USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1926 > Part 4
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The Town Meeting of July 27th, 1925, voted to call the new school the Colonel Nath'l Shatswell School,
The cost of the project was $84,920.71, leaving $79.29 un- expended.
With this report is submitted the minutes of all the meetings of the Committee, plans and specifications, and correspondence pertaining to the project, with the recommendation of this Com- mittee that all these records be kept by the Town Clerk for future use.
Respectfully submitted,
MR. H. N. DOUGHTY MR. AUSTIN LORD MR. ERNEST SMITH MR. JOSEPH W. ROSS
MRS. HILDA SCHOFIELD
MISS BESSIE F. DAWSON
27
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF MOTH SUPERINTENDENT.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my annual report as Superintendent of Moth Suppression.
Work the past season has been carried along on the same general lines as in the past years, consisting of creosoting and spraying. Only such creosoting was done, however, as neces- sitated no climbing as the appropriation did not allow this work to be done as intensively as in past seasons. For the same reason, spraying was somewhat curtailed.
The number of egg clusters of the gypsy moth found the past season showed a slight increase over 1925, the year of the lowest point. The present season finds these increased four- fold with large colonies in some of the wooded areas. Doubt- lessly, the general public does not realize that approximately 75 acres of woodland in Ipswich were defoliated by these pests last summer. The brown tail moth is with us in appreciable num- ber, being scattered in a light infestation over the entire town generally.
The satin moth, tent caterpillar and elm leaf beetle are still prevalent, but can probably be held at a low ebb by the usual amount of spraying. Another pest that occurred in small quan- tities the past summer was the Tussock Moth. Should this insect become numerous, it would demand a spraying of the maples late in the summer. A number of our elms are showing unmis- takable signs of an increase of Leopard Moth, but this is prob- ably a matter of more concern to the Tree Warden Depart- ment.
The equipment of this Department is in very fine shape and there should be no need for large expenditures in this line for some time to come.
28
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
I am recommending a considerable increase for labor this year as the amount available last year was not sufficient to do real effective work, however, the total of the appropriation asked is considerably less.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS C. WADE,
Local Superintendent.
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS.
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
The Board of Park Commissioners herewith submit their annual report.
The work the past season was carried along on n general lines as in past years. As has been customary the beds on the Commons were planted with flowering plants during the Sum- mer and tulips in the Fall. This past Fall a Koster spruce tree was moved from the Giles Firmin Garden and planted on the North Green. This tree, we hope, will serve as a Community Christmas Tree for years to come.
At an adjournment of the last Annual Town Meeting, the citizens took the first step towards a definite Park policy by approving a report of the Park Commissioners as to definitely accepting certain plots of land as Parks. A list of these follows this report. We believe that from time to time the citizens may add other tracts to the Parks system that the present may pre- pare for future generations.
29
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
This year, we are obliged to request a considerable increase in our appropriation but only for special needs.
The power-mower which has done faithful work for four seasons is past its usefulness and should be replaced. The band stand, if it is to be used this Summer, should be rebuilt and the two flagpoles on the North Green are badly in need of paint and repairs.
Following, is a summary of such tracts as at present con- stitute the
Ipswich Park System.
Plot [. The triangular plot of land upon which is located the monument to the Unknown Dead, bounded by South Main Street, North Main Street and Market Square.
Plot 2. The tract of land on which the band stand is located, bounded on all sides by parts of North Main Street.
Plot 3. The tract of land on which is located the monument to the soldiers of the Civil War and the tablet for the sol- diers of the Revolution, bounded on all sides by dif- ferent parts of North Main Street.
Plot 4 Two triangular plots of land on either side of the path of the First Church, bounded bv North Main Street and a way.
and 5.
Plot 6. All of the land known as the North Common surround- ing the First Church, except such land as said First Church may have fee in, bounded by Meetinghouse Green so-called and North Main Street.
Plot 7. The small plot of land in front of the residence of William H. Fall, No. 33 North Main Street, bounded by North Main Street and a way.
30
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Plot 8. The plot of land outside the fence bounding the land of the Public Library, bounded by land of the Public Library Trustees, land of Jennie Safford and North Main Street.
Plot 9. The triangular plot of land in front of the Parish House at junction of County Road and Poplar Street and South Main Street.
Plot 10. The plot upon which is located the Memorial Fountain except such parts as may be within the boundary of the State Highway, bounded by County Road and South Main Street.
