USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1944 > Part 7
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4
Turkey
2
Scotland
1
Sweden
1
78
78
196
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Deaths
During the year 1944 the deaths numbered 83, a decrease of 7 from the previous year.
Males 36 Females 47
The following persons were 80 years of age or over at time of death:
Margaret Sullivan 88 years
Charles A. Ring
83 years
Isabelle B. Hinckley
86 years
Sevilla M. Saunders
89 years
Emily A. Dodge
92 years-11 mos.
Catherine G. Hughes
81 years- 2 mos .- 20 days
Frank M. Swain
89 years
Mary Jane (McIsaac) Conley
83
Addie C. Cowperthwait
80 years
Margeritte Aitken
88 years-10 mos .- 1 day
Anne Gallant
90 years- 1 mo. - 29 days
George Albert Schofield
81 years- 6 mos .- 10 days
George Ross
80 years- 5 mos .- 8 days
NOTICE
The attention of parents is called to the law relating to the registering of births. The present requirements are as follows:
Chapter 29, Section 6 of the Revised Laws. Parents within forty days after the birth of a child ... shall cause notice thereof to be given to the clerk of the town or city in which such child is born.
Section 8. A parent ... who neglects so to do for ten days after the time limited therefor ... shall forfit not more than five dollars for each offense.
197
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
The Attention of Physicians and Midwives is Called to Chapter 46, Section 6.
Section 1. Physicians and midwives, shall, within forty- eight hours after birth of every child in cases which they were in charge, mail or deliver to the Clerk or Registrar of the City or Town in which the birth occurred, a notice stating the date and place of birth, giving the street number, if any, the number of the ward in a city and the family name. Failure to mail or deliver the said notice shall be punishable by a fine not ex- ceeding twenty-five dollars for each offense.
I WISH TO CALL ATTENTION TO THE
FOREGOING VITAL STATISTICS:
It is important that these records shall be correct. If any errors are discovered, the Clerk will deem it a favor to have them reported at once, so that correction may be made.
Some of the many reasons why births should be recorded:
To establish idenity.
To prove nationality.
To prove legitimacy.
To show when the child has the right to enter school.
To show when the child has the right to seek employment under the child labor law.
To establish the right of inheritance to property.
To establish liability to military duty, as well as exemp- tion therefrom.
To establish age and citizenship in order to vote.
To qualify to hold' title to, and to buy or sell real estate.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
To establish the right to hold public office.
To prove the age at which the marriage contract may be entered into.
To prove age to determine validity of a contract entered into by an alleged minor.
To prove age for Old Age Assistance.
To prove age so as to have the right to take Civil Service Examinations.
Your co-operation to the end that all births may be pro- perly recorded will be greatly appreciated.
The following licenses were granted through this office:
Resident Citizen Fishing 54
Resident Citizen ยท Hunting 184
Resident Citizen Sporting 36
Resident Citizen Minor and Female Fishing
17
Resident Citizen Minor Trapping 5
Resident Citizen Trapping 10
Resident Citizen Sporting (Free) 10
Duplicate Licenses 4
Resident Military or Naval Service Sporting (Free) 16
The following dog licenses were issued through this office:
Male 321; Female 47; Spayed Females 53; Kennel 2 ($25) ; Kennel 2 ($10).
199
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
For the benefit of the owners and keepers of dogs the following extract of the General Law is hereby submitted:
General Laws, Chapter 140, Sections 136A-175 amended by Chapter 298 of 1932 and Chapter 320 of 1934:
Fathers born in
Mothers born in
Ipswich
44
Ipswich
44
Massachusetts
84
Massachusetts
89
U. S. A.
29
U S. A.
26
British Prov.
6
Britist Prov.
