USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1945 > Part 2
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Gale Ann, daughter of Joseph R. and Rosalin (DiLorenzo) Wilcox. Pamela Hale, daughter of Winthrop F. and Anne ( Hale) Ashworth. Bruce Alan, son of Henry F. and Elizabeth J. (Lawrie) Larchez. James Michael, son of Hugh D. and Rita L. (Theriault) Mullins. Marjorie, daughter of Frank and Janet M. (O'Brien) DiFrancesco. Andrew Cunningham, son of Charles R. and Dorothy M. (Preston) Ware. Richard Francis, son of Edward J. and Esther T. (Lee) Regan. Mary Gail, daughter of Carroll P. and Ann R. (Kelleher) Hussey. Donna Irene, daughter of Harold C. and Julia D. (Buzzell) Smerage. Cheryl Ann, daughter of David Q. and Rae (Cavanagh) Greeley. William Paul, Jr., son of William P. and Shirley E. (Abbott) Koloski. Norman Paul, son of Orman J. and Rose A. (Perron) Richards. Thomas Erving, son of Elmer T. and Barbara E. (Maxwell) Pitman. Catherine Roberta, daughter of Robert L. and Vivian E. (Dodge) Burns. Elizabeth Jane, daughter of Alf M. and Esther M. (Lawrie) Nilsson. Joan Louise, daughter of Walter T. and Helen J. (Tinkham) Ramsdell. Arthur Stevens, Jr., son of Arthur S. and Evelyn G. (Amor) Purdy. Linda Ruth, daughter of Philip W. and Eleanor R. (Celley) Haffcke. Cynthia Lee, daughter of Charles F. and Dorothy L. (Perkins) Hood. Edward Hallett, son of Edward P. and Corinne E. (Hallett) Laffie. Margaret Ellen, daughter of Henry A. and Millicent E. (True) Tarr. Robert Brian, son of Norbert V. and Nancy ( Lord) White. Thomas Hart, 2nd, son of Nathaniel, 3rd and Ruth ( Bartlett) Rochester. Robert Edward, son of George C. and Anne P. (Sortwell) Clement.
1945 MARRIAGES RECORDED
Walter F. Buckley, Jr., of Lynn, Mass.
Louise W. Moore of Hamilton, Mass.
Robert P. Chase of Hamilton, Mass.
Helen E. Pettingell of Danvers, Mass.
Carl H. R. Haggstrom of Salem, Mass. Beatrice E. Schofield of Hamilton, Mass.
James Butler Peirce of Topsfield, Mass. Anne Middleton Means of Boxford, Mass.
19
Amos Bradley Dolliver of Hamilton, Mass. Marjorie Ann Van Schoiack of Pueblo, Colorado.
Albert. Dunlap Coonrod of Beverly, Mass. Ruth Lovering Day of Hamilton, Mass.
Cecil W. Ledford of Hamilton, Mass. Elaine Mae Schmitt of Chicago, Illinois.
Theodore Chipman Day of Beverly, Mass. Grace Elizabeth Powers of Hamilton, Mass.
John Wesley Dolliver of Hamilton, Mass. Emily Jane Wetson of Hamilton, Mass.
John King of Hamilton, Mass. Alice R. Belger of Newton Highlands, Mass.
David L. Crowell of Hamilton, Mass. Mary C. Dewar of Hamilton, Mass.
Howard G. Parker of South Hampton, N. H. Margaret A. Thimmer of Hamilton, Mass.
Joseph Pettipas of Hamilton, Mass. Doris M. True of Hamilton, Mass.
Paul Vincent Eldridge of Hamilton, Mass. Phyllis May Hawkins of Hamilton, Mass.
Robert Pearson Whittier of Wenham, Mass. Sally Porter of Hamilton, Mass.
Richard T. Ober of Marblehead, Mass. Elizabeth Ann Gourdeau of Hamilton, Mass.
Everett Parker Hull of Ipswich, Mass. Helen C. Perkins of Danvers, Mass.
