USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1922-1924 > Part 14
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Lawson park has been kept in fine shape all summer and is one of the show places of not only Scituate but of the whole
115
Report of the Park Commission
South Shore. We recommend that the southeasterly corner of the park be cut back and that a curbing be built around it.
The two plots, one at Mungoes Corner and one at Fred Litchfield's Corner, we consider dangerous, as the road is nar- row and the corners are blind at these places.
It seems wise to sacrifice these plots, although we dislike very much to lose any of the trees or grass plots in the town.
We would like the cooperation of the townspeople in preventing automobiles from running over the parks and grass plots as the damage they do is very serious.
LOUIS E. COLE, Chairman. JOHN F. DALBY, FRANK H. BARRY.
116
Report of Tree Warden
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN
To the Selectmen and Town Citizens:
I have this year planted eighty-six trees; most of them are ones reset in different parts of the Town. There are still streets that have open spaces and should have trees put there.
The roadside bushing is another problem. It must be mowed every year or two or else it makes travel dangerous.
We have so many blind corners that if we do not trim and mow the bushes, accidents will be numerous.
The planting and care of trees along our highways is today a serious matter. It is one which must bring a good deal of discouragement at times to everyone sincerely inter- terested in tree planting. The insects are very bad. The tent caterpillars are very destructive to our roadsides and trees; they hatch out very early - just as soon as the buds break open - and if not taken care of immediately they will destroy all of the foliage of that year.
I wish to state that the North Scituate Improvement Association has taken a great interest in shade tree work in that part of the Town. Every shade tree was given a liberal amount of bone meal and dug around, at its expense. Con- sidering our position as a growing Town where a great many people come to spend the summer, I think we should make it as attractive as possible.
Respectfully,
WILLIAM F. FORD.
117
Report of Board of Health
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of Scituate:
There have been two very severe epidemics to deal with this year, forty cases of measles reported and one hundred cases of mumps with probably as many more not reported. Other contagious diseases have been fewer than other years: diphtheria five, scarlet fever four, typhoid fever two, whooping cough one. Not a tuberculosis case reported for the year. We note a marked improvement in the care and cleanliness of dairies.
WILLIAM P. GROVESTEIN, GEORGE T. OTIS, JOHN W. BURKE.
118
Report of Inspector of Plumbing
ยท
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
Board of Health, Scituate, Mass.
Chairman:
All plumbing installed during the past year has been done in a satisfactory manner and all plumbers are assisting to maintain and promote ideal sanitary conditions.
Respectfully yours,
ARTHUR R. MERRITT, Inspector of Plumbing.
119
Report of Inspector of Milk
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF MILK
To the Board of Health:
There were sixteen licenses issued for the year 1923, three less than in 1922.
The milk is very satisfactory in regard to cleanliness and butter fat.
I visited all the dairies and found the majority in good condition; suggested improvements where they were needed.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE T. OTIS, Inspector of Milk.
120
Report of Inspector of Slaughtering
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
Scituate Board of Health.
Gentlemen:
I have examined during the past year all animals for slaughter brought to my attention and passed them as being fit for human consumption.
Respectfully submitted,
J. F. BRESNAHAN, Inspector.
121
Scituate Public Health Nursing Service
SCITUATE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICE
Number of patients cared for
128
Number of nursing visits.
872
Number of Infant Welfare visits. 430
Number of Prenatal visits .
67
Number of Tuberculosis visits
75
Number of visits to children of pre-school age
70
Number of visits to schools .
170
Number of visits to homes of school children 115
Number of visits to clinics
50
Number of sanitary inspections in schools
30
Number of friendly visits
170
Number of other visits . 293
Total number of visits
2,342
Number of night calls
21
Number of free nursing visits
220
Fees collected
$379 60
In submitting this annual report of the Nursing Service, especial emphasis is placed upon the privilege Scituate enjoys in having available the services of such an unusually efficient nurse as Miss Alice M. Gaffney, who is not only one who takes an interest in nursing but is actively engaged in any enterprise that has for its object the welfare of the community. It is hoped and believed that the people of the Town gratefully appreciate their good fortune.
