USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1915 > Part 3
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JOHN W. NOURSE, RICHARD R. GLASIER, WILLIAM B. RICHARDS,
Assesssors.
65
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
POLICE REPORT.
TO THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN,
Gentlemen :
I have the honor to submit to you the report of the duties per- formed by the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1915.
Total number of arrests, 232
Arrests by months-January 17, February 7, March 12, April 16, May 23, June 20, July 25, August 36, Septemper 7, October 13, November 33. December 23. Total 232. Males 225, Females 7.
CLASSIFICATION OF CRIME.
Assault,
2
Assault and Battery,
30
Assault on Officer,
2
Bastardy,
2
Breach of Peace,
3
Drunkenness,
132
Gaming Nuisance,
6
Intent to commit rape,
1
Liquor Nuisance,
3
Neglect of child,
4
Vagrant,
14
Evading fares,
1
Larceny,
15
Manslaughter,
1
Disturbing the Peace,
-
2
Breaking and Entering,
5
Violation of milk laws,
2
66
" Town By-Law,
1
" game laws,
2
66
" auto laws,
3
66
" probation,
1
Total,
232
66
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
Crimes against persons,
34
property, 20
66
66 public order, 178
Total,
232
Value of property reported stolen,
$814 00
66
66
recovered, 664 00
DISPOSITION OF CASES.
Appealed,
7
Committed,
66
Discharged, 20
Filed,
6
Fined,
60
Probated,
41
Sentence suspended,
26
Released,
6
Total, 232
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.
Accidents reported,
15
Buildings found opened and secured,
18
Complaints investigated, 127
Dogs killed,
12
Insane persons committed to hospital
7
Injured and sick persons assisted,
15
Lost children restored,
5
Dangerous dogs reported,
6
Horses killed, 1
Nuisances abated,
3
Dead bodies cared for,
4
Arrests for out of town officers,
4
Electric lights reported out, 42
Amount of fines received from Third District Court, $458 95.
C
67
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
In submitting the above report I desire to extend my sincere thanks to the Board of Selectmen, Judge Geo. H. W. Hayes and other officials of the Third District Court, Town Counsel Harry M. Sayward, and to the officers and all others who have assisted me in the performance of my official duties.
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL H. WELLS,
Chief of Police.
REPORT OF
SUPERINTENDENT STREETS.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN,
Gentlemen :---
I herewith present a report of the work done by the teams dur- ing the year ending December 31, 1915, also an itemized list of the property in the Highway Department,
Team No. 1 worked 2244 hours, Team No. 2, 2191 hours and the spare horse 1923 hours.
Number of horses in the department 7 (including two owned by F. L. Burke & Son.)
Cost of hay, grain and water, $1350 82
Average cost per week for each horse, 3 71
INVENTORY.
5 horses,
$1200 00
4 pair double harness,
140 00
2 pair street blankets,
25 00
2 pair stable blankets,
7 50.
2 pair storm blankets,
10 00
3 two-horse carts,
375 00
2 two-horse sleds,
100 00
68
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
1 two-horse barge,
$100 00
1 two-horse sleigh barge, 50 00
1 two-horse sweeper, 225 00
2 road machines,
200 00
4 road plows,
25 00
12 gravel screens,
50 00
2 two-horse shovels,
10 00
1 stone drag,
5 00
2 road drags,
28 00
1 two-horse stone roller,
40 00
1 oiling wagon,
600 00
1 steam roller,
1500 00
1 one-horse wagon,
60 00
1 scarifier
400 00
1 tar kettle,
C
60 00
2 watering carts,
375 00
7 snow plows,
100 00
All other tools, etc.,
500 00
$6185 50
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH A. HUCKINS,
Superintendent of Streets.
69
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
*
REPORT OF THE
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
THE TOWN FARM.
The past year was a difficult one for the farmer. The moisture was very unevenly distributed, the late spring and early summer season being unusually dry, while the middle and late summer months were extremely wet. Because of the long continuance of easterly winds bearing rain, the haying season was one of the most difficult for a long term of years. Many farmers lost a large quantity of English hay and others stored a crop of poor quality. Root products rotted in the ground, particularly potatoes, and those taken from the soil were much below the standard.
