USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1941 > Part 13
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The details of Water Pipe construction and cost of same can be found under the Town Accountant's Report.
Table of Distributing Pipe in Feet, December 31, 1941
Wrought Iron
Cast Iron
Cement Lined
Brass
Total
114 -inch
303
303
11/2-inch
80
288
368
2-inch
4,357
1,468
1,977
7,802
4-inch
4,494
4,494
6-inch
126,483
126,483
8-inch
8,208
8,208
10-inch
21,800
21,800
12-inch
14,604
14,604
14-inch
4,712
4,712
16-inch
150
150
4,357
180,451
1,851
2,265
188,924
1941]
REPORT OF WATER AND SEWERAGE BOARD
161
Hydrants:
In use December 31, 1940
304
Added in 1941
1
In use December 31, 1941
305
Gates:
In use December 31, 1940
557
Added in 1941
4
In use December 31, 1941
561
Services:
In use December 31, 1940
2,899
Added in 1941
31
Abandoned in 1941
2
29
In use December 31, 1941
2,928
Meters:
3-34inch bought
$51.99
Water Debt
Bonds and notes issued to December 31, 1941
$368,300.00
Bonds and notes paid to December 31, 1941
362,300.00
Net debt, December 31, 1941
$6,000.00
Decrease during year 1941
1,500.00
Due during year 1942
1,500.00
Inventory of Property, Water Department, December 31, 1941
Water mains and stand pipes
$214,742.50
Land on Pine Street
2,000.00
Brick building on Pine Street
2,000.00
Work Shop and garage
2,500.00
Two auto trucks
1,000.00
Office furniture
900.00
Meters and parts
37,798.79
Stock on hand
5,000.00
$265,941.29
HAROLD G. ENHOLM,
GEORGE B. ATKINS,
HAROLD C. HUDSON,
Water and Sewerage Board.
Sewer Department
There have been no new sewers laid this year but the Common- wealth Avenue sewer has been relaid.
The Hillside Avenue Drain known as King's Brook has been completed.
The Hemenway Road Sewer and Drain is under construction with W.P.A. labor and will probably be finished this winter.
The new Comminutor Station constructed this year has been inspected by the State Board of Health and is operating in a very satisfactory manner.
162
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
The new 2,000 gallon pump replacing the twenty-five year old pump now brings our pumping plant up to date and just as soon as the wiring is completed, this plant will be in A-1 condition to take care of any situation that may come along.
Inventory of Property, Sewer Department, December 31, 1941
Pumping Station
$20,000.00 12,010.98
Pumping Plant
Land
5,000.00
Office Furniture
350.00
Tools and Euipment
450.00
Truck and Garage
575.00
$38,385.98
Comminutor Building and Equipment: Building
7,000.00
Machinery and Equipment
6,400.00
$51,785.98
HAROLD G. ENHOLM,
GEORGE B. ATKINS,
HAROLD C. HUDSON,
Water and Sewerage Board.
Forest Warden
Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my annual report as Forest Warden for the year 1941. Numerous small grass and woods fires were attended in the spring and summer but none of importance until October 25th, when an under-ground fire broke out between property owned by the Lynn Sand & Stone Company and houses in the Foster Dam region. As neither this department nor the Fire Department own a portable pump or sufficient inch and one-half hose help was re- quested from the Massachusetts Conservation Department and a pump and hose sent in from the Towns of Georgetown and Ipswich. The advisability of purchasing a portable pump and hose, both for this work and Civilian Defense, might be given consideration.
Respectfully submitted, FREDERICK C. BURK.
163
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
1941]
Weights and Measures
To the Board of Selectmen:
I hereby submit my report for 1941:
Adjusted Sealed
Not Con- Sealed demned
Scales:
Platform, over 10,000 lbs.
1
1
0
0
Platform, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
2
6
1
0
Counter, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
0
1
0
0
Counter, under 100 lbs.
