USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Athol > Town annual report, town of Athol, Massachusetts 1931 > Part 4
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School Department .- The accounts in this department were examined and checked. The commitments for tuition as appeared from the departmental records were proved with the commitments reported to the Accountant. The collections were checked, the payments to the Treasurer were verified by a comparison with the Treasurer's records, and the outstanding accounts were listed and proved with the Accountant's ledger.
The School Department receipts from manual training, lunch counter, and from miscellaneous sources were checked, and the payments to the Treasurer were verified. The cash on hand was verified by a personal count.
Library .- The Library collections for fines, new cards, damages to books and miscellaneous sales were checked, and the recorded collections were checked with the pay- ments to the Treasurer, with the exception of $11.58 re- ported to have been stolen from the library cash drawer in 1929. While the amount of this loss is comparatively small, I am of the opinion that the custodian of the Library cash is not relieved, without a vote of the Town, from responsibility for the full amount collected. The cash on hand was verified by an actual count on June 30, 1931.
Water Department .-- The accounts of the Water Depart-
71
ment were examined and checked. The charges and col- lections were checked, the allowances and abatements were verified, and the payments to the Treasurer were proved. The outstanding accounts were listed and were proved with the Water Department ledger. Arrangements have been made for reporting of water accounts to the Accountant, whose ledger was adjusted to reflect the cor- rect amount outstanding on the audit date. The cash on hand was verified on June 9, 1931.
The accounts of the Water Department have been well kept, reflecting credit on those in charge of the work.
Cemetery Department .- The accounts of this depart- ment were examined. The charges for work done and deposits for perpetual care were checked, while the col- lections and payments to the Treasurer were verified. In the past the general care charges have not been set up on the Accountant's ledger, but the total outstanding accounts on the audit date, after the Commissioners had abated numerous old accounts declared to be impossible of collection, were entered on the Accountant's ledger and arrangements were made for reporting in the future all charges and collections, in order that the ledger may show the condition of cemetery accounts. The cash on hand in the Cemetery Department was verified by an actual count on June 29, 1931.
Transportation Area .- The accounts of the Athol Transportation Area were examined. The receipts and payments were analyzed and the payments were verified. The cash balance was verified on June 9, 1931, by recon- ciling the Bank statement and by inspection of Savings Bank books and certificates of deposit on hand.
Sewer Sinking Fund Commissioners .- The Savings Bank books representing the investment of the sewer
72
sinking funds were personaily examined and listed. The income was checked and verified, and the Athol sewer bonds, which were included among the securities of the fund until 1930, when they were cancelled by vote of the town, were examined.
In addition to the Departments and accounts specifically mentioned, the accounts of all other departments receiv- ing or disbursing money or committing accounts for col- lection, were examined, checked, and verified.
While engaged in making the audit, I received the co-operation of all town officials, for which on behalf of my assistants and for myself, I wish to express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD H. FENTON, Chief Accountant.
A true summary.
Attest: DANIEL P. KIMBALL, Town Clerk.
73
Report of Board of Health for the Year 1931
The following is the list of reported contagious diseases:
Scarlet Fever
31
Tuberculosis
4
Mumps
2
Pneumonia
3
Measles
17
Chicken-pox
4
Ophthalmia Neonatorum
1
Typhoid Fever
2
Whooping Cough
13
Anterior Polyiomylitis
6
Tubercular Meningitis
1
Dog Bite
2
A diphtheria clinic was held in the spring of this year at the various school buildings. The first four grades were included, as well as pre-school age. The inocula- tions were given by Dr. Oscar A. Dudley, State District Health Officer, to about 350 children. We regret that there are but comparatively few children sent to their family physician to be immunized.
Seven tubercular patients have been cared for. Two were discharged as cured and one has died.
Complaints have received our prompt attention. Anonymous communications will always go unheeded.
74
The so-called "Sanders Street Drain" has been looked after to the best of our ability and a report sent in to the Board of Selectmen.
The collection of garbage and rubbish has been made to our satisfaction by Mr. Frank Simonds of Wellington Street.
Other activities of the Board of Health may be seen in the several reports which immediately follow this one. These reports include that of the District Nurse, Mrs. Louise Hatstat; that of the Milk Inspector, Dr. John Meany; the Inspector of Slaughtering, Harry E. Brown; the Plumbing Inspector, P. L. MacDonald; and the Assistant in charge of the Dental Clinic, Mrs. Elsie L. Ridd.
Respectfully submitted,
MARION B. SIBLEY, DR. D. G. COOLIDGE, F. LEON BRUCE,
Athol Board of Health.
