USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1952 > Part 14
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25
APPARATUS
At Headquarters.
Engine 1 in service since 1926, 750-gallon pumping unit;
Engine 4 purchased in 1952, 1000-gallon unit;
Aerial Ladder 1 in commission since 1937, motor completely over- hauled in 1952;
206
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Special Service Truck purchased in 1945, equipped for emergency Calls and usable as ambulance;
Life Boat purchased in 1952, a 14-foot metal boat with outboard motor and life-saving equipment;
Chief's car and the deputy's car both purchased in 1951, and 115- ton utility pick-up truck bought in 1952 are in use for departmental duties.
At Highland Station.
Engine 2 in service since 1927, 750-gallon unit;
Aerial Ladder 2 purchased in 1952, 65-foot steel aerial ladder.
At Park Circle Station.
Aerial Ladder 3 in service since 1949, a Quintuplet Unit comprising 750-gallon centrifugal pumper, 65' steel aerial ladder, booster pump with attachment, hose carrier, and complement of hand ladders.
In Active Reserve.
Engine 5 purchased in 1929, 750-gallon unit, is complete and ready to aid or replace disabled pumping units.
Apparatus in Retirement (not dependable for emergency service.)
Old Engine 4 purchased in 1931 and old Ladder 2 purchased in 1925 are assigned to the Auxiliary Fire Force for any possible emer- gencies arising from enemy activities.
For Civil Defense.
Two 500-gallon trailer pumps purchased in 1941 for Civil Defense.
RESPONSE
The Department responded to 1030 calls of which 221 were Box Alarms, 648 Still Alarms (telephone calls), and 161 Mutual Aid (out- of-town calls). There were no Multiple (two-alarm) fires.
This is the greatest yearly number of alarms to which the Depart- ment has responded in its history.
In 1951 there was a total of 850 calls.
A summary of alarms revealed that the greatest number of such calls occurred in the month of November; that more occurred on Satur- day than any other day of the week, and also that of these calls the. largest number were between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and noon and between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Seventy-four false alarms were sounded as compared with 34 in 1951.
The Special Service Rescue Unit responded to 46 First Aid emer- gency calls where the Resuscitator and the Inhalator were requested for the administration of oxygen to persons in critical condition through serious illness or who were accidentally overcome by toxic fumes ..
207
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE LOSSES
Sixty-seven losses occurred, 8 of which accounted for $26,241.25 of the entire yearly loss.
The total assessed value of property endangered, insurance there- on, loss sustained, and the amount of insurance paid are as follows:
Assessed Value
Insurance Paid
Buildings
Contents
$ 966,200.00 108,300.00
Insurance $ 1,058,000.00 107,300.00
Damage $ 27,547.77 8,362.62
$ 27,547.77 8,162.62
Total
$1,074,500.00
$ 1,165,300.00
$ 35,910.39
$ 35,710.39
FIRES WHICH CAUSED LOSS OF MORE THAN $1,000
February 4, Edna Lovering, 91-93 Summer Street
February 13, Arlington (Town of), 730 Massachusetts Avenue
4,326.00
April 13, Orlando Fanuele, 102 Gloucester Street
3,601.45
July 7, Albert Martins, 35-35A Lafayette Street
2,499.00
September 1, William Kirchner, 60 Hamlet Street
1,900.00
September 5, Antonio Malva-Gomes, 11 Kimball Road
4,500.00
December 22, Moore Realty Company, 20 Ernest Road 3,025.00
December 31, Maurice Kenney, 96 Jason Street
3,017.60
APPROPRIATION
1952 Appropriation
$400,857.77
Expended
396,886.33
Balance
$ 3,971.44
CREDITS
Fees for 47 permits to blast
$23.50
Fees for 12 permits for inflammables
6.00
$29.50
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT SURGEON
Dr. Edward W. Feeley, Department Surgeon, rendered the follow- ing services in 1952: House calls 8, office calls 25, station calls 3, and physical examination 1. In addition he responded to many alarms and had conferences with the Chief on medical matters pertaining to the Department.
