USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1934 > Part 14
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Mr. Neil S. Peters, local E. R. A. Administrator, and his assistants are to be commended in the functioning of the E. R. A. in Arlington, it being a great benefit to the Town, both as to the improvement in the morale of its beneficiaries, and in the financial returns to the business interests. Its continuance would be most valuable and effective in maintaining these very desirable conditions.
On petition filed with the Board a Referendum was held on Monday, April 23, to determine by ballot ques- tions involved in certain votes passed at Town Meeting, said votes being substantially as follows:
275
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1. Shall the Town accept Section 48 of Chapter 31 of the General Laws and any amendments thereto and there- by bring the members of the Fire Department under Civil Service.
2. Shall the Town accept Sections 21 to 25, inclu- sive, of Chapter 136 of the General Laws making it lawful to take part in or witness any athletic outdoor sport or game, except horse racing, automobile racing, boxing or hunting with firearms on the Lord's Day between 2 and 6 P. M., and providing that such sports or games shall take place on such playground, parks, or other places as may be designated in a license issued by certain local licensing authorities ; that no sport or game shall be per- mitted in a place other than a public playground or park, within one thousand feet of any regular place of worship; that the charging of admission fees or the taking of col- lections or the receiving of remuneration by any person in charge of or participating in any such sport or game shall not be prohibited; and that the license may be re- voked.
3. Shall the Town accept Section 47 of Chapter 31 of the General Laws and thereby place all Town Employees not already so classified under the Civil Service.
The voters by ballot voted in the affirmative on all three (3) questions. The Board appointed Mr. Clarence Need- ham, Town Accountant, as Personnel Agent in connection with Civil Service and Miss M. Agnes Parris as Civil Service Registration Clerk. Mr. John E. Donovan was appointed on September 24 as Civil Service Registration Clerk to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Miss Parris.
Upon the death of Commander Alfred H. Knowles, of Post 36, G. A. R., in December of 1933, the Town, under the provisions of the deed of gift, became the owner of the G. A. R. building and land.
276
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
The Board being authorized and empowered on behalf of the Town to sell at public auction or private sale its right, title and interest in said property, advertised for sealed bids to be opened on Monday, August 20. The only bid received was that of the Trustees of the Building Fund of Arlington Post 39, American Legion, in the amount of $4,000. The bid was accepted and the property accordingly conveyed by deed.
On November 6, in conjunction with the State Election an opportunity was provided the voters to express their informal opinion regarding Sunday motion pictures in Arlington. The majority of voters by informal ballots voted that Sunday motion pictures be not allowed in Ar- lington.
MENOTOMY HALL
This building is used principally for the clerical staff and others employed under the E. R. A.
The following organizations also use this building :
Girl Scouts
Corporal William Power Kenibbs Camp No. 66
Corporal William Power Kenibbs Auxiliary Camp No. 67
Disabled American Veterans, Arlington Chapter 49
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Arlington Post 1775 American Legion Band, Arlington Post 39 Boy Scouts
The auditorium on the second floor is used in the execu- tion of women's E. R. A. projects. The two offices on the ground floor are both occupied at a satisfactory rental.
The members of the Board have been appreciative of the fact that their duty has been service to the citizens of the Town, whose confidence has been placed in them, and have endeavored at all times to promote the best interest and welfare of the Town by giving careful study and con- sideration to all matters that have come before them for action.
277
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
The Board wishes to express their appreciation for the co-operation extended from individuals, committees, boards and other organizations in assisting them in the performance of their official duties.
LEONARD COLLINS GEORGE H. LOWE, Jr. ERNEST W. DAVIS
Selectmen of the Town of Arlington.
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
January 1, 1935
Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Arlington, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report for the Welfare and Sol- diers' Relief departments for the year ending December 31, 1934.
The Arlington Board of Public Welfare is committed to a program of adequate relief for all indigent families and persons residing within the Town. Budgetary standards have been fixed following a survey of local conditions in conjunction with the State Department of Public Welfare. Aid rendered to each family has been based upon these accepted standards, and relief has been administered on an adequate basis to preserve the health and well-being of all families in need of relief.
Every known protective measure has been utilized to insure the Town against fraudulent abuse of Public Wel- fare privileges. Our department investigations have been followed by Police investigations of all cases throughout the year. Social Service Index reports have been procured in each case; bank accounts and employment records have been checked; real estate holdings investigated and rela- tives contacted in a constant effort to safeguard public funds and render aid only to those in need.
Proper legal action was taken by our Town Counsel against Cities and Towns in the Commonwealth in cases where this action became necessary in order to protect our claims for reimbursement for aid rendered families with settlements in other municipalities.
