USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1942 > Part 4
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WOMEN'S DEFENSE CORPS
This organization comes under the Protective Division of the Massachu- setts Committee on Public Safety, and in the event of any trouble, would be assigned to work with the local Civilian Defense Committee and our local State Guard unit. During the year, we have had several occasions which called for their cooperation, and each time. particularly during our practice tests, they have responded in such a manner that shows they are well organ- ized and capable of rendering valuable service in the event of any emergency.
STATE GUARD
While the local company of Massachusetts State Guard does not come under the direction of your Committee, the nature of their work brings them in close contact with it. From the very start they have shown a willingness to cooperate and have been most helpful. Hamilton has every reason to be proud of such a well-equipped and thoroughly trained military unit.
Your Public Safety Committee looks ahead with confidence to the coming year. Whether or not its problems this year will be along the same chań- nels as those of last year is a question. Almost daily new demands and re- quests come to your committee from the State Committee. New duties are outlined and increased vigilance in those already established is urged con- tinually. With these requests and demands your committee complies, insofar as it is able.
With over 200 of our residents in the armed services, the town's supply of manpower is automatically reduced 10%. The duties of covering various jobs in the civilian protection system thus fall on a smaller group of active citizens. Your committee now needs the assistance of more of the town's citizens, for service as air raid wardens and for duty at the Report Centre.
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A few hours each week is an excellent contribution to the war effort and one which can be made by many. Information as to the type of service for which one is best fitted may be readily obtained at the Town Hall.
Basing its conclusions upon observation and study of civilian defense sys- tems in towns of comparable size. your committee feels that the steps taken during the past year have produced an effective system for this town. The aim has been to produce a simple protective setup, scaled to the needs of the town and the possibilities which nearer war would bring to a munici- pality of this size. That it functions as it does is due to the universal co- operation with which the efforts of your committee have been met.
As the pendulum swings slowly toward a favorable conclusion of the war efforts of the United Nations, we must be eternally vigilant in our protective duties. The ends to which our enemies may turn in desperation are many and terrific. That through the negligence of overconfidence we should lose our slow gains is unthinkable. With the continued cooperation of those who cherish their town, its traditions and its future, your committee is confident that we shall carry on alertly during the coming year.
CIVILIAN DEFENSE PERSONNEL
The following data presents an overall picture of the assignments of the present volunteer workers :
A. Local Administrative Staff 21
B. Report Centre Staff 75
C. Protection Staff
1. Air Raid Wardens 119
2. Auxiliary Police 18
3. Auxiliary Firemen 8
4. Road Repair Crews 5
D. Medical Division
1. First Aid Parties 15
2. Medical First Aid Post 15
3. Ambulance Drivers 6
E. Evacuation Division 2
F. Salvage Division 40
Total Civilian Defense Personnel 324
Respectfully submitted,
Hamilton Committee on Public Safety
JOHN H. PERKINS Chairman.
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In Memoriam
Frank B. Crowell, son of John Crowell and Lucy (Webber) Crowell, was born in the adjoining Town of Wenham on November 10, 1875, and died in this town June 25, 1942. He lived practically his entire life in Wenham and Hamilton with the exception of a short absence in Florida.
He had been prominent in the public and fraternal affairs of the town for many years, and had served as Sealer of Weights and Measures during the period from 1933 to 1935, and was chosen Collector of Taxes in 1941, which office he was filling at the time of his death. He had also been connected for years with the Fire Department. In private life he was engaged in the general paint- ing contract business for nearly a quarter of a century down to within a year of his death.
He was endowed with a particularly genial and likable dis- position, a rare story-teller. and counted hosts of friends in the various local fraternal and departmental organizations with which he had been associated for years.
50
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
In reviewing the events of year 1942 in which our country concluded its first year of World War No. 2, municipalities like individuals turned their attention to the business of winning the war.
Long-planned improvements, such as roads, sidewalks, and the extension of our water system had to be postponed for the duration. Likewise the con- tract for the purchase of the fire truck, voted at the last annual meeting was cancelled because the Seagrave Corp. was unable to deliver the apparatus. However the cancellation of the last mentioned item will prove most helpful in this year's appropriations. The Fire Engineers realizing it may be several years before any apparatus can be purchased have gladly cooperated with your Board in voting to transfer this sum of money ($8,400.) to other depart- ments, thereby reducing the total amount to be raised.
