USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1943 > Part 4
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The W. P. A. Commodtiy store closed on March 31, 1943.
Old Age Assistance
The case load as of January 1, 1944, is 110, at an ap- proximate cost of $4,800.00 per month, before reimbursements.
Effective September 8th last, the law was amended, in- creasing the benefits, as set up by a standard State Budget. At the same time, it was made mandatory for the Boards of Public Welfare to require legally liable relatives to contribute to the support of their parents, if the income of the relatives exceeded a certain figure.
57
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
However, these regulations were recently amended again, increasing the exemption allowed, which means that the difference must be met by the community.
On top of the ordinary budget allowed for the necessi- ties of life, there are other extra items to be provided for, such as dentures, eye glasses, drugs, hospitalization, hearing devices, burials, etc. These items run into considerable money, but they must be met.
Although many more people will be eligible for Old Age and Survivors' Insurance, due to increased employment, the average payment is so pitifully small, that they must be supplemented by Old Age Assistance. In other words, the pre- sent Social Security Act far from meets the needs of the aged.
The amount expended in 1943 amounted to approxi- mately $29,000.00 for Old Age Assistance with $35,000.00 needed for 1944.
Recipients aided January 1, 1943 112
Applications received during year 24
136
Approved : 21
Not approved for following reasons:
Children able to support 3
133
Discontinued during the year for the
following reasons:
Death
9
Sufficient Income 5
Children able to support 5
58
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Moved out of town 4 23
Total cases as of December 31, 1944 110
Aid to Dependent Children
The total case load as of December 31, 1943 was 9, and the total expenditures amounted to $2,202.50, as against the sum of $3,701.00 expended in 1942.
Recipients being aided January 1, 1943. 11
Cases closed during the year 2
Cases as of December 31, 1943 9
We wish to thank all those whose grand co-operation has made it possible to keep expenditures at its lowest in years.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE R. HOVEY, Chairman
EDMUND P. GILLIS
NELSON W. PASCOE, Agent.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Superintendent of Cemeteries
To the Cemetery Commissioners:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1943.
During the year, there were ninety-eight interments and two removals. Revenue from same being $1,255.00. The pre- vious year 1942 we had ninety-six interments.
The following lots and graves were sold:
Five single graves, six eight grave lots and six four grave lots.
Revenue from the sale of lots and graves being $ 510.00 Receipts from interments 1,213.00
Sale of lots and graves 292.50
Endowments 225.00
The year 1943 was another difficult year for the de- partment owing to the scarcity of labor and the wet season. However, we had few complaints and I certainly appreciate the consideration shown by most everybody.
Again this year Mr. Whipple, principal of the High School was kind enough to let some of the seniors help in the Cemetery during Memorial time.
This year the budget has been increased so we hope to
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
improve the new addition of the Highland Cemetery. As most of the townspeople know, aside from laying out the walks and avenues, there has been nothing done since the part was added.
The walks and avenues are full of weeds and stones and they must be removed. Wild vines are running into well kept lots. Water must also be piped across this new section. There are several spots where shrubs may be planted which will help relieve the neglected look which the addition has at the present time. Since opening the section in 1933 we have sold $5,000.00 of lots and graves. Many of these lots are endowed but nothing has been done to beautify or improve the grounds around them.
May I thank all who have in any way helped this de- partment and the boys who helped around Memorial Day.
Respectfully submitted,
BENJAMIN W. HOMANS
Superintendent of Cemeteries
INVENTORY OF TOOLS IN THE CEMETERIES, 1943
Estimated value
Lawn mowers
16
$175.00
Grind stones
5
25.00
Wheelbarrows
5
30.00
Pails galvanized
30
10.00
Tamps
2
5.00
Shears
10
7.50
Iron roller
1
10.00
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Metal lawn rakes
6
4.50
Wooden rakes
12
12.00
Hoes
6
4.50
Oil heater
1
7.00
Rubber hose
100 feet
· 5.00
Grub hoes
2
3.00
Baskets
2
3.00
Scythes
2
4.00
Shovels
8
14.00
Iron rakes
5
16.00
Sod lifters
2
4.50
Pruners
3
3.75
Hedge trimmers
1
1.50
Long handle trimmers
2
3.00
Chevrolet truck
(1939)
400.00
Grave digger's tent
1
25.00
Tripod and tackle
35.00
Other supplies and tools
75.00
$883.25
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Park Commissioners
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
The Park Commissioners herewith submit their annual report.
