USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1940 > Part 8
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It has been said, "The Library should contain everything in print or manuscript relating to the Town." Books and pam- phlets on the Town's history, pictures, old letters, handbills, posters, old scrap books, diaries, account books, etc., may prove of inestimable value in years to come. With this fact in mind, we have purchased books and pamphlets dealing with the early history of Ipswich and Hamilton. These contain genealogies and records from the earliest pioneers of these parts of New England. We are hoping these volumes will be a start toward a historical and genealogical department of our Library.
208
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Many items of this sort are found in the attics of our older residents and the younger generation is not aware of their value. Before destroying old papers, etc., please get in touch with someone interested in this work. Sometimes very valu- able material is lost to future generations by the destruction of old papers. We are always glad to advise persons in such matters.
The usual hours of the Library are still in effect. The Branch Library is open Tuesday and Friday, 3 to 5, 6.45 to 8.45 P. M. The Main Library, Wednesday and Saturday, 3 to .5, 6.30 to 8.30 P. M.
Respectfully submitted,
LYDIA L. HARADEN,
Librarian.
STATISTICS
Number of volumes accessioned
21,046
Number of volumes January 1, 1941
11,918
Number of volumes added in 1940 646
Gift books
30
Purchased-non-fiction 179-fiction 437
616
Children's books
154
Adult and reference books
462
Circulation including magazines
20,254
Circulation books
18,215
Main Library
4,943
Branch Library 13,272
Books, non-fiction, adult Main Library 484
1,096
Branch Library
612
Books, non-fiction, juvenile
708
209
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT
Main Library
110
Branch Library
598
Books, fiction, adult
13,028
Main Library Branch Library
3,390
9,638
Books, fiction, juvenile
3,383
Main Library
959
Branch Library
2,424
Circulation, periodicals
2,039
Main Library
1,255
Branch Library
784
BOOKS CLASSIFIED
Adult
Juvenile
000-General works
129
22
100 -- Philosophy
70
8
200-Religion
11
72
300-Sociology
77
142
400-Language
1
10
500-Science
39
124
600-Useful Arts
125
128
700-Fine Arts
85
48
800-Literature
124
60
900,909-930,999-History
168
24
3-919-Travel
134
22
3-920-Biography
133
48
Fiction
13,028
3,383
Books, Total 18,215
LAWRENCE E. ANDERSON
Lawrence E. Anderson was born in Hamilton December 29, 1909, being the son of Perley G. Anderson and Grace Coggins, both descended from old Maine families, and lived here his entire life down to the date of his death July 21, 1940. He was graduated from the Hamilton High school, class of 1927, and was engaged in the hardware business.
He early evinced an interest in the public affairs of the Town, and in 1933 was elected a Park Commissioner and a Cemetery Commissioner, serving in both positions until 1935.
In 1935 he was elected a Water Commissioner and served in that capacity until his death, the greater part of the time being Chairman of the Board.
During his service on the latter board he gave unremittingly and unstintingly of his time and efforts to bring about the successful completion of the establishment of the present town water system, in spite at times of almost insurmountable obstacles and difficult situations, and it is not too much to say that it will ever be regarded as a monument to his efforts. Handicapped by declining health in the last year of his life, he nevertheless persisted in his work.
In addition to the public offices he held, he also found time to serve with the Town Fire Department, was Master of the John T. Heard lodge of Masons, was an active communicant of Christ Episcopal Church, serving as altar boy, and belonged to a number of social organizations.
Taken from us in the flower of his early manhood, the Town has suffered an irreparable loss, assuaged by the knowledge that Lawrence E. Anderson, affectionately called "Lonnie," by his manifold public services and his life, has set an heroic and unselfish standard that the youth of his time may well strive to emulate and that the Town may always cherish as its product.
C. Augustus Norwood was born in Hamilton August 8, 1880, and died May 24, 1940, of old Essex County lineage, his father being C. Jerome Norwood of Rockport and his mother, Martha Dane of Hamilton.
After graduation from Harvard University and its law school, Mr. Norwood engaged in the practice of the law and early became prominent in the affairs of the Town.
During the period between 1905 and 1915, he served as Selectman, as Moderator, as a member of the School Commit- tee, Assessor and as Town Counsel.
