USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1957 > Part 8
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Following is a three year listing of reported communicable diseases:
1957
1956
1955
Chicken Pox
168
54
207
Diphtheria
0
1
0
German Measles
157
56
8
Hepatitis (Infectious)
1
0
0
Measles
27
5
222
Mumps
15
3
299
Poliomyelitis
0
0
16
Salmonellosis
5
4
5
Scarlet Fever
11
14
25
Septic Sore Throat
2
0
0
Tuberculosis
2
2
2
Whooping Cough
1
2
2
It was pleasing to note there were no case fatalities among these diseases. as( no cases of polio were reported for the second consecutive year, and on a state wide basis 100 cases were reported in 1956 and 25 in 1957. It is felt that this spectacular downward trend is due to the successful immunization program and rapid rate of inoculation. An interesting comparison between Polio and Diphetheria is that afte: diphtheria immunization became available 12 years was required to immunize same proportion of the population which has now been inoculated with salk vaccine. A major factor contributing to the rapid public acceptance of polio immunization is due to the splendid health education program sponsored by the National Founda- tion for Infantile Paralysis, however, now that the major portion of this program is over, a review of our records indicates the young adult group has a rather small number of immunized persons, and we feel every effort should be made to increase this number.
Tuberculosis continues at a low level and our control program is largely one of case finding. This year a community chest X-ray survey was carried on during the
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1957 Annual Report
week of April 4th and 1245 persons were X-rayed, with the result of one active case being discovered and hospitalized. Also a Tuberculin Patch testing program was carried on in the 1st, 4th, 7th, 9th and 11th school grades. This patch testing program is being used as a screening technique to reduce the number of X-rays required in children and thereby reduce the hazard of radiation.
A total of 189 Births were reported for the year but this number may increase slightly due to late returns from surrounding communities. No still births occurred. However, we had 8 premature births and four of these infants died within a few hours. This number of deaths from prematurity is rather high but deviations from the normal ratio are not too unusual when a small number of cases is involved.
The high incidence of Dental Defects in our school children is still one of the department's outstanding problems. Dental inspections are being made in the schools for kindergarten through the sixth grades twice a year and notices are sent to parents of children with defects in the hope that these parents will cooperate; many do, but there remains much to be done especially in the dietary aspect of the problem.
Plumbing permits issued this year totaled 497 a decrease of 33 from last year. This decrease corresponds to a reduction in new building and home remodeling.
At the annual Rabies Clinic held in September 246 dogs were inoculated out of 657 dogs licensed.
Our Mosquito and Noxious Weed program was much more extensive and effective this year as we were able to obtain the services of a full time man and truck for the whole spraying season.
The Pollution Problem of Stacey Brook and King's Beach continued to interfere with the bathing season again this year. Chlorination of the brook was found to be inadequate as a sole means of controlling pollution. Consequently a strip of beach 150 feet on each side of the brook was closed to bathers. As a result of this closing, the M.D.C. erected a steel bar gate at the mouth of the brook to reduce the amount of seaweed washed into the brook culvert and prevent the culvert from being used as a Comfort Station. Also, our Public Works department is planning to install a diversion valve in one of its highly contaminated drains to divert the drain into the sewer during the bathing season. By employing these measures it is hoped that bathing restrictions may be removed from the beach.
The Town was faced with a Rubbish and Garbage disposal problem in November when the refuse contract was cancelled from breach of terms and the Board of Health was forced to hire two new contractors, who were the successful bidders for the 1958 contracts. Service was quickly restored to normal, however difficulties developed at the dump site and all dumping was closed for Swampscott rubbish. This situation forced us to establish an emergency dump in town until a permanent solution to the problem is achieved.
In conclusion we wish to extend our thanks to the many other departments and persons for their kind cooperation and assistance during the year especially in connection with the refuse disposal problem, polio and all immunization programs.
81
Town of Swampscott
Department of Civil Defense
FORREST E. MASON, JR., Director
The home is the basic unit of the community; and the basic unit on which defense of the home front must be built. Whether you are a house wife, secretary, business executive, or nurse, Civil Defense looks to you, to take an active role in protecting your home. No one else can do that job for you.
Your first duty in Civil Defense is to act at once to educate your family in self-protection against modern weapons, and to make your home safe as possible against the dangers of enemy attack.
Your second duty is to participate in your community Civil Defense organiza- tion. 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, that is its peace time use in Natural Disasters. There have been many recent instances where the organization and training for Civil Defense have paid great dividends in meeting peace time disasters. The training that one gets in Civil Defense is useful in saving lives for either National or Natural disasters.