During the summer vacation of Miss Gaffney the Service was fortunate in securing the services of the Norwell nurse, Miss Catharine Roe of Scituate.
Early in the spring a membership drive was conducted under the direction of the Ways and Means Committee.
122
Scituate Public Health Nursing Service
Four hundred and seven new members were secured with fees amounting to $201.50.
There were five new sustaining members: Miss Annie Peirce, Mrs. Frances H. Dowse, Mrs. William James, Mr. Walter Haynes, Miss Madeline Ellis. Substantial donations were made to the Service by Unitarian Alliance, North Scitu- ate Welfare League, Scituate Woman's Club, Woman's Relief Corps, Cohasset Council 1676, K. of C., Hose No. 1 Scituate Fire Department, Congregational Sewing Circle, Odd Ladies, St. Mary's Church, Baptist Sewing Circle, Town of Scituate, Satuit Playhouse.
On account of the unusually severe winter last year it was found necessary to replace the automobile used by the nurse with a new car, and the finance committee negotiated a very satisfactory exchange.
One of the most important events of the year was the incorporation of the Nursing Service under the laws of Massa- chusetts. This was accomplished after thorough investigation and mature consideration.
The rest of the work of the year has been carried on in the usual efficient manner by the various committees aided by the hearty cooperation of the townspeople.
J. W. BROWN, Secretary.
ANNUAL REPORT OF TREASURER OF SCITUATE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICE December 12, 1923
Cash on hand December 14, 1922 Received as follows :
$1,390 27
From Town of Scituate. $1,200 00
From societies and organizations . 270 00
From nursing fees 380 00
From memberships
186 25
From donations from individuals .
41 50
Total receipts 2,078 55
Total cash
$3,468 82
.
Scituate Public Health Nursing Service
Cash payments :
For salary, Miss Alice M. Gaffney
$1,500 00
For cash expenses, Miss Gaffney . 7 00
For Miss Helen F. Dwyer
4 00
For Miss Dorris Bond.
8 00
For garage rent.
55 00
For upkeep of car.
256 06
For car insurance .
71 90
For exchange for new car
290 00
For printing and stationery
48 41
For nursing supplies .
15 28
For Norwell Nursing Association .
20 00
For Red Cross .
27 60
For Massachusetts Association ..
2 00
For delegate's expense.
5 91
For telephone
9 55
For miscellaneous
3 00
Total payments .
2,323 71
Balance cash on hand Dec. 12,
1923
$1,145 11
Respectfully submitted,
ANSEL F. SERVAN, Treasurer.
123
124
Report of Chief of Police
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE
Scituate, December 31, 1923.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Scituate.
Gentlemen:
During the past year the automobile traffic has been much larger than in previous years, thereby causing more expense. We had a few accidents but none of them very serious. The appropriation was six thousand dollars ($6,000) and we were obliged to exceed it one thousand one hundred and forty-nine dollars and eighty-two cents ($1,149.82).
We think that the coming year we will need more men to cover the dangerous corners and to take care of the increasing traffic. We have a twelve mile sea coast where thousands of autos come during the summer months, and we feel that in order to take care of this the Town should increase the appropriation to eight thousand dollars ($8,000).
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN F. TURNER, Chief of Police.
ELMER F. BURROWS
Born February 13, 1873
Was a veteran of the Spanish War, and a member C. E. Bates Camp 88, Sons of Veterans.
Served the Town as Constable for fourteen years, and night Police Officer in the Harbor District for nearly ten years, which office he held at the time of his death July 27, 1923. Aged fifty years, five months, fourteen days.
125
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Selectmen, Town of Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
My report for the year (1923) as Sealer of Weights and Measures:
Sealed
Adjusted
Con- demned
Platforms over 5,000 lbs.
3
Platforms under 5,000 lbs.
