USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1931 > Part 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8
Considerable new wire and cross-arms, etc. has been used to replace old, worn-out construction.
The money asked for this year is to keep in repair the existing system and whatever extension and changes seem necessary.
Respectfully submitted,
CLIFTON A. HACKER, Supt. of Fire Alarm.
89
The Fairhaven Firemen's Relief Association
This organization is now in its fourth year, and as out- lined in last year's report, we have been successful in enroll- ing abont 85% of the entire fire department.
During the year 1931, we were covered by blanket in- surance policy ; and by this coverage we were enabled to pay two claims for doctor's bills for services to two of our members, who suffered slight injuries. At the close of the year there is still another case pending, which is not ap- parently of a serious nature.
The present board of directors are as follows : President-George Steele, Engine, No. 1. Vice President-Joseph Whitfield, Hose No. 2. Secretary-Richard Dennie, Chemical No. 1. Treasurer-Henry Benoit, Hose No. 1.
Auditors-Alfred Gething, Hook and Ladder. -Paul Keane, Engine No. 2.
Director-Edw. G. Spooner, Jr., Fire Engineer.
90
Report of Central Fire Station Committee
Fairhaven, Massachusetts
January 25, 1932
To the Citizens of the Town of Fairhaven :
Herewith is submitted the report of the Committee sel- ected, under vote of the last annual Town Meeting, to in- vestigate the desirability of building and equipping a Public Central Fire Station and report at the next annual Town Meeting.
The following paragraphs set forth the general plan and extent of our investigation :
We first familiarized ourselves with our three Stations, the equipment, organization, operating details and expenses of our own present Fire Department. Chief Spooner was present at our first meeting. He explained the service furnished the town by himself and outlined the present organization of the Department. We visited the three stations and inspected the equipment stored at each.
Next, we secured from ten towns in Massachusetts most nearly corresponding with Fairhaven in population, town reports and supplementary data from the respective Fire Chiefs, furnishing information as to fire stations, equipment, organization of personnel, and annual Fire Department ex- penses. Analysis of this group showed three towns most comparable to ours in Fire Department requirements and available resources. These are Stoughton, Mansfield and Bridgewater, whose average Fire Department expenses for the year 1930 were exceeded by Fairhaven by several
91
thousand dollars as shown by analysis of departmental ex- penses attached hereto. The two towns first mentioned have Public Central Fire Stations recently built. We visited these three stations and made studies as to construction costs, equipment, personnel, Fire Department expenses in detail and operating practices.
We gave a hearing to the petitioners for Article 20, of last year's Warrant.
We met with your Board of Selectmen and exchanged ideas and information pertaining to the work of this com- mittee.
We have studied the report of the N. E. Fire Insurance Exchange and discussed it with their Engineer.
We met with a well known architect who specializes in the designing of Fire Stations and have sought to determine what would be a proper Fire Station for this town.
It is the opinion of your Committee that it is desirable that the Town build and equip a Public Central Fire Station. In this connection it should be stated that it is the opinion of this Committee that Fairhaven's Fire Department, for the near future at least, should remain primarily a call Depart- ment, as at present, with four permanent men only. We are convinced that our Fire Department may be operated more satisfactorily than at present if housed in its own central Fire Station, with four permanent men, and at no substantial increase in annual operating cost as compared with the 1930 cost.
We have reached this decision, after consideration of the following :
92
OUR FIRE DEPARTMENT AT PRESENT.
(a) The Spooner Station proper houses only three pieces of apparatus. The capacity should be six pieces.
(b) The Station has no suitable quarters for perman- ent men.
(c) The Town at present pays Mr. Spooner $8000 per year. He stores five pieces of apparatus which he agrees to keep clean. He supplies the Station with heat, light and water. He agrees to have available at the Station to drive apparatus to fires, three men from 6 A. M. to 6 P. M., and two men from 6 P. M. to 6 A. M., with one other driver on call, nearby, nights. At the time we visited the Station, one night driver was a day employee at the garage, as also was the night call driver. The other night driver was employed days elsewhere. The day drivers are employed in the garage.
(d) The present Fire Station and permanent drivers are furnished under an informal verbal arrangement without any guarantee of continuance for any length of time.
(e ) It is required that Mr. Spooner's drivers be firemen, although they are at present, at separate expense to the town. All that is actually required of them, under the agreement, is, that they drive the apparatus to all fires.
(f) Substitutions of drivers may be made at will by Mr. Spooner if a regular employee is off duty.