This department has again gone through a difficult sea- son from the standpoint of labor. During the summer months it was occasionally possible to hire one or two school boys for a short time to mow grass with hand machines. Unfortunately the power mower which has been so efficient and rapid in doing most of the grass cutting each season, broke down the first of June, and it was necessary to attempt to find labor enough to maintain the various lawn areas by hand. Everyone can probably appreciate how difficult this problem was.
Due to the impossibility of purchasing new tulips last Fall, the tulip beds were not planted. It is the plan of the Com- missioners to plant the beds to flowers again next Spring as usual.
Dow Memorial Park, a beautiful section of Town Hill received but little attention during the year. In June, most of the trees and shrubs were given a spraying to suppress the tent caterpillar and other leaf feeding insects. Much work should be done along the lines of thinning out undesirable growth, the rc-establishment of fire lanes and gravelling of over one mile of railways. But due to present conditions, this work could not possibly be done.
Respectfully submitted, C. GARDNER CĂVERLY, Chairman HENRY S. BOWEN SAMUEL C. GORDON
Park Commissioners
63
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Civilian Defense Committee Report
-
To the Citizens of Ipswich :-
January 1, 1943 found the Ipswich Civilian Defense Organization at its peak in both the number of volunteers and in efficiency. The January roster of all divisions added up to the impressive figure of 683 and this does not include volunteers serving the United States Army Air Observation Post.
As the months progressed, however, the continued Al- lied successes on land and sea and in the air brought a gradual slackening of the tension in Civilian Defense precautions and as a consequence, caused a falling off in interest in some divisions. There were two, however, who either maintained the same pace or increased the extent of their activities. These were the Auxili- ary Police , and the Social Service Division. The Victory Gar- den Committee was just being organized, but before the curtain rang down on their activities, their record of accomplishments was something to be proud of.
Because of a very acute shortage of gasoline, the weekly Civilian Defense drills which were in vogue in 1942 were for the most part dispensed with: however, occasional practice alerts or regional blackouts with practice drills showed that the entire Civilian Defense Organization was on its toes and had learned its lessons well. There is no question in the mind of the writer but that our Organization was able to handle any emergency arising from any enemy action or fire through sabotage.
The first crack in the Civilian Defense structure came with the discontinuance of the night shift of our Report Center Telephonists. By permission of the State Authorities and through the co-operation of the Town Officials and Police, the
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
duties of the evening Telephonists were transferred to the Police Station. Later on it was only natural that they would also absorb the duties which had been the lot of the day Telephonists who were made up mostly of the ladies of the Town. There was not much lost in the efficiency of the Organization by this change, because the Police could receive the warning messages from the District Warning Center and relay these messages to the Chief Warden, the Deputies and other Chiefs of the Pro- tection Services. In the few practice drills which were held in 1943, this system proved to work very well. The cooperation of the Chief of Police and the officers is very greatly appreciated, especially by the Chief Air Raid Warden.
One of the big disappointments to our Civilian Defense Organization was the lack of adequate equipment for our Auxili- ary Fire Department. We received all sorts of auxiliary fire fighting equipment from the Federal Government with the ex- ception of the nozzles for the hoses: consequently, a fine group of Auxilitary Firemen were forced to sit around biding their time wating for something that never came. It can be said, how- ever, that the Auxiliary Fire Chief, Lionel Sheppard, kept his men together and put them through all sorts of training maneuvers so that they could have fitted in very well with the regular reserve Firemen if they were needed.
