USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1954 > Part 5
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100
Acknowledgments.
I should like to express my sincere thanks to the fol- lowing people who helped to make the Fairhaven Play- grounds enjoyable places to attend. Park Commissioners Louis T. Brock, Joseph Faria and Ernest Tripanier. Play- ground Directors Mrs. Eleanor Rimmer, Mrs. Mary LeBeau and Mrs. Leola Shurtleff. Mr. Cuthbert Tunstall for his help in painting the tennis court lines. The Field Day Committee members, Mr. Alfred Whitworth, Mr. Harry Bridges, Mr. Harry Rogers, Mr. Raymond Archambault, Miss Elizabeth Hastings, Mrs. Walter Silveira, Mrs. Edith Moore, Mr. Gilbert Viera, Dr. Arthur J. Mullen and Police Chief Norman D. Shurtleff.
EDWARD J. MCDERMOTT, Supervisor of Playgrounds.
101
Care of Trees
To safeguard our shade trees in various parts of the Town all street trees throughout the town have been spray- ed 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. This year is the first time we tried aerial spraying, but we received so many complaints about the damage that was done that I did not try to spray again.
During the year forty-two trees have been removed, also some trimming was done and the trees elevated so that they will not cause any damage to the large trucks and busses that use our streets. Dead limbs were removed in various parts of the town and brush was carted to the town dump and burned. I find that our trees, as a whole, are in a healthy condition.
The hurricanes in August and September caused a lot of damage and loss to our trees and property in the town. We lost 414 trees, mostly elms. My department and the Highway Department worked together as soon as we could clearing away the streets and removing the trees from roofs. I want to thank the various departments and men for the splendid work they did and the co-operation which I received.
I recommend an appropriation of $2500.00 for the care of trees in 1955. I also recommend a special appropriation of $2,000.00 for the purchase of trees to replace some of the trees we lost during the hurricanes.
For Insect Pest Extermination in 1955, I recommend an appropriation of $4000.00.
JOHN JARVIS
Tree Warden and Moth Superintendent
102
Tax Title Report
Mr. Michael J. O'Leary Town Treasurer Fairhaven, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. O'Leary :
As requested, I have analyzed your tax titles to ascertain the work that should be done in foreclosures in the year 1955.
I find that you have six tax titles which will require forclosure as lands of low value, that you will have seven cases pending in the Land Court, and that you have 29 tax titles which are invalid. These are an accumulation of recent years and should be disclaimed and then treated with further in an effort to either have good tax titles or none. The Collector has signified his willingness to coop- erate in the handling of these directly after Town Meeting.
To provide the funds necessary for the recording fees, registered mail notices, court fees and legal services, you should have a budget of $1,150.00.
Sincerely, LAURENCE F. DAVIS. Attorney and Counsellor-at-Law
103
Veterans' Benefits
The Veteran's Benefits case load opened in January with 33 cases receiving aid and closed in December with 41 cases, and 11 cases pending. These have been divided as follows:
Spanish War 2
World War I 10
World War II 39
Korean War
1
Assistance was granted to the following:
Dependent parents in their homes 21
Families due to illness of the veteran 14
Widows of veterans
5
Single veterans due to illness
5
Due to unemployment of the veteran 7
The needs of this department are difficult to determine due to the amount of medical expense. Among the depen- dents receiving Veterans' Benefits are two widowed mothers, one who is a double amputee and one a single amputee.
We do not anticipate a decrease in expense for Vet- erans' Services due to the return of the Korean Veterans and to illness among the Veterans of World War I. When- ever possible, this office tries to have the veteran entered in a Veterans Administration Hospital.
ALBERT E. STANTON
Veterans' Agent
104
Police Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Fairhaven:
I hereby submit a report of the functions of the Fair- haven Police Department for the year 1954 as appears on the following pages.
