USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1944 > Part 15
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1944 > Part 15
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Despite the apparent lapse of activity, the civilian defense group is intact; there are wardens in all neighborhoods; we have a highly efficient rescue squad, and other services, which we are confident will adequately handle any disaster.
I. MURRAY ADAMS, Chief Air Raid Warden
SALVAGE COMMITTEE
To the Selectmen, Town of Swampscott:
I am pleased to report that during 1944, the Swampscott Salvage conducted six collections of waste paper and gathered a total of two hundred and fifty tons. The net proceeds amounted to about $4,100.00 and, after expenses and minor donations to the Boy Scouts, some $3,700.00 was turned over to the War Service Committee.
Two collections of prepared tin cans were made during 1944 and about 10 tons were sent to the processing plants. About $40.00 was collected and turned over to the War Service Committee.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Robert O'Neill and his group of wardens for their very effective work in planning and carrying out the various collections. Also the splendid work of Mar -. garet Scanlon and Kay Ingell in handling the lunches for the workers. Their work, as well as that of Mr. Ryan, our Surveyor of Highways, in directing the collection of tin cans, is a distinct contribution to the war effort.
SWAMPSCOTT SALVAGE COMMITTEE, SAMUEL FREEDMAN, Chairman.
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COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
1944]
AUXILIARY FIRE DEPARTMENT
January 18, 1945.
Mr. James W. Buchanan Chairman of Civilian Defense
Swampscott, Massachusetts
Dear Sir :-
(I hereby submit my report of the Swampscott Auxiliary Fire Department for the year 1944.
At the present time, we have in service five engine companies, namely, Engines One, Two, Three and Four, and one trailer pump, fully equipped and ready for service in any emergency that might arise.
The Auxiliary Fire Department has burned over several danger- ous fire hazards during the year, which we feel has been of service to to the town in regard to fire protection.
I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen for their cooperation and the regular fire department for their assistance in training the aux- iliary department.
Respectfully submitted, ROY F. OLSON, Chief, Auxiliary Fire Department.
RFO/c
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of Swampscott War Service Committee
The Swampscott War Service Committee was first organized September 24, 1942, at the suggestion of the Policy Committee of the Leon E. Abbott Post No. 57, American Legion, and consists of rep- resentatives of various clubs and organizations in town. The primary purpose of the committee was to provide Christmas presents for those in the service and serve coffee and doughnuts to all inductees. These objectives have been carried out through the generosity of the Townspeople. The only benefits added were sending flowers or a spir- itual bouquet to the families of men killed in the service of their country. The committee is now well into its third year of service to the Swampscott men and women in the various branches of our armed forces, including the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Wacs, Waves, Spars, etc.
A wallet was the gift selected the first Christmas but due to mailing difficulties and appropriateness, the committee has sent a five-dollar check or money order for the past two years. Over 1200 gifts were mailed last Christmas with a card enclosed expressing the gratefulness of the townspeople for the many sacrifices being made. A card system is maintained with all service addresses kept up to date to enable the gifts to be sent directly. The many letters received from servicemen and women more than repay the committee for the time and work contributed to insure everyone a remembrance at Christmas. The letters are on file at the Town Hall, and anyone interested is invited to read them.
The chief sources of funds is the response of the townspeople to the Christmas drive and the policy of the Salvage Committee of turning over its receipts to the use of the committee. Other income has been derived from penny sales, whist parties and personal con- tributions which are always acceptable. All contributors to last year's drive received a membership card showing that they had participated in this worthwhile project. Swampscott is in the hearts of all her sons and daughters serving their country and the tie becomes stronger when they realize they are not forgotten by the townsfolk.
