USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1952 > Part 4
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H. STEVENS
Inspector
.
77
Milk Inspection
There are 15 Milk Dealers selling milk in the Town, about 5,850 quarts per day.
There are 24 farms, where milk is sold to dealers.
There are 2 pasteurizing plants in Town.
Bacteriological examinations are made of these places, by the New Bedford Board of Health, without cost to the Town of Fairhaven.
Frequent inspections of these places are made to insure cleanliness of the products they sell.
SAMUEL C. BARRETT
Inspector of Milk
78
Animal Inspection
Under the supervision of the Division of Livestock Dis- ease Control, and in co-operation with the Board of Health, inspected at 74 places are 715 milk cows, 81 heifers one to two years old, 74 heifers under one year old, 28 bulls, 10 goats, 3 sheep, 27 horses, 285 swine, 20 steers.
I have quarantined 28 dogs for biting; there has been no case of Rabies.
There were 210 head of cattle that entered from out of State, requiring 19 inspections, one inspection where cows were brought in without permit.
Two inspections where cattle were condemned with T. B.
One inspection was made, on complaint, of a pig pen.
Owing to the quarantine on hogs because of the Vesi- cular Exanthema disease, all hogs sold out of the Bristol County must be processed (cooked) before being offered for sale. Permits for shipment and sale of hogs can be obtained from the Bureau of Animal Industry, Custom House, Boston.
An Act providing for the vaccination of calves to cur- tail the spread of Brucellosis, commonly known as Bang's Disease when they are between the ages of 4 to 8 months, except calves and those herds under the State and Federal co-operative herd test plan, also known as the test and slaughter method. Any person refusing to have his calves vaccinated shall not be permitted to move any of his cattle from his premises except for slaughter, unless such cattle react negatively to an approved blood test for Brucellosis.
An Act regulating the amount of State reimbursement for the killing of reactors to the tuberculin test has been raised from $100.00 to $200.00 on grades and $250.00 on purebreds.
SAMUEL C. BARRETT
Inspector of Animals
79
Report of Health Nursing Service
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Public Health Nursing is an essential element in organized community health programs as, for example in tuberculosis, cancer, heart disease, and maternal and child health services. It provides part time care and teaching in addition to the preventive services provided by the Health Department.
The appropriation from the Town for health-nursing services made it possible to make the following visits dur- ing the year 1952.
Communicable Diseases 30
Child Welfare 1,347
Tuberculosis
167
1,544
The Town paid for 322 Bedside nursing visits to Old Age Assistance recipients and 204 Bedside nursing visits to patients receiving general relief.
Three new active cases of Tuberculosis were discovered during the year, who were hospitalized and their contacts X-rayed. Several arrested cases had X-ray examinations during the year and contacts have been checked period- ically. Some of these examinations were made at the Bristol County State Sanatoria, others at the New Bedford Tuberculosis Clinic, and others by private physicians.
Assistance was given at the following clinics held under the supervision of the Board of Health:
Diphtheria Toxoid Clinic - 270 children were inoculated Vaccination Clinic 78 children were inoculated
The Board of Health Executive Officer has been most helpful in reporting some of the new laws and policies of the Commonwealth as they affect those doing public health nursing.
To all who have assisted and co-operated appreciation is hereby expressed.
Respectfully submitted, GRACE E. SMALLEY, R.N.
Agent of the Board of Health
80
Sewer and Water Department
The Board of Sewer and Water Commissioners organ- ized witih G. W. Valentine, Chairman, John M. Reilly, Clerk and Lawrence B. Maxfield.
Thirty-three sewer connections and forty-eight water connections were installed in 1952, making a total of eighty- one for the year. There are now 603 water takers on Sconticut Neck and 1977 sewer connections in use.
During 1952 the 10" water main in Sconticut Neck Road was extended to the end of the accepted road, approxi- mately 8,140 feet.
