USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1937-1941 > Part 28
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December 12-Still alarm at 5:20 P. M. dwelling at 65 Moon Street, owned by Leo Cournoyer, caused by flooded oil burner, insured.
December 24-Box 43 at 11:31 P. M. factory at Sanders- dale, owned by Southbridge Finishing Co., caused by defective wiring, insured.
December 27-Still alarm at 1:00 P. M. dwelling at 180 Eastford Road, owned by Walter Hunt, caused by cigarette, insured.
December 23 -- Still alarm at 9:00 P. M. stores & offices at 323 Main Street, owned by Ralph Robbins, caused by power oil burner, insured.
December 29-Still alarm at 9:40 P. M. school at corner of Main & Marcy Streets, owned by Town of South- bridge, caused by demonstration of incendiary bomb, insured.
44
REPORT OF CHIEF OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
Permits to keep, store, and sell explosives
PERMITS .
Fireworks
14
High explosives
5
Range oil burners
4800
Power oil burners
706
Open air permits
126
Removal of empty gas tanks
3
INSPECTIONS
Hotels and boarding houses
17
Tenement houses
810
Range oil burners
4800
Power oil burners
706
In closing my report for the year, I wish to thank the citizens for their co-operation, and the members of the department for their loyalty to their work.
In conclusion the chief, Oswald J. Meunier, on behalf of the members of the fire department wishes to thank the board of Selectmen and the other town officials for their courtesy and consideration of the department.
OSWALD J. MEUNIER
Chief
George W. Laughnane, Deputy Chief
For the Fire Department Emile Caouette, Assistant Clerk
45
REPORT OF THE FOREST FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Forest Fire Department answered 13 alarms for forest fires in 1941.
Last year's appropriation was $1,200.00.
The balance from last year's appropriation was $2.25.
I recommend an appropriation of $2,500.00.
Fire warden's salary $200.00.
There were 126 permits for fires in the open.
I wish at this time to thank the people for their good will and again ask their co-operation with this depart- ment to prevent forest fires in this vicinity.
Inventory of forest fire department
One forest fire pump with 2500 feet of 11/2 inch
hose
$600.00
One ton and one half Ford truck
150.00
One one ton Ford truck 150.00
One Chevrolet truck
25.00
Thirty-six 21/2 gallon fire extinguishers
250.00
Nine indian pumps
150.00
Three ten-quart pails
2.50
Twenty-four brooms
24.00
Two shovels
2.00
Three pitch forks
3.00
Five hundred feet of 1 inch hose
130.00
OSWALD J. MEUNIER Forest Fire Warden
46
REPORT OF AMBULANCE DEPARTMENT
In rendering my report for the past year, I wish to state that there was an appropriation of $250.00 made for this department.
For the coming year, I recommend an appropriation of $250.00. The ambulance department has collected $287.50 for 1941.
The balance from last year's appropriation was $25.68.
During the past year the ambulance made the fol- lowing trips :
Southbridge
174
Sturbridge
24
Charlton
15
Worcester
21
Fiskdale
11
Boston
5
Grafton
4
Tewskbury
2
Brookfield
2
Brimfield
2
Mashbaug
1
North Woodstock
1
West Woodstock
1
Rutland
1
North Oxford
1
INVENTORY OF AMBULANCE DEPARTMENT
One Ford Ambulance
$800.00
One spare tire
5.00
One folding stretcher
20.00
One first aid kit
5.00
Four blankets
16.00
Twelve sheets
9.00
Six pillow cases
3.00
One pillow
1.50
OSWALD J. MEUNIER Chief of Fire Department
47
Report of Old Age Assistance
To the Citizens of the Town of Southbridge:
During the year 1941, the Bureau of Old Age Assist- ance assisted 226 cases. The following tabulation shows monthly details.
