USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1936 > Part 7
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Oct. 16 Still 31 Brush, Jesse Mann, Highland St.
Oct. 21 Still 31 Brush, Maj. Patton, Topsfield Rd.
Oct. 29 34 Oil Barrel, Thomas Mackey, Highland St. Oct. 30 Still 32 Grass & brush, Frederic Winthrop, Win- throp St.
Oct. 30 Still 31 Grass & Brush, Maj. Patton, Topsfield Rd. Oct. 30 Still 25 Grass & brush, G. V. L. Meyer, Farms Rd. Oct. 30 Still 25 Grass & brush, G. V. L. Meyer, Farms Rd. Oct. 31 13 Dump, G. Elaro, Woodbury's Crossing Nov. 3 Still 21 Chimney, Raymond Tucker, Prospect St. Nov. 11 3-3-3 House and barn, Topsfield
198
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Nov. 15 Still 21 Chimney, Mrs. M. Morrow, Arlington St.
Nov. 16 13 Grass, T. A. Holland, Essex
Nov. 22 Still 25 Grass & brush, F. R. Appleton, Farms Rd.
Nov. 22 14 Grass & brush, Geo. Kane, County Way
Nov. 22 Still 25 Pine trees, J. W. Griess, Farms Rd.
Dec. 1 31 Corn Stalks, Sumner Pingree, Highland St.
Dec. 2 Still 21 Automobile, Fred Declerio, Main St.
Dec. 17 31 Five Cottages, Asbury Grove
Dec. 26 Still 25 Chimney, Mrs. R. Smith, Farms Rd.
Dec. 27 34 Garage and barn, Frederic Winthrop, High- land St.
Respectfully submitted,
A. MERRILL CUMMINGS DOUGLAS H. KNOWLTON RUDOLPH H. HARADEN EARL E. JOHNSON JOHN E. CROSS
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Board of Park Commissioners herewith submit their annual report.
During the past year the usual maintenance work of this de- partment has been carried on at Cutler Park, Memorial Green and Chebacco Park.
We greatly appreciate the generosity of Mrs. Constance Wil- liams, who gave us new wheels for the cannons at Memorial Green. Mrs. Williams has always been interested in this Me- morial and was one of the public spirited citizens who aided in securing the cannons for the town from the War Department at Washington.
Lawrence R. Stone, the oldest member of our board, from the point of service, resigned early in the year to accept an ap- pointment to the Finance Committee. Mr. Stone was first elected a Park Commissioner in 1926 and had served continuously since that time. His knowledge and counsel have been greatly missed. Henry A. Rauch was appointed to take his place.
We wish to extend our appreciation to all who have assisted us during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, FRANCIS H. WHIPPLE RAYMOND H. STONE HENRY A. RAUCH
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
GREETINGS :
The Cemetery Commissioners submit herewith their report for the year ending December 31, 1936.
The major improvement this year was the grading and seed- ing of a large number of lots in the new part of the cemetery. This area is where the unemployed first started to work in the cemetery and in as much as these finished lots represent in terms of dollars and cents, the sum of $2500.00, it can be readily seen that we are now getting some dividend on money spent in this manner.
As this report goes to press we are having the letters on the stone of Rev. Samuel Wigglesworth recut, which we hope will be of interest to visitors in the cemetery.
We wish to thank the Unemployed Committee for their as- sistance and also the Supt. of Streets for patching material for Main Avenue and for the great favor of keeping the avenues plowed in the winter time.
Respectfully Submitted, LAWRENCE C. FOSTER EVERETT F. HALEY RAYMOND A. WHIPPLE
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
GREETINGS:
The Trustees herewith submit their report for the year end- ing December 31, 1936.
The past year has been one of progress. It has been our pur- pose to raise the standard of service rendered the citizens of Hamilton, by elevating the tone of literature for reading by the public. Reading of good literature is sound education, and tends to raise the moral standard of a community, this has been our purpose. At the beginning of the year, in attempting to fulfill this mission your trustees invited a group of interested persons to act as a Review and Reading Committee; Mrs. Constance Williams, Mrs. Dorothy Bradford, Miss Barbara Gage, Rev. William F. A. Stride, and Mr. William W. Bancroft generous- ly gave of their time and effort in this work, to whom the Trustees extend their thanks and appreciation for their ser- vices.
The Library has received many gifts of books during 1936, the largest number of which was from the library of the late Frederic Winthrop. This collection is now in progress of cata- loguing. To all donors of these gifts the Trustees extend their sincere thanks.
