington st. 85 Morton rd.
Occupation
3 Devens rd.
521 Humphrey st. 71 Millett rd.
66 Beach ave. 48 Millett rd.
6 Greenwood ave.
74 Pine st.
44 Essex st.
Clerk. Electrician C. P. A. Salesman Caterer
Manager
Leather Candymaker
53 Blaney st.
258 Essex st.
42 Farragut rd.
Salesman Toolmaker Manager
Caretaker
Insurance
Marsh, Roy W.
92 Melvin ave. 15 Rockland st.
133 Norfolk ave.
48 Franklin ave.
Elec. Engineer
11 Banks ter. Foreman
Insurance Gardener
Norcross, William P. Nute, Charles H.
6 Arbutus rd.
30 Grant rd.
33 Morton rd.
Pearce, Harry E.
77 Walker rd.
157 Paradise rd. Buyer Merchant
Salesman Watchman
Leather
Marketer
Salesman
Stylist
Accountant
Salesman Linen Supply
Remis, Harry Richardson, Frank I. Roberts, Charles P. Rohrer, Arthur M.
Ross, Leland S. Rutledge. Albert R. Ryan, William J.
JURY LIST
195
Residence
Quealy, Thomas L.
22 Hardy rd.
Custodian Reporter
196
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Name
Scally, James J.
Smith, Irving O.
Spinney, Harold D.
Spinney, Millage W. Strickland, Ernest H.
Sullivan, Frederick R. Sundquist, Carl J.
Symes, Harold P.
Tanzella, Charles N. Thompson, Bertram H. Thorner, James O. Thurston, Harold L. Tilden, Calvin S. Titus, Anson M.
Vray, Charles T.
Warren, Harold
Widger, Norman C.
Witter, Lawrence O. Wood, Lewis F.
Wyman, Arthur M.
Yasi, John Young, Clyde R.
Residence
14 Paradise rd. 24 Mapledale pl. 246 Humphrey st.
213 Burrill st.
304 Forest ave.
151 Burrill st.
34 Suffolk ave.
86 Kensington lane
64 Crescent st.
3 Essex ter.
86 Norfolk ave.
17 Elmwood rd.
17 Claremont ter.
90 Paradise rd.
21 Middlesex ave.
11 Outlook rd.
6 Bay View dr. 59 Thomas rd.
14 Thomas rd.
2 Beach Bluff ave.
375 Essex st. 64 Humphrey st.
Occupation
Foreman Clerk
Foreman
Stockkeeper
Salesman
Builder
Electrician
Banker
Salesman Moulder
Accountant
Painter
Clerk
Engineer
Unemployed
Engineer Accountant
Statistician
Machinist
Printer
Salesman Shoeworker
In Memoriam
HAROLD H. BARTOL Member of Board of Health 1919-1940 Died June 29, 1940
WILLARD C. CHASE Member of Water and Sewerage Board 1900-1903 Died April 25, 1940
FREDERICK H. EASTMAN
Town Engineer 1909-1911 Died February 18, 1940
JOHN A. FINNEGAN Board of Registrars 1911-1916 Died November 20, 1940
FREDERICK C. MARSH Moderator 1896 Park Commissioner 1903-1906 Selectman 1907-1908 Died June 15, 1940
EDWARD A. SAWYER Local Administrator of E. R. A. 1934-1935 W. P. A. Co-ordinator 1935-1940 Died December 8, 1940
JOSEPH D. SPINNEY Patrolman 1902-1922 Died April 1, 1940
198
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Board of Selectmen
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
Each year through the medium of this Town Report your Board of Selectmen submits a summary and survey of its activities during the twelve months of the preceeding year. The purpose of the report is to acquaint you with town problems as they have been presented to your local governing body and to set forth the solutions which have been found for them, as well as the general policies which have been followed by the Board in making its various decisions. No attempt is made here to detail each activity or to call attention to all problems which came before the Board. In this summary we can only make reference to some of the more important events which will indicate the state of our affairs.
