USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1949-1951 > Part 7
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Construction was started on a gravel packed well the last of June and pumps were installed for testing, and started 27 July, 1949. The well was pumped at the rate of one million gallons per day until the water was entirely cleared, after which for short periods the well was surged for development at the rate of one and one-half million gallons per day. The foundation was started immediately and construction of the pump house progressed continuously to completion. On 12 Sept., 1949, water was being pumped into the entire system from this new unit. The water from this new supply was an exceptionally welcome relief to the already badly depleted underground reservoirs of the system, and it became feasible at once to shut down other pumps to allow the underground supplies to recuperate.
Owing to the very severe drought during the entire year, the water tables have not reached previous normal levels, and unless there is considerable precipitation before the summer of 1950, it may not be possible to allow as much freedom in the use of water as might be desirable. Scituate was more fortunate than a great many towns in the eastern part of the United States, but there were many days when the supply was so low that the water situation was very critical, and the water level in the well fields became depleted to such an extent that continuous pumping at pump capacity became dangerous.
The following tables showing precipation data in Scituate indicate very clearly the extent of the drought in this area. The month of June, with 0.35 of an inch of rain, furnished absolutely no replenishment to the well fields. During June, July and August, in 1948, the total rainfall was 11.62 inches, or 202.2 million gallons per sq. mile, whereas the same period, viz., June, July and August, 1949, showed a total rainfall of 3.81 inches, or 66.3 million gallons per sq. mile, making a deficit of 136 million gallons per sq. mile during the summer period; 67 per cent less in 1949 than in 1948.
The accompanying graph was designed to show the growth of the Water Dept. during the last six years, and indicates the rapid strides of the post-war period, and also the lack of development during the war period. This increase is due to an apparently healthy and sustained influx of new citizens, many of whom are
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WATER SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
building new homes, and must necessarily have a potable water service, which is vital to their existence.
The additional service required of the Water Dept. for this new growth, creates an ever increasing demand for material and labor, as well as the potable water itself, and there must be a definite reflection in the budget to cover the cost.
The table showing the number of gallons of water pumped into the system brings out clearly the increased demand through the summer. The average daily consumption through June, July and August, 1949, was 1,102,000 gallons, while the same period in 1948 had a daily average of 891,000 gallons. This was an increase of 211,000 gallons per day, nearly 24%, and created a very serious demand on the supply.
Further tables in this report delineate the location, size and length of mains installed during 1949, also general statistics rela- tive to the Water Dept.
In the latter part of the year the office of the Water Dept. was moved from Country Way to the Water Dept. property on Old Oaken Bucket Road, to occupy much more desirable quarters in the brick building formerly used as a pumping station. This was a very worth-while action on the part of the Commissioners.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM J. LUMBERT, Superintendent.
1948 AND 1949 PRECIPTATION DATA
1948
1949
January
5.95"
4.01"
February
2.00"
3.11"
March
3.39"
1.41"
April
2.77"
3.92"
May
7.03"
3.52"
June
2.78"
.35"
July
5.72"
1.56"
August
3.12"
1.90"
September
1.05"
2.31"
October
5.32"
1.37"
November
4.95"
2.95""
December
1.49"
1.93"
Total
45.57"
28.34"
17.23" less than 1948
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WATER SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
1949 PUMPAGE DATA
Total water pumped into distributing system 252,653,000 gals.
Total water pumped by electric power 250,524,000 gals.
Total water pumped by Diesel power 2,129,000 gals.
Total KWH used
349,702 KWH
Total KWH used for actual pumping
348,402 KWH
Total cost of electric power $6,491.49
Average cost per KWH 0.0184
Total gals. fuel oil for pumping
284 gals. cost $34.08
Average No. of gals. per KWH
725 g. p. KWH 70#
Average dynamic head
Average static head
69#
Maximum pumped in one day -June 18 1,590,000 gals.
Maximum pumped in one week-June 13 to 19 9,613,000 gals.
Precipitation : 1948. 45.57"; 1949 28.34"=17.23" def.
PUMPAGE BY UNITS
gals.
No. 1.
36,000
No. 2
10,189,000
No. 3 8,105,000
No. 9
40,000
No. 10
54,415,000 (Webster Meadow total 137,792,00 gals.
No. 11 83,337,000J
No. 12 1,408,000 Total water pumped out of Webster Meadow
No. 17
59,002,000 since July, 1927 = 2,851,001,300 gals.
No. 18
36,121,000
Total
252,653,000
PUMPAGE AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
Year
Water Pumped
Cost per million
Total Cost
1943
201,506,400 gals.
