USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1933 > Part 3
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FREDERICK S. WITHAM,
Auditor.
Ipswich, Mass., January 13, 1934.
Essex, ss.
Then personally appeared Frederick S. Witham, Au- ditor of the Town of Ipswich, and made oath that the above statement by him signed is true.
Before me, EDWARD S. COGSWELL,
Justice of the Peace.
75
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
SELECTMEN'S REPORT
To the Citizens of Ipswich :
In the period just before the annual town meeting in 1933 predictions were freely made that there would be an increase in the tax rate of from $5.00 to $8.00. In making our report to you, we are pleased to be able to say that instead of an increase there was an actual re- duction of $1.10 and this result was brought about in spite of an actual reduction in the valuation of taxable property. This excellent record was made possible by the fact that your public officials cooperated in every way to keep within the appropriations made, although in most cases there had been a material reduction in those appropriations.
We believe that 1933 was the hardest year that any Board of Selectmen of Ipswich has ever faced. With banks failing, banks closed, business stagnant and labor unemployed, it has been no mean problem to ride out the storm and make port safely. We extend our thanks to the entire crew who gave aid and advice to make this result possible, and we feel that we would be remiss in our duty if we did not extend special thanks to the Town Counsel, George A. Schofield, whose long experience in town and state government has fitted him to give counsel and advice whenever necessary.
The voters will remember that at one of the special meetings the question of an appropriation for spreading tar on the roads met with opposition. We were unani- mous in our opinion that it was false economy to neglect the work for a year and pay three times the amount the next year. We were pleased to have the voters agree with us, and we again recommend a fair and liberal ap- propriation for this work for 1934.
76
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Those who keep in touch with current events know full well that an active, well led police department is ab- solutely necessary if the crime wave is to be checked. We feel that we have a good police department and an efficient leader in that department but we know that an insufficient appropriation hampers the work. Our beach problem is constantly growing and demands action, in justice not only to the residents in that vicinity but to the hundreds of other decent people who desire to use the beach. Late in the summer last year, a special ap- propriation was made for beach protection and condi- tions were greatly improved.
Some comment has been made because the police department purchased a motor cycle, using for part pay- ment a balance of the appropriation which the Chief had saved. The Board was divided on the question of the purchase, a majority, Wallace and Claxton, voting in favor and Damon against. Having in mind that Ipswich has many long country roads and also having in mind that the department was without a workable motor car, the majority felt that people living in outlying districts were entitled to police service, that the purchase of the motor cycle was justified and that the Chief should be commended for making it possible to purchase it.
There always has been and probably always will be differences of opinion on town boards on questions of ap- pointments and on questions like the one quoted above. Such differences will do no injustice if each side respects the honest opinion of the other and if in commenting on the matter outside the meetings no unjust or unfair statements are made.
The expenditure of the $8,000 appropriation for un- employment work, to be expended by our Board, is fully accounted for elsewhere in this report and the detailed statement made at a recent town meeting by our Chair- man fully covers the record and cost of the work.
In closing, we again say that 1933 has been a hard and trying year on all those who have had to do with pub-
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
lic affairs. Our Board has had its full part to do and we point with pride to this fact, that the net result of all of the work has been that over $42,000 has been received from the Federal government and that hundreds of men have been given work. In bringing about that result a number of people have participated, but we feel it only fair to say that, owing to his position as Chairman of our Board, and also as a member of the Unemployment Com- mittee, the lion's share of the work has fallen on the shoulders of Mr. Wallace and he has been active and ef- ficient, both night and day, laboring to the end that Ips- wich workers should receive their full share of the Fed- eral funds.
Respectfully submitted, BRAINARD C. WALLACE, JOSEPH F. CLAXTON, JR.
78
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
BOARD OF SELECTMEN - MINORITY REPORT
To the Citizens of Ipswich :
Feeling that I could not sign the annual Selectmen's report in whole, as presented to me by the Chairman, and in fairness to the citizens of Ipswich and myself, I wish to submit the following :
Through the cooperation of all the officials of the Town Government and benefiting from certain sums of money from various sources, the most of which have not been available in previous years, to the general funds of the Town, among these being amounts received from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Income Massachu- setts School Fund, Federal Emergency Relief Funds, Stadium Fund contributed by the Teachers and Town Employees, accrued interest on the Jones Fund, an addi- tional amount over and above the usual sum received from the Feoffees of the Grammar School, monies trans- ferred from the Water & Light Department, together with certain other smaller amounts, it is pleasing to note a reduction in the tax rate of one dollar and ten cents per thousand.
