USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1939 > Part 6
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Number of Polls: 664 at $2.00 each
Total Valuation (at tax rate of $25.00) Personal Property $ 538,880 00
Real Estate 4,921,040 00
Poll Tax $ 1,328 00
Personal Property Tax 13,472 00
Real Estate Tax 123,026 00
Gain on account of fractional divi-
sions of tax rate 13
Total Taxes levied on Polls and Property $137,826 13
Not entering into the determination of the tax rate :
Special assessment: Moth (Private) 1,423 74
Total Assessments committed $139,249 SW
RECAPITULATION OF THE MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE
Assessed in the Town of Hamilton for the year 1939 Number of cars 1,020
Total valuation of cars
$226,040 00
Total Motor Vehicle Excise committed
$6,863 62
l'o the Taxpayers of Hamilton:
The 1940 tax rate on motor vehicles is $36.40 per thousand. This is an increase of 50 cents per thousand over the 1939 rate.
When you sell or transfer a car a return of proof of sale must be made to the Assessors before any abatement can be made. This form can be obtained from the dealer.
164
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Applications for abatement of any kind of tax will not be ' accepted by the Board unless filed within the time provided by law and on a form approved by the Commissioner of Corporations and Taxation.
Within the year we expect there is to be an assessors planning project of all real estate in Hamilton by the W. P. A. The asses- sors trust that all real estate owners will cooperate.
PLEASE READ ALL PRINTING ON YOUR TAX BILL.
Respectfully submitted,
JESSE S. MANN ROBERT H. CHITTICK, JR. DONALD G. TRUSSELL
REPORT OF THE SURVEYOR OF HIGHWAYS
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The following report of the Highway Department for the year ending December 31, 1939 is respectfully submitted.
During the past year the following streets and avenues have been added to our list of oiled roads :
Lois Street Extension, Roosevelt Avenue and Washington Avenue were scarified, regraded and oiled. Boston Avenue and Grant Avenue were excavated and refilled to grade under a W. P. A. project with use of the roller, oil and grit for cov- ering furnished by the Highway Department.
As usual, the oil and tar roads received the maximum atten- tion of the Highway schedule, with approximately 19,603 gal- lons of asphalt being applied to the streets and 3,133 gallons of cold-patch were mixed with sand and pea-stone and used for patching holes and shoulders.
Gravel roads have been scraped, dragged and patched. About 400 to 500 yards of gravel were used on portions of Cutler Road and Linden Street Extension.
New catch-basins were installed on Plum Street, School Street and Grant Avenue. Other catch-basins and pipes were kept in order by regular cleanings.
Bridge Street from Wheeler Farm to the Essex line and Highland Avenue from the Ipswich line to Goodhue Street were resurfaced under Chapter 90 Maintenance work. This required 4,100 gallons of asphalt and 200 tons of pea-stone.
In closing, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Town officials, all other departments, and to the Citizens of the Town for their splendid and continuous cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
LELAND D. THOMPSON, Surveyor of Highways.
REPORT OF HAMILTON COMMITTEE ON UNEMPLOYMENT
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
Greetings: The Town appropriated for the purpose of Un- employment Relief $4,200.00 on March 6, 1939. This amount with the balance of $2,825.31 on January 1, 1939 made $7,025.31 available.
All monies voted by the Town for Unemployment purposes are expended under the direction of the Selectmen. It is the duty of the Committee on Unemployment to consider each appli- cant and if needy assign the amount of work to which each is entitled as follows, viz: A single man who supports only him- self receives one and a half days a week or six dollars; a man with more than one dependent receives three days a week or twelve dollars, which is the maximum amount per week allowable.
We wish to thank the Selectmen and other Town officials for their hearty cooperation in helping us to carry out the projects and routine work.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE H. SPRAGUE SAMUEL J. TYACK HAROLD E. PORTER HENRY C. JACKSON
REPORT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
GENTLEMEN :
The Engineers of the Fire Department herewith submit their report for the year ending December 31, 1939.
The Department responded to 42 alarms, as follows: 18 stills, 2 false, 1 inhalator, 1 police, 2 out of town and 18 bells.
The amount of hose laid: 21/2-inch, 4,150 feet; 11/2-inch, 400 feet ; 3/4-inch, 4,500 feet. 3,075 gallons of water was used from the booster tanks.
The amount of equipment purchased this year: 4 hydrant gates, 1 fog nozzle, horn and light for Seagrave, 500 feet 21/2- inch hose.
