USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1942-1946 > Part 11
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44
22.35
100.00
13,220.99 14,350.00
1,000.00-A 15,350.00
-18-
Special Appropriation building repairs and improvements
36.67
6,636.44
2,905.20
2,000.00
905.20
13,220.99
A. Special appropriation $5,000.00 re-
quested by Trustees in 1941 to be appro- priated by Town overa period of five years at the rate of $1,000.00 each year, is re- ferred to Finance Committee for decision
as to year 1944. In view of existing con- ditions, this appropriation was not granted for 1942 or 1943. Trustees call attention to importance of this special appropriation being made available as soon as conditions warrant.
Involves Lighting Heating & Renovation.
SUMMARY
1943 Budget
1943 Appropriation
1943 Expenditures
1944 Budget
Amount
%
Amount
%
Amount
% Amount
Town-Normal Basis 10,050.00
66.78 10,050.00
71.53 10,054.80
76.05 10,350.00 67.43 -
Town-Special Fund
1,000.00
6.64
-
1
573.39
4.33
71.72 11,350.00
Trustee Funds
4,000.00
26.58
4,000.00
28.47
3,731.24
28.22
4,000.00 26.06
Mynott Funds
8.34
.06
15,050.00 100.00 14,050.00 100.00 13,220.99 100.00 15,350.00 100.00
If the amount collected by Library and turned in to Town Treasurer ($963.07) is taken into consideration, the net cost to taxpayers for 1943. ($8,518.34) is 64.43% of the cost for year.
Attention is called to the estimated contribution for 1944 of $4,000.00 from trust funds. On this basis the town cost will be only 73.94% of total budget including the special appropriation of $1,000.00 if granted, and 67.43% if that special appropriation is not granted.
APPROVED BY TRUSTEES THE JACOB EDWARDS MEMORIAL LIBRARY
J. K. EDWARDS
N. W. PIOPPI
O. J. LALIBERTE
G. B. WELLS
GERTRUDE W. SMITH
ARTHUR KAY
W. W. CRAWFORD
1,000.00
6.51
Town Cr. to E&D a/c
11,050.00
9,481.41
-19-
REPORT OF TAX COLLECTOR
To The Citizens of Southbridge Massachusetts:
I wish to submit the following report as Collector of Taxes for the year 1943:
Taxes :
Levy of 1941:
Outstanding January 1, 1943
$1,113.40
Payments to Treasurer
$547.14
Tax Title
2.26
Abated
564.00
$1,113.40
Taxes :
Levy of 1942
Outstanding January 1, 1943
$51,953.86
Payment after abatement
86.78
$52,040.64
Payments to Treasurer
$50,987.90
Tax Title
40.56
Abated
315.52
Outstanding December 31, 1943
696.66
$52,040.64 6
Taxes :
Levy of 1943
Commitments per warrants
521,212.79
Payments to Treasurer
$483,148.87
Abated
3,927.89
Tax Title
502.10
Outstanding December 31, 1943
33,748. 42
To be abated
$ 8.00
Refunded by Treasurer
106.49
$521,212. 79
Excise Taxes:
Levy of 1942
Outstanding January 1, 1943
$170.40
Commitment per warrant
10.00
Payments to Treasurer
$176.40
Abated
10.92
Refunded
$6.92
$180.40
Excise Taxes :
Levy of 1943
Commitments per warrants
$20,227.85
Payments to Treasurer
$19,772.49
Abated
448.69
Outstanding January 1, 1944
135.41
Refunded by Treasurer
128.74
$20,227.85
Sewer Assessment:
Levy of 1941
Outstanding January 1, 1943
$88.02
Payments to Treasurer
$19.68
Tax Title
68.34
88.02
-20-
$20,356.59
$180.40
$187.32
$521,327.28
Sewer Assessment Interest:
Levy of 1941:
Outstanding January 1, 1943
Overpayment to Treasurer
$8.36 .60
Payment to Treasurer
$3.82
Tax Title
3.94
$7.76
Sewer Assessment:
Levy of 1942:
Outstanding January 1, 1943
$736.42
Payments to Treasurer Abated
168.04
$736.42
Sewer Assessment Interest:
Levy of 1942
Outstanding January 1, 1943
$80.80
Payments to Treasurer Abated
9.54
$80.80
Sidewalk Assessment:
Levy of 1942:
$52.38
Outstanding January 1, 1943
Payments to Treasurer
$52.38
Sidewalk Assessment Interest:
Levy of 1942:
Outstanding January 1, 1943
$12.08
Payments to Treasurer
$12.08
Sewer Assessment:
Levy of 1943:
Commitments per warrants
$509.69
Payments to Treasurer
$437.50
Outstanding. December 31, 1943
161.29
$598.79
Advance payments
$89.10
$509.69
Sewer Assessments Interests:
Levy of 1943:
Commitments per warrants
$58.35
Payments to Treasurer
$44.64
Outstanding December 31, 1943
13.71
$58.35
Sidewalk Assessments:
Levy of 1943:
Commitments per warrants
$125.37
Advance payments
39.86
Payments to Treasurer
$157.65
Outstanding December 31, 1943
7.58
$165.23
Sidewalk Assessment Interest:
Levy of 1943:
Commitments per warrants
$19.67
Payments to Treasurer
$18.31
Outstanding December 31, 1943
1.36
$19.67
Special Sidewalk Assessments:
Levy of 1942:
Outstanding January 1, 1943
$30.29
To be added to 1944 Taxes
$30.29
-21-
$7.76
$568.38
$71.26
