USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1955 > Part 13
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September 7, Fire Fighter William P. Moynihan, appointed May 1, 1927.
Promotions
June 17, Deputy Chief Thomas H. Egan was appointed Chief of Department to succeed Chief Richard J. Tierney who retired June 16. Chief Egan became a Call Fire Fighter March 12, 1918, permanent man May 1, 1922, and was appointed Lieutenant January 1, 1930, Captain July 1, 1943 and Deputy Chief March 6, 1949.
Resignations
George L. Francis, Fire Fighter since June 6, 1948, resigned January 29.
Appointments
June 17, Captain John E. Canniff was named Temporary Deputy Chief.
152
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Appointed three permanent Fire Fighters, replacements: John J. Mahoney, Jr., and James O. Corbett, March 6; and John F. Hughes, October 16.
Assignments
The following assignments were made by Chief of Department, Thomas H. Egan:
Deputy Chief Charles J. Flynn was made Personnel Officer in charge of personnel, personnel equipment and the inspection of uniform clothing.
Deputy Chief Lorne S. McEwen was placed in charge of Apparatus Maintenance, including repairs to fire fighting equipment and appliances.
Deputy Chief Bartholomew J. McGreevy was given charge of Fire Prevention and Fire Protection work, to cover all investigations, complaints and violations.
Temporary Deputy Chief John E. Canniff was assigned to the Train- ing and Drilling of members of the department.
Captain Albert G. Lennon was detailed to the Water Survey Project.
Captain Irving L. Proctor was named Coordinator to Civilian De- fense representing the Fire Department.
Apparatus - At Headquarters
Engine 1 (Mack) in commission November 1954, 1000-gallon unit;
Engine 4 (Seagrave) purchased in 1952; 1000-gallon unit;
Aerial Ladder 1 (Seagrave) in service since 1937. During 1955 replaced hydraulic ladder hoist, ladder turntable mechanism, relined brakes, overhauled clutch and replaced tires, an expense of $3300.
Special Service Truck (Mack) purchased in 1945 is euipped for emergency calls, is usable as ambulance and serves as Flood-light- ing Unit.
Life Boat purchased in 1952, a 14-foot metal boat with out- board motor and life-saving equipment;
Chief's Car and Deputy's Car (Pontiac) both purchased in 1951; one 11/2-ton utility pick-up truck (Chevrolet) bought in 1952 are in use for departmental duties. (Requesting replacement of Deputy's Car in budget for year 1956.)
At Highland Station
Engine 2 (Mack) in commission November 1954, 1000-gallon unit;
Aerial Ladder 2 (Seagrave) purchased in 1952; 65-foot metal aerial ladder.
At Park Circle Station
Aerial Ladder 3 (Seagrave) in service since 1949, a Quintuplet Unit comprising 750-gallon centrifugal pumper, 65-foot metal aerial ladder, booster pump with attachment, carrier for 1000 feet hose, and complement of hand ladders.
153
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
In Active Reserve
Engine 5 (Seagrave) purchased in 1929, a 750-gallon pumper, is ready to aid or replace disabled pumping units;
Ladder 2 (Seagrave) purchased in 1925 is held in reserve for any emergency. It has been loaned often to neighboring communi- ties when their own apparatus became disabled.
In our Repair Shop is a Seagrave pumping unit purchased in 1925 now beyond repair.
During 1955 installed amplifiers on two-way radios on all apparatus. Response
The Department responded to 1139 calls of which 277 were Box Alarms, 799 Still Alarms (Telephone Calls), and 63 Mutual Aid (Out-of-Town calls).
In 1954 there was a total of 858 calls, 54 of which were Out- of-Town calls.
A summary of alarms revealed that the greatest number of such calls occurred in the month of December; that more occurred on Friday than any other day of the week, and also that of these calls the largest number were between the hours of 9:00 and 10 a.m. and between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m.
Sixty-five false alarms were sounded as compared with 35 in 1954.
The Special Service Rescue Unit responded to 60 First Aid emergency calls where the Resuscitator and Inhalator were re- quested for the administration of oxygen.
Received seven calls for use of Department Life Boat.
