USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1946-1948 > Part 29
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Voters of Scituate:
By far the largest part of our town's relief and aid appropria- tions goes to the Old Age Assistance program. This year has been marked by a decided increase in the number of recipients, and also in the amounts paid to each one. Last ycar we reported that the cost of this program for 1948 would reach $6000.00 per month, but with the cost of living increase ordered by the Legislature, the extra amounts paid to our recipients who own real estate, to com- pensate them for the astounding increase in our tax rate and the still increasing cost of hospitalization, nursing homes, etc., to- gether with the increase in the number of recipients will bring the cost for 1949 to around $96,000.00.
The Federal reimbursement for 1949 will be around $34,000.00. This money, under Federal law must be used only for Old Age As- sistance, and we sincerely believe that the State reimbursement should be restricted to the same purpose, or if this is not imme- diately possible that an amount equal to the State payments should be applied each year from the E. and D. account, thereby reducing the amount appropriated by the Town.
The popular belief is that this program costs the Town about one-sixth of the total, when as a matter of fact the Town must appropriate the full cost each year, less only the amount of the Federal reimbursement.
The remarks above apply with equal force to the Aid to De- pendent Children program, the cost of which has increased during 1948 from about $800.00 per month to around $1100.00.
As this Town is lacking in industrial establishments a number of our people are now out of work due to a cessation of the work ordinarily available, which condition has increased the cost of temporary aid. Amounts paid the State for the Board of chil- dren taken from their parents has reached quite sizable amounts.
We extend our thanks to the individuals, Town Officials and organizations who have assisted in our work during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, W. M. BROWN, Chairman, MERCY LAVANGE, FRANKLIN T. SHARP, Board of Public Welfare.
87
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REPORT
REPORT OF THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
We submit herewith a brief resume of the work accomplished during the past year:
1. Survey and layout of Roads and Drainage for the Hatchet Rock Development.
2. Survey and layout of Richfield Road for acceptance and construction.
3. Survey and layout of River Street-Humarock for acceptance and construction.
4. Estimates and design of seawall repairs caused by sea storms.
5. Lines and grades for Ann Vinal Road drainage project.
6. Survey and plans of three sections for Assessors Survey Maps.
7. Six plans were drawn for Residential Zone Variances.
8. Staking street lines for walls, hedges and fences.
9. Co-operated with State Engineers in the construction of Gannett Road.
10. Examination of all parcels of land seeking to be registered in the Land Court.
11. Co-operated with State Bridge Engineers in examination of Old Humarock Bridge.
12. Assigned street numbers to all new buildings.
13. Preliminary survey and topographical plan of proposed well site on property of the Boston Sand and Gravel Co.
We have co-operated with all departments requiring engineer- ing work and advice and have in return received splendid co- operation from them.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN E. BAMBER,
Town Engineer. HENRY A. LITCHFIELD, Associate Town Engineer.
