USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1948 > Part 6
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1,757,740.00
Buildings exclusive of Land
5,798,275.00
Total Value Total Valuation of Assessed Estate
7,556,015.00
8,150,385.00
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Taxes for State, County and City or Town Purposes
Including Overlay :
On Personal Estate
27,341.02
On Real Estate
347,576.69
On Polls
4,520.00
Total Taxes Assessed
379,437.71
Number of Live Stock Assessed:
Horses
101
Cows
504
Bulls
15
Steers
69
Heifers
55
Swine
18
Sheep
91
Fowl
6,140
All Other
471
Number of Acres of Land Assessed
17,730
Number of Dwelling Houses Assessed
1,969
MOTOR VEHICLE AND TRAILER EXCISE
Number of Vehicles
2329
Value of Vehicles
$749,574.00
Excise Tax
21,792.22
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Town Clerk
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit to your board a report of the Town Clerk for the year 1948.
The usual duties of this office have been carried on in much the same manner as in previous years. Emphasis was placed on cutting expenses, giving prompt and informa- tive service, and this was in keeping with the procedures set down in former years.
VITAL STATISTICS
Births:
During the year 1948 the number of births in Ipswich were 189; a decrease of 41 from the previous year.
Males-91 Females-98
Parents residing in :
Ipswich 110
Essex
32
Hamilton
15
Rowley
14
Gloucester
2
Manchester
1
Topsfield
3
Wenham
5
Peabody
1
North Andover
1
Beverly
1
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
South Byfield 1
Rockport 1
Newburyport 1
Manchester 1
189
Births:
The number of out-of-town births to Ipswich parents : 38.
Marriages:
During the year 1948 the total number of mar- riages in Ipswich were 71.
The number of marriages of persons residing in Ipswich that were reported and recorded from out of town were 42.
Deaths:
The total number of deaths in Ipswich for the year 1948 is 77.
The number of those former residents of Ipswich who passed away elsewhere but were buried in Ipswich totals 54.
Males-69 Females-62
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
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
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 very 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 reasons why births should be recorded:
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.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
To establish liability to military duty, as well as the exemption therefrom.
To establish age and citizenship in order to vote.
To qualify to hold title to, and 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 en- tered into by an alleged minor.
To prove age for Old Age Assistance or retirement benefits.
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 sincerely appreciated.
The following licenses under the jurisdiction of the Division of Fisheries and Game were issued through this office in 1948:
Resident Citizens Fishing 96
Resident Citizens Hunting
195
Resident Citizens Sporting 86
Resident Citizens Minor and
Female Fishing 17
Resident Citizens Minor Trapping
3
Resident Citizens Trapping 10
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Resident Citizens Sporting and Trapping (Free) 30
Duplicate Licenses 4
Resident Military or Naval Service Sporting (Free) 6
The following dog licenses under the jurisdiction of the Treasurer of Essex County were issued in 1948:
Male 247
Female
29
Spayed Female
95
Kennel (2)-$25.00
2
Kennel (6)-$10.00
2
Military (Free)
4
NOTICE
For the benefit of the owners and keepers of dogs the following extracts of the General Laws is hereby submitted :
General Laws, Chapter 140, Sections 136 A-175 amended by Chapter 298 of 1932 and Chapter 320 of 1934:
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 commissioner or if kept in any town, in 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
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
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 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 ex- ceeding 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, col- lared or harnessed and tagged as required by section one hundred and thirty-seven.
At this time, I want to thank the various town officials and departments; especially the Board of Registrars of Voters, for their splendid co-operation throughout a very busy year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN F. DOLAN, Town Clerk.
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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, 1948.