$44.20
$8,907.95
1944
233,505,000 gals.
40.04
9,350.90
1945
246,955,000 gals.
33.57
8,293.17
1946
240,721,000 gals.
32.03
7,709.90
1947
228,380,000
gals.
35.53
8,113.98
1948
241,223,000
gals.
35.09
8,464.10
1949
252,653,000 gals.
41.21
10,412.10
MAINS LAID IN SCITUATE IN 1949
Street
Size of Pipe
Length
Lynda Lane
6""
557' 7''
Willow Park
6"
504'
Fairview Avenue
6"
274'
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WATER SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Stenbeck Place
6"
320'
Thomas Avenue
6"
716'
Driftway
6"
340'
T. 2711' 7''
Indian Lane
8''
551' 6"
T. 551' 6"
Driftway
10"
4897'
T. 4897'
Driftway
12"
891'
T. 891'
WATER SUPPLY STATISTICS 1949
Population Supplied-Winter ...... 5,000 Summer ..... 30,000 SCITUATE HUMAROCK
gals.
gals.
January
15,697,000
664,762.5
February
14,261,000
651,525.0
March
15,671,000
918,112.5
April
16,330,000
1,366,837.5
May
21,212,000
2,003,887.5
June
32,254,000
2,749,050.0
July
34,873,000
4,233,937.5
August
34,258,000
3,853,200.0
September
20,311,000
1,903,950.0
October
16,976,000
1,502,100.0
November
14,480,000
1,217,137.5
December
16,330,000
1,105,725.0
Total 252,653,000
22,170,225.0 == T. 274,823,225 gals.
Greatest amount pumped or used :
Day: June 18th
1,590,000 gals.
Greatest amount pumped or used in any week:
Week: June 13th to 19th
9,613,000 gals.
Gallons supplied to distributing mains during year 274,823,225 gals.
Miles of mains at end of year 68 miles, 794 ft.
Total number of services at end of year 3532
Number of services in use at end of year 3470
Number of meters in use at end of year 1531
Total area of land owned for water supply purpose 2871/2 acres
93
T. 9051'
WATER COMMISSIONER'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS
The past year confronted your Board with the most serious conditions we have ever had; but for the fortunate discovery and development of the Greenbush well, on the property of the Boston Sand and Gravel Co., we would have been in serious trouble. Pending the completion of the new well we were forced to pump our wells excessively, but our new well was completed during the first week in September, and immediately we were able to lift the slight restriction imposed during the severe drought. It will require many weeks and much rain to restore the underground water level to its former state.
We have submitted to you this year, as part of our Superin- tendent's report, a chart which reflects the considerable growth of the system, and the healthy condition of the cost of operations.
We believe the voters of our Town will adequately support this vital department, when given the proper and factual information. The coming years will confront this Department with constant problems which we propose to meet in the best interests of the Town, and with the cooperation and assistance of all Town officials.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER S. ALLEN, Clerk, WILSON S. BROWN, WILLIAM E. SHUTTLEWORTH, Chairman.
94
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE REPORT
REPORT OF THE TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
This year the town forests were mowed of brush and the trees trimmed.
During the dry weather of last summer five hundred dollars more was given us to continue the graveling of the fire lanes. This work is nearly finished and our fire trucks can get to most parts of the forests if necessary.
Every year more people are using these forests and we hope to have running water, tables and benches in the Pinsin Hill forest.
Rspectfully submitted,
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE.
REPORT OF THE CLAM WARDEN
January 11, 1950
Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen :
The report of the Clam Warden is herewith submitted for your approval.
The report is based upon the activities of the Department.
The Scituate Harbor, Sandhills and Peggotty Beach areas were tested for pollution by the State Health Service. These places were found to be polluted very high, so as to allow no clamming at all in those areas. Sea-worms may be dug in those areas.
The control of shellfish enemies was our main goal during the year. At Humarock with the help of two men we piled up three- quarters of the mussels south of Hatch's Stand. These mussels have
95
SCITUATE PUBLIC HEALH NURSING SERVICE
to be checked or they threaten to cover most of our flats in Hum- arock. In 1950 we hope to get these piles off of the flats.
This Spring it is planned by the State's Biologist, Mr. Wheeler, to re-seed twenty-five barrels of clam seed in Scituate. If the re- seeding works out well there will no doubt be bigger re-seeding of our flats in Scituate. The seed is planned to be planted half at the North River area and the Minot areas, to which its progress will be watched.
Our work in the control of shellfish and shellfish enemies is made possible by the Board of Selectmen and the State's Biologist, Mr. Wheeler, with the funds they have generously appropriated the Department.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER S. O'NEIL, Clam Warden.
