USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1923 > Part 4
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Number of Revolvers 2
106
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Number of Handcuffs 6
Number of Twisters
6
Number of Badges 13
Number of Keys 30
Number of Clubs
9
Number of Whistles
3
Number of Flashlights
6
I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Selectmen, Justice and Special Justices of the Third District Court. past and present Clerk of the Third District Court, Operators at the local Telephone Exchange and all the Public spirited citizens who have assisted this department in the per- formance of its duties in just enforcement of the law and pub- lic order to the betterment of this good old community of ours.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN G. MANSFIELD, Chief of Police.
ASSESSORS DEPARTMENT
APPROPRIATIONS FOR 1923
Selectmen
$2600 00
Auditing and Accounting
1900 00
Treasurer and Collector
3900 00
Assessors
2500 00
Law
600 00
Town Clerk
1400 00
Election and Registration
545 00
Town Hall
3345 00
Police
7500 00
Fire Department
8900 00
Fire Warden
100 00
Sealer of Weights and Measures
346 50
Moth Department
3400 00
Tree Warden
1000 00
Board of Health
4500 00
Parks
639 00
Poor Department
7000 00
Town Farm
4100 00
Soldiers' Relief
1300 00
State Aid
1200 00
Military Aid
700 00
Highways
Education
45,000 00 82,000 00
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IPSWICH REPORT 1
Interest
9,233 00
Notes
14,600 00
Playground
500 00
Cemeteries
2,000 00
Cable Hospital
1,500 00
Memorial Day
300 00
Shell Fish
200 00
Reserve Fund
1,000 00
Water Department
2,250 00
Electric Light Department
11,137 00
Essex County Sanitarium
1,665 87
Repairs Lower East St.
500 00
Memorial Building
1,000 00
Tractor and Plow
825 00
Total
$231,186 37
WORK SHEET FOR 1923
Appropriations for 1923, raised by taxation
$231,186 37
State Tax
14,160 00
State Highway Tax
6,400 77
County Tax
13,397 84
Municipal Lighting Tax
12 22
Excess of abatements over 1918 overlay
217 14
Total
$265,374 34
Less Estimated Income
49,650 00
Balance
$215,724 34
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Plus overlay of 1923 2,000 00
Total
$217,724 34
Less 1807 polls at $2.00 each
3,614 00
Balance to be raised by direct taxation
$214,110 34
VALUATION
Real Estate Personal Property
$5,690,822 00
1,567,704 00
Total
$7,258,526 00
Rate of taxation $29.50 per $1,000.00.
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENTS DECEMBER 1923
Polls Real Estate Personal
5
$12,900 00 435 00
Total
$13,335 00
TOTAL VALUATION FOR 1923
Real Estate Personal
$5,703,722 00 1,568,139 00
Total
$7,271,861 00
Total polls assessed 1812.
110
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
ASSESSORS' REPORT
With the time close at hand when the voters of the town, in town meeting assembled, will make the appropriations for the current year of 1924, your board of assessors feel that it is not out of place to call attention to the prevailing sentiment in the nation, state, county, and town, in favor of reduced taxes wherever reductions can be made without impairing efficiency to an extent that would be "penny wise and pound foolish." The national government at Washington is taking cognizance of the existence of this nation-wide sentiment. Governor Cox, in his latest budget submitted to our own legislature has dwelt upon this question at length. Our own county commissioners have been steadily reducing expendi- tures for more than a year past, and present indications are, locally, that by co-operation, a reduction in the 1924 rate for Ipswich may be possible.
In 1922 the taxpayers of Ipswich were called upon to pay $215,760.07 by direct taxation. This was a material increase over the amount of 1921. Last year the total was $231,186.37, or an increase of $15,426.30 over the amount of 1922, or well over $2.00 on the rate that prevailed in 1922. In spite of these heavy increases for 1922-23, the assessors succeeded in keeping the rate under $30.00 for both of these years. This has been done by readjusting values, distributing the tax in a more equitable manner, and by securing a large increase in the number of poll tax payers. This latter was made possible by a different method of canvassing poll tax payers. In 1921 there were 1513 polls assessed, in 1922 there were 1828, and in 1923 the number was 1812.
In 1923 a large part of the increased expenditure was due to the very heavy bills incurred in snow removal. The town
111
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
was also called upon to take a considerable loss owing to the change made in the taxation of national bank stock in this state.
While it is rather early to make predictions, it seems very reasonable to believe that the snow biils this year will be much less than they were in 1923. The season, up to the time of making this report, has been an unusually open one, and this fact, together with the new system adopted by the select- men of using trucks and tractors for snow removal, ought to show a considerable saving in this direction.