Plot 11. The plot of land commonly known as the South Com- mon, or ball field, bounded by land of Nellie Huckins, the land under jurisdiction of the Cemetery Commis- sioners, South Main Street and the way to the South Cemetery.
Plot 12. The plot of land, except such part as lies within the boundary of the State Highway, bounded by ways to the South Cemetery and County Road.
Plot 13. All the land off County Road comprising what is com- monly known as Giles Firmin Garden
Plot 14. Two plots of land comprising the river bank on either side of approach to Green Street Bridge bounded by said Green Street, Turkey Shore Road and land of Clapp and Fewkes.
Plot 15. The plot of land at the foot of Elm Street, bounded by County Street, land of Manzer & Damon and land of Anna Tucker.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS C. WADE, Chairman SAMUEL C. GORDON ERNEST H. PICKARD Park Commissioners of Ipswich.
31
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
TREE WARDEN'S REPORT.
To the Citizens of the Town of Ipswich:
l herewith submit my sixth annual report as Tree Warden.
The work of this department varies but little from season to season. It consists mainly of removal of dead branches and such others as are in dangerous condition or interfere with pri- vate dwellings, overhead wires, etc., in a detrimental manner. Other work which the department does each year is some bolt- ing and guying of trees which are in a condition that might cause severe breakage in a storm, and brush cutting.
Work has been carried along on all of the above lines the past season, and I recommend that it be continued this year in a like manner with an increased amount of brush cutting. The latter work is especially imperative, due to the increased traffic over our more suburban roads.
Last spring, as in previous years, new trees were planted to the number of twenty-six (26.) This policy of yearly planting may well be continued, for the trees planted now will add to the attractiveness of the Town in future years. It is my opinion that on the property on Town Hill recently acquired by the Town in the nursery originally planted by the late John B. Brown are many trees which might be salvaged and used for street planting.
This department is asking for a slightly increased appro- priation this year. This is a matter which lies wholly within the judgment of the public. What are the trees of Ipswich worth and what can Ipswich afford to spend yearly to care for its trees and roadsides?
This department again wishes to express its appreciation to the Ipswich Woman's Club for its co-operation in the line of tree planting.
32
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
I would recommend an appropriation of $1000.00 for the current year.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS C. WADE
Tree Warden.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH.
The Public Statutes require that all diseases dangerous to the Public Health shall be reported to the Board of Health. In 1924 there were 298 such cases reported; in 1925, 215; and in 1926, 146.
From one angle of view that is a satisfactory showing. To lessen the number of such cases is one of the important func- tions of the Board, and it would seem from that angle that the expense for oversight and care should be materially less. Un- fortunately that is not always true. There may be a large num- ber of cases where the expense to the town is nominal. On the other hand, there may be a very few requiring expensive quar- antine and hospitalization, together with aid to families and reimbursement for loss of wages, that render the expense to the town very large.
Such was the case in 1926. One case of diphtheria sent to the contagious hospital remained positive for several months. It could not be released until several successive tests showed it to be negative. The expense of this one case to the town was over $600. Other cases of high cost could be cited, but nothing approaching the cost of the above-mentioned case.
33
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
In passing we will state that the cost for the care of con- tagious diseases in 1924 was $406.59. In 1925 it was $611.75, while in 1926 it was $1066.58, more than twice the amount ex- pended in 1924, when there was a much larger number of cases
The work of a Board of Health should be both preventive and constructive, and we call attention to one regulation adopt- ed last year which falls under both of these headings.
To Whom It May Concern.
This is to certify that the following order was adopted by the Board of Health of Ipswich, May 3, 1926:
Whoever, himself or by his servant or agent, sells, exchanges or delivers, or has in his custody or posses- sion with intent so to do, milk drawn from a cow, unless such cow has been tested within a period of one year by a tuberculin test, approved by the Director of An- imal Industry and has been found not to react thereto, shall have his license to produce or sell milk withheld until such time as the provisions of this regulation are carried out. This regulation shall not apply to milk delivered or intended to be delivered for pasteur- ization, nor to pasteurized milk, nor to milk from pro- ducers who have applied to the Division of Animal In- dustry for an official test.
This regulation shall take effect on the first day of June, 1927.
