USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1942 > Part 14
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November 20. Removed police telephone from the resi- dence of William Woodbury, 106 Mt. Vernon Street (form- erly police radio technician) .
December 9. Installed hose connection to air whistle tanks for use of gasoline air compressor in case of emer- gency. 1
Painted all fire and police signal boxes.
Omitted Christmas decorations and lighting.
SPECIAL CALLS
19 persons were admitted to their homes.
6 cats were rescued from trees or poles.
53 transfers made of lines to new poles.
17 flooded cellers were pumped out.
95 messages were relayed from Headquarters by radio to Assistant Superintendent Cameron of the Fire Alarm System while he was engaged in line work.
RECOMMENDATIONS
I recommend the extension of underground fire alarm cables until the entire system is completed.
For the year 1943 I recommend an appropriation of $1,890.
1942 appropriation $3,275.00
Expended 1,600.27
Capital Outlay carried forward 1,664.05
Balance $10.68
Due to the embargo on critical materials, the money ap- propriated for the installation of twelve fire alarm boxes and two police boxes could not be used.
281
FIRE AND POLICE SIGNAL SYSTEM
To Lester W. Cameron, Inspector Wireman, of the Fire and Police Signal System, I extend thanks. He is a capable and thorough worker. Under his supervision, the System is well serviced.
DANIEL B. TIERNEY, Superintendent, Fire and Police Signal System
282
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS
January 13, 1943.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Arlington, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report of the inspection of build- ings, plumbing and gas for the year ending December 31, 1942.
Two hundred and seventy building permits were issued, compiled as follows :
Dwellings, 1-family
8
$ 26,400.
Dwellings, 2-family
1
6,000.
Complete 4-family dwellings
2
25,000.
Foundation for 1-family dwelling ..
1
200.
Alter 1-family dwelling into 2-family
3
6,000.
Filling Station
1
10,000.
Mercantile building
1
2,000.
Garage
9
3,185.
Henhouse
3
260.
Tool house
2
165.
Play house
2
75.
Additions and Alterations
52
16,452.
Repair fire damage
8
9,300.
Alter one store into two
1
280.
Alter two stores into one
1
100.
Signs
28
952.
Reroof dwellings
126
23,750.
Reroof buildings
7
1,990.
Demolish dwellings
3
160.
Demolish building's
11
440.
270
$132,709.
283
INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS
Two hundred and thirty-nine plumbing and two hun- dred and ninety-two gas permits were issued.
FEES
270 Building permits
$391.00
239 Plumbing permits
309.00
292 Gas permits
146.00
Total
$846.00
I extend. my sincere thanks to your Honorable Board and all other Town Officials who have so graciously coop- erated with me throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL H. MOSSMAN. Inspector of Buildings.
284
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEAL
January 2, 1943.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Arlington, Mass.
Gentlemen :
The Board of Appeal respectfully submit the Four- teenth Annual Report :
During the year ending December 31, 1942, seven (7) appeals from the Inspector of Buildings have been made to the Board.
The Board affirmed the decision of the Inspector of Buildings not to grant a permit in two (2), Zoning cases and annulled his decision in two (2) Zoning and three (3) Building cases ; and ordered a permit to be granted subject to such conditions and provisions as were required by the Board.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERIC F. LOW, ALTON F. TUPPER, THOMAS J. DONNELLY, Board of Appeal.
285
REPORT OF WIRE DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF WIRE DEPARTMENT
January 11, 1943.
To the Honorable Joint Board of Selectmen and Board of Public Works
Gentlemen :
I respectfully submit my third annual report as In- spector of Wires, for the year ending December 31, 1942.
STREET LIGHTING
During the year there were three (3) No. 20-800 lumen lamps installed.
Summary of street lights in service December 31, 1942 -lights burning on the 4000 hour schedule :
No. 20 800 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 1,441
No. 50 2,500 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 12
No. 70 6,000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps. 156
No. 75 10,000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 108
No. 80 15,000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps.
30
ORNAMENTAL LIGHTING
60 Watt multiple lamps, burning until 2:00 a.m. ...... 19
INSPECTION OF WIRES IN BUILDINGS
Five hundred and sixty-five (565) permits for electri- cal construction were issued, at fifty cents for each permit.
There were one thousand and ninety-four (1,094) in- spections of new and additional installations made, and five hundred and thirty (530) installations approved.