202
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Additional book space at the Main Library for approxi- mately 2500 volumes was added during the year. These alter- ations reflect a much improved atmosphere in the appearance of the Library Rooms.
For statistics, etc., reference may be had to the report of the Librarian.
Respectfully submitted,
CHESTER H. KNOWLES KATHARINE P. STRIDE ARTHUR W. CHANDLER
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
To the Trustees of the Public Library :
Herewith is presented the forty-fourth annual report.
The circulation of books for the year 1936 was 18,258. This is 1281 less than that of 1935-a loss at the Branch Library of 990-at the Main Library of 291.
There were 569 books accessioned; 530 books were pur- chased; 39 were gifts received. Books added were allocated as follows: juvenile books 150-fiction 110 non fiction 40; adult books 419-fiction 250-non fiction 169.
The circulation of magazines was 1901. This is 224 less than last year. We subscribe to 32 magazines.
All borrowers holding cards in active service were re-regis- tered. We have on our register 644 names.
Several small gifts of books were received. A large gift of books, as yet uncatalogued, contains many books of reference, travel and history. Also several books in gardening, poultry raising, and the care and management of horses.
We were badly in need of room at the Main Library and the new book shelves in the stack and delivery room will serve us for some time to come.
A change in time of opening was made at the Main Library. We open at 6:30 P. M. instead of 7:00 P. M. and close at 8:30 P. M. instead of 9:00 P. M.
The Main Library is open Wednesday and Saturday from 3-5 and 6:30 to 8:30 P. M. The Branch Library is open Tues- day and Friday 3-5 and 6:45 to 8:45 P. M.
Respectfully submitted,
LYDIA L. HARADEN,
Librarian
204
HAMILTON TOWN REPOR I
STATISTICS
Number of volumes accessioned
18,100
Number of volumes January 1, 1937
13,226
Number of volumes added in 1936
569
Books-gifts
39
Books-purchased
530
Circulation including periodicals
20,159
Main Library
5,956
Branch Library
14,203
Circulation-Books
18,258
Non-fiction
987
Main Library
389
Branch Library
598
Fiction
13,484
Main Library
3,630
Branch Library
9,854
Juvenile
3,787
Main Library
1,102
Branch Library
2,685
Circulation Magazines Main Library
835
Branch
1,066
Borrowers
644
Main Library
308
Branch Library
376
1901
TOWN OF HAMILTON SEALER'S DEPARTMENT
To the Board of Selectmen of Hamilton:
Gentlemen-In compliance with General Laws Chapter 98, Sec. 34, I herewith submit the annual report for the year 1936.
Linear Measures
Trial Weights and Inspections Required by Law.
Total
Correct
Under
Over
Bread
38
17
8
13
Beans
12
12
Confectionery
23
15
7
1
Flour
12
12
Grain.
2
2
....
....
Lard
12
12
Potatoes
20
13
3
4
Onions
12
2
2
8
Sugar
12
12
Coffee
12
12
Total
163
122
21
29
Peddlers Licenses
2
Transient Venders Licenses
1
Scales
Sealed
Not Sealed
Con- Ad- demned justed
Platform over 5000
2
Platform 100 to 5000
4
1
Counter under 100
6
1 1
Spring under 100
16
1
Spring 100 to 5000
1
206
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Computing over 100 5
....
1
1
Computing under 100
7
...
....
Personal weighing
2
. .
....
....
Weights
Avoirdupois
37
12
Automatic Measuring Devices (liquid)
Gasoline Pumps
14
5
Kerosene Pumps
1
12
Liquid Measures
20
Grease Measures
13
. . . .
....
Linear Measures
Yard Sticks
5
Vehicle Truck
1
Salary $200.00
Transportation and Supplies
Reweighing Coal. 2
Per Order of the Director of Standards State House, Boston, Mass. I have notified 5 Range and Fuel Dealers, it will be nec- essary in the future to have a Pedlers License.
Respectfully submitted,
ERVING O. MAXWELL,
Sealer.
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
To the Board of Selectmen of Hamilton:
I hereby submit my report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1936.
