USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1937 > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9
20
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
tion be made to remedy the existing conditions. In pursuance of the above recommendation, the Chairman is inserting in the Town Warrant an article recommending that some suitable person or committee be appointed for the purpose of making a study of the requirements and reporting at the adjourned meet- ing their findings and recommendations.
8. Town Wharf and Ipswich River.
Conditions at the Town Wharf and on the River have reached a point where the Chairman feels that some responsible person should be appointed to the position of Harbor-Master. At the present time, the wharf is being used as a storage for boats and there is no responsible head to direct and supervise the manner in which this is done. If such an appointment is made, the appointee would have the supervision of the anchor- age of boats on the river and the placing of buoys and all other duties usually exercised by such official. The Chairman is in- serting an article in the warrant asking for an appropriation for this purpose.
The Chairman of the Board has been very interested in promoting the well being of those utilizing the Ipswich River for a livelihood and pleasure. Recognizing the necessity for dredging, he has brought the attention of the Senators and Rep- resentatives in Washington and at the State House and also the Department of Public Works to the existing conditions. The Chairman appeared before the Board of Army Engineers and advocated the dredging of the River by the Federal Govern- ment, and subsequently appeared before the Department of Public Works and advocated an appropriation by the State for dredging and has had a separate bill filed in the Legislature to provide for this work. A favorable report from the Depart- ment of Public Works is anticipated and it is the belief of the Chairman that there may be allocated by the Department of Public Works the sum of $20,000.00. The Legislative Com-
21
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
mittee of Land and Harbors has made a favorable report on this project. It will probably be necessary for the town to also make an appropriation, and an article has been inserted in the warrant by the Chairman asking for an appropriation by the town to be used in conjunction with such amount as is allocated by the State. The Chairman believes that it is possible that the Federal Government will eventually contribute funds for the dredging of the River.
9. Bridges.
The Chairman of the Board of Selectmen called the Board's attention to the existing traffic conditions at Choate Bridge, and, at his suggestion, the Board authorized him to con- tact the Department of Public Works for the purpose of ascer- taining the feasibility of widening the bridge without in any way destroying its present architectural design. The Chairman has carried out these instructions and is in hopes that something along these lines will be accomplished shortly.
Attention is also called to the condition of Willow Dale Bridge. The Town of Hamilton is now having surveys made with reference to their portion of the bridge, and the Chairman suggests that the Town of Ipswich cooperate with the Town of Hamilton in making necessary repairs to the Willow Dale Bridge.
10. Clamming Industry.
The Chairman of the Board has noted in the past that articles appearing in the Warrant from time to time with refer- ence to the clamming industry have been considered by some in a spirit of levity. In this connection he desires to state that the clamming industry is a very important source of revenue to the inhabitants of Ipswich and that anything constructive should be entertained seriously. The clammers have organized them- selves and are now attempting to improve the conditions, and
22
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
the Chairman believes that all possible aid and assistance should be given to this organization to further their laudable efforts.
In closing this report, particularly in view of the fact that it is my individual report, rather than a report of the Board, Į deem it only fair to make some explanation for so doing and to call to the attention of the citizens of Ipswich certain facts with reference to the proceedings of the Board of Selectmen dur- ing the past year.
It is quite widely known that the present Board has not, at all times, conducted its affairs as I personally consider proper. Credit is always given to the Board as a whole for favorable action, blame for unfavorable action is always visited upon the Chairman. During the past year much of the town business has been transacted by the other two members of the Board at places other than the Town Hall, and, in the absence of the Chairman, he having no opportunity to vote, and no knowl- edge of such action until subsequently brought to his attention. This is a practice that should cease. The Chairman of the Board is not a believer in star chamber proceedings, but he does believe that there are some matters which should be discussed privately. The action taken thereon, however, he believes the public entitled to. The Chairman has always been a believer in an economical management of public affairs. He does not, however, believe that efficiency should be destroyed for the sake of economy, and particularly is he opposed to action being taken in the name of economy, when, in fact, the so-called economy is not only false but actuated by a desire to reward others by ap- pointment to jobs. For a number of years the Chairman was the W. P. A. Co-ordinator, and in this position, he gained wide experience in handling of W. P. A. Projects. He gained such a recognized position with the officials of the W. P. A. that he was enabled to obtain projects for Ipswich on short notice and thereby maintain a program of work. At the instigation of the other two members of the Board, this office was abolished for
23
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
the sake of alleged economy. The Chairman has no objection to abolishing any office for the sake of economy, the question is the advisability of abolishing an office in the name of economy and then making a political appointment of an inexperienced man to the same office. If, by this false economy, the rolls of the idle have been increased, the Chairman feels that he is en- titled to be exonerated from all responsibility for such a con- dition.
