USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1940 > Part 2
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Charities
12,269.05
Old Age Assistance
10,314.18
Soldiers Benefits
868.69
Schools
4,691.01
Public Service Enterprises (Water Department)
25,400.00
Cemeteries
957.00
Interest: On Taxes and Assessments
5,093.56
Veterans Exemptions
7.06
Public Utility Tax
8.94
$ 125,711.80
-
Over-estimates of Previous Year
State Parks and Reservations
$ 37.42
Veterans Exemptions 15.25
Available funds voted by Town Meeting
20,902.52
$ 146,666.99
25
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Net amount to be raised by Taxation on Polls and Property $ 267,125.22
Number of Polls 2,074 4,148.00
Valuation of Personal Property ($513,300.) Tax 19,608.06
Valuation Real Estate ($6,370,880.) Tax
243,367.62
Gain in fractions Tax Rate $ 38.20
1.54
$ 267,125.22
Moth Assessment
$ 966.85
Total amount of all Taxes and Assessments
Committed to Collector in 1940
$ 268,092.07
Table of Aggregates
Number of Persons Assessed:
On Personal Property only 320
On Real Estate only 1,378
On both Real and Personal Property 109
Total of Persons Assessed
2,074
Value of Personal Estate:
Stock in Trade
$ 136,000.00
Machinery
35,500.00
Live Stock
50,265.00
All other Tangible Personal Property 291,525.00
Total value of Assessed Personal Estate $ 513,300.00 Value of Assessed Real Estate:
Land exclusive of Buildings $ 1,618,805.00
Buildings exclusive of Land 4,752,075.00
Total value of Assessed Real Estate $ 6,370,880.00
Total valuation of assessed Estate
$ 6,884,180.00
26
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Taxes for State, County and Town purposes including Overlay on Personal Estate On Real Estate
$ 19,608.26 243,367.62
On Polls .
4,148.00
$ 267,123.68
Number of Live Stock assessed
Horses
105
Cows
556
One year old or over
171
Swine
32
Sheep
17
Fowl
5230
All other
167
Number of dwelling houses assessed
1740
Number of acres of Land assessed
17730
27
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Police Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit the following report which covers the activities of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1940.
The year 1940 was a trying one for our department. There were several changes made in the personnel, causing a slight disruption of our regular routine. We now feel that we are adjusted and are doing everything possible in order that the department may function efficiently for the best interests of the townspeople.
The work of a police department varies little from year to year. Its chief duties of course are: the prevention of crime, the protection of life and property, the preservation of public peace, and the enforcement of traffic rules and regulations.
Our community, like most others, still has its traffic problems caused largely by motorists violating parking and traffic regulations. It is a situation that can be greatly relieved by a little more cooperation from the local automobile opera- tors. The police do not wish to be too severe with those who inadvertently perhaps violate traffic rules, but when public lives are endangered, the police must carry out their duty.
We have several bad intersections in town that should be studied with the intention of preventing further accidents. One place where the situation is most acute is at the junction of County Road and Green Street. I believe that there should be some sort of a traffic regulator there and would suggest an illum- inated caution light suspended over the center of the crossing.
28
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Mention should be made concerning our cell room. Dur- ing this past year, some work has been done to clean it up in order to meet state health regulations, but it is still not a proper place to detain a person for any length of time. It is a situation that we cannot completely overlook in formulating any plans for the future.
Due to the national emergency the police of the various communities have been asked to perform duties vital to our national defense, and it is not unlikely that this work will have to continue. It is important that our equipment should be complete and in good order.
During the past year, both the police department and the town suffered a severe loss in the passing of two of our most respected members, Officers Jesse J. Jedrey and Harold C. Poor. These men devoted a great number of years in faithful and efficient service to their community.
