USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1946 > Part 4
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The trustees avail themselves of this opportunity to publicly thank our veteran librarians, Mrs. Haraden and Mrs. Perley, for their usual competent services, as well as for their helpfulness to the reading public beyond actual duty requirements.
Respectfully submitted, BEATRICE B. HOLMES SARAH H. TRUSSELL JOHN F. NEARY
50
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, 1946.
The usual maintenance of the Manassah Cutler Park, the Soldier's Green, the two triangles on Miles River Road and the baseball field in Winthrop Park at the High School was carried on as in previous years. and, in addition, improvements were made to these and our other Parks as described below.
The Baseball Diamond and the backstop at Winthrop Park were re- paired and improved.
The Park on Roosevelt Avenue was plowed up, smoothed off and seeded down, and a sand box for small children was placed there.
At our Park at Chebacco Lake, a large amount of beach sand was trucked from Cranes Beach in Ipswich and spread over the beach at this park. Signs were erected restricting the use of this beach and park to Hamilton residents only.
The year 1946 has been an unsually busy one for the Park Department in the development of the new General George S. Patton, Jr. Memorial Park.
Following the completion of the contractor's job of excavating, filling and rough grading, our work got under way. Mr. James Goodrich was hired as Park Superintendent on a full-time basis. Mr. Elmer Smith was retained by the Park Commissioners as our engineer. Our immediate pro- gram was to complete as far as possible our plans as submitted in last year's town report.
One of the first projects that we were able to complete was the erec- tion of a tool house to be used as such during the summer and as a place for skaters to change their skates and to warm up in the winter.
Through the generosity of Mr. Frederick Winthrop and Miss Cather- ine Winthrop, three tennis courts were offered to the town for immediate installation. More than any other one thing, this gave our Park plan a tremendous boost. These courts were completed during the summer. Fol- lowing this, they were opened to the public with an exhibition tennis match by Miss Winthrop and Mrs. Vosters of Philadelphia, both high-ranking tennis players of the United States. We feel from the enthusiasm of the many that have played on these courts that they are among the finest of any town or city in Massachusetts.
Work was started on the finish grading and seeding of our new base- ball field early in the spring. This work was delayed because of the heavy rains last May, and the seeding was done a little later than it should have been, but due to the completion of our water system last spring, we were able to produce a very good growth of grass in spite of the June and July drought.
51
Playground equipment. was ordered, but unfortunately most of it did not arrive until after the summer season. However, the playground activi- ties for the summer season were a great success. Mrs. Virginia Stackpole of Beverly and Miss Jane Thayer of Hamilton were retained as instruc- tors. Throughout the summer they were in attendance at the park five days a week. They worked out a very enjoyable program for the children. and the average attendance was high. Part of their program included a trip by bus to our Chebacco Lake Park for swimming once a week. We believe that instruction in swimming should be an important part of our playground program. This year, we feel with the equipment now on hand to work with that we will have a bigger season than ever. In regards to the playground equipment, we want to expressly thank the Mother's Club and the Motion Picture Committee of Community Service for their gifts to the town of certain articles of equipment.
Other projects completed this year were; the grading and surfacing of the parking space, the grading and seeding of the playground area, the erection of some playground equipment, the installation of drinking foun- tains, the setting of some of the trees required for the skating rink wind- break, the installation of floodlights for the skating rink, and the fixing up of the tool house as a shelter for skaters.
Due to weather conditions, the skating season has been shorter than usual, but the rink has been greatly enjoyed by a great many. Due to the high cost of lumber, we have been unable to provide a suitable enclosure for hockey, which has made it necessary to restrict this sport. We hope that when costs are lower, this will be rectified so that hockey talent in town and in the schools will be able to have first-class teams. The small warm shelter provided in the tool house has been very much appreciated by the skaters. Many favorable comments have been received in regards to the lighting, safety and supervision of this rink.
We wish to call attention to the many townspeople that do not know its existence that a very good beach and picnic grove is available at Che- bacco Lake Park for their use.
Our plans for this year call for the completion of our baseball infield with backstop, the installation of a drainage pipe and other general im- provements.
Looking to the future, our great need is a field house that will pro- vide toilet facilities, recreation rooms, and a small kitchen. Our hope is that this will not be long coming.
This report would not be complete if it did not give credit to those who have given so generously of their time and effort in behalf of the development of our park plan. Beyond his engineering fee, Mr. Elmer Smith has spent many hours on planning and working for which he re- ceived no pay. His interest and enthusiasm kept the Park Department on its toes throughout the year.
