USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1956 > Part 4
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The Board is inserting an article in the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting to accept Chapter 41, Section 81A. The adoption of this Act would make it possible for the adoption of the Subdivsion Control Law for the Town of Fairhaven, and also would make it possible for better control of cut-ups and will be of great value in preventing some of the present problems of the town.
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In closing, we wish everyone to realize the importance of Fairhaven development by better zoning-law enforce- ment, a revised Building Code as well as improved and up- to-date Plumbing Rules and Regulations. Also that the Town Meeting members be resolved to greater study in ap- propriation and expenditures to improve the Fairhaven tax structure with the hope we may progress if possible in the attempt to bring in new light industries into the town. This can be done by greater interest and effort by all concerned.
The Board wishes to thank Mr. Gerald P. Walsh and Mr. Cecil H. Whittier for their help; also the typewriting department of The Fairhaven High School for its help during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
VICTOR O. B. SLATER Chairman
JAMES PARKINSON Secretary HERBERT L. CANDAGE CHARLES R. DUGDALE ALFRED RAPHAEL
NOEL B. COUTURE
ARSENE G. DUVAL KENNETH R. VINING
86
Fire Department
The Board of Fire Engineers met and organized in May as follows :
Frank Rogers Chief
Augustus Xavier
Deputy Chief
Audell W. Monk
1st Asst. Chief and Clerk
Harold Macomber
2nd Asst. Chief and Drillmaster
Lindsey S. Gifford
3rd Asst. Chief
All other personnel then serving were reappointed. At present there are 72 men in the Department.
During the year 1956 there were a total of 223 calls, of which 36 were bell alarms; 184 still alarms and 3 calls which required the use of the resusitator. This is 72 calls less than last year when we had a total of 290 calls, 30 of which were bell alarms and 260 still alarms.
At the Annual Town Meeting it was voted to purchase a 750 gal. pumper to replace Engine #2. A Maxim pumper was purchased and same has been delivered and is now in service. We are now equipped with modern apparatus that is in good condition.
The buildings of the Department are in good condition and some painting is contemplated for this year. We again recommend the construction of a new Central Fire Station.
We wish to express our appreciation to all the men of the Department that have served the Town so well during
87
the year and also to the members of the Fairhaven Protect- ing Society who have assisted us in our efforts. We also wish to express our appreciation to the Board of Selectmen and to all Departments and individuals who have helped make the Department a useful one to the Town.
FRANK ROGERS AUGUSTUS XAVIER AUDELL W. MONK HAROLD S. MACOMBER LINDSEY S. GIFFORD
88
Fire Alarm
During the year, the Fire Alarm Department installed seven new-type boxes that replaced old boxes in the system. A new Valve and Pressure regulator was installed in the Air Horn at Fire Alarm headquarters. This was asked for in the budget of 1956. New wire was installed in the Harbor View section of town, to replace old wire which had been up for forty years.
Considerable changing over on poles was necessitated by the installation of new poles by the Telephone and New Bedford Gas Company. This work is increasing every year because of the growth of the Town.
The Unitarian Church installed a Fire Alarm system, which has been connected by a Master Box to our Fire Alarm Circuits. This expense was paid for by the Church.
In 1957 I am asking for seven new Three-Fold type boxes to replace old ones. This will bring our Fire System up to date with this new type box. This has been accomplished over a period of ten years. I am also asking for two new sets of batteries to replace old ones that have been in service for twenty years.
In closing, I would like to commend the men who worked with me, for their faithful service.
FRANK ROGERS
Superintendent of Fire Alarm
89
DR. THOMPSON - "DOC" A kindly Gentleman. Beloved by all who knew him.
90
In Memoriam
DR. CHARLES E. P. THOMPSON
Born in Halifax, Mass.
November 5, 1879
Died in Fairhaven
July 29, 1956
Received his education in Halifax schools, where he was active in sports in High School.
Graduated from Boston University and started practice of medicine in 1903, in Boston.
Interested in music, he accepted a position in the choir at the Unitarian Memorial Church in Fairhaven in 1907.
Was married to Mrs. Grace Albertine Allen, also of Boston, in the same year and two years later moved to Fairhaven, where he conducted his medical practice until his death.
Joined the Army in 1918 and served overseas with the AEF in World War I as a medical officer, ending his service in 1902 with the rank of Captain.
Was medical examiner for the local Draft Board and Director of Medical Services in Fairhaven Civil Defense in World War 2.
