USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1943 > Part 13
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168
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
May I take this opportunity to thank the several town depart- ments for their co-operation in furnishing transportation and as- sistance in handling various equipment; also the civilian defense personnel for their aid in its distribution. Through their combined efforts this community has merited commendation from the Office of Civilian Defense, Washington, D. C. and the U. S. Regional Office in Boston, Mass.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE G. BARKER, Local Property Officer.
SALVAGE COMMITTEE
January 12, 1944
Swampscott Committee on Public Safety Town Hall
Swampscott, Mass.
Gentlemen:
"During the year 1943, the only activity which came under the immediate direction of the Committee was the collection of prepared tin cans. Of a total loaded in Salem of 15,000 lbs., Mr. Wilkish collected 6,000 lbs. and Mr. Ryan 9,000 lbs.
Very truly yours, SAMUEL FREEDMAN, Chairman.
SF:g
U. S. Army Air Corps AIRCRAFT WARNING SERVICE GROUND OBSERVER SECTION Observation Post No. Box 901 .
Pursuant to orders from the War Department stating that until further notice twenty-four hour continuous operation of Army Air Forces, Ground Observer Corps, Observation Posts be discontinued, this post ceased operating at 8:28 A.M. October 5, 1943.
The War Department had further directed that the Ground Ob- server organization be held intact and operate at intervals so that it can be fully reactivated at any time. It was further directed that this Observation Post be manned each Wednesday from 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. Eastern War Time, Commencing October 13, 1943.
In accordance with these instructions this Observation Post has been operating the one afternoon a week, being manned almost exclusively by a small group of most loyal women, all of whom are qualified Recognition Observers.
In the early part of 1943, Frank C. Durkee was selected to take a most intensive course of instruction in Aircraft Recognition offered by the Army in Boston. Upon his successful completion of this
169
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
1943]
course he was officially appointed Post Recognition Officer and promptly organized a class from the Observers for teaching Aircraft Recognition.
From this first class 27 Observers passed the Recognition Tests successfully, and were presented with certificates as qualified Air- craft Recognition Observers by the Army.
At the time the above mentioned orders came through plans were under way for running another and larger class, but this was abandoned.
For almost two years this Observation Post operated on a twen- ty-four hour basis, manned through the intense cold of winter and the blistering heat of summer, and much credit is due to the over two hundred valiant men and woman who so patriotically and unselfishly gave of their time and effort, through the long hours of days and nights.
Yours truly,
EUGENE L. MANN, Chief Observer.
170
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
POST-WAR COMMITTEE
The Board of Selectmen appointed the following people to serve on this Committee:
James R. Maddock, Chairman
James W. Buchanan
John Cryan
Albert S. Hills
John Blodgett
Henry S. Baldwin
Howard Carter
Philip E. Bessom
John P. Ingalls, Jr.
Russell F. Perkins
John Beebe-Center
Antonio Parletta
John D. Morse, Jr.
Louis Eigner
Howard L. Hamill, Secretary
The Committee has sent out letters to different cities and towns for information as to scope and character of Post-War Construction in towns similar to ours. Cities and towns have replied. The nature of these replies refer mostly to the construction of sewers, streets, sidewalks, highways, and municipal buildings.
It is the plan of this committee to propose a Public Works Pro- gram of Construction of drains, sewers, sidewalks and all types of municipal constructions. Also at future Town Meetings we will submit articles to cover appropriations for these projects.
SWAMPSCOTT VETERANS REHABILITATION PLAN
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
The most pressing duty confronting our Community at the present time is the formation of a group who are willing to devote their time in behalf of Veterans returning from our Armed Forces in order that the utmost help as self-supporting and independent citizens may be given.
This will require careful study on the part of the members of this group in order that our Community leaves nothing undone to take care of our Veterans.
The Committee organized and designated Sub-Committees to handle such matters as are outlined on the next side of this page, and will be enlarged as the need requires.
The purpose of this Committee will be to advise all disabled and non-disabled veterans to make sure they are not given the so- called "run around."
