USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1949 > Part 3
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Donald O. Butman of Beverly, Mass. Ruth A. Thompson of Hamilton, Mass.
John W. Szaryc of Ipswich, Mass. Betty A. O'Donnell of Hamilton, Mass.
Raymond L. Perkins, Jr. of Hamilton, Mass. Angela L. Page of Beverly, Mass.
Donald C. Pope of Hamilton, Mass. Thelma D. York of Beverly, Mass.
Howard T. Wills of Beverly, Mass. Lois A. Peterson of Hamilton, Mass.
Gordon J. McRae of Hamilton, Mass. Joan L. Mulvihill of Arlington, Mass.
Albert F. Butts of Hamilton, Mass. Jean Barnes of Milton, Mass.
Laurent J. Ruell of Ashland, N. H. Mary E. Walsh of Hamilton, Mass.
Howard A. Cross of Beverly, Mass. Catherine E. Cronin of Hamilton, Mass.
Thomas F. Mullins of Hamilton, Mass. Elizabeth E. Marshall of Gloucester, Mass.
Warren G. Fay of Hamilton, Mass. Marion F. Homans of Ipswich, Mass.
Edwin F. Sanders of Hamilton, Mass. Mary G. Pooler of Hamilton, Mass.
Earle B. Tucker of Hamilton, Mass. Vina M. Semons of Beverly, Mass.
Donald F. Kent of Lawrence, Mass. Harriet M. Cushman of Hamilton, Mass.
Kenneth N. Faulkner of Hamilton, Mass. Georgia A. Tapley of Newburyport, Mass.
32
Paul L. Chagnon of Salem, Mass. Domenica E. Stelline of Hamilton, Mass.
James H. Thacker of Middleton, Mass. Janet L. Walker of Hamilton, Mass.
Robert A. Wimbush of New York City, N. Y. Janet M. Hale of New York City, N. Y.
David L. Richardson Jr. of New York, N. Y. Elizabeth J. Roberts of Beverly, Mass.
William D. Downing of Staten Island, N. Y. Carolyn Hawley of Hamilton, Mass.
James M. Schofield of Hamilton, Mass. Belle D. Stone of Salem, Mass.
George A. Braggs of Hamilton. Mass. Elsie L. Emery of Hamilton, Mass.
James F. Davison of Beverly, Mass. Roberta M. Cronin of Hamilton, Mass.
Ernest B. Day of Hamilton, Mass. Dorothy P. Bell of Quincy, Mass.
Earl E. Johnson of Hamilton, Mass. Dora B. Doucette of Hamilton, Mass.
Francis Riordan of Hackensack, N. J. Gretchen Berrett of Hamilton, Mass.
Ray A. Whitcomb of Hamilton, Mass. June P. Thayer of Hamilton, Mass.
Stephen R. Kostival of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Elaine S. Brown of Hamilton, Mass.
33
1949 DEATHS RECORDED
Name
Years 65
Months
Days
Daniel W. Holmes
3
7
Donald W. Gates, Jr.
