USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1954 > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9
ARRESTS: Total arrests by the Ipswich Police Department totaled 262. These arrests are classified as follows:
Allowing improper person to
operate 3
Assault 2
Drunkness 121
Operating under influence of liquor 33
Excessive speed
11
Larceny 8
Malicious mischief to property 5
Misappropriation of automobile 2
Operating to endanger 3
Operating after suspension of license 4
Operating without a license Violation of no inspection sticker 12
Passing school bus 5
(
Stop sign violation 10
Passing car when view is obstructed 6
Delinquents
2
(
Miscellaneous 28
These cases were disposed of as follows: Appealed to Superior Court 7
Fined
74
(
Released 63
(
Filed on costs 33
(
Found not guilty
9
Sentenced to House of Correction 9
(
(
Suspended sentence 12
Miscellaneous
8
( (
Police Department, left to right: Sergt. Boleslaw S. Radzinski and Chief Stanley Surpitski in conference
14
(
(
(
Filed 47
7
(
OTHER ACTIVITIES: The Police department investigated 1077 complaints, 167 business establishments found open at night, and secured by the police, 140 bicycle registra- tions issued and 354 parking summons is- sued.
156 ambulance calls handled, travelling 2,882 miles for the year.
The police cruiser travelled 30,391 miles.
49 accidents investigated and 142 minor accidents reported.
1
943 auto transfers were handled.
Clam permits and beach parking stickers issued as follows:
Resident clam permits 509
Non-resident clam permits 716
Resident beach stickers 1394
Summer resident stickers 327
Automobile violation notices
sent to Registry for action (demerit system) 99
The Ipswich Police Department was awarded a plaque for the year of 1953 by Rudolph King, Registrar of Motor Vehicles and the American Automobile Association
for Excellence of Pedestrian Record in Ips- wich, Mass.
The National Safety Council, American Automobile Association and the Registrar of Motor Vehicles of Massachusetts will present the Ipswich Police Department two plaques for Excellent Pedestrian record, and no automobile fatalities for the year of 1954 in Ipswich, Massachusetts.
NEW EQUIPMENT: During 1954 the old cruiser, a two door Ford Sedan was traded in for a 1954 Ford, four door station wagon and is used as a police cruiser and emer- gency police ambulance.
POLICE PROBLEMS: Traffic and parking in the business area is one of our biggest problems. Our records, after a years con- stant drive by the police for parking viola- tors, show no relief in traffic or parking situations in the business area.
The present municipal parking space should be enlarged to relieve the parking problem.
Town Clerk administrating oath to newly appointed Police Officers after passing their Civil Service examination
SANITATION DIVISION
John Ladderbush, Foreman
SERVICE: During 1954 rubbish and garbage were collected on all town streets. There were two men on each truck, all on a full time basis. In the latter part of June 1954.
the old refuse packer was turned in and a new one purchased.
WORK LOAD: The garbage truck traveled 8078 miles and picked up 769 cubic yards of garbage. The refuse packer covered 8776 miles and disposed of approximately 7262 yards of rubbish.
15
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Samuel W. Atherley, Chief
Following is the report of the Fire Depart- ment for the year 1954. The Department answered 364 calls during 1954 as against 355 in the year 1953. There were 61 Bell. 249 Still Alarms and 54 Ambulance Calls.
In the main there were 10 Buildings, 11 Flooded Oil Burners, 41 Grass & Brush, 8 Automobile Fires, 63 Cellars pumped out and a variety of other calls such as Leaking Refrigerators, people locked out of their homes, Ice removed from Roofs, Flag Pole Halyards installed and many others that space will not permit at this time.
During the two Hurricanes the entire Department was called into the Station to stand by during the Storm and consider- able service was rendered to the various Town Departments.
Two persons were rescued from the waters of the Ipswich River during the year, also the Chiefs Wagon which was put in com- mission May 1 transported two persons to the Cable Hospital and one to the North Shore Babies Hospital in Salem, during the absence of the Police Ambulance.
These runs have proven the value of this unit to the Citizens of Ipswich, as it is available at all times twenty four hours around the clock.
Fire Department equipment during 1954 covered a total mileage of 6,549 Road miles which is approximately 30,000 Miles in Engine wear, due to Power Take Off
work of these Motors.