Served on the Board of Health for many years; was town physician for 44 years and school physician almost continuously from 1911.
Was a member of local and national medical associations, the Fairhaven Lions Club, Leighton Club, of which he was a Past President, and a former member of the New Bedford Kiwanis Club.
Was active in Masonry, having served as Worshipful Master of George H. Taber Lodge in 1917 and later was Past District Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Masons of Massachusetts.
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Board of Health
The Board of Health has held meetings throughout the year and all complaints and nuisances have been attended to promptly.
In the Board of Health Clinics, 541 children were inocu- lated against diphtheria, 62 were vaccinated against small- pox. In the Polio Clinics, 4350 doses of Salk vaccine were administered. The Community Nurse made a total of 98 visits to tubercular patients and contacts, and 67 visits to persons with acute communicable diseases. No new cases of tuberculosis were reported this year. During the year 1956, one patient was maintained at Bristol County Tuberculosis Hospital.
We again stress the fact that all Fairhaven residents may obtain chest x-rays free of charge at the Tuberculosis Clinic in New Bedford.
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 this pro- gram, which has been revised during the past year, may be obtained at the Board of Health Office in the Town Hall.
The Board of Health Dental Clinic is held at the Tripp School every Tuesday and Wednesday morning. Dr. Nor- mand Gamache continues as school dentist while Dr. Edward Mee is in the service. Mrs. Catherine Govoni is the dental assistant, and Mrs. Richard Dennie is the nurse in atten- dance. Pupils from each school go once every five weeks for examination. An average of ten or twelve children are treat- ed each morning. The charges are low, ranging from twenty to thirty-five cents, but all dental work is done free for those unable to pay. Mrs. Dennie reports the following work done on childrens teeth in the past year :
Fillings
417
Extractions
156
Cleanings 14
Examinations
32
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The Board of Health continues to support, in part, 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 to residents of Fairhaven. During the past year, 25 residents made a total of 105 visits to the Clinic.
The following licenses were issued during 1956 :
Burial permits
121
Alcohol
14
Camp
6
Milk
58
Ice Cream
4
Oleomargarine
26
Pasteurization
1
Day Nurseries
7
In 1956, the following diseases dangerous to public health were reported.
Chicken Pox
26
Dog Bites
46
Measles
16
Poliomyelitis
2
Mumps
6
The collection of garbage has been carried out most ef- ficiently by Joseph Medeiros. Henry Stevens, Slaughter In- spector, Samuel Barrett, Animal and Milk Inspector, and Lawrence Maxfield, Sanitary Inspector, have discharged their duties effectively and well. The time and effort ex- pended by these men have aided the Board immeasurably.
Fairhaven is a changing town. New developments have been built up and are still building. The population of the town has now grown to such an extent that Board of Health measures which sufficed a few years ago, are completely in- adequate today. One doctor, in the past, could handle a Clinic, with the aid of a nurse. Today, with the new polio program in effect, to name one instance, it requires the ser- vices of all available doctors and nurses, together with all the volunteer aid we can obtain. Since Fairhaven now has the population of a small city and is still growing, we cannot af- ford to depend on archaic practices and volunteer help to carry out our health measures.
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The Board of Health wishes to pay tribute to Dr. C. E. P. Thompson who died this year. Dr. Thompson served on the Board for many years and was a most devoted and conscien- tious member. He was deeply interested in the health needs of the town and he gave unsparingly of his time toward that end. We will all miss his help and support.
The Board wishes to express deep appreciation to the Community Nurses and the Police Department for their help and co-operation during the past year. Our gratitude also goes out to those wonderful townspeople who gave their services in our many Clinics.
FRANK E. BETTENCOURT
DR. F. A. SILVEIRA
Executive Officer Board of Health
94
Animal Inspection
Inspected are six hundred thirty three cows, forty two heifers one to two years old, thirty heifers under one year old, eighteen bulls, sixteen goats, no pigs, one burro, sixteen steers, three sheep, twenty four horses.
Of the fifty two places I visited I found but two places that had dirty cattle, and I can assure you that there will be a clean up there.
During the past year two of our large dairy farms have gone out of business, but somehow there are but forty eight less cattle this year than last.
There were three hundred twenty two head of cattle that entered from out of State during the past year.
There were fifty eight dog bites and three cat bites, sent one cat head to Wasserman Laboratory for examination, there were no cases of Rabies.
SAMUEL C. BARRETT
Inspector of Animals
95
Milk Inspection
There are twenty four places in Town that sell their milk to dealers.