Mr. Ray Sanford has given his time, effort, labor and advice to make this a better park for his friends-the children of the town.
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Mr. James Goodrich has proven to be a most suitable choice for the position of Superintendent. He has spent many long hours to see that everything went smoothly. The many that enjoy the Park will testify to his cheerful. efficient performance of his duties.
We also owe much to the help given us by Messrs Lawrence Stone, Ed- ward Cox. Leland Thompson, Robert Walsh and others.
Respectfully submitted,
RALSTON F. PICKERING STANLEY ALLEN PHILIP HOPKINS
REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE S. PATTON. JR. MEMORIAL COMMITTEE
The undersigned committee was appointed under authority of a vote adopted at the Annual Town Meeting in 1946 for the purpose of looking into a suitable memorial to General George S. Patton. Jr .. and reporting at the next town meeting.
The committee has met a number of times during the year and has discussed the subject with Mrs. Patton. Upon her recommendation the Sherman tank now located on the General Patton Memorial Park was requested and' obtained. It will be necessary to establish a permanent foundation for the tank. and the committee recommends that a permanent flagpole be erected close to it.
The committee is further of opinion that although the tank is suitable as part of the memorial. it should not be considered complete in itself and the committee has reached the following conclusions :
(a) That there is substantial need for a field house on the General Patton Memorial Park to provide facilities for skaters. for children's handi- craft on rainy days. for tennis and baseball players. and others using the Park for general recreation. which facilities should include a small kitchen, adequate toilets. and recreation rooms : and in general the field house and play ground will be a recreation center for the children and people of the community. It is not the intention of the Committee. however. that it will be of a size to compete with the Community House :
(b) That such field house would be a living memorial to General Patton and would serve the youth of the community. and as such would be more in keeping with the spirit for which the General stood than any other memorial which has occurred to or been suggested to the committee;
53
(c) That is has been brought to the attention of the committee that many of the friends and admirers of General Patton would welcome the opportunity to contribute to a fund to create a fitting memorial to him, such fund to be presented to the town for such purpose. With that thought in mind the committee plans to go into the matter to ascertain how sub- stantial an amount may be assured and then to ask the town to accept the same as a gift and to appropriate such balance as may be needed to erect the building.
To carry out the foregoing the committee recommends the following action be taken :
(1) That the committee further report at the annual town meeting in March 1948, or, if it so desires, at any special meeting held prior to that date;
(2) That the personnel of the committee be increased by three new members, to be appointed by the Moderator ;
(3) That the committee be authorized and empowered to have plans and specifications for a field house prepared, consult with architects and civil engineers and obtain bids for the same.
(4) That the town raise and appropriate the sum of $500. for the purposes of the committee.
Respectfully submitted,
STANDISH BRADFORD RALSTON F. PICKERING STANLEY E. ALLEN PHILIP C. HOPKINS
ELMER SMITH FREDERIC WINTHROP
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REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen: GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit my report of the activities of the Police Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1946.
Total Arrests 26; Females 0, Males 26.
CLASSIFICATION OF CRIME
Drunkeness
9
Breaking and entering
5
Non-support
3
Larceny of automobile
1
Army deserter
1
Burning to defraud
2
Driving under influence
2
Driving to endanger
2
Leaving scene of accident 1
DISPOSITION OF CASES
DISTRICT COURT
Released without arraignment .. 5 Turned over to Federal
Sentenced to House of Correction 2 Authorities 1
Sentenced and put on probation ..
Appealed to Superior Court
3
Fined and paid
8
SUPERIOR COURT
Found guilty and fined 3
ARRESTS MADE BY OFFICERS
Frederick 24
Wentworth 1
Poole
1
SUMMONS SERVED
For local department
2
For out of town police
19
AUTOMOBILE REGULATIONS
Licenses revoked by Registrar
4
Registrations revoked by Registrar
2
Automobile transfers 31
COMPLAINTS INVESTIGATED
Frederick
166
Poole 52
Tree
24
Wentworth
3
Sargent
18 Back
55
MISCELLANEOUS
Lights reported out
27
Dangerous wires reported
4
Street obstructions reported
2
Assistance to out of town officers
11
Persons conveyed to hospital and physician
14
Property reported stolen $6,300.00
Property recovered $1,800.00
I express my appreciation for the cooperation and assistance rendered by the police officers, towns officials, out of town police officers, residents of Hamilton and all others who have assisted this department during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD FREDERICK, Chief of Police.