In February of the past year, your present Board of Selectmen began its second consecutive term of service and dedicated itself to a continuance of those policies which had been endorsed by the people of the town and had been found to be in their best interests. As was the case in the preceeding year, the budgets of all departments com- ing within the jurisdiction of the Board were carefully studied and analyzed in order that economies might be effected in the adminis- tration of these departments without a sacrifice of their efficiency. It was the intent of the Board to make every possible effort to keep the tax rate at a minimum figure. As a result of this study, recom- mendations were made to the Finance Committee. One such recom- mendation called attention to certain unexpended balances in various idle accounts which could be transferred to active accounts. Appro- priations would be reduced by this amount and a saving on the tax rate effected. These transfers were made under articles at the An- nual Town Meeting and at the Special Town Meeting held in No- vember. Thus the advantage of these transfers in reducing the tax rate, by reducing the amount of the appropriations on which the rate is based, were realized on the 1940 tax rate and will also be realized on the 1941 tax rate. The recommendations on the budget followed those of the preceeding year. Slight increases in salary were recom- mended for various officers who were performing additional duties. On the whole, however, the Board felt that the reductions realized last year should be maintained. In this connection we refer to our report for the year 1939 setting forth reductions in budget appro- priations, due to our recommendations, of $80,000.00, a saving of $3.50 on the tax rate. We are greatly pleased that no loss of efficiency was noticed in making these economies in our administrative struc- ture and that it has been possible to continue them in effect.
Public Improvements
Along with the economies which have been maintained in the administration of local government and in the departments charged with the protection of life and property, many needed improvements have been brought about. Under the supervision of Timothy J. Ryan, Surveyor of Highways, the sidewalk construction program throughout the town was continued as a W.P.A. project. The continuation of this work is definitely advantageous to the town. Labor costs are borne by the Federal Government, bringing about a direct reduction in sidewalk assessments to the abutters. The Board received more requests for the construction of such sidewalks than it was possible to complete in a given year. So far as possible, the program has been set up so that the applications are handled in the order received. This policy will be continued when the construction is renewed in April and first consideration and attention will be given to those which could not be completed in 1940.
199
REPORT OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1940]
The Board sponsored the removal of the car tracks of the East- ern Massachusetts Street Railway along Humphrey Street from Phil- lip's Corner to the Marblehead line and the re-surfacing of the road following such removal. This work also was done under the super- vision of Mr. Ryan, Surveyor of Highways. County and State funds were made available for this project. It is the intention of your Board to keep this project active until all the old car tracks along Humphrey Street and Essex Street are removed. The Board has already received notification from the Essex County Commissioners that the State Department of Public Works has submitted to them tentative allocations of $22,000 in 1941 and $36,000 in 1942, together with $6,000 in each year for maintenance, in order that the program may be continued and completed. At the present time, the County Commissioners have tentatively accepted these allotments.
Under the sponsorship of the Board of Selectmen an article was inserted in the warrant for the Special Town Meeting in November to see what action the town would take in the matter of constructing a new bridge over the tracks of the Boston and Maine Railroad on Essex Street. As a result, a committee was appointed by the Mod- erator to consider plans for such a project and it is expected that this committee will submit a report with recommendations to the Annual Town Meeting for 1941. Your Selectmen are anxious to see such a project become a reality. The present condition of the over- pass is undesirable and makes travel along the road by automobile, hazardous and dangerous. A fine example of the benefit to the town from such a project is to be seen in the Paradise Road underpass. This work would involve but slight expense to the town since it is possible to receive a Federal grant, the town appropriating only such sum as it necessary for land taking's and damages.
The Central Fire House has been renovated and a new heating system installed. Part of the work has been done under the super- vision of the Board of Fire Engineers and part under the supervision of a committee appointed by the Town Moderator. Because of a rul- ing of the Department of Labor and Industries, it was not possible to have the work done by the firemen, although the firemen were willing and anxious to do so. Instead it was necessary to hire outside labor at additional cost. The work has not as yet been completed. When it is, however, we feel that the town will have a Fire House adequate for its needs and for the proper housing and comfort of the members of the Fire Department.
