USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1948 > Part 4
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30
14
House, Frank Tree, Bridge Street
May 1
21
Auto, Henry Phippen, Walnut Road Grass, E. B. Holmes, Lake Drive Tree, Town of Hamilton, Main
8
23
Grass, Town of Hamilton, Main Grass, Harland Crowell, Main
14
23
Oil Burner, Warren Deshon, Bridge
21
31
Auto, Fred Morris, Garfield Ave.
21 15 House, Gertrude Knowlton, Essex 31 13 Auto, Essex
June 1
14
Oil Burner, Rev. Mark Sullivan, Essex
2 21 Auto, Mrs. M. Carter, Main
3
3 21 Oil Burner, Daniel McGinley, Cottage 24 Grass, Roland Appleton, Main
July 2
31
False
29
13 Hay, R. H. Chittick, School
Aug. 2 31 Roof, Asbury Grove Corp.
Sept. 7 31
3 24 Oil Burner, Wm. Stapleton, Moulton Wood, Rev. Johnson, Highland
6
41
23
9
23
54
Date
Dist. Description Owner Street
31
Brush, Chas. Carmala, Asbury Street
31 Wood, Rev. Johnson, Highland
8
12 Hay, Ralph Berry, Bridge
13
13
Grass, John Elwell, Essex
16 24
Grass, Forrester Clark, Bridge
18
14
Garage, Stanley Berry, Echo Cove Road
20
23 Oil Burner, Richard Preston, Main
24
31
Cottage, Miss Helena Hooper, Asbury Grove Asbury Truck,
Oct. 1
21
2-
21
Chimney, J. F. Wilde, Walnut Road
21
21
Oil Burner, Richard Knowlton, Asbury Street
25
23
Chimney, R. C. Storey, Myles River Road
24
12
Garage, Edgar Eskelson, School
27
31
Oil Burner, Alva Day, Garfield Ave.
Nov. 6
21
Auto, Asbury Street
19 21
Tree and Brush, Town of Hamilton, Main
Dec. 15
14
Chimney, Frank Tree, Bridge
24
21
Chimney, Town of Hamilton, Railroad Ave.
27
17
Rags, John Dodge, Gregory Island
27
16 Chimney, F. E. Proctor, Myles River Road
.
A. MERRILL CUMMINGS EARL E. JOHNSON RUDOLPH H. HARADEN
55
REPORT OF THE TOWN OF HAMILTON PLANNING BOARD 1948-1949
The Planning Board submitted a proposed revised Zoning By-law to the Town Meeting a year ago. This By-law was carefully drawn up, and incorporated all the constructive criticisms which were forthcoming up to that time. Unfortunately, in the opinion of your Board, the By-law was turned down at a special election held at the Town Hall subsequent to the regular Town Meeting.
Inasmuch as the Town expressed its desires not to adopt a Zoning By-law at this time, your Board has not been active on this subject during the current year, believing that if conditions during the coming years result in a change of thinking in this respect, this change will be mani- fested to the Board.
The Board has devoted considerable time in past years to the survey of the Parking problem prevalent in down town South Hamilton, and recommendations were submitted to the Board of Selectmen. It is of in- terest to note that some of these suggestions have been adopted. The Board has observed closely the effect of these regulations and is prepared to recommend the power to act in the enforcement of these regulations.
The Board is still studying the cost and advisability of acquiring a parking lot in South Hamilton which would accommodate cars, to the ex- tent of relieving the very congested condition that exists during busy times of the day.
The Board has kept, and will continue to keep, in close touch with the State Planning Board, and as any constructive ideas develop you may be sure they will be passed along as suggestions to the proper Town officials.
We should like to thank the organizations in the Town, as well as in- dividuals, who have been willing to provide the Board with constructive suggestions, and we ask that they continue to do so.
STANDISH BRADFORD RICHARD SMITH FRANCIS MOYNIHAN KEITH LANDER JOHN R. HOLLISTER, Chairman.
56
REPORT OF THE WATER BOARD
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton :
The Board of Water Commissioners submit herewith their fourteenth annual report for the year ending December 31, 1948.
The ninth full year of operation of this department indicates an in- crease in both the number of active services and gross income.
