USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1922-1926 > Part 3
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1920 TAXES
Balance uncollected January 1, 1922.
$7718 35
Collected to December 31, 1922.
$7359 24
Abatement to December 31, 1922.
2 64
7361 88
Balance uncollected January 1, 1923. $356 47
1919 TAXES
Balance uncollected January 1, 1922 $230 93
Collected to December 31. 1922. 33 06
84
Abatement to December 31, 1922. 192 54 225 60
Balance uncollected January 1, 1923.
$5 33
Respectfully submitted,
E. E. GABREE, Collector
REPORT OF THE OVERSEERS OF THE POOR
To the Citizens of the Town of Southbridge:
In making our report for the year 1922, we are facing a brighter outlook than for several years. At the first of the year the call for aid exceeded any previous year and over three quarters of our entire years appropriation was spent in the first six months. With the factories now operating at full time the call has decreased and at the close of the year we have fewer people on our books than at any time since 1919. The Mother's Aid Department remains about the same and at our Almshouse the average number for the year has been twelve inmates.
The Annual Inspection at the Almshouse by the Selectmen and town officials was held December 5th and the property is in excellent condition. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph N. Payant have been appointed Warden and Matron for the coming year. We take this opportunity to thank the town officials for their co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
EUGENE MATTE, Chairman GEORGE H. HARTWELL, JR .. Clerk NARCISSE PELOQUIN, Visitor
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
The Board of Health, Alfred J. Peloquin, Philias S. Caron and
Dr. Joseph G. E. Page, organized as follows: Alfred J. Peloquin, Chairman ; Philias S. Caron, Clerk. Monthly meetings have been held during the year with a few special meetings.
The question of public health has taken in the last few years the importance which it really deserves. State legislation has made it necessary for cities and towns to open up new fields of activity and Board of Health have had to increase the budget from year to year, to meet the requirements of the law.
Our most important item is the care of consumptives, the Board of Health opened a clinic a few years ago. Every Monday from 5 to 7 o'clock in the afternoon, a physician and a nurse are in attendance at the Town Hall.
For reasons hard to understand, the attendance at that clinic has not been what it should be, and the Health Nurse has had a very difficult task indeed to persuade patients to come for examination and advice.
Consumption is a great menace to our population, and we hope the public will co-operate with us in trying to minimize as much as possible the ravage of that dreadful disease.
Contagious and infectious diseases are another item which cost a, great deal of money on account of quarantine, and necessitate a great deal of care on the part of the Board of Health, so as to protect the public at large from contagion or infection.
87
We have this year less of those cases. We want the families who are affected with such diseases to understand that it is our painful duty to keep them isolated, making it seemingly still harder for them. but as a protection for others.
Following are the contagious diseases reported :
Chickenpox 2
Diphtheria 20
Epidemic Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis. 2
Opthalma Neonatorium
1
Influenza
47
Lobar Pneumonia
10
Measles 6
Scarlet Fever
15
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
11
Other Forms Tuberculosis
1
Typhoid Fever
11
Whooping Cough
10
Total 136
Following are deaths in town for which permits to bury have been granted, and are shown in months, sexes and diseases:
Diseases of Heart 20
Diseases of Brain
16
Cancer
19
Lobar Pneumonia
6
Broncho Pneumonia
8
Bronchitis 4
Tuberculosis
9
Diabetes
1
Nephritis
10
Premature Birth S
88
Still-born
13
Cerbro Spinal Meningitis
2
-
Whooping Cough
3
Diphtheria
2
Scarlet Fever
1
Typhoid Fever
1
Influenza
4
Accidental
4
Ill Defined
6
All other Diseases 24
Total
161
Males
84
Females
77
Total
161
January
15
,July 10
February
11
August
10
March
26
September 14
April
13 October
8
May
11 November
14
June
14
December 15
Total. 161
During the fall the collector of garbage and rubbish left his work suddenly and the Board was forced to hire men to do the work in September. On October 1st the town was divided and two men hired to collect until spring. This was not accomplished without costing more than provided for in the annual budget. Therefore at a special meeting held in December the Board asked for and received an additional appropriation.
