USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1955 > 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
PREMATURE INFANTS
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.
DENTAL CLINIC
The Board of Health Dental Clinic is held at the Tripp School every Tuesday and Wednesday morning. Dr. Nor- mand Gamache is the School Dentist, as Dr. Edward Mee is still on military leave. Mrs. Catherine Govoni is the assistant. Pupils from each school go once every five weeks for examination. An average of ten or twelve children are treated each morning. The charges are extremely low, ranging from twenty to thirty-five cents. However, all dental work is done free of charge for those unable to pay.
82
Mrs. Louise F. Dennie, the school nurse, reports the following work done on children's teeth in the year 1955:
Fillings 414
156
Extractions Cleanings 21
Examinations
41
MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC
The Bristol County Mental Health Clinic, which is sup- ported in part by the Town of Fairhaven, provides facilities for psychiatric diagnosis, treatment and consultation for both children and adults. These services are provided to residents of Fairhaven free of charge. During the past year 15 patients from this town were treated at the Clinic.
LICENSES
During the year we have issued 44 milk and cream licenses, 5 camp licenses, 14 alcohol licenses and 8 oleo- margarine licenses.
SANITATION
The collection of garbage has been carried out most efficiently by Joseph Medeiros. 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 im- measurably.
The Board wishes to express deep appreciation to the Community Nurses and the Police Department for the help and co-operation given us during the past year.
DR. C. E. P. THOMPSON
CLARENCE TERRY DR. F. A. SILVEIRA, JR.
Executive Officer
83
Animal Inspection
REPORT OF DOG OFFICER
On the 5th day of July I was given the dog warrant with 42 names of dog owners with unlicensed dogs.
All of those people that still live in Fairhaven have licenses at the present time.
Three persons were brought into court.
There are at present 1401 licensed dogs in Town, plus 100 dogs with kennel licenses.
I have caught and confined 24 unlicensed dogs, I have sold four of these dogs for three dollars each and turned the money over to the Town Clerk.
I have made 14 investigations where people had com- plained of dogs bothering them in one way or another.
SAMUEL C. BARRETT,
Dog Officer.
84
Health Nursing Service
Community or Public Health is concerned with the health of the individuals and families living in a community. The object of a community health program is to bring to all the people the benefits of modern medical and related sciences; (1) the care of and the rehabilitation of the sick and disabled, (2) the promotion of healthful living and (3) the prevention and control of disease.
The appropriation from the Town for Health Nursing made it possible to make the following visits during the year of 1955:
Communicable Diseases
120 visits
Child Welfare
1505 visits
Tuberculosis
78 visits
1703
The Town paid for the following nursing visits to patients receiving :
Old Age Assistance
413
General Relief
384
Disability Assistance
3
Veterans Benefits
187
987
Two new cases of Tuberculosis were admitted during the year, who were hospitalized and their contacts have been X-rayed. Several arrested cases had X-Ray examina- tions during the year and contacts have been checked per- iodically. Some of the examinations were made at the Bristol County State Sanatoria, others at New Bedford Tuberculosis Clinic, and others by private physicians.
Assistance was given at the following clinics held un- der the supervision of the Board of Health :
Diphtheria Toxoid Clinic -561 children were inoculated Vaccination Clinic - 45 children were vaccinated
Polio Clinic - 403 children were inoculated
85
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.
GRACE E. SMALLEY, R. N.
86
Sewer and Water Department
The Board of Sewer and Water Commissioners or- ganized with G. Winston Valentine, Chairman; John M. Reilly, Clerk and Lawrence B. Maxfield.
The Sewer and Water Department has charge of maintenance of four pumping stations, all main sewers in Town, the water main and hydrants on Sconticut Neck. supervises and installs all house sewer connections, and also water services to residents on Sconticut Neck only.
During 1955 fifty new water services and forty new sewer connections were connected to the systems, making a total of ninety for the year. Thirty-four water services, lost during the Hurricanes, were repaired and are now back in use. There are approximately 2060 sewer connec- tions in use, and to date 815 water services installed on Sconticut Neck.
The following main lines were laid by contract during the year :
6 in. water main - Brae Road, approximately 570 feet.
8 in. sewer main - Haste Street, approximately 768 feet.
An 8 in. sewer main was laid in Holcomb Street, East Winsor Street and Alden Road, and a 6 in. sewer main in Massasoit Avenue, under the supervision of the Sewer and Water Department and at the expense of property owners.