This Committee has already started its work and are in close co-operation with the Federal and State organizations.
It is intended that an office be established under the supervision of the Local Advisory Committee that would be open during every day in the week, and perhaps one or two nights and more if neces- sary, where the Veterans may present his or her problems and re- ceive assistance or advice. This office will also endeavor to be of service to dependents of men or women now on active duty.
An article has been inserted in the Town Warrant requesting funds to carry on this activity. In the meantime Veterans are asked to contact any member of the Committee or call Ly 5-1645 Miss Ingell which is the temporary headquarters for handling all Veterans problems at this time.
171
POST WAR REHABILITATION
1943]
I wish to thank those who have consented to serve on the various committees and I know that from the attitude already shown that Swampscott citizens may rest assured that there will be no doubt about our Veteran's being properly taken care of.
Sincerely, JAMES W. BUCHANAN, Chairman (Pro tem).
SWAMPSCOTT ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REHABILITATION
James W. Buchanan, Chairman Pro Tem, 110 Aspen Road Henry H. Freeto, 18 Burpee Road Boardman G. Steadman, 31 Minerva Street Mrs. Edward L. Jackson, 10 Berkshire Street Mrs. John T. Lee, 146 Aspen Road Robert G. Byrne, 3 Lexington Park Roger N. Howes, 94 Redington Street Mrs. Benjamin B. Blanchard, 108 Greenwood Avenue
Dr. Benjamin F. Cornwall, 91 Beach Bluff Avenue Wilbert J. Arsenault, 35 Harvest Street, Lynn Manuel Ross, 448 Puritan Road Ernest Manchin, 44 Norfolk Avenue
SUB-COMMITTEES
Information on Laws and Aid John J. Foley, Chairman
State and Federal Aid
Henry H. Freeto, Chairman
Alfred B. Jones, Co-Chairman Mrs. John H. Hollis Wilbert J. Arsenault Boardman G. Steadman Donald Redfern James A. Hegarty
Medical Care, Clinics and Hospitals
Dr. Benjamin F. Cornwall, Chairman Dr. H. Graham Pope, Co-Chairman Mrs. J. Harold Fletcher, Co-Chairman
Education and Counciling
Frank L. Mansur, Chairman John G. Beebe-Center, Co-Chairman Manuel Ross, Co-Chairman
Jobs
John J. Nestor, Chairman James H. Dunn, Co-Chairman Howard E. Batchelder, Co-Chairman
IN MEMORIAM
NATHAN G. BUBIER Collector of Taxes 1909-1920 Commissioners of Trust Fund 1923-1924 Selectman 1930 Died June 4, 1943
PATRICK DUNN Highway Department 1919-1942 Died February 18, 1943
GRANT S. HILTON Selectman 1919 Died December 25, 1943
THOMAS J. MINTON Engineers of Fire Department 1939 Board of Registrars 1942-1943 Died November 23, 1943
-
EDWARD ROBERTS, SR. Highway Department 1917-1937 Died June 6, 1943
173
SWAMPSCOTT BOMBER
1943]
SWAMPSCOTTA
-
----
--
"SWAMPSCOTTA BOMBER"
The Bomber "Swampscotta" was a gift of the townspeople to the United States Army Air Corps and has already been in active service for seven months.
It is a Mitchell B-25 medium bomber, and it is the same type of plane, with which Major General Doolittle bombed Tokyo and played an important role in the North African campaign, and is being used extensively in the Southern Pacific and European battle areas.
The "Swampscott Bomber Campaign" was launched between November 12th to December 24th, 1942, and went over the top with a total of $210,107 worth of bonds. This amount was realized by every citizen in Swampscott doing their part in tribute to the boys and girls in the service.
The board of Selectmen wishes to thank Mr. Carl R. Perry, who was Chairman of the drive, and all those who aided in making this campaign a success.
JAMES W. BUCHANAN. PHILIP E. BESSOM, ALBERT S. HILLS,
Board of Selectmen.
174
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Board of Selectmen
We again are submitting our annual report to you while the dark clouds of War continue to hang over our beloved Country.
