USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1926 > Part 3
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Sale of School Houses.
(1.) At the spring town meeting the Town ordered the Selectmen to sell and convey certain school buildings. The Board advertised for bids for four buildings. Only one bid was considered acceptable. That was for the Warren Street build- ing and the said building was sold. Thereafter, at the request of a number of citizens, no further efforts were made to sell. At the present time there are parties interested in the purchase of these buildings, and the Board believes that the use to which they are to be put by these parties would be an asset to the Town of Ipswich and to the particular neighborhoods.
Police Department.
(1.) The Board is well satisfied with the efficient and care- ful work of the Police Department during the past year. It is a pleasure to know that we have received no complaints for dis- courtesy or ill treatment, and it is with pride that we can say that for nearly four years it has not been necessary to use a weapon or force of any kind in the discharge of the duties of a police officer. During the period November 23, 1926, to Jan- uary 17, 1927, there were only five arrests for drunkenness, and this period included the holidays. During the year we lost the services of our Chief of Police, John G. Mansfield, a man who proved himself an efficient and capable head of the depart- ment. Our loss was the Federal Government's gain, as he was appointed an Inspector of Internal Revenue. It would be too
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
much for us to hope to retain the services of a man of his edu- cation, experience, personality and character, as this combina- tion of qualities is bound to carry him to a good position in the government service. Officer Grant was appointed Acting Chief and has filled the position exceptionally well.
ROBERT T. BAMFORD. THOMAS G. GAULD.
The above report not receiving the approval of Mr. Boylan of the Board of Selectmen thereby becomes a report of the ma- jority thereof.
Minority Report of the Board of Selectmen for the Year 1926.
As a member of the Board of Selectmen I feel the taxpayers of the Town of Ipswich have intrusted me with a great respon- sibility, and I could not consistently approve of the Selectmen's report in its entirety.
There were a number of matters that came before the Board that I did not sanction because I was unable to obtain sufficient data concerning them.
I particularly refer to the preliminary work prior to the awarding of the South Main and Market Street contracts.
I was informed by the Chairman of the Board that when money was raised by a bond issue for work of this kind, the Board of Selectmen had nothing to do with the awarding of the contract, as the Department of Public Works had a list of reliable contractors whom they invited to bid on work of this kind and the contracts would be awarded by that office. This did not seem plausible, therefore I inquired and learned the Depart- ment of Public Works had no list of this nature and recommend- ed no one.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Feeling there was some object in misinforming me regard- ing this matter, I flatly refused to vote to award the contract to anyone unless it was to be a competitive bid. I felt this was the only way to protect the Town's interest.
In the majority report of the Board there is no mention made of the repairs on the Willowdale Bridge. Why ?
The awarding of this work was never acted upon by the ' Board and the work was nearly completed before taken up by the Selectmen at a meeting. I understand there is an agreement (which I have never seen) between the chairman of the Board and Welch & Moynahan that called for $1500.00 when the work was completed. I am informed by a reliable local con- tractor that he offered to repair the bridge for less than half this amount. I feel this job also should have been secured by com- petitive bid.
In the majority report reference is made to certain interior changes in Town Hall, while no mention was made of the Oil Burner installed in the heater. I presume that was one of the changes referred to. If so, I wish to contradict the statement of the other members of the Board regarding the beneficial value of this change. In the first instance I know of two days recently when one of the offices was closed because the janitor could not get any heat to this office.
A contract was drawn and signed between the other mem- bers of the Board and a local heating contractor to install this Oil Burner complete for $750.00, $150. to be paid when installed, the balance $600.00 to be paid at the expiration of ninety days, if the Oil Burner proved satisfactory to the majority of the Board.
At sometime during the ninety days this Burner was on trial, nearly $300.00 additional was spent without consulting me as a member of the Board. This additional expense was in- curred by the installation of radiators, valves, etc. Notwithstand. ing this additional outlay of $300.00, which I believe was spent
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
to make this Oil Burner a success, the other members of the Board failed to produce any data at the meeting when this bill was approved, therefore I was unable to determine its real value.