88
ASSESSORS' REPORT
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS
Detail of 1948 Assessments
Number of Polls Assessed
1,962
Amount of Poll Tax Warrant
$3,924.00
Number of persons, partnerships and corporations assessed on property
3,820
Value of Assessed Real Estate: Buildings
$10,424,370.00
Land
3,321,535.00
Total value of Real Estate
$13,745,905.00
Total value of Personal Estate
1,076,313.00
Total valuation January 1, 1948
$14,822,218.00
Total valuation January 1, 1947
14,159,481.00
Total increase in valuation
$662,737.00
Omitted Assessments December 31, 1948
1,000.00
Total value Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise 1948
35,158.47
Total value Motor Vehicle and Trailers Excise 1947
22,885.68
Assessed
Horses
21
Cows
31
Other Neat
20
Sheep
8
Swine
0
Fowl
3,001
All Other
256
Automobiles and Trailers
2,882
Number of Acres Assessed
9,696
Number of Houses Assessed
3,135
Budget for 1948
Town Appropriations
Voted to be taken from available funds in 1948
$825,871.54 22,000.00
$847,871.54
State Tax and Assessments:
State Parks and Reservations
$525.01
State Audit of Municipal Accounts
411.46
County Tax and Assessments :
County Tax
32,823.21
Tuberculosis Hospital Assessment
9,284.01
Underestimates of Previous Year
1,177.43
Overlay for current year
14,564.77
Gross Amount to be Raised
$906,657.43
89
/
ASSESSORS' REPORT
Estimated Receipts :
Income Tax
$22,183.72
Corporation Taxes
18,978.30
Gasoline Tax
2,704.60
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
20,000.00
Licenses
6,500.00
Fines
150.00
Special Assessments
25.00
General Government
2,000.00
Protection of Persons and Property
:25.00
Health and Sanitation
300.00
Highways
300.00
Charities
3,000.00
Old Age Assistance
21,000.00
Old Age Tax (Meals)
887.43 2,500.00
Schools
200.00
Water Department
60,000.00 3,500.00
Personal Income Tax
40,130.62
Business Corporation Tax
6,568.30
Old Age Tax - Meals
776.50
Sealer's Fees
75.00
Total Estimated Receipts
$211,804.47
Overestimates of Previous Years to be used as available funds
4,909.72
Amounts voted to be taken from available funds (Articles 4 and 48)
22,000.00
Total Estimated Receipts and Available Funds
$238,714.19
Net Amount to be Raised by Taxation on Polls and Property
$667,943.24
Number of Polls
1,954 at $2.00 each
$3,908.00
Total Valuation:
Personal Property
$1,076,313.00 at $44.80 48,218.85
Real Estate
13,745,905.00 at $44.80
615,816.39
Total $14,822,218.00
Total Taxes Levied on Polls and Property
$667,943.24
Special Assessments : Water Liens
1,552.68
Total Amount of all Taxes and Assessments committed in 1948
$669,495.92
Taxes on Omitted Assessments - December 31, 1948: Real Estate
$44.80
Polls
16.00
Abatements in 1948:
To Joseph R. Dillon for 1946
$465.49
To Joseph R. Dillon for 1947
406.82
To Joseph R. Dillon for 1948
7,247.48
Respectfully submitted, HENRY A. LITCHFIELD, Chairman HENRY T. FITTS, PAUL A. REYNOLDS,
Assessors of Scituate.
90
Veterans' Benefits
Interest on Taxes and Assessments
LIST OF JURORS
LIST OF JURORS 1948
Prepared as provided for in Chapter 234, Section 4, General Laws (T.E.)
Agnew, Dwight L., Jr., Booth Hill Road, Engineer Allen, Frederick W., Chief Justice Cushing Way, Painter Anderson, Richard W., Garden Road, Radio Technician Bailey, Jackson E., Country Way, Plumber Barndollar, John W., Country Way, Advertising Benson, Neal P., Captain Pierce Road, Leather Dealer Best, Robert H., Turner Road, Mosser Breen, Robert J., Mitchell Avenue, Contractor Brown, Wilson S., Stockbridge Road, Contractor Bert, Glenn B., Summit Avenue, Mfg. Agent Claybourne, Richard, Curtis Street, Accountant Cole, Harold W., Richfield Road, Piano Tuner Connolly, Stephen F., Allen Street, Merchant Conway, Oliver J., Jericho Road, Tea Broker Corrigan, Edmund J., Tilden Road, Insurance Cusick, Henry W., Wampatuck Avenue, Manager Denker, Herbert, Ann Vinal Road, Accountant Dolan, James E., Utility Road, Painter Driscoll, Joseph C., Beaver Dam Road, Student Dwyer, James A., Ticknor Place, Electrician Duffley, Francis W., Jr., Country Way, Filling Station Dunne, Theodore A., Turner Road, Accountant Fettig, Howard I., Hazel Avenue, Painter Fleming, George W., Country Way, Radio Ford, William F., First Parish Road, Salesman Hardcastle, Harry H., Ann Vinal Road, Kennels Gilley, Fred S., Porter Road, Wool Harrigan, James L. M., Dayton Road, unemployed Harwood, Rogers W., Tilden Road, Painter Hendrickson, William A., Jr., Country Way, Salesman Hutchinson, Earle H., Jericho Road, Caretaker Jakubens, John H., Country Way, Merchant
