USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1955 > Part 8
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Public and inter-departmental hearings have been held relative to the sewage and drainage problems existing in the Phillips Beach Avenue area, and these hearings brought out the need for a comprehensive survey in this locality to determine the best means of sewerage and drainage. Temporary repairs have been made to the lower part of the existing surface drain; however, a permanent drain and sewer are imperative and it is hoped that they will soon be constructed.
In keeping with a recent town policy, this report is largely submitted in narra- tive and any further information may be obtained from our office.
Department of Civil Defense
ROBERT O'NEILL, Director
I stated in my Annual Report for 1954 that Swampscott had been designated by the State Civil Defense Agency as being in the Evacuation Zone of Area 1, and we must make plans to evacuate whether we like the idea or not. We have, during the past year, endeavored to complete these plans. Our first move was to hold a series of meetings to acquaint the residents of the Town and our Civil Defense personnel of the over-all plans as outlined by the State Agency, and just how we proposed to put these plans into operation in Swampscott.
Evacuation questionnaires were delivered to each home with the request they be filled out and returned to the Director of Civil Defense. More than 2600 of these questionnaires were returned. Our next move was to make a complete survey of the Town to determine just how each section would be routed to join the Evacuation Route-Paradise Road or Route 1-A, the shortest, easiest and quickest possible way. A map has been prepared with this information, as well as designated assembly points throughout the Town, Dispersal Points for our C.D. Services and just what Reception Area has been assigned the residents of Swampscott. These maps will be distributed to every home just as soon as we receive the green light from State Headquarters. Meetings have been held with Civil Defense Directors of neighboring communities and plans made for the routing of evacuees from Swamp- scott through their Cities and Towns.
I would like to include in this report some facts on local Civil Defense Organization as covered in a recent bulletin from the Massachusetts Civil Defense Agency.
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1955 Annual Report
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 and committees of the Town and have advised them on the various legal matters arising in the conduct of their official duties. I have prepared contracts for all major purchases by the various departments of the Town including the contracts for the Library addition and the Library lighting.
I have prepared the warrants for the annual and the special town meetings held during the year and prepared all necessary votes in connection therewith.
Three important matters were litigated during the year. The first were the petitions for declaratory judgment for writs of mandamus brought by Hinch, Mait- land and Picariello against the Selectmen of the Town of Swampscott arising out of the referendum called under the wage articles on votes passed at the Annual Town Meeting. These cases were fully tried before Judge Paul A. Kirk of the Superior Court and resulted in a dismissal of the actions thus sustaining the action of the Board of Selectmen in calling a referendum on these articles as petitioned for by the requisite number of registered voters of the Town.
The second action involved the petition for referendum under Articles 2, 3, 7 and 8 of the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting of June 27, 1955 and was a petition for declaratory judgment brought by Irene M. Guay and nine other tax- payers of the Town against the Board of Selectmen and the Town Clerk alleging that the form in which the questions were to be submitted to the voters at large was improper and illegal. After a hearing upon the return of the order of notice, Judge Jessie W. Morton of the Superior Court sitting in Boston refused to issue an injunction restraining the holding of the special referendum election and the election was duly held. Thereafter, by agreement, the petition was dismissed.
The third matter was the appeal from the decision of the Board of Selectmen in granting a common victualer's all-alcoholic restaurant license to the Hawthorne- By-the-Sea Restaurant. Upon appeal to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commis- sion, the action of the Board of Selectmen in issuing the license was upheld.
Two cases were called for trial in the Appellate Tax Board in which the valua- tion placed on property by the Board of Assessors of the Town of Swampscott was challenged. Neither of these appeals came to trial and the appellants each withdrew and the valuations of the Board of Assessors were sustained.
One serious personal injury claim was settled by the Board of Selectmen in accordance with the vote of the Town and three minor claims were settled with the approval of the Board of Selectmen with funds transferred from the Reserve to the Law Others Account.
One fireman was sued as a result of an accident in which a piece of fire appa- ratus was involved. I have appeared as Town Counsel defending this action. The insurance company covering the truck involved in this accident paid the Town the sum of $300.00 to repair the damages done to the fire apparatus in this accident. This case is now pending in the District Court of Southern Essex.
Two cases brought by a resident of Pine Hill Road alleging damage to his
81
Town of Swampscott
property arising from the blasting done by independent contractors when work was being done in Pine Hill Road were dismissed as against the Town of Swampscott.