An 8 in. sewer main was laid in Pilgrim Avenue, ap- proximately 200 feet, all work done by the department.
We are pleased to report that we were able to return to the Town, due to work done during the year, the amount of $25,802.05.
G. WINSTON VALENTINE JOHN M. REILLY
LAWRENCE B. MAXFIELD
Sewer and Water Commissioners
87.
Highway Department
It is the function of the Highway Department to main- tain streets, roads, sidewalks and drains as well as the col- lection and disposal of all rubbish. The department is called upon to remove snow and sand icy roads. The prob- lem of maintaining streets and roads in this Town is a dif- ficult one, because of the nature of the soil and the fact that much of the Town has an unusual amount of hard pan that holds the water near the surface and creates a muddy condition.
In 1955 this department was engaged in the usual main- tenance work of patching, seal coating, reconstructing streets as well as hard surfacing sidewalks which were broken up by the 1954 hurricane and 555 square yards of cement walks were relaid.
Under the granolithic sidewalks program 2380 square yards of new walk were constructed. The usual amount of money was expended on Chapter 90 Maintenance, consist- ing of widening shoulders on Alden Road and seal coating on Sconticut Neck Road. Under seal coating 40367 square yards were treated and of this total 32000 square yards were double honed thereby producing a smoother riding surface. It is hoped that more of this type of treatment can be done in the future.
The unusual heavy freezing and resultant thawing of roads early this winter is sure to result in a great deal of repair work in the spring.
In the problem of snow plowing this department is greatly hindered by the large number of cars parked on streets at night making it impossible to do a thorough job. I would recommend that some means be taken to pro- hibit all-night parking during the winter season.
The collection and disposal of rubbish is increasing every year with the completion of many new homes and opening of new streets and the fact that most foods are now packed in cans, bottles or cartons helps to increase the load. Regarding disposal, persons carrying material to the dump could help maintain a neater appearance and
88
reduce the costs if they would obey the signs directing per- sons to dump in the rear rather than near the street where the wind blows the material onto the street and adjacent private property causing complaints from the owners of same.
As authorized by special articles voted in Town Meet- ing this department has reconstructed 5067 square yards of streets, as well as finishing 2533 square yards of streets partially built the previous year and 1910 feet of drain was laid with 16 catch basins. The North Street drain was completed; 2271 feet of concrete curb was built on Sconti- cut Neck Road and on Chestnut Street.
The cost of operating the Highway Department is without doubt bound to increase because of added cost of materials involved. The price of sand and gravel alone having increased 50% in the past two years.
This department appreciates the help and co-operation rendered by other departments and individuals.
HENRY T. HOWARD,
Superintendent of Highways.
89
Building Department
It is the duty of the Building Department to inforce the Zoning and Building Regulations adopted by the Town. The Zoning Law regulates the type of building permitted in the various areas, in residence, business, apartment and in- dustrial. It also regulates the size of the yards. The Build- ing Code stipulates types and quantities of materials used in various buildings.
Due to the fact that parts of Fairhaven were cut up into building lots, previous to 1926 when the Zoning Law was adopted, it is difficult to locate desired buildings on these small lots. Many times the petitioner is referred to the Board of Appeals, who have the power to grant a variance in such cases.
There were 458 applications for new building, issued from this office, in the year 1955, as follows:
84 single dwellings: 15 dwellings, with attached gar- ages : 57 garages : 81 relocations, after hurricane : 3 barns : 58 sheds: 118 repairs and additions: 7 henhouses: 1 gas station : 1 dance hall: 1 Community Building: 1 flower shop: 2 greenhouses: 1 store: 28 breezeways, connecting dwellings, garages, etc.
Fees were charged for the following.
84 single dwellings at $5.00
$420.00
15 dwellings, with garages attached at $6.00 90.00
57 garages at $1.00 57.00
Reported to the Treasurer $567.00
It is required that all Plumbing applications be obtain- ed in the office of the Building Inspector, Town Hall.
Plumbing Applications and Fees
John M. Reilly
433 at $5.00
$2,165.00
Eben P. Hirst
46 at 5.00
230.00
Brayton Beals
15 at 5.00
75.00
Lawrence B. Maxfield
4 at 5.00 20.00
$2,490.00
HENRY T. HOWARD,
Building Inspector
90
Shellfish Inspection
There has been no noticeable change for the Shellfish department to report for 1955. A large number of citizens enjoyed the beaches all summer and if they found shellfish scarce they simply went fishing.