REPORT OF THE SURVEYOR OF HIGHWAYS
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton :
The following report of the Highway Department for the year end- ing December 31, 1946 is respectfully submitted.
In 1946 the Highway Department has applied 15,000 gallons of as- phalt as a seal-coat to those streets most in need of repair. An added 1,600 gallons were used in the mixing of pea-stone and sand for patching holes and broken shoulders.
Work of cutting back shoulders in order to have a better drainage of excess water was continued this year with Highland St. having been done.
Rust St. was rebuilt and oiled and necessary drainage installed. A seal-coat is to be applied this year to complete it.
The gravel roads were kept patched and scraped as usual and drains and catch-basins cleaned.
The sidewalk project on Walnut Rd. was started rather late due to the County having to make a new lay-out. However all drainage has been installed and completion of the sidewalk will be carried out this Spring.
I wish to express my thanks to each and every Town Department and to the Citizens of the Town for the helpful cooperation I have received during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
LELAND D. THOMPSON, Surveyor of Highways.
56
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
GENTLEMEN :
I have the honor to sumit to you the Annual Report of the Depart- ment of Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending December 31, 1946.
Adjusted Sealed Not Sealed Condemned
Scales
Platform over 10.000 lbs.
2
Platform 5,000 to 10,000 lbs.
1
2
--
Counter 100 to 5,000,
Counter under 100 lbs.
2
1
--
Spring 100 to 5,000 lbs.
2
Spring under 100 lbs.
2
4
3
1
Computing under 100 lbs.
1
....
Prescription
1
Weights
Avoirdupois
33
Apothecary
20
----
....
Volumetric Measures
Liquid Measures under 1 gal.
19
Fuel Baskets
2
2
...
Automatic Liquid Measuring Devices
Gasoline Pumps
25
Oil Pumps
2
23
Grease Measuring Devices
6
Yard Sticks
3
----
..
Reweighing Commodities Sold or Put Up for Sale
Number correct
143
Number under
39
Number over
24
Respectfully submitted,
ERVING O. MAXWELL,
Sealer.
2
Personal Weighing
....
--
..
57
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
We submit a report of the activities of the Board of Health for the year 1946 :-
As has been customary in the past bids were requested during April for the collection of garbage and rubbish for the period of May 1, 1946 to April 30, 1947. Rubbish collections were increased from twice a month, to every other Monday, starting on May 6th, thereby eliminating a three week period between some collections. Garbage collections were continued at once a week from October 1st to May 31st, and twice a week from June 1st to September 30th. The contract for the collection of rubbish was awarded to Welch & Lamson, Inc., for $1,898.00, and for the collection of garbage to Arthur Cook for $2,240.00, the lowest bidders in both in- stances.
We request your continued cooperation in keeping your garbage free from glass, tin cans and other foreign substance as it is used as feed for pigs.
Various complaints relative to health problems have been received and investigated, with proper action being taken where warranted.
The following communicable diseases were reported during the year :
Dog Bite 4
German Measles 2
Measles
6
Mumps
4
Scarlet Fever 5
Whooping Cough 6
Tuberculosis 1
Typhoid Fever 1
The Dental Clinic has been continued under Dr. John King, with. Miss Florence Stobbart assisting.
The following report submitted by Dr. King shows the activity of the Clinic during the year.
I herewith submit my report for the year 1946 :
500 children attended Clinic
Cleanings 149
Amalgam fillings
369
Cement fillings
6
Administered Novocaine
59
X-Rays
3
Extracted temporary teeth
.
52
Extracted permanent teeth
3
Total 718
Root treatments
58
Of the permanent teeth extracted one was removed for straightening purposes. The second one was extracted for a child who had recently moved here and the other one was from the mouth of a child who had con- tinued to live here but did not take advantage of the clinic during 1945.
Eighty-nine certificates were given to that many children during the year. It is interesting to note that only five certificates were turned into school by children who had had their work done elsewhere. These were not included in the above eighty-nine.
I am sorry that more children did not receive certificates but for some reason they do not continue long enough to reach that goal.
Yours respectfully,
JOHN KING.
Dr. King's report bears out the value of the dental clinic and the importance of attendance by the children.