There are six cases pending before the Appellate Tax Board against the Town. There is one case pending in the Superior Court for personal injuries arising out of an alleged defect in the sidewalk. There is one case pending in the Superior Court for damages arising out of a water condition on Winshaw Road.
World War II Memorial Fund
ERNEST MANCHIN, Chairman PHILIP H. STAFFORD, Secretary BENJAMIN GOLDBERG
CLEMENT KENNEDY JOHN R. COOPER
DAVID F. DOHERTY ALBERT F. PASHBY
Two features of this year's program are, the increase to the Trustees of the amount of the scholarship from $250.00 to $300.00 and a trial solicitation by mail for contributions to the Fund, which proved successful. The contributions received totaled $369.00 with expenses of $18.50. There was an additional expense of $12.50 for certificates which were given to those who were awarded scholarships for the past five years.
A contribution was also received from the Swampscott High School class of 1946 in the amount of $33.00.
A Trustee in addition to a contribution made available the necessary clerical service for soliciting contributions for the Fund, for which sincere thanks are extended.
The $300.00 scholarship was awarded to Sandra Strong who enrolled at University of Massachusetts.
The balance of the Fund as of December 31, 1955 follows:
Salem Five Cents Savings Bank
$5,545.37
Salem Savings Banks
5,599.91
Provident Institution for Savings
109.74
Total Balance $11,255.02
Balance due Virginia M. Donald
50.00
Net Balance as of December 31, 1955 $11,205.02
The total of the scholarships awarded to date $ 1,300.00
At the Annual Meeting, which was held October 5, 1955 at the New Ocean House, the Trustees formally accepted the contribution received from the Swamp- scott High School Class of 1946. The plan for soliciting contributions through the mail was set up. Ernest Manchin was elected Chairman and Philip H. Stafford was elected Secretary for the coming year.
The Swampscott World Ward II Memorial Fund welcomes gifts and bequests. It is suggested that those contemplating gifts or bequests, confer with any Trustee of the Fund. A letter received from the U. S. Treasury Department, states: "Contri- butions made to the Fund are deductible by the donors in computing their taxable net income, etc."
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1955 Annual Report
Police Department
FRANCIS P. WALL, Chief
On June 24, 1955 Officer Joseph L. Shanahan regular member of this depart- hent was retired on pension. Officer Shanahan had served in the department for thirty years.
On June 24, 1955 Stephen J. Boraizia was appointed a permanent patrolman from the reserve list to fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of Officer Joseph L. Shanahan.
On July 28, 1955 Francis A. Losano was appointed a Reserve Officer to fill a vacancy resulting from the appointment of Stephen J. Boraizia to the regular force.
Officers James E. Hanley and John Stone attended and graduated from the Massachusetts State Police School. The training of these officers has proven to be beneficial both to the officers and to the department.
During the year there were twelve School Traffic Policewomen appointed. This trained uniformed force supervises the safety of children going to and from school and is doing excellent work.
AUXILIARY POLICE
The Auxiliary Police under the direction of the Captain John P. Costin has been active during the year in assisting the regular force in many police functions. This force is ready for immediate service at any time.
ARRESTS
On warrant
16
Without warrant
34
Summonsed to appear in Court
10
Witness summonses served
33
Warrants served for other Police Departments
6
Summonses to appear in Court served for other Police Departments 255
OFFENCES CHARGED
Assault and battery
5
Assault and battery with dangerous weapon
1
Attempted larceny
3
Being present at card game on the Lord's Day
9
Breaking and entering and larceny in daytime
2
Breaking and entering and larceny in nighttime
4
Carrying a gun without a permit
1
Disorderly conduct
2
Drunkenness
20
Larceny
4
Unlawfully setting off explosive
1
Non-Support of wife and children
1
Threats
1
Violation of conditions of probation
1
Motor vehicle laws:
Failure to obey traffic signal
1
Leaving scene of accident-not making self known- property damage
2
Operating motor vehicle after revocation of license
1
Operating motor vehicle after right has been suspended
1
Operating motor vehicle so as to endanger
1
Operating motor vehicle under the influence of liquor
4
Operating motor vehicle without a license
3
Using motor vehicle without authority 1
83
Town of Swampscott
DISPOSITION OF CASES
Dismissed
5
Filed
9
Fined
23
Found not guilty
3
Released (Drunkenness, first offense)
11
Sentenced to Concord Reformatory
Sentenced to House of Correction
3