Total number of arrests during the year, 25, divided as fol- lows:
Male
23
Female
2
Adults
24
Minors
1
Native born
23
Foreign born
2
Residents
15
Non-residents
10
Offenses
Drunks
11
Assault
3
Larceny of property
5
Larceny of automobile
1
Driving under the influence of liquor
3
Assault on an Officer
1
Non-support
1
Disposition In Court District Court
Released without arraignment
11
Placed on file
1
Found Guilty
13
Sentenced and put on probation
8
Sentenced to the House of Correction
3
Fined
2
Appealed to Superior Court
1
208
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Superior Court
Found Not Guilty
Commitments to State Institutions
To Danvers State Hospital 2
To Monson State Hospital
To Women's Reformatory 1
Arrests made by Officers
Poole
9
Frederick 8
Southwick
3
Whipple
4
Haraden
1
Arrests for out-of-town Police 1
Arrests by out-of-town Police for local
1
Persons held at local Police Station and later released 14
Summons served
For out-of-town Police by local police 12
By out-of-town Police for local Police 9
Automobile Regulations
Licenses revoked by Registrar of Motor Vehicles 15
Registrations revoked by Registrar and plates returned by local Police 18
Automobile transfers by individuals 61
Automobile transfers by Class 1 dealers 108
Reports made by the Chief of Police
To the Commissioner of Correction 1
To the Special Crime Commission 1
To the Registrar of Motor Vehicles 8
To the Probation Officer 6
1
1
209
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
Motor Vehicle Accidents reported
Causing injuries to persons 20
Causing damage to property only 31
Transportation of Persons
Taken to Hospital 14
Taken to their homes
4
Taken to doctors office for treatment
9
Complaints Investigated
Poole 281
Frederick 118
Southwick 84
Whipple
46
Miscellaneous
Automobiles reported stolen 3
Automobiles recovered 3
Lights reported out 126
Dangerous wires reported 7
Obstructions on the street reported to Highway Surveyor 6
Police assistance by out-of-town Officers
2
Police assistance to out-of-town Officers
5
Property reported stolen (value) $680.00
Property recovered (value) $600.00
I wish to express my appreciation for the assistance rendered my by the Board of Selectmen, the Highway Department, Town Clerk and all citizens of the Town of Hamilton who have assisted in the work of the Police Department.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Officers for their splendid cooperation and service at all times.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES F. POOLE,
Chief of Police.
ARTHUR C. CUMMINGS
In Memoriam
ARTHUR C. CUMMINGS
ARTHUR C. CUMMINGS was born in Topsfield Feb- ruary 20, 1870, and died July 6, 1936. He had served as a member of the board of selectmen for twenty-four years pre- ceding his death. During his long service on the board he had acquired a large fund of knowledge of town government, prac- tices and precedents, and was a source of much information on the happenings locally within the past quarter century. He was particularly conversant with welfare work, and from his long experience in perambulation work was probably the best informed man in town on town lines and boundary marks.
Progressive in his ideas and in close touch with communal matters, he was for a generation one of our leading cit -en the public, political and social life of the town. He was also prominently identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church at South Hamilton. At the time of its erection he contributed the stone and built the foundations as a gift to the church society and his name is inscribed on the cornerstone.
As a young man he was connected with the Boston and Maine Railroad and later engaged in the livery stable business. which he later supplanted with the garage business to meet changing conditions, which he was conducting at the time of his death. He was a member of Liberty Lodge of Masons in Beverly, Royal Arch chapter in Ipswich, Beverly lodge of Elks and the Hamilton-Wenham Grange.
From the nature of his business he was probably one of the best known men in this vicinity and few there were who were not familiar with his sunny disposition, genial smile and warm greeting daily.
GEORGE KELLY KNOWLTON
In Memoriam
GEORGE KELLY KNOWLTON
GEORGE KELLY KNOWLTON was born in Hamilton July 8, 1840, and died September 11, 1936, having lived prac- tically his entire life in this town. He was directly descended from John K. Knowlton, who came here from England before the Revolution. He was also the oldest voter in town and voted for Abraham Lincoln for President.
From early manhood he took an active part in the public affairs of the town and had served on the school committee for thirty years. In 1891 he was chosen to represent this district in the Legislature.
Until quite recently he always attended the annual town meetings, and when he arose to address the voters he was in- variably accorded a rousing ovation. Due to his long and varied experience with town matters he was most versatile in his dis- cussions and was always listened to with deep respect.
He was ever deeply interested in religious work, having been closely identified with the Methodist Church, and for many years was in general charge of the Union Chapel at East Hamil- ton, where he acted as lay preacher under appointment from the Methodist Episcopal Conference.
With him true citizenship and public service was a sacred trust, and in the discharge of his duty he exercised the most conscientious care and effort to attain the consummation of those principles in which he profoundly believed.
REPORT OF W. P. A. COORDINATOR
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
This report covers the period from January 1, 1936 to De- cember 31, 1936.