The town was host to various detachments of our soldiers until June 29th. Our town hall was selected as an ideal site and Commanding Officers in charge of this area were loud in their praise of our hospitality.
War Damage Insurance was taken out on all town property so that in the event of any disaster due to the war, our property will be fully covered.
STATE GUARD
In compliance with a request from the Adjutant General of the Common- wealth your Board authorized the enlistment of a State Guard Reserve com- pany in town. This company will serve Wenham and Hamilton and is in command of Captain Harold A. Daley. From its inception the Company has maintained its authorized strength of 61 men, all of whom are enthusiastic, and have made a splendid showing in the short time they have been organized.
Unofficial figures disclose that over 200 of our residents are in the mili- tary forces. Officially our population as of the 1940 census was 2,037-thus making our percentage well over ten percent. It is doubtful if many com- munities of our size can show such a patriotic contribution to our war effort. Your Board is requesting a sum of money to erect a temporary Honor Roll Tablet in their honor.
W. P. A.
The Federal Government has notified your Board that all W. P. A. activi- ties will cease on or before April 1st of this year.
During the depression years of the 1930's the assistance rendered to those of our residents (who through no fault of theirs, found themselves unable to obtain gainful employment) was most helpful.
As seen by the Co-ordinator's report elsewhere in this book, more than $275,000.00 in money and surplus commodities have been received by our residents.
51
The planning and distribution of this huge sum has required careful study, and the town is indebted to Miss Morrow for the conscientious and efficient manner in which she has directed these activities during the past seven years.
SESQUICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
This year the town will celebrate its 150th Anniversary of its incorpora- tion. As a part of Ipswich our town was known as the Hamlet until June 21, 1793. While celebrations at this time give way to more serious thoughts, your Board feels that the occasion deserves recognition. Accordingly we are requesting a small appropriation for such observance.
TAX RATE
Our town has the unique distinction of being the only town in the Com- monwealth that has reduced its tax rate for seven consecutive years. Care- ful handling of appropriations by all departments has largely contributed to this achievement. With a large surplus available, and the prospect of reduced appropriations at the coming annual meeting, the prospects appear bright for a still further reduction. However the final decision in this matter rests with the State authorities. Should they decide it is wiser to create a reserve for post-war problems we will comply with their wishes.
The hearty cooperation of all town officials, and the enthusiastic support rendered by our citizens during the year has made the duties of your Board most enjoyable.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN H. PERKINS EDWARD A. DEWITT LAWRENCE R. STONE
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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, quali- fied 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 forty-three (March 1, 1943), 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 Water Commissioner for three years.
One Member of Planning Board for five years.
The above named officers to be voted for on one ballot on Tuesday, the ninth day of March, 1943 (March 9, 1943). 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 man- ner 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 see if the Town will vote to have and continue in full force and effect as of 1942 a Town Defense Committee or take any action thereon."
ARTICLE 5. "To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,700.00 for the preservation of health and protection of persons and property ; to purchase equipment, uniforms and supplies for auxiliary fire
53
and police departments, air-raid wardens, first aid rescue squads and other essential units of defense; to provide for the training of its citizens in first aid and other matters essential to civilian defense; and to provide for such other means as may be necessary in the national emergency for the pro- tection of the people and property in the Town, or take any action thereon."
ARTICLE 6. "To raise and appropriate money for the Schools, Highways and all other expenses and determine the manner of expending same."
ARTICLE 7. "To see if the Town will vote, subject to the approval of the Commissioner of Corporations and Taxation, to transfer the sum of $5,000.00 from the Excess and Deficiency Fund to Maturing Debt, or take any action thereon."
ARTICLE 8. "To see if the Town will vote to transfer to Old Age Assistance the sum of $8,400. from the unexpended balance in the appropriation of $8,400. for the purchase of a combination ladder truck and pumping piece of fire apparatus for the use of the Fire Department raised and appropriated under article 10 of the warrant for the annual Town Meeting held on March 2, 1942, or take any action thereon."
ARTICLE 9. "To see if the Town will vote to transfer to Veterans' Benefits the sum of $1,000. from the unexpended balance of $3,658.73 in the appropria- tion of $7,000. for Unemployed raised and appropriated under article 7 of the warrant for the annual Town Meeting held on March 2, 1942, or take any action thereon."
ARTICLE 10. "To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,371.82 for the payment of unpaid bills of the Water Department for the year 1942, as provided for by Chapter 179 of Acts of 1941.