On December 31, 1943, we had on deposit in the bank the sum of $1,113.36. We have this past year received from the Christmas Drive $3,671.44; Penny Drive $920.00; St. John the Baptist Society $141.24; Salvage Drive $3,330.51; Miscellaneous $209.23, totalling $9,385.78. Expenditures were as follows: Christmas Checks $5,707.04; Cigarettes, Coffee, Sugar and Doughnuts, $70.71; Stationery and Postage $194.56; Penny Sale $59.55; Bridge Party $22.80; Bond Raffle $37.50; Flowers $21.00; Spiritual Bouquet $15.00; Salvage Expenses $270.05. (The total receipts of the Salvage Drive were turned over to this com- mittee with the understanding that we would make payments of $100.00 to Red Cross; $90.00 to the Boy Scouts; the balance was cost of advertising in the local papers.) Total expenditures were $6,398.21, leaving a balance on deposit at the bank of $2,987.57, which is subject to additional checks and obligations.
The officers and committee are as follows: Malcolm F. MacLean, Jr., Chairman Harry E. Cahoon, Vice Chairman Kathryn B. Ingell, Secretary I. Murray Adams, Treasurer
Miss Mary M. Pedrick Miss Vera F. Gould
Frank C. Durkee
Benjamin P. Shulkin
Mrs. George H. Lucey
Henry S. Baldwin
Mrs. Albert N. Rothermel
Karl M. Frost
Mrs. Charles J. Scanlon
Antonio Parletta
Mrs. Herman W. Hay Mrs. J. Harold Fletcher
Joseph Rosa Raymond Rosa
IN MEMORIAM
MISS JEAN ALLAN Teacher School Department 1913-1943 Died February 5, 1944
JOHN E BURNS, SR. Highway Department 1939-1944 Died June 8, 1944
LEON L. PAPPAS Police Department 1936-1944 Died in United States Service May 14, 1944
HORACE R. PARKER Accountant 1925-1941 Died March 23, 1944
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Selectmen's Report
To the Citizens of the Town of Swampscott:
We again are submitting our annual report to you in a critical period of our Country's history. Our fighting men and women are engaged in an all-out war on every front throughout the world, and battles are being fought on which will depend our own future safety and that of civilization itself.
In this frightful conflict the men and women, boys and girls, of our town have played and will continue to play a most important part. The Honor Roll of our town shows at the present time that 1306 have gone from our town into the service of our Country.
Many of them have been cited for special services and decorated for bravery. Many more are awaiting official recognition of similar deeds on their part.
Our Honor Roll now includes thirty-four gold stars indicating that these persons have sacrificed their lives in defending their Country.
VETERAN'S REHABILITATION
The board has appointed a Veteran's Rehabilitation Committee which has organized a number of sub-committees who have in turn studied certain phases of the subjects and problems which will con- front the returning service men and women. The headquarters of this committee is in the office of the Selectmen in the Town Hall, and this committee is making every effort to keep fully informed of all laws, rules and regulations and facts that will be of assistance to the re- turning veteran.
All persons on being discharged from the service are requested to confer with this committee on his or her problems, so that first hand information may be given and immediate action in their behalf will be forthcoming.
RECREATIONAL PROJECT
At the Annual Town Meeting of 1944 an amendment to the Selectmen's budget was made by the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, for the appropriation of the sum of five hundred dollars ($500.00) for the carrying on of a Recreation Program for the youth of the town. This amendment was unanimously supported by the Town Meeting Members after the purpose for which it was to be used was fully explained to them. At a later date, however, the Town Counsel ruled that nothing could be spent from this appropriation inasmuch as an article should have been inserted in the Warrant of the meeting calling for such an appropriation. As a result of this opinion the Board of Selectmen have turned the money back to the town intact.
Mr. Henry J. Callahan was appointed by the Board of Selectmen in co-operation with a special Recreation Committee formed for the purpose, to supervise this Recreation Project. He performed splendid service in this respect and formed a baseball league in which many boys of the town participated, and played ball during the Spring, Summer and early Fall.
