USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1953 > 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 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12
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 sixth day of October, 1953, under the penalties of perjury.
73
Report to Francis X. Lang, Director of Accounts:
Figures to be used for Computing the Borrowing Capacity for the Funded Debt for the year 1954 Real and Personal Property
Valuation
Tax abatement (omit polls)
On 1951 Levy
Jan. 1, 1951
$13,611,010.00
In 1951
Supplemental
1,980.00
In 1952
783.24
In 1953
92.73
Total 1951
$13,612,990.00
On 1952 Levy
Jan. 1, 1952
$14,020,990.00
In 1952
Tax rate $50.00 $17,002.58
Supplemental
8,360.00
In 1953
363.09
Total 1952
$14,029,350.00
On 1953 Levy
Tax rate $53.00
Jan. 1, 1953
$14,377,080.00
In 1953
$17,353.77
Supplemental
none
Total 1953
$14,377,080.00
Motor Vehicle Excise
Valuation
Abatements
1951 Total (rate $46.85)
Valuation
$1,777,160.00
On 1951 Levy In 1951
$3,907.48 In 1951
Levy
76,273.38
In 1952
214.72
1952 Total (48.25)
On 1952 Levy
Valuation
$1,586,570.00
In 1952
$6,696.74
Levy
69,372.26
In 1953
2,098.92
1953 Total (rate $50.42)
On 1953 Levy
Valuation
$1,577,010.00
In 1953
$3,730.99
Levy
72,728.90
Tax Rate $52.00 $14,917.87
This is to certify that the information contained on this blank is complete and correct to the best of my knowl- edge and belief.
SUSAN B. VINCENS, Signature of officer furnishing information
74
Vessel Excise
Levy
Tax Abatements
1951
$1,632.58 On 1951 Levy None In 1952 Levy None In 1953 Levy None
1952
$1,800.51 In 1952 Levy in 1952 $240.01
In 1953 None
1953
$1,692.91
On 1953 Levy in 1953 $63.04
Exemption Clause #22, Section 5 of Chapter 59
To Edward C. Wilson, Associate Commissioner
Total number of
persons exempted
Total Valuation exempted
Total amount of tax abated
157
$287,600.00 $15,242.80
This is to certify that the above statements as reported are correct and complete to the best of our knowledge and belief.
CLARENCE A. TERRY
CHRISTOPHER J. BIRTWISTLE
SUSAN B. VINCENS
Fairhaven Board of Assessors
75
Report of Board of Registrars of Voters
Tabulation of the information gathered in our annual canvass of 1953 revealed that there were 9,076 persons, (male and female) 20 years of age and over residing in the Town of Fairhaven on January 1, 1953; and by the use of the formula, in general use, the estimated total population is found to be 13,157: broken down by precincts as fol- lows:
Precinct
1 2
3 4 5 Total
Males
677
786
920
857 1082 4322 Actual count
Females
845
864 1010
898 1137 4754 Actual count
Tot. Adlts. 1522 1650 1930 1755 2219 9076 Actual count
Persons
Und. 20
685
733
869
790 1004 4081 Estimated
Tot. Pop.
2207 2383 2799
2545 3223 13157
The number of registered voters decreased through- out the year due to the revision which removed 505 names for various reasons, and also to only one Election, the Town Election, February 2.
After revising the Voting List which consisted of 7,602 Registered Voters, and removing 505 names, the Voting list was as follows :
Precincts Republicans Democrats
Unenrolled
Totals
1
728
125
443
1296
2
708
158
502
1368
3
277
375
770
1422
4
482
211
636
1329
5
431
334
917
1682
2626
1203
3268
7097
76
During the registration period for the Annual Town Election February 1, 1954, there were 184 registered voters added to the list which is as follows :
Precincts Republicans
Democrats
Unenrolled
Totals
1
728 (55%)
125 ( 9%)
474 (36%)
1327
2
708 (50%)
158 (11%)
541 (39%)
1407
3
277 (19%)
375 (26%)
802 (55%) 1454
4
482 (35%)
211 (16%)
669 (49%) 1362
5
431 (25%)
334 (20%)
966 (55%)
1731
2626 (36%) 1203 (17%) 3452 (47%) 7281
In compliance with Chapter 285 of the Acts of 1930, establishing Representative Town Government by Limited Town Meetings in Fairhaven, the town will be redistricted (into at least six precincts) in 1955. It is hoped that this legislative act can be amended and brought up to date to meet the present needs of the town.
