USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1934-1936 > Part 16
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I think that everyone should recognize that the Nurs- ing Service is one of our most worthy welfare organiza- tions and should receive their support.
While the larger part of the salary of the nurse is paid by the town of Scituate and the Board of Health con- tributes to the clinics, all the other expenses including the cost of transportation for the nurse, upkeep of a car, insurance, medical supplies and part of the cost of the clinics must be met by donations and the small fee charged for services of the nurse.
39
Public Health Nursing Service
The advantage of this nursing service at a nominal fee for those able to pay and without charge to those un- able to pay is I thing appreciated by those who have had occassion to call on the service and should be appreciated by all of our citizens.
The value of the aid and comfort given to the sick, many of who would not otherwise be able to have the services of a trained nurse cannot be given in figures or words.
In concluding my term as president of the Nursing Service, I wish to express my thanks to all those who have contributed financially or otherwise toward the support of the service and to those who have given me their support which I sincerely appreciate.
It has been a great satisfaction to have had the privi- lege to assist even in a small way in this good work.
Respectfully submitted,
MARGARET M. REYNOLDS,
President.
40
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF THE SCITUATE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICE
January 1, 1935: Cash on hand $320.15
RECEIPTS
Nursing Fees
321.55
Memberships
218.17
Christmas Seal Sale
136.14
Ways and Means Committee
102.60
Rummage Sales
73.93
Bridge Parties
52.90
Telephone Tolls
10.25
Check No. 1077 cancelled
3.00
Firemens' Ball Lunches
25.00
Food Sale
24.00
Contributions :
Betterment Club
$25.00
Scituate Woman's Club
12.00
Grange 2.00
No. Scituate Welfare League 5.00
American Legion Auxiliary
2.00
46.00
$1,333.69
Financial Statement of Public Health Nursing Service 41
EXPENDITURES
Margaret O'Donnell, Nurse
$ 99.96
Alice M. Dowd, Nurse
105.00
N. E. Tel. and Tel. Co.
56.60
Upkeep of car
242.05
Rent of Garage
55.00
Exchange of Cars
205.00
Insurance
99.00
Medical Supplies
14.79
Postage
40.68
Printing and Stationery
20.40
Check Tax
.16
Expenses of Nurse
4.00
Flowers
5.00
Rent of Hall
8.00
Express
1.25
$ 956.89
December 31, 1935, Cash on Hand
376.80
$1,333.69
WILLIS B. PARSONS,
Treasurer Pro Tem.
42
REPORT OF PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
Number of Nursing visits 706
„
free nursing visits 274
" prenatal visits 50
infant welfare
89
" Welfare visits
17
follow up visits
134
"
school visits 164
"
home visits for school children
85
" home visits for pre-school children
32
" clinic visits (local)
21
" hospital clinic visits
52
Dr's. office visits with patients
19
"
" conferences with Public Health Workers
33
" Public Health Meetings
26
" visits pertaining to Public Health Work (unclassified)
children taken home ill
21
Total number of visits 939
The work of 1935 has varied slightly from that of the preceeding year, except for an increase of nearly 200 visits. Not to have had the usual clinic for the removal of diseased tonsils and adenoids was a disappointment to many parents. No funds were available for this work which has been carried on each summer for the
43
Public Health Nurse
past five years. Possibly the Service will be able to re- sume the good work next summer. These clinics were our greatest contribution in helping to safe guard the health of the little ones. According to the School Physic- ian's findings 134 children have throat defects which should not be neglected.
The Well Baby Conferences were also of great value. Young mothers received expert advice and instructions in the proper care of their babies. Sixty-two babies at- tended these meetings. An average of 15 babies were present each month. Fees amounting to sixty-eight dol- lars and fifty cents ($68.50) were collected and given to the Town Treasurer.
More than half the number of children who entered the first grade in September reported at the Summer Round Up for a physical examination.
The report of the Chadwick Clinic shows that twelve children are listed for further observation.
