USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1947 > Part 7
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The various plots of ground which compose the public parks received regular attention during the mowing season. All lawn areas were kept as neat as possible. After the tulip display in the Spring, bedding plants were set out for added color during the Summer.
It is mandatory that something be done about the flagstaffs this year. Both are in a dangerous condition and must be removed early in the season. We recommend the removal of both and the replacement of only one at the present time, since costs are almost prohibitive. The sum of $1000.00 has been set up in the 1948 budget for this pur- pose.
We wish to call attention to the condition existing at the site of the settees in Market Square. Thoughtless per- sons make a regular habit of disposing of newspapers and all sorts of rubbish at this point. For some time a rubbish
156
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
container has been placed there for the reception of such debris, but usually there is a daily accumulation left on the seats for more tidy persons to put up with. We will greatly appreciate more co-operation in this matter. The container was placed there for the express purpose of taking care of this problem.
Respectfully submitted,
SAMUEL C. GORDON HENRY S. BOWEN C. GARDNER CAVERLY, Chr.
157
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Town Forest Committee
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen :
The Town Forest Committee reports that no reforesta- tion activities took place during the year 1947. Inspections were made however, of the two areas planted during the past four years. The first being that located at the mu- nicipal watershed on High street, the latter located on a twelve acre tract bounded by the Newburyport turnpike and the Old Right road.
The Committee are looking forward to enlarging the planting on the Old Right road in the Spring if possible. As no appropriation for labor has never been asked for, we have been dependent upon civic minded groups to assist us in the actual planting work.
In order to further develop this tract, it will be neces- sary to do considerable cutting of the deciduous growth now standing there. We propose to allow a few men to cut out such growth under the supervision of the Committee and use the wood for fuel in their own homes. In this way we will benefit by opening up planting areas, while those who perform the work will obtain fuel for themselves.
On the section of this property which was planted several years ago considerable clearance must also be done in the immediate future in order to give the young trees a chance to develop. Here again an opportunity is afforded to obtain fuel by someone who is willing to use an axe and abide by the rules which will be put into effect by the Com- mission.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH E. THOMAS SAMUEL C. GORDON C. GARDNER CAVERLY, Chr.
158
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Playground Committee
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen :
There have been more activities at the Linebrook Play- grounds in 1947 than in several years. In addition to the School program there has been a baseball game every even- ing besides Saturdays and Sundays. Soft Ball has also been played nearly every evening. There have been three carnivals.
While some improvements might be made the grounds have been kept in very good condition. The exception being the tennis courts. These have not been in usable condition for two years. The only thing that can be done to make them playable is a complete rebuilding. It is some 30 years since they were built and nothing constructive has been done to keep them in condition. The drainage has been steadily growing worse until the courts are continually wet and soft. Last year the committee had a man from a firm that specializes in tennis court construction and he gave us a figure of $4500. to reconstruct the courts and put on a hot top surface the same as the courts in Hamilton. The Committee felt at the time that the town might appro- priate $5000, payable in five years at the rate of $1000 a year. The courts could be put in top condition and made available for playing. But the town meeting thought other- wise and nothing was done. The same thing could be done this year if the town so wished.
The Committee has made no recommendation in its budget-this on account of the heavy expense the town has
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
been under this year, and has kept the amount it has asked for down to a minimum. We have tried to take care of the needs of the children and what was absolutely necessary for the rest.
One big improvement the committee has made this year was repairing the building at the Linebrook grounds. The underpinning was bad and the showers were in an unusable condition. A cement block foundation has been placed under the whole building and concrete floor has been laid over the whole inside of the building, the showers and toilets fixed and electric lights rewired. This cost around $600. Some new equipment has been bought for the chil- dren of school age, and we are in hopes to get tables this year for the use of the smaller children.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY S. BOWEN,
Clerk of Committee.
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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 De- cember 31, 1947.
Adjusted Sealed Scales
Not Condem- Sealed ned
Platform, over 10,000 lbs.
3
5
Platform, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
10
28
Counter, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
1
7
Counter, under 100 lbs.
4
20
Beam, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
1
2
Beam, under 100 lbs.
1
2
Spring, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
1
5
Spring, under 100 lbs.
17
27
1 1
Computing, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
0
0
0
0
Computing, under 100 lbs.