REPORT OF CHAPLAIN
Reverend Charles A. McCarthy, Chaplain, submitted the following report: "It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve for the past year as Chaplain of the Arlington Fire Department. I have visited the Circle and Highland Stations about twice a month, and the Head- quarters Station about once a week. I have been available to the men at all times at the Rectory.
$ 3,372.20
208
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
"I have visited four fire fighters who were in the hospital and two who were sick at home. I also attended the funeral of the father of one of the men.
"I have had numerous visits from the men at the Rectory and have tried at all times to be of help to them.
"The off-duty members of the Department attended Mass in a body at St. James Church during the month of May and took part in a Communion Breakfast at St. James School immediately afterwards. They were addressed by representatives of the Public Works Depart- ment of the Town and the Board of Selectmen. The principal address was given by Rev. Charles R. Flanigan, Principal of St. Sebastians School.
"I marched with the Fire Department Detail on Memorial Day, taking part in the Service at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. I also took part in the Service on Memorial Sunday. I have responded to many alarms and I hope to be of service to you, the Officers and Members of the Department during the coming year."
FIRE PREVENTION
All places of business, public buildings, schools, hospitals, conval- escent homes, and places of public assembly were inspected each month, a yearly total of 9,100 inspections.
Record was made of existing conditions with the date when cor- rections were made.
Nine fires occurred in these regularly inspected places, causing a loss of $6,156.60. It is quite noticeable that losses by fire sustained in mercantile establishments during the year were almost at a minimum. In a large measure our routine inspections are responsible for such a small fire loss.
Recharged 250 fire extinguishers in these buildings.
INSPECTION OF DWELLINGS
The Twenty-ninth Annual Voluntary Inspection of the cellars of every home in Arlington by the Fire Fighters was made during Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11 when 9,173 houses were inspected. A record was made of each inspection.
The Fire Fighters, who donated their off-time for this tremendous task, called attention to possible fire hazards existing many times un- known to both owner and occupant. It is through simple precaution- ary measures that lives and homes can be saved from destruction by fire.
One-half of the lives lost by fire occur in dwellings, and ninety per cent of all fires can be prevented by the elimination of common hazards.
Fifteen fires occurred in cellars of residences, and of these 8 were caused by defective oil burners. There were 25 cellar fires in 1951.
The following is compiled as a result of Dwelling House Inspections:
Total houses
9,173
Singles houses
5,942
2-apartment houses
3,021
Of more than two apartments
210
Vacant apartments
-
Combustible roofs
2
Houses with power oil burners
6,731
Houses with range oil burners
4,427
209
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
INSPECTIONS
Dwellings
9,173
Mercantile
9,100
Power oil burners
700
Range oil burners
50
Total inspections .
19,023
FIRE DRILLS IN SCHOOLS
The annual fire drill under the supervision of the Officers of the Fire Department was conducted 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 Department.
TRAINING OF FIRE FIGHTERS
Routine drills were held but in a modified manner for we are with- out the advantage of a drill tower most essential for the proper train- ing of personnel.
COMMITTEE ON RULES AND REGULATIONS
In 1949 the National Board of Fire Underwriters in its Survey rec- ommended that a Bureau of Fire Prevention, a Division of the Fire Department be established with a code of rules and regulations. As a result of the 1951 Town Meeting, such a committee was appointed to formulate these rules. The Committee is still in active discussion.
AUXILIARY FIRE DEPARTMENT
Standing by and willing to assist is our Auxiliary Fire Force of about 40 members who organized March 9, 1951.
RECOMMENDATIONS
For the year 1953 recommend that $404,147.29 be appropriated to include the replacement of Engine 2 in service since 1927.
Requested the appointment of 8 new men and asked for the con- sideration of plans for new drill tower and yard.