William Jacob King of Hamilton, Mass. Phoebe Frances Herlihy of Salem, Mass.
Franklin Robert Little of Hamilton, Mass. Marjorie Ann Wallace of Hamilton, Mass.
Thomas Eugene Crawford of Needham, Mass. Eileen Frances Cronin of Hamilton, Mass.
Milton Howard Lougee of Hamilton, Mass. Charlotte Stanley of Hamilton, Mass.
20
Michael A. Byrnes of Wenham, Mass. Janice E. Talbot (Gould) of Hamilton, Mass.
Shirley William Learned of Essex, Mass. Betty Lee Thayer of Hamilton, Mass.
Raymond M. Higgins of New York, N. Y. Joan Griess of Boston, Mass.
Kenneth Howes, Jr., of Boston, Mass. Augusta Peabody Wolcott of Hamilton, Mass.
George Leo McGlynn of Hamilton, Mass.
Pearl Jennie Pidgeon (Sheltra) of Hamilton, Mass.
Justin W. Griess of Hamilton, Mass.
Katherine Sears (Haskell) of Muskogee, Oklahoma.
Frank A. Hayes of Hamilton, Mass. Gladys Toner (Toner) of Hamilton, Mass.
Robert Charles Brockelbank of Hamilton, Mass.
Barbara May Cronk of Hamilton, Mass.
William R. Bancroft of Hamilton, Mass.
Sylvia M. Learned of Essex, Mass.
Edward B. Thacher of Milton, Mass.
Barbara Allen of Hamilton, Mass.
1945 DEATHS RECORDED
Yrs. Mos. Days
Yrs. Mos. Days
George E. Day
74
8
James A. Rhodes
34
Ida E. Henley
32
10 28
John F. Smith
76
6 20
Theodora Ayer
62
3 27
Oscar A. Wood
73
8 20
Mary J. Reid
80
Catherine F. Malone
72
Albert C. Holland
65
5 25
Sidney C. Hill
53
17
Chester Harvey
65
4
1
Fred D. Bell
70 9 26
Katherine F. Walsh
56
Christine E. Deichman
76
7 20
Silas W. Armstrong
79
3
15
John J. Corcoran
64
Avon D. Bradeen
64
Margaret Moran
75
*Bernard P. Greeley
24
3
14
John C. Cunningham
52
Roscoe Caverly
79
3
13
* In Armed Forces of the United States.
21
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
The Board of Park Commissioners herewith submit its report for the year ending December 31, 1945.
The maintenance of the Manassah Cutler Park, the Dorothy Winthrop Memorial lot and the Soldiers' Green was carried on as usual this year.
In addition to the normal operation of the Park Department our post-war project of developing the park area bounded by Asbury and Main Streets got under way. The following is a detailed account of the background of the project, the planning, development, and future plans for this area together with an explanation of our contemplated budget and other items.
Through the efforts of Mr. Standish Bradford and others the present Play- ground and Recreation Area of 15.4 acres was granted, in 1941, to the Town, by the Myopia Hunt Club Schooling Field Trust, for a very nominal sum of money.
During the war the Area was used by the local State Guard Unit for train- ing purposes, for parking cars at Community House functions, and for some skating on the rink. Although no attempt was made to develop this Park, members of the Mothers' Club and others interested in playground and recrea- tion activities kept the development in mind and the Mothers' Club raised a small sum of money for future plapground projects.
In September, 1945, members of the Mothers' Club, men who had charge of the baseball teams, and the Park Commissioners met to see what could be done in obtaining a playground for children and recreational facilities for all.
A committee composed of Harold Esperson, F. Kimball Loomis, Ray San- ford, and Elmer Smith were appointed at this meeting to work with the Park Commissioners to investigate the possibilities of the area and to see if it would be possible to start work immediately on the baseball diamond. The following week the committee reported back to a meeting open to all the citizens of the Town. A large number were present, including many Town officials. A report of the committee and a preliminary layout plan of the area, as prepared by Elmer Smith, was presented as briefly follows :-
1. That the Town needed playground and recreation facilities and that this field was ideally suited for the same but would require considerable de- velopment and improvement.
