USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1943 > Part 11
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FIRE PREVENTION
Twice each month firemen inspected all places of busi- ness and public buildings, a total of 13,826 inspections.
Seven fires occurred in these regularly inspected places. Two of the fires caused a loss of $3,287.51 and were of in- cendiary origin. The person responsible was later appre- hended. Despite prevailing conditions, insufficient and rapidly changing help, it is remarkable that more and greater losses have not resulted.
Record of previous years: 8 in 1942, 4 in 1941, 6 in 1940, 3 in 1939 and 3 in 1938.
INSPECTION OF DWELLINGS
For the twentieth consecutive year, firemen inspected the cellars of every residence in Town.
Only six fires occurred in residential cellars as com- pared with 7 in 1942, 8 in 1941, 10 in 1940, 10 in 1939 and 11 in 1938.
In response to a nation-wide appeal for householders to save paper, quantities were found in nearly every cellar. However, they were so carefully and neatly packed that they provided a minimum of danger. When the present emergency is over I trust that storage of paper in cellars will be discontinued.
The following is compiled as a result of Dwelling House Inspections :
1943
1942
7,906 Total houses
7,908
4,786 Single houses .
4,789
2,952
Two-apartment houses
2,951
232
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
168 Of more than two apartments
168
1 Houses under construction
2
68 Vacant apartments
91
34 Combustible roofs
37
4,444
Houses with range oil burners
4,357
3,671
Houses with power oil burners
3,662
11,408 Total number of families
11,407
NUMBER OF HOUSES EACH YEAR
1943
7,906
1933
6,893
1942
7,908
1932
6,849
1941
7,827
1931
6,739
1940
7,709
1930
6,494
1939
7,558
1929
6,247
1938
7,355
1928
5,924
1937
7,161
1927
5,561
1936
7,098
1926
5,170
1935
6,990
1925
4,640
1934
6,942
1924
3,918
(first)
INSPECTIONS
Mercantile
13,826
Dwellings
7,906
Power oil burners
32
Range oil burners
248
Total
22,012
FIRE DRILLS IN SCHOOLS
Fire drills were given in public, parochial and private schools.
A record was made of the number of classrooms, pupils, exits used and the time required to vacate each building, a copy of which was sent to the School Depart- ment.
Records each year show that much attention is given by principals and teachers to the training of the pupils to
233
REPORT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
leave the buildings quickly and orderly in case of emer- gency.
Four hundred and nine fire extinguishers were re- charged in schools and other public buildings, garages and factories.
RECOMMENDATIONS
I recommend that $138,921.25 be appropriated for the year 1944.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen for its unfailing support in all matters pertaining to the advancement of the Fire Service, to its capable and efficient Secretary, James J. Golden, Jr., to Town Engineer, James M. Keane, to the Police Department, to the officers and men of the Auxiliary Fire Department, and to my own officers and men for their loyalty and faithful performance of duty under all condi- tions, my heartiest thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL B. TIERNEY Chief, Fire Department
234
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE FIRE AND POLICE SIGNAL SYSTEM
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Arlington, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I have the honor to present my Thirteenth Report as Superintendent of the Fire and Police Signal System for the year ending December 31, 1943.
The salaries of the two men assigned to maintain this System are included in the pay roll of the Fire Department.
FIRE ALARM
Five open circuits and one loop cross occurred in the Fire Alarm System: two were caused by corrosion of underground cable, one by lightning which blew a fuse on the Protector Board at Fire Alarm Headquarters, one by workmen while replacing a 3-inch ell on North Union Street, one when elevator broke fire alarm conduit on wall, and the loop cross was caused by corrosion in the splice.
Lines were replaced on Walnut Street from Massachu- setts Avenue to Gray Street, and on Gray Street from Mt. Vernon Street to Pine Ridge Road.
Underground cable was repaired at Massachusetts Avenue and Mill Street, 66-conductor splice corroded.
Auxiliary Fire Alarm Box 5512 in the Repair Shop of the Public Works Building was relocated when buildings were altered.
Eleven battery cells were installed for the Boston Mutual Aid Circuits.
The 8-inch steam whistle at the Metropolitan Pumping Station was overhauled.
Six sets of cards of fire alarm boxes and signals were
235
FIRE AND POLICE SIGNAL SYSTEM
printed by the Firemen and distributed to the six Mutual Aid Communities.
POLICE SIGNAL SYSTEM
Police circuits were grounded at intervals caused by defective splicing at Massachusetts Avenue and Mill Street ; also by damage to wires through contact with trees.