ALARMS FOR 1939
Date District
Description Owner Street
Jan. 3 Still 13
Chimney, Mrs. J. Norris, cor. School and Essex Streets.
25 31
Chimney, Leo Elario, Boston Avenue.
Feb. 21 Still 25
Chimney, Mrs. R. H. Smith, Cutler's Rd.
Mar. 2 Still 23 Grass, R. C. Storey, Miles River Road.
8 13
Grass, R. Cameron, Essex Street.
8 Still 32
Chimney, Frederic Winthorp, Highland St.
18 Still 21
Apr. 4 Still 21
Chimney, Charles Dolliver, Hamilton Ave. Grass, Dr. C. H. Davis, Willow Street.
15 23
Grass, J. C. R. Peabody, Miles River Rd.
16 Still 21
Grass, Jesse Mann, Cottage Street.
17 21 Grass, John Crosby, Railroad Avenue. 20 3-3-3 House, Mrs. Thayer, Ipswich.
May
20 2 7
13 Grass, Claribel Mears, Essex Street.
23 Building, George v. L. Meyer, Main Street.
21 Grass, Mrs. Pope, Walnut Road.
168
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
28 Still 31 Chimney, Peter Thimmer, Harris Avenue. 28 3-3-3 Inhalator, Wenham.
30 Still 25 Chimney, Mrs. R. H. Smith, Cutler's Rd.
June 1 Still 31 Dump, Boston Avenue.
July 4 31
10 Still 23 Grass, Boston & Maine RR., Bridge Street. Brush, Asbury Grove Corporation.
15 Still 34 Dump, Mrs. Grace Davison, Highland St.
20 Still 24
Dump, R. A. Whipple, Moulton Street.
Aug. 10 Still 16
Dump, Mrs. G. S. Mandell, Essex Street.
19 13 Grass, Gertrude Knowlton, Woodbury St.
23
31 Automobile, Hugh Wentworth, Boston Ave. False.
Sept. 1 11 21 Garage, Dene Moulton, Union Street.
25 12 Grass, Knowlton Estate, School Street.
Oct. 12 Still 23
Chimney, W. F. A. Stride, Main Street.
17 13 Auto Dump, Claribel Mears, Essex Street. 17 Police Call.
Nov. 4
13 House, Gertrude Knowlton, Essex Street.
10 21 Grass, Myopia Hunt Club, Maple Street.
11 24 Grass, Mrs. George Vaughan, Gardner St.
30 Still 31 Grass, John Mann, Highland Street.
Dec. 17 3-3-3 House, Wenham.
23
False.
25 Still 23 Chimney, John Tuckerman, Bridge Street.
25 32 Grass, Alley Estate, Winthrop Street.
26 Still 24 Grass, Frank Appleton, Main Street.
29 41 Automobile, C. Warman, Highland Street. We wish to extend our thanks to all departments of the Town. Respectfully submitted,
A. MERRILL CUMMINGS RUDOLPH H. HARADEN EARL E. JOHNSON JOHN E. CROSS
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
The following is the report for 1939.
Your trustees and librarians have given much time and thought in making the library meet your reading requirements, and here the trustees would express their appreciation of the faithful, cheerful work of our librarians who have served you for more than twenty years.
A word of thanks should be expressed to the various organi- zations for their ready cooperation in not asking for the use of the Branch Reading Room for sales.
We feel that the displays of the work of our schools have a legitimate place in our library, but it is unfair to ask a busy librarian to care for individual handwork which is left to be sold on chances. This practice should end.
The trustees acknowledge with thanks gifts of books and magazines, especially a gift of forty books from St. Paul's Church.
The new index-file at the Branch Reading Room is greatly appreciated and much used by readers.
With the retirement of Mr. Arthur W. Chandler from the Board of Trustees this year, twenty-seven years of faithful service to his town ends. Surely such an unstinted civic serv- ice is worthy of commendation.
The use of funds and other statistics will be found in the librarian's report.
Respectfully submitted, ARTHUR W. CHANDLER KATHERINE P. STRIDE BEATRICE B. HOLMES
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
To the Trustees of the Public Library:
Herewith is presented the forty-seventh annual report.
The circulation of books for 1939 showed a gain of only 95 over that of 1938. The circulation at the Main Library was 5,333, a loss of 1,422; at the Branch Library 13,309, a gain of 1,537; total 18,642. Fiction still holds first place in circu- lation, both adult and juvenile. Our circulation of periodicals was 92 less than that of last year. We received 95 gift books- fiction, biography, travel and reference books.