91
WATER COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
Johnston, Alexander M., Country Way, Truck Driver Killgore, A. Nelson, Tilden Road, Retired
Litchfield, Ellsworth B., First Parish Road, Greenhouse Lonergan, John J., Brook Street, News Dealer Lutz, Richard F., Allen Street, Coppersmith MacIntosh, Robert M., Booth Hill Road, Salesman McDonald, William H., Hazel Avenue, Service Engr. McPherson, John H., Brook Street, Assistant Mgr. Messenger, Frederick C., Tilden Road, Adv. Mgr. O'Brien, Phillip J., Chief Justice Cushing Way, Restaurant Mgr. O'Donnell, Warren N., Elm Street, Engine Dispatcher O'Keefe, Dennis, First Avenue, Inspector Oliver, Leon S., Common Street, Insurance Palmer, Philip, Common Lane, Investments Russell, John A., Country Way, Merchant Schultz, William R., Mordecai Lincoln Road, Oil Dealer Stone, Walter C., Seaview Avenue, Carpenter Ward, William L., Brook Street, Plumber
Waterman, Fred T., Brook Street, Florist
REPORT OF THE WATER SUPERINTENDENT
January 1, 1949.
To the Board of Water Commissioners, Scituate, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
Following is the 17th Annual Report of the Scituate Water Department setting forth work performed during 1948, and rec- ommendations for further consideration.
During the early part of the year several conferences were held with the Norwell Selectmen, and later with the Norwell Water Commissioners, relative to the development of a source of supply in Norwell, and in June four test wells were driven to investigate the possibilities of a ground water supply. Test wells were then put down in the Boston Sand and Gravel Company property, and an apparently abundant supply of potable water was located. A pumping test was made and the source was approved by the Massa-
92
WATER COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
chusetts State Board of Health. On October 4, 1948, at a Special Town Meeting, an appropriation of $50,000 was voted, and nego- tiations are now being completed for the purchase of the necessary land to be used for a well and pumping station, with a right-of-way for transmission mains. Completion of this project should be ac- complished in the immediate future, to provide a source of water supply for many years, and also complete a loop around Driftway to reinforce the system.
In connection with this projeet, serious consideration should be given to the elimination of a, now existing, bottle-neek, on Kent Street, between Gilson Road and First Parish Road at the Harbor, consisting of an old six-inch diameter water main, which is entirely inadequate for the increased flow.
Another line that is increasing the resistance to the pumps is the six-inch diameter east-iron pipe now serving the entire length of Stoekbridge Road. This service should be reinforced with a twelve-inch diameter pipe to the Harbor from Greenbush.
Throughout the year additions have been made for domestic service and fire protection, and also to strengthen the system.
Two sections of water main have been installed on Chief Jus- tiee Cushing Highway, and an extension on South River Street, Humaroek.
A new main was laid on Clifton Avenue for a development and housing construction. The shallow line on Richfield Road was replaced with a six-inch main, during reconstruction of the street. A small shallow line was replaced on Tenth Avenue to furnish domestie service and fire protection for both old and new construction along that street, and this line also provided addi- tional supply for Oceanside Drive.
During April the standpipe on Mann Lot Road was given a much needed application of aluminum paint. Maintenance of this type is a "must." A hydrant was set at the corner of Kent Street and Edward Foster Road, and one on Hood Road, about midway between Mann Hill Road and Hatherly Road. Housing develop- ments in the town have increased and further extension of mains, and reinforcement of the system, will be required each year in Seituate and Humarock. Particular consideration should be given to reinforcement of the system in the North Scituate Beach area, including additional volume of water through North Scituate for fire serviee.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM J. LUMBERT, Superintendent.