But notwithstanding the inclemency of the season, we have had a fairly successful year at the Farm and are much gratified with what has been accomplished. The hay on the hill-top was cut be- fore the rainy weather set in, and that on lower levels harvested after the rain was over, showing good judgment on the part of the Superintendent. All our salt hay was sold in Hamilton and Tops- field, our English hay for the most part being disposed of in Beverly and the City of Salem at a good figure, with a demand for more than we could supply. With an increase of stock to turn more of our pasture and odds-and-ends into milk, furnishing more dressing for the land and producing larger crops; with enlarged housing for our cattle and products, we feel that the income could be increased and the net expense reduced to a much lower figure. Yet, while we hold these ends in view and are shaping our plans accordingly,
70
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
we are mindful of the high rate of taxation and are not asking for a larger appropriation. We are striving to decrease the expense, while we increase the facilities, and are meeting with a fair degree of success. Our cost for extra labor this year was only $9.50.
We have endeavored to carry on the work on the farm and in the house in the most economical manner. Still, for the farm we have found it necessary to purchase a mowing machine, horse rake, horse hay fork, and a wood-sawing machine (all large items of ex- pense,) and have painted the hay wagons, carts, etc., at the bare cost of stock. For the house we have supplied, in addition to num- erous small articles, a large ice chest ; have repaired the main roof, cobbled the furnace, put a metal ceiling in the kitchen, and painted and whitened sixteen rooms and two corridors at the cost of stock only, the matron doing most of the latter work. Two of the in- mates have been sent to the hospital for operations, and a third member of our household has been carried to her long resting place.
Notwithstanding these large items of expense, the farm and almshouse have been operated this year at a cheaper rate per in- mate than the previous year. The cost of $4.01 per week for each inmate includes board, room, clothing, tobacco, laundry, care in sickness, medicine, surgical work and hospital expense. Could these things be supplied elsewhere as cheaply as at our almshouse ? We say no, and do not hesitate to congratulate ourselves and the tax-payers in general on the reasonable bill for the care of those less fortunate than ourselves.
The cost per inmate in 1911 was
$12 68
1912 66
10 48
66
66
" 1913
7 10
66
66
" 1914
4 26
66
66
" 1915
66
4 01
We feel deeply grateful to the Superintendent and Matron for the good work accomplished by them. They have entered into all our plans with heartiness and have engaged in the practice of econo- my to a marked degree. The inmates and the property have been well cared for, neglect being nowhere apparent. Ever kindly in disposition, showing rare thoughtfulness at all times, working con-
71
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
tinually with willing hearts and ready hands, our Superintendent and Matron are fully entitled to the plaudit, "Well done, good and faithful servants."
THE OUTSIDE POOR.
This is a question about which very little can be predicted in advance. The Overseers at the beginning of the year find them- selves unable to look ahead with much clearness of vision, and therefore are compelled to await developments. What the drafts may be upon the appropriations cannot be told with any degree of certainty. It is true that certain classes of dependents continue about the same from year to year, involving an outlay which can be estimated with some measure of accuracy; but there are other classes, transient in nature, coming and going with much irregular- ity, and it is this uncertainty that makes it impossible to foresee. what the year's expense will probably amount to.
This department is affected to a great extent by business con- ditions. When our industries are booming, the amount expended for temporary relief is greatly decreased; but when business is slack and operatives are working on short hours, the appeals become fre- quent and the expense goes up rapidly. The hard times of 1914 be- gan to affect our fund about November 1st, and continued from January to May, 1915, during which time the drafts were exceed- ingly heavy. After May, however, the improved conditions of busi- ness enabled us to cut off many who had been receiving temporary aid and thus reduce the expense.
The enactment of new laws is another fruitful cause of increase in the expense of our department. Mr. Carlson, of the Bureau of Statistics, recently made the statement in the Accountant's office that the Mothers' Aid law, passed in 1913, had caused a general increase in expense of one hundred per cent. throughout the state. At least seventy-five per cent. of our increase can be charged to the same cause. Still another law further burdening the towns comes into effect in July of this year, the possible result of which gives occasion for some alarm. If the state in throwing upon the towns burdens which it had formerly carried itself, was reducing the
72
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
state's expenses and cutting down the state tax, all might be well ; but the tax of the state does not appear to come down, while the expense of the towns most certainly goes up.
Under the system which we have adopted, it is not at all easy to secure aid from this department. When the application comes in, it is turned over to the agent for investigation before any aid is given. The agent goes out upon the case, making detailed examin- ations of all attendant circumstances. If it is an out-of-work case, the agent endeavors to secure employment for the applicant, fre- quently succeeding and thus keeping many off the list of depend- ents. If it is a case where a coat, a pair of shoes, or some other article is needed in order to keep some child in school, it is general- ly turned over to the Associated Charities, when response is ready and eager and the aid extended as far as the finances of the Asso- ciation will permit. It is impossible to over-estimate the assistance rendered by this organization in many ways, and to Mrs. Doughty, president, and her corps of willing workers our thanks are due and hereby given. Nor should we be undmindful of the services of the District Nurses, the value of which is well nigh beyond price. To continue : If the applicant for aid is not a proper person to be as- sisted, the aid is promptly refused. If, on the other hand, the applicant is really destitute and entitled to aid, a history of the case is taken and the question of settlement passed on to Mr. Riley, the settlement agent. If the settlement is found to be in another city or town, temporary aid is extended, the place of settlement notified and the Overseers await instructions therefrom. If the settlement is in Ipswich, the proper amount and kind of aid is determined by the Overseers, the agent being placed in charge of the case and ordered to report to the Board when the aid should be discontinued. We find that the closer the supervision, the more economically the department can be conducted.
