USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1949 > Part 3
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28. NUMBER OF DWELLING HOUSES ASSESSED* 4287
* Each building used as a dwelling counted as one regardless of families houses.
It is hereby certified that the foregoing is a full and true copy of the TABLE OF AGGREGATES as it appears in the VALUATION LIST, According to our best knowledge and belief.
SUBSCRIBED THIS 14th DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 1949 UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY.
Recapitulation of Motor Vehicles and Trailer Excise Assessed in the Town of Fairhaven, Mass., for the year 1949
Date of Commitment
Number
Value $248,980.00
Excise $10,229.96
First
Feb. 15th, 1949
946
Second
March 26th, 1949
913
218,250.00
9,347.00
Third
April 14th, 1949
553
204,330.00
8,107.38
Fourth
Sept. 28th, 1949
245
68,550.00
2,942.14
Fifth
Nov. 11th, 1949
1018
294,600.00
10,577.61
Sixth
Dec. 12th, 1949
617
342,470.00
7,078.11
Seventh
Dec. 14th, 1949
100
65,890.00
711.82
Eighth
Jan. 5th, 1950
69
41,090.00
370.26
Total for 1949
5262
$1,484,160.00
$49,364.28
Commitment
55
Report to Director of Accounts, State House, Boston, Mass. Valuations and Abatements Real and Personal Property
Valuation
Tax Abatements (Omit Polls)
January 1947
$11,915,170.00 180.00
in 1948
$ 862.76
in 1949
$ 68.08
Total, 1947
$11,915,350.00
January 1948
$12,300,210.00
On 1948 Levy in 1948
$9,438.60
Supplemental
None
in 1949
$ 405.00
Total, 1948
$12,300,210.00
January 1949
$12,806,780.00
On 1949 Levy in 1949
$8,888.89
Supplemental
860.00
Total, 1949
$12,807,640.00
Motor Vehicle Excise
1947
Valuation $725,660.00
Levy $22,562.77
On 1947 Levy in 1947
$1,832.77
$ 832.76
1948
$1,092,320.00
$33,786.27
On 1948 Levy in 1948
$2,011.60
1949
$1,484,160.00
$49,364.28
On 1949 Levy in 1949
$2,780.33
(The above to be used by the Director of Accounts, Francis X. Lang, for computing the borrowing capacity for the funded debt for the year 1950.)
Vessel Excise
Valuation
Abatements
1947
$1,284.10
On 1947 Levy in 1947 $ 17.52
1948
$1,516.42
in 1948 $ 40.62
1949
$1,577.05
On 1948 Levy in 1948 None.
This is to certify that the above report is complete and correct to the best of our knowledge and belief.
CLARENCE A. TERRY CHRISTOPHER J. BIRTWISTLE SUSAN B. VINCENS
Fairhaven Board of Assessors
56
Supplemental
On 1947 Levy in 1947 $5,754.98
Abatements (Tax)
in 1948 in 1949 None
in 1949 $ 316.02
Report of the Board of Public Welfare
The Public Welfare Department is administered by the members of the Board, Claudia I. Schiller, Social Work Supervisor, Marion D. Candage and Edith B. Horne, Social Workers. Edith A. Alden, Clara S. Durfee and Doris S. Terry, who are also employed on the Selectmen's work, assist on the Public Welfare program, which is an inte- grated one comprising General Relief, Aid to Dependent Children, Old Age Assistance and Veterans' Benefits.
The administrative cost of an integrated program is much less for the taxpayers but enough workers should be provided to allow for periodic home visits and recording, or there is no saving.
This is more particularly necessary in Aid to Depend- ent Children and Old Age Assistance in which the Federal Government and State participate. Their regulations must be met if Federal Funds are to be provided. Due to the increases in applications in all categories of relief, our staff has been hard put to it to meet requirements.
