USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1933 > Part 6
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RED CROSS
Through Mr. C. N. Winship, Chairman of the Wakefield Branch of the Red Cross, we received one and one-half cars of flour which was stored in his mill and given out on Saturday mornings. Also, through Mr. Winship, we had a large allotment of Red Cross clothing and material which in- cluded men's and boys' pants, stockings, underwear, sheeting, outing flannel and dress materials,
The outing flannel and dress materials were taken by the Wakefield Special Relief. Committee and distributed to all church organizations who made it into men's and boys' pajamas, women's night gowns and children's dresses. This Committee was in a position to present, on Easter Saturday, a new dress to every girl whose family was receiving aid from this department.
CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CAMPS
On May 18, 1933, this Board was authorized by Mr. Richard K. Conant, Commissioner of Public Welfare, to select thirty-one unmarried boys between the ages of 18 and 25 years, whose parents are citizens, to enroll in the Civilian Conservation Camps. Again on September 25, 1933, a second allotment of twenty boys were sent for a further six months' period. These
72
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
boys have served with credit to themselves and this community in the Camps to which they were assigned. All have been reported to be enjoy- ing good health and are talking about re-enlisting at the end of their six months' period.
CIVIL WORKS ADMINISTRATION
On November 18, a notice was received by this Board of a meeting to be held at the State House on November 20, in reference to the un- employed. At this meeting we were advised of the anticipated relief to Welfare Departments throughout the country. We were instructed to present projects in order to place welfare recipients to work as speedily as possible.
Through the foresight of Selectmen Eugene J. Sullivan, and J. Theo- dore Whitney, it was possible to immediately present projects which were approved, and men were placed to work on November 22, 1933-two days after the meeting.
Mr. William C. Strong, Chairman of the Board of Public Welfare, was appointed Civil Works Administrator for Wakefield and through his untiring efforts, personal sacrifice, numerous calls at the C. W. A. head- quarters in Boston, projects were continued until February 15, 1934.
TOWN INFIRMARY
The conduct and cost of the Town Infirmary is one of the incum- bent affairs imposed upon the Board of Public Welfare. Here are gathered dependents not otherwise provided for, and of these the last two years have brought a considerable increase. It is the purpose and effort of the Board and those in charge to make it as nearly a real home as prac- tical. Unfortunately there are some things that militate against complete and satisfactory results. If one thinks of 20 to 25 adults, whose mis- fortunes have put them in an institution and whose habits are fixed and their temperaments and dispositions are as varied as their numbers, it readily may be understood that it is not an easy and simple matter to combine them into an ideal. co-operative whole. There is always enough active, irresponsible, selfish human nature there to be a disturbing element; which imposes constant care and effort to keep in proper bounds. We say this that all who are interested may understand that it is no small problem of easy accomplishment to properly manage our Town In- firmary and care for an average of 23 inmates per month during the current year. We do not claim to have an ideal home; however, we do believe it is a good home where the inmates are well and properly cared for at a reasonable cost.
NUMBER OF INMATES MONTHLY
January
24
May
24
September 21
February
24
June
22
October
22
March
24
July
21
November
22
April
23
August
20
December 25
~ 73
- REPORT OF PUBLIC WELFARE DEPARTMENT
During the past year, great changes have taken place at the Town Farm. At the annual Town Meeting, it was voted, on report of the Special Town Investigating Committee, to discontinue all activities by July 1. In accordance with this vote, disposition of all livestock was effected as quickly as was practical.
Mr. and Mrs. Melvin W. Brown, the superintendent and matron, have continued in charge of the home, have given good service which is fully appreciated and for which we thank them.
APPRECIATION
We wish to extend our sincere thanks to Mr. C. N. Winship for his contributions, from time to time, of both adult and children's under- wear; the Wakefield Special Relief Committee consisting of :
Mrs. Arthur B. Mason Mrs. Dennis P. Hogan
Mrs. Homer Shellenberger Mrs. Michael F. Callan
Mrs. Ernest L. Brown Mrs. A. Francis Harrington
who have given so freely of their energy and time gratuitously to assist in the making and the distribution of clothing and other articles to welfare recipients.
