USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1923 > Part 3
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The Massachusetts Board of Free Public Library Commission-
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REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
ers offers a reading certificate to any child who reads and reports on five books for his or her grade, that grade next below or that grade next above, on lists of books for the first eight grades to create in the child a desire for extensive reading and at the same time furnish an incentive therefor. The State Certificate Reading List has been issued by the Massachusetts Department of Educa- tion and the Trustees hope to have all these books at the disposal of the children of the Town by March 1. In many places the intention is to give diplomas to children who will be able to show the highest reading percentage of the maximum requirements. It is hoped by the Trustees that the parents will co-operate in foster- ing and encouraging such reading by the children, and the Trus- tees venture to suggest to the Superintendent of Schools that some method of marking might be evolved whereby the children should be given additional marks in their school course for such reading as is contemplated by this system under the heading of "outside work."
The Trustees are desirous of introducing the "Story Hour" in both branches, whereby at regular intervals talks to the children upon some interesting and instructive topic of History, Science or Literature may be given by the mothers and teachers and thereby mould the mind of the child at the time when it is most plastic.
Such new equipment as has been necessary during the year has been installed, and it is hoped that all reasonable demands of readers have been met. As ever, the Trustees invite the advice and co-operation of all that may in any way tend to perfect the condi- tions and elevate the standard of the library.
The Trustees kept within their appropriation for the year and had an . unexpended balance of approximately $240.00. For the coming year they recommend the appropriation of $2500.00.
'The Chairman of the Trustees believes that the time is ripe for having a real reading room at the Town Hall, and has had inserted an article in the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting
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HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
asking for the use of a room to supply the local needs of the young people of Hamilton Centre for a general reading, social and com- munity room. The past year nearly 5,000 volumes were issued at the Main Library and the space allotted a quarter of a century ago has immeasurably outgrown itself and is lamentably unsuitable and inadequate for a reading room and place of distribution of books at the same time.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT B. WALSH, Chairman, ARTHUR W. CHANDLER, EDWARD A. UNDERHILL.
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
To the Trustees of the Public Library:
Gentlemen: Herewith is submitted my fourth annual report as Librarian.
During the year 647 books were added to the library. This is the largest number added in a year since the establishment of the library in July, 1891. We received a gift of about 400 books from Mr. Reginald Robbins, a former trustee. These are mostly works of non-fiction and are being catalogued under their differ- ent classes.
In November work was started on rearranging and reclassify- ing the books at the Main Library. This is a work that has needed to be done for some time. All works of non-fiction have been re-catalogued according to the American Library Association cata- logues. All our books of biography have been rearranged, giving us one extra stack for non-fiction.
All books of fiction have been put on the shelves alphabetically, by authors, instead of by numbers, all works of one author being together. This will make it easier for borrowers using the open shelves. Our children's books have been moved outside, into the reading room, to the shelves formerly occupied by the magazines.
Our card catalogues have been cleared of all old cards, the books listed on same being worn out or discarded. Card guides have been inserted, keeping each letter separate. This will be a great help to users of our card catalogues.
The total number of borrowers was 824 at the end of 1923, listed as follows-516 at the Branch and 308 at the Main Library. 70 new names were added at the Branch and 67 at the Main Library, a total of 137.
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HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
The total circulation was 17,272, distributed as follows: at the Branch, 12,900; at the Main Library, 4,041; a gain over 1922 of 695. Average per borrower of 21 books a year.
Total amount of fines collected and money received for sale of old books and magazines was $66.94, as follows-Main Library. $39.87, the Branch, $27.07.
The Branch Library is open Tuesday and Friday, the Main Library Wednesday and Saturday, 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p. m.
Respectfully submitted,
LYDIA L. HARADEN,
Librarian.
REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen: We wish to submit to you the Ninth Annual Re- port of the Board of Engineers, for the year ending Dec. 31, 1923.
DATE
OWNER
STREET
DIST. NO. NATURE OF FIRE
Mar. 1
A. Rowe
Bridge
12
Building
Mar. 7
R. Sanford
Railroad Ave.
21
Chimney
Mar. 30
B. & M. R. R.
Essex Div.
23 Grass
Mar. 31
Fred Stillings
Bridge
14
Chimney
Apr. 6 F. R. Appleton
Farms Road
34
Brush
Apr. 7 B. & M. R. R.
Essex Div.
13
Grass
Apr. 11
B. & M. R. R.
Essex Div.
16
Grass
Apr. 13
B. & M. R. R.
near Main St.