The children in the underweight group need attention. The School Dept. now provides hot soup or cocoa at noon at the grade schools at the cost of 3¢. We hope this may help to bring about a gain in weight for some of the youngsters.
In November 107 children received treatment for the prevention of diptheria. Some of these children were of pre-school age. It should be the duty of every parent to have their family physician immunize the child at the age of six months.
Many patients paid only half of the minimum charge of fifty cents per visit and many were not able to pay
44
Public Health Nurse
at all. This of course reduced the amount of money col- lected for fees. Some fees for December are still unpaid and cannot be included in the treasurer's report.
May I express my sincere thanks to all Board Mem- bers, teachers, parents, children and others who have helped me to carry on the Community Health Program.
Respectfully submitted,
MARGARET O'DONNELL, R. N.
45
REPORT OF E. R. A. ADMINISTRATOR
To the Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
Following is a report of Federal C. W. A. and E. R. A. aid to Scituate from November 1933 to December 31, 1935.
CWA-ERA Local Cost
Water Mains
$26,115.99
$20,391.04
Highways
22,668.80
29,267.30
Drainage
6,692.26
3,573.12
Grading
718.00
274.00
Tree Culture
3,738.20
None
Moth Eradication
2,872.80
None
Apple Tree Pest Control
1,364.60
None
Spraying Trees
432.00
None
Mosquito Control
4,541.30
None
Water Holes
3,828.30
500.00
Fire Trails
3,542.20
None
Fire Alarm Wires
240.00
599.00
Auto Parking Spaces, Minot and Humarock
3,036.40
1,867.91
Auto Survey
192.00
None
Painting Guard Rails
1,437.00
850.00
Repairing Shoes
249.60
118.85
House Numbering
1,997.10
40.00
Federal Housing
3,293.00
494.90
Housing Clerk
361.02
None
Supervising Foreman and Time-
46
E. R. A. Administrator
keeper
832.50
100.00
Painting Town Hall
228.00
202.00
Repairing North Scituate
Fire Station
743.50
487.24
Minot Fire Station for Cannery
78.50
100.00
Snow Removal
353.00
None
Womens Projects
6,763.26
200.00
Materials for Womens Projects
2,469.30
150.00
$98,788.63
$59,215.39
This report does not include W.P.A. aid. Transfering from E.R.A. to W.P.A. began October 18, 1935. The sewing project which is the last to be transfered will be in January 1936. W.P.A. Projects are submitted for a number of men for a certain length of time; their time is kept by the foreman or timekeeper and sent to the District office at Brockton where payrolls are made out.
I was appointed E.R.A. Administrator for Scituate, May 1, 1934 and served till December 12, 1935 when all E.R.A. offices officially closed. My appointment was made by Joseph Carney, Administrator for Massachu- setts. During that time monthly grants of money were allotted the Town and our duty was to employ as many needy persons as the allotment would allow. The time was kept by a local timekeeper and all payrolls were made out and checked in the local office. Commodities were requisitioned for and distributed by us.
How much this Federal Government aid has helped with relieving welfare we do not know. On December 1, 1935 there were 98 persons on Government projects. Of these, 44 persons had received aid from the Welfare, Soldier's Relief or Mother's Aid. How many of the re-
47
E. R. A. Administrator
maining 54 would have been compelled to apply for aid we cannot say; but we do know the Welfare Depart- ment is feeling the strain of the semi-monthly W.P.A. pay days and the delay in receiving pay in December.
It has been a privilege to serve the Town of Scituate during these trying months and we have sincerely tried to give the work to those seeking it according to their need.
The officials of all departments have cooperated by furnishing money for materials that laborers might be kept at work. Our aim was to submit projects that were useful and worth while. I feel that Scituate is one of the towns which has paid its own way, the cost for mater- ials etc. has been large but the help we received has been greater. I think our record is one to be proud of.