A number of producers have made application to have their cows tuberculin tested. This work is done by the Bureau of Animal Industry, and is without expense to the owners
34
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
There is a bill in the Legislature to have such provision become a law and sooner or later it will be passed. Most of the cities and many of the towns have already adopted such a regula- tion.
Mention is here made of the fact that the Ipswich Board of Health passed an order requiring all physicians to report all cases of tuberculosis to the Board of Health two years before the State passed such a law, so it will be seen that Ipswich is following as a part of its health policy the precedent it estab- lished a number of years ago.
Diseases Dangerous to the Public Health.
Chicken Pox
15
Diphtheria
9
Dysentery
1
German Measles
14
Measles
37
Scarlet Fever
36
Tetanus
1
Tuberculosis, glandular
2
Tuberculosis, pulmonary
9
Typhoid Fever
1
Whooping Cough
18
Total 146
Mortuary Statistics.
The total number of deaths in 1926 was 111. Below are given the assigned causes, taken from the town records.
Appoplexy 1
Arterio-Sclerosis 9
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
35
Automobile accidents
2
Acute Glomerila Nephritis
Acute Bronchitis
1
Bronchial Pneumonia
12
Cancer of Coecum
1
Carcinoma of Liver
5
Cancer of Prostate
1
Cancer of Uterus
1
Cerebral Hemorrhage
4
Chronic Heart Disease
6 5
Chronic Renal Disease
1
Coronary Thrombosis
1
Chronic Bronchitis
1
Congenital Heart
5
Chronic Hepatitis
1
Cerebral Embolism
Diphtheria
Dilatation of Heart
Diabetes
Dysentery
1
Endocarditis
3 1
Fractured Skull
3
Inanation
1 2 1
Lightning Stroke
3
Nephritis
3
Premature Birth
3
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
3
Pulmonary Infract
1
Peurperal Septacaemia
1
Rheumatic Fever
1
Chronic Myocarditis
1 2 1 1
Heart Disease
Influenza
Lobar Pneumonia
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Renal Calculi
2
Senility
4
Suicide 2
Stillborn
5
Supperative Abscess
1
Tubercular Meningitis
2
Whooping Cough
2
Total 111
The work of the department is increasing each year. New problems are arising and new requirements on behalf of the State, all add to the work that someone must do, and time must be given to it if it is to be done intelligently and efficiently. This of course means that the expense of running the depart- ment cannot remain stationary. The citizens of course realize that this applies to every department in the town.
Attention is called to the reports of the Division of Child Hygiene and Tuberculosis; also the reports and recommend- ations of the Sanitary Inspector and Milk Inspector.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE E. MAC ARTHUR, M. D. J. DELLINGER BARNEY, M. D. THOMAS G. GAULD
Board of Health.
Ipswich, February Ist, 1927.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
DIVISION OF CHILD HYGIENE AND TUBERCULOSIS.
Report of the Director.
This division was established and began its work in Child Hygiene in 1916. This had to do with pre-natal work among expectant mothers and follow-up work with children from the time of birth until they have reached the age of two years. This work is still carried on along those lines and has been am- plified as experience has shown increased needs. More than 350 children on the average have been looked after each year and the number is gradually increasing.
In 1916 there were 138 births and 27 deaths among chil- dren under one year of age. In 1926 there were 176 births and 16 deaths among children of under one year, a reduction of more than 50% from what the rate was and had been for years before the work was started. No further comment on this work and its results seem necessary. The facts stated can be verified by anyone who cares to look them up in town records.
Later, the division took up the work among those suffering from tuberculosis in its various forms. This work consists of visits to these patients by the Department Nurse, who gives in- struction as to how the patients should be cared for, and also what members of the family should do to prevent becoming in- fected. When a child is born to a tuberculous mother, the mother should not be allowed to nurse or even handle the child. While hard for the mother, she and the rest of the family should be made to understand that if such a course is followed and the child is prevented from becoming infected, its chances of living will be greatly increased.
This work has greatly increased and the division now has under supervision and care of the Nurse 50 cases. This is
38
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
of course in addition to Ipswich cases in hospitals and sana- toria.
