USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1956 > Part 3
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that need exists. This means that children must be contacted to determine whether or not there is a contribution from the child due the parent. Banks are checked for re- sources and contacts made to find out whether or not Old Age and Survivors In- surance benefits are to be had under the Social Security Act.
During this past year of 1956 our expen- ditures were as follows:
Federal Share $59,488.66
State Share 64,445.81
Town Share
33,936.57
Total Expenditure $157,871.04
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN: This type of relief is granted where there are children in the family who have been deserted by a parent or who have been deprived of a parent through death or sickness. This case load fluctuates or increases with the hap- pening of events beyond our control. We are bringing some actions under the Re- ciprocal Support Act where we have been able to locate the deserting spouse. Prac- tically every state in the union and most of our possessions recognize the act and are giving their support to it.
Every attempt is made to keep the family intact and to see that the children get the proper schooling and if possible a religious education. Our Social Worker has kept in contact with these families monthly.
Every effort is made to re-establish the family and put it on a self-supporting basis. Children who work are required to make a contribution of 60% of their earnings to the family.
Our case load this year has been quite low, especially toward the end of the year
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but we have no way of judging what an- other year will bring us.
Federal Share $4,089.26
State Share 2,730.90
Town Share 758.16
Total Expenditure $7,578.32
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE: Disability Assist- ance, is aid to the individual who is perma- nently and totally disabled, unable to pro- vide for his own needs or those of his family. The individual applying for this type of aid is examined by a local doctor and his statement of facts are evaluated and determined by a medical panel of State physicians. The findings of this board are incorporated in the case record and the in- dividual is placed in Group I or Group II. Group II cases must be evaluated every six months. Group I cases are permanently and totally disabled and no further examina- tion or evaluation is necessary.
Relief is granted in this type of case in the following manner. The person must be over eighteen years of age, disabled and in need of assistance. Citizenship is not a re- quirement.
This category has helped out greatly in
reducing the Temporary Aid payroll.
Federal Share $9,284.02
State Share 9,293.36
Town Share
5,776.33
Total Expenditure
$24,353.71
GENERAL RELIEF: With the exception of temporary cases, this category has been re- duced substantially this year. Unemploy- ment Insurance has kept great numbers of persons from applying for aid.
There is no sharing by the Federal or State Governments in these cases. The Town's share is 100%. For this reason every effort is made to reduce the number of people in this category and place them on one of the other categories where the town may gain some revenue.
In our administration, all monies spent in administering this department is matched by Federal and State funds. One half of all monies spent for salaries, supplies, etc. are returned to the town which takes quite a burden from the shoulders of the tax payer.
RECREATION AND PARK DEPARTMENT
Manuel Ferris, Recreation Director
The month of June brought about a change in Personnel. Pennell S. Eustis, then Director of Recreation and Parks Depart- ment, resigned his post in Ipswich, to assume like duties elsewhere. During the ensuing summer months, Mrs. Beatrice King was the Acting Director. In September. Manuel M. Ferris, began his duties as the new Director of the Department.
WINTER SEASON ACTIVITIES INCLUDED:
1. Skating was held under lights and with supervision.
2. Gym Classes for Grades 5-8, boys and girls, at the High School.
3. Dancing classes for grades 5-8 at the High School.
Recreation Director "Manny" Ferris
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Activity at the Playground
4. Bowling Program for Grades 4-12 at the Depot Square bowling alleys.
5. Adult Basketball program met at the High School.
6. Rug-Hooking and Braiding Classes were held for Adults at the High School.
7. Sewing Classes for Adults were held at the High School.
SPRING SEASON ACTIVITIES INCLUDED:
1. After school Recreation Program for grades 5-6, boys and girls.
2. Start of the Men's Community Soft- ball League.
3. Annual Crane's Beach Picnic Program.
4. Preparations for Summer Playground program.
5. Preparations for Summer Red Cross Swimming Program.
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Bowling Program at Depot Square Bowling Alleys
SUMMER SEASON ACTIVITIES INCLUDED:
1. Summer Playground program.
2. Red Cross Swimming program.
3. Boy's Baseball league.
4. Annual Field Day.
5. Annual Pet Show.
6. Usage of the Lighthouse Property by many groups, including Girl Scouts, American Youth Hostelers.
FALL SEASON ACTIVITIES INCLUDED:
1. Arts and Crafts for Grades 1-4.
2. Bowling program for Grades 3-12 at the Depot Square Bowling Alleys.
3. Golf and Tennis for Grades 9-12.
4. Photography Club for Grades 9-12.
5. After School Recreation program for grades 5 and 6.
6. Pre-School Recreation program for grades 7 and 8.
7. Evening Basketball for men at the High School.
8. Rug-Hooking and Braiding Class for Adults.
9. Art Class for Adults.
10. Halloween Parties for Grades 1-8 and pre-school children.
11. Halloween Dance for Grades 9-12.
PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS ACTIVITIES IN- CLUDED:
1. Park settees were painted and repaired.
2. Maintenance equipment was repaired.
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3. Shingling of the Field House at Line- brook Playground.
4. Permanent screens constructed and in- stalled at Lighthouse property.
5. Mowing maintenance throughout the town.
6. Maintenance of ball fields and grounds.
7. Care and planting of Town Flower Beds.
8. Snow removal and spray maintenance of skating areas.
9. Painting and maintenance of all Play- ground apparatus.
10. Lighthouse property painted inside and out.
11. Bleachers at Linebrook Playground were painted.
12. Improvements made to baseball and softball diamonds.
13. Addition of an Air lift trailer.
14. Installation of telephone at the Light- house.
15. Parking area at Lighthouse property graded.
I wish to extend my sincerest appreciation to the many Departments who have been so helpful to me in the infancy stage as your Director of Recreation. My deepest grati- tude, to the excellent group of workers on my Recreation Committee, to the Executive Secretary, to the Board of Selectmen and to the many interested individuals throughout the town. With your continued cooperation and interest, the Department will continue to grow forever closer to meeting all your needs.
WATER DEPARTMENT
Foreman, Dana Parsons
OPERATION: The financial position of the Water Department was strengthened during the year by the collection of over $6,000 in accounts dating back one, two, and three years. These monies were collected by polite letters calling attention to the amount owed, by shut off notices, and by use of a new law permitting addition of accounts due for one year or less to the tax bill.
Operating expenses of the Department were reduced by $13,241.25 as a result of the requirement set up by the Board of Selectmen that mains on non-accepted streets by installed at no cost to the depart- ment, and other economies put into effect. One hundred and sixty-two meters were purchased during the year and added to the system. This program was somewhat cur- tailed due to the need for funds for main extensions in accepted streets. Efforts will continue to meter the entire Town.
One hundred and seven new services were installed ; 23 were changed from summer to winter depth, 11 services were renewed, 7
service leaks were repaired, 245 services were turned on, and 240 services were turned off. Seven leaks were repaired in the distribution mains and a number of gate and curb boxes were repaired or re- placed.
Water Construction Near Reservoir
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DISTRIBUTION: Progress was made in the past summer to bring the distribution sys- tem up to the requirements placed upon it by continued growth of the community. Three and one half miles of various diameter mains were added to the system by the Wa- ter Department and private construction forces. Installation of the pumping station on Jeffreys Neck Road and the elevated tank on Plover Hill will provide adequate household service as well as fire flows that meet insurance underwriters' requirements. The new force main from Browns Well to the reservoir will add 3/4 of a million gal- lons of pumping capacity to the system and will solve, for a few years, the problem of meeting peak summer demands. Fourteen hydrants were set in new locations, two hydrants were installed to replace hydrants broken off by traffic accidents, and 78 street and hydrant gate valves were installed throughout the system.
GENERAL: This has been a banner year in improvements to the system and in work accomplished by the department. For the first time in a number of years no extra help was hired during the summer months.
This was due to fewer mains being laid by the department as a result of a change of policy by the department and also as a result of efforts to reduce the labor charges in the department.