9
33
2
Person weigher (slot)
7
1
Prescription
2
4
Weights
Avoirdupois
5 175
Apothecary
112
Volumetric Measures
Liquid Measures over 1 gal.
73
Liquid Measures 12
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Automatic Liquid-Measuring Devices
Gasoline Pumps
8 45
5
Kerosene Pumps
12
Molasses Pumps
2
Oil Pumps
10
Stops on Pumps
43
Vehicle Tank Meter Systems
12
1
1
Grease-Measuring Devices
14
Linear Measures
Yard Sticks
4
Totals
62
654
9
3
Total Number Tested Correct
Number
Under Correct
Over Correct
Bread
600
0
0
600
Coal (in paper bags)
50
40
0
10
Dry Commodities
150
0
0
150
Fruits and Vegetables
60
45
0
15
Totals
860
85
0
775
-
The Director of Standards for the State of Mass. re- quested numerous checkings and markings on bread. As a great many bakeries were cutting the weight on bread, and not discarding the old weight markings on wrappers. I am pleased to state that this condition did not exist in our local Ipswich stores. Several thorough checks at various times revealed no irregularities.
Sealing fees collected and turned over to the Town Treasurer, amounted to $94.18, an increase of $4.05 over last year's receipts with no increase in fees. This present year anticipates a larger increase in revenue to the Town.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
I wish to thank the heads of several departments who- have cooperated with me during the past year.
Also the Honorable Board of Selectmen who made it possible for me to serve my community.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM J. H. EWING,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
163
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, 1947.
The Clam industry is at its lowest ebb since 1932. We had plenty of small clams in many of the flats in the Spring of 1947, but for some unknown cause most of them died; those that did survive did not grow. I planted some beds this year for experimental purposes and less than one-fourth of them lived.
I have conferred with several biologists and they all agree that there is something wrong, but what? I took the temperature of the water at different times and places, and as late as the middle of September found the water tem- perature far to high for the best interest of the clams. I am of the opinion that if we have a cold winter with plenty of ice on the flats there will be a big improvement. Many of our best sandy flats have a film of slime and mud on them that only ice will clean off.
I am again going to stress the mussel problem. During the last year we gathered and took off many hundreds of bushels, but taking them off by hand-labor is not the answer. I believe the answer is a power-drag similar to an oyster- drag. I believe more could be taken off with a drag in one day than could be taken off in two weeks by hand-labor. Many suggestions have been made about burning them off. That has been tried with a flame thrower and was not suc- cessful because all it did was to burn the meat and leave the shells. It is the shells that must come off as they are what holds the muck and water on the flats. Approximately eighty percent of our mussel beds are dead shells.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
I have attended several hearings this year in regard to clam legislation and after listening to the arguments brought out in these hearings, I firmly believe what the industry needs most is research. I believe if experimental stations were erected, one on the North Shore and one on the South Shore, they would go far toward solving our problems.
There have been some radical changes suggested for the industry during the last year, I believe the Town should investigate very carefully any changes that would endanger an industry so valuable to the Town.
Violations of the clam laws were very few this year with the exception of a few worm law violators who were quickly brought under control.
I wish at this time to thank the Board of Selectmen, the Town Counsel, the Police Department, and all others who co-operated with me during the year just ended.
Respectfully yours,
HENRY SHAW,
Clam Commissioner.
165
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT.
Report of the Board of Health
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
Communicable Disease. The year 1947 ended without any serious outbreaks of communicable disease. Chicken pox was the most predominant locally and it was also state- wide. Dog-bites were serious in the number reported how- ever, only four cases required anti-rabic treatment. We have, in the past, called the attention of the Town Officials to the seriousness of unlicensed dogs but to no avail. The Board of Health is concerned about the treatment and quarantine of these cases, however, we feel that strict en- forcement of unlicensed dogs will save the Town money in the future.
Two cases of infantile were reported and of these one was serious. Tuberculosis showed an increase over previous years, seven cases were reported of which two died. The diphtheria clinic sponsored in conjunction with the school department was most successful there being a total of 65 children inocculated. We are proud to report that in our school system today there are only 26 children who have not been inocculated against this dread disease. We hope and urge the parents of these children to have this treat- ment given for their own safety.