In 1955, the State Canvass will be conducted by the Board of Registrars of Voters for the State. In this canvass, every man, woman, and child will be enumerated.
In the State and National Election of November 4, 1952, when interest was high, over 90% of the registered voters responded. But just 3 months later, when the immediate destiny of your town was at stake, when your local officials were elected to administer your town government, to run your schools, Highway Department, Sewers, Health, and other Departments which affect you closely and vitally, only 59% of the voters were interested enough to cast their votes.
The most important thing confronting our town gov- ernment today is the necessity for active citizen participa- tion in order that we may have a good efficient town gov- ernment.
What are you going to do about it? It is your town, too !
DOROTHY S. KEARNS, Chairman MICHAEL J. O'LEARY, Clerk JAMES F. MURRAY GEORGE A. SELLEY
Registrars of Voters
.
77
Public Assistance
Your Board of Public Welfare in administering the laws governing Old Age Assistance, Aid to Dependent Chil- dren, Disability Assistance and General Relief, the first three categories under the supervision of the Massachusetts Department of Public Welfare, rendered assistance to cases as indicated by the following composite of case loads for the year.
1953 Jan. Feb.
Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
OAA 278
274
276
272
277
284 24
282 24
278 23
276 23
23
23
25
DA 18
19
21
23
22
23
25
25
27
27
26
GR
35
35
33
31
33
31
24 30
25
24
24
26
27
These programs of assistance represent the total ex- penditure of $332,063.03 distributed to residents of this town for their use in living on a minimum standard of sub- sistence :
O.A.A. $256,828.02
A.D.C. $32,472.10
D.A. $19,121.58
G.R. $23,641.33
Old Age Assistance showed a steady decline in case- load with a slightly increased cost. The average monthly grant of $77.26 covered all needs.
Aid to Dependent Children's average monthly grant of $117.65 per family indicated a per capita increase of $1.46 per month over the previous year.
Disability Assistance, in its second year of operation, showed slow but steady growth. Persons 18 years old and over, whose eligibility by reason of disability and need was determined by the State Medical Review Team and the local Board, received aid according to the Standards of Assist- ance. Reimbursement from Federal and State funds amount- ed to 75%. The monthly grant, including medical needs, was $69.19 per month.
As Disability Assistance increased General Relief de- clined. Employment conditions will determine the cost of this category in the coming year.
ALBERT E. STANTON WALTER SILVEIRA CHARLES W. KNOWLTON Board of Public Welfare
78
280
277
272
ADC 23 22
22
25
23
ยท SOURCE . OF. THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE DOLLAR.IN-1953.
FROM THE LOCAL TAXPAYER
25.7% $ 102,511.22
STATE
REIMBURSEMENTS
34 5% $136,720.82
OTHER CITIES & TOWNS
FEDERAL REIMBURSEMENT_ AID & ADMINISTRATION
$ 17.051 09
34.8% $ 138.430 41
4.2%
RECOVERIES FROM INDIVIDUALS - 0.8% $ 3,393.68-
EXPENDITURES . FOR. PUBLIC . ASSISTANCE.IN.1953
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
66.4% $ 263,990.36
AID TO DEPENDENT
CHILDREN
$ 32,472.10
81%
GENERAL RELIEF $ 28,565.70 7.1%
VETERANS' BENEFITS $ 27.417.18
6.8%
PUBLIC ASSIST. ADMINIST'N. 5.0% $19.723.97 DISABILITY ASSISTANCE 4.8% 19,121.58 INFIRMARY 1.8% 6,816.33
The Planning Board
During 1953 the activity of the Board has been mostly routine with a considerable number of hearings on petitions for District Changes.
