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Sit Ipswich Public Library Ipswich, Massachusetts
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Federally funded with LSTA funds through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
http://archive.org/details/annualreport1939ipsw
1634
1940
REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF
IPSWICH, MASS.
MASS
SWICH
INC
1634
THE BIRTHPLACE OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE 16 0)
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1939
and the
THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTH YEAR
of the
TOWN'S INCORPORATION
LAtie
Chronicle Publishing Co., Printers
Ipswich, Mass.
974.4 apy 3
Ipswich Public Library Ipswich, Massachusetts
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS, 1939
ELECTED BY BALLOT
Moderator
Walter E. Callahan
Term expires 1940
Selectmen
Brainard C. Wallace, Chairman Fred D. Harris Wallace J. Lathrop
Term expires 1940 Term expires 1941 Term expires 1942
Town. Clerk
Edward S. Cogswell Term expires 1941
Treasurer and Collector
James D. Reilly Term expires 1942
Assessors
C. Chester Caldwell, Chairman John E. Norman Worthington H. Mansfield
Term expires 1940
Term expires 1941 Term expires 1942
Auditor
Kennard V. Damon Term expires 1940
Board of Public Welfare
Walter F. Poole, Chairman Term expires 1941 Term expires 1940 Term expires 1942
George R. Hovey Besse F. Dawson
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Water and Electric Light Commissioners
James E. Cole, Jr., Chairman
Charles A. Mallard
Walter J. Brown
Term expires 1940 Term expires 1941 Term expires 1942
School Committee
William F. Hayes, Chairman
Besse F. Dawson
Term expires 1940 Term expires 1940 Term expires 1940
Herman W. Kyes
(appointed to fill vacancy caused by death of Dr. Kyes)
Earl M. Ewing
Term expires 1941
Frederick C. Wilder
Paul R. Raupach
Term expires 1942 Term expires 1942
Board of Health
Lawrence M. King, Chairman
Paul M. Jodoin Dr. Frank L. Collins
Term expires 1940 Term expires 1941 Term expires 1942
Park Commissioners
C. Gardner Caverly, Chairman
Samuel C. Gordon
Robert D. Lord
Term expires 1941 Term expires 1940 Term expires 1942
Constable
Thomas G. Gauld Term expires 1940
Cemetery Commissioners
Ralph K. Whittier, Chairman Term expires 1940 Howard Blake Benjamin W. Homans Term expires 1941 Term expires 1942
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Clam Commissioner
Caswell E. McGregor, Jr. Term expires 1940
Tree Warden
C. Gardner Caverly Term expires 1940
Trustees Great Neck Property
William F. Hayes, Chairman
Term expires 1941 Term expires 1940
George R. Hovey George W. Brown Term expires 1942
APPOINTED OFFICIALS
Accountant
Kennard V. Damon Term expires 1940
Registrars of Voters
Frank H. Girard, Chairman
Peter Bonczar
Henry F. Hills
Term expires 1942 Term expires 1940 Term expires 1941
Edward S. Cogswell, Clerk, Ex-Officio Term expires 1941
Town Counsel
Honorable George A. Schofield Term expires 1940
Acting Chief of Police
E. Edward Blauvelt
Engineers of Fire Department Term expires 1940
Edward H. Smith, Chief Samuel W. Atherley
Lionel M. Sheppard
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Superintendent of Moth
C. Gardner Caverly Term expires 1940
Forest Warden
George W. Brown Term expires 1940
Sealer of Weights and Measures
William J. H. Ewing Term expires 1940
Superintendent of Streets
Francis E. Wood Term expires 1940
Inspector of Animals
G. Loring Woodbury Term expires 1940
Inspector of Slaughtering
Eben B. Moulton Term expires 1940
Sanitary Agent
Eben B. Moulton Term expires 1940
Inspector of Milk
Eben B. Moulton Term expires 1940
Reporter of Communicable Diseases
Kennard V. Damon Term expires 1940
Child Hygiene
Dr. Frank L. Collins, Director Term expires 1940 Muriel E. Riley, Nurse Term expires 1940
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Clerk, Board of Health Kennard V. Damon, Ex-Officio Term expires 1940
Clerk, Board of Selectmen
Kennard V. Damon, Ex-Officio Term expires 1940
Clerk, Board of Welfare
Besse F. Dawson Term expires 1940
Clerk, Board of Assessors
C. Chester Caldwell Term expires 1940
Inspector of Wires
Elmer A. Wiley Term expires 1940
Bell Ringer
Robert P. Stewart Term expires 1940
Janitor Town. Hall
Samuel H. Williams Term expires 1940
Sworn Weighers for Town Scales Term expires 1940
Samuel H. Williams James D. Reilly Kennard V. Damon
Manager, Water and Light Departments
Charles A. Mallard
Dog Officer
Thomas G. Gauld
Term expires 1940
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Town Farm
George A. Dorr, Superintendent
Maude A. Dorr, Matron
Finance Committee
Jerome Richardson, Chairman*
Bernard M. Sullivan, Secretary*
Walter E. Lezon*
Charles M. Kelly*
Kennard V. Damon, Ex-Officio John F. Conley*
Edward J. Marcorelle *
Jesse M. Morehouse
Seward S. Tyler **
Thomas A. Johnson*
Term expires 1940 Term expires 1941 Term expires 1940 Term expires 1940 Term expires 1940 Term expires 1941 Term expires 1941 Term expires 1942 Term expires 1942 Term expires 1942
* Elected on Town Meeting floor.