Suspended sentence to House of Correction
1
Suspended sentence to Youth Service Board
5
MISCELLANEOUS
Accidents:
Automobile accidents reported and investigated
Fatalities
1
Accidents involving personal injuries
48
Property damage only
46
Personal injuries:
Pedestrians injured
12
Bicyclists
4
Operators and passengers
62
Ambulance Service:
To accidents
13
To false alarms
17
To fires
54
Persons conveyed to Hospitals
190
Persons conveyed to Doctor's Office
5
Persons conveyed to Rest Homes
6
Persons conveyed from Hospital to home
42
Persons conveyed from Nursing Home to another Nursing Home
Persons conveyed from Hospital to another Hospital
5
Persons conveyed from Hospital to Nursing Home
15
Persons conveyed from Nursing Home to home
3
Persons conveyed from Nursing Home to Hospital
1
Persons conveyed from Church to home
1
Use of Inhalator
2
Motor Patrol Service:
Assistance given to sick and injured persons
37
Persons conveyed to Doctor's office
1
Persons conveyed to Hospitals
39
Persons conveyed from Hospital to home
T
Persons conveyed from Nursing Home to Hospital
3
Person conveyed from Nursing Home to home
1
Person conveyed from Hospital to another Hospital
1
Person conveyed from Nursing Home to another Nursing Home 1
Breaking and entering investigated
24
Complaints investigated
691
Doors and windows found open and secured
111
Duty calls made by patrolmen from police boxes
45,205
Larceny reports $50 and over investigated
14
Larceny reports under $50 investigated
33
Licenses issued :
Bicycle licenses 135
Pistol permits
120
Permits to perform necessary work on the Lord's Day
11
Lights in vacant buildings investigated
26
Manhole covers reported loose
5
Messages delivered for other Police Departments, etc.
142
84
Suspended sentence to State Farm
1955 Annual Report
Motor Vehicle Moving Violations:
Reported to Registrar of Motor Vehicles
155
Warnings issued 98
Parking violations:
Failure to report on violation notice-Court Summons issued
70
Motor vehicles tagged
3,649
Notice of violation of parking rules 1,774
Persons reported missing and located 35
Residences temporarily closed and special attention given 407
Sale of transfer of motor vehicle notices filed 335
Sale of second-hand motor vehicle notices filed 157
Street lamps reported out 116
Street and sidewalk defects reported
18
Sunken trenches reported
4
Trees reported down
5
Water leaks reported
16
Windows reported broken and cases investigated
58
Wires reported defective
9
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 a motor vehicle to replace a 1954 Chevrolet sedan which is now in use and one new motorcycle to replace a 1949 motorcycle 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 the traffic Policewomen, to all Town departments, and to all others who have co-operated with me during the year.
Dog Officer
JOHN A. BOSTON, Dog Officer
I herewith submit my annual report covering the year ending December 31, 1955.
Six hundred and forty-two dogs were licensed in the town from April 1, 1955 to December 31, 1955 - a nine month period.
Seventy-seven dead animals were removed from the streets of the town - mostly cats - supposedly killed by cars.
Five hundred and forty-three complaints or requests for assistance were made, all of which were acted upon and in most cases settled to the mutual satisfaction of all concerned.
Once again I wish to express my appreciation to all departments and personnel for their help and cooperation.
85
Town of Swampscott
Fire Department
WALTER M. CHAMPION, JR., Chief
PERSONNEL
On September 23rd, 1955, Fire Chief Charles H. Lampard retired, and the occasion was marked by a testimonal dinner held at the High School Cafeteria. Mr. Lampard's retirement climaxed 38 years as a member of this department, of which he served for 16 years as a faithful and efficient Chief.
Deputy Fire Chief Walter M. Champion, Jr., who headed the Civil Service list was appointed Chief on September 23rd, 1955, by the Board of Selectmen.
Mr. Edmund J. Pickard, Jr., was appointed to the Fire Department on November 19th, 1955.
At present we are lacking in manpower and I feel that steps should be taken to remedy this condition. Our modern fire apparatus is useless unless there is sufficient men to operate it. We are far below the requirements recommended by the New England Insurance Rating Bureau's report for this town.
BUILDINGS
It is gratifying to report that during the year a special committee was appointed by the Town to study the need of a new Central Fire Station. The committee has spent considerable time and effort to make a thorough study of the present Central Fire Station which was built in 1891.
From these studies it becomes very clear that the most economical and satis- factory solution to this problem is the construction of a new Central Fire Station in a more centralized location.
