USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1954 > Part 8
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The Massachusetts Civil Defense Agency at a meeting January 15 outlined the beginning of evacuation planning for Area I, of which Swampscott is a part.
The basic justifications for mass evacuation are three: the development of atomic weapons of tremendously greater power, one thousand or even more times as powerful as the atomic weapons used at Hiroshima. The consequent great expansion of total or very severe devastation possible in any target; and the fact that shelters of types previously viewed as adequate are quite ineffective. The increasing ability of the Soviet Union to "deliver" its increasing stockpile of atomic weapons.
In Massachusetts, three large areas and one small one are designated as Evacuation Zones. It is planned that virtually the entire population of these areas,
79
Town of Swampscott
plus those persons in adjacent communities of the Neutral Zone who do not have adequate shelter, shall evacuate from them. The total population involved is ap- proximately three million people. Swampscott, adjacent to Lynn, an evacuation area, will have to make plans for evacuation as will the other communities bounding the City of Lynn.
Even with these facts in mind, planning for mass evacuation would not be justified if we could expect little or no warning of attack. However, the increasing emphasis upon continental defense and the development of substantially better warning systems make it possible to assume a considerable increase in warning time. This in turn makes mass evacuation possible. The actual degree of success in an emergency will depend upon the thoroughness of Civil Defense planning and organization, the effectiveness of control of the actual evacuation movement, and the cooperation of the whole population based upon education as to evacuation plans and procedures.
We must, whether we like the idea or not, make plans for evacuation here in Swampscott. We all know it will be a tremendous job. Personnel of all Divisions will have to be increased, especially the Auxiliary Police, Warden and Civilian War Aid groups. Every family will have to know just what they are to do; where they are to go; and how they are to get there. We sincerely hope that we will receive the whole-hearted cooperation of every resident in Swampscott when our final plans are made ready.
To those who have taken Civil Defense lightly and have felt it unnecessary and all a waste of time, I can only say you are not playing fair with your neighbor who does believe in Civil Defense and is doing something about it; and you are letting your community down should a war time disaster strike.
To those who have joined our Civil Defense organization my sincere thanks for their support and I can assure all of an active program now that we have a definite plan to work on.
There are many who cannot take an active part in Civil Defense and there are many, a great many, who can. To these, I can only say we need your help. We have a big job to do in 1955. I only hope and pray we will get the job done in time.
Contributory Retirement System
JOHN G. MCLEARN, Chairman HAROLD R. AUSTIN I. MURRAY ADAMS, Secretary
The system now has assets of $250,000.00, an increase of $30,000.00 over 1953. Pension payments were $33,733.66 in 1954 as compared with $30,542.29 in 1953. Of this amount $4,981.39 was paid to widows whose husbands were killed on active duty.
Our members now total 162, no change from 1953, Pensioners 25, in 1953, -23.
On file in this office is a financial statement which may be examined by members.
80
1954 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
1954
26
132,191.26
126,319.17
The year 1954 will be well remembered by all the Citizens of the Town.
On August 31, 1954 the town was struck by "Hurricane Carol" followed by the "Hurricane Edna" on September 11, 1954, which caused serious trouble and destruction to the town.
Your Surveyor was on his second day of his vacation in Canada and as a result of the Hurricane returned to Swampscott to administrate the duties of his department.
The Highway Department worked three full weeks with extra men on this emergency with other departments to clear up the debris caused by these hurricanes.
As a result of the work done by this Department, the Board of Selectmen on October 7, 1954 commended the members of the Highway Department for the efficient service rendered to the town.
New sidewalks were constructed on three streets selected by the Board of Selectmen under the Continuous Sidewalk Act.
Four new streets accepted by the Town have been built to grade and surfaced, namely: Laurel Road, Shelton Road, Charlotte Road and Duke Street.
During the year, Beach Ave., Essex Ave., Maple Ave., Mountain Ave., Suffolk Ave., Alden Road and Deer Cove Road were resurfaced with a seal coating of Asphalt.
As in previous years the department cleaned Preston Beach and Whales Beach during the summer months.
Due to the hurricanes which came during the fall months some projects which had been planned by this department had to be deferred.
Two employees of this department, Peter Cassidy and George H. Coan, who worked many years for the Town and rendered faithful service were retired on pension.