Month
Cases Added
Cases Closed
Cases Rejected
Cases Aided
January
7
0
1
187
February
4
1
4
190
March
7
2
1
195
April
4
4
3
195
May
3
2
3
196
June
3
7
3
192
July
3
5
2
190
August
3
9
0
184
September
4
2
2
186
October
7
1
4
192
November
1
3
1
190
December
9
3
1
196
Totals
55
39
25
Reasons for Closing Cases
Deceased
19
To another City or Town
6
To accept employment
1
Children able to provide
5
To State Infirmary
2
Denied by State
7
-
Total
39
48
Reasons for Rejections
Insurance in excess 8
Cash in excess
. 5
Application withdrawn 2
Insufficient information
2
Eligibility not established 2
6
Children able to provide
Total 25
Respectifully submitted,
HERMAS LIPPE, Chairman
MARIE LARIVIERE, Clerk
OVIDE DESROSIER, Other Member
HERBERT H. MICHON, Agent
Bureau of Old Age Assistance
49
Report of Board of Health
To the Citizens of Southbridge:
On March tenth, the Board of Health met and organ- ized as follows: Dr. Hervey Desmarais, chairman; Dr. William E. Langevin, clerk, and Dr. Armand O. DeGren- ier as the third member.
Twelve regular, and three special meetings were held during the year.
Our foremost achievement this year has been the completion of a well equipped milk testing laboratory, lo- cated in the Town Hall. The expansion of this important phase of public health service is noteworthy to report, as the first of it's kind available locally. Through the ef- forts of our milk inspector, we have been able to give dealers and producers a report on samples examined con- sisting of bacteria count, percentage of fat, solids, sedi- ment and acidity, also any suspicion of mastitis. The Board feels that the service rendered by this measure will go a long way in assisting producers to maintain a good grade of milk.
Several complaints of major importance have come before the Board which have been investigated. In some cases the State sanitary engineers have been called to assist and give their expert advice, as to the best method of abatement. Although the Board of Health have the authority to eliminate a nuisance, by virtue of the State Laws, without the consent of other departments, or in- dividuals, we have always endeavored to respect opinions and suggestions. However, by so doing we have encoun- tered objections, which caused unnecessary delay. The full co-operation of all concerned would be of great ad- vantage in such matters.
50
Als anticipated in 1939 and 1940, the rapid increase of new dwellings, created a greater demand on our garb- age collector. A general survey of the new developments, revealed approximately three hundred extra families, mostly on the outskirts of the Town. In order to serve this group it was necessary for the Board of Health to draw up a supplemental contract, also request an in- crease in our annual budget. At the present time the service should be adequate, and we appeal to the towns- people to assist by keeping garbage receptacles in a con- venient place and in good condition.
The department purchased a 4c audiometer, a very accurate and time saving device for hearing test. This type instrument is used by the State Department of Pub- lic Health and recommended for its efficiency.
Shortly after the opening of school, a mild outbreak of Scarlet Fever, compelled the Board of Health physician to examine contacts daily for a week in class rooms. In- structions were also given to pupils to protect themselves and famliy. The public was kept informed as to precau- tions, and symptoms, through the clergymen and news- papers.
Following along our program of prevention and con- trol of communicable disease, the Board of Health spon- srs and maintains various clinics, which contributes con- siderably in keeping the community health at a high level.
In conclusion the members of the Board of Health, are pleased to state that every effort is made to fulfill their obligation to the community in promoting health and sanitation. We wish to thank all who have co-operat- ed with our appointed officers.
Respectfully submitted,
HERVEY L. DESMARAIS, D. D. S., Chairman, WILLIAM E. LANGEVIN, M. D., Clerk ARMAND O. DeGRENIER, D. M. D.
51
REPORT OF THE AGENT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Honorable Board of Health
Dear Sirs :
As agent of the Board of Health, I hereby submit the following list of contagious diseases reported to this office during the past year.