286
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
POLES AND WIRES ON STREETS
The Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company replaced one hundred and five (105), poles during the year.
I again wish to thank your Honorable Board, the vari- ous Town Department heads and all others who cooperated with me during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT L. REID, Inspector of Wires.
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
287
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
December 31, 1942.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen :
I herewith respectfully submit the annual report of the services of this department for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1942.
Ad- Not Con- justed Sealed Sealed demned
Scales
Platform, over 10,000 lbs.
5
6
Platform, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
11
21
Counter, over 100 lbs.
2
4
Counter, under 100 lbs.
28
64
Spring, over 100 lbs.
28
1
Spring, under 100 lbs.
38
92
8
Computing, over 100 lbs.
50
116
2
Personal weighing
45
3
Prescription
4
15
1
Weights
Avoirdupois
152
Apothecary
12
142
Metric
65
Troy
24
Volumetric Measures
Liquid measures over 1 gal.
73
Liquid measures under 1 gal. 119
Automatic Liquid-Measuring Devices
Gasoline Meter Systems 26 124
7
Tank Truck Meter Systems 10 20
Grease Measuring Devices 21 52
1
Computing, under 100 lbs.
288
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Linear Measures
Yard Sticks
39
Tapes
1
Cloth Measuring Devices
1
207
1,204
7
15
Trial Weighings and Measurements of Commodities Sold or Put up for Sale.
Total Number Number Tested Correct
Incorrect Under Over
Commodity
Beans
51
36
1
14
Bread
144
96
8 46
Butter
138
85
0
53
Coal (in bags)
22
22
0
0
Confectionery
95
45
0
50
Dry Commodities
271
69
2
185
Flour
58
52
0
6
Fruits and Vegetables
65
37
10
22
Grain and Feed
12
0
0
12
Lard
15
0
0
15
Potatoes
101
77
23
6
Wood (cord)
4
0
4
0
Cakes, Crackers, Cheese
122
41
4
77
Totals
1,098
560
52
486
A slight decrease in the number of scales and other measuring devices has been noted this year due to the fact that several stores or other places of business closed on ac- count of the economic conditions. However, there have been 1204 weights and measuring devices inspected, adjusted and sealed. 207 have been adjusted, 7 not sealed and 15 condemned.
The total sum received as fees for sealing amounted to $203.99, which was turned over to the Town Treasurer. The Town Treasurer also received the sum of $175 for Hawkers' and Peddlers' licenses.
289
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Mr. Allan E. Cowie was selected by the State Depart- ment of Education for appointment as Coordinator of Pro- duction for duty at the several trade schools associated with the Watertown Arsenal, and was granted a leave of absence from his duties as Sealer of Weights and Measures, effect- ive August 17, 1942. On October 19, 1942, I was certified for employment as Temporary Sealer of Weights and Meas- ures, succeeding James J. Golden, Jr., Secretary to the Board of Selectmen, who had served as such in the interim.
I wish to express my sincere thanks to your Board for the opportunity to serve in this capacity and to other Town officials for their courtesy and cooperation during my brief tenure of office.
Respectfully submitted,
HERBERT L. HUTCHINSON, Temporary Sealer of Weights and Measures.
1
290
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
January 14. 1943.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Town Hall, Arlington, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I submit herewith a brief report of the activities and the organization of the Arlington Public Safety Committee for the year ended December 31, 1942.
I received the honor of appointment as Chairman of the Arlington Public Safety Committee, upon your recom- mendation, in April, 1942, succeeding Mr. Walter T. Cham- berlain, who resigned due to the demands of his business affairs.
During the past year, the personnel has been greatly increased. The activities have been broadened in scope and, after substantial revision, I feel that I can report consider- able progress in the efficiency of this Committee. The Public Safety Committee, in broadest terms, is organized and maintained for the protection of persons and property, in case of possible enemy attack or due to any catastrophe or disaster that may overtake us from any cause. This organi- zation is now called upon for many services other than actual defense measures but which relate to the general welfare of our civilian population in this period of war ac- tivity.
The Report Center has been greatly improved, due largely to the intelligent supervision of Mr. George Greim as supervisor. The Report Center is now manned by 65 well-trained men and women and is considered to be one of the finest and most efficient in the Commonwealth. We have been directed by the State Committee to locate and at least partially equip an alternate Report Center which may be
291
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
used in case of emergency. The location of the alternate Center has been selected but no attempt has been made as yet to equip it.