We are to ask this year for $2400.00 to collect garbage. The Board finds this necessary if the work is to be done properly.
-
89
The question of the disposal of garbage is a serious matter and will have to be dealt with this year. also the question of a public dump.
The Board recommends that the town purchase two water-tight wagons for use of the collector, same to be rented or loaned to the men doing the work, they to use only those to collect and convey gar- bage through the streets.
The Board recommends that the collection of rubbish be sepa- rated from the contract for collection of garbage and if the town wishes to continue this work that it be placed in charge of the High- way Department, who have teams or automobiles at their disposal at all times.
Respectfully submitted,
ALFRED J. PELOQUIN, PHILIAS S. CARON, DR. JOSEPH G. E. PAGE. Board of Health.
·
90
REPORT OF AGENT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Honorable Board of Health :
I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1922.
The work of your Agent has been of the usual routine. The num- ber of visits made from complaints for nuisances being about the same as in preceding years. All have been abated after investiga- tion and I have received most courteous treatment by the people in- terested. with a desire to co-operate for the good of the health of the town.
Garbage collection was interrupted in the fall, but after some troubled weeks, the work was resumed and is now being handled at least well enough so that only a few complaints are received.
Back yards are as a whole kept in good condition, but to make conditions better I would suggest that the tenants co-operate more closely with the landlords in the thickly settled districts, by separat- ing the swill from the rubbish, tin cans, etc., and placing them in their respective pails or barrels and not on the ground. Also that the children be taught by their parents and the teachers in the schools to do their part in this work.
Respectfully submitted,
ALBERT R. BROWN, Agent.
91
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH NURSE
To the Honorable Board of Health :
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report as Board of Health Nurse for the year 1922.
The Tubercular Dispensary was opened every Monday evening from five to seven, for advice and instruction to those who were ex- amined by the physician in charge. Contracts or persons otherwise exposed to Tuberculosis, as well as ex-sanatoria patients were urged to make monthly visits to the clinic, in order to ascertain the progress of the disease.
The attendance at the Dispensary has dropped considerably this year. Let us hope it is a decrease in the number of people afflicted, rather than neglect on the part of the patient.
Follow-up reports on all cases of Tuberculosis were sent to the State Department of Health, and a monthly report on cases examined in the Dispensary.
Number of patients examined at Dispensary . 54
Number of follow-up visits on Tuberculosis cases. 25
Home visits were made to Tubercular patients, to see that they carried out treatment prescribed by physician, and improve living conditions where it was considered necessary. On the whole patients endeavored to follow instructions and home conditions were good.
Number of Tubercular visits on active cases 98
Number of Tubercular visits on quiescent cases 65
Number of visits on suspicious cases 22
92
Number of visits on contracts. . 27
Reportable disease were investigated, and parties concerned were instructed to take necessary precaution to prevent the spread of the - disease.
In some instances it was quite a problem to enforce precautions, owing to the lack of help in caring for the sick. However, no re-in- fections were reported from that source.
Number of visits on Scarlet Fever cases 59
Number of visits on Typhoid Fever cases. 52
Number of visits on Spinal Meningitis cases 6
Number of visits on Diphtheria cases. 46
Number of visits on Ophthalmia Neonatorum cases 6 Number of follow-up visits on Influenza cases 15
The class rooms at St. Mary's school were visited and inspected as often as possible.
Number of class room inspections .38
The pupils in all the grades, including the High School, were weighed and measured. Underweights, that is five pounds or more, were instructed how to attain normal weight.
Number of pupils weighed 149
Number of pupils under weight. 52
With the exception of the High School pupils, all were examined and advised concerning the care of the hair. Printed instructions were given to those who needed immediate treatment.