The cheerful sacrifices of our men and women in the armed forces who are located near and far, in all the far corners of the globe, re-emphasize and re-iterate to our minds the solemn call of duty to us on the "Home Front." It is for us to continually re- dedicate ourselves to the cause at hand so that we may give to our men and women in the armed forces the complete co-operation that is necessary in order to attain the common goal-Victory and Peace.
The patriotic spirit of all our citizens in Swampscott is exempli- fied in the solid support given to all activities in Town relating to civilian defense, public safety and the war effort generally. The numerous groups-Auxiliary Police; Auxiliary Firemen; Air Raid Wardens; Observers; Red Cross Workers; Emergency Workers; Com- mittee Members; Local Selective Service and Advisory Boards; Re- port Center Staff; Air Raid Wardens; Women's Groups; Rationing Boards and Assistants and all others helping the cause in various ways deserve recognition and credit.
In time of war everyone must suffer some inconvenience but it is always our aim to do everything within our power to see that there is no unnecessary inconvenience or annoyance. Public officials must ever be alert to give you their services to which you are rea- sonably entitled.
As with so many others, whose lives have been affected by present conditions, the lot of a public official in time of war is no easy one. Vexatious problems and. difficulties are multiplied. Duties and responsibilities are met which do not exist in happier times of peace. Generally more time is required in performance of exacting duties and tasks.
In accord with the requirement of the times, we have attempted to have Swampscott keep abreast of all activities and programs planned to assist the members of our armed forces upon their re- turn to civilian life. We have kept in constant touch with Federal and State Officials and other communities in connection with their plans on this subject. In order that the preliminary machinery may function at once, we have appointed several committees to study and report on this matter as well as to take such action as is imperative at this time. These Committees are (1) The Committee on Post War Projects and Public Improvements. (2) The Committee on Rehabilita- tion. They are now proceeding and will have a report for the Town in the near future. It is our wish that the Town co-operate to the fullest extent reasonably possible with the Federal and State Agen- cies which will eventually assume the duties connected with this problem and to take such steps as a municipality, as may form our part of an intelligent and co-ordinated plan.
During the early part of the year 1943, the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen at that time, Robert G. Byrne, who had pre- viously enlisted in the Armed Forces, was notified by the War De- partment that because of a recent ruling, he would not be permitted to further perform the duties of the office of Selectman. Because of this ruling, he immediately requested a military leave of absence, and in accordance with pertinent provisions of Law this was granted and Albert S. Hills was elected by the proper officials as the military substitute.
175
REPORT OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1943]
Mr. Byrne had previously served six terms as a Selectman, five of them as Chairman of this Board, and is believed to be the first member of a Board of Selectmen in Swampscott to serve in the Armed Forces while holding this office. His splendid record of pub- lic service is hereby acknowledged, and he will be missed by all.
Public Improvements
During the year the Selectmen with the co-operation of the Surveyor of Highways and the Building Inspector started a program to make and locate street signs in the town. The design of the street sign finally selected by the Board as the most appropriate, being a replica of the "Swampscott Dory" was submitted by one of the boys in the High School, namely, Alfred Hill. We are inserting an- other article in the Warrant this year for additional funds for the continuation of this work so that in a few years we may have uni- form street signs in all sections of our town.
The Essex Street Bridge was reconstructed this year with the Boston and Maine Railroad rebuilding the structure and the town replanking the bridge and resurfacing the approaches.
The Danvers Road Bridge is expected to be renovated during the year 1944 as soon as the Courts make a decision as to who is responsible for same as the result of litigation started by the Town to have this question properly and impartially determined.
We hereby compliment the Town Engineer, Howard L. Hamill, for the efficient work which he has performed in the matter of at- tending to the requirements of repair and renovation of certain bridges and his invaluable assistance rendered to us in determining from an examination of the old records of the Town, the procedure followed by the Town on such matters, heretofore, and especially in the year 1926. The question now is in what manner the cost of maintenance should be apportioned amongst the County of Essex, the Boston and Maine Railroad, and the Town. This will constitute a precedent for the future and we are hopeful of producing a saving for the Town by having this matter decided by the proper legal authority.