The Board made formal recommendations to the Select- men relative to abating the piggery nuisance on Yankee Lane, and with relation to the Mullins Wharf Fillet Plant permit. We have consulted with the Selectmen on several routine matters.
After two meetings with the Junior High School Build- ing Committee, the Board concurred in the selection and approval of the Adams Street - Huttleston Avenue loca- tion for the proposed Junior High School site.
We are advised that the By-Law sponsored by the Board and passed last year has had the desired effect to decrease the number of applications for street acceptances.
In the Warrant for 1954 the Board has inserted Ar- ticles for several changes in the Zoning By-Law which we believe will also be of benefit to the Town.
Town Committees and Boards charged with the plan- ning of Municipal improvements and Civic Organizations sponsoring action by the Town Meeting to acquire land for such improvements and public developments, are reminded that the Town Meeting cannot legally act upon such mat- ters until the plans for such improvements or developments have been submitted to the Planning Board.
As the cost of printing formal notices for Hearings for Change of District has regularly exceeded the five dollar fee required, we have voted to raise to ten dollars the fee required to accompany petitions for District Changes.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM TALLMAN,
Chairman
80
Fire Department
With no change from 1952, the Board of Fire Engineers is composed of the following members:
Frank Rogers, Chief Engineer
Augustus Xavier, Deputy Chief Engineer
Audell W. Monk, 1st Asst. Engineer and Clerk
Harold S. Macomber, 2nd Asst. Engineer and Drill- master
Lindsey S. Gifford, 3rd Asst. Engineer
Regular monthly meetings are held at Headquarters on the first Thursday of each month at 8:00 P. M.
The Department consists of five Engineers, Eight per- manent men (two of whom are members of the Board of Fire Engineers), forty-eight regular callmen and ten sub- stitute members, making a total of sixty-nine men. The eight permanent men, with the exception of the Chief, are all assigned as operators at Headquarters, and the callmen com- prise the personnel of the six companies.
During the year 1953 the Department responded to a total of 234 calls of which 54 were bell alarms and 180 were still alarms. This was 18 more calls than during 1952. Two calls were answered which required the use of the re- suscitator.
All apparatus is in good condition. The Chief's car was replaced during the year and a new motor was installed in the American-LaFrance 500 gallon pumper (Engine #4) which is now 21 years old. We recommend that a new pumper be purchased in the very near future.
A two-way radio was purchased and installed in the new Aerial Ladder Truck this year which makes four pieces of apparatus so equipped. We are recommending that a radio and alternator be purchased for another piece of apparatus in 1954. Radio has proven its worth many times since it has been installed in the Department.
Five hundred feet of 21/4" hose was purchased this year and we are recommending a similar purchase for 1954.
81
All the buildings of the Department are in good con- dition and are being properly maintained. A new Central Fire Station is needed.
Civil Service was forced upon the Department due to a vote at the last election, but it would seem at this date that ways and means have been found to eliminate the callmen and retain Civil Service for the permanent men. Through the efforts of Representative F. Eben Brown, who drew up a bill for that purpose and presented it, we feel that the answer has been found. This was in accord with the unanimous vote of the callmen of the Department.
All the members of the Fire Department are to be com- mended on their good work and this also applies to the members of the Fairhaven Protecting Society, who have been of great assistance.
Board of Fire Engineers
82
Superintendent of Fire Alarm
During the past year ten (10) new fire alarm boxes, of the non-interfering type, were installed, to replace old boxes which have been in service between forty and fifty years. The locations of the new boxes are as follows:
Box 47 Doane and Fort Sts.
Box 49 Allen and Pleasant Sts.
Box 65
Veranda Ave. and Sycamore St.
Box 67 Harding Road and Main St.
Box 68 Alpine Ave. and Main St.
Box 71 North William St. and Elm Ave.
Box 78 Cherry and Hedge Sts.
Box 81 Middle and Cowen Sts.
Box 96 Dana's Lane and Adams St.