2. That the present requirements could be met by a first class baseball field, a soft ball field, three tennis courts, improvement of the skating rink and a playground with good equipment and competent instructors.
3. A description of the facilities planned to meet the present requirements and reasons for locating them in the areas shown on the plan.
4. That if possible the excavation of the skating rink and rough grading in the baseball area should be done that fall so that the final grading and seed- ing could be completed in the spring.
5. That considerable engineering work would have to be done to obtain quantities before estimated costs could be obtained from contractors.
6. That slides, swings, sand-boxes, etc., should be located in strategic
22
places in the Town for the benefit of smaller children in outlying districts who could not get to the playground in this area.
7. That the benefits to be derived from the development of this project are well worth the additional expense to be borne by the taxpayers but that the complete development of the whole area should be spread over several years.
The report and layout was very favorably received and after some discus- sion it was voted that estimated costs should be obtained by this committee and a Special Town Meeting should then be requested by the Park Commissioners for the purpose of raising the necessary money.
Mr. Elmer Smith was retained by the Park Commissioners as engineer for the project and after two weeks' time estimated costs were received from two reliable contractors.
Before the Special Town Meeting, the Myopia Hunt Club. as requested by the Myopia Schooling Field Trust, generously gave us permission to obtain our requirements of rough fill and gravel from their pit and we were thus able to cut the sum requested from $7,500.00 to $6,500.00.
The Town voted to appropriate $6,500.00 from the Excess and Deficiency Fund for this project. This sum we hoped would cover the cost of excavating the skating rink, excavating loam from the tennis courts and parking area and filling with gravel : rough grading of the ball field : engineering and miscellaneous expenses and possibly the thinning out of trees in the playground area and filling in the two old cellars in this area.
We were very fortunate in obtaining a reasonable price for the original work contemplated so as the work progressed we felt it was advisable and an oppor- tune time to contract for considerable related work that would have been neces- sary to have asked an appropriation for at the 1946 Town Meeting.
The contracts at present between the Town and the contractor, A. Cefalo & Sons, in brief cover the following: Excavating skating rink, excavating loam from tennis courts and refilling with gravel, excavating loam from parking space and filling to grade with gravel, grading of baseball field, removing surplus trees in playground area and filling in two old cellars, excavating and back-filling 870 feet of trench for water pipes, constructing two manholes, removing forty-eight scrub trees in the new right of way location on railroad side of field and even up surface so that it will be suitable for automobile traffic, constructing a twelve- foot gravel driveway forty-two feet long at the Asbury Street end of the right of way.
Considerable of the above work has been completed or partially completed and we are requiring that the contractor complete all of the work by May 1, 1946.
Besides the above work the following has been completed by others: 145 feet of 2" pipe laid (the 2" pipe furnished by the Water Department), 610 feet of 11%" and 83 feet of 1" pipe laid. 34" anti-freeze hydrant installed near skating rink for spraying the ice and a 21/2" fire hose connection installed in manhole near rink for a larger amount of water should it be required. Light poles for flood lights at rink set in and wiring and switch boxes installed. Benches built at edge of rink. Two pipe-frame hockey goal cages built and in- stalled in rink. Stone bounds set to locate boundary lines.
Floodlights for the rink were ordered and delivery was promised for the middle of December but shipment from the factory was delayed until February 1. By ordering these through Mr. Donald Trussell we were able to save 40%.
23
Some fine skating was enjoyed the first of the season on the improved and larger skating rink. Mr. Ray Sanford in his spare time, with the assistance of soms boys, has attempted to keep the snow removed. We feel though that until we have a man constantly on the job with the proper equipment the periods of skating will be short and spotty.
