USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1950 > Part 4
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Paid Up Shares
5 shares $ 1,000.00
Ipswich Savings Bank
Cash
354.90
United States of America
G Bond 212% (Apr. 1958) $500
500.00
$1,854.90
Income received during 1950 used for Library purposes: $46.36. Value December 31, 1950 is the lower of cost or market.
DANIEL W. POOR, JR., Treasurer
IPSWICH PUBLIC LIBRARY - GEORGE SPILLER FUND
Investment or Deposit In
Description
Amount of Shares
Value Dec. 31, 1950
Salem Savings Bank
Cash
$ 812.05
United States of America
G Bond 21% (Feb. 1958)
$1,000
1,000.00
$1,812.05
Income received during 1950 used for Library purposes: $45.30.
Value December 31, 1950 is the lower of cost or market.
IPSWICH PUBLIC LIBRARY - ABBY L. NEWMAN FUND
Ipswich Co-operative Bank
Paid Up Shares
1 share
$ 200.00
Ipswich Savings Bank
Cash
1,109.99
United States of America
G Bond 23% ( Apr. 1958) $1,000
1,000.00
$2,309.99
BUILDING FUND
Ipswich Savings Bank Cash $ 85.28
Income received during 1950 added to principal in 1950: $56.12. Income of Newman Fund not to be used for operations expense. Value December 31, 1950 is the lower of cost or market.
DANIEL W. POOR, JR., Treasurer
1634
1951
REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF
IPSWICH, MASS.
THE BIRTHPLACE & AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1950 and the THREE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEENTH YEAR of the TOWN'S INCORPORATION
STANLEY A. HULL & SON, PRINTERS IPSWICH, MASS.
109
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Town Counsel
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Ipswich, Mass.,
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit a report of your Town Counsel for the year 1950.
Except for the Ipswich Beach matter there have been no Court actions in which the Town of Ipswich was involved dur- ing the year 1950. Certain matters were directed to my atten- tion, particularly by the Board of Health, in which it was thought that Court action might be instituted; however, after an examination of the law and conferences with the parties involved the matters were adjusted without Court action.
There have been the usual conferences with the various Town officials and the rendering of opinions to various depart- ments. In very few instances the requests for opinions came as a result of controversies between citizens and heads of de- partments. The requests in nearly all instances came from an honest desire on the part of various Town officials to handle the affairs of the particular department in accord with the laws of Massachusetts and Town By-laws. A large number of re- quests were occasioned in anticipation of having the affairs of various departments under the jurisdiction of the Town Man- ager, who will assume his duties in 1951. In all of these
110
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
requests and conferences the officials were most co-operative and anxious to have their affairs conform to law.
In view of the fact that the matters relating to the Ipswich Beach have been assigned as a special matter, a separate report is being filed on this subject.
May I take this opportunity to thank the members of the various departments with whom I have had contact during the present year for their cordial feelings which were existent throughout the various conferences.
WILLIAM F. HAYES,
Town Counsel
111
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Town Treasurer
To the Citizens of the Town of Ipswich:
The report of the Town Treasurer for the year 1950 is herewith submitted:
Cash Balance January 1, 1950 $ 204,474.15
Receipts
1,059,136.52
Expenditures
$1,263,610.67 1,019,027.98
Cash Balance December 31, 1950 $ 244,582.69
Detailed reports of all financial transactions of the town for the year may be found in the report of the Town Accoun- tant.
The amounts listed below are a part of the cash balance of $244,582.69.
Electric Light:
Operations
$ 27,056.12
Depreciation
28,883.62
Construction
5,056.16 $ 60,995.90
112
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Water Department:
Water Softening Plant
$ 44,741.81
Construction
3,951.96
Operations
324.25
49,018.02
Total
$ 110,013.92
In view of the fact that no money was borrowed this year, no effort was made to determine the borrowing capacity of the town.
In conclusion, may I express my sincere appreciation for the splendid co-operation accorded me by the Town and State officials and the townspeople.
