USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1953 > Part 6
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I can only say to those apathetic citizens that Civil Defense is here to stay. There must be a basic CD organization in each community in the United States regardless of size or location and community Civil Defense can be effective only if the families of the community are solidly behind it and willing to give time and effort to make it work.
There is another value in Civil Defense which is becoming more apparent by the day - its peacetime use in natural disasters. Tornadoes struck terror in four major cities in 1953. The tornadoes have proved that the value of adequate Civil Defense organization is not limited to the problematical dropping of the atomic or hydrogen bomb. It is important right now in the handling of misery dealt out by nature itself.
We in Swampscott as in many other towns and cities were asked to send help and equipment to the city of Worcester and the surrounding towns struck by the tornado June 9 of last year. I want to take this opportunity to thank Fred Burk, Deputy Director of our CD Rescue Division and the men he sent to Westboro for the work they did in aiding this stricken town, Chief Lampard and members of his department, Auxiliary Chief Lawrence Sager and members of our Auxiliary Fire Division who made many trips to the disaster areas of Worcester, Chief Frank Wall, Auxiliary Chief Charles Scanlon and members of our Auxiliary Police Divi- sion who volunteered for police duty in Worcester. We are very fortunate to have in the Town of Swampscott under Civil Defense two groups of men that are trained, fully equipped and ready to supplement or aid our regular departments should the occasion arise.
We have during the past year completed our warning system with the instal- ling of five air raid sirens and as required by the State will continue to make weekly tests at noon Saturdays.
The staffing of personnel for the many divisions of our CD organization has been completed and at the present time there are close to five hundred men and women enrolled in our set-up. However, we need many more, particularly in our Air Raid Warden Service and urge anyone interested to contact the Deputy Directors of this Division.
ORGANIZATION PLAN
EXECUTIVE STAFF
Supervising Authority
Director of Civil Defense
Board of Selectmen Robert O'Neill
Associate Directors Howard L. Hamill, Ralph I. Lindsey, Harold P. Willett
59
SWAMPSCOTT AUXILIARY POLICE
1953 Annual Report
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Chairman
Roland W. Estey
Frederick R. Champion
Edward K. Hempel
Roland C. Booma
Mrs. Edward K. Hempel
Theodore C. Cooke
Clement Kennedy
Patrick J. Cryan
Philip L. Knowlton
Alfred N. Frazier
Mrs. Madeline D. Koch
Charles B. Fontaine
Ralph I. Lindsey
Mrs. Charles B. Fontaine
Malcolm F. Maclean, Jr.
Samuel Freedman
Ernest Manchin
Otto W. Friedman
Harold P. Willett
Dr. Loring Grimes
Vincent P. O'Brien
Howard L. Hamill
Ralph L. Williams
Harold C. Hudson
Robert O'Neill
DIVISION 1 - FIRE SERVICE
Deputy Director
Chief Charles H. Lampard
Regular Fire Department
Chief Charles H. Lampard
Auxiliary Fire Department
Auxiliary Chief Lawrence Sager
DIVISION 2 - POLICE SERVICE
Deputy Director Regular Police Department
Chief Francis P. Wall
Chief Francis P. Wall
Auxiliary Police Department
Auxiliary Chief Charles Scanlon
Demonstration of Rescue Work by Aux. Fire Department during Fire Prevention Week.
61
Town of Swampscott
DIVISION 3 - PUBLIC WARNING AND PROTECTION
Deputy Directors . Donald C. Goss, Ralph Pierce, Otto Friedman, Bruce Hamlin Warning System Air Raid Warden Service Incident Control
Ralph Pierce
Donald C. Goss
Otto Friedman
Fire Guards
Bruce Hamlin
DIVISION 4 - MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICE
Deputy Directors Dr. Loring Grimes, H. Allen Durkee, John E. LaPlante
Medical Aid
Dr. Loring Grimes
Health Services
H. Allen Durkee
First Aid George E. Hutchinson
Nursing Service Mrs. Robert Mansfield
Emergency Hospital Facilities
Dr. H. M. Lowd
Medical and Health Supplies
E. Wallace Donald
Morgue and Burial Service John E. LaPlante
DIVISION 5 - RESCUE, EVACUATION AND TRANSPORTATION
Deputy Director
Frederick C. Burk
Rescue and Demolition
A. A. Backman, Felice D'Agnese
Highway Maintenance and Repair
Timothy J. Ryan
Public Shelters
Raymond O. Doane
Evacuation and Transportation
Charles Green & Son
DIVISION 6 - UTILITIES
Deputy Director
Chester Bradley Chester Bradley
Gas and Electricity
Harold Ayer (Lynn Gas Co.) Brian Sullivan (NE Tel. & Tel.)