Permits and Licenses
During the year, the Selectmen were called upon to pass on numerous applications for licenses and permits within the town. For good cause, the Board has denied several of these applications, especially in the case of applications for the conduct of business establishments which were deemed undesirable. It does not believe that permits should be granted for the storage of explosives on premises which are located in residential districts or in close prox- imity to dwellings and other structures. It is felt that the possible risk to human life and property does not warrant the granting of such a privilege. The Board has also taken a strong stand against applications for the erection of billboards in keeping with the terms of the town by-laws in regard thereto. Unfortunately, applications for the erection of billboards in the several cities and towns through- out the State are made to the Department of Public Works. The town to which the application refers has the right, under statute, to file objections and request a hearing on the application and objections. At every opportunity your Board has followed such procedure and is pleased to report that no new permits for the erection of billboards have been granted within the Town of Swampscott within the past year. The Board will continue to pursue this policy and make every
200
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
effort to lend its support to legislation designed to return absolute control over the granting of such permits to the respective cities and towns.
National Defense
In June, Governor Saltonstall began to organize, throughout the State, local committees of patriotic citizens for the purpose of co- operating with State and National agencies concerned with the de- fenses of the United States. On the recommendation of the Board of Selectmen, Mr. James W. Buchanan, member of the Board, was appointed by Governor Saltonstall as Chairman to organize a com- mittee within the town. Such a committee was promptly organized by the Chairman and is presently working in the interests of the coordination of our national defense. In times of any type of emer- gency this committee will be called upon to render to the town the valuable assistance of which it is capable and for which it is pre- paring itself.
During the year, many of our young men have volunteered their services with the armed forces of the nation. We deplore the world conditions which have brought about this sacrifice on their part but salute their generosity, loyalty and courage. Their splendid spirit deserves recognition and your Board has adopted a resolution charac- terizing them as "Minute Men of Swampscott" and is providing for the award to these volunteers of suitable certificates as a permanent record of their self-sacrifice and as a mark of appreciation for the service they do the nation.
Also, during the year, our Congress passed the Selective Service Act providing for service for one year in the armed forces of all able- bodied men between twenty-one and thirty-five. We have gone through the period of registration and at the present time our young men between these ages are being called from all walks of life to serve with other young men from all over the nation. We fully recognize the gravity of the era in which we are living, when, for. the first time in our history, we embark upon a program of peace- time conscription, and we sincerely regret the necessities which are calling our young men from their homes. However, we offer them our full cooperation in the difficulties of the moment and trust that days of peace may soon again be with us and with them.
W. P. A.
The Federal Government during the year continued its program of aid to cities and towns through grants under the direction of the Works Progress Administration. Swampscott has taken full advan- tage of this opportunity to put idle men to work and to complete worthwhile improvements and developments throughout the commu- nity. When quota revisions were being considered by the State W.P.A. Administrator, the Board of Selectmen quickly made contact with our Senators and Representatives in Congress and were suc- cessful in their effort to prevent any reduction in the town's quota of men to be employed on the various projects. Swampscott now has a comparatively large quota and the problem of unemployment has thereby become less acute with the return of many of our men to employment with private industry.
In 1940, the following projects were in operation due to W.P.A. appropriations: King's Brook Drain, between Cherry Street and Hill- side Avenue, employing approximately fifty-six men; Salem Street Water Main, employing approximately fifty-three men; Magnolia Road Drain, employing approximately fifty-eight men; Sidewalk Con- struction Program, employing between fifty and seventy-five men; Project for the elimination of the Gypsy Moth, employing approxi- mately twenty men; Recreation Project, employing between ten and
201
REPORT OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1940]
fifteen men; Commodity Food Center, employing approximately five men; Fire Records Project, employing approximately nine men and women; Town Clerk's Records Project, employing four men and women; and the Library Book Project, employing between five and nine men and women. In addition ten of our townspeople were em- ployed on out-of-town projects in Boston, Beverly, and elsewhere.
Great effort has been made by the Board to sponsor only such projects as would be of permanent value to the Town. The projects undertaken during the past year are of this type and through them considerable savings in the present and future tax rate are being realized.
A program of projects for 1941 has already been planned and money for part of the work has already been allocated to the town. This program includes a drain on Hemenway Road and a town-wide project for the improvement and further development of our Park system.
Increasing numbers of our townspeople are taking advantage of the opportunities offered through the W.P.A. Recreational Project. Through this program they have received healthful exercise under the guidance of the various instructors. In addition, they have been able to receive instruction in leather work, metal work and rug mak- ing. The steady increase in attendance and enthusiasm, which has been a marked feature of this project, leads us to strongly recom- mend its continuance in the future.
