USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1946 > Part 4
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98
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
positions covered at all times. As surrounding towns and cities have changed to 48 and 56 hour plans we feel that this request is justifiable and ask that the voters be given a chance to also consider this request. .
The 70 hour plan will allow for three men on each platoon for a period of eight days and nights, the ninth and tenth day and night there would be four men on each platoon.
As a third matter for your consideration, and also that of the voters' of Ipswich, we suggest the placing of the position of Chief of the Fire Department on a permanent basis. Necessity for supervision of the Fire Station and its equipment, being well informed on all rules and regulations issued by the department of Public Safety, inspection of buildings, oil burners, etc. make heavy demands on the time of a "Call Chief." We feel that it would add to the efficiency of the department to have a permanent head who could be definitely located at the Fire Station at all reason- able times.
The welfare and security of our community and yours depend in a large measure upon the activity and faithfulness of our Fire Department.
We wish in closing, to express our thanks to all town departments for their cooperation and to you, the Board of Selectmen, for courtesies extended to us.
SAMUEL W. ATHERLEY, Chief,
LIONEL SHEPPARD ROBERT J. HILLS
Board of Engineers.
99
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Forest Warden
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1946.
Supplies and Equipment on hand :
1/2 Ton Ford Truck
Pump Cans 16
Fiber Brooms 40
Shovels
6
Our grass and woods fires numbered 85 this season. I look for an increase rather than a decrease in fires in the future, as this small department seems to be growing each year.
I wish to thank all those who were of assistance to me during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK O'MALLEY,
Forest Warden.
100
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 December 31, 1946.
Adjusted . Scales
Sealed Condemned
Platform, over 10,000 lbs. 4
5
1
Platform, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
5
28
Counter, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
2
Counter, under 100 lbs.
7
20
1
Beam, under 100 lbs.
3
8
Spring, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
4
1
Spring, under 100 lbs.
14
22
3
Computing, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
1
1
Computing, under 100 lbs.
10
26
Person weigher (slot)
8
1
Prescription
1
4
Weights
Avoirdupois
154
Apothecary®
80
Volumetric Measures
Liquid Measures over 1 gal.
6
Liquid Measures
52
1
Beam, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
101
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Automatic Liquid-Measuring Devices
Gasoline Pumps
44
Kerosene Pumps
6
4
Molasses Pumps
12
Oil Pumps
10
2
Stops on Pumps
33
Vehicle Tank Meter Systems
15
Grease-Measuring Devices
10
Linear Measures
Yard Sticks
3
Tapes
3
Totals
45
557
13
Total Number Tested
Number Correct
Under Incorrect
Bread
76
0
76
Dry Commodities
24
24
Flour
10
10
Totals
110
34
76
The usual listing or reweighing commodities sold or put up for sale appears in my report. Some complaints were recorded on weight of bread, but the O.P.A. saw fit to let the bread bakeries cut their loaf of bread, and still allowed same to use the millions of marked waxed paper wrappings which they had in stock.
Sealing fees collected and turned over to the Town Treasurer amounted to $89.13.
Transportation proved to be somewhat of a problem this year, but we are in hopes of giving better service this ensuing year.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
I have had the co-operation of several departments during the year for which I am very grateful.
It is indeed a privilege to be back serving the commu- nity after being in the service for three years.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM J. H. EWING
Sealer of Weights & Measures.
103
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Inspector of Wires
Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report, as Wire Inspector, from March 1946 to February 1947.
There were one hundred ninety-three inspections. This includes inspection of,
40 new services. 31 range services. 20 old services.
The remainder were reinspections and for additional wiring.
There were numerous telephone and house calls that do not come under inspections and of which I have no record.
Respectfully submitted,
ELMER A. WILEY
Inspector of Wires.
104
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Moth Superintendent
-
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my thirteenth annual report as Moth Superintendent.
It is a pleasure to report that excellent conditions prevailed this year relative to the gipsy and brown tail moth.
The annual Fall survey of private woodland areas was performed as usual, and it is gratifying to state that the number of egg deposits of the gipsy moth is few. None of the areas covered indicated the prospect of serious defolia- tion for 1947.
