USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1947 > Part 6
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$ 65.24
Outstanding December 31, 1947
451.96
$517.20
$517.20
131
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
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.
As the revenue we received from the state is based on our valuation, with a general increase all over the state. In order for us to receive a just proportion of this revenue. we were obliged to have a revaluation of the Town. If We had allowed previous values to stand we stood to lose about $10,000.00.
The Personal Property value in 1946 was $476,435.00 and Real Estate value in 1946 was $6,487,010.00, a total of $6,983,445.00.
The Personal Property value in 1947 was $601,500.00. and Real Estate value in 1947 was $7,253,460.00, a total of $7,854,960.00 a gain over 1946 of $871,505.00 which allowed us to make a rate of $40.00 per thousand. If we had allowed previous values to stand we would have had a rate of $45.00.
Our estimated receipts showed a balance over the amount estimated, also a substantial amount in overlay account, therefore an honest tax rate.
Respectfully submitted, C. CHESTER CALDWELL JOHN E. NORMAN RICHARD W. DAVIS
Board of Assessors, Ipswich.
132
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
1947 RECAPITULATION
Town Appropriations
$491,556.93
State Tax
5,900.00
State Tax Underestimated
158.25
State Parks and Reservations
421.99
State Audit of Municipal Accounts
23.26
County Tax
17,091.97
County Tax Underestimated
326.01
Tuberculosis Hospital Assessment
5,974.78
Overlay
11,068.56
Gross amount to be raised
532,521.75
Estimated Receipts and Available Funds
Income Tax
35,899.00
Corporation Taxes
18,766.27
Reimbursement on accounts State Owned Land
2,283.45
Gasoline Tax under Acts of 1946, Chapter 588
7,745.92
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
10,000.00
Licenses
6,350.00
Fines
331.79
Grants and Gifts
1,400.00
Special Assessments
178.00
General Government
1,500.00
Protection of Persons and Property
800.00
Health and Sanitation
2,800.00
Highways 700.00
Charities (other than Federal Grants for aid to dependent children) 1,600.00
Old Age Assistance (other than Federal Grants)
30,500.00
Old Age Tax (meals), General Laws, Chapter 64B Veterans' Benefits
1,925.00
Schools 4,500.00
620.00
Public Service Enterprises (such as
Water Dept. etc.) 31,000.00
133
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
:
Cemeteries (other than trust funds and sale of lots) 1,400.00
Interest: On Taxes and Assessments
800.00
Dog Licenses
600.00
Total Estimated Receipts and Available Funds
213,743.35
Net Amount to be raised by Taxation on Pools and Property
318,778.40
Number of Polls 2290
4,580.00
Valuation: Personal Property
601,500.00
Tax on Personal Property
24,060.00
Valuation: Real Estate
7,253,460.00
Tax on Real Estate
290,138.40
Tax Rate -$40.00
Net Amount to be levied on Polls and Property
318,778.40
Water Liens
517.20
Moth Liens
39.50
Total of all other commitments
319,335.10
TABLE OF AGGREGATES
On Personal Estate Only
594
On Real Estate Only
1455
On Both Personal and Real Estate
329
Number of Persons Assessed
2378
Number of Polls Assessed
2290
Value of Assessed Personal Estate:
Stock in Trade
$169,705.00
Machinery
76,195.00
Live Stock
55,540.00
All Other Tangible
Personal Property
300,060.00
Total Value
601,500.00
134
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Value of Assessed Real Estate:
Land exclusive of Buildings
1,711,275.00
Buildings exclusive of Land
5,542,185.00
Total Value 7,253,460.00
Total Valuation of Assessed Estate
7,854,960.00
Tax Rate per $1,000 - $40.00
Taxes for State, County, and City, or Town Purposes
Including Overlay :
On Personal Estate
24,060.00
On Real Estate
290,138.40
On Polls
4,580.00
Total Taxes Assessed 318,778.40
Number of Live Stock Assessed:
Horses
130
Cows
584
Bulls
16
Yearling's
91
Heifers
82
Swine
12
Sheep
88
Fowl
6,160
All Other
180
Number of Acres of Land Assessed
17,730
Number of Dwelling Houses Assessed
1,822
135
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Town Clerk
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith present to your Board a report of the Town Clerk for the year 1947.