$165.23
Interest and costs on Taxes and assessments: Levy of 1941: Levy of 1942: Levy of 1943:
$57.41 1430.72 212.77
$1700.90
Grand Total collected during year of 1943
$558,313.69
I wish to thank the citizens of Southbridge and the various Town Officials for their kind cooperation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
MEDERIC DUHAMEL
Tax Collector
-22-
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
In accordance with the law and custom, I submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1943. Giving values of properties under my supervision, number of fires we responded to, value of properties where loss occured, also recommendations I deem necessary for the ensuing year.
I recommend for 1944 an appropriation of $47,409.96.
We responded to 392 Still Alarms and 23 Bell Alarms Total 415 Alarms .
The detailed report follows:
Value of Buildings where fires occured. $ 950,000.00
Loss on Buildings
16,095.14
Insurance on Buildings. 3,053,414.00
Insurance Paid on Buildings 14,964.94
Value of Contents 3,243,300.00
Loss on Contents. 15,233.30 Insurance on Contents 3,148,500.00
Insurance Paid on Contents
8,760.56
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
PERMITS
There were 6,477 permits issued for Transporting Gasoline, High Explosives, Range Oil Burners, Power Burners, Open Air Permits, and Removal of Empty Gasoline Tanks.
INSPECTIONS
There were 1,564 inspections made of Stores, Hotels & Boarding Houses , Tenement Houses, Range Oil Burners, Power Burners, and Clubs & Cafes.
In closing my report for the year, I wish to thank the citizens for their cooperation, and the members of the department for their loyalty to their work.
In conclusion the Chief, Oswald Meunier, on behalf of the members of the Fire Department wishes to thank the Board of Select- men and the other Town Officials for their courtesy and considera- tion of the department.
OSWALD J. MEUNIER
Chief of the Fire Department
For the Fire Department Bernard D. Sherry (Clerk)
REPORT OF THE FOREST FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Forest Fire Department answered 32 alarms for forest fires in 1943.
There were 193 permits for fires in the open.
-23-
I wishat this time to thank the people for their good will and again ask their cooperation with this department to prevent forest fires in this vicinity.
OSWALD MEUNIER
Forest Fire Warden
REPORT OF THE AMBULANCE DEPARTMENT
In 1943 the Ambulance Department has collected $493.00.
During the past year the Ambulance made 176 trips in the Town of Southbridge, and 94 trips out of town.
I wish at this time to thank Mrs. Gertrude Smith, and Red Cross Ambulance Corps, for their splendid cooperation, when our Ambulance was out of town, or being repaired.
OSVALD MEUNIER
Chief of Fire Department
REPORT OF THE AUXILIARY FIRE DEPARTMENT
I wish at this time to thank each and every member of the Auxiliary Fire Department, for their fine cooperation shown last year
The Auxiliary Fire Department consists of 57 members, making up 3 companies. Each company is assigned to a separate district, one in the Flat Section, one in the Globe Section, and one in the Down-Town Section. Each company also has its own Trailer Pump and equipment available at each district.
OSWALD MEUNIER
Chief of Fire Department
-24-
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of Southbridge:
Following the elections in the Spring, the Board of Health met and organized as follows: Dr. Hervey L. Desmarais, Chairman, Dr. William E. Langevin, Clerk, and Dr. Ralph R. Racicot as the other member.
Ten regular and two special meetings were held in the course of the year. Early in January the Board decided to call a special meeting, in order to have ample time to discuss, and revise the garbage contract before the present one expired April 1st. It was voted to advertise for bids, and after due consideration, a con- tract for three years was awarded to Peter Krasowsky. For the past two years, this item has been the greatest source of expense for our department. Approximately one-fourth of our budget was used for garbage collection. However, due to the continued shortage of labor and increase in the cost of living, it has been impossible to alter the present situation. We endeavor to have the collector follow a regular schedule without interruption of the convenience of householders, also to insure more hygienic and efficient service for the community.