Of all the divisions of Civilian Defense Protective Ser- vices, the Auxiliary Police Company may be singled out for extra special commendation. Under the leadership of Captain George Hovey and Lt. Jerome Richardson, a group averaging from 45 to 50 members, were organized and trained into a very active and valuable adjunct to our regular Police Department. Members of the Company received basic instruction in the use of firearms including rifles, shotguns and pistols-conventional and automatic. In addition, they were given infantry drill, manual of arms, police manual, riot drill, judo, first aid and instruction in the police action to be taken in the presence of
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
unexploded bombs. The entire Company meets regularly each Thursday night in Town Hall and achieved a very high re- cord for percentage of attendance. The Company was divided up into platoons in military style and noncommissioned officers such as Sergeants and Corporals were appointed. In February, 1942, the Auxiliary Police Company completed their training and were sworn in as Special Police Officers for the Town of Ipswich, this rating being in addition to their status in the Civilian Defense Organization. In March of the same year, they commenced active duty in maintaining the "Neck Road Out- post" where regularly thereafter, they checked each night on all cars and pedestrians proceeding to or leaving the Indian Hill. Great Neck and Little Neck areas. This Outpost was connected by telephone with Camp Agawam and was operated under the supervision of the Commanding Officer of this Camp. The nightly watch at the Neck Road Outpost was maintained con- tinuously without let-up by the Auxiliary Police Company for twenty months, ending on November 2, 1943 when the re- sponsibilities of this guard duty were taken over completely by the United States Army. The Ipswich Company of Auxiliary Police have performed many duties in Town and are available at all times for immediate call should an emergency arise or in connection with civic affairs to augment the regular Ipswich Police Force. The Commanding Officers and men are fully de- serving of the praise and the thanks of the entire Town of Ips- wich for the grand job they have done and are continuing to do whenever required. To date, this Organization has put in 53,000 man hours of active duty, including the regular weekly drills. In spite of the letdown in Civilian Defense activities, they con- tinue to maintain their high standards of efficiency and morale and continue to be an Organization in which the Town can take great pride and satisfaction.
Not to skip over or lightly treat the other protective services, it can be seen that inasmuch as the duties for which the Wardens, Medical Division, Telephonists, etc. were organ-
66
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
ized for emergency use only, frequent drills without other active service became boring and more or less unpopular. As a con- sequence, practice was reduced to a minimum. This does not mean, however, any lessening in their desire to serve, because all these volunteers will be immediately ready and capable of doing praiseworthy service should the necessity arise. Although practice blackouts and drills are now a rarity, the Town may feel fully confident that all the protection divisions have been well trained and are prepared to cope with any disasters result- ing from enemy action or sabotage.
Except for a short period in which Howard N. Doughty turned the reins over to Samuel H. Eaton, he is still very much on the job and assisted by the deputies, George E. Matheson, Samuel W. Atherley, and Mrs. Eugene Matheson, remains alert to any need for protective action. The same may also be said for Charles A. Mallard, Chief of the Electrical Department and Frank E. Wood in charge of streets, rescue and demolitions.
Considering the value and necessity of all these wartime Civilian Defense precaution and related services, the cost to the taxpayers of Ipswich has been exceedingly light for a town the size of ours.
Of the $5,000.00 appropriated to carry on this work, only $3,295.33 was spent, leaving a balance of $1,750.89 to be turned back for other uses. Our greatest expense last year was for the purchase of winter uniforms for the Auxiliary Police. The amount spent, however, is trifling indeed compared to the value of the service received and which will be given in the months to come. The bulk of the other expense was for office rental, telephones, correspondence and service and supplies, many of which will be of use to the Town long after the war is over.
Along with the apparent lessening in the danger of at- tack, Civilian Defense precautions may be eased off further, thus reducing expense to a minimum.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Of all the constructive work done by the various groups in the Civilian Defense Organization, none has been more ef- fective than that turned in by the Social Service Division led by the hard working and very able co-chairmen, the Misses Jane Bokron and Louise Bartnisky, and aided by a small group of conscientious and devoted assistants. Early in the year, the Social Service Division, on instructions from the State Administrator conducted an accurate and painstaking survey of the Town to determine the need for day nurseries to care for the children of working mothers. This survey group, led by Mr. Joseph Ross, found that while there was some need for some such arrange- ment plus a greater need for additional recreational facilities for teen-agers, the demand was not sufficiently great to warrant the expense of their organization and maintenance. However, the knowledge and figures acquired by this survey are now available to the Town and should prove of considerable value should the need become more acute. The Social Service Division, with the aid and co-operation of the U. S. O. and military of- ficials, also formulated plans for the recreation and entertain- ment of local enlisted men and officers at Camp Agawam, plus visiting servicemen-Naval as well as Military. The importance of this work cannot be overestimated. The entertainment and dances eack week were of value not alone as maintainers and builders of morale, but presented the soldiers with an opportun- ity of meeting the young ladies of the Town in proper fashion, hesulting in acquaintanceships and friendships that took many of the men into Ipswich homes instead of wandering aimlessly around town or lolling in bars during their off hours. A great deal of praise is due to those citizens who opened up their homes for the entertainment of the officers and men as well as to the entire Social Service Committee.
