USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1951 > Part 20
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29
Pigeons
30
Rats
2
Turtles
None
Rabbits
18
Raccoons
None
At this time I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen for advice rendered me in settlement of controversies arising between Dog Owners and Complainants, and to thank Chief Bullock for his splendid coopera- tion through his department.
My thanks to the Dog Owners of Arlington for prompt attention in the licensing of their dogs during the past year.
Respectfully submitted:
SAMUEL F. FEMIA
Dog Officer-Town of Arlington
267
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
Report of the Board of Health
The Board of Health herewith submits its Annual Report together with the reports of its appointed officers for the year ending December 31, 1951:
FINANCIAL REPORT
Appropriation
Personal Services
$13,259.00
General Expense
1,975.00
Communicable Diseases
25,000.00
Mosquito Control Project
2,000.00
Premature Baby Care
3,000.00
Capital Outlay
159.00
Total
$45,393.00
Expenses
Personal Services
$12,705.50
Hospitalization for Tuberculosis:
Middlesex County Sanatorium $6,762.00
North Reading State Sanatorium
350.00
Lakeview State Sanatorium
1,095.00
Rutland Training Center
482.15
Other Hospitals
250.00
Ambulance Service
28.00
8,967.15
Hospitalization and Expenses for other Communicable Diseases:
Meningitis
$ 385.42
Scarlet Fever
26.00
Ambulance Service
8.15
Miscellaneous Expenses
92.00
511.57
Antirabic Clinic, Vaccine
242.55
Antirabic Clinic, Expense
302.11
544.66
Total Expenditures (Communicable Diseases) $10,023.38
Mosquito Control Project
2,000.00
Capital Outlay ..
150.30
Premature Baby Care
1,442.80
General Expense
Maintenance of Office
293.83
Maintenance of Auto
382.73
Dental Clinic Supplies
252.82
Telephone
178.33
268
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Laboratory
24.30
Milk Inspection
321.00
1,453.01
Total Expenditures
$27,774.99
Receipts
Licenses Issued :
Sale of Alcohol $ 1.00
Manufacture of Frozen Desserts or Ice Cream
Mix (Retail)
20.00
Manufacture of Frozen Desserts or Ice Cream Mix (Wholesale) 100.00
Practice of Massage and giving of Vapor Baths 4.00
Practice of Massage and giving of Vapor
Baths (Establishment Owners)
2.00
Collection of Meat Trimmings
10.00
Sale of Oleomargarine
23.00
Sale of Milk from stores 56.00
Sale of Milk from vehicles
18.00
Operating Pasteurizing Plants
20.00
Constructing Cesspools 32.00
4.00
Day Nurseries
3.00
Total Receipts from Licenses issued $ 293.00
Receipts from Communicable Diseases
Tuberculosis
6,149.00
Receipts from Dental Clinic
995.00
Receipts from Premature Baby a/c
305.00
Miscellaneous Receipts
6.28
Total Receipts
$ 7,748.28
Total Expenditures
$ 27,774.99
Total Receipts
7,748.28
Net cost to operate
$ 20,026.71
Cost per Capita .45
Including debt and maintenance of Middlesex Count Sana- torium
$ 44,700.12
Net cost to operate
20,026.71
$ 64,726.83
Cost per Capita 1.46
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
Cases reported during the year 1951
Infantile Paralysis 4 Chicken Pox 119
Pick up Garbage
269
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
Diphtheria
1
Dog Bites
159
German Measles
18
Gonorrhea
5
Measles
38
Meningitis
3
Mumps .
350
Scarlet Fever
64
Syphilis
12
Tuberculosis (Pulmonary) 19
Tuberculosis (Other Forms)
1
Whooping Cough
34
Total
827
Number of Arlington resident hospitalized through this office, having Arlington settlement, for:
Scarlet Fever
1
Meningitis
1
Tuberculosis Report
Total number of cases as of December 31, 1951
202
Deaths during year 5
Case removals during year 26
New cases reported during year 20
Contacts X-rayed (All reported negative) 59
Arrangements had been made by the Board to conduct a chest X-ray Clinic, starting in October of 1951, but due to unforeseen circum- stances it became necessary to cancel all plans.