83
1
25
Donald G. Grant
18
6
13
Frederick L. Rauscher
53
1
26
Richard J. Dundes
66
Bessie M. Sprott
82
11
24
William H. Redlon
75
1
7
Eugenie Rieger
86
8
23
Mary E. Parsons
65
1
1
Alice W. Daley
81
Patricia Smith
9
2
Elizabeth S. Burchard
3
6
20
Sylvester Sullivan
65
Florence M. Lull
89
3
25
Richard S. Harraden
74
5
22
Lottie W. Norton
89
2
Andrew R. Dunn
62
2
2
Sarah T. D'Arcy
59
William A. Larkin
53
Mary Donlon
70
Albert S. Ritchie
71
Francis J. Malone
44
Arthur E. Honeysett
67
Albert Lees
77
ry
8
Richard Paul Contestabile
42
Walter Hugh Cullen
38
6
Andrew C. Fisher
Joseph E. Merchant
78
Ralph Maione
34
JURY LIST FOR 1950
Charles R. Appleton, Main Street, Machinist Harvey E. Barnes, Lincoln Avenue, Foreman Harry F. Clarke, Mill Street, Purchasing Agent Walter C. Clifford, Asbury Street, Retired John H. Day, Asbury Street, Truck Operator Jeremiah J. Doyle, Margerie Street, Retired James H. Dunn, Main Street, Service Station Attendant James D. Emslie, Essex Street, Gardener Henry W. Gardiene, Lake Drive, Machinist Donald Gasper, Main Street, Caretaker George Harrigan, Jr., Main Street, Machinist Michael Holleran, Main Street, Caretaker Henry C. Jackson, Mill Street, Salesman Clarence Lewis, Lois Street, Electrical Worker James M. McCulloch, Appleton Avenue, Machinist Edward V. Manthorn, Mill Street, Caretaker Frederick Marks, Maple Street, Machinist Ernest W. Moad, Union Street, Radio Worker Dantan W. Sawyer, Carriage Lane, Architect Sydney A. Smith, Cutler Road, Trucking Gordon L. Thompson, Essex Street, Contractor Wesley H. Towle, Pine Street, Carpenter Floyd R. Walker, Central Avenue, Carpenter William Walsh, Highland Street, Dairyman
35
REPORT OF TOWN TREASURER
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
Greetings :
In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 41, Section 35, of the General Laws, I submit herewith my annual report of the Treasury De- partment for the year ending December 31, 1949.
TREASURER'S CASH
Receipts
Payments
$526,277 22 437,552 85
$88,724 37
Cash
$416 98
Beverly Trust Co.
66,945 37
Merchant's National
10,293 97
Day Trust Co.
11,068 05
$88,724 37
I wish to take this opportunity to convey my sincere thanks to not only the town officials, but also the many persons who have assisted me during the past year.
Respectfully submitted
WALFRED B. SELLMAN, Town Treasurer.
TOWN COLLECTOR'S REPORT
In account with the Town of Hamilton
Year Tax
Outstanding Jan. 1, 1949
Refunds
Abate- ments Rescinded
Collected
Abate- ments
Trans- ferred to Tax Title Jan. 1, 1950
Un- Collected
1948
Real Estate
$11,372 35
$103 25
$11,193 26
$275 34
$7 00
None
1948 Personal
612 85
591 85
21 00
None
1948 Motor Excise
204 05
Com. in 1949
187 60
86 14
376 90
100 89
None
Commitments
1949
Real Estate
$190,646 83
132 25
3 50
172.805 99
3,961 30
$19 25
$13,996 04
1949
Personal
21,531 31
27 80
19,934 45
553 00
1,071 66
1949 Polls
1,772 00
4 00
2 00
1,680 00
98 00
None
1949 Motor Excise
16,971 83
272 38
15,589 45
1,044 68
610 08
1949 Water Rates Bal.
1,194 19
Commitments
13,714 37
16 93
13,522 68
74 33
1,328 48
1949 Water Services Balance
775 46
Commitments
2,033 66
2,352 86
11 50
444 76
1949
Cemetery Bal.