3
22
1
0
Spring, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
0
1
0
1
Spring, under 100 lbs.
11
32
1
1
Computing, under 100 lbs.
7
25
1
1
Person weigher (slot)
0
5
0
0
Prescription
1
4
0
0
Weights:
Avoirdupois
0
49
0
0
Apothecary
2
50
0
2
Metric
0
9
0
0
Volumetric Measures:
Vehicle Tanks (Compartments)
0
4
0
0
Liquid Measures
0
59
0
1
Dry Measures
0
9
0
0
Automatic Liquid-Measuring Devices:
Gasoline Meter Systems
2
52
12
2
Oil Pumps
0
1
0
0
Tank Truck Meter Systems
8
25
0
0
Bulk Station Meter Systems
2
5
0
0
Grease-Measuring Devices
3
31
7
0
Linear Measures:
Yard Sticks
0
3
0
0
Totals
42
394
23
8
Trial Re-Weighings
Total
Number
Incorrect
No. Tested Correct
Under
Over
Beans
116
108
8
0
Bread
12
12
0
0
Butter
369
353
5
11
Coal (in paper bags)
32
20
3
9
Coal (in transit)
3
1
0
2
Confectionery
19
19
0
0
Dry Commodities
58
57
1
0
Flour
87
85
2
0
Fruits and Vegetables
408
336
26
46
Lard
123
123
0
0
Meats and Provisions
45
42
0
3
Potatoes
391
270
50
71
Wood (cord)
1
1
0
0
Total
1664
1427
95
142
164
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Inspections
Paper or fibre cartons
126
Pedler's licenses
13
Milk jars
530
Coal Certificates
7
Marking of:
Bread
40
Food packages
684
Coal in paper bags
23
Kindling wood in paper bags
12
Clinical thermometers
121
Pedler's scales
2
Oil jars
16
Other inspections
163
Total
1739
Tests
Approved paper cartons
6
Retests of gasoline devices after sealing
11
Berry baskets
4
Manufacturers' sealed milk jars
6
Total
27
Respectfully submitted,
C. WALTER BURRILL,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
Town Engineer
To the Board of Selectmen:
I herewith respectfully submit my first annual report of services rendered by the Engineering Department for the various depart- ments, for the year ending December 31, 1941.
The Engineering Department has had charge of the following line of work: The designing and superintending of the construction of all the sewers and drains; resurfacing of all streets built by con- tract, together with the specifications and estimates for the same; the establishing of street lines and the grades for curbing and side- walks, and all engineering questions which come before the Board, of several town departments.
Sewers and Drains
In accordance with a request of the State Department of Public Health, a new comminutor station has been built at our sewerage pumping station. The installation consist of two 15-inch com- minutors, each with a capacity of 2.3 million gallons of sewerage daily. These machines are operated alternately, during times of normal flow. At times of flow in excess of 2.3 million gallons per day both comminutors are operating simultaneously.
165
REPORT OF FOURTH OF JULY COMMITTEE
1941]
Curtain walls have been constructed in manholes on the influent sewers above the crown of these sewers so that at times of peak flows the sewers will be surcharged and the excess flow will be dis- charged direct to the collecting tank. If necessary, all sewage may be by-passed through a bar rack constructed of rectangular bars with clear openings of 11/4 inches.
The comminutors have been protected by encasing the shafts and bearings in oil at elevations above the highest flood levels an- ticipated.
The total cost of the above mentioned installation was $13,516.46.
At this writing, the Hemenway Road, Drain Sewer, W.P.A. project is approximately one-half done and will be carried on this winter and spring to. completion.
Curbing and Sidewalks
Curbstones were set and Type E asphalt mix sidewalks were placed on the following streets: Superior Street, south side; Erie Street, south side; Puritan Road, north side; Crosman Avenue, south side; Boynton Street, north side, at a cost of $2,882.39, with labor being furnished by the W.P.A.