Persons having a legal settlement in Arlington were hospitalized in Tuberculosis sanatoria as follows:
Middlesex County Sanatorium 21
Lakeville State Sanatorium 1
North Reading State Sanatorium 1
Rutland Training Center 1
Persons without a legal settlement in Arlington were hospitalized through this Board as follows:
Middlesex County Sanatorium 6
270
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT ON CLINICS CONDUCTED BY BOARD OF HEALTH DIPHTHERIA PREVENTION BY IMMUNIZATION
Year
Number of Children Immunized
Percentage below Age-5 of those Immunized
Percentage between Age5-10 of those Immunized
Diptheria
Cases
Deaths
1945
116
83
17
1
0
1946
91
73
27
3
0
1947
82
67
33
0
0
1948
46
69
31
13
1
1949
37
68
32
2
0
*1950
12
75
25
2
0
*1951
21
87
13
1
0
*Triple Antigen used in place of Diphtheria Toxiod
DENTAL CLINIC
Statistical Report On Work Performed During 1951
Total Number of Patients
668
Total Number of Hours
543
Total Number of Sittings
2007
Total Number of Operations
4521
Extractions
Permanent
0
Deciduous
24
Fillings
Permanent
553
Deciduous
1825.
Treatments
Silver Nitrate
837
Prophylactic
1286
Total number of Dismissals
1166
CLINIC FOR VACCINATION OF DOGS AGAINST RABIES Clinics were held April 16, 17, 18, 20 and 21
Number of Dogs Vaccinated
1009
271
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
BIRTHS AND DEATHS OCCURRING IN ARLINGTON RESIDENT AND NON-RESIDENT DURING 1951
With Five-year Comparative Death Rate and Infant Mortality (Stillbirths Excluded)
1947
1948
1949
1950
1951
Population estimated
43,575
43,575
43,575
43,984
44,353
*Number of Deaths
488
446
391
483
562
*Apparent Death Rate per 1,000 Population .
11.1
10.2
9.1
11.
12.1
Births
920
910
922
969
1,029
Deaths of children under one year of age
23
17
21
25
23
Rate of infant mortality per 1,000 births
25.
18.6
22.8
25.8
22.4
*Crude Rate
Age of oldest persons dying in Arlington (1951) Female-96 years 6 months 18 days Male-93 years
NOTE: The corrected death rate is found by eliminating the deaths of all non-residents dying in Arlington and adding the deaths of all residents of Arlington dying elsewhere, as taken from the records of the Town Clerk.
Deaths of residents occurring in Arlington 306
Deaths of residents of Arlington occurring elsewhere 181
Total 487
Death rate per 1,000 population 10.9
272
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
BIRTHS OCCURRING IN ARLINGTON RESIDENTS AND NON-RESIDENTS DURING 1951
Population estimated - 44,353
*Number of births 1029
*Birth rate per 1,000 population 23.
*Crude Rate
CORRECTED BIRTH RATE
NOTE: The corrected birth rate is found by eliminating the births of all non-residents born in Arlington and adding the births of all residents of Arlington born elsewhere, as taken from the records of the Town Clerk.
Births of resident occurring in Arlington 536 Births of residents of Arlington occurring elsewhere 493
Total 1029
Birth rate per 1,000 population 23.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
273
SHOWING THE FIVE PRINCIPAL CAUSES OF DEATH IN ARLINGTON DURING 1951
Number of Deaths
Number per 1,000 of Population
Heart Disease (All forms)
167
3.8
Cancer
59
1.3
Cerebral Hemorrhage
49
1.1
Pneumonia (All forms)
35
.79
Accidents
21
.41
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN S. CROSBY, Chairman ERNEST R. BROOKS, D.M.D. CARL E. BARSTOW, M.D. Arlington Board of Health
274
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF AGENT AND CLERK Licenses Issued
To sell alcohol 1
To practice massage
5
To collect meat trimmings 5
To act as Funeral Directors 16
To conduct Day Nurseries
3
Permits Issued
To construct cesspools or septic tanks 32
To keep poultry
17
To hold rummage sales
25
To haul offal
11
To pick up garbage
4
Burial Permits
424
Inspections
Food and other establishments which serve the
public
280
Complaints
Investigated and settled ..... . .
32
Legal Settlements
Investigated and determined
24
REPORT OF MILK INSPECTOR
Licenses Issued
For the sale of milk from stores
112
For the Sale of milk from vehicles
36
For the sale of oleomargarine
46
To manufacture Ice Cream Mix
5
To operate Pasteurizing Plants
2
Milk analyses made
120
Average for the year as follows:
Fats
Solids
Bacteria
*Grade "A"
4.30
13.27
6,140
*Regular
3.99
12.82
6,439
*School
3.93
12.61
12,563
*Negative Phosphatase
Inspections
Pasteurizing Plants
4
REPORT OF SLAUGHTERING INSPECTOR
There was no slaughtering in the Town of Arlington during the year end December 31, 1951.