ARTICLE 11. "To see if the Town will vote to establish and maintain a Dental Clinic and appropriate a sum of money therefor, all such appropria- tion to be expended under the direction of the Town Board of Health, subject to the rules and regulations of such Board, or take any action thereon."
ARTICLE 12. "To see if the Town will vote to erect a temporary Honor Roll Tablet of the inhabitants of Hamilton enrolled in the Armed Forces of the United States and raise and appropriate a sum of money therefor, or take any action thereon."
ARTICLE 13. "To see if the Town will vote to commemorate the 150th Anniversary June 21, 1943 of the Incorporation of the Town and appropriate a sum of money therefor, or take any action thereon."
ARTICLE 14. "To see if the Town will vote to increase the members of the School Committee from three to five, or take any action thereon, as peti- tioned for by Nellie E. Woodman and others."
54
ARTICLE 15. "To see if the Town will vote to reopen the Adelaide Dodge Walsh School at East Hamilton, or take any action thereon as petitioned for by Nellie E. Woodman and others."
ARTICLE 16. "To see if the Town will vote to sell its real property con- sisting of buildings and some 7,883 square feet of land situated at 45 School Street, East Hamilton, or take any action thereon."
ARTICLE 17. "To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to sell, after first giving notice of the time and place of sale by posting such notice of sale in some convenient and public place in the Town fourteen days at least before the sale, property taken by the Town under Tax Title pro- cedure, provided that the Selectmen or whomsoever they may authorize to hold such public auction may reject any bid which they deem inadequate, or take action relative thereto."
ARTICLE 18. "To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treas- urer, 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, 1944 and to issue a note or notes therefor payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as maybe given for a shorter period than one year, in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws and Amend- ments thereto."
ARTICLE 19. "To see if the Town will authorize the Collector to use all means of collecting taxes which a Town Treasurer, when appointed Col- lector, may use agreeable to Chapter 41, Section 37, of the General Laws and amendments thereto."
ARTICLE 20. "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.
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 25th day of January, A. D. 1943.
A true copy, Attest :
JOHN H. PERKINS, EDWARD A. DEWITT, LAWRENCE R. STONE, Selectmen of Hamilton.
A true copy, Attest :
GEORGE GIBNEY HARADEN,
Town Clerk.
REPORT of the FINANCE and
ADVISORY
COMMITTEE 1942
57
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FINANCE AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
We are pleased to report a very helpful and cooperative attitude on the part of the Town officials for the year 1942 in keeping their expenditures at a minimum so that a very satisfactory portion of the 1942 appropriation was turned back and applied to the Excess and Deficiency Fund.
Being advised by the State Tax Commissioner that our income this year from the Commonwealth might be considerably less, we sought the cooperation all Town departments in keeping down their already depression-reduced bud- gets. This assistance was cheerfully given and if our recommendations are adhered to, no increase in the tax rate would appear necessary.
One of the main reasons for the net reduction in appropriations for this year is because of war conditions the new fire truck, for which $8.400. was appropriated in 1942, could not be purchased, and this amount can be made available for current use. We recommend this item be transferred to the appropriation for Old Age Assistance as specified in Article 8 of the warrant.
War conditions also made it impossible to extend and relay the water mains as voted at the Special Town Meeting of November 25, 1941, making it unnecessary to borrow the $60,000., thus contributing to the reduction of the Interest appropriation.
Requests for salary increases have been of considerable concern to this Committee. After consideration of the requests, two increases are recom- mended.
The departments of Unemployment and Public Welfare are also becom- ing of less expense to the Town because of wartime activity.
We recommend appropriations for this year of $158,395.94, as compared with $172,588.16 for 1942. In 1942, $11,500. was transferred from surplus funds, whereas this year we recommend that only $5,000. be transferred.
The comparisons of appropriations for 1942 and recommendations for 1943 is as follows :
1942 Appropriation
1943 Recommendation
Selectmen, salaries
$1,000 00
$1,000 00
expenses
550 00
300 00
Unemployment Fund (carried over)
(1,731.18)
(3,981 13)
additional
7,000 00
Accounting
1,475 00
1,475 00
Treasurer, salary
800 00
800 00
expenses
.
500 00
325 00
special (Land Court)
70 00
Tax Collector, salary
1,000 00
1,000 00
expenses
485 00
460 00
.