The Town Infirmary has been kept in good repair and has been regularly inspected by the Fire Department. The Matron has performed her duties very satisfactorily. There are 9 inmates at the present time. These were benefited by the Christmas fund provided under the will of Andrus Spriit. They also appreciated the gifts from the Methodist Church and the carol singing by a group from the Girls' Club, who also brought with them a Christmas tree which they had decorated.
The annual inspection of the Infirmary by the State Department was made in July. We quote a portion of the report,-"The matron is to be commended for her hard work and industrious efforts. The menu of the day was good and meals should continue plentiful with the large quantity of garden and canned vegetables on hand. We particularly wish to commend your Board for taking ad- vantage of the food supplies available from the Division of Surplus Commodity Distribution. The interest of the town needs to be encouraged and the church and social
57
organizations interested to provide regular entertainment and recreation. It was noted that there are no regular visits by the clergy who have so much consolation to offer the aged. Perhaps a women's auxiliary might be developed who would assume responsibility for friendly services at the Infirmary."
We wish to express our appreciation of the intelligent and efficient operation of this department by the members of the staff during the past year and of the assistance rendered by Mrs. Herma C. Rowe, District Supervisor of the Massachusetts Department of Public Welfare and field workers.
Appended to this report and a part of it are com- parative figures and costs of public assistance by the Town of Fairhaven.
Respectfully submitted, WALTER SILVEIRA, Chairman CHARLES W. KNOWLTON HAROLD E. KERWIN
Board Members
58
PUBLIC WELFARE
The unemployment situation in this locality has been reflected this past year in the number of applications for relief. The number of employable cases is double what it was in 1948. Old Age Assistance has absorbed those 65 years and older whose unemployment benefits are ex- hausted. The general picture is quite different than it was several years ago when Public Welfare and Soldiers' Relief were the only categories of public assistance.
The local government has borne most of the expense as very few non-settled persons were aided. The case- load on December 31, 1949 was made up of 29 family cases with 127 persons and 50 single people, mostly in- capacitated for work.
PUBLIC WELFARE
1948
1949
Month
Case Load
Payrolls
Month
Case Load
Payrolls etc.
January
51
$2,459.35
January
75
$3,262.73
February
59
2,632.98
February
69
3,499.91
March
61
2,504.25
March
70
3,376.19
April
59
2,595.16
April
72
3,533.86
May
61
2,888.53
May
69
3.224.65
June
63
3,255.75
June
72
3,790.78
July
63
3,405.02
July
71
3,671.64
August
61
2,995.65
August
75
3,420.45
September
66
2,996.00
September
73
2,676.32
October
68
3,089.85
October
76
3,554.87
November
66
3,310.35
November
82
3,471.93
December
69
3,871.54
December
86
4,672.24
$36,004.43
$42,155.57
Other Cities
2,555.73
Other Cities
2,476.22
State Inst.
728.59
3,204.81
3,204.81
$38,560.16
$45,160.38
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AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
Aid to Dependent Children is granted to dependent children under 18 years, if regularly attending school, who have been deprived of parental support by reason of the death, desertion, or physical or mental incapacity of a parent, and who are living with a parent or a blood relative.
Within the past five years the caseload has fluctuated, reaching its smallest in 1947 and increasing steadily since.
The social workers make quarterly visits in the homes and endeavor to advise parents on financial and personal problems for the benfit of the family situation. The ad- dition of a worker has made it possible to more nearly conform with the State and Federal regulations governing the administration of Aid to Dependent Children.
