USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1951 > Part 8
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Perry
1951
Elizabeth Mahoney Bldg. Asst.
B.S.
Lesley
1951
Jessie C. Martin
Salem
1915
Grade 1
Helen M. Nelson Grade 6
Concord
1951
Dorothy Rich Grade 4
B.S.
Boston Univ.
1949
Mary E. Selvage Grade 5
B.S.
Lowell
1949
Clara Waterman Grade 5
Gorham
1932
Barbara Young Kind.
Lesley
1948
All Schools
Mary M. Chaisson Supervisor of Art
B. U. and Vesper George
Mary Cooper
B.S.
Tufts 1929
Director of Guidance
M.S.
Univ. of Pittsburg
Donald C. Hammond
N. E. Cons. of Music 1946
Harry Lehmann Director of Phy. Educ.
B.S.
Springfield
1951
Anne Linscott Speech
B.L.I.
Emerson
Esther Nazarian
A.B.
Boston Univ.
1921
Supervisor of Music
Mary K. Hammond, R. N., School Nurse
Secretaries Bessie Heggie, Hadley School Edith Legro, High School Gertrude Donlon, Superintendent of Schools
Janitors
Elizabeth Kehoe, High School Daniel Myers, High School Henry J. Callahan, High School Kenneth J. Cort, High School Carl B. Goodwin, High School Mario Travascio, High School
Frank Coletti, Hadley School Wendell Jones, Hadley School Emery Doane, Hadley School Michael Pagnotta, Machon School Thomas Bailey, Stanley School
Donald R. Peterson, Stanley School
Assistants
Jennie Bates
Elsie Topp
Jackson
1941
Instrumental Music
Salem 1946
88
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Water and Sewerage Board WATER DEPARTMENT
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
We respectfully submit our annual report of the activities of the Water Department for the year ending December 31, 1951.
SERVICES :
96 New Services have been installed
1 Service abandoned
24 Services renewed completely
10 Services renewed from main to sidewalk
6 Services renewed from sidewalk to meter
3 Frozen services thawed
25 Service leaks repaired
52 Services cleaned out
335 Services on request have been turned on or off
2 Services extended
METERS :
38 Obsolete meters have been replaced with new ones
68 Meters have been cleaned, repaired and tested.
130 Meter leaks have been repaired in the field
4 Meter locations changed
MAINS :
A total of 2366 feet of water mains were laid in the following streets: Cutting Road, 400 ft. 6 in. C.I .; Stanley Road, 528 ft. 6 in. C.I .; Standpipe Rd., 72 ft 6 in. C.I. and 48 ft. 8 in. C.I .; Dennison Ave., 792 ft. 6 in. C.I .; Linden Ave, 250 ft. 6 in. C.I .; Reid Terrace, 276 ft. 2 in. Brass.
2 breaks in our large mains were repaired.
HYDRANTS:
1 Hydrant broken off by motor vehicle was replaced
2 Hydrants damaged by motor vehicles were repaired
2 Hydrants relocated due to road construction
All hydrants were painted
Additional hydrants were installed in the following streets:
Dennison Ave. (3) ; Stanley Road (1)
Our hydrant flushing program was carried on at night in order that the townspeople might not be too inconvenienced by discolored water. The fall inspection and winterizing has been completed and all Town Departments having occasion to use hydrants were requested to notify us of the use of any hydrant during the winter months.
This year although it did not entail the laying of so many large mains, has been very busy due to extra work caused by the Town's sewer, sidewalk and road resurfacing program, the construction of a water main through town by the Town of Marblehead Water Depart- ment and a home building program in town comparable to that of 1950.
Mr. Alfred N. Frazier was elected as a new member of the Board this year.
The Office of Superintendent of Water was voted under Civil Service Classification.
89
WATER AND SEWERAGE BOARD
1951]
The 36-inch Water Main from Fels Pond Reservoir to Swamp- scott, being constructed by the M.D.C. was held up due to a shortage of steel. The Board realizing the importance of completing this pro- ject, upon hearing of the steel shortage, immediately took steps, with the assistance of Representative Kendall Sanderson and U. S. Senator Leverett Saltonstall and others to plead with the government officials in Washington to allocate the steel necessary to finish the project. They were successful in so doing and the pipe line to Swampscott is complete and will be in service, barring accidents, by the first of February, 1952.
The passing from our midst of James (Vincenzo) Gallo was deeply felt by his family, friends, and former associates of this De- partment. Mr. Gallo retired in April, 1949, due to illness, at the age of 64 years, after a splendid working record of 31 years, during which time he performed his duties in a faithful and creditable manner. Soon after his retirement he was obliged to take to his bed, where he remained until October 17, 1951, when the Good Maker called him back to the fold.