21
Section House
Apr. 14
Marilla Nason
Asbury
Still
Grass
Apr. 17
F. R. Appleton
Farms Rd.
25
Grass
Apr. 19
Town of Hamilton
Union
21
Grass
May 5
Richard Smith
Union
Still
Grass
May 12
Harry Morgan
Main
23
Automobile
May 25
A. C. Burrage, Jr.
Main
21
Grass
May 29
C. E. Whipple
Essex
13
Garage
June 23
John King
Walnut
21
Oil Stove
June 25
A. Whipple Estate
Main
24
Grass
July 4
George Adams
Highland
34
House
July 14
Jonathan Brown
Main
21
False Alarm
Aug. 1
George Johnson
Main
Still
Brush
Aug. 20
T. A. Moynihan
Union
21
Grass
Aug. 20
Mrs. Amos Gould
Idlewood
41
Chimney
Aug. 22
Town of Hamilton Gardner
24
Brush
Aug. 22
Town of Hamilton Gardner
24
Brush
Aug. 24
Frank Appleton
Main
Still
Brush
Sept. 19
L. M. Lenard
Lincoln Ave.
31
Grass
Sept. 27
Mary Saulnier
Maple
21
Chimney
Oct.
6
F. H. Prince
Chebacco Rd.
Still
Brush
Oct.
14
Mary C. Burnham
Wenham
24
Grass
Nov.
2 F. Tree
Mill
21
No Fire
Dec.
7 R. Sanford
Railroad Ave.
Still
Chimney
Dec. 18 A. C. Burrage
Main
21
Grass
Dec. 27 John Crosby
Railroad Ave.
21
Garage
We wish to extend our thanks to everyone who has been of assistance to us in our work during the past year.
C. H. KNOWLES, Chief Engineer,
H. R. McGREGOR.
81
July 5
William A. CaldwellHighland
31
Dump
July 16
George D. Smith
Still
Town Dump
Apr. 26
Mrs. Philip Saulnier Maple
21
Chimney
June 15
G. D. Smith
Still
Town Dump
Oct. 14
J. H. Proctor
Gardner
REPORT OF COMMITTEE on the Comparative Cost of Schooling Pupils in Hamilton and the New High School at Beverly
Citizens Town of Hamilton:
In compliance with the vote passed at the Annual Town Meeting in March. 1923. the committee submit the following report.
Cost of maintaining the Hamilton High School (including the ninth grade of the Junior High School) was as follows for the year ending June 30. 1923 :
Salaries of principal. supervisors and teachers $10.697 00
Stationery, supplies and other expenses of instruction 718 12
Textbooks 337 64
Janitor service
156 00
Fuel
1.131 44
Miscellaneous expenses
246 83
Repairs. replacement and upkeep
596 69
Promotion of health
250 00
Transportation
1.750 00
Miscellaneous 32 37
$16.516 09
The above figures are for an average net membership of 83 pupils enrolled in the Senior High School (grades 9. 10, 11. 12). In grades 10. 11. 12. there was a net average of 60 pupils and to this group of pupils is chargeable $11.939.34.
Cost per pupil. $198.99.
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COMPARATIVE COST OF SCHOOLING PUPILS
COST OF SCHOOLING AT BEVERLY
The exact tuition rate for schooling pupils at the new high school in Beverly is not available at the time this report goes to print.
Present tuition rate at Beverly is $90.00 per pupil. Average cost in the State is $120.63 per pupil.
Cost of schooling 60 pupils (grades 10, 11, 12) in Beverly, based on a tuition rate of $115.00, is $6,900 00
Cost for transportation of 60 pupils by electric car from Depot Square to Beverly for the school year $1,900 00
Total cost for tuition and transportation $8,800 00
(cost per pupil $146.67)
SAVING BY SENDING OF PUPILS TO BEVERLY
Present cost for maintaining Hamilton High School for 60 pupils (1923) $11,939 34
Total cost of schooling 60 pupils at Beverly $8,800 00
Saving to Town of Hamilton $3,139 34
There should be a saving on janitor service, fuel and other supplies for the annex building of approxi- mately $1,000 00
The entire saving would therefore amount to $4,139 34
To aid in arriving at a conclusion the committee submit the following for your consideration :
It would seem that pupils attending the Beverly High School would have the following advantages not now possible at Hamilton.
Larger variety of courses.
Contact with a larger group of pupils.
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HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
More complete equipment for physical and mental develop- ment.
There would be the following disadvantages :
Loss to the town of its high school.
Loss to individual on changing from one system to another.