3.500 Ft. of 21/2, 5350 Ft. 11/2 Hose was laid, 1541 Ft. of ladders raised and 18,200 Gallons of Booster Water pumped.
88 Oil Storage Permits were issued and $44.00 in fees collected and deposited with the Town Treasurer.
Property threatened by Fire .... $ 53,200.00
Insurance Carried on Property 107,000.00
Estimated Loss 8,569.00
Insurance Paid on Loss 6,782.95
Contents threatened by Fire 22,000.00
Insurance Carried 15,700.00
Estimated Loss 2,595.28
Insurance Paid
2,245.28
Much to our pleasure the Fire Loss has been kept to a very low figure, which I am pleased to attribute to the fine working personnel we have in the department and may I say my thanks goes to every one of the men at this time.
The maintanence of the Fire Apparatus and the Fire Station has been kept up at all times, as well as the Police Ambulance which is under our care. A Traffic Officer has been supplied for the Winthrop School during the School year by the Permanent Personnel which I consider is a very co- operative spirit between the Police and Fire Department.
In closing, I at this time wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Town Manager for their very cooperative spirit in the administration of this department.
RE DEPARTMENT
Chief Samuel W. Atherley and fire department cruiser and ambulance
16
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Ernest F. Romano, Health Officer
PERSONNEL: Mrs. Anna Hall, who was as- signed to the Health Department in April 1953 to do tuberculosis work by the Essex County Health . Association, continued on as our tuberculosis nurse during 1954.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES: The comparative number of cases of communicable diseases reported for the year are as follows:
1954
1953
Mumps
202
4
Measles
149
3
Whooping Cough
10
0
Chicken Pox 3 56
Tuberculosis
2
3
Undulant Fever
1
0
Dog Bites
35
36
All dog bite cases were investigated and the dogs quarantined for a period of two weeks.
TUBERCULOSIS CONTROL: During the year sixty home visits were made by tuberculosis nurse Mrs. Anna Hall. Three chest x-ray clinics were conducted for tuberculosis con- tacts using large plates, which were read at the Essex Sanatorium.
Our tuberculosis program over the past year appears to have been an effective one since there are now only three patients in the Sanatorium compared with five in 1953.
DOG IMMUNIZATION CLINIC: This year, the dog immunization clinic was again con- ducted for the protection of dogs against rabies. One hundred and twenty-eight dogs were innoculated as compared with one hundred and thirty-eight for 1953.
SLAUGHTERING INSPECTION: This year 1080 horses were slaughtered at the slaughter house. Two animals were confiscated and destroyed. A total of $1084 will be paid into the treasury for slaughtering fees.
FOOD ESTABLISHMENT INSPECTION: During the year 104 inspections were made of eating and drinking establishments with par- ticular emphasis placed on rodent control.
Twenty pounds of food stuff was con- fiscated and destroyed.
DIABETES CONTROL: This year a diabetes program was inaugurated with 300 persons participating. Urine specimens were sub- mitted to the health department and tested there free of charge. The names of those persons showing positive results were sent to their family doctors for further tests.
OVERNIGHT CABINS: Six overnight cabins were investigated and water samples were taken and tested. All were found to be in a satisfactory condition.
BOARDING HOUSES: Two boarding houses for the aged were inspected and found to be operating properly.
LICENSES AND PERMITS: The following were issued for 1954.
Day Nurseries 3.
Camps
6
Methyl Alcohol 8
Garbage Collection
4
Funeral Directors
3
Milk 41
Cleomargarine
4
Clean Cesspools
2
Slaughter House 1
ANIMAL INSPECTION: Twenty farms were inspected during the annual farm survey and thirty-two ear tags of animals shipped into Ipswich were examined.
NUISANCE COMPLAINTS: Thirty nuisance complaints were reported and all were in- vestigated and abated.
MILK INSPECTION: Fifty-nine milk samples together with eight samples of ice cream were collected and tested.
SEWERAGE INSPECTIONS: The number of permits for the installation of sub-surface disposal system totaled 69 this year as com- pared with 4 during 1953.
BURIAL OF DEAD ANIMALS: During the year thirty-one dead animals were buried.
BATHING BEACHES: During the summer months sanitary surveys were conducted at Cranes Beach, Hoods Pond and Hill Top Lake, 44 water samples were taken and tested for both chemical and Bacterial contents.
Five drinking water samples were also collected and tested.
17
1
Health Department, Dr. Frank Collins and Nurse Eleanore Richardson immunizing child at Well Child Clinic
Health Department, left to right: Frank L. Collins M.D .; Lawrence M. King, Chairman; Ernest F. Romano, Health Officer; Ernest J. Smith D.M.D.