(g) As Chief of the Department for the town, Mr. Spooner is doing business with himself as furnisher of the Station service and drivers, also as the supplier of gas, oil and repair work on fire apparatus.
(h) The permanent drivers furnished by Mr. Spooner under his $8000 annual rate at present are receiving $75 each, total $300, also from the town as firemen and Mr. Spooner and four men received also extra from the town, a total of about $500, pay for still alarms in the year 1930. The propriety of such payments under existing conditions is not evident.
93
POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS.
(a) An intimate study of Fire Department practices at Stoughton, Mansfield and Bridgewater satisfies your Com- mittee that a Central Station could be efficiently operated with four permanent men who would supply all the personnel now furnished by Mr. Spooner. These men would be under the control of the town full time and would cost the town ap- proximately $6000 per year, which is not more than is now paid to Mr. Spooner for his employees to drive the apparatus to fires. Stoughton and Mansfield have four permanent men each. Bridgewater has three men. This plan has been suc- cessfully operated in these three towns for an average of five years each.
(b) We have found that the three towns above re- ferred to who operate Central Fire Stations with practically the same apparatus as we have, average to have only thirty- five call men as against fifty-five in Fairhaven.
(c) Inspections of buildings and backyards for fire hazards are made in Stoughton by the permanent men, who made 1,188 such inspections in 1930, without any additional expense to the town.
(d) As we have looked into the Fire Station situation in different towns, we have found none without their own Station, even in the case of several towns much smaller than Fairhaven, and whose personnel is composed of call men only.
(e) The N. E. Fire Insurance Exchange recently made a survey of our fire protection facilities. Their comprehensive report offered many recommendations, the fulfillment of all of which probably may not be attained for a long time. How- ever, serious consideration brings the conclusion that many of the improvements recommended are essential and should be accomplished as soon as is practically possible. We realize that our present Fire Station arrangement leaves much
94
room for improvement. It is evident that a public central Fire Station is essential if this important department is to be on a par with our schools and other town departments. The logical item to start with would seem to be an appro- priate town owned Central Fire Station.
It is the unanimous opinion of this Committee that an appropriation of $40,000 would be required to provide well for present and future needs and to erect a Central Fire Station reasonably in keeping with our present public build- ings. This construction could be financed by payments of $4000 per year.
The estimated actual cost to the town to occupy a $40,000 building would be annual cost of the investment represented by interest not over $1800 per year, over a period of years, plus cost of heat, light and upkeep of the building, totaling probably $1000. We foresee the possibility of offsetting this total of $2800 annual expense by elim- ination of certain present expenses. That part of the $8000 payment to Mr. Spooner, which represents building rental, we estimate as $2000 per year. Further, it is a foregone con- clusion that with the advent of a Public Central Fire Station, with four permanent men, firemen's fees and the extra per hour payments now made to the Chief and his employees (about $800 per year) would be discontinued. Also, if Fair- haven is not different from several other towns whose Fire Department organizations we studied, it is possible safely to reduce the size of our call companies with a consequent reduction of at least twelve men at $75, $900. These items would accomplish a total cost reduction of $3700 per year.
The question will probably be asked if the erection of a Public Central Fire Station will make it possible for Fair- haven to improve its rating with the N. E. Fire Insurance Exchange. In the opinion of your Committee, this will not be accomplished by any one or two of the improvements
95
suggested in the recent report of the Exchange, but it may be gained at some later date as the result of gradual better- ment of all our fire protection facilities.
It is realized by your Committee that the question put before them is one to be ultimately decided by the Town Meeting. We have approached our problem with open minds and a purpose to uncover the true facts of the situation which we have endeavored to embody in this report without excessive detail. It is hoped that the foregoing statements may make clear the reasons for our conclusion that Fair- haven needs a Public Central Fire Station and that in our opinion it would be possible to operate it without materially increasing the present expense of our Fire Department.
Respectfully submitted,
PIERCE D. BROWN, Chairman THOMAS A. TRIPP HENRY T. HOWARD JAMES YOUNG GILBERT W. TUELL, Secretary
Central Fire Station Committee.