If the other members of the Board felt this work was neces- sary, I feel other local Heating Contractors should have had the opportunity to bid on this job.
My sole object in reviewing these events of the past year is because I feel the tax payers should be fully informed of every- thing that has transpired at the meetings of the Board of Select- men, fully realizing it is the tax payers' money l am voting to spend and knowing they expect when they appropriate money it is to be spent wisely.
I am satisfied in my own mind at least that if, whenever possible, the Selectmen would take advantage of competition in bidding by reliable contractors in work of all kinds that comes before the Board, it would prove more satisfactory to all con- cerned and materially reduce the costs of operating this de- partment.
I am in favor of permanent road construction in so far as it is necessary. It does not seem reasonable, however, to spend large sums of money on the mere promise of contractors. Hav- ing no knowledge of road building I am unable to say whether South Main and Market Streets will stand up under the present traffic conditions. In going over these streets, however, it ap- pears to me that it will be but a short time before they will need resurfacing.
I wish to assure the residents of the Town that any sug_ gestions made to me by anyone regarding the social or business welfare of the Town will be given my prompt attention.
I wish to thank my many friends for their loyal support in the past and will do everything possible to retain their support and friendship in the future.
CLIFFORD C. BOYLAN. Selectman.
10.
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
January 1, 1927.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Ipswich,
Gentlemen:
I have the honor to submit to you the report of the duties performed by the Police Department for the year ending De- cember 31, 1926.
Total number of arrests
270
Arrested per month:
January
7
February
29
March
13
April
22
May
18
June
32
July
26
August
42
September
23
October
37
November
16
December
5
270
Recapitulation:
Crime against person
10
Crime against property
8
Crime against public order
252
270
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Classification of Crime:
Assaults
13
Bastardy
5
Conducting a nuisance
1
Liquor keeping
8
Liquor nuisance
1
Liquor manufacturing
2
Liquor transporting
6
Lewd cohabitation
2
Larceny
4
Non support
4
Neglect of minor children
4
Disturbing the peace
1
Drunkenness
151
Trespass
2
Vagrancy
12
Violating court order
2
Violating of fish and game laws
4
Violating of Motor Vehicle Laws
23
Rape
1
Violating school law
1
Violating of Motor Vehicle Laws, operating under the influence of liquor 18
Keeping unlicensed dogs
2
Fugitive from justice
1
Peddling without license
2
270
Disposition of Cases:
Appealed
4
Continued
8
Discharged
15
Committed to House of Correction
14
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Committed to State Board of Charity
4
Filed 43
Fined 131
Dismissed
14
Probation 12
Suspended
25
270
Miscellaneous Business:
Assistance rendered to persons in distress 10
Buildings found open and secured 15
Committed to State'Hospital
3
Complaints investigated by field drivers
10
Committed to Lyman School for boys
1
Number of dogs killed
20
Number of autos transferred
185
Number of warrants served for other police
3
Number of summons served for other police
6
Number hours police for private parties
800
Number of children before Juvenile Court
6
Inventory of Police Department:
Badges, police
29
Badges, special police
3
Clubs
9
Flash lights
8
Ford Touring with equipment
1
Handcuffs
9
Keys
35
Lung motor
1
Pistols
6
Riot gun
1
Searchlight
1
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Shields, hat Twisters Whistles
13
6
13
I wish to take this opportunity to thank Town Officials and citizens who have assisted this department in the performance of its duties.
Respectfully submitted,
VALORUS H. GRANT, Acting Chief of Police.
ENGINEERS' REPORT.
To the Selectmen of Ipswich,
Gentlemen:
Following is the report of the Engineers of the Fire De- partment for the year ending December 31, 1926.