75
Report of District Nurse for the Year 1931
To the Board of Health:
I hereby submit the following report of my work for the year 1931.
Number of Metropolitan Patients
98
Number of Metropolitan Visits 365
Number of John Hancock Patients
18
Number of John Hancock Visits 97
Number of Town Patients
163
Number of Town Visits
544
Hospital Trips
14
Assistant at Operations
8
Assistant at Confinements
9
Night Calls
9
Accident Calls
4
Emergency Calls
1
Tuberculosis Calls
61
Prenatal Calls
44
Social Service
499
Polyomyelitis Calls
8
School Visits
40
Baby Hygience Home Calls
71
Medical Patients
66
Surgical Patients
44
Obstetrical Patients
$5
76
Ortopedic Patients New Born Babies
3
68
Forty-four Baby Clinc Days, 597 babies attending. I attended three State Clinics and one Conference.
Respectfully submitted,
LOUISE S. HATSTAT,
District Nurse.
-1
77
Report of the Plumbing Inspector for the Year 1931
To the Board of Health:
Plumbing permits for new buildings were a great deal less than the preceding year but permits issued for build- ings already erected were practically the same.
More permits were granted to plumbers from other cities than ever before. After inspecting their work I can say that the work done by the plumbers of our town will compare favorably with that done in larger places.
Respectfully submitted,
P. L. MacDONALD,
Inspector of Plumbing.
78
Report of Milk Inspector for the Year 1931 .
To the Honorable Board of Health:
Thirty-three milk and cream licenses and 12 oleo- margerine licenses have been granted in 1931.
The quality of the milk samples taken this year has been exceptionally good. The sediment test has proven a great help to supply clean milk.
Respectfully submitted,
J. H. MEANY,
Milk Inspector.
79
Report of Inspector of Slaughtering for the Year 1931
To the Board of Health:
The following is the report of the Inspector of Slaughtering for the year 1931:
Beef
Veal
Sheep
Jan.
11
20
Hogs 25
2
Feb.
8
34 2 s't w'gt
9
2
Mar.
4
31
7
0
Apri.
3
39 2 s't wg't
2
2
May
6
32 1 s't wg't
1
1
June
3
38
2
0
July
1
31
2
0
Aug.
5
32
2
0
Sept.
4
31
2
0
Oct.
10
32
9
0
Nov.
10 1 con.T.B. 35
22 1 con.T.B. 0
Dec.
12
25
39
0
77 1 con. 380 5 s't wg't 122 1 con.
5
Mileage, 1129 miles. Hours, 516.
Respectfully submitted,
H. E. BROWN,
Inspector of Slaughtering.
80
Report of the Dental Clinic for the Year 1931
Clinic Days
108
Children Attending
718
Permanent Teeth Filled
306
Permanent Teeth Extracted
53
Deciduous Teeth Filled
24
Deciduous Teeth Extracted 926
Cleanings 170
No Charges 95
The children's teeth have shown an improvement this year, as fewer in the third and fourth grades need as much dentistry as a few years previous. Thus we will have more time to do work for the two lower grades and this is greatly needed.
ELSIE L. RIDD,
Assistant in Charge.
81
Report of Inspector of Animals for 1931
Number of stables inspected 132
By order of
Number of cattle inspected
955
the Division
Number of swine inspected
243
of Animal
Number of sheep inspected 10
Industry
Number of cattle quarantined, interstate shipment
105
Number of cattle quarantined for tuberculosis
1
Number of horses quarantined in shipment
3
Respectfully submitted,
J. H. MEANY, V. S.,
Inspector.
82
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Athol, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I have the honor to submit the Annual Report of the Department of Weights and Measures for the year 1931.
WORK PERFORMED DURING THE YEAR 1931
A S N.S. C
Platform scales
(capacity over 5000)
2
11
Platform scales
(capacity under 5000)
26
102
5
Counter scales
2
76
4
2
Beam scales
1
4
Spring scales
4
49
1
Computing scales
1
72
Personal weighing scales
17
1
Prescription scales
6
Avoirdupois weights
599
Apothecary weights
121
Metric weights
71
Liquid measures
138
{ }
Gasoline pumps
83
1
Kerosene pumps
25
1
Molasses measuring pumps
7
Oil measuring pumps
156
14
2
Quantity measures on pumps
447
83
Yard sticks
28
1
Cloth measuring devices
2
36
2014
26
12
.