96
COMPARATIVE FIRE DEPARTMENT COSTS, YEAR 1930
Fairhaven
Stoughton
Mansfield Bridgewater
Chief and Call Men
$ 6,123.18
$ 4,246.87
$
4,262.54 $ 3,496.80
Permanent Men
*6,000.00
7,516.36
6,240.00
4,711.47
Maintenance of Equipment
526.35
612.30
865.16
726.44
Gas and Oil
158.44
(included in item above)
108.48
180.45
Fuel
140.00
463.50
424.95
204.73
Light and Power
84.67
222.12
106.42
115.54
Maintenance, Bldgs, and grounds
101.10
663.70
170.64
227.54
Miscellaneous Expenses
142.46
561.96
613.53
168.97
Fire Alarm System
798.19
1,018.76
1,164.89
447.21
Fire Hose
487.06
980.00
783.77
Equipment
2,036.80
390.58
1,589.81
Fire Station Rental
*2,000.00
110.00
Hydrant Service
+3,090.00
Totals
$18,598.25
$16,676.15
$15,656.42
$14,152.92
Note :- * The $8000 annual payment to Mr. Spooner was arbitrarily divided for the purpose of comparison.
+Each of these towns has the expense of hydrant service. However, due to different accounting methods, Bridgewater is the only one which charges cost of hydrant service to Fire Department expenses.
Report of the Park Commissioners
To the Citizens of Fairhaven :
Ever mindful of the times through which we have been passing your Board has striven to keep expenditures within the appropriation allowed it.
The usual replacements and additions among the shrub- bery to keep it up to its high standard of beauty were at- tended to.
The great interest in the ball grounds on Cushman and North Fairhaven Parks seems to amply justify the use of park property for this purpose.
The new Playground established at Anthony School this season furnished a needed safe spot for the smaller children who could not safely travel to Cushman or North Fairhaven Parks.
The tennis court at the East Fairhaven Playground generously presented by the Improvement Association was greatly appreciated.
Plans for next season include planting on the south side of Bridge Park to conform with the new building being erected on adjacent property, and the Park Board wishes the Board of Selectmen every success in their effort to clean up the water front at this point.
Respectfully submitted,
FAIRHAVEN PARK BOARD, HAROLD B. DUTTON, Chairman, MISS MABEL E. POTTER, LEWIS F. POOR, Secretary.
98
CUSHMAN PARK PLAYGROUND REPORT
The total registration at Cushman Park Playground for twelve summer weeks of 1931 numbered 1,150, practically the same as 1930 when pupils from Anthony School Play- ground were included. Registrations kept by schools at- tended were as follows, Job C. Tripp 224, Washington Street 180, Rogers 143, St. Joseph 118, under school age 250, High School 57, Older boys 36, and 134 who used Tennis Courts only.
Not less than 70 reported any day regardless of weather and many days over 400 were present. As in previous years athletic contests were held every Wednesday P. M. and ribbons were awarded.
Inter-playground sports were enjoyed, winners from Cushman Park were given truck rides to other playgrounds to compete. Competitive sports are enjoyed in Fairhaven long before High School days.
The fifth annual Doll Show brought dolls of all des- criptions for display. The exhibition of old fashioned and foreign dolls proved very interesting. Several splendidly decorated carriages added color to the exhibit.
Five Tennis Tournaments were held. This was the first season courts were booked and extra work for the supervisor proved a worth while experiment for convenience of players ; more than 200 took advantage of the opportunity.
Due to the employment situation about 40 older fellows enjoyed recreational facilities afforded. Under direction of Joe Lacerda, Fairhaven High's 1932 Basket Ball Capt. an out door league of 6 teams played 3 games every Monday, Wednesday and Friday P. M. for 7 weeks.
Baseball was second to Basketball. 4 teams of older fellows and 4 younger lads had some very interesting games. Two games with North Fairhaven and two with East Fair- haven kept up friendly rivalry.
99
In observance of the 25th anniversary of the National Playground Association Aug. 14th, a vehicle parade was held and copies of President Hoover's message to the children were distributed. 1,100 were given out at the four Fairhaven playgrounds and it was very gratifying to the supervisor to note that the National Magazine "Recreation" mentioned in its October issue that the four playgrounds of Fairhaven, Mass., joined he celebration and descriptions were also included.
The guest book for the season lists visitors from Conn., R. I., N. Y., N. J., Penn., Maryland, Ill., Ken., Missouri, Ga., Ala., Florida, Cal., Washington D. C., Canada and England.
Great credit is due the Messrs. Haney, Rounseville and Brown for their interest and cooperation in the daily routine.
Respectfully submitted,
MABEL OBER DUTTON, Supervisor.