Number of Resident dealers in Town one.
Number of Pasteurizing plants in Town one.
Bacteriological examinations are made by the New Bed- ford Board of Health without cost to the Town.
SAMUEL C. BARRETT
Inspector of Milk
96
Slaughter Inspection
During the year eighteen inspections were made. All ani- mals inspected were passed.
H. STEVENS
Slaughter Inspector
97
Health Nursing Service
The Public Health Nursing Service seeks to bring to the community the latest discoveries of medical research, so that it may continue to perform it's important duties of promot- ing good health, preventing disease and providing care for the sick in their homes.
The appropriation from the Town for health nursing services made it possible to make the following visits during the year 1956:
Child Welfare 1424 visits
Tuberculosis 98 visits Acute Communicable 67 visits
Total
1589 visits
The Town paid for 512 bedside nursing visits to Old Age Assistance recipients and 65 bedside nursing visits to those receiving General Relief.
Assistance was given at the following clinics held under the supervision of the Board of Health :
Diphtheria Toxoid Clinics 541 children inoculated Polio Clinics 4350 doses of Salk Vaccine administered Vaccination Clinics 62 children inoculated
Several arrested Tubercular cases had X-ray examina- tions during the year, and contacts have been checked peri- odically. Some of these examinations were made at the State Sanatoria, others at the New Bedford Tuberculosis clinic, and others by private physicians.
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 assisted us in making the Polio Clinics a suc- cess appreciation is hereby expressed.
GRACE E. SMALLEY, R.N. Agent of the Board of Health
98
Sewer and Water Department
The Board of Sewer and Water Commissioners organized with G. Winston Valentine, Chairman; John M. Reilly, Clerk; and Lawrence B. Maxfield.
During 1956 Thirty-one new water services and forty- five new sewer connections were connected to the systems, making a total of seventy-six for the year. There are ap- proximately 2105 sewer connections in use, and to date 846 water services installed on Sconticut Neck.
The following eight inch sewer mains were laid by con- tract during the year :
Coggeshall Street - 1195 feet
Spring Street & Rochambeau Street - 550 feet Farmfield Street - 690 feet
An eight inch sewer main was laid in Lafayette Street, approximately 204 feet, and a six inch water main in Sippi- can Street, approximately 220 feet, at the expense of abut- ting owners. All work was done by the sewer and water department.
At this writing there is a eight inch sewer main under construction on Phillips Street and a survey is being made to determine sewer facilities on Church Street and the im- mediate area. The above was voted and approved at the Special Town Meeting held December 8, 1956.
We wish to report that we were able to return to the Town, due to work done during the year, the amount of $21,149.93.
G. WINSTON VALENTINE JOHN M. REILLY
LAWRENCE B. MAXFIELD
Sewer and Water Commissioners
99
Highway Department
The usual activities of this department were varied as usual. The heavy blizzard of last March caused us to far exceed the estimated costs of removing snow and ice with the result that some essential services had to be curtailed. One of these was the seal coating of roads in need of protection. We are at the point where it can be very costly to further postpone this type of work. We are of the opinion that this phase should be given more attention even if it is necessary to postpone some new construction.
Under new construction program 27218 square yards were completed including the complete rebuilding of a section of Middle Street (2100 S. Y.) and Bridge Street (4410 S. Y.) There remains a balance of 7713 S. Y. on Bay and East Allen Streets voted at last town meeting that is partially completed.
Under the granolithic sidewalk program 453 S. Y. of cement and 937 S. Y. of bituminous concrete were built. The usual amount was expended on Chap. 90 maintenance con- sisting of sealing shoulders on the Neck and widening shoul- ders on Alden Road. Considerable drainage was done aside from that incidental to road reconstruction as follows :-
Coggeshall St. 1152 ft. and 8 catch basins. East Deane St. 600 ft. and 6 catch basins. Kane St., 800 ft. and 8 catch basins.
This increases the number of catch basins in town to 611 and makes it further evident that a mechanical basin cleaner is much needed. Most of these basins should be cleaned twice a year but because of the time element this has not been possible with the result that drain pipes many times become clogged causing flooded streets.
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We were able to seal coat but 25,000 yards of street be- cause of the lack of funds. A minimum of 50,000 yards should be treated each year in order to save streets that have been neglected.
RUBBISH COLLECTION
There has been the usual increase in rubbish to be col- lected and disposed of. This increase is accounted for by the added new homes and changed methods of packaging food and household materials.