Due to the ruling of the Town Counsel the Board of Selectmen are inserting an article to cover compensation due Mr. Callahan and the Annual Town Meeting will be asked to appropriate the sum of two hundred dollars ($200.00). Accordingly we have inserted an article
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REPORT OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1944]
in the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting for 1945 calling for an appropriation in order to compensate Mr. Callahan for his services rendered as supervisor during the year 1944; and also have made provision for asking the Town Meeting in the form of another article in the Warrant to appropriate a sum of money for the continuation of this project during the coming year.
We considered a Recreational Project of this kind an asset to the community and of special benefit to the youth of our town.
TOWN DUMPS
On frequent occasions during recent years the Board of Select- men and the Board of Health have conferred on the matter of pro- viding a proper place for the disposition of refuse and debris. The contract which is in effect at the present time between the Board of Health in behalf of the Town of Swampscott, and the contractor, pro- vides only for the collection of refuse and does not provide for the collection of leaves, branches and other kinds of debris.
Many suggestions have been made by persons interested but no satisfactory and permanent solution has been forwarded as yet to this problem. Your Board, however, is continuing to study it and will have certain specific recommendations to make on this subject at a later date.
MOSQUITO NUISANCES
Many times each year during the Summer season, the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Health receive numerous complaints relative to the mosquito nuisances in the Phillips Beach and Beach Bluff sections of the town. We have been advised that these nuisances breed in Palmer's Pond and some of them are of the type that cause malaria.
We have called this condition to the attention of our local Rep- resentative in the State Legislature, and have asked him to take such action as seems advisable in order that this nuisance might be abated.
In accordance with this request he has reported to us that he has filed in the office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives, a bill calling upon the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through its proper department to correct this condition, and action will be taken on it during the present session of the Massachusetts Legislature.
At the same time we have inserted in the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting of 1945 an article sponsored by us to find out what ac- tion the town will take officially on this condition. Since the time for filing bills with the Massachusetts Legislature for this session ex- pired on Friday, January 12, 1945, it was necessary to file a bill promptly before obtaining action by the Town Meeting on this article.
We believe that this condition is serious enough to warrant im- mediate and official action and are, therefore, taking this opportunity to secure the required action.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
On November 3, 1944, Sergeant Francis P. Wall, who topped the list certified by Civil Service as a result of the competitive examina- tion held in February, was promoted to Chief of Police effective on the following day; thereupon Captain James M. Kennedy, who had ably conducted the Police Department as acting chief since August 6, 1943, resumed his permanent status in the department.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
In accordance with the vote of the Annual Town Meeting, the reserve force was increased to five by the appointment of Joseph H. Doane and Clark W. Wood.
Chief Wall has compiled and we have approved copy for a new police manual which will soon be in the hands of every member of the department as a guide to his conduct and duty.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
On June 15, 1944, Chairman Albert N. Rothermel of the Board of Fire Engineers, tendered his resignation, which was accepted with regret and appreciation of his painstaking and conscientious service to the town. Chief Charles H. Lampard was appointed to fill this vacancy and thereafter elected chairman by his associates. We are pleased to again commend the Board of Fire Engineers and the entire department for continued efficiency.
At the Annual Town Meeting the town voted funds for the pur- chase of a new Junior Aerial Truck, and appointed a committee con- sisting of your Board of Selectmen and the Chief of the Fire Depart- ment for the purpose of purchasing this new piece of fire equipment. Your committee went into this matter quite thoroughly and unani- mously voted to purchase an American-La-France Junior Aerial Lad- der Truck. This piece of equipment was scheduled to be delivered the first week in January of the coming year, but we are advised that due to the war situation this truck will not be delivered as scheduled, and we are now awaiting information as to a future delivery date from the American-La-France Company.
IMPROVEMENTS
Street Signs
During the year the Board continued the erection of street signs which began last year with the co-operation of the Highway Depart- ment and the Building Inspector. Owing to experience of the past, we are now having posts and signs made together and when the weather permits, we shall have many more erected. This is a yearly program, and will be continued until all streets and ways are properly identified.