Box 98 Elm Ave. and Adams St.
New wire was run on the four circuits to replace old wire. Considerable work was done on Sconticut Neck Road where the road was re-constructed and also on change- overs for the New Bedford Gas and Edison Light Company and the N. E. Telephone and Telegraph Company.
We have about twenty-eight (28) old boxes in the system and I plan to ask for a few new boxes each year until our system is brought up to Class A with the new non-in- terfering type. I am asking for ten (10) new boxes in 1954 for installation to replace the old type.
I would like to commend the men who worked with me for their efficient service.
FRANK ROGERS,
Superintendent of Fire Alarm
83
Board of Health
The Board has held meetings throughout the year, and all complaints and nuisances have been promptly act- ed upon.
The following diseases dangerous to public health have been reported.
Chicken Pox
37
Dog Bites
47
Measles
32
Mumps
5
Scarlet Fever
2
Tuberculosis
16
Whooping Cough
1
Eye Infections
1
Poliomyelitis
1
142
During the past year we have issued 108 burial per- mits, 1 pasteurization license, 15 alcohol licenses, 68 milk licenses, 25 oleomargarine licenses, 4 ice cream licenses, and 8 camp licenses. We also issued licenses to 7 day nurseries and 5 convalescent homes.
In the Board of Health Clinic 363 children were immunized against diphtheria and 92 were vaccinated against smallpox. The Community Nurse, under the sup- ervision of the Board of Health, made a total of 25 visits to persons ill with communicable diseases.
A Chest X-Ray Clinic was held at the Town Hall in April, under the guidance of the Fairhaven Community Nursing Association, and a total of 3685 persons were x-rayed. Three active cases of tuberculosis were discov- ered and were placed under medical care. All contacts were x-rayed and were given periodic check-ups. These services were provided to Fairhaven residents free of charge due to our participation in the Tuberculosis Clinic which is maintained by New Bedford and the surrounding
84
towns. In addition, 5 patients were maintained at Bristol County Tuberculosis Hospital during the past year, one at Lakeville State Sanatorium and one at Rutland State Sana- torium.
The program for the care of premature infants which was instituted by the Massachusetts State Board of Health in 1949 has been followed in Fairhaven. Copies of these regulations may be obtained at the Board of Health office in the Town Hall.
During 1953 we again joined our neighboring towns in helping to maintain the Bristol County Mental Health Clinic in New Bedford. This clinic provides facilities for psychiatric diagnosis, treatment, and consultation for both children and adults. These services are free of charge to Fairhaven residents and residents of other towns partici- pating. The number of visits made to the Clinic during the past year is as follows :
To determine disability
1
Male children
13
Female children
3
17
Visits were as follows:
Psychiatrist
21
Psychologist
19
Social worker
14
54
The Board of Health Dental Clinic is held at the Tripp School every Tuesday and Thursday. Dr. Edward Mee, who was formerly the school dentist, has returned to service in the Navy. He has been replaced by Dr. Bernard Carter of Fairhaven. Dr. Carter is assisted by the school nurse, Mrs. Richard A. Dennie, and by Mrs. Eleanor Gonsalves. Pupils from each school go once every five weeks for an examination. An average of 12 or 16 children are treated each morning. The charges are extremely low, ranging from twenty cents to thirty-five cents. However, all dental work is done free for those unable to pay.
85
Mrs. Dennie reports the following work done on chil- dren's teeth during the past year: 325 fillings, 128 extrac- tions, 30 treatments, 44 cleanings, 70 examinations.
The collection of garbage has been carried out most efficiently during the past year by Joseph Mello. Henry Stevens, slaughter inspector, Samuel Barrett, animal and milk inspector, and Lawrence Maxfield, sanitary inspector, have discharged their duties efficiently and well. The time and effort these men have put into their work have aided the Board immeasurably.
The Board wishes to express deep appreciation to the community nurses and the police department for the help and cooperation given us during the past year.