He also represented this Town in the House of Representa- tives and in the State Senate.
He later removed to Brookline, where he resided until the time of his death.
While not so well known to those of the present era, he was an outstanding citizen of the Town in the early years of the present century and many of his old friends, to whom he was always "Gus Norwood," still fondly remember him.
JOHN E. CROSS was born in Manchester, Massachusetts, on July 14, 1870, the son of Stephen Cross and Mary N. Stewart, and died October 6, 1940.
For many years he was active in town affairs, being more particularly devoted to the development of the fire department, which he became identified with in 1916, and served as one of its assistant engineers from 1931 down to the time of his death.
In private life he was engaged in the plumbing business and was connected with the early investigations into the proposed establishment of the water system. Of a retiring and unassum- ing nature, he endeared himself to a host of friends by his kindly and genial disposition.
REPORT OF THE W. P. A. COORDINATOR
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
This report covers the period from January 1, 1940 to December 31, 1940.
The Federal Government paid $31,820.27 for wages to W. P. A. workers during the year. At the present time there are 44 men and 2 women working on the W. P. A. and the payroll is $559.80 per week.
We received 1,093 articles of clothing during the year, val- ued at $1,351.35, which were distributed to worthy persons.
The following food was also received and dispensed in a similar manner :
Apples
16,208 lbs.
Fresh Fish
1,103 lbs.
Dried Beans
1,712 lbs.
Graham Flour 7,123 lbs.
Fresh Beets
144 lbs. Wheat Flour 10,828 lbs.
Butter
1,335 lbs.
Grapefruit 3,397 lbs.
String Beans
100 lbs.
Evap. Milk 437 cans
Fresh Cabbage
5,228 lbs.
Fresh Oranges
4,900 lbs.
Fresh Carrots
2,520 lbs.
Fresh Pears
1,751 lbs.
Celery
170 lbs.
White Potatoes
13,550 lbs.
Wheat Cereal
1,587 lbs.
Dried Prunes 4,025 lbs.
Cheese
425 lbs.
Raisins
5,045 lbs.
Cornmeal
5,750 lbs.
Rice
687 lbs.
Eggs
4,158 doz.
Lard
2,653 lbs.
Fresh Tomatoes
3,271 lbs.
Oat Cereal
1,530 lbs.
Ham
1,804 lbs.
Fresh Peaches
336 lbs.
Bacon
2,707 lbs.
Salt Pork
127 lbs.
The value of the above food is $7,919.75.
214
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
In October we were fortunate in procuring W. P. A. surplus commodities to supplement the school lunches at the high school cafeteria, the result being that the pupils were enabled to re- ceive much more varied and substantial lunches than the amount paid for them would permit the school authorities ordinarily to furnish.
The following commodities were supplied to the high school cafeteria :
Butter
104 lbs.
Dried Beans
100 lbs.
Wheat Flour
98 1bs.
Fresh Cabbage
70 1bs.
Evap. Milk
672 cans
Fresh Carrots
45 lbs.
Dried Peaches
100 lbs.
Celery
12 lbs.
White Potatoes
200 lbs.
Cornmeal
25 lbs.
Dried Prunes
75 lbs.
Rice
125 lbs.
Raisins
50 lbs.
Canned Carrots
72 cans
Lard
64 lbs.
Ham
107 lbs.
Pecans
48 lbs.
Applesauce
10 cans
Bacon
12 lbs.
Apples
72 cans
Loganberries
6 cans
Tomatoes
72 cans
Peaches
42 cans
The value of the food for the school lunches was $298.90.
As usual during the winter months the Moth Project was carried on. The rest of the year was devoted to the installa- tion of water mains as follows: 3,458 feet of pipe on Cutler Road; 1,400 feet of pipe on Gardner Street and 336 feet of pipe on Moulton Street. The majority of the houses on these streets are now supplied with town water and have fire pro- tection, with a substantial reduction in insurance rates.
The Survey Project is still in operation and will be finished some time this year. When this project is completed the town will have a new town map and also a complete set of block maps covering the entire town.
215
W. P. A. CO-ORDINATOR
The Record Project is progressing rapidly. The births, marriages and deaths have all been copied from the year 1638 up to the present time and put in book form. The old records from 1638 to 1922 have been copied and are now being typed in permanent form.