The brown tail moth problem also appears to be well in hand. With the regular Winter control program, the town should be relatively free of this insect during the coming year.
During the Summer a careful check was made on the elm leaf beetle situation. Light feeding was observed on a few trees in isolated spots. Generally speaking, I am pleased to report a noticeable improvement over last year. The early spraying program during May with the regular June program was sufficient to keep the insect well under control.
The common tent caterpillar gave us little trouble on the public highways during the year. This fact is explained
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
principally by the roadside brush cutting program which is gradually eliminating it's favorite host plant, the wild cherry.
To procure adequate help during the rush periods of spraying still presented quite a problem last Summer. An effort was made to employ as many Veterans as possible in this work, but only two or three were interested in this type of occupation.
Interesting developments are rapidly taking place in the control of many insect pests of forest and shade trees, through the use of the comparatively new insecticide DDT. It is obtainable in several forms, and is sold under various trade names. In the near future it is more than likely to completely supplant the use of arsenate of lead in the con- trol of insects which we are concerned with. It would be well for us to try some of this material next year.
In early June I made a trip to Medfield, Massachusetts, to witness the spraying of a large woodland tract by aero- plane. DDT was used on this operation with nearly one hundred per cent kill. A short time after coming in contact with the material, gipsy moths were falling to the ground to die by the thousands. Fifteen minutes is all that is needed for this material to work on the nervous system of an insect to cause death. With the use of arsenate of lead, it is necessary for the insect to devour the poison before dying. This would usually take at least twenty-four hours.
On this trip our attention was called to a large white oak, heavily infested with egg clusters of the gipsy moth. Two weeks previous the tree had been well sprayed with a DDT solution. A short time later, the eggs hatched, and
106
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
we witnessed the presence of thousands of dead caterpillars which were killed as soon as they came in contact with the material.
It appears at present that perhaps dusting machines are more efficient in dispensing DDT than the liquid spray machines which we are now using. However, before re- questing a higher appropriation for the purchase of one, it might be advisable to make further observations as to it's value. It would not necessitate discarding our present spraying machines if a dusting machine were purchased. Rather, it would be a valuable auxiliary unit in the timely control of the many insects attacking our shade trees.
Respectfully submitted, C. GARDNER CAVERLY,
Local Moth Superintendent.
107
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Tree Warden
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
I herewith submit my thirteenth annual report as Tree Warden.
The amount of work accomplished in this department far exceeded anything in the past years.
During the summer months, a great deal of attention was paid to the removal of dead and dying branches on the elms. From July to December more than one hundred of them within a short distance from Market Square received attention in one way or another.
Trees were removed from the highways during the season. One of these was by petition-standing on Linden Street. On Central Street, a Horse-chestnut was removed which had previously suffered from storm damage. At the South Common, a large elm which had died during the sum- mer of 1945, was removed in the winter.
A splendid start has been made in prolonging the life and reducing some of the hazards existing among many of our older shade trees. Some of these dangerous conditions have been in evidence for a long period of time, and are being corrected as rapidly as possible.
There was a noticeable decrease in the amount of storm damage throughout the Summer and Fall months. The reason for this can be attributed in a large measure to the repairs that have been made to date.
108
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
A considerable amount of brush cutting was performed on several rural streets of the town. The program laid out several years ago was temporarily disrupted recently be- cause of the labor scarcity. Again operations have been resumed, and a great deal of work has been accomplished along this line.
Due to the many miles of rural streets in Ipswich, I am convinced that the time has arrived when the main- tenance of brush can be more economically done through the purchase of a small power mowing machine of the walking type. This machine, over a period of time, would save us many dollars in the operation of brush cutting, and I am including an item of $400.00 in the 1947 budget request for that purpose.
The Dutch Elm disease is now well established in Massachusetts. A year ago it was confined to a few towns near the New York border, but during the year was dis- covered in Quincy. The latest reports indicate that it has spread to Weymouth, Braintree and Raynham. This calls for the best effort of all of us who are interested in the wel- fare of our elms to put them in the best possible condition · in order to ward off the danger of infection.