8
Italy
1
Ireland
2
Greece
1
Greece
1
Poland
1
Sweden
1
Armenia
1
Unknown
4
1
171
171
Section 137. Licenses and Tags. The owner or keeper of a dog which is three months old or over, shall annually, on or before March thirty-first, cause it to be registered, numbered, described and licensed for one year from April first following, if the dog is kept in Boston, in the office of the police com- missioner of if kept in any other town, in the office of the clerk thereof. The license shall be in a form prescribed by the director upon a blank to be furnished, except in the County of Suffolk, by the county in which the town is located, and shall be sub- ject to the condition expressed therein, that the dog which is the subject of the license shall be controlled and restrained from killing, chasing or harassing livestock or fowl. The owner or keeper of a licensed dog shall cause it to wear around its neck ot body a collar or harness of leather or other suitable material to which shall be securely attached a tag in a form prescribed by the director, and upon which shall appear the license number,
200
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
the name of the Town issuing such license, and the year of issue. Such tags shall be furnished in the same manner as the license blanks, and if any such tags shall be lost, the owner or keeper of such dog shall forthwith secure a substitute tag from the Town Clerk, at the cost of ten cents, which shall be re- tained by the Clerk unless otherwise provided by law. Any per- son may bring, or cause to be brought from another state or county, any dog licensed under the law thereof and keep such dog in this Commonwealth for a period not exceeding thirty days without licensing it hereunder, and during such period foregoing provisions of this section shall not apply to such dog.
Section.138. Licenses. The owner or keeper of a dog may at any time have it licensed until April first following: and a person who after April first becomes the owner or keeper of a dog which becomes three months old after March thirty- first in any year, shall when it is three months old, cause it to be registered, numbered, described, licensed, collared or harnessed and tagged as required by section one hunred and thrity-seven.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD S. COGSWELL
Town Clerk.
201
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Police Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit a resume of the duties performed by the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1944.
During the past year the usual duties of the Police Depart- ment have been carried on, consisting of the protection of lives and property, the prevention of crime, and the enforcement of all laws and ordinances.
It is with regret that I report a laxity among the youth of our Town probably due to conditions developing from the war and an attitude of growing indifference of parents toward their children. We must all do our part to help youth under- stand the consequences of their reckless deeds and attempt to prevent a trent toward immorality which threatens the future of their homes. A complete community program for the pre- vention of delinquency must be undertaken and the participa- tion of many groups including the home, the school, the church, welfare, public health, recreation and other community agencies, as well as law enforcement are necessary to cope with this sit- uation.
In July the Two-Way Radio Communication system was approved by the F. C. C. and W. P. B. after a delay of nearly a year. The use of this equipment has proved to be of real value to the department. We are now able to render a much quicker service to the townspeople inasmuch as we are now in constant contact with the patrol car, and can dispatch it to any part of the Town immediately. Formerly the patrol car could only be
202
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
contacted by the signal of a red light in the square, or on its return to the Police station where by any chance, the officer operating it saw fit to call the station. The department has been in receipt of several communications resulting from its use. We expect that as its worth becomes more apparent to the public at large all the taxpayers will agree that its purchase resulted in the most significant improvement ever made in the efficiency of the Police department.
Traffic violators have long been a problem of Police De- partments throughout the country and like so many other departments Ipswich has had its share of trouble with such violations. To help remedy this situation a no-fix parking sys- tem, which has worked satisfactorily in other communities, was adopted here to help solve the problem of illegal parking.
Anticipating a fluidity of traffic in excess of prewar stand- ards consideration should be given in the post-war planning to the establishment of a parking area to provide off-street facilities for the parking of motor vehicles.
The Auxiliary Police under the efficient leadership of Capt. Hovey and Lieutenant Richardson have worked in close harmony with the Police during the past year performing many duties in Town and are available at all times for any immed- iate call should an emergency arise. The Town of Ipswich should feel justly proud of this organization when it is con- sidered that they are all volunteers and receive no compensa- tion for the duties performed, and I feel that we should offer every encouragement to these men who are trying so hard to aid their Town by sharing our duties and responsibilities and I heartily recommend that this organization be retained in ex- istence.
During the past year the Police quarters has been renovated and the change affords better facilities for the Police. I feel that
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
203
the Town has as good a station as any in this section and the department is not ashamed when Police from other departments visit us, as was the case in the past.