A few simple steps for family Civil Defense are as follows:
1. Know your air-raid alert signals and what to do when they sound.
2. Have at least one member of your family take a Red Cross First Aid Course.
3. Prepare a room or area in your cellar that will afford you the most protection.
4. Have at least four (4) days supplies of canned goods and water stored for each member of your family.
5. Have a Planned Civil Defense action with your family so they will know what to do in case of any emergencies that might happen.
I should like to say that through the efforts of my predecessor, Mr. Robert J. O'Neil and all the Town Officials that our Civil Defense Program is progressing satisfactorily. My very sincere appreciation goes to the men and women of the town who are Volunteers in Civil Defense. Their services to the town and its people are invaluable.
Department of Veterans' Services
ROBERT M. LEONARD, Director
Office Hours: 0900 until noon Monday through Friday
During the past year this department has been fortunate in being able to help many veterans and their dependents with their various problems, all of which is done in accordance with the rules and laws of the Massachusetts Commission of Veterans' Services and the Federal Veterans Administration.
While much of this aid is minor as far as it concerns this department, often it is of great importance to those who have sought it. Not necessarily financial, it consists of advice or information or help in getting through the ordinary routine of bureau "red tape".
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1957 Annual Report
We shall be glad always to be of service.
Veterans should have their discharge or separation papers copied, which this department will be glad to do, not only as a safeguard against loss of the originals, but so we may have as complete a record as possible.
We regret the passing of the following Swampscott veterans during 1957:
SPANISH WAR Henry S. Baldwin WORLD WAR I
Frank L. Burk
Fred L. Mower
Gorham Dermody
Emery G. Dykeman
Edward P. Larkin
Ralph H. McNary
WORLD WAR II
Harold N. Stevens John H. Stevens, Jr. Louis B. Sumner
Sealer of Weights and Measures
GEORGE A. HOLT, SR., Sealer
A detailed description of the work of Swampscott's Weights and Measures Department is contained in my annual report.
"Protector of the Public Pocketbook" is a good description of Swampscott's Sealer of Weights and Measures. He is one Town Official whose work is devoted in its entirety to saving the taxpayer's money.
The Sealer plays a vital role in your everyday existence. Every time you shop for food, fill your car's gas tank, order coal or oil, have a prescription filled or pick up a quart of milk -- the Town Sealer makes sure you get what you ask for. It is my responsibility to inspect and test for accuracy all weighing and measuring devices commercially used within the town; I also make certain that all prepackaged items carry the correct markings as to amount of contents. Scales and measuring devices are either approved and sealed, or disapproved and tagged as condemned. Commercial use of an unsealed or condemned device is a criminal offense and a merchant using such is liable to prosecution.
This report covers the period from January 1, 1957 to December 31, 1957.
Adjusted
Sealed 303
Not Sealed
Condemned
Scales
22
8
2
Weights
9
46
11
6
TRIAL RE-WEIGHINGS
Tested
Correct
Under
Over
1443
934
50
459
There were 1543 Inspections and 226 Tests made after Scales and Tanks were sealed.
Some new scales, weights and measures were purchased by several merchants throughout the Town.
83
Ralph J. Story Theodore W. Ziegler
Town of Swampscott
Board of Public Welfare
NORBERT A. ULMAN, Chairman
PAUL C. CURTIS DONALD REDFERN
WALTER L. RANGER, Agent
During the year 1957 our case load showed a decrease from the previous year. However our total expenditures for assistance increased from $159,620.35 in 1956 to $165,252.77 in 1957, an increase of $5,632.42.
In order to obtain maximum Federal reimbursement it was necessary on July 1, 1957 to abandon our system of vendor payments for medical care and make indivi- dual direct payments to recipients for most items of medical care, with the exception of hospitalization. This change is causing great inconvenience to the recipients and has added considerably to the amount of clerical and statistical work required to carry out the new regulations.
On September 1, 1957 all budgets were increased by 5.7% to cover the rise in the cost of living from the time of the last adjustment on July 1, 1952. The State Standard Budgets were established in 1948 and at the present time carry an adjust- ment of 25.7% to cover the cost of living increase. On September 15th nursing home rates were increased from $5. to $5.75 per day and the allowance for fuel for home heating and lighting was increased from $14.65 to $23. monthly. On November 1, 1957 the exemptions of children of Old Age Assistance recipients were increased substantially, reducing or eliminating many of the contributions being made by children.