REPORT OF THE SCITUATE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICE, INC.
Report of the President
This is a community service organization interested in pro- moting and protecting good health and better living for all citizens, young and old. We exist because of your generosity in responding to our annual membership drive for funds and in buying T. B. Christmas seals.
Our annual budget of around $1000.00 brings you:
1. The Well-Baby Clinic - Dr. Olga Allers, Children's Hos- pital Pediatrician, each month advised over 20 mothers with babies. The cost was $320.75.
2. The Immunization Clinic - held in cooperation with the Board of Health, gave protection against whooping cough, diph- theria, tetanus and small pox to a large number of children at a cost of $107.67.
3. Supplies and medicine for the Public Health Nurse amounted to $122.97.
96
SCITUATE PUBLIC HEALH NURSING SERVICE
4. T. B. Assistance for local and county cases came to over $500.00. We now return most of our share of the T. B. seal proceeds to the Plymouth County Health Association, of which we are a member. They in turn take care of local T. B. cases.
5 Medical care and help to families and individuals cost $72.75.
In November 1950 we will sponsor the Mobile T. B. X-ray Unit. The importance of such a survey to the health of the town cannot be over-emphasized.
This board wishes to thank its many generous contributors of the past year and to welcome the increasing number of sustaining members.
May we also thank Mrs. Alice Dowd and the Board of Health for their fine cooperation.
Respectfully submitted, RUTH K. BITTENBENDER,
President.
REPORT OF THE
TREASURER OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICE
RECEIPTS
Balance on hand January 1, 1949
$851.04
Dividend Ella Gardner Trust
25.00
Dividend Emeline Jacobs Trust
8.27
Membership Drive
410.00
Baby Clinic
78.25
Nurses Contribution
63.75
Plymouth County Health Seal Sale
95.20
Cohasset Savings Bank Interest
5.84
$1,537.35
PAYMENTS
Olga E. Allers Baby Clinic
$275.00
Mary Terry Baby Clinic
25.00
Call Drug Co., Inc., Nurses Supplies
122.97
Ethel M. Duffey, Postmaster, P. O. Box Rent
2.40
97
BOARD OF HEALTH
Ethel M. Duffey, Postmaster, Postage
12.00
Dr. C. L. Ward, Jr., Immunization Clinic 75.00
Franklin Publishing Co., Advertising
Dr. C. L. Ward, Jr., Serum for Clinic 7.90
32.67
Medical Aid - T. B. and Hospital
72.25
Seal Sale Expense
11.58
Membership Drive Expense
27.85
Miscellaneous Expense
25.75
$690.37
January 1, 1950 Balance
846.98
$1,537.35
PHOEBE C. MULLIGAN, Treasurer.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
January 10, 1950.
To the Citizens of Scituate:
We are pleased to report that our town still maintains a high standard within the Commonwealth in regard to health and health conditions.
Our town has grown very rapidly in population and many new homes have been built, which adds many problems regarding sanitation. All this means added expense for disposal of garbage and rubbish and these problems must be taken care of as they arise. All clinics sponsored by your Board, during the past year, have been well attended and very satisfactory results obtained.
Reports follow by those whom we have employed and we are pleased to report that their work has been very efficiently done and the Board takes this opportunity to thank them for their co- operation.
All town officials and those in charge of any of the Depart- ments we have called upon at different times, have gladly given us assistance and we wish to thank them for the help they have rendered.
Respectfully submitted, DR. CLIFFORD L. WARD, JR., Chairman, WALTER L. ENOS, Secretary GEORGE H. OTIS,
Board of Health.
98
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
Scituate Board of Health,
Scituate, Massachusetts.
Dear Sirs:
I hereby submit my annual report, as Public Health Nurse for the Town of Scituate, of activities for the year 1949.
Bedside Nursing Visits
1768
Old Age Visits
511
Soldiers' Relief Visits
25
Ambulance Cases
45
Doctor's Office Visits with Patients
22
Infant Welfare Visits
300
Baby Clinics-205 babies
12
Immunization Clinics-150 children
4
Pre-School Dental Clinics-34 children
33
Communicable Disease Visits
121
Prenatal Care Visits
79
Postnatal Care Visits
123
Unclassified Visits
370
Public Health Meetings
5
Conferences with State Health Workers
5
Total Number of Visits 3400
Dr. Clifford L. Ward, Jr., conducted the Vaccination and the Diphtheria Clinics, which are sponsored annually by the Scituate Board of Health. The Whooping-Cough Clinic, sponsored by the Scituate Nursing Service, he also conducted. The importance of these clinics cannot be overstressed, as they are an insurance on freedom from epidemic.