Respectfully submitted. HENRY T. HOWARD Superintendent of Highways
101
Building Department
There were 326 applications for Building Permits issued from this office in the year 1956, as follows:
54 single dwellings: 25 dwellings, with car-portes: 25 single garages : 13 dwellings, with garages, attached : 2 pub- lic garages : 12 Trailers : 2 summer camps : 86 additions and repairs : 14 henhouses : 12 Shelters : 2 Greenhouses : 9 Bath- houses : 3 Sales offices : 1 Boat shed : 1 Dining Hall: 1 Dog Kennel: 1 Variety Booth: 1 Show room and 3 permits for Razing buildings.
Fees were charged for the following :
54 single dwellings @ $5.00 each $270.00
25 single dwellings, with carportes @ $5.00
125.00
25 single garages @ $1.00 25.00
13 dwellings, with garages, attached @ $6.00
78.00
2 Public garages @ $25.00 each 50.00
12 Trailers @ $5.00 each 60.00
2 summer camps @ $5.00 each
10.00
Reported to Treasurer $618.00
It is required that all Plumbing applications be obtained from the Building Inspector, Town Hall
Plumbing applications and fees for inspections :
John M. Reilly
174 @ $5.00 $ 870.00
E. P. Hirst
209 @ $5.00 1045.00
Brayton Beals
2 @ $5.00 10.00
$1925.00
It is the duty of the Building Inspector to enforce the Zoning and Building Regulations adopted by the Town. The Zoning Law regulates the type of building permitted in the
102
various areas. It also regulates the size of the yards. The Building code stipulates types and quantities of material used in various buildings.
If an applicant for a Building Permit cannot conform with the Zoning or Building code, he has the right to ask for a variance of said law and is referred to the Board of Appeals, which body meets the first Wednesday of each month in the office of the Inspector in the Town Hall, at 7:30 P.M.
REUBEN E. HAWKINS
Building Inspector
103
Shellfish Inspection
After a careful survey of our shellfish beds, I found them mostly depleted of Clams and Quahogs, in the dry digging areas.
The town suffered a large loss of seed scallops. Approxi- mately 250 bushels were washed ashore by two recent storms. With a crew of 14 men, I was able to salvage 103 bushels with average of 2500 scallops per bushel and return them immediately to their natural beds in Priest Cove and to the north of the Causeway Road between Long Island and West Island.
After many hours of work, days and partly nights, pro- tecting, I can report that the town now has two areas with a great number of seed quahogs. One of these areas was closed December 1st to shellfishing, for the purpose of propa- gation. Due to the large number of diggers, both family and commercial, I recommend propagation next year, as much as possible with State aid.
Jack's Cove was open December 1st for the taking of Quahogs, Clams and Oysters. The taking of shellfish was very poor in this area due to the improper growing caused by placing West Island road, which shuts off the proper circula- tion of water. Prior to the building of this road, this was the fastest growing area for shellfish and the largest dry digging area in the town. At its peak there were 11 com- mercial fishermen taking 33 bushels of quahogs daily, mostly little necks and mediums. This area would be of great use to residents with family permits.
I recommend that the town take action with the Depart- ment of Public Works, Division of Waterways, to get an opening in the road with a 15-foot span by means of a bridge like the one between Long Island and West Island.
At this time, I cannot estimate the number of bushels of shellfish taken by commercial men and also families. There are between eight and twelve tonging and hand digging commercially and over 600 families digging for family use. Tonging is being done in Priest Cove mostly with an average
104
:
of three bushels daily, weather permitting. Families are able to get their peck, mostly quahogs, as clams and oysters are scarce.
The scallop season was poor this year. There were 87 boats scalloping and they harvested 620 bushels or 551 gal- lons, with an average price of $11.75 per gallon, bringing a total of $6,474.25, a record high.
I recommend opening Little Bay for the taking of shell- fish as of June 1, 1957, which is the end of the spawning season for shellfish. This area has been closed for two years.
I have been kept very busy checking areas and violations and the propagation of seed scallops. My total mileage covering our shellfish areas for 18 weeks of shore patrol was 4540 miles. There were a number of violators to whom I gave warning as follows:
29 without Permits
34 taking Quahogs less than 2 inches
3 taking Clams less than 2 inches
3 Power Dredgers from out of town
2 Scallop Dredgers from out of town
All violators were warned and permits issued and all agreed to co-operate with my request not to take shellfish less than 2 inches. Therefore, there were no prosecutions.