We also wish to thank all private individuals and organizations who donated money, toys, and candy for our Christmas work.
WILLIAM C. STRONG, Chairman ADELAIDE W. BOYNTON, Secretary DENNIS P. HOGAN
Salaries of Board-1933
Appropriation
$ 270.00
Expenditures
270.00
Outside Relief Expenses
Appropriation
96,000.00
Refund
35.00
96,035.00
Expenditures
92,960.20
Balance to Rev.
$ 3,074.80
Expenditures-Outside Relief
Shoes and Clothing
$ 1,356.30
Board and Rent
11,731.66
Groceries and Meats
57,754.90
Medical Attendance
945.93
Hospital Care
1,320.10
Mothers' Aid
2,091.00
Old Age Assistance
9,776.00
Relief by Other Cities
3,065.72
Moving Families
284.00
Delivering Wood
1,242.00
74
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Burial Expenses
950.95
Auto Expenses
423.33
Clerks and Investigators
1,214.52
27.26
Coal and Wood All Other
776.53
Total Outside Expenditures
$ 92,960.20°
Reimbursements from Outside Relief
Mothers' Aid
$ 707.69
Temporary State Aid
4,229.23
Old Age Assistance
2,942.36
Other Towns and Cities 1
2,227.34
Total Outside Relief Reimbursements
10,106.62
$ 82,853.58
Note-Does not include $23,602.49 received from the Federal Government under FERA which allows $1.00 for every $3.00 expended by Welfare and Soldiers' Relief Departments for Unemployment Relief.
Add-Unpaid Bills-Estimated 8,514.40
Net Outside Relief Expenses
$ 91,367.98
INFIRMARY
Appropriation-1933
$ 9,700.00
Expenditures
9,699.42
Balance to Revenue Expenditures
Salary of Superintendent
$ 1,568.50
Other Employee
1,080.00
Groceries, Provisions, Milk, Eggs
1,034.36
Dry Goods and Clothing
79.93
Fuel and Light
1,238.03
Maintenance of Buildings
755.07
Hay, Grain, Shoeing
1,871.35
Maintenance of Trucks
414.34
Gasoline and Oil
462.00
Garbage
325.00
All Others
870.84
Total
$ 9,699.42
Receipts
Milk
Eggs
$ 299.75 159.35
.58
75
REPORT OF PUBLIC WELFARE DEPARTMENT
Pigs
2,099.07
Slaughter
58.70
Cows
665.00
Poultry
116.65
Produce
498.02
Board
1,019.00
Miscellaneous
32.80
Due from Wilmington
365.00
Due from Outside Relief-Town of Wakefield
1,638.47
Due from Commonwealth of Mass.
373.00
Due from Sale of Milk
137.31
Total
$ 7,462.12
Expenditures less Receipts Unpaid Bills
$ 2,237.30
654.60
Net Infirmary Expenditures
$ 2,891.90
Aid Given by Infirmary to Outside Relief
31 Families moved
$ 248.00
12 Lots of furniture moved
36.00
414 Loads of wood delivered
1,242.00
168 Pecks potatoes
82.32
1740 Pounds squash
26.10
540 Pounds onions
4.05
Total
$ 1,638.47
RECAPITULATION Expenses
Outside Relief Expenditures
$ 92,960.20
Outside Relief Unpaid Bills
8,514.40
Total Outside Relief Expenses
$101,474.60
Infirmary Expenditures
$ 9,699.42
Infirmary Unpaid Bills
654.60
Total Infirmary Expenses
10,354.02
Total Department Expenses
$111,828.62
Receipts
Outside Relief Infirmary
$ 10,106.62 7,462.12
Total Receipts
$ 17,568.74
Net Department Expenses
$ 94,259.88
-
76
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Chief of Police
Wakefield, Mass., Jan. 1, 1934
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :-
Gentlemen:
I have the honor to submit to your Honorable Board, the report of the doings of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1933.
