USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1950 > Part 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton :
We submit herewith a report for the year ending December 31, 1950.
This year marks an innovation in the collection of rubbish, because at the last annual Town Meeting the Town voted to purchase a rubbish body to be placed on a truck chassis from the Highway Department, collec- tion to be under the supervision of the Board of Health in co-operation with the Highway Surveyor. The program has worked very satisfactory at a saving to the Town.
Amos W. A. Fuller, Jr. still continues to collect the garbage in a satisfactory manner. As the garbage is used as feed for pigs, we request that householders please refrain from putting glass, cans, etc. in the garbage.
The following communicable diseases were reported during the year :
Arterior Poliomyelitis 1
Chicken Pox
30
German Measles
1
Pneumonia, Lobar
1
Measles 1
Scarlet Fever
5
Whooping-cough
2
Poliomyelitis, Non Paraletic 1
The Dental Clinic has been continued under the supervision of Doctor King assisted by Miss Florence Stobbart, school nurse with very good results. A report of the activities of the Clinic by Doctor King follows this report.
At this time the Board wishes to express it's appreciation to Mr. Leland Thompson, Surveyor of Highways, for his fine co-operation in re- gards to Rubbish Collection.
Respectfully submitted,
EVERETT F. HALEY
EDWARD A. DEWITT LAWRENCE R. STONE
64
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 1950.
Amalgram fillings 353
Cement fillings 68
Extractions 38
Only two permanent teeth were extracted-one
for straightening purposes. The other 36 were
temporary teeth.
Flourine treatments 23
X-Rays 20
Novocaine injections 58
Root canal treatments 12
18 children were examined and found to have perfect teeth.
71 children received dental certificates. This is a smaller number than we usually have and is due to the increased number of children in the school, who take advantage of the clinic, but do not have time to have all their work finished.
140 of the children in the first six grades took advantage of the clinic.
Respectfully yours, JOHN KING
65
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, 1950.
The number of recipients as well as expenditures for old age assistance and aid to dependent children during the year showed an increase over the previous year. Expenditures for general relief exceeded that of 1949, with hospital and medical expenses accounting for the major increase.
The administrative work of the department has been performed by Francis H. Whipple. Agent, and Robert H. Kirby, Social Worker-Trainee, with the agent working on a part time basis and supervising the work. After completion of the training period Mr. Kirby will be eligible to take the civil service examination for welfare work.
The following statistics, on a cash basis, will show the proportionate cost of assistance rendered during the year :
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By the Town
$36,925.85
Federal Government $15,772.90
State
15,579.63
Towns and Cities
1,136.69
Meals Tax
775.60
Individuals
645.17
Net Cost to Town
3,015.86
$36,925.85
$36.925.85
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By Town
$1,612.45
Federal Government $624.20
State
481.07
Individuals 8.75
Net Cost to Town
498.43
$1,612.45
$1,612.45
66
GENERAL RELIEF
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By Town
$9,981.95 Towns and Cities $1,617.06
Individuals 50.54
Net Cost to Town 8,314.35
$9,981.95
$9,981.95
We wish at this time to express our appreciation to the local physicians and district nurse for their helpful assistance in the medical problems, and to all other persons who have assisted us during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD A. DEWITT
LAWRENCE R. STONE
EVERETT F. HALEY
67
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton :
The Board of Park Commissioners herewith submit the report for the year ending December 31, 1950.
The Superintendent of Parks, Mr. James Goodrich, ably took care of the different Parks under the jurisdiction of the Park Department.
A highly successful playground season was brought to a close with the annual beach party at Wingaersheek beach in West Gloucester on Fri- day, August 25. There were 128 children registered at the playground and during the season participated in the following sports: archery, bad- minton, baseball, basketball, checkers, croquet, ping-pong, softball and tennis, under the supervision of Miss Frances Buckley, Robert MacDonald and Freda Colwell.
The younger children were very busy enjoying the various pieces of equipment, as well as playing checkers, ring toss, dodge ball and other games. In the handicraft period, children of all ages made attractive articles of leather such as pen wipers, change purses and book marks. This summer there were 46 small children registered with an average attendance of about thirty every morning. Toward the close of the summer the little folk competed in a 50 yard dash and a checker tournament. All had a grand time and are looking forward to another enjoyable summer next year.
