USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1916-1918 > Part 26
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Many of these books have not received the care that should have been given them in years past, and are now in such condition that I have been compelled to withhold them from use as much as possible. Now I can cause the work of rebinding and repairing done without asking for an appropriation for that work, but I am sure that the Town would not refuse to grant any reasonable sum I ask for when the need was thoroughly understood. I have asked the Finance Committee to consider my request that a sum may be ap- propriated for the purpose of having the work done.
I would also state that a decided change has been made in the matter of the returns of vital statistics, not only in the offices of Clerks of Cities and Towns, but in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The laws in relation to births and deathe are
72
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
particularly noticeable in that the responsibility of parents and phy- sicians, also midwives are more clearly set forth, although the laws are no more stringent than before; but the fact that much trouble and dissatisfaction has been caused by neglect to enforce the re- quirements of law has led the Secretary of the Commonwealth to require of the Clerks of Cities and Towns a more careful attention to that line of duty. In the matter of births, a report of the birth of a child must be made to the Town Clerk within fifteen days after the birth, giving all the particulars of the case required by law ; date of birth, name of the child, sex, color, name and occupation of parents, their place of birth, physician or person attending the birth, the return to be made on blanks approved by the Common- wealth. Failure to meet the repuirements of the law will result in the enforcement of the penalties of law.
Deaths must be reported to the Clerk of the Board of Health before permits for burial will be granted, the certificate of death must be delivered to the Town Clerk for record.
Notices of intention of marriage must be filed with the Town Clerk five days before the Certificate can be issued.
After a marriage has been solemnized the certificate of the marriage must be returned to the Clerk of the Town issuing it on or before the tenth day of the month following the marriage.
All returns of births and deaths made by Physicians, mid- wives and undertakers must be filled out in ink, and written in a good legible hand or the Clerk or registrar is instructed to refuse them for record. Erasures or pencil writing must be refused.
During the past year the Clerk has had much trouble in · meeting the requirements of the laws of the Commonwealth be- cause of the failure of parties, responsible for the correct returns necessary to complete the Records.
These returns and statistics are of great importance not only to the parties most directly concerned, but also as a means to en- able the authorities to meet any emergency that may arise in the State or in the community, and if properly attended to as they should be, will be of great benefit in time of need, and also in any trouble that may arise from sickness or epidemics.
73
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
The Clerk in bringing these matters to the attention of the people does it, not in a spirit of fault finding, but because the laws covering the matters referred to must in order to be effective be enforced.
VITAL STATISTICS.
BIRTHS.
Births 194. Males 117. Females 77.
By months-January 16, February 14, March 31, April 24, May 12, June 15, July 23, August 14, September 17, October 9, No- vember 8, December 11.
Occupation of Fathers-Teamsters 6, Carpenters 5, Clerks 5, US Navy 4, Mill Operatives 98, Laborers 19, Farmers 6, U S Army 3, Gardeners 3, Machinists 2, Grocers 2, Tailors 2, Barbers 2, Paint- ers 2, Cooks 2, Shoe Cutter 1, Heel Maker 1, Mechanic 1, Insurance 1, Heel Cutter 1, Purchasing Agent 1, Mill Agent 1, Electrician 1, Conductor 1, Dentist 1, Fireman 1, Merchant 2, Wholesale Liquors 1, Bookkeeper 1, Fruit Dealer 1, Engineer 1, Professor 1, Chauffeur 1, Demonstrator 1, Superintendent of Estate 1, Manager of Pub- lishing Company 1, Mechanical Engineer 1, Bank Clerk 1, Milkman 1, Railroadman 1, not given 7.
Fathers born in Ipswich 17
Mothers born in Ipswich
16
Mass
21
Mass
29
US
9
US
7
Brit. Prov.
16
Brit. Prov.
13
England
2
Ireland
6
Ireland
2
Greece
56
Russia
Russia
Austria
60
Austria
60
Poland
Poland
.