Number of pupils examined. 154
Number of pupils who needed treatment. 25
Number of pupils excluded for pediculus 2
93
Short health talks were given and State literature distributed to emphasize the great value of forming health habits during school life.
While assisting the physician with the physical examinations, it was found that in many instances the teeth were in a decayed and unhealthy condition. To help relieve this defect, tooth-brushes were sold to pupils desiring them for the small sum of five cents.
Number of pupils examined with physician. .181
Visits to the homes were made to urge correction of defects, to see that pupils ill were receiving proper treatment, give instruction when necessary on proper diet, treatment for skin affections, to de- monstrate minor dressings, and to explain to parents recommenda- tions and suggestions of school physician.
Number of home visits .26
An emergency kit has been placed in St. Mary's School. Kit consists of :
2 bandages
1 ounce bottle Creolin
1 ounce bottle Iodine
1/2 ounce package absorbent cotton
1/2 inch roll adhesive plaster
Respectfully submitted,
MARGUERITE HOYLE, R. N.
94
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF MILK
To the Honorable Board of Health :
I hereby render my report for the year ending December 31, 1922.
As your Inspector I have issued 56 licenses to peddle milk; 3 to sell milk in stores and 6 oleomargarinelicenses, for which I have collected the sum of $32.50, which the Town Accountant's report will show I have delivered to the Town Treasurer.
In as much as there have been very few complaints about the quality of milk delivered in town I concluded the expense of making the usual number of daily inspections did not warrant the expense of auto hire which would be high, as the waits at the farm are longer than the time taken going to and from the dairies. Therefore I did not make a full tour of farms this year, yet next year should see the inspections made in a careful manner.
The Department of Public health has collected samples of milk from time to time and have called several persons before the ocurt for adding water to their milk. This does not make impure milk but is dishonest and should be punished. The samples have shown good quality of butter fat in most cases.
Respectfully submitted,
ALBERT R. BROWN,
Inspector of Milk.
95
REPORT OF PLUMBING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Health :
I hereby submit my report as Plumbing Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1922.
The following fixtures have been installed during the year in houses classified below.
Water Closets 97 : sinks 86: bowls 83; washtrays 9; urinals 7; soda fountains 1; floor drains 2.
These were installed in 14 single houses : 10 two-tenement houses ; 7 three-tenement houses : 5 four-tenement houses; 1 six-tene- ment house ; 4 stores ; 1 club house ; 4 factories, 1 garage.
I have made 47 water tests and 63 final inspections. There have been 15 new and 4 old houses connected with the sewer and 9 new and 3 old houses connected with cesspools during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
ALBERT R. BROWN, Inspector of Plumbing.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
To the Board of Health :
Gentlemen :
I have the honor of submitting to you my report as Inspector of Slaughtering for the year ending December 31, 1922.
96
Whole number of carcasses inspected. 493
Number of carcasses of beef inspected.
98
Number of carcasses of veal inspected.
167
Number of carcasses of swine inspected. 228
Number of carcasses of swine condemned. 3
Number of carcasses of veal condemned
Number of carcasses of beef condemned 2
5
Whole number of carcasses condemned.
10
The causes for condemning carcases are as follows: Beeves-Tuberculosis
Veal-
Swine-
Condemned carcasses have been destroyed according to law.
Respectfully yours,
JOHN HALPIN. Inspector.
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE LIBRARY
TRUSTEES OF JACOB EDWARDS LIBRARY
George Grant
Fred E. Corbin
Louis O. Rieutord
Henry Tetrault
For the Town
Francis L. Chapin John E. Paige E. B. Armstrong
For the Fund
LIBRARIAN Ella Miersch
ASSISTANT Mabel W. Plimpton
JANITOR Ronaldo di Bonaventura
LIBRARY HOURS Week days, except January 1, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day. Thanksgiving Day and Christmas : 10 to 12 a. m .; 2 to 5.30. 6.30 to 9 p. m.