In previous reports I have stated that the principal carrier of this disease is the Elm Bark Beetle which lives under the bark of dead and decaying branches. If we re- solve to remove every branch of this nature from all of the elms during the coming year, we will have taken a big step toward an attempt to keep the disease out of Ipswich.
No one can accurately say just how far this menace will spread throughout the State, nor do we know how severe it might be if it strikes the elms here. But we must not wait for the disaster to happen before doing something
109
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
about it. Whatever we do must be done now, during 1947. I am, therefore, asking for $7500.00 to be spent largely on the elms on every street in town where attention is needed. When they are taken care of, other varieties will receive attention if sufficient funds are available.
Respectfully submitted,
C. GARDNER CAVERLY,
Tree Warden.
110 1
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Clam Commissioner
To the Citizens of the Town of Ipswich :
Once more I have to report to the Town that the clam industry is in a very poor condition. I do not know of any one reason that could be blamed for this condition. I have consulted State experts and Shellfish Officers from other towns and the story is always the same (clams are not grow- ing). We have many beds of small clams that normally would be ready for digging now, but they are the same size as they were a year ago. Why they are not growing is yet to be found out.
We have been through these periods of poor digging several times and there is no reason to believe that we will not come out of this one and have many years of prosperity ahead. Much work has to be done on our flats to get the best results of our next clam set or seeding which is sure to come.
Again I am going to stress the problem of mussels. More than one third of our best producing areas are now completely covered and lost to digging until they are taken off. We have started a project to rake them off, but this is only the beginning. It will take much work and money to get much relief from them.
At the Annual Town Meeting this year some new rules and regulations were made and it is my honest opinion that if they are given a fair chance they will prove to be valuable: assets to the industry.
111
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Again I recommend that some action be taken in regards to a road and landing in the back river.
I think the following clam dealers should be commended for their interest in the industry by their contributions to the enforcement of the No Sunday digging law. Namely- Vito Amerio, Gardner Hazen, Charles Como, George Mayes and George Pappas.
There were one hundred permits issued this year at ten dollars each.
Too much can not be said about the danger that the industry faces if the so-called, Parker River Refuge, is al- lowed to proceed. If we lose the flats involved in this farce which we are certain to, either by pollution by the ducks or by flooding. The industry will receive a staggering blow.
I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen, the Town Counsel, the Police Department and all others for their splendid co-operation in the year just ending.
Sincerely,
HENRY SHAW
Clam Commissioner.
112
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of the Board of Health
To the Voters of Ipswich :
The usual diptheria clinic was well attended during this year and as a result 199 inoculations were given to towns- people, but inasmuch as the incedence of this disease had greatly increased during 1946, your board felt it wise to supplement the usual clinic and did so with success, 322 people receiving booster inoculations as a result. This, we feel greatly contributed to the absence of this dread disease in our community, which fact was unfortunately not true throughout the Commonwealth. We plan to continue this practice as long as necessary to further safeguard the health of the community.
An inovation this year was the holding of an x-ray clinic, free to all. As a result, 79 adults were x-rayed, 8 children of school age, and 1 under school age. This was highly gratifying in the first clinic and it is also planned to continue similar clinics in coming years.
The well child conferences were continued under the direction of Dr. Collins and resulted in 48 physical examin- ations, 37 babies being present for the first time. These and approximately 250 home visits made were greatly ap- preciated by the favored townspeople.
A continued dangerous increase occurred in dog bite cases, a number really serious. In addition to the child or adult bitten and perhaps disfigured, each case costs the town the sum of $42.00, which amount is refunded if the dog is licensed, which, unfortunately is not usually the case. This has been repeatedly called to the attention of the proper
113
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
authorities but little to remedy the situation has resulted to date. Present existing conditions are a menace to health and a needless waste of the taxpayers money.