1947
1948
Number of services installed
23
31
Number of service connections
557
621
Number of hydrants
103
117
Number of active services
525
605
Commitments
$12,059 81
$14,204 63
Expenditures, Maintenance and Services
10,002 90
11,188 64
Pumpage (Gallons)
39,870,000
41,128,366
Largest single day pumpage (Gallons)
240,000
258,000
During this year the board has advertised for bids and awarded con- tracts for the materials and labor necessary to carry out the extension program. This was made possible by an appropriation for this purpose by a vote of the town at the Special Town Meeting held on August 29, 1947. The bids received were most satisfactory and work on this contract is proceeding as rapidly as is consistant with good construction.
Due to the severe winter during the early part of this year, operations had to be suspended on the reservoir and well field. Due to this delay, construction was not completed until the middle of the summer. In order to have the new reservoir passed by the State Board of Health, approxi- mately 400,000 gallons of water had to be used for tests. This condition together with an extremely dry season caused a severe water shortage. It was necessary as an emergency measure to borrow 150,000 gallons of water from Wenham. This extra supply and the cooperation of the towns- people in curtailing on the use of the water enabled our pumping facilities to maintain a limited supply of water.
We wish to thank the Wenham Water Board for their splendid co- operation during this critical period.
It has been the feeling of the board that in the installation of addi- tional wells, the area adjacent to the present pumping station should be developed to its maximum capacity before looking for an additional source or sources of supply, so that the present pump house and equipment might be utilized and additional expenditures for costly construction and equip- ment be eliminated.
With this thought in mind, based on exploratory work, tests and a report made by the E. F. Hughes Co., this particular area has now been developed to the extent that the idea of the installation of additional wells is not feasible. Sixteen new wells have been driven and are now in use.
57
Although an ample supply of water to care for the needs of the town for many years is available in this area, its quality, due to the excessive amount of iron present and indicated by tests, is not suitable for a public water supply, without the installation of expensive filter beds and treatment works.
As a result of the above tests, the board in looking to the future needs of the town, has examined and caused to have test wells driven in various parts of the town with the result that, there seems to be no source of satis- factory ground water adjacent to or within a reasonable distance of the present distribution system. The board has also caused pumping and chemical tests to be made on the old "B & M" well located on town prop- erty near the Hamilton-Wenham Railroad Station. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has rejected this potential source as being subject to contamination.
The Town has certain granted rights in Gravelly Pond and it is the opinion of the board that these should be protected and necessary land acquired, by purchase or otherwise, to allow for the construction of a pump house and the installation of a force main from Gravelly Pond to Chebacco Road, should it appear desirable to develop this source of supply at some future date.
The board has at present negotiations in process with the Towns of Essex and Wenham relative to connections with their systems on Essex Street and Highland Street. These negotiations, if successful will be advantageous to all three communities and the prospect of water shortages in the immediate future will be eliminated.
On December 1, 1948 Mr. J. Edward Cox, our superintendent for the past seven years was forced by reason of ill health to submit his resigna- tion. It was with deep regret that the board complied with his desire, doing so with the feeling that through circumstances beyond their control, the town was losing the services of an honest, able and faithful public servant.
Mr. Raymond A. Whipple has been elected by the board as the new superintendent to carry on the work of operating and maintaining the water system.
The board wishes to thank the clerk and superintendent for their faithful service, as the major part of the responsibility for the operations of the Water Department, rests upon their shoulders.
The board also wishes to express its appreciation to the several town agencies for their aid and assistance and to the townspeople for their splen- did cooperation during the serious drought during the late summer and early fall.
Respectfully submitted,
CARL G. RICKER, Chairman GEORGE A. HARRIGAN RICHARD H. SMITH
58
RULES AND REGULATIONS AND WATER RATES FOR THE USE OF WATER BY THE INHABITANTS OF HAMILTON, MASS.
The following rules and regulations, now on file in the office of the Town Clerk, shall be a part of the contract with every person who uses town water, shall be incorporated therein and made a part thereof by reference hereto and shall have the full force and effect of law :
1. All applications for the use of town water shall be made at the office of the water commissioners and shall state fully the purposes for which the water is to be used, said application to be signed by the owner of the premises to be supplied and the within rules assented to in writing.
The town will furnish and lay the service pipe for original installations from the street main to and through the cellar wall of the premises and provide on the end thereof a stop and waste valve, and the owner of the premises shall in all cases pay for that portion of such service pipe as may be laid beyond the street line, together with the stop and waste valve. All bills for piping must be paid before the town water is turned on.