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Trustees of the Jacob Edwards Library :
GROWTH
During the year 666 volumes were added, of which 295 were
98
replacements. One hundred and ninety-eight volumes were discarded so that there are now 24,765 volumes in the Library.
1
REGISTRATION
There are now 4,273 borrower's. cards in force, 666 new names having been added during the year.
CIRCULATION
The circulation of books for home use was 56,373, which is 7,121 less than last year. Improved business conditions allowed less time for reading and study, this is especially true of foreigners, many of whom are working at night. There was an increase of 1,074 over the circulation of 1920.
Many people never come to the Library but send for books and from these people comes a constant demand for printed lists. Last year we were even unable to print a list of books added during the year, but the "List of books added during 1921-22" will be ready soon for distribution. The only complete index of the contents of the Library is the card catalog.
APPROPRIATION
The following resolution was adopted in December, 1921 by the Council of the American Library Association: The American Library Association believes that one dollor per capita of the popu- lation of the community served, is a reasonable minimum annual revenue for the library in communities desiring to maintain a good modern public library system. This sum should cover a registration of card holders equal to at least thirty per cent of the popula- tion-with a home use of about five volumes per capita. We have a registration of twenty-nine per cent and a home use of about four
99
volumes per capita, with a revenue of forty-three cents, instead of one dollar, per capita.
ELLA E. MIERSCH.
Librarian.
STATISTICS OF THE LIBRARY
Volumes circulated
56.373
Average daily use
184
Smallest monthly use. September 3.591
Largest monthly use. March
6.210
Number of borrowers' cards
4,273
Books added (295 replacements )
666
Books withdrawn (worn out. etc.)
198
Number of volumes in the Library
24,765
Volumes rebound
266
Periodicals bound
S
Amount received from fines
$318.37
Gifts of books and pamphlets are acknowledged from state and government departments and from the following: Hamilton Woolen Co., New England Historical Genealogical Society, Worcester Bank & Trust Co., Wm. Bross Foundation, Lake Forest College, Hon. C. D. Paige, Wilmer Atkinson Co., Mass. Regiments, R. L. Burnham, Himebaugh & Browne.
And periodicals from the following: American Optical Co., Hamilton Woolen Co., N. E. Telephone Co., Southbridge Woman's Club, G. B Lockwood, Mrs. J. D. Rockefeller, Jr., U. S. Government.
100
ACCESSIONS AND CIRCULATION
Volumes added in 1922
Volumes now in Library
Volumes circulated in 1921
Volumes circulated in 1922
Per Cent. circulated in 1922
Fiction
111
4,090
32,949
29,491
52.31
Children, Ficton
54
1,514
14,132
12,928
22.93
Children, Non-fiction
25
1,005
4,420
3,990
7.08
Philosophy
7
370
250
183
.33
Religion
5
656
84
71
.13
Sociology
14
892
418
375
.67
Language
10
735
580
3.98
.71
Useful Arts
52
997
1,225
1,163
2.07
Fine Arts
9
594
953
758
1.34
Literature
13
2,081
874
752
1.33
'Travel
28
1,589
950
941
1.67
History
8
1,827
1,360
972
1.73
Biography
16
1,944
1,163
718
1.28
Bound Periodicals
2,899
112
99
18
Law Reports of Massachusetts
4
366
Massachusetts Public Documents
2
216
2
U. S. Public Documents
4
362
Foreign Languages
2
818
2,176
1,958
3.47
Current Periodicals
1,534
1,338
2.37
Reference Books
7
711
35
19
.02
Ammidown Collection
877
Museum
77
145
279
217
38
Science
CIRCULATION BY MONTHS FOR THE PAST TEN YEARS
1913
1914
1915
1916
1917
1918
1919
1920
1921
1922
January
3711
4055
4182
4289
4101
4375
5170
4898
5854
5517
February
:717
3890
4137
1456
4159
1108
1899
1812
6238
5661
March
1074
4502
4315
4980
5151
1741
5157
5671
6681
6210
April
3196
3817
3614
4293
4135
4329
1971
1767