Number of arrests
434
Number of arrests on warrants
20
Number of summons served
54
Males 413
21
Residents
247
Non-residents
187
FOR THE FOLLOWING CRIMES, VIZ :-
Arrested for other officers
9
Assault and battery
7
Attempt to commit larceny
2
Breaking and entering in the night time
2
Breaking and entering and larceny in the night time
13
Carrying a loaded revolver without a permit
1
Capias
10
Drunkenness
192
Disturbing the peace
1
Damage to property
5
Exposing and keeping intoxicating liquor for sale
3
Evading a taxi fare
1
Fornication
2
Having in their possession lottery tickets
4
Insane
7
Keeping an unlicensed dog
1
Keeping and maintaining gambling machines
2
Larceny
21
Mutual assault
2
Misappropriation of an automobile
1
Non-support
8
Neglected children
1
Non-payment of wages
2
Stubborn child
1
Suspicious persons
2
Safe keeping
38
Setting fires in the open without a permit
2
Females
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE
77
Truancy
6
Violation of Automobile Acts
69
Violation of parole
1
Violation of Milk Acts
3
Violation of probation
2
Violation of Labor Acts
13
434
HOW DISPOSED OF
Appealed
1
Continued
17
Concord Reformatory
2
Chelmsford School
1
Delivered to other officers
9
Discharged
11
Dismissed
3
Department of Public Welfare
1
Fines imposed
89
Grand Jury
3
House of Correction
25
Insane Hospital
8
Lyman School
1
Placed on file
50
Probation
40
Restitution
3
Released
88
Suspended sentence
70
Shirley School
3
Sherborn Prison
1
State Farm
2
Training School
3
434
AMOUNT OF FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURT
26 at
$ 5.00
$ 130.00
37 at
10.00
370.00
7 at
15.00
105.00
2 at
20.00
40.00
6 at
25.00
150.00
11 at
50.00
550.00
$1,345.00
1
78
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
MISCELLANEOUS REPORT
Amount of stolen property recovered
$10,510.25
Amount of lost property recovered
547.81
Amount of property left outside of stores and cared for
5.00
Accidents reported
227
Buildings found open and secured
299
Broken wires reported
3
Bicycles found
2
Complaints and cases investigated
852
Details for public assemblages
439
Details for private assemblages
14
Defects in street and sidewalks reported
55
Defects in gas pipes reported
2
Defects in water pipes reported
7
Dogs killed
1
Dead bodies cared for
3
Fires discovered and alarms given
2
Lost children cared for
15
Lost dogs found and returned to owners
7
Lanterns in dangerous places
20
Liquor search warrants served
2
Medical Examiner cases
4
Obstructions removed from the street
4
Officers at fires
107
Persons missing
19
Posting notices
12
Runaway boys cared for
2
Sick and disabled persons assisted
9
Street lights not burning and reported
260
Wires burning trees
5
Water running to waste
7
Legal papers served for out of town police departments during the year 113
On duty calls
37,783
Telephone calls
14,676
Ambulance calls
115
Miles covered by ambulance
1,323
Miles covered by Buick auto
4,476
Miles covered by Essex auto
23,044
Miles covered by the motorcycle operated by Officer Preston
2,546
Miles covered by the motorcycle operated by Officer Griffin 1,630
DISCIPLINE
Has been good during the year.
RECOMMENDATIONS
I have none, well knowing conditions as they are.
79
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE
CONCLUSION
In closing this report I wish to return my sincere thanks to the Hon- orable Board of Selectmen for the kind interest manifested by them in all matters pertaining to this department during the year.
To Mr. Eugene J. Sullivan, Committee on Police, my sincere thanks for his kindly advice during the year.
To each and every other person who has in any way assisted this department, you have my sincere thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES J. POLLARD, Chief of Police.