Telephone
DIVISION 7 - CIVILIAN WAR AID
Deputy Directors Walter Ranger, Barrie White, Norbert Ulman Elizabeth McKenna
Registration and Information
Evacuee Housing Raymond O. Doane
Mass Shelter Mr. and Mrs. Edward K. Hempel
Mass Feeding
Lewis Athanas Barrie M. White
Financial Aid
Walter Ranger
Rehabilitation
Donald Redfern
Care of Aged and Sick
Mrs. Grace Whiteacre
DIVISION 8 - ADMINISTRATION
Deputy Director
Personnel Pool Records
Malcolm F. Maclean, Jr. Newton S. Courtney Lois Munsey John G. McLearn
Supply Bureau
SPECIAL SERVICE STAFF
Mutual Aid
Alfred N. Frazier Keith L. Jordan
Training
Communications and Control Center
Ralph Pierce, Wilbur Fuller
Special Weapons Defense Theodore C. Sargent
SPECIAL COORDINATING STAFF
Legal Advisor
James W. Santry, Jr., Town Counsel
Fiscal Advisors
Harold P. Willett, Chairman Finance Committee Robert G. Byrne, Town Treasurer Richard Coughlin A. Doris Whipple
Public Relations
Chief Clerk
AMERICAN RED CROSS LIASON
First Aid Emergency Housing Disaster Committee Nurses Aides
George E. Hutchinson Andrew R. Linscott Fred Seaton Mrs. Robert Mansfield
62
Water and Sewerage Maintenance
Clothing
1953 Annual Report
Highway Department
TIMOTHY J. RYAN, Surveyor
Year
Employees
Budget
Expenditures
1949
26
118,209.40
110,803.33
1950
26
108,490.68
102,563.64
1951
26
111,584.91
109,415.81
1952
26
131,579.79
118,715.64
1953
26
129,491.26
122,255.29
Statistics issued in the annual departmental reports indicate that in the past two years new building has increased our valuation by approximately three million dollars. This current growth affects the demand on all departments for added services and this is particularly true in its demand on the Highway Department.
As a result of the new homes being built there are many more requests for the construction of residential streets and sidewalks. The Highway Department has to maintain 47 miles of accepted streets and with its present force they have been able to keep up with this increase in service.
New sidewalks were constructed during the year on ten streets designated by the Board of Selectmen. Swampscott is doing this work under the Continuous Sidewalk Act which means that the abutters pay for half of the material used in the construction of the sidewalks.
Ten new streets accepted by the Town have been built to grade and surfaced. There is one other street under construction which will be completed in the spring. In addition to these, Orchard Circle, Orchard Road, Nason Road, Neighborhood Road, Cedar Road and Lewis Road were seal coated with an asphalt oil.
Other projects which are in the province of other town departments were com- pleted under the Highway Surveyor's supervision as a means of economizing in the expenditure of the taxpayers' monies as follows:
Construction of a storm drain at the junction of Thomas and Elmwood Road.
Repair of storm drain in Phillips Beach section.
Repair of fence at Fisherman's Beach.
Cleaned Fisherman's Beach, New Ocean House Beach and Preston Beach, each working day during summer months.
All catch basins that take care of surface water were cleaned twice during the spring and fall of the year.
Many other details too numerous to mention were taken care of during the year. A record of these are kept at the office of the Highway Department.
During the year three employees who worked in the department and gave faith- ful service to the town were retired on pension, namly: Albert Devitt, John Clarke and Woodbury L. Rodrick.
Mr. Rodrick who left the department on September 11, 1953 did not have many days of retirement, as the great Creator took him from us on October 20, 1953.
63
Town of Swampscott
Also during the year James Dolan who served the town for twenty-five years passed away on January 22, 1953.
Once again it is recommended that consideration be given to the reconstruc- tion of Puritan Road. As this is a Chapter 90 Highway this project would have to be taken care of by the Board of Selectmen, the State and the County.
Town Counsel
JAMES W. SANTRY, JR.
During the year the cases resulting from the land takings for the addition to the Stanley School and for the extension of the cemetery were settled satisfactorily to all parties concerned.
The necessary easements were taken for the extension of water mains in the Foster Dam area.
Several small claims against the Town were settled for the total sum of $251.77.