Again, I am recommending that serious consideration be given to the recon- struction of Puritan Road under the Chapter 90 Highway Program.
At this time, I wish to acknowledge the cooperation of the Engineering and all other town departments, and especially to the men of my own department who rendered many hours of service during the hurricane emergency.
81
Town of Swampscott
Town Counsel
JAMES W. SANTRY, JR.
During the past year as Town Counsel, I have attended the various meetings of the Selectmen and other boards of the Town and have advised them on the various legal matters arising in the conduce of their official duties. I have prepared con- tracts for all major purchases by the various departments of the Town.
The following parcels of property were taken by eminent domain for public use:
Lots on McArthur Circle for an auxiliary standpipe for the Water Department. Land and buildings on Capen Road for Cemetery purposes.
Easements for the laying of sewer mains in Worcester Avenue, Nantucket Avenue and Coolidge Road.
Easements for the construction of a drain in the rear of the lots on Fuller Avenue.
A triangular piece of land located at the easterly end of Fishermen's Beach containing approximately 18,000 square feet of land for Park purposes.
Deeds were obtained from all parties in interest for the extension of Aspen Road to Millett Road.
The sum of $4393.36 was collected from the estates of deceased persons to reimburse the Town for Old Age Assistance rendered to owners of real estate upon whose property the Bureau of Old Age Assistance had taken liens.
One serious personal injury claim was settled with the approval of the Select- men in the sum of $750.00 and one property damage claim for damage to a boy's bicycle was settled in the sum of $42.50.
Four appeals from the valuation placed upon real estate by the Board of Assessors were heard before the Appellate Tax Board in Boston. These cases were tried on November 30, 1954 and involved the assessments made for the years 1952, 1953 and 1954. No decision has been handed down by the Appellate Tax Board on these cases as yet. At the present time, there are eight cases pending in the Appellate Tax Board.
There are two cases pending in the Superior Court for personal injuries arising out of an alleged defect in a sidewalk. There is one case pending in the Essex Superior Court arising out of alleged blasting damage on Pine Hill Road. There is. one case pending in the Superior Court for damages arising out of a water condition on Winshaw Road.
82
1954 Annual Report
Board of Health
LORING GRIMES, M.D., Chairman E. WALLACE DONALD ROBERT C. THOMSON, M.D. JOHN E. LAPLANTE, Health Officer
During the year 1954 the Board of Health received 119 death certificates from which the following figures were obtained. Our crude death rate was 10.3 per 1,000 population, and our average life expectancy at birth was 67.6 years. This death rate is slightly smaller than last year and the life expectancy has increased three tenths of a year. These figures vary slightly from the national average due to the relatively small number.
Our births totaled 187 through November 30th; 4 were stillbirths and 5 were premature births. All of the premature survived to date; however we had two infant deaths which is unusual in a community of our size.
The following list is a comparison of Communicable Diseases reported during the past 3 years:
1954
1953
1952
Chicken-pox
216
169
252
German Measles
6
14
22
Hepatitis (Infectious)
3
1
0
Measles
162
4
310
Mumps
186
41
122
Poliomyelitis (non-paralytic)
5
0
7
Salmonellosis
1
0
0
Scarlet Fever
14
12
10
Septic Sore Throat
1
0
0
Tuberculosis (pulmonary)
3
2
3
Whooping cough
7
8
10
Dental Examinations Given To All Elementary School Pupils
Diphtheria and Tetanus Immunization Clinic Held In All Elementary Schools
83
Town of Swampscott
៛
Blood Donors For Polio Field Trials
The three most common childhood diseases, Chicken-pox, Measles, and Mumps, have fluctuated considerably over the last three years as might be expected. At the close of this year the incidence of Chicken-pox and Mumps was increasing and the Measles incidence was beginning to decline. The incidence of other diseases remains approximately the same with the exception of poliomyelitis.
This year Swampscott was given the opportunity to participate in the nation wide Salk Polio vaccine field trials to test the poloi protective power of Dr. Salk's vaccine. Every child in the first three grades exclusive of kindergartens was given the opportunity to participate. The children and parents responded enthusiastically, and a total of 327 out of 742 received the vaccine. This project was only possible through the whole-hearted cooperation and assistance of our Doctors, Nurses, Parents, National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, School personnel, State Depart- ment of Public Health, Newspapers, and many other interested citizens.