To substantiate the above statements with reference to the W. P. A. the following letter is incorporated in this report. This letter speaks for itself and I call attention particularly to the Third paragraph. Upon receipt of this letter, the same was presented by the Chairman to the Board of Selectmen, and the only response he received wat that it was nothing but a form letter.
WORKS PROGRESS ADMINISTRATION FOR MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR
"John J. McDonough
Administrator
600 Washington Street Boston, Mass. February 11, 1938.
"Mr. Brainard C. Wallace, Chairman
Board of Selectmen Ipswich, Massachusetts
"Dear Mr. Wallace:
"With reference to the Appropriation Bill which has been presented to Congress asking for additional money for the Works Progress Administration, it is ex- pected that this State will have an increase in the number of workers assigned to W. P. A. projects.
24
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
"While this office has no direct informa- tion as to the number that may be assigned, it was deemed expedient to make a careful check as to the status of pro- jects in each city and town.
"I was disappointed to find that in your Town there is a lack of projects to take care of your pres- ent allotment of white-collar workers. Each community should have a reservoir or pool of projects for both white- collar and manual workers and particularly in case we are authorized to increase our load.
"I know I can count on you to remedy this situation and in an endeavor to be of assistance to you, ar- rangements have been made to have one of our Field Super- visors call on you immediately."
Sincerely yours, JOHN J. McDONOUGH,
Administrator."
This may be just a form letter and the member of the Board of Selectmen who so characterizes it may consider that it is of no importance, but to the unemployed, it certainly is of great importance. It will be noted that the W. P. A. officials so recognize that it is the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen with whom they feel confident to deal and they have addressed this communication to him knowing that with his past exper- ience and ability to cooperate and prepare projects has in the past eliminated the criticism expressed in the above letter. The phraseology of this letter should be carefully considered by not only the unemployed but by those who have to contribute the funds because it is a very clear indication that the majority of the Board of Selectmen took upon themselves grave responsibil- ity when they saw fit at the expense of the unemployed to dis-
25
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
charge the Chairman with his vast experience and in place there- of appoint an inexperienced individual whose only asset to the majority of the Board might be political. In regard to the W. P. A. work for the past few months it is my opinion that there has been a very considerable waste of funds.
I do not intend to in any way imply dishonesty, but simply that the lack of experience and a right understanding of the work to be done has resulted in waste of both Federal and Town funds.
In conclusion let me say that with the exception of such inferences as may be drawn in reading the above report, I have received very hearty cooperation from the Town Boards and Offices to whom I am very grateful, and with whom I hope to be able to cooperate in the future to the end that definite pro- gress and improvement may be made in the community.
BRAINARD C. WALLACE,
Chairman of The Board of Selectmen.
26
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF TOWN CLERK
Town Clerk's Office, Feb. 1, 1938.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith present to your Honorable Board the report of the Town Clerk for the year 1937.
VITAL STATISTICS
Births
During the year 1937 the births numbered 117 a decrease of 20 from the previous year.
Males 67
Females 50
Parents residing in:
Ipswich
87
Rowley
13
Hamilton
6
Newbury (Byfield)
1
Essex
4
Gloucester
1
Boxford
1
Arlington
1
Cutler, Maine
1
Georgetown
1
Manchester
1
117
27
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Fathers born in:
Mothers born in:
Ipswich
26
Ipswich 33
Mass.
47
Mass. 49
U. S. A.
11
U. S. A.
10
British Prov.
15
British Prov. 16
Poland
5 Poland
2
Greece
3 Greece
2.
Italy
1 Italy
1
Scotland
1
Scotland
1
Ireland
3
Ireland
3
Sweden
1
Portugal
1
Unknown
3
MARRIAGES
Total Number
71
Grooms born in:
Brides born in:
Ipswich
23
Ipswich 25
Mass.
29
Mass. 29
U. S. A.
6 U. S. A.
12
British Prov.
8.
British Prov. 4
Greece
Scotland
1
France
1
-
71 71
DEATHS
During the year 1937 the deaths numbered 107 an increase of 5 from the previous year.
Males .... 52 Females .... 55
The following persons were, at the time of death, over 80 years of age.