I have always favored road work and especially that of a permanent nature, for which I recommend an appro- priation for 1934.
With reference to the difference of opinion between" myself and my fellow Board members regarding the purchase of the motocycle by the Police Department, I feel I would be doing the voters and myself an injustice if I did not state my position. I quote a portion of my letter to the taxpayers as it appeared in the Ipswich Chronicle, issue of September 29, 1933 :
"I yield to no one in the desire to see an able, efficient and well equipped Police Department and
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
if that Department really felt that a motorcycle was necessary I would not hesitate to recommend an ap- propriation for that purpose. My objection was not to its purchase, but to the use of funds taken from a special appropriation to pay for the motorcycle.
This special appropriation was made for the ex- press purpose of policing and maintaining order at the beaches and in using such a fund for the pur- chase of a motorcycle I felt it to be a betrayal of trust, not only to those voters who put me in office, but also to those taxpayers who were promised and have been looking for an economical administration.
We all heard at Town Meeting the description of conditions at the beach, that it was essential that the beach should be patrolled and order maintained, and that the least possible amount required was $396. On this assertion the taxpayers who on all sides had rallied in the interests of economy and were desirous of reducing expenses, granted the ap- propriation. This money was voted for one special purpose. If it were not needed for that purpose it is my belief that it should have been turned back to the taxpayers. If the Police felt that they needed a motorcycle it should have been paid for out of the regular appropriation for that Department and if that was insufficient, then they should have tried to get along without it until the necessary funds were available."
It was the Town's good fortune during the past few months to receive many thousands of dollars from the Federal Government with which to re-employ men. This money was allotted and disbursed according to the plans of President Roosevelt who in a public statement said no local individual was to receive personal credit out of the relief of human needs. I therefore take this opportunity to commend the Civil Works Administrator, the Federal Re-employment Agent and Unemployment Committee, the Board of Selectmen, and all others who participated in carrying out this program.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the co- operation of all those who have in any way during the past year assisted me in the performance of my duty as a member of the Board of Selectmen.
Respectfully submitted, EDWIN H. DAMON.
81
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF TOWN CLERK
Town Clerk's Office, Feb. 1, 1934.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
I herewith present to your Honorable Board the re- port of the Town Clerk for the year 1933.
VITAL STATISTICS
Births
During the year 1933 the births numbered 121, a decrease of seven from the previous year.
Male 51
Female 70
Parents residing in :
Ipswich
91
Scotland
1
Hamilton
6
Germany
1
Beverly
1
Ireland
1
Essex
5 England
1
Gloucester
1 Unknown
5
Rowley
14
Mothers born in :
Topsfield
1
Ipswich
35
Wenham
2
Mass. 43
Fathers born in:
U. S. A. 12
Ipswich
20
British Prov. 18
Mass.
46
Poland
6
U. S. A.
17
Greece
3
British Prov.
17 Italy
1
Poland
6
Scotland
1
Greece
4
England
2
Italy
2
2
82
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT MARRIAGES
Total number
Grooms born in :
Brides born in :
Ipswich
21
Ipswich
18
Mass.
16 Mass.
21
U. S. A.
7 U. S. A.
7
British Prov.
4 British Prov.
4
Greece
2 Norway
1
Norway
1
England
1
Italy
1
DEATHS
During the year 1933 the deaths numbered 82.
Males 41 Females 41
The following persons were, at the time of death, over eighty years of age :
Years
Months
Days ...
Jan. 7-Caroline E. (Nourse) Pickard
93
7
27
Feb. 10-Edward F. Smith
86
10
2
April 15-Marianna C. Whittier
86
4
22
April 17-Bethia D. Kinsman
92
2
3
April 26-Alfred A. Howard
80
4
10
April 28-Angie P. Brown
85
8
1
May 1-Nancy P. Joy
80
June 9-John W. Mansfield
82
Nov. 12-Samuel Lombard
89
Nov. 30-Sarah F. Lord
82
10
26
Dec. 13-Hugh Morgan
81
......
Dec. 21-Michael Young
82
......
...
.....
......
I wish to call attention to the following vital sta- tistics.
It is important that these records shall be correct. If any errors are discovered, the Clerk will deem it a
52
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
favor to have them reported at once, so that correction may be made.