We are sorry to lose two of our long standing employes, James Ventre and William H. Burnett, who having attained the age of 70 years, were obliged by law to retire. These two men were faithful servants and gave willingly of their best to the department for 40 years. We salute these men and their abilities and are sorry that they had to go. We hope that they will have a happy and contented retirement.
We wish to thank the employees of this department for the splendid spirit shown toward their work as well as all the department heads and Town Departments for the co-operative spirit shown by them throughout the year. The unusual opportunity for co-operative spirit from the Highway Department and Planning Board for both the Water and Sewer Departments was possible. Their response was outstanding.
The details of water pipe construction follows and the cost of same can be found under the Town Accountant's Report:
Size
Wrought Iron
Cast Iron
Cement Lined
Brass
Total
114-in.
303
303
11/2
80
438
518
2
4,067
1,468
2,393
7,928
4
4,494
4,494
6
146,411
146,411
8
11,206
11,206
10
22,286
22,286
12
14,604
14,604
14
4,812
4,812
16
150
150
4,067
203,963
1,851
2,831
212,712
Total miles of mains
40.27
HYDRANTS:
In use December 31, 1950
337
Added in 1951
4
In use December 31, 1951
441
90
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
GATES:
In use December 31, 1950
671
Added in 1951 14
In use December 31, 1951
685
SERVICES :
In use December 31, 1950
3,233
Added in 1951 96
In use December 31, 1951
3.329
INVENTORY OF PROPERTY, WATER DEPARTMENT
Water Mains and Standpipe
$217,605.89
Land on Pine Street
2,000.00
Brick Building on Pine Street 3,000.00
2-Car Garage on Pine Street
3,500.00
Work Shop and Garage on Pine Street
4,000.00
3-Trucks
2,876.50
Office Furniture
1,800.00
Meters and Parts
47,584.00
Stock on Hand (Pipe, Fittings, etc.)
21,498.53
$303,864.92
CHESTER E. BRADLEY, Superintendent
SEWER DEPARTMENT
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
We hereby submit our annual report for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1951.
Sewer Construction :
Mountwood Road, 1,207.31 feet, completed January 24, 1951.
Alden Road, Shelton Road, Lewis Road, Pleasant Street Exten- sion, 1,830 feet in process, not completed.
Pine Street, 185 feet in process, not completed.
There are approximately 35 miles of main line sanitary sewers in use.
Installation of a new Gasoline Engine for sewer pumping was completed during February, 1951. This replaced a thirty-year-old equipment for which parts could no longer be obtained.
Sewerage pumping for 1950 was 399,663,000 gallons. For 1951 sewerage pumping was 495,440,000 gallons; an increase of 95,777.000 gallons, or practically 24 per cent.
Two Brook Culverts totaling 220 feet were completed (other than Beach clean up) at Fisherman's Beach.
Numerous sewer connections were dug up and roots, etc., removed.
After nearly 41 years of service, Frank G. Melvin retired. We regret the retirement of a faithful servant.
Beginning January 1, 1952, Albert Enholm was appointed Su-
91
INSPECTOR OF WIRES
1951]
perintendent of the Sewer Department. Mr. Enholm has been identi- fied with the Department for 29 years, several years on outside work and of latter years, Superintendent of Sewer Station and Equipment.
We greatly appreciate the cooperation of all Departments. Dur- ing 1951 unusual opportunity for cooperation from the Highway Department and Planning Board for both the Water and Sewer De- partments was possible. The response was outstanding.
INVENTORY OF SEWER DEPARTMENT PROPERTY
Pumping Station
$19,400.00
Pumping Plant
13,009.94
Land
5,000.00
Office Furniture
350.00
Tools and Equipment
450.00
Truck and Garage
2,102.61
$40,312.55
Comminutor Building and Equipment
Building
7,000.00
Machinery and Equipment
5,015.96
$52,328.51
HAROLD C. HUDSON, GEORGE B. ATKINS, ALFRED N. FRAZIER,
Water and Sewerage Board.
Inspector of Wires
To the Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit the following report for the year ending De- cember 31, 1951. This report covers the period from January 1, 1951 to December 31, 1951.
Month
Permits Issued
Fees Collected
January
28
$ 31.50
February
29
21.00
March
31
25.75
April
38
33.25
May
31
40.75
June
37
32.00
July
31
34.25
August
41
32.75
September
38
48.25
October
49
55.50
November
35
40.25
December
36
36.75
Total
424
$432.00
Frequent inspections are made of electrical installations in new buildings and of changes made in old work. Work performed is to the standard of the National Electrical Code and to special require- ments of the Town of Swampscott.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD J. CONNELL, Inspector of Wires.