275
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY DEPARTMENT
Report of the Cemetery Department
January 9, 1952
Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Arlington, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The report of the Cemetery Commissioners for the year ending December 31, 1951, is herewith submitted.
The Board organized March 14, 1951 with Ralph S. Stevens, chair- man, and Mrs. Mabel G. Robinson, clerk.
During the year we have, with the cooperation of the Board of Public Works, continued with the work of developing the land trans- ferred in 1950 from the Park Department to the Cemetery Department. It is our intention to do as much of this work as possible with our own men.
Again we want to express our appreciation to the Public Works, Park and Tree Departments for their assistance at various times during 1951.
There were 355 bodies interred in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery during 1951.
Valuation of Lots and Graves with Perpetual Care $269,603.50.
Following are the amounts received by the Board of Cemetery Commissioners :
Sale of Lots and Graves $ 9,693.00
Annual Care ..
2,239.00
Liners
1,286.00
Foundations
1,123.33
Opening Graves
7,590.00
Miscellaneous
2,642.00
Perpetual Care
16,720.00
Income from Funds
7,554.57
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH S. STEVENS ARTHUR R. KIMBALL WATHEN B. HENDERSON
Board of Cemetery Commissioners
276
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Report of the Planning Board
The Planning Board submits herewith its report for the year ending December 31, 1951.
At the town election of March, 1951, Mr. John B. Byrne, Jr. was elected for a three-year term. The Board organized, and Mr. John O. Parker was elected Chairman, and Herbert M. Dutcher was elected Secretary of the Board.
The Planning Board continues its representation on the Advanced Programing and Budgeting Committee.
During the year public hearings were held on the following proposed Zoning By-Law Amendments or Zoning changes, all of which were in- serted in the warrant for the annual Town Meeting of 1951.
Article #52-A proposed amendment to the Zoning Map and By-Law to include in the Business "A" District certain land in the Residence "B" District, located at Broadway, Sunny- side Avenue, and Silk Street, containing approximately 71,000 square feet of land, to permit the erection of a storage garage for motor vehicles. This amendent was recommended by The Planning Board, but was not adopted by the Town Meeting.
Article #53-An informative article to see if the Town would approve a bill in the General Court which would restrict use of land on the Concord Turnpike to a depth of 200 feet on either side to agricultural and single residence purposes, except those portions of such land lying easterly of Lake Street. The Planning Board reported itself not in favor of the proposed bill on the ground that the zoning power should be retained by the Town Meeting under the prin- ciple of Home Rule, and should not be delegated to state legislation. The Board recommended that no action be taken on the Article which was followed by the Town Meeting.
Article #54-A proposed amendment to amend the Zoning Map and By-Law to include in the Business "A" District a sub- stantial area on the Concord Turnpike easterly of Lake Street, formerly included in the Residence "B" District, to provide for the erection of a shopping center. The Planning Board recommended the adoption of this amendment, and it was so voted by the Town Meeting.
The Board met on several occasions with the Park Commission in connection with a proposed survey of park, playground, and recreational facilities within the Town.
277
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
At the request of the Board of Selectmen, the Planning Board conducted a professional survey of the vacant land on Massachusetts Avenue opposite the Town Hall in regard to potential municipal use of such land. The Board reported to the Board of Selectmen, and had several joint conferences with the Selectmen in connection with the matter.
The Board has been consulted in regard to miscellaneous matters of a local or neighborhood nature.
The Board remains a member of the State Federation of Planning Boards, and has maintained its contact with the State Planning Board.
Regular meetings of the Board have been held throughout the year.
The Planning Board wishes to express its appreciation to all of the other Town Board and Department Heads who have rendered assistance to it during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN O. PARKER HERBERT M. DUTCHER JOHN B. BYRNE, JR. HARVEY C. ABBOTT CHARLES J. DALEY, JR.
278
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Report of the Park Commission
The Board of Park Commissioners herewith submits its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1951.
At the Annual Town Election held on March 5, 1951, Everett J. Hen- derson was re-elected a member of the Board for a term of three years. Regular meetings were held by the Board on Monday evenings throughout the year at the office of the Park Department in the Town Hall.
MAINTENANCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF AREAS
Another phase in our long range development of added facilities at Warren A. Pierce Field was completed last spring when the base- ball diamond, similar to any major league installation, was officially opened. This field will be reserved for the use of the high school varsity baseball squad and baseball teams of semi-professional caliber. Dur- ing the fall of the year a field hockey area was installed for the use of the girls in the high school varsity field hockey program.
The unusally good weather of last spring enabled us to re-seed the baseball diamond at Linwood Street Playground, establish a new dia- mond in accordance with specifications of Little League, and provide for its use by Little League in all of its games beginning in early June.