Clams have been almost extinct for the last four years, no lack of seed in the spring but it does not mature. The last year produced a good growth of young quahogs in many areas and hundreds of bushels of quahogs were tak- en from the shores. The scallop crop was a failure. About 400 bushels were dredged with over 50 boats trying to locate the beds, but at the present time a wide area of water has a good set of scallop seed for next year.
Commercial fishermen found quahogs scarce and hard to get. The majority of licenses issued were used very little.
Licenses issued :-
13 dragger licenses @ $5.00
$65.00
41 commercial licenses @ $5.00 205.00
57 scallop licenses @ $5.00
285.00
502 family permits @ $1.00
502.00
36 non-resident permits @ $1.00
36.00
$1,093.00
About 400 bushels of scallops were dredged and ap- proximately 8,974 bushels of quahogs, more than 100 bush- els of oysters were taken from the head of Little Bay.
TRACY M. MARKS,
Shellfish Constable.
91
Fairhaven Board of Retirement
The Contributory Retirement System started in the Town of Fairhaven July 1, 1937 with a total membership of Thirty - Three on December 31, 1937. We close the year 1955 with a total membership of ninety-five, eighty active members and fifteen inactive members.
The following schedules show the operations sum- marized for the year ending December 31, 1955.
INCOME
Cash on Hand-12-31-54
$113,971.50
Contributions from Members
12,190.59
Appropriation from Town
6,952.00
Interest Received
4,174.76
Total Income
$137,288.85
DISBURSEMENTS
Pensions Paid
Refunds
Expenses
$8,418.17 1,309.23 283.13
Total Disbursements
10,010.53
$127,278.32
Balance
National Bank of Fairhaven $2,194.68
Fairhaven Institution for Savings 111,083.64
Government Bonds 14,000.00
$127,278.32
Retirement Board ELIZABETH H. CHURCH IRVA M. BUSHNELL MICHAEL J. O'LEARY
92
Park Department
The Park Commissioners organized with Joseph L. Faria, Jr., as Chairman, Ernest Tripanier, and Louis T. Brock, Sr., as Secretary.
One of the first projects of the year was the completion of the Honor Roll in Memorial Park at the entrance to Fair- haven from New Bedford. New plastic permanent name plates were manufactured and put into the Honor Roll representing citizens of Fairhaven who served in the Arm- ed Forces of World War II.
The Park building on Spring Street used as a storage for all park and playground equipment received its badly needed repairs. The side walls were reshingled with a fire-proof material, the bare earthen floor has been cement- ed and a lavatory constructed for the use of the park labor- ers. The building, long an eyesore, now can be considered worthy for use many, many years.
Construction of a retaining wall in the rear of the new Oxford School was completed, thereby serving a twofold purpose. The long sloping hill at the rear of the school no longer creates the hazardous gullies, following a rain storm, in the surface of the soft ball diamond. In ad- dition the wall with heavy planking on top serves as a bench for the many baseball fans in North Fairhaven.
Willow Park in the center of the Town was offered for the use of the Fairhaven Improvement Association to con- duct its Annual Fair during the month of June.
Because of the polio epidemic during the summer months, the playground attendance fell off slightly. How- ever, with the construction of new swings in all playgrounds, the children were accorded a delightful feature.
Having been destroyed by the hurricane of 1954, the electrical illumination facilities at Cushman Park were re- built, thereby serving the people of Fairhaven an oppor- tunity to again enjoy the usual delightful summer evening band concerts provided by the Fairhaven High School Band under the direction of Miss Elizabeth L. Hastings.
93
Ground has been broken and the construction of a double tennis court and a basketball court is under way for the recreation of the public at Livesey Memorial Park. These courts should be ready for use in the spring of 1956.
The Christmas Season of 1955 was observed by the construction of a beautifully illuminated display at Benoit Square Park by the members of the North Fairhaven Im- provement Association.
This year, just as in previous years, the Park Depart- ment was called upon to do more and more rebuilding of the baseball diamonds at Livesey Memorial Park and Cush- man Park. With more playground equipment and new tennis and basketball courts, the Commissioners earnestly request the addition of one man to the present two man labor group during the months of June, July and August.
The Park Commissioners with the aid of the general public hope to keep our parks beautiful throughout the coming year.