5715
5378
May
3281
3492
34×1
3851
1141
3669
1362
4236
4759
4372
June
8101
3698
4167
3628
8930
3870
3686
1222
1820
4121
July
3296
3646
4146
3682
3871
3651
4163
4146
5222
4108
August
8190
3834
4005
3653
8718
3605
1276
:732
1997
3738
September
2873
3247
3607
3603
3219
5541
1130
3700
1177
3591
October
3363
3957
3931
3590
3610
1000
1552
4373
4909
4108
November
3673
3918
1137
3991
3981
1042
1561
5251
1888
4773
December
3697
3754
4036
3848
3966
1225
1529
5458
5204
4496
Total . .. . . 41487
45840
47788
47864
48384
45165
54759
55299
63194
56373
102
Financial Statement
RECEIPTS
Town appropriation
$6500 00
EXPENDITURES
Salaries
$4145 22
Light
205 83
Coal
370 88
Books
1033 69
Binding
186 85
Equipment
20 70
Repairs
10 18
Supplies
92 81
Printing
71 28
Expenses
81 60
Periodicals
280 70
6499 74
$ 26
MAYOTT FUND
Amount of fund January 1, 1922.
$1001 98
Interest
$45 00
Expenditures :
Periodicals
$5 00
Books
10 00
15 00
50 00
Amount of fund. December 30, 1922
$1031 98
REPORT OF SEWER COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of the Town of Southbridge:
Your Board of Sewer Commissioners herewith submit their re- port for the year ending Dec. 31. 1922.
There are now connected with the system 1184 buildings, in- cluding manufacturing plants, schools, public buildings, tenement houses and residences.
In accordance with the recommendation of the Town of South- bridge, the Commissioners have built a stretch of sewer on Highland Street of a length of 700 feet at a cost of $1822.52. Also a length of sewer was built on Marey. Hartwell and Spring Streets. A stretch of 3090 feet at a cost of $10.424.26. There was also a stretch of sewer built on Dresser Street. A length of 63 feet at a cost of $668.00. The same has been completed and accepted by the Board and assess- ments have been levied.
The work at the filter beds has been satisfactory and met with the approval of the State Inspector.
In reference to the appropriation for the sewer maintenance for the coming year we recommend the sum of $3.000.00.
· Respectfully submitted,
G. W. LAVALLE. O. L. LAPIERRE. J. A. ALLARD.
Board of Sewer Commissioners.
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of the Town of Southbridge :
The Cemetery Committee organized for the year of 1922 with George H. Hartwell, Jr., as Chairman and S. W. Williams as Clerk.
The Cemetery Work has been carried on this year with the utmost economy, our chief expenditure being for labor.
The increasing number of lots sold every year tends to make our work more difficult, as the majority of lots sold at the present time are sold with Perpetual Care, which means that we are bound by contract to keep these lots in the best of condition the whole year. This is made extremely difficult in the early spring because of the spring rains. the graves that have sunken throughout the winter, and the rapid growth of the grass.
Up to this year our policy has been to plan our work so as to have the Cemetery in the best possible shape for Decoration Day. This entails the expenditure of a large amount of money for labor, as the ground is not in condition to start work until the first of April, there- by giving us only two months to do what is necessary.
This year we curtailed on labor during the months of April and May, trying by so doing to have a larger balance to carry on the work during the summer and fall months. We feel that this experiment worked satisfactorily, as we were enabled to keep a larger force throughout the year, thereby keeping the Cemetery in better condi- tion than in any of the preceding years.
The success of our experiment encourages us to follow the same proceedure for the year of 1923.
105
For the year ending December 31st. 1922, we sold Ten Lots and accept fifteen Lots for Perpetual Care.
We graded and either seeded or sodded One Hundred and Four- teen Graves, graded and seeded Fourteen Lots.