We are asking for practically the same appropriation this year as last, and by careful management trust that we shall be able to get through the year without further drains upon the town's finances.
FRANK T. GOODHUE, Overseers
WALTER F. GOULD, of the
CHARLES G. HULL, Poor.
73
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
ENGINEERS' REPORT.
To the Selectmen of Ipswich :
Following is the report of the Board of Engineers of the Fire Department for the year ending Dec. 31, 1915 :
Number of men in the department, 40
" box alarms, 19
" still alarms, 43
66
" assembly calls,
1
Total number of alarms,
63
Number of feet of hose laid, 7300
Property threatened by fire,
$69300 00
Insurance on same, 42400 00
Insurance paid,
37150 00
Value of department equipment, $15000 00
" buildings occupied by department, 20000 00
" fire alarm equipment, 2750 00
DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT.
Steamer,
1
Hook & Ladder,
1
Auto-Combination Chemical and Hose, 1
Hose Wagons,
2
Reels, 6
Fire Alarm Boxes,
19
Number of feet of hose,
6300
Owing to the expense of maintaining our present battery sys- tem for the fire alarm, we would recommend the installation of a storage battery system, at a saving of from $250. to $300. a year.
We would recommend disposing of the Torrent Engine and house in the Candlewood District, and moving the house at Lathrop Brothers to Whipple's Corner, to house our jumper in that district.
ARTHUR H. WALTON, Board of
EDWIN M. POOLE,
WALTER G. BROWN, ~
Engineers.
1
74
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen :
I have the honor to present to you the annual report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures of the Town of Ipswich for the year ending Dec. 31, 1915.
The great improvement in weights and measures throughout the Commonwealth has impressed the general public with the im- portance of correct weight and measure, and it is the duty of your sealer to advance with the times in the business of sealing, to keep in close touch with modern discoveries and to make himself effic- ient in this particular line of duty, and in doing this work he asks the cooperation of every citizen. The law requiring the marking of the weight on all packages containing food is now in effect, and the consumer now has the opportunity to compare quantity as well as quality in determining the relative costs of foods in package form. Your sealer is always willing to make tests and reweighings at any time, and in doing anything to advance the department of weights and measures.
Respectfully, WILLIAM A. STONE,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
·
75
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
Sealed.
Non-Sealed Condemned.
Platform scales over 5000 Ibs.,
7
2
Platform scales under 5000 Ibs.,
44
1 4
Computing scales,
18
1
Slot weighing scales,
3
1
All other scales,
92
Avoirdupois weights,
347
Dry measures,
15
Liquid measures,
150
1
Linear measures,
28
5
Oil and gasoline pumps,
18
3
Prescription scales,
4
1
Apothecary weights,
80
5
Metric weights,
104
5
Troy weights,
8
Fees collected and paid to Town Treasurer, $63.59.
76
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
BIRTHS IN IPSWICH AS RECORDED.
Whole number 118. Born in Ipswich 117, in Topsfield 1, Total 118.
Nativity of Fathers-Ipswich 18, Other places in U. S. 19, British Provinces 19, Russia, Austria and Poland 31, Greece 17, Italy 6, England 2, Ireland 2, Scotland 1, Brazil 1, Unknown 2. Total 118.
Births by months-January 9, February 10, March 12, April 11, May 13, June 5, July 12, August 16, September 7, October 9, No- vember 4, December 10. Total 118.
Nativity of Mothers-Ipswich 18, In other parts of the U. S., 21, British Provinces 18, Russia, Austria and Poland 31, Greece 17, Italy 6, England 3, Ireland 1, Germany 1, Sweden 1, Brazil 1. Total 118.