REPORT OF THE NORTH FAIRHAVEN PLAYGROUND
The eleven week vacation season was greatly enjoyed at the North Fairhaven Playground both by the attendants and the instructor. The additional two weeks accounted for a slight increase over last years total enrollment. The opening four weeks and the closing four weeks featured the weekly attendance report. The former averaging six hundred and seventeen weekly and the latter averaging five hundred and eighty five. Hot weather during the mid weeks together with lack of shower baths and shade accounted for the low attendance during the mid season.
100
Sports were enjoyed daily, featuring base ball and horseshoe matches. An athletic program was run off Friday afternoons for all the girls and boys. This program was attended by parents and friends.
Respectfully submitted,
JIMMIE HAYES.
REPORT OF THE EDMUND ANTHONY SCHOOL PLAYGROUND
A successful first season on the new playground was enjoyed by the children of the neighborhood.
The Edmund Anthony School Playground closed with a successful first season. There was an approximate daily attendance of 75 children, while the number registered for the summer totaled 308 including boys and girls with an added list of 40 visitors from other towns and cities. This may seem a large attendance, but I am sure that if there had been more shade on the playground there would have been a much larger daily attendance.
During the summer various games were played and the children enjoyed immensely the apparatus. The older ones were especially interested in Volley Ball and several exciting games were played between the boys and girls. Horseshoe tournaments proved especially interesting to the boys and Wednesday afternoon races were also very popular. To celebrate National Playground Day we staged an Amateur Playground Circus. This proved interesting and novel to the children. They even supplied their own music, with a grotesque kitchen band which made more noise than harmony.
101
A few of the children made baskets but most of them seemed to be more interested in the making of mats. One or two ambitious ones attempted the making of hooked rugs. Story hour was always a favorite with the children. On hot afternoons, when it became too warm to devote the time to strenuous activities the entire time was spent telling stories exchanging jokes, playing whist, bridge and other games which the children brought from home.
To wind up the playground season it was celebrated with a play day. Each child came dressed in costume and the afternoon was spent playing games and doing various stunts.
Mrs. Dutton's kindness and help in all the undertakings was greatly appreciated, not only by myself but by the children.
Due appreciation is also given the mothers, who so kindly assisted in making our playground more interesting and successful.
Respectfully yours,
CHRISTINE McLEOD.
REPORT OF THE EAST FAIRHAVEN ยท
PLAYGROUND
With the new "Giant Stride" whirling merrily and the tennis courts constantly in use, a larger registration of children and grownups than ever before was obtained.
The children kept the apparatus in constant use, es- pecially so, the new "Giant Stride" which caused many a sigh when taken down in the evening.
102
Base Ball games, horseshoe tournaments and different games suggested each day kept the boys busy, while the girls indulged in games of their own. Two baseball games were played with Cushman Park and these divided evenly, the championship game being postponed because of con- tinous carnivals and other events being run off at each park. The weekly sports programs, which provided for both girls and boys established a keen sense for competition, the prizes being relished with delight by the winners. Many a hearty laugh was obtained by the antics of the youngsters.
The newly built tennis court was completed after the playground season begun. When completed the court was in constant demand by the townfolks and also by the tourist. Tennis enrollment was about 56.
The total enrollment for the year of 1931 for younger children was 379, a great increase over last years total.
Mention must be given to Mr. Spencer the school janitor for his cooperation in helping the children enjoy the season.
A weird and fascinating show was presented by the children for the closing of a most successful season.
Repectfully submitted,
EMILE DUBIEL.
Report of the Building Inspector
To the Board of Selectmen :
During the year 1931, this office issued 189 permits for new building, alterations and razing. The estimated cost of these activities as given to the Building Inspector is $82,719.00. For the issuing of these various permits, the office received the sum of $175.00.
Following is a list of each permit as filed in the office : 22 dwellings, 62 alterations, 52 garages, 1 tea room, 1 mill for boat building, 8 sheds, 1 boat house, 2 barns, 1 silo, 2 storage buildings, 16 hen houses, 3 re-locations, 1 shell fish house, 2 green houses, 1 soap factory building, 1 boat sales room, 1 tool house, 1 paint shop, 2 storage sheds. 8 buildings were razed.
TITLE AND SCOPE
Section No. 1. These by-laws shall be known and cited as the Building Laws. No building, structure or part thereof, shall hereafter be constructed and no building or structure now or hereafter erected, shall be razed, altered, moved or built upon except in conformity with the provisions of these building laws, nor shall plumbing, gas piping, drainage, heating, wiring, or ventilation be installed or altered in any building except in conformity herewith.