We wish to express our appreciation to the Swampscott Visiting Nurse Association who made 323 visits during 1957 to recipients of public assistance, and to Chief Francis P. Wall and members of his department for their prompt and considerate service in moving recipients to and from hospitals and nursing homes.
CASES AIDED IN 1957
Cases
Persons
General Relief
32
82
Old Age Assistance
185
185
Aid to Dependent Children
10
30
Disability Assistance
6
6
The following is a summary of the financial operations of the department for the year 1957:
GENERAL RELIEF
EXPENDITURES
Salaries and Wages
$13,078.46
Relief by Town
8,709.09
$21,787.55
REIMBURSEMENTS
State Department
3.610.21*
Cities and Towns
2,934.19*
6,544.40
Net Cost to Town
$15,243.15
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1957 Annual Report
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
EXPENDITURES
For Assistance:
Town Funds
$85,480.39 54,203.28
$139,683.67
For Administration: Town Funds
1,090.00
Federal Funds
5,598.18
6,688.18
$146,371.85
REIMBURSEMENTS
For Assistance:
State Department
53.880.16*
Federal Government
60,165.33
Cities and Towns
2.342.88*
Individuals
298.17
116,686.54
For Administration: Federal Government
6,780.10
123,466.64
Net Cost to Town
$22,905.21
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
EXPENDITURES
For Assistance:
Town Funds
$ 6,389.92
Federal Funds
2,914.25 $ 9,304.17
For Administration:
Federal Funds
1,753.95
$11,058.12
REIMBURSEMENTS
For Assistance:
State Department
2.689.68*
Federal Government
3,673.22
6,362.90
For Administration:
Federal Government
1.276.80
7,639.70
Net Cost to Town
$ 3,418.42
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
EXPENDITURES
For Assistance:
Town Funds
$ 3,343.47
Federal Funds
4.212.37
$ 7,555.84
REIMBURSEMENTS
For Assistance:
State Department
$ 3,372.55*
Federal Government
2,177.97
Individuals
783.43* $ 6,333.95
For Administration:
State Department
260.25*
Federal Government
520.50
780.75
7,114.70
Net Cost to Town
$ 441.24
FEDERAL FUNDS ON HAND, DECEMBER 31, 1957
For Assistance
For Administration
Old Age Assistance Aid to Dependent Children
$33,735.32 6,075.11
Disability Assistance
1,734.88
$4,085.30 1,033.59 734.22
85
*Not available for use of this department.
Federal Funds
Town of Swampscott
World War II Memorial Fund
ERNEST MANCHIN, Chairman PHILIP H. STAFFORD, Secretary JOHN R. COOPER
DAVID F. DOHERTY BENJAMIN GOLDBERG
CLEMENT KENNEDY ALBERT F. PASHBY
The seventh annual report of the Trustees follows.
Two regular meetings of the Trustees were held at the New Ocean House, on the invitation of Colonel Clement Kennedy. At the annual meeting, Ernest Manchin was elected chairman and Philip H. Stafford was elected secretary for the coming year.
The seventh annual scholarship, in the amount of $300.00, was awarded to Thomas J. Cahill Jr., who enrolled at University of Massachusetts.
In November 1956 the Fund acquired 24 shares of the Loomis-Sayles Mutual Fund, Inc. The Department of Corporation and Taxation ruled that the stock was not legal investment for this Memorial Fund and it was necessary to dispose of the stock. This was done in July 1957 at a net gain of $48.24.
Two contributions were received during the year, one in the amount of $25.00 and the other in the amount of $2.00.
The report of the balance in the Fund as of December 31, 1957 follows:
Salem Five Cents Savings Bank
$ 5,977.99 5,598.15
Salem Savings Bank
Provident Institution for Savings
103.38
Balance due Thomas J. Cahill, Jr.
240.50
$11,439.02
The total of the scholarships awarded to date is $1900.00
The Swampscott World War 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, "Con- tributions made to the Fund are deductible by the donors in computing their taxable net income, etc."
The Planning Board
HAROLD M. KING, Chairman JAMES R. MADDOCK, Secretary A. B. WAY, JR. RALPH L. WILLIAMS
JOHN F. MILO
The Board has been very busy this year with regard to sub-divisions changes in plot plans, streets, rezoning and general advice to owners regarding use of property and application of Zoning By-Laws thereto.