New batteries were installed for the Police Signal System replacing those purchased in 1934.
Painted fire and police boxes.
SIRENS
Two loop crosses on the Siren circuits were repaired, one at Summer Street near Mill Street and the other at Highland Axenue and Gray Street.
The switch controlling the Sirens was moved from Police Headquarters to Watch Room at Fire Headquarters.
The Siren at Broadway and Tufts Street was sent to the factory for repairs.
The audible fire alarm signals were sounded on ten occasions for air raid tests and at noon each day during the week of June 21.
Signals were arranged and set up at the Town Hall for the demonstration of the Air Raid Warning Report Center of the Civilian Defense Committee, March 8.
SPECIAL CALLS
24 Persons were admitted to their homes
5 Cats were rescued from trees or poles
56 Transfers were made of lines to new poles
4 Flooded cellars were pumped out
5 Automobile accidents required the use of winch on Fire Alarm Truck
A two-way radio in the Fire Alarm Truck enables Inspector Cameron to keep in touch with Fire Headquarters
236
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
while engaged in line construction work. He promptly responds to all emergency or special calls.
ADDITIONAL SERVICE
Helped to erect and place the Honor Roll at Monument Park.
Amplifier system was installed at Monument Park and at the Old Burying Ground, Pleasant Street, for Patriots' Day Exercises.
Arranged amplifier system for the Honor Roll Dedi- cation at St. Agnes Church.
Floodlights were provided at Broadway and Alton Street for the Block Dance sponsored by the Recruiting Officers of the United States Coast Guard; for the opening of the Third War Bond Drive at Massachusetts Avenue and Pleasant Street, and for the Waste Paper Drive while freight cars were being loaded at Freight Yard.
The lights on the Town Clock, Pleasant Street and Massachusetts Avenue, which had been turned off May 7, 1942 due to the Blackout Regulations, were again lighted on November 3, 1943.
Amplifier system was installed at Fire Headquarters for the Christmas carols as the usual Christmas decora- tion and lighting were omitted.
RECOMMENDATIONS
For the year 1944 I recommend an appropriation of $1,790.
1943 Appropriation
$3,790.00
Expended
2,781.34
Balance
$ 8.66
No fire alarm or police signal boxes were purchased due to the restriction on critical materials and only emer- gency repairs were made.
237
FIRE AND POLICE SIGNAL SYSTEM
A chassis was purchased for the Fire Alarm Truck. The body, winch and other equipment were transferred from the old truck.
Storage facilities at Fire Alarm Headquarters being inadequate, it was necessary to hire additional outside space.
In conclusion, I extend thanks to Inspector Lester W. Cameron. Under his supervision, this important Division, the Fire and Police Signal System, is maintained and oper- ated most efficiently.
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL B. TIERNEY
Superintendent Fire and Police Signal System
238
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS
January 12, 1944.
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, 1943.
Three hundred and thirty-two building permits were issued, compiled as follows :
Garage and Storage building
1
$500
Garage
1
190
Barns
2
335
Henhouses
15
595
Shed
1
120
Shelter
1
10
Rabbit Hutch
1
20
Elevators
2
2,117
Temporary bleachers
2
Additions & Alterations
49
7,380
Alter. 1-fam. dwelling into 2
2
75
Alter. 2 stores into Misc. Hall
1
195
Alter. 1-car garage into 2-car
1
185
Chimney
1
50
Signs
19
1,084
Repair fire damage
10
1,700
Reroof dwellings
202
42,265
Reroof buildings
6
843
Demolish dwellings
2
175
Demolish buildings
13
530
332
$58,369
239
INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS
One hundred and eighty-four plumbing and one hun- dred and six gas permits were issued.
FEES
332 Building permits
$336.00
184 Plumbing permits 198.75
106 Gas permits 53.00
$587.75
There is little difference in the various cities and towns in respect to the curtailment of construction, and the above compilation will show how well the public in this Town has cooperated with the dictates of the War Production Board. At this time it is in keeping to make the assertion that some permits that might have been in violation of the W.P.B. Order L-41 have had to be reported to that Board. We are continuing to report the issuance of all permits which we believe to be in violation of said Order.
With the inability of obtaining experienced men to do carpentry work, many jobs have been commenced without first obtaining the required permission, which naturally has been a disturbing factor to this Department.