Special events during the summer consisted of a weekly beach picnic at Crane's beach. Tennis matches with Manchester, and weenie roasts. Girls softball team played Manchester, Topsfield, Ipswich, and Wenham. Boys baseball team had a very active eight game schedule with outside teams.
During the week of August 21, tournaments in archery, badminton, checkers, Ping Pong, and tennis were held. Silver cups and ribbons were awarded the winners.
The Park Commissioners wish to thank the Town officials, all other departments and citizens of the Town for their fine co-operation in making it possible for the people of Hamilton to enjoy the parks.
Respectfully submitted RALSTON F. PICKERING RAY M. SANFORD PHILIP R. HOPKINS
68
REPORT OF THE WATER BOARD
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton :
The Board of Water Commissioners herewith submit their 16th annual report for the year ending December 31, 1950.
The 11th full year of operation of the system indicates an increase in services and gross income.
The only extension of water mains voted at the annual town meeting was on Moynihan Road. There are now 7 completed services on this road. All Water Main Extensions have to be voted on at a Town Meeting and it is the duty of the Water Board to carry out the vote.
It is very fortunate for the Town of Hamilton that we have connec- tions with Essex and Wenham. As a result of this arrangement, we pur- chased 8,652,570 gallons of water from Essex. Due to our arrangement with Essex, it was not necessary to restrict the use of water during 1950, as was done in many towns and cities in the Commonwealth. However, the cost of obtaining water from Essex is much higher than if we produced it. if we can obtain an adequate supply.
In view of the fact that we had available funds in our Wells and Reservoir Account, we deemed it advisable again to attempt to find a suit- able supply. The Board of Water Commissioners contacted the firm of D. Meagher and Sons, who installed the well in Essex. which has proven so satisfactory.
This firm made several tests and found an adequate supply in the area known as Chittick's Meadow. During the dry season of September, test wells were driven and tests were made by our superintendent under the supervision of the State Board of Health. After the tests were completed the state recommended that we develop this area as a suitable and adequate supply of water.
As a result of this survey, we have articles in the warrant to appro- priate a sum of money for this purpose.
Our engineers find that we can produce this water at a great saving, in fact much lower than we are now producing water at the pumping station.
With the above area developed for a source of supply it should not be necessary to purchase water from the neighboring towns.
We wish to thank the residents of the Town of Hamilton and all Town Departments for their cooperation during the past year.
The Board wishes to thank the Clerk and Superintendent for their cooperation and faithful service.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE A. HARRIGAN
FREDERICK P. GOODHUE
RICHARD H. SMITH
69
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE WATER BOARD
To the Board of Water Commissioners,
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit my report of the activities of the Water Department for the year 1950.
In keeping with the growth of the Town this department has installed forty-seven services namely : 1 six, 1 two, 1 one and a half and 44 one inch services involving 1,442 feet of pipe making a total of 747 services in town.
Pumping records show that the consumption of water increases each vear. An increase of 12,000.000 gallons was consumed in 1949 when 92 new services were added to the distribution mains. In 1950 47 new serv- ices were installed increasing the consumption by 1,268,493 gallons.
The largest amount of water used in a month was during August and the smallest in December which the following figures will show :
August 1950
Gallons pumped Purchased from Essex
3,820,900
2.051,700
5,872,600 gal.
Average Daily Consumption 189,435 gal.
December 1950
Gallons pumped 2,853,000 Average Daily consumption 92,032 gal.
During the year of 1950 a total of 46,000,000 gallons of water was pumped at the station and 8,652,570 gallons was purchased from the Town of Essex making a total of 54,652.570 gallons.
The use of Calgon has been carried on throughout the year for cor- rosion control.
Water samples have been taken and sent to the State Department of Sanitation for analysis thus complying with their requirements.
I wish to extend my appreciation to the Water Board and other town departments who have assisted me in any way.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND A. WHIPPLE, Superintendent.
70
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, 1950.