Greece 56
Italy 2
Italy
4
Scotland
1
Portugal
1
Portugal
1
Sweden
1
Sweden
1
Unknown
5
Not reported
2
74
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
MARRIAGES.
Whole number recorded, 56.
Grooms born in Ipswich 13
Brides born in Ipswich 13
66
Mass
9
US
6
US
4
Brit. Prov. 7
$6
Brit. Prov. 13
Greece 9
$6
Greece
9
Austria
Austria
Russia
7
Russia
7
Poland
Poland
Germany: 1
England
1
56
56
Marriages by months- January 2, February 6, March 5, April 4, May 3, June 5, July 9, August 7, September 3, October 5, No- vember'5, December 2.
By whom married- Protistant 28, Roman Catholic 15, Greek Church 9, Justice of the Peace 4. Total 56.
DEATHS.
Whole number deaths 126. Males 65. Females 61. Total 126.
Born in
Ipswich
54 Died in January
13
Mass
19
February
7
US
5
March
9
Brit. Prov.
18
April
9
England
7
May
4
Aus.Rus.Poland 12
June
7
Greece
5
66
July
6
Italy
2
August
1
Ireland
2
September
21
Scotland
1
October
37
Germany
1
66 November
6
December
6
Mass
13
-
126
126
75
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
The following table gives the ages of deceased.
Less than one year old
24
One year to ten
8
Ten years to twenty
1
Twenty to thirty
21
Thirty to forty
12
Forty to fifty
10
Fifty to sixty
10
Sixty to seventy
11
Seventy to eighty
19
Eighty and less than ninety
10
126
Almost all the deaths occurring in September and Octo- ber are to be charged to the epidemic of Influenza and Pneumonia raging at that time. The deaths from other causes being very few, in fact had not that trouble arisen the death roll for Ipswich for the year would have been very small.
The following licenses have been recorded :
Innholders 4 Common Victuallers
Billiards and Pool
10 Bowling Alley 1
Junk Dealers 6 Slaughter House 1
Hunter's License, native residents
200
Hunter's License, foreign resident
1
Dog Licenses 211 Kennel Licenses
Lobster Licenses, native residents
4
The Standard Oil Company has filed as usual notice of inten- tion to continue business in Ipswich and the location of local plant.
CHARLES W. BAMFORD, Town Clerk.
76
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 December 31, 1918 :
Number of men in department
40
" box alarms
15
66 " still alarms
48
Total number of alarms
63
Property threatened by fire
$32,650 00
Insurance on same
18,200 00
Insurance paid
1,092 00
Property Loss
2,250 00
DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT.
Steamer
1
Hook & Ladder
1
Auto Combination Chemical & Hose
1
Hose Wagons
2
Hose Reels
4
Fire Alarm Boxes
19
Number feet hose
6,250
Value of department equipment
$15,000 00
Value of buildings occupied by Dept.
20,000 00
Value of Fire Alarm equipment
3,500 00
77
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
Last year we reported the condition of the steamer and re- commended that the Town consider the purchase of a motor pump- ing engine to replace the same.
We wish to report that the steamer gave out in the early part of the year and we were obliged to replace the same by purchasing one from the City of Beverly rather than to expend the required amount to repair our own.
We are of the opinion that the Town should investigate and consider the advisability of purchasing a combination pumping engine in the near future as reported last year.
ARTHUR H. WALTON,
EDWIN M. POOLE, Engineers.
WALTER G. BROWN,
78
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
Overseers of the Poor Report. OUT-POOR DEPARTMENT.