Many worth-while projects have been submitted for approval to the State office for the continuance of the W. P. A. program during the coming year, and we feel confident that we will be as fortunate as in the past.
I wish to express my appreciation to the Board of Selectmen for their cooperation and assistance during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, ALEXINA D. MORROW
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
Greetings : The Board of Public Welfare submits herewith its report for the year ending December 31, 1940.
BUDGET
The Board submitted the following budget which was ap- proved at the Town Meeting. As can be seen from the follow- ing figures, Public Welfare had an unexpended balance of $1,191.55. This is the first time during the last ten years that the Welfare Department has had a balance to turn back to the town.
Appro- priations
Expend-
itures
General Relief
$13,000 00
Refunds
10 00
$13,010 00 $11,818 45
Old Age Assistance
$8,700 00
Refunds
2 00
Transfer from Reserve
726 36
9,428 36
9,428 36
Old Age Administration
500 00
500 00
Aid to D. C. Assistance
600 00
324 65
Aid to D. C. Administration
25 00
25 00
Reimbursements from other cities and towns, and the state, during the year amounted to $8,201.46. This is a bit smaller than last year but is due to the fact that we have outstanding
217
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
bills against the state, and other cities and towns on December 31st, amounting to $3,543.71. This amount will be received during 1941. These repayments are divided as follows :
General Relief
Commonwealth of Massachusetts $ 2,951 95
Other Cities and Towns 1,437 55
Individuals 358 34
$4,747 84
Old Age Assistance
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
$3,319 78
Other Cities and Towns 133 84
$3,453 62
$8,201 46
In addition to the above we received the following amounts from the Federal Government to be used for current expendi- eures :
Aid to Dependent Children United States Grant $158 00
Old Age Assistance Assistance
United States Grant
7,109 94
Old Age Assistance Administration
United States Grant
246 96
$7,514 90
218
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
The Welfare budget for 1941 is $1,500.00 less than in 1940, while the Old Age Assistance budget is $2,800.00 more, or a total increase for both departments of $1,300.00. That Old Age Assistance costs continue to mount can be easily under- stood when it is learned that 16 new cases were added during the last year.
For a more detailed report of the activities of the different units of this department we refer you to our agent's report, which follows this one.
In conclusion, your Board extends its sincere thanks to the various town officials and individuals who have so splendidly cooperated with us during the past year, and to our Agent, Francis H. Whipple.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD A. DEWITT Chairman
JOHN H. PERKINS WALFRED B. SELLMAN
REPORT OF THE AGENT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
- To the Board of Public Welfare:
I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1940.
Many changes have taken place in the relief program dur- ing the past year. During the latter part of 1939 plans were made for the reorganization of the Division of Aid and Relief of the State Department of Public Welfare, and were put into effect January 1, 1940. The State Department dispensed with case-investigation and direct contact with relief recipients, ex- cept in occasional visits for spot checking purposes. This re- organization considerably increased the work of the local boards, both in investigations and clerical work.
It is now necessary for the local Boards of Public Welfare to obtain the required information in accordance with policies and procedures established by the State Department. The State Visitor will review the information together with the evidence substantiating it, and will approve for state reim- bursement and federal grants cases eligible for assistance. He will also have the responsibility for approving the amount of the allowance in each case. Every new case must receive this approval. Old and continued cases are being reviewed as rap- idly as possible. State Department Visitors have the author- ity to discontinue approval in cases where assistance is no longer needed.
This reorganization has made many changes in the policies of the State Department. A change of status form has been adopted upon which any changes whatever that have occurred in each case must be reported to the District Office before the fifth of the month, following the month the change was effect-
220
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
ive. This includes any increase or decrease in aid, the allow- ance of medicine, or any item, and the date and amount of such allowance. It is necessary for the State Visitor to approve the item before it will be accepted by the State Department.
It is still the policy of the State Department that all aid, whether general relief, old age assistance or aid to dependent children, must be based upon need, and must be administered without discrimination, and that legally liable relatives, par- ticularly sons and daughters, in old age assistance as well as general relief cases, should assist other members of their fam- ily. All local boards must inquire into the ability of such relatives to contribute to their support. The State Department adopted a budget which included maximum amounts for food, fuel, shelter, etc., that will be allowed in figuring federal grants and state reimbursements.