Well Baby Clinic, sponsored by the Scituate Nursing Service, and conducted by Dr. Olga Allers, Pediatrician from Boston, con- tinues its vital service to Scituate babies.
Under the sponsorship of the Scituate Board of Health, the Pre-School Dental Clinic, conducted by Dr. John F. Crimmins, gives remedial and preventive dentistry, with the newest the field has to offer.
99
BOARD OF HEALTH
It is gratifying to see with what willingness, those within the home are responsive to learning the techniques of bedside nursing, thereby assuring the home patients of comfort and adequate care between visits from the Public Health Nurse.
Respectfully submitted,
December 30, 1949.
ALICE M. DOWD, R.N.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DENTIST
December 21, 1949.
Board of Health, Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The following is a brief outline of the work accomplished in the grade schools for the calendar year 1949.
Fillings in Permanent Teeth 273
Fillings in Deciduous Teeth 175
Extractions of Permanent Teeth 5
Extractions of Deciduous Teeth
45
Treatments
(including fluorine treatments) 150
Prophylactic Treatments
93
Completed Cases 84
1
Complete modern dental equipment, including X-ray unit, has been purchased for the new school, and we will have better facilities to care for the children when it is completed.
Respectfully submitted,
W. B. PARSONS,
School Dentist.
100
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE PRE-SCHOOL DENTIST
Scituate Board of Health, Scituate, Massachusetts.
Dear Sirs:
In spite of a summer of exhaustive heat, the combined coopera- tion of the public health nurse, Mrs. Alice. M. Dowd; the members of the Motor Corps of the Scituate Chapter of the American Red Cross; and that of the parents of those attending, resulted in the termination of a most successful Pre-School Dental Clinic for the year 1949.
Of thirty-four children examined, twenty-five received Reme- dial and Preventive Treatment, and fifteen were completed. Eighty-three Roentgenograms, one hundred three Medicated Treat- ments, fifty Full Prophylaxis, ninety-six Fluorine Treatments, to- gether with twelve Extractions, plus two hundred fifteen Restora- tions, and parental Conferences on Diet, Malocclusion, etc., rounded out the sessions.
That mothers continue to grow more prone to the importance of a sound and healthful condition within the oral cavity is most encouraging to the profession.
The establishment of kindergarten within the local school system will leave its mark for future good, in health, as well as in the field of education, in that it will give the opportunity of receiv- ing children for treatment a year younger; thereby catching reme- dial needs that much earlier, and being able to take preventive measures, such as fluorine treatments, when they can do the most good.
Sincerely,
JOHN F. CRIMMINS, D.M.D., Pre-School Dental Clinic.
101
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
January 1, 1950.
Board of Health, Scituate, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
Following is a report of my duties as Plumbing and Sanitary Inspector for the year nineteen hundred forty-nine.
Inspection of plumbing installations for which permits have been issued have been made and approval granted. The adoption of the rules inserted in the building code last year at the sugges- tion of your board, have been of great value in informing the pro- spective builder of the requirements in regard to proper facilities for the disposal of sewage and the Building Commissioner has been most cooperative with this department.
Problems of sanitation have been many and point to the fact that a municipal system of sewerage in some localities must soon be provided. We have two areas where the situation is acute; one at the Scituate Center and Dreamwold area, and the other at Scituate Harbor.
The problem at the Center area has been greatly increased by the concentration of our school population in that area. In accord- ance with your instruction, a study has been made of the problems and a solution proposed. At the harbor, the only possible remedy to stop the pollution is the sewerage system and treatment plant.
The cost to the town for this improvement would be approxi- mately five hundred forty thousand dollars ($540,000) and this seems like a staggering sum to spend in addition to all the other necessary debts which we have to assume at this time. This money could be raised on thirty year bonds and I firmly believe that for the protection of our health, the town should raise the money.
In order to make the proper start, it would be necessary to file a bill in the Legislature to allow the town to take easements, elect commissioners and float a bond issue outside the debt limit.
I recommend that the opinion of the town be ascertained on this matter in the annual March meeting. It is possible to obtain
102
BOARD OF HEALTH
from the Federal Government, under Public Law #352 of the 81st Congress, which is an act to provide for the advance planning of non-Federal public works, the necessary funds for engineering and architectural services. This is a loan to be paid back to the United States Government if and when the construction of public works is undertaken and started. I recommend that an article be inserted in the Warrant to authorize the Selectmen in the name of the Town of Scituate to make the application for this service, as this is recommended by the State Department of Public Health at this time.