Due principally to the constant and conscientious supervision of our Town Physician, hospitalization and medical expense has been held to a minimum.
278
279
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
Our case load for all charities, 737 cases, shows an in- crease over the previous year, although expenditures were substantially less than in 1933. This is reconciled by the fact that in many cases earnings from Federal Emer- gency Relief Administration projects have been supple- mented by direct relief in families where these earnings were inadequate to provide for budgetary needs. During the year 259 persons were transferred from Public Wel- fare rolls to E.R.A. work.
The Town of Arlington has benefited materially and the morale and self respect of the unemployed has been main- tained under the Federal Emergency Relief program. Our relief expenditures have shown a definite trend upward since 1929. The year of 1934 has reflected the value of the E.R.A. contribution by the fact that our town expendi- tures for relief were considerably less than in the previ- ous year.
The following Federal Commodities were disbursed through this Department during the year, to Welfare fam- ilies and those employed on Emergency Relief Adminis- tration work.
5,105 pounds
Butter
410
Beans
18,510
Roast Beef (cans)
670
Cheese
14,602
66
Flour (241/2 lb. bags)
2,160
Hamburg (cans)
870
Lard
10,110
66
Smoked Pork
33,300
66
Potatoes
3,024
Rice
68 Barrels
Cabbage
660 Dozen
Eggs
350
Oranges
52 Barrels
Veal
936 Packages
Wheat Cereal
567 Tons
Coal
2,142 Units of
Finished Clothing
280
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Disbursement and records of inventory and receipts of these commodities were maintained under Federal regu- lations.
Able-bodied men, whose families have been aided by this Department, have been obliged to work in return for aid rendered. The Park Department has benefited in the amount of 2705 man days' labor by this procedure.
Welfare Aid was extended to 462 families, representing a total of 1811 persons, 300 of these cases had Arlington settlements ; 97 were State responsibilities and 65 were acknowledged settlements in other cities and towns in the Commonwealth.
Mothers' Aid was rendered to 16 families. There were 9 cases with Arlington settlements, 2 with State settle- ments and 5 with settlements in other cities and towns.
Old Age Assistance was granted to 87 aged citizens ; 33 new cases being added during the year and 11 discon- tinued. There were 56 cases with Arlington settlement ; 9 were State responsibilities and 22 with settlements in other municipalities.
Soldiers' Relief was extended to 136 Veterans and their families.
State and Military Aid was allowed to 16 disabled Vet- erans and their families.
Total Expenditures for Welfare Aid and Mothers' Aid $148,306.17
Less reimbursement from State, Municipalities
and Individuals 33,062.32
Net Expense $115,243.85
Total Expenditures for Old Age Assistance $22,101.88
Less reimbursements from State and Municipalities 7,302.74
Net Expense $14,799.14
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
Total Expenditures for Soldiers' Relief, State and Military Aid Less Reimbursements
$27,711.40
1,510.00
Net Expense
$26,201.40
This Department wishes to express its appreciation to Town Departments and Officials, Civic Agencies, Churches and Individuals for their co-operation during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
CLIFFORD W. COOK, Agent.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
Arlington, Mass., December 31, 1934.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Arlington, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Animals for the year ending December 31, 1934.
The following table will show the character and extent of the work of my department for the year, and a com- parison with 1933.
1934
1933
Number of premises inspected where cattle kept
8
9
Number of cattle examined
15
14
Number of sheep and goats
6
6
Number of dogs quarantined for biting people
120
100
Number of dogs quarantined for contact ....
2
None
Number of heads sent to laboratory
5
3
Number of heads declared "Positive"
3
3
Total number of Rabies cases (two from Boston Hospitals)
5
3
Number of persons bitten by Rabies cases
None
2
Total number of calls on dogs and cats
292
220
Total number of calls on all animals
300
229
Stray dogs destroyed after quarantine
4 None
We have been fortunate in not having many cases of Rabies in the Town this past year.
282
283
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
There has been an increase in the number of dog-bite cases, and I believe a rigid quarantine of all dog-bite cases for the full fourteen days is absolutely necessary.
I wish to thank the Board of Health and the Police De- partment for their hearty support at all times.
Respectfully submitted,
CHESTER L. BLAKELY, M.D.V. Inspector of Animals.
BOARD OF APPEAL
January 10, 1935.
To the Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen:
The Board of Appeal respectfully submits the sixth Annual Report :
During the year ending December 31, 1934, four (4) appeals were made to the Board from the decision of the Inspector of Buildings.