CONCLUSION
To the Members of the Board of Selectmen for kind indulgence and interest in the welfare of the Fire Department, my sincerest thanks. To the Finance Committee for continued support and understanding, my appreciation. To the various Boards and Heads of Town Depart- ments for cooperation, my gratitude. To the Auxiliary Fire Force, ever ready to assist. my warm praise. To my own Officers and Men for their support and loyalty, my deepest thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD 'J. TIERNEY Chief, Fire Department
210
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Report of the Fire and Police Signal System
To The Honorable, Board of Selectmen
Town Hall
Arlington, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
As Superintendent of the Fire and Police Signal System I submit my Fourth Annual Report for the year ending December 31, 1952.
The System is maintained by Assistant Superintendent Lester W. Cameron together with Signal Maintainers Nicholas J. Bucciero and Frederick J. Manning.
March 2, Nicholas J. Bucciero appointed Signal Maintainer to re- place Kenneth B. Colbert who resigned February 9.
FIRE ALARM AND POLICE SIGNALS
Many open circuits occurred. Some were caused by aerial lines and cable breaking during storms and others when poles and pedestals were damaged by automobiles. Many difficulties were experienced as the result of general breakdowns in spliced connections in the System throughout the Town.
Automobiles struck and damaged:
Box 31 Massachusetts Avenue - Medford Street, twice
Box 712 Brattle Street - Summer Street
Box 42 Police Box, Massachusetts Avenue - Lexington Line
Box 15, Massachusetts Avenue - Winter Street, moved 5 feet for street construction.
Box 753, Park Avenue Extension - Blossom Street, moved to Park Avenue - Branch Avenue.
Box 841 moved 200 feet and installed on Wollaston Avenue - Wa- chusett Avenue.
Installing the following new fire alarm boxes:
42 Massachusetts Avenue - Swan Place
392 Columbia Road - Upland Road West
376 Woodside Lane - Hazel Terrace
8612 Dow Avenue - Rhinecliff Street
8451 Appleton Street - Udine Street 8651 Concord Turnpike - St. Camillus Church
844 William Street - Perth Road
Peerless 3-fold boxes replaced following (1890) Gardner-type boxes:
Box 512 Massachusetts Avenue - Mill Street
55 Massachusetts Avenue - Brattle Street
533 Massachusetts Avenue - Prentiss Road
Installed following new police boxes: Box 433 Summer Street - Franklin Avenue
216 Mystic Street - College Avenue
Police Box 6 in Cell Room at Police Headquarters replaced by 3-Call Box.
211
REPORT OF THE FIRE AND POLICE SIGNAL SYSTEM
CABLE CONSTRUCTION
Replaced 10-conductor underground cable :
Lake Street from Box 15, Massachusetts Avenue to Freeman Street; From Test Terminal on Massachusetts Avenue to Box 71, Lowell Street.
Replaced 6-conductor aerial cable:
Florence Avenue from Park Avenue to George Street;
Park Avenue Extension - Forest Street from Lowell Street to For- est Street to Winchester Line;
Highland Avenue from Massachusetts Avenue to Eastern Avenue; River Street from Warren Street to Exeter Street.
Replaced 6-conductor underground cable:
Park Avenue Extension from underground pole on Park Avenue Extension to Peirce School.
Warren Peirce Playground, 6-conductor underground cable, in- stalled 3-inch conduit from High School to Police Box 321 at Gate to ball field.
REPLACING BATTERIES
Installed new batteries in local and main Battery, 39 cells; and 49 cells in Battery 1 and Battery 8.
Repaired Air Compressor for Whistle at Fire Department Head- quarters.
Bell signals at Highland Station and Arlington Heights discon- tinued; towers in need of repair.
Steam Whistle on Metropolitan Pumping Station was disconnected when Station converted to diesel power.