Despite these gains I would be remiss if mention were not made of the pending fi- nancial crisis within the Water Department. Each year the department is faced with ever increasing demands for main installa- tions, service installations, and improve- ments to the system. Every improvement of a permanent nature requires issuance of bonds to provide the necessary funds with the resulting increase in costs of operation to amortize these loans. We have now reached the point where no additional debt can be carried without raising water rates to bring in additional income. As a result of growth of the Town in several areas, it is already evident that certain improve- ments will have to be made within the next year or two and that approximately $20,000 additional income will be needed next year. If a rate increase is not made, it will be im- possible for the department to keep the system capacity at the point where the demands placed upon it can be met.
New Highway Equipment
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Joseph Doty, Foreman
SUMMER MAINTENANCE: A total of 21,661 gallons of oil was used in resurfacing various Town streets. An additional 25,548 gallons
were used on different streets, municipal and schcol parking lots, and a new drive in the Highland Cemetery under construc- tion appropriations. Also 4,664 gallons were used in making 270 tons of patch, and
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another 527 tons of patch were purchased.
The few remaining gravel roads were scraped and graded several times during the year. The following gravel roads were re- paired in April: Old Right, Plains, Pine Swamp, and Town Farm Roads. About 1400 yards of gravel were required for this work. A total of 476 catch basins were cleaned this year, many of them several times. Traffic lines were repainted during the summer months and the crosswalk at Market and Central Street was done with white rubber squares instead of with paint. This is experimental and if successful, could be used in other sections of Town. Sections of cement sidewalk were replaced on Market Street and on Brownville Avenue, and the wall at the Memorial Building was repointed. A total of 31,234 gallons of gasoline was supplied to the various Town Departments through the highway tank. Two catch basins were put in and a long drainaage ditch dug on Warner Acres Road.
WINTER MAINTENANCE: A total of 3,222 tons of sand and 255 tons of salt was used in clearing ice and snow from the roads. Town trucks and plows worked a total of 2,701 hours, the sidewalk plow 251 hours, the grader 274 hours and the loaders 135 hours. Hired plows worked 31 hours, hired plows and bulldozers 187 hours and a hired sander 28 hours. The grader was equipped for snow removal work and beginning in February was used very successfully for the rest of the year. The bu'ldozer has now been equipped with a large V plow and will be used extensively in snow removal work.
NEW EQUIPMENT: The following new equipment was added to the department in
1956: an F-6 Ford truck, an F-8 Ford truck, an International TD9 bulldozer, a gasoline powered drain cleaner, and a trailer for the new bulldozer.
NEW CONSTRUCTION: Chapter 90 con- struction work on the Argilla Road was continued and the road completed as far as North Gate corner. This work will be re- sumed in 1957. With Chapter 90 mainte- nance Funds a section of the Linebrook Road was resurfaced and in addition, a catch basin, a drop inlet, and 320 feet of drainage pipe put in on Topsfield Road. Considerable work was done in the Green Street area. The road was widened near the High School, two parking areas constructed at the High School, and the road regraded at the Turkey Shore end of the bridge. Gravel sidewalks were constructed on Tops- field Road and on Newmarch Street. A gutter was put in on Northridge Road, and drain pipes under several driveways, and it is hoped that this will greatly reduce the formation of ice on the road as in pre- vious years. At the end of the year, work was begun on widening the road at the junction of Linebrook and Leslie Roads. This work will be completed in 1957. A new guard rail was built on lower Summer Street and 285 feet of cable guard rail was installed on the Old Right Road. Sections of hot top sidewalk were constructed under private contract on North Main, Manning, Town Farm, Washington, Farley Avenue, County Street, and Brown Square. A new drive was constructed by the Department at the Highland Cemetery. This drive is approximately 700 feet long and its con- struction required 1100 yards of gravel and 900 gallons of oil for surfacing.
ELECTRIC LIGHT DEPARTMENT
Alfred Tobias, Sales and Distribution
Several changes and additions were made on the Distribution System. A new 336,400 circular mil aluminum express feeder was installed from the Power Station to Wash- ington Street. This feeder is now operating at 4160 volts. However, the construction is designed for 13,000 volt operation and will later serve as a transmission circuit to a unit substation which will be located near
the business district. In order to operate at the higher voltage, a step-up transformer substation must be installed at the Power Station yard and a step-down unit substa- tion with the necessary switches and con- trols near the load center. These substations should be installed to take care of the peak loads in 1958 or 1959 (depending upon the rate of increase in demand) and large enough to carry out power from the Generating
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Plant to the load center for the next eight or ten years.