Total number of arrests:
January
16
February
25
March
18
April
16
May
24
June
22
July
28
August
14
September
20
October
29
November
36
December
36
Total
284
Classification of Crime:
Assault
6
Assault with a dangerous weapon
2
Assuming to be a Police Officer
1
Allowing improper person to operate motor vehicle
1
Bastardy
1
Breaking and Entering
3
Carrying a revolver without permit 2
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Drunkenness 124
Disturbing the Peace
9
Delinquent children 6
Failing to slow down at intersection
3
Failing to stop at stop sign
5
Failing to display inspection sticker
14
Illegal possession of lottery tickets
3
Larceny 8
1
Leaving scene of accident (property damage) 6
Leaving scene of accident (personal injuries) 2 Malicious destruction of property 1
1
Misappropriation of automobiles
3
Lewd and Lascivious in speech and behavior Neglect of minor children
2
Non-support
2
Trespassing
3
Operating under influence liquor
33
Operating unregistered automobile 1
Operating uninsured automobile 1
Operating without license in possession
2
Operating so as to endanger
7
Operating without a license
7
Operating after revocation of license
2
Operating after rights to operate has been suspended 1
Passing where view was obstructed
1
Speeding
4
Unlawful sale of liquor to minor 1
Unlawful use of fireworks
2
Vagrancy 1
Violation Town By-laws (Chap. 18 Sec. 23) 3
Violation probation 1
Violation Fish & Game Laws - 5
Larceny of automobiles
Moving building without permit
1
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
159
Violation Town By-laws (Beacon) 1
Violation Chap. 266-Sec. 87
1
Total
284
Disposition of cases:
Appealed
11
Con't generally
2
Dismissed for want of prosecution
10
Discharged (Not guilty)
19
Defaulted
4
Filed on cost
3
Filed
67
Fined
83
Held for Grand Jury
3
Probation
5
Released
48
Sentenced to House of Correction 9
Sentenced to State Farm (Bridgewater) 1
Sentenced to School for Boys (Lyman)
1
Suspended sentence
13
Pending
5
Total 284
Miscellaneous :
Automobiles reported stolen 3
Automobiles recovered 5
Automobile license suspended or revoked 45
Automobiles transferred 640
Ambulance runs 137
Ambulance runs in Town 104
Ambulance runs out of Town 33
Assistance rendered to persons in distress 10
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Automobile collisions
95
Automobile accidents 45
Articles reported lost
81
Articles found
58
Animals reported lost
46
Animals found
25
Animals disposed
88
Animals injured by automobiles
30
Animals killed by automobiles
38
Bicycles registered 1948
121
Buildings found open and secured
120
Buildings reported entered
31
Complaints investigated 1495
Children located and returned home
5
Children turned over to Welfare home
1
Miles covered by ambulance
2,001
Miles covered by cruiser
25,684
Persons reported injured 45
Persons committed to psychopathic hospital 8
Persons bitten by dogs 16
Poultry killed by dogs
49
Parking summons issued
212
Remanded to House of Correction pending trial
3
Reported missing from home
15
Summons served
114
Summons served for outside departments 36
Turned over to other departments 2
Total bicycle registration 1,068
Warrants served for outside departments 10
Warrants served 24
Inventory :
Automobile 1
Ambulance 1
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Dragiron set
1
Radio equipment for station and cruiser 1 7
Flash lights
Handcuffs
5 8
Iron claws
Revolvers
9
Riot Gun
1
Rifle 1
The work of the Police Department varies little from year to year. The prime functions are the preservation of the public peace and order, the apprehension of offenders, the protection of person and property, and the enforcement of the laws of the State and the ordinances of the Town. For these purposes the Police are endowed with legal au- thority. In the exercise of their power, justice and equity should be ever the actuating motives.
To achieve true success any department must win and retain the confidence and respect of the public whom it serves. This can be accomplished only by constant and earnest endeavor on the part of all members of the depart- ment to perform their duties in an efficient honest and business-like manner, and by unqualified courtesy.
Our Town relies in a large part on its trade with the outsiders for its existence. We want and invite them here. We are anxious to get their business and trade. So you can readily see that Police Officers should make it his duty to see that no ungentlemanly or discourteous act on his part will ever be the cause of any person getting the wrong im- pression of the Town, and that he never acts in any manner detrimental to the welfare of the Town.
The calling of a Policeman is a profession, a very useful and responsible one, with duties, tasks and obligations so
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
numerous and of such importance that no young man should ever try to become an Officer unless he is ready to meet these obligations, and has a special aptitude or vocation for the position, and it is with this thought in mind that in selecting future applicants for the position of Police Offi- cers the most careful screening, including inquiry as to previous employment and background must be consi 'e ed routine. Every effort should be made to determine the applicants personality traits, for Police work demands, among other things emotional stability, instantaneous men- tal and physical reaction and readiness to accept respon- sibility.
Our Town like other communities has its traffic problems caused largely by motorists violating parking and traffic regulations. Successful enforcement can be attained only through cooperation between police and the public, in other words, between those given the task of enforcing the law and those whom the laws are designed to protect. The police do not wish to be too severe with those who violate traffic rules, but when public lives are endangered, the police must carry out their duties. Being a member of the park- ing committee, and after some thought and study on my part I strongly recommend the installation of parking meters on the following named streets, Market St., Central St., Depot Sq. and the area from the Atlas Lunch to Choate Bridge on both sides of the street.