One case was tried before the Appellate Tax Board which was an ap- peal from the valuation placed upon a parcel of land in Swampscott by the As- sessors. The decision of the Appellate Tax Board was in favor of the Town As- sessors' valuation.
The land for the widening of Humphrey Street between the railroad tracks and Salem Street was taken by the County Commissioners by eminent domain and conferences have been held concerning this matter and the cost of the land takings with the various parties in interest.
The sum of $3559.77 was collected from various estates of deceased persons to reimburse the Town for Old Age Assistance rendered to owners of real estate. The sum of $649.80 was collected and forwarded to the Collector for taxes abated by the Assessors and re-assessed after the death of the taxpayer under the provisions of Chapter 227 of the Acts of 1941.
During the year, I have attended the various meetings of the Selectmen and other boards and officers and have advised them and prepared contracts for the various departments on all major purchases. The contract for the addition to the Stanley School was examined and approved as well as the contract for the grad- ing of the play area in connection with that project.
At the present time the following matters are pending:
Nine cases before the Appellate Tax Board.
One case in the Essex Superior Court arising out of alleged blasting damage on Pine Hill Road.
One case arising out of the widening of Humphrey Street under Chapter 90 which will be cleared up early in 1954.
There is also pending one claim not yet in suit for personal injuries arising out of a sidewalk defect.
64
1953 Annual Report
Board of Health
LORING GRIMES, M.D., Chairman H. ALLEN DURKEE E. WALLACE DONALD JOHN E. LAPLANTE, Health Officer
'Public Health is Purchasable" a familiar quotation in the Public Health field brings to the attention of the taxpayer the favorable recult of money expended through Public Health Agencies.
One index for a country's health status is its citizen's average life expectancy. Here in the United States health education and medical advances have contributed greatly to our increased life expectancy over the past few decades. To illustrate this fact, the life expectancy in 1909 was 52 years, while in 1952 this figure had increased to 67 years.
Here in Swampscott our average age of death was 67.4 years for 1953, and cur crude death rate was 10.5 per 1,000 population, a rate which is approximately the same as last year. Our deaths total 122, a decrease of 2 from 1952. Of these deaths, 79 were caused from diseases of the heart and circulatory system, 25 were caused from malignant growths, accidents claimed 3 lives and 2 more were caused from pneumonia.
During this year the Board of Health received 174 birth reports through Oc- tober ninth; 10 of which were premature. The total number of births for the year is unavailable due to delayed reports from other communities. Of the premature births, all survived except one. New techniques in the care of premature infants has greatly increased their chance of survival.
The following list is a comparison of communicable diseases reported during the past three years:
Diseases
1953
1952
1951
Chicken Pox
169
252
47
German Measles
14
22
6
Measles
4
310
237
Meningitis
1
0
0
Mumps
41
122
14
Poliomyelitis
0
7
1
Scarlet Fever
12
10
5
Tuberculosis (Pulmonary)
2
3
2
Tuberculosis (Other Forms)
1
0
0
Whooping Cough
8
10
21
Infectious Hepatitis
1
0
0
Most all of the common childhood diseases have shown a decrease this year. Of special interest is the number of measles cases. This low incidence, compared to the previous years, indicates that most of the susceptible persons contracted measles by the end of 1952 leaving a very small number of susceptible persons in 1953. This low incidence may be anticipated for a year or so until the number of susceptible individuals again increases sufficiently to permit another epidemic. One case of meningitis and one case of infectious hepatitis were reported this year. We are pleased to note that no cases of poliomyelitis occurred in our community.
65
Town of Swampscott
The noticeable decline over the past fifty years in such communicable di- seases as Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Smallpox, and Typhoid Fever can be attributed in a large measure to the success of Public Health Agencies in the control of such diseases in the community. An example of how some of the diseases have been brought under control is illustrated by our immunization pro- gram.
In 1943, 142 children in the schools in Swampscott were immunized against Diphtheria, which included giving a Schick Test and then if child had a positive reaction 3 doses of Toxoid were given. At this time many children received no protection against the diseases because their parents were ignorant of the immunity benefits and refused to have them immunized. However, as the facts demonstrated the merits of immunization more parents permitted their children to be immunized and in 1953 there were only 27 children entering Swampscott schools who had not been immunized during infancy or the pre-school stage. It is also interesting to note that parents are now seeking advice in relation to the time the infants should start immunization.
In our Dental Health Program we have noted an increasing interest on the part of both parent and child to start regular dental care early. Dental examina- tions twice a year in the Swampscott Schools bring to the attention of the parents dental defects which need correcting, and follow-up visits into the home help to obtain results.