In three (3) of the above appeals the decision of the Inspector of Building's was reversed and in one (1) appeal his decision was upheld.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERICK F. LOW, ALTON F. TUPPER, THOMAS J. DONNELLY,
Board of Appeal.
284
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Arlington, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report of the inspection of buildings, plumbing and gas for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1934.
One hundred and eighty-three building permits have been issued, compiled as follows :
Dwellings, 1 family
39
$208,700
Garages
31
12,245
Garage, 30 car
1 9,000
Garage, room over
1 700
Alter 1 car garage into 2 car
2 550
Alter garage
3
205
Additions and Alterations
41
18,532
Alter 1 family dwelling into 2 family
2
123
Alter club house into 1 fam. dwelling
1
300
Relocate 2 family dwelling
1
300
Mercantile building
1 13,000
Office building
1 9,000
Church
1 12,000
Filling stations
2
19,500
Dining car
1 3,000
Coal pocket
1 800
Foundation for 2 family dwelling
1 600
Demolish buildings
10
411
Demolish dwellings
8
875
Sun parlor
4
1,700
Piazzas
10
1,715
285
286
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Piazza roofs
5
815
Repair fire damage
7
1,650
Refreshment stand
1
100
Vegetable stand
2
240
Dormers
3
385
Sheds
2
515
Chimney
1
25
183
$316,986
611 plumbing and 457 gas permits have been issued.
Fees collected for the year were as follows :
183 Building permits $473.00
611 Plumbing permits 785.75
457 Gas permits
228.50
1251
$1,487.25
The year 1934 has closed with the record of building permits maintaining the position it has in the past, with that of surrounding towns.
During the year four appeal cases were before the Board of Appeal for disposition, three of which were granted.
Violations continue but not to the extent that we have had serious difficulty, only two cases being prose- cuted in court and one tried before the State Examiners of Plumbers.
Respectfully submitted,
W. E. MASON, Inspector of Buildings.
FIRE AND POLICE SIGNAL SYSTEM
Arlington, Mass., January 1, 1935
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Arlington, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
New batteries were installed on the fire alarm system replacing the Gamewell type FIP, to the Gould type CGWS.
There were three open circuits on the fire alarm sys- tem during the year, two were caused by automobiles knocking over pedestals. The pedestal at Massachusetts Avenue near Bartlett Avenue was hit twice, and the Edison line falling onto the fire alarm wires on Lands- downe Road.
Fire box pedestal No. 13 at Massachusetts Avenue and Palmer Street was moved from North side of Palmer Street to the South side to permit a driveway to be in- stalled into a new filling station. Fire Box No. 822 at Appleton Street near Daniels Street was moved to the North side of Appleton Street on the corner of Daniels Street.
A six-inch tapper was installed in the home of Deputy Chief John Tierney, 64 Brattle Street, June 14th, 1934.
The G.M.C. truck that was in service since 1926 was replaced by an International truck transferring the old body to the new chassis, March 21st, 1934.
Thomas A. Carlow was transferred to the Fire Depart- ment, May 6th, 1934, and the vacancy was filled by John P. Mahoney, May 15, 1934.
287
288
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
This department decorated the Town Hall and the tree at Monument Park at Christmas time.
The Heights bell tower was painted under an E. R. A. project.
The governor on the Whistle plant was overhauled:
All fire and police boxes were painted.
One pole and four live wires were removed from the streets.
Number of persons admitted to their homes 8
Number of cats rescued from trees 6
Number of transfers 22
Number of radio calls 24
The Sparton radio was replaced by a Motorola Police radio, July 27th ,1934.
POLICE SIGNAL SYSTEM
There were three open police circuits, two were caused by automobiles knocking the pedestal down at Massachu- setts Avenue near Bartlett Avenue, and one caused by a limb of a tree on Thorndike Street.
Police box No. 431 at Westminster Avenue and West- moreland Avenue was moved to Crescent Hill Avenue and Westmoreland Avenue. Police box No. 122 at Pleasant Street and Lake Street was relocated to permit the con- struction of the underpass on the new State Road.
RECALL LIGHTS
There were three open circuits on the Recall Light Sys- tem during the year. One was caused by cable breaking at Massachusetts Avenue and Brattle Street. One by Edi- son line falling onto the recall circuit at Landsdowne Road and one by lightning striking the light fixture on top of Symmes Hospital.
All recall lamps were painted and new contacts were installed.
New batteries were installed on the police system re- placing the old Gamewell type FIP, to Gould type CGWS,
289
FIRE AND POLICE SIGNAL SYSTEM
and rectifiers replacing the motor and generator for charg- ing the batteries.
Bank alarms were installed by the Arlington Five Cent Savings Bank and connected to the Police Signal System.