Appropriations for the National Youth Program were discon- tinued by the Federal Government during the past year. This pro- gram gave needed employment to many of our young people between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five. The increased opportunities for private employment which have been brought about by the demands of our national defense industries, have greatly lessened the need for a program of this nature. However, certain of our young people are still without employment of any kind. In view of this, the Board of Selectmen has made continued efforts to bring about a renewal of the appropriations for this project. It is believed that in the near future these efforts will have achieved their purpose.
During the year, Mr. Edward A. Sawyer, Sponsor's W.P.A. Agent, passed away. We wish to express our regret at his unfor- tunate and untimely death and to note our appreciation for his de- voted and conscientious service in the interests of the town.
Vocational Training School
Early in the year, the Board foresaw that increased activity in a nation concerned with preparations for its armed defense meant in- creased demand by industry for skilled and trained labor. We realized that if our young men were to qualify for the opportunities which are being offered and if our nation was to be properly served by them, educational facilities must be made available for the pur- poses. At the time we did not have such facilities in our school system, for the necessities of the moment demanded the reproduction of manufacturing conditions, if proper training were to be given in the use and function of industrial machines and tools. Your Board consulted with your School Committee as well as with State and County officials on the matter. It became apparent to us after study and investigation that the cost of providing such an adjunct to our local educational system was prohibitive. It was also realized that time was of the essence and that the facilities which we required would only be available to us after a long and expensive delay. The Board. then, in cooperation with the School Committee, joined with the officials of other communities in this part of Essex County to sponsor the establishment of a County Trade School which would serve the needs of each. A school, if set up and located, should be
202
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
central to our several communities. Through joint action and coopera- tion, better and greater facilities can be afforded than if Swampscott were to attempt such a program on its own account. County funds will be available for the construction and maintenance of this school and the cost to the town will be small compared to the benefits to be derived. Representatives of your Board have attended various con- ferences and meetings in relation to this matter. The present outlook is very favorable and we are lending every effort and support to make the facilities of a modern up-to-date County Trade School available to the youth of the town.
Fourth of July
On July 4th, we celebrated the one hundred and sixty-fourth anniversary of our Declaration of Independence by receiving a cour- tesy visit from the Destroyer U. S. S. Thatcher under the command of Lieutenant-Commander H. E. Richter. The vessel anchored in the bay from July 3rd to July 5th and during the period her officers and men were made guests of the town. Mr. Clement Kennedy, President of the New Ocean House, extended to the officers the facilities of his hotel for the duration of their visit and through his cooperation a dinner was given on July 3rd in honor of these officers at which the various town officials and invited guests were present. The program was broadcast over Station WESX and Congressman George J. Bates of Salem, through whose efforts the visit of the U. S. S. Thatcher was arranged, was principal speaker of the evening. We strongly feel that the proper observance of this National holiday is essential at this period to remind young and old alike of the heritage from whence they derived the liberties and freedom they presently enjoy.
Miscellaneous
The Board secured the coperation of the Lynn Sand and Stone Company and the Barrett Company in eliminating a dust condition in the air in the vicinity of upper Swampscott. The situation is not completely remedied at the present time. However, both concerns have installed or are experimenting with the most modern dust arresting apparatus in industrial use and it is believed that through this method the best solution to the problem will be realized.
Under the direction of the Board of Selectmen and with the cooperation of the Fire Department, the dump fire at Foster Dam has been extinguished and dumping has been prohibited on town owned property in that area. Private legal proceedings have also brought about a suspension of dumping on private land. Dumping in the town is under the jurisdiction of the Board of Health and it is their inten- tion to request action by the Town Meeting which will provide the people of the town with properly supervised dumping facilities. The Board is ready and willing to lend every further assistance to elimi- nate the undesirable conditions under which dumping has been per- mitted in the Foster Dam area.
The Board has been cognizant throughout the year of the necessi- ty of providing and maintaining adequate street lighting in all parts of the town. Through a contract of the town with the Lynn Gas and Electric Company we enjoy a very favorable rate. At slight additional cost, therefore, we have extended facilities throughout the town, both in new developments and in older, well-settled dis- tricts. We believe that has done much to increase safety in the use of the highway, a result which is evidenced by the large decrease in motor vehicle accidents during the year.
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