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN EXPENDITURES
1948
1949
Month
Case Load
Payrolls
Month
Case Load
Payrolls
January
16 F.38 C
$1,528.76
January
22 F.55 C
$2,333.28
February
16 F.38 C
1,575.80
February
22 F.55 C
2,207.03
March
16 F.38 C
1,488.35
March
23 F.56 C
2,282.76
April
16 F.38 C
1,455.65
April
23 F.56 C
2,350.12
May
15 F.35 C
1,488.85
May
24 F.57 C
2,564.14
June
16 F.38 C
1,584.10
June
25 F.58 C
2,784.36
July
16 F.36 C
1,555.58
July
26 F.59 C
2,671.28
August
17 F.39 C
1,655.66
August
26 F.63 C
2,617.55
September
18 F.40 C
1,773.73
September
26 F.63 C
2,767.97
October
19 F.47 C
2,191.20
October
28 F.68 C
2,547.88
November
20 F.49 C
2,176.55
November
28 F.68 C
2,720.20
December
20 F.52 C
2,348.47
December
27 F.68 C
4,188.35
$20,822.70
$32,034.92
Reimbursement from Fed. Govt .-
1/2 of $24.00 per month first child 1/2 of $15.00 per month additional children
State Reimbursement
1/3 total payroll
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OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
This category of relief becomes more expensive and complicated each year. The cost of medical care is tre- mendous and the liberalization of grants as voted by the Legislature imposes a great burden on the taxpayers. There were nearly five times as many applications for relief made in 1949 as in 1948.
Federal reimbursement is granted on the basis of one- half up to $45 per month plus $2.50 on each case. The State pays 2/3 of the total grant after the Federal share is deducted. The balance is borne by the town.
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
Expenditures
Receipts
1949
Appropriation
$130,000.00
Federal Grants
102,514.59
Cancelled checks
1,352.05
Month
Case Load
Payrolls
January
288
$16,825.46
February
288
17,563.10
March
294
17,357.90
April
300
17,841.05
May
310
18,218.07
June
306
18,352.63
July
306
18,498.13
August
318
19,122.98
September
319
19,650.68
October
326
19,077.64
November
326
19,711.98
December
329
30,299.88
$232,519.50
Other Cities & Towns
2,165.30
$234,684.80
$233,866.64
The vote of the Legislature to give every recipient $4.00 per month for Leisure Time Activities will cost $15,792 on the basis of the present caseload. It was paid for December in 1949 for the first time.
61
COMPARISON OF CASE LOAD- OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
JAN
FEB
MAR
APP
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
340
330
320
310
1949
300
290
1948
280
270
260
1947
250
240
1946
230
1945
220
210
COMPARISON OF EXPENDITURES IN OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
1945 - $110,120.38 - Budget coverage mandatory-exemption rates for children increased by vote of State Legislature.
1946 - $132,909.73 - 2 budget increases for food and clothing. 1947 -- $160,490.85 - General budget increase due to living costs; exemption rates for children further increased.
1948 - $189,228.61 - 8.3% State Standard budget increase voted by Legislature.
1949 - $232,519.50 - Leisure Time Activity $4.00 per month voted by Legislature, Increased Medical costs.
62
A Tribute to Hictor D. B. Slater
It is with much regret that the Planning Board an- nounces it has lost the services of its Chairman, Mr. Victor O. B. Slater, who has left Fairhaven to assume an ex- ecutive position with a large textile manufacturing concern in Greenville, South Carolina. Our annual report would not be complete without acknowl- edging this loss, not only to the Board, but to the towns- people of Fairhaven as well.
Mr. Slater has been a member of the Planning Board since 1924, actually two years prior to the establishment of zoning laws in the town of Fairhaven. Always a most active and influential member, -he has been Chairman of the Board for many years. It is recognized as a fact, not only by local and district planning board personnel, but also by the officers of the State Planning Board, itself, that Mr. Slater is an authority on town planning and zoning, and his opinions on such matters have always been given care- ful consideration.
Among many controversies since Mr. Slater has been active in planning board work, that would have resulted in actual harm to the town, had he not vigorously fought them, was the "battle of the bill board interests". Almost single-handed he has kept the town from being flooded with them. Mr. Slater's efforts also prevented the location of a fire station on schoolhouse grounds.
The Planning Board wishes Mr. Slater the best of luck in his new business venture and unhesitatingly states that it is going to miss his leadership.