The 2400 volt circuit supplying County Road, Essex Road and connecting streets, was converted to 4160 volts. We now have four 4160 volt, one 2400 volt, circuits sup- plying the Town, and one 4160 volt circuit supplying Rowley.
A new #2 ACSR 4160 volt circuit was installed on Town Farm Road to the Lin- coln Laboratory Station located on Town Farm. Twenty-five new multiple streetlight fixtures were installed near houses built on accepted streets. A new line construction truck chassis was purchased and the body was supplied by Morse Body Manufacturing Co., Inc., Watertown, Massachusetts. We are making preparation for the installation of shunt capacitors on the lines. This will release capacity by lowering the wattless amperes on the lines and generators, also reduce line losses and provide better voltage regulation. A new line will be installed on Essex Road where the State Department of Public Works are reconstructing the road.
The number of service connections in- creased from 2648 in 1955 to 2755 in 1956. The total meters in service is 3393. The average yearly power consumption for each domestic customer was 2105 KWH. The net sales of electricity in 1955 was $356,- 241.27 and $379,841.47 in 1956.
Electric Department Line Crew
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New Engine at Pumping Station Left to right: George Brown, with new employees: Stanley Szostek, Richard Westlake, Theodore B. Fyrberg
GENERATING DEPARTMENT
Ralph Wetmore, Plant Superintendent
During the year 1956 the Power Plant produced 17,272,400 K.W. This represents a normally expected increase. Shortly after the Annual Town Meeting, requests were sent to all the major diesel engine manu- facturers for bids to supply the Department with a new diesel generator unit. Fairbanks Morse Co. was low bidder and agreed to supply a 1920 H.P. Diesel with an 1800 K.W. generator completely installed with switchgear auxiliary equipment, and provi- sions for future turbo-charging. At the close of the year the engine and all equip- ment had been installed but not operating. The delay was due in a large part to the
steel and electrical strikes experienced during the summer.
In November the #2 unit was seriously damaged and was completely rebuilt to new engine conditions. The engine manufac- turer assumed a large part of the cost, and preventive equipment was installed to pre- vent a reoccurrence of that condition. Heavy fuel burning equipment consisting of a centrafuge, fuel oil tanks, fuel oil heaters, and handling pumps was installed, and the plant is now operating using this fuel for base load generation. Substantial savings are realized over the normal price of #2 diesel fuel. At the end of the year all units were operating satisfactorily and general conditions of plant and equipment is good. All necessary tests and inspections were made and proper records kept.
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LIST OF JURORS
These are the citizens who are eligible to be drawn for Jury duty during 1957
Charles S. Bird, Jr.
Waldingfield Road
Investments
Lela M. Johnson
9 Ward Street
Housekeeper
Charlotte A. Tyler
Newmarch Street
Housekeeper
Adele C. Robertson
Argilla Road
Reporter
Harriette F. White
52 High Street
Reporter
Spencer W. King
High Street
Poultryman
Vera R. Ross
104 High Street
Harry F. Cole
36 High Street
Retired
William N. Karstones
7 Lafayette Road
Manager
Christopher Karras
19 High Street
Proprietor
Anthony P. Gillis
Topsfield Road
Laborer
Peter A. Johnson
10 Putnam Road
Clam Dealer
Lillian Soffron
Town Farm Road
Housekeeper
John H. Hill
17 Turkey Shore Road
Merchant
Consuelo B. Hills
Labor-In-Vain Road
Housekeeper
Gladys M. Hulbert
Raymond T. Hull
Newmarch Street
Fisherman
Ruth R. Van Wyck
Argil a Road
Housekeeper
George H. Chadwell
94 High Street
Retired
James M. Stewart
5 Sawyer Street
Cemetery Dept.