The dumping of rubbish in various parts of town created a nuisance, which resulted in the Board prohibiting dumping in such places, and post- ing sign's to that effect.
We wish to express our appreciation to all who have assisted us during the year.
EVERETT F. HALEY LAWRENCE R. STONE EDWARD A. DEWITT
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Citizens of Hamilton :
We submit herewith a report of the activities of the Welfare Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1946.
This Board administers the three categories of public assistance known as General Relief, Old Age Assistance and Aid to Dependent Children.
Expenditures for assistance under General Relief showed a slight in- crease over that of last year. Aid to some was discontinued when need no longer existed, and other cases were accepted when it was determined that assistance was necessary. As has been true for the past few years, the persons being assisted under this category are persons who are not physi- cally able to work.
Expenditures for assistance under the Old Age Assistance program amounted to $20,267.92. This is an increase of $1,715.45 over last year and is due to a larger number of persons receiving assistance, as well as an increase in the amount of monthly grants to all recipients to meet in- creased living costs.
59
The Cost of old age assistance is borne by the Federal Government, the State and the Town, with receipts from the Meals Tax being applied to such cost.
The following figures will show the proportionate cost during 1946 :
Expenditures $20,267.92
State, Share $8,414.91
Federal Share 8,390.51
Meals Tax Rec'd. 657.58
Net Cost to Town 2,804.92
$20,267.92
$20,267.92
Expenditures under Aid to Dependent Children amounted to $1,905.75. This is an increase of $169.18 over last year, and is entirely due to an increase in the amount of grants to meet living costs. As in old age assistance, the cost of assistance under this category is borne by the Federal Government, the State and the Town.
The following figures will show the proportionate cost during 1946 :
Expenditures $1,905.75
State Share
$635.25
Federal Share 544.00
Net Cost to Town 726.50
$1,905.75
$1,905.75
From the foregoing figures it will be readily seen that the Federal Government and the State contribute a major portion of the cost of Old Age Assistance and Aid to Dependent Children. Such contributions are made only if the assistance is granted in accordance with State and Fed- eral policies and procedures.
We anticipate an increase in the cost of all three categories for the coming year, and feel it will be necessary to increase the budget for Gen- eral Relief and Old Age Assistance. Be cause of the amount of Federal funds available for Aid to Dependent Children assistance, we feel able to reduce the budget for this item for the coming year.
We wish to express our appreciation to Dr. Larchez and our District Nurse, Miss Haynes for their splendid cooperation, and to all who have assisted us during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, LAWRENCE R. STONE
EDWARD A. DEWITT EVERETT F. HALEY
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THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS TOWN OF HAMILTON
By EDWARD A. DEWITT, LAWRENCE R. STONE AND EVERETT F. HALEY Selectmen
A PROCLAMATION 1946
Throughout this peaceful town, nestled in the rolling hills of old . Essex County, and the rest of the world. on the seventh day of December, 1941. was flashed the news of the treacherous attack while apparently in the midst of mutual peace negotiations, of the imperial government of Japan upon the armed forces of the United States at Pearl Harbor, Hawaiian Islands. Within 24 hours the Congress of the United States met the challenge and forthwith declared war on Japan, followed quickly by a similar declaration against Germany.
As if by magic millions of the flower of American youth and man- hood rushed to the defense of the nation and from thence on carried its flag to every clime and outpost of the world to a successful end, ever im- bued with that irresistible spirit that has been symbolic of the triumph of American arms throughout our history as a free nation.
Now that the war is over it is fitting that Hamilton set apart a day on which our fellow-citizens may unite in paying tribute to our returning heroes and extending a heartfelt welcome home to those who have stood on the firing line to guard and protect us and have successfully said to the enemy "thou shalt not pass."
In commemoration therefore of the happy return of the hundreds of men and women who answered their country's call. we Edward A. DeWitt, Lawrence R. Stone and Everett F. Haley, selectmen of the Town of Hamil- ton, and in accordance with the customs of a free people, hereby proclaim Saturday, August 11, 1946, as
WELCOME HOME DAY
and we request and urge that all places of business be closed on that day between the hours of 1 P. M. and 5 P. M.
GIVEN at the Executive Office of the Selectmen in the Town Hall, Hamilton, Massachusetts, this tenth day of August, in the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and forty-six and of the Independence of the United States of America, the one hundred and seventieth :
EDWARD A. DEWITT, LAWRENCE R. STONE. EVERETT F. HALEY.