DR. C. E. P. THOMPSON CLARENCE TERRY DR. F. A. SILVIERA, JR. Executive Officer
Slaughter Inspection
I have made thirty inspections during the year with no confiscations having to be made.
HENRY STEVENS Slaughter Inspector
Milk Inspection
Total number of quarts of milk sold daily in Town all pasteurized about 5753.
There are 26 Dairy Farms, where milk is sold to Deal- ers.
There is one pasteurizing plant in Fairhaven.
Lic. Milk Dealers selling milk in Fairhaven, 14.
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 in- sure cleanliness of the products they sell.
SAMUEL C. BARRETT Inspector of Milk
86
Animal Inspection
Under the supervision of the Division of Livestock Dis- ease control, and in cooperation with the Board of Health.
Inspected at 84 places 780 milk cows, 66 heifers one to two years old, 70 heifers under one year old, 19 bulls, 15 steers, 39 horses, 26 goats, 1 sheep, 192 swine.
I have quarantined 29 dogs for biting, there has been no case of Rabies.
There were 252 head of cattle that entered from out of State into the town, requiring 20 inspections.
SAMUEL C. BARRETT
Inspector of Animals
DOG OFFICER
On July 20, 1953 there was a dog warrant containing names of 64 owners of unlicensed dogs.
At this time the warrant has been cleared up and there are now 1338 licensed dogs in town with a few more to be had before the end of the year.
Four restraining orders have been served; 7 investi- gations made where dogs had created a nuisance; 5 dogs picked up, kept for six days and destroyed; 1 dog picked up and kept for six days, then sold. Later owner came and claimed the dog so it was bought back and returned to its owner after he had purchased a license. One dog picked up and sold for $5.00, - the money to be turned over to the Town Clerk.
Eleven persons were brought into court for keeping unlicensed dogs.
SAMUEL C. BARRETT,
Dog Officer
87
Report of Health Nursing Service
A Public Health Nursing Service that is most satisfac- tory is one which combines health teaching, prevention and control of disease and care of the sick.
The appropriation from the Town for health-nursing services made it possible to make the following visits during the year 1953 :
Communicable Diseases
25
Child Welfare
1,359
Tuberculosis
170
1,554
The Town paid for the following bedside nursing visits to patients receiving :
Old Age Assistance
561
General Relief
108
Disability Assistance
245
Veterans' Benefits
106
1,020
During the month of April a Chest X-Ray Survey was made and 3685 persons were examined. Three active cases of Tuberculosis were discovered and were immediately placed under medical care, and all contacts were X-rayed. Several arrested cases had X-Ray examinations during the year and contacts have been checked periodically. Some of these examinations were made at the Bristol County State Sanatoriam, and 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 -
363 children were inoculated
Vaccination Clinic 92 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 cooperated appreciation is hereby expressed.
GRACE E. SMALLEY, R. N., Agent of the Board of Health
88
Sewer and Water Department
The Board of Sewer and Water Commissioners organ- ized with G. Winston Valentine, Chairman; John M. Reilly, Clerk and Lawrence B. Maxfield.
Twenty-five sewer connections and ninety-four water services were installed during 1953, making a total of 119 for the year. There are now 697 water takers on Sconti- cut Neck and 2002 sewer connections in use.
During 1953 water mains were laid on the following streets, by Gracia Bros., Contractors.
Winsegansett Avenue-1890 ft.
Brae Road-600 ft.
Nobska Avenue-300 ft.
Cushman Avenue and Nelson Avenue-1760 ft.
Tecumseh Street and Samoset Street-340 ft.
Nakata Avenue-2255 ft.
Wilbur Point-1250 ft.
Widemarsh Beach-1800 ft.
A six inch water main was laid on Emerson Avenue, at the expense of Mr. William J. Maley, approximately 450 ft.
Six inch water lines were laid across Sconticut Neck Road to the following streets :
Thompson Avenue
Baxter Avenue
Emerson Avenue Frederick Avenue
Norton Street
Reservation Road
A new eight inch sewer main was laid in Tripp Street, north from Center Street, by Bourdon. Warren and Battis- telli, Contractors. Approximately 292 ft.