The Town received from the Federal Government $43,861 - .53. This is an increase of $21,000.00 over the amount re- cevied in 1935.
In addition to this we received 6,740 articles of clothing and the following food.
Roast Beef
60321/2 1bs.
Hamburg
6271/2
1bs.
Prunes
1550 1bs.
Canned Vegetables
888 cans
Apples
3300 1bs.
Butter
756 1bs.
Carrots
1500 1bs.
Cereal
700 1bs.
Beans
800 1bs.
Flour
3552 1bs.
Onions
2050 1bs.
Evaporated Milk
384 cans
Eggs
120 doz.
Peas
830 1bs.
Turnips
420 1bs.
Grapefruit
4455 1bs.
The value of the above surplus commodities is $11,041.00. The first project worked on was the completion of five ave- nues in the Hamilton Cemetery.
The next work was the grading of 1590 feet of sidewalk on the westerly side of Main Street and the installation of a
215
REPORT OF W. P. A. COORDINATOR
tarvia surface from Bridge Street to the Congregational Church. This fall a State Sidewalk project was begun and a much need- ed tarvia sidewalk was installed from Bridge Street to the Com- munity House. At the same time a State Road Side Beautification project was in operation. Under this project the sides of the road were cleaned and graded from the Ipswich line to the Wenham line.
The Pest Control project was the next work undertaken and was of great benefit in the eradication of pests that infest our trees. At the same time a State Moth project was started and a great many of our trees were cleaned of the gypsy moth.
The extension of our Water Main was then begun. A total of 2936 feet of pipe was laid on Union and Asbury Streets.
After the Water Main was completed Chestnut Street was excavated and a good road was built from Pine Street to the Wenham line with all necessary drainage taken care of.
The Farm to Market project continued the entire year. Saga- more, Moulton and Gardner Streets were rebuilt and drainage work was done on Essex Street, Farms Road and Willowdale Road.
The Sewing Project at the Jonathan Lamson School con- tinued the entire year, employing an average of eleven women.
A very worthwhile and the first so-called white collar pro- ject in this town was started September 23, 1936, and is still in operation. This is the Registration of Veterans and Veterans Graves for the Town of Hamilton. This will give the American Legion and the Town a complete record of soldiers and sailors that went from Hamilton and also a record of their burial in the Hamilton Cemetery.
I wish to thank the Selectmen at this time for their assist- ance and cooperation so generously given.
ALEXINA D. MORROW.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
For the first time since the depression has been with us the improvement in private re-employment made itself felt during the last year. This, together with the valuable support rendered by the Federal Government, has enabled the Town officials to concentrate on projects which have a permanent value to our community. Among these has been the Extension of Water Mains towards Asbury Grove. Already the present installation has justified itself by preventing what might have been a seri- ous fire loss in this area.
Another was the continuation of building permanent roads under the provisions of Chapter 90, General Laws, by which the Town contributes only 25% of the cost, the balance being assumed by the Commonwealth and County. Having these favorable terms in mind, the Board has applied for more of this work during the coming year on Asbury Street and the com- pletion of the work on Bridge Street. We recommend accept- ance of these articles in the Warrant as a good investment for the Town. It is possible that the County Commissioners may require repairs be made to the bridge over the Ipswich River on Highland Street this year. In this event, the Town's share would be approximately $1500, with the Commonwealth and County contributing the balance.
In estimating the requirements of Unemployment Relief for this year the Board has been obliged to take into consideration the probability of a substantial reduction in the amount of aid to be expected from the Federal Government.
In accordance with a vote at the last Annual Meeting relative to numbering houses and lots on the streets of the Town, the
217
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Board has secured a Federal project for this work and it will be started as soon as conditions permit.
The Board recommends that careful consideration be given to expenditures to be made at the Town Meeting and by doing so another reduction in taxes appears to be probable.
It is with regret that we note the passing of two outstanding public officials - Arthur C. Cummings, long a familiar figure among the townspeople and for many years a member of the Board of Selectmen, and George Kelly Knowlton, who was a valued member of the School Committee. A more extended ac- count on the services of these men will be found elsewhere in the Town Report.
Although not properly a part of the 1936 Report, we cannot refrain from reporting another serious loss to the Town in the recent death of George E. Safford, who served the Town faith- fully as a member of the Board of Selectmen and, in more re- cent years, as Chairman of the Board of Assessors.
At this time we wish to express our appreciation for the as- sistance rendered by Miss Morrow, our Federal Coordinator, and to the Unemployment Committee.