92
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Board of Park Commissioners
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
The Board of Park Commissioners herewith submits its annual report for the year ending nineteen hundred and fifty-one.
We wish to thank all boards, departments, civic, veteran, and fraternal organizations that have helped to make the year a success- ful one. We sometimes inadvertantly forget to list a friend and so rather than tabulate, please accept our thanks.
ABBOTT PARK
The Park has been more or less out of service due to the con- struction of the new Clarke School. We have cooperated with the contractor in the removal of trees and the permission of encroach- ment, necessary for the storage of supplies and the actual operation of construction.
Additional fencing along the State Road was erected, thus not permitting any entrance to the busy traffic.
Some damage has been done to the new basketball courts and a section of the playing field, but we have assurance from the school building committee and the contractor that the necessary repairs will be made.
BLANEY BEACH
The beach continues to have its normal crowded condition but the parking space was a bit relieved of the congestion through the courtesy of the Surf Theater management opening up its parking space to townspeople.
Swimming classes were again carried on.
JACKSON PARK
Marked improvement in the cultural work around the tennis courts was the high point at this park.
The hockey rink was painted and for the first time used in the Fourth of July celebration for community dancing.
Camp Pilgrim was inaugurated, a short term day camp, oper- ated by the First Church, Congregational.
Camp Waluta, the Greater Lynn Council of Camp Fire Girls Day Camp, again was in operation for a successful five week period. The camp was visited by Miss Elizabeth B. Spear, Director, Depart- ment of Camping, Camp Fire Girls, Inc., New York City, and we wish to quote a part of her letter, "I have never seen a more ideal site for a day camping program than the wooded area up on the hill overlooking the play field area."
The increased activity from adult groups at the Lodge on the summit of the hill warrants the necessary maintenance repairs caused by juvenile vandalism and we feel that it is serving a definite need in the Town.
As the year ended, skating was enjoyed by the High School and Junior High School hockey teams, youngsters, and even some adults on the three skating surfaces.
93
BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
1951]
PHILLIPS PARK
A regulation size practice gridiron was constructed by extending the old field in an easterly direction.
The school athletic activities can best be reported by quoting from Mr. Lehman's report to this Board.
"The following is a report concerning the use of Swampscott playground facilities for the public school physical education pro- gram during the fall, 1951.
After-school activities included varsity, junior varsity and fresh- man football on the high school level, junior high school football, high school field hockey, junior high school field hockey, touch foot- ball for boys in the fifth and sixth grades, soccer for girls in the fifth and sixth grades, and a fall field day for boys and girls in the fifth and sixth grades.
Phillips Park was used extensively for football and field hockey practice and games. The field house was used for dressing, storage of uniforms, and showers by the high school football squad, and for storage of field hockey equipment.
Blocksidge Field was used for the following football activities :
5 varsity football games 5 freshman football games 4 junior varsity football games
1 junior high school football game
2 outside scrimmages
Blocksidge Field was also used occasionally for elementary school soccer and touch football. Cleats were not worn for these activities. On November 13, 1951 the Fall Field Day for boys and girls in grades five and six was held at Blocksidge Field. A total of 198 girls and boys participated.
The high school football group including freshmen ranged be- tween 50 and 80 with 53 finishing the season. A total of approxi- mately 65 practice sessions were held on the football practice field at the south end of Blocksidge Field.
The high school and junior high school field hockey program made use of most of the area to the west of Blocksidge Field. A total of 81 girls participated in the high school program, 26 of whom were freshmen. Fifty-two junior high school girls played.
A program of after-school soccer for girls in the fifth and sixth grades and touch football for boys on the same level was conducted. Blocksidge, Abbott, and Jackson Parks were used. This program lasted approximately six weeks. An estimated 150 boys and girls participated.
The junior high school football program was conducted at Jackson Park for approximately eight weeks. Forty-five boys in grades seven and eight took part in the intramural portion of the program, while 27 remained out for the interscholastic program the last few weeks of the season.
HARRY A. LEHMAN,
Director of Physical Education.
94
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
The play area broke all expectations in the increased usage, both in girls' sports as well as those of the boys. Every available nook and corner was used; so that we feel that the area set aside for a parking space and over which there was some controversy, might well be put into a play field for the Junior High girls' sports.
The newly organized Phillips Park Improvement Association met in the Field House for its monthly meetings.
