USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1925 > Part 3
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
15 55
PROPERTY EXEMPT FROM TAXATION
AAgreeable to Clause 11, Section 5, Chapter 59 of the General Laws : Church property
$37,500 00.
Clause 3, Section 5, Chapter 59 :
Personal
Real
Total
Hamilton Housing
Incorporated
$2,100 00
$59,500 00
$61,600 00
Town Property :
Schools
$6,700 00
$111,000 00
$117,700 00
Town Hall
5,000 00
65,000 00
70,000 00
Fire Department
8,000 00
7,000 00
15,000 00
1
85
REPORT OF ASSESSORS
Personal
Total
Highway
$3,600 00
$3,600 00
Libraries
2,500 00
2,500 00
Moth Department
1,475 00
1,475 00
Weights and Measures
1,000 00
1,000 00
Clause 12. Section 5. Chapter 59 :
Real
Total
Cemetery
$6,000 00
6,000 00
Clause 15, Section 5, Chapter 59 :
Property held for care of cemetery : Perpetual Care Fund Special Cemetery
$8,090 77
870 53
VALUATION AND RATE FOR TEN YEARS
Personal
Real
Rate
1915
$3,239,195 00
$2,817,345 00
$11 40
1916
4,171,216 00
2,929,600 00
10 00
1917
595,470 00
3,079,865 00
9 50
1918
623,481 00
3,268,655 00
10 00
1919
634,527 00
3,386,940 00
10 50
1920
653.709 00
3,592,080 00
16 00
1921
696,894 00
3,674,160 00
20 00
1922
685,955 00
3,782,161 00
17 00
1923
220,199 00
4.064,085 00
21 00
1924
679,895 00
4,368,175 00
21 00
1925
691.553 00
4,475,395 00
23 80
86
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES FOR TEN YEARS
1915
Receipts $14,835 50
Expenditures
$83,134 08
1916
15,193 00
84,869 78
1917
51,975 62
84.610 31
1918
54,286 13
92,753 79
1919
50,483 30
92,060 60
1920
46,206 40
114,487 03
1921
44.874 51
131,319 63
1922
38,089 83
114,047 81
1923
10,728 30
142,342 83
1924
35,768 22
142,983 58
1925
26.472 17
150.707 31
1
In 1916 and previously, intangible personal property was assessed locally, at which date we had a personal valuation of $4,171,260.00 and a rate of $10.00. In 1925 our personal valua- tion was only $691,553.00 and a rate of $23.80. In 1917 in the distribution of the income tax, we were allowed $41,024.12, and in 1925 we were allowed only $19,098.04, our increase in expendi- tures from $83,134.08 in 1915 to $150,707.31 in 1925.
We wish to call attention of increase in expenditures and the decrease in receipts which has caused the constant increase in the tax rate.
GEORGE H. GIBNEY. GEORGE E. SAFFORD. JESSE S. MANN.
Assessors.
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSION
Hamilton, Mass., Feb. 8, 1926.
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
This year, in accordance with the vote at the last Town Meeting, the Park Commission has maintained the Soldiers' Green in addition to Central Park. The third cannon, a German gun, has been placed on the Green. We wish to express our apprecia- tion of the services of Colonel Peabody in having this cannon put in place, without expense to the Town, as completion of the plans of the Memorial Committee.
We believe that a curbstone should be placed around Soldiers' Green, or at least on the sides bordering on Farms Road, as a protection against vehicles which do not keep in the road, but run on to the Green and cut into the grass. This matter has been discussed with the Finance Committee with the view of having it incorporated in a progressive plan of street and sidewalk improve- ment.
Owing to the cut in the amount asked for by us last year we have been unable to do more than mow Central Park and keep the underbrush trimmed on the slope facing the Pond. We still believe that a relatively small additional expenditure could improve the appearance of the Park considerably.
On account of the weather last summer, it was not necessary to mow the grass on the Park and the Green as often as usual; consequently, our appropriation was sufficient to allow us to keep these lots in good condition, to buy a number of tools, provide a
87
88
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
place in the rear of the Town Hall to keep them in, and also return $46.45 to the Town Treasury.
For the coming year we are asking for the same amount as was allotted to us last year for Central Park and Soldiers' Green, and an additional $350.00.
Respectfully submitted.
