USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1941 > Part 5
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Respectfully submitted,
C. GARDNER CAVERLY
SAMUEL C. GORDON GEORGE E. ROSE
Town Forest Committee.
101
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of the Superintendent of Cemeteries
To the Cemetery Commissioners:
Gentelmen:
I herewith submit the following report for the year end- ing December 31, 1941.
During the year there were eighty-three interments in the seven local cemeteries; thirty (30) less than last year.
Receipts from interments $820.00. There were six four- grave lots, five eight-grave lots and two single graves sold dur- ing the year, amounting to $450.00. Receipts from lots and graves amounted to $507.50. For the information of the citizens, would say the money derived from the sale of lots and graves goes into a fund called the Cemetery Lot Fund. This Fund, as in all cemeteries, is used only for the purpose of beautifying and making repairs in said cemeteries.
Beginning with the year 1941, maintenance, interments, as well as Perpetual Care, were placed under one unit.
The appropriation for cemetery and interments was $3,700.00. From the receipts of said interments, the town was reimbursed $820.00, bringing the operating cost down to $2,880.00. As Perpetual Care is now handled, it is self-sup- porting.
From the special appropriation in March, the main avenues in the Highland Cemetery were put in good condition. There were 150 yards of gravel and two coats of tar applied to these, eliminating the many washouts of past years. One using these avenues now must realize this expenditure was money well spent. The cost for same was $856.00, $672.50 of which was transferred from the Cemetery Lot Fund.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Due to the present war conditions, I would suggest that we do not plan any extras for this year.
May I take this opportunity to thank all who have in any way helped in making this a successful year.
Respectfully submitted, BENJAMIN W. HOMANS, Superintendent of Cemeteries.
INVENTORY OF TOOLS IN CEMETERY, 1942
Lawn mowers
8
Estimated value
80.00
Grind stones
5
25.00
Wheelbarrows
5
30.00
Pails Galvanized
30
66
6.00
Canvasses
3
66
5.00
Shears
10
6 €
7.50
Iron roller
1
10.00
Metal lawn rakes
3
64
2.25
Wooden lawn rakes
12
10.00
Hoes
6
6.00
Two burner oil heater
1
.
66
10.00
Rubber hose
100 feet
66
6.00
Grub hoes
2
2.50
Baskets
4 1-bu.
6.00
Picks and handles
5
6.00
Scythe
2
2.00
Shovels, long handles
3
3.50
Iron rakes
6
9.00
Sod lifters
2
2.50
Pruners
2
6 6
2.50
Hedge trimmers
1
1.50
Long handle trimmers
1
1.50
Chevrolet Truck 1939
1
400.00
Other tools and supplies
66
75.00
66
30.00
Tamps (2)
2
-
739.75
103
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Civilian Defense Committee
-
To the Inhabitants of the Town of Ipswich:
In reporting to you on the recent development and present status of the Ipswich Civilian Defense Committee, it will be more helpful to you to keep foremost in mind the necessary elements of conversion of this peaceful New England com- munity into a town of war-time preparations.
It is even more paramount that all of us remember daily that Ipswich is a coastal community, already declared a combat area, that is dotted with defense industries, and in more ways than one our coastal communities are extremely vulnerable.
After the first flush of launching the civilian defense pro- gram, the work is an unromantic and tedious one, requiring steady plodding and steadfastness of purpose on the part of all those engaged in it.
It is doubtful if most of the people recognize the sacrifice and labor that the hundreds of local residents are giving so willingly in this work. They have covenanted with each other to do this job, well knowing that it must be done, and it is up to them to see it through.
As frankness is most essential today, I take this oppor- tunity of impressing upon the citizenry of this community the necessity of their volunteering for the many tasks ahead of us. The work cannot be done by a few. More and more volunteers will be needed as we go along.
We must place a new interpretation on the words "indi- vidual service." No longer can it mean service to ourselves for ourselves. It must be service to others, and to the community.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Truly it has been said that the whole program of volun- teer civilian defense rests on the basic American principle of citizen-action for public service. In other words, the whole job most be done through volunteer service.
On Tuesday night, December 2, we held our first public rally in the Ipswich Town Hall. It was gratifying to see more than 500 residents turn out for this meeting, and gave proof of the growing feeling on their part that the community should have a civilian defense unit capable of giving them the maximum amount of protection.
On the night of December 8 the voters, at a special town meeting, appropriated the sum of $1,000 for civilian defense, enabling us to go ahead much more rapidly with the difficult task of organization and training of volunteers. In another section of this report an accounting is made of the expenditures we have made to the close of the year 1941.