The usual maintenance work has been done with a minimum of extra labor involved. Thirty-six interments were cared for by the superintendent.
Sixteen family size lots and two single endowed graves were sold. Endowments were received on twelve family lots and one flower fund.
Due to the expansion of the Cemetery it is necessary at this time to extend the water main to Oak Avenue, the money to be transferred from the Cemetery sale of Lots and Graves Fund. An article asking your approval has been inserted in the annual Town Warrant.
We wish at this time to thank Luther Caverly our superintendent who has performed his duties so conscientiously and faithfully. Leland Thomp- son, Surveyor of Highways, for keeping the avenue plowed, and Bertha L. Crowell, Collector of Taxes, for her interest and co-operation.
RAYMOND A. WHIPPLE LAWRENCE C. FOSTER JOHN T. WALKE Cemetery Commissioners
71
REPORT OF THE TOWN STUDY COMMITTEE
SUMMARY REPORT
The Town Study Committee respectfully submits its Final Report compiled in accordance with the vote of the Town Meetings of 1949 and 1950.
The full report is of such length and detail that it cannot be repro- duced here. Copies are available at the Office of the Town Clerk, at the Libraries, the High School and from members of the Committee.
The Report provides a picture of our present government, reviewing its history and comparing the town with others of similar size and composi- tion. It discusses the complex problems and legislative trends effecting the town, both today and in the future. It considers the various ways and means of meeting these complexities to provide most effective, efficient and economic administration. It offers certain recommendations for the Town's consideration.
The Committee did not believe its function to include submission of articles for immediate action at the 1951 Town Meeting. Rather it con- sidered its task to be one of study and recommendation. It believes that by evolution and adjustment Hamilton may best adapt its traditional form of Town Meeting government to assume the unprecedented costs and bur- dens which the Town's growth and modern concepts of governmental re- sponsibility are forcing upon it.
The recommendations are of three types: organizational. legal, and administrative. To some extent, they are interdependent and. therefore, should be considered as a part of a program which may be instituted over a period of the next few years.
Certain of the recommendations, however, are worthy of immediate consideration by the departments and committees involved. In particular, the recommended Administrative Improvements and the recommended Changes in the Legal Basis should receive careful review by all concerned during the coming year. Action on these may well lead to realization of the recommended Organizational Changes in the next two or three years.
The Committee quotes the following from Part Two. Chapter C of the Report in order to provide a suitable summary of its conclusions. It wishes, however, to emphasize that the entire Report should be studied by those concerned with taking action upon these recommendations.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
An action program for Hamilton is here presented in outline form. For those who wish to study in detail the basis of these recommendations, reference is made to the page of the report on which the principal dis- cussion of each point begins. The recommendations are broken down into
72
three general types : those dealing with problems primarily of governmental organization, of legal basis, or of administrative efficiency.
A. Recommended Organizational Changes
1. Increased Power of Selectmen. In order to obtain many of the benefits of centralized authority, it is recommended that Hamilton concentrate in the hands of the Board of Selectmen more adminis- trative power. (page 12, page 31)
2. Increased Term of Office for Selectmen. In order to assure con- tinuity in the principal policy-making function, it is recommended that Hamilton vote to extend the term of the Selectmen to three years, on an overlapping basis.