VITAL STATISTICS
During the year 1947 the births numbered 230, an in- crease of 27 from the previous year.
Male 118
Females 112
Parents residing in :
Ipswich
157
Essex
13
Hamilton
23
Rowley
18
Gloucester
3
Beverly
3
Manchester
5
Georgetown
1
Topsfield
2
Newbury
1
Salem
1
Wenham
3
MARRIAGES
Total number received and recorded 112
DEATHS
During the year 1947 the deaths numbered 121, an in- crease of 32 from the previous year.
Males 67 Females 54
136
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
NOTICE
The attention of the parents is called to the law relating to the registering of births. The present requirements are as follows:
Chapter 46, 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.
The Attention of Physicians and
Midwives is called to Chapter 46, Section 6
Section 1. Physicians and midwives, shall, within forty- eight hours after the 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 exceeding 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.
137
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Some of the many reasons why births should be re- corded :
To establish identity.
To prove nationality.
To prove legitimacy.
To show when the child has the right to seek employ --
ment under the child labor law.
To establish the right of inheritance to property.
To establish liability to military duty, as well as ex- emption therefrom.
To establish age and citizenship in order to vote.
To qualify to hold title to, and to buy or sell real estate ... 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 properly recorded will be greatly appreciated.
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
The following licenses were granted through this office :
Resident Citizen Fishing 106
Resident Citizen Hunting 257
Resident Citizen Sporting 68
Resident Citizen Minor and Female Fishing 10
Resident Citizen Minor Trapping 5
Resident Citizen Trapping 18
Resident Citizen Sporting (Free) 23
Duplicate Licenses 9
Special Non-resident Hunting 1
Resident Military or Naval Service Sporting (Free) 6
Old Age Fishing 1
The following dog licenses were issued through this office: Male 314; Female 36; Spayed Females 95; Kennel 2 ($25.00) ; Kennel 6 ($10.00).
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:
Section 137. Licenses and Tags. The owner or keeper
139
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
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 commissioner or if kept in any other town, in the clerk thereof. The license shall be in a form prescribed by the director upon a blank to be furnishd, except in the County of Suffolk, by the county in which the town is located, and shall be subject 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 fowls. The owner or keeper of a licensed dog shall cause it to wear around its neck or 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, 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 retained by the Clerk unless otherwise provided by law. Any person may bring or cause to be brought, from another state or county, any dog licensed under 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
140
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
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 hundred and thirty-seven.
Respectfully submitted,
Edward S. Cogswell
Town Clerk ...
141
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Police Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen :
I have the honor to submit to you a resume of the duties performed by the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1947.
Total number of Arrests:
January
22
February
10
March
13
April
17
May
31
June
47
July
25
August
22
September
33
October
30
November
34
December
27
Total Arrests 311
Classification of Crime
Assault
5
Assault on Police Officer 7
Assault with intent to murder 1
Operating aircraft in careless and reckless manner 3
Operating aircraft less than 500 ft. over. habitation 2
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Operating automobile with defective equipment 1
Operating under influence liquor 27
Operating without registration certificate in possession 1
Operating unregistered and uninsured car 4
Operating so as to endanger 7
Operating without a license 8
Operating after revocation of license 3
Passing cars where view is obstructed
1
Resisting arrest
1
Speeding
2
Violating Town By-laws (Digging worms)
6
Violating Town By-laws (Motor Violation Beacon)
1
Violating Probation
3
Violating Chapter 272-Sec. 5
1
Violating Fish & Game Laws
4
Violating Health Laws
1
Total 311
Disposition of Cases
Appeal
9
Dismissed
5
Dismissed for want of prosecution
3
Discharged
10
Filed on cost of court
14
Filed
53
Fined
84
Held for grand jury
3
Probation
20
Pending
5
Annoying persons of the opposite sex
1
Adultery 3
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
143.