Park Department
Lines and grades have been given at the several parks, for building walls, grading the football field and relining the bleacher footings to keep them in true line.
Assessors' Department
The yearly routine work necessary to bring the plans and card index up to date has been completed for this department.
Selectmen's Department
The defense program has called upon this department for plans and data which is essential to our civilian defense.
At the request of property owners, street lines and grades have been given for building walls, grading lawns, sidewalks, etc.
Respectfully submitted,
HOWARD L. HAMILL,
Town Engineer.
Fourth of July Committee
Although we had no parade this year and no visit from a United States warship because of the international situation, we did, nev- ertheless, enjoy one of the safest and sanest Independence Day celebrations ever experienced in Swampscott.
During the afternoon, field activity took place at all parks, after which ice cream and candy were distributed to all.
At night the best display of fireworks in our history was shown at Blocksidge Field.
I wish to extend my sincere thanks to all those who assisted me or in any other manner participated in the success of the day. I would like to thank Lionel J. Melanson, who donated the use of his electrical sound equipment, personally playing many popular records over amplifiers before the fireworks display.
ROBERT G. BYRNE.
166
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Jury List
Name
Residence
Occupation
Allen, Bert P.
Andrews, Herbert W.
70 Puritan Rd.
Antell, James B
146 Norfolk Ave.
Superintendent
Backman, Abraham
74 Aspen Rd.
Manager
Ball, Roy S.
24 Ingalls Ter.
Chauffeur
Bartlett, Curtis H.
4 Vaughan Pl.
Machinist
Bemis, Edmond F.
62 Columbia St.
Agent
Bergstrom, Oscar E.
37 Orchard Cir.
Proprietor
Blackford, J. Hervey M.
36 Maple Ave.
Salesman
Blaisdell, Leonnarde C.
24 Crossman Ave.
Undertaker
Blazer, Peter J.
65 King St.
Home
Bonefant, William J.
76 King St.
Salesman
Bosworth, Dana R.
22 Burpee Rd.
Salesman
Bradford, Herbert F.
39 New Ocean St.
Conductor
Bradley, Whitney S.
95 Rockland St.
Vice President
Brown, Chester A.
17 Middlesex Ave.
Architect
Buckley, James E.
20 Shaw Rd.
Engineer
Bufalino, Bernard D.
47 Bates Rd.
Machinist
Bufalino, Peter J.
10 Shelton Rd.
Gas Sta. Op.
Burke, Michael J.
51 Beach Ave.
Pharmacist
Burns, John E.
12 Boynton St.
Blacksmith
Cafferty, James R.
195 Burrill St.
Shipper Machinist
Cahill, Daniel C.
39 Grant Rd.
Cahill, John H.
87 Banks Rd.
Engineer
Cahoon, Charles M.
3 Cedar Hill Ter.
Fisherman
Callahan, Francis J.
42 Banks Rd.
Broker
Carr, John F.
175 Aspen Rd. 27 Blaney St.
Fisherman
Chamberlain, Fred
28 Crescent St.
Shoemaker
Christiansen, Christian
130 Stetson Ave.
Machinist
Clark, Frederick P.
29 Outlook Rd.
Manufacturer
Collins, Walter C.
123 Aspen Rd.
Electrician
Connor, James E.
27 Essex Ave.
Home
Cudmore, Clifton W.
54 Columbia St.
Salesman
Davidson, David D.
8 Eureka Ave.
Clerk Baker
Doucette, Neil
70 Puritan Rd.
Doughty, Harold W.
15 Buena Vista St.
Dealer
Duggan, George J.
5 Ellis Rd.
Clerk
Duncan, Thomas W.
38 Crossman Ave.
Contractor
Dynan, Charles E.
1025 Humphrey St.
Telephone
Edmondson, Grady L.
54 Redington St.
Esselen, Gustavus J.
437 Puritan Rd.
Friedman, Otto W.