20
2
Counter scales
40
5
Beam scales
1
Spring balances
62
9
2
Computing scales
10
4
2
Prescription scales
3
Weights
266
2
Liquid measures
80
3
Oil measuring pumps
40
6
3
Yard measures
8
Other liquid measures were condemned and put out of use, these not being recorded above.
In addition to above report I have made many trial weights, and inspections of weights, regarding foods, also retested oil measuring pumps and scales.
Sealing fees
$54 97
Adjusting charges
6 00
$60 97
Respectfully submitted,
EUGENE H. LANE, Sealer, 1923.
126
Report of Fire Department
REPORT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
Scituate, December 31, 1923.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen:
The engineers appointed by your Board, in following out your instructions, met at the Town Hall, May 7, and chose the following officers: Ernest R. Seaverns, Chief; Maurice O'Hern, First Asst. Chief; Louis E. Cole, Second Asst. Chief; Albert F. Turner, Clerk of the Board; Philip L. Schuyler, Dist. Engineer. The Department has responded to 15 calls for fires in buildings and 3 false alarm calls. There were only two buildings entirely destroyed. There were 265 feet of ladders raised and 9,150 feet of hose laid at the several fires. We have had help from Cohasset on one occasion, for which we were very grateful, and we returned the favor by sending help to the big fire at Silva's Garage.
Again this year we are indebted to the Coast Guards for their timely aid at the fire of the Children's Hospital, August 10, 2.15 a.m .; and this Department, in behalf of the citizens, wishes to thank Captain Glynn and his crew for their great services rendered. The pumping engine, which was purchased this year, was placed in commission on July 30 at District No. 1. After interviewing several applicants, George E. Bur- rows was chosen driver of the new pump, and a spare man chosen for the days the driver is off duty. A room was finished off upstairs and toilet downstairs, so we have comfortable quarters in that district.
Repairs have been made on two houses, but they will need painting shortly.
Through the Chief, we were able to trade in one of our trucks, which was a little uncertain, towards the new pump,
127
Report of Fire Department
the committee using the balance so created for extra equipment for the pump. To replace this truck we purchased out of our regular appropriation a Reo Combination Chemical and Hose truck, which is stationed at Minot.
The Town has spent thousands of dollars for putting out fires, but not a nickel to prevent fires; we do hope that some code or ordinance may be passed to conquer "the enemy that never sleeps." We also wish that some ordinance may be passed, such as is in effect in some places, to prohibit the driving of motor vehicles within a three hundred foot line of fire apparatus responding to an alarm, and to forbid park- ing within one hundred feet of the fire lines. The autos not only hamper the firemen but ruin the hose by driving over it.
We support the committee recommendation for the pur- chase of another pump and we ask for an appropriation of $8,000 for the support of the Department.
Respectfully submitted,
ERNEST R. SEAVERNS, Chief, MAURICE O'HERN, LOUIS E. COLE, ALBERT F. TURNER, PHILIP L. SCHUYLER.
.
128
Report of Fire Department
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE TO PURCHASE AND LOCATE THE TRIPLE COM- BINATION PUMPING ENGINE, APPOINTED
BY VOTE OF THE TOWN, MARCH 5, 1923
March 14, 1923. Meeting called to order at 1.44 p.m. in the space occupied by the White Motor Co. at Mechanics Building, Boston, Mass.
Members Present. Ernest R. Seaverns, Charles W. Peare, William E. Supple, Herbert G. Summers and G. Dana Yeaton.
On motion of William E. Supple and seconded by Charles W. Peare the nomination of G. Dana Yeaton as Secretary for the Committee was voted on and he was elected as Secretary.
Secretary called for a nomination for Chairman of the Committee. On motion of Mr. Supple and seconded by G. Dana Yeaton, E. R. Seaverns was elected Chairman of the Committee.