After serving six months as a member of the Board of Health, Dr. Ralph R. Racicot requested a leave of absence in order to re- port for military service for the duration. The Board and all the members of the health personnel extend their best wishes and an- ticipate his return to continue his term of office in the depart- ment. The Board of Health presented to the Board of Selectmen the name of a candidate for their consideration, to replace Dr. Ralph R. Racicot. Said candidate was approved, appointed and sworn into office by the Town Clerk. We are pleased to welcome Mr. Ernest Tetreault as a new member of the Board of Health.
Considerable time was spent assisting applicants to secure slaughtering licenses to conform with State and Federal laws. The rationing of meat has created new rules and regulations, causing no end of confusion to the honest, well-meaning dealers. With as- sistance from the local rationing board, and the district office in Worcester, each one finally received his quota.
More permits than usual, have been issued this year to keep poultry and rabbits. Many householders decided it would be neces- sary in order to avoid food shortage. Considering that fact, the Board of Health have been more lenient in granting said permits, with the understanding, however, that coops and yards must be re- moved if they cause any nuisance to neighbors.
As part of the annual clean-up campaign, the Board of Health published an article in the local newspaper, giving the citizens of the community explicit instructions and advice on the disposal of all kinds of rubbish. Nevertheless, various complaints were re- ceived for the Board to adjust that would have been eliminated, if said instructions had been heeded. Considerable time was spent in- vestigating nuisances, and writing notices where conditions were urgent . A little more cooperation between tenants and landlords would abate the majority of nuisances without reporting same
to Board of Health.
Three cases of Infantile Paralysis, the first since 1934 were reported in September, one pre-school and two high school children. All known measures of control were immediately set in motion. In-
-25-
struction on symptoms and precautions to High School pupils, also an article by the Board of Health physician, outlining the char- acteristics of the disease was published in the local newspaper. Then too, a meeting of the medical staff of the Harrington Hospital was called to discuss ways and means of handling any possible epi- demic. Fortunately no other case developed.
We have maintained all our clinics for the detection and im- munization of communicable disease, also hospitalization of tuber- cular patients. One hundred and thirty-eight communicable diseases were reported. Considering the size of the community, we feel we have had an exceptionally healthy year. This due to no small de- gree to the preventive program of the Health Department.
In conclusion the members of the Board of Health wish to ex- press their appreciation to all who have cooperated with our ap- pointed officers, in the promotion of community health.
Respectfully submitted,
HERVEY L. DESMARAIS, D.D.S., Chairman WILLIAM E. LANGEVIN, M.D., Clerk ERNEST TETREAULT
-26-
REPORT OF INSPECTORS OF SLAUGHTERING
To the Honorable Board of Health.
Gentlemen:
We hereby submit our respective reports as inspectors of slaughtering as follows;
From Jan. 1- Nov. 27, 1943:
Carcasses of Beef 238
Carcasses of Veal 171
Carcasses of Hogs
140
Carcasses of Sheep
14
Total number of carcasses 563
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY S. AUCOIN
Inspector of Slaughtering
From Nov. 29-Dec. 31, 1943:
Carcasses of Beef 20 258
Carcasses of Veal 23 194
Carcasses of Hogs 115 255
Carcasses of Sheep 1 15
Total number of carcasses .159 Jointly 722
Nov.29-1943. Condemned 1 Beef Liver. (Tuberculous, granular stage). Dec.22-1943. Condemned 1 Beef Liver. (Tuberculous, Tumerous stage).
Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH A. CHAGNON
Inspector of Slaughtering
-27-
REPORT OF FOOD INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Health.
Gentlemen:
This year, as usual, we carried on the customary routine in- spections of bakeries, groceries and markets, as well as all eating and drinking establishments. The conditions were as good, and not worse than those found in other communities, when we pause to realize that up to the present time, there is yet no accepted uni- versal code of requirements and procedures in this state.
The federal and state governments have for some time contem- plated the formulation of codes for the regulation of eating and drinking establishments, and to that effect, in November, the sanitary and food inspectors from Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts were invited to attend a course of special instruc- tions in Boston, with your Inspector attending all sessions.
This course was very concise and embraced all phases of these two businesses, with special lectures and demonstrations to be given the food and drink handlers and the general public sometime during the year 1944. Our department has already made arrangements with the proper authorities for such a series of instructions in our Town, and it is our hope that every one interested will derive much benefit therefrom.