30 Cherry St.
Proprietor
Gallo., John Gallo, Joseph
42 Orient Ct.
96 Burpee Rd.
Gordon, Bernard
Gowell, William H.
367 Forest Ave. 51 Mountwood Rd.
Gardener Laborer Underwriter
Clerk
138 Stetson Ave.
Proprietor Collector
G. E. Chemist
Broker
Chaisson, Paul W.
1941]
JURY LIST
167
Name
Hamel, Edward A.
Hampe, Carl F.
Hanifey, Joseph M.
521 Humphrey St.
Electrician
Hayes, William M.
49 Salem St.
Gardener
Ironwork
Hicks, Percy C. 48 Millett Rd.
Hoague, Joseph H.
166 Norfolk Ave.
Holden, Horace C.
6 Greenwood Ave.
Honer, Martin G.
Machinist
Horton, Howard B.
Houghton, Jarius H.
44 Essex St.
Candymaker
Hussey, Ellery F.
33 Suffolk Ave.
Salesman
Hyde, Harley C.
55 Orchard Rd.
Merchant
Ivey, Clarence G.
34 Walker Rd.
Asst. Pres.
Johnson, Harold G.
48 Thomas Rd.
Machinist
Jordan, Edward E.
12 Eureka Ave.
Agent
Keene, Herbert S.
Kimball, Harold J.
381 Essex St.
Knowlton, Philip L.
53 Blaney St.
42 Farragut Rd.
Operator Salesman G. E. Manager
Larson, Carl O.
61 Magnolia Rd.
Diemaker
Larson, Rudolf
115 Paradise Rd. 54 Essex St.
Salesman
LeMont, Fred C.
36 Beach Ave.
Clerk
Levesque, Arthur G.
355 Essex St.
Mechanic
Little, Roy S.
12 Beach Ave.
Radio
Lord, George K.
3 Ellis Ter.
Clerk
Macduff, James A.
389 Forest Ave.
Salesman
MacFarlane, John D., Sr.
19 Elmwood Rd. 4 Farragut Rd.
Engineer
Mader, Havelock S.
79 Rockland St.
Salesman
Maitland, Francis W. B.
356 Puritan Rd.
Caretaker
67 Mountwood Rd.
Machinist
44 Norfolk Ave.
Insurance
35 Eastman Ave.
Foreman
Mathers, James A.
86 Norfolk Ave.
Draftsman
McGettrick, Gerald J.
35 King St.
Clerk
McGougan, John O. McLearn, John G. M. Leod, Elwin
15 Rockland St. 17 Sheridan Rd.
Accountant
McManus, Thomas J.
Reporter
Melzard, Ralph
133 Norfolk Ave. 65 Salem St. 11 Banks Ter.
Foreman
Montgomery, Armine W.
Superintendent
Moran, Edwin F.
Stockkeeper
Morrill, Benjamin B.
982 Humphrey St.
Retired
Morrison, John T.
112 Redington St.
61 Devens Rd.
Electrician Salesman
Norcross, William P., Sr. Nordin, Hjalmer T.
10 Valley Rd.
18 Mapledale Pl.
Electrician Clerk Merchant
Nute, Charles H. 6 Arbutus Rd.
Occupation
139 Stetson Ave. 57 Roy St.
Clerk Shoeworker
Henry, Chester
34 Pitman Rd.
Caterer Printer Manager
6 Little's Pt. Rd. 74 Pine St.
Leather
Painter
Lauritsen, Thorvald G.
Maddock, James R.
Malcolm, Martin B. Manchin, Ernest Marshall, Alfred Marsh, Roy W.
10 Rockland St.
Furrier
254 Burrill St.
Clerk Custodian
Electrician
Monroe, John M.
Mudge, Harding P.
45 Magnolia Rd. 64 Beach Ave.
Editor
47 Barnstable St.
Krippendorf, William P.