Letters were then read by the Secretary from American La France Fire Engine Co. and the Seagrave Company quot- ing prices for various engines, which were as follows:
American La France
Engine Co. 600 gallon triple pumper $10,850
The Seagrave Co .. 600 gallon triple pumper 11,750
The White Company 600 gallon triple pumper 10,000
Mr. Supple suggested demonstration.
On motion of Mr. Summers and seconded by Mr. Supple that the White engine be purchased subject to the test of the New England Insurance Exchange and subject to the approval of this committee.
After further questioning of the committee a representa- tive of the White Company showed this committee the cost to them of the machine and also what they would do in a turn-in of an old car. The representative of the company guaranteed that with a turn-in it would not cost the Town more than $9,250 and he would do better if he could.
129
Report of Fire Department
Committee voted to have the lettering as follows: Engine No. 1 along the hood, and the word Scituate on the panel of the rear of the truck.
On motion the meeting was adjourned at 2.40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
G. DANA YEATON, Secretary.
April 4, 1923
Meeting called to order in the Selectmen's Room at the Town Hall by the Chairman of the Committee, Ernest R. Seaverns, at 8.11 p.m. Members of the Committee present were Ernest R. Seaverns, Charles W. Peare, William E. Supple, Herbert G. Summers and G. Dana Yeaton.
Minutes of the previous meeting (March 14, 1923) read and approved. Letter read from the White Company setting forth the proposal of and description of the Triple Com- bination Pumping Engine, Chemical and Hose Car, including its equipment.
Questions relative to the wording of the contract sub- mitted by the White Company discussed and after considerable argument the following was voted and entered into the con- tract:
To have the Triple Combination Pumping Engine delivered equipped with one thousand (1,000) feet of double jacketed hose (2 1/2-inch).
That the price be $10,000 as agreed to by the White Company.
Starting and lighting 12-volt storage battery. Ignition battery 6-volt.
Frame be 6 3/16 inches deep and 14-inch thick.
Two (2) electric lights on rear standard.
Chemical tank to be a Holloway.
That Suction Hose 4 1/2-inch smooth bore be two (2) hard and one (1) soft rubber.
That one (1) 21/2-inch double female coupling be added.
130
Report of Fire Department
That one thousand (1,000) feet of 21/2-inch double jacketed fire hose, bearing the Underwriters' Label be added.
That one (1) 30' Rapid Hoist solid side extension ladder be mounted on side of body with proper support.
That the combination pike pole and plaster hook be 8 foot.
That an electric siren be added.
That the Contract be made between the White Company, party of the first part, and the Town of Scituate, Mass., party of the second part.
That the warranty be made one year after delivery instead of ninety (90) days.
That thirty (30) days after delivery and acceptance of the apparatus, price to be paid the White Company.
That party of the first part agrees to furnish a competent instructor for such time as is necessary, after delivery, and the party of the second part agrees to have a competent man selected, ready for such instruction.
Contract dated April 4, 1923, and signed by the full Committee.
The question of locating was then taken up and William E. Supple expressed himself as in favor of locating at Hose No. 1 house.
The Chairman then asked Secretary as to his opinion and the Secretary expressed his opinion from more than one angle, deciding in favor of the house of Hose No. 1.
Charles W. Peare expressed himself in favor of the Center as first choice and the house of Hose No. 1 as second choice.
The Chairman of the Committee at this time handed the Secretary a letter to be read to the Committee. The letter was from John S. Caldwell, Engineer of the New England Insurance Exchange, who expressed himself in the letter as. in favor of the house at Hose No. 3. This letter dated March 23, 1923.
After some discussion as to whether Mr. Caldwell understood the conditions, motion was made by Mr. Yeaton and seconded by Herbert G. Summers to invite John S. Cald- well, Engineer of the New England Insurance Exchange, to
131
Report of Fire Department
come to Scituate to meet the Committee and talk it over, as statement had been made by the Chairman that a difference in credits to the Town would be made depending upon the loca- tion of the apparatus. Secretary instructed to write to John S. Caldwell, Engineer of the New England Insurance Exchange, and ask him to make an appointment with the Committee as soon as is possible. Motion made to adjourn at 10.25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
G. DANA YEATON, Secretary.
Secretary wrote to John S. Caldwell under the date of April 5, 1923.