It is most gratifying to me to report that during the past year only six cases of delinquency were presented before the Court. This record speaks for itself and reflects a desirable behavior on the part of the youth of the Town.
In conclusion I wish to express my thanks to the Board of Selectmen and to all other Town Departments for the
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
splendid way they have cooperated with the Police Depart- ment. I wish also to extend my thanks to the Justice of the Third District Court and to the Clerk for their assis- tance in many matters of importance. "Efficiently thru. cooperation."
Respectfully submitted, BYARD W. HORSMAN,
Chief of Police.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
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 1948.
Bell Alarms
43
Still Alarm
164
Ambulance Assistance 39
Classification of Calls were as follows:
Building Fires
16
Chimney Fires
13
Oil Burner Fires
23
Automobile Fires
19
Rubbish Fires
32
Dump Fires
24
Electrical Fires
5
Grass Fires
32
Woods Fires
15
Boiler Trouble
2
Persons Locked Out
2
Inhalator
2
Out Of Town Calls
2
False Alarms
1
Persons Lost
2
Miscellaneous Calls
17
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Runs made by apparatus was as follows:
Engine 1
15
Engine 2
42
Engine 3
177
Ladder 1
50
Equipment Used as follows:
21/2" Hose
4,800 Ft.
11/2" Hose 3,800 Ft.
Ladders Raised 418 Ft.
Gallons of Water-Booster Tanks
18,965 Gal.
Portable Pump
151/2 Hrs.
Engine 2 Pumped
3 Hrs.
A telephone Log has been kept from March 1 to Decem- ber 31 and shows that the desk man has answered 374 in- coming calls as well as making 282 outgoing calls.
Total Value of property threatened $54,775.00
Insurance carried on Buildings 86,300.00
Estimated Loss on Buildings 7,852.40
Insurance Paid on Buildings
7,127.40
Value of Contents
9,550.00
Insurance Carried on Contents
7,950.00
Estimated Loss on Centents
2,146.37
Insurance Paid on Contents
1,846.37
Total Estimated Loss on Building and Contents 9,998.77
Total Insurance Paid on Buildings and Contents 8,973.77
The year 1948 has been extremely busy for the Ipswich Fire Department as is true of all Fire Departments through- out the country. Statistics show the largest fire loss in the history of fire fighting however the actual fire loss in Ipswich has been very small as the above figures show.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
The North Ridge Road and Bay View fire alarm circuits have been completed and are in operation. The alarm sys- tem on the Southwest side of the railroad tracks has been rebuilt this year leaving a small portion of the entire system to be completed. It is evident that in the very near future it will be necessary to extend the alarm system to the many newly developed areas for their protection.
The Central Fire Station has been greatly improved by an exterior coat of paint which was very much needed.
The Board of Engineers are glad to be able to announce the delivery of the new Junior Aerial Ladder. The machine has already proven its value when weather conditions pre- vented the use of a man-raised roof ladder at a bad chimney fire thereby preventing a considerable property loss.
We suggest that consideration be given to the replace- ment of Engine One (our 29 year old pumper) by a 750 gallon pumper of modern design. This would relieve Engine Three to be used for its original purpose namely, grass, woods and dump fires. This piece of apparatus is designed for such work not the heavy overloading that the present use demands.
In closing, the Board of Engineers extend to all Town Departments appreciation for their co-operation and to The Board of Selectmen, thanks for the courtesies it has always extended to us.
Respectfully submitted, SAMUEL W. ATHERLEY LIONEL SHEPPARD ROBERT D. HILLS
Board of Engineers.
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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 31st, 1948.
During the past year 47 grass and woods fires occurred, none of which caused serious damage or loss, although sev- eral were of a threatening nature.
We have on hand the following list of equipment:
pump cans 12
brooms 23
I wish to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to Mr. Frank Wood and his men, and to Mr. Gardner Caverly and his men for their cooperation and timely help in many instances, and to all others who at various times assisted this department.
Yours respectfully,
EDWARD GRANT
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Moth Superintendent
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my fifteenth annual report as Moth Superintendent :
The comparative absence of the Gipsy and Browntail moth during the past year was most gratifying. During the normal feeding season from May to July, it was difficult to find a colony of any size throughout the town.
Although the Tent Caterpillar has been considerable of a nuisance in recent years, it was easily controlled on the roadside trees and shrubs during early May by a timely spray of lead and D.D.T.
While a great many of the insects which the department has to fight are at low ebb, we still have a serious problem regarding the Elm Leaf Beetle and the Fall Webworm. These two pests have kept us very busy in recent years, and apparently have no intention of surrendering without a stiff battle for at least another season. Since 1941 both insects have been a source of constant annoyance along the highways.