Causes of Alarms in 1955
Accidents
Lightning
Ashes
Locked out
Automobiles
Manhole explosion
Malicious mischief
Brush Careless smoking
Miscellaneous
Children and Matches
Needless
Chimney
Oil burners
Dump False alarms
Oil tanks leaking
Out-of-town
First aid
Refrigerators
Gas leak
Rubbish
Gas range
Spontaneous ignition
Gasoline
Sprinkler systems
Grass
Televisions
Grease
Unknown
Incinerator
Water leaks
Investigating
Wax
Wiring
154
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
General Summary of Equipment Used at Fires
3,800 feet of ladders raised
49,100 feet of hose used
19,340 gallons water from booster tanks 262 pumping operations for 45 hours
4,900 miles travelled
1,010 hours of service time
Hurricane Alert
August 19, at 9:00 a.m. calls started coming into Fire Depart- ment Headquarters regarding the flooding of cellars throughout the town. The Fire Department was besieged with requests for help from those suffering from water damage to their property as the result of the worst rain storm in the history of the State which developed into a flood when over 11.9 inches of water fell.
At 10:55 a.m. a State of Emergency was declared and at 11:14 a.m. Emergency Signal 4-4-4 sounded on outside fire whistle call- ing back to quarters all off-duty Fire Fighters. Used the Department. Life Boat twice to evacuate people.
Assigned Temporary Deputy Chief John E. Canniff to cooperate with Public Works Department during this storm, and a central point of operation was established in that office with Deputy Canniff handling all calls for flooded cellars. Pumped water from 1185 cellars of houses and public buildings.
Fuel oil tanks breaking away from foundations and floating in cellars allowing oil to empty presented many hazards.
Gasoline Leak
October 31, the Fire Department was faced with the investiga- tion of a gasoline leak in storm drainage system, discharging into Mill Brook at Mill Lane creating a tremendous explosive hazard throughout entire system in that area. After thorough investigation, traced leak to Filling Station at 1234 Massachusetts Avenue where old underground gasoline tanks were ordered removed and replaced with new ones.
Fire Losses
Sixty-eight losses occurred, seven of which accounted for $23,906.31.
The total assessed value of property endangered, insurance thereon, loss sustained, and the amount of insurance paid are as follows:
Assessed Value
Insurance
Damage
Insurance Paid
Buildings
$1,267,570.00
$2,042,720.00
$25,148.04
$25,148.04
Contents
142,500.00
142,500.00
15,107.59
15,107.59
Total
$1,410,070.00
$2,185.220.00
$40,255.63
$40,255.63
155
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fires Which Caused Loss of More Than $1000.
January 26 Philip Shea, 31 Bailey Road
$1,252.00
April 7 Peter Ligor,
13211/2 Massachusetts Avenue 2,195.80
May 18
John Cullinane, 95 Medford Street 1,275.00
July 10
Clinton Schwamb, 17 Mill Lane
7,908.51
August 18 Joseph Colangelo,
13-15 Dorothy Road 2,995.00
October 23 Arthur Davidson, 135 Pleasant Street 3,500.00
November 24 Italia Vallari, 110 Lake Street
4,780.00
Appropriation
1955 Appropriation $438,955.03
Expended 436,368.02
Balance
$ 2,587.01
Credits
Fees for 57 permits to blast $28.50
Fees for 32 permits for inflammables 16.00
Fees for 12 permits for
use of tar kettle 6.00
$50.50
Report of Department Surgeon
Dr. Edward W. Feeley, Department Surgeon, rendered the following services in 1955: Office calls 67, house calls, 7, physical examinations 3, station calls 4, and hospital calls 3. Several con- fences were held with the Chief of Department on medical matters pertaining to the Members of the Department. Dr. Feeley responded to many box alarms and emergency calls.
Fire Prevention
Places of business, public buildings, schools, hospitals, con- valescent homes, and places of public assembly were inspected period- ically by the Fire Fighters. A record was made of existing conditions with the date when corrections were made.
Eight fires occurred in these regularly inspected places, caus- ing a loss of $9997.90.
Recharged 300 fire extinguishers in these buildings.
Inspections
Mercantile 4,300
Power oil burners 475
Range oil burners 25
Hydrant Inspections
1,200
Total Inspections 6,000
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.
156
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
This year inaugurated "In Service Fire Drills in Schools" where- by fire apparatus went to the schools for the conducting of fire drills, and at the same time remained in service for fire duty in the event of fire alarms. School principals were loud in praise of this method which stimulated interest and made realistic a routine drill.
Hydrant Inspections
July 2, the Fire Department assisted the Public Works Depart- ment with the cleaning of water mains throughout the town.
October 18, the Fire Department started "In Service Inspection of Hydrants" in the town. A total of 1200 hydrants were inspected. Many hydrants were found defective and 31 were frozen. These were reported to the Public Works Department for immediate restora- tion to service.
As the result of such inspections, a Fire Department becomes intimately acquainted and acquires a working knowledge of water volumes and pressures of the water system. With this valuable information, the Fire Department can control a major fire with the highest degree of efficiency, and can accomplish the assigned task of protecting life and property against that demon FIRE which was the cause of over 11,000 people being burned to death during 1955, as well as causing thousands to suffer from burns and the loss of millions of dollars in property damage.