171 50
Commitments
428 50
394 50
88 00
117 50
Respectfully submitted, BERTHA L. CROWELL, Town Collector
37 REPORT OF THE ASSESSORS
Herewith is the annual report of the Assessors for the year ending December 31st, 1949 :
Value of buildings
$4,145,750 00
Value of land 1,279,350 00
Value of real estate
5,425,100 00
Value of personal estate
613,180 00
Total value
$6,038,280 00
Tax on real estate
189,878 58
Tax on personal estate
21,461 31
Tax on polls
1,772 00
Total tax levy
$213,111 89
Rate per thousand
$35 00
Number of horses
107
Number of cows
119
Number of neat cattle
117
Number of swine
15
Number of sheep
27
Number of fowl
1,960
Number of ponies
13
Number of acres of land
7,050
Number of dwellings
1,010
Number of persons and corporations assessed :
Personal and estate only
51
Personal and real estate
165
Real estate only
838
1949 RECAPITULATION
Total appropriations to be raised by taxation
$284,649 38
Total appropriations to be taken from
available funds in 1949 :
(a) In 1949
$18,504 52
$303,153 90
Underestimate of 1947 overlay
None
Underestimate of 1948 overlay
$12 64
12 64
State-Tax and assessment, 1949 estimates
1949
1948
State parks and reservations
$291 69
$40 00
State Audit of Municipal Accounts 123 90
$303,166 54
$415 59
$40 00 455 59
38
County-Tax and assessments, 1949 estimates : County tax Tuberculosis Hospital assessment
$13,012 16
$957 89
5,008 64
652 94
$18,020 80
$1,610 83
19,631 63
Overlay of current year Gross amount to be raised
5,486 36 $328,740 12
Estimated Receipts and Available Funds :
Income Tax
$9,810 00
Corporation taxes
12,600 00
Reimbursement on account of
Publicly-owned land
2,284 20
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
12,000 00
Licenses
1,500 00
Fines
Grants and Gifts
Special assessments-Moth
800 00
Protection of Persons and Property
25 00
Health and Sanitation
1,000 00
Charities (other than federal grants for aid to dependent children)
500 00
Old Age Assistance (other than federal grants)
10,000 00
Old Age Tax (Meals)
336 70
Veterans' Benefits
500 00
Schools
4,500 00
Public Service Enterprise (Water)
14,000 00
Cemeteries (other than trust funds and sale of lots)
500 00
Interest : On Taxes and Assessments
200 00
Income Tax (Acts of 1948 Chap. 198)
18,448 95
Corporation Tax (Acts of 1948 Chap. 198)
2,694 34
Corporation Tax (Cash Dist.) Chap. 59, Sec. 23 Old Age Tax (Meals)
5,130 00
294 61
Amounts to be taken from available funds
Total estimated receipts and available funds
$115,628 32
Net amount to be raised by taxation on polls and property
$213,111 80
Number of polls : 886 at $2.00
$1,772 00
Total valuation : at tax rate of $35.00
Personal Property $613,180 00
21,461 30
Real Estate
5,425,100 00
189,878 50
$213,111 80
Total $6,038,280 00
$97,123 80 $18,504 52
39
To the Taxpayers of the Town of Hamilton:
The 1950 tax rate on Motor Vehicles is $44.16 per thousand. This is an increase of $2.84 over the year of 1949. This is set by the State as well as the values of Motor Vehicles.
When a person sells or transfers a Motor Vehicle, a return of proof of sale must be made to the Assessors before any abatement can be made. If a car is sold to a dealer, forms may be obtained from the dealer.
Applications for abatement of any kind of tax will not be accepted by the Board unless filed within the time provided by law and on a form approved by the Commissioner of Corporations and Taxation.
During the year 1949 a law was passed exempting all males 65 years of age and over from paying a Poll Tax. Applications under this law are available at our office. These must be filled out and filed with us be- fore any exemptions can be made.
Many Forms of List were sent out in January asking for a true list of ones personal property. These should be filled out and filed with us, if not we have the duty of estimating ones personal property. All residents of Hamilton have a $1,000 exemption of this tax.
The valuation has been steadily increasing so that this year it is over the six million mark in spite of several large losses through Statutory Exemptions.
This year there will be another Valuation book published, by vote of the town in 1947.
The Board holds its meetings by appointment.
PLEASE READ ALL PRINTING ON YOUR TAX BILL.
Respectfully submitted, JESSE S. MANN
ROBERT H. CHITTICK DONALD G. TRUSSELL
Board of Assessors.
40
REPORT OF THE WATER BOARD
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Board of Water Commissioners submit herewith their 15th annual report for the year ending December 31, 1949.
The 10th full year of operation of the system, indicates an increase in services and gross income.
1948
1949
Number of services installed
31
92
Number of service connections
621
/13
Number of active services
605
697
Number of hydrants
117
129
Commitments
$14,204.63
$15,748.03
Expenditures, Maintenance and Services
$11,188.64
$12,669.77
Pumpage (Gallons)
41,128,366
49,374,317
Largest single day pumpage (Gallons)
258,000
261,000
Smallest single day pumpage (Gallons)
99,606
The extensions of water mains which was voted at the Special Town Meeting held August 29, 1947, has been completed.