18
NURSING PROGRAM
Eleanore Richardson, R.N.
During 1954 the following program has been carried on under the sponsorship of the Ipswich Board of Health. 1 1. The annual Diptheria immunization clinic was held last spring in the Health Room at the Town Hall. Slips were distributed to all the children in the public schools, the parochial school and the private kindergar- tens; and no child was treated in the clinic until they presented the slip signed by the parent or guardian stating that they wished the child to be treated. Notices were in all the local papers, sev- eral weeks prior to the opening date, so as to reach the pre-school child. Triple Antigen, that immunizes simultaneously against diptheria, tetanus and whooping cough was used for all infants and pre- school age children. Double Antigen, that immunizes against diptheria and tet- anus was used for the school children. 32 children received their initial immuniza- tion of 3 doses, given at four week inter- vals; and 341 Booster doses were given.
2. Two adults and 19 students working in 1 the High School and Burley School cafe- terias were taken to Middleton for chest x-rays. All new teachers, bus drivers, custodians and anyone entering the Ips- wich School System last September were also sent to Middleton for a chest x-ray. This complies with the State ruling that all school personnel must have a chest x- ray and certification card, that they are free from tuberculosis, on file in the supertendents office.
3. All known TB contact cases in the schools, both High and Elementary, had a chest x-ray in May and December, un- less otherwise stated. Any other child in the schools with a persistent cough, marked loss of weight, frequent colds or at the request of the parents were also x-rayed. Having the portable x-ray brought to Ipswich has been a great help
in getting these contact cases x-rayed regularly.
4. The Well Child Clinic has been held the first Wednesday of each month in the new Health Room at the Town Hall. As we had hpoed the Clinic has greatly en- larged since moving to our new quarters. The entire set-up is better and much more convenient. During the past year 146 babies and pre-school children have been seen in the clinic. The children are weighed and measured, get a physical ex- amination and receive the diptheria im- munization if the parent wishes. 21 babies were given their initial immuniza- tion of Triple Antigen (diptheria, tetanus and whooping cough) given at four week intervals for 3 doses. 14 children, already immunized, were given "booster doses" of Triple antigen. Any child with a defect was referred to another clinic specializing in that particular field.
5. In October 1954 the students in the High School were given the opportunity of having the Vollmer Tuberculin Patch Test done. Consent slips were sent home and testing was done only on those students who returned the slip with the parent or guardians permission to do the test. The grades tested were the 7th. thru 12th grades. Of the total enrollment of 503 in the Hgh School and 7th. grade, 390 students were tested. 5 of these showed a positive reaction to the test and were taken to the clinic for chest x-rays. One of the positive reactors was a known contact case with the history of childhood type TB well ar- rested. This student is x-rayed regularly every six months. Another of the positive reactors showed a primary type TB well arrested and is to be checked once a year. The other 3 reactors had negative x-rays.
Respectfully submitted,
Eleanor Richardson, R.N.
19
WELFARE DEPARTMENT
Walter Callahan, Welfare Director
INTRODUCTION: Four categories of relief are handled by this department, Old Age Assistance, Aid to Dependent Children, Dis- ability Assistance and General Relief. The state and federal governments participate in all these except General Relief.
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE: During the past year this category has remained more or less sta- ble. Relief in this category is for the aged over 65 who are citizens and in need. Need is the real basis of all relief. Old Age Assist- ance is often confused with Old Age and Survivor's Benefits which is handled entirely by the Federal Government and is not pred- icated upon need but is granted to all those who participated in the Social Security Pro- gram and have quit work after they be- came 65 years of age. Old Age Assistance, as I have stated is predicated upon need. If you will examine the figures which cover this category you will find that the cost to the town is a very small figure in comparison to the money spent by the department:
Federal Share $64,406.40
State Share
56,884.24
Town Share 23,251.84
Total expenditures $144,542.48 AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN: This cate- gory of relief is rendered to needy families with children where, through sickness, death or desertion, the wage earner of the family is missing. Today we have 7 families with 23 recipients. It is now required that more work be done with these families to see that the children are given, every opportunity that children in normal families have. It is necessary therefore, that revisits on these cases be conducted monthly. Rehabilita- tion of the growing child is of major im- portance so that he or she can help provide for the family and themselves. Again, with state and federal participation the town's share is rather small compared to the total expenditure for this category during the year.