The establishment of a Report Center was considered the first essential step; this was accomplished and brought into being, and on December 1 it was decided that the Report Center would be located in the Municipal Light & Water Department Building on Elm Street. Communication was established with the District Warning Center in Salem.
By the end of the year there had been a group of 95 men and women appointed Air Raid Wardens, after instruction and taking the oath of allegiance. Likewise, by the close of Decem- ber, an additional group of 24 men and 22 women were in training as wardens, to be sworn in upon completion of their instruction.
As another part of Air Raid Warden work, special groups were in training at the end of the year for telephone service, numbering 30 men and women. These became neccessary, as the town had been divided into 44 sectors, of which 37 had
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
warden posts by the end of December, with seven more being established.
The burden of the Ipswich Civilian Defense Committee was lightened from the outset by the assignment to The Ameri- can Legion of the task of establishing and manning an Obser- vation Post in Ipswich. Well over 100 men and women were acting as observers by the close of the year, with the Observation Post first being located on the Ipswich Skeet Field on Paradise Road, and later atop of Town Hill, on Spring Street. Although the Observation Post does not come within the jurisdiction of the Civilian Defense Committee (being operated by The Ameri- can Legion under the direction of the United States Army) more than a passing word of commendation is due the men and women who so willingly have given of their time and effort for this phase of civilian protection.
By mid-December the Ipswich Civilian Defense Committee was well started on the road to organization, and the Board of Selectmen recommended the appointment of a recruiting officer for the Ipswich unit of the Massachusetts State Guard Reserve, to consist of 45 men, with formation of this unit to proceed as rapidly as possible the first of the year.
More than 200 men and women had volunteered their services at the rally held early in December in the Town Hall, and with these names as a nucleus we started the work of es- tablishing the many necessary committees. Others then volun- teered their services and by the close of the year we had seventeen committees functioning as units of the Ipswich Civilian Defense Committee.
These consisted of a Report Center with air raid wardens, an auxiliary fire fighting force, a police and auxiliary police force, motor transportation, gas and contamination squad, medical corps, health and sanitation and social service, first aid,
106
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
public utilities, communications, supplies, nurses corps, canteen, evacuation and billeting, publicity, and black-out committee.
The limitation on space forbids going into detail on the work of these groups, and the preparations they have already made to give the maximum in protection to the inhabitants of Ipswich in the event of air raids. The Committee is satisued that the workers, even with the limited amount of time they have had for training and rehearsal, will give a good account of themselves in the event this community is confronted with an air raid. Both the Observation Post and Report Center are functioning 24 hours a day.
Before the close of the year the Committee was successful in opening an Administrative Office in the Town Hall, located in the office of the Chief of Police. The office is being manned daily, except Sunday, and anyone seeking information as to the activities of the Civilian Defense Committee may apply at this office. More volunteers are constantly needed to properly staff this office throughout the week.
By the close of the year three first-aid stations had been established-one in the Central Fire Station, since changed to the basement of the Manning School, one in the Miralume plant of Hygrade-Sylvania Corporation on Estes Street, and a third in the home of Miss Esther Proctor on Fellows Road.
From the outset the Cable Memorial Hospital was affiliated with the Civilian Defense plan here, as is customary in com- munities, and this phase of our work is pretty well controlled today.
Your committee has endeavored to proceed both cautious- ly and conservatively on the expenditure of funds for this work. Whereas many communities throughout the State have already appropriated from $10,000 to $70,000 for local civilian de-
107
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
fense, your committee were within their appropriation by the close of the year.
We must face the fact, however, that the cost of maintain- ing an efficient Civilian Defense group is going to cost money, for some of the equipment runs into sizable sums. As far as possible, we are endeavoring to hold off on the purchase of heavy equipment until it is determined what aid, if any, the State and Federal government is to give communities. We are now preparing a budget which is to be presented to the voters at the annual town meeting in March.
From time to time the Civilian Defense Committee issues bulletins, which are published in the press and posted in con- spicuous places on buildings and in stores. Stores and build- ings have been posted with instructions as to your conduct in the event of an air raid. Your cooperation is urgently needed. Follow instructions and the minimum amount of confusion will follow.
It is vital that you read your newspapers for develop- ments on black-out and other instructions. Until the Massa- chusetts Committee on Public Safety has perfected smooth- working plans there will be occasional changes in instructions. This is unavoidable. For this reason it is important that you keep posted on the latest developments on Civilian Defense. As rapidly as possible your Committee will issue official in- structions to guide you, which should be accepted literally, and followed to the letter.