Respectfully submitted,
ELWYN F. MCCARTHY,
Treasurer
113
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Tax Collector's Report
ELWYN F. MCCARTHY, Collector
Motor Vehicle Excise 1947
Outstanding January 1, 1950 Collections
$ 367.08
$ 182.11
Abatements
184.97
$ 367.08
$ 367.08
Motor Vehicle Excise 1948
Outstanding January 1, 1950
$ 913.04
Collections
$ 647.79
Abatements
231.45
Outstanding December 31, 1950
33.80
$ 913.04
$ 913.04
Motor Vehicle Excise 1949
Outstanding January 1, 1950
$3,444.29
Commitment
462.81
Refunds
111.24
Collections
$3,452.40
Abatements
526.69
Outstanding December 31, 1950
39.25
$4,018.34
$4,018.34
114
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Motor Vehicle Excise 1950
Commitments
$43,051.12
Refunds 948.21
Overpayments to be adjusted
.29
Collections
$38,756.70
Abatements
2,233.49
Outstanding December 31, 1950
3,009.43
$43,999.62
$43,999.62
Personal 1946
Outstanding January 1, 1950
$ 46.68
Collections
$ 38.25
Abatement
8.43
$ 46.68
$ 46.68
Poll 1947
Outstanding January 1, 1950
$ 34.00
Collections
$ 16.00
Abatements
18.00
$ 34.00 $ 34.00
115
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Personal 1947
Outstanding January 1, 1950 $ 527.60
Collections
$ 275.60
Abatements
252.00
$ 527.60
$ 527.60
Real Estate 1947
Outstanding January 1, 1950
$ 190.00
Collections $ 190.00
Poll 1948
Outstanding January 1, 1950
$ 116.00
Refund
2.00
Collections
$ 48.00
Abatements
70.00
$ 118.00
$ 118.00
Personal 1948
Outstanding January 1, 1950
$1,148.37
Collections
$ 779.91
Abatements
60.26
Outstanding December 31, 1950
308.20
$1,148.37
$1,148.37
116
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Real Estate 1948
Outstanding January 1, 1950 Collections Added to Tax Title
$1,149.10
$ 541.90
607.20
$1,149.10
$1,149.10
Poll 1949
Outstanding January 1, 1950
$ 107.86
Refund
2.00
Collections
$ 63.86
Abatements
46.00
$ 109.86
$ 109.86
Personal 1949
Outstanding January 1, 1950
$5,165.20
Collections
$4,373.44
Outstanding December 31, 1950
791.76
$5,165.20
$5,165.20
Real Estate 1949
Outstanding January 1, 1950
$35,819.30
Collections
$30,173.07
Abatements
370.89
Added to Tax Title
1,607.13
Outstanding December 31, 1950
3,668.21
$35,819.30
$35,819.30
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Poll 1950
Commitments Refunds Collections Abatements Outstanding December 31, 1950
$4,686.00 6.00
$4,152.00 448.00
92.00
$4,692.00
$4,692.00
Personal 1950
Commitments
$28,793.52
Refunds
7.35
Collections
$25,101.87
Abatements
153.09
Outstanding December 31, 1950
3,545.91
$28,800.87
$28,800.87
Real Estate 1950
Commitments
Refunds
$354,398.94 408.75
Collections
$319,885.40
Abatements
5,923.57
Added to Tax Title
1,449.60
Outstanding December 31, 1950
27,549.12
$354,807.69
$354,807.69
Tax Titles
Balance January 1, 1950
$6,538.66
Added to Tax Title
3,804.04
Foreclosures 1949 not reported
$ 1,677.70
Redemptions
1,892.79
Balance December 31, 1950
6,772.21
$10,342.70
$10,342.70
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Moth 1948
Outstanding January 1, 1950 $ 16.50
Abatements $ 16.50
Moth 1950
Accounts Receivable
Commitments
$ 839.50
Collections
$
647.00
Abatements
9.00
Added to Taxes 1950
159.50
Outstanding December 31, 1950
24.00
$ 839.50
$ 839.50
Moth Added to Taxes 1950
Commitments Collections Outstanding December 31, 1950
$ 159.50
$ 115.50
44.00
$ 159.50
$ 159.50
Water Liens Added to Taxes 1950
Commitments Collections Outstanding December 31, 1950
$ 807.30
$ 201.90
605.40
$ 807.30
$ 807.30
117
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, 1950.
Equipment on hand:
Pump Cans
15
Brooms 40
Supplies None
The conditions this year were serious, due to an extensive dry period during the spring and summer, necessitating at times continued patrols. Many investigations were made and complaints checked. Much of this work was done without charge by the deputy-wardens, to whom I express sincere thanks.
I am grateful to Chief Atherley and the Engineers for the use of Engine 3, and a great deal of their equipment in our work, and to all department heads who have so readily assisted us in many valuable ways.