Thanks to the generosity of the Joseph L. Stevens Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and made possible by the efforts of Mr. Richard MacFarland, a new electric clothes dryer was installed in the Field House.
All bleachers were painted by a contractor.
HIGHLANDS AREA
A double swing set, a teeter board, and a chain link fence were erected at this new playground.
We cooperated with the Board of Selectmen by erecting one hundred and thirty lineal feet of chain link fence along the Pond edge on Windsor Avenue.
MEMORIAL TREES
We wish to acknowledge the gifts of a large saucer magnolia planted at Howland Park in memory of Mrs. Chauncy S. Robbins, a purple leaf plum in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Young and a flowering dogwood - a gift of the Swampscott Little Garden Club, both planted on the Thomson Estate grounds.
MONUMENT AVENUE PARKWAY
Our one splurge of natural beauty has been maintained by early beds of tulips and crocuses, changed to hardy flowers that leaves a pleasing thought as citizens and visitors pass by or along the parkway. Early bulbs that tie in with the coming Centennial have been planted.
FORMAL GARDEN
Due to the generosity of the Swampscott Garden Club, replace- ments of flowers and two hundred tulip bulbs were added to continue the garden as a restful and attractive spot.
INSECT PEST CONTROL AND DUTCH ELM DISEASE
The Japanese beetle, elm bark and elm leaf beetle, canker worms, and the numerous scale insects on conifers are still with us, but not in any such amount but that control methods cannot check them.
For the first time on the North Shore, all elms were sprayed from the air by means of a helicopter. This tied in with a program done by the Town of Marblehead and there can be no doubt but that this is a very effective method.
A total of nineteen elms were removed as the result of the Dutch Elm Disease. What next year has in store for us no one can foresee; however, we are taking all known precautions of spraying and sanitation to save our remaining elms.
95
SWAMPSCOTT HOUSING AUTHORITY
1951!
RECREATION PROJECT
Under the capable leadership of Mr. Keith Jordan and his assis- tants Miss Betty Smith and Kenneth Sewall at Abbott Park, Miss Barbara Southward and Joseph Tauro at Jackson Park, and Miss Marcia Brown and John McNary at Phillips Park, a well rounded sports program was carried on.
The Upper Swampscott Improvement Association gave achieve- ment prizes for each Park as well as prizes to swimmers at the beach classes carried on by the lifeguards.
We regret the passing of Dr. Nathaniel P. Martin who served for many years as Lifeguard and Custodian of the Fish House.
Thus, in submitting this report, we feel that the year has been a progressive one and we wish to thank the many citizens for their continued vote of confidence.
Respectfully submitted,
ROLAND C. BOOMA, FREDERICK C. BURK, LEWIS H. BERRY, Board of Park Commissioners.
Swampscott Housing Authority
The Swampscott Housing Authority submits herewith its annual report for the year, in accordance with provisions of Section 26-U of the Housing Authority Law, Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 121.
In submitting the accompanying report an effort has been made to present a brief review of the activities of the year. It is hoped that the text will convey to those who may be interested, an accurate picture of the human side of veterans housing in the Town of Swampscott.
The Commonwealth, acting by and through the State Housing Board, and individual local housing board has entered into a contract for financial assistance, which takes the form of a guarantee by the Commonwealth of the principal and interest on notes or bonds issued by the Swampscott Housing Authority, $406,000, to finance the cost of the local housing project. Annual subsidies are further pro- vided for in an amount not to exceed 21/2 per cent of the cost of the project, as determined by State Housing Board, for a maximum period of 40 years.
On January 1, 1951, the Swampscott Housing Authority was established on a permanent financing basis by the State Housing Board whereby the yearly rentals plus subsidy would provide an ade- quate income for the proper management and maintenance of project.
At this writing discussions are being held with General Contrac- tor to negotiate final settlement of entire contract. It is hoped that this will take place in the near future. The Contractor's liability does not end until one (1) year after final acceptance of the project by the Swampscott Housing Authority.
The major share of the cost of the Housing Project is paid for by the tenants through their rents. The annual contributions, or
96
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
subsidy provided by the Commonwealth is shared by all of us in the State who pay taxes, regardless of whether our particular com- munity has a low-rent project or not.
The Swampscott Project is managed with minimum cost and staff consistent with adequate care of the property, rent collections, etc., and making possible the steady improvement of living environ- ment by the occupants, the basic objective of the program.