May I take this opportunity to thank all who have co- operated with the Police Department during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
BYARD HORSMAN
Chief of Police
Total number of arrests 1944:
January
22
February
15
March
9
April
8
May
33
June
38
July
35
August
28
September
31
October
13
November
26
December
20
Total
278
Classification of crime 1944:
Assault
3
Attaching plates
1
Assault on female child
1
Accessory before the fact to rape
1
Assault with intent to rape
3
Assault with dangerous weapon
1
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Allowing improper person to operate
2
Army and Navy deserters 5
Breaking and Entering
3
Cruelty to animals
1
Delinquency
19
Disturbing the peace
4
Drunkenness
95
Failing to display inspection sticker
23
Failing to have license in possession
1
Failing to have registration in possession
1
Forgery
2
Indescent assault
1
Illegitimacy
1
Larceny
6
Lewd and lascivious cohabitation
2
Malicious destruction of property
2
Non-support
1
Operating without authority
2
Operating uninsured car
1
Operating unregistered car
1
Operating under influence liquor
11
Operating so as to endanger
3
Operating without license
5
Profanity
1
Rape
2
Ringing false alarms
2
Speeding Ex. order 35
7
Trespassing
1
Uttering
2
Violation milk law
2
Violation fish & game
1
Violation health laws
5
Violation Ch. 268 Sec. 35
1
Violation Town By-laws
52
Total 278
205
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Disposition of cases 1944:
Appealed
9
Committed
8
Discharged
7
Dismissed for want of prosecution
7
Filed
118
Fined
62
Held for grand jury
7
Probation
17
Pending
5
Released
7
Sentence - Suspended
20
Defaulted
4
Turned over to Army & Navy authorities
7
Total 278
Miscellaneous :
Animals injured by automobiles
40
Animals disposed of
56
Assistance rendered persons in distress
8
Automobiles reported stolen
5
Automobiles recovered
6
Automobiles transferred
438
Automobile license suspended
19
Automobile license revoked
16
Automobile registrations revoked
8
Automobile collisions reported
37
Automobile accidents reported
32
Ambulance runs
102
Buildings reported entered
32
Buildings found open by Police and secured
90
Complaints investigated by Police
1,680
Children found and returned to parents
6
206
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Runway children found and returned to parents 7
Commited to Danvers State Hospital 5
Escaped from Danvers State Hospital (Returned) Fingerprints taken
27
Found articles
39
Miles patroled by cruising car
18,786
Miles covered by Ambulance 1,460
Parking summons issued by Police
100
Persons struck by automobiles
46
Persons reported injured
46
Persons bitten by dogs
16
Persons reported missing
1
Summons served by Police
138
Summons for out of Town Police
13
Stolen articles
36
Warrants served by Police
14
Warrants served for out of Town Police
2
Inventory of Police Department 1944:
Ford Automobile
1
Oldsmobile Ambulance
1
Badges
12
Flash lights
8
Fingerprint outfit
1
Handcuffs
7
Revolvers
8
Riot gun
1
Rifle
1
Radio equipment for station and cruising car 1
Iron claws 5
2
207
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Fire Department
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
Following is the report of the Board of Engineers of the Fire Department for the year of 1944.
Number of bell alarms 41
Number of still alarms 129
170 Total
Total mileage covered by apparatus 412.4
Engine number 1 made 1 run
Engine number 2 made 47 runs
Engine number 3 made 137 runs Ladder number 1 made 50 runs 5,200 ft. of 21/2 " hose laid 850 ft. of 11/2 " hose laid 371 ft. of ladders raised 5 gallons of chemical used
C.O-2 carbon dioxide extinguisher used 6 times 21,580 gallons of water from booster pumps used.
208
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
The classification of calls were as follows:
Grass & woods fires
84
Chimney fires
9
Automobile fires
13
Building fires
18
Oil burners
9
Dump fires
7
Inhalator calls
3
False alarms
6
Miscellaneous calls
21
170 Total
The value of property threatened
$227,325.00
Insurance carried on property
185,900.00
Estimated loss on buildings
1,289.75
Insurance paid on buildings
1,239.75
Value of contents
2,045.00
Insurance carried on contents
3,000.00
Estimated loss on contents
92.50
Insurance paid on contents
47.50
Total Estimated loss on buildings and contents
1,382.25
Insurance paid on buildings and contents
1,287.25
Total Loss $95.00
We wish at this time to thank our Ex Chief Edward H. Smith for his faithful and efficient service for the past fifty years. Having chosen to retire on October 1, 1944 his services and guidance will be greatly missed by the personnel and towns- people. We know that if we find it necessary he will be more than glad to have us call on him at any time for counsel.