In addition to the above work, many inspections were made in the larger buildings, including places of assembly, and I have found in a large number of cases that exits have been improperly locked or were not available for use. Such orders were issued as would bring these buildings in compliance with the law on exits.
No violations serious enough for Court action have oc- curred.
I wish to thank your Honorable Board and all other Town officers for their cooperation throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL H. MOSSMAN
Inspector of Buildings
240
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEAL
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Arlington, Mass.
Gentlemen :
The Board of Appeal respectfully submits its Fifteenth Annual Report.
During the year ending December 31, 1943, three (3) appeals from the decision of 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 one (1) Zoning case.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERIC F. LOW ALTON F. TUPPER THOMAS J. DONNELLY
Board of Appeal
241
REPORT OF WIRE DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF WIRE DEPARTMENT
January 24, 1944
To the Honorable Joint Board of Selectmen and Board of Public Works
Gentlemen :
I respectfully submit my fourth annual report as Inspector of Wires, for the year ending December 31, 1943.
STREET LIGHTING
Summary of street lighting in service December 31, 1942 - lights burning on the 4000 hour schedule :
No. 20 800 Lumen Incandescent Lamp 1,440
No. 50 2,500 Lumen Incandescent Lamp 12
No. 70 6,000 Lumen Incandescent Lamp 156
No. 75 10,000 Lumen Incandescent Lamp 108
No. 80 15,000 Lumen Incandescent Lamp
30
Due to W.P.B. restrictions, no additions or extensions were made to our street lighting.
One No. 20-800 Lumen lamp on Forest Street, at the Arlington-Winchester line, formerly billed to Arlington was transferred to the Winchester account.
ORNAMENTAL LIGHTING
60 Watt multiple lamps burning until 2 a.m. 19
INSPECTION OF WIRES IN BUILDINGS
Three hundred and sixty-five (365) permits for elec- trical construction were issued at fifty cents for each permit.
There were four hundred and eighty-five (485) in- spections of new and additional wiring made, and two hundred and eighty-six (286) installations approved.
242
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
In addition to the foregoing, in the last few months we have received one hundred and eighteen (118) reports of electrical defects from the Fire Department. These are now in the process of being corrected.
POLES AND WIRES ON STREETS
The Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company replaced one hundred and fifty-one (151) poles during the year.
I again wish to thank your Honorable Board, the various Town Department heads and all others who co- operated with me during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT L. REID
Inspector of Wires
243
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen :
I herewith respectfully submit the annual report of the services of this department for the year ending December 31, 1943.
Ad- Not Con- justed Sealed Sealed demned
Scales
Platform, over 10,000 lbs. 3 5
Platform, 100 to 5,000 lbs. 6
12
Counter, over 100 lbs. 1 6
Counter, under 100 lbs. 24 63
Spring, over 100 lbs.
12
Spring, under 100 lbs.
35
79 3
Computing, over 100 lbs.
Computing, under 100 lbs. 27
83
1
1
Personal Weighing
14
41
4
Prescription
9
21
Beam under 100 lbs.
1
Weights
Avoirdupois
103
Apothecary
242
Metric
88
Troy
24
Volumetric Measures
Liquid measures over 1 gal. 1
Liquid measures under 1 gal. 106
Automatic Liquid Measuring Devices
Gasoline Meter Systems 14 109
Tank Truck Meter Systems 11 22
Grease Measuring Devices 21 52
16
244
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Linear Measures
Yard Sticks
24
Cloth Measuring Devices
1
165
1095
1
24
Trial Weighings and Measurements of Commodities Sold or Put up for Sale.
Commodity
Tested
Correct
Under Over
Beans
76
72
1
3
Bread
453
301
25
127
Butter
128
92
8
28
Coal (in bags)
77
68
6
3
Confectionery
131
93
0
38
Dry Commodities
739
694
13
32
Flour
286
206
27
53
Fruits and Vegetables 117
73
20
24
Grain and Feed
3
2
0
1
Lard
142
142
0
0
Potatoes
157
99
35
23
Wood (cord)
3
0
3
0
Cakes, crackers, cheese 386
345
7
34
Totals
2698
2187
145
366
Although there was a slight decrease in the number of scales and other measuring devices this year due to the general economic conditions, there have been 1095 weigh- ing and measuring devices inspected, adjusted and sealed. 165 have been adjusted, 1 not sealed and 24 condemned.
There has been turned in to the Treasurer $177.50 which was the sum collected as sealing fees. There was also received by the Treasurer $100.00 as payment for Hawkers' and Peddlers' licenses.