Respectfully, RUSSELL SCAHILL,
Forest Warden
118
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Town Forest Committee
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Town Forest Committee herewith submit their an- nual report:
Although no new planting program was carried on during the year 1950, we have from time to time inspected the young trees which were set out several years ago on the property under the jurisdiction of the Water and Light Commissioners; also on the twelve acre tract under the control of the Town Forest Committee bordering the Newburyport Turnpike. We are pleased with the results of our efforts connected with both of these enterprises, although a considerable amount of main- tenance work is needed at the Turnpike property.
It should be borne in mind that no appropriations have ever been made to establish these two plantings. The local Scout organizations were responsible for the labor operations in 1941 when the trees were set out.
Under present economic conditions, it is doubtful whether satisfactory progress can be made in the near future relative to enlarging the size of the Forest. Nevertheless, the present stand is growing each year, and when a favorable opportunity arrives, more plantings will be made.
Respectfully submitted,
C. GARDNER CAVERLY SAMUEL C. GORDON JOSEPH E. THOMAS
119
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Ipswich:
Gentlemen:
Herewith submitted is the report for the Department of Weights and Measures from January 1st through December 31st, 1950.
Attached please find the work performed by your Sealer, plus trial weighings and measurements of commodities sold or put up for sale. These I find very good.
Fees in the amount of one hundred fifty-eight dollars and five cents have been collected by me and turned over to the town treasurer. There is also uncollected fees in the amount of six dollars and thirty cents.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM J. H. EWING,
Sealer
1
120
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Playground Committee
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
The Linebrook Playground has had a very successful sea- son. More baseball has been played and an eight-club softball league. The tennis courts have been well patronized, and the school program had a large attendance among the teen-agers and younger.
A large number of mothers took advantage of the part under the trees especially fitted up with sand boxes, tables, chair swings and a small size chute for the little folks.
A chain link fence has been erected the whole length of Linebrook Road, making it safe for the children and keeping them off the street.
The playground is in splendid shape. A hot-top surface was laid on the tennis courts last year, making a good playing surface for a long time to come. There are four courts.
New bleachers have been erected this year, one section at the softball diamond, and four sections at the baseball dia- mond. These have been adequate for any attendance that we had last year.
The equipment at the playground I feel is adequate at the present time. It consists of 8 chair swings for the little folks, a Merry-Go-Round, Giant Stride, three Chutes, many Swings and See-Saws. There is a combination set containing Swings, See-Saws, Trapeeze, Rings, 16 ft. Slide and Horizontal Bar. Also plenty of tables and sand boxes.
12]
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
The softball diamond is in good shape, according to the players, with the exception that some work should be done to the base paths which can be attended to in the spring.
The regular diamond is also in good playing condition, needing only routine conditioning in the spring.
We bought a power mower machine, at a price of $364.50, that we had to have and by economies absorbed the price out of our appropriation.
In August, Stanley Eustace resigned as chairman and from the committee. I was then appointed chairman and carried on until the close of the season.
Due to the purchase of the power mower there was a shortage of money but by putting the ground keeper on part- time after Labor Day we were able to keep the grounds open until October 15, and all equipment was taken down and care- fully packed away in the building.
There were three carnivals and a firemen's muster during the summer.
It may seem a long shot but it is probable that including carnivals, muster, ball games, the school program and all other factors, the total attendance for the year must have been in the neighborhood of 50,000. People do not realize what an important place this playground has in the life of the town.
In regard to the needs for the coming year, I think that there is no need for any expenditures for this year outside of routine expenses. Personally I would recommend that if any more money is spent for recreation purposes it should go towards developing playground spots in other parts of the town.
This report is the personal report of the Clerk of the Com- mittee as I have not had a chance to contact the other members.
122
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
I should add to this report that there are at present only four members on the committee. Stanley Eustace resigned, Raymond Barrows went into the Navy and Rev. Mihos was called to another church out of town.
HENRY S. BOWEN, Chairman and Clerk VERNON POLLARD ROLAND SINGER RUSSELL SCAHILL
Playground Committee
123
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Park Commissioners
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
The Park Commissioners herewith submit their annual report:
There is little variation in the administration of this de- partment from year to year. The principal responsibilities which the Commissioners assume are the maintenance of the various lawn areas at the South Green, Market Square and the North Green; also the planting and maintenance of tulips and bed- ding plants on these same plots.