Police Department Personnel
The roster of the Fairhaven Police Department for 1954 was as follows:
Chief of Police
2 Sergeants
7 Regular Patrolmen
1 Principal Clerk
2 Intermittent Policewomen (one on leave of absence due to illness)
1 Supervisor of Radio Communication and Repairman 46 Intermittent Patrolmen (one on leave of absence due to illness)
26 Reserve Police Officers (inactive)
42 Special Police Officers
4 Aux. Police Officers (inactive except when called)
Anthony C. Plezia resigned November 20, 1954 for business reasons.
In Memoriam:
Retired Chief George T. Sykes died January 19, 1954 age 79
Reserve Police Joseph Benoit died September 6, 1954, age 83
Intermittent Patrolman Joseph C. Lareau died No- vember 1, 1954, age 54
Ambulance Service
On September 9, 1954 the Ford ambulance which has been in service since 1942 made its final run after twelve years of welcome service. This ambulance made 137 runs to September 9, covering 1,957 miles.
105
The new ambulance, a Cadillac, was delivered on Sep- tember 6, Labor Day, and on September 9 made its first run. The new ambulance, at year's end, had made 65 runs, covering 907 miles.
Department Patrol Cars
Two cars were purchased in 1954. The first car was delivered May 20, 1954 and to this writing, January 13, 1955, has traveled 26,375 miles. The second car was delivered on June 29, 1954 and on October 20, 1954 was put into general service, and has traveled 20,556 miles to January 13, 1955.
Were it not for the cruiser being damaged, the car now showing 20,556 would have been held in reserve until about March or April and would at that time have traveled less than 10,000 miles which would permit it to be used through 1955.
The third car, a 1953 Ford delivered in June 1953 and which was damaged on October 20, 1954, has been useless since that time. The mileage on that date was 37,534 and would still be in use but for the collision. Also damaged badly was the receiver and transmitter radio equipment that will have to be replaced. I am including at the bottom of my budget estimate $500 for this equip- ment.
With the two 1954 cruisers showing over 26,000 and 20,000 miles traveled, I estimate that by the latter part of May, which is generally delivery time for police cars, that the both will show between 35,000 and 40,000 miles. It would be unwise to put one of these in service another year as maintenance costs would be very high. I feel that three new cars will be needed for 1955.
The new ambulance is a great improvement in depart- ment vehicular equipment and is complete in every detail including very essential two-way radio. It gives the pat- ient a very comfortable and cushioned ride when comfort is most needed. Members of this department and I are proud and pleased with this ambulance and look forward to many years of good service from it.
106
MILEAGE SUMMARY :
Ford Ambulance mileage January 1, 1954 To September 6, 1954
24,901
26,858
1,957
Cadillac Ambulance mileage
September 9, first run
1,028
December 27-end of year
1,935
Miles in 1954
907
RUNS SUMMARY :
Ford Ambulance, trips made by months : January,9; February, 10; March, 23; April, 12; May, 24; June, 10; July, 19; Argust, 26; September, 4. Total 137
Cadillac Ambulance, trips made by months : September, 7; October, 15; November, 17, December, 26. Total 65
Total Trips 202
Bristol County Police Officers Training School Sponsored by Southeastern Mass. Police Chiefs' Ass'n
In January 1954 one officer of this department was selected by a drawing of names to attend two special class- es held in the classrooms of the Fall River Police Depart- ment. The officer received certificates of qualification in fingerprinting and photography.
Due to this department's having no photgraphic equip- ment we have been unable to avail ourselves of his qualifi- cations in that phase of police work.
During November 1954 this school was conducted in the Taunton Police Department classrooms. Fourteen cit- ies and towns of the 20 in Bristol County entertained appli- cations from and enrolled fifty-one policemen, thirty-six of whom received diplomas.
107
One sergeant and three regular patrolmen attended nine school sessions and received diplomas.
The school, this year, was exceptionally interesting to the men attending, as a murder case, a hit-and-run case, and a breaking and entering case were set up as cases to be solved by the officers, and ended up with mock trials before the regular judge in Taunton District Court, who presided and commended officers on their presentation of the cases. I attended the court session and it was as real as any cases I have seen presented. In 1955, I am assured, the school will provide even better training.
I know that this school benefits every community which has police participation and the schooling costs the cities and towns nothing.