245
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
I express my thanks and sincere appreciation to Town officials and all others who during the past year have in many instances very kindly cooperated with me in carrying out the duties of the department.
Respectfully submitted, HERBERT L. HUTCHINSON
Temporary Sealer of Weights and Measures.
24.6
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
It is with pleasure and a sense of genuine satisfaction that I submit herewith a brief report of the activities of the Arlington Committee on Public Safety for the year ended December 31, 1943.
The work of the Committee has fallen into two cate- gories; those activities having to do with the protection of persons and property, whether from the results of enemy attack or other unforseen disaster, which are included in civilian defense, and those closely related to civilian welfare in wartime living. These latter activities will be discussed under the headings of War Services.
In actual numbers our personnel is somewhat less than it was a year ago, with some 2,325 names appearing on the rosters. This smaller representation is due in part to the increasing numbers of both men and women who have en- tered the armed services while many others have gone into defense work of various kinds. Those who remain active in civilian defense have accepted cheerfully the added re- sponsibility for covering those posts which have been va- cated, but it is greatly to be hoped that other civic minded men and women will step forward to offer their services for this most important work of helping to protect our Town in case of emergency.
The past year has seen a number of appointments made in our organization. Among them are those of Brayton D. Fisher, to the position of Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Public Safety, Ernest W. Davis to serve as Chairman of the Protection Division, William H. Farrow to act as Training Director for the Town, Joseph Peterson as Test- ing Officer in charge of ARP incidents, Percy C. Farmer to the position of Medical Co-ordinator, Mrs. Fletcher Lawson to be in charge of the First Aid Unit, Miss Flora Haley as head of the Red Cross Auxiliary Motor Corps, Mrs. Paul Spiers to be Acting Canteen Chairman, Dr. Paul Ross as Senior Gas Officer, Mrs. Elmer E. Barber as Executive
247
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
Secretary of the Committee on Public Safety and Miss Mary Livermore as Secretary to the Chairman.
Our personnel have been mobilized during eight differ- ent tests, three of which have come during the daytime, with the others at night accompanied by blackouts. In addition, the Report Center Staff has participated in sev- eral CPX exercises which have involved practice in com- munications with the Newton Warning Center. On May 23rd, Arlington took part in War Games maneuvers, co- operating with members of the State Guard and Army rep- resentatives.
The Protection Division of our ARP organization is comprised of the Air Raid Warden, Auxiliary Fire and Auxiliary Police Units under the able direction of Ernest W. Davis.
Eleven hundred well-trained and well-equipped Air Raid Wardens are now ready, under the leadership of Chief Air Raid Warden Patrick F. Pallante, to go into immediate action in case of enemy attack by air. Of these, some three hundred are women whose training and activities have been supervised by Mrs. Frank P. Swett, Deputy Chief Warden. Numerous exercises have been held, giving prac- tice to the Wardens on the street as well as the personnel who function at the Report Center. We are confident that, should bombs fall on Arlington, the public can be sure of prompt action on the part of the Air Raid Wardens who are assisted by some 150 Messengers.
With the lifting by the Army of dimout restrictions on November 1st, wardens were relieved of the arduous and none too pleasant task of enforcing dimout regulations. In this connection I am pleased to be able to report that Arlington has received the commendation of Army inspect- ing officers for the efficiency with which the matter of light- ing restrictions was handled in the town. Businessmen and householders alike showed a general willingness to cooper- ate, and the relatively few violations of regulations were due mainly to forgetfulness. Should it become necessary at any
248
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
time in the future to restore dimout regulations, I feel con- fident that the townspeople would respond wholeheartedly.
Under the direction of Chief Bullock and Lt. Barry 308 men of the Auxiliary Police have put in a year of in- tensive training and active participation in our ARP mob- ilizations. These men are now thoroughly conversant with matters pertaining to both Civilian Defense and general police duties.
Pistol instruction has been carried on under the super- vision of Sgt. Jacobs, and to date there are fifteen EX- PERTS, sixty-seven SHARP-SHOOTERS and seventy-two MARKSMEN, under the same regulations as the Police De- partment. In addition to the training program members of the Auxiliary Police have enjoyed recreational activities which have included a soft ball league and a bowling league.
The work of the Auxiliary Firemen is not as well known as is that of some of the other units in our ARP program. The members of this group, of whom there are some 100 officers and men, have been subject to the same training as are the permanent members of the Fire Depart- ment, and are now thoroughly familiar with the operation of various pumping units as well as the proper use of all tools and appliances used in fire fighting.