Appointed by Moderator.
Appointed by Selectmen.
9
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Selectmen's Report
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
The meetings of the Board of Selectmen this year have been extremely harmonious. The individual members have en- deavored at all times to solve matters coming before them in the interest of the common good.
Over such departments as they have direct supervision, efforts have been made to economize but not to the point of di- minishing public service.
The Board has endeavored to cooperate with the heads of such departments as do not come directly under their supervision, with the same end in view.
Some member of the Board, or the Chairman, has repre- sented the town at all hearings on matters pertaining to public interest.
Police Department
During the year, William E. Garrett, Chief of Police, resigned. In order that there may be no misunderstanding, the Board desires to state that the resignation was voluntarily made and is no reflection on Mr. Garrett. Edward Blauvelt was appointed Temporary Chief to fill the vacancy. The Civil Service Department was notified of the vacancy and thereupon ordered an examination to be confined to the members of the Ipswich Department. This examination was post-poned as there were insufficient applications received. The examination will be held in the immediate future and will be open to any resident of Ipswich. This is a matter over which the Selectmen have nc control and, under the law, will be obliged to conform to such rules and regulations as the Civil Service Department may from time to time promulgate.
The Board of Selectmen regret to report the loss of the very efficient Keeper of the Lock-up, Harold C. Poor, who died re-
10
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
cently. He served the town in this position for many years and was thoroughly acquainted with his duty. No more conscien- tious public official ever served this town. He was always en- deavoring to do his full duty and without complaint, always voluntarily, to do more than was assigned to him. At the present time this position is being filled by temporary appoint- ment. The Board is thoroughly convinced that the position of Keeper of the Lock-up should be filled by a regular police officer. To that end the Board recommends that another regular officer be appointed.
Highway Department
The Board of Selectmen are very well satisfied with the conduct of the Highway Department during the past year. The Board feels that the Superintendent of the Streets has accom- plished excellent results with the amount of money at their disposal. The Board could use a larger appropriation and show excellent results therefor, however, in order to cooperate in lowering the tax rate, an increase will not be asked for.
The Board regrets that during the past year no funds were made available by the Legislature for Chapter 90 construction work. However, the Board is informed that the Commission- er proposes a program for Chapter 90 construction, which program will be presented to the next session of the Legislature which meets in 1941. If the Legislature makes an appropria- tion for Chapter 90 work it is the present intention of the Board to continue the work of construction on Topsfield Road. The Board has a new lay-outof that portion of Topsfield Road from Mill Road to the Crossing to submit to the voters, when, and if, an appropriation is made. The Board is pleased to report that through the efforts of the Chairman funds were obtained under Chapter 90 for maintenance work on Tops- field Road. The allocation of these funds was made late in the season and the weather conditions existing at that time were not conducive to the highest type of work. An allot-
11
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
ment for Chapter 90 maintenance work on Linebrook Road has been made. A communication from the Department of Public Works states that these funds may be used for the con- struction of a Farm to Market Project under W.P.A. The Board will discuss this matter at some future date and make definite recommendations at the Annual Town Meeting as to its proper disposition.