We thank the various boards and Town officials for their splendid cooperation during the past year.
JOHN H. PERKINS EDWARD A. DeWITT WALFRED B. SELLMAN
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 election and Town affairs to meet in the Town Hall in said Town on Monday, the first day of March, nineteen hundred and thirty-seven (March 1, 1937) at seven thirty o'clock in the evening (7:30 P. 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 Park Commissioner for three years
One Park Commissioner for one year
One Water Commissioner for three years
219
WARRANT FOR TOWN MEETING
The above named officers to be voted for on one ballot on Tuesday the ninth day of March, 1937 (March 9, 1937). The polls will be opened at 5:45 o'clock A. M. and may be closed at 4:00 o'clock P. M."
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."
Article 4. "To raise and appropriate money for Schools, Highways and all other town expenses and determine the man- ner of expending same."
Article 5. "To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $14,500.00 to be expended for work to be done on the highways, the cemetery, the parks or for fire pro- tection and for materials and implements, to provide work for the needy unemployed of the town, or take any action thereon."
Article 6. "To see if the town will vote to continue the building of permanent highways on Bridge Street and Asbury Street, and to make repairs on the Highland Street bridge, said highways and bridge to be built jointly by the State, County and Town, and to raise and appropriate the sum of $7,500.00 for the Town's share of the cost of above work, or take any action thereon."
Article 7. "To see if the Town will acquire land by pur- chase, by eminent domain or otherwise, for the purpose of es- tablishing a park for playground and swimming pool purposes for the children and inhabitants of the town, appropriate a sum of money for the same or take any action thereon as petitioned for by Robert B. Walsh and others."
220
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Article 8. "To see if the Town will vote to change the name of Central Park in memory of Manasseh Cutler, a nationally famous citizen of Hamilton, and to see if the Town will ap- point a Committee, to be chosen by the moderator to select and supervise the erection of a suitable memorial to be placed in said park and appropriate a sum of money for same as petitioned for by Sydney A. Smith and others."
Article 9. "To see if the Town will change the name of Farms Road to Cutler's Road in memory of Manasseh Cutler as petitioned for by Sydney A. Smith and others."
Article 10. "To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1938, and to issue a note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws."
Article 11. "To see if the Town will authorize the Collect- or 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 12. "To act on any other matter that may legally come before said meeting."
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting attested 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.
221
WARRANT FOR TOWN 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 1st day of February A. D. 1937. A true copy, Attest :
(Signed)
JOHN H. PERKINS, WALFRED B. SELLMAN, EDWARD A. DeWITT, Selectmen of Hamilton
I have served this warrant by posting attested copies thereof, as within directed, seven days at least, before the time of hold- ing said meeting.
CHARLES F. POOLE,
Constable
Attest :
GEORGE GIBNEY HARADEN,
Town Clerk
1
TOWN OF HAMILTON
REPORT
OF THE
Finance and Advisory Committee ON THE
Appropriations and Articles FOR THE
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
MARCH 1, 1937
AS
EX.
A
HAMILTON
. HA
ITS.
INCOR
793.
CHRONICLE PUBLISHING CO, PRINTERS
IPSWICH, MASS.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FINANCE AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
The recommendations of the Finance Committee for appro- priations for the year 1937 adhere in general to the appropria- tions for 1936. Unemployment and Public Welfare are two items which continue at an increased amount as compared with normal appropriations for these departments. There are, how- ever, recommended reductions over last year of $1,500 in Unemployment and of $500 in Public Welfare, in which reductions the Selectmen concur. Increases this year are primarily in Schools, Chapter 90 work and Police. The saving in the regular school budget effected by a reduction in the cost of transportation has been taken up in part by additional amounts for repairs, by increased Salaries and instruction in music and drawing. The extra school appropriations are $500 in excess of last year, and for the most part speak for themselves. The Chapter 90 work, which is done with town, county and state funds, and which in our opinion is of great benefit to the town, may cost $7,500 this year. If the requested projects are approved, permanent roads will be constructed on Asbury and Bridge Streets and a bridge on Highland Street will be rebuilt. Moreover we have increased the highway appropriation by $500, which $500 will be allotted to upkeep of Chapter 90 roads on the expectation that the state or county or both will contribute an equal amount for the purpose. The Police appropriation is increased by $400. Of this amount $100 represents the transfer of the dog officer from Selectmen to Police. The other $300 is an increase to cover estimated additional work which the Police Department has been undertaking at night, and the possibility of more problems arising with the opening of liquor package
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