Federal Share $3,229.55
State Share 2,427.66
Town Share 3,198.74
Total expenditures $8,855.95
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE: This is a category of relief based upon permanent disability and need. It applies to all cases wherein these factors are present and unlike the first category does not depend upon citizenship. Over the years, the towns and cities have had a terrible burden lifted from them be- cause in the past these cases were General Relief cases and the town was forced to aid them and contribute 100% without any reimbursement. A person to qualify for aid in this category must be over 18 years of age, coupled with a permanent disability. There are 17 cases on this category now, with more to be added in the future.
Federal Share $9,496.13
State Share 4,068.36
Town Share
1,346.65
Total expenditures $14,911.14
GENERAL RELIEF: The last category is generally a temporary thing except in those cases where there is basic need, but the per- son does not qualify for one of the other categories of assistance. A great deal depends upon working conditions in and about the town as regards our expenditures. If we are able to find employment for persons who apply for aid under this category, we require that the applicant make himself available. We have more control over this category because we spend all the monies under it without any reinbursement from the state or federal government. The total expenditure for the year 1954 was $15,629.43.
Welfare Department-Walter E. Callahan, Welfare Director; Hildred D. Kelleher, Clerk
20
MUNICIPAL PARKING 533AO KAN3 NM0: 001 ENTRANCE
Y
21
MUNICIPAL PARKING AREA, REAR OF TOWN HALL AND ELECTRIC LIGHT BUILDING
RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Pennell S. Eustis, Recreation Director
WINTER PROGRAM: Gym classes were held for boys and girls in grades 5-8. A bowling program was instituted for boys and girls in grades 4-12 with the cooperation of the Depot Square Bowling Alleys. Dancing classes for boys and girls in grades 5-8 were started in February and ran eight weeks. An 'Over 21' Couples Dance was sponsored in December by the Recreation Committee for the first time. Painting and Rug Hooking Classes were held for adults at the high school. A Men's Basketball Group met at least once a week at the high school. There was skating and sliding in designated areas when conditions permitted: Total recorded participation in above sched- uled activities: 352 youngsters; 128 adults.
SPRING PROGRAM: In cooperation with the school department, an outdoor program for boys and girls in grades 5-7 was held. Base- ball, softball, tennis, and kickball games were participated in by youngsters at Line- brook. Winthrop, and Burley grounds. Rec- reation scheduled and assisted in the super- vision of this program. A little league field was laid out at the high school and a back- stop erected with the assistance of the Electric Light Dept. Program activities for grades 1-6 were formulated by the recrea- tion department for the annual Crane's Picnic. Final organization plans were made for the administration of the Red Cross Swimming Program by the recreation de- partment, for the first time, in cooperation with the Beverly Red Cross Chapter. The Men's Community Softball League was or- ganized and the regular schedule started in May. Total recorded participation in above scheduled activities: 223 youngsters; 108 adults.
SUMMER PROGRAM: Some of the more im- portant programs carried on by the recrea- tion department during the summer were: were:
1. A six team little league for boys in grades 5-7.
2. A twilight league for boys from 13-16 years of age.
3. A six team men's softball league.
4. Two playgrounds open under super-
vision for eight weeks.
5. The Red Cross Swimming Program.
6. Inter-playground softball competition with Little Neck.
Total recorded participation of above scheduled activities: 575 youngsters; 165 adults.
FALL PROGRAM: In cooperation with the school department the recreation department planned, scheduled and assisted in the super- vision of an after-school recreation program for grades 5-7. Goal posts were erected and a field laid out for the boys touch football program at Linebrook Playground. Weekly dances were scheduled for grades 8-12 at the high school under the sponsorship of the Tiger-teen Club. A Halloween Window Painting Contest was again held for grades 3-12. A children's arts & crafts class was started for the first time in October and in the high school art room. Total recorded participation in above scheduled activities: 539 youngsters.
PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS: In November, Parks and Playgrounds were consolidated with recreation to form the Recreation and Parks Department. This was done, after due consideration, with the approval of the Recreation Committee. Town Manager, and Board of Selectmen. It was felt that since there is a close alliance between recreation and parks departments, in that one develops the use of the areas while the other maintains them, it would be wise to weld them together under a central management authority. This arrangement is one that is standard in many communities, both large and small, because they feel it is the best method for facilitating administration of closely allied departments efficiently with a consequent savings to the taxpayer.