93
WATER COMMISSIONER'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS
This year has been one of much satisfaction and much concern. Satisfaction because we have uncovered on the property of the Boston Sand and Gravel Co. the additional supply of water for which we have searched during the past decade. When this body of water is harnessed to our system, one of our three major prob- lems will have been solved. Our concern is for the maintenance and upbuilding of our system, both for household use and for fire protection, in the face of ever mounting costs, and the demands of an expanding community.
We have in some measure met this burden by certain tech- nical. means which have, during the past ten years, reduced the cost of pumping water about 50 per cent. Water is today being pumped for about $32 per million gallons, an all-time low for this town. This is a reduction from $100 per million in 1931.
During these trying years we have not asked, nor contemplated, any increase in water rates. Many of our surrounding towns, how- ever, have been forced to increase their rates considerably. Your Board believes that it can avoid any such drastic action if the yearly income of the Department is made available for the require- ments of the water system alone. To this end we are presenting to the voters a motion that would do this, but the State Laws would at the same time require us to come before the voters with our yearly budget as heretofore. We draw attention to the fact that this proposed change is nothing new, but a reversion to the method employed until the year 1941, and is approved by the State author- ities.
Acting under the Fire Exchange Survey recommendations for adequate fire protection, we have installed two sections of trunk lines on Route 3A. These trunk lines are larger than usually used on small side streets, and are therefore more costly, but vital to the proper distribution of water throughout the system. This line will have to be further extended to Mann Lot Road before this installation becomes properly effective.
9.4
TREE WARDEN'S REPORT
We would be remiss if we did not conclude by drawing your attention to the fact that this water system, although increased from 2350 takers and 27 miles of pipe to 3300 takers with 68 miles of pipe, has been serviced well and faithfully by six permanent men and one lady for the last seventeen years.
Respectfully submitted,
WM. E. SHUTTLEWORTH WALTER S. ALLEN
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
To the Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
This year 54 new shade trees were planted on our streets. These were all maples. These are all growing well.
The Dutch Elm disease that is spreading in Plymouth County has not been found here and the same spraying program recom- mended by our University of Massachusetts Dutch Elm disease laboratory that we followed this year will be continued. The blower method of applying DDT to the elm is now used almost everywhere for the better coverage it gives and economy.
Our roadsides were kept clean and all corners cut to give good vision for driving safety.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. FORD, Tree Warden.
95
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE REPORT
REPORT OF THE TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
Both Town Forests were cared for this year. The brush was cut and burned and all' fire trails were cleared for use in case of fire. A new fire trail was opened in the Mann Lot Forest and gravel put on part of it. This opens a new section to trucks in case of fire.
The Pinson Hill Park was used by all who desired this year and as usual all are welcome there for picnics or a visit. We only ask those who do to use care with fire.
Respectfully submitted,
EMMA LITCHFIELD, MARY CRESSEY, JOHN W. FORD, Town Forest Committee.
REPORT OF THE CLAM WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1948.
For several years the once productive clam areas within the boundaries of our town have been the subject of neglect chiefly because of the deterioration of the Department of Conservation in our Commonwealth. This year a rejuvenated Division of Marine Fisheries within the Department of Conservation took special in- terest in our town and they together with your Honorable Board and the Advisory Committee made possible the reopening of our clam arcas to the residents of Scituate.
In order to properly assess the importance of developing our
96
SCITUATE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICE
clam areas, allow me to quote from a report by Mr. Charles L. Wheeler, Division of Marine Fisheries, Department of Conserva- tion. Referring to our clam area, Mr. Wheeler writes:
"It was a great pleasure to mne to see an area so heavily popu- lated with clams and I am sure that the program as outlined in my report will help to promote the welfare of your clam popu- lation."