I have included in the 1955 budget an item for the po- lice school and sincerely urge that it be allowed.
Traffic and Safety Education Program
During the late fall months Inspector William G. Des- Ruisseau, who is assigned to Safety Education by Rudolph F. King, Registrar of Motor Vehicles, and Patrolman Albert E. Foster of this department conducted a safety program in Fairhaven. Five elementary schools had ten assemblies and approximately 1,380 students were shown educational safety films and given safety talks by the inspector and Pa- trolman Foster.
Three parochial schools had ten assemblies which were attended by about 700 students who benefited by safety films and lectures by the inspector and patrolman.
The High School is planned for safety education in February.
During the year seven live broadcasts were made by Inspector DesRuisseau and Patrolman Foster, plus tape re- cordings over Station WBSM.
School busses are still being checked to curb school bus law violators generally between the East Fairhaven School and Sconticut Neck bus routes. Many warnings have been given and one case prosecuted in court resulted in a conviction. The case was filed.
108
During one snowstorm the new sidewalk snow plow had not cleared the sidewalks in East Fairhaven before school closing with the result that I found the plow with steering gear trouble trying to meet the requirements but unable to move to the east from just west of Aiken Street, I immediately called the station and with my car and two police cruisers transported most of the children who not in school bus transportation areas to their homes or street off of Route 6. This department always has the safety of children foremost in our minds when we know of dangerous conditions. We are always willing and glad to help in such matters.
Summer Traffic Curtailment
In my 1954 budget for the police department I had an amount set up for additional traffic enforcement. I had specified a car and two patrolmen to check traffic on Sun- days, Wednesdays and holidays during afternoons in pleas- ant weather, and during such times traffic is really heavy. However, due to cuts in my budget I had to practice econ- omy and due to Route 6 construction no traffic control was necessary.
This year presents a different picture. We now have a four-lane highway in Route No. 6 which is now posted in the new area at 35 M.P.H. but will no doubt be stepped up to 40 or 45 M.P.H. for the coming season. I feel that to keep the traffic somewhat in control and in order to reduce accidents as a result of excessive speed the extra car on traffic on Sundays, Wednesdays, and holidays should be continued. To further economize I plan to have one man, not two, in this traffic control car.
Youthful Police and Good Citizen Training
Two patrolmen of this department, interested in youth activities, have each conducted classes in so-called Junior Police work which covers life-saving, Red Cross first-aid, and good fellowship.
Regular Patrolman Theodore P. Wolan has a large group of boys between the ages of 8 and 14 who are really interested. More youths in other parts of town are anxious to enroll, which may come later.
109
Intermittent Patrolman Manuel Duarte has another large group of boys between the ages of 14 and 18 and his training follows a similar procedure of training as that of Patrolman Wolan. Parents of these youths are becoming interested in the guidance of these youths by the patrolmen. This is another step in the right direction.
Hurricane Aftereffects
This department is still busy as a result of the past hurricanes. Persons are continually reporting to this de- partment trespassers and looters. Iron or soil pipe has been taken from stricken areas which were not removed by rightful owners; copper tubing has been stolen; different types of lumber, sinks, plumbing, and other items are re- portedly missing. These matters are still under investiga- tion. Some cases are near completion.
Summer camp homes still intact are still being checked under the term of Camp Inspections, and homes reported to us as being vacant by reason of occupants being on vaca- tion or southern trips are still receiving our services and report their places in good order on their return with a "Thank You".
We are glad to be of service in these matters.
Appreciation
Many persons, cognizant of the fact that the successful conduct of the police department is in large measure de- pendent on interest and cooperation, continue to furnish us information when it is most needed.
I welcome this opportunity to extend my thanks to these fine citizens and to the various organizations which have helped the department.
Also, I take this means of expressing my appreciation to the courts, the Board of Selectmen, Superintendent Fla- vel M. Gifford, the school faculty, the student body, other town departments, state and other police departments, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, the press, Radio Stations WNBH, WFMR, and WBSM, the businessmen, and the pub- lic in general.