3. Public Works Department. Whatever the decision on the above suggestions, it is recommended that Hamilton undertake to com- bine public works functions into a single department. (page 21, page 32)
4. Public Safety Department. In view of the rising problems in the protection departments and the expected demands of a civilian defense program, it is recommended that Hamilton undertake to combine all of these services into a single Department of Public Safety. (page 20)
B. Recommended Changes in Legal Basis
1. New By-Laws. In addition to the legal considerations inherent in making the organization changes suggested above, it is recom- mended that Hamilton revise its By-Laws and reconsider its pres- ent standing votes, regulations and the like. (page 6)
2. Better Legal Records. It is recommended that a system be estab- lished to assure the keeping in detail and ready accessibility of legal records important to the Town, including pertinent laws, by- laws, and standing votes together with emendments thereto; real estate transactions, deeds, and records ; and property control rec- ords in general. (page 11)
C. Recommended Administrative Improvements
1. Centralized Government in Town Hall. In addition to the sug- gestions above, it is recommended that Hamilton take immediate steps to centralize governmental activities in a remodeled Town Hall, thereby making it possible to set up efficient general ad- ministrative services, fiscal operations, and public relations. (page 13)
2. Overall Personnel System. It is recommended that Hamilton es- tablish a general system for the handling of the problems of class- fication. training, pay, vacation and retirement for Town personnel. (page 13)
3. Increased Planning. In addition to the steps now being taken by the Planning Board to Control subdivisions, it is recommended that this Board be authorized to prepare a general development
23
plan for the Town, a program for future capital expenditures, and a study leading to the recommendation of a zoning by-law for the Town. (page 15, page 23)
4. Central Purchasing. It is recommended that the purchases of the Town Departments be handled by a single Purchasing Department, or, if that is not possible, consolidated as fully as is permissible by law. (page 15)
Improved Assessment Procedure. It is recommended that Ham- ilton direct the Board of Assessors to prepare an over-all valuation map for the Town and with professional assistance to develop a standardized valuation system. (page 17) It is also recommend- ed that pressure be taken off the tax rate by a rise in the rate of valuation. In line with this suggestion, it is recommended that the Town make a general study of the revenue aspects of Town finances, and that wherever possible, specialized services be put on the basis of paying for themselves. (page 16)
6. Consolidated Library. It is recommended that the Library opera- tions be consolidated. (page 24)
". New Schools. It is recommended that continuing consideration be given to the advantages of a regional high school. (page 23)
8. Recreation Committee. It is recommended that a Recreation Com- mittee be established to coordinate the various recreation pro- grams of the School and Town Departments. (page24)
The Committee particularly wishes to thank those town officials and citizens whose cooperation and understanding made the report possible. In particular it is grateful to the firm of Adams, Howard & Greeley, City Planning Consultants, and to Professor Burnham Kelly of M.I.T. who per- formed the burden of the work for the consultants. These gentlemen dis- played intelligence and understanding toward the work of the Committee and toward Hamilton itself which has added immeasurably to the worth of the report.
In conclusion, your Committee wishes to recommend the report for earnest study, consideration and action by Town Officials, Town Committee- men and townspeople alike.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD PRESTON RICHARD PRESTON, Chairman FINLAY D. MACDONALD, Vice-Chairman JOHN C. GARLAND, Secretary-Treasurer FRANK W. BUZZELL PERCIVAL D. WHIPPLE FRANCIS C. MOYNIHAN LAWRENCE R. STONE FREDERIC WINTHROP, JR.
74
REPORT OF THE BUILDING SURVEY COMMITTEE
To the Selectment of the Town of Hamilton:
The Hamilton Building Survey Committee. having completed the task assigned it by the Annual Town Meetings of 1949 and 1950, submits this report, covering its activities from March 1950 to the present. together with its recommendations on the school housing problem.
The failure of the previously proposed Regional High School left the Building Survey Committee with two lines of investigation, as directed by vote of the Town : consideration of a regional school with Wenham. and de- termination of what must be done if the Town should act alone. At the First meeting it was decided that both lines should be pursued concurrently. Accordingly, talks with the Wenham committee were initiated. and several joint meetings were held. A thorough exploration of probable costs. edu- cational factors. present commitments and building requirements of the two towns, and other aspects of the problem resulted in the conclusion, on Hamilton's part, that further efforts along regional lines were of doubtful value, and on Wenham's part that nothing further should be attempted.
The Building Survey Committee then devoted itself to reviewing all the factors relating to Hamilton's solving its problems alone. The recom- mendation of Educational Service Associates that a wing be added to Ham- ilton High School was first considered. In view of the apparent dead end of regional school prospects for an indeterminate time. it was considered that this proposal must be viewed in a long term light rather than as a temporary measure. From this point of view the Committee concluded that such building was undesirable, for the following reasons: first, the present building is not sufficiently adaptable to economical expansion : second, its location at the edge of town does not make for maximum econ- omy in the long range transportation picture; third. the site is inadequate to meet the playground requirements of a K-12 population expected to be as high as 700 in the near future, particularly if a large part of it were taken up with a new building.