The attached photo shows a group of the polio pioneers who donated blood specimens. These blood specimens are an essential part of the experiment which will show the vaccine effect on polio antibodies in the blood.
The regular immunization program was carried out with a total of 9 children who received the complete immunization treatment for Diphtheria, and Tetanus and 230 who received a booster dose. These figures have been diminishing the past
84
1954 Annual Report
few years as more patients are having the immunization performed before entering school.
Semi-annual dental examinations were performed in all the Schools from kin- dergarten through the sixth grade and the results indicate that dental hygiene con- tinues to be one of our major health problems.
The number of plumbing permits issued this year was 612 an increase of 165 over the previous year.
The annual rabies inoculation clinic was held in September and 199 dogs were inoculated out of the 543 licensed.
In conclusion we wish to acknowledge the fine cooperation and assistance received from all other municipal departments and agencies.
Sealer of Weights and Measures
C. WALTER BURRILL, Sealer Scales and Measures
Adjusted 44
Sealed 276
Not Sealed 6
Condemned 3
Trail Weighings
Tested
Correct 666
Under
Over
711
6 39
There were 804 Inspection and 128 Inspections Made.
This department extends its gratitude for the cooperation given by those who helped in my duties as Sealer.
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 twenty-eight cases heard before the Board of Appeals.
One case was appealed to the Superior Court but later withdrawn.
85
Town of Swampscott
Police Department
FRANCIS P. WALL, Chief
On November 4, 1954 Lawrence R. Corcoran was appointed a Reserve Officer to fill a vacancy created by the appointment of Charles H. Bickford to the regular force.
During the year Officers Charles H. Bickford and Herbert F. Frazier, Jr., attended and graduated from the Massachusetts State Police School. The training of Police Officers at this school has proved to be beneficial both to the Officers and to the Department.
AUXILIARY POLICE
During the year the Auxiliary Police Force has been active and is receiving general training under the direction of Captain John P. Costin. This force is available and ready for immediate service at any time.
ARRESTS
On warrant
6
Without warrant
41
Summonsed to appear in Court
17
Witness summonses served
25
Warrants served for other Police Departments
7
Summonses to appear in Court served for other Police Departments 249
OFFENCES CHARGED
Assault
2
Assault and Battery
5
Attempt to break and enter in daytime
with intent to commit larceny
1
Breaking and entering and larceny in daytime
2
Breaking and entering and larceny in nighttime
2
Breaking and entering in nighttime with intent to commit larceny
1
Breaking and entering in daytime with intent to assault
1
Breaking glass
1
Carrying revolver without permit
2
Drunkenness
30
Gaming on Lord's Day
4
Larceny
9
Motor vehicle laws:
Allowing improper person to operate motor vehicle
1
Attaching improper registration plate to motor vehicle
2
Failure to stop motor vehicle on signal of Police Officer Larceny of automobile
2
Leaving scene of accident not making self known- Property Damage 2
Operating motor vehicle after revocation of license
1
Operating motor vehicle under the influence of liquor
8
Operating motor vehicle without a license
6
Operating unregistered motor vehicle
5
Operating uninsured motor vehicle
5
Permitting improperly registered motor vehicle to be operated
1
Rounding curve in excess of 15 miles per hour
1
Using motor vehicle without authority
4
4
86
Robbery
1
Breaking and entering in daytime with intent to commit larceny .. 2
1954 Annual Report
DISPOSITION OF CASES
Appeal cases pending
3
Dismissed
2
Filed
36
Fined
29
Found not guilty
5
Probation
2
Released (Drunkenness, first offense)
16
Sentenced to Concord Reformatory
1
Sentenced to House of Correction
2
Suspended sentenced to House of Correction
4
Sentenced to State Prison
2
Turned over to Youth Service Board
3
MISCELLANEOUS
Accidents :
Automobile accidents reported and investigated
Fatalities
0)
Accidents involving personal injuries
46
Property damage only 31
Personal injuries:
Pedestrians injured
6
Bicyclists
2
Operators and passengers
67
Ambulance Service:
To Accidents
8
To false alarms
10
To fires
26
To fire in Lynn
1
Persons conveyed to Hospitals
158
Persons conveyed to Doctor's Office
4
Persons conveyed to Rest Homes
17
Persons conveyed from Hospital to home
37
Persons conveyed from Church to home
2
Persons conveyed from Hospital to Nursing Home
10
Person conveyed from Nursing Home to Hospital
1
Person conveyed from School to home
1
Persons conveyed from Nursing Home to home
2
Use of Inhalator
3
Motor Patrol Car Service:
Assistance given to sick and injured persons
42
Persons conveyed to Doctor's Office
4
Persons conveyed to Hospitals 51
Person conveyed to Lynn Infirmary
1
Persons conveyed to Nursing Home
4
Persons conveyed from Hospital to home
9
Persons conveyed from Nursing Home to home
2
To false alarm
10
To fires
26
Breaking and entering investigated
29
Complaints investigated
861
Doors and windows found open and secured
165
Duty calls made by patrolmen from police boxes
47,484
Larceny reports $50 and over investigated
36
Larceny reports under $50 investigated
52
Licenses Issued :
Bicycle licenses 205
Pistol Permits
107
Permits to perform necessary work on the Lord's Day
16
Lights in vacant buildings investigated
34
Manhole covers reported loose
11
Messages delivered for other Police Departments, etc.
