USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1932 > Part 5
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A minimum excise tax of $2.00 is assessed on each car that is
138
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
registered by a person during the year for any length of time, no abatements to be allowed on a minimum tax of $2.00. This is a State Law.
GEORGE E. SAFFORD JESSE S. MANN ROBERT H. CHITTICK
Board of Assessors.
JURY LIST FOR 1933
Arthur W. Jaquith, Garfield Avenue, Toolmaker. Edward J. Ready, Asbury Street, Salesman. Charles F. Poole, Asbury Street, Milk dealer. Ray M. Sanford, Lois Street, Salesman. William A. Brumby, Arlington Street, Retired. Harold A. Daley, Main Street, Grocer.
George F. Cross, Walnut Street, Carpenter. Robert H. Chittick, Maple Street, Salesman. Edward A. DeWitt, Railroad Avenue, Carpenter. Walter E. Cheever, Knowlton Street, Laborer. Stanley R. Berry, Essex Street, Chauffeur.
Wallace H. Knowlton, Bridge Street, Carpenter. William W. Bancroft, Gardner Street, Contractor Walter C. Clifford, Asbury Street, Laborer. James L. Danforth, Union Street, Retired. John J. Corcoran, Highland Street, Foreman. Tallmadge B. Johnson, Asbury Street, Banking. George H. Bisson, Winthrop Street, Carpenter. E. Nelson Pierce, Walnut Street, Retired. Carl G. Ricker, Hamilton Avenue, Electrician. Lawrence R. Stone, Asbury Street, Superintendent.
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
GREETINGS :
At the Annual Town Meeting held March 8, 1932, Lewis B. Norton was elected Cemetery Commissioner for two years, and George Gibney Haraden was elected Commissioner for three years.
During the past year your Commissioners held meetings at the Town Hall every Monday morning at 9.30 o'clock. Forty-five meetings were held during 1932.
At a meeting of the Commissioners March 11th, Richard H. Wilkinson was appointed Superintendent.
We were very fortunate, in April of this year, in securing from the Highway department, an old Model T Ford truck which they had no use for. By having this truck we have been able to save the town many dollars which would have been spent in truck hire.
The Unemployment Committee started furnishing us with labor in July of 1932. Through their cooperation we have had as many as thirty men working at one time. These men have cleared brush, moved trees, excavated avenues, filled in between lots and other- wise aided in improving the appearance of our Cemetery. They have made available over 150 new lots, which if sold at the present price of $50.00 per lot, would bring in a return of $7,500.00 They have also dug a trench for our water pipes, so that we will elimi- nate the expense of taking the pipes up each fall and the relaying each spring.
The State Division of Accounts installed an accounting system for your department this year. This is the first time that all money received for the care of lots and graves, for the digging of graves, for the rebuilding of lots, etc., has been paid into the Town.
141
REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
We are pleased to report that in our first year under this system we have turned back to the town a total of $1,076.50. This brings the operating cost of this department down to $500.00, against a cost of $900.00 in previous years.
We opened up a new drive in the old part of the Cemetery in time for it to be used Memorial Day. This provides us with an entrance and exit now and greatly relieves traffic congestion dur- ing the summer months.
We wish at this time to thank Mrs. George H. Gibney for her gift to this department of garden hose and to thank Miss Mary Curtis for her gift of Calcium Chloride which was put on the main driveway.
George Gibney Haraden resigned as a Cemetery Commissioner on November 29th and on December 11th Walfred B. Sellman was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by Mr. Haraden's resignation.
We wish at this time to thank all those who have aided this department during the past year.
Respectfully yours,
LEWIS B. NORTON, Chairman WALFRED B. SELLMAN RAYMOND A. WHIPPLE
REPORT OF THE SURVEYOR OF HIGHWAYS
To the Voters of the Town of Hamilton:
The following report of the operation of this department for the year ending December 31, 1932, is respectfully submitted.
At the annual meeting last year the Town voted to reduce the appropriation for maintenance of the department from $17,000 to $12,000, and when the present incumbent assumed office there was $9,645.57 available.
A general program has been followed whereby all of the gravel roads have been scraped and dragged, and many of the more im- portant ones have been oiled and retreaded. In addition the regular care of the drainage system has been given close atten- tion. As a result, practically all of our highways are in good condition.