Number of men in the department
35
Number of alarms
94
Number of box alarms
17
Number of still alarms
77
Number of 21/2 inch water hose used
7000
Number of gallons of chemical used
765
Number of miles covered by apparatus
331
Assessed value of property threatened by fire
$63,350.00
Insurance on same
65,100.00
Loss of property
35,295.00
Insurance allowed
1,550.00
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Department Equipment.
Motor Hook and Ladder Truck
1
Auto Combination Chemical and Hose
1
Auto Triple Combination Pump
1
Hose Reels
3
Fire Alarm Boxes
5800 feet 21/2 inch water Hose
22
During the past year we have purchased 500 feet of hose and service coats for all the firemen.
We recommend that more hose be purchased this year. Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD H. SMITH,
FRANK W. MALLARD, FRANK B. SCAHILL,
Engineers of the Fire Department.
ASSESSORS' REPORT.
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
In making this, the annual report of the Board of Assessors, there has been included the work-sheet that is used in compu- ting the tax rate, and also the table of aggregates, covering the work of the department. This has been done, believing that these figures will be of interest to the citizens of the town.
During the past year, but few increases in valuation were made by the board, and such increases as occurred, in large measure, were due to natural development. The members of the board feel that the general increases that have been made,
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
during the past five years, have resulted in a more equitable distribution of the tax burden. We would call attention to the fact that the past year has witnessed a crossing of the $8,000, 000 mark for the total assessed valuation.
In connection with the work of this board, the opportunity is again taken of pointing out the fact that tax rates are not made by assessors. These officials simply figure a rate based upon the appropriations made by the people of the town in town meeting assembled. If the rate moves up or down the movement is due wholly to the action of the voters.
At the present time, the general tendency throughout the Commonwealth is in the direction of increased governmental expenses, and as long as this tendency exists there is little pros- pect of reduced tax rates unless excessive valuations are made. Tax assessors cannot regulate these expenses, as the town meet- ing has sole control in this respect. To state the case clearly, the only sound way in which to obtain a reduced rate is to cur- tail expenses.
In the taxation of motor vehicles for the past year, the same system was employed of sending questionnaires to the holders of registrations, and the result was very satisfactory. Owners in practically every case were fair in the matter of stating valua- tions, and co-operated with the board in the proper assessment of this class of property. The number of cases in which com- plaint of over-valuation was made was remarkably small, con- sidering the total number of such vehicles assessed here.
In closing we wish to extend our appreciation to all of the officials of the town, and to the general public, for co-operation shown with this board in the performance of its duties.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD C. BROOKS, Chairman. RICHARD R. GLASIER. GEORGE FALL.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Assessors' Work Sheet for 1926.
Appropriations
$264,643.49
County tax
13,417.53
State tax
15,120.00
State highway tax
4,388.63
Municipal Electric Lighting tax
14.51
Total
297,584.16
Less estimated income
60,454.77
Balance
237,129.39
Plus overlay of 1926
1,167.24
Balance
238,296.63
Less 1785 polls at 2.00 each
3,5 70.00
Balance
234,726.63
Plus excess abatements of 1923
383.25
Balance to raise 235,109 88
Amount of valuation on real property 6,428,915.00
Amount of valuation on personal property 1,678,339.00
8,107,254.00
235,109.88
equals 28.99 plus.
8,107,254.00
Rate of taxation
29.00 per 1000.00
Amount raised on real property
186,438.33
Amount raised on personal property
48,671.95
Total amount raised
235,110.28
Amount necessary to raise
235,109.88
Excess raised .40
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Table of Aggregates for 1926.