A new 8" sewer line, replacing the old 8" iron main, was laid by Joseph Perry, Contractor, connecting Hedge Street and Tabor Street, approximately 360 feet.
An 8" main sewer line was installed in Haste Street, by the department, at the request and expense of Mr. Peter J. Haste. Approximately 250 feet.
This has been a very busy year for the employees of the Sewer and Water Department. Many water meters were tetsted and repaired, and a total of eighty-three sewer connections were checked and repaired. Twenty-seven main sewer lines have been cleaned and flushed out, with many more on the list for the coming year.
G. W. VALENTINE JOHN M. REILLY LAWRENCE B. MAXFIELD
Sewer and Water Commissioners
81
Highway Department
In addition to the large amount of work involved in the Reconstruction of roads under the Special Appropria- tion voted at the Annual Town Meeting of 1952, which required a large portion of the working time of the men and the equipment of this department, we were able to carry on the necessary repairs and maintenance of the Town Streets, Suburban Roads, Sidewalks, and Drains. In view of the many complaints, deep gutters or high curbs, we applied Hot Mix in the low gutters of many of the town streets.
Among other things accomplished were the applica- tion of 3213 gallons of Asphalt for sealing of town streets, 5000 gallons of Dust Control Oil on old cinder and gravel roads, the construction of 433 Sq. Yds. of Cement Sidewalks, and 447 Sq. Yds. of Bituminous Concrete walks, also gravel with screening top on many old worn out sidewalks throughout the town.
There were many calls for curb removals to create driveways. Many traffic control and street name signs were purchased and erected including school warning signs at all school buildings where none existed.
Under the Reconstruction of Roads Program we com- pleted three jobs started in 1951 using 5453 gallons of Tar and Asphalt for penetration and sealing and we started and completed the 1952 program of Hard Surfacing, build- ing 21,822 Sq. Yds. of new surface using 14,313 gallons of Tar and Asphalt for penetration and sealing.
Under Chapter 90 Maintenance we sealed shoulders and portions of the road bed on Sconticut Neck Road using 1778 gallons of Asphalt, and on Alden Road we extended the road bed approximately three feet from Bridge St. to Boston Hill Road using 261 tons of Bituminous Concrete.
We replaced an obsolete and non-working stone drain on Bridge St. with 250 ft. of 8 inch underground drain pipe. We dug out and thoroughly cleaned hundreds of feet of drainage ditches through the various suburban sections of the town, many of which have not been cleaned for several years, and repaired or replaced many culverts under roads and driveways.
82
RUBBISH COLLECTION DEPARTMENT
The demands for this service from new homes in some of the older sections of the town and on streets in newly developed sections of the town where rubbish is not now collected, creates a new problem requiring a re-arrange- ment of districts and another day's work for the extra crew. The disposal of rubbish at the dump is another serious problem, for because of the repeated complaints of smoke and litter blown about it may become necessary to find another suitable location for rubbish disposal.
ELLSWORTH M. BURGESS Superintendent of Highways
83
Building Department
There were 301 applications for Building Permits in the year 1952, passed by the inspector, as follows:
124 dwellings; 46 garages; 91 alterations and additions; 1 barn; 19 storage sheds; 1 store; 1 rabbit shed; 1 road side stand; 4 hen houses; 3 bath houses; and ten buildings were razed.
The estimated cost of new buildings as given to the department was $479,688.00. The year 1952 shows a de- crease in the estimated cost of new building, but that can be easily seen as in 1951, additions to two schools were made at a cost of (estimated) $687,000.00.
The fees collected for those permits for which appli- cants are required to pay are as follows:
122 dwellings and dwelling units at $5.00 each $610.00
2 dwellings made from garages 8.00
46 garages at $1.00 each 46.00
$664.00
Total amount paid to the Town Treasurer.