Snow Removal
During the year 1939 the total amount expended for snow removal was $7,386.05. This amount carried through Janu- ary, February and March and includes some work carried on in November and December. This amount was insufficient to provide adequate snow removal during the last storm in March. The Superintendent of the Streets reporting that his funds were exhausted, the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen contacted the Department of Public Works and requested them to give assistance. As a result of the Chairman's conference, two large Walters Snow Fighters were dispatched to Ipswich and did con- siderable work. This saved the town approximately $2,000. The efficiency of this type of snow removal equipment was thoroughly demonstrated at this time. The Board was very much impressed, and, as a result, an article was inserted in the warrant asking for authority to purchase a piece of equipment for the town. The Board feels that over a period of years the cost would be saved, and, in addition, the efficiency of snow removal be much increased. So far this year, we have been fortunate in having little snow. Serious consideration should be given to the purchase of additional snow removal equipment. The request for snow removal this year will be confined to an amount which the Board considers necessary for removal, snow fences, sand and sanding.
Bridges
The Board of Selectmen have had an examination made of the Willow Dale Bridge and the Labor-in-Vain Bridge and
12
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
are convinced that both of these bridges should be re-built. Temporary repairs have been made from time to time but they have reached a stage now where temporary repairs will no longer suffice. Surveys and plans have been prepared. The Board feels that there is a possibility that these bridges might be worked into a W.P.A. Project. In so far as the Willow Dale Bridge is concerned, cooperation with the Town of Hamil- ton is necessary as one-half of the bridge is situated in Hamil- ton.
Town Wharf
An inspection of the Town Wharf has been made by the Board. The Board desires to report that in the very near future it will be necessary to ask for an appropriation for im- provements and repairs.
Ipswich River
The Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting will con- tain an article asking for an appropriation to dredge the Ips- wich River. Unless such dredging is undertaken very soon it will be impossible for any of the boats to pass up and down as the channel is fast filling. The Board feels that some effort should be made by the people of the town to convince the Federal Government of the necessity of giving some financial aid. The dredging at the mouth of the River is especially im- portant. The Chairman of the Board of Selectmen has put in much time, study and effort on this matter. He has consulted the Army Engineers and suggested that they make a further
study of the conditions existing. He has further suggested that they recommend some plan for dredging. In order to be successful in this undertaking, it will be necessary for the Board to have the complete cooperation of the entire community, otherwise, very little satisfacion will be obtained from the Federal Government.
The Chairman of the Board of Selectmen recently attend- ed the meeting of the Atlantic Waterways Association at Ports-
13
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
mouth, New Hampshire. This organization is dedicated to providing an inland waterway along the coast. This organi- zation is prepared to take such steps as may be necessary to further dredging proposition.
The Board feels that all organizations, such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Taxpayers Association, should endeavor to contact our Congressmen and United States Sena- tors and suggest to them the importance of this project.
Town Hall
The Board of Selectmen is asking this year for the sum of $500 to be used for ordinary repairs in the Town Hall. Dur- ing the past year the Board authorized the Chairman to make certain repairs, and, as a result, the Court Room and the Clerk of Court's Office was thoroughly cleaned and given two coats of paint, and a new lighting system installed. The new offices occupied by the Town Accountant, the Town Clerk, and the Assessors were also thoroughly cleaned and painted. All of this work has called forth many favorable comments. The changes in office space, together with the new equipment installed, has provided a very satisfactory improvement. The Board has inserted a special article in the warrant asking for an appropria- tion to make certain repairs and improvements in the office now occupied by the Board of Public Welfare. This office was originally a dressing room and storage room and the Board of Public Welfare took over the space as is, and at best, it is only a makeshift. This department has become one of the most important departments in the town and should have better quarters. The Board especially recommends that favorable consideration be given to make these improvements. Having in mind at all times that a reduction in the tax rate should be made, no extensive changes are contemplated, but it is hoped that another year some additional space may be alloted to this department by an alteration, or by erection of an additional structure. With the recent Social Security Act and Unemploy-
14
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
ment Act, together with the local welfare load, it is fair to assume that from now on this department will require much more space than is now available.
Sealer of Weights and Measures
The Board of Selectmen is very pleased to report that they are extremely satisfied with the exceptionally fine work being done by the present Sealer of Weights and Measures. One not acquainted with this department has no idea of the amount of time necessary to properly conduct the office. During the last few years, in legislature, with reference to weights and measures, particularly, gas stations, the work has at least doubled. The Scaler has asked for an increase in his budget. An examination of the number of hours he has devoted fairly indicates that he is entitled to an increase, and the Board does not hesitate to recommend that this be granted.
Fire Department
The Board of Selectmen is pleased to report that the Fire Department has operated very efficiently during the past year. No criticism of any kind or description has been heard or report- ed to your Board with reference to the Fire Department. On the contrary, favorable comments are made at all times. The detailed report of the Engineers of the Fire Department is re- ferred to for further information.