Some of the many reasons why births should be recorded :
To prove legitimacy.
To establish identity.
To prove notionality.
To show when a child has the right to enter school.
To show when a child has the right to seek employ- ment under the Child Labor Law.
To show when a child has the right to apply for a license to operate a motor vehicle.
To establish the right to inheritance to property.
To establish liability to military duty as well as ex- emption therefrom.
To establish the right to hold public office.
To qualify to hold title to, and to buy and sell real estate.
To prove the age at which the marriage contract may be entered into.
To make possible statistical studies of health condi- tions.
As required by Chapter 46, Section 15, General Laws of Massachusetts notice is hereby given that the Town Clerk will furnish blanks for returns of births to parents, householders, physicians and registered hospi- tals' officers applying therefor.
The following licenses were granted through this office :
Amusement
1
Auctioneer License
1
Motor Vehicle Agent No. 1
1
84
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Motor Vehicle Agent No. 2
1 2
Druggist
Innholders
8
Junk Dealers
Lodging House
Slaughtering
Common Victuallers
2
Bottling
1
Bowling Alleys
Temporary Licenses Wines and Malt Beverages (3.2) Wines and Malt Beverages Light Wine (3.2) Beer 19 Alcoholic Licenses and Wines and Malt Beverages 14
296
Hunting Licenses
169
Fishing
26
Sporting
28
Citizen Trapping
4
Minor Trapping
7
No Resident Hunting
1
Duplicate
4
Lobster
8
Crab
3
For the benefit of the owners and keepers of dogs the following extract of the General Laws is hereby sub- mitted :
General Laws, Chapter 140
SECTION 137. The owner or keeper of a dog which is three months old or over shall annually, on or before March thirty-first, cause it to be registered, numbered, described and licensed for one year from the first day of April following.
The owner or keeper of a licensed dog shall cause it to wear around its neck a collar distinctly marked with its OWNER'S NAME and its REGISTERED NUMBER.
3 2 1 33
Billard and Pool
2
22
Dogs
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
SECTION 138. The owner or keeper of a dog may at any time have it licensed until the first day of April following, and a person who becomes the owner or keep- er of a dog after April first, which is not duly licensed, and the owner or keeper of a dog which becomes three months old after March thirty-first in any year, shall, when it is three months old, cause it to be registered, numbered, described, licensed and collared as required by the preceding section.
(Example under Section 138 above.) If a dog is born on June 1, 1932, he becomes three months old on September 1, 1932 and should be licensed on that date for the period Sept. 1, 1932 to April 1, 1933 when it becomes necessary to relicense him for the year April 1, 1933 to April 1, 1934.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD S. COGSWELL,
Town Clerk.
86
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
I have the honor to submit to you the report of the duties performed by the Police Department of Ipswich for the year ending December 31, 1933.
Total number of arrests 212
January
7
February
5
March
4
April
19
May
13
June
23
July
20
August
13
September
19
October
36
November
24
December
29
Total
212
Classification of Crimes :
Assault
7
Bastardy
1
Breaking, entering and larceny
6
Delinquents
12
Drunkenness
66
Disturbance of peace
7
Forgery
1
Illegal sale of liquor
2
Keeping and exposing
2
Larceny
14
Larceny of automobiles
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
27
Leaving scene of accident without making self known
Lewdness
Malicious mischief
Non-support
Neglected child
Operating so as to endanger
1 1
Operating without license
5
Operating while under influence of liquor
6
Refusing to stop when signalled by officer
1
Speeding
2
Traffic violation
1 26
Vagrants
Violation of the milk laws
1
Violation of the clam laws
6
Violation of the game laws
18
Total
212
Disposition of Cases :
Committed to Lyman School
1
Committed to Industrial School
1
Discharged
8
Dismissed
4
Fined
14
Fined-Appealed
14
Filed
55
Filed on restitution
1
Held for Grand Jury
7
Pending
2
Probation
34
Probation on restitution
1
Released
36
Sentenced-Committed
14
Sentenced-Suspended
13
Sentenced-Appealed
2
Turned over to outside Police
5
Total
212
2
1 1 17
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Miscellaneous :
Assistance rendered to persons in distress 27
Buildings found open and secured 39
Committed to State Hospital 5
Complaints investigated by Police
2,170
Lost children restored to parents
14
Number of persons struck by automobiles
7
Number of persons killed by automobiles
0
Number of persons injured by automobile accidents 59
Number of persons killed by automobile accidents 5
Number of automobile accidents investigated 114
Number of automobiles transferred 462
Number of warrants served for outside police
6
Number of warrants served for local police 6
Number of summons served for outside police 60
Number of summons served for local police 67