In closing I wish to thank the Fire Department and Police Department for their splendid cooperation. Many trips they have made to Quincy, the District Commissary, for commodities and materials for the Sewing Projects and I feel they have saved the town many dollars in this service.
Very truly,
ANNIE M. SOMERS.
E. R. A. Administrator
May 1, 1933 to December 12, 1935.
ANNUAL REPORT
of the
WATER DEPARTMENT
of the
TOWN OF SCITUATE
for the
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1935
SET
IN
9
SATUIT
RPC
Printed by SATUIT PRESS, SCITUATE, MASS.
51
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS
FOR 1935
The steady growth of our water system since its acqui- sition by the Town should be a source of gratification to the townspeople as it is to your Water Commissioners. The year of 1935 has seen its full share of improvement, in strengthening the weak links, completing loops, re- laying shallow lines, and increasing the available water supply.
The new well at Kent Street has more than realized our best hopes, the production averaging 400,000 gallons per day during four months of operation. There is now in course of construction an eight-inch line leading from this well, easterly on Driftway, so as to supplement the water service to the Third and other Cliffs. This is be- ing done with the aid of Federal funds, through the W. P. A.
Another project which is in the hands of the govern- ment for acceptance is the laying of a large main from Greenbush along Old Oaken Bucket Road to Sherman's Corner. In this area there are many families who are entitled to Town Water and fire protection, which a main along this highway would offer.
Of our other plans for 1936, the relaying below frost line of a large and troublesome area of shallow mains at
52
Water Department
Humarock is contemplated. What seems to us the exces- sive price which we are compelled to pay for water pur- chased from Marshfield for the supplying of this portion of our Town is also a matter of concern, and is having our serious consideration. One possibility is that we may be able to find ground water there and thus materi- ally reduce our present overhead, which unfortunately, has caused a loss to the Town each successive year since we took it over.
It is unnecessary to go more into detail, as our Super- intendent's report carries all data for those who would give our system and its working close study.
It is a matter of great regret to your Board that the early adjournment of the special Town Meeting prevented the presentation and consideration of two Articles which were sponsored by the Water Commissioners, because it is our hope only to put into effect those things which have the approval of the majority of our voters.
As we had money available at that time for its con- struction, we proposed the building of a million gallon standpipe at the southwesterly corner of the Civic Center ball field. Most of the adverse comments we heard were probably based on the assumption that we intended a towering structure, approximately the height of the present Lawson Tower, whereas it was our intention to limit its height to sixty feet, and to place it in a remote corner where it would be largely screened by trees. The need of a standpipe for storage of water is unquestioned, for besides giving us a much needed reserve at the most central location of high elevation, it would materially reduce our pumping costs, because it could be filled at night when consumption demands are at their lowest. Its value for fire prevention would be unimportant unless
53
Water Department
the pipe lines to our waterfront fire hazards were great- ly increased in size. However, the money originally in- tended for this purpose has been diverted to other use.
The other Article had to do with conserving Old Oaken Bucket Pond as a water reserve. Prospecting for water has gone forward steadily the last four and one-half years, and the net result has been to find one good well at Kent Street, and one at Bound Brook. The Bound Brook well has been a small producer and its output re- quires lime treatment. Though we continue our water prospecting diligently, experience shows we may fail to develop a satisfactory supply, or such discovery may be deferred for two or three years. In view of this possibil- ity, is it not unwise for us to risk the loss of a supply al- ready ours and ready for instant use? To save Old Oak- en Bucket Pond from pollution, we ask in the warrant of the regular Town Meeting that you ratify an agreement made by the Water Commissioners with Richard Clapp, whereby the Town will acquire the water rights in a small brook, which it our intention to divert. This action on our part is recommended by the State Board of Health, and will be a distinct help to our local Board of Health. Failure to comply may bring about the condemnation of the pond for use as drinking water.