Chicken Pox 28
Whooping Cough 1
Lobar Pneumonia 13
German Measles 2
Scarlet Fever 49
Trichonosis 2
Mumps
21
Svppurative Conjunc- tivitis 1
Dog Bite 27
Measles
2
Total 154
Pulmonary Tubercu-
losis
8
List of deaths in Town for which this office has is- sued permits for burial.
DISEASES OF THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
Angina Pectoris
Arterio Sclerotic Heart Disease
Bacterial Endocarditis
Cardiac Asthma
Chronic Myocarditis
Coronary Heart
1 Coronary Occlusion . . 13
Coronary Thrombosis 6
8
,Congential Heart
1 Disease 1
1 General Arterioscler- osis 1
4
Heart Block
1
3 Mitral Regurgitation . 2 Disease
52
Multiple Emboli 1 Myelogenous Leukemia 1 Pernicious Anemia ... 1
Myocardial Degener-
ation
2
Vegetative Endocard-
Myocardial Failure
3
itis
2
DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Abscess of Lung
1
Hypostatic Pneumonia
2
Bronchopneumonia
4
Lobar Pneumonia
3
Cancer of Lung .
·
1
DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
Apoplexy
6
Cerebral Thrombosis .
2
Cerebral Hemorrhage
12
Meningitis®
1
DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Actinomycosis of
Cancer of Stomach
. .
4
colon 1 Colitis 1
Acute Cholocystitis
1
Cirrhosis of Liver
1
Diabetes Mellitus
2
Adenocarcinoma of stomach
1 General Peritonotis .. 1
Cancer of Caecum
1
Perforated Appendix .
2
Cancer of Intestines . .
2
DISEASES OF THE GENITOURINARY SYSTEM
Cancer of Bladder . . Cancer of Prostate . 2 Nephritis 2
Cancer of Rectum . .
1
Chronic Interstitial
3 Cancer of uterus 2
Nephro-sclerosis
2
Uremia
4
Nephritis
1
53
ALL OTHERS
Cancer of Jaw
1
Malignant Lymphoma
1
General Carcinoma-
tosis
General Carcinoma of
Abdomen
1
ACCIDENTAL
Compound Fracture of Skull
3
Fracture of femur
3
Fracture of sternum . 1
Fracture of Skull
Depressed fracture of
Skull
1
Multiple Fractures
.
1
Fracture of Spine
2
1
Drowning
1
Total
150
Prematurity 8
1
Still born
5
Suicide
2
Respectfully submitted
MARGUERITE C. HOULE, R. N. Agent-Board of Health
54
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH NURSE
To the Honorable Board of Health
Dear Sirs :
I hereby submit my report as Board of Health Nurse for the year ending December 31, 1941.
Tuberculosis Clinic
On the third Wednesday of every month, specialists from the Rutland State Sanatorium, conduct a chest clin- ic in the Board of Health rooms, in the Town Hall. Pa- tients are referred by written request from physicians, boards of health, welfare departments, and supervisors of child guardianship. Each person is examined and X- rayed, the findings and recommendations sent to their own physician. The x-ray is the most valuable aid in pul- monary tuberculosis, because it often shows disease long before it has developed far enough to be detected in any other way. Physical examination is most likely to be use- ful if the disease is advanced, or in nonpulmonary forms. The x-sanatoria patients find the clinic convenient, in following their routine check-up, also for the contacts in the household. One hundred and eighty-three patients were examined, representing fourteen towns, and twenty- three physicians.
Diphtheria Immunization Clinic
Diphtheria is best prevented through immunization of all children early in life, from six months to six years is the ideal time. Our annual clinics are always schedul- ed, soon after school begins in September. Three injec- tions of toxoid, three weeks apart is given and six months later the Schick Test will show the number immuned. Thirty-nine pre-school and one hundred and nine school children received the complete series of inoculations.