There are several projects which should receive attention this year, and with the co-operation of the Unemployment Committee this work could be accomplished at a greatly reduced cost.
During my term of office I have been ever mindful of the fact that the tax payers have had drastic reductions in their incomes, and I have sought to do my part in keeping the tax rate as low as may be consistent with real economy.
The constant co-operation rendered by the Committee on Un- employment has been greatly appreciated.
In closing I wish to take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation for the whole-hearted support of the various depart- ments and the spirit manifested by the citizens of the Town.
Respectfully,
FRANCIS C. MOYNIHAN,
Surveyor of Highways.
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSION
Owing to a cut in the Park Department's appropriation our work during the year was confined to keeping the grass cut on Cutler Park and the Memorial Green. We were unable to make any improvement at Chebbacco Park because of lack of funds, although this spot has continued to be the scene of countless picnics and camping parties. The resignation of George G. Hara- den from this Commission was tendered during the year, and Walfred B. Sellman was appointed to fill this vacancy.
Respectfully submitted,
LAWRENCE R. STONE, WALFRED B. SELLMAN, CHARLES F. POOLE.
In Memoriam
CLARENCE S. KNOWLTON
A faithful public servant and honored townsman has passed to the Great Beyond. In the death of Clarence S. Knowlton on December third, the Town sustained an irreparable loss. It is impossible to estimate how many of the benefits this Town enjoys were directly or indirectly due to him. He loved his native town and this love found expression in the unselfish service that he gave to the community and its citizens.
Born July 12, 1872, son of John H. and Sarah A. Knowlton, he was a life-long resident of this Town.
His service to the Town began as a member of the Board of Selectmen during the years 1915 and 1916. On February 4th, 1918, he was appointed Town Accountant and was elected Town Clerk at the Annual Town Meeting of that year; these positions he held until his death.
To those who were privileged to serve with him, his loss is beyond our ability to express.
CLARENCE S. KNOWLTON
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Town voted the sum of $10,900.00 for highway construction at the Annual Town Meeting, the same to be done under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen. Approximately one-third of a mile of permanent highway was constructed on Asbury Street, Maple Street was rebuilt, a proper system of drainage installed and the new street surfaced with Tarvia. The widening of the corners at the junction of Asbury and Willow Streets reme- died a dangerous condition of long standing.
Early in the year, the unemployment situation becoming more acute, the Selectmen felt it advisable to appoint a non-political committee to deal directly with the unemployed of the Town. At a Special Town Meeting held June 24th, the Town gave its ap- proval of the policy, and voted the sum of $6,500.00 to be expended by this Committee under the supervision of the Board of Select- men. We feel that this appropriation has been wisely expended.
At the present time the Committee and Selectmen are engaged in building Linden Street Extension, under a later appropriation made at a Special Meeting held on January 7th, 1933.
We wish to thank the Unemployment Committee for their effic- ient handling of a difficult situation, and for the loyal co-operation which they have given us at all times.
During the past year the Town has lost the services of two faithful public servants. Clarence S. Knowlton was, as Town Clerk and Town Accountant, one of the outstanding town officials of this Commonwealth. This Board, having had the privilege of serving with him, appreciate his able service to the Town, and
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HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
wish to express our deep sorrow at his passing. Because of sick- ness, Miss Annie E. Woodbury was obliged to relinquish the posi- tion of Town Treasurer, which position she has filled so faithfully and efficiently for many years. The Board has accepted her resig- nation with the deepest regret.
At a time when a number of cities and towns are in straight- ened financial conditions, we in Hamilton are very fortunate in that our Town's financial standing is excellent. In spite of in- creased relief demands, we believe this condition can be continued if the voters of the Town are willing to forego all new projects.
During the past year the Board has tried conscientiously to carry out the wishes of the voters. At this time we wish to express our thanks to the other Town officials for their efficient and friendly co-operation.
Yours respectfully,
GEORGE E. SMITH
ARTHUR C. CUMMINGS
JONATHAN LAMSON
Selectmen of Hamilton.