Our quarters at both Libraries are very over-crowded. Per- sons doing reference work are obliged to work in the reading rooms, which are also the delivery rooms. The constant move- ment disturbs persons doing reference work and those who read the magazines. We should have a reference room with all reference books collected in one place where they could be consulted without delay and confusion, especially by teachers and pupils. More "source books" are being consulted than ever before.
The limitations to the full use of the library are increasing. There is a great need of more shelf room to take care of the growing number of books which are seldom used, but which are of great value. This would release stacks for books in greater demand.
Our Library project was finished in June and has already proved of inestimable value.
The Librarian and Assistant are ready at all times to assist our patrons in choosing the right books and also to assist in reference work.
The Main Library is open Wednesday and Saturday 3 to 5,
171
LIBRARY REPORT
6.30 to 8.30 P. M. The Branch Library is open Tuesday and Friday 3 to 5, 6.45 to 8.45 P. M.
Respectfully submitted, LYDIA L. HARADEN,
Librarian.
STATISTICS
Number of volumes accessioned
20,402
Number of volumes January 1, 1940
10,609
Number of volumes added in 1939
663
Gift books
95
Purchased
568
Children's books
136
Adult books
527
Circulation including magazines
20,823
Circulation books
18,642
Main Library
5,333
Branch Library
13,309
Books, non-fiction, adult
1,015
Main Library
522
Branch Library
493
Books, non-fiction, juvenile
661
Main Library
99
Branch Library
562
Books, fiction, adult
13,465
Main Library
3,797
Branch Library
9,668
Books, fiction, juvenile
3,501
Main Library
915
Branch Library
2,586
172
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Circulating periodicals Main Library Branch Library
2,181
1,482
699
Books sent to Branch
530
BOOKS CLASSIFIED
Adult
Juvenile
000-General works
103
8
100-Philosophy
21
8
200-Religion
12
85
300-Sociology
76
97
400-Language
6
6
500-Science
32
118
600-Useful Arts
149
127
700-Fine Arts
50
34
800-Literature
105
69
900-909-930-999-History
142
43
910-919-Travel
137
40
B-920-Biography
182
26
Fiction
13,465
3,501
14,480
4,162
Books, Total
18,642
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, 1939.
The major project of the year consisted of connecting on to the new town water system. A pipeline of over five hundred feet being laid from the Main Road to the nearest point of the Cemetery water system, the trench for this line having been dug by the Superintendent, Mr. MacGregor, with the aid of the Unemployed, the pipe laying being let out to competitive bid. Burnham & Dodd was awarded the job. Also a manhole was installed to house the water meter and shutoff valve near the exit of the cemetery.
The new supply of water will be welcomed by this depart- ment as the old system was quite inadequate during a dry season.
We wish to take this opportunity to thank the Town Officials and citizens for their co-operation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, EVERETT F. HALEY LAWRENCE C. FOSTER RAYMOND A. WHIPPLE
REPORT OF THE 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 was done at Chebacco Park, Cutler Park and Memorial Green.
Due to the small amount of money appropriated for Park purposes, we were unable to make any noticeable improvements.
We were fortunate in having Mr. Loring Cook take charge of the work again this year. His knowledge and many years of experience in this type of work has proven beneficial to this department.
We wish to express our appreciation to Mr. Cook for the interest that he has taken in the Parks, and to all other persons for any assistance they have given.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND H. STONE HENRY RAUCH FRANCIS H. WHIPPLE
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
Greetings: The Board of Health respectfully submits its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1939.
There were fewer cases of contagion reported this year than in previous years. Since it is a requirement that all dog bites be reported regardless of how slight the bite is, the reporting of dog bites has grown. This year there were six cases. In each case it is necessary that the dog be examined by a veter- inary to determine whether or not he is healthy and he is placed in quarantine for fourteen days, the incubation period for rabies. We have been fortunate in having no cases of rabies develop and believe this is due in part to the practice started three years ago of having all dogs in town inoculated.
There was only 1 case of mumps reported this year, 2 cases of whooping cough, 1 case of german measles, 4 cases of measles and 2 cases of lobar pneumonia.
In cooperation with the Hamilton and Wenham Visiting Nurse Association and the State Department of Public Health a pre-school clinic was held at the Town Hall during the sum- mer. 79 children were examined for eyes, ears, nose, throat, teeth and general conditions. Recommendations were made by the doctors and nurses in charge which we believe will be of material benefit to the children.