The reduction in water rates put into effect for 1936 paces the fixture rate for the user having one opening, one bath and one toilet, at $22. These same fixtures, under the private ownership, on May 1, 1931, were $34. We feel this saving of $12.00 even at this time, when we are paying $55,441.25 out of our income for bond retire- ment and interest, plainly demonstrates the wisdom of the Town in taking possession of their own plant, and augurs well for the ftuure.
54
Water Department
We have met interest obligations for the year of $27,546.25, and have retired bonded indebtedness amount- ing to $29,000.00.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN F. MCJENNETT, Chairman,
WILLIAMS B. JAMES, JAMES W. TURNER, Water Commissioners.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1935
To The Board of Water Commissioners,
Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen :
It is my pleasure to submit for your consideration the Fourth Annual Report of the Water Department, including a chronicle of the principle work performed and certain recommendations for the coming year.
During the first part of January about 2,000 feet of main was laid on Hollett Street, making a connection with the line on Gannett Road, and reinforcing the supply to North Scituate Beach. This connection eliminated a dead end main and afforded considerable relief to the system, particularly in the North Scituate and West End sections.
February again proved to be a cold month and the freezing temperatures caused the Department consider- able trouble. Many people forget or neglect to shut off the water supply at the stop and waste in the yard or cellar and do not drain the pipes in the house, consequent- ly the water freezes and the pipes burst. As soon as the ice thaws, the house is flooded and the immediate atten- tion of the Water Department is required. Much of this trouble and expense could be avoided with a little care on the part of the occupants of the house.
56
Water Department
Soon after the regular Town Meeting in March, money became available for the replacement of a small service pipe on Utility Road with a six inch main. This work was done with E. R. A. labor and a grant from the Se- lectmen in April.
About three acres of land on the Easterly side of Kent Street, near Driftway was taken from the Scituate Coun- try Club and work was started the latter part of April on the construction of a gravel packed well 60 feet deep. On July 6, a turbine pump was set in the well and started pumping water into the system. This pump was operated continuously until the latter part of October and had an average output of more than 400,000 gallons per day. The screen in the Kent Street well is of the shutter type, per- manently enameled, and the well pipe which is a continu- ation of the screen is Transite, made of Portland cement and asbestos. This combination insures a non-corrosive well. The addition of this well to the system was of great importance, making it possible to meet the peak demand of the season without recourse to any draught from Old Oaken Bucket Pond.
The Old Oaken Bucket Station is always put in con- dition in the spring and held as a reserve for any extra heavy demand or emergency, and we have been very fortunate the last two or three years in not having been forced to use this supply.
During almost the entire year, the E.R.A. and W.P.A. and P.W.A. were under constant consideration, and sev- eral projects entirely worth while from a public works standpoint as well as that of efficiency and service in the water works system, were set up and turned over to the Selectmen and administrator for their consideration. To- ward the last of the year a project for laying a main from
· 57
Water Department
the Kent Street station to the Third Cliff was authorized. The work was started in November and is now going on.
This line of main will insure all of the first three Cliffs with a constant supply of water even if the main in either Edward Foster Road or Gilson Road, or even both, should burst. The supply for fire service will also be greatly in- creased over all three Cliffs.
Although the work of eliminating dead end mains and small and shallow supply lines has been carried on con- sistently there are still a number of main lines that should be continued to connect with other main lines, and many shallow lines that should be replaced with deep mains. This work may not always mean new customers, but should be carried on to build up a more vauable fire ser- vice and a better circulation of water as well as to serve the consumers more efficiently and for the entire twelve months of the year.
Our supply of ground water has not a sufficient fac- tor of safety to insure the Town of a wholly reliable sup- ply. A breakdown in any one of our wells would be a very serious matter during our peak loads in the summer. It is, therefore, necessary to continue the search for more water until one or more wells are developed. Conserva- tion of our present supply can be accomplished to a con- siderable extent by the installation of meters.
Waste is invariably checked when the service is metered, but the proper use of water is not restricted. Meters determine the amount of the charges for water so that each consumer pays his just proportion of the cost of furnishing potable water to the Town.