The personnel actively participating or prepared to participate in any emergency now numbers 2800 active members.
The organization has responded to 9 tests since April, 1942.
WARDENS
On January 1st, 1942, there were 700 enlisted wardens .. On January 1st of this year the number has been increased to 1,237. This number is made up of men and women, all of whom are trained in their duties and the great majority have finished their First Aid courses. Patrick F. Pallante is Chief Air Raid Warden, having as deputies Mrs. Mildred . Swett, Mrs. Lida Barber, Mr. Joseph Peterson, and Mr. William H. Farrow. Their untiring and intelligent efforts in building up the warden's unit have produced praiseworthy results. They have reflected credit on our Town because of their zeal and loyalty. The Town is divided into five dis- tricts. Each district is in charge of a District Warden and his deputies, having suitable headquarters in a school build- ing located in each district. In case of an alert, the entire Town is patrolled by wardens for the purpose of reporting any incidents and to give First Aid to our inhabitants if necessary, or to call the Report Center for help as may be needed. Many more wardens are needed to supply a sufficient force for 24-hour duty if such may be necessary.
AUXILIARY POLICE
Under the leadership of Chief of Police Archie F. Bullock, assisted by Lt. Daniel P. Barry, the Auxiliary Police is organized as a semi-military unit and has an en- listed personnel of 344 members. This organization is well trained in general police duties and in the use of firearms and is to be considered a highly important unit in A. R. P.
292
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
activities. The unit is divided into platoons under competent officers and, in case of an alert, their duties generally are to police important buildings, and air raid shelters, direct traffic, and patrol the business centers of the Town. Also, men are stationed at the five district bases which are equipped with two-way radio sets for emergency purposes.
AUXILIARY FIREMEN
This unit is composed of 96 active and trained men, capable of assisting the regular Fire Department in case of conflagration or a series of fires. Under the direction of Chief Daniel Tierney, the men have been thoroughly trained by Captain Richard Tierney, Chief of the Auxiliary Fire Department, and Mr. James M. Keane, Assistant Chief. The entire personnel has had the benefit of weekly drills and, in case of emergency, this unit will be of in- valuable service to our Town. Men of this department are well equipped with rubber clothing and it is expected that further equipment will be forthcoming from the Federal Government, which I will refer to later in this report.
MEDICAL
Under the outstanding leadership of Dr. Ezekiel Pratt as Chairman and Mr. Chester R. Whitman, Co-ordinator, this Division has made great strides in its development and efficiency during the past year. At the present time, there are 28 doctors ready for call and its First Aid unit com- prises 118 trained men and women, all of whom have taken 20 hours of training in preparation for any call in time of need. In this unit also are 74 nurses, organized and trained under the supervision of Mrs. Robert W. Murphy. The Medical Unit covers a broad scope of activity and its mem- bership is prepared to function on a moment's notice in protecting the health of our citizens and to render aid and medical treatment when, and if, required.
The Medical Division has 5 complete medical First Aid stations located at the District bases which are under the supervision of the Nursing units. Although a certain
293
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY 1
amount of necessary equipment is on hand, it is expected that the Commonwealth and the Federal Government will forward additional required equipment in the near future.
WAR SERVICES
Previous to the latter part of 1942, the task of the Women's Division under the leadership of Mrs. Russell T. Hamlet, was to interest and assist in organizing the women of the Town in A. R. P., Nutrition, Canteen, Motor Corps, Social Services, and such other courses as come under the protective side of Public Safety.
As these women so trained now fit into the Public Safety program under definite divisions of Protection and Health and Social Services, the scope of the Women's Divi- sion as such has recently been broadened to mobilize the home front and is now called the War Services Division, the aims being-1. To assist the citizens of the Town to absorb the shock changes of wartime living; 2. To secure the full participation of every citizen in the war effort; 3. To bring directly into the home messages and information as are necessary to enable everyone to understand better the prob- lems confronting our war economy; 4. To distribute to every household such vitally essential material as may be issued by the War Production Board, the Office of Price Administration, etc. This Division hopes to operate on the Neighborhood Plan whereby every precinct will have a captain who in turn will organize the precinct so that there will be a War Service worker to approximately every ten homes. Thus information may easily be given out regarding salvage, nutrition problems, rationing, child care and other problems which may arise out of further war developments. Between 400 and 500 women are already doing this and our hope is to have over 1,000 in a short time.