In April the Board requested bids for the collection of gar- bage and rubbish. Lawrence Lamson was awarded the contract for the collection of garbage and Frank Maione for the collec- tion of rubbish. Both contracts were at a saving over previous years.
176
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
We were able to turn back to the town an unexpended bal- ance of $475.61. We are asking for $200.00 less this year. This makes a total deduction of $2,200.00 in the Health appro- priations since 1935.
We wish to thank the local doctors and the visiting nurse as well as the various town officers and individuals who have in any way assisted in our work.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD A. DEWITT JOHN H. PERKINS WALFRED B. SELLMAN
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
The Board of Water Commissioners hereby submit their fifth annual report for the year ending December 31, 1939.
This year has been an active one for your Board, terminat- ing in the completion of the general water supply contract on December 14, 1939. Under this contract over ten miles of additional mains were installed which, added to the mains previously in use makes a total of approximately thirteen miles of mains in the completed system. A proposed W. P. A. project for 1940 will add approximately another mile. Sixty- five new hydrants were added, making a total of ninety-two now in service. All of the Town's property is within this pro- tected area.
While the work was going on, 420 house services were in- stalled. Over 150 are now in use and more are being added daily to the system. A complete automatic electric pumping outfit was installed, with a gasoline engine auxiliary standby unit. Office space was added to the existing pumping station.
In spite of the severe drouth which existed during the year, pumping records prove that an adequate supply of water is available in the well field in sufficient quantities to supply the town's needs for a number of years.
We desire at this time to extend our thanks to all the town Officials for their friendly co-operation.
Respectfully submitted, LAWRENCE E. ANDERSON Chairman GEORGE E. SMITH HAROLD L. KNOWLTON
REPORT OF THE W. P. A. COORDINATOR
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
This report covers the period from January 1, 1939 to December 31, 1939.
During the year the Federal Government paid $38,410.64 for wages to the residents of Hamilton. This is an increase of $3,460.76 over last year. At the present time there are 57 working on the W. P. A. and the payroll is $850.00 per week.
We received 888 articles of clothing during the year. The government value of this clothing is $1,279.35.
In addition to the clothing, the following food was received :
Apples
12,195 lbs.
Powdered Milk 825 lbs.
Butter
7,359 lbs.
Sweet Potatoes 738 lbs.
Corn Meal
6,200 lbs. Squash
1,951 lbs.
Wheat Cereal
2,352 lbs.
Oranges
2,315 lbs.
Graham Flour
3,234 lbs.
Prunes
2,025 lbs.
White Flour
7,986 lbs.
Carrots 855 lbs.
Oatmeal
3,060 lbs.
Grapefruit 4,775 lbs.
Rice
1,000 lbs.
Grapefruit Juice 3,072 cans
Beans
4,400 lbs.
The government value of the above food is $5,556 31.
During the winter months the Moth Project was operated.
When the frost was out of the ground a much-needed drain- age project was started on Park and Asbury Streets. Every spring the street has been a source of trouble, as there was no outlet for the water; 1,702 feet of drainage pipe was laid and the necessary catch basins were built.
Grant and Boston Avenues were rebuilt and after they were finished were oiled by the Highway Department.
179
W. P. A. CO-ORDINATOR
A Survey Project has been in operation during the year. The purpose of this project is to redetermine street, road and town lines. After the redetermination, a new town map will be made.
The Library Project was completed. The cards at the Main and Branch libraries are now in perfect order. All the books were cleaned and mended. Miss Jones, State Librarian, was very pleased with the work done by the group on this project.
A Record Project has now been started by the group that worked on the Library Project. All the records pertaining to the town dating from 1638 to 1922 will be copied and typed. These records will then be put in book form. After these records are copied, the old books, that are in a very frail con- dition, will be preserved.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Selectmen for their co-operation and assistance so generously given.
Respectfully submitted,
ALEXINA D. MORROW
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
In recording the activities of the year 1939 your Board would call your attention to the dismal outlook which we apparent at this time last year. Faced with a higher Stat tax for the current year, and a tax deficit of the previous you to be made up, and lower estimated tax receipts, it appeared that the Town was faced with the possibility of a $3 or $1 increase in its tax rate.
However, the State found new sources of revenue; rearranged its financial program, provided highway funds for all munir! palities, and lowered its 1939 State tax. These factors, with the splendid co-operation of all Town departments in carefull controlling expenditures, resulted in one of the best financial years the Town has experienced in a long time.