The unfinished portion of Thorndike Street Playground, involving about 35,000 square feet of land was brought to subgrade by the use of surplus fill from street construction. Loam for this area was avail- able from our purchase in 1950 of surplus loam from the Arlington Housing Authority. This area was seeded this fall to complete a field which now totals 421,000 square feet of playground space. A backstop was erected in the location of a new baseball diamond to be installed next spring.
The unfinished portion of Robbins Playground, representing ap- proximately 210,000 square feet of land, was brought to final grade, loamed and seeded this fall.
All available surplus fill from street construction was deposited in the unfinished portion of Summer Street Playground in an effort to bring this area to subgrade. A large quantity of fill is still needed, but this area should be finished next year. Four thousand yards of loam have been placed on the area in stockpile this December to be used in the seeding of this playground when it is brought to final grade.
279
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSION
Five thousand cubic yards of loam were purchased from the Arling- ton Housing Authority in December for twenty-five hundred ($2,500.00) dollars. We are ever grateful to the Housing Authority for its coopera- tion in selling this amount of loam to us at such a low price. Loam represents the major cost in the development of our areas and this re- cent purchase again gives us a sufficient stockpile to develop areas next year at a considerable saving to the Town.
The opening of our new playground at Medford Street last April praved, in its popularity throughout the year, the need of several small children's areas throughout the town.
All outdoor facilities were serviced daily or as required in the use of these areas by individuals, leagues and organizations. Seasonal flowers were again planted in our many flower beds throughout the town.
Action by our 1951 Annual Town Meeting placed the maintenance of the World War II Honor Roll under the jurisdiction of this Board. The maintenance of all precinct boxes was also assumed for the Board of Selectmen. These boxes, of which there are twenty-eight, were fully repaired and given two coats of paint.
RECREATION
Our Summer Playground Program was conducted again this year on thirteen playgrounds for an eight week period beginning June 25, 1951. An average daily attendance of nineteen hundred and twenty- five (1,925) children was maintained on these areas for this period, showing a steady increase in participation over previous years.
Our program offered a variety of active and quiet games, sports, story telling, trips, picnics and crafts. These activities were climaxed by our Annual Childrens Parade and Field Day on August 15, 1951. over fifteen hundred gaily costumed children paraded with floats and doll carriages from Robbins Library to Warren A. Pierce Field. Rain, unfortunately, interrupted the conduct of our Field Day which neces- sitated the distribution of awards and prizes, candy and ice cream, all provided by local merchants and organizations, to the children on each playground the following day.
Reservoir Beach was officially opened for supervised bathing on June 15, 1951 and weather permitting was open daily through Labor Day. Swimming instruction was offered daily by our lifeguards.
Other activities conducted by the department during the year in- cluded baseball and softball leagues, bowling leagues, tennis clinics,
-
280
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
basketball leagues, Little League, badminton, golf, crafts, square danc- ing, supervised skating areas and outdoor band concerts.
CONCLUSION
The continued support of individuals and organizations and the cooperation of other Town Boards, department heads and their em- ployees during the past year is gratefully acknowledged. We also ex- press our sincere thanks to all who have been in our employ during the year on a full or a part-time basis for their conscientious effort.
Respectfully,
Edward D. Buckley Franklin W. Hurd Everett J. Henderson
Board of Park Commissioners
-
281
REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL BOARD
Annual Report of the Personnel Board
Honorable Board of Selectmen Robbins Memorial Town Hall Arlington, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
The Personnel Board herewith respectfully presents to the citizens of Arlington its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1951.
The Board continued to function during the past year with no changes in membership. Twenty-four regular and special meetings were held. Prior to January 1, 1952 the Board held hearings for thirty indi- viduals and groups regarding reallocations, classifications and salary adjustments.
The Secretary has continued the analysis of classified positions and has now established a complete personal history and file for all clas- sified personnel in the Town. The office routine for prompt clearance of such matters as classification of new employees, reallocations, re- classifications and Civil Service requirements is functioning exceedingly well.
We point out that there will always be need for adjustments and changes in the classification plan as the Town grows and responsibilities and duties of individuals and groups change.
It is not necessary, probably, to point out that a smooth functioning of the Classification and Pay Plan has been severely handicapped by the abnormal cost of living and economic situation which has existed during the entire life of the Board.
After a continuous study of salaries and wages, cost of living, com- parisons with wage scales in private and public service and conferences with employees and executive groups, the Board must again recommend an increase in the basic pay scale as established in 1949 and as amended at the Town Meeting in March 1951. Recommendations for changes in grade have been reduced to a minimum and involve only exceptional cases.