2. The owner or occupant must keep the water meter within his premises easily accessible for any reading and protected from freezing and injuries of any nature. No water taker shall supply any town water to any person not entitled to use it except with the written permission of the water commissioners.
3. The water commissioners, with their necessary agents and assist- ants, shall have free access at all times to the premises where town water is used for the purpose of setting, testing, repairing and reading meters. All owners, agents or tenants where meters are installed shall pay at the established rate fixed by the water commissioners for the amount of water registered.
4. Should a meter fail to register for any cause, the quantity of water used shall be determined and the charge made shall be based upon the quarterly average last registered by the meter when it was in good order.
If a consumer questions the accuracy of the water meter, the water commissioners will remove and test the meter. If the meter is found to be registering correctly, the expense shall be borne by the consumer and be added to his bill; if found to be incorrect, the town will bear the expense of the test and make adequate allowance for any overcharge. The consumer may be represented at the test.
5. The water commissioners reserve the right to restrict the use of town water for other than domestic purposes during periods of protracted drought when in their judgment such restriction is necessary to guard against fire hazard and to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the public. The water commissioners also reserve the right to restrict or temporarily shut off the use of town water while making repairs or exten- sion to the water system or for the violations of any of these regulations without being guilty of trespass.
6. All rules and regulations of the Town of Hamilton or parts there- of inconsistent herewith are hereby rescinded and expressly repealed.
59
". The following rates are established until further notice :
METER RENTAL
All services to be metered. All meters will be purchased, installed and maintained by the Water Department, but, the owner will be charged for the use of the water meter $1.00 annually for a 5/8" meter. Special rates will be made for larger meters where required. Meter rental payable with water bill for the first quarter of year.
METERED SERVICE RATES
Minimum charge-$16.00 per year, which will entitle the owner to 40,000 gallons per calendar year. The owner will be charged for water used in any one calendar year in excess of 40,000 gallons at the rate of 30 cents per thousand gallons. Quarterly bills are payable in advance.
MISCELLANEOUS SERVICE
In case there are services which are not properly covered by the above schedules, application for special rates may be made to the Board of Water Commissioners.
BUILDING RATE
A charge of $2.00 will be made for water used in constructing a dwell- ing house. Special rates for other buildings will be made by the Board of Water Commissioners upon application.
TURNING ON AND OFF CHARGE ON REQUEST OF OWNER
A charge of $1.00 will be made for turning off the water and a charge of $1.00 will be made for turning on the water each time the Water De- partment is requested to do so by the owner.
In all cases of non-payment of water meter rates within 30 days from the rendering of bills the water may be shut off until the amount of $2.00 due for curtailment and restoration of water is paid. The Water Lien Act with any amendments thereto may be used in lieu thereof.
PAYMENTS
Bills for all services will be rendered quarterly and charge for excess water will be made on the next quarterly bill. Payments for same must be promptly made. Make checks payable to the Town of Hamilton and mail to the Town Collector, Town of Hamilton, Mass.
SPECIAL NOTICE
All consumers having boilers upon their premises not supplied by tanks or cisterns, but depending upon the pressure in the pipes to keep them supplied, are hereby cautioned against danger of collapse, due to the lack of water pressure. Risk of damage in all such cases is exclusively on the consumer. In case of danger open the hot water faucets. The depart- ment recommends the installation of boiler relief valves.
GEORGE A. HARRIGAN RICHARD H. SMITH CARL G. RICKER
Water Commissioners
60
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE WATER BOARD
To the Board of Water Commissioners:
GENTLEMEN :
We herewith submit a report of the activities of the Water Depart- ment during the year ending December 31, 1948.
During the year 31 new services were added requiring the laying of 1735 feet of 1 inch pipe. 450 feet of 2 inch pipe was laid on Chestnut Street.
The 102 hydrants including both town and private were periodically inspected. three hydrants were overhauled, 27 main line curb boxes were raised up to the proper level, 6 house services were relocated during the construction of Gifford Road, including the hydrant on the corner of Gif- ford and Harris Avenue, 21 meters were overhauled and replaced, 15 top halves of house service curb boxes were replaced.
Samples of water from the system have been sent to the State Health Department periodically for examination. Regular inspections have been made of the pumping equipment. Daily records are kept of the amount of water pumped.
Each year shows an increase, 2 million more gallons being pumped in 1948 than in the previous year. The total gallons pumped for 1948 was 41,128,366.