110
Conclusion
To the four improvement associations in Fairhaven- namely, Fairhaven Improvement Association, East Fairha- ven Improvement Association, North Fairhaven Improve- ment Association and the Sconticut Neck Improvement As- sociation I give my support and praise for the outstanding work done throughout the year. The work of these associ- ations tends to provide youth with dances, Hallowe'en par- ties, Christmas parties, field days, etc., and these are a great help in curbing the so-called delinquency. Keep up the good work and I can assure you that your police department will coopeerate and do our part as we have always tried to do.
NORMAN D. SHURTLEFF, Chief of Police.
OFFENSES
Males
Females
Total
Accessory before and after the fact:
Unlawful attempt to procure a miscarriage
1
0
1
Adultery
1
0
1
Allowing improper person to operate motor vehicle
1
0
1
Arson
1
0
1
Assault and battery
6
1
7
Assault on a police officer
0
1
1
Attaching registration plates to a motor vehicle other than that for which they were issued
1
0
1
Being a delinquent child
12
0
12
Being an unlicensed operator
5
1
6
Breaking and entering and larceny in the nightime
2
0
2
Breaking and entering in the night-
time with intent to commit larceny
1
0
1
Disturbing the peace
1
0
1
Drunkenness
30
0
30
Failing to slow down at an inter- section
2
0
2
Failing to stop at stop sign
3
0
3
Failing to stop for red light
4
0
4
Failing to stop when signalled to do so
3
0
3
111
Males
Females
Total
Forgery Fornication Fugitive from justice
1
0
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
Game law violations
1
0
1
Illegitimate children law violations
1
0
1
Larceny
5
0
5
Law of the road violations
1
0
1
Leaving the scene of an accident after causing injury to property Neglect of family
3
0
3
Negligent use of firearm
1
0
1
Operating a motor vehicle after was suspended
2
0
2
Operating a motor vehicle negligently
1
0
1
Operating a motor vehicle so as to endanger
8
2
10
Operating a motor vehicle to the left of the center of the roadway
1
0
1
Operating a motor vehicle without hav- ing a certificate of registration in possession
1
0
1
Operating a motor vehicle without having an operator's license in possession
4
0
4
Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor 16
0
16
Operating a motor vehicle without lights
2
0
2
Operating a motor vehicle wrong way on a one-way street
1
0
1
Operating an uninsured motor vehicle
2
0
2
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle
2
0
2
Probation conditions violations
1
0
1
Rape
1
0
1
School bus law violations
1
0
1
Speeding
15
0
15
Statutory rape
4
0
4
Unlawful appropriation of motor vehicle
1
1
2
Uttering a fraudulent check
2
0
2
Wilful injury to real property
2
0
2
TOTAL LOCAL OFFENSES
161
7
168
6
0
6
112
Males
Females
Total
OFFENSES IN ARRESTS FOR OUT-OF-TOWN POLICE
78
6
84
TOTAL OFFENSES
239
13
252
DISPOSITION OF CASES
Dismissed
15
1
16
House of Correction-Suspended
4
1
5
Fined
37
0
37
Appealed
5
0
5
Continued
6
3
9
Probation
5
1
6
Filed
53
0
53
Youth Service Board-Suspended
3
0
3
Grand Jury
1
0
1
State Prison
2
0
2
Release Without Arraignment
8
0
8
Not Guilty
6
1
7
House of Correction
6
0
6
Fined-Suspended
7
0
7
Defaulted
2
0
2
Fined-Committed
1
0
1
161
7
168
ARRESTS BY MONTHS
January
5
0
5
February
5
0
5
March
6
0
6
April
3
0
3
May
14
0
14
June
8
0
8
July
7
0
7
August
8
2
10
September
12
1
13
October
15
0
15
November
8
0
8
December
8
1
9
TOTAL ARRESTS FOR LOCAL OFFENSES
99
4
103
ARRESTS FOR OUT-OF-TOWN POLICE
71
6
77
TOTAL ARRESTS
170
10
180
113
-----
ARREST BY AGES
Males
Females
Total
6-10 years
2
0
2
11-15 years
6
0
6
16-20 years
14
1
15
21-25 years
18
0
18
26-30 years
14
1
15
31-35 years
14
0
14
36-40 years
5
0
5
41-45 years
11
2
13
46-50 years
3
0
3
51-55 years
5
0
5
56-60 years
2
0
2
61-65 years
1
0
1
66-70 years
2
0
2
71-75 years
1
0
1
Unknown
1
0
1
TOTAL ARRESTS FOR LOCAL
OFFENSES
99
4
103
ARRESTS FOR OUT-OF-TOWN
71
6
77
TOTAL ARRESTS
170
10
180
POLICE DEPARTMENT EXPENDITURES
Chief Norman D. Shurtleff
$3,774.31
Regular Men
32,066.44
Spare Men
11,353.74
Flashlight Batteries and Bulbs
34.66
Telephones
547.12
Autos : Gas and Oil
1,662.40
Repairs
697.27
Printing
54.82
Office Supplies
98.47
Physicians, etc.