Occupation of Fathers-Mill Operatives 30, Laborers 36, Teams- ters 3, Overseers 3, Carpenters 3, Farm Overseer 1, Fisherman 1, Boatman 3, Blacksmith 1, Painter 1, Coppersmith 1, Barber 3, Milk- man 1, Clerk 4, Machinist 1, Mechanic 1, Crossing Tender 1, Elec- trician 2, Stone Cutter 1, Superintendent of Estate 1, Manufactur- er 1, Real Estate Agent 1, Broker 1, Clergyman 2, Furniture (An- tique) 1, Mail Carrier 1, Ice Dealer 1, Insurance Agent 2, Boat Builder 1, Cobbler 1, Scientist 1, Grocer 3, Officer House of Correc- tion 1, Gardener 1, Unknown 2. Total 118.
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
77
MARRIAGES AS RECORDED, YEAR 1915.
72
Other places in Mass.,
14
66 " U. S.,
4
British Provinces,
10
Russia, Austria and Poland,
21
Greece,
15
Italy,
2
· Ireland,
1
Sweden,
1
Total,
72
Birthplace of brides :
Ipswich,
6
Other places in Mass.,
16
" U. S.,
4
British Provinces,
4
Russia, Austria and Poland,
21
Greece.
15
Ireland,
3
England,
1
Italy,
1
France,
1
Total,
72
Married in :
Ipswich,
52
Boston,
2
Boxford,
1
Bradford,
1
Cambridge,
1
Gloucester,
1
.
Whole number of marriages Birthplace of grooms : Ipswich,
4
78
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
Nashua, N. H.,
1
Newton,
1
Portsmouth, N. H.,
1
Rowley,
4
Salem,
3
Somerville,
1
Taunton,
1
Waltham,
1
Wenham,
1
Total,
72
Marriages by months-January 7, February 3, April 7, May 5, June 5, July 10, August 6, September 10, October 6, November 10, December 3. Total 72.
By whom married :
Protestant Clergymen, 24
Catholic Clergymen,
29
Greek Clergymen,
15
Justice of the Peace,
4
Total, 72
1
DEATHS RECORDED DURING THE YEAR.
Whole number of deaths,
101
Residing in Ipswich, 97
" other places,
4
Total,
101
Buried in Ipswich,
84
66 " other places,
17
Total, 101
4 were over 90 years of age. 10 were less than 90 and over 80 years.
15 were less than 80 and over 70 years.
11 were less than 70 and over 60 years.
12 were less than 60 and over 50 years.
79
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
4 were less than 50 and over, 40 years.
4 were less than 40 and over 30 years.
7 were less than 30 and over 20 years.
2 were less than 20 and over 10 years.
9 were less than 10 and over 1 year.
23 were less than 1 year.
Total, 101
Nativity of Parents of deceased : Fathers born in Ipswich,
17
Mass., U. S.,
12
British Provinces,
12
Russia, Austria and Poland,
19
Greece,
2
Italy,
4
England,
9
Ireland,
4
Scotland,
2
Unknown,
5
Total,
101
Mothers born in Ipswich,
12
Mass.,
19
U. S.,
13
British Provinces,
12
Russia, Austria and Poland,
19
Greece,
2
Italy,
4
England,
6
Ireland,
3
Scotland,
1.
Philippine Islands,
1
Unknown,
9
Total,
15
101
80
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
The following named persons were over 90 years of age. Date of death :
January 12, Maurice Forbes, aged 90 years, 6 months, 15 days. March 9, Emma R. Lawrence, aged 96 years, 3 months, 19 days. May 5, Eliza Howe Perley, aged 95 years, 11 months, 20 days. Nov. 6, William F Burnham, aged 91 years, 11 months, 19 days.
Deaths by months-January 12, February 6, March 11, April 10, May 2, June 5. July 6, August 11, September 9, October 15, Nov- ember 5, December 9. Total 101.
LICENSES RECORDED DURING THE YEAR.
Hotel Licenses,
6
Common Victuallers, 8
Retail Liquors,
4
Wholesale Liquors, C
1
Druggists' Licenses,
5
Billiard and Pool Licenses,
11
Auctioneers Licenses,
2
Bowling Alleys,
1
Junk Dealers,
4
Whole number of dogs licensed. 195
Males,
173
Females,
22
Total, 195
Under the direction of the Fish and Game Commission I have issued 208 Hunters Certificates.
CHARLES W. BAMFORD, Town Clerk.
81
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
BOARD OF HEALTH.
REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1915.
In submitting its annual report your Board would call atten- tion to the fact that in all matters pertaining to the Public Health great strides forward have been made during the past few years. The old State Board of Health has been abolished and in its place has been created a State Department of Health with a single commis- sioner as its executive head. The scope of its work has greatly in- creased and each division is now under the care of an expert trained for the special work of his division, who is responsible to the com- missioner for the work under his charge. The influence of this change is far reaching and because of it local Boards of Health are brought into closer touch with the State Department, and a spirit of co-operation between State and Municipal Health authorities is being developed to an extent that was not possible under the old form of State organization.