105
87
Town of Swampscott
Motor Vehicle Moving Violations:
Reported to Registrar of Motor Vehicles
185
Warnings issued 96
Parking Violations: Court Summonses issued 657
Motor Vehicles tagged 1249
Persons reported missing and located 49
Residences temporarily closed and special attention given
374
Sale or transfer of motor vehicle notices filed 357
Sale of second-hand motor vehicle notices filed 174
116
Street and sidewalk defects reported
30
Sunken trenches reported
9
Trees reported down
55
Water leaks reported
14
Windows reported broken and cases investigated
68
Wires reported defective
39
DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT
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.
RECOMMENDATIONS
I recommend that the Town purchase two new motor vehicles to be used as patrol cars to replace two 1954 Chevrolet sedans which are now in use.
APPRECIATION
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-operated with me during the year.
Cemetery Department
ARTHUR E. HARDY, Superintendent
The total interments for the year 1954 were 98. All receipts for funerais, foundations, and sale of lots were paid to the Town Treasurer.
The wall along Essex Street from Danvers Road to the Chapel gate has been rebuilt.
Gates at the Cemetery have been repaired.
All damage caused by the two hurricanes has been taken care of.
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to Theodore Cooke of the Lynn Sand & Stone Co. for his gift of all pea stone used by the Cemetery Department.
To the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, the men of my department, and all other departments and their personnel who have co-operated with me during the past year, I wish to express my sincere thanks.
88
Street lamps reported out
1954 Annual Report
Board of Park Commissioners
ROLAND C. BOOMA, Chairman FREDERICK C. BURK LEWIS H. BERRY, Secretary
HOCKEY RINK
Due to heavy rains in the spring of the year, the surface of the hockey rink was inundated requiring a major repair. The repair work was not carried on until late in the fall and so late that it was not deemed advisable to apply a waterproofing compound, which has resulted in a poor season for making ice.
HURRICANES
On August 31st, the town was struck by the worst hurricane in our history, named by the weather bureau, Carol, and eleven days later the second hurricane struck causing additional damage, this time called Edna. The combination of the two storms caused more damage to public trees than the previous one in 1938. A total, exceeding five hundred trees, was a loss from which we will never complete- iy recover. Badly damaged trees that were not blown over had to be removed and for several years we will be pruning torn, broken, and hanging branches. Nature has a remarkable way of compensating for damage, but a large replanting program must be started in the spring.
Through the cooperation and confidence extended by the Board of Selectmen and all other town departments, funds and man-power were made available to clear the town in rapid time. Cleaning up was only a small part of the problem; where to dispose of the debris was the big question, which was solved by the public spirit of Mr. Theodore Cooke, who allowed the stumps to be dumped at one location and the debris over the quarry wall to be burned in a huge fire. It was a remarkable piece of cooperation between the townspeople and the operating departments, which only proves the close bonds in time of common disaster.
MOTH
The spraying season was highlighted by the loss of the hydraulic spray machine from a flash fire. We are indebted to Captain Frank Maitland and his men from the Phillips Beach station for putting out the fire in a very effecient manner. Because of adequate insurance coverage, we were able to have an entire new spray rig in operation in less than two weeks.