30.00
Traveling Expense
32.32
First Aid Supplies
12.56
Supplies
35.46
Office Expense
112.47
Equipment for Men
22.96
Photography
2.68
Auto Hire
254.56
Membership Fees
18.00
114
41.25
Radio Maintenance
134.08
Ambulance Maintenance
92.39
Police Boat
13.21
Injuries to Personnel Advertising
11.04
Office Equipment
165.00
TOTAL EXENDED
$51,270.70
Unexpended
232.92
APPROPRIATION, ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
$51,503.62
Fines imposed in Fairhaven cases
$1,525.00
Fine money received by the town
1,065.00
Telephone calls, etc. Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 1954
30,434
Complaints
2,518
Reports
2,562
Resident Arrests
38
Non-resident arrests
65
Stolen property reported to the value of
$11,922.39
Stolen property recovered to the value of
$4,794.93
Number of Motor Vehicle Injury accident reports filed with the police department in 1954
89
Number of non-injury accident reports filed under Section 1, Article IX, as amended, Traffic Rules and Regulations 76
Number of dead bodies found
3
Number of persons injured in motor vehicle accidents
138
Number of persons killed in motor vehicle accidents
1
Number of windows found unlocked or open
26
Number of windows wound unlocked or open
5
Number of street lights reported out
156
Number of ambulance cases
191
Number of Motor Vehicle Sales and Transfers filed with the Police Department :
Class 1
337
2
487
3
5
Individual
729
1358
115
I
Out-of-State Travel
3.49
Mileage covered by ambulances in 1954 2,848 Number of children lost and returned to their homes 9 Number of traffic check-ups 571
Number of above check-ups which resulted in oper- ators licenses or rights being recommended sus- pended or revoked 35
Number of operators' licenses and rights suspended or revoked 87
Number of motor vehicle registrations suspended or or revoked 7
116
Civil Defense
The Civil Defense Directors have held semi-monthly meetings during 1954. Members of the Advisory Com- mittee have been advised when matters requiring their action were scheduled.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
William Brennan, 74 Raymond Street John Gage, Jr., 79 Pilgrim Avenue Louis Rogissart, 399 Main Street Michael J. O'Leary, 41 Christian Street Charles W. Knowlton, 30 Elm Avenue
Albert E. Stanton, 141 New Boston Road Walter Silveira, 248 Green Street
The usual Civil Defense air raid drills were conducted monthly in-so-far as was practical.
Once again we were invited to participate in the Me- morial Day Parade and we were happy to do so.
The First Aid Station was maintained at the Fairhaven Improvement Association Street Fair in Cushman Park and the North Fairhaven Improvement Association Fair at Live- sey Park.
The Identification Program at the High School was completed with more than 300 students participating.
The first half of the year saw our units maintain, and even expand their steady growth; and training programs were proving their value and our program was once again reaching the schools through our "Duck and Cover" movie.
The Ground Observer Corps was activated and the Tower on West Island was renovated for its use as an Ob- servation Tower.