PERCIVAL D. WHIPPLE, Chairman, EDWARD A. UNDERHILL, EDWARD A. DEWITT.
WARRANT FOR THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Essex. ss. To either of the Constables of the Town of Hamilton, GREETINGS :
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 ninth day of March, nineteen hundred twenty-six (March 9, 1926), at fifteen minutes before six in the forenoon (5.45 o'clock A. M.), then and there to act on the following articles, viz. :
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 Park Commissioner, for two years.
One Member of the School Committee. for three years.
One Surveyor of Highways, for one year.
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 one o'clock in the afternoon
89
90
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
(1 o'clock P. M.). After the close of the polls the remaining articles of the warrant shall be acted upon.
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 Schools, Highways, and all town expenses, and determine the 'manner of expending the same.
ARTICLE 5. To see what action the town will take towards building two cisterns for fire purposes, one to be located in the vicinity of Maple Street, South Hamilton ; and one at East Hamil- ton. The locations to be set by the Board of Selectmen and Engi- neers of the Fire Department jointly. Construction of said cis- terns to be contracted for and supervised by the Board of Select- men; and appropriate the sum of Three Thousand ($3000.00) dollars for same, as petitioned for by Committee on Water for Fire Protection.
ARTICLE 6. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of Two Thousand ($2000.00) Dollars to establish the street lines, grade and gravel Hamilton Avenue from Union Street north- erly to end of present accepted way, as petitioned for by Henry M. Ricker and others.
ARTICLE 7. To see if the Town will vote to construct a side- walk on the easterly side of Rust Street from Willow Street to. Union Street, and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred ($500.00) Dollars to cover the cost of same, as petitioned for by Douglas H. Knowlton and others.
91
WARRANT FOR TOWN MEETING
ARTICLE 8. To see if the Town will vote to accept Western Avenue so called as laid out by the Selectmen and as per plan on file in Town Clerk's office and appropriate the sum of Fifteen Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00) to construct same as petitioned for by William H. Evans and others.
ARTICLE 9. To see if the Town will vote to accept the ex- tension of Maple Street as laid out by the Selectmen and as per plan on file in Town Clerk's office and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) to construct same as petitioned for by H. L. Back and others.
ARTICLE 10. To see if the Town will vote to continue the building of permanent highway on Essex Street.
ARTICLE 11. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of Eight Hundred ($800.00) for installing water supply equip- ment in the Town Hall.
ARTICLE 12. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of Eight Hundred ($800.00) for painting the outside of the Town Hall, outbuildings and flag pole.
ARTICLE 13. To see if the Town will vote to purchase the piece of land in rear of Town Hall extending to land now or formerly of Foster Estate and appropriate the sum of One Thou- sand Dollars ($1,000.00) for same.
ARTICLE 14. To see if the Town will vote to change the name of Central Park, so called, on Main Street to Manasseh Cutler Park and erect a sign or marker bearing the name, "Manas- seh Cutler Park," also to make a planting of low shrubs or trees at the front and a low hedge on the northerly side of the park lot for the purpose of beautifying and defining the boundaries of said park. and appropriate a sum of Five Hundred Dollars
92
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
($500.00) for the purposes described, or take any action thereon agreeable to the petition of William J. Daley and others.
ARTICLE 15. To see if the Town will vote to install one additional street light on Hamilton Avenue.
ARTICLE 16. To see if the Town will vote to install two street lights on Prospect Street.
ARTICLE 17. To see if the Town will vote to make certain alterations at the Engine House, South Hamilton, by extending the doorways forward about five feet, and of one-story elevation ; and appropriate the sum of nine hundred Dollars ($900.00) for the same, or take any action thereon, as petitioned for by A. Mer- rill Cummings and others.
ARTICLE 18. To see if the Town will accept a piece of land on Chebacco Lake by F. H. Prince.
ARTICLE 19. 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, 1927, 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 20. 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, Sec- tion 37, of the General Laws.
ARTICLE 21. To act on any other matter that may legally come before said meeting.
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting attested
93
WARRANT FOR TOWN MEETING
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 8th day of February, A. D. 1926.
JONATHAN LAMSON, ARTHUR C. CUMMINGS, EDWARD A. DEWITT, Selectmen of Hamilton.
REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
To the Selectmen of the Town of Hamilton :
DEAR SIRS: The following is the report of the Cemetery Com- mission for the year 1925.