SERVICES AND 'SUPPLIES
This unit, under the chairmanship of Mr. Loren Marsh, Director, is broad in its scope and its activities too numerous to set forth in a condensed report. Generally, the
1
294
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
unit has under its direction the maintenance of Air Raid Shelters ; securing of Food, Fuel, and goods in case of emer- gency ; direction of Public Utilities Division; and the maintenance of pure and adequate water supply and sewer service, as well as highways, under emergency conditions. Mr. Marsh has brought to this committee a wealth of knowledge and experience invaluable in time of public need.
BLACKOUT AND DIMOUT
During the past year, the Army officials in this area ordered a drastic diminution of outside artificial lighting from all sources to lessen the sky glow. During tests, black- outs have been nearly perfect in Arlington. Since the dim- out regulations have been enforced, it has become necessary for wardens to be incessantly observant and insistent that all rules and regulations pertaining to dimouts be observed. Mr. Robert L. Reid is the Chief Blackout Officer, assisted by Mr. Lester Cameron. Mr. Reid has been untiring in his efforts to assist in the broad task and his unfailing courtesy has brought responsive cooperation. A committee of five has been appointed by the Chairman to pass on all cases where a difference of opinion may occur. The penalty for non- compliance is severe and it is not anticipated that any of our inhabitants will be taken into court. Severe penalties may be imposed by our courts on refusal or neglect to com- ply with regulations.
Besides the units specifically referred to and whose activities have been previously sketched are other units, not less important, and no less efficiently directed. I refer to the Rescue and Demolition unit under the supervision of Mr. James M. Keane. This group has a personnel of 89 men for which there can be no practical experience, as they would function only in case of the collapse or destruction of a building and its work would be to rescue inhabitants if pos- sible, as implied by the title of the unit.
The Bomb Reconnaissance Unit organized under Mr. George Dolan, assisted by three trained men, forms an im-
295
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
portant group whose duty it is to identify unexploded or time bombs and to take such precautionary measures as may be necessary for public protection. These men report at the Report Center on all emergency calls.
As Chairman of the Public Health group, Professor Clair Turner is especially qualified to carry on the vital work of maintaining health of mind and body, should we be faced by bomb raid, or any form of catastrophe. His is a work little understood or appreciated, but its value is in- estimable.
It is entirely possible that, through air attack, fire or lack of fuel oil, some of our families in the Town may have to be evacuated. Plans have been carefully mapped out and are under the direction of Mr. Harry Baker and his asso- ciates. On short notice, sleeping quarters with cooking facilities may be provided in suitable buildings. It is estimated that at the present time we may be prepared to house and care for, temporarily, over 400 persons.
Our churches have been organized and every pastor and priest in the Town is a member of the Committee of the Clergy. The clergymen have been thoroughly instructed as to their course of action in case of a raid while there is an assembly of persons in their churches. This Committee has had the privilege of the enthusiastic leadership of Dr. Grady D. Feagan.
The Arlington Auxiliary Red Cross Motor Corps, organ- ized in February, 1942, for the purpose of providing motor transportation for doctors, nurses and first aiders, comprises 34 persons, 12 station wagons used as ambulances, and 5 trucks. Mrs. Donald M. Belcher is Chairman of this group, ably assisted by Miss Flora Haley.
The Canteen unit, under the chairmanship of Mrs. Marion Soderquist, has been trained and organized to pro- vide disaster feeding on short notice. Mobile cooking equip- ment is readily available at all times. This unit is composed of 247 women holding certificates in Red Cross standard 20
296
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
hour Nutrition course. The response to various calls to pro- vide meals has won earned congratulations.
The Messenger unit, trained under the able super- vision of Mr. Philip Johnson, Boy Scout Executive, com- prises 215 boys and young men from 14 to 18 years of age. This corps is important and is ready to perform many im- portant tasks. Their training has been broad and compre- hensive.
It is my intention to appoint in the very near future a Director of Education who will supervise the training and assist in laying out classes of instruction for all units. Although many of the units must acquire specialized knowledge, there is a certain amount of elementary knowledge that must be common to all. We are called upon to intensify our courses of instruction and to offer refresher courses so that the entire personnel may by March 15th be ready for any eventuality.