Pre-School Clinic
Preceding the pre-school clinics, the school depart-
55
ment and the Board of Health decided to have a regis- tration day. This gave the parents an opportunity to have their children's medical history recorded, and to discuss any social or behavior problem that might handicap them in their school work. Also ascertain their correct weight, and to receive recommendations concerning same. A hun- dred and eight were registered.
The preparation of children for entrance to school in the Fall is considered part of the school health pro- gram. The first aim of the clinic, to make it possible for every child to enter school free from remedial defects. The school physician and dentists examined one hundred and five children, and recommended to parents correc- tions and protection against small-pox and diphtheria.
Dental Clinic
During the first few years of school, care of the teeth is still largely a matter of forming the habit of regular cleaning and the clinic work stimulates this habit. Clean teeth are desirable, even though cleanliness does not prevent decay. Children in the first four grades at- tend this clinic, with a written permit from their parents. After all necessary work is completed they are given a dental certificate. The dental clinic was opened every Monday and Tuesday morning from nine to eleven forty- five, beginning October first to June first.
Number of children who reported to clinic 548
Number of extractions 60
Number of fillings 276
Number of cleanings 394
Number of children who received certificates 175
Four boys, all contacts to tuberculosis spent eight weeks in the Sterling Health Camp this summer. During that time they live according to a careful planned sched- ule, so that they may have eleven hours of unbroken rest. Each gained weight. The camp is maintained by the sale of Christmas seals, funds from this source are also used to supply an assistant nurse for the tuberculos- is consultation clinic.
56
Seven hundred and nineteen parochial school chil- dren were examined by the medical inspector, assisted by the nurse. The findings were recorded on the physical record card compiled by the State Department of Educa- tion and Health. Each defect found is rated according to the required standards, and recorded in the following code-O-Normal-1-Slight-2-Moderate-3-Marked. A de- fect recorded as 2 is always reported to the parents, re- questing them to consult their family physician. The per- sonal history is also checked to ascertain as far as pos- sible dates when childhood diseases occurred. This year the Board of Health purchased an audiometer to assist us in our hearing test. The 4C audiometer test is a de- tection process, it screens out those whose hearing is open to suspicion, by accurately recording the amount of hearing loss. It provides a much needed standard, in view of the fact that partial deafness may be the cause of retardation.
In the middle of October several cases of Scarlet Fever were reported among the parochial school children. Upon investigation the source of infection was attributed to children who had been ill without medical attendance. Each known contact was examined daily for a week, by the school doctor, assisted by the nurse. Home visits were also made to all absentees and suspicious cases dis- missed by the school authorities. Reported cases were placarded and families given instructions as to necessary precautions.
At this time I wish to thank all organizations and individuals who have co-operated and assisted in any way.
Respectfully submitted,
MARGUERITE C. HOULE, R. N.
57
REPORT OF THE PLUMBING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Health.
Gentlemen:
Sanitary plumbing construction got off to a late start this year, especially in new buildings. On the other hand, alterations, repairs and additions to old buildings were in excess of the previous year, although the total number of fixtures and appliances installed was consid- erably less.
On July 24th,, the state legislature approved an act whereby the marking, construction and installation of Hot Water Tanks are required to be uniform throughout the state. This comprises Hot Water Tanks, Hot Water Heaters of all kinds, and certain types of relief valves to protect these tanks and prevent explosions, damages to property and loss of life. This law is enforced by plumb- ing inspectors, or other authorities where there are no inspectors, and is compulsory all over the state, regard- less of whether or not there are any plumbing regula- tions in the community.
During the year, the following fixtures and applian- ces were installed, and work accomplished :
New
Used
Water Closets
276
15
Lavatories
260
13
Bath Tubs
181
2
Kitchen Sinks
197
13
Laundry Trays
40
Sink & Tray Combinations
74
Automatic Gas Water Heaters
5
Hot Water Tanks
161
11
Gas Water Heaters
76
1
Oil Water Heaters
21
Coal Water Heaters
8
Indirect Water Heaters
11
Tankless Water Heaters
60
Hot Water Coils
42
Urinals
6
58
Slop Sinks
1
Shower Stalls
17
Water Coolers & Drinking Fountains 5
Water Pumps
2
Beer Dispensers
2
Washing Machines
19
Garage Traps
3
Floor Drains
13
Soda Fountains
1
Water Piping Jobs
33
Dish Washing Sinks
1
House Drains & Sewer Conn.