One of the most important features, seriously needed in the system is a standpipe of sufficient capacity. The
58 .
Water Department
present standpipe in the system is hardly more than a pressure regulator and in case of even a slight disaster, would become exhaused very quickly. A one million gal- lon standpipe should be incorporated in the system.
The proposed main along Old Oaken Bucket Road, should be carried along Grove Street to First Parish Road as soon as practicable. This connection would re- duce the pumping pressure at Greenbush and also in- crease the supply and pressure along Clapp Road and to the West End.
General statistics and specific data are shown in the following tables, which were compiled from records of operation made during the year.
Signed, WILLIAM J. LUMBERT, Superintendent.
RAINFALL
The normal rainfall of Massachusetts as deduced by the Public Health Department was 44.62 inches.
Rainfall records as set up in the following table show the comparison between the State of Massachusetts, Bos- ton and Scituate. These records show a deficiency of 2.42 inches of rain in this section of Massachusetts, eight months showing less than normal rainfall.
59
Water Department
COMPARATIVE RAINFALL TABLE IN INCHES
Months
Actual Rainfall Scituate
Actual Rainfall Boston
Normal Rainfall Boston
Scituate Excess or Deficiency
Jan.
5.57
7.16
3.82
+1.75"
Feb.
2.80
3.04
3.62
-0.82
Mar.
1.53
1.60
4.06
-2.53
Apr.
5.60
5.97
3.95
+1.65
May
2.02
1.70
3.57
-1.55
June
5.44
6.90
3.25
+2.19
July
2.15
1.91
3.59
-1.44
Aug.
5.61
3.30
4.08
+1.53
Sept.
2.87
3.30
3.54
-0.67
Oct.
1.34
0.64
3.60
-2.26
Nov.
5.81
5.04
3.96
+1.85
Dec.
1.46
0.94
3.71
-2.25
Totals
42.20"
41.50"
44.75"
-- 2.55"
GENERAL STATISTICS
Population by census of 1930, 3,118.
Construction of system started 1893.
Now owned by town of Scituate.
Valuation, December 31, 1935 - $857,174.70.
Sources of supply - Artesian wells, Old Oaken Bucket Pond.
Water is supplied to the system through pumps, as fol- lows :
60
Water Department
1
PUMPING STATISTICS
1. Smith Vail Triplex pump electrically driven by 10 H. P. Century Motor.
2. Fairbanks Morse Turbine pump driven by 30 H. P. Fairbanks Morse electric motor.
3. Smith Vail Triplex pump driven by 15 H. P. Howell Motor.
4. Dean Hill centrifugal pump driven by DeLa Vergne 130 H. P. diesel engine.
5. Smith Vail Triplex pump driven by DeLaVergne 35 H. P. diesel engine.
6. Byron Jackson centrifugal pump electrically driven by 40 H. P. G. E. Motor.
7. Byron Jackson centrifugal pump electrically driven by 75 H. P. G. E. Motor.
8. Byron Jackson centrifugal pump electrically driven by 75 H. P. G. E. Motor.
9. Sterling deep well pump electrically driven by 10 H. P. U. S. Motor with Morris centrifugal pump driven by 10 H. P. G. E. Motor.
10. Sterling deep well pump electrically driven by 10 H. P. G. E. Motor with Morris centrifugal pump pump driven by 71/2 H. P. G. E. Motor.
11. Peerless deep well pump electrically driven by 15 H. P. G. E. Motor with Morris centrifugal pump driven by 71/2 H. P. G. E. Motor.
12. Fairbanks Morse deep well pump driven by 15 H. P. Fairbanks Morse Motor.
61
Water Department
All pumping is done by Diesel engines or electric motors.
Fuel oil purchased from the Gulf Refining Co., Aver- age price, $0.476.
Trade name, Gulf Solar Oil 33 degree Baume-19306 B. T. U. per lb.
Electric power purchased from the Edison Electric Illuminating Co., Average Price per K.W.H., $0.0198.