The work of the Overseers in this department during the past twelve months has not varied greatly from that of recent years. There have been no particular changes in the Statutes or rulings of the State Board of Charities to necessitate change of action on the part of local boards of Overseers Therefore, the problems, with few exceptions, have been of the usual nature and their solution accomplished along well-established lines. Several names have been dropped from the list of dependents; some be- cause of change of circumstances having made the continuance of aid unnecessary, others by loss of legal settlement through volun- tary absence from town covering a period of five years, while still others have found merciful relief from all earth's troubles in the tomb. Yet, while these have been dropped from the list of the town's wards, a number of new names have been necessarily added thereto, leaving the total substantially as heretofore. Poverty ever stalks in the midst of plenty, and no matter how much of this world's goods may be given the majority to enjoy, there are al- ways those who are found to be lacking the bare necessities of life and who would perish in a land of abundance but for the kindly hand of charity. Nor does the law of the Commonwealth or prevailing public sentiment allow charity officials to draw any hard- and-fast lines between the cases of unavoidable poverty and those that are purely self-imposed. There may be gross mismanagement in family affairs, but if nature has denied the good judgment that
79
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
it allots to the common run of individuals, the applicant for aid in such instances cannot reasonably be held responsible nor aid refus- ed. These cases, however, should be and are given careful and continuous attention, wise counsel offered, and every possible in- fluence brought to bear to lift the family, if haply it can be done, from the condition of dependence to that of self-support. Again, the mother, struggling with her brood of little ones, must not suf- fer the pangs of hunger nor be found shelterless and scantily clothed during the rigors of the winter season because of the mis. demeanors of the father. The experience of the Overseers has proven that no single circumstance is so much responsible for ex- isting poverty as the over-indulgence in intoxicating liquors. This fact presents a problem to charity officials that is most difficult of solution. It is evident to those who give it close study that the course to be pursued must vary with the nature of the cases. The last sid to be invoked is that of the Courts, and the Overseers do not hesitate whenever such action becomes imperative. While it is true that there has been no lack of work to be found during the past year and wages have reached a higher level than ever before, yet the aged and infirm, the widow and orphan, have not been able to take advantage of the good times. On the contrary, their condition has been made more unbearable because of the heights to which the price of commodities has risen, and in some cases it has been found necessary to increase the allowance in order to keep the wolf from the door. This fact, together with the epidemic of influenza in the autumn, caused the expenditures of this department to be some- what in excess of what they otherwise would have been.
£ The Overseers are not prophets and, therefore, cannot read the future or foretell coming events. The best they can do is to take a general survey of the situation at the year's beginning, ask for an approp- riation that appears sufficient to meet the probable needs, and then await developments. In their care of the unfortunate during the past year the Overseers feel that they have neither been niggardly towards the poor nor wasteful of the public funds. All cases have been investigated as thoroughly as possible, allowance made to meet present need, and the work so closely followed up as to re-
80
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
duce or wholly withdraw the aid whenever conditions warranted. Last year the Town appropriated $8,000. for the use of this depart- ment, of which $7,723.53 has been expended, leaving a balance of $276.47 reverting to the treasury. The reimbursements to the de- partment for aid extended on behalf of the Commonwealth and other cities and towns amounts to $1,365.43, leaving a net expense to the town of $6,358.10, which is considered to be a very satisfac- tory showing in these unusual times. It is a trifle better even than in 1917.
TOWN FARM DEPARTMENT.
The work in this department has been carried forward with a large measure of satisfaction to the Overseers. The new super- intendent, Mr. Edgar I. Holland, has proved a capable farmer and manager, while Mrs. Holland has made an excellent matron, care- ful and economical in the administration of the home as well as kiddly attention to the needs of the inmates, several of whom more strictly speaking may be regarded as patients. The management of this farm and almshouse is yearly a task not easy of accomplish- ment. It requires not only skill and judgment, but much hard and painstaking labor, not six but seven days each week, holidays in- cluded. Labor has been scarce and so high in price as to have been prohibitive except in the spring planting and haying seasons. Dur- ing the fall harvesting and the winter months the superintendent has toiled alone, save for such assistance as some of the inmates were able to offer. 'When we consider the comparatively small salary afforded him, we feel that he has certainly earned our hearty commendation and thanks. Our summer garden furnishes for the home an abundance of peas, string beans, potatoes, lettuce, chard, rhubarb, cucumbers, early beets, tomatoes, sweet corn, melons, etc Our fall harvest yielded 160 bushels marketable potatoes, 55 bush- els of turnip, 30 bushels of beets, 65 bushels of onions, 20 bushels of carrots, 5 bushels parsnips, 242 tons of squashes, 142 tons of pumpkins, 612 bushels of beans, 500 heads of cabbage, 201 bushels of corn on the cob, and 230 bushels of mangles. This produce was
81
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
not estimated, but. actually measured. Our crop of English hay, like that of all other farms in this region, fell below that of the average year. Where we should have cut about 70 tons, the num- ber dropped to 45 tons estimated. The extra 25 tons of the usual cutting, sold say at $30. per ton, would have increased our income $750, less some extra cost of labor, and have made a showing of which we might well have been pr ud. Ten tons of salt hay were also cut.