During the year 1943, we visited the following places of business:
Groceries and Markets . Restaurants and Lunch Rooms
96 Inspections
47 Inspections
17 Inspections
Dairies and Milk Plants ยท
94 Inspections
Ice Cream Plants.
6
Bakeries
15 Inspections
Soft Drink Bottling Works
2 Inspections
Total number of inspections 363
Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH A. CHAGNON Food Inspector
-28-
Soda Fountains, Lunch Bars .. . Hotels, Cafes and Bars (Liquor)
86 Inspections
REPORT OF MILK INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Health.
Gentlemen:
Nearly all the dairy farmers increased their herds this year, by importing 97 dairy cattle from other states, aside from the animals which were purchased from other dairymen or cattle dealers within the state. Although all dairymen could sell more milk and cream if they had it, the available supply has not decreased so much as to cause privation or hardship to any extent.
The grain and feed situation continues to be somewhat of a problem, however, both as to quality and quantity, and this factor contributes more than usual to the seasonal reduced production of each animal to such an extent that, approximately the same amount of milk is marketed from a herd that has been increased 15 to 20% in the number of heads.
We carried on the usual routine tests and analyses of milk during the year and acquired some additional equipment for
our laboratory, such as a bacteriological incubator, a colony counter, a steam pressure sterilizer, together with the necessary glassware and various media and chemicals essential to the use of this equipment.
No cows reacted to the tuberculin test within our town this year, and very few from out of town herds producing milk or cream sold in this area. We receive milk and cream from 98 registered dairy farms of which number only 18 are within the town limits. More dairy farmers have inoculated their cows against Bang's disease and our laboratory is now equipped to make analyses ofmilk from cows suspected of harboring this disease.
We also have perfected a method of periodical tests and plans for the segregation or disposal of cattle infected with Mastitis, similar methods having proved to be most effective in other communi- ties for a number of years. If this method, together with accompany- ing instructions are closely followed by the dairy farmers, it will enable them to build up their herds free from Bang's disease and Mastitis, both of which are preventable.
During the year, we have conducted the following tests and analyses on samples taken at the milk plants, dairy farms and from the vehicles of the dealers.
Butter-Fats Tests, (Composite samples). 317
Butter-Fats Tests (Individual Cows). 112
Solids and Acidity Tests. 0 410
Phosphatase Tests, (Pasteurization) 64
Keeping Quality Tests. 370
Analyses for Mastitis (Composite samples) .. Analyses for Mastitis (Individual Cows). 137
212
Microscopic Bacteria Counts & Examinations ... 629
Standard Plate Counts, (Colonies). 166
Number of Samples Collected. 681
Number of Samples of Goats Milk. 2
-29-
Number of Cows disposed of for Mastitis. 14
Number of Cows disposed of for Bang's disease 2
Visits to Dairy Farms and Milk Plants 94
Total Tests 1273. Total Analyses ... 1144.
According to information requested by the U. S. Department of Agriculture and mailed to Washington on April 14, 1943, we estimated the amount of milk and cream sold daily in Southbridge as follows:
Milk .10,150 qts. (daily, and aver. 4% B.F.)
Cream 185 qts. (daily, 18-19% B.F. )
Population served. . ... 21,000, including transients.
Approximately 75% of this milk and cream is pasteurized, compared to the state average of 88%.
The following milk or milk product licenses were issued during the year.
Pasteurizing Plants. 4
Ice Cream Plants. 2
Stores, Hotels, Restaurants 73
Dealers, (Vehicles). 31
Oleomargerine
17
Again this year, several producers and dealers went out of business, but the sale of oleomargerine has increased correspond- ingly with the scarcity of butter. Farm help also continues to be scarce and expensive, but as a whole, the supply and quality of milk in this territory compares very favorably with other areas in this state, and improvements in plants and methods of production are requested or encouraged as quickly as the times we live in permit.
We wish to extend our sincere appreciation to all producers and dealers for their fine cooperation in these trying times, and the public is cordially invited to visit our milk laboratory in Town Hall at any time.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH A. CHAGNON
Milk Inspector
-30-
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, 1943.
Following our usual program, schedules for clinics are mailed to all doctors, health departments and public health nurses served in this area. Clinics are held in the Board of Health rooms, and patients reporting with a request from their family physician are x-rayed and examined. Two lung specialists and an x-ray technician from Rutland State Sanatorium, are on duty each month. One hundred and eight patients were examined, representing nine towns and twenty-one physicians. Since the x-ray case finding program is now unanimously considered the most accurate method for the diagnosis of early tuberculosis, the facilities of this clinic are available for routine x-ray examination, to help prevent wartime spread of tuberculosis. Cases of tuberculosis discovered among rejected re- cruits, are reported by the Selective Service to the Board of Health for clinical study, care and treatment.