Gardner A. Bolles
12 Woods Lane
Merchant
Carrie B Ladd
53 North Main Street
Curator
John R. Pickering
High Street
Supervisor
George Lampropoulos
8 Hammett Street
Clam Dealer
Lillian B. Kves
1 High Street
Houseleeper
Joseph H. Leet
Paradise Road
Retired
Clarence E. Miller
56 East Street
Painter
Janice V. Snow
Topsfield Road
Housewife
James Siamatas
104 Central Street
Real Estate
Philip A. Mack Daniel S. Wendell
Jeffreys Neck Road
Artist
Richard F. Manthorn
la Woods Lane
Laborer
Arthur P. MarcAurele
34 Central Street
Clerk
Octavia P. Hamlin
Argilla Road
Housewife
Gladys B. Woodman
29 Kimball Avenue
Hairdresser
Ava Louise Matheson
21 North Main Street
Clerk
Dorothy K. Parsons
15 Woods Lane
Housewife
Barbara Cole
Woods Lane
Housewife
George O. Hall
Liberty Street
Bank Work
Louise F. Haskell
34 Central Street
Cafeteria
Irad S. Mullen
15 Argilla Road
Foreman
Stanley E. Eustace
High Street
Knitter
Mary M. Sullivan S. Harold Perley
Linebrook Road
Salesman
Albert H. Langmaid
27 Summer Street
Draftsman
Albert C. Burrage, Jr.
Heartbreak Road
Retired
George W. Ford
7 River Court
United Shoe
Barney J. Bialek Horace L. Dunbar
40 East Street
Proprietor
Jennie F. Antonucci
Linebrook Road
Housekeeper
Albert H. Sheppard
11 Manning Street
Retired
Chester L. Stone
47 County Street
Clerk
Charles A. Mallard
North Ridge Road
Retired
Bernie E. Spencer
68 High Street
Retired
Charles W. Price
Island Park
Retired
Mildred H. Watson
Eagle Hill
Housewife
Marie E. Steele
North Ridge Road
Housewife
Woods Lane
Retired
Samuel W. Atherley
9 Labor-in-Vain Road
Foreman
74 County Road
Housekeeper
Eagle Hill
Manager
Town Farm Road
Housekeeper
Housekeeper
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THE MUNICIPAL FAMILY
December 31, 1956
TOWN MODERATOR Edmund Kelleher
BOARD OF SELECTMEN John F. Con'ey. Chairman Nathaniel M. Quint Harry E. Murro Frank J. O'Malley John A. Pechilis
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Robert T. Bamford, Chairman Charles T. Passales Daniel B. Lunt Ernest F. Stone George A. Pechilis Timothy F. Carey, Jr. James W. Austin Richard W. Davis Stephen Tlunacki
BOARD OF HEALTH Lawrence M. King, Chairman Frank L. Collins, M.D. Ernest J. Smith, D. M. D.
BOARD OF ASSESSORS Seward S. Tyler Stephen J. Prescott David Claxton
SCHOOL COMMITTEE Robert E. Waite, Chairman C. Louise Richardson Paul D. Conley Brainard C. Wallace George J. Geanakos
Isadora Smith William Wigglesworth
SEWERAGE COMMITTEE Lawrence M. King, Chairman John A. Singer Millard J. Patterson Stephen L. Prescott
Charles E. Dagnall Peter A. Johnson
PLANNING BOARD Chester J. Patch, Jr. Rev. C. Daniel Boone John Markos Donald F. Whiston Richard R. Mansfield
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE George R. Hovey, Chairman Edward S. Graffum (One Vacancy)
BOARD OF REGISTRARS Henry F. Hills, Chairman John A. Kobos James Lampropoulos Anthony A. Murawski
HOUSING AUTHORITY George S. Ewing Glenfred A. Wanzer Fred G. Whittier, Sr. Gardner Peatfield Christopher Karras
RECREATION COMMITTEE John Bialek, Chairman Louise Hodgkins Barbara Cole Robert W. Mansfield
TRUSTEES OF TRUST FUNDS Edward J. Marcorelle Charles E. Goodhue George C. Parsons
SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE Brainard C. Wallace Joseph E. McGee Guy H. B. Reedy Donald C. Hazen
COMMITTEE TO SUPERVISE ERECTION OF THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUIL- DING OF THE WINTHROP SCHOOL SITE School Building Committee School Committee Executive Secretary
THE TOWN ADMINISTRATION
Executive Department
Accounting Division
Assessing Department
Civil Defense Department.