During the past year the Executive Secretary has devoted much time to a study of local practice in regard to vacation leave, sick leave, overtime and lunch periods. Material bearing upon practices in com- parable communities has been obtained and studied. Our investigations indicate a wide variance in rules and regulations of departments and boards as to these items. Such a condition fosters unrest and low morale among employees.
282
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
The Board has formulated a tentative plan to standardize sick leave, vacation allowance, overtime and lunch periods as effecting em- ployees in all branches of our local government. We are now operating with boards, department heads and others concerned to effect an agreed-upon common practice.
It is contemplated that a proposal for adoption of a by-law establish- ing a uniform procedure in respect to these problems will be pre- sented at a special Town Meeting during 1952.
The Board again expresses its thanks and appreciation for the cooperative and helpful manner in which all officials and boards have assisted us in the administration of the Classification and Pay Plan.
Respectfully submitted, JAMES J. FLYNN ARTHUR J. MANSFIELD M. NORCROSS STRATTON, Chairman
283
OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
REPORT
Annual Report of the School Department
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR THE YEAR 1951
To the Citizens of Arlington:
The annual report of the research division of the National Educa- tion Association on the current elementary and secondary school en- rollment showed an increase of 800,000 over a year ago. Of long range interest is the fact that more babies were born in the United States in 1951 than in any previous year of our history. A total of over 3,900,000 babies exceeds the previous high figure of 3,876,000 in 1947. The an- ticirated decline has failed to materialize. Furthermore, infant mor- tality has established a new low. The steady downward trend in infant mortality over the past decade has meant an aggregate saving of about 400,000 infant lives during this period, truly a magnificent achievement.
These statements merely preface our building needs. It should be recalled that ten years ago the School Committee asked for two schools to replace the Russell School, one in the Morningside section of town and one near Park Street in Precinct Seven. The former was approved by the Town Meeting materializing in the Bishop School, but the latter proposition was turned down by the Town Meeting. It is hoped that the present committee studying the Russell School will present a formative plan at this Town Meeting. The School Committee must seek land be- yond the Bishop School as this area has developed rapidly since the erection of the new school. The policy of the parochial school in the Heights section will determine building plans there. The two junior high schools should be adequate, but as the wave of war babies moves into the high school, additional space may be needed. The allocation of school construction metals could possibly curtail building.
The Sixth Yearbook of the Department of Superintendence in 1928 enumerated the three former objectives of American public education; namely, to help the growing person to understand (1) Self, (2) Nature, (3) Society, and it added another-(4) The force called Love. In the remarkable preamble to this fourth objective those educators who reported said in part: "Man craves more than a knowledge of himself, of nature, and of organized society. He hungers and thirsts after righteousness. Knowing his own imperfections he feels that somewhere there is perfection. The great universe calls to his spirit, and unless he ignorantly or wilfully closes his ears, he hears the voice of God. The individual soul reaches out to orient itself in the universe and to find its place of labor and of rest. No partial view suffices
The statement and the adoption of the fourth aim of 1928 were not properly implemented. However, the crescendo of the cry for the teaching of spiritual values in the public schools is culminating in action on many fronts. The American Council on Education had been financed by a one-year grant from the Rockefeller Foundation to conduct an exploratory research project concerning the relation of religion to public education in the United States. Both the National Education Association and the American Council on Education agree
284
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
that the public schools should teach about religion. Moral and spirit- ual values can be motivated while still respecting the important sepa- ration of church and state.
The Committee expresses its appreciation to the following people who retired during the year:
Teachers Retired in 1951:
Miss Katherine T. Gregory, Supervisor of Elementary Education
Mrs. Claiborne C. Elliman, Visiting Teacher
Miss Doris I. Allen, Visiting Teacher
Miss Martha S. Gray, Librarian at the High School
Teachers Resigned in 1951:
Miss M. Jean Roberts, Teacher at Hardy School for 21 years
In Memoriam MARY A. KEEFE Secretary and Head Clerk, 1914-1951
Receipts of Funds received from the Commonwealth of Massachu- setts in 1951 and estimate for 1952 follows:
Description
Actual Receipts 1951
Estimated Receipts 1952
State Aid for Public Schools
$147,106
$168,882
Maintenance of Arlington Vocational Schools
$ 12,022
$ 13,500
Vocational Tuition
$ 969
$ 1,672
Americanization
$ 190
$ 232
Tuition and Transportation of State Wards
$ 6,471
$ 6,508
State Aid for School Construction
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