Effective January 1, 1940, amendments to the Social Se- curity Act provided that Federal Grants in old age assistance cases would be based on monthly payments up to $40.00 per month. The publicity of this change was misleading to many old age assistance recipients who thought they would receive $40.00 per month. The effect of this amendment merely increased the Federal contribution in cases that re- ceived from $30.00 to $40.00 per month, for example, if a recipient required prolonged hospital care and the expenses were allowable from old age funds and exceeded $30.00 per month, the Federal Grants would be based on $40.00 per month instead of the former $30.00. It was not the effect of the amendment that each recipient would receive $40.00 per month, as the Social Security Board regulations provide that the amount received must be in accordance with need.
Another amendment gave the Social Security Board author- ity to provide personnel standards on a merit basis for persons engaged in the administration of the old age assistance and
221
AGENT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
aid to dependent children program. As a result of this, all Agents, including myself, were obliged to take a qualifying examination during the year. The results of this examination have not as yet been released.
During the past year 51 cases, representing 178 persons, were aided under General Relief and aid to dependent children, 29 of which were Hamilton settled, 22 had settlements in other cities and towns or had no settlement, 9 persons required hos- pital treatment, 6 cases were denied assistance, 18 cases were aided in other cities and towns with settlement in Hamilton.
A total of 55 cases were aided under Old Age Assistance, 39 of which had a settlement in Hamilton, 16 with settlement in other cities and towns or had no settlement, 8 cases were aided in other cities and towns with a settlement in Hamilton, 15 cases were added during the year, 11 were new cases, 4 transferred from other cities and towns, 4 cases were closed due to persons moving out of town, by death or no longer eli- gible for assistance.
I have made 780 in-town calls at the home of recipients, 415 in-town and 135 out-of-town calls on investigations, 6 persons were transported to or from hospitals and sanitariums, 14 visits made to the State Department at the State House and the District Office in Lawrence, evidence was obtained to deny settlement in 9 cases aided in other cities and towns, 6 cases aided in this town were proven to have settlement in other cities and towns or no settlement.
In the performance of my duties I have travelled 10,640 miles by automobile both in town and into other munici- palities. On two occasions it was necessary for me to travel outside this state.
In addition to the duties heretofore mentioned, it is also my duty to accept applications for enrollment in the Civilian Con- servation Corps. Six applications were received for enrollment
222
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
in the CCC during the past year, 2 were accepted and enrolled, 3 failed to appear for enrollment, 1 was rejected by the exam- iners, 2 were honorably discharged after completion of their enrollment period, 1 was dismissed. I have transported all applicants for enrollment to the Acceptance Station at Boston, waiting until they completed their examination, so as to be of further assistance to them if necessary. I think it proper to mention how few persons avail themselves of the opportunities offered by the CCC.
Under the reestablishment of the functions of the State Di- vision of Aid and Relief, a new plan was instituted whereby an agent of the Division would visit each local board once a week to review all cases. We were fortunate in having Mr. Roy D. Merchant assigned to the district which includes this town. Mr. Merchant is well experienced in all relief problems, having been in the employ of the State Department of Public Welfare for more than a quarter of a century. He maintains a firm and impartial attitude in all his decisions, and his services have been of a great value.
On several occasions it has been necessary to consult our Town Counsel in problems of a legal nature. His sound judg- ment and guidance in these matters have been most helpful.
The excellent work of Miss Haynes, our local Visiting Nurse, continues to be of the greatest importance. Her many acts of kindness are known and appreciated by all with whom she comes in contact.
Despite the additional duties which are increasing each year, the work has been interesting, and I am glad to say that in the majority of cases, the recipients are most cooperative.
In conclusion may I express my gratitude to you-Members of the Board of Public Welfare for your splendid cooperation
223
AGENT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
and guidance throughout the year. Your earnest efforts and desire to administer the affairs of this department, in fairness to all our citizens, has been most apparent.
Respectfully, FRANCIS H. WHIPPLE
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
We submit herewith our annual report for the year 1940.
W. P. A.
Due to improving business conditions, a number of our work- ers have received private employment, either temporary, or of a permanent nature, so that our rolls show a reduction from last year.