Jan. 1-Martha E. Nutting
88 .. ..
28
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Jan. 2-Christopher Atherley 86
...
....
Jan. 8-James P. Rundlett 80
10
1
Jan. 12-Charles G. Day
87
3
22
Jan. 29-John E. Dodge
82
...
....
Jan. 12-Blanche Howard Wildes
81
5
6
Mar. 14-Martha Mary LeBlanc
82
2
14
Apr. 25-Sarah E. Lakeman
87
...
....
Apr. 12-Mary E. Perley
80
....
....
Jun. 1-Ema J. Perley
84
...
....
May 19-Abbie L. Simmons
86
8
6
May 13-Edward Lynch
83
Jul. 15-Adeline Burnham
81
4
27
Aug. 5-Annis Garvey Doyle
87
. ...
....
Aug. 13-Alice I. Lord
82
Aug. 25-Albert Francis
83
2
7
Aug. 26-Lucy S. Kimball
90
7
0
Oct.
3-Joseph Franklin Ross
86
Oct. 7-Helen E. Andrews
90
0
26
Oct. 26-Adelia Willcomb
85
3
26
Nov. 5- Horice I. Whipple
82
6
6
Nov. 21-Michael B. Pappalimberis
85
Nov. 27-Anna F. Nichols
87
6
27
Nov. 6-James Singer
85
Dec. 14-Khatenig Ishkanian
81
. .
NOTICE
The attention of parents is called to the law relating to the registering of births. The present requirements are as follows:
Chapter 46, Section 6 of the Revised Laws. Parents with- in forty days after the birth of a child . . . shall cause notice thereof to be given to the Clerk of the town or city in which such child is born.
29
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Section 8. A parent ... who neglects so to do for ten days after the time limited therefor . . . shall forfeit not more than five dollars for each offense.
ATTENTION OF PHYSICIANS AND MIDWIFES IS CALLED TO CHAPTER 280, SEC. 1 ACTS OF 1912
Section 1. Physicians and midwives, shall, within forty-eight hours after the birth of every child in cases which they were in charge, mail or deliver to the Clerk of Registrar of the City or Town, in which the birth occurred, a notice stating the date and place of the birth, giving the street number, if any, the num- ber of the ward in a city and the family name. Failure to mail or deliver the said notice shall be punished by a fine not exceed- ing twenty-five dollars for each offense.
I wish to call attention to the following vital statistics:
It is important that these records be correct. If any errors are discovered, the Clerk shall deem it a favor to have them reported at once, so that corrections may be made.
Some of the many reasons why births should be recorded:
To prove legitimacy.
To establish identity.
To prove nationality.
To show when a child has the right to enter school.
To show when a child has the right to seek employment 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 exemption therefrom.
30
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
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 conditions.
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 hospitals' officers applying therefore.
The following licenses were granted through this office:
Auctioneer
2
Amusement 2
Billiard and Pool
2
Bowling Alleys
2
Hawkers and Pedlers
5
Innholders
7
Junk Collector's
5
Motor Vehicle Junk Class 3
2
Motor Vehicle New and Second Class
8
Victualler's
34
Alcoholic Liquors and Wines and Malt Beverages 28
Dogs
322
Hunting
134
Fishing
46
Sporting
32
Citizen Trapping
3
Citizen Minor Trapping
13
Duplicate
3
Lobster-Crab
9
Resident Citizen Minor and Female Fishing
9
Non-Resident 1
31
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
For the benefit of the owners and keepers of dogs, the following extract of the General Laws is hereby submitted:
General Laws, Chapter 140, Sections 136A-175
Amended by Ch. 289 of 1932 and Ch. 320 of 1934. Sec- tion 137. Licenses and Tags. The owner or keeper of a dog which is three months old or over shall annually, on or before March thirty-first, cause it be registered, numbered, described and licensed for one year from April first following, if the dog is kept in Boston in the office of the police commissioner, or if kept in any other town in the office of the clerk thereof. The license shall be in a form prescribed by the director, upon a blank to be furnished, except in the County of Suffolk, by the county in which the town is located, and shall be subject to the condi- tions expressed therein that the dog which is the subject of the license shall be controlled and restrained from killing, chasing or harassing live stock or fowls. The owner or keeper of a licensed dog shall cause it to wear around its neck or body a collar or har- ness of leather or other suitable material to which shall be se- curely attached a tag in a form prescribed by the director, and upon which shall appear the license number, the name of the town issuing such license and the year of issue. Such tags shall be furnished in the same manner as the license blanks, and if any such tag shall be lost the owner or keeper of such dog shall
forthwith secure a substitute tag from the town clerk, at a cost of ten cents which shall be retained by the clerk unless other- wise provided by law. Any person may bring or cause to be brought from another state or country any dog licensed under the laws thereof and keep such dog in this commonwealth for a period not exceeding thirty days without licensing it hereunder, and during such period the foregoing provisions of this section do not apply to such dog.