JOSEPH L. FARIA, JR. ERNEST TRIPANIER LOUIS T. BROCK, SR. Board of Park Commissioners
94
Care of Trees
TREE WARDEN
To safeguard our shade trees in various parts of the town, all streets 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 year we cut, to sidewalk level, practically all tree butts that were left over from the hurricane and also removed seventy two (72) trees, trimmed trees, removed dead limbs and elevated the trees so that they will not cause any damage to the large trucks and buses that use our streets. We also planted sixty trees in various parts of the town.
I recommend an appropriation of Twenty Five Hun- dred Dollars ($2,500.00) for care of trees in 1956.
I am recommending a special appropriation of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for the purchase of trees to replace the trees that we have lost.
JOHN JARVIS,
Tree Warden
MOTH DEPARTMENT
During the past year we sprayed all shade trees and removed dead limbs in various parts of the town and cart- ed and burned brush at the town dump. I find that our trees, as a whole, are in healthy condition.
I recommend an appropriation of Four Thousand Dol- lars ($4,000.00) for Insect Pest Extermination in 1956.
JOHN JARVIS,
Supt. of Moths.
95
Tax Title
Mr. Michael J. O'Leary Town Treasurer Fairhaven, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. O'Leary :
The following is a brief report of the tax title activity in the year ending December 31, 1955.
With the cooperation of the Collector of Taxes and Board of Assessors, twenty-five invalid tax titles, which have accumulated over several years, were disclaimed. The taxes involved, totalling $1,131.49, were disposed of by abatement in the amount of $46.17 and the balance was retaken in nineteen new and valid tax takings.
During the year twelve tax titles were redeemed and a partial payment was made on another. Of the seven tax titles offered for foreclosure sale as lands of low value, one was sold and the other six were purchased for the Town and added to the list of saleable tax possession properties. Two foreclosure petitions are pending in the Land Court.
The receipts from tax title activity and from the re- lated tax possession sales were :
Tax title redemptions, book value $3,010.56
Tax title redemptions, costs and interest 332.95
Sale of land of low value
128.00
Sale of tax possessions by Selectmen
1,967.00
$5,438.51
Respectfully submitted,
LAURENCE F. DAVIS.
Attorney and Counsellor at Law
96
Veterans' Benefits
The Veterans' Benefits case load opened in January with 52 cases receiving aid and closed in December with 48 cases. These were divided as follows :
Spanish War
1
World War I
9
World War II
33
Korean War
5
Assistance was granted to the following :
Dependent parents in their homes
10
Dependent parent in nursing home
1
Widowed mothers
10
Families due to illness of the Veteran
10
Widows of Veterans
4
Single Veterans due to illness
7
Due to unemployment of the Veteran
6
The three strikes which we had during the year ac- counted for the majority of cases of unemployment. These cases were aided to food and shelter according to the budget approved by the Commissioner of Veterans' Services.
The needs of this department are difficult to deter- mine due to the amount of medical expense. The veterans of World War I are requiring more medical care, as are the dependent parents of veterans of World War II, and widows of World War I veterans. Among the dependents receiving Veterans' Benefits are two widowed mothers, one who is a single amputee and one a double amputee.
We endeavor to have the veteran who is ill admitted to a Veterans' Administration Hospital whenever possible. Although we have fourteen cases receiving some form of government compensation, additional aid is often necessary. There are five cases receiving medical care only.
Before granting Veterans' Benefits, approval is re- quested from the Commissioner of Veterans' Services. All expenditures are reported monthly to him and if approved, one-half of the amount expended is reimbursed to the town and is credited to the General Fund.
ALBERT E. STANTON,
Veterans' Agent
97
Police Department
Below and on following pages you will find the annual report of the Fairhaven Police Department.
Ambulance Service in 1955
Total number of runs - 282
43 days with 2 runs per day
14 days with 3 runs per day
3 days with 4 runs per day
1 day with 5 runs per day
Yearly mileage - 3,200 miles Mileage Jan. 31, 1956 - 5,549 miles
Department Patrol Cars
Three 6-cylinder 4-door Ford Sedans were delivered on June 15, 1955. Mileague on December 31, 1955 on these cars shows for Car 1 - 29,594; Car 2 - 31,059, and Car 3-9,804.
Two cars are being sought for 1956 to replace Car 1 and Car 2. Car 3 will be used through 1956.