William Tallman, Chairman George Steele Herbert Candage Charles Dugdale Arsene Duval James Parkinson Kenneth R. Vining, Secretary
Report of the Planning Board
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Planning Board herewith submits its annual report for 1949.
Fairhaven is growing fast and that is a good sign. Your Planning Board has had a very busy year trying to keep up with the ever expanding business areas and zoning changes. With the desire of so many petitioners to spot zone, our meetings have been long and arduous. Requests for spot zoning should not be made for the Board cannot grant them,-a Supreme Court ruling prohibits the spotting of new business areas. Even though the Town Meeting votes favorably for a flagrant zone, it is illegal.
This Board has not seen the end of all those roadside stands which are not in a business zone. Sconticut Neck has many home businesses with their signs outside adver- tising same. A limited type of business may be maintained in your home, but the only sign allowed is a professional one of not over one square foot.
The Building Inspector is the town officer to consult on all complaints of zoning violations. We must have law enforcement or zoning is worthless. Protect what is right- fully yours and see that all elective and appointive town officers give you that protection.
Better Roads, School additions, Road drains, Water, Street Lights and an Intercepting sewer system are projects that must be acted upon immediately. The costs of these improvements are staggering-so is progress-and we must join hands and see that those who have invested their life savings in a home receive the things which many of us now enjoy.
63
The tax payer is this town's benefactor and deserves due consideration.
Respectfully yours,
VICTOR O. B. SLATER, Chairman WILLIAM TALLMAN GEORGE STEELE HERBERT CANDAGE
CHARLES DUGDALE
ARSENE DUVAL JAMES PARKINSON
KENNETH R. VINING, Secretary
Report of the Board of Fire Engineers
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Fairhaven, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
The Board of Fire Engineers herewith submit the Annual Report for the year 1949.
During the year the Fire Department responded to 20 bell alarms and 135 still alarms, a total of 155 calls. This is 48 calls less than 1948 when we had 30 bell alarms and 173 still alarms, a total of 203 calls. The resuscitator, which was presented to the Town by the Lions Club in 1948, was used 7 times during 1949.
The apparatus and equipment is in good condition and is being properly maintained by a crew of experienced men. Engine #1, an American-LaFrance 750 gal. pumper is now 28 years old and again we are requesting a replacement by a separate article in the Town Warrant. The station at North Fairhaven has been repaired on the outside and painted on the inside and is now in good condition. The station at East Fairhaven has been painted on the inside and is now in good condition. The station on Oxford Street needs inside and outside repairs which we hope to do in 1950.
A change of plans in the company meetings and practice meetings has resulted in monthly practice meet- ings thru the entire year instead of just summer months. These practice meetings are under the supervision of Drill- master Charles H. Lawton.
64
In accordance with a vote of the Town meeting in 1949, Scott AIR-PAK masks have been purchased and placed in service on several pieces of apparatus so that at least 4 masks will be available at each fire. This is in accordance with a recently enacted State law. A new Chief's car was purchased during the year as voted by the Town meeting and has proved very satisfactory since it has been in service.
During the year an old Reo truck that had been used for forest fire service was suitably equipped and painted and presented to the residents of West Island in order that they might have some fire fighting equipment. This came about through a request from the West Island Improvement Association who met with the Board of Fire Engineers and agreed to house and man a piece of apparatus without any remuneration from the Town. We believe that this is a step in the right direction and were very happy to be able to assist them in this project.
On April 15, 1949, after many years of faithful service to the Town as Chief Engineer of the Fire Department, Edward G. Spooner, Jr., passed away after several months of illness. At a meeting of the Board of Fire Engineers a suitable resolution was adopted and spread upon the records as a memorial to him.
On July 11th, the Board of Selectmen appointed three additional men to the Board of Fire Engineers, namely, Frank Rogers, Augustus Xavier and Harold Macomber and at a meeting of the organization held on July 15th, the Board unanimously elected Frank Rogers as Chief Engineer of the Fire Department.