All department heads, coming under the jurisdiction of the Board of Selectmen, have submitted their reports which have been given the approval of the Board. The Board of Select- men, in presenting their budgets to the Finance Committee, have endeavored to break the budget down to the smallest de- tail, in order that the Finance Committee might make an intel- ligent examination thereof. By his method, the Board feels that the Finance Committee will be enabled to submit their report and substantiate their records by a complete knowledge of all the facts.
15
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
The Board is very much pleased with the interest displayed by the Taxpayers Association. The Board considers that the information gained by the Taxpayers Association through their close cooperation with the Departments and the Finance Com- mittee, will result in a better understanding of the town prob- lems, and it is the hope of the Board that this organization will continue to function and take the same interest in the future as it has taken this year.
BRAINARD C. WALLACE 1
FRED D. HARRIS
WALLACE J. LATHROP
16
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Town Clerk
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith present to your Honorable Board a report of the Town Clerk for the year 1939.
VITAL STATISTICS
Births
During the year 1939 the births numbered 141, an in- crease of 26 from the previous year.
Males 62
Females 79
Parents residing in:
Ipswich
95 Wenham 1
Essex
18
Georgetown 1
Rowley
17
Hamilton
8
Gloucester
1
141
Fathers born in:
Mothers born in:
Ipswich
40 Ipswich
33
Mass.
71 Mass. 76
U. S. A.
14 U. S. A. 12
British Prov.
9 British Prov.
11
Poland
1 Poland
2
England
2 England
1
France
1 Sweden
1
Ireland
1 Ireland
4
Germany
1 Spain
1
Latvia
1
141
141
17
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Marriages
Total number received and recorded
104
Grooms born in:
Brides born in:
Ipswich
26
Ipswich
38
Mass.
41
Mass.
47
U. S. A.
16
U. S. A.
7
British Prov.
11
British Prov.
6
Poland
3
Poland
1
Italy
2
England
1
England
1
Ireland
1
Roumania
1 Korea
1
Korea
1 Germany
1
Scotland
2 Italy
1
104
104
Deaths
During the year 1939 the deaths numbered 92, an in- crease of 14 from the previous year.
Females 41
Males 51
The following persons were at the time of death over eighty years of age:
Years
Months
Days
Charles O. Farnsworth
83
Edgar Forrest Morton
81
11
15
James W. Horton
80
11
14
Sarah E. Keniston
83
Edwin Pickup
83
Luther A. Lord
87
0
14
Mary Rose (LeBlanc)
DeEntremont
80
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Years
Months
Days
Harry Joyce
87
7
3
Elizabeth E. Stone
82
George E. Willis
85
George Henry Lord
86
6
5
Newman Saunders
85
Charles H. Jewett
88
7
2
Eliza F. Morrill
84
Clara H. Brocklebank
92
0
3
Esther G. Hawes
89
Margaret M. Reddy
84
3
2
William P. Gould
83
3
26
Marie Alice (Chounard)
Paradis
80
George W. Smith
89
6
17
Jeremiah Thomas McGlew
80
5
22
NOTICE
The attention of parents is called to the law relating to the registering of births. The present requirements are as follows:
Chapter 29, Section 6 of the Revised Laws. Parents with- in forty days after the birth of a child shall cause notice thereof to be given to the Clerk of the town or city in which such child is born.
Section 8. A parent who neglects so to do for ten days after the time limited therefor shall forfeit not more than five dollars for each offense.
The Attention of Physicians and Midwives is Called to Chapter 280, Sec. 1 Acts of 1912
Section 1. Physicians and midwives, shall, within forty- eight hours after the birth of every child in cases which they
19
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
were in charge, mail or deliver to the Clerk of Registrar of the City or Town, in which the birth occurred. a notice stating the date and place of birth, giving the street number, if any, the number of the ward in a city and the family name. Failure to mail or deliver the said notice shall be punished by a fine not exceeding twenty-five dollars for each offense.
I wish to call attention to the foregoing vital statistics:
It is important that these records shall be correct. If any errors are discovered the Clerk will deem it a favor to have them reported at once, so that correction may be made.
Some of the many reasons why births should be recorded:
To prove legitimacy.
To establish identity.
To prove nationality.
To show when a child has the right to enter school.
To show when a child has the right to seek employment under the Child Labor Law.
To show when a child has the right to apply for a license to operate a motor vehicle.