REPORT OF HAMILTON COMMITTEE ON UNEMPLOYMENT
The Committee on Unemployment authorized by vote of the Town at the special meeting June 24 to act in an advisory capacity to the Board of Selectmen submits herewith its report covering the period from that date to December 31, 1932. From the start, the Selectmen vested this Committee with complete control and have not merely accepted all its suggestions but have co-operated whole-heartedly at all times. The same has been true of all the other town officials and departments through which, alone, the committee feels, it has been able to confine its expenditures to projects involv- ing man-power practically exclusively. Of the $6,500 all but $443.60 has gone for actual labor; of this $216.25 was for truck- ing, $115.60 for materials, and $95.69 for tools. Notwithstanding confining the work as it did, the committee feels all the projects have had a distinct value.
Three projects taken up at the suggestion of the Fire Depart- ment have afforded fire protection to districts not previously cov- ered, making what the department now feels is a complete coverage of the town. Cutler's Pond was connected with a cistern on Farms Road which brings an unlimited water supply into the heart of the old town. Knowlton Brook on Bridge Street and the brook on Sagamore Street were cleared and widened, furnishing from 25,000 to 45,000 gallons of water each even in the dry season for their districts.
Co-operating with the School Committee, this committee has furnished the man-power for clearing up the Dorothy Winthrop Memorial lot, on which is located the new High School, thus pre- paring it for a possible future playground. It, also, supplemented the appropriation of the School Committee for re-surfacing the
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HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
playgrounds at the South School necessitated by the removal of the old annexes.
Much work has been done in the cemetery. Some of it, such as putting the water pipes underground and filling of certain paths to a level with the surface of the lots, has been in the nature of a saving in upkeep. Much of it has been devoted to clearing the new part of the cemetery and to preparing the roadways laid out in the existing plans for proper surfacing when the time comes for such extension. While this project represents the committee's largest expenditure, the committee feels that the work, in the long run, will prove a hundred per cent investment for the town.
A certain amount of the work might be put down to "town upkeep," but, even there, such work has been in the interest of greater safety. The re-grading of the gutter on Bridge Street, for instance, accomplished the proper draining away of the sur- face water which, hitherto, overflowed the road in winter weather often turned to ice, causing an especially perilous condition. In a lesser degree, this also applied to the clearing and repairing of culverts. Reconditioning sidewalks, also, made for keeping pedes- trians off the roadways where, especially at night, there is great danger from speeding automobiles.
Up to date, eighty-three men have registered. Of these fifty-five have, at various times, been given work. This does not exactly represent the extent of the assistance for, through their dependents, 172 persons have been reached. Our active list is now at its peak.
The committee has heard certain comment on those receiving assistance "riding around in automobiles." While in the main the committee does not countenance such a practice, there are yet not a few cases in which it has been proved to its satisfaction that the use of cars has been instrumental in assisting their owners to find work and effecting economies in other ways. In a town without any public conveyance the question of getting workers living in
149
UNEMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
outlying districts to their jobs creates a possible problem. So varied and individual are the cases that the committee believes that any iron-clad rule would cause many serious injustices, and it earnestly hopes that this matter may be left to its discretion.
While up to the present it has been possible for the Committee to confine itself practically entirely to projects involving man-power exclusively which at the same time have a real value, it sees a time at hand when it may no longer be able to do so. Only one who has attempted it, can appreciate the difficulty of providing useful jobs in which either material or trucking is not required. The com- mittee feels that the best economy calls for a certain expenditure for material and trucking, that results may have a real value. Its recommendation to the special town meeting called for Friday, January 6, will then be that, in addition to the sum required for the personnel, an extra appropriation be assigned it for material, etc. This it would handle in a flexible manner, so that projects which in its opinion are worthy may be carried out as they pre- sent themselves.
Respectfully, JOHN H. PERKINS, Chairman. WILLIAM H. WOODASON, Secretary. MARCIUS BABCOCK. GEORGE S. MANDELL. PERCIVAL D. WHIPPLE.
December 30, 1932.