The total amount paid into the Town Treasurer by the Cemetery Department during the year was One Thousand Four Hundred and Thirty Dollars.
GEORGE H. HARTWELL, JR., DANIEL T. MORRILL. WARDWELL M. EDWARDS. ALVA L. HYDE, EMERY A. LAVALLEE, SEAVER M. RICE,
Cemetery Committee.
REPORT OF THE PLAYGROUND COMMITTEE
T, Hector L. Peloquin, D. D. S.
Chairman of Playground Committee,
Dear Sir :
The six playgrounds opened July 17. with an attendance of (1,200) twelve hundred children. The opening exercises were of a patriotic nature.
The revised outline of play and industrial work was adopted. The children learned to play many new games, some of a highly organized nature. The finished articles in the industrial department. numbered (975) nine hundred seventy-five. These articles, useful and ornamental, were made from reed, cane, raffia, twine, wood, etc.
Athletics received the enthusiastic support of the boys, baseball being the most popular game. Team loyalty and co-operation was the spirit shown at the athletic track events. No general director of athletics being appointed, the Chairman of Playground Committee gave valuable assistance in organizing ball teams and conducting track events.
A spirit of leadship is being developed. Older boys volunteered to manage the junior teams and were successful in developing the team spirit.
Swimming classes were conducted at "Big Pond," a safety zone being installed by the Hamilton Woolen Co.
Sandersdale children enjoyed a Merry-go-round, the gift of Mr. Geo. Watson, Mechanic Street.
108
The Supervisor recommends the development of the Dresser Street plot, providing a flooded area for skating in winter, (wading in summer) where younger children could skate without danger from drowning. A public tennis court, for boys and girls, just too - old to attend playgrounds, a running track, and a baseball field, and provide a swimming place near the "Flat."
Repairs needed are, new iron supports for swings at Central Street, also new teeter boards and handles, step on slide, and new ropes and handles on merry-go-round. At Union Street, a back-stop the entire length of the north fence, new ropes and rings on swings. School street, baby swing frames repaired, slides and swings repair- ed. River Street, new ropes on swings and new teeter boards.
A letter from the Playground Association of America, asking support in creating more playgrounds, states that (25,000) twenty- five thousand children were killed on the highways of the U. S. in eighteen months. Let children play. Directed play develops habits of good conduct. It will mentally alert, and in preparing them for better citizenship.
Grateful acknowledgment is made of assistance given by Chair- man of the Committee and the co-operation of the assistants.
Respectfully submitted,
M. G. BUTLER.
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Citizens of Southbridge :
I respectfully submit my report from November 30, 1921 to November 30, 1922.
Adjusted Platform Scales over 5000 pounds 10
Sealed Platform Scales over 5000 pounds. 12
Condemned Platform Scales over 5000 pounds
0
Adjusted Platform Scales under 5000 pounds. 2
Sealed Platform Scales under 5000 pounds.
129
Non-sealed
4
Condemned Plaform Scales under 5000 pounds
5
Sealed Slot Weighing Scales
13
All other Scales adjusted
11
All other Scales Sealed
303
All other Scales Condemned
22
Number of Weights Adjusted
0
Number of Weights Sealed.
1100
Number of Weights Condemned
15
Number of Liquid Measures Adjusted
0
Number of Liquid Measurer Sealed
89
Number of Liquid Measures Condemned.
17
Number of Milk Jars Sealed
38
Number of Milk Jars Condemned. 1
Number of Linear Measures Sealed.
38
Number of Linear Measures Condemned 0
Oil and Molasses Pumps Sealed.
55
Oil and Molasses Pumps Condemned
10
Total Adjusted 30
110
Total Sealed
1942
Total Condemned 119
Certificates Issued in the Office and Outside 254
- Inspection of Stores Inspection of Hawkers and Peddlers 85 20 Inspection of Peddlers' Licenses Inspection of Milk Wagons 12 27 27 Inspection of Coal Certificates 1
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