Training of Fire Fighters
Under the direction of Temporary Deputy Chief John E. Canniff and Lieutenant Harold C. O'Leary, daily routine drills were held. Conducted pumping and drafting practice at Spy Pond and Heights Reservoir. Had drilling on ladder work and hydrant pumping in area Rear of Senior High School.
Auxiliary Fire Fighters
Auxiliary Members of the Fire Department covered in at Sta- tions during the year for a total of 2500 work hours-a standby ser- vice of great benefit and value to our regular fire fighting force.
Details
Since 1949 Fire Fighters at Park Circle Station have been assigned during school hours for traffic duty in that section to protect school children.
April 19 and May 30, Fire Fighters participated in local parade together with other civic organizations. October 9, on invitation from the Boston Fire Department, Arlington Engine 4 Company took part in Fire Prevention Parade.
Building Maintenance
During 1955, Fire Fighters laid rubber tile flooring at Park Circle Station and installed new ceiling in two rooms at Headquar- ters. With the assistance of men of Public Works Department com- pletely rebuilt patio and cement walk at Park Circle Station. There were also several painting projects. All these netted a considerable saving to the town.
157
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Recommendations
For the year 1956 recommend that $476,477.63 be appropriated.
Conclusion
As the new Chief of Department I will give my best efforts to the service of the Arlington Fire Department to maintain the highest degree of efficiency, and will advance latest methods for fire fighting, fire protection and fire prevention.
To the Members of the Board of Selectmen, to Town Manager, Edward C. Monahan, for close cooperation with the Fire Department, my sincerest thanks. My gratitude to the Public Works Department for assisting with many projects undertaken by both Departments which have been most beneficial to the town. My appreciation to the Police Department, ever helpful. To all other departments cooperat- ing with the Fire Department, I am grateful.
To my own Officers and Men, my deep appreciation for loyalty and devotion to the Fire Service.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS H. EGAN
Chief of Department
158
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Annual Report of the Department of Civil Defense
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Arlington, Mass.
Dear Sir:
In accordance with the By-Laws of the Town, I submit herewith the Sixth Annual Report of the Department of Civil Defense.
Chapter 639 of the Acts of 1950 and as amended authorizes and directs each political subdivision of the Commonwealth to establish a local organization for Civil Defense in accordance with the State Civil Defense plan.
On June 23, 1955, Christian A. Herter, Governor of the Com- monwealth, acting under the authority of Chapter 639 revoked cer- tain Executive Orders, and issued Executive Order No. 27 which now invests political subdivisions of the Commonwealth with the power to make preparations in advance of disaster.
This additional investment of power during the preparation for the disaster of "DIANE" enabled Arlington to quickly mobilize its striking power and hold losses to a minimum.
On Friday, August 19, 1955 when Hurricane "Diane" struck, Arlington was ready to receive its striking force. This preparatory meeting called by the Manager, of all departments which were ex- pected to meet the emergency, plus the planning operation of Civil Defense paid dividends in cooperation and efficient dispatch of re- pairs of damage.
Mutual Aid came to the foreground during the disaster. Arling- ton Civil Defense received thousands of sandbags from the United States Army, in turn Arlington sent 2000 each to the Cities of New- ton and Waltham.
Evacuation of civilians received its first test when on December 7, 1955 the complete evacuation of the Parmenter school children and their teachers was accomplished successfully. A film in color and sound showing the techniques of evacuation has been made and will be used as a visual aid for all schools.
Civilian Identification, sponsored by the Pet Milk Co. and Civil Defense was inaugurated. Success of this project is far short of our goal. Identification of all school children will be accomplished. Identifiation tags have been manufactured and are stockpiled and ready for distribution.
Additional equipment was purchased through Matching Funds and Emergency Disaster Relief for town departments and Civil Defense Volunteers.
Intercity Communications have been realized by the installa- tion of radio at Police Headquarters. Wardens have been organized this year and most of them have received identification and equip- ment. This branch will augment the Police services.
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL DEFENSE 159
Public Health Services were called upon for the first time in Civil Defense. Civil Defense in cooperation with Mass. Dept. Public Health, Park Dept., Tree and Moth Dept. and Arlington Board of Health Dept. took action to safeguard the health of Arlington residents by spraying lowland areas which were found to be con- taminated, as well as decontaminating large bodies of water.
The Public Works Departments, Fire and Auxiliary Fire De- partments pumped out over 800 cellars and disinfected sewers, drains, and washed public streets.