Rodent Control. We urge all home-owners to rid them- selves of this pest. Our agent is only too willing to help you, and if your problem is beyond his scope he will gladly call in Mr. Carl B. Henry, Federal Agent who will help you out and make recommendations.
Swimming. The Board voted to close the lower Ipswich River to swimming from the dam at the Sylvania plant to
166
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
the Town Wharf as it was felt that because of the waste and sewerage that was being dumped into the river it was for the safety of the children that this area be closed and that it be kept closed until such time as a sewerage system has been installed.
Sewerage. The word "sewerage" is not a new one in our reports. We can only report that the condition have reached the stage where they are alarming. The board has run into problems where houses built years ago with outside privies are now being reconstructed and remodelled and installing modern toilets, it was found that there was no room in the yard or the homes situated either on ledges or some similar place where it was impossible to properly in- stall a cesspool or septic tank. The Board has issued over fifty cesspool and septic tank permits this year and we have instructed our Agent to inspect the sites for their installa- tion so that in the future our problems will not be as grave as they now are.
The Board opines that the sooner a sewerage system is installed, the better off we are going to be, because during the past year two manufacturing concerns interviewed the Board in regard to locating here but due to the fact that the town had no proper way for them to dispose of their waste and with no danger to the public health, it was impossible for them to locate in this town. The Board feels that if the town is to grow as a manufacturing center, or even as a residential town it certainly needs a sewerage system as soon as possible.
Rubbish and garbage. Since the inauguration of the rubbish and garbage collection by the Board it has proven most successful, however, we have reached the point where- by it is impossible for the Board to take on any new collec- tions outside of the areas now being collected. It was our belief that when this program first started it would eliminate
167
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
existing nuisances that were present at that time, we are happy to report that it has worked out that way. We can only say that if any further increases are demanded of the Board it will become necessary for the Board to ask for another truck and additional labor.
We call attention of the people living in the South and East areas of the Town, that the collections falling on the dates of April 19, May 31, and September 6, 1948, will be eliminated because of holidays.
Restaurant Survey. This survey was conducted by our Agent and out of 19 bacteria samples taken from glasses and dishes, the first 14 samples taken only one showed the required count of the United States Public Health Service requirements. The average reading per glass or dish ran from 14,000 to 1,000,000 and some counts were impossible to read. A re-check was made on five samples after instruc- tion were given on dishwashing and sterilization of glasses with the result that the bacteria counts ran from minus 6 to 1400 which was the highest. The above information will explain why the Board strongly urges the adoption of res- taurant regulations which will also apply to soda fountains.
The Agent of the Board of Health has recommended to the Board the adoption of these regulation and the mem- bers of the Board have made a study of them. One of the regulations would require all eating and drinking places to be licensed by the Board of Health.
According to the number of complaints received relative to the serving of ice cream in some establishments it is felt that the Agent is justified in asking for regulation relating to the sale of ice cream. (These regulations would cover the washing of ice cream dishes, spoons and scoops an oper- ation now carelessly handled in many instances). These
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
regulations would also acquire a permit from the Board before a person would be able to sell ice cream.
The Board is also studying the abolishments of the so-called glass bubblers used for rinsing purposes.
The Milk Inspector has also recommended to the Board the immediate adoption of a regulation whereby all milk in the Town of Ipswich shall be pasteurized or certified raw. At the present time of all the milk sold in the town, 90% is pasteurized.
We take this opportunity of thanking all who have made our work during the year a pleasure rather then a burden.
Respectfully submitted,
LAWRENCE M. WING, Chairman, FRANK L. COLLINS, M. D. ERNEST J. SMITH, D. M. D. PAUL M. JODOIN, Clerk.
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
169%
Rubbish Collection
West
Area
South & East Area
Central & North. Area
January
January 12-26
January
7-21
14-28
February
February
February
4-18
9-23
11-25
March
March
March
3-17-31
8-22
10-24
April
April
April
14-28
5-19*
7-21
May
May
May
12-26
3-17-31*
5-19
June
June
June
9-23
14-28
2-16-30
July
July
July
7-21
12-26
14-28
August
August
August
4-18
9-23
11-25
September
September
1-15-29
6 *- 20
September- 8-22
170
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
October 13-27
October 4-18
October 6-20
November
10-24
November 1-15-29
November 3-17
December 8-22
December
13-27
December
1-15-29
Denotes holiday
No collection will be made on the dates of April 19, May 31, and September 6, 1948. These dates are entirely eliminated.