In accordance with our recommendation of last year, the town appropriated $325. for the installation of the telephone, but when spring opened the Government had made regulations prohib- iting the use of material in all new construction of this nature,, and the work was not done The appropriation, however, was not used but had reverted to the town treasury, and we recommend that the amount be re-appropriated this year. By way of repairs and so forth. the northerly side of the barn has been re-shingled half-way to the eaves, which has added much to the comfort of the cattle that occupy that side. On the southerly side six large doors have been made and placed in position to shut off all draughts coming up under the barn floor. A spacious and sightly corn barn has been built mostly of refuse stock, but so constructed as to present the appearance of new material. The hot-air furnace makes the major part of the house cellar unfit for the storage of root crops, but the superintendent has covered with poles and mulch the cellar where the carriage-house stood before the fire, and this has served during the present winter as a make-shift for storage purposes .. When circumstances will permit the Overseers intend to cover the cellar with the building heretofore used as a stable. The question of a new, modern heating plant for the house gives the officials no little concern. The old plant, always poor and unsatisfactory, has out- lived whatever usefulness it may have possessed, and should be "scrapped" at the eariiest possible moment. The cost of a new plant is so high at the present time, that we can only hope the old one will hold out until the cost drops to a lower level. However, it is a serious question as to how soon the furnace will be beyond repair. At a cost of $100. we purchased a horse for use on the hay
82
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
rake and other ght work and for driving to town in the winter season. It was a good bargain, as the horse is actually worth double the cost. We are not buying milking cows, but are adding to our stock by raising all likely heifer calves Ours is grade stock of the Holstein variety, than which perhaps there are none that give a greater flow of milk. The milk tastes well, never falling be- low the standard. There might be more money in registered stock, but we have not seen our way clear to make a beginning. In clos- ing let us say that our inventory of tools, stock, produce etc., shows an increase over last year, while the net cost per week for care of the inmates has been reduced. Considering the unusual conditions prevailing in 1918, mostly on account of the war, the Overseers render the account of their stewardship with pardonable pride.
FRANK T. GOODHUE, Overseers of
JOHN G. SPERLING, CHARLES G. HULL, Ipswich.
83
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
Report of The
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen :-
I, herewith, submit my report of the Department of Weights and Measures for the year ending December 31, 1918.
Platform Scales over 5000 lbs.
7 sealed
1 condemned 1
Counter Scales
Beam Scales
8
66
1
Spring Balance Scales
37
5
Computing Scales
26
1
Slot Weighing Scales
3
1
Prescription Scales
3
66
Avoirdupois Weights
355
66
81 adjusted
Metric Weights
41
Dry Measures
13
Liquid Measures
100
4
1 condemned
Gasoline, Oil and Molasses pumps 25
66
3
Yard Measures
17
Cash received as fees, $73.41, and amount paid to the Town Treasurer.
In the reweighing of 145 articles sold or offered for sale by dealers, I found 123 articler over-weight, 2 articles under-weight, and 20 articles correct weight.
under 5000 lbs.