Allowing improper person to operate automobile 1
Attaching plates to car other than one to which they were assigned
1
Army deserter
1
Breaking and Entering (Night Time) 2
Breaking and Entering (Day Time)
1
Disturbing funeral procession
1
Drunkenness 130
Disturbing the peace
7
Delinquent children 8
Evading train fare
1
Failing to slow down at intersection
2
Fornication
1
Failing to stop at stop signs
29
Failing to display inspection sticker
2
Failing to register aircraft under rules and regulations 1
Illegal possession of lottery tickets
1
Larceny 8
Lewd and lascivious in speech and behavior 2
2
Leaving scene of accident after causing property damage 1
Leaving scene of accident after causing personal injuries 1
3
Malicious destruction of property
1
Misappropriation of automobiles
3
Murder
1
Maintaining gambling nuisance
1
Neglect of wife and minor children
1
Non-support
5
Released
77
Sentenced to house of correction
7
Lewd and lascivious cohabitation
Leaving scene of accident
144
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Sentenced to school for girls 1
Suspended sentence 16
Turned over to other departments
4
Total
311
Miscellaneous : .
Automobiles reported stolen
7
Automobiles recovered 7
Automobile license suspended or revoked 49
Automobiles transferred
692
Ambulance runs 144
Assistance rendered to persons in distress 11
Automobile collisions 63
Automobile accidents 58
Articles reported lost
67
Articles found
56
Animals reported lost
59
Animals found
12
Animals disposed
63
Animals injured by automobiles
25
Animals killed by automobiles
25
Buildings found open and secured
104
Buildings reported entered
14
Complaints investigated
1,568
Children located and returned home
15
Miles covered by ambulance
2,085
Miles covered by cruiser
25,890
Persons reported injured
39
Persons committed to psychopathic hospital 8
Persons bitten by dogs
20
Poultry killed by dogs
16
Parking summons issued
136
Remanded to house of correction
pending trial 4
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
145
Reported missing from home 5
Summons served 123
Summons served for outside departments 55
Warrants served 22
Warrants served for outside departments 12
1
Inventory of Police Department:
Automobile (Cruising)
1
Ambulance
1
Dragiron set
1
Radio equipment for station and cruiser
1
Flashlights
7
Handcuffs
5
Iron claws
8
Pistols
9
Riot gun
1
Rifle
1
As the acting Chief of Police of the Department I am able to report that a decided increase in the number of persons arrested and charged with offense increased over the previous year and only one conclusion can be drawn- that the trend in crimes committed has been noticeable generally.
There however is one bright aspect and that is, the number of juvenile cases which were brought to the atten- tion of the department. It is most gratifying to me to report that only eight cases were tried before the Court and that in two incidents they were second offenders.
The problem of automobiles and the question of parking is still a serious factor with the increased number of auto- mobiles. To say, that there is not enough curb space for parking is true. There is hardly a citizen to-day who isn't
146
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
"traffic conscious", but it is hard to say which is more exasperating to him, the danger of free movement on the highways or the game of hide and seek for a spot to safely park his car. Much can be done to eliminate curb parking and it is hoped that a satisfactory report from our Town Parking Committee will be forth coming and that some action will be taken to have off the street parking.
During the year Frank Machaj the Chief of Police of the department since 1940 resigned his position to enter the field of electronics and the department wishes him suc- cess in his new field of endeavor.
I wish to convey my deep appreciation for the spirit of cooperation that has been afforded me and I commend each departmental member for the compatible manner in which he has carried out his assignment. I am sure it reflects great credit upon outlaw enforcement branch and that the departments harmonious function will continue for the bene- fit of the Town.
