USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1938 > Part 2
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It is only after the most careful consideration that your Board of Health submits that your present Board, and future Boards of Health, cannot hope to properly enforce the town regulations in this respect, under existing conditions. We refer tc the rules and regulations regulating cesspools and septic tanks.
We respectfully urge that every taxpayer and resident of Ipswich consider and weigh carefully the questions we are set- ting forth below. We have no intention of indulging in per- sonalities because the situation is altogether too general. Too many people in this community already are struggling along, trying to keep their equity in their home, for the Board of
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Health to seize arbitrary powers and raise havoc by sweeping orders. The situation requires thoughtful study by every tax- payer and resident, and a genuine spirit of co-operation, to the end that a bad situation may be remedied in the immediate future if possible.
That you may gain some idea of the problems confront- ing your Board of Health, may we respectfully ask the follow- ing questions:
Are we to blame for conditions that started and have existed over a period of many years?
Are we to blame if departments in the past did not fulfill their duties?
Are we to blame if persons, owners and tenants lay pipes during and under the cover of darkness, directly or indirectly, into street drains, coach-basins, brooks and rivers?
Are we to blame if we do not know where these pipes are, that are emptying sewage into the places mentioned above?
Are persons who have bought houses in the past few years at fault when they bought homes in good faith, only to find later that they are law-breakers because they have no proper sewage disposal?
Should we, the Board of Health, enforce such laws when the Town officially is one of the major offenders, and that is precisely what the Board of Health is told.
Following is an example which happened recently. We have in mind an owner who was connecting his overflow from a septic tank into the street drain. He was told by the Board of Health agent that he had no right to do so. His answer was as follows: "When you make my neighbor and the Town do so, I will do likewise." Can you blame this property owner for taking such a stand, illegal though it is.
Should the Board of Health cause hardship to many tax- payers and owners who are on the verge of losing their homes, due chiefly to taxes and financial conditions here, by forcing them to install cesspools and septic tanks which would cost from $75.00 to $200.00?
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Should the abutters of so-called Farley Brook be made to put in cesspools and septic tanks, and be criticized for con- ditions existing in Farley Brook today? We wish to say now that no twenty or thirty abutters could possibly cause the con- ditions existing today in Farley Brook. There are pipes and tributaries from everywhere leading directly or indirectly into Farley Brook, and nobody knows exactly where they come from, or much about them. Furthermore, are the abutters, and those entering so-called Farley Brook, any more law offend- ers than the persons, owners and tenement dwellers entering street drains, catch-basins, brooks and rivers, in other sections of this town. We say definitely "no."
We will state that the majority of people or property owners in the Town of Ipswich today, who are near or have access to the above places mentioned, are offenders of sewage laws.
We have received complaints on sewage and odors arising from just that, by owners and persons who themselves were and are daily offenders of sewage laws.
We have brought these facts before you, and into the open, so that these citizens can see the difficult position the Board of Health finds itself placed in.
However, if cesspools and septic tanks were being used today by those using other methods, we feel that conditions would be greatly relieved, and that it would improve the alarm- ing conditions of our clamflats. If that were done there would be no need to advocate a sewage system for Ipswich at this time.
We feel that the facts must be faced, sooner or later, and that the Town of Ipswich officially should take the lead.
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL M. JODOIN, Chairman. LAWRENCE M. KING, FRANK L. COLLINS, M. D.
Board of Health
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF MILK INSPECTOR, 1938
To the Honorable Board of Health:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1938:
Number of licenses issued to milk dealers 51
Number of samples of milk tested for butterfat 137
Number of samples of milk tested for total solids 115
Number of samples of milk tested for bacteria 98
Number of samples of milk tested for sediment 130
Number of times pasteurizing plants inspected
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EBEN B. MOULTON,
Milk Inspector.