Collection - Treasury Division
Constable
E'ectric Department
Generation Engineering Department. Finance Department Fire Department
Health Department
Legal Department
Personnel Department
Police Department
Cemetery Division
Moth, Dutch Elm, Forestry.
Highway Division
Refuse Division
Purchasing Department Records Department Recreation, Playgrounds, and Parks.
Norris W. Stilphen, Purchasing Agent Anthony A. Murawski, Town Clerk Manuel Ferris, Director Robert O'Kane, Superintendent High School Principal Burley School Principal Shatswell School Principal
Bertram Bennett Bertram Bennett Lena J. Atherley Frank L. Collins, M.D. Violet De Mille
Winthrop School Principal School Doctor School Nurse Lionel Sheppard, Sr., Director
Shellfish - Harbors Department
Veterans' Services Department Water Department
Anthony A. Murawski, Veterans Agent Norris W. Stilphen, Manager Ernest Romano, Sealer Walter Callahan, Director
Weights and Measures Division
Welfare Department
THE MUNICIPAL COURT
Thomas A. Johnson, Judge
Judiciary Clerk of Courts
Arthur Ross
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Norris W. Stilphen, Executive Secretary Wayne Briggs, Accountant Seward S. Tyler, Chief Assessor Harold Bowen, Director Gladys M. Poole, Collector-Treasurer Boley S. Radzinski Alfred L. Tobiasz, Superintendent Ralph Wetmore Philip Pattison Wayne Briggs, Finance Director Russell Scahill, Chief
Ernest Romano, Health Officer William Hayes, Town Counsel Norris W. Stilphen, Personnel Director Stanley Surpitski, Chief Benjamin Homans, Superintendent Joseph E. Poirier, Foreman Joseph H. Doty, Foreman John Ladderbush, Foreman
School Department Wilbur C. Connon
THE IPSWICH SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The citizen group which looks to the educational needs of the community Left to Right: Mr. Brainard C. Wallace, Mr. Paul Conley, Dr. William Wigglesworth, Dr. Robert E. Waite, Mrs. C. Louise Richardson, Mr. George Geanakos and Mrs. Isadore Smith.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
1955 - 1956
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Term
Expires
MR. GEORGE GEANAKOS 1959
MR. BRAINARD C. WALLACE 1959 MRS. JEROME RICHARDSON 1958
DR. ROBERT E. WAITE 1958
MR. PAUL D. CONLEY 1957
MRS. ISADORE SMITH 1957 DR. WILLIAM WIGGLESWORTH 1957 DR. ROBERT E. WAITE, Chairman
Meetings of the Committee:
Pegular meetings of the School Commit- tee are held on the second Thursday of each month at the office of the Superintendent at 7:30 p.m., at the Ipswich High School.
ROBERT M. O'KANE
Superintendent of Schools
BERNICE B. ARSENAULT Secretary Office Ipswich High School
OFFICE OPEN-8-4 and by appointment. Summer schedule arranged.
STATEMENT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
In the year 1956, there have been many changes in the public school system of Ips- wich. It has been a year of challenge, not only for the school committee and school staff, but also for the student body and the citizens.
To begin with, no total solution to the school housing problem has been reached. In the elementary area, the addition of the new Winthrop School has been most grati- fying. However, the greatest shortage of space, in the junior and senior high area, is still with us. Grades 7 and 8 are on the afternoon session and the high school is on a drastically shortened school day. As a direct result of this, the educational pro- gram at these levels is barely adequate. Relief in this area does not appear to be forthcoming for some time due to delays in appropriations. Even when this has been remedied, the construction itself will take a considerable length of time. Educational problems on these levels are critical and are becoming increasingly more acute.
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