Number of Residents Assessed on Property: Individuals All Others
1479
45
Total 1524
Number of Non-Residents Assessed on Property:
217
Individuals All Others
20
Total 237
Number of Persons Assessed:
On Property
1761
For Poll Tax Only
375
Total
2136
Number of Males Polls Assessed
1785
Value of Assessed Personal
1,678,339.00
Value of Assessed Real Estate:
Buildings excluding land 4,550,610.00
Land excluding buildings 1,878,305.00
Total 6,428,915.00
Total valuation
8,107,254.00
Amount raised on personal
48,671.95
Amount raised on real
186,438.33
Amount raised on polls
3,570.00
Total amount raised
238,680.28
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Rate of taxation
29.00
Number of horses assessed
256
Number of cows assessed
701
Number of neat cattle assessed
19
Number of swine assessed
35
Number of dwelling houses assessed 1479
Number of acres of land assessed
17,690
Number of fowl assessed
4,465
Additional Assessments December 20, 1926.
Personal
2:90
Real
149.35
Polls
26.00
Tolal
178.25
REPORT OF THE OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
Out Poor Department.
Although the proceedings of the Poor Department have been practically the same this year as they have been in former years, with the exception of the Supreme Court decision of 1926, Brookfield vs. Holden, we have acted accordingly on each case, Weighing each case on its merits after they have been investigated we have considered both the unfortunate persons and the tax payers. Under the Brookfield vs. Holden decision the wife while under coverture held the husband's last
19
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
legal settlement, if he had one, regardless of the number of years absence, thereby making it more confusing for all towns and cities to check up the right settlement and to place the expense where it should be. It also relieved the State of a great deal of expense and the towns and cities were forced to bear the burden of cases that came under this decision. Ipswich un- fortunately has several cases that came under this decision, therefore Ipswich has had to pay the bills. Under a new law enacted this decision passed out of effect on July 31, 1926. Each settlement has been carefully investigated and where the expense has belonged to another place the several places have been so notified. Therefore we have received a larger reim- bursement in 1926 than we have for some of the preceding years. We have also denied a number of cases of which we have received notices.
Our greatest problem is to care for mothers who have small dependent children. Some of their husbands have deserted them and left for parts unknown, others have passed away leav- ing the little tots in want of clothing and food while others have been cared for in institutions. The Commissioner of Public Welfare of the State is urging the passage of a law at this session of the Legislature substituting the name Public Welfare for Poor Department in all cities and towns of the Commonwealth and thereby make it a national uniform name. Your Overseer rec- ommend that the name of our local department be changed to Public Welfare Department.
Town Farm.
The results at the Farm have been very satisfactory the past years considerering conditions there at present. The in- mates have been well cared for by the Matron and the Super- intendent has obtained good returns for the produce and milk derived from the Farm.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Regardless of conditions the Matron keeps things as com- fortable and cheerful for the inmates as possible. They are provided with healthy, hardy food, yet no extra luxuries. They all appear happy and well satisfied in the way they are cared for. Not one complaint has been made by any of them during the past year.
The State Inspector of Almshouses doesn't give Ipswich a very high recommendation on our almshouse. We must agree that the old brick building is very much in need of repairs. Several places in the roof are beginning to leak, also the win- dows are rotting from a very much needed coat of paint. The ceilings and walls inside are beginning to crack and fall in a number of the rooms, also in the basement over the heater. The brick floors are very uneven and need to be reconditioned. The wooden floors and stairways are showing the strain of travelling over them a great number of years.
Although the floors can be covered with a floor covering, the roof, ceilings and walls should be repaired soon while it is possible to repair them without too great an expense.
The herd of cattle at the farm are in far better condition at present than they have been for some time. Although they are not of a high class breed they have been a paying proposition to the Farm under the excellent management of Superintendent Hart.
We have found that in feeding more grain to the cattle re- sults are far more profitable. This point has been proved be- yond a doubt this year. The herd are also in much better condition, thereby raising their value a great deal. A great deal of land was turned over last Fall giving it a chance to rot through the Winter and prepare it for early cultivation in the Spring. The Superintendent's object is to get the land back in a healthy con- dition so better results will be received from the harvests. While the sales of produce have been very good the past year we ex-
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
pect to get far better results another year on account of this improved land.