80
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Chief of Fire Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my Annual Report of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1933, with the total number of alarms, and losses. on same as near as is possible to obtain.
APPARATUS
There are at the present time seven pieces of apparatus in this de- partment.
One Triple Combination purchased from the Seagrave Co., and put in service July, 1924. This piece of apparatus is equipped with a 750-gallon centrifugal type pump; 1250 feet of 21/2-inch hose; 80-gallon water tank; 200 feet of 3/4-inch hose for booster line; 2 types of cellar pipes; ladders; stretcher; salvage covers; first-aid kit; and much other equipment neces- sary for an efficient unit.
One Double-bank type 75-foot Aerial Truck, purchased from the Sea- grave Corp. and put in service December, 1928. Is equipped with water gun with 3-inch hose attached to aerial ladder; carries 379 feet of ladders; 80-gallon water tank; 200 feet of 3/4-inch hose; booster pump; salvage covers; life net; 2 oxygen type masks; cannister type masks; oxygen tank for resuscitation work; Baker portable water gun; cellar pipes; and various other equipment necessary.
One Pierce-Arrow Squad Car put in service 1926. Equipped with 1100- gallon water gun mounted; 1050 feet of 11/2-inch hose; adapters; nozzles; and various other equipment making this piece of apparatus efficient for the many uses called for.
One White Combination put in service 1920. Equipped with 1000 feet of 21/2-inch hose; 250 feet of 34-inch hose; 35-gallon chemical tank; salvage covers; ladders; 4 types of extinguishers and much other equipment.
One Pierce-Arrow Combination put in service May, 1927. This piece of apparatus was built for a reserve piece to replace such other pieces of apparatus of its type as may be out of service and has been used for such purpose a number of times since being placed in service. Equipped with 1000 feet of 21/2-inch hose; 200 feet of 3/4-inch hose; 52-gallon water tank; booster pump; Eastman deluge set; ladders and other equipment.
One Buick Chief's car purchased in 1929, and which has proven a valuable asset to the equipment of the department.
One 600-gallon Seagrave Triple Combination put in service July, 1929.
81
REPORT OF CHIEF OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
Is equipped with 1350 feet of 21/2-inch hose; 200 feet of34-inch hose; 80- gallon water tank; cellar pipe; ladders and other equipment necessary for Fire Department work. Stationed in the Greenwood Station.
During the year the department has responded to 286 alarms, divided as follows: 72 box alarms, and 214 still alarms.
Estimate of property endangered
$280,610.00
Loss on same
19,464.45
Insurance on same
320,500.00
Insurance paid on same
19,014.45
Transit value
4,750.00
Transit loss
62.00
CONCLUSION
In closing this report I wish to return my sincere thanks to the Hon- orable Board of Selectmen for the interest and co-operation manifested by them in all matters pertaining to this department.
To Mr. Asa A. Boothby for the hearty co-operation given by him as Committee on Fire Department during this past year.
To the various other Town Departments who have rendered valuable assistance through their hearty co-operation with this department during the past year.
My sincere thanks also are due to the officers and members of the Fire Department for the prompt and faithful discharge of their duties.
To the Department Physician, Dr. Curtis L. Sopher, for his valuable aid and interest to members of this department injured in the line of duty.
Respectfully submitted,
FRED D. GRAHAM,
Chief of Fire Department.
82
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Forest Warden
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
During the year there was a total of 115 woods and grass fires.
Respectfully submitted,
CHIEF FRED D. GRAHAM,
Forest Warden
Report of Inspector of Wires
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my Annual Report as Inspector of Wires in com- pliance with the vote of the Town, 1922.
There was a total of 361 inspections made. All defects found were made to conform with the National Code.
Respectfully submitted,
CHIEF FRED D. GRAHAM, Wire Inspector.