In conclusion, I wish to thank you, the members of the Board of Selectmen, for the advice and assistance that you have so readily given in the reorganization of the police department during the preceding year.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK MACHAJ,
Chief of Police
Total number of arrests:
January
19
February
21
March
18
April
26
May
24
June
27
July
28
August
21
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
29
September October
17
17
November December
21
17
Total Arrests
256
Classification of Crime:
Accosting and annoying persons
1
Assault
7
Breaking and entering and larceny
9
Delinquency
11
Carrying a dangerous weapon
2
Disturbing the peace
3
Default
5
Driving a motor vehicle to endanger
3
Driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated
27
Drunkenness
125
Indecent exposure
1
Lewdness
1
Larceny, and attempt
9
Lottery laws, violation of
1
Rape, attempt to commit
1
Traffic rules, violating
9
Violation of clam law
14
Violation of motor vehicle laws
18
Weight and measure laws, violating
1
Vagrants
8
Total 256
Disposition of cases:
Appealed
8
Committed
13
Dismissed
7
Discharged
14
Filed
80
Fined
68
30
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Held for Grand Jury
9
Probation
12
Released
10
Sentenced - Suspended
35
Total 256
Miscellaneous
Assistance rendered to persons in distress
9
Automobiles reported stolen 6
Automobile accidents investigated by police
52
Automobile licenses suspended or revoked
55
Automobile registrations revoked
13
Ambulance calls
92
Buildings reported entered
24
Buildings found opened and secured
73
Complaints investigated by police
2011
Children found and returned to parents
6
Committed to Danvers State Hospital
7
Fire Alarms answered
23
Miles patrolled by cruising car
20120
Miles covered by ambulance
948
Persons struck by automobiles
12
Persons reported injured
54
Persons reported missing
16
Stolen automobiles recovered
9
Summons served by police
128
Warrants served by police
10
Inventory of Police Department:
Automobile
1
Badges
18
Dragiron sets
1
Flashlights
10
Handcuffs
9
Pistols
9
Police ambulance
1
Riot guns
1
31
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Fire Department
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :
Following is the report of the Board of Engineers of the Fire Department for the year 1940:
Number of bell alarms 35
Number of still alarms 99
Total 134
Bell alarms sounded from street boxes
11
24
Bell alarms transmitted from station Total mileage 397.5
Engine Number 1 made 4 runs
Engine Number 2 made
38 runs
Engine Number 3 made
103 runs
Ladder truck
48 runs
12,750 feet of : 21/2 inch hose laid
1,200 feet of 11/2 inch hose laid
864 feet of ladders used
10 gallons of chemical used
C-02 Extinguisher used twice
7,825 gallons of water was used from the booster tanks
Grass and wood fires
38
Chimney fires
17
Auto fires 9
Building fires
31
Oil burner fires
7
Dump fires
18
False alarms
2
32
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
The property loss by fire reported this year was $23,348.50 The insurance paid for such loss was 19,979.00
The apparatus at the present time is:
Engine 1, White triple combination with 40 gallon booster tank and 150 feet of booster hose.
Engine 2, Seagrave triple combination with 100 gallon booster tank and 200 feet of booster hose. Engine 3, Ford triple combination with 200 gallon booster tank and 500 feet of booster hose.
Ladder 1 with 300 feet of ladders and 150 gallon booster tank and 300 feet of booster hose.
One 40 gallon two wheel chemical tank at Little Neck.
All apparatus at the present time is in first class condition but we believe that we should replace some tires on Engine 2 this year.
Some other necessary equipment:
4500 feet of 21/2 inch hose 500 feet of 11/2 inch hose 1200 feet of 3/4 inch hose used in connection with booster tanks
We recommend the purchase of at least 500 feet of 21/2 inch hose this year and some more 11/2 inch hose.
Fire Alarm System
Our fire alarm system consists of the Central Station equipment and 24 street boxes with 15 imaginary boxes, all of which can be transmitted from the station.
We recommend the installation of a new box to be located near the corner of Washington Street and Linebrook Road as there is considerable property developing in that neighborhood and the nearest box is at Liberty Street and Washington.
33
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
We also recommend the rebuilding of the line from Lord Square to box 19 near the overhead bridge.
Central Station
In February we replaced the oil burner in the heating boiler with an automatic soft coal stoker. We also replaced the old apparatus doors that opened in with overhead doors, and a new side door and weather strips on the windows on the Westerly side of the building, all of which caused a substantial saving in the fuel cost.
We also recommend changing the ramps at the apparatus doors to a more gradual slope to avoid the chance of a broken spring on the apparatus and the danger of someone being thrown off and injured. An estimate of the cost of this job will be presented to you in our budget estimate.
Nearly all of the dump fires recorded were at the High School dump and the cost of extinguishing them makes a sub- stantial increase in our still alarm item and we expect that as long as the dump is there this trouble will continue.