The Board held twenty meetings at which
29 plot plans were signed "Approval under sub-division control Law not required"
2 plot plans were returned to owners for revision
2 preliminary plans of sub-divisions were discussed with developers
2 public hearings were held regarding sub-divisions
86
$11,679.52
Net Balance
1957 Annual Report
2 sub-division plans were approved
1 sub-division was held up by an abutter's suit which was tried in Superior Court and is now awaiting the judge's decision
2 public hearings were held regarding five rezoning requests.
Members of the Board attended seven hearings by the Board of Appeals and expressed their views on the subjects under discussion. Members attended the Annual Meeting of the State Federation of Planning Boards and two meetings of Region 5A.
The Board had two meetings with the Selectmen at one of which John F. Milo was elected to fill out the term of Gordon L. Brown until town meeting. The Board with the Town Engineer and the Board of Selectmen reviewed seven articles in the warrant asking for street acceptances.
The Board made recommendations on these seven and on six other articles to the annual town meeting. The Zoning By-Laws were reprinted. The zoning maps are in the process of being brought up to date.
Five matters have had to be referred to the Town Counsel for opinion on the law applying to some actions of the Board.
The Planning Board appreciates the co-operation it has received from other town departments and Boards.
Fire Department
WALTER M. CHAMPION, JR., Chief
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
During the past year the fire department answered 630 Calls. This has been one of the busiest years in the history of the department. During the May forest fire emergency this department assisted the Towns of Manchester and Saugus in extinguishing serious forest fires.
APPARATUS
Our Ladder Truck which is twelve years old, was completely overhauled this year so should give us good service for a few years to come. Our Engine #3 which is now sixteen years old, needs extensive repairs to its pump. The money necessary to accomplish this is included in our next year's budget. All other apparatus is in good repair.
BUILDINGS
The fire station at Phillips Beach is in reasonably good condition. It is a credit to the men connected to this station for their cooperation in accomplishing most of the work that was done during the year.
As you are aware, our Central Fire Station should be replaced by a new station. All committees appointed to investigate this building have come to this same conclusion.
PERSONNEL
Our department is presently undermanned according to all standards. There has been no increase in personnel in our department for many years. Although we have three engines we do not have sufficient men on duty to operate them.
DRILLS
Fire drills have been held in all our schools during the year. Our inspection
87
Town of Swampscott
program was continued through the year and all buildings permitted by law were inspected. Inspections of private dwellings are invited. All that is necessary is a call to the Fire Station and an inspector will be dispatched.
IN MEMORIAM
1889 - WILLIAM B. SNOW - 1957
Appointed to Fire Department 1912
Retired 1950
1893 - EMERY G. DYKEMAN 1957
Appointed to Fire Department 1923
Retired 1953
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Board of Selectmen, to the members of my department, to the members of the Auxiliary Fire Department, to all Town Departments and to all others who have cooperated with this department during the year.
Building Inspector
RAYMOND O. DOANE, Building Inspector
Dwellings
Permits
Estimated Cost
New
27
Alterations and Additions
34
$323,400.00 55,255.00
Private Garages
New
30
55,500.00
Alternations and Additions
1
2,300.00
Miscellaneous
Church ( Alterations)
?
28,500.00
Restaurant (Alterations)
1
18,000.00
Warehouse ( Alterations)
1
15,000.00
Store (Alterations)
3
9,000.00
Swimming Pool
1
2,000.00
Mill ( Alterations)
1
2,000.00
Car Port
2
1,600.00
Tool House
400.00
Demolish Dwellings
5
Demolish Hotel
1
Demolish Sub Station
1
Demolish Greenhouse
1
Demolish Clubhouse
1
Demolish Store
1
Building Permits
$118.00
Permits to Shingle
48.00
$166.00
Number of Inspections (Buildings)
$244.00
Number of Inspections (Shingling)
48.00
Amount of Building Fees Collected
$603.00
Elevator Operator's Licenses Issued
New
2
2.00
Renewals
3
1.50
118
$512,955.00
$292.00
$606.50
88
1957 Annual Report
In Memoriam
HENRY S. BALDWIN
Selectman 1916-1923 Died April 4, 1957
FRANK L. BURK
Building Inspector 1930-1933 and 1935 Veterans' Agent 1933 and 1935 Died April 28, 1957