The long protracted dry spell during the Summer, when the grass suffered considerably from lack of moisture, was nothing unusual. Each year the North Green plot loses color and vigor due to the shallow soil and outcropping of ledge so close to the surface. However, it quickly responds to the numerous showers encountered in July and August. When the cooler weather appears, it soon takes on its natural green verdure and flourishes again.
Due to the acceptance of a Town Manager form of govern- ment, which will be inaugurated this year, there will no longer be a board of Commissioners to administer the work in this department. It will be placed under a department of Public Works, and although we must surrender our authority with reluctance, we wish the new system every success and take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation to every citizen who took an interest in the public parks during the past years.
Respectfully submitted,
C. GARDNER CAVERLY, Chairman SAMUEL C. GORDON
Park Commissioners
124
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Moth Superintendent
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my annual report as Moth Superin- tendent.
A departure from the old system of insect control was made this year through the purchase of a mist blower, which largely replaces the old hydraulic type of spraying machine. It has proven to be most satisfactory and somewhat more economical than our other machines in fighting leaf devouring enemies of shade trees. It likewise has considerable merit in the con- trol of mosquitos.
Again this year, the elm leaf beetle was of chief concern and the leading insect to fight in the preservation of foliage along the highways. The new piece of equipment did a fine job in controlling this pest early in the season. Subsequent sprays were applied during the season with splendid results.
The fall web worm, which has been with us for several years, was easily controlled this year for the first time with the D.D.T. sprays applied with the new blower.
We have been particularly fortunate in escaping the ravages of the gipsy and the brown tail moth in recent years. This is undoubtedly only a temporary respite, but we will find ourselves better equipped to combat them when they return, through the use of more modern machinery.
Only casual mention is made of the canker worm, tussock moth and tent caterpillar at this time because of our compara- tive immunity from them at the present time.
Respectfully submitted,
C. GARDNER CAVERLY, Local Moth Superintendent
125
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Tree Warden
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
I herewith submit my annual report as Tree Warden.
The sum of five thousand dollars was made available to this department for the year 1950, but due to two very severe storms in September and November, an additional seven hun- dred and fifty dollars was transferred for this unforeseen emer- gency. There are still many injured branches to be removed in some cases, and others which can be braced and repaired as a result of these violent storms.
Several shade trees were removed from the highways this year, in most instances due to the lack of adequate moisture for the past four years. The unprecedented dry spells since 1947 have taken a heavy toll on the health and vitality of scores of old trees which have been fighting hard to exist due to the infirmities of age. The absence of soil moisture over a long period of time has been sufficient to cause great suffering and subsequent death to many of them. Due to the increased work necessary to take care of pruning and expected removals, I find it imperative to ask for the sum of seven thousand five hundred dollars for the coming year. This amount should be enough to take care of emergencies which might arrive, as well as the tremendous amount of maintenance which seems to increase every year.
The Dutch Elm Disease is gaining momentum in the State each season. At present, thousands of trees have died from the ravages of this disease in Massachusetts alone. It is costing thousands of dollars to remove them from the highways in order
126
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
to insure the safety of the public. At the present moment only one elm has been confirmed by the shade tree laboratories at the University of Massachusetts to be afflicted by this fun- gus in Ipswich. It was promptly cut down and burned.
Brush cutting activities have been carried on to a lesser degree than usual this year. The increased demands of time on the care and maintenance of large shade trees has been such that other work has been given second place on the program. A few new trees have been planted, and more will be this coming year wherever space will permit.
Respectfully submitted, C. GARDNER CAVERLY,
Local Tree Warden
127
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Board of Health
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
Your Board of Health functioned efficiently during this past year without untoward incident.
Agent Blake completed his studies at Essex County Agri- cultural School and for the first time the local milk inspector is qualified to make necessary milk analyses and thus is in a position to provide better than ever safeguards in this impor- tant phase of his work. We wish to commend Mr. Blake for the efficient and conscientious manner in which he has con- ducted his various offices now that he is thoroughly familiar with his duties. The law has been enforced firmly and fairly, but with due consideration for all concerned. We also reiterate our thanks to the Commonwealth officials who assisted during the period our Agent was not qualified. This proffered assist- ance was invaluable and is gratefully acknowledged. The local utility services were maintained at the same high level of effi- ciency that the townspeople have now accepted as their right, and were interrupted but once during a necessary halt for major repairs to the equipment, which we again call the Finance Committee's attention to, were long overdue because of the yeoman service this particular truck has given over the years. This necessitated having outside trucks and, together with the cost of repairs, contributed substantially to our not unex- pected deficit in our appropriation.