SANITARY AGENT'S REPORT FOR 1938
To the Honorable Board of Health:
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1938:
Complaints received and investigated 151
Contagious disease cards posted 11
Notices sent to abate nuisances 15
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Cesspool and vault licenses issued
Tallow and soap grease licenses issued
Licenses to keep pigs
4
Licenses to collect garbage
1
Licenses to sell oleomargarine
7 2
Licenses to manufacture ice-cream
Licenses to manufacture carbonated non-alcoholic beverages
1 3
Milk producers' permits
18
Dairies inspected
18
Slaughtering inspected
2
EBEN B. MOULTON,
Agent, Board of Health.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
Board of Health,
Ipswich, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1938:
Number of cattle brought in from out of State 203
Dogs restrained 6
Dogs with rabies
1
Respectfully,
G. LORING WOODBURY,
Inspector of Animals.
1 4
Pasteurizing licenses issued
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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, 1938.
Total number of arrests:
January
22
February
16
March
25
April
27
May
34
June
33
July
36
August
50
September
22
October
51
November
20
December
28
Total Arrests
364
Classification of Crime:
Assault
14
Allowing improper person to operate
3
Carrying concealed weapon
1
Default
3
Disturbance of peace
12
Drunkenness
208
Evading train fare
4
Gaming machines forfeited
1
Leaving scene of accident, not making self known 4
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Larceny
8
Manslaughter
1
Misappropriation of automobiles
2
Non-Support
12
Neglected child
3
Operating while under the influence of liquor
32
Operating to endanger
4
Operating without license
7
Promoting lottery
6
Speeding
2
Violation milk laws
1
Violation town by-laws
6
Violation clam laws
14
Violation road laws
1
Vagrants
15
Total
364
Disposition of cases :
Appealed
2
Committed
24
Dismissed
5
Discharged
21
Filed
138
Fined
87
Forfeited
1
Probation
17
Pending
8
Released
29
Sentenced - Suspended
27
Turned over to outside Police
5
Total
364
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Miscellaneous:
Assistance rendered to persons in distress
31
Automobiles reported stolen
4
Automobile accidents investigated by police
59
Automobile licenses suspended-revoked Automobile registrations revoked
38
Automobiles transferred
1629
Animals struck by automobiles
33
Ambulance calls
80
Building reported entered
32
Buildings found open and secured
74
Complaints investigated by police
2270
Children before Juvenile Court
0
Children lost, returned to parents
11
Committed to Danvers State Hospital
5
Committed to Grafton State Hospital
1
Dogs gassed-shot
70
Fire alarms answered
16
Hours special police duty
2270
Miles patroled by cruising car
39768
Miles covered by ambulance
770
Persons struck by automobiles
18
Persons reported injured
76
Persons reported killed
3
Persons reported bitten by dogs
14
Stolen automobiles recovered
4
Street lights reported out
15
Summons served by police
78
Telephone calls in
4152
Telephone calls out
1577
Telephone calls, local
4088
Telephone complaints
498
Telephone calls from outside police
263
Telephone calls to outside police
230
Telephone calls from out of town
650
Warrants served by police
17
49
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Inventory of police department:
Automobiles
i
1 18
Badges
Clubs
7
Dragiron sets
1
Flashlights
10
Gas clubs
1
Gas guns
1
Hand cuffs
9
Pistols
8
Riot guns
1
Search lights
1
I wish to take this opportunity to express my views of the recent parking rules and traffic regulations which were put into effect by your Honorable Board and the voters of the town.
The police department have tagged some six hundred and fifty automobiles since July 1938 to January 1, 1939 for vari- ous violations and in some instances the same violator has re- ceived as many as three tags on different occasions for about the same offence. The greater percentage of cars tagged have been for violation of the one hour parking law, while others will insist in parking on Choate bridge, which in my opinion is the most dangerous spot we have to contend with. There are num- erous operators, mostly local, who pay absolutely no attention to stop signs, which creates a very dangerous situation. Others pay very little attention to parking on side walks, restricted places and headed in the wrong direction. Car operators still use Elm Street, which is a one way street, to go in both direc- tions and it is quite noticeable the number of cars that will turn around in front of the town hall, swing into Elm Street and go out on to South Main Street without any hesitation. It must be understood that Elm Street commences at the intersection of South Main Street and in going out of same, turning by the Savings Bank building is a violation and the violator could be
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
held responsible for any accident that might happen at that in- tersection.