In September, this division in conjunction with the State Department of Health and the School Department of the Town, conducted an underweight clinic among the school children who were a certain percentage under weight as to age and height. This was to determine if any of these underweights had potential tuberculosis, and the tuberculin test was employed for that purpose. The work was done by several doctors and nurses from the State Department, this Division co-operating. The examinations were not compulsory. The school records showed 160 children falling within the group concerned. The Nurse visited all the parents and got consent for the examina- tions of 61, who were examined and tested with the following results:
Total number examined and given tuberculin test 61
Total number who reacted to test 25
Percentage of reactors .41
Total number ex-rayed
26
Number of cases of Hilum Tuberculosis
4
Classified as suspects 9
Ex-rayed and found negative 13
Enlarged tonsils and adenoids 19
In need of Dentistry 31
Malnutrition 11
These findings are definite and follow-up work is being done by the School Nurse as the result. The State will check up from time to time and it is a part of its policy to carry on from year to year. This greatly increases the work the Nurse has to do, to say nothing of the increase that will devolve upon others. But it is constructive public health work and well worth any time or money it may cost to carry it on. It is to be hoped
39
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
that next year all the parents will consent to have their children examined.
The Director wishes to express his appreciation and hereby extends his sincere thanks to the Board of Trustees of the Me- morial Building, and the organizations occupying the same, for the use of the building for holding the Clinics; also to the ladies who assisted the Nurse in preparing the children for the exam- inations.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE E. MAC ARTHUR, M. D., Director.
Ipswich, February 1st, 1927.
REPORT OF INFANT WELFARE WORK FOR 1926.
Cases on hand 1926 brought forward
431
New cases 156
Discharged, 1926 335
On hand, 1927 264
599
Analysis of Deaths.
Still born
1
Lived 24 hours
2
Lived 11 hours
1
Lived 6 hours .
1
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Lived 9 hours
1
Lived 20 days
1
Lived less than month
1-23 days 2
Lived 4 months
Lived 5 months
1
Lived 3 months
1
Lived 7 months
1
Lived 9 months
1
Lived 14 months
1
Lived 19 months
2
21
Respectfully submitted,
MARTHA J. STEWART, R. N.
Ipswich, February 1 st, 1927.
REPORT OF THE SANITARY INSPECTOR.
To the Board of Health,
Ipswich, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I beg to submit herewith the report of the Sanitary Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1926.
Sanitary conditions in Ipswich have been very good during the past year all things being considered. There have been fewer contagious diseases than formerly, which speaks well for health
41
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
conditions in town. We have some very bad conditions in re- gard to sewerage that are hard to meet under our present sys- tem. These conditions are growing worse every year and the great question is how to care for it. We all know that we have an open sewer running through the central part of the town, which is a great menace not only to our people but also adja- cent property owners. I recommend that this open sewer be abolished. The stench from Farley Brook which greets visitors to our town is not desirable and gives them a bad impression of the sanitary conditions here.
We have had several attempts to establish a town dump, but one is no sooner established than it becomes a public nuis- ance by reason of people dumping all kinds of decaying matter regardless of health signs to the contrary, and consequently the dump has to be discontinued. I would recommend that the Se- lectmen establish a supervised dump, so that these conditions can be eliminated. Refuse from stores and dwellings must be taken care of in some way, and this seems the only way out of the situation.
Number of complaints received and investigated 78
Number of contagious disease cards posted 77
Number of dead animals disposed of 18
Number of milk producers permits issued 43
Number of hogs slaughtered 112
Number of hogs condemned 1
Number of calves slaughtered
2
Number of calves condemned
0
Number of cattle slaughtered 1
Number of cattle condemned 0
Number of milk dealers licenses issued
58
Number of ice cream licenses issued 39
Number of oleomargarine licenses issued
6
Respectfully submitted,
EBEN B. MOULTON, Sanitary Inspector.
ยท
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF MILK INSPECTOR.
The milk supply of our town for the year 1926 has been about the same as regard to sediment and chemical analysis. Producers as a whole have been more careful in handling and the results have been gratifying to the Inspector as well as the consumers. The consumer will be still further protected in the year 1927, as the Board of Health has passed an order that all milk sold in Ipswich after June 1, 1927, must be from tuberculin tested cows or must be pasteurized, thereby removing all dis- ease germs, the result being that all milk will be perfectly safe for children. The health of children is becoming more of a study every year and this move is considered by the State De- partment of Health as the best way out of it. In the towns of Lincoln, Concord and Weston there has recently been an epi- demic of typhoid fever caused by a typhoid carrier milking cows on the farm of one producer from which arose forty-four cases of typhoid fever. Had the output of this dairy been pasteur- ized it would have saved a large expense and might have saved some lives. I have talked with some of the largest dealers and they agree that pasteurization is a step in the right direction and are willing to install machinery for this purpose. Those who wish to have their herds tested for tubecrulosis may have the same done by applying to the Department of Animal Industry at the State House, Boston. There are one or more bills before the Legislature this year in regard to pasteurization and tuber- culin test which will sooner or later become a State law.