To establish the right of inheritance of property.
To establish liability to military duty as well as exemption therefrom.
To establish the right to hold public office.
To qualify to hold title to, and to buy and sell real estate.
To prove the age at which the marriage contract may be entered into.
To make possible statistical studies of health conditions.
The following licenses were granted through this office:
Amusement 26
Amusement-Strand Theatre
1
Agents Licenses Class 1. Motor Vehicle 4
Agents Licenses Class 2. Motor Vehicle. 1
Agents Licenses Class 3. Motor Vehicle Junk 1
20
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Billiard and Pool
1
Bowling
2
Hawkers and Peddlers
3
Innholder's
9
Junk
4 5
Wines and Malt Beverages
Seasonal License All Alcoholic
2
Seasonal License Wines and Malt Beverages
2
Retail Bottle Store-Wines and Malt Beverages
3
Retail Bottle Store-All Alcoholic
2
Restaurants-All Alcoholic
2
Hotel Licenses-All Alcoholic
3
Club
6
Druggest
4
Dog Licenses
350
Resident Citizen Fishing
38
Resident Citizen Hunting
182
Resident Citizen Sporting
20
Resident Minor and Female Fishing
6
Resident Citizen Trapping
7
Resident Citizen Trapping-Minor
4
Resident Citizen Sporting-Free
10
Lobster and Crab
6
Duplicate
6
For the benefit of the owners and keepers of dogs, the following extract of the General Laws is hereby submitted:
General Laws, Chapter 140, Sections 136A-175
Amended by Ch. 289 of 1932 and Ch. 320 of 1934
Section 137. Licenses and Tags. The owner or keeper of a dog which is three months old or over, shall annual- ly, on or before March thirty-first, cause it to be registered, numbered, described and licensed for one year from April first following, if the dog is kept in Boston in the office of the police
21
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
commissioner, or if kept in any other town in the office of the clerk thereof. The license shall be in a form prescribed by the director upon a blank to be furnished, except in the County of Suffolk, by the county in which the town is located, and shall be subject to the condition expressed therein, that the dog which is the subject of the license shall be controlled and restricted from killing, chasing or harassing livestock or fowls. The owner or keeper of a licensed dog shall cause it to wear around its neck or body a collar or harness of leather or other suitable material to which shall be securely attached a tag in a form prescribed by the director, and upon which shall appear the license number, the name of the Town issuing such license, and the year of issue. Such tags shall be furnished in the same manner as the license blanks, and if any such tag shall be lost, the owner or keeper of such dog shall forthwith secure a substitute tag from the Town Clerk, at a cost of ten cents, which shall be retained by the Clerk unless otherwise provided by law. Any person may bring, or cause to be brought, from another state or country any dog licensed under the laws thereof and keep such dog in this commonwealth for a period not exceeding thirty days without licensing it hereunder, and during such period the fore- going provisions of this section shall not apply to such dog.
Section. 138. Licenses. The owner or keeper of a dog may at any time have it licensed until April first following: and a person who after April first becomes the owner or keeper of a dog which becomes three months old after March thirty- first in any year, shall, when it is three months old, cause it to be registered, numbered, described, licensed, collared or harness- ed and tagged as required by section one hundred and thirty- seven.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD S. COGSWELL,
Town Clerk.
22
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Town Counsel
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The following is the report of the Town Counsel for the year 1939:
At the beginning of the year the following actions against the Town were pending in the Superior Court:
1. Helen Pappas of Lynn vs Town of Ipswich. This was a suit for damages for injuries alleged to have been received at Ipswich Beach. Suit was brought for $10,000. This case is still pending in the Superior Court.
2. City of Boston vs Town of Ipswich. This was a suit for claims against the Town of Ipswich on account of aid given to alleged Ipswich citizens in Boston by the Welfare Department. This case was reported in my 1937 report and is still pending in the Superior Court.
One new case has been brought against the Town during the year 1939. The case was Phyllis Gauthier vs Town of Ips- wich. It is alleged by the Plaintiff in this case that she received injuries from a fall upon a sidewalk on Washington Street near the corner of Mineral Street. The suit is brought by Arthur Gauthier, father of Phyllis, as next friend, she being a minor. The damages alleged are $4,000. This suit is pending in the Superior Court.
The Town Counsel, as you know, is not paid any regular salary. In accordance with the new By-laws of the Town he is paid for each case which is turned over to him by the Town. During the year 1939 I have been paid as Town Counsel $513.00 for services, divided as follows:
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