We wish to thank the Superintendent of Highways and the Fire Chief for the assistance rendered the Water Commission during the pro- cess of washing out the new reservoir to the satisfaction of the State De- partment of Public Health and to all the townspeople for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted, J. EDWARD COX, RAYMOND A. WHIPPLE, Superintendent.
61
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton :
The Librarian's report for the past year indicates a healthy increase in book circulation at both the Main and Branch Libraries, particularly at the latter. Your trustees aim to forward this heartening trend by parti- cipating more than ever before in careful, representative book selection, by assuring equitable distribution at both libraries, and by soliciting from the citizens of the town suggestions regarding book acquisition and improve- ment of facilities. Toward this end suggestion boxes are being set up in Main and Branch Libraries, and your co-operation is requested.
The trustees were happy to co-operate with our schools recently in supplying over one hundred books for classroom reading when the need for such was brought to their attention. We feel that our junior book section, aided by periodic addition of Junior Literary Guild volumes, is an especially fine and comprehensive one. School deposits not only serve to stimulate junior reading but help provide an answer to our severe problem of space limitation. We shall be glad to continue to assist with class- room libraries, but trust this practice will not deter pupils from visiting the libraries as well. The best in junior literature, as well as all reference works, must, of course, be permanently retained in the libraries.
The American Merchant Marine Library Association, which also serves the Coast Guard, was chosen as a worthy recipient of surplus library books this year, and a laudatory and highly appreciative letter from Miss Kim- ball, director of the organization, is on file.
The trustees are pleased to have this annual opportunity to publicly express their appreciation of the work of the town's two faithful librarians, whose work is not made easier by the diffused nature of our physical facili- ties. Every citizen should look hopefully to the day when a central library, with the improved efficiency and greater service which it would assure, may become a reality in Hamilton.
Respectfully submitted, BEATRICE B. HOLMES SARAH H. TRUSSELL JOHN NEARY
62
THE LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
To the Trustees of the Public Library :
Herewith is presented the fifty-sixth annual report.
Circulation of books for 1948 was 15,500; at the Main Library 3875, a gain of 243; at the Branch Library 11,625, a gain of 1718. This repre- sents a total circulation gain over 1947 of 1961.
Circulation of periodicals was 1431; at the Main Library 995, at the Branch Library 436; a gain over 1947 of 217.
Circulation of books and periodicals was 16,931; Main Library 4870; Branch Library 12,061.
Respectfully submitted,
LYDIA L. HARADEN, Librarian.
63
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, 1948.
As in the past our department has this year had the usual maintenance of the Soldiers Green, the Manassah Cutler Park, two triangles on Miles River Road, the Robert Walsh Park on Chebacco Lake and the General George S. Patton Memorial Park.
The year of 1948 has been, generally speaking, one of finishing pro- jects started in previous years. Most of our work has been spent in carrying out our plans for the beautifying and further development of Patton Park.
Under the able direction of our Park Superintendent our baseball field has now become the finest in this area. Many hours of cutting, roll- ing, seeding, and watering were needed to bring it up to top condition. The childrens' area likewise has developed into one of the beauty spots in the Park. Throughout the summer, under the able supervision of Donald Sanford, Frances Buckley and Freda Colwell, fifty to eighty children from three to sixteen enjoyed a well planned daily program. At least once a week swimming was enjoyed at Cranes Beach. Our tennis courts received a great play until closed late in the fall. In December skating was enjoyed on our improved pond. This year we were fortunate in having the use of a portable record player, for the enjoyment of the skaters, loaned to us by Mr. Carl Ricker of South Hamilton.
The Park Commissioners are pleased with the interest of all the people in town toward our Park development. We feel that each year as it be- comes possible to present a better balanced program that General Patton Park will become a center for all the youth, and adults also, to meet and enjoy the fine facilities which we have, not only in the summer, but all year round.
Respectfull submitted,
PHILIP HOPKINS RAY SANFORD RALSTON F. PICKERING
64
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton :
We submit herewith a report for the year ending December 31, 1948.
Bids were received for the collection of garbage and rubbish for the period May 1, 1948 to April 30, 1949. Sydney A. Smith submitted the lowest bid for the collection of rubbish, and was awarded the contract for $3272.30. Amos W. A. Fuller, Jr., submitted the lowest bid for the col- lection of garbage and was awarded the contract for $2500.00.