Next, an altogether new, centrally located site was discussed in terms of K-6, K-8, K-9, and K-12 units, with their differing needs in amount and kinds of space, equipment, personnel and administrative problems. It was finally decided that the best thing for the town would be to develop a flexible, long range school housing program. of which one unit would be constructed immediately at a central location. Accordingly. the Hamilton Building Survey Committee recommends :
I. That a special Town Meeting be called in the near future to initiate the school building program ;
II. That the Town vote to construct on a site located on Asbury St. midway between Main and Highland Sts. a school consisting of 14 regular classrooms, kindergarten, cafeteria and kitchen for not less than 150 sittings, assembly hall-playroom combination with stage,
15
capacity of approximately 500, plus administrative and utility facili- ties to include principal's room. teachers' rest room, clinic, boiler room and toilet facilities :
III. That this unit be a part of an overall plan for a complete centralized educational plant. kindergarten through grade 12, in- cluding gymnasium and all facilities necessary to a well rounded edu- cational program ; preliminary plans to be drawn up at this time so that over a period of years the future needs of the Town will be pro- vided for ; further, that a second unit containing Junior High School facilities be undertaken when pupil enrollment in Hamilton High School demands it;
IV. That the Town appoint a Building Committee to carry out these recommendations and to secure the services of an architect to draw up preliminary studies; and that a sum of $20,000 be appro- priated or transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Fund to defray the expenses thereof.
The Building Survey Committee wishes to express its thanks to all those who aided in its work, and to the Town for this opportunity to serve it.
FREDERIC R. WINTHROP RUTH L. DONALDSON HENRY J. GOURDEAU EVERETT L. HALEY GRACE B. LAMSON MADELINE L. RICKER ALLAN MACCURRACH
Filed with the Town Clerk. Hamilton. Mass .. June 12. 1950. Attest :
FRANCIS H. WHIPPLE Town Clerk
DONALD G. TRUSSELL
Donald G. Trussell, son of the late Frank P. and Fannie Bond Trussell, was born in Hamilton December 4. 1908. was a lifelong resident of the town, and died November 11, 1950, his early passing coming as a shock to his legion of friends and business associates.
He was educated in the public schools of the town and was a graduate of the high school. He, early in life became prominent in the civic and social affairs of the town, holding many positions of trust and responsibility, and giving ungrudgingly of himself far beyond his strength in his efforts to aid others.
He was elected a member of the board of assessors and served in that position until the time of his death. He was also a member of the Massa- chusetts State Guard Veterans' Association. innumerable fraternal and other organizations and had just taken over among others the arduous duties of head of the local Community Service. His taking leaves a void in the community which the town will find difficult to fill.
WILLIAM H. WOODASON
William H. Woodason, the son of Henry W. Woodason and Louisa (Lindall) Woodason, was born September 28, 1880, at New Rochelle, New York, and settled in Hamilton about 25 years ago. He early became active in the affairs of the town. and on November 29, 1932, owing to the illness of the late Clarence S. Knowlton, Town Clerk. Mr. Woodason was appointed Temporary Town Clerk by the Board of Selectmen, serving the balance of the term until March 14, 1933.
At the annual town meeting held March 14, 1933 he was elected a member of the Board of Selectmen and was chosen chairman of the board. While acting as Temporary Town Clerk he also was a member ex-officio of the Board of Registrars of Voters.
Owing to illness he removed to Sharon. Massachusetts a year or so ago, where he passed away on September 5, 1950.
Of a sunny disposition he made friends easily and will long be remem- bered by those with whom he was associated.
78
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON MEMORIAL TO THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN WORLD WAR II
At the Town Meeting of 1950, it was decided that a committee be ap- pointed to bring recommendations to the next annual meeting regarding a suitable memorial to be dedicated to the Veterans of World War II.
The committee, as appointed, has considered various ideas for honoring those who made the supreme sacrifice and served in the last World War. From these deliberations, we have arrived at the following conclusions :
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.