No fees are charged for work done at this office on advertised days. Fees received for work done outside and turned over to Town Treasurer as follows: Sealing fees $207.58.
INSPECTIONS
Times
Stores
69
Peddlers' licenses
6
Coal certificates
2
Marking of food packages
9
Labels on bread
7
Clinical thermometers
2
Peddlers' scales
3
Gasoline pumps retested, gallons measured
105
Ice scales
8
Junk scales
4
Sealing certificates issued
175
Complaints investigated and adjusted
4
Reweighing of food packages
215
Liquid commodities, gallons remeasured
105
License blanks requested by peddlers
15
All complaints of insufficient weight or measure received at this office will be considered confidential and promptly investigated.
Respectfully submitted,
414
WILLIAM D. MELLEN,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
84
Report of Inspector of Soldiers' Graves
December 31, 1931
The Honorable Board of Selectmen, Athol, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
No part of the appropriation for the Inspector of Soldiers' Graves has been used during the past year. The work of listing has been completed, which has taken up the bulk of the appropriation the past few years. Another year the same appropriation may well be used in main- tenance of soldiers' graves in the various cemeteries in the town.
Respectfully submitted,
LOUETT E. HILL,
Inspector of Soldiers' Graves.
85
Thirty-eighth Annual Report of the Sewer Commissioners
Amount of sewer rentals for the year of 1931 and committed to the Collector of Taxes was
$8,500.00
Bonds due and paid
$2,000.00
Interest on bonds
2,960.00
Cost of maintenance
1,435.56
6,395.56
Balance
$2,104.44
Building Fund
Balance from 1930
$1,633.79
Appropriated 1931
750.00
$2,383.79
Sanders Street Extension 850 feet
Chester Street Extension
389 feet
Adah Street Extension
300 feet
Harrison Avenue Extension
150 feet
1,689 feet
Total Cost 1,441.74
Balance
$ 942.05
Respectfully submitted, EMMETT L. WORRICK, FRANK P. HALL, EVERETT SAWYER,
Sewer Commissioners.
86
Report of Sewer Sinking Fund Commissioners Year Ending Dec. 31, 1931
Balance on Hand, Jan. 1, 1931 $57,011.44 Interest on Investments 2,263.62
$59,275.06
Less Town of Athol Sewer Note and Bonds Cancelled 13,200.00
46,075.06
INVESTMENTS
Deposit in Athol Savings Bank
$46,075.06
Signed, Sewer Sinking Fund Commissioners, C. S. NEWTON, Secretary.
87
Report of Local Moth Superintendent
Recember 31, 1931.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
and Citizens of Athol:
I submit to you my report for the year 1931.
I began scouting Gipsy Moths October 13. At the start, conditions were none too good. The heavy foliage hin- dered some at first. I had four men, two of them new men who had never even seen a Gipsy Moth egg cluster. It takes a little time to break in new men.
As a whole we had a very successful year. We were out 4812 days, destroyed 13,103 egg clusters, many more than last year. Many of the large infests were in stone walls and heaps. Some very bad ones were in cavities in old apple trees. All old trees with cavities should be cut and destroyed.
Have not found any Browntail or Satin Moths.
Respectfully submitted,
M. L. GERHARD, Local Moth Superintendent.
88
Park Commissioners Report for the Year 1931
The past year has been one of great activity on the part of the Park Department. Owing to the number of unemployed who have been furnished by the Welfare Department and Soldier's Relief more has been accom- plished than could have been under the usual conditions.
At Phillips Park the cement sidewalk begun last year has been completed and this gives over 800 feet of cement walk. The usual flower display was carried out.
Over one hundred loads of ashes and loam was placed on Fish Park thus improving the outfield. The shrubbery was trimmed and fertilized and for the first time in years the grass was cut each week with lawn mowers. This was also accomplished by the aid of help purchased by the Welfare Department. Flowery plants were planted as an experiment and out of 150 plants set out less than six were destroyed which speaks very well of the care with which the children use Fish Park.
The usual repairs were made on the tennis courts and the number of people playing is proof of their popularity. There has been a request for an additional tennis court but the Park Department feels that this comes under the Recreation Department.
A flag pole was erected and the flag was displayed on fitting occasions. This was a lack that should have been remedied much sooner.
89
The greatest improvement was made at Silver Lake. This, too, was only made possible through the help of the men furnished by the Welfare Department and Soldier's Relief. The brush was cut and all defective trees were cut up into wood which was given to the needy. New roads were made and old roads repaired and a slide for the children was made on the Exchange Street extension.