At the regular town meeting held March 7, 1949 it was voted for, and an appropriation was made, for connecting the Hamilton and Essex systems for the purpose of an additional supply. This has been completed and we purchased 3,450,000 gallons during the late summer. Had Essex been in the position to supply us at an earlier date a greater quantity would have been taken.
The board now feels that with this source we will be in a position to meet our requirements for several years. However we are still faced with the problem of locating an additional source of supply ; how soon an addi- tional source is required depends on the future growth of the town.
Wenham has made a connection with our system on Highland Street, and in an emergency it is now possible for the towns of Essex. Hamilton and Wenham to supply each other with water. During the summer when we had a bad break in our main supply line on Bridge Street, Wenham supplied South Hamilton; East Hamilton was supplied from our reservoir and the only sections without water was Hamilton and North Hamilton.
During 1949 we were faced with a very critical water shortage due to the drought and heavy consumption from which all towns and cities suffered alike ; had Essex not come to our assistance when they did the town would have been without water as our pumps were broken down and our reservoir was practically empty.
At this time we wish to thank the Essex Water Board for their assist- ance during this critical period.
Again we wish to thank the Wenham Water Board and their superin- tendent for their splendid cooperation during our period of emergency at which time they were able to loan us 400,000 gallons of water.
41
We wish to thank all residents of the town and all town departments for the conservation shown in the use of water during our shortage.
The board wishes to thank the clerk and superintendent for their co- operation and faithful service.
Respectfully submitted, RICHARD H. SMITH, Chairman CARL G. RICKER FREDERICK P. GOODHUE
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE WATER BOARD
To the Board of Water Commissioners :
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit a report of the activities of the Water Department during the year 1949.
There has been installed by this department fifty-five new services which is exclusive of those connected by the contractor who extended the mains. These services involved the laying of 1,6791/2 feet of 1 inch pipe of which 6801/2 feet was laid within the street bounds and 899 feet on pri- vate property. 941/2 feet of 2" pipe was laid within street bounds to con- nect four 2" services to our system.
All of the town's hydrants have been inspected and repairs made on three requiring 2 new leather seats and one safety link. The hydrants have all been painted and snow markers placed at each.
There are approximately 700 metered services on our system as of this date which are read quarterly and serviced as required.
Samples of water have been taken from the system periodically and sent to the State Department of Public Health at Boston and Lawrence.
Records show that 49,374,317 gallons were pumped at the station during the year. While our well field was at its lowest point it was neces- sary to take 3,649,760 gallons from the Town of Essex and 400,000 gallons from Wenham to supplement our dwindling supply making a total of 53,384,077 gallons consumed by the citizens of the Town which is an in- crease of 12,352,134 gallons over last year's consumption.
I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the Water Board and other town departments and to the citizens of the town for their coopera- tion in the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND A. WHIPPLE, Superintendent.
42
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, 1949.
Garbage and rubbish collections were continued with Sydney A. Smith collecting the rubbish and Amos W. A. Fuller, Jr. collecting the garbage.
As the garbage that is collected in town is used as feed for pigs, we request your continued cooperation in keeping it free of glass, cans and other foreign matter.
In the matter of the collection of rubbish, the Board of Health feels that the town can do a better job in regards to dump facilities etc., and we are asking the town to buy a covered body to be placed on the G.M.C. truck of the Highway Department. We feel that we will be able to pay for this body in about 5 years with the savings that will result in this method of collection.
The Dental Clinic has been continued under the supervision of Doctor King, assisted by Miss Florence Stobbart, school nurse, with very satisfac- tory results.
The following communicable diseases were reported during the year :
Anterior Poliomyelitis 2
Chicken Pox
2
Dog Bite 1
Measles
71
Mumps 5
Scarlet Fever 1
Whooping-cough 1
Pellagra 1
The Board wishes to thank all those who have assisted in any way during the year.