While it is not known at this time what the legislature will do with the budget of state expenses submitted by Gover- nor Cox, indications are that the state tax will be reduced this year, and the same is also true of the county tax.
With these factors in mind, your board wishes to call to the attention of every taxpayer and voter in the town that your tax rates are made in your own town meetings, and not in the office of the assessors. This board simply raises by taxation what you have already voted to expend, and the question as to what the 1924 rate is to be rests entirely in your town meeting. With industrial conditions here very quiet for a number of months past, which makes the payment of even an ordinary tax bill a difficult matter, it would seem to be good conservative business judgment to attempt to keep expenditures within bounds, at the same time maintaining efficiency in all of the departments.
The greatly increasing number of motor vehicles is a subject that is receiving serious consideration by all boards of assessors, as this increase each year entails more difficulty all the time in arriving at values that are satisfactory. The market prices of new cars and trucks is constantly changing, and this causes a corresponding change in second-hand values.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Under the statute, all inhabitants of Massachusetts are required to make a sworn return of personal property and real estate owned by them as of April 1. In the case of Ipswich, this return must be made not later than May 15 each year. In order to secure a more equitable assessment of motor vehicles, the board is planning this year to send to each person who has a motor vehicle a form to be filled out, and returned to the assessors. By doing this it is believed that the taxes on this class of property will be more equitably assessed, and it is apparent, on the face of the proposition, that it is to the direct advantage of the owners of motor vehicles to co-operate with the board in this matter.
Aside from the tax collector, and the members of the board of assessors, few people realize the difficulty encoun- tered in many cases on the part of taxpayers who are compelled to bear the hardship of steadily increasing tax bills, especially when they are called upon to meet these bills when local con- ditions, from a business standpoint, are quiet, and full time employment a doubtful matter. With that in mind, the_mem- bers of this board desire to express to the general public here an appreciation of the manner in which the taxpayers have co-operated, and also to extend to all officials with whom the board has come in contact an appreciation of the spirit of co-operation that has been shown.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD C. BROOKS, Chairman, RICHARD R. GLASIER, GEORGE FALL, '
Assessors of Ipswich.
ENGINEERS' REPORT
To the Selectmen of Ipswich :
Gentlemen :
Following is the report of the Board of Engineers of the Fire Department ending December 31, 1923.
Number of men in the department
34
Number of box alarms
19
Number of still alarms
49
Total number of alarms
68
Number of feet of hose laid
8,050
Small chemical charges
46
Number of chemical tanks
24
Miles covered 162
Property threatened by fire
$49,175 .
Insurance on same
48,200
Insurance paid
22,480
DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT
Steamer
1
Hook and ladder
1
Auto combination, chemical and hose
1
Auto triple combination pumper
1
Hose wagons
2
Hose reels
3
Fire alarm boxes
20
Number feet of hose
5,500
-
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
We wish to report in accordance with the vote passed last vear that a tractor has been placed under the Hook & Ladder truck and a permanent man employed to drive the same, making our department entirely motorized. As the members of the department are all call men, with the exception of the drivers, we believe that if we could add to the department more permanent men, much time could be saved when re- sponding to an alarm. We know more permanent men means added expense, but we wish to bring this fact before the voters for their consideration.
We would recommend that at the time of an alarm per- sons running autos will refrain from racing to the fires as it is liable to cause accidents, also handicaps the firemen in their work.
We would also recommend the citizens be more careful in regard to fires, be careful where you throw your matches and cigarettes, clean your chimneys as you should, and do not build fires without a permit. Inform the department when you have a bonfire. If some of these suggestions are followed it will relieve the department from many runs caused by carelessness and neglect.
ARTHUR H. WALTON, EDWIN M. POOLE, EDWARD H. SMITH,
Engineers of Fire Dept.