In conclusion I wish to express my grateful appreciation for the co-operation and assistance extended to me by the Justice and Clerk of the District Court and to the Honorable Board of Selectmen and other Town Departments who has assisted me during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
BYARD W. HORSMAN,
Acting Chief of Police.
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
147
Report of Fire Department
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen :
Following is a report of the Board of Engineers of the Fire Department for the year 1947.
Bell Alarms
35
Still Alarms
177
Assembly calls 10
Fake Alarms
1
Ambulance Assistance Calls
40
Out of Town Calls
4
267 Total
Total Mileage covered by apparatus 1037
Engine 1 Pumped 2 hours
Engine 2 Pumped 171/2 hours
11/2" Hose laid 4,200 feet
21%" Hose laid 15,800 feet
Ladders raised 415 feet
Gallons of Water Pumped from Booster Tanks 20,655 gallons.
Classifications of Calls were as follows:
Building Fires 21
Chimney Fires 10
Grass, Wood and Brush Fires 66
Dump Fires 14
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Oil Burners Flooded
9
Automobiles
18
False
1
Missing Persons
1
Person in River
1
Locked out of Houses
3
Inhalator Calls
4
Plane Down
1
Assistance to other Cities and Towns
4
Ambulance Assistance Calls
40
Miscellaneous Calls 74
267 Total
The Value of Property Threatened
$121,850.00
Insurance Carried on Property
2,688,750.00
Estimated Loss on Buildings
8,788.55
Insurance Paid on Buildings
8,969.55
Value of Contents
1,494,500.00
Insurance Carried on Contents
1,411,900.00
Estimated Loss on Contents
8,338.00
Insurance Paid on Contents
4,338.00
Total Estimated Loss on Buildings and Contents 17,126.55
Total Estimated Paid on Buildings and Contents 13,307.55
The year 1947 has been a very busy one for the Ipswich Fire Department but fortunately the loss has been nominal in comparison with losses listed throughout the country.
As a whole our fire equipment is in good condition with the exception of Engine I to which we again call your attention. This piece of kit has passed its twenty-eighth birthday, and without question should be replaced with a new 750 gallon pumper in order to maintain adequate pro- tection for the town. Fire alarm construction on outside circuits has been according to our planning and reasonable amount of replacement has been made.
149
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
We plan to continue this work until all old material has been replaced.
The new circuits to Great Neck and Bay View has not been completed due to the shortage of material but we hope to have it in operation by March the first.
The sections of the Town, Namely Little Neck, Great Neck, and Bay View, are so located as to give cause for anxiety. This rapidly developing area with the shell like construction of cottages is certainly a fire hazard due to the distance of such area from the Central Fire Station. We hope that a formula for more adequate protection for these localities can be developed.
The interior of the Central Fire Station has been given a thorough house cleaning through the united efforts of the "Permanent Men". We are proud of their achievements and cooperation and hope that the public will inspect the results of their efforts. Unfortunately our plans for ex- terior repairs and painting could not be accomplished so we are requesting that money turned back this year by the department will again be allotted at Town Meeting, for the same purpose.
We regret to announce that one of our oldest permanent men, Frank O'Malley has been forced by ill health to enter the Middleton Sanatorium. We hope that his recovery wili be speedy.
In closing, the Board of Engineers extend to all Town Departments appreciation for their cooperation and to the Board of Selectmen, thanks for the courtesies it has always extended to us.
Respectfully submitted, SAMUEL W. ATHERLEY, Chief, ROBERT D. HILLS LIONEL SHEPPARD
Board of Engineers.
150
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, 1947.
Supplies and equipment on hand:
Pump cans 12
Brooms 20
Grass and woods fires number seventy.
I wish to thank all those who were of assistance to me during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD GRANT,
Acting, Forest Warden.
151
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Moth Superintendent
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen :
It is again gratifying to inform you that the Gipsy and Brown Tail moth problem during the year 1947 was of small importance. No serious defoliation was observed in the many wooded areas of the town, which is always an accurate method of determining the extent of their numbers each year.