The above is the report of Lester Cameron who had charge of the System until September 25, 1934, after which time practically all the work done was maintenance of the System.
September 11, Lester Cameron informed me that a representative of the Labor Board ordered him and his assistant to stop work at 5 o'clock and thereafter to work only eight hours per day.
The Selectmen at their meeting that same night coun- termanded that order.
September 24, at a conference of the Board of Select- men, at which Lester Cameron, a representative of the Labor Board and myself were present, the Selectmen voted to place the System in charge of the Fire Depart- ment.
November 7, the Board of Selectmen and myself were called to the State House by the acting Commissioner of Labor for a conference. Counsel and the Inspector of the Labor Board were present.
They withdrew the objection to having the men on duty more than eight hours, but did object to using them in dual capacity, as fireman and for maintenance of the Fire and Police Signal System.
We insisted that the fire alarm system was a part of the Fire Department and as such the Labor Board had no jurisdiction. It was agreed to refer the matter to the
290
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Attorney General for a ruling, but to date none has been received.
Appropriation ยท Expended
$7,306.73
7,304.03
Balance
$2.70
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL B. TIERNEY,
Supt. Fire & Police Signal System.
REPORT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
Arlington, Mass., January 1, 1935
Honorable Board of Selectmen, Arlington, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
I have the honor to present my twelfth annual report as Chief of the Arlington Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1934.
The manual force consists of forty-eight men, including Chief, two Deputies, seven Captains, six Lieutenants and thirty-two privates, also a Department Surgeon, Dr. Win- slow M. Kingman.
CAPTAIN ERNEST H. GRIFFIN
October 7, the Department lost by death, after a long illness, Captain Ernest H. Griffin who was born in Cam- bridge, Mass., August 10, 1878. He was appointed sub- stitute call-man August 1, 1904; regular call-man, Sep- tember 1, 1904; permanent fireman, June 4, 1916; Lieu- tenant, March 1, 1928; Captain, July 21, 1928.
Captain Griffin was a wonderful type of man. His char- acter, always above reproach, was such that he had the finest sense of responsibility, fidelity and loyalty that always made him available when devoted, faithful service was required.
He was a mechanical genius and the Department was greatly enriched through his talents in various lines, freely given to the fire service of Arlington.
291
292
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
CAPTAIN JOHN BARRY
December 19, the Department lost by death Captain John Barry after a sickness of a few hours. He left Head- quarters not feeling well at 3 P. M. and died at 10 P. M.
He was born in Ireland, April 12, 1867. Appointed sub- stitute call-man, April 23, 1892; regular call-man, May 27, 1893; permanent fireman, November 17, 1913; Captain, May 1, 1928.
Captain Barry was always a devoted, trustworthy, painstaking and hard working servant for the service he loved, and a citizen of sterling character.
He was highly respected by all members of the Depart- ment for his fearlessness and courage in line of duty and possessed a most wonderful and cheerful disposition that endeared him to all. His passing is a distinct loss to the Department.
GENERAL MATTERS
Two ladder trucks, four pumping units and a Special Service Unit are in active service.
A Knox Combination purchased in 1913 is in reserve. A 1000-gallon capacity monitor nozzle is mounted on the deck for use at large fires.
A Knox Combination, 1911, has been converted to a supply truck.
The Department responded to 144 Box Alarms, 245 Still (telephone calls), 79 Mutual Aid Calls (out of town), a total of 468-79 calls more than in 1933.
14 false alarms were sounded-last year, 21.
23 injuries were received by firemen in performance of duty. Firemen treated-office visits, 19; house visits, 20; fire stations, 22; at fire, 1; others treated-Carbon Mon- oxide, 1 dead on arrival, 1 to hospital; injured, treated at
293
FIRE DEPARTMENT
fire, 1; burned, 1; smoke inhalation, 1; refrigerator leak, 2; treated at neighbors; illuminating gas, 1; removed to hospital; false call for drowning at Spy Pond, 1.
The total value of property endangered, the insurance thereon, the loss sustained and the insurance paid follows :
Value Insurance Damage
Ins. Paid
Buildings $327,350.00 $360,500.00 $54,597.42 $54,297.42
Contents 58,724.50 51,524.50 12,933.63 12,633.63 Total $386,074.50 $411,924.50 $67,531.05 $66,931.05
LOSSES BY FIRE FOR FIVE YEARS
1930 1931
1932
1933 1934
$99,177.21 $58,326.73 $60,206.96 $37,141.01 $67,531.05
FIRES THAT CAUSED LOSS OF MORE THAN $10,000.