During the year we have built ?00 feet 4-foot wire fence, driven a well, cleaned up the lower end of the grounds of brush, reset some of the monument stones. filled sunken graves, repaired stone wall and generally did the ordinary work of the Cemetery.
The front of the Cemetery having been finished and turned over by Mrs. Alice A. Meyer to the Town. it is up to the commis- sion to care for the same.
There are still many monuments to reset and graves to fill. some wall to build. and there are quite a number of supplies to purchase this year.
We have had many compliments on the general appearance of the grounds.
The Perpetual Care Funds amount to $8.260.18 and the Special Cemetery Fund amounts to $1,136.53.
We recommend an appropriation of $1.000.00.
Very respectfully yours. GEORGE H. GIBNEY, FRANCIS C. NORTON. ADALIZA C. ROBERTS, Cemetery Commissioners.
94
LIST OF JURORS 1926
William E. Townsend, Willow Street, automobile agent.
Frank Dane, Union Street, foreman.
Charles A. Smerage, Rust Street, R. R. conductor.
John E. Cox, Main Street. foreman. William A. Brumby, Main Street, chauffeur.
Fred A. Saunders, Railroad Avenue, clerk. Oscar A. Wood, Bridge Street, carpenter.
Daniel P. McGinley, Park Street, machinist.
Otho L. Charles, Plum Street, chauffeur.
Finlay D. MacDonald, Union Street, carpenter.
Frank L. Bailey, Highland Street, electrician.
George F. Cross, Walnut Street, carpenter.
Robert H. Chittick, Jr., Asbury Street, machinist.
Harold A. Daley, Main Street, grocer. Samuel G. Goodhue, Asbury Street. real estate.
Edward A. DeWitt, Rust Street, carpenter. Foster E. Tappan, Goodhue Street, farmer.
Walter E. Cheever, Knowlton Street, farmer. Earl E. Johnson, Main Street, news agent.
George M. Adams, Highland Street, farmer. Edward A. Underhill, Main Street. forester.
Hamilton, Mass., February 8, 1926.
95
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Hamilton, Mass., February, 1926.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen : I wish to submit my annual report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1925.
Whole number of arrests during the year, eighteen, divided as follows :
Male
18
Adults
17
Minors
1
Native born
18
Foreign born
0
Residents
7
Non-residents
11
OFFENSES
Larceny
1
Breaking and entering in night time and larceny
3
Keeping liquor with intent to sell
1
Keeping liquor and liquor nuisance
1
Driving after license was suspended
1
Driving without a license
1
Driving without a license or registration
1
Drunkenness and disturbing peace
2
Driving to the left of the center of the road
1
Drunkenness
1
Non-support
1
Driving so as to endanger lives and going away after injury to person 1
96
97
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
DISPOSITION
Fined and paid 5
Three months in House of Correction (suspended) 1
Jury disagreement (Miller case) 1
Appeals 9
Drunkenness cases 1
Released 1
SUPERIOR COURT
Cases on docket, Jan. 1, 1926 5
Automobile licenses and registrations revoked or suspended during the year 1925 in Hamilton by Frank A. Goodwin, Regis- trar of Motor Vehicles :
Licenses revoked 4
Licenses suspended 3
Registrations revoked 2 Registrations suspended 2
Number of motor vehicle accidents in Hamilton where persons
were injured, during the year of 1925 and reported to the police 15
Number of property damage only, motor vehicle accidents in Hamilton during the year 1925, reported to police 29
ARRESTS MADE BY OFFICERS
Arthur Southwick
William Murray, Arthur Southwick and Frank Dever 5
Frank Dever 3
Alvin L. Perley 2
Fred F. Stillings 1
98
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
OFFICERS' ATTENDANCE AT COURT
Arthur Southwick
28
Frank Dever 12
Alvin L. Perley
9
Fred F. Stillings
4
Oscar A. Wood
2
COMPLAINTS INVESTIGATED
Arthur Southwick
90
Oscar A. Wood 12
Fred F. Stillings
4
Alvin L. Perley
37
Charles H. Smith
2
Frank Dever
60
HOURS OF DUTY PERFORMED BY OFFICERS
Southwick
1.203
Perley
561
Derer
505
Stilling
335
Wood
129
Dodge, W. F.