12
Ice Machine
1
Refrigerating Units
4
Septic Tanks
11
Sewage Pumps
1
Grease Traps
1
Total number of new fixtures and appliances . 1500 Total number of used fixtures 55
Number of Permits granted 539
Number of Inspections made 846
Number of Water Tests 108
Unfinished Jobs
43
Several defects in plumbing and house drainage were corrected by the owners of buildings during the year. All the work was carried on through the Master Plumbers, the house owners and my department on a most amicable basis.
I wish to express my appreciation of the good-will and spirit of co-operation of the members of the Board of Health, all the plumbers of this town, and the building and house owners. Their sense of obligation and responsibility to the community enabled me to accom- plish my work without any friction.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH A. CHAGNON
Inspector of Plumbing
59
REPORT OF MILK INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Health.
Gentlemen :
Last January, acting under your recommendation, I attended classes at Massachusetts State College, in Am- herst, and completed short courses in Dairy Bacteriology and Milk and Cream Testing and Analyzing. While the time spent in classes was short, the fundamental sub- jects taken were many, all under several able professors, with the result that, with further study from the tech- nical publications recommended, and after acquiring some practical experience in actual work, we are able to ac- complish creditable tests and analyses.
The first official tests were made on March 19th., after installing the various apparatus we had purchased during the winter. We have continued this work during the year with gratifying results from all sanitary and health aspects. With the instruments available, we made the following tests :
Samples collected 528
Butter Fats, (Babcock)
210 Tests
Total Solids, (Quevenne Lactometer) 197 Tests
189 Tests Acidity
Sediment, (At Milk Plants) 114 Tests
Microscopical Examinations, (Breed Smear)
440
Phossphatase, (Pasteurization) 32 Tests
Individual Cows Tested for Fats & Solids .. 26
Individual Quarters Examined for Mastitis . 72
Number of Cows Infected with Mastitis Eliminated 11
Total Tests 768. Total Analyses 512.
In addition, with the assistance of the Worcester County Sanitary Officer, we collected thirty-five (35) samples, from which Standard Plate Counts were made at the state laboratory in Greenfield.
60
With the splendid co-operation of the milk producers and dealers selling milk and cream in our Town, we have been able to lower the general average bacterial content of these products by about fifty per-cent (50%) since last March, with a correspondent improvement in all other phases of production and distribution.
We have also succeeded in our campaign to have all dealers paint their vehicles with their names, place of business and license number, as required by law. Our aiming point this year is to have them all mark their bottles, or the bottle caps, as is also required by law.
In 1942, in addition to the tests made above, we will be enabled to make Standard Plate Counts, keeping qual- ity tests, and tests for the detection of B. Coli and hem- olytic bacteria.
There is now sold in Southbridge a daily average of 4580 quarts of pasteurized milk, and 145 quarts of pas- teurized cream; also, 4125 quarts of raw milk and 20 quarts of raw cream, a grand total of over 8705 quarts of Milk and 165 quarts of Cream.
We made 118 inspections at 69 Dairy Farms having 1173 heads of cattle. These dairy farms we inspect do not include the farms furnishing milk and cream to milk dealers who sell their milk in Southbridge but who have their plants in other cities or towns. These farms are in- spected by their local community inspectors, and the number of cattle in their herds are almost one and one- half times larger than ours.