Third Meeting - April 30, 1923
The members of the Committee were called together to meet Mr. J. S. Caldwell, Engineer of the New England In- surance Exchange, who was coming from Boston at the request of the Committee. Mr. Caldwell came on the train due from Boston at about 10.15 a.m. and got off at North Scituate Station. Hose No. 3 was visited first, then Hose No. 4, then Hose No. 2 and finally Hose No. 1. After viewing the premises of Hose No. 1 Mr. Caldwell expressed a wish to ride through the Harbor and we continued on through the Sand Hills, Hatherly Beach Reservation and Third Cliff.
Then we went to the Scituate Railroad Station where different views were expressed. Mr. Caldwell was of the opinion that two pieces of pumping apparatus were needed and wherever it was located the other district would suffer until such time as the piece of apparatus got there.
Mr. Caldwell further cited that the pressure at both North Scituate Corner and Minot were low, and to offset there was quite a hazard at the harbor. The Chairman then asked Mr. Caldwell if he thought that a Reo pumping engine of the capacity of 300 gallons would not be sufficient in Scituate Harbor in view of the fact that the Harbor had 1,500 gallons
132
Report of Fire Department
capacity (gravity), his reply was emphatically no. After some further conversation Mr. Caldwell took the noon train for Boston; his last exclamation was that this Committee had a big job ahead of them to locate the engine to the satis- faction of the most of the people.
Meeting was then called to order by the Chairman at 12.17 p.m. The full Committee was present and after a further exchange of views a vote for the location was called for and the result of the vote was as follows:
Mr. Summers for Hose No. 3, Mr. Seaverns for Hose No. 3, Mr. Supple for Hose No. 1, Mr. Peare for Hose No. 1 and Mr. Yeaton for Hose No. 1.
Thus the vote was three for Hose No. 1 and two for Hose No. 3.
Mr. Peare then made a motion and seconded by Mr. Supple that this Committee be sponsor for an article to go into the Town Meeting to the effect that another pumping engine be purchased and located at North Scituate Corner at the house of Hose No. 3.
On motion duly made and seconded meeting adjourned at 12.18 p.m.
Attest:
G. DANA YEATON, Secretary.
Truck Arrived June 28, 1923, at 4.20 p.m.
July 23, 1923
On notice of Ernest R. Seaverns, Chairman, a meeting was called Monday evening, July 23, at 8 p.m., to meet at Hose House No. 1 for the purpose of checking up specifica- tions, conditions of contract, and to act on the acceptance of the pumping engine.
Those present were: Ernest R. Seaverns, Chairman, Charles W. Peare, William E. Supple, Herbert G. Summers and G. Dana Yeaton.
The results of twelve (12) hour tests of the Triple
133
Report of Fire Department
Combination Pumping Engine, held by the New England Insurance Exchange, conducted by Charles R. Barker, their Engineer, at Morris's Pond, North Scituate, were read to the Committee. Conditions of contract and specifications were gone over item by item. The following defects were suggested by the Committee and noted by the Secretary:
Gasket in crank case made tight.
Leak in hose from radiator to motor "front."
Ignition battery to be six volt instead of hot shot.
Ask the White Company for guarantee of tires as they show sun checks.
One light. under hood broken.
Two (2) lengths of hose chafed.
What about painting the spot light?
Where is 3/8-inch tip for chemical hose?
What about pan in chemical tank?
Ask the White Company about painting pump.
The Secretary was instructed to write to Mr. Sylvester representing the White Company calling his attention to the above list of undesirable features.
On motion duly made and seconded the pumping engine was to be given salt water test Wednesday evening, July 25.
After some debate and taking the tide into consideration, it was agreed that the hour should be 4.30 p.m. Meeting then adjourned.