The expenses at the Farm have been large this year yet the income exceeds that of any preceding year and has brought the cost per inmate down to a very reasonable figure.
We have taken up the matter with the Telephone Co. of having a telephone installed at the Farm. The cost of having the telephone line extended to the Farm will be large, yet we feel that it is a real necessity in case of fire or sickness. It would also save a great deal of time and labor in traveling back and forth.
Respectfully submitted, CLARENCE M. LEET WALTER F. POOLE FRANCIS E. WOOD
Overseers of the Poor.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Inventory, Stock, Tools, etc., at Town Farm.
Jan. 1, 1927
Jan. 1, 1926
No
Value
No. Value
Gain
Loss
Cows
11
$ 700 00
11
$ 600 00
$100 00
Bulls
1
75 00
1
50 00
25 00
Heifers
2
60 00
2
30 00
30 00
Horses
4
225 00
3
160 00
65 00
Fowl
50
75 00
45
67 50
7 50
Carts and wagons
5
325 00
5
350 00
$ 25 00
Manure spreaders
ยท1
1
153 CO
18 00
Mowing machines
1
52 00
58 00
6 00
Plows
2
22 50
2
25 00
2 50
Cultivators
3
13 50
3
15 00
1 50
Horse hoe
1
5 00
1
6 00
1 00
Horse hay fork
1
34 00
1
38 00
4 00
Harrows
2
10 00
2
20 00
10 00
Sleds
2
10 00
2
16 00
6 00
Wood, cords
32
378 00
10
120 00
258 00
Coal, tons
1/4
4 00
1
10 00
6 00
Groceries and provisions
60 00
60 00
Dairy utensils
30 00
25 00
5 00
Bedding and furniture
260 00
270 00
10 00
Ranges and fixtures
115 00
108 00
7 00
Heating plant
1215 00
1350 00
135 00
Tedder
1
28 00
1
31 50
3 50
Tools
54 50
20 00
34 50
Blocks and ropes
22 50
25 00
2 50
Harnesses and blankets
120 00
50 00
70 00
Potato digger
1
2 00
1
3 00
1 00
Wheelbarrows
3
5 00
2
5 00
Pung
1
13 00
1
15 00
2 00
Wood saw
1
20 00
1
22 50
2 50
Hogs
1
22 50
1
30 00
7 50
Horse hay rake
1
20 00
1
22 50
2 50
Pump jack
1
11 00
1
11 00
Oil tank
1
4 00
1
4 50
50
Water tank
1
75 00
1
81 00
6 00
Drag
1
5 00
1
5 00
Engines
2
57 70
2
63 00
5 30
Scales
1
20 00
1
22 50
2 50
Shoats
2
20 00
4
24 00
4 00
Geese
3
15 00
3
15 00
Ducks
4
8 00
2
4 00
4 00
$4327 20
$3986 00
$606 00
$264 80
135 00
1
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Inventory, Produce, etc., at Town Farm.
Jan. 1, 1927
No.
Value
Jan. 1, 1926 No. Value 8 $ 12 25
Gain
Loss
Onions, bushels
4
$ 8 00
$ 4 25
Carrots, bushels
2
2 00
2 00
Parsnips, bushels
10
25 00
25 00
Beans, bushels
21/2
19 50
9
50 00
30 50
Potatoes, bushels
5
11 25
30
90 00
78 75
Roots, tons
1
30 00
30 00
Pumpkins, tons
1
40 00
40 00
Squash, lbs
500
10 00
10 00
Preserves, qts
200
100 00
100 00
Pickles, gals
10
10 00
10 00
English hay, tons
25
625 00
35
875 00
250 00
Salt pork, lbs
50
9 00
50
12 50
3 50
Fresh pork, lbs
100
30 00
30 00
Lard, lbs
20
3 00
30
4 20
20
Turnips, bushels
12
12 00
12
15 00
3 00
Beets, bushels
6
6 00
6
12 00
6 00
Apples, bbls
3
12 00
12 00
Cabbage, lbs
100
5 00
220
5 00
14 00
Disinfectant
3 00
3 00
$ 922 75
$ 1167 95
$204 00
$449 20
Inventory, stock, tools, etc.