Respectfully submitted,
EBEN B. MOULTON,
Milk Inspector.
43
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 for the year 1926.
Sealed Non-Sealed Condemned
Platform scales over 5000 lbs
5
Platform scales 100 to 5000 lbs
49
1
Counter scales over 100 lbs
2
Counter scales under 100 lbs
25
Spring scales 100 lbs or over
11
4
Computing scales 100 lbs or over
2
Computing scales under 100 lbs
43
3
Personal weighing scales
5
2
Prescription scales
3
Avoirdupois weights
243
Apothecary weights
36
Liquid measures
82
6
Gasoline measuring pumps
55
3
5
Kerosene pumps
20
Quantity measures, gasoline and oil pumps 320
Yard sticks
21
Spring scales under 100 lbs
30
4
Sealing fees and adjusting charges collected and paid to Town Treasurer $103.19.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM A. STONE., Sealer of Weights and Measures.
44
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
Vital Statistics.
Births.
The total number of births reported to the Town Clerk and recorded are 177, as follows:
Fathers born in
Mothers born in
Ipswich
30
Ipswich
27
Mass.
41
Mass.
57
U. S. A.
17
U. S. A.
13
England
2
England
1
Scotland
1
Ireland
1
British Proy.
31
Scotland
1
Russ., Aus. Poland
29
British Prov.
25
Greece
19
Russ., Aus. Poland
31
Italy
3
Greece
20
Sweden
1
1
Italy
1
Unknown
3
177
177
Males
104
Females 73
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Marriages.
Total number received and recorded 43
Grooms born in
Brides born in
Ipswich
12
Ipswich 13
Mass
14
Mass. 9
U. S. A.
7
U. S. A. 9
British Prov.
5
British Prov. 6
Rus., Aus. Poland
2
Rus., Aus. Poland
2
Greece
3
Greece
3
Ireland
1
43
43
Deaths.
Total number received and recorded
111
Male 57
Females 54
January 11, February 8, March 11, April 11, May 7, June 5, July 8, August 11, September 9, October 12, November 11, De- cember 7.
The following persons were at the time of death over eighty years of age:
Y.
M.
D.
January 5
James Field
102
0 17
January 15
Nathaniel Conrad
81
2 19
January 29
Nathan Jewett
90
1 20
February 1
Mary M. Underhill
80
9 24
February 16
Leander Godett
81
4 0
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
March 9
Susan A. Greenlaw
83
1
1
March 18
James A. Lord
80
8
1
March 21
James H. Hull
81
5
7
April 7 Bridget Clancy
97
2
0
May 10
Margaret M. Hill
89
3
12
May 30
Ann J. Orne
84
2 15
June 17
Lorinda Harris
81
6 19
July 21
Mary E. Blake
94
7
9
July 27 Medley I. Parlee
81
1
28
August 13
James Blair
86
0
0
September 3
Charles W. Bamford
84
3
1
October 5
Albert Russell
92
0
0
October 26
Eben L. Thomas
91
2
14
November 13
Isaac W. Mitchell
80
6
3
November 24
Lavinia Harris
88
4
26
December 27
Zannis B. Story
88
9
13
December 29
Abby H. Fowler
86
6
3
The following licenses were granted through this office during the past year:
Billiards and Pool
8
Common Victuallers
34
Second Hand Motors
3
Druggist
1
Junk
4
Innholders
5
Hawkers and Pedlers
5
Coffee Houses
2
Motor Vehicle Junk Licenses
1
Bottling
1
Slaughtering
1
Bowling Alley
1
47
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
The Standard Oil Company file notice of intention to con- tinue business at the usual place as in former years.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD S. COGSWELL, Town Clerk.
LIST OF TOWN PROPERTY.
School Houses
$247,000 00
Public Buildings
157,500 00
Public .Grounds
5,500 00
Town Farm
20,000 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 Pit, Washington Street
1,500 00
Fire Apparatus
20,000 00
Highway Department Equipment
8,792 50
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.
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