Residence
168
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Name
Residence
Occupation
Owens, Ernest E.
33 Morton Rd.
Manufacturing
Packer, Maurice J.
Palm, William E.
Paulson, Joseph W.
Perkins, Harry A.
Phillips, Earle A.
Preston, Bert
69B Atlantic Ave.
Chauffeur
Quealy, Thomas L.
28 Pleasant St.
Chauffeur
Reed, Ralph H.
78 Aspen Rd.
Watchman
Remis, Harry
33 Puritan Pk.
Leather
Richardson, Frank I.
39 Bellevue Rd.
Marketer
Rines, Ralph H.
17 Franklin Ave.
Machinist
Roberts, Charles P.
64 Fuller Ave.
Salesman
Roberts, Chester A.
28 Essex Ave.
Salesman
Rutledge, Albert R.
136 Redington St.
Salesman
Savage, Walter B.
610 Humphrey St.
Clerk
Scally, James J.
14
Paradise Rd.
Foreman
Skinner, Fred L.
81 Middlesex Ave.
Machinist
Sloan, Howard B.
179 Redington St.
Engineer
Smith, Irving O.
24 Mapledale Pl.
Clerk
Spinney, Harold D. 246 Humphrey St.
Foreman
Spinney, Millage W.
213 Burrill St.
Stockkeeper
Staples, Paul E.
67 Walker Rd.
Manager
Strome, Jacob
17 Erie St.
Insurance
Svenson, Fritz A.
22 Beach Ave.
Engineer
Symes, Harold P.
86 Kensington Lane
Banker
Tanzella, Charles N.
64 Crescent St.
Salesman
Thorner, James O.
86 Norfolk Ave.
Tilden, Çalvin S.
17
Claremont Ter.
Accountant Clerk
Valpey, Harold D. Vray, Charles T.
2 Ellis Ter.
Editor
Unemployed
Warren, Harold
11 Outlook Rd.
Engineer
Widger, Norman C.
6 Bay View Dr.
Accountant
Williams, William F.
83 Magnolia Rd.
Accountant
Wilson, Charles E.
13 Elmwood Rd.
Salesman
Witter, Lawrence O.
59 Thomas Rd.
Statistician
Wyman, Arthur M.
2 Beach Bluff Ave.
Printer
64 Greenwood Ave.
Salesman
Manager
274 Puritan Rd.
Gardener
Retired
24 Hampden St.
287 Humphrey St.
Superintendent
2 Stearns St.
21 Middlesex Ave.
169
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
1941]
Committee on Public Safety
The town's defense preparation got underway early in 1939 when His Excellency, Governor Saltonstall appointed a Chairman in each town and city throughout the Commonwealth.
For the information of our citizens The Civilian Defense Com- mittee was the original title of the newly formed organization and was later reorganized under the heading of The Committee on Pub- lic Safety.
Disregarding the fact that Swampscott has no industries, nev- ertheless we are in a very hazardous position. We are located be- tween two forts and close by industrial plants producing war neces- sities.
Reports from England indicate that 60% of the bombs dropped did not hit their objective within a radius of fifteen miles. We are also preparing to take care of any emergency that might arise within our own community.
Civilian Defense is being organized to act in situations which if they arise will be serious. Although service is voluntary, and all those connected with our local organization do so without com- pensation, once undertaken it must be taken seriously.
Experience has shown that a carefully prepared Civilian De- fense will greatly reduce the loss of life and property resulting from such attacks. It has also shown that to organize such a defense adequately, even under pressure, takes a long time. It is, there- fore, very important that all those responsible for the various duties of the local organizations carry out those duties promptly and thoroughly.
No one should undertake such service without realizing that the duties will be burdensome and perhaps dangerous - that the responsibility will be great and discipline essential. Everyone heading a division in the organization should remember that he sets the pace and example for all under him.
Organization Chart
Zone Director-Gilbert L. Steward.