Pupils leaving home at an earlier hour and greater distance to be transported.
Smaller enrolment.
Less individual attention.
More expense to individual pupil.
However, the educators again remind us that the present school building at South Hamilton is entirely inadequate to carry out the school program which we should have for the grades and high school. If the Senior High School is to be continued in Ham- ilton an up-to-date school building should be provided which would not only care for the immediate needs of the present school but allow for future growth.
The new school building at Beverly probably will not be ready for occupancy before the fall term in the year 1925.
Changes necessary if the Senior High School is given up at Hamilton :
Building-
There would be need of an annex for two grades, preferably the first and second. Grades three to nine, inclusive, which include the Junior High School, could be cared for in the main High School building.
Teachers-
A principal who would devote much of his time to teaching in the Junior High School.
A Manual Training teacher who would also teach other sub- jects.
85
COMPARATIVE COST OF SCHOOLING PUPILS
A Home Economics teacher for one-half time. An English and Literature teacher. A History, Geography and Civics teacher. A teacher of Mathematics.
Respectfully submitted, AVON D. BRADEEN, ROBERT ROBERTSON, JR., FRANK E. WITHEE, Committee.
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens:
Contagious diseases reported as follows : scarlet fever, 5; tu- berculosis, 2; measles, 6; whooping cough, 3; mumps, 2.
There has been no spread of these diseases. All have been confined to patient afflicted.
Tuberculosis maintenance and cost of our share in hospital at Middleton appears under an article and in the financial reports.
The dump on the Smith property on Hamilton Avenue has been abandoned, owing to complaints in this thickly settled vicinity.
Permission has been obtained from Mr. Moynihan to dump in the swamp at the rear of old playground. The new place is out of the way and suitable signs will be placed along the wood road to enable folks to find it. The rubbish collections at regular inter- vals of twice a month have been continued.
The use of this service has been general and greatly assists in the good appearance of our Town.
We wish to thank the doctors and district nurse for their hearty co-operation this past year.
Respectfully submitted,
CHESTER A. PORTER, AVON D. BRADEEN, ARTHUR C. CUMMINGS, Board of Health.
86
REPORT OF THE OVERSEERS OF POOR
The Overseers of Poor are pleased to report that the expendi- tures for charities in the year 1923 were much smaller than for several years.
The total payments for the year for relief furnished by the Town and for relief furnished by other cities and towns to persons having settlement in this town, also for Mother's Aid was $2,245.15. The detail of the expenditures will be found in the Accountant's Report. There was refunded to the Town $202.50 for aid fur- nished to persons whose settlement was elsewhere, thereby making the net cost for charities $2,042.65.
All applications for aid have been investigated and if relief has been justified it has been granted.
The balance of the appropriation unexpended ($1,754.85) has been added to the surplus of the Town.
Yours respectfully,
ARTHUR C. CUMMINGS, AVON D. BRADEEN, CHESTER A. FOSTER,
Overseers of Poor.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
Following the regular and special elections in the year 1923, the Board organized as follows :
Avon D. Bradeen, Chairman Board of Selectmen.
Arthur C. Cummings, Chairman Overseers of Poor.
Chester A. Foster, Chairman Board of Health.
Notable changes in various departments was the appointment of William E. Townsend, Superintendent of Streets; Chester H. Knowles and Robert Robertson, Jr., new members of the Board of Fire Engineers ; and Arthur Southwick, Chief of Police.
At the suggestion of the Superintendent of Streets it was de- cided to purchase a one-ton Ford truck, a cement mixer and vari- ous small tools, shovels, rakes, etc., for the use of the department.
The work on the streets was started at once, and we believe was continued throughout the year in an efficient and economical manner.
The special work ordered by a vote of the town was as follows : Drainage of Maple Street. An engineer was secured and it was found necessary to re-grade the street and construct a new side- walk on the northerly side. Hearing was held which was attended by the abutters who agreed and co-operated in the project. A very solid and lasting foundation was constructed with the macadam material removed from the Main Street and given to the Town by the State. Both side-walks were top-coated with rock dust, greatly improving the appearance of the street. Also the Electric Light and Telephone Companies set one new joint line of poles to replace the two irregular sets of poles formerly in use. These changes
88
·
89
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
correct the poor drainage and improve the street generally to the satisfaction of the residents.
It was voted by the Town to build a sidewalk on Main Street commencing at Asbury Street and continuing as far as one thou- sand dollars would permit. After studying sidewalk construction in Manchester, Danvers and Peabody it was concluded at a hearing with the maker of the motion to regrade with cinders, applying a coat of oil to destroy weeds and grass and finish with a heavy rolled surface of rock dust. This kind of construction was extended as far as money would permit.