41 Permits were issued by me while on shore patrol and also 55 2-inch regulation rings.
Licenses and Permits issued :
618 Family Permits @ $1.00 $ 618.00
54 Family Permits Free (age over 70)
33 Non Resident Permits @ $1.00
33.00
94 Scallop Licenses @ $5.00
470.00
33 Commercial Licenses @ $5.00
165.00
7 Dredgers' Licenses @ $5.00
35.00
$1321.00
I wish, at this time, to thank all who co-operated with me in the best interest of the Town.
JOSEPH B. GOULART Shellfish Constable
105
Fairhaven Board of Retirement
The following schedules show the operations summarized for the year ending December 31, 1956.
INCOME
Cash on Hand
$127,278.32
Contributions from Members
11,400.97
Appropriation from Town
7,575.00
Interest Received
3,992.28
Total Income
$150,246.57
DISBURSEMENTS
Pensions Paid
$ 9,111.08
Refunds
2,399.57
Expenses
349.82
Total Disbursements 11,860.47
$138,386.10
BALANCE
National Bank of Fairhaven
$
235.18
Fairhaven Institution for Savings
134,150.92
Government Bonds
4,000.00
$138,386.10
Retirement Board ELIZABETH H. CHURCH IRVA M. BUSHNELL MICHAEL J. O'LEARY
106
Recreational Committee
This Committee in making its 4th annual report since its organization in 1953 is happy to make the statement that The United States Department of The Interior has acknowl- edged our biennial report as one of good progress under difficult circumstances and has been accepted as evidence of real effort to comply with the terms and conditions of the deed and the Program of Utilization.
During the summer of 1956 permission was granted to Mrs. Evangeline R. Murphy to conduct a refreshment stand on the main floor of the observation tower at West Island Town Beach, without charge. In return Mrs. Murphy was given responsibility of the care of the bath houses and toilet facilities.
A committee representing the Sconticut Neck Improve- ment Association in joint session discussed the feasibility of a playground and the purchase of land for the recreation of the children on Sconticut Neck. Several parcels of land were observed and the owners had been contacted. The Recreational Committee, as in the past, is of the opinion that a playground on the Neck should be developed when and as the demand warrants a proper location and purchase of land.
Several regulations were adopted for the cleanliness of the Town Beach and hours of operation were set. Safety equipment, expanded parking area, drainage, flood lights and construction of sanitary facilities were the accomplish- ments of the year 1956.
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Financial Report As Follows :
Balance From 1955 Appropriation For 1956
$1,172.83
1,500.00
On Hand January 1, 1956
$2,672.83
Total Expenditures 1956
2,345.18
Balance on Hand December 31, 1956 $ 327.65
ALBERT E. STANTON
ARTHUR MULLEN
ARTHUR KNOX
JAMES MEDEIROS
LOUIS T. BROCK, Secretary
Recreational Committee
108
Park Department
The Park Commissioners organized with Ernest Tripanier as Chairman, Miss Elinor C. Vander Pol as Secretary and Louis T. Brock, Sr. Mr. Brock resigned in February and Joseph G. Mello was appointed to fill the unexpired term, with the officers remaining the same.
The Tennis and Basketball courts at Livesey Memorial Park were completed and chainlink fencing was installed on two sides of the courts, with the remainder to be completed when funds are available.
A Little League regulation Diamond has been started at Livesey Park and will be completed as soon as weather permits. Shade trees have also been planted near this area to provide shade during the summer months.
Extensive Tree Work was started, particularly in Cush- man and Bridge Parks, to bring these shade trees into good condition and some of the dead trees have been removed. Many of the destroyed trees have been replaced and we hope to continue this work.
Many children enjoyed the recreation facilities of our parks this summer and a new slide was purchased to re- place one that was no longer usable. The road through Cushman Park was repaired and work has begun on the cleaning of drains throughout the park.
We believe this year to have been one of progress, and we shall endeavor to continue our service to you throughout the coming year with your co-operation.
ERNEST TRIPANIER
JOSEPH G. MELLO
ELINOR VANDER POL DUXBURY
Park Commissioners
109
Care of Trees
TREE DEPARTMENT
To safeguard our shade trees in various parts of the town, all trees on streets throughout the town have been sprayed, as well as a large number on private property. A second spraying has also been given to keep under control the later breeding of beetles.
During the year we have taken down seventy trees, re- moved dead limbs and trimmed and elevated trees so that they will not cause any damage to the large trucks and buses that use our streets. We also planted one hundred and twenty-five trees in various parts of the town.
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