There were 359 plumbing inspections made by the following Inspectors in 1952:
John M. Reilly 298 at $5.00 $1,490.00
Eben P. Hirst
46 at $5.00 230.00
Brayton Beals
15 at $5.00 75.00
$1,795.00
All plumbing applications must be taken out at the office of the Building Inspector, Town Hall.
ELLSWORTH M. BURGESS
Building Inspector
84
Sealer of Weights and Measures
Scales
Adjusted
Sealed 60
Not Sealed 13
Con- demned 1
100 to 5000 Lbs.
16
Scales or Balances
Under 100 Lbs.
22
147
9
7
Weights
9
359
Capacity Meas.
Liquid 1 Gal. or Under
76
Liquid over 1 Gal.
33
Automatic Measuring Devices Meters
Inlet 1 Inch or less
Gasoline
32
51
1
4
Inlet more than 1 Inch
Vehicle Tank Meter System
1 13
Loading Rack 1 11
Other Auto. Liquid
Meas. Devices
Kerosene, Oil, Grease
(Ea. Meas.)
18 44
Lineal Measures
Yard Sticks 3
Sealing fees collected and turned into Town Treasurer
$313.30
Appropriation recommended for 1953 as follows:
Salary
$1,275.00
Transportation
250.00
Equipment and Supplies
45.00
Telephone, Postage and Printing
15.00
Conference and Travel
35.00
Sealers Helper
55.00
$1,675.00
CHARLES P. THATCHER Sealer of Weights & Measures
85
Shellfish Inspection
My report on shellfish conditions show they were about average for 1952. No planting was attempted this year as four areas, previously planted, were closed until late in September. Little Bay was opened for fishing in mid- Sep- tetmber as a restricted family fishing area, restricted to three days per week. As many as 90 persons a week have fished there. Shellfish is quite plentiful and the restric- tions seem to be satisfactory.
The scallop crop was poor but an excellent set of seed for next year is in prospect at this time.
The power draggers took a large catch of quahogs from the Harbor. Less hand fishing was done this year, only a few regular men worked throughout the year.
SUMMARY
15 men, 7 draggers, took approximately 9,080 bu. @ $3.00 per bu. $27,240.00
7 full-time tongers with little necks @
$7.00 per bu. and large @ $3.00 per bu. 15,750.00 4 part-time fishermen 2,800.00
131 Scallopers taking approximately 1,200 bu. @ $7.00 bu. 8,400.00
$54,190.00
This report does not include the amount taken by 687 family permit holders.
REVENUE TO TOWN FROM LICENSES
15 Dragger licenses @$5.00 $75.00
54 Commercial licenses @ $5.00 270.00
687 Family permits @ $1.00 687.00
131 Scallop licenses @ $5.00 655.00
$1,687.00
TRACY W. MARKS
Shellfish Inspector
86
Fairhaven Board of Retirement
The following schedules show the operations summar- ized for the year ending December 31, 1952:
INCOME
Cash on hand December 31, 1952
$78,177.01
Contributions from members 9,400.85
Appropriation of the Town
6,892.00
Interest Received
2,275.84
Total Income
$96,745.70
DISBURSEMENTS
Pensions Paid
Refunds
$5,684.64 1,594.04 551.33
Expenses
Total Disbursements
$7,830.01
Balance Cash on hand December 31, 1952
$88,915.69
Balance represents the following :
National Bank of Fairhaven
$1,883.32
Fairhaven Institution for Savings
62,032.37
Government Bonds
25,000.00
Total
$88,915.69
Board of Retirement GEORGE A. GREENE IRVA M. BUSHNELL HELEN M. WESTGATE
87
Park Department
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1952
The Park Maintenance crew opened the Parks in April and cleaned all the grounds as well as painting the equip- ment. All machines were checked and put in order for Spring mowing. We used only two men this season to keep our ten Park areas in order.