86
Haraden
64
Smith
26
Duran
17
Dodge, L.
0
Special officers
41
MISCELLANEOUS
Automobiles reported stolen 17
Automobiles found and recovered 8
99
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
Bicycles reported stolen
2
Bicycles found and recovered
1
Other property reported lost or stolen, value about
$6,150.00 550.00
Other property found and recovered, value about
Complaints received
244
Complaints investigated
205
Fires extinguished
15
Buildings found open
5
Disturbances
19
Dogs reported lost
28
Dogs found and returned to owners
5
Dogs killed
Children reported lost and found
9
Itinerant persons ordered to leave town
176
Summons served for out of town officers
12
Dangerous wires reported or removed
11
Obstructions removed
10
Accidents reported
55
Accidents resulting in death (drowning)
1
Persons received assistance
2
Police assistance to out of town officers
14
Police assistance by out of town officers
12
Court attendance for 1925
55
Report to Prison Commissioner
1
Report to Highway Commissioner
6
Letters, postal cards and circulars received (about)
296
Letters, postal cards and notices sent out (about)
160
Persons held on suspicion
2
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR SOUTHWICK, Chief of Police.
Lights reported out
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the Citizens of Hamilton :
The Trustees of the Public Library submit the following re- port for the year 1925.
The past year has been the most successful year in the history of the library. All previous records for circulation have been surpassed. the grand total being approximately 17,500, an average of almost ten books to every man, woman and child in town. The larger proportion of books have been issued from the branch at South Hamilton, nearly 15.000. with some 3,000 at the Main Library.
During the year the State List and the Youngstown List for school reading, as asked for by the Superintendent of Schools to aid the scholars in their general work, have been completely in- stalled in the library, affording all ambitious children the oppor- tunity to earn the certificate and gold star offered by the state to those who fulfil the requirements of the reading course.
The public reading and community room at the Town Hall opened up last year has continued to grow in popularity and has been in more or less constant use the past year. not only by the nearby residents of the Centre but by numerous parties from South and East Hamilton, for dancing, card parties and various meetings.
Further statistics as to circulation and books will be found in the report of the librarian.
We recommend an appropriation of $2,450.00 for the coming vear.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT B. WALSH, Chairman, ARTHUR W. CHANDLER, EDWARD A. UNDERHILL.
100
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
To the Trustees of the Public Library:
GENTLEMEN : The Sixth Annual Report as Librarian is here- with submitted.
The Library has worked during the past year in co-operation with the schools in placing before the pupils the best literature. The books on the State list were added to our children's section. All the books on the Youngstown list were also added. For read- ing 10 books on this list. a certificate is presented to the pupil. A gold star is also added for each additional 5 books read. A certificate is also given for reading books on the State list. Thus far no certificate has been presented for the State list.
During the past year 5 certificates were presented for books read on the Youngstown list and one gold star. All books on this list were sent to the branch library, as most of the children live in that section of the town.
The circulation for the past year was the largest in the history of the library, the total being 17.409: at the Main Library 2963. at the Branch Library 14,446.
The number of borrowers at the Library is now over 1300. a gain of 475 over last year.
A total of 602 books was added to the Library the past year. 565 were purchased. 37 were gifts: 538 books: were sent to the Branch Library and 80 books were returned to the Main Library.
The largest amount of fine money ever collected was turned over to the Town Treasurer-$48.01 for the year 1925.
The number of magazines loaned was 862, as follows: Main
101
102
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Library, 485; Branch Library, 377. The interest in magazines is still very great, several new ones being added to our list.
We wish to thank those who presented us with gifts of books and magazines. Through the kindness of friends our files of the Georgraphic Magazine are complete from the year 1910 to 1926.
The Branch Library is open Tuesday and Friday, 3 to 5, ? to 9 P. M. The Main Library is open Wednesday and Saturday, 3 to 5, 7 to 9 P. M.