TRIAL BALANCE - YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1951 ASSETS
Development Fund
$ 33,147.59
Administration Fund
10,827.62
Petty Cash
20.00
Tenants Accounts Receivable 227.00
Debt Service Fund
10,552.50
Investment D. S. Trust Fund
5,000.00
Debt Service Trust Fund
1,262.84
Development Costs
406,000.00
Incompleted Contracts
1,500.00
Liabilities
Accounts Payable Overage
21.00
Accounts Payable Development
16,110.47
Accounts Payable Administration
86.59
Contract Retentions
17,037.12
Accrued Insurance
512.00
Accrued Pilot
1,246.53
Matured Int. and Principal
10,552.50
Bonds Authorized
406,000.00
Contract Awards
1,500.00
Debt Service Reserve
1,224.17
Unam Bond Premium
6,240.72
Working Capital
22.47
Operating Reserve
4,313.83
Earned Surplus
3,670.15
$468,537.55
$468,537.55
STATISTICAL DATA
Total occupied at end of 1950
36
Vacated during 1951
2
Filled by new tenants during 1951
2
Total occupied on December 31, 1951
36
Number of children 74
Average Rental
36.75
Evictions 0
We regret the passing of Lee A. Cooley, former Clerk of the Swampscott Housing Authority.
We are pleased to acknowledge the cooperation and assistance which we have received from the Town Department and State Housing Board.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS W. DUNCAN, Chairman,
DAVID F. DOHERTY, JOHN A. MASSEY, WALTER F. LIVERMORE, PHILIP DUNPHY,
Swampscott Housing Authority.
97
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
1951]
Fire Chief's Report
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
It is again my privilege to submit to you the procedure in which the Fire Department has performed its numerous and diversified duties during the year 1951.
Since my appointment as Fire Chief in 1939, it has been my constant endeavor to build and maintain an efficient and well equipped department. I shall continue towards this goal.
BUILDINGS
The Central Fire Station on New Ocean Street is in a very de- plorable condition. It was built in 1891 as a temporary building to be used as a stable. This building will require many repairs in the immediate future. The upkeep of the present fire station is very costly to the taxpayer.
I recommend that a committee be formed to consider a new central fire station at a more favorable location. This recommendation is of vital importance and should be acted upon as soon as possible.
Our Phillips Beach Station is in very good condition. During the past year the apparatus floor has been thoroughly renovated. It is a credit to each fireman affiliated with this station for their cooperation in accomplishing most of the work that was done. The second floor of this building should be painted during 1952.
FIRE APPARATUS
Our fire apparatus is in good condition. These fire trucks are always subject to breakdowns and emergency repairs. Constant care and certain maintenance costs keeps them in condition. We should however, replace the Chief's car to prevent more depreciation and future costly repairs.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
The expansion of the town has taxed our fire alarm system to the extent that it is becoming increasingly inadequate for good fire protection. I suggest a three year program to cover our fire alarm needs.
For the first undertaking in this three year program I recom- mend a Fire Alarm Transmitter for the Central Fire Station and the installation of four new fire alarm boxes. I suggest that this part of the program be given prompt consideration since there is very little and in some cases no fire protection where numerous expensive homes have been built. My concern in this program is of ultimate impor- tance. I have asked for funds in a supplementary budget for these valuable needs. As your fire chief, I urge the support of all in the betterment of our fire alarm system.
PERMANENT MEN
This department is undermanned. I have asked for three men in the budget to be placed at Phillips Beach Station where Engine No. 2 is housed. At present, this pumper operates with only two men. This machine protects a very highly valued district and should have a three man complement which will give us minimum coverage. I
98
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
recommend a thorough investigation be made as to the necessity of fire protection in this area. Within reason good protection doesn't cost anything. Poor protection is expensive.
CHANGES IN PERSONNEL
The result of an injury caused the retirement of our mechanic and fireman, George R. Balthazar. He was pensioned on June 21, 1951. Richard S. Rawding, who headed the Civil Service list, was appointed to fill the vacancy.
On January 4, 1952, Warren C. Dunphy, Jr., was recalled to active duty in the U. S. Air Force under special orders No. 209 (Par. 4). Eugene W. Shand was assigned to replace Mr. Dunphy.
FIRST AID
Again I wish to call the attention of our citizens to our first aid equipment and our trained personnel. We are very fortunate to have firemen L. E. Thompson and A. W. Lalime who are holders of certificates to instruct the teaching of Red Cross First Aid.
During the past year we have been called upon by many doctors and nurses to administer our inhalator equipment on their patients. In most cases it was effective in saving the patient's life. This is a very valuable branch of our service to the public, hence our men and equipment are available to the citizens of the town at any time.
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