Number of hours of police duty for outside parties 5,772
Number of hours of special duty for town 1276
Number of children before Juvenile Court 12
Number of ambulance calls assisted by police 35
Number of stolen automobiles recovered 5
Number of persons bitten by dogs 7
Number of dogs gassed or shot 27
Number of fire alarms answered
18
Number of street lights reported out 19
Number of auto licenses revoked and supended 24
Number of auto registrations revoked
18
Number of telephone calls in 3,478
Number of telephone calls out
1,457
Number of local calls
3,592
Number of telephoned complaints 604
Number of calls in from outside Police 263
Number of calls to outside Police 132
Number of out-of-town calls in
344
Total calls from March 17, 1933 to December 31, 1933 4935
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Inventory of Police Department :
Police badges
Clubs
Flashlights
7 7
Automobiles
Motor Cycles
Handcuffs
Pistols
Riot gun
Gas club
Gas gun
Drag iron sets
1
In summarizing the Police Report, may I say that ten of the total arrests made were by the State Police.
The sum of over twenty-one hundred complaints in- vestigated by the Police, in most cases were of a mild form, meaning very little to the public at large, but being most essential to the parties making them and the Police Department. Complaints of boys between the ages of ten and fifteen years headed the list, with automobilists rank- ing second. Cars parked' on the out-skirts of the town near farm and dwelling houses were responsible for a lot of late-hour complaints ..
The Police Department being limited to three men (that is, two night and one day patrolmen, and as the streets in the central part of the town are so congested with automobile traffic) makes it almost impossible at times to answer complaints, especially between the hours of 4 P. M. and midnight. Central Street, Market Street and Depot Square alone on any ordinary night re- quires the attention of two officers, and Saturday night requires the attention of three.
The cruising car has proved most effective in the districts where it has patroled, but under present condi- tions, with only two officers on the street at night, it is impossible to patrol the out-lying districts, which in turn, should be given the same consideration as the central patrol. People living on the out-skirts are all taxpayers
12
1 1 6 5 1 1 1
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
and should be protected. It should also be arranged so that a patrolman would be on duty all night. As it is now the town is without a patrolman from 5 A. M. to 8 A. M.
The motor cycle proved to be a real asset, especially to the residents of the out-lying districts. Its patrol has assisted in demolishing such disgusting situations as the stealing of vegetables, poultry, etc., besides regulating traffic and cutting down a lot of speeding. If it prevented one fatal accident, it has paid for itself a hundred times over.
The crime wave which is sweeping the country is becoming very acute and seems to be drawing nearer home all the time. The town must provide adequate Po- lice protection for its citizens and merchants, otherwise the State is very apt to step in and if that particular thing happens it will be hard to estimate the cost, but we all know that it will be much more than it is at present.
The Police appropriation is very low compared with some of our surrounding towns, and as a matter of fig- ures one town in particular with a population of about 8000 and with an area in square miles of 4.2, appropri- ated last year $32,000.00 for their Police. Another town with a population of 7100 spent in 1933 for their Police Department $20,400.00. They have nine regular patrol- men in their department.
The Police Department have figures available from several other towns about the size of ours which we would be very glad to present upon request.
In view of these facts and figures we have presented, the Police Department recommends that an additional sum of money be appropriated to cover the expense of two more regular officers.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM E. GARRETT,
Chief of Police.
91
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of Ipswich :
During the past year there has been considerable work done in and about Highland Cemetery where with the co-operation of the Unemployment Committee, no- table improvement has been made.
The loam has been removed to the depth of eighteen inches from all the avenues and replaced by clean gravel.
The dump at the back of the cemetery filled with sticks, stones, and general debris from the digging of graves has been removed, and that part of the grounds now presents a more sightly appearance.
The Annex, better known as the Greek Burial Ground, has also received attention and is now in excel- lent condition. Through the co-operation of the Water Commissioners, water has been introduced and one faucet installed here.
In the old North Cemetery the decaying dead wood has been removed and the trees trimmed, which has added not a little to the tidy appearance of the place.