Countless favorable reports on the efficiency of the newly established garbage and rubbish collection were re- ceived. The equipment purchased has proved very satis- factory and is still in excellent condition. As more and more townspeople became aware of this new convenience, loads increased to the extent that it was necessary to hire an additional helper at times to complete collections on time. In order not to impair efficiency this was done and schedules maintained at all times. It is hoped that present equipment will prove adequate in the future but this depends entirely upon the amount of refuse. The staff, under the direction of Mr. Ladderbush have work untirelessly and deserve com- mendation for their efforts. The resulting sale of garbage returned $700.00 to the town treasury, and this figure should be bettered this coming year.
A complete sewerage survey is in the process of com- pletion from funds in the amount of $22,000.00, received from the federal government. This will prove invaluable when Ipswich must inevitably proceed with this project. Negotiations are now being held with the hope of federal construction funds being available when we are in a position to proceed. Dozens of long meetings were necessary before this money was obtained and thanks are certainly due to the members of the sewerage board who gave willingly of their time. Beside the members of the Board of Health, this committee also included Mr. Ronald Scribner, Vice-Chair- man, Mr. Fred Hinds, Secretary, Mr. John Singer, Mr. Charles Arthur, Mr. Edwin H. Damon, Selectman, and Mr. William E. Grew recently deceased. We also constantly consulted with the entire Board of Selectmen and the Town Counsel all of whom contributed valuable help. After care-
114
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
ful consideration the contract for plans was awarded to Hayden, Harding, and Buchanan of Boston, and thus far this firm has more than lived up to our expectations.
During the year a permit was granted for the establish- ment of a slaughter house in the north of town. The work of this institution has increased so greatly that thousands of animals passed through during the years. This increased the work of the slaughter inspector to the status of a full time job and resulted in a return of many fees to the treasury because all inspections must be paid by the owner. The place has been carefully kept in a sanitary condition and during the meat shortage proved a boon to a number of local merchants. The same careful supervision of this estab- lishment will be maintained during the ensuing year.
All previous health laws were renewed for 1946 with the addition of a number concerning the collection of rub- bish and garbage. If the townspeople will carefully follow these, the same standards of efficiency can be maintained in the future, with a consequent increase in health safeguards. Your Board is at present working on a set of simple restau- rant regulations which we feel necessary. Although a vast improvement in restaurant conditions is obvious, there are still one or two flagrant violations of healthful practices, and it appears that only laws can correct these. The majority of owners will have nothing to fear from their adoption.
The combined money returned to the treasury from tuberculosis subsidies, dog bite cases, slaughter fees, and garbage collections amounted to $2800 or over 20% of our original appropriation. In addition a sizable amount of unused money was returned. We have endeavored to operate the department in an economical manner in every instance where it was compatible with safety and common sense, and will continue to do so.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
A great deal of credit for the betterment in town health conditions has been due to the efforts of the Sanitary Agent and Milk Inspector, Mr. Paul M. Jodoin, who has worked hard and sincerely over the past year, and we take this opportunity to express our appreciation of his conscientious work.
Respectfully submitted,
LAWRENCE M. KING, Chairman, ERNEST J. SMITH, D. M. D. FRANK L. COLLINS, M. D.
116
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Communicable Disease Reporter
-
To the Board of Health:
Gentlemen :
Following is a list of contagious disease reported to the Board during the year ending December 31, 1946.
Chicken Pox
.4
Diphtheria
1
Dog-Bite
36
Influenza
1
Pneumonia Lobar
3
Mumps
3
Scarlet Fever
16
Whooping Cough
2
Gonorrhea
10
Syphillis
9
Measles
15
Tuberculosis (Kidney)
2
Anterior Poliomeylitis
1
102
One lobar pneumonia and influenza, reported as one case having out of town settlement.
Two dog-bite cases having out of town settlement.
Number of dog-bite cases Town will receive reimburse- ment three.
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL M. JODOIN,
Reporter of Communicable Disease.
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
117
Sanitary Agent's Report
To the Board of Health:
Gentlemen :
I submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1946.