Strong emphasis on playground activities absorbed a larger portion of our budget. We opened, for the first time, three playgrounds fully staffed and equipped. (Read the report of the playground Supervisor; it will tell the story of its successful season). A new slide and shower were in operation at Livesey Playground, as well as an umbrella and table to help alleviate being constantly exposed to the hot sun. Many loads of fill were purchased for Livesey Park, which was much needed.
At Livesey Park, the soft ball diamond needs to be rebuilt, due to the excavation and building of the new addition to the Oxford School. The School Board and Building Committee of the school projects assured the board that the diamond will be put in shape this spring. The ball diamonds are in constant use, especially twilight games, sponsored by local business firms.
At East Fairhaven Playground we fixed up a slide which the kiddies enjoyed. The loss of the ball diamond last season is rectified by the creation of a new field to the west of the new addition to the East Fairhaven School. The Park Board plans to help all it can, within their budget, to recreate a new ball diamond on this land.
Band music in Cushman Park, under the direction of Miss Elizabeth Hastings, was enjoyed by all and we hope that next season we will have a Music Shell, so that more people can hear.
We wish to thank the Police Department for cooperat- ing and making our Parks safe for all. The Fairhaven Improvement Association at the Job Tripp School has been
88
constantly alert and pick up broken glass in the Park when our maintenance crew are not working, from November to April.
JOSEPH MELLO, Chairman ALBERT TRIPANIER KENNETH R. VINING, Secretary
POSSIBLE FUTURE EXPANSION
The increasing population of the Sconticut Neck area indicates the need of a playground there. The one at East Fairhaven is too far away to be easily and safely reached by Sconticut Neck children. And, considering the dangers of heavy summer traffic on Huttleston Avenue, there is real need for a playground to serve the children of families liv- ing immediately north of the High School. The town- leased land rear of the Anthony School could be used for a playground site.
ACTIVITIES OF 1952 SEASON
Livesey Park
Under Captain Pete Giroux the Fairhaven Warriors of Livesey Park won the championship of the Playground Soft- ball League, after overcoming some hot opposition by Richie Pasquill's Cushman Park Bombers. The third entrant in the league play, Walt Bumpus' Golden Eagles (also of Cush- man Park) was made up of younger players and found it tough going against the older boys.
Swings, seesaws, and the new slide were kept busy by the smaller children. Checkers, as always, was very pop- ular, and both sexes and from all ages ,from ten upward, played horseshoes. In the Horseshoe Tournament, Pete Giroux repeated his win of last year. In August, Livesey Park's team of Pete Giroux and Manny Amaral won the Inter-Parks Horseshoe Championship by defeating the Cushman Park team of John Senna and Wes Bumpus.
On several occasions when softball was not being played, a group of older boys was taken to the High School tennis courts for a period of tennis instruction.
89
Girls' activities, such as sewing and other forms of handiwork as well as group games, were under supervision of Mrs. Harold Rimmer.
On a number of afternoons during the extremely hot summer, the younger children put on bathing suits and en- joyed the newly-installed outdoor group-shower.
Cushman Park
As mentioned before, Cushman Park's Bombers fin- ished second in softball league competition, with the Gol- den Eagles coming in third. On August 19, an all-star team selected from all players in our softball league played an exhibition game against Brooklawn Park, New Bedford's championship park team, Fairhaven winning by 9-7 in a well-played game. Manny Pacheco, well-kuown umpire, donated his officiating services for this game.
Changing the location of our horseshoe court to a spot near the park's southwest entrance, as well as installing the officially specified boxes, seemed to increase the game's popularity. In the Junior Tournament, John Correia was the winner, and John Senna took the title for the Seniors.
Young people, of course, preferred the two slides, swings, giant-swing, merry-go-round, checkers, card games. The girls produced some attractive items of handiwork un- der instruction by Mrs. Madeline Barstow.
Equipment was available for volleyball and basket- ball, with the latter ruling as more popular.
A group of older boys was taken to the High School courts once or twice weekly for instruction in tennis.