Welfare Services, a part of Civil Defense, was also active in 1955. During the disaster some residents were evacuated from their homes by Police and Fire Depts. and cared for by friends or rela- tives. The Welfare Dept. also assisted families who were forced to evacuate due to flooded cellars. The Welfare Department in cooperation with the American Red Cross, Arlington Chapter; St. John's Episcopal Church and Civil Defense fed over 100 Town Em- ployees and Civil Defense Volunteers. Four mobile canteens were in service.
The School Department, under the direction of Mr. Clifford Hall, opened all schools for shelter purposes.
Training and Recruiting in all phases of Civil Defense has been continuous, with the following taking part: Auxiliary Police, Auxi- liary Fire, Radio Hams, Boy Scouts and Red Cross First-Aid and Home Nursing.
It is not possible to enumerate all accomplishments or activities during 1955. To all who have served, may we express our grateful appreciation.
We are especially indebted to the Police Department, Fire De- partment, School Department, Board of Public Welfare, and to the Town Manager and Board of Selectmen for their assistance in our program.
Respectfully submitted, PHILIP A. SWEENEY
Director Civil Defense
160
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Report of the Cemetery Department
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Arlington, Mass.
Dear Sir:
The report of the Cemetery Commissioners for the year ending December 31, 1955 is herewith submitted.
The Board organized with Arthur R. Kimball, Chairman, Mabel G. Robinson, Clerk, and Edward C. Preston in charge of grounds.
In May Mrs. Robinson resigned and her place was filled by Mrs. Claire M. Murray.
During the year there were three hundred eighty-five interments in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, seventy-nine more than the previous year.
1955 was the busiest year in the history of the Cemetery De- partment. The receipts were almost fourteen thousand dollars more than in 1954.
We wish to thank Manager Monahan and the departments under him for wonderful co-operation. We have had to call on them for assistance many times and have tried to be as co-operative as they have been.
Following are the amounts received by the Board of Cemetery Commissioners:
Sale of Lots and Graves
$14,734.00
Annual Care
1,953.50
Foundations
2,639.20
Opening Graves
11,035.00
Miscellaneous
2,979.00
Perpetual Care
17,754.00
Income from Funds
10,059.55
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR R. KIMBALL NILS G. ANDERSON WATHEN B. HENDERSON Board of Cemetery Commissioners
161
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS
Report of the Inspector of Buildings
Mr. Edward C. Monahan
Town Manager Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit Annual Report of the inspection of Building, Plumbing and Gas for the year ending December 31, 1955.
Four Hundred Forty-Six (446) building permits were issued, classified as follows:
1-Family Dwellings
199
$2,063,200
2-Family Dwellings
2
22,000
4-Apt. Dwellings
2
10,000
10-Apt. Dwellings
5
250,000
Additions & Alterations
106
557,254
Buildings
9
1,470,940
Service Station
1
7,000
Foundation for Dwelling
1
7,000
Demolish Buildings
26
8,267
Reroof Dwellings
50
20,028
Garages
22
26,850
Tool Shed
1
325
Signs
19
3,450
Temporary Tent
1
100
Awning
1
250
Fire Escape
1
225
Total
446
$4,446,889
446 Building Permits issued - Fees Collected
$1,518.00
811 Plumbing Permits issued
- Fees Collected
1,507.25
734 Gas Permits issued
- Fees Collected
374.00
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES C. McCABE
Act. Inspector of Buildings
162
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Report of Dog Officer
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my report as Dog Officer for the Town of Arlington for the year ending December 31, 1955, in accordance with Section #3 of Article #3 of the Town By-Laws.
Complaints registered with me are as follows:
Dogs impounded
664
Dogs destroyed at pound 15
Dogs returned to owners 249
Dogs contacted on Warrant 1255
Dogs caused to be licensed 1128
Unlicensed dogs sent to
Animal Rescue League
385
Dogs licensed
2152
Complaints investigated
for Board of Selectmen 7
Complaints registered with me to remove dead or mutilated animals from highways are as follows:
Dogs
73
Owl 1
Cats
222
Pheasant 1
Skunks 21
Rats
8
Squirrels
56
Rabbits
9
Pigeons
39
Ducks 3
Fish 7
Turtles
2
At this time, I wish to express my thanks to you and the Board of Selectmen for the advice and assistance given me in the settlement of the many controversies arising between the Dog Owners and the complainants.
I also wish to thank Chief Ryan and his department for the splendid cooperation given me through the year.
In conclusion, I gratefully acknowledge the prompt attention given by the Dog Owners of Arlington to the licensing of their dogs this year.