Total fuel oil used, 0 Gals.
. Total K.W.H. used 313,702.
Total Water pumped into distribution mains, 185,718,200 Gallons.
Total pumpage of water, 185,718,200 Gallons.
Av. Static Head 68.4.
Av. Dynamic Head 72.7.
Av. number gallons pumped per K.W.H. 592.
Av. cost of supplying water, per million gallons, figured on total maintenance of pumping station and filters, $50.38.
The maximum pumpage in one day was on Aug. 17, 1935, 1,138,200 Gallons.
The maximum pumpage in one week was 7,352,500 Gallons.
Water pumped by Diesel power, 0 gallons into dis- tribution system.
Water pumped by Electric power, 185,718,200 Gal- lons into distribution system.
62
Gals. day Capacity
120,000 Station No. 9
220,000 Station No. 10
240,000 Station No. 11
Webster Meadow Output
Pumped 524,000 Gals. 43,224,000 55,119,000 ", " 98,867,000 Gals.
Beaver Dam
50,000 Beaver Dam Spring
170,000 Beaver Dam Group of Wells
Pumped "
100,000 Gals. 41,683,000 " 41,783,000 Gals.
Kent Street Pumping Station
350,000 Station No. 2
Pumped 30,899,000 Gals.
Bound Brook
200,000 Station No. 12
Pumped 14,169,200 Gals.
Lime Used 1645 lbs.
Water Department
Pond Water Filtration 'None used.
Pumping and Maintenance Costs
Year
Total Cost
Cost per Mil.
Water pumped into system
1930
$19,550.00
$102.46
190,893,300 Gallons
1931
18,311.28
92.81
197,228,900
1932
14,124.04
81.08
174,220,000
1933
11,602.46
62.65
185,197,900
1934
10,743.75
52.66
204,221,800
1935
9,356.70
50.38
185,718,200
"
Water Department
63
64
Water Department
Kind of pipe, cast iron, Transite: extended 1935 3505 feet of 6".
Total 6 in Diameter or over now in use. 12" 8,256 feet
10" 36,697
8" 73,819
6" 134,349 ",
Equals 253,121 linear feet or 47 Miles, 4961 feet.
Number of hydrants in use, 275.
Range of pressure, 18 lbs. to 75 lbs.
1935 MAIN EXTENSIONS
Hollett St.
1640 feet
6'
Fay Road
196
Utility Road
645
At Kent St. Well
40
"
Spaulding Ave.
711
Otis Road
273
„
SERVICES
Kind of pipe, cast iron, cement lined, copper tubing, and transite. Sizes 3/4" to 2".
Extended 1935, 782 feet.
No. of services, added 1935, 29.
Average length 26.9 feet.
Average cost to Department $24.45.
Total number of services 2465.
65
REPORT OF TOWN CLERK
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING, 1935 HELD ON TWO DAYS
March 4 for the Transaction of Business March 11 for the Election of Officers under authority of Chapter 284, Acts of 1915 MARCH 4, 1935
At a legal meeting of the inhabitants of the Town of Scituate qualified to vote in Elections and Town Affairs, held at the High School Auditorium in said Scituate on Monday, the fourth day of March, 1935 at 9 o'clock A.M., the meeting was called to order by Moderator Philip S. Bailey and the warrant was read by Town Clerk William M. Wade.
Tellers appointed by the Moderator and sworn to their duties by the Town Clerk were: Willis B. Parsons, Alden S. Cook, Donald S. Pitkin, Paul J. Gillis and Louis E. Cole. Asst. Registrar Bertha L. Turner.
ARTICLE 1
To choose all the necessary Town Officers other than those elected by ballot, viz., Surveyor of Lumber, Meas- urer of Wood and Bark, two or more Field Drivers, one Pound Keeper.
66
Report of Town Clerk-Town Meeting
Voted, To elect same officers as in 1934: Surveyor of Lumber, Measurer of Wood and Bark, Ansel F. Servan.
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