It was thought wise to continue the use of the same kind of material for the sidewalk repairs on Asbury Street, the use of which has received favorable comment.
The drainage at the corner of Hamilton Avenue and Union Street voted for by the Town has been completed. One catch basin constructed and connected with the other three from which a fifteen-inch pipe was run to the swamp about 1000 feet distance. A cement header was constructed at the outlet on the property of George Smith, who kindly consented with the other abutters of the swamp to aid the Town in this improvement.
Two carloads and two auto truck loads of oil was applied to the streets of Hamilton where it was most needed.
With the assistance of our Representative, Mr. Robert B. Walsh, the Selectmen were able to secure a Mack truck and snow plow from the State Department of Public Works for use in snow removal and general highway work. This has reduced the snow expense. The citizens can observe the efficiency of this machine.
At the request of abutters for street lines the block bounded · by Main, Linden, Union Streets, and Railroad Avenue and the cross streets were surveyed. Bound stones are set and plans will be filed at the Town Hall for the information of the property own- ers.
There has been more or less agitation from time to time to
90
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
construct some permanent highway. The Selectmen and Super- intendent of Streets have been negotiating with the County and State for financial aid. We are now able to place before the Town for consideration a proposition to build a section of bituminous macadam highway contingent upon financial assistance being granted by the County, State, or both.
The Fire Department have harmoniously continued the pro- tection of property. Alarms have been responded to promptly and fire loss has been small.
There has been established a room in the Scahill block in Depot Square for the use of the Police Department which proves to be a convenience to the public who have complaints to make. The department has performed their duties in an efficient manner.
We wish to thank all departments for their co-operation, and are pleased to report an unexpended balance of all appropriations totaling $4,683.57.
Respectfully submitted,
AVON D. BRADEEN, Chairman, ARTHUR C. CUMMINGS, CHESTER A. FOSTER,
Board of Selectmen.
WARRANT FOR THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Essex, ss. To either of the Constables of the Town of Hamilton, GREETING :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Hamilton, qualified to vote in elections and town affairs, to meet in the Town Hall in said town on Tuesday, the eleventh (11th) day of March, nineteen hundred and twenty-four (1924) at fifteen minutes before six in the forenoon (5.45 o'clock a. m.) then and there to act on Article 1.
ARTICLE 1. To bring in your ballots for : Moderator, for one year. Town Clerk, for one year.
Three Selectmen, for one year. Overseers of Poor, and Board of Health, three for one year. One Assessor, for three years. Treasurer, for one year.
Tax Collector, for one year.
Tree Warden, for one year. Three Constables, for one year.
One Library Trustee, for three years.
One Cemetery Commissioner, for three years.
One Park Commissioner, for three years.
One member of the School Committee, for three years. One Surveyor of Highways, for one year.
And to vote on the following :
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92
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Shall license be granted for the sale of certain non-intoxicat- ing beverages ? Yes or No.
All on one ballot.
The polls will open at fifteen minutes before six in the morn- ing (5.45 a. m.) and will close at four o'clock in the afternoon (+ o'clock p. m.).
After the closing of the polls the meeting will be adjourned to Tuesday, the eighteenth day of March, nineteen hundred and twenty-four (March 18, 1924) at eight o'clock in the evening (8 o'clock p. m.), then and there to act on the remaining articles of the warrant.
ARTICLE 2. To choose and appoint all other town officers in such manner as the town shall determine.
ARTICLE 3. To hear the report of the town officers and of the Finance and Advisory Committee and other committees and take any action thereon.
ARTICLE 4. To raise and appropriate money for the repairs of highways, town ways and bridges and all town expenses and determine the manner of expending the same.
ARTICLE 5. To see if the Town will lay a drain on Union Street from Railroad Avenue to Hamilton Avenue and appropriate a sum of money for same as petitioned for by Harry R. McGregor and others.
ARTICLE 6. To see if the Town will vote to grade the exist- ing sidewalks on Walnut Street and appropriate a sum of money for same as petitioned for by Edward L. McGarry and others.
ARTICLE 7. To see if the Town will vote to grade and resur- face Arlington Street and the sidewalks thereon and appropriate a sum of money for same as petitioned for by Haven L. Berry and others.