4327 20
3986 00
606 00
264 80
5249 95
5153 95
810 00
714 00
5153 95
714 00
Net Gain
96 00
96 00
Summary of Income and Expenditures at the Town Farm for Years 1922-1926.
1925
1926
Expended
1922 $4636 66
1923 4456 63
1924 4448 68
4898 41
5699 10
Income
2277 93
2166 07
2272 80
2676 45
4322 77
Net expense
2358 73
2290 56
2175 88
2221 96
1376 33
Number of inmates at Farm January 1, 1927
5
Average number of inmates during 1926
6
Total number registered in 1926
7
Net expense for 1926.
$1376 33
Average cost per week per inmate.
$4 41
2
20 00
Mulch, tons
2
20 00
Hams, Bacon, etc
14 00
24
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE CLAM COMMISSIONERS.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen:
The following is the report of the Clam Commissioners for the year ending December 31, 1926.
We have found upon investigation that the flats of Ipswich are in fine shape. We have several beds of small clams that will be ready for digging by the first of the summer, and we have also beds which with the proper protection will be in fine condition for winter digging. During the last year we have had a large area closed up for the benefit of winter digging. As this is our first attempt at closing up so many flats, we were inter- ested to see how it would work out. We are pleased to say at this time that it was a marked success, so we therefore recom- mend the closing of more flats next year. Due to the fact that there are so many clam flats in the State now closed by the State Department of Health, it is bringing the clam trade into Ipswich at such a rate that the clam industry is now one of the largest industries of the town. As Ipswich is one of the few towns left that can legally dig clams, it is making the work of the Clam Commissioners much harder to protect the closed flats as well as the other duties connected with the office. For these reasons we are asking for a larger appropriation this year to help us carry on this work.
During the year we have had to carry a few cases into Court for violating the Clam Law of which we secured con- victions.
To give the people some idea why we close the clam flats we will say that it is to protect our winter clamming as well as our trade. By closing flats near home in the summer we have
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
flats in the Winter when it is too cold and rough to launch a boat where we can get down with a sled and dig a tide of clams and keep our trade in Ipswich. If we are able to supply our trade in the Winter they are bound to come to us in the Summer.
We wish at this time to thank the Selectmen, the Town Counsel and all others who in any way have helped us in mak- ing the year 1926 the largest and most successful in the history of the clamming industry.
Number of clam permits issued 160
Number of Gallons dug 41,616
Number of Barrels dug 11,378
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY A, CHURCHILL
HENRY SHAW
FARLEY C. LORD
Clam Commissioners.
REPORT OF SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE APPOINTED AT ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MARCH, 1925.
The Committee appointed by the Moderator pursuant to a vote of the Annual Town Meeting March 1925 to erect, or re- model, and equip a school for use of grades under the Junior High, met on March 31st, 1925, and organized with H. N. Doughty as chairman and Miss B. F. Dawson, Secretary. After careful investigation of the whole matter, by means of subcom- mittees appointed to secure data, the Committee at a special Town Meeting held July 27th, 1925, recommended the erection
26
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
of an eight room, forty pupil per room, school building on the Green Street property, at a cost not to exceed $85,000.00 in- cluding equipment. The Special Town Meeting having adopted the Committee's recommendation, and raised and appropriated the money, the Committee proceeded with the project. Mr. Penn Varney of Lynn was selected as architect, and the contract awarded to Leighton Mitchell Co. of Boston. Work on the build- ing was started in August 1925 and the final transfer of the property to the School Committee was made on May 8, 1926.
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