After obtaining the opinions of many citizens we decided that, instead of requesting additional funds for the seeding down of the baseball field, part of the playground area, grading and seeding of miscellaneous areas, replacing surface of Main Street where pipe trench was put across and other work, we would use the remainder of the $6,500.00 appropriation from the Excess and Deficiency Fund for this purpose.
We are requesting an appropriation this year to cover the following:
1. A power-mower with gang-mowers, water roller, riding trailer, sicklebar and snow plow.
2. Miscellaneous tools.
3. A small building to house the mower and tools.
4. For playground equipment and supplies.
5. For surfacing of parking space.
6. For bumper fence in parking space.
7. For drinking fountains and installation of same.
8. For work on the small park located between Roosevelt and Grant Avenues and for a small amount of playground equipment.
9. For purchasing and setting out evergreen trees for the windbreak at the skating rink.
10. For a full-time man to take care of the new recreation area and also the parks under our jurisdiction.
11. For a competent playground instructor.
12. Light, water, insurance, trucking, extra plowing and labor, equip- ment, maintenance, etc.
We estimate that aside from any special amounts that may be requested in the future, the yearly cost of maintaining the new recreation area and other parks now being maintained will average about $3,000.00 per year. This sum is in line with the average amount spent by other towns of similar size in this state for playground and recreation activities.
To complete the present requirements for recreation and playground facilities it will be necessary to construct bleachers, a backstop for baseball, and pur- chase additional playground equipment, additional tree and shrubbery planting, hockey rink sideboards and probably other expenditures that we do not now foresee. Appropriations for these items will be asked for during the next two or three years to spread out the costs and keep the sums asked for less than the amount required this year.
In regard to the park located between Grant and Roosevelt Avenues we believe that it should be known by all the citizens that two years ago the resi- dents in the vicinity raised the sum of $200.00 for the improvement of this park for playground use. Fence material was purchased and voluntary labor cleared away trees and erected a substantial fence on two sides of the 100x120 foot lot.
The Park Commissioners feel that our new field has great possibilities for future projects of beauty and usefulness, particularly in the vicinity of the skating rink and children's play area. We further feel that a great future need will be a field house with proper sanitary facilities for all those who use the
24
park. Realizing that these projects might cost considerable money the Park Commissioners feel, that as the park becomes a vital part in the community and interest and enthusiasm are created, these projects will be a natural con- sequence.
We wish to express our appreciation to the many people who have and are continuing their service to the Park Department projects.
Respectfully submitted, RALSTON F. PICKERING STANLEY ALLEN EDWARD MacGREGOR
JURY LIST FOR 1946
Edward F. Beliveau, Bridge Street, Mechanic Frank W. Buzzell, Jr., Main Street, Mechanic Richard Cameron, Essex Street, Gardener Guy A. Crosby, Lake Road, Contractor Edward A. DeWitt, Railroad Avenue, Carpenter John A. Foster, Rust Street, Contractor Donald Greeley, Main Street, Clerk George A. Harrigan, Main Street, Merchant Philip Hopkins, Mill Street, Salesman Harry L. Moore, Cutler Road, Clerk Arnold Morgan, Waldingfield Road, Gardener Dean C. Moulton, Union Street, Salesman Francis C. Moynihan, Main Street, Merchant Cornelius J. Mullins, Pleasant Street, Inspector Henry N. Pfaff, Cummings Street, Clerk Lewis K. Pierce, Lincoln Avenue, Truck Driver Alden L. Southwick, Main Street, Contractor Albert J. St. Germain, Maple Street, Machinist Raymond H. Stone, Western Avenue, Crossing Tender Donald G. Trussell, Main Street, Contractor John T. Walke, Mill Street, Superintendent Raymond A. Whipple, Main Street, Superintendent C. Donald Woodman, Essex Street, Machinist
25
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
We herewith submit the report of the Board of Health for 1945 :- The following communicable diseases were reported during the year :
Chicken Pox 9
Measles 1
Mumps 13
Scarlet Fever
2 Whooping Cough 23
Our attention has been called to the failure of reporting to the Health Board such communicable diseases when medical attention is not obtained. The law requires that such report should be made. We urge that this be done in the future so that an accurate record of the health of the citizens of the Town may be had.