January 10th, Mrs. Coleman's rooming house, 125 Pleasant Street $13,367.87
January 26th, Timothy Kelleher, residence, 2 Langley Road 11,292.00
March 14th, Kelly Coal Co., 38 Mill Lane 13,473.35
FIRES THAT CAUSED LOSS OF MORE THAN $5,000.
August 28th, Blanchard Lumber Co., 24 Water Street
$6,200.00
FIRES THAT CAUSED LOSS OF MORE THAN $1,000.
February 4th, James Garside, 92-94 Orient Avenue $1,384.00
February 4th, Patrick Kedian, residence, 30 Harvard Street 1,834.65
February 6th, Nicola Lupo, residence, 36 Dud- ley Street 1,452.00
February 13th, Carl A. C. Foster, residence, 5 Mystic Lake Drive 1,088.76
March 31st, Charles Graves, residence, 10 Var- num Street 1,175.85
8
294
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
April 18th, Arthur H. Goodwin, residence, 341 Park Avenue 1,355.00
May 20th, Highland Trust Co., Laundry, 91 Mystic Street 3,950.00
May 23rd, John B. Richardson, residence, 30 Ashland Street 1,200.00
December 16th, Anna K. Goodman, residence, 138 Sylvia Street 1,837.00
APPROPRIATION
Appropriation
$115,676.80
Expended 114,519.74
Balance
1,157.06
CREDITS
Fees for 27 permits to blast $13.50
Fees for 2 permits for inflammables
2.00
Fees for 13 permits for sale of fireworks 6.50
Sale of junk
2.50
$24.50
FIRE PREVENTION
The Department made 16,856 twice-a-month inspections of all business places and public buildings throughout the Town, in which only four fires occurred, two of them were incendiary fires, one of suspicious origin, and one careless smoking.
Last year we had three; 1932, six; 1931, three; and three in 1930. These records clearly show the high type of merchants doing business in this Town.
The firemen for the eleventh consecutive year donated their "days-off" for the annual inspection of cellars of all dwellings.
The cellars of 6,942 dwellings were thoroughly in- spected and a record of conditions found in each dwelling is on file at Headquarters. The records that show unsatis-
295
FIRE DEPARTMENT
factory conditions are usually those of newcomers and a few habitually careless.
Of all fires in dwellings only nine occurred in cellars, eleven last year; seven in 1932; eleven in 1931; nine in 1930. A proud record.
Following is some data compiled as a result of this inspection :
1934
1933
6,942
Total number of houses 6,893
232.
Vacant apartments 437
458
Combustible roofs 480
3,742 Oil Burners 2,873
NUMBER OF HOUSES EACH YEAR
1924 (first inspection) 3,918; 1925, 4,640; 1926, 5,170; 1927, 5,561; 1928, 5,924; 1929, 6,247; 1930, 6,494; 1931, 6,739 ; 1932, 6,849; 1933, 6,893; 1934, 6,942.
INSPECTIONS
Mercantile inspections
16,856
Dwellings
6,942
Oil Burners
869
Total Inspections
24,667
FIRE DRILLS IN SCHOOLS
Fire drills were given in all public and private schools, a record taken of the number of class rooms, pupils, exits used, and the time required to vacate each building. These records show that the pupils have been thoroughly trained so that should an emergency arise they would leave the buildings speedily and safely.
Four hundred and thirty-five fire extinguishers were recharged in schools and other public buildings, garages and factories.
Town Meeting of March 28th voted Civil Service for the Fire Department.
296
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Civil Service for all other Town employees was denied.
April 2nd, petitions for referendum were filed to repeal vote for Civil Service for Firemen and to allow Civil Serv- ice for all Town employees. April 23rd, polls opened from 2 P. M. to 8 P. M.
Vote for Civil Service for Firemen:
Yes 2,021 No 890
Vote for other Town Employees :
Yes 1,525 No 1,446
October 16th I requested the Civil Service Commission to arrange for an examination for the fire service to fill vacancies. January 12th, 1935, was the date assigned for the examination and December 29th, 1934, the last date for filing applications. Seventy-seven made applications.
I recommend that $116,208.50 be appropriated for the ensuing year.
In conclusion I wish to express to the Selectmen my sincere appreciation of their keen interest in the work of the Department and for their willingness to assist on every occasion; the Board of Public Works which has never failed to render service when needed; the Police Department who always work hand in hand with this Department; and to my own officers and men whose loyalty and devotion to duty have made this Department efficient.
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL B. TIERNEY,
Chief, Fire Department.
REPORT OF THE GYPSY AND BROWN TAIL MOTH DEPARTMENT
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