EVERETT F. HALEY
LAWRENCE R. STONE EDWARD A. DEWITT
43
REPORT OF THE DENTAL CLINIC
To the Hamilton Board of Health,
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit my report of the Hamilton Dental Clinic for the year 1949.
Amalgam fillings
373
Cement fillings
66
Cement linings
18
Zinc Oxide and Engenal Linings
22
Cleanings
132
Extractions
Permanent Teeth
3
Temporary teeth
32
Novocaine injections
58
Flourine treatments
160
X-Rays
17
Root canal treatments
4
Silver Nitrate treatments
6
Totals operations
891
To me the outstanding feature of this report is the number of per- manent teeth lost, namely three. One of these was removed for regulating reasons and the other two were removed from the mouth of a boy who had recently moved to Hamilton. We should all be very pleased.
Very truly yours,
JOHN KING
44
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton :
The Board of Park Commissioners herewith submit its report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1949.
Under the able direction of our Park Superintendent, Mr. James Goodrich-all parks were kept in wonderful condition. Soldiers Green, Cutler Park, Walsh Park at Chebacco Lake, Playground on Garfield Ave., Hamilton Park Section-Asbury Grove and Patton Park.
Under the supervision of Miss Francis Buckley, Robert Brooks, and Freda Colwell, 120 registered children enjoyed the program, many new crafts were tried this summer that proved very successful. Swimming was enjoyed once a week during the 9 weeks of playground activities.
Due to the impossibility of raising the large sum of money required for constructing the memorial field house as planned by the Patton Memorial Committee, the Park Dept. this year is asking the town to appro- priate money for a field house with a roadway to it.
This proposed field house is planned to take care of our necessary re- quirements keeping in mind its durability, maintenance costs, resistance to fire, original cost and general appearance.
It is of cinder block construction. Ranch Type design containing Toilets, Heater Room, Kitchenette and Recreation Room.
The modern tiled toilets, with all wall hung fixtures, are especially designed for ease in keeping them clean and sanitary and also for avail- ability in servicing the plumbing.
The recreation room is of adequate size to take care of our require- ments for a shelter for the skaters. playground children and others using the park facilities; also as a place to carry on the handicraft part of the playground program and with its stone fireplace provides a pleasant hall for small social parties of all ages.
The kitchenette is small and is for the purpose of preparing light re- freshments only. It is adjacent to the recreation room so that refresh- ments may be served directly into this room as well as directly to those outside. To keep maintenance costs down, dishes and cooking utensils will be provided by those using the kitchenette. Heat for cooking will be provided by electric plates.
As this building will be in use all year round, a modern heating system is planned and so arranged that the recreation room will be heated only when being used and only the toilets to prevent freezing, will be always heated. This arrangement will keep fuel consumption down to a minimum.
The building is also designed so that if in future years an addition is desired on the toilet end of the building, corridors can be provided to the toilets and recreation room.
45
Because of sturdy design and lack of interior decoration, the main- tenance of this building will be small. The custodian and janitor services will be included in the duties of the presently employed Supt. of Parks and the Park Dept. will under its present budget provide caretaker services for any use of the building during the skating season and for other use of the building by the playground children and youth of the town. When the building is being used by adults for private parties, etc., we feel a nominal fee should be charged for extra janitor service and use of the building. What little painting is required on doors, windows and exterior trim will be taken care of by our Supt. during the slack seasons.
We estimate the average yearly cost for heat, light, water, insurance, supplies and repairs to be between $400. to $500. per year additional to our present budget. To offset this, some income will be earned by the con- cession for refreshments and rentals.
If we are able to charge non-residents of Hamilton for skating (as requested in an article for this town meeting) a sizeable amount should be realized especially during a good skating season.
The Park Commissioners realize that a less expensive structure and less expensive toilets could be erected, but it would not be to the best in- terest of the town to do so because of maintenance costs, life of the struc- ture, fire hazards and difficulty of maintaining sanitary toilets.
The Park Commissioners wish to thank the Town officials, all other departments and the citizens of the Town for their fine co-operation in making it possible for the people of Hamilton to enjoy the parks.