In October of 1942, Mr. Ernest W. Davis, Chairman, Board of Selectmen, was advised by the State Committee that Arlington is now considered a Class "A" town and, as such, much of equipment and supplies for A. R. P. activities have been allocated to our use. It is confidently expected that such equipment will soon arrive.
It is gratifying to receive a letter dated January 6th from Mr. Kenneth C. Miner, Controller, Civilian Defense, Area 5-C, in which he states: "We wish to compliment the Arlington Civilian Defense organization for the progress that has been made under the guidance of you and your capable assistants. During the past year, there has been a noticeable improvement in the morale of the Arlington per- sonnel, in the coordination between the regular town services and the volunteer groups, and in the cooperation between the officials and the Civilian Defense staff. The citizens of Arlington should take great satisfaction in the knowledge that its organization has now reached a point where it could successfully cope with an emergency."
297
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
Governor Saltonstall, in his address to the two branches of the Legislature of Massachusetts on January 7, 1943, said: "Our Committee on Public Safety has done an outstanding job in organizing Civilian Defense. Its work must go on."
With the exception of Mr. Grover A. Chenoweth, Ex- ecutive Secretary, and Mrs. Lillian M. Hoeler, secretary to the Chairman, the entire personnel of our Public Safety Committee in Arlington is volunteer. It has been necessary for me to put in a large amount of time and effort. In this work, allow me to say that I deeply appreciate the loyalty and enthusiastic cooperation of the entire personnel, with- out which this task would have been impossible to carry on. I am also personally indebted to the moral support and active assistance of the Executive Committee and especially the Board of Selectmen as members of that Committee, in facing and overcoming obstacles. By continuing this im- portant work and keeping in mind our goal, to wit :- the perfection of an organization that may cope with any public emergency regardless of individual sacrifices-I feel confident that Arlington will be prepared to render a fine account of itself should the occasion arise.
Respectfully submitted,
HOLLIS M. GOTT, Chairman.
298
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF ARLINGTON HONOR ROLL COMMITTEE
December 31, 1942.
The Honorable Board of Selectmen Town Hall, Arlington, Mass.
Dear Sirs :
On August 25, 1942, the Board of Selectmen appointed a committee composed of seven citizens to consider the ad- visability of establishing a Roll of Honor in a suitable place within the Town as a tribute to its citizens serving their country.
The following members were appointed : Arthur W. Sampson, 21 Cliff Street Harold W. Proudfoot, 17 Jean Road Francis E. Fawcett, 48 Varnum Street William A. Garten, 43 Millett Street John F. Sullivan, 18 Marion Road Edgar C. Bibeault, 166 Gray Street Timothy J. Buckley, 18 Jean Road
The committee organized on August 31, 1942, naming Timothy J. Buckley, Chairman ; William A. Garten, Secre- tary; and Arthur W. Sampson, Treasurer.
On November 9, 1942, at the suggestion of the com- mittee, Capt. Albert V. Jones of 11 Park Avenue North, was appointed to the committee by the Board of Selectmen.
On December 7, 1942, the Selectmen, on recommenda- tion of the committee, appointed James M. Keane, Town Engineer, to the committee.
Our first meetings were devoted principally to best ways and means of obtaining the names of all Arlington men and women who had gone into the service.
Through the courtesy of the Arlington Gas Light Com-
299
REPORT OF HONOR ROLL COMMITTEE
pany, who allowed us to insert a slip with each gas bill, requesting the names of men in service, and the co-opera- tion of the Arlington Advocate and Arlington News, we have secured about 2500 names to date.
The committee decided to raise the funds for the Roll by popular subscription, our appeal being made through the local newspapers and by letter. The response has been most pleasing to the committee.
The board on which the Roll is to be posted is being constructed by Vail Brothers & Mauger, and they hope to have it completed by February 1, 1943.
The site selected by the committee is the ground-plot of the cannon near the Central Fire Station.
Upon completion of our work, a complete report will be presented to your honorable Board.
TIMOTHY J. BUCKLEY, Chairman.
.
300
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
The Board of Public Works herewith submits its an- nual report for the year ending December 31, 1942.
At the Town Meeting held on March 2, 1942, James R. Smith was elected member of the Board for the term of three years. The Board organized on March 2 with the choice of Loren W. Marsh as chairman.
MEETINGS
The meetings are held Monday evenings. During the year the Board held fifty-two regular and four special meet- ings.
The following are the net expenditures made under the direction of the Board :
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