APPARATUS
During the spring of 1955 we have replaced a 1932, 1000 gallon pumper and a 1935, 650-gallon pumper with two new ultra-modern 750-gallon pumpers. These new pumpers were manufactured by the Maxim Motor Company. One is stationed at the Central Fire Station and the other is at the Phillips Beach Engine House.
Our ladder truck is over 10 years old. Although its general condition is good it will be subjected to continued mechanical upkeep.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
I urge all persons discovering fires in buildings to sound the nearest fire alarm box. This is much more accurate than using the telephone. Stay at the box and direct the apparatus to the fire. If a telephone must be used, DIAL LYnn 2-0082 or Dial Operator and give her the location of the fire as well as your name and address. PLEASE BE CALM AND AVOID CONFUSION.
FIRE PREVENTION
During the year 530 calls were answered by this department. In spite of the increase number of calls we enjoyed a low fire loss.
Lectures have been given in the past year in the Public Schools and Parochial
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1955 Annual Report
Schools in connection with "Fire Prevention Week". I urge all citizens to make every week fire prevention week.
APPRECIATION
I wish to express my appreciation for the splendid support and cooperation received from the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, the Auxiliary Fire Department and all assistance which has been given me by other departments. I especially wish to thank the personnel of my own department for their loyalty shown me.
Inspector of Wires
FRED D. SARGENT, Inspector
I herewith submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1955. This report covers the period from January 1, 1955 to December 31, 1955.
Month
Permits Issued
Fees Collected
January
37
$ 68.00
February
34
41.50
March
43
56.00
April
28
37.75
May
47
48.25
June
48
61.25
July
32
41.50
August
49
60.75
September
36
43.25
October
45
63.50
November
47
76.25
December
32
40.00
Total
478
$638.00
Frequent inspections are made of electrical installations in new buildings and of changes made in old work. Work performed is in accordance with the require- ments of the Massachusetts State Code.
Sealer of Weights and Measures
GEORGE A. HOLT, SR., Prov. Sealer
Adjusted 50
Sealed 286
Not Sealed 4
Condemned 2
TRIAL WEIGHINGS
Tested
751
Correct 706
Under 4
Over 41
There were 850 Inspections and 148 Tests made.
This Department extends its gratitude and thanks for the cooperation given by C. Walter Burrill who retired October 1, 1955 after some 40 years as Sealer who helped me in my duties as Sealer.
87
Town of Swampscott
Board of Park Commissioners
ROLAND C. BOOMA, Chairman FREDERICK C. BURK LEWIS H. BERRY, Secretary
It is with a feeling of sadness that we attempt to write this final report of the Board of Park Commissioners, for after a span of sixty years and the unselfish efforts of great townspeople, who have served as Park Commissioners, we now relinquish our positions to the streamlining of modern government. We hope that the Town has not been in error and that the parks and recreational facilities will not suffer.
A brief review of the sixty years include the establishment of Blaney Beach in 1896, the elimination of the fishing shacks and the erection of the present Fish- house. Those were stormy days for the commissioners, who were very busy settling claims and getting the buildings built. Records show that Horace W. Blanchard was hired as superintendent of the Blaney Beach reservation.
In 1901, the Trustees of the Swampscott Land Trust offered the land now known as the Monument Parkway, which subesquently was accepted by action of the Town Meeting and later laid out by no less than the foremost landscape firm of Olmstead Brothers.
In 1905, what is known as Abbott Park, an area of two and one-half acres, was acquired and became the baseball field and used in winter for ice skating, as is done today.
In 1912, the Town Meeting voted to purchase "Phillips Swamp", an area of fifteen and one-half acres for $7,500.00. It was interesting to note that an excerpt taken from the report of that year "the general elevation of the playground area is 11.5 feet and that the ordinary rise and fall of the tide is substantially 10 feet, so that the surface of this swamp is from one to two feet higher than the ordinary stage of the tide. High tide, however, rises as high as 12 feet, and at such times, were there a clear way for the sea to come up in, a large portion of this swamp would be flooded with the sea".
The years 1916, '17, '18, and with the return of service men, show the develop- ment of Jackson Park by planting evergreens on the summit and slopes and today these trees which have survived fires and vandalism, add to the recreational and esthetic value of the park. Football was changed from Abbott Park to Jackson and records say, "On Thanksgiving day, upwards to 7,000 people were accommodated on the grounds". A few years later a toboggan chute was constructed from the summit to the playing field and was enjoyed for many years before the problem of main- tenance and accidents forced its removal. With the coming of the W.P.A., walls were built and two new tennis courts, as well as the recreation lodge and fireplaces were put into operation.