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
I submit herewith the annual report of the Street Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1923 :
Team No. 1 worked 577 hours @ $.933/4
$540 94
Team No. 1 worked 1753 hours @ 1.00 1753 00
Single Team worked 256 hours @ .683/4 176 00
Single Team worked 844 hours @ .75 633 00
Report of Autocar truck :
Number of hours worked on highways 19991/2
Number of loads of gravel hauled
12171/2
Number of loads of sand hauled
34
Number of loads of ashes hauled
85
Number of loads of rocks hauled
46
Number of miles covered
7694.4
Number of gallons of road oil used
25,900
Number of square yards covered
76,525
INVENTORY
3 horses $60.0 00
2 pairs double harnesses
75 00
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
1 pair street blankets 20 00
1 pair storm blankets 4 00
1 pair stable blankets
7 50
2 two-horse carts
250 00
1 two-horse sled
50 00
1 two-horse sweeper
225 00
4 road machines
600 00
5 road plows
75 00
12 gravel screens
75 00
2 two-horse shovels
25 00
4 road drags
50 00
1 two-stone roller
40 00
1 steam roller and scarifier
2000 00
1 gravel loader
700 00
2 watering carts
225 00
8 snow plows
175 00
1 lone-horse wagon
50 00
1 oil wagon
600 00
1 tar kettle
35 00
1 Ford truck
150 00
1 Autocar truck
1500 00
1 Albany jack
13 50
1 differential hoist
25 00
1 harrow
12 00
snow fences
120 00
1 tractor and plow
1000 00
Forge and anvil
60 00
All other tools, etc.
800 00
$9562 00
Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH A. HUCKINS, Superintendent of Streets.
1
LIST OF TOWN PROPERTY
School Houses
$160,000 00
Public Buildings
90,000 00
Public Grounds
10,000 00
Town Farm
30,000 00
Cemeteries
5,000 00
Heard Wharf
100 00
Averoff Wharf
3,250 00
Turkey Shore Pasture
1,000 00
Woodland, Linebrook
200 00
Woodland, Common Fields
75 00
Gravel Pits, Washington Street
1,500 00
Fire Apparatus
21,500 00
Highway Department Equipment
9,562 00
Thatch Bank, Great Flats
Thatch Bank, Third Creek
In addition to the property enumerated above, there is the shore, beach and other property given to the Town by the Commoners, the value of which is not estimated. The value of the Water Works and Electric Light Plant will be found in the Water and Light Report.
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of Ipswich :
The Board of Park Commissioners herewith submit their annual report.
The work the past year has been along much the same lines as previous seasons, namely, maintaining smooth lawns on the several plots from Market Square to and about the First Church, called the North Common. This was also done on the South Common. This work was made much easier by the use of the power mower which was purchased the past spring.
Beds of flowering plants were maintained on each of the Commons and tulips were planted this fall as customary.
The present season it is quite necessary to do some addi- tional grading on the South Common as a result of a change in the grade of the state road when rebuilt last summer. Some additional work will also be required on the North Common caused by repairs on the church last autumn. We also recom- mend that a quantity of fertilizer be purchased for use on both Commons as the drought the last summer together with lack of snow this winter and the constant travel over these plots tends to weaken the growth of grass.
119
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Tulips were planted in the several beds this fall which will add to the attractiveness of our famous New England Town Commons this spring.
We recommend an appropriation of $479.50 for this depart- ment for the current year.
Respectfully submitted, FRANCIS C. WADE, SAMUEL C. GORDON, ERNEST H. PICKARD, Park Commissioners.
REPORT OF MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
To the Citizens of Ipswich :
I herewith submit my third annual report as Superin- tendent of Moth Suppression.
It is with a great deal of pleasure that I am able to state that the gypsy-moth situation shows a very marked improve- ment over past years. The brown-tail moth is still prevalent in a general area covering the entire town, but in a much lesser degree than in the past.
The best possible method of keeping these highly injurious insect pests at a minimum is by continuation of the same highly concentrated work against same. That is by the de- struction of the nests and egg clusters during the dormant stages and by thorough spraying during the period of feeding.
As a result of much needed repairs, which are now in process of completion on the high powered sprayer, this end of the work will be much more satisfactorily handled in the future.
The work of this department has been much more efficient the past year due to the purchase of a Ford truck. This has enabled the superintendent to cover much more ground and has also eliminated the necessity of much horse hire.
I would recommend an appropriation of $3,400.00 for this department for the current year.
Respectfully submitted, FRANCIS C. WADE, Local Moth Supt.
TREE WARDEN'S REPORT
To the Citizens of Ipswich :
I herewith submit my third annual report as Tree Warden.
The work in this department the past year has been along much the same lines as in previous years.
First, removal of dead branches as well as such as inter- fered with the electric and telephone lines. There has also been some work done in the line of preservation and safety, as bolting, also in filling cavities with cement as well as pruning the tops of those trees most liable to breakage in heavy storms.
A considerable amount of work was also done in cutting bushes, thus serving several purposes, making some of the outlying roads more passable, reducing the favorite food plants of the tent caterpillar (wild cherries) which are still abundant and also preventing the drifting of snow in places.