Respectfully submitted,
SAMUEL F. FEMIA
Dog Officer, Town of Arlington
163
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC WELFARE DEPARTMENT
Report of the Public Welfare Department
Honorable Edward C. Monahan, Town Manager
Town Hall Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I have the honor to submit herewith the report of the Medical Inspector of the Department of Public Welfare for the year ending December 31, 1955.
House Calls
Clinic
Calls
Total
Old Age Assistance
302
195
497
Aid to Dependent Children
31
100
131
Disability Assistance
27
15
42
General Relief
68
135
203
Veteran's Services
7
62
69
The total number of visits made to the Clinic for dental care was 352.
The housing and living conditions of many recipients of Old Age Assistance continues to be unsatisfactory; some are in rooming houses and have to go out to eat in restaurants; some are in super- vised boarding homes; and others are in nursing homes. The nurs- ing homes are still overcrowded and continue to have insufficient number of registered nurses. This condition was called to the at- tention of the Town in the Annual Report of 1953.
In 1955 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts made available to cities and towns the sum of $15,000,000 for the purpose of im- proving the housing conditions of the aged. The Town of Arlington did not see fit to take advantage of this offer, although seven cities and towns within ten miles radius did take advantage of it, and are now in the process of constructing modern, low cost housing projects for the aged.
In 1956 the State of Massachusetts is again expected to make another $15,000,000 available for the construction of low cost modern housing for the aged. It is hoped that the Town of Arlington will take advantage of this new offer by following the lead of neighboring cities and towns, and provide adequate housing condi- tions for those of our citizens who are over 65 years of age and who are financially unable to provide proper living conditions for themselves.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD W. FEELEY, M.D.
164
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Annual Report of the Park Commission
January 9, 1956
Edward C. Monahan, Town Manager Town Hall Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Monahan:
The Board of Park Commissioners herewith submit its Annual Report for the year ending December 31, 1955:
Mr. Frank J. Hughes was appointed to fill the vacancy on the Park Commission and, at the organization meeting held on May 16, 1955, Edward D. Buckley was elected chairman.
About two acres of land was developed at Warren A. Peirce Field. This area was loamed and seeded and the chain link fence relocated. This area may be used for girls' softball and field hockey activities and also utilized by the Little Leaguers for baseball. Hurricane Diane washed out a section of this area and this department had to replace 1,000 yards of loam; the running track and a large section under- mined; 1200 honeysuckle vines were planted to prevent further soil erosion on this bank; estimated loss of $7,200.00.
Another two acre project of grading, loaming and seeding of Spy Pond Field was completed. Water lines and sprinkler systems were installed in each area.
Slides were replaced at North Union and Linwood play areas. A drinking fountain was installed at Pheasant Avenue.
Two coats of paint were applied to tennis court fences at Ethel Wellington playground and Crosby School.
The 30 foot fence at Crosby School was in a hazardous condition; it was lowered to a height of 15 feet and replaced with 150 feet of No. 11 guage chain link fabric.
Again the water level at Hills Pond was lowered to 3 feet below high water for the safety of skaters.
A record 69 days of skating at Meadowbrook and Hills Pond was enjoyed by an average of 600 daily at each area. Floodlights were provided for night skating until 10:00 P.M. Police supervised these areas and each area was divided, half for hockey and half for skating, which proved very satisfactory. Small tot areas were flooded at North Union, Parallel and Thorndike Streets, Waldo Road and Robbins Farm.
Picnic tables were installed at North Union, Linwood and Parallel Streets, Bishop School and Florence Avenue.
A baseball backstop was installed at Bishop School.
Basketball backstops were relocated at Hardy School which will be asphalted later.
165
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSION
The Adult Bowling Leagues comprised of 16 teams bowled two evenings a week at the Arlington Recreation Alleys. There were 16 softball teams that played, 220 games during the spring and summer. 75 games were played at Reservoir Field under lights. Adult bad- minton was held every Tuesday evening at Lowe Auditorium. 8 teams participated in the Adult Basketball program. A golf clinic was conducted three evenings a week at the Junior High East gymnasium with John Thoren, State Champion, available as instructor to aid the 120 golf enthusiasts. An Adult Health Exercise program was con- ducted on Wednesday evenings at the high school gymnasium preceded by girls' basketball.
The high school basketball league is composed of 9 teams playing on Tuesday and Friday evenings at the Junior High West gymnasium. Ballroom dancing was held on Monday afternoons at the Junior High West and on Wednesday afternoons at the Junior High East. An activity period for fifth and sixth grade school girls consisting of arts and crafts, games and special trips of interest was conducted on Saturday mornings at the Locke, Hardy and Crosby playrooms and
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