Chapter 90
On Chapter 90 maintenance work we are advised that the town will receive no aid from the County of Essex for the maintenance of this work, but that the State of Massachusetts has agreed to allocate the sum of $500.00 provided the town appropriate $1,000 for this work. As a result of this the Board of Selectmen is inserting an article in the Warrant for the widening of Humphrey Street from Atlantic Avenue to the Marblehead line, and also for the maintenance of other projects which may come under Chapter 90 of the General Laws.
Street Lighting
During the year 1944 we decided to change the present arrange- ments for street lighting within the town and after conferences with the officials of the Lynn Gas and Electric Company, we entered into an agreement whereby the town will pay an annual rate for each street light located in our community, and the illumination of the streets of our town substantially increased during the year. At the time a reduction of approximately twelve hundred dollars ($1200) a year in the cost of lighting has been realized. This change was finally put into effect in the town on December 4, 1944.
Conditions at Beaches
During the Summer months of 1944 our office received numerous complaints relative to odors emanating from the vicinity of the Fish
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REPORT OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1944]
House located on Fsherman's Beach. While this beach is under the jurisdiction of the Park Department, the Board of Selectmen wish to co-operate to the fullest extent in clearing the conditions complained of, and therefore, contacted and conferred with the Park Department.
Consequently the conditions complained of were very promptly corrected by the Park Department and conditions there greatly im- proved.
The Board of Selectmen have been vitally interested for some time in the rights of the citizens of the town on the beaches. We have been advised that at the present time the land owners on Puritan Road easterly from the Fish House have certain rights in that part of the beach in the rear of their premises which is paramount to the rights of others to use it. We are having this subject very carefully studied at the present time by the Town Counsel.
Because of the Massachusetts laws governing beaches and fore shore an interesting situation has developed at Preston Beach. Under the law ownership to the upland carries with it ownership of the beach to the low water mark. As the land fronting the beach is all privately owned, except for two 40 foot rights of way. the beach is all privately owned and the public has no legal rights to the beach. These rights could be secured by the purchase of any of this vacant land which fronts on the beach but as there seems to be no particular public interest in the matter at this time the board is making no recom- mendation but is calling it to the attention of the voters as a matter of record.
Cemetery
For a great many years bills have been sent out yearly without success for the annual care of cemetery lots which were purchased some years ago before it became necessary to have all lots under perpetual care. The board has gone into this matter quite thoroughly and have located the majority of the owners or heirs of the cemetery lots, and for the payment of the sum of fifty dollars ($50.00) these lots were put under perpetual care basis, along with the others which will help to beautify our cemetery and at the same time help to reduce our tax rate.
CIVILIAN DEFENSE
In the early Spring we received notice from the Executive De- partment of the Commonwealth that they had lifted the ban on black- outs, and that they were turning on the street lights along the shore drive. Following the procedure of the Commonwealth, the Board of Selectmen, with the consent of our Committee of Public Safety, au- thorized the Utility Company to remove all shades and reflectors from all street lights and to turn on all lights that were dimmed or turned off during the blackout. We have also eliminated the Report Center located in the Legion Building and have disconnected all telephones which were used in the Civilian Defense set-up in the interest of economy, as we have been advised that this procedure had been fol- lowed throughout the state. However, we still have a telephone that is located in the Police Station that connects with the Regional office of the Massachusetts Civilian Defense set-up. In addition to this we also have the teletype which is located in the Police Station, and in case of emergency all personnel connected with the Civilian Defense will report to the Town Hall.
In the month of December the Auxiliary Fire House which was located on Sherwood Road on the property of Mr. Cedric A. Arnold, who graciously leased it at no cost to the town in the interest of the war effort, was transferred to the Sewer Department premises at the Pumping Station on Humphrey Street. This building was abolished on the recommendation of the Board of Fire Engineers as they advised
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
the Board of Selectmen that this particular location and building were no longer required. The Board wishes to publicly extend their thanks to Mr. Cedric A. Arnold for his patriotic spirit.