The parking rules and traffic regulations are in effect and must be respected and obeyed and the police department is giving the public, through your Honorable Board, a last warning, that unless they are respected and obeyed in the future, that court action will be taken.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM E. GARRETT,
Chief of Police
LIST OF JURORS
Abbott, Charles E., 54 County Road Arthur, Charles M., Turner Hill Bayley, Grover C., 2 Sawyer Street Bayley, Samuel S., 28 Water Street Beaulieu, Euclide, Kimball Avenue Benedix, George W., 10 Maple Avenue Bennett, Percy, County Road Blake, Howard J., 17 High Street Bolles, Chester A., 15 Turkey Shore Road Bouchard, George H., 21 North Main Street Bournazos, Anthony, 39 Estes Street Boylan, Arthur E., 80 Central Street
Brown, Jesse A., Essex Road
Brown, Walter G., 109 High Street
Canney, Charles C., 55 South Main
Leather Worker Superintendent Fisherman Fisherman Carpenter Clerk Real Estate Undertaker Broker Knitter Clerk Clam Dealer Farmer Gardner
Lumber Dealer
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Carey, Timothy F., 4 Mt. Pleasant Avenue Chadbourne, Llewellyn, Agawam Avenue Chapman, Albert W., Central Street Cole, Harmon, 36 High Street Cressey, Joseph T., Fellows Road Cromar, Wallace, 44 Market Street Cronin, Frederick E., Maple Avenue Dodge, Raymond L., 6 Hovey Street Dolan, Harry M., 4 Hovey Street Dunbar, Horace, Newmarch Street Dupray, Wilbur E., 9 High Street Ewing, Earl M., 31 County Street Gordon, George F., Essex Road Grenache, Joseph A., High Street Halligan, Albert N., 9 County Street Heard, Roger A., Linebrook Road Hebb, Horace E., 71 High Street Henderson, Walter E., 6 Warren Street Hills, John P., 73 Central Street Hills, Robert D., 41 High Street Hodgkins, Richard S., 76 East Street Horsman, Thomas W., 4 Brown Street Howe, Lincoln F., High Street Jewett, Maynard C., 19 Fruit Street Kobos, John A., 16 Peatfield Street Levesque, Laurien A., 39 Topsfield Road Mansfield, John G., 120 High Street Marcorelle, Joseph L., 7 Pleasant Street Mayes, George H., Eagle Hill Morin, Joseph W., 16 Lafayette Road Mosher, Albert E., 10 East Street Murray, Edwin P., 5 Warren Street Nason, Clyde A., 7 Maple Avenue Perkins, Francis J., 1 East Street Reedy, Guy A., 25 Kimball Avenue Riley, John J., Linebrook Road
Clerk Machinist Chauffeur Knitter Farmer Stone Cutter Grocer Painter
Salesman Janitor Produce
Clerk Florist Salesman Fisherman Farmer Carpenter Salesman
Knitter
Knitter
Clerk Mill Operator Laborer Clerk
Clerk
Clerk
Customs Inspector Clerk
Clam Dealer Truck Driver Machinist
Roller Operator Salesman
Janitor
Mason Laborer
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Roper, Harold G., Kimball Avenue Ross, Francis G., 73 High Street Ross, Walter P., 51 East Street Sheppard, Lionel., Labor-In-Vain Road Smith, Frank E., Mill Road Somers, Henry., 3 Granite Court Spencer, Bernie E., 115 High Street Stevens, Frank A., 10 Brown Street Stone, Ernest, 5 Hovey Street Wallace, Brainard C., North Main Street Wegzyn, Stanley, 35 Linebrook Road Whittier, Ross H., 10 Linden Street
Knitter Salesman Crossing Tender Boat Builder Farmer Clerk Machinist Plumber Superintendent Manager Machinist Collector
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
The Board of Park Commissioners herewith submit their annual report.
During the past year the usual routine work required of the park department has been carried on in a systematic manner. The fairly regular rainfall during the summer months prevented the burning so often seen during dry spells on a great majority of our greens.
No rew work has been attempted by the department this year, as the Commissioners have felt that strict economy might be practiced in order to assist in keeping taxes as low as possible. There was, however, a considerable amount of work that might have been done if the necessary funds had been available.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Tulips were planted again in the several flower beds in Market Square, the Memorial Plot, South Common, and Giles Firmin Garden. As usual, one variety was selected for all beds.