At this time it is questionable whether any funds will be forth- coming from the State and County for Chapter 90 Highways, but we are placing an article in the warrant for this work for considera- tion of the Town meeting so that if the State and County decide to allot money for maintenance work, it may be used by us.
Police Department
On August 4, 1943 Walter F. Reeves applied for retirement as Chief of Police of the Town of Swampscott under and by virtue of the provisions of Chapter 57, Section 32, of the General Laws of Massachusetts. After due consideration of the evidence presented the majority of your Board on August 6, 1943 voted that said Wal- ter F. Reeves be retired from the office of Chief of Police under the provision of the Chapter and Section heretofore referred to. On August 16, 1943 a taxpayers petition was brought in the Superior Court questioning the validity of the vote of your Board and seek- ing to restrain the Town from paying any money under this vote of retirement until further order of the Court. On August 26, 1943 the said Walter F. Reeves in writing submitted to your Board his resignation as Chief of Police and relinquished any and all pension rights to which he might be entitled by virtue of the vote of retire-
176
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
ment. On October 1, 1943 a final decree was filed in the Essex Superior Court in this case (No. 7152 Equity) and the matter of the resignation and relinquishment of pension rights of said Walter F. Reeves is embodied in this decree. The Board then considered the matter closed in view of the request made by Walter F. Reeves.
At the request of the Board of Selectmen there has been repair work and certain necessary renovation done at the Police Station, and we propose to request funds from the Town Meeting to repaint the present Town Hall.
Fire Department
In our report for the year 1942 we commended the Board of Fire Engineers for their excellent work in supervising the administration of the Fire Department. We are glad to commend the present Board of Fire Engineers for its efficient and economical management.
We also again gladly commend the Chief and his men for their competent performance of duty.
Wages
We recommend that the existing $125.00 per annum temporary increase, voted at the Special Town Meeting of June 22, 1943,-ter- minating on March 31, 1944,-be extended to and including March 29, 1945.
Faced with the necessity that local expenditure, not needed for the prosecution of the war, be kept at a minimum to relieve heavy Federal taxation, we recommend that there be no permanent increase of compensation for any position in the service of the Town except to relieve such definite wage inequalities as may exist.
Interest in Town Affairs
We are gravely concerned with the lack of interest as revealed by the difficulty in securing quorums at Special Town Meetings.
While it is realized that preoccupation with the war and its effects have a bearing on this situation, the well being of the home front must be safeguarded by a representative participation in Town Meetings.
Federal Projects
All Federal Projects in the Town were terminated on or about March 15th and the material which had been purchased by the Town for the carrying on of this program was distributed among the va- rious Town Departments for use in connection with their work.
Permits and Licenses
During the year the Board held hearings on applications for permits and licenses.
We herewith submit a list of all licenses and permits which we have issued during the year.
177
REPORT OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1943]
AUCTIONEERS:
Irwin W. Burnham, 7 Puritan Road George W. Foster, 50 Bradlee Avenue
BOWLING:
James . D. Bentley, 217 Burrill Street
EXPRESS:
Ray W. Griffin, 489 Humphrey Street
New Ocean House, Inc., 216 Puritan Road
Willis E. Shephard, 645 Humphrey Street David Sherman, 196 Burrill Street
Victor E. Trenholm, 147 Redington Street
HAWKERS AND PEDDLERS:
Charles Foundas, 98 Florence Avenue, Revere
INNHOLDERS:
Lillian A. Little, d/b/a General Glover Inn, Salem Street New Ocean House, Inc., 216 Puritan Road
Preston-Hollywood Corp., d/b/a Hotel Preston, 440 Atlantic Avenue
Keegan Hotel Corporation, d/b/a Willey House, 80 Humphrey Street
JUNK:
Jacob Goldberg, 26 Elm Place
Louis Zletz, 36 Cherry Street
Nathan Zletz, 97 Eastman Avenue
LIQUOR LICENSES:
Common Victualers, wines and malt beverages:
John A. & Mary M. Dedrick, d/b/a Johnny's Lunch, 422 Hum- phrey Street
Innholders, all alcoholic beverages:
Keegan Hotel Corporation, d/b/a Willey House, 80 Humphrey Street
Lillian A. Little, d/b/a General Glover Inn, Salem Street New Ocean House, Inc., 216 Puritan Road
Preston-Hollywood Corp., d/b/a Hotel Preston, 440 Atlantic Avenue
Retail Package Good Stores:
ยท all alcoholic:
Joseph G. Clancy, d/b/a Clancy's Market, 115-119 Burrill Street
Louis A. Hershman, d/b/a Hershman's Delicatessen, 156 Hum- phrey Street Shore Line Import Co., Inc., 503 Humphrey Street
Wines and malt beverages:
Robert B. Hegarty, 357 Essex Street
.