Respectfully submitted,
LYDIA L. HARADEN. Librarian.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
At the last Annual Town Meeting the Town voted a sum not exceeding $15,000 for constructing permanent highway pro- vided that the State and County each contributed a like amount. After many conferences with the Massachusetts Highway Com- mission and County Commissioners we were able to obtain assist- ance from each to the extent of $5,000. This aid could be rendered us only for the construction of a street which was a through route. Essex Street being acceptable to all parties, the work was done on this street; 3,300 feet of macadam way was built at a cost of $12,005.37, two thirds of the expense ($8,010.24) was borne by State and County, leaving the net cost to the Town for 3,300 feet of the best macadam $4,005.13. All that was used of the $15,000 authorized by vote of the Town was $5,000; $1,500 was raised in tax levy of 1925 and $3,500 on a note due this year, and of this $5,000 we had an unexpended balance of $994.87. As the balance of the appropriation for permanent highway, namely $10,000, could not be carried over to this year, we are hoping that the Town will vote to make this amount available to continue the work this year.
Through the generosity of Mr. F. H. Prince and after peti- tioning the County Commissioners and holding several hearings, a new road has been built from the head of Beck's Pond for a distance of about 2,000 feet, which is a great improvement as when finished we will have a first-class road with many dangerous curves eliminated. This road was built under the supervision of the County Engineer and at no expense to the Town. In con- nection with this work a piece of land on Chebacca Lake con-
103
104
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
taining about 17/s acres has been deeded to the Town and a way will be built to the lake by Mr. Prince.
The several appropriations which by vote of the Town were to be under the direction of the Selectmen have been carried out to our best judgment.
The change in the manner of handling our highway has imposed an additional expense on the Selectmen's appropriation. The laying out of proposed new streets, when properly petitioned for, is by law the duty of the Selectmen and as these proposed' streets are not town highways until accepted by the Town and may not be accepted. we feel that the expense incurred, such as engineer's fees, etc., should be a charge against the Selectmen's appropriation. We have already received engineer's bills for plans on two proposed streets amounting to about $100 and have in our hands a petition to lay out another street. The cost of petitioning the County Commissioners for street lines or relocations of streets, such as advertising. Sheriff's fees. should also be paid from the Selectmen's account. This year there are three town boundary lines to run out. For the above reasons we are asking for an increase of $300 in the Selectmen's appropriation.
We wish to express our appreciation for the co-operation re- ceived from the various town boards and departments.
Yours respectfully. JONATHAN LAMSON, ARTHUR C. CUMMINGS. EDWARD A. DEWITT. Board of Selectmen.
TOWN OF HAMILTON REPORT
OF THE
Finance and Advisory Committee ON THE Appropriations and Articles
FOR THE
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
MARCH 9, 1926
A
X. HAM
A
ILTON
ET
. HA
TS
.INCOR
93.
SALEM, MASS .: NEWCOMB & GAUSS, PRINTERS 1926
REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
1926
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
Your committee has the following report to make on the financial matters under its jurisdiction.
A careful study has been made of the needs and expenses of the various departments with a view to keeping expenses down and reducing taxes. Each department quite naturally wishes to be the best in the town and believes that its needs are more important than any other, and that its appropriation cannot be reduced. We consider it our duty-unpopular as it may be-to recommended only with regard to actual needs and to call to your attention where economies may be made without impairing effi- ciency. Every $1,000.00 spent by the town means 20 cents on your taxes, and our aim is to reduce taxes if that is possible, and to this end we ask your cooperation. This may mean that some departments will have to try to get on with less money.
Note : (In this connection credit and praise is due the school board for conducting their department efficiently on the $45,000.00 voted them on our recommendation, which was $4,000.00 less than the $49,000.00 they asked for in 1925 and meant a saving of nearly one dollar on the tax rate. We believe that they can and will show even further economies without reducing their high standards.)
It may mean that improvements to town property (be it streets, sidewalks, buildings, etc.) will have to be postponed from the immediate present to some other time when they will be taken
107
108
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
care of in the order of their importance and with due regard to all the other needs of the town.
We ask your study of these matters and your public-spirited co-operation to assist the various department heads in making our town a nicer, finer town and with a lower tax rate. That spells contentment. high taxes mean discontent.
There are many ways in which we can help to accomplish this.
We believe that for the best interests of the town the tax rate must go no higher and every effort should be made to reduce it. Governmental expenses have increased too fast. President Cool- idge saw that it was affecting general prosperity and has not only advocated economy but has succeeded in reducing national expenses by the billion. We should do our share towards our own prosperity.
In 1916, ten years ago, our tax rate was $10.00 ; our expendi- tures $84.860.00.
In 1925. our tax rate was $23.80, and our expenses $150,700.00.
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.