Attest:
. G. DANA YEATON, Secretary.
TEST OF PUMPING ENGINE JULY 25, 1923 (Conducted by Committee, G. Dana Yeaton, Secretary)
First Test - In Third Gear Time started, 4.47 p.m. Finished, 5.28 p.m. 4.52 p.m.
100 feet of hose on one side 212, 150 feet of hose on second side 21/2, in deluge set.
134
Report of Fire Department
19 feet 6 inches lift at start 11/2-inch tip.
110 pounds gauge, 10 pounds vacuum.
88 pounds nozzle pressure.
626 gallons per minute pumped.
20 gallons gas in tank. 5.25 p.m.
92 pounds at nozzle. 120 pounds at gauge.
121/2 pounds vacuum.
640 gallons.
Second Test - In Third Gear
Time started, 5.44 p.m .. Finished, 5.58 p.m.
Hose laid 300 feet 21/2-inch 7/8-inch tip.
Gauge 210 pounds.
Vacuum 21/2 pounds.
Nozzle 175 pounds. Gallons 301.
Third Test - In Second Gear
Time started, 6.08 p.m. Finished, 6.40 p.m.
Hose laid 300 feet. Gate 1/2 throttled lift 15 feet 5 inches.
Gauge 250 pounds.
Vacuum 21/2 pounds.
Nozzle 108 down to 84.
Gallons 233.
Fourth Test - In Third Gear
Tip 3/4-inch
Nozzle
Pumped
Gauge
140
197 gallons
150 pounds
7/8-inch
135
264 gallons
275
461
Fifth Test - In Third Gear
Two 11/8-inch tips. Two lines 100 feet of hose. Gauge 120 pounds. Nozzle 82-84 pounds. Pumped 339, 343. Total, 682.
135
Report of Fire Department
Sixth Test
Three lines 50 feet each laid.
Two 1-inch tip and one 7/8-inch tip.
Nozzle pressure: 1-inch 90; 7/8-inch 88; 1-inch 88.
Gallons pumped: 280, 213, 277. Total, 770.
Gauge 100 pounds.
Vacuum 21/2 pounds.
Time finished, 7.10 p.m.
July 30, 1923
The Committee met at Hose House No. 1 and meeting opened at 8.30 p.m.
Those present were: Ernest R. Seaverns, Chairman, Charles W. Peare, William E. Supple, Herbert G. Summers and G. Dana Yeaton.
Minutes of the previous meeting read and approved, also the results of tests held at Pier on July 25. Letters received from Mr. Sylvester, representing the White Company, read and checked over by Committee. A record of defects read as made by the Committee and the answers from Mr. Syl- vester read and finally approved by the Committee.
Motion made by Mr. Summers and seconded by Mr. Supple that the engine be accepted. Vote was unanimous by the Committee.
The Committee then took a ride on the pumping engine and the meeting adjourned at 9.38 p.m.
Attest:
G. DANA YEATON, Secretary.
January 23, 1924
Meeting called together on order of the Chairman and meeting opened at 8.30 p.m.
Those present were: Ernest R. Seaverns, Chairman, Charles W. Peare, William E. Supple, Herbert G. Summers and G. Dana Yeaton.
The report of previous meeting read and approved and
136
Report of Fire Department
after some debate motion was made by Mr. Summers and seconded by Mr. Supple to print the minutes in full. Unani- mous vote.
Motion was made by Mr. Peare and seconded by Mr. Supple that the Committee draw up an article for another Triple Combination Pumping Engine to be located at Hose No. 3, North Scituate, as suggested by Mr. J. S. Caldwell for the New England Insurance Exchange. Unanimous vote.
The following article was drawn up:
Will the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $10,000 for the purchase of a Triple Combination Pumper; same to be purchased under the direction of The Board of Engineers and located at Hose No. 3, as recommended by J. S. Caldwell, Engineer for the New England Insurance Exchange, or act thereon?
Article was signed by the Committee in full and filed with the Selectmen.
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