Respectfully submitted,
PHILIP S. BAILEY, Plumbing Inspector.
December 31, 1949.
REPORT OF THE MILK INSPECTOR
January 10, 1950.
To the Board of Health, Scituate, Mass.
Dear Sirs:
Samples of milk have been examined and proven up to stand- ard. All stores, hotels and restaurants have been licensed and one new wholesaler was licensed this year.
I have collected fees and paid the Treasurer for
10 oleomargarine licenses
1 camp license
1 ice cream manufactory
55 store milk licenses
10 vehicle licenses
1 Pasteurization milk license
14 Methyl Alcohol licenses
3 Denatured Alcohol licenses
Respectfully yours,
GEORGE H. OTIS, Milk Inspector.
103
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF MEAT AND SLAUGHTERING
Board of Health, Scituate, Mass.
Dear Sirs:
In accordance with State laws of Massachusetts I have inspected all animals slaughtered in this town and have found them all in good condition and suitable for eating.
I have stamped all slaughtered animals as required by law.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM J. MCAULIFFE, Inspector.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
January 6, 1950.
Town of Scituate, Board of Health, Scituate, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :
I wish to report that I have quarantined all dogs which have bitten people and have attended to all matters relative to cattle, horses, goats and swine.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES P. CHASE, Acting Inspector of Animals.
104
BUILDING COMMISSIONER'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMISSIONER
January 16, 1950.
To the Board of Selectmen:
The report of the Building Commissioner follows:
Three hundred and sixty-one Building Permits were issued during the year 1949, fees collected and turned over to the Town Treasurer for the same were $1,511.00. All buildings have been inspected as required by our Code of Building By-Laws and the Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Forty-three (43) cases were brought before the Building Board of Appeals, requiring eleven (11) meetings of this Board. All were disposed of to the best interests of all concerned, only one (1) case was taken before the courts of the Commonwealth, which was de- cided in favor of the Town of Scituate.
Several new developments were started during 1949 and sev- eral more are contemplated. I believe that building in Scituate will be even greater in 1950 than it was in 1949.
Respectfully submitted,
LESTER D. HOBSON, Building Commissioner.
ALLEN MEMORIAL LIBRARY
January 12, 1950
Board of Selectmen Scituate, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The year 1949 has been marked by further expansion of the facilities of the Allen Memorial Library and their use by the towns- people of Scituate.
After many years of service, our former librarian, Mrs. Don W. Freeman, retired on July 1. We feel that the Town of Scituate owes
105
PEIRCE MEMORIAL LIBRARY REPORT
Mrs. Freeman a great debt for her steady devotion to the Allen Memorial Library and for her kindly helpfulness to all its patrons. Mrs. Andrew Finnie has succeeded Mrs. Freeman as Librarian.
At the request of our Trustees, the Library Division of the De- partment of Education of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts made a thorough survey of the Allen Memorial Library last spring. We have been able to carry out many of the recommendations which were made as a result of this survey, and are working on further suggestions which were offered to us.
Sections of the Reference and Reading Room have been con- verted into magazine racks with the result that there is much more table room for those who wish to study here. Additional bulletin boards have been erected, and many books have been rearranged.
The Library Division of the Department of Education also weeded our collection of books to cull out obsolete or worn out reading material to give us much needed shelf space.
In the eleven months from February 1 to December 31, 1949, the Allen Memorial Library circulated a total of 17,926 books and 2,340 magazines.
Pending completion of the new Elementary School, the sixth grade of the Jenkins School continues to be housed in the Library Hall under arrangements made with the School Committee. The Veterans of Foreign Wars have indeed been most generous in their cooperation in this matter.
We are deeply grateful for the continued support which the Town of Scituate gives to the Allen Memorial Library.
Respectfully submitted, PHILIP PALMER, President Allen Memorial Library Association.
REPORT OF THE PEIRCE MEMORIAL LIBRARY
January 16, 1950
Board of Selectmen, Mr. D. H. Shea, Chairman
Scituate, Mass.
Dear Sir:
During the year 1949 the Peirce Memorial Library has endeav- ored to become of greater service to the community by continuing to offer the best and newest books to its readers.
106
TREASURER'S REPORT
The many very interesting exhibits have been well arranged under the direction of Miss Madeleine Ellis.
We have had a few story hours for the children and observed Book Week by exhibiting many books read by great-grandmother and grandmother together with the latest books for little tots.
The interior of the library has been refinished this winter and the addition of new book shelves is planned for the near future.
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