Your Board has felt the spirit of this change and advance. The co-operation now possible is sure to be productive of increased effic- iency on the part of the local Boards, a condition always to be de- sired. As an example of what such co-operation may accomplish we would call attention to the Health Week held early in January un- der the joint auspices of the State Department and this Board at which time the problem of Child Welfare was featured and the general health problem in relation to local conditions and needs thoroughly discussed. Much interest was manifested by the public and it is a source of gratification to this Board that there was so large an attendance on the part of the people who will be the most benefitted by the carrying out of the recommendations made.
The high rate of infant mortality in Ipswich was the feature specially emphasized. Everyone knows, or should know, that infant mortality in Ipswich is greater than it ought to be, and that it can
.
82
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
be reduced if intelligent efforts are made in the right direction.
All of this calls for community co-operation. It means that every property owner who has tenements to let should see that they are kept in good sanitary condition; that cess-pools and vaults should be disinfected and kept clean during the hot weather months ; that waste material or filth should not be thrown upon the premises or the adjacent streets. It means that windows should be screened, and that houses should not be overcrowded ; that flies should not be allowed to breed as they are liable to carry the germs of diphtheria, typhoid fever and tuberculosis, and thus spread in- fection from these diseases. It means that purveyors of food pro- ducts should protect their merchandise from flies, and dispense only clean and pure materials to the consumer.
No matter how carefully a Board of Health or its agent tries to have people live up to its regulations, individuals will often fail to do their part. This is because many people do not realize that they have any responsibility toward the public, and many are satisfied with a standard much below what the community as a whole de- sires. It is therefore necessary that public interest be aroused to see that a satisfactory general standard is maintained. This can be done through co-operation of the citizens with the Board of Health. This is the reason why the Health Week and exhibit was held. Peo- ple must think before they act, and one of the objects of publicity of health problems is to make people think. We would ask that the churches and civic and fraternal organizations take hold and try to help your Health Department raise the standard. We are doing what we can. With your help more can be accomplished. Co-oper- ation is better than coercion. Will you help ?
The keynote to good health is cleanliness. In a town where good sanitary and hygienic conditions prevail, better health condi- tions will prevail than in a town where negligence is the rule. Ips- wich is well situated for good health conditions and much has been done to promote them. There is still room for improvement, which can be brought about by community co-operation. Ipswich has an Improvement Society. It could do much to help in this work. Will is not try its hand and see what it can accomplish ?
83
4
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
Diseases dangerous to the public health reported in 1915 :
Diphtheria,
8
Scarlet Fever, 8
Measles,
70
Typhoid Fever,
3
Tuberculosis,
Chicken Pox,
12
Dysentery,
1
Opththalmia Neonatorum,
1
Total, 110
Of the three cases of Typhoid Fever reported two of the patients contracted the disease at Hampton Beach where they were stopping, and came home after they were taken sick. It is presum- ed that the other patient received the infection from some local source, but it could not be determined what that source was.
Below are given the reports of the Agent and the Inspector of Milk :
AGENT'S REPORT.
The general sanitary condition of the Town during the past year has been a noticeable improvement over past years. Fewer complaints have been made and the people seem to show a spirit to keep their places clean and neat and to assist me in every way pos- sible.
Number of complaints received and investigated, 42
General repairs ordered in tenement houses, 9
Contagious cards posted, 73
Dead animals buried or otherwise cared for,
19
Cats, 5
-
Dogs,
6
Hens, 8
Total,
19
Respectfully submitted,
AARON LORD, Agent.
January 15, 1916.
84
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
REPORT OF MILK INSPECTOR.
In submitting my report for the year 1915 I would say that there does not seem much to be said on the question of our milk supply, as during the year there has not been any sickness the where origin has been traced to milk, and that in itself shows conclusively that the milk producers are furnishing good, pure, clean and wholesome milk, for which the thanks of the citizens and myself are due.
In my inspection of their premises everything was found in a good, clean, sanitary condition, and in no case wasthere anything that called for criticism on my part. In fact all of them seemed to take pleasure in keeping their barns and stock in first class order, and as long as that spirit is manifested, I do not think we shall have any fault to find with our milk supply.
Now in regard to the sale of ice cream, I will say that after a careful inspection of all the places where the same is on sale, I found everything in a clean and sanitary condition and licenses were accordingly issued.
Number of milk licenses issued, 32
Number of ice cream licenses issued, 16
Oleomargerine dealers registered, 2
Amount received from license fees,
$23.00
Respectfully submitted,
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