East Fairhaven Playground
For its second season, Mrs. Norman Shurtleff was ap- pointed to replace Mrs. Leonard Burnham, who has re- signed, as assistant-in-charge. Swings, volleyball court, and horseshoes court, as well as a newly-added slide (trans- ferred from Livesey) were available. Not much could be done in softball because of the fact that new construction in the East Fairhaven School had eliminated our ball diamond.
Younger children, under Mrs. Shurtleff's instruction, made scrapbooks and did various types of handiwork, in-
90
cluding the making of an afghan for presentation to Miss Mabel Potter, long-time Park Board member. The pre- sentation was made and a pageant was staged on the after- noon of August 13th, with parents and friends invited. The affair was highly successful and was reported, with photographs, in the pages of the Standard-Times.
Field Day
The Fairhaven Playgrounds ended the season with their Annual Field Day on the afternoon of Friday, August 22, this affair being held at Cushman Park. Estimated attendance was 700. Had it not been for the heavy rain of the night before and even on the very morning of the Field Day, the attendance figure would probably have ex- ceeded last year's 1,000. However, we considered our- selves fortunate in that no rain fell during the afternoon and we were thus able to run off every scheduled event. Handsome prizes were awarded to winners of the Doll Car- riage Parade and Bicycle Parade, and candy prizes were given to winners of first five places in each of 16 competi- tive events. Lollipops for the youngsters, ice cream for all, and chairs for the grown-ups were all provided by courtesy of the Park Board, and free Coca-Cola was given out by the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. A sound system was used for the various announcements. The program includ- ed several vocal numbers by a girls' group from East Fair- haven Playground. The afternoon ended witih presenta- tion of gifts and trophies to winning teams and individual winners of the various championship events staged during the park season.
I wish to say thanks for able assistance in putting on the Field Day as given by the following :
Park Commissioners Joseph Mello, Kenneth Vining, and Ernest Tripanier: Committee Members Al Whitworth, Waldo Haydon, Harry Bridges, Albert Gonsalves. Harry Rogers, Miss Elizabeth Hastings, Mrs. Edith Moore, Mrs. William F. Pelton, Mrs. Walter Silveira, and Miss Mabel Potter.
Safety Record
We are glad to report that there were no serious injur- ies. A fully-stocked first-aid kit was available for treat- ment of minor injuries at each playground.
91
ATTENDANCE
During the eight week season, the playgrounds lost a total of 31/2 days of operation because of rain.
The attendance figures are, as follows:
Cushman Park
Mornings 33
Average attendance 45
Season's total
1495
Afternoons
36
Average attendance
67
Season's Total
2,401
Season's Total of A.M. plus P.M. attendance 3,896
Livesey Park
Mornings 35
Average attendance 57
Season's total
1,991
Afternoons
36
Average attendance
46
Season's total
1,649
Season's total of A.M. plus P.M. attendance 3,640
East Fairhaven Playground
Mornings 36
Average attendance
25
Season's total
887
Afternoons
37
Average attendance
37
Season's total 1,395
Season's total of A.M. plus P.M. attendance 2,282 Season's total attendance-all parks 9,818
PARK EQUIPMENT
Since we had a fairly good carry-over of equipment from the previous year, our purchases for 1952 were not unusually heavy.
Chief items purchased were :
1 first-baseman's mitt
1 chest protector
6 softball bats
1 dozen softballs
5 trophies (for softball and horseshoe awards)
1 sunshade table and chair (for use at Livesey Park)
92
Two horseshoe boxes were installed at Cushman Park, and an outdoor group-shower was installed at Livesey Park, and the drinking fountain at the latter park was relocated away from the road.
On the debit side of the ledger, one basketball was either lost or stolen at Cushman Park and several instances of minor damage (done after operating hours by unknown parties) occurred at Livesey Park. And one of our volley- balls wore out during this (its second) season. On the whole, playground equipment was treated with care and appreciation by the young people who attended.