83
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
Report of Board of Health
The accompanying statistical table will show that Wakefield has es- caped anything in the nature of an epidemic during the year 1933, and also will present a comparison of infectious and reportable diseases for the past four years:
1930
1931
1932
1933
Tuberculosis
15
12
13
12
Diphtheria
9
2
2
5
Pneumonia
21
19
16
9
Poliomyelitis
2
1
0
2
Measles
17
215
8
64
Mumps
12
4
3
16
Chickenpox
46
20
27
10
Whooping-cough
36
17
5
20
Septic Sore Throat
1
0
1
4
Scarlet Fever
23
59
42
11
Typhoid Fever
1
7
0
0
Influenza
0
2
1
0
German Measles
1
3
0
0
Cerebral Spinal Meningitis
0
0
2
0
Tetanus
0
0
1
0
Total
183
363
122
153
Miss Russell the health nurse made the following visits during the year 1933:
Scarlet Fever
46
Mumps
3
Veneral Diseases
16
Poliomyelitis
7
Diphtheria
24
Whooping Cough
4
Measles
82
Tuberculosis
402
Miss Russell has also during the year made the following trips to different sanatoriums with patients:
18 trips to Middlesex County Sanitarium at Waltham.
19 trips to North Reading State Sanatorium at North Reading
1 trip to Lakeville State Sanatorium at Middleboro.
2 trips to Rutland State Sanatorium at Rutland.
84
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
The majority of these patients were ex-sanatorium patients taken back for re-examination, X-ray and treatment. Five were admitted for hos- pitalization.
The 1933 statistics show a larger number of reported Diphtheria cases than we had either of the two preceding years; however it is interesting to note that there was not a single case of Diptheria reported among children who had previously been immunized.
During the year Dr. Charles E. Montague, who for more than fourteen years had served as a member, and for the past four years had been its chairman, resigned from the Board, and Dr. Carl E. Allison was elected, at a conference of the Board of Health and the Selectmen, to fill out the term until the next election.
During Dr. Montague's services on the Board, many forward steps have been taken. To the personal interest and work of Dr. Montague what has been accomplished in the way of immunization for diphtheria is due. This has been accomplished at no cost to the town except for the neces- sary equipment which was provided by this Board. The serum has been provided by the state.
The milk situation in Wakefield now is better than ever before. All of the herds in town have been tuberculin-tested by the State Depart- ment of Animal Industry, and all reactors have been eliminated. The milk supply of the town now either comes from tuberculin-tested herds or the milk has been pasteurized.
In accordance with the vote of the March town meeting, the Board of Health in June, entered into a three years' contract, beginning July 1, 1933, with Mr. Henry E. Caswell, a resident of Wakefield, for the collection of garbage at a cost of $3,300.00 per year, the garbage to be taken from the town for disposal. To date this collection has been very satisfactory with but few complaints except during the extremely cold weather in De- cember. It may be noted that garbage collection in Wakefield is low in cost, being about 20 cents each per inhabitant or about $1.00 per family for each year.
The Board of Health continues of the opinion that the keeping of swine within the town limits is becoming more and more a nuisance. The Board may be expected to be more strict in the matter of granting per- mits for the keeping of swine wherever any opposition develops.
During the year the care of Dumps has been accomplished by the use of labor supplied either by the Welfare Department or under the C. W. A. control. The supervision has been provided by the agent of this Board. This method has kept the three dumps under Board of Health control in. a very presentable condition.
85
REPOR OF BOARD OF HEALTH
The Board returns to the Town Treasurer as unexpended balances; Departmental Expenses, $804.46; Garbage, $462.92; Dumps, $4.32.
Respectfully submitted,
WESLEY S. GOODWIN, CARL E. ALLISON, M. D. CHARLES W. DeWOLF, M. D.
Report of Health Officer
To the Board of Health:
I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1933.
The work of this department varies little from one year to another. There are the usual complaints which have to be investigated. I have in- vestigated 203 complaints, none of which were very serious.
I have made nine trips to the Middlesex County Sanatorium with patients, one to Haynes Memorial Hospital in Brighton, and one to Malden Contagious Hospital.