AIR RAID SIGNALS
The following air raid sirens controlled from Fire Department Headquarters were tested April 25 at 7:30 p.m:
Florence Avenue - George Street
Summer Street - Mill Street
Summer Street - Park Avenue Extension
Broadway - Everett Street
Lake Street - Margaret Street
Highland Avenue - Ottawa Road
Mystic Street - College Avenue
SPECIAL DETAILS
Made 28 transfers of lines to new poles.
Painted all fire and police signal boxes throughout the town.
Installed 12-v Two-way Radio on new Engine 4; replacing old 6-v radio.
Arranged Christmas lighting and decorations at the Town Hall. Library, on Tree at Monument Park, at Fire Department Headquarters and at Highland Station.
212
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
SURVEY COMMITTEE
The Committee appointed in 1951 to survey the Fire and Police Signal System held several meetings and made surveys primarily to report and recommend replacement of 66-conductor cable extending from Fire Department Headquarters to the Highland Station. This Committee has requested the appropriation of funds to purchase the necessary cable. It will continue actively in an effort to improve the Fire and Police Signal System.
APPROPRIATION
1952 Appropriation
$19,295.09
Expended
18,971.17
Balance
$ 323.92
RECOMMENDATIONS
For the year 1953 recommend that $24,392.34 be appropriated to include installation of 15 fire alarm boxes and 5 police signal boxes.
CONCLUSION
To Lester W. Cameron, Assistant Superintendent of the Fire and Police Signal System for his untiring efforts in maintaining this Sys- tem, my gratitude.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD J. TIERNEY
Superintendent
Fire and Police Signal System
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS
213
Report of the Inspector of Buildings
January 12, 1953
To the Honorable
Board of Selectmen
Arlington, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report of the inspection of building, plumb- ing and gas for the year ending December 31, 1952.
Four Hundred and Seventy-eight (478) building permits were issued, classified as follows:
239 Dwellings, 1-Family
$2,249,000.00
1
Church
45,000.00
2 Reroof Buildings
155.00
1 1-story Building
5,000.00
1 Move Diner
500.00
1 Elevator
300.00
5 Additions to Buildings
2,750.00
42
Additions to Dwellings
83,875.00
1
Addition to Parish House
100,000.00
1 Addition - Porch
10.00
27 Alteration to Dwellings
35,625.00
4
Alteration to Buildings
1,225.00
1 Lubritorium
5,500.00
68 Reroof Dwellings
22,863.70
1 Tent
00.00
31
Signs
6,301.00
13 1-car Garage
9,020.00
10 2-car Garage
13,900.00
22
Demolish Buildings
2,230.00
4
Demolish Dwellings
975.00
1
Demolish Greenhouse
50.00
2 Service Stations
20,000.00
478
$2,604,279.70
FEES
Fees for the year 1952 are as follows:
478 Building Permits
$1,597.00
813 Plumbing Permits
1,280.50
606 Gas Permits
302.50
Total
Respectfully submitted, $3,180.00
HERBERT J. LEARY
Inspector of Buildings
214
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Report of the Boards of Appeals
December 31, 1952
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Arlington, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The Boards of Appeals herewith report on their activities for the calendar year ended December 31, 1952.
The combined Boards held hearings on forty-two (42) cases. As of the close of the year there are two (2) cases on hand, they having been entered shortly before December 31st. The hearings have been scheduled for January 7, 1953. It may be noted that this total of cases represents a marked decrease from the case-loads of prior years, dating back to the inception of the Boards as presently constituted.
The Zoning Board of Appeals heard thirty-three (33) cases. Of these twenty-six (26) were appeals from decisions of the Inspector of Buildings. The Board allowed twenty-three (23) appeals, two (2) sub- ject to stated conditions. Of the appeals heard two (2) were denied and the Board took no action with respect to one (1) appeal. This last mentioned situation was determined to constitute an existing use of property as of the effective date of the amendment to the by-law. Nine (9) peitions were presented to the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Board allowed six (6), three (3) subject to restrictions. Two (2) peti- itons were denied and permission was granted for the withdrawal of one (1) without prejudice to the petitioner.