So with farmers residing within Southbridge pro- ducing less than twenty-five per cent (25%) of the milk and cream consumed daily in this town, we are being supplied with all or part of the milk produced by a herd of more than 3,000 cows. This should be an excellent op- portunity for local producers to increase their herds and so their milk and cream production.
At present prices, it can easily be seen that the sale of milk and cream in Southbridge alone is well above
61
$500,000 yearly, which is divided more or less equally be- tween the following establishments:
LICENSES GRANTED
Pasteurizing Plants 3
Ice Cream Manufacturers 2
Stores, Hotels, Restaurants 73
Dealers, (Vehicles) 39
Oleomargarine 19
I also take this opportunity to thank you, Gentlemen of the Board of Health, for your wise counsel and splend- id co-operation in my work, and all the milk producers, dealers, plant operators and storekeepers who have any- thing to do with producing, buying or selling milk or its products. It is not my wish to make a prosecutingagency of my job, but to do all in my power to help supply a good quality of clean, safe milk to all consumers from a health and sanitary view-point.
The state inspectors also collect samples periodically and make fats and solids tests and standard plate counts with immediate prosecution facing those who do not, for any reason, comply with the requirements.
On the other hand, we must admit it is quite a task to start from rock-bottom in all this work, but the ex- pressed enthusiasm and satisfaction of all the producers and consumers, especially the farmers, their willingness to comply with these requirements, and above all, the re- sulting better quality of the products sold, should con- vince us that we are on the right road to ultimate success and more than justifies the time and expense involved.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH A. CHAGNON
Milk Inspector
62
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
The Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen:
In submitting my report for the year 1941, as In- spector of Animals, I would like to suggest that all dogs within the town be inoculated against rabies during the month of March, 1942, as was done in 1940.
This is a most excellent precautionary and protec- tive measure, of immense benefit to all the citizens, as well as the animals themselves, especially in this emer- gency due to the war. Later on, there may be a large number of dogs running around loose, without anyone to care for them. It would be regrettable if, having the means at hand to protect the people against rabies, we neglected to do so.
During the year 1941, I have accomplished the fol- lowing :
Barn Inspections 118
Barns Disinfected 2
Heads of cattle ordered disposed of for (Mastitis) 11
Heads of cattle inspected from other cities for T.
B. Ear Tags, and Bang's Disease 26
Dairy cattle quarantined for Bang's, T. B., & Mastitis
37
Dog Bites investigated
25
Dogs quarantined for 14 days
22
Dog Heads shipped to Wasserman Laboratory for examination for Rabies 2
Total Cattle Inspected 664
Total Sheep Inspected 18
Total Swine Inspected 60
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH A. CHAGNON
Inspector of Animals
63
FOOD INSPECTOR'S REPORT
To the Honorable Board of Health.
Gentlemen:
This year has seen an unprecedented activity in im- provements of stores and restaurants in our Town. We now have several self-service markets, two of which oc- cupy large, new buildings, and also a considerable number of other establishments have had extensive alterations which make them most modern in conveniences and services afforded to their customers.
During the course of the year, I have visited all such places of business and made the following number of inspections :
79 Inspections of Groceries and Markets,
42 Inspections of Restaurants and Lunch Rooms,
13 Inspections of Soda Fountains,
34 Inspections of Hotels and Cafes,
49 Inspections of Dairies and Milk Plants,
6 Inspections of Ice Cream Manufactories,
10 Inspections of Bakeries,
2 Inspections of Bottling Works.
Total Number of Inspections: 235.
I wish to thank the proprietors of all food and drink dispensories for their willing co-operation in keeping their places of business and surrounding grounds and areas neat and sanitary in every way. The citizens of Southbridge can point with pride at the well-kept and prosperous appearance of all our food and drink estab- lishments.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH A. CHAGNON
Food Inspector
64
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
To the Board of Health
Southbridge, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report as Inspector of Slaughter- ing for the year ending December 31, 1941.
Number of carcasses of beef inspected 15
Number of carcasses of veal inspected. 201
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