The policy of permanent planting was continued. Twenty four Sugar Maples were planted on the westerly side of Brownville Avenue, three on Mt. Pleasant Avenue, thus con- necting the planting of 1922 on Fairview Avenue. Trees were also planted this fall in various locations on Water and New- march Streets and the Commons. These trees were contributed by interested citizens of the town to whom many thanks are extended.
122
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
All of the trees planted in 1922 and 1923 are at this time in good condition ant have every appearance of succeeding. It is recommended that this policy of planting be continued on no lesser a scale.
This department recommends an appropriation of $1,000. for the current year.
Special attention is called to the following extracts from the Shade Tree laws.
Complete copies of these laws may be obtained upon request.
Respectfully submitted, FRANCIS C. WADE, Tree Warden.
SHADE TREE LAWS
G. L., c. 1. Public Shade Trees. All trees within a public way or on the boundaries thereof shall be public shade trees; and when it appears in any proceeding in which the owner- ship of or rights in a tree are material to the issue, that, from length of time or otherwise, the boundaries of the highway cannot be determined by records or monuments, and that for that reason it is doubtful that the tree is within the highway it shall be taken to be within the highway and to be public property until the contrary is shown.
G. L., 87, 2. Powers of Tree Wardens. . He shall have the care and control of all public shade trees, shrubs and growths within the town. He shall spend all money appropriated for the setting out and maintenance of such trees, shrubs and growths, and no tree shall be planted within a public way without the approval of the tree warden; and in towns until a location therefor has been obtained from the
123
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
selectmen or road commissioners. He shall make regulations for the care and preservation of publie shade trees and estab- lish fines , and in towns, when approved by the select- men shall have the effect of town by-laws.
G. L., 87, 3. Cutting of Public Shade Trees. Except as provided in section five public shade trees shall not be cut, trimmed or removed, in whole or in part, by any person other than the tree warden or his deputy, even if he be the owner of the fee in the land on which such tree is situated, except upon permit in writing from said tree warden, nor shall they be cut down or removed by the tree warden or his deputy or other person without a public hearing at a suitable time and place, after notice thereof posted in two or more public places in the town and upon said tree at least seven days before such hearing, and after authority granted by the tree warden there- for.
G. L., c. 87, 4. Hearing on Removal of Trees. Tree wardens shall not cut down or remove or grant a permit for the cutting down or the removal of a public shade tree if, at or before a public hearing objection in writing is made by one or more persons, unless such cutting or removal or permit to cut or remove is approved by the selectmen.
G. L., c. 87, 5. Cutting Down of Bushes and Small Trees. Tree wardens and their deputies, but no other persons may, without a hearing trim, cut down or remove trees, less than one and one-half inches in diameter one foot from the ground, and bushes standing in public ways; and, if ordered by the highway surveyor, or selectmen, shall trim or cut down trees or bushes, if the same shall be deemed to obstruet, endanger, hinder or incommode persons traveling thereon.
G. L., c. 87, 6. Penalty. Violations of any of the provi- sions of the three preceding chapters shall be punished by for-
124
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
feiture of not more than five hundred dollars to the use of said town.
G. L., c. 87, 7. Towns may appropriate money to be ex- pended by the tree warden in planting shade trees in the public ways, or, if he deems it expedient, upon adjoining land, at a distance not exceeding twenty feet from said public way for the purpose of improving, protecting, shading or orna- menting the same; provided the written consent of the owner of such adjacent land is obtained.
G. L., 87, 9. Signs and Marks on Shade Trees. Whoever affixes to a tree in a public way or place a notice, sign, adver- tisement or other thing, whether in writing or otherwise, or cuts, paints or marks such tree, except for the purpose of pro- tecting it or the public and under written permit from the officer having charge of such trees or from the tree warden shall be punished by a fine of not more than fifty dollars.
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT
BIRTHS
Fathers born in
Mothers born in
Ipswich
38 Ipswich 33
Mass.
45 Mass.
47
U. S.
15 U. S. 9
Provinces
17 Provinces 26
Ireland
2 Austria, Poland, Russia
39
Sweden
3
Greece
'30
Austria, Poland, Russia
39
Ireland
3
Greece
29
Scotland
2
Italy
4 Italy
2
Turkey
1 Portugal
1
Unknown
1 Norway
1
Sweden
1
Total
194
194
I26
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
MARRIAGES
Whole number
76
Grooms born in
Brides born in
Ipswich
11 Ipswich
26
Mass.