A gravel walk was constructed clear around the lake approximately 3000 feet. This project included the clearing of about 40 acres of land and makes Silver Lake Park a real beauty spot.
Next year we hope to install some settees and picnic tables and keep the entire park free from growing brush,
The usual six concerts were given by Starretts Band, three at Fish Park and three at Phillips Park which were well attended. Two extra concerts were given at Fish Park, one by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and one by the American Legion, both of which drew very large crowds.
HAROLD S. BISHOP, ROBERT T. LINCOLN, WILLIAM A. SPOONER,
Park Commissioners.
90
Report of Fire Engineers
Athol, Mass., January 11, 1932.
To the Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Athol:
We submit to you our annual report for the year 1931.
We responded to a total of 248 alarms, classified as follows: 29 box, 4 emergency, 12 grass, 24 brush, 5 out of town and 174 telephone calls mostly for chimney fires.
The value of the property endangered by fire amounted to $546,300.00, while the loss as reported to us was $60,365.00.
It is gratfying to know that the figure in losses of our town revealed the same fact as the country in general, which is that according to insurance statistics this is the first period during a major depression when there was not a very perceptible increase in fires and losses.
FRANK P. HALL, ERNEST SMITH, IRA DOWER,
Fire Engineers.
91
1931 Report of the Athol Recreation Commission
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens:
The Recreation Commission presents to you its report of its work the past year.
As in former years five playgrounds were opened July 1st and closed August 22nd, with five young men and five young women acting as leaders under the supervision of Mr. T. J. O'Brien who was elected to the position as Supervisor.
Previous to the opening of the playgrounds, meetings were held in the Y. M. C. A. where instruction in the fun- damentals of their work was outlined and promoting games, etc., amongst those who were to be under their charge. Much was gained from this contact with each other and ideas were exchanged and closer co-operation brought about, between the Leaders themselves and the Supervisor.
Mr. O'Brien made a personal inspection of all swings, slides, and saw to it that necessary repairs were done. Smaller equipment, such as Volley Balls, Baseball Bats, etc., etc., were replaced where needed.
It was a full two months with the various tournaments in checkers, horse-shoe pitching, paddle tennis, Newcombe and the many games that were sponsored and carried out.
92
Special Day events were held every Friday, and were a delight to all the children, especially when the Mothers were urged to come and visit the Freckle Contest, Field and Track Meet, Pet Show, Penny Socials, Doll Shows, Doll and Carriage Parade, Animal Show, Costume Parade, etc. This was a day they tried hard to outdo their com- panions and the fun was fast and furious but orderly.
In handcraft work there were remarkable results this year. They seemed to outdo themselves in the various tasks and hobbies they took up.
The Playground Exhibition held at the Annual Fair gave a good account of what had been done with little fingers under good supervision. Articles such as pocket- books, stuffed dolls of all sizes and shapes, soap carving, drawings in both pen and pencil, cut-out pictures, the work of the little tots, decorated vases, scrap books and bead work as well as simple, yet well done, embroidery. The boys were not far behind in the work they turned out in woodcraft, as well as whittling. This is a clear in- dication that the leaders gave time, patience and consid- erable thought in teaching these methods of handicraft.
Much of the money received as the result of the Penny Socials was voted by the children to buy some game or small piece of equipment and add it to that already in use.
Baseball Leagues were in order for the boys, and gave them considerable competition both amongst themselves and playing their rivals in Orange.
The season was brought to a close when the children staged the pageant, "The Gift," in the open at Fish Park on a beautiful summer day. Excitement ran high during the rehearsals, and all played their parts well and made it a pleasure for the large gathering present. Practically all the costumes worn by the children in the pageant were made by themselves under the direction of their leaders.
The annual trip to Boston to see a big league game,
93
made possible in former years by the unstinted generosity of our citizens, was not given this year to the boys of the Grammar School Baseball League, owing to the indus- trial conditions that prevailed.
Lakeside, through the kindness of Mr. J. Hayden, Secretary, and the North-West Agricultural Society was opened to the public again. Numerous loads of sand were drawn in, and formed a miniature playground for the children, and made a. favorite place for the adults to take a sun bath. The beach was extended a little more this year, stones and rubbish removed. There is a woeful lack of bench seats for visitors or those who desire just to sit and watch the swimmers, and it is hoped that some ar- rangement can be made to overcome this lack of com- fort for Mothers and visitors.
In the absence of Mr. A. Macmaster, who has acted as Life Guard in former years, Mr. L. Deane of Athol was engaged to take his place and is to be highly commended for the manner he carried out the duties assigned him.