The apparatus we believe is in first class condition as far as we can ascertain at this time, with the exception of the Lad-
209
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
der Truck which has given us quite a bit of trouble and ex- pense.
We find that this particular make of machine purchased in 1930, was discontinued on the market in 1934. It is very difficult to purchase parts for repairs and for several parts it is impossible to procure any replacement. This leaves the Board of Engineers with a grave responsibility and a very dark out- look for the future as this machine becomes older. We believe when the time comes that nothing but a Standard make of apparatus such as our Engine No. 2 Seagreave should be pur- chased and then there is no difficulty in purchasing necessary parts for repair work.
The fire hose is in very good condition and although we usually recommend that purchase of 500 feet each year, we do not believe it wise procedure at present, as the hose of today is of inferior quality and only an emergency should warrant the purchase of the new hose.
We cannot depend too much on the durability of our Fire Alarm System as it has been in use for a great many years and is fast coming to the point where many sections of wire and some arms will have to be replaced. We have already done some of this repair work and have lowered the lines to the level of the telephone lines instead of placing them on top of the poles with the high tension lines of the Electric Light System. This insures us against the danger of burning out our alarm boxes which already has happened several times in the past, causing a considerable amount of expense to repair the damage.
In connection with the Alarm System we recommend the installation of Radio Telephone on Engine No. 3 which would keep the Central Station in touch at all times with this piece of apparatus and if any help is needed when at a woods fire in the outlying sections which might be six or seven miles from
210
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
the Station and an equal distance from a telephone. By means of the radio help could be secured very quickly, thereby saving time and money. The cost of this installation would be $525. 00, which is a small amount in comparison with the value of such installation.
In the year 1942 an appropriation of $500.00 was made by the town for the purchase of a Portable Lighting Outfit which could be used in an emergency by all town departments. Due to war conditions we were unable to purchase this item and therefore returned the money to the town treasury. Finding that it is now possible to purchase the lighting outfit we again recommend that $500.00 be accepted in our budget for that purchase.
On April 1, 1944 by a vote of the townspeople two more permanent men were added to the personnel. This has proven to be one of the most valuable moves we have made. As it has added greatly to the efficiency of the department.
At the present time there are twenty-eight call men and six permanent drivers in the department all of whom are work- ing harmoniously for the best interests of the town. In addi- tion there is a board of three Engineers.
The public is at all times welcome to visit the Fire Station and inspect the work which the regular men do in keeping the building in the best of condition. The Board of Engineers feels that they should be commended for their efforts.
It is with regret that our Ex driver James Gilbert who has been in Military Service and is now honorably discharged has not come back to us as yet, although we hope he will re- turn before long. Also let us not forget to mention our nine call men who are serving their Country in various parts of the world.
211
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
In closing we wish to thank all Town Officials for the courtesy and co-operation extended to our department. May we especially mention the Chief of Police and his officers who have so kindly assisted us at all times.
SAMUEL W. ATHERLEY, Chief. LIONEL SHEPPARD
STEWART J. POLLOCK
Board of Engineers.
. . 212
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, 1944.
Grass and Woods Fires - 84
Supplies and Equipment on hand:
1/2 Ton Ford Truck 1
Pump cans
14
Fiber Brooms 50
Shovels 6
Our Grass and Woods Fire Problem seems to be growing larger every year. I would at this time recommend a two way radio, to be installed on Engine 3. It will save much time in getting more men to the scene of a bad fire. On three different occasions we were up against this difficulty at bad fires last year.
I wish to thank all those at this time who were of as- sistance to me during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK O'MALLEY,
Forest Warden.
213
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, 1944.
Worked performed from April 12th, to December 31st, 1944.
Scales
Adjusted
Sealed
Platform, over 10,000 lbs.
2
Platform, 5,000 to 10,000 1bs.
1
1
Platform, 100 to 5,000 1bs.
2
26
Counter, 100 to 5,000 1bs.
1
Counter, under 100 1bs.
1
31
Beams, 100 to 5,000 1bs.
8
Beam, under 100 1bs.
4
Spring, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
4
Spring, under 100 1bs.
1
33
Computing, under 100 1bs.
1
29
Person weigher (slot)
10
Prescription
4
Weights
Avoirdupois Apothecary
219
54
Metric 35
.