Section 138. Licenses. The owner or keeper of a dog may at any time have it licensed until April first following; and a per-
32
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
son who after April first becomes 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, collared or harnessed and tagged as required by section one hundred and thirty-seven.
I wish in conclusion to thank each and every citizen of the town for their cooperation with this Department. I deeply ap- preciate the friendliness that I have always experienced with the citizens of Ipswich.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD S. COGSWELL, Town Clerk.
33
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
Once again it becomes the duty of your board to make its annual report and this particular year has been the most trying one in the history of Welfare in Ipswich.
The business recession started in September and from then on there seemed to be a trend toward unemployment. The business concerns here have been practically at a standstill, and the clamming industry has had its problems as well. This par- ticular industry employs a large group of men and when there are "no orders" it means only one thing, that the welfare load is to be increased. The outlook at the present moment does not seem too bright on first sight, that is, as to legitimate work.
The W. P. A. was curtailed early in the season but summer employment helped us out for awhile. Aliens are just plain Out on this kind of work, no more can be certified or employed on W. P. A., Federal, County or State jobs, another addition to the case load.
It is very difficult to estimate requirements for this depart- ment because nothing is a fixed figure, no one can foresee ahead the difficulties to be encountered. Conditions all over the world are uncertain, and what is next, no one knows, neither your board nor the tax-payer, nor the unemployed man or woman. The board has tried from every angle to be fair with all con- cerned and under the trying circumstances of today feels that our expenditures have not increased to any great extent over last year's expenditure considering the increase in case load, 50% over last year.
The Infirmary figure is rather constant and we attribute
34
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
this to the capabilities of both Mr. and Mrs. Dorr. Here, too, we have had a hard year with more people to serve than for some time, and the service has had to be carefully supervised.
The various Town Departments have worked with us very cordially and we extend to them our thanks.
Mr. Wallace has given assistance to the Welfare Department whenever possible under his administration as Co-ordinator, and was looking always toward the case load decreasing in order that the expenditure would be relieved on Welfare cost.
Mr. Wood has given equally pleasing cooperation with the board both as to the trucking whenever possible for our com- modity store and on employing our men.
We regret very much the loss of our Agent, Mr. Charles G. Hull, who has been in Town Service a good many years, having been connected with this department in one way or an- other for the past twenty years. We are going to miss his valued service and kind favors of which there were many to per- sons in all walks of life.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER F. POOLE, Chairman CHARLES V. HILLS BESSIE F. DAWSON
35
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
WELFARE DEPARTMENT
Appropriation and Expenditures 1937
Appropriation
$35,000.00
Additional Approp. Nov.
10,000.00
Refunds
38.98
45,038.98
Expended
$45,038.75 45,038.98 Unpaid Bills 4,676.68
Approp. and Refunds
Unpaid Bills 4,676.68 Unexpend. Bal. .23
49,715.66 49,715.66
Cost $49,715.43 of Welfare 1937.
Reimbursements
$10,307.14
Net Cost
39,408.29
INFIRMARY
Appropriation Expended Unexpended Bal.
5,980.00
5,972.84
7.16
$5,980.00
36
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
Infirmary Budget, 1937 - Comparison of Inventories
January 1, 1937
January 1, 1938
No.