Signed RAY M. SANFORD PHILLIP R. HOPKINS RALSTON F. PICKERING
46
REPORT OF THE GENERAL PATTON MEMORIAL COMMITTEE
The General Patton Memorial Committee was formed by vote of the Town to consider and recommend a suitable memorial to General Patton and to be located on Patton Park.
The original committee of six members considered various memorials and finally decided that a useful memorial such as a field house would be suitable and asked at the next town meeting that the committee be in- creased to nine members to consider the same.
A majority of this new committee voted to recommend to the town a field house as a memorial, providing sufficient funds could be raised by public subscription so that the cost to the town would not be too burden- some.
The committee believed that such a memorial was too large for one person especially as the others who lost their lives in World War II had as yet not had any memorial erected to them by the Town, and so proposed that the field house be dedicated to the memory of General Patton and those from Hamilton who served in World War II.
A folder was prepared to set forth this proposal, together with archi- tect's sketches and drawings. The cost of this memorial building was estimated to be in the neighborhood of $35,000. The public response to subscriptions was unfortunately not sufficient to justify proceeding along this line and public opinion appeared to be against spending so much money on a memorial building. The Committee then requested Mr. Elmer Smith to prepare drawings for a field house containing the bare essentials and constructed in the cheapest, durable manner for a public building.
Mr. Smith's recommendations were for a building of cinder block con- struction containing modern toilets, a heater room, a small kitchenette and a recreation room to provide shelter for the skaters, the playground children and others using the park facilities. The recreation room would also provide a suitable place to carry on the handicraft work of the play- ground program and also a place for small social parties for either adults or children. Estimates were obtained from local reliable contractors and the estimated cost of the building without road and landscaping was about $16,000. The Committee estimated that the overall cost would be approxi- mately $18,000 and further believed that the appearance of the building, being of a utilitarian design and construction, would not be a suitable memorial. It was therefore concluded to eliminate consideration of a field house as a memorial but to state to the Town that a majority of the Com- mittee strongly recommend a field house of the type designed by Mr. Smith, if the same is proposed by the Park Department.
The Committee therefore makes the following two recommendations for consideration at the town meeting :
1. If the Town desires that a memorial be erected only to General
47
Patton, that a bronze plaque on a low granite base at the foot of a new flag pole be erected on Patton Park under the direction of the Park Com- missioners. The cost is estimated at not more than $450.
2. If the Town desires that a memorial be erected on Patton Park to all men of Hamilton who lost their lives in World War II instead of to just General Patton then the Committee recommends that a new com- mittee of five members be appointed by the Moderator to consider and recommend a suitable memorial to those of Hamilton who lost their lives in World War II. The committee to consist of one member of the Park Commissioners, one member of the Finance Board, one member of the American Legion and two others. That the unexpended balance from the General Patton Memorial Committee be transferred to this new committee for expenses.
Respectfully submitted,
Ray M. Sanford
Finlay D. MacDonald
Samuel Tyack
Harold A. Daley Standish Bradford (Resigned)
Ralston Pickering Elmer Smith
Frederic Winthrop
Philip C. Hopkins
48
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
After several years of steady climb in book circulation in your library, the 1949 report of the librarian indicates an approximate over-all ten percent decline in circulation for the past year, although withdrawals of periodicals showed a slight increase. The Trustees are at a loss to account for this reversal of the trend, and do not feel that it can be wholly accounted for by the popularity of television. Efforts are being made to stimulate library interest, however. The response to the new suggestion boxes has been considerable, and exceedingly helpful, but more general use of them would be appreciated. Publication of book acquisitions now has the advantage of a local newspaper as well as those of Salem and Beverly. An attempt to interest the young people of the town in their libraries has been made during the year, with the introduction of chil- dren's readings, weekly, at the Branch Library. The young folk have dis- played genuine enthusiasm for this innovation, and attendance has been generally good. The Trustees are deeply grateful for assistance in con- ducting these readings to Mrs. Richard H. Smith, Mrs. Donald Donaldson, Mrs. Richard P. Contestabile and Mrs. John Neary.
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