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
171
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, 1947.
Chicken Pox
95
Diphtheria
1
Dog Bite
35
Gonorrhea
17
Influenza
1
Infantile (Anterior Poliomeylitis)
2
Pneumonia Lobar
3
Tuberculosis Pulmonary
7
Scarlet Fever
3
Trichinosis
1
Whooping Cough
10
Salmonellosis (Para Typhoid)
2
Syphilis
1
178
Trichinosis out of town settlement.
Influenza out of town settlement. One dog bite case out of town settlement.
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL M. JODOIN,
Reporter of Communicable Disease.
172
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Sanitary Agent's Report
To the Board of Health
Gentlemen :
I submit the following report for the year ending De- cember 31, 1947.
Licenses granted :
Overnight cabin and camp
6
Collection of swill and garbage
2
Collection of tallow and soap grease
4
Cleaning cesspool and vaults
2
Funeral Directors
5
Methyl and wood alcohol
12
Slaughter house
1
Slaughter house (poultry)
1
Cesspool and septic tank permits
42
Burial permits
105
Complaints
85
Nuisance notices
30
Garbage complaints
9
Bakery inspections
4
Restaurant inspections
49
Shucking houses
12
Store inspections
32:
Overnight cabin inspections
54
Public toilets
20
Soda fountains
7
Property inspections
19
Contagious disease posted
7
Bacteria survey of glasses, cups and plates
19
173
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Condemned during the year:
Beef 42 pounds, hamburg 17, cheese 10, candy 10, cookies 10, frankfurts 4, bacon 4, liver 8, pies 11, cup cakes 3 dozen, jelly rolls 2, grapes 8, peppers 5, tuna fish 1, scallops 1, puddings 8, English muffins 1 dozen, and 2 mattresses, one bed. Miscellaneous : tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, eggs and croquettes.
Respected submitted,
PAUL M. JODOIN,
Agent.
174
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Milk Inspector
To the Board of Health
Gentlemen:
I submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1947.
Number of licenses issued to milk dealers 17
Number milk licenses issued to stores and restaurants 49
Number of producers permits issued 47
Pasteurization licenses issued 4
Manufacturers ice cream licenses issued
3
Oleomargerine licenses issued
15
Dairy barns scored
24
Dairy barns scored and not approved
3
Certificate of registration revoked
1
Milk room inspection
20
Milk samples tested for butterfat
34
Milk samples tested for solids
33
Milk samples tested for sediment
27
Milk samples tested for bacteria, standard plate count 38 Milk samples tested for bacteria Microscopi Breed Test 25 Milk samples tested by phosphotase (Pasteurize Milk) 25 25.
Cream samples tested for butterfat
Cream samples tested for bacteria 22
Ice Cream samples tested for butterfat
5
Ice Cream samples tested for bacteria 5
Ice Cream mix sampled for butterfat
2
Ice Cream mix sampled for bacteria 2
Milk tested for off flavors 2
Condemned during the year, 81 quarts of milk, 3 quarts of ice cream, 8 icebergs.
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL M. JODOIN, Milk Inspector ...
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
175
Report of Inspector of Slaughtering
To the Board of Health
Dear Sirs:
I hereby submit the annual report of slaughtering for the year of 1947, at Ipswich.
Month
Horses
Cows
Veal
Sheep
January
71
16
1
3
February
81
4
1
March
67
3
1
2
April
103
3
May
83
June
62
1
July
23
3
6
August
60
1
September
161
2
1
1
October
200
November
143
3
December
173
1227
28
8
16.
Respectively submitted,
HILMER H. LINDGREN,
Slaughter Inspector ...
176
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Inspector of Animals
Board of Health, Ipswich, Mass.
I submit herewith my report for the year ending December 31st, 1947.
Number of Cows
574
Number of Heifers 191
Number of Horses
85
Number of Bulls 30
Number of Sheep
93
Number of Swine
21
Number of Steers
41
Number of Goats 37
Number of Dogs Quarantined
20
Number of Dogs-brought into town without a health certificate 6
Number of Cows-brought in from out of State 146
Respectfully submitted,
G. LORING WOODBURY,
Inspector of Animals.