FRANCIS H. WHIPPLE, Town Clerk.
GOD SAVE THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
61
REPORT OF THE VETERAN'S WELCOME HOME RECEPTION COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
In accordance with the vote of the last Annual Town Meeting author- izing the appointment by the Town Moderator of a committee of fifteen to provide and arrange for a suitable "Welcome Home Celebration" to the returning veterans of World War 2, your Committee so appointed sub- mits herewith the following report.
Your Committee met for organization on April 12, 1946, at which time it was voted to have the reception on August 17, 1946, approximately the first anniversary of V. J. Day. This date would allow time for most of our veterans to have returned. The appropriation was $2,000.00 and it was decided to make the event a simple and dignified occasion in keep- ing with the best traditions of our town. Various sub-committees were appointed and for the following six weeks they devoted much time in pre- paring plans. The site selected was the High School Grounds where but a short time before the Town paid tribute to its gallant soldier, the late General George S. Patton, Jr.
Our Honor Roll contained the names of 339 residents (approximately 15% of our population at the outbreak of the war), many of whom were scattered in various parts of the world. An attempt was made to send an invitation to the reception to every person who entered the service as a resident of Hamilton. Our success in receiving acknowledgments from 275 servicemen and veterans was due in no small measure to the splendid co-operation of our town clerk, Francis H. Whipple.
Fortunately your Committee was able to procure a replica of the bronze medal which the Town had presented to the returning veterans of World War 1. A gold medal was presented to the nearest of kin of the eleven servicemen who gave their lives in the various branches of the armed forces.
PROGRAM
Concert
Luncheon
Lee's 102nd Infantry Band
1:30 to 2:30
Invocation
Rev. Edward J. Mclaughlin
Solo-"God Bless America" Berlin
Mrs. Marie Kelliher
Remarks
John H. Perkins Master of Ceremonies
Address
Maj. Gen. Sherman A. Miles Guest Speaker
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Our Departed
Master of Ceremonies
Solo-"Abide With Me"
Mrs. Marie Kelliher
W. H. Monk
Presentation of Medals by Selectmen Edward A. DeWitt, Chairman Lawrence R. Stone Everett F. Haley
National Anthem Keys
Mrs. Marie Kelliher
Baseball Games - 4:00 P. M.
Hamilton vs. Beverly Electrical Union
Dancing 8:00 P. M. High School Auditorium Community House
IN MEMORIAM
CHARLES WHITNEY APPLETON Ships Cook 3c - U. S. Navy
CHARLES SEWALL BARRELL Pilot Officer - R. A. F. HIRAM TUTTLE FOLSOM, JR. Private - U. S. Army JOHN ROBERT GRANT Chief Gunners Mate - U. S. Navy BERNARD PATRICK GREELEY
Technical Sergeant - U. S. Army ROBERT DERWOOD HILLER Sergeant - U. S. Army GEORGE VON LENGERKE MEYER, JR. Lieutenant (j.g.) - U. S. Navy SIDNEY BENEDICT MEYER Private - U. S. Army ALBERT HERMAN OSER Staff Sergeant - U. S. Army GEORGE SMITH PATTON, JR. General - U. S. Army JOHN LESLIE SMITH Private - U. S. Army
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A generous turnout of townspeople and the closing of many places of business gave the town a holiday air.
Your Committee is sincerely grateful to all those who cherish their town, its traditions and its future.
COMMITTEE
John H. Perkins, Chairman Lawrence R. Stone, Secretary
Edward A. DeWitt
Donald P. Greeley
Everett F. Haley
Dr. Henry F: Larchez
Edgar D. Andrews
Finlay D. MacDonald
John H. Ostrum
Lawrence Coolidge Harold A. Daley Miss Bernice Doucette
Joseph Phaneuf
Benjamin G. Robertson
Miss Florence Stobbart
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Cemetery Commissioners submit herewith their report for the year ending December 31, 1946.
The maintenance of the cemetery this year required more man hours than in the past owing to the fact that our power mower, which was pur- chased in 1940, has worn out and was constantly breaking down. During these periods hand labor had to be resorted to to maintain the usual appear- ance of the cemetery. We have a new power mower ordered and hope to receive it by this spring.
We will ask the town meeting to transfer $300 from the Sale of Lot Fund to the Cemetery Department that we may construct more single graves, as we have only three available for sale at present. An article will be in the warrant covering this matter.
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