The increased cost of collecting garbage and rubbish will result in an in- crease in the appropriation for 1946. In 1945 we spent $1,843.20 for the col- lection of rubbish and $1,890.00 for the collection of garbage.
Every effort has been made to give to the citizens of Hamilton the best possible service in collecting garbage and rubbish. We are asking your co- operation by confining your garbage to table and kitchen waste, vegetables, fruit and similar substances. Because the garbage is used as feed for pigs, we urge that it be kept free from glass, tin cans, crockery or other foreign matter. In the matter of rubbish, no container with contents should be heavier than two men would ordinarily be able to lift. Bulky substances should be properly bundled so as to facilitate handling and loading. Such substances should be of a nature that would reasonably be considered as "rubbish."
Dr. John King has made the following report of the dental clinic for the year 1945 :-
206 children have been attended 403 Amalgous fillings inserted 91 cement fillings inserted 243 cleanings were made 81 times Novocaine was administered
185 children received certificates
The highlight of the clinic during the year is the fact that only one per- manent tooth had to be removed.
The accomplishments and value of the clinic can be recognized by Dr. King's report, especially when we consider that out of 206 children who attended, only one extraction had to be made.
The Board wishes to thank all those who have assisted in any way during the year.
LAWRENCE R. STONE EDWARD A. DeWITT . JOHN H. PERKINS
26 REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit my report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31. 1945.
Total number of arrests during the year, 28: 27 males, 1 female. Classification of crime :
Drunks 13 Driving to endanger 2
Larceny
7 Assault
2
Driving under influence
1 Neglect minor child 1
DISTRICT COURT Disposition of Cases
Released without arraignment 10 Fined
6
Sentenced to House of Correction 3 Appealed to Superior Court 1
Sentenced and put on probation S Turned over to Federal Authorities 1
SUPERIOR COURT
Found guilty
1
ARRESTS MADE BY OFFICERS
Frederick 24 Smerage 1
Poole 2 Wentworth 1
Arrests for out-of-town police
5
Persons held at local police station and later released.
11
SUMMONS SERVED
For out-of-town police by local police
21
AUTOMOBILE REGULATIONS
Licenses revoked by Registrar of Motor Vehicles
3
Registration revoked by Registrar 2
Automobile transfers 48
REPORTS MADE BY THE CHIEF OF POLICE
To the Registrar of Motor Vehicles
16
To the Probation Officer 5
To Federal Bureau of Investigation 1S
MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS REPORTED
Causing injuries to persons 5
Causing damage to property only 11
TRANSPORTATION OF PERSONS
Taken to the Hospital 5
Taken to their own homes 6
Taken to doctor's office for treatment 2
27
COMPLAINTS INVESTIGATED
Frederick
192 Smerage 8
Poole
27
Wentworth 4
MISCELLANEOUS
Lights reported out 115
Dangerous wires reported 8
Obstruction in the street reported to Highway Surveyor
2
Obstruction in the street reported to Tree Warden 14
Police assistance to out-of-town officers
24
Property reported stolen (value) $850.00
Property recovered (value) $750.00
The co-operation and assistance received from my officers, town officials, members of the police departments of neighboring cities and towns, officials of the Registry of Motor Vehicles and many of the townspeople has been very gen- erous and greatly appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD FREDERICK, Chief of Police.
REPORT OF THE WATER BOARD
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Board of Water Commissioners herewith submit their eleventh annual report for the year ending December 31, 1945.
This is the sixth full year of operations and the following report shows steady growth in the Water Department.