As in the past the Fairhaven Protecting Society has been of great assistance to the Fire Department and we expect that it will even be better in the future.
Respectfully submitted, BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS FRANK ROGERS, Chief CHARLES H. LAWTON AUDELL W. MONK, Clerk AUGUSTUS XAVIER HAROLD S. MACOMBER
65
Report of Superintendent of Fire Alarm
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen Town of Fairhaven, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The Superintendent of the Fire Alarm presents his annual report for the year 1949.
During the past year at Fire Alarm Headquarters a new Master Panel, Two Circuit Box Panels, One Trans- mitter was installed to replace the old system. Under this new system we have added one new Circuit which is located on Sconticut Neck. One mile of Loom Cable had to be run to connect this Circuit.
Six new Fire Alarm Boxes were installed at the fol- lowing locations.
Box 281 East Fairhaven School
Box 341 Town Infirmary
Box 541 Centre & Hitch Sts.
Box 732
Oxford School
Box 733
Sacred Hearts Academy
Box 871 St. Josephs School
This year I am asking for six new Boxes, three to be located on Sconticut Neck, two for New Boston Road, and one for Church & Summer Sts. I also plan to run new wire on the North Fairhaven Circuit to replace the old wire which has been in service for years.
At this time I would like to commend the men who worked with me for their faithful service.
Respectfully submitted, FRANK ROGERS Superintendent of Fire Alarm
66
In Memoriam
Edward G. Spooner, Jr.
Born in Fairhaven
November 1, 1886
Died April 16, 1949
Received his education in Fairhaven schools. After graduation from High School attended Bliss Electrical School in Washington, D. C.
Employed locally for several years as a skilled mechanic and electrician. Then built and operated the Fairhaven Garage until he accepted the full-time position as head of the Fire Department in 1935.
Became a member of the Fairhaven Protecting Society in 1910 and was appointed to Chemical Co. #1 in 1913, being elected its Captain in 1919 and serving in this capacity until 1922.
Served as Captain of Engine #1 during 1923 and 1924. In 1925 was appointed to the Board of Fire Engineers. Served as Deputy Chief for several years until ap-
pointed permanent Chief in 1935, which position he held until his death in 1949.
During his service the fire department grew from several pieces of horse-drawn equipment to its present efficiency,- Engines 3 and 4 being added while he was Chief.
As superintendent of the Fire Alarm system, after the retirement of Clifton A. Hacker, his electrical knowledge was of great value.
Officers and men of the Department were trained to use only what water was necessary to protect property,-in order that damage be kept to a minimum.
Considerate of his men at all times, Chief Spooner often refused to allow firemen to enter areas into which he had gone, himself, to survey the situation.
CHIEF SPOONER
A valued public servant and a gentleman. Kind, Friendly, Understanding. Beloved by the men who followed his leadership.
EDWARD G. SPOONER, JR.
Report of the Board of Health
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
The Board of Health herewith submits the annual report for the year ending December 31, 1949.
The Board has held regular monthly meetings throughout the year. We have investigated all complaints and nuisances and have taken prompt action whenever necessary.
HEALTH
The following diseases dangerous to public health have been reported :
Typhoid
1
Chicken Pox
36
Dog Bites
38
Measles
121
Mumps
226
Scarlet Fever
11
Tuberculosis
2
Whooping Cough
3
Eye Infections
8
Anterior Poliomyelitis
2
448
During the past year we have issued 104 burial per- mits, 7 pasteurization licenses, 10 alcohol licenses, 11 oleomargarine licenses, 1 ice cream license, 70 milk licenses, and 4 camp licenses.
Three patients were maintained at Bristol County Tuberculosis Hospital during the past year. Two new cases were discovered and 19 tuberculosis contacts were x-rayed. One hundred and forty-five visits were made to tubercular patients.
In the Board of Health Clinic 263 children were im- munized against Diphtheria and 127 were vaccinated against Smallpox. The Community nurse, under the super- vision of the Board of Health, made a total of 52 visits to persons ill with communicable diseases.