DECENNIAL CENSUS
We have been notified by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts it was mandatory that a census be taken of all persons residing in the Town of Swampscott on January 1, 1945. On receipt of this notice the Board conferred with the Board of Registrars, whose duty it has been to take a census annually for the past few years, and they agreed to consolidate the taking of the Decennial Census along with the annual listing of persons of twenty years of age or over. The cost of this Decennial Census will be approximately $1,000, and a request for this amount of money will be inserted in the budget of the Election and Registration.
RETIREMENT OF TOWN EMPLOYEES
In the course of the year the Board of Selectmen received re- quests from two town employees for retirement on pension. The fol- lowing employees, namely, Fred R. Morrison and Donato Ronzano, were retired on pension on the recommendation of the supervisors of their departments, and the filing of the necessary affidavits and statements which were attested and approved in the presence of the Town Counsel and the Board of Selectmen.
PLANS FOR FUTURE PROJECTS
The board has submitted to the State Department of Public Works Post War Committee for the elimination of the "S" curve for which the State of Massachusetts has now agreed to assume a large portion of the cost. The other project in which the State would par- ticipate would be the straightening out of the Essex Street Bridge over the Boston & Maine Railroad tracks.
TOWN HALL
At the Annual Town Meeting of 1944 the town voted to purchase the estate formerly owned by Professor Elihu H. Thomson for an Administration Building. Under this vote the Town Moderator ap- pointed a committee to do everything necessary in order to put the buildings on that property in satisfactory condition for the purpose desired. The committee has been devoting considerable time and effort to this project, and we have been informed that the necessary work will be completed about April 1, 1945.
It is our understanding that all of the present offices and equip- ment now located in the present Town Hall will be moved to the new site immediately on completion.
The problem will then arise as to what use should be made, if any, of the present Town Hall and also its maintenance and repair.
Since the time when the town voted to purchase this property for an Administration Building, the Board of Selectmen have had numerous requests from various groups and organizations in the town for space in the present Town Hall.
This is a matter that must be decided by the Town Meeting Mem- bers and, therefore, we are inserting in the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting an article asking them what action they desire to take on the subject.
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REPORT OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1944]
We have made some study of the problem ourselves as a board and will submit our recommendations to the Town Meeting.
SELECTMEN'S CONVENTION
On June 23rd and 24th, 1944, the Town of Swampscott was host to the Massachusetts Selectmen's Association 14th Annual Outing.
At this outing, His Excellency, the Governor, Leverett H. Salton- stall, was the guest speaker and there were State, County and Town dignitaries present. This outing was considered a complete success by the Executive Committee of the Massachusetts Selectmen's Associa- tion, and they had such a good time they wished to return to Swamp- scott for their Annual Outing in 1946.
ECONOMY
The Board of Selectmen has advocated and will continue to ad- vocate policies of economy in our local government. All unnecessary services should be abolished and some purchases should be deferred for the duration of the present war, especially equipment that re- quires priorities.
With the taxation of the Federal Government substantially in- creasing and constituting a burden to all, to most every person it becomes increasingly important that all unnecessary expense in local government be eliminated and accordingly every effort made to re- duce local taxation and thus lighten burdens of the taxpayers.
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.
BOWLING:
James D. Bentley, 217 Burrill Street.
EXPRESS:
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:
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 Corporation, d/b/a Hotel Preston, 440 Atlantic Avenue.
JUNK:
Jacob Goldberg, 26 Elm Place.
Louis Zletz, 36 Cherry Street.
Nathan Zletz, 97 Eastman Avenue.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
LIQUOR LICENSES:
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 Corporation, d/b/a Hotel Preston, 440 Atlantic Avenue.
Retail Package Goods Stores:
All Alcoholic:
Joseph G. Clancy, d/b/a Clancy's Market, 115-119 Burrill Street. Louis A. Hershman, 136-138 Humphrey Street.
Shore Line Import Co., Inc., 503 Humphrey Street.
Wines and Malt Beverages:
Robert B. Hegarty, 350 Essex Street
Chris Janakas, 71 Roy Street
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
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