A survey during the Fall months indicates that we can look for an increase in next years infestation, however. In some woodland tracts, a sizeable increase in the number of egg clusters of the gypsy moth were discovered as compared with last year's deposits at this period. This can easily mean that we may look for a gradual increase in numbers of this insect and a consequent increase in economic damage to our woodlands.
The Tent caterpillar problem was likewise of little im- portance last Spring. An early roadside spray promptly disposed of many, while unfavorable weather conditions early in the season accounted for the disposal of the re- mainder.
The Fall webworm was prevalent again during August . and September. Many requests came into the Department to eliminate them by cutting off the webs or by spraying. Practically nothing could be done however, because of the cut in the 1947 budget. As a result, many unsightly nests showed up on the highways during the Fall months. It
152
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
should be borne in mind that the web worm can be quite easily controlled by one spray if the funds are made available.
An early application of one of the D.D.T. mixtures was applied to the shade trees on the public highways about the middle of May by the new mist type sprayer with excellent results. This operation was followed in late June by the usual application of arsenate of lead applied by the Depart- ment with the regular town equipment. Such excellent con- trol of the elm leaf beetle and other leaf feeding insects was obtained in this manner, that I strongly recommend the same procedure in 1948.
Respectfully submitted, C. GARDNER CAVERLY,
Local Moth Superintendent.
153
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Tree Warden
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
I herewith submit my Annual Report as Tree Warden:
With the increased appropriation of 1947 a great deal of activity took place in the Department during the year. Space provided in this report would be insufficient to enumerate the large amount of work performed on the shade trees in any detail.
In early July several men were employed in the removal of dead wood, with special attention being given to the elms. Approximately three hundred of this variety received much needed attention. In several bad storms during late Sum- mer and Fall, the small amount of damage to shade trees was very pronounced because of the heavy pruning of weak and dying limbs which had already been removed in the improvement program. This fact readily demonstrates the wisdom of appropriating larger sums of money to preserve and maintain one of the greatest heritages of an old New England town, its shade trees.
In previous annual reports it has been stated that present day conditions are taking a heavy tool of roadside trees. This fact is becoming more and more evident as the years pass on. Many weaknesses of individual trees can be traced to poor environment caused by road and sidewalk construction, leaky gas mains and high tension wires. Old age is also an important factor that cannot be overlooked. Within the center of the town we have many trees of tre- mendous size which are actually living on borrowed time. They are expensive to maintain, and naturally an unfavor- able environment is detrimental to their general health.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
With these problems in mind, one may readily see that it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain the shade trees and remove those that must be removed without appropri- ating a considerable amount of money. Although present day costs are almost prohibitive, we cannot overlook our responsibility in caring for them and renewing as many as possible when removal is necessary.
During the year, two trees were removed from the highways by petition, while several others were removed wholly or in part due to their dead or dying condition. Ten trees were also planted along the roadsides. Most of these were sponsored by the Girl Scout troops of Ipswich, and I take this opportunity to express my thanks to the Organ- ization, and hope their interest and zeal will continue through the years.
Dutch Elm Disease:
Although we have not been affected by this disease in Ipswich, it is an ever present menace to the safety of our elms. Within a year's time it has spread to several towns almost within a stones throw from us.
Due to the lack of state or federal funds, each town or city is expected to assume all costs for removal of any afflicted trees. They must be promptly taken down when definitely known to be so diseased.
Our only hope lies in appropriating sufficient funds in 1948 to continue the work of tree repairs started last year in an effort to invigorate the elms to a point where their susceptibility to the disease will be reduced to a minimum.
Respectfully submitted,
C. GARDNER CAVERLY,
Local Tree Warden.
155
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Park Commissioners
-
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
The Park Commissioners herewith submit their Annual Report.
The usual duties of this Commission have been carried on in much the same manner as in former years.
The gradual increase in the labor supply has been of great assistance in the administration of this department. It may be remembered that during the war years it was particularly difficult to obtain sufficient help to carry on the work expected of us.
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