Instructions, on black-out and other phases of civilian defense are orders, not requests. A heavy penalty is provided for failure to obey such regulations. We are at war. Your Committee urges you to obey these rules and regulations.
The committee cannot urge you too strongly to learn
108
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
your black-out regulations thoroughly. Learn your rules to govern you during an air raid. Learn what to do with in- cendiary bombs and their extinguishment.
It is obvious that our nation cannot make secure the blessings of freedom to those who come after us if we are re- luctant, or afraid, to defend freedom now .. You have a very definite part to play in all this. If you are so situated that you cannot volunteer your services, then follow instructions with whole-hearted cooperation.
J. PERRY SMITH, Chairman Ipswich Civilian Defense Committee.
Sanitary Agent's Report
To the Ipswich Board of Health:
Gentlemen :
I submit the following report for the year ending De- cember 31, 1941:
Complaints received and investigated
164
Contagious disease cards posted
7
Notices to abate nuisances
12
Cesspool and Vault licenses
2
Tallow and soap grease licenses
3
Licenses to keep pigs
3
License to collect garbage
1
Licenses to sell oleomargarine
7
Licenses to manufacture ice cream
Pasteurizing licenses issued
4
Milk producers licenses issued
16
Methyl Alcohol licenses issued
11
Dairies inspected
16
Overnight camp inspections
14
Overnight camp licenses issued
7
EBEN B. MOULTON, Agent, Board of Health.
109
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Milk Inspector
To the Ipswich Board of Health:
Gentlemen:
I submit the following report for the year ending De- cember 31, 1941:
Number of licenses issued to milk dealers 49
Number of samples of milk tested for butter fat 143
Number of samples of milk tested for total solids 125
Number of samples of milk tested for bacteria
124
Number of samples of milk tested for sediment 115
Number of times plants inspected
25
EBEN B. MOULTON, Milk Inspector.
Report of Inspector of Animals
Board of Health,
Ipswich, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my report for the year ending De- cember 31, 1941.
Number of Cows in Town 656
Number of Young Cattle in Town 235
Number of Cattle brought in from out of State 148
Number of Sheep in Town 89
Number of Goats in Town 30
Respectfully, G. LORING WOODBURY, Inspector of Animals.
-
IPSWICH TOWN REPOR'I'
110
Report of Child Hygiene
Total number of babies present 171
Number of babies attending for the first time 26
Number of physical examinations given 171
Number advised to see own physician
10
Number advised to see a Pediatrician
1
Number of Follow-up home visits
32
FRANK L. COLLINS, M. D., Director MURIEL E. RILEY, Reg. Nurse
Assessor's Report
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
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.
Although the Town appropriated in 1941 a smaller amount than in 1940, the State Tax was larger, as was also the County Tax, and available funds $9,000.00 less.
With an increase in valuation due wholly to new con- struction, and not borrowing on Tax Title account as in pre- vious years, the Tax rate increased only thirty cents, namely
111
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
$38.50, as against $38.20 in the two previous years.