In the Senior and Junior Red Cross Life Saving Division he instructed, examined and passed eleven young men and women. In the Beginners and Swimmers Tests, fifteen were given instruction and passed their tests.
Miss M. Murphy was the Lady Instructor, and as in former years, she did commendable work in assisting Mr. Deane as well as promoting games and keeping harmony amongst the smaller children. No accidents of note were reported. Lakeside has become very popular these last three years since the services of a Life Guard were added, and will become more so, as parents feel safe in sending their children there during the hours the guard is on duty. If the beach could be extended more the swimming area could be increased and do away with the present crowded condition. We wish this might be done, as we feel that under the present conditions, our citizens will have more
94
time on their hands to take up and enjoy this form of summer recreation.
Skating was very popular last year and was enjoyed by hundreds, young and old, both at Silver Lake and Lake Ellis, and the commissioners extend their thanks to Mr. Ira Cass for the flood-lights loaned for use at Silver Lake. To Mr. Alfred Brown and the many young men interested in the welfare of skating at Lake Ellis and the work they have done to make skating pleasant we also extend our thanks.
The Rest Hut at Silver Lake has been re-floored, benches added and the checking arrangements for skates, coats, etc., enlarged.
Mr. T. J. O'Brien is to be congratulated on the work accomplished during his first year as Supervisor. The Commission feels well pleased by the efforts and intense thought and planning he put into his work. His pleasing personality captured both the leaders and the children, which assured closer co-operation all around.
The rating of the leaders reported by Mr. O'Brien gives them all a very high standing and to them the commis- sion gives its thanks for the splendid work they did.
To the press, Y. M. C. A. and numerous individuals that helped to make the past year a success we offer our thanks.
It is the policy of the Commission to employ local young men and women as leaders, providing they have some qualifications in this phase of child life, and by adopting and carrying out this plan, we find that it helps some of them to further their education.
Every child needs to be exposed to the growth-giving activities that has brought satisfaction through the ages- to hiking, swimming, skating, ball games, making things with the hands, caring for pets, getting to know nature, to try and make things beautiful, the joy of team-play, and of comradeship in doing things with others.
Those recreation activities are most important to the
95
child, which most completely command him to the end, that he has and is to them. Normal men more easily coll- tinue normal as they keep up the childhood habit of play, so it naturally means that the happy play of childhood is essential to normal growth. Let us as members of a community that takes a pride in providing healthful recreation for its children, continue this privilege so that they will have every chance to grow up into healthy nor- mal manhood and womanhood.
The attendance of the five playgrounds was checked daily and the results are as follows:
Sanders Street
3,496
Fish Park 3,189
Silver Lake
3,469
Lake Park
3,416
Highland
3,682
17,252
Attendance as checked during the time the Life Guard was on duty was 5,525.
Respectfully submitted,
A. MACMASTER, Chairman, F. W. WILSON, Secretary, Miss J. McGREGOR, F. A. REYNOLDS, M. D., H. S. BISHOP.
96
Report of the Library Trustees
The year 1931 has been for the Library one of steady growth. The money invested by the tax-payers has paid extra dividends through the circulation of 11,500 more books than last year and 50,000 more than fourteen years ago when the present building was first occupied.
The great demand for books made it seem advisable to close the up-town branch so that the money paid for rent could be expended for books, but, through the kindness of Miss Pitts, who has given us the use of her store, the branch will be continued.
Many unemployed have found healthful enjoyment and recreation in the reading room and we feel that the statistics of the librarian are ample proof that the library supplies a very vital need particularly at the present time.
FRANK E. WEAVER, Chairman, ARLINE H. BOND, Clerk, DAVID FINDLEY, ROBERT DEXTER, PAULINE C. ALLISON, JANETTA McGREGOR,
Library Trustees.
97
Report of the Librarian
ATHOL PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the Trustees of the Athol Public Library:
It is with real satisfaction that we report the develop- ment of the Library during the past year. There were 86,053 books circulated, an increase of about 11,500 over that of last year and more than 24,000 since 1927. The greatest increase is in the adult circulation but the use of the Juvenile department has been greater than ever be- fore. This we believe due, partly to the fact that the books have been arranged on the shelves according to grade instead of alphabetically by author; and also because of the State Certificate Reading Lists. A certificate is awarded to a child after he has read five books on the approved list and reported satisfactorily on them to his teacher.
One of the reasons for the increase in the circulation of non-fiction has been the book reviews printed in the local paper.
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