District Director-Albert S. Hills.
Chairman-James W. Buchanan.
Co-Chairman-I. Murray Adams.
Public Information-Kathryn B. Ingell.
Planning and Technical-Freeman W. Towers.
Protection - Howard L. Hamill, Chairman; Chester Bradley, Co-Chairman.
Chief Air Raid Warden-I. Murray Adams.
Deputy Wardens-Fred M. Seaton, Robert C. Mansfield, Theo- dore C. Sargent, Thomas Stacy Bubier, George G. Barker.
Warden Clerk-Mary Bucknam.
Chief District Wardens - Clarence B. Stensrud, Precinct 1; William Hawkes, Precinct 2; Edgar U. Burdett, Precinct 3; Howard Batchelder, Precinct 4; George E. Hutchinson. Precinct 5; Arthur H. Parsons, Jr., Precinct 6; Thomas Stacy Bubier, Precinct 7; Rob- ert O'Neil, Precinct 8.
Charge of Women Wardens-Mrs. Wilfred P. Currier.
170
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Auxiliary Firemen-Roy F. Olson.
Auxiliary Police-James S. Stewart.
Gas Protection Decontamination-Ralph I. Lindsey.
Rescue Parties-Frederick C. Burk.
Emergency Housing and Feeding-Robert B. Hegarty. Protection Buildings and Shelters-Raymond O. Doane.
Blackouts-Ralph I. Lindsey. Medical Aid-Dr. Chester P. Brown.
Social Services-Mrs. Philip H. Lewis.
Health-Clarence W. Horton.
Services and Supplies-Robert G. Byrne. Transport-Robert G. Byrne. Communications-Ralph E. Pierce.
Public Utilities-Philip E. Bessom.
Food-John G. Beebe-Center.
Fuel-Herbert W. Andrews.
Shelter-Timothy J. Ryan.
Manufactured Goods- John R. Hurlburt.
Evacuation-Barry M. White.
Identification-Theodore C. Sargent.
Women's Activities-Mrs. Peter O. Larson.
Director of Schools-Theodore S. Sargent.
Instructors of Schools-Fred M. Seaton, Robert C. Mansfield, Luke E. Thompson, John T. Lee, Mrs. Wilfred P. Currier, Mrs. H. C. McStay, Mrs. Gertrude Lee.
Secretary of Schools-Mrs. Roger A. Hardy.
In June of 1941, six Swampscott men attended the Air Raid Precaution School in Boston. The class was graduated July, 1941. These men immediately started an A. R. P. school in Swampscott.
On July 21, under the direction of graduates of the State school in Boston, an A. R. P. class, meeting one hour a week for seven weeks, was started. Instructors were graduates of the Boston school, Chiefs of the Fire and Police Departments and a doctor. General lectures were given on Defense work. 268 citizens attended this class.
On September 15, A. R. W. classes were started in each of Swampscott's eight precincts. Instructors are graduates of the State school. Citizens who attended the first class signed up for this course of instruction. There were approximately 160. AII precinct groups are now holding drills in co-operation with the report center. 115 Wardens and 12 Fire Watches have graduated. Two new classes started the week of January 5, 1942. One at the High School and the other at the Legion Building. 425 people reg- istered for these classes. In addition to warden instructions, these groups will receive a full 20 hour course in Red Cross First Aid.
The Auxiliary Police Classes started Monday, September 15, 1941 with Chief Walter Reeves instructing. Fifty citizens signed up for this course, all of whom took the seven-week course in A. R. P. The A. P. D. is being instructed in emergency work, blackouts, traffic control, self defense, patrolling, sabotage, firearms, marksmanship, securing evidence and first aid. These classes will continue weekly throughout the period of emergency. There are now 145 enrolled in the Auxiliary Police.