The most active and by far the most popular commit- tee within the Civilian Defense Organization in 1943 was the Victory Garden Committee, directed by Mr. George Rose.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Spurred on by the threat of stricter rationing and stim- ulated in addition by the thrill of raising one's own food, people from all walks of life flocked to the Victory Garden lectures and educational movies.
In a spirit of mutual help. information and ideas were exchanged on subjects ranging from the cultivation and fertiliza- tion of the soil right up to the preserving and canning opera- tions-not to mention the keen interest in pigs and chickens.
Smaller divisional committees were set up to specialize on the different stages of vegetable gardening, canning and pre- serving as well as administrative, advisory and promotional committees. So well did each one do his work and so close was the general co-operation that even as early as June, it was a fore- gone conclusion that the autumn months would show a fine, satisfying record of food production, home canning and pre- serving.
Rationing or no rationing, the enthusiasm for home gardening is such that the Victory Garden Committee will again carry through in the same spirit to even greater records in 1944.
If this matter of "Popularity" should be put to a vote and the school children, especially, should have their say, top honors would go to the Canteen Service. On many of the practice drills and several rallies, including last September's War Bond Parade, the Canteen Chairman Mrs. George Stevens and her fifteen to twenty-five assistants were present with coffee and doughnuts, or cold drinks in the hot weather. This kind of service was the more appreciated, because although the drills, etc. were merely practice, the need for refreshments was very real.
Late in the Fall with the discontinuance of the Civilian branch of the Army Air Raid Warning Service, followed in a few weeks by a relaxation in the dimout laws, general interest
69
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
in Civilian Defense subsided considerably. However, the frame- work of our organization is still being held together until the Federal and State Authorities order us to disband. Consequent- ly, the administration office will remain open to do routine clerical work, furnish information and perform administrative duties for all divisions.
In closing this, which may well be the last detailed Civilian Defense Report, the writer wishes to acknowledge with deep and sincere gratitude the invaluable assistance given by the Vice Chairman, our genial Postmaster, Sylvester D. Conley. From the moment the writer took over the chairmanship and long before that, our entire organization from top to bottom has looked to him for counsel and despite his modestly declin- ing the credit, everyone will agree that he has been and still is the keystone of our organization. There are in addition, a score . or more others deserving of recognition and commendation, but as the instructions for "Brevity" in this report have already been overextended, let each hard working and loyal volunteer fully realize that his or her work is greatly appreciated.
JOHN E. GILL, Chairman
Ipswich Civilian Defense Committee
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Service Committee Report
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
Your Service Flag Committee begs to submit the follow- ing report :
Last May your committee purchased and dedicated a service flag of suitable size which flies over the monument to the unknown soldier in Market Square. Upon this flag are two stars, one blue with numerals indicating the number of our boys and girls in active service, the other gold, also with numerals upon it indicating the number of our boys and girls who have made the supreme sacrifice. These numerals are changed from time to time as records indicate.
In the spring it will be necessary to replace the flag with a new one as our present flag has been frayed and discolored due to weather conditions and hot sun.
We wish at this time to pay tribute to Mrs. S. W. Atherley who has labored untiringly in assembling the names of all who have entered and are entering the armed services.
We also wish to extend thanks to the men of the Electric Light Department who made possible lowering and raising of the flag when it became necessary to change the numerals.
CLARENCE L. PICKARD, Chairman LENA J. ATHERLEY ANNE L. DAVIS BERNARD M. SULLIVAN WALLACE J. LATHROP JOHN F. CONLEY
71
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Rehabilitation Report
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :
The Commission on Rehabilitation appointed by Governor Saltonstall, with Committees form the Senate and the House of the Commonwealth are studying from many angles the methods of best meeting the conditions that will arise be- · cause of demobilization and changes in industry and business. One of the conclusions that has been reached is that it is very urgent that each community organize now, in order that when the need arises, there will be no delay because the requisite facili- ties will not be available. The Governor has sent an urgent appeal to all the municipalities in the State asking the admin- istrative officials to organize their communities, and in order that Ipswich may have a plan before the Warrant for the An- nual Town Meeting closes on February 3rd the subject has been discussed at various meetings, and at a meeting with the Select- men on December 23rd, it was suggested that a tentative plan be drawn up, which could be revised or for which some other plan could be substituted.