46
30
66
84
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
This Department has given considerable time in co-operating with the United States Food Anministration in price reporting, and inspection work. The complicated forms given out by the Food Administration have caused the dealers a great deal of bother and misunderstanding. Oftentimes the dealers have complained to me about the Food Administration and yet at the same time they were always willing to assist me.
The bakeshops in particular had been sending into the Food Administration incorrect weekly reports, as to percentage of sub- stitutes and fats used. After making weekly inspections of bake- shops, I found that the baker was trying to be honest in his work, but the complicated blank form which he was obliged to fill out each week were the foundation of all his trouble. After these were explained he had no more difficulty.
The past year has been very trying for the dealer in food- stuffs. His expenses have increased, but he must sell within the fair price list. He must be correct with all flour substitutes, and he must sell his sugar in quantities as prescribed by the sugar reg- ulations. Last but not least, he was HOUNDED by the SUGAR and FLOUR HOARDERS, will it not be interesting to see if these same hoarders are not the first to give the hand of welcome to Our Boys when they return from over-there.
In many Towns and Cities of Massachusetts the Food Admin- istration has been obliged to punish dealers fo violating the Nation- al Food Regulations, but Ipswich can be congratulated upon the compliance of her Food Distributors with these Regulations.
Respectfully submitted,
W. A. STONE,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
85
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
Police Report.
Board of Selectman,
Gentlemen ; --
I beg to submit the annual report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1918. As I did not take office until after the first of the year, 1919, this report is based on the records as turned over by my predecessor.
Total number of arrests, 211.
By months-January 25, February 21, March 32, April 20, May 10, June 23, July 10, August 5. September 14, October 14, No- vember 26, December 11.
CLASSIFICATION OF CRIME.
Drunkenness
87
Gaming
15
Larceny
11
Breaking and entering
3
Gaming on the Lord's Day
9
Non-support
3
Violation of fish and game laws
1
Assault and battery
27
Bastardy
3
Rape
2
Violation of labor laws
3
Not having child attend school
1
Violation of Town By-Laws
3
Making threats
1
Damaging personal property
Manslaughter
Larceny from building
Arrested for out of town police
Operating auto without license
Offering goods for sale without license
Neglect to support children
86
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
Fornication
1
Trespass
1
Forgery
1
Abduction
1
Lewd and lascivious conduct
1
Liquor nuisance
1
Breach of peace
8
Vagrancy
13
Total
211
Crimes against persons
42
Crimes against property
16
Crimes against public order
153
Total
211
DISPOSITION OF CASES.
Committed to House of Correction
34
Committed to State Institutions
2
Fined
75
Probated
21
Discharged
16
Filed
15
Appealed
8
Suspended
10
Defaulted
2
Held for Grand Jury
2
Continued
18
Held for out of town police
8
Total
211
Amount of fines received from the Third District Court, $476 21.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD LEAVTT,
Chief of Police.
.
87
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
Tax Collector's Report.
Collected
Abated
Uncollected Jan. 19, 1919
1913 Taxes
$ 97 33
1914
66
$
96 37
868 96
1915
2749 26
$318 08
631 08
1916
8933 50
686 62
674 15
1917
14847 97
904 35
5955 77
1918
107582 78
299 70
21372 58
$134209 88
$2208 75
$29599 87
88
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
Treasurer's Department. RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES. RECEIPTS.
$21414 67
Balance, January, 1918 Taxes, 1914
$ 96 37
1915
2749 26
66
1916
8933 50
1917
14847 97
1918
107582 78
Moth, 1914
25
1915
12 50
1916
21 41
1917
115 15
1918
1759 15
Department Bills 167 09
Comm. of Massachusetts, Poor c 1917
286 60
Mothers' Aid, 1917 345 67
State Aid, 1917
2055 91
Revenue Receipts :
Comm. of Mass,, Corporation Tax $15062 55
66 -
Income Tax 1918
18136 55
66 1917 585 00
National Bank Tax
1457 91
. .