58
1942 Appropriation 800 00
1943
Recommendation
Assessors, salaries
800 00
expenses
1,000 00
1,000 00
special (Record Work)
500 00
Other Finance Accounts
25 00
15 00
Town Clerk, salary expenses
150 00
150 00
Law
600 00
600 00
Election and Registration
1,300 00
800 00
Town Hall
3,000 00
3,000 00
special (Painting and repairs)
1,000 00
Police
3,200 00
3,200 00
Fire
3,000 00
3,000 00
special (Painting Fire House)
new truck
8,400 00
Moth, Town
2,500 00
2,500 00
private
1,300 00
1,300 00
Tree Warden
900 00
900 00
Forest Fire Warden
75 00
85 00
Sealer
300 00
300 00
Health
2,700 00
2,700 00
Inspector of Animals
75 00
75 00
Highways, salary expenses
10,875 00
10,800 00
truck
650 00
Snow
3,500 00
7,000 00
Street Lighting
7,200 00
7,200 00
Public Welfare
8,200 00
6,000 00
Soldiers' Relief
500 00
Veterans' Benefits
(1,000 00)
State and Military Aid
200 00
200 00
Old Age Assistance
11,500 00
10,500 00
Administration
500 00
1,000 00
Aid to Dependent Children, assistance .. Administration
25 00
25 00
Schools
47,521 97%
47.464 12 **
Vocational
400 00
300 00
Cafeteria-High
2,000 00
2,375 00
Cafeteria-Lamson
1,500 00
Painting
1,033 00
Educational Trips
50 0
Desks, Chairs, Tables & Benches
116 51
Encyclopedia
71 12
Screens and shades
200 00
85 00
Gymnasium equipment
50 00
Washing walls, Lamson
125 00
Seal and wax floors, Lamson
75 00
Overdraft 1941
783 56
1,400 00
1,400 00
2,000 00
1,800 00
200 00
550 00
650 00
59
1943
1942 Appropriation
Recommendation
Public Library
2,400 00
2,365 00
American Legion
300 00
300 00
Boiler Insurance
150 00
150 00
Insurance Fund
1,000 00
1,325 00
Reserve Fund
2,000 00
2,500 00
Memorial Day
250 00
300 00
Parks
450 00
450 00
Town Clock
50 00
50 00
Town Reports
500 00
500 00
Water Department, expenses
3,152 00
3,325 00
Installations
1,700 00
Cemetery
1,450 00
1,230 00
Interest
3,500 00
2,600 00
Maturing Debt
8,000 00
7,000 00
Transfer from Surplus
(4,000 00)
(5,000 00)
Civilian Defense
1,800 00
1,700 00
State Guard Reserve
500 00
$172,588 16
$155,924 12
* Exclusive of Dog Tax.
** Plus the Dog Tax of $365.88. We recommend that receipts from the Dog Tax in 1943 be transfered to the School Department appropriation.
Article 9 is included in our recommendations above.
We favor the adoption of Article 10, which calls for an appropriation of $1,371.82 for payment of unpaid Water Department bills contracted in the year 1942.
Article 11 recommends that the Town establish and maintain a Dental Clinic. We recommend an appropriation of $500. for this project.
Article 12 suggests that the Town erect a temporary Honor Roll Tablet. We favor an appropriation of $300. for this purpose.
Article 13 provides for the Commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Town. We recommend an appropriation of $300. for this item.
Respectfully submitted, THEODORE A. HOLLAND JOHN KING PERCIVAL D. WHIPPLE JOHN A. TUCKERMAN ERNEST F. STOCKWELL
.
.
.
.
..
REPORT of the TOWN ACCOUNTANT 1942
63
REPORT OF THE TOWN ACCOUNTANT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
In accordance with Chapter 41, Section 61 of the General Laws, I herewith submit my annual report for the year ending December 31, 1942.
The unexpended balances of appropriations amounted to $12,384.10, plus an excess in Estimated Receipts of $8,124.16, resulting in a net increase in the Excess and Deficiency account of $20,508.26, making the balance at the end of the year $46,537.19. This is the largest in the history of the town. It is a substantial reserve against shrinking revenues in 1943. Cash on hand Decem- ber 31, 1942 amounted to $43,563.01. This also is the largest in the history of the town. These records could not have been set without the cooperation of all of the town officials during the past year.
The tax rate was reduced for the seventh consecutive year. It now is the lowest it has been since 1933.
There is also presented a balance sheet showing the Assets and Liabilities at the close of the fiscal year.