PLUMBING INSPECTIONS
There were 76 plumbing inspections made in the year 1931.
PLUMBING PERMITS
All Plumbing Permits, in the future will be issued from the office of the Building Inspector.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES I. DREW
Building Inspector.
Report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures
To the Honorable Selectmen :
I herewith submit my annual report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending December 31, 1931 during which time the following devices were tested and sealed or condemned.
Adjusted
Sealed
Not Sealed
Cond.
Scales
Platform
20
51
6
3
Counter
19
78
9
5
Beam
3
Spring
22
104
16
Computing
17
59
13
Personal Weighing
5
1
Prescription
2
Weights
Avoirdupois
116
547
1
Metric
7
13
Apothecary
14
Troy
1
Measures
Liquid
173
1
Dry
53
Measuring Devices
Gasolene Pumps
37
55
2
14
Gasolene Meters
11
14
4
Kerosene Pumps
9
14
1
1
Oil Pumps
26
51
31
1
Molasses Pumps
1
Stops on Pumps
181
297
Yard Sticks
6
105
Volumetric Measures
Vehicle Tanks
5
Vehicle Compartments
7
Total
465
1553
49
60
Sealing fees collected
$137.33
Adjusting fees collected
1.70
$139.03
Number of Reweighings of Goods Ready for Sale
Tested
Correct
Under
Over
Bread
138
119
14
5
Butter
172
64
34
74
Dry Commodities
93
68
25
Flour
86
78
8
Coal (in paper bags)
78
57
2
19
Meats and Provisions
246
150
15
81
Totals
813
536
90
187
Number of Inspections
Paper or Fibre Cartons
351
Pedler's Licenses
36
Marking of Food Packages
53
Labels on Bread
118
Wholesale Milk Cans
41
Transient Vendors
4
Clinical Thermometers
9
Ice Scales
3
Pedler's Scales
3
Milk Jars
48
Other Inspections
114
Totals 780
106
Number of Tests
Gasolene Devices after sealing 20
Milk Jars 10
6 Approved paper cartons
Totals 36
Appropriation recommended for 1932, $1,000.00.
I wish to thank the majority of our dealers who have so generously responded to any suggestion made to them along the lines of better conditions in weights and measures, and I trust that it is realized that efficient weights and measures work benefits them more than any others.
Once more I wish to thank the Selectmen, also Chief Walter H. Francis and his department, for their efficient effort to co-operate with the Weights and Measures Depart- ment.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES P. THATCHER, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
Report of the Tree Warden and Moth Superintendent
To the Citizens of Fairhaven :
The Tree Warden hereby respectfully submits his annual report.
The trees of the Town are in very good condition due to the constant spraying of them from year to year. I feel that the number of bugs are greatly lessened each year and I am in hopes that there will come a time when I can stop spraying for the "Elm Leaf Beetle." By so doing I can give more time to the trimming and also be able to plant more young trees from year to year.
This year we planted one hundred and fifty young Maple trees and there is plenty of space where there could be several hundred more planted, which I am in hopes of doing from time to time.
In order that we may be able to continue the preserv- ation of the trees and thus beautify the town I would re- commend the appropriation of twenty-five hundred dollars for the work of the Tree Department.
Respectfully submitted,
PETER MURRAY, Tree Warden.
I would recommend the appropriation of three hundred dollars for the suppression of the Gypsy and the Brown Tail Moth.
PETER MURRAY,
Moth Superintendent.
Report of the Board of Health
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
The Board of Health hereby submit their annual report for the year ending December 31, 1931.
Regular meetings have been held on the first and third Wednesday of each month.
Licenses have been issued as follows, Milk 89, Oleo- margarine 8, Alcohol 10, Ice Cream 1, Manicure 6, Milk Pasteurization 5.
86 Burial permits have been issued, 55 inspections have been made, 211 Houses have been placarded for diseases dangerous to the public health. There are 6 cases in hos- pitals.
378 cases of Diseases dangerous to public health have been reported as follows :
Chicken Pox 12, Diphtheria 12, Dog Bite 19, German Measles 6, Measles 205, Eye Infection 3, Lobar Pneumonia 3, Mumps 63, Scarlet Fever 11, Septic Sore Throat 1, Tuber- culosis (all forms) 12, Whooping Cough 35, Poliomyelitis 3.
DIPHTHERIA IMMUNIZATION
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.