We very much appreciate the splendid cooperation of the Police Department in our work as their efforts in controlling traffic and their help at the fires have been very valuable. We also appreciate the help that we have received from the Water Department and all other town departments that we have had occasion to call upon during the past year. Also, to the opera- tors of the local telephone exchange we extend our thanks for their prompt and efficient assistance to our department at all times when their help has been required and to all others who have helped us in any way.
Very truly yours,
EDWARD H. SMITH SAMUEL W. ATHERLEY LIONEL SHEPPARD
Board of Fire Engineers.
34
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Forest Warden
To the Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith the report of the Forest Warden for the year ending December 31, 1940:
Supplies and equipment on hand:
Knapsack pump cans 12
Fiber brooms
50
Shovels 12
Chemical hose 100 feet
During the year there were 36 grass, brush and woods fires. This is 32 less than last year.
I wish at this time to thank Deputy State Warden Joseph Thomas of the State Reservation and all individuals who -helped in this work during the year.
Sincerely yours,
GEORGE W. BROWN,
Forest Warden.
35
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Tree Warden
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
I herewith submit my seventh annual report as Tree Warden.
During the past year a considerable amount of dead and diseased wood was removed from the public shade trees in various parts of the town. Some cabling and bolting was also done where conditions seemed to warrant it.
Most of the young trees which were presented to the Town in April 1939 by various civic organizations are growing in a sa'isfactory manner in spite of the unfavorable environment encountered along our highways the present day, such as dam- age by automobiles, hard surfaced roads and sidewalks and the loss of surface water due to this type of construction.
With the exception of the elm leaf beetle, insects did a comparatively small amount of damage to the shade trees this year. For a more detailed report on the insect situation, I will refer you to the report of the Moth Superintendent.o
Again this year a considerable amount of line clearing was done in cooperation with the Electric Light Department and with the New England Telephone Co. Both organizations have been very courteous to me in this work, and it has been a pleasure for me to work with them.
Several trees were removed from the side of the highways this year. The most prominent ones being the large elm stand- ing at the Savings Bank, and one of equal size standing at the intersection of Wood's Lane and Rocky Hill Road. This par- ticular tree has been rapidly dying for many years, while the tree at the Savings Bank begain to lose large branches about five years ago. Four poplar trees were also removed from the
36
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
highways due to their dangerous condition. Two of which were located on Wood's Lane, and two located on Turkey Shore Road.
I wish to express my appreciation for the cooperation of all those who have in any way during the past year assisted me in the performance of my duties as Tree Warden.
Respectfully submitted, C. GARDNER CAVERLY,
Tree Warden
Report of Moth Superintendent
To the Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my seventh annual report as Moth Superintendent.
The work of suppressing the gypsy and browntail moth during the past year was carried on in much the same manner as in former years. That is, by cutting the webs of the brown- tail moth, and painting the egg clusters of the gypsy moth during the winter months. Also by spraying during the sum- mer.
The general condition of the town with regard to these insects is very good, with the exception of a few areas which have always been somewhat of a problem and are more or less likely to be in the future. I refer particularly to the North- westerly section of the town.
In order to keep the interior of the town free of these pests
37
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
it has necessitated carrying on an aggressive campaign each winter on all small properties where they are known to exist. Regular and systematic examination of all plant growth as well as buildings, fences, stonewalls, etc., is of prime importance. This, the department has done regularly each year, and accounts in a large measure for the absence of both insects in the thickly settled sections of the town.
The Elm Leaf Beetle
Needless to say, the insect which caused the greatest a- mount of trouble this year was the elm leaf beetle. During early July the elm foliage began to show the effects of this pest and steadily grew more severe as the summer passed. It should be clearly understood that this infestation was state- wide, and that Ipswich escaped the worst of it. But I can say with accuracy that in 1941 we are scheduled for a real at- tack on our elms unless we see fit to appropriate a larger sum of money to suppress it. It will be necessary to apply an early spray during May to cut down the number of adult beetles, and another later spray to kill the larvae which is more costly. Both sprays are indispensible in years when the beetle is severe.
Due to the fact that we have such a large number of elms on both public and private property, and the fact that they mean so much to an old New England town like ours, I will strongly recommend the purchase of another small truck of one ton capacity to transport the new spraying machine bought last year. This would greatly improve the facilities of the department, and enable us to get the best of the elm leaf beetle before much damage could be done. Already many property owners have requested me to attend to the spraying of their elms next year, and many more will signify this intention later in the year. All this means money returned to the town treasury, since the owners are charged at cost for the work. The old 1933 one-half ton truck of the department is completely worn out and is not of sufficient capacity to carry the new sprayer.