DIPHTHERIA IMMUNIZATION CLINIC
of toxoid. We endeavor Each child reporting to the clinic received three injections to concentrate on the most susceptible group six months to six years. Since our first clinics in 1929, we have had Schick Test clinics six months later for all who re- ceived the complete series of injections. The result of this test gave us the exact number of children immunized. However, this year we omitted the Schick Test, as it is little used on community basis, and the responsibility for having a child Schick Tested is in the hands of the family. The American Public Health Association recommends that all children who have been injected early in life receive a booster dose of diphtheria toxoid, just prior to entering school. One hundred and thirteen children were injected, thirty- three of this number were pre-school.
DENTAL CLINIC
Even though the dental clinic is opened every Monday and Tuesday morning for eight months during the year, we find it im- possible to care for all the children in the selected grades. Since the alloted time for each pupil is limited, it's necessary to have them return several times in order to complete the work. The pro- gram is planned to teach the children the value of oral hygiene, its relation to good health, also to clean and repair caries teeth. Certificates are awarded to those who have necessary work completed.
Number of children who reported to clinic 538
Number of extractions 40
Number of cleanings. 425
Number of fillings 251
Number of children who received certificates. 138
PRE-SCHOOL CLINIC
Pre-school and registration clinics assisted the parents to prepare their children to enter school physically and mentally fit.
-31-
It's essential to have them free from remediable defects, before they come in contact with groups of children. Each child was ex- amined by the school physician and Board of Health dentists, the physical findings, medical history, as well as the weight and height was recorded on the health card. Parents were advised to have their children protected against small-pox and diphtheria. One hundred and forty-one children attended these clinics.
Pupils in the elementary grades were examined by the school physician, assisted by the nurse. At this time the doctor has an opportunity to discuss with the pupil, his posture, and health habits. Parents are notified of defects and advised to have same corrected as soon as possible. A steady sain in height and weight indicates normal growth. Seven hundred and twenty-eight children were examined. A hearing test was conducted in St. Mary' school, with the 4C audiometer, for all pupils, beginning with the third grade. Since the success of these tests depends a great deal on the silence of the immediate environment, it is necessary to do this work in a separate room. Groups of twenty were tested at the same time. Children who failed to record numbers below a certain level, had to take a second test, in order to screen out the hard of hearing.
Communicable disease control in schools is part of the teachers' daily routine. She must be on the alert all day for objective symptoms. A brief examination each morning as the child enters school, would assist the physician and nurse, to prevent the spread of disease. The total number of Scarlet Fever reported was less than last year. A considerable number of adults contracted the disease, in fact nearly fifty percent of all cases were over seven- teen years of age. This was probably due to the great number of persons employed out of town, in areas where scarlet fever was pre- valent, also to the lowered resistance of war workers.
Five girls had the privilege of spending eight weeks at the Sterling Health Camp, maintained by the sale of Christmas Seals. Funds from the same source also provided the services of a nurse for the Tuberculosis Consultation Clinics. The health camp pro- gram is under supervision of trained workers, and consists of various handcrafts, swimming, dramatics, games and hikes. Each child gains weight from the extra mid-day rest period, proper food and regular health habits. All the candidates for this vacation were contacts cases of tuberculosis.
At this time I wishto thank the local Branch of the Red Cross, for services rendered in clinics by members of the Nurses Aide Corps, and the Motor Corps for transporting patients to hospitals. Also any other organizations or individuals who assisted in any way.
Respectfully submitted,
MARGUERITE C. HOULE, R. N.
-32-
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.
Infantile Paralysis. 3 Chicken Pox. 31
Dog Bite
21 German Measles 6
Meningitis meningoccus 7 Lobar Pneumonia 5
Measles 14 Scarlet Fever 35
Pulmonary Tuberculosis. 6 Other Forms Tuberculosis. 2
Whooping cough.
6 Undulant Fever ... 2
Total . 138
List of deaths in Town for which this office has issued permits for burial.
DISEASES OF THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
Angina Pectoris 1
Chronic Myocarditis ..... 6
Acute Malignant Encocarditis.
1 Generalized Arteriosclerosis 1
Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease 8 Myocardial Failure ... 6
Cardiac Failure. 1 Myocardial Decompensation. 1
Cardio vascular renal disease. 1 Myocarditis 1
Coronary Disease 4 Rheumatic Heart Disease 1
Coronary Occlusion 5 Ruptured myocardium. 1
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.