67
This year the State Board of Health proposed new regulations regarding the minimum standards of fitness of dwellings for human habitation. These regulations were approved by this Board, and our further program will be determined after the regulations are acted upon by the Annual Town Meeting.
Due to mounting and prohibitive expenses, the Tuber- culosis Clinic of New Bedford, which formerly offered free chest x-rays to everyone, was forced to deny admission to out-of-town patients. Neighboring towns were asked to join New Bedford in this excellent and worth-while service, and pay a proportionate part of the expense of maintaining it. The Fairhaven Board of Health has now made appli- cation to participate in the program of free x-rays and chest examinations. As soon as some financial arrange- ment can be worked out with the New Bedford Board of Health, the residents of Fairhaven will be notified that they may again have the advantage of these x-rays without charge.
On September 14, 1949, the Fairhaven Board of Health adopted the regulations recommended by the State Board of Health regarding the care of premature infants. These regulations include a list of hospitals with nurseries pro- perly equipped and staffed for the care of premature infants. In this immediate locality, St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford is the only approved hospital. If a prema- ture infant which weighed four and one-half pounds or less at birth is at one of these institutions, we are authorized to pay the rate determined by the State Board of Health until the baby weighs five and one-half pounds.
DENTAL CLINIC
The Board of Health Dental Clinic is held at the Tripp School every Tuesday and Thursday. Dr. Edward J. Mee, the school dentist, and his dental assistant, Mrs. Anne Silva, are aided by the school nurse, Mrs. Richard A. Dennie. Dr. Mee examined the first seven grades of each school in September. Pupils of all grades are free to go to the Clinic and each school attends once every five weeks. The various charges for treatments are extremely small and any child unable to pay is allowed service free of charge.
68
Mrs. Dennie reports the following work done on children's teeth during the past year: 553 fillings, 158 ex- tractions, 18 examinations (not including the first seven grades) 99 cleanings. and 54 treatments.
SANITATION
The collection of garbage has been carried out most efficiently by Joseph Mello. John Reilly, sanitary inspector, and Henry Stevens, slaughter inspector, have discharged their duties commendably. Samuel Barrett, who serves both as animal inspector and milk inspector, has thoroughly investigated all complaints and has found very few viola- tions of the milk regulations. Laws governing the com- pulsory pasteurization of milk were voted into effect by the Board of Health on April 1, 1948.
The regulations of the Board of Health, revised in 1947, continue to produce good results. Printed copies of these regulations are obtainable in the office of the Board of Health in the Town Hall.
The Board wishes to express its appreciation to the community nurses and the police department for the help and co-operation given us during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, DR. F. A. SILVEIRA, JR., Secretary DR. C. E. P. THOMPSON CLARENCE TERRY
Inspector of Slaughtering
373 Alden Rd. Fairhaven, Mass. December 29, 1949
To the Board of Health:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report for the year ending December 31, 1949.
I made thirty-four inspections during the past year without any confiscations.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY STEVENS Slaughter Inspector
69
Report of Inspector of Animals
December 31, 1949
To the Board of Health and
Citizens of the Town:
Under the supervision of the Division of Livestock Disease Control, and in co-operation with the Board of Health.
Inspected are 910 milk cows, 71 heifers one to two years old, 78 heifers under one year old, 32 bulls, 41 horses, 16 goats, 290 swine.
There were 354 head of cattle that entered from out of State, a decrease of 51 less than last year.
One cow was lost where T. B. test was applied. The barn has been cleaned and disinfected.
I have quarantined 38 dogs for biting. There has been an increase in dog bites this year. May I suggest that during the hot days in summer dogs be kept where it is cool, as most of the dog bites occur in warm weather. There has been no case of Rabies, but I am informed by the Director of Animal Industry that Rabies throughout the State is on the increase, and to guard against this dreadful disease, it is well to have dogs inoculated for Rabies.
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