About seventy lots have been staked out in the New Highland Cemetery and grass seed sown upon them There has already been an income approaching $900 from the sale of these lots. Eighteen graves have been opened here and as many bodies laid to rest.
General improvement may also be noted in the con- dition of Locust Grove.
The Commissioners are asking this year for a some- what larger appropriation than last year, for the follow- ing reasons : The acreage of the grounds has been con- siderably increased, entailing more work to keep them
92
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
presentable. Some of the fences are falling down and need to be replaced. The toolhouses require shingling and the broken head stones and tombs in the Old North Cemetery should be repaired. In many places the grass needs reseeding.
Acknowledgment is hereby made to all persons who by acts or suggestions have assisted the Commissioners in their work during the past year, or who have contributed in anywise towards the improvement of the town's burial grounds
Respectfully submitted, RALPH K. WHITTIER, HOWARD BLAKE, BENJ. W. HOMANS, Cemetery Commissioners.
93
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
ASSESSORS' REPORT
In making this, the annual report of the Board of Assessors, there has been included the work sheet that is used in computing the tax rate, and tables of aggregates covering the work of this Department.
Our total valuation this year was somewhat smaller both on Real and Personal property, and our appropria- tions materially greater, but with increased revenue we were able to make a reduction of $1.10 per thousand over our last year's rate.
Respectfully submitted, C. CHESTER CALDWELL, JOHN E. NORMAN, WORTHINGTON H. MANSFIELD,
Assessors of Ipswich.
94
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
WORK SHEET, 1933
Town Appropriations
State Tax
$316,538.22 9,630.00
66 Municipal Lighting
6.37
66
66 Auditing Municipal Accounts 37.75
66
Highways
256.00
66
66 Parks and Reservations
18.74
66
Old Age Assistance
1,796.00
County Tax
8,834.46
Overlay of Current Year
3,433.25
Less Estimated Income
94,417.11
Less 1,796 Old Age Assistance
1,796.00
$244,337.68
Less 1,779 Polls
3,558.00
$240,779.68
Valuation, Real Estate
$6,573,575.00
Valuation, Personal Estate
613,878.00
$7,187,453.00
$240,779.68 Equals $33.50 rate
$7,187,453
$340,550.79
$246,133.68
95
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
TABLE OF AGGREGATES
Number of Persons Assessed on Property
1,503
Number of Polls Assessed
1,779
Valuation of Personal Estate
$
613,878.00
Valuation of Real Estate
6,573,575.00
Value of Assessed Real Estate :
Buildings, excluding land
$4,827,475.00
Land, excluding buildings
1,746,100.00
$6,573,575.00
Amount raised on Personal Estate
$ 20,564.91
Amount raised on Real Estate
220,214.76
Amount raised on Polls
3,558.00
$244,337.67
Rate
$33.50
Number of horses assessed
185
Number of cows assessed
449
Number of swine assessed
69
Number of neat cattle other than cows
109
Number of fowl assessed
7,875
Number of acres of land
17,730.
96
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
To the Board of Selectmen :
I herewith submit my annual report as Superinten- dent of the Moth Department:
The work in this department during the past year has been along the usual routine lines. The insect condi- tions in Ipswich are what might be called generally good. However, all of the pests are still abundant and the fight should still go on. During the work this winter, there appears to be an increase in both the gypsy and brown tail moths. Fortunately, the past summer both the elm leaf beetle and tent caterpillar were not more than normally abundant.
Considerable extra work is being done in this de- partment as C.W.A. projects, and as this work is outside of the routine, considerable benefit should result. Five men and a foreman have been working in the wood- lands creosting gypsy moth egg clusters since the early part of December. This project is under the direction of the State Dept. of Conservation. Six men and a foreman have been engaged in cutting brown tail moth webs for the past six weeks and have collected thousands. This project is under the direction of the U. S. Dept. of Agri- culture. Both of these projects have been under the direct supervision of the local Moth Superintendent.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS C. WADE,
Local Supt.
97
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN
To the Citizens of Ipswich :
I herewith submit my annual report as Tree Warden :
During the past season there was no work under- taken which might be considered of a new type. The usual work of removing dead or diseased limbs, such as might interfere with overhead wires or buildings, etc., was carried out. Four large trees were entirely removed which had died or were nearly so, this constituting a menace to the public. Unfortunately this work must be continued as each year some of the old trees succumb to present day conditions.
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