Respectfully submitted,
C. CHESTER CALDWELL JOHN E. NORMAN WORTHINGTON H. MANSFIELD Assessors of Ipswich.
1941 Recapitulation
Town Appropriations
Deficit in 1935 Overlay
$371,744.28 12.00
Revenue Deficit 1940
4,719.49
State Tax
18,480.00
State Parks and Reservations
303.39
County Tax
11,719.39
Tuberculosis Hospital Assessment
3,073.66
Overlay 1941
6,125.15
$416.177.36
Estimated Receipts and Available Funds
Income Tax
$ 26,598.68 6,233.03
Corporation Taxes
Reimbursement on account of State owned land
1,600.98
Gasoline Tax (Acts of 1939)
12,664.23
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
12,731.17
Licenses
4,903.50
Fines
219.62
Grants and Gifts
649.36
Special Assessments
950.65
General Government
1,133.77
Protection of Persons and Property
759.84
Health and Sanitation
1,054.14
112
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Highways
72.37
Charities
14,042.08
Old Age Assistance
13,577.15
'Soldiers' Benefits
1,020.00
Schools
5,131.24
Public Service Enterprises (Water Department)
24,450.00
Cemeteries
1,088.65
Interest: On Taxes and Assessments
3,179.97
Veterans' Exemptions
27.26
Tax Title Loan Interest, Chapter 129, Acts 1941
246.27
$132,333.96
Over-estimates of Previous Years
State Parks and Reservations $ 19.30
Available funds voted by Town Meeting
11,672.50
$144,025.76
Net amount to be raised by Taxation on Polls and Property
$272,151.60
Number of Polls-2,103 $ 4,206.00
Valuation Personal Property
($514,800) Tax
19,819.81
Valuation Real Estate
($6,444,730) Tax 248,122.10
'Gain, in fractions
3.69
Tax Rate-$38.50
$272,151.60
Moth Assessment
$ 839.45
Water Liens added to taxes
959.03
1,798.48
Committed to Collector in 1941
$273,950.08
113
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Table of Aggregates
Number of Persons Assessed :
On Personal Estate only 337
On Real Estate only 1,375
On both Personal and Real Estate
111
Number of Persons Assessed
1,823
Number of Polls Assessed
2,103
Value of Assessed Personal Estate:
Stock in Trade
$139,095.00
Machinery
39,610.00
Live Stock 54,135.00
All other Tangible Personal Property 281,960.00
Total Value of Assessed Personal Estate
$514,800.00
Value of Assessed Real Estate:
Land, exclusive of
Buildings $1,620,680.00
Buildings, exclusive
of Land 4,824,050.00
Total Value of Assessed Real Estate $6,444,730.00
Total Valuation of Assessed Estate $6,959,530.00
Tax Rate per $1,000 .- $38.50
Taxes for State, County, or Town Purposes, including Overlay :
On Personal Estate $ 19,819.81
On Real Estate 248,122.10 4,206.00
On Polls
$272,147.91
114
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Number of Live Stock Assessed:
Horses
100
Cows
636
Yearlings
136
Swine
9
Sheep
22
Fowl
5,995
All Others
28
Number of Acres of Land Assessed
17,730
Number of Dwelling Houses Assessed
1,765
115
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of the Board of Public Welfare
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
Herewith is the annual report of your Board of Public Welfare for the year ending December 31, 1941.
BUDGET
There has been a decrease of approximately 40% in the amount of money spent for General Relief in the year 1941 over the previous year. The expenditures for the year 1941 were $18,340.39, as against the total of $29,981.35 in 1940. For the year 1942, this department estimates its expenses to be $17,000.00, still a considerable sum, which is due to the fact that regardless of economic conditions, we have a certain group in the community, who, through no fault of their own, will never be self-sustaining. Employment in 1941 increased great- ly, and with conditions as they exist today, everyone who is willing and able to work, should have no trouble finding a job, and thus become self-supporting.
GENERAL RELIEF
Under this category, we have a number of people whose financial status will never change-good times or bad. They are unable to fit into the Defense Program and its opportunities for employment. In fact, for various reasons, they have no way of earning any income and thus relieve the Board of Public Welfare of their care. The cost of providing for this group is almost a fixed charge against the department, with no solution available to relieve the situation.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
Our expenditure for this category of aid in 1941 was $23,061.13, while in 1940 the amount was $21,427.33-an increase of $1,633.80. Old Age Assistance will probably in- crease each year for several years, or until more workers reaching age 65 will be eligible for Social Security Old Age and Sur- vivors' Benefits. Even when these benefits become operative, most of those eligible will have to be supplemented with Old Age Assistance, as only in rare instances will the amounts of Social Security Benefits be adequate for a decent subsistance.
Old Age Assistance was shared in by the Federal Govern -. ment to the extent of 50% of all allowances up to $40.00 per month. The State, after the Federal Grant is deducted, re- imburses to the extent of two-thirds of the remainder of the expenses in all cases having a legal settlement. In cases having no legal settlement, the State reimburses for the full amount of the remainder, after the Federal Grant is deducted.
The total of the Federal Old Age Grants received by the town was $19,480.41, reimbursements from the State amounted to $15,447.61, and from other cities and towns the amount of reimbursements was $661.85, making the net cost of Old Age Assistance to the town the sum of $6,136.19.
Recipients Aided January 1, 1941 117
Applications received during year 22
139
Approved 17
Not approved for following reasons:
Children able to support 4
Lack of definite proof of citizenship 1 5
134
117
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Discontinued during the year for the following reasons:
Death 13
Sufficient Income
4
Moved out of town
5
Moved to State Institutions
2
24
Total Cases as of December 31, 1941 110
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN 1
In Aid to Dependent Children cases, the Federal Govern- ment reimburses 50% of the aid given for each child under sixteen years of age, with the maximum amount shared in being $18.00 per month for the first child and $12.00 for each additional child under sixteen years of age, and up to eighteen years of age, if regularly attending school. The State reimburses one-third of the total expenses with the local community assuming the balance.