30 Mass.
14
U. S.
9 U. S.
3
Provinces
9 Provinces
11
Poland
7 Greece
8
Greece
7 Poland 7
Portugal
2 Treland
3
Ireland
1 Portugal
2
England
1
Scotland
1
Total
76 76
DEATHS
Whole number
80
Males
. 35
Females
45
Born in Ipswich
38
Mass.
20
U. S.
8
Provinces
8
England
2
Denmark
1
Ireland
1
Portugal
1
Scotland
1
-80
Total
80
127
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Five persons were over ninety years of age, namely :
Died
February 1st, Julia M. Harrison, aged 99 yrs. 10 mos. 12 days. March 12th, Elizabeth H. Garrette, aged 98 yrs. 4 mos. 10 days. March 24th, Lucy S. Jewett, aged 92 yrs. 1 mo. 22 days. May 20th, Harriet Rhodes, aged 95 yrs. 1 mo. 21 days. December 31st, Thomas C. Greenwood, aged 93 yrs.
LICENSES
Innholders
2
Common Victuallers
18
Coffee Houses
2
Billiards and Pool
8
Druggists
3
Junk Dealer
3
Auctioneer
1
Auto Licenses
5
Notice from Standard Oil Co., notice of business
1
Tallow Co., George E. Marsh Co., notice of business
1
Bowling Alley
1
Whole number of dogs licensed, viz :
241
Male dogs
210
Kennel Licenses
1
2
Female dogs
29
241
Since my report of December 1st to the County Treasurer, four dogs have been reported and licensed, amount received $8.00 to be reported to the Treasurer of the County in the next return of licenses.
CHARLES W. BAMFORD,
Town Clerk.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
I have the honor to present to you the report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year 1923.
Non-
Con-
Sealed Sealed demned
Platform scales over 5,000 Ibs.
6
1
Platfrom scales under 5,000 lbs.
48 .
3
Counter scales under 100 lbs.
21
1
Beam scales over 100 lbs.
1
Spring scales over 100 lbs.
2
Spring scales under 100 lbs.
32
7
Computing scales over 100 lbs.
1
Computing scales under 100 lbs.
34
2
Personal weighing scales
4
Prescription scales
3
Avoirdupois weights
311
Apothecary and troy weights
50
Metric weights
38
Kerosene and Oil pumps
10
13
Liquid measures
139
5
Dry measures
5
Gasoline pumps
27
3
Quantity stops on gasoline pumps
141
Yard measures
20
38 special inspections and tests of gasoline pumps.
129
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Sealing fees
$78 22
Adjusting charges 10 60
Collected and paid to the Town Treasurer $88 82
In making this report, I take the liberty to say a few words in regard to gasoline filling stations.
The installing of so many filling stations (without expense to the dealer) not only in this town but in other towns in the . vicinity by the different oil companies, while it may be a convenience to the motorist it is also a short measure menace, particularly pumps installed where the dealer has a small out- put and is not in a position, or neglects to keep his tank properly filled at all times. A pump when adjusted and sealed will continue to deliver correct measure for a long time, pro- vided the dealer keeps a reasonable amount of gasoline in the tank. When making inspections the past season I have found it necessary in some cases to place a "non-sealed" tag on the pump and forbid its further use as a measure because the dealer was trying to sell gasoline from a tank that was prac- tically empty.
I make these suggestions to the public when buying gaso- line.
Notice the dial on outside of pump, it shows each gallon delivered.
When the hose is placed in the tank of your machine and the pump is started see that the hose delivers a full steady stream until the indicator on the pump shows full amount of your purchase. Drain the hose properly before removing from tank.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM A. STONE, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
130
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH FOR 1923
A department report of a town or city is necessarily con- fined within narrow limits and is not usually an interesting document to read. It should deal with facts and at times touch on matters of policy pertaining to those facts with which the department has to deal.
The first duty of a health department is to promote and protect the public health. How Ipswich tries to do this, this report and the reports of those having charge of its various divisions will endeavor to show. The Ipswich Board of Health is made up of the following divisions :
First: A division of sanitary inspection which looks after general sanitary conditions, the inspection of slaughter- ing of animals used for food purposes, and the collection and disposal of swill and garbage.
Second: The division of milk inspection which looks after the production and sale of milk and milk products.
Third: The division of child hygiene and tuberculosis, which maintains nursing supervision of prospective mothers, and infants up to one year of age; also nursing supervision and advice in all cases of tuberculosis that come to the notice of the board, where such service is requested. It endeavors to keep a check-up record on every case of tuberculosis in town, and furnishes assistance and advice in having such cases admitted to proper hospitals for care and treatment.
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