Bristol County Police Officers' Training School
Sponsored by Southeastern Massachusetts Police Chief's Asso.
During October one day sergeant and a patrolman and one night sergeant and a patrolman attended three ses- sions a week for three weeks at Taunton Police Head- quarters. This schooling was after their day or night tour of duty. This year the police school will be started in April and two day and two night police officers will be delegated to attend a nine-day and night period.
Traffic and Safety Education Program
In February Motor Vehicle Inspector William G. Des- Ruisseau, who is assigned to Safety Education by Regis- trar Rudolph King, and Patrolman Albert E. Foster of
98
this department conducted a safety program at our high school assembly and were well received. I am assured by Insp. DesRuisseau that in May or June all schools in Fairhaven - public and parochial - will be provided with a safety education program.
Increased Auto Insurance
To inform readers as to the accidents in the years 1950 through 1955 I submit the following data from our files :
Accidents reported to Fairhaven Police
Non-injury
Injury
Totals
1950
79
92
171
1951
105
93
198
1952
92
72
164
1953
90
92
182
1954
76
89
165
1955
54
94
148
Summer Traffic Control
I have set up my budget for an extra car on Wednes- day, Sunday and holiday afternoons with one man for five hours to check and control traffic in fast-driving areas. This setup allows the other two cars to handle routine matters and give the town more patrol coverage which tends to slow down the speeders.
Youth Guidance and Training by Police
The two groups of youths in North Fairhaven are pro- ducing very desirous results through Patrolman Theodore Wolan and his group of North Fairhaven Junior Patrol and Intermittent Patrolman Manuel Duarte's North Fair- haven Silent Police. Several parties have been attended by me and it is gratifying to see the adult interest in these groups. To the patrolmen goes my thanks. To the par- ents : please continue your interest in your boys and the patrolmen.
Conclusion
Many persons, cognizant of the fact that the successful conduct of the police department is in large measure de-
99
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 district attorney and his staff, the courts, the Board of Selectmen, Superintendent Flavel M. Gifford, the school faculty, the student body, other town departments, state and other police departments, the Registry of Motor Ve- hicles, the press, Radio Stations WNBH, WFMR, and WBSM the four improvement associations in Fairhaven, the busi- nessmen, and the public in general.
NORMAN D. SHURTLEFF,
Chief of Police
OFFENSES
Males Females Totals
Allowing person to improperly operate motor vehicle
1
0
1
Assault and battery
6
2
8
Assault on a police officer
1
0
1
Assault with a dangerous weapon
0
1
1
Attaching registration plates to a motor
vehicle other than for which they were issued
1
0
1
Attempt to break and enter in the night- time and commit larceny
4
0
0
Attempt to commit larceny
2
0
2
Being a delinquent child
26
2
28
Being an unlicensed operator
7
1
8
Breaking and entering and larceny in the nighttime
2
0
2
Disturbing the peace
2
0
2
Drunkenness
35
4
39
Failing to stop at stop sign
1
0
1
Failing to stop for red light
0
1
1
Fairhaven traffic rules and orders violations
0
1
1
Forgery
3
0
3
Giving false name to police officer
2
0
2
100
Males Females Totals
Illegitimate children law violations 1
0
1
Indecent assault
1
0
1
Keeping unlicensed dog
2
2
4
Larceny
16
0
16
Leaving scene of accident after causing injury to property
4
3
7
Lewd and lascivious cohabitation
1
1
2
Lewdness
1
0
1
Neglect of family
1
0
1
Operating a motor vehicle after license was revoked
2
0
2
Operating a motor vehicle after license was suspended
2
0
2
Operating a motor vehicle so as to endanger
8
1
9
Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor 19
2
21
Operating a motor vehicle without having a certificate of registration in possession 2
0
2
Operating a motor vehicle without having- an operator's license in possession 2
0
2
Operating an uninsured motor vehicle 2
0
2
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle
2
0
2
Parole violations
0
1
1
Receiving stolen property
1
0
1
Refusal to surrender suspended license 0
2
2
Removing historical monument
4
0
4
Rules and regulations violations
2
0
2
Speeding
17
0
17
Threatening bodily harm
1
0
1
Unlawful appropriation of a motor vehicle
2
1
3
Unnatural act
1
0
1
Vagrancy
1
0
1
Wilful injury to real property
1
0
1
Wilfully disturbing school
1
0
1
TOTAL LOCAL OFFENSES
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.