The annual rabies inoculation clinic was held in September and 190 dogs were inoculated out of the 621 licensed dogs.
The new Plumbing By-Laws were adopted at the Annual Town Meeting and the residents of Swampscott are now protected with a modern plumbing code which is being efficiently and diligently administered. Since our present inspector of plumbing, who first proposed this revision of the Plumbing By-Laws, has been on the job the yearly number of permits issued has increased 234 percent to date.
The Board of Health has also adopted a new set of regulations to bring their restaurant sanitation code up to date.
In conclusion, we wish to state that the Public Health Program is necessarily of a dynamic nature, always changing as needs change, with emphasis on all health problems which affect every person living in our community.
Board of Appeals
C. GLOVER BOWES, Chairman
EUSTIS B. GRIMES
T. PAUL CORCORAN
JOHN S. MCKENNEY, A. BRUCE DURKEE, Associate Members
During the past year there were thirty-two cases heard before the Board of Appeals.
One case was heard before the Emergency Housing Commission in Boston.
66
1953 Annual Report
Police Department
FRANCIS P. WALL, Chief
During the year Samuel Hooper who retired from this department on April 1, 1940 died on September 12th. He served the town as a regular patrolman from 1921 to 1940. He was a capable and efficient member of the department. Officer Hooper was a Veteran of World War I.
Officer Frank T. Roach, regular member of the department, was retired on pension on October 1, 1953. Officer Roach served in the department for thirty- three years.
On May 15, 1953 Francis M. Cahoon was appointed a permanent Patrolman from the Reserve list and resigned from the department on November 1, 1953.
On September 24, 1953 John R. Daley was appointed a permanent Patrol- man from the Reserve list.
On December 29, 1953 Charles H. Bickford was appointed a permanent Pat- rolman from the Reserve list to fill a vacancy caused by the retirement of Officer Trank T. Roach.
On June 4, 1953 Anthony D'Agnese was appointed a Reserve Officer to fill a vacancy resulting from the appointment of Francis M. Cahoon to the regular force.
On October 22, 1953 Joseph A. McHugh was appointed a Reserve Officer to fill a vacancy resulting from the appointment of John R. Daley to the regular force.
During the year Officers John R. Daley and William J. Carlin attended and graduated from the Massachusetts State Police Training School. This training proved to be very beneficial to the officers and the department.
During the year the Auxiliary Police Force has been active and is receiving general training under the direction of Captain John P. Costin, assisted by Officer Harold J. Keating. This force is ready and available for immediate service at any time.
An honor was bestowed upon the town during the year by the presentation of two citations. One presented by the National Safety Council, the other by the American Automobile Association. These awards were in recognition of the ac- complishment in completing the year of 1952 without a fatal motor vehicle traffic accident within the municipal limits of the town.
The equipment of this department is regularly inspected and tested and no effort is spared to have it ready for instant use at all times.
I recommend that the Town purchase two new motor vehicles to be used as patrol cars to replace a 1951 and a 1952 DeSoto Sedan which are now in use. I also recommend the purchase of a new motorcycle to replace a 1949 Harley-David- son Motorcycle.
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Board of Selectmen, to the members of my department, to the officers and members of the Auxiliary Police, to all Town departments, and to all others who have co-cperated with me during the year.
67
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1=
OLD FISHERMAN'S BEACH
1953 Annual Report
Board of Park Commissioners
ROLAND C. BOOMA, Chairman FREDERICK C. BURK LEWIS H. BERRY, Secretary
This year closed with the majority of man hours expended on the maintenance of existing facilities, such as the care and upkeep of lawns, shrubs and shade trees. Work projects completed were; the repointing of the old wall on the Burrill Street side of the administration building grounds (we believe the first time in over 100 years), the top dressing and reseeding the stadium, and the extension of the play field at the rear of Phillips Park. In addition a great deal of silvicultural work was done in the wooded area of Jackson Park.
The summer recreation project continued its popularity to the extent that three neighboring towns have made inquiries to set up similar projects in their communi- ties. The Upper Swampscott Improvement Association again extended its fine support and generosity by awarding prizes at the end of the season.
Shade tree work was hampered by the necessary work in removing dead and dis- eased elm trees.
The helicopter method of spraying was again used. Thirty-four elm trees were removed due to the Dutch Elm Disease.
The Japanese beetle is still with us. Chlordane and a 50% powered D. D. T. were used in control methods.
The exhaustion of the supply of shade trees from our own nursery and the country-wide shortage of trees, has retarded the planting of the newly developed sections.