It might be wise at this time to mention some of the im- provements which should be started at such time as the finan - cial condition of the town warrants. Due to the resurfacing of South Main Street in recent years, the old ball field is much lower than the surrounding ground. As a result, during rainy spells when the ground is frozen this area is flooded with water. The same condition holds true during the summer months, which makes it rather difficult to properly care for during wet seasons. This ground should be filled in to a depth of several inches with loam and seeded down at some future date. Nearly all of the South Common is in much the same condition for the same reason, and should be treated likewise. As this pro- ject would run into a considerable sum of money, a special ap- propriation would be necessary to carry it out, and the Com- missioners feel that the running expenses of the town are high enough at the present time without requesting an additional sum of money to do this work immediately.
Last winter a considerable amount of brush cutting was accomplished on Dow Park through welfare assistance. Nev- ertheless, each year a great deal of brush rapidly grows up into the roadways to interfere with the passage of visitors who wish to enjoy the natural beauties to be found here. As only a small amount of money can be spent from the annual budget on this ground, much of the necessary maintenance must be neglected.
Another chance for improvement on this property is in the maintenance of the roadway which encircles the entire area. From time to time, cinders have been available from various sources which have been used as a roadbed. However, only a small amount of this work has been done in recent years as it seemed that other work was of greater importance.
Due to the decrease in the number of horses in this age, the water fountain at the South Common was not in operation this year. As it was seldom patronized by beasts of burden, it was
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
thought best to discontinue its use, especially where thoughtless persons seriously abused the privilege given to the owners of animals by depositing all kinds of refuse in the water. This made a very unhealthy condition in and around the fountain and the Commissioners decided to discontinue it.
The various pieces of equipment in the department are in good condition, and we are prepared to carry on the usual routine work another year.
Respectfully subimtted, C. GARDNER CAVERLY HENRY S. BOWEN SAMUEL C. GORDON
Park Commissioners
REPORT OF MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my fifth annual report as Superintend- ent of Moth Suppression.
Again this year the Gypsy moth did considerable damage in one or two sections of the town. It is encouraging to re- port, however, that defoliation was far less widespread than during the previous year. One factor that contributed largely to the very noticeable decrease was the good work performed by the W. P. A. crew thoughout many badly infested areas.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Although the project existed for only three months, excellent results were obtained where creosote was applied to the egg clusters. Forty-six men and a foreman went through the badly infested territory painting all the eggs that could be found. This method of procedure has long been recognized as an in- telligent one in the suppression of the Gypsy moth.
The Broadtail moth has varied but slightly during the past few years, the most serious problem being the Plum Island territory, of which there are approximately 1200 acres in all. A considerable portion of this land is supporting plant life upon which the Broadtail feeds in a ravenous manner. For- tunately, most of this growth is of a low growing nature, which does not require the employment of men with the abil- ity to climb trees. As a result, through the persistent efforts of the Department each year, the Broadtail has been kept pretty well under control in this section. Within the more thickly settled parts of the town and the rural section, no serious out- breaks have occurred, due to the fact that a thorough inspec- tion of all private property is made each year by the Superin- tendent, and any webs of this insect pest that are found, are promptly cut and burned.
The Elm Leaf Beetle gained considerable headway during the past year. Many of the elms within the interior of the town were partially affected by late July. An appreciable in- crease in numbers can be expected next year, and the depart- ment will have a hard fight to keep the anticipated number down to a minimum. It is more than likely that a second spraying will be necessary on a great many of the public shade trees in order to check a possible second brood.
The Satin moth and the canker worm are at present at low ebb. The usual spray program tends to keep them fairly well in check. However, we sometimes find the latter to be rather destructive.
The Tent caterpillar situation was not serious this year
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT i
on the public highways. Private property likewise showed somewhat of a decrease in abundance.
For two years our willows have been attacked by the Wil- low beetle, which has been accompanied by the blight. With- out a doubt, many of the old willows are doomed because of two successive attacks from these sources. The Willow Beetle alone can be easily controlled through the timely application of a poison spray, but control measures for the blight, when severe, call for several applications of a fungicide at regular intervals. This is necessarily a costly procedure and only a very limited amount of such work can be performed by the Department during the years when the blight is bad.