171
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
1941]
Auxiliary Fire Classes started September 24, 1941. Twenty- five men who took the seven-weeks course have signed up for this class. Chief Lampard and Acting Chief Luke Thompson are in- structors. Subjects covered are motor equipment, hose and coupl- ings, fire hydrants, handling of apparatus, ladder drill and first aid. Drill will continue throughout the emergency.
Under the direction of a captain of the State Warden School, a group of 16 women have completed 14 hours of class work and 6 hours of drill. They are now completing a twenty hour first aid course to supplement their warden's training. All these women are now qualified wardens and two of them have taken an instructor's course and are now instructing.
A local doctor is in charge of health. All doctors, residents of the town have registered with the committee and will serve at various stations during an emergency. Provision has been made for the establishment of two first aid stations in the town where a physician, registered nurses and several graduates of the first aid classes will be stationed.
A corps consisting of 30 women has been trained to work as ambulance drivers. Instruction has been given in driving, motor repairs, handling large trucks and first aid. Sufficient beach wag- ons have been offered to the town to provide all these women with ambulances. In addition, a men's motor transport group has been organized to assist in transportation work.
A number of first aid classes have already been graduated in - Swampscott. The Swampscott Women's Club class graduated 14 women in June. The American Legion Auxiliary class graduated 20 women in July. The American Legion class graduated 11 men in September. An advance class of 14 women were graduated in October. At present 3 women's classes and 5 mixed classes are being conducted. Three classes on Medical Aid and Home Care are now being conducted for mothers, with registered nurses as instructors.
A graduate of Simmons College in Boston who specialized in nutrition while at college, and who has just completed a one-week refresher course is now conducting two classes in this division.
A division under Social Aid has been set up to assist the needy in the event of a disaster to obtain housing, clothing and food.
Demolition and Rescue Squad is in charge of Frederick C. Burk and consists of three engineers, mechanics, carpenters, truck driv- ers, plumbers, steam fitters, electricians, and men experienced in the building trade. Their duty is to rescue people from demolished buildings and to raze buildings which are dangerous to traffic. The Swampscott Park Department will work as a rescue squad. It is equipped with three trucks, hoists, power jacks, axes and other tools which are necessary in this work.
The Gas Decontamination Squad is in charge of an ex-service man who did gas work during the First World War in France. His function is to take measures to counteract gas in buildings, and to treat people and clothing which have been subjected to gas.
Service and Supplies division has been organized to handle emergency transportation, furnish emergency supplies such as food, fuel, clothing, etc.
172
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
A report center has been set up in the basement of the Legion Building with proper equipment to operate. It includes several telephones, maps, tables and desks. In an emergency, reports will come in from the wardens in the various precincts telling of the disasters in the precincts, and those in charge of the center will dispatch needed assistance. The report center is in charge of Chief Warden and several deputies assisted by representatives of the following departments: Police, Fire, Engineering, Highway, Water and Sewer, local Light Co., local Telephone Co., and a representative of the Health Division. From this point all work will be directed. Plans are on the way to obtain a two-way radio, suitable for plac- ing in an auto, so that communication may be maintained in parts of the town where telephone service has been disrupted.
A radio school code is being conducted one night a week, under the direction of a licensed radio. operator. 30 people are taking this course; it will continue for six months. Instruction will be given in radio code and the principles of radio. There are six lic- ensed radio operators living in Swampscott, each of whom owns a two-radio set.
A Massachusetts State Guard Reserve Company has been or- ganized in Swampscott under the command of Lt. Alfred N. Frazier, who is a veteran of the Yankee Division and saw service in France. This company was formally inducted into service by the State on November 5, 1941. It has an enlisted strength of 45 men. They hold weekly drills at the High School gym.
An Observation Post is maintained in Swampscott, in co-op- eration with and subject to the direction of the U. S. Army. Some 200 men are members of this service, principally members of the American Legion. Two practice drills have been held, one in Jan- uary for a period of one week and one from October 9th to the 15th. This station is now in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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