The year 1948 marked the second season of spraying the shade trees by the blower system with D.D.T. This system has several advantages over the old method of liquid sprays, although we are doing supplementary spraying with the old department equipment also. This consists of the solid stream application using D.D.T. powder, arsenate of lead and water.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
At the present time the majority of towns are following this procedure with the thought in mind of converting entirely to the blower system provided it has enough merit to warrant the change.
In closing, I wish to state that the insect situation in general is very encouraging. I am satisfied that everything possible is being done to suppress the many insects that attack our shade trees, with the determination to keep up the fight during the coming year.
Respectfully submitted,
C. GARDNER CAVERLY,
Local Moth Superintendent.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Tree Warden
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
I herewith submit my fifteenth annual report as Tree Warden :
With the substantial increase in the appropriation for 1948 the department was again able to accomplish a large amount of work during the past season.
From April through September 750 shade trees grow- ing within the limits of the highway received much needed attention in the way of pruning, cabling and bolting. Such repairs have been long needed, and will not only prolong the life of the trees, but will add to their safety and attrac- tiveness.
At the present time I am pleased to report that no evidence of the dreaded Dutch Elm disease has been found within the confines of Ipswich. During the Summer, with the co-operation of the shade tree laboratory at the Uni- versity of Massachusetts, the entire town was scouted for suspicious specimens which might be harboring the disease. Many samples were taken and sent to the laboratory for identification. A report was subsequently sent to me and all specimens were negative, which means that the disease is not yet known to be here.
Since it's entrance into Massachusetts, more than 2000 elms have died of the Dutch Elm fungous. Seventy-six towns within the state have been affected by it. No one can tell when it may enter Ipswich and kill a large number of our elms. This should be a good warning for us all to
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
keep a sharp watch for the first symptoms of the disease which are wilted leaves usually found in the crown of a tree. On discovering this condition, I would appreciate being contacted immediately, as timely recognition of the disease might prevent its spread over a larger area.
A large amount of brush cutting was accomplished during the past season along with the tree repairing activ- ities. Several miles of roadsides received attention along this line, particularly on corners and on narrow streets in the rural sections where possible hazards existed.
Approximately 70 shade trees were planted on the highways this year, and plans are being formulated to con- tinue the good work during the coming season.
Generally speaking, the condition of our public shade trees throughout the town is quite satisfactory. This is due wholly to the generous increase allowed the department during the past two years. There is much more to be done in the future, and will be done if the voters are willing to continue their present policy of appropriating ample funds.
Respectfully submitted,
C. GARDNER CAVERLY,
Local Tree Warden.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Park Commissioners
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
The Park Commissioners herewith submit their Annual Report:
The year 1948 was an exceptional one in relation to the amount of rainfall during the growing season. Until early August the department was kept particularly busy in an effort to keep abreast with the rapid growth of the various lawn areas in the center of the town. Much more money was spent for this item than was anticipated.
Although this year's budget included an item for the replacement of one of the flagstaffs in Market Square, it was impossible to obtain a new steel pole of proper specifica- tions. As a result, most of the money allocated for this purpose was returned to Revenue. We are assured that during the coming year the proper size pole will be available, so adequate funds are again being requested to cover this contingency.
Damage to public parks by inconsiderate persons still continue, and the Commissioners are constantly in the embarassing position of seriously considering taking legal action with offenders who disregard regulations which have been in force many years. This not only applies to children who persist in playing on areas set aside for esthetic pur- poses, but also to motorists who drive their cars across the parks, causing great damage.
A variety of color arrangement has been added to the tulip beds for the coming year. This is a departure from
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
the former practice of solid colors in all the beds. We felt that this idea might give the public a change, and lend a new note to these harbingers of Spring.
Respectfully submitted, C. GARDNER CAVERLY, Chr. HENRY S. BOWEN SAMUEL C. GORDON
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Town Forest Committee
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
Although no reforestation activity took place during the year 1948, some thinning was done in order to give the young pines a chance to increase their growth which were planted a few years ago.
, In one area a natural seeding of white pine is showing a considerable amount of vigor. This will be saved and encouraged to grow by eventually eliminating other growth as the size of the pines increases.
The planting done on the water shed in 1941 is rapidly increasing in size. In a short time the trees will be of suffi- cient size to help considerably in preventing soil erosion and assist in conserving the water supply.
We call attention to the fact that the areas available for reforestation are at present greatly limited, and urge the town to consider other lands in the near future for the further development and enlargement of the town forest domain.
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