Both Hurricane Carol and Edna kept the maintenance crew busy on clearing and disposing of trees and branches that came down during the storms. At Linebrook Playground, seven Norway Maples were planted around the play apparatus and the parking area was given an oil coating to cut down the dust harard. Several new peren- nials were planted in the Memorial Lot. Brush clearing along Argilla Road was con- tinued during the year.
22
VETERANS' SERVICE DEPARTMENT
Anthony A. Murawski, Veterans' Agent
New Legislature that was passed and amended during the year effecting veterans, the definition of a veteran for Veterans' Services was changed. Applicants who apply for veterans benefits will be eligible for benefits only if they qualify by this new definition.
" 'Veteran' shall include any person who meets all the requirements of section twenty- one except that instead of performing ninety days' active service, including ten days' wartime service as defined, he has performed active service in the armed forces of the United States at any time between April sixth, nineteen hundred and seventeen and November eleventh, nineteen hundred and eighteen, inclusive."
Expenditures for Veterans' Benefits dur- ing 1954 amounted to $15,827.85.
Out of this amount $12,537.80 was paid for Cash Allowances for Ordinary Benefits, $1,817.30 paid for Medical Expenses, and $1,482.75 for Fuel and Emergencies.
At the close of the year, there were fif- teen cases and five cases pending.
On all active cases, investigations are carried on continuously and personal visits are made frequently.
In addition to financial aid, one after- noon each week is spent doing photostat work for veterans.
In all instances, before aid of any kind can be given, authorization must be obtained from the Commissioner of Veterans' Ser- vices' office in Boston, and final decision on all cases rests with him.
SHELLFISH AND HARBORS DEPARTMENT
Lionel Sheppard, Sr.,
Director and Harbor Master
Between March and December of 1954, twenty five barrels of small seed calms were planted and six barrels of one and one half inch clams were put in the flats. In 1954 there were four hundred six barrels of soft shell clams dug by commercial diggers at a value of $2,842.00 and 716 non resident permits and 16 commercial given out during the year.
Green crabs were not so plentiful this
year. Horseshoe crabs were in small numbers. WHARF AND HARBOR: Scotch light was put on all channel markers to make them easy to find at night.
Town floats are in poor condition, they need new tops on two of them.
Two new street lights were put up at the wharf. Six big rocks were blown out of the river at Hovey Street landing.
The river needs dredging very badly at Diamond Stage and along by Little Neck.
Eighty two speed boats were checked for speeding. Seventeen boats were towed back to moorings after hurricane.
Recreation Department mee' ng, left to right: John S. Bialek, Barbara C. Ccle, Pennell S. Eustis, Director of Recreation. Farks and Playgrounds; Lou'se K. Hodgkins, Robert E. Waite D.M.D., and Robert Savitt.
23
1
1
1
1
PUBLIC LIBRARY
Hester L. Mitchell, Librarian
STATISTICS:
Total number of books circulated 38,111 Adult 23,384
Juvenile 14,727
Month of largest circulation November 4,156
Registered borrowers 2,594
37.6% of population
Adult 1,544
Juvenile 1,050
New borrowers registered 1954 483
Adult 328
Juvenile 155
Story hours 20 attendance 866
Gift from Reading Group. Woman's Club for record player 30
Gift from Friends of the
Library 300
For books 100
Young People's Room 200
Library Hours
Mon. and Wed. 10-6
Tues. and Fri. 1-8:30
Thurs. and Sat. 1-6
Staff
Miss Barbara James
Miss Eleanor Dziadul
Mrs. Raymond Klinger
Mrs. Lawrence Sweetser
Building
Custodian Guy E. Wells
BOYS' AND GIRLS' ROOM: The most pop- ular books borrowed from The Rogers Room during the year were the "Childhood of Famous Americans" series, stories about horses and of course, Indians! Classes were held during school time in the use of reference materials, with instruction in the use of the library and the arrangement of books on the shelves. These classes are held each fall for grades four through eight and aid the young people in becoming familiar with their library and its books. School art work was exhibited throughout the year through the courtesy of Art
Supervisor Frank Chadbourne, who willingly added this duty to his already busy schedule. We at the library appreciate the excellent cooperation which continuously exists be- tween the schools and "The People's Uni- versity."
YOUNG PEOPLE'S ROOM: On September 8th, the new room for high school students was opened for use, made available partly by the town and partly by a gift of $200.00 from the Friends of the Library group. The room was formerly an upstairs storage room, but is now an attractive reading and study room for young adults. It contains refer- ence materials. periodicals, pamphlets and recreational reading, and from time to time, exhibits art work done at Ipswich High School.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.