Soldiers' Exemption
142 48
Junk Licenses
150 00
All other license fees
244 50
Criminal fines
476 21
County of Essex, dog licences rent of Court Rooms
325 00
Rent of Town Hall
42 50
Ipswich Mills, police services 720 00
Fire Dept., receipts, sale of steamer etc. 259 61
Sealer of Weights and Measures, fees 73 41
Highway receipts 713 54
Mass. Highway Commission, Essex Road re-imbursement 2601 92
County of Essex, Essex Road re-imburse- ments 2601 92
Mass. Highway Commission, Turnpike 1918 737 92
1917 411 84
Town Farm receipts 1520 11
Comm. of Mass., Mothers' Aid 320 67
66 Tuition State wards 148 95
391 67
89
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
Poor Dept., receipts, individual reim- bursements
$ 334 20
Town of Rowley, tuition
2477 00
Newburyport Gas & Electric Co., right of way 325 00
Gen James Appleton Post, Post 128 G A R refund 50 00
Interest on deposits
894 71
Interest on taxes
2272 42
All other revenue receipts
1419 74
Temporary Loans
90000 00
Electric Light Dept., light and power, etc.
25596 55
Water Dept., water rates, supplies, etc.
17525 52
Electric Light Dept., Note issue
2000 00
Trust Fund Income
846 70
Comm. of Mass., Moth re-imbursement
382 12
Cemetery Trust Funds, New accounts Perpetual care
317 75
Brown School Fund, transportation %
90 00
$331604 58
EXPENDITURES.
$353,019 25
Accountant's Warrants :
Department Orders
$177007 75
Temporary Loans
90000 00
Interest on Temporary Loans
3457 77
General Loans
2173 00
" Electric Light Loans
2384 00
66 " Water Loans
8003 00
Maturing Debt
11100 00
State Tax
12870 00
County Tax
9124 55
Highway Tax
4420 50
Non-resident Bank Tax
582 47
Brown School Fund, Transportation
90 00
Wm J Riley, Treasurer, Trust Funds Perpetual Care 975 00
846 70
Comm. Mass., board of Gas and Electric Light Commissioners, exp. 19 78
Sinking Fund, Water Dept., annual payment Refunds
66 50
Balance
$327813 55 25205 70
4692 43
$353,019 25
-$54897 33
975 00
5
90
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
BALANCE SHEET.
DR.
Cash on hand
$25205 70
Wm J Riley, Collector, Tax 1913
$ 97 33
1914
868 96
1915
631 08
1916
674 15
1917
5955 77
1918
21372 58
Moth, 1908-'09
38 71
" 1911
2 26
" 1912
8 36
" 1913
54 95
1914
8 84
" 1915
23 05
1916
129 27
" 1317
88 20
"
1918
219 58
Street Sprinkling. 1911
03
6.
1912
10 09
1913
14 82
Electric Light
1237 84
Water
4304 19
Departmens Bills
1815 51
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
2684 00
Revenue, 1919
2928 33
Overlay, 1916
148 55
-$43316 47
Sinking Fund, Water Department
$112300 28
Net Bonded Debt
192149 72
-
Trust Funds
$304450 00 19213 77
$392,185 94
91
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
BALANCE SHEET.
CR.
Overlay, 1912
$ 283 43
1913
100 19
1914
117 66
66
1915
169 94
1917
443 20
16
1918
893 85
Insurance, Fire Loss
2104 80
Temporary Loans
30000 00
Electric Light Revenue
1237 84
Water Revenue
4304 19
Moth Suppression
2343 53
Eagle Hill Road
500 00
Essex Road
15 9)
Town Farm
325 00
Education
441 18
Shell Fish
20 00
State Guard Equipment
95) 86
Water Department
2520 45
-$46773 03
Refunding Loan
$ 6300 00
Central Fire Station Loan
9000 00
Burley School Loan
1000 00
Electric Light Loan
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