We still had our problems, however, such as work relief at public welfare. Construction of our Water System absorhul many of our work relief cases, with the result that our expendi tures for this department were less than half of the previou year and the lowest since the fund was established in 19:" Public welfare continued the costliest, yet our most human !!! problem.
Tax Rate
1939 was the fourth consecutive year that our Town ha enjoyed a reduction in its tax rate. The prospects for 19440 indicate that, with careful consideration on all appropriations at the coming Annual Meeting, our taxpayers will see their rates restored to about the same level they were ten years ago. Our reductions have not been at the expense of any essential function of Town government. On the other hand, many
181
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Moment, improvements have taken place, particularly the truction of our Water System which, in a few years, should ( o to be our most valuable asset.
W. P. A.
Ti long looked for curtailment in W. P. A. assistance an ht up with us in 1939. The Federal Government made mnbing that all persons who had been employed on the W. P. A. bo the last 18 months would have to take a furlough of at 1st 80 days. This ruling threw approximately 25 men out O work temporarily and several have been unable to get rein- gand at this writing. Fortunately for the Town, the con- Hà for building our water system was most cooperative and Pwtically solved our problems until the completion of the um, after which our Surveyor of Highways again showed We usnal cooperative spirit and gave employment to our relief wow through the remainder of the year. A detailed account " the year's work will be found in our W. P. A. Co-ordinator's
Roads
For the first time in many years the policy of constructing pone permanent roads, under the supervision of the State and County, was discontinued. The reduced State tax referred to shave necessitated the elimination of construction under Chap- 90 throughout the State. Despite the fact that your Board We strongly of the opinion that permanent roads are one of the luat investments the Town can make, we realize that all gains wust, occasionally be offset by a few disappointments. The avantages in this case meant that the sum of $8,815.78, which Who received from the State, was applied to a reduction of our Mlate tax, thereby benefitting all our taxpayers.
182
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Fortunately the Town had a balance carried over from vious years and the State and County Commissioners permitl. us to use this money to straighten the curve on Topsfield Koan, at Turkey Brook, which had been a problem for many y We also prevailed upon the Department of Public Work lo change the hazardous condition at the corner of Highliund Street. and Topsfield Road.
Street Lighting
During the year your Board cancelled a contract it had with the Beverly Gas & Electric Company and signed a new at. ment with them whereby our street lighting costs will In reduced about 18%. In addition, all 60 candlepower light will be replaced with 100 candlepower, thereby giving mon light and at the same time the Town will save about $1,'1 !! on its annual cost.
Insurance
The completion of our Water System is already paying th Town dividends. The property owners have received substan tial reductions in their fire insurance rates, and your Board has received substantial rebates on all Town property hereto fore not covered by fire protection. This reduction will 1. permanent.
Town Hall
In accordance with a vote at the last Annual Meeting, yom Board has made the necessary changes requested by the Massa chusetts Department of Public Safety relative to lighting con ditions throughout the building. Your Board wishes to call your attention to the increased activity in this building.
183
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
your's ago, one would find two or three employees. Now 01) room, with the exception of the large hall, is occupied six Til a week. Naturally this means wear and tear and while we et by this year, it would appear as if a substantial appro- motion will be necessary by next year, for repairs and painting. * *
Theb year the duties of our Town Counsel continue to in- New and ever-changing laws and regulations now Haund about two days of his time each week with the various departments.
Little is known by the average citizen of the important part played by our W. P. A. Co-ordinator. Federal assistance in um form of wages to our citizens has averaged over $35,000 huing the past four years. Commodities and food have aver- god another $7,000 per year.
l'lanning of projects, complicated Government reports and, wat. important of all, the ability to take every man that can Un certified, off our relief rolls requires a very capable person. Your Board feels that the Town is fortunate in having Miss Morrow in charge of this department.
To all other Town officials the Board wishes to express its appreciation for their assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN H. PERKINS WALFRED B. SELLMAN EDWARD A. DEWITT
WARRANT FOR THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
ESSEX, ss. To either of the Constables of the Town of Hamilton:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusett pi hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the of Hamilton, qualified to vote in election and Town alleos meet in the Town Hall in said Town on Monday, the Ice day of March, nineteen hundred and forty (March 1, 1 at seven thirty o'clock in the evening (7: 30 P. M. ) the 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
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