JAMES DONLON Member of Highway Department 1932-1947 Died February 7, 1957
*
EMERY G. DYKEMAN
Member of Fire Department 1923-1953 Died September 20, 1957
*
ELIZABETH KEHOE Matron -- School Department 1936-1957 Died November 13, 1957
WILLIAM B. SNOW Member of Fire Department 1912-1950 Died October 10, 1957
89
Town of Swampscott
School Department
SCHOOL COMMITTEE, 1957
THEODORE C. SARGENT, Chairman
Term Expires 1959
9 Clarke Road
LILLIAN I. WHITE
Term Expires 1960
8 Phillips Avenue
GEORGE A. CHADWELL
Term Expires 1960
96 Stetson Avenue
O. O. KEIVER, JR.
Term Expires 1959
WILLIAM H. ROTHWELL, 2ND
Term Expires 1958
50 Sherwood Road Little's Point
Regular meeting, second Thursday of each month. Public is welcome. Superintendent of Schools ROBERT D. FORREST
Office 24 Redington Street LYnn 2-2067
Residence 57 Rockland Street LYnn 8-9015
Administrative Assistant PHILIP A. JENKIN
The office of the Superintendent of Schools is open every week-day from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
SCHOOL PRINCIPALS
JAMES H. DUNN, High School . LYnn 2-2574
JANE T. GIFFORD, Stanley School LYnn 2-1954
ESTHER K. HEIKEL, Machon School LYnn 2-5730
KEITH L. JORDAN, Hadley School .
LYnn 3-7973
MADELAINE M. MURPHY, Clarke School .
LYnn 8-2659
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1958
Winter term begins Monday, January 6
Winter term closes Friday, February 21
Spring term begins Monday, March 3
Spring term closes Friday, April 18
Summer term begins Monday, April 28
Fall term begins Wednesday, September 3
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
Ladies and Gentlemen :
School programs thrive only as the horizons of their planning allow. Our most critical educational problems in 1957 resulted from a series of defeats in the recent past of our best plans for the immediate present.
Specifically, in 1957 we did not have room for pupils or their programs. Five grades had to double up on full platoons and high school freshmen, deprived of homerooms and a complete schedule of activities, went on a partial, or over- lapping, platoon that was fully satisfactory to nobody. Space restrictions have strait-jacketed our two secondary schools and the effect has penetrated to every single grade level in the system.
To end eventually this strangulation, we must plan broadly for the years directly ahead. We must start at once an evaluation study of our secondary curriculum, deciding what courses we must add, drop or modify to meet new demands in a
90
1957 Annual Report
new era. We must make decisions as to time and attention to be given respectively to science, the humanities and purely vocational training. And we must avoid any and all delay in getting up and in use the school buildings which will permit the best teaching of the most vital kind of curriculum.
It is our hope that interested community groups will share with us in our plans. We shall welcome their cooperation as we examine and think through the use of television to strengthen and supplement our classroom teaching. Channel 2 this spring begins telecasting in-school programs. We must take every reasonable opportunity to assess the value of the project with an eye to sharing in the venture another year.
Education does not thrive in close confinement. It needs space to breathe in and space to grow in. We of the Committee hope that Swampscott will not go the way of some communities where schools have been stunted for years to come by narrow vision and still narrower plans.
THEODORE C. SARGENT, Chairman LILLIAN I. WHITE GEORGE A. CHADWELL O. O. KEIVER, JR. WILLIAM H. ROTHWELL, 2ND
To the Swampscott School Committee,
Mrs. White and Gentlemen:
I submit herewith the annual report of the Superintendent of Schools for 1957.
The year 1957 highlighted progress and, I am sorry to say, frustration. Though program development moved ahead and new honors came to our schools, enrollments mounted and building stood still. Let me review first of all areas of chief satisfaction.
Curriculum Comes in for New Study :
Four teacher groups came to grips with problems affecting directly the learning experiences of Swampscott pupils.
On perhaps the largest scale, our High School faculty organized itself into a workshop for 12-week scrutiny of pupil reading habits and related study practices. Guided by a professional consultant, they appraised reading materials available in homes, classrooms and libraries and charted follow-up activities to bring these materials, many of them rich ones, into fullest possible use.
A committee of elementary teachers was appointed in February to work from another approach. For several years Swampscott schools have used the Rinehart system of handwriting through elementary and junior high grades. We decided early in 1957 to evaluate the success of this program, which is under supervision of people from the Rinehart agency. Work of the present committee, still in progress and to continue for at least a portion of 1958, indicates that, with some modifications needed, the Rinehart system is producing desired results.
Report cards, (never satisfactory to all, always misunderstood by many, and ever controversial) worry teachers as well as parents and pupils. The present elementary cards have been with us since 1954, and it seems appropriate now to examine their success. A committee whose final report is to be made in June of 1958 has surveyed by questionnaire the reaction of elementary school teachers to the cards
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