38
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Consequently, I am of the opinion that it would be good busi- ness to trade or junk this worn out piece of equipment for a new, modern piece of the right size and capacity. We will not only benefit through good control of the elm beetle by making this change. In future years the control of many other serious pests will be made easier and more efficient by having the proper equipment.
Respectfully submitted,
C. GARDNER CAVERLY,
Moth Superintendent
39
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Park Commissioners
-
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
The Board of Park Commissioners herewith submit their annual report.
During the past year we were able to perform the duties of our office in a fairly efficient manner, although the appro- priation was cut substantially during the last two years. Perhaps the most notable work achieved this year was the re- building of a two hundred foot stretch of walk across the North Green, leading to the main entrance of the North Church. This walk was in such a poor condition that we decided to com- pletely rebuild it rather than resurface it.
The usual lawn maintenance was carried on in an efficient manner as in former years. This applies to the South Com- mon, the North Green, and both Memorial Plots.
The group of Rhododendrons planted at the Giles Firmin Garden two years ago are growing well, and will soon be very effective as a border planting along the entrance drive.
During November tulips were again planted in the vari- ous beds on the above mentioned lawn areas. Due to the pres- ent conditions in Europe we were unable to purchase Holland grown bulbs this year, and as a result, found it necessary to re- plant more than half of our old bulbs. The rest were bought from a domestic grower.
We feel it necessary to give both flagstaffs another coat of paint this year, three years having elapsed since they received any attention. This will call for a slight increase in the ap- propriation over last year, but will be money well spent on equipment that would cost very high to replace. It will also be necessary to purchase two new flags, the old ones having
40
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
reached a condition which does not warrant further mending. Very little could be done in the way of maintenance at Dow Park this year except for an occasional mowing of the grass around the site of the memorial boulder. We have stated in former reports that this property is worth much more at- tention than it is receiving. It is impossible however, to do this without the necessary funds. So for the present at least, little can be done to improve it.
Respectfully submitted, C. GARDNER CAVERLY, Chairman ROBERT D. LORD SAMUEL C. GORDON
Park Commissioners
Report of Clam Commissioner
To Board of Selectmen:
The following is the report of the Clam Commissioner for the latter part of the year ending December 31, 1940.
Clamming as a whole is not what could be called good. It is very good digging for large medium clams. For the small, or popular market clam, there is a scarcity at the present time.
For the future, I can say the outlook is very bright. We have the best clam seeding that we have had in a great many years. After making a careful survey, I find that 80 percent of our flats have a natural seeding, some of which may be dug by late summer. With proper supervision, we should have good clamming indefinitely.
41
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
The restriction of one barrel per day placed by your Board when the Winter flats were opened was the most con- structive program that has yet been put into effect. I want at this time to thank the clammers for their fine cooperation, without which it could not have been enforced.
I can say with much pleasure that the green crab menace has been greatly reduced. Much credit for this must be given to the W. P. A. workers. The large number of egg-bearing crabs gathered by them last summer has practically eliminated that danger.
There were 265 permits issued this year, of which ap- proximately 200 were regular diggers, I am making two recom- mendations that I would like to see adopted at the Annual Town Meeting.
1. The Board of Selectmen be given the authority to limit the amount of clams to be dug in any one day.
2. That a committee of ten, consisting of the Board of Select- men, Town Counsel, the Clam Commissioner-elect and five to be appointed by the Moderator be named to make a careful and thorough study of the shellfish industry and report back at or before the Annual Town Meeting of 1942.
If this committee is formed I believe that they can, and will, find the solution to the clam situation and put Ipswich back in its position as the leading clam town in Massachusetts. I believe that a small appropriation to carry on this study would be money well invested.
Respectfully,
HENRY SHAW,
Clam Commissioner
42
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1940.
Work performed from Jan. 1, to Dec. 31, 1940, inclusive.
Scales
Ad- justed
Sealed
Not Con- Sealed demned
Platform, over
10,000 lbs.
2
5
Platform, 5,000
to 10,000
1
1
Platform, 100
to 5,000 lbs. 12
34
Counter, 100
to 5,000 lbs.
3
Counter, under
100 1bs. 7 32 1
Beam, 100
to 5,000 lbs. 1
1
Beam, under
100 1bs.