177
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Superintendent of Streets
-
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen :
I submit herewith the annual report of the Highway Department for 1947.
Tabulation of Time Equipment Worked in 1947
Miles
Hours Gals. Gas Qts. Oil
Truck-Walters No. 1
5979
1317
2529
204
Truck-Walters No. 2
4203
757
1616
102
Truck-Ford No. 3
10034
2229
1730
50
Truck-Chevrolet No. 4 12883
2162
1237
65
Tractor-Cletrac
282
426
56
Roller-Gasoline
249
347
14
Grader-Rome
694
469
623
31
Mixer-Cement
44
20
4
Tractor-Fordson
5
5
Loader-Gravel
68
34
8
Loader-Snow
168
207
32
Inventory December 31, 1947
No.
Amount
1 Cart, Two Horse
10.00
1 Derrick, Hand
80.00
1 Forge and Anvil Snow Fence, 6000 feet
500.00
1 Grader, Rome
1440.00
1 Grader, Whier
35.00
1 Kettle, Tar
10.00
25.00
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
1 Loader, Gravel
175.00
1 Loader, Snow
5850.00
1 Mixer, Cement
80.00
1 Marker, Street 55.00
1 Plow, Road
20.00
3 Plows, Blade Snow
450.00
1 Plow, V-Shaped-Truck
900.00
1 Plow, V-Shaped-Tractor
600.00
2 Plows, One Way-Truck
1000.00
1 Plow, Sidewalk-Tractor
35.00
5 Plows, Sidewalk-Two Horse
275.00
1 Roller, Stone-Two Horse
15.00
5 Spreaders, Sand
600.00
1 Sweeper, Two Horse
35.00
3 Screens, Gravel
15.00
1 Roller, Gasoline
5850.00
1 Tractor, Cletrac
1350.00
1 Tractor, Fordson
35.00
2 Trucks, Small Dump
2700.00
2 Trucks, Large Dump, Walters
22000.00
1 Truck, Pickup
1200.00
1 Wagon, Oil
10.00
$45350.00
Other Tools
2700.00
$48050.00
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS E. WOOD,
Superintendent of Streets.
179
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, 1947.
General Relief
During this past year, industry has released employees and due to the unsettled conditions certain types of indi- viduals have been unable to establish themselves in other jobs. Some of those released are untrained persons who cannot easily adjust themselves in other fields. These people do not qualify for Old Age Assistance or Aid to Dependent Children and are, therefore, thrown back on General Relief for aid to carry the family until some other occupation is found. What the year of 1948 will bring in industrial circles, we can only guess.
The other type of person in this catagory is the indi- vidual not suited for any type of employment and the in- dividual too old or physically incapacitated to handle em- ployment if it was given to him.
Food and clothing have gone to unreasonable heights and it cost the department more to maintain these persons. Again, where these prices will stop, we can only guess.
The general employment conditions throughout the country is the only yardstick we can use to measure our costs for the coming year.
Many persons released from employment have collected their unemployment insurance and have no money left. If
180
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
these persons do not find employment they may become relief recipients.
Old Age Assistance
Your Old Age Assistance budget has increased this year because of the high cost of commodities on the market. Food, clothing and heating agents have gone up and are still going up. The State submitted new budgets during the year increasing the grants to these elderly people so that they could have an increased buying power in a rising market.
Our rolls are holding very close to the 140 mark but we are yet not quite sure whether or not we have reached our peak. This is controlled, of course, by the number of citizens in need reaching the age of 65, the eligible age for this catagory.
The State submits a standard budget for the needs of these people and the figures therein are our guide in making out an individual's budget. These people are doing a superb job of living on the money allotted to them in these days when the cost of everything on the market has skyrocketed.
Recipients aided Jan. 1, 1947
Applications received during year 33 140
Approved
29
Not approved 3 169
Closed during the year for
various reasons. 29
Total cases as of Dec. 31, 1947. 140
181
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Aid to Dependent Children
This catagory takes care of the children in the families where, through sickness, death, or desertion, the bread win- ner is no longer present. Again in determining the budget for the family, we use the State Standard Budget. Though our case load has not increased a great deal as to families, the number of children now cared for has more than doubled and, of necessity, with this increase in persons, our expen- ditures have increased.
Total cases as of December 31, 1947
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