178
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
OVERHANGING SIGNS:
Blaney's Inc., 153-155 Humphrey Street
John F. Campbell, 434 Humphrey Street
Almerida Chabot, d/b/a Al's Variety Store, 509 Humphrey Street
Essex Oil Company, Inc., 197 Essex Street
Louis A. Hershman, 134-148 Humphrey Street
Clarence Joslyn, 658 Humphrey Street
Parisian Dry Cleansing Co., 138 Humphrey Street
Progressive Cleansers Co., d//b/a Lee Cleaners, 162 Humphrey Street
John A. Purdon, d/b/a Swampscott Standard Garage, 460 Hum- phrey Street
Frank J. Ripley & Cecil R. Fitzpatrick, d/b/a Ripley & Fitzpatrick, 26 Puritan Road
Shore Line Import Co., Inc., 503 Humphrey Street
William Welch, d/b/a Oceanside Garage, 12 Pine Street
Charles F. Young, d/b/a Bickford's Pharmacy, 135 Burrill Street
POOL LICENSE:
James D. Bentley, 217 Burrill Street
SEVEN-DAY COMMON VICTUALERS:
Blaney's Inc., 153-155 Humphrey Street
Edythe S. Bradford, d/b/a Patricia Candies, 99 Paradise Road
John F. Campbell, d/b/a Jack's Variety Store, 434 Humphrey Street
Almerida Chabot, d/b/a Al's Variety, 509 Humphrey Street Doane's, Inc., 131-141 Humphrey Street
Doane's, Inc., 149 Humphrey Street
F. Elmer Eaton, d/b/a Eaton the Druggist, 146 Humphrey Street William H. Hanifey, 414-420 Humphrey Street
Robert B. Hegarty, 357 Essex Street
Louis A. Hershman, d/b/a Hershman's Delicatessen, 136-138 Hum- phrey Street
C. P. Jeffers, d/b/a Retail Druggist,, 164 Humphrey Street Mary C. Mair, d/b/a Mair's Home Bakery, 112 Burrill Street Charles F. Young, d/b/a Bickford's Pharmacy, 135 Burrill Street
TAXI:
William H. Carroll, 148 Burrill Street (3)
Ray W. Griffin, 489 Humphrey Street
Helen F. Waldron, New Ocean House Garage, Humphrey Street (? )
USED CAR DEALERS:
Joseph J. Carroll, 148 Burrill Street
Anthony J. Gandolfo, 182 Paradise Road
William Welch, 12 Pine Street
ZONING PERMITS:
William H. Hanifey, golf driving range, State Road Caleb F. Peabody, variety store, 49 Hillside Avenue
179
REPORT OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1943]
BUDGET FOR 1944
The following are the amounts requested by the various officers, boards, and committees for the conduct of their departments during the year 1944:
General Government
Moderator
$100.00
Finance Committee
450.00
Town Meeting
85.00
Selectmen
4,730.00
Accounting
5,243.30
Treasury
5,050.00
Certification of Notes and Bonds
50.00
Law
1,250.00
Collector of Taxes
5,891.50
Town Clerk
2,800.00
Election and Registration
6,562.50
Assessors
5,576.00
Engineering
8,643.20
Town Hall
6,345.00
Planning Board
150.00
Board of Appeals
132.50
Contributory Retirement Funds
16,782.92
$69,841.92
Protection of Persons and Property
Police
$49,442.12
Fire
62,719.00
Forest Warden
468.00
Inspector of Buildings
980.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures
820.00
Dog Officer
1,066.86
Constable
100.00
Inspector of Animals
200.00
Insurance
7,500.00
$123,295.98
Health and Sanitation
Health
$9,645.60
Health Nurse
1,605.00
Dental Clinic
1,250.00
District Nurse
825.00
Refuse and Garbage
18,500.00
Sewer
11,404.90
Brooks
300.00
Particular Sewers
200.00
Emergency Sewers
1,000.00
$44,730.50
Highways and Bridges
Highway
$107,102.85
Lighting Streets
26,000.00
$133,102.85
Charities and Soldiers' Benefits