Then came August and "Carol" and "Edna". These lusty ladies brought us, in Civil Defense, our first "Baptism of Fire", as it were, and demonstrated forcefully to us the need for an enlarged enrollment and further training within our organization.
117
Chaotic and fearful as the two hurricanes were to all of us here in Fairhaven, it gave to Civil Defense its first op- portunity to demonstrate to the townsfolk that Civil De- fense was able to carry its fair share of responsibility.
Civilian War Aid Division of Civil Defense did an ex- cellent job in clothing, feeding and housing many people throughout the early days of both storms and continued a rehabilitation program in connection with the schools, the Community Nurse and Town Welfare Department as long as the need existed.
Civil Defense participation in the youth program of our town has been one of the most gratifying bits of the work that we as an organization could undertake, and has proven very popular with the young people.
We were most happy upon request to render assistance to many departments during the year.
The addition of an Air Arm to Civil Defense highlights the expected progress for 1955.
We wish to thank each department and individual in town who has given us valuable assistance and we are deep- ly appreciative of the sincere help given us by so many of you.
Let's make 1955 even better than 1954!
Civil Defense in Fairhaven is only as strong as you make it.
CIVIL DEFENSE IS YOUR DEFENSE!
ARTHUR J. MULLEN,
Civil Defense Director.
118
SCHOOL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OF FAIRHAVEN MASSACHUSETTS
ASS
INCORPOR
- 1812
22
RATED FEB
FOR THE YEAR 1954
School Committee
Terms
Expire 1955
David W. Fitzgerald, 23 Huttleston Ave., Chairman Raymond G. Archambault, 72 Adams St., Vice-Chairman
1956
Clarence E. MaGuire, 79 Wilding St. 1955
Mrs. Edith M. Moore, 178 Adams St., 1956
Albert M. Gonsalves, 145 Washington St. 1957
Waldo E. Haydon, 43 Hedge St. 1957
Regular meetings are held in the Town Hall on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 P.M.
SECRETARY AND SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Flavel M. Gifford, 37 William St. Office 3-1241 Residence 2-1355
OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT TOWN HALL 3-1241
Beatrice M. DeCoffe, 212 Main St. Secretary Grace M. Plant, 3 Spring St. Clerk
The office of the Superintendent is open daily from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. except Saturdays when it is open in the forenoon only.
Personal appointments with the Superintendent may be made by calling the office.
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Charles E. P. Thompson, M.D., 65 Center St.
SCHOOL NURSE AND SUPERVISOR OF ATTENDANCE Mrs. Louise F. Dennie, R.N., Spring St., Marion
120
School Calendar
1954-55
Weeks
Open
Close
Days
First Term
15
Mon., Sept. 13
Thurs., Dec. 23 69
Second Term
7
Mon., Jan. 3
Fri., Feb. 18 35
Third Term
7
Mon., Feb. 28
Fri., Apr. 15 34
Fourth Term
9
Mon., Apr. 25
*Wed., June 22 42
38
180
1955-56
Weeks
Open
Close
Days
First Term
16
Wed., Sept. 7
Fri., Dec. 23 73
Second Term
7
Tues., Jan. 3
Fri., Feb. 17
34
Third Term
7
Mon., Feb. 27
Fri., Apr. 13 34
Fourth Term
9
Mon., Apr. 23
*Wed. June 20 42
39
183
*School will close if 180 days have been held by this time.
There will be no school on the following days which occur during the scheduled terms of 1955:
Apr. 8
Good Friday
May 31
Memorial Day
Oct. 12 Columbus Day
Oct. 28 Teachers' Convention
Nov. 11 Veterans Day
Nov. 27-28
Thanksgiving Recess from noon Nov. 26
NO-SCHOOL SIGNAL 22
7:00 A.M. Indicates no school for all day.
12:30 P.M. Indicates no afternoon session for grades 1 to 7.
It is the policy of the School Committee to order the no-school signal only in the most severe weather conditions or when the transportation service is interrupted. When school is held in inclement weather, parents are expected to use their own judgment in sending children to school.
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