Fisherman's Beach continues over-populated during the warm spells with a minimum of problems.
We wish to record the death of a very loyal employee, Mr. Albert R. Martin, who gave many years in the service of the Town as a tree expert.
At this time we acknowledge the co-operation of all Town departments, the new athletic director (Mr. Stanley Bondelevitch), the civic groups, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the garden clubs, and the many interested citizens.
Sealer of Weights and Measures
C. WALTER BURRILL, Sealer
Scales and Measures
Adjusted 38
Sealed 342
Not Sealed 12
Condemned 5
Trial Weighings
Tested
1235
Correct 1173 18
Under Over 44
There were 1289 Inspections and 54 Tests made.
This department extends its gratitude for the cooperation given by those who helped in my duties as Sealer.
69
HOUSING UNIT OF THE VETERANS' PROJECT
Photo Newton P. Courtney
1953 Annual Report
Housing Authority
JOHN A. MASSEY. Chairman
THOMAS W. DUNCAN GERALD H. PASHBY
DAVID F. DOHERTY ROBERT L. YASI
Due to the rise in cost of living expenses and subsequent wage increases it became necessary for the Authority to make the following changes in our manage- ment program:
Admission Limits :
a. families with one minor dependent increased from $3250.00 to $3650.00
b. families with two minor dependents increased from 3375.00 to 3775.00
c. families with three minor dependents increased from 3500.00 to 3900.00 Continued Occupancy Limits :
a. families with one minor dependent increased from $3750.00 to $3900.00
b. families with two minor dependents increased from 3875.00 to 4025.00
c. families with three minor dependents increased from 4000.00 to 4150.00 Rents and Income Limits in relation to the tenant's net family income:
a. 18% for families with one minor dependent
b. 16% for families with two minor dependents
c. 14% for families with three minor dependents
(The Authority with the view of establishing equitable rents in relation to family compositions established a $100.00 deductable from total family income for each minor dependent child in excess of three in number.)
The Authority feels that the foregoing schedule now provides for all family sizes and eases the financial burden on the tenants.
In no case can the monthly rental of the project fall below the average month of $34.50 in order that the project may function on a sound financial basis. The average monthly rental for project amounted to $40.00 for the year 1953.
During the year the Authority could visualize the change in the economic structure and decided whereas rents were high which reflected in our increased income that it would be advisable to make the following necessary improvements without increasing our subsidation.
One of the aggravating problems confronting the Authority was the fact that there were twenty-six parking spaces for thirty-six tenants. The matter was thor- oughly studied and discussed and upon proper approval the Authority enlarged the parking areas to accommodate thirty-six vehicles or one per tenant. This con- tract was awarded to the lowest bidder for the price of $1095.00.
The Authority was very fortunate to have the exterior of nine multiple build- ings painted by a reliable contractor for the low bid of $2340.00.
During the year the Legislature enacted legislation to provide housing for el- derly persons, over sixty-five, in the low income group. The matter was studied in detail and upon the recommendation of good authority it was voted to make pre- liminary application for ten units which the Authority is eligible for under the existing formula. The final decision will be made by the State Housing Board.
71
Town of Swampscott
Since the initial occupancy date, July 1950, up to the present date we have had over a 50% turnover in tenants which in our opinion the project is fulfilling its obligations by providing low income veterans and their families with a chance to get on their feet and at the same time enjoy good housing at a minimum cost.
Our subsidy from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the year 1953 amounted to $6,195.73 which is considerably less than the $10,150.00 that could be obtained for debt requirements.
A program of preventive maintenance is continually followed by the Authority. The project is inspected as often as advisable so to ensure that defective conditions be rectified before they become major repair problems. The usual problems in- cident to public housing were incurred during the year, mainly with repairs to domestic equipment, minor repairs inside and outside of buildings, painting, re- placements, and grounds.
It is worthwhile to mention that we have applications for re-occupancy, indi- cating that some families who were forced to move for various reasons were only too glad for the opportunity to re-enter the better housing facilities they once were privileged to enjoy.
The Housing Authorities throughout the Commonwealth and the State Hous- ing Board felt that whereas the communities are constantly facing rising tax rates that the Veterans' Housing Program should assume a greater portion of the tax load by adopting a new formula for computing the payment in lieu of taxes. The old formula of taking five percent of the shelter rent was replaced by a fixed rate of $3.00 per unit month. This figure represents over $350.00 more than the Authority would have paid under the old computation. A total of $1,296.00 was paid to the Town of Swampscott representing payment in lieu of taxes for 1953.
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