The new shade tree sprayer purchased last Spring per- formed excellent work during the year. As the machine was mountd on skidboards, it could be rolled on and off the Dodge truck conveniently. Spraying operations at distant points were brought much nearer town due to the comparative speed that could be used in reaching such points. Less time was also lost in returning to hydrants and fire-holes for filling operations.
I feel that it is imperative for me to ask for a new 11/2 - ton truck this year to transport such a large and heavy piece of equipment as the new shade tree sprayer. The old Dodge has finished eight years of splendid performance for the town, and it is not equal to carrying such a heavy load again next year. It has been necessary for me to expend large amounts of money during the past three years in the way of repairs on the ma- chine in order to keep it in a serviceable condition, and I seri- ously question the wisdom of doing so again this year. I would recommend purchasing a truck of similar size and capacity.
Although a new truck would cost slightly less than $1000.00, the annual moth budget for next year would still be approximately $400.00 less than the amount asked for last year. This would be due primarily to the reduction in costly repairs to the old truck and to the increased efficiency and the saving of time in labor operations afforded by the new sprayer.
Again this year I have attended both the winter and sum-
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
mer meetings of the Massachusetts Tree Wardens and Moth Superintendents, and have gained some valuable information
Respectfully submitted,
from the same.
C. GARDNER CAVERLY,
Moth Superintendent.
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN
To the Citizens of Ipswich :
I herewith submit my fifth annual report as Tree Warden:
Until the latter part of September the routine work of this department was performed in practically the same manner as in previous years. Dead and decaying branches were removed from a large number of trees on some of our rural streets, where heretofore only a small amount of preservation work could be carried on. Some attention was also given to certain trees with- in the interior, where it was most needed.
During the year, a considerable amount of line clearing was done as usual for the Electric Light Department, the Fire Department and the Telephone Company. This work consists of removing such limbs as are causing line trouble, with as little injury to the trees as possible.
The hurricane of September 21 laid waste and destroyed many fine shade trees throughout the entire town. Of large, mature trees, 132 succumbed to the ravages of the storm. Of this number, 40 blew down inside the town, and 92 in the rur-
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
al sections. This number does not include many small seedling trees that were either broken off by the force of the wind, or destroyed by larger trees falling upon them. No particular species seemed to be immune from the hurricane. Oaks, elms, maples, ash, poplars, willows, lindens and others gave up in rapid succession as the storm progressed. Our loss may seem to have been great at the time, but after visiting nearby cities and towns and seeing the vastly greater number of shade trees blown over, and the large amount of property damage sustained, we can say truthfully that Ipswich was most fortunate to escape with so little comparative damage.
It might be well to mention here that practically the only damage caused by public shade trees falling upon private dwell- ings occurred at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harland Burke on Market street, and the house owned by Mrs. Bertha Austin on East street. Our sympathies are extended to both parties for damages sustained. It was indeed most fortunate that no fatal- ities resulted from falling trees or branches.
Shortly after the hurricane, through the efforts of Mr. Brainard C. Wallace, an allotment of over $9000 was obtained from the government for rehabilitation purposes. A crew of W. P. A. men were put to work sawing up the branches and trunks and removing the stumps as rapidly as possible. As the work was necessarily rather slow, it took two months to prac- tically complete it.
Unfortunately there was one serious drawback to the work. The number of men who were able to climb high trees was greatly lacking. As a result, the work of topping the large trees progressed in a very slow manner. This fact in turn, slowed up the speed of the ground crew who were unable to saw down a tree until its topmost branches were removed. Due to this complication, there was a small amount of work still unfinished when the men were taken off the project the middle of December.
Many new injuries can be expected to appear among our trees in the near future, and a large portion of them will un-
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
doubtedly be able to trace back to weaknesses caused by the severe strain of the hurricane.
Our next problem will be to replace as many trees as it may seem practicable. A great many that were lost were standing on locations that interfered more or less with the busy traffic of the present day. Others were old and can be safely sup- planted by younger, thrifty trees.
I wish to take this opportunity of thanking the Board of Selectmen and the Superintendent of Streets, Mr. Wood, for their valuable assistance and wise counsel during such a critical time.
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