This has been a busy year for the Sewer and Water Department. Many water meters were tested and repaired and a total of eighty-one sewer connections checked and repaired. Nineteen main sewer lines have been cleaned and flushed out.
The Sewer and Water Department turned back to the Town, the sum of $23,068.85.
SEWER AND WATER COMMISSIONERS
80
Highway Department
The activities of this department in 1953 were both varied and numerous. Besides the regular cleaning, patch- ing and maintaining of the highways we built 400 lineal feet of re-inforced concrete curb, set 700 feet of block curb and laid 7500 gallons of dust laying oil on gravel and cinder roads in various sections of the town. We were obliged to rebuild a section of the Herring River Drain, so- called, due to heavy spring rains under-mining the walls. We sealed 18,370 square yards of street surface using 4600 gals. of asphalt.
Under special appropriations, 2050 feet of drain was laid on Elizabeth St. On Manhattan Ave. 1400 ft. of re- inforced curb was constructed and 1200 sq. yds. of gravel sidewalk built; 9162 yards of road was reconstructed with gravel and tar. Benoit Square was reconstructed, also, by the regular personnel of this department.
Under the granolithic sidewalk program 485 yards of concrete walk and 1283 yards of "Black Top" walk was laid.
An obsolete dump truck purchased in 1935 and now causing increased costs in maintaining should be replaced as soon as possible as the balance of our trucks are too light for efficient plowing in case of heavy snow.
RUBBISH COLLECTION
This part of our work is becoming more of a problem as more and more new homes are built and also because of the decrease in the burning of rubbish in furnaces and in- cinerators. The "Load Packer" rubbish truck is no longer able to cover the regular route in five days and this re- quires the working of overtime or the use of an extra truck and crew. This "Load Packer" has been in service seven years and has proven its worth many times over, not only by the saving in labor but also because of the fact that rubbish is not scattered along the streets as in the case of open trucks. I recommend the purchase of a new load packer type truck and that the present truck be retained as a stand by and also for use on the Sconticut Neck and East Fairhaven routes where an open truck is now used. This change would save the wages of one laborer.
HENRY T. HOWARD,
Superintendent
90
Building Department
There were 312 applications for Building Permits in the year 1953, issued from this office, as follows:
95 dwellings; 9 dwellings, with garages attached; 40 garages; 1 barn; 1 office building; 117 additions and al- terations; 1 summer house; 26 sheds; 5 henhouses; 1 club house; 1 boat shed; 1 restaurant; 2 vegetable stands; 2 greenhouses; 1 bath house and 9 buildings were razed.
The estimated cost of this new building was given as $1,081,640.00. This great gain in 1953 over the year 1952 is easily understood as in 1953 we have had additions to Our Lady's Haven, at a cost of $500,000.00 and the addition to the First Congregational Church at an estimated cost of $140,000.00.
The fees collected for those permits for which appli- cants were required to pay are as follows:
95 dwellings at $5.00 each $475.00
9 dwellings, garages attached at $6.00 each 54.00
40 garages at $1.00 each 40.00
Total amount paid to the Treasurer $569.00
There were 360 Plumbing Inspections made by the fol- lowing Inspectors in 1953:
John M. Reilly
320 at $5.00 each
$1,600.00
Eben P. Hirst
32 at 5.00 each 160.00
Brayton Beals 8 at 5.00 each 40.00
$1,800.00
All Plumbing applications must be taken out at the office of the Building Inspector, Town Hall.
HENRY T. HOWARD,
Building Inspector
91
Sealer of Weights and Measures
Adjusted Scaled
Not Sealed
Con- demned
Scales 100 to 5000 lbs.
4
53
12
3
Scales or Balances
Under 100 lbs.
13
139
13
12
Weights
5
260
Capacity Meas.
Liquid 1 Gal. or Under
73
Liquid over 1 Gal.
33
Automatic Measuring Devices
Meters
Inlet 1 Inch or less
Gasoline
23
53
Inlet more than 1 inch
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.