The Board of Appeals, under the Building Code, heard seven (7) appeals from rulings of the Inspector of Buildings. Of the cases heard six (6) appeals were allowed, five (5) subject to conditions. The Board dismissed one (1) appeal.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN R. SALMON CLIFFORD E. LANSIL ROBERT W. BLAISDELL
215
REPORT OF THE WIRE DEPARTMENT
Report of the Wire Department
January 12, 1953
To the Honorable Joint Board of Selectmen and
Board of Public Works
Arlington, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit herewith my thirteenth annual report as Inspector of Wires for the year ending December 31, 1952.
STREET LIGHTING
The street lighting in service December 31, 1952 was as follows:
800 Lumen Incandescent Lamps
1601
1,000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps
19
2,500 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 34
4,000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps
23
6,000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps
381
10,000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps
128
15,000
Lumen Incandescent Lamps 10
INSPECTION OF WIRES
One thousand, eight hundred and nineteen (1,819) permits for electrical work were issued during the year. Fees collected amounted to eight hundred and eighty-one dollars ($881.00) .
Mr. Walter McCulloch received a temporary appointment April 8, 1952 as Assistant Inspector of Wires, and received his permanent ap- pointment November 17, 1952.
POLES AND WIRES ON STREETS
The Boston Edison Company replaced twelve (12) poles and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company replaced seventy-nine (79) poles during 1952.
Due to an overload of work and lack of trained men, both utility companies have been slow to remove replaced poles. This condition is being overcome and replaced poles are to be removed more promptly.
I wish to express my thanks to your Honorable Board and the various Departments of the Town for their cooperation and courtesy during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT L. REID
Inspector of Wires
216
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures
Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit my fourth annual report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending December 31, 1952.
Scales
Adjusted
Sealed Condemned
Platform, over 10,000 lbs.
3
-
Platform from 100 to 5,000 lbs.
11
Counter 100 lbs. or over
2
-
-
3
-
Spring under 100 lbs.
23
1
Computing under 100 lbs.
10
133
12
Personal Weighing
-
31
4
Weights
Avoirdupois
-
111
Automatic Measuring Devices
Gasoline Meters
8
Tank Truck Meters
3
Grease Measuring Meters
7
-
Miscellaneous
Yard Sticks
12
-
Taxi Meters
1
-
Totals
11
380
18
-
-
This Department has turned into the Town Treasurer the sum of $173.40 which was collected as Sealing fees. The Town Treasurer also received $150.00 in payments for Hawker's and Peddler's licenses.
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my appreciation to the Honorable Board of Selectmen and their staff for their cooperation during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES J. DOLAN
Sealer of Weights and Measures
1
Counter under 100 lbs.
1
32
Beam 100 lbs. or over
-
-
-
217
REPORT OF THE DEPT. OF VETERANS' SERVICES
Annual Report of Department of Veterans' Services
The Honorable Board of Selectmen
Arlington, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
Submitted herewith is the eighth annual report of the Department of Veterans' Services covering the calendar year 1952.
The department is bound by law to furnish financial assistance to veterans of all wars and their legal dependents who qualify under the terms of Chapter 115, General Laws of Massachusetts, and to the de- pendents of service men and women during periods of war when pay and allotment checks are delayed for some reason or other. A thorough investigation must be made in each case. These types of aid are called Veterans' Benefits, War Allowance and Burial Aid. The enactment of Chapter 723 of the Acts of 1945 and subsequent amendments thereto have made it mandatory that this department furnish to veterans, their dependents and other kin such information, advice and assist- ance as may be necessary to enable them to procure the benefits to which they are or may be entitled relative to employment, vocational or other educational opportunities, hospitalization, medical care, pen- sions, compensation and other veterans' benefits. It also provides that the department shall have on hand copies of current booklets and other printed matter pertaining to the statutory rights of war veterans provided under state and federal laws. The Director must work in close co-ordination with the U. S. Veterans Administration, Army, Navy and Air Departments, the Selective Service Boards, the Department of Labor and other Federal agencies which have to do with service men, veterans and their dependents as well as with our various state depart- ments and the organizations of veterans. All such activities come under the head of Veterans' Services, a tabulation of which follows:
Photostatic copies made
3,891
Documents notarized
136
Discharges recorded in Town Archives
1,780
Counsel and information
At office
781
By telephone
432
Housing, Employment and Civil Service
Office interviews
131
Telephone calls
720
Letters
114
Selective Service, Allotments, Discharges From Service, Etc.