As the garbage that is collected in town is used as feed for pigs, we re- quest your continued cooperation in keeping it free of glass, cans and other foreign matter.
The following communicable diseases were reported to the Board of Health during the year :
Mumps
36
Chicken Pox 32
Measles 6
Dog Bite 1
The Dental Clinic has been continued as usual under the jurisdiction of the Board of Health by Dr. John King, assisted by Miss Florence Stob- bart, School Nurse. A report of the activities of the Dental Clinic during the year has been made by Dr. King, and is being inserted in the town re- port.
We extend our appreciation to all who have assisted us during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
EVERETT F. HALEY
EDWARD A. DEWITT LAWRENCE R. STONE
To the Hamilton Board of Health :
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit my report of the Hamilton Dental Clinic for the year 1948.
Amalgam fillings
299
Cement fillings
71
Cleanings 155
Extractions
44
Temporary teeth
43
Permanent teeth
1
Novocaine injections
47
Flourine treatments 68
X-Rays ..
5
Total operations 689
65
For the second successive year we have the amazing record of losing only one permanent tooth. I feel that the parents and children of our town should be congratulated.
Flourine treatments were started this fall. This is a new treatment designed to prevent tooth decay. As yet it is too early to forecast results but it has been proven in the colleges and is recommended by the American Dental Association. From their work with Flourine they claim a reduc- tion in decay of between 40 and 50 percent.
Never has a greater interest been shown in regard to our Clinic.
Very truly yours, JOHN KING, D. M. D.
JURY LIST FOR 1949
Charles R. Appleton, Main Street, Machinist
Harvey E. Barnes, Lincoln Avenue, Foreman
Harry F. Clarke, Mill Street, Purchasing Agent
Thomas Corrow, Main Street, Salesman John H. Day, Asbury Street, Truck Operator Melville S. Day, Rust Street, Clerk Harold G. Dodd, Walnut Road, Plumber James D. Emslie, Essex Street, Gardener Henry W. Gardiner, Lake Drive, Machinist Henry C. Jackson, Mill Street, Salesman Cecil R. Killam, Asbury Street, Proprietor Clarence Lewis, Lois Street, Electrical Worker James M. McCulloch, Appleton Avenue, Machinist Edward V. Manthorn, Cutler Road, Caretaker Ernest W. Moad, Union Street, Radio Worker William P. Poole, Main Street, Machinist Dantan W. Sawyer, Carriage Lane, Architect Herbert Sellman, Bridge Street, Painter Sydney A. Smith, Cutler Road, Trucking Albert J. St. Germain, Maple Street, Machinist Gordon L. Thompson, Essex Street, Contractor Wesley H. Towle, Pine Street, Carpenter John T. Walke, Main Street, Superintendent William Walsh, Highland Street, Dairyman William H. Woodason, Asbury Street, Salesman
66
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
To the Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my report of the activities of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1948.
Total Arrests 34.
CLASSIFICATION OF CRIMES
Drunkeness 13 Improper person operating 1
Non-support
4 Driving to endanger 3
Lewd Person
2 Operating without license . . . .
2
Larceny
3 Operating under influence ...
4
Stubborn Child
1 Misappropriating automobile . . 1
DISPOSITION OF CASES DISTRICT COURT
Released without arraignment . 11
Sentenced and put on probation 6 Sentenced to State Farm 4
Fined and paid 13 Appealed to Superior Court 2
SUPERIOR COURT
Found guilty and fined
2
ARRESTS BY OFFICERS
Frederick 28 Tree
4
Poole
1 Wentworth 1
SUMMONS SERVED
For local department 17 For out of town police 12
AUTOMOBILE REGULATIONS
18
Registrations revoked by Registrar
6
Automobile transfers 47
MISCELLANEOUS
Persons conveyed to hospitals and physicians
140
Dangerous wires reported
6
Street obstructions reported
2
Accidents involving personal injury
8
Accidents, property damage only
31
Assistance to out of town police 17
The Combination Ambulance-Cruiser continues to be a valuable addi- tion to the department. Many calls have been received to convey to hos- pitals and physicians persons injured in automobile accidents, as well as persons ill and requiring hospital care.
I wish to express my appreciation of the cooperation and assistance rendered by the police officers and all others who have assisted the depart- ment during the year.
Respectfully submitted
EDWARD FREDERICK, Chief of Police.
Licenses revoked by Registrar
Street lights reported out 76
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