1944
1945
Total number of services installed
6
10
Total number of service connections
497
507
Total number of hydrants
16
16
Total number of active services
390
436
Total commitments
$7,926.52
$8,315.93
Total expenditures
$4,668.69
$1,828.38
Total Pumpage (gallons)
25,967,086
25,726,846
Largest single day pumpage (gallons)
146,000
Commitments during the year exceeded the cost of operating the department and payment of interest on the bonds by more than $2,000.00. This amount would be considerably increased if the 71 persons having inactive service connections would use town water.
Heavy rains during the fall of the year caused considerable damage at the pumping station, and necessitated immediate action to remedy the condition. As no provision was made in the 1945 budget for such an emergency, we were obliged
28
to contract bills amounting to $346.11 in excess of the appropriation to do this work. An article will be presented at the annual town meeting seeking an appro- priation to cover the payment of these bills.
We wish at this time to thank all who have assisted the department during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, EVERETT F. HALEY GEORGE A. HARRIGAN
RICHARD H. SMITH
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE WATER DEPARTMENT
To the Board of Water Commissioners:
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit a report of the activities of the Water Department for the year ending December 31, 1945.
Practically all activities of the Water Department require the attention of the superintendent in one way or another. Frequent inspections are made of the pumping equipment while in operation, with daily records being kept of the amount of water pumped, and the condition of the equipment. All service con- nections and installations have been made by or under the supervision of the superintendent. Meter readings are taken quarterly, with periodic inspection of meters and all equipment being made. All town hydrants and 5 private hydrants were inspected prior to cold weather ; 21 meters were overhauled and replaced ; 7 hydrants were overhauled and new leaching seats installed ; 1 hydrant on Asbury Street that was damaged by an automobile was repaired. Samples of water were taken from the system periodically and sent to the State Health Department for examination.
Several complaints of charges for excess water were investigated. In every case it was found that a leak in the plumbing was the cause, and the owner was advised of the condition. Although a small leak or a dripping faucet may appear to be trifle, it is surprising how much water will pass through in the course of a few days : statistics show that 19,000 gallons of water at 60 pounds pressure will flow through a 1/32 hole during a period of 90 days.
Complaints of water in house cellars were investigated and in all but one case it was shown to be caused by water leaking through the cellar walls.
Rains during the fall of the year caused a flood at the pumping station which endangered the equipment. Serious damage was prevented by a day and night shift combating the conditions. The Chief of the fire department and the Highway Surveyor were very cooperative and rendered very valuable assistance in preventing such damage. Corrections in the drainage of the area immediately surrounding the building have been made and will lessen the re-occurrence of such a condition.
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Chief of the fire depart- ment, the Highway Surveyor, all other town officials and townspeople who have assisted me during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
J. EDWARD COX,
Superintendent.
29
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
GENTLEMEN :
I have the honor to submit to you the Annual Report of the Department of Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending December 31, 1945.
Scales
Adjusted
Sealed Not Sealed Condemned
Platform over 10,000 lbs.
----
2
Platform 100 to 10,000 lbs.
5
Counter 100 to 5,000 lbs.
1
Platform 100 to 5,000 lbs.
3
Counter under 100 lbs.
2
Beam 100 to 5,000 lbs.
1
5
Beam under 100 lbs.
Spring 100 to 5,000 lbs.
4
10
2
Spring under 100 lbs.
4
11
1
Computing 100 to 5,000 lbs.
1
Computing under 100 lbs.
1
Personal Weighing
2
Prescription
1
----
Weights
Avoirdupois
29
Apothecary
11
----
----
Volumetric Measures
Liquid Measures under 1 gal.
18
Fuel Baskets
3
Automatic Liquid Measuring Devices
Gasoline Pumps
3
15
1
Oil Pumps
1
1
7
Vehicle Meter Systems
4
Grease Measuring Devices
Linear Measures
Yard Sticks
2
Peddlers Licenses
Ice Scales
2
Reweighing Commodities Sold or Put Up for Sale
258
Number correct
152
Number under
51
Number over
55
Respectfully submitted, EWING O. MAXWELL,
Sealer.
--
----
----
---
1
----
----
2
4
30
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS FOR 1945
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
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