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HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Fire Protection :
Labor
Trucks Material
Knowlton Brook
$157 20
none
none
Sagamore Street Brook
276 70
Farms Road (Cutler's Pond)
87 05
66
66
Sagamore and Bridge Streets,
making Fire Dept. right of way
70 40
66
School :
High School grounds
523 60
66
South School grounds
249 40
201 25
84 65
Cemetery :
Improvements
2,461 80
none
none
Eliminating Hazardous Conditions :
Bridge Street, regrading gutter
268 40
66
66
Topsfield Road, culvert
321 63
15 00
30 95
Winthrop Street, culvert
16 80
none
none
Asbury Street, sidewalk
12 80
66
66
Bridge St., sidewalk
35 20
66
Main Street, sidewalk
188 80
Railroad Ave., sidewalk
8 80
66
66
Miscellaneous :
Brush and other gutter work
509 60
66
Miles River Road
17 60
66
66
Town Scales
29 50
66
66
Clerical
122 40
66
Miscellaneous
8 58
66
66
$5,366 26 $216 25 $115 60
151
UNEMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
Appropriation
$6,500 00
Labor
$5,366 26
Trucks
216 25
Material
115 60
Tools
95 69
Gas and Oil
16 06
$5,809 86
Estimated Pay Roll for week ending
December 31
450 00
6,259 86
Balance, December 31, 1932
$240 14
Registered men employed @ 40 cents per hour worked, 13,415 man hours = 93% of approprition expended.
DISBURSEMENTS BY WEEKS
July 9
$8 00
Oct. 15
$222 34
July 16
13 47
Oct. 22
124 80
July 23
14 40
Oct. 29
226 40
July 30
99 85
Nov. 5
264 00
Aug. 6
341 82
Nov. 12
208 43
Aug. 13
211 23
Nov. 19
361 81
Aug. 20
196 30
Nov. 26
291 20
Aug. 27
237 30
Dec. 3
404 64
Sept. 5
297 36
Dec. 10
410 40
Sept. 12
178 00
Dec. 17
*385 60
Sept. 19
174 00
Dec. 24
*348 80
Sept. 26
240 93
Dec. 31
+450 00
Oct. 3
267 25
Oct. 8
281 53
Total
$6,259 86
* Exclusive of snow work.
+ Estimated.
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Library Trustees report a successful year in the carrying on of the Public Library and an increase in the circulation in excess of any year up to date. The lack of employment growing out of the period of depression has undoubtedly led the people, among other things, in seeking means to use up their spare time, to turn to public recreations and amusements, and additional reading has played no small part in this matter. While we all enjoy reading fiction and what are called best sellers, the trustees wish to point out that there are many books of biography, econom- ics, history and travel which are rarely taken out for reading. The more general reading of such books would reduce the pressure on the Library Fund for the purchase of new books. and it is not necessary to point out at this time that the appropriation cannot be increased. The circulation of non-fiction books was less than nine hundred.
The Trustees repeat their annual suggestion to those disposed to make public bequests, that the Public Library is a most worthy object. The sentiment of pamphlets sent out from the State Library Board and the attitude of most towns is, that while it is an inopportune time to increase public library appropriations, it is desirable from the standpoint of general education that the appro- priations should not be reduced. Hence the Trustees recommend an appropriation of two thousand dollars for the coming year.
For statistics, etc., reference may be had to the report of the Librarian.
ROBERT B. WALSH, Chairman. ARTHUR W. CHANDLER, Secretary. BARBARA M. GAGE.
153
TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT
In retiring from the Board of Library Trustees after some fifteen years of service, may I be permitted to reminisce some? At the time I became a member the circulation was less than five thou- sand. Practically all of these were issued from the main library in the Town Hall, and it was the practice to keep a basket of a couple of hundred of books in a dry goods store at South Ham- ilton. This resulted in great hardship for the residents and chil- dren of South Hamilton to journey down to the Centre in the winter time, and naturally kept down circulation. In view of these conditions I inserted an article in the town warrant asking for an appropriation to establish a branch at South Hamilton. This led to the establishment of the present branch, with a present circulation of 15,000, three times the total old circulation.
A few years later, realizing the need of a recreation and reading place in Centre Hamilton, I asked for an appropriation of $500.00 which provided for the present community room at the Centre. It is difficult in the winter months for the people to get up to the Centre Community House, and the opening of the room at the Centre has justified its establishment many times over.
Our system of cataloging, co-operation with recommendations from state officials, aid to readers and children, care in the selec- tion of reading-all have tended to place our library, considering its size, on a par with the best.