Other conferences have been held by those concerned with the problem of Rehabilitation, and Ipswich Post 80 of the American Legion has requested that the following be in- cluded in the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting, which they believe will meet the present situation.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Article :
To see if the town will authorize the Selectmen to ap- point an Ipswich Advisory Committee composed of the American Legion Rehabilitation Committee and repre- sentatives of other local organizations interested to co- operate with the State Advisory Committee on veterans rehabilitation problems, and vote to appropriate the sum of $1,000.00 (one thousand dollars) for the ex- penses thereof, to be expended subject to the approval of the Board of Selectmen.
HOWARD N. DOUGHTY
Soldiers Relief Agent.
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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 Dec- ember 31, 1943.
Work performed from January 1 to December 31,1943.
Scales
Ad- justed
Sealed
Not Sealed
Con-
demned
Platform over
10,000
1
3
Platform 5,000
to 10,000
1
Platform 100
to 5,000
2
26
Counter 100
to 5,000
5
Counter
under 100
1 28
Beam 100
to 5,000
1
Spring 100
to 5,000
5
Spring
under 100
2
18
5
Computing
under 100
2
26
Person weigher (slot) 1 10
1
.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Scales
Ad- justed
Sealed
Not Sealed
Con- demned
Prescription Jewellers'
3
1
Weights
Avoirdupois
174
Apothecary
39
3
Metric
25
1
Volumetric Measures
Liquid Measures 33
Automatic Liquid Measuring Devices
Gasoline Pumps
1
Oil Pumps
2
Vehicle Tank Meter System
23
Bulk Sta. Meter System
15
Grease Measuring Devices
2
Quantity Measures on Pumps
9
Yard Sticks
5
-
Total
9
458
5
6
Total Number Tested ..
Number Number Incorrect Correct Under Over
Article
Beans
29
29
Bread
91
60
22
9
4
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Total Number Tested
Number Number Incorrect Correct Under Over
Article
Butter
55
55
Charcoal (bags)
14
14
Coal (bags)
24
24
Confectionery
40
40
Dry Commodities
41
36
5
Flour
25
25
Fruit and vegetables
11
9
2
Kindling wocd in bags, paper
22
22
Lard
5
5
Oil in cans, 1 qt.,
2 qts., 1 gal., 5 qts.
532
532
Ham and Meats
wrapped in paper
28
16
12
Potatoes
40
40
Spinach, wrapped in (bags)
9
6
3
Sugar
3.4
34
Milk bottles, 1/2 pt.,
1 pt. and 1 qt.
640
640
1640
1547
44
49
The usual listing of reweighing commodities sold or put up for sale appears in my report. I have collected and turned over to the Town Treasurer, $73.12.
Due to the fact that five of the stores on my record have been closed and 14 Gasoline Pumps also closed, my re- turn to the Town Treasurer was less than in the year 1942.
The above report includes all items through December 31, 1943.
LOUIS H. V. BOUCHER Acting Sealer of Weights and Measures
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
List of Jurors
1943 - 1944 - 1945
Arthur, Charles M., Turner Hill Atherley, Wilfred S., 18 Woods Lane Bamford, Earle B., 16 Pleasant Street Barbati, Albert, 26 Lafayette Road Benedix, George W., 10 Maple Avenue Bolles, Chester A., 15 Turkey Shore Road Bolles, Gardner, 3 Poplar Street
Bouchard, George H., 21 North Main Street Bowen, Henry S., 3 Summer Street Ciolek, Joseph J., 90 High Street Downing, Howard C., High Street Garrett, Charles S., 22 Woods Lane Geanakos, Demos, Linebrook Road Goodale, Geoffrey, Argilla Road
Green, Samuel M., 41 Turkey Shore Road Greene, John E., Pleasant Street Hall, Wilmot, 16 Manning Street Hamm, Donald J. T., Masconomet Road Harris, Arthur V., 15 Putman Road Heard, Roger A., Linebrook Road Hills, Henry F., 41 High Street Hodgkins, Richard S., 76 East Street Horsman, Albert E., 3 Newmarch Street
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