If any of our citizens can assist those men still on W. P. A. to obtain private employment, your Board would appreciate it. By so doing, you would be not only helping your fellow citizen but the community as well.
For the first time since the W. P. A. was inaugurated, all activities in this department were confined to the extension of the Water System. The work was essential and produces added revenues to the Town.
During the coming year, your Board is planning to devote some of these funds to construction of sidewalks.
The sidewalk program has been deferred because of the necessity of installing water mains. Now with most of the town provided with them, we contemplate a program which will call for a reasonable amount of sidewalk construction each year.
A detailed account of the year's activities will be found in our Co-ordinator's report.
225
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Tax Rate
1940 was the fifth consecutive year in which the taxpayers have enjoyed a reduction in their rates. With the uncertainty of what our State and County taxes will be and what action the Legislature may take relative to the distribution of gas tax money for the coming year, it is difficult at this time to state whether or not the 1940 rates can be maintained. How- ever, from figures which are available, chances appear to be reasonably good, that we will be able to hold the rate, though it may mean a modification of our Chapter 90 construction work.
Town Hall
Our need of more office space has now reached an acute stage. Each year the problem seems to get worse. What appeared to be only a temporary inconvenience a few years ago has developed into a situation which has indications of being with us for many years to come.
Providing office space for white-collar projects is one con- tribution the Town must make-facilities for distributing com- modities and clothing is another. But the most important re- quirement insisted upon by the Federal government is one of furnishing a room where Old Age Assistance applicants may be interviewed with some degree of privacy. Having in mind the large contributions which we receive from this source and also the State, the Town is leaving itself open to criticism and possible loss of such aid, if we continue to disregard their rules in this matter.
To partially remedy this situation your Board plans to trans- fer the office of the Chief of Police to quarters in South Ham- ilton. For some time many of our residents have felt that
226
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
headquarters of the Police department should be nearer the center of activity-"The Square." By doing this our Welfare Agent will then have an office which will meet all the require- ments of both governmental agencies, and of greater impor- tance, our residents having business with this department may do so under more favorable conditions. However, the above changes will not solve all our problems. Your Board has in- serted an article in the warrant, asking that the Moderator appoint a committee of five citizens to make a study of con- ditions and report on same at the next annual meeting.
In the meantime your Board is endeavoring to procure a W. P. A. cleaning project which at least would improve pres- ent conditions.
During the year, we lost through death two active Town officers and one former Town official with records of faithful service.
Mr. Lawrence E. Anderson, Chairman of the Board of Water Commissioners, after having served on the Park and Cemetery Commissions. Prominent in civic, social and fra- ternal organizations, his early accomplishments manifested outstanding qualities.
Mr. John E. Cross, long a valued member of the Board of Engineers of our Fire Department. A capable and conscien- tious worker, whose advise and judgment played a prominent part in directing the policies of the department.
C. Augustus Norwood, familiar to our older residents, served at various times between 1905 and 1916 as Assessor, School Committeeman, Selectman, Moderator, and Town Counsel. He also represented the town in the Massachusetts State Senate and House of Representatives. He was a leader worthy of his trust.
227
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
In accordance with the vote at the last annual meeting, a committee was appointed to investigate the advisability of establishing a Town Planning Board.
This Committee has contributed generously of their time and ability, and has made an exhaustive study and survey of the whole problem. Your Board urges your support for their recommendations at the coming meeting.
* * *
Accompanied by the Boards of Selectmen of Ipswich and Topsfield we complied with the statutory requirement of per- ambulating the town boundary lines.
The faithful co-operation of the Surveyor of Highways in assisting the Selectmen to provide work for our unemployed residents continues each year. The success of administering this fund is due in no small measure to his efforts.
To our Town Counsel, Co-ordinator, and our Welfare Agent, your Board is indebted for their capable and efficient work, all of which simplifies our problems.
To all other Town officials and to the many citizens whose assistance has been cheerfully given we express our appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN H. PERKINS EDWARD A. DeWITT LAWRENCE R. STONE
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 third day of March, nineteen hundred and forty-one (March 3, 1941) at seven thirty o'clock in the evening (7:30 P. M.) then and there to act on the following articles, viz.
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