In the year 1948 we received considerable financial assistance from the State for the control of shellfish enemies and the propa- gation of clams. Similar assistance is promised for the year 1949.
The removal of mussels from our clam flats was started this year and I hope we can continue this work in 1949. This, together with re-seeding in certain areas, should produce greater abundance of clams in the year to come.
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to your Board, the Advisory Committee and the Division of Marine Fisheries for their excellent cooperation in re-establishing a potential twenty-five to forty thousand dollar annual industry for the citizens of our town.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER S. O'NEIL, Clam Warden.
REPORT OF THE SCITUATE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICE, INC.
Report of the President
This organization, with an annual budget of about $1,000, ex- ists on faith in Scituate citizens, who each year assume member- ship by giving $1.00 or more during our annual drive for funds, and who buy T.B. Seals at Christmas time. The Board which man- ages your contributions is ready to continue its work for improved health, and education for better living. Voluntary donations have paid for all the Health Services described below, benefiting you, your neighbor, and our children.
Scituate was one of the first towns in Plymouth County to
97
SCITUATE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICE
have the mobile X-ray unit. Over 500 responded to receive a chest X-ray, at a cost of $560.00.
The Well-Baby Clinic is attended each month by an average of 20 mothers with their babies, who are advised by Dr. Olga E. Allers, pediatrician; her services and other expenses were $343.00.
Three children who needed rest, good food, and outdoor life were sent to the Bailey Health Camp for 10 weeks. Did you help in the cost-$180.00?
The Immunization Clinic, conducted by Dr. C. L. Ward, Jr., gave immunity from whooping cough, diphtheria and tetanus to 180 youngsters, at a cost of $120.00.
Supplies for the Public Health Nurse amounted to $113.00 this year.
T.B. Rehabilitation expenses were $160.00 and included help for local as well as county cases.
May I add my grateful appreciation to all those who gave money that these essential health services in our community have been maintained; to members of the Board who have spent many hours assisting at the Clinics, and doing their part in executive positions; and to Mrs. Alice Dowd, Dr. Ward and the Board of Health for their continued cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
ELIZABETH H. EVANS,
President.
REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICE
RECEIPTS
Balance on hand, January 1, 1948
$1,399.11
Dividend, Ella Gardner Trust
25.00
Dividend, Emeline Jacobs Trust 13.78
Membership Drive
324.00
Baby Clinic
82.45
Nurses Contributions
83.00
98
BOARD OF HEALTH
Rebate, Expense Health Meeting, Monponset
1.45
One-half Proceeds Seal Sale for 1947
507.27
Interest, Cohasset Savings Bank
11.50
$2,447.56
PAYMENTS
Plymouth County X-ray Survey
$548.46
Franklin Publishing Co., Advertising X-ray Survey.
12.00
Olga E. Allers, M.D., Baby Clinic
275.00
Mary Perry, M.D., Baby Clinic
25.00
Call Drug Co., Nurses Supplies
113.07
Ethyl M. Duffey, Postmaster, P. O. Box Rent.
1.80
Baby Clinic Expenses
43.00
Satuit Post 3169, V. F. W., Donation
10.00
Plymouth County Hospital, Donation
140.00
Plymouth County Hospital, 3 Children to Camp
180.00
Dr. C. L. Ward, Immunization Clinic
75.00
Dr. C. L. Ward, Serums for Clinic
45.84
Satuit Press, Printing
16.05
Membership Drive Expenses T.B. Rehabilitation
20.00
Seal Sale Expenses
30.80
Miscellaneous Expenses
29.85
$1,596.52
Balance on hand, January 1, 1949
851.04
$2,447.56
C. L. HARTS, Treasurer.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
January 10, 1949.