Recommendations :
1. That supporting posts for swings at Livesey Park be strengthened or replaced.
2. That a protective barrier (wire) be placed so as to protect children using Cushman Park's merry- go-round from being hit by over-thrown balls from adjacent softball diamond.
3. That some arrangement be made whereby East Fairhaven Playground may have the use of a softball diamond for next park season.
In conclusion, I call attention to the fact that the grow- ing enrollment figures of Fairhaven schools underline the need for fully maintaining the equipment and services of our playgrounds.
Sincerely, GEORGE M. COOK, Supervisor of Playgrounds
JOSEPH G. MELLO, Chr. ERNEST TRIPANIER KENNETH R. VINING, Sec'y
93
Tree Department
To safeguard our shade trees in various parts of the town all street trees throughout the town have been sprayed as well as a large number on private property. Also a second spraying has been given to keep under control the later breeding of beetles. During the past year sixty-five trees have been removed and one hundred maples planted in various parts of the town, and trees have been trimmed and dead limbs removed.
This past year a power saw was purchased which has been a great help in the department in cutting our cost on our larger elms that we have removed.
I recommend an appropriation of twenty-five hundred dollars ($2,500.00) for the care of trees in 1953.
During the past year we also have purchased a mist blower-sprayer which has been a real help to the depart- ment for we have sprayed a great deal more than has been sprayed in the past at less cost. We have cut a number of wild cherry trees in town and have sprayed same with DDT to eliminate the tent caterpillars and gypsy moths.
I recommend an appropriation of four thousand dol- lars ($4,000.00) for Insect Pest Extermination in 1953.
JOHN JARVIS
Tree Warden and Moth Superintendent
94
Report of Police Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
Below and on following pages you will find the report of the Fairhaven Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1952.
Police Department Personnel
The roster of the Fairhaven Police Department for 1952 was as follows:
Chief of Police
2 Sergeants
7 Regular Police Officers (active)
1 Regular Police Officer (on leave of absence)
53 Spare Police Officers
2 Policewomen
1 Supervisor of Police Radio Communications
30 Reserve Police Officers
42 Special Police Officers
40 Auxiliary Police Officers (inactive)
Retired on pension :
Patrolman Joseph B. Silva 1938 Dec's'd
Chief George T. Sykes 1939
Retired :
Patrolman Charles V. Eddy 1947 Dec's'd (1952)
Department Efficiency
Last year I reported how the department's expanded personnel and automotive facilities had been used to handle an increased volume of business.
This year, however, the emphasis seems to be on the preventative value of our work. There were fewer auto- mobile accidents in 1952 than in 1951, and fewer persons injured. We received fewer complaints, and there were fewer arrests for fewer offenses. We did not have to write as many reports as in the previous year, and it follows that we received fewer telephone calls.
95
High-Pressure Age
What keeps us busy ? An almost unbelievable amount of time and effort goes into doing what we can for people who are confused and harassed by what some have des- cribed as "the high-pressure age" in which we are living You know of many troubled persons who have seen their doctors, been quietly told to get more rest, and been given prescriptions. "For your nerves," or "to help you sleep," pharmacists tell them. Of course, when appropriate, rou- tine police procedure is followed in cases coming to our attention. In other cases, after thorough analysis, suitable recommendations are made. "See your doctor," "consult your lawyer" or "place your confidence in your clergyman" are examples, in brief, of suggestions we are making every day.
A man told us a long story one day. Boiled down it was a combination of civil case and imagined threat. An hour's conversation solved his problem. What looked like a routine police case came to our attention. A home visit revealed loneliness was plaguing a wife in a very rural district during her husband's working hours. We did our best to arrange for her family and former classmates to pay her some attention. A similar case, that of a lonely person living in a thickly-settled district, presented another challenge as the person did not have the knack of making friends-nor of keeping them.
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