Receipts
TAXES
Current Year :
Poll
$ 1,374 00
Personal
12,351 42
Real Estate
94,385 95
$108,111 37
Previous Years :
Personal
$ 1,037 29
Real Estate
18,974 68
20,011 97
Tax Title Redemptions
1,478 58
Sale of Tax Title Possessions
330 00
1,808 58
LICENSES
1
Alcoholic Beverages
1,100 00
Revolver
23 00
Lord's Day
14 00
Common Victualler's
10 00
Milk
11 50
Carried forward
$1,158 50
$129.931 92
.
64
Brought forward
$1.158 50 $129,931 92
Junk
10 00
Garage
2 00
Pedlar
, 00
Taxi
1 00
Oleo
50
1,174 00
GRANTS FROM STATE
Income Tax
16,930 00
Business Corp. Tax
3,898 70
Corp. Tax, Gas, Electric Light and Water
157 51
Meal Tax
109 84
21,096 05
GRANTS AND GIFTS
From County :
Dog Licenses
545 76
From State : Vocational Education
157 55
703 31
SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS
Moth
1,408 07
1,408 07
PRIVILEGES
Motor Vehicle Excise
8,065 74
8,065 74
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY
Police :
Fines
25 00
Inspection :
Sealer's Fees
27 08
52 08
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Treasurer
1 00
Town Hall
291 68
Selectmen
300 00
592 68
Carried forward
$163,023 85
65
Brought forward
$163,023 85
HIGHWAYS
Chapter 90 Construction Gasoline Tax
522 12 9,143 78
9,665 90
PUBLIC WELFARE
Outside Relief :
Individuals
84 75
Cities and Towns
862 30
State
1,686 31
2,633 36
Aid to Dependent Children :
State
618 79
618 79
Old Age Assistance :
Cities and Towns
224 33
State
7,923 19
Individuals
100 00
8,247 52
Federal Grants :
Old Age Assistance
8,117 44
Old Age Administration
270 52
Aid to Dependent Children Assistance
975 04
Aid to Dependent Children Administration
67 56
9,430 56
1
SOLDIERS' RELIEF
State Aid
120 00
120 00
SCHOOLS
Use of Cafeteria
50
Tuition
405 00
Manual Training
13 99
Cafeteria-High School
1,707 65
Cafeteria-Lamson School
1,449 60
Cafeteria-Walsh School
50 15
3,633 89
Carried forward
$197,373 87
66
Brought forward
$197,373 87
PUBLIC LIBRARY
Fines
Income from Trust Funds
3 17 38 39
41 56
WATER DEPARTMENT
Water Rates and Meter Charges
6,884 08
Service Connections
447 68
7,331 76
CEMETERIES
Care of Lots and Graves
384 75
Opening Graves
199 00
Care of Endowed Lots
349 50
Sale of Lots and Graves
572 50
1,505 75
INTEREST
On Deferred Taxes 573 26
573 26
MUNICIPAL INDEBTEDNESS
Temporary Loan :
Anticipation of Revenue 50,000 00
50,000 00
AGENCY AND TRUST
Dog Licenses
476 20
Cemetery Perpetual Care
100 00
576 20
REFUNDS
Departmental
46 20
46 20
BALANCES
General Cash, Jan. 1, 1942
20,531 52
20,531 52
$277,980 12
67 Expenditures GENERAL GOVERNMENT SELECTMEN
Salaries :
John H. Perkins
370 84
Edward A. DeWitt
312 48
Lawrence R. Stone
291 66
Clerk George Gibney Haraden
50 00
1,024 98
Other Expenses :
Rationing Board
5 30
Dues Selectmen's Association
6 00
Directory
12 00
Law Supplement
19 00
Printing, Stationery, Postage
42 70
Preparing Deed and Entering Law Suit
29 00
Administering Oaths
9 00
All Other
10 40
133 40
1,158 38
ACCOUNTING
Salary :
George G. Haraden
1,346 00
1,346 00
Other Expenses :
Equipment and Supplies
52 10
Dues Accounting Associations
10 00
Stationery, Postage, Printing
42 76
104 86
1,450 86
TREASURY
Salary :
Bernard A. Cullen
800 00
800 00
Other Expenses :
Surety Bonds and Burglary Insurane
187 00
Recording Deeds
6 50
Printing, Postage, Stationery
143 87
337 17
1,137 37
Carried forward
$3,746 61
68
Brought forward
$3,746 61
COLLECTOR
Salaries :
Frank B. Crowell
499 98
Bertha L. Crowell
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