Public Welfare Old Age Assistance
$15,901.20 41,500.20
180
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Soldiers' Benefit 4,355.00
State and Military Aid, War Allowance No. 2
1,170.00
Pensions and Compensation
5,884.73
Workmen's Compensation
1,138.00
Aid to Dependent Children
8,250.00
$78,199.13
School and Library
School
$234,287.00 100.00
Traveling Expense Outside State
Library
15,785.00
$250,172.00
Recreation and Unclassified
Park
$31,435.00
Legion Lease
1,350.00
Veterans of Foreign Wars Lease
650.00
Printing Town Reports
1,450.00
Memorial Day
1,300.00
Reserve Fund
7,500.00
$42,885.00
Enterprises
Water
$24,980.70
Emergency Water
10,000.00
Metropolitan Water Tax
35,000.00
Cemetery
9,100.80
T. B. Hospital
12,531.01
$91,612.51
$833,839.89
In conclusion of our report your Board feels that the citizens of the town will continue to co-operate in this National Emergency as they have in the past.
We wish to extend our thanks to the various committees and officials of the Town for their co-operation during the year.
JAMES W. BUCHANAN, Chairman,
PHILIP E. BESSOM,
ALBERT S. HILLS,
Board of Selectmen.
181
TOWN WARRANT
1943]
Town Warrant Monday, February 21, 1944
Essex, ss.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Swampscott in said County : Greeting:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are directed to notify the inhabitants of the Town of Swampscott quali- ed to vote in elections and in town affairs, to assemble in their respective precincts, in said Swampscott, to wit-
In Precinct One-Polling Place-Machon School on Burpee Road. In Precinct Two-Polling Place-Phoenix Bowling Alleys, 217 Bur- rill Street.
In Precinct Three-Polling Place-Town Hall on Burrill Street.
In Precinct Four-Polling Place-Clarke School, adjoining Abbott Park.
In Precinct Five-Polling Place-Odd Fellows' Hall, 115 Elmwood Road.
In Precinct Six-Polling Place-Hadley School on Redington Street.
In Precinct Seven-Polling Place-Essex Oil Filling Station, 638 Humphrey Street.
In Precinct Eight-Polling Place-Phillips Beach Fire Engine House, Phillips Avenue.
On Monday, the twenty-first day of February, 1944, at seven (7) o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to act on the following articles, viz. :
At the close of the election the meeting will adjourn to Tuesday, the fourteenth day of March, 1944, at 7:45 P.M., at the Town Hall.
Article 1. To choose a Moderator for one (1) year. To choose a Collector of Taxes for three (3) years.
To choose a Town Treasurer for three (3) years.
To choose three members of the Board of Selectmen for one (1) year.
To choose one member of the Board of Assessors for three (3) years.
To choose two members of the School Committee for three (3) years.
To choose one member of the Board of Public Welfare for three (3) years.
To choose one member of the Board of Health for three (3) years.
To choose one member of the Water and Sewerage Board for three (3) years.
To choose one member of the Park Commission for three (3) years.
To choose one member of the Board of Trustees of the Public Library for three (3) years.
To choose one member of the Planning Board for five (5) years.
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