4
Spring, 100
to 5,000 lbs. 1
7 1
Spring, under 100 1bs. 25
41
2
Computing, under
100 1bs. 5 30 1
1
43
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Con-
Scales
Ad- justed
Sealed
Not Sealed demned
1
Prescription
5
6
Jewellers
1
Weights
Avoirdupois
8
225
Apothecary
79
Metric
25
Troy
14
Volumetric Measures
Liquid Measures
over 1 gal.
3
Liquid Measures
under 1 gal.
30
Oil jars
4
Automatic Liquid Measuring Devices
Gasoline Pumps
2
54
5
Stops on Pumps
1
114
Gasoline Meter
Systems
2
54
Oil Pumps
1
36
4
Tank Truck Meters
3
9
1
Kerosene Pumps
25
Grease Measuring Device's
19
15
Linear Measures
Yard Sticks
11
Miscellaneous
1
11
6
Totals 82
891
15
13
Person weigher (slot)
5
13
44
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Trial weighings and measuring of commodities sold or put up for sale.
Total Number Tested
Number Correct
Incorrect
Under
Over
Beans
20
20
Bread
75
15
11
49
Butter
20
10
10
Charcoal (in bags)
6
6
Coal (in bags)
29
24
5
Confectionery
23
18
5
Dry Commodities
72
33
39
Flour
15
15
Fruits and Vegetables
77
58
7
12
Kindling wood in bags
10
10
Lard
22
22
Meats (hams) wrapped 15
15
Potatoes
20
10
6
4
Milk Bottles
900
900
Oil in cans
721
721
Zero Alcohol
325
325
Totals
2350
2157
54
139
It is with a great deal of pride that I make my annual report to the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
In the first place, my Department has shown 'a steady increase in the amount of work done and fees collected. In 1938 the highest fees were collected in the amount of $107.40; in 1939 the total rose to $114.70; this year being no excep- tion, I have turned over to the Town Treasurer $119.15. This has happened with the fees being the same year after year.
I have signed 34 pedler's licenses during the year; some being local, county, and state, including meats and provisions,
45
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
eggs, vegetables, fruit, bakery products, ice cream, and also transferred two licenses.
During the year I have investigated 31 complaints result- ing in one court case where the defendent was ordered to pay $10.00 costs for short weight. I also assisted the Deputy Seal- er of Lynn in a court case where the defendent was fined $50.00.
Starting this year we have warned all applicants who are not in business at least nine months in the year that in the future in order to sell fire works they will be required to have a Transient Vendor's license, as demanded by State Law.
I find the usual under and over markings on commodities sold or put up for sale. I feel as though I should make a sug- gestion along with the work in my department, and that is this. When buying meats that are wrapped with the weight stamped on the outside please pay according to the weight reading on the scale and not on the wrapper. In doing this you pay for what you receive, and not for the loss in shrinkage.
My department has received cooperation from all Town Officials and departments for which I am very grateful. I have also received plenty of advice and instruction from the State Department, including State Inspector Jones, representing the Department of Standards.
It has been a privilege for me to render my report for the year ending December 31, 1940, and I wish to thank The Honorable Board of Selectmen for having the opportunity to present same.
Respectfully, WILLIAM J. H. EWING,
Sealer of Weights and Measures
46
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Board of Health
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
Following is a list of contagious diseases reported to the Board during the past year:
Chicken Pox 15 Tuberculosis Pulmonary 3
Dog Bites 17 All Other Tuberculosis 1
Requiring Rabies Treatment 2
Whooping Cough 7
Lobar Pneumonia 23 Measles 5
Scarlet Fever 1 Septic Sore Throat 1
Your Board is happy to report another quiet year, with communicable disease running at a low ebb. We hope that this good fortune may continue and with precautions we feel it will, although certain conditions in the Town do not help in this matter. (We refer to sewage conditions) .
We call your attention, however, to the prevalence of numerous dog bites. We feel this is a serious menace, and again ask the authorities to see to it that any unlicensed dog be lock- ed up for the specified time required by law, or the dog be done away with.
We also call to the attention of doctors and householders that under the General Laws, Chapter 111 Section 111 and Sec- `tion 109, that they are responsible for reporting any communi- cable disease to this department. Laxity on the part of both has been very noticeable and unless more attention is paid to this regulation, we will feel justified in proceeding against any offenders.
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