Value
No. 17
Value
Cows
11
$1,025.00
Bulls
2
90.00
2
95.00
Heifers
8
390.00
1
35.00
Horses
3
400.00
3
400.00
Fowl
75
75.00
80
80.00
Geese
5
10.00
2
50.00
Carts and Wagons
5
200.00
3
185.00
Trucks
1
150.00
1
140.00
Spreader
1
60.00
1
60.00
Mowing Machine
1
70.00
1
70.00
Plows
3
60.00
3
60.00
Cultivators
3
25.00
3
25.00
Horse Hoe
1
6.00
1
6.00
Hay Fork
1
55.00
1
55.00
Harrows
4
75.00
4
75.00
Horse Rake
1
60.00
1
60.00
Potato Digger
1
2.00
1
2.00
Sled
1
18.00
1
18.00
Drag
1
9.00
1
9.00
Roller
1
25.00
1
25.00
Wheelbarrow
1
10.00
1
10.00
Tedder
1
16.00
1
16.00
Tools
150.00
150.00
Harness and Blankets
65.00
65.00
Dairy Utensils
40.00
40.00
Scales
18.00
18.00
Grind Stone
10.00
10.00
Winnowing Machine
10.00
10.00
Sprayer
50.00
50.00
Engines
60.00
60.00
Pump Jack
8.00
8.00
Wood Saw
16.00
16.00
Lawn Mower
8.00
6.00
Water Tank
60.00
60.00
Auto Water System
600.00
600.00
Furniture and Bedding
900.00
900.00
Ranges, Fixtures, Lights
700.00
700.00
Heating Plant
1,400.00
1,400.00
Grinder
15.00
15.00
Blocks and Ropes
20.00
20.00
Road Scraper
25.00
Hogs
2
65.00
$1,530.00
37
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
Inventory of Produce, Supplies, etc.
1937
1938
Hay
$900.00
$1,125.00
Grain
80.00
75.00
Salt Hay
75.00
145.00
Wood
125.00
120.00
Coal
70.00
45.00
Potatoes
75.00
75.00
Onions
10.00
8.00
Carrots
35.00
40.00
Turnips
100.00
200.00
Squash
45.00
16.00
Salt Pork
35.00
40.00
Beans
30.00
20.00
Beets
50.00
37.00
Parsnips
8.00
20.00
Canned Vegetables and Fruit
100.00
115.00
Groceries
60.00
65.00
Apples
20.00
Largest Number Inmates, 1937
17
Number January 1, 1938
11
Average Number, 1937
8
Total Income, 1937
$1,847.30
38
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
7
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
-
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
Following is a list of contagious diseases reported to the Board during the past year.
Anterior Poliomyelitis 7
Chicken Pox
8
Dog Bite 6
Measles 50
Suppurative Conjunctivitis
1
Lobar Pneumonia 4
Scarlet Fever 12
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
9
Septic Sore Throat
1
Typhoid Fever
1
Whooping Cough
9
This, no doubt, has been one of the busiest in several years for this department in which many important matters came up. Our communicable diseases ran above normal, especially Infan- tile Paralysis and Tuberculosis, which were very costly but necessary.
Immediately after the organization of our Board it was decided to draft new Health Rules and Regulations, which we felt were badly needed. It was found upon investigation that unless this department approved and adopted Health Rules and Regulations at their first meeting in January, this Board had no power in enforcing Town Health Laws. Although these Regu- lations have been an added cost to this department they have greatly helped us in carrying out our duties more successfully.
During our drafting of rules and regulations the question of Plumbing Laws, came before us. It was felt this matter should
39
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
be looked into. A public hearing was held on April 29, 1937, at which time Mr. James C. Souter of the State Board of Plumbing Examiners, was present to answer questions and to help outline Regulations, if they were adopted. Although no action was taken by the Board many important issues were brought forth. One is that this department could adopt Plumbing Regulations, without the vote of the Town to which we are opposed. If in the near future this question arises, we feel that the voters of the Town should act on such an import- ant question.
Because of the prevalence of rabies and rabid dogs in this area, the Board undertook to hold a dog clinic for the purpose of innoculating them against this disease. We were indeed pleased with the interest shown by the citizens of Ipswich, as this was one of the most successful clinics in Essex County. A total of 135 dogs were innoculated. We recommend that at least one of these clinics be held annually.
We wish to call your attention to the change in State Law in regard to rabid dogs. "That a city or town furnishing anti- rabic treatment shall be reimbursed by the county in which the biting occured out of the dog fund-the cost in each case not to exceed $50. However, a city or town shall not be entitled to re- imbursement from the County unless the dog involved is licensed at the time he bites or otherwise exposes to rabies the person who undergoes treatment."
The Division of Child Hygiene held monthly clinics at which 117 children were examined 68 were found to have de- fects. We recommend that this work be continued.
This department had to ask for an emergency appropria- tion in November 1937, because of the increase in communicable diseases, not only in Ipswich but out of Town cases which had Ipswich settlement. We had several cases which were cared for by this department and for which the Town was reim- bursed. The increase in Tuberculosis was no doubt the worst
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.