The total Federal Grants received for Aid to Dependent Children were $2,137.34, and the State reimbursements were $3,137.35. With a total overall expenditure of $5,665.50 and reimbursements received amounting to $5,274.69, the net cost to the town was $390.81-a very low figure.
Recipients being aided January 1, 1941 12
Applications received during year 2
Cases closed during year 1
14
Cases on hand December 31, 1941
13
118
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
COMMENTS
Your Board of Public Welfare is doing everything human- ly possible to keep expenditures as low as possible and yet be certain that no one is actually in want. Regardless of who applies for aid, we strive to make sure they are in need of assistance, and when the need is found to exist, it is promptly filled. We try to decide each case on its merits, as very seldom are two cases identical ,and then act accordingly.
We wish to thank the various Town Departments for their cooperation and many courtesies. Without the kindly interest and close cooperation of these departments, our work would have been considerably more difficult.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE R. HOVEY, Chairman WALTER E. CALLAHAN NELSON W. PASCOE
119
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of the Surplus Commodity Department
To the Board of Public Welfare:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report of this department for the year ending December 31, 1941. The average case load per month was 405, representing 1,622 persons. During the year we have disbursed over 11,000 articles of clothing and more than 176 tons of food. The following is a list of food and clothing given out by this department:
FOOD
Grape Fruit 24,735 1bs. Fresh Peaches
9,600 lbs.
Corn Meal
19,000 1bs. Beets
8,002 lbs.
White Flour
54,487 lbs. Raisins
7,400 1bs.
Pea Beans
33,800 1bs. Prunes
4,025 1bs.
White Potatoes
29,600 lbs.
Butter 4,312 1bs.
Wheat Cereal
28,322 1bs.
Apricots
2,000 lbs.
Lard
21,538 1bs.
Smoked Hams
3,490 1bs.
Apples
24,080 lbs.
Eggs Grape Fruit Juice
14,800 doz.
Carrots
17,140 lbs.
(48 oz.)
3,432 cans
Tomatoes
12,096 1bs.
Rice 4,500 1bs.
Cabbage
11,762 lbs.
Celery
350 1bs.
Graham Flour
14,772 1bs.
120
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
CLOTHING
Bloomers (girls)
504
Union Suits (mens
Bloomers (womens)
316
and boys) 356
Blouses (boys)
156
Dungarees & Overalls
Combinations
124
(boys) 167
Diapers
568
Dungarees & Overalls
Dresses (girls)
1,262
(mens) 758
Dresses (womens)
970
Pajamas (childrens) 219
Layettes
27
Pants (boys) 814
Pants (mens)
445
Night gowns (childrens)
96
Shirts (mens and boys) 1,851
Night shirts (mens) 164
Shorts (mens and boys) 1,124
Pajamas (mens)
382
Slips (womens and girls) 538
Sheets
24
Play Suits 352
Pillow cases
48
In addition to the general distribution, the Nursery School received the following:
Evaporated Milk 480 cans Canned Peaches
Canned Apples 192 cans (12 1b. cans) 42 cans
Dried Peaches 300 1bs.
Value of Food Products.
$29,608.40
Value of Clothing
$7,312.80
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK H. GIRARD
Supervisor Distribution Center.
121
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, 1941:
Supplies and equipment on hand:
Knapsack pump cans 12
Fiber Brooms -- New 12.
Fiber Brooms-Used 36
Shovels 12
Chemical Hose 100 feet
During the year there were 75 grass, brush and wood fires. This is 39 more than last year.
I wish at this time to thank all individuals who helped us in this work during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE W. BROWN,
Forest Warden.
122
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Town Counsel
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :
The following is a report of the Town Counsel for the year 1941.
At the beginning of the year 1941 the only case in the Superior Court where action had been brought against the Town was an action brought by the City of Boston against the Ipswich Welfare Department. The case has been in the court for some time but no trial has yet been held and it is still pend- ing.
Phyllis Gauthier vs. Town of Ipswich. This case was pending from last year but has been settled out of court by mutual agreement. Suit had been brought for $4,000. on ac- count of claims for injuries sustained by a fall on the sidewalk on Washington Street. The case was settled without trial by the payment of $300.
During the year 1941 I have been paid a total amount of $626.45 for services rendered. This covers all payments for legal services and investigations, court cases, opinions, atten- dance as hearings and preparation of necessary agreements and other papers.
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