The auxiliary firemen have responded well to all test air raid alarms, and have functioned efficiently in the handl- ing of test incidents involving fires.
What is probably not fully realized by the public is the fact that these men are frequently called upon to report for duty which has nothing to do with ARP activities. Accord- ing to the report of James M. Keane, Assistant Chief, aux- iliary firemen have given a total of 2309 man hours of ser- vice to the Town, exclusive of test air raid alarms. They have attended training classes and drills, have covered vari- ous stations at night in the absence of permanent men, put in approximately 400 man hours during last April's large number of brush and grass fires, have operated the Auxili-
249
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
ary OCD pumps set up to pump water from the Eustis Street intermediate reservoir to the standpipe during the excessively dry season-all these and many other duties have been performed cheerfully and efficiently by these volunteer firemen.
December 31, 1943
Assistant Chief James M. Keane Auxiliary Fire Department Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Chief :
I wish to express my deepest appreciation to a branch of the Civilian Defense, the officers and men of the Auxili- ary Fire Department, who have performed nobly during a period in our National life fraught with grave danger.
These men submitted willingly to an intensive train- ing in handling apparatus and equipment, acquiring the same knowledge known and practiced by our regular fire- men. While we have been spared the ravages of war we now have a body of civilians equipped, trained, experienced and ready to augment the regular Fire Department in any emergency which may arise.
In this the busiest year in the history of the Fire De- partment, I particularly commend the Auxiliary Firemen for their assistance in fighting fires and for covering the stations from six o'clock in the evening to eight o'clock in the morning on eighty-nine consecutive nights when our personnel was reduced by vacancies, sickness or injuries.
Sincerely yours, DANIEL B. TIERNEY
Chief Arlington Fire Department
Dr. Ezekiel Pratt, Chief Medical Officer, reports that the Medical Unit has continued to function admirably un- der the leadership of Percy C. Farmer, our Medical Co-
250
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
ordinator. Members have responded in force to all alerts, and practice drills have been held regularly during the fall and winter months. With an abundance of medical sup- plies from OCD, in addition to those purchased by the Town, and the gift of Mr. George A. Smith of a chassis for the ambulance body, the Medical Unit is well-prepared to oper- ate efficiently in case of any emergency.
Loren W. Marsh, director of the division of Services and Supplies reports activities on the part of various sub- committees, namely Transportation, Shelter, Fuel, and Public Services. Particularly gratifying is the report that, acting with the Arlington Board of Public Works, the Fire Department and the Metropolitan District Commission, a fire hydrant has been erected about 150 feet from the Spy Pond end of Pond Lane. The inlet is in deep water and will not be affected by maximum winter ice conditions. Wa- ter will be available at all times to the pumping apparatus of the Fire Department and tests have given complete satis- faction.
Mention should also be made of various other units and committees in order that the picture of Public Safety ac- tivities be complete. These men and women continue to stand by, ready to go into immediate action should an emer- gency arise. The Red Cross is prepared to provide cots, blankets and transportation in case evacuation is necessary, with its Canteen unit equipped and ready to cooperate with the Emergency Housing and Feeding committee in the care of evacuees. Shelter-Aides of the Social Service committee are trained to assist in listing and identification of persons evacuated to shelters during air raids or other disasters. The Public Health committee continues to keep a watchful eye on the general health and welfare of the community. The Committee of the Clergy, Rescue and Demolition Unit, Bomb Reconnaissance Agents, Gas Identification Officers, Road Repair crews and Fire Watchers make up the re- mainder of those groups who, fully trained, are prepared to function smoothly and efficiently should Arlington be visited by disaster.
251
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
For the information of those members of our ARP personnel who operate outside of the Report Center, and to stimulate interest on the part of the general public, a demonstration of what transpires when mobilization is necessary was shown in two performances of "Arlington's Report Center in Action" presented in the Robbins Me- morial Town Hall on March 8th and 9th.
Making use of the stage and the front of the auditor- ium, reproductions of the Report Center, a District base and the Police Department dispatching room were set up and manned for operation. A simulated air raid with its at- tendant incidents was staged, with all of the .routine activities showing just what would happen were enemy planes to drop their bombs on Arlington. Finally, one in- cident was followed through in detail, with explanations of each step in the procedure by which damage was reported by the air raid warden, with police and medical units, utilities repair crews, and emergency housing and feeding units called into action.
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