Licenses granted:
Overnight cabins and camps
8
Methyl and wood alcohol 10
Collection of garbage and swill
1
Cleaning cesspool and vaults
2
Collection of tallow and grease
5
Funeral Directors
6
Burial and removal permits
64
Contagious disease posted
17
Cesspool and septic tanks
14
Permits to keep pigs
1
Slaughter house
1
Complaints
66
Notice to abate nuisances
34
Restaurant inspections
27
Store inspections
29
Soda fountains
9
Shucking houses inspected
17
Overnight cabins inspected
59
Public toilets inspected
26
Bakery inspections
4
Slaughter house inspections
1
Property inspections
30
Permits to send clothing
5
118
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Request for garbage collection
14
Request for rubbish collection Health interviews Violations, two contagious disease.
12
199
Condemned during the year:
Mattresses-2
Beef, pounds-139
Hamburg, pounds-17
Steak, pounds-5
Frankfurts, pounds-1
Tomatoes, pounds-5
Lima beans, pounds-5
Carrots, pounds-5
Candy, pounds-5
Lemon squares-4
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL M. JODOIN,
Agent.
119
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Milk Inspector
. To the Board of Health:
Gentlemen :
I submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1946.
Number of licenses issued to milk dealers 17
Number of milk licenses to stores and restaurants 42
Number of producers permits issued 47
Number of oleomargarine permits issued 15
Number of ice cream licenses issued
1
Number of pasteurize licenses granted
4
Number of dairies scored 19
Number of dairies not approved 3
Number of samples of milk tested for butter fat 42
Number of samples of milk tested for solids 38
Number of samples of milk tested for bacteria 73
Number of milk samples tested by, phosphatase 11
Number of milk samples test by microscopic Breed 20
Number of cream samples tested 6
Number of cream samples tested for butter fat 6
Number of cream samples test for bacteria 6
Number of ice cream samples tested
8
120
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Number of ice cream samples tested for butter fat 8
Number of ice cream samples tested for bacteria 8
Number of sediment test
29
Number of pasteurizer checked
18
Number of milk room inspections made
26
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL M. JODOIN,
Milk Inspector.
121
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Well Child Clinic
Diphtheria Clinic Report 1946:
Number first inoculations
199
Number of boosters 322
Number given Shick test Positive
12
0
Negative
12
X-ray Clinic Report 1946 :
Number of adults x-rayed 79
Number of school children x-rayed
8
Number of pre-school children x-rayed 1
Well Child Conferences for 1946:
Number of babies present 48
Number of babies present for first time 37
Number of physical exams given 48
Number of home visits made
250 estimate.
FRANK L. COLLINS, M.D.,
School Physician.
BEATRICE E. COLLINS, R.N.,
School Nurse.
122
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Inspector of Animals -
Board of Health,
Ipswich, Mass.
I submit herewith my report for the year ending December 31, 1946.
Number of Cows
636
Number of Young cattle 2 yrs.
84
Number of Young cattle 1 yr.
94
Number of Horses
100
Number of Bulls
20
Number of Sheep
92
Number of Swine
30
Number of Goats
28
Number of Cattle brought in from out of State 169
Number of Dogs Quarantined 14
Respectfully submitted,
G. LORING WOODBURY,
Inspector of Animals.
123
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Inspector of Slaughtering
To the Board of Health:
Gentlemen :
Following is a report of animals inspected during the year ending December 31, 1946.
Cattle
490
Calves
71
Hogs
5
Sheep
94
Horses
551
Respectfully submitted,
HILMER H. LINDGREN,
Slaughter Inspector.
124
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of 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, 1946.
General Relief
This past year, due to industrial conditions throughout the country brought about by strikes and a readjustment of industry, some people have been thrown upon the Welfare Department for the aid necessary to carry them over a period of unemployment. This unrest is still with us. One major industry affecting another on down the line. How long this will continue is purely conjectural, but while it is with us our own relief rolls will be increased temporarily.
Certain cases will always be with us because of their inability to secure employment. These people must be car- ried until the time comes to enter them in another category. Food, fuel and clothing prices are high, but these commod- ities are still necessary for survival.
The condition of the country at large has a great deal to do with General Relief disbursements and is our only barometer of the times and social conditions.
Old Age Assistance
Your Old Age Assistance budget shows an increase for various reasons.
First, during this past year, there have been three major increases in the budgets. The first took place when
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