In 1936, the Phillips Park stadium was opened and the gradual development of that park followed until we now have the entire area filled, loamed, and seeded, as well as a beautiful field house, a varsity baseball field, two practice fields, hard surface basketball courts, tennis courts, and a small tots' play area.
In 1939, the Tree Warden and Moth departments consolidated with the Park Department and the new position of superintendent of parks was established, to which Frederick C. Burk was appointed.
88
1955 Annual Report
With the acquisition of the Administration building, this department took over the job of landscaping the grounds. A great deal of help was given by the Garden Clubs and the many fine gifts from citizens of memorial trees.
Three major hurricanes, new developments, and the Dutch Elm disease have kept the shade tree men alert.
Fisherman's Beach, although it has not grown in area, has grown in population, presenting more problems of administration, and as of two years, we now have charge of cleaning the beach.
A new excellent hockey rink and rink house was built at Jackson Park and this past season saw the dedication of "Little League" baseball field, equipped with cement block dug-outs, a flag pole, and entirely enclosed with chain link fence.
We wish to acknowledge the many fine men that helped in the development of our park system. In our past we find James T. Lyons, Horace W. Blanchard, Frank Pridaux, Frank Savino, Dr. Nathaniel Martin, Perley Foss, and Stuart Ellis. Our present staff consists of Frank Buonanduci, Frank Savino, Donato Dandrea Sr., and Jr., Clyde Emery, Albert Benedetto, Vincent Easterbrooks, Arthur Lees, Herbert Dennehy, Harold Jankas, and Edward Patterson, Jr. To those who have gone along and we have not mentioned, we say "thanks". We list the Park Commissioners during the sixty year span and respectfully submit the final report of the Swampscott Board of Park Commissioners.
PARK COMMISSIONERS OF SWAMPSCOTT
George H. Jackson
1894-1898
Everit B. Terhume
1909-1911
Benjamin Potter
1895-1898
Alfred F. Frazier
1912-1917
Robert Wardwell
1895-1897
Stuart P. Ellis
1914-1934
Edward H. Kitfield
1898-1902
James T. Lyons
1916-1926
Frank L. Earl
1899-1900
Archibald Miller
1918-1932
H. Cushing Bulfinch
1899-1901
Edgar W. Marven
1926-1927
John M. Grosvenor, Jr.
1901-1902
Everett P. Mudge
1927-1930
Jerome Paul Jackson
1902-1905
John Homan
1930-1948
John J. Blaney
1903-1908
Leonard F. Burdett
1933-1937
Fred C. Marsh
1903-1906
Ralph I. Lindsey
1935-1949
Elias G. Hodgkins
1906-1907
Phillip Stafford
1935-1938
Clarence B. Humphrey
1907-1909
Frederick C. Burk
1937-1956
Robert Leslie
1908-1913
Roland C. Booma
1949-1956
Arthur T. Tapper
1910-1915
Lewis H. Berry
1950-1956
Contributory Retirement System
JOHN G. MCLEARN, Chairman HAROLD R. AUSTIN I. MURRAY ADAMS, Secretary
Assets now total $280,000.00 an increase of $30,000.00 over the previous year. $37,093.35 was paid for pensions in 1955 compared with $33,733.66 the previous year. Death benefits to widows whose husbands died due to injuries incurred in line of duty approximates $5,000.00.
There are 162 active members, no change from the previous year; pensioners have increased to 27 from 25 in 1954.
On file in this office is a financial statement which may be examined by members.
89
Town of Swampscott
Board of Public Welfare
NORBERT A. ULMAN, Chairman PAUL C. CURTIS DONALD REDFERN WALTER L. RANGER, Agent
During the year 1955, our case load on Old Age Assistance showed a marked decrease while the other three categories of assistance showed little change in 1955. Our total expenses for assistance, however, increased from $170,790.18 in 1954 to a new high of $175,649.41 in 1955, an increase of $4,859.23. This increase was caused by the steadily climbing cost of medical care which showed an increase of $15,500.69 over the preceding year. We believe the citizens of Swampscott will be interested in the following breakdown of our medical expense during the past two years, all of which were in accordance with the rules, regulations, and fee schedules established by the State Department of Public Welfare.
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