ROBERT B. WALSH.
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
To the Trustees of the Public Library:
Herewith is presented the fortieth annual report of the Libra- rian.
According to the last report the year 1931 was the busiest in the history of the Library. The year 1932 has produced a year of even greater activity and circulation. The Library has been open 209 days, during which time 21,473 books were lent for home use, a gain of 980 over 1931.
Work with the young people is of great interest and importance. The books loaned for school deposits were 2,835, a loss of 256. The Interlibrary loan system of the Division of Public Libraries continues to aid in supplying books needed by students and teach- ers which we feel it inadvisable to purchase. Two sets of New World Book Encyclopedia, two new Lincoln Libraries, and a set of Smithsonian Science Series have been added for reference. Reading for school certificates continues in all grades of the school.
The custom of pasting a brief synopsis of the story in the front of each new book has, it is hoped, aided the readers.
The delivery rooms, which also serve as reading rooms and reference rooms, are greatly crowded at times, which makes it difficult for quiet reading and study.
The Main Library is open Wednesday and Saturday, and the Branch Library, Tuesday and Friday, from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 P. M. Statistics follow :
STATISTICS
Number of bound volumes 11,771
Number of volumes added 1932 505
155
TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT
Circulation-including periodicals :
Main
7,320
Branch
14,153
Schools
2,835
Total
24,308
Non-fiction
886
Magazines
1,896
Increase over 1931
824
Respectfully submitted,
LYDIA L. HARADEN, Librarian.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
Under existing conditions we find that the demands on this department have materially increased over those of last year. The majority of new cases were from people who lived out of town but had a settlement in Hamilton.
We note that the increase in expenditures in Hamilton averaged as low or lower than in other towns of our size. A representative of the State Board of Public Welfare informs us that in compari- son with other towns of our size throughout the State, we have fewer people receiving aid from this department.
The General Laws in regard to Public Welfare Departments have been followed, and a thorough investigation of each case as regards lawful settlement and need has been made.
Yearly net cost to Town for local relief, amounts paid other cities and towns for cases having settlement in Hamilton, also for Mothers' Aid, State Aid and Soldiers' Relief were as follows :-
1929 1930 $5137.23 $8108.87
1931 $67734.59
1932
$8633.87
NOTE: Old Age Assistance law went into effect in 1931.
NOTE: Also the fact that the 1932 total expended was but $525 more than during 1930, and the year 1932 has been the extreme year of distress. The unusually large reimbursement from State, Cities and Towns for the year 1931 made the net cost for that year lower than that of 1930 and 1932.
ARTHUR C. CUMMINGS GEORGE E. SMITH JONATHAN LAMSON
Board of Public Welfare
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 fourteenth day of March, nineteen hundred and thirty-three (March 14, 1933) 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
Three Overseers of Public Welfare for one year Treasurer for one year
Tax Collector for one year
One Surveyor of Highways for one year
Tree Warden for one year Three Constables for one year
One Assessor for three years
One member of the School Committee for three years One Library Trustee for three years
One Cemetery Commissioner for three years
One Cemetery Commissioner for two years
One Park Commissioner for three years
One Park Commissioner for one year.
All on one ballot.
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HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
The Polls will open at fifteen minutes before six in the morning and may be closed at one o'clock in the afternoon (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 all other committees and take any action thereon.
ยท
ARTICLE 4. To raise and appropriate money for Schools, High- ways and all town expenses and determine the manner of expend- ing same.
ARTICLE 5. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of $3,181.79 to cover the following overdrafts :
Soldiers' Exemptions $ 1.94
Police 242.93
Public Welfare 2,453.42
Soldiers' Relief 483.50
ARTICLE 6. To hear the report of the High School Building Committee and appropriate the sum of $250.00 to carry out their recommendations or take any other action thereon.
ARTICLE 7. To hear the report of the Insurance Committee appointed pursuant to a vote at the special Town meeting held January 6, 1933, to appropriate a sum of money to carry out their recommendations and to take any other action thereon.
ARTICLE 8. To hear the report and recommendations of the Unemployment Committee, appointed by the Board of Selectmen, and appropriate such sums of money as may be necessary to carry out such recommendations or take any action thereon.
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