214
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Scales
Adjusted Sealed
Volumetric Measures
Liquid Measures, 1 gal.
46
Automatic Liquid-Measuring Devices
Oil Pumps 10
Gasoline Meter Systems
24
Vehicle Tank Meter Systems
6
Grease-Measuring Devices
2
Linear Measures
Yard Sticks
6
Total
. 6
555
The usual listing of reweighing commodities sold or put up for sale was done this year by State Inspector Jones.
I have collected and turned over to the Town Treasurer $75.39 for the year ending December 31, 1944.
THEO H. BOYLAN
Sealer of Weights and Measures
215
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Moth Superintendent
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my eleventh annual report as Moth Superintendent.
The Gypsy Moth problem at present is of small local importance. It would be very gratifying to report that our troubles with this insect are over, but we know that such a statement would be far from correct. Authorities on the sub- ject argue that we will always have them to contend with in varying degrees of severity. It would be only through silv cultural forest practices that we could say our Gyspy Moth problem would never again assume large proportions.
The Browntail Moth situation during the past year was not good. Several acres of woodland on Argilla Road were completely defoliated by the latter part of June. Several other tracts suffered 50 per cent defoliation. Present indications are that the 1945 crop will do tremendous damage unless more money and help are available.
The Elm Leaf Beetle is again on the increase. Although the fight waged against them in 1941 was successful, the past two seasons have been favorable for their recovery. Two sprays on the elms will be imperative next year to assist in preserv- ing them.
During the late summer the Fall Webworm caused con- siderable alarm among property owners, this insect rarely causes any economic damage worthy of notice, but certainly is not a
-
216
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
pleasant sight to behold when seen in large numbers. Such was the case throughout a large part of New England during 1944. It has been repeatedly mistaken to be the common Tent Cat- erpillar which we have to combat every year, but has the habit of building it's web on the ends of the branches, rather than in the forks, as the tent caterpillar does.
The Forest Tent Caterpillar, Tussock Moth, Spiny Elm Caterpillar and various other insects are so easily controlled on the highways that mention is merely made of them while dis- cussing the more serious ones.
The labor shortage became so helplessly out of control this year that it was necessary to stop most of the private work. Where several men are needed on a machine doing this type of work, it is not efficient to attempt it with one man and a driver. Roadside spraying presents an easier problem in times like these, and my activities were therefore confined more to this work.
I am looking forward with confidence to the time when a steady man can be employed in this department in conjunc- tion with other departments under my supervision.
Respectfully submitted,
C. GARDNER CAVERLY,
Local Moth Superintendent.
217
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Tree Warden
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
I herewith submit my eleventh annual report as Tree Warden.
The program laid out for the year 1944 was for the most part accomplished. A considerable portion of the high tree climbing however, had to be abandoned due to the lack of men who must be skilled in this work. Consequently a large part of the appropriation was expended on brush cutting in the rural sections. There is still a large amount of this type of maintenance work to be done next year.
Although there were only two shade trees blown down in the Hurricane of September 14, a vast amount of branch damage was caused by the high wind and rain. All branches were taken care of that were grounded, but trees too numerous to mention still have broken branches to be removed, with flush cuts to be made and painted before they may be con- sidered safe. This will require the services of a man who is able to do high climbing. Needless to say, such men are now at a premium. I believe, however, that such a man will be avail- able to the department in the early spring, who will be qualified for this work and for various other duties in the other depart- ments over which I have jurisdiction.
Respectfully submitted,
C. GARDNER CAVERLY,
Tree Warden.
218
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Clam Commissioner
To the Citizens of the Town of Ipswich:
The following is the report of the Clam Commissioner for the year ending December 31, 1944.
We are starting the year 1945 with the clam flats in fair condition. There are many areas with small clams in them that should be ready for digging this year.
We were not able to do any work on the flats this year due to the shortage of labor, but I strongly advise that this work be carried on as soon as conditions allow it. It is safe to say at this time, that at least one fifth of our clams areas are now covered with mussels, and in most cases our best pro- ducing areas.
I again recommend that some action be taken in regards to a road and landing in what is known as the back river. As I have stated before, we could increase our production by at least fifty percent if we could reach those areas which are now practically lost to us.
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