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WARRANT FOR TOWN MEETING
ARTICLE 8. To see if the Town will construct a sidewalk on the Northerly side of Linden Street from Elliott Steet to Home Street (about 200 feet) also a sidewalk on the Easterly side of Home Street from Railroad Avenue to Linden Street (about 250 feet) and appropriate a sum of money for same as petitioned for by James J. Hughes and others.
ARTICLE 9. To see if the Town will grade and gravel Park Street and build a sidewalk on the Northerly side and appropriate a sum of money for same as petitioned for by Mary M. Jeddrie and others.
ARTICLE 10. To see if the Town will grade and resurface Miles River Road and appropriate a sum of money for same as petitioned for by Raymond L. Whitman and others.
ARTICLE 11. To see if the Town will vote to install six addi- tional street lights on Miles River Road and appropriate a sum of money for same as petitioned for by Raymond L. Whitman and others.
ARTICLE 12. To see if the Town will vote to install a street light at the junction of Highland and Asbury Streets (in front of Peatfield's store) and appropriate a sum of money for same as petitioned for by Ellsworth S. Adams and others.
ARTICLE 13. To see if the Town will vote to install two addi- tional street lights on Highland Street between Goodhue Street and Waldingfield Road, and appropriate a sum of money for same.
ARTICLE 14. To see if the Town will vote to amend the By- Laws of the Town of Hamilton as follows :
To insert after Section 6 of Chapter 2 the following section : "Section 6a. No money shall be appropriated from the Excess and Deficiency Fund at a Special Town Meeting except by a two thirds vote of the voters present and voting ;" as petitioned for by George H. Gibney and others.
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HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
ARTICLE 15. To see if the Town will vote to amend the By- Laws of the Town of Hamilton by striking out Section 1, of Chap- ter 1, and inserting the following section : "Section 1. The Annual Town Meeting shall be held on the second Tuesday in March.
The polls shall be open at 5.45 o'clock a. m. and shall remain open until 1 o'clock p. m. After the closing of the polls the re- maining articles of the warrant shall be acted upon." As peti- tioned for by Edward A. DeWitt and others.
ARTICLE 16. To see if the Town will vote an appropriation to pay the assessment levied by the County Commissioners of Essex County under Chapter 429 of the Acts of 1923 for the Tubercu- losis Hospital in Middleton and provide for raising the means therefor, by issuing bonds or otherwise, as the Town may determine.
ARTICLE 17. To see if the Town will authorize and instruct the Selectmen to permit the Trustees of the Public Library to use one of the rooms in the Town Hall for a public reading, recreation and Community room, or take any action thereon and appropriate a sum of money therefor, as petitioned for by Robert B. Walsh.
ARTICLE 18. To see if the Town will vote to have the office of the Tax Collector at the Town Hall or take any action thereon.
ARTICLE 19. To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to renew the street lighting contract.
ARTICLE 20. To see if the Town will purchase a new com- bination motor pumping apparatus, to replace the present slow and inefficient piece now in use, and appropriate a sum of money there- for or take any action thereon.
ARTICLE 21. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($250.00) for the use of the Augustus P. Gardner Post No. 194 of the American Legion as petitioned for by Finlay D. MacDonald and others.
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WARRANT FOR TOWN MEETING
ARTICLE 22. To hear the report of the Committee appointed to ascertain the cost per pupil in the Hamilton High School, also the cost of tuition in the Beverly High School, also the cost of transportation, etc., and take any action thereon.
ARTICLE 23. To see if the Town will vote to build a piece of bituminous macadam highway and appropriate a sum of money for same or take any action thereon.
ARTICLE 24. To see if the Town will authorize the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow during the munici- pal year beginning January 1, 1925, in anticipation of the revenue of said municipal year, such sums of money as may be necessary to meet the current expenses of the town, giving the note or notes of the town therefor. Any debt or debts incurred under this vote to be paid from revenue of said municipal year.
ARTICLE 25. To see if the Town will authorize the collector to use all means of collecting taxes which a Town Treasurer, when appointed Collector, may use agreeable to Chapter 41, Section 37, of the General Laws.
ARTICLE 26. To act on any other matter that may legally come before said meeting.
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting at- tested copies thereof, one at the Town Hall and one at each of the three postoffices in said Town, seven days at least before the time of holding said meeting.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this warrant with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, at the time and place of holding said meeting.
Given under our hands this 11th day of February, A. D. 1924.
CHESTER A. FOSTER. AVON D. BRADEEN, ARTHUR C. CUMMINGS. Selectmen of Hamilton.
LIST OF JURORS 1924
William E. Townsend, Willow Street, Superintendent of Streets.
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