I have also supervised the care of the Dumps this year, the work being done by Welfare Workers.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID TAGGART
86
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Plumbing Inspector
To the Board of Health:
I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1933.
Number of permits granted
67
Number of fixtures installed 224
Divided as follows:
Bath tubs
29
Lavatories
42
Closets 52
Sinks 45
Boilers
24
Wash trays
32
I have made 166 inspections.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID TAGGART
Tuberculosis Dispensary Report
The annual report of the Tuberculosis Dispensary is herewith respect- fully submitted.
The Tuberculosis Dispensary is open the first and third Friday evenings in the month from 8 to 9, and the second and fourth Tuesday afternoons from 3.30 to 4.30.
We have examined at the dispensary during the year, patients dis- charged from sanatoriums, contact cases, suspicious cases of tuberculosis, and a number of underweight children. One hundred and eleven exam- inations were made.
A certain amount of follow up work has been done for these patients. Twenty-five adults were taken to No. Reading and Waltham sanatoriums for further examination of chest and to be X-rayed, and thirty children were taken to No. Reading sanatorium for chest examination, X-rays and Von Pirquet tests.
There are two types of tuberculosis, the childhood type, and the adult type. Tuberculosis is generally acquired during our childhood days. If the infection is not too great and the general resistance of the child is
87
OF INSPECTOR OF MILK AND FOOD
REPORT
good, this may pass unnoticed. There may not be any symptoms what- soever, although we may easily find out whether or not the child has been infected. This is ascertained by the skin test, known as the Von Pirquet test, which shows us whether or not there are any living germs in the system, while the X-ray is also of help. We aim to have children who are contact cases have this Von Pirquet test, and also X-rayed.
We have also provided transportation for several patients taking Pneumo-thorax treatment. This treatment consists mainly of putting the diseased lung at rest by compressing it with air, a method technically known as artificial pneumo-thorax. This method is mainly applicable when one lung is in good condition, when both lungs show active disease the result is not so good. Many patients who would have been given up as absolutely hopeless ten to fifteen years ago, are now the type who are being benefiited by the newer forms of treatment.
IRA W. RICHARDSON, M.D., Dispensary Physician
NELLIE B. RUSSELL, R. N., Dispensary Nurse
Report of Inspector of Milk and Food -
To the Board of Health, Wakefield, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my annual report as Inspector of Milk and Food for the year ending December 31, 1933.
As you no doubt know the year just passed has been one of particular activities and marked changes in the administration of the Massachusetts Dairy Industry.
Under the operation of the new State Milk Regulation Board the work of this office has increased to a considerable degree, requiring much more detail of record, closer supervision of local plants and a constant co-opera- tion with the State Departments of Health and Agriculture.
The local dairymen have shown a splendid spirit of compliance with new legislation and by April 1st, 1934, all will be required to hold a permit to continue in business.
I cannot emphasize too strongly at this time the excellence in quality of Wakefield raised and marketed milk. When delivered at the door it is generally two days fresher than outside milk and thereby much richer in nutrition. I would recommend, as a health measure, its universal con-
88
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
sumption by the townspeople, as to my mind it is well worth the slight advance in price to cover the cost of delivery.
. In a comprehensive survey of local dairy conditions one is impressed by the thousands of dollars invested thereby in taxable property, as well as being the means of employment and livelihood to approximately 100 persons.
There have been slightly fewer samples of milk tested during this year than last. The usual high quality has been maintained and in very few instances did tests fall below standard requirements.
In regard to the local food situation there is nothing of an unusual nature to report. I have followed up the customary Saturday inspections and throughout the year have found very few infractions of the Regula- tions. Canned goods and cold storage food have come in for special at- tention. Refrigeration has been carefully observed during the hot sum- mer months. All complaints have been adjusted satisfactorily between the various parties concerned.
The detail of records is as follows:
Licenses issued
Milk, Retail
88 @
$ .50
$44.00
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