While we are cognizant of the request for additional utility collections, especially from High Street and Town Farm areas, we regret it is absolutely impossible to comply with our present
128
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
limited equipment. We are also glad to report we were able to renew the present agreement for disposal of refuse by nego- tiating a new contract at a higher figure. We wish to again commend Mr. John Ladderbush for his unusually fine job in maintaining this service and also his fellow employees.
The number of patients at the Middleton Sanatorium con- tinued to be above the average and their maintenance above the cost allowed in our appropriation. This is one factor, of course, beyond control, and when our dilemma was explained to the Finance Committee, they understood and readily voted an added $2500 from the general reserve fund. As usual, we strongly urge periodic examinations, which are available at a fraction of their actual cost, for all persons presently concerned, and those with past histories. This year saw us accepting several hopeless cases where inevitable death resulted, some of which may well have lived had attention been given to the early signals of this dread disease. In every single case, we were successful in obtaining refunds through collections of State subsidy fees which materially lessened the cost to the Town, though not reflected as a savings in our budget.
Periodic and popular Well Child Clinics were held under the able direction of Dr. Frank L. Collins, and Miss Eleanore Richardson, R.N., and a detailed account of their activities may be found in a separate report. We wish to thank Miss Richard- son for her valuable contribution to the efficiency of this work and the manner in which she has so well co-ordinated her Board of Health duties with her other multitudinous ones.
Restaurant inspections continue regularly and excellent co- operation has been enjoyed from the various owners with one or two outstanding exceptions. Our patience is about exhausted in these cases and our town will have one or two fewer such establishments unless rules and regulations are more faithfully followed henceforth. The vast majority are to be highly com- mended.
129
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
We regret it is again necessary to call attention to Section III, Chapter III, of the General Laws, which requires all phy- sicians to immediately report all diseases dangerous to public health to the Commonwealth through the office of the Board of Health. These figure importantly in the computation of valuable statistics, and also are used locally for records, quarantine post- ings, etc.
We must call attention to the comparatively recent regula- tion making it illegal to transport coal, sawdust, ashes, rubbish, debris, or any material not covered in some way as to prevent it being deposited upon the local highways. Disregard of this regulation has resulted in many complaints in the town landing area due to the fishing industry and prosecutions may prove necessary unless the condition is eliminated.
We appreciate the co-operation received from other de- partments during the year and pledge ourselves to make an all out effort to continue the efficient operations of the services and regulations under our direction.
Respectfully submitted, LAWRENCE M. KING, Chairman F. L. COLLINS, M.D. ERNEST J. SMITH, D.M.D.
Board of Health
130
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Milk Inspector
Gentlemen:
I submit the following report for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1950:
Number of
Licenses issued to milk dealers 16
Licenses issued to stores and restaurants
53
Producers' permits granted 43
Pasteurize licenses granted 4
Oleomargarine licenses granted
14
Dairy barns scored 30
Milk room inspections made
20
Pasteurizer checked during the year
8
Milk samples tested for butter fat
21
Milk samples tested for solids
21
Milk tested for bacteria (plate count)
21
Cream tested for butter fat 8
Cream tested for bacteria (plate count) 8
Water tested for bacteria 4
Glasses and dishes tested for bacteria in restaurants 12
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN H. BLAKE,
Milk Inspector
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
131
Rubbish Collection, 1951
South and East
Central and North
West Area
Area
Area
January 8, 22
January 3, 17, 31
January 10, 24
February 5, 19
February 14, 28
February 7, 21
March 5, 19
March 14, 28
March 7, 21
April 9, 23
April 11, 25
April 4, 18
May 14, 28
May 9, 23
March 2, 16
June 11, 25
June 6, 20 June 13, 27
July 9, 23 July 18
July 11, 25
August 6, 20 August 1, 15, 29
August 8, 22
September 17 September 12, 26 ยท September 5, 19
October 1, 15, 29
October 10, 24
October 3, 17, 31
November 12, 26 November 7, 21 November 14, 28
December 10, 24
December 5, 19 December 12, 26
LAWRENCE M. KING, Chairman FRANK L. COLLINS, M.D. ERNEST J. SMITH, D.M.D.
Board of Health
132
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Communicable Disease Reporter
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