Office interviews
419
Telephone calls
635
Letters
218
Administrative, Business, Etc.
Office interviews
223
Telephone calls
401
Letters, history entries and records
1,345
218
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Veterans Administration Matters
Office interviews
526
Telephone calls
931
Home visits 81
Hospital visits
51
Other visits
386
Veterans Administration forms completed
184
Letters
287
Total for the year 1952 13,672
A study has been made of the results obtained from contacts with the U. S. Veterans Administration in the prosecution of claims for compensation, pension, insurance, hospitalization, G. I. Bill benefits, etc., during the past seven years and the manner in which the Town of Arlington has benefited is shown in the following tabulation:
Total number of claims handled since October 1, 1945 538
Claims initiated in this office since 1945 263
Claims initiated elsewhere but taken over by this office 275
Claims successfully prosecuted and awards obtained, continued, confirmed or increased 184
Total of cash benefits accruing to claimants during the calendar year 1952 $120,131.08
Estimated total of money saved to the Town of Arlington by reason of successful prosecution of claims of persons who would otherwise be beneficiaries of this department $ 95,208.28
Number of applicants for Veterans' Benefits who were kept off of our rolls, or, if aided, were
dropped from the rolls or had their aid sub- stantially reduced by reason of awards made 103
Of the 538 claims abovementioned many were for benefits provided by the so called G. I. Bill of Rights, for hospitalization and medical and dental treatment. Such claims as these did not often bring direct cash benefits but, indirectly, brought about a saving to the veterans and to the Town. If, for reasons of economy, Congress should vote to repeal laws which provide pensions, hospitalization and other benefits for disabled veterans whose disabilities have not been shown to be due to their war service, it is conceivable that our roster of aid cases would be tripled and, maybe, quadrupled and the cost (of aid) to the Town increased to $100,000.00 per year or more.
In addition to the Veterans Administration claims, this office has also assisted claimants for Social Security, U. S. Employees Compen- sation, Railroad Retirement and other benefits.
A tabulation of administrative work connected with the disburse- ment of financial aid to needy veterans and their dependents and to the needy dependents of persons on active duty with the armed forces of the United States, the amounts disbursed under the several classi- ficaitons of aid and the sums recaptured and returned to the General Fund of the Town follows:
219
REPORT OF THE DEPT. OF VETERANS' SERVICES
VETERANS' BENEFITS, WAR ALLOWANCE AND BURIAL AID
Office visits (applications, interviews, investigations, etc.) 787
Home visits (applications, interviews, investigations, etc.) 333
Hospital visits (applications, interviews, investigations, etc.) 31
Other visits (Interviews and investigations) 291
Telephone calls 1,912
Applications completed, history entries, records and letters 3,264
Total for year 1952 6,618
Cases on rolls :
(a) Settled in Arlington 83
(b) Settled in another community 4
(c) State settled
2
Applications and re-applications received 121
Applications and re-applications accepted 89
Applications and re-applications rejected or withdrawn 20 Applications referred to other communities or elsewhere 12
Refund cases 4
Disbursements to or on behalf of veterans, service men and their dependents for the period January 1, 1952, through December 31, 1952, were as follows:
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.