Except for the Japanese beetle, no other insect was in access.
DUTCH ELM
Thirty elms that were either dead or infected with Dutch Elm disease were removed previous to the hurricanes. We look forward to increased trouble next year due to the many torn branches and possible nesting spots of the elm bark beetles. By the rate we are losing elms, they will be extinct in town in ten years.
LITTLE LEAGUE
A very successful first season was carried on by the newly formed Little League. The league management for the most part, was made up of interested parents and devoted baseball fans. We wish to congratulate them on the fine job they did in making a very successful season. Our part consisted in making playing fields
89
Town of Swampscott
available for the boys. Practice fields were made at Jackson, Abbott, and Phillips Park and a temporary game field was put in at Phillips Park. This field was made possible by the loan of a snow fence from the Massachusetts Department of Public Works. As the season progressed it became apparent that this field was inadequate and so a search was made for a new location for a permanent site. We were able to start a new field at the rear of Jackson Park, bordering the Greenway, and given a big impetus by the gift of the First Church Congregational of enough turf to sod the entire infield, we feel that the field will be in use next spring.
RECREATION PROJECT
The usual summer recreational project was carried on at all three parks under the able supervision of Mr. Richard Stevenson, a member of the High school faculty, ar assistant football coach, and baseball coach. End of the season trips were enjoyed to Cranes' Beach for the girls and to Fenway Park for the boys. The Upper Swamp- scott Improvement Association continued its generosity in awarding achievement prizes.
BLANEY BEACH
This marks our first year of taking over the cleaning of Fisherman's Beach. As it was a new undertaking, we strove to do our best and believe that a creditable job was done.
We were fortunate in having two fine lifeguards in Joseph Hines and Fred Johnson, and are pleased to say that when the emergency arose, they were found ready and contributed greatly in saving a life. They also conducted swimming classes for little tots.
After many years of fine service, the life boat wore out and a new one is now being built to replace it.
By action of the town meeting, the lower end of Fisherman's Beach, a small triangular plot opposite Orient Court, now comes under our jurisdiction.
We acknowledge with thanks, services rendered us by the Engineering Depart- ment, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and all other departments that made it possible for us to do a better job.
Rent Control Board
WILLIAM H. MCINTYRE, Chairman SPENCER E. OLSON, Secretary JOHN R. COOPER LOUIS A. HERSHMAN
EVERETT C. HOWE
The Board has met periodically, holding a total of twelve meetings. Sixty-two petitions were received to be acted upon: fifty-five requests for increases were granted; and seven requests for increases were denied. The Board adjusted the maximum rent in one case by mutual agreement between the landlord and tenant.
The cost of administering the Rent Control law for the year was $1374.75. $1331.25 was paid as salary to Mrs. Phyllis Doane, part-time clerk, and $43.50 was paid out for office expenses.
90
1954 Annual Report
Housing Authority
GERALD H. PASHBY, Chairman
DAVID F. DOHERTY
EUGENE S. MOREAU
THOMAS W. DUNCAN JOHN A. MASSEY
We would be lacking in gratitude if we did not acknowledge the work of the various town departments and the State Housing Board who gave unselfishly of their time and efforts to advance the cause of the veterans housing program in the town.
The debts of the Authority are not the debts of the Town as the Authority is independent of the Town. However, four of the members are elected while the fifth member is appointed by the State Housing Board for a five-year term. The other four members are elected for a five-year term with staggered expiration dates, guarantee- ing a majority of experienced members to carry out the business of the Authority.
Officers are elected annually and consist of a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer. The Authority receives little or no compensation for their many hours of service except satisfaction of participating in a program designed to help those veterans in need.
In September we completed the annual re-examination of family income. Rents were adjusted in accordance with management program. One tenant was found to be in the over-income group and he was duly notified to vacate the premises within a reasonable time.
The number of eligible applications are steadily increasing because of the Korean War dischargees and migratory shift in veteran population.
During the latter part of the year we investigated complaints of excessive fuel bills and minimum benefits received. It was found that complaints were justified. A survey was made and it was found that by installing a steel type of combination storm and screen window on all first floor windows of all buildings the problem would be solved. Approval was received by the State Housing Board and the matter will be attended to in the coming year.
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