To the Citizens of Scituate
Your Board of Health is pleased to report that our Town still holds the high standing within the Commonwealth in regard to health and health conditions as it has in former years.
There have been no epidemics during 1948. Contagious dis- eases have been kept down to a minimum and every effort has been made to maintain the high standard we now enjoy. Many sanitary
99
30.65
BOARD OF HEALTH
problems have been corrected and others will be taken care of when we are notified that unsanitary conditions exist.
Those employed by your Board have done their work effi- ciently and their cooperation has assisted us in carrying on our work. All Departments and Town Officials have rendered us great assistance whenever called upon and we take this opportunity to thank them for their help.
Reports of the various agencies we employ will be found under separate headings following our report.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER L. ENOS, Chairman, GEORGE H. OTIS, DR. CLIFFORD L. WARD, JR., Board of Health.
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
Scituate Board of Health,
Scituate, Massachusetts.
Dear Sirs:
As Public Health Nurse for the Town of Scituate, I hereby submit my annual report of activities for the year 1948.
Bedside Nursing Visits
1732
Old Age Visits
437
Soldier's Relief Visits
27
Ambulance Cases
30
Doctor's Office with Patients
19
Infant Welfare Visits
200
Baby Clinics-181 babies
12
Immunization Clinics-124 children
4
Pre-School Dental Clinics-69 children
33
Communicable Disease Visits
75
T.B. Follow-up Visits
90
Prenatal Care Visits
60
Postnatal Care Visits
80
Unclassified Visits
300
Public Health Meetings
6
100
BOARD OF HEALTH
Conferences with State Health Workers 10
Total Number of Visits 3125
This year's Pre-School Dental Clinic, conducted by Dr. John F. Crimmins, was the largest one since its inception. It marked the fourth year that sodium fluoride was used within the clinic.
The Board also sponsored its annual Vaccination and Diph- theria Clinics, which Dr. Clifford L. Ward, Jr., conducted, and which served a record number of 124 children.
The Scituate Nursing Service continued its vital assistance to the community, sponsoring three projects. Dr. Ward conducted their Whooping Cough Clinic, and Dr. Olga Allers, Boston pedia- trician, was in attendance at the Well Baby Clinic, which does so much to assure the health of the 181 babies that attended. Bailey Camp was also included in its worthy work.
Perhaps one of the most important routine tasks accomplished is the teaching, in the hundreds of homes visited, the home pro- cedure and techniques in bedside nursing, so that in between visits from the Public Health Nurse, the family can efficiently care for the patient.
As usual, the year has been a gratifying, as well as busy one.
Respectfully submitted,
December 31, 1948. ALICE M. DOWD, R.N.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DENTIST
December 22, 1948.
Board of Health, Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The following is a brief summary of the dental work performed in the Jenkins and Hatherly Schools for 1948.
268 Fillings in Permanent Teeth 176 Fillings in Deciduous Teeth 117 Prophylactic Treatments
101
BOARD OF HEALTH
77 Completions
60 Teeth Treated
44 Extractions of Deciduous Teeth
6 Extractions of Permanent Teeth
In addition to the above work, Fluorine Treatments have been given throughout the school year to the first three grades.
Due to the large classes of the past few years, only the first, second and third grades receive dental care. Emergency work only on request in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades.
Respectfully submitted, W. B. PARSONS, D.M.D.
REPORT OF THE PRE-SCHOOL DENTIST
Scituate Board of Health,
Scituate, Massachusetts.
Dear Sirs:
Specific prevention, both pharmacological and physiological, is the aim of dental research today. Future generations will study this present era, and it will distinguish itself on this great con- tribution.
The Director of the Murry and Leonie Guggenheim Dental Clinic has issued a Dental Bill of Rights for Children, that well bears repeating :
The right to very carly attention to the factors contributing to dental disease and deformity, and to continued recall care.
The right to treatment on a par with that accorded adults.
The right to recognition of dental needs of children on a par with the recognition of their other health needs.
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